I went out for a nice 50 min run today. I enjoyed every minute of it. Maybe b/c the sun is shinning. Anyway, it feels weird to go out and train without any race in the future that I had put my wholeself into. The ironman has not sunk in yet. I know that body is a little tired still but my head isn't there. I really need to direct myself to accepting the fact that I need to enjoy what I just accomplished. I think that when it does sink in it will hit me like a ton of bricks.
Off to the beach, no I am not goinig for an open water swim! Maybe tomorrow.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Got it Done!
Lake Placid has come to a close. We just returned from one of the most exciting trips of my life.
Here is a recap from last week. We arrived on Thursday before the race. It was already buzzing with athletes. My first thought was I am not ready. I was pretty happy with the way my body transformed but when i got to LP there were all these people with about zero % body fat who ran like gazelles and quads like lions. It was very intimidating to see what kind of athletes were out there. Non the less I put on my shoes and did my 20 min zone 2 run. It felt good. Friday I went down to the lake after a nasty thunderstorm and did another 20 min zone 2 workout with an easy swim. The water was perfect. The problem was that I was totally in a cloud. I saw a bunch of people and forgot all their names. Sorry Kim and Vic. I was a huge space cadet. I started to come back to reality on Saturday when I did my brick workout in the AM. I was setting the pace on the bike for Bjorn Anderson. Crazy. He is about 6'02" and rides a 52 cm Cervelo? I don't get it? anyway. after my awestruck bike I went out on a run, It was good b/c I saw a bunch of people and remembered their names!
Lynn Jack and I brought all my gear down on Sat afternoon and took some pictures and had a great time. The buzz in the air is incredible I was totally gearing up for this or was I? I knew I had put in the time distance and pain for this but will it really all come together at once? My family arrived in the afternoon, (parents and brother and sister-in-law) We had a fantastic diner and I even enjoyed a glass of wine. I was never really nervous but there was that fear that still lurked in the back of my mind that I might not finish.
July 20, 0400
I wake without an issue, my brother Brendan joins me. He was in rare form. Maybe delirious from lack of sleep. He was the funniest he has been in a long time! It was perfect b/c it kept me relaxed. I toasted my 14 th piece of toast and lathered butter on it and down it went. along with a cup of coffee. My mother actually got up too. She was grilling me with questions like Jane Pauley. It was kind funny b/c it felt like I was getting ready for a little league game or something. Well, breakfast was a success and all systems were working. Off the drop off special needs bag and check on my bike. On the way I got bodymarked, this poor 12 year old girl was video taped by my brother, the next documentarist, while I drop my pants as she writes on my legs. He even made her laugh too. Things were going smoothly. Bike was good, run stuff set, just had to put on my wetsuit. that was when it started, no not the nerves, the rain. My only wish was that they would not shorten the swim or anything. I wanted a real IRONAMAN DAMN IT! It finally broke. I gave my brother a hug and headed down to the water. 2300 people cramping into this lake? It was tight. I was trying to pick my spot. Probably should have thought of this sooner. I decided to give the fast guys the head start so I went to the back line of the beach and waded about chest high. The music was pumping and I was rocked ready to go. I could feel my toes sweating! The national was sung and then boom, the cannon went off and so did I. I was waiting to get pummeled in the water but it never really happened. I was moving up the pack very easily. I stayed to the right until just over half way to the turn buoy then I was going to work my way to the inside. Things were happening way to easily. My strokes felt long. Breathing was in control and I hit the turn buoy without any trouble. In fact, it felt like there was a current pulling me around it. I heard it before but didn't believe it. As I was working my way back to shore is when I felt the little balls hitting me in the head. YUP rain. I was determined to get to through the swim without being pulled out b/c of weather. I reached shore and went through the chip scan and out for lap 2. I cleared my goggles and dove back in. This time it was a bit more open and I was able to stick to the buoys a bit more. This time I was feeling the violence of the swim. One fine gentleman decided to try and crawl over my back until he got a swift kick in the stomach. I did mean it and I did feel bad but seriously dude, move around me and pick a lane. We aren't pros and if you are swimming with me the likely hood of you getting a slot to KONA is out the window! I pressed on and got out of the water in great shape time. 1:08:43
