Road to Lake Placid - June

Early June training started out with our new full time babysitting job. On my first long bike ride of the month, I flatted out at mile 55 of 70, and, due to a torn tire, for which I did not have a replacement, I had to be rescued by the Joani, Charley, and Josephine crack rescue squad. They did a great job. Later, Charley helped me change both tires, and both tubes, clean up my bike, and grease up the chain. I also managed to get in a couple of good rides, some running, and a 2.5 mile lake swim. Then off to Boston for my 40th MIT reunion.

The second week of June (11-17) was excellent. Got in 2 open water swims (2.5 miles each), a 78 mile ride to Alexandria, a 60 mile ride on the Skyline Drive (killer hills) followed by repeat bricks (run, bike, run, bike, run) the next morning. A total of 22.5 hours of training...hooorah!

The third week of June (18-24) started off fine. Had a good open water swim followed by bike and a run in 90+ degree DC area heat and humidity. Then, after much thought and contemplation, I concluded that my expanded familial responsibilities (helping Joani take care of two kids, full time) made the training for Ironman unreasonably hard on everyone (except me). So, I decided to bail on Lake Placid, and help out at home. I feel well conditioned and trained. My training was right on plan, and, in fact, I fell like I could the the Ironman right if I had to. So, perhaps I'll give it another try, another year. But as for this year, it is not to be.

Third week revision. It now (Monday, June 25) appears that we will be handing the kids back to their parents later this week, so I am resuming Ironman training under the assumption that I will be able to play. On Sunday (June 24), I did the Lake Montclair Olympic Tri and had a good 3:11 time. Unfortunately, I placed just out of the money at 4th in my age group.

Final week of June (25-July 1). I had another good training week. Got in two open water IM distance swims (2.5 miles each). Did a 16 mile run. Biked Skyline Drive again, and did a series of repeat bricks today. I am proud to report that I was pulled over by a State Trooper while biking on Skyline Drive...I must have been speeding, eh? I'm planning one more hard week of training, and then taper for LP.