This morning Kayleigh and I went out for an easy jog to loosen up after our hike the previous day. As we were jogging, I thought about what I was going to write about in my blog. I want to keep everyone up to date on whats going on, but if nothing eventful happens or the event is routine, would people still be interested on what I was doing.
Then it happened..... the typical Greeley citizen (overweight and past their prime years) decided to conduct a rolling stop through a stop sign while looking right and left to see if they could make a turn and forgot to look directly in front of them. Had they looked forward, they would have noticed Kayleigh (in bright clothing with reflectors) and myself (with reflectors) in the middle of the crosswalk. Good thing Kayleigh and I were paying attention; we both were able to jump backwards (though it was really close) out from the wrath of the beat up Oldsmobile, and I was able to turn that switch from the happy go lucky jogger who enjoys the sunrise to RageKage who sees nothing but red and shoots steam from his ears. In addition to the switch I was able to scream out a few choice words, demonstrate what a crosswalk means to everyone that was listening (there was no one) and then check with Kayleigh to make sure she was OK (I dont know why that was last but next time I will work on it).
As we continued on our jog, my pace quickened and my mind wondered to actions that I would like to do to that old, fat prick and his car. Kayleigh popped my day dream bubble and reminded me to return to our nice and gentle morning jog. A few minutes later she told me that I'm like Ben Stillers character on friends. For those who don't watch friends, he goes from calm and peaceful to violent lunatic over the smallest things and then returns to normal all in about 4 breaths. As I realized Kayleigh was correct, I chuckled to myself, swore one more time against all of the non-exercise friendly citizens of Weld county, wished I lived Ft. Collins, then finished my jog in a better mood knowing that I was better than that the majority of the Greeleites that hate me because I am extremely good looking.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Mt. Bierstadt
Rather than taking on a long run this weekend, Kayleigh and I decided to take on our 5th Colorado 14'er. At 14,060 ft, the summit of Bierstadt is the 38th highest peak in Colorado and is located in the Front Range pushed up against the more famous Mt. Evans.
We woke up and started moving around at 3:30am knowing that we had a fairly long drive ahead of us to Grant and we wanted to be at the trail head as closest to sunrise as possible to guarantee the fairest weather and uncrowded trails. We did just that and I took some great pics of the sun rising over Sawtooth ridge as we were starting the hike.
We could tell that the tri training has been going good, because even though Bierstadt is a class 1 hike, Kayleigh and I did not need one break on the hike up and we barely were ever winded, unlike the rest of the afternoon hikers. Once at the top, we had the option of crossing Sawtooth ridge in order to reach Mt. Evans and knock out to 14'ers in one day. I have heard the trail looks harder than it actually is, but I have also heard it is sketchy in some places. The sketchy part is what made us decide to conquer Evans on another day.
We bounded down the peak like two mountain goats, passing hundreds of late bloomers trying to summit as well. The whole time the both of us had realizations how good of shape we are in because we never once looked miserable and many of the hikers going against were having a rough time.
Climbing Mt. Bierstadt with Kayleigh was way more enjoyable than a long solo run; however with the Boulder Marathon in just three short weeks, I am going to have to squeeze a few in these next two, or I'll be hurting.
We woke up and started moving around at 3:30am knowing that we had a fairly long drive ahead of us to Grant and we wanted to be at the trail head as closest to sunrise as possible to guarantee the fairest weather and uncrowded trails. We did just that and I took some great pics of the sun rising over Sawtooth ridge as we were starting the hike.
We could tell that the tri training has been going good, because even though Bierstadt is a class 1 hike, Kayleigh and I did not need one break on the hike up and we barely were ever winded, unlike the rest of the afternoon hikers. Once at the top, we had the option of crossing Sawtooth ridge in order to reach Mt. Evans and knock out to 14'ers in one day. I have heard the trail looks harder than it actually is, but I have also heard it is sketchy in some places. The sketchy part is what made us decide to conquer Evans on another day.
