34 on my 43rd.

I am not one who believes in numerology.  On any given day the numbers 34 and 43 would not hold any significant meaning for me.  But today isn't any given today.  Today is October 18, the day of my birth 43 years ago and 34 days from today is Ironman Arizona 2009.

Today ended a very solid week of training for me.  In short it was a week dedicated to running and cycling.  I ran 39 miles and biked 75 miles.  I only spent one morning this week in the pool but I can live with that.  I intended to swim a couple of more times but mechanical issues forced the closure of the pool for the last 3 days.  I'll make it up this week.

I have 3 more heavy volume weeks of training ahead of me before I start to taper for the last 2 weeks.  If the weather co-operates a little more this week than last, I am hoping to get some more long rides in outside.  If I am restricted to the trainer in the garage again the mileage might not be that significant.  The rain has returned to the Pacific Northwest!

Yesterday I ran 20 miles on course that could best be described as the Billy Goat Grind.  Nothing but hills up and hills down.  Hills up and hills down.  The course gained and lost 2000 feet in elevation.  It was definitely taxing on me but a good course to build endurance and confidence.  I left the house in the darkness of the morning to beat the forecasted buckets of rain.  The sunrise was sensational.  Very vibrant hues of pink and orange breaking over the Cascade Range.  While I was running I really started to visualize myself completing the Ironman.  I envisioned myself approaching the finishers chute and hearing my name called out.  It kept me motivated on the long run.  I finished my run with a 1.5 mile cool down walk home after hitting the 20 mile mark just in time to beat the buckets of rain that started dumping from the dark and ominus rain clouds.  Beautiful morning.

I need to make a stop into the local bike shop tomorrow to replace my rear rim on my road bike so I can then take my triathlon bike in to have the clicking noise investigated.  It's probably nothing but I need that bike in pristine shape come Arizona.  I would hate to have trained for this event like I have only to have a mechanical failure on the bike.  I know nothing is guaranteed but I can be pro-active in my bike preparation.

I had a great day with my family again today.  Flynn woke me up at 5:30 telling me to open my birthday card.  It was a musical card with Blue Oyster Cult singing "Don't fear the reaper". How appropriate I thought with a chuckle. After a quick hour on the trainer we all went to Olive Garden for a brithday lunch followed by cake at home.  It was a very pleasant afternoon.

I am very excited about starting my new numerical year with a major undertaking in the Ironman.   I have been training hard for that challenge over the last 12 months and in 34 days it will present itself in all it's wonderful glory.  How it will change me as a person is the great unknown.  It's just about time to find out.