Great to Give Back

I know, I know, I’m getting horrible at updating the blog, but…

Today I didn’t race, but it was a great day for races.

You see, my kids got to race their first race of the season and joining their youth triathlon club.  This was my seven year old’s third triathlon and my four year old’s first triathlon.

My seven year old got cold feet last night and was adamant that she did not want to race.  She said she didn’t want to race because of a crash last year at the same course.  The year prior, she had smacked her hand on the wall during the swim and wanted to quit.  I had to run the entire course with her.

The second year, she was going down the bike course that had its own natural pitch to the left.  Unfortunately, as she claimed, “I wanted the bike to go straight.  It just wouldn’t listen to me!” She went down to the left and followed the bank down and crashed in the ditch just before pavement.  Again, I had to run with her the rest of the way.

She still wanted to back out this morning.  Mommy promised her that she would stand will she crashed last year so it woupdnt happen again.  I asked her to simply start the race.  If at any time she didn’t want to do it anymore, she didn’t have to.

Well, she did start.  She also came in 3rd in her age group.  It was amazing to see her overcome her fears.  It’s awesome to see the pride in her face overcoming the challenge as well as placing third.

My son was the youngest competitor of the day at four year olds.  He was both impressive for his age and funny.  If he didn’t spend so much time seeing the scenes and watching the race of others, I promise you he had won his age group.  That little powerhouse doesn’t stop!  I was baffled that he was able to run as fast as he did after the swim and bike.

Seeing him in his tri kit was awesome.  He had his own papparazi at the finish line.  Total strangers were taking pictures of him all decked out in his gear from visor to kinvaras to his bib belt.

It was so cool to give back.  If you’re into running, cycling, swimming, or triathlons, get involved with the youth.  Today was such a blast.  I even volunteered giving out medals since I was one of the few adults that didn’t race.

What a day.  Ok, now I gotta get back to training.  My coach is gonna kick my butt…

PS, a special shout out to a friend, Julie, for finishing her first half marathon today!  Woohoo!!!!

Long Time, No See

Ok, so its been a while since I posted anything.  I mean, a long time…

Anywho…  Here’s a low down to catch ya up:
December, we had a baby.
After the Augusta 70.3 decided to train for a full ironman.
Decided on Rev3 Cedar Point for my full.
Helped start up a kids tri club in Augusta. check out Dream Team Triathlon. It’s going great.
Lots of training completed.
Lots of races to be done this spring and summer.
Up to 4000 yd for lon swim, 80 mi on the bike, and 16-19 on the run. Good times!

All this and more. Sorry for slacking. Kinda busy lately. More to come…

And if you want great coaching, check out TriCoachGeorgia!

Thanks for the Augusta 70.3

I’ve failed miserably lately keeping up with this blog due to my hectic balance of family, training, and work.  I do, however, want to take time to thank a bunch of people.

First, Kristin Snyder.  Two years ago, you inspired me when I saw that you had done the half ironman right in my own “New” backyard.  A month after I got my butt off the couch and started training for a half marathon, I see your accomplishment and couldn’t believe it.

Second, Rick and Dick Hoyt. I know they probably won’t see this blog, but they are who inspired me to get my butt off the couch in the first place.

Brian Willis is next.  I don’t know how many times Brian posted comments or simply “liked” a workout of mine on my journey through all the training.  As little as it takes to just click, it meant a lot to me.

To old and New friends Maria, Angie, Mike Martin, Brian Irwin, Michael and Barbara and others for all the positive comments and vibes throughout my training.

David Nance, for the positive comments and fun stuff. It was inspiration helping you out on your 24 hour journey.

To those who have commented and told me that I’ve inspired or motivated them, you keep ME motivated.  It’s awesome to know people are watching and I can help by just doing something I love.

To the TriAugusta folks I’ve met and keep meeting!  They are an awesome group!  My U18 (under 18 mph) peeps are awesome.  I’m not excluded now that I averaged 19 on the course, am I?  Nancy, Julie, Ted, Jeff, Alex, Val, David, Steve, oh I can go on.  It was so cool finding a group of people with such welcoming arms and getting to meet folks that I will consider friends the rest of my life.

