Well, it's about time for a status check.
In short, my conditioning is on track. I'm working out 5 days a week, primarily cardio, but also some strength training and core building. I had hoped to do some skating when in Austin last week, but the ice storm and winter weather prevented that. So I hit the gym, which has become a home away from home for me. I think since I'm over my first hurdle, I should start doing some long slow distance (LSD) training. I've also got the Miami EsSkate to look forward to in 17 days.
I've also learned about a few other areas:
Nutrition - Being vegan, I do worry a bit about fueling myself during the race, and also staying healthy over the next 6 months during my training. However, I've been reading a bit more about endurance athletes over at Organic Athlete and am getting some good tips: a recent addition to my diet is Dates.
Competition - It's probably a bit too early to worry about the competition, but I feel inspired knowing that there will be some very strong folks out there. A recent registrant to the race hails from Denver, and has accomplished at least one 50-mile run in the past. I'll be thinking about him in my next workout. Unrelatedly, I wonder if anyone has googled me yet :) Here, you can see the registered teams.
Climate Conditions - I also checked out the altitude and the average temperature in Montreal in July. Luckily, Montreal is at sea level, though that may help Mr. Denver. As for the weather, the temperature averages beween 65 and 85 degrees over the 24 hour period, which seems fine. And there are about 16.5 hours of daylight, meaning I'll be skating in the dark for about 7.5 hours. Thanks Weather Underground!
Over a year has passed since my last update here. 2006 included an amazing number of changes. If 2007 is anything like this past year, then I shudder to think where I will be, or what I will be doing.
One thing is certain - I have set for myself an extraordinary goal: Training for and Winning the 24-hour Inline Race in Montreal in July... solo. While teams of up to ten skaters are encouraged to register, lone souls, like myself, will be challenging themselves to do the unthinkable.
I have no doubt I can complete the full 24 hours -- I know few who can suffer, or who would choose to suffer, like I can. So I've got a great advantage when it comes to the mental aspect. To complement that, I'll need to train my body better than I've ever trained before. I've already started working on my foundation - hitting the gym five days last week, and I hope to keep that up for the next few months (I suspect I'll be doing two-a-days at some point).
In the meantime, I'll be learning more, building a support crew from my network, and taking all other steps necessary to prepare for this event. I want to win. As Ricky Bobby would say, "If you ain't first, you're last!"
187 days to go. Somehow, I feel like it will be just enough.
Best wishes to you as you complete goals of your own in 2007!