Bike Training Resumes

September 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Bike workouts are starting again!

I’m two weeks away from the Outlaw Trail 100 and my plan is to use this event to get a feel for how difficult a 112 mile bike ride will be in the Ironman. Considering that it’s early in the season, anything beyond 80 miles without injury will be fine.

I’ve been working on my bike position so that I’m both aerodynamic for speed but comfortable enough to endure 112 miles. I think I’ve got it right where I want it but will find out for certain during my next event.

I’ll soon be trying my new Audio Fuel bike workouts with Chrissie Wellington (Ride Faster Series). If they are as difficult as the running workouts (Run Faster Series) then I’m in for quite a ride.. but I do believe interval training is the key to extending metabolic threshold.

I’ve been getting so many views on my Garmin Bike Mount page that I promised I would post additional photos of the mounting system.  The new photos have been posted to the original page. It’s a simple, clean way to mount the Forerunner 910XT to my bike and easily remove it for the run.

My overall training plan is to continue increasing intensity levels across all 3 sports until I’m 6 months from the Ironman. At that point, I will begin a formal 6-month training plan until the event is 13 weeks away. I will then switch to a more intense 13-week plan designed to improve my overall performance in the Ironman.

My new triathlon suit arrived.. looking forward to trying it out!

Filed Under: Ironman, Training Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Yes You Can

September 23, 2012 By 1 Comment

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

I saw this question by an unknown author and it made me wonder what I would do? I would certainly attempt the Ironman, but what else? Raise more money to fight cancer? Write a best selling book? The question frees your mind to consider ALL possibilities because it removes the option of failure. I think it also demonstrates how much we limit ourselves in life due to a fear of failure. What would you do?

Today’s post is for everyone who is still reaching for that big goal in life and for those who would like to reach higher but limit themselves due to a fear of failure. I can certainly include myself in this list as I’ve often set the bar too low when reaching for my own dreams.

As a result, I’ve decided to raise the bar and demonstrate that anything really is possible. As of today, I’m doubling the goal I’ve set in the fight against cancer to $10,000. I will also qualify for and compete in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. It might take some work, but I will get there. I will also write a professionally published book that documents the entire experience.

I hope that you will be inspired to raise your own bar and pursue your dreams and goals with a passion. As you ponder the question in today’s post, keep in mind one more quote by Karen Lamb, “A year from now, you will wish you had started today.”

This week my weight training begins for the new season and I run 8 miles with my running class. I look forward to my Audio Fuel interval training with Chrissie Wellington during the week to see if I can make it past the first Interval!

Have a super week and remember, “Yes You Can!”

Filed Under: Motivation Tagged With: , , , ,

Registered for Ironman Texas!

July 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I signed up for Ironman Texas! The event takes place May 18, 2013 in The Woodlands.

Athletes begin with a 2.4 mile swim in Lake Woodlands followed by a 112 mile bike ride through East Texas farmland and conclude with a 26.2 mile run to the finish on Waterway Ave. Participants have until midnight to receive an official time. Anyone crossing the line after the 17 hour cut-off will receive a DNF by his or her name (did not finish).

The finish line at an Ironman is a very big deal with upbeat music, thousands of cheering spectators and an announcer who declares each finisher an Ironman. If you missed my finish line video from this year’s Ironman Texas, you can see it here.

I have 9 months, 3 weeks to get ready. My runs are starting to build in distance and I will soon increase my intensity levels by following the training workouts by Chrissie Wellington and New Leaf Fitness. These interval workouts are designed to shift my Metabolic threshold and develop higher levels of endurance and speed.

Please know that my primary goal in completing the Ironman is to raise funds to fight cancer. If you have not had the opportunity to help with a contribution or commitment, please let me know. The contribution page is located directly on MD Anderson’s website so it is safe and secure. Will you help me reach the goal?

Filed Under: Charity, Ironman, Training Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Audio Fuel – Coaching by Chrissie Wellington

June 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Today I ordered AudioFuel’s Tri Harder pack – coaching by Chrissie Wellington. Chrissie is a 4-time Ironman world champion and a current world record holder. This bundle consists of 160 tracks of digital mp3′s to guide me through my workouts. Chrissie motivates and encourages every step and pedal stroke of the way and tells me when it’s time to turn things up a notch!

The “Lace Up” pack provides general workout motivation. She asks, “do you really know what your limits are?”  I think mine are about to be expanded significantly.

The “Run Faster” series includes 2+ hours of coaching and workouts (61 tracks) to bring my running to top form. As I progress through the series, I’m presented with more running intervals that last longer.

The “Ride Harder” series includes 3+ hours of indoor bike rides to train me for the half or full Ironman. Chrissie recreates her own 97 minute bike session and even includes a 40 and 60 minute version for those pressed for time. The audio’s beat allows me to synchronize my pedal cadence as a way of maintaining proper speed.

Finally, the “Relax” pack includes 25 minutes of “very chilled music” designed to relax both mind and body while Chrissie helps you visualize the form and power desired not only for race day, but in life.

I look forward to receiving her encouragement during my many upcoming workouts. I’ve always listened to music, but combining music with coaching seems like a great next step!

“Are you ready to take a step closer to your prize?” – Chrissie Wellington

Filed Under: Motivation, Training Tagged With: , ,
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