ok I'm back. Sorry for the long delay. There have been a number of reasons including
some serious burn out by me and family pre-IM
some serious burn out by me and family post IM
some necessary re-group time
a period post IM that found me disappointed with my results and not wanting to say things that didn't make sense; I had an incredible experience which shouldn't be made negative.
a serious problem with Alex's special education teacher beginning the school year which has required almost full time attention.
a serious need to attend to some neglected areas of my life
A need to decide where I go from here re; triathlon and whether that includes IMWI in '08. short answer = yes, long answer = see future posts
Coming soon = a race report from WI, a deconstruction of '07 and future plans for 08
thanks for your patience and please tune in as the journey continues....
Jeff
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Why would anyone do an Ironman
"Daddy, can girls do the Ironman too" - Elizabeth May age 6
"You bet sweetheart; in fact a lot of girls will finish way ahead of Daddy" - Jeff May age 40
3 years ago my wife and children couldn't spell the word triathlon or define what one was for you; 3 years ago there was no one in my life who wouldn't have thought trying something like this was crazy (most still do!!)
So why would someone get up off the couch 3 years ago and do this:
Well here's a reason:
still not convinced; ok here are a few more:
Allow me to continue with reasons:
Because 3 generations of 2 families should come together for a good reason:
Because best friends do things together:
Because I have been in his shoes and I know how he feels inside and I don't ever want my boy to lose this look in his eyes:
Because a dude needs a sweet red ride in his life:
Because you are the man at the finish line: YOU RULE:
Because a boy needs to know what a cramp while running feels like; and because he needs to believe in himself:
Because a girl needs to see positive things in her life; a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle; and because she needs to believe that a girl can be Ironman too!!
Thanks to all who were there and helped. Thanks to all who have believed in me and supported me in the last 3 years. And thanks for sharing in this journey
"You bet sweetheart; in fact a lot of girls will finish way ahead of Daddy" - Jeff May age 40
3 years ago my wife and children couldn't spell the word triathlon or define what one was for you; 3 years ago there was no one in my life who wouldn't have thought trying something like this was crazy (most still do!!)
So why would someone get up off the couch 3 years ago and do this:
Well here's a reason:
still not convinced; ok here are a few more:
Allow me to continue with reasons:
Because 3 generations of 2 families should come together for a good reason:
Because best friends do things together:
Because I have been in his shoes and I know how he feels inside and I don't ever want my boy to lose this look in his eyes:
Because a dude needs a sweet red ride in his life:
Because you are the man at the finish line: YOU RULE:
Because a boy needs to know what a cramp while running feels like; and because he needs to believe in himself:
Because a girl needs to see positive things in her life; a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle; and because she needs to believe that a girl can be Ironman too!!
Thanks to all who were there and helped. Thanks to all who have believed in me and supported me in the last 3 years. And thanks for sharing in this journey
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Oshkosh Kids Triathlon
Come one come all this Saturday to Winnecone for the Oshkosh Area Kids Triathlon. Begins at 9am (so over by 9:30).
Alex's 3rd triathlon and 2nd consecutive Oshkosh event sporting his rocket bike
Elizabeth's 2nd and 2nd consecutive Oshkosh event sporting her princess bike
And introducing:
In the 3-4 year old category; Tyler John May on his sleek tricycle (may God have mercy on those who get in his way).
Additional hands for pictures, videotaping and/or general corraling of 3 kids doing 3 different things who only have 2 parents welcome and appreciated.
All 3 have been practicing for weeks.
Don't miss this opportunity; you never know when the excitement will wear off and your only sighting of these 3 will be sporting Ipods while playing Gameboy.
See www.midwestsportsevents.com for details. Email me (or comment here) with questions
Hope to see you then
Alex's 3rd triathlon and 2nd consecutive Oshkosh event sporting his rocket bike
Elizabeth's 2nd and 2nd consecutive Oshkosh event sporting her princess bike
And introducing:
In the 3-4 year old category; Tyler John May on his sleek tricycle (may God have mercy on those who get in his way).
