let me see.....

So I have been doing a ton of thinking now that I sit on my bike for longer periods now, and during my morning work outs, and during the runs that tend to keep me from sleeping in. Work........doing great...... check.......... family.......... doing great, healthy, and strong, with no problems.....check.........house..........being built in another couple weeks..............BIG check.... What else is there to report other than Grady making my life challenging my giving me a 7 day a week schedule to train and that my knee recently was a little tender. I have a feeling that this next race is going to be fun.

For the rest, my splits have been slow due to my aerobic zones are low and that I have been going slower to make sure I do all the workouts to the 'tee'.

Report for later might be more interesting...... but for now I am glad that everything is manageable.

new beginning part IV

Now that things have settled down here I am trying to catch up. To give you the latest; I am now working full time in Home health, (love it) our property that we have been chasing down for the last 6 months approved short sale, and is closing this month, we have hired an architect to design our home and hope to break ground by Oct 1st. We are saving a ton living with my father-in-law. And Kiki is almost a year old! HOLY CATFISH BATMAN!!!!

I am finding myself saying,"that was yesterday?" and mistaking things from last week more often now. Face it, life is moving rather fast. 6 months will go in a blink.

As far as training goes I am back on the saddle. I have hired one of our teammates, Grady Funk who is one hell of a triathlete, to train me. He is very no nonsense but still has a personality. I am doing better at managing the things in my life that usually can cause chaos. That is amazing feeling. It will be a great rest of the year!

Now that I have everything under control, you will hear from me more often.
Peace!

catch up

So.
Now that I am officially finished with my education; there seems to be a very low number of jobs available. Yes, there is a nursing shortage, but now with this economy no one seems to be going anywhere out of sheer paranoia. The nurses that were going to retire, aren't. The part-time nurses have husbands that have been slow on work or have been fired; so they have changed to working full time. And the nurses that are working full-time are working more. That leaves me without a full-time job. Working part-time and trying to get my big toe in anywhere I can. (my foot seems to be too big right now)
Training has been good. Actually pretty productive. A week ago Chris Leigh was out to ride with with the team. Because it was our last day in the apartment, I had to sign the paper work. I also forgot to get our parking pass from my wife; putting me around 15 min late to the ride. And on an up hill ride, 15 minutes for me is a long way to make up. I did catch a couple of the team members that were falling off the back. Unfortunatly, they took a wrong turn and I got lost with them. Leaving me even farther from them. So, I made lemonade from the lemons and decided to kill it all the way, since my ride to get that far was purely anaerobic. So, I kept it anaerobic. Killed the legs, burned the lungs, and felt rather good for not having pushed myself that hard in a while.

I signed up for a couple of races and needed the motivation to get a carrot to chase. Training does not seem to have meaning unless there is a goal attached. Pacific Coast Tri here I come.

I am also going to do some olympic distances. I like being able to just hit it hard and see some strong splits. Plus the 9-10 min miles get old once in a while. I am glad to say that I am now able to hit the run on a moderate day with a 8-8:30 pace and feel the same comfort. Ran today 9.7 and felt great. Legs were a little rubber as I attempted to run the sand trails, but that is to be expected. Even walking gets the HR above 168.

Sooooooo.......... Keeping it moving and pleased with some personal progress. Just tackling another task at the career thing. F-ing Obama...........

finished........

It has been a while so to fill you in; would take forever. Instead I'll give you an up-date.
I have been slammed busy working my ass off. I finished school Sat the 6th. I am quitting the ER. And have been relaxing as much as possible.
My training has not been as productive as I would like, but I am in need of some R&R. I am getting geared for some sprint distances and decreasing some waist line LB's. Biking and breakfast have been a fun addition on Sat's. And I never knew that life could actually be fun like this.
To new experiences and many more up-dated pics and reports. Peace!!

My little Mozart....

WHEWWWWW

I have finally caught up, well for the mean time. As you very well know, life keeps on giving. So, catching up is always temporary. BUT, for now it is a much needed fresh breath of air. !!! So... WHEWWWWW........

