Back in the saddle again!

Well, I finished 36 North and (even though my helmet is wobbyjawed) I did not wreck! I placed 5th in my age group an 81 overall. Quick recap:
Swim: The worst part of the whole thing. Either I underestimated my pool skills (DOUBT IT) or everyone else grossly overestimated theirs. I walked most of my swim and was forced to pass groups of people in the pool. I became frustrated and it threw my whole race in a different direction.
Bike: I averaged 19.3 mphs and was happy for my effort. After the swim debacle, I decided to enjoy the journey and shake off the cobwebs. Therefore, I did not push it and talked to folks during the bike. I wish I decided to push it a little more.
Run: I underestimated the climbs on this run course. The back-hill to the finish line had several people walking and I was determined not to walk! Avg. 8:36 miles.
Overall: Great race with a fantastic energy to it. For me personally, it sparked a fire and has got me training to PR soon.
Lesson from Journey: Patience man, Patience.

I am not dead....yet!!!

It has been quite a while since my last post. I have a million excuses but if I am real honest with myself--the reason for the lack of activity has been due to me not feeling good about myself. I have not been training or eating like I should/could and it shows. To make matters worse, I was feeling strong and dedicated in February. I then got a sinus infection and my progress and routine atrophied quickly. I did manage to squeak out two third place finishes in 5k's (thanks for name Julian mom and dad, it helped get me in the female division for one race!!).

I am doing a sprint triathlon this weekend and I surely will be humbled. I will be happy just to finish. But maybe this will help get me motivated to prioritize better and appreciate the journey.

MB

I was going to use a Michael Phelps reference for this post….

but in light of recent events on behalf of Mr. Phelps I shall limit my degree of emulation. I have gone “dolphin” though--grown a tail and a dorsal fin and am known for making high pitch squeals under water. Not quite. But I am back in the pool and trying my best to make gains.

I have reevaluated my “stinking thinking” of the past that if I muscle through the pool and just focus on finishing “X” distance then I will make progress. I have learned that drills + patience + time will = success NOT just doing the distance. It has also been helpful to have a training partner waiting in the pool for you and to have a spouse willing to work together on child care arrangements.

I also bought a membership to an online training coach and tracking program. Yesterday was the first day of the plan and I am already hurting. But it hurts so good!

I also read an article in the new Runner’s World issue about a man using running in recovery. I think I will adopt his motto for a bit.

May I no longer run from my demons, but may I run to look them in the eye. (Caleb Daniloff. Runner’s World, March 2009)

MB

Calling Out:

To all you P90X'ers, and you Master Swim Classers, and you Wii Fit MoFos, and you "well my wife qualified for Boston" folks, and all you "I act country but I'm really a Metro Sexual"(please forward this to Chuck, Stiney)--take notice---I am coming out---I mean coming up and I want the world to know...my official 2009 race schedule:
March 21: St. Leo's 5k
May 16th: Statesville Rotary Tri
June 7th: 36 North Triathlon
July: too busy
Aug 9th: Triad Tri, G-boro (spend the night w/ Stiney in Mebane, get revenge for snake incident)
Sept 20th: Angels Triathlon. T-wood
Sept 27-28 Tour of Tanglewood (i get credit nate for both Bryan and Jason if they sign up, oh yea and if I don't get bibs this year I am riding for Silkroad)
Oct 4th: Take Flight Sprint Tri-- Huntersville

It would be awesome to train and compete with you folks. It would mean more to me than you know to have some inspiration and some company during this next season.

May we find much more than what we seek.

MB