Today was my first time running with a heart rate monitor. Just for kicks, I set it up for me to run in zone 2. My pace was less than stellar, but better than I expected. However, I quickly learned that there is a fine line behind the high and low chirps. About halfway through I started trying to figure out what the chirps really meant. I decided that the low end chirp stood for, "Run, Fat Boy, you're not exercising!" and the high end chirp stood for, "Slow down, Fat Boy, your heart is about to explode!"
I'll continue to run with the heart rate monitor, but I'm going to turn the zone alarm off.
And for those of you wondering, the run was 50 minutes. It was good to get back to training.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Happy Holidays!
Christmas has come and gone, and it was a great time to spend with family. When all is said and done, the only session I missed was a 60 minute bike ride. Not to bad. My eating, however, was not so good. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great. The good news is that I haven't had a carbonated or caffeinated beverage since December 18. That is nine days in case you are wondering - and I haven't had the desire to kill anyone either.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Vocabulary Lesson
Bike Trainer: A torture device that turns an ordinary road bike into a stationary device with no breeze that incites foul thoughts in my head and simulates a constant uphill struggle, with no downhill in sight.
See also: Sisyphus
On a brighter note, I made it through the first day of 70.3 training, even though it was raining and had to pull out the bike trainer.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Easy Ride
Even though my official training starts tomorrow, I did enjoy an easy ride around Prattville this morning. I learned that I need to work on hills, but I've got time to build the endurance.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Setting Goals and Realizing Challenges
So begins a new training season for me. My goal: Rocketman Florida Triathlon 70.3 on May 5, 2013.
For those unfamiliar with me, let me recap the last two years.
January 1, 2010: My New Year's Resolution is to run a 5K. (previous running experience= nil)
March 1, 2010: I began the Couch to 5K running plan. (A great plan if you're a non-runner, and want to become one! Check out Robert Ullrey's free podcasts.)
May 15, 2010: I ran my first 5K, without stopping, and didn't die. I wasn't the last finisher either. 40:45 was my official time. Elated, I knew I could do anything life throws at me.
May 15, 2010, about 20 minutes after I finished: Matt (a friend who agreed to run the race with me) asked me if I wanted to do the Montgomery Half-Marathon. I responded, "absolutely!" went home, paid the entry fee and signed up.
May 16, 2010, 9:50ish a.m.: I asked Matt how long a half-marathon is.
May 16, 2010, 9:51ish a.m.: Panic ensues as I realize how far 13.1 miles truly is.
May 17, 2010: Half-marathon training begins.
August 2010: While visiting my parents, I tell them that I might consider a full marathon in the future. Dad responds, "I don't think you can do it."
October 2, 2010: I finished the half-marathon.
May 2011: I signed up for the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. Come what may, I'm finishing this race for many reasons, but mainly because Dad said I can't. I'll show you, old man.
Dec 3, 2011: I finished the St. Jude Marathon. Praise God that I finished. It was only because of His grace that I did. I didn't stick to my training schedule, and suffered during and after the race because of it. Yes, I finished, and I still wear my medal with pride, but my race wasn't pretty. My knees were severely swollen, my feet tender, and the chafing... oh goodness, the chafing... I'm blessed with a wife who cared for me for several days after the race. It was the most I have ever hurt without being injured. And I proved to my Dad that I can do it!
As 2012 began, I knew that a few friends at church were doing triathlons and it sounded interesting to me. I had a road bike in the garage, joined the YMCA, and knew that I could run, so I decided to start training. In September I finished my first sprint tri, and set my sights higher. A few friends did the Augusta 70.3 Ironman in October, and I considered if I could complete a tri of that distance. I believe that I can.
Here is where I stand:
Swimming: This is currently my strongest sport. I swam 1.2 miles in 40 minutes this past Tuesday.
Biking: This is the part I enjoy the most. I'm not fast, but I am consistent. I average around 15mph. I think I can be around 17mph on race day. My longest ride to date is 34 miles. I'll need to build endurance.
Running: I'm not a runner, even though I have ran a couple of long distance races in the past. Improvement is needed in all areas of my run. The good news though, is that I can't drown on the run.
My Strengths:
1. I have the time available to train. My job offers regular "business hours," and I don't have children yet, so time really shouldn't be an issue.
2. Brooke is very supportive of me when I train, and I also have the support of Team Montgomery Multisport.
3. I have the equipment that I need. A Tri Kit, Road Bike, and swim goggles. I own a bike trainer, and also have the option of cycling and running at the YMCA if the weather prevents outside training.
My Challenges:
1. I'm overweight. Somewhere around 250 lbs.
2. In reference to #1, I don't have a good diet. I like to eat. I like to eat a lot. I'm not sure I understand what full is in relation to eating. I normally eat until I'm stuffed, and then eat some more. The major food groups are McDonalds, Wendy's, Dr. Pepper and Cici's. I've reduced the number of cokes that I drink, with the intention of no carbonation and mostly water by Monday. I'm sure I'll have a horrible caffeine headache.
3. I've never trained for an event of this distance before. Maybe that isn't a weakness, but it does lead me into the unknown. I've found a 20 week training plan that begins on Sunday, December 16, and I'm looking forward to it.
