Life of an Ironman

[Triathlete]

Nope, not talking about a VX!
As most of you know I compete in triathlons! What most of you don't know is this comsumes most all of my spare time. I have competed in over 200 races, which includes 11 Ironmans, throughout the U.S. over the last 15 or so years. My long time goal has been to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. There is a lottery system but I have always felt that if I didn't qualify "legitamitly" that it just wouldn't feel as rewarding, so I've been trudging on attempting to qualify. Last year I finally got a coach to help me organize my workouts a it better. It was the best thing I could have done. I saw immediate results setting PR's (personal records) at Ironman Arizona (was 40 minutes faster than my previous best) and the SOMA 1/2 Ironman (20+ minutes faster than my previous best). Both were my focus races. Along the way I won the series championship for the Tucson Triathlon series, placed in the top 10 overall in sevaral races and recieved All American status from USA Triathlon (he U.S. triathlon governing body). But still no trip to Hawaii. This brings me to the current time. My Ironman training for this year started back in November of last year. My race will be Ironman Arizona on April 15 in Tempe Arizona (would be cool to see all the local VX's parked out on the course cheering!). The last 4 weeks have been some of my peak training weeks (I still have a few more to go) as the race is 6 weeks away from today. So for your reading pleasure this is an example of what I've been doing for the past 4 weeks in addition to working full time...
Feb 5-Feb 11
2:05 in the pool
9:45 on the bike (aprox. 200 miles)...longest ride of the week-85 miles
4:55 in running shoes (aprox 40 miles)...longest run of the week-15 miles
I swam 3 times, ran 6 times, and rode 4 times.
Total 16 hours 45 minutes!

Feb 12-Feb 18
3:00 in the pool
12:00 on the bike (240 miles)...longest ride of the week-100 miles
5:10 running (43 miles)...longest run of the week-21 miles
I swam 4 times, rode 5 times, and ran 5 times.
Total 20 hours 10 minutes!

Feb 19-Feb 25
2:30 in the pool
12:35 on the bike (250 miles)...longest ride of the week-110 miles
5:05 running (42 miles)...longest run of the week 15 miles
I swam 4 times, rode 5 times, and ran 6 times.
Total 20 hours 10 minutes!

Feb 26-Mar 4
2:40 in the pool
10:25 on the bike (210 miles)...longest ride of the week-95 miles in 25mph winds gusting to 45+
5:35 running (45 miles)...longest run of the week-22 miles
I swam 4 times, rode 4 times, and ran 5 times.
Total 18 hours 40 minutes!

Thats a 4 week total of 75 hours 45 minutes!
A few more weeks of that which will include a sprint distance tri (next weekend) and a 1/2 marathon (the following weekend) as tune-up races and then I get to begin my taper...and if all goes well on race day, I'll be making resevations for Kona in 6 weeks!

Just thought I'd share.

[dkmiller68]

Billy, I don't know what to say. Maybe, "What drives you?" Do you get dizzy just walking up steps (I used to when I was in peak shape, but I am reluctant to think that it is comparible to you)? Ever been plagued with injurys? You are most fortunate to have good health. Don
PS Good Luck!!!

[Triathlete]

I get dizzy if I stand up to fast (common among endurence athletes from what I hear)!
Only injuries I have had was the ones that got me into the sport...I had condramalasia(sp?) and tendenitis in my knees when I used to just run. That got me into cycling which got me into duathlon (run-bike-run) which got me into triathlon. I've had back inuries but not because of training. I've become pretty in tune with my body and know when its time to ease up. Plus I do a lot of preventive maintainence...icing, stretching, and anti-inflamatories.
I think my drive comes from wanting to see how far I can go and push myself...plus a "bit" of competitiveness (maybe a bit masocistic also )!
I don't take my health for granted...I am very thankfull to be able to do what I do.

[ZEUS]

How many calories do you have in a day? I used to have 3000 calories a day just to gain muscle mass, but if you are trying to stay lean yet be that active every day... What do you need?

