Race Week - Friday

Woke up early again today - Didn't sleep as well as I would like - Layed there as long as I could but was still up by 7:15.  Molly was up and gone shortly thereafter with heavy responsibilities at the expo all day.  I debated going out for a little walk, but Molly talked me out of it.  It was 88 degrees by 9 a.m. and reached 100 by noon!

I spent the morning resting, watching Ironman videos, and focusing on hydrating!  Only left twice, once to get Morgan to swim club, and once to pick her up!  Sara hand delivered me some YOU ROCK balloons at that point, and I updated my facebook status to the following:

About this time tomorrow I will enter the water for my first Ironman 70.3 - For those still unsure what that means, here is some perspective: I will swim 1.2 miles (distance from Muncie Meijer to Muncie Walmart), bike 56 miles (distance from Yorktown High School to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis) and run 13.1 miles (distance from Daleville High School to the Muncie Mall). While I've done all 3 distances many times, I've never attempted to put them all together at once! Thanks so much for all the calls, texts, messages and well wishes! It's going to be a great day!

It garnered even more posts of good luck, and I am now feeling as confident as ever!  I had a great lunch with pulled pork (protein) on a big fat bun (carbs) and some potato chips (salt) - Gatorade all morning and no reason to doubt my abilities at this point!

Picking up Jo, Armando and another pro Julia who is now staying with Jill Brand.  We met up at 1:30 and heading to the expo.  We're already sharing stories of what might happen when I get "THE TEXT"

Knowing full well, that this was not something my wife would joke about, I read it in disbelief and all I could utter were the words "NO, No, no...."  With Jo asking what's wrong, I could barely speak what I was reading from my wife..."Bad news baby...We are Olympic"

I can't tell you what anyone said next, but let's just say it was not G rated!  In total disbelief I maintained anger for less than 60 seconds, and then it really began to sink in - EVERYTHING that I have worked SO hard for to be able to FINISH this distance and call my self an IRONMAN 70.3 FINISHER was just ripped away from me less than 24 hours from the moment I would cross the finish line!  With a lump in my throat, I sit in silence.  That was when the true character of the athletes in my vehicle really showed through.  They get it.  They understand.  They become overly  compassionate with me knowing that this was my A race for the year, and this reality/destination/goal just got postponed indefinitely.

As we enter the expo, we maintain ignorance as we go through the expo and registration.  This has not yet been made public and we can say nothing until the 2:00 athlete meeting starts.  Armando and I get registered, and Jo and Julia head to the Pro checkin - We get thru pretty quick (those volunteers are amazing), and I enter the meeting literally just in time to hear race director, Brian Myrick, make the official announcement.  Our official distance will be a 1 mile swim, 30 mile bike, and 10k run.  And thus the Muncie 37.2 race is born!  It still doesn't seem fair or right, but I'm starting to understand it more.  As Medical Director, Dwayne Adrian gets up and explains the conditions and rationale, it sinks in a little more.  There are spectators and volunteers that are not "trained" to be out in this heat and humidity, AND this heat is truly unprecedented!  In all the years of this race, the water temp has rarely been in the 80s, and it's already 85+ degrees.  The air temp is half the story, but heat index is projected to be over 110 tomorrow!  I continue to believe that I'm strong enough, and smart enough to finish the full distance, but what's the point in beating myself up over it now.  It's done.

As the meeting concludes, I'm moping around, reading everyone's thoughts on facebook, when I run into some of my biggest local supporters.  Lucas and Lisa Smelser are standing with Gary Thomas, and as I approach them I can see their disappointment for me in their eyes.  No one had to say anything, and I could feel myself about to cry.  We hug it out, and the rationalizing begins.  Some are still in the anger stage, others have moved on to the understanding stage, and a few have reached a stage of looking up the next closes 70.3 on the calendar (With Ironman, it's Steelhead on Aug 19 in Michigan - I know because it was my plan B race all along)

It's 2:30 now and time for the pro panel.  I've been looking forward to this for days.  Our homestay, Jo Lawn along with top pros Mirinda Carfrae, and Kelly Williamson are joined by last years winner Ben Hoffman, and Greg Bennett!  I was the first nerd to walk right up and take their pic as soon as they were seated!  And afterwards, Molly and I finally got a great pic with Jo!  It was refreshing to hear them speak, and yet you could also hear the disappointment in their voices.  We are triathletes!  This is what we do!  We love to race!  Pro Basketball players don't play half court.  Pro Baseball players don't play with 1 out per inning.  Pro Football players don't play on a shortened field.  Pro Triathletes shouldn't have to race on a shortened course! 

