Iron H

The Three Faces of a Triathlete

2011-02-08T21:27:00.005-05:00

Saturday and Sunday mornings were always "Big Days" during training season. When I was signed up for an Ironman or Half-Ironman it was always Long Bike & Run on Saturday and Long Run on Sunday. I loved to do it early to get it out of the way so it wouldn't hang over my head later in the day. Plus it freed me up to do anything the family wanted (or to complete any work around the house.) We could happily go places and I wouldn't carry the stress of the workout looming over my head. I am sure we have all been there before. Plus they were usually sleeping while I was out logging mile after mile on the bike or run so it was a no brainer to do it first thing. Even when I was only doing "small things" for the upcoming racing season or when the season was over, I preferred doing my workouts in the morning. When mountain bike season is in full swing, it's the same. Ride in the AM, be home by 10:30 with bagels and no one gives you grief. Plus, it's the courteous thing to do. Those who ask for something must give back in return. All is fair in love and war or something like that.

Now that we are in the midst of enduring one of the longest, snowiest, and coldest Winters on record, I ask myself what has happened to me?! It seems that all I want to do on weekends is spend my Saturday (and Sunday) mornings in my PJ's, by the fire, reading my book and drinking hot coffee. In fact I look forward to it. If I am going to go out and run, it's usually later in the day when the sun is at it's warmest. Or I hit the treadmill and/or the bike trainer. But it's always later when the family is up and about and I'm fully awake with 3 good cups of coffee under my belt. And I have had my "quiet time" by the fire.

I guess I am using the weather as an excuse. This is certainly with good reason. But right now I am a lost soul searching for my motivation. I watched home movies my daughter made from two of my Ironman races this past weekend and I got re-energized all over again. But it's a fleeting feeling. I couldn't turn it into anything substantial work out wise. I am setting my sights on 2013 for Ironman again but each shot of pain below my knee and ache in my back makes me wonder if I will get there again. Now it's not only mental but physical as well.

The plan for 2011 is still to get out there and race in a Half Ironman and I am still setting my sights on REV3 in June but we will see. At press time I am still not signed up.

Finally, I should defend my other half because I am not being totally lazy. I am getting one bike trainer session in per week and I am running every third day. But the pool is whispering my name and I am not listening or answering the call. One half wants to get back in the water while the other half could care less.

Did What I Said

2011-01-31T21:34:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I did what I said I would: went to the basement, passed the easy chair and rode my bike on the trainer. I actually had a nice workout. It was only 45 minutes but I peddled hard including getting out of the saddle several times simulating hills. Now the real test is to keep it going. We shall see.

I have to say that motivation was supplied by jumping back on blogger and reading several of the triathlon blogs out there. I even posted links on some of the ones I enjoyed reading. Thanks everyone.

Lost in Space

2011-01-30T11:04:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that it has been over 4 months since my last post to this blog. I can't explain why except that I think I lost interest. Plus there has been so much going on in my life that I just didn't t make the time to write and keep it updated. I was also thinking of abandoning this idea for several others. I still might.

I haven't raced in a triathlon since Ironman Lake Placid in July 2009. In fact I haven't swam one single lap since then either! When I lost my job 4 days before the race, I dropped our family membership to the Y in a monetary move to tighten our belts. I am just now considering re-joining as our "situation" has become a little better. I have plans to jump back into racing this year with REV3 Quassy Half-Ironman (www.rev3tri.com) in Middlebury, Connecticut as the target race but as of press time I have't yet signed up.

I haven't completely lost my fitness the last 18 months by drinking beer and watching sports from the easy chair in my basement (although there has been plenty of that). There has been a lot of serious mountain biking, some road riding (when there isn't snow on the ground) and some running. In fact, I have been looking to sign up for a 10K or a half-marathon if I can figure out where and when as well as finding the motivation to actually do it.

In conclusion, I am hopeful that 2011 will get me back into triathlon racing. Whether I continue with the Iron H blog remains to be seen. I have a few other ideas I have been kicking around including something "triathlon related" but we shall see. For right now on this quiet Sunday morning, I think I may head down into that basement, by pass the easy chair and mount my bike in the trainer. Wish me luck!

Ironman: The Hardest Component Part II

2010-09-14T21:23:00.001-04:00

Nutrition. Some say it's the fourth discipline. I believe I have written about this before. Maybe more than once! For me it's the first discipline. In three Ironman races, I managed to get it right only once, my first time. I followed a similar program the very next year but the results were quite different. Let's just say it didn't work. By the time I left the transition tent after the bike, my stomach was well on its way to shutting down. After dry heaves at mile 10, it was "the will to finish and flat coke" that got me through. I walked most of the last 13 miles! Not fun! Some say that if one walks in Ironman, then there is something not completely right about that. I disagree. Triathlon, and Ironman specifically, is about finishing. As long as you do it legally.

But getting back to what makes this race so hard, Nutrition is second on my list. If you don't hit it right on the bike, it makes the run that much more difficult. And you are in for a long day. Trust me, I've experienced it twice now.

Ironman: The Hardest Component Part 1

2010-09-09T20:52:00.003-04:00

It has been over a year now since I last did Ironman in July 2009. I was out running recently and was thinking back to what the hardest part of the race really is. I mean if you dissect it piece by piece, what really stands out as the most challenging?

This really didn't take long to think through. For me, it was the run. And if I break it down further, it's the components of the run including the psychological aspect, nutrition and time of day that stand out.

First, the psychological component seems evident. You just finished a 2.4 mile swim and a 112 mile bike and all you have left is a 26.2 mile run. Thought of in those terms, the run seems at first like a picnic. It certainly is when you are at mile 95 on the bike and you and your muscles are screaming to be done already. The run appears very inviting. Anything to get off the bike even running a marathon! When you do finish the bike, pull into transition and relieve your tired feet from those rigid bike shoes, it's a great feeling. First, you know made it through the bike and the race is almost over. Second, it feels incredible to be standing in sneakers and not hunched over screaming at the pain in your back, quads and everywhere else.

You leave the tent and get swallowed by the crowds lining the street calling your name. For a brief moment as you run through town, you are a true rock star. Then after 1 or 2 miles, reality sets in. The crowd dumps you like a bored girlfriend. The muscles start to ache once more and this time all over. (They never really stopped aching!) Suddenly, the thought of running 26.2 miles starts to choke you. The mind begins its relentless campaign of getting you to stop. The little red devil appears on your shoulder and won't go away. It's going to be a long day and night and you know it. You feel it.

Next post, I'll go into the Nutritional aspect of the run and what it means. Nutrition itself could make or break your whole race. It starts the day before, takes hold in the morning of the race, and completes the second act (the bike) in a breathtaking climax. How it turns out is what Act 3 (the run) is all about.

The Heartless Can't Keep Me Down

2010-07-20T21:46:00.002-04:00

One year ago tomorrow was an interesting day. It was my last day of work before I would be packing up the Suburban and heading north with the family to race Ironman in Lake Placid. It was also my last day of work with my then employer.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. As I awoke that morning, I had a certain bounce in my step. Training was just about over with Ironman just 4 days away. I had had a good 8 months of training that started the week of Thanksgiving in 2008. I felt I was prepared to meet my race goals. IM training is a long, hard grind and when you get to the last week, it's quite a relief. Even though you are feeling the stress of the approaching race, you know the end is near.

My job was as a manager in charge of a sales team in the IT staffing industry. I was looking forward to putting in a good day of work and then taking off until the following Wednesday when I would return. My family was looking forward to this trip as well since it was also serving as our summer vacation.

I was in my office when my then boss kept trying to come in to talk with me. I kept getting phone calls so he would duck back out again. It was like musical chairs. Finally, he got in, the phone didn't ring (Bummer!), he sat down and he laid it out on me: "We're letting you go." Did I just hear that? Wait a minute, I have been giving my heart and soul to this place for the last 2 years for little in return. Since November, I have been training for Ironman, which he knew, and not once did it ever interfere with work. I was also taking off for only 4 days all of which I had earned. He didn't even have the heart to wait until I returned. He made the choice to pile on more stress on top of the stress I was already feeling from racing 140.6 miles on Sunday. More than anything, I was insulted.

I packed up my things and left abruptly. The heat that day was unbelievable. It must have been 90 degrees. So, there I was in the parking lot of our building, in a suit, sweating and pacing back and forth. I was angry. I was upset. But I was also, in a weird way, relieved. I really couldn't stand working for this guy anyway. He was the sole owner of this small, Mom & Pop company. He was arrogant, pompous, thought he knew everything but really knew nothing on how to run and grow a company. He could care less about the people who worked for him. Since I was there, I saw it repeatedly how poorly he treated people.

But I was also nervous because now I had to call my wife and let her know. She would cry. She would be angry. She would be upset. And the worst of it, our little vacation would now have a black cloud hanging over it.

Fast forward to now. I can honestly say that losing my job that day was a great thing for me. I am with a much better company run by managers that care about their people. They also know how to run a business.

I didn't let the firing ruin my race. Even though I didn't finish in the time I wanted, it was still my fastest IM finish by about 10 minutes. And my wife and daughters had a great time too! My niece gave me a great motivational tool for that day. She said, "every time you want to slow down, get angry and think of your boss." But you know what? I didn't think of him at all. I thought of good images not bad. Even though I had good reason to think of him at Mile 10 of the run when I had the drive heaves.

The Summer of Nothing

2010-07-17T19:48:00.002-04:00

No races.
No real training.
No alarms going off at 5 AM to get to the pool.
No cold pools half awake.
No 100 mile rides.
No hills at 90 degrees and humid, ready to throw up.
No 3 hour runs.
No sore knee's.
No Nothing.
Well, almost nothing.

I haven't totally forgot how to lace up my running shoes or pump air in my tires but basically this has been the Summer of Nothing. And I can't decide if I like it or not. I don't miss the time commitment. (How did all this work around the house ever get done?) But I do miss the challenge and the good tiredness all that training brings. I always seem to sleep better when I did something earlier in the day. Now I just sleep.

1 Year Ago: 100 Miles

2010-07-04T21:14:00.003-04:00

One year ago yesterday was my final long ride for Ironman Lake Placid before the great season of tapering began. I looked back yesterday and honored the day with a shorter, albeit grueling, mountain bike ride. Not 100+ miles in the saddle.

It is true that I am enjoying this "no racing season" but I am starting to get itchy. There will be no Ironman in 2011 or 2012 for that matter. But next year I get back in the game with a half-IM and some shorter races. Heck, I might even pick up a sprint race this September if I can drag myself back into the pool anytime soon. For now though, it's a few morning runs, lots of Mountain Biking, and Miller Lite's.

I think back to that ride last year and remember it as being pretty hot and it involved a lot of hills. I get butterfly's when I think of it and the entire training plan overall. When you look back on what you need to do for 35 weeks, it's mentally challenging. How does one do it? The answer: you just do. Like anything in life, if you want it that badly, you go for it. Failure is not an option. There will be bumps in the road to Ironman but if you want to cross that finish line, and I did, then you just do it.

Gotta Be the Shoes

2010-06-19T21:32:00.003-04:00

What a great morning for a mountain bike ride up in Ringwood, New Jersey. 60 degrees to start and sunny. I added some new parts to the bike including a Cannondale Lefty fork on the front so I was looking forward to it. But check out those shoes! Is it time to break down and get a new pair? I would say so since mid-way through the ride, the cleat on my left shoe ripped right out of the plastic sole on the bottom of the shoe. I was ready to head back via a fire road while my friends pushed on over some of the sweetest, technical single track Ringwood has to offer. But they wouldn't let me. And that's what friends are for, right?!

Well, we fixed the shoe as best we could. I was able to ride the rest of the trails out although the left foot kept slipping out of the pedal. Not so much fun when you are riding over some rough rocks and roots but it worked. Now it's time to break down and get a new pair. I can't tell you how long I've had these. I mean, it's crazy how long I've had them. That's a testament to the find product that Diadora makes. I wouldn't hesitate to but the same model. But I think they are out of print so to say.

Anyway, I owe it to my friend's to buy a new pair.

No Eagleman in 2010

2010-06-06T15:59:00.002-04:00

Next Saturday I will do something that I haven't done in 8 years: stay home. This is Eagleman weekend and the boys and I will not be heading south to Maryland to compete. I feel a sort of sadness but, let's face it, it's a tough race. And I deliberately took this year off in terms of entering the long races: no Ironman and no half-Ironman. I have no sprint races scheduled either but we'll see. The only problem is that I haven't been in the pool since last July. And I don't see my self going there any time soon.

Eagleman is a great race and I have certainly stated this before. But the conditions can be very challenging. It's usually hot, windy and the current in the river can be rough. One year there were 3 foot wakes. No joke. You have to come into this race well trained. Otherwise it will be a very long and depressing day. This race rarely gives you any breaks and will punish those who treat it lightly.

Yeah, I'll be sad next Saturday but hey, I'll be relieved as well.

Sunshine

2010-03-07T20:24:00.004-05:00

Nothing is better for the body and soul than sunshine. And a ride outside on the bike to boot! It's been mild these past 2 days here in Northern New Jersey: Sunny and 54 degrees. Yesterday, I ran for 35 minutes OUTSIDE and today I biked for 50 minutes OUTSIDE. It's been a long, hard, cold Winter and I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. This depressing, long cocoon of inactivity that I've been struggling with is coming to an end. This past week included 4 workouts and I'm declaring that my struggle is near the end. The enemy is withdrawing and life is returning to "normal" again. Praise the God of Ironmen!

Good vs. Evil

2010-01-21T20:01:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning looked bad. I couldn't get out of bed right at 6 AM so I was on the verge of losing my window of opportunity. My window was this: I needed to get on the trainer at 6:05 in order to get 30 minutes of riding in, be able to shower, dress & eat something and all before 7:15 so I could take my daughter to school and then drive myself to work. And, last but not least, keep my promise. My promise to finally get myself going in 2010.

Well, my daughter was putting up quite the resistance. She said she "didn't feel well" and I was pushing her a little hard. I was also pushing the clock. I looked at my watch and it read 6:25. I was ready to throw in the towel when my wife said she was letting her sleep for a little longer and would take her in after 1st period. Okay I thought. Do I go back to bed and sleep for 30 more minutes? Or do I push through this mental resistance that has been hanging over me like the smog in LA? I had good and evil on opposite shoulders and evil was about to win when I finally said "Enough!"

I changed into my bike shorts, a dri-fit shirt, grabbed some socks, my ipod, bike shoes and headed down to my dark, dank and chilly basement. What happened next was a transformation. A re-awakening if you will. OK, maybe it wasn't that poetic but I did get 25 minutes in and felt great afterwards. A small victory and a step forward. I will admit that I felt more vigorous throughout the day. Maybe not so much from the physical workout itself but from the mental aspects that I pushed through. Good beat evil and I'll live another day. But let's see what tomorrow brings.

2010 Plans

2010-01-19T22:12:00.003-05:00

I ran yesterday. I didn't jog. And it felt great! 50 degrees here in New Jersey and it felt like a spring day. I even managed to vacuum out two of our cars and wash one of them in our driveway. I would have taken the bike out for a ride but the roads are still mucky with dirt, mud, salt, sand and other elements that want to destroy my two wheels. So, I did the next best thing: I set her up on the trainer in my basement in what is known as the "Art Room." And tomorrow I shall ride before work.

My new year's resolution was to create a 2010 plan that would encompass all my life goals including working out. I have a drop dead date of getting it done by January 31but it's nearly complete and I will finalize it well before that date for sure. But just in case, the clock is ticking and I have 11 days to finish the final copy.

But isn't it funny that I have to put a workout goal in my 2010 plan? I mean less than 6 months removed from crossing the line at Ironman Lake Placid and I need to write down my workout goals! Yep, that's right. Because it gets harder as you get more involved and go greater distances. The mind fights you all along the way and you need to give your best shot right back. Staying on track with a workout goal(s) requires work and that work requires planning.

My Jog

2010-01-18T08:57:00.003-05:00

I run; I don't jog. I go running; I don't go jogging. Those of us who seem to take running seriously, always want to make that distinction. Jogging is something you do casually. "There's nothing to do so let's go out for a jog." But running defines you. You're going somewhere when you run. Whether it's long mileage or part of triathlon training, running has a purpose. When I go for a run, I typically fight through mental or physical pain. Physical usually being the soreness in my knee's. Mental usually being another obstacle on my way to race day. Do I have to run again today? "It's cold outside, it's raining and I've worked out 6 days this week already." That's what running conjures up in the mind. Jogging does not.

So, last Monday, I made my way down to the basement to my treadmill. I've been struggling with my workouts since last July and part of the problem is that I have no races scheduled for 2010 right now. No Ironman. I've raced 3 out of the last 4 years and the family and I need a break. No Half-Ironman. My 9 straight years of heading south in June to Eagleman will come to an end in 2010. Therefore, I have no goals.

