Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
CapTex Triathlon Report
The race went much as I expected. Actually, it went exactly as I'd expected had I not miscalculated when I wrote yesterday's report. I wrote that I hoped for a 2:45 finishing time but my actual last CapTex time was 2:48 in 2009. What I actually figured I could do was a 3 hour finishing time and I ended up with a 3:02.
The swim went as expected. I swam 3 times in preparation for the race so I had no expectations for a great swim. According to the race timing, I had a 35 minute swim (1500 meters), although my watch said I had a 32 minute swim.
The bike was outstanding. I averaged 19.2 mph over the 24.8 mile course in 20 mph wind gusts. I rode the big ring for the entire course and felt really strong.
The run was tough from the beginning. I got off the bike and made it through transition in a little over 2 minutes. As I got on the run course, my stomach began to cramp. The pain was stuck under both ribs and I had to walk in order to make it subside. This got me started on a run-walk for most of the race. Just as I began the second 3.1 mile loop, my right hamstring began cramping. My leg just stiffened up and I limped for several yards until it went away. I began running again, only to have it cramp again another mile later. Despite all that, I averaged just over 10min/mile pace. The positive is that during the times I was able to run, my pace had to be in the 8min/mile range in order for me to keep an overall 10min/mile average. Makes you think "what could have been." That's the hard part of endurance racing. You can't always have your best day despite what you try.
I finished strong and enjoyed a nice coconut milk for electrolytes and a Muscle Milk for the protein before driving home.
Once home, we went to a friend's home for a cookout of burgers, hot dogs, and margaritas. Several of us there did the race and we commiserated. One of the guys in our group came in first in the military sprint race and one of the girls in our group came in third in the 35-39 age group of the Olympic race. They make it look so easy. It's inspiring to be around gifted athletes even if you know you'll never be in their category. We all have our race to run and success is relative to that...in triathlon as in life.
I plan to take the week off from training and look forward to Saturday's 70-mile ATLAS Ride. After that, I'll regroup and see what's next for the summer ahead.
Have a super week! Kia Kaha!
The swim went as expected. I swam 3 times in preparation for the race so I had no expectations for a great swim. According to the race timing, I had a 35 minute swim (1500 meters), although my watch said I had a 32 minute swim.
The bike was outstanding. I averaged 19.2 mph over the 24.8 mile course in 20 mph wind gusts. I rode the big ring for the entire course and felt really strong.
The run was tough from the beginning. I got off the bike and made it through transition in a little over 2 minutes. As I got on the run course, my stomach began to cramp. The pain was stuck under both ribs and I had to walk in order to make it subside. This got me started on a run-walk for most of the race. Just as I began the second 3.1 mile loop, my right hamstring began cramping. My leg just stiffened up and I limped for several yards until it went away. I began running again, only to have it cramp again another mile later. Despite all that, I averaged just over 10min/mile pace. The positive is that during the times I was able to run, my pace had to be in the 8min/mile range in order for me to keep an overall 10min/mile average. Makes you think "what could have been." That's the hard part of endurance racing. You can't always have your best day despite what you try.
I finished strong and enjoyed a nice coconut milk for electrolytes and a Muscle Milk for the protein before driving home.
Once home, we went to a friend's home for a cookout of burgers, hot dogs, and margaritas. Several of us there did the race and we commiserated. One of the guys in our group came in first in the military sprint race and one of the girls in our group came in third in the 35-39 age group of the Olympic race. They make it look so easy. It's inspiring to be around gifted athletes even if you know you'll never be in their category. We all have our race to run and success is relative to that...in triathlon as in life.
I plan to take the week off from training and look forward to Saturday's 70-mile ATLAS Ride. After that, I'll regroup and see what's next for the summer ahead.
Have a super week! Kia Kaha!
Crash
I'm not big fan of any kind of injury, but when you crash and get hurt its even more frustrating. I have been struggling with a nerve problem in my left calf, I have been relegated to swimming and biking only. No running and no lifting that requires my lower body. So while out on a training ride, I was conducting a little sprint interval when suddenly my left crank arm snapped off and I foot planted. Next thing I know I had flipped over the bars and was bouncing along the road. Somehow I managed only a few cuts and mostly bruises, but unfortunately my bike sustained some serious damage. Besides the crank I lost both shifters and the bars. Not bad really in the big scheme of things.
