Have to love taper.
The feeling of regaining all that energy that I have put into my preparation. Knowing that there is only 1 more really long session to go, and that is the race.
Being able to just kick back throughout the day without the thoughts of more training in the afternoon.
It is a great feeling.
After the little mishap with my Rocket Swim Skin over the weekend and with a few modifications, I went down to test it out in the morning. Just a very short swim and I was very happy with the result and am SUPER confident that it will do the job for me.
A whole 20min in the water and my day was done with training.
We called in to see Billy & family on the way back, bumped in to Matty Lewis, Pete Coulson and a few others and it was feeling just like a race. Until you walk past a few more and there are different languages everywhere.
People are starting to look everyone up and down, which I find amusing as unless your are a professional, the chances that you know the person you are looking at are very slim. And for me having more salt than pepper in my hair, I could probably cover 3-4 age groups!
One thing about yesterday which I thought was awesome, was Rudy Project were doing a sponsorship for top athletes (that covers everyone here!) and if you were happy to wear their helmet in the race, you could keep it. Yes, easy as that, just sign a bit of paper with your race number saying that you would wear it and a brand new Rudy Helmet was yours.
Easier said than done! The helmets are "one size fits all", hmmmm, here is the issue: when you are a Coppock, that is not always the case. The "one size fits all" should have an exception clause something along the lines of: This helmet will fit anyone who tries it on, unless your surname is Coppock! Yep that's right, my head to big for it. I could get my head into it, but there was no way that I was going to sign my life away knowing that I would suffer even more than what I am going to by wearing a helmet that is too small!
With a bit of smooth talking, I managed to secure myself some Rudy Project sunnies and a heads up about sponsorship when I get home. Win Win!!
Some bike works was done throughout the day and a few new additions were added. A few more tweaks today and my stead will be chomping at the bit to get going Saturday.
A 90min massaged followed later in the afternoon, then dinner and the day was complete.
Today involves swimming the course again, followed by a small run. The training is so much easier when you are fresh!!
For now...
X-Man
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Day 21: Time for feet up
After finishing my last long session, a 3hr ride followed by a little run, everything is officially done.
Time to put the feet up and treat myself like a Stallion preparing for the Melbourne Cup. 
Nothing but the best food, best treatment and best recovery this week. Not quite wrapping myself in cotton wool, however not far from it.
The ride yesterday was great, found my legs and was really happy out there. Seeing a few pro's motor pacing was a great sight as I saw no less then 5 of them doing this, including a few big Aussies. One ex-orbea rider now on the new Specialised Shiv!! That is a fair bit of talk about the town now. It is all over twitter also. BIG BIG news!
My run was a little sluggish for the first part, however a 30min run gave me nothing to worry about.
The town is fully abuzz right now and everyone has switched from tourist to game faced poker player. The "hello's" (in what ever lingo) have ceased and everyone is worried about there own little bubble. I find this very amusing as not only am I here to have a great race, but also to have a GREAT time pre-race, during the race and most importantly post race!!
The plan is too stay off my feet as much as possible and to also stay inside also. This will aid me race day as with 2 massages planned this week, my legs will be ready to go Race day.
A few final touches will be finished this week on my Rocket Swim Skin and my Stead. These are minor things that will aid my performance race day and are rather enjoyable to do (Especially with the Fos here now!!) I must add, that is great having great support come race day and I know that there will be many people out there yelling for me, along with many more back home yelling at a number on the computer screen.
My race number for the race is #1560 and the race can be followed on ironmanlive. I will put down some instructions on how to do this for those "newbies" that will be following. I really appreciate your interest and support, I really cannot say that enough.
Along with the body starting to rest and refresh, it is time for the mind to start asking those dreaded questions, the inevitable ones that you can't control. Ones that even the Worlds Best ask themselves. Having nerves is a good thing, however in my case, as a few mates have already reminded me, my nerves come race day get taken to a new level. For those that know and have experienced seeing me on race morning having my traditional vomit, I think this race might just be a little worse!! For those who haven't seen it yet, there are plenty of races coming up back home where you might get the privilege!! (If you are unlucky enough!!)
Anyway, it is time for me to "kit" up in my Rocket Gear and head down for a swim to give my final test of the swim skin.
Then a walk around the expo to see some really cool gear before I go into lock down.
For now...
X-Man
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day 20: The Family arrives!!
There is only one more of my support crew to go, my bast mate Paul. The family arrived yesterday (Well part of) and I was rather relieved to see them here in one piece and looking rather fresh (at that time).
Dad, not being a seasoned traveller like myself tends to stress a little bit when things don't go exactly the way it is planned. So when I heard that there were flights delays from home, I was hoping that the salty coloured hair didn't start to disappear also. Was good to see them here and I am looking forward to hearing that customary "whistle" come race day!
