Thursday I missed my first regularly scheduled Tuesday-Thursday swim-drill practice. It has been a very busy week and I determined I needed the sleep more than I needed the 4:40 a.m. beeping from my watch. It really shouldn't have been a tough call, but it was. It should have been very clear that I had been burning my proverbial candle from both ends this week, but I was looking through this with Ironman Training Goggles. Fortunately, I made the right choice and slept in until 6:00-ish and instead did a 30 minute, steady-state ride on the indoor trainer (on my bike). I definately benefitted from the rest.
This morning I went to the pool with a certain amount of excitement. The kind that comes from being more rested and ready to go. I love that feeling. When I can get out of bed to be at the pool by 5:00 a.m. and I am feeling pumped about it, that's a good thing. It's empowering really. The positive energy assisted me in swimming the same distance I swam on Monday...but better, faster, and stronger. This was not quite Six-million-dollar-man-ish, but you get the idea. There were no wannnanant bionic sounds going off as far as I know. Nobody complained about bionic noises anyway. Regardless, it was energizing, and no, it didn't hurt that it's Friday which carries it's own excitement.
I don't know which lap I was on, but it was relatively early into the swim, but late enough that I didn't want to disrupt my rhythm, when I noticed my earplug taking a break and allowing water to enter my ear. Each time I turned to breathe on the right, I could feel the water getting closer to my brain. I thought about stopping, popping out the plug, doing the head shake thing to release the water, and going again, but I was in a groove and didn't want to disrupt my flow.
What? ...What?! Sorry, I couldn't hear you. My ear is still plugged. Yes, in spite of doing a sideways head bob, worthy of playing Is This Love, in the background, it is still plugged. I'll probably experience a moment during the day when I'm so glad my students are talking softly, and the water will finally release, and I will be left with discovering they've been talking loudly for some time now. So it goes.
I needed a rest this week. I was listening to my body. However, my mind and my heart are now telling me to get of my a** and get crack-a-lackin'. So, to all those reading this, whatever you are into, listen to what your body is telling you, even if your ear is plugged, and then get after it.
Peace,
~Sam
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Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Traveling The Road to Ironman Louisville-April (The Road Has Potholes)
Did I mention the Road to Ironman Louisville does not have fresh new blacktop pavement? Did I mention this road is long and winding? Oh, and did I bring up that this same road has detours and construction? Did you expect, that I would be able to post regularly that my swim workout was solid, my bike workout was epic, and my run workout was stellar? Did you think my times would constantly improve and my distances steadily increase? Were you picturing a vision of awesomeness that was glaring to the point of feeling the need to reach for your Oakleys? It's ok. That's where my imagination takes me too when I'm bringing up the websites discussing and advertising the various Ironman events. This is where my mind goes when I finally select an Ironman for me to become commited. This expectation can be reality, but it doesn't always work this way and adjustments sometimes need to be made. The road this year has potholes.
Adjustments, detours, twists and turns, potholes, or whatever you want to dub them, they are not always easy to navigate. It's not that you don't know how or know what to do about them, but they cause you to take a hit and to lose heart. I would like to say it's a one time blow when something is amiss, but setbacks can weigh on you every single day and effect not only your outlook on the upcoming event, but on your next workout, and even your life. This is a shame of course and balance must be sought.
So what do you do when sh** happens? You put on some gloves and grab the Super Duper Pooper Scooper and try to get the sh** out of the way. Of course we all know it's not this simple, and if it were I would have a nice pair of gloves and a ready-to-go scooper. Anyway, you have choices. I can't even get into the number of choices one has but, the obvious two choices are to quit or to keep going. I'm choose the latter. Sh** happens and you deal with it.
My detours have involved all three disciplines. In swimming I have been dealing with taking on bilateral breathing and it did not come to me right away. The good news is that this detour had a slow down, but not I am moving right along and feeling better for it. Cycling has been going ok, but ok refers to being satisfactory, and that's not what I'm looking for. Arguably it has not yet reached "ok status" because my fit is not completely dialed in with my new GURU (see photo above). It's in the shop right now getting a set-up, make-over. I hope it works because I want to move from satisfactory to hell yeah! My running has been riddled with injury on and off since 1994, so I really shouldn't be surprised, or even taken aback. However, this particular injury (my Achilles) is hangin' around and trying to become more of a permanent fixture. I'm working regulalry to not let that happen. At any rate, I've been hit from many angles this season in all three areas.
I would be lying if I said I haven't lost heart, felt dejected, and feeling like I want to take my ball and go home. I'm pushing forward though because I'm not a quitter. Granted, I have motified my road map many times now to accomodate for my setbacks, but my destination still has a red "X" on it, marking the spot. My eye is still on the prize, but at times it is hard to keep my head in the game when my confidnce is...well...not quite shattered, but let's just say bruised.
I do look for high points and I draw inspiration when my workouts go well and when I hear or read about others' successes in both training and racing. However, I'm looking for my own breakthrough workouts. I'm want that swim that says, "You are on your way brutha'". Fortunately, I think I've had a few of those. I want more though. I want a time trial on my bike that not only is encouraging, but shoots my confidence through the roof, or a long as heck ride with a steady pace which ends with a feeling of "Whew, that was tough, but dangitall, I did it". I want to have that long-ish run...well any run really, but a longer run would be more fulfilling where when I get done I realize, "Hey, my Achilles didn't even bother me!" There have been some high points, but I'm still looking forward to more.
So, does it matter that the Road to Ironman Louisvile has potholes or if it is smoothly paved? Not really, but it does matter that it gets traveled, so I've still got my GPS programed for Louisville, Kentucky.
Peace,
~Sam
(And no, for those of you that know me personally, I don't actually own a GPS, and no, I still don't own a cell phone).
Adjustments, detours, twists and turns, potholes, or whatever you want to dub them, they are not always easy to navigate. It's not that you don't know how or know what to do about them, but they cause you to take a hit and to lose heart. I would like to say it's a one time blow when something is amiss, but setbacks can weigh on you every single day and effect not only your outlook on the upcoming event, but on your next workout, and even your life. This is a shame of course and balance must be sought.
So what do you do when sh** happens? You put on some gloves and grab the Super Duper Pooper Scooper and try to get the sh** out of the way. Of course we all know it's not this simple, and if it were I would have a nice pair of gloves and a ready-to-go scooper. Anyway, you have choices. I can't even get into the number of choices one has but, the obvious two choices are to quit or to keep going. I'm choose the latter. Sh** happens and you deal with it.
My detours have involved all three disciplines. In swimming I have been dealing with taking on bilateral breathing and it did not come to me right away. The good news is that this detour had a slow down, but not I am moving right along and feeling better for it. Cycling has been going ok, but ok refers to being satisfactory, and that's not what I'm looking for. Arguably it has not yet reached "ok status" because my fit is not completely dialed in with my new GURU (see photo above). It's in the shop right now getting a set-up, make-over. I hope it works because I want to move from satisfactory to hell yeah! My running has been riddled with injury on and off since 1994, so I really shouldn't be surprised, or even taken aback. However, this particular injury (my Achilles) is hangin' around and trying to become more of a permanent fixture. I'm working regulalry to not let that happen. At any rate, I've been hit from many angles this season in all three areas.
I would be lying if I said I haven't lost heart, felt dejected, and feeling like I want to take my ball and go home. I'm pushing forward though because I'm not a quitter. Granted, I have motified my road map many times now to accomodate for my setbacks, but my destination still has a red "X" on it, marking the spot. My eye is still on the prize, but at times it is hard to keep my head in the game when my confidnce is...well...not quite shattered, but let's just say bruised.
I do look for high points and I draw inspiration when my workouts go well and when I hear or read about others' successes in both training and racing. However, I'm looking for my own breakthrough workouts. I'm want that swim that says, "You are on your way brutha'". Fortunately, I think I've had a few of those. I want more though. I want a time trial on my bike that not only is encouraging, but shoots my confidence through the roof, or a long as heck ride with a steady pace which ends with a feeling of "Whew, that was tough, but dangitall, I did it". I want to have that long-ish run...well any run really, but a longer run would be more fulfilling where when I get done I realize, "Hey, my Achilles didn't even bother me!" There have been some high points, but I'm still looking forward to more.
So, does it matter that the Road to Ironman Louisvile has potholes or if it is smoothly paved? Not really, but it does matter that it gets traveled, so I've still got my GPS programed for Louisville, Kentucky.
Peace,
~Sam
(And no, for those of you that know me personally, I don't actually own a GPS, and no, I still don't own a cell phone).
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Open Water Images Dancing in My Head
The fact that it is only 34' at the moment, does not deter me from imagining.
While looking out my window at the still water of our lake just after dawn, I picture myself walking through the summer grass and feeling the cool dew on my feet, as I make my way down to the shore, for an early morning swim.
The slightly chilly air temps me to turn around, but seeing a light steam roll of the top of the water suggests I stay the course and take heart.
After reluctantly taking my first steps into the flat, mirror-like water, my heart rate increases with anticipation of a the swim I've been anxiously awaiting. So, after strapping on my goggles and inserting my earplugs, I gently launch myself forward, hands extended, head down, and off into the southern direction I plan on swimming.
The water envelopes me and I feel both exilerated and assured because the water, though somewhat warmer than the air still jolts me to a new level of awareness, but is not so shocking that I need to stand straight up at let out a "cold-water-war-woop".
Each stroke through the water propels me forward and though my mouth is positioned to inhale and exhale, I am smiling on the inside.
The once still water parts and I am on my way.
This is what I do. This is what I love.
While looking out my window at the still water of our lake just after dawn, I picture myself walking through the summer grass and feeling the cool dew on my feet, as I make my way down to the shore, for an early morning swim.
The slightly chilly air temps me to turn around, but seeing a light steam roll of the top of the water suggests I stay the course and take heart.
After reluctantly taking my first steps into the flat, mirror-like water, my heart rate increases with anticipation of a the swim I've been anxiously awaiting. So, after strapping on my goggles and inserting my earplugs, I gently launch myself forward, hands extended, head down, and off into the southern direction I plan on swimming.
The water envelopes me and I feel both exilerated and assured because the water, though somewhat warmer than the air still jolts me to a new level of awareness, but is not so shocking that I need to stand straight up at let out a "cold-water-war-woop".
Each stroke through the water propels me forward and though my mouth is positioned to inhale and exhale, I am smiling on the inside.
The once still water parts and I am on my way.
This is what I do. This is what I love.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Ironman Louisville: Interview with Age-group Athlete Nathan Teater
Nathan Teater is a lot of things, but one thing he is for certain is a prospective Ironman. He resides in Anchorage, Alaska, but is actually a True Southerner having been born in Mississippi, attended college in Kentucky, and spent his early 20’s in Atlanta, Georgia. So, for this 35-39, age-grouper, coming to Ironman Louisville will be a homecoming of sorts.
TS: How many years have you been doing triathlon?
NT: This is my third season, but the first season consisted of just about 12 weeks of training for a sprint triathlon.
TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
NT: On Memorial Day, 2009 I met a guy at a cookout who was training for an XTERRA triathlon. I was intrigued to say the least. As silly as it seems to me now, I didn't realize there were other triathlon distances than Ironman. He explained to me the different distance options and encouraged me to train and race a sprint distance at the end of the summer. I've always been a relatively fit guy, but exercise was boring to me until I switched from plain exercise to "triathlon training". Now I'm hooked!
TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
NT: The swim. I was a competitive swimmer between the ages of 5 and 18. I get bored with it easily now, but it is still my best. My next strongest is the run, followed by the bike----uugh. I grew up on a gravel road that was not conducive to bike riding. I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I didn't learn to ride a bike until the 5th grade. I quit riding my bike when I was in the 7th grade and didn't own another until I was 33 years old.
TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
NT: The challenge and dedication required to be prepared and to complete. I want to accomplish something that will make my 3-year-old son proud.
TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
NT: Mainly because I am familiar with the area. I will have friends and family in attendance which will be nice. Though it will be hot, I will have all summer to get my training in. Tri Club friends of mine here in Alaska that have done other Ironman races have to do the bulk of their big weeks of training inside due to the weather. I just couldn't imagine six hour trainer rides and 2.5 hour treadmill runs. Yuck!
TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
NT: The heat will be the biggest challenge for me, but obviously not in my preparation. Time management and staying mentally strong will probably be the greatest challenges in preparation for the race.
TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day?
NT: I know I am not supposed to set time goals, being that this is my first Ironman, but I can't help it. I am not ready to announce my time goals, but I kinda’ have an idea of what I can expect. To achieve my goal, I need my nutrition to be spot on, my bike to be well tuned, and my mind to be in the right place.
TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
NT: Swim--Goggles. Who needs a suit? Bike--Bike. Kidding. Probably the bike computer or watch. Run--Shoes and socks.
TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
NT: Macca. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he came up to Alaska last summer for a clinic for our triathlon club. He is really a genuine guy even though he has the stigma of being cocky. His favorite sport is boxing, so most of what you read or see about him is really just gamesmanship that he picked up from following boxing all his life. He is inspirational in that he believes in himself and finds that extra motivation from within. He is a lot like Michael Jordan in that he will take anything negative said about him, and use that as a motivation even if it wasn't meant as a negative. For instance, he told us that after a DNF in Kona he went through many scientific tests and all the scientists told him that due to his body make up, he will never have the success at Iron distance races (especially in the heat) as he would HIM's and Olympic distance. That was all the motivation he needed. He has since won two Kona Ironman Championship races, plus a whole bunch of other Ironman races.
TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
NT: Lavaman in Kona. It is an Olympic distance race, but one that each year is attended by over 90 members of my Tri Club. That's right; 90-100 Alaskans take over Kona and dominate. It would be a blast to join them one of these years.
TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
NT: Big Wheel--I rocked that thing when I was a kid. Roller skates....not so much.
TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
NT: Cycling shoes. I figure I could finish the race walking barefoot, but couldn't imagine being shoeless on the bike.
TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
NT: Toss up, but more conversations will be started by the shirt out in public than my medal on my wall or bookcase.
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
NT: The Road Goes On Forever, by Robert Earl Keen. Sure, the title sounds like torture, but the story within the song and the music really gets me going.
TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman? (Given they are not in attendance) NT: Room Service....Get it? I had to end on a silly note.
Nathan, I expect you will have a great experience returning to your old stomping grounds of Kentucky. I hope Ironman is all that you are hoping it will be and more. Good luck!
TS: How many years have you been doing triathlon?
NT: This is my third season, but the first season consisted of just about 12 weeks of training for a sprint triathlon.
TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
NT: On Memorial Day, 2009 I met a guy at a cookout who was training for an XTERRA triathlon. I was intrigued to say the least. As silly as it seems to me now, I didn't realize there were other triathlon distances than Ironman. He explained to me the different distance options and encouraged me to train and race a sprint distance at the end of the summer. I've always been a relatively fit guy, but exercise was boring to me until I switched from plain exercise to "triathlon training". Now I'm hooked!
TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
NT: The swim. I was a competitive swimmer between the ages of 5 and 18. I get bored with it easily now, but it is still my best. My next strongest is the run, followed by the bike----uugh. I grew up on a gravel road that was not conducive to bike riding. I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I didn't learn to ride a bike until the 5th grade. I quit riding my bike when I was in the 7th grade and didn't own another until I was 33 years old.
TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
NT: The challenge and dedication required to be prepared and to complete. I want to accomplish something that will make my 3-year-old son proud.
TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
NT: Mainly because I am familiar with the area. I will have friends and family in attendance which will be nice. Though it will be hot, I will have all summer to get my training in. Tri Club friends of mine here in Alaska that have done other Ironman races have to do the bulk of their big weeks of training inside due to the weather. I just couldn't imagine six hour trainer rides and 2.5 hour treadmill runs. Yuck!
TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
NT: The heat will be the biggest challenge for me, but obviously not in my preparation. Time management and staying mentally strong will probably be the greatest challenges in preparation for the race.
TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day?
NT: I know I am not supposed to set time goals, being that this is my first Ironman, but I can't help it. I am not ready to announce my time goals, but I kinda’ have an idea of what I can expect. To achieve my goal, I need my nutrition to be spot on, my bike to be well tuned, and my mind to be in the right place.
TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
NT: Swim--Goggles. Who needs a suit? Bike--Bike. Kidding. Probably the bike computer or watch. Run--Shoes and socks.
TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
NT: Macca. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he came up to Alaska last summer for a clinic for our triathlon club. He is really a genuine guy even though he has the stigma of being cocky. His favorite sport is boxing, so most of what you read or see about him is really just gamesmanship that he picked up from following boxing all his life. He is inspirational in that he believes in himself and finds that extra motivation from within. He is a lot like Michael Jordan in that he will take anything negative said about him, and use that as a motivation even if it wasn't meant as a negative. For instance, he told us that after a DNF in Kona he went through many scientific tests and all the scientists told him that due to his body make up, he will never have the success at Iron distance races (especially in the heat) as he would HIM's and Olympic distance. That was all the motivation he needed. He has since won two Kona Ironman Championship races, plus a whole bunch of other Ironman races.
TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
NT: Lavaman in Kona. It is an Olympic distance race, but one that each year is attended by over 90 members of my Tri Club. That's right; 90-100 Alaskans take over Kona and dominate. It would be a blast to join them one of these years.
TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
NT: Big Wheel--I rocked that thing when I was a kid. Roller skates....not so much.
TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
NT: Cycling shoes. I figure I could finish the race walking barefoot, but couldn't imagine being shoeless on the bike.
TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
NT: Toss up, but more conversations will be started by the shirt out in public than my medal on my wall or bookcase.
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
NT: The Road Goes On Forever, by Robert Earl Keen. Sure, the title sounds like torture, but the story within the song and the music really gets me going.
TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman? (Given they are not in attendance) NT: Room Service....Get it? I had to end on a silly note.
Nathan, I expect you will have a great experience returning to your old stomping grounds of Kentucky. I hope Ironman is all that you are hoping it will be and more. Good luck!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Random
If intentions counted, then I would have The Road to Ironman Louisville, Episode 8 up and a somewhat detailed account of my Florida training experience. However, life happens and the footage and uploading did not.
Florida in short...I cycled about 118 on the week and I walk/ran a few times.
Now, it's late and I have a rather early appointment with a pool, but I'll add the following tidbits about today, etc.
I had a "run" this morning that went about as I expected and now I'm going to hold off a few days before I attempt to run again.
I had a great ride this afternoon with my friend Ryan and then I did the same loop again later (don't tell him though...Ryan if you read this...don't tell yourself). Total cycling distance...43 miles-ish.
I just finished formatting my next interview which I hope to post tomorrow, and my timmer went off which concludes my icing for this evening.
Thank you for your support in advance. Life is going to get really busy for me and I will do my best to keep up communications and to be more creative, inspirational, perspirational, and the like. Until then, you are stuck with this post.
Peace,
~Sam
Florida in short...I cycled about 118 on the week and I walk/ran a few times.
Now, it's late and I have a rather early appointment with a pool, but I'll add the following tidbits about today, etc.
I had a "run" this morning that went about as I expected and now I'm going to hold off a few days before I attempt to run again.
I had a great ride this afternoon with my friend Ryan and then I did the same loop again later (don't tell him though...Ryan if you read this...don't tell yourself). Total cycling distance...43 miles-ish.
I just finished formatting my next interview which I hope to post tomorrow, and my timmer went off which concludes my icing for this evening.
Thank you for your support in advance. Life is going to get really busy for me and I will do my best to keep up communications and to be more creative, inspirational, perspirational, and the like. Until then, you are stuck with this post.
Peace,
~Sam
Saturday, April 9, 2011
JUST Back...
I've been in Florida for Spring Break and I just got back a few hours ago. I'm behind, but I'll get back in the groove soon. I hope to post about my Florida training experience and if I'm lucky another video post.
Peace,
~Sam
Peace,
~Sam
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Discouraged...
I sent an e-mail about 15 seconds ago inquiring about the possibility of a rollover from 2011 to 2012's Ironman Louisville. Their site says "No deferals or transfers," but I don't know if that means no 'rollovers'.
I don't know that I'll have to do this yet, but my Achilles is not doing well and I want to know how late I can choose to rollover my entry...if that is even a possibility.
Currently I am rather discouraged because I am starting to enter the acceptance phase of my injury. ...again. I started to build gradually, but I've reached a point where what I'm doing is not enough.
The curse words I am thinking about this situation are not being articulated on this post, and I'm trying not to let this get me down. I'm in sunny Florida, I rode 25 miles and enjoyed it. It's sunny and warm for cryin' out loud!
I have a lot to be thankful for...so I'm trying not to be too pissed off and dejected.
I haven't lost hope yet, but I'm preparing for the possibility of not being able to do IMLOU this year. For now, I'm calling this a detour on the Road to Ironman Louisville.
Peace,
~Sam
I don't know that I'll have to do this yet, but my Achilles is not doing well and I want to know how late I can choose to rollover my entry...if that is even a possibility.
Currently I am rather discouraged because I am starting to enter the acceptance phase of my injury. ...again. I started to build gradually, but I've reached a point where what I'm doing is not enough.
The curse words I am thinking about this situation are not being articulated on this post, and I'm trying not to let this get me down. I'm in sunny Florida, I rode 25 miles and enjoyed it. It's sunny and warm for cryin' out loud!
I have a lot to be thankful for...so I'm trying not to be too pissed off and dejected.
I haven't lost hope yet, but I'm preparing for the possibility of not being able to do IMLOU this year. For now, I'm calling this a detour on the Road to Ironman Louisville.
Peace,
~Sam
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