Gearing up for my 2nd stress test (hopefully doing better than the banks)!
Well actually my bank (Regions Bank) is posting a suprise profit for the 1st quarter! So I think they are handling the stress test well. Now sponsor me damnit!
So I have the ING Georgia Marathon in the books. 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 20 minutes (~9:55/mi).
I have been swimming most of my workouts at 2.4 miles, (around 85 laps in my gym pool). I just need the water to warm up a bit more so that I can get out in lake Allatoona and log some miles in the lake. I was out there last weekend for half an hour (I think the water temp was 50 degrees) and I did swallow half the lake... have to get back into the habit of watching out for wakes when boats pass by!
Now the bike.... the problem is that this is the area I am lagging in, and I will spend the most time during the race in this event (I am looking to do this in about 7 hours or less, trying to be conservative). Soooo....... to solve this problem I have entered into a century ride with a friend on May 3rd in North Alabama. I am kinda excited actually, except for the small mountain (i did not want to insult anyone who is in the area to call it a hill) that you have to climb both ways (it is an out and back course). Oh well.... Make the event harder than the Ironman so the IM is a breeze.
Still have my checklist to check off. My bonus is not going to be as big as I thought (I am disputing it because the numbers tell me that my branch knocked the numbers off the charts, and the incentive division says we lost money??? WTF?) so I am really going to have to hunker down to pay for all this in cash..... I also paid my taxes in cash this year too, which I think is better than putting it on a credit card, but you know... you pay for one thing, which stops you from paying for something else. Supply and demand... I need more supply of dollars!!!
Weather is going to be beautiful on Saturday, so I am going to try and get 5 plus hours in of riding tomorrow. Sun it might rain, but I can always run inside as well as swim. Hope all of you will have a great weekend!
Murtha...
Labels: IMCDA 2009, Ranting, Training Report
Tying it all together
Well, there are 70 some days and change left before the "big dance" (as I like to call it). Up to this point I have a couple things left to do on my checklist as far as logistics go (and a few are big ticket items).
Bike Box/Travel Case, basically money issue
Money for shipping the bike on the flight
Last night's hotel room in Spokane before I leave back to Atlanta
Rental car for last day in Spokane
(And then the miscellaneous items... food, lots of IM memoribilia and clothing, etc)
I have enough money to knock out items 2, 3, and 4. I am very happy that at this point the only thing I originally charged in this endavour (which I have since paid off) was my Ironman Entry fee.
BTW I did complete the ING Georgia Marathon on March 29th, 2009 (My father's birthday and my training partner James as well). I will probably post some kind of race report in the next few days, but it won't be too serious, as I will probably have to go back to the race map to evoke a few memories of the actual race. I have put every other race report on here, so why stop now???
A new blogger emailed me the other night and asked me to check out her site, and I was sooo excited! We all need to welcome her to the community!
Valerie TriathlonHer first triathlon is in May. I love it when people find their way to the triathlon life. I almost kind of feel like a missionary sometimes. I have gotten a few friends into it, and even more just interested in the sport, if not to compete.
I am way behind on my bike miles, but James and I are focusing on the bike for the next month (beginning last week) culminating in what might end up being my first century ride the beginning of May. Here is the link for the Century ride, so if any of you in the southeast need to get one of these under your belt early in the season, and you have enough miles in, this might be a good choice for you. I need it, even if I am a bit behind on my mileage. I have now swam 2.4 miles multiple times (albeit in a pool), and I have officially run a marathon in with my long runs. Why not cap off training with a century ride?
Cheaha Challenge Century RideNext few weeks are going to be challenging at work (while affecting my training schedule), this week being the worst. Scott, one of my employees is going back to school, as he never finished his undergraduate degree. His last day was today. One of my other employees, is on vacation. Because of the position they are both in, it has and will put an enormous amount of stress on my training and work this week, and after next week, tail off just a bit until I can find someone to replace Scott. But we endure, which is what makes us great!
