Geared Up

I cant tell you how great it was today to bike and run in 70 degrees. Training has been great. I have been slowly ramping up my daily training schedule. I can easily say that I am in better all around tri shape now, than I was all of last year. Experience is a great teacher. Our TNT coaches for the big Lifetime Tri are fantastic. They have both done the grandaddy of Tri's the "Ironman." As great of a personal feat that is, I must say that their teaching strengths lie in bring those along who are learning how to swim, bike and run for the first time in their lives. It is such an honor to be part of a group that is focused on the groups success, rather than individual triumphs. It honestly inspires me to push harder on my own. So I have.

Last year I could not continuously freestyle swim without taking a break, for more than 300-400 meters. Yesterday I did 1000m continuous for the first time. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I believe 1750m is a mile, so I have a bit more to go, but I know I can get there. It is by far my weakest link. Biking is just starting to get going. I am happy where I am at. The bike is usually where the most time is gained or lost, so staying strong here is my goal. I am doing a 100 mile fun tour this Sunday called the MN Ironman Bike ride. I am doing it with some other TNT alumni so it should be a great day. The run has become my strong-point. I have been following a solid half-ironman training schedule for my July 20 race in Racine Wisconsin, and it has really excelled my running pace with little effort. In light training I am running one minute faster per mile than last year at my peak of marathon training last year. I have my first real test coming up in four weeks. The Maple Grove half marathon is going to be a fun test to see where we are at. A lot of good friends are doing this race and I am really looking forward to it.

Training is about 10 hours total during the week, so needless to say were pretty busy around here!