Sunday, July 15, 2007

Locked, cocked and ready to rock.

Keep this brief. Yesterday I did a 2 hr bike ride and ran outside for 20 min. It was the first time I ran outside since I tore my shoulder.

It is amazing what a taper can do for you. I was running in HR 165+ without breathing hard. That is my zone 3-4. Of course, if I run at this heart rate in Ironman, I am going to blow up.

My legs felt strong and I felt great. It was raining but it was awesome! Normally running at HR 165, I will be breathing hard. Instead I was singing out loud.

Today I did an hour run. No more high HR. I kept it between 140-150. Just nice and easy.

I think about Ironman everyday. Today at service I was praying really hard. I recall all the effort I put in for this race. The early morning swims. The late night runs. The week in and out. The life up and down. I give thanks to be able to do this.

Two years ago, Ironman was a vague thought in my head. Next week, I will be facing the biggest challenge in my 27 years on earth. I will be dropping 100%. I will be digging deep.

I am focus.
I am nervous.
I am excited.
I am anxious.
I am happy.
I am scared.
Ha..just like me before going on a date :) (a hawt date!!)

I am going to go now. I need to write down my racing strategy. The mind needs to stay focus and sharp.

I haven't swim since my accident. If my shoulder is good, I will hit the pool on Tues. I am seeing the specialist on Wed for a final check on my shoulder. I can swing my right arm 360 with some stiffness.

12 comments:

brendaj said...

I'll send a prayer up for you. BTW, i really enjoyed the link you shared for the Faith and Fitness online mag.

Steven said...

Hey Cliff...I cannot wait to follow along on-line this weekend as you fulfill your Ironman dream!

You are ready and you will succeed!

Go get done!

Dances with Corgis said...

Hey Cliff,

I'm going to be at mile 6 on the run, so aid station #3 ... the turn around on the way to Willington.

So look for me and say hi!

I'm going to make you a sign and maybe "chalk" the ground too :) So keep your eyes peeled around the station for it!

woot!!!!

Hope you are getting psyched for a great race! :)
Court

Rachel said...

You're going to do great. Be patient. The waiting and tapering phase is the hardest mentally.

Rachel said...

Btw, thanks for the compliment!

Crackhead said...

See ya Friday morning at the swim 7:30AM. I'll be wearing a hot pink swimsuit!

Unknown said...

Looking forward to reading about your experiences!

Have fun!!

AddictedToEndorphins said...

Cliff, you're going to do great!! You've worked so hard and now it's almost time to reap the rewards!

I've enjoyed reading about you're training! I can't wait to read the report!

Stay strong and focused this next week! Don't be soo nervous you can't sleep;P

Brent Buckner said...

We'll be cheering for you - meanwhile, stay loose!

Thomas said...

Looking good, Cliff. You'll nail the race.

Sixteen Chickens said...

Go Cliff! And remember, the proper way to celebrate after the race is with what??? What's that I didn't hear you? WHAT??!?? That's right! A BEER!

Robin said...

THAT IS GREAT! I'll be out there. I'll be in a red TRIFURY Tee-Shirt! We also have a TRIFURY TENT (White & red & maroon) Look for it! It should be out on the run. There are 20 Trifury Team mates racing and even more CHEERING! I'll have them cheer for you, too! woo-hoo!

Robin