Christmas night I finally sat down and watched the NBC coverage of the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI. I see this program every year and it's the first time that I can remember them showing how brutal an Ironman bonk can be. Did you see it? Folk staggering, sobbing, crashing, barfing, and getting carried off on stretchers. Good family fun! They still can't do the race justice by editing it down to a little over 1-hour of air time, but I applaud them for allowing viewers to see it's not all about story book endings.
I read and copied this quote when training for Ironman in 2007. I can't remember who wrote it (maybe it's in "Going Long" by Friel & Byrn?), but I used this passage to keep me focused during training,
"The Ironman rewards preparation, planning and patience and it can brutally punish those under prepared, those with self doubt, those who are physically under -trained and equally those that assume their right of passage instead of earning it.
I often think a video clip showing athletes at the back of the run course, sobbing in pain or just sheer fatigue would portray a very realistic side of the Ironman. This portrayal would not be good for marketing, but the reality of the event is that if you get it wrong, you usually get it horribly wrong."
Most athletes have a good healthy respect of the Ironman distance. But I can attest that it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling this "right of passage." In the past couple years I've surrounded myself with Ironman freaks - literally hundreds of athletes that live and breathe Ironman. We publicly track training metrics. We talk about training, gear, and nutrition. We plan epic training weeks and share race reports. Training and racing is still cool, but the magic can get stripped away. It's like waking up one morning and realizing Santa isn't real. Christmas is still cool, but the mystique is gone forever.
Converting my mindset from simply wanting to finish strong to wanting to compete and contend is proving to be so very hard! My ego has taken a good healthy pounding by masses of athletes that can just simply kick my ass. I've been practicing what I preach to my boys, "If you want to get stronger, you should play with the bigger boys." It's a difficult position because, even though I can't keep up with the varsity kids, many of my JV buds no longer want to train with me as I get faster. The way I see it, the only thing to do is keep my foot on the gas pedal.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Run Challenge
I'll be interrupting my normal training to participate in the Endurance Nation holiday run challenge. http://www.endurancenation.us/en_coach/challenge_run_Dec2008.php. If you have any interest in participating in one or all runs with me, let me know! I'm thinking a group run on New Year's Day might be fun (& interesting)!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Craving a Silent Night
My little experiment netted a little over 20 less e-mails per week. The past two weeks I’ve sent 51 new e-mails as opposed to my previous 70+ weekly average. This was a really healthy exercise that I hope to sustain over the long haul. If you figure that an e-mail consumes 3-minutes of time on average, I’ve either gained an hour per week or used that time communicating with colleagues in a more effective way. Win – win.
This time of year is pretty tough on me. My quiet alone time almost completely evaporates among the cacophony of parties, sporting events, travel time, & church activities. Work doesn’t slow down for the holidays anymore (I’m thankful for this given our economic crisis). Added to the noise this year is the ongoing renovation to our home. We’ve been living in a partial, dusty home for quite a while now. Introverts need their sleep & quiet brain recharging time! Two moments in particular sustained my week – One evening Kyle & I shared a couch and read in a quiet room for an hour. Last night we sat and watched a movie in a quiet room. No channel surfing, no kids arguing, no telephone rings, no food / candy negotiations. Just quiet – family – time.
Planning the upcoming triathlon season has also been therapeutic. I’m thinking of turning exercise ascetic for some time this year - Just me, my bike, some books, and a bed.
My body seems to be adapting to the new off season training stimulus. No arrhythmia issues for a couple of weeks despite pushing hard on several workouts. This makes me very happy! Last year at this time was one of the more stressful periods of my life as we were trying to diagnose my condition.
I wish you a peaceful Christmas. Count your blessings. Reflect on the past year. Listen to your calling and plan accordingly.
This time of year is pretty tough on me. My quiet alone time almost completely evaporates among the cacophony of parties, sporting events, travel time, & church activities. Work doesn’t slow down for the holidays anymore (I’m thankful for this given our economic crisis). Added to the noise this year is the ongoing renovation to our home. We’ve been living in a partial, dusty home for quite a while now. Introverts need their sleep & quiet brain recharging time! Two moments in particular sustained my week – One evening Kyle & I shared a couch and read in a quiet room for an hour. Last night we sat and watched a movie in a quiet room. No channel surfing, no kids arguing, no telephone rings, no food / candy negotiations. Just quiet – family – time.
Planning the upcoming triathlon season has also been therapeutic. I’m thinking of turning exercise ascetic for some time this year - Just me, my bike, some books, and a bed.
My body seems to be adapting to the new off season training stimulus. No arrhythmia issues for a couple of weeks despite pushing hard on several workouts. This makes me very happy! Last year at this time was one of the more stressful periods of my life as we were trying to diagnose my condition.
I wish you a peaceful Christmas. Count your blessings. Reflect on the past year. Listen to your calling and plan accordingly.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tough Love thru E-mail
My "in box" is completely out of control. Last weekend I cut the in-box count by 300+ e-mails and I still can't dig my way out. That only scratched the surface. For the past month or so I've been dishing out some tough love and only reading those e-mails that seem truly urgent or important. Everything else has gone unread. If you are one of those unread affected writers just know that, yes, I still love you. I AM JUST LOSING MY FREAKING MIND with these darn e-mails!!! Ahhhhh (eyes dancing, fingers quaking)!!!!!
I've been looking at my own sending patterns just to make sure I'm practicing what I preach. This week I sent 74 e-mails. Of those, only 16 were initiated by me with new content. My goal next week is to improve that ratio of new content versus perpetuating discussions via Outlook. There are just much better, old fashioned ways to communicate! (Sometimes we don't need to communicate at all - you know, the FYI e-mails and cc: deals)
Just doing my part to stamp out adult ADD.
I've been looking at my own sending patterns just to make sure I'm practicing what I preach. This week I sent 74 e-mails. Of those, only 16 were initiated by me with new content. My goal next week is to improve that ratio of new content versus perpetuating discussions via Outlook. There are just much better, old fashioned ways to communicate! (Sometimes we don't need to communicate at all - you know, the FYI e-mails and cc: deals)
Just doing my part to stamp out adult ADD.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Change of Seasons addendum #1
Friday evening I forgot to mention the importance of nutritional discipline, and how it basically tends to disappear once the triathlon season ends. This fall I started to fall off the caffeine abstinence wagon (I never fully abstained, but managed to reduce daily intake to somewhere around 40 to 50 mg). So yesterday, in my predictable overly reactive fashion, I COMPLETELY abstained from caffeine. I felt fine until I woke this morning with a raging migraine headache! A nice breakfast, a couple Advil and a stiff cup of coffee later and I am now back among the living. Obviously pumping my body full of stimulant has adverse effects on heart rate. Caffeine addiction is practically celebrated among endurance athletes. Not good...
So yesterday morning I said yes to a game of pick-up football. With the stop & go sprinting involved in that sport, I had legitimate fear of bad Afib onset. Early in the game my heart was fluttering a bit, but I was able to keep a quiet mind (also a factor in preventing onset) and prevented my heart from racing. As my body adapted to the game, all symptoms completely disappeared. My old fast twitch gifts kicked into gear and I generally had a blast. So what happened? How could I possibly completely redline and avoid Afib symptoms? I HAVE NO IDEA! It is simply a mystery. Somehow my cardiovascular system found a state of equilibrium as it was simultaneously being thrashed.
So what will happen today as I complete my run workout? My main set will be 2 x 2.5 miles at a zone 3 pace (of 5 training zones). My prediction... If able to keep a quiet mind I'll complete the main set without having to shut it down. If not, I'll be walking. We'll see what happens!
So yesterday morning I said yes to a game of pick-up football. With the stop & go sprinting involved in that sport, I had legitimate fear of bad Afib onset. Early in the game my heart was fluttering a bit, but I was able to keep a quiet mind (also a factor in preventing onset) and prevented my heart from racing. As my body adapted to the game, all symptoms completely disappeared. My old fast twitch gifts kicked into gear and I generally had a blast. So what happened? How could I possibly completely redline and avoid Afib symptoms? I HAVE NO IDEA! It is simply a mystery. Somehow my cardiovascular system found a state of equilibrium as it was simultaneously being thrashed.
So what will happen today as I complete my run workout? My main set will be 2 x 2.5 miles at a zone 3 pace (of 5 training zones). My prediction... If able to keep a quiet mind I'll complete the main set without having to shut it down. If not, I'll be walking. We'll see what happens!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Change of Seasons
Alrighty… time to post. Life marches onward.
The boys both won their respective football championships last weekend. I’m proud of them. Not because they were on the winning side, but because they are thriving and generating their own glory days (Although I must admit, watching Kyle pick off two passes and score two touchdowns & a 2-point conversion in the semi-final game caused my voice to disappear for a couple of days!). Their discipline and attitudes remained strong through a long season. I’ve become a big believer in youth football. I could go on about that subject but will save it for future post. Suffice to say, I welcome the youth football debate!
On to basketball we go. Kyle made the Hempfield 5th grade travel squad. I’ll be coaching Colin’s 7th & 8th grade team. Hope the boys are ready to run! :-)
Unfortunately my incidence of heart arrhythmia is on the rise. This is precisely the time last year that it first surfaced with some continuity. (Reflecting on my life before triathlon 7+ years ago, I can remember some incidences during pick-up basketball games). Why? My theory – that no doctor seems to fully comprehend – as follows:
• Stress... October through March is “make or break” time for my department. During these months we simply must acquire about 80% of the work that will carry us through the coming year. Finding, advocating, proposing, defending, risk reviewing, and negotiating… I take these responsibilities and the livelihoods of my employees to heart. I think literally.
• Change of seasons... Darkness. Cold. Cold weather seems to make a difference. Of interest, my father died from a heart arrhythmia in late October several years ago. I don’t think this is coincidence! I think it’s genetic.
• Change in training stimulus… By now I’ve cycled down from my late summer – early fall training peak. I’ve gone through some period of “de-training.” Now I hit myself with short & intense workouts aimed at boosting functional threshold and VO2 max. This might not be the best approach for a chap with my condition.
