The Next Big Four

It takes a lot of time to prepare for an Ironman, especially one in Switzerland, where some of the bike course will be in the alps.  The elevation gain is 630 meters per lap, which equals 1260 meters total climbing.  For those of you Americans who don’t get the Metric System, that means around 4100 feet of climbing overall.  Seems like I’ve been in this position before: training for a hilly race while living in flat Florida.  You’d think I would learn…

My goal is to be on my bike at least three times a week to get my little legs ready for those big climbs.  Ilene has been a faithful companion in San Ann for a mid-week ride, as well as on the weekend.  I need to get into spin class weekly or at the very least grind my way through Flatwoods in my big chain ring.  A fellow Trifueler told me that one of the climbs at IMS took him 20 minutes.  Ufff.

With that in mind, I’ve signed up for three out of four events to help me out:

1. The Trout Creek 15K: OK, its not hilly OR on the bike, but it’ll be nice to get dirty in the trails again on Sunday

2. The Strawberry Ride: through Plant City on March 29th…62 miles of biking fun

3. The Fool’s Run: at Croom on April 4th…15 miles of dirty fun with my UR buddies

4. The MS 150: leaving from Lake Wales and riding 75 miles to Orlando on May 16th, then turning around the next day and riding back

Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Uhhh, that’s gonna hurt…

Here are my beautiful, crazy, ”funny feet” (as my Dad calls ‘em) right after Rocky Raccoon:

     

I’ve never had so many blisters!  Besides two half-dollar sized blisters on the inside of each heel, my old pal on the right big toe made his appearance:

 

as did a new one under the long toenail on my left foot: 

 

This one is going to hurt soon.  I punctured the blister under the toenail this morning, and now my toenail is just wobbling around on the skin.  Eww…now that’s just nasty.  So much for wearing sandals anytime soon!

10:55

Ok, my friends.  I made it through Rocky Raccoon!  Who said it was easier than Umstead???  I’d call it “Rooty Raccoon” if it were up to me, that’s for sure.  Regardless, I only fell once around mile 40 and was able to eek out a PR by 6 minutes.  YIPPEE!  Thanks to my trail mate Kathy and Armando for cheering me on.

BTW: Adam was heading the FUR’s, and looking strong around mile 50.  Becky and Woody were still running together last I saw them.  June and Judy were running their individual paces: Dick will guide June and Judy’s husband will lead her through the dark.  Looks like the FUR’s are going to represent at Rocky!

So now, we’re off for Mexican food.  More details to come…

Welcome to Huntsville…

Armando and I had an easy flight to the Lone Star State, and a longer than anticipated drive through Houston traffic up to Huntsville.  We’re staying at the Sam Houston State University hotel…which is right on campus.  I swear our hotel was once a dorm room (it’s honestly a little creepy).  It will be the closest thing Armando ever comes to living on a college campus.  Anyway, we went to the run check-in and saw June, Adam and Judy.  Armando and I stayed around to hear the RD’s pre-race briefing, while the other FUR’s met at Chili’s for their pre-race dinner.  (I don’t know what, besides beer, would make good pre-run food at Chili’s…but as long as it powers them, it’s all good).  Armando and I went to Double Dave’s for pizza, and are about ready to call it a night.  So I’ll check in again after I rock with Rocky tomorrow…