Elevation and Big Week Training ...

So, It's been a while.

Last weekend the family and I went up to Flagstaff to visit some friends.
(pic is us on San Francisco Peaks.)

I had an opportunity to do my training at elevation (8000 ft.)
Whew ... wiped me out.

Although, I had a wondrously serene 10-mile-run in the forest by Munds Park, running towards Mormon Lake. I saw a huge Elk run across the road in front of me. Awesome.

This weekend, training was crazy.
On Friday, I ran 10 miles, then swam 2+ miles, then rode 30 miles.
On Saturday, I rode for 6-and-a-half hours.
On Sunday I went down to Tempe Town Lake, where the Ironman is held, and watched the SOMA Half-Ironman. Well, actually, I ran 18-and-a-half miles around the lake and watched the race as I ran. I finished the run with two laps up and down A-mountain. Ouch. My legs still haven't recovered. Then I watched the pros fininsh the race. Chris McDonald won and set a new course record of 3:48.

WOW.
A Half-Ironman in 3:48. Crazy!

After the race, I went home and rode my bike for an hour-and -a-half...
.. fell asleep at 7 p.m.
Completely wiped out. Exhausted .. and loving it.

This coming weekend is the hardest and longest of the training period. After this, its taper time. I'm running on empty. Every training session is pushed to the max and i'm waiting for the wheels to come off. I just need to hold it together this last week and all will be well.

Now is the time to focus, hone the mantra and have faith in the training process. I am a machine and I will conquer.

Have a good week. I will be in touch again after this crazy week.
Wish me good vibes and much energy.

Mantra for the week: "Finish Strong."


FYI - my friend Ed is running the Ironman with me and is raising money for a local charity called the Tempe Community Action Agency. If you can help in anyway, that would be awesome. Here is the link:

edtheironman.blogspot.com