End of the World, no, End of Training, YES!

GAME TIME!  RACE DAY!

Tomorrow at 8:18ish I step in the water.  Sorry Larren, JUMP IN!  I am ready.  Not to win.  To compete and complete.

I am anxious, yet confident.  Petrified yet, fired up.

I am going in a just another of hundreds of entrants.  However, what I represent is unique. I represent:

God, sorry but, yes, I would say it in my speech.
Little David
Fat Head/Spanky
My awesome family who is excited for me.  That energizes me.  Thanks.

Nobody can say that.  So, here we go.  My thank you's need to come now.  I'm not going to be on some platform excepting awards so, they come now.  The completion of all you have given me.

Thanks, Darla, Tabor, Tate, Taney, Rochelle, Kerry, M&D, Jer/Car, John Allen, & Greg.  So many have given me support through words and that means more than you know.  Thank you all also.

Enough. Time to hit

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE

My Struggle to Juggle

Not that I don't know how to juggle. Well, three items.  But, when I step it up to 6 or 7, forget it.  So, I have dropped a ball or two.  One ball has been the blog.  Time to pick it up now.  Sparknotes version.

Bad #1-At minute 72 of an uneventful 75 minute bike ride, I have cleat problems and comfortably fall into the grass on the side of the road.  No big deal.  Except that somehow out of 72 minutes of error free cycling as I fall for what, 15 seconds, at that very moment, MY WIFE DRIVES BY.  Giggling as she sees that I'm safe.  How does that happen?

Bad #2-Two weeks later.  Time for an easy bike ride.  RIGHT.  I am 2 minutes in and something feels unusual in the movement on my left pedal.  10 seconds later, the entire pedal and crankarm comes off.  Stuck to my cleat.  How does that happen?

Finally

Good #1-Time for another brick run.  50 minute ride, 15 minute run.  NO CRAMPS.  NO FETAL POSITION to recover.  I can do this.

Good #2- I went to the scene of the race today.  As I surveyed the routes, I became extremely anxious.  Then, at some point, calm and ready.

This week of training is what is commonly referred to as tapering.  Intensity and duration of the workouts are significantly less.  I've determined that it may very well be less about preparing your body, as it is a chance to prepare your mind.  Whatever the case, I'm working on both, because

6 more days until

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE

What the CRAMP!!

OMGoodness.  Today's workout was a 45 minute bike ride followed by a 10 minute run.  This is called a brick workout.  Supposedly because you are "stacking" two workouts on top of each other.  My theory is that it is because it felt as though someone was throwing bricks at me as I ran.

The bike ride was awesome.  I am just beginning to get a feel for "Little David" and this bike is sweet. I even used the clips today  Look, no blood.

However, there's the other part of the workout.  Immediately after getting off the bike, I transitioned into running shoes, jumped up an realized I was attempting to run, but not much forward motion.  Picture this.  Marionettes bouncing around in place, awkwardly flopping their feet on the ground as the strings only pulled them up and down.

As I busted out my best Fred Flintstone start, my feet eventually got under me and I got rolling.  This was only to be followed by a bigger crisis  At approximately 7 minutes, I felt it.  Quadriceps cramps.  Both legs.

Being the superior stupid athlete that I am, I pushed on.  As I arrived back at the house, no one was home.  Normally not a big deal.  However, today, this was a problem.  Garage door was closed and I needed in, for warmth and to be saved from the embarrassment that was to come.  As long as I knelt, the cramps subsided.  As soon as I stood, both legs locked in a horrifically painful position. So, reaching the garage door opener became one of those movie moments when the martyr hero reaches, on death's edge, for the button that will destroy him and all of the evil around him.  Except I didn't make it.  Instead, I was left to recover in a rotated fetal position in my driveway as cars drove by.  My only consolation.  No one stopped and I recovered before my family arrived  So, they will now be reading this for the first time  Enjoy, at my expense.

But just know, after finding this new level of pain, and seeing what my body can handle, I am focused to push on for

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

Little David

It is with a heavy heart that I have delayed but now must make this post. I have mentioned in this blog that a friend of mine was building me a bike.  Sadly,  David Marshall Walker, Owner and Operator of Centruy Bikes passed away on March 10, 2011.  He lived a challenged yet full life dedicated to committing all out to every adventure he pursued.  Getting Century Bikes off and running was his passion. And what a passion it was.  He had just finished building a bike that I was to use as a promotional tool for Century Bikes in my race.  The family, some of the best friends a man could have, made the decision that the bike should be mine.  WHAT AN AMAZING HONOR!!  This bike is simply phenomenal.  Remarkably lightweight, aerodynamic and just BAD.  As I learn more about it and "get to know it", I am seeing more and more that it represents the Christian man that built it.  Solid.  Quiet.  Durable.  Complete.

