Week 6,7,and 8- The highs and lows of training

Been a minute since I wrote, so let gets down to business. During the past 3 weeks I have had a super hard week, then a recovery week (which I learned all about), and back to gearing up on time and mileage week. As training continues and you start increasing your workouts it is imperative to take a recovery week. The recovery week consist of less time but the workouts you do are intense and more of time trials to see where you stand. Also during recovery, your body has time heal and sometimes that means getting sick. That is what happened to me. During my recovery week, week 8, I got sick and went threw a couple bad days. I find it funny when I get sick that anyone I talk to has a cure for it. I heard everything from vitamins, to take shots of Jack Daniels and go for a run and sweat it out, to put Vicks vapor rub on your feet and put on socks. For me though when I am sick I will do anything to get better... so I did it all plus Sudafed and Zycam. I am not sure if it helped me feel better any quicker but the cold ran its course in 3 days.

During week 7 I had an interesting experience. I had just got back from swimming at the gym and I came home to run another 40 minutes. I was not feeling up to it, but it is those times when I know that I have to push myself because training is not supposed to be easy. Anyway I laced up my sneakers and left with the idea that I would run to pick up cash for a poker game that would be going on at my place when I got back. So I ran a route that I never run. I was on Fountain and Crescent Heights and was planning on running up to Sunset when I looked across the street and saw an old man on his hands and knees and his walker was a couple feet from him. I ran up to him and asked if he was ok and needed a hand and noticed that his hands had blood on them. I asked if he was having chest pain and tried to figure out if the situation was more serious than just a fall. He looked up at me with bloodshot eyes and said no and that he just fell and couldn't get up, just like the commercial. So I got behind him and picked his up. He held on to my soldier while I got his walker and I asked him if he knew where he was going. He seemed very confused and started going through all his pockets and a hidden fanny pack hanging from his neck and then pulled out a card that was from a senior assisted living home. It was clear to me at that point that he was suffering from Alzheimer's. He was at least 2.5 miles from where he needed to be. I then explained to him where he was and where he was supposed to go. He yelled at me and told me he knew where he was, then I explained that he was not where he thought he was and that if he wanted I would walk with him and get him home. So we started our trek down to Santa Monica blvd and I started asking him questions. His name was Alan and he had just moved down from San Bernadino. I asked if he had family and he told me that he did not and that he wished he did. The whole time we were walking he would say, "You mean I am still 2 miles away..... SHIT. SHIT. SHIT. How did I do that?????" I asked if he had a long day and he told me that he got up at 5am and went to his lawyers office via the bus and had a meeting. I looked down at my watch and it was 8:20pm. I told him not to worry, we would not walk the whole way. My plan was to go to the bank at the corner and get money to put him in a cab. We walked to an Exxon station on Santa Monica blvd.. I had him wait there while ran across the street to get money. When I got back he was in the same place and kept saying ,"SHIT how did I get there??? Isn't my building right down the street?" I kept telling him not to worry he would be home in no time. I then went and asked the gas station attendant if I could use his cell phone to call a taxi and I explained my situation. He told me NO!!! I was floored. So, I asked some of the 2 other sets of people pumping gas and told them the story and pointed to Alan. They said NO I couldn't use their phone. Are you fucking serious!!!!! I was so pissed. I asked them if they had never heard in Karma. I was dressed in a running cap and short and a long sleeve shirt. Do you really think I am hear to rob you or steal your cell phone? They both just got in there car and drove off. I went back to Alan and he asked me where the cab was and I told him not to worry I was going to flag one down. He looked and me and said, "Well if I can wait you can wait." This immediately made me laugh and I told him he was right and I was not planning on leaving him. Now tracking down a cab in LA is much harder than in other major cities, even on Santa Monica Blvd. I was looking down the road trying to spot one so I could walk out in the road and stop it not realizing that Alan was mimicking everything I was doing. As I walked into the road, Alan was right behind me walking into the road. I turned around and had to tell him to stay up on the sidewalk as cars were honking at him for being in the road. He just looked at me and said, "SHIT SHIT SHIT." I finally got a cab and gave the cabbie $20 and told him the address to take Alan and made him promise he would make sure Alan got in the building. The cabbie said Thank you for the huge tip and assured me Alan would be fine. I told Alan "Merry Christmas!" and shut the door. The cab drove off and I ran as fast as I could home to look up the address and telephone number of the assisted living home where Alan was staying. I found the number and called them to tell them the story. The lady told me that Alan had made it safely and that he indeed had been gone since 5 am. They were waiting to call the police because in LA you cannot call and report missing people until they have been gone for 24 hours. I think that is ridiculous especially for senior citizens. Anyway, I had a long talk with the nurse and she said that Alan was already in bed and asleep. I am now planning on dropping off a Christmas blanket to him tomorrow and saying hello before I leave for the holidays. I knew there was a reason I went running that night.

