In With The New

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it."

A new day, a new year, and a new goal to achieve. This will be the year of the Ironman, and this will be a year of preparing. I'm excited about the year, but at times still wonder what I've gotten myself into. But, I know if I do the training, I will finish the race on November 6th.

In the meantime, I have a half marathon in 3 weeks, so I started out the new year with a 14.5 mile run. I did something different this morning and set my watch to beep for intervals of 4/1. I know I'll walk some during the marathon of the Ironman and I'm thinking about training with intervals for it, so I thought this morning's run would be a good time to try it out. I actually felt good the whole time and was ok with my average pace. I won't do intervals for the two half marathons I have coming up, but I may try it at my HIM in April and see how it works.

Here is what my year looks like at this point:
January 24th - 3M Half Marathon
February 14th - Austin Half Marathon
March - a couple of pay rides of at least 60 miles
April 11th - Capitol 10K
April 25th - Lonestar 70.3
May and June - long bike rides
June 21st - Lake Pflugerville Sprint Tri
July and August - long bike rides
Possibly another HIM about 2 months out from IMFL
November 6th - IMFL

I am lucky in that there are many supported pay rides in the spring and summer and many of those have the option to do the full century distance. I'll be doing as many as I can, depending on soccer and volleyball schedules for the kids.

Whatever your year has in store for you, may you prepare well so that on race day you will achieve the success you desire.