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Silverman 70.3 this weekend with Operation Rebound!

Quick update.

Vegas baby! Tomorrow I am happy to announce that New Balance is sending me to Vegas to race the Silverman Triathlon with Team Operation Rebound.

www.operationrebound.org

Operation Rebound provides unparalleled sports opportunities and support to our troops and veterans of any branch of service and first responders who have served honorably and have suffered permanent physical injuries.

This is an amazing group of hard core individuals and I am really looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.  How can a double leg amputee guy ride a bike for 56 miles? How can a guy with one arm swim open water for 1.2 miles? One answer, a big big heart. It is truly an inspiration and I am happy to represent New Balance and run the final leg of the relay. I’ll post pics and notes from the weekend.

On a training note, things couldn’t be better. I am enjoying being back in Vermont and getting some sea level air. My speed has been progressing slowly, but my strength and endurance have been developing quite rapidly.  I am really excited for 2010 and my return to distance running. It’s been great training 2 hours a day instead of 4-8! I actually have a social life and that to me keeps me in balance.  I will be starting my 2010 season off at my favorite race venue. Houston!  Always a special place for me with lots of great race memories. I’ll race the half, they aim for Grandmas marathon in June.

Lastly, I want to congratulate all of my athletes. On Track has had some incredible race performances in 2009, and I am very optimistic about 2010. We will have a strong contingency at the Boston Marathon this April. Keep at it guys and girls. I’m proud of you.

Now, get your ass out the door and train!

Ironman CDA!

Whoo, things have been so busy since I got back to Boulder. I had a solid training cycle in Tucson and continued plugging along here in Boulder. I am very excited to be in taper mode. I thought it would never arrive! Needless to say I am officially in what I call the “Oh Shit” phase. You know, you spend months and months preparing for a race. You are tired all the time, and can not wait until the taper. Then the taper comes, and you are like “Oh Shit, I need more training. I’m not ready. I need more time!!!!” Funny how the “Oh Shit” phase works.

I had a very hard time training for this race. It was not easy. I had to juggle a lot of other responsibilities. Yes, I compete as a professional, but I certainly don’t live the lifestyle of the typical pro triathlete. I work 2 jobs, and am a full time student.  There were many times where after a 7 hour workout, I would eat my dinner in the car and rush off to work and give massages. I would think,”How on earth  am I going to get through this night!”  Then I would come home, and hit the books. It was so incredibly challenging for me and I just kept feeling like I was being tested.  There were many times when I thought that I couldn’t handle the training and maybe I shouldn’t do the race. But then I thought about all the age groupers out there who work full time, have families, and they do it, with a smile of their faces!!! I have realized through this training cycle that the pro’s are definitely not the heros. Don’t get me wrong, they are to be admired and commended, but it is the age groupers who I really find inspirational. Those who juggle so much and still manage to complete one of these crazy races. I want to congratulate all the age groupers. I will be racing for all of us out there next Sunday!.  Thanks for giving me the inspiration to finish this journey  I am really excited for this race. It will be my first triathlon in over a year. I plan on punishing myself to the max but also enjoying every minute of it because I know the finish line is the best reward!

Special thanks to Coach Kim for putting up with me throughout my preparation and being supportive of my absolutely insane mountain climb long runs haha. We’ll see if it works!!!!!! Kim will be with me all week. Thank goodness, because how am I going to pump up my tires by myself! (I’m sort of kidding)

Also want to thank Kim for lending me her Cervelo, race wheels, wetsuit, aero helmet, etc… ok you get the idea. Thanks sissy!!

Ok guys and girls, get your ass out the door and train