Oh man. What can I say? I survived the Pikes Peak Ascent. By far the craziest, and hardest thing I've ever done including Ironmans. Maybe it wasnt the course, but the conditions that made this race a life changing experience for me. At the start (6,200ft above sea level) it was about 52 degrees and raining. By the time I was at the top, 3hrs and 18minutes later it was 29-32 degrees, sleeting/snowing, and the winds were 30+mph. I was wearing running shorts, a long sleeve tech shirt, and my newton cap. Unprepared would be an understatement. None the less I had the time of my life. When I registered for this race I was looking for a challenge. I got a challenge and so much more. I pushed beyond where I thought I could. Once past mile 10 around 11,000 ft the trees stop growing. The last 5K took me 1hr and 1min. Lets just say i've run a flat 5K in 17mins. This was just downright amazing. Even though I was walking each step was a challenge. Stepping on and over boulders that were coated w/ sleet added to the challenge. I'll stop with that, because I want to leave some suprises for the race report, but let me say this. Crossing the finish line for that race at 14,211 ft above sea level was the best feeling yet, and helped me realize mentally what I'm capable of.
Other than that I've been awesome. My Kona training is going so smoothly. I'm getting in all the training I want and I'm right on schedule. I've already gotten in two 115 mile rides, one w/ an 4mile run and the second w/ a 1hr 8 mile run around a 7:20/m pace. I still have 4 more 115 mile rides planned so hopefully I can keep up the cycling and stay on track.
After Lake Stevens this year I took it upon myself to lose about 10lbs. Well since then I've lost btwn 5-8lbs and I'm really seeing a difference. In my cycling for sure, but most of all in my runs. I'm easily running a 7:15/m pace on a regular basis. Sub 7min miles are really starting to feel good. I've REALLY started monitoring what goes into my body a lot closer. The closer I get to Kona the more I'll increase my calories. Once I get down to about 9lbs-10lbs from where I was I'll increase those calories and see if I can maintain that weight.
School starts Monday and I'm definitly not as excited as I'd like to be but it should add some structure to my weeks, plus help me get back on track w/ my swimming. The weeks that i'm training for Kona are going to be tough but it'll all pay off when I cross that finish line. (hopefully sub 10!!!)
Lastly I've started contimplating the Virginia Double Iron for next year. If it wasnt for possibly Kona qualifying again next year I'd already totally commit but as of right now I cant say that I wouldnt take my Kona slot if I get it for sure. I may pay the fees for the double and if I Kona qualify just withdraw... Odd thing is.. The double Iron is less than a WTC ironman. FIGURES. Speaking of the WTC...... guess I'll save that rant for another day!
Hope everyone is doing well! Enjoy these pics from the Pikes Peak Ascent. If you want to see the rest just click on the link on the right of the page w/ my picture. It says "pictures" underneath!
_Jacob_
Other than that I've been awesome. My Kona training is going so smoothly. I'm getting in all the training I want and I'm right on schedule. I've already gotten in two 115 mile rides, one w/ an 4mile run and the second w/ a 1hr 8 mile run around a 7:20/m pace. I still have 4 more 115 mile rides planned so hopefully I can keep up the cycling and stay on track.
After Lake Stevens this year I took it upon myself to lose about 10lbs. Well since then I've lost btwn 5-8lbs and I'm really seeing a difference. In my cycling for sure, but most of all in my runs. I'm easily running a 7:15/m pace on a regular basis. Sub 7min miles are really starting to feel good. I've REALLY started monitoring what goes into my body a lot closer. The closer I get to Kona the more I'll increase my calories. Once I get down to about 9lbs-10lbs from where I was I'll increase those calories and see if I can maintain that weight.
School starts Monday and I'm definitly not as excited as I'd like to be but it should add some structure to my weeks, plus help me get back on track w/ my swimming. The weeks that i'm training for Kona are going to be tough but it'll all pay off when I cross that finish line. (hopefully sub 10!!!)
Lastly I've started contimplating the Virginia Double Iron for next year. If it wasnt for possibly Kona qualifying again next year I'd already totally commit but as of right now I cant say that I wouldnt take my Kona slot if I get it for sure. I may pay the fees for the double and if I Kona qualify just withdraw... Odd thing is.. The double Iron is less than a WTC ironman. FIGURES. Speaking of the WTC...... guess I'll save that rant for another day!
Hope everyone is doing well! Enjoy these pics from the Pikes Peak Ascent. If you want to see the rest just click on the link on the right of the page w/ my picture. It says "pictures" underneath!
_Jacob_
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