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.
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