On to my schedule.

Week 6
Monday- 20 minutes on the bike trainer and then ran to bootcamp for arms and abs day.
Tuesday- Swim practice with the team. The practice was intense and I definitely felt the holiday break I took. Can't do that anymore.
Wednesday- Rode my bike for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Thursday- Ran around Beverly Hills for 42 minutes and then went to the pool to swim for 1 hour.
Friday- Day of Rest
Saturday- 2 hour bike in Griffith Park with the team. Great ride. There is 1 hill there that is killer. I rode it 3 times to try to push it, but I think it pushed me.
Sunday- Went for a 1 hour run in the morning. That night I went to the pool for a speed and strength session. It consisted mostly of short sprints.

Week 7
Monday- Barry's Bootcamp arms and abs and cardio in the AM. That night I did 40 minutes on the bike trainer.
Tuesday- Morning I ran from the gym to the top of Runyon Canyon and back without stopping. That night was swim practice with the team. Spent on hour in the pool and increased our distance.
Wednesday- On the bike for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Thursday- Swam that night then came home and ran. This is the "Alan Night." (above story)
Friday-Rest day
Saturday- 2 hour and 30 minute bike ride in Malibu. It was beautiful. I covered 47 miles. That night I twisted my ankle running after my buddy Dan after the John Mayer concert.... which was incredible.
Sunday- The flu has struck me with vengeance and my ankle is twisted. Boo.

Week 8- recovery week and time trials. Yeah, you read write.
Monday- Rest and sick day.
Tuesday- Still sick, but went to swim practice in the outdoor pool in 54 degree weather. I only finished half the workout because of the flu. Not my smartest decision.
Wednesday- Rest and sick
Thursday- Swim and Time trial. I logged 7:22 and 7:28 per 400 yds. I am getting better.
Friday- Time Trial run. 5 miles in 40 minutes. 8 minute mile. I am faster than that, but was not pacing myself correctly.
Saturday- Did not make it to Long Beach with the team but completed the workout. It was a brick workout meaning do 1 workout and transition into another with no real stop. I biked for 1 hour and 30 minutes then put on my shoes and ran for 20 minutes. Felt good.
Sunday- Swim TT. 1k straight swim in 20:04. The swim was easier than I thought, but very boring.

I am now going home for the holidays. I will be in Indiana for Christmas and Michigan for New Years. I am looking forward to training in the snow. Should be exciting.

Merry Christmas Alan.

Week 4 and 5- Lots to be thankful for

Holiday times are very interesting and a great excuse to not push yourself. Although at the time it sounds great I am sure it will inevitably hurt me in the end. Plus having changed my race my mind set changed just a little. Anyway here is what I did during Week 4.

Monday- Went to the gym in the morning and rode the bike for 40 minutes. Felt good.
Monday night I went to Barry's Bootcamp. They do not call themselves "The Best Workout In The World" for nothing. We did 30 minutes of treadmill most of it on steep inclines, which I am great at cardio but this is tough when you push yourself not to ever walk. Followed by 30 minutes of Arm workouts and abdominals. I always feel this class the next day.... which is why I go.

Tuesday- I ran on the treadmill for 40 minutes (5 miles). I really dislike the treadmill. The whole time I was on it I wished I was outside.
Tuesday night- I had swim practice with TNT. I am feeling more confident every time I get in "The Drink." ( A new term I picked up for the pool. Yeah... That's what real swimmers call it apparently.) Coach Paul and Rad are definitely helping me with my form. It is amazing how the littlest adjustments in the pool can help you feel more comfortable. I swam over 2000 yds.

