Runners are the New Cyclists

As I sit to write this post I am less than a week away from Ironman Cozumel and the anxiety of this big event is starting to hit me. I can't wait to get this race over with. My shoulder is still sore but I think I will be okay on race day even though I don't expect a fast swim time. Yesterday I did a 32 mile bike in the morning and then a 9 mile run in the evening. I know it was more than I should have done but it made me feel better. I did not swim over the weekend in order to give my shoulder extra time to rest. I do plan on swimming after work this afternoon.

When I started this whole endurance sport thing one thing was apparent to me early on. I thought runners were a respectful but intense group and I thought the triathletes were an easy going group that just wanted to see how far they could push themselves. Cyclists on the other hand have typically been very arrogant in my opinion. (Sorry to lump all cyclists together) I have seen so many cyclists who feel they are so much better than runners and triathletes. They think they are better than you because they have a $5000 bike who make a lot of money and that gives them an excuse to be a bunch of jerks. For example, I did a century ride earlier this year where a group oh U of H cyclists were riding 5 wide and nearly running cyclists going the other direction off the road. My favorite is the group of cyclists who get red with anger if a person on a tri bike comes within a mile of their draft line but would gladly draft of a person on a tri bike. I think you get the point. The last few times I have been running at Memorial Park I have noticed a growing trend. Runners are becoming jerks as well. I notice a lot of runners who run on the wrong side of the trail and then look at you as if you are the crazy person. My favorite is the group of runners who run anywhere from 3 to 5 people wide and will just not move in to let you get by. It doesn't matter if you are running towards them or trying to pass them. Last night as I was running there was a group of 3 runners moving towards me and they would not move over. One of the runners actually hit me and didn't even stop, slow down or apologize. I was as far to the right as I could be on the running loop and this guy still hit me. I have always seen people like this at the park but it seems there are more and more each time I go. I hope any runner that reads this thinks about the rules and general courtesy the next time they go running.

Sorry to ramble. I think this race is affecting my already angry mood. I'll be providing more frequent updates as I get closer to race day.

Later Dudes.

T-minus 8 Days

I am 8 days from Ironman Cozumel and I'm getting excited and nervous. I took 3 days off from training and it seems to have to done me some good. I just finished a slow 10 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run at Memorial Park. It's the first time I have been pain free in my back, hip and legs in weeks. It felt great. Unfortunately my shoulder is still bothering me. I am going to try and get a swim in tomorrow and then another short training on Sunday. The shoulder is not going to keep me from racing but I know it will slow me down in the water. At this point I just want to make it out of the water and onto my bike. I'm sure I'll be fine.

On another note I am starting my 3 season as a Triathlon Coach for Team in Training. I am looking forward to getting started again and I know it will be a fun season. We have 37 participants and I know we will get them all to race day!

Bye for now.

Iron Star Triathlon

Last Sunday I did the Iron Star Half-Ironman Triathlon in Conroe as a final tune-up prior to IM Cozumel. Overall it was a good race and I had a time 5:47:36. Not too bad considering the injuries I am dealing with.

I'm not going to bore you to death with same old race report so here is the condensed version. The swim was slow for me due to a shoulder injury that I am still nursing. It was very painful and it was difficult to swim. The bike course was challenging. There were a lot of hills and the headwind made it tough to keep top speed. I finished with an average of 19.8 mph on the bike. Not bad considering the back, hip and knee issues I have. Lastly, the run was pretty tough. My legs did not want cooperate. They pain was worse than anything that I could have imagined. I somehow made it through and only missed my PR by 6 minutes.

I feel ready for IM Cozumel despite my numerous injuries. My back feels a little better but my hip, knee and shoulder are still hurting very bad. My run last night was painful and slow but I made it. My shoulder has prevented me from swimming much since the race but I should be okay. I'm starting my taper and I am looking forward to this race being over.

Later Dudes