A few runs...a spinning class maybe

For most of last week I was recovering from my pitiful attempt at a comeback to triathlon with my Sprint Tri the weekend before. I decided that I was up for a run on Friday so I got in a good six miles after work. It felt really good and lifted my spirits a little. I'll have most of you know that I will continue this until I can knock out six milers like Barry used to do in the ballparks of San Francisco.



I may attempt a spinning class tonight... I'm not sure yet...we'll see how I am feeling after work today. Updates to come.

Race Report: A Disaster

Friday night conversation with Kristan:

Kristan: "Are you nervous about the triathlon tomorrow?"

Me: "Tomorrow will be a breeze. I'll probably come home and go for a run to actually get some real exercise."

Kristan: "Are you sure? You haven't done one in a while"

Me: "Are you kidding me. It'll be a piece of cake."

(Ummmm...yeah...I was a little wrong.)

Swim: 700 yards Bike: 12.5 miles Run: 2 miles

I show up a little after 6:30 thinking I will have plenty of time. Everyone had their wetsuits on and were ready to go. I scrambled and got to the shore in time for the gun to go off. All participants went at the same time. The swim started off good. I felt strong, confident, and ready to finish strong. About five minutes in I noticed a pain in my shoulder. Ten minutes in I couldn't breath. Fifteen minutes and I wanted to go home. I was exhausted. Somewhere in the middle of the race I felt something slimy hit my hand, and then my face and then my other hand. I realized that I was being attacked by jellyfish. I looked up and had swam off course. The jellyfish must have realized that I was tired and took advantage of the weak guy for a little breakfast. Before I knew it they were upon me. I was pushing jellyfish everywhere to get them off me...finally I got back in the group and away from those damn jellyfish...with no real injuries to speak of.



Bike

I got to my bike and wanted to go home. I was really tired from the swim. I had a helluva time getting my suit off and my bike gear on. I jumped on my bike and started to go when I realized my chain had fallen off. I got off my bike and began to fix my chain when all of a sudden...WHAM...some chick slams into me and we both go flying. I pick myself up and realize that I have no cuts and continue to fix my chain...stupid girl.



The bike actually felt pretty good. I thought we were supposed to do five laps and then exit for the run. As I was finishing lap number four I realized that most people had already finished. I began lap five and noticed that most of the people still riding were pretty amatuerish looking. Gone were the $5000 bikes and guys with fancy helmets on. These people were riding mountain bikes and tricycles. I couldn't believe it...either I had taken an extra lap or I am really slow.

Run

I dismounted my bike and went to get ready for the run. I look around and my shoes are nowhere to be found. Someone stole my shoes! I decide to do the run anyway. I go to the lady to yell out my number and she goes, "April Fools!" and points to a pile of shoes. The race directors had taken our shoes to be funny...not so funny I was thinking. Maybe if I had finished the bike with other people I may have noticed no one had their shoes but alas I was alone and in last place. The run hurt. My calves were tight and sore. I need to figure out how to fix that one.

I finished the race and was glad it was over. I am pretty sure I got last place. All the other racers were eating and laughing...most people were holding their stomachs b/c they had already finished, eaten, and were now relaxing...I was just finishing. I learned a couple things from this race...1) do not go into a race with a cocky attitude...no matter how short it is, 2) I need to train more often, and 3) jellyfish are slimy, scary little creatures.

See you at the next race!

Getting back into the swing of things

Went for a three mile run after work yesterday. I was hoping to go for a longer run but my legs have been killing me lately. Not sure if I need to rest more in between work outs or what. I went to the gym on Sunday and did twenty minutes on the bike and then ten minutes on the treadmill...I guess my legs must have needed more of a rest. Although I have had a nice break...no more vacations from training...this sore leg business is ridiculous.



I have a Sprint Triathlon this weekend through the San Diego Triathlon Club. I haven't done a race in a while so I am looking forward to it. I will provide a Race Update that afternoon for those who are interested.

I'm back...for the third time

Okay...okay. I know I have said this before. But I am going to make the push one last time to keep this thing up to date. The reasons are first and foremost selfish in that I need to motivate myself to train (although I haven't signed up for anything to train for) and secondly maybe to motivate a few others.

I would like to train steadily throughout the year and accomplish what I set out to accomplish when I started this blog...to complete a full Ironman. I have set my sights on Couer d'Alene 2009. So in an attempt to get back on the bandwagon I will start bloggin' again...at least until I cross the finish line in '09.

It seems like a long way away...but 15 months go by fast. In fact, I think I started this thing over 15 months ago...and that seems like yesterday. It will be here before I know it.

I think I have a couple friends on board to do it with me and, if we are lucky, my dad will join in the fun...or the pain and punishment as it will probably be.

So here we go again...the beginning of another long journey where I will accomplish and fail, set goals and procrastinate, complain and endure, motivate, sweat, and inspire and in the end, hopefully, cross the finish line.

- Ironman in Training