My favorite things

I have made a claim for my best post ever (see The Plan).  This may be my worst post ever, unless you are a tri-geek like me.  This post is a list of the extensive collection of gear, equipment, and other stuff I have acquired and use throughout my triathlon training and racing.  I hope it may be beneficial to those considering making a purchase or to those getting into the sport.  In swim, bike, run, and other order…

My favorite things

1. T4H performance membership- There is no way I’d be doing this Ironman thing without my coach, training plan, and teammates.
2. Aqua Sphere Cayenne goggles- never leak, never fog.  What more can you ask from a pair of goggles?
3. Cervelo P3- mine is a 2010 Ultegra model named Blackbird and is stock with the exception of the ISM Adamo saddle and Look carbon pedals. 
4. Quarq power meter- training and racing with power has revolutionized my cycling!  It really takes the guess work out and gives instant and repeatable feedback. 
5. Zipp wheels- on race day I run a Sub-9 disc and 808 front.  They are light, responsive, fast, and intimidating!
6. Rudy Project Wingspan TT helmet- It goes on easy, fits great, and perhaps best of all, is almost as cool as my road helmet.  Thanks to our T4H sponsorship, it is also a great value
7. K-Swiss blade light shoes- ran 13.1 miles at IMTX70.3 with no socks.  No blisters, no pain, and the drain holes kept them dry and light.
8. Brooks Launch shoes- great light weight trainer.  Slightly heavier than the K-Swiss, but provide more stability and cushion.  I currently own three pairs, two of which will be used at IMFL
9. Compex- electrical muscle stimulator that is magical!  Prevents soreness and speeds recovery/ healing
10. Body Glide- You don’t appreciate it until you forget to apply it!
11. Dailymile.com- like facebook for triathletes.  Tracks swim, bike, & run workouts and has connected me to IMFL athletes all over the country.

Honorable mention

1. TYR Torque- speed suit that has helped me move from the middle of the pack to slightly better than middle of the pack
2. Exterra wetsuit- haven’t gotten to use it very many times due to warm weather racing, but it sure is great in cold water!  Exterra T4H sponsorship really makes it a great value
3. Garmin 500 bike computer- way more data than you could ever use!  Makes intervals super easy to track. 
4. CompuTrainer- not a lot of fun, but indoor workouts are a necessary evil.  Borrowing one saved me $1,500!
5. X-Lab wing- fits two bottles behind the saddle to provide for plenty of hydration and storage while keeping the frame clean and aero.  Also holds CO2 kit and spare tubes
6. Speed laces- nothing slows down T2 like tying laces.  Shoes slip on easy and fit snug
7. Pickle juice- straight from the pickle jar, nothing cures cramps like a shot of pickle juice!
8. TYR Convoy bag- holds everything for race day and then some.  Only transition bag I found that carried an aero helmet
9. Hammer Recoverite- nothing tastes better after a hard workout.  Provides carbs and protein so I can do it all over the next day.  T4H sponsorship keeps it affordable  
10. Tri-talk podcast- It’s been a while since a new episode has been released, but I still listen to the archive for great advise and information

   

Good stuff

1. T Mat- I used a towel in transition for a long time, but the T-Mat really helps keep transition neat and clean.
2. Pull buoy- really helps to break up pool sessions as well as provide body position feedback and build upper body strength
3. Swim fins- swim drills really sped up my swim, but without my Aqua Sphere Zip fins I’d still be in the pool!  
4. Specialized pump- I had a cheap one for a long time, but it just doesn’t cut pumping up tubulars to 11 bars
5. Specialized Tri-vent shoes- easy on and off and comfortable for 100+ mile rides.  Drain holes are there if you need them!
6. Profile Design Aero drink- provides for hydration/ nutrition while riding in the aero position.  Easy to fill and the aero shape helps break the air over the head tube
7. Zipp speed box- keeps my gels close and stores everything else I need to carry on the bike.  The shape also keeps the air separated passing over the stem
8. Garmin 305- easy to read heart rate, pace, distance, and time (and pretty much anything else you want to know)
9. Fuel belt- provides hydration and nutrition on the long runs in the heat
10. Ironman perform- good source of calories, carbs, and electrolytes.  It’s on the Ironman course so its on the training rides too
11. Jack3d- caffeine source that provides race day boost.  Also great for unmotivated workouts

