Prest Life Training

What Running Taught Me About Life

2011-06-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is a copy of a speech I gave at the Minneapolis Marathon Pasta Party for Team In Training June 4 2011

Many, many of us run for similar reasons…we all have stories to tell…and those stories are often times painful in the TNT family….but those stories that we have… are part of our lives..they are important because it is those stories that make us who we are today.

I was invited here tonight because I have a story to tell and I am honored to share it with you in hopes…that it encourages you…to challenge yourself a little more tomorrow during the race. More importantly, that my words tonight might challenge you a little more the days after that…and each moment after that. If there is one thing that all of us runners can understand…is that a race is not just about race day. It is about training, discipline, commitment and mental toughness. If you are sitting here tonight…and you are racing tomorrow…and you don’t feel that you are good at one of those things…no worries….you have all day tomorrow to get better at it.

I joined TNT the summer of 07 after the loss of my brother Adam to Cancer on November 10^th of 2006. I will never forget the feeling that I had the moment that he drew has last breath. I just wanted to run. It was a rather bizarre and intense feeling because I was not a runner. Running was a fantastically boring sport to me. But in the intensity of the moment…my emotion caused me burst out of his house…and all I wanted to do was run forever. I took about three strides and collapsed by a tree and sobbed…it was a moment that never seems too far away and it will be five years ago this November.

I wish I could stand here and tell you the story of his life because he was a fantastic man. He was 11 months 353 days older than me. A newly married man, and an even newer father. We lived the story book lives as neighbors on the Crow River in Dayton, MN. We both were in the construction trades and we were always working on house projects together.

Our houses, the neighbors house, a friends house, it didn’t matter we just loved to work on things…often together. Life was grand until that day cancer entered our lives. Not too say that the nine months that he lived with cancer were not joyful from time to time…but it no doubt changes things. I would love to have the time…to share with you details about hi…and his life…and the adventures we lived…but I have so many other places to go in tonight’s talk..that I have to move on to another chapter.

Just three years prior we went through a similar loss when our close friend and pastor died from cancer on his 33 birthday. His life was so amazing to me. He was a magnetic person that loved to serve others. I connected strongly to Dan Roelofs and it was fantastically sad to see his life end…yet he taught me so many things about life…and as he died, he intentionally used his experience with cancer to teach everyone around him about life. When Dan left us March of 2003… I prayed that I would never have to go thru that experience again but if I did that I would remember the things that I learned as we experienced life to its end with Dan.

As you know, it was only three years later that Adam life was cut short…but I sadly…we knew how we would get through it.

Many of us here tonight have lived through…or are currently living in the shadow of cancer…and as you all well know there is nothing anyone can say to make things better. But tonight I want to encourage you with some simple things that my experience has taught me.

At that point of extreme loss with my brother Adam I was at a clear crossroad in my life.

I had a choice - To continue to live in the shadow of that cancer and his death. Or I could choose to honor my brother’s life and reflect his goodness in each moment going forward.

That is never an easy choice when you are broken. And at times that brokenness seems to come out of nowhere. There is an amazing hole that is left by someone that dies that can never be filled. Time can sometimes be a healer but there are still times that emptiness comes out of nowhere that can overwhelm you like it all just happened.

There is a phrase that I was blessed with as I prepared to speak at my brother’s funeral…You see, he was never one to desire the limelight and he despised the fact that his death would cause anyone pain, yet that was inevitable. There was a common thread between Dan and my brother. They just wanted everyone to be happy.

It is and odd situation when you are caring for someone on their deathbed and their only concern…is for you and your own well being. That is an amazingly unselfish thing! If I could only remember half of the jokes they told as their days grew shorter. Only wanting everyone around to smile and be happy.

It was clear to me as I mourned Adams loss and prepared some words for his funeral. His death was going to change me as a person…and I had a choice.

I could choose to allow the sadness to keep hold and cause me to be bitter.

Or I could honor his wish for me to be happy…thus I would choose for his death to make me better. A concept that I still cannot fully understand, but I knew in my heart …what was…and is the right decision. So the phrase has stuck with me.

“BE BETTER NOT BITTER.” It is a choice I have made not just every day but every moment.

Loosing someone close is a fantastically sad and painful thing. It is a game changer. But consider this for a moment. For one moment…would that person you lost feel good about the fact that your life changed for the worse because of them. Because of something that no one could control. NOT FOR ONE MOMENT. I cannot fully understand how this is accomplished on your own. I fully rely on God above to give me that strength because when Dan and Adam were living in the shadows of cancer…their only hope and strength with in Him. That is how they lived and that is how they died...relying on His grace and power because they knew that they could not do it alone.

I know that that GRACE AND LOVE will more than suffice for me too. Beyond that I fully know and trust that it is my duty to reflect their greatness in my life now that they are gone. Regardless of your circumstance you can never be to good at that….and that is not the important thing…that important thing is if you try…because it is not all about me it is about us….it is about them…it is about everyone I come in contact with from this moment forward and the attitude that I portray.

Always ask the question….IS IT POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE.

Be positive.

These are ideas that I knew to be true in my head but when I joined TNT in the summer of 07…but I was still in a bit of a fog. I was brought up more of a pessimist that an optimist and being a competitive person that causes a ton of challenges in the endurance world.

