Well, I'm long overdue for a brain dump, and there's no better time than the end of my 2011 racing season.   I use the term "racing" loosely, as 2010 brought many changes in my life, and racing just wasn't meant to be a big part of the equation.

Some of the changes I refer to are:  new home, new office location, new girlfriend.  The first two effected my training somewhat, as it took me a while to get used to a new training routine, different routes to/from workouts, and getting used to training at different times (T3 changing their workout times every few months).  And the last one left me with not much desire to train all of the time.  

With that said, my 2011 race season consisted of the following:
1. Houston Half Marathon (1:55ish( (I had originally signed up for the full marathon, but upon purchase of my home, that became more of a priority than running.)  It was amazing I didn't injure myself, the longest long run I had done for this race was 7 miles, and my running was sporadic at best.  I averaged 10 miles/week leading up to the race.

2. Austin Triathlon (2:58ish) With having to buy plenty of furniture and other things for my home, and already spending plenty of money for Ironman training, I had no desire to spend more money on race entry fees. Thus, the Austin Tri became my training race for Ironman Arizona.  This was my first triathlon since Ironman Couer d'Alene 2009, and I honestly forgot everything that went into preparing for race day.

3. Ironman Arizona (13:29ish) I could not be happier to have this race behind me.  Lacking any desire to train for this race, the only reason I completed this race was stubborness.  I really was too stubborn to cancel my registration for the race, and get my $150 back.  I had lost any desire to train early in 2010, yet i continued to half-heartedly train in hopes that my motivation would come back.  All in all, the race was amazing, and glad I went through with it, and got to share it with several IM first-timer teammates. An IMAZ race report will be coming soon.

Now that IMAZ is over, there are several things I plan on pursuing other than races.  I'll continue to train on a regular basis, but racing will be a low priority. Here are a few things I'll delve into in 2011:

• Further my career by pursuing additional clients and new endeavors;
• Cook more often, with emphasis on healthy eating;
• Get involved with my property owners association;
• Meet my neighbors;
• Visit museums, arthouses, etc.;
• See live music (Elephant Room, Cedar Street, Austin Music Hall, etc.);
• See comedy, improv and other live acts;
• Take up trail running/exploring;
• Travel more (trips to New York, Boston and New Zealand in the works)

I am grateful and blessed for so many things, and having the ability to train and do the things I've done are an amazing gift that I don't take for granted.  I'm looking forward to an exciting 2011, and my "offseason"!

 Well, I'm just starting my fifth week of training for Ironman Arizona.  The weeks have flown by.  I've been getting my long bike and runs in, but lacking in my swimming.

Although this is technically my third year in triathlon, I don't consider myself a triathlete at this point.  I rarely do two-a-days, at least the morning/evening variety.  I haven't been thinking about Ironman every waking moment this time around.  All the milestones achieved for CdA training have been achieved already, so I've had to shift focus on different goals this time around.  
Some of the things I've decided to focus on are:

• Swim, bike, and run at different pools, roads and trails;
• Focus on breathing bilaterally in the water;
• Increase flexibiility, and stretch more; and
• Build stronger relationships with teammates.

For the most part, I've been successful with these goals thus far.  Due to taking a significant amount of time off from serious training, I feel pretty fresh and am hoping that feeling continues another 20 weeks.  Only time will tell.

Tags: imaz

( You can read it here... )

Tags: cda, ironman, race report

I've decided to dust this blog off.  I don't have any more free time now, than I did when I last blogged. However, I'm going to make an effort to blog from time to time.  And being on the eve of beginning training for my second Ironman, there's no better time to start blogging again.

Cda '09 race report coming soon (only about a year late)! 

Well, it's been a while since posting.  I've done a lot of catching up with friends the last couple months, and it's been great.  Now time to get to work.

Since my last posting, a lot has changed:

• I've gotten a new phone - the iPhone.  It's handy, has great apps, but not sure I like it for work purposes.  I think my old Blackberry had a leg up on that aspect.  But I'm hoping the handy tools and apps on iPhone will help me to be even more efficient and more connected with friends, family and the world in 2009.
• A great friend, fellow LSU tiger, fellow civil engineer, fellow marathoner, triathlete, and training partner passed away.  It was so sudden and tragic, really hard to fathom.  Erin Lahr was going to be training with me for IM New Orleans, and was so looking forward to it.  I was really looking forward to it as well, racing with her in front of our family and friends.
• The calendar year changed - it's now 2009.  Wow, the year really flew by. 
• I've decided it's time to move.  I'm staying in Austin, just looking to upgrade to a bigger place.  A place that has room for my bikes.  So I'll preparing my place for sale soon, time to throw out all the "stuff" that's accumulated the last 2.5 years.
• The fruits of my labor were rewarded.  I had a solid year of work, one of my most productive and successful, and was rewarded with profit sharing, 401k match, a leadership award (with monetary bonus), a Christmas bonus, and a soon to be determined raise.  I am blessed to have a fairly stable job at this time. However, I've always preached that job security is not in the job, but in the person, and still believe that.

And so it is, with the beginning of 2009, comes the beginning of Ironman Couer d'Alene training.  Today is Day 1.  I started the day with cereal with blueberries, half a bagel and coffee. 

It's geaux time......

Four times this week, I heard or read the words, "Can I take a raincheck?"  Four times. Three different people. 

 

I saw this article today:

Dating Advice: Four Guys You Think You Should Date... but Shouldn't!
Adrenaline Junkie

( Report here, kinda long )

Tags: 70.3, longhorn

Week 13 of Longhorn Training:
Swim: 1.25  hrs
Bike: 5.75 hrs
Run: 4.25 hrs
Gym/Core: 1.25 hrs
Total: 12.5 hrs (Included the Austin Triathlon)

Week 14 of Longhorn Training:
Swim: 0.5hrs
Bike: 4.75 hrs (3.5 hr indoor trainer long ride)
Run: 3.10 hrs (14 mile long run)
Gym/Core: 0.25hrs
Total: 8.6 hrs (Out of town for 3 days, including loss of luggage, with muy importante work inside, for 6 days!)

Week 15 of Longhorn Training:
Swim: 2.5 hrs
Bike: 4.75 hrs (40mile long ride)
Run: 2.74 hrs (8 mile long run cut short due to GI issues)
Gym/Core: 1.5 hrs
Total: 11.5 hrs

It's been a while since catching up.  I find it hard to believe it's WEEK 15 of training for Longhorn, but I am ready to 'get r done'.  I honestly haven't followed or looked at my training schedule since the 2nd or 3rd week of training.  With my work/travel schedule being hectic, I've just tried to work out as much as possible as my schedule allowed.  I haven't missed a long run or ride, but the weekly stuff has varied drastically from week to week. 
Since my last update, I participated in the Austin Tri, which was a lot of fun.  I PR'd the olympic distance race by 15 min, and wasn't feeling good on the ride or run, and hadn't been swimming much at all.  So I'll take it. 

I got home today from work and my new wetsuit was waiting for me at the door!

It fit like a nice comfy glove, can't wait to swim in it!  Xterra was having a 50% sale!  They even threw in a swim cap and bag, practically making it a steal. 

Current Mood: giddy