Race Day

I did it! Took me 4 hours to go through, but I finished the whole thing (winner was just under 2 hours).

The swim was a lot colder than I was expecting. My wetsuit didn't have arms and my arms were freezing and I could barely move them. The first couple minutes I was afraid of getting kicked by the million of people in the pack... then after that I was afraid I would just stop working. I had to go most of it with my lame backstroke (just kicking pretty much).

After getting out of the water, I had the wetsuit strippers only take off my shoulders... they usually do the whole thing, but I was afraid my little bathing suit underneath would come off. At this point, I had accomplished 2 goals: 1. not drowning in the swim 2. finish the swim.

I took my time getting on the bike and going. My next goal was to reach the aid station at the top of the mountain. It took me a very long time to get there. The trail was much rockier than I expected, and was often steep where I'd have to walk my bike (well... I was going slow enough that I needed to walk). There was also a nice section where a bunch of trees had fallen across the path (this was mentioned in the pre-race meeting)... and everyone had to carry their bike and climb over them. This wasn't as bad as I was expecting, was kinda nice to get off the bike a little. At some point after the aid station and the downed trees (burned down trees from the rodeo-chedeski fire a couple years ago), there was a nice long downhill-ish part on a dirt road. Mostly downhill until one nasty uphill (which we went down before)... and then back into transition. At this point.... 5 goals finished... added "don't crash on the bike", "get to the top aid station" and "finish the bike".

So I ride into the transition and have some last water, then try to start running. I made it just a little bit out of transition before I had to start walking. My next goal was to just make it past "The Eliminator"... which is this super steep hill about 3/4 miles from the start. Since I knew I'd be walking up that, I figured I might as well walk most of the way to it (seemed to make sense at the time). I might've jogged a little, but not much. I made it down the hill and back up the eliminator, and shortly after was the first aid station.

I was super thirsty, so I asked for 2 cups of Gatorade... this was a mistake, and I was sloshing around for quite a while because of it. I also got this stuff called "Gu"... which is well named energy goo. It didn't taste as bad as I expected (I turned it down on the bike), and it did seem to help me keep going. I only ate a little at a time because it stuck to my mouth like peanut butter. So, after stopping at the aid station, I started out just walking, and would jog a bit whenever I felt like it.

After a bit of this, for some reason I started counting my steps while running, and decided I would do bursts of jogging of 100 paces. This was a managable distance, and whenever I started a 100-pace jog, I finished it. I just kept doing this whenver I thought I could manage (but still walking a lot). I went through the 2-mile aid station, past the turn-around, back to the 2-mile station, past the 3 mile mark, and back to the 1-mile station (which was just before the 4 mile mark on the way back).

After the 4 mile mark, they had a nice "treat" for us.... they decided it was funny to divert us from the path and make everyone run through a bit of the lake. It was actually kinda nice to cool off a bit, but not so nice to run the last mile with an extra 5 pounds and soggy socks and shoes. I kept up the running 100 steps until close to the end... then I saved up a little bit because I wanted to run through the finish line. The announcer guy mocked my baggy shorts and my mud-and-water soaked socks, and then I passed through and got my little "finisher" medal... and a popsicle for some reason (which I later forgot about and let melt in the door handle of the car).

So overall, I had a good time. It was very hard, but fun to just see if I could keep going. I didn't hurt myself or drown, which is always a plus. I would do it again, but probably only if I could lose 20 pounds or so before next time (<200 pounds was my goal for this, but I didn't come close).

So now, my "training" is done. I'm going to start playing basketball, and hopefully soccer and softball if I can find a place to do so. I will probably ride the bike once in a while, and the same with swimming... but I can't stand running just to run.

5/27 - 6/2

Sun 5/27
- Swim 700 meters non-stop

Did this this morning. I was at 15 minutes after 500m, 18 minutes for 600m, and 20 minutes for 700m.

