Iron News Man - October 29, 2009

By CHRIS SCHAUBLE

Updated 8:15 AM PST, Thu, Oct 29, 2009

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Ready to rock! That’s how I feel about the next three days of training, which will slowly build into the toughest of my entire life! Interestingly, I’m not at all worried or intimidated by what lies ahead. I’m ready. In fact, I know I’m ready for Ironman Arizona right now and by finishing this “Peak Week” I’ll be even more confident. I always smile and say thanks when people tell me, “Good luck!” at Ironman. The reality is, luck will play a small part. Preparation and training will see me through.

Today I’m picking up my “Ferrari” as a like to call it from Bicycle John’s in Burbank. I dropped my Kuota Kueen-K triathlon bike off to make a few minor changes that I hope will lead to an even faster, more enjoyable ride in Arizona. The tri bike seat tilts slightly upward. I’m having it positioned in a more neutral setting. Also, I’m having a “spacer” placed at the top of the front stem.

The goal is to ease tension on my back and lessen the steep angle. I’ll sacrifice a bit of the aero benefit for power by making these changes. I’ll test it out today, and if I like how it feels, will use it for the mongo ride I have Saturday.

Here’s my TrainingPeaks.com schedule for today from Triathlon Coach Jason Healey:

Wakeup Workout: Pullups

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Wakeup Workout: Pullups

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Countdown to Ironman

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Ironman Journey

Workout #1 Description:

Ride 1hr: Cruise Intervals Warm up for 20 minutes. Start warm easy and gradually raise your heart rate to a hard effort (Sprint Distance Bike effort). Once you have reach this level of effort hold the effort during the following set of Intervals: Set 1: 9 minute (hard effort) followed by 2.5 minute recovery spin. Set 2: 6 minute (hard effort) followed by 1.5-minute recovery spin. Follow the cruise intervals with a 20-minute steady effort at RACE PACE. Follow this workout with a run off the bike (BRICK). See the additional run workout for more information.

Workout #2 Description:

Run 4 Miles on a mostly flat course in Zone 1 and lower Zone 2. Check cadence several times during the run. (Try to count 15 right leg strikes plus in a ten second-time period. This will give you a 90-step cadence per minute and will help prevent over striding and foster better form. Focus on form. Remember to run with a proud posture with eyes focused on what is ahead).

Normally I pick a location that allows for quick changes in training. Today I’ll use two separate locations in order to maximize my goals. I’ll ride along Highway 126 because it’s uninterrupted and I want to test the bike and it’s performance on a smooth stretch. I’ll then drive over to the Santa Clarita Athletic Club to start my run. I have a safe and routine street run mapped out. The day of rest yesterday has truly paid-off. I’m antsy and as I mentioned… ready to rock!

Love the body benefits of pull-ups but find them too hard? Watch today's Wakeup Workout video!

Days until Ironman Arizona: 24!

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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.