NEW BLOG HERE:  I will no longer be posting here and this page will be replaced by another at some point down the line.  http://adambeston.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

 

NEW pages:  BIO and my fav Links   

March 12 Trainer Powerintervals

Hit the trainer with 5 powerinetervals trying to really hit them. Nailed two of them but was happy with them all.  Managed a 27.6 mph on the fourth and I have not hit that yet and had my best set to date even with the higher training load.  Tells me pretty well how it is going so this means I need to hit fri-sun even harder.

Track was also this week and it was good for the core workouts that we learned where I am weak.

 

March 8 Long run

Had my long run today on a lot of snow and ice so I cut it short to 1:48 with 13.2 miles but it was a lot tougher then that.  Been thinking about Ironman KS and what key workouts i would like to complete before hand.  I like the 56/6.2 and the 25/5 as some indicators where I hold a zone and then try to run at a 6:15 to 6:25 pace for that run.  I can start the Zone low on the bike at first and then ramp it up a little.  I wouldn't mind a couple TT repeats in there as well.  Maybe 2 by 10 mile of really hammering to see how I feel.  Hopefully by May I will be able to rock the 56 with a sub 40 10K afterwards. In training that would be pretty good.  I would also like to hit 23 mph on the bike as a standard on these workouts.  The first rounds will be as soon as the weather is 50 bc i just cannot perform in colderconditions on the bike.

 

March 7 Cold

Ride yesteday and run today were cold and I am eating a little more to compensate, not on purpose, but just something to do.  Should drink some decaf or something.  I have really been thinking about what I said in yesterdays post and I am really going to try and hit it esp this week bc the weather is supposed to be super crappy and ti will take my all to get up to 8 hours again.  Oh well.  Switch jobs again and going back to the other store.  I am now goin to post my limiters and then my sport specific limiters.

Main Limiters: 1) Weight 2) Endurance 3) TT specific ability

What I need to do about each. Weight needs to settle under 170 and then wait until april 12 and whe the weather gets better.  Endurance means I need to make my long run and bike really count and the focus for which the rest of the week is built around.  For TT stuff I need to get back to 5 on 5 off WHENEVER on the trainer as I will not get the endurance off that kind of workout.

 

March 6 Spring Woes

What do I need to do in order to get better at Half Iron.  I need to run better off the bike and to maintain my swim and slowly improve it.  Track and the Long run need to tack precedent and really getting that TT workout in and up to speed.  When do I need to start doing all of this?  I think 3 months is plenty of time with the blocks I can get in that time.  That leaves me with April 12 as the day to start getting faster.  i then need to be able to get into decent enough shape to be able to handle that training. This means the track and the EASY long run with a brick and some swim maintnence.  That means 4-5 workouts a week that need to be accomplished.  The brick will have to wait for the weather to get better as will the TT workouts longer then an hour.  I need to crack that long ride if i can or get at least a couple 2 hour rides in.  Now is the time to try and get food and strenght under control while nailing that track workout and getting in swimming.

 

Mar 5 Trainer

Hit the trainer for some low cadence zone 2 work as I cannot go faster bc of the heat factor with the baby and it was just tough enough.  I am gonna hit it again for 2x30min at 56x13/12 and get out for a 10 mile run tomorrow en leui of a 4 hour outdoor ride.  Need to hit it hard again so that sat can be a little lighter.

 

Mar 4 Track

Track began last night and we did 7x1000 at 10K pace and I really wanted to try and see if I could hold my goal pace the whole time bc you were supposed to be on marathon training the whole winter for Boston.  Made it and got complemented on my form which is good bc that meant I was comfortable at that pace by myself with swimming and a 1000 ft gain 3 mile hike that day as well.  Weight a little low today so will have to watch that.

 

Mar 1  Ride Outside

Did some hills again and forgot how bad I am riding in the cold but got back in time.  I have put on 6 pounds in 2 days so hopefully in 2 days i can loose 5 bc I hope it isn't real weight.  i really need to remember that I feel better after a workout and to only do easy 2 hour trainer rides or 5 min powerintervals only so that I actually will want to get back on the trainer again.  Need to swim sometime as well.

 

Feb 20  Lull in training

I now have a little more direction to get back into training with a Half Iron on July 6 in which I will have a chance to qualify for Ironman Canada.  This will really give me something to look forward to and work towards.  Hopfully sign up soon.

 

Feb 16 New Updates

Been a while since a post but the training is goign fairly well but my dad was here a week and i didn't get much training in then.  Getting back on track with a 24:28 Time Trail with a turnaround into the wind.

 

Feb 4 More food stuff

http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/diary/who/adambeston/ 

This is a link to my food diary that I don't know how long I will try and keep it up but it is pretty sweet and I think I will at least learn more about energy levels and weight loss and gain and how they relate to myself.  

 

Feb 2  Livestrong Daily Plate

I am going to start a 1500 calorie a day with a max of 2000 in case I need some for a workout or with gels during one for 4 weeks with a free meal on sundays with Julie.  I really need to get this taken care of and fast before the season gets rolling as I feel the need to get down to 162 to be able to train without having to worry about weight and now is the time.

 

Jan 29  Ice Cream

Broke down tonight and got some ice cream and I ate too much so I don't feel well that way but my enegy level shot through the roof so I realized I really need some mroe calories during the day. Trying to eat like a normal person is too little and the weight loss is not comng like it used to when I was eating more in fact.  Think I have it under control now.

