Tag Archives: half ironman

The Week Of Ironman 70.3 Racine

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So the time has arrived and I’m staring down Ironman 70.3 Racine this weekend.  That’s 1.2 miles swimming, 56 miles biking, and 13.1 miles running.  Pure awesome.  Add all those miles up and you’ll get 70.3 miles.  This is merely half of an Ironman race like you might have seen on ESPN but there is nothing “half” about it in my world.

Ironman-70_3-Racine

Am I nervous?  Not really nervous yet but I certainly would have liked to have more training time in the books.  Most who tackle an event of this magnitude use a training plan (check out Triathlon Geek or Beginner Triathlete).  Possibly you’ve heard the phrase “fail to plan, plan to fail” but that’s not my reality.  A training plan for the 70.3 distance just gives me a ton of workouts that I’m unable to fit into my real life as mom, wife, employee & suburban commuter.  So I do what I can do, use the TTF “finish it” plan and that results in 1 swim, 1 bike and 3-4 runs each week (more running because I can do that at home on the treadmill while watching the kiddos!).  Yep, that’s it.  How will that play out this weekend?  We could probably call what we are about to witness a “sufferfest”.  It’s gonna hurt.

The good news is that I’m well aware that the race will be difficult.  I’ve done the distance previously with the same training schedule.  However, I was younger then, weighed less and had an extra month of “training” under my belt.  So how will that play out this weekend?  Sufferfest.

My plan is to focus on each discipline and not get ahead of myself.  Relax on the swim.  Not be upset that I’m a slower swimmer and acknowledge that most of my age group will most likely be out of the water and onto the bike well before me.  I’m a proficient swimmer; I’m just not fast.  Whatever.  The goal is to get out of the water and onto dry land.  Last time I did a 70.3, I swam the 1.2 mile distance in 44:23.  Anything under 45 minutes would make me a happy, happy camper.  Actually, just dragging my ass out of the water will make me a happy, happy camper.

The bike is long, 56 miles in this event.  That’s a long ass way on a bike.  My butt hurts just thinking about it.  My issue with the bike is that I like to ride fast.  As fast as I can go.  Well, that’s only fun for the first 20-30 miles, then I want to cry.  So I am going to try to keep things in control so that the last 20-30 miles don’t feel like dog crap make me cry.  Think I can make it thru this entire event without a tear?  No?  I gambling on a yes because it’s going to be so flippin’ hot that I’ll be dehydrated.   Smile  I’ll let you know on that one.  Anyhow, last time, I biked the 56 miles in 3 hours 22 minutes for a 16.58 mph average.  I’m hoping for a 17 mph average this time so that puts me around 3:15 and if I’m honest I’m dreaming of being closer to 3 hours but I know that’s just a dream and not my current fitness level.

The run is a half marathon.  How many half marathons have I ran?  Close to 20 since I started pushing the distance card circa 2007.  So I think I can run one more, even if it is hot.  Even after I’ve swam 1.2 miles and biked 56 miles.  I can do it.  The good thing about the “run” is that you’re on solid ground it is what you make of it.  You can acknowledge that it will be a sufferfest and just keep moving or you can obsess about how bad it sucks and take yourself out of the game.  Choices.  Remember, you always have a choice, even if you don’t like the options.  I choose to run.  I choose to move my butt closer to the finish line at whatever pace I can manage.  I have no illusions of speediness but I do know that I can usually run faster than I can walk.  So I’m going to try to focus on running and if I need to walk I’m going to do so for a short time and then get going again.  My run may look like a shuffle but I plan to keep on shuffling right to the finish line.  Last time, I ran the half in 2:20.  That’s a 10:43 pace.  I’m hoping to be under 2:10 this time, which is just under a 10 minute mile.

So for comparison, here is how I hope predict the race to stack up against my previous attempt in 2008.  I know it’s been 5 years but I’m older and wiser right?  Plus I’d like to think that Mr. Michael has made me tougher in more ways than you can even imagine.

