addicted to training

Planning 2012

2012-02-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

This has been a real great winter (if you want to call it that) this year for us New Englanders. Things have gone really well and I am back up to 3 in a row 60+ mile weeks here ramping up for Boston. The body is getting back in shape and is doing well for all the miles. Next race is probably New Bedford half marathon on March. Two big races are Boston April 16 and Mont Tremblant Ironman August 19. I hope everyone is enjoying this great weather and taking advantage! -Kyle

Tri Clinic in Boxborough, MA for First Time Triathletes New Date Feb. 18 & 19

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Swymfit in Boxborough is hosting a tri clinic for those that are interested in trying a triathlon this year. This is a good opportunity for your friends or family who are interested in trying the sport, but may not even own a bike yet or know a lot about swimming. The clinic is Feb 18th and 19th and will go over all of the basics; swimming, biking, running, transitions, race day logistics, nutrition and injury prevention. For more information and registration: http://www.swymfit.com/ - the nominal fee covers the 2-day use of their facility, etc. as it will be closed during the clinic. I have volunteered to do the cycling instruction and four-time Boston Marathon winner, Bill Rodgers will be doing the run clinic. If there is enough interest, we will be following-up with some organized sessions and target the Sudbury Spring Sprint Triathlon in May.

Numbers For 2011

2012-01-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

Corrected numbers for 2010 (year, month, day):

Swim: 237652, 19804.3, 651.1 yards
Bike: 4416.4, 368.0, 12.1 miles
Run: 2111.4, 175.95, 5.79 miles

Numbers for 2011:

Swim: 185250, 15437.5, 507.5 yards
Bike: 5113, 426.08, 14.0 miles
Run: 2144.2, 178.7, 5.87

Definitely PRs except for swimming. Of course, I couldn't do anything but swim for three weeks in that June.

Will post a recap of 2011 later this week. I'm also trying to reconcile my marathon history - should be around 40 marathons and counting.

Training for the Boston Marathon April, 19th has commenced. Time to drop the ten pounds I gained over the last month! -Kyle

Finally Running Again After 3+ Weeks

2011-12-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

It's been an interesting off-season; lot's of outdoor riding and some decent yards in the pool. I'm now swimming at Harvard Ridge Swymfit pool, which is really convenient and I'm finding it easy to fly over there and get a quick workout in. I'm about 5 kilos over race weight, but that's off-season and I'm sure it will come off quick. I will post my numbers for the year in the next few days. It's interesting to see how things have added up and how different this year was from last.

Also, a quick recap of the sub-3:00 hour marathon streak, which ended this fall at Cape Cod (Nor'easter) marathon:

2006 2:5857 Baystate, 1st sub-3, new PR and 1st Masters

2007 2:53:11 Boston, new PR at Boston by almost 10min

2008 2:58:57 Boston
2:56:59 Manchester, 5th Overall

2009 2:52:10 Boston, new PR
2:56:24 Baystate (Also Nor'easter)

2010 2:49:53 Boston, standing PR

2011 2:56:52 Boston, the failed 2:45 attempt

8 straight marathons. It had to come to an end sooner or later.

I hope everyone has had a great holiday and is getting some time off!

Calling It A Year

2011-11-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's over. 11 months straight of training and racing, it's time for off-season. Another strange day on Thanksgiving; a revisit of the hacking cough that morning and cold ... burrr! ... 27 degrees that morning. Is this supposed to be New England or something? I don't know. I hadn't run in that weather since last winter. Time to look for something else to do besides running. Outside AGAIN today on the bike. I am really enjoying this strange, but very mild weather. I know, we all just expect it to continue, but sooner or later reality will set in. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great year!!! 2012 looks to be very interesting as I will be doing an Ironman in August, which really changes the running outlook from Boston until later spring. I look forward to doing things differently next year and I'm looking forward to the inaugural IM Mont Tremblant! Plan is to be a regular at the pool the next few weeks and then start running again sometime around the holidays. I hope everyone is getting some time away from the sport and taking a break! I will see everyone soon, as 2012 training is right around the corner. -Kyle

Running Into The Off-Season

2011-11-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

I've been continuing to run here through November. All short and fast stuff - no more than 3 or 4 miles. It has been interesting. I think I have actually kept some fitness without all the miles. I will try my luck at the Ayer Thanksgiving race and then pull the plug on running for a few weeks. My next focus will be on SWIMMING as I am now about 30 days without a visit to the pool. I am ready to call it a year. We'll see what happens on Thursday. New pic is me crossing the line at Cape Cod Marathon. I don't look too bad for a tough day. Cheers!

A Quick Cape Cod Marathon Report

2011-11-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

I knew we were in trouble the night before when I was abruptly wakened by the house moving from a HUGE gust of wind. We were worried that the race would be canceled, but race organizers vowed that the race would go on. My second marathon during a serious Nor'easter. Race start; very cold about 36deg with a wind chill around 20deg. I was scared this would be a repeat of Baystate two years ago when I got hypothermic during the race. Thankfully, no rain just wind and I was dressed with more clothes in this race than any other marathon, to make sure I would be warm enough through the entire race.

Race summary; this race ends my long sub-3 streak with a 3:06. Tough course under adverse conditions, I was worried that this race would end my streak. Anyway, high wind, roads with lots of debris and then Shore Line Drive completly flooded in about 5 places, I just felt like everything went wrong - including the cytomax drinks, which were awful and blasted my stomach. Honestly, I think the combination of hills and running into the wind killed my hamstrings, trying to keep my body leaning into the wind. Anyway, I am still celebrating a long season and I'm satisfied and glad that the season is over. I gave it my best shot, the race didn't get canceled and the add-a-10+ minute consensus would leave me with a good result. Hope all is well with everyone. We got power back very quickly - very lucky, but many still without power. Something needs to change. -Kyle

Cape Cod Marathon Race Weekend

2011-10-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

Some lousy New England weather always encourages a scaled down taper. The body is okay with some early week trails. Plan remains the same; cruise the first 10 miles in around 65 minutes or so and see how it goes. Looking forward to racing with the BAA gang. Small group this race though - even looks I might be the solo master and only a few guys in the open catagory.

Anyway, possible Nor'easter on Saturday; will definitely be windy on race day. Looking forward to putting in a solid performance and capping off 2011 with one final big race!

Winding Down Training

2011-10-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Another unusual training period; I guess I started this back in 2008, when I trained for Manchester Marathon on only 10 weeks of marathon training. It worked then, so hopefully it will yield the same result for Cape Cod. Of course, coming off a long summer tri season has left me moderately fit. Numbers: 68 miles last week and it looks like I will breach 70 again this week. The numbers are deceiving though! 10/11-17 I had 90 miles, which is a lot. I will probably continue to train into next week and then shut everything down. It looks to be a pretty stacked race with decent prize money, which always brings them out of the woodwork. Anyway, I get the message that the latter part of this race is hilly and will be challenging. Expectations will be reasonable for this race and the strategy is to cruise the first ten in 65 minutes or so, and then see how it goes the rest of the race. I will err on the side of being comfortable throughout this race and avoid any possibility of blowing-up in the latter stages. Also, plan is to continue into November with some short fast stuff and shoot for a decent 5K and then go off-season in December. I hope everyone is doing well; lots of marathons this month and early November. I hope everyone's races go or have gone well. -Kyle

All Systems Go For Cape Cod Marathon

2011-10-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Less than three weeks to go before my first shot at the Cape Cod course. I am now committed to running, barring any disasters over the next couple of weeks. This is the New England Grand Prix Championships. It would be nice to have a good race and get myself somewhere in the standings - without blowing myself apart like at Boston this year! Expectations will be reasonable, since this has been a very short training period. Last weeks numbers: 75 miles, some riding and not much swimming. Trying to focus on the running here for another week or so - then start mixing some cross-training in. I had a very tender heel last week and forced myself to take a complete day off Monday. My body seems to be very sensitive to running on roads. No problems on soft trails and I will try to focus all workouts toward soft surfaces. Anyway, there seems to be two camps on the CC course; one camps says hilly and hard, the other camp says it's not too bad. Feel free to leave your opinion! I am looking forward to finding out for myself! -Kyle

Four Weeks until Cape Cod Marathon

2011-10-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a very, very short training period for me. I'm lucky to still have some fitness from the tri-season and I did run a marathon only a couple of months ago (3:30 at LP), so I can't be that far out of marathon shape. The biggest issue has been long runs, but I finally got a 20+ run in this week and will shoot for a 3 hour run next week. At the Octoberfest 5K 18:30 3rd overall - I would have had a shot, but too many miles in the legs and no kick at the end left me in third place. That is the fastest 5K I have run in a few years (5:59s), so I am happy and that seems to be my annual 5k. Numbers last two weeks; 68 and 50 miles. I need an 80+ week to get some confidence that I can have a good race. Expectations will be lowered, but I may still try to PR. Not much else going on; some riding but not much swimming. I may try to get back into Walden a couple of times this week, as the water is still warm, but the count down begins. I hope everyone's fall training is going well. Lots of marathons to choose from over the next 5 weeks. Cheers! -Kyle

Tri Season Ends, Focused On Cape Cod Marathon

2011-09-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

A quick end to summer and another reminder that we are in for a change of season here in New England. Lobsterman went well and was a fun race to end the year. It turned out to be a pretty competitive race with Cranberry getting canceled - a lot of people signed up last minute to get a race in before the season ends. Here's the report:

The swim is in a protected bay up by Winslow park. It felt a lot better to be swimming with a wetsuit and ... the water temperature wasn't too bad. At the first turn I could not see the next buoy and opted to sight on the furthest swimmer I could see. At the second buoy, I could see the third, but it looked like folks were swimming out into the middle of the ocean. Absolutely, no one on the line. Same thing at the final turn, people were still way right. The bike, dropped a chain on the first hill - never happens except during a race. Course: very hilly, not long but some steep climbs, I was out fast and furious. The run course: hilly. I (only) made two mistakes during this race: (1) I decided to take my water bottle cage off the bike and only take water at the half way station. The temperature has now climbed a lot higher than they predicted and direct sun was very hot. Definitely dehydrating on the run. (2) No socks on run. My new flats, supposed to be forgiving, drill a hole the size of a quarter in the side of my right foot. 26min at 4 miles - I fall way off pace at the end of the run.

19th Overall, 3rd AG, 2:21

Great party and podium afterwards, and two lobsters!! Definitely a race to do and I am glad I did it. Festive outing with lots of friendly, low key competitors from all over the place - lot's of out of state travelers.

Drum roll please ...... Next race will be Cape Cod Marathon on October 30th. Nothing like cutting it close. I have been running A LOT and am trying to get my running legs back. We'll see - I have 5 1/2 weeks before the race. Looking to ride off my tri fitness into fall marathon season. If that fails, I will lower expectations and run anyway. As this is another race on my todo list. Will be running with the BAA masters as this is the USATF grand prix finale. At least I am getting some new races in this year! Cheers! -Kyle

Lobsterman Triathlon

2011-08-23T14:12:00.001-07:00

Change in plans - I will be racing at the lobsterman Tri in Freeport Maine on Sept 11th - the tenth anniversary-memorial. This is an Olympic distance, which is working well for me here at the end of the summer. A lot less training time and focusing on speedwork. I look forward to closing the season with a good race. Would like to see the Lake Denison 2008 PR fall. -Kyle

Post IM Recovery

2011-08-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Moving on with the rest of the season - looks like next race wil be the Naragansett Half IM and probably my last tri for the year. Recovery has gone well and letting my rib heal (still hurts) has been keeping me from any real training and swimming has been out altogether. Starting to consider fall plans; maybe Manchester marathon again? or maybe Baystate for upping my BQ seed. Everything is good and the body is in good shape, so I will resume again and try to have a fast race on 9/11. It's just for fun, but I would like to go out with a good finishing place.

Lake Placid - 6th Ironman Complete and In The Record Books

2011-07-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

Last minute changes by the race officials made it a non-wetsuit swim for anyone who wanted Kona slots or AG awards. That meant that I would be swimming the 2.4mi without a wetsuit for the first time - the longest that I have ever swum without a wetsuit. It looked like there weren't that many swimming without wetsuits was my initial impression. Lined up in the usual spot, but maybe should have lined up far right as I am getting pummeled and grabbed; people grabbing my left leg at my ankle strap and pulling themselves forward, not all that fair. The only thing I have to say about the swim was it was definitely draining. I was using a lot of energy that I would have hoped to use on the bike and the run. 2nd loop was difficult with toes and calf cramping. I am definitely not used to kicking that long and the legs were definitely rebelling. Rib definitely re-broke during the swim and was moving around, but I was not in that much pain that it would keep me from swimming normally. After a 1:25 (yes that slow) I came out pretty tired and was to face long lines in the changing tent and bike mount - almost a four minute wait to get on the bike. I am way back in the race - not a good place to be - a lot of traffic on the bike - difficult to pass because there are some many bikes. I have to pass on the wrong side of the road. Slow start, but I got into a pretty good rhythm mid-loop. Loop 1 - 5:56 (yes pretty slow). Loop two on the bike started to feel good and I am passing LOTs of people the last 25 miles going up the hills. Lots of guys in my AG. I actually negative split the bike on the second loop and finish in 5:50. The run - I felt good and managed my nutrition much better this year to finish in a PR 3:30 - not bad at all. Overall time: 10:57:43. My slowest time, but with the swim taken into account, I still think I had a pretty good race. Lot's of confusion after about place and all that jazz, but I turned out to be 12th in my AG, which may be my best finish place. With only 5 slots - yes 5, what happened to the 9 slots last year? We think it was a combination of the ratio of people not wearing wetsuits and they have also cut down the total number of slots offered with all the dilution that's going on with the added races. This race definitely favored the good swimmer and a bunch of us got sent packing this year. I have vowed to become a good non-wetsuit swimmer here for the future as next time this happens - I want to be one of the good swimmers for a change!

-Kyle

Ironman Training Ends - 11 days and counting

2011-07-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

I hope to see a lot of friends and familiar faces up at Lake Placid next week. Everything has gone dynamite this training period, and I look into my crystal ball and see good things happening on 7/24. This will be my sixth Ironman and I go into this race well trained and confident about my ability. I am honestly hoping to nail this race and go sub-10:00. I don't think it is a stretch at all, but will come down to me having a great run split. Last week's numbers:

5600, 201, 43mi

Breaking Down The Numbers:

250 miles on the bike has been my largest bike week and 60 mi running (also same week). Shift one day either way and I have about a 1000 miles riding in June, which will be a PR month since I've been logging miles.

Long Rides: 90, 89, 75, 105, 91, 100 and 85.

Long Runs: 15, 17, 15, 23, 14, 15 and 18.

These are all post Boston numbers - I think this is probably enough! right?!

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. I have officially begun to taper and things have slowed down.

The PIC is from my first Ironman - LP 2006.

-Kyle

Ironman Training Period Nearing End

2011-06-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, summer is here and IM Lake Placid is only 24 days away. It's hard to believe that the training is almost over. I will post my long rides and runs, but I've got lot's of both and I am very pleased with my training this year; a lot smarter and focused. Body has been calling for some rest this week, so I've had a light few days. Here are last week's numbers:

Swim-6100yds, Bike-245mi, Run-60mi

Not bad at all. I am going to take a day off this holiday weekend and start slowing things down next week. I've slimmed down sub-150lbs - body monitor on the fritz, so no body fat numbers. Trying not to get too skinny this year, it just didn't work fo me last year.