Next post- the IPod playlist that gets me through the long workouts

59 days to go

The hotter the heat, the stronger the iron.  We have certainly had our fair share of heat available and I am confident it has translated to strength.  It has been a record setting year with at least 40 days exceeding 100 degrees and a 24 consecutive day stretch  of triple digit temps.  There was almost too much heat and almost no rain to speak of in August when I exceed a century for the first time logging 108 running miles.  Just over a week ago we set a new record high of 107 degrees, but we have been blessed this week with lows in the 60s!  I couldn’t remember the last time I looked forward to a workout as much as I did this morning’s run and it did not disappoint.  A side effect of all this heat has been an onset of Exercise Induced Asthma.  I had never had any asthmatic symptoms until about two months ago, but as the heat and duration of workouts have increased, so have the effects.  There’s an easy cure for exercise induced asthma (stop inducing exercise), but that’s not an option.  I am optimistic that cooler weather will alleviate the problem.  Fortunately Ironman Florida is forecasted for pleasantly cool temperatures.

Late summer brings back to back racing.  First was the Clear Lake Int’l triathlon.  We had a great turnout of 58 Tri4Him athletes competing in the spring and Olympic distances.  I was more comfortable in the water than any race prior despite getting some cuts on my hands and feet from some barnacles around the bulkhead.  After climbing a 6ft ladder out of the water, the bike course was fast! (except climbing the Kemah bridge twice).  I set personal records on the swim and bike, but the increased effort and temperatures caught up to me on the run.  The aforementioned asthma limited my runs to just a few hundred yards at a time.  That increased slightly when a team mate caught me and shared her inhaler with me!  Rik caught  me and despite my attempts, the paparazzi caught us walking.  Even though I had a strong swim and bike I was disappointed in the day, especially since it cost me the long ride scheduled on my training plan. I am learning more and more that we race and train triathlon; not three individual disciplines!

 I resolved to a methodical week of training which included a 14 mile run on Wednesday and a 95 mile ride on Saturday.  That evening I felt great, so we packed up the family and headed to Freeport for the Summertime Blues race.  We again had a great showing of T4H triathletes, including many who were competing for the first time.  Temperatures were much more comfortable, but at the cost of 20mph winds.  This made swimming straight a little difficult and riding a disc wheel a little nerve racking!  Learning from the previous week I intentionally backed off a little on the bike, especially crossing the huge bridge!  Despite taking it easy I still turned in the fastest bike split in the age group by over two minutes.  Feeling great off the bike I started the run at an aggressive pace.  There was no one within sight behind and those ahead of me were likely out of range.  I resolved to maintain my pace, but as I approached mile 2 (of 3) an age grouper closed the gap.  I pushed to hang with him to the finish, but in the final surge he pulled ahead and won by 2 seconds.  At the end of the day I had my best race to date and took home a 2^nd place finish for the 2^nd time this year.  My secondary goals of a sprint win and Olympic podium spot will have to wait for next season.  The race schedule is complete, now all focus is on the primary goal of the Ironman!

We are currently half way through our 16 week training plan and enjoying a recovery week with reduced intensities and load.  Of the four headed to IMFL I am pleased to announce that despite minor injuries we are all strong and healthy (for guys training for Ironman).  Despite all the hard work we’ve put in, I find it hard to believe we start tapering for the race in just 6 weeks.  Some doubt and fear is already beginning to creep in, but we resolve to look to our coach, our peers, our families, and our God to see us through.   