Additional hands for pictures, videotaping and/or general corraling of 3 kids doing 3 different things who only have 2 parents welcome and appreciated.
All 3 have been practicing for weeks.
Don't miss this opportunity; you never know when the excitement will wear off and your only sighting of these 3 will be sporting Ipods while playing Gameboy.
See www.midwestsportsevents.com for details. Email me (or comment here) with questions
Hope to see you then
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Big Lake
I had an exciting and unexpected experience yesterday that I thought I would pass along.
I was planning to go to Pewaukee Lake for a long swim after work. Tri-Wisconsin (a local tri club) holds a regular Monday night open swim on a pretty well measured course and I wanted to get in a 2.5 mile swim and check my heart rate to be sure what I think is a "smooth and easy" swim for me is in fact one. So I emailed my friend Joel to see if he would be there.
Joel replied that he was meeting another group from Tri Wisconsin at Klode Park in Whitefish Bay for a swim in Lake Michigan. I decided to join them as I thought the conditions may be a little rougher (waves etc) and I need the open water experience. Last years race was very rough and windy and wavy; you don't get to choose the conditions on race day.
When I mentioned at the office what I was doing that evening (which I generally don't do because people already thing I'm crazy enough without talking about 100 mile bike rides or swimming for any reasons other than to cool off) I got a general howling about the condition of that lake, all the reports of sewage dumping etc etc etc. Gross, gross and gross were the 3 most common terms.
For the most part I agreed while recognizing that with the amount of weeds I swim through at Pewaukee or the amount of goose poop I walk through on the way to Pike Lake that it is all pretty relative. Besides, I grew up on Lake Winnebago swimming all the time and look how I turned out (oh yeah....bad example.....)
Drove to the park after work and met Joel and headed down to the Lake (the park is up on a bluff). There were about 10-15 people there, some already swimming etc etc. I proceeded to don my wetsuit only to find I was the only one who was wearing one........tough crowd........ Some of the regulars pointed north and various houses along the shore (hint: there aren't many of them visible because the parcels of land they sit on are large, and they are pretty easy to pick out when you are swimming toward them as each is it's own unique looking 10,000 sq foot shack) and gave us estimated distances to each (round trip). 4 of us headed into the water for the longer swim (far house) with a 2.5 mile estimate in total.
We warmed up a few minutes (the other 3 at least originally conceeded the lack of a wetsuit may have been a mistake for them) and starting about 30 feet out from shore headed on a straight line course (at an angle) for the far house.
I have been in the big lake many times over the years. Mostly at the shore or knee deep; a few times swimming for a few minutes with my head above water; even did a sprint triathlon once in college. Never for a long swim workout.
It was gourgeous......the only experience I have had like it was snorkeling in Jamaica on our honeymoon....
The water is a clear blue green. You can fully see all the way to the bottom and you can see all the people swimming around you. We were in about 15 feet of water although it doesn't seem like it when you are swimming. You almost feel like you can touch the bottom until you try to stand only to find you can't touch the bottom. The first 20 minutes of swimming was in a bay that was a pure sand bottom. So I swam for 20 minutes looking at a sand bottom and the people around me. Next as you came out of the bay it began to be a rocky bottom with lots of minnows and small fish below; and it got shallower and more waves. After the small rocks was a section of big rock plates under you. Huge slabs of bedrock with little fissures carved by sand and water over the years. Unbelievable to see clearly what lies under the surface.
We stopped at the big house after 36 minutes of swimming. I had checked my watch and heart rate monitor regularly and was staying under 140 bpm (beats per minute) which is perfect for me on race day. We chatted and rested for a minute noting we had just gone about 1.4 mile (consensus estimate based on what we all know about our abilities) all with the wind and current and now we needed to go back against it. We set off and took another 45 ish minutes to make it back. All the while the sun was setting on the bluff above us.
I haven't felt that alive in a long time. When you are in a new environment like that all your senses are firing. I looked around at the 3 swimmers I was keeping up with (all very strong guys, though in fairness my wet suit helped me vs. them) and the beauty below me and the sun setting above me and I was very thankful.
