So what's been going on?

I just realized that it's been over a week since my last post, and yes you guessed it. I've been way too busy training and working. Last week I had to work in Marco Island Florida. It was such a reprise from the fifty degree temperature we've been used to back here in the Burgh. None the less the week was fun and it was great to run again in 90 degree temps. I even managed to get in a open water swim in the gulf. The only bad thing when I work out of town is I basically have to spend 15+ hours a day with my customer. Our meetings start at 7:30 AM, and go to around 5:30. We then have dinner at 6:30 and dinner does not typically wrap up until 9:00. I typically show up to dinner fashionably late since I have to get in at least an hour of training.

So here's how my week started off. Last week I put in one hard set of workouts. The hard stuff started over two weeks ago but Friday was a 16 mile run and Saturday started with a 2.5 hour brick followed by a 4000 yard swim. Sunday was a five hour ride and by the time I was done with the weekend my legs were cooked and I was ready for a easy week of recovery (defined as less than 20 hours by coach K). As of today, I've trained 27 days straight with no rest day and have averaged well over 20 hours per week. I guess one would say this is what it takes if you expect to race a great race in Clearwater against the world. Speaking of which, I'm less than four weeks away and feel great heading in to my final days.

I got home from Marco Island Friday night and Saturday was another hard five hour ride followed by a 20 minute run off the bike. I felt really strong on the bike and five hours in the saddle felt like only two hours.

After my ride I spent the day glued to the computer watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Craig Alexander was simply amazing as he rocked the marathon with a 2:45, and Chrissie Wellington....one word can explain her, WOW! I thought she was done and out when she got a flat halfway into the bike and lost 10 minutes, but that was not the case. It was simply amazing watching her stay calm and collective as she worked her way back to the top. Once she regained number one position on the bike absolutely no one could keep up with her on the run. Every time check she added time to her lead and never looked back. If it weren't for the flat she would have went sub 9 hours in Kona which is amazing! Not to mention her record breaking 2:57 marathon! Great job Craig and Chrissie. Also I wanted to say congrats to Pittsburgh locals Lauren and Kim. You two gals had an unbelievable race. Kim knocked out a 3:33 marathon in the lava fields and placed top 10 in her age group. Amazing work for her first IM ever!

As for the rest of my day today, eventually I'm going to get outside for a 2 hour run. I must have brought the Florida heat back to the Northeast because it's going to be close to 80 degrees today. I'm looking forward to a great run and the start of my Clearwater Taper. Only 13 hours on my training schedule next week, and my longest workout is only three hours! Let the fun times begin. :) I hope everyone out there enjoys their weekend.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 9:50 AM Comments: 0