The Dog Days of Training for an Ironman

I used to work for a guy who used to call this time the "Dog Days of Summer". I realize that's not a new term, but he used to say it to me to remind me that we needed to go create activity in our business because there wasn't a holiday on the horizon and quite frankly, it was a bit boring if you didn't do something fun...have a reason to get excited about something.

This morning as I faced my 70 mile bike ride, 6 mile run and 1 mile swim, by myself, it felt like the Dog Days of Summer and I knew that it could get a little boring. So I decided on a route that I had been thinking about trying for the first time knowing that the scenery would be unbelievable but felt like the climbing would be a bit brutal on the legs. But today I threw caution to the wind and headed out for Multnomah Falls by way of the old Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway which was built in the early part of the century and was the first of road that went through to Portland.

Here are some pictures of todays ride and the falls from their website

Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. The water of the Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain. Unusually cold weather can turns this plummeting falls into a frozen icesicle, with a few drops falling from the bottom. The frozen Falls are a sight to behold.

It was just what I needed to be re energize as the weeks of training get longer and longer. I feel great and can't wait for the start in Madison.

Take care everyone and all the best to my friends and family!

The first big test before race day

On Sunday I completed my first big test of the weeks of training that began back in January, by participating in my second race of the year.

My results were very satisfying as I set a new personal best by nearly 30 minutes and felt great after the event. 50th place finish in my age group just put me in the top 50%.

PLACE NAME SWIM BIKE RUN FINISH

50 Daniel Hayes 37:37 2:53:18 1:56:32 5:33:59

Since this was a World Qualifying Event, the field was very competitive with several pros racing as well. On top of that, the bike course was hilly as all get out. I worked hard to hit just over 19 mph! Just the prep I need for the rolling hills of Wisconsin. But I have to say, the scenery rivalled anything I've seen.

Now it's 6 more weeks of hard training with 2 weeks of taper before I hit the starting line in Madison with 2500 other maniacs!

Its unbelievable to think its really that close. I'm excited and nervous, all at once. I'm certain it will be an event to remember!

To all my friends at CCE, I've been keeping up with the news and you've got some exciting things going on. Just keep that stock moving up, will ya!?

Take care everybody.

First Race of the Season

I know, I know...too long again between updates...

Thanks for checking in though, I appreciate the positive thoughts you've been sending my way.

Angie and I travelled to Sunriver, Oregon (just outside of Bend) last weekend to participate in the Pacific Crest Triathlon. The event was an Olympic distance race beginning at Wikiup reservoir, just at the base of the Cascade Mountain range. Swimming in a lake that is filled with snow melt is a bit different than the lake water in the Midwest. Water temp was 62 degrees, I actually saw some racers with neoprene ear wraps. As I started my swim warm up, I soon found out why!

The bike leg was basiclly 28 miles back to the Sunriver resort where we began the 10k run around the resort area.

Without question, this was the most beautiful scenery for a race I have participated in. My overall time of 2 hours and 28 minutes was a new PR (personal record) for the Olympic distance with my swim time finally under 30 minutes. The bike leg was unbelievable (for me) at 22.8 mph. My average pace for the run came in at 7:47. All in all, I finished 7th out of 34 in my age group, 40 -44 and 46th out of 435 overall.

Next up will be the Half Ironman in Lake Stevens Washington, my last race before Madison. I'm both excited and nervous. No matter how much training you've done, a half Ironman is hard. But, it will give me a good idea where I am in my training.

As for the other major events in my life, like owning two homes ( the sale in Illinois fell through, not fun!) and a new job, things are going reasonably well. I am travelling quite a bit, learning as I go and teaching a bit as well. United Pipe and Supply is a great company, with great people and great customer service. I miss the familiararity of the Soft Drink industry and my CCE family, but I am building new relationships here.
My family is doing great, loving being back home and building their lives here. Everyone is working hard and putting it all together.

Take care and I'll talk to you during my next update!