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.