3 years ago (which is shortly before I began this journey) I would have laughed and rolled my eyes like those at my office today. I couldn't have imagined swimming in Lake Michigan......or swimming anywhere for almost 3 miles straight.....or finishing a swim like that without feeling any fatigue or even breathing hard.
It was a magical moment and a great opportunity for Mr. All of Nothing to reflect on the positives of how far I have come in 3 years. In less than 6 weeks I will be on course going way slower than many of the people there. If you don't put things in perspective you can get discouraged by that. Too often triathletes are always looking forward and chasing a faster time etc etc. Lots of Type A's in this sport. It is amazing sometimes to listen to them get down on themselves while in the process of doing something that most people cant (and wouldn't want to) do.
After my swim everyone else packed up and headed home. Mr. All or Nothing got a night off from duties at home and I don't take that lightly so I used the time to go for a run after. 5 miles around my old neighboorhoods in Whitefish Bay (where I lived '92-98). Not much has changed though it is amazing to see all the activity (walkers, runners and bikers) out vs. in Jackson.
I ran by my old house and a lady was out watering the plants. I wasn't going to say anything to her but she spotted me and asked me if I wanted her to spray me with the hose (it was hot and humid out). I passed but stopped to talk and her husband joined us for a few minutes. The people who bought from me in 98 didn't stay long (though long enough to replace the roof I should have done before leaving :-) ) and this couple from Seattle bought it in 2000. They seem to be happy with it.
In closing it was a great training day and a great day. In part because I took the time to realize that it was. There is a lesson in there regardless of where you find yourself
"Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" - Ferris Buehler
I was planning to go to Pewaukee Lake for a long swim after work. Tri-Wisconsin (a local tri club) holds a regular Monday night open swim on a pretty well measured course and I wanted to get in a 2.5 mile swim and check my heart rate to be sure what I think is a "smooth and easy" swim for me is in fact one. So I emailed my friend Joel to see if he would be there.
Joel replied that he was meeting another group from Tri Wisconsin at Klode Park in Whitefish Bay for a swim in Lake Michigan. I decided to join them as I thought the conditions may be a little rougher (waves etc) and I need the open water experience. Last years race was very rough and windy and wavy; you don't get to choose the conditions on race day.
When I mentioned at the office what I was doing that evening (which I generally don't do because people already thing I'm crazy enough without talking about 100 mile bike rides or swimming for any reasons other than to cool off) I got a general howling about the condition of that lake, all the reports of sewage dumping etc etc etc. Gross, gross and gross were the 3 most common terms.
For the most part I agreed while recognizing that with the amount of weeds I swim through at Pewaukee or the amount of goose poop I walk through on the way to Pike Lake that it is all pretty relative. Besides, I grew up on Lake Winnebago swimming all the time and look how I turned out (oh yeah....bad example.....)
Drove to the park after work and met Joel and headed down to the Lake (the park is up on a bluff). There were about 10-15 people there, some already swimming etc etc. I proceeded to don my wetsuit only to find I was the only one who was wearing one........tough crowd........ Some of the regulars pointed north and various houses along the shore (hint: there aren't many of them visible because the parcels of land they sit on are large, and they are pretty easy to pick out when you are swimming toward them as each is it's own unique looking 10,000 sq foot shack) and gave us estimated distances to each (round trip). 4 of us headed into the water for the longer swim (far house) with a 2.5 mile estimate in total.
We warmed up a few minutes (the other 3 at least originally conceeded the lack of a wetsuit may have been a mistake for them) and starting about 30 feet out from shore headed on a straight line course (at an angle) for the far house.
I have been in the big lake many times over the years. Mostly at the shore or knee deep; a few times swimming for a few minutes with my head above water; even did a sprint triathlon once in college. Never for a long swim workout.
It was gourgeous......the only experience I have had like it was snorkeling in Jamaica on our honeymoon....