I’m going to stick with my training plan unless the Afib turns chronic. If it does, I’m going to have to shift gears and follow a more traditional training approach. I’ll keep you posted! My outlook is good, regardless of outcome.
Happy Thanksgiving…
The boys both won their respective football championships last weekend. I’m proud of them. Not because they were on the winning side, but because they are thriving and generating their own glory days (Although I must admit, watching Kyle pick off two passes and score two touchdowns & a 2-point conversion in the semi-final game caused my voice to disappear for a couple of days!). Their discipline and attitudes remained strong through a long season. I’ve become a big believer in youth football. I could go on about that subject but will save it for future post. Suffice to say, I welcome the youth football debate!
On to basketball we go. Kyle made the Hempfield 5th grade travel squad. I’ll be coaching Colin’s 7th & 8th grade team. Hope the boys are ready to run! :-)
Unfortunately my incidence of heart arrhythmia is on the rise. This is precisely the time last year that it first surfaced with some continuity. (Reflecting on my life before triathlon 7+ years ago, I can remember some incidences during pick-up basketball games). Why? My theory – that no doctor seems to fully comprehend – as follows:
• Stress... October through March is “make or break” time for my department. During these months we simply must acquire about 80% of the work that will carry us through the coming year. Finding, advocating, proposing, defending, risk reviewing, and negotiating… I take these responsibilities and the livelihoods of my employees to heart. I think literally.
• Change of seasons... Darkness. Cold. Cold weather seems to make a difference. Of interest, my father died from a heart arrhythmia in late October several years ago. I don’t think this is coincidence! I think it’s genetic.
• Change in training stimulus… By now I’ve cycled down from my late summer – early fall training peak. I’ve gone through some period of “de-training.” Now I hit myself with short & intense workouts aimed at boosting functional threshold and VO2 max. This might not be the best approach for a chap with my condition.
I’m going to stick with my training plan unless the Afib turns chronic. If it does, I’m going to have to shift gears and follow a more traditional training approach. I’ll keep you posted! My outlook is good, regardless of outcome.
Happy Thanksgiving…
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Playoff Bound...
Both boys' football teams look strong heading into the playoffs this weekend. Kyle had another big 50-yard reception last week to help seal a 14 - 0 win. So cool! Hopefully we have games for a few more weeks!
I started my Endurance Nation Off Season plan this week. My focus for the next 15-weeks will be low volume, high intensity - an attempt to boost my top end speed on the bike and run. I'll say bye-bye to the pool for a little while.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Random October thoughts...
On fitness - Darkness + cooler temperatures = hibernation. I'm really untired. I still manage to get some exercise in every day, but it doesn't resemble training in form, focus or effort!
On cycling - I went on a legitimate rock hopping mountain bike ride last weekend. I only screamed like a little girl once. I only ended up on my back side three times. The bruises on my abdominals are already turning yellow, so I'm about ready to hit the trails again.
On living arrangements - Contractors started tearing our house apart two weeks ago. The house is still bearable to live in, but life will get much more complicated when the boys don't have to go to football practice every night. The work should be done by XMas.
On football - I just don't get tired of watching the boys play. I definitely have a football addiction.
On work - People generally like me more now that I'm not so grumpy. I'm using the off season to take care of some bigger picture initiatives. I'm lucky to LOVE my career. It's an interesting time to be in the energy biz.
On cycling - I went on a legitimate rock hopping mountain bike ride last weekend. I only screamed like a little girl once. I only ended up on my back side three times. The bruises on my abdominals are already turning yellow, so I'm about ready to hit the trails again.
On living arrangements - Contractors started tearing our house apart two weeks ago. The house is still bearable to live in, but life will get much more complicated when the boys don't have to go to football practice every night. The work should be done by XMas.
On football - I just don't get tired of watching the boys play. I definitely have a football addiction.
On work - People generally like me more now that I'm not so grumpy. I'm using the off season to take care of some bigger picture initiatives. I'm lucky to LOVE my career. It's an interesting time to be in the energy biz.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Big Dance
Today’s the big show in Kona, Hawaii… The Ironman World Championships. All long course athletes dream of getting there. All but 200 (I think) athletes get there by qualifying through another Ironman event. The remaining 200 are selected through a lottery system.
As badly as I want to make it to the big dance, I’ve decided not to enter the lottery. At best my chances are very slim of qualifying. Slim - but not impossible. As long as I think there’s ANY possibility of qualifying, I will try to get there through sweat, blood and guts rather than through luck. If I’m ever able to reach the starting line of IMHI, I want to feel as if I’ve earned it.
For me, qualifying for Kona is the stretchiest of stretch goals. The Ironman motto is “Impossible is nothing.” There are many folks (including several voices in my own head) that like to tell me that qualifying is impossible for a non-lifetime endurance athlete. That might ultimately prove to be true. But I also know that not setting the goal – and not expecting that outcome – will definitely result in failure. So I’m going to go ahead and embrace the motto. I want to race in Kona by qualifying. So there! I said it. Vision without action is hallucination.
Many of my non-endurance athlete peers openly criticize me for pursuing (what is in their minds) a worthless goal. My personal favorite criticism is, “I guess you don’t have anything better to do.” I guess not.
What those folks just don’t get is that extreme endurance sport can be about so much more than athletic achievement. There’s no doubt that I have grown personally, professionally, and spiritually since deciding to proactively pursue athletic goals. Three words: Not a coincidence.
This sport enforces discipline of lifestyle. It holds you accountable for action and inaction. Striving for excellence permeates all facets of life. Humility – Patience – Perspective - Tenacity – Self Awareness – Gratitude – the list goes on… Attributes that transcend athletics and all reinforced through the discipline of the endurance lifestyle.
For sure there are also pitfalls to living this way. Many a triathlete has ditched the family or other relationships / vocations to pursue athletic ambitions. I’m not apologizing for those folks. I’m also not saying I’m perfect. I’m just saying…
As badly as I want to make it to the big dance, I’ve decided not to enter the lottery. At best my chances are very slim of qualifying. Slim - but not impossible. As long as I think there’s ANY possibility of qualifying, I will try to get there through sweat, blood and guts rather than through luck. If I’m ever able to reach the starting line of IMHI, I want to feel as if I’ve earned it.
For me, qualifying for Kona is the stretchiest of stretch goals. The Ironman motto is “Impossible is nothing.” There are many folks (including several voices in my own head) that like to tell me that qualifying is impossible for a non-lifetime endurance athlete. That might ultimately prove to be true. But I also know that not setting the goal – and not expecting that outcome – will definitely result in failure. So I’m going to go ahead and embrace the motto. I want to race in Kona by qualifying. So there! I said it. Vision without action is hallucination.
Many of my non-endurance athlete peers openly criticize me for pursuing (what is in their minds) a worthless goal. My personal favorite criticism is, “I guess you don’t have anything better to do.” I guess not.
What those folks just don’t get is that extreme endurance sport can be about so much more than athletic achievement. There’s no doubt that I have grown personally, professionally, and spiritually since deciding to proactively pursue athletic goals. Three words: Not a coincidence.
This sport enforces discipline of lifestyle. It holds you accountable for action and inaction. Striving for excellence permeates all facets of life. Humility – Patience – Perspective - Tenacity – Self Awareness – Gratitude – the list goes on… Attributes that transcend athletics and all reinforced through the discipline of the endurance lifestyle.
For sure there are also pitfalls to living this way. Many a triathlete has ditched the family or other relationships / vocations to pursue athletic ambitions. I’m not apologizing for those folks. I’m also not saying I’m perfect. I’m just saying…
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Type A has a plan already
It's nice not being exhausted. I've already formulated my basic plan for the next 2 years:
2009: IM 70.3 Rhode Island as "A" race. Sounds like a tough race with lots of rolling hills and a choppy swim. Will do local events as lead up. Probably no camps for me in 2009. I went over my spending limit this year. In late July I plan to travel to Lake Placid with friends with the goal of signing up for the 2010 race.
2010: IM Lake Placid as "A" race. I'm very excited about my lead up that year... My "B" race will be the Desoto American Triple T, a 2-day, 3-triathlon event that covers the entire Ironman distance over the course of the weekend. I tentatively plan to race the Triple T as a 2-man team, where the athletes are allowed to work together (i.e. draft).
2009: IM 70.3 Rhode Island as "A" race. Sounds like a tough race with lots of rolling hills and a choppy swim. Will do local events as lead up. Probably no camps for me in 2009. I went over my spending limit this year. In late July I plan to travel to Lake Placid with friends with the goal of signing up for the 2010 race.
2010: IM Lake Placid as "A" race. I'm very excited about my lead up that year... My "B" race will be the Desoto American Triple T, a 2-day, 3-triathlon event that covers the entire Ironman distance over the course of the weekend. I tentatively plan to race the Triple T as a 2-man team, where the athletes are allowed to work together (i.e. draft).
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Stick a fork in me
I raced for 1-1/2-hours last weekend before my mechanical breakdown. Considering my goal was 10:45, the silver lining to my day was that almost no recovery would be required. I could still race this year before shutting it down. I batted around a few ideas... A late season HIM (there's one in NJ this AM) or, possibly, a run at a BQ at the Harrisburg Marathon. Even with a lack of focus at open marathon racing, my Daniels VDot numbers (48) say I could qualify (sub 3:20).
As the week wore on my body & mind were obviously begging me to shut it down for the year. When my heart was giving me problems during the winter I made an oath to always listen to the signals my body was sending. So I'm doing that. I've officially entered my off season.
So 2008 will go down as the season that I didn't finish a single race. Ironically it was also a breakthrough year in my training. As you might imagine, I have mixed feelings about the way it ended. The word that best describes my thoughts about Chesapeakeman is "disgust." But beyond that sense of unfulfilled potential, there is a huge sense of satisfaction with the season. I am sitting on a new plateau. My fitness gains are still outpacing the effects of aging. IOW - I'm faster than I've ever been (excluding, of course, my ability to run short distances really fast 20+ years ago).
