Reality

Today reality struck and although I knew some weeks ago that due to work I won't get all my training done, I realized today that IMSA is not going to be what I wanted or planned.

Maybe it was the public holiday today with all the spare time that made me think about IMSA. When I started with my 20 week training program I had one goal and that was to qualify for Kona again.

Later on I added another four goals but the main goal was to qualify. I guess if you've been there and done it you know what's it all about and as I said on previous occasions one can't describe that feeling to someone, you have to experience it yourself.

Training went according to plan but lately it's gone pear shape. With all the work commitments and add to that the three Half Ironman's I did, the training hours just ain't there.

Last year for IMSA I did two HIM and for Kona I did nothing and could feel it on race day, the lack of race readiness. Doing three HIM's this year was too many. One is a must and two is the maximum but doing three I neglected my long training sessions on weekends. And then I had to recover on the Monday and even on some Tuesday's which meant those session also went out the door.

The only way to have a successful Ironman is to put in the hours, there is no shortcut. You can't go to ironman.com or to a triathlon store and buy a sub 10hour or sub11 hour Ironman finishers package, you need to train.

I've compared my training log from the past two Ironman's with the current one and although I've clocked the same kilometers I've done way less hours of training, especially the long ones. With only five weeks left of which two are taper weeks I just ran out of time to have my preparation 100%

During yesterdays ride I could also feel that the legs aren't there during the long ride and that just confirmed the way I see IMSA this year. At least the running is better than last year but swimming and cycling is going to be a real challenge this year.

For now I am still going to keep on training and will still aim for that magical sub 10 hour finished which is very unlikely but qualifying for Kona is not going to happen.

This morning I went out with the cycling club on my 4 hour ride and I must say I feel so much safer riding in a bunch than on my own. Yes Kim do bring out my bottles when I'm at the halfway mark and drive behind me from there onwards but that first few hours are always scary.

It was very misty today and cold, well at last for me. Some guys were riding in short sleeve shirts but I had three layers on. I hate the cold and would much rather ride in 40c heat than in 20c.

Close to the end of the ride my PowerTap's head unit came loose as I was riding over some bumpy road and as I saw it flying across the road, I thought it was gone. It eventually ended up in the bush next to the road and I was really surprised that it was still working with only a minor scratch. At first I thought the bracket was broken but I could clipped it in again.

About 5km from home it jumped off again and I was really lucky as two cars drove past and missed it by centimeters. I picked it up and it was still working, that's when I decided to put it in my pocket and will use some cable ties to secure it to the handlebar before my next ride.

One thing I can say about the PowerTap unit is that it is very strong, Wow thought I was in for a few buck replacing it after today's ride.

Today's Training:

Bike: 3h52, 115.6km, 124bpm, 3043kcal,

Swim: 1h03. 3km.