Nath was sporting his Geelong "get up" in honour of the Cats winning the Grand Final and Eb was already fitting in, wearing beach attire. The most noticeable thing about the 3 were the tan that they had. Not your traditional tan, but the "Moon Tan". I had to wear my sunnies to talk to them as the glare from the skin was hurting my eyes!! :-)
Yesterday I got through my last long run, 1hr 45min including a 1hr effort. The morning was hot and I was really happy with how the body reacted to the nutrition and the heat along with the effort. Just another boxed ticked and a small boost in confidence also.
The town is so overly populated with athletes now and it is great to start seeing familiar faces from back home turn up in one piece looking really fit and rearing to go.
I opted out of my easy ride in the afternoon as the heavens opened up and the amount of traffic on the roads and the fact that a cyclist got collected by a car right out the front of where I am staying. I did my afternoon swim and no matter the weather, the swimming is so beautiful every time.
An early night followed soon after dinner and I had to send Fos (dad) on his way as he was about to punch out a few "pa's" (family term for the sound dad makes when he falls asleep in his chair most weekend afternoons!).
Today is the final longish ride before everything shuts down and taper really kicks in. The bike will get special attention after this ride with some new additions going to be added and with my bike mechanic (dad) now on board, I know that my stead will be shining and looking the part come race day.
On that note, the ride is not going to be done by me typing this blog.
For now...
X-Man
PS.. With the town starting to look like a massive expo, many more pictures will be added and especially with Eb & Nath already playing the tourist card. Some might not make any sense, however there will be many added!!
Dad, not being a seasoned traveller like myself tends to stress a little bit when things don't go exactly the way it is planned. So when I heard that there were flights delays from home, I was hoping that the salty coloured hair didn't start to disappear also. Was good to see them here and I am looking forward to hearing that customary "whistle" come race day!
Nath was sporting his Geelong "get up" in honour of the Cats winning the Grand Final and Eb was already fitting in, wearing beach attire. The most noticeable thing about the 3 were the tan that they had. Not your traditional tan, but the "Moon Tan". I had to wear my sunnies to talk to them as the glare from the skin was hurting my eyes!! :-)
Yesterday I got through my last long run, 1hr 45min including a 1hr effort. The morning was hot and I was really happy with how the body reacted to the nutrition and the heat along with the effort. Just another boxed ticked and a small boost in confidence also.
The town is so overly populated with athletes now and it is great to start seeing familiar faces from back home turn up in one piece looking really fit and rearing to go.
I opted out of my easy ride in the afternoon as the heavens opened up and the amount of traffic on the roads and the fact that a cyclist got collected by a car right out the front of where I am staying. I did my afternoon swim and no matter the weather, the swimming is so beautiful every time.
An early night followed soon after dinner and I had to send Fos (dad) on his way as he was about to punch out a few "pa's" (family term for the sound dad makes when he falls asleep in his chair most weekend afternoons!).
Today is the final longish ride before everything shuts down and taper really kicks in. The bike will get special attention after this ride with some new additions going to be added and with my bike mechanic (dad) now on board, I know that my stead will be shining and looking the part come race day.
On that note, the ride is not going to be done by me typing this blog.
For now...
X-Man
PS.. With the town starting to look like a massive expo, many more pictures will be added and especially with Eb & Nath already playing the tourist card. Some might not make any sense, however there will be many added!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Day 19: Regular Update.......GO CATS!!
Further to my previous post, here is an example of what has been erected over the last few days.
Signs like this start to give me the realization that I am "part of this". (No not the Billfish Tournament!!)
The rest of yesterday resulted in a very relaxing day and the massage felt like I was getting "man handled" by Sean from konasportstherapy.com. I am usually on the receiving end of a female massage, however to have a male massage was a total new experience. Throw in the fact that I have no pain tolerance whatsoever, it was exactly what I needed. He not only massaged, but also stretched my limbs.
Signs like this start to give me the realization that I am "part of this". (No not the Billfish Tournament!!)
The rocket swim skin was very comfortable and I am really looking forward to wearing it come race day.
The rest of yesterday resulted in a very relaxing day and the massage felt like I was getting "man handled" by Sean from konasportstherapy.com. I am usually on the receiving end of a female massage, however to have a male massage was a total new experience. Throw in the fact that I have no pain tolerance whatsoever, it was exactly what I needed. He not only massaged, but also stretched my limbs.
I feel a million dollars from this and am looking forward to what is in store today. My last long run, followed by a swim then an easy spin later this afternoon.
The highlight of my day will be seeing my "support crew" arrive and am looking forward to catching up with them.
The highlight of yesterday was sitting was the AFL GF live with a group of Aussies and watching the Cats take home the chocolates. GO CATS!!! WE ARE GEELONG!!
The TT helmet will get a run in tomorrows ride to make sure that I will not overheat in these conditions. I have been in my road helmet of late and am interested to see how the TT feels.
Not much of a blog today, will have more to report later on today....hopefully.
For now...
X-Man
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Day 18: Holiday Location closed, Race Village Open
WOW, what a transformation.
Two days ago Kona was still a holiday location, not many athletes noticeable around the streets. You still saw a few out on the Queen K riding or near the Energy Lab running or at the pool swimming, but no where as much around the streets. With the majority of athletes and supporters arriving in the last few days the whole town is starting to transform.
