Getting Aerodynamic

Given the hours I'm going to dedicate to riding my bike in preparation for my race, I finally decided to get properly fitted for a triathlon bike.

The triathlon bike offers several benefits -- namely allowing the rider (i.e. me) to get into a more aerodynamic position by stretching out across the middle of the bike.  The upper body relaxes, letting the legs do much of the work so you can conserve as much energy as possible.

I got my new bike on Saturday.  It is red and shiny -- just as a new bike should be.  However, when I took it out that afternoon for the first ride, I felt like I was learning to ride all over again.  My balance felt clumsy in the aero position.  And kinda scary!  The shifters are at the ends of the aerobars (two parallel bars that run down the center of the handlebars, allowing you to center your bodyweight), so you need to be in the aero position most of the time.  I probably looked like I was drunk, I did so much swerving.

Plus, man oh man, does that aero position do a number on your butt!  I was so sore the next day.

So I took the bike out again yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that my balance had improved substantially.  I had a blast cruising down the local roads at high speeds -- even despite the thick humidity.  And I discovered padded cycling shorts.  Hooray!  My butt is doing much better now (I'm sure you're relieved to hear this).

So this seems to be getting better with practice, as most things seem to do.  Can't wait for my next ride!

Another Crazy Idea...

So, in my ever-present quest to challenge my body in new ways, I've registered for my first Half-Ironman race.  For those of you unfamiliar with a Half-Ironman, the race is a form of triathlon that involves a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike, and a 13.1-mile run (half-marathon distance).  I signed up for the Big George Half on September 2, 2012.  Technically, it's not an official "Half-Ironman" (not endorsed by the Ironman brand), but it's still a half-iron distance and will be enough of a challenge regardless of whether or not Ironman gets a cut.  Fun fact: a half-iron can also be called a "70.3."  That's what those bumper stickers mean, by the way.

If you remember from last year, I created a blog while training for my first ever marathon.  The feedback, encouragement, and accountability I received was so powerful in my training quest that I decided to do it again for this event.

To start off with and to clear my conscience, I almost wimped out.  I was looking at my training calendar, trying to see how much training I could wedge in between now and September, and was seriously doubting if I had enough time to be well prepared.  Then I remembered that for a marathon, most training plans advocate not running more than a 20-miler or two to prepare for the 26.2-mile race, so I figured if I didn't quite have a 56-mile bike under my belt, I would be fine.  It looks like I could safely get in 50 miles on the bike in time to taper for the race.  That and an encouraging word from my friend Greta (thanks Greta!) coaxed me to register for the BIG race!

My training goal is to peak with a brick (bike/run combo) workout two weeks before the race that consists of a 50-mile bike and a 12-mile run.  That is what I will be working towards during these upcoming three months.

In order to get to that point, here are my training guidelines:

• 2 active rest days per week
• 2 bike/run workouts per week (one short for speed and one long for endurance)
• 2 runs per week (one short-to-mid-distance and one long one for fun...oh, did I mention I'm doing the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon again too?  Gotta keep those running legs strong!)
• 2 swims per week (one long and one short on the same day as my long bike/run)
• Regular strength training 3 days per week to keep my muscle strength up (I am a HUGE believer in this.  I have been injury-free -- knock on wood -- and bounced back from my marathon last week in four days.  I firmly believe it's because I strength train consistently)
• Allowing myself the flexibility to move workouts to make room for "life" (something I struggle with sometimes)
• Eating whole foods to support my fitness efforts -- focusing on lots of fruits and veggies (at least one salad per day is the goal)

All of the guidelines above, when performed consistently, should make me as prepared as possible for the race in September.  Last summer, I was in the best shape of my life for the Crystal Lake Triathlon (which I PR'd the 5K without even feeling like I was running fast).  This year, my goal is to top that.

So, now that you know my objectives and my plans, I'll be updating this blog regularly with my experiences, successes, failures, discoveries, and thoughts.  Please share your comments and ideas.  They really helped last year and I'm looking forward to what you have to say this year.

Until next time, have a great Memorial Day.  I'm off to hit the roads on a run soon before the rain starts.  The training begins...