So far this year I’ve had a few really good races, doing less racing than a few years ago, but my performance is better than last year. But even with really good races, I am slightly behind my PB’s, constantly. I am starting to suspect that at the age of 38, I will have to start to work much harder to get the same results.  i’ve also come to realize that I will not improve my marathon PB. At least not by much. I will be happy any time I break 2.40 in the future. But I’ve also change my focus. From marathoning to triathlon, and the toughest of all, the Ironman.  Last fall I completed the season by fulfilling my goal by completing the Montreal Ironman. It is not part of the official Ford Ironman, but it does not matter to me, distance is still the same. It wasn’t a great performance, but my goal was to finish, and I did.

It only took a few weeks to recover mentally, and decide that this year my goal will be higher. I want to break 10 hours. Last year I failed because of two reasons; I did a lot of training, but not enough long bricks, cycling and running combined. I am improving on that this year. I also made a huge mistake by not refueling enough energy in the run last year. I will be much more diligent on that this year.

 The Ironman race is the smallest part of completing the Ironman. The most difficult part for any full time working amateur Ironman athlete is to take and get the time to train. I am very fortunate on this part to have a very understanding and supporting wife. I certainly do my best to have the least impact on family. But leaving at 5 am on Saturday morning and returning before lunch, will certainly require cooperation from my wife and family. 

I am also able to use flex time at work to arrive later in the morning, or extend lunch hour to go for a run.

 Adding to that the short commute to work that I have, I probably have not realized how fortunate I am.

 This summer I’m off to vacation in Europe and a trip to my native Sweden. I’ll bring my running shoes, but the bike will have to stay home.

 Stay tuned for an update of my race results.

About me, written in May 2009
About me, written in December 2006