Sunday, March 23, 2014

Ironman Training, Take 2

If you had told me a year ago that I would be doing two Ironmans (Ironmen) in a year’s time, I would have told you to STFU in the kindest way possible.

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Yet, here I am – one Ironman under my belt (November 2013) and one coming up in 20 weeks (Ironman Boulder August 3rd). After the LA marathon, I gave myself 5 seconds to breathe and then jumped back into training. I am not sure I recommend this strategy, but I am usually my happiest when I am overloading myself and totally stressing myself out. Well, not really, but that’s just how the timing turned out on these races.

What does jumping back in look like? Let me show you in a sweet, little pie chart (am I the only one who gets hungry every time someone talks about pie charts? I know it’s a chart and not a baked good, but it makes me think of coconut cream pie, which is my personal favorite pie flavor).

Here is my coconut cream pie chart for the week:

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The breakdown:

Swim: 5,000 yards or ~ 2.9 miles
Bike: 53.10 miles
Run: 16.45 miles

Total Miles: ~80
Total Workouts: 9
Total Workout Time: 8 hours, 10 minutes

I think it is always very humbling to start training for something again. At the peak of my IM training last summer/fall, I was doing 18 hours per week. Now 8 hours is kicking my ass. It is a process, I know.

As I pointed out on Twitter this morning, I violated my comfort zone in more ways than one this morning (sounds dirty). I went to Boulder to swim. Not just swim, but swim with a master’s group. Not just swim with a master’s group, but swim outside. Not just swim with a master’s group outside , but in 24 degree weather. Not just swim with a master’s group outside in 24 degree weather, but at 6:44 a.m.

This was uncomfortable for me, but I did it. I am not sure the others in my lane liked me very much because I had no clue what I was doing. I am an okay swimmer, but I don’t really get all the terminology like “do eight 150s on 2:45 descending…” huh? But I just asked questions and did what I was told. Then I asked if they wanted to play Marco Polo and no one did.

So, I am back to chugging my X2 Performance every morning, logging my hours, eating billions of calories and sleeping like a baby.

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What are you training for right now? IM Boulder is my big race, but hoping to do a 70.3 in June (Steamboat Springs probably) and a couple of other races as part of my training.

Favorite kind of pie? Coconut cream, followed by pumpkin.

SUAR

73 comments:

  1. Ok, so I ran a half this morning, and during the national anthem, some people were talking. A guy told them to STFU. A fight broke out. I'm not sure what happened after that because ironically, the gun went off and we started to run. Kind of creepy tho...

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    1. Glad to hear that the guy said STFU. Regardless of what happened afterwards, I'll bet the unpatriotic jerks won't do it again...:)
      Beth,
      I am sorry you are not doing Cd'A, would have been fun to cheer you on, but have fun training for Boulder. Yes, it is supposed to be fun!. Though on race day, "It doesn't have to be fun to be fun"...:)
      Janine Fraser

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    2. Well, there is always next year! Would love to do that race someday and meet you!

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  2. Training for IMWI now. So far so good. Will do a 70.3 in July here in Minneapolis. I don't go to a master's group but many friends do. I attend a lap swim challenge though. I had to learn all the lingo too!

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  3. You could come out here and do 70.3 Eagleman! =)
    Excited to follow your training!! I am hoping to piggyback the training for LA Marathon with a short-6 week plan and run the Long Island Marathon in May!

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  4. My training seems pretty wimpy compared to an IM but I am training for my first half. I did a 10 miler on Friday.
    Honestly, I have no desire to run a marathon or anything that begins with Iron. I'm not too keen on running a half either but peer pressure can be a very dangerous thing. 1 month to go!

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  5. Fave kind of pie is pumpkin :P

    I'm training for my first duathlon in 2 weeks, and then I'm striving to PR in the 10K

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  6. You.freaking.rock.

    Swimming outside in 24 degree weather = badass. Looking forward to following your journey :)

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  7. You may have run into my buddy Melissa at the swim. She has talked about early morning swims in an outdoor pool. There is no heating system that could keep a pool liquid outside in the winter here.

    I am training for a June 1 marathon, or so I tell people. My favourite kind of pie is yes please, I'll have a slice.

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  8. I'm training for a 50 mile race in May. Nowhere near as intense as what you are doing - I don't know how you do it but I love following along on your journey!!