My intention this early Monday morning, before work, was to get on the treadmill and get the legs amd knee's begging for more of this. Tease them a little. Get them used to the pain and get the mind used to doing something early. Endorphins can illicit addiction. My overall plan was to get moving 4 days a week at the minimum. And this morning I was shooting low. I was going for lowing hanging fruit. Get an entry in the workout journal as a cornerstone for the rest of the winter. Bring me into the Spring, when the days start to get longer and the temperature warmer, with the right mindset. That's why I kept the speed low, the incline at zero, the time short and went for a jog to get things going.

In a Rut

2010-01-09T09:17:00.004-05:00

New year but no new motivation.

I am in a downward spiral from my Ironman finish in July of last year. A mere shadow of what I once was. I haven't gained much weight, maybe 10 pounds over race day, but that is typical for me. It's my mind and spirit that are operating like a sloth right now.

It hasn't been a total shut the door on working out mind you. There have been "weekly" runs, usually 3+ miles for 25 to 30 minutes. That's once a week. And back when the ground was still visible (no snow) and the temp was bearable (above 30 degrees F), we were mountain biking every Saturday. But we are in a cold spell here in North Jersey and there has been snow on the ground since before Christmas and 20 degree days with wind chills below that. So, what's the point?

Every night I go to bed with the intention of waking up and hitting the treadmill in my basement for 30 minutes in the morning before work. (30 minutes is all I can stand before I go insane running in place). But, alas, I am "too tired" and unmotivated to follow through. Then there is my room in the basement where I usually set up my bike on the trainer. Unfortunately, we have been accumulating "junk" and there is no room in there to set the trainer up. One day I will straighten it up and make room but that day has not arrived. So, I tumble further down into this abyss of inactivity.

Three of my training buddies have signed up for a half IM in Connecticut in June but I have not. I've been to the website and it looks like a great race but I'm still standing on the sidelines. Besides how will I train for the swim? We put the Y membership on hold last August to save money. And it's too cold to swim outside.

Even writing this blog has become a chore. Here I sit on Saturday morning, in the basement, with the treadmill staring me down. I have to avoid eye contact with it when I go back upstairs. But I'm writing. My first post since November. Maybe this is the break I need to break out of this rut. No promises. We will just have to see.

Last Year

2009-11-29T09:09:00.004-05:00

At this time last year, I was completing Week 1 of training for Ironman Lake Placid. All I can say is that it brought a smile to my face when I realized I wasn't signed up for 2010! Hit the woods yesterday for some great single track mountain biking and it was fantastic!

I usually don't mountain bike during IM training for fear of a needless injury. But those shackles are off this year. Looking forward to a nice "easy" winter of running, mountain biking, casual road riding (weather permitting) and taking it slow. Sometime around February I'll head back to the pool to start training for a Half IM in June. Oh yeah! Now it's time for another cup of coffee.

Turning the Page

2009-11-03T21:26:00.006-05:00

So, tomorrow I will put an end to this time of idleness. Thanks to Mel 2nd Chances (Mel-2ndchances.blogspot.com), I am going to run tomorrow morning either on the street or the treadmill. In fairness to me, I've been putting in a good Saturday workout on the mountain bike. But other than that: nothing. Nothing since Lake Placid.

Again, in fairness to me, I started a new job 6 weeks ago and I've been wrapped up in that. However, in order to not let me off the hook here, I've had plenty of time to get it going in the morning. I've just been lazy. I've also felt little desire to write here on something that has been such a big part of my life over the last 12 years: the sport of triathlon.

Time to turn the page.

Nothing Going On

2009-10-13T20:17:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been well over 1 month since I have contributed to this blog. Many reasons why. Lazy is in the Top 5 as is being tired at night when I write. I just started a new job so I've been a little worn out when I get home. But the number 1 reason is this: Nothing Going On. It's those calm waters after the storm. It's the not wanting to exert yourself after 9 months of training 6 days a week. It's also mountain bike season. And that's what I have been doing. Ride on Saturdays and that's it.

I was running 2 or 3 times per week but that has come to a grinding halt as well. I need to get that going because I feel so lazy. Every cookie or piece of chocolate I put in my mouth feels like it has double the calories. This is the evil side of Ironman. Does this happen to anyone else?

I haven't even swam since the race back in July. Everything I gained is probably long gone by now. The speed I had worked hard to achieve in order to keep pace with the better swimmers is out the window. I purposefully missed signing up for the Eagleman 70.3 Half Ironman. It closed out which means my streak of consecutive years is done at 8. What is wrong with me? Am I becoming a couch potato? I mean my favorite drinks these days are coffee and beer. And I love watching college football on Saturdays. All day long!

Maybe writing about this horrible time that I am going through will help me get out of the corner. Get off the canvas and answer the bell. But for now I feel like I have been TKO'd. Somebody help me and invite me for a 50 miler!

The Wheels Came Off

2009-09-06T10:53:00.001-04:00

I went for my first bike ride after Ironman this past Tuesday. (The race was almost 6 weeks ago) I went for my second one 2 days later on Thursday. Let me tell you, it felt great to be back on the road.

There were several reasons why it took me so long to get back out there. The first BIG one was laziness. The second BIGGER one was that I couldn't get my tires back on my wheels. I know that really sounds lame, doesn't it? It's funny because I feel like I am fairly good when it comes to "simple bike repairs." I would consider fixing a flat and getting the tire back on the wheel to be one of them. But for some reason, the two new tires I bought and the wheels I own (Easton T3, by the way) were not in agreement with each other. For the race I had borrowed my friend's wheels because I had a "spoke" issue with my wheels 2 weeks before race day. I was afraid of a spoke breaking again during Ironman.

Putting my tires on his wheels: No Problem. But my tires on my wheels: Big Problem!

For weeks, I took a shot at it. But all I accomplished were sore red hands and sore red fingers. It was embarrassing! Why couldn't I do this?? I never had this issue before. And I wanted to ride this bike so badly. The weather during this time period was mostly amazing. It was begging me to get outside. I thought of taking them to my local bike shop but the shame I would feel. Not an option. This went on for awhile until last Monday when I made one final charge. I had a vision the night before about how I could do it. I can't write it here because I am thinking of marketing this technique and wouldn't want to give away any trade secrets for free. The vision came true. The technique worked! And much to my delight, I was back on the road. This is what Ironman has taught me: Never Give Up! There is so much practicality to this insane sport they call Ironman. Its lessons are endless. At least that is what I keep telling myself.

I Can't Stop Eating!

2009-09-01T13:00:00.001-04:00

It's September 1, more than 5 weeks since my Ironman finish on July 26 and I have been on a non-stop food fest. I can't stop eating! The hunger is insatiable. I don't think I've gained that much weight but I am not doing much to burn the calories either. I have run exactly 4X with no biking or swimming since then so I am not in need of the calories. When I was training for IM, I ate like crazy too but during that time I needed to. Now, it's just that I can't satisfy the hunger.

Look at what I ate yesterday, a typical day:

2 eight ounce glasses OJ
2 cups of coffee
2 bananas
1 bowl of Oatmeal Squares cereal
1 English muffin w/peanut butter
1 Kashi granola bar
1 Capri Sun lemonade
1 Turkey sandwich (lettuce, cheese, mayo) on sub roll
10 small pretzels
3 bottles of water
2 glasses of Iced tea
1 plate of spaghetti with meatballs
5 pieces of Italian bread with butter
1 serving of broccoli
1 small piece of carrot cake
1 decaf coffee

Does this seem a lot? When I weighed in at Ironman I was 192 pounds. I am guessing that I probably lost 3 0r 4 pounds during the race. This makes my post-race weight at about 188. My guess is that I have gained about 7 pounds back. Not that I am watching my weight. Don't get me wrong. But this hunger. It's getting to me. Then again I do love to eat.

Anything is Possible....Almost

2009-08-22T14:46:00.005-04:00

I saw this bike in the Ironman Lake Placid transition area after racking my bike Saturday afternoon. My first thought that this guy (or woman) was crazy to attempt the bike at Lake Placid with this piece of ancient machinery. The hills will bring him (or her) to their feet begging for mercy. I started to visualize and feel their pain. There would be a brief moment of joy as they sailed down the 6 mile downhill at Mile 10. I know just what they would think, "Man, I can do this." But what waited ahead would bring even the most confident of bikers crawling into town crying like a baby. That is, if they could make it back to town after 3 moments of truth.

First, there was the hill out of Jay going up Route 86. A long, steady climb that goes up, flattens briefly and then goes upward some more. It's one of those quad busters that leave you crying out in agony as you reach the top. Not to mention a curse word or two.

Second, there was the out and back. Especially the back. The hills coming back rival the hardest of climbs. It's usually hot at this time as well if the sun is out. It was that day.

Third, the last 10 miles into town. I believe they call these hills Poppa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear. Many a soul is flattened here. The first time through it's tough. The second time it's merciless.

But then I started to think of this old clunker and the bravey of its rider. I had found a new hero. As they say in Ironman, "Anything is Possible" and this athlete was going to spit in the face of the naysayers. Power to the people!

So recently, I tried studying the photo to locate the athlete. A few bikes down from it, the number of another athlete, 632, was visible. So I started to looking at results near this number and cross referencing it with the pictures that are available after the race. Eventually, I found him! And it was a him. I looked up his results and that's when I saw it. The DNF. I was disappointed that he didn't finish the race let alone the bike. He had completed the first loop, 56 miles, in 4 hours 28 minutes 23 seconds. If he was to make the cut off, he would need to do the second loop in 4 hours 19 minutes. Tough to do. But it appears he couldn't answer the bell for the second loop. Was he injured? Did the bike breakdown? Or was his psyche too damaged that he threw in the towel and became another IM victim falling short of his goal? I may never know.

One thing is sure, I do salute him for his attempt. And I hope he will try again. But I do further hope that it is on a different bike. Dreams do come true but sometimes you have to have the right equipment.

IM Lake Placid-The Race: Right and Wrong

2009-08-21T19:22:00.002-04:00

Last post, I spelled out what I did right and what I did wrong during training. So, now I will look at the actual race and do the same.

The Race (Wrong):

1. Nutrition: I thought I had corrected one of my issues: Gatorade. I replaced it with Heed by Hammer for the bike. For the most part, I felt it worked. But when the temperature rose, my desire to drink sank. In terms of "food", I chose 1/2 Clif Bar per hour plus Powerbar Gel Blasts to get me to about 350-400 calories per hour. The heat turned off the desire to eat those foods as well. So, it's back to the drawing board to figure it out.

2. The Run: I always feel this way after a race but I start to question whether I ran hard enough. Did I walk too much? Could I have pushed harder? It's not so much that my run went wrong as much as it is that I wish I felt better during the run.

3. Transition: I need to get better with these. I didn't really improve from 2007 and let me tell you, there is plenty of room for improvement. I think because it's Ironman, I take my sweet time. What does 4 or 5 minutes really mean in a 13 -14 hour race? It means a lot. It really does.

The Race (Right):

1. First Loop of the Bike: The first 56 miles felt good. For the first time, I didn't wear a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) and went by feel. I think I pushed as hard as I wanted to on the first loop and stayed within my desired zone. I was hopeful for the last 56.

2. The Swim: I was happy. Beat my previous best by 2 minutes. Thought I could go faster. Thought the second loop should have been faster. But I came out of the water feeling good and pleased with the time. So, the swim was a win.

3. Clothing: I wore the same outfit the entire race and it worked for me. In my Run Special Needs bag I thought I had left a long sleeve Dri-fit shirt. It sometimes gets cool on the second run loop but it turn out I had put a short sleeve shirt in there instead. In the end I didn't need it anyway so I made all the right moves.

The little things matter in this race. And all the experts agree (well, most of them do) that nutrition is the 4th discipline. It's incredibly important especially for me. I always say I will do better the next time. This year I did but I still have many kinks to work out.

IM Training: Right and Wrong

2009-08-10T22:19:00.006-04:00

After 35 long weeks of training and the race itself, it's time to look back and reflect. Time to reflect on the Training and the Race. On what went Right and what went Wrong.

Let's look at Training first.

Training (Right):

1. Injury Free: I managed no trips to the orthopedic for my knee's or feet. I contribute this to a very measured approach in mileage build-up for the run part of training.

2. Long Rides: I hit every long ride I was supposed to. My longest long rides were significantly longer than in 2007. This came into play for the hills in Lake Placid.

3. Everything in the Morning: I did all of my training in the morning which helped with work and family. It made me tired and I had to go to bed early but it didn't interfere with two of the most important things in my life. Family first. Job second.

Training (Wrong)

1. Nutrition on the Bike: I didn't nail it for the race. I knew the impact and the significance but I didn't nail my plan during training. I should have prepared more for it and taken it more seriously. I should have also experimented more with my beverage of choice on the bike.

2. Longer Runs with Bricks: Even though my plan didn't call for many, I should have implemented Bricks that called for 3 hour rides and 2 or 3 hour runs right after. Most of my long rides (6+ hours) were followed by 30 minute runs. The longer runs may have helped with my nutrition.

3. No Weights or Core Work: Weights was in my plan but Core Work was not. I chose not to do the weights after about 5 or 6 weeks into the plan. It was just too much. I totally ignored Core workouts. When you are swimming, biking and running 6 days a week, it's tough to add a 4th discipline. But, come race time, it could mean all the difference in the world.

Next post I'll reflect on the race itself.

It's a Beautiful Day: Ironman Lake Placid 2009 Re-cap

2009-08-01T09:08:00.005-04:00

For some reason, in the moments before the start of a long race like Ironman, I am not nervous. I am excited but overall I experience a sense of calm. It might be because I know it's going to be a long day and there is no reason to look too far ahead. And in Ironman where the swim is usually a dogfight, I would need to conserve energy from the start.

So, it was in this state of being after seeing and spending time with my family, I entered the water at 6:45, swam across the end of the lake and stood waiting for the race to begin on the far side. The temperature of the water was perfect, about 70 to 72 degrees but it had started to rain. I was fearing a repeat of 2008 when Lake Placid experienced biblical rains that lasted all day long. I wouldn't have minded rain during the swim or the run but not the bike.

The gun went off and we were off. I started wide right but quickly cut into the line of swimmers along "the line." In Mirror Lake, there is a bright yellow cord below the surface of the water, 8 feet down (?), that lines the course. It's great if you can follow it because there is less swimming off course but it's a dogfight to stay on it. Everyone wants to be there. I got on it about half way down the first side of the rectangular course and stayed there for the rest of the race. But I paid the price. I was hit, poked, rammed, had my goggles knocked off more than once and stopped in the water several times. Usual fare in the IM swim. Around the first turn, a woman competitor actually stopped and said to me "Can you quit doing that?" Doing what? I mean if she meant hitting her with my arms as I swam, I thought to myself, "Is she serious?" I was constantly being hit and hitting others but not on purpose. When 2200 swimmers are packed like sardines fighting for space in the water, you expect this. She had to be a first timer. I paid no attention to the remark and just kept going, trying to get away from her.

I did the first loop in just over 35 minutes which I was happy with. I thought I was faster on the 2nd loop but was actually slower completing the entire swim in 1:17:51 about 2 minutes faster than my previous attempts. I exited the water feeling good, had my wet suit stripped, ran down the red carpet to T1, saw my family along the way and was happy the swim was over. On to the bike and 112 miles.

The rain that had fallen earlier in the morning didn't play a factor in speed especially during the great 6 mile downhill. This stretch occurs at mile 10 and mile 66 of the bike. It's a lot of fun and a brief break from peddling all the uphills at Lake Placid. My maximum speed topped out at 46 miles/hour but there were a lot of people that got it well over 50 going. My bike started to shimmy and I just didn't fell like crashing during the race.

The first loop went really well I thought. I did the first 56 miles in 6 hours 13 minutes and thought I had a great shot at coming in at 6:35:00. I felt good stomach wise so that is the other reason I felt so optimistic. However, around the 60 mile mark, it was strange as if a switch was turned on. Suddenly, I wasn't feeling great. As I started to climb hill, my quads tightened a little, it got hotter out and my stomach felt queasy. I pushed the nutrition thing trying to keep with the Heed, Cliff bars and Powerbar gel blasts. But as I rode it got worse and worse. Still i didn't think I was that far off in terms of nutrition. I still felt much better than in 2007 when I was sick coming into T2. I finished the bike 6:58:32 much slower than I planned. The last 10-12 miles coming back into town are like driving through hell. The scenery is beautiful. The fans are great. But the body is screaming to finish. It can't wait to run a marathon which just sounds down right demonic.

