I was completely naive & oblivious to the triathlon world until Russell started doing them, so in case you're confused by the lingo...An IronMan is the longest, most intense triathlon type, and it includes a 2.4 MILE SWIM, 112 MILE BIKE, and a 26.2 MILE RUN (marathon)! The events are back-t0-back, so the race literally takes all day. Obviously, it takes a TON of work to even be able to pretend you could do this, and Russ has been on a CRAZY HARD work-out schedule for the last several months. I've continually been amazed by his DILIGENCE, his PERSISTENCE, and his GRIT.
This weekend will be spent cooking for the roadtrip; we're heading out on Thursday with our good friend, Brad (who's also competing). And, in case it's hard to get your mind around the somewhat masochistic event, the craziness is really in the details...
This is what Russell eats--continuously. The stuff in the bag is a Central Market concoction of vanilla almond granola; we call it "crack in a bag" because it's that good, that addicting, almost that expensive and probably that bad for you. The 2nd picture of "crack in a bag" is actually from last spring, but it makes me laugh every time because it's just so Russell, a little over-the-top. At least he knows what he likes!
This is what he drinks. Sometimes we raid the nursing home if the grocery is out.
This is what he drinks when he works out. It's made just for him based on the rate he sweats, which was measured. Yes, I'm serious. He runs 1/2 marathons before dinner & does 150 mile bike rides without getting winded, so I'm not knocking it either.
This is what he wears---a lot of spandex, sometimes with extra grundle padding. And, he stretches continuously with that foam roller (with the end pared down a la Molly).
It's almost a little cult, or a fraternity; you don't call yourself 'an IronMan' or wear anything with the IronMan logo until you've done it. So, to avoid any bad karma, I'm referring to him as my BronzeMan until them. I'm SO PROUD of him and can't wait for the big day to actually be here! 8 days & counting!
6 comments:
I'm interested in this 'crack in a bag.' Does he eat one trash sack full a day (or a meal)? If so, I would like Russell's autograph.
We'll be thinking about him next weekend! Team Russell! :)
that is AMAZING! i loved the insight into what goes on training for an ironman and learning all about how your man's routine preparing for the big event. i can't wait to hear more about the big race day!
and we have had "crack in a bag" too and can vouch for it's wonderfulness.
AMAZING! That is so intense! Way to go, Russell!! We'll be praying for you this coming weekend!!
Wow-that is amazing! Good luck to Russell!
wow, i cannot believe it is NEXT weekend! Russell is awesome, we are so impressed! GOOD LUCK RUSS!
Annie (& Chris)
Joe just said he was going to do an Ironman eating contest! I think we could win that one! Joe also has a friend going to Arizona for it as well. I know him as "Pound" and I'm not sure his real name.
Go Russell! Bring home the gold! Or just bring home yourself in one piece!!!
When are you doing one????!!!
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