Author: Adam

Categories
2013

Idiot infected

A long ride, sloppy swim and infected blister support the strong claim that I am an idiot.

The Idiot

Ladies and gentlemen of the Tri for Les community:

I am an idiot.

Many of you already know this and the following story will surely re-enforce that label.

For those who are not aware of my boneheaded state, prepare to be convinced by a spectacle of wrong turns and general ignorance, spanning the past month.

Let us begin.

Up until this point you’ve seen mostly cheery, positive and overly excited blog posts about awesome training efforts, and how much fun it is to push the limits.

Clearly, I was excited after a promising performance at the Boulder IM 70.3 race: “We’re galloping with a full head of steam toward Ironman Arizona.”

Well, shortly after that mile-high experience, it all came crashing down in a slow-motion train wreck that left me with a wounded, bandaged foot (yeah, the left one) in a surgical walking boot, sinking deeper and deeper into an idiot spiral.

Read on to see how the wheels fell off.

Continue reading “Idiot infected”

Categories
2013

Running unplugged

Why I don’t wear headphones when I exercise, and how I still hear the music.

Harmony

It’s Sunday morning and you’re about to head out the door for a run.

Fifteen minutes ago you were lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to convince yourself to get moving.

The good side won the battle, and now you feel motivated – proud even – to tackle your training plan, but still not happy about leaving your comfy bed.

You lace up your shoes, put on your hat, grab your keys and phone, and take one more gulp of water before stepping outside.

You lock the door behind you, zip away your keys and are almost ready to go get it.

Only one task remains before you go galloping off:

Continue reading “Running unplugged”

Categories
2013

AF Race Report: Boulder Ironman 70.3

redrocks

The Boulder Ironman 70.3 triathlon is comprised of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, all set at the Boulder Reservoir, at the base of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.

For me, the race served as the first true test of my hacked Crossfit Endurance training strategy. It was also the first time I’ve run over six miles, since injuring my foot back in February.

The race is half the distance of the full Ironman triathlon we have our sights on, and a major checkpoint on my road map to November 17.

So, how’d it go?

Freaking awesome.

Read on for a breakdown of the race, my nutrition plan, as well as two valuable lessons learned.

Also, thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and support! We’re galloping with a full head of steam toward Ironman Arizona, and appreciate you following along.

Continue reading “AF Race Report: Boulder Ironman 70.3”

Categories
2013

Road map to Ironman AZ: Part 3 – Training Progress Report

El Rio Verde

Three months ago I posted the hacked, Crossfit Endurance based training program that’s supposed to get me across the finish line at Ironman Arizona in under 12 hours.

I told you how important it is to strategically plan your weeks and prioritize your tasks so that you’re in the best position to show up, perform and hit your marks.

You saw my sample weekly training schedule that features one rest day on Mondays, and six days of training – four of which call for two workouts.

But like New Year’s resolutions, that’s all easier said than done.

Now that I’m a solid three months into the training program, and less than four months away from the big race, let’s take a look at how training is going and see whether I’ve been able to follow through on these commitments to becoming an Ironman.

Here’s my training progress report card, broken into five categories: Overall training schedule, Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Sleep/Mobility.

Continue reading “Road map to Ironman AZ: Part 3 – Training Progress Report”

Categories
2013

Fake it till you become it

A simple answer to a complex question, and mindset to accomplish anything

freedom swim

An artist must be careful to never think he has arrived somewhere, he must always be in a constant state of becoming. – Bob Dylan

“What the hell am I doing?”

The question crept into my head just after 7am on the 4th of July.

You’d think that kind of self-interrogation and criticism would arise only after a late night of debauchery or a missed workout.

After all, I should’ve been peeling my hungover self off a couch (or stranger’s floor) and bee-lining it to the nearest breakfast burrito and cup of coffee.

Or at the very least, just sleeping in, lightening up and relaxing on a bonus rest day afforded by the holiday.

In past years, yeah – definitely. But nope, not this year.

Continue reading “Fake it till you become it”