The 10 Day Forecast on weather.com officially includes race day now, although I've been watching it on Accuweather's 15 day forecast for a while. The conditions are going to be great- it will start out in the low 50s and reach highs in the low 70's, or something like that. Sounds delightful! Especially because it's been very cold and rainy here the last couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to some sunshine.
The race is actually just 9 days away and I'm so excited. I've got a few minor things to take care of this weekend and I'll be dropping my bike off for transport tomorrow. Then I'm going to start packing my stuff based on a collection of established and solid lists. We leave Thursday afternoon.
I'm really loving this taper period and I'm feeling really relaxed. I'm enjoying having time to hang out with Zach and watch hockey and sit in the hot tub and visit with friends. I'm keeping my diet pretty healthy, mostly avoiding alcohol, and getting tons of sleep. All systems go!
Along with looking forward to the big day I wanted to take a look back too. I put together a little training summary to recap all that went into my Ironman preparation. I am going to keep it pretty brief and then later I'll do a longer reflection on the training and what I really thought of it and whether I'd do something like this again. So here are a few facts and figures on my Ironman training journey. The totals are up through the end of last week, so the final two weeks (taper) aren't included.
I signed up for Ironman Arizona on November 24th 2008.
I officially began training May 11th. That was 28 weeks, or about 6 1/2 months, before IMAZ 09.
My training volume over 26 weeks (6 months) averaged 12 hours per week.
My training volume in the 10 week peak period averaged 14.5 hours per week.
My highest volume week was 18.5 hours in week 25.
My longest bike ride was 107 miles (Harvest Century Ride). I did 9 rides over 60 miles.
My longest run was 20 miles. I did 7 runs of 14 miles or longer.
My longest swim was 4200 yards. I did 7 swims of 3000 yards or longer.
I participated in 4 triathlons during my training: Blue Lake Sprint, Hagg Lake Olympic, Lake Stevens 70.3, and the Aluminum Man Olympic.
Besides the triathlons, I did 9 Open Water Swims.
I ran one running race, the Timberline Trail Half Marathon, where I won my age group!
That's it for my quickie update. I'll be back to recap this second taper week and then again next week to post my goals (spoiler alert: FINISH) and final thoughts and stuff. I'll also post the tracking info and all that. My race number was posted a few days ago and it is #2252. Yay! This is really happening!!!!
Thanks for reading. :) Have a great weekend!
18 comments:
I'd say, by the looks of all that work you put in, you are more than ready to go kick some A$$! ;)
Wow - you really have come quite a long way from the day you decided "i'm going to do this thing" up until this point.
As much as some people rely upon the race itself to justify all of the hard-work and sacrifice, you have every reason in the world to be d*mn proud of everything that you've accomplished.
It sounds like the taper is going amazingly, and I hope you're able to ride this physical/mental high into and through race-day. I'll be rooting for ya and following along on race-day. Have fun out there!
You are ready girl! Stay confident and strong.
So glad to hear the weather is looking good for your race! Great idea to do a recap on what you've done to prepare. I should do the same too. I don't think I actually did much more than you, though, even for 2 irons.
oh man! I have butterflies! Eeek! How exciting! Your hard work is going to pay off. You are SO READY for this!
I needed a little nap after reading your recap! You are going to ROCK IMAZ! Do you know if there's a way to cyber stalk you during the IM?
Long-time reader here, just wishing you the best of luck. Have a FANTASTIC time! I've loved reading your updates, and I really admire your determination.
Goodluck! You've done the training and are ready!!!!
Jen, you're good to go!
The weather sounds perfect - and a lovely interlude from rainy and cold. Don't forget to practise fast tyre changes during your taper. Enjoy the next 7 days :)
Jen, wow! Great work keeping to your goals. We'll be watching from here & cheering you on. I'm sure we'll see some pics posted by your coach as you go through the day. I'm excited too.
Great recap. I've really enjoyed following you through your trianing. Your a constant pillar of strenght (even when you feel pissy and tired). Don't underestimate yourself. Your an incredibly strong athlete and person. I will aboslutly be tracking you... probably with tears of joy and inspiration!
It's been amazing to follow your progress as you hit mileage and speed goals on the bike and in the pool.
I am sooooooo looking forward to stalking you online!!!!! You know I really wish I could be there but I'll be with you online =). I plan to text and stalk Zach and Maritza too so I get updates.
Enjoy the last few days, you're going to ROCK IMAZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so glad the weather is looking good for the race. Good thing it wasn't today - the wind was blowing about 40 mph all morning.
i cant believe its almost here!!! ahhh you have done SO much awesome training girl... you are going to do great! i am so excited for you :)
Cool! I love your recap - what great work you have done!!!
So excited for you!!!!
Looks like some nice, uncomplicated and comfortable weather for race day! Me likey!
Great recap list! I remember very clearly the day you called and told me you signed up and it felt so long ago and.....here we are!!! Whooooo! Kick ass, sea bass!
P.S. loved the 'spoiler alert'...I laughed out loud.
These numbers confirm your preparedness. The only thing left to do is aim and fire. I cannot wait to track you all day Sunday. You're going to kill it!
Post a Comment