Mon 5/28
- Brick:
Bike :20
Run :10
w/ a few 20 sec accels in each

I had a good ride of 20 minutes.... some on the trail behind the house (then I went around on streets and up to the other end to avoid the part of the trail that always kills me). Rode for 20 minutes. Then I started out running... but again, could only go for 2 minutes before walking a couple. Then ran 1, and walked the rest.... If I manage to make it to the running portion of the race, I think I'll be in trouble (but just making it that far will be something...).

Tue 5/29
- Swim 800 meters non-stop

I kicked the pool's ass! Well... maybe not, but I had a good swim. I didn't have to do my lame backstroke until the 9th length, and I only did 5 backstroke lengths overall. It took me only 13 minutes to swim 500 meters... and 20 to do the full 800 (that's like I stole 100m from my Sunday time). Afterwards, I was pretty tired.... but I did feel like if I HAD TO hop on a bike *cough* Sunday *cough*... I could. And then I went to Village Inn for dinner.... and I got FREE PIE! Might not have been the best "training food"... but oh well.

Wed 5/30
- Run :15

Decided it would be good to just run without anything else first... to see what I could do. I went on the trail that keeps killing me on the bike. It's kinda rocky in spots, but I think that's good because I'm not sure what the race path will be like. I ran about 5 minutes at the start, and ended up running 13 out of 20 minutes, which I am happy with at this point. (well, should be a lot better, but is better than the last couple times).

Thu 5/31
- TBD

Well, I determined that what I needed most was rest. Didn't do any workout today.

Fri 6/1
- Off

Day off today as well.

Sat 6/2
- Brick:
Bike :20
Run :10
w/ accels in each

Going to try to check out the race course a little bit when I get there this afternoon.... we'll see.

5/20 - 5/26

Sun 5/20
- Swim #11
500m non-stop

Took me about 13 minutes. Did backstroke lengths here and there.

Mon 5/21
- Brick:
Bike :20
Run :25
w/ 6-8 x (1:00 accel - 1:00 easy)

Went to the gym for this again. Rode 20 minutes, but then only ran for 10. I'm still struggling with running.

Tue 5/22
- Swim #11
500m non-stop

Took around 14 minutes for 500m, but then I swam another 100... 17 minutes total.

Wed 5/23
- Combo:
Run :15
Bike :30

Didn't do this.... playing "chase Fox around" was too much...

Thu 5/24
- Bike 1:30 - 2:00

Same here... bad.

Fri 5/25
- Off

Sat 5/26
- Off

5/13 - 5/19

Sun 5/13
- Swim #10
3 x 200 meter swims
w 15 second rests between 200s

I did it. Had to pause a lot in the middle of laps, and go to the backstroke often, but I did the 600m with 15 second rests. I was very tired after, but this is a good thing. I only have 3 weeks left, so I need to not skip ANY more workouts from here out.

Mon 5/14
- Brick:
Bike :15
Run :30
w/ 6-8 x (1:00 accel - 1:00 easy)

So, I rode the mountain bike (on streets) for about 20 minutes. Then I got back home and started to run... managed to run for 2 minutes before needing to walk a bit. Ran a little bit more and then had to rest again right away. So I just walked for the rest of the time (about 20 minutes total).

Tue 5/15
- Swim #10
3 x 200 meter swims
w 15 second rests between 200s

Did the swim. Took around 17 minutes, with a few backstroke lengths, but not as mant as Sunday.

Wed 5/16
- Combo:
Run :15
Bike :30

Attempted to go run, but was very tired right away. Ran for a minute or two and then just walked home. Later I rode the exercise bike for half an hour.

Thu 5/17
- Bike 1:30 - 1:45

Rode the exercise bike for 1:30.

Fri 5/18
- Off

Sat 5/19
- Off

5/6 - 5/12

Sun 5/6
- Swim #9
500 meters non-stop

Had to do some backstroke lengths, and had to pause a bunch of times, but I didn't take any long rests. Took me 14 minutes.

Mon 5/7
- Brick:
Bike :20
Run :25
w/ 5 x (1:00 accel - 1:00 easy)

I started to ride the mountain bike on the trail for this..... but just got very tired very quickly... which is not good at this point. (Same sort of thing happened last year.. but I don't care what I think, I'm going to try the triathlon anyway). Ended up riding for about 10-15 minutes total, and then skipping training for the rest of the week (bad). Only exercise I had was chasing Fox around (or him chasing me).... which is something, but not quite what I need.

