Training in Lake Placid

July 21st - July 26th

7-21-10 - Day off - Travel day - Feeling very lucky to - my longest fatigue today hit today - right on schedule. Thankful for the opportunity to rest and sit for the duration of the day. (PHOTO LEFT: All of our bikes getting ready for their journey to Lake Placid)

7-22-10 - Run/Swim 1.2 - After arriving in Lake Placid, we decided to go for a shrot run and swim one loop of Ironman Swim course. First, seeing the Ironman setup is amazing - Lake Placid is amazing. Seeing other athletes training for Sunday is scary - It's almost like you don't feel elite anymore - you are no longer the stand-alone in a community, but one of 3,000 other athletes who do what you do, every day. It is scary and amazing at the same time. (PHOTO UP: Me, having just arrived at the North Pole Inn (or something) in Lake Placid).

Swam the 1.2 in 30 minutes - that was my estimate, the job through the village and around mirror lake was really fun - looking forward to tomorrow.

7-23-10-Ride 56 miles/Run 12 miles/Ride 18 miles - First real day of training in placid. the ride was super hilly with hills that create 6 mile decents and on our bikes we cruised to over 45 mph. The run here was difficult. I wasn't feeling it and the 18 mile extra ride felt good too. On teh 565 mile ride, there was a 10 mile stretch that was one angle - continually up - one, constant, 10-mile incline and I felt amazing. LOVE THE INCLINE!!!! Thank you Lake Placid for such a marvelous strech of road. (PHOTO LEFT: part of the Lake Placid race course).

7-24-10 - Ride 45 miles - Went out for day #2 of real hills. my gears changed - that's the only way I knew I was a little tired from day #1. We stopped periodically to take amazing photos of this piteresque place. My legs feel strong and I honestly feel as though I am defeating hills - for the first time. Its an amazing feeling! So far, so good - glad to be training somewhere else so close to race day!

7-25-10 - Ride - mileage unknown) - RACE DAY! Lake Placid race day. Got up early - we were dropped off near the start, rode into town to watch the Ironman start - very cool - After watching everyone come through the transition, we headed back to the hotel on hte bike - BRRRR - pretty cool biking down hill on the same course as the pros - coming upon the leaders as they pushed their way up hill. (PHOTO RIGHT: Swim start in mirror lake).

After biking, we ate the biggest breakfast ever - SO HAPPY! Then, off for another ride where we pretty much headed to the top of yet another mountain - unknowingly. I am, needless to say, very confident in hills by now. (PHOTO LEFT: my breakfast - YUMMY).

Next up: 8 miles straight to the top of the whiteface mountain (Please see seperate blog for Whiteface Mountain).

LAKE PLACID TRIP RECAP: Coming out to Lake Placid, I had no expectations - I just knew I would be training and that there would be LOTS OF HILLS to train on. Of course the trip turned out better than I imagined.

First, after riding the Louisville course - even after completing 85 miles of the hills on course, I came home feeling doubtful of my ability to complete the course and then run - no reason why - I just felt scared. Note: I am not confidient of my "hill ability" and feel ready for the Louisville Bike course.

That being said, arriving in placid, we immediatly went out to ride and in placid, you start out climbing . . . and climbing. . .and what goes up, must go down. The placid course almost rewards the rider for climbing with amazing decents where we hit amazing speeds and along the way, you are enthralled by the mezmorizing scenery and the excitment of being around so many others who are just like you.
It was amazing upon arrival and course, this was Ironman weekend. My eyes were flooded with thousands of people just like me. Its a comforting feeling knowing there are so many others who have dedicated themselves to something so seemingly obscure. It was amazing to go out on a long ride and midway through to come across a natual swimming hole, take off your shoes, park your bike and coll your body temperature down and relax for a second. what a priveledge to train in such a beautifully challenging place. (PHOTO RIGHT: me, relaxing in the natural waterslide).
Overall, Placid gave me the confidence in hills that I needed (If I walk away with any one specific thing). Around every corner was some new piece of spectacular scenery. I didnt' even care how far i had to bike because I knew there would something else amazing to see if i just kept riding. I experienced the rush of fierce speeds coming off big decents, and the thrill of climbing 8 miles up to the top of whiteface mountain. Lake Placid Training - a great success.

The Journey Continues

July 18th - July 20th

7-18-10 - Bike 4:45 Alone - Today I went out for a long ride alone. I have been advised to do this because I will be alone on the Ironman course so long and I should get use to it. the beginning of the ride started out bumpy. I got to my parking place and ralized I had taken my aero bar pads off to clean them and had not put them back on yet.

After finally getting on the road, I have to admit, the first 2.5 hours was easy. Wiht the Lake Placid hills coming up, I wanted hot, but flat and save myself from injury before heading out to New York to train. This ride was all about getting used to the humidity and going at it alone.

I didn't have any glitches or issues until around 2:45 when I turned straight into the wind and starting consuming my last bottle of water. I started out with four and now I started to wonder if I wuld make it to my planned water destination in time. I was passing by a number of houses, so worst case scenerio, I would go cold-calling and begin begging for water.

About 3 hours in, I noticed storm clouds - about 3:15 in, I started getting rained upon. However unlucky I felt that day starting out, as soon as I truned onto the next road on my map, I saw a state park wildlife refuge ahead - there I found shelter, a clean bathroom and water! WHOO HOO!
It is amazing how what it all really comes down to is so simple. I waited out the storm, took some pictures, guzzled 16 oz of water and ate some combos. Life was looking really good. Finally the storm passed and I headed out hoping to find home. I had to ride dwon a 4 lane highway for 1/10 of a mile (that was terrifying), but I finally made it back - 9 fig newtons, 2 dozen pizza combos and 6, 16 oz bottle of G2 and water later.

7-19-10 - Run 1:30 - I went out for a 2 hour run and ended up completing only 1.5 due to fatigue. GRRRRRR. But, when the body won't go - the body won't go. What is a person to do?

7-20-10 - Bike 2:00 - Again, fatigue,but I am learning that drinking a chilled mocha before I go helps - I should have drank one this time. It's amazing how a 2 hour ride now seems very normal and goes very quickly - it almost doesn't feel I am doing enough.

The Brick Wall

July 14th - July 16th

7-14-10 -Bike 2:00/Run 1:45 - Good new note: I believe that on my brick run today, I took about 4 minutes off of my 12 mile run today - usually it would take 1:50, today it took 1:46. It was hot, but not as hot as it has been - 90 doesn't feel hot any longer - I LOVE IT!

The bike felt strange the first 10-20 minutes, but I went with my camera intending to capture some interesting moments. I did just that - the corn is TALL!!!!! I pulled my bike up next to it then proceeded to jump to try to touch the top - not even close but pretty funny! I felt strong and confident today. Thank you again, Genoa township fire department for putting the water cooler out by the bike path - it has been a life saver.

7-15-10 - Bike 1:45 - Bike a little - not in the mood to do anything today though. The first 30 minutes of the bike

was tough - I was out of breathe, then I realized my break pads were on - what is up with me and my flipping breaks pads???? Have to remember to check those before Ironman (LOL).


