The Tinman

Don't you hate when you start a long run and you feel like the Tinman. Stiff, tired, and the mental blue ball goes something like this, "this run is gonna suck," "why does the Garmin read 10:00," "uh...I feel 90+ years old right now." At about 2:00 miles in, I feel my whole body just got zapadooped by the oil can. After 2:00 I'm running in the 8:00-8:30 range.....

__________________

I got some great advice for bike trainers. Two people are going to possibly sell me their used trainers. Thanks for the tips everyone, I need all the help I can get.

______________________

Ask the Trainer-Question of the Week!

How many calories did I burn if I had 20 minutes of intense sex?

_________________

Kona ♥

Trainingpalooza

Coach: "How's the training going?"

Ironman Wannabe: "My Legs constantly feel like they want a nap."

Coach: giggle "Yeah, that's how I want them to feel....you'll be doing Ironman."

The Trainer Hired A Trainer

"All of the top achievers I know are life-long learners. Looking for new skills, insights, and ideas. If they're not learning, they're not growing.....not moving toward excellence."

~Denis Waitley~

After I signed up for Ironman I kicked the idea around about hiring a Tri-Coach. At first I thought I would download an Ironman program and muscle my way through. I have the drive, ambition, and discipline but felt apprehension about tackling the big dog IM by myself. Finally after researching, talking to friends, and swallowing my pride I hired Denise from Red Hammer Racing. After our first meeting I felt good about my decision and like having her on my team as I continue plodding my way towards Lake Placid. When that beautiful red haired lady smiles and says, "Shannon, you're gonna be fine," I feel a sense of confidence and know that at least I know she's in my corner waving and cheering on my efforts.

Training Partners

Guess who enjoys riding his bike behind me toting hydration for his Mom during her long runs? This little guy is awesome, he even reminds me and will ride up real slow next to me and hand me my drink. It's nice to have him out there with me.

Training Fuel

The hydration and fuel is gonna be the tricky part of my training. Since my profession is trainer I have to be particularly careful and make sure I'm taking in enough fuel to work and train at the same time. Nuun, GU Brew, Detour Runner Bars, GU Energy Gel.......peanut butter sandwiches and chocolate milk aren't gonna cut it....

Bike Trainers

Some of you already know that once the temp goes below 40 degrees this little pusswagon will be staying indoors. Coach says the spin bike isn't gonna cut it and that I need to look into getting a trainer. She has some great suggestions but I wanted to hear from you all about your experiences with your bike trainer.

I'm having a great time so far and enjoy the training process. Remind me of this next spring when I begin hating life and I start fantasizing about pulling the beautiful red haired braids. ;)

Lake Placid Bound...

Ironman Lake Placid 2010

So the beginning of my long awaited journey to conquer the monstrosity of Ironman has arrived. I've experienced many challenges in my 11+ years at endurance events. Starting with the 5K, 8K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Sprint, International, Century, etc. This seems the natural progression for me to push my body to the limits and finally meet Ironman right dead in the eyes, right? I've been thinking about Ironman for many years and know what it's gonna take to complete it, putting it off has been a pretty good excuse until now. :)

Wanting to pseudo-guarantee my spot in the race next year I went up to volunteer. I had a pretty good gig, the VIP dinner on Friday night. No, it wasn't the "Tri-Stars" (which I was hoping to rub elbows with) but corporate sponsors, politicians, etc. All I had to do was check gold wrist bands, yes I was exhausted and standing in the rain but I wasn't complaining. Watching the athletes dinner was a great experience, everyone should attend this.

I stayed at Paul Smith's College which was 30 minutes away from Lake Placid. It was dirt cheap for a weekend to volunteer and watch the race but not recommended for an athlete. I felt like I was worlds away from the Lake Placid action.

I rode some of the back roads (HILLS) in the Paul Smith's, NY area. I wanted to wrap my head around what I was in store for. I bricked a 20 mile ride with a 3 mile run. The temps were in the 60's and not humid, perfect. These hills are gonna be hard to train for since I live in the flattest part of Virginia. I'm gonna have to journey out and make some weekend trips to hills around Virginia or North Carolina. My spin bike isn't gonna cut what your legs need to feel when mounting the hills of Lake Placid.

So many stories to share about the 4 days I was there, but I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Mirror Lake

Proud IronMom (LP Winner Ben Hoffman)

Ben Hoffman 8:39:34

Amy Marsh 9:27:30

The race was amazing and I was so inspired. Into the wee hours of the night as it creeps closer and closer to midnight the crowds on the "grassy knoll" get bigger, louder, and the music and energy is intoxicating. I watched some athletes that were dragging themselves to the finish line, truly the best kind of athlete. They exhibit what the race is all about for me which is pushing past fatigue and exhaustion to find what runs in all of us weekend warriors. Isn't it the tenacity, determination, grit, and heart that helps us cross the finish line? I saw a lot of that laying on the streets leading up to Mike Riley saying, "You Are An Ironman."

Monday morning as I stood in the volunteer line for 4 hours, it was my turn to hand over my American Express and watch the lady sizzle $603.00 US Dollars on my green card. I think my butt cheeks squeezed up instantly when I heard the lady say, "you are a confirmed participant of the Ironman 2011 race next year." My very first thought was, "what the hell did I just sign up for?"

Then I received this.....

You are receiving this email because you are an on-site registrant for the 2011 Ford Ironman Lake Placid event.

Now let's talk training.......