Catching Up... T Minus 32 days to IMCdA

[colby]

Hi TE Friends,

I had a really crazy work schedule for a long time and wasn't able to spend any of my spare time here. I missed you guys, and am just now making a point to catch back up. I know, it's been a while... a long while. If you combine that with the 15-20 hours of IM stuff per week, I was just flat out out of time. ;)

I am on a "middle of the road" training plan that is based on time, not distance, since I know I'm not going to break any land speed records. I really just want to make it, but with plenty of time so I'm not chasing cutoffs. Next year, if there is a next year, I'll make some changes and get more aggressive now that I know what the commitment is like and how to make it work. Nobody at work except my husband and "wife" (close friend) know about Ironman, which is getting harder and harder to maintain every day. :)

I have been on a long saga of hip and shoulder problems. I was swimming twice a week but reduced to once a week in order to keep the shoulder in check - the longer my bike rides got combined with the swimming twice a week, the more my ol' rotator cuff cried. I had some minor problems with my right hip that got amplified when my chiropractor sucked at adjusting it, so I switched to a new (awesome) guy that has got me back on track. This week until I reminded him about Ironman, he was ready to start spacing out my visits beyond once a week. ;)

This weekend before my long ride, I was considering my options for the bike, having been logging miles on my roadie and feeling I was missing something (fit? extras? love? kisses?). I knew it was pretty much the latest point I could possibly consider making any changes, so I went to shop new aero bars, this, and that, to get more comfortable. I went to the shop and a few hours later, left with my small new friend, Lucy (best link I could find):
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/store08bikes/08-QR-Lucero.shtml

The difference is amazing, not so much on my speed (not that I'm complaining about increases in speed!!), but on my hip and shoulder pain. The shop folks were great, many of them doing the same Ironman themselves and offering a few tidbits. They shortened a few things for me, did a fitting, and tuned a little bit. They stuck around late to get me set up and made us (my husband and I) feel super welcome. We also fitted new shoes and pedals (speedplay light actions), my Sidis were squashing my toes (and heck, we were on a roll). Amazing what you'll put up with at 2-3 hours that you just can't at 5-6. ;)

Despite my proximity (15-20 miles from the course), I have not yet rode the full course (only half of it), but will be doing so from here on out. I have actually been riding TO the course, then riding one part of the course, then home, plus logging some additional miles (have had to make extra trips home for water stops about halfway through). I'm also planning on running the course on the rest of my weekend long runs, too. The better it's all burned into my skull, the more likely I am to pace better and recall where the heck things are going. Time to buckle down!

I'll be catching up on posts for a bit, but wanted to say hi. No questions here, but that won't last long... ;)

[Wahine]

Colby!! I'm so glad you stopped in. Wow, it's been a saga for you alright. glad you're feeling better. I'm looking forward to hearing more about how things are going and checking in on you on IM Day.

Good Luck!!

[Tri Girl]

Glad to see you checking in, Colby!
Woweee, it's getting close now! How cool that you went in for new aero bars and came out with one smokin' hot tri bike! :eek: Very sweet ride! I got my tri bike 3 weeks out from my half last year and you're right- the difference was amazing! I don't feel things on that bike (i.e. pain) like I did on the road bike with a tri setup. I can't wait to race my IM on my tri bike (it's bound to be more comfy than the last IM on my road bike). I guess they really do make those bikes for a reason. :p
I'm so excited for your race, and can't wait to hear more details as it gets closer.

[colby]

Thanks, Ladies!

I'm dialing in on stuff like what to wear, for my HIM I wore tri shorts and pulled up regular bike shorts over for the ride (then pulled them off for the run), which was SUPER comfortable. I think it was actually more comfortable than just wearing bike shorts. I don't know if I can make it 112 miles in tri shorts alone. ;) My current tri top is out, it marks up my neck (rubbing, even with bodyglide) where the zipper fabric ends are, I guess my chest is too womanly for any significant running time (great for sprints, could probably go oly, HIM too far). None of them really seem to be made with a zipper guard to protect precious skin, so I'll probably just have to settle on something and smear on the bodyglide.

Sunblock is going to be an issue... I burned through a couple layers of skin (as painful as it sounds) on accident last weekend (in the upper 80s) using SPF45. I have SPF70 and will switch to that, but need to be sure to slather that stuff on like my life depends on it. Need to pick up some extra to put in gear bags, have husband hold, carry with me, whatever. I do not want to be a rock lobster! Sunburn steals precious energy.

I think I may have an issue with consuming calories in the ride. Toward the end of the ride, I feel like my muscles could go, but I just don't wanna. My heart rate is low, it's not like I'm overloaded, I just don't wanna. I think it's a sign of not enough calories. The question is... how the hell do you carry that many liquid calories? I was (am) carrying Accelerade, but one serving is mixed in to 12 oz of water, which is crazy. Even if I mix more concentrated, I still don't know if I can carry enough. I hate gatorade and notice a significant difference with the protein vs. just gels. I do take in one serving of normal gels every 30 minutes, which is fine for about 3 hours of activity, after that I have to have the protein. I am taking "sips" (unmeasured) of accelerade every 30 minutes (on the off 15 from my gels - :15 protein, :30 gel, :45 protein, :00 gel).

For the run, I missed the protein on my HIM so I want to find a way to get it in. Maybe I should try the Accel Gels, which have protein in them? Just regular gels don't seem to be enough.

