Tweedle Beetle Tri-Atheletle

Good News!

Today (as compared to yesterday) I actually know what I am getting myself into...    I came to the conclusion that while I can run and I can swim and I can ride a Bike - I am no where near being able to swim 1.2 miles straight... run 13.2 miles straight or ride 56.3 miles.  I am certainly no where near being able to put them all together and start with the swim and finished with the run without stopping... seriously, you have to be kidding me.  Not only am I no where near being able to do this, I have no idea how to get there...

Here is my problem... I have 5K patience.  What is 5K patience you might ask?  Well here is how I might define it.  When someone tells me to run 60 min at a level 3 or 4, in my heart of hearts that means run for 60 min at about 5.5 mph (12 min miles, I think).  What I do though is translate that simple request to run 60 min at 3 or 4 into, I want to run 8 miles in 60 min!  Can I do that?  Well yes I can I found out today, but with a heart rate that started at 162 and climed to 190 by the time I was done... I don't think I met the level 3 or 4 expectation.... 

Well just to keep honest and because I think that part of this should be a training journal, here was my workout today.

Run: 8.5 miles
Ave Speed: 7.6 mph
Time: Aprox 70 min with warmup and cool down
Ave HR: 173 BPM (162 BPM first mile / 188 BPM last mile)
Push Ups
Situps
Back Extensions

Overall I felt fantastic...  I am feeling super motivated and excited to do this (lets see how long that might last)

On June 26, 2010 - 1000 hopeful Tri-Athletes will pour into Wickiup Reservoir near Sun River Oregon...  their breath falling short and chest clenching from the near freezing temperatures.  They will pull their way through a 1.2 mile swim, peddle through 56.3 miles of mountains and run another 13.1 miles to the finish at Sunriver Resort outside of beautiful Bend Oregon.

I am going to be one of them. 

Assuming I finish (this is a bit iffy at this point) 4 to 9 hours later I will stumble across the finish line, collapsing into a bliss filled coma at the feet of my very overwork wife and two terribly impatient toddlers.

With any luck I will be so exhausted that I will be unable to hear or maybe comprehend the whining that will inevitability accompany my two wonderful children after waiting at the finish line for hours on end...  I have to admit, I hope they will be there.

First off - who am I?  What a messed up question is that???  Eight years ago, I would have answered with something like, "Oh, I am a Chemical Engineer."  Six years ago, I would have blurted out, "I am an Operations Manager!" Three years ago, I would have proudly said, "I am a small business owner."  Recently, I have come to realize that all of these things are all about what I do and not who I am.

Who I am is a imperfect soul who loves his family more than anything.  My two little boys have showed me who I should be and my wifes forgiving love keeps me on track.  I am the reflection in my families eyes.

What am I doing?  I am trying to get some accountability around a very serious challenge.  My wife and children will love me regardless of whether or not I finish this race... all of you - I hope not!

What is this blog about?  Taking a 10K race ready athelete to a 1/2 Iron Man ready athelete, all the while maintaining my marrage and continuing to be the Dad my boys deserve.  This journey will last 6 months and will come to completion on June 26th, 2010.