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!