The Dream-Day 138

Weekend wrap up edition:

Nice and easy 45 min bike ride Friday afternoon. I was delayed 10 mins because I couldn't find my sunglasses that I felt the need to put in a shoe in my closet. Am I kidding me? (more on losing my mind later). On a positive note, I dig this taper thing. Not nearly as crushed as with the long training sessions. As a result, my swimming is definitely stronger. Hate to admit it, but tonight was probably the most enjoyable swim I've had to date. It was still a difficult workout, but the fork would have to wait for another day.

Dom picked me up Saturday at 6:30am and we drove to the Heck for a 35 mile ride hoping to stay ahead of the rain and snow. The wind beat us out of bed and, judging by it greeting us with 18mph and a 30 degree wind chill factor, it apparently had a good night's sleep. Right before we started, I went to turn on my PowerTap which I left at home (starting to see a pattern?).

We took a few laps around the 3.75mi oval and then bailed for Union Ave. Great call on Dominque's part as the wind was less fierce. But, as we soon found out, nobody puts rain in the corner. With about 50 mins to go it started and quickly escalated. My Raynaud's rendered my thumbs useless and my other fingers weren't much happier. It was as if someone mashed them with a hammer.

We were almost finished (my frozen face tried hard to smile but couldn't) when I heard a sound like broken glass. I pulled over and didn't notice anything peculiar and rode the last mile to the car. After the ride, we went to Sunrise Tri to drop off my bike so TriBike could pick it up later to ship it to FL. Oh, the sound? That would be a broken spoke. Just happy it happened today. Dom treated me to a great diner breakfast. As we watched the snow come down heavily we sipped on our 2nd cup of coffee with relief that at least we didn't have to ride in that.

On the way home it hit me that I forgot to pick up my other bike at Sunrise Tri. There ya go. Scott's brain has left the building. Goodnight, folks. You've been a great crowd.

Saturday night, we had our annual Halloween party at the Kennedy's house. Their party is always off the charts. This years' theme was School Of Shock. I went as the Mdot and got plenty of stares. Translation: "WTF are you"? Given the departure of my grey matter I told them I'd have to think about it and promised to get back to them.

Today, another great swim, a quick shower, then a 2 mi run around Suffolk Co College and some trails covered with snow. Visited Cynthia (my Controller) in the hospital, watched a quarter of the Giant game and had to do my second 2 mi run before I barfed up my gall bladder.

The Dream-Day 137

I have made it quite clear how much I loathe running. It really is one of the most boring, non-pleasureable things I've ever done. Glad years 0-47 didn't involve this orthopaedically stressful snoozing activity. Still, vowing to never miss a workout, I hit the crappy weather incredibly grateful I only had two 2 1/2 mi runs.

The evening run simply sucked, but mercifully ended quickly. It was dark, raining, and cold...the trifecta of misery. Oh, and it involved running. So, I'm scratching my head in search of a word representing 4 things.

Pace was still pretty strong (for me). On both efforts, I added more hill work and averaged 8:10 (am) & 8:08 (pm).

Here are myy kicks for IM. Hideous for sure, but not nearly as fugly as the others.



The Dream-Day 136

Tuesday's runs were short (2 mi am & 2 mi pm). Felt strong and definitely held back. Short & fast is right in my wheelhouse. Good thing I've got a marathon coming up after a swim/bike "warm up" => not short.

Pace (am):
Mi 1 8:13
Mi 2 7:41

Pace (pm)
Mi 1 7:55
Mi 2 7:23

Today, back at the Heck for a 7-8 out of 10 effort. I bundled up more than I had to in order to simulate the heat that awaits. Not expecting 48 degrees with no humidity in FL.

Post training pic courtesy of timer, propped up camera on glove, and hatch. I am so ready to ditch the bike for my boards.

The Dream-Day 135

Saturday was a light day. Only a 70 mile ride which took 4 hours. Felt like daylight savings time x 10. So, I took advantage and left the house at 8. Triathletes around the world are left questioning my commitment.

Sunday, I had a 2 hr endurance swim knocking out 4,000 yards (2.3 miles) and then transitioned right into a 4 mi run. I spent the afternoon watching football to the delight of my blood pressure which remained even (the Giants weren't playing). At 5, I had my 2nd 4 mile run. I ran each lap at a dismal 9-9:15 pace but it felt much faster. Can you say training stress?

Tapering couldn't have come at a better time.

The Dream-Day 134

Man, it is so important to wake up each morning and be grateful for your health and for the health of those in your world. My Controller is having it really rough. She remains one of the bravest people I've ever met. As a numbers person, she knew from the diagnosis 3 years ago that her odds of making it were slim. Yet, she kept coming to work often in pain and great discomfort. Her commitment and loyalty to me are not of this Earth. I can only imagine how scary the last 3 years have been for her, let alone these past few weeks, as her health has rapidly declined.

What lies before me is nothing by comparison. As 11/5 comes rocketing ever closer my heightened anxiety, especially for the Gulf swim, has come along for the ride. But every time my inner monologue sends off the warning flares and sounds the alarm I think of what she's going through and the courage in which she's dealing with it.

That's why I've decided to dedicate the swim portion of the Ironman to her. I told her I was doing this during my visit to the hospital and it comforted me a great deal to how much it meant to her.

The Dream-Day 133

Survived last night's swim even though some of us nearly added to the fluid level when we looked up and saw we were done with our workout but there was still 10 min remaining. Coach Joe started us off with the Russian Cool Down.

Russian Cool Down (explained): 10lb rubber coated bricks are sent to the bottom of the pool (~ 20'). Spent swimmer puts hands over head, goes to the bottom, depressurizes ears, picks up brick, and does a squat push off to the surface. If Coach is in a sprite mood you may be asked to collect 2 at once. I've been on the short end of this before, but thankfully, not last night.

Today, I went to "The Heck" (Heckscher State Park) with Dominique. She had an hr bike and I had the first of two 4 mi runs. I finished up and had time to blast out Ab Ripper. Finished up run #2 around 6pm.

Tonight, I'm off to visit my Controller in the hospital. Really sad situation. Count your blessings and be grateful for every healthy day you have on this rock of ours.

The Dream-Day 132

After a much appreciated day off, I was back at it on Tuesday with morning and afternoon 3 1/2 mi runs. Then, at 7pm, I was off to our Fit Club (Fit Club Of Long Island - http://www.meetup.com/TeamKMOBFitClubofLongIsland/) where 23 nut jobs bounced around to a Beachbody program called Brazil Butt Lift by Leandro Carvalho. Good thing I couldn't participate. Don't want to overtrain (i.e. make an utter fool out of myself). Actually, it's really fun and I actually couldn't care less what I look like. I was impressed that we had some guys there that apparently felt the same way. However, I do have to admit they looked like a dry heave set to music.

Today, I wussed out, stayed dry, and did my 3x20' at 185+ watts on the trainer.

Really happy when I'm done. My butt, that is.

My new ride for IM FL. It's only money. Putting the finishing touches on my application for that 2nd job.

In a few minutes, I have a date with the LTC (liquid torture chamber).