Things that I am thankful for.....

I've been remiss in my posts.....hell....I don't think anyone reads this anyway. But I was struck over the last few weeks and months as to how lucky I am to have the people in my life that have really meant so much to my growth and development as a man and a father...

I am so very fortunate for the unconditional love of my daughter Alex, the support and love from all of my friends, Kelly and Matty, Wes, Peter, Hayley, Michael, Joanna and Mark, Billy, Laura, BDC, Greg, Brad, Brooke, both the Jen's; Baer and Martini and the entire crew of friends that all look out for one another. If it wasn't for all of you, I'd be sitting in California inhaling smoke and wondering what the fuck happened......

Onward and upward into 2009!!!!! Cant wait to see what we conjur up this next year.

Road Trip-Lubbock

Just got back from a boys weekend road trip to Lubbock for the 70.3 race at Buffalo Springs Lake. I traveled with Stoner, McCullough and Brad on Thursday with a stop in Amarillo for food and sleep. Meeker and Tingle were behind us and JZ flew down on Friday. The trip had quite a few chuckles and we came out of the 5 days still friends; despite being crammed in a car together.

Race day saw some different weather than normal or expected. Instead of the usual 90+ temperatures, it was windy, raining and fairly brisk. I had a little bit better swim than expected; given my lack of swim focus the last few months and came out feeling pretty good. That feeling soon vanished as soon as I started turning the pedals. My legs felt empty and without purpose. I figured I would just roll it out and take in some nutrition, but it did not seem to help. Being wet and cold didn't help my motivation and soon, I was resigned to stop pushing it. I ended up rolling most of the bike course and came into T2 to change into dry clothes and get warm. Tingle and Dennis ended up calling it a day as well with some wheel mechanical issues.

I watched as JZ ran her way into 2nds place, Brad got 8th despite some early cramping and Michael and Greg plugged away.

It has been a while since I DNF'ed and have the opportunity for redemption at the 5430 long course race in August.

I haven't posted anything in quite some time. All the way back to February as a matter of fact. I just haven't had anything that has inspired me recently to put out there. With that in mind, I'll try to get caught up with the abridged version.

I raced Oceanside 70.3 the end of March. It didn't go as well as I had hoped considering I soent the whole winter training. Alas, my run mileage was a tad off leading up to the race and with having all last year off from training/racing, I still had a long way to go. I still had a solid day and it got me farther in the long run than not doing anything at all.

I lost all impetus and motivation to train after the race. I started a new job that took some time to get acquainted with and more importantly, I had another 'life crisis' occur. My beloved daughter Alex had relocated back to San Diego on a 'temporary' move. I was dead-set against it, but while trying to be an understanding and rational ex-husband, I didn't fight the move. At best, I figured it would allow me the time to train for Coeur d'Alene IM in June.

As it turned out, my lack of motivation continued until well into May. Another birthday came and went, which wsa actually one of the better ones I have had in some years. I have really developed a great crew of people who truly care about me and my well-being; as well as my daughters. I am very blessed to have these friends and it makes me want to stay in Boulder even more than before. Unfortunately , my ex is trying to cajole me into moving back to San Diego to allow her to work her company and still have me part of Alex's life. I am fighting thise tooth and nail and will everything in my power to keep Boulder as my home. I have every intention of raising my daughter in a place as beautiful as Boulder, surrounded by people who love her and care for her well being.

On the brighter note, I have a race weekend/road trip with my crew to Lubbock for the Buffalo Springs 70.3 race this weekend. Greg McCullough, Michael Stone, Brad Send, JZ and I...plus a whole bunch of other Boulerites, are heading out to take Texas by storm. I will post more on the road adventure and race report next week.

Welcome back racers....

Finally!!!! After not racing since 2006 1/2 Vineman, I finally raced. It feels so good to get the body moving again after the perpetual injury/recovery/training/recovery monotony of the last 11 months.

This last Sunday, I traveled to Scottsdale for the Desert Classic Duathlon. I had not done a duathlon in 8 years, so my expectations were realistic...I had no expectations!!!! The distances for this race were 3.5 mile first run, followed by a hilly, rolling 21 mile bike and finishing with a technical 2.7 mile run out in the desert near McDowell Mountain.

My first run I let the lead pack of 5 go as I wasn't sure how hard an effort I was going to be able to hold. I ended up getting into a nice rhythm and came into T1 in 22 min sitting 4th. My bike riding was not its usual quick ride as I have only been on the road 3-4 times since December. But I managed to pick up an extra spot coming into T2 in 3rd place. I got beat out of transition but got back into a rhythm again and was starting to reel in the 3rd place guy. I ended up getting off course as I was within about 5 seconds of 3rd and by the time I got back on the right track, he was 20 seconds up again. In the end, I managed to pull back another 5 seconds, but had to settle for 4th place.

All things considered, I am pretty happy with the outcome. I'm not a duathlete, haven't done any real speed work and am really focused on long distance racing this year.

Next up....70.3 Oceanside

Sleep

I've been sleeping like shit lately. It is really getting to be a problem. As I am increasing my training load, the need for good sleep to enhance recovery and hGh production in my body is essential to maintain health and achieve my goals.

I don't have a problem with getting to sleep, on the contrary. My problem is I wake up at night; usually around 2:30-3:30 in the morning, and then my mind starts working overtime. originally, i thought it was caused by alcohol consumption, but I haven't had anything to drink the last few days as I have been sick with an upper respiratory virus. I need my sleep!!!! woke up this morning at 2:30 and didn't get back to sleep until 7:00. This has to change as I go back to work next week and I'll never be able to get my workouts in before work.

2008

It's been a while since I posted. To be honest, I haven't felt anything worthwhile to write about. But, in the essence of the beginning of a new year, I think I'll post some goals and things that are happening in my life.

For starters, I have made the commitment to race this year and I have the motivation I haven't seen in years. I have, for the first time in my triathlon career, hired a coach to help me plan my training schedule. My focus for the first 6 months of the year will be Oceanside in March, Napa Valley 1/2 IM in May and IM Coeur d'Alene in June. After that, we will figure out the next schedule.

I am into my 3rd week of this new plan and so far, things are going pretty well. I have a cold right now that seems to be plaguing the Boulder athletic community, but I am not too worried as it doesn't seem to be lingering around too long. My swimming is going exceptionally well, considering my 18 month hiatus from the pool. Also, I have had some recent back issues that are slowly getting better with the help of Sara Berg at Chiropractic Release. She is a combo Chiropractor and certified ART therapist. I highly recommend her.

On the work front, I have been interviewing for some new jobs; each very different in both pay and structure. I received offers from 2 of the 3 within a one week period and hope to have the last one by mid-week. It's nice to have options and I am really having to look at which one is best suited for my personal and professional well-being. One has great financial reward in orthopedics, but requires more travel than what I want to do right now. Another is a dream job that would allow me to use my experiences from my college degree through my entire professional career and have me working with a great small start-up company with some awesome people, but be the most limiting with regard to salary. The third is about middle of the road, but outside of orthopedics and my sports lifestyle. Needless to say, I have a lot of thinking to do this weekend.

All in all, things are looking very good on all fronts right now. I've made some fabulous friends here in Boulder the last few months, I've grown closer with some of my friends back in San Diego despite the distance and I am having an absolute ball with my daughter Alex. 2008 is rolling along very nicely!!!