I want to wish all of you following me and my journey towards Ironman Canada a merry Christmas and a prosperous and blessed 2011. December 31 will be the mark of a new year, but it will also mark my 4th month of training for Ironman Canada. During this period I have met some wonderful people I did not even know existed. I have changed my attitude towards life, I have gotten a lot healthier, and I have gotten stronger and in much better shape than I ever imagined possible. I have questioned my convictions and my motives and I have broken what I though to be unbreakable barriers. There has been times where I have been invincible by mishap but others I have been vulnerable to phycological and state of mind issues regarding what I am doing and what I have been thru. I feel awesome in all context of what it is and why I am doing it. I am content with my progress, my training, and all of those who surround it. Most important I am thrilled about all the support I get everyday from many people.
Training is hard in many aspects but the most challenging is the mental aspect. Doing what you don't expect to do. Last Saturday we had our first long ride as part of our strenght training which means climbing hills. I was very nervous the night before. To the point where I took the car and Julissa so we could see what I would be facing in the morning. Ohhhhhhhhh my god. Is coach K out of his mind? I told Julissa she needed to go as "broom" because there was no way I could climb that hill and no way in the world I could take 3 hrs of riding in those hills. I gave it 1/2 hour maximum at my maximum effort. Well guess what I climbed and climbed all morning long and with the exception of a very steep hill that is for obvious very advanced riders I climbed and rode for 4 hours and 15 minutes and traveled 53 miles in the mountains. I was tired and beat but amazed of what I was capable of doing. We did it again yesterday and I am still here ready to go for more. In all last Saturday we climbed 2,698 vertical feet and yesterday 2,758 vertical feet. Not bad for the chubby guy huuuuuuuu.......
Friday was a breakthrough day. We had our long run and frankly I was sick and tired of the 7 mile mark and trying to improve. I made up a plan so I could test how I was doing and to test if I could indeed keep a 4 mile per hour pace even with programed walking time. So the plan was simple, I would run for 3/4 mile and would walk for 1/4 mile and so on. I would do this for 3 miles and then would run for 1/2 mile and then walk for 1/4 mile and so on. In the end I carried out my plan except I did the first phase for 4 miles and the rest as planned. End result was 2 hours 14 minutes and...... yes 10 miles. I can't tell you how happy I was. It mean a 2:56 1/2 marathon which breaks the 7 hour mark for a 70.3 Ironman. Not bad for 4 months of training.
Friday was also emotional and a breakthrough in my future life. I said at the beginning I had lots of anger about having cancer that I wanted to let go. I needed to heal. I think I have done lots of that but there is a lot more I need to let go. I think this will happen as I continue to imagine what crossing that line will be like and what it will eventually mean in the whole wide picture. I think part of that meaning is precisely this blog and talking about my experience and how this awful decease changes your life for ever. I took a step forward Friday and it was a big one. I invited coach K to my house on Friday so we could relax and just enjoy some wine. As we started talking triathlon as we always do we talked about old times. Old times, well I think it was time for him to actually see what old times were. I took out an album which I hate but it pretty much describes my adult life. I showed him a picture of me and Julissa that was taken right after I arrived from the military. In Short words I looked like I could do three or four Ironmans in a single day. Slim fit and full of life. I also showed him my military picture when I was 17. Young scared and somewhat ignorant. Coach K was amazed and obviously wondering "what happened". Well I showed him that too. As he saw pictures of me while on cancer treatment silence filled the air. He did not comment and neither did Yolanda his wife. I kind of know what they felt as they saw those pictures and probably got some added perspective of what it is that I am really doing and why. It does not matter they are good people and Coach K has made it a point of taking me where I want to go and that is enough for me. I hope they are not sorry for me in that aspect and frankly I don't think they are which is good. I am a fighter and always have been and being sorry won't get me across the line, training and readiness will. Maybe Coach K will sometime read this and maybe he won't, in the end the pictures he saw were of me dying in some sort of way. They certainly were of an individual whose future was as uncertain as his cure. Today with his help my training is as certain as the possibilities of finishing Ironman Canada. I was never ready to quit and was determined to overpass any obstacle placed in my way to survive cancer. I am decided to do the same as for my training for the Ironman. I have learned that God will determine what your individual path will be and I will not go around that. I am ready for mishaps, I could fall of the bike and get injured I could mentally fail, I could have a mechanical problem, etc. I am ready for any of that I truly am ready to accept any mishap. What I am not ready to accept is failing. As I have said many times I will not fail, I will not quit. We had a saying in the military, "If you find an obstacle, go around it, or above it, or underneath it, if all those options fail then you need to consider going thru it with out being detected or you need to execute plan B. What is plan B? "BLOW IT UP".
