IMMOO
Last weekend Beth, Jeff, Gary and I drove to Madison to watch Ironman Wisconsin. Despite the lack of sleep, running out of gas, running 16 miles by myself, cold rain, and getting lost near Chicago twice (my fault both times) we had a good time. Listen to me complain and I didn't even compete in the 140.6 mile race on Sunday. We actually went to, yikes, sign up for next year. Beth, her husband Eric, Jeff, and Gary are all experienced triathletes. Beth, and Eric have done 3 Ironman races, Jeff one, and Gary is doing one this coming weekend not to mention the numerous other triathlons they have done over the years. Nikki's count?...1. When was that? um, 1992. I was 12. However, I did win it. Now for my comeback. Why start with a sprint, or olympic distance, or even a half-iron? Why not just throw myself into a 2.4 mile open swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a marathon? It will be fun! And easier than just training for a marathon? So these friends of mine keep telling me.
The swim
To be honest the swim doesn't worry me. Being in a wetsuit? Maybe. Out of the 3 disciplines this is definitely my forte, but my strength and speed is not quite where it used to be. I'll get through it.
The bike
This one is still very new to me. (That's my bike above) I am always asking silly novice questions about cycling that everyone else knows. I still have the little plastic thing on my rear wheel which apparently not cool. Gary did get me shoes for my birthday last month. Those and my hand me down Look pedals have made a huge difference. I thought it might be scary, but it's so much better than the toe clips. The most I have ridden as of yesterday is 42 miles. That's only about 1/3 of IM distance. Maybe it's because I haven't ridden much yet, but the bike doesn't scare me all that much either. It is a long ride, but every time I have been on my bike I have had so much fun, and I feel like I could ride all day. Let's hope I feel like that in Sept. 07
The run
I know I can run a marathon. I'm 26 days away from my 3rd marathon in less than 11 months. I am still newish to running, but I feel like I have a good endurance base like I've never had before. I also really enjoy running. But, out of swim bike run, the run part scares me the most. Running a marathon is one thing. Running a marathon after hours and hours of swimming and biking is another thing. I actually got a slight taste of that this weekend. I had a 2 1/2 hour run scheduled for yesterday and I also got invited to go for a bike ride. I have trouble saying no to riding, so I went, rode 42 miles, ate some spicy eggrolls and french fries and went for my run a few hours later. I have never felt worse. Note to runners: Spicy eggrolls and french fries are not a good pre-run meal. I know it wasn't just the eggrolls' fault, and I kept thinking to myself if I can't do this today how am I ever going to do an Ironman? I know I am training for a marathon right now and not triathlon, but it still felt a little daunting.
Along with my hesitations about this race, I am very excited. I really enjoy training, and I have such a great group of friends that are going to be doing this with me, and who wholeheartedly support me. Who could ask for more than that? Maybe to not run out of gas next year.
The swim
To be honest the swim doesn't worry me. Being in a wetsuit? Maybe. Out of the 3 disciplines this is definitely my forte, but my strength and speed is not quite where it used to be. I'll get through it.
The bike
This one is still very new to me. (That's my bike above) I am always asking silly novice questions about cycling that everyone else knows. I still have the little plastic thing on my rear wheel which apparently not cool. Gary did get me shoes for my birthday last month. Those and my hand me down Look pedals have made a huge difference. I thought it might be scary, but it's so much better than the toe clips. The most I have ridden as of yesterday is 42 miles. That's only about 1/3 of IM distance. Maybe it's because I haven't ridden much yet, but the bike doesn't scare me all that much either. It is a long ride, but every time I have been on my bike I have had so much fun, and I feel like I could ride all day. Let's hope I feel like that in Sept. 07
The run
I know I can run a marathon. I'm 26 days away from my 3rd marathon in less than 11 months. I am still newish to running, but I feel like I have a good endurance base like I've never had before. I also really enjoy running. But, out of swim bike run, the run part scares me the most. Running a marathon is one thing. Running a marathon after hours and hours of swimming and biking is another thing. I actually got a slight taste of that this weekend. I had a 2 1/2 hour run scheduled for yesterday and I also got invited to go for a bike ride. I have trouble saying no to riding, so I went, rode 42 miles, ate some spicy eggrolls and french fries and went for my run a few hours later. I have never felt worse. Note to runners: Spicy eggrolls and french fries are not a good pre-run meal. I know it wasn't just the eggrolls' fault, and I kept thinking to myself if I can't do this today how am I ever going to do an Ironman? I know I am training for a marathon right now and not triathlon, but it still felt a little daunting.
Along with my hesitations about this race, I am very excited. I really enjoy training, and I have such a great group of friends that are going to be doing this with me, and who wholeheartedly support me. Who could ask for more than that? Maybe to not run out of gas next year.
4 Comments:
Nikki, I promise we will not run out of gas next year! You will do great! It gets easier, believe me. Once you get your first century ride out of the way, everything seems so much easier. I think Ironman is more of a mental battle rather than a physical one.
why am i not surprised you got lost? ;)
good luck and don't worry about the bike. that is the easiest portion to pick up, but requires by far the largest amount of time to get good at it. start now and get a good training plan--which you probably already have. also, teach yourself how to eat on the bike right away. This is more difficult than it sounds and any bike racer will admit this is one of few things you can control while riding.
Hey Nikki, I am so proud of you! I think it is awesome that you want to be an IronWoman! :-) I know you can do it! Anytime you want someone to run with (after those long bike rides) I will be here for you! You are going to do awesome!
Thanks everyone!
At least now we can take our own gas can!
Jared, I might be coming to you for some of my silly novice questions. You mean I have to eat without falling off?
What kinds of things do you eat? Gary eats oatmeal cream pies and soda. Don't know if I can do that.
Tara, I'll for sure take you up on your companionship offer. You are so motivating!
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