7-16-10 - Run 3:00 - LESSON LEARNED

The plan for the day - run 3 hours mid-day, run 1 hour later. I parked in the middle of my favorite housing development and ran what I call loop 1 (it takes approx 45 minutes). After 45 minutes, I swing by my car, grab a gel pack, towel off and grab a new water bottle. One thing I have learned is that one gel pack goes a long way with me. I cannot eat an entire pack at once and will have to eat just a small amount at each mile marker during the race.

Loop 2 - Section two takes me through the neighborhood, across a main road and down a bike path where I pass a park with a restroom and a fire station that puts out water (my life saver). Part 2 takes approx 1:10. At the end of part two, I eat more gel and head back - stopping to refill my water bottle (bottle #3). Section three takes Approx 1:05 - I know that once I hit the neighborhood again, the heat is going to take over.

By 2:45, I was feeling more than wonderful - in fact, I was cruising! Once I hit 2:50, I hit my first brick wall - literally - my body didn't want to run anymore, or move forward for that matter. I stopped my watch, stretched for a second, walked for 2 minutes, took a bite of a PowerBar and headed off thinking I would fall down or something, but I ran to the finish. Overall, my nutrition and hydration were spot on. I felt great. Very little lactic acid in my legs. Aside from the glitch in body function at 2:50, I felt fantastic despite the heat and humidity.

Testing the Course

July 10th & 11th

7-10-10 - Run 15 miles - Headed down to Louisville to ride and run the course. Surprisingly, the run course was flatter than expected, but I am going to anticipate a hot run without much shade. After completing 14 miles of the course, we turned a corner and I saw where the finish was. I got overly excited and forgot about how hot and tired I was, picking up my pace. I can only anticipate what race day will be like when I turn that same corner after having swam 2.4, biked 112 and run 26.2. Oh my!
It was cool to see where the start for the swim will be, as well as the transitions. It sort of sets my mind at ease and yet freaks me out a bit as well. I have battle scars to prove the adventure as we wore camel packs to hydrate properly and mine left some nice, nasty blisters on my neck and back. Somehow, these battle scars don't hurt as badly since I earned them! HA!

It was a good day! Happy to have been on the course.

7-11-10 - Bike 85 Miles - Headed out for an 85 mile ride on the back section of the Ironman course (a.k.a. the HILLY PARTS). I had some indication what I was headed into because we drove some of it in order to park the vehicle. Very quickly into the ride we soon realized Louisville was going to be more than some rollers and instead would be a 4+ hour section of riding up or rolling down with very little flat in between. My initial though was that the course would be 60% flat/40% hills. Instead, my mind soon changed to a belief that the Louisville bike course would now be 70% hills/30% flat with little space for stretching the legs.

LOOP 1 - After riding loop one of the back section, we had peddled up and peddled down. There wasn't any space to stretch the legs. Noted: stretch the legs while going down - it will be the ONLY opportunity to do so.

OUT & BACK - The out and back section looked terrifying from the car and even on the bike, it was pretty scary screaming down on a bike for what felt like a mile. Because: what goes down, must go up and that is never a cyclists first choice - "up". Knowing the out and back section is only going to be happen once makes that tolerable and not so bad overall. NOTE: turning off 42 and onto the "out and back road" hydrate and eat something first.

LOOP 2 - The second loop, the prep was a bit different - stretch the legs & soft peddle down the hills just because there are so many, and so many back to back.

MAKING SENSE: What I am taking away from the Louisville weekend is that this race is no joke. I knew this before, hence the training, but when the heat is beating down on you and your legs are burning after climbing your 125th hill, you begin to realize what a magnificent feat this race really is and what an accomplishment to actually cross that line.

When I got out of the car this morning, I was terrified and ready to cry. Now, I am salty, sweaty, a little tired and wiser to the Louisville Ironman course. I now have a better idea what I am in for and how to prepare over the next few weeks.

P.S. Combos are totally going into my special needs bag - they are packed with sodium awesomeness!

FEELING: I don't feel great about the course. I have seen it, so I feel ok. I guess I'll just have to push it the next 5 weeks that I have remaining to train and hope that it is enough. That's all I can do at this point - prepare and pray, have fun, race smart and stay hydrated and eat.

Ironman Is . . .

I signed up for Ironman, Louisville on September 6, 2009 at 6:33 P.M. It is now July 12th, 2010 and I cannot believe how fast the time has passed and how much I have learned throughout the past few months on my Ironman Journey.

Obviously I haven't been involved in my first Ironman and my first half Ironman is still a few weeks away. However, on July 12, 2010, the Ironman to me is:

Taking the first step to sign up for the impossible. It is waking up each day thinking about what will need to be done to complete the goal and going to sleep believing that what was done to train for the race was enough to get you to that goal. Ironman is about sacrificing certain aspects of life to achieve a goal. It is about dedication and perseverance and waking up to a snow-covered world and still choosing to go for a run. The Ironman is about pushing through blizzards and below-zero temperatures. It is about trudging through the rain and defying 96 degree temperatures and high humidity. Ironman is about putting the impossible out of your mind and making it possible.

Thus far, I have learned that fear is only in mind. I control what my mind thinks about and where I let my mind go. I will swim 2.4 miles, then run 112 miles, and finish it all off with running 26.2 miles - all in under 17 hours (hopefully a lot less than that, but I am not going to count my chickens).

I have learned that Ironman is not about a race. Ironman Louisville will be about me - no-one else. I control how I manage my energy. I control my training and my nutrition. Race day is about how well I can implement all the pieces ...the training, nutrition, hydration, form ...

Ironman is about whatever reason I create to push my body to such a limit. This is a process and all the positives that have come out of this process. Ironman changes people and in ways never thought possible - hence why so many continue the journey into their 2nd, 3rd and 10th Ironman competitions.

There is something magnificent about being in control and working so hard to finish something so challenging. What a day this is going to be, what a year this has been. What a concept - Swim 2.4 Miles - Bike 112 Miles - Run 26.2 Miles - all in one day!

A Lonely Yet Exciting Place

No-one understands and how could the possibly, this process called training for an Ironman. As exciting as the journey is and continues to be, the comprehension that anyone outside the Ironman realm will not ever understand, creates a lonely void somehow. Ironman training has saved me as a person. I am a better person now then I was before. Therefore, I want to share the experience and yet I am finding that in normal day-to-day life, comprehending an 88 mile bike on Saturday and a 3-hour run on Sunday followed by a week of mixing and matching swimming, biking, and running for a duration of 3+ hours per day is just not possible.
(PHOTO LEFT: on the 110 mile to Zanesville and back).

These are some of the questions I get:

"Did you work out today?"
"Have you been riding your bike this summer?"
"My friend did an Ironman last year - it was like a 2-hour race!
and so on...and so forth.

The more I exist within this elite and misunderstood world of the Ironman, the more I appreciate those within it. For a few hours every day, we alienate ourselves from the real world by running, swimming, and biking incomprehensible distances...all for training. (PHOTO RIGHT: my first fall during the the ride to Zanesville).