We bounded down the peak like two mountain goats, passing hundreds of late bloomers trying to summit as well. The whole time the both of us had realizations how good of shape we are in because we never once looked miserable and many of the hikers going against were having a rough time.
Climbing Mt. Bierstadt with Kayleigh was way more enjoyable than a long solo run; however with the Boulder Marathon in just three short weeks, I am going to have to squeeze a few in these next two, or I'll be hurting.
Friday, August 27, 2010
KSO's and Bare Foot Running
Early this summer I had a slow down in my training and in order to pick me up, my loving wife handed me a book about running. It wasn't the typical training book, rather it was about the physiology and history of distance running. Born To Run by McDougall was a fantastic pick me up. The focus of the book is on the Tahraumahra (spelling could be off) tribe in Copper Creek Mexico and what makes them great runners. On multiple tangents throughout the book McDougall discusses the pathology of bare foot running and how we as people have evolved from distance runners.
I'm sure many people read this book and think its entertaining, but a lot of things really clicked for me. Running shoes keep developing in order to correct foot problems that didn't exist 20 years ago. There were distance runners 20 years ago, so why the new problems? I am starting to believe that running shoes cause some of the problems. If Nike or New Balance shave some of the sole of here and add a cushion there, they are changing the way run and our bodies are adapting (or not adapting and causing injuries) to the shoes. We can do the same thing with our own feet by working them out. Think about it; if we want stronger legs or backs we go to the gym and workout, so why can't we work out our feet if we want stronger feet.
Barefoot running is the way to do this. By slowly building miles and frequency, barefoot running can strengthen our arches, calves, and actually reduce opportunities for injuries. I jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a pair of KSO's from Vibram. The KSO is a barefoot shoe (silly I know) that feels like your barefoot but provides a 4mm piece of vibram sole to protect against rocks, glass, and temperature. I have had my shoes for about a month; until this morning I had just been wearing them around town and the house to get used to them, but this morning was my first run. I went out for a relaxed 3 mile jog with Kayleigh and they felt great. My calves did get a little sore from having to chop my stride down a little, but truth be told a shorter stride with the feet underneath is better form. Running with my KSO's will actually force my form to improve. I love them, I love being back on track, and I would recommend the KSO's to anyone.
I am going to skip out on some outlaw family fun to make up the brick workout I blew off last weekend and mix it up with a climb up Bierstadt later on. So stay tuned.
I'm sure many people read this book and think its entertaining, but a lot of things really clicked for me. Running shoes keep developing in order to correct foot problems that didn't exist 20 years ago. There were distance runners 20 years ago, so why the new problems? I am starting to believe that running shoes cause some of the problems. If Nike or New Balance shave some of the sole of here and add a cushion there, they are changing the way run and our bodies are adapting (or not adapting and causing injuries) to the shoes. We can do the same thing with our own feet by working them out. Think about it; if we want stronger legs or backs we go to the gym and workout, so why can't we work out our feet if we want stronger feet.
Barefoot running is the way to do this. By slowly building miles and frequency, barefoot running can strengthen our arches, calves, and actually reduce opportunities for injuries. I jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a pair of KSO's from Vibram. The KSO is a barefoot shoe (silly I know) that feels like your barefoot but provides a 4mm piece of vibram sole to protect against rocks, glass, and temperature. I have had my shoes for about a month; until this morning I had just been wearing them around town and the house to get used to them, but this morning was my first run. I went out for a relaxed 3 mile jog with Kayleigh and they felt great. My calves did get a little sore from having to chop my stride down a little, but truth be told a shorter stride with the feet underneath is better form. Running with my KSO's will actually force my form to improve. I love them, I love being back on track, and I would recommend the KSO's to anyone.
I am going to skip out on some outlaw family fun to make up the brick workout I blew off last weekend and mix it up with a climb up Bierstadt later on. So stay tuned.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A Week Out of Whack
It has been a terrible week for staying fit. I have been fighting the alarm clock, skipped my track workout and I haven't really been eating healthy. The Alumni match set me back more than I thought it would. I was pretty sore for two or three days afterwards and rather than stretching it out and sucking it up, I nursed my wounds with 12 ounce curls.