I wasted only 5 minutes in T2 although I wanted to stay longer. My family was right outside the tent as I exited so I spent some time with them before I started my journey. Leaving town is great because everyone is cheering and the energy just carries you. But just past the first aid station as you climb a short hill, reality sets in. I didn't want to walk this soon but I couldn't help myself. I started to notice my hunger for the first time realizing that once again I didn't eat enough on the bike. I passed on the orange Gatorade instead going for the water and some grapes. The grapes tasted good and I kept throwing them down until I reached Mile 10. It was there that one grape thrust my entire race into jeopardy. When it hit my stomach, my body suffered from violent dry heaves. At first I couldn't control them. I stopped walking and bent over. I was still getting them when I knelt down and waited for them to pass. A Someone ran by and shouted to "keep moving. You know Cola settles the stomach." I knew this but was going to put off the cola until later in the race. Unfortunately, I had to re-adjust that plan. Thanks to that racer for reminding me that I had to do what I had to do. And that was to save my race. For the rest of the race all I had was cola, water and cups of ice. I dared not go near the chicken broth or anything solid. I still had some nausea as well.

I met a lot of great people out there. In Ironman, everyone who is at your pace is typically suffering right along with you. So you swap stories as you run, walk and run again. I met a guy from Austin, Texas who was not only doing his first IM but it was his first triathlon! In those later hours as the sun sets, it's like a brotherhood out there. We are all after two goals: to finish and to finish respectively. I picked up some untapped energy with 4 miles to go. I started to put together some strong pushes and came sprinting into the Olympic oval to finish the run in 5:55:03. Not what I wanted but I'll take it.

My finish time for the entire 140.6 miles was 14:29:50. It was about 1 hour longer than my goal time but 10 minutes faster than my previous PR. All in all it was another great day. I said all along that this could be my last but it's not. I will take a few years off because this one was tough on the family. At least the training was. Training and completing three in the last four years takes a toll. But when it comes to Ironman, I'm an addict. And I'm coming back again. Someday.

Mile 10

2009-07-29T18:45:00.005-04:00

My third Ironman finish is the books. And even though it was a rough experience at times, it was satisfying overall. So much has happened over the last few weeks that I am going to relfect back in snippets. Love that word: snippet. As defined in the dictionary, snippet is a small collection of fragments.

My first snippet then goes back to the run portion of the race and specifically at Mile 10. This is where I had trouble in 2007 and again in 2009. Why start here? Because I think this is what has defined my IM racing career. Mile 10.

In 2007, I had trouble with the Orange Gatorade Endurance on the bike. It just didn't sit well and ended up tying my stomach in knots. This year, even though they were giving out Lemon-Lime, I decided to use my own nutrition plan. I replaced the Gatorade with Heed. Heed is made by Hammer Nutrition and contains no High Fructose Corn Syrup. I thought this was the answer. Everything seemed to be going well nutrition wise on the bike. At Special Needs, between the two loops, I replaced my three bottles of Heed with some new olcd bottles from my bag. But it was getting hotter and hotter out. There was some humidity in the air and on the 2nd bike loop the wind seemed to kick up a few notches. I was still drinking a little Heed but slowing down. I kept with the water and was getting some Powerbar gel tabs down. I thought I was ok. I thought this would work.

But when I started the run, I was hungry. This alarmed me because you just can't replace everything at once. Plus, how was I going to get 200 calories per hour into my system? They were giving away orange Gatorade at the aid stations and I avoided it. If it had been Lemon-Lime, I would have ventured to try it with a cup of ice and watered down. But no such luck. I started to sip water and take in some grapes instead. They were good and filling the hole in my stomach. I continued this for the first 100 minutes. But then suddenly the next grape I ingested broke the camel's back. This one evil grape launched my stomach into violent dry heaves. I walked, bent over, walked and then stopped. I couldn't control it and I thought I was done. I crouched down with my head over my knee and waited for it to stop. I remember many people prior to the race advising me that if you were suffering from stomach distress to stop and wait. What's 5 or 10 minutes in an Ironman? Let it pass. My plan was to start drinking cola the 2nd loop but I was thinking that I might have to start earlier. Just as that thought entered my mind, someone ran by me and asked if I was ok. Then he shouted, "drink the cola. It settles the stomach, you know." I knew but I appreciated the reminder. The decision was made and it saved me. I started moving again.

Even though my run time was not what I wanted it to be. And even though I walked more than I wanted to, it was still a good race. I picked up my pace the last 4 miles and actually felt good coming in.

Tomorrow, I start at the beginning.

Ironman Countdown: 4 Plus Days

2009-07-21T21:45:00.004-04:00

Ironman is now about 4 days and 7 hours away. All the little aches and pains are becoming bigger than they really are. I start to focus on them and create more concern than is needed. But the bottom line is that after almost 35 weeks of training, you can't not come to the start of this race with some kind of pain. My knees, feet, back, hip and neck all suffer or have suffered from pain during my pursuit of a third IM finish. And that's what makes finishing the Ironman special. It's your ability to push through these issues and finish.

I am not looking for a finish like I had in 2007 when I walked a lot of the last 13 miles of the run. I had stomach issues and my legs were shutting down. This year I believe I've worked through those issues and come up with a good plan for eating during the bike. For my own mental state, I need to best my time by 90 minutes in order to feel that I accomplished what I set out to do. If I do then I will feel better about taking time off for the next Ironman. Which won't be for at least 4 years!

Here Comes Ironman

2009-07-18T11:04:00.003-04:00

Ironman is 8 days away and it's taken it's toll. The stress is not over yet.

First, let's start with the family. They love Lake Placid and they love Ironman. What's not to love for them? They get to be in a beautiful place and watch me suffer! Kidding aside, it is a great place to be on race day. The buzz is unbelieveable! And it is exciting for them to watch me. But I feel guilty because this is esentially their summer vacation. So, after this one is over, it's time to take a hiatus from Ironman. Three in the last four years is a lot. The training started the week of Thanksgiving so it's a long haul. Not just on me but the family. They suffer right along with me.

Second, I've had a good training period and I feel I'm ready to post a PR. But this past week I was out on a 20 mile ride when at 12 miles in, I broke a spoke. My trusty mechanic Juan is superb at what he does. He's the one I trust the most with my bike. He repaired the wheel but he couldn't do it the way it should have been done. He had to "Jimmy it". His words of wisdom were try it out before the race and see what happens. But in the meantime "start looking for a new wheel". This did not give me the confidence I was looking for so I started exploring options. Do I buy, rent, or borrow a bike? Luckily, a friend of mine had a set of 650 Bontrager's that are in great shape. So, I'm racing on his wheels next weekend.

Finally, I am still tuning my nutrition that is oh so important during this race. In 2007, bad nutrition on the bike crippled me on the run. I had the dry heaves at mile 10 and ended up walking 90% of the last 13 miles. Not a fun day. I came to the conclusion that Gatorade makes me sick after 2 hours of drinking it. Since I will be on the bike for about 6 1/2 hours, I need to look to replace it. I have one bike ride left to figure this out. The plan is to try Heed by Hammer which contains no sugar. It has a subtle flavor and contains enough calories and electrolytes to get me through. At this stage it's a little risky to try something new but I figured 2 1/2 hours on the bike drinking it exclusively should tell me something. The plan is also to drink more water on the bike something I usually don't do enough of.

Well, the excitement is starting to build. Still a lot to do before we shove off next Thursday. But it's all good. I have to keep the stress down this week or my wife will shoot me before I even make it to the start of the swim.

I Can See the Light

2009-07-08T21:37:00.002-04:00

The Mental Weeks are over!

The rides on the last 5 Saturday's consisted of 100, 103, Half Ironman (56 and a break!), 99 and 90. All included runs of 30 minutes afterwards. I am in Week 33 with 2 1/2 weeks to go to race day and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I am in taper there is still a lot of work to be done, don't get me wrong, but the end is near. This Saturday the ride is 60 miles with a 1 hour run to follow and it feels like I'll be on vacation. I might be home before 1 PM!!

It's at this point where you just can't wait for it to be over. Slowly you inch towards race week and the anticipation will start to build.

I also don't want anything stupid to happen. Don't trip and fall over the dog or catch your foot in the car door. No way. Stay safe.

I have a tightness in my left hip/left upper leg area which is of a concern. But at this point, if I had to do the IM today, I could. So, it's all about allowing it to heal and landing in one piece. If I have to skip a workout, I will. if I have to cut it short then I'll do that too.

I haven't felt like writing but will try to get more of the next 2 1/2 weeks written down. This is number 3 for me and I will then be going on IM hiatus. I may have to change the name of this blog!

Eagleman Re-cap

2009-06-21T21:02:00.002-04:00

Thanks for everyone's good wishes for Eagleman. The race went well. The key was the weather. As Leah said, the weather was not as hot as last year. The run did get a little warm at times but overall it was ok. There was some cloud cover that shielded the sun but the rays were strong and still produced plenty of sun burn.

The swim was a different course this year as the area where you usually finish, the boat launch, was being repaired. They had us going in the opposite direction. I had a decent swim with a time of 35:40. I had a tough time sighting some of the buoys and at times found myself drifting off. But overall I was pleased with the swim.

I was intent on getting fast transition times this year. I came into T1 in a blaze. But the wet, muddy conditions slowed me down and I took 4:08 in getting ready for the bike. Not all that bad but I was hoping to be a minute faster.

The bike started out great as I was producing averages between 21 and 22 miles per hour. Where were the winds?!! I was hammering along and feeling great when I realized that I spoke to soon. Around mile 40, the infamous Eagleman winds kicked in and stayed with us most of the whole way home. I ended up with a 19+ average and a time of 2:55:00. I'll take it.

T2 went fairly smooth but again I was 1 minute slower than I wanted to be at 4:15. The legs felt fresh going out on the run and I was intent on hitting the turn around in under 1 hour. The hope was to couple that with a 1:05 or 1:10 run back in for 2:05, 2:10 finish. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. I tired in the middle miles and struggled after mile 11. I finished with a time of 2:18:14. Not bad but certainly not great. My overall time of 5:57:15 was a personal PR at Eagleman by 20 seconds. But the best thing I am taking away from this race is how good I felt after the race. In years past, I have felt very beat up from Eagleman but this year was different.

Now, it's on to Lake Placid with 5 weeks to go. This past week was the first week of 3 hard ones. The end is near!

Eagleman 2009

2009-06-11T20:56:00.002-04:00

Eagleman is lurking in the shadows. 3 days away.

This will be my 8th year in a row. And like the guys I race with, I'm not sure why I do this race. It's a fantastic race. Don't get me wrong. Robert Vogorito does a fantastic job year after year. And now it's an official Ironman 70.3 so it has that level of status now. But it's the conditions that can produce misery. Rough water, Heat, and Wind. They can all make for a horrible day if just one of them shows up. Last year, at 6 AM before we even go in the water, it was at leaset 85 degrees. Later on, the heat index was 100+.

But then there was 2007 when conditions were perfect. The temp was down, the wind was at our backs and the water current pushed us a long. And record times all around.

You never know what you get on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. When I cross the line, my first thought could be 'Why?' but hours later we'll all be ready to sign up again.

The Mental Weeks

2009-06-04T20:45:00.004-04:00

There are just a little more than 7 weeks to go until Ironman Lake Placid 2009.

These are "The Mental Weeks". There are still a lot of BIG rides left but you are oh so close to race day. You can almost see the end. Almost taste it. The alarm is still going off at 5:20 AM every single day and the sound of it makes you want to throw up. You have HAD ENOUGH! You are asking yourself and your training buddies "Why are we doing this?"

Even though those voices are starting to quiet a bit because the end is near, they are still there gnawing at you. On Saturday, the alarm goes off at 4:50 AM to get the ride started at 5:30 AM to get the 100 miles in, a 30 minute run afterwards and still be home at a decent time. Everyone shows up as if it's judgement day. It's almost "race day like" in its atmosphere. Everyone is so quiet. Then slowly the voices come to life. They curse what we are doing and suggest we head to the diner instead. Coffee, French Toast and Bacon! But somehow we get on the bikes and ride. Soldiers going off to battle. Solemn but accepting the mission.

The mental weeks are tough. You are investing alot of time into training at this point. The weeks are long. You try to prove to the family that you can train and still be a part of their lives. You can still do everything that needs to be done around the house. But it's just not possible. If I come home after riding 100 miles and running for 5 and I work outside cutting the lawn or painting the deck, I can't make it to 10 PM. Awake that is. A movie? Forget it. A beer? Would love it but then I'm out cold by 9. But still you are a trooper and the family more so. They granted you their permission for you to do this. You must put up a brave face and do what needs to be done. At least make it look like you tried to do it all.

When the mental weeks are over, it's taper time and then the real fun begins. You start the slow descent towards race day. And when it's over, it's like an addict coming off a high. It's hard to sustain but you want more. Except the family is shaking their head. Not this time. It's Saturday morning and we want you back before we wake. And don't forget the bagels.

Bears and Bikes

2009-05-26T20:50:00.003-04:00

I was in Northeast Pennsylvania for the Memorial Day weekend. But of course training could not stop. In fact, I love to ride up there because it closely resembles Lake Placid in terms of terrain. In other words: Hills! Let's face it, the hills in LP are longer and steeper but the Poconos are a pretty good stand-in.

On Saturday, I had a 2 1/2 hour ride followed by a 30 minute run planned. The last of the easy weeks! The morning was actually quite nice. The sun was in and out but overall it was good riding weather. As always, I started early while everyone else was still sleeping. I stalled as long as I could until I could stall no longer. I was dreaming of sitting around, drinking coffee and reading the paper instead of riding alone when I awoke. But no could do. Training called and I had to answer.

After gearing up, pumping the tires and re-setting my HRM, I set off. As I rode down the driveway, only 20 feet from the house, I heard rustling in the bushes to my left. Probably a deer or turkey I thought. But as soon as I did think those thoughts, a black bear shot out and ran towards the house next door. Thankfully away from me! Of course I ran back in to tell everyone but everyone, except my father-in-law, was sleeping. At least I was excited! I remounted and shot down the driveway. The bear by now was gone.

Nothing like a little excitement to get the ride going.

At about 12 miles into the ride, I was riding up a hill on a local road as I came to the crest. To my right the hill shot down a steep slope beyond the guardrail. As I looked right and down the hill, there to my amazement, was another bear. I was again startled and put a little extra power in my cadence. But the bear really didn't give me the time of day. In fact it didn't even look in my direction. I just sped away and down the hill with the adrenaline pumping.

On my way back, I put a little extra speed in my climb past that very spot where I saw the second bear but this time there were none. At least none that I could see. All in all it was a good ride totalling 36 miles. It was about 4 miles short of what I expected to do but the hills had something to do with that. Plus, I got the bear sightings. What more could I ask for?

Musings on a Tuesday

2009-05-19T21:31:00.003-04:00

25 weeks of training down and 10 to go. Here's where it gets interesting.

Eagleman Half Ironman is 25 days away. But it's coming at a great time. It will occur at the end of the 29th week of training with 6 to go to IM. It's great timing because it represents a change in the monotony. It's an opportunity and test to see how fit you are and if you need to work extra hard the 3 weeks following before tapering to lake Placid.

Saturday was the start of the "long rides". Saturday is always the long ride for the bike but now it gets serious. This past Saturday: 77 miles followed by a 15 minute run.

This week, Memorial Day weekend, we get a break. A 3 hour ride. Time to enjoy the day off because it gets doubled on May 3o to 6 hours. Joy!

Time to stock up on Gatorade, Cliff Bars, Z Bars and Snickers!

Yesterday was an official day off. Today was not. But I took it anyway because I was flat out exhausted. Plus, I normally ride before work and it was 45 degrees out. Sorry, done with that this year. Gotta be warmer.

However, I will make up the 90 minute ride tomorrow or Thursday. I will need to double up workouts. Can't miss anything from here on in.

Last night around 10, I was so looped I couldn't stand up. Tonight is better.

The knee's have been holding up. Someone knock some wood for me. Thanks.

Masters Swim tomorrow morning at 6 AM sharp. Can't wait! Really....I can't.

We were all complaining Saturday about getting up early constantly to get the workouts in. Can't wait for it to be over. The problem is that when it's over, you don't know what to do with yourself. You go through withdrawal. But I'll figure it out.

Well, time to start heading toward bed.

Somewhere "there's "kite blowing out of control on a breeze."

And so am I.

Boo Ironman!

2009-05-12T21:19:00.004-04:00

The World Triathlon Corporation or Ironman itself, I really don't know who governs this race anymore, has slipped us a fast one. They have taken away one of the greatest benefits of completing this race.

