Iron News Man - October 26, 2009

By CHRIS SCHAUBLE

Updated 7:16 AM PST, Mon, Oct 26, 2009

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Today begins my most difficult week of Ironman Arizona training. In this “Peak Week” I will essentially be swimming, biking, and running the full Ironman Distances. Unlike my hectic schedule last week, I won’t be sharing my off time with work-related speaking engagements. That means I can give my training the focus I’ll need to have a successful week of IM preparation!

The Nike Human Race-Los Angeles at USC over the weekend was spectacular! Thousands of us packed the venue in front of the LA Coliseum for a unique midnight run. Keeping a watch on the roads was key to avoid potholes, steep sidewalk drop-offs, and the possibility of a sprained ankle. Here’s a good wrap-up of the event, which raised a ton of money for various charities.

This is my TrainingPeaks.com schedule for today from Triathlon Coach Jason Healey:

Workout Description:
Run 21 miles on a mostly flat to rolling course. Do not run in the hills today. Run at race pace in zone 2: Medium to medium hard. Practice hydration and nutrition during this effort.

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Ironman Journey

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Triathlon Training

I’ll use the Santa Clarita Trail for most of the run. After work, I’ll make getting a nap a priority so that I’m fully rested and my energy is at its best. I’ll also stash some Gatorade G2 along the route in three locations. Carrying fluids is good, but slows my pace. Hiding them strategically along my run route will keep my hands free most of the time and allow me to finish the 21-miles in less than three hours. My running coach Craig Moss has made it clear, the maximum training run should never exceed three hours and I plan to follow his sound advice.

Days until Ironman Arizona: 27!

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-Chris

Why blog? To inspire others.

Simply put, two years ago I was overweight! At 6’1” I weighed 252, and wore size 40 pants. Few people really noticed, but I did. In pictures, on TV, I was not happy with my appearance. Covering the 2007 LA Marathon for NBC4 was the last straw. Every picture I was in highlighted just how out of shape I had become.

No more! Since that time, the guy who could barely run around the block has slowly built-up his endurance and completed the 2008 Long Beach International Marathon , 2009 Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, 2009 LA Marathon, and the 2009 Vineman Ironman 70.3.

However, something happened along the way. After my first marathon, I fell into a funk. I asked myself, “Why do you feel such a let-down after a marvelous achievement?” The answer I have since learned from my coaches, I failed to set the “goal beyond the goal”. Thus, my quest for Iron was born!

I’m registered to compete in the Ford Ironman Arizona on November 22nd, 2009. Along the way, I will compete in various road races and triathlons to fuel my passion and push my training along. The intense and at times brutal training will happen after my duties as 4 a.m. to 7a.m. anchor for NBC4 have finished. The sacrifices I will make will be substantial, and for that I thank my beautiful family and friends in advance.

I invite you to share this journey with me.