2010 has been wild and I expect to start 2011 as such. My friends you be the judge. Finall tally 2010
September 1 2010 December 31, 2010
Weight 270 230
Waist 44 38
Shirts 2XL XL
Bike 6 Miles 53 miles w/hills 2700 vertical feet
Maximum Run 3.90 mailto:miles@15:25/Mile 10 miles w/hills @ 13:28/mile
Swim 300 mts in 1 hr (Practice) 2300 mts 1 hour (Practice)
Soft & Creamy Ice Cream 4/ week minimum 1/month at best
Coke 6-10 cans/day 0
Pizza turn over 5/week 0
Total Training Time 0 13-15 hrs avg/ week
Wake up time 6:30AM 4:00AM
Week end Wake up Time 9:00-11:00AM 4:00-5:00AM
Not bad at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy new Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
2011 Ironman 70.3 San Juan | San Juan, 00901 | Saturday, March 19, 2011 @ 7:00 AM
Well here it is. This link will let you see my oficial registration to the San Juan 70.3 Ironman in March. I held up as long as I could because franqly I still have my doubts about weather I can make it or not. I am not a pesimist but perhaps a realist. I am very happy with my training and what I have achieved up to know. I don't know if I will make it or not and even if I will make the full at Canada or not. All I know is that I am giving my best and what my body can tolerate without getting injured. In the end I hope it is enough for me. I have trained hard and will continue. I get amazed every day on the milestones I reach and I remain very positive. I will have the attitude of champion and resolve of a soldier on a mission, I will not quit even if I fail. I am doing this for me, to be an example for thoose of you who had past similar obstacles, and to be a hero to my kids. I am doing this for my wife, to show her that there is no obstacle big enough to stop us and that with her by my side I can do anything. Finally, for a little girl whoose inspiration has made me a much better person. My coach has done an extraordinary job on training a 270lbs man for an event like this. A man with no excercise for the past 20 years, whoose diet was mainly Coca Cola, Ice Cream, and ham and cheese sandwiches. You know maybe Coach K is a good coach and maybe he is not. As far as my son Jochi and my daughter Gabriela goes their numbers will always speak for their training and their coach. So far they are remarkable. As far as for myself well Coach K should be ready to greet most of his athletes at the finih line somewhere at about 6:00 hours. However he wil probably see the end of the race as I will probably arrive with the last of the competitors. That is Ok, I do not pretend anything more. In the end I will be his most memorable athlete. I would be the one he transformed from a "Couch Bum" to an Ironman Athlete.
http://www.active.com/page/event_details.htm?event_id=1841595
http://www.active.com/page/event_details.htm?event_id=1841595
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dec. 13 2010 Will you be the one chosen?
The meaning of adoption is to take a total strangers kid, bring it to your home and call him yours. You need to love it, care for it, educate it, and yes support it. Simple right......very wrong! Adoption is a choice. It is a choice that few will regret and many will have a fulfilling life because of that choice. But please understand my message clearly..........The choice is not one of the parents, no my friends, the choice is of our kids! As parents we do not adopt to make our life complicated, or to add an expense to our finances, or to be like our neighbors, or even get a tax deduction. No sir, we adopt because we cherish and dream about a little kid calling us, DAD or MOM. We want to be referred to as Mother and Father, we want to change a life and we want to compete for the ultimate price, which is, our adoptive kids choosing us as their parents, as their true MOM and DAD.
I can't remember the exact dates but they are not really relevant. Julissa and me had been trying to conceive a child for some time know with obvious negative results. We both knew of the possibility of me being sterile from the chemo treatment and no precautions being taken. As this issue progressed where we wanted to be parents we talked about and explored many options. We knew two things. One we would not spend the equivalent of raising a child on a fertility treatment that had no definite results. Two we would take practical approaches to the solutions and will by all means try to keep our hearts out of our decisions. As time passed Julissa grew more impatient. I wanted a kid too I was just more realistic. Julissa started going to the doctors and asking me to go. By now you all know how I felt especially at that time about anything with a Dr. as a prefix to their name. I told her that we had a pretty good idea of what was the problem and that the best idea was for her to get tested and make sure she was OK and with that ruled out we will take it from there. In a nut shell she was fine and able to get pregnant so the arrow pointed straight at me. I agree to get tested as Julissa pleaded with me to do it. It had nothing to do with machismo or embarrassment, I am a realist and like I knew before I was told I had cancer I knew before I was told I was sterile. So I went and got tested. Obvious results, they are there but they are dead.
