Taper Time!

It's taper time in my world! This phase is training is a bit challenging for me. I love the big long workouts! I know I need be patient and rest and then it will all be worth it come race time.

The big training was great. I was able to get in 5 rides of 100 miles or more, some good long runs, and lots of indoor swimming.

High Trestle Trail

Pretty sunset out in the middle of Iowa

Finishing up a long ride indoors, miss the long summer days!

Longest ride! At least I know I am capable of riding the entire race distance!

From my cousin. I had to include him because he's just so cute!

What I woke up to one morning! In less than a week I will be waking up to sand instead :)

Race is Sunday November 27th. Start at 6:40am, I think I will be bib #31. If you happen to be bored that day you can get on ironmanlive.com to keep up with the race!

One Month until Ironman Cozumel!

The big race is getting so close! I have been so fortunate to enjoy a warmer fall here in Iowa and get some good training in outdoors. The other day I rode 112 miles and ran 7. At least I know it is possible to sit on that bike seat that far and come out alive!

I have been loving the ironman training. At times it can be overwhelming because it seems like all I do is work, workout, eat, sleep, and repeat. However, every workout is enjoyable and I am so thankful to be able to train and, of course, to race in Cozumel! I plan on not taking a single moment for granted.

Life has been crazy with work and workouts lately but I have some time off next week. I'll try to upload some photos and more stories then. Thanks for reading!

Rough Ride

Ironman training is well under way! I am loving it but it sure can be challenging. Challenging actual training and challenging to make the time to do that training. Yesterday I was supposed to do a 5 hour 30 minute ride. Before starting, all I wanted to do was go at least one mile farther than last week (105.8 miles). However, by mile 2 I knew that I would have to come up with a new goal. Finish without blowing away. Winds were 20-30mph with gust up to blow-you-off-the-road. So I rode on the trail. For 88 miles. Ouch. Never again.

By the numbers-
1- times my bike fell over
2-garden snakes run over
3-times stopped to refill my water bottle
1-pack of cheese-its bought because I forgot my salt tabs and needed salt
4-number of times I screamed out loud from a snake or large bug
11-number of other hard core bikers brave enough to play in the wind
5-number of miles run after the bike
1-bug few into my ear
4951238-number of times I ALMOST wanted to be on my trainer instead

Today I am doing a long run, making tailgating food, and going to the alumni meet and out with some friends. Here are the cupcakes I'm going to make...http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2011/06/cookie-brownie-cupcakes-with-chocolate-marshmallow-frosting/