Ironman recently announced the following:

"Friends and/or family members will no longer be permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. However, friends and/or families are encouraged to reunite with their athlete in the photo/post-race area just beyond the finish line"

I will not win my age group. I will not qualify for Kona. I will finish somewhere in the 13 to 14 hour range. When I make that last turnaround in Lake Placid and head for the Olympic skating oval and the IM finish, I am flooded with adrenaline. I almost feel I could go another 5 miles. The joy of seeing my family is overwhelming. At both my IM races and finishes in Lake Placid, my three daughters waited patiently for me. They were excited to see me finish the race. They are getting older now but they still smile and join me in my dash across the finish line and through the tape. I think they look forward to it.

But now the Big Corporation says: No More!

It's a sad day for the common athlete.

Somewhere, there are athletes like me who may indeed win their Age Group. And somewhere deep inside, and I realize this is dangerous to be accusatory, I believe it is probably because of them that we cannot finish with our family anymore. They were tired of fighting Bob and his three kids as they strolled across the finish line. Maybe it cost Johnny Age Grouper a few precious seconds off his time. He still qualified but it could have been 2 seconds faster. And in his opinion, that was an outrage. Two sides to every story.

Or maybe it's the I-word getting in the way again. The I-word being Insurance. Whatever the reason, it won't be the same for me this year at Lake Placid. It's just a sad day.

Guy's Weekend

2009-05-03T19:56:00.003-04:00

I am just back from a "guy's weekend" with my father-in-law and my 6 brothers in law. (There is a 7th but he couldn't join us as he is in Germany with the US Army). This is our traditional Christmas gift from my wife's Dad. A weekend of golf and hanging out. I met up with the rest of the group for dinner as I couldn't get off work Friday but the rest of them could. They all played golf during the day while I worked. I also brought all my workout clothes and training gear as I am at the end of Week 23 in IM Training and couldn't take off the weekend from training. So, I did what I have always done the last three years this traditional trip has occurred: I ride after golf.

Friday night was good food, laughs and a lot of beers. And I mean a lot of beers. Somehow they are hard to count when your glass is rarely empty. Pitchers are filled and glasses are re-filled.

Bedtime was midnight.

The alarm sounded at 6:15 Saturday morning. The head was foggy and the mouth was dry. I needed water and coffee in that order. And then I needed more coffee. We played 18 holes of golf and it was a glorious day. Cloudy and windy for the first nine but by the back we were basking in sunshine. After lunch we finally got back home at 1:30 and as everyone started to sack out on couches, floors and beds (Yes-there were a few nappers), I changed into my bike shorts and headed out for a 1 hour 45 minute ride followed by a 15 minute run. We were in the Poconos so I had a nice rolling hills course to simulate Lake Placid. I was tired but the sun was really out now and I was looking forward to it. I was also thankful that the training schedule didn't call for a 3 to 4 hour ride. That would have been depressing.

After I completed my workout, it was time to shower and then it was back to watching sports, eating and drinking more beer. I didn't go too crazy because Sunday was a 1 hour 20 minute run. But we were all gassed anyway from the day and people were leaving early so it was an early night. I do admit that Yuengling's taste better after 30 miles on the bike and a great day of golf. Plus, there is no guilt. I can't wait until next year!

Visualize

2009-04-16T22:17:00.003-04:00

Wow, I have not been very good at writing or reading other blogs. Between Work, Training, Family and Life in general, it has been crazy. Wait a second, I feel a complaint coming on. Whew! Caught it just in time.

In the words of a very famous philosopher, "you have to visualize what you want." I want peace, harmony and time to get everything done in 24 hours. But right now I am visualizing going to bed and hitting the pool in the morning.

I promise to visualize writing more consistently and catch up with what everyone else is writing. Especially those who take the time to read what I write.

Oh, and one more thing: Happy Birthday Mom!

The Lonely 3000 Yards

2009-03-30T21:33:00.002-04:00

My training plan had 3 swims scheduled for last week and two of them were for 3000 yards. Same thing this week too.

Somehow, I got switched to swimming at night after work instead of in the morning. I usually like the morning better because then the swim doesn't hang over my head all day. Plus, when I swim at night I get home late so less family time. Although, I'm not sure that was a factor tonight. When I walked in the 12 year old was screaming at the 14 year old and my wife was the referee. Maybe I should have stayed and swam another 3000.

Usually, at 7 PM when I get to the Y, the pool is crazy with the Y swim team. There are three lanes for lap swimming until 7:30 and then it goes down to one. However, for the last three weeks the team has been on hiatus. So, when I get there, the pool is empty. It's actually nice to not have to battle for an open lane. But the distance is the killer.

One of my training partners has been swimming alone lately too. We've come to call these workouts "The Lonely 3000 Yards." It's a mental chore to get through it but you know if you don't you will feel worse. So, there I was on a Lonely Monday night at the Lonely Y Pool pounding out the Lonely 3000 Yards. I'm pretty sure it's all worth it.

It's Not Just About the Race

2009-03-29T20:57:00.003-04:00

I always seem to write better when I plan my blog entries and this one is sort of planned. I have an idea of what I want to write about but I didn't create it before I signed on. That seems to be my life anyway, doing things without any plans in mind. Trying to pull it off with no plan in place. Well, that works in some things but it's not a good recipe for your entire life. It is especially not good for completing an Ironman race. Although, I do know a guy that does it. Sort of. He doesn't follow any formalized plan but makes sure he swims 3 times a week, gets in several 100 mile bike rides and runs far enough. He's one of those gifted runners who can turn in a sub 4 hour marathon without really training. But one thing is sure, he doesn't start his training like I did the week of Thanksgiving for a July race. He gets to it when he gets to it.

There is a great article in the Winter 2009 issue of Triathlon Life. This is the publication of the USAT. On page 114, Jeff Matlow writes an artilce titled "Beyond the Pain." It is largely a story about a Tri Coach named Tony that Jeff hired to help him train for triathlon racing and other endurance events. Tony was an ex-military guy so that right there should tell you the kind of coach he was. Jeff said he was tough but also knew when to back off if the training was pushing too hard. One time during training for a marathon and an Ironman, Jeff gets hurt and is told by his doctor to stop running. The doctor allowed him to do pool running but that got boring. So, he did what every bored, tough triathlete does when they are injured and can't run outside. He hit the elliptical machine.

There was one specific training session when Jeff decided to go for 26.2 miles on the elliptical. It took him 3 hours and 28 minutes. If that mind numbing exercise can't prepare you for triathlon when half the time you are battling yourself and the other half the course, then I don't know what will. I've personally been on a few 6+ hour rides that get old after awhile but the elliptical? I can't even last 2 hours on my trainer. But this is precisely the point that Jeff wants to make. It was his coach Tony that prepared him for this. As he said, "he was proud of having pushed forward when every cell in my body tried to convince me to fall back."

The training sessions with Tony taught him more than how to swim, bike and run. All the pain, anguish, and tears accumulated during endurance training eventually add up to something. Yes, it hopefully gets you to the finish line but there is more. As Jeff said "....Triathlon isn't just about the race. Rather, it's about what you learn from the race that you can apply to the rest of your life."

This past Saturday, four of us showed up at the usual parking lot we meet at for our long rides. It was finally warmer than the usual '27 degrees" that it has been all winter but still chilly out and overcast. We're half way to Ironman now but all so tired of waking up at 5:30 and riding in the cold. In any evet, we somehow mounted the bikes and headed out. It warmed up some and the time went quicker than we thought it would. We pulled back into the lot and commented aloud that the ride wasn't that bad and actually enjoyble. But that's what triathlon teaches. When everything seems impossible, it's the strong that continue on.

Running with Injuries

2009-03-22T20:11:00.000-04:00

As I warmed up for my long run today, which was only supposed to be 1 hour 20 min max, the thoughts slipped into my mind again. The knees, the feet, the heels, the back and the hips are all experiencing nagging injuries. And all I can say that after this year: No More Ironman. Of course, the next sentence out of mouth is usually:

“Well, at least for awhile”

But the thought of not doing it again is really starting to take hold. You see I am trying to make it through this training without seeing any doctors. Swimming and biking are fine but running is a mental chore. I’ve had these knee injuries before and I know what I need to do to prevent them. Or at least lessen their impact. I need to do the exercises my PT taught me to warm the knee up. But between work, training and life in general, the plate is always full. There is no time for anything else. Of course it will force my hand if the injuries worsen and then I’ll tell myself that I told you so.

This morning seemed a little different. I think the warm up actually helped. But the left toes are still giving me that hot nerve like pain. That is a result of my shoes, I think. I run in Saucony Hurricanes. I was a big fan of the 8’s but I am running in the 9’s and they are different. Don’t you hate when the manufacturer does that?! Change the shoes and maybe alleviate the pain. We’ll see.

Anyway, this whole training odyssey is about keeping sane and not letting the intensity and frequency of the workouts get you down. Just don’t look too far ahead in the schedule. It’s just another part of the discipline required to get you through it all.

Hurry Spring

2009-03-15T20:53:00.004-04:00

Ok, cold weather really does SUCK! Have I said this before? Maybe, on one or two occasions. But it's really testing my patience this year. The last three Winters have been mild so it hasn't been bad in terms of training but this year just don't get me started!

On Saturday, I was on my way to meet my training partners for our scheduled long ride. It was 27 degrees out and I started to question why I was doing this. (Don't worry I am not dropping out! It's all just smack Katie!) I left a nice warm bed with the promise of hot coffee and the morning paper to ride and freeze my fingers and toes off. Plus, not to mention all the clothes you have to pile on. That in itself is getting old. But nonetheless, I trudged on and was not alone in my opinions.

At one point during the ride, we passed another person in their robe walking down their driveway, coffee cup in hand, to pick up the paper. I said to Jim, "I want to be that person. I'm sick of being the freezing one on the bike passing by." He agreed.

It did manage to warm up to about 43 degrees when we started our run. But it wasn't like it was last week when the starting temp was 30 and the ending temp was 60. And you know it's only with the bike that the cold weather sucks. I love to run in the cold. Ok, maybe I don't love it but I tolerate it. Actually, I do like it. But with the bike the issue is time since we are on it so long. Spring can't get here quick enough.

Getting Sick

2009-03-05T20:39:00.004-05:00

When you're sick not only don't you feel like training but you don't feel like writing either. I got hit with something just short of strep throat. I missed two days of work (which I never do) and an entire week of training. But even now, with this the first week back, I am easing back in. My energy just got really zapped. I couldn't lift my arms.

It all happened after my run on Sunday, February 22. I wasn't feeling great Saturday night but had a 1 hour and 40 minute run scheduled for Sunday. I think I broke the cardinal rule. If it's below the head, don't work out. If it's above it then go ahead. Is that it? Anyway, I had a cough that was burning at the end of it. That should have been my warning sign but I ran anyway. It had been a good week. Long but good so I wanted to finish it with this run. Then I came crawling home. It was the run from Hell. No energy. Shivering. Aches and pains. I also think I was tired from the 41 miles on the bike the day before. I spent the whole day in bed after the run with extreme body aches. Started running a fever and just felt like crap. I went to the doctor on Monday and got anti-biotics and here I am. Better and getting stronger each day. Back to training. Back to writing.

My Ironman fever has cooled. I actually thought of dropping out. But I'm ready to start full tilt again. It's supposed to be 60 this weekend and that's good news. I'm just done with this winter. Done. It's been a long one here in the East. Global warming is not here yet. I can attest to that.

Win the Lottery & Train All the Time

2009-02-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

Well, this was supposed to be a continuation of the last entry but I got a little lazy this week with my writing. Well, better late than never. I think that my apply here or is that when I apologize to my wife for trashing the house but not immediately admitting to it?

Sunday's run was great. But I continue to have that slightly hot pain with the sensation of my foot being asleep in my left foot. It usually starts at around 30 to 40 minutes into the run. Sometimes it goes away and sometimes it does not. So far it hasn't shut me down completely so I'll just continue to monitor it. I did 8+ miles in 1 hour and 27 minutes. S-L-O-W I know. But I was trying to keep it in Zone 1 on my HRM which is like trying to walk a tightrope with a 200 pound backpack on. I just can't seem to do it.

Monday was another big day as I hit the pool in the morning for 3000 yards and lifted weights afterwards. It was Presidents Day and I was off from work so I had the afternoon free. It was cool out, maybe 38 degrees, but SUNNY. How could I resist? I mean the bike was still right there by my front door from Saturday's ride. Plus I had a 90 minute ride in the training plan scheduled for tomorrow which almost certainly would have to be done on the trainer. I really don't think there was anything to consider why I shouldn't ride. I mean my wife and daughters were still out of town. What was I going to do anyway? Watch a soap opera? It turned out to be one of those "magical rides" where everything just felt great. The weather was almost perfect. Traffic was light. I was a little tired but I took it slow and got 22 miles in.

Tuesday was an earned day off and much needed. But I think Wednesday it all came crashing down. I hit the pool at 6 AM for a Masters class and I was anything but a master. (Not that I am anything close to one when I am at the top of MY game). I was sluggish at best. But you know, it was all worth it. Outside for two bike rides in three days. I'll take it in the midst of this Winter.

Now I just need to win the lottery so I can train like this all the time.

Big Saturday

2009-02-14T19:52:00.003-05:00

What do you do when your wife and daughters are out of town on a Saturday? You train!

I had a big day today and now I'm ready to hit the couch. We hit the road at 8:15 AM with a balmy temperature of 27 degrees and cloudy skies. I had hot packs in both of my shoes and my gloves. They did help but Boy, it was cold! It didn't matter though because I was getting out no matter what today. I haven't been outside on the bike since early December and the trainer was starting to drive me crazy. (Think "the Shinning"). Someday, I have to put a picture up on this blog of my "training room" where my bike sits. I have basically imprisioned myself.

At around 1 hour into the ride, the sun did appear and it warmed up quite nicely. It actually felt great. The pain in the toes and fingers was subsiding. I was glad I didn't blow this off.

After 2 1/4 hours and32 miles, we got off the bikes and ran for 15 minutes. The run is just get the legs to turn over and to feel that heaviness after getting off the bike.

On my way back home, I decided to stop off at my Y and get some laps in. I missed a swim this week plus one was on the schedule for today anyway. I did 2000 yards in under 50 minutes but what really stood out were the two major cramps I experienced. One in the right hamstring and the other in the left foot. Cramps in the pool stink. But, hey, at least I got there.

And now it's either Miller time or crash time. Maybe, I'll see what movies are available via on demand. Either way, I'm in bed early tonight. A long run awaits me for tomorrow.

What else do you do with your wife and daughters out of town? You write a blog entry on a Saturday night. I lead an exciting life!

Heroes

2009-02-11T21:31:00.005-05:00

I am a BIG fan of Sully Sullenberger and the rest of the crew of Flight 1549. If you watched the interviews on 60 minutes or Larry King Live, you might agree. There are many parts of this story that make it great. But I guess the most important is that it had a happy ending. The 155 people from that flight are alive today because of the quick thinking of Sully. It's amazing when you start to look at the amount of time he had to make the decision on what to do with the plane. I may be off slightly with these numbers but it was about 2 minutes into the flight when they struck the birds and about 6 minutes in when he put the jet down into the Hudson. It seems like he played out all the scenarios of what to do in his mind like he had a microprocessor crunching all the numbers. It's just amazing that someone can think that quickly and that soundly and under all that pressure. He really had no time to think of his family or the passengers in back. He only thought of what his options were for saving these people and this plane. He had a triathlete's focus and detrmination multiplied to the tenth power.

So, with that I ask you, what is the deal with Alex Rodriguez? How come he couldn't think that clearly before he shot HGH into himself? Or that woman, Jennifer Figge, who claims to have swam across the Atlantic Ocean? Well, it's now come out that it was a hoax. She only swam 250 miles in all. What was she thinking before she let the media publish this story? The world is filled with imposters and "role models" that constantly let us down. We are in need of true heroes.

In the end, I hope nothing bad comes out about Sully and his Crew. I hope there are no skeletons in the closet. Hopefully, he paid all his taxes. Hopefully, his ultra human thinking capacity wasn't enhanced by shooting adrenaline into his veins. Is that stuff banned? If he is who he says he is and I gotta believe he is, then I'd like to see kids wearing Sully Football Jersey's with his name on the back. Or kids playing with Flight 1549 trading cards instead of A-Roid's rookie card. Or maybe what will happen is that this story will make us feel good for awhile but then fade into the background once its' run its' course. That is how a true hero story goes.

We will all remember where we were that day and how Sully and his team made us feel hopeful. A story to inspire a generation.

Sunday Morning

2009-02-08T14:28:00.003-05:00

Well, the rusted chain proved too much to handle this morning. I couldn't get myself out of bed at 6 AM in order to give myself enough time to clean it, get it working and meet my friends by 8 AM. The urge to sleep in was really the culprit here. I had to sleep past 7 with a big training week coming up. I just had to. probably a mental thing. Tomorrow morning a swim workout is scheduled and I will attempt to make the 6 AM masters class. We, shall see.

