There’re so many topics that I could write about every day.
It is impossible to mention everyone who has reached out to me in the last few
months. But here is an “average” day of my life how I prepare for an ironman.
Ok, not so average, but a good one!
I started the morning at the DC Ranch Village with a tempo
run session on the treadmill. It is a challenging workout but sometimes I like
to watch TV to distract myself and relax between the sets. I recently realized
that it’s a good way to improve my running form as I raise my head to look up
(TVs are on the wall) instead of constantly looking down in front of me. And I
have the suspicion that it was not the first time that I run next to someone
who looked/run like Alan Webb. Maybe it’s not him but still, inspiring.
After I got home I had a quick shower and headed to
Cyclologic’s fitting studio. I have spent a couple hours last week with Paraic
McGlynn, owner of Cyclologic to analyze my position on the bike. I had to admit
that it was the very first time I was professionally fitted on a bike. I had been quite happy with my
position for a long time but as I was getting older, muscles have changed and
it was time for a change. Although my bike set up was similar than last
year, I have changed some parts that made the ride uncomfortable in the last
few months. It is amazing how some minor changes can affect your position on
the bike. I might write some details about it later, but right now I just want
to thank Paraic and Stephen for helping me to find the ideal position and bike
set up.
When my bike was all dialed up I visited Wolfgang Oswald at
Endurance Rehab. Last week I had some issues with one of my calf’s muscle and Wolfgang
was kind enough to offer his help to loosen it up. It makes all the difference
in the World to be able to run pain-free and injury-free. Endurance Rehab in
Arizona is one of the most popular performance center/PT Therapy among athletes
and especially triathletes. They do a great job and I’m very thankful to
Wolfgang for his professional care.
Since I was there I made an appointment with their
chiropractor, Eric Marcotte. I’ve heard lots of great thing about him and was
glad that finally I had the chance to go see him.
Little bit later it was time for another training session. I
went to one of my favorite places, Sole Swim Solutions Studio to have a
one-on-one technique swim session with Frank Sole. Frank is one of the most
knowledgeable technique swim coaches I know; he is working with athletes from
beginners to professionals, and very well recognized in the Valley. Working
with him in the endless pool made me more relaxed and more self-conscious in
the water, and being consistent with dry-land training also made me a stronger
athlete.
The fifty minutes workout at Frank’s wore me out and I needed
to refuel right away! I went to my favorite restaurant, Pita Jungle, where I
ate a big Mediterranean Chicken Salad with lots of chicken. It is the best! The right
fueling is one of the most important things in ironman training. So after lunch
I stopped by Destination Kona Triathlon Store and picked up some nutrition for
my upcoming training and racing. Since I was there I bought a rear bottle cage
for my bike while I was exchanging some words with Chris at the store. It’s
always fun to hang out at DK!
The day has not finished yet, and I paid a short visit to Bicycle
Ranch. The guys have helped me so much in the last couple weeks with my
SwiftCarbon Neurogen. There’s always been some little thing that I wanted to
check out, clean, replace etc. Markus and Chris were really great in helping me
out. Once my bike was ready I felt happy!
Lucy and I finished the day at the ONE monthly meeting. We
both really enjoy being part of ONE Multisport. Everyone is friendly and
encouraging. There’s always some social program where we can meet and chat and
Lucy can win the raffle. J
I’m really happy to represent one of the greatest Arizonan tri clubs this year!
Thanks John and Cyndi Dean and all the members that make it happen!
Although Ironman Triathlon is an individual sport, as you
can see it takes a Professional Team to prepare and perform at my best. I couldn’t do it
on my own and I’m especially thankful for my friends, my family and my supporters
who help me to reach my goals. It’s really cool to be a professional
triathlete, most of the time. But like everybody else we have highs and lows
too. Without the amazing people around me I couldn’t get over the lows, the
injuries, bad times, the stress, and the pressure of my mostly unstable,
performance-related income etc. I really would like to thank everyone who
reached out to me in the last few months (you know who you are!) in many
different ways and reminded me to follow my dreams and never ever give up!
Also would like to give a big shout out to my sponsors and
the team behind my sponsors and partners:
Pita Jungle
SwiftCarbon
Zoot Sports
Destination Kona Triathlon Store
Southwest Realty and Property Management-Arizona
3T Cycling
Ignite Naturals
&
Shimano Cycling
SPIUK
XTERRA WETSUITS
ISM SEAT
Continental
DC Ranch Village and Spa
Sergio Borges X Training
Sole Swim Solutions
Fitletic
