So what is next?

Ok, so my first triathlon season is over and I have survived - what’s next? A few times during the year (actually, during the swim leg of most events) I wondered if there would even be a next year. Well there will be and it will be a great year. I am in full training mode now, working on my conditioning. While I am still waiting for most of the race directors to release their 2011 schedule, I have a few dates that are set that I am training towards. I am expanding beyond just triathlons next year; I am registered for Ragnar, as well as planning on running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon.

My dear friend Terra had the crazy idea to put together a team for the Ragnar Wasatch Back relay race in June. It will be a 12 member relay team running from Logan to Park City. I have been assigned my 3 legs and will be running approximately 18 miles total. It is one of the longer segments, but it doesn’t have the drastic uphill or downhill’s that some of the others will have to run. (My shins can’t handle the extremes.) Considering that this is a “running” event, along with the half marathon, I have been mainly focusing on my running abilities. Up until this fall, the farthest I have ever run without stopping is a 5k (3.2 miles) and never with any real speed. So now I am taking a different approach and following a specific training plan. And of course, there is an app for that! I am using the Runner’s World Smart Coach app and I am amazed at the progress I have made in only a couple months. Last week I put in an 8 mile run without stopping and yesterday I did a 6 mile tempo run with miles 2-5 at a sub-10 minute mile pace. All things considered I am confident that I could complete a half marathon (13.1 miles) right now, not fast, but I would finish. What I like about this training program it is the mix of speed work, tempo pace and long run days. Up until this point I had always just done the long runs and saw only limited improvement, but with this plan I have almost tripled my long run distance in just two months. I have embraced running outdoors and my only concern is the upcoming winter months. I can’t go back to running on a treadmill for extended distances, so I will mostly likely have to use the track over at the Olympic Oval, but that is only slightly better than the treadmill. Regardless, I am committed to continuing my training all winter, so that I can establish a strong base for next year’s triathlon, running, and cycling season.

As for cycling, I took a little time off after Spudman from the bike, partly due to my own clumsiness. I took a face plant into the asphalt at a Daddy/Daughter activity and messed up my hands pretty good (not to mention the side of my face). So I only recently got back on the bike. I am disappointed that I missed some good fall riding weather and that it will be winter and unridable before too long. I usually do my riding on Sunday morning, since I prefer to ride U-111. Sunday is the best time as there are fewer big rigs and cars to deal with. The last two Sunday’s, I have put in 33 miles each day on two different routes. One of the routes I had never even driven before and I was sucking wind about half way through. I rode out to Herriman and then back down U-111 to 54^th. The killer was that from 2700 W to U-111 it was 50-60 blocks of false flat and it kicked my trash. Not to mention that as I turned the corner to U‑111, it dropped into a swell and the ride out was a significant climb (at least for me). I was grateful the US Trisports, Daybreak Triathlon fans who had written on the road encouraging the athletes - it helped me know how close I was to the summit or I might have just given up. I would love to do some cycling events next year, namely a century ride. I will have to look at the calendar to see what will work into the schedule. I may do The Fall Tour of St. George as it is later in the season.

My calendar will consist primarily of Sprint and Olympic triathlons, mixed with the running events and hopefully a cycling event or two. As for triathlons, I plan on doing the a couple Sprints to start the season, the Icebreaker and the Kearns Sprint. Last year I committed to doing one event a month from April to July. This year I am planning on at least two a month with a combination of tri’s, running and cycling. Swimming still remains my nemesis, and I just don’t have the motivation to get in the water. I know, however, that if I don’t get in the water soon I will never accomplish the goals that I have set for myself. My sister-in-law, Carey Laney in New Jersey, has signed up for the 70.3 Ironman Poconos Mountains next September and I would like more than anything to do that event with her. I am confident that I can handle the bike and after the progress I have shown in the run, that doesn’t scare me either, but that damn swim. Now granted, the 70.3 swim is only 450 meters or so longer than an Olympic distance swim, which gives me hope. The Pocono’s event is a new event so I image it won’t sell out too quickly, so I am not going to count it out completely. I will see where I am mid-season, both financially and physically. It would be a wonderful experience to participate in that event with Carey, so that is the “in the back of my mind” goal for next year.

I once heard that if you don’t write it down it doesn’t exist, so here are my goals for next year…

• At least two Sprint Triathlons (Icebreaker and Kearns Sprint)


• Four - Five Olympic Triathlons (Spudman, US Trisports Series, a couple BBSC events, Scofield and Kokopelli)


• Salt Lake City Half Marathon


• Ragnar Wasatch Back


• Century road bike event, The Fall Tour of St. George


• "70.3 Ironman Pocono???”

So there it is, the framework for my 2011 season! Now if I would start eating properly, and continue the training, including getting in the water, it will be a GREAT year.

Spudman 2010 Recap

I started the race season with a schedule of four races, with the Spudman being my “A” race and my last planned race of the year.  I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished this year, as I have completed three Sprint Triathlon’s (note that I say complete, not compete) up to this point.  The Spudman is a special race because it is the first race that Stacy completed last year, with no previous race experience. It is the first Olympic distance race that I will have competed in, and it is the first race that I will have to travel to.  That last point is important because up to until then, I have always been able to sleep in my own bed the night before the race, and I have always had a familiar environment to prepare for the race in.  This race is in Burley, Idaho, and we needed to camp. Another important note - Stacy and I don’t camp.

After the Rockcliff triathlon I wasn’t overly confident in my ability to complete an Olympic distance, namely regarding the run.  While I am nowhere near comfortable with my swim, and with the Spudman being twice the distance of a Sprint swim (1500 meters vs. 750 meters), the benefit of this swim was that it is current-assisted.  So I wasn’t overly concerned about the swim; I figured worst case, I would just float down to T1.  I felt good about the bike, again this would be twice the distance (26 miles vs. 13 miles), yet the bike is my strongest discipline.  The run however was different -  in all my previous races I had struggled in the swim and pushed as hard as I could on the bike, which didn’t ever leave much for the run. The concern was this was going to be a 10k (6.4 miles) in the heat of southern Idaho farm country.  Overall, I felt good and was looking forward to the race.

Considering this was a destination race for us, it added an element of planning and coordination that I haven’t had to deal with previously.  We had to find a tent, an air mattress (both compliments of good friends), as well as needing to plan our food needs, our pre-race needs; everything I normally have the comfort of home to deal with.  Now all this wasn’t nearly as challenging for us as it was for my sister-in-law, Carey Laney, who travel from south Jersey with her husband, Bob, to compete in her first triathlon.  We did have lots of support: Stacy’s dad and sister, Jeff and Jody, came up to help, not mention how helpful Bob was in setting up our camp -  we don’t ever  want to camp without him.

We camped in the same spot Stacy and the others camped last year, right along the Snake River at the marina. It is right across the street from T1, however it was a decent hike to the start/finish.  It had a flush toilet and sink facility (a major plus in our book) so it was worth the added distance.  One of the big concerns was the weather; thunderstorms were forecasted for Friday afternoon and evening.  Having grown up in southern Idaho, I can appreciate how strong a thunderstorm can be.  We got lucky - we were hit with only one serious storm cell, but it was significant.  We had secured our tents fairly well, but the tent next to us went flying towards the river complete with all of the occupants camping gear.  Thanks to Bob and Doozzie, it was saved.

Most of us went to the carb-load dinner and reserved up our T2 area. Stacy however chose to pass on the meal, considering she lost hers last year at 3am.  It was an interesting meal: spaghetti, baked potato, green beans, and a roll.  I may pass on next year’s.  As for T2, my previous race experience really helped me know how to handle transition and to maximize on T1 and T2.