My first coach for my first event was and is a passionate TNT supporter. I am so thankful for the positive influence she had on my life. A wonderful person… but to me she came across a bit crazy. She was always preaching “positive energy” everything is “positive” “everything is good.” Those were not concepts that I identified with at all…nor was I in much of a positive mood…but as time went on I knew I needed to trust her theory. I had no Idea about endurance sports and my only option was to buy into to her philosophy. I began to pay attention to my attitude and the attitude of others around me. I saw how I was able to finish ahead of far superior athletes simply because of the attitude I had with anything that happened training or racing. I quickly realized that the concept had much more value in life than it did in racing and training.

For example: Did anyone here experience less than perfect weather conditions during you training?

Now if you allowed that bad weather to dampen your spirit and keep you from giving your best performance that day… what did you gain? On the other hand, if you looked at that weather and told yourself, “Race day may be a bad weather day, I should be prepared for that...most people are not crazy enough to be out here…I will have an advantage in this experience…and for nothing less…this is what today gave me….so I will enjoy what I have and give it my fullest effort and encourage everyone around me.” How different would that experience be? Your attitude allows yu to engage your mind and body to be stronger….although I can remember many, many uncomfortable training days…that could not be classified as fun but rather something that I could be proud of for being consistent and committed. I can say that those days did make me stronger as a person and as a racer. I can say that Dan and Adam would be proud of me…and I know they would give anything to experience just one more day regardless of the weather.

In any of my life challenges I remember the seriousness of Adams pain…the reality of his situation..and the smile on his face….the jokes that he told.

Life is full of challenge…enjoy it! Embrace it.

Training is important…the details are important. Anything you do…be it big or small is worth doing to the best of your ability…The attitude you carry as you do anything is important…do it all with joy…regardless of how you feel…regardless of the weather…life is full of joy if you allow it…it is a treasure…you are never alone.

I do not like racing alone..that Is one of the many reasons that I love TNT…Running a marathon is not easy…why do it alone…Life is not easy…why do it alone.

Tomorrow will be hard…good! There will be tremendous struggle…good…you are ready for it…you have been inspired all season.

Run with Joy tomorrow…through the pain and through the struggle…allow the positive things you know flood your mind as you run. Plan exactly what you will think about in different sections of the race. Allow those experiences and memories to inspire your run…and inspire those around you. INSPIRE THE TEAM!

And when you are done…be proud of what you did….not just on race day…but all season long. Look forward to the next challenge in life and inspire others with a positive attitude because after you survive tomorrow…you can do anything!

If you come up short…be positive…never in any circumstance…feel the affect of negativity…it is a waste of time…learn you lesson…keep you head high a… know your race is long …there is no time to hang you head…there are too many good things to do…so many races to run.

You are proud of an amazing group of people that inspire people in the shadows of cancer…do your best…inspire everyone around you…be patient…be strong…and do it with a smile…because you are amazing! What you have done this season..is amazing! What you will do tomorrow…will be amazing!

God belss you tomorrow as you run….but more importantly be a blessing all the moments after that. Life is so worth giving it your all!

GO TEAM!

2011-02-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday kicked off day one of training for the San Diego marathon. This year I am ahead of the curve slightly because I got out the running shoes about 6-8 weeks ago. This year is proving to be a year of new beginnings so far. I was blessed with full time employment at Turnkey Corrections last week and am really enjoying the challenges of learning a full spectrum of new things. It is a career that will take advantage of all my strengths and I am extremely excited and blessed. There will be many challenges with my training schedule as the office is in Hudson Wisconsin and we are still in Champlin.

I choose to simplify my race schedule as my new schedule will involve much travel and a ton of extra work learning my new position as an operations trainer for new installs. I can't thank all those that supported us over the past 14 months. It was a difficult challenge but I can say that we found blessing at every turn. Having to sell our house was difficult but we were blessed by being able to sell. We continue to be blessed by my parents as we are still living under their roof. There are many challenges to moving back home but I can say that the positives out weigh the negatives as we have had the opportunity to grow closer after loosing Adam and with Mom and Dad retiring at the end of the month from their business of 22 years.

I have learned much from my years of racing and training with TNT and one of the things that I am routinely reminded of is the choice we have to challenge ourselves and continue, or quit and loose the opportunity to learn and grow. That challenge has been so beneficial in the past year. So many things that happen in life don't come with answers and those things can sometimes paralyze our hope and joy. Life is so often about the simple things. Our expectations and business get in the way of understanding that blessing are all around us at every turn.

You and I have today....what a blessing! To me, waking up is a gift, what next! Be a blessing to someone else and see what happens next. Chances are you will be blessed beyond measure in return. If you don't see it keep looking, it's there at the end of every breath.

If you think you want a extra challenge this year, it is not too late to join me with Team in Training. Pick your sport. Marathon with me at San Diego or stay local for the Minneapolis marathon half or full. Join the Triathlon team for the Lifetime event or do a century bike ride around Lake Taho. Have an adventure of a lifetime with professional coaches while saving the life of someone else. They are the most flexible organization out there so give me or them a shout and check it out.