Tue 5/8
- Swim #9
500 meters non-stop

X

Wed 5/9
- Combo:
Run :15
Bike :30

X

Thu 5/10
- Bike 1:30

X

Fri 5/11
- Off

Sat 5/12
- Off

4/29 - 5/5

Sun 4/29
- Swim #8
5 x 100 meter swims
w/ 10 seconds rest between 100s

I skipped this today. I think tomorrow I will try for the swim and then the run/bike.... see if I can survive that.

Mon 4/30
- Combo:
Run :15
Bike :15

Strike 2 for the week.

Tue 5/1
- Swim #8
5 x 100 meter swims
w/ 10 seconds rest between 100s

I managed to force myself to go do this (motivation pretty low lately). I had to do a backstroke lap in the last leg of the first couple laps. Also, I think I did 6 100s instead of 5 (or 5 1/2... I keep losing count in the middle). Was dragging my legs for most of this, and pretty tired after... but at least I got back in the game.

Wed 5/2
- Brick:
Bike :15
Run :15
w/ 30 second accels

Yarp. I did this at the gym right after I went to see Hot Fuzz at the movies (which was pretty funny). I did a couple accels of 15 seconds on the bike... didn't do any while running.

Thu 5/3
- Bike 1:00

Rode the exercise bike for 1:00 total after Fox was in bed. Tension #4.

Fri 5/4
- Off

Sat 5/5
- Off

4/22 - 4/28

Sun 4/22
- Swim #7
5 x 100 meter laps
20 second rests between 100s

Did this one pretty early on sunday afternoon. Was tough to make the whole 100 meters without stopping, and I did 2 backstroke legs (one in the second lap and one in the fourth).

Mon 4/23
- Combo:
Run :25
Bike :20

I skipped this. Weather has still been weird, and when I couldn't go do this outside (or was too wimpy to), I just ended up losing all motivation and skipping.

Tue 4/24
- Swim #7
5 x 100 meter laps
20 second rests between 100s

Well, I did go to the pool, and I traveled the correct distance, but I wouldn't call it swimming. I was insta-tired at the first 25m, and couldn't force myself through it. So I just messed around, swimming some, backstroke some... walking in the water some. I did a few real 25s during the time, and I ended on trying to see how fast I could swim 25 meters (which was 19 seconds.... no idea if thats good or not). I "swam" for about 25 minutes total.

Wed 4/25
- Brick:
Bike :25
Run :20
w/ 30 second accels

Did this with Fox in the trailer. I didn't do any accels, and the run was mostly walking, but I did about the right amount of time.

Thu 4/26
- Bike 1:30

Skipped it.

Fri 4/27
- Off

Nada.

Sat 4/28
- Off

Zip.

4/15 - 4/21

Sun 4/15
- Swim #6
8 x 75 meters
10 second rests between 75s

Got this out of the way early today. 10 second rests was pretty rough. I kept getting tired out in the middle of laps. I did one backstroke length at the start of the 4th lap. Took me around 16-17 minutes.

Mon 4/16
- Combo:
Run :20
Bike :25

Ran at the gym for 20 minutes... 5.5 mph and for the last 10 I used a 1 degree incline (better than nothing). Rode the exercise bike at home for 25 minutes a bit later.

Tue 4/17
- Swim #6
8 x 75 meters
10 second rests between 75s

Was pretty tired before even starting this one. I ended up doing 4 backstroke lengths (1 every 2 laps). Took me 17 minutes and I was beat.

Wed 4/18
- Brick:
Bike :30
Run :15
w/ 30 second accels

First brick.... and ouch! I went to the gym again for this. I did 6 30 second bursts during the bike, and 4 during the run. The run was very difficult after riding the bike (I was cramping up and exhausted), but I still managed to stay at my slow 5.5 mph pace, with bursts up to 6.5 mph. I think I need to stop going to the gym so much, and get back outside when possible... I need to be practicing on the real bike, and on my real feet.

