Tri Guy: 3 weeks...

The time left until IMAZ. 3 weeks from today. I can't wait! I'm getting extremely pumped for this day to get here. Of course I'm all kinds of nervous and anxious and everything else, but I'm content with my preparation and just really excited to get out there and test myself. This past week was my peak of training. I ended up with 13.5k in the pool, 240 on the bike, and 42 running. This past week also included some key indicator workouts for me. Basically, challenging workouts that would help prove to me that I'm ready for this event.

Thursday was the first of these workouts. I had tough doubles both Tuesday and Wednesday, but the key swim workout this week was a 3k for time on Thursday morning. I woke up extra early Thursday morning (just after 5am) excited to see where my swim was. I felt like I had been swimming well, but a 3k time trial would clarify that for me. There were a few of us from the team doing it with 2 coaches catching and recording splits. Unfortunately I didn't have anyone to really swim with that was similar pace so I had to focus on trying to keep my pace up by myself. It was a true time trial. I lost a little focus about the 2k mark, but picked it up towards the end. I finished in 37:45, which is just over 1:15 per hundred. My goal going in was under 38 considering all the heaving training already this week. OK, indicator workout 1...Check.

Friday I took off from work so I could get in my second indicator workout it. Saturday was the duck game so I didn't want to be out exercising for 7 to 8 hours and then trying to rush over to the game. So, I slept in a little and then slowly made my way onto my bike for a 112 mile hard effort. The clouds were out that day and it looked like rain so I picked a 10 mile loop course not more than an hour from my house. I did this course 8 times in a row. Stopping once to refuel with more Gatorade. I nailed my nutrition which was the main goal, kept my HR exactly where I wanted, and really had a great ride. I clocked a 5:40 split, which is just under 20mph. Not bad considering there are two hills in the loop course, the road surface is not ideal in spots, and the split included travel out and back into town. I quickly changed into my running gear and went out for a 6 mile transition run. I felt messed up when I first was heading out. My stride felt terrible. I kept thinking, "I need to pick the tempo up, I'm barely moving." Then I passed the first mile marker and saw my split. Indicator workout number 2...Check.

Saturday I slept in extra long. I got a good 9.5 hours of sleep. I was very careful to drink plenty of fluids the night before, yes some of those fluids did consist of water, as I had my final big workout Saturday morning. My last 20 mile run was before me. My dad had said if I felt like crap due to the work load this week to just bag it and do the run tomorrow. Thing was, I didn't feel terrible. I wasn't that tired, my legs were a little sore, but that was about it. So I filled up my water bottles and headed out. The first 7.5 miles were easy, the next 7.5 miles kind of sucked, and the last 5 miles were not bad as I just kept focusing on my upcoming race. I kept it really easy per the Big Guy's orders and came in at a 7:47/mile average for the 20 mile effort. The 3rd indicator workout was over...Check.

Now that all that triathlon crap was over with for the week, it was time to have some fun!!! Because, no matter how much I get excited about this race or how much time I spend training, studying, talking, dreaming of triathlon, I promised myself I would never stop having fun! Meg and I changed into our blackout gear for the big game...Ducks vs. Trojans. In case you have been living under a rock for the past day or so...WE KICKED THEIR BUTTS!!!! Total domination!! Now, enjoy some pictures! Thanks to everyone for all the support lately...I love all you guys! And as always, thanks for reading.

-T

Gettin' ready to head out. Go Life Cycle!!