Hope everyone's training has gone well. Some tough, freezing cold conditions this year out at IM Coeur D'Alene. I am hoping to see some familiar faces up at LP this year.

-Kyle

Ironman Mont Tremblant

2011-06-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

I just want to let everyone know training has been going great this spring (and today now summer). I have got my fitness back and have been focused on priority #1; IM Lake Placid July 24th. I am putting all my eggs in one basket and I think that not doing a lot of racing this spring has helped me stay focused.

For immediate press release: I will be racing the inaugural Ironman Mont Tremblant Quebec August 19th 2012. It is time to do a different Ironman, as the Lake Placid run needs a break. I am looking forward to the race this year. Things have been going well and I am hoping for a break-through race. Some numbers since my last post:

9500, 188, 50
7300, 189, 46

Not great bike numbers, but good quality with not a lot of junk miles. This week I'm focused on volume bike and run, and already have some big miles (I love this nice weather and will take advantage). Less than 6 weeks, time to go all out. -Kyle

Right From Winter To Summer

2011-06-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

No spring this year, as we will be going back into another heat wave this week. At least if it is hot at Placid this year, I will be ready. I want to let everyone know that training has gone great so far. I am following my own rule of taking an easy day after a hard day and doing nothing stupid. I am starting to get fit again - not so thin, but volume and organized work-outs are getting me into shape. It's been a while since my last post, so here are the numbers for the last three weeks:

5/16-22: 7000, 174, 43

5/23-29: 9200, 191, 42

5/30-6/5: 4100, 199, 42

Nothing crazy, but some good quality work-outs with not a lot of junk. 237 miles on the bike 5/9-5/15 is still my biggest week. Also, 765 miles on the bike in May exceeds 2010, so I am continuing my vow to focus on the bike. Long rides so far: 90, 89, 75, 105 and 91, so I am definitely getting this distance in. Ramping up and getting some long runs in, as well as speedwork trying to keep everything balanced, I think not having any races until placid is helping me focus on the one race I need to nail this year.

Hope everyone's training is going well.

Above pic is at the top of the Kancamagus, from Saturdays Bear Mt. Notch to Crawford Notch to Franconia notch to Kancamagus ride. Lot's of black flies, but a beautiful day in the mountains.

Cheers,

-Kyle

Starting To Turn Up The Volume

2011-05-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Crossing back over to triathlon once again. I've started pushing up bike miles last week with 237. Saturday am was an 89 mile hill ride with the boys. Finally back on the tri bike again and getting some aero riding in. July 24th all of a sudden does not seem that far off and I am avoiding the potential for any problems this year by taking easy days after the hard ones. Looking forward to some nice spring weather?? Don't come to New England as the choice has been outside in the rain or on the trainer (3 hour spin last Wed). We lucked out on Saturday as it was okay and the weathermen have not done such a great job of predicting anything accurately. It looks like a rainy commute home and some more rides on the trainer this week. I am also back running again after some time off to clear the head and let the body heal. I also managed Walden last Friday (the only nice day we have had all of May). It was cold, but doable with the sun. I think I will wait a bit before I go again though.

I am boycotting the outrageous fees this year for the 70.3s - it would only be a prep-race this year. I am looking to do a simulated race instead and save my self a $300+ weekend.

Hope everyone is well and ready to get some long rides in, when the sun decides to come back.

-Kyle

15th Consecutive Boston in the Record Books

2011-05-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

I know - I'm not supposed to be this quiet on this end. First of all; I would like to thank my BAA team-mates for their confidence in me and their unconditional support in me trying to pull off another personal record this year. I explained that it would be a long-shot, but no one ever doubted and in fact, most said that they wouldn't be surprised after last year's 2:49. A VERY quick race report; plan was to go out fast, stay fast in the middle and finish fast at the end. We all new it was going to be an incredible day; and after 14 Bostons, this would be the first with any kind of tail wind. And what a day it was, the fastest marathon ever for Mutai and even some sensational times after that. There was never any doubt in my mind; I was going for it. It was a stretch, but if I could hold on, it would yield great results. Here are some splits:

5K -18:55, 6:05 pace
10K - 38:38, 6:12
10m - 62:38, 6:16
1/2 - 1:23:41, 6:24

I actually felt okay, but at 21mi it was over and I really payed the last 5 miles. If I could have run the last five at the same pace as the first five I might have hit 2:50, but in an all or nothing attempt, that is what you get. I have gained valuable experience, and have never tried to run a marathon that fast from the start. I will come back next year and try again. Back to crossing over; I am going to ramp up the cycling and start from sctratch with running. No immediate panic for LP. I want to do a smart ramp up and peak right before the IM.

-Kyle

Ready To Line Up For The 115th

2011-04-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am ready to go! Legs feel okay. Looks to be a pretty good day with a tail wind. I will give the fast pace a shot and see what happens. I wish eveyone a great race! I think there will be some PRs tomorrow. #731 -Kyle

Bib #731 - Starting To Wind Things Down

2011-04-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Trying to keep up: 337 miles total for March (10.9mi/day). Last week: 9600yds, 94mi, 49mi Hey, I finally found the pool! Swimming has been going great. I'm looking forward to open water swimming. Let's hope for some unusually warm days AFTER the marathon. Not much to talk about with the bike; I think one day was outside. Weather still not cooperating. Final weeks of training have been in lousy conditions. It's been hard to gauge where I am with fitness level. The miles for March were very big and just a bit over 2010. Last few track workouts in windy/rainy conditions, also making it hard to gauge. I had a great run on Thursday in mild conditions for a change! 2x20min at PMP tempo - I am right there, so will be going for it on 4/18!!! I have nothing to lose and might as well go out and let it rip. Next few days look to be unusually mild and honestly, I would rather see it stay cool here all the way through the marathon. Keep fingers crossed for a good day! Last year's conditions were ideal and who knows if we will ever see day like that again! This year is my 15th consecutive Boston marathon! On target for 60 miles this week, not much else going on and starting to taper as this old body is definitely tired and needs rest. I hope everyone's training has gone well and folks are starting to get rest! 9 days and counting ... -Kyle

Ready For Spring Weather and Thank God For The Trails

2011-03-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm ready for Spring to come any time mother nature wants to bring it. Finally back running on trails! How long has it been? A short taste of spring, but now it seems we are back in a psuedo winter, again. Last week's running miles = 90. Not much else going on as that sport is taking up all of my time (~60mi bike and 3Kswimming). April 18th is approaching rapidly and it is almost time to start scaling things back. I am looking forward to scaling back running and doing some long outside rides, hopefully in warm sunny weather. New Bedford Race Report; 3 years in a row now, no taper and high miles in the legs; I just could not find a rhythm and backed off; either a PR or I don't care and don't want to risk injury = 1:26:30. Hope everyone's training had gone well. It has been a tough winter for us New Englanders and I know a lot of people have struggled. There are a lot of injuries out there! Time to hit the trails and give the legs a break!

Better Numbers This Week

2011-03-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

6300yd, 121mi, 83mi - first week running over 70 miles this year. Miles for March close to that of 2010, so it's not bad at all. Finally out on the Boston course this am. It felt good to be out there and to up tempo the first 13miles. Plan is to take an easy day tomorrow and resume until Thursday or so, then take some easy miles going into New Bedford next week. No expectations for NB1/2; I have bombed that race two years in a row now, and I don't expect anything different. Focus is on prep for Boston - anything else that happens will be a bonus - 1:22 in 2007 still stands. Finally it looks like we are in the clear and I will be able to continue ride outside this week. Sore shoulder from Monday night sprinting feels fine and I am due for 10K yards this week. -Kyle

Hopefully The Groundhog Is Right This Time

2011-03-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Very quiet on this end, but training is going okay. Back on the bike a day last week and today - it had been a month of no outside biking (thumbs down). Snow banks too high - too risky and I don't want to get whacked - it has been bad enough run commuting with those knuckle-head drivers. Not much else to report; February was a lost month of swimming; pool closed, Feb school vacation and I had to travel. I will need to make up for it this month, but I still feel very good in the water and I'm still doing lots of fly, which is hard work. The return to the Foxborough Old Fashion Ten Mile this year; blustery cold conditions, but I still went out hard, but legs began to tighten; lot's of speed work has done a number on the legs and I only managed 66 minutes. The race was totally dominated by the BAA. Also, three weeks of long runs 23, 17 and 21 - I decided to give it a break last weekend and just put in medium long runs. Mileage not great, but last two weeks 65 and 67 miles. February running miles just a tick above 2011. Need to put in high miles this week, as the following week is New Bedford on 3/20. I also need bike miles, as February wasn't a great bike month either. Body okay. Nagging heel thing (not achilles) comes and goes, but it doesn't keep me from running. It has been a tough winter for us New Englanders, but there is sign that spring is coming! We have earned our dues and it feels great ride outside. Only a couple of weeks until spring and I am ready for some mild, sunny days where I can get out and cruise on the bike. Also, running on some soft surfaces like trails is highly desirable, as the roads just beat you up after a while. Last week; 5800, 102, 67. Thanks for checking in. I will try to get back to posting the numbers on a weekly basis. -Kyle

Fast Forward To February

2011-02-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Once again. Not keeping up with this blog .... I will try to do better in the coming weeks. All is well and my fitness is coming back. Only 9 weeks until the Boston Marathon!!!

Here are the numbers for January:

S-17800yd, B-421mi, R-193mi

Bike miles almost double that of Jan10, so hopefully I'm on track. Unfortunately, the last two weeks have been disasterous for training. Too much snow has limited swimming; the pool has either been closed or I have been unable to make it for some stupid reason. Also, there is no room on the road for a bike; too risky, so all miles have been inside and time on the bike has suffered recently. I have been run commuting - also risky, have already had a couple of run-ins with cars operated by aggressive numb-skulls. Multiple contiguous track workouts accomplished only by use of the treadmill. I think I have shoveled snow every day for the last month, which I think my body is getting used to and my arms have really bulked-up. It has been a tough winter and it is probably the reason us New Englanders have such mental toughness or maybe it's that we cherish the spring so much, that we spend so much time on the bike when the weather gets nice.

I am just back from my second quality swim workout this week. Lot's of fly. Big thanks to coach Kim D. She's made everyone on the team choose a specialty stroke to focus on this winter. Who would of thought a few years ago that my strength would be the fly. It's obvious; it's a stroke that suits me well, less about technique and more about muscling your way through the water. I am actually starting to feel proficient at it.

Less than two weeks is the first prep-race; Foxborough Old Fashioned 10 miler. I am glad they brought the USATF GP series back to this race. My PR is there in 07 - 62:37 and I want to see that time fall this year. I'm unsure, but maybe if I can get some quality runs in here the next 10 days, it might be a possibility.

Anyway, there is a forecast for some better weather coming and no snow storms! Let's hope the ground hog is right this time!

-Kyle

Final Look Back At 2010

2011-01-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

The 2011 training is now back in full swing. My New Year's resolution is to spend more energy on bike miles this year. In a perfect world, my bike miles will be about 3-4x my running miles. 2010 was an unusual year, but since I don't have anything to compare it to, I will use it as a baseline.

Anyway, first two weeks on 2011:

week #1 swim-7200, bike-95mi, run-49mi

week#2 bike - 119mi, run-49mi

Snow, holidays and life getting in the way of swimming - seems like the pool has been closed for weeks now. I will need to make up some of the time in the coming weeks.

And now ... drum roll please ... best performances and recap of 2010.

Best Swim:

I think I PR'd in every swim of 2010. LOT's of time in the water - wet suit free. I've improved a lot and it showed this year. Best swim goes to IMLP 64:42.

Best Bike:

Best Bike goes to Pumpkinman 2:35. Not a fast time, but done without a lot of training. I am looking to do this race again in 2011.

Best Run:

This one is easy; Boston Marathon 2:49:53 - new PR. I am still trying to figure out how I am going to best this time in 2011.

Anyway, I am challenging myself to PR on the bike this year. I will take any PRs running this year too.

I hope everyone is well and looking at 2011 races. Looks like we are in for a tough New England winter, so hopefully we'll get some breaks for some outdoor cycling and long runs.

Cheers! -Kyle

2010 Year End Numbers

2010-12-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

Year Total, Month (avg.), Day (avg.)

Swimming: 237652, 19804, 668 Yards

Biking: 4416, 368, 12.4 Miles

Running: 2111, 176, 5.93 Miles

Almost 6 miles per day average running for the whole year! not bad.

Biggest Month Swimming: June, 34200 yards

Biggest Month Biking: May, 708 miles

Biggest Month Running: March, 335 miles (10.8 miles per day average for the month)

Conclusion: Need to bike more in 2011!

Getting Back Into A Rhythm

2010-12-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

A few weeks since my last post ... Just want to let everyone know everything is good. The achilles thing is behind me and I am slowly ramping things back up. I am already scheduling 2011 and not looking back. I have already shot my mouth off about running 2:45 at Boston in April. That's 6:18 per mile! Yikes!!! This probably means that I will need to run close to 6:10 per mile and give up the rest in the hills! At age 45, it is going to take some discipline, but I will give it a shot. No sense in backing down now. Focus will need to be on speed; intervals and tempo. Anyway, I have kept my promise and I have logged every single mile biked and run, and every yard swum in 2010. I will post these around the end of the month or after the new year. Then everyone can look at the numbers and tell me if I'm nuts or not. It has been a very cold New England December, but we are lucky that there has been no snow and trails are still open. I can't remember a year that we didn't already have snow on the ground a month ago. I'm sure it won't last much longer, so I will enjoy trails as long as possible and then get forced back out onto the streets. I am looking forward to some XC skiing though. Okay, so I am looking for suggestions for next year. Other than Boston and IMLP, I have no definite plans yet, but I am starting to look at races. I am also thinking about getting a coach again for bike training. It has been a few years since I had my beloved coach, but he has moved to AZ and I really could use someone like him again (bike times need to get faster, not slower). Please post race suggestions and let me know what folks have on the radar screen for 2011.

-Kyle

Off-Season Continues, But Starting Up Again

2010-12-03T13:48:00.001-08:00

Some heel soreness after the Groton trail race led to some stiffness in the Achilles. Starting to run again slowly, back on the bike and swimming in the pool regularly again. It feels good to be going again. My body and brain is wired to be going aerobically all the time. I sleep better and seem to behave better with the eating, etc. I'm already looking at races next year. Of course the two big races in the first half will be the 115th running of the Boston Marathon, my 15th Boston in a row and LP2011. As of now it looks like I am out for the Half Marathon Championships in February. I may pick another local half or ten miler and do New Bedford again or maybe not. This has been the ritual for a number of years now and it may be time to do something different. As far as half irons ... I don't know. I just need to pick one - there are a number of them at the right time for IM prep and or maybe pick some different races and distances for that matter.

Anyway, I am telling a lot of different people to do the same thing here in off-season; do something different. I am hoping to get some cross-country skiing here when we get some snow; it won't be long.

-Kyle

Enjoying The Off-Season

2010-11-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been three weeks ... I know it is completely inappropriate for this blog and some folks will be shocked, but ... I am really enjoying the off-season (scream, horror). It is a strange and new sensation to me ... the one who can not stop and will train through wind, rain, snow and Armageddon. I will admit that I have done some running and swimming, but very little. I am now starting to ramp back-up and I think it has come very easy to me, as I have had no recovery from any big races or a marathon or anything like that. January 1 will roll around soon enough and I will be back trying to one-up on last year's Boston. The bike ... there has been no biking, bike-commuting, cross, mtb or anything (boo, throwing objects). I cycled more today with MRC folks than I have cycled in the last two months! only 35 miles. I am enjoying my return and maybe a little time away from the sport has been good. Last year was maybe a little too extreme. The good news is I haven't ballooned into the fat B@st@rd like last year after Clearwater. Anyway, I am moving on ... there really aren't any races this time of year locally, so I will return with fresh spirit and enjoy this time, not worrying about training, times, mileage, etc.

