Runner’s High

Recently I completed a 13.1 mile workout run. This is a big deal as I did not significantly prep, stretch, or meal plan. In fact, it was after a string of hellacious nights. The reason this is important is because it was a simple training run at my current longest distance. I crushed it! And, I obtained that elusive ‘runner’s high’. It felt amazing, I was cruising and I even did a portion of the run in the slushy Juneau snow! I think I might be able to do this Ironman thing… 

Well currently I am sitting in the urine smelling city of New Orleans. Don’t get me wrong, I like this city. This is Emily’s first time here and we’ve done all the fun events such as beignets at Cafe Du Monte, voodoo and ghost tours, getting drunk on bourbon street, and, my favorite, listened to live jazz all night!  We got premium seating at my two favorite jazz spots: the spotted cat and fritz jazz bar. We even took a tour out in the swap and watched alligators feeding and listened to Cajans talk about the history of the area. Today we took a tour of the cemeteries and it was phenomenal. Our guide was zealous and full of fun facts.   The shear history of the dead in New Orleans is exciting.  Fun things I learned while here; the following originated here in NOLA: graveyard shift, dead ringer, wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole, and saved by the bell. 

Sadly our diet has been absolutely abismal with a 6000+ calorie day yesterday. So, not the best for my training but this morning I awoke early and did a sunrise run in the banks of the Mississippi River. It was cool with a warm rain and I again just cruised. Hopefully I’ll be back on track when we return to cold Juneau. Stay tuned.  

#huskyalaskantriing

 

So I, in my vainglouriousness, decided to do the Alaska Ironman Triathlon. It is a grueling 2.4 mile open water swim in the frigid Auk Lake, 112 mile bike along the Juneau iconic coastline, and then an absurd 26.2 mile marathon. I’ve never attempted anything near this in my life. I decided in August of 2021 and the race takes place August 7, 2022. Currently I am about halfway through the training and feeling ok but the daunting idea of my first ever open swim, then my longest ever cycling trip followed by the longest run I have ever completed is, to say the least, overwhelming. The cost alone was also unexpected as the race registration was ~$1500, then supplies, bike, training etc the cost is in the tens of thousands. But as I see it, I am investing in my own health. I find it frustrating that I haven’t lost any weight and I’m constantly tired but the prospect of eternal gloating rights for competing a full Ironman drives me forward. 

Why? Well, it all started with one of the social workers at the hospital. Sarah is a super triathlete and gave me 3 reasons I couldn’t argue;

1. It’s in Juneau so I could train on the actual course, 
2. Being in Juneau I wouldn’t have to travel or have travel expenses, 
3. The most compelling argument, I’m without kids and the youngest I’ll ever be so if I were EVER to attempt one, now is the time.

Also, at the time Emily and I had just finished training for her first half marathon so I was in the mindset of, “anything is possible”. Sadly I had a bit of ‘buyers remorse’ when I signed up as everyone one I told looked me up and down and asked, “really? You?”  But again, I view this as a self investment. 

So here I am, doing 1-3 hours of various training every day. Besides the tiredness I feel stronger. Though still struggling with diet, it’s next on my list to tackle. Wish me luck as I go forth on this insane endeavor. #huskyalaskantriing