9 Weeks and counting

9 weeks from now, I'll be at the start line. Just under 8 till I make my way across the pond to try and get used to a) a new time zone; b) higher altitude and c) lack of humidity. With a 12 week program, I've done the first quarter getting better each week.



Last week was my best week of the lot thus far. I'd have to say yesterday's run through one of the local State forests was the best. I love running in new places as it breaks up the typical routine we seem to get ourselves stuck in. I don't think there was a flat spot on the whole run. You were either climbing or descending. Going through the single track was a blast too. It's weird, you know you're running faster than you normally would, but for some reason keeping your mind on not losing your footing rather than how you're feeling takes the pain away...well most of it. Additionally, yesterday was the first time in a long time that I've run with someone else (other than Coach Vaughn) in a long, long time. It pushes you out of your comfort zone which is great and it's nice to have some banter out there too. I definitely need to add this into my regular training again.



I managed to get a few core workouts in too, which really helps I think. And, I didn't miss a session, which was a great feeling. I'm almost out of my gels now, so next week is the week I start training on Powerbar products. That's what's given out on course and they seem to have way more sodium than others which is a key for me. By the way.... have I told you how terrible salt tablets taste...... A necessary evil I think, but come on, with modern technology, we can't make them taste any better?

So far my campaign has the following stats. The part I love, is the number of donuts burned. Being an American website, these must be Krispy Kreme donuts, so man, I have allot to eat after race day to make up for it.





Things seem to be somewhat on track, I just need to keep at it, and play it smart. Some little niggles here and there, but nothing I can't manage. This coming week I have anther trip for work, so I've managed to schedule my meetings in such a way, that I can get a couple of workouts in. Into the hills next week too on the bike which will be fun... painful, but fun.

Catch you out there.

Building Phase

I swear, the older you get, the faster time moves. I'm now less than 10 weeks out and the routine is building.

After an easy 5 week easy period, to let the body heal physically, and mentally, I've had two okay weeks of the revised 12 week program. I honestly, was looking for some motivation as the colder mornings, and lack of training mates, didn't have me jumping out of bed in the morning. But I found some motivation. 1st, I floated the Australian economy and purchased the plane tickets home, that hurt the pocket book. Then secondly, I found an online training website, that you can use to log your workouts. These two things have helped. The fact that I'm not going to waste the money spent on tickets, accommodation, entry fees, etc. has helped get my ass in gear. The other good thing is the the online logging of my training, is helping keep me honest. I've given a few people the link to my profile page, and they're checking in from time to time to see how I've been doing. If I've missed a session or two, I get a reminder to get my arse out there and train.

2 weeks in, things are going okay, the miles are adding up and the base I've built up over the past year is showing through. I truly believe that the more you do endurance events, the easier it gets the next time. I've probably just jinxed myself by saying that, but hey, live and learn right? I'll be calling on this base to get me through things over the coming weeks.... or 68 days for those of you following along at home.

So, if you're bored and looking for someone to train with this winter, drop me a line, I'll take you up on it, but be warned, I stop for coffee in the morning sessions.

crunch time....again

12 weeks, 84 days, 2016 hours to go.... No matter how you put it, the 5 weeks of optional training has passed, time to stick into it, the motherland is calling.

A perfect weekend really, Saturday being a good longer run (done faster than race pace) and Sunday was a 100km ride with a 7.5km run off the bike (both done at or faster than race pace). That's the plan to follow as I already have a killer base. While I won't be aiming for the super long rides this time, I will be changing it up a bit, where I won't go as far, but will put some solid intensity into it. This should get me ready again.

Today was a good day too. IMA was on tv, enough to get you excited about Ironman, as you re-live the day once more and driving you to get back to the start line. Then, a number of my mates were up in Cairns, competing in the first ever Challenge Cairns. Tracking them as they made their way along the course was fantastic. I love this sport, no matter whether your racing or cheering others on, it gets you going.

The body is willing (or so it says) and the mind is definitely into high gear, 12 weeks of hard work to do... I can do that.... Push hard, but smart, and never give up.

So yes, I will be a regular again at training, and yes, I'll be one of those idiots out there training before work starting at 4:30am so I can get a 3 hour ride in before the daily grind.

I'm ready.