 

Jan 28 Swimming again (First time since August)

 Haven't lost a whole lot since last time and may have even gotten better.  Did 12x50 on the minute at 42-43 with a few at 44 and a few at 40 bc of circle swim.  I think I will try and extend this out to 30 and then up it to 100 and then to 200 on the same paces if I can.  I am not much on just swimming laps so this will be good.  Maybe a 500 time trial every three weeks to see how those feel.  That seemed to be a good indicator of when I was swimming my very best and I can compare.  

 

Jan 27 More stressful baby days

There has been a lack of training lately as the temps outside have been miserable and the baby has been very upset.  Finally got 1:40:00 on the trainer and will continue at least 90 min on there a day when I do not run.  I can feel good about that workout and I got it done before lunch so that is a help.  Need to go swimming and will get that in this week for sure.

 

Jan 23 Power Intervals

Stepped it up today in the effort.  Next time I will do a TT and then maybe cut back a little to try and get out 4 or 5 intervals as opposed to just 3.  I really cranked them out though so that was good. Now I need to see at what temperature I should go outside and try a TT.

 I am trying to figure out when to go out and try my TT course again but I think I will wait until I can wear shorts or at least could wear shorts just so that I know I will be able to go all out without the cold being a factor since I technically get better data from the trainer.  Would be nice to correlate the results with those of the trainer though but I guess it will have to wait for the accuracy even so oh well.  I also have  new BIO link on the site to keep up with the various things about myself.

 

Jan 22  Thoughts

Still struggling with the lack of sleep and the stress of a new baby and have trouble getting out bc I want to ride outside or just have some warmth out there bc I get sweaty then cold in the wind.  ALso taking care of the baby just leaves me alittle drained but wih time to workout so that makes me feel even worse.  I think I gan still get back on track though which is good bc the better weather is now in sight at least.

 

Jan 20 New Page

Put up a Link page at the top for all the internet tubes I wander through.  The calcs have taken a while to find and are pretty fun.  I am also going to work on a bio page soon. Hope to run today. We will see.

I did get in a nice 6 mile run pretty much all in zone 2 and had some sub seven milers in there in the 22 degree weather so I was pretty jazzed about that.  Getting used to running in the zones and seeing how I feel at certain points during a run.  Really nice to see the data live and it will be awesome for long runs and tempo runs which I ussualy skimp out on bc I don't have the data.

 

Jan 18 Fatigue and Weight gain

Been really stressed out lately with the baby and I am going to go back on the chocolate diet so that I can focus on eating everything other then chocolate better.   Really seemed to be working and the mental help from the chocolate is pretty good.  I have decided that if I do not get to race weight by May 1 then I will not be doing my first set of races bc I will not have the time to train at that weight and have a 3 week block to get fast.  There we go.

 

Jan 17 Calendar Change

 I have done out with the marathon bc we realized we couldn't practice camping with Journey until the trip and that would be a long trip to have stuff be not fun.  I am adding a half iron in June so that means 6 tris in June and July and at least 1 in August before a hopeful Iron distance in OK.  I wanted to make the season around two times so that if the Iron doesn't work out then I still have stuff to look forward to.

 

Jan 15  Some Stressful Days

The weight gain the past couple days has been atrocious.  Need to get that in check bc I was on track and now off the scale.  Going to try and hit the group run on Sunday if the night goes well enough so that I can at least get in the one good workout this week.  Need to really focus on the eating after noon and get back on the plan that was working and try and stay away from the really indulgent items.  Today seems to be going well so that at least is good. 

 

Jan 11 Low weight and long run

  Hit a new low weight for today at 166.4 and then tried to go for a 16 miler but only made 13.5 but that at least was good quality in zone 2 and came out 2 pounds lighter even with 16 ounces fluid at 39 degress outside and in shorts and no hat so something was up.  Oh well, need to get the weight down mostly while keeping some endurance and I did that.

 

Jan 10 PLanning yet again.

With a marathon coming up soon a revision of the plans needed to be made.  Long run on sun with  a swim next then track then a bike then a 8-10 miler then a bike and a tempo run before the next long run.  Have 16 to do tomorrow and should be ineteresting.  Got to keep working the weight as well.  Hard at night to keep from eating a lot with the stress from the baby.

 

Jan 9 So Tired

   Been super tired lately from the baby and have not been abel to get the motivation to workout the past two days.  I really need to nail down the timing of my nutrition and accept that I need to rest after work and maybe lay down and then get up an eat something.  I have been eating later and then feeling better but still tired bc it is later.  OH well, worked on the calendar and just need to get out there and loose the weight so I cvan start working soon and start on marathon training.

 

Jan 4 Powerintervals

         Have the power intervals up in the log and this is going to be a really good test with the TT every two weeks to see how I am coming along on the bike.  Need to get that HR up a little bit as the TT was at 156 and the cad was a little lower.  Don't know how much the precision of the trainer is.  Gonna get a conti next year for sure.  Not enough time left this winter.

Jan 3  Training with a baby.

  Well, she cries and cries and cries.  If I wasn't on track with the weight loss plan I have set forth I might be at an end as far as training goes bc I barely have the energy.  New plan is only one workout a day everyday so that I am done.  This means cutting back the running to 3-4 days a week, cycling  2-3 and swimming once a week.  Put it into total maintenance phase until I have more energy to actually workout.  I guess this means that I will be aiming for about 7-8 hours a week at least until the weather gets decent again.  I will try to stick this out at least two weeks and then see about adding 2 a days once and twice a week to ramp up the time to at least 10 a week where I fel like I need to be at.  All my running is going to be zone 2 and bikeing will mostly be intervals and swimming will be as much as I can handle once a week.

