Austin Bound

In honor of taking a road trip to Austin, I would like to leave you with a bit of Willie!

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
Don't let em wear spandex and drive old bikes
Make'em be golfers and tennis players and such
Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
They'll never stay home and they're always alone
Even with someone they love

Triathletes ain't easy to love and they're harder to hold
And they'd rather give you a race entry then diamonds or gold
Spandex tri outfit and old faded shoes each morning begins a new day
And if you don't understand him and he don't die young
He'll probably just cycle away

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
Don't let em wear spandex and drive old bikes
Make'em be golfers and tennis players and such
Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
They'll never stay home and they're always alone
Even with someone they love

Triathletes like crowded open water swims and clear trails moringin's
Little warm Chamois Butters and GUs and alcohol of the night
And them that don't know him won't like him
And them that do sometimes won't know how to take him
He ain't wrong he's just different but his pride won't let him do things to make you think he's right

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
Don't let em wear spandex and drive old bikes
Make'em be golfers and tennis players and such
Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
They'll never stay home and they're always alone
Even with someone they love

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Triathletes
Don't let em wear spandex and drive old bikes
Make'em be golfers and tennis players and such

Day Twenty Four

Current weight is 173!

It was our last Wednesday night swim practice at Bally's. We did 800 yards and then two 25 yard sprints followed by a relaxing 25 yard pace.

We headed to Pappa's BBQ for our Send Off Party. I got a few cool items, in which I now have a white TNT visor and can retire my florescent green TNT visor. For some reason, I have become obsessed with the Headsweat visors and now have another addition. We got a cool shirt to wear at our Pasta Party and our official Competition Tri Top that looks pretty sweet. So like um, yeah, like I, um, am ready for CapTex.

Day Twenty Two and Twenty Three

Day Twenty Two

I did 30 minutes of stretching on the mat, and took the rest of the day off. Got to love the taper!

Day Twenty Three

20 minutes of stretching in the morning and a light brick that afternoon. It was a high intensity brick at 20 minutes on the bike and 15 minutes on the run. The cyclist that were on the Bike Loop at 6:30 are PRICKS! I stopped ridding after being cut off for the fifth time, and I mean flying out of the aero bars to lock up the brakes. What jerks! It was not work getting injured before CapTex, so the Team left the track.

The run went smooth. I hit my race pace and then dropped a bit lower. It was a great exercise of pushing your body before a race. Your body feels sluggish during the taper, but these high intensity work-outs balance your perception of laziness.

Day Twenty One

I placed 2nd at the Silverlake Sprint Triathlon with a time of 53:53.

It was a nice race course and great practice for CapTex. The swim was quick as any 400 meter sprint, in which I exited the water first my division. T1 was smooth, but I still need improvement. The bike course had a few too many turn, although it did have it share of long straight shots. I placed 4th on the bike and entered T2 in 2nd place. T2 just sucked. I opted to put my socks on in T2 instead of T1, which was a bit easier. I left T2 in 3rd place. My run brought the pain as I dropped to a 6:19 pace. The key factor was that I had juice left, but did not want to become injured just 7 days before CapTex. I would like to point out that I ran 7:02 at Lonestar and 6:40 at CB&I; how low will my run continue to drop?

I finished the race 7 seconds behind first place and actually just enjoyed being on the course that day. My family was able to watch me compete, which included: mom, step-dad, dad, step-mom, brother, and 83 year old grandmother. The Team headed over to the casa for a bit of barbecue before heading home.

Day Nineteen and Twenty

Day Nineteen: A light stretch session after the previous day's experiences. Followed by a bit of ab mat work.

Day Twenty: Our final Team Saturday practice. I ran two miles at a light pace. Then, headed off to begin our transition practice. We rode around a parking lot in which to become accustom to turns. We then headed to our make shift bike rack. Coach had us do 20 push-ups and spin around 5 time, before we stumbled to our bikes. We were able to practice our T1 and T2 three times. I still need a bit more practice.

Day Eighteen

I have no power and only pain in my quads after yesterday’s stretch session.

I did 5 miles at 23 mph and had to immediately drop to 18 mph. Two miles later, I was done with the bike. It felt like my quads had ripped in half.