That's ok, I have been working hard all summer to get where I am and a off track week may have been a good thing. I know I was off track and I know I want to get back on track so I am. You can't let a few missed workouts cause you to miss more workouts. I'm refreshed, my body feels good, mentally I'm good, so this week its back on.
Without a race or anything going on this weekend, Kayleigh and I are going to hike Mt. Bierstadt (one of Colorado's 14'ers). I'm going to get a nice brick work out in or at least a long run Saturday and a hike Sunday. No worries, I'm back on track.
That's ok, I have been working hard all summer to get where I am and a off track week may have been a good thing. I know I was off track and I know I want to get back on track so I am. You can't let a few missed workouts cause you to miss more workouts. I'm refreshed, my body feels good, mentally I'm good, so this week its back on.
Without a race or anything going on this weekend, Kayleigh and I are going to hike Mt. Bierstadt (one of Colorado's 14'ers). I'm going to get a nice brick work out in or at least a long run Saturday and a hike Sunday. No worries, I'm back on track.
Alumni Rugby
Last Saturday was the UNC RFC Alumni match. Since I no longer play for the club, I decided to play against my old mates. I am unsure of the final score, but the old boys kicked the crap out of this years DI team. I played my usual role as a rucker and supporter, but I also took advantage of the few crashes that I took. If I would have tried a move or two rather than dropping my shoulder and crashing into pack I may have even scored. Lets face it though, crashing is way more.
The match was a great way to mix up training by staying active without logging a lot of miles and time. The only problem was I participated in the activities that are generally associated with post match rugby. The singing and hanging out with my old mates (over numerous pints and bazookas of course) was a great time, but I sacrificed two or three training opportunities to do so.
The next day was a little rough, so the brick workout that I had planned prior to golfing with my outlaws never happened. The golf did, and it took me two or three holes and lots of water to actually recover. I think the match was a great reminder why I have been avoiding drinking. I just need to keep that in mind the next time I think I can keep up with my old ways.
The match was a great way to mix up training by staying active without logging a lot of miles and time. The only problem was I participated in the activities that are generally associated with post match rugby. The singing and hanging out with my old mates (over numerous pints and bazookas of course) was a great time, but I sacrificed two or three training opportunities to do so.
The next day was a little rough, so the brick workout that I had planned prior to golfing with my outlaws never happened. The golf did, and it took me two or three holes and lots of water to actually recover. I think the match was a great reminder why I have been avoiding drinking. I just need to keep that in mind the next time I think I can keep up with my old ways.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Track Workout
Last night I got together with Bell's Running Club and had a sweet workout. We ran two 1.5min intervals, a 15min tempo run, then two more 1.5min intervals with about 2 minutes of rest in between each run. I fell just short of 400m on each of the short intervals, but I was able to maintain the same pace, if not faster, on the last interval as I was on the first. As for the tempo run, my goal was to try and clear two miles. Right away I knew I was ahead of the pace I needed to accomplish my goal but I couldn't slow down. I ran the first mile in 7:15 and knew I probably couldn't keep it up much longer. I tried to slow my pace, but overcompensated. I tried to pick it back up, but my legs had enjoyed the slower pace and refused to cooperate with my brain and desire. I ended up finishing the tempo run 150m short of two miles. I'm still really impressed with myself. I have been with the club for less than two months now and I have already made huge gains in my 5k time.
I know what everyone is thinking; the Ironman finishes with a marathon not a 5k, who cares how fast you run 3 miles. Well, I still have one more sprint tri to compete in before I start to focus on the long run. Compete is the key word. I actually feel I can go out and win my age group in this one. At minimum, I want to place in my age group.
I am going to relax the next few days, I have an intense "fun" training planned for Saturday and it would be nice to be 100%.
