All about the Family

 After a hard day in the sun, Sunday during the SOMA half-iron race, running across the finish line with my son made the finish line much sweeter.  My son was not yet awake when I left the house to get to the race site, however he knew I was racing.  He helped me the day before pick up my packet and drop off my bike at the transition. A little over three hours into the race I seen my wife with our daughter and son on the bike course.  I reached out and gave my son a "high-five".  I was excited to see them out there. I started to think how excited my son was but then thought its going to be awhile until I get around the course again to see them.  My son has been there when I got home after early morning workouts where he would ask me, "Dad did you go riding on the mountain?" or "Dad did you go running?".  During my training he also came along with my brother and paddled along in a kayak while I did an open water swim.  After the run course I knew my wife with our kids would be waiting near the finish line.  About 100 yards out from the line, I spotted them and like in previous years, I picked up my son and ran carrying him across the finish with me.  He was all smiles and super excited.  When it comes down to it, it is my family that allows me to go out and training and compete.  Longer races mean more  time out training.  I hope one day my son will want to give doing a triathlon a try, who knows maybe he can carry me across the finish line to share the excitement with him. 

Mio software

I have had a few question and wanted to address them here.  Gathering info from the Mio Quest is very simple.  Above is a sample of the data captured on a ride I did on Monday. The map is just one of the features.  Also you can track your Waypoints, Heart Rate and Speed, as well as a summary of all your workouts.  If you want, you can also save the file and import it to your MapMyRun account if you have one. All of which is very easy.

2 weeks ahead of schedule is better than being behind

After sitting down last week,  I found out I am two weeks ahead of schedule on my training program.  How did that happen?  I guess I started the program two weeks early I was so excited to get it going.  More long rides and runs then for the next two weekends, thats for sure.  Anyway, last weekend I had two of my best training sessions, all keeping my heart rate in Zone 2 using my Mio Watch Quest with GPS. An open water swim for just over 1.5 miles and a 40 mile ride.  The ride had a few hiccups with a flat tire, then when I was changing it realized I had worn the back tire down to seeing threads in the tread.  Both tire and tube have been changed and while I was at it slapped a new chain on the ride too.  I have been meaning to swap out the old chain for awhile and had just a little extra maintenance time over the weekend.  I now have a few weeks to break the new gear in before race day, which a quick ride after the installation was smooth.

Great weekend training

 The above image is created using my Mio Quest GPS enabled watch, with heart rate monitor.

 Last Saturday, I was able to nail down another 50 miler in the heat.  I have been working on keeping my heart rate constant.  Some hills were added in this weeks longer ride, but nothing long.  No flats this week.

I guess this could be filed in the "Too Much Information", so for my longer weekend ride, I took my weight before and after Saturday.  I lost about 6 pounds which is before I removed my tri-suit and lost another 2 pounds.  I guess my clothes soaked up more sweat than I thought.  The high humidity must have made the material just hold the water and not let it evaporate.

My running is coming together and getting easier.

This past week I have been pouring over new songs to add to my iPod I run and swim.  Previous playlists I have on my player are getting dull and need to be updated.  I look to post a new group of "What is on my iPod" playlist as soon as I get it made and stay motivated.

Great weekend training

I had a great weekend training. Weather is perfect outside. I'm stepping up my training this week with just under 2 months to my next race. Heart rate monitor training with my Mio Quest is right on track. With my late afternoon rides lately coming close to dusk I'm going to have to start the waking up early before work schedule to get my training in and scale the evening workout to running.

45 mile training ride, great weather

Today I was able to get out and give a "first test" on the Mio Quest Heart Rate monitor with GPS. The 45 mile ride was done with a friend, so I was not really focused on keeping my heart rate in a certain zone, nor did I really keep track of my speed. What I did do is ride a bunch of hills in the area. I am looking forward to many more training runs and rides with the Quest after uploading its info to look over.