I was looking at my two past training logs for IMLP 2006 and 2007, I have to say I was outside on the bike alot more than I have been here in 2009. It's not that we've had a lot of snow, it's just that it has stuck around a lot longer. The roads are awful. Potholes, salt, sand, rocks. It's a nightmare for bikes. My race bike, being my "best" bike is 7 years old but it's still my best bike. I can't risk taking it out. It would be a mess so I need my R300 in working condition so I can take advantage of these 50 degree days.

But really I am also horrified at the condition of this bike. I am usually very good about keeping my bikes clean and in working condition. But this is just neglect. DIBS is probably on their way to get me right now. (DIBS = Division of Bike Services) Maybe it's this bike itself. It sure has taken a lot of abuse over the years like 3 years ago on the way to Hilton Head. Somehow the bike rack had come loose and I was dragging this poor thing for a few miles. I had to get several new parts including pedals. DIBS let me off easy on that one.

Well, I will try to bring it back to life and if I can't then it's time to see Juan, my trusty mechanic. What a weekend.

Saturday Night

2009-02-07T22:03:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of great ideas for new posts but this is not one of them. It's Saturday night and here I am writing on my blog. How exciting!! Shouldn't I be out on the town? Naw, that's not me anymore. I didn't want too much time to pass before my next post so I'm "getting this one in". This is why it's not one of my new, great ideas.

Ok, back to what I need to tie into with these posts: training. Borrrrinnggg again. Actually, I did my long run today with the hope of getting outside tomorrow for my long bike. It is supposed to be 50+ F here in North Jersey on Sunday. But I don't want to ride my race bike since the roads are mucky. Don't want to mess it up. The snow will be melting, lots of salt all over the place as well as rocks and sticks. That will wreck havoc on the bike. So, my next great idea was to drag my Cannondale R300 out of the garage. Dust it off. Literally. It has no pedals, no seat and, I found out tonight, that the chain is rusted. I can fix the seat and the pedals but the chain requires dirty work. Only not tonight. This means, unless I get up early to deal with it, I am riding alone on the trainer again. My friends are meeting at 8 AM and I don't know if I can get the bike operational by then. Sleep is important too!

Ok, my head is hurting. That's enough for this lonely Saturday night. Geez, I hope I can get outside tomorrow.

Ramblings on a Monday

2009-02-02T20:20:00.003-05:00

Last week was the 10th week of my training plan for Lake Placid. It was also the 2nd consecutive week of a hard cycle. Unfortunately, because of work, weather and everything else going on, I missed or shorted a few workouts. I know. Excuses! Just excuses.

I do try to keep to the weekend long stuff but this Winter is really starting to wear me thin. I haven't been able to ride outside since early December when we last had a mild day. Normally, I hate the trainer. Or rather can exist only for a short time on it. But I have taken to watching movies from Netflix (www.netflix.com) on my PC. Saturday, I watched Young Frankenstein and was howling. I finished the ride off with a few episodes from The Office. Great stuff. Keeps the mind from realizing what you are actually doing. (Not to mention the numbness)

Then on Saturday evening, I got hit with a tremendous cold. It hit me like a ton of bricks. But being the warrior I am (or at least am trying to be), I attempted my long run. It was supposed to be for 90 minutes but I could only muster 57 minutes and 5 miles. Alot of walking. I felt like crap. No energy whatsoever. I struggled home as Pearl Jam danced in my head.

Let's hope this is a better week although it is lighter in the schedule so that should help. In fact today, I had the day off.

Dad

2009-01-31T15:17:00.004-05:00

I haven't written a post in a long time. Many reasons. First, life has been busy with work, family and training. And secondly, because I just haven't felt up to it. My Dad passed away on January 17 at the age of 86. Two weeks ago today. And I felt I could get back to writing this thing without first mentioning it.

His last 18 months of life hadn't been very good. In August of 2007, he entered a nursing home after falling and dislocating his artificial hip. Unfortunately, they were not able to operate to replace it because of his age and the weakness of his heart. So, he was confined to a wheelchair. And that was just not good a good scenario for him. He was a life long athlete, a very independent person and strong as an ox. To see him in a position of weakness was not right. His mind was starting to go as well so he had the beginnings of dementia, which, in a strange way was almost better for his physical condition. He simply thought everyday in the nursing home was his first and his last. He had lost track of time.

The last few days were tough on everyone as they were spent by his bed in a local hospice. Hospice is end of life care so there are no needles, no IV's, no nutrition to keep him alive. Only oxygen and morphine. The staff of the hospice was wonderful. And what I learned during his ordeal is that you have to be a very special person to work in a hospice. Everyone was very comforting and very positive.

At around 6:45 PM on Saturday night, I left the room with my brother Al and my nephew Glenn saying goodbye to my Father for the last time. My father's breathing had become very labored. In fact, the nurse said that his mind was elsewhere now and it was a matter of time before his body would give out. At 12:10 AM Sunday morning, Al called to give me the news. Of course I knew right away. The ring of the phone has a diiferent tone when someone is calling with bad news.

Although, I know my Father is in a better place now and his pain has ended, it's tough to comprehend. I have had much younger family members die before but a parent is different no matter what age. I think it's the feeling of exposure. One of the people responsible for bringing you into the world is now no longer here. Even though I am grown and with a family of my own, I feel a little less protected now that he is gone.

All I am is a middle of the pack, 47 year old amateur triathlete. But, what the heck, I will dedicate my races to my Dad this year. No one will notice. No one will really care. And that's fine with me. And maybe as I cross the finish line at Lake Placid in July, I'll point to the sky like major league baseball players do after they cross homeplate.

Triathlon is Life

2009-01-12T21:53:00.003-05:00

Triathlon training makes me feel alive. As much as I complain about getting up early, doing the actual workouts makes me feel on top of the world. I thrive on the endorphins that come from a strong swim, a great bike ride or a long run. It could be running, swimming, biking or triathlon, if it makes you feel strong and alive, then it's life. To me, triathlon is life.

Today begins Week 8 of the road to Ironman Lake Placid. Last week was supposed to be a big week in terms of training time. But due to the weather, work obligations and a host of other excuses, I did a little over half of what I was supposed to do. My training partners were in the same boat. However, when a workout is missed, whatever the opposite of life is, that is what I feel like. And it doesn't feel good. An enormous amount of guilt comes over me. I then have to plan on doing it after work and during the Winter, that is always tough. I get home at night tired, it's dark out, la la la, you know the rest.

But today, Day 1 of Week 8 and it calls for a day off. A much needed mental and physical rest. For the last few weeks I have been dealing with cold weather, snow, ice, rain and little sleep. It takes its toll. A day off is good. No, a day off is great!

I plan to hit every workout this week including getting to bed on time. And it's time for that.

Training Goals for 2009

2009-01-01T10:30:00.012-05:00

Happy New Year!

Man, 2008 was a tough year and I am glad to see it go. But don't we find ourselves saying that every year? I guess it's the promise that a new year brings. A fresh start. New beginnings. A list of goals to achieve.

Over the next week, I will start to compile my list of personal goals and achievements I want to attain for 2009. Some I will share but some, which are more personal in nature, I will not. I am sure nobody really wants to read about them anyway. They might bore you.

I have become better at listing goals, achievements or dare I say that word, resolutions over the years. I try not to make them too hard to conquer. For example, Designing a new software program and selling it to Microsoft for $5 Million Dollars is a goal I would like to achieve but it's not realistic! It ain't gonna happen. I'm looking for the low hanging fruit that I can pick off quickly and make more meaningful to my life. They will be centered around Family, Work, Personal and of course, Training.

I have been starting to think of goals in all these areas but have not put them down on paper yet. However, I will attempt to do that right here and now with the Training aspect of my life. I don't think it will be that hard since I am constantly thinking about training. (I hear my wife sigh in the background). But that's what triathlon training does to you. Doesn't it? Everytime you try to leave it, it keeps pulling you back in.

Ok, here it goes, my off the cuff, not well thought out, Training Goals for 2009.

1. Getting Up. When the alarm clock goes off at 6 AM for a Run, get out of bed at 6. Don't hit the snooze 4 times and get out at 6:36. By then I have to cut the workout short.

2. Don't cut the workouts short. (See above)

3. Stay Healthy. This might be a little harder to achieve since it's not totally in my control but I'll see what I can do. Over the last 5 years I have battled Knee issues (Runner's Knee), foot problems, a broken hand, etc. I require alot of stretching, being strict in how much time I add to my runs each week and being warmed up for my workouts.

4. Don't Do It. Don't pretend that you are a pro at ice skating. This actually happened two days ago when I got a little fancy on the ice with my daughters. The left hand still hurts.

5. Avoid activities that could result in an injury like Ice Skating, Snow Tubing, Car Skitching, Jumping off the roof, etc. I didn't really jump off the roof but let me put it down here now so there is never the urge to, er, jump off the roof.

6. Incorporate Weights into my training. I actually have already done this. I think this could help prevent some of my injuires. Although, I'm not sure about jumping off the roof. It might not help with that! The experts have always stated that strength training can help prevent over use injuries so we'll see.

7. Hit Every Workout. Incorporate all the above goals plus being focused and disciplined to hit the training program as it is. Now, I know realistically, I will miss a few due to family and work obligations but they cal always be made up. In the end, you just never know what will trip you up on the way to Ironman. But all this is necessary for 1 thing to meet the following goal:

8. Finish Ironman Lake Placid 2009 in 13:31. I have a lot to prove to myself after getting sick at mile 10 of IM LP 2007. I went in the opposite direction of my first finish in 2006. I think I can do this but it will take a great race in terms if nutrition, weather conditions and have enough in the tank for the last 13.1 miles.

Now, it's time to test it out. I'm heading out for a Run today in 25 degree weather followed by 40 minutes on the trainer immediately after. A great start to a great new year.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T15:48:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to All! Enjoy the holidays and don't forget to make room for training. Just don't let it interfere with the family gathering. Do it in the morning after the kids open their gifts!

The Five Rules

2008-12-19T17:57:00.004-05:00

The way I look at training is I need to get it done early so it doesn't hang over my head. Plus, this way it doesn't take away from family life so much. So, with that in mind, here are my 5 rules of Tri Training and early morning workouts:

1. Prepare the Night Before. This means get all your gear together. If you let this go to the morning, which I often do, it cuts into training time. I often break this rule because I'm too tired when I think of doing it the night before. Then I have to scramble in the morning.

2. Factor in Prep Time. If it takes 1 snooze (9 minutes) to get out of bed, 10 minutes to dress and 10 minutes to eat then get up 29 minutes before you need to start the workout. Factor in time for travelling to the workout, for cooling down and for stretching . Of course, I hit the snooze button 3 times, dress & eat in 10 minutes and then cut the workout short by 8 minutes.

3. Stay Disciplined. If I don't follow Rules 1 & 2 then I am not being disciplined. Guess what? I am not as disciplined as I should be. I can get up in the morning but it's never as early as it should be. That's true at least for Monday through Friday. The weekends are no problem. Usually, no problem, that is.

4. Just Do It. Even if you can't get out of bed on time, get out anyway even if you have to short the workout. I find it more mentally rewarding if I run for 35 minutes instead of the 45 minutes planned then if I blow it off entirely. Plus, if I do pass on doing it in the morning, I absolutely have to do it later in the day and then it hangs over my head. And that's worse.

5. Have a Plan. For long distance training, you have to have a plan. You have to know what you are doing the next day, every day and every week. My first two years training for Ironman, I used the Iron Fit plans, which worked great.

A Nasty Morning

2008-12-11T21:29:00.003-05:00

One of my rules during my current IM training is to "do it the morning" or else it hangs over my head all day. With that being said, there are mornings like today.

Rain. Cold. Darkness. And more Rain.

The alarm went off at 5:30. I needed to catch the bus at 7:10. I had a 45 minute run on the schedule. If I jumped out of bed immediately, I would probably have enough time to run, eat something, shower, dress and make the bus by 7:10. That is if I slept in my running clothes.

Well, that didn't happen. Wishful thinking. I did eventually get out of bed at 5:40 and hit the street at 5:50. But I had to shorten my run by 20 minutes.

It was nasty out there. But in the end, the good news was that it wasn't hanging over my head. And tomorrow is another day and another workout.

California Dreaming

2008-12-06T12:26:00.004-05:00

Today's workout was extra special. The temp read 24 degrees F. I didn't quite get the wind chill but I would say it was about 7 to 8 degrees colder. But nonetheless, we chose the outside instead of the Trainer. I had 5 layers on up top and 2 layers plus my bike shorts on the bottom. Double socks with hot packs in the shoes. Double layered gloves including my ski gloves. And full mask for the face. It did warm up 4o minutes into the ride but when the puddles out on the road are frozen, maybe the inside would have been a wiser choice. After 1 1/2 hours at a low spin cadence and 24 miles of accomplishment we were done. The transition to the 20 minute run wasn't bad except for my frozen toes. Can anyone say, California?

Selfish...anyone?

2008-12-05T19:10:00.006-05:00

Does anyone find this to be true? When you run into fellow triathlete's at the Y, all we can seem to talk about is training and racing? If it's a non-racer, it doesn't seem to be that way.

I am as guilty as the the other person in these conversations. I seem to initiate half of them in that direction. But yet I am turned off sometimes by the selfishness that sometimes comes from being a triathlete. I am talking about the many "me first" middle of the packers that exist out there. Hey, I know sometimes we need to be selfish because of the amount of workouts required for long distance training. Personally, I try to get it all done in the early morning hours before the family wakes and before I need to go to work. I'm really talking about the people who seem to spend endless hours away from the family at training camps, races and whatever else they can get involved in. They need to buy the latest and greatest equipment. (On that one, I'm jealous!!) Not to mention the costs.

I don't know. Maybe I'm way off base. Or maybe I'm just bored and have nothing else to write about.

Am I George Costanza?

2008-12-01T20:43:00.003-05:00

Ok, I blew off tonight's Strength workout. Since it's the tendency of a triathlete, at least this triathlete (see last post), to justify why it was done, I will act like George Costanza and do the opposite. I will offer no explanation. In fact, I will be arrogant, in a George Costanza kind-of-way and illustrate the rest of my workout week. I will let you draw your own conclusions. One key to this, as well as my reference to my last post, is that Justification is a form of Whining.

Here's the week ahead:

1. Monday: Strength for 1 hour. (Arrived home at 7:15 from work)

2. Tuesday: Bike 1 Hour (will hit the Trainer before I catch the bus at 6:55 bound for NYC & Work)

3. Wednesday: Swim 45 minutes & Strength for 1 hour (Will hit the Y before work, try to get everything in and then shower and dress at the Y to leave by 7:30 for a breakfast meeting at 8 in NJ; father-in-law coming over tonight)

4. Thursday: Run for 45 minutes (before work and then hit the road by 7:30 for office in NJ; Easy Day)

5. Friday: Swim for 1 hour and Strength for 1 hour (before work; must arrive by 8 AM; easy day)

You know, when you write it our, it doesn't look that hard. It's only Week 2. I just have to stay disciplined and take it 1 workout at a time. Bed at 10 PM. Goodnight!

The Training Whine

2008-11-30T19:42:00.003-05:00

I tend to whine during the early days of training. My wife notices it. And she makes sure that I know she notices it. So, in addition to being mindful to hitting my workouts, I must also be mindful of my tongue.

Over the last 4 years, I've acquired some "over use" injuries. Both knees hurt from Runner's Knee and now I have this thing with both feet. Sometimes when I'm running (or walking), it feels like my foot is broken. I have to stop. On some days around the house, I'm limping and some days I am not. I can't explain it. I had a similar injury 2 years ago and the doctor couldn't find anything wrong. Both an X-Ray and an MRI were negative. He ended up giving me a shot of cortisone and an oral mediaction with the same medicinal effect. I guess it worked because it got me through the rest of training with 2 months to go to race day. And it got me through the race: my second IM finish. But they are still with me and these nagging, annoying injuries get the best of me and make me whine. I start to focus on them instead of the workout itself. They hang over my head and penetrate my performance because it just doesn't feel good to run. I used to love to run but these "hurts" really hurt and block me from really pushing hard.

Today's workout was a 1 hour run. I was dreading it. Factor in the weather, rain and cold, and my whine was in full swing. Actually, I need to give myself a break here and state that it's not that bad. I think my wife is over sensitive to it. But nonetheless, I did catch myself whining today as I procrastinated over when to start. Finally, driven by the foul conditions, I got out there and actually had a decent run. The foot hurt but I got through it with little trouble. There was no need to stop and the last 30 minutes actually felt very good.

When I arrived home, I felt the need to complain about my knee's. They were sore. As I made my way inside, I saw my wife and she asked me how my run was. I hesitated and then said, "Fine." And then added, "Wet too." She smiled.