I explained in a previous post what happened next and how I dealt with the confirmed news. I felt like suing sure I did but in the end I was not about to sue the guy that saved my life. We then went to a fertility doctor. I can't remember his name but I will never forget where his office is in the Munoz Rivera Ave in Santurce. We sat down and he explained all the options possible. I will net get into all of them but lets just say that we would go broke just to try and get pregnant if we followed any of those methods or possibilities. By the way no guarantees. Can you imagine going to Sears buying a 10 thousand dollar tv set that might work or might not and if it does not well sorry buy another one. I don't think so. One of the options was obviously a donor. In many cases that method brings a lot of insecurities in men. Not me, I could care less, in the end I would be a father and Julissa would be a mom and it would be our kid. Where the mix came from, was of no relevance. The Dr. showed Julissa the "list" of elite sperm in their bank. This one is a lawyer, this one is 6' tall, this one is a musician, this one is black, this one is yellow, etc.etc.etc. Give me a break!!! Julissa asked the Dr. to let her think it over and we left. We crossed the street and stoped on the sidewalk. "what do you think" she asked", "I will do what you want I have no problem with anything except giving this guy all our money in pursuit of a maybe"I replied, Julissa, "you would accept a donor", me, "of course, I have no problem with that at all, but let me tell you something you need to know. All those qualities he just gave you about those men...they are all bull shit", Julissa "I think so also". Julissa "Adoption?", me "we have seen what my brother went thou, I think we have enough examples of the risks, why not change someones life", Julissa "But I want a baby", me "absolutely", Julissa "so, we are adopting?", me, "yes we are". Right then and there it was decided. We never looked back we were adopting and that was it. We informed the family and as any mother would, Julissa went to work. She spent weeks going to bed at 3 and 4 in the morning researching. I was proud of what she was doing and felt blessed to have her by my side.
So to make a long story short in March 4 1997 our son Jose Adolfo Garcia was born in Guatemala. His mother gave him up voluntarily as she could not care for him and the whole process was done thru the government authorities. One day later Jose was under our care even as we could not take him out of the country until he had a passport. Julissa flew o Guatemala the next day and made sure he was left in good hands and had everything he needed. I saw my son 1 month after as I went to Guatemala. As soon as I saw him something just went click. I can't explain it but I can assure you that from that day on I would do anything I had to do to protect and care for my son. No matter what it was. He was my son and my responsibility, so I was up to the job. I once heard a mother say she did not love her child until it was actually born and she saw him. I think its true, however once you see it there is no turning back. So Jose came home and most of the rest is history. I did learn thru the years that adoptive parents are a special breed. They say we choose our kids and that our kids are blessed. Not true, We care for our kids because we hope and pray that one day when they are old enough to comprehend what is and was involved they choose you as their parents. I suggest you watch the movie "The blind side" for a better explanation. All of you adults reading understand why I can not give more details but that is how we feel. We want to be chosen. As it turns out we liked it so much we did it all over again with daughter Gabriela.