The water is a clear blue green. You can fully see all the way to the bottom and you can see all the people swimming around you. We were in about 15 feet of water although it doesn't seem like it when you are swimming. You almost feel like you can touch the bottom until you try to stand only to find you can't touch the bottom. The first 20 minutes of swimming was in a bay that was a pure sand bottom. So I swam for 20 minutes looking at a sand bottom and the people around me. Next as you came out of the bay it began to be a rocky bottom with lots of minnows and small fish below; and it got shallower and more waves. After the small rocks was a section of big rock plates under you. Huge slabs of bedrock with little fissures carved by sand and water over the years. Unbelievable to see clearly what lies under the surface.
We stopped at the big house after 36 minutes of swimming. I had checked my watch and heart rate monitor regularly and was staying under 140 bpm (beats per minute) which is perfect for me on race day. We chatted and rested for a minute noting we had just gone about 1.4 mile (consensus estimate based on what we all know about our abilities) all with the wind and current and now we needed to go back against it. We set off and took another 45 ish minutes to make it back. All the while the sun was setting on the bluff above us.
I haven't felt that alive in a long time. When you are in a new environment like that all your senses are firing. I looked around at the 3 swimmers I was keeping up with (all very strong guys, though in fairness my wet suit helped me vs. them) and the beauty below me and the sun setting above me and I was very thankful.
3 years ago (which is shortly before I began this journey) I would have laughed and rolled my eyes like those at my office today. I couldn't have imagined swimming in Lake Michigan......or swimming anywhere for almost 3 miles straight.....or finishing a swim like that without feeling any fatigue or even breathing hard.
It was a magical moment and a great opportunity for Mr. All of Nothing to reflect on the positives of how far I have come in 3 years. In less than 6 weeks I will be on course going way slower than many of the people there. If you don't put things in perspective you can get discouraged by that. Too often triathletes are always looking forward and chasing a faster time etc etc. Lots of Type A's in this sport. It is amazing sometimes to listen to them get down on themselves while in the process of doing something that most people cant (and wouldn't want to) do.
After my swim everyone else packed up and headed home. Mr. All or Nothing got a night off from duties at home and I don't take that lightly so I used the time to go for a run after. 5 miles around my old neighboorhoods in Whitefish Bay (where I lived '92-98). Not much has changed though it is amazing to see all the activity (walkers, runners and bikers) out vs. in Jackson.
I ran by my old house and a lady was out watering the plants. I wasn't going to say anything to her but she spotted me and asked me if I wanted her to spray me with the hose (it was hot and humid out). I passed but stopped to talk and her husband joined us for a few minutes. The people who bought from me in 98 didn't stay long (though long enough to replace the roof I should have done before leaving :-) ) and this couple from Seattle bought it in 2000. They seem to be happy with it.
In closing it was a great training day and a great day. In part because I took the time to realize that it was. There is a lesson in there regardless of where you find yourself
"Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" - Ferris Buehler
Friday, July 27, 2007
Old Friends
Had a chance to ride with an old friend on Tuesday. I took the day off and drove to Madison to ride 2 loops of the 40 mile loop which comprises part of the IMWI course. First loop by myself and 2nd loop with Steve.
Steve and I grew up in Oshkosh. I don't believe we ever went to the same school but we did play some competitive baseball on the same Oshkosh little league traveling team when we were about 11-13. I remember enjoying Steve as one of my favorites on the team. Steve went to college in Madison and was a pretty accomplished bike racer during this time. He has since moved to Texas.
Steve's mother and my sister are good friends. He learned of my training and was planning a business trip to Madison. My sister put us in touch via email and on Tuesday Steve flew in and borrowed a friends bike to join me for a loop of riding.
We had a fun time and Steve was a pleasure to be with. It is great to see someone after so many years and realize what a quality person they continued to be. We shared the trait of having gotton out of our respective sports for a good long time after college and both have only returned in the last couple of years. A couple of middle aged coggers getting the blood and competitive juices flowing again.
