Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Countdown has Begun


This is the ticker on the TriGirl ironman Weekend Workout description. Now imagine me, running around in circles screaming like a chicken without a head. I knew it had to happen sooner or later--that sickening revelation that "HOLY CRAP I'M DOING AN IRONMAN....SOON!!!" And not just any IM, but the (from what I've heard) hardest course in North America.
So far, my workouts have been very manageable--averaging a total of about 11 hrs each week. That is going to change, especially with the advent of outdoor bike riding three days a week instead of our current one. From here on out, I get to look forward to 5+ hour bricks on Saturdays and long bike rides on Thursdays. Thank goodness Fridays are family game and movie night, because getting up at 6am for Marco Diablo's yumminess after staying up too late is no fun. But that also blows Saturday nights too since I am then too tired to do anything except sit on the couch and veg.
I'm trying to compartmentalize and not freak out too much. To that end, I've been focusing on the positive aspects of all this training we'll be doing. Among them are:
  • Time with my peeps. In the saddle, in the pool, on the run. Lots and lots of time...
  • Great legs. Hills, hills, and more hills = a great pair of legs (right?!)
  • Some fun weekends (of hills...) up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Lake Placid. I promise I won't drink 4 vodka gimlets this time.
  • A chance to race (and party post race) with Jen C. and Jen H. at Eagleman the weekend before I leave for Europe.
  • And finally, some new and exotic training locales--the Blue Ridge, Provence during lavender season, and southern Spain (I know I know...shoot me now.)
Hopefully all that will add up to being ready by July 26th. I know I can do the distance, albeit a relatively flat, head-windy version of the distance. If nothing else, I am looking forward to those two monster downhill bombs where I really don't have to pedal at all....
Let's get started.

13 comments:

rr said...

You will be ready! And you will have such a blast doing it :) Happy and safe training!

Molly said...

Woohoo! Lots of fun times coming :) You can do it!!!

Pedergraham said...

The hills at IMLP are all about pacing and preparedness. You will be great on both! Excited to watch your next 100 days...and let me know when you are going to be up here for training camps.

runningyankee said...

you are going to do great!! fantastic to have such good training partners to help you get ready.. and lots to look forward to along the way :)

ADC said...

You will be fine. We may drive up to LP to watch. Good luck training!

Laura said...

the way i see it, with the two bombs down into keene and a few other longish downhills it's really less than 100 miles of peddling... ;) plus if i could do it last year in the rain, you totally can do it! :) ENJOY :)

tri-ing races not cases said...

Okay this about made me want to vomit, but am excited at the same time. Holy crap...100 days!

GoBigGreen said...

Oh yea baby! I just wish i was there to ride with you up some hills and then eat m and m's and take ice baths. Ah that was the good life...back to real world..hee hee.

TriGirl 40 said...

Great thoughts - looking forward to spending more time with you as training picks up these next few weeks! You are looking super strong out there!

Melissa said...

Oh yeah!!! You're going to have a great race and you'll totally be prepared for those hills. You already got a great jump-start with the hilly riding in Tuscon.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your training leading up to the big day. Totally jealous all you fun ladies are doing Eagleman. I want to play too ;-)

Denise W said...

Sounds like you are about to be one busy lady! But having fun, too. When are you going to Europe? Occasion? Countries? Do tell!

Jennifer Cunnane said...

Oh crap - 100 days I can't believe it! You know the martinis are on the training schedule and part of our recovery drink after eagleman. I know you can handle lake placid so enjoy the ride along the way.

Trigirlpink said...

Lake Placid was my first IM too!
One thing I took very seriously was DON'T GO OUT TOO HARD ON THE FIRST LOOP OF THE BIKE" Goooooood advice! You'll see lots of people go by you and then you'll be reelin' em in on the second loop after THEY BLOW UP! hee hee