Yesterday I ran the Contender Triathlon. One of the biggest triathlon events in Puerto Rico. Obviously Jochi was there to race also. At this point in my training this would be my last sprint distance tri, as I need and I am ready for longer distances. Yesterday I had all intentions of going hard and see what I was made off. Including giving my kid Jochi a run for his money. The event is the first tri to be televised live in PR so many people where watching the coverage as helicopters and cameras capture the action from many angles. 3,2,1 and we are off. I felt strong in the water but paced my self as I kind of the knew the route was longer than it should be. By the first turn I caught up with Jochi who was struggling and resting. I stopped for a minute and asked him if he was alright, he said yes. I figured he went out to hard and needed to catch his breath. It happens after all he is truly competing. I ffound a gap in his despair, here is my chance of going ahead of him for the first time. So I went ahead and kept on swimming. I wanted to beat him as I would have months of fun afterwards but the truth was that I could not clear my mind that he was behind me and not in front. See if he is in front I can see if something happens and I can help if needed but behind me is tough. I kept talking to myself that he has done this many more times than me and that I would be alright. I kept going, but he was on my mind. As I reached the beach for my second lap I knew he was still behind. As I entered the water again I could not see where he was but I was still in a race and needed to keep going. I was worried about his time and what was happening. I slowed my pace a bit, I wanted to beat him but I would feel very uneasy going into the bike and leaving him in the water. Then, it happened. There he was right by my side, his head out of the water, looking winded and in trouble. As he stoped besides me he started struggling with his goggles. Now I am starting to worry. I ask him "what is wrong, are you all right?". He quickly responded, "My goggles are broken, they are filling up with water and I can't see". It was automatic..........not a single though came to my mind, no analysis, no options, I was blank. In an instant I did something out of pure instinct. I took my goggles off and said "here take mine and go". Jochi is always thinking about others with is his humble nature, but for some reason he did not ask me anything or said a word. He took my goggles and hand me his broken ones as I said "make sure you put them on tight" he was gone and swimming hard. I took his smaller goggles and put them on as they filled with water immediately and no way of stoping it, as the silicon seal was separated from the lens. This was a good idea. So much for beating the little raskal. I stoped for a moment to think and well it was pretty simple. This I am trained for!!!!!! I continued my swim and started using rusty, but effective water navigation tools I had learned in the military. I tried them for a few meters and they were working pretty good. So off I went trying to get my rhythm. I knew what Jochis problem was so I was know confident he was alright and in front of me so I could concentrate on my now new problem. For the most part I was alright the water was coming into my good eye so that was positive. I swam with my eyes closed at a slower pace but making sure my stroke was equal on both hands and I stoped kicking as hard. I would every 15-20 strokes pause and with my left hand as it came forward raise my head just a little. Pulled the goggles away from my face and drained the water. I would get my heading on the marker and went on swimming for another 15 - 20 strokes. I must say that after a few tries I felt pretty relaxed and continued my swim. About 100 meters from the last marker I was already feeling a bit tired but I knew I was close. As I took one last look at the marker.......PUFF the band snapped right out of the goggles broken in half. That was it no more goggles. I placed them inside my shorts and kept going with my eyes closed and looking up as needed. Now my navigation became very erratic because I had my bad eye wet with salty water which is not good at all. I was erratic on direction making me look more often but I was know on the last 25 meters to the beach. I compensated by swimming harder but I was know turning to my strong side as I had difficulty equalizing the pull. As I got out of the water I handed the goggles to coach K who was at the beach. For me it was important for him to know what difficulties both Jochi and me had, for one so that he can evaluate how Jochi recovers from his mishap and for me so he knows I was OK and that I just had equipment problems. So up and running to T1 to get my bike.
Jochi's bike was next to mine and I felt relief when I got to my transition and his bike was not there. I got on my bike and started my ride. A few seconds later I could see Jochi coming the opposite way from the turn around and he was flying down the road. I felt good and proud. He knew he was behind so he kicked it a notch to make up for it and he was fine doing what he loves to do. So I kept going on my bike and got to my rhythm and riding hard as it was my plan.
At the end of the day I felt really good with my performance. I can ride harder but I am having a little bit of equipment issues at the moment but nothing serious. It was also the first time I ran the 5K completely no walking and felt great about it. I was ready for a second tri after I finished.
As I crossed the finish line I was told that my exchange of goggles in the water with Jochi was all transmitted Live on TV as the helicopter camera caught all of the action. I was actually amazed by that. Later in the day it finally hit me. My son was in trouble and I was fortunate enough to have been there for him to help him. It is ironic that I was there because of his inspiration to get into this sport. For me it was a simple thing, I like to believe any dad would have done the same. But in the end it was so rewarding there must be a reason behind. I don't know why Jochi and Gabi came into my life, but I am cristal clear on what my mission with those kids is all about. As a father I just wish I could always be there as I was on Sunday to help either one of them when they need me. Life is not that generous but for the time being I will take Sunday's event and place it in my most memorable moment file. Like I said I did it instinctively but after reflection it was an opportunity for me to show Jochi just how much I want to be chosen as his father when the time comes.
How about you, will you be the one chosen?
