Pay Day Is Tomorrow

I can't believe it is almost race time. All of the planning and work over the last 6 years of triathlons comes down to tomorrow. Tomorrow I get a chance to truly test my limits and see where they are. I am not sure what is going to happen, but what kind of a challenge is it if we know the outcome before we begin? One thing I will guarantee. I will leave every ounce of energy I have on the race course. Through the mononucleosis, injuries, full time school, and other commitments, I am proud to arrive at the start line in one piece. I will give Ironman Wisconsin my very best shot. No sense in leaving any bullets in the holster.

I want to say a big thank you to all the people for the well wishes and promises of prayers on race day. I will need every last one of them. I am extremely lucky for all of the support I have been given. I am even getting support from from my kids' friends in our neighborhood. Grace reminded me "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Smart girl. Good artist too.

Packing for The Ironman

Wow! I think I have acquired a Masters degree in Ironman packing the last few days. I just want to race. When I get to the start line I will actually be relieved.

Training Summary of Late

Allright!!! I haven't posted in a while. Let me fill you in on my training.
Early in the summer I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Obviously after that I did not feel like posting daily about laying around on the couch. That is what I actually did for almost 1 full month (doctor's orders). After that I was trying to play catch up for the rest of the summer. Needless to say, playing catch up in Ironman training is not an ideal situation. I did eventually get my bike and run endurance back but I don't know that I ever completely regained my speed or strength. The full 1 month layoff took away my base mileage and I put all my efforts into rebuilding the endurance. Here are some of the key workouts that I did between June 17th and August 15th.

• BIKE : 10 different times I rode between 80 and 102 miles
• Run : 4 runs between 13 and 20 miles & 4 hill repeat workouts up mighty Ethel Ave.
• Swim: Unfortunately I had lots of problems with cramping and never really did much more that half of the race distance. I am hoping that on the big day being fully rested will really help me.

After August 15th my workouts have been very short. A pesky little think called nursing school has kept me from biking or swimming almost completely. I have mostly done short runs. So on the positive side I have one heck of a taper going. September 13th is going to be a very special day!

Swimming a little faster

My swim times at each distance were a little bit faster today.
Swimming = 1,650 yards total

• 8 x 50
• 1 x 200 @ 3:04
• 1 x 800 @ 12:49
• 1 x 200 @ 3:02
• 1 x 50

Today's weight on the YMCA scale = 178.5LBS

Building Bike Endurance

Today was another day for building bike endurance. It was windy again, but I felt a little bit more strength and speed in my legs.

Total Distance = 74.31 Miles

Average Speed = 16.5MPH

Zack and Craig's Tour of The Midwest

IronCraig http://schlawin.blogspot.com/ and I decided to go for a bike ride today. At the start of the ride we were not sure where we were going to go or exactly how far. We just kind of kept going a little bit further. We were going at a very easy pace. Eventually we had made our way into Wisconsin and kept going for almost 10 more miles. When we turned around, we realized we were heading into the wind. This made for a long and slow return trip. But it was good training and a good time. Here are the totals:

Total Distance = 71.66Miles

Total Ride Time = 4:48:00

Average Pace = 15MPH

Double Duty

I hope to make some real improvement in swim times and body weight over the next month. I need to be real careful about what I eat and monitor my weight closely. The Ironman is no place for extra poundage. This morning's weight at the YMCA was 182LB.
1)AM Workout:
Swim = 1,700 yards total

• 8 x 50
• 1 x 200 @ 3:10
• 1 x 500 @ 8:20
• 1 x 200 @ 3:07
• 8 x 50

2)PM Workout(No rest between sets)

1. Jump Rope = 250
2. Wide Grip Pullup = 11
3. Burpees = 15
4. Dips = 16
5. Jump Rope = 250
6. Close Grip Pullup = 11
7. Burpees = 15
8. Planks = 1:00
9. Jump Rope = 250
10. Incline Dumpell Press = 65LB x 7
11. Burpees = 15
12. Body Weight Rows = 12
13. Jump Rope = 250
14. Close Grip Pushups = 16
15. Burpees = 15
16. Hang Clean, Front Squat, Push Press = 35LB x 7 (Dumbells)

Total Time = 20:59