August 10, 2009 by Travis.kub
I’m happy to report I made it through my biggest block of training to date. 21 days total & about 20 hours per week. I expected to feel pretty beat up as the days went by but it turned out to be the opposite, other than days 20 & 21 I felt stronger each day. The final two days I was just feeling flat…
Highlights from the build include:
- First time ever training in 90-102 degree temps
- Three weekends in a row of Century bike rides
- My longest training run day 2:50 (That’s second only to my 3:34 marathon)
Technically this week my taper starts, my run volume will be going down but I’ll still have consistent swim & bike time. Next week my overall training volume will come down in preparation/recovery for Ironman Canada. I’m feeling confident that I’ve put in solid work & if I stay smart on race day things should go well.
19 day to IMC, I’m sure I’ll have more to say as we get closer to the cannon going off…
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August 5, 2009 by Travis.kub
Yesterday I got this advice second hand, it originally came from Chris McCormack (Macca).
1. Ironman is an eating contest on the bike.
2. Any pace you start the run at is too fast.
3. Go in with a plan but stay flexiable as you go.
4. Once you start drinking coke on the run, don’t miss an aid station.
That’s all great advice, I especially like #2.
I’m in the middle of my final build week for Ironman, its definitely the toughest week so far. Lots of long miles…
Ironman Canada is 25 days out. After this week is done I just have to be careful not to do anything stupid, come race day I’ll have put 42 solid weeks into training. Here are some of the crazy things that have crossed my mind this week:
1. Am I sure I’m running in the best shoes, is there a “lighter” pair that would be better? (Answer, NO)
2. Is it too late to start trying new saddles? (Answer, YES)
3. Should I lower my seat a cm or so? (Answer, NO)
I think its normal to start worrying about this type of stuff a few weeks out from race day, I just have to be smart and keep doing everything the way I’ve been doing it for the last year.
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July 29, 2009 by Travis.kub
This is unheard of for Seattle…
&#@% HOT
Update: It happened…Seattle set a new all time high temperature record 103 degrees Fahrenheit. This wasn’t a new record for a specific calendar day or month but hottest day in Seattle since temperatures were collected.
This happened to be on the same day that I had 2:30 of running on my schedule…I made it but it was a bitch!
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July 28, 2009 by Travis.kub
This is my second week of a three week Ironman focused build, of the three weeks this one will have the highest volume. Just so happens its landing on what may turn out to be the hottest week on record in Seattle. The forecast is mid to upper 90’s with the chance of climbing over 100 on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to 2:30 of running on Wednesday…bring on the heat! The high temps have been helpful for race prep, there’s a good possibility it will be this hot in Penticton for Ironman Canada. I’ve learned things like my favorite running shorts cause debilitating chafing when its this hot.
Last week I broke the 100 mile mark on my long ride & still had a little left in the tank for a good :30 transition run. My long runs were solid & tempo run was fast.
All this sunshine I’ve been able to work on topping last years ridiculous tan lines! This week I switched to tri shorts that are about 2″ shorter than my cycling shorts. My legs look like neapolitan ice cream. Tan brown (chocolate), burnt red (strawberry) & honky white (vanilla). Sorry…no pictures.
Just trying to stay hydrated, fueled, rested & somewhat sane!!!
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July 20, 2009 by Travis.kub
So here’s a rundown of my next 40 days of training…
This is an email I got from my coach Sunday night:
here s the plan travis to imc 6 weeks out!
Week build 1 16h!!!! (this coming week)
Week build 2 a tiny bit more…but very similar
Week Build 3 Repeat week 2
Taper week 1 Still lots of riding and swimming but running goes down
Taper week 2 ride and swim start to come down
Race week very light
So….now, you are entering a 3 weeks build period. I want you to see it as a ”tour de france” kind of thing… no point in been a heros on day 3 or 4 if you are to explode on day 16…. so all you have to do is PACE yourself so you can do a solid STEADY 21 days, then, getting into the taper… So, be on the conservative side of thing in your effort…one day at the time!
ok how are you feeling this weekend? tired? good?
jonathan
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