Training for IM is training in a constant state of fatigue.? I have noticed this in a major way over the past few weeks since the temperatures in Louisville have shot up to 90+ temps for several straight days.? Its perfect for acclimatizing to what race conditions will likely be in late August, but it can be completely demoralizing.? I have added about 30 seconds a mile to my LSD (Long/Slow/Distance) runs and have been walking through my hydration breaks every 15 minutes to make sure Im getting properly fueled and my heart rate is having to work overtime to keep up.? Im not sure what the normal or typical effect heat and humidity has on heart race and pace, but its something you cant challenge, because the elements WILL defeat you everytime.

Sometimes I forget about all of those people who have told me along the way 'no time goals for your first IM … only to finish.'? If youre not contending for Kona or an top AG spot, then finish = win!? I want to finish under 13, I think I can finish under 11:30 if everything goes right.? But if for one second my body tells me that I cant do it, I back the pace off and let it go.

Recovery weeks are especially tough for me as I feel like garbage.? My body hurts worse than normal as the hard work from last week finally catches up; I seem slower than ever and with the extra time off I start going a little stir crazy over analyzing everything.? In a way Im glad for this recovery week to be over because it means that month 2 of Ironman training is complete!? Its also somewhat exiciting because I start theme weeks!? This week I will be swimming a whole lot more than normal and dialing the effort back on other sports in order to spend some quality sessions working on my technique.? With the heat, this is perfect timing to stick indoors and get some laps in.

Lest we forget, the Philadelphia Insurance Olympic Triathlon is coming up next weekend.? I will be heading back to Philly to take another swing at the course in Fairmount Park.? I have competed in 6 events in my brief tenure as a triathlete, but I cant imagine a better course than this.? Amazing community and Team In Training support, a very picturesque setting on the banks of the Schuylkill River and a nice and shady course.? Im looking to put in another strong performance, mainly due to my improvement in my running and the new bike since last year.? I have to temper those expectations with the fact I will still have 10 more weeks until Ironman, not to mention a Half Ironman on July 12th, so I cannot afford to completely blow this race out and risk missing training days by getting injured.

Swim: 4949.78 Yd 1h 45m

Bike: 68.40 Mi 3h 55m 05s
Run: 12.88 Mi 1h 53m 12s

Total: 7.75 hours?

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Mental Health: Decent

Injuries: None

Aches & Pains: Minor – Stabbing pains in left knee

Nutrition: Excellent

Party Days: 1

Good Nights Sleep: 5

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