We had two first timers in camp, Carey and Dannielle Iorg.  It was great to hang out, talk, and laugh with Stacy and her sisters, her dad, with Dannielle and her husband Danny, as well as Doozzie -  good times that made everything worth the trip and effort.  We all called it a night around 10ish when got dark.  Sleeping was difficult, if not non-existent; I was up almost every hour due to the effects of trying to hydrate for the next day. 

I wasn’t prepared for race morning, dealing with breaking down camp, stocking T2 with water and getting to the start line.  It didn’t go well, everyone was up by 5:30ish and the race started at 7, with our waves beginning at 7:30 and 7:40. After two trips to T2, breaking down camp, getting in our wetsuits and heading to the start, we were late.  In fact, we were still in the car trying to get to the start line at 7:10.  It was a mad dash to the start line for everyone. Stacy and the girls had about 5 minutes before their race stated once they got there.  Not fun feeling that kind of pressure, with no time to relax, warm-up or mentally prepare.  But we made it.

The race organizers had said that the current was swiftest towards the far side of the course.  I had planned on taking full advantage of the current and getting out of the water as soon as possible.  The reality was something different. My lack of swim technique and endurance was evident.  I never did find the “fast” current, but I endured.  It wasn’t fast and it wasn’t pretty, but little by little I made it to the end and didn’t require assistance.  I got out in 30:32.  Again, the swim gives me hope for the future in the fact with a little training I have a lot of room for improvement.  Now I just need to put in the time at the pool.  T1 was good, 04:05, other than totally racking myself getting on my bike, I was feeling good.

The bike course was nice: flat, very few false flats and no hills of any significance, just a few rollers.  I love riding the bike, and of the three disciplines I am most confident on the bike.  I look forward to the day when I get a TT bike and can really maximize my strength on the bike.  The organizers had reversed the starting orders and the younger athletes started towards the end, that means I was passed as if I was standing still by some of the other “in it to win it” athletes that started after me.  I was able to hold by own against other road bikes and I passed every mountain bike I could find, but the TT bikes were unbelievable.  I did mention to a fellow rider as we road and passed another mountain bike, that I didn’t care who beat me as long as I wasn’t passed by a mountain bike.  I did have one guy comment on my bike as he passed me, which made me laugh.  Total bike time was 1:17:29, which felt pretty good, but with room for improvement.  My apologize to my cheering section for not being more excited as I came through T2, but all I could focus on was getting to T2 and getting out of the run.  Next time, I will try and be more responsive to those who are there supporting me.  Total T2 was 02:47, which I was pleased with considering someone had taken over my spot at the rack and I had to crawl under the bikes to get to my shoes.

As with every other race, I pretty much left everything out on the bike course and didn’t have a lot left for the run.  Beginning the run out of T2, there is a fairly significant uphill into someone’s backyard.  It was a little disconcerting to see the overall winner along the side of the course cheering people on, which meant that BJ Christiansen had not only ran the entire course in 1:47:10, recovered, refueled and made his way onto the run course as a spectator in the time it had take me to do the swim and bike alone, almost to the second..  I just reminded myself that he had a 40 minute head start.  I did the best I could to get a run pace up, but it was a struggle.  I was happy to find Stacy along the course and I had the pleasure of running most of the course with her.  We did a number of walk-run intervals; we would pick landmarks, run to them, and then walk.  It was a little embarrassing as we headed towards mile 5 and saw Courtney and Carey running the course backwards to find us.  However, it was awesome that we were all together for the last mile or so of the race.  Carey was a champ and was setting a strong pace; she was so impressive in her first event.  As we all came down the hill together towards the finish line, everyone was together and running hard.  After coming out of the trees, we all spread out and ran the finishing shoot shoulder to shoulder - that was great.  Total run time was 1:24:29 for a total race time of 3:19:24, next year’s goal, sub-three hours.

The spectators and volunteers were so supportive to all the racers: we had numerous water stations, sprinklers and fire trucks keeping the racers cool.  All things considered it was a GREAT day.


http://picasaweb.google.com/malone2070/Spudman2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKC-uHNwP2KYA&feat=directlink

Rockcliff Recap

I know that I am quite late in posting the report for Rockcliff Triathlon on June 26^th, and this write-up will be quite different having been written  now compared to what it would have been if I had written it immediately after the race.  While I am glad I have waited to collect my thoughts and the fully review how everything went, it would have been an interesting read if I had expressed what I was feeling as I crossed the finish line.

To begin, I was not sure I was even going to race until the Thursday prior to race day.  I wasn’t physically or mental prepared to race, and although I am not using that as an excuse, that is the reality.  At that point I was still trying to find the balance between work, my personal life, and training - I was adapting to a new reality, and everything wasn’t going smoothly on any front.  I wasn’t eating properly, and even though I was still going to the gym daily, I wasn’t maximizing my time and effort spent there.  Yet, I have worked very hard to not let others dictate my success or actions, so I registered and figured I would race for myself, regardless of my level of preparation.

The venue was at Jordanelle Reservoir outside of Park City: a lake swim, a country road bike course, and a combination of pavement and trails for the run course.  As usual, I was one of the first athletes into the transition area to setup my bike and gear.  I took a few long walks around the area to relax and to get my head straight and took some beautiful pictures of the area.  I was nervous about the swim; I tried to not look at how far apart those buoys were.  After the Daybreak triathlon, I had bit the bullet and bought my own wetsuit, and this was going to be my first time wearing it.  The officials had to delay the start of the race due to the amount of debris and wood in the way of the swim course, so there was a lot of time spent waiting while wearing my wetsuit.  Once we did get in the water, about 5 seconds after the horn blew to start the race, I took an elbow in the face which knocked off my nose clip -  not a great way to start the race.  Again, I was not prepared! I hadn’t been in the water even once since the Daybreak race and it showed. I just don’t have the form or endurance to swim for distance.  I struggled and struggled, trying only to get to the next buoy. Most of my swim was spent doing a weak breast stroke and back stroke.  I was quickly passed by the field and it was myself and one other guy pulling up the rear.  Honestly, at times I was scared; I didn’t know why the hell I felt the need to even do a triathlon, wondering why I needed to put myself into this situation.  After a while I had every rescue boat around me and following me to find out if I ok, and at times I wasn’t. A few times I started to go down, and I was not sure which way was up.  I am not exaggerating!! I was scared, but I am also stubborn and I wasn’t going to quit - I have quit all my life and I am not that person any more.  About 100 yards from the swim exit I got a severe cramp in my left calf, but I persevered. 

Once I got to the shore line, the EMT was there to monitor my exit from the water.  He kept asking if I was ok, if I wanted to rest or if I needed help.  At that point I was not a very nice person, but I did appreciate his effort and concern. I did ask him to help me off with my wetsuit as I was feeling very confined and wasn’t able to breathe.  I sat on a rock for a couple minutes and then I got up and headed to T1.  Swim time was 34:57.

T1 was ok, however I did enter the wrong side, but it didn’t hurt my timing splits.  I just wanted to get out of the wetsuit and to get on the bike.  The bike is a chance for me to relax; it is something I am comfortable with.  T1 time was 3:02, which is good, all things considered.

I was the last one out of the water and thus the last one onto the bike course.  I had driven the bike course the week before, so I knew what to expect.  I tried to just keep my head down and to push it as best I could.  It felt good on the bike. The race organizers did need to have the bike course marked better. One girl in front of me took a wrong turn, and I have no idea where she ended up.  I passed a number of riders on the course and I was able to make up some time.  Bike time was 52:19, not the fastest, but I was in the top third of all riders.

Coming out of T2, one of the volunteers congratulated me for making up some time after the swim, which was good to hear.  T2 time was 2:25.