Great Illini 70.3 – 2008

Goal for IM 70.3 Racine 2013
Swim – 44:23 Swim – 45:00
T1 – 2:37 (small transition) T1 – 5:00
Bike – 3:22:40 Bike – 3:15:00
T2 – 3:56 T2 – 5:00
Run – 2:20:23 Run – 2:10:00
Final – 6:33:51 Final – 6:20:00

There it is in black and white.  I’m looking to go under 6 hours and 30 minutes this time.  Will it happen?  Only time will tell.  Will I be disappointed if it doesn’t happen?  Hell, no.  I’m in to finish it and it will be a HUGE accomplishment for me to put this in the done column.  I’m looking forward to the race.  I’m looking forward to pushing my limits.  I’m looking forward to the sufferfest.  Let’s do this!!  Whoooooooop!

you can get thru this    stronger than you think

** Stronger Than I Think ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

88 Laps….

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For me, swimming is a task like no other.  When I run or bike, I have a constant stream of thoughts and am actually able to work things out in my head.  When I swim, I focus on not drowning, breathing, stretching my stroke and counting my laps.  I have random thoughts that come and go but mostly, I just focus on not drowning and counting.  No joke.

88 laps in a 25 yard pool is equivalent to the 1.2 miles I need to swim in the two half iron events in which I will be participating this year.  I swam the full 88 laps yesterday for the first time.    I am only 55 days away from the July 7th Ironman 70.3 Muncie.

A few of my random thoughts….

  • 44 minutes, the amount of time it took me to swim 1.2 miles in my last half iron event.
  • 56 minutes, the amount of time it took to swim the 88 laps yesterday.
  • 4, the minutes I hope to eliminate from my swim with it being in open water and not having to turn around every 25 yards.
  • 5, the minutes I hope to eliminate from my swim by using my wetsuit that will hold my momma hips up in the proper position.
  • 10, the number of mini prayers I sent up asking for water temps on July 7th & September 1st to be cool enough to be USAT wetsuit legal.
  • 78, the max water temp for an event to be wetsuit legal.
  • 3, the lap I was swimming when I started thinking about Kelly’s post on her first swim lesson.
  • 4, the lap I was swimming when I thought about contacting Maggie’s cousin, Coach Judie, or MJ at TriSmart , or anybody somebody to tell me if my swimming is even remotely adequate.
  • 50, the number of times I tried to “hear”  my stroke like Kelly discussed in her post on the first swim lesson.
  • 0, the number of flip turns I performed.
  • 6, the number of times I stopped to readjust my goggles.
  • 4, the number of times I breathe in 25 yards.
  • 7, the number of years that I have owned the TRI tank I was wearing that I will never again wear.  Can you say skintight and see thru?  UGH!

2XU Tri top

  • 35, the lap I was swimming where it finally all came together and I relaxed.
  • 36, the lap I was swimming when I started to wonder if the turnover rate of my arms during the swim is also called cadence like the rate of turnover of foot fall/pedal stroke while running/biking.  Answer:  YES, look HERE.
  • 3, the number of sets I did to equal 88 laps.  Set 1 = 48 laps, Set 2 = 30 laps, Set 3 = 10 laps.  Don’t ask why, it’s random, just like my thoughts.
  • 25, the lap in the 2nd set where I was wondering if CrazyBoyDon actually counts laps or if he somehow adapts 99 bottles of Beer on the Wall to keep track…..  88 laps to swim in the pool, swim one down, flip it around….yeah that doesn’t work. 
  • 1, the lap in the last set where I realized that I don’t know how to kick.  I have spent so much time “not kicking” to save my legs, that the kick just seems foreign to me now.
  • 12 the number of times Michael asked me if I had been swimming with Santa when I got home.

Santa Swim

Michael is obsessed with Santa and wants to go swimming with him so badly.  He is always flailing around the bathtub pretending to swim with Santa.  If you know of any swimming Santa’s, please let me know.  PLEASE! 

What do you think about when you swim?  Will you be thinking of swimming Santa’s the next time you go to make some laps?  Maybe you should! 

Santa Swimming_scuba

Happy Swimming **  Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Scheduling Conflicts…..