Anything of significance requires sacrifice and Ironman is no exception.  To date I have managed quite well, but as race day approaches and training load increases it is becoming more difficult.  Perhaps of greatest cost will be missing some of Jacob’s football games.  He is a few weeks in to flag football and I could not be more proud of his progress.  He is smallest in stature on the team of 5 and 6 year olds, but he has already earned the name Mighty Mouse for his tenacity and determination.  As a CS Lewis fan, I prefer Reepicheep.  I have committed to be at all of his practices, but unfortunately all the games are on Saturday morning, the time when my most important and longest workouts are held.  When possible, I will alter my route to be at the game, but instead of sitting in the stands I will be on my trainer spinning away. 

This morning Nicole and I dropped off our youngest to her first day of pre-school.  Bella has the same teacher as her brother and sister ahead of her.  We warned her not to expect the same mild mannered child she came to know with our first two!  The older two are now two weeks into their school year at the same school I attended over 25 years ago.  We stick with what works, so Jacob is in the same class Claire was last year.  Mrs. Vermeer is a great teacher and we are privileged to be able to have again.  Nicole is getting her first taste of freedom during the day, but photo sessions are keeping her busy.  She has really done some great stuff lately and her network of clients is rapidly expanding.  Her portfolio and prices reflect her love of working with children and families.  Check out her work at www.capturedbynicole.net.

Up next month, a 6.5 hour workout on my birthday and the promise of no more race reports until I am an Ironman!

96 Days to go

My last post was my best to date, so if you missed it, just skip to it now.  If your all caught up I'm going to expand a little bit on the plan.  The plan covers 16 weeks and includes at least one workout everyday, with most weeks having four days of two workouts.  Workouts are set duration anywhere from 10 minutes to over 6 hours (not a set distance).  The total of all workouts is 180 hours and 40 minutes, or just over one week of non-stop training.  That is broken down into 31 hours swimming (57.8 miles), 93 hours on the bike (1,860 miles), and 56 hours of running (373.3 miles) for a total of 2,291 miles.  That's roughly the width of the United States along I-10; all in hopes to race 140.6 miles in less than 12 hours!

Included in the plan are two race rehearsals which take place two weeks and four weeks out from race day.  These consist of 4,100 meter (2.55 miles) swims on Friday followed by 117 mile rides and 6 mile runs on Saturday.  The purpose of these race rehearsals are to dial in nutrition, hydration, cooling, and equipment.  They also serve as a nice confidence booster that the end goal is attainable.  These are followed by the only two scheduled days off in the plan.  The last two weeks are a taper with reduced time and intensity that allow for healing and rest going into race day.

Race day surprises aren't usually a good thing, but I had a great surprise last weekend as I was setting up transition at TriWaco in preparation for the Tri4Him regional championship.  Nicole had something come up and couldn't make the trip, but in the pre-dawn hours there she was!  She had attended a friends wedding and drove up the night before and kept it all a surprise.  She got some great photos of the race and it seems just about everyone is sporting one of her shots as their facebook/ twitter profile pic!

The race weekend was awesome!  We got in Friday night and made our way down to the venue Saturday morning to ride the course.  Coming from the flatlands we are always a little nervous about out of town courses (flashbacks of Boerne's Small Texan tri).  It was a beautiful route along the river and up into stereotypical Texas ranch land (complete with Texas Longhorns).  After the ride we jumped in the river and enjoyed the cool water for a while.  We hit up a little Mexican joint for some homemade tacos and then I got checked into the Waco Hilton.  Best thing about that was transition was in the parking lot!  That afternoon they opened up the swim course and the river was full of athletes.  That evening we had a great time of fellowship as of 80 Tri4Him members from all over the state got together for dinner.  The day would best be described as similar to the day leading up to an Ironman event- put this race on your calendar for next year!

