Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Ironman Arizona 2009
SWIM-59:18
I am always amazed at how many people sprint in front of me only to be passed in 200-400 meters. No real problems until I neared the turn around. Somebody decided to pull my goggles down. No big deal, I treaded for a few seconds and replaced them. At the first turn buoy, a double d (dum dum) decided to use me as a platform. I went under water as he went over me. When thing like this happen, all I can think is that Karma will get you. I felt great on the way back. I passed a lot of people. I exited the water and quickly found a wetsuit stripper. I ran by my bag, grabbed it, and hit the tent. I quickly put on my Oakley's and Spiuk Kronos.
It was amazing how great I felt running through transition. I dropped a minute off my transition from last year. This is the first ironman where I didn't feel tight in the upper body and my breathing was relaxed. I grabbed my Lynskey and headed out of transition
BIKE-4:53.04
I quickly got into a nice rhythm. My plan was to drink every 10 minutes and take a Succeed Salt tab every 30 minutes. The first loop, there was a head wind out and a tailwind back on Beeline Highway. I saw Karen on the way back. She was wearing a cheerleader outfit with a big red M dot on the front. She definitely played the part. On the second loop, there was a head wind all the way out (19 miles) and a tail wind back. I felt very slow going out. I don't remember how many times I got out of the saddle. I found a guy who seemed to be riding at the same speed, so we worked together the rest of the race. He ended up winning the 40-44 age group. On the third loop, the winds were the exact opposite of the first loop. Two guys caught up to us just after the second loop turn around. I liked their pace, so I decided to ride with them. I went to grab water at the aid station and they took off. They placed 1-2 in my age group. I know I could have rode with them. Would it have affected my run? I started feeling hungry with 10 miles to go. I drank 1700 calories on the bike. I definitely need to add more. I took in 5500mg of salt.
As I neared T-2, I got my feet out and mentally prepared to start running. I quickly dismounted, ran by and grabbed my bag. I didn't have any luck with volunteers having my bag ready today. The way I look at it is, if they have it great, if not then be ready to grab it. This is why I do a quick run through the day before, so I have a mental note where I need to be just in case. I took off the Spiuk. I put on my Newtons, grabbed my bottle & visor, and headed out. I quickly asked for sunscreen on my shoulders.
I took another minute off my transition. It could've been faster except one of the volunteers decided I needed sunscreen on my face too.
RUN-3:29.46
My left foot was numb and my back felt super tight. I walked a bit hoping it would loosen up right away. It took almost 5 miles before it loosened up. I drank coke & water every aid station and drank Powerbar Endurance every mile marker. I also took a salt tab every 4 miles.
I was able to get into a nice rhythm for the entire second loop. I started drink coke & water at every aid station. Karen was all over the place. She stayed at the same spot on the bike, but not on the run. At one point, it almost seemed as if she had teleportation powers. She was at 2 different spots within seconds. She told me I was in 7th and the guy in 6th was right in front of me. She said it loud enough that the guy turned and looked at her. I think he gave her the how could you stare.
One of the pros who finished fourth passed me near the end of his run. I didn't change my pace and it seemed we were running at the same pace. Maybe I did pick up the pace, something about male ego. If I had my watch on I could verify that. My watch came off around mile 5 as I was turning right. The band came off both sides and one of the pins vanished into thin air. I don't really use the watch during the race. I use it more to see splits after the race.
I mentally broke on the third loop. I also started cramping in my arms. Was it because I did not take enough salt. I used to drink a different liquid that had more sodium in it. I completely brain farted on that one. I looked for reasons to walk. I pulled it together by the end of the run.
9:26.25 5th 35-39, 15th Amateur, 43rd Overall
I finally put it together. I qualified for Kona. It took 5 tries, but I did it. I still remember Heidi telling me it is a long process and me not believing her. It has been a great year of training and racing. I look forward to next year. I will continue to challenge myself. Kona here I come.
I want to thank:
Jason - Getting me into triathlon
Heidi - Writing my first training plan and giving my lots of wisdom that I would evetually accept
Guy - Getting me through my first Ironman
Mark - A different training philosophy.
Karen - Race Support and crushing me in the pool (Yes, you are still the faster open water swimmer)
Crowieto - Making be a better cyclist and all of the trash talking to push me further
I want to also thank all the companies who have supported me:
Bear Naked Granola
Lynskey Performance
Newton
Oakley
Spiuk
Powerbar
Succeed S!Caps
Xterra
Shimano
HED
ZIPP
Wheel Builder
I am always amazed at how many people sprint in front of me only to be passed in 200-400 meters. No real problems until I neared the turn around. Somebody decided to pull my goggles down. No big deal, I treaded for a few seconds and replaced them. At the first turn buoy, a double d (dum dum) decided to use me as a platform. I went under water as he went over me. When thing like this happen, all I can think is that Karma will get you. I felt great on the way back. I passed a lot of people. I exited the water and quickly found a wetsuit stripper. I ran by my bag, grabbed it, and hit the tent. I quickly put on my Oakley's and Spiuk Kronos.