I did a 6:30 mile run and 3 additional minutes of light jogging.

I will show up at Silverlake Tri, but do not know if I will be able to compete. Guess people really do not listen anymore. I said I have a race this Sunday and next Sunday. Next time I will try sign language.

Day Seventeen

1st Official Weigh-in: I am now 174, in which I have lost three pounds over the last 17 days.

It was time for a time trial during my Kenyan Way morning run. I ran a one mile warm-up, which was followed by a 5:50 mile time trial. I did a 1.5 mile cool-down and a bit of core/stretch work.

Once back at the casa, it was time for Trigger Point to release my pain.

I had a stretch session during my lunch hour. For some odd reason, my quads are jacked. There is hardly any motion in those puppies. I guess I will see what happens between today and next Thursday's stretch session. Always wonder what time improvement being totally stretched would give me.

The final hard swim workout before CapTex. We hit the pool for a 2x100 warm-up, and then came 6x500. It felt like my arms were going to fall off. I could feel me forearms screaming during the 3rd 500. Overall, it was a beneficial workout. It allowed me time to get into a groove and experienment a bit.

Day Sixteen

I spent 20 minutes massaging my muscles with Trigger Point tools. Followed by a 10 minute Physio Ball ab workout. It was nice to relax for a change.

Day Fifteen

Monday's hills with The Kenyan Way. I immediately felt that my legs were spent while running up the first hill. Following this training session, my muscles were really tight. It felt like someone beat me with a baseball bat.

I started the campaign with a .5 mile warm up. We did 10 minutes of hills with a 5 minute break, and then another 10 minutes of hills. Back to the base camp while running a .5 mile cool down. We did our core/stretch work and split for the day.

I followed this experience with a bit of Trigger Point massage therapy. Then, it was time for a quick ab mat workout. What a Monday!

Bass Akwards Epic Weekend

The Team headed South to Alvin for a Bass Akwards training session. We ran 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back. We biked 40 minutes out and 40 minutes back. We swam two loops at Twin Lakes for 2,000 yards. For some awkward reason, I was a bit sore.

I enjoyed riding after the run, because you were able to spin out your legs. I had a milestone ride, in which I was pushing 25+ mph on the smooth straight aways. It was an amazing experience that I hope is present at CapTex.

The swim was very difficult. I could feel my quads cramping, which means I am using a bit too much leg. The last straight away felt like a sprint to the finish. I finished a 2,000 yd swim, 30 mile bike, and 40 minute run. Bring on my first Olympic Distance.

I decided that Bass Akwards was only the beginning, so I headed back to Chappell Hill for a leisurely ride. We headed out for a 45 mile route that would take us over Mount Texas. I immediately could tell me legs were spent from yesterday's workout. Therefore, it started out as a light ride.

The good thing about wind is there usually is a tailwind. We faced a 15-20 mph NW wind, but I was able to hit 38 mph on a downhill and feel comfortable. It just sucks to ride at 13 mph on the flat stretches and look up at the next hill. I did even better on the hills this week, which is perfect timing as it is time to Taper.

I headed out for a 3 mile run at the heat of the day. It was a beautiful day, so I was able to enjoy my 8:15 pace. Everyone says CapTex is hot, and now I have at least one hot run under my belt.

Day Twelve

I hit the physio ball for a 30 minute workout. It was followed with a 10 minute pure ab mat session. Took it easy this Friday for the Epic Weekend Part II!

Day Eleven

I woke up with a locked back, but would not appreciate until later how bad a day it would become.

Another 6 am Bikram Yoga session. I could not get my back loosened up, so I took it easy during most of the class. Finally, the last position set free my pain. Of course, that meant I just spent 1:25 trying to loosen my back and the last five minutes cured my ailment.

It was time for a massage; enters the Trigger Point massage tools. The ball hammered out my back for about ten minutes. I was able to bend over without any problems, so I finished massaging my other muscles.

I ran the worst race and was absolutely disgusted afterwards. It was a 5K that started at 7:30 pm in downtown Houston. Of course, it was the hottest day of the year in Houston at 91 degrees. I followed the lead pack for the first half mile, when I realized we were running a 5:35 pace. I immediately pulled off the accelerator, but it was too late. At the turn, I was still running strong with at a 6:10 pace.