I know what everyone is thinking; the Ironman finishes with a marathon not a 5k, who cares how fast you run 3 miles. Well, I still have one more sprint tri to compete in before I start to focus on the long run. Compete is the key word. I actually feel I can go out and win my age group in this one. At minimum, I want to place in my age group.
I am going to relax the next few days, I have an intense "fun" training planned for Saturday and it would be nice to be 100%.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pool Closed
Do to annual cleaning and maintenance, my training facilities for swimming will be closed for a month. All summer the City of Greeley Parks and Rec altered the closing of pools for maintenance, but for some reason they went ahead and closed them all.... again. I guess it is a sign that I need to step up my run training. With the pool closed I will have more time to run.
My first run in place of swimming was planned for this morning, but a fight with the alarm clock and the fact that I'm a little sore from this weekends events has differed it until later this afternoon. I'm hoping it rains later on so it will be cooler this afternoon and I can squeeze my run in right when I get home.
With the pool closed look for my run miles to jump; if they don't, someone should start yelling at me.
My first run in place of swimming was planned for this morning, but a fight with the alarm clock and the fact that I'm a little sore from this weekends events has differed it until later this afternoon. I'm hoping it rains later on so it will be cooler this afternoon and I can squeeze my run in right when I get home.
With the pool closed look for my run miles to jump; if they don't, someone should start yelling at me.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Who Says Training Can't Be Fun...... or Dirty
This morning Kayleigh and I went down to Boulder to participate in our third Columbia Muddy Buddy race in support of the Challenged Athlete Fund (CAF). Muddy Buddy is basically a 10k hybrid mountain bike / run race that you an your partner compete in together. The course is divided into 5 stages around Boulder Reservoir; one person rides the bike and the other runs until they get to a check point. At every check point, participants complete an obstacle (wall climb, cargo net crawl, balance beam, and a 20 ft cargo net climb) then switch roles.
I started out running while Kayleigh rode the bike. I could tell that going to running club training sessions have really helped my running. I found myself ducking and dodging other runners until I was in the lead out string of runners. When I started doing theses races, I would have never dreamed of being in a lead group, but lately it has become more of a reality.
When we started doing Muddy Buddy three years ago, the race wasn't as popular as it was today. The popularity is great for the CAF and the athletes that receive assistance from the CAF, but its bad news for seasoned participants. There was a large proportion of the racers that were clueless to etiquette or inconsiderate; either way it was a pain in the ass to deal with. When I would be riding the bike I would have runners in my lane or jump out in front of me, and when I was running bikers would whizz by on either side of me outside of the course just to make a pass. I experienced a few close calls and often times did not feel safe, even though I like to ride aggressively.
In the end, we had a great ride. We finished in 57 minutes and some change, which was faster than out previous times and ended the day in the Red Hook sponsored beer tent partaking in our champions beers. It is often good to supplement any training schedule with enjoyable training days like today in order to keep up morale and avoid burn out.
I almost forgot about one of the best parts of the day, Chrissie Wellington was on scene to get everyone going. For the second week in a row I got to see one of my triathlete heros and an Ironman legend. Both experiences have been really great motivation.
I started out running while Kayleigh rode the bike. I could tell that going to running club training sessions have really helped my running. I found myself ducking and dodging other runners until I was in the lead out string of runners. When I started doing theses races, I would have never dreamed of being in a lead group, but lately it has become more of a reality.
When we started doing Muddy Buddy three years ago, the race wasn't as popular as it was today. The popularity is great for the CAF and the athletes that receive assistance from the CAF, but its bad news for seasoned participants. There was a large proportion of the racers that were clueless to etiquette or inconsiderate; either way it was a pain in the ass to deal with. When I would be riding the bike I would have runners in my lane or jump out in front of me, and when I was running bikers would whizz by on either side of me outside of the course just to make a pass. I experienced a few close calls and often times did not feel safe, even though I like to ride aggressively.
In the end, we had a great ride. We finished in 57 minutes and some change, which was faster than out previous times and ended the day in the Red Hook sponsored beer tent partaking in our champions beers. It is often good to supplement any training schedule with enjoyable training days like today in order to keep up morale and avoid burn out.
