The Road to the Ironman – 7 days

Today marked my last long bike ride of my Ironman training, 55 miles. Thinking back to almost a year ago that number would have been a very daunting. As it turns out 55 miles really became the norm versus the daunting number. As I rode this morning my thoughts turned to 7 days from now. I will be riding those hills surround Madison, WI, if everything goes to plan on the swim. In fact I finished around 1:30 pm and by that time I better be over half way on the bike.

This week will be a slow week as far as training maybe a short swim, a short ride and a short run just to keep those muscles moving, but mostly it is time to sit. This will be a big week for the gray matter between the ears. I have to admit the thought of not finishing is tucked away neatly back in some corner of the 40-watt light bulb. Unless the weather turns bad the biggest battle will be in my mind. Until I finish one of these races the doubt will be there, it is as simple as that.

I am ready, well as ready as I can be. I read other blogs and posts it does seem that there are people out there that have done more than me as far as time and miles, but most of those people have bigger aspirations finishing under the 11 hour mark. If/when I do another one of these I understand the time and miles will go up and there will need for a coach. But as I mentioned in past posts it was important to me to do this one on my own.

Looking at the clock as I type it is approaching 4 pm. You know if things go according to plan I should be almost done with the bike. I hope so, because there is only an hour left before the bike cut off. Then it is on to the 26.2 mile run or what is jokingly called the cool down.

I will be happy to put this behind me. Then it will be on to new and exciting chapters in this journey.

Totals:

Running Miles: 791.00

Number of Hours: 122:35

New shoes: 260.50 miles (for my record keeping)

Newest New shoes: 19 miles

Biking Miles: 1,843.00

Number of Hours: 108:55

Swimming Miles: 79.55 miles or 140,000 yards

Number of Hours: 34:30

Swimming laps (25 yard pool): 5,410 lengths or 2,705 laps

Weightlifting hours: 26:00

Stairs in Cancun: 1:05

1 pathetic game of volleyball: 1 hour

TOTAL HOURS – 305 hours and 25 minutes