It's a very slow process - two steps forward, one step back - but I'm inching in the right direction. - Rob Reiner

July 11, 2012

Racing to Racine 70.3

Well it's almost here.  I can't believe it.  I leave for Racine, WI on Friday to (hopefully) complete my first Half Ironman.  It's been a journey that's for sure.  I started training in March.  I've spent hours on my bike, on the run, and in a pool or a lake.  I went through an insane busy period at work where I almost had to drop out of training to survive.   I've been injured.....a few times.  I dealt with severe neck pain for nearly a month that still bothers me some.  I've continued to baby a shoulder that I injured last August.  I have dealt with back and hip pain for the past 5 weeks that have kept me from running as much as I wanted to over the last 3 weeks.

But yet, here I am.  I have been nervous.  Last week I felt totally unprepared and all of a sudden  found myself wishing I had a few more weeks to train.  I needed to swim more, to run more, to bike more.  But now, all of a sudden I feel ready.  I feel rested and my injuries are cooperating for the most part.  I'm ready to put myself to the test.  I know it's going to be HARD!  But I feel prepared.  I have trained, I have tapered, it's go time!  I'm starting to feel that energy you get during taper where you want to do more.  That's a good thing right?  I had gotten to the point where every workout was so exhausting and I never felt rested, but now it's something different.   Did I mention I feel ready???

The forecast for Sunday is not horrible....but it's not great, but I'm not going to complain.  After the oppressive heat we have had in Kansas City (and across most of the Country) with temps in the 100s for 3 weeks straight - perhaps the 92 forecasted will feel refreshing??  And, the best part is the water temperature is forecasted to be about 72 degrees!  Typically Lake Michigan is about 62 or 63 this time of year, which is pretty darn cold even with a wetsuit.  72 will be just about perfect!!  Not too hot, and not too cold.....comfortable in a wetsuit!

So what are my goals?  My main goal is of course, just to finish.  My secondary goal is to finish under 8 hours.  Yes, I know most people could do this race in 6 or 6 1/2 hours, but I'm not in that league.  I will be slow at the swim, the bike, and the run.  And that's ok. My goals for the individual events are roughly:  Swim - 1 hour; Bike - 4 hours, Run 3 hours. 

And there we have it folks.  I'm racing to Racine.......let's hope I finish!

27 comments:

  1. Michael...you sound ready...you sound eager and rearing to go!!!

    I am so excited for you and I love how humble you are about everything that comes your way. You are definately more of a rock star than you lead on...but that is why we love you!

    I can't wait to hear about your race and your adventure...i have only ever attempted one sprint tri and i only liked it once it was over...although i have to admit the excitemement along the way was contagious!!!

    i wish you the very best of luck and I pray that your body holds out for you because I understand how injuries can hold us back...

    Keep us posted ;)

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  2. Good luck to you Michael. You have so much determination it is inspiring. Can't wait to read about your adventure. I will be sending good thoughts to you from the east side of Lake Michigan.

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  3. Oh this is so exciting Michael! I am rooting for you and can't wait to hear how it all turns out.

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  4. wishing you all the best!!!
    I am cheering for you!!!

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  5. I've only got two things to way.

    1. Ice....every where..saved my butt during my 70.3 last year.

    2. You've got this!

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  6. you've got this!!! good luck! can'[t wait to hear your race report!

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  7. Wow that is awesome!!! Can't wait to read the recap!...

    gosh... I want to one day do one of these. You are inspirational!!!

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  8. Good luck! I can't wait to read all about it. Seems like this year we can't really have perfect weather but it can be better than it was last week!

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  9. Best of luck to you! I'll be cheering you on from Ohio! :)

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  10. good luck and more importantly have fun!!!

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  11. Enjoy the race and the whole weekend - I've heard great things about this event!

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  12. Super, super excited for you Michael!!! You are going to do great.... you've put the time in and it WILL pay off! I'll be cheering here in KC for you. I can hardly wait for your race report!

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  13. I just had big sadness sweep over me because I think I should be there. Stupid Muncie and all it's heat. But honestly, I'm just so happy for you!! You've done all the work, now it's time to cross the finish and get the medal! I wanna drive up so bad and see you finish. 70.3, it's all you friend!!

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  14. Have a great trip and just remember to be in the moment during each individual leg of the event. Enjoy knowing how far you have come. :)

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  15. Oh, I am SO EXCITED for you!! You are going to ROCK it! Have so much fun! :)

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  16. Good Luck Michael, and have fun. It may be warm - just take it easy.

    You have trained for this - you are mentally ready.

    I will watch for the posted results and your awesome race recap.

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  17. So exciting! I hope you have a great great race! You have trained and sound ready. Good for you. Hope you meet your goals.

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  18. Have a GREAT race! I can't wait to hear how it goes. :)

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  19. So excited for you! Have a great race, just enjoy it _ :)

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  20. Hey, good luck! You are going to do great. Can't wait to read your race report!

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  21. You ARE ready!! You've done the work, not trust your training. Very excited for you...you are going to dig down deep when you need it most and persevere. You have the grit! Will be cheering you on from Denver! :)

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  22. I like your goals. They will be my same goals when I get ready to do a 70.3. You must be very excited (and maybe a bit nervous).

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  23. belated good luck!!! hope it went well! unless it's today, in which case regular good luck and rock it out! you will do great (if you haven't already) :)

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  24. Hi Michael,
    Thought about you and your 70.3 yesterday and had to look you up to see how you were doing. Good job on the finish! I'm sure you are thrilled that you accomplished that goal! Keep it up and I look forward to reading the race recap.

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