[Triathlete]

About 8-10,000. About 40% carbs, 30% protien and 30% good fat. Of course there is always room for some ice cream, brownies, or a snickers bar!

[ZEUS]

GOOD GOD!!!! Even with 3000 calories, I am eating every 2 hours! I have no idea how I could eat 3 TIMES that every day!! What job allows you to exercise and eat all day?

[Triathlete]

I eat a majority of my food in the morning, during training and at lunch. I don't eat a lot in the evening and try to eat nothing after 8pm. I do a lot of liquids.
As far as job, I am an I.D tech for the sherifs dept. I do mug shots, fingerprints and fight with new arrestees when the need arises! I am on my feet 8 hours a day...not ideal for recovery. But its 40 hours a week mon-fri working evenings. All morning and weekends to train!

[CrnCnn]

Wow I am a couch potato and really feel so now.

My question to you is .. what drives you? I am extremely interested in MMA(Mixed Martial Arts) and really want to train but cant motivate myself.

[Triathlete]

I am self motivated for the most part. Of course having a coach crack the whip now and then helps also.
I know that a lot of people will pay to motivate themselves...if you pay you will go so as to not waste your hard earned $$$. Same thing with personal trainers in gyms.
A good way to go about motivating yourself is to set goals. You have the big goal and then set a bunch of smaller, easier to attain goals to achieve along the way. In the martial arts (which I don't know a lot about) it may be reaching belt levels and then a competition.
During the summer I don't have any trouble geting out the door...its sunny and warm. During the winter it can be a lot more difficult...I don't like the cold (this winter has ben nice ecept a few weekends). But I know my Ironman is early in the season so I have to get out the door.

[tomdietrying]

Man, that is great Billy. You can count on me sending you some positive vibes in April. I know you will do it.
Peace.
Tom

[Bimati]

Thanks for sharing, Billy....that's some incredible stuff.

I like it when VXer's share about themselves....good to get to know you a bit better.

Bim

[dkmiller68]

Gives me an idea for a post...I'm going to name it "Opening up a Little" and will start it momentarily. You'll be welcome to share something of a personal nature. I'll start with mine. I was struck by lightning (1981).

[Ldub]

During my time in Kona (83-93) I was always "on the fence" regarding Ironman competitors.
On one hand, they are an inspiration in their dedication & physical conditioning. To be in the crowd at the finish line, seeing these extraordinary men & women of all ages come across the line, is an incredible rush. There is a surreal "elictricity" in the air, the crowd cheering like crazy for every one of them. In many cases, well after the sun has gone down.

On the other hand, are these people CRAZY???...who in their right mind would DO that to themselves voluntarily? The Kona course (except for the swim) is a brutally hot lava field with a ribbon of asphalt running through it. I guess it is kinda scenic between Kona & the airport, but between the airport & Hawi...lava & resorts...& more lava. (cue Paris Hilton...that's hot)

Anyway, since meeting Billy last spring & reading this thread, I have a better understanding & appreciation of the triathlete mindset, but it would still help to be a bit crazy.

GOOD LUCK BILLY !!!

[Techy-D]

GOOD GOD!!!! Even with 3000 calories, I am eating every 2 hours! I have no idea how I could eat 3 TIMES that every day!! What job allows you to exercise and eat all day?

A former Coworker (big body builder) ate incredible ammounts, when we went through the drivethrough he would order and the lady would leave to get "our" order. We had to wait for her to return to give the rest of our orders, because she thought it was for the whole car full of us!

I've seen some neat things on the triathon, there was a guy who took his son through the whole thing (pulled him on a raft, extra seat on the bike,...) Major undertaking just to do it on your own! Be the best you can be!

[Triathlete]

That would be the Hoyts. Very inspirational and will bring a tear to your eye. Everyone always wondered how the dad would do if he raced on his own...the father said he'd never do it on his own, he was out there for his son (who is autistic). There has ben lots of stuff written on Team Hoyt. If you do some searching on the internet you will find some great stuff written on them.