I see a 13.1 and 26.2 stickers on cars where I train and as I leave for my run I think "I am doing 19 miles just for practice today" . . . no recognition, no-one even knows I am out there running. I am just out there running and running and running . . . But that is what makes Ironman training so remarkable - it's all about "ME". It has to be. Although this process is all about me, I am more focused on the "not me" when I am done training - hence making me a better person overall - I hope.

This is what I signed up for and what I love - I've always enjoyed being a little bit different than everyone else, but its a little lonely sometimes when the expectations of life don't go away - life doesn't care that I just biked 90 miles - I still have to make something for that BBQ, clean, work, and exist. Regardless of the effort I give to life, Ironman is my first choice priority right now and therefore, life stuff gets left out - however unintentional it is. (PHOTO RIGHT: Me with my bologna during the 88 mile Waldo Ride).

July 1 - July 9

• 7-1-10 - Bike 40 Miles - The bike felt rough for the first 20 miles, but as it went on, I started feeling better. Cooler days despite the wind are very welcome.


• 7-2-10 - O.W.S. 1:00 - It was interesting today trying to not get shoved into the beach by the waves created by teh boats - overall, great swim


• 7-3-10 - 72 Miles Bike - I agreed to ride with a faster group than I am used to today. pint blank, I was terrified but I know that in order to get better, you have to ride with those who are better. Today, I rode wtih those who were better and survived. Although, during the duration, I was petrified of being left behind or making anyone wait on me. It was fun to be with a different group - and in awe to be with so many Kona qualifiers and winners - learning from thsoe who have actualy been to the BIG RACE.


• 7-4-10 - Run 15 miles - The plan was to run the loop (3.89 miles) 4 times. I completed all the loops in 2:18 (this time includes a pitstop to the bathroom. Feeling a little better every long run I complete.
• 7-5-10 - Bike 3:00/Swim :45 - Another smoldering hot bike ride in preparation for the Louisville heat, follwed by the choppiest open water swim eveer. Everything went well though - nothing crazy to report aside from the fact that I had to use the restroom in a cornfield and my urine actually felt "cool". You know it's hot when . . .
• 7-6-10 - Bike 2:00 - The past couple of days have been spent getting used to the heat and figuring out what exactly went wrong to make the muscle beside my kneed hurt so badly...
• 7-7-10 - Bike 2:00/Run :45 - I belive I am getting used to these 95 degree days with high humidity, I believe my "knee problem" was really just a super tight muscle in my leg. I also went to the store and bought some real food in order to get some nutrition in me.
• 7-8-10 - Run 1:50 - Another day in the 90's. I'd like to say I am getting used to the heat and I may be, but 1:30 into the run, I was ready for it to end. I went through 2.5 water bottles and still finished 2.5 lbs lighter than when I started - IRRITATING. I am slightly concerned about the gel packs - having some slight intestional issues with them. Will try them a few more days then may have to attempt something else.
• I am overall having a great week despite the heat. The bike is great. Overall average speed was slower than i wanted, but trying to recover my knee issue. Such a hot day coming in at 96.8 on the pavement - I have no complaints about hwo I felt after being out in it for four hours.
• 7-9-10 - Swim :40 - I was on my toward a fantastic swim when sky creeped in black and then the stinging down poor and chopping waves pushed the buoys all over the place and disappeared into the blanket of rain. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!! I loved ever second trying to fight my way to the finish - not that I EVER want to do such a thing during a race - but during training it was hilarious. I still truly believe that the weather is God's way of reminding us that He is still in control and we are but small and dependent after all of our efforts to become mighty and dependent.

Keeping it "FUN". . .?

As I am quickly realizing, training for an Ironman can become very serious. It consumes the mind and would consume an entire day if I had the time or would allow it to. I love it, don't get me wrong. Even on the days when I don't want to do it, I still like it and feel better for doing it.

When I started training for this thing, someone experienced once told me to keep it fun (Thank you Chip). I am realizing as race day gets closer that he is right. It is imperative to keep at least some parts of it fun.

I say "some parts" because I have a tendency so swing into auto-pilot pretty easily where I am so focused I forget that it is fun. I have always felt lucky to be able to train (I think losing a friend to cancer over 12 years ago has made feeling lucky to be alive at all an automatic and daily occurrence). But, keeping in my the aspect of "fun" is not so easily done.

One way I have been able to "keep it fun" is by implementing food into my "long" training days. Burning so many calories in a day makes the idea of food consumption a no brainer. I can always eat and as of late, I always do. (PHOTO TOP LEFT: Ice Cream stop in Granville, Ohio).

I am still lugging my camera along on long rides - that ensures the ride will be fun - I find documentation of any event fun. I am still not quite sure how to make the running fun . . . enjoyable. . . ummmm. . . I will continue to work on how I can make running tolerable. (HA). I guess the point is, it is not easy to "keep it fun" every day because to be quite honest, I am too nervous and scared to keep it fun every day. I have days where I am so terrified that I won't finish, I train for an extra number of miles to make my mind feel better and strengthen my body so I know I will be able to walk through the finish (something I do not want to have to resort to, but on race day anything can happen and I am mentally preparing myself for that anything - I hope). (PHOTO RIGHT: Bologna sandwich in Waldo, Ohio).

June 26 - June 30

• 6-26-10 - Bike 88 Miles - MY ENERGY IS BACK! Went on the 1st and last annual Waldo Bologna Ride. I say last because it was difficult coming home the 58 miles that stood before us with such a large chuck of grease in our bellies. Great ride, downed lots of water. Love my B&B group (Bill and Bob) - great riding group to push me.
• 6-27-10 - ME DAY OFF
• 6-28-10 - Run 3:00/O.W.S. :40 - My run today felt good. I was careful to hydrate and take in Gel. Every :45 I would stop for a moment and eat my gel, drink some water and continue running. No aches at the 3:00 mark - progress! I feel as though my bike nutrition is good, now I must focus on staying healthy for the run.
• 6-29-10 - Bike 3:00 - We are closing in on July and I cannot believe it! I had a mini freak out moment today knowing how much time I have to prepare. I know July will be a host of training opportunity and my first half Ironman: Louisville, Lake Placid, and Steelhead - quite the training month that lay before me. The bike felt good. The temperature was finally lower and the humidity gone. My rides with B&B are only going to get better as I get stronger.
• 6-30-10 - Bike 1:30/Run 1:30 - Uneventful but good workout - wish I had more time to bike because it felt great (body and temperature) There was wind but the wind isn't bothering me so much anymore. The run was quirky the first 15 minutes then I started to loosen up.

It's a Girl Thing

Up until this point, my "female" issues have not really been an issue...until now. It started last Thursday and should finally be over by tomorrow (7 days later) and I am sure the heat and humidity have not assisted my situation in a good way.

When training for an Ironman, feeling sluggish is in no way helpful and the last seven days have been spent "doing what I can" to get through the sluggishness of my fatigued and crabby self. Each day I wake up thinking, "surely this is the day I can set out on my normal training schedule without feeling as though someone has tied a rope around my waste and is pulling me backward the entire time I am trying to move forward" and "Surely I can go for just a 2 hour run...just a couple of hours, not climbing Everest here, just a simple run." NOPE! The body can only do what the body wants to do and when an hour after I wake up, the body wants to go back to sleep, I try to listen as best I can and obey...mumbling and grumbling all the way about how amazing it is outside and how I really, really need to get a 40 mile ride in - at least - followed by a short run and maybe even a swim. I have no time for naps and there is no place for a grump in Ironman.