Steve was a good sport to put up with a slow guy like me. I explained to him that when doing what I am doing one needs to remember that after the ride is over you still have to run a marathon. I was out in front pulling most of the time which is good because me training by drafting off someone doesn't do much good for the race. It was also good because when Steve would get ahead of me, if he didn't look back continuously he would be miles ahead in no time. On some of the longer climbs near the end of the loop Steve would "stretch his legs" a little while I tooled up them spinning like a kindergarten school girl. It really is impressive to ride with someone who has real cycling power. I would catch up a mile down the road while he was checking his voice mail; like I said he was a good sport.
Thanks to Jodi for re-connecting us. I will send Steve my race # in September so he can follow my progress on race day. In his future business trips hopefully he can make his way east for a ride in the Kettle Moraine.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
On a seperate note my plan for a critical volume week which I laid out here last week didn't really materialize for a number of reasons. This was all probably for the best and I will try to blog some more detail and thoughts later this weekend. The two long rides I did earlier this week (112 on Sun and 82 on Tues) did tell me I am ready to swim and ride and Ironman.......now that running part...........
Steve and I grew up in Oshkosh. I don't believe we ever went to the same school but we did play some competitive baseball on the same Oshkosh little league traveling team when we were about 11-13. I remember enjoying Steve as one of my favorites on the team. Steve went to college in Madison and was a pretty accomplished bike racer during this time. He has since moved to Texas.
Steve's mother and my sister are good friends. He learned of my training and was planning a business trip to Madison. My sister put us in touch via email and on Tuesday Steve flew in and borrowed a friends bike to join me for a loop of riding.
We had a fun time and Steve was a pleasure to be with. It is great to see someone after so many years and realize what a quality person they continued to be. We shared the trait of having gotton out of our respective sports for a good long time after college and both have only returned in the last couple of years. A couple of middle aged coggers getting the blood and competitive juices flowing again.
Steve was a good sport to put up with a slow guy like me. I explained to him that when doing what I am doing one needs to remember that after the ride is over you still have to run a marathon. I was out in front pulling most of the time which is good because me training by drafting off someone doesn't do much good for the race. It was also good because when Steve would get ahead of me, if he didn't look back continuously he would be miles ahead in no time. On some of the longer climbs near the end of the loop Steve would "stretch his legs" a little while I tooled up them spinning like a kindergarten school girl. It really is impressive to ride with someone who has real cycling power. I would catch up a mile down the road while he was checking his voice mail; like I said he was a good sport.
Thanks to Jodi for re-connecting us. I will send Steve my race # in September so he can follow my progress on race day. In his future business trips hopefully he can make his way east for a ride in the Kettle Moraine.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
On a seperate note my plan for a critical volume week which I laid out here last week didn't really materialize for a number of reasons. This was all probably for the best and I will try to blog some more detail and thoughts later this weekend. The two long rides I did earlier this week (112 on Sun and 82 on Tues) did tell me I am ready to swim and ride and Ironman.......now that running part...........
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The stealth bomber
This is my ride.....
When I started this journey I told my wife this was my mid life crisis. I promised her no red sports cars or mistresses (sp?). This is my sports car and mistress.
My ride was made in Canada eh!! It was custom made to my body size. It was manufactured all in one mold in one piece. No welds. The motto of the company (guru) is "one soul at a time"
It is way more of a ride than a slow guy like me needs or deserves. But I ride it any way.
My ride turns heads with those who know bikes (which is pretty unlike me!!)
Some people name their bikes the way people name their boats or their horses etc etc. I am not this creative.
My ride reminds me of the stealth bomber.
I plan to spend a lot of time with my ride in the next week. Today it was just under 7 hours. I rode 112 miles.
For some reason the script from the website that I record my workouts on is on the fritz and my daily workouts are not showing. You can click on the "veiw my workout log" key on the weekly totals to see. I think this will be fixed soon (it has happened before): In the meantime the totals for this weekend are:
Sat: 2X3.35 mile runs for a total of 6.7 miles easy
3060 yard open water swim at Pike Lake
Sun: 112 mile ride in 6:55
3.35 mile run easy
More to come.....
Friday, July 20, 2007
critical volume
If you look at my training log this week you will find it to be very light. I mean very light. This has been due to a number of factors including:
1) schedule at home and work has been tough. Alex had a scout outing where he paraded on field before the Brewer Game Mon night; Alex had baseball Tues night and I was head coach (normal coach on vacation), Becky had dinner with friends Weds night etc etc.
