I'll bet you didn't know that would be the title of my blog today Old John! I always know when it's Friday the 13th by the motorcycles. We hear them by the hundreds, maybe even thousands, first thing in the morning, and then again in the evening. Our road is a shortcut between all points west of London, Ontario, and the village of Port Dover Ontario. And as anyone who rides a motorized bicycle knows, Port Dover is where you go on Friday the 13th. That's been happening for over 30 years now, and they generally expect around 50,000 bikes and 150,000 people, all who jam into the little town of 6500.
Fortunately I'm not a superstitious guy or I may consider it unwise to take this day to tell you about how I plan to do an 11 hour Ironman.
First off I admit to wondering what people really think when they first hear that. Is the reaction; that's sounds aggressive... or the exact opposite...that's all the improvement he can make? Thirty seven little minutes, or about 5 percent.
I admit to wondering the same thing at times. It doesn't sound like a lot when you say it that way, but I also know the reality. The reality that I gave it all I had the first time, and that I was very motivated because of the novelty of it, and because of the cancer thing. There is also the reality that I am 3 years older again. Normally you don't get faster as you get older.
But I'm gonna give it a shot. Like I said the other day I believe goal setting is a critical aspect of any undertaking. Critical in the sense that striving towards a goal brings you the kind of satisfaction that you are presumably after.
But the 11 hours is only part of the goal. Of course having fun is paramount but I also wish to do well in my age group. I am much better positioned for this than in 2009 as at that time I was in the 59th month of my 60 month age category, but this time I am only in the 35th month. Believe it or not that makes a big difference in the competition level. It's also why I have considered the idea of doing my next race in 3 years again, when I will be in the first year of eligibility for the 60-64 gaphers!
So I am sad to tell you that my success or failure at the 11 hours may well come about in the first hour. After doing the math I need to be at least 7 minutes faster out of the water than 2009. Although this may be a major pipe dream it's what I'm shooting for. If it doesn't happen, then although it does not end the dream, it will necessitate a major surprise somewhere else.
Basically it needs to look like this.
Stand up out of the water at 1:16 (7 minutes faster)
First transition 4 minutes (same)
Out on the bike at 1:20
Back ride in 5:37 (32 minutes faster, 32 kms/hr)
Second transition 3 minutes (same)
Out running at 7 hours.
Marathon in 4 hours (same as last time)
So while it seems like most of the improvement comes down to the bike it really is about my overall endurance. After surviving the swim the whole day comes down to saving enough from the bike to still be able to run. I could have ridden faster last time but I resolved to not do so, and indeed it worked for me. I believe I can do the 32 kms/ hour but still run a 4 hour marathon afterwards??? It may be a mistake....the mistake that about 75% of all participants make. We will see.....
What gives me a spark of confidence though is my half IM a few weeks ago. The way I ran that day surprised the hell out of me quite frankly. I also know that I am more muscular than last time, and leaner. Those 2 things can be a significant factor over the course of 11 hours. I will still however judge my day as it wears on. I will gear everything towards being able to run the planned 4 hours. If there is any hint of early tiring on the bike I will slow down. I would much rather come in at 11:30 feeling good, then arrive at 11:29 crawling!
So there you have it. On August 26, 2012 I will participate in Ironman Canada and complete the event in a time of 10:59:59 or less! You have my commitment on that! Game on!
Long ride tomorrow. I may get wet!
(swim 2000 metres)
"The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it's not without doubt, but in spite of doubt"---Anon
Love
Peter
Fortunately I'm not a superstitious guy or I may consider it unwise to take this day to tell you about how I plan to do an 11 hour Ironman.
First off I admit to wondering what people really think when they first hear that. Is the reaction; that's sounds aggressive... or the exact opposite...that's all the improvement he can make? Thirty seven little minutes, or about 5 percent.
I admit to wondering the same thing at times. It doesn't sound like a lot when you say it that way, but I also know the reality. The reality that I gave it all I had the first time, and that I was very motivated because of the novelty of it, and because of the cancer thing. There is also the reality that I am 3 years older again. Normally you don't get faster as you get older.
But I'm gonna give it a shot. Like I said the other day I believe goal setting is a critical aspect of any undertaking. Critical in the sense that striving towards a goal brings you the kind of satisfaction that you are presumably after.
But the 11 hours is only part of the goal. Of course having fun is paramount but I also wish to do well in my age group. I am much better positioned for this than in 2009 as at that time I was in the 59th month of my 60 month age category, but this time I am only in the 35th month. Believe it or not that makes a big difference in the competition level. It's also why I have considered the idea of doing my next race in 3 years again, when I will be in the first year of eligibility for the 60-64 gaphers!
So I am sad to tell you that my success or failure at the 11 hours may well come about in the first hour. After doing the math I need to be at least 7 minutes faster out of the water than 2009. Although this may be a major pipe dream it's what I'm shooting for. If it doesn't happen, then although it does not end the dream, it will necessitate a major surprise somewhere else.
Basically it needs to look like this.
Stand up out of the water at 1:16 (7 minutes faster)
First transition 4 minutes (same)
Out on the bike at 1:20
Back ride in 5:37 (32 minutes faster, 32 kms/hr)
Second transition 3 minutes (same)
Out running at 7 hours.
Marathon in 4 hours (same as last time)
So while it seems like most of the improvement comes down to the bike it really is about my overall endurance. After surviving the swim the whole day comes down to saving enough from the bike to still be able to run. I could have ridden faster last time but I resolved to not do so, and indeed it worked for me. I believe I can do the 32 kms/ hour but still run a 4 hour marathon afterwards??? It may be a mistake....the mistake that about 75% of all participants make. We will see.....
What gives me a spark of confidence though is my half IM a few weeks ago. The way I ran that day surprised the hell out of me quite frankly. I also know that I am more muscular than last time, and leaner. Those 2 things can be a significant factor over the course of 11 hours. I will still however judge my day as it wears on. I will gear everything towards being able to run the planned 4 hours. If there is any hint of early tiring on the bike I will slow down. I would much rather come in at 11:30 feeling good, then arrive at 11:29 crawling!
So there you have it. On August 26, 2012 I will participate in Ironman Canada and complete the event in a time of 10:59:59 or less! You have my commitment on that! Game on!
Long ride tomorrow. I may get wet!
(swim 2000 metres)
"The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it's not without doubt, but in spite of doubt"---Anon
Love
Peter
I love it and believe you can ndo it! I know how much improvement that is and have no doubts of your capabilities. Love you infinity, elly
ReplyDeleteyou CAN do it!
DeleteI'm with Elly: You CAN do IT!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Elly and Mike: You CAN do IT!
ReplyDeleteHi Pete,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog today. I'm a numbers person and I appreciated the breakdown of the events. I'll be keeping track of you on the day - I also believe you can do it!!! I hope the swim goes well and sets you up for the other two events. I am amazed by your determination and I enjoy reading about your strategy.