Training Table March 2006

T.J. Tollakson’s Triathlon Newsletter

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Copious Training

My training camp in Tucson, Arizona is nearly finished and I am extremely satisfied with my results. February was a huge month for me and I logged some fantastic numbers. Over the 28 day period I logged 57 miles in the pool, 1104 miles on the bike, and 177 miles running. This averages out to 2 miles of swimming, 40 miles of cycling, and 6 miles of running, every day. I was feeling in the best shape of my life when the training and my prior accident with an RV came into focus. I pinched a nerve in my lower back near the end of February and was forced to take a little time off from running. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to race at my season opener, and started an intense therapy regimen to quickly mend the pain. One week prior to the race I did my first run in two weeks and the very next day I logged a 10 mile run on the track in 1:02:46, averaging 6:16 miles. I knew I was going to be in shape for my first race but the question was could my legs recovery from that tough run and would they be able to hold up in the half marathon? I would soon find out.

Race Report: Ironman 70.3 California

March 18, 2006, was the date on my calendar since last November as my season opener in Oceanside, CA. Having only competed in two half ironman distance events at this point in my career, opening my season with a half ironman would be a challenge but I knew I could prepare myself properly. Race morning was cold and raining. The water temperature was 55 degrees; the air was close to the same. When the gun sounded I was off in the swim pack and comfortable. After a few minutes the pain of the cold ceased and my hands, feet, and face went numb. This is usually a good thing because you no longer feel the pain, but today it was too much. My left hand cramped up in a half closed position and I couldn’t do anything to fix it. I just kept moving my arms forward knowing I was not the least bit efficient. I came out of the water about mid pack with the pros but down quite a bit on the leaders. I would have to get in my element quickly on the bike. Transition was long and slow. I couldn’t feel my feet pounding on the pavement but kept running and when I went to put my arm warmers and gloves on, my left hand still wouldn’t work so I had to use my mouth. I was out on the bike and right away I could tell it was going to be a good day. I was cranking out solid wattage with ease and started picking off riders. Most of the riders tried to stay with me which I knew would be a fatal mistake for them as they would pay for it later on the bike or the run. I passed the second place rider, Andy Potts, with 17 miles left in the bike. The leader, Luke Bell, was still 5 minutes ahead of me. I came into transition in second place with nearly a minute lead over the guys behind me. Spencer Smith was the first to catch me on the run at 3.5 miles and we ran together for a mile but the pace was too strong and if I continued I would have surely blown up. Shortly after, Andy Potts came flying by me cruising at 5:20 miles. I spent almost the entire run in 4^th place and running strong. My first of two laps on the run, I averaged 5:50 miles and then I started to fade as my legs were beginning to cramp. I needed to push on, I could still hold on for fourth since I was putting time into the guys behind me. With 1.5 miles to go, I was caught. Swen Sundberg from Germany passed me while my pace dropped to around 7:00 miles. I was hanging on for dear life, but still had a good lead over 6^th place. I finished the race in 4:10:04 and wrapped up 5^th place. It was bittersweet because I should have easily placed 4^th, but my run endurance was just not there at the end. I know my ability level is strong and will continue to get stronger as the season progresses. My success today is only a sign what is to come with the rest of the season. I was disappointed to find out after the race that there would be no drug testing. As a professional I feel it is my responsibility to be regularly tested especially after good performances. I would like to see the Global Triathlon Corporation take a proactive approach to drug testing.

Pos

Time

Name

Cat

Time

/100m

Tr1

Cat

Time

Mile/hr

Tr2

Cat

Time

/Mile

1

3:58:24

BELL, LUKE

3

24:05:00

1:13

2:09

1

2:13:39

25.1

1:18

3

1:17:15

5:54

2

4:03:16

POTTS, ANDY

1

22:56

1:09

2:04

11

2:22:48

23.5

1:16

1

1:14:14

5:40

3

4:05:20

SMITH, SPENCER

7

24:10:00

1:13

2:14

6

2:20:35

23.9

1:33

2

1:16:51

5:52

4

4:08:51

SUNDBERG, SWEN

22

25:29:00

1:17

2:17

3

2:19:07

24.2

1:26

15

1:20:33

6:09

5

4:10:04

TOLLAKSON, TRENTON

23

25:29:00

1:17

2:57

2

2:18:07

24.3

1:23

20

1:22:10

6:17

6

4:11:33

LOVATO, MICHAEL

21

25:27:00

1:17

2:31

10

2:22:18

23.6

1:50

7

1:19:29

6:04

7

4:11:55

CUNNINGHAM, RICHIE

5

24:07:00

1:13

2:11

8

2:21:56

23.7

1:10

22

1:22:33

6:19

8

4:11:58

DRAGSTRA, LUKE

12

24:31:00

1:14

2:20

13

2:23:14

23.5

1:32

12

1:20:24

6:09

Sign of Things to Come?

With my 2006 off to a great start, I am still in Tucson, AZ for a few more weeks of training. I will return to Des Moines, Iowa to base the rest of my season out of my hometown. With a solid beginning to my season I am eager to continue my training and passionately pursue my goals this year. I am sure this early success is a sign of great things to come in 2006.

Upcoming Events

April 30, 2006 St. Anthony’s Olympic Distance Triathlon, St. Petersburg, FL

A classic non-drafting Olympic distance race and one of the largest prize purses.

Cannondale Bike Shot Scott Tinley’s

As always, thank you to my sponsors and those who support me. You make my racing possible!

In the meantime…don’t forget to visit my web site at www.tollakson.com