I set a pre-season goal of reaching 4.0 watts per kg on the bike. I didn't quite make it (263 watts over 69.1 kg = 3.81), but I worked awfully hard to get there. Last year I peaked at 3.65 w/kg. 4.0 will now be my goal for '09. I had intended on getting there by working on the numerator AND denominator of that equation. My preseason goal was to show up on race day at 65.9 kg. That would have resulted in a 3.99 at 263 watts. It's become apparent to me that dipping below 69 kg is an uncomfortable place. I'm better off focusing on boosting watts and allowing my weight to fluctuate naturally. I don't struggle with body comp, so I should just let it go.
When I cognitively review my season I'm left with a smile on my face. Focusing on that will help me overcome the race day disappointment in short order. I'm very, very thankful that my atrial fibrillation went into hibernation as the spring of '08 arrived. The one change I'll make in my next training cycle is pre-planning my recovery cycles. I reached a new level of accumulated fatigue in August and September. I think that could have been avoided.
Moving forward I've decided to take a year off of Iron distance training. I signed up for Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island in July 2009. That will be my "A" race. Then, perhaps, a competitive run at IM Lake Placid in 2010. I'm hoping Joe Ruiz will let me tag along on some of his Ironman training rides next spring.
Enough blogging for today. Life is good.
As the week wore on my body & mind were obviously begging me to shut it down for the year. When my heart was giving me problems during the winter I made an oath to always listen to the signals my body was sending. So I'm doing that. I've officially entered my off season.
So 2008 will go down as the season that I didn't finish a single race. Ironically it was also a breakthrough year in my training. As you might imagine, I have mixed feelings about the way it ended. The word that best describes my thoughts about Chesapeakeman is "disgust." But beyond that sense of unfulfilled potential, there is a huge sense of satisfaction with the season. I am sitting on a new plateau. My fitness gains are still outpacing the effects of aging. IOW - I'm faster than I've ever been (excluding, of course, my ability to run short distances really fast 20+ years ago).
I set a pre-season goal of reaching 4.0 watts per kg on the bike. I didn't quite make it (263 watts over 69.1 kg = 3.81), but I worked awfully hard to get there. Last year I peaked at 3.65 w/kg. 4.0 will now be my goal for '09. I had intended on getting there by working on the numerator AND denominator of that equation. My preseason goal was to show up on race day at 65.9 kg. That would have resulted in a 3.99 at 263 watts. It's become apparent to me that dipping below 69 kg is an uncomfortable place. I'm better off focusing on boosting watts and allowing my weight to fluctuate naturally. I don't struggle with body comp, so I should just let it go.
When I cognitively review my season I'm left with a smile on my face. Focusing on that will help me overcome the race day disappointment in short order. I'm very, very thankful that my atrial fibrillation went into hibernation as the spring of '08 arrived. The one change I'll make in my next training cycle is pre-planning my recovery cycles. I reached a new level of accumulated fatigue in August and September. I think that could have been avoided.
Moving forward I've decided to take a year off of Iron distance training. I signed up for Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island in July 2009. That will be my "A" race. Then, perhaps, a competitive run at IM Lake Placid in 2010. I'm hoping Joe Ruiz will let me tag along on some of his Ironman training rides next spring.
Enough blogging for today. Life is good.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Race Day Bust!
Not much in the mood for writing tonight. I'll elaborate another time, but I posted a DNF on Saturday after having bike mechanical issues. Darn! All that training and... ouch!
All is not lost. I had an incredible season of training, which, frankly, is more fun than racing. After experiencing some pesky new health issues I managed to reach a new level of physical fitness. Pretty cool...
All is not lost. I had an incredible season of training, which, frankly, is more fun than racing. After experiencing some pesky new health issues I managed to reach a new level of physical fitness. Pretty cool...
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Arena
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
Teddy Roosevelt
"Citizenship in a Republic,"
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910
One of my favorite passages. So a toast on the eve of Ironman... "Here's to living in the arena!"
When my diagnosis wasn't clear in the winter of '07 - '08 I had a couple of sleepless nights. I never would have guessed that I'd have the opportunity to do this again, let alone just a few months later. Through that time period I had two friends that understood my situation better than anyone else. They were instrumental in helping me remain positive. It was comforting to have friends that had complete empathy. One of those friends was recently hospitalized for his own heart disease. He won't have the opportunity to race Ironman, so I promised I'd race this one in his honor. Steve, when the going gets tough out there tomorrow I'll be thinking about you!
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Mental Game
Five days and counting. It's time for some serious introspection. Once thing I've learned the hard way - If I take myself too seriously, it'll be a very, very long day. I've named my fears... literally. You can go ahead a roll your eyes, but I'm telling you this works and will keep me focused.
The choppy waters of the Chesapeake are "Chuck."
The jellyfish are "Barbara and Margaret."
Inclement conditions are "Mother."
Involuntary adrenaline flow is "Andy."
Of my heart rhythm and asthma issues?
My heart is "Steady Eddie."
My lungs are "Larry and Daryl."
I have two allies on race day, named for my belief in my Endurance Nation training plan...
My extreme fitness is simply "the EN-gine." It won't let me down.
My personal race director is "EN-rique." He is the collective wisdom of the EN forum. He will accompany me on race day, interpreting all that unfolds, keeping me focused on my race plan, and smack me around when I deviate from plan.
I have several key phrases, many of them stolen from last year:
Steady is smooth. Smooth is fast.
One day.
Detach.
No highs - No lows.
Focus.
Smile.
And finally, my chosen mantra...
Hope is stronger than fear. Confidence trumps indecision.
The choppy waters of the Chesapeake are "Chuck."
The jellyfish are "Barbara and Margaret."
Inclement conditions are "Mother."
Involuntary adrenaline flow is "Andy."
Of my heart rhythm and asthma issues?
My heart is "Steady Eddie."
My lungs are "Larry and Daryl."
I have two allies on race day, named for my belief in my Endurance Nation training plan...
My extreme fitness is simply "the EN-gine." It won't let me down.
My personal race director is "EN-rique." He is the collective wisdom of the EN forum. He will accompany me on race day, interpreting all that unfolds, keeping me focused on my race plan, and smack me around when I deviate from plan.
I have several key phrases, many of them stolen from last year:
Steady is smooth. Smooth is fast.
One day.
Detach.
No highs - No lows.
Focus.
Smile.
And finally, my chosen mantra...
Hope is stronger than fear. Confidence trumps indecision.
Friday, September 19, 2008
8 Days Out
Tapering is never easy. Less exercise, less food, more time to obsess about the race. Battling the inevitable self-doubt is difficult although ultimately a healthy exercise in itself. I've developed a strategy to face my fears head on. I don't have time to write about that right now... Will hopefully get to it this weekend.
Just like last year, my body is going through some sort of pre-race metamorphosis. My weight has suddenly dropped by 4 pounds. As long as it doesn't make me weak or sick I invite the little bit of pre-race weight loss. I notice improvement in running when I carry a couple less pounds.
I get a lot of questions about my diet. I stopped counting calories because it's too much work with very little gain. I seem to instinctively know how much, how often and what to eat. Taper time brings on an added dimension of nutritional discipline. My focus over the last two weeks goes like this:
1. Only eat when hungry.
2. Eat as soon as I feel hungry to prevent binging.
3. Replace energy dense foods with nutritionally dense foods. IOW eat a lot of spinach salads, fruits, veggies. Don't eat a lot of breads, pastas, potatoes.
4. Stick to chicken, fish, eggs, and protein shakes as primary sources of protein.
5. Red wine a couple nights per week keeps me from feeling like I'm being deprived.
6. No desserts except for fruit.
7. No nighttime snacks.
8. More calories in AM than PM.
9. Water frequently.
10. Eliminate power/protein bars from diet (I eat a bar each day through peak training).
In the final two days before racing I'll salt my food lightly. The day before the race I'll eliminate fiber from my diet after breakfast and sip Gatorade all day.
There you have it!
Just like last year, my body is going through some sort of pre-race metamorphosis. My weight has suddenly dropped by 4 pounds. As long as it doesn't make me weak or sick I invite the little bit of pre-race weight loss. I notice improvement in running when I carry a couple less pounds.
I get a lot of questions about my diet. I stopped counting calories because it's too much work with very little gain. I seem to instinctively know how much, how often and what to eat. Taper time brings on an added dimension of nutritional discipline. My focus over the last two weeks goes like this:
1. Only eat when hungry.
2. Eat as soon as I feel hungry to prevent binging.
3. Replace energy dense foods with nutritionally dense foods. IOW eat a lot of spinach salads, fruits, veggies. Don't eat a lot of breads, pastas, potatoes.
4. Stick to chicken, fish, eggs, and protein shakes as primary sources of protein.
5. Red wine a couple nights per week keeps me from feeling like I'm being deprived.
6. No desserts except for fruit.
7. No nighttime snacks.
8. More calories in AM than PM.
9. Water frequently.
10. Eliminate power/protein bars from diet (I eat a bar each day through peak training).
In the final two days before racing I'll salt my food lightly. The day before the race I'll eliminate fiber from my diet after breakfast and sip Gatorade all day.
There you have it!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Surviving Part 2
A couple of follow-up thoughts on my last post regarding increased training volume...
1. No injuries or illnesses in '08. Last year I had to nurse a bruised foot and recover from a post half-ironman cold.
2. No "B" races in '08. Even lower priority races require an interruption to consistent training.
That said, my little experiment to find that perfect blend of training, sleeping, parenting, working, etc. has produced a data point... 14-weeks at an average 14-hours of training per week is too freakin' much! I'm whipped. Got no race day mojo. Luckily I have two weeks of taper to go!
Yesterday I completed my final race rehearsal - 112-miles of mind numbing, windy flatness followed by a 4-mile run. The wind was tough. Despite losing my feed bottle somewhere between miles 80 and 85... and then getting bit on the thigh by some vicious little black bug at mile 99, I had a strong, consistent ride.
Time: 5:25:20
TSS: 242.9
IF: 0.669
HRave: 139 BPM
1st Half Time = 2:45:00
2nd Half Time = 2:40:20
PNorm for ride and both halves = 174.
