7 Weeks

7 weeks remain to train prior to race day at Kansas 70.3.  My friend Jason and I went down to the race location this past weekend for the free tri clinic which included riding the bike course.  The clinic was great as they previewed the entire race course and gave us tips to use during the day.  The bike ride was hillier than I expected but the roads were in really good shape.  The wind was at our backs for most of the way out and then as we turned around it smacked us right in the face.  Everything was going fine until around mile 30 and I got a flat tire.  What I thought was a leaf on the ground was actually a river rock and of course as I was looking at it .... my tire went right over it causing an instant flat.  It took us about 10 minutes to change the tire, which I thought was pretty good considering I have never changed a tire before.  I learned all of the intricasies of using the CO2 and how to get the tire on the rim properly....good experience.

The wind was definitely a factor on the way back.  I think around mile 40, Jason hit the wall.  He hasn't done much bike training, as he is preparing for the the HyVee race (25 mile bike).  I think the bike was starting to catch up to him but he did a great job to press on and finish the course.  He is a natural athlete so that said alot about him coming out and doing the 56 mile bike ride.  There were 2 large hills at the end of the course and they were quite challenging but getting to see the entire course was nice and should help come race day.

After we returned from the bike, we decided we would try one loop of the run course.  Once we got started, it took about a mile or so before the legs would loosen up.  I think we decided to call it quits at around the 3 mile mark....it was a nice brick workout though!!!  We definitely took the time to stretch (something I need to do more of) due to the 4 hour ride home.  It was a great experience and I am looking forward to racing in 7 weeks.  We have signed up for camping spot so the entire family will be going down there with me this year.  The kids should have a great time and I am looking forward to spending the weekend with them.

Happy Training!!

Recovery Week.....Yay!!!

Well I made it to recovery week and I am very excited about that.  Last week I had a bike focused week and it went great.  That is probably my weakest area from last season and I have made the commitment to get better.  I had a great off-season riding the trainer and haven't seemed to be able to take that pacifier out yet...until today...I finally made the jump to get my new bike outside.  It felt great to get my new Cervelo on the road (although the road was a mine field of potholes).  It was windy but it is always windy.  I didn't go that far (12 miles) because, hey, I am in recovery week, so my volume is supposed to down!!

Learning to use the aero bars and drink from a bottle on my tri bike is going to take some time getting used to.  I am really excited about the upcoming tri season and learning the intricasies of my new bike.  I am intrigued to learn about bike maintenance...(and I am not a wrench guy)...!! 

Last week I logged about 9.5 hrs of training and it felt great.  Trying to not sacrifice family time is tough, but my time management skills are getting better.  Getting the early morning swims out of the way has been really nice and I am usually utilizing my lunch for a run or bike.  My wife is training for a half marathon, so we have to coordinate our schedules to be sure we are maximizing our time and not affecting the kids.  Going well so far.

On a family note, the Easter bunny stopped by and he was really good to both Emma and Jaxon.....lots of candy, movies, new socks, etc.....I think the kids thought Santa was coming too!!!

I am off to my Recovery Week....good luck in your training!!