The irony of all of this is that it has been a crappy spring for riding weather, and this weekend has been picture perfect and I don't have a bike. "Epic fail" as the kids say. The wonderful folks at Aerocat Bikes are fixing me up and I have an appointment on Wednesday at the factory to get everything fixed/replaced and built back up. Only a week off the bike. More importantly I want this nerve issue in my calf to go away.
Rebecca is registered and competing in a super sprint tri on June 4th, so I am pumped to be going to support her. It will be a good way to acclimate to this kind of racing. Next, the Schmidt family is headed down to Owensboro to hook up with the Bacon family for the YMCA/Owensboro Tri. Both Rebecca and I are registered for the sprint. This will be my first official tri, so I am interested to learn from the experience. I just hope Bacon doesn't crush me to awful bad.
Be well friends.
L3: Live, Learn, and Lead
Schmidty
The irony of all of this is that it has been a crappy spring for riding weather, and this weekend has been picture perfect and I don't have a bike. "Epic fail" as the kids say. The wonderful folks at Aerocat Bikes are fixing me up and I have an appointment on Wednesday at the factory to get everything fixed/replaced and built back up. Only a week off the bike. More importantly I want this nerve issue in my calf to go away.
Rebecca is registered and competing in a super sprint tri on June 4th, so I am pumped to be going to support her. It will be a good way to acclimate to this kind of racing. Next, the Schmidt family is headed down to Owensboro to hook up with the Bacon family for the YMCA/Owensboro Tri. Both Rebecca and I are registered for the sprint. This will be my first official tri, so I am interested to learn from the experience. I just hope Bacon doesn't crush me to awful bad.
Be well friends.
L3: Live, Learn, and Lead
Schmidty
Sunday, May 29, 2011
CapTex Taper Week
Monday Rest Day
Tuesday 1:05 hour tempo bike
Wednesday Travel to Dallas
Thursday 38 minute tempo run (18 min. at threshold); meetings; flight back home
Friday Rest Day
Saturday 20 minute spin on bike trainer; cleaned bike chain in prep for Monday; had a cookout with neighbors
Sunday CapTex Expo. Picked up packet and dropped bike off in transition. This year, the race is using TriTats. Pretty cool!
I'll be waking up tomorrow at 4am for my steel cut oats and honey breakfast. Transition opens at 5:30am and my race wave (40-44, M-Z) hits the water at 7:38am. Water temp is currently under 78 degrees and thus wetsuit legal. I plan to use it. Air temperature will be in the 80's at race start and the high is predicted to hit 97 degrees F. Winds are forecast at 20mph from the SSE. Pretty tough conditions. The lake had white caps when we walked by it this afternoon! The heat will require I pay close to attention to staying hydrated and keeping my electrolytes high. I also spoke to the owner of BEXRunner and he's bringing me a special cooler to keep my BEXRunner cold for use on the run. Keeping my core temperature as cool as possible is key to a successful run. In 2009 at this race, I was slowed to a crawl during the run because of the heat. I lost everything I gained from a decent swim and a 21mph average bike.
I swam a total of three times in preparation for this race, so I'm not expecting a personal best in the water. My plan is to use the swim as a warm up and just smooth it out. With any luck, all the miles I've put on the bike will lead me to a good bike time, and then it's just hoping the heat doesn't drain me too badly on the run. I'll be happy with anything under 2:45 and think it's about the best I can expect under the circumstances.
After the race, we are joining friends who are also racing at one of their homes for a cookout. Can't think of a more appropriate "recovery" session on Memorial Day.
Wish all of you a wonderful week! Kia Kaha!
Tuesday 1:05 hour tempo bike
Wednesday Travel to Dallas
Thursday 38 minute tempo run (18 min. at threshold); meetings; flight back home
Friday Rest Day
Saturday 20 minute spin on bike trainer; cleaned bike chain in prep for Monday; had a cookout with neighbors
Sunday CapTex Expo. Picked up packet and dropped bike off in transition. This year, the race is using TriTats. Pretty cool!
