Just One More Step

Upwind vs Uphill

2006-12-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

Last big run before the Disney Marathon:

21 miles at 8:58/mile pace.

Running Upwind is harder than running Uphill.

'Nuff said.

Coach Jim Answers

2006-12-08T13:27:00.000-06:00

I decided to posit the same questions I asked in yesterday's post to my coach, Jim, and he came through with an answer:

Mike:
There is a balance point at which the body is most efficient. With experience, this begins to occur naturally and is referred to as “self-selected cadence (SSC).” If you carry too high of a cadence, you can run out of heartrate. At too low a cadence, lactic acid concentrations in the muscle increase at a higher rate than they can be effectively cleared and fatigue develops. The best way to verify that your SSC is the most efficient is to do a series of identical TT’s bracketing that SSC by plus and minus 5-10 rpms.
Something to try in a future Computrainer session(?)

I can see where this is leading--more TT's!

But I think that will be a good thing. Making sure that the SSC is the most efficient point not just the most comfortable point should yield dividends. The next follow-up is to see if the SSC heartrate also translates into running as I am finding that no matter which of the two sports I am training, my HR likes to be in the mid to upper 160's.

Hmmm.

Too Many Questions

2006-12-07T14:56:00.000-06:00

Over/unders were the order of the day last night. The Computrainer profile looked like a castle wall with three 10 min intervals of five 2 min efforts cycling from 95% to 105% of threshold watts. I thought it would be pretty wicked but it turned out not so bad. I never thought I'd consider the 95% level as a rest point but after riding at 105% it sure was a relief to drop back even that small amount.

During the ride, one thing I noticed, was that my HR did not hit the 105% level and topped out at the 102% level each time. However my cadence was about 85 rpm--10 RPMs slower than my usual 95 rpm interval pace. This got me wondering if there is a sweet spot of balance between the heart and legs and how do you find it? Had I been allowing my legs to coast during the previous interval sessions by spinning faster thus transferring all the work to my heart/lungs? Is there a point where you can spin out the heart--i.e. be riding at a threshold HR level while still not riding at true threshold watts? Is there a natural level that your body self selects regarding HR and adjusts the work the legs are doing to get it there and keep it there? I don't know.

Anybody have any thoughts?

"Got'er Done"

2006-12-06T12:21:00.000-06:00

Greetings from the Hamster Track!!

Once again I spent Tuesday running an indoor 10k. It turned out OK except for some heartburn during & after the run. Not sure if it was the water I was slurping after each couple of miles or lunch. (That's every 20 laps. I need more fingers or toes to go further!) But as a good friend says "Got'er Done!"--at 7:30's too! Happy with that. Especially after Sunday.

You know, the 8 degree outdoor temperature Sunday. Yeah, that one, where I was supposed to do my first 20 miler. Well it turned into a Hamster Marathon with 4 miles on the indoor track, 4 miles on the treadmill, 4 miles on the track, 4 miles.... you know it was just as long & boring on Sunday too. But I "Got'er Done!" The times there were lousy, though, with the last mile at nearly 11:00mins. I figure it was a dehydration bonk. That's why I tried so hard to drink last night during my run--as short as it was.

I seem to be one of those people that have this thing against drinking. (Water. Against Drinking Water!) Anybody else have that issue? I'm always forgetting to slug a swig while I'm running or biking. I can even be carrying a bottle and find excuses for not drinking out of it. Weird, I know. This on top of the fact that I am definitely a heavy sweater. I'm one of those people that leave puddles under the spin stations and have those salt streaks in their pant legs and jersey sleeves. I take salt tablets during long rides, use gels with the 4 x Sodium labels and find I'm less prone to cramping now. (I remember driving home from one century ride having to use the cruise control as an accelerator since my right leg had cramped so badly.) But, no matter how much I tell myself to drink, it just won't happen. I'd welcome any suggestions on how much/how often and whether anyone else has the same problem I have.

With the Disney Marathon coming up, this is one issue I'd like to be able to say I "Got'er Done."

