Good morning.
It's been a long meandering journey. I think I am a late bloomer. Most of my major life and athletic achievements have come in the last 5-7 years.
Before then I was still enjoying life and had dreams and goals. The problem was that they stayed dreams and goals, year after year after year.
My life changed when, after being an observer of the Chicago Marathon for many years, I finally decided to ACT on a life dream. I finally signed up. The simple act of signing up is such a catalyst. It gets the ball rolling. It creates commitment, hopefully.
After that first Chicago Marathon training cycle my perception of running distance changed forever. Whereas I used to do daily 3 mile runs, now going 6 or more is just a matter of choice. I love that! What a gift.
Then late in 2009 I finally acted again to realize a dream. I signed up for a lottery spot for the Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii. That again got the ball rolling and created commitment.
That simple act got me thinking, "what if I get in, I need to prepare." Hence, the bike and trainer purchase and also the membership at XSport to swim.
Last December I started my triathlon journey: swimming, biking and running in case I got that lottery spot. Then, as I trained hard, I thought, "what if you don't get that lottery spot? Why waste all this training?"
Right there and then I decided to enter some triathlons and put this training to work. The events, Bigfoot, Steelhead 1/2 Ironman and Chicago Triathlon are in the books. I have the Ironman Branson 70.3 this weekend.
YOU KNOW WHAT? I LOVE THIS STUFF.
I can also still run. The Chicago Marathon is only 24 days away. More fun!!
Yesterday I was able to start a new journey, by choice! I acted!
I was fortunate to get a spot via online sign up for the 2011 Ironman Wisconsin. This will be a full Ironman: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a marathon, 26.2 miles.
This is another dream I always had. Do an Ironman. I've watched so many times on TV the World Championships in Kona. Always mesmerized by the swim start and the athletes.
Every time that cannon explodes and that smoke ring heads out and the swim starts I "always" got chills down my spine and tears in my eyes. I felt it.
Next 9/11/11 I will feel it.
WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO PURSUE MY DREAMS?
I don't know really. Things happen when they are supposed to I guess.
I do know one thing, better late than never.
Remember, it all starts with a DREAM or GOAL. The next step is to ACT.
DREAM+ACT+-COMMITMENT=ATTAINMENT, ACHIEVEMENT, HAPPINESS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday I discovered a faster way to swim by watching another swimmer. I usually breathe on my left side only. I get more oxygen this way. But, as I swam with more level shoulders and fewer breaths my body seemed to move through the water faster. I think I need to work on this and I will do a little of that today.
I also did my last major bike workout on the trainer. The 20 miles will get me to Branson.
-----
" 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
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Feeling Free
Good morning.
We saw a terrific play last weekend, namely, Billy Elliot.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. It's a story of a boy that is different from most boys. He is a young lad growing up in a tough mining town.
Can you imagine how you would feel if you were growing up in this small tough mining town as a boy and realized, as you were, "finding yourself," that you enjoyed dancing and ballet? What a dramatic dispairity.
Well, I will not tell you so much because I would rather you see it with fresh eyes.
But, it's a story of a boy that realizes his talents and pursues his dreams as a ballet dancer through all the towns pressures.. A very touching story.
There was one part of the play that had a signifigant impact on me. It was when Billy was auditioning for something important. He did not have all the answers to the judges questions. All he wanted to do was show them how well he danced. He wanted to express himself through movement.
The panel did not ask him to dance. Dejected, he slowly walked away when one final question sounded from the judges. The lady asked, "Billy, how do you feel when you dance?"
For some reason this choked me up. I thought that was an awesome question. This was the question Billy was waiting for. He would show them how he felt through movement and dance.
I also put myself in Billy's shoes and thought about, "how do I feel when I run?" How do I feel when I swim, bike and run?" How do I feel when I train and compete?"
It was an emotional introspection. I did not have a great answer as I pondered the question. But, as Billy fluidly danced around the stage and let his talents shine he answered that question for me.
FREE. I FEEL FREE HE SHOUTED!
I thought about that. Yes, that's how I feel too.
As I swim, bike or run, as I train and compete, I too feel free.
Thanks Billy.
I also will continue to persue my dreams. One of those is to do a full Ironman. My goal is to sign up for Ironman Wisconsin 2011. There was a glitch in registration yesterday so Ironman will reschedule the registration. I have booked my hotel room though.
I felt free yesterday as I swam and ran. The morning swim was in the pool and consisted of a 500 yard warm up then 5X100 sprint and then 500 yard moderate pace. My times look good.
