Crushing Iron

August 14, 2013

Living for the Moment #IMWI

I don’t know about you, but I think about Ironman a lot. Like, 20 times a day since I signed up. Well, maybe not every day, but it’s certainly omnipresent. To make matters worse, today I am thinking about how much I think about that thought.

This year has been an absolute blast mixed with a hell burning fire. And what a great combination. With each day it gets harder to not look ahead and that is exactly why I am trying to be more focused on living in the moment.

Yes, hundreds of hours have been put toward one goal. Yes, it has been difficult to get up at 5 am and go cycling or swim in a lake 2-3 times a week. I have been run down, ragged, and missing enticing social events, but it is 100% worth the sacrifice. Especially if I keep the race in perspective.

Make no mistake, I am going to race. I have goals and want to crush that beast. But I’m also ready to savor every moment leading up to September 8th. The aches, the pains, the impatience, the satisfaction. It is all part of a journey I don’t want to forget.

I honestly think I may get choked up (preferably not by Racer K) while I float and wait for the cannon. Then, I will casually throw the first stroke with my right arm and navigate into a sea of chaos with thousands of other people who have sacrificed so many things to be in that water. The training year will likely flash before my eyes and I am quite sure I will smile, and yes, even if someone is kicking me in the face.

It will likely be the toughest day of my life and I am ready to welcome the pain into my body. The miles are in, now, it’s a battle with my mind. And I know there will be many times during the run that I ask myself, “Why? Why would you put yourself through this?”

I’m doing it because I have never felt more alive. I am pushing myself to live, and the long, hard hours give me a daily jolt, whether I like it or not.

I can see how Ironman gets addictive. You reach amazing places by pushing yourself to the limit. Each day is a different challenge, but I can’t think of many better ways to watch the sun rise than a swimming in a big body of open water or sweating in the serenity of in nature.

I’m training for the biggest challenge of my life, but I’m living for today. Stepping back to appreciate the little things along the way. And on race day, I will do the same, it will just be in front of a lot more people.

August 13, 2013

A Painful Cramp

More than ever, my body has been looking me deep in the eyes and asking, “WTF?”

Here I am approaching 50, putting on mileage I’ve never dreamed possible, and clearly that doesn’t come without complications. Last night’s 3,000 meter swim was a great example.The workout included a warm up, followed by 40 x 50 meter combined set and a cool down. I felt fairly strong as I cooled down for 400 meters, but when I got to the end and jumped out of the pool, I was nearly brought to tears by a piercing cramp in my left calf.

As I was leaning against the wall screaming bloody murder in front of the lifeguard and festive aqua-bikers, the guy in my lane asked if I was ok. I said, “Yeah, I’m just cramping.” He calmly replied, “I used to get them all the time when I swam with the pull buoy.”

Aha!

Yes, I remember Robbie telling me that when I was dealing with MUCH smaller cramps in the pool. The logic is that when you immobilize your legs with the buoy, the blood circulation to your lower body slows and quick movements can launch a cramp attack. I did know and understand this, but how quickly we forget.

I’m not gonna lie, my night was filled with a bit of panic. I was having a hard time walking and the calf was very sore. I tried to imagine running and it did not go well. Could all of this training be derailed by a freak incident?

I vowed to get back in the water as quickly to start the mental healing process, and though I was 45 minutes late, I showed up at Open Water Swim to knock out 30 minutes in the lake. I took the usual ridicule about being late, then swam up and down the orange boom for 32 minutes without stopping. No pull buoy, no cramps, but tired arms.

Robbie and I talked for a bit after the swim (as we watched the next Pele run line drills in the sand) and he suggested the other reason for cramps in the pool can be from pushing off the wall. This makes a ton of sense, especially when blood flow to your legs is low, and you’re exploding off the balls of your feet which targets the calf muscles.

Aside from the pull buoy, I suspected there was another major reason for the cramping: dehydration.

I am just shocked by how much I am sweating these days, and I’m assured that’s a good thing, but I have certainly not been compensating like I should with hydration. I used to drink a lot of Coke (thankfully that habit has gone away) and my rule was always one glass of water immediately following a soda. Now I drink coffee, and on some days too much. It is painstakingly clear that, as mileage rises, I have to be careful and add more liquids.