T1 was pretty cool. I saw my family as soon as I got out of the water. Wetsuit strippers were huge. I forgot that I decided to wear a Speedo under my wetsuit but was quickly reminded when I was a bit chilled running the 350 yard to the changing tent. I had a good laugh with myself. Quick change and off on the bike. It was pouring. I was wondering how I was going to handle the 9 mile downhill in Keene. I was drinking and eating and right on pace. Got to the first aid station, Jay Curry thanks for the help, and onto the hills. This thing was massive. As I started the descent I was lightly tapping my breaks. then I was in a full on squeeze. at 45 mph and cramping triceps I was praying that I would not crash. I finally hit the bottom and tuned towards Jay. That is when I started to get stomach pain. I was like a bad cramp. I was trying to figure out what the hell it was. Thankfully we were in a flat part of the course b/c I just sat in my aerobars and plugged along. Finally got to mile 56 and ready to turn back out . I got my special needs bag and started eating. I was hoping that was my problem. Come to think of it I drank 4 Gatorade endurance bottles and 2 gu's on the first loop. I think I over ate. The funny thing was, the harder I went the better I felt. so after another arm cramping descent I started to pick it up. I slowly started to feel better. At mile 91 I saw the scariest crash in my life. First I know that drafting goes on and I hate. There were about 10 guys that I came up on and couldn't really get around them. Finally I switched gears and stood up and took off past them. As soon as I got in front of them , a guy in the middle went down causing a chain reaction. All I heard was the sound of Carbon being broke and air taken from their lungs. Man was I lucky. I then focused on just getting back to town. I did, in 5:51:9. I averaged 19.1 mph spot on!
T2 was uneventful. A quick change and off I went. It never crossed my mind how many people were out there cheering us on! It was awesome. the start of the marathon was all downhill, I had my first mile at about 7:40. I am not sure b/c I didn't lap my watch until mile 1. oh well. From there I wanted to keep with my plan and cover as much ground as comfortably as possible before breaking down. I wasn't really sure how well I would run but I felt great! So I just ran and focused on good form and hydration. I think I hit the half way at about 1:50. At that point I was just waiting to blow up! But I didn't I kept chugging along. The fact that I saw my family so much was inspiring b/c I knew that they were waiting in the pouring rain for me to finish this damn thing. I kept running. I could feel IT start to tighten up. I decided to stop and stretch for 15 seconds at mile 18. It felt better and I held what I thought was a moderate pace until mile 20. There is when I started to do the math to see what I would have to do to break 11 hours. I figured I could put it all on the line for 6.2 miles and finish under 11 hours. That was when i took the right back onto route 73. Climbing the hills couldn't have come at a better time because I wanted to fight. I was filled with emotion and drive and I just wanted to finish. As I got through the hills I saw Pat Cononica, (thank you for the kind words, I hope I can accomplish as much as you have) running like a trooper! I am thinking this guys had blood clots in lugs from climbing one of the biggest mts in the world! hell he is going to eat this up! I finally made it back to main st and the to the turn just after the 25 mile marker and that is where I saw a good friend Woody Freese, He has done all 9 LP's and did finish his 10th. He gave great words of encouragement and a pat on the back as headed into the oval and he went out for his second loop. Then I saw my family, I stopped to give hugs and kisses. Then I went in for the moment I had been waiting for. At 5:56 PM Ghram Fraser said it first, "Kevin Reen, you are an IRONMAN".
Finish time 10:56:06
260/2334=overall
51/238= M 30-34
Thank you to my wonderful wife Lynn, my ironmate, I couldn't have any of this without you!!!
Here is a recap from last week. We arrived on Thursday before the race. It was already buzzing with athletes. My first thought was I am not ready. I was pretty happy with the way my body transformed but when i got to LP there were all these people with about zero % body fat who ran like gazelles and quads like lions. It was very intimidating to see what kind of athletes were out there. Non the less I put on my shoes and did my 20 min zone 2 run. It felt good. Friday I went down to the lake after a nasty thunderstorm and did another 20 min zone 2 workout with an easy swim. The water was perfect. The problem was that I was totally in a cloud. I saw a bunch of people and forgot all their names. Sorry Kim and Vic. I was a huge space cadet. I started to come back to reality on Saturday when I did my brick workout in the AM. I was setting the pace on the bike for Bjorn Anderson. Crazy. He is about 6'02" and rides a 52 cm Cervelo? I don't get it? anyway. after my awestruck bike I went out on a run, It was good b/c I saw a bunch of people and remembered their names!