There really is no explanation for why, last week, I can complete a 2 hour ride and a 2 hour run and come home ready for more and the next week, on a 2 hour run, all I can think about is stuffing my face and sitting down.


However, as a female athlete, it is harsh reality and one that I hope will not plague me this badly again.

IS MIDOL CONSIDERED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING?
If not, I may be throwing a couple of cases in my car when I head down to Louisville... and stashing a few dozen in my shorts along with some Hershey Chocolate syrup in my fuel belt. CHOCOLATE... YUM - It makes everything bad good again.

Chalk this experience up to a God-given taper week. I have another coming up in about another 3 weeks. I guess that means I need to use the next 3 to my advantage and go build some muscle and some more endurance for the next time the fatigue fairy comes floating my way - or perhaps next month, I will be strong enough to either outrun her or just knock her out.

So Much and Yet Not Enough

When I think about how far away Louisville Ironman is, it feels like it will never get here. However, when I think about it, I can't believe it is so close. My head is reeling with training tactics - the "I need to's" that I really don't know for sure if " I need to". Run 3 or bike 3 today, swim 2 loops or 3, hills or flat, trail or road, oatmeal or pancakes. My head can't spin fast enough nor can I make a decision about what to do today. I know a trail run is out, unless I like running through mud bogs every 10 feet. My bike is feeling good and I am going to do that tomorrow - perhaps I should run today - that is where my ability is lacking for the moment. A run it is.

June 17 - June 25

• 6-17-10 -Run 2:15/Bike 2:20 - So it appears that the elements enjoy toying with me this year. The heat/humidity has been brutal - today is no exception. on the run, about :20 in, I had to stop a second in order to cross a main road and thought I would vomit. I went on ahead anyway. The bike was a struggle. At the end of this workout, I was so glad to be done.
• 6-18-10 - Bike 1:30/Swim O.W.S. 1:00 - Again, I feel worn out and ready to get away from the humidity. Mentally, I wasn't into the workouts at all.
• 6-19-10 - Bike 62 Miles - Went out for a "leisurely 62" miles today. It was fun to go to Granville and get ice cream and see some friends I had not seen in awhile.
• 6-20-10 - LEGS UP - DAY OFF
• 6-21-10 - Bike 2:00/Run :50/Swim :40 - Got a decent workout in today. The past few days have been tough on me. So I cam calling this my taper weekend and as soon as this fatigue passes, I hope to get right back into my long workouts again. 68 days remain after today. I am almost down to two months and its starting to seem surreal - as if this Ironman thing is some figment of my imagination - let's hope the pain on race days feels this way too.
• 6-22-10 - Run 2:00 - The heat and my stupidity got the better of me today. I went out for a 3:00:00 run that turned into two. Time got away from me today and i left with nothing in my stomach. About 1.5 hours in, the combination of humidity and heat and the sun beating off the asphalt, I was spent. I came home, put on my new compression socks, and rested. Will try this again but the next time I will eat first.
• 6-23-10 - Swim :40/Bike 2:00 - THIS HUMIDITY IS CRAZY! My body has to be eliminating toxins by the gallon when I train on days like this. Still not feeling 100%, but was able to handle the workout.
• 6-24-10 - Bike 40 miles - The humidity left for a day and the difference in the air was remarkable. my legs did something funny on a hill climb, but nothing painful - just something to keep an eye on more than likely.
• 6-25-10 - Bike 2:00 - Once again - worn out and I am getting annoyed. I rode 2 hours, adjusted my aero bars along the way and was just glad to be done. Skipped out on my swim today - just not feeling it.

Emotional "VOID"

Lately my head has been in a fog. If I try to think about the actual Ironman day, my brain won't allow it. I feel as if I have on blinders that are helping me to focus, helping to keep my eye on the end that is too near and yet not near enough. (PHOTO LEFT: the flat terrain of my bike training).
Lately, I have been in a zone. I know what I have to do and am willing to go do it. I am neither frightened nor excited. I am just existing in this world of the eternal workout. 73 days out from the day of the race and approximately 285 days from the day I signed up. Right now, I don't know how to feel; I just can't quite put my finger on what this emotion is that seems to be overwhelming me. I don't think I have ever felt like this before. (PHOTO RIGHT: The "not so flat terrain" of my bike training).

I know this: I will be ready, I am doing everything I can do to prepare myself so that I will succeed, I do not dread training and actually still rather enjoy each day, and I am thrilled that I chose to take this journey regardless of how much work is required because this is turning out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

June 10 - June 15

6-10-10 - I am slacking on my note-taking. I cannot for the life of me remember what I did for my workout this day. I am guessing 2 Hr bike and :30 minutes run - but who knows. It all seems to be blending together at this point. HA! (PHOTO LEFT: Looking down on a hill that makes me want to to cry just thinking about climbing up it again).

• 6-11-10 - Bike 5:00/Run :18 - the plan for the day started out 3 HR ride/1 HR run and turned into a 5 Hr bike instead. the first two hours were on my own doing some rolling hills. During my ride, I decided that I would go out again later with a couple of riders (you guys know who you are) who are better than me. SO GLAD I DID! I am improving I think and now I feel competent to ride harder and further.
• 6-12-10 - Run 1:50/Bike 2:00 - I wasn't certain what my workout plan had in store considering the weather map called for thunderstorms all day. The plan was to squeeze in a run and get on the B.T. for a couple hours. But, a break in the weather let me get 2 HRS of each in and I couldn't be happier. On the run it rained, I had sweat dripping everywhere so when it rained, it all just ran into my eyes (IT'S BURNING). My old 2:00 hour "loop" is now 1:40 (I have to find more places to run - seriously). I felt good. The bike felt great after the run. My time was the same as if I had not run. Good Training Day.
• 6-13-10 - 100 + Mile Bike (Approx 6.5 hours ride time) - Headed out on an overcast day for a 100+ mile ride that became witness to a few bike crashes (my first where not un-clipping while standing proved traumatic). During a pit-stop I stuffed my face with peanut M&M's and Combos (possible Ironman snacks) and on the way home we were faced with sunshine and headwind on an eternal incline. What a day - chaffing and all - I am over that aspect, but still enjoying the preparation of it all. *NOTE* thanks Bill for busting out a bag of real cherries and strawberries that you had on you the entire trip, but only showcased at the 4:30 mark. I still cannot believe the food stash you had along with you. Great work! Love the adventure of the long ride - Look out Louisville, I am prepping to meet you.
• 6-14-10 - Bike 1:30/Run :40/O.W.S. 1:00 - Headed out (AGAIN) under overcast skies for a quick ride, ran :40 in the rising humidity and ended the day with an O.W.S. at Alum. 3 loops, no waiver in swim time. I guess this means my endurance on the swim is fair. Overall, a good, hot, and humid day.
• 6-15-10 - Bike 3:00 - Another hot, humid ride, but how lucky am I to be doing this? At this point (approx 2.5 months out) I am nervous, excited, doubtful, happy, strong and patiently completing each days' session with an enduring patience. I know I will be ready. I will make sure that I am, but the unknown looms out before me like the open sea (It is beautiful and massive and with a mind all its own). The next few months will be filling in the details, making sure I am stronger and ready.

