Back at it

I have really been feeling great this week. I am usually blown out after an event like that. I feel great though. It is now time to turn my focus to the local races. Tri and Du Season is here and I want to be ready. My buddy Mike and I will be training together to help push and keep each other motivated. It looks like May 15th the Runners Forum Duathlon could be a good one to start with.

This race is over

The LBL Challenge is finally over. We finished in 8th place in 12h 45m. It was a tough race. Our team did a great job with only a few minor mess ups. The race was a trek/run, bike, paddle, trek/run, bike. By the end we were hurting and hungry. We took a wrong turn at the end and got off course. At that point we were out of food and water. We made it back to the finish riding on empty. The finish lights, sounds, and smells never felt so good. I was very dehyrated at that point and was ready to be done. It was a great team victory for us. I had a great time overall.

Oh ya those are my legs in the picture post race. What an adventure!!! Love it.

Hydrate

Food and Hydration is key to adventure racing. When you go out for a bike ride or a long run you always take a water bottle. Well this is at least a 12 hour long bike and run. One water bottle is not going to cut it. I have been hydrating all week to ensure good results. I am also topping off my carbs so I am fully charged. I can't wait to get down to b-town to meet up with the team tomorrow.

Gear Up

I am going down my gear list and checking things off. In adventure racing you have a mandatory gear list. If you are miss anything from the gear list you can be disqualified. When racing for 12-24 hours getting a DQ for missing something on the gear list is not worth it. I am also working on a plan for what kind of food to eat during the race. Food and drinks are important to keep the body going. It is important to pack lite though. Looks like a mix of nuun, powerbars, GU, sport beans, and enduralytes. YUUUMMM......not.

What a Run

No not me running the Butler Bulldogs Run to the Championship game. The hometown boys played with heart. I really felt for them as the final seconds ticked off. They showed what Indiana basketball is all about. I wish college and pro sports were played with the passion and heart that the Bulldogs coach and players demonstrated. You just don't see that anymore. Turn on any game and you will find a bunch of thugs and maybe one true player on a team. You can't count on anyone to have good character or values in college or pro sports. Butler U. thank you for giving hope back to the good guys of sport. The guys who work there butts off day in and day out. The ones nobody has ever heard of. The ones who really did dream of playing in the big game when they were a kid. Thanks Butler!! Sorry I had to get that out. Back to the running. Had a good run the other night. Just 4 days until our big race. I am getting all my gear around.

Out in full force

It was amazing out today. I love it when the weather really turns and you see everyone out playing and having fun. The park by our house had a full parking lot. I got in a good ride to and from work today. With all the people out playing and running and riding people driving need to pay more attention. I about got side swiped by some idiot on a cell phone. I did have some fun with a car though. While going through a school zone "speed limit 25" I passed him in the bike lane. He just looked at me as he sped up like that dude just passed me on a bike going like 30. I thought it was pretty funny.

Go Green!

I got to try out my new bike cam on my ride to work this morning. I thought I would go green and ride since we have this awesome weather. I also need to get familar with my saddle. We have a big race coming up. I have been riding a lot but not on this saddle. It felt great! I think ill do it again tomorrow. Check out the video of my ride to work. I'm not going to lie its kinda boring but I wanted to test it out before we hit the trails with it. Ok the video isnt working yet...ill keep trying

Thanks!

I had a great birthday weekend! I had a good run one day and a good ride another day. I even played a little soccer or as I like to call it interval training. I am looking forward to the nice weather this week. I think I am going to ride my bike to work tomorrow. I will to post my ride as soon as I figure how with my new bike camera.

Great Day!

Got in a great short run. Just working on some speed. Lots of people were out this morning. I was very happy to see everyone. I am finally feeling back to myself with the running. The weather change was kinda messing with me. I think I am good now though.

One of those days

I felt like crap this morning.....so I hit the snooze and rolled back over. The afternoon got better though. I gave a presentation I my wifes work about shoes and apparel. After work went to bible study. It's late and I'm going to bed and the headache is coming back. Looking forward to a better tomorrow.

Just get out the door

I had a better run today. I went 5 miles with Olli. This weather is so weird. I'm just not sure how to dress. I was cold so I put on another layer. With in minutes I was overheating. I just want it to be hot so I can go shorts and no shirt.

P.S. Marty was right. Where is everyone. I didn't see a single runner this morning.

Labors of Life

My workout yesterday was awful!!! I had 10 miles planned and at mile 5 I had to stop. Before my run I had spent the last 6 hours building and sidewalk from our deck to our fence gate. It took 60 16inch stone pavers. That is what I call back breaking work. My hamstrings and back were and still are blowin up. I hope that is why my run sucked so bad. Anyway my training and blogging has gotten of beat. I am really going to make an effort to get back to it.