Thu 4/19
- Bike 1:15

Rode the exercise bike.... this was a long time. Used #4 tension.

Fri 4/20
- Off

Wanted to take Fox for a ride, but was still a bit windy out.... then I was going to ride the exercise bike, but never did it. Only exercise for the day was a good old game of "chase daddy".

Sat 4/21
- Off

Went for a ride with Fox in the trailer. We rode for about 10 minutes, then went down to Bushmaster park for a bit. With the ride home was probably 20 minutes of real riding.

4/8 - 4/14

Sun 4/8
- Swim #5
8 x 75 meters
20 second rests between 75s

Did it. Took around 19 minutes to do the 8 laps, I did backstroke for the first 25 of laps 4 and 7.

Mon 4/9
- Combo:
Run :15
Bike :30

Headed to the gym, but I forgot to check what I was supposed to do first. So I guessed that it was run 20 / bike 30, so thats what I did. Again, running wears me out, and the bike was pretty slow.

Tue 4/10
- Swim #5
8 x 75 meters
20 second rests between 75s

Took about 18 minutes this time. I did only one 25m backstroke on the first leg of the 5th lap.

Wed 4/11
- Brick:
Bike :30
Run :15
w/ 30 second accels

Started to do this, but it was really windy... and I got scared that Fox's trailer would be a sail and tip over. Rode for just 5 minutes or so.

Thu 4/12
- Bike 1:00

Rode the exercise bike for 30 minutes and then another 30 mins later.... not the same, but eh, close enough.

Fri 4/13
- Off

Tried to make up for wednesday a little, rode the exercise bike on some tension for 30 minutes.

Sat 4/14
- Off

Took the day off.

4/1 - 4/7

Sun 4/1
- Swim #4
8 x 75 meter swims
resting 30 seconds between 75s

I went to the pool without really having a plan on what to do. I started off trying to do some of the Total Immersion drills, then doing some laps in the middle. I tried to do a 75 meter swim a couple times, but stopped early (before even 50m). I ended on a full 50m, and swam for about 16 minutes total.

I think I am going to just try to do the 75s Tuesday and forget about Total Immersion for now. The problem is that TI wants you to swim with as little effort as possible, but right now, I think I should be doing laps and thrashing around working hard so I will get in shape. TI makes a lot of sense, but I think for right now I'm going to just beat myself up with my current technique (working on breathing a bit though).

Mon 4/2
- Combo:
(Run :05 / Walk :01) x 3
Bike :30

Ran on the treadmill at the gym... yay for more variables to control. I ran on 0 incline, 5 minutes at 5 mph, then 1 minute at 2.5 mph, 5 at 5 mph, 1 at 2.5, then 5 at 6mph, and 1 at 2.5. Then I rode the exercise bike for 30 minutes on low tension. The run was work, I took it pretty easy on the bike.

Tue 4/3
- Swim #4
8 x 75 meter swims
resting 30 seconds between 75s

Did this after a little bit of warmup. I did only 2 25meter lengths of my weak backstroke (in the first leg of the 3rd and 6th 75s). Took about 19 minutes for the 75s, 25 minutes total with the warmup and cooldown (floating like an amorphous blob).

Wed 4/4
- Combo:
Run :15
Bike :30

Went to the gym and did this on the machines again. I ran at 5.5 mph, then rode the bike on a bit of tension. I was pretty tired after the run, and worse toward the end of the bike (was hard to keep going), but I made it.

Thu 4/5
- Bike :30

Rode the exercise bike at home for 30 after Fox was in bed.

Fri 4/6
- Off

Sat 4/7
- Off

Took friday and saturday off.

3/25 - 3/31

Sun 3/25
- Swim #3
10 x 50 meter swims
resting 20 - 30 seconds between 50s

Went shortly before the gym was closing. I did 25 second rests, and only did one backstroke lap this time, in the 5th. Took me ~15 minutes total. Afterward, I bought the Total Immersion book John mentioned in his comment, and started reading. I like the sound of it so far, need to get to the drills so I can see how to work them into my training.

