Maybe I'll try blood doping

One of life's mysteries: Do you need to be able to perform before you can benefit from performance enhancing drugs?

I am contemplating adding a full cocktail of performance drugs and blood doping to my training. If I couple that with the massive lead I'm planning to get in the swim I should do well.

On a more serious note, Josh told me he read that it takes 6% less effort to run for every 10 pounds you lose. That immediately started me thinking how much weight I could lose before I was so weak I couldn't stand up. I figure 50 pounds will give me a 30% advantage so I have stopped eating, entirely. It's only a matter of time!!! (no pun intended)

Just over 7 weeks until the Musselman half and 16 weeks until the Rev3. I am looking forward to both, although how much I look forward to the Rev3 will depend a lot on how I do at Musselman. It will be nice to have a status check though. It will also be neat to be in such a big race. I really like the energy you feel during those races. A lot different than a solo trail run.

New attitude

The reason I have been having so much anxiety over this race is because I forgot why I decided to do it in the first place. I wanted to have some fun and to challenge myself to do something really difficult (isn't that 2 reasons?). I also forgot that I am 44, have been slightly overweight most of my adult life, have never been a distance runner, have a full time job, have a house to take care of, and have a wife and 2 kids.

I got so concerned about precise training schedules, proper nutrition, predicted race times, etc. that I wasn't having any fun. Today that changes. I am going to enjoy this as much I can and I am going to go back to poking fun at myself instead of worrying about every little thing.

So, here is where I stand. I am again approaching "slightly overweight" since I have been eating as though I'm pregnant for the last 3 weeks. I haven't been running or biking much at all recently. But, I can still swim like a mutha! So, if I can build a 2-3 hour lead in the swim I'll be golden!!

My new commitment is to have fun, do as much training as I can stand (physically and mentally), try to eat right (big challenge there), invest thousands of dollars in the latest high tech tri-gear (my kids can pay for their own college), race some of my favorite races this summer (Shot in the Dark, Bellefaire Biathlon, Fairport Triathlon), and give it my best shot at America's Roller Coast (an old Cedar Point slogan for those of you not familiar) in September. I am not going to worry about where I finish. I have suffered the indignity of last place finishes before (that is actually true by-the-way) so now is no different. I just want to enjoy this and finish before the midnight cutoff. Modest goals.

I am going to start today by going out for a strenuous 3 mile run!! Just kidding (maybe).

Seeds of doubt

After having my legs almost completely seize up near the end of a 53 mile ride with Josh on Friday and my failed attempt at another long run on Sunday I am having my doubts. I'm not quitting, but I am wondering what will happen. I seem to have a million competing thoughts and concerns. I need to find my mojo, soon.

Stay tuned! I know I will. :-)