Hot Summer

2010-08-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

What a summer it has been! Another TNT season has passed and we are head long into summer.

My lifetime race July 10 was great this year. The 2010 Triathlon teams raised $280,000 for the Leukemia, Lymphoma, Society!
It was an honor to serve as a "Team Captain" this season as we guided along many new athletes to the world of triathlon. I have so many highlights to the year, just like every season. I will share a couple that really stick with me. Racing with survivors of cancer really touches me. It inspires me to keep up the fight and get others to join. This season we trained and raced with eight survivors. Matt Haley a good friend from past marathon teams crossed over to the Tri world and had an exceptional race. Matt was in stage four cancer just two years ago and the new therapies backed by LLS have his cancer in remission. Josh Bertleson, our honored teammate, was working overtime this season as we watched him race Ironman Utah (st.george). After his triumphant finish at Ironman he came back to race with "team" at Lifetime in the sprint division and metaled in his age group. Josh is another person that has directly benefited from LLS backed treatments. Those are just two of the many stories that I was close to this season.
The other point of major inspiration this season was the Wilk family. Darrell Wilk had lost his wife just this past Dec when their family decided they would fundraise and race in her memory. Darrell, his son David, his daughter Jeanine and her husband Mike Roddy all trained and fundraised in the wake of tremendous loss this season. They all inspired the team to amazing heights this season and finished with incredible finishes on race day. I count myself lucky to have gotten to know the Wilk family and pray their continued healing.
Personally my race was one of my favorites for the listed reasons above. Numbers wise is not at all where I had trained to be, but you get what you get race day and I chose to love it! The swim was to warm for wet suits so that means slower swim times. That being said I loved the swim and was extremely happy with my swimming efforts. The bike felt great as I put out the strongest most consistent bike I could. It was a solid bike on a beautiful day. The run I found complications that allowed me to enjoy the course a while longer than I would have hoped. I had been experiencing some signs of a chest infection earlier in the week but was not concerned. Race day brought me a more restricted airway as I attempted to push as hard as I could on the final event. My body was ready but my airway would not let me push as hard as I wanted. Four weeks later and the chest infection still lingers.
Even though race day did not match my exceptions in terms of race time, I can say that it was my favorite season yet. I put very little stock in race time, it is the overall experience and the quality of training during the season that is the key. My season was amazing with incredible people striving to put more cancer survivors in the race.

With the season over I look forward to sleeping in Saturdays and not having to drive around town for training's, but I always do really miss group workouts.
The next race we need to finish is "Job Search 2010" it has been a challenging season in the job search field as my continued efforts to secure full time employment continues to elude me. The things I have (and continue) to learn about endurance training have come in handy as the search is now into its eighth month.

If there is a connection out there that may yield an opportunity out there for me I would appreciate any contact you would have.
We are very mobile in terms of being able to pick up and move. My background would translate well into most any field.

Thank you all for all the prayers and support over the last four years. Eight races and thousands of miles of training has been wonderful for me and my family.

"The miracle isn't that I finished...The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John "The Penguin" Bingham

Happy Fathers Day!

2010-06-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe summer is now in full swing. So many things to do so little time to do it all with. Not a bad problem to have. As training ramps up for me I am reminded even more, of the value and the necessity of perspective.

One of the most valuable lessons endurance training reminds me of is perspective. There are special skill/talent sets that we all have uniquely, and on top of that only so much

time to to it all with, so finding a way to enjoy exactly who you are, and where you are at, is key to enjoying the blessings around you. Stress is such a joy stealer! Things never go exactly the way you want them to, and there is not much youcan do about it. Choose to accept it, or be crabby and affect everyone else around you. So often I see people that I train and race with that have good realistic goals for their training and racing. But once they get pulled from their goal it wrecks everything else they do. It happens everyday

to everyone no matter what you do.

I could make this the longest post ever if I started to explain all the things that have not gone the way I could/would have expected life to go in the past five years. It is what it is. These are the challenges I have been faced with, and I have been promised that I have the skills to handle each and every challenge weather I want to or not. I have lost great friends, Grandmothers, my brother, wisely chosen to move from the house we

built and loved,

excused from my job with no explanation, and I will never get an answer to

why on any of it? Is that unfair or what? I don't think so, not for a minute! This is what life has given me, and I know that as tough as much of it is, I am blessed beyond measure. There are hardships out there that make my situation look like a beautiful summer day.

It's fathers day today, and I went for an early morning jog (5am) with

my dear friend Angel that I had the honor of racing my first TNT race with in 07. As we ran and talked I reflected on Adam and my Mom and

Dad. I thought about how I could never possibly un

derstand the gravity of loosing a son. He was my brother and my longing for him grows stronger every year he is gone. But to loose a son....I marvel at the strength they have. The support they have given us. The joy they find in every day. Even if is just

a little. To find any joy after that loss is a marvel.

