Black Diamond Half Iron

I raced the Half Iron this week at Black Diamond. I think it went very well overall. The swim was great and I finished in the top 20 overall. Biking was also very good for me as I averaged 19.5 mph. Most importantly, I had no cramping on the run. I was really hot as we were running from 1-3:00 pm. I felt pretty good at the end and only had a little soreness the following day. The link for my race report is:


http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=132597

Now I just have to figure out how to go twice as far in a single day...

Taper Week for 70.3

AHHH, taper week. I kind of ran out of gas last week and didn't finish my long run. This week is a taper down to prepare for the Black Diamond Half Ironman that I am running this weekend. It should be a good test to see where I am physically.
I had a good solid ride this past weekend with Brett, Dr. Wong and Dr. Southerland. Felt fine after 47 miles.
Next week will be a bit of recovery and then hitting the final 10 weeks of peak training. Tick, Tick, Tick goes the clock, ever closer...

Back to School

It was a busy week for the Richters. We headed off to Whidbey Island for one last get away over the long Labor Day weekend. One last outing before Kaden starts the SECOND GRADE! Kaden, Alek and I went back to Seattle on Saturday for the Coug game against Oklahoma State. UGLY. Cougs looked pretty sad in most areas. I predict a long season ahead of them.

Training went well this week. No nails in my feet! I got a long run in while upe at Whidbey Island. (11.5 miles). The rolling hills reminded me of the 1/2 Mary that I ran in April. (Wow, that seems like forever ago. I know my base is getting stronger. I really had no soreness or fatigue after that easy but long run. I guess that is progress. This next week ramps up even more with longer rides and runs. The following week will be a nice taper as I race a 1/2 Ironman event on the 13th.

OUCH!

I suffered my first training related injury this week. On my long run, somehow, I was able to get an old metal cotter-pin into my shoe. I didn't feel it on the run, but it did poke a hole in my foot. (I guess that is the euphoria of the runners high). There was no real euphoria, (there never is when I run) but needless to say, I didn't feel it until I got home and took off my shoe. My tetanus was out dated so I went to an urgent care clinic to get an update shot.
So, here is my little suggestion for other triathletes in a similar position... IF you do step on a piece of metal and need to get a tetanus shot, by all means go and do it. Just don't go for a mile and a half swim the next day. My deltoid was sore all weekend and still hasn't fully recovered.
I did also have a real overuse injury on my long run. Nothing major, but my right calf tightened up and didn't really let go the whole run. It didn't feel as bad today on my brick run, but I know I have to stretch better.
I was actually able to get all my training in this week and finished with my long ride on Saturday. Brett and Dr. Wong went along for the ride. We spent the day Sunday playing at Vancouver Lake with Becky and Phil. The boys had a blast swimming and riding bikes. One more week before Kaden is back to school. Where did the summer go?

Under 100...Over 100

As I write this I look to the countdown ticker and see that THE DAY is now only 96 days away. What happened to the last 4 months? I remember when I had so little to do and so much time to do it. Now I look at this coming week and realize that at the end of this week, the race is only 3 months away. I guess it is time to get busy.

Over 100...We had temperatures of 103-101 for a couple of days here in the 'Couve. The family was in the Yakima Valley this weekend for Audreys 20th Class Reunion from Toppenish. We had a fun time at a winery owned by one of her classmates parents. It was really hot and we were outside for most of the afternoon. Rylan and I spent some time in the wine tasting room where it was nice and cool. We bought a couple of bottles of wine as well. Hyatt Vinyards Zillah Gorilla is really good.

More motivation this week as the Olympic Triathlons are being held in Beijing. Hopefully they will get some coverage. Not much to be expected from the Americans, but the Australians look for a sweep.