I do have an aero bottle, but that's what, 20oz? That and two water bottles still doesn't seem like enough, and if I don't carry a Camelbak, I need the aero bottle for water.

Or... am I missing something ELSE? Maybe it's electrolytes? Maybe it's what I'm eating beforehand? I dunno. My muscles say yes and my brain says no. ;) I did great on the HIM short of not having the protein on my run (well, relatively great, it was about 6:30 or so total... 3:32 ride). Maybe that's just my distance... but they don't call it Ironman for nothin.

30 days, 13 hours. :)

[Veronica]

It's not exactly aerodynamic, but could you put a Bento Box or something like that on your bike that you could carry solid food in?

V.

[colby]

Oh, I'm a tard, I do have a little bento box. I put my little gel flask thingy in it and it's nearly full. Supposedly it's a "large" bento box but it sure doesn't seem large (maybe in the world of triathlon large isn't what you'd think :p). When I carry the flask in my jersey and try to take it out during races, I drop it (this has happened to me several times, only on races, never in training, go figure). I could probably carry regular gels instead, then if I drop it, I only lose one serving, not 8! (I'd have to carry 16 of them to be safe, though...) As it is, I will have to carry one on my person and one in my bento if I use the flask.

The bento doesn't seem too un-aerodynamic. It sits kind of in an area that's covered by my massive squishy self anyway. ;)

Maybe I need a freakin' large bento instead of the mini-large.

[Veronica]

I haven't done any tris yet, but on my double centuries, I know I need some solid food. I dump whatever I'm going to eat, right into the Bento Box, so I don't have to worry about the packaging.

It doesn't answer what to do with your flask though. I know some people put them between their b00bs. ;)

V.

[colby]

I haven't done any tris yet, but on my double centuries, I know I need some solid food. I dump whatever I'm going to eat, right into the Bento Box, so I don't have to worry about the packaging.

It doesn't answer what to do with your flask though. I know some people put them between their b00bs. ;)

V.

Now that is awesome. I guess you use what you've got!! ;)

[colby]

27 days 8 hours (I have a countdown in my Firefox status bar)

Rode the course Saturday. Hills! The best part was after almost every uphill, there was a heart rate reducing downhill. The second best part is that it's downhill to the transition area. Save legs before second loop/run.

I met a bike friend toward the middle/end of my ride in the middle of nowhere up a hill, I probably could have passed her and kept going, but she knew the turns way better than I did (even having been there already) and it was nice to have company. Then... the rain came. Sprinkles. Eh, they'll stop. More sprinkles. A little chilly, didn't plan for that... shorts and short sleeves. Showers. Alright, we'll make it. Downpour. Puddles in shoes. Bike friend offered ride home, cut my ride short to take her up on it. Didn't want to risk getting sick or worse.

Mixed my accelerade to super concentrated formula, felt good. Didn't get to test it through the whole ride, it's that last 50 miles that usually increasingly kills me and I wanted to test it the whole way, didn't quite make it. My husband called it Flintstones Vitamins, and that's about what it tastes like. :) Will test again next week on two loops of hilly part, skipping the filler, just trying to burn course into brain and start tapering. A friend of mine lives right by the start of the "scenic route" and I'll probably start from there.

It's a beautiful ride on relatively car-free roads. We realized how far north it went when we could see the "back" (east) side of Mt Spokane, which we can see the south side of from my house - about 20 miles away. Hung out with some bike loving/car hating deer with cute fluffy white tails.

Bike time estimate, about 7:30. Yeah, it's slow. We'll see, I was riding with someone on a road bike and it was raining/cold, so I know I could gain on race day, maybe down to 7:00. So many other factors... for all I know, it could be slower.

Had a great HM today. Confidence building weekend, that's for sure. While I'm anxious and have trouble sleeping before every long bike ride and long run now, I'm actually a little more at ease. It's too late to play the "did I train enough?" game... either you make it or you don't. Just stick with the plan.

I don't see running faster than a 5:00 marathon. For the HIM, which I didn't have Lucy (my tri bike) for, admittedly, I had to 15 minute run/2 minute walk. I can feel the difference with Lucy, but I also have that other 13.1 miles to run. ;)

[Tri Girl]

Keep at it, Colby! You're going to do so well at the IM! Slow- shmo. No such thing as slow in an IM (and that's coming from someone who's admitedly slow: a 16:25 finisher). You go at your own pace, do what you can, and play the cards you're dealt on race day.
I'm so excited for you!!!!! :D

[colby]

Keep at it, Colby! You're going to do so well at the IM! Slow- shmo. No such thing as slow in an IM (and that's coming from someone who's admitedly slow: a 16:25 finisher). You go at your own pace, do what you can, and play the cards you're dealt on race day.
I'm so excited for you!!!!! :D

I'll take "finisher" at all... :)

[KSH]

Nice to see you around again! Sounds like the training is going good! Congrats!

5 hour marathon souns solid to me! I'm planning on a 5 minute walk/2 minute run combo on mine. I hope to hit close to 5 hours.

Gosh, it's so close! Can you believe it! ??? Time flies.

I refuse to count down the days to my IM though. Well, I hope I don't do it. I just think it will get my all worked up and nervous.

Ok... make sure you post up your bib number when you get it!