2) I have been a little run down and burned out this week; combination of lots of training last weekend and crazy personal and business life. Also, I am not getting the sleep and nutrition I need.
3) I am taking it easy in preparation for the next 9 days.
There is a great article re: one man's philosophy for reaching your potential at IM distance traithlons. You can find it at www.qt2systems.com under the training concepts area titled "critical volume". It sets forth what this guy believes is a training week that needs to be achieved once during the build phase in order to race to your potential. His example includes some big numbers:
1) 12,660 yards of swimming
2) 450 miles of biking
3) 60 miles of running
All in one week time.
The next 9 days (sat-sun the 29th) will be my critical volume time. I will put in more training (hopefully) than any other 9 day period of my life. I don't expect to reach his numbers but I will/should get close with all/some. And I will take 2 extra days to do it.
This may not be the brightest thing in the world to do and I will evaluate it and change as I go through. But the timing is right for some big training both because of where I am in the schedule (this gives me a chance to back off for a week after to absorb the training and still have a couple more strong weeks before taper) and because my circumstances dictate it. Becky and the kids will be gone most of Sun and all next Tues (up to Oshkosh Sun and camping Tues) so out of the 9 days (I am taking off work Tues) I have 5 that have some large chunks of time.
The risk of injury/burnout or illness is high here so I have to be careful. Again, some would suggest big training block like this are not necessary and/or should be avoided. I mostly agree but need to try this one time to see what it does for/to me.
Lots of sleep, good nutrition and down time will be necessary. I plan to do a small number (3-4) of long swims, and good number of mostly long rides and a high number of very short runs (risk of injury is greatest here and I need to minimize this risk and re-evaluate after each short run).
I don't have specific mileage goals especially for the run. 60 miles is way too much. But I am going to push a little farther than usual and see what happens. All this will be done at very easy efforts.
Stay tuned......
1) schedule at home and work has been tough. Alex had a scout outing where he paraded on field before the Brewer Game Mon night; Alex had baseball Tues night and I was head coach (normal coach on vacation), Becky had dinner with friends Weds night etc etc.
2) I have been a little run down and burned out this week; combination of lots of training last weekend and crazy personal and business life. Also, I am not getting the sleep and nutrition I need.
3) I am taking it easy in preparation for the next 9 days.
There is a great article re: one man's philosophy for reaching your potential at IM distance traithlons. You can find it at www.qt2systems.com under the training concepts area titled "critical volume". It sets forth what this guy believes is a training week that needs to be achieved once during the build phase in order to race to your potential. His example includes some big numbers:
1) 12,660 yards of swimming
2) 450 miles of biking
3) 60 miles of running
All in one week time.
The next 9 days (sat-sun the 29th) will be my critical volume time. I will put in more training (hopefully) than any other 9 day period of my life. I don't expect to reach his numbers but I will/should get close with all/some. And I will take 2 extra days to do it.
This may not be the brightest thing in the world to do and I will evaluate it and change as I go through. But the timing is right for some big training both because of where I am in the schedule (this gives me a chance to back off for a week after to absorb the training and still have a couple more strong weeks before taper) and because my circumstances dictate it. Becky and the kids will be gone most of Sun and all next Tues (up to Oshkosh Sun and camping Tues) so out of the 9 days (I am taking off work Tues) I have 5 that have some large chunks of time.
The risk of injury/burnout or illness is high here so I have to be careful. Again, some would suggest big training block like this are not necessary and/or should be avoided. I mostly agree but need to try this one time to see what it does for/to me.
Lots of sleep, good nutrition and down time will be necessary. I plan to do a small number (3-4) of long swims, and good number of mostly long rides and a high number of very short runs (risk of injury is greatest here and I need to minimize this risk and re-evaluate after each short run).
I don't have specific mileage goals especially for the run. 60 miles is way too much. But I am going to push a little farther than usual and see what happens. All this will be done at very easy efforts.
Stay tuned......
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