Lately I have had so much going on. From, the completion of school nearing by the second, to my little girl who keeps on getting bigger. Training has been slightly pushed to the back burner. However, I am happy to report that as of last week Monday I have been on a good training cycle to get prepared for the Rock-and-Roll Marathon in San Diego. I have been running a ton and swimming an extra day each week. My fitness had increased to where I feel like throwing up less often when I work out with Tribuy's Triathlon Team. Thanks Mike. Man, this guy is more sadistic than I EVER was. He is a stickler for form, and has some of the greatest core workouts. I have seen my muscles respond appropriately. After our workout I usually run with Matt, whom by the way has been absent, for nearly 4-5 miles. Of course, we run hills, step repeats, and often compare heart rates. Lately, I have been going out by myself. Which is nice to listen to music and run at a pace that doesn't cause me to again, feel like throwing up.

All kidding aside, the team has been good for me. My pride gets the best of me and forces me to bring it up more than just a knotch. It has given me a good indication of where I was before and where I am now. I would not have done, scratch that, I would not have finished the Super-Frog Triathlon without my weekly workouts from Mike! Thanks again Mike!

As for school, I am nearing the finish of a very long journey that has taken me nearly a year longer than expected. I am looking into many other hospitals to work at, and it is exciting to really look into each organization and determine what would be a good fit.

Well for now I have finished all of the things that were on today's list, and half of tomorrows. I will be feeling much better tomorrow morning to wake up and not feel behind for the first time in nearly a month!

Later all.

A

Satisfied....for now...

Monday, April, 6?? Man, my mom was right; Time Fly's!
I have finally been given the time to catch up. Lately everything seems to me moving as if someone has hit the 'fast-forward' button. Was my race a week ago? Why Yes,,,, yes it was..
I had to read back to what I had written last; but man oh, man. I am very pleased with things.
I had fun, and finished with a not-so embarrassing time. 5:36:& change.... To sum things up you can read about it below, but otherwise I have been real busy with so many things I am actually excited that I have a week to re-group. My Rock and Roll Marathon is coming up, and I just learned that it is on a Sunday after my dad's birthday party. This party is going to be so much fun, I am forced to decide. I have chosen to train, so I will behave myself in several weeks to come. But, Otherwise it is has been neat to become a real 'dad' myself. Kiki and I went to Crystal Cove this morning and ran on the beach. Lot's of tourists. Lot's of Moms'.... I happened to be the only Man within what seemed like 4 miles and cause every-time I turned to corner I had moms' and daughters' asking directions. Guess it was a complement, but felt like I am looked as more of an adult than I thought. We ran the cliffs and had a great time till I mistakenly stepped on the 'emergency' break..... Poor baby, woke her right up!!! We were not running fast mind you but I almost found out how high I could leap, if necessary. We had a blast together and I can't wait till mom gets home so I can go for my first run.