Shops are being transformed from clothing shops to Ironman shops. Cafe's are now putting up signs welcoming Ironman Athletes. The town is really starting to get a real "buzz" about it. It will give me an opportunity to take some more photos and post them. I might even be able to do some before and after shots.
I am a little later with this blog than normal as I have already done my session for today, so I will recap on the previous day and a bit.
Yesterday started with an easy 60min ride, nothing to report, legs felt great after the previous day and especially after the treatment in the afternoon.
My normal breakfast of eggs on toast followed by a very relaxed day. The afternoon was a 60min run with a build at the end of it. It started off as a little bit of a struggle, however as the session got going, so did my legs. The last part of the run I was really happy with getting my pace well under the 4min k pace. (This is what the pro's will run for the entire marathon after the bike and I am happy doing this relatively fresh for 2-3k's!) It really gives you a great understanding of how fast the best of the best really are. (I would post the session, however my garmin is having a few issues transferring the data!)
A small swim once again followed and dinner watching the sunset was a perfect way to end the evening. I tried the Rocket Swim skin on and it fit like a glove, just with my "massive" guns it was a little tight around the shoulder/lat region. I am hoping to get this sorted before race day also.
Seeing Billy after the swim was a great relief as it meant that they had arrived safely, albeit him looking a little weary!
I have taken a few more photos and due to some technical issues, cannot post them. Once I sort this out I will add to the blog.
This morning was my first look at the entire course, it is amazing. The pier was full of people unlike previous days and there was even an "Ironman" Marquee handing out drinks for the athletes. Totally different to the quiet scenes of previous. Catching up with Brad Bullock and Matty Burton was great as it gave me people to swim with for the entire course. After starting the swim and having no wall after 25 or 50m metres sometimes you forget how far 2k is in one direction. Swimming on a pool doing 5+ km sets is so different to swimming 2k in the one direction. Took a while to get used to.
The fish were amazing to look at from start to finish and the amount of swimmers out there was also very cool. A little technical issue with my suit meant I had to remove it for the swim home. Stuffing it down my bathers definitely added some extra drag for the swim back to the pier, however with the scenery out there, staying out for a few extra minutes is sometimes more of a pleasure opposed to hindrance.
The rest of the day entails trying to sort out the technical issues followed by a massage later this afternoon. Following that will be shacking up at a local watching Geelong v Collingwood in the AFL grand final. Hoping that Geelong take the chocolates!! GO CATS!!
The weather is amazing again today. This is the best way to describe it:
When it is bad, it is still good.
When it is good, it is great.
When it is great, it is perfect.
I am loving this life!
For now...
X-Man
Two days ago Kona was still a holiday location, not many athletes noticeable around the streets. You still saw a few out on the Queen K riding or near the Energy Lab running or at the pool swimming, but no where as much around the streets. With the majority of athletes and supporters arriving in the last few days the whole town is starting to transform.
Shops are being transformed from clothing shops to Ironman shops. Cafe's are now putting up signs welcoming Ironman Athletes. The town is really starting to get a real "buzz" about it. It will give me an opportunity to take some more photos and post them. I might even be able to do some before and after shots.
I am a little later with this blog than normal as I have already done my session for today, so I will recap on the previous day and a bit.
Yesterday started with an easy 60min ride, nothing to report, legs felt great after the previous day and especially after the treatment in the afternoon.
My normal breakfast of eggs on toast followed by a very relaxed day. The afternoon was a 60min run with a build at the end of it. It started off as a little bit of a struggle, however as the session got going, so did my legs. The last part of the run I was really happy with getting my pace well under the 4min k pace. (This is what the pro's will run for the entire marathon after the bike and I am happy doing this relatively fresh for 2-3k's!) It really gives you a great understanding of how fast the best of the best really are. (I would post the session, however my garmin is having a few issues transferring the data!)
A small swim once again followed and dinner watching the sunset was a perfect way to end the evening. I tried the Rocket Swim skin on and it fit like a glove, just with my "massive" guns it was a little tight around the shoulder/lat region. I am hoping to get this sorted before race day also.
Seeing Billy after the swim was a great relief as it meant that they had arrived safely, albeit him looking a little weary!
I have taken a few more photos and due to some technical issues, cannot post them. Once I sort this out I will add to the blog.
This morning was my first look at the entire course, it is amazing. The pier was full of people unlike previous days and there was even an "Ironman" Marquee handing out drinks for the athletes. Totally different to the quiet scenes of previous. Catching up with Brad Bullock and Matty Burton was great as it gave me people to swim with for the entire course. After starting the swim and having no wall after 25 or 50m metres sometimes you forget how far 2k is in one direction. Swimming on a pool doing 5+ km sets is so different to swimming 2k in the one direction. Took a while to get used to.
The fish were amazing to look at from start to finish and the amount of swimmers out there was also very cool. A little technical issue with my suit meant I had to remove it for the swim home. Stuffing it down my bathers definitely added some extra drag for the swim back to the pier, however with the scenery out there, staying out for a few extra minutes is sometimes more of a pleasure opposed to hindrance.
