11/19/13

This is going to be a rough journaling of the process of a super novice to complete (hopefully)  Ironman. Ironman consists of 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile swim. I will probably misspell things, use run-ons and maybe even throw in some crude humor…

I signed up for the Coeur d' Alene Ironman (Idaho) about a month ago, so now it is November and the IMCDA is June 29th, 2014. Let me provide some background first. It all started a few years ago when I was living in American Samoa, I had the goal of running a half marathon.  I ran and ran and ran.  Several Islanders knew me by the blue Camelbak that I carried on my back and my friend Bill coined the name "Backpack girl".  I cannot say how many people I met that knew me by the fact that they had seen me running on the island.  I started with two miles that first run, I got chased that day by a pack of feral dogs and it had begun- lifelong running. While in American Samoa I signed up for a half marathon in Joplin, Missouri.  I trained and ran for the whole six months I was there.  I lost 20 pounds while eating better and exercising.  I did not end up running that half marathon as it was the Joplin Half and that happened to be the time when an F5 tornado directly hit Joplin, Missouri…killing 158 people.  That half marathon turned into a clean-up mission-- That was great.  I still had running on the back burner as I moved out to LA (again) from American Samoa. One day while hiking in the mountains by Santa Susana pass between Chatsworth and Simi Valley there was a 50k trail run going on.  My thought was "if that guy can do that--I can too"…so I did….

A few days later my classmate was talking about running the LA marathon…and I, of course wanted in.  I had a base of about 10-15 miles already but really trained for three weeks.  Each week increasing my distance by 5 miles.  Bam, three weeks later and the LA Marathon finishing at 5:32.23.  From there completed the San Diego Marathon in 4:55.  Marathons are fun but after my last one I was looking to be more challenged…

Reason for IMCDA: Everyone who signs up as a novice Ironman has a reason, or well I would say most do.  I have been listening to Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run By Andy Holgate. He really goes through a lot of the process as well as his thoughts through it all.  He suggested to write a blog--even if no one reads it.  My reasons for IMCDA: I like the extreme physical challenge, I want to finish an IM before 30 and lets be honest I want the IM tattoo =) And well of course to hear the four words "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN".

When I was a youngster I always watched the Kona IM championship on TV each year.  I would get all jazzed and run around the block…whoa was I baffled by their endurance and athleticism.  Now, 20(ish) years later I will be a part of the Ironman race.  Last year, I made my Ironman New Orleans 70.3 debut. I mean I am crazy but crazy in a prepared way. My brother-in-law is also a great resource as he has successfully completed two IMTX in the 10-11 hour range.  He suggested a few things: look into the Paleo diet (think low carb, high fat and protein).  I talk more about this is my other blog jeannineblankinship.blogspot.com.  I also took the suggestion to listen to the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast.  I love it.  He talks about everything from supplements, weight loss, Ironman tips, etc.

Okay, so training.  Today was a cycle interval-- it was tough during the haul ass part. Let's be honest it took a few weeks to be able to get into the flow of things but finally getting my head wrapped around this.  Last, night I had a great running buddy and we ran from Point Isabella in Albany to the Berkeley Pier about 9 miles long-- this is where we took these pictures.  Seriously, being in nature in such a beautiful place was great.  I know every work out will not be what this run was and I will have pain and get mentally down.  I think in those times when I am burned out, I will think about the runs/bikes/swims that were awesome…where I felt great…where I was in beautiful scenery.  Anyway, yesterday, the run felt great.  Sunday we're doing a half marathon and in Feb and just signed up for a 50k mile trail run so about 31-32 miles.  I think these races are necessary to keep moral up.  I was also really excited to find an open water swimming group that meets on Sunday and swims in the San Francisco Bay.  This was a great find as the water temperatures here in California and Idaho should be about the same (minus the salt water).

So this was a random mix of thoughts but I will close with this-- I think this blog will be good to get out thoughts…frustrations and victories of the process.

Jeannine