I hope all of your training efforts are going great... I need to catch up on your blogs as well. Keep it up!
Murtha...
Labels: General Stuff, IMCDA 2009
Trying something new...
How about bringing life back to your favorite sport?
How about reinvigorating your senses to what you enjoy?
How about just trying something different (and new)?
Wednesday was that day for me. Just as I tried sushi for the first time last year and LOVED it, this was to be the same experience, yet not so much food related (and sodium infused)!
Tuesday I worked both jobs, so I took the day off as my one day off for the week. Yesterday I had to help Patsy with car stuff right after work when I remembered that she had scheduled us to go to YOGA. So yes, I have been kind of apprehensive about going, and I have found some excuses for not going. But I also know that it is good for you. This particular firm, which I will post their link at the bottom and give them a shout out, Atlanta Hot Yoga, is awsome! It was bikram yoga I believe, and the session was 1.5 hours.
We got there and I got in the newbie line (which was only me) to get registered and get my name in the computer in case I sign up for any additional classes. After which I then went with Patsy into the Yoga room, which was 105 degrees with humidity. Kind of like Atlanta in August for those of you who get to visit us down there in the South.
Without delving into the details, THIS IS AWSOME!!! I had been walking like an old decrepit man for two days after my weekend workouts and Mon/Tuesday's workouts were suffering because of it. I felt like a new man afterwards. Went through about 40 oz of water as well during the class. I felt so good I went and did 7.5 miles right after work on the treadmill at the gym and kept the pace above 7.0 mph for most of the time.
Working both jobs tonight, but got the swim in. Starting tomorrow is double duty for the next three days, with respect to training, regardless of the weather. It is supposed to rain this weekend. But I can not stop training. If it rains at CDA I will have no choice. But then again, if I go out training in the "elements" it would not be the first time. : )
Flight is booked. Hotel from Jun 17th-20th in spokane is booked, and then Hotel on Sat and Sunday is booked (James booked it, I just have to pay him for his half). Just need hotel for one more day, a rental car for a day or two, and bike case. I am not sweating the small stuff, as my b day is coming up soon and I am asking for gift cards/certificates from
All 3 Sports (my favorite place!)
Unfortunately, I also have my tax bill to mail out by April 15th, and I have to pay for my car tags! Only in Georgia does it seem we pay this stupid ad valorem tax, and the $25 emission testing fee to boot! I mean my car just turned 4 (and under 70K miles) and I seriously doubt that it will fail the emissions test. Especially considering I had a 1988 buick skylark limited with 125K plus miles on it that passed emissions every year until it died.
The money thing will come. It better, or Uncle Visa will be helping me out!
That's all for now folks, I will keep you posted with more details later.
Labels: General Stuff, IMCDA 2009, Ranting, Training Report
Busy Weekend!
Hello Everyone,
Atlanta was beautiful this past weekend! Of course so did the rest of the population who has been hibernating in their homes all winter long. The only difference is that I was out there training when the weather was cold and miserable. Saturday I had to work, but I was quickly out the door and headed over to the Silver Comet Trail with James to ride. We cranked out about 52.5 miles in 3 hours 2 minutes. A bit faster than I wanted to go on Saturday, but nonetheless it was another workout in the books. I followed it up with a 5 mile run and then it was straight home for some partying.
One of my business customers at the bank is Wednesday Night Drinking Club, a social networking group. They were holding a St Patty's Day party on Saturday from 1:30p - 2:30a, pretty intense. Patsy and I showed up at around 9:30p and of course everyone was indisposed at that time, but we still had fun for the few friends which were still there (there were around 2,500 ppl there at one point). Green attire, of course : )
Sunday was car shopping day (not for me), and I was on my feet all day long. I also had a 16.5 mile run scheduled and was not looking forward to it, as I had pushed to hard on the bike the day before (James does that to me, but he is a much better athlete). The run sucked. However, I finished it late enough in the evening so that it was not too hot. Got a swim in as well.
