I'm now two months into my Ironman training and things have been going swimmingly. Though I was exercising prior to January, the new year marked the start of my structured training. Currently, I'm doing some prep work, which should create a foundation for me to build on in the Spring. The goals I've set for myself are: become comfortable training 6 days a week for a minimum total of 7 hours, incorporating strength training, going to bed early and waking early to workout, getting more sleep, and eating as healthy as possible. Also, every fourth week is a recovery week in which I limit myself to about 50% of my regular workload. Here's a look at an average weekly plan:
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Swim 60 min | Bike 45 min Run 30 min |
Swim 60 min | Bike 45 min Run 30 min |
Run 30 min Weights 45 min |
Bike 90 min Run 30 min |
Rest |
For the most part, I've been spot on, doing between 7 and 9 hours a week and consistenly getting up between 5:00 and 5:45. Sleep has been my weak point, but I'm getting more rest than I have in the past. Currently, I'm getting between 6:30 to 7:30 hours a night. It's been the hardest convincing myself that 9:00 is my bedtime, especially when it used to be midnight or 1:00.
Another big change has been increasing my veggy intake. I think I've eaten more vegetables in the last two months than I did during my entire childhood. I remember vividly meticulous eating just the chicken out of my Mom's stir fry. I would start by getting the highest ratio of chicken to vegetables that I could with the serving spoon. Then, picking through any vegetables that did make it onto my plate, I'd eat the chicken. I may have eaten a few water chestnuts by accident, but that was about it. Now when I eat Chinese food, it's only vegetables and brown rice.
Overall the discipline has been a positive change for me. I have set some very lofty expectations of myself which have been the impetus I've needed to make some personal changes I've wanted to make. The progress I've made already is very noticable both physically and mentally. The first two months has been a bit of a honeymoon period though and I expect that my dedication to my plan will be tested as I progress through the season.
On a side note, I never bothered to mention that I tore my left achilles tendon back in the beginning of November. I had a MRI which indicated that I had a 4mm intersubstance tear. I wasn't able to walk comfortably on it. Stairs were painful and I had to drive Amy's automatic since it hurt to press the clutch in on the WRX. It took about 4 weeks before I was able to walk comfortably. Since then, I've been slowly rehabilitating it. Things seem to be going well and I will be scheduling another MRI for sometime in April to determine if it's healed completely.
I am so in awe of you, Stephen. You're working really hard for your goals, and you are an inspiration to me. Thanks for training at the butt crack of dawn so that you can come home from work early enough to eat dinner with Sophia and me and have silly dance parties before bedtime. Sophia and I love you!!!
I think you are a rock star too! I am happy to stand number two in line to say that you are my inspiration also. I remember when I was about 12 how I would proudly talk to about how you, my little brother, would beat the playground leaders in chess in 5 moves or less. Now I get to say, yeah, my brother is training for an Ironman. Once I explain the depth of what that means do they realize what an enormous challenge this is. I am also so excited that we are traveling the training journey together. I love that we are seeing similar results.
Darn Bounceland for your achilles tendon. I feel so guilty about that! I hope it is perfect soon.
I find that every time you post, I'm eating a donut. And I feel ashamed.
Thanks for the update. You're a star in my universe! I bet when winter lifts and you can run/bike outside you will have even more ambition. Go IronSteve go!
Wow Stephen. I am so impressed with that schedule and your dedication. I am so excited to be there at your triathalon to watch all your hard work pay off. Love you!
I forgot to mention... that part about picking the chicken out of your mother's stir fry... hilarious. Glad to hear you've gone green.
i challenge you to an arm wrestling match.