After 12 1/2 hours of bliss in the car, we finally made it to Sebastian, FL. The weather report consistently called for rain this weekend, but I'm yet to see a drop. Yesterday morning, after coffee with my grandpa, I suited up and did my own triathlon. I drafted off of cars on a 20 mile bike ride, ran through a huge park where a boat and antique car show was going on, and then jumped in the Atlantic. The Atlantic swim didn't last too long. In addition to just not being real fond of water, I also had ten foot waves to contend with. I decided that 15 minutes was enough.
Today is my cousin's, Meghan, wedding. It starts at either two or four...I can't remember, but I'm sure I'll be directed as needed. Florida is definitely the best place in the south to train. I've got it all at my finger tips...and if you happen to be able to squeeze in a party with the family, well then party on Wayne.
Happy running!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
One Month
I've had a very relaxing series of training days the past week. Maybe it's because some of the pressure is off since I've already gotten over the peak of really hard training. Or, maybe, I know it's close to the end and I'm over it. I'm pretty sure it's just because I know I'm tapering, I'm ready and in shape, and this goal I've been working so hard for is finally at hand. Anywho, my easy runs have been, well...easy. I'm rocking mostly to the vocals of Dax Riggs on my iPod...check him out.I am officially within one month of race day. I'm not really hung-up on this date, but it is comforting to know that it's almost over. Don't misunderstand...I'm not jaded; but, really, training for a 100-miler is exhausting all the way around.
Early Friday morning my brother, sister and I will head out on a twelve hour journey to Sebastian, FL for my cousin's wedding. I'm very excited about this trip. Ever since I went to Ironman, FL in Panama City with Big Dave, I've been craving to get back. There's just something about training on the beach that is amazingly relaxing and effective. I can train for all three tri events at once with not much break between. Since I'm tapering right now, I can coast through at my own pace while taking in the scenery. Plus, I get to see the whole family in a very fun place and the wedding later in the evening is going to be a-tons-of-fun.The crawfish boil is our next mini fundraiser...except it's not going to be so "mini." Lot's of people are getting in on this and I'm hoping it's as big as the number of mass emails that are going out!
Happy running!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Indian Creek Swim
Changes have been made to the chase team for race day. Initially we had Big Dave, Pat Fellows, Brian Sebastian, and we'd found an EMT that would be with us all night. Well, our EMT has since left the team and Brian can't be there on race day because of a family situation (we forgive him...family first).
So here is our new line-up on race day:
Pat Fellows (captain)
Dave Melichar (captain)
Ali Lionberger
Paul Hendrix
We still don't have an EMT, but here's what we know: I am physically healthy, we won't be more than 30-40 minutes from an emergency room, the worse injury I can endure is some kind of twist or sprain, and if there were any serious heart or health problems, we likely would have seen them already in one of the trials.
Yesterday I got a painful deep-tissue massage that hit the spot. Just what I needed. And this morning I drove to Alexandria and spent a few hours out at Indian Creek canoeing alongside Dave and Ali as they got in an open water swim. I jumped in too for a quick swim at the end. I hate swimming. Period. However, it's always great to get in a different kind of cross-training.
I'm still taking it easy after last weekend's fiasco. We had an article run in The Advocate that instantly brought in about $250. Fundraising is cruising along. Get excited!
So here is our new line-up on race day:
Pat Fellows (captain)
Dave Melichar (captain)
Ali Lionberger
Paul Hendrix
We still don't have an EMT, but here's what we know: I am physically healthy, we won't be more than 30-40 minutes from an emergency room, the worse injury I can endure is some kind of twist or sprain, and if there were any serious heart or health problems, we likely would have seen them already in one of the trials.
Yesterday I got a painful deep-tissue massage that hit the spot. Just what I needed. And this morning I drove to Alexandria and spent a few hours out at Indian Creek canoeing alongside Dave and Ali as they got in an open water swim. I jumped in too for a quick swim at the end. I hate swimming. Period. However, it's always great to get in a different kind of cross-training.
I'm still taking it easy after last weekend's fiasco. We had an article run in The Advocate that instantly brought in about $250. Fundraising is cruising along. Get excited!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Trial III: Counting Our Loses
It's easy to console yourself and come up with cliché things to say when you don't reach your goals. Things like "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.", "At least you left it all out on the court.", or "Sometimes you learn more from losing than from winning." These are all crap to me, really.