I guess a third culprit could be sodium loss and last night, along with drinking a ton of water, I pulled out my homemade Gatorade recipe of 1/2 water, 1/2 orange juice, and a little bit of sea salt. It tasted like ass, but I’m doing what I can.

So, I sit here less than a month away with a very sore calf and hope I can get this under control. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

August 12, 2013

All-Time Most Popular Crushing Iron Posts

I feel like there may be a lot of late comers to Crushing Iron, so I wanted to share a list of the most popular posts:

Mom always dominates Ironman reading and she hit a home run here.

My Mom Figured Out Why I’m Doing Ironman

This is Kevin’s dramatic recap of Ironman Louisville

Intense Motivation from a Guest Blogger

Allison recounts her first half Ironman at Gulf Coast

Our “Plus One,” Allison, Guest Blogs Her Gulf Coast Half

My prediction for my second ½ Marathon in New Orleans

How I Will Cut 25 Minutes Off My 1/2 Marathon Time

My head to head battle with Daytime’s favorite doctor

My 5K Face Off With Dr. Oz

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Now, these are some of my favorites that aren’t necessarily at the top of the stat counter.

My neighbor and I are pretty tight, but he clearly thinks this Ironman training is nuts.

This one is for dog and cat lovers (or haters).

My response to people who are following my “little running journey.”

From the beginning of my training, Swimming with Little Old Ladies, is an eye-opener.

In an effort to secure early season sponsorship, we went straight to the top with, Beyonce’ Knowles, Meet the Fab Five

The Kid Inside is potentially the origin of my love for triathlon.

If Running Clubs Were Gangs is a spin-off of the cult classic, The Warriors.

August 9, 2013

One Month Out From Wisconsin #IMWI

Time to put putt putt on the back burner.

Mike and Jim at Tarrolly Hills.

August 9, 2013

Coach Unveils His Game Plan for Ironman Louisville

In my “short” time training for an Ironman, I am continually amazed by how much I change my mind and strategy. Something works one day and I tend to put it down as gospel, but training for Ironman is a moving target. There are so many different factors on top of trying to manipulate your energy over three sports. Weather, location, course, rest, equipment issues, nutrition, sleep, over-training, under-training, and the list goes on and on.

The only constant I have found in this process is listening to my body. If I feel strong, I push a little harder. If I feel weak or exhausted, I proceed with caution.

I have been training for nine months with one goal in mind, and I can honestly say I have given it all I have. I’ve skipped workouts, I’ve shortened workouts, but I have always showed up. I’ve always addressed the workout at hand, even if that meant deciding not doing it would be the best plan.

Robbie Bruce has been my coach since the beginning. His experience and thirst for figuring this thing out has motivated and inspired me. He has his beliefs, but nothing is in stone and the more he races, the more he realizes you have to learn from your efforts, then do what it takes to get better.

Following is a blatant example. Robbie had a brutal experience at Louisville last year and will drive up I-65 once again to tackle the beast.

The first article is his plan for this year at Ironman Louisville. Below that is his plan for last year’s race. They are virtually opposite. I might suggest you scroll down and read his 2012 story first, then see what he has in store this year.

Ironman Louisville 2013 – The Game Plan

By Robbie Bruce

I have a hard time calling this a game plan. Not sure why. I just do. It’s not a game or a “plan.” It is just a single race broken down into certain points of focused execution. A race that has basically haunted me since it ended last year.Don’t get me wrong. It changed me for the good but it haunts me. It pisses me off. It makes me angry. In turn it has made me fiercely focused in one thing. Execution.

I just want to execute my strategy.

I was quoted earlier this week as saying,” I approached IML like the Godfather with a tommy gun last year. This year like an army ranger sniper.” That is the case for 2013.

IML is not a popular race anyway bc of how hard it is and the fact that I bombed it terribly last year should likely have made it my “black widow” of triathlons. Some might suggest I stay away. I may fail again. For me. It used to be about redemption. Instead it is now about “not proving others wrong but proving myself right.”

I have approached this race totally different compared to last year. Preparation wise the differences have been:
– train and use on course nutrition
-run my hardest and longest at the hottest part of the day
– down 12 lbs compared to last year
– heat acclimated
– steam room time
– longer bike and run prep
– diet change
– less trainer and more trace

Those are just a few. If you read last years “Game Plan” you will notice other changes.

