About The Toughest Race I've Ever Done

I selected as my first A-event of the 2012 season, the Ironman 70.3 Florida which was held in Haines City on Sunday, May 20th.  I picked this early event simply because I wanted to test how well my off-season training efforts had improved my skills.  I trained hard and I trained smart.  Every discipline individually, showed tremendous improvement.

In the water, I had been swimming miles at about 41-42 minutes.  For me, this is monumental. On the bike, I was averaging over 18mph on longer rides.  Again, huge improvements.  I set a 10k PR just a few weeks ago.  So, everything was looking promising.

I entered race week extremely confident.  Not cocky by any stretch of the imagination.  Just confident.  I felt good.  I would sleep well at night the few nights before the race.  This I had never done!  When asked by my wife how I felt, I told her that I felt so good, it was kinda scary.

We, my wife, younger daughter and I,  packed up the car and left for the long drive very early Thursday morning.  We were to pick up our oldest daughter in Ocala, Fl Thursday afternoon.  This was going to be a family outing.  Somewhere, about halfway through the trip, the car started malfunctioning.  We opted to spot and pick up a rental to have for the rest of the trip.  Didn't want to deal with a broken car before the race. Would this be a sign of things to come?  Little did we know.

REGISTRATION

We arrived at race site on Friday, early afternoon and registration had just begun.  Walked through in a very timely manner.  Everything was extremely well organized... as usual.  Received my package which included all the necessary paraphernalia to participate in the race.  My bib was #200.

 
After walking through the expo and leaving behind a small fortune (visor, bike jersey, water bottles, etc) we left and headed for the hotel.

Another huge perk of racing in Central Florida for me, is the fact that I got to spend time with  my brother and sister and they got to come watch me race!

Friday evening we met my sister and her husband for dinner.  Carb loading at its finest!

SATURDAY... ONE DAY TO GO!

My wife and daughters left early for they wanted to go shopping in Orlando.  That was just fine by me for I had other plans.  A small and easy bike ride and short and sweet run.  Also, had to get the bike ready to take it to transition.

Early afternoon came and we took the bike to get it racked.  Now, there was nothing else to do but wait.

Later on we meet my sister again, and my brother with his girl friend as well as his son.  We went to dinner for a good ol' protein/fat/carb feast... but not to large!

I slept well.  I had been doing so all week.  I was ready.  Anxious and respectful of the task ahead is how I felt.

RACE MORNING

I arrived at transition about 5:45 to a mass of humanity.  Yes, there were lots of triathletes.  Lots of family and friends, lots of media, TV cameras and crew, a helicopter hovering overhead and Lance Armstrong.  He was getting ready.  Right beside me.  I was number 200 after all.  Two racks next to his!  WOW!

6:00 came and it was time to close transition.  Off to the swim start.

SWIM

There was a calm inside me I couldn't explain.  Usually, at this point, my nerves are pretty well shot.  But not today.  I was ready.  I saw my friends Michelle and Leigh and we wished each other good luck!  And then the cannon went off.  It was time to rock-n-roll.  First the professional men, then the professional women along with one paraplegic triathlete.  I was in the next wave.

We walked into the water and it felt like a bath tub.  The temperature, we were told was 81F.  The water was dirty and nasty due to the lack of good rain in the area.  When I got my face wet, I tasted how nasty it was.

The horn went off and so did we.  Our wave must have had 30-40 athletes.  It was pretty shallow for a while, so some ran, others did the dolphin dive.  I think I ran, but I can't be sure.

The swim start was a cluster.  People everywhere, everyone jockeying for position.  I needed to move to the outside like I usually do; to escape the hits and pushes and shoves.  It didn't work.  Way to many people.  I would loose much needed energy worrying about this, so I stayed as close to the inside as I could, along with every other swimmer with the same idea.

For about ten minutes I felt great.  I was getting in my groove.  I felt great.  Remember thinking that this is just how I trained, this is just how I envisioned it.