It was amazing how great I felt running through transition. I dropped a minute off my transition from last year. This is the first ironman where I didn't feel tight in the upper body and my breathing was relaxed. I grabbed my Lynskey and headed out of transition
BIKE-4:53.04
I quickly got into a nice rhythm. My plan was to drink every 10 minutes and take a Succeed Salt tab every 30 minutes. The first loop, there was a head wind out and a tailwind back on Beeline Highway. I saw Karen on the way back. She was wearing a cheerleader outfit with a big red M dot on the front. She definitely played the part. On the second loop, there was a head wind all the way out (19 miles) and a tail wind back. I felt very slow going out. I don't remember how many times I got out of the saddle. I found a guy who seemed to be riding at the same speed, so we worked together the rest of the race. He ended up winning the 40-44 age group. On the third loop, the winds were the exact opposite of the first loop. Two guys caught up to us just after the second loop turn around. I liked their pace, so I decided to ride with them. I went to grab water at the aid station and they took off. They placed 1-2 in my age group. I know I could have rode with them. Would it have affected my run? I started feeling hungry with 10 miles to go. I drank 1700 calories on the bike. I definitely need to add more. I took in 5500mg of salt.
As I neared T-2, I got my feet out and mentally prepared to start running. I quickly dismounted, ran by and grabbed my bag. I didn't have any luck with volunteers having my bag ready today. The way I look at it is, if they have it great, if not then be ready to grab it. This is why I do a quick run through the day before, so I have a mental note where I need to be just in case. I took off the Spiuk. I put on my Newtons, grabbed my bottle & visor, and headed out. I quickly asked for sunscreen on my shoulders.
I took another minute off my transition. It could've been faster except one of the volunteers decided I needed sunscreen on my face too.
RUN-3:29.46
My left foot was numb and my back felt super tight. I walked a bit hoping it would loosen up right away. It took almost 5 miles before it loosened up. I drank coke & water every aid station and drank Powerbar Endurance every mile marker. I also took a salt tab every 4 miles.
I was able to get into a nice rhythm for the entire second loop. I started drink coke & water at every aid station. Karen was all over the place. She stayed at the same spot on the bike, but not on the run. At one point, it almost seemed as if she had teleportation powers. She was at 2 different spots within seconds. She told me I was in 7th and the guy in 6th was right in front of me. She said it loud enough that the guy turned and looked at her. I think he gave her the how could you stare.
One of the pros who finished fourth passed me near the end of his run. I didn't change my pace and it seemed we were running at the same pace. Maybe I did pick up the pace, something about male ego. If I had my watch on I could verify that. My watch came off around mile 5 as I was turning right. The band came off both sides and one of the pins vanished into thin air. I don't really use the watch during the race. I use it more to see splits after the race.
I mentally broke on the third loop. I also started cramping in my arms. Was it because I did not take enough salt. I used to drink a different liquid that had more sodium in it. I completely brain farted on that one. I looked for reasons to walk. I pulled it together by the end of the run.
9:26.25 5th 35-39, 15th Amateur, 43rd Overall
I finally put it together. I qualified for Kona. It took 5 tries, but I did it. I still remember Heidi telling me it is a long process and me not believing her. It has been a great year of training and racing. I look forward to next year. I will continue to challenge myself. Kona here I come.
I want to thank:
Jason - Getting me into triathlon
Heidi - Writing my first training plan and giving my lots of wisdom that I would evetually accept
Guy - Getting me through my first Ironman
Mark - A different training philosophy.
Karen - Race Support and crushing me in the pool (Yes, you are still the faster open water swimmer)
Crowieto - Making be a better cyclist and all of the trash talking to push me further
I want to also thank all the companies who have supported me:
Bear Naked Granola
Lynskey Performance
Newton
Oakley
Spiuk
Powerbar
Succeed S!Caps
Xterra
Shimano
HED
ZIPP
Wheel Builder
Race morning
I woke up every hour on the hour. Nothing new. I beat my alarm by 15 minutes, so I decided to drink 2 boosts. I put my gear on and decided to reset the alarm. I thought I could get a few more zzz. No luck. I decided to get up and double check I had everything. Karen dropped me off at transition just before 5am. Yes, I like to be early.
