P3 Program

Ferryl called today to set up first meeting. I'm excited about getting this started to see what they can find. The plan right now is to video tape me running, swimming, and biking. The number of people that could beneft from something like this is incredible. The number of people that actually do something like this is quite small. I feel this, again, has something to do with people thinking they're smarter than they are. Humility will get you a long way. I defer to Sherry all the time. I'm now going to do it moreso with C.J. and Sherry and the PhysioTherapy crew, they are the experts.

First appointment, a week from Tuesday (March 8th).

Meeting with CJ

I met with C.J. and Ryan tonight. We went over what to do for March and April. I feel good about the season and how we're entering into it. My first thought when C.J. told me how much to do volume wise, I thought to myself that it wasn't enough. I told myself to relax and trust. C.J. has done 21 Ironman distance races. If I'm going to have him train me I have to trust him. Too many people think they know more than the person with all the knowledge. More is not better at this time of year.

It was a good meeting, some pizza, some talk, some training stuff. I'm jazzed about this year.

Total Immersion Drills

I have had the Total Immersion (TI) DVD for some time now. I finally resolved to get off my butt and do the drills. To be honest it's tough to change into a swim suit and get into a cold pool when you're there solely to do drills.

I've done them twice this week (Monday and Wednesday) at Kennedy. They feel good, but I have this overwhelming fear that I could be doing something wrong. So, while I'm taking time and not swimming any distance worth noting and only doing drills I may be ingraining a non TI stroke while not receiving any cardiovascular benefit. I do trust the TI system, but what I don't trust is myself and whether I'm doing it right or not. I'm starting to wonder if a bad/mediocre stroke now that is well practiced is better than doing no swimming and just doing drills that may result in a good stroke, but quite possilby only a mediocre one?

PT Update

I met with Sherry today and she's is pleased with my improvement in my VMO function on both knees. I'm continuing to work on it. I've had no problems like I did the saturday with the 3 hour brick (2 hour bike, 1 hour run). I sometimes feel like things aren't quite right with the knee, but I feel like it's either stemming from the poor VMO function or some other muscular imbalances/weakness (ie. Glutes). I will continue to do my rehab and see where we go. I don't give up easily (ever?). I don't know if I'm just stupid sometimes, or if I'm to be admired because I always have a shred of hope that sustains me and doesn't allow me to give up.

Quad sets here I come...

Sponsorship

Got a call from C.J. on the way home from Minnesota. Physiotheraphy is on board!! They are donating their Peak Performance Program in trade for them using me as a guinea pig/marketing device. I'm pumped. I'm so ready to go.

New Bike!!!

This weekend Sarah and I made the trip to gear west to buy a bike. After 2 hours with Dave, I walked away with a new beautiful Trek Equinox 9. I originally wanted the 2004 Cervelo Dual, but they didn't have my size left. They had the 2005 available, but the 2004 had the red paint and a better look. So Dave introduced us to the Trek Equinox 7 and a Felt bike. The Trek Equinox 7 looked like a sweet bike, sans the paint. It was silver, not my favorite. Right behind it, a Trek Equinox 9, friggin RED. Awesome! Base price was a bit higher than we wanted to spend, but it was so close and I fell in love with it, so we went from there to get it fit. After some adjustments we were out the door and ready to go. Here's a picture:



I just wish it were warmer out so I could ride now. Time to bust out the trainer.

Beginning of Training

Today a deal was struck between my self and Quantum Performance (C.J. Ong Jr.) to do my Ironman Training. While I've known they were going to do this for some time now (we've done heart rate testing, talked about strategies, ect, ect), it's good to feel concrete about it.

I'm excited because it will give me some direction in training. Now I don't feel like I'm embarking on this journey alone and stupid. My goal is not to over dramatize the idea of doing an Ironman, but in all honesty, it may be one of the hardest things I've ever done and I'm not taking that fact lightly. You get one shot that day to do it. You can't get 5 hours in and realize your not going to make it, pack it up and sign up for the next race a month later. The boom of triathlon has caused the choice to do an Ironman one that must be made a year in advance.

C.J. and I are working to partner up with Physiotherapy Associates to get me enrolled in their Peak Performance Program (P3). The program is designed to help athletes keep in touch with their bodies in order to keep them healthier and performing. The therapists and trainers in the program work with you to find muscular imbalances, poor technique, and areas of wasted energy, all in order to get you to the finish line healthier and faster. So I'm crossing my fingers hoping something can be worked out.

In the mean time, I'm resting up and preparing to start running again next week.