Monday I waited patiently by my computer at work for the clock to strike noon Eastern which signalled the beginning of my third year-long journey to the land of the Ironman. My chosen race for 2012 (the one chosen for me really, but I've got no complaints at all) is Ironman Lake Placid, the New York site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Think "miracle on ice" without the ice and much less miracle.
Surely those who've discussed triatlon and iron-distance races with me are a little surprised by this and might wonder how this came about. I had no intention of entering another Ironman for many years due to the time committment associated with it, my job and the rest of my life. After hearing me complain about the pounds I've gained in the 9 months (baby weight?) since I raced in Florida, however, I think Rebecca finally caved. She didn't open the conversation lightly, striking quickly with "you know, I miss your Ironman body..." Well I certainly do, too, and welcome the chance to get it back. Of course I'd been hoping it wouldn't be too long before I could get back to training like I did last year, but I certainly didn't expect it to be this year. When given the list of races to choose from, she snubbed Arizona (too hot last time) and Florida to settle on Lake Placid. As a flat-lander, the massive elevation gains on the course aren't my strength, but the scenery is breathtaking and it's the second oldest North American race. Needless to say, I couldn't be more excited.
Why no miracle, though? Because when I cross the finish line July 22, 2012, I won't have done anything that anyone couldn't do. I'm always reminded of the pep talk Fortune gives in the movie "Rudy:" "You're 5 foot nothin', 100 and nothin'..." I'm a little more than "100 and nothin'" but I think you get the point. Anyone feel like joining me yet?
It won't be a miracle to achieve, but I'm still holding myself to the same goals I had when I raced last November. I want to finish in less than 12 hours. I didn't make it last time, but that leads me right into my second goal. I will not let my training plan take the nosedive that it did in the last 5 weeks before the race. My race specific training plan is 24 weeks long, so for a July race, that means beginning in the first week of February. It's hardly an ideal time for training, but if I'm able to put my purse down this winter and train like a man, it should be no problem. Likewise, goal three is to have a solid base going into that training program which is something I didn't have last year. Part of the reason I've decided to share all this with you is to keep me honest about my training and eating habits even through the winter. Fourth is my eternal quest to have fun. The moment that stops is when I should reevaluate everything. Finally, I will try to not annoy Rebecca any more than I already do. All solid goals I think.
Now about this training - it all starts now. And really now means tomorrow when I drag my sorry ass out of bed. Put on my running shoes, still angry, and pound five miles worth of pavement. I would have said it started yesterday with a nearly puke-tastic bike ride, but I hit Chipotle on my way home from work today instead of working out (oops). I hope to keep you abrest of my training with weekly updates, and if I don't, I'll have some sweet excuses (sun's in my eyes).
Until next week,
Andy
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