Sorry about the last post, ADD must have kicked in so it was never completed. I am going to try and bring you all up to speed on the 2010 season as it has had some pretty big changes.
In November of 2009 I decided to get myself a coach for a year and give Ironman racing a really good amount of dedication and effort before really setting down, starting a family, and increasing my responsibilities tenfold. Since hearing about Quantitative Training Systems (QT2) Triathlon coaching I have been very much interested. They have a very methodical and calculated approach to the sport that has yielded some incredible results. Most importantly they have a very detailed nutrional approach with is something that I believe too many triathletes overlook or dont take seriously enough (myself included). It is for these reasons that I signed to have them coach me for the winter of 2009 and more importantly for 2010 and Ironman Florida.
I was told Pat Wheeler was going to be writing up my program, and after burying the hatchet from seasons past, I couldn't be happier. Pat is a very accomplished triathlete that is in my age group. As I write this he has placed 4th in age group at Lake Placid in 08, won the age group in 2009 thereby qualifying for Kona, raced Kona in '09, and most recently won his age group at the inaugural 2010 Ironman St George once again picking up a Kona slot. This all while under the wing of QT2. If that doesn't sell anyone, I don't know what will.
My winter block was going to be from November 2009 to March of 2010, culiminating in the Westfield Half Marathon. Without getting into too many details, the winter block went well and I was able to PR at Westfield with a 1:25. That was a 13 minute improvement for me! I then took 2 weeks off before starting a 30 week block for Ironman Florida. With the training comes some intense nutrional changes. At this point I have lost about 25 pounds since November and dropped my body fat from 24% (tons of fun) to around 14% (a little more lean). The goal is to get somewhere around 10% by November for the IM. I have already noticed a tremendous difference and look forward to seeing future improvements while onboard with QT2 coaching services and Coach Pat
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
2009 Season Arrival!
So the season is finally off and running, more than me at least. I started this year off with a return to the Ludlow Sheriff Sprint and a 4th place finish overall. I was happy because it was a faster time than last year with more competition which is always more exciting.
The second race of the year came in duathlon form at the Coast Guard Du on the Cape. This was the first race that I did that didn't involve a swim, which doesn't make much sense for me being a swimmer and all, but it was a learning experience and I think it actually helped my run. 6th place finish overall and a win in the Clydesdale category for the first time ever (thats the fat male category 200+ lbs).
The most recent race was this past weekend again in Ludlow, this time the Boys and Girls Club race. This was a Grand Prix event that the Cyclonauts dominated once again. I was not so happy with this years race as it was almost 90 seconds slower than last year. Not only did I make a wrong turn on the bike course because the Cop was twittering or playing with his Ipod, but I lost my divisional win in the last 3/4 of a mile. The good news is the guy that I lost to goes/went to Springfield College and will be joining the Nauts. He also said he is doing the Chicopee race in August which is something to shoot for for me, knowing that there will be other age group talent there.
For now its time to up the running miles and put together a decent 70.3 at Rev3 this weekend.
Cheers,
Paul
The second race of the year came in duathlon form at the Coast Guard Du on the Cape. This was the first race that I did that didn't involve a swim, which doesn't make much sense for me being a swimmer and all, but it was a learning experience and I think it actually helped my run. 6th place finish overall and a win in the Clydesdale category for the first time ever (thats the fat male category 200+ lbs).
The most recent race was this past weekend again in Ludlow, this time the Boys and Girls Club race. This was a Grand Prix event that the Cyclonauts dominated once again. I was not so happy with this years race as it was almost 90 seconds slower than last year. Not only did I make a wrong turn on the bike course because the Cop was twittering or playing with his Ipod, but I lost my divisional win in the last 3/4 of a mile. The good news is the guy that I lost to goes/went to Springfield College and will be joining the Nauts. He also said he is doing the Chicopee race in August which is something to shoot for for me, knowing that there will be other age group talent there.
For now its time to up the running miles and put together a decent 70.3 at Rev3 this weekend.
Cheers,
Paul
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Quick Update
I ran St. Paddys 10k in Holyoke and im pretty sure i PRed for a 10K as i finished around 43 minutes. Since then I have ran without any issues including an 11 miler 2 weeks ago. My main concern now is my lack of fitness on the bike. Everyone around me is upping the ante and leaving me in the dust. My new GURU Gus is finally built and i think when I get back from Myrtle Beach on Sunday Im going to go out and suffer for at least 50-60 miles.
I swam for the first time yesterday and it felt great to stretch it out in the pool. I am going to try and do that once or twice a week and get a good feel for the water back. Until next time, just keep riding!!
Cheers,
Paul
I swam for the first time yesterday and it felt great to stretch it out in the pool. I am going to try and do that once or twice a week and get a good feel for the water back. Until next time, just keep riding!!
Cheers,
Paul
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Cause for Concern
So its now the middle of March and the St. Paddy's Day 10k in Holyoke is 10 days away. This is a race that suppossed to be a bench mark for my winter run training. Unfortunately I have been sidelined with mild calf issues that have prevented me from putting in the necessary miles to put forth a worthy effort come next weekend.
At this point I am not sure if I am going to run it at all. I NEED to race but at the same time the race that matters most at this point is Rhody 70.3 If I overdue it next weekend it could screw me over for Rhode Island.