Later in the day I ran 8 miles. This will be my long run for the week leading up to the 1/2 Ironman on Sunday.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:09:44 0:09:27 1 0 6 9:44 9:27 7:01 122 135 0 69
2 0:08:26 0:08:19 1 10 0 8:26 8:19 5:46 130 139 0 64
3 0:08:10 0:08:10 1 3 7 8:10 8:10 4:55 136 140 0 66
4 0:08:15 0:08:11 1 0 11 8:15 8:11 5:09 135 139 0 62
5 0:08:02 0:07:59 1 21 3 8:02 7:59 5:52 136 146 0 59
6 0:08:21 0:08:04 1 0 2 8:21 8:04 7:01 138 154 0 56
7 0:08:04 0:07:59 1 0 6 8:05 7:59 6:15 142 152 0 59
8 0:07:49 0:07:41 1 6 8 7:49 7:41 6:44 148 161 0 60
9 0:00:17 0:00:15 0.03 0 0 8:19 7:13 7:07 149 152 0 2
Summary 1:07:11 1:06:05 8.03 39 43 8:21 8:13 4:55 135 161 0 497
-----
" 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
We saw a terrific play last weekend, namely, Billy Elliot.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. It's a story of a boy that is different from most boys. He is a young lad growing up in a tough mining town.
Can you imagine how you would feel if you were growing up in this small tough mining town as a boy and realized, as you were, "finding yourself," that you enjoyed dancing and ballet? What a dramatic dispairity.
Well, I will not tell you so much because I would rather you see it with fresh eyes.
But, it's a story of a boy that realizes his talents and pursues his dreams as a ballet dancer through all the towns pressures.. A very touching story.
There was one part of the play that had a signifigant impact on me. It was when Billy was auditioning for something important. He did not have all the answers to the judges questions. All he wanted to do was show them how well he danced. He wanted to express himself through movement.
The panel did not ask him to dance. Dejected, he slowly walked away when one final question sounded from the judges. The lady asked, "Billy, how do you feel when you dance?"
For some reason this choked me up. I thought that was an awesome question. This was the question Billy was waiting for. He would show them how he felt through movement and dance.
I also put myself in Billy's shoes and thought about, "how do I feel when I run?" How do I feel when I swim, bike and run?" How do I feel when I train and compete?"
It was an emotional introspection. I did not have a great answer as I pondered the question. But, as Billy fluidly danced around the stage and let his talents shine he answered that question for me.
FREE. I FEEL FREE HE SHOUTED!
I thought about that. Yes, that's how I feel too.
As I swim, bike or run, as I train and compete, I too feel free.
Thanks Billy.
I also will continue to persue my dreams. One of those is to do a full Ironman. My goal is to sign up for Ironman Wisconsin 2011. There was a glitch in registration yesterday so Ironman will reschedule the registration. I have booked my hotel room though.
I felt free yesterday as I swam and ran. The morning swim was in the pool and consisted of a 500 yard warm up then 5X100 sprint and then 500 yard moderate pace. My times look good.
Later in the day I ran 8 miles. This will be my long run for the week leading up to the 1/2 Ironman on Sunday.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:09:44 0:09:27 1 0 6 9:44 9:27 7:01 122 135 0 69
2 0:08:26 0:08:19 1 10 0 8:26 8:19 5:46 130 139 0 64
3 0:08:10 0:08:10 1 3 7 8:10 8:10 4:55 136 140 0 66
4 0:08:15 0:08:11 1 0 11 8:15 8:11 5:09 135 139 0 62
5 0:08:02 0:07:59 1 21 3 8:02 7:59 5:52 136 146 0 59
6 0:08:21 0:08:04 1 0 2 8:21 8:04 7:01 138 154 0 56
7 0:08:04 0:07:59 1 0 6 8:05 7:59 6:15 142 152 0 59
8 0:07:49 0:07:41 1 6 8 7:49 7:41 6:44 148 161 0 60
9 0:00:17 0:00:15 0.03 0 0 8:19 7:13 7:07 149 152 0 2
Summary 1:07:11 1:06:05 8.03 39 43 8:21 8:13 4:55 135 161 0 497
-----
" 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
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Remembering
Good morning.
Here we are, 9/11.
I can think back to that life changing day so clearly. In Chicago it was a beautiful clear sunny day as I headed to the office in Oak Brook when I received a call from my brother. He told me a plane had flown into one of the twin towers in New York.
I was like, "how could that happen?" Well we all know how events unfolded. Then he said that the building fell down. I was like, "you mean the area that was hit?" "No, the whole building." "What!"
Then I was mezmerized at the scenes on the TV. At the time I worked on the 7th floor of an office building. I actually felt like getting out of the office so I left. I decided to head to Cog Hill and play golf. I needed to get some air.