Lynn Jack and I brought all my gear down on Sat afternoon and took some pictures and had a great time. The buzz in the air is incredible I was totally gearing up for this or was I? I knew I had put in the time distance and pain for this but will it really all come together at once? My family arrived in the afternoon, (parents and brother and sister-in-law) We had a fantastic diner and I even enjoyed a glass of wine. I was never really nervous but there was that fear that still lurked in the back of my mind that I might not finish.
July 20, 0400
I wake without an issue, my brother Brendan joins me. He was in rare form. Maybe delirious from lack of sleep. He was the funniest he has been in a long time! It was perfect b/c it kept me relaxed. I toasted my 14 th piece of toast and lathered butter on it and down it went. along with a cup of coffee. My mother actually got up too. She was grilling me with questions like Jane Pauley. It was kind funny b/c it felt like I was getting ready for a little league game or something. Well, breakfast was a success and all systems were working. Off the drop off special needs bag and check on my bike. On the way I got bodymarked, this poor 12 year old girl was video taped by my brother, the next documentarist, while I drop my pants as she writes on my legs. He even made her laugh too. Things were going smoothly. Bike was good, run stuff set, just had to put on my wetsuit. that was when it started, no not the nerves, the rain. My only wish was that they would not shorten the swim or anything. I wanted a real IRONAMAN DAMN IT! It finally broke. I gave my brother a hug and headed down to the water. 2300 people cramping into this lake? It was tight. I was trying to pick my spot. Probably should have thought of this sooner. I decided to give the fast guys the head start so I went to the back line of the beach and waded about chest high. The music was pumping and I was rocked ready to go. I could feel my toes sweating! The national was sung and then boom, the cannon went off and so did I. I was waiting to get pummeled in the water but it never really happened. I was moving up the pack very easily. I stayed to the right until just over half way to the turn buoy then I was going to work my way to the inside. Things were happening way to easily. My strokes felt long. Breathing was in control and I hit the turn buoy without any trouble. In fact, it felt like there was a current pulling me around it. I heard it before but didn't believe it. As I was working my way back to shore is when I felt the little balls hitting me in the head. YUP rain. I was determined to get to through the swim without being pulled out b/c of weather. I reached shore and went through the chip scan and out for lap 2. I cleared my goggles and dove back in. This time it was a bit more open and I was able to stick to the buoys a bit more. This time I was feeling the violence of the swim. One fine gentleman decided to try and crawl over my back until he got a swift kick in the stomach. I did mean it and I did feel bad but seriously dude, move around me and pick a lane. We aren't pros and if you are swimming with me the likely hood of you getting a slot to KONA is out the window! I pressed on and got out of the water in great shape time. 1:08:43
T1 was pretty cool. I saw my family as soon as I got out of the water. Wetsuit strippers were huge. I forgot that I decided to wear a Speedo under my wetsuit but was quickly reminded when I was a bit chilled running the 350 yard to the changing tent. I had a good laugh with myself. Quick change and off on the bike. It was pouring. I was wondering how I was going to handle the 9 mile downhill in Keene. I was drinking and eating and right on pace. Got to the first aid station, Jay Curry thanks for the help, and onto the hills. This thing was massive. As I started the descent I was lightly tapping my breaks. then I was in a full on squeeze. at 45 mph and cramping triceps I was praying that I would not crash. I finally hit the bottom and tuned towards Jay. That is when I started to get stomach pain. I was like a bad cramp. I was trying to figure out what the hell it was. Thankfully we were in a flat part of the course b/c I just sat in my aerobars and plugged along. Finally got to mile 56 and ready to turn back out . I got my special needs bag and started eating. I was hoping that was my problem. Come to think of it I drank 4 Gatorade endurance bottles and 2 gu's on the first loop. I think I over ate. The funny thing was, the harder I went the better I felt. so after another arm cramping descent I started to pick it up. I slowly started to feel better. At mile 91 I saw the scariest crash in my life. First I know that drafting goes on and I hate. There were about 10 guys that I came up on and couldn't really get around them. Finally I switched gears and stood up and took off past them. As soon as I got in front of them , a guy in the middle went down causing a chain reaction. All I heard was the sound of Carbon being broke and air taken from their lungs. Man was I lucky. I then focused on just getting back to town. I did, in 5:51:9. I averaged 19.1 mph spot on!