[colby]

24 days 11 hours

We had a late winter (still snowing late into April, still cold into early May), then a couple of warm weeks, which led to very fast and huge push of spring runoff into our lake/river system over the last three weeks (finally settling down last week), flooding all over the place. There are sections of our local river trail that are flooded, people who live on the lake are flooded, and the water is FREAKING COLD thanks to all that runoff.

The average water temp in May is about 54, in June 65. I sure hope the water temp rises. Right now it's about 51 degrees heading into June. Brrrrrrrrr.

They say if the lake doesn't get above 60, it'll be wetsuit required, and if it's below mid-50s, they will consider "alternate plans" (whatever that means, 2.4 miles is 2.4 miles even when it's cold). I'm not sure when I'll get to swim in the lake, I really don't feel like freezing my buns off just yet. The lake I live near is much smaller and a good 5-10 degrees warmer - safe for swimming in, maybe needing a neoprene cap but no booties and no tush freezing.

Related news story: http://www.kxly.com/Global/story.asp?S=8392638

According to the email I got today, bib numbers will be assigned Monday, June 9th. :)

Had a massage today - my right shoulder was stuck, my left shoulder was stuck more than expected (my problem shoulder is my right), right bicep/tricep crying, left forearm stuck, hip a little more mobile but still problematic. My massage guy doesn't see a lot of Iron-persons, but really gets the physiology of it all. There are these signs on the wall that say something about massage being "an hour of heaven"... yeah. Not for me. Apply pressure, watch colby wince. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. :p The next day might be closer to heaven, but that hour... no.

Had to add... I'm such a terd. I am so wrapped up in IM stuff that I brought my swimming gear for a normal Wednesday workout tonight. They are long (duh), and I do shower afterward to save time. But, uh.. today is our anniversary (yesterday began the first day of my last year in the 25-29 age group, too). When my husband asked when we were going on our "date night," I said "well, I guess I could move my swim to another night..." I think maybe I need to work on "think before you speak" ;)

[colby]

This last week was pretty good for me. I missed a swim workout last week (I think I mentioned, our anniversary) and didn't get in any open water like I wanted to -- need to get moving on that (I wish my work schedule was more open to it). The weather sucked and I don't have a swimming buddy so it would mean dragging my husband out on his kayak in the rain... yeah. Next week he won't be so lucky.

Saturday, 5 hours of riding, over 75 miles. Rode the course. Did NOT feel adequately fueled - I had to get my hair cut (hard to get appointment) at 11:15 and could not bear to get up at 4:00 to get my 5 hour ride in beforehand (maybe that would have been good training? :p), which led to not having eaten enough calories before starting the ride - had my hair cut with a friend, and it took a good 2 hours, then we ate, changed clothes, add it all up... 3pm before I left. I felt way better on the second loop (how messed up is that) after I got a good couple hours of solid calories consistently in me. That first loop... OMG. I knew I couldn't ride two full loops in that amount of time anyway, so I started from a friend's house, which is basically where the hills start. If you want to pay for being under-fueled, start out riding hills. Bad Colby, bad. Core muscles, shoulder, and hip are crying today. Note to self if there is a next time: base must include more core work.

Sunday, 3 hours of running, I didn't measure the distance. This was a very "I don't really care, I'm putting the time in MY WAY" kind of day. I took my dog with me, it was raining, we took a couple pictures of the flooding on the trail we run/ride, I let her take it easy in some places (she's not very well acclimated to running yet). Those core muscles? Yeah, you use them when you run. Felt like a side stitch until the muscles warmed up.

Now it's more serious taper time (this week was just a small dropoff)... 3 weeks to go. My taper is still more activity than most humans get in a week, but whatever, it's all relative. ;)

This week, it's supposed to be more 20-40% chance of rain and crap, probably windy, blah blah. If the skies don't part by June 22nd, I'll be well prepared for clouds and wind with sprinkles. :p I want to get in some open water, but the water temps are all still mid-50s if you're lucky.

I am at the "so close but so far away" point, torn between "will it just get here already?" and "am I actually ready? Will I make it? What if what if what if?"

Thanks for listening... ;)

[Pika]

Wow Colby sounds like you are going to do great- I met a guy at our HIM who was going to do the Coeur d'Alene (sp?) IM in three weeks- he said with their late spring etc he had a hard time getting in his long bike rides/swimming .
It is nice that you have been able to ride the course so there won't be any suprises.
After my 1/2 I am even more impressed( if that is possible because I was pretty impressed to start with) with all of you that commit to doing an IM-

So good on you!
Good luck and I look forward to hearing how it goes for you!

[KSH]

Ah... almost taper time! WOW! Can you believe it! You are so very close to the end of your journey. You should pull up your first thread you made when you signed up... for a walk down memory lane.

Are you ready? Well, what has all your training been for lady? An Ironman or a sprint? If you answere Ironman... then you are ready. ;)

I can't wait till the day you race as we sit by making updates on your progress.

[colby]

Ah... almost taper time! WOW! Can you believe it! You are so very close to the end of your journey. You should pull up your first thread you made when you signed up... for a walk down memory lane.

Are you ready? Well, what has all your training been for lady? An Ironman or a sprint? If you answere Ironman... then you are ready. ;)

I can't wait till the day you race as we sit by making updates on your progress.