Jo had a pro meeting at 3, and by 3:30 we were ready to get out of there.  As soon as we hit the car, Armando continued with his supportive ways.  We talked about how this changes the nutrition plan, as well as how our bodies will feel at certain points.  I asked Jo if this favored her, and sadly it does not.  I had them home by 4, and back to the house to get the kids and relieve the sitter.

The kids and I headed to the expo to pick up Molly and some pizzas to take out to PCR for the bike checkin volunteers.  I went ahead and left my bike there for the night.  Transition is impressive and the race site is buzzing already.  Tomorrow is going to be hot and it's still a long race, and you know Ironman is going to do it up right, so I've got to get my head straight!

We dropped Molly off at the expo and headed out to Fazolis!  Might as well carb load like any other race.  Extra Breadsticks, Extra Salt.  The kids were good and we were home by 7.  For the last hour I've been reading all the facebook posts I missed today and reflecting on my notes from the last Olympic distance race I did last month.  I've got this distance down with no worry of finishing, but how hard do I push myself?  With another 70.3 to come now, I don't want to hurt myself so it's virtually a long training day for an unknown race on an unknown date at an unknown location! 

I'll be fine.  Today, Tomorrow and always.  I'm not an Ironman yet, but someday I will be.
Time for bed...

Race week - Thursday

I'm pleased so many of you have chose to read my story this week - thank you! 

I did not set the alarm, but woke up on my own at 6, and laced them up and headed out for a solid 30 minute run!  Was very pleased with it!  Felt great, and didn't push hard at all!  However, I did have some gas discomfort, so obviously ate something yesterday that didn't settle as well as usual.

Lots of drinking and opted for a bigger breakfast to replace the fluids and calories fast!  Then off to the office EXCEPT - - A DEAD BATTERY - - ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!?  I guess I'm glad it happened today and not Saturday morning!

Had a great morning at work, and was home by 1.  Molly was busy with volunteers and such, but made time to bring home lunch for me from Arby's when she dropped off the kids to me.  She went back to her responsibilities and the kids and I relaxed for a bit before we headed to THE MOVIES!

I had read that going to see a movie was a great way to rest and relax in the A/C while munching on some popcorn (carbs) and sipping a drink (hydration) and allowing your mind to get lost in the movie instead of worrying about the race -- IT WORKED!  Was a great decision, and am wishing I could go again tomorrow!

After the movie I popped into MC sports to grab a couple powerbars that I like before the race and then we headed to the convention center.  Molly was there setting up for the Captain's meeting and I was meeting Abby there to hand off the kids to her.  From the second I walked in it was GO GO GO, but I didn't mind - again, whatever I can do to keep my mind busy is a good thing.  The dinner was catered by Scotty's and so I opted for the pulled pork (protein) and macaroni (carbs) with just a little bit of salad and a brownie.

As the meeting got started, the staff went around and gave their two cents about Saturday and there was one common theme - IT'S GOING TO BE HOT - Additionally, many commented on how hard the athletes will push themselves regardless of the weather (they're right) - captains were told to encourage athletes to slow, stop, and rest, or offer SAG out of the race.  While I appreciate the message, I didn't come out here to slow, stop or rest!  I am committed to running a safe race by being smart first!  I have learned what my body can handle, and I know my limits, AND I WILL BE PUSHING THOSE LIMITS!  I will be leaving it all on the course, I do not have another race on the calendar at this time, and for all I know, may never have the chance to do this again! 

I'm going to try to get some rest now - In bed before 10 is the plan!  I am so ready for this!  Yes, it's all I can think about, and I'm okay with that!  Thanks again for sharing in this journey with me!

