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.