Then came the first stitch! I usually do not get mad while racing, but this was the second race in a row. I fought it for 30 seconds, and then started to walk. It immediately went away, so I started running again. Then, the second stitch came about. You can't race if you can't run! I walked for 30 seconds and sprinted it home.

I really needed this marker test, because I just started The Kenyan Way speed workouts and can't run another 5K until the end of May. The morale, somedays you can push it and others must be strategically turned into training sessions!

Day Ten

It was back to the the Bayou with The Kenyan Way for a progressive run. I arrived early, so I had a 2 mile warm-up. Followed by a few drills, and then began the progressive run. It was 25 minutes around a loop that was close to .5 miles. Each lap is faster than the first. I could tell Monday's workout was taking affect, as I attacked every hill and enjoyed the down hills.

I began in the front of the pack. There were 15 that lead the way, but only 8 that remained after the first loop. Once my fourth lap began, I noticed that four were pulling away. More power to them, because I was doing just fine at my own speed. Finished my sixth and final lap in a sprint that felt like redemption for not sprinting CB&I.

How can you have a Core Fit Month without massages? I decided to purchase Trigger Point products and give them a test drive. This was my second date with the masseuse. My muscles immediately felt better, although my quads need a couple more weeks worth of love.

I hit the physio ball for 15 minutes of crunches, which was followed with a 10 minute ab class during lunch. I immediately felt the ab classes affects, but not sure if it was worth the hastle for only 10 minutes of exercise.

Day Eight and Nine

Day Eight

I finally inflated my physio ball. My core immediately began screaming. I felt stronger after only a 40 minute workout.

I joined The Kenyan Way's Beat The Heat program. It is a 12 week program that meets every Monday and Wednesday morning from 6 to 7 am. Mondays consist of hill workouts. Wednesdays consist of: combination of relays, tempo runs, whistles, intervals, and time trials. Both days are topped off with a bit of core work.

My first hill workout was difficult. It reminded me of the Austin Half Marathon, in which I was out of breath after the first hill at mile 2. I can't wait to attack Austin's hills over Memorial Day weekend.

After work, I hit the trainer for a 30 minute interval workout. I spinned for 5 minutes and then worked up my zones at 2 minute intervals. Finally, I spinned it out for the last 5 minutes. This workout was important because my Adamo is KILLING ME!

Day Nine

It was back to Bikram Yoga for a powerful one and half hour session. I took it easy during my stretches, in which to ensure I would not have any additional bruises. This was my best class thus far and I can't wait until my Thursday morning session.

I hit the pool for a nice relaxing 800 yards. This swim was to reinforce my successful race day performance and Twin Lakes loops. I wanted to work on gliding and feeling my body balance in the water without my wetsuit.

Body Fat Report: I was tested again with the handheld machine, and have 5.9% body fat. That is absolutely amazing that I have lost nearly 4% in only nine days. What a piece of crap; back to the calibrator. The meat head saw the numbers and just looked at me. He actually asked if I would classify myself as athletic. I told him I just got off a two month steroid cycle and he should have seen me before!

I headed to the Picnic Loop for my 20 mile cog ride. There was kind of a breeze that day, but overall it was a great ride. I punched out my 20 mph pace while keeping an average of 90 rpm. Then an easy 1.5 mile run at a 10 minute pace. I convinced my Teammate Erich to join me, so we were able to talk during the run. It was fun actually being able to talk with someone on the run.

CB&I Sprint Tri

I was able to secure 3rd place in the M30-34 division with a 1:13:03.

This was the first race that actually made me a bit nervous during the preceding days. I believe this was due to my success in my first tri at Lonestar. When you start ontop, you know your days are limited. However, when you train like a true Type A, you expect an incline.

I stood on the shore with a pink cap. It was the perfect ice breaker, because all of the other male 30-34 participants just had to laugh. What a cruel joke to play on such manly men. Our group was second, so the anticipation subsided relatively quick. I treaded water for three minutes, while my mind outlined the course in every possible scenario.

The airhorn sounded as we began our voyage. I quickly got into my grove. One minute after our start, I had complete control of my stroke and breath. I began to spot every five strokes, when I noticed I was out of the pack. I dug in and spotted every eight strokes, while pushing my pace.

