One week out (Chicago Tri Pics)

Here's some pics from the 2011 Chicago Triathlon. I'm starting to get excited for my race next weekend. It looked tough today in Chicago. The water was pretty choppy, and the wind was kick'n from the north, beating down all the athletes on the bike leg. The temperature was perfect though. Nice and cool.

I did my final peak week training workout yesterday and feel strong and ready to go. It is going to be kinda weird to take a couple of days off for the taper. I have to make sure to cut back my calories along with my training so I don't put on a bunch of lbs before race day.

Peak Week

  Almost through the week and feeling pretty good. I did my first mile swim in open water yesterday and did OK. I was starting to get really tired at the end and my form started to get sloppy, but I focused in and finished strong. It is nice feeling to know that I can get the full distance, now I just have to get a bit faster.
  There are still some decent workouts left this week and I have to keep pushing. I am just happy that I'm not feeling completely wiped out. That has to be a good sign.

3 Weeks Out

  It's been a little while since I updated the blog, but I got a little tired of writing out all the workouts and just did them instead. The training has been going really good. I am feeling confident with everything except the swim.
I have been getting two swims a week in the lake, but still have not done a full mile in open water. I only swam that distance once in a pool with some breaks, so the full distance in open water is just out of my reach at the moment. I still have a bit of time.
  Next week is scheduled as my peak week which means lots of miles. I am both looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. I know that I can get all the workouts in but I will be wiped. Just have to take it day by day.
  One interesting note to my training program is my food intake. I feel like all that I do is eat and I am hungry again in 20 minutes. You have to fuel the fun!

This weekend is the half marathon for my run group. I am going to pace the group to the finish line. This is a huge achievement for these runners all going from 3-4 miles a few months ago to 13.1 on Sunday. It just goes to show that you that you can do anything you set your mind to with a good plan and lots of hard work.

This weekend is the half marathon for my run club. I am excited to pace my group to the finish line. This is a huge achievement for these runners. I am proud to have coached them from 2-3 miles just a few months ago to 13.1 on Sunday. Just goes to show that you can do anything you set your mind to with a good plan and lots of hard work.