It's fathers day today and I miss my brother. It would have been so fun to see him with his son Adison as he grows up into the big boy he is today. It's the simple thing that are so precious. I am reminded of

it every time I hold my kids and am overwhelmed by the joy they bring to my life. The innocence they have, the seemingly limitless joy and excitement they have in the simplest things. It feels embarrassing to know that we loose so much of that joy as we get older, but I know it is never lost. We just have to slow down.....relax....turn off the distractions and find the joy all around us. I feel foolish every time I am tempted to turn the TV or radio on when my kids are around as if they are not worth all my attention.

Today I am jobless and my heart feels great loss, yet I look around and I am blessed beyond measure. My wife is my everything and is so amazing and trusting with our situation and were we are in life together. We live at home with mom and dad and sister again and I must say as challenging as it is to have seven in one house, it has brought us a level of healing together that would have never happened any other way. Funny to s

ay that I don't struggle to wonder why nothing has been working out for me these past six months. I know where I am at and it is a wonderful place, as difficult as it is sometimes.

I don't think it was God's plan for all this junk to happen in our lives. I do know that it is exactly His plan for us to trust that He will be our strength to get us through it and bless us beyond measure on the other end. I know what it is that gets my parents through the day after loosing their son, it is the grace and the passionate love of God and their choice to accept it. Honestly there is no other answer. Great things will likely be in store for us soon but I reflect on today and I feel blessed. I know we are exactly were we need to be and I am excited to see the doors open for us in a new and refreshing way.

I am in control of today and what I will do with it, and soon I am going to take a nap :) It's fathers day and soon we will enjoy the company of family and friends at the house here. Today started with my run with Angel at 5am for two hours then a swim in the river with five more friends from TNT for 2 miles. This daddy needs a nap!

Happy fathers day to all those fathers out there and a blessed day to those whom fathers day has a tint if sorrow. I pray that you find grace and peace where you are at, and make the time to see the blessings around you. It may not be the way you wanted it but it is exactly were you are at and I promise you it can be a good thing.

Season Opener!

2010-06-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today was the Buffalo Triathlon, the unofficial season opener for the MN tri scene. It is a fantastic race that is super family/spectator friendly. This was my third year racing at Buffalo as it is a good practice race for the Lifetime race just six weeks away. Buffalo is a great race for first timers and I love to see their excitement when they finish the race. For many it is just the beginning of a wonderful and healthy past time that adds to the summer fun.

My training this year is solely focused on the Lifetime race and the Olympic distance (.9Swim/ 26Bike/6.2run). In years past I have done far too much and all over the map with Half-Iron distance Tri's and Marathons and half marathons. With life in such a major transition I felt it best to have simple focus. Two races shorter distance. With the help of specific coaching from my good friend and TNT coach Scott Beesley, I have really found a good mix of quality workouts that maximize my training schedule and keeps my priorities with my family and my job search. What a blessing he has been!

This past week has been packed with constant unpacking as we prepared for our TNT garage sale that helped me get close to my fundraising goal for this season. It was a great success as we raised all most $1400 for LLS. As touching as it was to see the generosity of friends and neighbors, it was equally touching to hear the personal stories of triumph and tragedy with cancer from people that we had never meet. Cancer, like many struggles in life, is one of life's unfair tragedies. It leaves us with the option to be better or bitter. I continue to race and fundraise because it helps me to be better. No amount of training or racing nor any level of success with it will ever fill the hole that we were left with when Adam left us. But I know that his legacy of goodness is reflected when I choose to help others in simple or great ways.

Today my race reflected comfort. This is my fourth season racing and although the race day jitters never go away, I was able to really enjoy the day and comfortably put fourth my best effort. Nothing this week went "as planned". Sleep was less then remotely ideal and the stress from the sale was a good factor. But race day is what it is, and there is no changing it, so you can take it for what it is and like it or let it get you down. I have gotten good at fooling myself into believing, "no matter what happens it only helps me to be stronger."

The weather was great. My swim was strong but I did not want to get too hot so I kept things in check in the water. My transition time was good from swim to bike. The first half of the bike was a struggle to find my legs. A bit of a head wind made it work. I did manage to find a groove by mile 21 that felt great but little to late to keep up with the big dogs. Transition from bike to run was great with one of my fastest times ever. The run was a challenge with slight cramping in my diaphragm and as the run course steadily climbed up hill I had to be careful as my quads were beginning to tighten up. Be that as it may I felt really good. Everything was manageable and I was able to keep the "wheel house" moving turning out a strong run to the half way point. The second half of a run is mental. After two hours of pushing the physical limits you really need to pay attention to the simple things and go far beyond yourself mentally to finish strong. Today was basic, drawing off the quiet strength that Adam always had. Cheering others on in their efforts and appreciating the ability (the gift) that we have to participate in such a challenging event. Be it first or last, finishing is the important thing. Appreciating who you are and where you are at and liking it is paramount. Focusing on the efforts of those around you is key as we fight our own physical and mental battles race day.

This year I improved my time my four minuets overall and even better felt great after the race all day long. Granted I have not gotten in a nap yet today and I am struggling to keep my eyes open right now but today was a great day. We finished!

Results

http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=14429&submit_action=select_result&order_by=default&group_by=default#racetop

Garage Sale!

2010-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

What an exciting time of the year. Summer! The tri season starts this Sunday in Buffalo and I can't believe where the time has gone. Up-dating the blog has been difficult this season to keep up but I will promise to be regular from here on because it is going to be non stop action from here out!

