S...L...O...W

It's that time of the year, the off-season. Time for base training. Time to slow everything down. At least that's the view of many coaches, athletes and "experts"...Mark Allen being chief among them. The theory is, by keeping all workouts aerobic, the body becomes more efficient over time at burning fat for fuel. And, pace will increase at the same output. That's what got my attention. If I travel at, say, 17mph right now at a heart rate of 140 beats per minute (aerobic for me), and do all of my workouts in the aerobic zone for a period of time, I should then be able to travel at maybe 19mph at the same heart rate/effort. There are many other benefits to this type of training as well. The likelihood of injury is reduced, recovery is quicker, etc., etc.

But there's a catch. It's slow, at least in the beginning. Ego has to be left at home while doing aerobic training. Walking up hills, riding in the small ring, getting passed by the old guy in the next lane, turtles laughing as they pass...all part of it in the beginning. At least it has been for me.

I've included aerobic sessions in my training in the past. But I've never done aerobic training solely, in all three sports, over a long period of time, which is what is required for the positive adaptations to take place....according to the experts.

I've been at it now for a little over a week and I haven't seen any improvements...actually, my paces have slowed from the initial few aerobic workouts. Not very encouraging, but I'm trusting the improvements will come. I'll be tracking my progress very closely and will post up some of my results soon.

If you're interested in reading more on this type of training, go to Mark Allen's site(http://www.markallenonline.com) and scroll down to the very bottom of the main page.

Spectator Notes from IMFL 06

First things first.....I'M IN.
I'm registered for Ironman Florida 2007.
At least I have a voucher stating I'm registered. I still have to go online to close the deal.
This should be an interesting year. My biggest challenge will be not nuking myself by starting too early. Note to self: No 6 hour rides in December.

I drove down to Panama City Beach Saturday and got to the race site about 1:30pm. I found an empty spot not far from the marathon midpoint turnaround. Minutes after arriving, Andrea Fisher came motoring by.

A few more pictures from the day....

Jan Raphael on his way to victory...in his Ironman debut!

Eduardo Sturla coming in second.

Jim Vance brings home third.

Bella on her way to victory number 4 in Florida.

Carole Sharpless heads in for second.

Hillary Biscay rounds out the podium.

Amanda Lovato heads for the finish.

Volunteers working hard in the madness of the run special nees area.

I learned many do's and dont's during the day that I'll keep in mind for next year. I'll try to write a few of them out here in the future.

Should be a fun year............