June...ish

So it's June. I thought the summer would never get here and I would have a life-time to prepare for my first Ironman. This, however is not the case - obviously. June so far has a tricky month. I feel as though I am weather.com's biggest fan as I am constantly checking the radar for storms. There has been quite a bit of rain, but not enough to mess with great workouts (as long as I am not afraid of getting soaked on occasion). The humidity has been extremely high and I am slowly getting used to it. I have learned that taking in more than just water is imperative if I want to keep from passing out while biking. Who knew sodium and electrolytes could be such a wonderful thing. (PHOTO: Taking a picture of myself outside of a pizza shop - I have had "food" on the brain lately).

June is a learning experience. I am making sure that I am paying attention to my power and my lack-there-of. I am trying new foods and attempting to mix my electrolyte drinks with just the right amount of water (keeping extra in the car for after). This is it. It is June. Then there is July. After that - August and hopefully by the end of that one I will be able to consider myself an Ironman

June3rd - June 9th
(PHOTO: I went through my first tire. That brown smudge in the middle is actually where fibers are peeking through the rubber - HA!)

• 6-3-10 -Bike 2:30/Run :40 - Again, I felt good. I still have a lot of hill work to do so I don't kill myself later on. The run was hard - not sure why but sweat was pouring off of me - oh yeah!
• 6-4-10 - Bike 2:00/Swim 1:00 - The bike felt great today. I chose a semi-hilly course to give myself more exposure to what I will face in Louisville. Swim was better than on the 2nd because I put on my sleeveless wetsuit in order free up my arms - lovely.
• 6-5-10 - Run 1:20 - A good note is this: I have had to add an additional mile to my 1:15:00 run in order to ensure the time is met. Another note: the humidity was so high, I had buckets of sweat running down my face after 5 minutes. However, it seems once our core temperature reaches a high, it levels out - let's hope so.
• 6-6-10 - Bike 3:20:00/Run :30 - Humidity is tentatively gone. Make way for the wind! I had a good ride. I cam riding around a corner to head for another hour only to find my road stripped for blacktopping - whoops! Turning around was fine. It was nice outside. my run was crap for only the first 10 minutes, after that I felt really good and actually considered running a little further, but not time, had to get home.
• 6-7-10 - Bike 2:45 Hills/O.W.S. :45 - I woke up today feeling nauseous. I think training in this heat is finally getting to me a little. However...headed out for a hilly ride today! I've ridden this specific course once before and only one hill killed me this time instead of four hills - loving progress...I want to see more and more and more...guess that part is all up to me.
• Open water swimming is great. It is different (of course) and is wearing me out (as opposed to the pool) where I am not tired really at all afterward - guess more implementation of open water swimming is in order. QUESTION: open water or pool swimming from here on out? Which is better in preparation? My thinking is...O.W. However, I have been using a wetsuit due to the water temperature. Louisville, wetsuits may be illegal, train in a wetsuit until the water is speed suit ready? So many questions...shoulder is doing well in the sleeveless wetsuit.
• 6-8-10- Bike 2:00/Run :49 - I found a great 2:00:00 loop that has a few more rolling hills/some flat/good roads. 8th day in a row and I could not believe how amazing my legs felt. They were a little quirky the first 5 minutes, but no issues and a great ride. My run was fantastic also! My "hour" path I used last summer after my ride has now turned into a :49 path. Obviously I need to figure something else out because I hate to double back on a run - BORING! But, awesome for feeling fabulous on the run and bike. Its supposed to rain - don't want to waste a day off when its nice you know.
• 6-9-10 - DAY OFF
  FUNNY: I headed out for a ride this week. As soon as I got on the road, I went to check my mirror on my helmet and though, "where is my mirror?" As I went to touch my head to see what could possibly be wrong, I realized, no helmet.

The Open Water

June 2nd

6-3-10 - Run :52/ Bike 1:35/ Swim (open water) 2 miles - Now that the warmer weather is upon us, it is time to bust out the wetsuits and speed suits, wiggle my way into them (as they fit like a giant rubber band) and wade out into the open water to practice sighting. Unlike the pool, there is not a nice, neat black line painted on the bottom of other bodies of water and I am pretty sure no one is going to paint any lines in the sludge of the Ohio River come race day. Therefore, practice with sighting (or keeping an eye on the end point) is extremely important and can be tricky. (PHOTO: Alum Creek State Park Beach where I practice sighting through the "green" water).

The first matter of business in swimming in the chilly open water is to get the wetsuit on. June 3rd was my first attempt (aside from trying it on when it arrived in the mail). After some instruction and some tugging and pulling, I finally got the thing over my calves and butt and onto my body. (PHOTO RIGHT: Me trying to get the wetsuit on, I look happy don't I?).

The first thing I noted was how hot being in the wetsuit was. The temperature outside was toasty which is probably the cause. The second thing I noted was how tight and restrictive this thing was. However, once in the water, I was glad I had the warmth of the wetsuit. Also, having never been in the water with a wetsuit on, I didn't realize how buoyant these things are. I could actually lay on my back and float without moving!! That was very cool.

Off we went into the open water, pulling, pulling, pulling...not really kicking much and not really needing to, the wetsuit was a like a body-pull-buoy - it kept my legs on the surface and I was loving it. What I was not loving was how restrictive the arms were. I felt as though my arms weren't moving very much as the wetsuit kept trying to snap them back to my sides. I do have a sleeveless wetsuit for races and for practice when the weather and water warms up a bit, and I am excited to try it out so that my poor arms can move. (PHOTO LEFT: Finally, into my wetsuit - another small feat accomplished).

Sighting, it turns out, is not as difficult as I anticipated it would be. The water was, as expected and very "green". Swimming in the open water goes a lot more quickly than swimming in a pool where you are forced to change directions every 25 yards/meters. It is a little more challenging, but I love the change of scenery and the diversity open water swimming brings to the training process. Open water swim - check!

Another Trail Adventure

May 28th & June 1st

Some days I just feel like running and not on the sidewalk, through a neighborhood, or down a bike trail. Some days I just want something a little more exciting, a little more challenging. Enter the Alum Creek Mountain Bike Trail. (PHOTOS: Alum Creek State Park Mountain Bike Trail: Phase 1).

5-28-10 - Run 2:06 (Trail run)/Swim 4,000 yards - As previously noted, I did my first trail run at Mohican and would still love to go there again. However, the Alum path is a ten minute drive, Mohican is more like 1 hour and 20 minutes. For convenience sake, I decided to run the trail twice (each loop is 6 miles) and on May 28th, I headed out. I have ridden this path on a mountain bike and even run it in the winter. But, nothing is the same in the wilderness from one day to the next. It was humid and what I found very quickly was that it was quite the obstacle course of bridges and loops, stone piles and roots. The obstacles made it quite the run. This path is more twisted, but it was amazing. I felt great after the run was over and glad I decided to run the Alum trail.