Cog Hill is under the O'hare flight path. Usually you would have planes coming and going. Not on that day. The air was clear of all traffic. There was no rumble of planes passing by. It was surreal.
I will never forget that day. And today I will keep those families affected by this terrible tragedy close to my heart.
____________________________________________________________
Training is going well. I'm in a mini taper for next weeks 1/2 Ironman, Branson 70.3. I've been reading up on the bike course because that is the greatest variable.
There will be some great climbs but also some very fast downhill sections as well. People talk of hitting 40-50 mph on the descents. Wow. Maybe I should wear my motorcycle jacket.
Yesterday I went for a 1 mile open water swim in Lake Michigan. The conditions were some of the toughest yet. It was the kind of swim where you don't try to go fast but just try to keep moving forward with good form. Breaths must come quickly. As I would turn my head left for needed oxygen, many times I was aware of water about to cover me again. Just a sip of air is all I needed. Sometimes water would get in my mouth but from experience I would stop inhaling and breathe it out under water and wait for the next attempt.
It was interesting to say the least. The swim took 38:29 and I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a time over 40 minutes because of the conditions and the fact that I was not pushing the pace.
The I came home and did my speed session for the week. It was an 8 mile effort that went very well. The fresh cool air makes a huge difference in running performance. I did not struggle at all at the 7:40-7:50 paces. It just felt fluid and easy. I finished strong and got a little queezy near the end as my lactate threshold reached it's limit.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:08:49 0:03:55 1 0 5 8:49 3:55 6:37 124 136 0 64
2 0:07:56 0:03:49 1 10 0 7:56 3:49 6:30 136 145 0 66
3 0:07:48 0:04:19 1 2 0 7:48 4:19 6:18 137 144 0 64
4 0:07:28 0:04:02 1 0 15 7:28 4:02 6:01 141 145 0 63
5 0:07:20 0:03:31 1 16 0 7:20 3:31 4:46 145 154 0 65
6 0:07:20 0:03:40 1 0 2 7:20 3:40 5:14 152 161 0 67
7 0:07:24 0:03:11 1 0 4 7:24 3:11 6:16 155 160 0 67
8 0:07:01 0:03:26 1 0 10 7:01 3:26 6:17 158 165 0 67
9 0:00:08 0:00:03 0.02 0 0 7:24 2:43 6:27 164 165 0 1
Summary 1:01:19 0:29:56 8.02 28 36 7:38 3:43 4:46 142 165 0 524
-----
" 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
Here we are, 9/11.
I can think back to that life changing day so clearly. In Chicago it was a beautiful clear sunny day as I headed to the office in Oak Brook when I received a call from my brother. He told me a plane had flown into one of the twin towers in New York.
I was like, "how could that happen?" Well we all know how events unfolded. Then he said that the building fell down. I was like, "you mean the area that was hit?" "No, the whole building." "What!"
Then I was mezmerized at the scenes on the TV. At the time I worked on the 7th floor of an office building. I actually felt like getting out of the office so I left. I decided to head to Cog Hill and play golf. I needed to get some air.
Cog Hill is under the O'hare flight path. Usually you would have planes coming and going. Not on that day. The air was clear of all traffic. There was no rumble of planes passing by. It was surreal.
I will never forget that day. And today I will keep those families affected by this terrible tragedy close to my heart.
____________________________________________________________
Training is going well. I'm in a mini taper for next weeks 1/2 Ironman, Branson 70.3. I've been reading up on the bike course because that is the greatest variable.
There will be some great climbs but also some very fast downhill sections as well. People talk of hitting 40-50 mph on the descents. Wow. Maybe I should wear my motorcycle jacket.
Yesterday I went for a 1 mile open water swim in Lake Michigan. The conditions were some of the toughest yet. It was the kind of swim where you don't try to go fast but just try to keep moving forward with good form. Breaths must come quickly. As I would turn my head left for needed oxygen, many times I was aware of water about to cover me again. Just a sip of air is all I needed. Sometimes water would get in my mouth but from experience I would stop inhaling and breathe it out under water and wait for the next attempt.
It was interesting to say the least. The swim took 38:29 and I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a time over 40 minutes because of the conditions and the fact that I was not pushing the pace.