As for you people who actually don't mind that I talk about this with you; this blog is merely for myself to: dictate how I felt, what I experienced, and what I would do differently. Your continued reading has only sicked me as to why you would want to read something like this.... But whatever...
I worked on Monday and Wednesday the week before. Friday I told my bro Matt that I HAD to ride for at least 1:30 to see what I could expect for Sunday, March 29. I was studying for a test on Monday, March 30. I also had clinical on Sat, Burn ICU. I took care of a man who had burned 77% of his body third degree burns that is. We had him on several therapies to help prevent contractors, (which is when your skin becomes like new leather and pulls VERY tight.) Movement is all that can prevent most of this. However, it is very painful. I then flew home and packed around 7:30. I hung with the fam and scarfed some light eats. Dale, my buddy, cruised over and we bounced to Coronado and arrived at 11pm. After a quick Pizza and 2 beers and getting my bottles and cal's together light's went out at 12. I woke up at 5:30. Felt, eh ok.. but really tired. I rode to the course and as I rode my legs stretched out. I arrived and got my numbers set. Then I realized I forgot a number belt. I chuckled.... and under my breath I mustered out, "of course". I then remembered I hadn't thought about it cause, I kept telling myself this was practice. I also had forgotten my chip ankle thing-a-ma-giggie-bob strap with that race belt. I smiled big and the next thing out of my mouth was, "it going to be like that hu...". I checked in and burrowed some electrical tape. Around the ankle twice and pulled it off. Ok.... Now for a race belt.
Now, for those of you out there who like bringing everything with you to a race course I just want to say thank you. I used to do this until about a year ago. I realized I could bring such smaller bags and kill two birds with one stone. Warm up and pack less. Until last Sunday, I have never had a problem. So, I walked from isle to isle and asked for anyone who had one to sell, or loan. I know that in my bag at home there is 6 race belts all together I had forgotten, I then realized I will be home plus one more. {thanks Brian!} I put everything together and placed my stuff out on the towel for transition. I put on my new wet-suit and rolled out. There was not a vast amount of people at this race but more than I had thought. I left transition and sunk into the sand, "glad we don't have to run in this I said." Nothing was said but I got a couple weird looks. We sunk all the way down to about the 700m mark that started the race. I looked out at the blue beast that was measuring about 53 degrees that morning. I thought for a second. "Why am I doing this again?" I looked to my right and there stood two guys that looked like total studs, in speedos'. They were talking lightly and had caps and goggles on. One said something about a time when it was 49 and they had to pull a guy out because of hypothermia. "OH Yeah," the second one said. After calling myself a 'pussy' about a thousand times I realized this is where Navy Seals practice. Practice. Ah, yes.... This is where these people who have trained to kill anyone, anywhere practice? ah, fuck.....
I was in the third wave, following the woman's pink head caps. I heard the dude over the hand held mic yell "go" I strolled into the ocean and all it had to offer. It was cold. And the waves we about 2-3 feet. I then realized the two guys that were standing to my right were walking in too. They looked at me and smiled. "Must be one of the smart one, hu? Rule number one, don't ever shock your body too hard, might not feel it." As we strolled in I saw what he was talking about. The water forced you to almost gasp. As I let each wave blow by, I walked farther and farther out. As each wave passed, so did many of the swimmers that were ahead of me. Finally, at one point the wave came in and was about to pitch; I took my sign from the two and dove in. I was as 'out-of shock' as I was going to be, and began to swim. I remembered when I had done Escape from Alcatraz before. The one guy next to me gave me 'free advice'. Not too keep your face out of the water. The sooner you get you face down, the sooner you get out. As I was rounding the second buoy I was staying to the outside to keep my tempo. I was soon picked up and body slammed by a wave. I gained my bearings and began to swim in. It was a good thing that I have swam in the ocean my whole life or I would have panicked. The break was a deep break, meaning you couldn't touch after the wave let you go. I finally got out and finished the second loop with no problem I even passed some of the pink caps that were 5 minutes ahead. I ran back up the thick sand, and into transition. I took it slow as to not forget anything. I ran over to the mount area and blew by a couple of people. I started spinning and drinking water. I let 30 min go by before I had my blocks. I started my normal nutrition ratio of drinking my new beverage. And before I knew it, 1:20 went by and I was finishing the second loop. 2:40? I'll take it. As I came to the end of the third loop I had to pee. So, I again, took my time and hoped off my bike. And this nice gentleman from the Navy asked if he could hold my bike. I thanked him as I left. I finished the bike and felt great surprisingly. I took it up a little bit with my transition, to leave out of the same place I came from finishing my swim. THE SAME SAND??? WTF??? SERIOUS????
Yes, serious. I ran down to shore break as fast as I could muster. Through this sand that was deeper than I could describe. It made no difference to where you ran because the sand at the break was just as hard to run in. I was amazed. My HR slammed to high gear and my pace dwindled to a 9:00. I was desperately looking for the mile marker that signaled the turn to the highway. It never came. Instead the run took us all down the nice coast of Coronado; for two and a half miles. We then ran or shall I say hopped through the thick sand and uphill to the gate that let us enter the 'old' base. We then turned to the right and onto a road/trail that had either sand, or sand and ice plant. The choice was not easy either way, and difficult to remain in control for the first 10 or so seconds. I was blown apart to only see that same dwindling pace hit 11:00. "Ok, remember Aaron, you didn't train. So, you can't get pissed. Remember your just out for a stroll." I was able to hit the pavement with a sigh of relief and was able to gain composure to accomplish a 9:15 again.
When I head back to the sand my legs cried. I reminded myself that I was 'practicing' with the Seals. And many of them were ahead by the way. The one I was mainly referring to was not a small soldier either. A good 6'3" and probably 190. Big arms with a look that seemed seasoned. {Ended up being on Seal team #1} I called myself 'pussy' once more and began running again. I ran the finishing miles until I had some cramping when I finally had to simply find a place to relieve some GI issues. there was nothing wrong, just bad timing. I grabbed a water bottle and head to the bushes. Wow, now 9:20 was back again possible, but I was simply tired. I ran/walk for about 2 miles and drank some water. I was pleased that I felt good, and was relieved to be tired. As I crossed the finish I was blown away with my time. I was trying for <6.

I was not very sore the morning after. More stiff. I felt great and have since been chillin. Team workout tomorrow followed with a spin with the wife. I might be riding with Cam on Tues night. Uniform's came in. They look bitchen. I am excited to wear the shorts tomorrow.
Mama's coming in ten. Gotta bounce! Peace....

time flys

Whow.... is it really March 21? Holy shit..... I am seriously a busy person. Seems 12 hours in the Ironman as suddenly swapped and preped me for an even exchange of work with 12 hour shifts back to back to back to well hu, back... however I have been doing what I can and what I do isn't sittin in the office kind of work either. But man the race is right around the next calander week. 29th. I am seriously feel happy. Being able to brave a half ironman with; ready for this? No official training schedule; a new wet suit; new wheels; largest distance in one day on the bike, 40 miles 1 x in 30 days; longest run 4 weeks ago, 10 miles; and very little sleep; thanks to my daughter, I love you honey but daddy is tired.

However, on Tueaday I will be turning 32 years old and I turn into Niche'. My other friend; Hey Bob.... is known as Freud. We tend to get Philosophical from time to time. Reflecting on one's life I have to say that for the first time I really do not care what time I get....
I am in a good place in my life where my hard 'training' in other areas of my life. I am on the brink of getting my dream job, and ready to move into my first house in a not-so-bad - area. I am going to perform 6+ hours of exercise with minimial training and have enough new equiptment to make me feel like a kid that just got done with an "Adult Toy's_R'US" and I'm not anxious what-so-ever....That is a nice feeling.

I don't have too many people in my life that think that is too shabby either. I am happy.

Happy Birthday Aaron, Smile Big....Nana's Proud

final......ly!

Not that I have any specific problems with computers, HONEST! however after my computer crashed 2x within a month, I decide to shell out the necessary cash to buy and update our computer system. Well can't say that it was a waste of time, after all I tripled the speed of my downloads, and increased my memory. Plus isn't new nicer? I am really impressed with myself; if that's possible, that I was able to get everything up and running without many problems. Other than my father-in-law and I trying to get the wireless settings working correctly, no other hick-ups happened.

As for my training, it is simply non-existent. I workout, but it does not seem the same. I was quite busy since Friday and I know that 2-3 days off does not do much, but I feel like shit. I am not as active and more mentally frustrated that I can't get out and go for a long bike ride or run. So I am going to let it go and realize that at times like this I should just see what my base fitness is going to produce. With my Super-Frog Half Ironman here in 4 weeks there really does not seem to have a reason to 'taper'. So, I will try to keep things moving and rest for the last week before. I am being a pussy about this whole thing. Let's compare notes from 6 months ago.
My swimming split has dropped by 10 sec per 100M. My average running pace had dropped to 8:50's. And my legs have gotten stronger from Tribuy's Tri Team. I am able to do workouts, that killed me just 4 weeks ago, and I now run 4-5 miles after and feel like it was just a warm up.
So, ya, now that I have read it, I should just shut it.

That is why I like having this blog. What I write, I read. And enjoying both on my new computer!!!!

overwhelmed.....

Ok, So I am not sure how to start, but the title pretty much says it all. So school is very busy with a ton of quizzes and tests each class. With a 5 month old and work. It leaves little time to train this month. Which is ok. I am still getting fitter with the specific training that I have been doing... MM and I are meeting now every Tues morning for a good ass kickin and then a 4-5 mile run all hills. We compare HR's and averages on each other's Garmin. So far I have him beat. I have to say though, it is temporary. Give him a couple more weeks.
I swam yesterday for a total of 2800 is 45 minutes. Have to say it was one of the stronger swims. I ended up throwing in a 1000m piece in the middle to see how I felt. Good, not great. But hey. Could not have done that a year ago. Not at the pace I did.

