Race Day Closing In

This marathon will be the last endurance race for the year...YEAH!  I have been in recovery and taper mode since the Ironman hoping that I can put up a good time this weekend. Last night I had a great massage, KG worked mostly on my legs...which surprising were not to bad.  The weather right now looks good...let's hope that the rain stays away.  Not much happening this week, just trying to relax and mentally prepare myself for the race.

I will be helping out at the Brooks booth at the expo on Friday afternoon and I am expect to see a lot of friends come through the expo to pickup their packet...plus you get some nice swag...and it's all about the swag!

A Week at 5,825 Feet

Over the last couple of days I can definitely see why so many elite athletes come out to Colorado for hypoxic training.  I have regenerating a lot of new red blood cells to carry more oxygen throughout my body.  Being in 'taper' mode for Twin Cities Marathon, I haven't put too many miles on this week out here in Denver.  My first run at 5,825 ft was very interesting...it was only five miles...but it felt like I ran a lot more.  As soon as it gets light out, I am planning on doing another quick 4 miles.  This will be my last day of hypoxic training, but I am going to try to get back out here again. The picture kinda shows what my running routes have been over the last couple of day...just totally awesome.  

Bike Handling Skills

Spent yesterday afternoon mountain biking with Alex at Elm Creek Park Reserve.  As we were riding through the trails, I realized that mountain biking is a great way to increase your bike handling skills.  Going down the steep hills and narrow trails sure got the adrenaline running, epically when it came to the sharp turn at the bottom.  

Twin Cities Marathon Coming Fast

Sure didn't feel like a 3:30 marathon day...the legs felt sluggish, but I have to switch my running routine back to the mornings to prepare for TCM.  During my Ironman training, I was running in the afternoons  and I wanted to get use to running during the hottest part of the day to ensure that I was fully equipped (trained) to beat the heat during the run.  Fortunately it was a nice day.

If you haven't had a chance to read the latest Runner's World, just take a few minutes to read the article on "Think Fast".  It talks about mental part of training and I quote, "Yes, you  need to train your legs, but it's really your brain that dictates you pace".  Another great book to read is "Mental Training" by Jim Taylor & Terri Schneider.  They will show you how to set effective goals and actively develop your mental skills to increase your race performance.

PS:  To my fellow Thursday night spinners...I really did miss the spinning workout...at least I would have had an excuse for this morning's run.  

Taking My Training to New Heights

I will be traveling to Denver next week for work and I very excited about taking some time to run in the high altitudes.  The experts say that you need about 18 consecutive days to gain any type of an advantage, so I guess I'll chalk this up as just training with no benefits.

Went out for a leisurely bike ride last night with no specific training goal attached to it.  I took out the road bike, which I haven't used most of the summer, and road about 20 miles.  I am hoping to ride outside for another month or so before it gets too cold...let's hope for an extended summer/fall this year. 

Last Year's Training Totals (October - August)

In my last blog post, I was going to get last year's totals...well here they are:

October 2007 - August 2008 

Running: 850 miles

Swimming:  86,000 yards (March-August)

Bike: 1,100 miles (May - August)

Spin Classes: 150 hours (about 2,200 miles, avg 15 mph)

Core Training: 108 hours

Marathons:  Twin Cites, Lost Dutchman, Fargo

1/2 Marathons:  Earth Day, Downtown 1/2

Triathlons:  New Brighton, Minneman, Liberty 70.3, Chisago 70.3

Ironman Wisconsin 2007 & 2008 - are not included in the totals above

Just Recovering - Ironman +6 Days

The road to recovery is going well.  Thursday we went to spin class for about an hour of light spinning; it was good to get the legs moving again.  On Friday I went out for a quick 2 mile run and then today we did an easy 5 miles.  Oh...I can tell I did an Ironman 6 days ago...but it helped get the endorphins going once again.

I still need to decide if I will do Ironman Wisconsin 2009.  I received an email yesterday  stating the 2008 participants the registration is open on Monday 9/15 and closes on Monday 9/21.  I am torn between doing Ironman or doing a triathlon series...it would be nice to take a break from the long days of training for the Ironman...but it was sure fun and it was all worth it once I crossed the finish line.  

One of my objectives this weekend is to calculate all of the running, biking, and swimming I did over the last year...it will be a good baseline for next year. 

Spin Class

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Is Recovery Over Yet?

It has been three days since Ironman and I am ready for a run or a bike ride, however the coach says "Take it easy for a couple more days".  What?  I need to do something, I'm already putting on the pounds :).  Alright, I'll go to spin class tonight and spin lightly for about an hour.

I was going to hook-up with my marathon buddies over the weekend to run with them, but they are planning a 20 miler; just a little too far for me.  So I think I will just run an easy 6-8 miles and then go for a bike ride with Al.  He loves to go over to Elm Creek and ride the mountain bike course...twice!  "We're going around again dad!"  

It is about 24 days away from Twin Cities Marathon and I am already feeling race day anxiety...I have a lofty goal for this marathon and it would be awesome if I hit it.  

A friend and college of mine has signed up for Ironman Wisconsin 2009.  She has been doing triathlons for over three years now...she's a strong swimmer,  a good bicyclist and runner.  She is going to do GREAT and I look forward to helping her out during her training year.  Go Jen! 

Training for a New Year

After the completion of Ironman Wisconsin 2008, I have decided to continue to blog my training adventures and thoughts.