The story starts in Tempe Town Lake at the 2011 Ironman Arizona. Before the cannon shot off, I was under the bridge about 200 yards from the starting line in order to feel comfortable with so many people around. I was toward the middle to the back of the pack. I’m guessing it took me at least 20 minutes in the swim in 2011 to calm my breathing. I was moving in the water, but not necessarily swimming. Whenever someone got close to me, I’d let them pass, but eventually got into a groove and swam the rest of . . . → Read More: IMAZ 2012 Swim: Don’t PANIC like I did (then again, I hope you do)
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Is there a term for exercising without hardly moving and breathing like you are sleeping? The last two times I went swimming, I tried to move as slowly as I possibly could. The slow movement is almost meditative, as my breathing is calm and smooth. When I would breathe, I’d watch my hand exit the water and make a very slow arch until it entered again with as few bubbles as I could make. Each time up the pool I tried to go even slower. Though it may seem like a strange way to swim, especially if you happened . . . → Read More: slow motion swimming I just checked the participant list for Arizona Ironman and…. THERE I WAS! It written down, I’m on the list, there is nothing I can do about it but …. GO. Why does it have to be so long from now? I’m just getting out to run a bit. Yesterday I went 3 1/2 miles and felt OK. The first 1/2 mile I was (like usual) tempted to walk. I started getting really warm about that time and welcomed the feeling. I can’t explain it fully, but when that feeling of warmth takes over, it gives me a sense . . . → Read More: I can’t freaking wait! OHHHH, now I understand the joke about why Willie Nelson got hit by a car. Today was my first day back running. I went an incredible 2.5 miles and didn’t stop once. The first day back is always exciting (considering it’s my first official day back running ever). The surprisingly mild northeastern day in January was a bonus. I really can’t wait to get into full swing and get on the road again….everyday. At 9:33:46 pm (or 14 hours 33 minutes and 46 seconds after I started the day) I raised my hands at the finish line. Those last few seconds running up the finish line shoot seeing my Dad first on the right with a huge smile and a thumbs up, then looking left and hearing my brother Steve giving me a big “YOU are an Ironman”, seeing Kirstin and Anthony with giant smiles, a few steps further on the right I see a hand shoot out of nowhere and I look up to see it was Fawn with her infectious . . . → Read More: starting at the finish line This is a list of what I need to bring with me for the run: sneakers, thin socks, braces, shorts, hat, gps watch. I still have a hard time calling sneakers, running shoes, but I have to bring a pair with me no matter what they are called. The other day I was running in my sneakers with a pair of ordinary socks and after I got home, my pinky toe was crying ‘Wee Wee’ for a few days. So to avoid that again I’m going to wear a pair of thinner socks. I use braces on my left ankle . . . → Read More: Run Checklists These are the items I need in order to do the bike portion of the event: bike, bike shoes, thin socks, helmet, gloves, computer, hydration belt, chafing stuff, tools, extra tire tube, food, sunscreen. My super fast bike was picked up in Philly by TriBikeTransport on Friday morning. It’s being carried by truck to Arizona. Barring any issues, it should be there on Thursday when I get there. I have bike shoes that clip onto the pedals of the bike. At first, I didn’t like using them, but it’s certainly more comfortable because my feet aren’t moving around or . . . → Read More: Bike Checklists I need to bring the following items with me: goggles, wetsuit, trisuit, wetronome, and a towel (I’m guessing on the towel) We all know or have an idea what goggles are. The wetsuit keeps my body warm and afloat. The water temperature is currently 61 degrees and I’m fairly confident it won’t get any warmer, so I’m very glad I opted for the full length wetsuit. No hypothermia for me please. A trisuit is a one piece shorts and shirt that makes me look like a wrestler from the early days. I’m going to wear it under the wetsuit . . . → Read More: Swim Checklists At 4 pm the delivery came! I was expecting it about an hour before, and that last hour went so slowly. I began to prepare myself to forget about today and hope for the next day delivery, but that all changed when the big brown truck pulled up. From that point on, it was like slow motion. The delivery guy sleepily walked out of the truck with a box. A box that had crossed the country five times. The taped edges showing the wear of excited attempts to open it to reveal the contents. The only difference with this . . . → Read More: You can’t imagine! I spend a lot of time thinking about how to become more efficient in swimming, running, and biking. Trying to exercise longer by conserving energy rather than using more energy is my goal. I’ve practiced many hours swimming as slow as I possibly could to get my arms to memorize where to go with each stroke. I’ve practiced breathing with my face barely above the water. I’ve spent over 60 hours in the water learning a new skill and that makes me smile. I’ve changed the way I run to avoid overstepping and eliminate the cause of potential . . . → Read More: show me your teeth |
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