So now the race.

Swim– I will get to the swim as late as possible. Last in the water is fine by me. More sleep. Less standing. Less nerves. More nutrition.(all opposite from last year.) The plan is to swim steady. Swerve through the crowd. Draft when appropriate but swim on a rift. Goal time – 58-59mins.

Bike– I will spend the first 10 miles just spinning easy and taking in nutrition and fluids. Slingshotting passed the 2,000 people left in front of me. The next 90 are what makes IML…. IML. Hills. Rollers. Hills. Rollers. Heat. Hills. Heat. The bike this year will simply be a set up. I won’t push it. I won’t attack it. I will take as it comes. I will spin the uphills and use the downhills to my advantage. I will prepare on the bike. Ill spend 5:30 preparing to run. Maybe more or maybe less but it’s just preparation bc I will within myself. I always say,”There is no such thing as a great bike followed by a bad rim.” Just means you biked to hard. I won’t. Ill just patiently chomp at the bit to get off and run.
Goal- 5:25-30

Run– negative split. That’s it. Start the first 5 miles around 8:00-05 then move it down in 3 mile blocks. My run will make the day for me. I believe I have 7:40s in me. It is a fairly flat course. I know it well bc I walked much of the second loop last year. My nutrition is dialed in and my weight is down. Goal is 3:25-30

Work is in. I have every detail memorized. If I shared them all, all 6/20 of you still reading would turn to 1/20 and that won’t help Mike’s blog. In conclusion, last year I was pumped and confident. This year I am focused and relaxed. See you Aug 25 with 364 days of lessons learned.

Ironman Louisville 2012 – The Game Plan
(Written before last year’s race)

By Robbie Bruce

People often ask athletes before a race, “So, what is your goal time or plan? ” How do you think you will do?” All these questions are pretty hard to answer given that a triathlon, especially one as long as an Ironman, can have so many variables. There is wind, heat, waves, swim, nutrition, bike, mechanicals, run, cramps, 3000 other people, course terrain, time of year… etc. All of these conditions effect your race and your day in some way shape or form. The important thing to remember is that no race is “perfect.” In fact, that is why a lot of people do these races. It is about over coming obstacles, persevering, enduring and ultimately conquering. I always write up some post race recap after my bigger races just to show what I was thinking. None of it has to do with my performance but just my view of the race and more importantly, what I was thinking. This time I will do the opposite. Here is my “game plan for IML.”

First off some training stats-

Longest Swim- 4500 yds

Longest Bike- 5.5 hrs. (I don’t ever look at mileage or speed but instead HR and Power. I actually have no idea what the longest distance I covered on the bike was.)

Longest Run- 17 miles.

Friday-

Short drive to Louisville to get checked in. Goal for Friday is to just get settled in. No workouts. Just pick up the pack
et and get to the room. You wont see me hanging around the expo, shaking hands, chatting it up. I did not train for the last 9 months to go shopping. In fact, if I am not in my room you will most likely see me with headphones in. It is not that im trying to be rude and not talk to you, it just that, I don’t want random people talking to me. I care about you guys, not so much some stranger from Indiana. 🙂 I eat my big “meal” on Friday night with family. The night before carb load is a waste. It doesn’t even have any time to get in to your system in order to use. You also wont find me at the Athlete Welcome Dinner. It’s just not for me. I want to eat the food I want to eat and be around the people I love and care about and those that support me. Eating subpar food someone else fixed for me to eat with 2800 strangers just ain’t my idea of a good night. Get to bed at a decent hour.

Saturday.

Wake up early to get my workouts out of the way

Swim- 15 min easy with no efforts.

Bike- 40 mins easy with 2 x 3′ at IM effort

Run- 10 min right off the bike. No efforts.

