I pulled the trigger today on registration for Ironman AZ 2008 (http://www.ironmanarizona.com/). Some say the definition of insanity is to do the same thing, expecting a different outcome. With that in mind, I think I have learned some things and have a few more miles in my legs so as to help me arrive healthy and go faster this time around.
Last time through, I had terrible IT band tendonitis that had me getting anti-inflammatory injections in the week prior and forced me to walk / shuffle the last two-thirds of the marathon.
I'm hopeful that I've gotten used to long-distance running, know how to stretch and roll the IT bands, and will be able to train to keep the run mileage to just enough to be ready. I have some very good coaches who have prepared many athletes to excel at this distance (http://www.texasiron.net/default.htm). I have the opportunity to put all the "shoulda's" behind me.
Ironman AZ 2005: 11 hours, 42 minutes
Ironman AZ 2008: <10>
Monday, April 16, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
Really Racing Now
This weekend was a really big rendevous in Galveston. The Lone Star Triathlon Festival took place Saturday and Sunday, with a sprint Saturday, and an Olympic and Half on Sunday. It was also a chance for me to really test my form to this point.
I put in a decent performance both days, but found my swim and bike to be a little lacking. Kinda funny when you take into account that those two disciplines are usually my strong suit. Good news is that there is room to improve and my run is coming along well.
I did the sprint Saturday and had the opportunity to race with my professional coach, as there was no pro wave that went off first. I got to see him out on the bike course, and run with him for a brief period (no way I can keep up for long). I was in the first wave, so it really felt good to have the course open. I was third out of the water and held position on the bike. I tried to keep my pacing under control on the run, and managed the first two miles at 6:30 pace, but then just didn't have the gas for the last mile. Two folks caught my in the last 2/10 of a mile, but fortunately they weren't in my age group. Felt like a good honest effort and a good foundation for the rest of the season, 19th out of 700 overall, and second in my age group:
Overall: http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/160329_191112_2007.html
Age Group: http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/160329_191115_2007.html
Sunday I did the Half Aquabike (swim-run). Came out of the water first with a four-minute lead, then really stomped on the bike. Ended up winning by 13 minutes. Troubling that I was really suffering and losing power toward the end. My HR dropped along with my power output. I tried to focus on cleaning up the pedal stroke, but was in so much pain from my back and neck, that I wasn't able to maintain. This was my longest race so far, and I hope that as the season wears on I'll get a little more comfortable and will generate the sustained power.
Aquabike results: http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/160330_191449_2007.html
I put in a decent performance both days, but found my swim and bike to be a little lacking. Kinda funny when you take into account that those two disciplines are usually my strong suit. Good news is that there is room to improve and my run is coming along well.
I did the sprint Saturday and had the opportunity to race with my professional coach, as there was no pro wave that went off first. I got to see him out on the bike course, and run with him for a brief period (no way I can keep up for long). I was in the first wave, so it really felt good to have the course open. I was third out of the water and held position on the bike. I tried to keep my pacing under control on the run, and managed the first two miles at 6:30 pace, but then just didn't have the gas for the last mile. Two folks caught my in the last 2/10 of a mile, but fortunately they weren't in my age group. Felt like a good honest effort and a good foundation for the rest of the season, 19th out of 700 overall, and second in my age group:
Overall: http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/160329_191112_2007.html
Age Group: http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/160329_191115_2007.html
Sunday I did the Half Aquabike (swim-run). Came out of the water first with a four-minute lead, then really stomped on the bike. Ended up winning by 13 minutes. Troubling that I was really suffering and losing power toward the end. My HR dropped along with my power output. I tried to focus on cleaning up the pedal stroke, but was in so much pain from my back and neck, that I wasn't able to maintain. This was my longest race so far, and I hope that as the season wears on I'll get a little more comfortable and will generate the sustained power.
Aquabike results: http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/160330_191449_2007.html
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