Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Training thoughts:
  • I did a 70 mi ride the day after the Mach Tenn Tri with Tim, Don, Holly, Ben, and Mike E. It was hot and my legs were tired, but it was just what the doctor ordered. It felt like real endurance training. It was mighty hot, but I love hot weather so no complaining here. I got home, dove into some pizza and breadsticks, assumed my position on the couch, and then I hear, "Mom, will you take us to the pool? You said you would." I paused, took a deep breath and recalled the conversation I had carried on with Briar the night before about how 'I would be glad to take him and Bo swimming Sunday afternoon when I was done with my bike ride.' I'd be lying if I said I didn't desperately try to come up with a valid excuse or a reason why another day would be better, but my excuse database produced nothing. I looked up into those pretty green eyes and instinctively said "Yes, your right. Sure, go get your swim trunks on and we'll go." I mean, after all, I could lounge on the couch and feel like a loser mom, or I could lounge at the pool and be super mom; it was a no brainer, really. I took the kids to the pool, we had fun, and I sat UNDER an umbrella for the first time ever. Five hours of sun on the bike was enough.
  • I took Monday off. After all this is the last week before IM training. No need to kill myself. Tuesday I was a victim of the snooze button, but packed up my backpack and got a nice 5 mile run in at work. 44:15 - I felt really good on my feet for the first time since my foot injury. This morning I skipped out on the early morning bike ride, and opted for a quick 2 miles on the treadmill and abs,back while Briar had swim.
  • As I previously said, Sunday starts IM training. I will be self-coached, following the 20 week, Beginner Full Ironman plan for silver members at Beginner Triathlete. Nutrition will be something that I'll have to work hard on, both in my daily diet and during the long training sessions. I am going to join Ashley and the Excel triathletes when my schedule will allow it, but I won't be going on a regular basis. With gas getting up to $4/gallon(it's about 70 miles away) and spending as much time training as this thing will require, I'll need every extra dime and every extra minute to spend with my family. This is going to be the ultimate test of balance.
  • I'm doing the Harpeth River Century Ride July 21st. Not this weekend, but next. I had originally planned on doing the metric, but after coercing Holly to bust out a 60 miler, then a 70 miler, I talked her into doing the full 100. It will be her first 100 and my second. It's not exactly going to fit the Ironman training plan of a 45 min run, but we'll figure out something. If you're going to be there, leave me a comment and let me know.
Life in Manchester, TN:
  • So if training starts Sunday, then what am I doing this weekend??? Going to BONNAROO ofcourse!!! I'll be a hippie all weekend long. In my back yard I'm going to be rocking out to Jypsi, My Morning Jacket, Willie Nelson, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Ben Folds, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, and more!!!
  • Briar's Little League team is still in the city tournament and yesterday he lead off with a triple, then singled, and then got hit by a pitch(no damage done though, he's tough) as his team advanced to the next round.
  • I finally turned on my air conditioner. It kinda became a....mmmm...matter of saving my marriage. LOL. Seriously J.T. had been very patient with my quest to save energy but mid 90 degree temperatures with no air conditioner about sent him over the edge. So I finally obliged and turned it on. Now the house is just cold, but at least I can go outside and warm up.
Well, this is it. Half the year is gone, half the training is gone, the half ironman is gone, and the downtime is almost gone...now it's time for the big show. 20 weeks of training for 1 day, 1 race, and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Let the fun begin...

12 comments:

Trisaratops said...

Did you say BONNAROO???????

I have been trying to get there for years!

sigh........

:) said...

Hurray for Sunday and hurray for the official start of an amazing journey...can't wait to watch it unfold!!!

Michele said...

Let the fun begin!!!!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy Bonnaroo! What a celebration to bring in IM training. Everything you experience during the 20 weeks, I am sure will be worth it on that 1 day when you cross the finish line.

Good luck to Briar and his team.

Jill Ann said...

Bonaroo!! If you go next year, let me know...I would SOOO love to be going also. (But Joe will have none of Mr. West.)

Oh, 20 weeks from now, I'll be having fun and hoarse...and you'll be SICK of hearing me...but the fun of the Cheerpa is gearing up...!!

You're gonna ROCK IMFL.

Benson said...

Good on ya for good family time.
Good luck and stay healthy for all upcoming training.

triguyjt said...

congrats on going to the pool..
thats a "mommy of the year" move.

good luck rocking the IM training... I am sure, you will juggle everything just perfectly..

and I can't believe you had no A.C. till recently..I mean, I life next to real air conditioner...lake erie..but I have air in the family-kitchen area and in our bedroom...
The Bride would kick my A&* if we didn't have it...

Rae said...

Have fun at Bonnaroo!! I would love to see some of the bands - esp Kanye West's glow in the dark show he was doing at 2:45 am! I listened to streaming audio all day at work of the bands!

Bigun said...

just now with the AC? Freaks.

Wes said...

It starts... :-)

Ryan said...

Only 18 long runs and rides left before the big day.

You gotta be kiddin, 90's with no AC? I would be at the Holiday Inn until you came to your senses.

Happy training and know that we are out "here" training with you!

jahowie said...

I hope that your training goes well. I'm glad to see that you are back in the swing of things again. :-)