I think about the journey a lot now that I'm coming to the end. Debating signing up... and taking the plunge. Committing to a training plan that started right after a marathon. Riding 3-4 hour rides on a trainer because it's still snowing. Giving in and running 2 hours on a treadmill because it's 2 degrees, icy, and snowing (just 2 degrees and snow isn't enough). That first ride outdoors... only to have to ride the trainer the next day because it was... snowing. :p Watching the miles increase... the times decrease. Doing my first HIM on the way to IM (homegrown, since it was so early in the season). I can't say it wasn't hard, and I can certainly say that I learned a lot about myself and what "limits" actually are.

My next scheduled event after IM is a sprint (7 weeks from IM, lots of time). It's going to be a little strange trying to regroup and train for such a short distance after those 100 mile weekly rides. Not having to do the second loop... ahhh, that'll feel nice! I'll probably suck it up and schedule a late season HIM that's my real goal, depending on how I feel.

Some days I don't feel crazy. Mostly Mondays, which are my days off and I "pretend" to be a normal person (with insane hunger and ginormous thighs). Or, when I come here, or go to the bike shop. ;)

[KSH]

I think about the journey a lot now that I'm coming to the end. Debating signing up... and taking the plunge. Committing to a training plan that started right after a marathon. Riding 3-4 hour rides on a trainer because it's still snowing. Giving in and running 2 hours on a treadmill because it's 2 degrees, icy, and snowing (just 2 degrees and snow isn't enough). That first ride outdoors... only to have to ride the trainer the next day because it was... snowing. :p Watching the miles increase... the times decrease. Doing my first HIM on the way to IM (homegrown, since it was so early in the season). I can't say it wasn't hard, and I can certainly say that I learned a lot about myself and what "limits" actually are.

My next scheduled event after IM is a sprint (7 weeks from IM, lots of time). It's going to be a little strange trying to regroup and train for such a short distance after those 100 mile weekly rides. Not having to do the second loop... ahhh, that'll feel nice! I'll probably suck it up and schedule a late season HIM that's my real goal, depending on how I feel.

Some days I don't feel crazy. Mostly Mondays, which are my days off and I "pretend" to be a normal person (with insane hunger and ginormous thighs). Or, when I come here, or go to the bike shop. ;)

WOW Colby! Really great reflections there. A lot of rung true with me... and the journey I have had.

Back in Jan/Feb/March I was doing 3-4 hour trainer rides... thanks to rain. Not to mention, I'm a cold weather whimp. If it was 40 degrees with 20 mph winds, I rode inside. Yep, did the 2-2.5 hour treadmill runs due to bad weather.

It is going to be weird to get on a bike to only ride 2-3 hours. Or less? HA!

Normal... yea... when I get ready at home versus the gym it just feels WEIRD. What? Shower at my house and eat breakfast at home? What?

I'm sure the other IM ladies who have finished or are training for one can relate!

[colby]

It is going to be weird to get on a bike to only ride 2-3 hours. Or less? HA!

Normal... yea... when I get ready at home versus the gym it just feels WEIRD. What? Shower at my house and eat breakfast at home? What?

I'm sure the other IM ladies who have finished or are training for one can relate!

I'm looking forward to being able to tell people what I'm doing on the weekends again without "the look." I learned that only two activities are allowed, and only a maximum of two hours of riding, one hour of swimming, and/or one hour of running are the limit before someone gives you the "you are crazy and I am lazy" rather than the "you are healthy and I am not as healthy but that is ok" look.

The first time:
Unassuming person: What are you doing this weekend?
Colby: riding 100 miles, running a few hours, swimming drills for a couple hours
Unassuming person: ...
Colby: what are you doing this weekend?
Unassuming person (in that "you are crazy and I am lazy" tone): uh... yard work...

The second time:
Unassuming person: What are you doing this weekend?
Colby: Uh... probably ride my bike, maybe go swimming, take my dog for a jog so she can get some exercise. Depends on the weather.
Unassuming person: Oh, that sounds fun!
Colby: So what are you doing this weekend?
Unassuming person: hoping to catch up on (insert TV show) and hang out with the family

Less specific = less crazy!

My favorite experience (I may have said this) was going to the chiropractor first thing on a Monday morning after a good weekend of riding nearly two full loops and running 3 hours, then swimming 3500 yards.

Chiro Receptionist: Hey Colby, how are you today?
Colby (failing at signing in, talking, and standing at the same time): Doing okay. Wow, I think I just misspelled my own name. And checked the wrong box. Sorry about that.
Chiro Receptionist: Yeah, you look kind of tired.
Colby: Yeah, that's pretty accurate.
Chiro Receptionist: That's what too much tequila on weekends will do to you!
Colby: Oh... I guess.

Tequila? Yeah, right. ;)

[Wahine]

I actually bask in the glory of the "You are absolutely effing insane" look. In fact I called up an ultra endurance cycling friend of mine tonight just so that he could tell me how crazy I am for swimming in a 56 deg river.... now who's crazier me or him? (he's signed up to ride 538 miles with 40000 feet of climbing in under 48 hours):eek::eek:

[colby]

I actually bask in the glory of the "You are absolutely effing insane" look. In fact I called up an ultra endurance cycling friend of mine tonight just so that he could tell me how crazy I am for swimming in a 56 deg river.... now who's crazier me or him? (he's signed up to ride 538 miles with 40000 feet of climbing in under 48 hours):eek::eek:

56 isn't too insane... that might just be "crazy, but I know it's crazy"

538 miles with 40,000 feet of climbing.... that's "I'm so crazy I don't know I'm crazy anymore" ;)

The one thing I've learned is to not underestimate what you can teach your body to do. I was looking at pictures of the Giro d'Italia (a local cyclist is doing it as an amateur) and thinking "well, if you trained for it... I guess it would be possible." Other people think "HOLY CRAP that's nuts."