Life lessons have been strong this year. Patience and healing seem to be two main things that have been strong for learning. Choosing to move home after loosing my job has been a physical (space) challenge but as time has gone by it seems that it has been a blessing as the continued process of healing after loosing Adam (over three years ago) has been a comfort here at home. That being said it is exciting to look forward to having our own space again when we are blessed with a new job.

Team training has been fantastically fun this season with many new faces and new places to train. An extra special blessing has been the weather. Getting on road with the bikes and in the lake three weeks earlier than past seasons. I can say that I am a month a head of last seasons fitness levels. This is my fourth season focusing on tris and I am excited to see how I do as I am focusing on the Olympic distance (.9 swim/26mi bike/6.2mi run) with speed and efficiency.

My role on the team as a "Training Captain" has been wonderfully fulfilling. Not only have we witnessed new athletes develop before our eyes but they have blessed me with their new passion for fundraising for LLS. It has also been valuable during my personal training to hear myself echoing the "fundamentals" that I encourage the others with.

Yesterday I kicked off the "river swim" schedule. Memorial Day we swam from the Champlin boat launch to Mom & Dad's dock, a two and a half mile swim. It seems like last week we were in the pool for swim training. Seven of us made this years maiden voyage and it felt fantastic. We will do it three other Sundays this month with exception of this Sunday due to the Buffalo race.

The past three weeks have been my heavy load for training and I am excited that things are coming to a crest.

We are doing a fundraising garage sale for TNT this week! THURS-FRI-SAT

Come out and support TNT with your purchases and help us part with the glut of wonderful material things we have accumulated over the years. Adult and Kids clothes, kids toys galore, TV's and lost of other electronics, VHS/DVD/CD's, HOUSEWARES GALORE. The list could go on and on. Come out one and all. Don't forget to tell your friends.

Till next time.

God bless and Good luck!

Kickoff

2010-02-04T11:12:00.001-08:00

This Saturday is the kickoff to a new summer season for TNT. This season will be fantastically fun. New coach, new people, fantastic life stories to be shared. I am really looking forward to having a frame work (schedule) to work around. Life has delivered us many changes in the past couple of months and I am excited about the future.

Understanding that you can only control what is in front of you I am eagerly awaiting new opportunities in the job market. I am one of the 1 in 10 americans in search of gainful employment. Here is what I am finding about myself in this process. First of all I am blessed beyond measure. We have all of life's basics in great measure. Shelter, food, health and at least one part time income. I am unbelievably blessed by my wonderful wife every day. She is an amazing support and through these challenging times we are finding new love and respect for one another. Marriage is just what many said it would be. You get out of it what you put into it. It has a lot of merit but beyond that our focus is what is key.

We spent years focusing solely on each other and often ended up frustrated with each other. Learning that we are first and foremost children of God and our focus needs to first be with Him, our lives together have been a blessing beyond words.

I think of the difficulties that we have shared and I am amazed that not only have we weathered the storms but we have grown closer together. I honestly don't believe that is anything short of God's amazing grace and His love for His children.

It has been a monumental change for me to not have a job to go to every morning. Not to have a house to come home to work on. No projects here or there. I of course have found things to do but I have also learned that projects cost money and we need to take a long break on our spending measures. That, and it is full on winter and you just can't do as much with the cold and snow. Being forced to like patience is a challenge. I will choose to like it. I will choose to make changes in the way I do things and think about things to have a more positive outcome. With my time, with my relationships. It has been a struggle. One that I am able to take on because I am not alone. I have the grace and love of my God and His Holy Spirit. I have the love of my wife our precious children and my family and friends.

So many thing to consider to find employment in this market. We will walk this path with a spirit of joy.

New Year

2010-01-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about the new year. The end of the last one was a fantastic challenge. Choosing to sell the house, loosing a job and all of the awkward things that accompany those things made a personally challenging time. There have been many times when I have thought that I was at the end of my rope and I wanted to break, but whenever those moments have occurred, I am quickly reminded by that calm still voice that it is not about me and weather I am at the end of some kind of rope. I created the rope and I decide weather or not I have any more left to give. I am quickly reminded as a follower of Christ that the rope is not mine any more, I have given Him my rope and there is no end to it. In the past month I have felt as broken and emotionally challenged as any time in my life. Trust is such a easy thing to think about but when all of your wordily securities begin to fall away and you really need to trust, when you really need to make good decisions in light of fantastically painful situations, do you do it with joy. Is that trust stronger than your earthly securities that we all rely upon. As a couple Janet and I are in the myer of this challenge. I am so thankful every moment for the partner that God has blessed me with. She is my life saver.
I am excited about the things to come in the next year. I am hoping that our challenges begin to lessen some but know that if we continue to walk in this storm that He will guide us to brighter days. Typing that reminds me of a saying that a prof at College used to say often. In summary it was about how being a christian is not a fix it. Having God direct your life dose not guarentee good things will always happen. On the contrary you will face more challenges. As in life there will be dirty times, and as a christian those dirty times become dirtier because the devil wants noting more than to break you from your reliance upon your Creator. But if you find the joy in your pain you will experience joy like you could never otherwise experience on the other end. As dark and dirty your pitfalls will be will not compare to the joy and happiness you will experience on the other end. With Christ the joy is endless and beyond belief.
There is no doubt that we are in one of life's pitfalls but as we are here we know we are blessed. I am amazed by the things that continue to challenge us but those things that try to break us become really small when we take the focus off of ourselves. IT IS NOT ABOUT US, IT IS NOT ABOUT "ME" OR "I" as hard as it is for me to comprhend I know that placing my trust in God I give up the right to be offended. I am a tool to reflect His grace not my "feeling" and emotions. Those things are messy and his love and grace is endless and consistant. That is our challenge, reflect His love and grace. It is so hard but it is a joy to try. It is our command to try untill our days are through on this earth. I saw Adam do it while he was at his end I can cirtianlly do it now. I know I can't, but I know with his strength I can.
This has basically been a pep talk for myself but more than anything I hope it encourages you too.

