Tour de IMFrance

Last year when I was struggling through a year of no racing and very little training if we can call it that, one of the folks at Twin Oaks told me of his father's flat in Cannes, France and said we could use it if we ever wanted to go over the pond for a little R&R. So, I got to thinking, what better way to relax than to do an Ironman! Knowing Cannes is a short distance from Nice, where Ironman France has been held for the last several years, I began to emotionally prepare and consider the cost to go and race. Unfortunately, even if accommodations were taken care of, the costs were extreme. So, we had pretty much given up on the idea until a generous friend sent us a gift at the holidays that said we needed to use it for something, "fun!"

So, are you catching the theme here? For some folks doing an Ironman is anything but relaxing and fun! And to be honest during the 10+ hours I've been out there I swear I'll never do it again, but for some reason I look forward to the physical insanity like a mother who forgets birth pains.

As I've said before doing the race is the easy part; it's the training that's hard. Today will be our first day over 100 degrees here in San Jose and I have a 3 hour ride I'll start in just about 30 minutes and then have a very difficult 1 hour hill run around 6pm tonight! Tomorrow there will be another 2 hour run on top of a 5,000 yrd swim (thats over 3 miles of swimming) and then Saturday, Saturday, SATURDAY! I'll be doing a 100+ ride with lots of climbing and a 30 minute run off the bike at 8 minute mile pace! OUCH!!! Not to mention it'll still be over 100 degrees.

These next several weeks are going to be key to my success or lack there of in France. I must put the time in and let my body absorb all the grueling terrain and heat like a squirrel packs away chestnuts for a later day. I'm already near race weight and my body fat has dropped like a dinner plate at a Greek wedding (yeah, I'm having fun writing this). That means I have to really eat a lot now just to keep my body from cannibalizing itself. I'm tired constantly! Often, I'll just stare at the computer knowing I need to study or answer emails, possibly do a report but I can't seem to remember what I'm doing. Every morning when I wake up I feel the heaviness in my legs and the deep ache in my glutes and think that I have to do more this day than the day before just to keep pace. Yes, I am five weeks away from Ironman.  Five weeks away from sunburn, from legs that will wake me up when I try to turn over in the middle of the night, from a pair of nasty smelling running shoes and from hearing, "Vous êtes un homme de fer!"

By the way... since my usual post race meal is a cheeseburger and a beer, this being France and all, does that mean I'll have to settle for a quiche and chablis?

Just askin'.

For more information on Ironman France click HERE

Comments

[bobby]

Dan...you are a freaking stud. I want to be you when I grow up.

[Clyde]

Or maybe dropping like a Red Special plate?
Incredible what some people consider fun, hahaha.....keep it up, and yes you are a freakin stud!
You should see peoples faces when I say my pastor competes in the Iron Man!

[marina]

Amazing...can only begin to understand the pain your body is going through as you prepare for this - my work out routine seems pitiful compared to yours - I wish you well!!! And go for the classic picnic basket filled with bread & cheese & chocolate & champagne!