Please comment if you actually think I can be succesful at this.

Groton 10 Mile Trail Race Report

2010-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

My return to the Groton Trail Race ... I checked coolrunning and it was indeed 6 years ago when I last ran this race. The race has really grown in size and to no surprise; the same trail gurus that were there 6 years ago and at all the other trail races I have run, were there. To say the least, it was pretty well stacked with some fast guys and is part of the big trail race series. Here's the report; not much running the two weeks before, I decided to race as it was almost like a taper into a race. Absolutely zero speed work over the last month. Weather cool with rain threatening through-out the morning. After a delay of 20 minutes, they finally got the race off. Out to a VERY fast start, these two guys went off at an unbelievably fast pace. It's hard to pass on these trails, so I got out fast and tried to settle-in at a good pace; one that would be sustainable over this distance and terrain. For those who have not run this race; it's HARD. Up and down with some steep climbing and descents. Nothing like Wapak, but never-less some steep cross-country-esque hills with tough footing especially on some of the downhills. I did absolutely no preparation for these and I don't have any trails like that locally, so it was a stretch for me. Also, as I have said before, I do not do well on the fast downhills. I was just out of control most of the time and I just do not have the balance and/or coordination for that, so I lose time to these guys. On a positive note, this has been my first trail race in three years!! Wapack 07 was my last. Talk about a long stretch, I need to target at least one trail race a year.

Results: 14th Overall 1:09:25 A new PR!!!

I will take sub-1:10 any day and I smashed my PR by four minutes. I know I had run Baystate a couple weeks earlier in 04, so my legs were a bit on the recovery. Anyway, I am glad I ran this race and I had a really good race too! I like the low-key feeling of the trail races. No big award ceremonies or any of that stuff - just bragging rights. I really needed something like that this fall. Anyway, I have gone into off-season and will be taking some time off the next few weeks. I may do some easy running, but for now I just want the body to recover from all the endurance training this year. I did not want to repeat last year; crazy training and racing, way to much.

Looking for another form of exercise that doesn't involve the usual three - anyone have some suggestions? Also, I want to do some XC ski races this year. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. I will probably try Great Brook or Weston. I hope everyone had a great year and is winding down for the year. I will probably start running again around Thanksgiving and then start training for Boston on Jan 1st.

Cheers! -Kyle

MRC Cyclocross

2010-10-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

I can spell the MRC Cyclocross race: F-U-N!!! That race was a blast and that was the most fun I have had in a long time. I am going to be surprised if this race doesn't become one of the biggest cross races in New England. I loved the new venue; the Lancaster Fairgrounds. I can go on and on; the beer, the chili, hanging out with team-mates and friends on a gorgeous fall day. I loved the course also, not easy and the club featured a "fly over" which means you pick-up your bike and climb stairs, mount quickly and fly down a steep ramp. This pick is me going back under the fly over (thanks for the pic Russ!!!) - big smile on my face. I hadn't honestly touched a bike in three-weeks (thumbs down, boo, unhappy face), so I just jumped in and raced with no expectations, goals or even caring about racing; which is probably what made it so much fun. I had only one crash; sprinting against Mark from Landrys, I passed him and said "you aren't going to let me pass you are you?" We proceded to sprint down a straight away, of course I passed him only to be going way too fast into the turn and did a complete 180 only to be facing Mark coming at me. He spared riding me over though and I paid him back when he WIPED OUT going down the flyover and I held this young guy from mounting and riding over him as he was laying on his back at the bottom of the ramp! I put my CX tires on the night before only to see that the tread is worn on both tires; they need to be chucked. Anyway, I really enjoyed that race and raced well. I was definitely in a groove 2/3 of the way through (also, not one CX practice this fall and I still raced).

Back to running. I am racing the Groton 10mile trail race this weekend(cheers! hooray! clapping!). I have mostly been running trails, so I think it makes sense for me to race now and maybe do an early off-season or some other low-key races. My numbers have decreased over the last week in a half, so it has almost been like a taper. I look forward to returning to Groton. I think it has been 5 or 6 years sense I last raced there.

I hope everyone is enjoying fall. It has been a cool fall for us New Englanders. Let me know what everyone else is doing! I may jump into another cross or trail race in the near future.

Tornados, The Jellies and The Fall Season

2010-10-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it wasn't a tornado (I just like to get people's attention), but was an incredible force exhibited by mother nature flexing her muscle. Okay, I don't know what the correct term is; microburst, downburst or windshear. I think they are relative terms (if anyone skilled in weather is reading this please comment below). Anyone who knows this blog always knows there is a story.

Date: October 1st
Time: approximately 10:am
Location: Boxborough, MA

No fancy doppler on wheels or TIV (tornado intercept vehicle) like you see on those shows on TV. Just a couple of guys out for a run on a fall morning. Instead of chasing storms, the storm chased us. Here is the story ...

I arrive at friend Bill's house late again for the run. He is pointing to the weather channel saying that the squall line is coming our way and that we should get going. I had seen the report on NECN, which was wrong again! That we would see the heavy rain until afternoon. Looked to be pretty good conditions for a run, except that it was extremely humid. We did the usual 8 mile out and back. At the 4 mile turn around, I noticed the oncoming weather, as I could see what looked like a black curtain in the distance and I point and say, "I think that is the squall line." I get an atta boy for that one, as we now have the wind picking up and blowing acorns and stuff on us. I comment; don't worry about the acorns, I just don't want a tree limb or something to fall. No more than 60 seconds later would we experience something I had never before. It was like the wind picked-up, but never stopped picking up. It was so extreme that I am watching the trees blowing over and it just keeps getting more intense. Now debris is flying everywhere! The trees are now bent over like an upside down J. A big tree right in front of us, big - bigger that I could wrap my arms around - it just could not withstand the force, snaps off at the base. That was okay until another tree on the other side of the road snaps and falls across the road in front of us into the power lines. When it hit the power lines every thing lights-up like a lightning strike. I was pretty well convinced at that point that our lives were in danger. I see the look of horror on Bill's face. His hair is being blown horizontally to one side. I look for some open sky, as the next tree to come down would probably be on us. I signal over here and we jump a wall into some one's yard and run over to their house and end up pinned up against the backside of their chimney. If the house goes over we would be dead anyway, so it was a pretty good option. I joke that I think I will stop my watch and maybe we should stay here for a minute. The debris is still flying over the house, but we for the moment are safe. Then it is over ... we walk across lawns to avoid the downed power lines and run home in torrential rain with lots of adrenaline. This week I run trails and discover trees down along the same line (I think it is called a yaw line), with another big tree that had fallen across the train tracks (and was then cut-up). Any weak trees are down along this line. I've been running competitively now for 35 years and I've seen a lot; had to ditch many a time with strong thunderstorm cells, but I have never experience something like that!!! I estimate the wind speed was around 100mph, which would make it hurricane force.

Moving on to the Jellies.... I would swim later that day and I know everyone has heard - I see jelly fish in Walden. I thought they were air bubbles at first, but then I see one very clearly. Hyperspace to 10/8 - my last open water swim of the year (I think!?). The water was unusually clear and I see thousands, probably tens of thousands of jelly fish. They are indeed fresh water jelly fish from Asia. Scientists aren't sure if they will or will not be back next year. I've been swimming in Walden since I was a kid and again, have never seen anything like that!

Weekly running numbers:

9/20 - 58
9/27 - 51
10/4 - 48mi

I will summarize the last three weeks; I am unable to put in the necessary training in for a marathon, too busy and the time has just slipped away. I am planning to run Manchester half marathon instead or maybe just call it a year and look towards 2011. It's kind of a bummer, but now is just a bad time for me. Next weekend I will do the MRC cross race and have some fun!!

Hope everyone is doing well. Lot's of MRC folks CX racing every weekend. I just saw Macca won Kona. Also, lot's of other big races last weekend BAA half, which I want to do some year and Hartford, also on my radar screen.

-Kyle

Successful End To 2010 Tri-Season, Pumpkinman Report

2010-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

A good end to a disastrous tri-season; Pumpkinman would go well for a change. No issues going into this race. The only question would be fitness and speed, as doing an Ironman every summer seems to bomb the rest of the season. All that endurance training and the long recovery (4 weeks for me this year) seems to eliminate any speed in the legs. This summer has been unusually hot, which I think makes training, especially interval training on the bike and definitely running, that much more difficult.

Well, I definitely finish my year satisfied. I realize next year I will have to make some adjustments, as I need to avoid the problems I had this year.

Anyway, the race report:

The Swim:

Two loops in a small pond. Swam well. Time 29:31 - I am pretty sure this is a PR. Very consistent with the way my swimming has gone. I seem to be PR'ing in the swim at all the races this year. 2010 has definitely been a great year for me is this discipline.

The Bike:

Course: Rolling hills with one decent climb.

Anyone who reads this blog always know there is going to be some kind of story. The long and the short. I thought my race was over at 5 miles into the bike! What happened? I had just passed the guy who would be my competitor in my age group. I was going down a long hill at about 30mph and look ahead to see a shiny piece of metal in the road. The sun is now peaking out of the clouds ... I see it then hit it. At 30 mph all I hear is the sound of air coming out of my front tire. A tubular disc in the back, my clincher in the front and I decided to take the risk; only a CO2 cartridge on my frame bag under my nutrition. I sat up, in shock, rolling along ... I can't believe my season ends like this; a disastrous end to a disastrous season!! I am now looking down at the tire expecting to see it starting to flat. I have to signal and actually find a driveway to pull-over, with no shoulder and I want to avoid someone crashing into me. I hunch over for a second, then look down at the tire. No more sound of air coming out??!! I quickly decide to start down the hill again only to get up to speed and hear what I thought was air coming out. I stop, jump off the bike and examine the entire tire - no air leaking. I quickly spin the wheel and I'm realizing there is something stuck. A powerbar wrapper trapped between my fork and wheel. I pull it out, jump back on the bike and start hammering; maybe I can catch back up. Why did it take me so much time 80 seconds, 90 seconds, 2 minutes to figure it out? It's called waking-up at 4:45am. My body will work, but my brain just doesn't do well getting up that early. I started to get a little out of control with 50 miles to go, but then had a sense of relief that I would finish this race ... tried to relax and have fun. I can make up a lot of ground on the run anyway.

Time: 2:35

The run:

What can I say? I always run hard. I run down a couple of 45+er's within the first mile and a half. Everyone I pass after that isn't in my age group. To my surprise, the run is very hilly with not much flat. I know they have changed this course to make it more accurate. A lot of looping back and forth over the hills, I pass a lot of people, but seem to be running alone after 10 miles. It's hard to tell because of the loops. The winner, a pro ran 1:23:40, which was where I hoped to be, but not on this course. I think the distance was accurate, but I could not just get into my target pace after the first two miles. I ran hard the whole way until the turn to go up the big hill to finish. I am running hard up the hill when one of the volunteers leans over and says "there is absolutely no one behind you" - I relax and cruise to the finish.

1:35

Slow time, but I ran hard and I need to get some speed back in my legs. It has been a long time since I have done a track workout or run a race at any distance for that matter.

Time: 4:44, 33rd Overall, 2nd Age Group

This was a great race! I really enjoyed it. It is in a nice setting in southern Maine and a nice place to have a race. Well organized, great food, beer, great massage, they take the prizes seriously with the podium set-up and all. I will definitely consider this race for next year.

So that's it. I switch back to runner mode for the fall and start looking at some races. I don't plan to put the bike away yet, so maybe that late season duo or some cyclocross and some mtn biking. I still don't have any races or marathons planned yet. Need to clear my head before I plan anything or maybe just have some fun this fall and not train for anything specific. As always, I expect there will be some ATT coming back at some point, but I still have a few weeks to decide. Manchester marathon is also a possibility, being so late in the season.

Above photos from this year's IMLP. Cheers!

-Kyle

Tri Season Training Comes to an End, PumpkinMan this weekend

2010-09-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Not doing a great job keeping up with the blog. My focus seems to be in other places.

I am wrapping-up the training for this season, as PumpkinMan Half Iron this year will be my last triathlon for 2010. I have no expectations or really any pressure going into this race. I would like to bag my age group, but we'll see how that goes. Fitness is good; body is good; not as light as I was for LP, but my weight seems to be stuck at 150lbs ~ 7%.

Training numbers the last two weeks:

2200, 200, 45
5100, 150, 44

Not bad at all for late season training.

I have absolutely no plans after this race. I am going to resume running mode and see what happens. Manchester Marathon is still a possibilty for a late season big race.

I hope everyone is happy with their season! I am already looking on to next year and try to plan out a season that makes sense. Everone seems to be doing different stuff this fall; marathoms, cyclocross, trail races, etc.

Let me know what folks have on the radar screen.

-Kyle

It's been a few weeks, but back in action

2010-08-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just realizing how long it has been since my last post. Recovery has been over for a week now and I have already raced again last week at Westborough Sprint Tiriathlon. It was a fun race put on by Mark and the Sun Multisport guys. It actually turned out to be a pretty big race with 350? or something athletes and some fast guys showing up, I had a good race (10th OA and 1st Elite - not many elites and no pros), but honestly, my legs just weren't there yet. IM recovery takes weeks and I think this year it has taken me over 3 weeks. I have run longer the last few days and my legs are finally coming back. This pick above is from IMLP. This is me on the second loop headed back to the ski jumps at around 22mi. Thanks to Ted for finding this PIC! I look good and I know I was running well and had come back from the dead to finsih well this year. I look back and I'm happy that I could come back from a disasterous training period and actually get to race and have a good race. Looking forward I will be racing Pumpkinman Tri on 9/12 - my LAST tri of the year. I actually have some training to do and look forward to having some fun up there and racing well as this will cap off my tri season and there is no pressure. After that? I don't know. I really have no plans and it might be a good year for me not to have any plans. I would like to race up at Manchester again, but we'll see. I hope everyone has had a good summer of racing! Let me know what everyone has planned for the late summer and fall. -Kyle

Lake Placid Report - Good Race, but No Slot

2010-07-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Looking back at the race, I am pleased and I think things went well. My pre-race plan; have a good swim and PR. For the bike; definitely lowered expectations, targeted 5:40 - there was no way a 5:30 was in the cards without sacrificing the run. The run; make it all up on the run and do a 3:15 - 3:20. I thought that might give me a shot at a slot.

Here is the result:

Swim : 1:04:42 New PR!!
Bike: 5:45:29 (19.5mph)
Run: 3:43:18 (8:32)

Everthing went great up until mile 12 on the run, where I started to run out of gas. The legs were fine, but I was running out of energy. At mile 14, I felt like I had completely bonked and started walking the aid stations. I walked and took in as much fuel as I could; chocolate chip cookies, pretzels, etc. and at 16 miles I started to come back and ran the last 10 well. So what happened? I had fuelded like crazy, but had run out of electrolytes and had low blood sugar? I had enduralyte tabs, but didn't take them because it was cool and I had taken in plenty. So it may be a combination of two things; (1) Power Bar drink and not the gatorade endurance formula - which is loaded with salt and sugar. I just don't think that Power Bar drink has the electrolytes, so I should have taken those enduralyte tabs (everyone has been in my ear about taking them). (2) 145 lbs. - I am 7 lbs lighter then last year. This is new for me. Obviously I am not holding as much being so thin, so I think this is a lesson on racing on a light frame - take in more nutrition!!!! escpecially on the run.

