Decisions, Decisions...

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012! Yes, I am back and plan to start blogging a bit more regularly. I am starting off the New Year fit (175 lbs.), in good running shape (logged a ton of miles in 2011, despite not racing at all), and ready to reenter the competitive racing world in 2012. I am still formulating my race schedule, but have two somewhat noteworthy developments to report:

1. I will NOT be participating in the Illinois River To River Relay in April. While it definitely sounds like a "once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list" type of experience, I just decided it is too much travel (likely with the whole family) for a race in which I would only run nine miles. Maybe some other year, but definitely not 2012.

2. I WILL be competing in the Bank Of America Chicago Marathon as originally planned, but will be running the entire race with my wife. Thus, the Boston Marathon qualifying attempt is out the window. On the one hand I am kind of bummed because I think I had a pretty decent shot at it, but on the other hand it will really be special for the two of us to cross that finish line together--and as I get older, I realize more and more how much more important family is than "individual glory."

O.K., that is it for now--much more to come later!

A Potential Race On The Horizon

O.K., rather than another boring training update, it looks like I may actually be placing a race on my 2012 calendar. It is the Illinois River To River Relay, which is an 80 mile, eight man per team relay race from the Mississippi to the Ohio Rivers. My brother-in-law did this same race a couple of years ago, and his team is looking for a runner or two (he is currently injured and another team member is due to deliver her first child a few weeks prior to the event).

The family and I were visiting Southern Illinois for Thanksgiving and I met a few members of my brother-in-law's running group that have done River To River 11 years in a row and rave about it. Basically I would be running three legs, each of which would be about three miles or so. I am definitely intrigued, although I am not 100% sure whether I will commit or not--it is a long way to go for one race. That said, just the prospect of racing again definitely got my competitive juices flowing. I will make a decision one way or the other in the next few weeks and let you know...

Another Update

Well I have not posted in a while, so I figure it was a good time for an update. Not much terribly new or interesting to report--I continue to run three days and week and lift weights one day. I am definitely getting faster, although I seem to be much slower outdoors (7:20-7:30/mile pace) then on the treadmill (low 7:00/mile pace). I am usually faster on the treadmill, but the difference is not so stark. I attribute it to not running outside very much, but I am not terribly bothered by it (especially given the fact I am not actually training for anything). Oh, and I am thin--I have consistently been in the low- to mid-170s for a while now. I attribute it to my new diet--a sensible breakfast, still kind of a big lunch (with my one sweet for the day), and a light dinner. God I hope I can stay this light through my 2012 marathon--I cannot imagine how fast I will be able to run if I am a good 5-10 lbs lighter than I have ever been for 26.2 miles! One last thing--I miss riding my bike :(

Update

So I decided this afternoon to post a quick update to the old blog. I have been hitting the gym pretty regularly (usually four to five days a week--although lately more often four than five) for a while now. Mostly I have been doing cardio, with one weightlifting day (usually chest and triceps--yes, I am vain). For the last several weeks I have been running for my cardio, and am just starting to comfortably do 7:30/mile pace. Normally running that slow this time of the year would be a disaster for me, but given the late start I got to running this year I am perfectly happy with it (particularly given the fact I am not actually training for a race right now).

The other somewhat noteworthy development is I have been losing weight! I am now just a shade under 180 lbs, which I am very happy with. The only real dietary change I have made is really trying to cut back on sweets (for a change)--but not to quit cold turkey. I am limiting myself to one "sweet treat" a day, with a few hard candies thrown in throughout (they are pretty low calorie). I am also cutting back on the red meat. I think this is a much more sustainable diet for me long term--if I can stay around 180 lbs through 2011 and start my serious marathon training at this weight early next year, I am going to be a very happy (and fast) boy. That's about it--thanks as always for reading!

I'm Back (Sort Of)

Well I have recently started kind of sort of training again, so I figured it probably made sense to update my blog. I say kind of sort of because I ran this morning (the third time in the last few weeks) and am planning to start running a couple of times a week, but am not training for any event in particular (at least not any 2011 event). As you may recall, I decided to take this year off completely from racing due to the birth of my son last September, and I have to say I absolutely stand by that decision. I have been working out pretty regularly (usually four times a week), but most of my cardio has been the elliptical machine or the stairmaster, which is just not the same as running (plus on a per hour basis, neither burns as many calories). I also like the fact I can just throw on my running shoes, head out my front door and go, as opposed to being subject to my gym's hours and having to walk the ~10 minutes each way.