It's all relative, right?

Maybe after I've gone through this once, I'll enjoy the shock factor next time (if there is a next time ;)). Sometimes when we eat dinner out on Sundays and I order something huge and then finish it all with dessert while my husband gets a to go box, I get "the look"... I look forward to touring all those places with a big freaking "IRON COLBY" sign after it's over.

[KSH]

I actually bask in the glory of the "You are absolutely effing insane" look.

HA! Yea, I gotta agree. Although at times I feel like I'm bragging because it's so outside the realm of reality for a lot of people.

But hey, we don't do an IM because we don't want a little bit of bragging rights... :)

[Wahine]

Hell no!! We do Ironman so that when we're 100 years old and living a a nursing home and the attendant comes in griping about their sore feet we can start in with the "Listen here young lady/man... you don't know what sore feet are!! When I was your age......" You get the idea. I'm gonna be one big bragging crotchety old chick!!:D

[colby]

This week, I chose a new theme song for IM. She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain. :) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She'll_Be_Coming_'Round_the_Mountain

Six white horses is a great visual for the bike. ;) And I certainly will be saying hallelujah when I get there, and there will be lots of people out to greet me. Not so sure about the chicken and dumplings.

15 days, 12 hours.

This weekend, shorter ride, shorter run. Supposed to be a 40-50% chance of rain Saturday (my bike day) and a 10-20% chance of rain Sunday (my run day). I'll probably swap them and try to swim Saturday or Sunday afternoon depending (dragging husband out on kayak in rain not likely to be enjoyable and I can't swim alone).

I am almost disturbed by the amount I look forward to conquering the course and putting my own doubts permanently behind me. I dream of conquering the hills -- twice. I dream of running 26.2 scenic miles. What happened to me? ;)

My biggest concern at this point is the cold swim, so I'm going to work on conquering that. Next week's weather is supposed to be similar to this week, damp and dreary, upper 50s to mid 60s. It's supposed to clear up by the end of next week to 70s, but that will only leave one week for the water temp to increase significantly. I would also hate a wet 112 mile bike ride, but that's really less of a concern (been there, done the wet hilly ride). You can always pack an extra pair of socks and take it easy on the turns. :)

Bib numbers on Monday....

[Wahine]

Wooooooooo Hooooooo!! It's getting so close. I wish I was doing it with you!!!

ETA: Chicken soup on the run is actually really yummy. I think I'd stay away from the dumplings tho.

[colby]

10 days, 11 hours :eek: :eek: :eek:

It's officially official... I'm number 1828.

Sunday, I rode an easier/shorter ride, only about 4 hours, 65-70 miles, with some stopping (stupid lights that aren't on timers!!) it was probably about 17mph average actually riding. You don't get anything for free here, so one direction was into the wind, the other gradually uphill. I felt much better than the weekend before, which I started underfueled and straight into hills. Because it wasn't as rolling, I was able to keep my HR very well in line, which was my goal - not too stressful, but got miles in.

Saturday, shorter run, about 12 miles, in the freaking rain. It was cold, but my dog is getting faster, and sticking with me much better. I like having my running buddy again without being frustrated that she can't run for 2 hours straight without dawdling. It still poops her out, she walks funny and can't jump into the car for a little while. Running is uneventful, but apparently my new trick is a low heart rate.

Swam on Sunday after the ride, but not in the lake, didn't have time to pack the kayak and husband into the car. It felt good, even though my hip was a little upset and my legs were tired (good thing it's mostly upper body). I have serious mental problems and enjoyed my drills. I was watching someone else swim with a weird kick pattern... that must be the "two beat kick" that I've read about but could never do, probably because I swam competitively and that's just not how you swim. ;)

I was good about stretching after my ride and run, my chiro and massage dude were very pleased at my hip flexors, less pleased at my quads, especially the one on the outside-top, which is actually harder to stretch anyway. My patella moves very cleanly, my hip flexors do great rotation, but I still have to have regular adjustments/massage to improve my hip function, but I am hoping if I reduce mileage after IM that I can return things to a stable starting point and stay good about keeping them in line.

(My during the week workouts are pretty boring... Monday I pretend I'm human. Tuesday I run. Wednesday a short transition/brick. Thursday I ride. Friday I run. One or two of those days, I swim - usually only one because I'm trying to keep my shoulder safe.)

Wardrobe... I'm not sure my tri top (and requisite sports bra) is supportive enough for a marathon, but not convinced enough that I'm willing to switch to something else. I'm somewhat concerned about the weather possibilities - it could be 55 and wet or 80 and sunny. At this point, the most likely is 65 and sprinkles, but our weather does seem to be opening up (as I write that, mother nature reminds me she's in charge with some thunder). I'm mentally prepared for the possibility that I have to wear long sleeves/arm warmers/knickers... but I don't really want to. I also don't want to freeze in the water.