 

Jan 1 The New Year

   Resolutions are to go to the Olympic penninsula and to go home for two weeks.  Mainly just need to get these to happen.  Had the fun run last night and went out with a college runner in 5:29 for the first mile and then we both faded as it was both hot and the air circulation was poor and the lungs were burning.  It was really strange as I thought I was going to be able to push the last two laps but just couldn't.  He was happy with it so that made me feel better and I got second overall.  I am also going to make some new weekly training goals to go along with having the baby and the weather being pretty nasty. The thing is that the weight is coming off so I don't want to chenge too much but the training volume is slipping a little too low.

New Plans:

Run: 25 miles a week which is 5 miles 5 times a week. ( I will try to get in a long run, 2 hours, but the weather needs to be agreeable and I would rather not plan it right now.)

Swim: Get in at least once a week

Bike: Three times a week for at least an hour with hopefully 2 but at least 1 power interval seession.

Weights: Do weights at least once a week and try to get in a yoga session.

 

Dec 26 Christmas Time Trial

   Tried out the garmin on the trainer for a 10 mile time trial so I could see my data and came out in 23:51 so I was pretty pleased bc it felt pretty good for this time of year and the weight loss.  HR was a little low at 156 and cadence was around 74-77.  I want to ge that down to 22:00 if at all possible this winter so I can build base in the spring.

 

Dec 23 Christmas

 Been on a super steady weight loss program.  I am down to 166.8 and I don't really feel that much thinner.

 

Dec 22 Baby!

    We have had the baby for a couple days now and I have been able to get in one training ride at a pretty good effort and am still losing weight on schedule which is the most important factor right now.  Really need to get a run in today or tomorrow so I can get some runs in when Julies parents come in for X-mas.  Will need to take advantage of that.

Got a good bike in today and I really need to gt out on a run tomorrow as I have only one run in the past  20 days.  Need to get two five milers in before the inlaws get here so I can do some real running when they are here.

 

Dec 15  Still no baby

No baby yet but got in a decent trainer ride finally.  The weather is just too cold to run outside in.

 

Dec 13  Low workload this week.

Fairly high stress load this week and the begining I was very sore from running on the ice.  I got the new bike and got out on a ride and it is going to be the best thing ever for training once I can dial in my position.  The weather just turned today so nwo it is in total mainnence mode running and getting ready to ramp the bike once my chainring comes in next week.  Since the weight is coming off I am trying to foucs on that the most.  I hit 169 at the end of the week by really upping the fruit intake especially at the end fo the day and keeping low calorie low sodium soup on hand to nab that hunger at night if it hits.  Lost almost 3 pounds in novemeber so I just need to keep it going and realize this is the main goal. 

 

Dec 12  Baby due today and a NEW BIKE

  The new redline is crazy sweet and I put the carbon crank on the Quintana Roo and am getting a 56t chainring to pair with a 52 so that I can run the 12-25 on it all the time.  This will also make it easier to have a bike when I need to put a cassette on the disc wheel.  Gonna try and ride today but we will see.

 

Dec 9 Weight Down

I was 175.8 in August after the post Ironman letdown depression and weighed in at 169.2 this morning and I have not been there since June.  I hope the trend continues.  Getting the new bike today and the baby should be coming soon.  Ebay stuff is going to sell high.  Good to be me today.

 

Dec 8 Half Marathon 1:23:59

The conditions were very icy and there was a pretty bad wreck on the road that delayed the race.  I set the garmin to 6:25's and did pretty well until mile 9 i jumped to a 6:47 and then a hill where I did the same pace but then was able to finish out under 6:19.  The ice was a little problematic but mostly on the mental and fatigue side. It was a lot of work zigging all over the place.  I really think the weight thing is going to make a difference and then continuing to work on speed come Feb.  Gonna lay off that until then and focus on mileage a long run and then hit the other sports harder.  

 

Dec4 Garmin Arrives!!!!

I am now ready for the 1/2 marathon as I can program in a 6:25 pace and see what happens.  I think having that pace set will work out really well for me as it does in track workouts.  I also have set up my race calendar and there is a lot fo fast stuff on there before the long stuff starts in april so I will need to build a base and then hit the speed in about march and april for a while.

 

Dec 3 Speed in the Cold (Last one)

 Did my last speed workout of the year as it is getting too cold to be doing.  Did 8x400 with 200 m jog rests 87,91,90,89,87,85,81,81 on the dirt track.  Should bode well for this weekend.  I am going for a 1:24:00 even so that I can beat Tony's PR.  A friend from back in the Midwest.  A 6:25 pace should be within my grasp. Just have to remember to stay focused and think 103 second 400's.  Doesn't sound so bad then.  I will prolly try and use the new garmin which comes tomorrow.

Dec 2  Food

  Went a little overboard on the food.  Need to just conceed to eating meals earlier rather then later so I do not overindulge.  I was too hungry and I could still eat even though I can't even tell if I am hungry or just want to consume food at this point.  Oh well, it is slowly coming off and I should make my goal for the month hopefully still.  Gonna have to hit the weights hard after this after taking the time off for the races.  Weights are just too hard to tell how much to do and I don't really want to cut down the training so I guess that is hown it goes.

 

Dec 1  Just some thoughts

 I have been reading a book about mental fortitude and it has really helped in some aspects. My last three races where prolly my strongest outside of the cycling win that I had.  The flip side of the coin is that with the baby coming I am having a little identity crisis as I am a barsita here for well over another year and I am caring more and more less about the parts of my job that are not making drinks and interacting with customers.  These are luckily the two most important things about the job so as long as I hold onto them then I should be alright.