As for the run, or what will be considered from this point forward “the walk”, it was hard.  The main challenge on the run was my left calf strain from the swim.  I tried to run, but it just wasn’t happening because it hurt bad.  I shuffle ran for as much as I could, but I just couldn’t develop any kind of a stride.  Leslie Howlett was running the Olympic distance and was leaving T2 as I was coming in.  All I wanted to do was to finish the run before she lapped me.  I knew it was going to be close, as she is an incredible athlete, and sure enough she did catch me about 500 yards from the finish.  I appreciated her encouragement to finish strong and I pushed it as hard as I could and I did finished with a decent pace across the line.  Run time 34:48, with a total race time of 2:07:30, not pretty even by my standards, but I finished and I take a lot of pride in that fact.

Finishing the race I was mad, and I was upset for quite awhile after that weekend.  As I have reflected on the weekend, I feel it was a successful race, not for my finish time or how it felt, but rather for what it taught me.  I am sure this will not be the last time I will learn these lessons, but I do feel I am a better triathlete for having experienced that race.  That being said, I do owe an apology to Jamison King, for giving him a hard time for one of his blog entries where he expressed his frustration from coming in second or third at a race earlier this year.  I now better understand and can appreciate the disappointment for not performing up to expectations, regardless if you are a professional or an entry level age grouper, as myself.  I have expectations to improve and to perform better each race, but circumstances don’t always allow for that success.  The best thing that can be said is that I continue to learn and grow in this and all aspects of my life.

Daybreak Race Recap

It was a great weekend for a race, well maybe a little cold, but it was a great event.  This was my second of four planned triathlons this year.  Now considering that I have not been in the water except for two times since my last triathlon a month ago, I was less than prepared for this one.  As I mentioned in my last post, immediately after the last triathlon I was offered a position as a Controller for a dental company.  Adjusting to a full-time schedule and the stress of a new job had severely affect my ability train properly and to eat properly.  I was going to the gym every morning and I was riding my bike when I could, but I wasn't training with a purpose.

Primarily I was concerned, as usual, about the swim.  This was going to be my first open water swim in a wetsuit.  Last Wednesday I did attend an open-water swim clinic at the Black Ridge Reservoir in Herriman.  I wasn't sure about the wetsuit at first, it was constricting and the water was ice cold, but I adjusted quickly and actually enjoyed the wetsuit.  As for the actual swimming, I still don't have the endurance, which probably goes with the lack of training time in the water.  After I left the clinic I had mixed emotions, but I was glad I went, it gave me an idea of what to expect on Saturday.

Now, my first triathlon, I was 100% focused on preparation, diet, exercise, everything. This one, not so much, I did try and maintain a good race week diet, along with hydration, but I know I came up lacking.  Race morning, I wanted to be at the venue early so that I could have my pick of spots in transition, plus Stacy was a volunteer for the event.  We got to the race at about 6 am, and I got what I feel was the PERFECT transition spot, near the bike in/out, at the end of a rack so that I could use the end as my staging area.  I was amazed at how many people showed up so late, some were still trying to get a spot in transition after the Olympic waves had started.  I can't even image adding self-inflicted stress on to the already existent stress of participating in a triathlon.

Pre-race meeting was at 7:30, which meant at water's edge in my wetsuit, the problem was my wave didn't start till 8:30, so it meant an hour in my wetsuit, barefoot waiting.  Fortunately, Stacy found me at the pre-race meeting and we walked around till it was my time.  We went back to transition and got my shoes and a jacket, which Stacy took back to transition for me.

The tempature for the day wasn't supposed to get over 60°, it was overcast, with a water tempature of around 52°, so it was cold, but I had an idea what it was going to be like considering I had just been the open-water clinic a couple days before.  My wave was the last men's wave, I got in and yes it was cold, but not really that bad to me.  Maybe I was just more concerned about the swim, than I was about the actual water.  I started in the back and when the gun went off, I swam, I tried a freestyle and did the best I could.  My challenge was the sighting combined with the lack of endurance.  I just took my time, did a combination of freestyle, breast, side and back stroke, I didn't tread water much, because I didn't want to waste my energy standing still.  It was rough, I won't lie, I am quite confident I was the last man out of the water, and I was passed by a LOT of women from the wave that started after mine.  I just focused on the next buoy and did what I needed to.  I came out of the water a little wobbly, but moving.  Total swim time, 21:26, now that is just 4 minutes longer than my first triathlon's 400 meter swim time and this swim was 750 meters, so that is good.  But I have SO much room for improvement, which I am taking as a positive.

The water did take its toll on a few racers, in fact they pulled three swimmers out of the water and Stacy helped another racer who had collapsed in T1 from the cold of the swim.  Plus they had brought another in off of the bike course, the EMT's were busy, I just hope in the end everyone was OK.

Coming out of the water, I had a pretty good distance to walk/run to my bike in transition.  My total T1 was 4:06, pretty slow actually.  I need to practice my T1, as well as riding in my tri-shoes without socks, I spend to much time putting them socks on.  I was happy I (Stacy actually) bought some silicone spray from PowerTri for my wetsuit, it made taking it off a snap.  I pays to attend these clinics to learn these little tricks.

The bike was going to be my strong leg of the race, and it felt good, but in comparison to other racer's times, I have a lot of improvement to do there was well, again taking it as a positive.  I had driven the course the week before, and it is very similar to the route I ride almost every Sunday morning.  So I knew what to expect, a false flat (slight uphill) out to U-111, uphill on 111 to the turn around and then downhill fast back to T2.  I was passed more than I had expected, but I felt good.  I had a couple ladies commenting on my calves as they passed me, I told them I inherited them from my dad and they are the only thing defined on my body.  After the turn around, it was all out, I couldn't go fast enough, I never changed my gear until I was almost back to T2.  Total bike time, 41:54, 11 minutes fast than my first triathlon, and I know I can do even better, I just need to prepare better, and maybe change my gearing.

T2 was a little crazy for me, total time was ok at 1:25, but I wasn't thinking clearly.  I had to back to my bike twice, once to put back my bandanna and the second time to put back my riding gloves, I walked out of T2 trying to get my legs back under me. Plus I forgot to put on my race belt with my number.  I just need to plan better, and have a mental checklist.

The run was around the Daybreak lake on the walking/jog path.  What a beautiful area!  I really want to take Stacy and the girls back for a walk around it.  I started out at just a jog pace, primarily because I couldn't feel my feet.  I hadn't really noticed it other than I was struggling to run, until another racer asked if my feet were still numb from the swim as hers were, and they were.  I was feeling a lot of stress in my lower legs and feet.  I actually thought I was going to snap an ankle with the pain I was feeling, but I endured.  I set a goal early in the run, that it didn't matter how fast I ran, but rather that I just didn't stop running.  So I shuffled along at a 5 mph pace, but I didn't stop.  I really wish they had put out some markers along the course to let me know how much was left, I wasn't sure I was ever going to make it around that lake.  As usually, I tried to save a little for the finish, I always want to come across the finish line strong.  Now, I had been looking for Stacy the entire run, as she had said she was going to be working an aid station, well she was, at the finish.  Total run time, 38:26, LOTS of room for improvement.

After seeing my total times, I was a little depressed, I know I can do better.  I came into this season not caring about total time, just to complete, not compete.  But, I do care, and I need to improve if I hope to even come close to my ultimate goals.  So I am refocusing my efforts on training and my diet.  Stacy has been on a new plan for a month or so that she likes and I am going to give it a try.  It is called Live The Life, it is a very structured workout and diet plan.  So I am hoping to drop some lbs and gain some strength.  I am still about 260 lbs, every pound lost will mean that much less weight I am having to schlep around the course.