Monday I decided it was too nice of a day to not be outside, so I did one of the Atlanta rides (in reverse), so that I would not be affected by rush hour traffic too bad. It worked out well and I got about 18 miles in probably an hour and fifteen minutes. I was not attempting to go too fast, I just was trying to keep my heart rate down and work the hills at the same time.
Today is a rest day, collect my thoughts and plan out the rest of the week. I have to work both jobs on Thursday, which will put a cramp in everything, but I have saturday and sunday off, so two full days of hitting the pavement. I just need to make sure I don't get too crazy on Friday night, as my friend Melissa is having her 25th birthday in Buckhead, and this group likes to party!
Oh and one more thing! I am going to miss my 10 year high school reunion this year (actually it will be my 11 year, but there were problems last year with booking the venue, so they just pushed it back to this summer)!!!!!
The reason being is that it is the day before IMCDA. Well, I tried to get them to change the date, and they won't. It's their loss I think.
Talk to you guys (and gals) soon.
Murtha...
Labels: General Stuff, IMCDA 2009, Ranting, Training Report
25 weeks to go!!!
Now I realize why it pays to work at the bank (actually I knew all along)...
Bank holidays! Sure all you guys in corporate America get flexible schedules around your 9-5, can go wherever you want to for lunch, are not locked down to your office every day, and more importantly... Don't have to work SATURDAYS! But when it comes to federal holiday season (October-February), I have it made! I Basically worked 3 days last week, and I will only work 3 days this week, and I am not even taking any vacation for it.
More training for me!!!
Saturday was brutal! I thought I only ran 12 miles with James, however it was 14.5 miles, longer than I have ever run before, and I did it in about 2:10 somewhere (neither of us had watches but we looked at the car clock when we left and came back. Legs hurt like hell! I also saw at the pool about 2500M before Patsy got back in town, so I was not doing a late night workout when she got back in town from her Dad's place. Sunday was spinning on the bike inside, as the weather was nasty.
Gotta work both jobs today (actually at number two right now) so my spin at home tonight will be late. This week will be great for training, as I have Tue night off, then all day Wed, Thu, Sat and Sunday off! Sweet! I already have my schedule down for both jobs and my training so I know what I am to do every day, which is what i should have been doing months ago! That is ok, I will be just fine!
How are all of you doing lately?
I need to post some on y'all blogs this week so that you realize I exist again and bring back the blog stalking once again : )
Well it is off to greet customers on the floor, and more work to do!
Murtha...
Labels: General Stuff, Ranting, Training Report
Baby Steps to take the "Big Step"
Ok,
Lets just not kid ourselves into thinking I am actually going to do this everyday! Clearly my life is too busy to be a rampant blogger and blogger stalker like I was 2 years ago. However, I can spend at least once a week to update my blog (and actually update the site as well, hell there are alot of new tools out there, and I don't even know what half of them are).
Workouts have been going well overall except for the fact I have missed a few here and there, as well as a few of them I have had to cut back on. Currently I am trying to get over some sinus stuff, and if I am not better by Monday, it is to the doctor for anitbiotics, I need to get better, or I cannot train properly. This weekend is going to be a big weekend once I get off work tonight (restaurant) and (bank) tomorrow at noon. Plan my ride tommorrow, and then Sunday hit up a 12 mile run or so (don't forget to splash some swimming in there as well ; ).
