100

This week I passed the 100 day count toward the Ironman. I have written nearly enough, access to this blog has been difficult since I don't have internet at home. I've had a lot to say, some self doubt but mostly positive gains toward my goal of becoming an Ironman.
Yesterday I with Will and our friend Chris woke up early to rainy conditions and met several hundred other bikers to take on the Harpeth River Ride. We three completed the metric last year. Chris another triathlete entered this race again. Will and I, ignoring the training plan decided that completing our first 100mile (century) ride should be an endeavor that was supported, entered the Century division. The day was almost perfect for a ride of the distance although it did get hot and the humid felt sweltering at the end. Will and both tested ideas within our bike plans for the Ironman. It look me a little longer then I had hoped but I finished in 8hours. It was a really hilly course and in order to cope with the hills and the fact for the majority of the final 40miles I was on my own I screamed out that I hated them and included the mile mark. It was cathartic and I made it through. I don't know why but it made it better. It was nice to know the feeling of being alone on course and being able to suffer through it, good practice. I also understand the reason for bike catchers at the end of the Ironman bike leg, it was difficult to imagine being able to stop and remove my feet from the shoes and unclip. But doable.

All in all training has been going pretty well, the heat of Nashville summer is definitely upon the city. I've been running as much as I can outside in the early morning hours- there is something liberating about a 530dawn run to get the morning started. Progress is progress no matter how small. :) Until next time