Wednesday- I bought a bike trainer so I can ride my bike in my living room. Tonight was the first time on it. It is different but I could get used to it. I rode for 1 hr. and 30 min while watching the movie "Waiting" with Ryan Reynolds and Justin Long. Very funny movie and it helped me not think about riding my bike in my living room.

Thursday- I ran from my gym on Sunset up to the top of Runyon Canyon, Big Dog Park in LA, up to the top of Mullholland Dr. The top of Mullholland is breathtaking on a clear day. You can see all of LA and you are super close to the HOLLYWOOD sign. I ran back down to my gym and that took me 50 minutes. I was happy because I only stopped 2 times, 1 minute each time, to catch my wind. I felt great.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I rested. Yep I took a break.

WEEK 5- Thanksgiving week.

Monday- I did Barry's Bootcamp again. Sooo good.

Tuesday- I ran from the Gym, up Runyon Canyon, to the top of Mullholland and back without stopping! BOO YA!
Tuesday night was swim practice with TNT. I am actually really starting to enjoy it. I am noticing a difference in how I swim and it is getting easier.

Wednesday- I got out of work early for the Holiday and I went straight to the gym for a chest workout. I stayed at the gym for 40 minutes and tried to burn out most of the muscles. Then I went straight home and hopped on my bike that was set up in the living room. I biked for 1 hr and 30 minutes and watched reruns of "The Ultimate Fighter" on Spike. Those guys are animals. Still felt great.

Thursday- THANKSGIVING!!! I went and volunteered all morning at the Santa Monica Civic Center. My job was turkey carving. It was amazing all the people there volunteering and all the homeless or less fortunate that showed up. We must have fed over 1000 people. They had everything there for the people. There were doctors, optometrist, hair stylist, people donating clothes and toys. It was truly amazing. My favorite part of the experience was the group prayer. Before the doors open to the public all of the volunteers, 300 approximately, made a circle big enough to outline the entire civic center and join hands and say a prayer. It is quite remarkable to feel that kind of power in a room.

Still after I was done with that I went home and changed and went back to Runyon Canyon to run. I ran the entire way to the top of Mullholland without stopping. When I got to the top I stopped and took some moments to thank God for all I have in life and all I had learned throughout the year. It was great. I then ran down the canyon and went home. I got home showered changed and waited for my sister Mary to come over. That night we had dinner with my great neighbors Rachel and Joel. The food was amazing!! Kudos to them. It was a great day.

Friday- I was hopped up early and went for a easy run around Beverly Hills and Sunset Blvd. I ran for 45 minutes.

Saturday and Sunday- I went to Santa Barbara with Dan and Stephanie and Mr and Mrs. "D". It was a perfect and relaxing weekend. It was nice to get out of LA.

One Holiday down and the Christmas season is rapidly approaching. So let's crank up the Christmas Tunes and rock the days away.

Week 3- BIG CHANGES!!!!! LOUISVILLE IRONMAN!

Yo! First things first. I have decided to change the race I am training for. When I first signed up for Team In Training they had advertised that we would train for the Cour De Lene, ID IRONMAN, but when I got to the info meeting they had to change the race to the VINEMAN in northern CA. I was still stoked to train for an event of the same distance. After thinking about it and doing some research I discovered that VINEMAN is not apart of the IRONMAN sanctioned races. VINEMAN does have 1 sanctioned 70.3 IRONMAN, but it is not a full course. (70.3 is half the distance of a full IRONMAN.) SO, after putting some heavy thought and research in it I decided if I am going to do this I want to finish the race and say I am a IRONMAN... not a VINEMAN. I am now officially registered to do the Louisville, KY IRONMAN on August 31, 2008. I will still be training with Team In Training and raising money for the cause. The race is only 3 weeks after the VINEMAN so I will participate in all TNT events and hopefully travel with the Team to VINEMAN to cheer them on. I am very excited about the location change because Louisville is closer to my family who has yet to see me in any endurance race and this is huge for me.

Now on to last weeks training:
Monday: I rested..... everyone needs a break.