I decided to pull back the long run since I may get to do a half marathon this weekend and a 16 mile run would have been not so good anyway so I did a 10 mile run with a 2 mile all out (13:40 was the time but I was going at least my recent 5 mile speed, can't wait for the GPS to really get some intervals down)  Then did 3x3min intervals with 3 min recovery and they went pretty well too.  Should do this workout during an 8 mile so I have a little less to run at the end. 

 

Nov 30  Not feeling it

   Not gonna have a workout today.  Just feeling a little down. Sleeping alot and prolly gonna eat a lot.  Oh well.   

 

 Nov 29  Week in Review

Well the race went well and I made the long run and the 40 miles but no lifts or swim so I have a weekly plan until the weather clears.  The whole week can be shifted one day with the FRI/SAT combo so that if there is a day with weather and work that is not conductive to a 16 mile run then I will be alright.  I am also thinking that no work days should be 18 or 20 and work long runs should be 16 but more on that if I do it.  Here are the weekly tasks.

 Weekly Plans

Sun: Long run (16 miles)

Mon: Swim

Tue : Med Run and Lift

Wed: Hard Bike easy Run

Thu: Hard Run and Lift

Fri: Easy run

Sat: Easy Run

 

Nov 28  New Bicycle!!!

   I am going to get a new bicycle sometime late next week but most likely the week after that.  A Redline Conquest Pro that for lack of a better descriptor is totally tricked out.

 

Nov 27 Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

   Had a 5 mile gravel trail run which I did in 30:03 with the second mile in 6:31 bc the guys up front slowed so I had a 5:52 for the rest.  I can supposedly get 2 minutes off that time by cutting down to 161 from 173 which is definitely within reach for me. 

 

Nov 24  Training thoughts and Long Run

   My last 16 miler went really well at 2:01 but the first 7 miles were slow as I was really cold and really wanted to finish strong.  The last 5 were under 36 minutes on trail with a monster hill and a slight cooldown in there as well.  My weight is coming off since the last post so maybe that helps.  It will be nice to have a cross bike soon. I already have some routes mapped out and a huge climb all ready that will be easy to bike to.

 

Nov 22  174.4

   I know I talk about the weight thing all the time but it is really becoming a problem as I really think this is both the major physical setback and the mental strain of thinking that this is the case is also not good.  Really need to focus and thats about all I can do.  Been working on the Noon eating and will try that entirely this week as a test and go with it.  

 

Nov  18 Random Training Thoughts

   Started the new weights intervals last night and did 7 min step up left leg and again with the right and 7 min doing pull ups and lat pulls.  Def the best way there.  Some good arm work which I will prolly cut back no.  My run was semi good with two of the miles in the 6:25 area.  Obviously still a little worked from the hill climb.  Gonna get in my 16 miler this weekend and a workout with two mile reapeats and 2 four hundreds in 75 to finish on Tues before the race to fine tune.

Nov 16 Mount Sentinel Hill Climb

   Well this one is a dousy at 2000 feet of elev gain in 1.75 miles. 21% grade!!! Took me 25 minutes and I came in about 30 sec back from a runner who runs for the UM Cross Country Team who can run a 16:17 5k.  Good to know that that VO2 thing kinda makes sense and I need to work on weight and speed really when the spring comes.  Gonna continue the maintnence phase and take the long run off this week and not hit 40 for the run but keep everything else up.

 

Nov 13  Yesterday's awesome workout

Overall it was 10 miles in 1:15:00 but the best part were the 10 hill repeats on the mountain on the smokejumper trail.  1:50, 1:49, 1:48, 1:58, 1:50 on the one side and 1:25, 1:26, 1:26, 1:29, 1:20.   They were alternating sides and the last one was deadly.  The 1:58 was mental as  I just forgot "change gears" on the small grade changes.  This is good to know.  Definately going to do this workout again.

 

Nov 11  Five-Four  (I try and keep this training related so sorry)

"The most serious possible injury would be harm to an unknown number of the marine mammals," Chief Justice Roberts wrote. "In contrast, forcing the navy to deploy an inadequately trained anti-submarine force jeopardizes the safety of the fleet."

Justice Roberts is a terrestrial mammal.  That is all I will say fearing the ramifications of the Patriot act that these "mammals" also put into the books.

 

Nov 9  Standard 16 miler

There is something about a 2 hour run esp getting in 16 miles that feels good.  I did 4 hard hills with two at 90 seconds and the others at about 6 minutes each.  Almost all packed trail as well so that bodes well for my endurance speed.  My running is about where I want it to be so I will continue with the maintenance phase.  Need one more hill workout just to get the calves ready for the weekend.  I will most likely just do some good repeats on Wed so I don't have too much downhill running at one time.

Can't wait to get a cross/road bike.  I have been missing mine for so long.  Just need to figure out how much to sell the Mountain bike for bc it is really worth a lot and I will NEVER be able to afford a bike like that again.  Guess it really depends on how nice I can get it to look since it will undersell.

 

Nov 8  Today's thoughts

 Well, I only have to run 4 miles to get to 40 and that may be a good thing bc it is still raining and cold.  I think the wind cold also play a factor later.  My run last night in the dark wasn't too bad but the trails were too hard to see.  I am also looking at listing my bike to try and get that taken care of so it should be a decent full day.  

 

Nov 7  Motivation

 Cold and Rain are my least favorite.  No such thing as harsh weather, only soft people?  Need to only run 9 miles between today and tomorrow.  Don't want to go more then 5 tomorrow so 4 tonight? I dunno.  This is what I think about.  Trying to raise mileage and get in stupid crazy fantastic weight sessions in is weird.  Oh well, maybe I will go run now.  Need to get the weight under control.  Just undid a months work of my weekly avg but I feel a little leaner and more fit so that at least is good. Maybe if I can run sub 30 at the 5 mile turkey trot I will feel better.