I almost forgot about one of the best parts of the day, Chrissie Wellington was on scene to get everyone going. For the second week in a row I got to see one of my triathlete heros and an Ironman legend. Both experiences have been really great motivation.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Saturday is a Cycling Day!
This morning, rather than being a bum while Kayleigh was at work, QR and I went for a ride. We rode a 34 mile loop that had us twisting and turning on county roads and side streets all the way to Windsor, a straight shot down Higway 257 to Miliken, and then farm roads and across Highway 34 back to the house. The ride took me an hour and 40 minutes, so I averaged 20mph. It wasn't the fastest I have been riding lately but since I fought a head wind on half the ride I'll claim it as a successful training ride.
Riding through the town of Miliken was great, something was going on so there were people lined up on the sidewalks. It almost felt like they were there to watch the chubbier yet better looking version of Lance Armstrong (I'm talking about me) ride through town on the Tour de Farm Country. I felt like I was flying through town too. I don't have a computer mounted on my new bike yet, but the speed limit through town is 30mph and I was keeping up with the few cars on the road on a slight uphill. Moments like that facilitate the urge to train.
In addition to a great ride, I learned an important lesson today; always put your phone on mute. I always take my phone with me when I go on solo rides in case of an emergency. Today however, everyone who regularly calls me did so in a period of 45 seconds. After the third ring, I thought maybe someone else was having an emergency so I pulled off to answer the phone. There was no emergency, just Saturday morning shop talk. I hate being so popular.
Riding through the town of Miliken was great, something was going on so there were people lined up on the sidewalks. It almost felt like they were there to watch the chubbier yet better looking version of Lance Armstrong (I'm talking about me) ride through town on the Tour de Farm Country. I felt like I was flying through town too. I don't have a computer mounted on my new bike yet, but the speed limit through town is 30mph and I was keeping up with the few cars on the road on a slight uphill. Moments like that facilitate the urge to train.
In addition to a great ride, I learned an important lesson today; always put your phone on mute. I always take my phone with me when I go on solo rides in case of an emergency. Today however, everyone who regularly calls me did so in a period of 45 seconds. After the third ring, I thought maybe someone else was having an emergency so I pulled off to answer the phone. There was no emergency, just Saturday morning shop talk. I hate being so popular.
Friday, August 13, 2010
I'm All Caught Up
Initially I stated that the purpose of this blog was to track my training efforts, but so far I have only rambled about equipment and running club. At this point I have covered everything that has occurred since I registered for Ironman (minus a few boring races and numerous training sessions that don't really stand out for any reason); so from this point forward, posts will actually be about current training or bumps in the road that I experience on my journey to becoming an Ironman.
Thanks for being patient.
Thanks for being patient.
After All of That, You're Running How Far?
Running is by far my weakest event of the three involved in triathlon. In fact, previously when I had thought about registering for an Ironman, the marathon at the end had always discouraged me. I have always thought finishing a marathon was an accomplishment in itself, let alone the finishing peace to a 12 hour race.
In order to get over my hatred of running, I decided to run more. Running more definitely did not cure my hatred for running, but it did start to get a little easier. One morning I even had a Forest Gump moment and what started as a planed 4 mile run before breakfast turned into a half marathon (13 miles); I returned home in time to cut Kayleigh's search party off from tearing up the streets of Greeley in search of me.
I was logging more miles but I was actually getting slower. I did not feel the urge to push myself as long as I finished my planned run for the day. At the rate I was going I was looking at a five hour plus run split. I decided I needed a coach; it just so happens I knew who to contact. The year before when I decided that I would run more, I went to an actual running store (Bell's Running) and was fitted for a pair of shoes. Doug Bell just so happens to be a USA Track & Field certified coach and supports a running club. In order to work on speed, I joined the club and I now find myself running the track at Nottingham Field every Wednesday night with a mix matched group ranging from hard corp distance runners, sprinters, triathletes, and others just trying to get into shape.