To Brian Patterson.  I’ll never forget that July weekend when you hung back with my slow ass on my first “attempt” on the half ironman bike course.  It was 100+ and you didn’t have to do that.  It made me want to prove to you that this wasn’t a waste of your time or effort.  It meant a lot to me that you looked out for me that day.

To my coach, Harvey Gayer!  THANK YOU SO MUCH!  This has been such an amazing experience!  You pushed me when I needed to pushed, kept quiet when I had it, and kept me inspired when I need inspiration.  I loved the fact that you would check in just at the right moments without me asking.  It was like you had a sixth sense.  You have done an amazing job getting me here and also improving my performance.  We even nailed a long term goal of mine in the meantime!  I will be forever grateful for this experience and hope to pay it forward with the kids’ Dream Team Tri club.

Finally, to my wife and kids.  I know my wife is sick of all my training and having to deal with the kids, pets, house, etc by herself way more than she should.  I love you all and do this all for you.  I started this journey to lose weight and improve my health so I can live a long life with you and be a positive role model for the kids.  I pray you all don’t have to experience with my father’s and grandfather’s heart attacks.

If there if there is anyone else I’ve missed, please don’t get offended.  I didn’t do it intentionally.  I simply wanted to get this out there before I forget (or start training again…)!

Who’s ready to train for a FULL Ironman?!

T

Planes, trains, and no pool

Wow.  It’s been a while since I posted anything.  I’ve been way too caught up with traveling for work, juggling family time, and training for my first half ironman.

Last night I accidentally fell asleep and didn’t get my run in.  So this morning, I got up early and ran 10 miles.

This evening I walked to the train and rode another 15+ minutes.  Then walked another 15 minutes to find out that the pool at the Y here in Denver is closed for renovations.   Good times.

Well, that’s all I got for now.  Hopefully I’ll get better to posting on here again…

100km milestone

Reached a new milestone today.  Did my first metric century, 100 km or 62 miles. Followed it up by a 20 minute run to fins my legs.

Felt good!

Still can’t believe I can go so far.  Seems like yesterday when 12 miles seemed absurd to me!

Horrible Promoter

Last night we drove 3.5 hours so that my daughter could participate in a kids triathlon.  Once we arrived at our family’s house nearby, I went online to check the time.

What did I find out?  The promoter changed the date and time without changing their website.  Wonderful!

Check it out:
Promoter site
Active.com site with date change

Rocky Mountain High

Ran 7 miles here in Denver last night.  All I can say is, CAN I CAN THAT RUNNER’S HIGH SOMEHOW?!!!  WOW!!!!

I guess one of the great things about the lack of oxygen here is the runner’s high.  Woohoo.

It felt pretty stressful at first getting used to the altitude, but once I found a comfortable pace, it felt like I could go forever.

Workout:
Bike 10 min warm-up, 4x 5 min with 3 min soft pedal, cool down
Run 4 miles

Travelling again

Flying out to Denver today.  I managed to get a bike and run workout in before.

Nothing to report on really.

I guess the only thing I have to say is it sureal doing a 70 min bike workout and a 4.5 mile run and think that its short.  Last year when I was doing sprint distance triathlons, this would practically be two thirds if the race…

Workout:
Bike 10 min warm-up 3x 10 min in Z2, 5 min soft pedal, cool down to 70 min
Run 4.5 in Z2

Weeding with a little swimming too

I did my river swim today.  The weeds were crazy!   I felt like I was weeding the river and doing an occasional swim.

It’s very sad what has happened.  A non-native weed is in the river and out of control.  It’s difficult to swim because you get tangled in it.  I could see how someone could easily have a panic attack getting into the weeds.

Glad um swimming and TRYING to get used to it.  It’s not easy.  Still freaks you out when it gets around your ankles.  At least if its on your hands, you can see it!

Workout:
Open water Augusta 70.3 swim course. 1.2 miles

Dodging lightning

Managed to get my workout in right before it started pouring! 

Had a great interval workout on the bike and did a 4.5 mile run afterwards.

Have to run 13.1 miles and swim the 70.3 swim course tomorrow.  Should.make for a long day!

Shedding the weight off now!

Gotta get early if I’m gonna get it done.  Good night!