T2 was uneventful. A quick change and off I went. It never crossed my mind how many people were out there cheering us on! It was awesome. the start of the marathon was all downhill, I had my first mile at about 7:40. I am not sure b/c I didn't lap my watch until mile 1. oh well. From there I wanted to keep with my plan and cover as much ground as comfortably as possible before breaking down. I wasn't really sure how well I would run but I felt great! So I just ran and focused on good form and hydration. I think I hit the half way at about 1:50. At that point I was just waiting to blow up! But I didn't I kept chugging along. The fact that I saw my family so much was inspiring b/c I knew that they were waiting in the pouring rain for me to finish this damn thing. I kept running. I could feel IT start to tighten up. I decided to stop and stretch for 15 seconds at mile 18. It felt better and I held what I thought was a moderate pace until mile 20. There is when I started to do the math to see what I would have to do to break 11 hours. I figured I could put it all on the line for 6.2 miles and finish under 11 hours. That was when i took the right back onto route 73. Climbing the hills couldn't have come at a better time because I wanted to fight. I was filled with emotion and drive and I just wanted to finish. As I got through the hills I saw Pat Cononica, (thank you for the kind words, I hope I can accomplish as much as you have) running like a trooper! I am thinking this guys had blood clots in lugs from climbing one of the biggest mts in the world! hell he is going to eat this up! I finally made it back to main st and the to the turn just after the 25 mile marker and that is where I saw a good friend Woody Freese, He has done all 9 LP's and did finish his 10th. He gave great words of encouragement and a pat on the back as headed into the oval and he went out for his second loop. Then I saw my family, I stopped to give hugs and kisses. Then I went in for the moment I had been waiting for. At 5:56 PM Ghram Fraser said it first, "Kevin Reen, you are an IRONMAN".
Finish time 10:56:06
260/2334=overall
51/238= M 30-34
Thank you to my wonderful wife Lynn, my ironmate, I couldn't have any of this without you!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Packing
WoW I have been putting together everything I can think of for this race. Packing is the first event for IRONMAN! First. Thank You to FIT WERX2. the weels already look fast. I don't know if Iwill have a computer in LP. So I will update you all when I get back. Here goes nothing
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Final Countdown
Well today is exactly about the time my family will be praying for me to finish the marathon of the Ironman next weekend. Yes I am getting nervous right about now. I have so many things that are going through my head that I am not sure what end is up right now. I am starting to eat pasta religously and gatorade will be in my cereal. I know that I put the money in the bank and when I got for the cash advance on Sunday I will be richly rewarded. I confident that those who have supported my over the last 10 months will help carry me through it.
Last Thursday I did the Nahant race and was happy with my showing. I was out of the water first and felt very fast on the bike until I broke my spoke, I managed to ride a 13 minute course but I was pissed that I did the first 1.5 in 8:10. I was cruising, I knew that my bodt was carrying faster than it ever has before and then I realized I have to magnify what I was doing 10 fold. It put the Ironman into perpective. The weekend was nice. I finished both workouts in less time than i did my run last weekend! Taper is tough. Not only does it let your body recover but it builds your mental toughness and discipline. I need it!
