Training Update and Rumble Strips

Hey there. Well, some know that I'm training for a sprint triathlon in August. This will include a 300 yd swim, 15 mile bike and 5k run. Some may find this quite crazy as I only began swimming in January and biking in March. Gotta start somewhere! I've set a long range goal of completing the Half Ironman in Syracuse, NY in September 2011 - hence my blog title. I look at all of my training as a build-up for that one event.

Swimming: I have no form and I am not fast, but I am light years from where I was on 1/26/10. I could not breathe and could not make 25 yds without gasping for air. Thankfully, I could touch the bottom of the pool (even as short as I am) or doggy paddle back to the side. I at least kept the lifeguards awake at 6am with the show I was putting on. I credit swimming to dropping nearly 25# since 1/1.

Biking: Of course I've had a bike in my lifetime, but I've never used it as a training device. I must say I've really enjoyed riding over the last few months and could see biking as something I could do more of if my legs don't hold up to running which is good possibility. I still have a lot to learn on the bike like drafting, cadence, maintenance and repair. It will come in time.

With the nice weather, I've spent my time biking out on the roads of rural McKean County. I must say that there is nothing more annoying and dangerous to cyclists than the white line/berm rumble strips. I understand their purpose for motorists, but they are a cyclists' nightmare.  Just last week there was a horrific accident involving a cyclist (training for this summer's triathlon in fact) and motorist.  I've traveled this road many times and can't shake the feeling that she had to ride in the road to avoid the rumble strips.  The motorist clipped the rider with the side mirror and the result was an unresponsive rider with a fractured skull.  I found this bit of information on the Federal Highway Adminstration website (http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/policy_guide/t504035.cfm):

"Rumble strips or raised pavement markers are not recommended where shoulders are used by bicyclists unless there is a minimum clear path of 0.3 m (1 ft) from the rumble strip to the traveled way, 1.2 m (4 ft) from the rumble strip to the outside edge of paved shoulder, or 1.5 m (5 ft) to adjacent guardrail, curb or other obstacle."

There may be 12 inches from rumble strip to outside edge of paved shoulder and in some places it's much less than that.  I have not heard how the cyclist is doing today, but please keep Amy in your thoughts and prayers.

In just over a week the first half of 2010 will be over.  Hard to believe.  I will post my training totals for you all to see because I know you care.  Your encouragement is welcomed.  Your comments are welcomed.  Thanks for stopping by and we'll talk to you soon.

- Steve