Tuesday, March 19, 2013

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

15 comments:

  1. You certainly come across as one tough dude with this stuff Michelle - super motivated!

    Having completed 6-marathons & 2-ultras I'm well aware how the slightest cold or twinge can cause worry. I'm betting your positive strength will get you there.

    Look forward to the lead up.
    Cheers, ic

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    1. Ian, I'm impressed by your marathons, and (gasp) ultra's?! I don't even know if I would have the guts to attempt an ultra let alone 2. Bravo! I have not tackled a full marathon either. Cheers!

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  2. Wow, makes my Startrek hike look puny by comparison. Much respect to you, and I hope the training goes well.

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  3. Well, it's not called 'Ironman' for nothing, and I'm expecting you to come back with the title Michelle. You've worked so hard already, so don't even think about what others are saying about the rough waters etc.... you can and will do it.

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    1. Awww, thank you! I'll train hard and take your advice and not worry about it. Worry doesn't solve anything anyway, does it? Thanks for the encouragement.

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  4. Wow, good for you! I am envious of your activity as I sit here like a slug trying to recover from knee surgery! Will be living vicariously through you on this one!

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    1. Thank you Anita! I wish you a speedy recovery. Maybe next year? :)

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  5. Superstar! You are awesome, girl. I feel like I've accomplished something finishing my couch to 5K. You put me to shame! :) Good luck!
    http://www.mondaysnugget.com/

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    1. Thanks Lana! I do it mainly for the fun of it all! So I'll just enjoy the ride! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  6. Wow Michelle!

    You are going to rock that race!! I can feel the enthusiasm in your writing and am in awe of what you're doing. Good for you!!


    Penny at Green Moms and Kids
    http://greenmomsandkids.wordpress.com

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  7. Michelle, it's so life-affirming to be as excited about anything as you are about your training and racing. Always something to get up and do, to look forward to. Best of luck!

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  8. Girl your arms look amazing! Love it! I've started swimming regularly. Maybe next year I'll take on a half iron! This year it's olympic for me...
    Your rule! Amazing!
    Carolyn
    http://www.ccmcafeeperspective.com/

    PS... I do still have to time myself running, although no Garmin... (you said you may leave your garmin home... I hate not knowing my time!) I have a $10 Target watch that I wear to keep my time... I've memorized my splits and where I should be at each mile along the way! Insane!

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    1. Thank you Carolyn! This delayed spring is concerning me! Eleven weeks is going to fly by....

      That is not insane memorizing your splits! If you think about we athletes are all a bit crazy, and it's amazing that we all seem to be on the same wavelength. I go through phases where I won't run with the Garmin or music, then I have to run with both....it's funny. Hey an olympic is great! The swim is pretty close in distance. I keep thinking that maybe next year I'll really be off my rocker when I attempt a full 140.6. But for now that's still something I don't have my mind around :) Talk to you soon!

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