300 yards baby!!!!

I swam for 300 yards straight today!!!

Oh. yeah.

I probably could have gone longer but I'm trying not to go far beyond what my training calls for. Swimming really is about less effort and more focus on form. I took it very slow and did very well. Of course, the key part of that last statement is SLOW. I'm still not swimming very fast. I'm averaging about 2 minutes per 100 yards. But, at least now I know I can complete the swim part of my first triathlon in August.

I'm not really concerned with the run or bike portion of the triathlon as I have mad running skillz and my biking is covering way more than is needed for the August Tri. So, my biggest concern thus far has been my swimming.

Although swimming is entirely different from running in that form is way more important, it is similar insofar as once you get in a rhythm, you can keep going and going. That's how I felt today. I felt like I could keep going and going.

Man, am I happy!!!!

Crazy Eights

Steph and I both finished 8th place in our age group in our 5K this weekend. Ha!!

My official time was 25:15 and I finished 50 out of 138 overall and 8 out of 22 for 30-39 year olds. Pretty good considering I was taking it easy.

Today, I decided not to run as my heel/achilles has been a little sore. Tomorrow is just swimming so I'll have another day to rest it. It's nothing big, but I've had the soreness for a while. I want to be in tip-top shape for our half-mary on the 7th.

On Saturday, Steph and I will do 10 miles.

Next week I head to FL for a meeting, but it shouldn't interfere with my training too much. The weekend after that, Steph and I head to the Outer Banks for vacation. Woooohoooo!!! We can't wait.

Woot!

Albert Gallatin Regatta 5K Race Report

Well, Steph and I chugged through a very hot, hilly 5K course. The race course is described as "Paved, scenic out and back, mostly flat with one short incline, along the Monongahela River"........uhmmmm......that's a bit misleading. The 5K course we ran was way far away from one short incline.

And it was hot....hot and wet.....(I'll spare you the Robin Williams line). But, nonetheless, it was the hottest day of the year so far. Also, the race was at 5pm. An odd time for me (but not Steph) to run. Anyway, we both were pleased with our performance. I took it easy and ran it in 25:13 (according to my watch). The official results aren't posted yet. I'll update this entry once the results are final.

Yesterday I did another brick (15 mile bike, 4 mile run) and today was a 13 mile bike and 700 yard swim. I started wearing a heart monitor to gage my training. I've not done anything specific yet, but I know to keep my heart rate between 130 and 148 for zone 2 training. So that was my goal today. I stayed pretty much above 140.

The swim is becoming easier and easier. I'll continue to follow my plan to get me to swim 1 mile in 6 weeks. Although I should fess up and tell you that last Friday was the first time I could do 100 yards straight, so I'm considering this week to be my first week of following this program.

Tomorrow is 5 mile run and 700 swim again.

Woot!

UPDATE: My official time was 25:15. I came in 8 out of 22 in my age group and 50 out of 138 overall.

In Memoriam

Steph and I extend our profound thanks to those who have laid down their lives in defense of America. We also offer our gratitude to the families of our honored dead.

All of our training, racing, and injuries are trifles in comparison.

Let's go Pens

So today is the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals. I'm a HUGE Penguins fan. And the 1st period just ended scoreless, but what a period. Whew!!

Here we go Penguins, here we go!!!

Steph and I ran 8 miles today and will do the Albert Gallatin 5K tomorrow at 5pm. I'll be taking an easy run tomorrow. Nothing huge. I don't want to have a repeat of my injury laden Ambulance Chase 5k earlier this year. It'll be an easy nice run. The weather should be great as well. They are calling for 75 degrees and sunny.

On Memorial Day, Steph and I plan to spend the afternoon at the movie theater watching Indian Jones as well as Iron Man. I'll get my run and bike ride in before we go.

Next week is pretty much a repeat of this week. Lots of biking, swimming, and running :)

Cross Training

Today's theme over at Runner's Lounge is cross training. Like most people, I never really thought cross training was that big of a deal. Man, was I wrong. Since I've taken up triathlon training, I've quickly realized the benefits of swimming, cycling, and weight training. I can't pinpoint which one of those has made the most difference in my running, but I can tell you that they have made a difference.

My running times have decreased substantially. My easy pace now is around 8:30/mile. I never thought I'd be running that pace as an easy pace. In addition, the cross training has livened up the training I'm doing. I now am training for two or three activities in one training session. I'll do a bike ride immediately followed by a run or a swim. It makes for an more interesting training regimen.

Lastly, cross training has opened up a whole new world called triathlon. I can compete in multisport events because of the success I've had with cross training.

