JohnnyKay and Fred Doucette's HIM/IM focused Mentor group-CLOSED (Page 50)

Got on the treadmill yesterday for an easy run.  Was planning for 30 minutes, but I felt really good, so just went about 50 minutes instead.  Had to cancel my swim afterwards, so I figured I would burn a few extra calories.

I'm not too familiar with the area...only been to NY once when I was in intermediate school. 

I'm trying to imagine what the bike and run course would be like.  Do you think it would be in more urban areas with lots of people around.  I imagine the run could be something like the NYC marathon with lots of people cheering you on.

Either way, the more options people have for Ironman, the better.  With so many races selling out, I like the idea of expansion.  I just didn't think NYC would be so willing to accomodate an IM.

The race barely in NYC at all (just the last part of the run).  Most of the race is in NJ.  The bike is on a parkway--not very conducive for fans camping out.  And its mid-Aug, think hot and humid.

As close as this race is to me (and having lived on the Upper West Side near where the race finishes for 10 years), I'd like to like it.  But I'm really not interested in it at all.  I'm sure many will be, though.  The swim should be fast.  Plenty of draft on the bike.  And the run seems mostly flat (at least once you reach mid-span on the GW).

I suppose IMNJ doesn't have the same ring to it huh?

So...assuming Kona isn't an option...what is everone's dream race destination.

Mine is IM Canada (Penticton) and Strongman (Okinawa).  I'd also love to do Couer d'Alene.

That's an interesting question.  I don't travel a ton to destination races, but there are plenty that sound good in my dreams--St. Croix, Wildflower, Lanzarote, WA, NZ, etc.  But I've raced on some great courses--LP, Am-Zof, Harriman--and find I don't need a 'destination' to race.  Just a good race.  I think some people will see that in IMNJ.  At this point, I don't.  But, I'd never say never. 

Someday I would like to do Kona.  My only way to get there is by winning a lottery slot but I am totally cool with that.  Watching the Kona race on TV years ago is one of the sparks that started my Tri Career.  I am also very interested in Canada.  So far I've done Louisville (x3), Texas, Wisconsin (x3, DNF one year due to afib) and Lake Placid (x2).  Each race has generates fond memories for me.  I've yet to do a race that was not a great experience (except for the DNF!).  The scenery is important but even more so are the people I meet, the cheering crowds, and the dedication of the other athletes and the awesome volunteers and support.  Its also nice to know there are lots of others in this world that share the passion I have for long course races. Even IMWI in 2006 when it rained and was cold all day has left me with great memories.

So the perfect race for me?  I dunno.  I ramble on, sorry.

I think I might want to try the Escape from Alcatraz Tri some day.  Not only does it sound challenging with the terrain, but it's also neat getting to jump off a boat and swim through the bay.  Maybe I just like gimmicks (if that's what you want to call it), but that all sounds cool to me.

Today's workout was one of those days where it was a struggle for me.  Was dreading the run, the heat, and just didn't feel like working out this morning.  This is my crescendo week with the most hours of training, so I suspect that was festering in the back of my head knowing I have a couple ginormous workouts coming up later in the week.  Anyway, I did HTFU and finished the run even tho it was rather pathetic.  Just telling myself that something is better than nothing!

My wife groaned when I told her about the "NYC" race.  But she was interested when I mentioned Temblant.  We may do a family Grand Canyon trip that time of year in '12,  but '13 is possible. 

So...today is the last day in my 20's.  I rode 29.6 miles yesterday...not on purpose...just the way it worked out.  I'm thinking of running for 29:59 minutes and swimming 2950 in the pool after work.  Maybe throw in 29 pushups.  Anything else I can do to hold on to my 20's? 

Yeah.  We've been working on an itinerary already.  We'd do it in August if we go next year so want to be ready 1-year in advance to make the reservations.  We did Grand Teton & Yellowstone last year and loved it.  The kids did even better with it than I expected, so I think they'll be ready for the Canyon next year.  Hope to hit Arches while out that way, as well.

Next year?!  I'm still thinking and worrying about this year which hasn't even really begun for me.  I'm going to have to wait until after my first HIM before I can start making any decisions on anything

Good question about next year...I may do many of the same races I did this year.  Being in Hawaii has it's upside...but the downside is that you need to fly a minimum of 3000 miles to race outside the state.

I am so far away from planning next year's races.  Unlikely to do any of those, however.