Rebuilding - VII

So now we're flying we're free

We're free before the thunderstorm

On towards the wilderness

Our quest carries on

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Twitter Account

@TheTigerRebuilt

1st Long Ride

Had my first long ride of the year (50+) Miles.  I rode the I&M Canal Trail.  The trail goes from Willowsprings to Lemont (25.1 miles) and a smaller loop is 3.22 miles.  My ride included 2 laps of the I&M and one lap of the adjoining loop.   The ride started out great. I was coasting at an easy 19 mph (my current long distance max speed) At the 7 mile mark there is a steep hill which should be dubbed Markthemoper Mountain.   

Now after this steep hill there is a significant decline where anyone can pickup 25-30 miles per hour.  Here is where the story gets better.  During my second lap I decided to kick on my afterburners.  

Let me tell you. BIGGGGGG mistake.  I overshot my course heading and I went past the hard deck.  I was in trouble.  Hydraulics were going I was about to stall.  It was either hit the tree or hit the lake.  Luckily I recovered and managed to steer onto the correct course heading.  For a minute there I thought I needed to throw down my landing gear.  I counted my blessings and continued on my lap.  

I also encountered a boogie.  (A goose was protecting its nest on the trail)  It didn't engage pursuit but it was sure pissed off.  I had to use afterburners twice, once in the beginning and another time on the return trip.  Great match training.

Swimming

My swimming has become a bit more developed.  I feel strong and faster in the water.  However, I am not there yet.  So my coach turns around and tells me to do a 1x250 (no breaks)  My reaction.

Que? Haven't tried it but when I get a swim only day I will attempt it. Anyway, my swimming routine will improve but for now its generally along these lines.

2x25y fly kick on 45

10x50y catch up on 1:45

10x50y f/s pull on 1:45

My last workout was actually a little different.

2x25y fly kick on 45

2x50y catch up on 1:30

1x150y f/s 3:33 total

1x25y  b/s on 2

10x50y catch up on 1:30

4x50y b/s on 2

Fostering 

I have a new job title.  I am now a foster parent of a fur child!.  Meet Mini-Girl who is also my new running partner for 2 weeks.  She is a little speed demon and she's great.  She really needs a home though.  So if you are interested please contact me.  She needs lots of exercise!

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http://www.pawschicago.org/adoptions/dogs-available-for-adoption/mini-girl/

One last funny picture.

Thanks again to the AWMYF markthemoper and to my swim coach Mike for helping me train and chase my dreams.

As always, thanks for reading.

-Tiger

Rebuilding - VI

La-da-di-dup-dup die dy

On the stereo

Let those speakers blow your mind

(Blow my mind, baby)

To let it go, let it go

Here we go

La-da-di-dup-dup die dy (c'mon, we're there)

On the radio

The system is gonna feel so fine

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Mark The Hill Crusher

Climbing hills is not a part of training.  It's a part of life for my coach Mark.  I couldn't believe I survived day 1 of his bike training.  It was pretty intense and I didn't go nearly as fast as I thought I would.  He's definitely one of the coolest guys I've met and him and Mrs. Coach are big animal people!

400 Miles and Counting

I set out with a goal this year to do 100 miles per month split between biking/running/swimming.  While March was a bit of a bomb I still made my goal of 400 miles.  I know now that biking will be a GIANT part of my summer.  I could surpass my goals and even my year end goal by end of the summer.

Bring Your Biking A Game On Race Day

As coach puts it biking is a big part of the triathlon.   Biking was my gateway sport into swimming and running.  It was the first sport I fell in love with.  I've never been big on hills.  But I need to learn how to love them.  I want that rush you get when you dominate a hill.  

PAWS Chicago

I want to adopt them all.  I am going to foster in June when the weather gets a bit warmer.  I'd like to take my foster to the dog beach where I'm at.  Here is a pic of a cutie.  It's a few weeks old so I don't know if the doggie is still around.  I hope not.

You know someone almost convinced me to like cats.  I don't know if she reads my blog but you almost had me!  On that note, I am almost at $1000 for my Team PAWS fundrasing goal.  You know what that means. I will have to work 2 shifts in kitty city if I do.  Now take into account that $500 is from me so you guys need to keep giving!  

Team PAWS - Joshua Goldman

Final Note

All in all the pieces are falling into place.  I'm going in for an swim evaluation next week.  

Next time your coach says there will only be a few hills see this picture below.

As always thanks for reading.