In the spirit of tri season, I’ve been actively watching the Universal Sports channel for the Ford Ironman events and I think I’ve watched the Rotterdam marathon three times now! I also recently followed a fellow training buddy online for the Boston Marathon.  Damn that was exciting! I wish I had half of Bill’s speed- 3:15:09.  I like watching these events to show me how truly weak I am…lol, that and it lights a fire in me.

I’ve been looking for a few vids to add to the collection for some sports inspiration and being an active participant on BeginnerTriathlete, I remember a discussion a while ago about a production that a guy made that was documentary style about a few individuals that trained for endurance events.

This video was recently released and called Athlete by David Lam. Oddly enough, I’ve been a long-time lurker of one of the individual’s blog, Kellie Smirnoff- Finding Your Limits. As to not spoil much of it’s content, it is a really down to your level movie regarding individuals like you and me and how they train, hurt and prepare for endurance events as well as how they prepare their lives around those events. Seeing them overcome the various obstacles really hits home and gives you that spirit to really go out and give it your best.

This was my whole reasoning for snagging a copy from Amazon prior to my 1st 2010 triathlon. I definitely needed all the help I could get.

I’m currently one week away from my first Half Ironman race and I’m a bit freaked out! I’ve never completed all the disciplines all at once. I wonder how I’m going to feel, I wonder what obstacles I’ll encounter, I wonder if I’ll even make it?! So, I’m plenty cloudy with thoughts about this race as it looms around the corner. I was on a 18wk plan to prepare for this race but this fizzled a long time ago as of course, life gets in the way.

I also scored an oldie but goodie on Amazon, American Flyers.

This was a Costner movie that was made in ‘85 that I remember watching back in the day on the old TV in my parent’s house. It’s funny how sometimes things like this get stuck in your head. Great cyclist flick- check it out!

This was watched tonight in the absence of my SO- she’s not a movie person. I guess in this taper week with this weekend alone, I’ll slate a long easy pace ride and a run. I better clean this hole up too before she gets back…It’s looking a bit iffy- but I do love me some solo weekends!

So start the countdown, as come May 1st, we’ll see what I’m really made of.

I’ve been on posting hiatus here lately, but I’m back now.

Tomorrow kicks off my 2010 triathlon season. Exciting yes. I’ve been not as dedicated to training as I should- go figure, but I feel I’m ready for it.

I’ve been really trying to improve my swimming discipline by really concentrating on my stroke catch and less kicking. In the pool I’ve worked a bunch with drills and such.

However, I’ve done a few OWS in the wetsuit and I feel like I’ve bumped back to square 1. I have great short bursts but I cannot maintain. I’m not sure if I’m not familiar with the constriction of the wetsuit or if it is all in my head. Who knows… As one last attempt to get a suit swim in, I did about 1000 in Jordan Lake yesterday. It was super choppy and not so warm. While I was not at FOP performance, I feel I settled down enough to get it done.

My fear in such a short race is that my normal race plan won’t work out for me. Since I really suck at swimming, I usually bust ass on the bike and make up for my slack. But this sprint is 10 miles long in the bike. I’m going to have to really get on it. And just maintain in the run.

I also broke down an joined the IOSDT triathlon team. They distributed some pretty sweet gear. Here’s part of the kit:

I’ve yet to be uber involved with the team events but that will change once the season gets underway.

This first race really is just a refresher before White Lake in May, so I’m not too worried here. This is moreso to get the tri feeling back into my bones after a stagnant winter.

So I’ll report back post-race tomorrow. I’m off to go check out the road course to see if the rumors of the road conditions are true or not.

So I guess it’s now official that I will be participating in the Ironman 70.3 Augusta 2010 race. I just dumped a wad of cash for Jennifer and myself as registration was just completed….so I guess I gotta do it now.
I really do hope the body holds up this season and that I’m able to complete this event, as it will really be a hurdle for me. Granted this will be my 2nd HIM, it will be my 1st MDot race.

So see all you in September!!!

On a training note, I guess I need to get back on that wagon, as I’ve slacked off recently.

Today there was a break in the weather which resulted in mid-50s. I was joined by Jennifer and Janelle, a fellow tri-buddy. I dropped off at 8 miles and did a quick bike split. while the girls went for 10. We ran on the ATT from White Oak, which was flat and padded. I felt great, besides the fact I was so damn sick and I couldn’t breathe. Thus my early return.

Tomorrow is also supposed to be great weather, so after church, I’m headed out for quick ride on my 40miler Falls Lake loop.

So…the end of another year. And the welcoming of a new one. I welcome new things and experiences, so I’m not sad to see 2009 go. It had its fun, but I’m ready for more.

This year begins in great fashion. Steady job, lots of great gear accumulated over last year, gym membership, a great SO and some goals.

To begin things in 2010, off went the hair:

From mop…

to the new aerohead:

I’ve developed my rendition of an 18-week Half Ironman plan to prepare myself for White Lake early in the season. It’s pretty difficult to initiate as it’s bitter cold outside now. But I did start out with a swim and a nice high 30’s ride on New Years day…layers baby!

Also, my baby wants me to stay hydrated through all this mess, so I also received this lovely addition to the whip for Christmas, The Profile Design AeroDrink Water Bottle (more on this once I test it out, later):

Good things to look forward to in the new year. The forums have picked up a bit with new event sign ups and training buddy interaction- always exciting! So here’s to training safe, training strong and supportive surroundings for everyone!!!