I'll be waking up tomorrow at 4am for my steel cut oats and honey breakfast. Transition opens at 5:30am and my race wave (40-44, M-Z) hits the water at 7:38am. Water temp is currently under 78 degrees and thus wetsuit legal. I plan to use it. Air temperature will be in the 80's at race start and the high is predicted to hit 97 degrees F. Winds are forecast at 20mph from the SSE. Pretty tough conditions. The lake had white caps when we walked by it this afternoon! The heat will require I pay close to attention to staying hydrated and keeping my electrolytes high. I also spoke to the owner of BEXRunner and he's bringing me a special cooler to keep my BEXRunner cold for use on the run. Keeping my core temperature as cool as possible is key to a successful run. In 2009 at this race, I was slowed to a crawl during the run because of the heat. I lost everything I gained from a decent swim and a 21mph average bike.
I swam a total of three times in preparation for this race, so I'm not expecting a personal best in the water. My plan is to use the swim as a warm up and just smooth it out. With any luck, all the miles I've put on the bike will lead me to a good bike time, and then it's just hoping the heat doesn't drain me too badly on the run. I'll be happy with anything under 2:45 and think it's about the best I can expect under the circumstances.
After the race, we are joining friends who are also racing at one of their homes for a cookout. Can't think of a more appropriate "recovery" session on Memorial Day.
Wish all of you a wonderful week! Kia Kaha!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Summer Time
It has been a couple of crazy weeks leading up to graduation at LWC. It was another great year and I am proud to be part of this place. So many great things going on. But now it is time for summer and hopefully some quality time with the family.
My training has been going well, but no specific goals in mind except my doctoral work. I ride, run, and swim whenever time allows and try and keep focused on living a healthier life. The great news is I completed my two spring courses and earned another two A's. The bad news is I have a lot of work to do this summer with practicums, and comprehensive exams. However, I have knocked out two full years of doctoral work, and can see the finish line.
Don't forget the registration is now up for GABRAKY. Go to gabraky.com
Had a terrific weekend of riding and relaxing with the family. Rebecca, Cole, and I attended the Blues, Bikes, and BBQ festival in Somerset. Coles first 20+ mile ride. He was a champ along with mom. We met some great people and had a wonderful experience.
Life is good friends.
L3-Live, Learn, and Lead
Schmidty
My training has been going well, but no specific goals in mind except my doctoral work. I ride, run, and swim whenever time allows and try and keep focused on living a healthier life. The great news is I completed my two spring courses and earned another two A's. The bad news is I have a lot of work to do this summer with practicums, and comprehensive exams. However, I have knocked out two full years of doctoral work, and can see the finish line.
Don't forget the registration is now up for GABRAKY. Go to gabraky.com
Had a terrific weekend of riding and relaxing with the family. Rebecca, Cole, and I attended the Blues, Bikes, and BBQ festival in Somerset. Coles first 20+ mile ride. He was a champ along with mom. We met some great people and had a wonderful experience.
Life is good friends.
L3-Live, Learn, and Lead
Schmidty
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Bacon Weekly
Mon
Tues
Wed- The Now Famous Karl Miller Brushy Creek Run- 50 mins
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun- 4 miles
Good intentions but just a tough week for workouts because of my travel week to Nashville and Austin. Although a short week in quantity it was one of th best in quality because of my run with Karl in Austin. The weather was perfect and the Brushy Creek run is scenic. A nice pace coupled with some quality conversation lead the way. Busy weekend too Maggie Beth finsished soccer with 3 games on Saturday...she received the team award for the player persistence, who always wanted to play and never sit out and I told her that I was most proud of her perisntence,postive attitude, and never give up attitude throughout the season. And all with a smile and happy face...
Tues
Wed- The Now Famous Karl Miller Brushy Creek Run- 50 mins
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun- 4 miles
Good intentions but just a tough week for workouts because of my travel week to Nashville and Austin. Although a short week in quantity it was one of th best in quality because of my run with Karl in Austin. The weather was perfect and the Brushy Creek run is scenic. A nice pace coupled with some quality conversation lead the way. Busy weekend too Maggie Beth finsished soccer with 3 games on Saturday...she received the team award for the player persistence, who always wanted to play and never sit out and I told her that I was most proud of her perisntence,postive attitude, and never give up attitude throughout the season. And all with a smile and happy face...
Bacon Comes To Town
Monday Rest Day
Tuesday Got my blood drawn for this week's annual physical and went back home to get in my 1:25 hour tempo bike session.
Wednesday 55 minute run with Claude Bacon at Brushy Creek Lake Park. We held a nice, smooth tempo and enjoyed one of those runs you wish didn't have to end.
Thursday Took a day off. My left knee had a little pain the night before and I decided to rest it.
