Hmmm.....

[betagirl]

So in my excitement to sign up for my first aquabike (dang peer pressure) I didn't think about the time of year it was being held. I have crohn's disease and it's rather cyclical. Let's all guess when I usually flare up! November. The Miami man is mid November. Last year in late August I completely tanked on the bike, lost all my endurance and speed. I simply gave up because I was so frustrated and didn't ride from september until like April of this year. Fatigue is a big factor with my illness, and one of the early signs things are brewing. I'm finding myself freakin' tired, sleeping more, etc. once again. I didn't ride for a week since I was out of town, and today will be my first day back on the bike. I also am doing my first swim training today. Hence the ungodly hour. Normally I pop out of bed between 5:30 and 6. Today I had to drag myself out. Grant it I had difficulty sleeping last night, so hopefully it's just that.

My goal for miami man has become to simply finish the event. My doc doesn't know yet that I'm trainnig for this, but he is aware of how much I cycle. I plan on telling him at my next appointment. Which is soon, since I'm back on the every 6 week doc appt. schedule.

It'll be interesting to see how I do in the pool today. Does anyone have any advice? Perhaps the minimalists guide to tri training? The event is a 1.2 mile swim and 43 mile bike ride. I'm a fairly seasoned swimmer, just out of shape in that department. I did buy a wetsuit yesterday.

The hardest thing will be the psychological state of mind, and keeping myself positive and focused. Thanks for listening.

[Lise]

beta, I'm sorry to hear it's feeling so hard right now. You know your body so well that I trust you'll work with and honor both limitations and strengths.

Eric Harr wrote a book called Triathlon Training in 4 Hours a Week. It was my guide book for the first couple years, and I still refer back. After all, I didn't have TE yet! You can get the minimalist approach to adequate training from him.

I'd say that if you really want to do Miami Man, then focus your efforts toward that, and conserve energy. Only do what is in the service of training for that event.

Good to see you around here. Take care, L.

[KSH]

Betagirl, congrats on signing up for the Aquathon! That sounds so very exciting! I was going to do one around here (Texas), but the entry fee is $175 (same price as doing the full Half Ironman), so I am passing on it.

You have so much courage and inner strength to sign up for something like this... and for cycling... when you have a disease that makes you feel weak and tired.

As Lise said, listen to your body... and do what you can do. It certainly sounds like you will do a fine job of finishing the aquathon.

Good luck and feel free to keep us posted on how the training is going.

[betagirl]

Cool, thanks Lise!

So I went to the local university's pool and it was closed They don't open until Sept 5th. I did get in a 7 mile bike ride at least. I guess it's Lake Michigan for me for a while. Not today though. Tomorrow definitely. Will be able to try out the new wet suit.

I've definitely resumed my addiction to Starbucks "black eyes". My other concern is I'm not even in school yet. My schedule is busy, very busy. In 6 days I tack on 5 classes and starting my dissertation.

I'm dead

But I'm geared up to do my commute into work today. I felt pretty good on the bike, though I was going only 16 mph. One day at a time I suppose should be my new motto through November

[LynneK]

Hi beta,

Don't know where in Chicago you are, but the Park District pools are OK for swimming, especially the one at Welles Park at Montrose/Lincoln. There's also one just south of Irving Park and Broadway.

LK

[Lise]

Good Lord, girl. You've got the "tenacity" thing working for you! Have you checked out the YMCA or OP Park district pools? You might could get in some lap swimming there. (Isn't that a funny turn of phrase, "might could"? No idea where I picked that one up.)

For inspiration, make sure to read my race report up in ... Race Reports. It could be titled "Last Out Of the Water, But Not Last To Finish". L.