I will spend the rest of my day in the room as much as possible and trying to keep my mom and sis relaxed. My mom has only seen my do one race and that was Ironman Florida when I was just trying to finish. I think that race was harder on her than me. My sis has never seen me race. Im very thankful to have them there but did warn them it may not be pretty. 🙂 I will take some time to get my bike and gear bags checked in, pack my special needs, get my nutrition ready, etc. But again, I will be in the friendly confines of my hotel room or spending time with friends and family. I will eat a big breakfast and lunch and then a very small dinner before 5pm. Then i will start sipping on a sports drink the rest of the evening. I will load up on water Thur and Fri but then take in only sports drink Saturday. I dont wanna flush out all the stuff Ive been storing. I will also start the saltcap loading at breakfast. Goal is to be in the room by 6pm at the latest. Feet up. Relaxing. So if you wanna see me. I will tell you my room number. The rest of the night will be spent thinking about the last 9 months and how I got here. After all, Ironman isnt about the race. It is about the journey.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!!!

Wake up at whatever time I need to in order to get at the front of the line at the swim. A lot of people want to be at the back. I am an above average swimmer so frankly, I would just rather not have you in my way. 🙂 I will eat my normal breakfast of 2 packets of oatmeal, pb, 2 pieces of toast, multi v, and 2 saltstick caps. Then I will hydrate with Infinit up until the swim start. The morning of the race is my favorite. It is dark out, the lights are on, my earphones are in, music playing in my ears, its game time. I usually am not a talker but knowing that I will have some good friends doing body marking I will be a little chatty and may even dish out a hug or too. Maybe:) Make my way to the swim line, take some nutrition with me and get ready to race.

Goals and Strategy

As I previously stated I want to be out in front. I want some clean water and a clean course in front of me for the first loop on the bike.

Swim- Goal time- 54-57:00 Range. All dependent on current and how Im feeling but I have trained to be in that range. I will speed up the cadence when going into the current and slow it down and relax when going with the current. I swam a 59:00 at IMAZ back in 11 and I know my fitness is better. I also know that teaching the OWS Clinics have helped me a lot and made me think about my stroke more than ever so “thank you” to everyone who has attended. I want to come out of the water in the top 5 in my age group.

T1-

Don’t piddle or take my time but instead speed it up and just get out. Make sure I am loaded up and get on the road.

Bike-

Nutrition wise I will have bottles of Infinit Run with 2 scoops and half a saltstick cap dissolved into it. I will also have 1 gel flask with 5 Blueberry Pom Roctanes in it. I dont have a set schedule of intake. I simply “drink to thirst” and listen to my body. It all depends on the heat, wind, humidity, etc. You cant ever train in those “exact conditions” bc you dont know what they will be until that day.

Strategy wise- Goal avg hr is 135 and goal avg power is 200-205. I plan on getting off the bike under 5:15. Ive done the training. Ive done the work. Ive seen the improvements. Now it is all me:). I will use the first 10 miles to get in some straight water so I’ve got something to help absorb the calories going forward. The first loop I will simply relax and let the speed come to me. Drench myself with water and Ice when I can and just try and stay cool. The second loop is when I will pick up the tempo. I wont go out of my zone but i will push it. The last 15-20 miles of the bike are flat and I plan on going. I’m going to let it fly. If someone passes me in my age group I’m going with them. I have IMF at the end of the year and I have even lofty goals for that race than I do for this one so I’m in IML to play, and play hard. I’m past the point where it’s time to just go and finish. It is time for me to race. To not be afraid of winning because I am too afraid to lose. I’m racing IML and not going to just finish.

T2-

Just as before. – get in. get out. Look at my watch and move.

Run-

Goal avg HR is 155 and average pace really just depends on the temps. Having said that. I will look at my watch, do the math, and say, “This is what I need to run in order to go under 10……” Lets go. That is my goal. I wanna go under 10 for the first time ever. I will run as hard and as fast for as long as I can move my legs. If you see me struggling on the course, remind me of my belief. Ironman is a long day with a lot of thinking. I know the course is hard but I believe I have it in me. I believe I can average 7:50s, run a 3:30-3:35 marathon and get it. I ran 8:30s at IMAZ last yr on a hiller albeit cooler run course. I cant control the conditions but i want to be in the top 100 overall.. Regardless of time, If i am in the top 100 I will consider it the best race of my life. The top 100 means more to me than the time. It is all relative. My bib # is 1291 so if you are following my splits on IronTrac and are at the race, see where I am overall and in my age and tell me. Im coming to dance. Im not coming to sit in the chair and just wait on someone to ask me and play it safe. I plan on running down 4th street live with all my might. I may feel weak, I may feel strong, but regardless of my time or place, I will have emptied the tank long before and will be testing myself physically and mentally.