Tuesday: I ran 5 miles in the morning. My back was a little sore, but all in all good. Night time was swim training with the team. We continued on with the drills and as hard as it was I feel like I am definitely improving. We swam for on hour. 2000 yds.

Wednesday: What a day. I got up and Biked for an hour in W. Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Not a smart decision. To many stops. I got cut off by a 10 year old on a skate board and did not have time to unclip from my pedals and fell and skinned my knees. Who skins there knees anymore????? ME! At that point I decided it was time to cut the ride short and ride back to my apartment.... bloody knees and all. I then went to my gym, LA FITNESS, and finished my ride on a stationary bike. That night I went out and bought a trainer so I can ride my bike in my living room and watch recorded episodes of Law and Order.

Thursday: Thursday night I went to my gym and swam for an hour. 2000 yds. More drills and a lot of regular swimming just focusing on form and breathing. Then I went out to dinner with Heath. Shabu Shabu and Jumbo's Clown Room. Classic.

Friday: Barry's Bootcamp in the morning. 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes of abs. AWESOME WORKOUT!

Saturday: Team Training day in Santa Monica. The morning focused on tire changes and how to do them... quick. Then we biked the San Vicente loop, 7.5 miles, 4 times with 1 pee tire change break. So 30 miles in 2 hours. Team day is fun and there a lot of great people! I officially met my TNT mentor Karen. She rules.

Sunday: Sunday was a long rough day. I went out Saturday night to see UPSTART and Dan D was up from Long Beach. Needless to say when that Long Beach crew it means great times and rough mornings. I got up at 8 after staying up till 2, maybe 3, and tried to hydrate myself. I then took off for my run at 9:30. I ran for 1 hr and 10 minutes. I put a little over 8 miles. I was hurting. I went home and had toast and peanut butter, fell asleep on the couch watching football, then got up and went to the gym to swim. I got there and swam for 30 minutes and was so tired and weak..... then I remembered I had not ate anything but toast. Not smart. It was this night that I realized I need to start eating a lot better and a lot more of the right foods. I am doing my best now, but it is tough.

Till next week. SMILE!

Louisville or Bust.

Week 1 Ironman Training

So I have officially committed my time, body, and mind to doing the Ironman. I am actually doing a race called Vineman. The race takes place August 2, 2008. The thought of having this long to train is both exciting and daunting. I have never trained for 10 months for anything I have ever competed in. Granted, I have never trained for an event that makes you swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, then run a marathon (26.2 miles) back to back to back. I am training with Team in Training and raising money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I have committed myself to raise $8,000. I believe that both physically and financially I will complete this goal with flying colors.

I have a coach and teamates through Team in Training who not only provide me with a schedule, but keep me focused on the job at hand. For my first week of training it has been fairly light. According to my training schedule Mondays and Fridays are my off days, but I am fairly crazy so I go to bootcamp on one of my off days. So Monday was bootcamp, Tuesday was light jog where I ran 6 miles, Wednesday was an hours bike ride where I rode 16.5 miles, Thursday was a coached swim practice, Friday I rested, Saturday I ran a 5k and ran after the race then hit the Gym, Sunday was a swim day.

So far I feel like a million dollars and am looking forward to the future months.

Feel free to comment.

Smile.

My quest to be an Ironman

I have begun my quest to be an Ironman. My goal is to complete the Ironman by the time I am 30. I am approaching my 28th birthday so I feel this is an attainable goal. I just added biking and swimming to my workout routine. Ever since my first marathon I decided that I want to challenge my physical endurance in every way possible. The best way I see to do this is by conditioning myself to be an Ironman. I have signed up for my first triathlon in September 07 , The Nautica Malibu Triathlon. I bought a new Megaboss bike. It is a Scattante CFR Comp. I had never been into biking, unless it was a bmx and I was 12, but this bike makes you feel like you are gliding. I am now going to Bootcamp 3 to 4 times a week, biking 2 twice a week, running 3 times a week including long run, and swimming once a week. I am finding that swimming is not as fun as I used to find it in my back yard. While I am doing this I can not lose sight that I also have 2 marathons in the Fall. I am planning on running both the Chicago and New York Marathon.

As for the Ironman, I am looking at entering the Wisconsin Ironman next September.
Stay tuned for more updates.