I signed up the day before the race for next year - as an insurance policy, because of all the problems this year. I need to come back next year with a better training period and avoid the injuries. Anyway, another one down and I am looking forward to some smaller race and having some fun. No plans right now for the fall, but I may do a late summer half IM or shorter distance.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great race! The conditions were pretty good this year.

-Kyle

Race Week

2010-07-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

Still training earlier this week, but low intensity. The buttons now are in off position. I will roll along the next few days taking it easy and trying to get some rest. I am hoping for some cool weather up at LP, as this 85-90deg summer days are okay to train in, but I think will be problematic to race an ironman in.

Anyway, I am looking forward to this race! I hope to nail the race this year and come back with a Kona slot. As always, anything less will be considered failure.

This training period has been unusual, but I am incredibly fit and I think that is going to help me this year.

I wish all those racing good luck!! I will post again if possible and will let everyone know the schedule up at LP. I always love to get up there, into the race environment - only can be appreciated by the hardcores that race up there every year.

Keep fingers crossed and see everyone up there.

-Kyle

Entering Taper Phase

2010-07-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Everything is good and the final weeks of training have gone well:

6/28-7/4: 2100yds, 225mi, 49mi
7/5 - 7/11; 7000yds, 222mi, 55mi

I am starting to tone things down this week. Things haven't gone perfect this training period or rather, since the beginning of the year, but I pulled off a good Boston. Let's see if I can do the same up at IMLP.

The numbers are good. Swimming; I think we will see the PR drop at LP this year. Biking; I think I have got my bike legs back. Plan is to moderate the bike leg and come in around 5:30. Running; I always feels good running. I need to nail the marathon this year! I have still yet to nail an Ironman. Hopefully this is the year! Weight; skinny. Last check was 146lbs @ 6% (how can that be right?). Looks like I won't have to lug that extra 4lbs around!

-Kyle

Out Of The Penalty Box and Back In The Saddle

2010-07-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know that recovery has gone really well and I think this thing is behind me finally. Yesterday; 100mi ride + 5mi fast run followed by 17mi run today. Everything is great and I am back in full swing. I swam 24K yds the last two weeks, so I am taking a break and focusing on biking. I will be up at Finger Lakes NY next week on vacation, so looking forward to some long rides and trying to get my run speed back. Also, I can swim whenever I want. My weight is freakishly low ~ 144 lbs @ 6% body fat (I think the monitor should read 2% body fat). I am 5lbs lighter than before IM France, something I thought not possible. Probably the thinnest I've been since undergrad school. It's from all the swimming and running, and all those ibuprofens and other stuff, just kills the appetite. I've got my confidence back have LOTS of time to sharpen up before IMLP. Just need to keep head screwed on straight. -Kyle

Still On Rehab Assignment

2010-06-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well ... I have nobody to blame but myself; too much, too hard and I ignored the warning signs.

If I want to be a better athlete, I need to train smarter, not necessarily harder.

So the injury is to my Sacro-illiac Joint (SIJ), which is literally the back joint. I am told that it is the soft tissue around the joint and not muscular or disc related. That said, it is at the bottom of the spinal column where all the nerves come out and go to the hips and legs. This is certainly the worst injury I have ever had to my back. When asked if I have ever had this problem before I said no, but seemed to remember some stiffness before. I checked the old blog and I found this post and sure enough it is the same thing; hurts to sit and was totally set-off from the drive to and back from Eagleman. It has been a painful two weeks. I have been able to swim and started running last week with very little riding (13,300yds, 36mi, 30mi). Anyway, I know I am not out of the woods yet and the main concern is to not go back into the penalty box again. With four weeks left before IMLP, I am in the danger zone. Need to train, but also need to get to the starting line healthy. I can't bring back the last two weeks of missed riding, but I'm back on the bike this week. Everyone keep fingers crossed. -Kyle

Disaster Strikes, Unable to Compete at Eagleman

2010-06-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Worst possible scenario; some soreness in the back earlier in the week. Long drive in that static position left me with back spasms Friday night, only to be unable to walk Saturday and Sunday with sharp pains going all the way down my right leg. I am going down for a few days. Will keep everyone posted.

Off To Eagleman

2010-06-10T13:49:00.001-07:00

Well, the first big race of the season is here! It came fast, but I think I am well prepared. My strategy is to go ALL OUT from the beginning. If I blow up, I blow up. Not holding anything back, as this race is going to be very competitive!

I'll post a race report when I get back on Monday.

Another Light Week, Preparing for Eagleman

2010-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Boy, looking at these numbers - they seem very small, especially when compared to the big numbers from the week before:

5/31-6/6: 3200yds, 104mi, 44mi

Although, a desperately needed and scheduled complete day-off, and miserable alergies to pine pollen; sore throat, hack, etc. kept me out of the open water all week - though the numbers are small, I manged to get in a few speed work sessions in all three disciplines, which will help me for the race. I guess more of a focus on quality than quantity - it's all good and I feel very fit (150lbs @ 6% body fat). Actually, things are going quite well and I think I will have a good race this weekend. I hope it is not going to be too hot! They've been averaging a lot of 90 degree days.

Falling Behind? Not Falling Behind?

2010-06-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

That is the question. At the end of last week, I knew I was behind and in desperate need of some big miles to compensate the lack of adequate training:

5/17 - 5/23: 5400yds, 173mi, 42mi

Not enough training all around. Almost looks like a rest week. Then:

5/24 - 5/30: 8500yds, 245mi, 45mi

Back on track with last Friday - 1600yds, 104mi, 13mi

First big workout of the year and some extra running thanks to getting off the trail in Willard SP for some extra credit. Makes for a long day, but now I can focus on some speedwork this week and taper the second half of next week for Eagleman.

-Kyle

Officially Back in IM Training

2010-05-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

The countdown to Eagleman has begun. I am now less than four weeks away from my first big triathlon of the year. That said, I managed to screw up my shoulder and have been unable to swim for the last week, so the focus has been on everything else:

Swim-3500, Bike-145, Run-58

I am running the Bedford, NH 12K this weekend as a race to keep me in race shape, no other goals .... but, I gaurantee a PR! Yes, for obvious reasons. It will be good to hook-up with the BAA masters team and do a race. It might be a while before I can do another one with them.

Desperately need a long ride! I am falling behind, words that shouldn't come out of the ATT guy. I just hope for some good days matching when I can do the ride, else I might set some new PRs on rides on a trainer in my basement. The sounds of which are dreadful, but I may have no choice. My time is also being squeezed, so I may have to resort to the hardcore, no sleep, torture of riding at 5:am again. That may be my only choice.

I hope everyone's training is going well. It's amazing to think that IMLP is only two months away from this Sunday, which leaves only six weeks for training.

-Kyle

Time To Get Serious (Again)

2010-05-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sudbury Spring Sprint Result:

Swim (400yds) 6:17, Bike (7mi) 20:40, Run (2.3mi) 13:58 (transitions incl. in splits)
Total Time 40:56
2nd AG, 8th Overall

I always ask myself why I do this race - 1 marathon + 2 weeks of recovery + 1 week easy training = 5 weeks of no speed work. Conditions: windy and cool. This is a good prep race for me as it gets me into the tri season early and helps with the mind-set. I am please with my swim and run times - my bike; much slower than last year, but I think that can be attributed to the two weeks off.

Anyway, time to get serious about training! I will be focused on VOLUME for the next week or so ... need to get those bike miles in. Eagleman is 5 weeks away and I need to be ready for that race, as it will be shot #1 at a Kona slot for me this year and I want to achieve that goal!

Recovery Ends ... Back To Training

2010-05-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a great two weeks. I definitely celebrated and gained a few pounds. As far as training; not much of anything the first week, then some light activity ramping back into last weekend. No issues with the body ... no shin splints or other nagging things - TG. Now that it is May and I have two big tri-races coming in June and July, it is time once again to cross back over to being a triathlete. Also, Sudbury Sprint this weekend; no major goals, just a prep for the season. It will also be the MRC rematch. We'll see how it goes, but next week it is time to get serious about some big bike miles. I may try to squeeze in a Pat Bell TT tonight if it doesn't thunderstorm. I really need to get some speed work in on the bike also. It looks like the first open water swim at Walden may be happening this week - early for this time of year.

Anyway, Congrats to all those who ran Boston this year under those great conditions. Who knows if we will ever see a day like that again for the next decade. I hope everyone's recovery has gone well. I will also post answers to the training questions folks have been asking about this year's Boston training, etc.

See everyone on the road. Anyone interested in joining some weekend rides, check the MRC site (link on sidebar).

-Kyle

Mission Accomplished!! 2:49:53

2010-04-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Not the same feat as putting Armstrong on the moon, but I reached my goal!!!

The race day conditions were ideal and I can't remember if we have had such perfect conditions in the last fourteen years. It certainly shows with the course record being broken.

Anyway, the race report:

I felt strong from the beginning and ran with Brian and John B. for many miles. It helped having them run the pace and it felt easy. We broke apart, and at the half I felt fresh and I knew this thing was coming down. Quick stop at 16mi to kiss the family and then back on pace. Heartbreak did feel hard, as trying to sustain that pace over the hills is difficult! Still strong and trying to maintain pace, at 22mi. team-mate and friend John B. flew by me at 6:00 min. pace? I say I am going to stay with him, but end up chasing. It is good because I am staying on pace the last few miles, where I am checking watch and I know I am right on the line for sub-2:50. Just as I start to cave in and say I can't break 2:50 - right before the right and then left onto Boylston - I pass 400M to go and check watch - I have 90 seconds. I say to myself - it has to happen right now! I don't care if they zip me into a body-bag at the finish. I then go all out in absolute agony and run an 83 second 1/4mi sprinting and break 2:50 by 7 seconds - 2:49:53!

I would like to thank my family, friends and team-mates, that have supported me and helped me achieve this goal through training, encouragement and camaraderie. You can achieve your goals if you believe in yourself. It has now been three years since I announced that I would break 2:50 in the marathon. The great thing for me is it came at Boston at the big race, on the hard course, with all the attention. It seems like yesterday the goal was the break 3:00 hours and that has long since been gone.

So what now?? I guess the answer is: I turn 45 this year, so why not next year try to run 2:45?

Cheers! I am celebrating this week. I hope everyone had a great race on Monday!

114th Boston Marathon

2010-04-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

I Love this number !!! Corral one, amen.

I hope everyone has a great race!

To Track: Text RUNNER to 31901 - my number is 1750.

http://www.baa.org/

Good luck to everyone running! It is going to be a great day!!

Final Week

2010-04-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Time to put the brakes on and take it easy. The 7 day is for 59 degrees and partly cloudy. I will take those conditions any day. Last Wednesday was a long bike day - beautiful weather, but very hot. I could get away with it last week, but tomorrow the bike gets put away for a week. Easy running planned for the week with some light intervals and some PMP tempo. Body is good, no issues and lean (150lbs ~ 6.5% body fat). Looks like I will have a shot at that sub-2:50 - we will see how it goes. Last week: 6050yds, 131mi and 57 mi. I hope everyone is getting rest this week.

-Kyle

Week 13 and March Totals

2010-04-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here are the numbers:

Week 13: Swim-8200, Bike-81mi, Run-68mi

March Totals: Swim-31750 yds, Bike-467mi, Run-335 mi

Not bad. That comes out to almost 11 miles per day average over the month and that folks is a personal record. A lousy first half of the week only to be rewarded with summer-like temperatures over the weekend, but no bike commuting miles definitely meant a low bike mile week. With less running and decent weather, I think I will make up for it this week and then off the bike again next week as a taper for the marathon - 2 weeks from today!

-Kyle

2010 Race Schedule

2010-04-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the current schedule - I will move it to a side bar like everyone else:

April 19th 114th Running Of The Boston Marathon (Goal sub-2:50)

May 9th, Sudbury Spring Sprint Triathlon

TBD May 16th, Lions Sprint Tri Marlborough, MA

June 13th EagleMan 1/2 IronMan, Cambridge, Maryland

July 25th IronMan Lake Placid, NY (F'ing Kona or Bust)

Maybe Timberman? Maybe Manchester Marathon??

The one thing I do know for sure, I am going back to Melbourne in 2011 to compete as a 45 year old and podium!!!

Cheers,

-Kyle

Weeks 11 & 12, Three weeks until Boston

2010-03-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Not keeping up with the posts again. Thanks to all that are following. I will try to keep up, as my hit counter has a lot of hits lately, so folks are checking in.

Week 11: Swim-4600 yds, Bike-129mi, Run - 68 mi

Week 12: Swim-7K yds, Bike-140 mi, Run - 74mi

New Bedford Report: Too many miles and exhaustion; This race just always comes at the wrong time; right in the toughest part of the training for Boston. Out fast and out to set the world on fire, only to run out of gas at 11 and run two 7+min/mile to go home with tale between legs. It was an unusually warm and not windy day - not your typical New Bedford race conditions.

No problems with the body, with the exception of exhaustion. A direct result of burning the candle at both ends for too long. With another set of flooding rains coming in the next few days, I will be looking to get some rest, as we are starting to get into the taper phase for Boston.

And ... (drum roll please) I am FINALLY in corral #1 this year! It only took 2:52 flat to get me there. That bodes well for me this year, as I will be at that line looking at the elites.

Race Number: 1750

Certainly an easy number to remember. Any way, three weeks from today will by 14th consecutive Boston Marathon. Goal: sub-2:50.

-Kyle

Week #10 Big Numbers

2010-03-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here are the numbers:

Swim-8100 yds, Bike-124 mi, Run-90 mi

It's not hard to see where the focus has been. Cycling getting easier now that winter has gone out the door. I am looking to get in some long outdoor rides now that the temps are up.

New Bedford half marathon is this weekend. Last prep race before Boston. Race Goal: come back with a PR! (1:22:08 at NewBedford in 2007 stands).

Weeks #8, #9 and Feb Totals

2010-03-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

Once again, falling behind with the posts. Week #8 was a bit of a disaster, sore leg - which may be a shin-splint - although on the side of the shin. Missed speed work and tempo, but still gutted out some miles. Good week focused on swimming and giving the shin some time to heal.

Week #8 Swim-9500 yds, Bike-89 miles, Run-50 mi

and then when I thought I would miss a number of days of running:

Week #9 Swim-6400 yds, Bike-69 mi, Run-78 mi

Totally front loaded with running, feeling good and then a weekend ski trip in unusually warm weather - warmest I have ever skied at Wildcat, never mind that it is early March. Spectacular views of Mt. Washington too!

Totals for February: Swim-26,600 yds, Bike-366 mi, Run-211 mi

Not bad for 28 days.

-Kyle

Week #7 Numbers

2010-02-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

Overall, a very balanced week, as far as IM training. First big run on the BAA course - 24miles at good pace (actually slowed it down after 5mi to keep in check). Unfortunately, sore leg from doing 1mi intervals outside on the roads, including the downhills. Felt good on the 24mi run, but need some time for recovery, which may effect week 8 numbers. Also, 8 weeks untils the Boston Marathon! Wow! coming quick and I feel the need to spike the running distance - would like to have a week in the 80s?

Totals: Swim-9K, B-98mi, R-62mi

All is well and I'm giving the leg (on the right side - it's the first step down the stairs that hurts) a little TLC and get this thing back in action. All is going well all-around - swimming, biking and running. Although, I am leaning this early in the season to do some monster running miles, as I feel the pressure to PR at Boston on April 19th!!

-Kyle

Week #6 Training Numbers

2010-02-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Week 6 is much more balanced with the focus going back to the bike. All is going well and I am finally getting back into shape. I'm around 155 lbs @ 9% body fat. Not bad and I can even look at myself in the mirror again (you vain bast... ), but that is part of the motivation too. I would say that I didn't run that much this week, but when you throw a 20 miler in it equals a 50 mile week. I'm feeling good on the bike too ... would like to keep these miles up. Mix and match - outside and indoor miles.

2/8: S-2500, B-14, R-4
2/9: B-17, R-9
2/10: B-24, R-5
2/11: B-48, R-5
2/12: S-2400, B-16, R-4, Other-weights&core
2/13: B-32, R-6
2/14: R-20

Totals: S-5K, B-151, R-53

Melbourne Race Report and Numbers

2010-02-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

We had a great time in Florida! About the only negative was that they didn't launch the space shuttle on Sunday and I flew back that evening, so I missed it. It would have been something to watch - I could see it from the balcony of our hotel suite. We got to see it close on Friday when we toured the Kennedy ("I want a man on the moon!") Space Center, cool stuff. Anyway the race report:

Lot's of complaining and whining about the conditions from the runners. I like those conditions. The race is early (7:am) sharp, so the sun is just coming up and it was cool - low/mid-40s and VERY windy. Lot's of very fast runners and a lot of them in my age group. Quick start and then a left directly into the wind. The course is almost a rectangle with two causeways that cross the Indian River. The first 4 miles or so are not so protected, so the wind was a factor. 6:08 at the first mile, but the first four were at about 6:12 pace. The wind angled at the back across the first bridge, then along a footpath and through neighborhoods coming back down. I think the thing I had the most trouble with was the pace. It seemed like I was working very hard and about at 8mi I was falling off pace. The second crossing angled directly into the wind was brutal on everyone. You hit mile 12 at the bottom of the bridge and do a 1 mile loop around town and finish. I could only grind out a 1:25 and was slowing the last 5K. Most of the guys I talked said their time was about 2 minutes slower than last year, but last year was a lot warmer.
Conclusion: 5 weeks of training is not enough and I really only had 4 weeks of quality training with the issues I had starting back up. Anyway, I would to target this race last year and come back serious as I will be in the M45-49 AG. Numbers:

Time: 1:25:27 (6:32 pace)
AG Place: 8th
Overall: 32nd
Other: First New Englander

The good news is I would have been third if I had aged up. Legs are surprisingly stiff. Anyway, back to marathon training. I ran 9 today with some moderate intervals, but plan to take it easy next few days and get a long run in this weekend.

Last week's summary is what you would expect - down in Florida with no bike and tapering for the race:

Swim-3200yd, Bike-28mi, Run-46mi

-Kyle

US Masters Half Marathon Championships

2010-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Off to Melbourne, FL with the boys early tomorrow am. That came fast! I can't believe we are already in February, but it certainly has not been an easy winter for us New Englanders. I can't wait for some above freezing temperatures to ride the bike in. Numbers for January good; focused mostly on running, but the pressure to train is also good, because I knew I did not have much time at all with the race being on 2/7. And guess what else happens when the run training starts again? I am not fat anymore; 156 lbs @ 8.9% body fat. Certainly not my 148-150lb race weight, but I will take it. There is no mystery to running fast; you can not be fat. Anyway, I will take whatever comes out of the race on Sunday and I'm feeling no pressure with this race, except to have fun and run well enough to be satisfied. I still haven't nailed the 2010 race schedule, but it looks like the next race after this weekend will be New Bedford half marathon. I have received my Boston entry confirmation, so that will be the main focus between now and April. Anyway, I plan on getting the bike miles up next week and to start getting serious about swimming and get some balance back into the training. I hope everyone is having some success getting back going, back into shape, although it is still early in the season and training in this weather can be difficult and unpredictable. Post any up coming races here and let me know what everyone is doing.

-Kyle

Week #4 and January Totals

2010-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

This week and last week back on the bike OUTSIDE ... cold, but doable and I actually have already gotten used to it. Bike miles much better and running much better; track work intervals getting faster and tempo runs more consistent. Need to get back on to the regular swim plan, but it has been difficult with a lot going on. I swam a 1:20 100yd the other night, so it's going well despite the lack of yards. Anway:

Date:

1/25 - R-5 (day off)
1/26 - B-17, R-10
1/27 - S-3K, B-24, R-6, Other-weights&core
1/28 - B-17, R-12
1/29 - B-16, R-5
1/30 - B-32, R-5
1/31 - R-20
---------------------------------------------
Totals - S-3K, B-106, R-64
---------------------------------------------

Totals January - S-12K, B-266, R-232

Training Numbers Week #3

2010-01-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Another week of run-focused training. Finally starting to feel better. Thursdays 12 mile up-tempo run felt really good and is the best I've felt running since Clearwater.

Date
-----------------------------------------
1/18 - R-5, Other-core
1/19 - R-9
1/20 - B-28, R-7, Other-weights&core
1/21 - S-2200, R12
1/22 - S-2500, R-6
1/23 - B-24, R-6
1/24 - R-15
-----------------------------------------
Totals: S-2700, B-52, R-60

Training Numbers Week #2

2010-01-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

A mid-week skiing trip made for a training break and some cross training. A new PR also; 7 miles in -6 degrees F (8:am Sunday River, ME).

Date
1/11 - B-8, R-9
1/12 - R-9
1/13 - R-4, Other-ski
1/14 - R-7, Other-ski
1/15 - Other-ski
1/16 - B-16, R-6
1/17 - R-15
--------------------------
Totals - B-24, R-50

Training Numbers Week 1

2010-01-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

A few weeks since my last post. I still need a mechanism for logging my training, as I have vowed to do for 2010. Lot's of treadmill running so far this year. Slowly easing back onto the bike also. It was a difficult start, but things have improved and I am starting to get back into the swing. I leave for FLA in two weeks! That came fast and I will set my goals according to where I am then.

Date
1/1
1/2 R-5 (intervals), Other-1.5hr XC ski
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 1
1/3 S-3500, B-17, R-8
1/4 B-17, R-9 (track w/o)
1/5 S-2500, B-8, R-5, Other-Gym/weights&core
1/6 R-9
1/7 B-8, R-7, Other-Gym-weights&core
1/8 B-24, R-3
1/9 R-17
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals S-6000, B-84, R-58

2009 Recap

2009-12-31T11:23:00.000-08:00

I guess New Year's eve is a good time to reflect on 2009 and then move on. One thing that comes to mind, even from the ATT guy - way to much in 2009!! I trained almost 11 months straight, with only a short respite after LP. 2010 needs to be much more focused and maybe a shorter season - at least in running and triathlon. I just squeaked by without injury this year. Maybe next year finish earlier and do cyclo-cross again. That said; I am racing at the half marathon championships in 5 weeks!

Okay, so here's my conclusion on 2009:

Best Swim:
Lake Placid 65:01 - even though it is not a PR (64:45 IM France 08) - it is by far my best swim to date and the fact that I came out with the good swimmers is huge. I will look to better that time at LP this year.

Best Bike:

I have two (1) the 430 mile Rochester Ride - nothing could be more mentally challenging then riding 3 days in the rain. (2) and this will surprise a lot of people - Clearwater 70.3 2:18:27 (24.3 mph) and even though I had an issue with a race official (I don't do the peleton thing like every one else), I was absolutely flying and I think 2010 on the bike is going to surprise a lot of people.

Best Run:
This won't surprise anyone; The 113the running of the Boston Marathon, 2:52:10 a new PR at age 43!!!! In fact, this may have been my best race ever! As things just went perfect from preparation to crossing the finish line. A sub-2:50 is in sight and that will be the goal on April 19th, 2010.

Okay, enough blogging about myself. I hope everyone has a great New Year and it is time to kick of marathon training as April is right around the corner! Cheers! I will post a race schedule soon.
-Kyle

Kyle Bowers Crowned Canadian Bareback Champion

2009-12-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

The "other" Kyle Bowers that is ... Hey, this guy is pretty hard core - on his last ride he dislocates his shoulder and is in a whole lot of pain, as they crown him champion. Maybe this Kyle Bowers is Addicted to Riding or Addicted to Rodeo Training? Whatever the addiction is, I'm sure it is in the blood, as this guy seems to have it ... and I like pain .. why else would I be in the sport of marathoning and triathlon? Anyway, enough of the addicted non-sense. I hope everyone had a good holiday! The start-up back running is going well - if I can just keep the fork out of my mouth - I will return to normal body weight. This picture brings me back to my teen years when I used to ride horses and cared for a horse on a farm when I was 15. Luckily they did not make me do shovel duty - just stuff on the other end and brushing, etc. Anyway, you can google this guy as he seems like the other Kyle Bowers athlete on the internet. We have family up in Calgary - maybe sometime I will get to meet this cowboy. Anyway, I PROMISE to recap the year on my next post and take a last look on 2009! Cheers, Kyle Bowers the "Runner/Triathlete"!!!

TG That's Over!

2009-12-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Three weeks and no running, a bad recipe for the ATT athlete. Only the other addicts understand what the ATT is like, good or bad. I ran 3 miles this morning on a treadmill at the gym. Not very exciting, but I need to re-acclimate with New England weather - especially with the arctic blast that is going on. Also, I have started up again, but with a lifetime of experience doing this; I understand to ramp up very slowly before the real training starts. That said, I will continue to cross-train and focus on core work along with the base marathon training. Anyway, the weight thing is under control and I am trying to drop a few pounds over the next week (only to be regained over the holidays). The knee thing was definitely from turns in the pool (I seem to remember the same thing last year?). After swimming outside all the way into fall and then swimming in a pool, it can be appreciated that there could be up to a 100 or more turns swimming 3000 yards or so, depending on the workout! I'm trying to push off easier and that seems to be helping. Everything felt dynamite during the run and I'll start testing things on some longer runs in a week or so. This pic is from Clearwater of course, with the palm trees by the beach. Hmm ... so why am I living in New England? I'll post again next week and recap 2009, as it looks like I will be off the air through the holidays. -Kyle

Fresh Air Fund And The NYC Half-Marathon

2009-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join our Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon this coming March 21st. This is a great way to participate in NYC's premier half-marathon road race while helping Fresh Air Fund children. Over the last year, support from fund-raising has helped us give nearly 10,000 inner-city children country experiences that they're still talking about! We rely on donations this time of year to keep our programs strong for the summer months, and helping children is a cause we are interested in. To make a donation:

http://freshairholiday.org

For more information on the NYC Half-Marathon:

http://freshairholiday.org/#NYC

Two Down, One To Go

2009-12-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

The first two weeks of no running is now over. Plan is resume from the respite on 12/17 - a full three weeks off. For the first week, I was definitely lost and didn't know what to do with myself. It is a difficult thing for me and the addiction is strong, but this week has gone much better and with a week to go I will start-up again and drop the pounds I have been gaining at a rapid rate. I need to be careful because the masters half marathon championships is 2/7 and that is only six weeks of training plus one week taper - plenty of time, as long as I don't get too fat! I think running through the holidays is a great idea, especially with this off-season loss of discipline thing. I need to avoid gaining all that weight like last year. I am a little afraid to step on scale, because every time I do, it is at least one pound more! I have also been off the bike - time to put the cross tires back on, as winter has come to stay and I have a full three months of winter bike commuting ahead. Anyway, I am always amazed at how quickly this time of the year flies by - I am looking forward to joining my BAA team-mates for some long runs and getting back and spin/bricking with MRC boys. I'll recap 2009 on my next post. -Kyle

Ayer FD Thanksgiving 5K Yields Hardware

2009-11-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

This time it wouldn't be me getting the hardware:

469 154 Molly Bowers 31:27 10:08 9 F3/11 F-10 BOXBOROUGH MA
470 155 Kyle Bowers 31:27 10:08 44 M81/87 M4049 BOXBOROUGH MA

Now if I could just get her to practice ...

I am officially "off" running for two weeks - then slowly starting up again and targeting US Masters Half Marathon Championships on 2/7 in Melbourne, FL.

2009 Race Season Comes To An End

2009-11-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an intense year 2009 has been! This has been my most athletic year ever with 11 months of training! I am glad to be done. We arrived back from FLA yesterday afternoon. What a great vacation we had. I am so glad I decided to go down there and race. It was really awesome to race with the world's best 70.3 athletes and as you can imagine, everyone down there wanted to win. It was interesting to meet so many people from all over the world and see some great athletes in action. In addition, we saw a German kid come out of nowhere to win the race (Raelert) - over some huge names in a stacked pro field.

I swam Thursday morning during the remnants of Ida. I got out quick because the waves were big, but as I got further out, they got bigger! I was trying to swim through these 15-16 foot waves that were cresting. It was crazy and I concluded after a decision to cancel the swim might be a possibility. Instead, the race directors moved it to the harbor side which was much more calm and protected. As it turned out on race day, the wind was gone and they could have done it out by the pier, but I think it all worked out okay. I'm not a big fan of the TT style swim start, but I still had a good swim without any drafting. The bike course is just completely flat. The run is not so easy as it goes over the causway bridge four times, which is a decent climb. Anyway, here are the numbers:

Swim: 30:52

T1: 3:27

Bike: 2:18:27 24.3 mph

T2: 2:38

Run: 1:32:37 7:05 min/mile

Total: 4:27:59

A new PR! Of course, I have nothing to compare this race to, as this thing is designed to be fast in the first place. My knee held up and I had a strong race throughout. I do have some opinion about the race and I will not ramble on about what has already been publicized about the race - you can go read about that elsewhere. It is an urban race on urban streets. The bike course is very tight and it was very close to a (road) bike race with lots of cornering bunched up 3 or 4 wide, especially in the beginning. I did see three crashes - one right in front of me. I could see it happening and triathletes just aren't roadies and don't handle the bikes well and ... cones everywhere are disastrous. There were some guys putting hands on others, but I think people are just so nervous and want to avoid crashing. There are a lot of turns as mainland Clearwater isn't that big - that means lots of turns and several hair-pins - zig-zagging all over the place. It was a great day to race and just beautiful and sunny. It did start to warm-up on the run - high 70's?? but I was okay with that. It is Florida and you can expect it to be warm and sunny. Three weeks ago it was in the 90s. They are well prepared on the run course with lots of water, sponges, drinks, etc., so you can get a cool-down at each aid station. That sun is hot though boy - I had 30 on and still got a sun burn. My pale body has just not seen the sun for two months and that was probably the hardest part about the run; very little shade.

Anyway, my conclusion about the race; anyone who has the desire to go down there and race, I highly recommend it. Even though 70.3 is not my strength, I still had a great and fun experience. It was really just a race for myself. Also, I think this race, along with the sport is getting harder and more competitive each year. It may be harder to qualify in years to come, as the international competition is also growing. I am very glad I went and to put things in perspective; you will hear the words "former-pro, not a new comer to the sport, former Olympian, ITU champion, etc, etc." a lot during the awards ceremony and I'm not just talking about the pros. These athletes are fast and the amazing times are proof. I wouldn't have changed a thing about the trip - stay at the Sheraton Sand Key or Marriott (Sand Key) as this is the nicest part of that area, out of the town center and no riff-raff.