Most members of the group are training for 5k's, but a lot of them have experience at longer distances. The club is a great place to ask questions, get advice, and find people to train with. Its been a month since I have joined the club and I can notice improvements. Mentally I know how hard I can push it ( I had previously forgotten), and physically I know now remember what I am capable of. I no longer feel like the marathon is going to be the end of me, but I still think of it as the last obstacle between myself and my dream.
In order to get over my hatred of running, I decided to run more. Running more definitely did not cure my hatred for running, but it did start to get a little easier. One morning I even had a Forest Gump moment and what started as a planed 4 mile run before breakfast turned into a half marathon (13 miles); I returned home in time to cut Kayleigh's search party off from tearing up the streets of Greeley in search of me.
I was logging more miles but I was actually getting slower. I did not feel the urge to push myself as long as I finished my planned run for the day. At the rate I was going I was looking at a five hour plus run split. I decided I needed a coach; it just so happens I knew who to contact. The year before when I decided that I would run more, I went to an actual running store (Bell's Running) and was fitted for a pair of shoes. Doug Bell just so happens to be a USA Track & Field certified coach and supports a running club. In order to work on speed, I joined the club and I now find myself running the track at Nottingham Field every Wednesday night with a mix matched group ranging from hard corp distance runners, sprinters, triathletes, and others just trying to get into shape.
Most members of the group are training for 5k's, but a lot of them have experience at longer distances. The club is a great place to ask questions, get advice, and find people to train with. Its been a month since I have joined the club and I can notice improvements. Mentally I know how hard I can push it ( I had previously forgotten), and physically I know now remember what I am capable of. I no longer feel like the marathon is going to be the end of me, but I still think of it as the last obstacle between myself and my dream.
New Toys
I stated in my first post that I rode my Giant mountain bike in the first triathlon I ever participated in. Very shortly after that I purchased a new road bike from a triathlete in the newspaper who was looking for an upgrade themselves. My first road bike was a recycled Schwinn frame with decent Shimano components. It was super heavy (not that I knew that at the time) and had a few clicks and whistles no matter how many tune ups it received. Blue (the bike) and I had a lot of firsts together: the first time I ever rode further than 20 miles, the first time I ever used clip on pedals and shoes, the first time I broke 30mph and coincidentally the first time I ever crashed.
Blue was getting the job done, but I started to want more than just that. Kayleigh sensed that I needed more and bought me a set of aero bars as an anniversary gift. I was unsure of them at first, my balance was a little off when I rode in a tucked position and I couldn't ride on a straight line to safe my life. After a while, it became natural to ride lower and I could tell the difference in my average speed. The extra speed interested me and I started drooling over tri bikes and I spent my days browsing the Internet for the sexy new bike of my dreams.
One day I happened upon a sale at Trisports.com and I spotted her; a little tri tri bike manufactured by Quintana Roo, QR the Seduza.
It was love at first sight. I have rode QR in two tri's this summer and have noticed a huge difference. Theforward seat post design does save your legs for the run. I may feel like I'm loosing some power, but the benefits of the improved aerodynamics, the lighter frame, and higher gear ratios outweighs the power loss. I could imagine finishing an Ironman on Old Blue, but I will be noticeably better off training on QR.
With the addition of QR, I was able to give Kayleigh's Cousin Kirk Old Blue and he is now able to join the wonderful world of road biking. Everyone is a winner.
Blue was getting the job done, but I started to want more than just that. Kayleigh sensed that I needed more and bought me a set of aero bars as an anniversary gift. I was unsure of them at first, my balance was a little off when I rode in a tucked position and I couldn't ride on a straight line to safe my life. After a while, it became natural to ride lower and I could tell the difference in my average speed. The extra speed interested me and I started drooling over tri bikes and I spent my days browsing the Internet for the sexy new bike of my dreams.
One day I happened upon a sale at Trisports.com and I spotted her; a little tri tri bike manufactured by Quintana Roo, QR the Seduza.