I can blame a poor showing on the fact that I did a sprint triathlon the day before this trial. Or I can say that I was sick for almost a week and a half before the run.
Or, even, I could stick it to the fact that I was still running up till three days before. Well, despite how legitimate this laundry-list of reasons may be, not one of them is an excuse.
I knew better than to do a tri the day before. I know to give myself at least a full weeks rest. I also know that if I've been sick that I need to push back the date for an upcoming trial. In short, I trained harder not smarter. Cliché, I know...but there's a lot of truth in it.
So here's how Trial III brought the hurt:
The day began at six AM when I woke up in Alexandria, LA. I spent most of the morning mulling around the house and gradually getting my stuff together. I finally got back to Baton Rouge around five and quickly got my nutrition ready and then headed out the door for Mass. After a beautiful Palm Sunday Mass, Dave, Brian and I headed off for Natchez while rocking to various techno mixes.
We officially started running just before ten o'clock...a little later than we'd planned for, but then again we were going to be running all night anyway, so it didn't really matter.
Nutrition:
I've got a problem with this side of the race and in a big way. Yeah, I've nailed down the formula for what my stomach can handle, but I don't always want to eat. Pat Fellows has assured me than on race day he will be taking charge of this and demanding that I eat ever half hour, like it or not. I didn't eat nearly enough on this run. I had a huge bowl of pasta pre-run, but during I only went through a few chips, two bananas, some peanuts, a Pediasure, and some Dr. Pepper.
Night Life:
Running through the night is very odd...especially on the Trace. I'm essentially running through the woods. I couldn't see more than maybe 15 feet in front of me, so I heard EVERYTHING. We saw (heard mostly) deer everywhere and there was one very nerve-wracking encounter with a skunk on the side of the road. Also, the Park Service had apparently prescribed a control burn along a section of the road this night. So to add to the already slightly creepy sensation of running through the woods at night, we were now running through thick clouds of moon-lit smoke. I think Dave was more nervous than I was, but all in all a very memorable evening.
The Toughest Hour:
Hour 5:30-6:30 was brutal. I could tell at the starting line that my legs were a little bit tired. I could still feel the affects of doing the sprint triathlon the day before, but was optimistic that it wouldn't be a big deal and that a nice easy stride would eventually lull the tired sensation away. Well, at mile 30 I knew I was in trouble. My legs were more than slightly wary and I wasn't very sure how much longer I would last. When we reached mile 32, I found out. My quads would seize up on me and then suddenly release, leaving me unable to stand very well. So Dave and Brian confered on the situation and decided that we needed to call it an evening. I climbed into the back of the truck, dejected, and promptly fell asleep as we headed back to Baton Rouge.
What We Know:
We made the right decision by throwing in the towel. Really, this run was to acclimate to running on the Trace at night. After six and a half hours, we had a good idea of what to expect. Continuing to run while I was hurt wouldn't do anything constructive. It would only increase the amount of time I would need to heal and possible screw up me being ready on race day. We know that I can get close to 50 miles and beyond. Killing myself on this night would have just made things worse. However, let's not pretend like I feel good about this. Save yourself some trouble and don't even begin to try and console me...it ain't happening. For better or worse, this was the right thing, but I still feel terrible about it.
This week is nothing but rest and mild bike rides. We start again next week with more training and the beginning of tapering towards April 25th. Not to sound too Doomsday-ish, but the end is near.
I can blame a poor showing on the fact that I did a sprint triathlon the day before this trial. Or I can say that I was sick for almost a week and a half before the run.
Or, even, I could stick it to the fact that I was still running up till three days before. Well, despite how legitimate this laundry-list of reasons may be, not one of them is an excuse.I knew better than to do a tri the day before. I know to give myself at least a full weeks rest. I also know that if I've been sick that I need to push back the date for an upcoming trial. In short, I trained harder not smarter. Cliché, I know...but there's a lot of truth in it.
So here's how Trial III brought the hurt:
The day began at six AM when I woke up in Alexandria, LA. I spent most of the morning mulling around the house and gradually getting my stuff together. I finally got back to Baton Rouge around five and quickly got my nutrition ready and then headed out the door for Mass. After a beautiful Palm Sunday Mass, Dave, Brian and I headed off for Natchez while rocking to various techno mixes.
We officially started running just before ten o'clock...a little later than we'd planned for, but then again we were going to be running all night anyway, so it didn't really matter.
