Ironman Insights - July 22, 2008

I set out about a week ago to accomplish a big challenge.  I asked Matt Erbele "aka Farmboy" if he would be willing to share his insights of what he has learned along the way from his Ironman experiences and career.

I thought it would be a challenge not because Matt would be unwilling, but because for the years that I've known Matt, it would be safe to say that, "he's not a big talker."  I remember as a kid having a contest of sorts whereby we could see who could go the longest without saying a word.  Matt probably could have made it from the third grade through his freshman year of college without breaking a sweat.  He's a good "Iron Monk!"

I first met Matt down in Brazil in the spring of 2005 when we both raced Ironman Brazil.  I quickly realized that the guy had a great work ethic, an ability to keep his thoughts simple and focused, a passion for Ironman and an ability (and desire) to train (regardless of conditions).

The above picture is taken at Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak in the north Georgia mountains and the famous mountain finish for professional cyclists in the Tour de Georgia.  Matt flew down from Chicago in the spring of 2006 and we proceeded to do the gaps with Brasstown on Friday, we drove up to Chattanooga and did the 3 State/3 Mountain century on Saturday, loaded up and drove to Piedmont Alabama to do the Cheaha Century on Sunday, drove back to Atlanta Sunday night to then woke up on Monday morning to drive back up and do some more gaps.  Like I said previously, he has a great work ethic, a passion for Ironman and ability (and desire) to train.

Matt's completed a dozen Ironmans and I was curious to get his insights on the sport, his journey, what he's learned and any practical advice to share with others.  I don't think you'll be disappointed with his generosity - Download matt_erbele_ironman_insights_july_2008.pdf

Matt, thanks for sharing!

Two Big Days

This morning I had a three hour Ironman type paced bike ride and tomorrow I'll knock out a 22 mile run.  The heat is really cranking in Georgia so I plan on getting up extra early to get a jump start on the run before the pavement starts melting.

The bike data continues to point towards a normalized power range of 195 to 200 range and a heart rate in the range of 125 to 130.

Streaking

The streakers at the top continue to roll on without missing a beat.  We are almost another month down - Download streaking_challenge_july_20_08.pdf

By The Numbers

• Injured Jan 1 through June 30 with plantar fasciitis and achilles problems on the left leg.
• 172 - Days in a row of consistent training 
• 3 - Days missed of training at least 30 minutes in 2008 (goose-eggs in 2008)
• 32 - Days remaining until Ironman Canada
• 101 - Days remaining until Ironman Florida
• 368 - Days remaining until Ironman Lake Placid 2009
• Only 156 shopping days remaining until Christmas
• Only 152 days until Hanukkah (Happy Hanukkah Caplan)