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I start planning my race schedule a year or so in advance.  I know this “may” seem OCD to some but there are a handful of races which I run each year, mostly because I like the course, or the race director (example:  Palos Half Marathon that Mel from Running For Kicks organizes in May), or it’s a charity event, or it’s close to my mom’s house and gives me an “extra” reason to go for a visit.  Whatever the reason, I certainly have my favorites and I will choose a small event over a big expensive event each and every time. Therefore, I have never delved into real Ironman territory.  I participated in an awesome 70.3 event, the Great Illini Challenge, in 2008 while I was trying for Mr. Michael but it was a generic version of the half “Ironman” distance and a fraction of the cost.  I normally stay away from big name events where you pay for an after party, band, and/or the brand name, etc. with your entry fee.  It’s just not my thing because I participate for the running/TRIing, not the party.  However, as this year’s schedule plays out, I have paid for both an entry into a Rock N Roll event and now I am registered for the Ironman 70.3 Muncie.

In my defense, I got a super deal on the RnR Chicago event when I registered for it last November with a coupon code and as an early bird.  As for the Ironman event, hey, that’s where my friends are going and I want to be there with them, and the timing/location is right.  Plus, my one friend is a kickass great biker, which is my weakest link, so I will just focusing on “trying” to catch her or if by chance I get out of the water first I will be pedaling my ass off fast trying to stay away from her!  I know that she will still crush me on the bike but a little added incentive is worth the price tag.  🙂

Unfortunately, I had to nix a really GREAT race on my schedule to take part in the IM 70.3 Muncie.  I gave up the Evergreen International TRI in Hudson, IL due to scheduling conflicts with family, run & other TRI events.  This event is on July 14, 2012.

If you are available on July 14th, I highly recommend this race!  It is in a great location, great course, plus they offer both a sprint and an international distance so good for everyone in your party.  This is definitely one of my favorites and the course is fast, I will miss it on my 2012 calendar but please partake, take photos and send them to me and I will  post them while congratulating you on your achievements!  Go, register for Evergreen HERE.  As an added bonus, the race director a super cool lady who puts on a series of events under the TRI Mom/TRI Shark name.  In the last event I raced for TRI Mom, I was handed a sack lunch as I was leaving for my drive home.  Thanks, Mom!  I was starved and much appreciated that sack lunch.  Some times it’s the little things, you know?

So how is your racing season shaping up?  Is it coming together smoothly or are you coming across a few speed bumps like me?  I honestly can’t fit in one international/olympic distance TRI this year and will just be focusing on the two 70.3 distance events.  Not ideal and I’m sure my transitions will be slow due to lack of practice but attitude and an over abundance of confidence will make up for transition issues because I plan to totally crush both 70.3s this year.  I only have one time in which to compare and that is the pre-Michael race but the time still stands and counts in my books.  The 2008 Great Illini Challenge brought me a 6:33 finish and I am hoping by drafting off Renee the Muncie race will get me under the 6:30 mark so I can go on to really get after it at the 2012 Great Illini Challenge 70.3 on Labor Day weekend.  BELIEVE!

If you would like to join me at the 2012 Great Illini Challenge 70.3, they offer both an Olympic and 70.3 Distance, so feel free to come and have fun at whatever distance you are ready to tackle!  This course is really user/spectator friendly too as it has 2 loops to each part.  You will be close to your car transition several times during the race in the event that you “need” anything.  I hope to see you out there!

**Disclaimer** – Drafting in a triathalon will get you disqualified.  Don’t do it.  And if you do, don’t tell them that TTF said it was ok cuz it’s not! 

Sidenote:  Let me just say how excited I am for all of you over the PunkeeLove Headband Giveaway!!  I wish I had a headband to send each and every one of you and I will be on  pins and needles doing the drawing on Monday.  Good luck everyone!  Don’t forget to use the one time only code for 20% off:  tootall20   to order the bands that you want on discount.  I’m certainly taking advantage of the code and placing an order today since I don’t need to wait for the drawing!

Happy Running & TRIing,                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz