Sauna Time
So Tacky needs to get ready for Kona Heat. Yeah, the current Minnesota Summer is more like a spring on steroids. Very cold. On my last long ride the morning temperature was 44...IN FREAKING AUGUST!!
How does one train for Kona heat this far north of the equator. Answer: Tack has learned the new art of the sauna. According to the owner of Gear West Bike and Triathlon, Kevin (a multi year Kona qualifer) the best way to prepare for Kona heat is to get in the old sauna. Kevin suggested after every swim at the YMCA, I jump in the sweat room for as long as I can take it.
I think the first time I may have lasted 5 minutes. Second time I lasted 10 minutes, despite the dude who think walking stark naked in front of me then sitting down is cool. Dude.
Apparently time in the sauna actually effects the physiology of your blood and prepares you better for the heat in Hawaii. I have no clue what Kevin was talking about, but Trimama did confirm that his assertions were based in fact (Registered Dietician and Chief Tribe Doctor).
All other training is moving along fairly well. Heir Bigun had me doing long bikes the day after really long runs. That has been axed. I need a day of recovery between 20 mile runs and 100 mile bikes!! My last bike was a complete bust due to just not having any power in my legs. With all that said, I am amazed at how much stronger I am biking and running this year as opposed to past years. I am convinced this is mostly due to not working on my feet all day long. As a painter there were few moments during the day I was sitting, versus as a broke start up guy...I'm sitting on my duff quite regularly :)
The Kona for Orphans fund is doing great!! As of today we are 25% towards my goal. MUCH thanks to all of you who have contributed! I am amazed at how rewarding working with charities can be. When something as beautiful as adoption can be part of my Ironman experience, the only conclusion is this is truly another gift from above.
Talk soon,
Tacky
4 comments:
I also spent a lot if time in the sauna/steam room in prep for Kona last year. I'm pretty sure 20 min was my record, but consistency is key.
Best of luck with your final prep!
Jamie Donaldson who lives in Colorado, spent hours in the sauna preparing for her Badwater win. Something about it must work! (You COULD have stayed here all summer, that would have worked too!)
A sauna treatment is really a good therapy for people who are experiencing deep exhaustion from the days of hard work. It has a lot of benefits, just like some you that you’ve mentioned above, that could help us become healthier. Anyway, you have an inspiring thought at the end of your blog, I’m sure a lot will be inspired to do the same.
Neil Dalby
I've actually never been in a sauna before but that Finnish experience sounds really different from your average sauna. It seems really refreshing! I'm glad you got to experience it.
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