Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
I came. I saw. I got the t-shirt.
After 14:39:58, I officially became an Ironman. I will elaborate later, but here's the break down:
2.4 mi swim: 1:42:33
112 mi bike: 7:06:33 (6,000 ft. climbing)
26.2 mi run: 5:32:29
Total Time: 14:39:58
More details to come, but I'll just say now it was amazing. Worth all the sacrifice and hard work. I am already looking forward to doing it again. (Although my legs would like to rest first.)
Stay tuned. I will write the full story and post pictures asap.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ironman Live: Race Day Coverage
Click here if you want to view live race day coverage of Ironman Coeur d'Alene.
See you at the finish line!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The moment of truth...
My long journey to Ironman CDA is drawing to an end. On Sunday, June 22, at 7am PST, I will toe the line to begin the 140.6 mile course of swimming, biking and running. The weather is suppose to be partly cloudy and reach a high of 77 degrees. For the swim, the lake water may be as warm as 58 degrees - if we're lucky.
As usual, time will tell how things will turn out. I feel ready. Truth is, I am as ready as I'm ever going to be. There is nothing I can do now to increase my chances, but lots I can to do to mess them up.
Over the last 26 weeks, I estimate I have swam, biked and ran over 250 hours. Not the full 314 hours, but with work and such, I did the best I could. I did get ample sleep and ate well, which are critical. I have been generally healthy and injury free. My attitude is positive and I am not feeling a lot stress. I think I'm in a good place.
Real time coverage of the race will be at www.ironman.com. In fact, a webcam will be broadcasting live from the finish line. So, if you feel so inclined, tune in and check it out. You may even see me cross the finish line. I hope to finish between 7:30-9pm PST.
Ever forward...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Officially Tapering...
This past weekend was my last big training weekend. Now, I officially start my "taper" for the race on June 22nd.
Last Friday, I rode my bike for 90 min. On Saturday, I ran for 3 hrs and swam for 90 minutes. And yesterday, I rode again for 6 hrs and climbed 5000 feet over 73 miles. Best of all, I feel great today. Of course, I am totally high on endorphins, but that's just the icing on the proverbial cake!
My journey training over the last 23 weeks has been amazing. In some ways it was easier than I anticipated, in many ways harder. The training has been all consuming and I've had to sacrifice a lot in the process. And I have no regrets whatsoever.
I am currently in the best shape of my life. (Not bad for just turning 38.) What's more, I am preparing to complete a goal I quietly set for myself 2 years ago when I first started doing triathlons. It's amazing to finally see my goal of becoming an Ironman now within reach. It's just three weeks and one long, hard, tough day, away!
That said, I think the toughest part is behind me. I believe for athletic events like this, the hardest part is the training and the race itself is the fun part. At least that's I how view it. Trying to complete multiple hours of training every week for six months on top of a 6o hour work week and a personal life is no fun. Just ask my wife.
I am anxiously awaiting June 22 and the great adventure Ironman CDA will be. It is truly an honor and I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of it. Being healthy and able bodied should not be taken for granted. There have many moments while training, I have been overcome by a profound sense of awe and gratitude of the human body and the spirit that drives it ever forward.
Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons I've learned over the last few months is what's possible when one has will and fortitude. Was the training hard? Sure. But, ever harder, was allocating the will to do Ironman in the first place and the fortitude to stick with it. Once you can do that, the training becomes much easier.
In this age of instant gratification and drive-thru convenience, a commitment to complete an Ironman race will not appeal to most. Too bad for them.
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