You can ask my good friend Robert Phifer. I used to be a big introvert when it came to triathlon. Was not really concerned with others, was not looking for support, would rather train alone, race alone, etc. Coaching has taught me more than I ever thought possible. I have a wonderful group of athletes and have made hundreds of new friends within the triathlon community. I have a tremendous amount of confidence going into this race and i have many of you to thank. Your encouragi
ng words, knowing you will be there with signs, yelling, cheering, supporting, has made me more confident.To enlighten you to how I am actually feeling right now, on my run yesterday, all I could think about was you guys cheering, running corners with all my might, hearing the crowd roar, I pictured myself running through the finish line and letting out this huge ROAR… I began to get teary eyed and incredibly angry, I was just ready to go!!! I have no problems putting a lot on my shoulders and taking others with me. So if you are coming to IML or your watching from home I encourage you to come dance with me.

August 7, 2013

The Fab 5, One Month from Ironman Wisconsin

It’s one day over a month away from Ironman Wisconsin so I thought I would report the current status for the Fab 5 along with +1 and +2.

Daniel just got back from Colorado where he waltzed into the epicenter of triathlon training and crushed Boulder 70.3. He negative split the 1/2 marathon and ended with a 1:41:32 on the run and an overall time of 5:09:23. He has put us all on notice with that effort and strung together a remarkable race portfolio this summer, with at least one more before IMWI. His mood has been steady and his love for the sport palpable. I think he is more than ready for Wisconsin and will likely add it to a long list of stellar performances.

Jim recently posted a picture of himself at work and is still flying high from a Psychedelic Furs concert. He’s also been taking FULL advantage of his role as Social Chairman for my above ground pool. In fact, some say he may be abusing his power! Jim’s been nursing a couple injuries, but seems to be climbing over the hump and gearing for the race of his career. He’s a cagey veteran in this sport and I’m fully expecting him to peak at the right time. I’m also super stoked to have him visit my homeland and celebrate a year of training with some brats, cheese, and a beer.

Mark is totally pumped this week, but I think it’s been because his daughter just started school. He’s also extremely busy at work with merger/acquisition stuff and I fully believe he has his hands in the recent purchase of the Washington Post. With all of that he just continues to hammer workouts. We did Muncie 70.3 together and he recently set a PR in the Music City Olympic. It seems like his injuries are behind him, or certainly under control, and like us all, he is just counting the days. We’ll be staying in the same hotel in Madison and I am banking on him for a wake up call race morning.

Kevin. Well, he’s a tough read. I sense that he has been recovering from the injuries that kept him down at Muncie. He been tenacious as ever at open water swims and hitting the Trace with equal vigor. He’s been relatively silent on his progress as of late, but the fact that he has only missed one open water swim all season is a pretty good hint that he will be attacking Lake Monona like a shark looking for salt.

Me? Well, I’m pretty much going with the flow, but have to admit the butterflies are starting to churn. It’s just all so weird. Your endurance keeps building, but it’s hard to gauge because it’s gradual. Obviously I can go more than I could in January, but sometimes I feel like I can’t go as far as I could last week. I’m actually looking forward to the upcoming weeks from hell, then curious to see what happens in the taper.

Allie is dealing with a shoulder issue, but seems poised to tackle her THIRD half of the year down in Venice. She celebrated an important birthday recently and seems to be handling it well. She’s also super jacked about a new bike fit. And Wasky? Well, if this picture is any indication, he is more than ready for Louisville.

August 6, 2013

Ironman Louisville . . . tick . . . tick . . . tick

I remember Louisville 2012 like it was yesterday. My first peek behind the Ironman curtain.

Jim and I walked in street clothes along side thousands of hopefuls, all dressed in skin tight suits, ready to throw it on the line. We stopped next to Kevin and offered awkward verbal support, but I’m pretty sure just being there was enough.

