The Bay is at its Warmest!

Of the three sports of triathlon, swimming is still my favorite. Gliding weightless through the open water is my favorite state of being and San Francisco bay is my favorite place to swim. Admittedly, most of year, the temperature is colder than I’d like. However, the bay is up to 62 degrees now (it dips to 43 in the depth of winter).

Aside from the initial shock of getting in, I think this is the perfect water temperature for long distance swimming. No special training needed this time of the year. I know it lacks curbside appeal, but if you’ve ever wanted to try bay swimming. . . now is the time!

Photo by Dolphin Club member – Lolly Lewis.

A Little Help From a Pro

With the massive volume of Ironman training, some aches, pains, pinches, blisters, soreness are to be expected. However, during the past two weeks I experienced a terrible knee pain under my left knee cap.

The pain was only in my left knee, it always followed long bike ride, and the right knee was unaffected. It was literally sore to the touch for a few days after each long ride.

It was frustrating because I knew I had the capacity for much more output on the bike but was limited by my knee pain.

Unable to determine the specific cause or correct the problem, I turned to Coach Phillip Casanta for help. Phil coaches for Hyper Cat Racing and has pretty much seen it all.

Coach Phil quickly diagnosed the cause - a worn and rigid cleat on my left race shoe. Apparently, this caused my left knee to track in one position rather than allowing my knee to float naturally through the pedal stroke. He assured me the injury was temporary, adjusted my cleats, shared a few bike tips, and in 20 minutes I was out the door and ready to ride. I’m hopeful that my next long ride will be better.

Thanks Coach!!!

The Versace Gaunlet

The Versace gaunlet has been thrown down!!!

Apparently, Lisa isn't the only lovely lady stepping into the triathlon arena. According to SFGate, J.Lo. is training for a triathlon. I doubt J.Lo. is attempting Ironman. She is likley doing a shorter race. However, Ironman Kona is in October, so who knows? You may have some competition Lisa!

Good Luck J.Lo. & Lisa!!!

As an aside, I still don't get the Marc Anthony thing. Here is the article. . .

Lopez Training for Triathlon -

Jennifer Lopez is training furiously to be fit enough to take part in a triathlon, just eight months after giving birth to twins.

The superstar was snapped on vacation in Italy this week with her bikini body back, following the February birth of tots Max and Emme.

And her husband Marc Anthony reveals Lopez is on a tough training schedule on foot, on bike, and in water.

He tells the TV show "Extra," "Jennifer is training for a triathlon. In October."

But crooner Anthony confesses he will be watching from the sidelines, instead of working up a sweat with Lopez.

He says, "I'm very supportive. I'll be on my Segway (encouraging her)."

Tale of a Tough Ride

In an attempt to step up our training Lisa and I set out early this morning to meet Nobu for a LAR ("Long Ass Ride"). We define a LAR as anything over 50 miles. The first couple hours on the bike offered everything a roadie could dream up. We started with a ride over the Gold Gate Bridge. Headed down into the sleepy bayside town of Sausolito. Then headed into the Marin headlands. The romance of the ride pushed us further and further out. Instead of turning around at 25 miles, we extended to 30. Then we extended our turn around point to 35 miles (Point Reyes). That set us up for 70 miles on the day.

Shortly after turning around, my back tire blew out. Here began a comedy of errors which would have been funny, but for the blazing sun and lack of any breeze or shade. Ask any roadie how to change a tire and you'll likely get different answers regarding the best technique. That said, all would likely agree getting a road tire on a wheel is frustrating.

An exercise in frustration. . . My first attempt was with a tire with too small of a stem. My second attempt was with my patched up blown tire. It almost worked until the stem broke off! My third attempt was with a donated tire from another roadie. It went flat right after I got it on. Finally, I patched the donated tire, got it on my wheel and started off again down the road. All in, I spent 90 minutes on the side of the road and switched out 4 tires.

My repair worked for about 5-10 miles at at time. Then I would have to hop off and pump up my tire. The 4 hours of riding and roadside repair had taken a toll on all of us. It became clear to all that it was time to call in reinforcements. Without discussion, Nobu called his girlfriend, Kaori, to pick me up in Fairfax. I had covered 50 miles and my ride was over. Thanks Kaori!!!

Nobu and Lisa pushed on into some fierce winds. While climbing back up to the Golden Gate, Lisa was literally blown over by a rouge gust of wind. 20 miles and almost two hours later Nobu and Lisa rolled into the parking lot. I could not have been more impressed with their effort and accomplishment. They covered 70 miles!!! Don't let Lisa's casual smile fool you, she pushed her limits and is now passed out beside me.


Reflections on the day. . . bring correct tires to IMAZ (x2). . . Nobu is no joke. . . Lisa is one tough lady. . . running a marathon is unimaginable right now. . . in fact, I can barely walk. . . hoping for a better ride next week.

IM Training - A Balancing Act

My first month of Ironman training was a complete blur. Early morning swims, lunchtime runs and late night spins. Not surprisingly, balancing family, career, training and sleep has been difficult.

During June, my training slipped a bit. I feel I'm still on track but with 4.5 months to race day, it is definitely time to step up the training. My attitude toward training and the race is still very positive.

Right now my focus is consistency in training and maintaining my confidence. Missing work outs or feaking out about what lies ahead present the greatest risk at this stage. This month I'll train (and frankly live) like I race - steady controlled efforts, grateful for the experience and expecting the best.