Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Whew....I got a bike

Finally I got a road bike. I decided to take advantage of REI's excellent customer service for members and went with them. If I dont like it I take it back at no expense to me. Is it a top of the line bike? No. But I dont need that. It was on clearance and after my ride today I figure this bike is more than I need. I had a great ride. In true Karl fashion my ride details are as such (courtesy of Garmin 205):

ride length: 13.45 miles
Ride time: 1:06:36
Calories burned: 968

I watched the triathlon called the "Ironman" at Kona, Hi on TV every year as a kid and thought I cant do that. That is not my thing. I dont have the body for that. It turns out I didnt have the discipline or the mental toughness. Now am I signed up for Kona? uhhh no. This is the world series of tris. It is a 2.4 mile (3.86 km) ocean swim in Kailua-Kona Bay, a 112 mile (180 km) bike ride across the Hawaiian lava desert to Hawi and back, and a marathon (26.2 mile, 42.2 km) along the coast of the Big Island (from Keauhou to Keahole Point to Kailua-Kona); finishing on Ali'i Drive. But then again I never thought Id run a half marathon either. Yeah did that. In fact 3 in 2008 (with vegas coming up). Palos Verdes (long Beach, CA), disneyland, and vegas. Now I am running at a less than 10 min/mile pace around 9:40. Now the folks spilling over from Karls friends/family will not be impressed by that time, however, you must know that palos verdes was finished in 2:29:43. Improving my time to sub 2:10:00 around 2:08:00. My goal will be sub 2:10.

Ive been swimming too. For 2 weeks now I have been puttin in some swimming. Yesterday completed 500 meters for my long swim for the week in 24 min or so. Not bad since I haven swam a lap since pre-highschool. What will help is taking a "masters" swimming class at the local communtiy center. Once I a comfortable with the swim. Im in...lets do this.

I started looking at potential tris and I have no plans for a race. Its more about training right now.

3 comments:

Karl Stutelberg said...

Welcome to the world of training blogs! Not only is it a good way for people to keep tabs on you, it is also a nice journal to look back on in a few months to see your improvement. Thanks for the recognition, but you have been inspiring to me. You and Julie have really been dedicated and consistent with your training and it has truly been a lifestyle change, and what a positive one! You both are two great people and I am so blessed to be able to call you friends. Now get out there and TRAIN! And enjoy every minute out there.

Stutelberg Family said...

HI Ron! I'm so excited to read your blog! I'll add you to the link list on my blog. Hopefully we will be able to get together next time we are all in Vegas.

Stephen Gallagher said...

SSSSICK!

good job big brother! i love you man!