With the addition of QR, I was able to give Kayleigh's Cousin Kirk Old Blue and he is now able to join the wonderful world of road biking. Everyone is a winner.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ironman Boulder 70.3
The day started by unloading two and half pallets of Gatorade and three pallets of water onto the side of the road. After we set up, the owner of the property adjacent to the road decided that he wanted to be a royal ass and ordered us to move because Ironman failed to ask his permission to use his property (apparently it stretched to the middle of the road, who knows). In order to be respectful and uphold the integrity of the Ironman race series, we loaded the five and a half pallets of liquid back into the truck and moved 100m down the road to unload them once again.
The next part of the day consisted of removing all of the safety seals and caps off of ~5000 bottles of water and ~3000 bottles of Gatorade so that the racers wouldn't have to mess around with them while racing. Then it was race time.... I could see the time car leading the first pros towards us. I was excited to see Andy Potts fly by, and that's just what he did. The pros were going so fast that you couldn't tell who they were until they had already passed us at 30mph. It was still exciting, but I now know that when I volunteer the next time to do body markings or work an aid station on the run course.
Cheering on all of the age groupers was a good time though, and it made me appreciate the effort and time it takes to put on a high class event like Ironman. I would recommend volunteering at a large race like Ironman to anyone that one day wants to participate in one.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Its a Start!
As long as can remember I have been awestruck with the Ironman Triathlon. I can remember watching the replays on network TV months after the event date and imagining that one day I would hear Mike Reilly (the voice of Ironman) announce at the finish line, "Kevin Glaspie, you are an Ironman." Many years have passed, but i never forgot my dream.
A few years ago I started dabbling in triathlons. I started with the local Greeley Sprint Tri. The swim was in a shallow 50 meter pool, I completed the bike portion on my Giant mountain bike and I shuffle stepped through the 5k. Back then the plan of the day was to cross the finish line, and I did. The next couple of years I continued to participate in the Greeley Tri, and every year I saw improvement. I started to actually feel like a triathlete.
This summer I decided to step up my game. I entered all three of the races that make up the Northern Colorado Tri Series. This meant I would be racing in sprint tri's in Windsor and Greeley and competing in my first full tri in Loveland. I actually started training and continued to see progress. In the middle of one of the races I had an epiphany; it was defanetly time to take the next step towards accomplishing my childhood dream.
I went home pulled up a list of Ironman races and decided that I would be traveling to beautiful St. George Utah in May to swim 2.4 miles in Sand Hollow Reservoir, attack the 2000+ft climb between Gunlock and Veyo twice on my 112 mile bike ride, and run 26.2 miles in order to satisfy a childhood dream.
The purpose of this blog is so that you can share in the Ironman journey with me. Support and motivation is optimal; but for the few that want to crack jokes or see how miserable training will be, your comments will be appreciated too.
A few years ago I started dabbling in triathlons. I started with the local Greeley Sprint Tri. The swim was in a shallow 50 meter pool, I completed the bike portion on my Giant mountain bike and I shuffle stepped through the 5k. Back then the plan of the day was to cross the finish line, and I did. The next couple of years I continued to participate in the Greeley Tri, and every year I saw improvement. I started to actually feel like a triathlete.
This summer I decided to step up my game. I entered all three of the races that make up the Northern Colorado Tri Series. This meant I would be racing in sprint tri's in Windsor and Greeley and competing in my first full tri in Loveland. I actually started training and continued to see progress. In the middle of one of the races I had an epiphany; it was defanetly time to take the next step towards accomplishing my childhood dream.
I went home pulled up a list of Ironman races and decided that I would be traveling to beautiful St. George Utah in May to swim 2.4 miles in Sand Hollow Reservoir, attack the 2000+ft climb between Gunlock and Veyo twice on my 112 mile bike ride, and run 26.2 miles in order to satisfy a childhood dream.
The purpose of this blog is so that you can share in the Ironman journey with me. Support and motivation is optimal; but for the few that want to crack jokes or see how miserable training will be, your comments will be appreciated too.
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