Traithlon-eve?

Twas the night before my first race...

Getting nervous and excited for tomorrow! This afternoon I attended the pre-race session and got to see the course in person. This helped immensely - highly recommend it to newbies! The swim distance is daunting, but doable. The first leg of the bike is uphill, as well as a good section of the run - but the great thing about the ups, is there is always the downs.

I put everything out on the bed, and packed my bag. I really hope I am not forgetting anything at all!
I think that is my biggest fear - not finishing the race do to some technical issue.

Found this great article out (click here in pdf) from 220 Triathlon Magazine, written by Chrissie Wellington. Some great advice. If you check out her website, she has some other great articles on Open Water Swimming and such.

Off to bed...

The Countdown is On!

It's Thursday night, a mere 3 more sleeps until my first triathlon. I am anxious about it. I am also excited. It's hard to know what to expect, since its the first time, so planning is a bit tough.

I was really worried about the swim, as out of all disciplines, I have put the least amount of time into the swim. I feel better after yesterday afternoon - I had a great swim. Finished the race distance in about 22 mins. It gained me a bit of confidence, which I definitely needed.

I went for a run tonight, in the garage, on the treadmill. It was HOT! And it showed me that the heat will be a factor in the race. Luckily the news report went from 28' and sunny, to 24' and rain. The rain will help me stay cool (I never ever thought I would say that I was hoping to swim, bike and run in the rain). I was sweating so much, it was dripping off me. Grossed me out.

All in all, this adventure has been a life-changer to me. Not "getting married, having kids" life changing. More like personal growth, physical-shrinkage life changing. I have lost just over 20lbs. I now run for over 30 mins consistently. When I started I couldn't manage a slow 10 mins. I feel better. I look better. And I am actually excited about how far I can challenge this and change myself. A few more days and I will have completed a HUGE challenge. I can't wait!

My Birthday!

Today was a pretty decent day, considering I am at work on my birthday.

Good news is my weight this morning was 214lbs! At Christmas time I was up to 240lbs... not too shabby of a loss!

That is all...

A Slightly Major Setback...

Last set of days off were brutal. Brutal! We had 3 trips to the ER for the family that involved stitches for one, and a LONG night for the others. (Side note: everyone is recovering well!). That coupled with a weekend away for camping equals NO WORKOUTS for 7 days. Not very smart just two weeks prior to your 'A' race. Lesson learned.

I got back to work today, and jumped on the treadmill tonight. Did a 5km run. At 6 mph. 31:19. Not bad, except that I felt horrible. I ate way too much food at dinner, crappy food, and it was too soon to my workout. That coupled with the fact that it had been 7 days since my last workout, meant a very difficult run. But I got it done.

I read a section in The Triathlete's Training Bible that stated that fitness is always changing and never stagnant. It states that even as little as 2 weeks of inactivity can result in significant fitness losses, especially in regards to endurance. I completely agree. I was able to complete the workout, but it was really really tough. Again, lesson learned.

Time to pick it up a notch, and really work out my nutrition. Less than 2 weeks to go, and I am getting NERVOUS!!!

Update: I forgot to mention I am a complete nerd and got a video pass for the ITU World Triathlon Series at Triathlonlive.tv.

Done and done.

First: yearly fire department fitness test done. 06:38. A new PR. My training I have been doing helped immensely, to the point were I actually started to enjoy it and push harder. Took at least 1 min off last years time. It was only 06:38 mins, but it's a HARD 06:38 mins.

Second: it's getting uncomfortable close to my triathlon. Getting nervous and excited at the same time. I have been accomplishing race distances in all 3 disciplines without trouble - but not all 3 at the same time. Going to have to try and hit the pool a bunch these days off, which will be tough as we're supposed to be going camping.

Ups and Downs

I have to admit I started to slack off in May, and the beginning of June. Either that or April was just an exceptional month. I am still consistent at work, but not with the summer weather arriving, my days off are filled with family activities and I find it harder and harder to work out.

I did discover that loading the two youngest in the chariot and towing them around my normal circuit is a great hidden workout - especially during the long hills. Adds around 50 - 60 lbs.

I did my first Race Length Brick tonight, doing a 24km Bike (with some hill repeats) and then a 5km run (with some speed work). I have to admit I feel pretty good about it - I was able to handle it right to the end, and merely 4 months ago I would never have been able to attempt this. Heck, 10 mins on the treadmill and I was winded! I think I am at a point now where I have gained the confidence that I will finish the triathlon.

The yearly fitness/physical test has arrived. We were supposed to do it this morning, but had to reschedule for Sunday morning. I will tell you, that although you have 12 mins, and it usually only takes between 7 and 8, it is a BRUTAL test. Accomplishable, but not fun. The joys of being a Firefighter I guess.

New PR for 5km!

I was going to go for a slow long run last workout (I have been running 5kms regularily now and would like to increase it, maybe start at 6km or 8km...), but ended up seeing if I could push it and break my previous 5km PR (29:49). I really wanted to see if I could get under 29 mins.

The good news:

The only negative thing is that I really had to push myself at the end, and my HR went right up to maximum (maybe even over). But hey! There's a new 5km PR of 28:46. Now I just need to replecate it in a race to make it REALLY official....

In other news: I am reading The Triatlete's Training Bible. This is a VERY detailed book. And well written. But it seems WAY over my head! I think I will really learn to apply it in a year or two, but right now I am having trouble getting through it - most likely because I have not actually done a triathlon, and will not consider or call myself a Triathlete until I finish at least one.

But I think today I am confident to call myself a runner!