Internal Mono(b)log

My goals in 2017 were to race 2 Full distance Ironman events.  Lake Placid for training effect (and because it was close) and then Chattanooga for a PR.

At Lake Placid I developed a blinding (literally) migraine near the end of the bike.  I limped my way to T2, spent 30 minutes in the medic tent and then walked the “run” for a 15-something, nearly 16h finish.

I just tapped-out at IM Chattanooga again due to the exercise-induced migraine but this time it started to shut me down 10 miles into the bike.  By mile 30 my right eye vision was nearly gone and I had almost no power into the pedals.  Had a great swim too (57mins by my garmin), but my bike was weak from the start and just got worse as time went on..

I learned this year that, for me, 2 full Iron’s in 1 year is too much.  I’ve really lost my passion for the sport and I’m going to do “other things” to occupy my time for a bit.  May go back to single-sport bike and run racing and try to improve my single sport performance.  For now, I’m going to enjoy the fall: hang out with Kim and the dogs, maybe do some kayaking and cross-country skiiing if we get snow this year.  Maybe do some crossfit.. unsure, but a vacation from Triathlon is definitely in the cards.

And so, I’ll put a placeholder here with the InternalMonoblog.  At this crossroads, I wish you all well until we meet again.

Cheers

Rick

Love my Altras.  Been in them since my 1st Ironman 4 years ago.  Great shoes. Well made. Great designs for zero-drop fans (such as myself).

Good to see them getting due honors

Altra Footwear won five awards at the 2017 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Source: Altra Footwear Wins Five Prestigious Awards at 2017 Outdoor Retailer S

Which of these is best for swimming? Read on to find out.

Source: The Best Hand Position For Swimming – Triathlete.com

Source: Flying with your bike: tips from a baggage handler | CyclingTips

Cycling’s governing body has suspended the use of disc brakes following an injury to Movistar rider Francisco Ventoso

Source: UCI suspends use of disk brakes after Ventoso injury

Well that didn’t take very long…

The 22-year-old announced a 2-year deal after setting the world record on Tuesday night.

Source: Brooks Signs Beer Mile World Record Holder Lewis Kent – Competitor.com

I got a chuckle out of this.  Who knew winning a beer mile could get you a shoe sponsor 🙂

Great news for Clif and for those of us who find their products palatable when training and racing.

Source: Clif Bar & Company and IRONMAN Expand North American Partnership

This makes me happy.  Coeur d’Alene is on my bucket list.  Now there’s less of a hurry. 😉

TAMPA, Fla. (June 24, 2015) – IRONMAN today announced that it will continue its long-standing relationship with the city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho thanks to an agreement that moves the event to late August while extending the IRONMAN® Coeur d’Alene triathlon through 2020. This change in date allows for the…Read more ›

Source: IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene Extended through 2020 with Race Date Moving to August; IRONMAN Announces Addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene starting in June 2016 – Endurance Sportswire

TAMPA, Fla. (June 23, 2015) – Due to the current weather forecast calling for unusually high temperatures for this weekend’s IRONMAN® Coeur d’Alene event, IRONMAN has decided to adjust the race start time to 5:30 a.m. As our primary concern is the safety and security of our participants, spectators, volunteers,…Read more ›

Source: Announcement from IRONMAN: IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene Moves to a 5:30 A.M. Race Start – Endurance Sportswire

Appropriately timed given that 70.3 Mont Tremblant is 6 days away 😀

Source: Choosing the Best Taper for Your Next Triathlon | TrainingPeaks