Day 102, 263 To Go

April 12, 2013

It is getting hot here in Florida.  I was still sweating a good 20 minutes after my run was over.  I took a shower and I was still sweating.  It is only April!!  I ran at 12:30pm since I wanted to have plenty of time to rest before the race tomorrow, so it was the hottest part of the day, but really, it was only around 80 degrees.

I'm not complaining, really.  I'd rather it be 80 than 40 any day, but the temperature is changing fast so getting acclimated is going to take some time.

I really had to hold myself back today.  As you can see by my max pace, I started to pick it up without even thinking about it.  I was thinking about the race tomorrow and that gets me all riled up and I started to run faster.  I pulled back so I don't waste my energy.

Normally, the day before a triathlon, you want to go on a short run, maybe 10 - 20 minutes, just to get your legs loose.  It is a good idea to go for a short spin on your bike too to make sure everything is in working order.  I didn't do that though.  I am going to suck on the bike, that's for sure.  I have to get that turned around because my goal is to do an Ironman next year, and if I don't get my miles up, I will never be able to handle the 6 - 9 months of training! 

For a 13 mile ride in the race, I can get by, but in an Ironman where you ride 112 miles, there is no getting by.  You have to do more than survive because you still have a marathon to do AFTER you get off the bike, so you need to get off the bike with somewhat fresh legs.

I'm screwed.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 20:00

Distance: 2.17 miles

Pace: 9:13/m

Max Pace: 7:44/m

Calories: 278

Avg HR: 137

Max HR: 156

My max heart rate was pretty high.  That came at the end of the run.  I was not pressing or breathing heavy, but my heart rate was up there.  That is one of the affects heat can have on you and you have to be careful and make sure you don't overheat and get dehydrated.  I will most likely spend the rest of the day drinking lots of water or Gatorade and I will eat plenty more pasta.  The pasta is not necessary, but I have a lot of leftovers and I like easy meals.

Wish my luck tomorrow!  I'll be lucky if I get any sleep.  I always have a hard time sleeping the night before a race.  Of course, sleep is important, but two nights before the race is more important, and I slept ok on Thursday night.  Off to bed at 10pm which is early for me!

Run for Life!!