What's been going on...what' next...

...well, I'm still on my pseudo-break. I'm not taking it totally off, but doing 1-2 days riding, 1-3 swimming, 3+ running, and 4+ drinking beer. No bricks, and usually only 1 workout a day...except if you count the beer! I've added about 8-9 pounds over my Ironman Arizona race weight...and I feel fat!

I feel a bit fatigued, and seem to be maintaining my same pattern of feeling ok through the spring, and going downhill in the Fall. I just don't think the old body can do a full year anymore. I'll have to work this into my race program next year.

For the rest of the season I have a few running races, an ocean swim race, a couple shorter triathlons, and then a lead up to a 1/2 Ironman in South Carolina...and the Ironman Florida on November 1st. Strangely, I really haven't been thinking about IM FL...but more about looking forward to next year.

In 2009 my main triathlon goals are the St. Croix 1/2 Ironman on May 3rd, and Ironman Coeur d'Alene on June 21st.

Considering Jennifer and I were married on St. Johns, USVI...going to St. Croix should be fun for both of us...at least from a vacation perspective. The St. Croix 1/2 IM is known to be the hardest 1/2 Ironman (70.3) in the series. Between the infamous climb called the "Beast", which hits a 27% grade, to the searing heat...it's going to hurt. Here's a race report that describes the course. If I survive the race course, Jennifer and I plan on spending a few days hiking, snorkeling, and taking in the island atmosphere.

After the "fun and sun" of the Caribbean, I'll head to my main Ironman event of the year...in Idaho. Yes, the potato state...I was shocked at how beautiful the area is where the race is being held! I thought of fields of potatoes, but no...it looks awesome. The lake is cold, so it's a wetsuit swim...and the bike course is a tough one. The swim is a beach start, and I've heard it's kind of narrow. !This will make the start one hell of a wrestling match, especially when you have 2,200 people all headed to the same buoy. I read in a race update from a local guy that he got kicked in the nose, which I think was fractured...the good news was that the water was so cold (below 60 degrees), that it was like he had an ice pack on it during the entire swim. By the way, he went on to finish...HTFU

Shawn Burke from Velocity Multisport has taken the "reigns" of my triathlon training. He has a ton of experience, and is a true techno-geek...which I can relate to! If he hasn't tried it...then it doesn't exist...this guys is the human triathlon Ginnie Pig. Also, he sweats over the smallest details associated with training and equipment. All these qualities I think make a great coach...besides that, he's one hell of a guy! I really look forward to reaching my physical potential in triathlons...I think I have all the tools at each individual event, and now I have the help to bring them all together into the single sport...triathlon.

My Ironman Florida training starts on July 14th...time to HTFU...no drinking. As all my friends know, I always say that alcohol is the staple of a good marriage. Hopefully my wife will make it through another round of my Ironman training detox session! So, starting 16 weeks out from IM FL...I have to get focused.

I'll keep you posted.

Sween