Nutrition:
I've got a problem with this side of the race and in a big way. Yeah, I've nailed down the formula for what my stomach can handle, but I don't always want to eat. Pat Fellows has assured me than on race day he will be taking charge of this and demanding that I eat ever half hour, like it or not. I didn't eat nearly enough on this run. I had a huge bowl of pasta pre-run, but during I only went through a few chips, two bananas, some peanuts, a Pediasure, and some Dr. Pepper.
Night Life:
Running through the night is very odd...especially on the Trace. I'm essentially running through the woods. I couldn't see more than maybe 15 feet in front of me, so I heard EVERYTHING. We saw (heard mostly) deer everywhere and there was one very nerve-wracking encounter with a skunk on the side of the road. Also, the Park Service had apparently prescribed a control burn along a section of the road this night. So to add to the already slightly creepy sensation of running through the woods at night, we were now running through thick clouds of moon-lit smoke. I think Dave was more nervous than I was, but all in all a very memorable evening.
The Toughest Hour:
Hour 5:30-6:30 was brutal. I could tell at the starting line that my legs were a little bit tired. I could still feel the affects of doing the sprint triathlon the day before, but was optimistic that it wouldn't be a big deal and that a nice easy stride would eventually lull the tired sensation away. Well, at mile 30 I knew I was in trouble. My legs were more than slightly wary and I wasn't very sure how much longer I would last. When we reached mile 32, I found out. My quads would seize up on me and then suddenly release, leaving me unable to stand very well. So Dave and Brian confered on the situation and decided that we needed to call it an evening. I climbed into the back of the truck, dejected, and promptly fell asleep as we headed back to Baton Rouge.
What We Know:
We made the right decision by throwing in the towel. Really, this run was to acclimate to running on the Trace at night. After six and a half hours, we had a good idea of what to expect. Continuing to run while I was hurt wouldn't do anything constructive. It would only increase the amount of time I would need to heal and possible screw up me being ready on race day. We know that I can get close to 50 miles and beyond. Killing myself on this night would have just made things worse. However, let's not pretend like I feel good about this. Save yourself some trouble and don't even begin to try and console me...it ain't happening. For better or worse, this was the right thing, but I still feel terrible about it.
This week is nothing but rest and mild bike rides. We start again next week with more training and the beginning of tapering towards April 25th. Not to sound too Doomsday-ish, but the end is near.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Fundraising
Today my friend Ali and I raced in the ULM Warhawk Triathlon. There wasn't any record breaking performances on my part, but I was strong the whole time and put up a 5K time I was happy with (just over 19 minutes). Since I haven't swam since January or trained particularly hard on the bike at all, it really wasn't a bad morning.
Tomorrow we've got Trial III on the Trace. We kick-off at 9 PM and run for 45 miles. We're trying to simulate a long distance night time run, similar to what race day will be like. We may also take another look at nutrition...just depending on how the run is going.
Fundraising is moving at a nice pace. Here's what's happened so far:
April 5th: Crawfish boil at Varsity sports. We got a great deal on crawfish and are selling them at 3 lbs/$15 and 5 lbs/$20
Timex Watch sale: Timex is hooking us up with a couple boxes of brand new triathlon watches at no cost. We'll be selling these babies at $10 and $15. Pure profit.
Media: We've already had an article written by the Alexandria Town Talk, but we have stories being written by other newspapers as well. These include 225, The Advocate, and The Natchez Democrat.
Be sure to check the Relay for Life site to watch our donations rise. Remember, the amount you see on the website is actually a few hundred lower than what we've actually earned. Those few extra hundred are in checks and dollars mailed in.
Happy running!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lower Back Tatt
The Flogging Molly concert was fantastic. They just don't get old. Perhaps what makes them even better than most bands is how amazingly friendly they are post-concert. I've met most of the band over the past four concerts just because they are extremely outgoing and courteous to their fans. So I have Flogging Molly's new CD on the iPod and also the two bands that opened up for them: The Cherry Cokes and The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band...I highly recommend all three.
Training has continued to be tough. I finally got over the head cold that was keeping me down for a week, but I'm still having trouble keeping my energy up. My legs are continuously exhausted. So I have taken today off and probably won't run again until this weekend.
This weekend:
Saturday: The Warhawk Triathlon, Monroe, LA
I know people are wary of me doing so many races while training. Also, why race when you are admitedly tired? Well, this tri is still up-in-the-air. I may not do it, but won't know for sure until Friday. Depending on how my legs feel and how I feel in general will determine if I'll be at this starting line.