My next race is in 27 days, at Jordanelle Reservoir.  I am dedicating myself to improve my training and my preparation to ensure that I run the race I know I can run.  I want to push myself, and I just want to make sure my body is ready to be pushed.

Race Pictures - Click to view

I Am A Triathlete!

I know I have been taking my sweet time in updating everyone with my experience at my first triathlon.  For the last three weeks since the Spring Sprint, I have been focusing on the next chapter in my professional career.  I will explain that later, this entry is about my first triathlon.

So as would be expected I had a considerable amount of anxiety as the day approached.  I mentioned in my last entry that I was focusing on my nutrition and just trying to stay positive, and to understand that I was prepared as I was ever going to be.  I really just wanted to enjoy the experience, while at the same time wanting time to pass more quickly so I could put it behind me.  

On Friday I went down to PowerTri for packet pickup and body marking (which I had forgot they were going to do.)  I took Brooklyn with me and it was a neat experience to stand in line as an athlete.  I at no time in my life have every been able to consider myself an "athlete".  Once I got home Friday afternoon, I turned my attention to packing my bag.  I knew I had everything I was going to need, but I was very deliberate to ensure that I didn't forget something.  I remember Stacy's first triathlon and her experience with preparing her transition bag (or lack of preparation).  So I mentally ran the race to determine what I was going to need and in what order.

Once I had the bag pack, I continued my prep work, checked the tire pressure on the bike and loaded it in the truck, and laid out my morning food.  By 8:00pm I was ready, so I tried to distract myself for the rest of the evening talking with my parents who had come in for the weekend.  Finally, about 9ish it was time for bed, or at least some quite time.  I intended on getting to the race site by 6:30, so that I wouldn't be rushed and so I would have the best choice of the bike rack for transition.

I slept sound and was up early.  I got to the venue about 6:30 and found a perfect spot at the end of a bike rack right in the middle.  I had 2 hours till race time, which I spent meditating, listening to music and trying to visualize the race.  I tried to not think too much about the swim, it was more just focusing on the part where I get out of the water.  As the minutes ticked by, I just wandered for the first hour, around 7:30 I went into the Olympic Oval and spent 20 minutes on a spin bike, trying to warm-up.  Around 8:00, I found Stacy and Mikayla waiting poolside, it was good to see them there, after the pre-race meeting, Brooklyn and my parents arrived and I had my cheering section ready to go.

So, it was time to start.  We self-ranked ourselves based our swimming level, from 1-5 (1 expert - 5 novice).  I considered myself a 4 (beginner) and was towards the back of the pack.  Our time didn't start till we entered the water.  It was a little nerve racking just waiting in line to start, and those of us in line just made nervous conversation.  Most of the racers I had talked to hadn't even driven the bike route, so I answered a lot of questions about both the bike and run courses.  As I approached the line I just told myself to go easy and that it would be over soon enough.

For the first lap and a half, I was going OK, that was 75 meters, and at meter 76 I knew I was in trouble.  Stacy and the girls were poolside trying to give me encouragement, which I appreciated, but didn't do much for me.  I settled into a mix of freestyle and floating on my back with a strong leg kick.  At the end of each 50 meters I would rest for a moment and get back at it.  I really wasn't trying to count the laps, as I felt it may discourage me with how much I had left to go.  I found out after that my sweet Mikayla got very emotional because of how much I was struggling and had to go sit with my parents.  When I hit the last 50 meters she walked the side of the pool the whole length trying to help me, and it did.  I did the last 50 meters mostly freestyle.  And then it was over.  Total swim time, 17:26, which is only slightly longer than I had expected.

After getting out of the water, it was about a 200 meter run to T1, I tried to run and finally it turned into a strong shuffle.  All I could think of was to get onto the bike.  Now, they say you should practice your transitions, I didn’t, and I think if I had I still would have not experienced what it was truly like.  My biggest challenge was my socks, my feet were wet, which made it challenging.  I remember thinking this is why most triathletes don't wear socks; I need to work on that.  Total T1 time was 2:25, not bad for a first time.

Onto the bike, this was my strongest of the three disciplines.  I had ridden the course a couple times and I knew what to expect.  The first 1/4 was a steady uphill, nothing super hard.  I was able to pass a number of racers, and was only passed my 1 person.  The 2nd 1/4 was downhill, and I mean downhill.  I barely even peddled, at one point I was going 38 mph, which is a better good clip.  It gave me a chance to rest up for what was about to happen.  The next 1/4 was pretty much flat; I took the Hammer Gel at the beginning of this leg, so that it would kick in for the last leg.  Again, I passed a number of riders and wasn't passed by anyone else.  Final the last 1/4, uphill for 13 straight blocks.  It was hard, and everyone was struggling, especially those riders on mountain bikes.  A couple riders passed me, but I didn't care, I just didn't want to stop.  Thankfully there was no wind, as I passed riders I tried to give them encouragement.  After those thirteen blocks, it was a quick downhill to T2.  Total bike time, 52:12, longer than I had expected, but I am satisfied. 

Into T2, I had a chance to get some encouragement from Leslie Howlett, who was working the transition area.  She wanted to know how the swim was and it was a nice distraction as I was preparing for the 5k run.  Coming out of transition I saw my mom, Stacy, the girls, Carrie and Mackenzie, my cheering section was growing.  Total T2, 1:37, I am very pleased with my transition times.

Finally the run, I came out of T2 with Leslie's last words of advice in my ears, just small strides.  It was about just putting one foot in front of the other, trying to get me running legs under me.  The first part of the run was out of the Oval complex, up a walking path then about 400 meters on grass up to the neighborhood.  I tried to keep running, but it turned into a walk/jog 5k.  I was passed by only a couple of people and pretty much kept the same people around me for the entire run.  I live in the neighborhood, so I knew what to expect.  There were only four uphill sections and the last 1/3 of the course was going to be all downhill running.  As we rounded onto road with the last hill, I knew I was going to make it.  I ran past a friend’s house (Kim) and I appreciated her encouragement.  As I turned on to my houses street I passed my newest neighbor and I am pretty sure he didn't know I was in a race and wanted to chat.  As I rounded the corner there was a course direction sign, and Mikayla had taped on congratulation sign for me, I was the only race to understand what she wrote and it was very special to me.  Coming down the last stretched I walked a little, because I wanted to make sure I had something left in the tank for the final sprint.  As I came into the Oval I saw Jeff and Kristin waiting for me and cheering me on.  I figured out pretty quick why they were there, Jeff was the lookout and whistled as I entered the building.  If you haven't heard his whistle let me just say, EVERYONE heard him.  I gave it a strong push and came across the finish line feeling great.  Total run time 30:06, just six seconds over my 30 minute goal, but I wasn't complaining, because I was a TRIATHLETE!  Total time 1:43:44 205/276th overall, 15/19th in my class.

Coming across the line it just felt great.  I wasn't overcome with emotion or anything like that, I think that was because I of my preparation.  I had raced the race so many times in my head, that it was surreal; don't get me wrong I was loving every second.  It was so great to have so much support and to have my girls be the first ones to hug me as I finished.  By the finish my cheering section had added NeeNee and the Little Lady.  We did the pictures and chatted for a bit and it was over.  A small gathering at the house, a little nap, and it was over.

So it has been three weeks since the race, and just two weeks till my next race, Daybreak.  I took a rest day the day after, and was back at the gym running.  Now I haven't had the swim training that I would like, for a couple reasons, the weather, I prefer the outdoor pool, and I have been focused on my professional career.  The week after the race, I started the interview process with a company that had an open Controller position available.  That process had been my focus for two straight weeks, and this past Monday I was offered the position.  It is with a dental company downtown that has tremendous growth potential, and I feel I can be an asset and we will be able to accomplish some great things professionally.

