Well, 2011 is here, and that means it's time to look at the triathlons I'm going to race in this season. Last year was the 1st time I raced two half ironman races in the same season and it wasn't bad. It quite an experience to start training hard earlier in the year and keep it going, but all in all it was fun. Besides, I like a challenge anyway! lol

I've also discovered I prefer the longer races. The sprint triathlons are good, but it seems as by the time I get into a groove it's over! The longer races are just more fulfilling for me.

This year, I'll only be able to compete in 1 half ironman and maybe a couple sprints, because I'll be quite busy and that's fine. But the problem I have is which half??


Ironman Florida is in May and the Florida Challenge is USUALLY in September, but they flipped the script on me this year: Ironman Florida is May 15th, 2011, and the Florida Challenge has been moved to JUNE 12th, 2011!

DAMN!

That's a major problem. There's no way I could do both, because it takes me time to recover. Soooo, which race do I do?? Decisions decisions...

Ironman Florida has the prestige & the glitz and glamour. All you have to do is SAY the word ironman and some people's eyes glaze over...lol Then there's a lot of hoopla at the race itself: tv coverage, pro athletes everywhere, chance to qualify for the World Championships, etc. etc. etc. I did this race for the 1st time last season & had a great race!

Then there's the Florida Challenge: The race I've been doing for the past several years. I keep coming back because I love te hometown feel to it. (Except for this past race. They really p!ssed me off!) But before that, it was a great experience.

Both races are good, but the Florida Challenge is MUCH harder because it has a lot of rolling hills on the bike course. Ironman Florida is pretty flat from start to finish. I don't get the same feeling of accomplishment when crossing that finish line, even though it's no ironman is easy!

Then there's the training aspect. It takes me months to get ready for those hills. MONTHS. Will I have enough time to train for that race if I commit to it now which I don't mind doing cuz 'm ready to get back on it? I'm not sure, because the personal training biz has picked up quite a bit.

What to do what to do...

I'll have to make my decision pretty soon because registration closes quickly for these races. No way I can procrastinate and be too lat to register for both races! Not a good look! lol I really don't know what starting line I'll be on, but I'll be on 1 of them!

Maybe I'll wake up at 3am with an epiphany! I'll have my answer by this time next week, and I'll be fully committed to that decision. No turning back & no second guessing!

Place you bets as to which race I do, cuz as of now i have no clue! lol

Thanks for reading! Till next tme, peace!

Calm Before the Storm!

Calm Before the Storm!

Well, it's finally here: Race Day! I'm registered and ready!

This will be a "quick" blog cuz I have to get up at 5am for the 7am race start...

Not only that, but blogspot changed their format and I don't have time to figure it all out...

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I'm nervous before every race and that's normal. I've done everything I can to get ready, but the question ALL athletes in all sports ask themselves "did I do enough to prepare???"

At this point, there's nothing else to do but come up with a strategy for the race. 

Even though triathlons are considered one race, I break it down to MANY small races.  That helps me deal with the magnitude of the event.

For example, I won't even think about the bike or run for 98% of the swim. My main goal tomorrow is to get from buoy to buoy in a straight line, using the least amount of energy, without bumping into (or getting ran over) by other swimmers.

I imagine the swim will take about 45 minutes, and near the end of the swim I'll go thru a mental checklist of what I have to do once I get to my bike. 

I won't have to change clothes because I'm wearing another 1 piece tri-suit:

When I hit the transition, I will grab some of my Clif Bars, Gu, and electrolytes and start the ride.

I will ride this course very defensively because of the hills. I'm still not very comfortable riding hills.  

I will simply on an hourly basis. I estimate it'll take 3.5 hours to finish the ride, so that's how I'll look at it: "2 hours to go... "1 more hour to ride..,"

That will work for me!

It's supposed to rain tomorrow, and that means cloud cover. Cloud cover means it may not be as hot, which is perfect for me! Lol

The heat totally drains me, so this will play in my favor.

As far as the run, I will run at my home run trot and pace myself all the way to the finish line.

In past races, I was able to run comfortably the first 7 miles, but then struggled the last 6.  At that point, I will just get from 1 aid station to the next, which are at each mile marker.

I'm hoping with the cloud cover and proper food intake I'll be able to finish strong!

My goal is to finish the total race in 7 hours or less.  But it really don't matter long as I finish!

I was looking at the Final Instructions  on the official website and this is what they said:

"FINISHER MEDALS: All finishers will receive a commemorative medallion. Our medals are currently tied up in customs and may not arrive in time for the race. If that is the case, medals will be mailed to all finishers.  Long Course finishers will also receive a Finisher T-shirt."

What kind of crap is that????  This race had been going on for the last 26 years. Who screwed this up???

Getting a medal when crossing the line is 1 of the highlights of the event. I don't give a damn about the shirt, I want my medal! Lol

Oh well, medal or no medal, I'm crossing that line!

Thanks for reading, till next time, peace!