On a brighter note, I accepted a position as a physical therapist in Springfield about 4 miles from campus. Once I begin working I will be able to complete many more swim workouts than last year. I realize that most swim leads get swallowed up on the bike or run, but with my bike legs being as strong as they were I normally maintained my position on the bike or made gains. If I put adequate time into my swim (3 days/week) I think I will have a little more to work with come race season. This will also give me time to heal my legs for building necessary base miles for the run.
I will continue to hit the gym at least 3-4 times/week and hopefully eat better in order to get down to race weight come July. I am very excited to see how these next few months pan out. Till next time
Cheers,
Paul
At this point I am not sure if I am going to run it at all. I NEED to race but at the same time the race that matters most at this point is Rhody 70.3 If I overdue it next weekend it could screw me over for Rhode Island.
On a brighter note, I accepted a position as a physical therapist in Springfield about 4 miles from campus. Once I begin working I will be able to complete many more swim workouts than last year. I realize that most swim leads get swallowed up on the bike or run, but with my bike legs being as strong as they were I normally maintained my position on the bike or made gains. If I put adequate time into my swim (3 days/week) I think I will have a little more to work with come race season. This will also give me time to heal my legs for building necessary base miles for the run.
I will continue to hit the gym at least 3-4 times/week and hopefully eat better in order to get down to race weight come July. I am very excited to see how these next few months pan out. Till next time
Cheers,
Paul
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Second Attempt
This morning I registered for my second attempt at the Kona Ironman World Championships. My first attempt was obviously IMLP 2008, but the goal was moreso to complete the race than qualify. This time around the goal is to qualify.
Ironman announced that the Amica 70.3 Rhode Island race will now have a few Kona slots available. By registering for this race I have a shot at both Ironman and 70.3 World Championships. My only concern is that it is in July and my base isn't where it should be. Time to get to it!
Cheers,
Paul
Ironman announced that the Amica 70.3 Rhode Island race will now have a few Kona slots available. By registering for this race I have a shot at both Ironman and 70.3 World Championships. My only concern is that it is in July and my base isn't where it should be. Time to get to it!
Cheers,
Paul
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March in like a lion!!
Just when I thought the weather was taking a turn for the better, it goes ahead and dumps 8 inches of snow! Lots to report on over the last month with plenty more excitement to come also.
First and foremost I PASSED MY BOARDS!! I am officially a registered physical therapist in the great state of Massachusetts. The studying has paid off and I am amped to get a job and begin my career as a physical therapist.
On a sadder note, I have no heard from the producers at CBS in regards to my Survivor audition and I assume I wont this go around. That is ok because up next in the auditions is the Amazing Race with Kara. We have talked about it a bunch and think it would be a blast to give it a try.
Skiing lately has been awesome. This past Sunday we headed up to my favorite and first mountain, Bromley. I forgot what a great mountain it is, and furthermore realized its not as big as it was when I was 9 and 10 years old. Regardless its name showed true as we had the Sun all afternoon long with little to no lift lines...BONUS!!
As far as the running goes I have felt great. Last week I put in a total of at least 20 miles and no calf pain! I am continuing to build my base for this years St. Paddys Day 10k in Holyoke. I am hoping to get the jitters out of my system in May at the Sherriff Sprint where I would be defending my win from last year.
A pretty cool thing happened two weeks ago, I got invited to the 2012 Talent ID Invitational Sprint in Lubbock, TX in April. This race is for triathletes ages 18-23 (this year I am 24) and 24-34 year olds whos national rank score was 90 or higher. The idea behind this race is to find talent prospects for the 2012 and 2016. As appealing and awesome this oppurtunity is, its not a reality. With me starting a career and student loans coming in I wouldnt be able to find the time or the money to put together a good race. That just means 1 thing, I have to perform well this year in order to get invited back next year.
That is it for now, until next time (which will hopefully be sooner than a months time) its back to the job hunt and interviews with some runs thrown in for good measure.
Cheers,
Paul
First and foremost I PASSED MY BOARDS!! I am officially a registered physical therapist in the great state of Massachusetts. The studying has paid off and I am amped to get a job and begin my career as a physical therapist.
On a sadder note, I have no heard from the producers at CBS in regards to my Survivor audition and I assume I wont this go around. That is ok because up next in the auditions is the Amazing Race with Kara. We have talked about it a bunch and think it would be a blast to give it a try.
Skiing lately has been awesome. This past Sunday we headed up to my favorite and first mountain, Bromley. I forgot what a great mountain it is, and furthermore realized its not as big as it was when I was 9 and 10 years old. Regardless its name showed true as we had the Sun all afternoon long with little to no lift lines...BONUS!!
As far as the running goes I have felt great. Last week I put in a total of at least 20 miles and no calf pain! I am continuing to build my base for this years St. Paddys Day 10k in Holyoke. I am hoping to get the jitters out of my system in May at the Sherriff Sprint where I would be defending my win from last year.
A pretty cool thing happened two weeks ago, I got invited to the 2012 Talent ID Invitational Sprint in Lubbock, TX in April. This race is for triathletes ages 18-23 (this year I am 24) and 24-34 year olds whos national rank score was 90 or higher. The idea behind this race is to find talent prospects for the 2012 and 2016. As appealing and awesome this oppurtunity is, its not a reality. With me starting a career and student loans coming in I wouldnt be able to find the time or the money to put together a good race. That just means 1 thing, I have to perform well this year in order to get invited back next year.
That is it for now, until next time (which will hopefully be sooner than a months time) its back to the job hunt and interviews with some runs thrown in for good measure.
Cheers,
Paul
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