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  9. Favorite pie is key lime pie followed by any kind of fruit pie! I really just love pie. ANY pie! :)

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  10. It was good to see you out there this morning. But from your blog post I'm not sure, did you enjoy it? I believe that my race schedule aligns a lot with yours. And my favorite pie is probably tart cherry. Or possibly Key lime.

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    1. Enjoy it? Kind of. Just need to get used to the whole thing, I think.

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  11. I would do anything to swim in an outdoor pool right now. That actually looks amazing! Way to brave the cold and go for it. I am currently training for IM Boise 70.3 which is in June. Hey, maybe you should consider a trip to Idaho if you are looking for a 70.3 :) Just sayin'

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  12. Mmm, pie. Favorites are pumpkin, Dutch apple and key lime. I start my 2nd marathon training in about a week.

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  13. In 20 weeks, I'll be giving birth to my third kiddo in 5 years, which is kinda like doing an Ironman, which kinda makes us twinsies, right? I like key lime pie a lot.

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  14. I was a competitive swimmer for about 10 years so I totally understand your pain about morning practice in freezing weather. I still don't understand how I was able to go to 5am practices then go to school, then go to afternoon practice!

    I'm not training for any races yet but I am working on gradually increasing my mileage w/ running to hopefully run my first 1/2 marathon, probably Nike's Women (as a former swimmer, I don't do too well on land sports, haha)

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  15. This is very interesting. Really good at all. Thank you.

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  16. I looked at those miles and thought that was your weekend's training....

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    Replies
    1. Oh geez, can't a girl catch a break? Yes, pretty low...but won't stay that way.

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  18. Missed last Sunday's Half due to a sprained ankle the week before - .75 miles from the end of a 17 mile run (really depressing). Got a MTB/Run Duathlon this Sunday (ankle should be ok by then). Then into training for my second ever Oly Tri the middle of May.

    Spring is always my busy time.

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  19. Wow, 24 degrees, an outdoor pool at 6:45 am?! Hard core.
    I'm currently training for 2 trail races: a 18k in 2 weeks and a 25 k in June. I have only raced a 5k so far (eek!). I missed a 10k this month due to too many sick kids at home.
    And I hate pie. All pie.

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  20. I'm currently training for Boston & IM 70.3 Luxembourg in June (heading to Europe, woohoo!). Fave pie? Geez. So hard to pick. I'd say it's a toss up between coconut cream, key lime & pecan. Followed by pumpkin.

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  21. Were you at Colorado Athletic Club?? Love seeing all the Boulder County places on your blog!!

    I'm just training for a 10 miler in the beginning of May. I think I want to do a half marathon at the end of that month too.

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    1. I was at Rally Sport...haven't swam at the CAC yet.

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  22. I always think it's funny (and frustrating) how the beginning stages of training seem to take forever, because you know that not that long ago you could do so much more! Great job on jumping back into the saddle...and pool! 8 hours is nothing to sneeze at!

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  23. My favorite pie is key lime....I make it more than I care to admit during the summer months!

    This marks week one of half marathon training for a June 14 half, followed by full marathon training for an early October marathon. I swore last October I would never do another one, but somehow I seem to be registered again! Funny how that happens...

    Best of luck w/ IM training!!

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  24. I am training for my 8th marathon - Bluenose Marathon here in Halifax,NS in May. The brutality of winter will continue for 1 more week here - expecting 12 inches of snow this Wednesday ..... this winter has made training so far "interesting". Chocolate pie for me with close seconds (and maybe third helpings!) of coconut cream and blueberry.

    Rick Boudreau

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  25. Holy smokes your training schedule makes me tired just reading it! I'm doing some shorter races right now trying to find my speed after being injured - no big races till fall. Fave pie? Sweet Potato with key lime a close second!

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  26. Training for my first sprint tri June 7. Signed up for a duathlon on May 3 to get something on the calendar before then. May do another duathlon also but holding off as not sure I'll be ready. All depends if the weather warms up and I'm able to get outside as it is a very hilly course.
    I have three favorite pies - rhubarb, cherry and raspberry. No canned filling either! Blech. Has to be fresh.

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  27. Pies: Apple, pumpkin, and chocolate cream. Not gonna say no to any kind though...

    Keep up the amazing work and continue to inspire everyone!!!