So, if you are thinking about cross training and the benefits in can provide your running, I would say go out and bike a few miles before a run. Do some core weight training. Or, swim a little after a long run. You'll be amazed at the improvements you'll see.

People ask why I want to do this

Ask Dick and Rick Hoyt.

A rock no more!!!

I swam 100 yards non stop today!!!! Woohoo!!! Actually, I swam much more than that in total, but I did a couple of 100 yard repeats non stop. Things were clicking pretty well. I also didn't use the pull buoy at all. I'm really quite happy with my improvement. Just a couple of weeks ago, I could barely swim 25 yards non stop.

All of this swimming was after my brick this morning (15 mile bike and 4 mile run). One of my students came with me on the bike ride. He had one of those CamelBak hydration packs. It seemed to work pretty well. I may end up buying one of them, especially as the days get warmer.

I've gotten some questions recently about how I fit in all this training with other obligations I have. Well first, I am a college professor which means I have a lot of free time on my hands. One of the nicer things about my job is that, unlike my other academic colleagues, I don't have to advise, write papers, or attend faculty meetings. All I have to do is teach 2 classes a semester.

Secondly, all the other work I do (consulting) is done on my schedule. I don't do anything that I don't want to do. Third, I surround myself with talented, bright people who don't need me to direct how they do their work. So, I can comfortably trust them to complete tasks like they should. All I have to do is review and approve.

Lastly, and most importantly, my wife is 100% supportive. She's a runner and understands. I live a pretty special existence and I know it. I'm very lucky. That's why I am able to train like I want.

Tomorrow is 15 mile bike and 4 mile run.

Woot!

Nude pictures below!!

Ok, now that I have your attention ;)

I NEED A BIKE!!!!!!

....

Really...

I do....

I'm putting out a call to anyone who may have a decent road bike (or tri bike) they would like to get rid of. I currently am riding a hybrid Trek 7.2FX which is a great bike for fitness, commuting, etc. but it isn't a road bike. I would like to have a road bike, but I don't want to spend too much. My training up to this point has been on the 7.2FX, but I need to get on a road bike.

Quick.

Sooooo, if you happen to be reading this blog and have a road bike that is collecting dust...or if you know someone who has a road bike they no longer want, please, for the love of God, get in touch with me!!!!

In fact, feel free to pass this posting along to all your friends. I need a bike like a druggie needs crack.

Help a brotha out!!!!

No worries, the grandchildren are safe

Well, I figured out during my bike today that if I move back on the saddle, I don't get numb. Whew!!! Glad I got that worked out. I think I'll take my father-in-law's advice though and look into to getting one of those split saddles. Nonetheless, the grandchildren are safe Joe. No worries :)

In terms of today's workout, I did a brick. For the uninitiated, a brick is a combination workout where you do one event immediately following another. I'm not exactly sure where the term "brick" comes from, but I've heard that it is a conflation of "bike + run = ick" or brick.

Today, I did 15 mile bike followed immediately by a 4 mile run. My times were excellent. My legs felt a little weird going straight from the bike to the run, but it worked itself out. I actually felt like I was in a race today for some reason. Maybe that's why my times were so good.

Despite the bricky goodness, I skipped my weight training. After the hub bub in yesterday's posting about my weight workouts, I decided last night to reduce my weight training to twice a week instead of three times. I'm getting too tired during the week, so hopefully this will help.

As an aside, since I've started to train as a triathlete, my appetite has soared. I am hungry all the freakin' time. I'm assuming that's normal. But, man I am eating constantly. Good thing I'm training so much :)

Woot!

What a weekend

Steph and I had a very busy weekend. Whew.

Saturday we got our long run in. We decided to 8 miles. It felt really good. Other than the half in Cinci, I haven't run more than 6 miles, so it felt really good to get up to 8. This coming week, I'll do 4-4-4-8. I'll bump up my distance a little after that in preparation for my marathon training which will begin on June 1. The plan I'm following this year will see me running 5 times a week instead of 4 which will be a bit of a change for me. Steph and I also have a 5k this coming Sunday. Based on my performance at my last 5k, I won't be pushing it :)

I'm also going to switch up my weight training this week. I've got a program that will allow me to do 3 full weeks of training 3 times a week without using the same workout. In other words, I'll be able to workout three weeks in a row without repeating the same workout. I'm really happy about that as weight training gets boring after a while if you continue to do the same exercises. It also is not as effetive for muscle toning and growth.

I'm bumping up my biking to 45 miles this week, but I'll be swimming the same distance as I did last week (2100 yards). I still haven't gotten to swimming more than 50 yards at one time, but I feel improvements each session.

