Monday, August 24, 2009

RACE WEEK!!!!!!



So it is Race Week!!! Ironman Louisville is this Sunday and everyone is ready to go!! So. . why do I post a picture of a trail covered in snow in the middle of nowhere? Because this is where it all began. It began last winter with getting up at 5:55AM on a Saturday morning and wanting more than anything to go back to bed, but knowing that getting outside in the 15 degree weather, with snow/ice on the ground and 30 mph winds would only make August 30th that much better.



I got asked a question today about my swimming in the winter time and how much I have to swim to maintain. . that sent my mind into think mode (scary, I know). Well, to give that question a straight answer, I probably need to swim 1-2 days a week in the winter time to maintain. BUT!!!! I have 20 years of swimming under me, where the usual triathlete does not. .



I think the offseason training is different for everyone. I know for me last year (winter) was about keeping the weight OFF!!! That might seem funny, but my method of operation the previous two seasons heading into January weighing in at 220 lbs and then spending the next 5-6 months trying to get down to 190 or below. Well, this past winter, my goal was to put no more than 10 lbs on, so when I hit November/December the weight went up to 194, but nothing above that. It was easy for me to get it back down to below 190 for the early spring months and I believe this more than anything has allowed me to have a great 2009 season so far. (although it isn't quite over yet). 185 as of right now. . .



So, I guess the answer, how much to maintain. . is different for everyone. Focus on your limiters, what are you NOT good at? Do you need to swim better? Do you need to have more strength? Run better? Bike better? Keep the weight off? I think most of us would answer yes to all of that. . although be honest and pick 1-2 of those things that are your GREATEST WEAKNESS and work on those.



For me. . . I will tell you after Ironman. . till then, my mind needs to focus on that and the BIG BREAKFAST the day after. :)

3 comments:

Amy K said...

Can't wait for this weekend! You'll do great!

Gordo Byrn said...

It's OK to have a BIG breakfast the day before as well!

Enjoyed the post,

g

Tim said...

Yeah I think I recall that run... It was the one the water bottles froze?! Just think we'll get more of those again this year as we prepare for CDA.

Excellent training this year bro. Louisville will be a blast! Painful of course, but a blast none the less!