That's all I trained?

Well, the year is almost over and I am looking back at some of my chatrs and training stats.
Here are the numbers for 2007:

769 miles on the bike (not including winter spinning workouts)
483 miles running (including running races)
122 km swim training
197 miles of multi-sport racing
4.3 weekly hours/average (including other cross training)

The pie chart looks pretty much as expected, npt enough time on the bike, clearly my weakness.

Doing Nothing In Cancun

80+ degree weather and a sensible conference schedule awaited me here in Cancun. I am enjoying the sun and the beach, went on a short excursion to Tulum and mostly focused on my work and conference schedule, as well as dinners, reception and other fun stuff.

Absolutely not on the menu, however, were any serious workouts. So far I haven't even made it to an easy beach run, but rather lounged on the beach chair a couple hours. In essence, I am officially in off-season. Feels kinda good.

OK, I hear party music blasting outside my hotel room, time to work the crowd for another reception again.

Season Recap 2007

Well, the year actually is not yet over, but my racing season clearly is. Let's recap:
This was my first full season since our daughter Kiera was born. The first outing, Columbia Triathlon was a bit of an eye opener. Tough course, especially on the run and huffed and puffed towards the finish line.


July 1 was my first Half Iron Distance race in several years, and only my second ever. Patriot Half in MA. Great, conditions, and a nice
course that was not too hilly. This was a first-time event and,
unfortunately, somehow distances were a bit long. 59 instead of 56 miles on the bike, an extra couple hundred yards on the run. Still, from the beginning it felt good, a solid swim, a decent bike split and a nice run. 5.39 a new PR at the distance and I definitely felt alot better than during my first Half a few years back.

Later part of September, another first-time event, the Nutmeg State Half Iron Distance race in New Milford CT. Originally advertised as a fast and flat course, it turned out to be the exact opposite. Weeks before the race, the organizers decided to run the bike course up the Berkshires, and not around the mountains. Still, despite a grueling bike course, the race was a fun and very scenic experience. At some point I just settled in, accepting that I would be on the bike alot longer than I had planned for. I guess this allowed me to approach the run with a smile and more relaxed feet and, ultimately doing quite well on it.

With the triathlon races over I had about 6 weeks left to get into running shape for my third New York City Marathon. A busy travel schedule and a nagging cold messed up my training plans though, so I had a difficult time figuring out where I stood before the race. Ultimately, on race day I felt good and I figured I might as well pretend I am in shape and ready to run my best marathon ever. Going out slower the first 8 miles was the key to an enjoyable outing. No falling apart at mile 18, 20, 22, (ok a bit at mile 24). Finish time: 3.37.15 A marathon PR at the end of the season.
Awesome and I am ready for a break.

What Have I done?

A simple new posting on New York Tritons bulletin board alerted me of the new Arizona Ironman Fall race in 2008 and the online sign -up today. Although I have given it some thought before, I had no real plans to embark on the IM mission next season. Just about an hour later, I now have a new target race for next year and a clear mission for my race efforts: Finish my first Ironman Distance Race and finish it in style! Target Date: November 23, 2008