The Swim Guru

This weeks training has been good despite some knee, back and hip pain. I am pleased about my progress but it has been hard training in the heat and with the pain. I didn't do a lot of long distance work but it still was meaningful training. My swim workouts were particularly good. I put in a little over 2000 meters in the pool and I am hoping to put much more in the water next week.

What else can be said about the Nations Triathlon team. They are progressing at a pace far beyond my expectations. They are very competitive and several members of the team are already competing in Sprint and Olympic Triathlons.

On Saturday our team had the honor of having Emmitt Hines at our swim practice. He was able to spend 3 hours with the team going through several different drills with team. I was fortunate to get some coaching on my own swimming which was very helpful (even coaches need coaching). Anyone that knows swimming knows Emmitt. It was neat to see how many people at the park knew him and how they all appreciated his coaching. I am attaching a picture with Emmitt using me to demonstrate proper lines in the pool. He really is a Swim Guru.

There was a Sunday morning White out

It is funny how you have to be creative when planning your training sessions in Houston during the summer. It seems like it is either extremely hot or raining when I want to train. I beat the rain on Friday but it was 102 degrees (according to my bike computer) when I went riding at the Loop. It was a short ride but still good. Saturday I put in another 20 miles on the bike and a 3 mile run. Sunday I ran 8 and rode 11 but it was very hot. My training seems to still be on track so I've been pretty happy.

The Nations Team still looks strong. The brick on Saturday was great and everyone's endurance level has been improving week to week. On Sunday there were several overachievers at Memorial doing some extra work. Norma, Charles and Jennifer were all out riding and/or running in the morning. Way to go guys!

During my run at the park on Sunday there was a Mayor Bill White sighting. He was riding his bike on the loop and Norma was able to get a few pictures of the Mayor on his bike. Along with being a cyclist he apparently is a runner as well. Maybe we can recuit him for a triathlon?

Go Green!

My training has been a little off target this week. This was due to weather and work related barriers. Unfortunately the weather does not look much better for this weekend. I'll cross my fingers and hope the weather is good.

Thursday night I rode for a little bit in a Poker Ride. This was a lot of fun and I hope there is another one soon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to to do the whole ride but as I said it was fun. Great job Andrew in setting up the ride.

On a non Triathlete note. There was a great a basketball series this last week between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. For those of you who are my age (or older) this was very neat to see. This was the renewal of a great rivalry from my childhood and it was exciting to see the Celtics put the beat down on the Lakers. I hope that this the beginning of many more championship series between these teams.

You wouldn't like me when I'm angry

I didn't do a lot of training this weekend. I did do a 10 mile run on Saturday morning. This is the longest run I have done since the Houston half marathon in January so it was still pretty productive. Sataurday afternoon was great as I was able to spend some time at the Cap Tex triathlon team party. It was great seeing the team and enjoying a few adult beverages. (no tequilla)

As for the Nations Traithlon team, we did our first long run of the season. We did a six mile run with some hill work. The team continues to impress me as they made it right through the run with no problems. It was also good to see the team out running when it was hot and humid. You never know what the condititions will be like on race day.

Sunday I pretty much stayed at home and relaxed however, I did go see the Incredible Hulk. For those who know me you knowI love comics, cartoons and pretty much any kind of superhero movie. (Yes I am still a kid inside). It was good much better than the first movie. It has a tie in with Iron Man which was great and for those who like these kind of movies I'm sure you will enjoy it. Please be sure to check back with me in July for my Batman movie review. (He's my favorite)

The Nations Triathlon Team

This is a pic from a couple weeks ago. Most of the team is in the shot.

Swim until you can swim no more.

So I swam around 850 meters before I had to coach my folks on Wednesday night. I followed it up with an 1100 meter swim on Thursday. My swimming is coming back to level I want it to be at and I feel like I am back on track with my training as a whole. I have a long run scheduled on Saturday morning prior to my team's run. I'm sure it will be good.

As for my Nations Triathlon team they are making fantastic progress. Our swim practices keep getting better and better. It has been very exciting to see the progress of the entire team. I can't wait to see how they do on the long run we have planned for Saturday.

Tri-ing to train

Training this last week has been great. I am finally breaking through the wall I hit after completing the Cap Tex Triathlon. I did a 15 mile bike last night followed by a 5 mile run before work and I am looking forward to a good swim before I coach my Nations Triathlon group tonight.