The first corner arrived as I finally met another competitor. Unfortunately, he would have to lag behind as I lengthened each stroke. There were no more pink caps that I could see in front of me. My mind began crunching numbers. Could I honestly win the swim portion; better yet, what would my Teammates think as I exited the swim first? I bet my mother would not have realized it was actually her son.

My tunnel vision vanished once I hit the beach. It was a sprint towards my bike. In which, I found that socks are bit difficult to put on while your feet are wet.

I hit the pavement pedalling in sequence with my breathing. In no time, I hit my goal of 22 mph. Finally, I was able to control my breathing. What a relief, until a sensation of nausea over came my sense of grace. I kept drinking water and waited to fuel at mile 10. I had a strategy and had already exceeded my bike plan. Therefore, my mind began crunching numbers once again.

Like a roulette wheel; my lucky number was black 23. The first competitor to pass me was at mile 4. Damn, how much did that bike actually cost? I had no fear, because I knew I could out run him. The next two passed after a turn around mile 7. This was short lived for one and a game of leap frog for the other. I believe this game of leap frog was interesting only due to the sound of his disc wheel. They led the way and I was not going to lose them.

I rode 15 miles around a beautiful course outlined with useless pine trees. Finally, I hit the fire trucks and volunteers screaming at our pack of participants. My mental calculator registered the fact that I was 1st out of the water, and only one person had beat me into T2. It was time to get it on; the run!

Note to self: Never use odor remover balls in your running shoes again. I can't tell you how many times I threw my shoes against the ground or words of encouragement I shouted, but I can say that it was pretty funny looking back. I do not know if I could have closed the gap between 2nd place; although if I could have seen him, it would have been fun.

I tried a new strategy, which paid off big time. Grab everything in T2 and start running. You can put on your Garmin, number, visor and sunglasses, while you get your legs used to each stride. I hit the bridge in a 6:40 pace. This was my two mile cruising speed, until I brought the pain at mile 2.

My body brought the pain shortly after mile 2. This was the first side stitch I have ever had while running. They kinda suck! I drank water, pulled on it, hit it, and finally realized it was there to stay. I pushed to a 6:30 pace, but had to back off. I actually ran a straight 6:40 5K race, which was the first time I have not sprinted the finish.

Thank you to all of the spectators and volunteers. This was an excellent race; great job race directors. Best of all, I won a slot into next year's race. I will see everyone at CB&I 2009!

Day Five Through Seven

Saturday was CB&I, so I had to adjust the schedule accordingly.

Day Five: A light core workout and stretch session.

Day Six: Bit more emphasis on the abs and stretch session.

Day Seven: Short core workout on the mat.

This weekend was another Epic Weekend, which made it hard to focus on my core. I try to stay off my feet and do nothing the day before a race. I broke one of my rules, because my core workout did not last 30 minutes. This race needed to be a marker test, so that I could recognize what was working and what needed to be changed. Saturday and Sunday were back on schedule.

Day Four

I had an informative meeting with Dr. DeWalch at Spine & Sports Therapy this morning. It appears I have a bruise on the lower portion of both hamstrings just above my knee. Needless to say, I will be taking the rest of the week off from Bikram Yoga.

My hamstrings were extremely tight and sore. It was a light day of training, which is great for my hamstrings and performance at Saturday's CB&I Tri. I can't wait to see my improvement from Lonestar which was only five weeks ago!

Day Three

Finished my second class of Bikram Yoga. I have the tightest hamstrings, which is freakin me out. Not sure if it is a good thing or time to stress. I went for stress and took it easy the rest of the day.

My Wednesday swim was another break out performance. Our lane did 6x300 and we felt great. Who would have thought I could bust out a strong 1,800 with a smile on my face.

The evening was lacking a ride or run, but it allowed me time to cook for a change. The salmon was worth the light evening.

Day Two

My never ending day of Yoga, swimming, cycling, and running.

I completed my first 6 am session of Bikram Yoga. It was a bit hot, but manageable. Then I went for a leisurely 800 yard swim.