It was before sunrise and most athletes stared into the darkness contemplating their race. A massive grouping of men and woman, yet each stood alone. Words were no longer important, it was simply time to show the work. In a nutshell, I am pumped for Ironman Louisville. I have three good friends racing and know the experience will blow me through the roof for Wisconsin. Last year was my first Ironman experience, this time I will be spectating from a completely different perspective.

Being in the same training trench with these guys for 6 months builds something that can’t be taken away. Whether it’s a grueling 110 mile ride in the rain or a slew of 6 am open water swims, the connection runs deep.

It starts with Robbie Bruce, who I met at Calypso Cafe last Fall where he agreed to be my coach for Ironman Wisconsin. I think he must have a sixth sense because taking me on as an endurance athlete seemed a stretch but he obviously knew something I didn’t. He has pushed, pulled, and backed away at the perfect times. I’ve done the work, but his style and insight has been the perfect combination to take me from the couch to an Ironman. Make no mistake, he’s done the work as well, and now I will be on the other side as coach unleashes the athlete.

It continues with John Wasky, who I met on a random Sunday Fun Day at 3 Crow Bar. Wasky shares many characteristics with me including bleeding Badger red and the ability to seem completely focused and scattered at once. His biggest challenge at Louisville will be pulling in the reigns. Wasky knocked out a 5:06 at Muncie 70.3 and he’s just warming up.

I told him he’s so pumped for Louisville he could likely swim halfway up the channel under water after diving off the pier. His answer, “You might be right.”

Wasky was the great addition to our group. He’s always willing to have a good time, but can instantly flip a switch and push our level of effort.

I just had a text conversation with them both and Robbie posted a screen shot of his bike and run times from last year at Louisville. To say it grates his ass is an understatement. He came out of the water 64th in the field, then fell apart halfway through the bike. He battled to finish the run, but Louisville is a painful memory.

I asked Robbie if he was pumped to go back this year and this is what he said:

Robbie: I was more pumped last year. This year, I’m just focused. Last year I attacked it like the Godfather with a Tommy gun. This year . . . like an Army Ranger sniper.

I pointed up at this as if to say it was a good lesson for Wasky, who replied,

Wasky: That’s the hope.

Robbie: Don’t hope.

Just great shit there.

Corey Coggins and I connected at Rev 3 in Knoxville. He was tackling his first half Iron distance and I was feeling his pain. The day was miserable. 56 degrees and rain the entire day. I had the Olympic in front of me, but Corey would still be on the course as I made my trek back to Nashville. And the whole ride I was checking for his splits and genuinely fired up when he finished. That’s the connection that can be made when you share conditions like that day at Rev 3. He spent over 6 hours in brutal weather chasing the finish line and it was a big moment for both of us.

A month or so later he made the decision to do Louisville and has been a mainstay at our open water swims. We’ve gotten a lot closer and Saturday he was rolling with me for most of that 110 miles in the pouring rain. Somewhere around mile 90 I was thinking it reminded me of Rev 3, and, about that same time, Corey said what I was thinking.

Last year Louisville was my awakening, this year will be more like confirmation. Training for and putting your hat into Ironman is a game changer and now I know what it really takes.

Months of training will funnel three good friends into the Ohio River for the test of a lifetime. They will take hot seat while I sit and watch, hoping my presence will somehow make a difference.

August 6, 2013

How Do You Follow Up a 110 Mile Bike Ride?

Sometimes you get a sense that everything is fine, and that’s how I felt after Saturday’s 110 mile ride on Natchez Trace. It was my longest cycling experience by nearly 40 miles, but for some reason I wasn’t nearly as wiped as any of these much shorter rides. I have a feeling it had a lot to do with nutrition, but also increased mileage an fitness.

As we ate the post-ride meal at Corner Pub, I could tell I was tired, but it wasn’t one of those beat down exhausted moments. Robbie, Jim, Allison, Wasky, and Marc chatted around me and I had a renewed energy for Ironman Wisconsin. It started with a break-thru swim on Friday, now 110 miles (half in pouring rain) on the Trace, what would be next?

On to Sunday.

Those first few steps out of bed can be telling. I shuffled to the bathroom and was amazed I could stand. I fully expected to put off my two hour “easy ride” to the afternoon, but I felt surprisingly good at 8 am. Let’s do this.

I started sipping Perform and did so for about an hour until I clipped into the bike. Then it was off to Zone 1 (I’m still not quite sure what that is) for a trip to the Dam and back. Rebekah joined me and it was nice to take in some scenery after yesterday’s blazing ride that glued my eyes to a rubber tire.

I didn’t “push it,” but did do a little slow climbing to work things out. I felt pretty good and as we coasted down the street toward home I realized I had been sitting on my Adamo race seat for 8 hours in the last calendar day.

But it wasn’t over.

I was gonna do a straight up brick, but was advised to take an hour, so I ate a peanut butter/jelly sandwich with some chips and salsa. (Triathlon cravings are ridiculous).

Then, I had a big decision. Which shoes should I wear?

Most of my runs have been in Pearl Izumi Streaks (which are now out of print) but after a problem at Muncie, I bought Mizunos that I thought I liked, but am not so sure after a few runs. The Pearl’s were my main squeeze until Muncie but my feet started burning like nobody’s business and I dropped them like they were hot, literally. THEN, I got the same burning sensation from my bike trainer ride a couple weeks later and realized I was wearing the same socks that I wore in Muncie. Hmm… could it be the socks??

The Mizunos felt great at first, but after a few runs they seemed a little too stiff and my left foot would start slapping the pavement after 5 miles or so. Something just wasn’t right, so yesterday, I pulled out the trusty Pearls and set out on my two hour run.

This was supposed to be a build/feel run. 30 minute easy, 30 faster, 30 faster, then cool down for 30. My Garmin didn’t charge so I was relegated to a chrono watch and this process was not easy. I tried to use the mile markers on the Greenway, but kept forgetting times and whatnot, so I just worked on a steady pace with small gains in effort.

I have no idea how far I ran, but it felt far and my legs were dead. This was the indicator day for me. This is how it will feel on September 8th . . . probably worse. Legs shot and all you have left is your mind to carry your marathon. I’m guessing I hit 13 miles and the thought of another 13 was daunting . . . but didn’t seem out of the question.

So, now, I put my faith in the conditioning that is left and the taper that will follow. How will 112 miles and a marathon feel with strong and fresh legs? The same, better, worse? I guess time will tell.

August 1, 2013

Want a Tough Marathon?

Registration opened today for the Flying Monkey Marathon. But simply registering doesn’t mean you will get to experience the pain. Demand is high and they use a weighted lottery system.

I was out there last year and it is quite a sight watching hundreds of people stagger across the finish line. I have thought about doing it this year after Ironman, but after witnessing the pain on a lot of these people’s faces, I’m still not sure. But we have a week to decide.

Our own Racer K even slugged it out with the hills last year at “The Monkey.”

This is how it works (taken from their website):

PAY ATTENTION: Registration for 2013 will involve a weighted lottery via the registration website, below. The registration website will be open for one week. That is, you will have one week to put your name in the hat. After this weeklong period closes, we will use a weighted lottery to select those who will have the misfortune of running the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon this Fall. If selected to run your credit card will be charged $80, and we will notify you of your poor luck. If you are not selected to run, you can thank your lucky stars.

Approximately 300 runners will be selected to run the marathon through the weighted lottery.

Registration for the weighted lottery will begin on August 1, 2013 at 8AM Central Daylight Time. Registration for the lottery will close on August 8, 2013 at 8am. The lottery to be held a short time later.

Please note: there will also be an option to make donations to the Friends of Warner Parks, which will allow you to bypass the lottery and get right in. These options will be available on a first come, first served basis. Details are provided on the registration website, which will be linked below when registration opens.

When registration opens, you can Click Here to access online registration.

Oh, and all the usual stuff applies. That is, please bring an ID with you to packet pickup. It is reasonable to bring your confirmation email. We will not be offering refunds if you do not start, do not finish, do not have fun or do not PR. Or really for any other reason. You may not transfer your registration. To repeat, no refunds, no transfers. Since registration is capped, yours may keep out another runner. Therefore, we ask that you show up ready to run on race morning. If you cannot make it, please try again next year. Regardless, we will offer you a good run.

August 1, 2013

Toeing The Line

These pictures got me thinking. For a sport that is so empowering and free, we sure do spend a lot of time following lines.