And just like that, without warning it hit me.  A muscle cramp on my left calf.  One of a caliber which I had never felt before.  It scared the heck out of me, but quickly I regained my composure.  I stretched my toes a couple of times trying to work it out.  And I did.  For about a minute.  Then another cramp.  Then another. And yet another.  This time the cramps were moving to the bottom of my foot and even my toes.  What the heck?  Had to turn on my back to give my leg a chance to stretch.  This took valuable time but it needed to get done.

Every time I tried to kick my leg, I felt a cramp coming.  So I opted to kick with just the right leg and leave the left alone.  Big mistake.  It was the right leg's turn to cramp up.  Just like the left did.  Every muscle, every tendon, every ligament were hurting.

I would be lying to you if I told you that even for the smallest of moments the idea of calling for help and maybe removing myself from the race didn't cross my mind.  I say for the smallest of moments because at that point, when this thought crossed my mind, there was not a single boat, canoe or kayak in sight.  Right then and there I realized that this truly was about survival.  Mine.  If my resolve was being tested, I hope I passed.

I spent more time on my back during the entire swim, nursing my legs hoping the pain would go away.  It never did.  First chance I got to put my foot on solid ground was about 40 yds from the swim out. The pain was so intense it knocked me to my knees.  I stretched for a bit and came out of the water.

My goal for the swim was 45 minutes.  Total swim time was 1:10:23.  But hey, I was just happy to be alive!

Very gingerly I walked/ran through transition.  I didn't want to find out what would happen if I pushed it at this point.  Just wanted to get to my bike and continue my day.

T1

I arrived at T1 and I couldn't tell if I was more upset at what had happened or at how bruised my ego was.  I laid down to put on my bike shoes, and couldn't get up.  Quads locked up!  It took just a few moments to get my legs to move.  All geared up and ready to go, I walked my bike out of transition and saw my entire family hooting and hollering, yelling my name.  This put a smile on my face.  What a great send off!

BIKE

If there was a bright spot on my day was my bike.  I felt good.  Muscles were behaving and I was able to ride like I wanted to.  My first bike split show that I averaged 18.61mph.  I was flying.

Then it got hot.  Blazing hot.  And oh yeah, windy.  I was having to push harder, even though I used bigger gears.  My legs began to take a toll.  Quads began to hurt so before they would cramp up I chose to slow the pace down some.  Second split was 14.99mph.  I'm still happy with my best bike ever.

Bike goal time was 3:15.  Actual bike time was 3:14:11.  This is a bike PR for me.

T2

Once again I came in to the cheering of the crowd.  My family right in the middle of it.  It was sweet.  However, when I dismounted the bike, I almost fell to me knee because the calf and quad cramped up again.  Made it to my spot and again, once I sat down to change shoes, I could hardly get up.  But I did.

RUN

The first couple hundred yards were slow.  I wanted to gauge how my legs felt.  Would the muscles take me to the finish line?  At this point I knew I was in for a very long run.  The temperature had continued to rise and there was not a cloud in the sky!

The whole run consisted of running and walking.  At times it was mostly walking.  If I ran for more than a couple of blocks my calves and quads would complain.  I did manage, however to put on a good show for the crowd as I went through the park twice and at the finish line.  I ran through here.  I always say:  Never let them see you hurting.

Run goal time was 2:30.  Actual run time was 3:01:00

FINISH

I have never been so happy to see a finish line as I was to see this one.  My body was in pain, agonizing pain.  Muscles I didn't know I had were hurting.


My goal was to finish this event in under 7:00 hours.  I have never done this.  Actual time 7:37:13

Regardless of the outcome, there's always a lesson to be learned.  For me, on this race I learned how important it is to be mentally ready to overcome whatever comes your way.  Had it not been for the fact that I train my mind as well as I train my body, this race could have possibly ended in disaster or even tragedy.

Now I have just six weeks to figure out why I cramped like I did.  Potassium?  Hydration?  Both?  Neither?  Next test will come on July 7th at the Ironman 70.3 Muncie.

If any of you have ever experienced anything like this, I'd like to hear how you solved this issue.  Please drop me a line on the comments section of at the bottom of this post or post a note on my blog's facebook page (click here)

In the meantime, please continue to check my blog's facebook page (click here) for daily training updates and tidbits of motivation and other cool stuff.