I am somewhat concerned about not carrying any protein on the run, I felt kind of drained on my HIM - but I had also not consumed as much protein on the ride as I will be now. I suppose I could buy/try accel gels or carry a fuel belt with some protein calories... solid food is a no-no for me running unless I leave time to digest (not happening during a race). Or, just gels. I know I can run a marathon on water and gels alone.. it's the 114 miles before that... ;)

There are two reasons for tapering: the first one is preparing your body physically for the activity ahead. The second is preparing your body mentally by convincing you that you are super awesome because suddenly everything is really easy and you go super fast. :p

My (7.5 month) pregnant friend is threatening to paint a big m-dot on her belly to cheer me on during the race. I told her she'd probably get on TV if she did... and we'd be famous.

Tomorrow... single digit days remain. This weekend, I will probably take Lucy for a final check up (she has some tendency to slip in a couple of high gears), have a 2 hour ride/30 minute run, a 1 hour run on its own, and I swear I will swim in the lake. I will probably try to swim in the lake a couple of times in the next week, and hit the Gatorade OMG It's So Close swims. ;)

Sorry it's so long, sorry for all the ellipses, and thanks for reading.

[Wahine]

:D:D:D:D:D:D

This weather has been really crumby for training. You're almost there.

[Skeezix]

Wow, it's so close!

God, I love tapering.

[KSH]

Nice number Colby!

If you haven't been doing protein in training... I would say you might not want to try it on race day. Nothing new on race day.

I know for some, protein can upset their tummies.

I have some protein in my Infinit mix that I do, but I have lowered that a lot because I don't like the foam it produces in the drink. I also think it makes the drink taste funny.

Now I do the Accel gels with protein and my tummy does those fine. If you don't have a sensitive stomach you can probably pull those off race day.

But... nothing new race day. :)

[KSH]

Oh yea, I posted this in my BT Training Log the other day... maybe you can relate?


Ironman Training- The Ultimate Mind F*ck*

What does that mean?

Well, anyone who has trained for or is training for an IM, can possibly understand what this means. Anyone who wants to train for one might want to know what it means.

What a roller coaster of emotions! For a good 8 months! There are days I feel strong and ready to tackle the race. Days where I feel so tired it's all I can do to get out of bed to go train.

I worry about finishing. I run my times for each discipline through my head... while I'm running, riding, swimming. What will my finishing time be? Can I do it? What are the cut off's again?

Then I remind myself that I can do it. I'll be fine. I have been training hard. I CAN DO IT!

I train and start to think about finishing and I get all teary eyed. ME? AN IRONMAN!? I am starting to tear up as I write this. I can't see how I won't be crying the whole race. HA!

I start to think about how long this journey has been and that the race is getting close. How does one hold it together the last couple of weeks, the last day before the race? How does one not just go insane? Then I remind myself that I can hold it together. I just won't think about it. Is that possible?

So yea.... Ironman training is the ultimate mind f*ck. A roller coaster that goes on for months! I'm ready for it to end, but also sad to know it's going to end.

[colby]

Nice number Colby!

If you haven't been doing protein in training... I would say you might not want to try it on race day. Nothing new on race day.

I know for some, protein can upset their tummies.

I have some protein in my Infinit mix that I do, but I have lowered that a lot because I don't like the foam it produces in the drink. I also think it makes the drink taste funny.

Now I do the Accel gels with protein and my tummy does those fine. If you don't have a sensitive stomach you can probably pull those off race day.

But... nothing new race day. :)

I have to mix up the protein drink the night before and let the foam reduce. The amount that is generated after that is pretty negligible, but I do have to mix and let it sit for about an hour. It's annoying. I do well with protein on the ride, even if I start out on a relatively empty stomach, but I do alternate every 15 minutes between just gels and drink with protein. I believe I was underfueled on my HIM anyway, and that will make a HUGE difference come the run on race day this time.

So far I can tolerate all gels I've tried (my stomach can, even if they taste terrible - curse you orange creamsicle flavor!!), and all sports drinks I've tried (though I am not a huge fan of lemon lime gatorade!), along with the protein on the ride... I just can't do solids. Maybe I'll pick some up and try them this weekend/next week and make a decision... I swear I'm making it all 26.2 gosh darn miles either way, and I can always go with my tried and true Hammer raspberry-banana. What's 5 more hours of raspberry-banana? ;)

Weather looks nice today (today's run was in actual tri shorts and actual sleeveless shirt), but... WINDY. We can't win!

Yesterday I did get confirmation they are expecting the water to be sub-60 degrees, are requiring wetsuits, recommending neoprene caps, and allowing booties. I haven't swam with booties before... anyone have thoughts on that? I will definitely score a couple neoprene caps before I go out swimming this weekend (I WILL swim in open water this weekend).

[colby]

Oh yea, I posted this in my BT Training Log the other day... maybe you can relate?

YES. :) The rollercoaster could in and of itself exist in a 5 minute period. One minute, I'm awesome, the next minute, I'm afraid.

I have managed to get through this week by pretending it's just something normal people do. Thursday or Friday, check in, Saturday, bike check, Sunday, Ironman. What's so abnormal about that? This week, people put up Ironman signs in their shops... I just say "wait, there's an Ironman here?" ;)

"Stick with the plan" is my other coping mechanism. Just keep reading and doing the plan, don't think about the fact that it runs out in 8 days. I've been practicing "stick with the plan" for the last 6+ months, I'm good at that.