The rest of the day entails trying to sort out the technical issues followed by a massage later this afternoon. Following that will be shacking up at a local watching Geelong v Collingwood in the AFL grand final. Hoping that Geelong take the chocolates!! GO CATS!!
The weather is amazing again today. This is the best way to describe it:
When it is bad, it is still good.
When it is good, it is great.
When it is great, it is perfect.
I am loving this life!
For now...
X-Man
Friday, September 30, 2011
Day 17: Ride legs return
Thankfully!!
The demons of Saturdays ride were still in my mind over the last few days and I was really looking forward to my ride to get some kind of confidence back in my cycling legs. My running and swimming have been fine the whole time, just that 1 pesky ride that had been playing on my mind.
A 3.5hr ride with 7 x 20min efforts was on order and out to the Queen K I headed. Fully loaded once again with my nutrition and hydration, I had my usual warm up and then started the efforts.
Making my way along the Queen K, ticking each effort as I went I was starting to gain confidence that I really did pack my cycling legs for this trip. Calculating how far out I would get and trying to work out if I had a head/tail or cross wind influences where you turn around. Being caught out previously on this trip I didn't want to got 1hr 45min out and over 2hrs back!!
Getting to Kawihae (the usual drink stop) I still had 5min to go in my last effort and 10min before I needed to turn back. I started the climb towards Hawi and felt really really great. Finishing this effort, I turned back to the drink stop filled up and headed off again. Unfortunately for me, the end of my last effort was going to be the same as the start of my next one..... UPHILL. You have to climb out of Kawaihae in either direction, so heading back to the Queen K, I started my effort a little conservative as I know now that if you go too hard early, you don't make the end!!
Back onto the Queen K, I was feeling great but knew that there were some sections of the return trip that really sort you out if you haven't had enough to eat or drink.
Just finishing my 5th effort these two guys rolled up to me and we started to chat. Discovering that they were from NZ the accent was not too strong we struck up a good conversation until I had to start my next effort. Once I began this, I noticed a little gap behind me (they said that they would just sit on my wheel) and then something that I never expected to happen, they just rode passed me and off into the distance. Confidence shattered just like that! I thought that I was going ok until this. Maybe not?!? What have I done wrong?? Why can't I sit with them?
Not trying to let it destroy my ride, I continued on my merry way thinking that I would catch them, nope, gonski! Ok, new thought process...This is the World Champs, I am only going to be a mid range here and who are these guys?? They could be UBER cyclists and can't swim or run. They were a bit older than me, so at least that they are not in my age group!
Ticking off my 6th and starting my final effort, my legs were still feeling ok, I had lost a little of my top end power, however the road back has more inclines than declines so that is expected. Getting towards the end of my ride and passing many a cyclist along the way, who did I see and was catching? The 2 NZ guys. Ok, my legs must be going well, maybe they were fresher and didn't go the whole way out as me.
Anyway as I caught them, the words, "Where the f*** did you come from?" were said. I had a little smile and said that I was just about to finish my effort. A coffee invite was also thrown my way and due to the fact that I was running off the bike, I declined and headed back to the apartment.
Getting back into Transitions (apartment) I had a reasonably slow change, made sure that I ate and had a drink before my 40min run. Legs feeling good, the entire was out and back.
I must say that it was one of the hottest days that I have trained in here to date and to get 119k's in on the bike and 9.6k's running gave me a big confidence booster.
The afternoon entailed a massage. I had organised a traditional Japanese massage to get the body going without too much trauma. Below are some of the photos and tools used.
Yes a mallet and block (apparently good for straightening out triathlete shoulders that are hunched over!)
Above: Pain in order!
Above: Pain being inflicted
The massage was amazing and I felt really great following. Booking another 3 massages before the race along with taper should see me in tip top condition.
A few more pics below!
Above left: Carla about to receive the mallet treatment
Above right: Impact into my lower back.
The pain was not intense, however you did know that you were getting some. Post massage I was once again reminded to do some core work... OK OK, maybe after this race I will look into getting a core program happening.
The next two days are lightish days and with a reasonable weekend, the time is drawing ever so close.
For Now...
X-Man
PS....can't wait to catch up with Billy & Gail, their flight was delayed due to the weather back home, but am hoping that they arrive today!
The demons of Saturdays ride were still in my mind over the last few days and I was really looking forward to my ride to get some kind of confidence back in my cycling legs. My running and swimming have been fine the whole time, just that 1 pesky ride that had been playing on my mind.
A 3.5hr ride with 7 x 20min efforts was on order and out to the Queen K I headed. Fully loaded once again with my nutrition and hydration, I had my usual warm up and then started the efforts.
Making my way along the Queen K, ticking each effort as I went I was starting to gain confidence that I really did pack my cycling legs for this trip. Calculating how far out I would get and trying to work out if I had a head/tail or cross wind influences where you turn around. Being caught out previously on this trip I didn't want to got 1hr 45min out and over 2hrs back!!