Well, all the knobs have been turned down and the switches are in the off position. We will once again, have to see how strong the ADDICTION TO TRAINING is .... as in the past I have struggled with the off time. Right at the moment I am happy and content. 2009 was a great year for me! with many PRs with some great, good and so-so performances, but with a lot of racing and a number of new adventures. At 44 I am as fit as I have ever been. I am also improving in the sport of running and triathlon, and more passionate now then ever about the athletic lifestyle. It is ironic that I would discover the ability I thought I never had and maybe still don't, but the extra hard work makes up for the lack of ability - as I now approach the 45-49 age group - T.G.!

In 2010 I hope to reinvent myself once again. There definitely needs to be a focus on speed, as with all this endurance training and age, it seems to be the thing that I need, to go faster! This will probably be my last (certainly this long of a) post for a few weeks, but I will come back and recap the year and list best races, etc. for 2009. I will also post 2010 race schedule as it is now getting fairly set in stone with a the pre-registering and $$ flying out the window. New for 2010: (1) I am going to start logging all of my training miles. I've never been great at it and it is another thing to do, but I will try. (2) This blog site needs to be revamped. I look at all the others and they are so much better kept, organized, etc. I will try. (3) I am contemplating running some winter track - what does everyone think? I don't want injury, but it may be the one thing to help me get faster.

I hope everyone has concluded their year of racing (if they haven't already 2 months ago) and are looking at off-season and giving the body rest. I am a firm believer in the periodization thing and in 2009 it worked great. I had very little problems - no real injuries - and with all that training and racing, so I must be doing something right.

I enjoyed last week and will continue to celebrate this week. I don't want a repeat of 2008 - 15 pounds during off-season! Maybe join a gym and look forward to some XC skiing or whatever else.

Cheers!

-Kyle

Foster Grant 70.3 Triathlon Race Week

2009-11-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

We fly out to Clearwater this afternoon. Everyone is excited to go! It looks like hurricane Ida is clearing out and we will have good weather later in the week. The 44 year-old body is holding together - just barely! May need to bring some glue to hold body parts on. I am looking forward to going all-out-all-the-way on last time in 2009!!

Good luck everyone racing!

-Kyle

Last Day of Training in 2009

2009-11-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

A couple of hours on the trainer today will finally cap off the year. Weather forecast for Clearwater, FL on 11/14 is 85 degrees and sunny, so I was fully dressed with the heat cranked up in the basement. It probably won't help, but I will continue to over-dress on any workouts between now and Tuesday evening when we fly down. No matter what happens - it is going to be a fun 5 days down in the Sand Key Resort. I hope the weather cooperates, as there is some chance of rain also. Anyway, the knee seems like it is okay - I've just had no recovery in any of the last three big races - so I am pushing it, but will survive and be in off-season soon enough.

Anyone racing at the Foster Grant 70.3 World Championships (keywords) email me at lp_ironman07@yahoo.com and I'll try to organize a swim for Thursday am.

Rock On!

-Kyle

Manchester City Half Marathon Report

2009-11-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a beautiful day to run up in Manchester. When I woke up, it was raining and I almost turned around and went back to bed, but it cleared up and was a perfect day to run. Here are some pictures from last year, on a cool blustery, but also clear day.
That was a huge race yesterday! Lot's of spectators on the course - I was really impressed with the large numbers of people cheering on. Kudos to Sarah Normand for turning MCM into a big race and lots of fast runners up there this year trying to grab money, especially in the marathon. The Kenyans must have come up from the Bronx in a bus or two and there were just as many watching as running. Also, runners from all over the country had come up to race. I think they were all deceived by the slow times last year. Winning time this year was 2:23!
Okay, so moving on to the race report:
First of all, I give myself credit for going at an all out pace only two weeks after running a marathon! I missed the first mile, but my second mile split was 12:19. I ran with the Kenyan women because I am not fast enough to run in that first pack - those guys just took off and I just don't have that kind of speed. The women were talking to each other - I don't know what they were saying, because they were speaking swahili. That course goes right to the hills and boy is that course hard! My legs began to tighten-up and at about half way they were tight and I was done. The second half of that race did not come easy. I was working VERY hard just to run at the pace I was going at, which was decreasing with every mile.
Anyway, I ended up 16th overall and just missed the master's money, but ended up 1st AG with the no double-dipping rule. It's a little embarassing, but I would have beat myself going through the first half last year - a testament to how well I ran last year at the marathon. My legs are surprisingly beat today - that is proof of how hard that course is.
Anyway, kudos to BAA team-mates Jacquelyn Cilley 1:34 who ran well after being under the weather this week and Pat Moulton who stayed with the lead pack up until 18 after just winning Hartford marathon (for the 2nd time in a row) in 2:25 a few weeks earlier - also brother Casey 6th 2:36.

I am already thinking and talking about running the Manchester Marathon in 2010! - now that is called addiction.

I leave for 70.3 World Championships one week from tomorrow! My last week of training in 2009.

Cheers!

-Kyle

Manchester Half Marathon

2009-10-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Manchester Half. I'll be looking to place in the master's division, but we'll see how it goes. Lot's of bike miles this week, mostly on the trainer. The legs feel pretty good though, so I expect I will be able to have a good race, despite running Baystate two weeks ago. I've finally found my way back to the pool also, so it has been a busy week. I will probably front load this week and then start into some sort of a taper for Clearwater.
My PR half marathon is 1:22:08 at New Bedford 2007. The Manchester course is very tough, but the goal is to break 1:20 and walk away with a new PR. If that fails, it will be fun to race back up there again this year and I'll start thinking about marathons for next year.

Crossing Back Over (Again)

2009-10-24T09:16:00.001-07:00

The whole mess caught on camera. Thanks for the idea Mark and kudos to you for cheering everyone on all day in the rain - there are better days ahead. Also, kudos to my Dad for handing out those GUs - I never saw any at the aid stations until about 22 - way to late. I have fully recovered from the cold (that was inevitable) and I am back on the bike trying to turn myself back into a triathlete for one last time for 2009. I have been running since Tuesday and the legs, surprisingly enough, have bounced right back. I can't remember the last marathon where my recovery has been so quick. Today was a 2:40 brick; 2+ hours on the bike and a hard tempo 5+ miler at around 6:40 pace (last mile 6:25), which felt hard - 6 days after the marathon! Also, I can't believe I am training like this at the end of October! ... but the addiction is strong and I will need to mix hard and easy days, as to avoid injury. Tomorrow will be a day off, really the first day since the race. I also need to scope the weather channel for a good outside day for a long TT workout on the race bike - hopefully I will get some good days in the next two weeks to ride and do intervals. Also, desperately need to get intimate with the pool the next two weeks, as I am now 9 days from my last swim and open-water season is definitely over for me. I can't take any risks after being in that hypothermic state last weekend, so my next open water swim will be in Clearwater.
Next race will be Manchester City Half Marathon next weekend. I feel no pressure with this race. I will race as well as I feel that day. There is prize money at this race, however I will need to have an outstanding race like last year to get me back into the money. See last year's race report; Manchester Marathon was my best running race in 2008 and gave me the renewed confidence to come back and run 2:52 this year at Boston.

Anyway, 11/14 is coming fast and I can't wait to go to FLA and get back in the warm sun. This winter thing has come to stay and I think the snow last weekend is an indication for things to come. It is weird, but somehow I am already used to being on the trainer hours at a time. I'll post again next week. -Kyle

Baystate Marathon Race Report

2009-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

After running competitively for 34 years, I believe these were the worst conditions I have ever raced in. Certainly the worst of the 31 marathons I have run. It was day that looked like the conditions were going to be pretty good. I was talking with a woman in the parking lot before the race and she said the weather forecast was for the rain to stop around 10:00. Buddy Jim said that it was supposed to rain hard around noon. I had heard that we would have a Nor'easter and that it would be wild in the afternoon. Anyway, it was evident at the start that a lot of fast people had bailed out. I saw team-mate Mike at the start and asked "Where is everybody?" and the answer - they are not coming. Off to a quick start, I was saying at mile 5 that I didn't know what everybody was talking about - these are great conditions! The kiss of death; then all hell broke loose. I was right on track through the first half, fast and felt good, but by mile 16 my toes were numb and at mile 22 I could not feel my feet. Those 37 degree puddles you could not avoid, worked on my feet to the point that they were gone and so was my PR. My race was over, I could run, but couldn't get a good push off with my toes and was falling way off pace. Thanks to Dave for trying to pull me along the last mile plus, but I was just done and not caring about time. I would finish at 2:56:23, 62nd overall and 15th in my AG behind friend Dima. It's pretty funny I would be complaining about having a bad day and running 2:56 (my third fastest marathon and non-Boston PR)! I am just feeling the pressure to get that sub-2:50 marathon on my resume. Anyway, time to get back on the bike. I leave for the 70.3 world championships in three weeks.

Anyway, I would like to congratulate:

Jim Koch, 3:07 and first Boston qualifier (on his first try too)!

Mike Brown Dowling, 1st BAA and 2:34:39 in those conditions? unbelievable!

I am celebrating this week (and still asking myself why I raced in those conditions).

I will post again in a week or so.

Cheers!

Taper Week

2009-10-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

It looks like I've survived the beating over the last few weeks. I started taper week with a long over due day off and did absolutely nothing. The body feels good and I've managed to get myself in decent shape. I feel relaxed about this weekend. Weather looks to be good for the race, although I am not glad to see the cold weather come rolling in so early in New England. Anyway, I'll do some easy tempo tomorrow and take the final two days off with no running and try to stay off the bike.

The Good, the Bad and the Over-trained

2009-10-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Not some spagetti western, it seems like I always fall into the third category. Last Friday/Saturday, I absolutely blew-up. I've managed to come back this week and feel a lot better, but I desparately need to get to taper week, which starts next Monday. This training period has been unusual, as I have only trained for seven weeks for this race. LOTS of speedwork and not much junk miles, although I have tried to keep long runs at LSD pace. I have managed to walk the fine line again, but the 43 year old body has stayed together and I think I will have a good race on the 18th. Baystate will be my 31st marathon and I won't be holding anything back. That said, I need to be REASONABLE on what I expect to get out of this race. I need to go hard and yes, I am looking to PR, but I need to stay under control (no caps lock needed!). Mark and I will be trying to get the BAA masters into a scoring position. This marathon is the NE marathon championships and we will be tailing some of the BAA big guns and ... a lot of fast runners from the other teams will be there. Anyway, I will continue to pound on myself for the next five days and then stop. I seem to be used to the torture at this point anyway.

I hope to see a lot of folks at Baystate! Keep fingers crossed for a cool October day.

-Kyle

Baystate Approaching Fast

2009-09-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

I've really been feeling the pressure to pile on running miles as well as speed work; which seems to be non-existent after months of endurance training. All this running has just smashed my legs and they seem to be shot on just about every run. Bike miles are also lacking now that marathon training has started. Need to figure out how to train for Baystate and Clearwater at the same time without training all day. Baystate is now 3.5 weeks away, which only gives me 2.5 weeks max of training left, so for now, that will be priority 1. The good new is ... this warm weather should keep me going in Walden for at least two weeks. The sharks start next week, which should help me with my swim speed.

Anyone else going to Cleawater?? Let me tell you the bucks are just flying out the window and .. I'm shipping my bike with TriBike Transport. I don't have time to break down my bike as we fly early am the morning after the race. I'm nervous about it, but everybody says it works out great, but I insured my bike (on top of their insurance) anyway, just in case they smash the frame. If you have used them, let me know your experience.

Anyway, I may add Manchester Half Marathon to my race list. It's a stretch for me to race a half two weeks after a full, but it might be a good sharpening tempo run for Clearwater. I can't resist, because the race director sent me a complimentary elite application as a congrats for last years podium.

Anyone that has done Clearwater, please let me know what you think. I know that folks have a lot of different opinions about the race, but I heard last year the weather was beautiful. It is going to be a fun trip and is DEFINITELY my last race of the season (maybe).

-Kyle

Muskoka Race Report - Going To 70.3 World Championships

2009-09-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, What a weekend! I am completely exhausted and still need sleep. 4 days of driving in 5 days for a total of 1500 miles, but after 4 failures at qualifying for Kona, I return with a qualification slot for the Foster Grant 70.3 World Championships. I am really glad I raced in Muskoka and it has been a long time since my last 70.3 series race - Timberman 06 I think? That area is really beautiful and the cottage we had was great -right on the water and the kids spent the whole time in the lake and ... the weather was absolutely perfect, including race day. It is a haul up there, but everyone did great, including the dog. Anyway, the race went great and I am happy with my time and it was a big effort. For me to race like that in the late season was hard, after taking a 3-4 week respite from training after Lake Placid. I really only trained a few weeks and went up there and raced. Here is the report:

The race:

Takes place at the DeerHurst resort in Huntsville, Ontario. Everything about the race was great, except I was not staying at the DeerHurst and they make everyone take a shuttle bus from the air strip to the resort. This was a bit of a pain and made the race spectator unfriendly (also no dogs at the resort). The should try to open up parking at the ski area, but I can understand that area doesn't have the infra-structure to support all of those cars, which I am willing to be would cause a lot of traffic problems. I ended up riding my bike back to the cottage after the race, about another 7 miles of hills.

The Swim:

34:42

Yup, long and in the fifth wave. I look at the results and the times look slow for my wave. I swam hard, but may have opted to swim an inside curve to last turn buoy because of all the traffic. I am happy with the swim and it was a big effort for an almost 35 minute leg. My swimming has come a long way.

T1: Out of the water on the 18th hole and a 400 meter uphill run to the transition area (Deerhurst parking lot). I am running past a lot of people walking up the hill. Time 4:02

The Bike:

2:46:16, 21mph

and then the surprise 58.3 miles and ... I was pre-warned about this course; I was told that "the hills are relentless," " not like Placid" and "don't burn yourself out in the first 25 miles." I admit that I under-estimated this course and the section of quote "pebble lie" - which means they spray some tar and drop pebbles on it. It was dangerous to say the least and I am just not used to riding in loose rocks, sand, etc. It would be more appropriate for a cyclocross bike. Anyway, I could have been better prepared for this course - doing two TT loops of Oak Hill doesn't cut it and my legs were beginning to feel tired at mile 20!! I still road hard though and will take 21 mph anyday on that course. I thankfully did not flat on my tubular disc. There were a few 40s that passed me, but this was a competitive race. Finally reaching the resort, I felt tired and wanted to keel over on one of the soft golf greens and take a nap. My legs were beat and I wasn't sure about the run, but then ...

The run:

1:31:36

I had a great run and felt really good. Lot's of hills and the turn around is up a stair-step hill of about a mile and a half. It looked like I would run 1:26 or 27, but then another surpise; I was just about to cross the highway to run back to the resort, when I was signal to turn down this walking path, which zigged and zagged, and up and down these little goat hills, which threw me off pace. I had a great run and ran down a many in my AG.

Final:

4:58:05

71st overall, 10th AG

Let me tell this sport is out of control. I got the last official qualifying slot. Everyone in my AG grabbed and I was VERY lucky to be headed home with one in my hand. That said, this M40-44 AG is VERY competitive. I knew this would be a big race and it was with a lot of fast guys. That said I am psyched to being to Clearwater for the Championships and this did not come easy. It seems every race I do is more competitive for these slots then the last.

Anyway, it was a big race. Craig Alexendar 3:58!!! He beat me by one hour. 10 minutes on the swim, 28 on the bike and 20 minutes on the run!! It's dumbfounding to think he could run 1:11 after biking 2:18 on that hilly course, but I guess that what separates the best triathlete in the world from a hack like me. He is my pick for a repeat win at Kona next month.

On to the 10K NE championships this weekend.

Cheers!

