Ironman Los Cabos | Block One Review

So I just started my Ironman Los Cabos training and going into it I wanted to chronicle my training adventures and mis-adventures but I also knew that realistically, a weekly update wasn’t going to happen. So I figure that a monthly (4-week block) review was realistic, worthwhile and wouldn’t bore anyone too much. So here it is, my first of about a half-dozen Ironman Los Cabos blog posts.

I think this first post includes two main topics:

1. Registration

2. The first four weeks.

Registration: 2013 began my 6th year in triathlons and until recently, I had no desire to race a full Ironman distance race.  As 2013 took shape, the “itch” got more intense and after a couple of months of discussing it with my wife, we finally came to an agreement that I could sign up for an Ironman event.  After several months the decision was made.  Factors that went into the decision to race Ironman Los Cabos included weather, timing, location, and venue.

The first Block: In mid-September I reached out to Joey Perez and after a few discussions, we agreed on a start point to begin training (24 weeks out).  The timing worked out real well in that I had two weeks “off” training and was able to enjoy the time leisurely resting before the next 24 weeks of fun began.

Weeks 1-4 is the first of three base building blocks, focused on building endurance and strength.  The final week included several tests including an FTP test and a 10k race.  The first week culminated with the Zombie Charge where I was a zombie with the Wolfpack.  Pretty fun afternoon, finished with a couple of beers together.

After two more weeks I was off to Ironman Florida to volunteer and cheer on many friends who were racing.  I had the opportunity to get 80 miles in and while doing so, got a flat at mile 40 when Andrew Starykowicz past by.  He would continue on to take 2nd overall after a course record (and fastest American) 4:02 bike split during the race.  I also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Finish Line and give out medals.  I gave out medals to many friends and that was quite a special experience for me.

The final week culminated with several tests including an FTP test which I was able make yet another improvement to my FTP by another 9 watts!  It was a busy weekend with the Key Biscayne Lighthouse 10k on Saturday then the 115 mile Gran Fondo bike ride on Sunday.  This was by far the furthest distance I’d ever ridden and a big mental milestone in my Ironman training.

 

Stats:

Block	Swim Time	Bike Time	Run Time	Strength Time
1	13:10:00	24:51:00	13:58:00	2:46:00

Block	Swim Distance	Bike Distance	Run Distance
1	37,600	450.7	98.12

Lessons Learned:

1. Just because its Ironman, doesn’t mean each workout has to suck.  It doesn’t mean I can’t have fun.

2. When looking (again) at IMLC’s elevation map, I started to freak out a little, mostly because we have NO hills in South Florida!  Then I decided: I can’t control the hills, but I can control how I ride them.  Then I got called into my director’s office and was told that I need to take 4 weeks of vacation before the end of the year.  A blessing in disguise perhaps – giving me the opportunity and time to get up to Claremont for some hill action.  To be scheduled.