The I came home and did my speed session for the week. It was an 8 mile effort that went very well. The fresh cool air makes a huge difference in running performance. I did not struggle at all at the 7:40-7:50 paces. It just felt fluid and easy. I finished strong and got a little queezy near the end as my lactate threshold reached it's limit.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:08:49 0:03:55 1 0 5 8:49 3:55 6:37 124 136 0 64
2 0:07:56 0:03:49 1 10 0 7:56 3:49 6:30 136 145 0 66
3 0:07:48 0:04:19 1 2 0 7:48 4:19 6:18 137 144 0 64
4 0:07:28 0:04:02 1 0 15 7:28 4:02 6:01 141 145 0 63
5 0:07:20 0:03:31 1 16 0 7:20 3:31 4:46 145 154 0 65
6 0:07:20 0:03:40 1 0 2 7:20 3:40 5:14 152 161 0 67
7 0:07:24 0:03:11 1 0 4 7:24 3:11 6:16 155 160 0 67
8 0:07:01 0:03:26 1 0 10 7:01 3:26 6:17 158 165 0 67
9 0:00:08 0:00:03 0.02 0 0 7:24 2:43 6:27 164 165 0 1
Summary 1:01:19 0:29:56 8.02 28 36 7:38 3:43 4:46 142 165 0 524
-----
" 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
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Flury
Good morning.
Whew!
I got one major and important thing to check off my "want to do list."
I had been working diligently recently to make my wife's 40th birthday very special. It all came together yesterday and went without a hitch.
I got Beth the day off from work. That was her first surprise. Then we spent the day together in Chicago. It was a beautiful day to be outside. We ended up doing the Archetectural Tour on the Chicago River. Then a nice lunch.
Later in the day we went out for a nice dinner with her parents at MK. I had arranged to have her table decorated and for a personalized menu. Also, I delivered the cake the day before.
It all went without a hitch. Thank God.
When you love someone so much you want a special occassion to go perfectly. I would say this did. Beth loved the gift and the entire day. So, whew.
Yesterday was a swim and bike day. I decided to swim at the XSport Pool instead of open water. Sometimes one can rely too much on the bouyancy of a wetsuit. It's good to go back to your roots once in a while. Also, since it has been so warm in Branson, MO I was thinking that the 1.2 mile swim might be without wetsuit. Remember, no wetsuits with water temps 78 degrees or higher.
The continuous 2000 yard swim wet well and I felt really good and strong. The only problem was my time of 41 minutes. Not sure how it could have taken that long. I may have miscounted my laps. I say this because my usual 500 yard warm up takes about 9:45. I thought I was swimming harder than warm up. What ever! It was still a good workout.
I did find out from a "Power that Be" that the water temp in Table Rock Lake in Branson is 74 degrees. So, wetsuit legal. Better go do an open water swim.
Later in the day I got on the bike on the trainer and pedaled 20 miles in 1:10:00. I was happy with this because it is 2 mph faster than my usual pace. I am getting stronger on the bike and can maintain a rigorous pace longer and longer. So, maybe this bodes well for Branson 70.3 next week.
I do know there are signifigant hills in Branson. Hopefully my various hill training has prepared me.
Have a great day.
-----
" 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
Whew!
I got one major and important thing to check off my "want to do list."
I had been working diligently recently to make my wife's 40th birthday very special. It all came together yesterday and went without a hitch.
I got Beth the day off from work. That was her first surprise. Then we spent the day together in Chicago. It was a beautiful day to be outside. We ended up doing the Archetectural Tour on the Chicago River. Then a nice lunch.
Later in the day we went out for a nice dinner with her parents at MK. I had arranged to have her table decorated and for a personalized menu. Also, I delivered the cake the day before.
It all went without a hitch. Thank God.
When you love someone so much you want a special occassion to go perfectly. I would say this did. Beth loved the gift and the entire day. So, whew.
Yesterday was a swim and bike day. I decided to swim at the XSport Pool instead of open water. Sometimes one can rely too much on the bouyancy of a wetsuit. It's good to go back to your roots once in a while. Also, since it has been so warm in Branson, MO I was thinking that the 1.2 mile swim might be without wetsuit. Remember, no wetsuits with water temps 78 degrees or higher.
The continuous 2000 yard swim wet well and I felt really good and strong. The only problem was my time of 41 minutes. Not sure how it could have taken that long. I may have miscounted my laps. I say this because my usual 500 yard warm up takes about 9:45. I thought I was swimming harder than warm up. What ever! It was still a good workout.
I did find out from a "Power that Be" that the water temp in Table Rock Lake in Branson is 74 degrees. So, wetsuit legal. Better go do an open water swim.
Later in the day I got on the bike on the trainer and pedaled 20 miles in 1:10:00. I was happy with this because it is 2 mph faster than my usual pace. I am getting stronger on the bike and can maintain a rigorous pace longer and longer. So, maybe this bodes well for Branson 70.3 next week.
I do know there are signifigant hills in Branson. Hopefully my various hill training has prepared me.
Have a great day.
