The Dream-Day 13

Knocked out 1.5 mile swim in 62 mins. That's 1:39 pace for the 2.4 distance (yah...in a pool). Came out a bit light headed even though I choked down a Clif Bar beforehand. Definitely need to get a handle on my nutrition.

The Dream-Day 12

Now hear this. Running officially bites. It's only my 2nd day on the treadmill, but I'm already bored senseless. That said, it'll be interesting to see how my speed progresses during training. I ran 2 miles at a 10:30 pace. I felt fine yet the thought of doing that over 26 miles...zzzzz. The good news? At least I won't be swallowing pool water.

The Dream-Day 11

I'm back from an epic ski trip and it's time to put up or shut up. Yesterday, I ran for the first time since High School soccer. I think I'm good as long as I don't look down at those hideous shoes. Why do they make them so freakin' ugly anyway?

Tomorrow, I'm getting a spinal cortisone injection and on Wednesday I have a Ramp test at Joe's house. Not exactly sure what to expect but I'm sure it involves a great deal of pain and suffering on the bike. Together with the data he pulled from my swimming fit test, he'll design the first week of training.

After 3 months of grief and doubt I think the real journey is about to begin. Bring it!

The Dream-Day 10

It's been a long 4 weeks since my last post. Since then, I've had an MRI that revealed 3 lumbar herniations, been to a Rolfer, and seen 2 chiros. It's clear that significant recovery will take a very long time. With 7 months and 3 weeks to go it's decision time. Do I bag the event or go on? I've been battling that question for the past 30 days.

Next week, I'm off to Sun Valley, ID for my annual ski trip with my buddies. I'll definitely dial it down (ski wise) and, if I feel ok upon my return to NY, I'll begin training in earnest.

On the positive side, I've been swimming and becoming more and more proficient in the water. Today, my goal was to swim 100 laps total. My plan was to do 50, 30, and then 20. Surprisingly, I swam 1 1/2 miles non-stop (109 laps in a 25 yard pool). The scary thing is the IM is 2.4 miles in open water (i.e. waves, current, 3,000 humans, and the impending threat of becoming part of the food chain).