Ayerd{dot}com :: Triathlon

Hopped on the pedals today for a wee 30-mile ride. The first 15 or so felt great... then the 35° wind started to take a toll on my toes. Nothing worse than having your toes slowly go numb as you try to power up a hill.

You'd think my body would realize it was plenty uncomfortable with the cold and maybe it shouldn't compound the problem by insisting having a running nose the whole time. But, noooooooo. I really do think my saftey word is "more".

After the bike, I kept to my training promise of running after every bike. Quick transition and then out the door for a 30 minute run. Once the feeling came back in my feet, it wasn't too bad. I think there may be hope for me yet.

The real question is how my damage did I do to myself? Won't really know until I try the 1/2 marathon tomorrow at Tyler State Park. I'll post an update after that bit of pain has been worked though.

Got a ½ Marathon in today! It was a great day to run. Not too hot, little breezy but not so much that wind was an issue. The course at Tyler State Park was hilly, as always, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of the hills.

Today's race took 2:02. Okay, so, I'm not the fastest man in the world, but we knew that going into the race. I think without the hills, finishing in under 2 hours would have been a snap. Me thinks the 4-hour marathon may be within my grasp.

One thing I did notice was the salt. Like, all over my body after the race. And not in that fun, kinky kind of way. That means I've got to find some decent salt-tablet like things before the weather starts to heat up. It could also explain some the fatigue I get near the end of the Olypmic races. I just didn't notice the salt as I think I have been washing it away when I dump water on myself at the aid stations. When I find a good salt tablet, I'll be sure to share with everyone.

For better or worse, I've finally signed up for the NJ Shore Marathon. For some reason I've got that one scene from "Joe vs the Volcano" stuck in my head:

I know he can get the job, but can he do the job?

Clearly, I was able to sign up for the race, but can I complete the race? Actually, I think I can. My goal time of 4 hours is within my grasp. I keep hearing how after mile 20, it gets tougher... we'll see.

Must finish race! If I can't do one puny little marathon, how the hell will I finish the same distance in Florida?