im back

Its been way to long blog land. I have been extremely busy, but training and racing have been right on so far this early in the year. I have lots to catch you up on not only in 2011 and 2010 as well. I won't go back to far into 2010 just to Ironman Cozumel.

2010 was supposed to be a year for racing a few smaller races but I found myself needing / wanting another Ironman. So in June I found that Ironman Cozumel still was open for entry. A destination race sounded awesome, especially since it was being held in November, a cold time here in Illinois, and it would be hot in Mexico. I had never been out of the country before so my passport was ordered and plans were made. I'll be posting a race report soon. I will say that it was a great experience.
Onto 2011...
This year my "A" race is Ironman Wisconsin. The race is being held on 9/11, the 10th anniversary of the day the world changed forever. I plan on putting everything on this race, as I do with all the ironman races, but I'm hoping this one will be different. I'll post my race goals so everyone one can see and I'm sure some will even remind me from time to time what they are.

So far this year I feel really strong in the pool . I have been spending 3 mornings a week in the water and I have been staying consistant with 10,000 to 15,000 yards a week. I have realized that I have only been swimming for 6 years and I still have a lot to learn. I will say that I'm getting faster.
Biking is what I'm really gonna have to concentrate on. Leg strength is a weakness and being aware of this will push me through of this early strength phase of training. Hills, hills, hills gotto love them.
I recently had the opportunity to hammer some miles in the hills of Nevada. I took a 6 day trip to a triathlon camp put on by the Boise Aeros, a tri group out of Idaho. I quickly found out that my Illinois legs needed some help up some of hills/mountains. I was humbled on the fast day of camp. Everyday started with a nice 5 mile run, uphill to Starbux. What a great way to start the day. After breakfast we would head back to the casino and get ready to ride.
A cool ride the first day, sleeves and long pants were definately needed. Since the weather in Illinois had been nasty in January and February I had only ridden outside 1 time before this trip.
Day 1 turned out to be a 60 mile day with close to 5000 feet of climbing. The following days were just as tough. Weather it was a 40 mile day or an 80 mile day I began to get more comforatble with the climbs.
Getting back to the flatlands of Illinois the weather has really put a hurtin on outside riding, unless I was to wear multiple layers.
Come on weather change for the better.
Race reports will be posted soon on Cozumel and St Pats 5k.