Smiling over Spilled GU

2006-11-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

What craziness! Sixty degree weather in November--In Chicago! I know I shouldn't complain but......, well, now I'm going to have even more trouble adjusting to Winter training. I'm still on my plan preparing for Disney. Still running four days, biking two and swimming one--though truth be told, with the fine weather this week, I added a 30 mile bike ride OUTSIDE(!) on Friday and skipped the Saturday swim.

Sunday's long run was easy--except for getting into my gel pack. I don't know who invented the Hammer gel package but I've got a thing or two to say to him. I know its cute--looking like a mini claw hammer and all but I WOULD LIKE TO GET TO THE GEL INSIDE, PLEASE! I tried using my sweaty hands but they just slipped off. I tried using my teeth but they just ripped off part of the hammer head leaving the gel pack sealed securely. I turned the pack around to try ripping open the bottom--no luck. Finally, FINALLY, I was able to pry open the smallest of holes and squirt some gel out----all over my hands. Ugh. Then, when I stopped to throw away the sticky trash, I ended up throwing away the top to my water bottle as well. Ever try to run ten miles with an open bottle of water? I squished the neck closed a small as I could then tried to hold it as vertical as possible. Mixed blessing, I suppose. Though I lost most of the water during the run, it did wash my hands clean of the spilled gel!

As I was nearing home, I passed a neighbor who, on my outbound leg, had been using the nice weather to finish his Fall clean up and was now putting up his Christmas lights. He remarked "You've been gone a long time." I smiled back and said "Fourteen Miles today."

"That's a Looong way" I heard him say. "That's a long way."

I just smiled bigger and thought , "....Just One More Step...."

Report Card

2006-11-21T13:20:00.000-06:00

It has been a bit busy around here but in a "Good Busy" sense. Work has been solid as we try to finish everything up for the Holiday's. At home we're preparing for KaliGirl's Mom to arrive for Turkey Day. It will be good to see her again. DiverBoy is out of school this week--after bringing home A's and B's on his first quarter report card. Way to go Boy!!

My report card for this week's training would receive a "Passing" for most of the subjects:

Swimming: 1600m on Friday in 36.5 minutes. Felt good but a bit slow in hoped for time. I know we're not concentrating on this discipline yet but I'm glad we're keeping it in the rotation at least once a week.

Biking: Intervals, Intervals, Intervals. I changed saddles Saturday on my TT bike from the Arrione Tri to a more road bike Selle Italia Gel with much relief all around. I also took in my road bike for some well deserved pampering at the shop. With the new TT bike receiving most of the attention these days, I think RB was feeling a bit neglected. But after a bath, new chain and bar tape and all the fresh lube.....See--I still love you!

Running: Four days a week, every week until Disney. Recovery "Run-as-you-feel" days, Power work on the treadmill, Speed work through Fartleks and Long Distance on Sundays. This past Sunday was a 17 miler that was finished in 2:27 at an 8:30 pace. I practiced taking gels every 4 miles or so and carried a bottle of water along as well. Other than being tired and a bit sore after, the run went very well. I didn't even walk when fueling! This week is a consolidation week so I will only have a 13 miler for a long run. (Did I just say ONLY when talking about a half marathon distance?? Sheesh--the mental training must be ahead of the physical training.)

Anyway, with the report cards posted on the fridge, the conferences over and family on the way, its time to wish all a....

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Golf Lessons

2006-11-14T12:46:00.000-06:00

Its been a long time since I've played any golf. My sister is a great fan of the sport and gets out quite often. I used to play a bit in support of my work (Seems that business does get done on a golf course. Sometimes!). But, over the past 3-4 years or so too many other interests (like swimming, biking and running) have filled up my time.

Once, while standing in the tee box waiting for the foursome ahead of us to finish, I was chatting with a customer about his club selection. All day long, while the rest of us would use our driver to attempt winning the "Tiger Woods Look-A-Like" contest with the mightiest tee shot, he would pull out his 5-iron and lob his ball into the center of the fairway. And while the rest of us would be chasing our balls out of the rough from behind the trees with our 3-irons, he would take his trusty 5-iron and lob his ball further down the center of the fairway.

"You see," he said to me, "Golf is a simple game. Its all about making progress towards the flag."

I thought about that day alot this weekend as I went through my workouts. I'm just lobbing my ball further down the fairway. Getting closer & closer to that flag.

Cold & Dark

2006-11-10T11:17:00.000-06:00

Time now to return to one of my favorite topics--Why I Hate Fall.

Chapter 3--Cold & Dark.

Yesterday was a Jewell of a day here in Chicagoland and some lucky people (Siren!) got to go out and enjoy it. Me--I was at work toiling away. Temps in the 60's lured many to play hookey, I know, but I had a client stopping by and several other "Must Get Dones" so couldn't. By the time I did make it home, it was.......Cold & Dark.

The thermometer in my car said 51F on the drive from the train station to the house, but when I stepped outside.......into the Cold & Dark......, it must have been closer to 41F or even 31F. And, as I started out on my hour's journey, there were little floaty things appearing in my headlamp's light. Snow?? Could be. Hard to tell in the small bouncing beam that lit my way through the......Cold & Dark. I ran out towards the forest preserve on the usual route through some nice, slightly hilly neighborhoods. Cars would come at me only to jerk to their left seemingly surprised that a runner would be out in the.....Cold & Dark. (Now I was wearing a headlamp, reflective vest and NO TIGHTS so I am sure they could see me--especially those eerily glowing legs. Hard to miss those--even in the.....Cold & Dark.)

The running was good. My pace fast with surges thrown in fartlek style. Avoiding the barely seen leaf piles scattered along the edge of the roads for tomorrow's pick-up, I ran. There wasn't much wind even though the front was starting come in. I would run through spots where the air was warm only to plunge into a cold pocket again. I smelled woodsmoke; some homes enjoying the luxury of a warm fire. Dogs barked now and then. I hoped they were barking at me and not some critter out prowling. I listened to my breathing. My breath would randomly jump up into my beam and flow around my face. Cool!
I was happy. Peacefull.

Even in the cold and dark.

Dory Here!

2006-11-09T10:43:00.000-06:00

"Spinning, Spinning, Spinning. Just keep Spinning, Spinning, Spinning!!"

Thanks to Dory and TriMama for planting that in my brain yesterday! But it was appropriate since Wednesdays are Computrainer days with my coach and last night was no exception. 5x6min threshold intervals beginning at 85% and moving up to 100%. Funny thing though--they weren't that tough. In fact, my HR never got close to threshold and we all know what that means don't we. Yep.

"Mike, I think we'll move your training wattage up 10 watts to 295 from here on out."

Uh Oh. I thought we were trying to maintain cycling fitness while concentrating on building run endurance for the upcoming Mickey Marathon. I guess I thought wrong. Oh well. Whatcha gonna do?

"Just keep on Spinning, Spinning, Spinning!"

Thanks

2006-11-07T15:26:00.000-06:00

Ran early this morning in a light mist and fog. A nice 30min recovery run at Zone 1-2 pace. A good way to start the day. Then it was off to the polling station to cast my vote. I've heard a lot of comments from people saying how they think their vote doesn't mean much (No sympathy here; I live in a strictly Democratic state! It don't matter if I vote with 'em or against 'em!!) or that voting in mid-terms is just a waste of time. Others have said that casting a vote is a duty as an American citizen. For me, though, voting is one way I say Thanks. Thanks to all who have stepped forward to participate in running our governments--local, state and national--or have fought to give us the voice at the poll. So I made sure to say "Thank You" to all the workers at my son's school who were up early and helped me cast my votes. Just like I do to the volunteers along the race course. Couldn't have a winning day without them.

Rest Day

2006-11-06T13:12:00.000-06:00

Today is a rest day for me. We had a good friend stay with us over Saturday night which was wonderful! We hadn't seen her in nearly a year. But the champaigne and wine made the 15 miles that much longer on Sunday so, it feels good not having anything to do tonight--workout wise that is. DiverBoy is home sick today and KaliGirl has been busy with work projects in addition to getting our Jeep into the shop. Tonight I think we'll all be taking it easy.

A Big Congratulations to all those who conquered Ironman Florida this weekend! TriMama, Kahuna, RoboStu, Iron Jenny and all the others that put themselves on the starting line came home winners! I can't wait to read your reports looking for those nuggets that will keep me striving towards my own Ironman start. So to all who swam, rode, ran and cheered I say--Take Today Off!

Stumbling into a Habit

2006-11-05T20:32:00.000-06:00

Its just a stumble, folks. No need to really worry.

Work has gotten busier (I've had to travel to the East Coast again) and with cold weather settling in here in Chicagoland, my workout schedule has gotten jumbled. But, honestly, I could have, should have---you know the drill. It's just a stumble, though, a breaking of form and stride and habit. But now, I'm back on my feet. (I think!)

My workout habits are still there, though. And, if all goes to plan, they will carry me through the Winter months in fine style. Currently doing a lot of running--trying to get ready for the Disney Marathon in January. I've gotten up to 15 miles at a time for my last two long runs and am completing them at about an 8:30 pace. That's the same pace I ran the 10k at the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon this Summer so I'm pleased with that. I'm keeping one swim session a week on the schedule--mostly to keep the habit of going to the pool (there's that habit thing again!). That and so I don't forget how to swim. Actually, I feel like I'm getting better at rolling my body further on my offside--so progress being made here, too!

I'm really happy that my cycling is staying strong, too. I'm spinning twice a week now on the Computrainers down at my coach's gym. Last Wednesday, he had me repeat the 10k flat time trial that ABD uses in their winter indoor race series and I set a PR of 15:25:72 or 24mph!! Wow! This is amazing to me. Here at the start of Winter, as I'm being forced inside, good progress is still being made in all three disciplines! Ain't Tri Great!

I heard somewhere that it takes 21 days to create a habit. (Is that how long Keith Urban will be in rehab?) My workout habits are well formed and paying dividends. Now, I just need to work a bit harder to create a Blog Habit!

October Snow

2006-10-12T14:17:00.000-05:00

It snowed today. Nothing lasting except the reminder that soon after Fall comes Winter. Cold temps, wind and darkness. Not sure which one is the worst. For this Summertime person, it will soon be time to retreat to the warmth of the basement and gym for my workouts. Cycling becomes Computrainer and intervals instead of 70 milers and group sprints to the top of the overpass. Running becomes treadmills and hamster running on the indoor 1/10th mile track (Cornering never felt so good!!) instead of fartlek running and counting the "For Sale" signs in the neighborhood. Swimming will stay the same and we'll add some strength training again soon. Mostly to make sure the legs and knees will be ready for Disney in 3 months. I'll enjoy that part of Winter I think.

Our sailboat is feeling Winter, too. Despite the limited attention she received this Summer, I like to think she was happy in her slip. I know when KaliGirl and DiverBoy visited she was well loved even though she didn't get much of a chance to let her sails out and play like a child splashing through a puddle that was Lake Michigan. Tuesday, I sailed her for the last time this year on her way to the haulout and, despite the uncooperative weather and the knowledge of the destination, she was still brilliant under her sails. A memory to help us get through to Spring. I still have a bit of work to do before she slips under her tarp for the winter but that will have to wait for a nice weekend.

For now, it is back to work and training--though I did fit in plenty of training around all the trips to offload the boat. I squeezed in some swimming, running and biking but the details will have to wait for another post. I will say that 10 miles is an awfully long way to run! Tonight, I'm going to wimp out and head to the gym for 40 minutes of track or treadmill time. Not too much--it's Thursday and you know what that means, don't you? Pizza and Survivor!! Do not call, do not e-mail and do not ring the doorbell!

Under the Tarp

2006-10-05T12:55:00.000-05:00

Just got finished reading Steve's post over at the Triathlon Station. Man, can that guy run! On Tuesday he was playing Hamster at the track just like me. But, unlike me he was putting in 10x800's at a faster pace than I was putting in my 10x400's! And when I was finished, my cooldown was WALKING 400m while he was cooling down by RUNNING a mile faster than I've ever run! Sheesh--do I have a way to go!

Wednesday I was back on the Computrainer pedaling the same profile as last Saturday. We did up my threshold watts which put my cadence back down where it should be. Everything felt fine & dandy! The next two days are run days--fartleks today and long run tomorrow. Then it's the last weekend for the sailboat. **Sigh!!**

There is just so much work to do when Fall arrives--and none of it is Happy Work. I mean, in the Spring, we pull out the patio table & chairs, give them a good cleaning and then have all Summer to enjoy sitting out in the back yard. Fall, well there's cleaning all right but then everything goes into storage. Where's the enjoyment in that? It's even triple when it comes to the boat. There is a ton of work in April and May to get her all cleaned, painted, varnished and the myriad of other things that have to get done to be ready for the season. Oh, Joyful Anticipation! But in the Fall, there is even more work, more cleaning, more lugging to storage and then, and then.......

....winter under a tarp.

Summer Redux

2006-10-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

Heavy rain, 3/4 inch hail and a tornado that, fortunately, quickly moved out over Lake Michigan before doing much damage--I guess Fall is a bit pissed off. I was in a church with my son attending Boy Scouts when the storm came through. Talk about a spititual heart-stop when the lights flickered & went out for a moment! Can't really blame Fall for trying to lash out--the past two days have been Summertime gorgeous and today is going to make it three.

Sunday started out cool and cloudless. A perfect day for a bike ride and I had my choice of two!! What a lovely predicament. The workout schedule only had me running 45 minutes but on such a day, how could I not go riding? The Caribou Ride won out over the longer Bull Valley ride but only partly because of the coffee and bagels at the end. Partly. I wanted to ride the TT bike and, as we are still getting acquainted, thought the 35 miles a better choice than the trip up The Wall and the 70+ miles that go along with it. The 20% plus grade of The Wall and the 70+ miles that go along with it. Nope, wasn't the bagels and coffee, Sunday. I did learn a lesson, though. Do not reach for a frame mounted bottle when riding aero or you just might wind up carving a big "S" in the road and scaring the living daylights out of everyone behind you. Heh! Averaged 19.75MPH and dropped all but 1 of my buddies. My favorite moment came when one of them asked if I was pushing it or if the new bike was just that much faster. I'll never tell!!!

I ran in the afternoon--after giving time for the bagels & coffee to settle in. I was supposed to mix in some fartlek's in the 45 minutes but was feeling a bit worn out from the morning and found myself fighting just to maintain pace, to take just one more step--especially on the way home. Imagine my surprise when I was through and found my pace to be 8:09's!! The second run in a row at that speed!! Wow! Something must be happening. Maybe I will be ready for Disney after all!

Yesterday was a scheduled rest day (good thing with the tantrum Fall put on last night) and tonight it's back to the track for some speed work. With the results I've been seeing--I'm actually looking forward to running in circles! Here's to the hamster in me!!

It Got Worse

2006-10-01T18:21:00.000-05:00

Jim, I'm so sorry to hear the news of your sister. My thoughts, my prayers are with you & your family.

Could be Worse

2006-09-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

Fall claimed its first Friday morning. I should have been ready as there was frost on the rooftops on my way to the train station--but still. I work in downtown Chicago, taking the commuter rail down and back each day. So, like a lot of folks, I get to see the same sights over and over again and often don't notice the subtle changes that occur week to week. But, along the way there is one park that signals the arrival of Spring and Fall each year with its playful fountain. Friday, the fountain was dry. Sigh!!! Fall is officially here. Oh well. I guess it could be worse.

Friday was my long run for the week--about 8.5 miles. Done in 8:08's my fastest pace, yet! As Steve over at the Triathlon Station preaches, you have to run fast to get faster and last night proved that the track speed sessions really do work! It doesn't take much, but you do have to want it and work at it. This morning was swimming--drills, drills, drills. Kick drills, switch drills, catch drills. When I looked at the schedule I felt like Indiana Jones looking into the snake pit. Why does it always have to be drills? Oh well, I guess it could've been worse.

This afternoon was another Computrainer session. There were 3 of us today doing 6 min. step intervals up to 100% of LT. Not as bad as Wednesday's 4x6min 100% intervals but I still left a lot of sweat on the floor. This was followed up with some stretching and self massage with the foam rollers. OUCH that left leg is sore. But, could've been worse I guess.

Yep, could be a lot worse.

Close By

2006-09-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

Fall is marshalling its forces. For some reason, Fall always catches me by surprise. There are hints here and there--the humidity disappears and the temps start to cool. There seems to be more rain. Flocks of birds, like the clouds, start to take up more and more of the sky. But I never seem to put the clues together. Until last night. And the clouds.

Last evening, as I went for my run, the clouds were glowering. They were cold, forceful clouds. Spread across the sky and forcing the sun to retreat so that only a few rays were able to slip in sideways beneath them. They came from the west in a low ooze until they reached Lake Michigan where they rose up like mountains. Sharp, craggy mountains lit by the weakening sun. Dangerous mountains. Beautiful mountains.

I kept the route short--near to home. Fall is close by.

Testing, Testing ...1,2

2006-09-27T12:38:00.000-05:00

Back from the Philly trip. I sat too much, drank too much and ate WAY too much! Even dropped about $100 at a blackjack table in Atlantic City. (How was I to know that you're supposed to hit 15's when the dealer shows a 6? I may not know all the strategies for Blackjack but I do know not to sit in the far left seat. Seems like when I sit there everyone else at the table gets mad at me!) Anyway, it was a good trip as far as business trips go.

Last night I took my new TT bike down to my coach's gym for what I thought was going to be a repeat of the ramp LT test we did on the RB last Saturday. The idea was to see if there were any differences in power between bikes. Surprise, Surprise! Instead, the night's Computrainer workout was 4x6min (3min rest) at 95% of threshold. Now, two things were made very clear last night. One, when riding a power profile on the Computrainer, there is no escape! Out on the road or when riding a wind or mag trainer, a slight drop in cadence, say from 90 to 85, results in a small, but welcome, reduction in the rider's power output--a chance to get a quick recovery without a substantial loss in average power, speed or position in the group. However, on the Computrainer, the reduction in cadence just makes the evil machine ADD load to bring the watts back up to the profile!! No small break, no catching of breath, no easing off on the legs--NO ESCAPING! Hoo Boy!

Second, there does exist a difference in a rider's power at LT when on a RB vs a TT. I suppose it has to due with the different positions calling on slightly different muscles along with different muscle firing times but my power at LT was down 10% on the TT bike vs the RB. How did I know without taking the test? Well, when in the middle of the second interval my HR ran up into the 5b range instead of the high Zone 4, I knew something was off. We then reduced the settings by 10% and my HR then tracked much closer to the session goals. Whew! Still it was a tough workout. There was some good out of it though. I got in my anaerobic workout for the week last night!!

My next Computrainer session is Saturday. I wonder what evilness will be waiting for me then?

Brief Intermission

2006-09-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

I have to go to Philly today for a round of meetings Monday & Tuesday so no posting for a day or so. That is if anyone is watching ;-) No training either. I'm in a rest week before beginning marathon training for Disney. Yep--Going to get my Mickey!

Running the marathon with my youngest sister. Pretty Cool!

Test Day

2006-09-23T17:54:00.000-05:00

This morning I went down to Coach Jim's for a periodic LT test on the bike. It's been about a year since I first started a formal, structured program with him and I thought it a good time to check how we've been doing. The last test was back in May but with my purchase of a new TT bike (Yes--pictures will be coming. As soon as it stops raining here in Chicagoland.) and starting some indoor Computrainer work, Jim & I thought it would be interesting to run the LT test on both bikes. So today was the RB test. The results were.....fair. There had been no change since May--Watts at Threshold were 320 and Maximum Aerobic Power remained 350. This is still 12% better than a year ago but I was hoping for a bit of an improvement. We had targeted the bike last Winter and Spring to be ready for my "A" bike cycling event, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds, in June and we changed focus to more run & swim for the late Summer Tri season after that. So, the fact that I didn't lose any power is a good thing. If I can hold this level while bringing the run up, I'll be very happy.

The LT Test on the TT bike will be Wed. night and I was thinking about not watching my heart rate during that test to see if I can go further or not. Is that changing to much to get a fair comparison between the bikes?

I also went to the pool this afternoon. I'm trying to keep a bit of swimming in the schedule, at least so I won't forget how! Fifteen hundred meters with a lot of kicking and off side breathing in the mix. Don't you just love drills?

....ER

2006-09-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

In Praise of ER.

No, not the TV series and not the little frog out in the swamp with his buddies BUD and WISE either. ER. As in runnER or swimmER. In the last post, I tried to put down the Why of this blog and so here I figured I'd try to share a bit of the Who.

RunnER--Breaking my rule of "Never run--not even for public transportaion." I've got the shoes, I've got the shorts, now if I only had the legs! Typically run about 8:30's

SwimmER--I won't drown but I'm not the fastest either. T-Pace of 2:15 with all open turns. Getting Better! Maybe a new swimsuit would help.

CyclER--It is all about the bike. Velodrome, Multiple centuries, the Horribly Hilly 200 and now an excuse for a new TT bike!

TriathlonER--Newbie here. I've only completed 2, one Sprint and 1 Oly. Loved the Oly. Signed up for IMOO 2007.

Age GroupER--Former Clyde now in the 40-44 but moving up next year.

SailER--OK, so I didn't spell it right. Still, when the training schedule allows, I'll be down at the lake.

FathER--That'd be DiverBoy's Dad. Eleven years old and owns the world!

BrothER--Three sisters. Two older, One younger. Could this explain the penchant for long solo training sessions?

HERs--As in KaliGirl's. Married fourteen years and still loving it :-)

Another Step

2006-09-21T21:14:00.000-05:00

This being the innaugural post, I suppose that a natural title would be "The First Step" but that just wouldn't be right. This really isn't the first step. Oh, it might be the first step you are seeing me take but it really is just Another Step in the many that are along the way to what I hope will be an Ironman Wisconsin finish and, maybe--just maybe--a better Me.

I've thought long about starting this Blog but never felt the time was right--until now. Blame it on the two Biggies--Fear and Inertia. You know what I'm talking about. They are the same demons we've all faced when watching the Ironman Championships in Kona on TV and marvelling at the determination of the athletes--finishers or not--and wondering whether or not we have the same stuff inside. Or staring at the listing of local runs thinking how good it would feel to pull out the calandar and make a date of it. Or maybe enjoying the Wednesday night club ride so much and thinking that maybe they'd let you tag along on Sunday's metric century. Fear & Inertia are powerfull forces. For me and this Blog they stood guard over the keyboard daring me to come up with enough to say--enough Worthwhile to say.

"There are plenty of good bloggers out there--some even better than good--that are already sharing their triathlon stories, their training and their lives, too," Fear would say. "What have you got to add?"

"You've already got a full schedule what with family, work, training, chores," Inertia would chime in. "When would you have the time?"

Powerfull Demons.

But I've beaten them before. Every time I slip out of bed early to make a weekend ride or show up at the pool after a long day I beat them. So why not once more? Besides, this time I have some help. You see, the real reason the time is right to start Blogging (besides wanting to lend some legitimacy to "Lurker M") is to repay a debt. A secret debt that I owe to many-- IronWil, Chris, TriGreyhound, Steven, TriSaraTops and the Kahuna. More besides. I have spent the past 6-8 months lurking on their blogs, reading, watching and enjoying so much the stories they've shared and the conversations I've overheard and the things about triathlon and training that I've learned. It just wasn't fair. So, what better way to say "Thank You" than to start sharing a bit of myself, too. That's why I've started this blog.

Another Step.

It follows many already made that I'm sure we'll revisit and preceeds many more that we'll take together. Let's get going.