If I think about it too much at night, I actually wind myself up so much I can't sleep. Before a lot of my long bike rides, especially after I got my new bike, I was thinking "I really am doing this" and it'd keep me restless for hours with that "pre-race" jitters, even though the race was far away.

I'm not ashamed to admit I got teary exactly like you describe finishing my first marathon (I don't remember any other events quite so significantly). It was such an amazing and grueling experience for me. It makes me teary just thinking about it, and the same for finishing Ironman - watching OTHER people finish anything significant (to them) makes me teary if I put myself in their shoes. I was clear eyed by the time I found my family, but those first few steps in the finish chute after I realized I finished... awesome... in the original sense of the word.

I have just been working on the assumption that I'll finish. If something comes up that prevents it... so be it. There's another one next year. But, if you train for it, it's doable. :)

8 days, 13 hours.

[colby]

I'm using the breathing techniques a pregnant friend of mine is learning in her child birthing classes to get through the week. ;)

Swam in the lake (not the same lake as the IM, we had technical difficulties locating and affixing our kayak rack and opted to stay local). Yeah, it was cold. My fingers and toes were a little chilly in the deeper water. I did not wear a neoprene cap, but will be buying one to wear for sure next weekend - I think that would help with the extremities. Not sure on the booties. Maybe I'll order some up to have just in case, and try swimming with to see the difference. Once I start swimming I can't really pee in my suit to warm up, though I imagine if I stopped after a hard effort I could. Something in my body turns off that reflex once we're moving... ;)

I wore my heart monitor for some objective information. When I first got in, OMG cold, and swam some breaststroke and tried to switch, it was in the 140s. After I was comfortable swimming and would stop to talk to my husband, in the 120s. That "expose yourself to the shock before you start swimming" technique has a measurable difference. :) For my first OWS (yeah yeah, I know it's close to d-day, but everything was so cold), it felt really good. The wetsuit sure is a pain in the rear to put on, and take off, next step practice removing top while still wearing watch and running out of water.

Wetsuit lesson learned: bodyglide the poop out of the back of my neck (and wrists, and ankles). I learned this lesson last year, and forgot. My neck looks like it has hickies all over the back because of the chafing in my hairline. Ow ow ow... using some Burt's Bees magic to help me get over that ASAP so I can slap the suit back on. I will wait until it's healed (can't afford to make it worse and be MORE uncomfortable) - should be fine tomorrow.

Yesterday's brick felt good! 2 hrs bike, 30 min run (then an hour or so of swimming... too bad it wasn't in the right order, it would have been between a sprint and oly!). Riding Lucy sure does benefit my legs on the run, they feel tired (relative to starting a run fresh), but not stumpy. That or my brain has also adjusted to the concept, and that's just what we do, run after we bike. Who doesn't do that?

Lucy needs to go to the bike shop for some tuning in her "standing while climbing a short climb or riding into terrible wind" gears, not the super granny but the set right above. One or two of them want to slip if you apply too much pressure, which doesn't really help in either of the above situations, it's hard to get rhythm. We'll be going in tomorrow, worst case have to leave her overnight. Thank heaven for small (good) shops.

We saw an IM commercial on TV last night. Signs everywhere now. At lunch, we went to our local sandwich shop, who also know about my IM... love them to death, but "so are you excited about Sunday?" sure is a loaded question to be asking at t-minus 6 days! :o

Easy week this week, I am adjusting my sleep schedule earlier so the 4-5am start on Sunday doesn't seem so rough (you know it's going to anyway, but I'm going to TRY). I don't think too much about what's coming or I get the butterflies. Stick with the plan! As I told my husband, this is first-timer's syndrome that I have right now, I've felt it before. Everything is so unknown... after I get through it, the next time (if there is a next time) won't be like this.

Hanging in there... I think?

[colby]

http://www.kxly.com/Global/story.asp?S=8514134 :)

Summary of this week: I have no brain.

[colby]

http://www.kxly.com/Global/story.asp?S=8514134 :)

Summary of this week: I have no brain.

+1

Help, I'm going nuts... ;)

Took my bike for her last checkup...missed the shop closing by 1 minute. Darn!

[KSH]

Thanks for all the updates! HANG IN THERE!

I know what you mean... if you think TOO MUCH about it... it makes you all nervous and worried. If you think, "it's just another day", it's calming.

The night before any race, I lay down in bed and I make myself NOT think about the race. I hope I can do that the night before my IM so I can get some rest.

So we will be tracking you on race day. Stick to the plan. Keep moving forward. Have a positive attitude and don't let little things derail your mind set. Don't eat the paste and remind yourself why you are out there when your mind wants to tell you to stop.

[teigyr]

SO exciting. Do you have your number yet? I'm sorry...have been on vacation and am just now catching up.

Let's hope for good weather!!! I'm sure you will do great and imagine just how wonderful you'll feel crossing the finish line.

[KSH]

SO exciting. Do you have your number yet? I'm sorry...have been on vacation and am just now catching up.

Let's hope for good weather!!! I'm sure you will do great and imagine just how wonderful you'll feel crossing the finish line.

1828 ... it's a good number!