Nov 6  Making goals?

  Well the weight loss goal is not going very well this week at all but all the others are going well.  I will hit everything except the time goal which is a little lofty at first and then the long ride prolly but that is only every two weeks.  The weights are already going well even though my hip is sore as hell.  That is exactly why I am doing it though.  Should really help out.

Nov 4 Election Anxiety 

      WOW, Tons of anxiety today after the last election.  Can't believe its so much of a deal to me even though I am a big politics follower.   I even know that within a few minutes I only need to cross two paved roads to get to Canada.  Pretty warped.  No exercise bc I thought my wheel was fixed but I need to bearing cartridges and I cannot do the work myself.  Oh well, I need them anyway.

 

Nov 1 David Goggins

          "I am an animal and I train everyday the distance that you train UP to do. Don't question me."

 

Oct 29   Prioritization 

      Been trying to really narrow down those goals.  Here is the numbered list

Penultimate Goal:  Loose weight.  162 by end of Feb (.6 pounds per week) 

1. Long Run (2 hours)

2.  Weights (2 times a week)

3.  40 miles a week running (should come easy if goal #1 is met)

4.  10 hours per week training through winter (through March)

5.  Swim once per week

6.  Long ride every two weeks (3hours)

Now some time goals

29:59 for a 5 mile

1:25:00 for a half marathon

4:59 for a mile

17:59 for a 5k

9:29:59 for Ironman at least 9:59:59

1:59:59 for a Olympic (this does 2 as I need a good sub 1:00:00 on the bike)

 

Oct 24 Goals and ways to reach those goals

      I think that I can figure out how to reach my goals if only I could come to firm grasps of what my goals are.  I seem to work better with specifics rather then to just make my run better.  Maybe that is precisely what I need to do right now though.   I guess right now nothing takes more precedent then loosing weight as that will make the latter goals better.  Then I need to work on my run endurance and speed. The weights will take care of the cycling mostly other then trying to get in some really long endurance rides.

Having the baby upcoming is also going to be interesting as I really have no idea how that is going to effect things. I really have no goals until then other then to go sub 30 at the turkey trot and maybe sub 1:25 at the Half marathon.  Maybe I will stick with that while getting the weights in.

 

Oct 23  Hellgate results

      So I did better then I thought.  16:40 for the first run, 37:52 for the bike (which was third overall) and 17:20 for the second run.  I was pretty happy about that bc I didn't feel that fast until the second run and I thought I had more on the bike then I put out.  Definately room to improve on both of those.  Haven't worked on the bike at all either.  

 

Oct 21 Track

       Still no results from the duathlon bc people refuse to get the website up and running even though there is an expert now on the case after two years and one failed attempt later.  This site seems to at least be competent.  Track was sweet though.  Three by one mile repeats on grass with a pretty good hill in there.  5:57, 5:51, 5:47 so I was pretty pleased as I was not feeling like I was up to that.  I was really happy with the negative splitting as that has been a personal demon of mine in flat out running.

 

Oct 19 Hellgate Duathlon

        Well, I came in just in front of a professional triathlete I call bizzarro Adam and right behind the winner of the local Olympic distance triathlon.  Bad news is I still got 6th behind 1 pro and 2 ex pro triathletes and some other guy.  The course was rough and that lead to a hard hard race.  I will need to see the split times to see how I did.

Other notes; I only lost .24 pounds this week which I guess is better then nothing.  High of 177.2 last week and low of 171.2 this week.  Just need to get it under control I guess.

 

Oct 13  Glacier NP

        Just spent 3 days without any workout up near GNP in a Yurt just relaxing and prolly putting on a couple pounds.  Should be alright though as it was a good rest.  Gonna try and get ready for the weekend race which shouldn't be too hard other then getting the normal stuff in but at least 2 mountain bike rides in being the minimum.  

 

Oct 8  Tired

        The weight loss caught up today and I was pretty tired.  Luckily I work at a coffee shop.  Got my run in today.  I guess being used to doing two workouts a day makes doing one just so nice mentally.  When i get done running I am done for  the day.  Usually, did two the other day I guess.  Ate a little bigger dinner bc I was ready to pass out.  Want to hit the gym for some abs but may not after the larger dinner.

 

Oct 7   Blah run yesterday

        Digestive system did not work well on my run yesterday.   Had to stop twice to use the bathroom and had to walk about 10 times during my 10 mile run.  The first five miles went pretty well but then the wheels came off and I shortened my 12 mile run to 10.  Now I remember why I run that same route all the time when I do that distance. Got some yogurt to see if that helps out a bit.  I think the weight loss thing is going to go alright as well.  I am on a decent plan.  I now just need to plan the weekend to get some endurance in there.  Have track tonight but I don't know what I want to do today.  I may bike inside just to avoid being cold and miserable twice in one day.  Even masochists have to have limits.  I need to be at 172 every day for the rest of the week to make my goal.

 

Oct 5  Re-caffeinated

        Decided today that weight loss comes before trying to cut out caffeine just so that I can have it again when the winter gets bad as a cheer me up.  Chocolate works better as a serotonin booster anyway.    

 

Oct 4 The rain begins

         I think our time for decent weather is over and I had it start off with some weight gain.  I think it might be the caffeinated coffee stoppage but I am unsure.   I gained 1.2 pounds and I need to start having a set goal.  Good things were that I got a really good long run in a good track in and a super bike in.  I guess the week could have been a lot worse but I need to have some focus before the weather falls off and things actually get tougher.