My mileage is about 15 Miles of running this week, with a good percentage of fitness. Just no Biking. Want to but simply have no mornings or days. All evenings.. And by then I'm studying or asleep. I think the marathon in May will be fun to train for. My running pace is quickening.

3 more months!!!!!!

Back to the norm here soon.....

Well, the phone call I have been waiting for for nearly 2 weeks just came....... my computer is ready to be picked up! Did you hear the Angel's above sing?!?!?!?!?

No more "what email?", no more "oh, ya don't have access to the Internet"... not anymore! On the schedule again and things are looking up!

Start back today with an extra hour of sleep and no school tonight. SO, going to try to dive back into it tonight with a 10 mile jog. Keep the HR in check but mainly get out to stretch the legs. Tomorrow should bring on the typical team work load. Followed by the wed, thurs, fri norm...
Thinking of going to the Tour on Sunday. In case of those who do not know; The Tour of California is around this week and ends in Escondido on Sunday. Wana see Lance? He'll be there, along with many other favorites.

Back on it!
A

back into the dark ages...

Well well, It has been so long that I forgot that I even knew how to type.

Our computer decided to stop working about a week and a half ago and I have had very limited access to the Internet. That said, everything I was into following has been put on hold. Training documenting and facebook, you know what I am talking about.

So, I have been very busy with a ton of training and have been sore for the last 2-3 weeks. So this last weekend I figured it was time to re-charge the battery. So I went out with the boys for some R&R.

Wednesday was the first run in 4 days. Did 4.5 miles in the AM, and in the evening did another6.8 miles at record pace. HAD TO! Just felt too good.

So this week I am back in school; WOW!!
Lots of info in a short time, but I am done May11, so hold my breath till then!

More when I get more time!
A

Looking for help peeps..

Well Ya'll;
sorry a new phrase I learned at the Hurtz Review Course this week, helps for all RN Board applicants. The instructor was from Texas, was real cool, and a very smart woman. However, all she said was 'Ya'll'. This was a 'Ya'll', we were considered a 'Ya'll', organ systems, dates, times, and locations all seemed to turn into 'Ya'll. So, I paid $350 to walk away knowing how to use the word 'Ya'll'.

Actually I was attempting humor, she was an incredibly gifted Nurse Practitioner. I loved the was she simplified everything and had a very simple approach to things. She works in private practice and Teaches one week a month. She is married, has 2 teenage children and lives VERY comfortably. SOOOOOO. We got to talking. As to what areas she thinks "I need to be heading into". For me to "get to where I want to be" type of lifestyle. She recommended a couple of different options. One sounds interesting, so I am asking for some assistance from all my peeps. If you know of anyone involved in the Neuro/Trauma ICU Unit at UCLA Medical Center, or of anything similar; would you please ask them if I could contact them? It sounds very interesting, but a heck of a commute. Would love to know if it is worth it. But one year New Grad Program seems a bit long. It would be very appreciated.

On the second note I did not get done nearly as much as I wanted but had a blast playing "dad". I get to know her schedule and we play a lot. It is cool when they start to know 'who' is 'who'. She is not able to start her day without giving "daddy a smile". We went to coffee and read the paper. Sat morning however I was able to meet up with Tribuy's Team for a ride. I got ahead of one of the groups that was going to 'chill' cause they were running the Half Marathon in HB this weekend. And got on the wheel of a age-grouper from Carlsbad who just ran a 1:28 Half Marathon out for a "spin". Holy MOFO. Let's just say that for the record that I did kill my legs at the workout on Tuesday before, and was still hurting every time I got my ass on the roller. (In-case you don't know about the roller......... see a PT and bring a mouth piece cause it hurts, like hell..) Now I wanted to go out hard but maybe at half way. These boys bomb'd right away, and started adding more at every hill. What I didn't know was the plan. SO out of Dana Point we start down the trail south, to the Marine Base. We killed every hill, and drafted one another and even attacked a little to push the tempo. HAD A BLAST! I was not nearly the fastest, but had one guy say that my momentum on one hill was that of a "freight train". I laughed.
We got to the Marine Base and I knew that the Marine Crops does not F around. And I didn' t bring my ID. (I DIDN"T KNOW!!!! I SWARE!) The two guys that I had raced wanted me in the next few miles. I had to turn around.
Aside from having to ride by myself home, and without an IPod! I had a good amount of legs left. I did feel them getting tired the last 4 miles. But then again it was all uphill, and I have not done the route before. But plan on doing again, and again cause my legs today are dust. I had to drop my 10 mile run that I was going to use for an active recovery day. Nope. Rest.
So I am satisfied because if what I am doing seems tough, and it is. And if I am sore, that means that I am pushing myself. I plan on doing it again and know this is only going to make me faster. I see some weight being dropped in several areas and have began to do some homework on Electrolytes. Of which I don't take any..... may be one reason I became sick at my last IM. At the Run Shop I was talking to Scott, the Owner, about what happened on the marathon portion and he recommended that I try increasing my Electrolytes and explained a little. I purchased some 'NUUN" ? or something like it, and took one yesterday after my ride. So I am going to try to implement it this month and see what happens. As for now Me Wife just got back with a {Paper} and Starbucks, gotta bounce.
Lat "Ya'll"......... [{see}]

