Countdown to Ironman Kansas 70.3

I have exactly twelve weeks until my first race of the season.  To some, that may sound like a long time.  Three months.  But when training for an Ironman 70.3 race, and one that is dubbed "a tough race", twelve weeks really isn't an abundance of time.  It's creeping up on me.  And while I have been training since January, I'm feeling the pressure to kick it up a notch.  I will swim 1.2 miles, then bike 56 miles topped off with a 13.1 mile run.  I want to be ready.  I WILL be ready!

I absolutely love the sport of triathlon.  The fact that I'm able to compete in long distances races is still something that gives me awe.  If you had asked me five years ago to consider covering 70.3 miles all at once I would have laughed!  Probably in your face, while telling you that you were crazy.  Not today.  I live for a challenge, and when one presents itself to me I'll take it.  In sports and in life.  Fear is a liar.  The challenge on my horizon is Ironman Kansas 70.3 on June 9, 2013.  Bring it.

Kansas is a prairie state, and with prairies come wind. This will play a factor in all three disciplines.

The swim is rumored to be in rough water, due to the winds. "Rumored" is an understatement, as every single person I've talked to who has raced Kansas has told me so.  I'm a little bit nervous because we have had a very cold pre-spring so far which means I will have limited open water swim training. Admittedly, I am not experienced in rough water swimming so that is another challenge.  I am hoping to be able to log some hours swimming in open water during April and May, but we shall see what Mother Nature has in store. For now, it's the pool 3-4 times a week.

The wind will affect the bike and the run as well, however I will have such conditions to train in the next twelve weeks so I'm not overly worried.  And you know how I love to ride and run.

As I write this, excitement is seeping from my pores.  I love race season!  My coach and several friends raced this weekend, and while cheering them it became real that race season is on!  It may be 27 cold degrees outside today, but spring has sprung.  It's going to be a great year! As the time ticks by, I will keep you periodically informed of my progress!  Thank you for following along in the fun.  Let's do this!

Peace out,
xoxo