Looking back at what went wrong.

I believe the training for my half-iron race was perfect.  With most of my training in the summer and the hot months here in Arizona, I thought I was prepared for the heat that would hit on race day.  The temperature hit 97 degrees.  The morning of I started to drink just a little bit more water than normally to take in account for the heat that would rise during the race. I thought my nutrition and liquid intake was good until the last 10 miles of the bike, I took in to much liquid which made my run tank my goal time of just around 6 hours.  The heat and sun also took a toll on my time.

I have a few running races to finish out the year, but all in all it was a very successful year, with a great 2012 just around the corner.

Race day game plan coming together

I am shooting for beating my previous time in this distance by 30 min, yes a half hour. I am looking for the bike and run portions at keeping my heart rate in Zone 3 (64-76%) of my MHR, of course wearing my Mio Watch Quest to help me monitor this.  I have set the alarm on the watch to alert me if I go under or over my target heart rate of 137-152 bpm.

My swim should be stronger and a little faster and the weather I am expecting to be a little cooler. The bike I plan on being very relaxed and not pushing too hard knowing I want to keep my legs as possible fresh for the run.

My son with a PowerBar smile after paddling along side me in a kayak with my brother, while I did an open water training swim of just over 1.5 miles.


Of course what I have been using for fuel in training is exactly what I will use on course, PowerBar gels, Gel Blasts and PowerBar Restore(a carb/protein blend) drink.
Over the past 4 months I have been taking as directed, a PowerBar supplement Beta Alanine to increase muscle carnosine which buffers muscle acids and reduces muscle burn and fatigue.
Over the next two weeks I know nerves will set in and sleepless nights will occur as I finish my training program and prepare for race day.

 I am excited to get out on the course and rip it up.

Labor Day Open Water Swim

After swimming 1.34 miles in Canyon Lake on Labor Day.

I was able to beat the crowd of those headed out to the lake for the holiday Monday (Labor Day).  Before heading out to the lake I fueled up with PowerBar Protein Plus Chocolate flavored drink and followed by a pouch of PowerBar Protein Bites, so I was ready to take on the over mile swim for training.  The water temperature was perfect.  Put on my goggles and swim cap, had my brother hang out on his kayak around me, just in case, and headed out.  The entire swim I felt strong. Had no issues with fogging goggles like I normally do, which made the sighting much easier.  The stroke drills I have been working on in the gym pool have been paying off.  I didn't worry about pace or time really, just worked on good form and being comfortable in the water.  I know when race time comes around, it will be wetsuit conditions and I plan on getting a bunch of training swims wearing that.  My brother wore my Mio Watch Quest with GPS to track the distance while trailing me. 

Open Water Swimming

Putting good energy in your body, by using PowerBar energy bars, gels and protein bars, is a sure fire way to get the best out of it.

Moving right along

This week my swimming came together.  Time in the pool just seem to fly by.  Focused on drills in the pool and looking forward to scheduling a few open water swims in the new few weeks.
I have one more weekend of testing my sweat rate and should have that all figured out.  This weekends training schedule has a 30 mile ride and 6 mile run.  Will need to get out of bed just a little bit earlier, as the temperature is pretty hot after the sun is up.  Nutrition with my PowerBar Strawberry Crunch protein bars is working out well as my pre-ride/workout energy.

Two days away from race day!

I am ready!
Training has went great the past few months. I am starting to play the course in my head. I still need to pack my small bag later tonight and pick up my packet tomorrow. Nerves and excitement start just as I will try to sleep tomorrow night. My ultimate goal is to beat my time from last year, but also place high in my division. The later all depends on the other locals who show up. Thank you to everyone who has helped me through my training and along the way.

a little over a week before race day

Training has been going well. After last Sunday's first open water swim I was able to get two pool workouts in this week. I'm am feeling very strong in the pool, really working on getting full strokes with long reaches. This weekend I have planned my last weight workout, in which I will scale back my weight while focusing on form with the lifting. Also this weekend is a longer than normal bike workout. Starting Wednesday I am taking it easy with just slow workouts and stretching. Once again I am setting pretty high goals for myself and look to do pretty well.

Bike is set

My bike is tuned and cleaned for Sunday's race. Tomorrow I pick up my race packet and will then put together a small transition bag. Last week after a bike workout I noticed my helmet straps where pretty stiff and dirty, from all the sweat and salt in them. I took some time to rinse them out so they are not to sick looking. I am hoping for a great race and have some personal goals I look to achieve. Thank you to Power Bar for helping me stay energized on the inside and give me the power to push to the finish line.

Taper for Sunday

My 2 mile taper run last night was one of my last before Sunday's race. It was a little slower than I hoped for but will take it. The nerves are starting to set in for the race. Going over the course in my head. I know you are not suppose to do anything "new" on race day, but I am. It will be my first race representing PowerBar Team Elite.

Wednesday 4/28/2010

I became a part of PowerBar Team Elite over the past week. I am very excited to be part of the team.
Training is moving forward. Getting stronger and the workouts are paying off. Made some adjustments to my bike this weekend along with replacing the brake pads for the first time in three years.
Headed to the gym to get some pool time in.