As I rode last week I looked down at that Century Bike logo and thought of the only appropriate tribute to a bike that has taken on the much too short life of its designer. Inscribed on that crossbar will be the new name of my bike, "Little David".

Another powerful dedication for me to pursue

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

Time For a Bath

I have been feeling several things recently.  Sluggish, uncomfortable, out-of-shape.  So, what gives?  I have been working out regularly, still on my path.  But, man I'm frustrated.

Got it.

Time for a bath.  I need to cleanze my body.  So, beginning tomorrow, I am going to focus on getting my diet in order, AGAIN.  Here is the plan to take me into race date. 

Whittle down the carb intake.
Ramp up the fruits throughout the day.
Modify the evening meal.  Emphasize the veggies. And make it colorful.
Nuts!
Stop when I need to stop.

This is the only element that stands my way toward

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

Me vs. ???????

Just registered for my Triathlon. No turning back now. I also looked at some times for my "advanced" age group. Seem a little intimidating. However, I need to get a grip on the fact that I have no one to beat. I am doing this to take the challenge. This is also the case with about 80% of those that will be with me that day. From what I understand, there is a ton of encouragement, support and praise coming from all sides once the race is on. I have never been one to need this for motivation, but just to know I am with others pushing their physical limits on an early Sunday morning, gives me assurance that my biggest rival is not going to be the man or woman standing beside me at the start line.

My biggest rival will be that voice telling me "Train tomorrow. Its too late today!"

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

20x20x20

Today's plan gave me a chance to simulate a little mini meet.  So, I swam 20 minutes (800+ yards), 20 minute bike (no clue how far) and a 20 minute run (2 ish miles).  Felt good after swim and bike.  Run was sluggish and ugly.  Post workout? First, I was completely starved.  Ate like a pig for the next two hours.  And, I just couldn't recover. In hindsight, I think it was all about hydration.  I should have loaded up on the water a little more.  But, I made it.  One more step on the way to.....

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

STEP IT UP TIME!!

The game changes now.  I have picked an 18 week training plan.  And, if I have mapped it out correctly, it begins this week.  I am ready.  I have fallen off my game for a couple weeks, and this renews my fire.  I know this training plan involves frequent "two-a-days".  Gross!  Haven't experienced that term since the 80's @ MNU.  I'm a little anxious about those, but so ready to face it.

I am implementing three philosophies.  One is a passion fueled by my dedication.  Spanky, here we go.  Two, I'm going to really listen to my body.  I have recently learned that this is a valuable tool in preventing injuries and knowing when to push myself.  Finally, you will never see a post, or hear me make a comment regarding the sacrifice my family has made to make this happen.  So, three, anytime my family, my God, or my friends calls, this little experience takes a backseat.

OK, its time to get out and get to work.

It all starts with an 8:00 am swim.  See you there John.

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

New Years Revolution

Christmas break presented its usual healthy habit challenges.  Generally, I was able to maintain a consistent training routine.  Diet, not so much.  As usual, I battled the volume of food, not the quality.  Back in a routine with school and life will help.

I am going to focus my intensity over the next few weeks on the bike.  Hence the post title.  Instead of simply riding for period of time, I am going to push myself with some interval training.  Word is, quality biking can only help my running.

Last week I got to see the frame and rims for the bike I will be using.  Can't wait.  I will be using a custom made bike designed and built by David Walker, Owner of Century Bicycles.  I'll post some pictures and info on Century Bikes soon.

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

BREATHE

Sorry, one last post today.   The title of this post is significant.

For some time now, I have drawn some motivation on road runs from an event that happened over 13 years ago.  For the most part, I have kept this to myself.  Simply using it to focus and drive me when needed.

This journey I have decided to take has given me a reason to now express this in a new way.

In February of 1997, a good friend of mine, Scott Spencer, died of a rare lung aliment.  Devastating to many of us near him, the grieving and healing took quite a while.

His life loving personality and ability to make you want to be around him, was captivating.  Maybe this is the source of my desire to carry this out.

I have decided to dedicate this race to Scott, or as we knew him, Spanky or Fathead.

I have visualized his last moments of life many times.  His struggle to simply...BREATHE.

So, every time I turn my head in the water, every time I draw in from the breezes on the bike, every time I fill my lungs as my feet pound the ground, I will BREATHE.  Because he couldn't.

Thanks for the life you lived and the inspiration you are now giving me.

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!  BREATHE!

