How Not To Train for A Triathlon

Crossing the finish line at the 2012 NYC Triathlon

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:20:28 -0400

Crossing the finish line at the 2012 NYC Triathlon

2012 NYC Triathlon

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:08:00 -0400

About a year and a half ago, I realized that I could wear my pants without a belt. Meaning, the pants were tight around my waistline, and they were not in danger of falling on their own. There was no wiggle room. So, I signed up for the NYC Triathlon when the opportunity presented itself a few days after my revelation.

I’m not a person who can just say “I need to lose weight. I’m’ going to the gym.” I don’t like the gym. I don’t like running. I don’t like lifting weights. I like bike riding. But, that alone is not going to get me to my goal weight. I weighed 193lbs when I signed up for the triathlon and I’m 6’ 2”. Not bad, right? Wrong, it wasn’t muscle weight. It was skinny fat. You know, hidden in all the right places so that everyone thinks you’re skinny enough. Everyone thought I was crazy. However, I was just not happy with the tight pants. I didn’t like the idea of just “going on a diet” or just “going to the gym” just to lose weight. I needed a bigger challenge.

Fast forward a bit and I made it through three sprint triathlons (300m swim, 12 mile bike, 3.2 mile run) and the 2011 NYC Triathlon (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6 mile run). My NYC Tri time last year was 3 hours and 16 minutes. I lost twenty pounds. Not too flabby. Whoops. I mean, shabby.

It was time to sign up for the 2012 NYC Triathlon and I decided I was going to do it again. I know I can do it!

This time around something changed. Something happened and I didn’t realize it until race time.

I felt better during my swim down the dirty filthy Hudson River. It was much dirtier this year. Dead fish, planks of wood with nails, branches, logs, and who knows what else lined the river this morning. The guards tried their best to clear the most hazardous material, but they didn’t have enough time to clear it all out. Back to me… I felt good during the swim. Certainly not as tired as I remember being last year. Maybe that’s why I posted a slower time than last year by 2 minutes (25 minutes last year and 27 minutes this year). Hmph. In the sport of triathlons that is not good. You’re supposed to get faster!?!

Ok, out of the swim and into the transition area known as T1. I put on my socks, cycling jersey, helmet and shoes. Out on to the course I go.

Here is a little geeky tech sidebar before I go further about the bike and run portions of my race. I always run and ride with a GPS watch, heart strap, and speed sensors on my bike. I like to record all my data for review later. If I keel over the doctors can later see that my heart spiked up to 200 beats per minute. “Yep, that’s what did him in!”

This year I also added a GPS beacon type app to my iPhone so that my family and friends can track me on the course in REAL TIME! Yep, they could see where I was and what my speed was. It was much better for them than the official app that only told spectators when you crossed certain way points. Often, too late to look for them on the course. The app was called Glympse and it distracted them from their LONG and PAINFUL waits while I was on the course. They could watch me on the map instead of wondering if every single racer coming by was me or not. When they saw I was close enough they would look up and start cheering me on!

Ok, back to the action.

During the bike ride up the West Side Highway towards the Bronx my legs felt tired. It’s rolling hills, but mostly leading up to a elevation gain. You’re going uphill essentially. That really took a lot of energy out of me and I wanted to save my legs for the run. On the way back from the turn around it was mostly downhill with a few rolling hills mixed. Returning to the transition area they play a cruel little joke on you as you have to ride passed the transition area for 20 blocks and then back up. Mentally you think you’re done as you get there, but then you have to keep going. UGH!

Off the bike and on to the run. I decided to change from ankle socks to knee high compression socks. They are not the most attractive things in the world. However, the feeling of blood rushing out of my calves and back into my body felt GREAT! I felt like it gave me a boost of energy. I should have worn these during my bike ride. Anyway, I work my way out of the gate and towards my cheering squad. I love the sound the cowbells, whistles, and boom sticks make. I got such a boost of energy at that moment and smiled for everyone. Sort of the “I’m hurting like hell, but I’m going to grin and bear it so you can take some good photos of me” face.

See what I mean?

The run course through central park is rolling hills all the way to the finish line. I make it through with a sort of run, “oh my legs are going to cramp”, walk, run, “oh my legs are going to cramp”, walk routine. Not the best for setting personal records. I save some energy so I can run across the finish line with that “I’m hurting like hell, but I’m going to…” you get the picture.

High Five! Smile! Fist pumps! Ice cold towel around my neck. Find a bench. Massage legs. Slump over in relief. It’s over!

I finished nine minutes slower overall. I quit the sport of triathlon, again. At least until the next sprint triathlon in August. Then, I’ll quit again until the sign-up for the 2013 NYC Triathlon. Welcome to the life of an amateur triathlete.