Friday Day Off
Saturday 2:15 hours on the bike trainer. In addition to my Coach Troy video, I set up our laptop so I could keep up with the pros at Ironman Texas.
Sunday 1:26 hour long run. I was wiped. I had to walk at least 10 minutes and cut the run short by 4 minutes. It was very humid and hot already at 8am when I ran. Summer is coming to central Texas and that means HOT, HOT, and HOT!
Enjoyed a nice week at work ending with graduation on Friday. Coach Mack Brown was our speaker and he did an excellent job. I also had a chance to have lunch with John Bacon on Friday. That was a wonderful opportunity and we enjoyed some interesting conversation.
This week is our kids' final week of school and my taper week in preparation for Memorial Day's CapTex Triathlon. The pro field is set and I'll be on the same course with some of the world's top triathletes. Should be a fun and exciting day.
Our daughter and son both won perfect attendance, academic, and character awards in school. We feel so blessed and proud. Jennifer continues her daily walking regimen and has lost over 25 pounds in the past few months. I'm really proud of her. We look forward to a safe and fun summer! And we wish all of you the same!
Make it a great week! Kia Kaha!
Tuesday Got my blood drawn for this week's annual physical and went back home to get in my 1:25 hour tempo bike session.
Wednesday 55 minute run with Claude Bacon at Brushy Creek Lake Park. We held a nice, smooth tempo and enjoyed one of those runs you wish didn't have to end.
Thursday Took a day off. My left knee had a little pain the night before and I decided to rest it.
Friday Day Off
Saturday 2:15 hours on the bike trainer. In addition to my Coach Troy video, I set up our laptop so I could keep up with the pros at Ironman Texas.
Sunday 1:26 hour long run. I was wiped. I had to walk at least 10 minutes and cut the run short by 4 minutes. It was very humid and hot already at 8am when I ran. Summer is coming to central Texas and that means HOT, HOT, and HOT!
Enjoyed a nice week at work ending with graduation on Friday. Coach Mack Brown was our speaker and he did an excellent job. I also had a chance to have lunch with John Bacon on Friday. That was a wonderful opportunity and we enjoyed some interesting conversation.
This week is our kids' final week of school and my taper week in preparation for Memorial Day's CapTex Triathlon. The pro field is set and I'll be on the same course with some of the world's top triathletes. Should be a fun and exciting day.
Our daughter and son both won perfect attendance, academic, and character awards in school. We feel so blessed and proud. Jennifer continues her daily walking regimen and has lost over 25 pounds in the past few months. I'm really proud of her. We look forward to a safe and fun summer! And we wish all of you the same!
Make it a great week! Kia Kaha!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Miller Weekly Update
Monday Rest Day
Tuesday 1 hour easy spin on the bike working out soreness from the weekend workouts
Wednesday-Friday No work outs (Just didn't feel it. Needed the rest. Had a 16-hour workday on Wednesday and I spent the week catching up.)
Saturday Armadillo Hill Country Classic I chose the 105-mile route. My longest ride this year was 77 miles and my longest training rides/sessions this year have been no more than 3 hours long. I had no business doing 105 miles but I survived thanks to a good nutrition/hydration plan and cooler than normal temperatures. The hills and Texas winds were a killer. My face was covered in salt by race's end and my legs were jelly. I had my protein ready for after the race and my legs feel good this (Sunday) morning. By the way, if you have not tried Pickle Juice Sport, I highly recommend it. Two of these at around the 80-mile mark made all the difference. Took the family to our new local Indian restaurant. Indian never tasted so good. I was famished!
Sunday Not sure what's on tap for today. It's another gorgeous day, so I'm sure some outdoor activities are in order. I may even get a swim in later today. I have the CapTex Olympic triathlon in two weeks and have only been to the pool three times during training. :-)
Make it a great week! Kia Kaha!
Tuesday 1 hour easy spin on the bike working out soreness from the weekend workouts
Wednesday-Friday No work outs (Just didn't feel it. Needed the rest. Had a 16-hour workday on Wednesday and I spent the week catching up.)