Decision Made

Keep going to the KC Triathlon website to register, hesitating, then logging out.  Choices

*Sprint (750 yd swim, 12-15 mile ride, 3.1 mile run)
*Olympic (.9 milde swim, 26 mile ride, 6.2 mile run)

Really wanted to go Olympic, but after seeking advice from  experienced racers (Thanks Gregger), I am content in my decision to go with the Sprint.  I can then make a late summer Olympic a more realistic goal.

I feel good about this.  I am going to treat it as it's name implies.  My focus for the next five months will be speed, which I lack.

Here we go!

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!

I RAN!!

Finally.  I attempted a little track run this afternoon.  Felt the calf start to strain, but dug in and completed a 5K.  8:50 pace with some pain.  Felt good to get it in.  I guess even without running, the conditioning has helped.  Yoga tomorrow.

Having a Cow, over my Calf!

Went for a run yesterday.  Really wanted to squeeze it into this small window of time I had in the afternoon.  Two laps in, calf strain.  AGAIN.  I guess six days rest didn't do it.  Went with a 45 minute Stationary bike ride.  Calf held up.  Didn't swim this morning.  Just didn't have it in me.  I am struggling with the line between losing my edge and listening to my body.

Anyway, looks like lots of swimming, biking and lifting until after the new year.  Need to stay away from feet pounding for a bit.

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!

TWO-A-DAYS

Not a fan of this practice at my age.  One every week or two is plenty.  Swam in the morning. Lifted in the evening.  By the end of the night, I was really craving massive amounts of food.  Not a bad thing.

The swim was a little frustrating.  One, it was 13 degrees when I left for the pool.  Two, some guy had this really cool waterproof MP3 player that I wanted.  Three, he was way faster than me in the pool.   Luckily, some elderly man was doing aqua walking in the pool for rehab.  I beat him.  I feel like I am swimming in slow motion sometimes.  Need a little boost to bump up my motivation for getting in the water again this week.

Lifting, on the other hand went well.  I jumped up a small percentage in my bench/squat and even did some weighted pullups.  Maybe this will help my swim Friday morning.

The Lake.  The Road.  The Path.
Three fights, One Victory!

SLOW-MO

Maybe first time ever.  Walked, ON PURPOSE, on a treadmill.  I have always considered this an insignificant activity.  Now, after reading that the elite triathletes implement walking in their training, I figured its time.

Really didn't like it.  But was kind of forced, given my calf strain.  Thinking I might need to implement it weekly.  But, man, what else can I throw in the mix?

5:30 am swim tomorrow.  Projected temp at alarm buzz, 13.

FOOD FIGHT

Over the last four or five weeks I have attempted to modify my diet..significantly. I have never eaten poorly, but I knew that this goal would require a food fight.  Here are the foods I have fought so far. Gone are the late night bowls of cereal.  The calories aren't horrible but the sugar, sheesh.  Sorry R7 Nutrition Services, school lunches, gone.  And now the toughest food fight there is.  Bye bye buffets.  Overeating, not eating the wrong food has been my crisis.

Now the foods that are winning.  I've added Greek yogurt.  Add a little Splenda and you have an awesome protein source.  FRUIT, FRUIT, FRUIT.  At least that many servings a day.  I'm taking out the protein bar for lunch (glorified candy bar) and now trying a salad or sandwich with lean meat.  Thanks California Johnny.  Dinner is still a work in progress.

Finally, pop, even diet soda had to lose this food fight.  Cold turkey after averaging three 44 oz Diet Mountain Dew's a day (seriously), was horrible.  Headaches, cravings, ibuprofen.  Done.  Water wins.

For anyone wanting to take on one of these food fights and win.  Take one bad away, add a good.  Endure for three weeks.  Three weeks makes a habit.  You will learn to like it, I promise.

IRONY BITES

The day I chose to begin blogging my Tri-Try, irony strikes. 0.78 miles into my scheduled run, my calf felt like an opening venetian blind.  Slightly freaked out, I texted for a car ride home.  I'm not sure what happened but it really bummed me out.  Now what?


Ice tonight.  Test it out tomorrow.  Aging should be banned.

The Lake... The Road... The Path...

I have decided to chronicle the next 5 months as I journey toward a finish line on May 22, 2011.  I have never attempted a triathlon, but, at the age of 49, I have decided, before I start qualifying for free and reduced food at IHOP, its time to GO. 
I am blogging this for two reasons.  One, I am hoping it will hold me accountable.  Two, I hope you will see, that if I can, YOU can.  I'm nobody special.  My journey will not be amazing.  It will be real and attainable.  For anyone.