I'm looking forward to frequent aid stations on race day. I just can't carry enough water on these rides to prevent dehydration.
Note for race day: Use the inhaler before starting... Don't wait for problems.
1. No injuries or illnesses in '08. Last year I had to nurse a bruised foot and recover from a post half-ironman cold.
2. No "B" races in '08. Even lower priority races require an interruption to consistent training.
That said, my little experiment to find that perfect blend of training, sleeping, parenting, working, etc. has produced a data point... 14-weeks at an average 14-hours of training per week is too freakin' much! I'm whipped. Got no race day mojo. Luckily I have two weeks of taper to go!
Yesterday I completed my final race rehearsal - 112-miles of mind numbing, windy flatness followed by a 4-mile run. The wind was tough. Despite losing my feed bottle somewhere between miles 80 and 85... and then getting bit on the thigh by some vicious little black bug at mile 99, I had a strong, consistent ride.
Time: 5:25:20
TSS: 242.9
IF: 0.669
HRave: 139 BPM
1st Half Time = 2:45:00
2nd Half Time = 2:40:20
PNorm for ride and both halves = 174.
I'm looking forward to frequent aid stations on race day. I just can't carry enough water on these rides to prevent dehydration.
Note for race day: Use the inhaler before starting... Don't wait for problems.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Survived the Summer
So I finished my long run this morning and am officially tapering toward the big day (although a couple big workouts to go). I’m a subscriber to the Ironman training philosophy that the longest run shouldn’t exceed 2-1/2 hours. Any pure marathoners reading this are probably gasping right now thinking, “No 22 milers? Is this guy nuts?!” Well, yes, of course I’m nuts. I’m voluntarily doing an Ironman. Look - The Ironman marathon is mostly about raw guts. Sub-10 minute miles will have you passing masses of otherwise fit people during the final half of the marathon. There's no healthy way to train for that!
My running and riding paces are slightly faster this year than last. I’m swimming a bit slower. Overall I think I’m in a very good place.
To convince myself I’ve done the requisite training, I sat down and compared my three month lead-up training in ’08 to ’07. Going into that exercise, I would have guessed that my ’08 swimming volume is lower, cycling is significantly higher, and running is slightly higher. Actual results?
• ’08 swimming is more than 8% higher than ’07
• ’08 cycling is more than 9% higher than ‘07
• ’08 running is more than (drum roll please) 56% higher than ’07
• Net training volume is 19% higher than ‘07
How’d I manage that?
For one, I eliminated weight training and substituted swimming and running. I’m a fast twitch guy that doesn’t need supplemental weight training. Save that for the scrawny endurance types. :-)
It also seems I am sneaking in short runs all over the place. Do a swim …follow it with a run. Do a bike… follow it with a run. Make an omelette… follow it with a run. Etc, etc,…
Traditional training philosophy states that you shouldn’t increase training volume by more than 10% per year. All I have to say to that is, “doh!” It wasn’t exactly on purpose and I’ve managed to stay injury free this year (knocking on wood).
My running and riding paces are slightly faster this year than last. I’m swimming a bit slower. Overall I think I’m in a very good place.
To convince myself I’ve done the requisite training, I sat down and compared my three month lead-up training in ’08 to ’07. Going into that exercise, I would have guessed that my ’08 swimming volume is lower, cycling is significantly higher, and running is slightly higher. Actual results?
• ’08 swimming is more than 8% higher than ’07
• ’08 cycling is more than 9% higher than ‘07
• ’08 running is more than (drum roll please) 56% higher than ’07
• Net training volume is 19% higher than ‘07
How’d I manage that?
For one, I eliminated weight training and substituted swimming and running. I’m a fast twitch guy that doesn’t need supplemental weight training. Save that for the scrawny endurance types. :-)
It also seems I am sneaking in short runs all over the place. Do a swim …follow it with a run. Do a bike… follow it with a run. Make an omelette… follow it with a run. Etc, etc,…
Traditional training philosophy states that you shouldn’t increase training volume by more than 10% per year. All I have to say to that is, “doh!” It wasn’t exactly on purpose and I’ve managed to stay injury free this year (knocking on wood).
Monday, August 25, 2008
Chessyman Race Rehearsal #1
The Chesapeakeman course is close enough to home that we loaded up the family truckster and headed south for the day. The wife and kids enjoyed the last day of summer vacation on the bay while I recon’d the course. This ride is totally flat and, coming from hilly country, I had no idea what my ride time would be. I wanted to get an idea in advance of race day.
The wide open roads and abundant wildlife scenery make for a beautiful ride. The course is set up as a 17-ish mile out & back followed by two 47-ish mile loops. Perfect for setting up a pacing strategy. I used the out & back as warm-up and then attempted to negative split the two loops.
In layman's terms I had a good day, finishing in 5-1/2 hours with a negative split. The data reveals I could have actually pushed harder and still have a reasonable chance at running a respectable marathon. So for my next rehearsal in 3-weeks, I'll focus on giving it a little more gas.
Here's the raw data for any geeks checking in:
Goal watts = 182, based on 70% of 260w FTP.
First hour goal = 173 w
Goal headwind watts = 191 w
80°F
Entire workout (170 watts):
Duration: 5:31:45
Work: 3393 kJ
TSS: 248.6 (intensity factor 0.671)
Norm Power: 174
VI: 1.02
Distance: 113.038 mi
Min.Max.Avg
Power: .0.303.170 .watts
Heart rate: .0.0.0 .bpm
Cadence: .30.189.88 .rpm
Speed: .0.26.7.20.4 .mph
SRM #1 (Out & back):
Duration: 54:20
Work: 502 kJ
TSS: 34.2 (intensity factor 0.614)
Norm Power: 160
VI: 1.04
Distance: 17.473 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 222 154 watts
Heart rate: 0 0 0 bpm
Cadence: 30 96 86 rpm
Speed: 0 23 19.3 mph
SRM #2 (Loop #1):
Duration: 2:16:50
Work: 1421 kJ
TSS: 103.7 (intensity factor 0.674)
Norm Power: 175
VI: 1.01
Distance: 47.13 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 303 173 watts
Heart rate: 0 0 0 bpm
Cadence: 36 189 88 rpm
Speed: 0 23.9 20.7 mph
SRM #3 (Loop #2):
Duration: 2:15:30
Work: 1454 kJ
TSS: 108.1 (intensity factor 0.692)
Norm Power: 180
VI: 1.01
Distance: 47.81 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 248 179 watts
Heart rate: 0 0 0 bpm
Cadence: 68 100 89 rpm
Speed: 14.7 25 21.2 mph
Numbers spun a different way…
1st half: 2:48:15, PN 170, VI 1.03, TSS 120.3 (0.655)
2nd half: 2:43:00, PN 178, VI 1.02, TSS 127.7 (0.686)
Nutrition
1,000 calories from Infinit, 1-Clif bar @ 250 calories, 4 gels @ 100 calories = 1,650 calories
300 calories per hour.
Drank as much water as I could carry.
Successes
• Negative split with strong finish.
• Ability to focus on loop #2 (did not take caffeine).
• First long ride in new position. Felt fine. Big difference from previous position!
• Lowest TSS ever for 112 mile ride.
Room for Improvement
• Confidence to ride at higher watts on out & back and loop #1.
• Polar transmitter being serviced. Need HR data on RR#2 in 3 weeks.
• Gut was sick on run… Overheating, dehydration, ran too hard???
• This rehearsal focused on the bike. Need to plan better for 6-mile run on RR#2 (i.e. start slow!).
• Core temperature management. Way too hot.
General Notes
• Tested FTP at 263 and set at 260. Questioning that result… Was it just a really good day?
• Recalibrated SRM 3 times during ride.
The wide open roads and abundant wildlife scenery make for a beautiful ride. The course is set up as a 17-ish mile out & back followed by two 47-ish mile loops. Perfect for setting up a pacing strategy. I used the out & back as warm-up and then attempted to negative split the two loops.
In layman's terms I had a good day, finishing in 5-1/2 hours with a negative split. The data reveals I could have actually pushed harder and still have a reasonable chance at running a respectable marathon. So for my next rehearsal in 3-weeks, I'll focus on giving it a little more gas.
Here's the raw data for any geeks checking in:
Goal watts = 182, based on 70% of 260w FTP.
First hour goal = 173 w
Goal headwind watts = 191 w
80°F
Entire workout (170 watts):
Duration: 5:31:45
Work: 3393 kJ
TSS: 248.6 (intensity factor 0.671)
Norm Power: 174
VI: 1.02
Distance: 113.038 mi
Min.Max.Avg
Power: .0.303.170 .watts
Heart rate: .0.0.0 .bpm
Cadence: .30.189.88 .rpm
Speed: .0.26.7.20.4 .mph
SRM #1 (Out & back):
Duration: 54:20
Work: 502 kJ
TSS: 34.2 (intensity factor 0.614)
Norm Power: 160
VI: 1.04
Distance: 17.473 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 222 154 watts
Heart rate: 0 0 0 bpm
Cadence: 30 96 86 rpm
Speed: 0 23 19.3 mph
SRM #2 (Loop #1):
Duration: 2:16:50
Work: 1421 kJ
TSS: 103.7 (intensity factor 0.674)
Norm Power: 175
VI: 1.01
Distance: 47.13 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 303 173 watts
Heart rate: 0 0 0 bpm
Cadence: 36 189 88 rpm
Speed: 0 23.9 20.7 mph
SRM #3 (Loop #2):
Duration: 2:15:30
Work: 1454 kJ
TSS: 108.1 (intensity factor 0.692)
Norm Power: 180
VI: 1.01
Distance: 47.81 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 248 179 watts
Heart rate: 0 0 0 bpm
Cadence: 68 100 89 rpm
Speed: 14.7 25 21.2 mph
Numbers spun a different way…
1st half: 2:48:15, PN 170, VI 1.03, TSS 120.3 (0.655)
2nd half: 2:43:00, PN 178, VI 1.02, TSS 127.7 (0.686)
Nutrition
1,000 calories from Infinit, 1-Clif bar @ 250 calories, 4 gels @ 100 calories = 1,650 calories
300 calories per hour.