Video of me crossing the finish line

I have to say thank you to my wife, Melissa, and my friends who supported me either via facebook or in person (Jon and Henry). It takes a lot of time to train for something like this. I probably should have trained more than I did, but ultimately I always just want to finish. In one piece.

Until next time…

Thanks to my buddy Jerry for forwarding the quote below.

“All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish, and insensitive to the real values of life. The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today.”

- Pope Paul VI

NYC Triathlon 2012

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:44:21 -0400

The Aquaphor New York City Triathlon is a week away! We are excited you’ll be racing with us on July 8th.

Your athlete race number is …

Oh boy. It’s here!

The tri gear for Wyckoff Franklin Lake Tri

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:49:43 -0400

The tri gear for Wyckoff Franklin Lake Tri

My First Triathlon of Season This Weekend

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:23:00 -0400

Last year was my first year participating in triathlons. Since October of last I have been training and participating in run events off and on in order to keep in some kind of shape. Well, I finished a brick last night and am now taking off to rest for my next triathlon in two days.

It’s in Wyckoff, NJ at the Indian Trail Club, and run by the Wyckoff YMCA. I just learned that it was the oldest running triathlon in NJ.

Half-mile swim, 17 mile bike, 5 mile run

Bike Map

Run

Wish me luck.

Daily Training While Commuting

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:42:00 -0400

Each and every work day for the last 15 years I have commuted to NYC from NJ. I have driven to the office, taken the bus to the subway, and driven to the bus then walked half a mile each way. The latter routine has been in place for a few years with a slight variation. I just recently started driving to the park and ride.

I digress. The point of my post is to talk about how I use this commute to get in some training. Think about it…you have ten minutes to make it from 48th and 6th to 40th and 9th. That’s about .62 miles! And to get there in ten minutes or under is a real hustle when you consider the obstacles of Times Square and Broadway Theaters. Bobbing and weaving takes on a whole new meaning on Matinee Wednesday!

So the next time you feel guilty about not working out, don’t. Just give yourself a little less time to make your train or bus and RUN! You’re burning calories, doing some intervals between walking and running, and cross training as you twist and turn through the streets and double step it up the staircase!

Rude Awakening

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:33:05 -0400

I have a triathlon coming up on June 16. Roughly 3 weeks away and I just
realized something that sent me into shock. The course length is longer
than I thought it was! For some reason I thought it was a sprint course.
You know, short! It’s not as short as I thought.

*Swim* 880 yards *Bike* 17 miles *Run* 5 miles
Oh, well. Anyone have the cliff notes to training?

Lucky for me I didn’t totally do nothing this winter. I did some workouts
and gym work. But I lacked in the swim department.

Here I go!

ZOMBIE ATTACK! RUN!!!!

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:20:00 -0500

Today I was chased by two zombie groups and picked up 22 items for my base camp. The total mileage from the plane crash to base camp was 3.6 miles.

You read that right. I was running today and zombies chased me using my new ZOMBIES RUN! game on the iphone. It’s in beta right now and meant to jazz up the not so jazzy long runs. It can get quite boring, you know?

The introduction was pretty slow but then as I slowed down I was alerted to a zombie group chasing me. “Run FASTER!” So I bumped it up a little. Successful mission.

On my next run I get a “lay of the land” and check out the base camp. Check out the game here: https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

[PODCAST] Interview: Jerry Yoo

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:55:10 -0500

This weekend I got out of bed, while sick, for my third installment of triathlon training with Jerry Yoo of Maven Sports Medicine. Jerry is kind enough to kick our butts every weekend and send us words of encouragement and homework throughout the week. He doesn’t have to. But, he wants to. He enjoys bossing us around.

Here is my first podcast interview. I think Jerry is a fitting first interview as he explains how he got into this sport, why he does it, and why he trains us.

"Train Your Brain. Then Your Body." Sounds About Right.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:39:26 -0500

"Train Your Brain. Then Your Body." Sounds About Right.:

Training for a race is like riding a roller coaster — you experience highs and lows, ups and downs, and more peaks and troughs than the New York Stock Exchange.

Two weeks before I raced at the World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii, last year, I had a bad bike crash. I won the race, not on physical prowess, but on grit, willpower, determination and mental strength.

Early Morning Workout Sessions

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:55:13 -0500

Yep. It has come time for me to start working out in the morning. That means 5:15am wake up calls. Oi Vey.

Seriously, I was not trained in the art of waking up early. I have always been a late bird. Go to sleep late, wake up even later. However, now I find myself going to sleep late and waking up early. This is not going to work in the long run, but it’s a start.

I never thought I would be one of “those people” who has to go to bed at 9am to fit in 8 hours of sleep before a workout.

