A new start - 2011

I've been spending some time trying to outline my events for 2011 and how they will support my goal of qualifying for Kona. As it stands now, I am going to do the following:

Race for the Roses - half marathon - in April
Eugene Marathon - in May
Ironman CDA - in June
Rev3 1/2 Portland - in July
Ironman Canada - in August

I've been looking at a couple of half Ironman races but they are too close to my Ironman races (both within two weeks). The next part of the planning process is to figure out what changes to my training routine will make the most difference. I already know I need to focus on my race day nutrition / pacing strategy as this was my failure in Kentucky. But have a few other points to hit. Like bike position, training with power, swim coach, stretching, etc. I really want to refine my training to get the most benefit possible.

Maui

I just returned from a 13 day vacation to Maui with the family. We had a great time and I was able to get in some good training with my wife. We found a nice open air community pool with free entry, several good open water swim locations and some nice runs. I also rented a bike from South Maui Bicycle and completed several rides. At the end of the first week I began to wonder why my legs were feeling so tired. It wasn't until today when I updated my log did I realize I ran 52 miles during the first week and biked another 112.

The second week wasn't as extreme since I had to turn the bike back in and we had a travel day home.

Training seems to be going well and with the race being a month out it needs to be dialed in. The next several weeks will be critical!

Speed Workout

Today, I hit the basement treadmill at work to do my speed work. It consisted of a 15 minute warm-up followed by a mile all out at a 1.5 elevation, then a recovery period followed by 7X400 repeats with 2 minute recovery in between. Got through the warm-up with no problem and then right as I started the mile the bell went off and we had to go check out a gas leak in an adjoining district.

So, I jumped into my turnouts and got into the drivers seat and took off with the guys. Luckily within a few blocks we were canceled and able to return.

Back to the work-out. Warmed-up again and got through the workout without any more calls! My mile was done in 5:45 and the repeats at 1:30 each. Heart rate was climbing by number 7 and pretty much maxed out.

Happy with the results as a 5:45 may be my fastest mile... Feel good about this until I think of my teammates and coach who run the entire 13.1 of a half Ironman at sub 6 minute pace.

Buckling Down

Things are starting to get back to normal. I've had some huge distractions in my life with regards to Ironman training. First, we've been working on a major house remodel caused by malfuntioning toilet in an upstairs bathroom. This happened in March and was a huge distaster!/ Second, I've been studying my butt off for a lieutenants exam at work. This is finally over - except for the waiting.. Now, I've been trying to refocus on Ironman and buckle down for Louisville. Today was a 2 1/2 brick. I really struggled to get started. Last night we had 5 calls between 11:30 PM and 6 this morning. Not much rest. Those type of work nights make it hard to workout. Sad part is olny one call was a true "emergency." There are some things an adult should know. How to put on a bandaid is one of them. If your kid is crying comfort them - take them to the doctor - but not everything is an "emergency." vent, vent, vent!

Anyways, I got the workout in and it felt pretty good. Now, however, I am exhausted. Tomorrow is an overtime shift which will bring in some extra cash for our Hawaii trip!. Leaving Sunday morning! Can't wait!

The fund raising effort has started!

I have officially started my fund raising effort for the Boys and Girls club of North Portland. Visit the "Donate" page of my Blog for more info.