-----
" 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
Monday, September 6, 2010
Change Is In The Air
Happy Labor Day.
Sometimes as I run I see many people going about their lives and doing what ever it is they do. One thought comes to me once in a while:
Have you ever wondered about all the great people that you will never meet?
You know that there must be so many others in which you would really enjoy their company and have so much in common with. It's sort of a shame but also reality.
Enough for "thoughts."
Man, the season is winding down. I noticed the other day when I did an open water swim at Ohio St Beach that there were far fewer swimmers. Must be because the Chicago Triathlon is over. The only ones left are triathletes who still have an event.
One major one is next weekend: Ironman Wisconsin, Madison.
I have finally decided that I want to do my first full Ironman next year. We had a Chicag Tri Club meeting last Wednesday and the topic was choosing an Ironman event. One of the speakers was a guy who did 20 full Ironman events in 2009. He described the various characteristics of the events he completed.
One thought comes to mind: All Ironman events are hard. He mentioned one particularly difficult Ironman: Ironman Lanzarote. Supposed to be rediculously difficult. He said, "do it just once." Perhaps some day.
So, next Monday around noon I will be anxiously waiting at my computer fully signed up and ready to push the button.
The event I have chosen to participate in is: Ironman Wisconsin.
The speaker at our Tri Club meeting said this is one of the harder IM events. The bike course is particularly difficult. Hopefully I will get in.
Training for Branson 70.3 continues to go well. There is less that two weeks til the event so it's time to think about a mini taper. I'll have to look up how I handled taper for my first 1/2 IM.
Most of you know that along with triathlon training I am also getting ready for the Chicago Marathon. In that vein I went for an 8 miler on Saturday and decided that it would me a fast continuous run (FCR) or marathon pace run.
The weather was cool and crisp. What a difference this made. I was cruising along at a decent clip and felt great the whole way. It felt like, "I could breathe again." Taking in deep full cool breaths of fresh air really helps. I never got tired and my heart rate stayed exceptionally low for the effort with an average 136 beats per minute. Cool, in more ways than one.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:08:41 0:08:22 1 0 6 8:41 8:22 5:31 136 174 0 42
2 0:07:58 0:07:54 1 11 0 7:58 7:54 5:10 127 132 0 59
3 0:07:23 0:07:17 1 3 0 7:23 7:17 5:26 133 141 0 55
4 0:07:18 0:07:15 1 0 14 7:18 7:15 5:39 135 142 0 58
5 0:07:46 0:07:46 1 14 0 7:46 7:46 5:23 137 141 0 61
6 0:07:32 0:07:33 1 0 2 7:32 7:33 6:09 139 144 0 60
7 0:07:25 0:07:20 1 0 4 7:25 7:20 5:49 140 145 0 59
8 0:07:14 0:07:14 1 0 10 7:14 7:14 6:17 146 149 0 62
9 0:01:08 0:01:07 0.17 8 0 6:47 6:39 6:27 150 151 0 11
Summary 1:02:29 1:01:48 8.17 35 35 7:39 7:33 5:10 136 174 0 467
Yesterday I went all by my lonesome to Buffalo Grove to train on the hills on my bike. Hopefully this has prepared me for the Branson 70.3 bike leg which is in the Ozarks. I watched a video of the Ozark bike course and there were some serious long hill climbs. There also are some faster than crap downhill parts.
Hopefully with my Michigan and Buffalo Grove training I'll be able to do well.
The ride yesterday was 47 miles and it went well. The ride took 2:38:00. The major achievement was not getting lost. So, now perhaps I can lead a Chicago Tri Club group in that area.
At one point a deer, "buck" jumped out in front of me. Luckily I was not going fast. His antlers were only about 10 inches high. The funny part was he could not find his way off the road. He was running along side me. You could hear his hooves clapping the pavement. His traction was poor and he was sliding around. Finally he found an exit and I had a smile on my face.
-----
" 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
Sometimes as I run I see many people going about their lives and doing what ever it is they do. One thought comes to me once in a while:
Have you ever wondered about all the great people that you will never meet?
You know that there must be so many others in which you would really enjoy their company and have so much in common with. It's sort of a shame but also reality.
Enough for "thoughts."
Man, the season is winding down. I noticed the other day when I did an open water swim at Ohio St Beach that there were far fewer swimmers. Must be because the Chicago Triathlon is over. The only ones left are triathletes who still have an event.
One major one is next weekend: Ironman Wisconsin, Madison.
I have finally decided that I want to do my first full Ironman next year. We had a Chicag Tri Club meeting last Wednesday and the topic was choosing an Ironman event. One of the speakers was a guy who did 20 full Ironman events in 2009. He described the various characteristics of the events he completed.