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  28. I'm taking an easy year after marathon training last year and enjoying a half marathon every other month. I love watching your training--keep it up, it inspires all of us!!! My favorite pie has got to be blueberry with a ton of whip cream! :)

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  29. Training for a 10K right now. I have done 2 half marathons as my furthest distance and not sure I can get on board with all the long distance stuff. I have run most of my life, but when I was younger, it was all about the 5K. Running has evolved so much, which is awesome, but back then you didn't see all the long races that you do now. I have thought about a tri, but it would most likely be a sprint or olympic distance and nothing longer.

    As far as pie is concerned, anything with chocolate is good with me!

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  30. I know what you mean about the training and always wanting to be doing some type of training toward a specific race. I think it's what really keeps me on track with taking care of myself.

    What are you training for right now? I'm training for the Brooklyn Half on May 17th then starting in September I'll start training for Rock 'N Roll New Orleans Half (or maybe the full - I'm not sure yet)

    Favorite kind of pie? My mother-in-law works in a bakery and she makes peach/blueberry with crumb topping. It's amazing!

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  31. "Training" for the Wings for Life World Run (Denver - hoping to get a half - my first - out of it) and the MS 150 bike ride. Detroit half in October. Favorite pie? All of them. Apple if I absolutely had to pick only one. And foresake all others.

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  32. My big race will be IM 70.3 Miami in October. New to this tri world. I'm swimming A LOT since it's my weakest point. Still not comfortable in the aero position...
    My favourite pie? Apple.

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  33. Mmmm pie! Training for a half marathon and some relays. I need to spool back my work schedule so I can run more. I'd love to swim! Good luck!

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  34. Training for a half marathon in May. Hoping to PR, but I'm having a little foot trouble, so maybe just finishing will be a better goal. And I love a good pumpkin pie!

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  35. Did someone say "Pie"? Peanut Butter Pie would be most fave, followed by Key Lime. Delish. My training? Just running (no swimmie, no bikie for me). Trying to get to the point where I could do a half "anytime." I am looking at a few this year, and then a Facebook group I am on is really making me consider a full...not sure I am ready. I think I am ready sometimes - then I do a half, and go, nope...not yet. So, we'll see. I would like to do a full before I turn 50, so I have about 4 years to really get ready. haha

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  36. I am so sad there isn't a good master's group near me. They're either an hour away or a convenient location but at 5:30 p.m. Seriously, some days I don't leave my desk til 7 p.m., and I'm supposed to be in the pool by 5:30???

    Right now I'm training for my second Olympic and hopefully my first 70.3... but I'm not signing up until I get some significant time in on the bike this summer.

    Funny pie story: When I was younger and worked at a grocery store, a stockboy and I decided to split a French silk pie and eat the whole thing together for our lunch. It was awesome but we were both so sick by the end.

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  37. Good for you! I'm training for a half marathon in June... My first one actually. Good luck to you!

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  38. I'm training for a 5k on May 3, but ultimately my first full in November. I have walked many 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons, but I turn 39 in August, and I have decided I want to transition from mostlywalk/run to run/run. I am in week 5 of couch to 5k and cannot believe a) how "long" I can already run and b) how "fast" I can already run. Comparatively. To myself.

    And my favorite pie is peanut butter meringue. Oh, and I was so hoping you'd choose IM Louisville so I could drive two hours and be your biggest fan girl :)

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  39. Kentucky bourbon chocolate walnut pie

    Makes 1 Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Walnut Pie
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes

    Ingredients:
    •1/2 cup flour
    •1 cup sugar
    •2 eggs, beaten
    •1/2 cup melted butter
    •2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
    •1 cup chopped walnuts
    •1 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    •pinch of salt
    •1 ready-made piecrust

    Preparation:

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

    Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the eggs and butter; mix to combine. Stir in the bourbon, walnuts, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture into the unbaked piecrust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

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  40. I'm currently training for my 1st marathon...Marine Corps Marathon...October 26!!!
    Key Lime Pie...something sweet and sour!

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  41. How exciting you got into Boulder, I will be there cheering you on =) And happily recovering from Canada! I too am hoping to do Steamboat, seems like a great race.

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  42. You rock! I did 9 marathons in 5 years and am battling injuries (Achilles, knee) so I'm taking a break for a few months. I would LOVE to do an Ironman but I don't like swimming. I'm amazed that you do all this training and still take care of house, kids and hubby!

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    1. Definitely helps that the kids are older nad Sam is now driving...but still it is a juggling act.