Muskoka Race Weekend In Jeopardy

2009-09-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Oh no! I am fine, but two sick kids at home. We are supposed to leave for Ontario today. May be able to do the 12+ hour thing tomorrow or lose one night in the cottage - that is costing $300/night. Yup, the even gouge triathletes way up there. I am too poor to be doing this sport. We need to figure out a plan, as it looks like I am not going solo - the same discussion we are having about Clearwater, so I might not be grabbing one of those slots anyway. If we do get on the road, we have 12+ hours to discuss me going to Clearwater alone vs. Kids out of School vs. $$$, which I am running out of with all these expensive races - including the ones I have already forked out for 2010!

Anyway, wish me luck. It looks like a beautiful area up there. I am looking forward to rubbing elbows with Craig Alexander and Lisa Bentley. They have quite a stacked field of pros this year including Tweilzek - the winner at LP this year and local Janda Ricci-Munn.

The bike course is a little long at 58 miles and very challenging, which should work in my favor.

-Kyle

Race Schedule

2009-09-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am back training and everything is going well. This training period is short, but I have a high level of fitness and just need to drop a few pounds to get back to race weight. With all the races I have coming up, I need to focus on quality, but keep everything under control. Thanks to Mark I am back at the track and doing speedwork, which I desperately need. Although with Baystate coming up, I am trying to raise my base miles to marathon level training. The race is right around the corner and there is not a lot of time to do the traditional training thing, so I will train as hard as possible and then just race. It worked last year for Manchester. I just need to set reasonable time goals. Anyway, Muskoka is one of the last 70.3 races around that I could do and get into. They have 50 qualifying slots for Clearwater, which is Nov. 14. Plan is to get one of those slots and race down there. Anyway, here is the schedule:

Muskoka 70.3 Triathlon Sept. 13th, Huntsville, Ontario CA
Lone Gull 10K NE Championships Sept. 20th, Gloucester MA
Baystate Marathon NE Champioships Oct. 18th, Lowell MA
Clearwater 70.3 World Championships Nov. 14th, Clearwater FL

I'm in too good shape to let myself go this fall, so why not race?

-Kyle

Next Race Muskoka 70.3

2009-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Finally, the RD has let me into the race. It will fun to race up in Ontario. Of course, the plan is to grab a Clearwater 70.3 slot and race down there in November.

Read about Muskoka here.

Time to get the body back in gear.

I'll update in a few days with a race schedule.

Lake Placid Race Report

2009-07-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

My fourth attempt at this distance would send me home with no slot and already looking toward next year. Wow! What a competitive race! It seemed liked there were endless 40s and 41s on guys calves; a definite sign I need to age up and get the hell out of this age group.

Another bad sign; the first slot would go to former professional athlete Curt Chesney at a time of 9:18. I guess coming from a pro cycling background doesn't hurt. The good news at the roll down: a record number of slots available announced (everybody cheered). The bad news: almost all got grabbed in my age group and I was a long shot at best to start with. Anyway the race report:

Night before the race, trouble sleeping. Too many chocolate chip cookies? Probably just too wired up and maybe taking this thing too serious. 3 hours sleep total = not good.

Swim:

Not making the same mistake as in 2007 - lined up to the right, where less bodies were. Swim start was not too bad, but got real physical fast. The fight began about half way down the first stretch. I got kicked in the chin towards the end of the first stretch. My jaw was okay, but I could taste blood in mouth and knew I must have gotten the inside of my cheek. First loop exited side-by-side with Kimball, so I know things were going well. Second loop was uneventful. Swim right down the line for a while and things seemed rougher as I got away from the line, so tried to keep it close.

Time: 65:01

This is an LP PR and only seconds from my IMF PR, so I was very pleased.

Bike:

Sleepy start. Not pushing too hard and don't want to make the fast first-loop mistake. Rain, wind, but light and the first loop felt easy. Back and forth with Steve, we were both being conservative. Grabbed a few GUs with caffeine and started to wake up. Finished loop one and was ready to go. I took off right from the start of loop 2. I was really feeling good and ready to make a race out of this thing. Lot's of speed leading into the downhills and a new PR; 54 mph on the downhill. I was absolutely flying and the only issue was I was going 20 mph faster than everyone else. I kept yelling "left" as they all drift out going down the hill. My fear was crashing into one of these guys floating out and not paying attention. As bizarre as it was going into the Hazleton turnaround - both legs cramped going up the last hill. I must have been dehydrated? I had been drinking lots of gatorade and had plenty of nutrition, but it must not have been enough. I think the day played tricks on everyone as we went from rain to humid to dry during the day. I began to drink tons of gatorade - maybe three bottles in the last 20 miles. They showed signs of cramping again, so I would go to a lighter gear, fighting the headwind coming back up the hills in the aero position.

Time: 5:38:00 19.9 mph

The run:

All systems go. Even though I had cramps, my cycling is stronger this year and I felt like I as going to have a good run. All went well first loop (split 1:41+). I was on my way to what I thought would be a 3:25, which would be great considering it was warming up. Loop 2: legs are good, tired, but running well. Temperature is warm (78 or 79?) and sunny. I'm beginning to pray for that thunderstorm or just rain to cool me off as I am now very hot and it is wearing on me. I make the turnaround, see none of my team-mates, promise myself I will continue to run hard to the ski jumps, but ... (no warm weather acclimation)+(don't run well in the heat well anyway) = (tough marathon). My pace is now slowed and I am hot and starting to labor. I feel like I am the only one running and I probably was for long stretches. The aid stations are packed with folks on loop one and the one place I need to walk - at the aid station all the cups get grabbed in front of me and I stop to walk and tell one of the guys I need a drink - can't run off with out drinking or it will be over. At every aid station I was taking gatorade, water and coke and ice, with a sponge over the head - that's how you survive. I make the ski jumps and the up hill begins. I am really blowing up and it is a struggle to run, but the legs are still moving. I know miles 24 and 25 must have been in the 10 min/mile range, but ... I am still running. I am also picking off maybe a dozen or more in my age group, most are walking. I make the turnaround at the lake and begin to push that last mile, as I just want this thing to be over. I cross the line in fashion and then lose equilibrium for a few moments as all of sudden ... I can't stand-up - like a drunken sailor. I guess I had exerted myself - probably the heat on the run more then anything.

Time: 3:38:33 8:21 min/mile

Overall Time: 10:29:44
Overall Place: 116th
AG Place: 28th

Final notes on the race:
My second fastest time only by seconds. I can't believe I was 116th overall, but 28th in my age group - with 50+ professionals in the race - ughh! The time is slow, but it was definitely a tough day and I think I still performed well, considering the elements. I am already signed-up for next year, as everyone knows this will again be my best shot as I age up. So ... refocus, improve and come back year grab the slot and I want a spot on that podium!!

Cheers! - Kyle

I will post next week on future race plans for the year. I haven't exactly thrown in the towel yet.

Ironman Lake Placid Race Week

2009-07-21T12:23:00.001-07:00

The countdown to the race has begun. As I promised folks I would - I have been tapering, somewhat. This will be my fourth Ironman and I feel like this is the one I am finally going to nail. I have paid my dues, but still need to hit my time goal to get that trip to Kona. The pressure is on! and ... I will be signing up again for next year the day before the race. I CAN NOT WAIT to get up there and get into the race environment. It never gets old for me. We will be leaving tomorrow am for Glens Falls and then arrive early Thursday, so I can get registered, etc. and get some riding in around town. Lake Placid Forecast for Sunday: 76 deg.F with scattered thunderstorms - about the same forecast as last year when it rained 3 inches the day of the race. Oh well, after riding across the northeast for three days in the rain, I guess I can handle racing one day in it. I like this picture (above) of the ski jumps, because you make the right turn on the last loop of the run and head back toward town to the finish. LP is really a beautiful area and I have come to fall in love with the Olympic setting and all ... some blue sky like in this picture would also be nice. Anyway, I don't have much to report, all has gone well through this training-period, which really started Jan. 1 for Boston. I think I have really held onto my running fitness this year and continue to progress in the other disciplines. However, being without a car and riding my bike everywhere - it has been almost a year now since my beloved mercedes was totaled - I keep showing my kids my new car every time I drive by the mercedes dealership. For today, it will stay new, because riding every day has become my lifestyle and riding in the rain is certainly better than 18 deg. and snowing. It has really worked for me and I see a strong bike segment coming in this year's race. The LP bike leg is definitely A LOT easier than that painful bike course in France. I will be looking to one-up. The body has really held up this year - I have no issues, which is great. This may be my last post before the race, so I wish all my team-mates, friends and all of the competitors GOOD LUCK! I am unsure if they will have internet access up at the house, but if they do I will try to keep everyone up to date on pre and post race activities.

Cheers! -Kyle

NYC Half Marathon Helping To Provide Disadvantaged Kids with Summer Experiences

2009-07-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Fresh Air Fund is looking for racers and sponsors to join the Fresh Air fund team to run the NYC Half Marathon on August 16th.

More Info:

http://freshair.org/racers

About Fresh Air Fund:

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Ride Report - Boston to Rochester NY

2009-07-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am alive and well. Sorry so long off the air, but it was a full ten days without laptop and no Internet. The adventure is over. Ride summary: 3 days, 432 miles exactly, no major issues with the bike or body, only major issue was rain and being absolutely pounded by thunderstorms.

The report:

Monday June 29th Day 1:

Projected departure time 7:30, actual departure time 8:15. Weather currently raining heavy, but forecasted to end mid-morning and then scattered thunderstorms. Time 8:15, my wife pointed to the door and said "go" (the same wife that did not want me to do this at all). I don't know what I was waiting for. The rain to stop? I then grabbed the cross bike, which was weighed down like a TANK (which I will now refer to the bike as "the tank" for the rest of this column). The tank had a rack with bags containing everything I thought I would need to survive 3 days minus food - with extra tubes, pump, tools, on and on ... and a one man ditch tent, that resembles a sleeping bag with two poles, one at the feet and one at the head. I never did weigh the tank, but it was in the 65+ pound range and HEAVY. I had rode it around the block the evening before questioning what the hell I was doing.

The departure, weather: heavy rain. It absolutely poured the first two hours and I was wet. It was causing stress with the trucks, traffic and I couldn't see where I was going. Also, I opted to put the bike computer on the tank - a constant reminder of how slow I was going. Oh and the climbing by Mt. Wachusett, a grind up the hills and I refused to stop, but the weather began to improve and I kept rolling. First construction surprise, workers downing trees, 20 minute delay, but one of the workers started to tell his buddies that I was riding to Rochester, which they all got a chuckle out of. First bike incident, lot's of climbing past Wachusett and long downhill in Hubbardston, fast and led to a minefield of pot holes at the bottom which was not good, but I didn't crash and managed to slow the bike. I then thought I had broken spoke in the rear wheel and was freaked out as I locked the brakes. What had happened was the tent and a bunch of stuff shook loose going through the holes and was being hit by the spokes. Not again, I tied everything down, better, tighter and to the seat post. This was a certain crash if it had happened at high speed. The road (route 62) is not good in that section and very bad leading to Barre. I don't recommend riding an expensive bike and had justified to myself that I had chosen the right bike (not much of a choice from the carbon tri-bike - no way the rack was going on that one!). The ride around the Quabbin Res. is very scenic, but HILLY. You'all know - the Quabbin century do'ers how hilly that area is. Now raining again, but light. My stop in New Ipswich attracted this hard core - a little intimidating - tattoo'd - pierced - roadie chick (I liked her chain ring tattoo though) that I chatted with for a few minutes. When I told her what I was doing, she said "right on!" and maybe we were on equal wavelength of craziness at that point. Then off again, I refused to look at the map and ended up in Amherst (not North Amherst as intended) for lunch at a nice deli, but added another 10 miles. Off up route 116, flat until Conway, then climbing - Ashfield, more climbing. Man! the tank was really slowing me down, Every hill is a grind and I can't seem to make time. I had concluded that this would be four days; an option I had reserved for bad weather, bike problems or whatever. I was second guessing my choice of carrying all this stuff and maybe I should just dump it somewhere and get this thing going. Up and up, I can't remember too many long down hills ... but then, just as I was starting to think of a plan B, the Berkshires ... The clouds are now gone and the sun is behind greylock and the view is fantastic. The long fast downhill into Adams, constantly over the speed limit. Time 7:pm. I realize that I will reach my destination before dark; Clarksburg State Park, 3 miles of north of N. Adams about 13 miles away. I really started to enjoy this part; beautiful scenery, evening riding, not a cloud in the sky. I was relaxed and peddled on to the state park where the ranger was having a field day when I rode in and asked for a grassy site on a safari field or something, as I have nothing but the ditch tent and a Boston marathon space blanket. He gave me a blank stare and replied "no" but he had a site which had a 3 foot strip of moss mixed in with some rocks, which I set the tent on. I also asked him for directions to a general store, as I had absolutely no food. He told me there was a store down the street in Vermont (park sits on the corner of MA on the VT border) and had food and beer, wine and was a liquor store (I am looking down at the piece of paper he has just handed me that says no alcohol in the park - wink, wink!). I sprint off to Vermont and arrive at the store minutes later - the one critical mistake! - 8:pm in nowhereville VT - they are closed!! and I have no food. I knock on the door and beg the woman to let me in or I will have nothing to eat. She does, I quickly grab food and a couple of beers and we chat for a few minutes about ride. I went back to see the ranger to get fire wood that I would gladly pay $5 for at that point, but he has gone home. As it gets dark, I am quickly getting any of the half-burned, wet remnants out of the surrounding site's fire pits and some kindling (the campground is virtually empty), but everything is wet. The paper that says no alcohol in the park burns first, but is then dead, but I am next to the bathroom which has ... drum roll please ... an endless(?) supply of toilet paper, which burns great and I have a great fire, eating my dinner, with all that road dirt showered off and drinking a few beers. I am beginning to really like this trip and conclude my next trip will be across the entire US! Satisfied and warm from the fire, the ground isn't really that uncomfortable and I manage to find a spot where a rock isn't drilling into me. And then the problem; it's not that I am uncomfortable laying there on my back, it's that the ground is cold and cooling my core. I am actually less cold to sleep on my side, although it is less comfortable. Back to sleep and then the next surprise ... 4:am ... I hear one and then another, there is a whole pack of coyotes and they are all around. I fall back asleep just to dream that they are trying to get into the tent and awake to the large "crack" of the space blanket, as I jolt awake.

Day 1: 140 miles exactly, just under ten hours of riding time.

Tuesday Day 2:
Departure time: 8:am

Second mistake; I leave the camp site with only a few ounces of gatorade in each bottle. I avoid Route 2 as long as I can and detour around into Williams, but I am through before I know it and I am headed into the mountains. I figured I would hit a gas station or something, but was wrong. Now the taconic pass; 5.5 miles straight-up. Anyone know the elevation? We think it is around 2700 feet or more. The climb would take just under an hour, but the weather is beautiful, blue sky again and I am loving the scenic vistas. The downhill; 40 mph the whole way and was fun, but risky with the tank. I am glad to be past what I thought was the end of the tough climbing, yeah right. I then make another long climb (1200 feet?), lousy roads and I finally find a country diner where I need fluid and could use something to eat. Seconds later I see another cyclist pull-up with the same rig and we start to chat. He is doing a coast to coast ride one week of vacation at a time and is headed to Boston to finish. I tell him my deal and when I tell him that I slept on the ground, he says "you wouldn't want to do that when you reach my age". I cut him off and ask how old - "43" - I say yeah me too. He stares at me like I am nuts for a minute and tells me I don't need to be sleeping on the ground at "our age."

