Big Time Training

The last two weeks have been pretty intense in terms of training. All in, I've trained about 25 hours or so. More specifically, my weekend bike rides are getting longer. Yesterday, I rode my bike 5 hours and climbed 4300 feet. Last Sunday, I rode 4 hours and climbed 3,700 feet. This week I will top out around 16 hours of training. Good thing because CDA is only 8 weeks away!

Why?

People often ask why am I doing Ironman? Admittedly, this question bothers me because it's generally asked as though there is a simple answer. My first inclination is to say, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." Nevertheless, I usually give some sound bite answer to satisfy the questioner. But, to be fair, I ponder that question a lot myself. Why DO I bother? I suppose the most accurate answer is: lots of reasons. So, I thought I would make a list:

• I love the solitude of the training.
• I want to get better with age (I'm 38).
  
• Endorphins increase my peace of mind.
• I love the adventure of it; one never knows what might happen.
• There is no dependence on others; I have to do all the work.
• The time running, swimming, cycling is truly mine.
• To learn new things about myself and life.
• It forces me out of my comfort zone.
• It builds confidence and self-esteem.
  
• I have always secretly wanted to do something physically remarkable.
• I was never great in sports (always second string).
  
• For my dad.
• Training helps to round out my life, beyond work, marriage and play.
• Training helps to fight the heart disease that runs in my family.
• It makes for good cocktail party conversation.
• Training makes my favorite beer taste even better.
• The need to balance my vice with virtue. (I do love a good party.)
• I despise the status quo.
  
• I always gravitate to the extreme.
• Because I hate not knowing if I can do it and I won't know unless I try.
  
• I believe the body and the spirit are intrinsically linked and to achieve spiritual peace you must be physically active and healthy, among other things.
  
• I am always looking for ways to outdo myself.
  
• Perhaps it will encourage others.
• I started hanging out with triathletes and it's contagious.
• I like putting myself in challenging situations.
• Simple curiosity.
• I fear arrested development; I never want to stop growing as a human being.
• A well deserved sleep is a sweet, sweet thing.
  
• Hard physical work provides a unique sense of satisfaction I can't get in my office job.
  
• My 20th high school reunion is this summer.
• Because a sedentary life is a deadly existence.
• Because it's as much a mental challenge as a physical one. (If not more so.)
  

This isn't a comprehensive list, but it's a good start.

I tried to cancel my appointment, but...

My primary care physician referred me to the sports medicine department at the Sunset Medical Center in Los Angeles to look at my shoulder. I scheduled an appointment in lieu of my shoulder getting better which, thankfully, it has. So, I tried to cancel my appointment, but was unable to do so despite following the instructions on the appointment card. I called the appointment line (as it said to do) and spoke to someone who told me he couldn't do it, that I had to call the sports medicine directly. When I called the department directly, no one answered and there was no way to leave a message. So, I then went online to cancel the appointment via the appointment center at Kp.org. Unfortunately, it too informed me that it was unable to process the cancellation. So, after three failed attempts to do the right thing and cancel my appointment a head of time, I simply gave up and just didn't go. Admittedly, I hated being a no-show. (I never like to stand up a date, of course.) But, that like the rule says, three strikes you're out.

Seeing My Doctor (Pt. 2)

Seeing My Doctor (Pt. 1)

Highlights Reel: The Great Race

The Great Race: Half-Marathon

Last Saturday morning, I ran The Great Race half-marathon in Agoura Hills, CA. A beautiful, somewhat hilly, course made it fun and challenging. (see elevation profile below) The weather was great. Unfortunately, due to long lines at the latrines before the race, I had to run on the heavier side, if you know what I mean. ;-) Nevertheless, I was satisfied with my overall performance given how tired my legs are from all the training as of late. I finished in 2 hrs 21 min. This time is in keeping with my two speeds: slow and slower!

Scheduling a doctor's appointment (Pt. 2)