One thought comes to mind: All Ironman events are hard. He mentioned one particularly difficult Ironman: Ironman Lanzarote. Supposed to be rediculously difficult. He said, "do it just once." Perhaps some day.
So, next Monday around noon I will be anxiously waiting at my computer fully signed up and ready to push the button.
The event I have chosen to participate in is: Ironman Wisconsin.
The speaker at our Tri Club meeting said this is one of the harder IM events. The bike course is particularly difficult. Hopefully I will get in.
Training for Branson 70.3 continues to go well. There is less that two weeks til the event so it's time to think about a mini taper. I'll have to look up how I handled taper for my first 1/2 IM.
Most of you know that along with triathlon training I am also getting ready for the Chicago Marathon. In that vein I went for an 8 miler on Saturday and decided that it would me a fast continuous run (FCR) or marathon pace run.
The weather was cool and crisp. What a difference this made. I was cruising along at a decent clip and felt great the whole way. It felt like, "I could breathe again." Taking in deep full cool breaths of fresh air really helps. I never got tired and my heart rate stayed exceptionally low for the effort with an average 136 beats per minute. Cool, in more ways than one.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:08:41 0:08:22 1 0 6 8:41 8:22 5:31 136 174 0 42
2 0:07:58 0:07:54 1 11 0 7:58 7:54 5:10 127 132 0 59
3 0:07:23 0:07:17 1 3 0 7:23 7:17 5:26 133 141 0 55
4 0:07:18 0:07:15 1 0 14 7:18 7:15 5:39 135 142 0 58
5 0:07:46 0:07:46 1 14 0 7:46 7:46 5:23 137 141 0 61
6 0:07:32 0:07:33 1 0 2 7:32 7:33 6:09 139 144 0 60
7 0:07:25 0:07:20 1 0 4 7:25 7:20 5:49 140 145 0 59
8 0:07:14 0:07:14 1 0 10 7:14 7:14 6:17 146 149 0 62
9 0:01:08 0:01:07 0.17 8 0 6:47 6:39 6:27 150 151 0 11
Summary 1:02:29 1:01:48 8.17 35 35 7:39 7:33 5:10 136 174 0 467
Yesterday I went all by my lonesome to Buffalo Grove to train on the hills on my bike. Hopefully this has prepared me for the Branson 70.3 bike leg which is in the Ozarks. I watched a video of the Ozark bike course and there were some serious long hill climbs. There also are some faster than crap downhill parts.
Hopefully with my Michigan and Buffalo Grove training I'll be able to do well.
The ride yesterday was 47 miles and it went well. The ride took 2:38:00. The major achievement was not getting lost. So, now perhaps I can lead a Chicago Tri Club group in that area.
At one point a deer, "buck" jumped out in front of me. Luckily I was not going fast. His antlers were only about 10 inches high. The funny part was he could not find his way off the road. He was running along side me. You could hear his hooves clapping the pavement. His traction was poor and he was sliding around. Finally he found an exit and I had a smile on my face.
-----
" 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
Friday, September 3, 2010
Measurements Matter
Good morning.
I'm looking forward to the long holiday weekend. Aren't you?
Training continues to go well as I juggle various event preparations.
My next event in Ironman 70.3 Branson. The swim is held in Table Rock Lake and the water temp is 78-83 degrees. In Ironman, a water temp of 78 or higher means NO WETSUIT.
This does make a difference. In a wetsuit you are very bouyant. All you need to do is lay down in the water face first and start moving your arms. No worries about sinking.
Without a wetsuit one needs to focus much more and work much harder. Especially in open water with many other athletes around you.
In order to prepare for this I did an open water swim in Lake Michigan on Wednesday. I decided to swim my regular route. But first I would measure the route as best I could. I think my Garmin has been tricking me in thing I was swimming longer and faster than I had.
I wanted to swim 1 mile. I walked with my Garmin along the swim route. Guess what. The Garmin had measured my swim as 1.41 miles or approx 2642 yards and I would swim this distance in 34 minutes.
The distance is acually 1760 yards or one mile. What a big difference. This is why I had high expectations heading to the Chicago Tri. Well, I'm not as fast as I thought I was. That's ok at least I know where I stand now.
So, I swam the 1 mile sans wetsuit and it was challenging. Especially in Lake MI. The swim took 39:30 which is 5-6 minutes slower than when wearing a wetsuit. Something new to work on.
Another ball I'm juggling is the LSD runs in prep for the Chicago Marathon. I want to fit these in but also stay fresh for Branson 70.3.
In that vein I did a long run yesterday. I decided to run 17 miles in the pouring rain. Running in the rain can be very enjoyable. The only negative is heavy shoes.