That evening I met a few fellow teammates at the Picnic Loop for a brick workout. I would continue my ritual of riding 20 miles in the same cog and rpm, while increasing the difficulty each week. I cranked out an average of 20 mph and 88 rpm, which was up 1.5 mph/90 rpm from last Tuesday and 3.7 mph/88 rpm from two weeks ago. I would like the cadence to be around 92, however the Picnic Loop does have a few too many turns.

To finish the torture I did a 2 mile run. Yep, I actually only ran two miles and at a 8:19 pace. What tha hell? I was almost at my recommended easy pace, which is an accomplishment!

Day One

Felt awkward sitting on a Yoga mat for 30 minutes, but I asked for it.

After work, it was off to the gym. Swam a 1,000 brutal yards in the pool. Apparently I am still a bit tired from my two and a half loops at Twin Lakes on Sunday. I then did a bit of speed work at Rice; 3 miles total. Once at home, I popped in the Yoga for Runners DVD and worked out to the abdominal section.

Day One of Core Fit Club is compete!

Core Fit Club

My Olympic Triathlon is Sunday, May 25. In honor of such a glorious event, I am entering my own Core Fit Club. Four weeks of grueling core work and nutritional restraint. The rules are simple:

1. No Alcohol;
2. At least 30 minutes of daily Core work; and
3. Only healthy food.

I started this program at 6'4", 177 lbs, and 9.9% body fat. My goal is to loose my beer gut, see below, and become a faster runner.

People wonder what you can do in a month. Now I will know what I can do.

First Half-Ironman

It's Official! I will be competing in my first half Ironman this October 5, 2008.

Where else can you saw off Bevo's horns after a 70.3 mile run through the park?

Conquering the Bike!

How can you live in the past when the present is swinging? Yeah, baby, yeah!

T2 has become my favorite portion of any triathlon. It is only seconds before I slip into my shoes and visor, then tear up the run. However, there are two more disciplines before I reach my favorite leg of the race. I made a conscious effort to conquer my cycling fear this weekend!

I have never swam nor cycled competitively until Lonestar. My results taught me that I need to improve on the bike. A 19.7 mph average in Galveston sounds great, but it was only 12.5 miles. I was 5th in the First Timers category and it was the first time I felt confident in the aero position. Like any dedicated Type A individual, I need an Epic Weekend.

"The Epic Weekend"

Act I, Scene I

This Epic Weekend, April 19-20, began one chilly morning in the Montgomery park. I rode there with Louis and absorbed all of the cycling lingo I could take. My fellow TNTers began filling into the park and unloading. A cold morning in Texas is a runner's greatest Allie; a cold morning is a cyclist's kryptonite. Our group headed out of Montgomery for a leisurely 36 mile ride.

Once on the highway, it was time to shine. I switched gears as I proclaimed my intention of conquering hills. I tucked into my aero shrine and began cranking out the rpms. The first downhill approached without a warning. Holy cow was that freakin cold! I immediately pulled out of aero position as my front tire wobbled profusely. This is not a good start for an epic weekend.

By the third hill, I was numb and flying down the road. We hit the half way point when I stopped for a second. Grabbed a GU and waited on the next rider. Andrew and I rode a couple miles together before I pulled away. Ryan caught up to me after his coffee break. He and Lauren rode out an hour ahead of the team to gain those valuable 10 miles. Instead, they sat in a cafe and drank coffee while trying to thaw.

We finished the final leg and Ryan headed back out for a few more miles; not very wise. He would end up clipping Coach Liz's back tire and crashing in the grass. All is okay, except for a cracked helmet. It was time to hit the second portion of the brick.

Act I, Scene II

My goal was a 4 mile run at a 8:30 pace. As usual, I went out too fast. Do people really run an 8:30? The enforcer showed my pace as 7:15, in which I immediately eased off. I got it down to a 7:45, then worked my way up to an 8. The halfway turn came before I knew it. I remained in the shade as I returned to town . Passed the old man on the porch with the barking dog. Gave him another wave as I though about what he must be thinking. 'Damn kids these day, wearing spandex in public. Have they no sense of pride.'