Saturday Armadillo Hill Country Classic I chose the 105-mile route. My longest ride this year was 77 miles and my longest training rides/sessions this year have been no more than 3 hours long. I had no business doing 105 miles but I survived thanks to a good nutrition/hydration plan and cooler than normal temperatures. The hills and Texas winds were a killer. My face was covered in salt by race's end and my legs were jelly. I had my protein ready for after the race and my legs feel good this (Sunday) morning. By the way, if you have not tried Pickle Juice Sport, I highly recommend it. Two of these at around the 80-mile mark made all the difference. Took the family to our new local Indian restaurant. Indian never tasted so good. I was famished!
Sunday Not sure what's on tap for today. It's another gorgeous day, so I'm sure some outdoor activities are in order. I may even get a swim in later today. I have the CapTex Olympic triathlon in two weeks and have only been to the pool three times during training. :-)
Make it a great week! Kia Kaha!
Bacon Weekly
Mon- 4 miles
Tues- 1200 M swim...mix drills
Wed- 20 mile bike...outide test with new stem
Thurs- 3 miles
Fri- off
Sat- BBQ Festival 5k - 63/588 overall and 5/35 age group- TIME- 22:46
Sun- off
Week of great workouts for me, culminating to a nice performance in the 5k....as usual a few seconds seperated me from a podium finish in a larger age group pool, but Im pleased considering my lack of speed work....lots of things coming together in prep for the seasons firt sprint tri race in a few weeks....tested the new stem out this week and it's a nice solution however the shorter stem make the cockpit a little sketchy and twitchy...it's sensitive so sto speak.....travel days this week will prove tough for workouts but will get in what I can...
Tues- 1200 M swim...mix drills
Wed- 20 mile bike...outide test with new stem
Thurs- 3 miles
Fri- off
Sat- BBQ Festival 5k - 63/588 overall and 5/35 age group- TIME- 22:46
Sun- off
Week of great workouts for me, culminating to a nice performance in the 5k....as usual a few seconds seperated me from a podium finish in a larger age group pool, but Im pleased considering my lack of speed work....lots of things coming together in prep for the seasons firt sprint tri race in a few weeks....tested the new stem out this week and it's a nice solution however the shorter stem make the cockpit a little sketchy and twitchy...it's sensitive so sto speak.....travel days this week will prove tough for workouts but will get in what I can...
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Bacon Weekly
Mon- 4 miles @ 8:41
Tues- 4 miles @ 9:28
Wed- 3 miles @ 10:41
Thurs- 4 miles @ 8:55
Fri- Strength training
Sat- off (yard work if you call that off)
Sun- 6 miles @ 9:55
Pretty much a running week for me but the schedule only permitted this effort....swims and bikes were in the plan, but only found time to strap on the shoes and log in base miles. A better schedule next week will permit the other disciplines. Starting to hear stories from my neighbors and friends who ran the Derby Marathon...my next door neighbor and his wife both ran their first marathon and finished close together at 4:03 and 4:09...She beat him cause he stopped for a pee at mile 21 and never caught back up. So good to hear these stories and read about your guys and friends stories too and I'll make some comments on your posts. Im stirring on when to start my triathlon training for the 1/2 ironman and I've looked at a few schedules...the original one I had chosen would start on May 23rd so well see.....ready to read you guys posts...im out
Tues- 4 miles @ 9:28
Wed- 3 miles @ 10:41
Thurs- 4 miles @ 8:55
Fri- Strength training
Sat- off (yard work if you call that off)
Sun- 6 miles @ 9:55
Pretty much a running week for me but the schedule only permitted this effort....swims and bikes were in the plan, but only found time to strap on the shoes and log in base miles. A better schedule next week will permit the other disciplines. Starting to hear stories from my neighbors and friends who ran the Derby Marathon...my next door neighbor and his wife both ran their first marathon and finished close together at 4:03 and 4:09...She beat him cause he stopped for a pee at mile 21 and never caught back up. So good to hear these stories and read about your guys and friends stories too and I'll make some comments on your posts. Im stirring on when to start my triathlon training for the 1/2 ironman and I've looked at a few schedules...the original one I had chosen would start on May 23rd so well see.....ready to read you guys posts...im out
Ky Derby Mini Marathon 2011
Well another derby marathon down... have participated for the last 4 years and is a very special run for me... One that I hope I can continue for long into the future. However, I realized a great lesson on this run... Don't expect to knock the lights out without the preparations... I toed the line at 200 pounds (a gain of 12-15 since last Thanksgiving)... Did not do core work nor did I pound out speed sessions or long distances or hills... Basically did alot of wasted 4-8 milers in preparation... Also drank many burbon slushies and Captain Gingers and Leinenkugal beers... The nutrition consisted of a whole lot of crap... I totally winged the whole thing for whatever reason... With this said, I guess I did ok... My chip time was 1:49:17 and I had to take about a 2:20 port a pot visit... over hydrated... imagine that, couldn't even control the water intake... Oh well, I still enjoyed the race for the most part... Ran with some old friends from Breckinridge... 2 of which I use to smoke and they beat me this year. I averaged about an 8:10 pace, but it was an agonizing pace... very sore today... but learned the lesson... If you sign up for an event, you really need to log in the miles and do all the preparations to have a successful race...