I have been working out steadily, and again, outside of the swim, I feel I will do OK in this upcoming race.  The swim will be another new experience, as I will need to wear a wetsuit.  I am probably relying too much on the buoyancy it will offer, but I may spend some more time kicking on my back, but I won't have any lane lines or poolside to hold onto for rest.  The next couple weeks, I will again try and hit the pool after work, but I will be as ready as I will be, come race day.

One final note, I want to congratulated Leslie Howlett and Burke Priest for their success at the St. George Ironman on May 1st.  I can only stand in awe at that accomplishment.  I spent that entire day tracking their progress online.  They have said that this was probably the hardest Ironman bike and run course ever, and to complete it is a special things.  Leslie's time 12:09, and Burke's was  14:51:19.  I have so much respect for these athletes, I want to wish them both continued success.

36 hours to go...

I sit here 36 hours from my first triathlon with mixed emotions ranging from “I’m ready”, “It’s about the complete not the compete” and “what the hell am I thinking”.  This seemed so easy when it was three months away, now 36 hours away all I can think about is how “not” prepared I am for this.  I keep reminding myself that at this point I am as ready as I am going to get, so what will be will be.

Putting the whole race into perspective my biggest concern is with the swim, if I can get out of the water, I am confident I can finish.  About a week and a half ago I met with a professional triathlete, Leslie Howlett, and she gave me some suggestions and pointers on my swim technique.  (Checkout her blog at Triathlon-Mom, she will be racing the in the St. George Ironman May 1^st.)  I am been trying to focus on the information she gave me, but I really couldn’t make a ton of improvement in less than two weeks.  The swim is just like my run, I just need to put in the time in the pool.  This upcoming event is the only pool swim, the remaining events will all be in open water and almost twice the length as this one, so I need to continue to put in the time. 

I have ridden and run the course this week and it felt pretty good.  As for the ride, I am praying for either no wind at all, or at least a north to south wind.   When I rode it this week I had a south to north wind that damn near killed me on the 13 block stretch from 41^st South to 54^th South, all up hill, if I went any slower I am pretty sure I would have been going backwards.  Actually, the scariest part of the ride was the 13 blocks on 111 with the tailwind.  I was pretty much along for the ride and just hoping I could control the bike.  That stretch will be nicer with the traffic control and I will be able to go all out without worrying about cars, just the other riders.

As for the run, I would like to say my goal is not walk, but I am realistic, I may walk depending on how I feel after the bike.  The run has a couple good sized hills, but is mostly flat or downhill, with the last 400 meters on the track in the Oval.  When I ran it this week I was reminded that running outside is not the same as a treadmill or even a track.  I suffered from shin splints for a couple days after, I imagine that will be just one of my aches and pains after Saturday.  The weather just hasn’t been nice enough for me to want to run outdoors, and when it was I felt I needed to focus on the bike.  With this race, a 5k next weekend and the Race for the Cure 5k the week after that, I will need to put in some road time to build those outdoor muscles, but I am just happy to be running, outdoor endurance will come quickly.

This week I have backed off my training, I just don’t want to strain anything in so close to the race.  I have swam each day, but I didn’t really push myself, and frankly it didn’t help build my confidence.  I have also been focusing on my nutrition, I haven’t had any sugar, or fat this week, I have limited myself to good protein and good carbohydrates.  It has been hard, because have been hungry all week, I haven’t counted my calories this week, I have eaten often, but not a lot.  Leslie wrote a good article on the Triathlete’s Edge website about race day/week nutrition and I have been trying to follow it.

By the way, The Triathlete’s Edge website has added this blog to its featured blog page, which is very cool and I appreciate the support.  I also want to thank all my family and friends for their support through this process.  This week after I posted the before and after pictures I received a ton of comments about my success, and I truly appreciate that.  I especially enjoyed the reaction by friend who I have met after I lost most of the weight, they had no idea how large and in-charge I actually was.

Tomorrow, the day before the race, I am going to try and relax as much as possible.  I will put my gear together, making sure I don’t forget anything.  I will do some bike maintenance, checking tires and cleaning the change.  I also will be cleaning the house with the help of my girls, have to make sure it is presentable as my parents are coming down from Idaho to support me.  It is kind of funny that they never saw me compete in any sport in high school, but 22 years later I am.  In the evening I have to go to Lehi for packet pickup, I know I could do it Saturday morning, but I just don’t want any stress Saturday.

My next blog entry will be post race, I am just humbled at the thought of competing in my first triathlon.  I can thank my wife enough for making the decision in 2007 that we were going to change our lives and to start making healthy decision.  I am so happy to be an example to my girls, just as Stacy was last year in her first triathlon.  I love my family and my friends, thank you for all your support.

Before and After Pictures

So I have been asked to post some pictures of where I have been and where I am now.  So here are a few that best reflect my progress.

I am very happy with what we have accomplished and I am very excited to see where this journey leads.

This is fun...

I know that I am new to all of this, and that I will have ups and downs during my journey, that being said I am loving the bike. Stacy and I went out both Saturday and Sunday, Saturday we rode the tri course in reverse. We rode in reverse because I was concerned about the 13 block climb from 41st to 54th South on 6400 West, and rightfully so, we were on the brakes the whole way down. The problem was we forgot about the hill on 111, while the hill wasn't was long, it was much steeper. It was a 10 mile or so loop, very little wind, it felt great and I had a lot left in the tank.

Sunday, the weather was a little cooler (ok cold and windy), we went south down 48th to New Bingham to 111 to 54th and home, about 17 miles. That was the plan, we had a head wind for the first third of the ride. Once we hit 111, tailwind downhill, at one point I hit 38 mph, very fun.

Now while Stacy and I left the house together, that was about the last time we saw each other. I am not bragging when I say this, but she could not hang in there with me, and I know how frustrating that can be and my heart goes out to her. I waited for her at the 54th turn and decided that I was going to extend my ride, I wanted to ride to 41st and up 56th West.

I had that great tailwind on 111, which turned into a cross wind on 41st and a full headwind on 56th. On 41st I felt like I was riding at a 45 degree angle fighting the wind, making the turn on 56th I wasn't sure I made the right decision. The ride up 56th is going to be very similar to the climb on race day (hopefully without the wind). The while way up 56th I just kept listening to my spin instructors yelling at me to keep moving, that and a few primal screams I made it and frankly felt I could keep going. It was a 25 mile circuit, but I don't want to get to cocky about how I am feeling, because I know that is a recipe for a let down. So, I am going to accept my victory for what it is, a part of my journey not the end of it.

Now as for the swim, I am resigned to the fact it will take me as long as it takes me and I can't do anything about it. It will be 8 lengths in the 50 meter pool, I will start towards the end so I don't get run over and I will rest when I have to, and I will take it slow. This is my first event, I'm in it to complete, not compete. I feel if I can get out of the water with some energy left, I will be able to complete the bike and run. I drove the run today, and while it has a few hills it is most a gentle downhill grade, with the last 400 meters on the Olympic Oval running track to the finish. I can see the finish in my head and I get goose bumps.

9 days and counting....

T-15 Days and counting

So I am two weeks away from my first event. Depending on the specific moment determines if I am freaked out or confident. I have been training hard and I am definitely seeing some progress, but I'm not sure two weeks is enough to truly be prepared, however the clock is moving whether I am ready or not.

I think my biggest concern right now is the anxiety that I will have the day of the race. Namely with the swim, I need to make sure I don't burnout on the first leg. Talking with a friend today, he suggested that I need to make a conscious decision to go as slow as possible to start, that way I can build a rhythm for the rest of the race.