So... Let's be honest... I am still having a bit of trouble with getting stuff done with this Ironman, especially in two areas... documenting/planning the event and training, AND the time concept of how far away the event really is. James and I have this conversation every week when we see each other, but it still does not sink in. Add to that time is moving faster and faster the closer we get to the event, and it is a recipie for trouble. Kinda like gettting ready for a wedding. So I spent some time this week getting stuff back down on PAPER!! No fancy spreadsheets, no programs, etc, just paper and pen. (Yeah I do the NY Times crossword..... in PEN!) I also signed up for the ING Georgia Marathon (notice how they name it with every city name but Atlanta, like we are not big enough). That is 14 weeks away from this weekend I figure that is just over halfway to the final event (IMCDA). I am also trying to find a biking event somewhere in or around Georgia to go enter into, that is preferably 75+ miles. Swimming, I am just going to do it and not worry about trying to find and event, however, I do need to get back into open water swimming. It only has been about 3 months since I have done any.
Throwing things in the mix.... Possibly upgrading my apartment to get a roomie and then save some hella money this year, crossing that with my huge end of year bonus to pay off my car note, and I might have all my debt paid off this year (minus my student loans). That means I could go back to one job by the end of 2009 (if I don't get promoted at the bank this year, which I plan on doing). HOORAY!
Got a new girlfriend in the mix...... her name is Patsy. Actually she is not new, just new to you guys! She is very excited about my first Ironman, and she is being so supportive that she is helping me find ways of achieving my goal without sacrificing too much time from our relationship. HOORAY!
Anyways... I hope everything is going well with all of you, especially Sarah, Shelly, Eric, Wil and Wes! I have not stalked y'alls blogs in forever. I am only working three days next week, by chance, so I will be spending some time catching up on my magazines and your blogs. Also getting ready to potentially move!
Have fun this weekend, be safe, and train Hard!
Murtha...
Labels: General Stuff, Ranting
Update!!!
Yes I know, I know....
It has been way toooo long. I won't bother you with details. Why? This is my triathlon blog of all things, and so that is what I will speak about. I can say that my Ironman training has not been up to par, but at this point I can say although the window for goal "B" (finishing around 13 hours) is closing fast, the window for goal "A" (just finishing) is still wide open.
For those of you who did inquire as to which Ironman I would be completing in 2008, it is Ironman Coeur de Alene! My friend James Blaylock and I are both training for this race. I think that my interest in triathlons gave him a renewed interest, considering that he has a duathlon background. I have been scrimping and saving like a fiend to try and get ready for this event, and I still have a long ways to go. I think we are at about 31 weeks and change, I will have to break out the calendar later tonight to make sure that is correct. Either way I am happy that I am on this journey to do something that will push me mentally, physically and emotionally more than anything else has in my life up to this point. Yes that includes work, family, friends, significant others at the time, etc.
I don't know about the rest of you who have completed this event, however, I have had a roller coaster of a ride thus far. Motivational issues, injuries, sickness, financial issues, everything basically. And yet I try to endure. There are those few who have decided to support me with this and keep me motivated and happy about what I am doing, and I sincerely thank them for that.
In other news I will begin posting my workouts and mini races as frequently as i can, and if I am not posting every day, then I will catch up when I finally do post so that you all can keep up.
I will also try to update my blog. It needs it badly. There are people who don't blog anymore, new bloggers, changed blogs... I am waaaaay behind. I want to get caught up with all of you. And I am sure some of you want to get caught up with me.
Saturday: 10 mile run, 16 mile bike ride (easy, my friend Mike got a new bike and he was breaking it in, Silver Comet trail, run was by the house)
Sunday: 12 mile run, nothing else. ran from the house to brookhaven and back. Really close to one of the bars I like to hang out at, but I promise I did not stop, I did not have a wallet with me
Monday: 1500M swim, 1 hour spin class (18+ miles, the monday night instructor is hardcore and there are no breaks in her class. It is like a 2 second water break and into the next song)
Tuesday: Happy Veterans Day! Thank you all service men and women for all you do for us! 1500M swim and 6.5 mile run. will up my swim milage later in the week, the longest I have done thus far is 2500 M.
Good to be back, I will be checking up on your blogs throughout the week so look for a post. Wes yours has priority, I want to see your Ironman florida race report!
Murtha...