       After reading some old blogs entries it sounds like my speed is at its highest adn by endurance in waning a little and my weight is high.  That means I will just set goals at the beginning of each week and try to hit them.

 

Oct 2 Time trials from hell

          Went out to Alberton for some time trails.  Two ten mile time trails with 2 huge granny gear hills in each.  First one was over 25 miles per hour and then I started to fade a little with the second ant the fourth one just sucked.  The third and fourth were also only 6.25 miles so not as bad but a stupid hard hill at the beginning of the first and the end of the second.  Went out with two 25-29 year old qualed for clearwater and training hard still and both signed for Irons next year.  I fell like I need to get with the program but the weight is coming off and that is of the upmost importance right now.

 

Sept 30 Long time no post, but APPLICATION IS FINISHED

          I sent out my application to Starbucks for thier elite athlete program.  It is a pretty sweet deal where you travel around racing and meeting with other partners and stores showing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.  Yes, I know it is my dream job so keep your fingers crossed.  People at work seemed pretty excited and confident that I would be good and have a shot at it.  I at least hope to hear back from them.  I would at least like them to use what I was going to do as  major suggestion to whoever gets it.  Right now I cannot find who is currently in te program and there are up to 3 people in the program.  It is pretty easy to connect with at least a blog but a site with a log and pictures really helps I think.  Oh well,  I don't know how they weight the criteria against each other or even do interviews which would be sweet.  I will be getting back to posting more often now that the app is done.

Here is a link to the essay portion.   http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcjpnn4f_6q4ctdzvb

I also tried to meet up at Sbux with a running partner but a no show so I went on a 2 hour 15 mile trail pack run with a full camel back.  Pretty sweet.  Tired yesterday from trying to cut back caffeine before winter so it has a better effect this winter when the days get too short to handle otherwise. At least now I have a treadmill and a weight room about 30 seconds away.  It will be hard to do legs there but I am working on that.

 

Sept 17 Ironbaby 140.6

         I wanted to post my intentions to do a 140.6 self supported or maybe a 70.3 self suppoetd in mid January around the 20th.  This will mostly be dependant on the weather as this gives me long enough to train.  A pool swim is all I have decided as the weather will not support otherwise.  The bike will be loops so I can refuel without really stopping. 

 

Sept 16 Timed mile

         The turnout was fairly low for the last track workout of the season, but most of the regular gluttons of punishment were there.  The air turned out to be fairly bad air quality even after checking the actual numbers.  Everyone, I mean everyone was coughing up their lungs afterwards.  IN the end I did a 5:13 (75, 79, 81, 78) which was great considering the conditions.  Did 4x400 relay and a 4x200 relay in 3 teams but with 11 people I decided to run two legs since I came in first in the mile. Pretty sweet and even weighed in at 175.2 today.

 

Sept 11 Patriot Day

          Don't know if Patriot Day will ever catch on.  Nine Eleven still seems the way to say it. Well, I really need to find the positives in things and I am really glad to be going to Glacier this weekend.   I am plannign on trying to do some more self improvement things as well.  I am at the state now that you are most able to help others if you feel genuinely authentic about yourself.  There is no correct level other then to be the person you want to be.  

Plans

Been thinking about races that I want to do in the future.  Definately antoher Iron. A 50 and a 100 mile ultra.  A Double Iron woudl also be pretty sweet.  24 mountain bike could be fun as well when I can afford a good lighting system.

 

Sept 10 Review

          Well the triathlon went to hell bc of being hit in the head again and me not wanting to be assertive and instead totally pacifying myself. Had three great days since then though.

 

Sept 4 Two more days

           Still a lite sore toady from the track the other night but  in the good way that it is soreness that will get better and then leave you really wanting to push at it.  There is going to be a really good field out there and I will need a decent swim and a killer bike to have a shot at it.  Just about everyone is a better runner so I can't rely on that too much but at least it is a triathlon so the loss won't be near as much as if it was a straight up footrace. 

 

Sept 3 The wind down

          Today is the day I start taking it easy.  Three days of spinning on the bike for 30 minutes with some stretching as to get juiced up for race day.  I want to work out so that means that it is already going well.

 

Sept 2  Comeback

          Well, just had three sweet action workout days after the layoff.  Ran a 6:05, 7:00, 6:05 ofter a bike on the trainer the other day and track went really well tonight.  Ran 400's and I went on 73,73,73,74,75,72 with all the 200 splits coming at 36 seconds.  This bodes well for the weekend and a timed mile that we are doing in a couple weeks.  I would love to have a 4:59 mile over the age of 25. The weather and mainly the wind is going to be the major factor this weekend.  I have a plan to bust the swim and take a long trans if it is bad.   If not I will take the swim like normal and hit the rest hard. 

 

Aug 31 Three days off

         Got into a slump this week as teh hours at work did not seem like they were coming andf this was the week I was supposed to be driving to Illinois for an Ironman.  Three days and no workouts.  I just couldn't bring my self to do an actual training workout.  I got all dressed up on the bike twice and still couldn't manage it.  Oh well, three days is a perfect rest period so I should just be re-energized but a little flat, which might be good for a race over 2 hours to start slowly and work into it.  

I also am actually getting my website running so that it is normal.

 

Aug 27 Rain

        Went running in the rain and it was great.  Got blisters on my instep that hurt like hell so I took off my shoes and ran the last mile sub 8 barefoot.  Sweet action.