Race day started pleasant, but the forecast was calling for 105 degrees by afternoon.  After being pleasantly surprised by Nicole, I joined the 60+ T4H members and others for our traditional pre-race prayer with the team, but this time with a much larger crowd.  The swim was interesting as we crossed under four bridges on the way out and six on the way back.  Once out of the water a huge wheel chair ramp with 6 winding U turns led into T1.  The ride out was slightly uphill, but nothing too bad.  Riding easy the day before we didn't get a true feel that the whole way home was down hill and fast!  It was one of the most fun bike routes I have raced!  As I entered T2 I saw Kyle running out and acquired my target.  It took me almost a mile to catch him, but about the time I did we entered the dreaded Cameron Park.  We had heard rumors that there were some pretty tough hills, but we had no idea what was ahead!  Having left our mountain climbing gear at home, we resigned to walk the inclines and not risk injury.  This led to a less than desirable finishing time, but perhaps it is a foreshadowing of us fighting the final miles of Ironman together.  Much to our dismay we returned home to learn that the DFW chapter had won the inaugural T4H regional championship.  Next year we will be better prepared, I'm just sure where we'll find elevations like that to train on!

The dog days of summer are upon us and it is hot!  Even in the early morning hours workouts are tough!  Bike workouts aren't too bad, but the runs get brutal as the sun rises.  Yesterday I did my first nine mile run since training for 70.3 and Wednesday I'm due to cover over 10 miles.  Fortunately we should be due for a cool front before runs exceed 2 hours, but that's still a ways off.  Only two more races remain on the schedule before ironman.  Late August is the Clear Lake International where I will look to redeem myself from Waco and make my goal of under 2:30 on an olympic distance course.  The next weekend is the Summertime Blues sprint, where I hope to improve on last year's 3rd place finish; my first trip up the podium!  After that, it's all eyes on Panama City Beach!

It's been a great summer with the family and it's hard to believe it's almost over.  For the first time, all three of my kids will be in school and Nicole will hopefully enjoy some well deserved time to herself.  Claire is headed to first grade and Jacob will be riding the bus and going five days for the first time.  Bella will be starting preschool and I'm confident we will have some entertaining reports each afternoon.

One of Neartown Church's strategies is to restore globally.  In an effort to achieve this, delegation of men just returned from Ethiopia where they partnered with local missionaries at medical clinics, orphanages, schools, and feeding centers.  Neartown mission partners also sent with them supplies for the orphanage, comfort items for the missionaries, as well as some "big ticket" items to further their work in the region.  Neartown Church is adopting this people group and will continue to support them in Jesus'.  We're very proud of these guys and the work they'vedone.  Stateside, the church recently put on a vacation bible school for the Neartown neighborhood kids and had great success.  We are excited to be part of such a dynamic and passionate group of believers.

Late addition- Please take a moment to check out fellow T4H member Chad Stevens page- some truly inspiring and challenging stuff.  Looking forward to it Chad! http://www.k12cto.net/2011/07/imok.html?spref=fb

The Plan

Earlier this week Coach Boo sent out the 16 week race prep training plans that will prepare us for Ironman Florida.  As I awaited the start of a race Sunday morning I had a bit of an epiphany that has lingered on my mind since.  I have absolute faith that I will be able to complete the 140.6 mile endurance test known as the Ironman.  There are always variables that could prevent me from becoming an Ironman, but lack of fitness, endurance, or ability will not be an issue.  I make that bold statement based not on my own ability, strength, skill, or talent, but my faith in the plan, its author, and those who have gone before me.

The race prep is a classical periodization plan that includes mesocycles of measured stress followed by recovery.  Its focus is building endurance on top of the speed that was gained in the previous cycle and getting us from the beach to the finish line before midnight.  Its author, Jeff Booher, is a proven and qualified coach.  In addition to being the founder of Tri4Him and 4x Ironman finisher, Coach Boo is a USA Triathlon level II certified coach.  He is also certified by USA Cycling and USA Track & Field.  His 20+ years of coaching beginners to professionals has culminated in the creation of the TriDot system that creates individualized plans based on measured performance parameters as well as over 40 athlete-specific data elements that include age, body composition, experience, goals, capacity and many others.  The result is a custom built plan that when executed leads to proven success.

