Training for Kona--In Iraq?!?!

Many of you know that my endurance sports journey began in the desert of Iraq when I was there from Aug '06-Nov '07. It started with running the Baghdad Army 10-Miler in Oct '06. Training for that was such an awesome way to deal with stress that I just kept running. Next thing I knew I was training for a marathon, running a 1/2 Marathon in Baghdad, and knocking 10 minutes off my first 10-miler time when the 2007 race came along. It was also in Baghdad that one of my dearest friends convinced to me give triathlons a shot when I got back (little did she realize the monster she would create!). The longest run I ever did was 18 miles, and the longest stationary bike ride I ever did was 2.5 hours. Between work, training, and sleeping I didn't too much else. Having done one Half-Ironman now, training for another, and planning to to train (stateside) for an Ironman next fall, I cannot even IMAGINE training for an Ironman while in Iraq, much less training for Ironman World Championships in Kona. But Marine Major Bill Conner is doing just that at Camp Fallujah as he won his slot in this year's lottery picks. I've been to Camp Fallujah, and the area to train there PALES in comparsion to the opportunities I had at my camp in Baghdad. Kudos and best wishes to you Major Conner!! I'll be rooting for you come the big race on 11 Oct! Click here to read the full story about Major Conner!

Juan Loves Me

Juan loves me very much (Juan is my bike). Why does he love me? Because now he gets to sport these when we race together! I shall give them a spin later today!

HED JET C2 60 in the front and HED JET C2 90 for the rear wheel! Flat/aero spokes...Juan is hot!

So delinquent

I have been oh so delinquent on updating this...I do apologize! I did get some big projects done--my exercise room is now a happy yellow!! It is definitely easier to paint with 2 people--one for edges, and one for big area with a roller. (here's two views for you)

I also hung up my new curtains in the office--thanks goes out to Mom for taking the one curtain and making it into two! (and yes Melissa--it is my "army" room! haha!)

Tonight I finally hosted people in my home--it's been awhile, but I had some friends over for fajitas and it was really enjoyable. The only thing that would've made it better was if my dining table chairs were already here. Alas, they won't be here till Sunday. But we did eat at the new table, and it was great. Once the chairs are here, I'll take a picture and post them. Otherwise, I did a lot of cleaning and organizing (for me--apparently Mom thinks I need to be more organized--but somehow I missed that gene--I'm organized enough).

I am trying really hard to stick exactly to my training plan without moving workouts, or saying things like "I'll make up those last 15 minutes at this time, etc." Nope, I need to stick to it...the only thing I want to allow myself to do is make the weekend workouts possible, which may require some moving, but volume needs to stay at the plan or above the plan. I really want to do well at Longhorn 70.3, and by well I mean a considerable improvement over Buffalo Springs. I think my ride will be much faster, and I expect my run to be faster as well. I was lacking run volume, and while I haven't registered for it yet, I am planning on the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon on Nov 16--just about 6 weeks post Longhorn. That requires me to increase my run volume for Longhorn training, but I know that for me, my body gets faster as I train to go longer. Doing some 14-16 milers prior to Longhorn will only help me conquer that half-marathon post 56-mile bike ride better. But, it is getting there, and I'm happy about it. I am enjoying upping the run volume again and look forward to some nice long weekend runs.

There is probably more I'm missing to put here, but I need to wake up super early for my swim so I can trek to Austin and pick up my RACE WHEELS tomorrow! Rest assured, I shall post pictures!