This week I started using a device called LARK that is a silent alarm clock. You wear the wrist band and it vibrates at the time you set in the alarm clock. In addition to waking you up it tracks your sleep and allows you to view the data online or in the app. I am using the sleep analysis on seven day trial. I’ll post some graphs when I’m done.

Use Triathlon to Slow Down

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:04:20 -0500

Use Triathlon to Slow Down:

As people get older, there is this feeling that time is moving faster than ever. Studies have shown that this feeling is true across cultures all over the world, genders and borders. As a student of the brain, I have been trying to learn why this time-warp feeling is so prevalent.

It's All About the Wobble!

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:02:00 -0500

Wobbly legs that is. In preparing for the triathlon this year I have been hitting the gym and working with weights on my total body. I’ve been pushing it harder on my legs to build up some strength for year, and I backed off the cardio a little bit.

It has been about three months since I’ve been on a bike pedaling. Soooooo, today I went to a spin class at 6:30 in the morning. Zzzzzzzzz

I bet if you’re riding the stationary bike or regular bike on your own it is not as hard as a spin class. You tend not to push yourself as hard as having someone telling you what to do and encouraging you to keep pedaling if you can.

On a road bike you coast when you’re tired to get some rest. On a stationary bike in the gym you try to come up with your own routine or program, but we tend to not give it 100%. However, at spin class, they squeeze out as much as they can out of you. The combination of a coach and peer pressure have a way of helping you give more than you ever thought you can give.

My legs are wobbly now. Thank you spin class!

2008 Ironman on Hulu

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:26:44 -0500

2008 Ironman on Hulu:

It doesn’t matter what year it is. The stories are remarkable and inspiring. Watch the Ironman and skip to the last segment if you want to see regular people accomplishing amazing feats.

10 Ironmans Back-to-Back??

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:53:26 -0500

Yesterday I had the chance to meet former Navy Seal, author, and adventure organizer, Don Mann. He was on our radio show, KilmeadeandFriends.com, and talked about doing a double Ironman. Back to Back. WHAT??!! I had to go meet him as soon as I heard that.

After talking for a few minutes I learned that there are actually Deca Ironmans, Double Deca Ironmans, and Triple Deca Ironmans. What is that you say?

How about 10, 20, and 30 Ironmans back to back!!!!

I asked him how long the double deca Ironman took the winner and he said 18 days. After the first day it starts to be like work and your body adjusts! So the 20 Ironman is actually easier than the 10 Ironman in that regard. Your mindset is a little different for the shorter, (HA! Shorter!!??), 10 Ironman.

I guess I have to set my sights further than the single Ironman in 2013.

Wish me luck.

From 0 to 60 ... Not Always Good

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:20:17 -0500

After my last 88 mile bike ride I decided to take some time off. It was about 2 months long. Last week I went on vacation with the family and decided that I would run a 5k the day after I returned from my trip.

Not a good idea.

This is blog is called “How Not to Train for a Triathlon”. This, my friends, will definitely appropriately fall into that category.

Do not try this at home. You have to warm up those muscles with some light work leading up to at least a 5k. Unless you plan on walking it the whole way. I did not walk it. I finished it in 26:56 (personal best), but I am paying the price for it this week.

Back to training. Nice and easy training with a focus on strength.

"Registration Complete"

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:49:22 -0400

Done and Done! I just finished registering for the 2012 NYC Triathlon. Time to start planning my “workout” plan for the next 8 months or so.

Play Time is Over!

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:55:00 -0400

I received an email today with this long awaited message,

“We are excited to send you a guaranteed early entry into the NYC Triathlon tonight!”

My month-long rest is about to come to an end. I decided after my 88 mile bike ride down to the Jersey Shore that I was going to take some time “off” from training. Most of the time athletes put on a little weight when they are “off,” but I have not. It stayed off. Now my focus for the next year is to put on some muscle. Time to beef it up!

Overall, in the last year I lost about 23-25lbs (depending on the day). I don’t plan on losing anymore weight. In fact, I hope to gain a few of these pounds back, but as muscle.

Did I ever tell you about my feelings towards weightlifting? I HATE IT!!! Well, here we go. Off to set a better time and overcome my dislike of the dumbbell.

Beat the office doldrums. Bike, Run, Swim. Repeat.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:46:31 -0400

Beat the office doldrums. Bike, Run, Swim. Repeat.:

When Mr. Johnson entered the work force in 2000, he struggled to adjust. “It was very difficult sitting at a desk for eight hours and not having structure.” Mr. Johnson says he went six to nine months without exercising. “I knew I needed to find something to keep me motivated,” he said.

Is The Ironman Triathlon Safe For The Middle-Aged Heart?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:15:40 -0400

Is The Ironman Triathlon Safe For The Middle-Aged Heart?:

Makes me think twice, three times, and four times about doing an Iron Man. I think this guy might be right.