In addition to the plan, I base my confidence on those that have crossed the finish line before me.  In the past year I have seen some of my best friends become Ironmen.  Like me, none of these have been particularly gifted or talented athletes.  They have had to work for every bit of success they have achieved.  They woke up before sunrise and put in the long hours.  They endured the soreness, pain, and injuries and would unanimously agree the thrill of completing the race was all worth the sacrifice.

As I shared all of this with a friend I realized the parallels to faith.  In Hebrews we are told to "run with endurance the race set before us".  Just like in this Ironman endeavor, we are given a plan for the race of life.  Jeremiah states ""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"".  This coach is also more than adequately qualified.  Hebrews continues, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Timothy described the plan as being "God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

These instructions to "run with endurance" and "fix our eyes are on Jesus" are preceded by accounts of those who went before or a surround as "a great cloud of witnesses".  Men like Noah who built the ark, Abraham whose faith was credited as righteousness, and Moses who lead God's people from slavery.  There was "Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies" not based on their own ability, strength, skill, or talent, but faith in the plan and it's author.

A complete guide to TriDot training system is available at http://www.tri4him.com/tlets/T4H-Guide-to-Training-Plans.pdf

120 days to go

Someone has to finish fourth.  There are three steps on the podium, three awards handed out, and three competitors recognized for their accomplishment.  There is no step, award, or recognition for the next guy.  That guy was me at the Sylvan Beach triathlon.

As I wrote in a previous post it was a victory for me to make the start of this race and accomplishment to finish, but perhaps the way I ended up in fourth is what made it hurt so bad.  I had a phenomenal race- my best effort ever!  A conservative swim set up a fast bike split and then a strong run.  Feeling great about a half mile from the finish line I picked up the pace and enjoyed the encouragement of the crowd.  I passed a training partner just a few hundred yards from the finish and shortly thereafter heard Todd yell "Run John!"  I did what I could, but I was passed by two runners, both wearing my age group on their calf as we entered the chute.  A local professional decimated us all by nine minutes, but 3rd place finished just six seconds ahead of me and 2nd place was only eight seconds ahead.  As I have reevaluated the race a hundred times since, I have come up with infinite ways I could have made up nine seconds and taken 2nd place.  I shouldn't complain too much though- 5th place finished just 2.9 seconds behind me.  In a race that took over 108 minutes, just 11 seconds separated the 2nd from 5th finisher.  A stomach bug the day before the race kept Kyle on the sidelines, but provided for David to make his race debut.  He put together a solid race despite getting the last minute call.

Two weeks later we all raced the Y Freedom tri (sponsored by Capital Bank).  This time Todd offered his "Run John!" advice before we started.  With that in mind, I pushed the entire race and finished in 2nd in the age group and 11th overall.  Kyle and David also put together good times finish 5th and 7th in the group.  Piper won her age group and was the second overall female in just her second triathlon.  Tri4Him continues to have a great showing in participants, supporters, and podium spots at all the local races.  Next on the race schedule is TriWaco where Tri4Him members from all over the state will convene for a time of fellowship, competition, and bragging rights.  Over 50 members are registered to race and over 20 from the Houston chapter will be making the trip.

I can't believe it's been 8 months since David and I stood in line to register for Ironman Florida.  I really can't believe in four months we will be retuning to Panama City Beach!  In just over a week, David, Kyle, Dr. John, and I will begin our 16 week race prep training plan that will prepare us for the 140.6 mile race.  I am thrilled to report that we are all in good health and our training has yielded fitness, strength, and speed gains.  Kyle and I are both at our lowest weights as adults and will be at out optimized racing weights soon.  Dr. John is a new addition to the group. He recently became an Ironman at the inaugural Ironman Texas and is up for a repeat. Training is will mature with rides over six hours and almost three hour runs.  I am grateful for those who have already supported and mentored us throughout this journey and those who make it their goal to get us to the finish line.  This includes a coach, pastor, and team mates whose lives are characterized by service and preference to others.