 

Aug 26 Hour reduction

        Noticed today that my hours have been waning.  The point here is that the intensity has been up quite a bit bc my endurance seems to be there.  Have to beat 2:18:00 for the Oly to get my PB which I think is a better goal for me now.  Should be able to hit that if I am careful.

 

Aug 25 Nothing in particular

        Had a 4 mile run that went sour with side cramps about 2 miles in and figured out that I really do not handle  the disappointment from the pressure that I put on myself and I am going to take a break on running races for a while and try to get back to having fun at my races as opposed to seeing them as what I do. 

 

Aug 19 Smoke

       The smoke is pretty bad here today and I always wonder if it is that bad to workout in.  I did an easy 30 min ride and have track tonight so I wont be going long so that should help.  We have the air on as to not be exposed to it all day either which I feel like is a bigger problem.  I guess a day or two shouldn't be that big of a deal and I just hope it calms down a little.  

 Don't know what track will be like but I am gonna try and run 2:50 pace for just about everything to get ready for this weekend where I need to run 5:59 for 4 miles.   Legs are still sore from the Mt Jumbo run but they should be from that effort so all is well.

 

Aug 18 Back in the Game

       Took a while and some wieght gain but I am back in the saddle so to speak and all signed up for the Roots run and the Frenchtown Olympic Triathlon which in the back of my mind I want to break 2 hours in depending all on my swim mostly.  At least 58:00 and 38:00 so my swim has a chance either now or in the future.  In the Roots this weekend I would like 23:59 for the 4 mile run as I am still trying to loose that weight and speed had not been the quickest thing to come back.  My endurance after the layoff is good and my strenght is also good.

At least there are about three weeks until the big race and I will focus on TT  bike workouts and 2 run speed seesions a week while keeping the running mileage up and swimming more frequently.  Won't worry about biek mileage as I said the endurance and strenght are there.  Just need to get TT ready.

 

July 6, No more racing

       I figured out that I can only race  with a competitive spirit and thus will no longer do any racing.  A long time ago I gave up golf to pursue biology and now that I do not have biology I have put triathlon into that same space.  Not having either I will wait until we move out of Montana to pursue athletics again and will now try to focus on having a child.      
 

July 4 Ironman no longer a reality

       I will most likely not keep up with this blog any longer.  Montana sucks.
 

July 3 TT Brick 

        Went out and did a 10 mile TT in 23:45 which is a minute faster then either of the two at the begining of the year. With that past couple weeks workouts that is boding really well that even though I feel worn down I am still performing.  The run started at 7:25 pace for the first 6 miles but then faded as i ran out of water.  Gonna bring a shirt so I can get water inside.  Was gonna do 12 but cut it back to 10.  I think I went out too hard in the TT.  I notice I feel a lot better if I pull back a bit when I want to put the hammer on.  I was out in 12:24 and came back in 11:00 but the wind was not crazy.  This means I have something to work on. 
 

June 28 Week in Review and Upcoming

        Over 200 on the bike and 30 on the run and 1000 in the pool so gonna try and hit 200 and 50 with 4000 in the pool.  Tied for longest week ever with 16:14:00.  I work more next eek or else I would aim higher.  Fairly sore after the 16 miler but had no easy days with the leg recovering so every run was a little toughe and the early bikes were a little tougher.  No running tomorrow to let things get back in sync.  Most likely no biking either but a good long easy swim.  Need to focus on getting in TWO good bricks in a week. 
 

June 26 The Workout

         I knew the workout was gonna suck before I started since the wind was so high.  After 20 going with the wind I still felt crappy before I start the 1hour 20 minutes of low rpm WORK (70-75 rpm).  Barely made it. Had a 2 min trans and took the first mile in 6:43 and held that pace for 3.5 miles and pulled back the last 1.5.  Total time was 2:15 with 1:50 working pretty dang hard.  Gonna try and keep the weight loss going but it is going to get hard.  It is good training on my morning rides bc I am hungry as hell and eat as much as I can.  Got some serious training coming up.
 

June 25 Training Regimen

         I have developed a training plan based upon key workouts and number.  Run: Track, Long(14+), Tempo (8-12), Easy 5, and Pace/Brick (5-10).  That makes 5 a week.  Bike Long x2 (50+).TT (10-25 vary HR), Intervals(5-15 min).  That makes 4 a week.  Swim 2 times a week.  Long Run, track, long brick, long ride are of the most importance.  We will see how it goes.  Looking for 160-300 on bike and 37-55 on the run. Plus  1-2 hours in the pool.  I know I can keep these numbers or higher but I am looking to kick the intensity and loafing (recovery) when not training with Julie gone. 

  The cooler sleep is helping. Weight loss is on track as of right now.  Need to hit 164 by July 9.  I took an easier then expected day and week bc of the biopsy.  I also skipped a night bike bc I wanted/felt a need to go and I want that feeling really bad tomorrow so I know I am back at and full strengh (minus long downhill running.

 

June 22 Sleep

        Realized late last night that the temperature is why too high when I try and go to sleep.  It was still 81 at midnight in the cooler part of the house.  I tried laying with an ice back between my quads and on my chest and that helped but still had a third night of sleep pills (just the benedryl type).  I think it is being on the second floor and there is a lot of parking lot to the back to heat things up and radiate heat until later. The plan tonight is to get the air conditioner on and get it down to 70 before bedtime.  At least 74 since I have not used the thing before and then turn it off bc that should get it down.  

 Still sore from the damn test and now the other leg hurts more bc I have prolly been overusing it.  Oh well, gonna get over it tomorrow.  Got a huge week this week.
 