Last Thursday I did the Nahant race and was happy with my showing. I was out of the water first and felt very fast on the bike until I broke my spoke, I managed to ride a 13 minute course but I was pissed that I did the first 1.5 in 8:10. I was cruising, I knew that my bodt was carrying faster than it ever has before and then I realized I have to magnify what I was doing 10 fold. It put the Ironman into perpective. The weekend was nice. I finished both workouts in less time than i did my run last weekend! Taper is tough. Not only does it let your body recover but it builds your mental toughness and discipline. I need it!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
So far so good
I have been trying to stick to my taper and best a I can. I think I am doing a decent job at it. I have done two one hour workouts and easy 1/2 hour run so far. Tonight I am going to do Nahant. I plan on letting the engine go almost full tilt. I want one last maximum effort before I finish up this taper and race LP. Man, in 10 days I will be toeing the line for the most grueling endurance event in the world! I'll take it!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
12 Days of Christmas
I am here on a gorgeous 90 degree day. I love the heat. I am trying so hard not to put my sneakers and go for a run. My program calls for a Swim only for today, which is not bad because it will be great to go into the water and enjoy it. Tapering really is tough after such a long and demanding winter spring and early summer. These next 12 days are going to be like the 12 days of Christmas! I don't know what to do with myself. I know that my body is recovering from all the stuff I put it through so that I will be able to go and compete not just complete the IRONMAN. It is hard to believe that I am going to toe that line.
I have been talking with some friends and it sounds like there is going to be quite the contingent of North Shore Tri Team members up there. It will be nice to get their encouragement out on the course.
I am looking forward to a good moderate pace swim tonight. I have a one hour bike tomorrow and run on Thurs. I am a five year old waiting in line to get my picture taken with Santa right now!!!!! Man I can't wait.
I have been talking with some friends and it sounds like there is going to be quite the contingent of North Shore Tri Team members up there. It will be nice to get their encouragement out on the course.
I am looking forward to a good moderate pace swim tonight. I have a one hour bike tomorrow and run on Thurs. I am a five year old waiting in line to get my picture taken with Santa right now!!!!! Man I can't wait.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Taper Time
Today was my last big ride. I am really ready for this day to come. One way or another I will get there. This was a tough weekend to do this training gig. This was the schedule, fire works Thursday night, easy brick friday, long run sat, family reunion, block party, Sun Long ride, then recovery at the beach.
The run was good. The fastest I ever covered 22 miles. I did it in 2:50:08. I was getting tired towards the end. My knees were a little tight and man was it muggy! I think I sweat out a good 5 lbs. The ride was a different story. Tough getting up. I was tired. Got out on the road and met up with Marty and Vin. We went out at a good easy pace. 18 mph for a good 2 hour ride. We stopped somewhere in Georgetown to get this muffin that Vin was talking about, It was good and I enjoyed it until we got to Salem. That mixed with Gatorade... I threw it up everywhere. The good thing was that I had a clean stomach and only 1:10 to go. They guys went there way and I was able to ride on to finish up for the day. The way they were riding, they could do the Ironman too.
Well, It is time for me to let my body recover. I have been going since October. Back then I started talking with local pro Janda Ricci-Munn. I really wanted to work with but I had to prioritize my finances. He gave me some really good tips and laid out my base training. It was alot of running back then. Something I was not used to. It was in Late December when I took a fall on the ice while running on the Charles River. At the time I thought nothing of it. But as the week went on my hip really started to bother me. I got nervous and worried if I did some major damage. After seeking out some advice and help from local athletes I was able to pinpoint that I bruised my pirioformis. After a lot of swimming and stretching, Vin Miserandino helped evaluate my muscle balance and training regimen. He introduced Cross Fit to me and I slowly started to put the injury behind me. Come spring time I was down about 10 pounds and was getting more fit than ever.
Through this time I vented more than I should have to my wife Lynn. I learned that this "race" is something that can make a person go crazy. She helped teach me that is going to be an event that should be enjoyed to the fullest. Instead of being so worried about injuries and time I should just appreciate the fact that my body will be able to carry me through this. The training will take care of itself. Yes, I know I have to put in the long days and deal with stiff knees and sore backs but I am supposed b/c this is Ironman DAMN IT! There is a reason why it is so hard and don't take anything for granted! thanks again!
Now Taper Time, lets see how well I stick to this!