Getting to Kawihae (the usual drink stop) I still had 5min to go in my last effort and 10min before I needed to turn back. I started the climb towards Hawi and felt really really great. Finishing this effort, I turned back to the drink stop filled up and headed off again. Unfortunately for me, the end of my last effort was going to be the same as the start of my next one..... UPHILL. You have to climb out of Kawaihae in either direction, so heading back to the Queen K, I started my effort a little conservative as I know now that if you go too hard early, you don't make the end!!
Back onto the Queen K, I was feeling great but knew that there were some sections of the return trip that really sort you out if you haven't had enough to eat or drink.
Just finishing my 5th effort these two guys rolled up to me and we started to chat. Discovering that they were from NZ the accent was not too strong we struck up a good conversation until I had to start my next effort. Once I began this, I noticed a little gap behind me (they said that they would just sit on my wheel) and then something that I never expected to happen, they just rode passed me and off into the distance. Confidence shattered just like that! I thought that I was going ok until this. Maybe not?!? What have I done wrong?? Why can't I sit with them?
Not trying to let it destroy my ride, I continued on my merry way thinking that I would catch them, nope, gonski! Ok, new thought process...This is the World Champs, I am only going to be a mid range here and who are these guys?? They could be UBER cyclists and can't swim or run. They were a bit older than me, so at least that they are not in my age group!
Ticking off my 6th and starting my final effort, my legs were still feeling ok, I had lost a little of my top end power, however the road back has more inclines than declines so that is expected. Getting towards the end of my ride and passing many a cyclist along the way, who did I see and was catching? The 2 NZ guys. Ok, my legs must be going well, maybe they were fresher and didn't go the whole way out as me.
Anyway as I caught them, the words, "Where the f*** did you come from?" were said. I had a little smile and said that I was just about to finish my effort. A coffee invite was also thrown my way and due to the fact that I was running off the bike, I declined and headed back to the apartment.
Getting back into Transitions (apartment) I had a reasonably slow change, made sure that I ate and had a drink before my 40min run. Legs feeling good, the entire was out and back.
I must say that it was one of the hottest days that I have trained in here to date and to get 119k's in on the bike and 9.6k's running gave me a big confidence booster.
The afternoon entailed a massage. I had organised a traditional Japanese massage to get the body going without too much trauma. Below are some of the photos and tools used.
Yes a mallet and block (apparently good for straightening out triathlete shoulders that are hunched over!)
Above: Pain in order!
Above: Pain being inflicted
The massage was amazing and I felt really great following. Booking another 3 massages before the race along with taper should see me in tip top condition.
A few more pics below!
Above left: Carla about to receive the mallet treatment
Above right: Impact into my lower back.
The pain was not intense, however you did know that you were getting some. Post massage I was once again reminded to do some core work... OK OK, maybe after this race I will look into getting a core program happening.
The next two days are lightish days and with a reasonable weekend, the time is drawing ever so close.
For Now...
X-Man
PS....can't wait to catch up with Billy & Gail, their flight was delayed due to the weather back home, but am hoping that they arrive today!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day 16: A day of nothing!
A day of nothing. Today being rest day number 2, I have done nothing and loved every minute of it!!
I have only left the apartment twice, once was to go organise a massage for tomorrow and the second time was to go to the farmer's market to grab some fresh produce for lunch and dinner.
Watching a fair bit of television with my feet up has been the general order for the day. Touching base when some friends, family & my coach back home has also occupied part of the day.
I have also been receiving some really awesome messages from people that I would never expect to receive them from and also people that I would expect to receive from, so I thank you for them. I will paste them below, without the names attached:
Hey Xavier,
I'm really enjoying your blog and hearing all about your journey in Kona. You say that people have inspired you, well I thought I'd let you know that you're also inspiring others :)
G'day Xavier,
Hope all is well over in Kona and your training is going to schedule. Keep your blog entries happening as it is great reading and is generating a fair amount of interest over here.
hey big fella,
wen you get a chance reply to this and let me know how things are going. i've been reading all your blogs and it sounds good. it's keeping me motivated mate so thanks.
Good to hear its going great guns over there.. Might have to make the trip next year to see all the action.
Best of luck buddy. Hope you execute your race the way you have planned. Must say, the training and planning have been epic and meticulous in equal measures. Looking forward to reading the race report.
Thanks if it wasn't for you i wouldn't have got that far. If only I could be there for your ultimate goal.
keep your chin up mate. its not a disgrace to be standing in your shoes. or peddling! Trust your training mate, once you are settled in you will be set.
I really enjoying receiving these, so thanks to all and for those that I have not posted (and there are plenty of them) thanks also.
I must be getting more and more acclimatised due to the fact that the a/c is on less and less and the temperature has been turned off at a higher temp now. I am also finding parts of the water cool when swimming now.
Seeing a fellow Australian guy who landed today who was sweating like I was 2 weeks ago was also pleasing due to the fact that I really did today was overly hot!
Tomorrow I resume my training with a lot less volume also, just to start fine tuning myself ready to be in A1 shape come race day. An afternoon massage is also in order.
