1.) I really like racing the long stuff. It makes me feel important. To deny that there is any narcissism or selfishness involved in this sport is a flat out lie.
2.) I am relatively good at the long stuff.
3.) I like to compete and race other human beings. Doesn't matter if it's go-carts or triathloning, I just like to race.
4.) I want to earn my elite license from USA Triathlon - I want to go pro.
5.) I added a fourth full distance race because I can't pass on a trip to Hawaii in October.
So, with this being said, I have two races that give me a shot at something cool coming up in the next couple of weeks. If I can get to the start line healthy at BOTH races, I have the ability to achieve #4 on the list. Number four has been a huge goal of mine for the past few years.
To do that, I need to have a great race at IM Boulder or IM Louisville (Kentucky). I would guess that there are about 3,000 people who will be in each of those races - and to achieve and earn my right to race "pro" I need to beat 2,997 of those people.
I need to be top 3 out of 3,000 or so. It's going to be tough - but it might just be possible.
So this has been what is constantly on my mind during training and recovering over the past months. I went to IMTX knowing it would take an absolutely amazing race to be top 3 there. I didn't get that (as was expected) - but the consolation prize of a Kona slot wasn't bad so I mark that down as a success. Kona is amazing and I can't wait till October - or can I?
-------------------------
This is where I get to where I am in training. I have two and a half weeks of hard work left before I taper for IM Boulder where I will have my first shot at top 3 (fairly long shot), then I have 21 days to get to the start line in Kentcuky as healthy as I can for shot #2 at top 3 overall (my best shot). I have done the 21 day IM turnaround before ('12 Kona/Florida) and ended up having the best race of my life at IM Florida '12. I hope this is the case with the Boulder/Louisville double I am about to attempt. I want Kentucky to rock, and I hope that my ability to recover VERY quickly works with my August plans.
Training was good this week, and I will continue to build into high volume over the next two weeks. I will take a two"ish" week taper before Boulder then do my best to recover as fast as possible to try and get some quality work in the second week leading into Kentucky. All things are looking good as long as I don't hurt myself.
This might be a bit crazy, but I think it just might work.
I got this picture from the future. It's after walking way past the finishing chute at IMKY - that's why you can't see Fourth Street Live.
Swim: 3.4k yards (planned dramatic increase over next four weeks)
Bike: 213 miles/573.8 TSS
Run: 46.7 miles (hips/groin still banged up from crash, but recovering)
The week in pictures
Beth got her first pair of Hoka's. I became a huge fan after they helped me get back running after a broken foot last summer.
Fourth of July wiener dog at the Niwot parade. How cool is that?
My niece Lyla after face painting in Niwot
Aiden waving his flag
Auntie Em and Aiden
This guy needs a beer.
No caption needed
Finally got to Fate Brewing for dinner on Sunday