Tomorrow is weight training, running 4 miles and biking 15.

Later!

Weight: 155lbs

Bad fish

I'm a bad fish, but I'm becoming a better swimmer :)

Today's swim went very well. I did a bunch of drills and then swam freestyle without the pull buoy in 50 yard spurts. I had to rest after each 50 yards, but I actually felt like a swimmer. I was very relaxed and things seemed to click. In fact, I was able to swim 50 yards in 1:02. I'm very happy with that (although I'll readily admit that it is slow). Nonetheless, there is some progress.

I also swam today in my Orca 226 Tri pants. Wow, they are cool. The water is just repelled by these things :) It just slides right over them.

Steph and I had today off as we get a day off for voting (don't ask me why...we just do). Anyway, after the swim, we came back home after picking up flowers and tomato plants at Lowe's. Steph wanted to do some planting. While she planted, I went for a 15 mile bike ride. I did that in 1:08:32, which I'm happy with. I am noticing that I get a little numb...uhmm...down there..., so any suggestions from folks on that would be helpful (ie, how do you not get numb?).

Tomorrow will be swimming, running 4 miles, and weight training.

Woot!

Weight: 154lbs

Think like a bumblebee, train like a horse

What does that mean, you say?

Think like a bumblebee, train like a horse. It's only the best quote ever. I picked it up from Joe Friel and his wonderful book, The Triathlete's Training Bible.

See below:

A few years ago a group of scientists developed an interest in bumblebees. These scientists reckoned that these little insects held some secrets of flight that may provide some answers to questions about operating in space. After all, they asked, how could such small wings produce efficient lift for a relatively large and hairy torso? And how could a round body and flight position that violated many principles of aerodynamics move so efficiently through the air?

After weeks of study, hypothesizing, scrutinizing and examining the scientists came to one conclusion: Bumblebees are not capable of flight. Fortunately no one told the bumblebee. The silly insects go right on believing that flight is normal for them despite what the best minds in the scientific world know as fact.

We can learn a lot from the bumblebee. The single most critical piece of this sporting puzzle is believing in yourself and your capacity to succeed. “if you think you can or you think you can’t,” automobile manufacturer Henry Ford said, “you’re probably right.” The bumblebee thinks it can fly. Actually, the thought of anything else never even crosses its tiny mind. It just keeps flying.

Then there’s the race horse. The philosophy of equine athletes is similar to that of human athletes, and they are trained in much the same manner as a runner. They use heart rate monitors, train with intervals and endurance, follow a periodization plan and eat a diet designed to enhance performance. Psychologically, racehorses differ a great deal from the human athlete. They never question their training preparation. When it comes time for a workout designed by their trainer, they do it without wondering if its enough. They don’t go out in the morning and put in a few extra junk miles for “insurance”. They don’t worry and fret after a poor performance. Stable life goes on as usual.

On race day, racehorses are nervous just as human athletes are; they know what is about to happen, but they don’t magnify the tension by comparing themselves with the other horse (“look at the legs on that stud!”). Instead they are very purposeful in their approach to training and racing. There is but one reason for every day existence – to get faster. If the horse is physically strong and the trainer is smart, this happens.

If you are to succeed in the sport you have chosen, the first thing you must do is believe in yourself just as the bumblebee does. Without this, all of the science in the world won’t do any good. You must also have a purposeful, racehorse trust in your training. Continuously second guessing and changing training direction after every race are a sure way to fail. Think like a bumblebee, train like a horse.

-Article taken from Triathlete’s Training Bible by Joe Friel

New Shoes!!!

Steph and I got new shoes this weekend.  

Woot!!!

New shoes always rock.  I've been more sore recently after my runs, so I hope that my new shoes will help.  I also think it's because I've increased my training load.  Anyway, here's to new shoey goodness.

Steph has been feeling under the weather, so she didn't do her run in this weekend, but I got 6 running miles in yesterday and 13 biking miles today.  From here on out, Sundays will be my rest day.  Today wasn't as I'm trying to establish my biking base (ie, I want my butt not to be sore when I start to increase my distances).

Anyway, tomorrow will see me running 3 miles, biking 13, and strength training.

Later!!

Weight: 154lbs

Pimptastic!!

So I bought my first Tri equipment today.  Woohoo!!  I bought Orca's 226 Tri Singlet and Tri Pants.  I'll be training in these from here on out.  One of the things I learned while training for the marathon was to not try anything new on race day.  Do all of your experimenting during your training.  Find out what you like to wear while training, not on race day.  Soooooo, I'll be training in this with the intent to wear it when I race.

