FOMO!

I made my decision!

Today I met my Ironman coach and immediately fell in love with her. She is super cool! Her name is Carrie Barrett. Read about her: http://www.fomotraining.com/bio/

Can't wait to get things rolling!

Mike Thompson

I had the privilege to meet, Mike Thompson today at Maggie's wedding. He is also doing Ironman Texas.

Who is Mike Thompson? Check out his story on Austin Fit Magazine. Mike Thompson: A True Ironman

AMAZING!

Keep up with Mike on this blog: www.ironmikey.com

I'm blessed to have met you Mike!

Coach or Training Group

Since I'm new to all this Ironman stuff, I don't know if I should hire a coach or join a training group. The only training group that I can think of joining is T3. However I would love to have my own personal coach. I noticed that on the T3 website they have a group specifically for the Texas Ironman. I have no idea what I should do. My friend Maggie sent me a link to a coach that she thinks might fit well with me. I guess I need to make a decision soon.

What will it be....coach or training group!?

It's Austin Marathon training time!

Today I started back up with Gilbert's Gazelles for my marathon training. It feels good to be back. February 20th, 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the Austin Marathon. This training session and marathon will be my foundation going into Ironman Texas.

As for now, my goal for the Austin Marathon is to run it in a sub 4. I will revisit this goal toward the end of January. Although I can not predict what my body will do or how I will completely feel on race day, but my other goal is to conquer the race with no cramps. In years past, around mile 18 I would start cramping up. Last year I was good until mile 22. I'm getting better with my nutrition and hydration, so I want this year to be the year that I have NO CRAMPS. I understand that I may have some pain but I can do without the cramps! Pain is nothing to me. I can handle pain but cramps...well they are just straight up annoying.

I'm looking forward to the many miles on the asphalt with my fellow Gazelle's.

Iyo Ngwe!

Starting Fresh

Earlier this month I started T3's Swim Clinic. Basically this clinic is taking us back to the basics. I love it. It's breaking my swim technique down, which is needed.

Swimming is my weakest sport in a triathlon, but I don't want it to be. Shoot, I don't want any sport of mine to be considered weak. Who wants that!? So, this is why I'm taking a swim clinic. To this day, I have not swam an entire swim course in a triathlon doing freestyle only. I get tired and....boom...I switch over to breast stroke...which seems like it would make me more tired but for some reason it doesn't. However, I'm determined to quit doing that!

I will become a better swimmer. I will swim nothing but freestyle.

It's worth it! Try it out: Swimming Stroke Technique & Efficiency Clinic

Call me crazy!

One of my life goals is to participate and finish an Ironman. No, not a 70.3 Ironman...a full Ironman...2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run which equals 140.6 miles!! I've always talked about it, but have never moved forward with it until a good friend, Maggie, emailed me with the subject line "What do you say?" In the email was the link to Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. I must have stared at the main page for about an hour. I actually was visualizing myself doing and finishing the race. Then tons of thoughts and questions filled my mind...."WOW, it's in Texas!?" "We would be swimming in a lake and not the ocean!" "SWEET, NO SHARKS!" "Awesome, no salt water in my mouth." "WOW, it's in May!?" "I wonder how hot it will be?" "Is this a good time in my life to do this?" "How do I train?" "Who am I going to train with?" "How much is all this going to cost me?" "Can my body handle it?" "I know I'm mentally strong for it!" "What do I have to lose...besides $630? ha!" etc.

Well after three sleepless nights, talking it over with my family & Maggie, and praying about it, I decided to register with the financial help from Tulio, my daddy (Papa Lu), Patty & Fernando. $630 is a huge commitment! But hey you can't put a price on a life goal/dream! I'm pumped!

I am registered for the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas on May 21, 2011.

I WILL FINISH the race. I will be an IRON(wo)MAN!

It will be a fun journey and I am up for the challenge! BRING IT!