Well that didn't take long

Not even a week into my new resolve; training, blogging etc. and I've already been thrown off track.  Started with really sore ankles from my exertions of the previous weekend.  I had to avoid crossfit Monday and Tuesday because double-unders and box-jumps were on the menu and there was just no way.  I rode the 'Buckhead Belly-Ache' on Tuesday night with friends and it was a lot of fun.  Wednesday had a fun crossfit workout and performed pretty well.  Swim workout Wednesday night was also good.  Then BAM!  Middle of the night I was woken up with such neck pain that I practically levitated out of my bed. 
So a chiropractor visit, many ice packs and my new favourite medicine, ibu-grigio, later I'm trying to take it easy.  I really had to force myself not to spin tonight.  It wasn't easy.  It is taking a lot of discipline to rest but I know I must.  A couple of missed workouts this week won't ruin my race; longer term injury and weeks off later will.

Ironman Canada - August 26th 2012

Not sure exactly what the countdown is at this point.  Perhaps I'm blocking it out?

Last year I was one of the lucky few who was able to secure a slot in the race through online registration.  I was at a pretty low point personally.  But, not being one to wallow I thought about when was the last time that I was really happy?  Well, it had been during Ironman Florida of course!  So didn't it make sense to sign up for another one?

Once again my training has been a bit of a mish-mash, but this time I'm not even getting training plans to ignore from a coach.  ;-)  I've become very addicted to Crossfit during the past year and am trying to do training that integrates with what is going on at the Crossfit box.  There is a program called Crossfit Endurance that I've tried to study but can't quite figure out.  Maybe I'll give it more of a go in the next 8-9 weeks.

And maybe I'll blog about it to.  I log all of my workouts, races and general physical activity in the calendar to the right.  If anyone is listening and has feedback I'm all ears.

L8R 2011 and Good Riddance to you too!

So, only one post here this year. I consider that a testament to what a crap year it was. Personal life was unfulfilling, job changes that haven't worked out, and the loss of dear people.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. I just turned 42 and with New Year around the corner I have that 'fresh start' kind of feeling. I do happen to be in the best physical shape of my life and plan to take that into some pretty aggressive racing goals for 2012.

Let's see what happens. If there's anything interesting I'll write about it.

13:06:54

I really can't believe it! I had a fantastic day, thoroughly enjoying the entire experience. Nitty gritty details and photos to follow soon!

www.ironmanflorida.com

I finally found a use for McDonald's

There is a McDonald's in downtown Decatur that is perfectly placed at about 45 minutes in to my new long running route. 45 minutes is the length of time from having fueled and hydrated before leaving the house that I find myself looking for a restroom. There is a way to go in the side door so that the counter staff never even know that I've used their facilities without also availing myself of a Big Mac.

Eating at McDonald's would be an absolute last resort. I eat a lot of totally crap food (QuickTrip and Waffle House are favourites) but for some reason I just can't sink to McDonald's. I guess I'm a hypocrite for using their facilities but not being a patron. Oh well, chalk it up to the perils of urban training.

Hungry

I'm sure my co-workers are sick and tired of hearing me say "I'm hungry", but I can't seem to help it. I'm certainly eating a more than adequate quantity to keep up with my training but the gnawing in the pit of my stomach is almost constant. It's very distracting! There is a ridiculous amount of chocolate in this office which isn't helping. I was going there pretty freely but with 6 weeks 'til the Ironman now is not the time to be free and loose with my nutrition. I feel that I should reward myself for not eating chocolate with .... chocolate of course.

How about a lovely cup of green tea instead?

Jinxed

A couple of months ago I gave my neighbours some help with their bikes. Very basic stuff like lubing the chain, adjusting the brakes and pumping up the tires. In the course of pumping up the tires one of the dry-rotted tubes completely blew up. My neighbour was very apologetic as I was changing the tube to which I replied "No problem, I need the practice. I hardly ever get flats so it's a good refresher." Ever since making that statement I've been cursed and getting more and more practice!

At the Off-Road Assault on Mount Mitchell in July I had 3 flats! Obviously something was wrong with the rim or the tire to have that repeat so many times but I couldn't figure it out trailside and ended up begging for that final tube and CO2 cartridge in the rain and was close enough to the end that the generous rider gave it up in spite of his own risk.

Then a couple of weeks ago while out in Cartersville getting some practice on my tri-bike I got another one. I didn't have CO2 in this case, just a small pump and I never could get the tire pressure up to an acceptable level. The bad news was that I was about 1/2 way in to the 66 mile route. Too far from the 48 mile turn off that turning back had any advantage (and there are vicious dogs on that route), but far enough from the end that I fretted about it the whole way back. I spent $1 at the next gas station compressor but of course all that happened was the air that was in the tire completely drained due to the incompatible valve. After taking the time to get the tube changed, and hand pumping it twice and riding tentatively, by the time I got back to the car it was over 100 degrees. Miserable running temperature but I did it anyway. Less than 7 weeks until the race now! The tri tire is now flat again, so I guess there is something up there although I did a pretty thorough job in that case of checking the tire and rim at the side of the road.

Did I mention that both of these happened on the rear tire. Grrrr.