6-1-10 - Run 18 miles (trail miles) - NOTE: 1st 6 miles (1:05), 2nd 6 miles (1:07), 3rd 6miles (1:09). A muddy, slippery path was my long run today. The 1st 6 miles went slower than I thought it would, the 2nd 6 wasn't too bad (my legs would beg to differ as they started to suggest I not go out for a 3rd 6 miles). The 2nd 6 miles went pretty quickly. I have no idea what I was thinking about other than not falling on my face and about how I would complete a 3rd set of 6. By the 3rd 6 miles, I was ready to go home. But, as I stood by my car, re-filling my water bottle and consuming my second PowerBar Gel Pack (still disgusting), I thought about finishing my goal of a 3rd 6 miles and when would I get those 18 miles in. I couldn't wait until next week - that would not be an option. I was ready to do them now, I had prepared to do them now and I was going to do them - NOW.

Reluctantly I headed out for my 3rd set of 6. Admittedly, I zoned out for the first 4.5 miles. I don't remember what went through my mind aside from not falling down and just getting to the end. I knew that each step I took would get me to the finish that much faster.

NOTE: Something I have noticed about myself through this process (and perhaps this is the same with most who attempt any endurance event) When I set out to complete a certain number of miles or a specific time, I mentally prepare myself for those miles. If I try to go over or think about another period of time, my mind tells me that I am done and can quit. For example, when I first completed the 12 miles of the trail, I knew that at 12 miles, I was done. However, when I came out to do 18 miles, I knew that when I was at the end of 18 miles, I could stop - nothing else would do. During the TOSRV ride, I knew that I had to complete 226 miles. However, had it been 150 miles, my mind would have shut down at the end of the 150. I truly think that during Ironman, my mind will get me through. My mind will know that I cannot stop until have complete the total 140.6 miles of the race and after that is done, mentally I will shut down. The mind is truly powerful, as I am learning through this journey - it can pretty much get you through anything if you train it to help your body.

The last mile of the 18 was pretty bad. I was clenching my teeth and grunting to get up the "hills". About .25 miles from the finish, I tripped over a crazy big root and almost face-planted. It did, however wake me up and I was forced out of my "zone" where I had been hiding for the last hour. Finally, I reached the finish. Another long trail run complete. I had accomplished yet another personal goal (small as it may be to some, large to others). Goals are for "crushing" and I plan to destroy many more during the next few months.

NOTE FROM THE DAY AFTER: I was not sore the day after the 18-mile trail run - PROGRESS! The only thing that hurt on my entire body was my finger....????

Bring on The Heat!

May 27th - May 31st

5-27-10 - Bike 2:17/Run :56
It is officially HOT! To make things "convenient", I keep a gallon jug of water ready in the refrigerator at all times and I have been, as of late, consuming at least one per day (32 oz on a 2:00 hour bike, 16 oz on the run, 16 oz between the bike and run and 32+ oz after the workout). (PHOTO: my watch after my 2:17:00 ride)
On the run I had too many dead bug carcasses stuck to my sweaty flesh to count, sweat was dripping from my chin and from my torso onto my legs and I felt great! I ran my fastest mile split to date for a total duration of 6 miles. Usually, I do a 10 minute mile, today it was 9 (impressive to me) after a 2:17 bike.

The bike was good. I felt better than yesterday - hallelujah! and found another new section of road to ride on. I don't know who creates the state maps though, some of the roads have different names, others don't even exist. But, I eventually find my way and am loving the exploration of it all.

I saw my first "dust tornado" today. I was peddling past a very flat area. A car had just passed me coming from the other direction. I saw a large pile of debris spinning in the air that I thought I had been kicked up by the car. However, it kept going across the road in front of me and into the field. It was a miniature funnel cloud - cute and impressive at the same time. Have mentioned before how much I love this journey. What a hot, but amazing day! (PHOTO: the field where I saw the mini tornado).

• 5-28-10 - Run 2:06 Trail Miles/Swim 4,000 yards - For details please read the blog title "Trail Adventure".
• 5-29-10 - Bike 4:17 - Preparing for a long ride alone takes planning . I am not certain where I will end up or how long it will take me to get there. Two key components, water and food (oh yes and extra tubes of course). I've got my map and my compass and I am ready to roll. Armed with my water bottled I headed out for a long ride. I spent the first 2 hours riding into the wind, the next hour fighting crosswinds (add in some hills) and finally 45 minutes of tailwind and you have my ride. I have heard some say that you need to plan your ride around the direction of the wind. My questions is, why? I have been learning that the wind can be a very helpful training tool. It is a free "wind tunnel" experience and I plan on utilizing it whenever it becomes available. It did take its toll on me. I am tired and perhaps dehydrated. The sun beating down on me for almost 4.5 hours probably didn't help. I think I need to bring at least one bottle of some electrolyte sports drink the next long ride I do. I am ready to sit down and take a nap. (PHOTO: one of the many ridiculous things I see on my bike rides.)
• 5-30-10 - Bike 2:00:00/Run :30 - The bike went well today. The sun was hot, but I had enough water and the run was uneventful and felt great. I do think it entertaining that the stronger one gets, the further one has to run when doing a :30 minute run. Today, I parked at the end of the Alum Creek Dam (where I usually go directly after riding for my quick run). Last year, I remember exactly where my stopping point was for :15 and where I could turn around. Today, however, the :15 point was a little further. I had not anticipated running so far - ha!).
• 5-31-10- DAY OFF

Getting "Down and Dirty"

Part of the "fun" of the Ironman process is getting "down and dirty" when in the thick of the training process. There is nothing glamorous about running on mountain bike trails, splashing in mud puddles, dodging thorns, and heading out a quick run into high humidity where any clothing you might be wearing becomes so saturated with sweat that you can actually wring the sweat from it when finished. The process can be "gross" at times. However, as I have stated before, it is getting down and dirty and into the heart of the process that makes this journey so much fun. It is so fun in fact, I cannot resist not sharing a few of the stories I have accumulated along the way. (PHOTO LEFT: the oil slick I cannot seem to avoid getting on my leg each time I ride).

IN THE WATER: I probably have the least amount of stories from incidences in the pool and open water since the pool is a pretty controlled environment. However, when I get in the pool and embark on a long set, as soon as I stop swimming I can burp for at least a minute straight. The pool clears out the sinuses very well and I have to laugh (and almost gag) every time I flip over to complete a few laps of backstroke and a ginormous glob of snot leaves my body via my nose and latches onto my face (gross). So, into the gutters I will continue to spit and I apologize in advance to anyone who has to me burp after I swim a set. There is just no holding back what demands to be released.

The open water is still pretty fresh to me, but it didn't keep me from getting the most magnificent "rash" on the back of my neck from the wetsuit. The only reason I found it at all is because I went to spray perfume on my neck and within seconds it felt like my neck had caught on fire (whoops). (PHOTO RIGHT: Wetsuit rash after my first open swim).


