Well, its all over for another year. Completed Ironman Canada in 13:25, 51 minutes faster than last year. This year I was healthy & ready to go, in fact I couldn't have been more ready. My coach Chris Brown put together a program that got me there in peak condition. I also worked hard on the nutrician prior to the race and dropped about 10 pounds. This helped a lot. Earlier in the year I raced a half heavy and it hurt my run. At this Ironman I had my best run ever.

The bike cost me a bit. My derailer cable blew up so the bike would only hold the hard gear. I walked a bit trying to find support, electing to ride it but that trashed my legs somewhat. Too bad, I was having the ride of my life. I worked hard on the ride this year and it helped. Rode with a riders younger and stronger than me (which is pretty standard at 59, ha, ha); had to go hard to keep up. You know what they say, if you want to get faster train with people who are faster.

I've signed up for Ironman Canada again. Next year I move up to the age 60-64 group. I checked on their times this year and 12:30 got you to Kona. Hmmmm, less than an hour. I talked it over with my coach and he feels I can do that. What I need to work on is my swim. We work online so there won't be much help there other than scheduling but there are some good coaches here I can work with. Jason, our Masters Coach said something to me that makes sense. We triathletes will ride 6 hours, run marathons but when it comes to swimming we do one to three one hour sessions and expect to be fast. The good swimmers were kids who started at 5 and did 2 a days for years. Like, get it. Another thing to remember is to train with those faster than you. I have a few freinds who start early swim sessions during the week. They come from a swim background and are speedsters. I've been invited to join them and backed off. I know them well and can ask if I can hook up.

This week I only worked half a day. Did a little bit of active recovery and a gym session. Each time I worked out I crashed into a deep sleep. Even though I felt good the body needs more rest than expected. I am going to try a Masters Swim Class this am. Time to get going.