April 11 Update

I thought it was time to give another update. I apologize that these updates have been rather sparse lately.

Training Update:

Well, there's not much to say here. This is the most UNDERTRAINED I've ever been entering into an Ironman. Lots of excuses, but they are just that: excuses. My work travels, Minnesota weather, a pending new job, and some general health concerns have set me back a bit. However, we press on, right?

I typically like to peak at around 20 hours/week training for at least a couple weeks in my training schedule. I like to average 12 - 14 hours/week training, which is on the low end of most Ironman athletes. I also like to get in several long rides (4 - 6 hours, 80 - 115 miles). Well, this year, I peaked at about 13 hours training in a week, with most weeks in the 10-hour range, sometimes even less. My peak ride was on March 23, in honor of Adam Mikelson, my friend who died last year on March 23. I got in 100 miles that day, but it was at a rather leisurely 18 mph pace. Other than that, I managed one day with 74 miles on the trainer, and a couple 50-milers, but that was the extent of my long rides. Not where I'd like to be! But, it is what it is.

My running has been OK. Weekly mileage has ranged from 35 up to 48. Not too bad, but also a little light, especially considering my lack of bike volume. I got in a couple long runs in the range of 16 - 18 miles over the past couple months. I also ran 13 miles on the indoor track at the ymca last week, as I'm getting softer in my old age and didn't want to buck the wind and snow in Minnesota. 11 laps / mile x 13 miles = 143 laps! I'm surprised I didn't get dizzy. I felt good, though, and managed a comfortable 6:55/mile pace.

Brick workouts have been non-existent. (bricks are bike - run workouts, where one runs immediately following the bike). I ran 3 miles after my 100-mile ride on March 23 and felt good, but that's a lot different than slugging out a marathon after biking 112!

Swimming - also OK, but nothing extraordinary. I did manage two 2.5 mile pool swims (4500 yards, or 90 laps). They went pretty good.

Fundraising Update:

We're moving along. We had a good radio interview on Relevant Radio out of Minneapolis. Also, we've had a lot of generous donations in the past several weeks. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED!!! YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MAKING DIRECT POSITIVE IMPACTS ON LIVES!!! It is so encouraging for Heather and I to see your contributions on behalf of the crisis pregnancy centers in Minnesota.

Race Update:

Heather and I are heading down to Arizona tomorrow, Thursday. It is 95 degrees there right now, but looking to be around 85 on Sunday the 15th. My biggest concern is the wind. PLEASE PRAY FOR A CALM DAY!!! Right now, the winds are scheduled to be over 20 mph with gusts near 40. That is not good, especially since my biggest challenge is the bike right now, where winds can be both mentally and physically draining.

Prayer Requests:

- Health - I'm trying a new nutrition formula from Infinit Nutrition. It is never recommended to try something new on race day. But, we'll give it a go. I've never even tasted the stuff, so it could be intersting. Also, pray for my body to withstand the day, since I am going into this race undertrained.

- Weather - please pray for a good day, especially no wind!

- Mechanicals - Due to my busy schedule, I was unable to get my bike tuned up. Please pray that everything holds up well - i.e. no flats, no broken spokes or chains, tires work well, etc.

- Travel - please pray for good travels for Heather and I and the friends that will be joining us

- Above all, please pray that GOD IS GLORIFIED through this race! TO HIM BE THE GLORY!!!!!!

Closing verse for focus: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.