Training volume is ramping up to the peak of the 20 week plan that Im using. Needless to say, I am not alone when I scan the forums over at Beginner Triathlete and see all of the posts of exhausted athletes in the final build weeks of Ironman Louisville. The last two weeks have been quite the rollercoaster. Mentally it has been a challenge to stay on top of my game, but I still havent had a full fledged freakout yet. Im starting to put together all of my lists and scan the forums and the IMKY website looking for any bits of news coming out about the race. Latest rumor is that they are changing the bike course back to the original route which takes out a huge hill at mile 10 and then again at mile 102. Im tallying up all of those last minute purchases I need to make, nutritional items, race day clothing, comfort accessories like body glide and bag balm, and trying to turn in one last week of long workouts as the descent and taper start next week.

Running and swimming have been progressing well, turning out some big distances and putting in some record setting efforts by going over 18 miles on the run!? I went out for the second of my record breaking distance rides, attempting 85 miles for the first time solo while I was visiting Lexington … unfortunately it ended in calling for a ride home after only 42 miles. I got a bit of scare since I have been noticing some reoccurring pain in my inside left knee for the past week weeks, only while Im riding. When it completely gave out on me barely more than 2 hours into what was planned to be a 5 hour ride, needless to say I had to find a solution FAST!? My brother the PT took a look at it, my other brother got me a quick appointment at his Orthopedic friends office and a certain ER doctor I am becoming acquainted with weighed in with her medical advice.

With some well planned therapy and rest I have been able to avoid any further workout ending pain, though I still know its there. The high however was a week later being able to complete a full circuit of the IMKY bike course, all 112 miles of it. Granted I took a few breaks to rest and ice it, but if I have to do it during race day, so be it, Im going to cross that finish line either way.

Swim: 9295.71 Yd 3h 10m

Bike: 155.18 Mi 8h 41m 50s
Run: 23.42 Mi 3h 23m 22s

Total:8.25 hours

Mental Health: Good

Injuries: None

Aches & Pains: Significant – Inside left knee, stabbing pains on bike
Nutrition: Excellent

Party Days: 0

Good Nights Sleep: 3