So on to this morning's run. I just did my standard two-mile loop twice, and did not time myself (once again, I am having problems getting satellite signals on my Garmin Forerunner 205). I felt O.K., but I am definitely slow (which not running for I don't even remember how long will do to you). That said, and it almost shocks me to say this, it reminded me how much I miss running! Now that the weather is finally starting to turn I actually ordered a new pair of running shoes this afternoon (see the picture above), and will definitely try and hit the road/treadmill at least a couple of times a week. The plan remains to try and finally qualify for the Boston Marathon at the 2012 Chicago Marathon, but as for right now, this is just about staying in decent shape and enjoying myself...

Just Catching Up...

So I just wanted to check in and let everyone know how things are going. I am still working out 4-5 days a week (O.K., usually four more oftentimes than five), including weights twice a week and 2-3 cardio workouts. In terms of weights I have been alternating between chest and triceps and back and biceps, with a couple of leg exercises every time (I have sort of given up on my abs). I am starting to regain strength on the bench press, although I still have a long ways to go to get back to where I was once (e.g., I am struggling to put up 205 lbs three times--at my peak, I could press 225 lbs four times). For cardio I have been doing my standard 4-mile loop around Hoboken (usually at a fairly relaxed pace), as well as the occasional 30-minute elliptical machine workout. My weight is a bit higher than I would like (seems like the story of my life) but is under control for the most part. It feels kind of weird knowing that I will not be racing at all in 2011 (the first time I will take an entire year off since I started racing), but I know it is the right thing to do considering Baby Chukumba will be here in a week or so. That's it for now...

If You Can't Take The Heat, Get On The Podium!

This past Sunday I competed in what is likely to be my final race of the season, the Metroman Triathlon in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Below is my race report.

Pre-Race
Going into the race I was feeling fairly confident. My training had been consistent all year long and I was really pleased with my performance at the Queens Biathlon in May. The day before the race I spent extra time getting all of my gear organized and packed, as I had to wake up at an ungodly hour (3:30 A.M.) to make sure I made it to packet pickup in time. The drive down to Asbury Park was quicker than I thought it would be, leaving me with ample time to pick up my race packet, set up my transition area, use the bathroom a few times, and even warm up in the ocean a bit.

Swim (750 meters)
The swim was in the Atlantic Ocean, my first ever ocean swim in a race. It was also a run-in start, which I have always been a big fan of (it just somehow seems more "authentic" to me). After diving underneath a few breaking waves I was able to get into a decent swim rhythm. Given the choppiness of the water (and my general rustiness) I decided to abandon my usual bilateral breathing and took a breath on every other stroke, as well as sighting every few strokes. It seemed like I hit the first buoy very quickly, and soon after was passing people from the prior wave (which is always a great feeling). Before I knew it I was heading back to shore--usually I feel like I am in the water forever, but in this race it felt like I barely got wet! When I hit the shore my watch said 14:3~, but my official time included a good 150 meter or so run to the transition area.

Transition 1
My first transition was fairly uneventful. Unfortunately the way the transition area was set up I had a really long run to my bike, but once I got there I felt like I was organized and efficient.

Bike (10.5 miles)
The bike course winded through the roads of Asbury Park, including several fairly sharp turns. I focused on staying down in the aero position as much as possible, while being aggressive (but safe) on the myriad turns. From the second I got on my bike I was passing people constantly--I had forgotten how much I love wave starts! I must have passed 50+ people over the course of the bike leg, and was passed by only three. The one mistake I made was not getting in enough fluids--between the turns and somewhat uneven asphalt, I just did not feel like I had enough time to pull my water bottle out of the cage, open it, take a drink, and return it to the cage (man, do I miss my Profile Design Aerodrink). I am fairly certain the bike course was long--even the fastest splits of the day were in the 21-22 MPH range, and given the strength of the field (more on that later) and the fact it was a fairly flat course, that just does not add up.

Transition 2
As always, I pulled off my "shoes in the clips, flying dismount," and sprinted back to my transition area. I racked my bike, slipped my racing flats on, and was off. At one point an official yelled that I had to wear my race number (I forgot to put on my race belt), and after hesitating for a second decided I would risk the penalty rather than head back to retrieve it.

Run (3.1 miles)
The run was a double out-and-back along the boardwalk. My legs felt great and I started off extremely strong, but within the first mile I knew that I was in trouble--there was little shade throughout the course, and the sun was beating down mercilessly. The fact I simply have not spent any time running outdoors this summer in these conditions certainly did not help. I ended up pulling off my tri top and heart rate monitor band, but nothing seemed to help--I was simply overheated (not drinking enough fluids during the bike probably caught up with me as well). I ended up taking 3-4 short walk breaks, but given my quick start and overall run fitness it did not kill my time too much (although I was passed by ten competitors or so). I crossed the finish line sweating like a whore in church and happy to be done!

