I cannot believe Ultraman is almost upon me.
Despite more than a few grueling training weeks, I still think I have so much work to do to be ready. Chalk it up to the racing mind of the obsessive endurance addict.
Last week I put in 93 miles of running (not including the cycling and swimming). My biggest run week ever and it went great. 2×15 mile hard runs on Sunday, a 20 mile run on Tues, a 21 mile run on Thursday and 22 mile run on Saturday. I negative split every run and each run was successively faster than the previous run — all great indicators that I am recovering well between workouts and continuing to improve. My pace at a given heart rate level is far superior to where I was last year, which is great news.
But what goes through my mind? I didn’t get enough biking in that week! I still have not done a 40 or 45 mile run yet like I did last year! Always dwelling on what I “haven’t” done as opposed to celebrating the small accomplishments of the journey. But my coach has a plan, and I’m devoted to following it. He said we would be doing things differently this year, and that we have. Similar if not more miles, but ALOT more work at higher intensity. Last year was all about working my aerobic engine so I could finish the race. This year its been about improving strength, speed and power. I tend to use last year’s program as my measuring stick rather than looking at my hard power and heart rate training data, which is miles beyond where I was last year. So that’s it. No more negativity. Come race day, I will be ready.
Julie and I have been working on our eCookbook and hoping to get it done by Thanksgiving. But in order to make it available, we also need to update my (and her) website to make the book downloadable and still don’t have a web programmer for this. So many things to take care of when I already have zero time to do anything except train, work and see my family. Don’t know how were going to get everything sorted out, but we’ll find a way.
I also started working with my friend Compton Rom at his nascent start up Ascended Health. Compton is a PhD in biochemistry and his company offers a wide array of supremely healthy live rejuvenating wellness elixirs — everything from oils and superfoods to toothpaste. We are testing out some unbelievable cutting edge performance and recovery products — double helix DNA water, probiotics, photoplanktons, adaptagens, live cultures and super anti-oxidants. Cutting edge for sure, working with the highest grade raw products from all corners of the world. I have begun using some test formulas over the last week and my recovery is through the roof! Very excited to continue my work with Compton, with the goal of creating some unparalleled performance and recovery products specific to the endurance athlete.
I leave for Kona on November 2, which will give me some good time to adapt to the climate and get some good training out on the course before the race without any distractions other than work, which I am grateful I am able to do from any location, no matter how remote (a huge perk!). I feel a bit guilty about parting from my family for this time, but I have invested so much time and effort into preparing for this race, I feel its worth it to get in this push over the last couple of weeks before the taper and race. Honestly, I am very excited to just get out there and hammer for a week.
The whole family is coming out for the race (including my dad, apprising his role as crew navigator!) but I am still having a heck of a time trying to lock down at least one crew member who can change a flat tire. I have a few friends still pondering it, but no firm commitment yet and I’m getting nervous. I’m sure I can find crew on the Island, but would love to have a good friend at my side. I realize its asking alot given that its over Thanksgiving weekend, so I’m just living on faith at the moment that it will all work out according to God’s plan.
Heading into a good cycling block and my final race simulation weekend scheduled for the end of October, just before I head out to Hawaii. Can’t wait.
On another note, I’ve been reading BORN TO RUN by Christopher McDougall and I am inspired. If you are not familiar with the book, its a must read, not just for endurance junkies, but for anyone. It chronicles this journalist’s quest to commune with the ancient Mexican Tarahumara tribe — a lost civilization of barefoot (or barely sandaled) super-runners isolated from every aspect of modern life. A beautiful portrayal celebrating the simple things in life and the pure unadulterated and contagious joy, freedom and spirituality of running.
All I want to do is start running in my Vibram Five Fingers and barefoot. But I am going to exercise some rare restraint and hold off until after Ultraman.
