Another notch in the belt

Our country and the world are undergoing immense change and there is much uncertainty about the future ahead. While it may seem naive and stupid to say, to me nothing has changed. I am still employed. I have a great family and friends. I work with good people who want to make a difference. Despite the aura of uncertainty in the US economic market and world market my life has been static. There are times, now, and in the past where things don't always go as you would like but due to the family, friends, and my job all is okay. To many right now one of the legs of that tripod of life is missing. I am fortunate that my tripod is still standing. Without all of those people involved in my life I would not have been able to achieve all that I have today. My colleague's at work are understanding of my training, my family and friends are always supportive. What I am getting at is that I am creating my Triathlon Team. All of these people are on my team, and I am always open to accepting anyone else who wants to be on my team.

I read another blog post (Click Here) of a person who I read weekly Gordon Byrn and it made me realize that despite triathlon being an individual sport, where only your legs, arms, and heart can get you to the finish line, if it wasn't for the support from all those around you, your goals would could possibly not be attained. I appreciate the support I get from all of my family, co-workers and friends. I am happy to have this blog as an outlet to tell everyone this. Thanks.

So lets get 2009 started. My first week of training went well. I am pleased with the format and looking forward to many more weekends. I also just signed up for another Half Ironman race. It is April 5th in Galveston, Texas. Its call the Lonestar Half Ironman. I did this race last year too. It was my first Half Ironman race.This race is important to me because I am a big believer in local economies and buying local when possible, etc. etc. Recently as you know Galveston was hit by a devastating hurricane. Hurricane Ike was a brutal storm to Texas. The local economy and business were decimated. A triathlon was scheduled before the hurricane and is still on despite the damage. Its important because of the economic impact it will have in Galveston. There will be close to some 2000 plus people traveling to the area, dining, and using lodging. Myself included. This will be a much needed revenue boost for the economy and a positive thing for Galveston. I am glad to be a part of it.

So I will continue to train for Wisconsin and simply use this race as fun training day!!!

Its time to go fast

Well its done. I bought my new bike. I got a 2009 Cervelo P2C, with ultegra groupo on it. Pretty pleased. I rode both that bike and the specialized transition comp and as soon as I got off the transition and onto the P2C I knew the P2 was for me. I also bought all the goodies too:

• Aero Tail Drink holders
  
• Bottle Cages
  
• New Aero Helmet
  
• New Pedals
  
• An Extra Cassette for my Race Wheels
  
• Soon to be buying the 2009 Flash Point FP60's
  
• New wireless computer for my bike
  
• New bike pump because my old one broke
  
• New lenses for my riding glasses because I horribly scratched but protected myself on my existing pair.

In other news I began my first week of IRONMAN (IM) training with my coach. I am currently training for the Austin Marathon on 2/15/09.  This will be my second marathon. My IM coach has incorporated this into the beginning weeks of my training. My coaches name is Todd Codish. See his bio. He is a good friend and awesome coach to work with. I have known him for a year and had the opportunity to work with him during my first Half Ironman with Team In Training. I believe the science behind his coaching methods and believe in him 100% . I know he will take me to the finish line in Madison. Without him and his help, I would be learning more from all of my mistakes along the way instead of letting him teach me from his vast wisdom and experience.  He will give me weekly workouts and I give him weekly feed back after I complete the workouts and ask questions anytime I need to and he helps out a great deal.  So from time to time over the next 9 months or so I guess I'll upload my training schedule so people can check it out. I need to figure out the best way to post an excel spreadsheet too??? Any suggestions please reply or comment. I am really excited about the next 9 months, but for right now I really only have 2 more long runs left before the marathon. I have an 18 miler this weekend then a 21 miler next and after that my taper begins. I am starting to get excited for my marathon. I can't wait to experience it again. After training for this race a second time it has really started to grow on me and I have enjoyed it more this year than last. I think going forward I will do at least one marathon a year if not multiple. Anyways here we go on the beginning of a new year and a new year of goals to met.

Now for some pictures of the bike:

The story book of life.....

Our lives unfold before us like a map in our lap on a long road trip. Always turning, rotating, and every guessing which way is NORTH. It is this endless questioning that keeps us afloat in this turbulent sea that is life. We all know someone in our life that has had an impact upon where we are today. Whether these people are friends, teachers, or co-workers. We all unknowingly impact each others lives every day. Sometimes we impact or have a certain effect on another that may go unnoticed by the one that it is actually affecting. Feelings for others may ebb and flow as the tides of the pacific ocean. But what is important is that unlike the sand that is washed away by the crashing waves, that we as friends and family let the truth of our hearts and minds be known to those that matter. Where this is all going is that it is important to speak your feelings and let them be known.  

SHIT HAPPENS!!!!!

I just felt like saying that, because its true.  Life is short and its important to be honest to ourselves first and foremost, but also honest to all those around you. Speak your mind and don't be scarred. If you are as weird as me, then you probably talk to yourself on a regular basis. Its time to quit talking out loud and begin to start speaking to other. The worst that can happen is that you scare others around you and whats the harm in that??? Living your life to the fullest means you don't always get what you want. because the best part of life is overcoming or experiencing something that you can not replicate.

Upon closing this post, its time we all examine where we are at and where we are going. Take a deep look and make sure its what you want!!!!!