My race is four weeks from yesterday, and to be perfectly honest, I do not feel a bit of pressure. After riding more than 130 miles this weekend and having two solid runs, I think that my fitness will get me across the finish line on August 26th.
Lots of things can happen between now and then...lots...but what I am hoping happens is that my knee continues to heal. It has felt very good for the last few runs and I will be focusing on not over-training. I would hate for the strain to creep back up.
I don't have much to say tonight even though it has been some time since my last post. This is my last week before tapering begins. It will be nice to scale back on training.
I've learned a lot since beginning my triathlon career a year and a half ago. For three sports that appear so simple on the surface, they sure are difficult once you really hone in on them. And once you realize how difficult they are individually, go ahead and throw them together. What a mess.
My Ironman race is quickly approaching. I'm not intimidated or worried that I won't finish. I am more concerned about the unknown; concerned about the bridges I have yet to cross since my racing began. One would think after 4 half-Ironmans that I would be ready for what is about to thrown my way. But to be honest, I might as well be standing at home plate with a blind fold on.
Your body responds differently than mine, and my body responds differently than the next person's. No one person gets through an Ironman the same way. Then again, I am only going off of what I have read and seen online. I have hit some large training benchmarks but is that enough? I've rode my bike for 6 hours then hopped off and ran for 45 minutes; the leg wobble is incredible. I've swam 5000 meters then got on my bike for a couple hours; I would compare the first few minutes to vertigo. What I haven't experienced is all three sports together.
Yes, I know, I've completed half-Ironmans. That should be all the experience I need right? Wrong. What are my legs going to feel like after swimming in a river for an hour then running into the first transition? Yes, I can simulate this to the best of my abilities but nothing compares to a race scenario. What are my neck and back going to feel like after roughly six hours on the bike? I know after three hours during previous races I am more than ready to get on the run. What do miles 14, 15, 16, 17,....26 of the run feel like? What do they feel like after 112 miles on the bike?
There are things I don't know and I wish I did...
But then again, that's what makes this journey exciting. It's the feeling of not knowing what I'll be experiencing during the race and figuring out a way to push both my mind and body through it.
It will be hot, humid and hilly. Those are the things that are certain. Everything else is up in the air!
One last question...what do I do after I complete an Ironman?
Happy training!
P.S.- Shout out to my parent's neighbor Tami (I hope I spelled it right). Thanks for reading!
Suffering:an experience of unpleasantness and aversion associated with the perception of harm or threat of harm in an individual.
Have you ever experienced a form of suffering, either physical or mental? Maybe it was both but either way we've all gone through it. I've finally stepped into a new world of suffering but this one involves me, my bike, my trainer and a series of workouts that are designed to crush your legs and your mental barriers.
I was skeptical at first. I had heard great things about The Sufferfest and another cycling series called Spinervals. One of the largest differences was the cost. For $95, the Sufferfest offered 10 videos that covered a wide range of techniques and levels of suffering. The videos use race footage and great musical selections to push the riders during the workouts. Spinervals on the other hand cost $25-$30 a video but have a library of 40+ videos. Spinervals also force the rider to watch other riders on trainers. Ultimately, The Sufferfest sounded more appealing and to be honest...I made an excellent decision!
After a little more than a week of using these videos, I have already noticed gains in my strength, force and endurance. Not bad if you ask me. These videos make you earn every pedal stroke and are quick to call you out right as you think about slowing down.
I am now in a constant state of waiting for my next trainer ride. That is how much I look forward to these workouts.
And in other news, I may be buying a road bike in the near future...more on that later!