Time to resume my R&R, followed by some dinner soon.
For now...
X-Man
I have only left the apartment twice, once was to go organise a massage for tomorrow and the second time was to go to the farmer's market to grab some fresh produce for lunch and dinner.
Watching a fair bit of television with my feet up has been the general order for the day. Touching base when some friends, family & my coach back home has also occupied part of the day.
I have also been receiving some really awesome messages from people that I would never expect to receive them from and also people that I would expect to receive from, so I thank you for them. I will paste them below, without the names attached:
Hey Xavier,
I'm really enjoying your blog and hearing all about your journey in Kona. You say that people have inspired you, well I thought I'd let you know that you're also inspiring others :)
G'day Xavier,
Hope all is well over in Kona and your training is going to schedule. Keep your blog entries happening as it is great reading and is generating a fair amount of interest over here.
hey big fella,
wen you get a chance reply to this and let me know how things are going. i've been reading all your blogs and it sounds good. it's keeping me motivated mate so thanks.
Good to hear its going great guns over there.. Might have to make the trip next year to see all the action.
Best of luck buddy. Hope you execute your race the way you have planned. Must say, the training and planning have been epic and meticulous in equal measures. Looking forward to reading the race report.
Thanks if it wasn't for you i wouldn't have got that far. If only I could be there for your ultimate goal.
keep your chin up mate. its not a disgrace to be standing in your shoes. or peddling! Trust your training mate, once you are settled in you will be set.
I really enjoying receiving these, so thanks to all and for those that I have not posted (and there are plenty of them) thanks also.
I must be getting more and more acclimatised due to the fact that the a/c is on less and less and the temperature has been turned off at a higher temp now. I am also finding parts of the water cool when swimming now.
Seeing a fellow Australian guy who landed today who was sweating like I was 2 weeks ago was also pleasing due to the fact that I really did today was overly hot!
Tomorrow I resume my training with a lot less volume also, just to start fine tuning myself ready to be in A1 shape come race day. An afternoon massage is also in order.
Time to resume my R&R, followed by some dinner soon.
For now...
X-Man
Day 15: Rest Day 1
Why is it that all you want to do is eat on a rest day?? The body is not training, you have your feet up and all you feel like is food. Not just any kind of food..The best kind - JUNK FOOD.
Resisting this is always hard, you try to be good and eat right, but that just never fills you up. Yesterday was one of those days for me. Maybe it was the body trying to tell me to put back in what I had been burning?!? Who knows, but for most part of the day it was a challenge to resist.
The day was perfect. Having the whole day off just to lounge around meant that a few movies were watched on the tv, a light swim was had late in the afternoon, some trigger point therapy on my legs and of course a little siesta.
I thought I did rather well not consuming a ridiculous amount of calories yesterday, although the odd 1 or 2 extra did sneak in there some how.
Today is going to be in exactly the same fashion as yesterday, plenty of nothing!
I also need to make a HUGE shout out to a few people as I had a little nutrition miscalculation for the following weeks. Bill & Gail Sinclair (Possibly the greatest people of all time), Scott Harvey, Tim T, Pete C & Justin S for trying to locate my nutrition back home and organising to get it over her for me in time for my next amount of training going into the race and also for the race.
I can say that without their help, plan B would have had to be derived very fast and tested to make sure that it would have worked. Only problem is, I never had a plan B. My nutrition has been perfect all this lead up, even in the heat here at Kona after 5hrs on the bike. So I didn't think a plan B was necessary. What I also didn't know before I got here was how much extra that I would be going through whilst I am here. The gatorade tub count is up over 5 empties in 2 weeks. Lucky it was $3.50 per tub (on sale) when I bought my tubs.
Other than that, the day was completed as required. Today will see a massage take place before my legs get put up and hopefully some more good movies to watch.
For now...
X-Man
Resisting this is always hard, you try to be good and eat right, but that just never fills you up. Yesterday was one of those days for me. Maybe it was the body trying to tell me to put back in what I had been burning?!? Who knows, but for most part of the day it was a challenge to resist.
The day was perfect. Having the whole day off just to lounge around meant that a few movies were watched on the tv, a light swim was had late in the afternoon, some trigger point therapy on my legs and of course a little siesta.
I thought I did rather well not consuming a ridiculous amount of calories yesterday, although the odd 1 or 2 extra did sneak in there some how.
Today is going to be in exactly the same fashion as yesterday, plenty of nothing!
I also need to make a HUGE shout out to a few people as I had a little nutrition miscalculation for the following weeks. Bill & Gail Sinclair (Possibly the greatest people of all time), Scott Harvey, Tim T, Pete C & Justin S for trying to locate my nutrition back home and organising to get it over her for me in time for my next amount of training going into the race and also for the race.
I can say that without their help, plan B would have had to be derived very fast and tested to make sure that it would have worked. Only problem is, I never had a plan B. My nutrition has been perfect all this lead up, even in the heat here at Kona after 5hrs on the bike. So I didn't think a plan B was necessary. What I also didn't know before I got here was how much extra that I would be going through whilst I am here. The gatorade tub count is up over 5 empties in 2 weeks. Lucky it was $3.50 per tub (on sale) when I bought my tubs.