I took a week off of work and training to be part of The AEffect, Sagemont Church's version of youth camp.  Instead of a traditional summer camp the students spend part of their vacation serving in one of Houston's most impoverished neighborhoods.  Some spent their day loving on the local children while others painted houses, did landscaping, or performed maintenance and repairs.  I spent the week with a crew clearing abandoned lots that serve as hiding spots for drug sales and use, theft, prostitution, and other crime.  Despite a severe case of poison ivy I am still recovering from, it was a great week.  It was a blessing to see teenagers working hard with no benefit to themselves and to witness the response from the neighborhood.

Nicole and Claire had a great trip to New York. I am so glad they were able to get away and enjoy all the girly stuff the Big Apple has to offer.  Neartown Church continues to mature and we have been privileged and blessed to further relationships with individuals and families.  Two of my worlds recently collided when Neartrown's pastor became a triathlete.  I have predicted he will be "Ironpreacher" within two years.  I've been considering taking my passion for competition, training, health, and nutrition to the next level by becoming a USA Triathlon certified coach, so if you've ever considered this crazy thing, I may soon be able to drag you in!

148 Days to go

The midnight finish at an Ironman is an emotional place.  Competitors and many spectators have been at it for almost 17 hours, but no one is ready to give up.  Those that finish within the last few minutes are greeted with the hallowed saying "you're an Ironman!"  Those that do not make the midnight cutoff consider if it was all for not as they are pulled from the course, despite how close they may be.  The inaugural Ironman Texas took place on the day predicted by some to be the end of the world.  Though it didn't happen I'm sure there were some on that course who felt like it was.  Competitors were fortunate to find winds unseasonably calm for the ride, but afternoon heat in late May made for a tough marathon.  Chris Lieto, reigning US professional 70.3 champion and resident of hot and humid Kona, Hawaii dropped out of the race while still in the lead due to heat related issues.  Perhaps the most tragic story is that of the local triathlon shop owner who broke his femur on the run and despite fighting pass mile 26 (mile 140 of the race) was unable to cross the finish line.  Tri4Him was well represented with many first time Ironman finishers and a few who came back for more.  We were honored to have Coach Boo come out to support his athletes.  Congratulations to Slade, Rik, Tobey, Kelly, Karen, Wendi, Todd, and all the other Ironman finishers.

Many lessons were learned that day.  Most importantly I saw athletes I train with under the same coaching plan achieving the same goal I have.  Confidence is huge.  I also saw that race day can be cruel.  After a round of antibiotics in the week prior to the race T4H's pre-race favorite experienced stomach issues and fell way behind on nutrition and hydration.  His race was over on the first mile of the run.  That lesson learned was that sometimes things are out of our hands.  After a visit to the medical tent he handled the situation with great poise for which I am very proud of him.  He spent the remainder of the day encouraging his teammates as well as the other competitors.  He is the finisher of multiple Ironman 70.3 races as well as Ironman Florida.  We do trainer sessions in his garage where the wall displays posters from each of those events along with the finisher medal.  The Ironman Texas poster is there, but instead of a finisher medal is the sticker from his bike with the dreaded DNF (did not finish) written on it.  It serves as a reminder to all of us as well as motivation in those sometimes daunting hours of training.

It's been two months since Ironman Texas 70.3 and I am itching to race!  Fortunately the Sylvan Beach Triathlon is tomorrow.  I was worried after a week of being sick followed by a week of vacation, but after perhaps my best training week ever I am ready to go.  Like Ironman Florida, it is a beach start, so this will be my first opportunity to see what swimming into waves is like.  I've heard the ride back is fast and fun.  This race has special meaning to me due to missing it last year after my wreck.  I would love to place, but this race is stacked with a deep field.  I will not undermine the value in simply starting and finishing this year.  I am often reminded of the mercy God had on me when I escaped that accident with no permanent injuries. Today we're praying for Kyle who showed up to this morning's ride with a stomach bug.  We're all hoping he is able to race tomorrow too.

