One month to go...

Over the Memorial Day weekend I have been able to complete a good series of workouts in anticipation of the CDA Ironman on June 27. The weather conditions here in El Paso have gotten more challenging with the heat, but that is the price for the mild winters we have here. On Saturday, I rode out to Las Cruces on the I10 "rollers" and back to the Anthony Gap which has an elvation of 4400 feeet and then over the Transmountain pass which is 5200 feet. That last bit was tough as by then the temp was over 100 and there was a headwind going up the mountain. The total distance covered was 85 miles, and it took me 5:40 including several stops to buy Poweraide along the way (2 stops). Sunday, was a long run day and I went out from the house to Artcraft, to McNutt, and back on Sundland Park for a 20 mile run in the heat. Total time was 4:34. Had to really push the fluids with several stops in convenience stores along the way. There are a few hills on this course but it gave me a feel for how tiring it can be even to maintain a 12 minute mile pace. On Monday, Memorial Day, I swam at the Country Club for 1.2 miles (46 min) then got out of the pool, had a sip of water, and back again for an additional 1.2 miles. The total time was 1:35. Not too bad, I feel it was good to do once at least being that is the longest distance I have ever swam at one time.
Overall, with 4 weeks to go feeling pretty good about the training I have been able to put in. Next Sunday is the last race simulation and then I will taper with 2 weeks to go...

Ironman race simulation, six weeks to go...

As prescribed by the Endurance Nation coaches (more at http://www.endurancenation.eu/ ), I scheduled my Ironman race simulation for Sunday, May 9th. I set up the gear in the car and planned to set up a transition in the car the pool. My first hiccup of the day happened before I started when I found out I had a flat tire. Worse yet, it was in my car. It took me 45 min to change the tire since I had never changed the tire in this car and had to read the instructions to figure out where everything was.
When I finally got out to the pool, was able to swim for 30 min, estimate 1500 yards. Got on the bike and went 30 miles easy (15mph) with focus on hydration and nutrition. Went 25 miles out and back, stopping in La Mesa for more food and drink. On the way back, picked up the pace but by then the headwinds were starting up. After 50 miles, got more food and drink from the car and started the 2nd loop. Again, more wind, heat, and crazy motorcycle riders on Hwy 28. Stopped again in La Mesa and headed back to complete 100 miles total. At mile 94 had the obligatory flat on the bike and was able to change it pretty quickly.
At the car, transitioned into the run and went 6 difficult miles with the afternoon heat and dehydration slowed me down to 12 minute miles. Total time was 8'30" including transitions which made for a very long day. I got a nice sunburn to show for it as I forgot the sunblock.

Trip to Tour of Gila and Elephant Butte Lake

Had a good 5th week of training last week. On Sat. rode 50 miles in the course that I plan to use for the race simulation next Sunday. More about that next week. On Sunday, May 2 we headed to Silver City, NM to watch the final stage of the Tour of Gila. Arrived in time to see the Pro men and Pro women take off for their rides of the 5th stage, the Gila Monster. Went up to Pinos Altos to the finish line and we rode down the mountain for about 3 miles and back up twice. The second time Blanca joined me and we were met by the Cat 3 men zooming down the mountain on their way to the finish. Once we arrived to the finish we waited for the pro men and got to see Levi Leipheimer (the winner of the tour) and Lance Armstrong arrive. Got some cool pictures of Lance and tried to get an autograph but he was eager to leave after signing a few autographs. It was really cool to be in that enviroment and see these great athletes up close and personal.

After the race we drove to Elephant Butte Lake for a little cold open water swim training. We arrived and at the entrance they posted the water temperature. It was 52 degrees!! We had come a long way to turn around so I put on my wet suit, neoprene cap, ear plugs and swim goggles. I experienced all the familiar feelings as I jumped in the water for a 14 min. swim. The air was knocked out of my lungs, my feet, hands, and face were freezing and after 2 minutes I felt like I was getting used to it. I just hope the water is warmer in Coeur d'Alene.

(it should be).

This AM, I went to the Y for a swim and I was told that the pool was really "cold" because they had some problems with the furnace. I then asked what the water temperature was. They told me it was 80 degrees! No problem, I swam 2500 yards.