Speaking of the swim, I am feeling a little better. I am swimming four days a week and I am starting to build some endurance. Yesterday I met a triathlete who works at the pool I go to and she is going to meet me next week to work on my technique. I am very excited to get some professional advise.

As for the bike, I am spinning 3 days a week, I have some incredible instructors that really help me get the most out of the workout (no matter how bad I swear at them during class). The weather is finally starting to improve so I am looking forward to getting out on the road. I really want to be able to ride the course a few times before race day. The 13 block climb at the end has me a little concerned.

Now I say two weeks, but it is really only one week considering I need to taper as the race approaches. I have next week to train hard, then I need to start dialing back training so that I don't over prepare and not have the energy on race day. So that considered, freaked out is the more prevalent emotion, but regardless, I will be as ready asIi can, and I will do all I can, and I will cross that finish line.

3 Straight Days in the Pool

I have forced myself, and I do mean forced myself, to go the pool the last three days. After day one I wasn't sure what the hell I was thinking.  I had no endurance with the freestyle swim and sucked down a gallon or so of water.  I was so upset, I damn threw in the towel.  After some venting on facebook and support from some friends, I decided I just needed more time.  As with my running, which was slow to come at first, I need to put in the time.

So I came home and did some research, my problem was breathing, and this problem is very common.  I found a couple websites, listened to a podcast on swimming, and I learned a couple drills to help develop the skills needed to effectively breath.  The training suggested that I do the sidekick and sharkfin drill and that I should attempt actually swimming freestyle at all.

So, I tried it, and I still suck at it, but I feel I suck less.  The problem I am experiencing is for a successful freestyle stroke your body needs to stay as level as possible to reduce drag.  Maybe it is just my oversized arse, I am struggling to keep my hips and legs up.  A friend told me that the key to level swimming is to look at the bottom of the pool, it helps.  Practice, practice, practice are what I need, so I will keep at it and we will see what happens.

I have found the ideal time to do this training is in the early afternoon.  I have had the lap lane practically to myself, which is wonderful.  True the place looks like a Turkish bath house with the all the mid-aged, overweight men.  I do have sympathy for the high school girl who is serving as the lifeguard and has to be subjected to that spectacle.

32 Days and counting

So, I have been informed that I have neglected my blogging responsibilities and it is time to give an update on my progress and training.  Well since the last time you heard from your hero (me), I was showing some progress on running, as well as spinning to improve my cycling endurance.

What a difference a month makes, I had mentioned in February I was starting to suffer from a little overtraining stress on my body.  I actually did suffer from a quad strain, which resulted also in a knee strain.  I took a full two weeks off from running and concentrated on my cycling (spin class), I should have also focused on my swimming, but alas, I didn't.  I regret that decision, in fact the running break also coincided with my 40th birthday so I had plenty of excuses to not workout and to eat as much as I wanted, and trust me I used every excuses I could find.  It was to the point that I was convinced my "give-a-damn" was broken and I wasn't sure I was going to get back on track.  It is amazing how quickly things can change and go south when you let your guard down even the slightest bit.  Fitness is a habit that feeds upon itself, you have be committed, because it can be easily lost if you aren't careful.  I persevere and I am back running and it is feeling pretty good.

Good news, I had my maiden voyage on my bike and it was a success.  Stacy and I went out to 56th West and I-80 and rode to Salt Air along the frontage road. It was a great place to ride; flat, no cars, and not crowded with other riders.  The only negative was the wind which we fought almost the whole ride, but that is part of riding.  It felt good to get on the road and I am very grateful that I have been spinning for a month, as it didn't kill by arse and I could hear my spin instructors pushing me in my head.

All the training is going strong, except from the swim, and it is starting to concern me.  I HAVE to get in the pool and gain some endurance.  I know that this first event has an easy swim, only 400 meters in a pool, but I still need to be prepared.  So tomorrow I hit the water, and with only 32 days left, I need to hit the water hard.

As for the first event, Stacy and I drove the bike route the other day and I better make sure and get some saddle time as well.  The last 13 blocks are straight up and my goal will need to not stop and walk any part of the ride. The run shouldn't be a huge issue, the first part of the will be uphill, but that will be a slower pace to get my running legs under me, the end of the run will be mostly downhill with the final 400 meters around the track at the Olympic Oval.

Stacy wants to do the Daybreak tri with me in May.  It will be exciting for us to work together for this event, but I really wish I could have this first event under my belt before I commit to another.  The problem is that the Daybreak is guaranteed to sellout, in fact they had 200 people on the waiting list, and we won't want to miss out of the opportunity to race so close to home again.  The other events are at Jordanelle reservoir and at Stansbury, out towards Tooele.  The Stansbury is only a week before the Spudman, so we will have to see how I feel about doing two events back to back, but it might be a good warm-up, we will have to see.

I am VERY excited for the Race for a Cure event on May 8th, my first official 5k race.  My goal for this will be a sub 30 minute time without stopping.  I know 30 minutes isn't very fast, but it will be for me, a 25 minute would be awesome, but I'm not greedy.  We are also considering the Utah County 5k in June, the same date as the Utah County Marathon (maybe next year or the year after that for that one).

All things considered I am feeling good and feeling strong.  Now as longs as I don't push myself to hard and injury myself, I feel I will have a good year and will be a better man for having done this.

A good day

Today is Valentines day and it has been a pretty good day, I had gotten up early to go to a yoga class only to find out that the class doesn't begin until next Sunday.  So after coming home and seeing all my ladies on this special day we all went over the Olympic Oval for a family workout.  They were holding a hockey and speed skating tournament at the Oval, but that didn't stop us from getting a workout in right in the middle of everyone.  I had my strongest non-treadmill run today and it felt great.  I am feeling much more comfortable outdoors, so I am thinking there may be hope.

I spent a little time on my bike today using the trainer.  It was actually my first day in the saddle and while it was all very new to me, it felt pretty good.  I am pretty sure I will need to get a new saddle and I have a fairly healthy sized arse, I need a little more support.  It was such a beautiful day I am can't wait to get out on the road.  I just need to get a little more comfortable clicking in and out of the peddles.  There are a few more changes I may need to make on the bike, but only time will tell if they will be needed.

I went to a Beginners Triathlon clinic on Saturday, it was pretty good, but frankly it wasn't anything I wasn't already aware of, but it was good to hear some of it again.  I am also listening to a swimming podcast, trying to pickup some training drills and tips.  I am hoping to make it to the gym 2-3 days a week, so I hope to improve my swim confidence quickly.  Plus it will be an opportunity for me to spend some time with the girls and to get them in the water and exercising.  I feel Mikayla will be a great swimmer and I want to encourage that as much as possible.

All things considered, I am progressing nicely and I feel that I will be ready for my first event in only 68 days.

Into the pool...

I am not blogging just to complain, but rather to record the path to my ultimate goal.  As they say it is not about the destination, it is about the journey.  So this blog is track my journey, success, failures and road blocks.

So, all that being said, I went to the pool today and the journey will be long.  I took the girls over to the rec center for a little swim training.  I did lap swimming while the girls just played.  Mikayla is going to start doing a little lap swimming in the future, we are really trying to encourage swimming for her as it is something she enjoys.

I would have never guessed six months ago that running would be my strong leg of the triathlon, but that is how it looks right now, assuming I can make it to the run.  In reflection, my running didn't start strong, but rather a walk to a jog to a steady jog/run.  It will be the same with the swim (and I am sure the bike), it will take time.  The most amazing thing was my lack of endurance, I could go 25 meters and have to stop and catch my breath, while the guy in the lane with me had the smoothest stroke and went 500 meters non-stop.  Watching his technique and then visualizing my technique I can only image the difference.  So here I sit with my Triathlete's Training Bible about to learn how to swim.  I can totally see the value of a triathlon coach, but for now I self-coach and train.