I pumped my tires and placed my bottles. I dropped off the rest of the drinks in the bike & run bags. I asked someone yesterday about putting shoes on the bike. The volunteer said it would be okay. I was all done with everything when I hear the announcement, "Only pros are allowed to have shoes clipped onto the bikes." This is why I like to be early. I take the shoes off and place them back in the bike bag.
It was a little before 6AM. I gave Crowieto his pump and found a spot to sit and relax. Someone asked, "How can you be so calm?" I replied, "It's just another day." He smiled and hopefully it calmed his anxiety.
I chewed on my Powerbar Raspberry Gel Blasts. If you haven't tried these, you are missing out. They are awesome. It is the last thing I eat before racing. I put on my Xterra Vendetta wetsuit and put body glide everywhere I thought chafing would be possible except one place. My feet. Will I pay for that later?
I stood in line while the pros got ready. One of the pros was doing jumping jacks. As I was waiting, Crowieto snuck up behind me and said, "I find you." If you haven't watched Wedding Crashers you are missing out on one of the funniest movies of all time. We walked down to the dock. Crowieto jumps in. I look at my watch and decide to wait a few minutes. I finally jump in and move toward the front. We don't start for about 15 minutes. After 5 minutes, I hear, "I find you." It was Crowieto with a stalker look on his face. All I could do was laugh. We tread water for a little longer then the gun fires.
I pumped my tires and placed my bottles. I dropped off the rest of the drinks in the bike & run bags. I asked someone yesterday about putting shoes on the bike. The volunteer said it would be okay. I was all done with everything when I hear the announcement, "Only pros are allowed to have shoes clipped onto the bikes." This is why I like to be early. I take the shoes off and place them back in the bike bag.
It was a little before 6AM. I gave Crowieto his pump and found a spot to sit and relax. Someone asked, "How can you be so calm?" I replied, "It's just another day." He smiled and hopefully it calmed his anxiety.
I chewed on my Powerbar Raspberry Gel Blasts. If you haven't tried these, you are missing out. They are awesome. It is the last thing I eat before racing. I put on my Xterra Vendetta wetsuit and put body glide everywhere I thought chafing would be possible except one place. My feet. Will I pay for that later?
I stood in line while the pros got ready. One of the pros was doing jumping jacks. As I was waiting, Crowieto snuck up behind me and said, "I find you." If you haven't watched Wedding Crashers you are missing out on one of the funniest movies of all time. We walked down to the dock. Crowieto jumps in. I look at my watch and decide to wait a few minutes. I finally jump in and move toward the front. We don't start for about 15 minutes. After 5 minutes, I hear, "I find you." It was Crowieto with a stalker look on his face. All I could do was laugh. We tread water for a little longer then the gun fires.
Last two days before the race
It was a nice relaxing day Friday. I had no workouts scheduled. My body wanted to sleep, sleep, and sleep some more. I finally got up and cleaned my bike. We went to get Karen from the airport. For Lunch we ate sushi. I chilled the rest of the day. For dinner we ate at Claim Jumper. I had a Jamaican Jerk Chicken in a sweet potato. It was very good.
Saturday morning. I had three short workouts. I felt great in each. Karen was super motivated. She swam 2.4 miles. After getting cleaned up, we dropped our bikes off in transition. I decided to put the Bad Ass Coffee sticker on my bike. I figured it would only bring good luck. We went to lunch. Any guesses? Sushi!!! Can't go wrong. Chilled some more. We went to the Olive Garden for dinner.
Saturday morning. I had three short workouts. I felt great in each. Karen was super motivated. She swam 2.4 miles. After getting cleaned up, we dropped our bikes off in transition. I decided to put the Bad Ass Coffee sticker on my bike. I figured it would only bring good luck. We went to lunch. Any guesses? Sushi!!! Can't go wrong. Chilled some more. We went to the Olive Garden for dinner.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I didn't sleep as well last night. Probably because I didn't have any workouts yesterday.
We got in line for some ART right before the swim. The guy I had was much more knowledgeable. He worked on me for 15 minutes. Crowieto did not fare as well. His guy was in training, so the ART lasted a whopping 2 minutes.
I swam in the canal. The water was a nice 64 degrees. I swam 15 minutes out and turned around. This drunk ran into me in the first 100 meters. Actually, it was Crowieto.
We got on the bikes and headed out. There was a headwind out on Beeline Highway. The good news about that was the tailwind coming back. We were flying. Our speed stayed above 28mph. Our overall time was 1 minute faster than Tuesday. Average speed for 1 loop was 23.3mph.