IM Training Begins.....Again!

2008-11-29T13:23:00.004-05:00

And so it began 5 days ago on November 24. The quest for a 3rd IM finish.

The starting line seems so far away during these early days. The knees are sore. The right foot-ankle is hurting again. So much, that I've had to cut short 1 run and cancel another. It's been cold and it's dark in the mornings. Already, those voices are creeping in asking why I signed up again. The voices urge me on to look up the cancellation dates for the race and the hotel.

But, so far, I have stared them down. I hit 2 of 3 Strength workouts, 1 of 2 runs, 2 of 2 swims, and 2 of 2 bikes this week. Since this is the first time I have started this early so I feel like I am already ahead of the game.

It is important to get these workouts in so you don't feel inclined to blow them off later. Quit now and what will stop you from quiting later? When it's April and you have a 4 to 5 hour ride followed by a 30 minute run ahead of you, you will think about these early days and how you rose from your bed in 30 degree weather to hit the road for a run or the chilly pool for a swim.

And you will be much better off. I guarantee it.

Here Comes That Training Again

2008-11-17T22:03:00.002-05:00

Ironman Lake Placid 2009. Training starts 1 week from today.

UGH!

It was less than 4 months ago when I made the trip to Lake Placid 2008 in order to sign up for the 2009 race. The day was "wet" from biblical rains but my friends and I were once again filled with those crazy endorphins and that overwhelming desire to do it again. And here I am on the eve of training. Everything is falling into place leading up to Day 1. For example, I put in a "ton" of base work. NOT! (I kept saying I would. Tomorrow, for sure!) And I am cruising into Day 1 with no injuries. NOT! (Once again the knees are sore and My Right Foot feels like it's broken). At least the weather looks great for outdoor rides instead of the trainer. Double NOT! (Sure, 70 degrees last Saturday but the lows for the next 10 days are in the 20's and 30's).

This is the hardest part of the race. Even before the gun goes off and 2000 people start swimming, kicking, punching and clawing their way through the swim course. Even before the stomach starts to knot up from warm, orange Gatorade Endurance while out on the bike. And well before, the dry heaves kick in at Mile 10 of the run. It's that persistent, sinking feeling of do I really need to go to bed early? Get up early? Jump in the cold pool, early?

Yes. Yes I do. And so do all the other 2000+ entries

The good news is I won't be alone. The demons inside my head will be barking for me to quit. To go back to sleep. To cut the workout short. To worry over the ache in my knees as if I'll never walk again if I don't.

This is Ironman. And it's why we do it. I think.

The Swim Should Be Good For You

2008-10-29T22:11:00.004-04:00

It is unusual for someone to die doing something they love and something that is so good for you. (Good meaning being in excellent physical shape not over use injuries from triathlon training) But it does happen. It is shocking when it does. USA Triathlon has recorded 25 deaths in Tri races and all have occurred during the swim. Why? Read this article and learn why. Be careful out there.

The Tour

2008-10-09T22:37:00.004-04:00

There is an article in the most recent issue of Mountain Bike Magazine about a group of friends who make a yearly mountian bike-camping trip, called The Tour, to the mountains of southern Oregon. The trip is many things to this group of guys including a search for a Sasquatch like being they call the Wookie. It is also about epic, day long rides on trails that are largely unknown or not very often ridden by the masses. But it is really more than all that.

The author made the point to say that The Tour is "a search for the wild, elusive side of ourselves that is chased off by the demands of corporate cubicles and familial responsibilities." When I read that, it hit me. I made a connection. For the past 7 years, I have journeyed with a group of guys that has ranged from a low of 2 to a high of 7, to the Eagleman Half Ironman race in Cambridge, Maryland. Guys only. No wives. No families.

Yes, it requires one to be trained, in good race shape to participate. (You can go untrained but you will suffer. The Eagleman is not kind to those who treat it lightly). But it's a "fun" weekend when we share the nervousness before the race, the pain during it and the accomplishment after we all finish. Unlike, most races, where you hang out for awhile and then take off in separate ways, we make our time after the race, a celebration. There is a grill where we cook Jerk Chicken, there is beer, laughs, busting each other, music and all around good times. We have traditions like our annual trek to Hardee's in the evening to get our much anticipated milkshake. Denny's in the morning for a much deserved, high fat, high caloric breakfast. Every year as we finish this "challenging" triathlon, as we cross the finish line with disgust on our face, we all scream that this is the final year! But after the pain wears off, we pledge our desire to return as we have done time and time again. It's half about the race itself, which remains a constant challenge to better our times as we compete against the Wind, the current of the Choptank River and the stifling heat. But it's half about the guys getting together to rank on each other and laugh about anything. It's a time to break free from the shackles of corporate life, the worrying of rising living costs, of sending our children into the World for the first time, of taxes and every other stress laden worry in our lives. It's a time to be a kid again with no immediate obligations. Except to finish the race!

This Will Not Be Like Last Year

2008-10-01T21:54:00.002-04:00

Ok, the Mets didn't make the playoffs again this year. It will be a long Winter so what. My knees have been hurting so no big deal. What else is new really? I've been working alot of hours. I'm used to it. My running shoes are worn out. New ones arrived today. (via http://www.efootwear.com/) I need new jammers to swim in. I can order those.

I think that is it. All the excuses are out there on the table. No reason to not get out of bed, in the dark, and head out into the cold to swim or run. Snow will not keep me from the trainer. This training season will not be like last year when I just couldn't get started. There is an Ironman to train for and the training will start the week of Thanksgiving. In the meantime it's the continuing of base training.

And No Excuses.

The Leadville 100

2008-09-21T21:11:00.003-04:00

As usual, I went for a mountain bike ride on Saturday in Ringwood, NJ with my usual group of friends. We rode for about 2+ hours and just had a fantastic time. Ringwood is quite a playground for us 40 somethings. We're all decent riders and can ride 95% of the technical trails out there. But when it comes to Ringwood, we are always discovering something new. And when we do, we giggle like kids about our new playground. This past ride wasn't anything different. Two weeks ago we discovered this single track trail with many rocks, narrow sections, steep descents & ascents and just plain challenging terrain. It was awesome!

During the ride, I kept thinking about the Leadville 100 mountain bike race. (http://sports.yahoo.com/sc/news?slug=ap-leadville100&prov=ap&type=lgns) I read a recent article about it in Mountain Bike magazine and it just seemed like an incredible race. 100 miles all above 9000 feet climbing to a height well over 12,000 feet above sea level. Lance Armstrong came out of retirement for it and finished second. Unreal!! I would love to challenge myself someday and do it but it's quite a feat. if you finish, you get a belt buckle that says you finish. If you finish under 9 hours, you get a "bigger" belt buckle and the pride that no one can take away. Lance finished in 6 hours 45 minutes plus. He was about 2 minutes behind the winner Dave Wiens.

This is what is great about this sport, as well as triathlon, that we can aspire to compete in the same races the pro's do. Where else can you do this? I can't put the pads on, make my way to Giants Stadium and expect to get in the game on Sunday. But I could line up at the start of The Leadville 100, glance to my right and see the great lance Armstrong or I could wave to Desiree Ficker as she is coming in from the run at Lake Placid Ironman (http://www.desireeficker.com/).

What a great World!

Jamie Whitmore

2008-09-17T21:45:00.003-04:00

There is an article in the October issue of triathlete about Jamie Whitmore, the incredibly talented Xterra pro athlete. If you are not aware of her situation, she has been out of racing this year after the discovery and removal of a cancerous tumor in her leg.

I have enjoyed reading about Jamie's racing successes and her epic battles with Melanie McQuaid. And although the greatest thing about our sport is that we get to race with the Pro's (but only see them dressed and rested while we cross the finish line), I have never raced with Jamie. And now it appears that she is battling not only for her career but for her life. Since the article went to press, it appears that she has struggled with some health issues the cancer has produced and is not out of the woods yet. You can read about her status on her blog: http://www.jamiewhitmore.com/.

It's another story in the long line of stories about how fragile life can be. Here is a super trained, super talented and fiercely competitive athlete. One day she is a champion and the next day she is struggling to survive. I believe her strength will save her and get her back into racing but in the meantime, we can all help with her healing by praying.

And when you get up the next morning, think about Jamie but think about your own life as well. How would you live it differently if you knew you were going to be sick? Would you be more aware of your surroundings? The people you love? Would you finally sign up for that triathlon you have always dreamed of? Would you finally take that bike ride you have been talking about since New Year's Day? Better yet, wake up and think healthy. Think positive thoughts and be what you have always wanted to be. You will be rewarded. Just don't forget to pray for Jamie, your family and yourself.

Ride Like a Champion

2008-09-13T17:51:00.005-04:00

The alarm went off at 6:20 this morning. The tentative plan was to ride trails up in Ringwood, NJ. There is some great, technical stuff up there for mountain bikers. But it rained all night and with that, you knew it was going to be slippery with the rocks making it a challenge. Plus my heart wasn't in it. After waking up and texting back and forth to my fellow riders, we decided to stay in bed.

But the garbage had to be put out, then the dog needed to go out and once I am up I just can't seem to fall asleep again. So I laid there with that work out anxiety that I often get when I haven't worked out in awhile. It's that overwhelming, nervous feeling triathletes often get. I did run yeterday but I needed to ride. The road was calling.

Outside, the sun was struggling to come out but it was going to get there. You could tell. It was shaping up to be a great day. Bending over to pump air into my tires, I noticed my IM sticker on the bumber of my car. And it gave me a boost. I tapped it like the Notre Dame football players tap the Play Like a Champion sign on their way out to the field. I was ready to go.

I ended up riding 33 miles. Much more than I anticipated thanks to getting lost because of a detour. But sometimes getting lost can be fun. Like in the woods when you discover new trails, discovering new roads is just as nice.

September 11

2008-09-12T19:38:00.002-04:00

One day late....

There was a building
It was my building
and it was a football field from the south tower
There was a desk
my desk where I sat on a beautiful sunny morning
There was the sound
nothing more than a sonic boom
There were the debris
falling from the sky
sheets of metal and images
too hard to describe
There was a second sound
this one louder and
more frightening
There was this moment whatever it was
it was real and it was just beginning
There were these stairs
where we were asked to climb down
There was the confusion all around
the images that won't go away
There is this day
a day to remember all those I passed
the day before and the morning of
There is this day
that no one can forget
but all wish we could
There is this day and
I wish there never was.

The Hardest Thing I've Ever Done

2008-08-31T21:13:00.009-04:00

Last weekend, I did one of the hardest things I've had to do in my 46 years on this earth. Harder than finishing an Ironman, harder than finishing a 100 mile training ride, and harder than completing the last leg of a 13 hour adventure race. It was mentally tougher than getting out of bed on a rain soaked Thursday morning in order to get to the pool for a 3000 yard swim. It was more heart wrenching than anything I've witnessed or experienced in life. And with the all the highs of my life, there also have been many lows. So, what did I do? What did I experience?

I dropped my oldest daughter off at college.

My wife and I drove 700 miles on Thursday morning to South Bend, Indiana to deliver our oldest to the University of Notre Dame. It was with mixed feelings that our first child was moving into the next stage of her life. The "growth stage" when she will transition from a young, 18 year old high school graduate to a mature, when she's done, 21 year old, mature young woman. It's the first step towards leaving the nest forever and starting a life that will be called her own. As a parent, it was hard to let her go and do this necessary step in her life. But deep down we knew we had to. There is no choice but to let her go and blossom.

We moved her in on Friday, putting together furniture from Ikea, setting the room up and negotiating with her roommate on where the refridgerator should go. On Saturday we were back and forth to Target so many times, we would have won their frequent visitor award, if there was such a thing. Then on Sunday, my wife and I awoke and were noticeably quieter than in the past few days. We dressed, packed, checked out of the hotel and met our daughter at her dorm. We strolled around campus for awhile and then headed over to the Joyce Center for a Mass for all incoming freshmen and their families. When the Mass was over, it was time. We went back to her dorm and prepared ourselves for our ride back to New Jersey. And our final fairwell.

All I can say it was the hardest thing I've done so far as a parent. I won't say who cried (for fear of embarrassing myself). But I will say it was a very tough and long ride home. I felt like I had left part of my heart back in Indiana. And in many ways I did but it was a part that was ready to move forward, grow, mature and be the person she was meant to be.

All in the caring, loving family that is Notre Dame and for which we are very comfortble with in watching over our daughter.

Ranting About IM Sign Up

2008-08-16T15:31:00.003-04:00

Ironman is getting too expensive and too hard for the average athlete to get into. As I explained earlier, we went to Lake Placid with the idea of doing a little training, watching the race and then signing up on Monday. We did all that. But to assure that we would get in, it was suggested that we volunteer at the race. The rumor was that the volunteers would be given first shot at getting in for 2009. And fueled by the fact that 2008 racers would be given the chance to sign up for 2009 on Saturday, we eagerly signed up to volunteer. Now, I enjoyed volunteering and would do it again even if I wasn't signing up for next year's race but it just seems that this race is getting to hard to experience. I don't like the idea of this year's racers getting the opportunity to sign up 2 days ealier. I also feel sorry for those who didn't volunteer and didn't get in. There had to be hundreds. And let's not even mention the poor suckers who were going on-line to try and sign up (which I did successfully for the 2006 race) and were shut out. Throw in jacked up hotel prices, 5 night minimums, $500+ entry fee's, training costs and.....whew! Somebody stop me. This sport is getting out of hand. But I love it and as long as my family and my knees support me, I'll keep doing it. It doesn't take away from all the obstacles that keep the common man either on the sideline or penniless after signing up but it is a great race and a fantastic experience.

Let's add more races, stop the Saturday sign up, cut the entry fee, get rid of Active.com, make it 3 or 4 night minimums at the hotels and make everyone witness the stinky, smelly and wet Men's transition tent at IM LP. Kidding on that last one!

Lessons Learned in T1

2008-07-28T20:53:00.003-04:00

Volunteering at Ironman Lake Placid was an experience I will never forget. When the first athlete to finish the swim, Pro Francisco Pontano, came into the men's transition tent it was a lesson in speed and what to do right during transition. He was in and out in what seemed like 40 seconds. (Of course his T1 time was recorded as over 3 minutes because it starts somehwere between exiting the water and getting out on the bike). But the actual time he spent getting ready was incredible. I know that I tend to linger in transition especially in my two Ironman races. My thought process is that it's a long day so I might as well take my time. Of course there is no money on the line either so that might be a reason for staying longer.

What I learned from Francisco is that I need to go through my transition in mind prior to the race and envision what I am going to do. I need to only do what I need to do. Keep it simple. I also need to improve on some of my functions. For instance, one example of this is that I tend to put my race top on in T1. Since my body is wet, it tends to get stuck on my shoulders. The answer to this is to either put it on under the wetsuit or use one that has a full zipper down the front. That way I can just stick my arms in with less friction. It can also be helpful to write down what you are going to do in T1 and then follow through on race day. Don't drift from your designated plan.

If you use visualization before entering T1, I think it can really save you minutes on your overall race time. I am going to practice this in my next race. Whenever that is.

Ironman Lake Placid 2008

2008-07-24T22:58:00.002-04:00

Some friends and I travelled up to Lake Placid for race weekend last Friday to watch this year's race and then sign up for the 2009 race. Little did we know that we would end up volunteering in the Men's transition tent for T1. We also didn't realize how much fun we would have doing it! I would suggest it to anyone who has raced Ironman before to see what it looks like from the volunteer's side. I would also highly suggest it to anyone who is thinking about doing Ironman for the first time. IM LP 2008 was also the first time many of us watched a Tri race as a spectator. Besides the fact that it was a torrential downpour the entire day, we had a ton of fun. In fact, we can't wait to do it again. Maybe in 2010 to sign up for 2011!

Congratulations to all the finishers on Sunday. It took courage, strength, mental toughness and guts to finish that race. To keep moving when that rain was telling you all to quit. You are all Ironmen!

Eagleman 2009

2008-07-03T19:48:00.004-04:00

When I first signed up for the Eagleman 70.3, seven years ago, registration opened sometime in October or November. I believe there were still slots available in the February-March timeframe. Man, has this sport changed. Less than 1 month after the 2008 race was over, registration has opened for 2009. As of yesterday morning there were only 800 slots left! There is no time to ponder anymore. You are either in or you are out. What's it going to be? There is no in-between anymore. Given the way this year has gone for me, I'm not sure if I'll be there next year. I need my time to ponder.

Eagleman Kills

2008-06-25T22:16:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since my last post. Training for Eagleman 2008 or lack there of and the actual race have come and gone. I thought I actually had trained enough to have a decent race but in the days leading up to D-Day, the weather reports started to scare the heck out of me. As we got closer and closer it was apparent that the Eagleman Heat would be in full force.