Beer Drinker?.........hey! It's light beer!

Week Review

Okkkkkkkkkk ie Dokie then.... At least my calf is holding up! Yikes JK looks painful!
It has been a rather productive week here. This week I really tried to not force anything and see what kind of schedule comes of it. Surprisingly enough I got a whole hell more done than I had thought! I even got two days of 2 workouts...... I think it is due to me getting up super early and going to bed early allows me more time in the am while the fam is asleep! Sooooooo getting up around 5 has turned into my new "awake" time. I always saw how easily most 'dad's' tend to get up and do their thing; but living it has been rather fun I have to say! I don't mind the change. It is nice to accomplish a ton by 0800, and most of the time I have been eating better and getting more done in each workout as well. TIP!!!! Must go to bed EARLY TO ACCOMPLISH!

So where was I, oh yea my week. Well Tuesday marked my first "team" lift. HOLY SHIT. Sorry was trying to stand to go and get some water. Note to self..... deep squats for a tall person = REALLY sore quads. got it...... Sorry, where was I? Oh yea.. me legs. F#@! sat down again...
The workout was fun and for me I was more interested in seeing what the team was capable of doing. I soon realized I was the one in needing of catching up! I want to make Tuesday morning very productive. So having an early lift session allows for me to lift and the get a run in before I am expected home. This week allowed for no run, but because of my schedule. Wed I was able to try to muster some hill repeats mainly to see if I could. Did pretty well too. Increased my average by 1.5 mph from last Nov when I was doing them for IM. Same HR. I would say that means I am fully recovered and ready for another good beating!!

My HR has come down quite a bit for the amount of time that I have been pounding pavement. I have about 27 miles so far not including tomorrows AM 6 miler before a team ride. Jen said that everyone was going to do the Huntington Beach 1/2 and full Marathon Super Bowl Sunday, so they would not be riding too hard. SO.... that means I can afford this week to show up with some not-so-fresh legs.

As for next week I have some specific schedule commitments that are made. One being to try to add 1 more day in the pool. Thing is I HATE the pool in the morning..... YUCK!

Not drinking as much beer lately, someone is doing it for me!. See above.
Later.....

KiKi BoBo.... 4 Months.

After spending more time than I care to admit I can not find out how to turn the picture around. So what comes to mind is how funny you all will look with your head tilted to the right to view this little girl! Thanks!

Weekend re-cap

So I would say that this weekend was very productive. I was able to make it to the Fleet's Feet by 0800 on Sat to meet with the team. However, after riding for about 22 miles in the rain I encountered a team that seemed skeptical of facing the elements that Saturday morning presented. I decided, that after the first 5 minutes of riding {my feet were soaked} stopping would only lead to colder feet. I knew that I would also have to ride hard to raise my core temp to prevent getting stiff. So hills of Laguna Beach/ Hills would have me at their mercy for the next 1.5 hours while I find my way south through uncharted territory. You see as I have gone through Laguna I have always done so to get further south; San Diego. So just going for a spin was usually spent in other areas. But WOW are there some rather steep hills. I got to Fleet's Feet around 10 till. And almost killed myself 2 times in the process. Once was due to me coming down a hill and realizing how fast that the light's change. Going 30 MPH downhill at 240 lbs means it takes a while to stop. {Another Train like metaphore hu JK?} I realized I could not lock up my breaks if I tried. I was more curious if I was to bust a break cable. After stopping I found myself going slower downhill(s) for the rest of the day.
I did have a great time. And to know that at our "First" ride. I was not the one to call out. Hopefully it was looked at a brave decision to not let weather deter a workout. I was more thankful also while coming through Laguna Caynon I had my first season official "Rocky" moment. I started getting pumped to be feeling back in shape, and with Metallica in my headphones I found myself up out my saddle slamming the hardest gear uphill, seeing how high I cound get my HR. I figured if I did blow up, I could chill going home as I knew that there were few riders. Less to be passed by. Well 192 HR on the watch and I felt great. Kept it up as I changed direction and headed downhill. It felt like I was flying. God I love riding fast like that. Sure do makes it all worth it!