Sold!

2009-12-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

With all the new events transpiring in the last couple of weeks we decided to go back and take the offer we had previously had on the house. Selling right now and for the price we are letting it go for is not something I planned on but we must make tough decisions with the realities that we are now facing.

We are doing our best to keep our eyes looking forward to exciting new things that will come our way in the future. It is difficult to look back but honestly we are ready for a change of pace. This is not what we planned but we must be thankful for the opportunity to move forward and be thankful for what we have and the ability to build a even happier and healthier home.

Keep us in your thought and prayer for the coming days will be filled with major challenges. We have to be out of the house Dec 17. Finding a place for all our belonging is a challenge on short notice. The kids are excited. Were temporaly moving in with Grandpa and Grandma and they ask to go there every night. Be careful what you ask for. Janet and I are doing fine. It really is tough to leave behind our home but it is just a house and we continue to keep perspective on what really matters.

God Bless you all this Christmas season and have a happy New Year.

Crossroads

2009-12-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Training continues to be on the back burner. We listed the house on our own a couple of weeks ago and actually had it sold but the deal fell thru just recently. It is a challenge representing yourself on the home you built with your own hands. We know that selling is the best thing for our "family finances" so it is easy to let it go for those reasons. Still hard when you consider the times spent. Many of my greatest memories of this house/place was having Adam as a neighbor. Those days seem fresh in my mind but the realities of life present a different reality. It will be good to "turn that page," the way things are now.

Another challenge life has presented me with today is the need to find a different job ASAP. The place I have been for the past eight years would like to take a immediate change of course with me.
It is difficult to negotiate terms when the other sides only reaction is "I just cant" with no other reasons given. Not too much you can do when it has nothing to do with you. If that dose not make any sense then you are beginning to get the picture.
So perspective......I can't tell you how frustrating it is to be in this position but perspective says "everybody is healthy." I reflect on perspective often, I believe it is one of the ways the Holy Spirit communicates with us. I am so thankful for that gift we all have. It is at times difficult to clear the clutter for find it but it is a refuge when you find it.
Days, months down the road we will look back and be thankful for this change in direction. All ready so many have come to aid our situation. What a blessing it is to have such great friends. We are so blessed.
Good luck to all those looking for jobs or just at a crossroad in you life. Find "perspective" and never let a negative thought enter your situation or mind. One of the most valuable things endurance sports have taught me is that an ounce of negativity makes the finish line "feel" further away. I have seen many not finish because of negativity. Don't let that be you. Choose to be BETTER. Choose to trust and use the abilities you have reach your goal.
So now I'm training for a new race...a new job. Very exciting....great things are happening. Great things will happen!

Short Run

2009-11-10T06:10:00.001-08:00

I went out for a run today for the first time in a month. Between the Marathon being such a mental and physical drain on the system, I also needed to tend to many other things that were on the back burner.
Today was a short run. I really did not want to do it but I knew the feeling I would get once I got out there. The same feeling of comfort that I have every time I get out for a run, bike or swim. Endurance sports have been a saving grace for me since the day we lost Adam. Three years today....it still dose not seem real. At the same time it feels like he has been gone longer than that. Once you get over the idea that he really wont be coming over you get used to life. Not a life that I would like to get used to. One of the many reasons endurance sports is such a blessing is the perspective you can find. As with life not everything goes according to plan. It's not all how YOU would want it. Training and racing are a mirror to that, and it reminds you all most daily that you can choose to like what you have and where you are at and build from there. Or you can sit in the situation, that you don't like to begin with, and stew.
I have been one to stew in the past and there is nothing good about it. My first training season with "Team In Training" taught me one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned. ALWAYS BE POSITIVE! Even when things don't go your way. Keep moving and do your best with what you have now. Push yourself to understand what you have, where you are at and make it better. Never ignore the truth, just make it/yourself better. It is usually not easy to do but the feeling you get when you get there is worth every drop of effort.

Today I got up early for that run that I did not want to take.
After I located all the stuff I needed and hit the road,
I found what I knew was out there.
Peace, and the ability to feel free.
To look out over the landscape and know that God is so big. That I am so small yet He loves me more than anything else in the world.