About That Time

In just seven short days, Ironman 70.3 Florida will take place. My wave is set to start at 6:40am.  Yes, once again, us older guys go immediately following the pros and right behind us, the 18-24 year old males.  My bib number is "200".  Luck number!  For me, this will be the first of three A-races this summer, all three 70.3 distances.  All three Ironman events.

Training for this race has been different to say the least.  Different in that it hasn't compared to last year's regime for the Ironman.  Nonetheless, I followed my coach's instructions (for the most part) and put in the required numbers of yards and miles... for the most part.

For the most part, I say, because there's only so much you can do with a damaged plantar fascia.  It requires a lot of rest and while resting, obviously you can't run.

Right about this time, I always begin to question my training.  No matter how much I've done, no matter how little I've done, no matter the event, no matter the race. It has become a "tradition" with me, if you will, to always question my readiness.  If everything falls into place, I should be able to put this behind me in a day or two.  Luckily this time around, I've had a couple of tremendous training sessions in the past few days, so this has helped.

One big difference is that up until the Ironman, the swim always made me loose sleep.  I would put in the laps, the yards, the time, but I would still loose sleep over it.

After spending 1:51:54 in the Ohio River last August, I came out of the water with a whole new perspective.  I do believe I left all my fears in that river.  Don't get me wrong, I still respect the swim, but it's not dominating my every thought.  For this, I am grateful.

Yesterday I had one of my best bike rides ever.  I managed to average speeds above 17 mph with a good amount of elevation.  I've never been able to do this.  Winter gym work and off season trainer sessions are to thank for this.  Now, I wait and see how this translates to the race course.  But confident is what I am.

This week will be an easy, relaxing, tapering week.  I will do the required short and easy workouts.  I will travel to Florida on Thursday with the family and upon arrival to the race site on Friday, I will begin to put my race face on.

So what's in store for me on Sunday?  No one knows.  What I do know is that, as in the past, I will not worry about things I have no control over.  I will concentrate on the task at hand.  I will race my race.  I will do my best, because "If It Is To Be, It's Up To Me"

About The Silver Lining

"Clouds may come.  Clouds may go.  But behind each cloud you know, the sun or the moon is shinning through."

It is often said that each and every cloud has a silver lining.  Sometimes however, its difficult to at first glance recognize this.  Because of this very same reason, I have learned to take time out after any "not so ideal" experience to gather my thoughts and compose myself.

This was the case after last Saturday's Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville.

I had been looking forward to this event for weeks.  Not just because it has become one of my favorite annual races but because this year I was going to run it with both my daughters and my brother.  Add to this the fact that I had been running at a pace I had never done in the past and I was looking forward to a spectacular race.

The weekend started in great form.  Along with my wife and one of my daughters, we picked up my brother Hernando at the airport and headed to pick up our race packet and to the expo.  Neither experience disappointed.  Both were organized with utmost professionalism, as usual.

Saturday morning's 4am alarm came quick.  Got out of bed without hesitation and had breakfast.  All my running gear had been left out the night before so this was smooth.  Left the house en route to pick up my daughter Marcela, on the other side of Nashville.

Everything was going just as planned.  The traffic was moving, the weather promised to be great.  It was gong to be a fine race.

The crowds were gathering...all 31,000 runners were arriving.  The feeling of excitement filled the air.  It's always and experience like no other.  The time was getting closer.

Mauricio, Juliana, Marcela and Hernando before Country Music Half Marathon

From previous experience I learned that when you register for a race like this, you claim your estimated finish time about 30 minutes faster that you actually think you're going to finish.  This in order to get assigned a corral closer to the front.

Two reasons for this.  One, the wait is not as long.  Two, you have a chance of establishing your tempo a lot quicker due to the fact that you're not racing behind folks who may be a little (or a lot) slower than you, or maybe even behind walkers.  This is extremely important if you want to run with a time in mind.  This year,  I did.