I can't remember the exact dates but they are not really relevant. Julissa and me had been trying to conceive a child for some time know with obvious negative results. We both knew of the possibility of me being sterile from the chemo treatment and no precautions being taken. As this issue progressed where we wanted to be parents we talked about and explored many options. We knew two things. One we would not spend the equivalent of raising a child on a fertility treatment that had no definite results. Two we would take practical approaches to the solutions and will by all means try to keep our hearts out of our decisions. As time passed Julissa grew more impatient. I wanted a kid too I was just more realistic. Julissa started going to the doctors and asking me to go. By now you all know how I felt especially at that time about anything with a Dr. as a prefix to their name. I told her that we had a pretty good idea of what was the problem and that the best idea was for her to get tested and make sure she was OK and with that ruled out we will take it from there. In a nut shell she was fine and able to get pregnant so the arrow pointed straight at me. I agree to get tested as Julissa pleaded with me to do it. It had nothing to do with machismo or embarrassment, I am a realist and like I knew before I was told I had cancer I knew before I was told I was sterile. So I went and got tested. Obvious results, they are there but they are dead.
I explained in a previous post what happened next and how I dealt with the confirmed news. I felt like suing sure I did but in the end I was not about to sue the guy that saved my life. We then went to a fertility doctor. I can't remember his name but I will never forget where his office is in the Munoz Rivera Ave in Santurce. We sat down and he explained all the options possible. I will net get into all of them but lets just say that we would go broke just to try and get pregnant if we followed any of those methods or possibilities. By the way no guarantees. Can you imagine going to Sears buying a 10 thousand dollar tv set that might work or might not and if it does not well sorry buy another one. I don't think so. One of the options was obviously a donor. In many cases that method brings a lot of insecurities in men. Not me, I could care less, in the end I would be a father and Julissa would be a mom and it would be our kid. Where the mix came from, was of no relevance. The Dr. showed Julissa the "list" of elite sperm in their bank. This one is a lawyer, this one is 6' tall, this one is a musician, this one is black, this one is yellow, etc.etc.etc. Give me a break!!! Julissa asked the Dr. to let her think it over and we left. We crossed the street and stoped on the sidewalk. "what do you think" she asked", "I will do what you want I have no problem with anything except giving this guy all our money in pursuit of a maybe"I replied, Julissa, "you would accept a donor", me, "of course, I have no problem with that at all, but let me tell you something you need to know. All those qualities he just gave you about those men...they are all bull shit", Julissa "I think so also". Julissa "Adoption?", me "we have seen what my brother went thou, I think we have enough examples of the risks, why not change someones life", Julissa "But I want a baby", me "absolutely", Julissa "so, we are adopting?", me, "yes we are". Right then and there it was decided. We never looked back we were adopting and that was it. We informed the family and as any mother would, Julissa went to work. She spent weeks going to bed at 3 and 4 in the morning researching. I was proud of what she was doing and felt blessed to have her by my side.
So to make a long story short in March 4 1997 our son Jose Adolfo Garcia was born in Guatemala. His mother gave him up voluntarily as she could not care for him and the whole process was done thru the government authorities. One day later Jose was under our care even as we could not take him out of the country until he had a passport. Julissa flew o Guatemala the next day and made sure he was left in good hands and had everything he needed. I saw my son 1 month after as I went to Guatemala. As soon as I saw him something just went click. I can't explain it but I can assure you that from that day on I would do anything I had to do to protect and care for my son. No matter what it was. He was my son and my responsibility, so I was up to the job. I once heard a mother say she did not love her child until it was actually born and she saw him. I think its true, however once you see it there is no turning back. So Jose came home and most of the rest is history. I did learn thru the years that adoptive parents are a special breed. They say we choose our kids and that our kids are blessed. Not true, We care for our kids because we hope and pray that one day when they are old enough to comprehend what is and was involved they choose you as their parents. I suggest you watch the movie "The blind side" for a better explanation. All of you adults reading understand why I can not give more details but that is how we feel. We want to be chosen. As it turns out we liked it so much we did it all over again with daughter Gabriela.
