IMTX Training Camp - Party of 1

Over Easter weekend I decided to use the long weekend to get in a full fledged IMTX training camp. It was the most mileage I have ever put into that short of time and I could definitely feel it at the end, but in a good way. I tried to get some friends to join me, but our schedules didnt match up, so I was solo. Which is definitely good mental training for the race, but not nearly as much fun.

The weekend started with a 3:45 wake up call to get on a flight to Houston. Once we landed I got right on my bike for a 4 hour ride. I took it somewhat easy knowing what I was going to be doing the next day. After the ride I went in to get my bike fit since I had discovered the leg length discrepancy a few weeks ago. I got a lot of tweaking done and it was ready for the next day. I was somehow able to talk Chris into getting up at 5AM with me and driving to the woodlands so he could SAG for me on the IMTX course. I promised him he could ditch me and go shopping as long as he was nearby enough and came and checked on me every so often. So I set out and had one rough ride. We all know houston is hot and humid (it was), but for the past month there have been some crazy winds. I was so sore in my shoulders and arms for holding onto the bike so tightly, and at one point I was going straight downhill into the wind at 6MPH. I didnt know that was possible. It was insane. All I can hope for is that it dies down before May 21, otherwise it will be an even rougher ride than I am expecting. I met Chris back at the start and he was carrying this.



It was the best food I have ever put in my mouth and it was the first time I have been able to finish an entire Freebirds burrito. Best post workout fuel ever!

The next day I was up early to get in a long run. My legs were screaming at me the first 6 miles, but then I started to feel better. The pace varied from 7:30 (with the wind) to 10:20 (into the wind). I lost my visor twice and almost got blown over at a stoplight - it was that strong. I meant to take pictures but I kept forgetting. After the run was a quick ice bath and then a friend's BBQ to top off the Easter weekend. All in all a great weekend.

Just a few notes for anyone racing IMTX

1) If the wind doesnt die down, the race wont be nearly as hot as it could be, but the bike will be difficult. The headwind is on the last half of the bike if the winds stay like they are.
2) The first part of the bike is flat, but dont be fooled. There are some rollers in the later parts, so dont go out too strong so that you are toast for the hills and the last half going into the wind.
3) The bike course is mind numbingly boring. I saw lots of dead animals and smelled lots of skunks. And had a major coughing fit because I inhaled something I was allergic to.
4) I only ran a part of the run course, but it seemed to be shielded from the wind, so that is good.


I put in 180 miles of riding and close to 30 miles of running and came out the other side. Now I have two more hard weeks before I start my taper. Chris is very happy that this crazy ride I am on is almost over. While it is the beginning of the season for a lot of people, it is my end. I have been training solidly for about 10 months and once the IM is over I will be cutting back big time and doing a few olys, sprints and maybe another 1/2 ironman over the next few months before I start with the marathon training. I will definitely be taking some time to hang out with Chris, friends and the family. Oh yeah, and maybe start to plan a wedding!

Happy training everyone!