Post-Race
Despite my walk breaks, I received a nice surprise when I saw the race results--I finished second in my age group! The other surprising thing was that I was only 42nd overall--which puzzled me until I realized this race was the official USAT Mid Atlantic Short Course and Youth Championship (which explains the eight competitors under the age of 20 who beat me, including a 15-year old girl who finished 8th). I guess I should have known something was up before the race when I saw the three kids wearing matching USA Triathlon singlets with their names on them...

All in all I have to say I was really pleased with my performance, especially finishing second in my age group. This is now three straight races in which I have been on or near the podium, so I guess that as I am getting older, I am getting better (or alternatively, everyone else is getting worse). As far as racing is concerned, this is it for a while--I am probably going to take 2011 off given the new arrival in the Chukumba family scheduled for late September. I will try and post every now and then, but I cannot promise anything! As always, thanks for reading!

Race Splits
Swim: 15:50 (top 42%)
Transition 1: 1:25 (top 13%)
Bike: 32:21 (19.5 MPH, top 15%--I am 90% sure the course was long)
Transition 2: 0:55 (top 26%)
Run: 21:56 (7:05 pace, top 26%)
Overall: 1:12:27 (top 22% overall, 2nd M35-39)

Conquering Big Blue

So this past weekend I visited my in-laws in Iowa for the long holiday weekend and was able to get a decent amount of training in. On Friday I went for a ride around Clear Lake, which normally would have been 14 miles, but due to some questionable directions turned out to be over 20 (half of the extra mileage was in to some pretty severe headwinds, and three were on a gravel country road). On Saturday we headed to a Big Blue, a quarry popular with local divers. I ended up doing six trips across the quarry, which I estimate is about a fifth of a mile wide. Considering the facts this was my first open water swim since my last triathlon and I was not wearing a wetsuit, I was really pleased--my stroke felt nice and fluid and I did not have much trouble sighting (with the exception of one trip, in which I mistook my target). The workout was definitely a nice confidence booster before my first actual triathlon of the season in just over a week and a half. On Sunday I rode around the lake again at a nice leisurely pace, and today I hit the weights for the first time in a couple of weeks. I will try and get a few more quality workouts in this week, and then it will be time to begin my taper.

One Solid Weekend

It is late Sunday afternoon and I am extremely pleased with the training weekend I just had. On Friday morning I hit the spin bike at my gym before work for a nice solid 40 minute workout, which may not seem all that impressive, except for the fact I returned home late the night before from a work trip to the West Coast. On Saturday morning I completed my strongest brick of the year--a solid 21-mile ride, followed by a 3-mile run at 6:49 pace. I had one of my best ascents ever of the brutal hill right by the George Washington Bridge--I rode out of the saddle the entire time in a nice easy gear, and rather than sitting back down after I crested the worst part remained up for the little rollers right afterward. My legs felt exceptionally good on the run as well. Today I hit the gym for a full body workout, my first weightlifting in a couple of weeks. Now I just have to get back in the pool again--it has been awhile unfortunately...

Catching Up

Once again I have been awful recently in terms of updating this blog, so I decided to just do a laundry list of new/possibly noteworthy developments over the last few weeks:

• After the bike computer problems I had during my last race, I decided to finally get a new one. I went with an entry-level wireless computer, and although it is really bare bones in terms of features (it basically only tracks speed and distance), I am already loving not having additional wires running over my bike.


• My training continues to be fairly consistent, including a weekly swim in which I continuosly do 100 yard repeats on the 2:15 (which is a great way to knock out 1,500-2,000 yards fairly quickly).

• I just took my bike to have the wheels trued for the first time. I am not sure what I did, but my back wheel in particular was wobbling all over the place, to the point where it was rubbing against my back brake. Not good.


• I just retired my three cycling jerseys, all of which I have had FOREVER. They were really starting to reek pretty bad, even after they just came out of the wash. Now I need to buy some new ones, one of which will likely be a Team RadioShack jersey (no, we are not going to start a "did he or didn't he" discussion), and will have to figure out a couple of others as well.


• I am still trying to figure out a race to replace the Olympic I was originally supposed to do at the end of June--given my fitness level and last couple of race results, I am really interested in how fast I can go.

That is it for now--I would love to say that I will start doing a better job of keeping this updated, but we all certainly now better than that...