Bassackwards and Dolly

I had a much better week of training than I thought I would despite the weather that was created by Hurricane Dolly. There wasn't much long distance work but I did get in work everyday. I swam almost two miles and ran around 13 miles with the bulk of that run coming on Wednesday night in a very bad rain storm. The weather did stop me from riding as I only put in 23 miles on the bike. I also put in my normal two days of weight lifting last week. This week is supposed to be hot so I will have to be creative.

The Nations Triathlon Team did our first Bassackwards training and the team pulled through despite a few people that had cramps. We also had some past TNT participants that came out to train and I think they had fun too. At the end of training we had a BBQ with the burgers being supplied by a good friend of mine Carla Moore who is a franchisee of McDonald's. Of course being a long time employee of McDonald's Corporation I decided to handle the grilling duties. As far as I know everyone liked the burgers and I don't think anyone became ill despite my grilling skills. Everyone seemed to have a good time and I think a quarterly BBQ will be great for the team.

Back on Track?

This weekend was a little better as it relates to my training. I was able to get a 900 meter swim in on Friday and a 20 mile bike on Saturday. I also did a couple of short runs on Saturday and Sunday. I am not sure if I'm back on track but I am feeling a little better about my training. I am a very routine oriented person and when my routine gets disrupted it just creates a lot of drama in my life. I have a good week of training planned so we will see how it goes.

I am a little nervous about my upcoming events but I think that if I stay focused I will able to do well on each of these events.

The Dark Knight

I must say that this movie was freaking awesome! I am huge fan if Batman and I suspected that this movie would be great and it did not disappoint. I don't want give too many details of the movie away for those who have not seen it yet but with that said Heath Ledger as the Joker was a great choice. This might be one of these evilest characters I have ever seen in a movie and he does it all with a smile on his face. (HA HA) The special effects they used for Two-Face were great and of course I really like Christian Bale as Batman. This movie has lots of action a great story and a few surprises. I highly recommend this movie.

On another note, if you want to see some real interesting people go to a midnight showing of a movie. There were people dressed up as Batman, The Joker, Batgirl and for some reason Spiderman and The Hulk. It was pretty funny to see.

Tough Times and Good People

Everyone goes through these times when life gets in the way of everything that is important to you including your training. After having a tremendous week of training while I was in New Mexico I have had some family matters that have got in the way of my training. Right when I think I am getting back on track I get a cold. I'm through the worst with the cold and I'm not letting those outside influences get me off track anymore. I'll be back on track this weekend.

My Nations Triathlon Team is so great. We did our first open water swim last Saturday and they all did great. On top of that we had 100% recommitment to the team. I don't think this has ever happened with TNT. I know Jay and I are very proud and thankful to be a part of this team.

On the Nerd side of things I will be putting my DARK KNIGHT movie review on my next update.

My New Mexico Trip

Here are some pictures from my trip to New Mexico. Enjoy!

I saw The Light in The Land of Enchantment

I just returned Friday night from La Luz, NM where I grew up.(La Luz means The Light in Spanish) It was time off that I desperately needed and I was able to spend time with my Dad and get some training done.

My week really got started on Monday where I did a 4.35 mile followed by a 5 mile bike ride in the mountains. The scenery was nice but that was about it. I don't know what was worse the mountains and hills or the altitude. Tuesday was a real treat for me as I was able to bike with my Dad for the first time in probably 25 years. My Dad doesn't ride much anymore but we did get 20 miles done. We followed the 20 mile bike ride with a tough hike through the hills where I found a sea shell. (In the mountains?) This part of New Mexico used to be covered with water. There were also dinosaurs that roamed this area at one time and we saw what appears to be the footprint of a dinosaur embedded in the stone.

Wednesday and Thursday were my long distance training sessions. I ran 7.12 miles on Wednesday and rode 42.5 miles on Thursday. Both were the toughest training sessions I think I have ever done. The run on Wednesday was very tough, very hilly. My bike ride on Thursday was hands down the toughest thing I have ever done. I started by riding my bike down the mountain down into the town of Alamogordo back to La Luz, then down to back gate of Holloman AFB. The tough part was the 14 miles up hill capped off with 8 miles straight up the mountain at the very end of the ride. I think I'm still tired from the ride.

Thursday was also a special day as it was my Dad's 57th birthday. I haven't been able to spend any time with my Dad over the last few years so this was especially nice for me.

This past Saturday it was back to my coaching duties with Nations Triathlon Team. We did a 45 mile ride with the TNT Cycle Team. The Nations Team just continues to kick butt. This was a great ride and the best part was the first 7 riders in were from the Nations Team. I would have thought that the Cycle Team would have been much faster but that was not the case. Everyone on the team finished and I have to say I was very proud of everyone. This team is so great. Everyone seems to get along and they are competitive group as well. I can't wait to see them in D.C.

I will have some pictures from my trip up soon, so please check back.