Mon 3/26
- Combo:
(Run :03 / Walk :01) x 5
Bike :30

I did (Run :01:30 / Walk :01) x6, and then later rode the exercise bike for 30 minutes on lowest tension.

Tue 3/27
- Swim #3
10 x 50 meter swims
resting 20 - 30 seconds between 50s

Went to go swim at 5:30, but the place was packed. Decided to go home and return later, but never made it back. I'll bike Friday or Saturday to make up for the lost exercise... maybe on Sunday I will do a longer swim to get more water time (start on those drills).

Wed 3/28
- Combo:
(Run :04 / Walk :01) x 5
Bike :30

Strike 2. It was kinda chilly today, so I didn't want to run outside (with Fox especially). I did manage to ride the exercise bike for the 30 minutes, but thats pretty weak.

Thu 3/29
- Bike :45

Rode the exercise bike for 45 mins on low tension.

Fri 3/30
- Off

Sat 3/31
- Off

Took Friday and Saturday off. Have been doing house stuff (hope to list it tomorrow).

3/18 - 3/24

Sun 3/18
- Swim #2
10 x 50 meter swims
resting 30 - 45 seconds between 50s

This was tough. I went for 30 second waits, and this time did 3 freestyles between my weak backstrokes. Took 16 minutes total, and I was a giant noodle afterward.


Mon 3/19
- Combo:
(Run :02 / Walk :01) x 5
Bike :30

This was worse... tried to do the run/walk, but had to "modify" it a bit to not pass out. I went run-walk 2-1-1-2-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1. Ran offroad this time, with hills and such... maybe shouldn't try that quite yet. Took a few minutes to recover in the house, then went for 32 minutes on the bike... just around town (no offroad). I'm beat.


Tue 3/20
- Swim #2 (again)
10 x 50 meter swims
resting 30 - 45 seconds between 50s

I was tired already before I started this. Managed to do it, but was a little slower going (stopping more often in the freestyle laps). I did backstroke laps in the 5th and 9th laps. It took me between 16 and 17 minutes total.

Wed 3/21
- Combo:
(Run :02 / Walk :01) x 5-7
Bike :30

This is my first major change. I took Wednesday off to pack some things up, and try to get the house ready to sell. In doing so I managed to strain my back. I waited until later to see if I could go to the gym to exercise (treadmill, then bike), but I decided it wasn't worth it to run in pain... so I just stayed home, and rode the exercise bike for 35 minutes on low tension. I got a lot of stuff done around the house, so at least my first missed training was worth it.


Thu 3/22
- Bike :45

It was overcast on Thursday, so I just rode the exercise bike for 45 minutes after Fox was in bed. Low tension (#2).


Fri 3/23
- Off

Took the day off.


Sat 3/24
- Off

Decided to make up for Wednesday. Took Fox for a run, did run-walk (2-1-1-1) times 3, and a (2-1) at the end. Fox didn't want to ride in the trailer after that, so I just rode the exercise bike for 30 minutes on low tension (#3). Take THAT Wednesday.

3/11 - 3/17

Sun 3/11
- Swim #1
10 x 50 meter swims
resting 45 seconds between 50s

Did this today, except I cheated a little. Instead of doing freestyle all the time, I alternated between a freestyle lap and a kind of weak backstroke to let myself recover a bit. Took me about 25 minutes total, and was very tough. Took me until the 7th lap to be able to do a full freestyle lap without stopping (stopped at about 3/4 the previous times to catch a breath or two). On tuesday I will try to do 2 freestyle laps between backstroke laps.


Mon 3/12
- Combo:
(Run :01 / Walk :01) x 5
Bike :30

Had to approximate this guy... forgot I need to get a new watch so I can time things. So, I just ran and counted in my head. The run was tough on my wind, but not so bad on my knees (which was my big worry). The ride was ok... rode for about 10 minutes, then started to go up Cedar hill and decided it was a bit too much... so I went back and forth near home a bit extra til it was over 30 minutes.