Drank as much water as I could carry.
Successes
• Negative split with strong finish.
• Ability to focus on loop #2 (did not take caffeine).
• First long ride in new position. Felt fine. Big difference from previous position!
• Lowest TSS ever for 112 mile ride.
Room for Improvement
• Confidence to ride at higher watts on out & back and loop #1.
• Polar transmitter being serviced. Need HR data on RR#2 in 3 weeks.
• Gut was sick on run… Overheating, dehydration, ran too hard???
• This rehearsal focused on the bike. Need to plan better for 6-mile run on RR#2 (i.e. start slow!).
• Core temperature management. Way too hot.
General Notes
• Tested FTP at 263 and set at 260. Questioning that result… Was it just a really good day?
• Recalibrated SRM 3 times during ride.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Getting Close to Race Day
If anyone is still reading my infrequently updated blog, the above photo was taken at our surprise birthday party for Lori. That’s Carl with us. His skill at deep tissue massage is largely responsible for keeping us injury free through heavy training. He’s a great guy. Drop me a line if you’d like his contact information.
We returned from Colorado and I started to get sweaty palms and quaking knees when I realized my “A” race was less than seven weeks away. I wrote these notes to reaffirm that I’ve done everything in my ability to ensure being properly prepared.
What have I done differently this year as a step toward improvement?
• Cut out weight training entirely & reduced core training to maintenance only.
• Reduced swim training to make room for bike and run training.
• Long run Weds or Thurs versus Sunday.
• Two long rides on weekends.
• More intensity on rides – more focus on session goals than just getting time in.
• More focus on swimming form.
• Overall bike training volume significantly higher.
• Made adjustments to tri bike fit. Increased drop by 3 cm. Changed hydration system.
• Spent more time learning functionality of SRM.
• Changed run training from HR-based to pace-based.
• Almost eliminated caffeine from diet.
What I plan to do differently on race day:
• Ride closer to my “ceiling.”
• Do not lose focus on bike beyond 75 mile mark.
• More liquid calories.
• Less time in special needs.
• Less time in transition.
• Time “planned” walking through aid stations.
• Run EN pacing goals established by VDOT (Daniels method).
To hit these race goals, I need to do the following in my remaining training:
• Pre-plan and then crush my race rehearsals – pacing, nutrition, focus.
• Experiment with caffeine intake deep into bike rides.
• Pre-plan special needs and transitions. Become more comfortable in ability to “live off the course.”
• Practice walking intervals in my long run training.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
America the Beautiful
We just got home from a pretty incredible trip to Colorado. Although pictures can't capture the full splendor of the mountains majesty, I'm still disappointed with the poor quality of our photos. I think I'm going to invest in a decent camera! Here are some random snapshots...
Taking a break from a canyon mountain bike ride.
Goofing off at the hotel.
Colin airborne on a bungee!
The boys at the US Olympic Training Center. One day before Beijing!
Me at 14,100 feet on Pike's Peak. Cold and thin air! I can only imagine the difficulty of an Everest expedition.
Taking a break from a canyon mountain bike ride.
Goofing off at the hotel.
Colin airborne on a bungee!
The boys at the US Olympic Training Center. One day before Beijing!
Me at 14,100 feet on Pike's Peak. Cold and thin air! I can only imagine the difficulty of an Everest expedition.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Beyond Healthy
It's pouring rain today at the Lake Placid Ironman race. Hard to believe they're all freezing in the rain given the heat and humidity here. I'm not sure which is worse. I'm feeling pretty wilted after my early morning rides this weekend.
My training is definitely more intense than last year. I've moved my long run to mid-week to allow two long rides on the weekends. On Wednesday I ran 16-miles. Thursday and Friday were training days, with a focus on easy aerobic pacing to promote recovery before a big weekend. Saturday was a long and hard (and hot!) ride. Ryan and I covered 85 miles at a 19 MPH pace. This morning I managed 40-miles of interval riding and a four mile brick run.
While I'm managing to hold things together in terms of family & work obligations, I'm definitely on the edge of digging myself into a hole. I sneak naps whenever possible. I've had good success at avoiding alcohol - less success at avoiding caffeine - less success, yet, at avoiding refined sugar. It's hard when your tired, OK!!! I'm fighting an ice cream craving right now...
It can be difficult to do "normal" things during a training peak. This week I succumbed to peer pressure and played wiffleball. Sadly, even wiffleball can lead to injury when your legs and shoulders are weak and trying to recover. The same holds with launching your kids from your shoulders at the pool. Ouch! I'm looking forward to my recovery week - our family vacation in early August.
On an unrelated note - Lori won a 5 mile race... as in won the entire race outright, not just the women's division, on Saturday. She picked a good one to win. First prize was a crisp $100 bill!
My training is definitely more intense than last year. I've moved my long run to mid-week to allow two long rides on the weekends. On Wednesday I ran 16-miles. Thursday and Friday were training days, with a focus on easy aerobic pacing to promote recovery before a big weekend. Saturday was a long and hard (and hot!) ride. Ryan and I covered 85 miles at a 19 MPH pace. This morning I managed 40-miles of interval riding and a four mile brick run.
While I'm managing to hold things together in terms of family & work obligations, I'm definitely on the edge of digging myself into a hole. I sneak naps whenever possible. I've had good success at avoiding alcohol - less success at avoiding caffeine - less success, yet, at avoiding refined sugar. It's hard when your tired, OK!!! I'm fighting an ice cream craving right now...
It can be difficult to do "normal" things during a training peak. This week I succumbed to peer pressure and played wiffleball. Sadly, even wiffleball can lead to injury when your legs and shoulders are weak and trying to recover. The same holds with launching your kids from your shoulders at the pool. Ouch! I'm looking forward to my recovery week - our family vacation in early August.
On an unrelated note - Lori won a 5 mile race... as in won the entire race outright, not just the women's division, on Saturday. She picked a good one to win. First prize was a crisp $100 bill!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Kerr Family Reunion
This weekend is dedicated to Kyle's final baseball tournament of the season. Last weekend we headed to western PA for the Kerr family reunion.
Not sure what's up with my camera, but here are my uncles Emery and Bill. Only 2 of the kids left from Dad's generation.
Sibs, sons, and nephews. I'm not so short in Kerr-land.
An afternoon search for creek creatures.
Not sure what's up with my camera, but here are my uncles Emery and Bill. Only 2 of the kids left from Dad's generation.
Sibs, sons, and nephews. I'm not so short in Kerr-land.
An afternoon search for creek creatures.
Friday, July 4, 2008
June Wrap-up
I had a really great month, starting with another camp in Lake Placid. Seeing the campers training for their Ironman events gave me the fever again and I signed on for the Chesapeakeman Ultra in late September.
This week I had my best cycling power test... ever. My fitness is really kicking in and I'm only 7 watts and 2 pounds short of my pre-medical condition season goal of hitting 4.0 watts/kg functional threshold power. I thought it was a stretch goal at the time. After my heart issue I thought it might never happen, let alone this year. Now sitting at 3.8 w/kg my motto has become "I can." I'm amazed and very thankful... and having loads of fun!
Athletic accomplishments of the month:
First 100-mile ride of the season.
Six other rides greater than 50 miles.
Long run at 1:45.
First 3x swim week of the season.
56-1/2 hours trained.
My goals for July are pretty ambitious... Run 5x/week by end of month, consistently swim 3x/week, long run up to 2:30, hit all ride targets on my plan.
I can, I can, I can...
This week I had my best cycling power test... ever. My fitness is really kicking in and I'm only 7 watts and 2 pounds short of my pre-medical condition season goal of hitting 4.0 watts/kg functional threshold power. I thought it was a stretch goal at the time. After my heart issue I thought it might never happen, let alone this year. Now sitting at 3.8 w/kg my motto has become "I can." I'm amazed and very thankful... and having loads of fun!
Athletic accomplishments of the month:
First 100-mile ride of the season.
Six other rides greater than 50 miles.
Long run at 1:45.
First 3x swim week of the season.
56-1/2 hours trained.
My goals for July are pretty ambitious... Run 5x/week by end of month, consistently swim 3x/week, long run up to 2:30, hit all ride targets on my plan.
I can, I can, I can...
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Field of Dreams
You've seen the movie "Field of Dreams?" Set to the backdrop of baseball, a number of men are given a chance to live out something they've only dreamed of in the past. For one reason or another wishes are granted. Yeah, a little corny for sure, but nevertheless an American classic.
An interesting twist is that the wishes aren't always granted exactly as they've been dreamed. Take Moonlight Graham for instance - A beloved small town doctor that's brought back from the dead and granted his wish to get an official "at bat" in the majors. His exact dream? To stretch a gap shot double into a triple. In "reality" he produces a sacrifice fly before he's sucked from the field to save the life of the main character's daughter. Not very deep, eh?
I had a wish granted last evening - one that I suspected would never be fulfilled. My exact dream? To coach both of my sons in key positions on the same baseball team. I used to have this vision of paying a mound visit to Colin as Kyle, his battery mate, comes out to share in our game changing strategy.
It really played out like this. Kyle fell at a hiking camp and headed for the doctor's office late in the afternoon. As he was getting six stitches to repair his shin, Colin and I drove to Columbia for the final game of his season. As 6:00 approached, it became clear that we were only going to have eight players - a forfeit. I called Lori and asked her to put a uniform on Kyle if he was up for playing. Our opponent graciously allowed us to start the game with 8 players as Kyle and Lori hopped in the Batmobile for Columbia.
One inning later Kyle and his freshly stitched leg arrived and took left field. Colin was on the mound. Kyle was inserted into the #9 hole and led off the top of the third inning. On deck? Our lead-off hitter - Colin. The Kerr boys hitting back-to-back. Pretty cool. I really enjoyed myself. They looked awfully good out there!
Remarkably, I was granted this wish in what will likely be the final game of Colin's baseball "career." Though a good and highly motivated athlete, he doesn't share my passion for baseball. Those boys have no idea how much fun I had last night. By the way, we got our butts kicked.