RUNNING: Running can get quite disgusting depending upon where and when I run. On a short run during high humidity, it felt as though a geyser had formed on my forehead and was gushing down my face. I've spit into the wind before on a run only to have the grossness come back and stick to my cheek. During a trail run my legs always seem to take the blunt of the trauma: getting scratched by thorns, covered in mud, and bruised when I face-plant. Sometimes I feel like I am in Raiders of the Lost Ark while I run trying to peel the cobwebs off of my body. Sometimes, the bugs on those cobwebs are still alive and in a last ditch effort to prove something (to God only knows who) they sting me. I get it and its fine, but at one point, I gave up and just let the cobwebs accumulate because there were so many. (PHOTO: My scratched and dirt-covered legs after a marvelous trail run).

BIKING: In comparison to the other two, biking can be the most disgusting. I suppose it is due to being in the thick of the elements (high heat, wind etc) and heading into those elements at a higher rate of speed. Bugs pose the first challenge. They stick to sweaty flesh; their little carcasses creating a miniature burial site on my legs. They also like fly into my shirt for some reason; that can get interesting. My favorite is when I get dive-bombed in the face by a large insect. Bugs coming at you at a higher rate of speed really, truly do sting; not to mention scare the skittles out of me as they hit right between my eyes, bounce off of my forehead or lunge at my nose.

The sexiest part of biking has to be the "snot-rocket". If you have to blow your nose on the bike, what are you supposed to do but hold one side, tilt your head and blow. I am becoming an expert - that and spitting off of the bike. Spitting and snot-rockets are an art form by themselves. You have know where the wind is coming from so that whatever you are trying to get rid of, doesn't come back to land on you (like regurgitated pieces of pretzel). I have failed miserably on a couple occasions and spit (yes, again) on myself (so awesome).

Despite all the grotesque things that can happen while swimming, biking, and running, I find them hysterical and each incident is unique. Not that I enjoy allowing my skin to be a canvass for environmental dirt that likes to paste itself all over me, but its inevitable. Things will stick to you (and I say things because sometimes I can't tell what just latched itself to me). Bugs will pelt you and fluids will come out of your body that you have to get rid of (by whatever means possible without being too disgusting). And yes, at the end of the of the day, dirt-coated, spider-web covered and sweaty, I still do in fact, FEEL PRETTY.

May 17th - May 26th

• 5-17-10 - DAY OFF
• 5-18-10 - S.T.D.D. -Swim 4,000 yards
• 5-19-10 - Run 19 trail miles - please see the blog titled, "Over the River and Through the Woods"
• 5-20-10 - Swim 4,000 yards, Bike 1:45 - NOTE ON SWIM: Recovery swim - screwing around with some kicking/breastroke and backstroke and I completed everything in 1:05:00 - a very good time for not trying. NOTE ON BIKE: My recovery bike turned into a little hilly adventure around knox county. But, regardless of how sore I was from running yesterday, the bike felt good. Amazing how that works.
• 5-21-10 - Too much to do, DAY OFF
• 5-22-10 - S.T.D.D. -Swim 4,000 yards
• 5-23-10 - Bike 2:00/Run 1:30 - The bike was a lull, not a hard ride, but happy to be out on a weekend in the sun - it has been awhile. The run was a bit more difficult. Perhaps I was a little over-zealous trying to run so far after a 19-mile run only a few days before. After putting away 2 bottles of water, I completed my run and am happy with the result.
• 5-24-10-Bike 2:30/Swim 4,000 yards - The bike was fun. I set out for a 2-hour ride that turned into a 2 1/2. It was longer because I chose another new route on my map and once again got lost. However, getting lost with a map in your hand, isn't exactly "lost". So, I would say I was "turned around" for awhile. My swim was fantastic. I wrote a new workout for myself this morning and it pretty much kicked my butt. I kicked my own butt, good for me. HA!
• 5-25-10 - DAY OFF
• 5-26-10 - Bike 2:00/Swim 1:00 - Another new road and more adventures for the bike ride. I gave directions to a couple of "old dudes" who were lost and found more places and more new roads. The world suddenly feels a little bigger. Had a tired day today, didn't feel 100% or 90% even, but glad I made it through.

Over the River and Through the Woods. . .

Running is...well, it's running. It's not my favorite activity nor is it my least favorite. It is more than just a means to an end, but I am always open to new ideas that will make it more exciting.

Enter Trail Running. A friend of mine invited me to go trail running with her. Initially she suggested a 9-mile run. Supposedly, the mountain bike trails in Loudonville, Ohio (where I grew up) were spectacular and she very much wanted to run on them one more time before moving out of state. A day later, she contacted me and suggested that we do an 18-mile run instead. Hey, you don't have to ask me twice. That sounds like a challenge I would like to pursue.(Photo: entrance to mile 1 of 24 of the Mohican Mountain Bike Trail)

DIGRESSING: A few things I have learned about myself through this process (1) I am always up for a challenge (2) I prefer to attempt the completion of insane tasks "in the dark" so that I do not know what I am getting myself into before I begin (3) I don't need a lot of reasons to agree to something as long as one or more components make sense.

This is what I knew and what I needed to know before committing to my second 18-mile run - EVER; I have to do a long run anyway, so why not run on a mountain bike trail. I know it is probably more difficult, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I also knew that I had completed one 18-mile run already, so this should be a simple repeat of past events (except that my first run was mostly flat).Oh well, let's just give it a shot and see what happens to me.

So, on May 19, 2010, I began my journey (on foot) on a 24-mile long mountain bike course. I have to admit, it was BEAUTIFUL and everything everyone had told me about it was true. It was an amazing course. The trees provided much needed shade on a warm day and the hills covered in ruts, rocks, limbs and thorns provided enough of a distraction as to draw my attention away from how far I was running and instead keep me focused upon where my next footstep would land.

On mile 9.5 we stopped at one of the cars we had parked mid-way through and filled up our water bottles, ate a little and headed back the same 9.5 miles we had just completed. I was feeling wonderful. As we continued running (sometimes practically crawling up steep inclines) It was amazing to me how quickly the first hour of the second half actually went. It honestly felt like minutes. The last hour, however, was not so fast. At 2:30:00, the lactic acid started to make my legs hurt. I have come to recognize this feeling and know that I will in fact, live, however uncomfortable it is. I watched in great anticipation as the mile markers came and went, helping us count down our small running victory. We would come around a corner on that last mile and think, "this is it, we are done" only to find that we had another hill to climb to corner to run around. It actually made the last mile a bit better despite how painful because we honestly could not see the end until it was upon us.

Our final time running the 19+ miles of the Mohican Mountain Bike Trail was 3:32:00. I keep thinking about not too many months previous, I had a difficult time running past 1:45:00. It's very important to note that my body is getting stronger. It can only help my confidence when I run the trail the next time. I have a feeling, what I was experiencing mentally the last mile will be very similar to what I feel during the Ironman (hoping my legs hold out just a little longer, knowing that the end is in sight although I am not certain where the end is and being determined to get to the end regardless of the discomfort). (Photo: my legs and shoes after 19 muddy, and thorn-covered miles).

I have found a new love in trail running. It is beautiful and shaded. The terrain is not the same from one step to the next; very easily one can get confused about how many more turns or hills remain before the end. I love inching my way up steep hills, dodging logs, stepping lightly over rocks and slowly sliding down steep slopes. It is a nice distraction to the total duration. The trail offers a natural cushion and the sounds of the wind in the trees overhead, the birds cheering me along through song, and the smell of fresh pine makes me want to go back as soon as my legs are ready to take on the challenge again.