Some thirty five minutes before the start of the race I had the urge to visit the restroom (porta-potties, if you will).  This is where it all started going downhill.  The lines were so stinking long that by the time we made it out and into the race course, we started somewhere around corral no. 22!  That's 14 corrals behind where we were supposed to be.  Note to self:  Next time... go behind a tree!

I had been hit with a severe bout of stomach flu earlier in the week.  As early as Friday morning I was still feeling the effects from it.  I had been totally dehydrated but worked diligently to recover from this in time for the race.  As I crossed the starting line my only thought was that I hope I had done enough.  We would see.

The first mile or so, the pace was slow, but I was okay with it because it was right within my plan.  Little did I know that this pace would not get much better as the race went on.  Not so much because I couldn't step it up, but because it was impossible to step it up.  Impossible due to the tremendous crowd.  Wall to wall runners, joggers, speed walkers and walkers.  At times, even zig-zagging was an issue.  It never got any better.

As the miles started piling up, I kept watching my estimated goal time of 1:59:59 go by the way side.  And as this began to happen, I began to stress.  "How could I let this happen" I kept thinking.  "This can't be, I must speed up, crank it up, rev it up."  I would find a glimpse of daylight and I would take it, would run right through it only to find another wall.  Another human wall.  Here we go again.  And again.  And again.

Frustration was setting in quick.  Around mile 6, I remember thinking "It's now or never".  As it turns out, it was Never.   More people, every where... people.

And so it came, mile 9.  The wheels officially fell off.  I had nothing left and at this point I realized that my goal was not going to happen today, that it was time just to enjoy the rest of the run.  And that I did.

The last half mile or so, I watched as everyone around me was passing me, everyone had left a little in their tank for their final push.  Except me.  At this point, it didn't matter.

I made it through.  Picked up my medal which weighed heavy around my neck.  And then the"bottleneck".  Whoever designed this chute is out of their mind.  After running a marathon or a half marathon you can't ask people to just "stop", and that's what they did.  This is/was insane.  This will have to be addressed.  I've heard of several people that almost lost it at that point.

So all's not lost, hence the silver lining in the story.  Several lessons were learned on Saturday, but most importantly, I learned that...

For me, I will never go into a race, of any kind, of any distance again, with a specific time "goal" in mind.  For five years I have done just fine with "I will run my race, I will do my best, I will be happy with my effort."  I will go back to that.

I learned that no matter what happens during a race, the most important thing is to smile, be happy and enjoy.  I will go back to that.

Hernando, Mauricio, Marcela, Juliana and Colton after Country Music Half Marathon

 And while I was soaking in my sorrows, I witnessed the most amazing efforts from my daughters Juliana and Marcela and my brother Hernando.  They all finished with huge smiles, happy with their times and ecstatic about their efforts.  For each one of them, their experience during their second half-marathon will be one they'll never forget, and having been part, albeit a small part, of that will make up for any shortcoming during my own race.

Next on my schedule is Ironman 70.3 Florida at Lake Eva Park near Haynes City Florida.  This race is on May 20th.  That's right, just 20 days away!

Healthy Eating: Some Tips for Staying on Track & Strengthening Your Resolve :)

We all know that exercise is only part of the equation. Of course, good nutrition is another, highly significant part of that equation as well. And, as athletes, we all know that it's also an essential component in helping to boost our athletic performance. Simply put, an athlete cannot maximize their health and fitness potential without it.

Of course, the tricky part is establishing and maintaining our path to good nutrition. Sometimes we might find that it can be especially challenging when we're trying to form these new patterns, particularly because both eating and exercise have added psychological elements to them. ;) While this is something that's important to be aware of and acknowledge, we also need to recognize that we have a choice in the matter and don't need to let it rule us or our behaviors. Usually, when we fall off course, it's because we've let our less helpful emotions take hold and/or have switched from a state of awareness to unconsciousness, and just need to return to that former state, reestablish a sense of balance, and get back to basics. We have the option to make conscious choices, but in order to do this, we first need to be conscious of that fact. :) Then, we can find ways to change and reinforce those changes until they stick.