Sharing the victory
Is it possible to be so excited for another human beings accomplishments that you become just as emotionally attached to the event and equally excited? I believe the answer is unquestionably yes, and that these emotions can be for the thrill of victory and also the agony of defeat. I have had one of the best winters of training with my friends Toby and Ann Young. Toby and I do most of our workouts together, and Becca and Ann together. Our emails, texts, conversations over meals or hanging out at the little league park are all about our "plan". What is our workout today? What is the plan for the week? What races do we want to do? Nutrition? Strength training? You name it,we talk about it and most of all we encourage each other and hold one another accountable.
Both Toby and Ann have been training for their first official Tri, the TriCharleston in S.C. Ann a sprint distance and Toby a half Ironman (Toby doesn't like to start small and work his way up, he likes to start big). So we have been following the "plan" and all our training has been focused on them completing their first tri's. Toby was already a very gifted endurance athlete, he was just learning to put it all together. The greatest transformation has been in Ann. She has never in her life competed in any athletic endeavor. All I can say is that she has become consumed by the challenge of training and competing. Her physical transformation has been incredible, she is ripped and lean. Her athletic confidence is growing by the day. I hate to see where she will be a year from now.
Ann entered the water this past Saturday morning and had no idea what to expect, it was her first open water swim. She said it was chaos, and according to her she often thought of just pulling out and quitting. But like a true champion, she sucked it up, gathered herself, and found her stride. Out of the water, no problem on the bike, and killed the run. Guess what? She's hooked. Another new athlete joins the ranks. Great job Ann!
Toby is an entirely different story. Last Saturday, just a week from his half Ironman the unthinkable happens, he tears his ACL........again. This is the one that has been replaced twice now and that he spent all year rehabbing for the half Ironman. When he called me from the MRI room I just about got sick, I had a knot in my stomach thinking about all the work he had put in and how he was going to miss this event. After a few days we talked about his options. He decided after draining the knee that it felt fine enough to swim and bike and he would pull out and not attempt the run.
Toby however is machine, he reminds me of the terminator robot, he just never stops. Well, race day comes and he enters the water feeling pretty good. He kills the swim, has no problem on the bike and enters the transition area and looks up at the clock. Toby later said that he thought to himself, "I can walk the entire 13 miles and still make the cut off". So without telling anyone in his family. The terminator headed out. A walk, a run, a walk, a run, he said he just paced himself. Toby crossed the line in under 6 hours and 30 minutes. Amazing, simply amazing!
I am sharing this story because I am just so motivated and inspired by the people around me who choose to live life. I was sick when Toby told me about his knee, but that emotion was replaced with joy when I could hear Ann's excitement about her race. The emotion later swelled up again when Toby called and shared his victory over the injury. Amazing people, doing amazing things!
Rebecca and I are fortunate to have friends like Toby and Ann that share there training, work ethic, and motivation to inspire us. Just like each of you guys inspire me with your training, racing efforts, family stories and more. Thanks for sharing the victories.
L3-Live, Learn, and Lead
Schmidty
Both Toby and Ann have been training for their first official Tri, the TriCharleston in S.C. Ann a sprint distance and Toby a half Ironman (Toby doesn't like to start small and work his way up, he likes to start big). So we have been following the "plan" and all our training has been focused on them completing their first tri's. Toby was already a very gifted endurance athlete, he was just learning to put it all together. The greatest transformation has been in Ann. She has never in her life competed in any athletic endeavor. All I can say is that she has become consumed by the challenge of training and competing. Her physical transformation has been incredible, she is ripped and lean. Her athletic confidence is growing by the day. I hate to see where she will be a year from now.