Sunday: Trial III, Natchez, MS
This is our third and last true trial. I say true because I'll do one more really long run before the race that won't technically be a trial. Saturday's trial will be on the Trace again and this time we will start about eight or nine o'clock and run through the night. We need to do this because on race day we'll start at night to avoid the risk of overheating. We initially planned for this run to be 11-12 hours and close to 65 miles; however, better judgement and advice has led us to shortening this to 8-9 hours (45 miles). We figure that we're about 95% certain I can knock out 100 miles and that there wouldn't be much of an advantage in putting in those kind of miles this close to race day. At this point, it's better to be slightly under-trained than slighlty over-trained.
My sister hooked me up with a sweet, sweet lower-back tattoo today. I get a big kick out of mocking people in subtle ways they aren't real sure about...ala the lower-back tatt. It's temporary, don't fret...but I wish I could see the look on people's faces as I pass them while running the lake with my shirt off. Priceless.
Training has continued to be tough. I finally got over the head cold that was keeping me down for a week, but I'm still having trouble keeping my energy up. My legs are continuously exhausted. So I have taken today off and probably won't run again until this weekend.
This weekend:
Saturday: The Warhawk Triathlon, Monroe, LA
I know people are wary of me doing so many races while training. Also, why race when you are admitedly tired? Well, this tri is still up-in-the-air. I may not do it, but won't know for sure until Friday. Depending on how my legs feel and how I feel in general will determine if I'll be at this starting line.
Sunday: Trial III, Natchez, MS
This is our third and last true trial. I say true because I'll do one more really long run before the race that won't technically be a trial. Saturday's trial will be on the Trace again and this time we will start about eight or nine o'clock and run through the night. We need to do this because on race day we'll start at night to avoid the risk of overheating. We initially planned for this run to be 11-12 hours and close to 65 miles; however, better judgement and advice has led us to shortening this to 8-9 hours (45 miles). We figure that we're about 95% certain I can knock out 100 miles and that there wouldn't be much of an advantage in putting in those kind of miles this close to race day. At this point, it's better to be slightly under-trained than slighlty over-trained.
My sister hooked me up with a sweet, sweet lower-back tattoo today. I get a big kick out of mocking people in subtle ways they aren't real sure about...ala the lower-back tatt. It's temporary, don't fret...but I wish I could see the look on people's faces as I pass them while running the lake with my shirt off. Priceless.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Flogging Molly
This week has been, by far, the most infuriating week of training I've had. Shinsplints are not the culprit (they've actually subsided almost completely), but rather I can't seem to stay healthy. That may be an exaggeration. Really all I have is another head cold, but when you need to log a four hour run, a head cold is enough to drop you to the floor. So I've been heavily doped up on NyQuil and Zicam. I was able to get in one run in the past seven days that was just under four hours, but the rest have only been two hours at the max. I've also had to cut out all weight lifting. I feel like I'm on the tail end of this cold and hopefully she'll be cleared up by tomorrow.
This weekend I've got the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Baton Rouge. This is a really long event (because of all the ceremonies before and after), but one of the more entertaining races I do each season. Also, my sister and I are headed to New Orleans on Sunday to see Flogging Molly at the House of Blues. This will be my fourth time to see them, and I know what you're thinking...."Brady, overkill. Four times? Really, how many times do you need to see them?" Well, the answer is "many more." I love the Irish Rock, what can I say.
We recently picked up Timex as a sponsor and they are helping us out in huge ways with fundraising. Speaking of, we cracked $1,000 yesterday! I'm excited. The majority of the money we raise will come as the race gets closer, but I'm ecstatic that we've reached this benchmark.
This weekend I've got the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Baton Rouge. This is a really long event (because of all the ceremonies before and after), but one of the more entertaining races I do each season. Also, my sister and I are headed to New Orleans on Sunday to see Flogging Molly at the House of Blues. This will be my fourth time to see them, and I know what you're thinking...."Brady, overkill. Four times? Really, how many times do you need to see them?" Well, the answer is "many more." I love the Irish Rock, what can I say.We recently picked up Timex as a sponsor and they are helping us out in huge ways with fundraising. Speaking of, we cracked $1,000 yesterday! I'm excited. The majority of the money we raise will come as the race gets closer, but I'm ecstatic that we've reached this benchmark.
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