One four week speed building cycle remains then it's time for the Ironman race prep to begin.  Hard to believe it's coming so quickly.  Until then we have a great summer of racing.  June concludes with the Y Freedom tri (sponsored by Capital Bank) then it's off to TriWaco in July for the 2011 Tri4Him championship where each chapter will engage in "friendly" competition.  Let's just say I'm glad to be part of the Houston squad!  The year rounds out with Clear Lake International, Summertime Blues, and the Houston Triathlon.  I'm excited to report that David will be making his race debut at the Y Freedom Tri in two weeks.

May was a great month.  Claire and Jacob graduated from preschool and kindergarten, Bella turned 4, and Nicole and I began our 10th year of marriage, so we celebrated by taking a cruise down to Mexico.  I had every intention of working out, but rocking treadmills and 30 mph wind on the track made it impractical.  Combining that with the buffets I brought back a few extra pounds with me, but a week later I am proud to say I am back to my pre-embarkation weight.  I am really excited about is my new NT group that is getting started.  Neartown Church mission partners connect throughout the week through these groups.  We recently got together for the first time and will continue to meet throughout the summer until we start new groups and build new relationships.  Nicole and Claire are jetting off to NYC for a girls trip to the Big Apple this week.  They're going to TV shows, Broadway, Fifth Ave- all the stuff I never wanted to do when we were there!  I am a week away from participating in the AEffect, a project put on by Sagemont Church's youth.  Instead of the typical summer camp, students will be spending the week painting houses, clearing overgrown lots, and ministering to Houston's inner city neighborhoods.  I'll be trading in my desk and corner office for a paintbrush and dorm room.  Last year 17 houses were painted and acres of unsightly overgrowth were cleared in Houston's fourth ward.  Now to get Blackbird in her Sunday best pack for race day!

180 days to go- yikes! Half way there

“Make no mistake, It’s not revenge he’s after; it’s a reckoning” 

Tombstone has always been one of my favorite movies and even though it’s been a while I can still quote the vast majority of it (to Nicole’s chagrin).  The afore mentioned quote from that movie comes to mind as I approach my next race- the Sylvan Beach triathlon.  I was registered for last year’s race, but five days prior I was injured while doing a race prep.  As I rode into the sunrise, I committed a rookie mistake, riding with my head down.  At 25mph, only a fraction of a second passed between the time I saw the pickup truck parked in the road and I slammed into the tailgate head first.  What happened next is a little foggy.  I remember a nurse pulling over and checking for my pulse.  My heart rate monitor was still working, so that was easy.  Breathing was not.  I was hunched over the curb in the fetal position in incredible pain.  They convinced me to go to the hospital and as they put a neck collar on, rolled me over, and strapped me to the back board the pain was perhaps the most severe I have ever experienced.  As they transported me to the hospital I overheard the ambulance notifying the ER that they were transporting patient with a likely broken neck and/ or back.  Strangely, in that moment two things crossed my mind.  One- they were going to cut off my brand new Tri4Him race kit.  Race kits are pretty expensive and this was brand new!  Two- momma always says wear clean underwear in case you have to go to the ER; well with that brand new tri kit I wasn’t wearing any underwear, so I forewarned the medics.  Fortunately the uniform remained intact. 

My largest reluctance to go to the hospital was I knew the first thing they would do is poke in IV into me- I hate needles!  I assured them as an athlete in the middle of a workout I was more than adequately hydrated and that temporarily kept them at bay.  I was sent for cat scans and x-rays of my vertebrae, but despite the initial prognosis, I had no damage to my spinal system.  Giro makes a fine helmet (it used to be round), but all credit goes to God for protecting me that day.  The relief was immeasurable, but the soft tissue damage in my back was still incredibly painful.  I was released from the hospital, but after sitting up and making my way into a wheel chair I passed out from the pain.  I awoke in a sweat and was being wheeled back into the room where they wanted to stick me with an IV.  Once again I refused and I was released shortly after.  I am grateful for those who came to the hospital and supported me in prayer and in word over my recovery.    I slept in my recliner for weeks; it was too painful to rollover or sit up in bed.  I am very grateful for my chiroprator friend who provided daily treatment and massage.  My back healed, but the longest lingering injury was to my wrist.  As my spine was the major concern in the ER, it was never even looked at.It took a over six months to regain full use. 