At around 6 AM race day morning, the temp was already at 80 degrees. The sun was staring down at us like it was dis-pleased that we had picked this day to race. The elements (Wind, Heat, Current) always plays a big part in this race. And this year was no exception. By the time I started out on the run, the heat index was 100+.

My swim was decent. (for not having trained all that much-that is my central theme here). In fact I had one of best "sighting" swims and stayed just to the right of almost every buoy. However, my time was off at about 5 minutes. The bike actually proved to be ok. The mighty wind was absent and in spite of the heat, excellent times were being recorded. My time was ok (again, lack of training, remember?). But I started to get tired around mile 48. And the heat started to really elevate and wera me down. I was pouring more water on me to stay cool than I was drinking it.

I took my time in transition 2 almost wondering what it would be like to get a DNF. But in 12 years of triathlon, I never had to get one and I intended to keep the streak alive. However, the run was my personal journey through hell. I was tired, tired and HOT! By Mile 3 I had had it with gatorade so I started to drink water and flat coke when I could find it at an aid station. I couldn't eat anything and this is my personal issue with runs in long course. My stomach can't fathom gulping down a gel at that point of the race. With the heat at its highest, I was in for a very long afternoon as I watched my time click past 3 hours. My slowest run for 13 miles in my entire, racing life. I usually have enough to sprint the last hundred or so yards but not this time. I couldn't muster it up. I was exhausted and my spirit was beaten down.

Lessons were learned. When you have been through these races before, you usually have the mental capacity to gut it out. But it doesn't mean that you'll turn in a good time or feel great doing it. The weather can add that wild card component and wear you down faster if you are not in race ready shape. I wasn't and that's what happened. Alot of walking and crying on the run.

The good news is that in the days that followed, I did feel that high from finishing a tough race. Next year, I won't let this one get away from me. By the way, this is my 7th year in a row for E-Man. Before the race I was thinking of ending it there. But I'll be back to keep the streak alive.

Last Night I Dreamed.....

2008-05-12T22:43:00.002-04:00

Last night I dreamed of an immaculate race and finish at Eagleman. No cramps in the swim. No head wind on the bike. And a cool day for the run. When I awoke I was bathed in sweat. The alarm clock had jarred me with the Stones' "You Can't Always Get Want You Want" blaring away. Coincidental or the sign of things to come? Race day is less than 4 weeks away.

Code Name: The Ninja

2008-05-08T21:46:00.002-04:00

I train with a group of guys that call me the Ninja or what I do when I'm not training with them, Ninja Training. I call it trying to manage family obligations and get my swim, bike and runs in.

The hardest part to training is sticking to a schedule. At least for me it is. I can easily lose my focus and discipline. When you commute to work, discipline and organization are absolutely key. There are times when I meant to put my swimming gear in the car in order to hit the Y on the way home but forget. Meeting the guys after work for a ride is great but takes a lot of planning. All the gear should be loaded into the car the night before but do I do that? Of course not. So, I've resorted to what my friends call "being a Ninja." Special Secret Training that when race day comes should propel me to a great finish and have a special advantage over them. It's kind of a cool image but unfortunately, for me, it's not true. Being a Ninja is really about making compromises. My wife lets me ride because I'll be home at 10 instead of 10:30. Or it means I can get a 90 minute ride in instead of one for 60 minutes after work because I'm leaving from my house and not meeting the guys 30 minutes from my home.

But you know the thought of dressing in all black and running after the sun goes down is one I can live with. It's appealing. It makes me mysterious and I like that notion. Of course when race day comes, the truth comes out. I finish where I always finish and I didn't need any secretive training to do it. But for now, its cool to live my training life as a Ninja.

To Write or to Train? That's the Question.

2008-05-06T08:20:00.004-04:00

Writing is sometimes tougher than training. I mean what would you rather do? Sit down at your computer with a hot cup of coffee dreaming up words to put together in some semblance of sanity. Or head out at 6 AM on another cool, dreary supposedly Spring day in the northeast for a 50 mile bike? If you knew me and what this year has been like, you would think it was the former. But if you stumble onto this blog, you might think the latter. I seem to be on a blog writing holiday. In any event, Eagleman will be a blood bath. I do think I have enough base training and enough time to lessen the pain. But overall, it won't be pretty.

Visiting Dad

2008-04-07T22:22:00.004-04:00

He was an excellent runner, golfer, bowler, ball player and all around athlete. He was strong and at times invincible. He was tough and I never saw him back down. Many times he was right and many times he was wrong. He could be very compassionate but he could also be very distant. He was smart but he also could be ignorant. He made some great decisions in his life and some that weren't so great. He had good habits and bad habits. In many ways he stills has many of these traits, personalities, talents and ideas. But he doesn't run or golf anymore. He's alive but he's living out his life in a senior care center or nursing home. He has dementia. He thinks it's been 5 weeks since he's been there but it's really been 7 months. He can't walk on his own or maybe he could go home.

I visited my Dad this past Saturday and it's getting harder to do so. I drive the 60 miles from my home in Northern New Jersey to Long Island where he is. Even though it's a tough route across the Cross-Bronx Expressway, the Cross-Island and out the LIE. That's not the hard part. The traffic is nasty, at times, but I'd drive 100 miles if I had to. It's not that at all. It's just plain hard to see someone once so strong ride out their life like this. I may not have agreed with all that he has done but he has given me alot. Some of his lessons I have kept but others that I disagreed with, I have thrown out. But in the end, he is my Dad and this has been hard.

He's on the 2nd half of the marathon now and it's tough going. He's stopping at every aid station trying to catch a second breath. He's digging deep.

7 Miles, 25 Degrees, Pancakes & Bacon

2008-04-06T21:32:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday, four of us gathered for a long bike ride in wind chill weather of 25 degrees. We were in desperate need of a long ride. The warm weather has been stubborn in its arrival this year and there was a panic to get out. But 5 minutes in, with the wind blowing hard, no one wanted to continue on.

"Let's go get breakfast" This is something we always say but never act on. No one wanted to give in this time either. But as we rode on, the thought of sitting around a hot, cup of coffee was very appealing. The toes and finger tips were starting to hurt. The spirit was just not into it.

"We could do that route we did this past week." That's when the weather was about 50 degrees. The loop was about 15 miles. I was hoping for 40 today. But then it came: "let's just go once around." Everyone agreed. That's how we did a long ride of 7 miles. And then went for breakfast. man, that coffee was hot and good!

Ironman Destroys the Will to train

2008-03-19T23:00:00.003-04:00

Ironman can corrupt the soul. It can mess with the drive. Anything less than an Ironman race, once you have trained for an Ironman race, can destroy the will to train. Agree or disagree?

What I am saying is that without an ironman to train for, the drive to train is less. I am sure that many may agree but for me it seems to be true. Here it is March and I am still talking about this struggle to train on a consistent basis. I want to do well at Eagleman believe me. I know through experience that if you go into Eagleman not properly trained, the elements can make it a long and horrible day for you. But here I am, at home wondering when I'll feel like going to the Y to swim. Or hit the basement and my trainer.

This is how I feel today.

I Am a Dreamer

2008-02-28T22:51:00.002-05:00

In little less than 1 hour, the lottery for entry into the 2008 Ironman World Championships will close. And I will have declined my chance of entering once again. I am a dreamer but not yet. Since I really have no chance of qualifying via my age group, the lottery is the only way to go. I dream of being in Kona one day and finishing the crown jewel of all IM races but the timing isn't right this year so I'll wait another year. The wait could be painful but I'll be alright. I'm in no rush.

Losing Time

2008-02-13T22:02:00.003-05:00

Man, this is harder than I thought. I'm having a tough time managing my time. And I'm just so darn tired. Last Saturday, 4 days ago, I did make Masters swim and it felt great. The next day, my wife's birthday, I did manage to follow up the swim with a 3 1/2 mile run while I "let her" sleep in. But now three days have passed and nothing. I'm starting to get concerned. The Eagleman half-Ironman is less than 4 months away. Need to jump start it. And soon.

Slow Start II and the Super Bowl

2008-02-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I only got a run in on Super Bowl Sunday but I do have excuses. I ran for 25 minutes on a mild, Winter day and had dreams of biking or swimming. I even thought of pulling out the bike trainer at night as I was watching the Giants take it to the Pats. However, once my butt hit the couch, it was all downhill. I thought hard about that trainer. I even went down in the basement, on my way to pick up a cold refreshment, and stared at the trainer in my office. It looked good too. Unfortunately, the game was coming back on so I had to run back to the family room. When halftime came, I couldn't not watch Tom Petty. I mean the guy is a legend. And then all those commercials. Wow! the good news is that I am formulating a plan so stay tuned. Eagleman is, I don't know, still about 125 days away. I've got time.

Slow Start to 2008

2008-02-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

Man, it's amazing what having no Ironman on the calendar will do for your training. I've been lazy! A swim here and a run there but that's about it. I've also been very lazy about this blog. Well, the New Year starts now!

But first a few words on what I've been doing...

On most Saturday mornings, I have been lieing in bed dreaming of making the 7;30 Masters swim class at my Y. When that comes and goes and I'm still in bed, I take my training journal out and look at what I was doing a year ago. Since I was training for Lake Placid the last two years, that becomes depressing real quick. So, I look back to 2005 when only a half-Ironman was on the plate. The training was less, believe it or not, and I know over these next few months, I'll put in more ride time, pool time and hit the run just the same in order to be ready. Eagleman is again in June this year and I know I still have time but I need to start now.

I do have excuses. (Don't we all!!) Want to hear them?

New this year for me:

1. A new job which has me commuting into NYC 2-3 days per week and working late (until 7 or 8 PM at night) The last two years, I worked from my basement, which was great for training.

2. I drive my daughter to school. She's a Senior and just cannot be seen on the bus. How can I deny her this? If she had her own car, I could do early morning workouts, but she doesn't. Valid excuse, right?

Ok, so these excuses are just that: Excuses. It's Super Bowl Sunday and I need to do two things: Run and hit the bike trainer before I sit a chair all night. So, I will, I'll get out there. I promise. I'll let you know how I made out tomorrow which gives me a reason to write again. And hopefully no excuses.

In the meantime, how about a prediction?

Giants 27
Patriots 24

Run: 30 minutes
Bike trainer: 45 minutes

Whew! I'm tired already.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T13:38:00.000-05:00

Another new year is upon us but I am glad to get 2007 in the books. More than anything else, it was a time of change. There were many victories, many defeats and some battles that continue on. There is no Ironman on my schedule in 2008. But I will watch Lake Placid in July and sign up again for 2009. That's the plan. This year will be a chance to heal the body parts that have been abused: Knees's and Feet. And add a new injury, broken meta carpal in my left hand, that is still healing.

It will be time to face new challenges. My parents will face their 85th year very differently from the shape they started out from in 2007. Their health issues were stressful for myself and the rest of the family in 2007. I'm praying for them to have a healthier 2008.

My oldest daughter will be leaving the house to attend college in the Fall. It will be a challenge to manage how my wife and I will react to that. We're excited for her but having your first born leave to go away to school will be an emotional roller coaster I'm sure.

I've taken a bit of a hiatus from this Blog but hope to return or more regular posts this year. So far, my training schedule only includes Eagleman and a sprint tri the folowing week. I will look to pick up another few races to enter and report on.

Until then, Happy New Year, Happy Training and Good health to all!

The Greatest of All Time

2007-12-10T21:31:00.000-05:00

Today the greatest rock band of my generation reunited at London's O2 arena. The early reviews that filed in proclaimed that Led Zeppelin still has it. How exciting! I now anxiously await word that a US tour will follow.

When I listen to their music, it lifts me into another dimension. It penetrates my soul. More than any other act, Zeppelin is the soundtrack for my life. Other bands come close, like U2 and Springsteen, but don't touch Zep's intensity.

I saw them live in 1977 at the ripe old age of 16 and remember the concert like it was yesterday. My best friend Steve and I sat in the orchestra section of Madison Square Garden, the envy of our classmates back in Junior High. Back then, we mailed our ticket application in, with a check for $20+ and anxiously awaited the tickets to arrive in the mail. They came, we went and the memory has lasted for 30 plus years. Steve is gone now, God Bless his soul, but that day will live with me forever. Whenever I hear Zeppelin, I think of Steve and many other milestones in my life that were framed by this great catalog of music.

Long Live Robert, Jimmy, John Paul, John and Jason. Long Live Steve S!

All that glitters is Gold.

The Off Season

2007-12-03T22:24:00.001-05:00

The off season is supposed to be the time when you rest the body and do "fun things". If you don't want to get up at 5 AM to meet for an early ride then you don't. You control the work outs, they don't control you. When my racing season is over, I start riding the trails with my mountain bike. The terrain we ride on is very technical: rocky, single track, steep climbs, steep descents and lots of switch backs. Honestly, it's such a treat after training for 9 months non-stop that I can't wait to get to it. Plus, we ride as long as we can. The cold doesn't slow us down only a foot of snow could.

Unfortunately, on Thanksgiving morning, one of my rides turned into the painful off-season. I was in Pennsylvania riding a very tame trail by myself. It was a beautiful morning when I started out. The temperature was about 60 degrees and sunny. I was in nirvana. The ride wasn't going to be super technical but it would be aerobic, long and fun. Plus, it was a great release to get out of the house. The ride would ease the guilt from all that food and beer that I was about to eat and drink later in the day.

At about 7 minutes into the ride, I came up this slight incline and made a quick right back onto the fire road like trail. This was no typical, gravel fire road but more grass like, so it was easier. As I made the right, I noticed a 2 foot by 2 foot rock in the middle of the trail. At the last second, I decided to lift off the rock like I so often do and with never any trouble. I don't know what happened but the next thing I knew, the handlebars violently whipped to the right and I was heading over the bars towards the ground. I don't even remember having an opportunity to clip out of the pedals in an effort to land on my feet. The ground met my chin and face so fast I was shocked. I hit the ground with a tremendous force, rolling over and landing on my back. I sat there, momentarily dazed, wondering how that could have happened. I mean, this was one easy trail. After a few minutes of shaking the cobwebs out, I righted myself. I had some very sore, bloody scrapes on my left leg which looked like a bear had clawed me. My chin was sore and my left wrist was in pain and started to swell. I tried to ride a little longer but couldn't grip the left handlebar so I reluctantly headed back to my in-laws house.

The wrist really swelled up even with the ice I applied for several hours. Finally, I was taken to a nearby urgent care facility that happened to be open. Lucky for me because x-rays revealed a fracture in one of my meta carpal bones. So, my off season, my easy season was put on hold for 4 or more weeks. I'm in a half cast and watching the calories I take in because my activity level has been less than zero. I'm counting the days to get back on the bike but this time I'll shoot for the hard stuff and leave the easy trails waiting until next year.

New 2008 Ironman 70.3 Races

2007-11-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

If you have been looking at the Ironman Live website the last few days, then you noticed all the new 70.3 races coming out for 2008: New Orleans, Kansas and Rhode Island. These are great events so it's nice to see. I'm particularly excited about Rhode Island since it's close to where I live in New Jersey. The only negative is that it's the week before Lake Placid. Although I'm not competing this year, I do want to watch it and sign up for 2009. Could be difficult to get a pass from home to go away two weekends in a row. Love to see the new events. Now how about another full 140.6 IM in the East to accompany Lake Placid?

NYC Marathon 2007

2007-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was in the lobby of a hotel this past weekend watching the leaders finish the NYC marathon. Both the men and women were incredible but it's the woman's winner, Paula Radcliffe, that was so very impressive. From when I picked up the race at Mile 19, it seemed like second place finisher, Gete Wami, was on Paula's tail the entire time. She just couldn't shake her. It even appeared that for several moments, Paula was faltering but she stayed strong. Her arms were pumping...her stride was strong and her face was determined. If you saw the race, the one thing you can take away was Paula's grit and determination. She would not accept anything but finishing first. As an age group triathlete, we're not going to win may races, if any. But in order to finish strong, to move up a few places in the standings, we should remember Paula Radcliffe. I know that the next time I approach the finish line, I'll remember Gete chasing Paula down and Paula not letting go. Even when Gete moved a few meters ahead, Paula dug down deep and took the lead right back. She is a great example of what it means to be a winner. And we can all learn from that.

Don't Get Old, Kid

2007-10-26T13:10:00.001-04:00

As I have posted before, my Mom is in assisted living. And it continues to make me feel like the jailor. The other day she had a bad morning. She wanted out. She wanted to "go home" she told the aids. They said she hit the staff, which I can't visualize because, as horrible as it sounds, she doesn't pack a punch. She's 84 and weighs all of 100 pounds. It is more likely that she swatted them than launching a right-left combo.

