April 17, 2014

New job, adjustment to schedule and dealing with mental challenges

I've just recently started a new job.  The job is great.  Great company, work from home, exciting new position.  The timing is tough, though. Right as I'm peaking in my training, I'm having to deal with all of the logistics and details that come with transition.  I'm spending a week in Indianapolis for new employee training.  That makes it hard to keep up with my Ironman training.  I don't have  access to a pool and it's in the 30's and snowing here.  I'm making it as best I can.  It's just got me to thinking and reflecting on how tough this is mentally.

Training 6-7 days a week for 14-18 hours a week can be taxing.  Up at 4:30 every morning.  Often training twice a day.  Working towards a distance I've never done before with the uncertainty that goes with that.  All of that along with the stress, angst, and constant shuffling of schedules that comes with trying to align training with work, family obligations, and personal time is lot to deal with.  I'm really feeling the affects of this.  I feel mentally exhausted and a little "beaten down".

It's exactly one month until the Ironman.  My confidence is there.  My fitness is there.  I know I'll be ready.  I know that there are still some things I need to do and work on between now and then.  I don't feel like I could race it tomorrow.  I do feel like I'm on the path to be adequately prepared a month from now.  I'm just mentally spent.  This is nothing new and something everyone training for an Ironman goes through, or so it seems to be.  I've had to take days off from training for schedule conflicts, traveling like I am now, and just because my body needed it.  With all of the thought put into training, preparation for the Ironman, a new job, family and social commitments, and just life in general, the mind doesn't' get a day off.

April 12, 2014

Finally a good, long ride!


I finally got a good long ride in.  Did a solid 5 hours in the saddle today.  Had a good tailwind going out and a headwind and a lot of steady uphill coming back.  It was a tough long ride that left me pretty spent at the end.  I learned I need to make a few tweaks to my nutrition strategy.  Other than that I'm pretty happy with where I'm at.  A few more long rides to go and I'm feeling pretty comfortable.

Oh, and the scenery wasn't too bad on the ride either...





April 6, 2014

Ironman Texas 70.3 (Galveston)

Recovering from my race last weekend, I went down to cheer at the Ironman Texas 70.3 in Galveston.  I had a few friends, including both of my coaches, racing and I thought it would be fun to see a triathlon from the other side.  The early morning rain blew over and it was cool and overcast the majority of the day.  I like the course and would look forward to doing this race next year. Seems pretty flat and spectator friendly.

The race didn't disappoint.  We were treated to a close finish for both the men and women professionals.  Richie Cunningham won, beating my coach Brandon Marsh by 15 seconds.  It was pretty exhilarating and it's got me pumped for the Ironman!