Off to Troy and I am hoping to ride some of this Mohwak-Hudson-Erie bike trail, losing trucks and cars for as long as I can stand riding a bike path. I am way behind schedule and when I get to Troy there are signs for the bike route that lead me into dead-end streets. I conclude there is no bike trail or path and cycle off to find myself on the opposite side of the Mohawk river riding the scenic riverway (road) route. It's not too bad and not busy at all and I ride on for many miles through some nice sections. It is hot, sunny and humid. I exhaust bottles, stop at the store and I ask about the bike path. I hit the path after the next bridge and its okay, but it doesn't last and eventually throws me into the middle of Schenectady (thumbs down) and I am completely screwed-up and end up down a highway-access road. I had to cut off the thing off-road as I am now pretty good at handling the tank, which is made for off-road when not weighed down, heading west on Route 5. I would follow Rt. 5 and enter the next section of bike path outside of Schenectady. The trail gets worse, detours and I am now riding in dirt and it is starting to pour. I put on my rain jacket and I am soaked anyway, can't see where I am going and can hear thunder behind me. The good decision; I ride on, but it is treacherous. The trail is now mud, I am going 11 mph and I can feel the rear wheel slipping. I am done with the bike path, but ride for 5 miles more of this - I can't even see the canal and haven't yet. It is not scenic and is unmaintained, unused, in disrepair and not even paved or hard packed. I am off for good and continue on Route 5(S). I survive and escape the thunderstorm - dirty, soaked - I have been peddling in soaked shoes now for two days straight and my feet aren't doing good, but I pedal on. I am way behind schedule and desperately want to ride as far as possible, so I don't have to go through this a fourth day. Into the evening; I hit a 1.5 mile climb, straight-up, out of the saddle and in my easiest gear, the whole way. I finally reach the top, but I crack. No campground for 35 miles, soaking wet, filthy, all of my stuff is wet. I had ridden by a farm where they walk the cows across the road, which they had defecated all over and with all of the pouring rain - I had manure juice coming off my front wheel onto my bottles, the bike and me. I am exhausted. I begin heading for Utica, which is still 27 miles away and it is the same routine; no food and running out of daylight - I had left my bike light at home, but had a headlight, but that may be risky going into a city. Arrival time: 8:15, Super 8, downtown Utica.

Day 2: 150+ miles, 10.5 hours, 8:am to 8:10pm with stops.

Wednesday, Day 3, Utica to Rochester est. distance 130 miles, departure 8:40am:

Wife estimated distance at 120 miles on mapquest, so I figured 130. I took advantage of the continental breakfast and left full with extra food and two cocktails of Orange Juice, ice and water to go - plus plenty of caffeine - late, but there would be no stops. Utica went quick and I was back out into the rolling hills again. Then the bad part; Syracuse. Stop lights, traffic, like cycling through Boston. Light every 75 yards. I eventually started to blow through them, just to end up screwed up again and had to divert the route because of highway. I rolled by an Italian pizza place and felt hungry. For the last two days the stomach had been off, no appetite at all, so I figured this might be a good sign and stopped. I got redirected back out on the bike - a little bit of rain 2 or 3 times, but the feet are still dry. I was going to make it today or bust, and felt strong. Stayed with Route 5 because I thought there wasn't going to be many hills, but it turned out to be very hilly in the finger lakes area. Seneca Falls: stopped at a cafe for more caffeine and it is now raining again and not looking good. I cycle off, later to be cut off by a massive thunderstorm. I'm out in the corn fields of upper state NY and can see this thing from a long way. It is big and angry; puffy white clouds with a flattened top, massive bolts of lightning 3 or 4 at a time in the middle and what looked to be a black curtain on the bottom. It was impressive. There is no way I am riding into this thing. I checked the map and opted to ride directly north. I actually ride away from this thing and continue down Route 31 due west. I have added distance, but once again get lucky and would sail the rest of the way arriving around 7:15 pm to cheering family, immediately bathe and start drinking - and celebrate!

Day 3: 142 miles

Anyway, there were some lessons learned, if it is possible for me to learn any. I'm not sure about the solo thing. I was definitely starting to talk to myself on day 3. A pretty good sign I was going crazy. Anyway, the type A needs to one-up and I am up for suggestions? Across the US? The RAMM? 24 hour mtn. bike race?

Please leave a comment and let me know if I need therapy.

-Kyle

Next Stop, Rochester NY

2009-06-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Monday morning the 29th, I will get on my bike and ride from Boxborough MA to Rochester NY over three days. The trip looks to be in the 450-470 mile range, but everyone knows my history of getting lost, so I will probably add to that figure easily. I have agreed to bring a map, but I'm not guaranteeing that I will actually look at it. For me, this ride is about touring the northeast and getting an enjoyable three days of riding in. This is also my first time at a solo ride like this, so I'm trying to prepare for the worst case scenario of bike problems, weather and any other unforeseen disasters. Pray for good weather! It has been horrible here in New England and I feel like every time I get on my bike, it starts to rain. I have had a race here, 6 out of the last 7 weekends, so I'm done with any more of that. Add a whole lot of training and it makes for a tough 7 weeks, but everything has gone well and the body is healthy. Now, just need some decent weather and I'll be all set.

Mooseman Race Report

2009-06-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

I can't complain, it's a PR by almost 14 minutes. I haven't really done that many half-irons; Moose, Timberman and Patriot. Mooseman 2005 was my first big triathlon, only 4 years ago! and I have never really approached it as a target race; e.g. riding 325 miles the week before is not a great taper for a race.

Race Results:

Swim: 31:54

Bike: 2:36:23 (21.5 mph)

Run: 1:28:49 (6:47 min/mi)

11th AG, 51st overall

Race Report:

Stacked race! Many Pros. Lot's of really fast runners. Strong breeze off the lake, freezing cold water! Could not feel my feet out of the water. Tried to put on socks before the bike shoes and was having legs cramps. Bike was strong, but back was bothering, especially on the hills of the first loop of the run. Started to fall off pace and was struggling to get it back. Last 5K back felt better and legs came back for a fast and redeeming finish.

I'm happy. I think one of these years I will train and taper for one of these races and come back and do a 4:30. An expensive, but well done race with lots of stuff. The body is very tired and I need to resolve the back issue (not related to IM training - I think I said that before). I need a couple of days to clear the had and then it's back to the Kona-or-bust wagon.

Congrats to MRC guys racing up there; Jim, Ian, Lynn, Cort, Paul D. and Paul W. and all the new guys on the team!

Mooseman Half Iron Race Weekend

2009-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! The seaon is really flying by. The miles and intesity have been huge! My battered body is managing to stay in one piece, just barely. Last weekend was the Epic Training Weekend. Kudos again to Mark D. for making this happen. Weather not perfect in the beginning, but nice in the end. New PR: 130 miles with Dave from his house in Milford to Eastham on the Cape. It was a great ride and a first time one-way distance cycle to the Cape. We just barely made it and landed at 8:pm with the temperature dropping, rain and not much daylight left. Total numbers for Epic Weekend:

Swim: ~ 2.5 miles
Bike: 325 miles over 3 days (new PR)
Run: 20 miles (13 mile run Sunday)

and on to the last race before IMLP - Mooseman Half. I was a late entry into this race due to Lancaster being canceled and this is the only one that worked. I will be looking to PR. I hope I can recover before Sunday. I still have some aches and my back is bothering due to non-training activity, but probably compounded by swimming. I aslo had two track workouts, one with Mark
on Tuesday (wow he looks fast, add 3 seconds to his numbers for mine) and one with Bill on Wednesday. I'll have about 48 miles running this week which is a good step up, but not good tapering for a race. Anyway, I'll post a race report on Monday.

-Kyle

One Down, One To Go ...

2009-05-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sudbury Sprint was fun (2nd AG, 7th overall). Need to dust those cobwebs off the bike and get better in the pool. I'll never be good at those short distances anyway, but I am pleased to have one of the fastest bike splits of the day. I get to do it ALL over again this week at Lions in Marlboro (250yd swim, 9.3mi bike and 5K). These distances suit me a little better. It will be a fun race then back to SERIOUS IMLP training. We did 81 miles out to Wawa with no shortage of climbing. Looks like we're the last group to make the summit as they just closed the area for the construction that's going on. A good week of training. As I ramp up, I'l start posting some numbers. Cheers! -Kyle

Reving Up The Engine

2009-05-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm back at it again - the training has restarted and I am ramping back-up. I had two long runs; one with BAA master's star Mark and one with Walt (former 2:20 Boston), I also had one long bike, but the legs were still recovering. However, everything else has had quick bursts and intervals. I need to get faster!! This weekend is the Sudbury Sprint Tri and I want to be able to go fast! The only problem is I am an endurace athlete, so we'll see how it goes.

Next week - back to IMLP training.

-Kyle

Post-Marathon Rest Week Concludes

2009-04-27T12:40:00.001-07:00

Well, I have reached the end of the post race "noodle" week. One week of baconators (no wonder why Americans are so fat), ice cream and beer will get that out of my system. A week of partying comes to an end and I need to start getting serious about the switch over and organizing my schedule the next few weeks. I even stepped on the scale last night to give myself a scare, but it will be back to reality (after the BAA reception tomorrow night) with focus on diet and training. And ... I have another race in two weeks! Sudbury Sprint triathlon is 13 days away! I have done it again; 5 months of endurance stuff and now I try to switch over to fast, fast and more fast. It's a short race though - the shortest tri I will have ever done, so I might take the pressure off and do it as a hard workout (yeah, right). Unfortunately, no pictures yet. I'll still try to find some and ping those that got me on the course. My total workouts last week were a 20 min spin and a 2.5 trail run. I am going to start easing my way back this weekend hope to get a bonus long bike with this beautiful spring weather. Hope everyone has gotten some rest. I don't want to screw up again - I'm taking it easy and will ramp my way back into full blown IM training torture next few weeks. Looking back at the training numbers, I wouldn't change a thing. I will still come back next year and try for a new PR. On to the Kona or bust wagon for now. -Kyle

113th Boston Marathon 2009 Brings New PR!

2009-04-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

This race report is simple; I had a great race, on a great day and felt great!

Time: 2:52:10 New Marathon PR !!!

The temperature was 43 degrees to start and 52 at Boston with some sun and clouds. The only negative was the head wind which got progressively worse toward Boston - with some very heavy gusts at times. I enjoy these conditions and will take this over a hot day like in 2004.

My pace was strong and very consistent. I only gave back time in the hills and with the headwind. The last mile was tough, but I still felt fast through the entire race.

I feel like this may be the comeback year for me. Also, great to see team-mate Mark Bell come back this year and score second for the BAA masters. I wish I could have found that other ten seconds, but I finish this one happy and content to have had my best race at age 43. My BAA-team did very well and we had quite a showing.

I have a renewed confidence in my running, now that I seem to have proven myself to be peaking in 2009. None of those other shorter races matter and I will be looking to find a non-Boston PR this year, probably at a smaller and easier marathon such as a Baystate, etc.

I will celebrate this race for the entire week! and then restart IM training next week with bike centric workouts.

That's it. I hope everyone had a great race! and congratulations to everyone that finished!!

I know look forward to a new IMLP PR this year and getting the family to Kona in October!

I will post some pictures when I get them.

-Kyle

The Final Few Days - Race Week

2009-04-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Boston # 2223

Qualifying Time: 2:56:59 (Manchester Marathon 11/08)

It has been a few weeks since my last post. All has gone well. The final few week's numbers are what you would expect. I just finished a 15 minute light tempo and will wrap-up tomorrow with an easy half hour run, and then it will be the race.

I think I have paid my dues this year. At the cost of a lot of hard work and a bit of torture too. Long term forecast is 50 degrees with afternoon rain and a head wind coming off the ocean. Sound familiar? That's about the same conditions as 2007 which yielded a 2:53:11 PR. I'm okay with light rain and windy/cool conditions - I always run my best times in those conditions - Manchester Marathon = 35 degrees, windy, blustery, etc. Bring it on!

I conclude this training period with no issues. I have been off the bike this week and it is weird to actually drive a car to work every day. I think after this week is over I will go back to riding each day, but it is an unusual treat for me to be able to listen to music each day to and fro work. I do crave the bike though and look forward to "crossing" over and doing some long rides now that warm weather is here and I don't have to wear all that gear!!

I hope everyone's training has gone well and the most important thing is to get rest the next few days. This is a big year for the Boston Marathon! Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher potential winners - keep fingers crossed. This year marks running partner and four-time winner Bill Rodgers returns to the race. We ran together yesterday and he looks good. Our group is the self-proclaimed "Ice Road Runners" - read this months article on him in Runner's World Magazine. I think this will be a great year for him.

Anyway, the final words are what you would expect. I will not be holding anything back. I am due for a big race as the two prep races; DH Jones 10miler and New Bedford races were just insult and punishment on top of a whole lot of training. The goal and it is always the goal with me; to come out with a new marathon PR for 2009!

-Kyle

21 Days and Counting: Looking at the Training Numbers

2009-03-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Steve and I squeaked in the 18 miler just as the weather conditions started to deteriorate. I had added a long sleeve coolmax after the first loop with Annie. Then the day would just be a damp, raw and treacherous rainy day where I did not go outside for the rest of the day. That will be my last LSD run and next weekend I will go to MLR 14-15 or so and then start to shut things down. Last week was another good week with hard workouts and some good distance. I'll post the numbers (total and long run) for the 16 week training program here, starting with week 2. People can then look back and comment after Boston on whether they think the mileage is enough or too much.

Week:
2) 45mi (LR 16mi)
3) 37 (10)
4) 59 (16)
5) 57 (19)
6) 72 (12)
7) 63 (20)
8) 48 (17)
9) 69 (22)
10) 66 (18)
11) 72 (18)
12) 86 (24)
13) 75 (18)

Summary:

Total weeks 2-13: 749mi
Avg. Week: 62.4mi
Avg. LR: 17.5mi

To compare to 2008: 672mi (56mi avg) which is about the same as 2006 (2007 record lost)

Last year I was definitely feeling the pressure to train on the bike for IM France, so I'm sure that played a role in there being less running miles. I am going to guess that this year also trumps 2007 miles. I was also swimming 3-4 days a week in 2007. We'll have to wait and see if there is pay-off come 4/20.

-Kyle

Less Than Four Weeks Out

2009-03-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

It's coming quick and the piling of the miles will soon come to an end. Last week was another big week, with my last run with the boys out on the Boston course - 24 miles with tempo 8.3 miles, first half fast at 1:32 flat. The course run tops off my week with 87 miles total. I'm looking back at my logs and can not find a bigger week in years. Believe it or not, my legs felt better last week with all the miles, than the week before. The New Bedford week was tough and my legs were definitely responding to the increase in mileage. This week, legs feel great! and I'm still piling on those miles!! My swimming has exploded recently and I am doing intervals at what would be PRs for me a few years ago. Biking also going well and has gotten a lot easier now that winter is over - definitely less taxing on the body cycling in the 40s&50s - over those days that were teens morning and 20s afternoons and now there's no snow ruts on my street. I survived a full winter of outdoor cycling! another first! My weight has also come way down - 150lbs @ 7% body fat - 18 pounds down since the holidays - I can never let that happen again. No more beer and ice cream diet.

Anyway, I hope everyone's training has gone well. It comes to a quick hault pretty soon. Next week I will be focusing on shorter quicker and broken-up doubles of less distance. I hope to get a long bike ride in also, as LP09 is now 4 months away.

-Kyle