My Goals:
1. Whenever I race a distance that I've never raced before, I have two main goals. The first is to not die. The second is to finish.
2. Be under 200lbs on race day. This gives me just over 5 months to lose around 50 pounds. If this happens, it will be the smallest I've been since college.
3. Time goals: Swim: 30 minutes; Bike: 198 minutes; Run: 131 minutes; T1 & T2: 20 minutes combined. Total race, 6:20. However, if I finish before the 8:30 cutoff, I'll be thrilled.
I'll go ahead and admit that I'm not a good blogger. I'll try to update weekly. Please harass me if I don't. This blog is going to be a portion of my training accountability.
My training schedule will be posted soon. If you're in the Millbrook/Prattville/Montgomery area and want to join me for part or all of my training, let me know - I'd love the company.
For those unfamiliar with me, let me recap the last two years.
January 1, 2010: My New Year's Resolution is to run a 5K. (previous running experience= nil)
March 1, 2010: I began the Couch to 5K running plan. (A great plan if you're a non-runner, and want to become one! Check out Robert Ullrey's free podcasts.)
May 15, 2010: I ran my first 5K, without stopping, and didn't die. I wasn't the last finisher either. 40:45 was my official time. Elated, I knew I could do anything life throws at me.
May 15, 2010, about 20 minutes after I finished: Matt (a friend who agreed to run the race with me) asked me if I wanted to do the Montgomery Half-Marathon. I responded, "absolutely!" went home, paid the entry fee and signed up.
May 16, 2010, 9:50ish a.m.: I asked Matt how long a half-marathon is.
May 16, 2010, 9:51ish a.m.: Panic ensues as I realize how far 13.1 miles truly is.
May 17, 2010: Half-marathon training begins.
August 2010: While visiting my parents, I tell them that I might consider a full marathon in the future. Dad responds, "I don't think you can do it."
October 2, 2010: I finished the half-marathon.
May 2011: I signed up for the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. Come what may, I'm finishing this race for many reasons, but mainly because Dad said I can't. I'll show you, old man.
Dec 3, 2011: I finished the St. Jude Marathon. Praise God that I finished. It was only because of His grace that I did. I didn't stick to my training schedule, and suffered during and after the race because of it. Yes, I finished, and I still wear my medal with pride, but my race wasn't pretty. My knees were severely swollen, my feet tender, and the chafing... oh goodness, the chafing... I'm blessed with a wife who cared for me for several days after the race. It was the most I have ever hurt without being injured. And I proved to my Dad that I can do it!
As 2012 began, I knew that a few friends at church were doing triathlons and it sounded interesting to me. I had a road bike in the garage, joined the YMCA, and knew that I could run, so I decided to start training. In September I finished my first sprint tri, and set my sights higher. A few friends did the Augusta 70.3 Ironman in October, and I considered if I could complete a tri of that distance. I believe that I can.
Here is where I stand:
Swimming: This is currently my strongest sport. I swam 1.2 miles in 40 minutes this past Tuesday.
Biking: This is the part I enjoy the most. I'm not fast, but I am consistent. I average around 15mph. I think I can be around 17mph on race day. My longest ride to date is 34 miles. I'll need to build endurance.
Running: I'm not a runner, even though I have ran a couple of long distance races in the past. Improvement is needed in all areas of my run. The good news though, is that I can't drown on the run.
My Strengths:
1. I have the time available to train. My job offers regular "business hours," and I don't have children yet, so time really shouldn't be an issue.
2. Brooke is very supportive of me when I train, and I also have the support of Team Montgomery Multisport.
3. I have the equipment that I need. A Tri Kit, Road Bike, and swim goggles. I own a bike trainer, and also have the option of cycling and running at the YMCA if the weather prevents outside training.
My Challenges:
1. I'm overweight. Somewhere around 250 lbs.
2. In reference to #1, I don't have a good diet. I like to eat. I like to eat a lot. I'm not sure I understand what full is in relation to eating. I normally eat until I'm stuffed, and then eat some more. The major food groups are McDonalds, Wendy's, Dr. Pepper and Cici's. I've reduced the number of cokes that I drink, with the intention of no carbonation and mostly water by Monday. I'm sure I'll have a horrible caffeine headache.
3. I've never trained for an event of this distance before. Maybe that isn't a weakness, but it does lead me into the unknown. I've found a 20 week training plan that begins on Sunday, December 16, and I'm looking forward to it.
My Goals:
1. Whenever I race a distance that I've never raced before, I have two main goals. The first is to not die. The second is to finish.
2. Be under 200lbs on race day. This gives me just over 5 months to lose around 50 pounds. If this happens, it will be the smallest I've been since college.
3. Time goals: Swim: 30 minutes; Bike: 198 minutes; Run: 131 minutes; T1 & T2: 20 minutes combined. Total race, 6:20. However, if I finish before the 8:30 cutoff, I'll be thrilled.
I'll go ahead and admit that I'm not a good blogger. I'll try to update weekly. Please harass me if I don't. This blog is going to be a portion of my training accountability.
My training schedule will be posted soon. If you're in the Millbrook/Prattville/Montgomery area and want to join me for part or all of my training, let me know - I'd love the company.
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