The run was good. The fastest I ever covered 22 miles. I did it in 2:50:08. I was getting tired towards the end. My knees were a little tight and man was it muggy! I think I sweat out a good 5 lbs. The ride was a different story. Tough getting up. I was tired. Got out on the road and met up with Marty and Vin. We went out at a good easy pace. 18 mph for a good 2 hour ride. We stopped somewhere in Georgetown to get this muffin that Vin was talking about, It was good and I enjoyed it until we got to Salem. That mixed with Gatorade... I threw it up everywhere. The good thing was that I had a clean stomach and only 1:10 to go. They guys went there way and I was able to ride on to finish up for the day. The way they were riding, they could do the Ironman too.
Well, It is time for me to let my body recover. I have been going since October. Back then I started talking with local pro Janda Ricci-Munn. I really wanted to work with but I had to prioritize my finances. He gave me some really good tips and laid out my base training. It was alot of running back then. Something I was not used to. It was in Late December when I took a fall on the ice while running on the Charles River. At the time I thought nothing of it. But as the week went on my hip really started to bother me. I got nervous and worried if I did some major damage. After seeking out some advice and help from local athletes I was able to pinpoint that I bruised my pirioformis. After a lot of swimming and stretching, Vin Miserandino helped evaluate my muscle balance and training regimen. He introduced Cross Fit to me and I slowly started to put the injury behind me. Come spring time I was down about 10 pounds and was getting more fit than ever.
Through this time I vented more than I should have to my wife Lynn. I learned that this "race" is something that can make a person go crazy. She helped teach me that is going to be an event that should be enjoyed to the fullest. Instead of being so worried about injuries and time I should just appreciate the fact that my body will be able to carry me through this. The training will take care of itself. Yes, I know I have to put in the long days and deal with stiff knees and sore backs but I am supposed b/c this is Ironman DAMN IT! There is a reason why it is so hard and don't take anything for granted! thanks again!
Now Taper Time, lets see how well I stick to this!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th of July!
Holy Cow! This summer is flying by! I don't know if it is b/c I am training for the Ironman or that I have a 19 month old son who is growing before my eyes. Probably both. Training has been going well. Today was short brick. 45 min bike 15 min run. Earlier in the week I finished up the Masters Swim at BU. That was huge. I think I got in such good shape because all I did in January and February was swim my but off there. There were some really good people who also helped me. A man named "Rip" who swims about 1:10 for 100 yards pulled me into his lane on quiet days to teach me how to draft and realize I can go faster than I thought.
Looking at my program it is crazy to see how many hours I will cut back within the next week. Lynn will be psyched. She will get her husband back. This holiday weekend I have a 5 hour ride on Sat and 3 hour run on Sun. I remember back in October I didn't accumulate that much time on the bike in a week! Man, Human body is amazing and I appreciate everything that I have been blessed with. I know I won't win the race but, damn I love knowing that I am going to be able to do it! Whatever my time is, it is. I just want to see Lynn and Jack and my family right there at the end!
This is a great country! To realize what we have is astonishing. The Constitution, the Revolutionary War, I love history and to imagine what the men of those times were training for will far out weigh any race that I will every compete in. To every house on my street showing the flag like a badge makes me proud. Happy Birthday America! God Bless the USA!
Looking at my program it is crazy to see how many hours I will cut back within the next week. Lynn will be psyched. She will get her husband back. This holiday weekend I have a 5 hour ride on Sat and 3 hour run on Sun. I remember back in October I didn't accumulate that much time on the bike in a week! Man, Human body is amazing and I appreciate everything that I have been blessed with. I know I won't win the race but, damn I love knowing that I am going to be able to do it! Whatever my time is, it is. I just want to see Lynn and Jack and my family right there at the end!
This is a great country! To realize what we have is astonishing. The Constitution, the Revolutionary War, I love history and to imagine what the men of those times were training for will far out weigh any race that I will every compete in. To every house on my street showing the flag like a badge makes me proud. Happy Birthday America! God Bless the USA!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Halifax National Championships
I just received an email today that I qualified for the Halifax National Championships in Las Vegas Nevada. It is a half-ironman distance race. I did not see this coming! I feel pretty good about it but I don't know if I can afford to make the trip out there. It would be nice considering I have never been to Vegas. I got a couple days to stew it over. I'll get update you on training tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)