Ann entered the water this past Saturday morning and had no idea what to expect, it was her first open water swim. She said it was chaos, and according to her she often thought of just pulling out and quitting. But like a true champion, she sucked it up, gathered herself, and found her stride. Out of the water, no problem on the bike, and killed the run. Guess what? She's hooked. Another new athlete joins the ranks. Great job Ann!
Toby is an entirely different story. Last Saturday, just a week from his half Ironman the unthinkable happens, he tears his ACL........again. This is the one that has been replaced twice now and that he spent all year rehabbing for the half Ironman. When he called me from the MRI room I just about got sick, I had a knot in my stomach thinking about all the work he had put in and how he was going to miss this event. After a few days we talked about his options. He decided after draining the knee that it felt fine enough to swim and bike and he would pull out and not attempt the run.
Toby however is machine, he reminds me of the terminator robot, he just never stops. Well, race day comes and he enters the water feeling pretty good. He kills the swim, has no problem on the bike and enters the transition area and looks up at the clock. Toby later said that he thought to himself, "I can walk the entire 13 miles and still make the cut off". So without telling anyone in his family. The terminator headed out. A walk, a run, a walk, a run, he said he just paced himself. Toby crossed the line in under 6 hours and 30 minutes. Amazing, simply amazing!
I am sharing this story because I am just so motivated and inspired by the people around me who choose to live life. I was sick when Toby told me about his knee, but that emotion was replaced with joy when I could hear Ann's excitement about her race. The emotion later swelled up again when Toby called and shared his victory over the injury. Amazing people, doing amazing things!
Rebecca and I are fortunate to have friends like Toby and Ann that share there training, work ethic, and motivation to inspire us. Just like each of you guys inspire me with your training, racing efforts, family stories and more. Thanks for sharing the victories.
L3-Live, Learn, and Lead
Schmidty
Is the Margarona a Proper Recovery Drink?
This week was a recovery week and I took the opportunity to get plenty of rest and begin feeling better physically after being sick last weekend. This was also the beginning of the final 5-week PEAK phase of my Olympic distance triathlon training program.
Monday Rest Day
Tuesday 1 hour Tempo Bike with 2x12 minutes at threshold intensity; still not feeling my normal self physically
Wednesday 36 minute Tempo Run with 16 minutes at threshold intensity; still not feeling my best but I ran the threshold pace at fast pace (for me); built my confidence knowing I could hold that intensity on the treadmill while not at my best
Thursday Early morning meeting made morning workout not possible. Took an extra rest day
Friday No workout again today. More rest in preparation for tomorrow's 50-mile bike ride.
Saturday 50-mile bike ride with Bicycle Sport Shop group. Rode the Specialized and stayed in the big chain for 47 miles. Felt really strong. The rest of the previous week did me good. This was my first long ride since the 77-miler two weeks prior. Unofficially, I snatched most of the King of the Hill points for the day. I was pushing a bigger gear than normal up most of the climbs and it was fun passing some good riders on the uphills. My strength on the bike has come a long way since beginning training in March. One of the guys in our group did his first 50-mile ride so to celebrate, our group had lunch together at Morelia Mexican Grill. In the mood for both a margarita AND a beer, we were introduced to the Margarona, one of their large frozen margaritas with a small Corona beer thrown in. If there is any question as to how strong that combination is, they only allow you to drink one per visit. Added to my shrimp taco plate, it was a great way to celebrate a great ride with good friends.
Sunday I'll probably take the day off today. I may get a swim in later but my exercise today will be helping to clean the house. I used the morning to register for some upcoming rides:the Armadillo 105 mile ride on May 14 and the Atlas ride in June (a 70 mile ride with members of the Texas 4000 team...riders spending the next three months riding from Texas to Alaska fundraising for Livestrong against cancer). This will ensure I stay motivated and focused going into and coming out of the CapTex Triathlon.
Training will pick back up this week. I may do 50 miles of the Shiner Ride next week to support a friend who wants to do it as his first 50-mile ride. Other than that, this upcoming week is the final week of classes for our college students and I've already made brunch reservations for next Sunday's Mother's Day. (Just a friendly reminder for the rest of you dads out there). I also want to announce that I've been named Social Media coordinator by the USAT South Midwest Region. I will administer their Facebook page and their Twitter account. I'd be honored to have each of you "LIKE" the Facebook page and "FOLLOW" the Twitter account. This is a volunteer position as part of the region's communication committee.
Make it a great week! Kia Kaha!
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