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!
April 16, 2009
March 30, 2009
The Lonely 3000 Yards
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.
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.
March 29, 2009
It's Not Just About the Race
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.
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.
March 22, 2009
Running with Injuries
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.
“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.
March 15, 2009
Hurry Spring
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.
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.
March 05, 2009
Getting Sick
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.
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.
February 19, 2009
Win the Lottery & Train All the Time
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.
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.
February 14, 2009
Big Saturday
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!
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!
February 11, 2009
Heroes
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.
February 08, 2009
Sunday Morning
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.
February 07, 2009
Saturday Night
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.
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.
February 02, 2009
Ramblings on a Monday
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.
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.
January 31, 2009
Dad
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.
January 12, 2009
Triathlon is Life
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.
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.
January 01, 2009
Training Goals for 2009
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.
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.
December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
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!
December 19, 2008
The Five Rules
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.
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.
December 11, 2008
A Nasty Morning
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.
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.
December 06, 2008
California Dreaming
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?
December 05, 2008
Selfish...anyone?
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.
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.
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