So what are some ways that we can stay on track and reinforce our healthy habits? The solution is actually fairly simple and straightforward. The way to healthy eating is no different than the way to forming consistent patterns of exercise: We can overcome these challenges and master these struggles within ourselves with a bit of planning and reinforcement of gradually introduced, small changes until they supplant those older, less healthy habits. This way, these newly formed exercise and healthy eating patterns have a much better chance of success.

Of course, a lot of our current eating and exercise patterns are just done out of habit. So, since any established pattern of less-than-healthy eating had to be established at one point or another, whether it was consciously established or not ;), it can be unestablished by consciously practicing a new behavior pattern and then reinforcing it until it replaces the old pattern.

Also, technology can be of great assistance in helping to solidify these new behavior patterns through continual (electronic) reminders to reinforce regular planning and practice. For those of you with iPhones and iPads, meal planning and grocery shopping apps like MealBoard and Groceries can be particularly helpful in that regard. Of course, there are Android equivalents like Mighty Grocery Shopping List, Grocery Gadget, Food Planner, and the like, all of which have been highly rated as well. The simple fact of the matter is this: If we plan out each meal and snack on a weekly or biweekly basis with nutrition in mind, then we're less likely to succumb to unhealthy selections as a last-minute, irrational impulse, especially when our blood sugar starts to drop and/or our hunger starts to kick in. After all, there's less of a temptation to look elsewhere when you've got a readily available, healthy and nourishing selection on hand.

Another useful tactic is to pack veggies for snacks during the day and couple them with a protein source like hummus or healthy Omega 3 rich nuts (i.e., walnuts, pistachios), etc. This gives us a "battle plan," so to speak, to stave off any potential hunger pangs (that are often due to lack of proper planning), which in turn, keeps us from grabbing other, less healthy things.

So why is this combination particularly effective? Protein helps to sustain one's blood sugar while the veggies contain slow-release carbs and fiber to help sustain us (for a much longer duration than carbs containing simple starches) and satisfy our hunger. And, the healthy fats also help to create a feeling of satiety as well. The first part of the above snack (i.e., the veggies) also helps us to fulfill the recommended daily allowance of eating at least 4-5 servings of veggies per day, while the latter (i.e., walnuts, pistachios, etc.) helps us to fit in some much-needed Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation, which is particularly useful to athletes, as these powerful Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce post-exercise induced inflammation.

As for my own practices, I'll usually save any "fun," sweet (but still healthy) snacks for right after dinner, especially if I'm in the mood for a healthy dessert. This is when I'll typically eat a fruit I love and sometimes mix it with Greek yoghurt drizzled with a small amount of honey. (This snack also has the added advantage of taking little kitchen prep that takes no time at all.) Or, I'll premake all-natural fruit pops or smoothies using the same ingredients. For small fruits like raspberries, I'll mix them in after I blend together the other ingredients. For larger fruits, like strawberries, I'll slice them first. If the fruit is really sweet, I'l sometimes add a small squeeze of lemon to the mix to balance the flavors.

Of course, I don't always want a snack like this, so about once a week, usually on the weekends, if I'm really craving something sweet or salty, I'll allow myself to have a snack in a reasonable, pre-determined, measured portion size that isn't a veggie or a fruit. :) That way, I won't go bonkers and eat a whole chocolate cake. Lol. Of course, that's an exaggeration for humorous effect, but you get my point. In moderation, the practice of consuming a special treat every once in a while, that is, if our decision is a conscious one, is a perfectly normal and reasonable behavior. If a person eats like a normal healthy person as a cumulative practice, then that once-in-a-while treat can be put into perspective, as it's the overall trend that truly matters. The larger picture of achieving good health and a sense of well-being for the long-term is what's truly important.

I hope you find these tips helpful in your quest to eat more healthfully! As they say, a failure to plan is planning to fail. Or, put in a more positive light, planning is 95% of the battle right there. And we all know this to be true because as athletes we practice this very principle to guide us to success in our own race training.

I wish you lots of success in your quest for fitness and health.