(SPECIAL THANKS: I have to thank my parents for providing dinner. My mom had dinner ready immediately following our run. It was pretty spectacular! Thanks so much!)

The Long Bike

I have now reached the point of "The Long Bike". Biking 30-40 miles at a time will do during the week, but weekends are now set aside for a little longer rides, endurance rides. These rides will build not only my strength, but my confidence when it is time to put the 2.4 mile swim together with the 112 mile bike and add in the 26.2 mile run.

As much as I do truly enjoy riding my bike, riding it 70-100 miles, alone, can get a bit dull. My mind wanders from one topic to the next with little effort. I sing little songs to myself, laugh at what I pass along the way and enjoy the sunshine and breeze upon my face. One thing I have realized, as I peddle my way around parts of the state, is how beautiful and amazing Ohio really is. True, there are lots of corn and soybean fields, but there is a great deal more to it if you just take a second or two to notice it.

(VIDEO: The majority of the images shown on this video were taken during the Month of May in the year 2010. A few were taken last summer (note the tall corn) when I first started riding. All of the images were taken from my bike. Pictures, however, can only show a small amount of the beauty that I am lucky enough to encounter each time I go out to train).

May 15th & 16th

5-15-10 - Bike 4 hours/run :30 - Knowing that I had a long ride alone ahead of me, I pulled out my map and planned my route, a new route. Speed was important, but I was more excited about the new scenery and I am happy to say it was 90% success. I got a little lost toward the end and thanks to the combination of my map and my mini compass, I found my way home.

What fun! Exploring new roads, exercising, the Spring sun beating down upon me, motorists keeping their distance and actually, on occasion, waving to me from their cars in Morrow County. I had no idea where I was, but as long as I had my map, all was well with the world as far as I was concerned. Compared to 236, what was 70-80 miles right? I had all day and really took the time I had available to be careful and enjoy what was around me. Afterward, I ran 30 minutes and it felt good, not fantastic, but good. (Photo: "walking the bike across the beam of a bridge being reconstructed).

5-16-10 - Bike Hills 3 hours/walk - When the offer came to have some company for a ride, I jumped at the opportunity. However, I had to choose between riding "flat" or riding "hills". My initial choice was flat (or course). What I learned about myself turning TOSRV was that I am doing "ok" on the flat portions, but when it comes to hills, my legs and endurance are lacking. Therefore, my Ironman demon had to step in and request a nice looonnnnng set of hills.

I can't really say that I was thinking anything but positive thoughts during the duration of the ride. Of course I had a little self doubt, especially when sitting and looking at the hill I was about to climb. I suppose knowing that everything I do toward getting in better shape will help me, makes anything I do (regardless of how frightening or initially difficult) that much better. I view all of this with the perspective that I can only improve.

My legs were certainly showing their inexperience by the end of the 42 miles of "hill work". However, knowing that I completed it and would probably have more opportunities to train on these hills made the ride that much more grand. I attempted to make the steep climbs as fun as possible by noting my heart-rate by the top of the hill and then while descending noting how quicly my heart-rate was dropping (yes, it's true, that is what I consider entertainment).

I suppose that is what makes the initial Ironman so fascinating. I will never experience any of this for the first time again. Certainly if have longer distances to my ride or run after my first Ironman there will be "firsts", but nothing compares to the first 226-mile ride or the first 18-mile run. All of these experiences are fresh and carry a completely different perspective the first time around compared to a second or third.

The weekend was a great success. My legs after riding this weekend felt great. I was and am still hungry (generally, I can always eat these days), but aside from a little minor discomfort at points, I feel lucky to be able to jump into such experiences and have such great friends who are willing to teach me everything they have learned over the years.

Will I Regret Not. . .

Every day I walk by the "days until" calendar I created. I strategically placed it beside the door I must leave through to go anywhere. It is 107 days out. At the end of each day, as I pass by the calendar or cross off a day, I want to feel as though I have done enough. Now, at the close of each day I think to myself, "Will I regret not biking 30 more minutes today. . . biking faster...pushing myself more...swimming a little harder...running just one more mile"?

My mind is one big question mark of expectations for a desire to be "more than ready". I want more than anything to be prepared. And life sometimes, can get in the way of that preparedness.
This has become extremely tough and I feel vulnerable to my own mind. I have no doubts that I will finish. Once I get to that day, I will utilize whatever preparation I have available to finish what I have started. But now is the time to prepare and I want to ensure I am using the time I have available to prepare well.

I think back to TOSRV weekend and wish I had the time and energy to do that every weekend. But then again, what purpose would that serve? Is that becoming compulsive? If I did have time, would I do it? And how much better would I actually be?
What is my goal here? I want to finish. I need to evaluate myself and do what I need to do without giving up what makes life valuable - PEOPLE.

I need to find the BALANCE toward the goal without regrets that I could have done just a little bit more. I need to have CONFIDENCE in my own abilities and realize that I AM doing everything I can to be as prepared as is humanly possible the day of the race.

May 8-May 14

• 5-8-10 & 5-9-10 - Ride 236 Miles - TOSRV weekend (*please see separate blog titled TOSRV 2010).
• 5-10-10 - Stretch Swim - in order to get the lactic acid out of my legs for all the hard work they put forth this past weekend, I completed my 1-hour stretch swim. This particular stretch swim entailed trying to go to the bottom of the 12-foot end and pretty much screwing around for an hour. It was actually really fun!
• 5-11-10 - TOSRV day off - Resting! I blew a whole day doing pretty much nothing constructive at all.
• 5-12-10 - Run 1:10 (Z3)/Swim 4,000 yards - I was able to get my run in before the rain came and it felt wonderful! The swim was nothing unusual. I was able to get my 4,000 yards in. Once again (I am beginning to sound like a broken record), I am feeling that much stronger in the water. I am enjoying seeing how my back and shoulders are increasing in strength with each passing week. It is yet to be determined if I am faster because of it.
• 5-13-10 - Run 1:30/Bike 1:15 - The run felt good today. It was HUMID and probably the first humid day I have experienced in quite awhile. It was kind of fun dripping with sweat. I guess I feel like I am doing more when I am nasty and gross after a workout. BRING IT ON LOUISVILLE HEAT. I will be ready for you! The bike was a bit different today. I decided after TOSRV weekend that I needed more work on hills. So, I spent the first 45 minutes working hills and then the remaining 30 minutes "putzing around" for a few extra miles. The only funny thing that happened, was for the first 45 minutes, my back pouch wasn't zipped. So, after I completed all the hills, I noticed stuff just started flying out behind me. Glad my phone still works after being chucked onto the pavement. Jeesh!
• 5-14-10 - Swim 4,000 yards - TOSRV weekend caught up with me today. I was able to get my swim in. However, while I was loading my bike gear into my car, I could hardly keep my eyes open. I decided a nap would be in order and the length of this nap would determine if and when I would go ride. 2 hours later I woke up and decided I would not ride today. I will save all of my ambitions for the weekend and hope it is as nice as it is supposed to be. "Will I regret not...riding today?" I guess I will see soon enough.