Ironman

We are now a two Ironman household.

G, shortly after finishing Ironman Wisconsin Sunday.

Love this picture.  So much joy, moments before it all went to hell and we practically carried her to the med. tent, then the hospital.  Dehydrated, 16 lbs down if I remember correctly (I've heard it now once or twice).  But that's her story, and I'm sure she'll tell it in due time. 

As for me, Ironman spectating from dawn to dusk is hard, physically and emotionally.  Swim and bike were the worst, as there is so much that can happen to an athlete beyond ones own control.  Was so relieved she got through them without major issue.  By the time the run came I was ready for a shower and a nap, but that would have to wait.   I'm super proud of G for her efforts out there on race day.  She is an Ironman.

Phase 1

It appears that Phase 1 of IMMT training is officially over. No, I'm not officially in training for IMMT yet. But all roads lead there, so it's hard not to feel that way.

So Phase 1, even though I didn't intend it to be that way, turned out to be a biking phase. 700 miles over the last three month, only one ride over 25 miles. Lots of back and forth to work. Not a ton of miles, but considering I wasn't in training mode, I'll take it. With school starting last week, my freedom to commute is largely gone, and with days getting shorter, the opportunities to ride will be getting fewer and farther between. Hence the end of Phase 1.

So we are on to Phase 2. Phase 2 is to be a running phase. Back in early summer I conned convinced my little sister into running a half marathon with me at the end of October. The proposed start of my training program coincided perfectly with a nasty little heat wave that seemed to last all summer. So I didn't run. At all. We're still on for our half marathon, first week of November. The Tyranena Beer Run in Lake Mills. I'm a little behind the eight ball.

But I drew up a plan, run every other day from now until November 5, building up my long run from 5-12 miles between now and then. I'll be ready to run it, but planning for anything other than a PW at this distance would be just plain foolish. Two hours seems like a dream, my two stand alone halfs were 1:55ish and 1:53ish. Doubtful.

So Friday I ran, 3 miles. Went ok. Sore as hell the next day. Sunday was Day 2, ran with the dog, 3 more miles, went well. Even sorer muscles the next day. Tuesday I went out for 5 at lunch. Had some side stitch issues at the end, but otherwise good. Best part, my legs were not, are not, sore at all post run. Maybe the running mojo is coming back.

Phase 2 will also include a fair amount of biking, primarily to keep the legs loose. I'm not flexible at all, and biking seems to really help loosen up tight running muscles. So the plan is to run every other day, bike on the off days. No hammer fests, probably a lot of mountain bikes rides, neighborhood jaunts with the kids, or lunch rides. Just trying to keep the legs loose, not trying to increase bike fitness at all. It's possible Wilson won't move during this period.

I think I'll end up with four more "phases" leading up to IMMT. Not quite ready to reveal the full schedule yet, but soon.