Life is good.
An interesting twist is that the wishes aren't always granted exactly as they've been dreamed. Take Moonlight Graham for instance - A beloved small town doctor that's brought back from the dead and granted his wish to get an official "at bat" in the majors. His exact dream? To stretch a gap shot double into a triple. In "reality" he produces a sacrifice fly before he's sucked from the field to save the life of the main character's daughter. Not very deep, eh?
I had a wish granted last evening - one that I suspected would never be fulfilled. My exact dream? To coach both of my sons in key positions on the same baseball team. I used to have this vision of paying a mound visit to Colin as Kyle, his battery mate, comes out to share in our game changing strategy.
It really played out like this. Kyle fell at a hiking camp and headed for the doctor's office late in the afternoon. As he was getting six stitches to repair his shin, Colin and I drove to Columbia for the final game of his season. As 6:00 approached, it became clear that we were only going to have eight players - a forfeit. I called Lori and asked her to put a uniform on Kyle if he was up for playing. Our opponent graciously allowed us to start the game with 8 players as Kyle and Lori hopped in the Batmobile for Columbia.
One inning later Kyle and his freshly stitched leg arrived and took left field. Colin was on the mound. Kyle was inserted into the #9 hole and led off the top of the third inning. On deck? Our lead-off hitter - Colin. The Kerr boys hitting back-to-back. Pretty cool. I really enjoyed myself. They looked awfully good out there!
Remarkably, I was granted this wish in what will likely be the final game of Colin's baseball "career." Though a good and highly motivated athlete, he doesn't share my passion for baseball. Those boys have no idea how much fun I had last night. By the way, we got our butts kicked.
Life is good.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day Gift
I received the best Father’s Day gift late Saturday morning. Kyle was scheduled to head for a friend’s cabin in the woods that would have him returning home late Sunday afternoon. We were chatting as he played video games. Kyle’s huge on creature comforts, so it has always surprised me that he enjoys heading to a rustic cabin in the woods. I questioned him on the pending trip and he said, “I’m not going.” I responded, “Why not?” Answer, “Because I want to be home for Father’s Day.” It truly made my weekend.
Today we heard the words of the Apostle Paul,
“…but we also boast in our sufferings
Knowing that suffering produces endurance
And endurance produces character
And character produces hope
And hope does not disappoint us.”
(To the devout Christians checking in, please forgive my omission of the all important “because” that follows.)
13 years ago this summer I selected that passage and then read it at my brother’s funeral mass. The words were so appropriate, as I watched Dennis suffer and physically deteriorate through years of terminal illness. Through that suffering he most definitely gained endurance, character and, yes, hope. The passage is so true and so perfectly representative of the persuasiveness of Paul’s frequent logical progressions.
On a somewhat different plane, this passage goes a long way in explaining my attraction to the Ironman challenge – a challenge that I’ve decided to chase again this year (hello “Chesapeakeman” on September 27). My mind has gone a complete 360 degrees during this roller coaster ride of a year. My body is cooperating right now, and I just wasn’t happy setting my sights at less than the ultimate goal.
There is beauty in extreme endurance sports. Not so much in the races themselves, but in the journey to get there. I’m going to ante up again. I’ll seek perfection and surely fall short. But there’s more to be gained from quest than there is to be lost by failure. For me, a form of redemptive suffering that will ultimately produce hope. The battle is not to make it to the finish, but to the starting line.
Peace.
Today we heard the words of the Apostle Paul,
“…but we also boast in our sufferings
Knowing that suffering produces endurance
And endurance produces character
And character produces hope
And hope does not disappoint us.”
(To the devout Christians checking in, please forgive my omission of the all important “because” that follows.)
13 years ago this summer I selected that passage and then read it at my brother’s funeral mass. The words were so appropriate, as I watched Dennis suffer and physically deteriorate through years of terminal illness. Through that suffering he most definitely gained endurance, character and, yes, hope. The passage is so true and so perfectly representative of the persuasiveness of Paul’s frequent logical progressions.
On a somewhat different plane, this passage goes a long way in explaining my attraction to the Ironman challenge – a challenge that I’ve decided to chase again this year (hello “Chesapeakeman” on September 27). My mind has gone a complete 360 degrees during this roller coaster ride of a year. My body is cooperating right now, and I just wasn’t happy setting my sights at less than the ultimate goal.
There is beauty in extreme endurance sports. Not so much in the races themselves, but in the journey to get there. I’m going to ante up again. I’ll seek perfection and surely fall short. But there’s more to be gained from quest than there is to be lost by failure. For me, a form of redemptive suffering that will ultimately produce hope. The battle is not to make it to the finish, but to the starting line.
Peace.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Camp wrap-up
Friday was race simulation day. I rode a loop of the course as 90-minutes steady, and then a 90-minute build to the finish. It was a tough ride as the heat arrived with winds whipping the second half of the loop. I hopped off the bike and ran a steady 5 miles before shutting it down. After a good lunch and some R&R, I walked to Mirror Lake and got in an easy recovery swim.
The Ironman athletes felt more pressure to ride long. Most of them, if not too shelled from earlier rides, worked in another 112-mile ride and a short run.
This morning I woke up, threw on the running shoes, and trotted an easy seven miles. We grabbed a quick breakfast, packed the car, and hit the road. We were in Lancaster by 4 pm.
I achieved some key objectives this week. I got in a VERY solid training block without having any heart arrhythmia. While my volume numbers weren't quite as impressive as my Ironman lead-up last year, the intensity of my training was far higher. In all I trained just under 20 hours, with 280 miles of hilly riding, around 20-miles of running, and some light swimming. I was smart in not digging myself into a hole. My body was ready for the training dose that it received, but not much more. Now I need to have a few easy days as my body "absorbs" its new fitness.
I checked out Patrick's blog on EN... His photos are way better than mine. Check them out under my links in the righthand margin.
I think tomorrow's actually Monday? That means back to the routine...
The Ironman athletes felt more pressure to ride long. Most of them, if not too shelled from earlier rides, worked in another 112-mile ride and a short run.
This morning I woke up, threw on the running shoes, and trotted an easy seven miles. We grabbed a quick breakfast, packed the car, and hit the road. We were in Lancaster by 4 pm.
I achieved some key objectives this week. I got in a VERY solid training block without having any heart arrhythmia. While my volume numbers weren't quite as impressive as my Ironman lead-up last year, the intensity of my training was far higher. In all I trained just under 20 hours, with 280 miles of hilly riding, around 20-miles of running, and some light swimming. I was smart in not digging myself into a hole. My body was ready for the training dose that it received, but not much more. Now I need to have a few easy days as my body "absorbs" its new fitness.
I checked out Patrick's blog on EN... His photos are way better than mine. Check them out under my links in the righthand margin.
I think tomorrow's actually Monday? That means back to the routine...
Friday, June 6, 2008
Day 4 Curveball
We headed out for a "friendly 106 mile ride today." Words that just shouldn't be used in the same sentence! "Friendly" because we were supposed to work as a group, allowing for some long hours of spinning while folks took turns working the front.
About 1,000 meters into our epic ride, the clouds let loose a solid downpour that soaked us all through. We split apart, but tried to keep together in small groups. Not an easy feat for a bunch of individually-minded triathletes!
The roads had a lot of debris washed out from the hard rain. Around mile 46 I ran over a rusty nail that punctured my tire, tube, and aluminum rim. I was done for the day, but not injured. Incredibly, Patrick was driving sag just about a mile away when this happened, so I was happily within the confines of an automobile within 5 minutes of the mishap.
Tomorrow's supposed to be another 100+ miler. I'm glad that I brought a second bike. Otherwise I'd be dealing with repair shops instead of riding.
I'll eventually post some pictures. You can get official updates from camp central here: http://www.endurancenation.us/blog/
About 1,000 meters into our epic ride, the clouds let loose a solid downpour that soaked us all through. We split apart, but tried to keep together in small groups. Not an easy feat for a bunch of individually-minded triathletes!
The roads had a lot of debris washed out from the hard rain. Around mile 46 I ran over a rusty nail that punctured my tire, tube, and aluminum rim. I was done for the day, but not injured. Incredibly, Patrick was driving sag just about a mile away when this happened, so I was happily within the confines of an automobile within 5 minutes of the mishap.
Tomorrow's supposed to be another 100+ miler. I'm glad that I brought a second bike. Otherwise I'd be dealing with repair shops instead of riding.
I'll eventually post some pictures. You can get official updates from camp central here: http://www.endurancenation.us/blog/
Some Numbers
The numbers are indicating stronger cycling performance in '08 on less training volume. Some numbers from lap number two of the 112 mile loop as compared to '07:
2007: Time = 3:24, Normalized power = 169 watts.
2008: Time = 3:08, Normalized power = 188 watts.
I think two factors are at play. #1 - I'm stronger and #2 - I have more confidence in my ability to survive!
2007: Time = 3:24, Normalized power = 169 watts.
2008: Time = 3:08, Normalized power = 188 watts.
I think two factors are at play. #1 - I'm stronger and #2 - I have more confidence in my ability to survive!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Day 3 Thursday
101 miles for me. That's 36 longer than my previous long ride this season. Coach P threw in a 13-mile time trial at mile 75... OUCH! I was just happy not to finish last.
Another long one on tap for tomorrow. I'm really tired, but the group dynamic pushes us all harder than we would push ourselves.
Just had some Ben & Jerry's. I earned it! That's all I have the energy to write this evening...
Another long one on tap for tomorrow. I'm really tired, but the group dynamic pushes us all harder than we would push ourselves.
Just had some Ben & Jerry's. I earned it! That's all I have the energy to write this evening...
Wednesday - Day 2
56 miles of intervals followed by a 30-minute run. I'll be interested to see how long riding feels after two hard riding days. I'm definitely stronger than last year, riding primarily the big chain ring up Whiteface. Now it's time to further develop the endurance engine.
A great group of athletes this year. Everyone gets along. We're up to 16 including coaches.
Photos and more thoughts later.
A great group of athletes this year. Everyone gets along. We're up to 16 including coaches.
Photos and more thoughts later.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Lake Placid Camp - Day 1
Tuesday: After a tough 5:30 am 18.5-mile hill ride, Mike and I hit the road. We made good time and arrived around 4:30 pm. In the evening we got aquainted with the other campers and reviewed a basic agenda for the week. A nice group of 12 campers this year with widely ranging abilities. It was good to see a couple of the guys from last year's camp.
84 miles on tap for me on Wednesday, with maybe a swim in the morning. The camp rumor is that the water is 47 degrees. I will most definitely NOT be swimming if that's the case! With no Ironman race hanging over my head, I feel free to do whatever I want.
84 miles on tap for me on Wednesday, with maybe a swim in the morning. The camp rumor is that the water is 47 degrees. I will most definitely NOT be swimming if that's the case! With no Ironman race hanging over my head, I feel free to do whatever I want.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Training Focus
Partly out of necessity, partly as a result of experience, I'm not competing in any "B" races this year. I don't enjoy racing in less than peak fitness. The "B" races feel like lost training opportunities.
Instead of racing, I'm focusing my energy solely on getting faster through training. On Tuesday I leave for training camp in Lake Placid. My time there and the following week of recovery will be very telling. I'm planning about 375 miles of cycling in 4-days. I really want to bust through to a new cycling fitness plateau.
I'm pondering Ironman again. I feel great and my training metrics are showing solid improvement.
Instead of racing, I'm focusing my energy solely on getting faster through training. On Tuesday I leave for training camp in Lake Placid. My time there and the following week of recovery will be very telling. I'm planning about 375 miles of cycling in 4-days. I really want to bust through to a new cycling fitness plateau.
I'm pondering Ironman again. I feel great and my training metrics are showing solid improvement.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Got the Nerve Triathlon
Nice photo of about 3/4 of our tri team this morning. I did not race, but provided support to other athletes. I'm in the midst of week #1 of my race specific program that ends in early September. My training jumped quickly from 7-1/2 hours per week to 13-hours. A lot of 4:30 am wake-up calls this week! So far so good!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ugliness in Competition
I've tried to avoid using my blogging as a venue for spewing negativity, but tonight's baseball game was another example of why competitively-minded adults should keep physically active with competitive outlets of their OWN. Read: NOT USING THEIR CHILDREN FOR SATIATING THEIR COMPETITIVENESS.
In the past two weeks, I've personally observed the following-
A 12 & under baseball team picked up players from another team and inserted them in their line-up to humiliate an opponent they classify as a rival...
In that same game, said team was up 12 - 0 in their last at bat and the coaches gave the steal sign. I guess they wanted to reach the teens. Maybe someone had a bet to fulfill...
A 10 & under team, losing to their "arch rival," tried to sneak a better hitter to the plate out of order...
In that same 10 & under game, an otherwise well respected dad publicly melted down on his son for making two errors in the same inning. It was very loud and very embarrassing. The boy is 10-years old...
Parents.... COACHES... Get a hold of yourselves! You're an embarrassment to your kids and not doing them any favors.
In the past two weeks, I've personally observed the following-
A 12 & under baseball team picked up players from another team and inserted them in their line-up to humiliate an opponent they classify as a rival...
In that same game, said team was up 12 - 0 in their last at bat and the coaches gave the steal sign. I guess they wanted to reach the teens. Maybe someone had a bet to fulfill...
A 10 & under team, losing to their "arch rival," tried to sneak a better hitter to the plate out of order...
In that same 10 & under game, an otherwise well respected dad publicly melted down on his son for making two errors in the same inning. It was very loud and very embarrassing. The boy is 10-years old...
Parents.... COACHES... Get a hold of yourselves! You're an embarrassment to your kids and not doing them any favors.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Pushing Too Hard
Great time watching my two boys race this weekend at a local 5k. Colin (aka Slow Twitch) has "been there, done that" and was ready to break some land speed records. Kyle (Fast Twitch) was just looking to finish.
Photo #1 are the boys looking confident pre-race.
Photo #2 are the boys post-race... All - strung - out - on - lactic - acid. Ouch! Live and learn boys! :-)
I'm now more than 12 weeks into an off season training plan. My cycling is still pretty weak, but I'm running faster than I have in many, many years. In mid-May I'll transition into a half-Ironman training plan targeting a race on September 7th.
The power chart posted last weekend illustrates a difficult but fun VO2max trainer ride. We're trying to "raise the roof" of my fitness to make more "ceiling space" available. You'll have to see me in person to get a more detailed explanation.
I'm only training 7 to 8 hours per week right now due to heavy work and volunteer loads. Some bigger hours are coming this summer. My heart rhythm has been fine on all but the most strenuous workouts.
Photo #1 are the boys looking confident pre-race.
Photo #2 are the boys post-race... All - strung - out - on - lactic - acid. Ouch! Live and learn boys! :-)
I'm now more than 12 weeks into an off season training plan. My cycling is still pretty weak, but I'm running faster than I have in many, many years. In mid-May I'll transition into a half-Ironman training plan targeting a race on September 7th.
The power chart posted last weekend illustrates a difficult but fun VO2max trainer ride. We're trying to "raise the roof" of my fitness to make more "ceiling space" available. You'll have to see me in person to get a more detailed explanation.
I'm only training 7 to 8 hours per week right now due to heavy work and volunteer loads. Some bigger hours are coming this summer. My heart rhythm has been fine on all but the most strenuous workouts.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
In & Out Like a Lion
What a month! I've had a lot of thoughts about priorities, time management, and perception versus reality but have simply been too busy & lazy to write about it. Maybe I'll find the energy this weekend, maybe not...
Baseball season started this week. I'm coaching again. This photo is of Kyle on the mound last fall. A picture is worth a thousand words. Some thoughts as I look at it - His delivery would have had my knees quaking at his age. He obviously modeled his approach from a certain major leaguer who doesn't take Human Growth Hormone, but his wife does.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
No Substitute
Do you like my new toy? I sold my old road bike a few weeks ago and finally pulled the trigger on this one yesterday. I shopped for a solid six months before deciding exactly what I wanted.
My cycling ability just isn’t where I want it to be. The only way I’ll achieve my goals is to spend some serious, consistent, painful time in the saddle. As Thomas Edison said, “There’s no substitute for hard work.” It was a chore to get on a bike I didn’t really like. This one’s calling out, “Ride me!”
Five weeks into my off-season training program and a couple things have become clear:
· My days of pure anaerobic training are over. I attempted a 10k run test last weekend and managed to induce atrial fibrillation less than one mile into the race. I’ll have to establish pacing goals based on sub-threshold testing - and I might as well forget about my target sprint race in late May.
· I can govern heart rate and still lay down some serious work sessions on the bike. My 1:40 Saturday interval session left me completely shelled.
Though behind schedule, I have to believe I’ll attain my cycling fitness goal - 4.0 watts/kg functional threshold - by September. I’ve been able to add cycling training load pretty quickly, from a 144 total TSS* in week one to a 241 total TSS in week five. I’ve accumulated these points through a series of three trainer rides per week, which vary in time from 40-minutes to 1:40.
With daylight savings time in effect, I’m looking forward to grabbing some early evening training doses as the weather warms up.
*TSS = Training Stress Score. A single number used by power junkies to help quantify overall training load, taking into account intensity and duration of each training session.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Swim Clinic E-book
The folks at Endurance Nation are graciously offering their swim clinic e-book to the public at no cost. Download it from here http://www.endurancenation.us/blog/2008/free-endurance-nation-swim-clinic-ebook/. Excellent stuff!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
So far, so good
I managed to cram 11-workouts into 7-1/2 hours of training this week. This schedule is very manageable and will prevent me from overtraining. Assuming my cardiac response remains strong, I’ll definitely be heading into this season under-trained and over-motivated.
My training philosophy comes courtesy of the folks at Endurance Nation (see links on right). Right now I’m using frequent short runs to build some aerobic foundation. My cycling consists of targeted interval sessions - all on the trainer. I got in the water twice this week, with one 3x300 fitness test and one drill session.
Two months off of the bike has cost me about 10% power output. I’m hoping to reach intermediate power plateaus pretty quickly. It won’t be easy but my motivation is high.
I’m enjoying myself these days and look forward to every session. I’m committed to remaining well rested and hydrated. Those are my two primary goals. I’ve made an oath not to let the training happen if those two essential components aren’t already in place. So far, so good! Thanks for checking in…
My training philosophy comes courtesy of the folks at Endurance Nation (see links on right). Right now I’m using frequent short runs to build some aerobic foundation. My cycling consists of targeted interval sessions - all on the trainer. I got in the water twice this week, with one 3x300 fitness test and one drill session.
Two months off of the bike has cost me about 10% power output. I’m hoping to reach intermediate power plateaus pretty quickly. It won’t be easy but my motivation is high.
I’m enjoying myself these days and look forward to every session. I’m committed to remaining well rested and hydrated. Those are my two primary goals. I’ve made an oath not to let the training happen if those two essential components aren’t already in place. So far, so good! Thanks for checking in…
Sunday, February 17, 2008
February Update
I had a good visit with Dr. McKernan on Wednesday the 6th. I think I finally have a comprehensive understanding of my condition. In summary:
· My condition is atrial fibrillation associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), otherwise known as “athlete’s heart.”
· The do nothing option – as opposed to drug therapy or having an ablation procedure – is acceptable to the doctor. The decision for further treatment is up to me and will be based upon my tolerance for the symptoms. For now my only treatment is a daily aspirin.
· My training regimen is also up to me. There aren’t any restrictions, per se, but the doctor encouraged me to avoid ultra distance training for a while. She clearly believes that detraining can have a reversing effect on the arrhythmia, as detraining will allow my heart wall to get thinner.
This is, indeed, very good news. My imagination was getting the best of me and I started to believe many other more precarious scenarios in my head. A firm diagnosis with a clear understanding has allowed me, once again, to start looking ahead – although a little more cautiously than with my “All Systems Go!” fever…
I’m now two weeks into a low volume training plan that will take me to a goal of completing a sprint distance race in late May. My hope is that I will be able to put together a quality program targeting a Half IM in early September. It will take all of that time to regain the cycling fitness lost from two months of zero riding. For now, though, I’m trying to take exercise one day at a time.
