Club Swim

I got into a swim workout tonight with the HEAT crew. Last year I attended a few times and it was good to be pushed. I stopped going after two or three workouts because of the time of day and also all the bodies. I got in tonight after someone bailed (it's now offered to only 35 prepaid people) and I filled their spot.

I came away tonight with one observation. It's pretty amazing to see how far my swim has come. I've been in the pool maybe 10 times since my IM so I was expected to get in the second fastest lane and be the number three guy. I was wrong. I was swimming easy and jamming the leader. He eventually let me take over and I nearly lapped the field on back to back 750s. My swim has come a really long way and it shows how much you can improve by putting in the time and focusing on technique instead of crazy yardage. I'm hoping I can hold this swim fitness until I start my IM training again. It's nice not to have to start from ground zero.

We were supposed to put down 4100 but we ended up at about 3500.

Turkey Trot

Well I didn't get out to any local turkey trots because I just didn't want to deal with the masses. Instead I set out on my own personal turkey trot on my local run routes. Weather was great and perfect for a long run. I dusted out the cob webs the first mile or two putting down 7:30s and then brought it back to 8s. Felt good to get out for a long run. Legs felt great but there's still a little pain around the knees not sure if it's from healing but it didn't last long. Got out for an hour and ran without the HR monitor for the first time in a long time.

Now it's off to destroy turkey.

One project this weekend will be to construct a weight room in my garage. Lifting is going to be a big theme for my 2009 training and I won't be able to do my routine comfortably at my gym. I prefer not to cry in front of people so I'm now on the hunt for some equipment so I can shed my tears in the privacy of my own home. I need a bar some weights and something where that I can use to do squats. Craigslist is full of this stuff so now I just need to find the right deal.

Some Consistency

I'm starting to get some consistency in my workouts which sort of means I want to get back at it. It's nice to get back into a routine again but I don't want to rush it since I'll be going full boar in about a month. I'm trying to not get too used to all this rest.

I've been reading a lot of blogs and everyone's in the same spot, well everyone except Matt who is getting after it.

Couple more weeks left for me.

Maintenace

Still maintaining. Getting in the pool and going for some easy runs. Only thing I'm working on right now is beard. And the only thing on my calendar for the next month is a local turkey trot. I figure that will shock the system and it will feel good to line up again and then do some serious eating.

I'm also planning my 2009 season and working on my goals. One goal is pretty ambitious and I never even thought I would even consider it a goal. I'll keep that one real close to the vest and only two or three people will know it is because it's pretty damn lofty.

The race season for 2009 is coming together. Looks like training will start in January. I'll then do a marathon in March, an early half IM, possibly a sprint and then it's off to IMCDA in June. Feels like a real short lead up to an Ironman but the training will have much more intensity this year.

Swim

Nothing really to report. Got back in the pool again yesterday. Straight swimming is so much more relaxing than doing interval work. Broke out the paddles for a while yesterday too. Feel like I am swimming faster than ever, but it's probably because I'm not rushing to get my workout done. Time cruises by when you don't have a plan.

Long hike in the rain today and then home projects. Time off is nice and I'm finally settling into the rest. Might mix in a run or two next week. It's all about picking out my races for next year including a marathon in March and hopefully a half iron before IMCDA.

Back in the pool

Well I got back in the pool tonight. After devouring a huge double bacon cheeseburger at Five Guys yesterday I felt like I needed to get in some nice easy laps.

It was nice to not watch the clock and just finish when I felt like it. The problem was it felt so good to get back in the water that I ended up going for 45 minutes. I just cruised and focused on my technique. For not having worked out in a while I felt pretty damn good.

Now I need to figure out what to do with myself tomorrow. The legs are still rebuilding which is evident by all the minor tweaks of pain around the knees and joints. Enjoying the rest.

IMFL Photos

Last IMFL post. Tremendous experience. This one is in the books. Now it's time to start building to IMCDA.

No long rides, No long runs

So I've been idle for a few days following IM Florida. My body has earned the rest after a year of constant training but it's hard to sit idle. I feel like I want to be in motion. I'm recovering very well and experienced a little soreness post Ironman. I thought I would be limping around for a week. After my marathon in March I was shot for two weeks. It was much harder on my body. Typically I'd be getting out for a 2+ hour ride today but instead I'm going out for a long hike with the dog. Good to reconnect with the dog and family. I'll be getting back in the pool next week and doing workouts every other day. Nothing too stressful and I'm leaving the HR monitor at home. Feels good to rest but I'm sure I'll be growing anxious over the next few weeks and want to get back at it. Once that feeling starts, I'll know I'm well rested and ready for the next adventure IMCDA.

For now it's no running but I might mix in a Thanksgiving turkey trot or something. No goals just fun.

Better than expected!

Ok so it's back to reality today but I'm riding a little IM high. We flew in last night at 12 and it was back to work at 8 this morning. A lot of things went right for me on Saturday.

This picture says quite a bit. When I started the run I thought I was a fool for wearing my sun glasses since I didn't expect to finish while the sun was still up, but surprisingly I did. I remember mother fing myself at mile 14 for keeping my shades on since they were coated with cola, sweat and salt and there was no way I was going to come in under 11 hours. My original goal was to come in under 12 when I started this journey and that means if I hit 12 I'd be happy.

I guess I surprised myself on Sat and all the hard work came to a head in 10 hours and 11 minutes. When I came off the bike and saw the clock at 6:36 I almost shit myself. Now if I could have only ran a 3:30 marathon...this guy is never satisfied. Pleased yes, but completely satisfied, no. The journey continues...