-Corey

For more tips on healthy eating, sports nutrition, and wellness, feel free to follow my public Facebook feed, recipe/nutrition blog, Cooking with Corey, and/or running blog, See Corey Run.

About Pushing Beyond Perceived Limits

I had just about resigned myself to the fact that my run pace would be around the 10:00 to 10:15 mark.  No matter how hard I tried, no matter what I did, it always came back to that.  Sometimes I would venture into the 9:50ish pace but would quickly go back to that very familiar point.

And then my heel (plantar fasciitis) showed its ugly face.  I was sidelined for some three months.  No running whatsoever.  I was advised to let it heal by letting it rest, amongst other things.  So that I did.  I ran The Nashville Half Marathon on November 12th and the pain was so intense, I could hardly finish the race.  Did not lace up a running shoe until February 1st, this year.

Started running slow pace  and short distances.  A few minutes at a time, a couple of times a week.  Did not worry about pace; just wanted to run and run without pain.  Everything was going just as I had hoped.  Well, just as I had hoped and as my coach had hoped and as my doctor had hoped.  Things were looking up.

As times passed, so did the miles and the time.  I would venture into longer runs but still held it to just a couple of times per week.  I was told to be patient.

And then came March 14th., the day I decided to let it all hang out.  Did not hold back, did not look back!  When it was all said and done the total mileage for that day was 4.3 miles at a 9.13 pace!  Never had I gone that far, that fast.  Ever!

Then on March 17th., the distance was 7.55 miles at a 9:47 pace.  To say that I was happy is an understatement.  That was followed this past Wednesday with a 4.45 mile run at 9:03 pace.  I was in awe!

But can I hold that pace on a longer run?  That was answered Saturday morning as I ran 10.01 miles in 1:32 at a pace of 9:12!

There are a couple of reasons why I believe this is taking place.  First, during the winter months, while I was not able to run, I hit the gym.  I worked on my core and I worked on my legs.  I also read and learned a lot about nutrition.  Which brings me to the second reason...

All the research I did on the subject made me realize that I needed to tweak my nutrition somewhat.  I've been eating healthy for a long time, but still some changes needed to be made.  In came the help of my nutrition coach, Jessica from FTP Coaching.

With her help I've been able to make some very important changes to what, and specially when, I eat in relation to my training blocks.  Don't really want to get into specific details about this on this post mostly because I'm still trying to wrap my arms around this whole thing.  All I can say is that it's made a difference!

I stay in pretty close contact with my tri coach Barry of Endurance Geeks, and so I asked him "where is this new found speed coming from?" he simply replied "strength, less frequent, more quality runs and nutrition."  He went on to tell me to "Enjoy it."

Thanks Barry, I think I will!

So what have I learned from all this?  Most, if not all limitations I had where put on myself, by myself.  I had a perception of what I could do, and it was totally different from what I could "really" do.  With a little hard work and determination, we can all break those self imposed barriers called "limitations". So what about yours?  What barriers are you working on shattering through?

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About A Happy Coincidence

I have been dispensing free advise for as long as I can remember to anyone who is willing to listen.  I have also been fascinated with the ability of the human mind to take us places we never thought possible, at times overcoming insurmountable obstacles.  So much so that I have dedicated a good portion of whatever free time I may find, to educate myself in the subject and to test theories in the matter.

As human beings we often take the path of least resistance, keeping us in a comfortable and familiar zone.  Venturing out of this zone takes work, effort and dedication and working on this sometimes takes more than we're willing to put forth.

Enter the world of sports and fitness.

By now anyone not living under a rock understands the importance of physical activity.  The problem is however, that the distance between understanding and taking action, actually doing something about it, is quiet large.  Few people find themselves comfortable enough with themselves to tackle something new, something different, something that may actually take some hard work to accomplish.

But it's not all lost.  I have written and talked about the one element that ensures, or at least gives you a better shot at success... Mental Training.

On January 13, 2012, I wrote a post entitled: "About The Fifth Element".  In it I discussed the importance of being mentally ready to tackle your triathlon, specifically your Ironman.  This post has been the second most viewed, shared and re-tweeted of all posts in this blog.