Looking over the last several months I can see how I ended up “cooking” myself. After Ironman I lost my nutritional discipline. That was probably OK for my recovery period, but in early October I started training in earnest again. I was training HARD on the bike – at intensity levels far surpassing anything I had done over the past two years. I convinced myself that a low volume/high intensity training regimen didn’t demand the same nutritional discipline as heavy long course training. I was wrong! My body was starved of electrolytes among other essentials. It rebelled and forced me into a December detraining program of walking & yoga.
With the stress of uncertainty lifted and a return to the discipline of healthy eating and daily intake of vitamins, electrolytes, and protein shakes I’ve been remarkably free of arrhythmia. It’s like I’ve found a newborn state of equilibrium. This is all very reassuring. Stay tuned for more… and thanks for the many words of encouragement!
· My condition is atrial fibrillation associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), otherwise known as “athlete’s heart.”
· The do nothing option – as opposed to drug therapy or having an ablation procedure – is acceptable to the doctor. The decision for further treatment is up to me and will be based upon my tolerance for the symptoms. For now my only treatment is a daily aspirin.
· My training regimen is also up to me. There aren’t any restrictions, per se, but the doctor encouraged me to avoid ultra distance training for a while. She clearly believes that detraining can have a reversing effect on the arrhythmia, as detraining will allow my heart wall to get thinner.
This is, indeed, very good news. My imagination was getting the best of me and I started to believe many other more precarious scenarios in my head. A firm diagnosis with a clear understanding has allowed me, once again, to start looking ahead – although a little more cautiously than with my “All Systems Go!” fever…
I’m now two weeks into a low volume training plan that will take me to a goal of completing a sprint distance race in late May. My hope is that I will be able to put together a quality program targeting a Half IM in early September. It will take all of that time to regain the cycling fitness lost from two months of zero riding. For now, though, I’m trying to take exercise one day at a time.
Looking over the last several months I can see how I ended up “cooking” myself. After Ironman I lost my nutritional discipline. That was probably OK for my recovery period, but in early October I started training in earnest again. I was training HARD on the bike – at intensity levels far surpassing anything I had done over the past two years. I convinced myself that a low volume/high intensity training regimen didn’t demand the same nutritional discipline as heavy long course training. I was wrong! My body was starved of electrolytes among other essentials. It rebelled and forced me into a December detraining program of walking & yoga.
With the stress of uncertainty lifted and a return to the discipline of healthy eating and daily intake of vitamins, electrolytes, and protein shakes I’ve been remarkably free of arrhythmia. It’s like I’ve found a newborn state of equilibrium. This is all very reassuring. Stay tuned for more… and thanks for the many words of encouragement!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Pendulum Swings Hard!
At work, my colleagues and I sometimes refer to the cyclical nature of the business climate in terms of a swinging pendulum. A pendulum swings with perfect regularity. It swings from one extreme to the other – passing the averaged midpoint at its peak velocity, only to slow down again, stop at the other extreme, and begin the journey in the other direction. Go through enough of these various cycles in the business world and you learn to handle the extremes in stride, realizing that over the long haul the cyclical nature results in a predictable average.
Unfortunately my health outlook – and subsequent mental state - has been going through a vicious swinging cycle of its own. Consider this…
High point: July 22, 2007. Cashing in my life’s peak fitness at Ironman USA
Low point: December 10, 2007. Inducing ventricular tachycardia during a doctor-ordered hospital stress test.
High point: January 14, 2008. After a series of tests, getting cleared by a cardiologist to resume training as normal.
Low point: January 21, 2008. Receiving news from an electro-physiologist that my triathlon training “career” might be over unless I consider an ablation procedure (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4682). She prescribes daily aspirin to prevent stroke.
So much for “All Systems Go!” Potentially compromising my family’s welfare through surgical complications (i.e. death), however low they might be, is serious business. With a family to feed, is surgical risk worth taking for the sake of personal satisfaction through triathlon training? It actually sounds silly to read it out loud.
My outlook has had its own highs and lows…
High thoughts: This is an opportunity. Good thing we caught this before it became more dangerous. I’m being called to do something new. I can still lead a healthy life. More time on my hands to coach sports, develop musical abilities, etc.
Low thoughts: Lots of whining, jealousy, and envy at the loss of my unique lifestyle. A lost sense of purpose.
Powerful lessons can be learned through painful or extreme circumstances. The most thankful folks I know – those with the best perspective on life – have generally lived and learned through personally traumatic events. In my case, could there be a better way for me to overcome my desire to control than to completely lose it over my chosen lifestyle? I try to tell myself – the pain, the anxiety – they’re necessary variables in the growth equation.
I’ll be meeting with the E-P again this coming week. I have a lot of questions. I hope she has some answers.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
All Systems Go!
Great news this week – The cardiologist cleared me to resume training and referred me to an electro-physiologist for treatment of atrial fibrillation. I slept hard this week with my mind now free of worry.
So looks like it’s “game on” for 2008. Don’t feel much like writing complete sentences tonight. Here’s a sketch plan of my 2008 athletic goals:
Goal Race: Chesapeakeman Ultra Triathlon http://www.tricolumbia.org/ChesapeakeMan/
September 27, 2008
Race Goals: Show up to race with 4W/kg functional threshold power.
Cycle closer to my “ceiling” than last year.
Follow ride with a sub 4-hour marathon.
Training Calendar Overview:
January: Re-establish consistent foundation
Feb & Mar: boost VO2 max & threshold strength. Focus on cycling and running.
Apr thru Jun: Base training
Early July: Transition & Recovery – Family vacation time!
Jul & Aug: Big block of training.
September: Taper toward race.
Other events: Got the Nerve? Sprint triathlon on May 24.
Nightmare Ride around Lancaster County on August 16.
Keys to season:
· Cardiac response to training.
· Staying consistent through base training, which will be very difficult in a busy spring. Higher priorities in April through June include coaching baseball (Colin this time), a couple of camping excursions with the boys, and helping to organize the Tri For Kids’ Sake on April 22.
· Quality cycling sessions.
· Quality race simulations.
So looks like it’s “game on” for 2008. Don’t feel much like writing complete sentences tonight. Here’s a sketch plan of my 2008 athletic goals:
Goal Race: Chesapeakeman Ultra Triathlon http://www.tricolumbia.org/ChesapeakeMan/
September 27, 2008
Race Goals: Show up to race with 4W/kg functional threshold power.
Cycle closer to my “ceiling” than last year.
Follow ride with a sub 4-hour marathon.
Training Calendar Overview:
January: Re-establish consistent foundation
Feb & Mar: boost VO2 max & threshold strength. Focus on cycling and running.
Apr thru Jun: Base training
Early July: Transition & Recovery – Family vacation time!
Jul & Aug: Big block of training.
September: Taper toward race.
Other events: Got the Nerve? Sprint triathlon on May 24.
Nightmare Ride around Lancaster County on August 16.
Keys to season:
· Cardiac response to training.
· Staying consistent through base training, which will be very difficult in a busy spring. Higher priorities in April through June include coaching baseball (Colin this time), a couple of camping excursions with the boys, and helping to organize the Tri For Kids’ Sake on April 22.
· Quality cycling sessions.
· Quality race simulations.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Looking Back
I turned 40 a couple weeks ago and I’m already sidelined with a health issue. You can see what’s happening by looking at this heart rate data. During intense exercise my heart has been going bonkers, with 30-second episodes of excessively rapid beating. For the past five weeks I’ve been going through a series of evaluations to determine the cause. We now know that the condition isn’t being caused by anything imminently life threatening, but I had a few uncertain weeks right around the holidays.I came across this meaningful passage yesterday, “It is true that, as a society, we have a tendency to greatly overestimate what we can accomplish in a year, while grossly underestimating what we can achieve in a decade purely by applying unrelenting patience and persistence." (http://alancouzens.blogspot.com/). Wow… What a timely summary of my current state of mind!
After almost exactly a decade of consistent and persistent fitness building, my body has now forced me to pause and exercise “relentless patience.” In the narrow terms of 2008 athletic goals (trees), my health issue is a serious setback. As compared the coming decade (forest), it’s a blip – and a blip that will surely cause me to gain broader perspective on athletics and life in general.
My heart has given me a proverbial slap in the face. Truth be known, I needed it! My athletic goals had become incongruent with my vocational goals. A relatively short-term goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships would have massively interfered with my higher vocational priorities. It wouldn’t have worked.
Forced to slow down, I’ve had a lot of time to think with more clarity about the next decade. What does it hold? I only have vague ideas at the moment, but big changes are likely on the way – kids leaving home, career transitions, falling away from my physical prime, etc. A part of me (Mr. Type A) wishes I could control every outcome over the next ten years, but I only need to look back to realize it’s best to leave someone else in control.
I find myself frequently thinking about the past decade – like yesterday when I was driving Kyle to his basketball game. It occurred to me that his lifespan coincides almost perfectly with my adult athletic development. Kyle turns 10 this week. It was 10 years ago, at age 30, that I resolved to make physical fitness a central component of my life. I’ve persistently stuck to it and can clearly see a steady upward trend since my epiphany in 1998. Had you told me 10-years ago that I would complete an Ironman triathlon by age 40, I would have suggested you find a good therapist. A lot can happen over the course of 10-years!
Kyle’s now a strapping and industrious young lad. The comparisons between his development from infant to bright young boy and my athletic growth flow easily. To name a few, I’ve experienced metaphorical teething pains. I’ve had growth spurts followed by plateaus and aggressive behavior followed by time-outs. I’ve had a few night terrors (before triathlon #1 and during IM training). Just like him, I’ve explored with curiosity and surrounded myself with like-minded peers. I’ve attached myself to a few mentors and bothered them with unending questions. I haven’t peed in my bed, but I have peed in my saddle! OK, enough of this. I now need to give myself the advice I’d give to my son in this situation, “Take your time. You’re growing fast enough.”
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