Getting out is a challenge but if you want to find peace and perspective you need to take the first step. My father has been making that choice for months now and I could not be more proud of him. He is starting to look like a different person.
I am going to shower up and suprise him at work today so I can spend the day with mom and dad at work today. It's just something I feel I need to do.

God bless you today. May He make the difference for you today. It is His love that has kept me going. His love gave us the strength we needed to cope with Adams cancer and it is His love that holds us while he is gone.
No one knows the loss better than Him. Today we are all blessed.
Make the choice to find His peace today and every day. He sacrificed everything to give it to you.
Find your place where you can accept it.

Long Awaited

2009-10-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

No good excuses for not getting to this post sooner. Here it is none the less. If you don't want all the mental blather and would rather just read about the race forward down to "long story longer."

Twin Cities Marathon with "Team in Training." So as the tri season ended last July I needed one last fundraiser to put me over the top for the Lifetime race with TNT. The annual "Cornhole" tournament did just that and then some. Never wanting to miss a race I joined the TNT marathon group to do the Twin Cities race Oct 4.
It was a fair challenge going to high miles on the run right away but my legs were mostly ready for it having done two half marathons and a half Iron this season.
I went into the training wanting to post a "Boston" qualifying time and if I felt good during my high miles in training to push for a three hour finish.
I took training very seriously and really enjoyed it. I was lucky enough to have the majority of my trainings fit around work and home schedules. The biggest challenge for me was learning to enjoy the long runs by myself without distraction (music). I grew to really love it putting in solo runs of 17, 19, 21, 19 and 17. I really learned how to better pay attention to my body and its stride. My position, my breathing, nutrition and how each thing is affected by the other.
The biggest benefit I had this training season was training with the team. Coach Jan Ochocki from TNT has more running experience than I will ever have and she really pushed me and gave me incredible valuable training tips to make a three hour marathon goal a reality. Group runs, track workouts and hill repeats with the team are always my favorites and everything together made for a perfect race day.
Race day, providing the weather is fair, is typically a reflection of your training and your mental state of mind. The weather was just right Oct 4 and I have raced enough to prepare myself mentally and physically for a good race, but one thing put me over the top.
As race day drew near I neglected to finish my fund raising and put out a last minute email to raise the last dollars for TNT for my race. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my fellow teammates that I have raced with in the past. It was so touching to know they had my back and carried me to the "fund raising finish line." With one of those donations came my mental focus from Emily Selenski whom I raced the Phoenix marathon with Jan 08.

"Good luck, Andrew! You've been able to accomplish so many goals, I know you'll make this one. Think 3...1 hour for Adam, 1 hour for Dan, 1 hour for McKenna. We're cheering for you!"

Emily Selenski Wed Sep 30 07:55:19 EDT 2009

I can honestly say that her formula was the key to my success. Racing is 80% mental and work coming into the last two weeks before the race was crazy busy. I had little time to relax and less time to reflect on anything mental. Not good coming into a race but you cannot control everything, so you just have to go with what you have. Emily's encouragement brought it all into focus.

Long story longer....

Race morning was beautiful and my dad was kind enough to drop me off at the Metrodome early so I could warm up. It was a great start to the morning having his support and not having to worry about picking up a car later because the race is a point to point race and finishes in St. Paul. I meet Dan D a good friend from TNT for a early morning jog/warm-up, then we went into the dome to meet the rest of the group. It did not hurt that the Twins were in the middle of their miracle season ending, so seeing the field was a definite inspiration.
As I was reading the night before the race in the "couse info book" I noticed that there was not a pace group for runners less than 3:10. I was mentally banking on not having to think much and just following a pack of runners and pretending like I belonged. Not having this, really threw a kink in my plan so I quickly learned to like the thought of not knowing what was going to happen.
I made my last stop at the "Biff" and headed to "corral 1" for the race start. I moved my way to get just in front of the 3:10 pace group and looked around for someone that looked willing to chat. I found that there are not too many people up front there and even less of them looked willing to chat. No matter. I asked the guy next to me what he was planning to run it in and he said that last year he did 2:55 and planned for the same this year. He assured me that he always starts very slow and about half way through he starts to slowly speed up until the finish. I said "great" and asked if I could try to keep up, he said "sure" and we were off. I did my best not to be a shadow to him. It was a great relief for me to have a pace setter. Of course his "slow" pace was a 6:50-7:00 minute mile :)
My legs felt good and the run felt fast but comfortable. I knew I could do it but we were just two miles in. About mile three you come around the Walker Art center and turn up behind a good hill. I love hills so I really had to keep myself in check as we came down around lake of the Isles I realized I needed to really get into a mental zone. I recalled Emily's hourly encouragement and began my mental race.

Hour one was for Dan. I needed to start with Dan because he one of the most impressive people I have ever known. His example in my life set the spiritual and moral frame work for me at a pivotal time in my life. As life sometimes happenes Dan lost his fight with cancer at the age of 32. Hour one with Dan was key for my to set the frame work of my day and reflect on God's love for us no matter what. Finding joy no matter what...knowing that it is not about us....loving and serving others above ourselves. Hour one was great and the time flew.
I was keeping pace with my pace setter but I really had to focus on being relaxed so not to over compensate with the rest of my body. I tend to tense up and that burns a lot of energy.