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  43. Ok, I'll bite: what does 2:45 descending mean? I get the 150 part - I think! This is why I stay away from swimming groups.... I never know what they're talking about. ;-)

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    1. I think it means swim 150 yards eight times. Each 150 should be less than two minutes and 45 seconds. Anything left over is rest until the next one begins. The descend part means that each one gets faster. Any swimmers out there - is this right?

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    2. Yes. It's all about pacing your self. Start too fast and you are &$#!ed.

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    4. Yes, you start every 2:45, whether you got 1 sec rest or 30 sec rest. Yes, descend means each 150 gets faster. Though a set of 8 is hard to do that with. Usually it would be descend 1-4 and start over 5-8. Weird, my lane did 10 150's, alternating fast and easy.

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  44. Can't believe no one took you up on Marco Polo. It's the least they could have done for you in 24 degrees at 6 am! ;-)
    I am currently just drinking wine and icing my leg (darn soleus muscle is out to get me.) Does that count as training?

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  45. I'm trying to BQ at the Kentucky Derby Marathon in April. I'm 45 and I read your blog for inspiration.

    I LOVE pie. Hard to pick a favorite but chocolate silk, key lime, and cherry are top picks.

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  46. When you say pie....I think Strawberry Rhubarb. Hummmm I have strawberries, rhubarb and pie crust in the freezer...

    .yes descending means you're are supposed to be doing negative splits. I sucked doing these but was a sprinter in my swim racing days, it wasn't till later I. Life that I developed the ability to swim miles in the ocean

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  47. Can't wait to follow along with your training again, I enjoyed reading about your training last year for your first IM. Currently training for Boston, than my 2nd 70.3 in July and 1st IM in November. You can probably expect me commenting with questions a lot as I dive into training for IM more!

    Pie, now I want pie. Preferably apple or raspberry.

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  48. EXCITING, Beth!!

    And that pie. I may need to attempt an ironman myself.

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  49. Training for my second marathon, MCM....entered my name in the lottery at the last minute (didn't think I get picked since I have been shut out for Nike twice)...holy crap I got in!! Also have the Richmond marathon 3 weeks later in November...holy crap....then my first ultra in mid-December. Holy sh@t!!! I guess it's go big or go home in 2014!

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    1. Oh and my favorite kind of pie hands down is key lime pie :)

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  50. I'm currently training for a small half marathon the first week in May. I'm not really expecting to run the whole thing...am mostly going because it's right near my old hometown and it's an excuse to visit friends. This race will be more of a prep race for the Seattle RnR 1/2 on June 21. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that my ITB doesn't flare up and ruin both races for me!

    Mmmmm, pie....peach pie is my favorite...still slightly warm from the oven with a scoop of good vanilla bean ice cream on top. Mmmm...tastes like summer. Other favs: lemon sour cream, blackberry, most cream pies.... I'll take pie over cake ANY day.

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  51. OUTSIDE?!!? You're hard core parkour. (that's what my teenager says, so I'm thinking it's cool?)

    I'm "training" for the Platte River Half and then the Colorado Half on May 4. Supposed to be doing the full, but my Achilles is a mean-spirited, cold-hearted bitch. So, yeah. I'm excited for IM Boulder...I'm going to volunteer, I think.

    And I'll join you on the coconut cream train. Also, coconut cream pie shakes from Sonic.

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  52. Training for a half-marathon in April; but must admit that, given the weather where I live (80-90*F + 80% humidity), I'm having trouble believing I'm going to get a PR out of it. That's not an excuse, but it's kinda dampening my motivation...

    Pie? Apple. Followed quickly by my Mom's chocolate cream pie. Mmmmmmmmmm....

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  53. I love having a race on the calendar to keep me motivated. I just bought my plane ticket for the Bay to Breakers 12k. The hills will be a challenge for this Kansas girl but I can't wait!!
    And pie... I've never met a pie I didn't like ;-)

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  54. I've started a campaign to start calling them Ball Graphs instead of pie charts, because it's more fun to say, especially in uppity-up work meetings!

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  55. I am training for IM Chattanooga in September and it is my first IM. I'm using Be Iron Fit and am in week 6 of the 30 week plan. I'm tired, too, and want to eat everything. I don't, though. I do love chocolate cream pie and banana cream pie. On the same plate at the same time would be delicious! Oh, and peanut butter chocolate pie is OK, too. ;-) I'm excited to follow your training again this year! Go get 'em!

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