Sunday, August 16, 2009

On Track for Breakwater Half Ironman Triathlon

I've had my concerns about this one. After all, I had already done two half Ironman triathlons in the past two months. A third seemed a bit much for one season. To top that off I've been pretty burned out from doing any of the running/biking/swimming stuff. Needless to say it's been an uphill battle this month.

But I'm happy to report that not only do I feel more confident going into this one I actually feel like it'll be the best one to date.

Yesterday I hit up Afton again for a decent 50 mile route. Okay, technically it was Prescott, WI but who's taking notes? Lots of calories were burned and I really got a great workout in. I even got my fastest bike speed to date: 43.6 MPH.

Today was a decent milestone as well. I ran for 1.5 hours doing heart rate training in Zone 3 most of the time with 15 minutes reserved for Zone 4. My average pace the whole time was pretty crappy: 9:15/mile. But the personal victory was my max pace: 5:50/mile. That's right. I was fire burning on the dance floor. Check out the workout for more details.

Time for some quality reading and dining.

Friday, August 14, 2009

8-Week Beginning Runner's Training Program

Are you wishing to start a life of running but lost in the whole process? Not sure where to even begin? Start here.

The Veteran Plan - Marathon Training

The Veteran Plan is what I followed when I trained for and ran my fastest marathon to date. I'd love to get back into this plan when I start focusing on running again.

Check out The Rookie Plan if this one looks too intense. It's also a great workout.

Keep it Simple Stupid

Great article in Runner's World right now about keeping running simple.

I'm guilty of the sin of overcomplication so it'll be refreshing to see what they come up with. This is reader contributed so you hear a wide variety of responses and suggestions. Definitely worth a read.

Runner's World iPhone Shoe App

http://gear.runnersworld.com/2009/08/the-new-rw-shoe-shop-iphone-app.html

Haven't gotten too far with it myself but the geolocation for stores is great. Found all the usual suspects in the local area including a few in Woodbury on the other side of the metro. Hopefully as time passes they update the app with new shoes as they come out as well as reviews. It's not a comprehensive guide as it doesn't contain any Newton Running shoes.

Runner's World Forerunner 310XT Review

http://gear.runnersworld.com/2009/08/garmins-new-forerunners.html

Looks like a winner. Now to find an excuse to get it.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

2009 Tour de Tonka

I've done this event for the past three years and it just keeps getting better and better. This year the ride was altered to include a 75 mile ride. With any luck they'll figure out how to put in another 25 so next year they have a full century.

As for the ride this year, I can't imagine how it could get better. The roads were great with a few spots of freshly laid pavement. The rest stops were plentiful and very well stocked. Most of the intersections were well manned and friendly to bikers, and the weather couldn't have been better. The wind added a lot of challenge but that also added to the fun too.

Even the finish area had all-you-could-eat pizza from Gina Maria's. That's one of the best pizza places in the area. Hands down. And all for the modest entry fee. As long as it's humanly possible you can expect my entry into this event every year.

Check out the course. I turned the day into a 90 mile day by riding to and from the start area.