Who Woulda Thunk It?

A year ago, I was getting ready to do my first ever Ironman. I never imagined I would try one Ironman, let alone two. There have been many days when I wished I never signed up this year but now that it is almost here, the excitement is starting to build. The long rides, runs and swim are done and I am in taper mode.

Strange, but this year has been harder to prepare than last year. Who woulda thunk it? I thought this year would have been easier because I had already been through the training. This year, it has been harder mentally to get out and do it, day after day. I also think there is more pressure to do better this year because of my personal goals.

Anyway, along the way, the training season has brought some new and different experiences. Again, who woulda thunk it?

• Got my first flat on the tri bike and didn't have the right stuff to make the change. Of course it was on a ride in an area I didn't know.
• Did a 5200 yard swim in the pool. It was as boring as one can imagine. I now know what a fish feels like in a bowl.
• Rode from Vermont to New Hampshire, following Route 11 almost the entire way. The ride went from excitement to boredom to frustration to "get me off this thing".
• I "Cranked the Kanc". I have always wanted to climb the Kancamangus and I finally did it with the boys from the GSTC.
• Finally broke the 20 mile mark on the run. This was one of the most mentally challenging things I did.
• I downloaded a bunch of country songs for my Ipod. Am I becoming a redneck or I am maturing in some way? Maybe.
• Smoothies are now part of my weekly "diet".
• I actually tried to give up cookies, candy and other sweets for the last month or so. Coke, however, is still in the training regime.
• Racing went really well. Podium finishes at Big Lake 1/2 Marathon, Black Bear Duathlon, Patriot 1/2 Iron Distance Triathlon, and Black Fly International Distance Triathlon.
• I aged up this year. This means anytime someone marks my body, I have to say "40 years old". Really strange to think that I am going to be 40 this year.
• I am still shaving my legs, but grew my hair long and had facial hair a lot of the year. Strange, huh, considering I don't like hair all that much.
• Knock on wood, but no injuries to report of. Aches and pains, but nothing has stopped me yet.
• I listened to my wife, yes I did! She created a strength training program that I did my best to follow. If you need tickets to the gun show, let me know.
• I found out that I really like Peanut M&M's on long rides.
• During long trainings, I began to fixate on eating. Most of the time is was shredded potatoes, eggs and sausage...with a coke to wash it down. MM, MM good.
• Although I am not sure about my running and swimming, I think I have improved on the bike. Lord knows I have spent enough time on it.
• Facebook. Who woulda thunk it?

Well, there you have it, some of my highlights or low lights during the last 6 months. I am hopeful all of these experiences have helped me prepare to have a successful return to Lake Placid. In 8 days, we'll know.