Week 1

Back at the end of 2010 I bought a book call "Be Iron Fit" by Don Fink. I thought, humm I'd at least like to get in shape like an Ironman. Maybe I'll try a few Triathlon's and see how it goes. My main goal then, was just to get in better shape, physically. I was going through a rough patch in my life and wanted a change of pace to "just running"

But the more I read, the more curious I was to actually do an IRONMAN Triathlon. Over the next few months I bought my first bike and completed a few sprint Tri's in 2011, not as many as I had hoped for, but enough to get my feet wet.

Fast forward to now.

A few more sprint and Olympic tri's later and I'm signed up for the 2013 IM in Florida. Last week was a whirlwind. I finished off 2012 with a Marathon at Chickamauga Battlefield and bought my first real Tri Bike.

I've got my 30 week plan from Be Iron Fit (starting the second week in April).

My plan is to hit the bike trainer hard for the next 2-3 months and get a decent bike base heading into the new year. I also want to get with the local Xcell swimming program in the first of the year for a few lessons, and continue swimming at the Y.

The 30 week plan is so AGGRESSIVE and will take a lot of will power for ME to complete, because I tend to be hot-and-cold with some plans, but having a plan usually makes me try and make some sort of effort to get something accomplished.

Race wheels for the bike is my next plan, so stay tuned. I'll post some experience on the trainer and swim as I go along. I'd also like to do a few 5K's through the end of this year and early next year just to mix it up and keep motivated in running.

365 Days until IMFL 2013

363 days from today, I'm going to attempt my first Ironman Triathlon during the 2013 Florida Ironman. What??

This past weekend I went down and volunteered at the 2012 IMFL and was a finish line catcher. What a great experience. Several of my triathlon group went down and we shared the experience together and 12 of us signed up for 2013. This blog will document my journey, discovery, experiences and training for the next year.

This is mostly for me to document the journey. Thanks for following and any and all tips, comments, recommendations that you want to give.

So, here I go....

Flying Monkey Marathon #6

My first, and only, road race of the year, was the biggie - The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey. This year's theme was THINK MONKEY - it was a spoof on the old Apple commercial "Think Different".









There were lots of hills (duh)

There was lots of rain.













There was mud at the finish line...   and beer.
















Finished 30 or so seconds ahead of last year, pretty consistent. Great finisher shirt and got a "Silipint" which is a silicone cup that will not break or shatter.

Here is what the RD said after the race:
"Yes. You did it. You ran Monkey the year it rained. You fool.

At least you now have bragging rights. Then again, the line between courage and foolish is faint. Whichever it was, perhaps now your legs are starting to recover, and your white hot hatred for the sufferfest the Monkey put you through is beginning to fade. Soon, the nightmare that was Monsoon Monkey will pass from your mind. Even though the scars will likely last a lifetime.

And then, perhaps you will crave more. Perhaps. Think Wet Monkey."

As for this year, I ventured into triathlons. I completed 2 sprints and 1 duathlon. I am not much of a swimmer and hope to improve next year. I've kind of got the urge to get back into racing next year, and am looking forward to doing a few 1/2 and one whole marathon in the fall. But my biggest goals are to complete 2 sprint, 1 Olympic and 1 70.3 half Iron. Stay tuned.