Well, today (sort of) concludes my first official week of Ironman Wisconsin training. We were supposed to start the Monday before New Year’s Day, but that didn’t quite work and I didn’t lift a finger until the day after my Badgers tanked in their third consecutive Rose Bowl! At least we got there again!
As you may know, there are five of us training together for Ironman Wisconsin and the results for week one are mixed.
Mark and Kevin hit the ground running and as far as I know have completed every workout. I know this is fact because Mark’s bicep looked huge when he was eating hard boiled eggs at Sunday’s East Nasty breakfast.
Daniel, who is having foot problems, completed only one bike session, and will have to miss his Disney Marathon. Poor guy just shaved his head for charity, now he’s walking around bald with a sprained mid-foot.
Jim came down with the flu and hasn’t been able to workout, but that didn’t stop me from interrogating him for our documentary.
As you can see he is nice and toasty in his unofficial Ironman Wisconsin blanket and looks like he just finished back to back Ironmans. At one point during the interview he coughed, then gasped for air before saying, “Wow, that was the deepest breath I’ve had all week.” It hurts me to see him out for the first week or two, but there’s still plenty of time for this soon to be 3 time Ironman.
As for me, I have been doing the best I can with the workouts, but some of them are out of my league. I am banking on the fact that our coach is aiming high and hoping we get close to the target, especially considering last Friday’s workout called for 3,000 yards and my “water anxiety” was so high I had to stop in about 15 minutes. That haunted me most of the weekend, but this morning’s swim was probably my best ever. So many ups and downs!
My ass is not taking well to the bike trainer, but I got some exciting advice from a seasoned Ironman over the weekend and am excited to slap a little more lube in my shorts for the next ride. I’m also fired up to hear it’s supposed to be in the 60’s this weekend and I’ll get to ride outside.
The program has called for two runs so far, plus one tonight (and yes that means this is a two workout day). I’m anxious to get home and do a light 45 minute run with some one-mile-pace intervals sprinkled into the middle.
Tomorrow is weights in the morning and bike after work.
I have mentally prepared for this schedule for months. We have been filming the documentary all along and, to a man, we truly believe the process is the best part. I cannot wait for the weather to break so I can set up the pool and use it for recovery after grueling runs and rides.
I that was Wayne Coyne from the Flaming Lips wrapped in that blanket, must be his dopplewhateverthecrap that is. Your Badgers didn’t look near as sick as my Sooners.
Ha! That’s good. I’ll have to let him know. Yeah, bowl season can really be a bummer. Sorry about your Sooners… I’m sure they’ll be back strong.