June 21 Saturday thoughts

         During my max test my VO2 was tested to be 64 on a cyclometer not quit fitted for me and for the first time.   I read a couple studies and they showed a treadmill would give 7-12 percent higher with an avg of 10%.  Using this I would be around a 70.  This is pretty sweet and good confidence builder.  Just need to loose that weight now.

 My leg is still sore and that numb/muscle tightening in my foot has not gone away.  The stitches are still sore and I realized that  they  did not shave the area which I find strange. Had to  take sleep  aid  for the second time ever as well so I am not happy about that either.   

I also did a 2 hour ride at over 20 mph with HR under 132 so that is showing my endurance is there. Need to work on long endurance and some long intervals now I think.

June 19  Muscle Biopsy Test

        Last night I started fasting at 5:30pm and even didnt have my water during the night like a normally do for a muscle glycogen study.  I got on the bike at 6:10 am with only 10 ounces of water and already thirsty.  Then I went for an hour from zones 1 up to 4 by the end at 235 watts in a 90 SAUNA.  I also had a rectal probe.  I got one bottle of water which was gone in no time.  Then for the next 5 hours I got blood drawn 7 times and three deep muscle biopses done close together on my quadriceps.  I got to drink about 3 small bottles of glucose btu no water.  I almost passed out multiple times and could not complete breathing through the VO2 apparatus.  I then went to work for 6 hours and rode the bike home bc this was suppposed to help the leg but it sucks and I am going to be out of commission for a while.
 

 June 15, Weight Loss and Iron Training

        Starting to eat better mainly by cutting the latte's at and pastries and samples at work. Those liquid and quick calories I guess add up asi am down 5 pounds.  The other things is a really good and well balanced dinner and it seems to be working.  A little tired this morning but late night with work and more loss then I thought so I will see how tomorrow goes.   I think I am going to go with the eat whatever one day of the week so that I can stay focused the rest fo the week.

    The Iron training officially starts today even though I have a truly solid base and some new speed.  My goal is to figure out a heart rate to bike at and ramp up the mileage the next month before starting more muscular endurance stuff the month before.  I think this will be the best approach.  Lots of bricks too.

 

June 11, Junk Food

        Ate like crap today so I went out for a run up the mountain in the rain and snow, yes snow until i couldnt move for 5 minutes bc my body hurt so much.  Feel much better now.  Really need to start eating better. Might try and put together a race plan for the rest of the year tonight.

 

June 8, Aftermath

       The Vikingman race was just too cold.  Around 40 degrees and a 15 to 20 mph wind.  I opted out of the swim (a good idea as last years female winner went in 51 minutes! and quit with too much hypothermia feeling.  This is from an accomplished and hardcore racer. I tried to do the bike run but once on the bike without a warmup I quickly went numb within 3 miles and kept pushing it.  I managed the second or third best ride of the day (just about, i didnt cross the mat right away but close enough.  Couldn't feel much so called it a day.  Lots of dropouts and plenty of 9 hour finishes.  I really want to get back to it already but will have to see what race I can afford to enter next.
 

June 2, The Final Days

       Just gearing down for the half.  Had 2 days of spinning and yesterday did not eat as well.  I am not actually looking forward to the race bc I think it is going to be around 49 when we get out of the 52 degree water.  My worst  racing conditions.  I also don't have a ride so I feel like an idiot there.  Hopefully I can get better today and really get ready for this race.  I think the caffeine cutback has also effected me and I need to eat a little more in the morning to compensate as I get starving in the evening.  I am trying really hard to just feel light come raceday by eating lots of fruits that digest easily. One for two days so far.
 

May 31, 2008   The Water Solution 

       I realized that I need to go back to drink copious amounts of water after eating to help rehydrate and move stuff through my digestive track.  I am feeling better already after starting this yesterday.  Now I need to focus on eating lots of fruits and veggies for the upcoming race next weekend.  I have a disc wheel coming that will give me the mental kick I need.

May 29, 2008

    Many things have happened since I last started on this page.  I will start to keep up with it once again with at leeast weekly updates.  As of right now I am battleing overtraining and getting ready for a half ironman.  We shall see how that goes.  The thing I need to focus on is the fact that i will be in good shape after the race regardless of how the race goes and MORE then ready to tackle some crazy Ironman training.

 

April 7, 2007

Well I am getting ready to head down to Cedar City UT to live in a tent (my choice) for 5.5 months and look for birds.  Should be interesting, will get to be outside of Zion and Byrce Canyon.  As far as racing goes I am only going to get to do one race before entering a 24 hour triathlon that i really want to win.  My tent training should lend itself nicely to this.  I will try and publish the training log weekly as it may be hard to find internet access.
 

March 14, 2007 The eternal search for a job.

    Well I have 2 apps in MO, 2 in WI one in Moab, (those are the tops), 5 in ID and a plethora in Glacier, Yellowstone and various parts of MT.  I hope to be hearing abotu them soon so I can figure out what kind of racing, if any I want to do this year.  Too hard to come up with anything if I cant get to any races.  Oh well, just needed to let it be known.  Training for whatever is going well though.  I am losing weight and felling stronger and all that jazz, we shall see how long that keeps up.  I am sitting here writing this bc i ran 10.3 miles this morning and it is dangerously windy (seriously) to bike and I dont want to get on the trainer for a longer ride. Oh well, maybe I should go get on it anyway.   

Feb 26, 2007

    This is my first entry as a blog.  Don't know exactly what I will be putting in here.  Right now a lot of things are riding on what kind of job I am going to get for the year.  My training is pretty varied with it kinda aiming towrds an hour long race early in the season and losing some major weight.  I really want to do something stupid long this year, at least in the 24 hour range, but that will matter where I will end up having a job.