Today I woke early and decided to go for a first season 10 miler'. I felt ok from the night's festival of getting up 3 times with Kiki, seems she wanted to party around 3am. SOOOOO, 0810 came quickly. I woke and hydrated like norm and started getting ready. 0830 departure and a easy 9:30 min/mile came easy at a rather tolerable HR. I again tried JK's advice and increase the 'foot strike' tempo. I got up to 80's and still found it hard to maintain. It did however feel productive on many of the hills that I ran. Overall felt great and stayed dry. Ran an average of an 9:15 with a HR of around 156.

I did have a great rest of the day. We ( Kiki and I ) went to Starbucks for some Java time post-workout. Mama had to make a Yoga class. We had lunch together and then talked about life. Re-connecting with the fam has really turned into a strength point in my life. It makes me feel so productive when I am able to accomplish so much with the support of those around me. I am blessed!

Busy week!!
Hard and early workouts this week!

Week cap....

Well this week has been very productive. I have officially been successful with the schedule now for 2 solid weeks. Bringing Kayden away in the morning and picking her up and somehow incorporating workout when-ever I can seems to be working. Last Monday I went for two runs. One in the morning of around 3.5 miles doing hill work, and a "break-through" run of around 6.4 miles later in the afternoon. I went out just to see how I felt and try some new technique things that JK has asked I try. I will be honest in that my stride length though may be larger than most people, my heart rate was actually lower with a slightly lower cadence around 70-ies. When I increased my cadence to around 80-90..... wow my HR went up by almost 10 bpm. My pace stayed the same and I tried it several times going both up and down grade. I was still able to go out on Tues for a spin. Wed for a run E1 for an hour. Thurs was a good day of 2400m in 50 min and later in the day a 40 mile Caynon run with a buddy who loves to put the hurt on me at any time he can. Well, in the canyon there are a lot of hills. I had my HR high (170-185) for a lot of that beginning until------ we went down hill... Being big has its advantages. Seems Mr. Hicks ran out of gears, and well with my large ass powering a rather large bike on a large hill.... gave me a satisfying large smile as I peddled right on by. We had a blast and covered the course in a blistering 1:40. Norm for me on a average day 1:55. Felt awesome!
Today I ran again for around 5 miles and did some weights.

I have officially been accepted to the Trybuy's Triathlon Team. Thanks to all parties!!
It is really exciting. There seem to be a good number of nice people who so far have some kick ass personalities. Jen does a great job at ordering things in a timely fashion as well as getting back to you in a very timely manner. There is a team ride tomorrow that I am sad to say that I will not be available to make. My wife has her spin class that means the world to her at 10 am. So being back by 9:30 to watch Kiki is important. So I called Jen and asked if anyone was interested in going earlier. Nope. But, she said that once I was done and finished that I should plan on meeting them for some Java. So I will! Going to grab KiKi post ride and give mama a break in the process. I know that the wife would not mind letting me go to meet them however, there will be next week. We have a family BBQ at 3pm so I really do not want to be gone from them all day.

So 3 hour ride tomorrow AM, and yes JK there will be no "f-ing" around. I have a rather strict workout planned with all variation HR ending with some hill repeats.

Later all!

getting down to it..

Allllllll-righty then....... (watching Ace Ventura)

I am officially back on it.

