Ok, I've been patient. Arguably, I have not been as patient as I need to be, but I've been patient nevertheless. I ran conservatively during the May 1st Grand Duathlon, and I have not run since then. This is not because I don't care for running, or that I can't make time for it. It's not because I don't care for the weather, though it has been very inconsistent. It's not because I don't have a plan and I'm hoping somebody will soon tell me how far or how fast to run. If you've been following this blog, you know it is because I've been plagued with Achilles tendonitis. Well, it's time to get moving. It's time to put one foot in front of the other. It's time to suck it up and make it happen. I'm done being patient.
I started physical therapy last week. They performed what is called Astym Treatment (pronounced A-stim). It is supposed to speed up recovery, and one is supposed to be able to go back to their chosen activity, in most cases running, after the first day of treatment. He wants me to do core work and to strengthen my hips. I see the value in both, so I am doing the work to accomplish these objectives, but what I really want is the Astym treatment. If I could go in and only get this treatment I would be thrilled. However, if I need to do other P.T. exercises to earn the Astym treatment...I'm on it like Blue Bonnet baby!
On Monday, my P.T. said he wanted me to wait a week before running. It's Friday, so it's the end of the week right?
I ran this morning. Well, I'm framing it as running anyway. It was really equal parts walking and slogging (slow-jogging). I walked two minutes followed by two minutes of slogging x 4. So, I slogged a total of eight minutes. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't smooth, it wasn't even perfectly smooth, but it was slogging, and I'm calling it a step in the right direction. At least this way I can feel like I'm running again
I'm supposed to stop running if I feel pain. Well, how are we defining pain? My Achilles has discomfort? My Achilles has tightness? My Achilles has what I might categorize as soreness? My heart is breaking because I can't friggin' run? What does pain mean? Below are the levels I came up with and my response to whether or not it is considered "pain" at this point.
Level I:
"Hmmm, that feels less than perfect." Nope.
Level II:
"There is a tightness, dare I say soreness?" Nope.
Level III:
"Oh sh**t! This is not loosening up, it hurts, and I don't even want to consider going faster." Yes.
Level IV:
"Son-of-a-bi***! I'm going to have to limp home! Maybe I can flag a car down to drive me back. Da** it!" Most certainly pain, and...I waited too long. I should have stopped.
Defcon V:
"F***! F***! F***! Help! Help meeeee! I wonder if anyone will see me laying here in the road. F***!" Absolutely! And...I'm a certified idiot with my proof of these new credentials in the mail.
So there it is. My chart of pain.
Anyway, I did what I'm calling running today, because I figured I should get stared, and I have a P.T. appointment this afternoon. So, the Astym treatment can help iron out what I might have disturbed.
I sat down and charted out my run training plan to possibly get through the run of Ironman Lousiville. It has forced me to change the date of my solo Duncan Lake Triathlon to the first week in August, but so what? My goal at this point is to get up to 13 miles running. This will only be two miles less than when I did IMLOU in 2009, so if I can get to 13 miles, I might feel inclined to dance a jig in the street. However, I wouldn't because I woud rather not get an injury with such Tom foolery.
I mentioned that I've been as patient as I can be. I've started running, I'm going through physical therapy, I have a plan, and I'm ready to go. The reality however, is that if it gets too bad, too early in my return, I'll drop all running until August when I get off my bike in transition, in Lousiville. Being patient has it's limits, but I don't want to limit myself if I can help it.
I'm keepin' on the Road to Ironman Louisville.
Peace.
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Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
What is Your Passion?
A friend of mine e-mailed me with Question of the Day in the subject line, and then in the body it asked, What is your passion? I thought this was interesting because he knows what I'm about and he knows darn well that it's triathlon. So, I gave him some smart a** answer that had nothing to do with triathlon. He got back to me, perhaps understanding why I gave him a smart a** answer and replied, Well, is it triathlon, or always wanting to be better? I need your input. It was evident that he was wrestling with a philosophical issue about himself and needed me to get off my smart a** and answer the question. After sending him my more thoughtful answer, I thought it might make a solid blog post. A little background, which you will likely figure out is that he is a body builder...and a freakin' awesome one at that.
Well, is it triathlon, or always wanting to be better?
That's a good question, and I believe they are not mutually exclive, but rather interconnected.
I've been involved in endurance sports since middle school, and arguably earlier just by way of lifestyle. Purhaps I could describe it better as having a real affinity for athletic movement since I was quite young. Therefore, movement forward really is part of who I am. Triathlon is my chosen medium for being who I am regarding my experience in this movement.
I am a person who loves movement and with endurance activities in particular, but I am also a person who likes to think and create. When I work at being better at triathlon, I am also creating a better version of myself. Better can sometimes mean I am getting faster when speed is my focus. It can also be that I am going longer, or that I am using triathlon to go to different places and experience these places through what I love. The movement of triathlon is an important part of my experience.
Triathlon is also is so intricate that it has me constantly looking for more information, seeking out people with a similar passion, which allows the free flow of information, ideas, empathy, and provides a connection. I think it's fair to say that we have benefitted from this in the formation of our friendship. In fact, my closest relationships have in some way started in a mutual love of movement (cross country, tennis, capture the flag in the woods, hiking, etc.).
Triathlon is a medium that supports my need for self expression (my book and my blog are examples of using my creative expression).
Triathlon moves me physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, so I guess I would have to say living life is my passion, and triathlon allows me to live my life to the fullest, in the way that has deep meaning to me. Therefore, I am a triathlete in every sense of the word, so triathlon and I are inseparable. Triathlon then is my passion because I want to be better, and I want to do better in my triathlon exploits because of how it makes me better at being me.
Triathlon consumes me, but it is because I seek to be consumed by it. I not only love it, but cleary I live it. However, I find balance in my life with the understanding that triathlon can only make me better if I acknowledge and embrace the other things that make me better, such as God, my family, and my friends. Triathlon helps me to be a better Christian, husband, father, friend, and being.
I see this with you as well, but with body building (and other movement activities for that matter). It is your manner in which you express your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual self. You are constantly seeking to create a better version of yourself. You research best practices, you seek what makes you healthier, better, and wiser. You share your knowledge and experiences with others. You keep yourself in motion. By doing what makes you who you are you are expanding your potential as a person and are able to find joy. With this joy, you are able to be a better person in all areas of your life.
Would a machine be best served sitting and rusting, or being used and improved? Our physical machines, if you want to look at it this way, propel us to be better versions of ourselves. So, our passion is being better at what we love, and we love life. Therefore we seek what allows us feel most alive.
Triathlon allows me feel alive.
BE YOU.
Peace brutha.
Well, is it triathlon, or always wanting to be better?
That's a good question, and I believe they are not mutually exclive, but rather interconnected.
I've been involved in endurance sports since middle school, and arguably earlier just by way of lifestyle. Purhaps I could describe it better as having a real affinity for athletic movement since I was quite young. Therefore, movement forward really is part of who I am. Triathlon is my chosen medium for being who I am regarding my experience in this movement.
I am a person who loves movement and with endurance activities in particular, but I am also a person who likes to think and create. When I work at being better at triathlon, I am also creating a better version of myself. Better can sometimes mean I am getting faster when speed is my focus. It can also be that I am going longer, or that I am using triathlon to go to different places and experience these places through what I love. The movement of triathlon is an important part of my experience.
Triathlon is also is so intricate that it has me constantly looking for more information, seeking out people with a similar passion, which allows the free flow of information, ideas, empathy, and provides a connection. I think it's fair to say that we have benefitted from this in the formation of our friendship. In fact, my closest relationships have in some way started in a mutual love of movement (cross country, tennis, capture the flag in the woods, hiking, etc.).
Triathlon is a medium that supports my need for self expression (my book and my blog are examples of using my creative expression).
Triathlon moves me physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, so I guess I would have to say living life is my passion, and triathlon allows me to live my life to the fullest, in the way that has deep meaning to me. Therefore, I am a triathlete in every sense of the word, so triathlon and I are inseparable. Triathlon then is my passion because I want to be better, and I want to do better in my triathlon exploits because of how it makes me better at being me.
Triathlon consumes me, but it is because I seek to be consumed by it. I not only love it, but cleary I live it. However, I find balance in my life with the understanding that triathlon can only make me better if I acknowledge and embrace the other things that make me better, such as God, my family, and my friends. Triathlon helps me to be a better Christian, husband, father, friend, and being.
I see this with you as well, but with body building (and other movement activities for that matter). It is your manner in which you express your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual self. You are constantly seeking to create a better version of yourself. You research best practices, you seek what makes you healthier, better, and wiser. You share your knowledge and experiences with others. You keep yourself in motion. By doing what makes you who you are you are expanding your potential as a person and are able to find joy. With this joy, you are able to be a better person in all areas of your life.
Would a machine be best served sitting and rusting, or being used and improved? Our physical machines, if you want to look at it this way, propel us to be better versions of ourselves. So, our passion is being better at what we love, and we love life. Therefore we seek what allows us feel most alive.
Triathlon allows me feel alive.
BE YOU.
Peace brutha.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
For the Love of All that is Roadworthy...End the Bike Drama!
My relationship with my new bike has been an interesting one. It would be logical to conclude that a bike custom fit and custom made for you would be, well...a good fit. However, we have had our growing pains. I started out with an open mind, and I had to, because my position was very different than my previous bike. I knew while riding it the first time that I wasn't in proverbial Kansas anymore. I wasn't deterred though, I was ready to take this new position on and discover where it would lead me.
I couldn't wait to get started once I learned my bike was finally ready, so I rode my new two wheeled friend home 15 miles-ish from the shop. In route, the gears locked occasionally. I figured since I hadn't had this brand of components, that maybe I was doing something wrong and I dismissed it as human error. Another issue I noticed was that my right tricep was tight and sore. I chalked this up to being in a rather new position and decided to shrug it off. When I got home I had my wife take a picture of me right away so I could show it off on my website...see photo above. So, even though I was proud of my new bike, we didn't get off to a great start.
The next day, as it turned out was not promising. I discovered I earned a flat tire on the way home from the shop. I wasn't happy about it, but things happen. I changed the tube and went out for another ride. Again, the gears locked and I tried different techniques to prevent this. One example is that I checked to see if it mattered how fast I was turning the cranks when I was shifting. It still happened and it was rather random. I contacted Village Bike Shop and they were more than happy to check it out. It turned out there was not a simple solution to this problem. They had to mix and match components to make it work. I didn't mind this, I just wanted the bike to work well. Ultimately, I got it back after a good chunk of time and gave it another go.
Round three turned out to be better...and worse. No flat tires was a good sign. No locking gears was an even better sign. However, still having the pain in my right arm was not a good sign. Man! I really wanted to love this bike. It's a full carbon, black and white dream, triathlon machine! What's not to like right? Well, the arm issue did not subside and I was still not getting used to the new, non-aggressive position in which I was fitted for. Frustration was beginning to set in.
Enough was enough, I had Village put my bike back as close as they could to the position of my former triathlon bike. I wasn't feelin' it in the new, more upright position, and my arm situation was not getting better, so I just wanted to start over. Again, Village was gracious with my request. As soon as I rode one time with my old position, I was inspired. I was ready to go fast again! This was what I was talkin' 'bout!
I was back, or at least so I thought. The arm issue was still there so, I did this and that adjustment with my aerobars. Actually, it was many, many this's and thats, but I won't get into those details. I thought I finally had this dialed in when I did a 60+ mile ride and my arm didn't bother me...much. It was significantly reduced to the point that I didn't really notice it except when I was thinking about it. This was a great improvement! However, my lower back was quite tight and sore by the time I was about 10 miles from home. Are you kidding me? Son-of-*****!
I knew the only thing to fix my back issue was going to be to put myself in a less aggressive position. I don't want to be in too much of an upright position, but I don't want to have a tight back either. So, I brought my GURU back to Village and asked them to position my bike half-way between where it was per my former bike and where it was when I bought it. My hope is this compromise in position will be the ticket.
I've only had a chance to ride once since getting it back on Friday. I started to ride and the right arm started to get tight. I didn't panic, I thought I might have to mess with this again after the adjustment. I stopped around 4 miles and started do move the forearm pad. The problem was that the dark cloud containing rain, thunder, and lightning was heading my way and sprinkles were dampening my ride. In my hurried state, I didn't put the pad on the way I wanted, but enough that it would stay put while I hammered home. I got back home without getting wet and I tinkered with it some more. I rode about a quarter of a mile and it seemed better, but I won't know until I go on another legitimate ride. I am optimistic however, that I made the right change and the new position doesn't feel to upright, and my back felt good for the short time I was on it. So, my fingers are crossed. If this works, I will be standing on top of the world...until that is I remember I still have my Achilles issue to deal with. But hey, one issue at a time. Did I mention my wetsuit debacle? Oh, yeah, one issue at a time.
I still love this sport and I'm still enjoying my sorted journey down The Road to Ironman Louisville.
Peace.
I couldn't wait to get started once I learned my bike was finally ready, so I rode my new two wheeled friend home 15 miles-ish from the shop. In route, the gears locked occasionally. I figured since I hadn't had this brand of components, that maybe I was doing something wrong and I dismissed it as human error. Another issue I noticed was that my right tricep was tight and sore. I chalked this up to being in a rather new position and decided to shrug it off. When I got home I had my wife take a picture of me right away so I could show it off on my website...see photo above. So, even though I was proud of my new bike, we didn't get off to a great start.
The next day, as it turned out was not promising. I discovered I earned a flat tire on the way home from the shop. I wasn't happy about it, but things happen. I changed the tube and went out for another ride. Again, the gears locked and I tried different techniques to prevent this. One example is that I checked to see if it mattered how fast I was turning the cranks when I was shifting. It still happened and it was rather random. I contacted Village Bike Shop and they were more than happy to check it out. It turned out there was not a simple solution to this problem. They had to mix and match components to make it work. I didn't mind this, I just wanted the bike to work well. Ultimately, I got it back after a good chunk of time and gave it another go.
Round three turned out to be better...and worse. No flat tires was a good sign. No locking gears was an even better sign. However, still having the pain in my right arm was not a good sign. Man! I really wanted to love this bike. It's a full carbon, black and white dream, triathlon machine! What's not to like right? Well, the arm issue did not subside and I was still not getting used to the new, non-aggressive position in which I was fitted for. Frustration was beginning to set in.
Enough was enough, I had Village put my bike back as close as they could to the position of my former triathlon bike. I wasn't feelin' it in the new, more upright position, and my arm situation was not getting better, so I just wanted to start over. Again, Village was gracious with my request. As soon as I rode one time with my old position, I was inspired. I was ready to go fast again! This was what I was talkin' 'bout!
I was back, or at least so I thought. The arm issue was still there so, I did this and that adjustment with my aerobars. Actually, it was many, many this's and thats, but I won't get into those details. I thought I finally had this dialed in when I did a 60+ mile ride and my arm didn't bother me...much. It was significantly reduced to the point that I didn't really notice it except when I was thinking about it. This was a great improvement! However, my lower back was quite tight and sore by the time I was about 10 miles from home. Are you kidding me? Son-of-*****!
I knew the only thing to fix my back issue was going to be to put myself in a less aggressive position. I don't want to be in too much of an upright position, but I don't want to have a tight back either. So, I brought my GURU back to Village and asked them to position my bike half-way between where it was per my former bike and where it was when I bought it. My hope is this compromise in position will be the ticket.
I've only had a chance to ride once since getting it back on Friday. I started to ride and the right arm started to get tight. I didn't panic, I thought I might have to mess with this again after the adjustment. I stopped around 4 miles and started do move the forearm pad. The problem was that the dark cloud containing rain, thunder, and lightning was heading my way and sprinkles were dampening my ride. In my hurried state, I didn't put the pad on the way I wanted, but enough that it would stay put while I hammered home. I got back home without getting wet and I tinkered with it some more. I rode about a quarter of a mile and it seemed better, but I won't know until I go on another legitimate ride. I am optimistic however, that I made the right change and the new position doesn't feel to upright, and my back felt good for the short time I was on it. So, my fingers are crossed. If this works, I will be standing on top of the world...until that is I remember I still have my Achilles issue to deal with. But hey, one issue at a time. Did I mention my wetsuit debacle? Oh, yeah, one issue at a time.
I still love this sport and I'm still enjoying my sorted journey down The Road to Ironman Louisville.
Peace.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Weekend Sun and Monday Joy
This weekend was fantastic! The weather was finally wonderful! Temperatures hovered around 70, blue skies, not too windy, and very inspirational.
Saturday I found myself out on a 60+ mile ride feeling great. I was relaxed, yet I was cruisin' right along. I was able to ride one of my favorite courses as well. If you are from around here you will know what I mean when I say that I rode out on Egypt Valley. Love it. Hills, hills, and more hills. Good stuff.
While I was out there, I didn't allow myself to see anything but distance on my computer, because I wanted to go by effort. My goal was to average 20 mph, but I didn't want to push the pace to accomplish it. The only exception was that I did allow myself a look at my avearage mph once I got to 30 miles. That was my "reward" for being halfway. I was pleasantly surprised to read 19.-somehting. Furthermore, I was pleased that I didn't work it on the way back knowing that I was under 20 mph on the way out. Instead, I continued my perceived, relaxed-but-steady effort.
Another key feature in this ride was that I had very little arm discomfort! I made one adjustment around 1.75 miles, but after that, and the occasional shake of the arm, or a repositioning of the hand, set me up just fine. My hope is that it wasn't a fluke and that I have a similar experience on my next ride.
One challenge I did experience however, was that my lower back got increasingly tight toward the end of the ride. My intention at this point is to start gradually moving my aggressive position a little bit at a time toward the position I was fit for on this bike. I'm hoping to find a middle ground betwen the agressive position I want and the relaxed position I was in. I know that sweet spot must exist, now I just want to find it.
When I was within 200 yards of our house, I checked my computer. I wanted to know my average. I would have been satisfied if I had remained at the 19.-something I saw at the halfway point, but I didn't need to settle for that becasue I read 20.55 mph. I gave a little fist pump in the air, released a big smile across my face, and let out a whispered, but intense burst of "Yes!"
This morning started out well with exactly the kind of swim I was looking for. A long swim of 3,000 yards that was on pace for a 1:10:00 swim for 2.4 miles. I wasn't looking for 1:10:00 per se, but something at or faster than 1:14:00 pace. Now, whether or not I would have sustained that pace for the full 2.4 miles is another question for another time, but it felt good nevertheless.
Saturday I found myself out on a 60+ mile ride feeling great. I was relaxed, yet I was cruisin' right along. I was able to ride one of my favorite courses as well. If you are from around here you will know what I mean when I say that I rode out on Egypt Valley. Love it. Hills, hills, and more hills. Good stuff.
While I was out there, I didn't allow myself to see anything but distance on my computer, because I wanted to go by effort. My goal was to average 20 mph, but I didn't want to push the pace to accomplish it. The only exception was that I did allow myself a look at my avearage mph once I got to 30 miles. That was my "reward" for being halfway. I was pleasantly surprised to read 19.-somehting. Furthermore, I was pleased that I didn't work it on the way back knowing that I was under 20 mph on the way out. Instead, I continued my perceived, relaxed-but-steady effort.
Another key feature in this ride was that I had very little arm discomfort! I made one adjustment around 1.75 miles, but after that, and the occasional shake of the arm, or a repositioning of the hand, set me up just fine. My hope is that it wasn't a fluke and that I have a similar experience on my next ride.
One challenge I did experience however, was that my lower back got increasingly tight toward the end of the ride. My intention at this point is to start gradually moving my aggressive position a little bit at a time toward the position I was fit for on this bike. I'm hoping to find a middle ground betwen the agressive position I want and the relaxed position I was in. I know that sweet spot must exist, now I just want to find it.
When I was within 200 yards of our house, I checked my computer. I wanted to know my average. I would have been satisfied if I had remained at the 19.-something I saw at the halfway point, but I didn't need to settle for that becasue I read 20.55 mph. I gave a little fist pump in the air, released a big smile across my face, and let out a whispered, but intense burst of "Yes!"
This morning started out well with exactly the kind of swim I was looking for. A long swim of 3,000 yards that was on pace for a 1:10:00 swim for 2.4 miles. I wasn't looking for 1:10:00 per se, but something at or faster than 1:14:00 pace. Now, whether or not I would have sustained that pace for the full 2.4 miles is another question for another time, but it felt good nevertheless.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Snapshots
Swimming is going well, but this week I've been somewhat off. Monday, I swam 2,500 yards continuous, which is my longest swim to date, and it went fine. Nothing to throw a party over, but I covered it, and that's what I was looking to do. My Tuesday-Thursday slot is not available anymore, so I plan on M-W-F, but this week it will only be M & F.
I'm starting to feel stronger on the bike. I'm noticing my ability to stay seated on hills I previously felt the need to get out of the saddle with earlier this season. I pulled off a 20 mile ride in an hour without it being a hard effort. I'm looking forward to continued gains, particulalry when going long. I think the Grand Duathlon helped put this in motion.
Running is on the backburner. My Achilles allowed me to have a respectable showing at the Grand Duathlon, but it is sore and I'm going to give it rest. I'm still icing 2x a day and more on the weekends when I can. This is in addition to rolling and stretching it.
My next event on my calendar is the Grand Rapids Triathlon, 1/2 Iron distance. Right now I'm planning on doing the swim, the bike, and then starting the run to see what happens. I am concerned about the water temperatrue right now, as it was last reported to be 48 degrees. I think 60 degrees is pretty cold, so we need some sun and some heat, and quick!
Peace.
I'm starting to feel stronger on the bike. I'm noticing my ability to stay seated on hills I previously felt the need to get out of the saddle with earlier this season. I pulled off a 20 mile ride in an hour without it being a hard effort. I'm looking forward to continued gains, particulalry when going long. I think the Grand Duathlon helped put this in motion.
Running is on the backburner. My Achilles allowed me to have a respectable showing at the Grand Duathlon, but it is sore and I'm going to give it rest. I'm still icing 2x a day and more on the weekends when I can. This is in addition to rolling and stretching it.
My next event on my calendar is the Grand Rapids Triathlon, 1/2 Iron distance. Right now I'm planning on doing the swim, the bike, and then starting the run to see what happens. I am concerned about the water temperatrue right now, as it was last reported to be 48 degrees. I think 60 degrees is pretty cold, so we need some sun and some heat, and quick!
Peace.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Busy
Well, I've been busy. Very busy. I've had scholarships to review, principal interviews to help conduct, kids to drive around town, work to do, general housework, and training to squeeze in. It's been busy. That's what this time of year is like. It get's wicked busy and then...summer. I'm ready to not be so busy.
So, what's been goin' on? A few things actually. Coach Jodi moved to TN, my bike and I are trying to get along better...we still need to talk, my Achilles was able to get me through the Grand Duathlon, which was fantastic, and the weather needs an attitude adjustment.
In fact, I'm busy to the point where I've got to cut this short right now. For both of my faithful readers, I'm sorry about the lack of content as of late. However, you can check out the Road to IMLOU, Episode 9 (on the right), and my race report (link under Grand Duathlon).
Thank you for your patience.
Peace,
~Sam
So, what's been goin' on? A few things actually. Coach Jodi moved to TN, my bike and I are trying to get along better...we still need to talk, my Achilles was able to get me through the Grand Duathlon, which was fantastic, and the weather needs an attitude adjustment.
In fact, I'm busy to the point where I've got to cut this short right now. For both of my faithful readers, I'm sorry about the lack of content as of late. However, you can check out the Road to IMLOU, Episode 9 (on the right), and my race report (link under Grand Duathlon).
Thank you for your patience.
Peace,
~Sam
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