Training + Stuff

So, I'm happy to say, training has been back on track. Not the start I had wished for in November, but at this point, I'm "ahead" of where I was last year at this time.

Swimming- Help from this guy (#3) on the list- CV reminded me that he actually lead the IronBattle of Allen and Scott in 89 way into the run before they took over- no thanks to NBC for not showing him....

Also- take a look you haters about who's here: Number 11. I think he actually slowed down to get that place so he could give a shout out to these guys. I respect people that put their money where their mouth is and DO instead of TALKING about doing on some stupid forum. Enough said.

I have to say first, this little naughty hottie is going to rock some shiz- everytime I see her in the water, she gets better. Mark Van Akkeren swam with us one day and helped us both a lot with our form. thanks Mark.

I hope that these masters swims at 5:30 am MWF with a weekend flop will help with things. End of the day, I'm swimming faster than ever already AND the biggest thing is- I'm actually liking it- I can't believe it.

Bike- With the weather not cooperating, we've had to become creative, meaning lots of trainer crap. Good news is, after riding outside last weekend in 60mph winds, the suffering in the newly organized garage has paid off. Last weekend I rode nearly 4 hrs on Saturday. I kept saying this to myself- a great quote I got from a good friend of mine. "I do today what you won't, so tomorrow I can do what you can't". As I rode I kept thinking about all those guys in Arizona or California riding in nice weather. I feel like a lot of the weight work and trainer stuff has been paying off. Last Sunday after I ran 14 in the wind and crap early, getting back just as it started to snow, the urge to get out again when no-one else was out took over- so, got back home, dressed to the hilt in double tights and jackets and all and headed out on the mtn bike- got out a mile and decided to swing back and get Jenni- we ended up riding all over- roads, trails, etc for 2 hrs and it was a blast. Still lots of work to do, but I'm excited about where I'm at.

Run- Throughout November I was dealing with a lot of little crap, and had hopes of really putting down a lot of miles with Lucho, that didn't happen, but no worries as I think now is the time for things to be clicking for that. Been really sticking to a lower HR than usual as per lots and lots of discussions via email with CV, Lucho and Marco- so, I'm happy to say it's working out. Have yet to do an aerobic run test yet, but I'm at about 6:40 pace per mile with my HR under 140 with a max of 156. Ran 14 on Sunday and it was a blast- thought for sure I'd see Lucho out but no dice. Mileage is hovering around 40- not stellar, but good, but still just shy (about 100) of Luchos 140 miles.

Other Stuff-
Jenni and I will be involved in a photoshoot for Skins tomorrow, so that's fun. They have treated us really, really well this year and the whole crew over at their US HQ's here in Boulder is really nice. I'd have to say, their stuff is insanely cool and works wonders.

Jason, aka, "Sugar" from Specialized offered to take care of my eyeballs and crotch this year. After wearing Oakleys this last year, I'd have to say their stuff is just as good or better in a lot of respects. I'll do a product review soon.

Jenni + I got chosen as a couple GrassRoots athletes for SRAM, so that's pretty exciting as well- not sure if we'll get some free stuff or not, but that's new.