I look forward to the next couple months as I continue to prepare, I can think of no better overall fitness path than a triathlon.  It is total body training, I am so excited to see were I end up at the end, I just need to remind myself to enjoy the journey.

We are in the Spudman!

I am starting to think it wasn't such a good idea to put that countdown counter on this page, it is starting to give me a little anxiety watching it.  I may have to delete it as the Tri gets closer.

Great news, we are in the Spudman!  Or is that bad news, Stacy?  We weren't sure that we were going to be in it this year, due to a screw up on my part during the registration.  I thought I was registering everyone as a group, but instead I registered us a two relay team, which is not something that interests us at all.  So after a couple emails with the organizers they adjusted our entries and now we can compete as individuals. 

Stacy was not happy, she had thought she had an out due to a technicality, and now she "gets" to train.  Becky has decided to pass on this years race, considering she is prego and will have a very small window to get in Tri condition after the baby is born.  Courtney is in, after working out a bike custody issue with Becky, unfortunately Dee will be in Arizona so he will not be able to join us. So for now it looks like it will be Courtney, Stacy and myself.

That being said we still haven't registered for the race and we have until the end of the month to decide.  We have to work out our lodging/camping situation, Stacy has her Cookie Lee convention the next day in Las Vegas, so we need to look at the whole thing and figure it out.

As for me, while I want to run in this race, it is not the end of the world if I don't, there is another Tri the week before in Stansbury Park.  I am really leaving it up to Stacy and Courtney to decide, but I would like to do it, it would be my first Olympic distance.

Overtraining

So, I take great offense to the concept of overtraining.  If I have the energy and the motivation to train and workout, it isn't fair to suffer from "overtraining" and my body is reacting against the training.  I have a knee issue and now a strained quad, not cool.  I just have so much to do and so little time to do it. 

I probably need to get in the pool for some non-contact training, but I don't want to.  I don't know why, but I am struggling to want to get in the pool.  I need to just to started building up my endurance during the swim, but I just don't have the desire to do it.  Next week when the girls are back from Idaho I'll go.  And I know once I started I'll wonder why I ever resisted.

As for my bike, it has arrived! And it is beautiful, I was a little concerned it was a little to big, but after taking it to Taylor's Bikes to get serviced and inspected they said I have a great bike, at a great price and it fits me perfectly.  So, I am excited to get riding.  A friend is going to lend me his compu-trainer next week, so while I sit and what TV I can train at the same time.  The trainer he is loaning me connects to a computer to monitor cadence and other factors, so that I can hopefully learn to ride properly from the start.


Getting back to my nagging injuries, I am a fan of KT Tape on facebook and have been following what the product will do.  So I decided to give it a try on my knee, the only problem is I had a hard time finding it.  I went to the Sports Chalet and they looking at me like I was a idiot and speaking a foreign language.  It is amazing how little attention is given customer service in these big box sports retailers. I finally found some, so we will see if that helps, but not for a couple days.

How to get to Kona

Great article on what it takes to get to Kona.

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2010/01/features/how-you-can-make-it-to-kona_6658

Ouch, that hurts

So, I have tried spinning for the last two days, and all I can say is OUCH.  I am sore in places I didn't know I had.  This is going to take time.  Better get it figured out soon, only 3 months to go. 

I am a little concerned I am going to overtrain.  Today I ran 7k, road the spin bike for 40 minutes and lifted weights.  I know that is a lot, but I have so much to do and so little time.  I need to work on a training plan that I can map out for the next three months.

I also really need to analyze my nutrition, to ensure that I have fueling properly for training.  It is such a balancing act between fueling to train and limiting calories to lose weight.  I need to be smarter with the calories I am taking in so that they do the most good. The problem is EVERYONE has an opinion and no two are the same.

Honestly, I do enjoy having the time to do all of this right now.  I am still committed to my dream opportunity, it is the one where I can honestly say that I am doing what I love and improving the lives of those around me.

Running Outdoors

This past weekend Stacy, the girls and I went over to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval to workout.  It is wonderful to have such a state of the art facility within just waking distance from our house.  They have a nice 400 meter running track that goes around the ice.  It is a great winter training facility for running on something other than a treadmill.  That is all good, but I really struggle running anywhere but at the gym on a treadmill. 

I don't know if it is the cushion the treadmill offers me or if it is the consistent pace that it gives me, maybe it is both.  Last fall I went for an outdoor jog - it was a totally different experience, and not in a good way.  By the end of the day, I could barely walk due to the impact the run had on my back.  So, needless to say, I have been very hesitant to return to the great outdoors.  Now keeping in mind that the triathlon  I have registered for will require running outdoors, it is something I need to figure out.

So that brings me back to this past weekend.  Stacy and I both use the Nike+ chips to track our running distances.  While they are a great tool, they do need to be calibrated occasionally.  The readings I was getting on the Nike+ and the treadmill were way off, so it was time to recalibrate.  To  alibrate properly, youu have to do, it on a track or at least a measured distance.  Not sure why but for some reason you can't do it on a treadmill.  The running trak at the Oval was perfect for what we needed to do.

Everything went pretty well, although I didn't really get a true workout in due to trying to get the Nike+ calibrated.  I did feel somewhat comfortable with the track running.  While I didn't really run for more than a 1/4 mile at a time, at the end of the day my back wasn't causing me any problems.  I feel my biggest challenge is learning to pace myself effectively; I believe that I run faster than I should when I am not on a treadmill.  That will be a matter of training.  Stacy wants to sign up for a year membership for the family so that we can do that as a family more often.  I hope to make running at the Oval at least a weekly event so that I can start to develop those outdoor running skills.

On another note, I bought a bike last night.  It is a 2006 Scott CR1 Pro that I found on eBay, so I am hoping to receive it in the next week or so.  I feel that I got a great deal for a lot of bike, but in the event that it doesn't work for me I know that I will be able to flip it quickly in the Spring to get my money back.  I went and tried spinning today for the first time, trying out my new shoes.  It went pretty well. Over time I am confident I will be able to develop the  muscle memory I need.  I know that spinning and cycling are different things, but the basics of spinning are going to help me jump start my cycling skills.

So to bring things into perspective, I am running OK, I have started to spin, I have the cycling shoes, I now have the bike, so I am getting pretty close.  What's left, swimming?  So much to do so little time.

Cycling

Ok, so cycling is obviously a third of the triathlon experience, well I haven't ridden a bike for more than 4 blocks in over 20 years.  As I type this, the reality of that statement is hitting me pretty hard.  I don't necessarily consider myself new to cycling, as we bought Stacy a bike last year and I have tried to do as much research as possible.  That being said, I still don't know anything thing.

The prices of road bikes are staggering, I feel like I am buying a car.  I don't want to drop a huge amount on a new bike, but I also don't want to buy a bike I will outgrow before the year is over.  I am having to give up a trip for my 40th birthday to buy a bike, but gotta do what I gotta do.  I had found a great deal on eBay for a Cannondale, but I missed winning the auction by $30, not cool.  So I keep looking.

I did receive my cycling shoes this week.  I had to special order them from Lake as they are one of only a few company that sell a "wide" shoes, and the only company to sell a "wide Tri" shoe.  For the record, it is a 48 wide, which translates to a 13.5 wide. 

I need to start "spinning" as soon as possible so that I can start to develop the cycling muscles.  So I needed cleats for my new "silver" cycling shoes.  I have been to REI twice in this week trying to find the right peddles for the bike I don't even have yet.   At first I got SPD peddles and cleats because I knew the cleats would work on the spin bikes at the gym.  The girl at REI tried to get me to buy the 3-hole road bike peddles and cleats, but I didn't know if they would work at the gym.  I contacted a friend of mine to ask his advise and he said to go with the SPD's so I could use them at the gym, but that the others type was better for road bikes.  Well, after a trip to the spin room, they have bikes that use the 3-hole cleat, so back to REI I went, and know I have a pretty set of Shimano road peddles and cleats.  Now, I just need the bike.