Race Week - Wednesday

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!  Woke up early, but forced myself to roll over and fall back asleep - I know I need rest this week!  I finally got up around 7, long before anyone else, and had my normal Wednesday morning granola bar even though I wasn't going to run.  There was a chance that Jo and Armando would call and want to go for a ride this morning in which case I would escort them to the Greenway Depot and let them roll from there, but even to ride 12 miles with them would have been a treat.  By 9:00 I gave up that hope as they knew we were leaving at 11 for Greenfield for the Campbell family reunion.  So at 9:30 I fixed myself a turkeybacon and cheese sandwich.  They finally called around 10 and I gave them directions how to head out, and found out later that they rode over 3 hours, most of the way to Richmond and back! 
We left town at 11:15, and had lunch with the family - I really focused on the water all day and chose lots of fruits and vegetables - passed on the sweets and didn't crave anything.  Stayed inside most of the day in the A/C and we left there around 4.  Home and resting, and not very hungry for dinner, but opted for Papa John's to increase the carbs once more.  By the time it got here after 6:30, I wasn't very hungry, but managed a couple pieces of pizza and a couple breadsticks.  I only sat around about 30 mins before I decided I had to get a little spin in.  Just a quick 45 minutes felt great!  Had some strawberries when I returned and am ready for bed!  No firework shows for me - All I want to do is sleep!  Working a half day tomorrow, and the then it's 100% focus time!  Check out this forecast!  Drinky, Drinky!

Race Week - Tuesday

I got up this morning at 6 and headed out for an easy 35 minute jog - really focused on taking it easy and keeping the heart rate down.  It went well, felt labored, but nothing concerning.  The back felt better this morning and nearly 100% tonight.
Worked a half day this morning and opted for Subway again for lunch.  Was home by 1, but honestly lounged around all afternoon.  We were waiting on professional triathlete Joanna Lawn and her husband Armando to arrive.  They left New Zealand Sunday night and have been traveling nonstop to arrive in Indy at midnight last night.  Grabbed a hotel and a car this morning and were expected to be here around 2.  I fell asleep on the couch for a good hour (wonderful) and they finally got here around 4 after a few detours.
They will stay at Molly's mom's house for the week while she is in Florida, so we took them over and got them settled in.  Fascinated and almost star struck I'm hanging on every word that comes out of their mouth and yet trying to play it cool all at the same time.
They agreed that grabbing a casual swim was in the plan for them tonight, so we changed clothes and met up at Nassau a little after 6.  Since I swam last night I really didn't need to do much, but opted for 1000 yards easy while stopping to stare at them every 250.  They're swimming laps around me (literally) with little effort and under severe jet lag.  As we wound down the workout we just hung out in the pool for a while splashing around, playing with the kids and chatting about race experiences...priceless!
Armando has qualified for Vegas and Kona Championships and is the real deal.  Joanna is so laid back and easy going, and they're both so kind with the kids.  We started talking about nutrition, and I could see both of their faces light up with concern when I told them how little I took in on the bike.  Pretty sure the look on their face alone just talked me into doubling the amount of gels I will be taking!  I can't argue with the science of it as they explained the math to me, and since I know how I struggle with the run after the bike, I would have to guess they're on to something.
We sent them on their way back and returned for a bite of dinner - some rotisserie chicken and peas with some bread were on the menu.  Rested for a few, and we were off to meet them again to have them join us for a meet up with area triathletes and the official Muncie Area Fun Squad (MAFS) at Berry Winkle!  When we got there, Jo was asleep, but said they really did want to go, and I think they really enjoyed it!  Plus I think everyone there enjoyed getting to meet them and chat for a few.  Just being around all of these successful and seasoned triathletes gives me such confidence.  It would be easy to look around and see that I'm still the "heavy" of the group, and the least fit, but instead, everyone is so excited for me and encouraging of my adventure.  The support is very uplifting and meaningful.
We left them at the grocery store on the way home, and I'm sure we're all headed to bed shortly.  Tomorrow we will play it all by ear, but there is a possible plan to ride tomorrow early or late - Either way, I don't think I will race tomorrow just to remain defensive with the plan.
Forecast remains hot all week, and rumor is PCR water temp is 85!  I'm ready no matter what the water or air temperature is!

Race week - Monday

Slept in until 6:30 and opted for the usual egg mcmuffin breakfast. Was very still at work all day and fought some lingering back pain. Had Subway buffalo chicken for lunch and wasn't hungry again until 4:30. Had a 90 calorie granola bar and headed to Nassau to knock out 1250 (250x5). Felt pretty good but times seemed slower than usual. Maybe I just knew I didn't want to push too hard. More splashing around is a good thing this week. Tried to keep my mind off of it but at one it is all around me. Brian stopped by and I expressed my vote (which doesn't count) to keep the full 70.3 distance no matter what the weather does. I would be in tears if they shortened this race as the entire reason for all this training is to complete the distance! He believes by increasing the frequency of run aid stations and starting earlier we can get the full distance in. These sound like likely possibilities at this point but he has until Friday to decide for sure. For dinner we had ground turkey tacos and I ate more than my share but I am not too worried about quantity just yet. Protein will be a good thing the next couple days before I turn to carbs and hydration! 10 pm and I am in bed with lights out! Planning a morning run and maybe a late ride! 5 days!

