Weekend Update

Not as much cycling as I would like this week with some events going on but feeling a lot better about my running.  Not so much speed but able to go longer and longer without feeling the need to walk.

For the week:  2 hours 35 minutes running with a long run of 1 hour 20 minutes.  37 miles on the bike.  Was hoping to sneak a swim in on Wednesday but with a very sore foot, took a day off to be safe.

The upcoming week:
Monday:  20 minute easy run.
Tuesday:  1 hour 25 minute run.
Wednesday:  get into the water and do something, not sure what yet.
Thursday:  30 minute run; 25 miles on the bike.
Friday:  20 miles on the bike or perhaps 27 depending on the weather.
Saturday:  run 25 minutes of intervals.
Sunday:  25 mile bike.

Mid-week Update

Long run completed on Tuesday.

Glad John and I decided to go instead of letting the weather stop us.  We had a line of severe storms come through with very high winds but we waited it out and did just over 7 miles.  A little soreness in my left foot but feeling better this morning.  Will have to keep an eye on it.

Short run today as well as a ride.

Hopefully I can do it in my now smaller Fat Cyclist jersey, which luckily they could exchange and should be here soon.

Training Update

Feeling really good about my training.  Not into full Ironman mode for a few more months but still building a nice base.

For the last week had a total of 62 miles biked and 3.5 hours of running.

The coming week's schedule...
Monday:  20 minute run, just a leg stretcher.
Tuesday:  1 hour 20 minute run; still building up to longer and longer runs.
Wednesday:  may try to work a swim into the week.
Thursday:  30 minute run and 25 miles on the bike.
Friday:  12 mile bike.
Saturday:  25 minutes of running intervals.
Sunday: off.

Not quite as much biking as usual as the number of Louisville Bicycle Club rides is really shrinking.  Might have to get the trainer out soon.

The Not So Fat Cyclist

Well, I guess all this training is paying off...

A couple days ago, I got this sweet cycling jersey in the mail.  If you haven't heard of him, "Fatty" publishes this blog.  A great read and he does tons to raise money for cancer.

I pre-ordered it about 3-4 months ago and selected my usual jersey size.  However, it's absolutely huge on me.  But since they made them only from pre-orders, I guess I can return it but won't be able to get a replacement.  I didn't realize I had lost that many inches in my chest and waist.

On a positive note, I ran about 3 miles and biked 25 today.  Felt very good.  Instead of hitting the cupboard for everything in sight when I finished the run, I tried some Hammer Recoverite and it seemed to reduce my hunger substantially as well as provide some good nutrition.

Biking and running scheduled for the weekend.  Stay tuned.

Tuesday Update

Ran about 7 miles today in about 1 hour 10 minutes.  Feeling pretty good, even with the hills of the two connected parks where I run.

I have noticed, however, that my caloric needs are going through the roof.  My running app says I burned a bit over 1200 calories today.  I need to really think about what I'm eating when I'm done working out.  Hammer makes a recovery product but I haven't tried it yet.

On a positive note, I'm swimming in most of my clothes.  Trying to hold off as long as possible on buying anything new though.

Off day tomorrow then run and bike on Thursday.

Time to Refresh

As you can see I haven't published anything for about 10 days.  My main issue was trying to keep it interesting without it being a "look at me, I love gear and can afford a sweet bike" self-absorbed fest.

After speaking to a few friends, they said, "Post your training schedule" and talk about a how a regular guy can try to complete an Ironman.

So here it goes...

Why an Ironman?  Why me?  How do I have time to train for it?

I wanted to try an Ironman just because.  I want to see if I can do it.  After volunteering at Ironman Louisville (sometimes called IMKY), I saw so many people like me doing it.  I'm not implying that they didn't work their asses off to finish IMKY but they weren't the pros you see on NBC when they show the Ironman from Hawaii.  They had full-time jobs, they had kids, they had bellies in some cases and so on.  If they could do it, why not me?

So how do I fit in it?  I'm incredibly lucky to have a job that allows for a tremendous amount of flexibility and a wife that understands that I would rather be on my bike than almost anywhere else.

The plan for this week.  Remember that I'm using a time-based training program for running as to get a good endurance base built.

Monday:  run 20 minutes.  Meant to be a stretch out your legs exercise, not a hard run.
Tuesday:  run 1 hour 10 minutes.  This is my long run for the week.
Wednesday: off.
Thursday:  run 25 minutes, bike 25 miles.
Friday:  bike 12 miles.
Saturday:  run 25 minutes with intervals.
Sunday:  bike 25 miles.

I'll update every couple days with thoughts from the workouts and other items.

Back to the drawing board

Well, after unboxing the Garmin Forerunner and playing with it for a bit, I starting thumbing through the manual.  Battery life, 10-11 hours.  Well this future Ironman has no chance to finish in 11 hours so my lovely wrist based GPS watch will die during the marathon.  Back to Amazon with you!

Going to continue shopping for a bike computer that will handle cadence and fit my odd shaped handle bars.  Not sure if I'll use anything on the run.

Training today:  short easy run and plans for a 25 mile ride later.