The monkey is off my back...

[Crankin]

I give you credit for riding 100 in that horrendous Phx traffic. My husband is flying home today, after being there for a week dealing with ailing parents. He brought his Bike Friday and did 2 shortish rides. He said the 7.5 mile ride from his parents apt. to our old house in south Tempe was frightening... and this from someone who is a fearless rider. He told me that when he stuck his arm out, way in advance to move into the lane for a left turn, nobody would let him in!
Next time we go out, I will definitely be calling you for routes that are WAY far away from my old neighborhood!
Good luck with the IMAZ.

Robyn

[jesvetmed]

Yeah RM!!!!
And to think, in the race you shouldn't have much traffic at all to deal with -- at least not the 4-wheel kind! Without the distractions, you will do just awesome!

[jesvetmed]

KSH: Came across this website http://www.sportsfun.com/gaba/ridemaps.html
for a local bike club. It lists lots of rides of varying lengths. Having spent a little time near PHX, I'd say GET OUT if you want a peaceful ride! Go north near beautiful sedona, etc. I'm sure the locals can give you great advice.

[knapplaura]

Denise,
Congrats! I know you must feel better! I did 101 last weekend for the first time since AUG; my current 'training plan' (which I am not following too closely) said to hold off on the century till now anyways.

I am also scared that I will not do as well this year as last year. Training here in Alabama without my old support group is just not the same. And I have had lots of running injuries so my running miles are much lower.

My longest run so far is 11 miles; not nearly enough. I am doing maybe 13 or 14 for the next few long runs and then bringing the mileage back down. AAGH!

So, without totally hijacking your thread with my own worries, I am with you this year on the very big nervousness. Just really hoping that the 3rd year of training/racing will pull through with some 'residual fitness' dividends that are not apparent right now.

good luck in the next few weeks, hang in there!
Laura

[spindizzy]

RM you've overcome a huge mental barrier! Don't let your brain talk you out of what you are capable of. Way to go!!!

[Running Mommy]

OMG! we are in the same boat! My longest run has been 13!!!!!!

So we will be suffering together!

You know, you've had a big life change to, and it is what it is. Don't put any pressure on yourself. Lets just go out there and have fun!

[KSH]

KSH: Came across this website http://www.sportsfun.com/gaba/ridemaps.html
for a local bike club. It lists lots of rides of varying lengths. Having spent a little time near PHX, I'd say GET OUT if you want a peaceful ride! Go north near beautiful sedona, etc. I'm sure the locals can give you great advice.

Cool! Thanks!

[knapplaura]

Denise,
Thanks so much! I am so looking forward to seeing you at the IM. We just have to keep reminding ourselves, that for 99.9% of the population, getting in Tempe Town Lake at the start of the race is too tough.

The race is a celebration....we have to think that. I have people coming in from NY, TX, AZ and Kansas to spectate...it scares me w/pressure but really should not. It means people really care; I know you have lots of fans on the course and virtually that you can draw strength from too.

You can do this race! If you have not read recently, review Gordo's website (or "Going Long") and Endurance Nation by Rich Strauss. So much of race day is EXECUTION. Your fitness is a vehicle you drive 140.6 miles. Smart pacing, nutrition, hydration are the key.

Another good book is "IRONFIT" by Don Fink. In it, he has a "just finish" IM training plan and lots of good tips for the "just finish" strategy including how to execute a run/walk plan for the run.

I am doing a 2 hr run this week and the following week will probably back it off. Gotta keep healthy above all. So it is what it is!

stay positive and I'll see you in Phoenix!
Laura

[Running Mommy]

Cool, I'll check out that Ironfit book for sure!
I'm going to do another 100 miler on Sunday. My new training partner is ALL into it! The good thing w/ him is he's new to the game, so he's all motivated.
I ran 15 on Sunday. I was fine while I was running, but was way too sore on Monday for my liking. So yeah, race day is gonna be ugly.

I'm just praying for an AWESOME day weather wise. It's been a windy spring out here, and you know how I feel about wind!
The way I figure it is it can't POSSIBLY be bad two years in a row can it?? hee hee

[knapplaura]

Denise,
Doing a 15 mile run last weekend is awesome! Good job! You are better off than you may realize.

I just did my 'long run"....13 miles and it was hard today! The wind was gale-force. I ran for 2 hours and was counting the last 15 minutes down. I still wanted to stop with 5 minutes left; how sad! So, yeah, IM is gonna hurt!

I am doing a long bike ride this weekend too, shooting for 113 miles but we'll see.

So the wind has been up in Phoenix?...great! Tailwind! Gotta think positive. At least on the course we get a tailwind for part of the way!

Good luck with the long ride this weekend, let me know how it goes.

Laura