I have downloaded a "spin" program from NextFit for next week.  I am going to spin by myself for a couple weeks, just to get used to it, I don't want to embarrass myself in a class quite yet.  Oh, and I get to use some of my Christmas presents from Stacy and the girls, my Pearl Izumi cycling shorts and gloves, considering I will be in a spin room, I won't need the helmet, but you never know. 

I will let everyone know how I do, after this adventure I have to work on my swimming.  I do feel I am a decent swimmer, I just need more edurance.  Can't wait till I have to grease myself up to get into a wetsuite, that is not going to be pretty (no pictures please, for your own safety and mental well being).

My Story...

My journey is just beginning, although technically, it began two years ago in the fall of 2007. At that time I weighed 360lbs, with no real concept of what it actually took to be healthy. My wife, Stacy, (38 years old, at the time) made the decision that our lives needed to change after a visit to her doctor. She was told that she had every indicator of future heart disease, and if she did not make a change it would likely lead to a heart attack or worse.


So she decided we need to change if we wanted to be a part of our daughters’ lives for years to come. We began our journey by initially following the Body for Life fitness and nutrition model. Our saving grace during the beginning was the BFL concept of a free day: one day a week when we could eat whatever we wanted. We lived for that day; the thought of that day was at times our only saving grace.

We were already members of a gym, from a failed attempt at fitness a couple of years prior. I made the commitment to get up early in the morning and began working out. Stacy at that time was not working a 9-5 job, so she had the flexibility to go the gym whenever she wanted. Eventually, she hired a personal trainer and joined a training group, which proved to be her key to success.

I, however, felt it could be done on my own, with the help of fitness magazines. At 360 lbs, my fitness level was low - very low. I could not run, or even jog on a treadmill, so I relied on the Elliptical machine and strength training exercises I’d found in my fitness magazines.

The first four months showed significant progress and success! I was down 50+ lbs, and my wife's fitness strength and endurance was growing rapidly. Then December arrived, and my back had a mind of its own. It was amazing the damage a simple sneeze could cause. I will not get into too many details, but the long and short of it was I had two bulging discs, L5 and S1. I saw chiropractors and back specialists, trying to alleviate the pain and to regain the ability to walk without looking like an "S". I received an epidural injection directly into my back. The injection was a steroid designed to reduce the inflammation to take the pressure off of the nerve.

After a few months of continued physical therapy and another injection, I started to improve and was able to continue my workout program. During this time, I realized that it is not possible for me to only diet or to only workout, but rather one feeds the other. The question for me has always been which comes first? The nutrition (improved eating habits) or the workout? I discovered that for me, it is the fitness first. Maybe I did not want to waste all of my work by eating all my calories back. I do not always live my life that way, but I do know that without the fitness my chances of success are non-existent.

Golf has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. I tell everyone that there is a great golfer inside of me just dying to get out. I actually believe that it is true. Given the opportunity to dedicate the time to practice, I feel I can become a great golfer. However, I have not dedicated the time, partly due to my back condition. In March 2008, I had been rehabbing for three months and felt I was doing well, so I went golfing with some friends in Wendover. We golfed nine holes and I did not walk again for a week. I had lost 60-70 lbs and was down to around 290 lbs, but I actually feel that my back got worse with my weight loss due to the change in the physical structure of my body. While I have always had back issues, this time it was different, maybe it was because I was more active, I don’t know.

My chiropractor, Chad Lundstrom in Park City, had suggested that I look into taking a Pilates class to help improve my flexibility and back strength. I was resistant at first and did not really know what to expect. I was a member of Xcel Fitness, an incredible facility with a spectacular staff, which had a dedicated Pilates Reformer studio. So, I dug deep, found the courage, and signed up for a free introductory class. The class was designed to familiarize the client to what Pilates Reformer is and how to properly use the equipment. It was taught by Shelly Stringham Rudd, who took the time to make me feel comfortable, so I signed up for a real class. For one year, I worked out with Shelly and an incredible group of students twice a week. It was some of the best and hardest workouts I have ever experienced. During that time, I had the opportunity to take classes from numerous instructors, but Shelly was the one from whom I got the most out of each class.

So, after one year of Pilates, I was on the golf course again. It felt great! It was now the spring of 2009, I weighed 280-285 lbs, and I was working out 5-6 days a week. Eating was and still is the hardest part of my life to control. I love to eat! I love carbs and fat, end of story, and if it is fried it is mine. Not to say I had not made improvements, I had. I was eating some fish, learning to love sushi, eating and enjoying more veggies, but I was still hiding my food habits from those closest to me. I was maintaining, my core strength was improving, but I still did not have great cardio strength. I could kick butt on an elliptical machine, I was ok on the stair climber, but do not ask me to run, or even jog slowly - I could not. My strength program was ok, but I had no consistency. All things considered I was satisfied, especially considering I was golfing; I still give all of the credit to Shelly.

Then, April 2009 hit. This time, it was not a physical issue, but rather an emotional one. I was the COO/Controller of a sports retailer in Park City, Utah. The recession had hit our industry hard and sales were off by 50% or more across the board. The owner had done all he could to keep things operating, but it was decided that he had to make a change. He had enjoyed an absentee role for the first couple years since he bought the dealership, however the economic downturn forced him to reexamine his role. He needed to take over daily operations of the business and I absolutely agreed with the decision. I saw the numbers; I knew the reality. So, I continued to consult with him and offer him support in learning what the job entailed.

I am a creature of habit. I like my routines; and it is only then when I am able to find fitness success. Work out at the same time every morning, eat at the same time every day, snacks, shakes…all at prescribed times. That is how I lost my first 80 lbs and how I was able to keep it off. I did not like the situation of not having a routine. However, I took it as a challenge and continued to focus on my fitness as a priority. After 7 or 8 months I was finally able to find that rhythm and balance in my day and I am finding success.

One of the great things to come from my physical transformation has been the increase in my own personal self-confidence. When you can weigh 360 lbs and through hard work and dedication change your life by losing 80+ lbs, there is not much you think you cannot do. I am still over weight and I know it, but I do not feel it. I feel strong because I am strong, both physically and mentally. I carry that confidence with me even if I don’t feel it on the inside, and I show it on the outside. Maybe that is just part of my Secret beliefs, but if you act defeated you are defeated.

This confidence and focus on improving our fitness has led us down some never before conceived roads. Primarily, that of endurance sports. Stacy raced in her first triathlon last year in Idaho (The Spudman) and it was an awesome experience. I can honestly say I have never been more proud of her, and it has inspired me to enter my first triathlon this year. In fact, I am hoping to race at least 4-6 events this year, including The Spudman, if we are pulled for the lottery registration.

It is humbling to think that I will be running in a triathlon in just a few months. This, coming from a person who only six short months ago did not run, not even a little. But, with patience and a “one mile at a time” attitude, I am learning and getting stronger. I am not as concerned about the swim - I just need to work on my endurance in the pool. The bike, however, should be interesting, I hate to even spin, so I will learn - I have no other choice.

This blog is intended to track my progress, successes, and temporary failures in my journey. While the name of this blog is “My Own Journey to Ironman Kona” (or something like it), it is meant to show my ultimate goal - one that will not come easy and may not come at all - but in the next five years I hope to be able to enter an Ironman event and to become an Ironman (and the next day I will get my MDot tat). Join me on this journey and let’s see where the road takes us.