I write this not looking for someone to absolve me of my sins. The choice, although the most difficult of my 45 year old life, was for her to live alone, live with myself or my brothers or go to assisted living. We chose the latter because we felt that it would provide the best care for her at this time. There really wasn't any choice.

But when I heard the director of the facility explain my Mom's behavior the other day as maybe she was "feeling trapped", I shake. A big lump of feeling guilty is sitting in my brain right now. It just sits there and waits and pokes me on the shoulder when I forget for a nano-second where she is. And it's her own words in her own voice I constantl hear. Words she has been saying for the last 10 years that really have meaning and relevance now:

"Don't get old, kid"

Addiction, Part 1

2007-10-23T21:05:00.000-04:00

Is it an addiction?

My new favorite t-shirt that I picked up at the Ironman store this year in Lake Placid says:

"Life is Simple. Swim. Bike. Run. Eat. Sleep."

Is there anything else? When you are in the middle of training, does it seem like there is anything else? Actually, a better shirt might be:

"Life is Not Simple. Irritable. Irrational. Stressed. Tired. When will it end?"

Why not? That's how we feel when training seems to drag on and on. However, when we cross the finish line and our bodies make their way back to being normal again, a peace sets in. We're elated. We want to show off all that we have earned. When the family makes a remark like 'Oh no, you're not wearing another finisher race shirt or hat or both!' My daughter sums it up with 'it's their badge of honor. They all wear them.' True. We wear what we've earned on our sleeve, er, back and head. And ankle too. Many of us after finishing an Ironman head to the neighborhood Tattoo parlor and get the ultimate badge of honor, the M-dot. I thought of doing this. I even felt the pressure from two friends that got their's. But everytime I mentioned it, my youngest daughter would start to cry. I think she equated a tattoo with a life of crime and possible jail time.

So, the training drags on and we pray for it all to end. Race day arrives and maybe, the race doesn't go so great. Like me, maybe we're bent over at Mile 10 of the run with the dry heaves praying even harder for it all to end. Or maybe we crashed on the bike and the raspberry hurts like hell and the end just can't come quick enough. Thoughts of quitting enter our heads. But we don't and we push on. At this year's Ironman in Lake Placid, I was at about mile 15 when I spotted a guy with the finisher shirt on. It was a beautiful shade of faded Hunter Green. It was sweet looking. At the time I was battling with myself about dropping out. I was beyond the dry heaves but my stomach was in distress. It would have been so easy.

"Hey, is that this year's finisher shirt"

"Yeah"

"Well, now I have my inspiration to finish"

"Oh, you have to man...there's no greater feeling"

"I know.." I managed to whimper. And so, I pushed on in search of another badge of honor. But we still talk to ourselves: "This is it. I'm done. No more Ironman's. No more long distance Tri's"

And then we finish, we're happy and we're not signing up the next day but we're not talking like our triathlon career is over either. We stand there in the middle of the road not committing to anything either way. Then the next more is when the Addiction sets in. We miss it already. As the weeks go on and the glow of our race brightens, the feeling grows stronger, the Addiction grows and festers inside of us. It's then that we realize that we're hooked. The only cure, fortunately, is more Swimming and Biking and Running and Eating and Sleeping.

So Many Triathlon Memories

2007-10-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

I read a great article by Steve Jonas in the current issue of USA Triathlon Life, the official publication of the USAT. The title was "Why a Good Story Matters". It was about his individual triathlon experiences and stories. It got me thinking about why I do Tri and the special memories that I have. Steve explained that he can't remember every race he's ever done but there are certain races that stand out. Everyone has their own reasons why they do triathlon. For me there are many reasons: great way to stay in shape, sense of accomplishment, the pain (HA HA), etc. But the overall best reason is simply: I just enjoy it! There are so many memories and so many more to come. If my injuries don't slow me down, who knows, maybe I will keep going until I'm 70.

My first Tri is a great one because my mantra was: how hard can the swim be! I hardly trained and when I got 500 yards out from shore and had to resort to swimming on my side, I found out quick. Needless to say that was a rude awakening to the sport. But when I finished, I was hooked. My first half ironman was memorable. It was an enormous high to finish the Eagleman in 2002. I had a very bad sunburn afterwards and my race number was tattooed to my arm for about 1 year. No joke! I've done 5 more Eagleman's since that day. My first and second Ironman finishes are the gems of the catalog. The first because I had a smile on my face the entire time. The second because I had pain on my face most of the run coupled with the dry heaves at Mile 10. But, oh to finish an Ironman is a magical moment. My last race is a showstopper too. Right there at the top. It was only a sprint but it was my 17 year old daughter's first. I'll never forget that one. It's a whole new dimension now.

Triathlon is a lot like life. It's more a journey than a race. Just start and just finish. The journey can have many highs and many lows. But we just have to work through them and keep pushing. There are so many memories that have been made and so many still to be made. Thank you Mr Jonas for reminding me of that.

Sports Dream

2007-10-11T21:21:00.001-04:00

I'm excited. If you're like me, you have sports dreams. Some of the ones on the top of my list are seeing the Mets play the Cubs in a weekend series at Wrigley, the Giants or Jets or Packers in the Super Bowl, Mets in the World Series, being at the Masters, finishing the Ironman World Championship in Kona, etc. Another one will be realized this weekend as I head to Notre Dame with my daughter. She's a senior in HS and is interested in seeing the campus. The dream? Notre Dame vs Boston College on Saturday. Can't wait! I think we might surprise them.

Prediction:

ND 27 BC 24 ....on a late field goal.

Mom

2007-10-03T19:53:00.000-04:00

This post falls into the "Living...." part of the Iron H blog.

On Friday, July 13 my brother went to my Mom's apartment to check on her, after she didn't return our phone calls for several hours. Looking through the front door, he could see her lying on her bathroom floor. Breaking in, he found her alive, face bloodied, arm broken, rib cracked, bruised and confused.

Fast forward to this day, after 16 days in the hospital and about 40 days in a rehab center, my Mom at age 84, is now living in an assisted living facility. Physically, I would say she is fine. She's about 95% of what she was, which for an 84 year old woman, was very good. She was spry to say the least. It was only two years ago when she tried using my daughter's pogo stick. We still talk about that one!

However, she has dementia and is considered a "flight risk". Just this year, prior to her fall, she would often walk the 3 miles to my brother's house from her place. Our decision to place her into the "safe care" unit of this assited living facility did not come easy. I feel in many ways that I took her freedom from her. And as triathlete's we know what freedom means to us. She is happy at the facility, I believe. She knows she has an apartment but doesn't demand that she return. However, I still can't get over what I feel we've done to her.

I'm going to use this blog over the next several months to talk about her and the decision we made. I keep dreaming that someday, she will be cured and could return to an apartment setting. But I know that is not being realistic. I'd like to get a bigger house and bring her home. The problem is she is a Long Island Girl and I live in Jersey. And Jersey is not her home. But we'll see. For now, I visit her as much as I can.

In mourning...over the Mets

2007-10-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

I love my wife. I love triathlon. I love the USA.

But I bleed NY Mets blue and orange. For all diehard Mets fans everywhere...today is a national day of mourning. The much hated Phillies skipped over us and took control of 1st place. Hats off to the Phils for sweeping us umpteen times but in the end..we beat ourselves. The division was ours and we let it slip away. And now there is no post season..no potential World Series win...which would have been our first since 1986. The only solace is the Braves are out as well.

I'll probably be watching the playoffs with one eye this year...rooting for whoever is playing the Phillies and the Yanks.

Just wait until next year....

Tri-ing With My Daughter

2007-09-30T21:16:00.000-04:00

Well, being true to form, I am writing this post late. It's now 2 weeks after my daughter completed her first triathlon at age 17. For me, it was one of the most thrilling races I've completed. It ranks right up there with my two Ironman finishes for sure.

Let me be the bragging father for awhile. First, the triathlon was the American Memorial Triathlon in Greenwood Lake, NY. The distances: 1/2 mile Swim, 16 mile Bike and 4 Mile Run. My daughter is a swimmer by trade so I knew that would be her strength. The idea was that I would catch her on the bike and we would stay together for the rest of the race.

The swim was a mass start with about 150-200 competitors. It was 45 degrees at race time but the water was much warmer. My daughter, with no wetsuit, was nervous but ready. I told her to get out in front and see what she could do. If it got crazy crowded heading for the first buoy then stay right out of the way, I said. Well, she got out in front and did very well. She was the first female and fourth overall out of the water. As I was coming into transition, she was heading out. What a great sight!

I was very impressed with her riding. She really only trained for about 1 1/2 months for this race. Everytime I saw her ahead of me at the crest of a hill, I figured I'd catch her after I reached the same point. But when I got to that point, she had disappeared behind a bend. This went on for awhile until I finally caught up to her around Mile 5 of the bike. I stayed with her the rest of the way and she did great! Results weren't posted yet and in my excitement I didn't write down our time.

We made a quick trasnition to the run and she looked strong starting out. But what hampered her during training hit her in the race as well. She started getting a cramp right under the rib cage. For the first 2 miles we did alot of walk-run to get rid of it. She felt better over the last 2 miles and finished strong. We placed 70th and 71st, I believe. She won the age group for 24 and under! It was a proud moment for sure. And a great start to her triathlon career!

September 11: Looking Back

2007-09-11T16:06:00.000-04:00

Today is a tough day for all Americans. It is especially tough for us here in the NY area that were directly effected by the events on 9/11. It is a day I will never forget. And I will never forget those who sadly lost their lives.

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I made my way through the WTC after commuting in from my home in New Jersey. I stepped outside into the beautiful sunshine and walked the distance of less than 100 yards from the South Tower to my office at 90 West Street. It was 8:05 AM as I made it into the building. I was about to begin a staff meeting when, at 8:46 AM, the world changed forever.

I will never forget the images of that day. The death and destruction I witnessed. When the second plane struck the South Tower, after flying over our building, we began our evacuation. Those moments were so surreal because we still did not know the enormity of the situation. Out on the street, looking up at the gaping, burning holes in both towers, I was in shock. But fortunately, I made it home when others didn't.

The pictures above are of my return to the building in November of 2001. The office I'm in was right next door to us, on the same floor, but facing the WTC. When the towers fell, debris littered our building and it caught fire. They say it burned for three days.

Please remember all those who perished today, six years ago in NY, DC and in the fields of Pennsylvania. They are all heroes. God Bless.

Congrats to IM Finishers

2007-09-10T10:17:00.000-04:00

Congrats go out to all IM Wisconsin finishers. Also, a belated congrats to IM Louisville and IM Canada finshers. Great job all!!

This is race week for my daughter and I. Her first triathlon is next weekend in Greenwood Lake, NY. I plan to be there with her every mile except the swim where she'll crush me. Training has gone well. We did a few bricks and the transition from bike to run was...let's just say....a New Experience.

Don't just love it?!!

My Daughter's 1st Tri

2007-09-04T11:51:00.000-04:00

For the last month I have been training with my 17 year old daughter for her first triathlon. It's a sprint tri: 1/2 mile swim, 16 mile bike and a 4 mile run. She will crush me on the swim and will wear no wetsuit. The plan is to catch up to her on the bike. I'll pace her from that point on. The date is September 16 and I'm looking forward to it. She is excited but scared. She'll do just fine.

IM USA Lake Placid Race Report

2007-08-28T15:40:00.000-04:00

Ok, it's been more than 1 month since Ironman Lake Placid was over. I have been extremely lazy about writing this report but here goes. The good news is I finished again..my 2nd IM finish. The bad news is that it was a tough race or a tough run rather. Overall, I was 20 mins slower than last year but in IM it's all about the finish.

The Swim

There I was standing on the opposite side of the lake waiting for the gun to go off. The helicopters were sailing overhead and I was hoping that I would get in the DVD they were filming for. A few butterflies in my stomach but not like last year. I was ready to get this going. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was pscyhed to be here again. A few hugs and handshakes to those around me and we were off.

I felt VG coming into this swim. But it was a tough one from the start. I started wide right but suddenly founf myself over the yellow line. Once you are in there, it's tough to get back out. I was kicked under the chin at least three times, my goggles were jarred a few times and I was run over. Around the second turn and heading in, my right calf and then immediately after my left camp cramped. If you never had this happen before, it's like getting shot in the water. You come to a complete stop. I was able to shake it off, made it around the 2nd loop cramp-free and finished at 1:19:14. Just about what I did last year. I was ok with it.

The Bike

I spent less time in T1 this year (12:13 vs 15:45) and that was a moral victory in itself. As I hit the bike, I was shivering uncontrollably again, like last year. I recovered faster as it was a lot warmer out. The first 10 miles of the bike are tough. Once outside of town, there is a nice steady climb and then rolling hills until you get to the Great 6 mile Downhill. I checked my odometer later and I had maxxed out at 46 MPH! I had a very good first loop. I hit 40 miles at 2 hours and was cruising. The hills back into town slowed me a bit but I was happy. However, there was trouble brewing. They were giving out orange Gatorade Endurance at the aid stations. I hate orange. It just doesn't agree with my stomach. And because it was warm, it was gumming everything up. Plus, the Cliff Blox which I trained with, were sitting right either. I just wasn't eating or drinking enough. On the 2nd loop, a wind picked up and the times were slower but I still felt good coming in and pleased with my time of 6:52:53. I heard some stories about a few crashes that occurred including some nasty ones but I didn't witness any. The out & back was a little crazy on the first loop. People need to stay on their side of the double yellow line or someone will get hurt.

The Run

When I sat down to put on my running shoes, my hamstrings started to cramp. The attendant offered me a massage. (I never noticed there was a maseuse in the transition tent before). Thought hard about it for a few seconds but declined. I never would have got back up.

The run started out ok but when you leave town so many people are cheering that it's hard to not feel elated. Outside of town was a different story. The stomach was in distress. I tried eating grapes..wouldn't go down. Tried drinking lemon & lime Gatorade but my stomach felt like I was on the ocean. Coke was ok but it was so early in the run, I abandoned that idea. I could only sip water. At mile 10, I drank a bottle of water someone handed me but immediately got the dry heaves. There I was bent over near the horse grounds thinking my race might be over. Never had I experienced this before. But Coach Chuck, who trains some of my friends, once said that you can get through most stomach issues. Just give yourself time to recover and keep moving forward. When the heaves passed, I started to walk. When I got to town I told my family that it was going to be a late night and they might not see me until 11 PM. I was in trouble. The 2nd half of the run was a horror. Friend after friend passed me. My calfs and hamstrings were getting tight. I still couldn't eat anything. Just sipping water. I saw Coach Chuck, who was on his mountain bike, and he talked me through alot of it. At Mile 21 or so, I stated to sip the coke and that brought me back. I never tried the chicken broth because the thought of it nauseated me. But alot of racers sware by it. I was mostly walking but as I got into town, the noise rejuvenated me. As soon as you start to run, if you've been walking, the crowds go crazy. It's quite a feeling. I ran and walked the last two miles and somehow was able to sprint into the stadium. I found my 3 daughters and we made it to the finish. The clock read 15:01:59. Twenty three minutes slower than last year and 1 1/2 hours slower than my goal. But...I'll take it. Ironman finsh #2. It's all about the finish, isn't it?

Ironman USA Lake Placid

2007-07-29T18:22:00.001-04:00

The race was held 1 week ago today. It was my second IM finish. Although I was 20 minutes slower than the first one, and had hoped that I'd be 1 hour faster, the bottomline is that I finished. I'll have a full report coming soon. I've just been too lazy and living off the high from finishing it. At the same I'm down that there is no IM for me on the schedule for next year. However, it will be a much needed year of rest from long course. Stay tuned!

Getting Ready

2007-07-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

This morning I completed my last pool swim before IM. I cut it short because I ran out of time. It starts to make you wonder and doubt. Did I train enough for this year's race? I'm compulsive about stats so I start to look at what I did this year compared to last. My swim yardage was about the same in distance so I'm not concerned there. Plus, I had a half-Iron time in Eagleman 6 weeks ago that I'm quite happy about (<38 mins).

There was alot more mileage on the bike this year, which was good because my bike time in IM last year was not satisfactory (7:26:57). I feel I'm positioned to attack it a little more this Sunday. On the flip side, my running time and mileage is off due to a foot injury that kept me sidelined for almost 2 months (April to mid-May). But the way I look at the run in IM is to just survive. I'm still confident that I can beat last year's overall time and all I need to do is improve on the run by 15 minutes. It's definitely do-able. Of course, I'm looking for a faster bike (by 45 minutes), the same swim (1:19:27) and a better T1 (last year...15:45) to get that desired time. I took a nap in T1! Can't do that this year. Plus, if the knee and feet feel good..then who knows?

It's a long day and it has to be approached that way. Stick to my raceplan and everything should be ok.