Just three weeks later I raced.  It wasn’t a good performance by any means, but I raced with a new understanding.  I had been a member of Tri4Him for a while, but now I knew what it meant to race triathlon for Christ.  Just this morning a 24 year old professional cyclist was killed after a crash in the Giro d’Italia.  Others have been paralyzed or permanently injured in similar accidents, but only by His grace and mercy was I spared.  Not only could I do important things like perform my job and hold my kids, I could do frivolous stuff like triathlon.  It was to His credit that I completed that race, every race, and run the race of life.

So that brings us back to the present.  I‘m not after revenge, but I do have unsettled business to take care of at Sylvan Beach; a reckoning if you will.  As I compete in that race on June 12, thoughts of a year prior will not be far.  I will draw on those who lovingly supported me as well as the God who spared and ultimately healed me to a full recovery.   

The Houston area is preparing to host Texas’ first ever Ironman event- Memorial Herman Ironman Texas.  The 140.6 mile race is on May 21^st and includes a host of top ranked professional triathletes as well as solid representation from Tri4Him members.  The race course starts, transitions, and finishes in the Woodlands and promises to be a great route.  It is a truly epic thing to witness the triumph of an Ironman finish line.  Ironman hopefuls have 17 hours to complete the race, with the cutoff coming at midnight.  The largest crowds and loudest cheers come for those finishing with seconds to spare.  I am confident that that day will be a huge motivator to push through my training over the next few months.  Best wishes to Tobey (www.teamstevenstri.blogspot.com), Kelly (www.kellyryanroadtoironman.blogspot.com), Ronnie, Rik, Slade, Todd, John, Karen, Johanna, Suzette, Wendi, and everyone else competing!  It has been a pleasure to train with these guys and I have every confidence in each of their abilities.  As I have mentioned before, it takes a village to make an Ironman, and I am proud to be supporting this group of athletes. See you at the finish line!

I am currently three weeks in to a 12 week speed building plan.  These high intensity workouts fit nicely into the schedule as the summer months are filled with sprint and olympic distance races.  This plan is also a welcome relief, with swims limited to 30 minutes, rides 1.5 hours, and runs 1 hour.  Hard to believe that we are just nine weeks out from the start of our four month Ironman race prep plan where swims will exceed an hour, rides up to six hours, and almost three hour runs.  It’s great to have David healed up from his injury and we all hope to see him racing soon.  Big congrats to his wife piper, who rocked her triathlon debut last month at the Lonestar Triathlon Festival!  I recently had my first ever triathlon win.  No, I didn’t win a race (yet), but I did win a photo contest from the Kemah Triathlon.  I got a great shot of the winner, Andrew Yoder, wings spread flying into the finish chute.  Top prize landed me entry into the 2012 TX3 series, a cumulative competition held over three local races.  After Ironman this year, I’ll be looking forward to the short course stuff!  I had to brag to Nicole despite her status as a professional photographer (http://www.capturedbynicole.net/), I am an award winning photographer- Thanks for letting me use your camera!

Speaking of Nicole, we will celebrate our 9^th wedding anniversary later this month.  Every year of our marriage has been full blessings and new adventures and this year has been no exception.  She is a wonderful wife to me and an excellent mother to our children.  I am so proud of her photography business’ success.  In addition to our anniversary, before the month is out we will celebrate Bella’s birthday, Jacob’s preschool graduation, and Claire’s completion of kindergarten, so we’re heading out for fun, relaxation, and family time on a cruise to the Mexican Caribbean.    

Next up- a report from Ironman Texas