Merging Running and Tri's

Good morning.

I continue to learn about and train for my triathlons as well as my running events. I looked at the calendar and realized that I do not have a lot of time until my first triathlon which is Bigfoot, June 27. Bigfoot is an olympic distance event and this is a newbie friendly venue. I will use this event to learn the ropes of transition area planning and all else there is to do.

I will be making a schedule change with my triathlons. Instead of the Racine Half Ironman I've decided to compete in the Steelhead Half Ironman 70.3 in Benton Harbor, MI on July 31. I am making this change because Steelhead will be awarding slots to the 70.3 World Championships in Florida later this year. Even though I am a newbie I would like to give it my all in this event and try to gain one of those Age Group, (50-54) slots to the World Championships. The Racine location had no slots at all. Plus, since there are slots to be earned I think this will be a great venue to compete in and witness.

I only have 11-12 weeks til the half Ironman. Time is sneeking up on me. I have to break the "just running" on the weekend mode. I found a training schedule for a 70.3 Ironman and realized that I need to start doing some really long bike rides. Sunday which used to be a long run day will now be devoted to a long bike ride. I'm talking 50 miles +. So, today I am riding 50 plus miles along the lakefront path.

I also must practice my hydration and nourishment with these long bike rides. In a triathlon you nourish yourself on the bike ride so you have energy for the bike and more importantly the 1/2 marathon that follows the ride.

I have a half marathon event coming up in two weeks. It is the www.chicagospringhalf.com . So, I am also getting ready for that. And, I want to keep my running endurance by running 13.1 distances before starting Chicago Marathon training.

Yesterday I ran 14 miles along Lake MI. Saw many of my running friends. The ones I really don't know. I only know thier faces. The faces of dedication and commitment. There were quite a few training groups on the path getting ready for events. I also saw someone swimming in the calm waters. No doubt a triathlete. So, I also need to buy my wetsuit asap and get in that cold water.

I also bought a new swimming book, Total Immersion, which I look forward to reading. I learned about the author, Terry Laughlin, on a new web-site I discovered: www.triathanewbie.com.

Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:09:09 0:09:02 1 0 8 9:09 9:02 6:28 115 128 0 86
2 0:08:09 0:08:08 1 13 0 8:09 8:08 5:25 129 140 0 91
3 0:08:03 0:07:50 1 0 0 8:03 7:50 5:24 129 137 0 82
4 0:08:11 0:08:02 1 0 19 8:11 8:02 4:25 136 156 0 90
5 0:07:58 0:07:58 1 11 0 7:58 7:58 7:17 142 155 0 93
6 0:08:20 0:08:21 1 0 10 8:20 8:21 7:09 137 147 0 89
7 0:08:12 0:08:12 1 0 0 8:12 8:12 6:58 141 147 0 93
8 0:08:07 0:08:07 1 7 0 8:07 8:07 7:03 141 146 0 94
9 0:08:06 0:08:07 1 0 8 8:06 8:07 7:21 140 144 0 89
10 0:08:11 0:08:12 1 8 0 8:12 8:12 7:31 143 156 0 92
11 0:08:45 0:08:45 1 20 6 8:45 8:45 4:43 139 146 0 83
12 0:08:15 0:08:11 1 0 3 8:15 8:11 7:13 137 148 0 78
13 0:08:53 0:08:51 1 0 5 8:53 8:51 7:29 139 146 0 80
14 0:08:52 0:08:50 1 0 7 8:52 8:49 7:49 139 145 0 81
Summary 1:57:16 1:56:36 14 58 67 8:22 8:19 4:25 136 156 0 1,221





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" Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own, sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction."

* It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before... to test your limits... to break through barriers. And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin