GU-Thanks For The Cap

             Just GU it.

Changing Being Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

I read somewhere once that change doesn't occur until you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. For whatever reason, I've always liked that. Well, I got to the point where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired of being a swim hack.
This past December I recruited a swim coach to teach this old dog new tricks. I wasn't sure if it could pull it off, but I went into it with an open mind. I knew I wouldn't be able to change without this paricular prerequisite. I decided before I even walked on the pool deck that I was going to trust whatever my coach told me, and I was going to do my best to accomplish anything thrown my way.
The first feature of my swimming to be addressed was my breathing. I assumed going into this, that almost immediately I would be called to change over from single-sided breathing to bilateral breathing, and I was right. My first new trick was a big one because air is a highly sought after comodity and I had to adjust to how I would be getting it.
I've blogged about the topic of swimming and moving toward bilateral breathing previously, but I've made this an important facet of my journey. Sure, in the past I thought, "What's the point of fixing my technique? I do relatively well. It's not like I'm last out of the water."
My perspective changed, but not from a dramatic event or suddenly being inspired to reach swimming nirvana. In fact, I'm not real clear on what brought about the change. It could have been seeing my friends Tom and Corrine make the switch as they smoked me in the pool. It could have been because we moved a few years ago to the lake and I love swimming. It could have been that I didn't like worrying about the wind direction or the way the chop might smack me in the face during a triathlon. It could have been because I knew better. However, I think it mostly came back to being sick and tired of being sick and tired of being resistant.
I don't know why I am feeling the need to justify bringing this topic back up again. Perhaps it is because my excitement about this redundant topic is likely not as nearly as exciting to you as it is to me. I digress.
When I did my first 500 yards utilizing my newfound skill of bilateral breathing, I remember thinking that there would simply be no freakin' way I would be able to sustain this modality over any real distance, let alone the 500 yard stint I was attempting at the moment. I recall this event now as part of the process of getting me to where I am today, which is covering 2,000 yards while bilateral breathing and feeling good about it!
Yes, I know, you lifetime-swimmer-types are thinking that this is no big deal, but my fellow swimmer hacks out there...by golly, you know this is something.
Bilateral breathing, along with leading with my elbows, and trying to swim with my core is helping me move from swimmer hack, to swimmer hack not-so-much, and I love it!
I'm feeling empowered. I'm feeling more efficient. I am reaching a goal previously thought by me to be out of the question. I am a little faster and of course that's pretty cool, but the best part is that I feel good about my swimming ability and I'm feeling good about my self.
One day I'll be sick and tired of being sick and tired of something else, and then I'll take another journey. For now however, I'm happy with taking this task on, one stroke at a time.


Peace.

Ironman Louisville: Interview with Age-group Athlete Todd Chestnut

Todd Chestnut lives in Avon, Indiana. He’s a 50-55 age-group triathlete who has been in the sport for roughly six years. He started back in the 1990’s, took a 15-year hiatus to help raise his two daughters, but now his back. He is no stranger to the Ironman distance, and he is headed for the 2011 version of Ironman Louisville.

TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
TC: A runner/skier friend did a triathlon and told me I should try it. I can say that I kicked his butt the first time out and was inspired to continue with the sport.

TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
TC: Bike or Run (its changed since I started)…my swim is still a work in progress.

TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
TC: This will be my fourth triathlon of this distance, but my first WTC sanctioned IM. As usual, it’s just the challenge that attracts me to this event.

TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
TC: It is close to home.

TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
TC: Balancing work, family, and training….it was hard before – can’t see where it’s going to be any easier.

TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day in general?
TC: Have a PB (Personal Best). Currently it is 12:58.

TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
TC: Swim – goggles, Bike – aero bars, Run – shoes.

TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
TC: Scott Tinley. I can’t really say why, I guess I just like his style.

TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
TC: Australia!!

TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
TC: A Big Wheel….I could sit down at least.

TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
TC: Running shoes. I can’t imagine running 26.2 without them.

TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
TC: The Medal. I love hardware!
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
TC: The Doors.

TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman?(Given they are not in attendance)
TC: My wife and kids (if they don’t come along).

Welcome back to triathlon Todd, I wish you well at IMLOU!

Traveling the Road to Ironman Lousiville: March

In looking at the current state of my journey down The Road to Ironman Louisville, I've included my thoughts in the areas of swimming, cycling, running, being, and general thoughts on The Road.

Swimming: My yardage is slowly increasing and I'm becoming more efficient with my swim stroke. I'm also feeling more confident in bilateral breathing. At one point I wasn't sure if I could cover 500 yards while bilateral breathing, and tomorrow I'm looking to go 2,000! My drills are going well, which I do twice a week. My pieces and parts that allow me to swim seem to be strong.

Cycling: The weather is starting to turn which is allowing me more outdoor riding opportunities. This past week I really took advantage and I covered 110 miles, with my longest ride being 40 miles. There is still some getting used to with my GURU. It doesn't have the same get-up-and-go as my Litespeed, and we are not completely comfortable with eachother yet, but we are still building our relationship. Some tweaks may need to be made with my position, but I'm being patient for now. I think I need more rides in warmer weather and when I'm ready...a time trial. These things should help me get a better handle on the situation.

Running: This is my biggest concern, and if you have been following, you already know. My right Achilles tendon is not at full strength and provides a dull, nagging discomfort when I run. Some runs are better than others. In fact, the other day I thought I was headed in the right direction because I barely noticed the discomfort. Yesterday however, the dull pain was there...just looking at me in an innocent, it's not my fault, kind of way, saying "What?"

Being: It's hard for me to gain full confidence in how my overall training is going, regardless of my gains, when my Achilles is holding me back. I don't feel complete. I'm trying not to let that slip into my mind. The good news is that when I'm swimming and cycling I feel strong and like my normal self. However, in down times, I'm not usually dwelling on my success, I'm focused on my weakness. I try not to let depression seep in, but from time to time, it does. It's often short lived because I will recognize it and send it away, but it still detracts from my focus on The Road.

The Road: The road is being traveled, and dispite my setback, the road is worthwhile, rewarding, exciting, and inspiring. My mind is still very much occupied by the journey and my eyes are still focused on The Road to Ironman Louisville.

Thanks to all of you who have been supportive and inspiring, and continue to be as much. I do lean on you, even when you don't realize it to. If you are not sure if I'm talking about you...I am. If you are reading this, then I draw inspiration from you.

Peace,
~Sam

Ironman Louisville: Interview with Age-group Athlete Krystyna Glavinovic

Krystyna Glavinovic is an 18-24 age-group triathlete from New Zealand, who has been doing triathlons for three years now. She got her start in the sport as the result of swimming, cycling, and running for rehab after surgery, from an injury she obtained during soccer. Now that she’s hooked into the triathlon world, she is planning on giving it a go, in the 2011 version of Ironman Louisville.

TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
KG: My swim and run are pretty much equal.

TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
KG: I love the epic journeys I experience while training and racing long distances.

TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
KG: It is good timing for me. I want to live in the states for the summer.

TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
KG: The heat.

TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day in general?
KG: I’d like to go sub 13. I would also like to improve my placing consistently from swim-to-bike-to run.

TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines (pick one piece of equipment per discipline).
KG: Swim – colourful awesome swimsuit; Bike – aerobars; Run – light, white tech tee.

TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
KG: Hillary Biscay because she loves a good ol’ smashfest. Bree Wee because she lives such an awesome, carefree lifestyle, and adores with a passion the sport of triathlon.

TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
KG: Challenge Cairns, IM St. George, Utah, IM Canada… any triathlon that has an epically beautiful course.

TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
KG: Strap on roller skates with wooden wheels!!

TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
KG: Cycling shoes in T1. I would attempt running in socks for the marathon if I lost my shoes.

TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
KG: Finisher’s tshirt. I don’t do anything with the medals. I run with the shirt.

TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
KG: The Cardigans’ “Lovefool”.

TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman? (Given they are not in attendance)
KG: I’m already an ironman! I would probably want to talk to my coach first, then my family.

Kystyna, you seem up to the challenge and I am sure you will do well. Good luck to you!

Grand Plans

Normally I find myself looking forward to my first race of the season with excitement and anticipation. However, as I sit here icing my Achilles tendon, I am looking forward to my first race of the season with reluctance, hesitation, and  with the possibility of my lack of participation.
The Grand Duathalon is often a season opener for me and it is once again on my race card. The gun will go off Sunday, May 1st and participants primarily from the greater West Michigan area will take on the 5k/30k/5k, run/bike/run affair. The question remains, will I be one of those people?
Right now I am doing a walk/jog-type workout (I am up to 1min.walk/4min.jog x4). However, it is not completely pain free. Granted "pain" is a relative term. The last time I did this workout I had discomfort in my Achilles, but it wasn't "painful" per se. Meaning the "pain" was rather dull and more periodically nagging, rather than a screaming, take me to my knees kind of thing. In fact, when my mind would wander, I didn't really notice it. I don't see this as a simple matter of staying distracted though. I still need to pay attention to my Achilles and give it its due care.
My next walk/jog session is scheduled for tomorrow. I'm planning on doing 1min./5min. x4. You see, after I do one wokout timeframe, such as 1min./4min. x4, twice and not have major issues, I move to the next level, which is increasing my run segments one minute. This method is not sciencifically proven to be effective, but it has worked for me before, so I'm operating on the "past practice" principle.
Anyway, getting back to the Grand Duathlon, my hope is that I'll be up to at least 6-7 miles prior to the event. If I can do that, I should be just fine. If it's less than that, I'll have to consider my options, such as maybe doing the first run, the bike, and then calling it a day. I'll look more carefully at those kinds of alternatives later. For now I'm going to take this a day at a time and be as positive as I can be. I'm currently really enjoying swimming and cycling, so I will try to stay focused on those aspects of my training. Clearly, time will tell how grand my first event of the season will be.

Peace.

Don't Get Out Much?

My friend Mark used to tease...kind of...about wives of runners. Yes, this could just as easily apply to husbands, and yes you could insert triathlete in the place of runner. Anyway, he said something to the effect that living with a runner isn't much different than living with a dog. To make us happy you basically have to feed us, give us a place to sleep, and let us out every day to go for a run.
Bascially...yeah.
Well, today was only the third day I've taken my ride to the roads. I was out by roughly 8:00 a.m. The temperature hovered around 38' and the wind was out of the wsw steadily around 14 mph with gusts up to 18. Not terribly windy, but it certainly made for an interesting challenge heading out. Of course this also made the return trip smooth sailing.
Admitedly, when I got up, I was expecting to be riding on my indoor trainer, and I was less than motivated to climb aboard my rig in the basement. So, when I saw that the weather was reasonable, I jumped on the chance to hit the open road.
My intent was to go 20 miles before the weather took a change for the worse. However, the clouds on the horizon seemed to be holding off, so I decided to to 25 miles. Then I wanted to see if the road construction was completed on one of my favorite westerly routes from last summer, so I kept going until I hit 15 miles out. At this point I could have kept on going because I was feeling great and enjoying my time out, but I told my wife Maggie, I would be back in about 1.5 hours, so I had to turn around. I knew I would be about 10 minutes late, but I have a  buffer rule in case something goes wrong, so I knew being 10 minutes late probably not even be noticed.
I got back feeling energized and inspired to ride again another day.
It was goot to be out.