Yesterday I ran the Contender Triathlon. One of the biggest triathlon events in Puerto Rico. Obviously Jochi was there to race also. At this point in my training this would be my last sprint distance tri, as I need and I am ready for longer distances. Yesterday I had all intentions of going hard and see what I was made off. Including giving my kid Jochi a run for his money. The event is the first tri to be televised live in PR so many people where watching the coverage as helicopters and cameras capture the action from many angles. 3,2,1 and we are off. I felt strong in the water but paced my self as I kind of the knew the route was longer than it should be. By the first turn I caught up with Jochi who was struggling and resting. I stopped for a minute and asked him if he was alright, he said yes. I figured he went out to hard and needed to catch his breath. It happens after all he is truly competing. I ffound a gap in his despair, here is my chance of going ahead of him for the first time. So I went ahead and kept on swimming. I wanted to beat him as I would have months of fun afterwards but the truth was that I could not clear my mind that he was behind me and not in front. See if he is in front I can see if something happens and I can help if needed but behind me is tough. I kept talking to myself that he has done this many more times than me and that I would be alright. I kept going, but he was on my mind. As I reached the beach for my second lap I knew he was still behind. As I entered the water again I could not see where he was but I was still in a race and needed to keep going. I was worried about his time and what was happening. I slowed my pace a bit, I wanted to beat him but I would feel very uneasy going into the bike and leaving him in the water. Then, it happened. There he was right by my side, his head out of the water, looking winded and in trouble. As he stoped besides me he started struggling with his goggles. Now I am starting to worry. I ask him "what is wrong, are you all right?". He quickly responded, "My goggles are broken, they are filling up with water and I can't see". It was automatic..........not a single though came to my mind, no analysis, no options, I was blank. In an instant I did something out of pure instinct. I took my goggles off and said "here take mine and go". Jochi is always thinking about others with is his humble nature, but for some reason he did not ask me anything or said a word. He took my goggles and hand me his broken ones as I said "make sure you put them on tight" he was gone and swimming hard. I took his smaller goggles and put them on as they filled with water immediately and no way of stoping it, as the silicon seal was separated from the lens. This was a good idea. So much for beating the little raskal. I stoped for a moment to think and well it was pretty simple. This I am trained for!!!!!! I continued my swim and started using rusty, but effective water navigation tools I had learned in the military. I tried them for a few meters and they were working pretty good. So off I went trying to get my rhythm. I knew what Jochis problem was so I was know confident he was alright and in front of me so I could concentrate on my now new problem. For the most part I was alright the water was coming into my good eye so that was positive. I swam with my eyes closed at a slower pace but making sure my stroke was equal on both hands and I stoped kicking as hard. I would every 15-20 strokes pause and with my left hand as it came forward raise my head just a little. Pulled the goggles away from my face and drained the water. I would get my heading on the marker and went on swimming for another 15 - 20 strokes. I must say that after a few tries I felt pretty relaxed and continued my swim. About 100 meters from the last marker I was already feeling a bit tired but I knew I was close. As I took one last look at the marker.......PUFF the band snapped right out of the goggles broken in half. That was it no more goggles. I placed them inside my shorts and kept going with my eyes closed and looking up as needed. Now my navigation became very erratic because I had my bad eye wet with salty water which is not good at all. I was erratic on direction making me look more often but I was know on the last 25 meters to the beach. I compensated by swimming harder but I was know turning to my strong side as I had difficulty equalizing the pull. As I got out of the water I handed the goggles to coach K who was at the beach. For me it was important for him to know what difficulties both Jochi and me had, for one so that he can evaluate how Jochi recovers from his mishap and for me so he knows I was OK and that I just had equipment problems. So up and running to T1 to get my bike.
Jochi's bike was next to mine and I felt relief when I got to my transition and his bike was not there. I got on my bike and started my ride. A few seconds later I could see Jochi coming the opposite way from the turn around and he was flying down the road. I felt good and proud. He knew he was behind so he kicked it a notch to make up for it and he was fine doing what he loves to do. So I kept going on my bike and got to my rhythm and riding hard as it was my plan.
At the end of the day I felt really good with my performance. I can ride harder but I am having a little bit of equipment issues at the moment but nothing serious. It was also the first time I ran the 5K completely no walking and felt great about it. I was ready for a second tri after I finished.
As I crossed the finish line I was told that my exchange of goggles in the water with Jochi was all transmitted Live on TV as the helicopter camera caught all of the action. I was actually amazed by that. Later in the day it finally hit me. My son was in trouble and I was fortunate enough to have been there for him to help him. It is ironic that I was there because of his inspiration to get into this sport. For me it was a simple thing, I like to believe any dad would have done the same. But in the end it was so rewarding there must be a reason behind. I don't know why Jochi and Gabi came into my life, but I am cristal clear on what my mission with those kids is all about. As a father I just wish I could always be there as I was on Sunday to help either one of them when they need me. Life is not that generous but for the time being I will take Sunday's event and place it in my most memorable moment file. Like I said I did it instinctively but after reflection it was an opportunity for me to show Jochi just how much I want to be chosen as his father when the time comes.
How about you, will you be the one chosen?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Dec. 7th, 2010 97 days into training, things have changed!!!
First the stats. Today my weight is 232 pounds. I have lost 38 pounds. However, the day I started I was wearing size 44 pants and XXXL shirts. Today, size 40 is starting to fall off and I am now XL shirt size. Not bad. Some stats have compiled:
This week is an easy recovery week and thank God for that. Saturday I did the swim and the bike route for the Ironman 70.3 in march. I had little problems there. Sunday I ran 7 miles of the run course but ran out of water by mile 5 and by mile 7 I was dehydrated. It was better to stop than to push an injury. I will budget and plan my water better for next time. I felt really tired this weekend and I was suffering all along my training. However coach knows best. I planned on calling him Monday and telling him that I needed a rest and that I needed this week to recover. My surprise when I saw the schedule !!! It was indeed an off week. That means various things but the most important is that I finished up my build up phase. Good and bad. it means I survived a hard part but know we are well on our way to the strength phase which means lots of hurt and pain but getting stronger. I am up for it.
I have some battles I am fighting right know. For one, I hate being condescending on my training and not being competitive with others in the group. I look up to them and serve as my example and despite my mind wanting to push harder I am wiser and I know if I push too hard I will get injured. I have been sitting on my ass for more than 20 years and I can not pretend to compete with those guys at this point. However trying to reach what they can do although frustrating at times will serve me as motivation to work hard. I have never been second in my life so it is hard to accept that I am behind, but that is reality and I have to live with it. I tell you one thing though, they better train and train hard, because I will get them and pass them that is for sure. However do not misunderstand my message, I will not compete for places or trophies, that part of my life has passed and I have learned that in this sport you deserve respect just by finishing the race. These people I train with are my friends and colleagues, as they have been for my son as mentors and role models, it won,t matter how fast I get and how much better I become, my respect for them will not change. I will just have people to talk to while I train instead of watching their back side all the time.
My goal until the Ironman is simple and continues to be the same. I want to finish the race regardless of the time. I have to admit I am scared about it. Being scared is not bad at least in my case. Last time I felt scared in this way I had a rifle in my hand and had my head so far in the dirt that I got invited to Australia so I could teach Australian ostrich how to put their heads in the ground. When that event started, lets just say I did not miss one single shot. So I am hoping for the same in Canada. I will be scared all along my training and I will have doubts all along. It is called fear and in some people it paralyzes them but in others it brings out the best in them. I hope that is me.
I can at this point swim and bike a 70.3 distance in 4 hours. How ever I do not think I can run the 13 miles afterwards. I can run them by themselves but not as a single event yet. Frankly I am not sure if I will be confident enough come March that I in fact have that distance in me. But I guarantee you that I will go until I can not move to complete the course. It will be a mental practice and I know it plenty. That is where my mind will be tested. I will use everything on the course I will be OK.
Along time many people have supported me. However some even as they support me they unintentionally plant doubts in my mind. It is a tough course, the hills, the wind, etc. etc. When you hear a season rider worried about the bike course hills in Canada you must worry as well. An when you hear your coach talking about Canada being beautiful but hard you worry. As I said they do it unintentionally but I am listening. In the end most or all of those people do not have a clue of what I am capable of doing to accomplish a goal of this magnitude. It has been my formation, and it is what I was tough and learned extremely well in the military. As it so happens I was one of the best at that particular subject. So....even as knowing what I am made of I will plan for A,B,C,&D but if all fails drastic needs will require drastic measures. Cancer did not kill me so I find it hard to believe that walking a bike up a hill will. At the end of the day if it was easy everyone would be doing it, don't you think.
So.........as I rest this week it is also time to rest and regroup my mind and rest that also. I am going to take it real easy while I get ready to start the new phase of training. In all I am pleased with what I have accomplished to date and I am as committed as ever to work hard and get better. Coach K......come Sunday I will be ready for you, so bring it on. Things have changed, including my body, my attitude and certainly my endurance, all for the very best but indeed things have changed.
"The only easy day was yesterday"
- My first swim was about 300mts. - Today my practice sessions are 2000+mts and I can swim comfortably about 1.2 miles open water.
- My first bike ride was 6 miles and I had to sit on the bike afterwards for a minute because my legs would not hold me - Today I can ride 25 miles at a pace of 29-20MPH and can ride 53-55 miles in less than 3:20:00.
- My first long run was 2 miles and could not run another step. - Today I can run 7.5 miles with out stopping but could probably run and walk for 10-12 miles no problem. I can run a mile at sub 12 minutes per mile.
This week is an easy recovery week and thank God for that. Saturday I did the swim and the bike route for the Ironman 70.3 in march. I had little problems there. Sunday I ran 7 miles of the run course but ran out of water by mile 5 and by mile 7 I was dehydrated. It was better to stop than to push an injury. I will budget and plan my water better for next time. I felt really tired this weekend and I was suffering all along my training. However coach knows best. I planned on calling him Monday and telling him that I needed a rest and that I needed this week to recover. My surprise when I saw the schedule !!! It was indeed an off week. That means various things but the most important is that I finished up my build up phase. Good and bad. it means I survived a hard part but know we are well on our way to the strength phase which means lots of hurt and pain but getting stronger. I am up for it.
I have some battles I am fighting right know. For one, I hate being condescending on my training and not being competitive with others in the group. I look up to them and serve as my example and despite my mind wanting to push harder I am wiser and I know if I push too hard I will get injured. I have been sitting on my ass for more than 20 years and I can not pretend to compete with those guys at this point. However trying to reach what they can do although frustrating at times will serve me as motivation to work hard. I have never been second in my life so it is hard to accept that I am behind, but that is reality and I have to live with it. I tell you one thing though, they better train and train hard, because I will get them and pass them that is for sure. However do not misunderstand my message, I will not compete for places or trophies, that part of my life has passed and I have learned that in this sport you deserve respect just by finishing the race. These people I train with are my friends and colleagues, as they have been for my son as mentors and role models, it won,t matter how fast I get and how much better I become, my respect for them will not change. I will just have people to talk to while I train instead of watching their back side all the time.
My goal until the Ironman is simple and continues to be the same. I want to finish the race regardless of the time. I have to admit I am scared about it. Being scared is not bad at least in my case. Last time I felt scared in this way I had a rifle in my hand and had my head so far in the dirt that I got invited to Australia so I could teach Australian ostrich how to put their heads in the ground. When that event started, lets just say I did not miss one single shot. So I am hoping for the same in Canada. I will be scared all along my training and I will have doubts all along. It is called fear and in some people it paralyzes them but in others it brings out the best in them. I hope that is me.
I can at this point swim and bike a 70.3 distance in 4 hours. How ever I do not think I can run the 13 miles afterwards. I can run them by themselves but not as a single event yet. Frankly I am not sure if I will be confident enough come March that I in fact have that distance in me. But I guarantee you that I will go until I can not move to complete the course. It will be a mental practice and I know it plenty. That is where my mind will be tested. I will use everything on the course I will be OK.
Along time many people have supported me. However some even as they support me they unintentionally plant doubts in my mind. It is a tough course, the hills, the wind, etc. etc. When you hear a season rider worried about the bike course hills in Canada you must worry as well. An when you hear your coach talking about Canada being beautiful but hard you worry. As I said they do it unintentionally but I am listening. In the end most or all of those people do not have a clue of what I am capable of doing to accomplish a goal of this magnitude. It has been my formation, and it is what I was tough and learned extremely well in the military. As it so happens I was one of the best at that particular subject. So....even as knowing what I am made of I will plan for A,B,C,&D but if all fails drastic needs will require drastic measures. Cancer did not kill me so I find it hard to believe that walking a bike up a hill will. At the end of the day if it was easy everyone would be doing it, don't you think.
So.........as I rest this week it is also time to rest and regroup my mind and rest that also. I am going to take it real easy while I get ready to start the new phase of training. In all I am pleased with what I have accomplished to date and I am as committed as ever to work hard and get better. Coach K......come Sunday I will be ready for you, so bring it on. Things have changed, including my body, my attitude and certainly my endurance, all for the very best but indeed things have changed.
"The only easy day was yesterday"
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