Adjusting the bike

My left knee is starting to feel better after this weekend. I've been trying to figure out what could be making my knee hurt so much lately. I know my running miles have been down, but that shouldn't be causing it? So I started second guessing the bike, maybe it's not set up properly for my body. I've rode 22 miles in the last 2 days just running at a good pace around 17 to 18 mph. I don't think my leg was extending straight enough, so I've raised the seat about 3/4 inch & adjusted the handle bars as well. We will give it an try and see what happens. I think I'll take off a few more days of running just for the knees sake.

Maumee Bay Triathlon & Duathlon

Well I tried it again, this time up near Oregon, Ohio at the Maumee Bay Triathlon & Duathlon. Another perfect day. The event started out at 8:00 AM sharp. I started out with the 5K run again. I ran a good pace time at 22:56, then jumped on the bike. This time a 40k ride. That's 24.85 miles...another ok time at 1:16:24...thats fast for me, plus a longer ride. The last part or 10K run was a killer. The left knee hurt bad on the outside again! almost to the point I thought about dropping out. (couldn"t do that). I had to stop several times...I couldn't hardly put weight on it....I really s_cks because I wasn't even tired! I could have had a great time. Oh well. I finished the 10K at 1:06:25 giving be a total of 2hrs. 49 minutes and 21 seconds.....This was my 2nd Oly. Dauthlon in 2wks....I think I need a break...

Oh yes, forgot to tell you the last thing that happened to end this story. I was driving home with my wife in the New Prius, had the bike in the back when all the sudden what sounded like a gun went off. I pulled over and cleared my ringing ears and found that the rear tire on the bike had blown while just laying there. The only good thing I can say is at least it happened there and not during the 24.85 mile ride. Lucky me.

Still happy with all considering. I got a 2nd place award for my age bracket.

5K run - 22:56
40K bike - 1:16:25
10K run - 1:06:25

total - 2:49:21

1st Benton Ridge Ride

I got up this morning & told my self I would ride to Benton Ridge, Ohio. The weather was almost perfect ( just a little wind). Wanted to see how the legs were feeling after this weekend. This area was one of my old hang outs when I was in High School. Had tons of great times and memories from this area. It was 21+ miles by the time I was done. Felt Great!

After I got off the bike, I even ran a few miles when I got home.

P.S. I my attempt another duathlon in Maumee, Ohio this Sunday?

Flag City USA Multisport Celebration

Yesterday was the big day I've been looking forward to. The Flag City USA Multisport Celebration was taking place here in Findlay, Ohio. I was signed up to do the Olympic Duathlon. Now for the people who have never seen or been to one of these events. I was starting my day off by running a 5K (3.1 miles) then jump on my new bike and ride 35K (21.75 miles) then get off the bike and run another 10k (6.2 miles) to finish. As you can imagine, it's not easy! The weather was over cast and a little windy, but considering it rained during the night, we were lucky. I was hoping do beat the time of 2 hour and 45 minutes. I told myself, just don't go out too fast, it's all about pace. I hadn't run in 9 days because my left ankle was hurting, so I really had no idea if it would hold out or not. The first run went ok , however I was really winded. It was really cool riding on the bike with so many other fast riders. I could tell many of these men and women had spent lots of money getting the best stuff on the market. I could always tell when a high dollar bike was coming up to pass me. They make a different sound as they speed by. After the ride the 10k was where I knew I would struggle. The sun came out and had to be up near 80 degrees. no shade. About a 1/2 mile into the run my lower legs started cramping due to the bike ride. I had been drinking as much as possible, however I'm sure I'd already lost a few pounds. After the first 3 or 4 miles, I had to take my bike jersey off because the sweat / rubbing was starting to hurt my chest. I tried to hold a good pace, however I had to stop and walk a few paces during the last mile or so. As I approached the finish line, I heard my little girl yelling for her dad. She ended up running beside me the last 20 or 30 yards. My family was right there to congratulate me as I caught my breath and chugged down a bottle of water. The end of a great day. My times were as follows....

5k run - 23:44
35k bike - 1:15:13
10k run - 58:36

total - 2:37:33

Yes I did it! The next day I was Sore, but it was worth the pain.

Today was the test

I told myself, weather permitting that I was going to attempt to do a Olympic duathlon today. After all it was my day off. I got up first thing this morning and sure enough it was raining. Go figure! Oh well I got the recycling done. Then the weather cleared. I said it's now or never. I got my running gear on & off I went.
I hit my watch at 10:56 AM. The temp. was perfect, 70 degrees and damp. My run started out with a 5K. I didn't want to kill myself, so I told myself it was all about pace. I finished the first stage in 25:17, not fast but just as I planned. I jumped on the new bike and set out for 22.62 miles. The wind was very bad in the country. All I could do was build time when I was able. I completed the route in 1 hour 45 minutes and 5 seconds. My legs, as you can imagine, were very tight. I chugged down more sports drink & a food bar, grabbed another bottle, and off I went again. This time to finish the last part of my race. A 10k and I was done. Yes, that right, only 6.2 more miles. Just like a marathon, the last few miles are the hardest. Could I do it? I made sure that I had plenty of fluids....and yes, its all pace. That's what I keep telling myself.
With just a mile or so to go. I knew I was going to finish. I crossed the line and hit the stop watch. My finishing time was 2 hours, 43 minutes and 24 seconds. Yes, I had done it.
Wow, it's a different type of tired, I walked it off, then off to the shower I went. I finished the last leg in 58:18. not bad!
Yes I can do this thing coming up on 6/14/08. (Flag City Tri / Dua Multisport USA Celebration at Riverbend Park) The shower felt great. Long and cold for best results. I had burned 2263 calories and went over 32 miles. It's all about pace, now I wonder what time should I expect in a race situation?
Not 10 minutes out of the shower and the phone rang. My wife told me that she had signed me up to go swimming with my little girl & about 50 more kids......Oh My! Why today. LOL

The finish of a wonderful day & the rain is falling again.