Other than that, the day was completed as required. Today will see a massage take place before my legs get put up and hopefully some more good movies to watch.
For now...
X-Man
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Day 14: What time is it??
Taper time!!
After completing my last big day of training, I now enter my taper. I still have a few medium sized sessions later this week, however my big stuff is well and truly behind me.
This of course brings me to the next situation: The race is Saturday week (Hawaii Time). Something that was so far away, it is so close now, so so close. The realisation that I am here training for such a significant event has now dawned on me.
My last big run was yesterday and I was a little concerned about getting through this after my ride the day before (it is funny how much of a mental game this sport is). So, with heavy legs and doubt in my mind I headed from my apartment up to the Queen K to run the energy lab. This would be my first time running the lab and something that I hoped that wasn't too intimidating.
Another thing with the training here, you really have to be mindful about how much nutrition/hydration you take with you and when you fill up as there are not many places that are available. So if you miscalculate, things can go horribly wrong! FAST! With that in mind, I was a little cautious about taking on too much nutrition early until I established where the "feed zones" would be for me.
Getting out to the energy lab, I only really noticed one potential place that I could stop, a petrol station, which could be a little too far for the return to get there without any other hydration. Heading down into the energy lab (which I didn't realise was 3k each way!) I was still on the look out for somewhere to fill up. By this stage I was 1hr 10min into my run and starting to get stuck into what I had in my fuel belt.
Going around the bottom corner, I noticed a public toilet. Beauty, that's where I can top up my bottles and keep going. By the time I would get to the turnaround point and back would be another 2-3 k's. Perfect. I made sure that I really got filled up my body with nutrition & hydration so that I would have a fresh full load on the return run. (I knew where my next stop would be!)
Topped up and off I went. The energy lab wasn't too intimidating this time (I didn't do a monster bike ride in the conditions prior either!) and I was back out on the Queen K heading back. A few calculations and I knew that I would have to run passed my apartment (which I hate doing) to make up the full time.
Re-fuelling at a local park was the next stop and as the run went on, my legs felt better and better. I managed to find my comfortable pace being around the 4min 30 k pace, something that I would definitely take race day! This session was a massive turnaround for my confidence as at least I know my run legs are still there.
My session is below:
The afternoon session was another 30min easy run. Easy was never going to be in the equation, running 35k in the morning was always going to make the 30min run in the afternoon tough. My legs felt heavy and ugly and I really struggled to run 5min k pace for the first few minutes, not long after that I was down to the 4min 30's again and feeling good.
I would like to thank my run legs for re-installing some confidence in the training I have put into them and just hope that they talk to my ride legs and give them the same strength come race day.
The agenda for the next 2 days is rest and just rest. I might have a few little ocean swims to keep my feel in the water and enjoy the weather.
Wednesday gives me the opportunity to test my ride legs out again and one that I am hoping for not just a good ride, but a GREAT ride.
For now...
X-Man
After completing my last big day of training, I now enter my taper. I still have a few medium sized sessions later this week, however my big stuff is well and truly behind me.
This of course brings me to the next situation: The race is Saturday week (Hawaii Time). Something that was so far away, it is so close now, so so close. The realisation that I am here training for such a significant event has now dawned on me.
My last big run was yesterday and I was a little concerned about getting through this after my ride the day before (it is funny how much of a mental game this sport is). So, with heavy legs and doubt in my mind I headed from my apartment up to the Queen K to run the energy lab. This would be my first time running the lab and something that I hoped that wasn't too intimidating.
Another thing with the training here, you really have to be mindful about how much nutrition/hydration you take with you and when you fill up as there are not many places that are available. So if you miscalculate, things can go horribly wrong! FAST! With that in mind, I was a little cautious about taking on too much nutrition early until I established where the "feed zones" would be for me.
Getting out to the energy lab, I only really noticed one potential place that I could stop, a petrol station, which could be a little too far for the return to get there without any other hydration. Heading down into the energy lab (which I didn't realise was 3k each way!) I was still on the look out for somewhere to fill up. By this stage I was 1hr 10min into my run and starting to get stuck into what I had in my fuel belt.
Going around the bottom corner, I noticed a public toilet. Beauty, that's where I can top up my bottles and keep going. By the time I would get to the turnaround point and back would be another 2-3 k's. Perfect. I made sure that I really got filled up my body with nutrition & hydration so that I would have a fresh full load on the return run. (I knew where my next stop would be!)
Topped up and off I went. The energy lab wasn't too intimidating this time (I didn't do a monster bike ride in the conditions prior either!) and I was back out on the Queen K heading back. A few calculations and I knew that I would have to run passed my apartment (which I hate doing) to make up the full time.
Re-fuelling at a local park was the next stop and as the run went on, my legs felt better and better. I managed to find my comfortable pace being around the 4min 30 k pace, something that I would definitely take race day! This session was a massive turnaround for my confidence as at least I know my run legs are still there.
