20 weeks

     It has been a long while since I have been able to accomplish any tri specific training, however this morning kicked off the 20 week work up I have planned for St. George.  In the Marines we do a work up for everything.  They generally are 16-20 week periods where we train in similar environments and practice for every situation that may occur in our deployments.  Everything about the work up is mission critical and the period is generally treated with professionalism.
    I have decided to take the same mind set into my work up for St. George.  In the next 20 weeks most everything in my life will be devoted to finishing strong.  I will be fine tuning my body, establishing a nutrition plan, preparing my mind and most important, having fun.  I do say most everything because I will be developing my thesis and maintaining a healthy relationship with my wife simultaneously. 
    The first morning consisted of a 2 hours spin but it was severely impaired by lack of planning.  I started my "ride" without water and had to stop and grab a bottle of cytomax about half way through.  In addition to the lack of fluids, I had to take a second pause in training to take care of general morning business.  I don't feel so bad about the second break, because I took care of some of the mental aspect by beginning "Becoming an Ironman," a book my sister in law gave me for my birthday that consist of stories of Ironman finishers of all abilities.  To finish off the trifecta my heart rate monitor was not responding (I think the battery is dead) so I had to pause every once in a while to take my pulse.  Not a huge ordeal, but it is hard to read your pulse in the aero position, I almost fell of the bike once. I will definitely take care of business and be more prepared for future spins