Plus, I feel like a real triathlete now :)

Today is a rest day for my legs, so all I did was lift.  Tomorrow, I'll do 6 miles and then on Sunday the plan is for a 13 mile bike ride.

I'll leave you with the the video below.  Wow.

...and then God made Pull Buoys

According to Wikipedia:

"A pull buoy is a figure-eight shaped piece of closed-cell foam used in swim workouts. Swimmers place the buoy between the legs in the crotch area to provide support to the body without kicking the legs; this allows the swimmer to focus on training only their arms."


They are @!$!@@!$ great!!!!

I can actually swim for a while with these things. As I've mentioned, I have a hard time keeping my hips up. The pull buoy allows me not to worry about my lower body and just concentrate on my stroke. Whew!!!

I was turned on to this cool little tool from the guy swimming next to me. He not only told me about the buoy, but he also gave me a bunch of tips. What a great guy!!

This morning, I found a plan that will get me swimming a mile in six weeks. At least that's what it claims. We'll see. I'm going to start it next week.

In running news, it's time for Steph and I to invest in some new shoes. I wear Saucony Omni Pro Grid. She wears Brooks. We're headed up to our local running shop on Saturday to lay down some cash for some new ones. I always love getting new shoes. Actually, I think I love visiting the store more than the shoes. I always like looking at all the other stuff they have.

Next week, I'm kicking it up a notch in terms of my training. I've scheduled out my swimming, lifting, biking, and running workouts. We'll see how it goes and how tired I am. The training for the Marine Corps Marathon starts on June 1 for me. These next few weeks will be a test to see how well I can hold up under the stress of that training as well the other stuff I've added recently. Wish me luck :)

I got in 3 miles running and about 500 yards swimming today. Tomorrow is weight training only.

Later!

~Jason

Weight: 155lbs

My own little triathlon

Yesterday turned into my own little personal triathlon. Granted, I didn't do all the events at one time (and my swim was pretty short), but hey, whaddaya want from me!?!?!

I ran 3 miles and swam in the morning. Later, when Steph got home from work, she went for her 5 miles and I went out for a 12.39 mile bike ride (51 minutes). So the inaugural Jason tri was a 250 yard swim, 12 mile bike, and 3 mile run.

And, guess what?? I won. Ha!!

Today, I weight trained and swam again. The swim was about the same as yesterday. I have to concentrate on relaxing. Once I do that, I'm pretty good. I'll probably go for another bike ride today.

Also, I found a way to track my workouts. Buckeyoutdoors.com. It works great. You can see it there on the right. I'm not going to to go back and enter all my historical workout data, but from here on out, I'll be using that to track everything....bye bye paper workout tracker book :)

~Jason

Weight: 155lbs

Relax to Swim

So relaxation is the key to swimming. Today, I swam like 5-6 laps (woohoo for me). One of those laps, I did without stopping. I found that when I relax, I do MUCH better. I still have problems, but, man, I feel relieved that I'm making some progress. In fact, I'm surprised how much progress I've made.

I'll be back in the pool tomorrow or Thursday. There is a Master's class that's starting up here on campus and I'll be participating in that as soon as I hear back from the coordinator.

I also ran 3 miles today. My legs are a little stiff from the Flying Pig, but they felt good after the run. I'll run again tomorrow and weight train.

I have a question though. Do you guys use any training tools online to track your workouts? Any suggestions for ones to try out? I'm in the process of working up my training schedule and I'd like to start tracking my workouts online. With three sports (and races along the way) it gets a little hectic.

Later!!

Weight: 155lbs

Workout: Swimming 10 x 25, Running 3 miles, Bike 12.4 miles

Beginnings

The first post of a new blog is always difficult. I'm never sure what to say. What I'll do is ask that you join me on another journey.

You were there with me when I completed my first marathon.

Be there when I complete my first Full Ironman.

i*ron man (also i*ron*man)
noun
(esp. in sporting contexts) an exceptionally strong or robust man.

• [often as adj.] a multi-event sporting context demanding, in particular a consecutive triathlon of swimming, cycling, and running.

My life is changed. I conquered the marathon last year. I am no longer defined by what I cannot do. I am defined by what I can.

My journey is not over. I will continue to be more than I think I can be. I will embrace my desire to overcome.

I will be an Ironman. I will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles in one day. I will triumph over my fear.

I will retool my body and mind to accept and welcome the pain of extreme endurance. It will take time. But, I will persevere. I will persist. I will continue.

Transformed. Altered. Remade.

I will be Recast In Iron.