Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

Archives for July 2015

Ironman Canada Week!

It really hasn’t sunk in yet that it’s ironman week! T-minus 4 days until Ironman Canada. It’s been a long journey to get to the start line but I am ready to see what the day brings and deal with it the best I can. The last miles have been banked in Colorado before heading to Whistler.

One last swim in Boulder Rez before #IMCanada #triathlon

One last swim in Boulder Rez before #IMCanada #triathlon

So packing and weather stalking has started and thunder storms are predicted so my plan (similar to Lake Tahoe in 2013) is to bring everything and hope I have everything I need. Baggage fees might be interesting.

It’s my first time flying with my bike, any tips?

Thanks to a professional cyclist friend, these arrived today now to figure out how to pack our bikes. Any tips?? #IMCanada #ironman #triathlon

Thanks to a professional cyclist friend, these arrived today now to figure out how to pack our bikes. Any tips?? #IMCanada #ironman #triathlon

See you all on the flip side in Canada, wheels up tomorrow morning!

TAPER! And the Rocky Road to Ironman Canada

I am grateful that taper is here, the Road to Canada has been a bit of a rocky one.

At the intersection of left hand and old stage. Not a bad place for hill repeats! #IMTraining #IMCanada

At the intersection of left hand and old stage. Not a bad place for hill repeats! #IMTraining #IMCanada

It’s not that things have been terrible, I really enjoyed my training when I could get it done. In the past I have had many more external issues with getting training done. My past job had a funky schedule a lot of time requiring that I work early and/or (usually and) late and many weekends. My current job is much more steady and flexible and I am very happy about that.

BUT the last couple of months of training for IM Canada has been marred by injury and setbacks.  Most of these were stupid little things, like pulling my glute muscle.

That feeling when your third and last workout of the day is done #bestdayever #lovewins #IMTraining #IMCanada #WinstonThePug

That feeling when your third and last workout of the day is done #bestdayever #lovewins #IMTraining #IMCanada #WinstonThePug

Others were bigger, like crashing on my bike at mile 80 of a 100 mile ride. Bloody with a slightly broken bike I called for a ride home. I am still recovering from the crash two weeks later and just doing what I can.

My favorite "rest stop" so bike friendly! I long summer rides #IMTraining

My favorite “rest stop” so bike friendly! I long summer rides #IMTraining – 20 miles before eating pavement

I feel slightly under cooked for Canada but I also feel determined. I know it will be challenging but so much of an Ironman is being mentally tough and dealing with the pain the day hands you. Surprisingly I feel fairly calm, as they say the hay is in the barn. There is nothing to do now but rest up, eat well and show up ready to do my best.

So I go into this race ready to grit my teeth, especially on that last 20 mile climb. I am excited to get to whistler and happy to get to race another Ironman.

Ever gone into a race slightly under-prepared? What helped you get though?