[colby]

Thanks so much. :) :)

I didn't get to do any Iron Things today, other than a very enjoyable bike ride. It felt nice. We went to lunch and spotted many Iron Persons, and I saw a bunch on my ride. The dude at the bike shop took Lucy for a test ride to make sure her gears were not slipping, and also cleaned and tried to get her seat post from creaking... yeah, she's creaking already. Stubborn!! ;)

Tomorrow, I will check in and get my stuff, and go to the meeting at 7:30. A friend of mine's baby shower is at 6, though, with a lot of our co-workers... I'll have to make a slippery escape. ;)

Wardrobe... I was riding my long rides in an extra pair of shorts, but I don't move on the seat as much when I stick with the tri shorts. I do get a little extra chafing without the extra pair. I don't really care about the chamois, but... Bah! Choices. I like the idea of not having to add things in transition, but I don't like the idea of hours of chafing.

I suck at getting sunblock on my shoulders and tested running in my bike jersey (short sleeves, no elastic, with a collar to protect the back of my neck, loose fitting) with gels in the pockets, felt fine. It's more important for me to NOT get sunburned for 12+ hours than to look like a super spiffy triathlete as I roll across that finish line. ;)

Water... 54 degrees at 07:00 today. We might get lucky and get close to 57 or 58, but it's looking chilly. I forgot to pick up a neoprene cap at the shop, but will be doing so just in case. Hoping to swim in the lake tomorrow or Saturday.

Brain... what brain? Grab phone, place in pocket. Forget bag. Come downstairs. Dear, where's my bag? Oh... forgot that upstairs. Sherpa retrieves bag. Dear, where's my phone? Oh... probably upstairs. Sherpa goes upstairs. Phone not there. Phone in pocket. Nice. :p Go to pick up bike... start heading toward work instead. Jeepers. I call it "Iron Brain" -- the weird thing is it's not really a conscious distraction, I'm not really thinking "dang, I have so much to do this weekend," but my brain is apparently doing too many things in the background. Breathe.. relax..

Probably going to stay with my friend on Saturday night and have someone drop me off in the morning instead of leaving my car and having to get out of there. Thinking will probably not be my strong suit at that point anyway. :)

So... stick with the plan.

PS: 2 days, 9 hours.

[salsabike]

Go Colby! Our massed mental power will be with you.

[nonsmoker3]

I don't post much, but have been following your training and will follow you during your race. You will kick a$$!!!!

Thanks for your posts. You, Wahine, and KSH have been motivating for me, reading about your training and dedication.

You are an inspiration to us wannabees. I am doing my first tri tomorrow and feel a bit calmer about it because of your positive and insightful posts!

You just never know who you touch, inspire, or motivate!

Good vibes for tomorrow! I can't wait for the RR.

[Wahine]

Wooooooo hoooooooooo!!!!! Have a great race!!

[spindizzy]

Go Colby! I have butterflies in my stomach; you've done a fantastic job of sharing your journey with us!

[HillSlugger]

I'm looking forward to your race report!

[Running Mommy]

So out of the loop lately that I TOTALLY forgot that cda was today! DOH!
Turning on IMlive right now!

[salsabike]

TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:40:36)

[KSH]

BIKE SPLIT 1: 34 mi 34 mi. (2:07:25) 16.01 mph

[salsabike]

BIKE SPLIT 2: 90 mi 56 mi. (3:34:47) 15.64 mph

Yeah! Go Nicole!

[salsabike]

BIKE SPLIT 3: 112 mi 22 mi. (1:26:22) 15.28 mph
TOTAL BIKE: 112 mi 112 mi. (7:08:34) 15.68 mph

[teigyr]

This is exciting, isn't it.

Go Nicole!!! I've been checking the Ironman website all day :D:D:D

[btchance]

She's out of T2 in 13:52 and on the run course. Go girl! You're doing great :D

[crazycanuck]

Colby-Keep goin! You're amazing for doing an IM!:D

[KSH]

BIKE SPLIT 1: 34 mi 34 mi. (2:07:25) 16.01 mph
BIKE SPLIT 2: 90 mi 56 mi. (3:34:47) 15.64 mph
BIKE SPLIT 3: 112 mi 22 mi. (1:26:22) 15.28 mph


TOTAL BIKE: 112 mi 112 mi. (7:08:34) 15.68 mph


Great job Colby!

[Running Mommy]

Just saw Momelisa (hasn't been on here for a while) finish!!! GO MELISA!!!!!!!!
And GO COLBY!!!! I'm thinking about you and waiting to hear your name as I do my boring quick books entry

[btchance]

Great job girl!!! You are officially an Ironman :D

TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (7:09:04) 16:22/mile 1897 65

Final results: swim 1:40:36 bike 7:08:34 run 7:09:04 total 16:26:00 overall place 1897 division place 65

[Pika]

Awesome Colby!!!!
I have such huge respect fro anyone who even attempts an ironman- and you did great!!
way to go!

[KSH]

Congratulations Colby!

[salsabike]

Colby, congratulations! We have another TE Ironman.

[alpinerabbit]

Congratulations :cool:(this should be blinky)

anyway, we want a race report...

[jesvetmed]

CONGRATULATIONS, MISS IRONMAN!!!!
I hope you are resting well and feeling ok today. AWESOME JOB! Tell us all about it when you can muster the energy!

[Skeezix]

AW! YAYA!!! Congrats!

[colby]

Just posted my report... probably missed some details, I don't quite feel human :)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24406