It is Thursday night and I sit here wondering how to get started with my training! I have a good idea what I want to do and now need to get it in writing (excel spreadsheet) and then schedule it around my work. Biggest thing is I would love to do it all in the morning or all at night instead of splitting it up between the two, but I may have no choice based on swim time and gym time at the university. I got some great feedback on the bikes I am thinking of getting. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

The actual task of training for the Florida Ironman is daunting! I can not fathom the work required at this time. I feel the same way I did when I started training for my first ½ marathon. My fund raising is off to a great start and I have more to do tomorrow! I haven’t even hit the family yet! They will support me in this as they have in all my endeavors.

Observation of the day: I live in Florida but it feels like I am back in Maine! Brrrrrr!!!

Got up early today and decided to head to Orlando. On the way I would stop at some bike stores and see what I could see. The main purpose of going to Orlando was to see if I had left my watch at Jed’s house after I had finished the marathon.

First thing I had to do was gas up my 1966 Chrysler New Yorker for the trip and make sure all her fluids were up to snuff. Then with my Yahoo maps in hand headed to Orlando.

Hit my first store in Ocala and tried out some Trek bikes and Cannondale bikes. Both are nice but a bit on the expensive side for my budget I think. Next store was just off the West Orange Trail. It was closed! Sign said open till 6 but was closed, didn’t see anything I would of wanted through the window anyways. Then stopped at Jed’s in Orlando and searched his house for my watch… no luck. Then me and Josh headed over to Smokey Bones where I had eaten lunch the week before after the marathon and asked if anyone had turned in a polar watch… no luck. Pooh is all I have to say on the subject!

Then we went to Bike Works just pass his house and tried out a specialized Allez sport road bike. The nice bike has a very nice price. Hmmm. The guy was very helpful and answered all my questions. I also went to Orange Cycle and they also had a fine selection of bikes, I tried the Allez again and the Cannondale. Again the Allez just seemed to ride better. I am pretty sure I will be going with the Allez, I posted some questions on a couple forums and will wait for some feedback.

Found out a few things on the entry to the Florida Ironman, there are 80 spots available and you have to raise $1000 for the Ironman Community Fund to get one of those spots. I have donated the first $400 myself, that would have been the cost of the race if I would of got a general admission spot. I like this better simply because the money goes to charity instead.

Here is the info from the Florida Ironman website:

Fund Distribution
The Ironman Community Fund is disbursed in two ways.
The primary focus is to provide kids with the opportunity to excel and/or compete in athletics of all kinds. Money is targeted to a specific function within that sport so that its effects are felt directly by the participants.
Through these efforts we hope to provide more opportunity for young people to compete in athletics of all kinds. Ironman North America reserves the right to amend or change this policy as they see fit.

Great examples of application of the community fund are:

· Creation and maintenance of Ironkids cross-country running program, providing coaching, uniforms and travel.
· Creation and maintenance of Ironkids Swim Team program, providing coaching, uniforms, meets and travel.
· NYSEF Nordic Ski Program, providing scholarships, equipment and travel.
· Soccer Teams in Mosley (FL) and Arnold (FL), providing uniforms.
· Panama City Swim Team, providing scholarships and travel.
· Penticton Minor Hockey, providing travel.
· Help with the start-up costs of the Lake Placid High School Girls' Hockey Team

The second way Community Funds are distributed are via aids station groups. Volunteer captains of aid stations at each event allocate community funds to charitable organizations within the community.
Other volunteer non-profit organizations who assist at Ironman also receive benefits.

Examples of these donations from Ironman USA Lake Placid in 2002 are:

· North Country Life Flight
· Families First - Essex County
· Wimington Fire Department
· Black Brook Playground Project
· ADK Habitat for Humanity
· CVPH Medical Center
· Girl Scouts
· North Country Ministries
· ADK Christmas Box Angel of Hope Project
· St, Joseph's Rehabilitation Center
· ADK Medical Center

I have my training calendar almost ready just adjusting some times on it then I will be on the road to the Ironman this November!

Observation of the day: If you have to drive over 300 miles in a day, a 1966 New Yorker is the way to do it!

Went to do a run this morning and spent over an hour looking for my polar watch! Damn thing is hiding somewhere I am hoping Jed will tell me it is at his House in Orlando were we stayed last weekend. Outside of that I had a great day.

Already have $310 for my Ironman entrance application, I actually like the idea of having to get donations to get into the race. I am told that there are 80 slots available through the donation end and hope to grab one! My good bud Jed is also trying for it and I hope he makes it also. It would be great to be in an Ironman with him. He is one of my best goals in a race!

Tomorrow I hit the pool again and get my training together. I actually drank a soda today on an empty stomach and it made my stomach churn, not a usual side effect for me. I love soda but it seems that my sticking to a ridged diet during my marathon training actually changed my want of soda! I actually did not want to finish it. I guess that is the triathlon gods looking out for me.

I stocked the frig at work with all kinds of good healthy food to keep me from going to the local restaurants around my area. None of them are good for me. On top of that it actually helps me save money also. Eat healthy and save money it’s a good thing.

Observation of the day: Sometimes complaining about something just makes the problem worse.

Sunday night a week after the Disney Marathon, I went to the University tonight and did a little swim workout. Just to get into the rhythm again. Did 800 yards of drills. I was actually surprised at how quickly I fell right into the groove. I really liked that, for the main reason that swimming is my weak spot.
I also did some shopping with my wife today and while she was doing her thing I hit the bookstore and picked up David Scott’s Triathlon Training. This book goes over everything, from basic exercises in the weight room to nutrition.

Also decided that I should try to get into the Florida Ironman instead of the great Clermont. There is always a chance I can qualify for Hawaii. Not a great chance but a chance. Looking at last years it seems to be a real tough field. But I am hoping I can rise to the challenge with support from my wife and friends.

I think the hardest part is going to be to get the training in around my work schedule. I am hoping I can get myself motivated enough to do this. It would be great to get an Ironman completed! I believe I can do it and am willing to try my hardest.

Observation of the day: All you can eat snow-crab legs is a good thing!