Race Ready

Haven't done well with my postings, but have been doing well with my workouts.  Focused a lot on swimming this week.  The sprint tri on 8/13 is only 400m, so I'm looking to truly sprint the entire race.  I swam 1800m on Wednesday, 800m on Saturday morning, and then 2300m today. 

Today's swim was with the aid of Steve's boat as protection across PCR.  I realized halfway through the swim that it was the first time I had ever attempted the swim across without a wetsuit.  I had no problems and completed it in good time.

Need to take my bike into Goldman's tomorrow to get the computer and front derailer looked at for the race.  Missy reminded me to focus on my transition practice/plan this week.  Otherwise, a smooth week of moderate workouts leading up to the race on Saturday.

Wednesday is planned to be my last brick workout.  Starting to get excited!

Late Day Run

Left around 8:30 tonight for a long run.  The air temp felt great.  Ran towards Selma for a total of 7 miles.  Finished in 58:16....which for me is pretty good.  Felt great throughout the entire run.  Only problem was that it was getting dark towards the end.  Had a worried wife and daughter and a close call with a driver that didn't see me.  Lesson learned.

Tomorrow morning I'm meeting up with Gary for a swim and 40k bike around PCR.  Here's hoping for good weather.

Warm Waters

Finished a very warm swim at PCR this evening.  Did a non-stop 1800 with a 300 cool down.  The water felt as if it was 85-86 degrees.  I think I was sweating as much as getting wet from the water.  My stroke feels very strong and smooth.  Feels like I'm gliding very well....at least for me.  Now time to focus on strength and speed.  Gary was there making me laugh....as normal. 

Tomorrow.....possible run in the morning and definite bike later in the day.

"The Hills Are Alive...With The Sound of Music..."

Sounds a little strange for a blog title, but tonight, it is the truth.  With my workout music blaring through my MP3 player, I tackled all hills between Albany and Eaton.  Total distance was only 24 miles, but it was the quality of the distance that I'm focused on.  There are 3-4 nice hills for this area on the pike.  I turned off my course only to ride down a hill and back up to resume.  Hit all the decent hills on Black Cemetery Road on the way home.  Focused on my shadow and tried to keep a strong, consistent pace throughout.  Will need to improve, but a great measuring stick of where I am cycling-wise.

My legs are still sore from last night's death-match at DMS (could stand for Death Match Showdown :) ).  My diet is going great.  Missy picked me up some great nutrition today and has been awesome with her support to help me realize my one vision - one goal.

Wednesday = PCR swim night. 

Near Death Experience

With the help and support of Missy and Tiffany, I completed another grueling speed workout at the DMS track.  Started with a mile warm-up and then went into my planned 5x400m timed sprints.  (1st) 1:45 (2nd) 1:37 (3rd) 1:26 (4th) 1:20 and (5th) 1:15!!!  My last two topped last weeks fastest time (1:21)!  Finished with a cool down lap and called it a night. 

Hills on my bike scheduled for Tuesday's workout. 

Speed Workout #2

It's been one week since my first attempt at running 400m sprints on a track.  I actually could tell a difference, or at least was more aware, of my speed and general running abilities during my Saturday workout at PCR.  I'm hitting the track again tonight.  Missy is in charge of timing/tracking my laps.  Plan is to add one more 400m sprint and to improve my time with each 400m. 

I signed up for the 8/13 sprint tri at PCR last night.  Focusing on my leg strength and diet at this time.  Did well with my diet today....one day at a time.  People think that just because I'm thin, I don't battle with poor eating habits, or can eat anything I want and still be thin.  The older I get, the less true these assumptions are.

A lot going on within my work life.  Workouts seem to help keep it all in perspective.  Thanks to all my friends and their support (Gary, Chris, and Tom specifically).  Definitely would not be where I am (mentally or physically) today without them.  Now....on to my workout!

Race Practice

Went to PCR Saturday morning at 7am.  Swam about 700-750 meters with Gary.  Biked one lap around PCR with James (just over 12 miles).  Ran the 5k in just over 24 minutes with James.  Felt fine, but I didn't push during the bike.  Need to practice a bit more on the course to figure out how to better manage the rolling hills on the west side of PCR.  Swim was strong.  Run felt great, but the start was a bit rough.  Even without pushing during the bike, I felt the pains of transitioning to the run once again. 

First race is going to be August 13th at PCR.  It will be a sprint tri.  Will focus on the olympic in Sept.  Taking today as a rest day.