So, July. We have positives? We have fear? Read on ...
Swimming: 1300m (.81 mi)
Cycling: 28.08 mi
Running: 19.89 mi
Lifting: 19 sessions (4:36)
Other: one hike (:53), two sessions hockey (2:32), 11 walks (3:47), one session yoga (:25)
So. Some progress made. I swam twice! I cycled more often! (I think that was three rides). Running ... is still not long, but I'm doing it! I actually hiked! I DID YOGA!
All good things.
But there's a reason for me trying like hell to focus on triathlon-specific things again and NOT just because I signed up for Brineman sprint again (because I did that, too).
It's because next year, on my birthday, I'm doing Challenge Roth.
If you don't know it, Challenge Roth is a full distance (140.6) mile race that is iconic and has been around for over 40 years. It takes place in Germany. Almost all - if not all - the speed records set at the distance have been at that race. There's a hill - Solarer Berg - that you climb single-file due to the Tour de France-style crowds (look it up on the 'gram).
It also has a shorter time cut.
Most Ironman races are 17 hours with a few notable exceptions (Chattanooga being one at 16 or 16:30).
Roth? Used to be at 15:30. Now? 15 hours.
I have never done a 140.6 race in 15 hours.
If you combine my fastest times across all disciplines (including transitions), I still have never completed 140.6 miles in 15 hours.
Am I terrified? Yes. Do I think I can do it? ... yes. I have to say yes. There's no other answer. I have to believe I can do it or there's no point. I've already paid my money. I'm going.
So wish me luck. And maybe more importantly ...
... wish me speed.