We quickly transitioned out for a run. I started out a little fast because Crowieto was next to me. Once I tuned him out and slowed the pace down a few seconds I felt much better. I stayed nice and aerobic. I ran for 34 minutes.
It was a good day.
We rushed back to the hotel and showered up. We picked up Guy at the airport. He was waiting for his bags. We yelled at him, but he couldn't figure out where the voices were coming from. It's probably due to the fact he has too many cousins coming out of the woodworks.
We went to lunch for some more sushi. Good stuff. Then over to pick up our race packets. The rest on the night will be low keyed.
We got in line for some ART right before the swim. The guy I had was much more knowledgeable. He worked on me for 15 minutes. Crowieto did not fare as well. His guy was in training, so the ART lasted a whopping 2 minutes.
I swam in the canal. The water was a nice 64 degrees. I swam 15 minutes out and turned around. This drunk ran into me in the first 100 meters. Actually, it was Crowieto.
We got on the bikes and headed out. There was a headwind out on Beeline Highway. The good news about that was the tailwind coming back. We were flying. Our speed stayed above 28mph. Our overall time was 1 minute faster than Tuesday. Average speed for 1 loop was 23.3mph.
We quickly transitioned out for a run. I started out a little fast because Crowieto was next to me. Once I tuned him out and slowed the pace down a few seconds I felt much better. I stayed nice and aerobic. I ran for 34 minutes.
It was a good day.
We rushed back to the hotel and showered up. We picked up Guy at the airport. He was waiting for his bags. We yelled at him, but he couldn't figure out where the voices were coming from. It's probably due to the fact he has too many cousins coming out of the woodworks.
We went to lunch for some more sushi. Good stuff. Then over to pick up our race packets. The rest on the night will be low keyed.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Crowieto eyes are failing him
After our second breakfast, I set up my race wheels with new tubes and tires. I had to replace the rim tape on one wheel. Good thing I am doing the wheel inspection now. Race wheels are race ready. Check!
Finally, Crowieto is starting to listen to me. His bike computer has been on the fritz. The company was supposed to send out a new one before the race. He found out today that it will be delivered the day after the race. In true bendoverandgrabhisanklesfashion, he tried to use the force. This means throw it at the wall a few times and stare at it until it works. The force is weak in him. I suggested he call Trisports, since they are a local company. He got them to send one to the hotel. Who says u cant teach a dumb dog better things or is it an old dog, same difference.
We went to lunch at Ra Sushi near ASU. We both ordered a sushi bowl with different ingredients. It was awesome. The best part of the meal was when Crowieto thought he was biting into a big piece of Avocado. He definitely had the color right, green. It was Wasabi. Nothing like watchin a grown man cry. I started laughing so hard that I almost spit a mouthful at him. This is the second time his eyes are failing him. I think he needs glasses.
We picked up a few things for dinner at Costco. Chicken and sweet potatoes. Yum!!!
Another chillaxin evening.
Finally, Crowieto is starting to listen to me. His bike computer has been on the fritz. The company was supposed to send out a new one before the race. He found out today that it will be delivered the day after the race. In true bendoverandgrabhisanklesfashion, he tried to use the force. This means throw it at the wall a few times and stare at it until it works. The force is weak in him. I suggested he call Trisports, since they are a local company. He got them to send one to the hotel. Who says u cant teach a dumb dog better things or is it an old dog, same difference.
We went to lunch at Ra Sushi near ASU. We both ordered a sushi bowl with different ingredients. It was awesome. The best part of the meal was when Crowieto thought he was biting into a big piece of Avocado. He definitely had the color right, green. It was Wasabi. Nothing like watchin a grown man cry. I started laughing so hard that I almost spit a mouthful at him. This is the second time his eyes are failing him. I think he needs glasses.
We picked up a few things for dinner at Costco. Chicken and sweet potatoes. Yum!!!
Another chillaxin evening.
Where or where is the computer cord...
Crowieto has been searching for the computer cord for the last 2 days. He asked his better half to check because he thought he left it at the house. She couldn't find it. This morning I decide to kind of peek in his room. He said, "I already searched everywhere. You ain't gonna find it." I decided to search anyway. Everyone knows what's coming next. First I saw some stained drawers. I quickly moved away from the contaminated area. I saw his suitcase in the closet. I found it in his suitcase, outside compartment. He was in complete disbelief. I think Crowieto needs to get his eyes checked. He said there wasn't anything in there.
I don't have any workouts planned today, so I am gonna chill. We might catch a movie.
I don't have any workouts planned today, so I am gonna chill. We might catch a movie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)