Tue 3/13
- Swim #1 (again)
10 x 50 meter swims
resting 45 seconds between 50s

Managed to force myself to do this... and I was even able to do the plan of 2 freestyle between each "backstroke". Took me about 20 minutes this time, and I was exhausted again. I really need to work on my technique... I take a breath every other stroke, which I don't think is very efficient or good for my breathing.


Wed 3/14
- Combo:
(Run :01 / Walk :01) x 7-8
Bike :30

First time running / riding with Fox in the trailer... he's heavy! Wasn't too bad really, I did 8 of the runs (again guessing on time, I got a watch later so I won't have to guess anymore), and biked almost 30 minutes (Fox was getting grumpy about it... I think he wanted to switch places so I'd be in the trailer and he'd ride the bike). The run was tough... it's a good thing I forgot to set up the bike to accept the trailer beforehand... gave me a little bit before the bike to catch my breath.


Thu 3/15
- Bike :45

I don't know why, but I decided today that Cedar hill would be a good idea (after turning around without the trailer on). Rode up to Buffalo Park up there, and sat around for a few minutes before riding home. Took a little detour up a tough hill on the way home (thought it would link with my street, but nope). Was about 42 minutes of riding time.

Fri 3/16
- Off

Thought about riding the exercise bike or something... but just took the day off.

Sat 3/17
- Off

Another day off. Was going to take Fox for a little ride in the afternoon, but we both took too long of a nap :)

Sat 3/10

Had a fun day playing with Mr. Fox today... we went downtown and walked around, shopping for bike trailers and jogging strollers. I think I'm going to get a Burley trailer with a conversion kit to make it a jogger as well. Fox seems excited about "riding around in a trailer"... so hopefully he'll like going for rides and runs. In the afternoon we went to the park and played on the jungle gym and then kicked a soccer ball around for a bit.

After Fox was asleep, I rode the exercise bike for 30 minutes on easy.

Training Score:
:30 easy

Fri 3/9

Went for a walk with Fox for a while (~15 minutes), and then after he was in bed I rode the exercise bike for 45 minutes on easy.

Training Score:
1:00 easy

Thu 3/8

Got back in Flagstaff Wednesday night. Thursday I just used the exercise bike, 30 minutes on #3 tension (have been using almost 0 tension so far... #1).

Training Score:
:30 easy

Training Schedule

Upcoming Schedule (work in progress)


Sun 5/13
- Swim #10

Mon 5/14
- Brick: Bike :15
Run :30
w/ 6-8 x (1:00 accel - 1:00 easy)

Tue 5/15
- Swim #10

Wed 5/16
- Combo: Run :15
Bike :30

Thu 5/17
- Bike 1:30 - 1:45

Fri 5/18
- Off

Sat 5/19
- Off

Sun 5/20
- Swim #11

Mon 5/21
- Brick: Bike :20
Run :25
w/ 6-8 x (1:00 accel - 1:00 easy)

Tue 5/22
- Swim #11

Wed 5/23
- Combo: Run :15
Bike :30

Thu 5/24
- Bike 1:30 - 2:00

Fri 5/25
- Off

Sat 5/26
- Off

Sun 5/27
- Swim #12

Mon 5/28
- Brick: Bike :20
Run :10
w/ a few 20 sec accels in each

Tue 5/29
- Swim #13

Wed 5/30
- TBD

Thu 5/31
- TBD

Fri 6/1
- Off

Sat 6/1
- Brick: Bike :20
Run :10
w/ accels in each

Sun 6/3
- RACE DAY!!!

Wed 3/7

Got up early this morning to go for a mountain bike ride before work (since I brought my bike all the way down here, had to use it). Rode for a little over an hour at this place called Fantasy Island (no Ricardo Montalban though). Was a pretty fun little loop of a narrow trail running through a bunch of cacti, with little dips and washes all over the place

Training Score:
1:00 -- easy

Intro

The point of this blog is to plan out and complete my training in order to get ready for the Deuces Wild Triathlon http://www.trisportsracing.com/ I plan to post my training schedule soon, and will update with my results (which may or may not include how fat I am on each given day). So anyone reading this should feel free to chastise me when I don't do what is in the plan...really, be harsh ... I think it might help.