The Journey Begins...8.1.07

Well the long haul is now under way. I know that some of you might be thinking that this is a very long training process. You are correct. The normal training program which are in books or from others is 26 weeks (6 months). I'm not starting from scratch,(good thing) which some people do, but with a good background in cycling and a moderate one in running to-date. I wanted to start keeping a log of all my workout from 8-1-07 until the race (don't worry, it will not all be blogged). The blog is an added bonus to give you an insight as to what is going on, with the thoughts of my mind and the new milestones and setbacks (hoping there are not a lot)in training. I'll do my best to attach some images too during these times.

This past weekend I had a good workout, going for a 75mile bike ride with Paul Rosenblum and a few dozen of his ridding buddies for their Sunday Morning ride. I felt good all the way through and keeping my fuel intake to a minimum, (to see what I can tolerate) taking only a total of 3 large water bottles, with Water, and the PowerBar Sun Tea Endurance. I also consumed 2 PowerBar Gels with the 4x more sodium. This helped push me up over that wall I was ready to hit around mile 60 on the ride. When it was all said and done, I had lost 2.4 pounds for the whole ride which is a safe range. However I know that I need to take in a little more beverage and maybe eat a sold PowerBar and another Gel. I have tons of time to play with my nutrition in-take! I know that I can train until I'm as fit as a gazelle, however if my engine is not running properly, I'll just break down. So my goal is to take it slow and steady until I have dialed in all the food/beverage needs, which should be right around the corner. Time will tell!

Mondays temptress here in Chicago was down right NASTY. With a heat index reaching 110 degrees. Today isn't that much better. Temps are in the high 80's by 7am when Elisa and I left for a 45mile bike ride. We both took a couple bottles of PB Endurance and a Gel. We had to stop at a local park to refill with some cold water with about 10miles to go, as the heat jumped up, with few trees giving shade and a good headwind. Most of the water we took was used to cool us down by spraying our heads and neck.

Now we're relaxing and getting ready to head downtown and chill at Running Away Multisport before the Nike Run Hit Remix training crew arrives. I'm thinking that I might pass on our normal Tuesday run with Paul at 2pm if it's to hot.

Since Training has now started, I'm going to try and be good with NOT eating a ton of food (which I've been known for). I'll do my best to still eat a nice big breakfast, however I'll have to stay away from the 1lb burgers with bacon, cheese and fries. But I'm sure I'll sneak one or two in.

Well my training is now underway.

A once crazy idea...of 140.6 miles

Ok, folks. Many of you might see this blogg and say what does 140.6 mean. Well that is the distance of the Ironman Race. The total of the 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, and finished with a 26.2 mile run (marathon). In case you are wondering why people choose to do this, I must say that you have to see a race to find out (not on TV, thought it is still moving, but first hand) I've had the chance to attend and witness the glory and heartache of thousands of people, all shapes and ages with the goal to be called an "IRONMAN". It is moving to be at the race and see the determination on the faces for those who are hurt and tired, Let alone being out there until 12am (cut off time 17 hours after the start of the race; start time of 7am).

Last year in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, I attended my first of six (to date) Ironman event for work with a co-worker who also witnessed these people putting their lives on hold, to train for a year, in order for a chance to finish a 140.6 mile race in less then 17 hours. I can say that it is great for those who finish in less then 10 hours (less then 1% of those who enter the race) even 12 hours, But the real race is within and the determination of those who are out all day and night pushing themselves closer the the finish line with every pedal stroke and foot step. If you ever wish to experience chills and goose bumps running up and down your spine and arms, attend the next Ironman close to you, or give your best wishes to those you know, participating.

With this said. I always thought that I didn't want to do this race, thinking that those I cheered on until late in the night, be it calm and clear or in the downpours, like that of Lake Placid, last weekend were CRAZY....

Now I have chosen to sign up for this race and join the ranks of the sanely crazy, you could call it. It is not the "beautiful game" of soccer but a sport that will break ones spirit and build ones up all in the same year of training and this is part of the appeal to me, which will be apart of my own training here in the upcoming year until race day on June 24th, 2007.

So my full time training will start on August 1st, 2006. In that time I plan on keeping a blogg for those of you, my friends, who wish to follow along with with my enjoyed off days of training to the days I wish could just hide under the covers prior to the 5am swim or bike rides and better yet to those days when I push myself past the breaking point and feel like a million dollars.

I wish you all enjoyed my ability to not focus while writing and I hope you look forward to the progress and possible pit falls of my next 11 months. If you have any thoughts or inspirational notes please feel free to share.

Take care,
Jon R.