My session is below:
The afternoon session was another 30min easy run. Easy was never going to be in the equation, running 35k in the morning was always going to make the 30min run in the afternoon tough. My legs felt heavy and ugly and I really struggled to run 5min k pace for the first few minutes, not long after that I was down to the 4min 30's again and feeling good.
I would like to thank my run legs for re-installing some confidence in the training I have put into them and just hope that they talk to my ride legs and give them the same strength come race day.
The agenda for the next 2 days is rest and just rest. I might have a few little ocean swims to keep my feel in the water and enjoy the weather.
Wednesday gives me the opportunity to test my ride legs out again and one that I am hoping for not just a good ride, but a GREAT ride.
For now...
X-Man
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Day 13: One I want to sweep under the carpet.
For ever!
Today was probably the worst training rides that I have ever had. Usually I know why things went pair shaped, however today, I have no answers.
My nutrition was spot on, consumed 12 bottles over the 180k journey with the usual mix of my nutrition/hydration. My heart rate was in the right zones, my legs never ever got sore at any stage of the ride.
I just couldn't get going.
This is so unusual for me. Yes I have sessions that I wish that I could repeat, but more often than not, I know why they occurred
It could be lack of sleep, a few too many beverages, wrong food the previous night or simply can't be bothered.
Not today..
No beverages :(, sleeping 10hours per night, eating better than I ever have (I mean ever!!) and I am so motivated right now and am loving everything about this preparation. My program has been tailored to give me BIG sessions, but also BIG recovery. It shouldn't be this way. I should be tired, granted, but I don't even feel tired.
As I sit writing this blog, I am not even that "wiped out" like I most likely should be. My body is feeling fine and even in my run post ride I was really happy with. My swim was great, why this with my ride today.
To add insult to my bad day, 2 of my tyres deflated during the ride and had to change them, but are fully inflated now, more than 6hours post ride. That also has questions that I have no answers for.
I am just dumbfounded why, I felt like I was towing a full peleton of riders all hanging off string behind me. Nope, not the case. I also felt like my tires were sticking to the road.
Why do I care so much? This was my last long ride pre-race. I can't get it back, I can't re-do the session, I just have to live with the fact that my last long ride was a disaster. No next week. My only hope is that I can really nail my rides later this week to redeem myself.
I have my last long run tomorrow, 2hrs 45min, and let's hope that I can hit that nail smack bang on the head and have a cracking run. Unsure how I will be if things go pair shaped in that one also. Could just head to the Bar and write the whole weekend off. (The last part is only going to happen post race regardless of my session tomorrow, have done FAR too much to throw it away now!!).
Taper starts Monday and I really want to go into that knowing that I have finished everything that I should have the way I should have.
Bed is calling my name now, hoping to wake up knowing my ride was just a bad dream?!?
For now...
X-Man
PS... Even the best pro's surely have bad days? Please the answer be yes!!
Today was probably the worst training rides that I have ever had. Usually I know why things went pair shaped, however today, I have no answers.
My nutrition was spot on, consumed 12 bottles over the 180k journey with the usual mix of my nutrition/hydration. My heart rate was in the right zones, my legs never ever got sore at any stage of the ride.
I just couldn't get going.
This is so unusual for me. Yes I have sessions that I wish that I could repeat, but more often than not, I know why they occurred
It could be lack of sleep, a few too many beverages, wrong food the previous night or simply can't be bothered.
Not today..
No beverages :(, sleeping 10hours per night, eating better than I ever have (I mean ever!!) and I am so motivated right now and am loving everything about this preparation. My program has been tailored to give me BIG sessions, but also BIG recovery. It shouldn't be this way. I should be tired, granted, but I don't even feel tired.
As I sit writing this blog, I am not even that "wiped out" like I most likely should be. My body is feeling fine and even in my run post ride I was really happy with. My swim was great, why this with my ride today.
To add insult to my bad day, 2 of my tyres deflated during the ride and had to change them, but are fully inflated now, more than 6hours post ride. That also has questions that I have no answers for.
I am just dumbfounded why, I felt like I was towing a full peleton of riders all hanging off string behind me. Nope, not the case. I also felt like my tires were sticking to the road.
Why do I care so much? This was my last long ride pre-race. I can't get it back, I can't re-do the session, I just have to live with the fact that my last long ride was a disaster. No next week. My only hope is that I can really nail my rides later this week to redeem myself.
I have my last long run tomorrow, 2hrs 45min, and let's hope that I can hit that nail smack bang on the head and have a cracking run. Unsure how I will be if things go pair shaped in that one also. Could just head to the Bar and write the whole weekend off. (The last part is only going to happen post race regardless of my session tomorrow, have done FAR too much to throw it away now!!).
Taper starts Monday and I really want to go into that knowing that I have finished everything that I should have the way I should have.
Bed is calling my name now, hoping to wake up knowing my ride was just a bad dream?!?
For now...
X-Man
PS... Even the best pro's surely have bad days? Please the answer be yes!!
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