The Road to Kona; Chicago Edition #6

This past week week I had two goals - we dialed down the distances and times for a classic "cut back week" and to begin a mini taper for the upcoming Steelhead 70.3 on August 1st. I've been feeling a little tired and my job has been testing my time for quality training so my "long ride" was back to 90 minutes and "long run" at 90 minutes as well. I think I've re-charged a bit. I feel ready for the race and to move into the Ironman specific training distances in the next 6 - 8 weeks.

The only real challenge I see so far has been getting some good open water swims in this year. While I have been doing countless laps in the pool, I was hoping to get out in the lake a few times to practice with my wetsuit (which, I must say, I haven't worn since I finished the swim at Ironman Arizona last year). Living in Chicago, our only good option is the Ohio Street beach, which could be a great place since it has marked lanes and life guards for open water swimming. The downside is that it is basically open to all the run-off and trash from the city, so any rain turns it into an open sewer. And yes, Chicago has had a lot of rain this year. I see swimmers out there, but I'd rather not get sick from water. Besides, wet suits are not allowed at Kona, so what's the big deal, right? Only if it were so easy....

So any of you following my journey to Kona, please keep me honest and check back to make sure I am out in the open water. Until then, see you at the pool....

The Road to Kona; Chicago Edition #5

I have to admit that this year’s Tour de France has captivated me. After we get up and take our dogs out, I turn on Versus to catch the live action. You can see all the top professional riders sail up the mountains with grace and speed. Who wasn’t amazed to see Alberto Contador climb the Pyrenees? I of course was rooting for Lance to follow Alberto, but those days will come in the Alps.

I often think of myself on those rides. Then you actually look at course profiles. The 112-mile Ironman leg seems like a warm up to most days on the Tour. Even the famous 12 mile climb to Hawi would be a nothing to the pro teams. Of course, I am not 120 lbs like Alberto or even the 160 lbs of Lance. As you can see from the photo, I am more like 5’9” and185lbs. Not exactly the body type of a climber. But I do have a love of riding at my speed and my abilities. The past few weeks we’ve been riding 3 to 3 1/2 hours on the weekends for my personal tour. While I might not fly up the hills, I make it up all the same. My overall goal for Kona is to finish, and getting through 112 miles on my bike will be a great accomplishment.

This past week I also started to focus on my swim with Break Through's Triathlon Swim Program. Mostly I have been swimming by myself at the West Loop Athletic Club, While they have a nice pool, there really is no substitute for group swims. I particularly value Ryan’s individual attention and small group sizes. Hopefully I can see a big improvement from my 1 hour 20 minute Ironman Arizona swim time…

Till next week - Go Lance!