Here We Go Again!

Okay....it's been a long time since my last post. I got lazy...very lazy. After racing at the Ironman World Championships last year, after many years of striving to get there, my motivation to train had dwindled. I decided that this year I wouldn't do anything longer than the half ironman distance (70.3)...mainly I was focusing on Timberman 70.3 in August. However, when Providence 70.3 added Kona Qualifying spots at some point in April, I quickly pulled the trigger and registered. Although I was not close to being at top form for the race, which was held on July 12th, I finished 5th in the tough 35-39 AG and (w/some luck) got a spot to the big dance again. You can read my race report here. Although I had no intention of training for an ironman this year, I really, really wanted to go to Kona again. So, I wasn't about to pass up the chance....since there's no guarantee that I'll qualify again. So, now I have to start squeezing in my 100 mile rides and 15-20 mile runs....fun! Like last year, I plan to periodically post about training related thoughts...and then give the blow by blow on race week.

Right now, I'm feeling very much undertrained. I'm in okay shape...but work has been busy and is definitely taking a toll on my training. Here's the thing...I don't want to just go back to Kona...I want to have a better race. Notice, I'm not putting any "time" goals....since the conditions there can be brutal. Who knows? Maybe the heat and super strong winds we faced there last year were normal...and that this year they'll be difficult (I hope the heck not!). Regardless...I have a lot of work to do. My first long ride following Providence was a couple of weeks ago, and it was tough. It was only a week after racing 70.3 and my legs weren't there. My second long ride was last week w/Tim Tapply, who's training for IM Canada. That ride went much better. Right now, the bike is not what worries me.....it's the run. I need to start getting my long runs in. Stay tuned!!!!