Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Wednesday Test

The test protocol was changed today at my request. It didn't yield results that were accurate (proving once again that The limited knowledge that I have in regards to the technical aspects of this methodology is counter balanced only by my ability to execute it..) and the numbers were obviously wrong. At 5:39 pace per mile my blood lactate levels were at 2.9 which I know is wrong (it should be lower- closer to 2.0). But- the good news is that the test was wrong and it STILL indicates I can reach my goal. My goal pace on Sunday will be 5:40 per mile in the worst case scenario. 5:25 pace in the best case, that's if I feel good and execute my race strategy.. and of course if I can stay tough when it counts.
There is going to come a moment in the race that I will want (and think that I NEED) to slow down. The decision I make, the choice that I make, at that moment will determine my finish time. If I choose to slow down then I will regret it. If I stay tough then I will reach or even go beyond my goal. It's kind of scary to know that I will need to make that decision- that there is 100% certainty that it is going to hurt so much that I may be willing to compromise a goal I have worked so hard for. I think I am tough. I think I can persevere. But on Sunday there will be that moment that I may realize that I am not what I think I am. This is what Mark Allen talked about- the Ironman strips you down and reveals who you really are... unfortunately I'm not racing an Ironman but I do appreciate the severity of the task and I hope for that same chance. What an amazing opportunity!

10 comments:

Chuckie V said...

I think a similar sort of decision is made every single morning when you step out the door to run, in rain or sleet or snow. And if that doesn't sway your race day decision toward the positive, I don't know what will.

And as far as Mark's comment about the Ironman revealing the true you, he ought to try walking 3,000 miles alone while carrying everything you might require over the next seven or eight months; the Ironman is but a fart in the wind compared to that shit. And even THAT was a choice.

Choose correctly come race day Lucho.

Of the two primary pains in life, the pain of discipline surely beats out the pain of regret.

Ward said...

You'll probably be headed south pretty soon.. Just wanted to wish you good luck.. Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make yourself a happier and more productive person. You have the will, just show yourself the way!

Lee said...

Very eloquently put, Lucho. Or as they say in my neck of the woods, "true dat."

GZ said...

There comes a point in every race where you ask ... "how bad do I want it?"

I can't say that everytime I have had to answer that question I had dug in my mental heels and overcame to some new level. There are days I have gone home with my proverbial tail b/w my legs. It is part of why I do this thing - it reveals humanity.

But there are those times, when you do want it bad, and you know it is going to hurt like all bloody hell but you want it more. And you overcome. The taste of that stuff is so sweet (after you stop puking) that we keep coming back for more.

Cheers to the choices you have made, and to the ones you will make - and hell, for getting into the ring everyday.

Ironboom said...

Best of luck. Kick some ass.

Ironboom said...

Best of luck. Kick some ass.

Matt said...

I'm confident you will run sub 2:30

kerrie said...

good luck! go hard!!

Marco Coelho said...

Lucho,

The way to overcome "it", to push past that point where you may question yourself, is to not think about "it" at all. Keep a quite mind, detached from your current state. This is how you push yourself to new levels. The Zen mind, as Mark talks about.

He would describe how during the Ironman marathon, he would not have a single thought in his head. How he would run as though his mind and body were completely separate and independent of themselves. As tough he could look at himeself from outside his body. He goes on to say that he only saw visions and images, no thoughts. Images that signified happiness and/or strength.

Like training your body to run 5:30miles however, this to takes practice. Daily meditation if you will.

Russ said...

2:31:54!!!! Great job Tim. Can't wait to hear your story.