I signed up for the SuperFrog 1/2 Ironman Distance in March. And The Rock and Roll Marathon in May. I think between those two events with different distances I should be able to concentrate on some good base work and even some speed for the half. I am actually curious what I can do in 8 weeks. I started running and swimming last week. Run went surprisingly well. Ran 5-6 miles at around a 10:30 with a low HR. Just trying to 'ease' back into things. Swam on Thursday with a total of 2500m in around 50 minutes. 200 warm 300 kick, 4x 500m alternate between paddles and fins. Felt good. Nice and easy. Averaged 1:30 per 100m / that is pretty good for me, considering I put in little effort.

In 2007 my friend Mike spent half of his days training for the SOMA Half Ironman in his office, Doing nothing. Ended up beating me by 12 minutes. WTF!!! So, it gives me a bit of confidence knowing that I just came off of an IM and have a good foundation. I should be able to wake the spirit enough to be able to finish with a good time, but I'll have to wait till week 4-6 to be able to determine a what that is exactly. ??

Well it is official I have been asked to join the team "Trybuy's". They sponsor a couple of pretty fast pro's like Craig Alexander, Jeff Keil, You know..... Guys that finish, when you are about to cross the 3-8 mile marker of the Marathon. AKA Super human/ Retard strength.....
MM and I are excited to be on the team together. He was supposed to ride with me this morning but bailed on me last night due to his 'cold'. Can't blame the guy; he's married with a kid, and his wife is pregnant. When it comes down to it KEEP THE WIFE HAPPY! {especially at the beginning of the season} He was afraid that his cold would get worse if he pushed it. SO, you know what that means, I slept in. I plan on leaving for an easy 50 mile spin as soon as my wife gets home. {told you I could not blame him.... I have one of them in my house too} Sometimes letting 'Her' get the workout done first is better than Me being on the road at 6:00 looking at my watch like a Hawk, as so I can predict being home in enough time for her to bounce and make Spin at 24 Hour Fit. MM and I are going to start riding in the morning on Tuesday's. Little training time and for a couple of married guys who both have kids......... It's exciting to be able to commit to that and to be able to match schedules.

Everything else is going pretty smoothly. After this week of Kristin going back to work, our schedule makes some time for me to train enough to do some specific races. No Full's this year though. Next Year for sure!

Excited that things are getting back on track. Schedule is moving almost automatically. By the end of next week things should be pretty clear, almost habitual.

Much excite for 09'!!!!!

Family Pic to sum up the easy going ways of the "Clousing's"

Like I said...Chillin... Notice the Beer bottle and half empty glass in the background?....uh honey? need one more please, looks like I can not move, she's asleep....

new yet old?

Well all...
Starting the New Year with a bang? not here.... We kept things low key and celebrated together!
We have been spending some much needed time hanging as a family. It has been nice.
Our regular schedule has been very simple and easy to keep regular due to the 'Kid'; as I like to crudly refer to Kayden (my Daughter). Keeping her on a specific schedule has given mainly my wife her sanity back. Kayden is sleeping through the night! at 12 weeks roughly 3 months that is rare. Some people have been told that sleeping through the night usually does not happen until 4-7 months. So gentlemen, as all of us married folk understand; Get the wife her sanity back and end any possibility of any "mis-understandings". Things go back 'on' today! We start the routine as we have talked about next Monday. We should see how interesting it will be once the Wife goes back to work. I get 2 days a week to have Kayden to myself. I am looking forward to it.

As for training? I recently asked JK what he thinks? I have done a ton of mileage. I am motivated to always do my best, and now with some experience I need a challenge. Ok before I say that openly, I want to make sure you all understand I am a realist. I don't want to say something that won't even be possible. Yet, I want something just out of my reach. So... Any ideas? I am opening the forum for any ideas from anyone. The one I got about a month ago {that I plan to do later in my life} is swim the Catalina Channel. Aprox 20 miles. You swim from Catalina to Palos Verdes/ North Long Beach. ya right.... not even remotely interested right now. NOW, I don't want to go ape shit here, but I would be down for almost anything. So I am considering Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego (May) thinking sub 4hr would be attainable, and maybe the Muddy Buddy (June). SOMA Half IM in Oct? Sub 5:40?? Would like to possible do a Century under 5:20? Like I said ideas. Things to think about....

Inviting all silly to serious ideas out there. Any takers?