Category Archives: My Ironman Journey

Race Day – You’re an Ironman

Posted on July 11, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

My alarm rings … it’s 3:00 AM. There is no sleepiness, just adrenaline. I hop out bed, brush my teeth, eat, and change. There is no pause, just action. I step out of my hotel and my heart stops — … Continue reading →

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T-1: Anxiously Waiting

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

Seven days to go. I finished my open water swimming, I shipped my bike, and now, I am anxiously waiting. The reality of the event hit me on bike drop-off day. I’m using Tribike Transport to ship my bike. This … Continue reading →

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T-2: There are still ways to freak me out.

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

I have 14 days left. I’m in my taper. I’m ramping down the training hours. And, I’m still freaking myself out. In truth, there are good and bad days. Sunday was a good day — I did a mini-triathlon (equipment … Continue reading →

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T-3: The Fashion Choice

Posted on May 3, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

I’m staring at my calendar — 20 days left until the Ironman. Objectively, I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be. With Saturday’s 100 mile bike ride and Sunday’s half marathon, I can’t imagine being more fit. And realistically, … Continue reading →

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T-4: Wet Feet and Baby Powder

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

Saturday was “dry run” day — the day to test all my gear in a practice triathlon. For the most part, I know what to expect. As they say, “this ain’t my first rodeo (or triathlon)”. The biggest difference is … Continue reading →

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T-5: Amazed (at my progress)

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

It’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. This past training cycle I did two centuries (100 mile bike rides) and two half marathons (13.1 miles — well, one was 12.5 miles, but it’s close enough). While I’m still a … Continue reading →

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T-6: The Eye of Sauron and Bootstrapping

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

The largest triathlon mistakes are failing to plan for unlikely events. These are things that can happen, but rarely do. And, I found one this weekend (lucky me). 30 miles into my long ride, I get a flat. Flats are … Continue reading →

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T-7 Riding Into Bees

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

You might wonder why I call this blog “RidingThruBees”. One of my first traumatic cycling experiences was seeing a light cloud of back dots harmlessly hovering over the bike path. Thinking they were gnats, I rode through it. But they … Continue reading →

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T-9/T-8: Finding Rest on the Road

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

I’m in the final preparation phase. T-9 was a big week and T-8 was a recovery week. I’m sensing the importance of recovery. All T-9 and T-8, I required an extra dose of discipline (also known as guilt and fear) … Continue reading →

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T-10: Enter The Swim

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Riding Thru Bees

With 10 weeks to go, enter “The Swim”. If you looked at some of my older posts, you know that I prepared for Ironman Arizona by swimming in the local bay. With Covid closing my regular public pool, I didn’t … Continue reading →

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