What can YOU do to help???

Due to the rigorous training schedule of approximately 25 hours per week and a more than full time work load at Waikoloa Grill 'n Bar as Executive Chef, I find that I am not as efficient as I would like to be networking.  I have the ideas and the goals, and I know how to accomplish them.  The problem is that I don't have ample time to get everything done.

Please reach out to me if you or someone that you know is willing to help support my cause.  I have big goals for raising awareness and if you do, too, then we can join forces and be that much more effective.  Why wait, contact me ASAP.  We can discuss our ideas and go from there.  I already have some big things lined up for the near future that mean more money and more awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis.

helgiolafson@gmail.com

503 505 1437

p.o. box 384539 Waikoloa, HI 96738

Thanks very much and I can't wait to here from you.

Marathon Pics!!

Post Marathon Post

WOW!!!  I have gone to a place mentally that I have never been before.  This was probably the hardest thing that I have ever done in my entire life, but definitely one of the most awesome experiences I have endured. 

My body is super achy right now, but it was all worth every drip of sweat and every ounce of pain.  I finished with a huge smile on my face and I represented Ankylosing Spondylitis with pride.  I came 5th in my age group and 55th out of 450 total marathon runners with a total time of 3:54:04. 

Though I didn't meet my goal of 3:30, I still finished with a great time and now I know where I need to improve and train harder for the next race.  My lungs and breathing were completely fine.  My legs and my groin were where the brunt of the fatigue set in, which is probably why I am aching so much today. 

I guess its back to the drawing board and time to focus on improving my swim and swim/ bike/ run combo for Lavaman Keauhou!!  I am going to do my best to podium in my age group for this race. 

I see YOGA in my sights for the near future!!!

Planning my race and preplanning for the days prior.

I met with coach Rick this past Sunday and we rode the part of the Marathon course that I am not yet familiar with.  This was a great idea because now I am able to visualize the entire race in my mind.  After this, we sat sat down at Jamba Juice and talked about race preparation.  So here is what I have been working on:

Take ENBREL for AS early in the week in case I get sick(Tuesday)

One more 6 -7 mile run at full blast (Tuesday)

Not eating hardly any carbohydrates and starches and such until Friday

Eating foods with heavy protein to replenish the glycogen in my muscles

On Friday I will start to load up on easily digested, carb-heavy foods, but not too much.

Drinking 3 gallons of water per day or more to ensure proper hydration and blood flow and to prevent cramping during the race.

Race Packet pick up on Saturday a.m. at Keauhou Beach Resort

Hilo Regatta Saturday afternoon.  Naps in between!!!  Two mile jog in Hilo slow pace.

Carb load dinner party Saturday evening at Keauhou Beach Resort for Ankylosing Spondylitis networking purposes and carbs.

In bed by 11 p.m. Saturday night in Waikoloa. 

Up at 3:30 a.m..  Eat some oatmeal and a banana with my extreme athlete multivitamin and load up on calories from my normal supplements.  Also have a cup of coffee.  USE THE BATHROOM!!!!

On the road by 4:00 a.m. to the venue.

Arrive at venue no later than 4:45 a.m. Race starts at 5:30.

Stretch, warmup, stretch, breathe, stretch, breathe, focus.

START RUNNING!!!!!  Keep a 7 min 30 sec per mile pace and walk(30 seconds) all aide stations(every 2 miles) for maximum refueling.  Ice!! Water, sports drink, cold sponges, GU, Salt tabs, Endurolytes.  I need to provide my body with enough calories and sugars to perform, so I may need some cola, too.  Nutrition throughout the race is key, but I will probably keep it to liquids.  If I feel like I have more gas than I am expending when it comes to mile 18-20 and I am out of the Energy Lab, I will pick up the pace.

Hopefully I will cross the finish line by 9:00 a.m., which will put me in at under 3.5 hours.

Please wish me luck!  Thank you everyone who has taken the time out of their schedule to follow me and my quest to compete in this extremely difficult race.  I am on a mission to spread the word about Ankylosing Spondylitis.  For the duration of this race, I will be sporting the words: "I HAVE ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS"

Cheers,
Helgi

Getting Closer To Race Day

I am so excited and extremely terrified at the same time.  My shins seem to hurt in the beginning of my long runs, but the pain lessens as I get warmed up.  I am hoping that this will be the case on race day.  What if I cramp up?  What if I don't have the energy to finish the race?  What if my AS flairs up? 

I need to keep my head in the game. I need to focus on proper nutrition for this race.  I didn't come here to just do "ok" and finish.  I have a goal to meet and I am prepared to push my body beyond its limits to reach my goal.  I need to maintain a sub 7 minute per mile pace if I want to finish in under three hours. 

Whatever it takes!!!

This passed week I have been able to maintain that pace for a half marathon distance.  My biking power and cadence have increased.  I have logged a total of 200 miles biking and 35 miles running this passed week.  I really believe that I need to focus more on nutrition if I want to be a contender and especially if I want to take this to a professional level.

Today I noticed as I was ascending Kawaihae Road up to Waimea that I was getting lightheaded and needed to stop.  I almost passed out.  I NEED PROPER FUEL.  My back and Ankylosing Spondylitis is doing fine and I have a good hold on my stretching routine.  My fatigue on my muscles is minimal as well through post workout protein and constant stretching.  Its the before and during that I need to conquer.  I wish I could just download the information into my brain and know exactly what to eat and take and when to eat and take it.  This is seriously frustrating me.  I am impatient in nature, as a pisces.

Please feel free to post comments and Check out my fundraiser too!  Only a few weeks left.  So far I have raised $800 for the Spondylitis Association of America.

WOOHOO!!!

Seat and seat post adjustment. From
Level 8 to 9. Seat moved back to level 0.  Let's see how she rolls.  Just got my Garmin today. Time to focus on my breathing and getting a 20 mile run in and taper down the week before the race with some short sprints about five or six miles.

Cheers

Wow this week has been particularly great.  I had the privilege to volunteer for the first aide station on the 56 mile bike ride and the first on the 13.1 mile run for the Hawaii 70.3 Honu course.  Lance Armstrong won the race and he dominated the entire time, though he was third out of the water.  I admire each and every one of the athletes who entered in this race, pros and amateurs alike!! 

I am coming for you next year HONU 70.3!!!!  This is the race that I plan on getting my qualifying spot for the IRONMAN World Championship 2013 in Kona. 

I have done some heavy running recently and my pace is increasing each time.  I have also added some calisthenics to my weekly routine and I can feel a stronger core.  Today I ran a consistent 6 minute mile for three miles during a 13 mile run.  I feel my body transforming into an efficient machine.  I have never been this fit before, and I know that I have a long way to go before I can compete on a professional level.   Time will deliver.

My main goal in front of me at this time is to concentrate on placing low for the KONA Marathon.  I have less than three weeks to go!  There is no stopping me now!

This reminds me!!  If you like what is going on here and are at all inspired by my training blog, please donate some money to the SAA through my crowdrise fundraiser at: http://www.crowdrise.com/helgiolafson