The run went well. The first 10 miles were on the slower side and then I wanted to test the legs by speeding up miles 11-16. Mile 16 I got it under 8 pace which was nice. Mile 17 was a cool down.
The legs felt very good and responsive. I could have easily gone 20 but thought to save it. The run looked like this:
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:09:24 0:04:03 1 0 5 9:24 4:03 7:03 113 126 0 59
2 0:08:43 0:04:57 1 10 0 8:43 4:57 7:07 131 160 0 58
3 0:08:39 0:03:46 1 3 7 8:39 3:46 7:11 126 130 0 60
4 0:09:06 0:03:47 1 0 3 9:06 3:47 5:28 120 128 0 51
5 0:09:18 0:04:32 1 0 11 9:18 4:32 6:52 118 127 0 46
6 0:09:08 0:04:56 1 9 9 9:08 4:56 7:59 118 125 0 48
7 0:09:24 0:05:04 1 0 0 9:24 5:04 8:47 116 123 0 44
8 0:09:21 0:04:41 1 8 8 9:22 4:41 8:51 118 128 0 45
9 0:09:28 0:03:33 1 88 73 9:28 3:33 4:57 115 124 0 44
10 0:09:02 0:04:02 1 0 0 9:02 4:02 6:36 120 127 0 45
11 0:08:31 0:04:05 1 7 7 8:31 4:05 7:04 126 134 0 50
12 0:08:46 0:03:47 1 4 0 8:46 3:47 6:58 127 132 0 52
13 0:08:50 0:03:59 1 0 0 8:50 3:59 6:44 130 135 0 56
14 0:08:34 0:03:27 1 0 4 8:34 3:27 6:21 135 138 0 60
15 0:08:14 0:03:58 1 0 10 8:14 3:58 7:18 141 147 0 64
16 0:07:52 0:04:43 1 8 0 7:52 4:43 6:57 148 153 0 69
17 0:08:44 0:04:32 1 0 5 8:44 4:32 7:35 144 153 0 70
18 0:00:02 0:00:03 0 0 0 11:21 12:59 8:54 144 144 0 0
Summary 2:31:14 1:11:55 17 137 142 8:53 4:13 4:57 125 160 0 921
-----
" 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
I'm looking forward to the long holiday weekend. Aren't you?
Training continues to go well as I juggle various event preparations.
My next event in Ironman 70.3 Branson. The swim is held in Table Rock Lake and the water temp is 78-83 degrees. In Ironman, a water temp of 78 or higher means NO WETSUIT.
This does make a difference. In a wetsuit you are very bouyant. All you need to do is lay down in the water face first and start moving your arms. No worries about sinking.
Without a wetsuit one needs to focus much more and work much harder. Especially in open water with many other athletes around you.
In order to prepare for this I did an open water swim in Lake Michigan on Wednesday. I decided to swim my regular route. But first I would measure the route as best I could. I think my Garmin has been tricking me in thing I was swimming longer and faster than I had.
I wanted to swim 1 mile. I walked with my Garmin along the swim route. Guess what. The Garmin had measured my swim as 1.41 miles or approx 2642 yards and I would swim this distance in 34 minutes.
The distance is acually 1760 yards or one mile. What a big difference. This is why I had high expectations heading to the Chicago Tri. Well, I'm not as fast as I thought I was. That's ok at least I know where I stand now.
So, I swam the 1 mile sans wetsuit and it was challenging. Especially in Lake MI. The swim took 39:30 which is 5-6 minutes slower than when wearing a wetsuit. Something new to work on.
Another ball I'm juggling is the LSD runs in prep for the Chicago Marathon. I want to fit these in but also stay fresh for Branson 70.3.
In that vein I did a long run yesterday. I decided to run 17 miles in the pouring rain. Running in the rain can be very enjoyable. The only negative is heavy shoes.
The run went well. The first 10 miles were on the slower side and then I wanted to test the legs by speeding up miles 11-16. Mile 16 I got it under 8 pace which was nice. Mile 17 was a cool down.