Made it back to the park after my 4 mile run at a 7:50 pace. The next group of runners awaited their departure as they convinced themselves it could be done. I headed out for another 4 miles along with Skyler and Heather. Skyler and I made the turn and headed back to town. We picked up Jarntip along the way as Luke stopped with water. I picked up the pace and left them to their oasis.

The original plan was to bike 36 miles and run 4 miles. I logged 36 miles on the bike and 8 miles on the run. I had so much fun running that I could not stop. I tried to keep my mileage on the down low, but a few figured that I had done two loops. Guess that does make me an overachiever.

Act II, Scene I

I sent out an email in regards to riding 40 miles Sunday morning in Chappell Hill. The response was sparse, but I knew a few TNTers would join me. I was right and ONE TNTer joined me, Coach Liz. Our plan was to meet up with the HRTC group and follow along their 60 mile route until it was time to split off. We arrived early, so we decided to saddle up.

Another freakin cold morning; yes, I had the shakes during the first few downhills. I passed Coach on a straight away and was immediately passed the next downhill. This is when I knew my place was behind until I gained my confidence. Not sure where that confidence went, as she can climb hills. I would push the downhills only to sag behind on uphills.

Stepping back a bit. I bought a new saddle two weeks ago in anticipation of this Epic Weekend. The Adamo did well on the trainer and Memorial Parks' Picnic Loop, however hills are a bit different. My sit bones were a bit sore all day and the last few hills were killin me!

We made it to Independence in no time. After we checked out the store, it was back to the road. There were a few cyclist in front of us for a bit. I am a newbie, but I am smart enough to know never stop before a hill and stand in the middle of the road. Idiots!

We hit a fork in the road, Coach Liz asked if I wanted the big hill or casual route? Big hill? Casual route? Was there a difference in Chappell Hill. The manly answer was the casual route. Hey, I did say I was smart. The first big hill, irony, we hit was freakin huge, in which I had to switch out of my big ring. Of course, my chain came off half way up the hill. I luckily was able to unclip and immediately put it back on.

The other side of the mountain was the most beautiful sight of the day. 43 miles later we arrived back in Chappell Hill. I had mentioned doing another brick, but left it at that. What an amazing ride with great hills and beautiful wild flowers.

Act II, Scene II

A group of 9 TNTers headed out to Twin Lakes for an open water swim. Skyler, Samuel, and I stuck together for two laps; 2,080 yards. A few markers had moved or were missing, so the first loop was a bit confusing. My sighting has become second nature. Now I just need to learn how to swim a straight line between sightings.

The benefit of swimming with two friends is you get used to bumping into each other. Skyler gave me an elbow in the nose and I kicked Samuel a bit. Finally, we learned how to maneuver around each other. This experience will be priceless race day.

We sat on the dock and floated in the water for a while. The decision has been made that our post event party will be floating the river in June. In honor of such a decision, it was time to head to Berryhill's for margaritas. I mean to replenish our carb depletion.

Epilogue

I swam 1.15 miles, rode 79 miles, and ran 8 miles last weekend. My event is a .9 mile swim, 24.85 mile bike, and 6.4 mile run. My legs feel great and my confidence could not be higher. 79 miles on my bike was the milestone. I felt comfortable both days as I conquered the hills. Once my sit bones stop hurting, it will be time for another Epic Weekend!

Inaugural Post

The time has arrived to log my experiences along with my miles.

This blog will describe my journey, while sharing my training and race techniques.

My journey began last May when I signed up with Team in Training to run the Marine Corps Marathon. I have completed two full marathons and two half marathons. The first was Labor Day and the last was in February. During my training, I have logged 844 miles in 268 days; roughly 3 miles a day.

I ran the Texas Independence Relay, 203.67 miles, with ten other teammates. There were 4 legs for a total of 20 miles, averaging 5 miles a leg. Imagine crossing the Brazos River at 3:30 am and capturing three roadkill.

After the Houston Marathon, it was time to switch endurance events. I once heard a triathlete explain how hard it was to run after biking. I smiled and later signed up, once again, with Team in Training to compete in CapTex Olympic distance triathlon.

I still run 6 days a week, but must find time to bike and swim. The newest challenge pertains to my CORE; unavailing will be soon.

This blog will jump back in time for a bit, but I will keep up to date progress reports.