Lucky Day

The sun is out, the temp is just right, and I am on my way to drink a green beer! What more can you ask for on St. Patricks Day. I didn't have time to get a workout in. I am not worried about it though. The wife has agreed to run again in the morning. I am excited about that. She is really doing well. It has been neat to watch her transform.

Wake Up Call

WAKE UP Call 6:00a.m.. I talked my wife into running this morning instead of after work. It is not always easy to want to workout after a long day at work. I thought we would try something new. I personally love getting up early. She hates it. It was an awesome morning. The air was very crisp. Even though it is still dark with the time change it is very cool to see and hear the world starting to wake up. I just don't understand how anyone would want to miss that every morning. You should try it sometime. It is very refreshing. Running in the morning also gives me time to get a workout in before bed, too.

Knew it wouldn't last

The weather turned cold again. On top of that day light savings started today and I feel very sleepy. I did not get nearly enough sleep last night. Looks like I am going to have to pull together and suck it up for work today. I'll start the caffeine drip now. Looks like its going to be an evening workout because there was no way I was getting out of bed to workout this morning.

Day Off.....of work

Wow sleeping in feels great! Oh wait I didn't sleep in, for some reason I always get up at the same time. My wife and I both have the day off. Shes still in bed of course, and I am here. That's alright, sleeping in has never been my thing. With both of us off on this overcast but warm Friday we are going to go for an early run whenever she gets up of course. I'm not sure what the rest of the day will bring. I am sure I can come up with a list of things to do around here. Maybe I will find time to get a second run in this afternoon. Maybe it will be raining by then. I always love a good run in the rain.

Busy Busy!!!

Sorry for the delay of news. I am extremely busy with what I call life. I will go back a few days for you. I had and unbelievable weekend. The weather was so nice. Monday my wife and went for a run and it turned into a long walk. She wasn't feeling it. That cool though I have those days. Tuesday I did a little speed work on the paved trail. I felt good. The weather was warm and I think I messed with my lungs a little. Today I got in a short run with the dog. I am looking forward to more warm weather. It is going to rain but I really don't even care. I will take 65 and rain any day over snow at this point in the year.

What A Weekend

It was an amazing weekend!! I got a 20 mile ride in on Saturday and lots of house work done today. I am going to be very upset if it turns cold again. I have so many house projects ready to go. It was so nice to finally be able to ride outside and not be freezing. I tried out a new route and it was awesome. I love the ride down Cherry Tree and River Rd. I also just want to throw in that I had a great time with Mike and Kiley. My dog has been sleeping for like 3hours. She had a great time with Harrison "laberdoodle". Mike and Kiley are both amazing athletes with Multiple Ironman triathlons under there belts. I look forward to riding with you both. What a great weekend. Oh ya the wife finally gets home tonight.

Great Day to Ride

Woke up this morning and the sun was out in full force. I can't think of a better thing to do than go for a ride this afternoon. My wife is gone to Texas for work. Miss you hun. Olli and I spent some of the morning playing and working around the house. Now I am getting the bike prepped and the route figured out on map my ride. I am looking to do a couple of hours. I think my buddy Tom is going to join me for the ride, so that will be fun. Im sure we will end out going out harder then we want. We kind of compete when we ride together.

Time for a Tune up

With the weather turning from cold and bitter to sunshine and cool I thought it would be a good time to get the Mountain bike in for a tune up. I had not fixed the brakes since the wreck I had at the 6 hour off road race. I am excited to hit the trails this weekend as they are saying we will see temperatures in the 50's.

Tough Day!

I am officially over training on my bike trainer. I can't wait for spring. My workout today sucked because I wanted to be outside and I couldn't stay focused. I was already in a bad mood cause my workout was bad and then my car wouldn't start. Luckily my buddy Fritz came a gave me a lift. Thanks Fritz, and thanks for showing me the Subaru hand signal. You are so COOL!! I hope tomorrow brings a better day for me.

Great Day For A Run!

The weather was awesome this morning. Cool 31 degrees with little wind. I love it. Olli and I went for a little speed workout today. The trail was a little icy in some spots but we made it out without a fall this time. I am looking forward to these 50 degree temperatures they speak of. Spring is just around the corner.

Start the year off right

We are planning a race for the end of March to get the season started. This sprint adventure race will be a good test for out new naviagtor. If he passes and we do well I think its going to be a good season. If not, we are screwed. http://www.planetadventurerace.com/indyxpress/ix_sprint/index.shtml

Wow!

Northview Church has moved into the new auditorium. All I can say is wow!! It is amazing. Looking forward to a busy day at work. It makes the day go fast. Then my wife and I are doing her first official long run. I will follow that up with some yoga "x" style.

Feeling Good!

Even though I am very busy I was able to get in a great workout. I felt awesome! Got in a 30 min bike ride on the rollers. Average Speed 21mph not bad for this time of the year for me. I followed that by a 45min plyometrics workout. Had a good sweat and feeling great. Made some dinner for the wife. Time to go relax and drink coffee while reading a book. It's a great way for me to relax. We all know runners are coffee fanatics.