Race week - Sunday

I am going to post every detail of every day that I can remember this week so that I can look back and relive this week often. Check back daily to follow along with me. Yesterday was the Four for the Fourth race here in Yorktown so the race team and I were busy from 5 am on with much stress and on our feet all day. This caused me to miss my workout yesterday and feel tired today, but I did have to get some time in today so I set out around 9:30 for a 10k run. It was already in the 80s with high humidity and I was a hot mess by mile 4 so opted to walk/run every quarter the last 2.2. My back gave me some fits after pulling a muscle yesterday. After lunch it appeared the storms were firing up on the IL state line so I headed out on the bike. I decided I wanted to hit PCR one more time but needed to ride in the opposite direction to simulate the race. It is a different sensation since I go counter clockwise 90% of the time, but glad I did it. Got over 34 miles in and pushed harder than I planned to at the end with storms on me. Note to self: brakes don't work so good in the rain! Had Mancinos for dinner and am trying to rest this evening. Tomorrow is still undecided as the weather will remain hot all week, and tomorrow is still a work day! Hoping to get some run time in after work. Still hard to believe its almost go time!

Let the taper begin!

Just checked the plan and the words BEGIN TAPER appear starting Monday morning!  Wow!  How is this possible?  It does not seem like 16 weeks of training have been logged, but I've done all that I can, so I'm trusting the plan.

That being said, this past week, was a very difficult training week after doing my longest and hardest run and ride last weekend.  I did not feel up to the distances on Monday or Tuesday and was in Kentucky on business on Thursday through today, so ultimately, I logged my lowest mileage total since the last week of March.

I really am confident in my ability to finish this race which is priority number one.  But I have NO CLUE where I will end up on the race clock!  And truthfully, it doesn't matter!

Let's do this!

5 weeks to Ironman

My calendar says June!  My training plan says I just finished week 13!  My wife says, I'll see you July 8th!

The training has been exhausting.  Very time consuming.  Almost tedious.  But honestly, I can't imagine my life any other way right now.  I admit to being consumed by this process.  When I wake up, the first thing I think about is the workouts that have to be done today.  When I find myself with a free moment, I find myself reviewing previous workouts and planning the next one.  And of course during my workouts, I'm visualizing myself in the race, tackling one thing at a time.  Everyday I think of something else I need to improve on, read up on, change, fix, alter, etc.  It has become my life.

Since my last post, I've completed a number of great workouts with a number of great athletes.  Working out with a partner has always been a great help to me, not only in terms of learning, but more importantly as a confidence builder.  This is especially true for the bike and the swim.  May was a great month for the bike, and I feel like my legs are coming back to me on the longer runs.  Here are the mileage totals:

May totals - Bike=262.8, Run=73.4, Swim=5.3
YTD totals - Bike=910, Run=347.4, Swim=15.6

This includes a Sprint Tri I did in Lawrence on June 26 in 95 degree heat at  4 pm!  The swim was indoors, with a hilly bike course, but the run was absolutely brutal in the heat!   I enjoyed the company of Chuck Alfrey at this race, and have enjoyed helping him get into the sport, as well as being motivated by his quick success.  I've also enjoyed long rides with Brian Riggins, Dale Anderson, and especially today with Gary Thomas who did his first 70.3 last year, and is now training for 140.6! 

With week 13 down, I see the next 3 weeks are nearly identical, but with longer mid week interval workouts.  I plan to race my second Olympic distance next weekend, and hope to improve some on the bike and especially the run which I had to walk quite a bit of last time.   After that I will try to get a 13 mile run in on the actual course, as well as a full 56 mile bike workout  in the following week, all before the last two weeks of taper!  Looking forward to that!

As I gear down, my wife gears up!  Those last two weeks will undoubtedly be her most stressful time!  She can't imagine training for 70.3, and I can't imagine organizing 1400 volunteers!  If you've not signed up to help out with this event on July 7th yet, I encourage you to do so - besides the boost it would give me to see you out there while I'm racing, it truly is an unforgettable experience to be around some of these world class athletes that will be competing to earn a spot in the world championships!  


Thanks to all of you for your support in following my crazy adventure.  Even if all you did was read to end of this post, it really means a lot to me!  See you on the road...