So, imagine my Happy Coincidence when I found the link for an article that CNN Health wrote on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 (six weeks after I penned mine) entitled:  "Train your brain, then your body"   In this article, the author spells out one the Triathletes I most admire, Chrissie Wellington's advise on mental readiness and toughness.

It was eerie to me to read the article because it sounded oh so familiar, but as I read on I became excited and happy with the fact that indeed, I'm not to far off base.  To have the four time World Ironman Champion agree with me, was... is unimaginable.

Okay, she didn't actually agree with me by name.  She obviously has no idea who this age grouper is, but nonetheless, her thoughts are totally in line, or rather my thoughts are totally in line with the way she thinks.

In a very indirect and oh so unwittingly, this article validates the work that I'm trying to do, and more importantly the person I'm trying to be.
_________________

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About Bonehead Decisions

I consider myself a pretty level headed kind'a person.  I make decisions after a well thought out process.  So far, this has served me well.  I have no complaints.

A long time ago, I read somewhere that a logical person makes the right decision 95% of the time, given the facts and conditions of the moment.  Circumstances may change after the decision is made which at time it may render the decision as a bonehead decision.

This is what happened to me this past Friday.

My younger daughter Marcela invited me (earlier in the week) to attend with her a Boot Camp class at the gym where she works.  She told me, and I quote:  "You WILL love this class, papa".

Well, who am I to decline such a special invitation.  I have heard of such classes.  I have heard that they are not for the faint of heart.  I have heard that it'll whip you in shape, like it or not. I have heard all these marvelous things and now with my daughters recommendation and invitation, I had to try it.

And so I did.  I showed up on time and ready to go.  First thing I noticed was that I was the only male in the class.  Not a problem, I can do this.  Second thing I noticed was that I had at least 20 years on the rest of the class.  Again, not a problem.  I can so do this.

It also turns out that my daughter had been bragging about me to her friends and co-workers.  As the class started, I told the trainer that I would do my best to keep up, to which he replied:  "You're an Ironman, you'll be just fine."  And so the pressure increased.

Throughout the 90 minute class, I managed to go through the 8 or 9 stations without consequence.  Some where pretty tough while others were very manageable.  I could begin to feel which body parts needed work.  My estimate was that I lost a least three liters of sweat, if I lost a drop.  As the class concluded I was happy, happy that I survived.  Happy that it was over.  Some of the ladies came over and asked if this was my first time at a class like this.  "What? was it that obvious?" was what I thought.  But I simply replied that it was.  They in turn said, "wow, you did good."  I smiled and thanked them.  I told my daughter how polite these ladies were.  I think they were trying to make me feel better!

I still had a 40 minute run.  Not sure how I managed to do this, but it got done!

And then it hit me.  Like a ton of bricks.  I was tired and exhausted.  My body began to hurt.  My muscles began to get tight and my legs began to feel heavy.

On Saturday, I could hardly walk.  With every step I took, my quads felt like hot pokers were being dug into my leg.  I made the decision to bypass the spin class scheduled for this morning.  But the swim I thought would help.  So off to the pool I went.

After I finished 2200 yds in the water, I tried to get out of the pool but was having a difficult time.  My legs were not willing to help.  One of the lifeguards came by and asked if I was okay.  "Yes. I. Am." and gave him that 'leave me alone' look.

The rest of the day was not any better.  It was difficult to move around.  I spent most of the day on the sofa.

Yesterday (Sunday) I thought the legs were feeling better, so I went for my run.  Ha!  Nothing doing.  It ended up being more like a very slow walk.  I don't think I have ever moved so slow in my life.  It took me 1 hour and 40 minutes to go 3.5 miles.  Yeah, it was pitiful.  My hope is that in a couple of days my quads would have forgiven me for the abuse so I can get back to proper training.

So, what have taken from this:  1).  I have an amazing daughter.  I would do this for her again, in a heart beat.  2).  Not really necessary trying to keep up with good looking, younger women.  I will loose every time.  3).  I'm not in as good a shape as I thought I was.  Time to get extra work on my legs.

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