30 hour days

If we could only have 30 hours in a day. I would finally have time to do all the things I wanted. It looks like I need to change my workout schedule. I think it will work with the sun starting to come up early and also staying out a little longer. Plus I can even save a few dollars if I run to and from work.

Busy Day

I tried to run over at the CC course but the snow was too deep to run in. I did make it over to a nice paved trail to finish my miles. I had never run on this path before today. It was very cool as it rolled along the river. I kinda felt like I was in a totally different part of the country. It was great! Then it was back to the real world. Lots of things going on at work. I went to another expo downtown. It was very successful. After work it was off to Bible study with our friends. I got home just in time to eat, write this, and get in bed. It is snowing pretty heavy right now so it looks like long ride on the trainer in the a.m.

Easy Does It

My wife, dog "Olli", and I got in an easy 3 miles last night around the neighbor hood. I felt good, the PF didn't bother me. Woke up this morning a little tight but not near as bad as yesterday. I did lots of stretching to control the PF. Got on the rollers this morning for short ride to push some lactate acid out. Ill ride again tonight to a spinervals dvd.

Early Warning "Feeling the Effects"

I am definitely feeling the effects of running twice in one day and then following it up with the cardio x workout last night. My plantar fascia is on fire this morning. Luckily I know what to do to get rid of it fast. I will keep you updated on the recovery. No worries this will not slow me down.

Race update! 46 days until LBL challenge

Weekend away

Yesterday went as planned and some. I did my long run in the morning. I even took a little spill. It was very icy on the path I was on. I don't think anyone saw me though. I'm sure it was pretty funny if someone did though. I also went for a run out on the frozen lake when I got to my parents house with my sister and the dogs. It was a tough run dealing with ice and 6 to 8 inches of snow. Always a good time running with my sister. She is a great runner as well.

Today is undecided at this point. I am thinking P90X "cardio X" tonight when we get back from our mini vacation. Right now I am still recovering from the big breakfast we had.

TIme for a cold one

Today was a long day at work. 11 hours to be exact. I had a short run planned, but I would rather kick back and drink a cold brew. Tomorrow looks to be a good day as far as weather goes. I will get a long run in early since we have some traveling to do tomorrow afternoon. We are going to see my nephew Grant! He is already showing signs of a triathlete at 2 months old. I can't wait to see him and the fam. Off to watch the Olympics. "beer me"

Wife in Training

Sorry No morning workout today. I have to go into work early. I have a great workout planned for tonight. Not only am I in training my wife will soon be doing her first 1/2 marathon ever. We will be doing a training run of just a few miles tonight. I am making sure she starts slow so she doesn't get injured. She has never really run before so I want it to be a positive experience for her. After the run or warm up in my case I will be doing an hour long P90X plyometrics video. Don't hate on the X until you try it. I have had a few friends: marathoner, Strength trainers, and Cyclist get knocked down and kicked around by these workouts. I know it sounds silly but it is pretty fun and a great cross training tool.

Weather Bug

Living in the Mid West this time of the year can be a real drag. It can really limit your training. I will go outside and run regardless of the weather but cycling is not an option so I have to resort to my trainer or rollers. This mornings workout was a 40k Time Trail by spinervals and a P90X Ab Ripper workout. It was tough this morning since I am dealing with a massive headache. No crying for me, the show must go on. My team is counting on me as we prepare for our up coming AR the LBL in Kentucky. As I get ready for the day I slug down a recovery drink and see what I have going on at work. Looks like another big day of traveling out to running clubs and training groups to keeping them properly dressed with some great deals on winter clothing.

Up to Speed

I am a fairly normal guy. Wife, house, and a dog. I work full time at a triathlon store. I would say and so would my wife I would go crazy if I were not able to exercise in some way shape or form. Some people call this A.D.D.. I train because I enjoy the feeling of pushing my body to the limits. I like knowing that not everyone is able to do some of the things I do and consider fun. Even though I am not a professional in any of the events I do I am out to win every time. I have won a few races and place among the top 10 quiet often. I think this is when people start thinking I am a like nuts. I have spent insane amounts of money on equipment and race fees. At times it looks like we could start our own sporting goods store right out of our house. My wife is a real trooper. Thanks hun! In my blog I will be sharing what my days leading up to some incredible races are like. I will try to keep you up to date with pictures, workouts, injuries, hardships, and time of triumph.

Why I am doing a Blog

I want to see what it is that I actually do in preparation for some of the most far out races that a semi normal person would do. I often hear people calling me crazy for the type of training and racing I do. I want to share what it is I do and then reflect on it to see how crazy I really am. Please enjoy a day in the life of a semi normal adventure racer.