training is going really well.  i am happy to be getting all the workouts from the schedule in.  looking forward to some warmer weather so that i can get outside.  I have a few races 10-15 weeks out.  Doing a small sprint in April (at my alma matar campus) - really doing the tri so i can justify some greasy college food and a beer afterward!  then May i have a half marathon and then TTT in Ohio.  That will be a crazy weekend.  I am sort of wondering what i was thinking signing up for that one!!!!! 

My plantar fascitis is flaring up again.  I have had this injury for almost a year now.  luckily it does not bother me to run, but a few hours later if sit for any extended period of time and get up, it is like someone is stabbing me in my heel.  Went to a therapist trained in ART (Active Release Therapy) last year and he worked wonders on me.  Looks like i may be needing a standing appointment with him as IM gets closer.

Swimming is going really well.  My training plan calls for alot of swimming in my opinion, but i can feel myself getting much stronger.  I actually have no worries about the IM swim, even though I wouldnt call it my strength.

Getting a new bike soon - ordering it on Feb. 20.  So hopefully, by the time the weather gets nicer I will be sporting my new Cervelo!!!!!

Run is fine.  this is my strength.  Feel like my training plan is really light on the run part, but that is ok with me.  need the extra time on the bike!

cant wait to hear everyone's update!

Albert- do you have races planned before your IM in July?

Lisa

PS - took Tucker for his first 5 miler this morning.  he wasn't even winded.  think he will serve his purpose!!!!

Biking is coming around, albeit slower than I planned since I've missed more bike sessions and the weather/schedule haven't aligned to allow me to ride outside at all in months.

Swimming is...  Well, we won't talk about where my swimming is right now.  Suffice it to say that it's hard to maintain much fitness on once a week (at best)!  Sometime before Boston, I will ease back on the bike for a few weeks and start to ramp my swimming back up.  Hopefully that will be enough.

Been trying to catch up to some of you overachievers in here.  The good news is I am off and running with a 20wk Sprint plan.  On week 3.  Have followed it to a T......well, except for the swims.    Right now it is just a logistical thing.  Work schedule will change, and I'm planning on 6-12 master swim sessions to hone my technique.  But the real reps won't really be possible until the last 7 weeks or so of the plan.  I know this is not ideal, but it is what it is right now.

My first ever tri is a Sprint in Mobile on June 5.  The swim is a 600yd gulf swim, but I'm told it is pretty shallow for the first and last 150 (not that I'll walk, but helps the confidence).  Am I crazy to only truly train for the swim the last 7 weeks prior to the race?  Be honest.  Total newby here.

Outside of that my biggest concern is my running pace.  I can run 2-4 miles with little problem, but my pace is always like 11mins.  I have dropped about ten pounds and am feeling better, but dang that is SLOW. 

Bike feels awesome.  Love it.  So there's my update.  Any advice welcome and appreciated.  You guys are definitely keeping me going.  Very impressive folks!  Thanks.

Chris

Chris,  your running time will improve in a few weeks.  Get that volume where you can run 4-5 miles and then you can worry about increasing your speed for the 5K.  You seem to be on track for that.

7 weeks for the swim is enough time.  It is only 600 yards, which will seem like 600 miles the first week in the pool.  If you the master's swim sessions will be a big benefit.  Looking forward to hearing your results at your first sprint tri.  Have you set any goals, other than to finish?