The legs felt very good and responsive. I could have easily gone 20 but thought to save it. The run looked like this:
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:09:24 0:04:03 1 0 5 9:24 4:03 7:03 113 126 0 59
2 0:08:43 0:04:57 1 10 0 8:43 4:57 7:07 131 160 0 58
3 0:08:39 0:03:46 1 3 7 8:39 3:46 7:11 126 130 0 60
4 0:09:06 0:03:47 1 0 3 9:06 3:47 5:28 120 128 0 51
5 0:09:18 0:04:32 1 0 11 9:18 4:32 6:52 118 127 0 46
6 0:09:08 0:04:56 1 9 9 9:08 4:56 7:59 118 125 0 48
7 0:09:24 0:05:04 1 0 0 9:24 5:04 8:47 116 123 0 44
8 0:09:21 0:04:41 1 8 8 9:22 4:41 8:51 118 128 0 45
9 0:09:28 0:03:33 1 88 73 9:28 3:33 4:57 115 124 0 44
10 0:09:02 0:04:02 1 0 0 9:02 4:02 6:36 120 127 0 45
11 0:08:31 0:04:05 1 7 7 8:31 4:05 7:04 126 134 0 50
12 0:08:46 0:03:47 1 4 0 8:46 3:47 6:58 127 132 0 52
13 0:08:50 0:03:59 1 0 0 8:50 3:59 6:44 130 135 0 56
14 0:08:34 0:03:27 1 0 4 8:34 3:27 6:21 135 138 0 60
15 0:08:14 0:03:58 1 0 10 8:14 3:58 7:18 141 147 0 64
16 0:07:52 0:04:43 1 8 0 7:52 4:43 6:57 148 153 0 69
17 0:08:44 0:04:32 1 0 5 8:44 4:32 7:35 144 153 0 70
18 0:00:02 0:00:03 0 0 0 11:21 12:59 8:54 144 144 0 0
Summary 2:31:14 1:11:55 17 137 142 8:53 4:13 4:57 125 160 0 921
-----
" 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
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Sensation Of Heat
Good morning.
After the day off Monday I was ready to roll. My legs felt terrific and I decided, after I began to run, to make this a faster effort. It was extreamly hot out so I first thought this would be a tempo run.
I also thought that this summer, with all it's heat, has been a tough summer for fast continuos runs. But, as this run progressed I was able to hold some really good mile splits despite the heat.
I actually felt strong and my heart rate seemed under control. So, I just kept going.
No aches or pains when I run. That is nice.
The active event year is slowly winding down. All I have left is the 1/2 Ironman Branson on Sept. 19, Chicago Marathon Oct 10 and the Hot Chocolate 15K in November.
I would love to make a special trip to Florida in Novemer and will know more about that after the Branson 70.3.
My run looked like this:
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:08:49 0:08:38 1 0 5 8:49 8:38 7:05 124 137 0 64
2 0:07:38 0:07:36 1 11 0 7:38 7:36 4:46 139 149 0 65
3 0:07:26 0:07:19 1 2 0 7:26 7:19 6:20 149 153 0 68
4 0:07:15 0:07:13 1 0 3 7:15 7:13 2:04 154 159 0 67
5 0:07:32 0:07:33 1 0 4 7:32 7:33 5:54 157 162 0 72
6 0:07:21 0:07:16 1 0 8 7:21 7:16 5:32 161 166 0 71
7 0:00:28 0:00:28 0.07 8 0 7:06 7:00 6:32 165 166 0 5
Summary 0:46:32 0:46:03 6.07 21 21 7:40 7:35 2:04 146 166 0 412
-----
" 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
After the day off Monday I was ready to roll. My legs felt terrific and I decided, after I began to run, to make this a faster effort. It was extreamly hot out so I first thought this would be a tempo run.
I also thought that this summer, with all it's heat, has been a tough summer for fast continuos runs. But, as this run progressed I was able to hold some really good mile splits despite the heat.
I actually felt strong and my heart rate seemed under control. So, I just kept going.
No aches or pains when I run. That is nice.
The active event year is slowly winding down. All I have left is the 1/2 Ironman Branson on Sept. 19, Chicago Marathon Oct 10 and the Hot Chocolate 15K in November.
I would love to make a special trip to Florida in Novemer and will know more about that after the Branson 70.3.
My run looked like this:
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Avg Moving Pace Best Pace Avg HR Max HR Steps Calories
1 0:08:49 0:08:38 1 0 5 8:49 8:38 7:05 124 137 0 64
2 0:07:38 0:07:36 1 11 0 7:38 7:36 4:46 139 149 0 65
3 0:07:26 0:07:19 1 2 0 7:26 7:19 6:20 149 153 0 68
4 0:07:15 0:07:13 1 0 3 7:15 7:13 2:04 154 159 0 67
5 0:07:32 0:07:33 1 0 4 7:32 7:33 5:54 157 162 0 72
6 0:07:21 0:07:16 1 0 8 7:21 7:16 5:32 161 166 0 71
7 0:00:28 0:00:28 0.07 8 0 7:06 7:00 6:32 165 166 0 5
Summary 0:46:32 0:46:03 6.07 21 21 7:40 7:35 2:04 146 166 0 412
-----
" 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