Hour two was going to be crucial. I gave that hour to the memory of McKenna Johnson our honored team mate who was lost to cancer during our Phoenix season. What an honor it was to be inspired by McKenna for hour two. She was a bright light in the world that was taken too soon. I have had the privileged to get to talk to her parents a few times since the Phoenix marathon season and they have been an incredible inspiration choosing to continue to work with TNT, fund raising and racing multiple races now. I cannot say enough about them and how they have inspired me. As I would reflect on them and loosing a daughter at such a young age. My mind would quickly jump to my family and the tenderness of childhood, the gift it is and the difficulties of so many that loose their children so early in life. That hour went the quickest. The half way point came and went and I felt great but I knew from my first marathon in Phoenix that those feeling would soon be fleeting. I did my best to end the hour on and inspirational note and did just that as I saw my pacing partner slowly start to pull away.

Time for work...hour three!

Hour three was a no brainier.....Adam. The embodiment of hard work, no nonsense, just do it stupid! His example of ignoring pain during his struggle with cancer has always been a weapon for me in endurance events. I needed Adam for hour three and he did not let me down. I had no doubt that I could keep a 7 minuite pace for the race but realizing that I needed a 6:50 pace just a couple days before the race put a new spin on things. That is where the mental game comes into play.
So my pacer is long gone now. I did my best to keep him in sight but he did just as he said and was really motoring my mile 17-18. I was solo now and coming into the hardest part of the race, miles 19-21. Mile 20 starts the St. Thomas hill. I love that hill, I have run it so many times but only once at mile 20 of a run, and when I did that one, I cramped up bad! What would race day bring me? Be smart listen to my body and "just do it stupid" as Adam would have said. I had been hitting my water and nutrition to that point perfectly and so when I came to the top of the St. Thomas hill feeling half way decent I felt like I had just won the race! I knew there was a long way to go but the major hill challenges were done and I was on pace for my 3 hr finish according the crowd. I headed up the steady gradual climb of summit doing my best to keep relaxed and just keep my wheels turning. I reflected on child hood memories ...skiing... climbing.... fishing... working...playing, often checking my watch to make sure I was keeping pace. As mile 23-24 came I realized that my pace was slowing and it was getting harder to keep even a 7 min pace. The mile markers seemed to get further and further apart and the legs were ready do be done. Mom and dad were at mile 22 giving me a huge boost, all though difficult to keep my emotions in check seeing them while focusing on Adam, I know they believed in me and that they were proud of my efforts no matter what and that made me want to dig deep and finish strong. Each mile now was an eternity and thankfully Janet and Jayna where there after Mom and Dad to give me a much needed boost. There were so many TNT team mates there in the later miles that gave me encouragement. What a gift! I never once wondered if I would make my goal of 3 hours. I just wanted to do my best to keep pace and whatever happened, happened. At mile 24 I made small goals. Knowing the course I told myself to just get past the bridge...then just make it to the church....then just keep that pace around the corner....and once you get to the top of Summit turn the corner it's all down hill! I wish it would have been that easy. It seemed like forever to get to the top but I made it. I knew I kept a decent enough pace to that point, and someone on the side made my day and said "keep it up your under three hours." Just 1.2 miles to go all down hill. The most beautiful part of the course going by one of the most beautiful churches in the country and finishing at the beautiful capitol. Problem is I have come to realize that I do not run faster down hill. My body enjoys going up better than going down so it was a lot of work to keep pace even going down hill. I was so thankful I was going down but it was not as easy I has anticipated. The crowd was loud and lifted my spirits at that point your are running on the clouds but all I could think about was Adam and how much I missed him. I really did not care that I just broke three hours...I missed my brother... but I was happy. I keep racing because he never gave up and neither will I. My goals are not to break records but to do the best I can, whatever that means.

I was able to finish under three because of the people around me. The people that partner with me to help families cope with cancer. I finish strong because of my team mates that I train and race with. I finish strong because the people that are closest to me love me and believe in me and just want me to do my best, what ever that is.

Summer's End

2009-09-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

The official end to Summer is Tues so I hear. What a Summer is has been here at the Prest house!
The kiddies are growing like mad and discovering so many things in their wonderful world. Janet is still being challenged by working part time and taking care of the house and us kids. The house is still for sale and we have decided to let it go for a lesser price than it is worth but that is the economy right now and feel we would come out even with what we could purchase. We just have to find someone to want to live her first.
I myself am winding down from a long season of training with TNT. My original intention was to be done training and fund raising with TNT after the Lifetime Triathlon last July 11 but had just enough extra fund raising money to join the Twin Cities Marathon team. That race is two weeks away on Oct 4 and I am very excited to complete another race for TNT. I am however $275 short of my goal and would love it if you would consider joining me in the fight and fuel my race with a dollar a mile. I need just 10 people to join me with a $26.2 gift to TNT. With this race I will have raised over $20,000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society since 07.
I have been training to complete the race in approximately three hours. I would like to race the Boston Marathon next April 1. Qualifying time for Boston is 3:15, but I want to see if I can crack the 3 hr mark. The training for this has been fun but very challenging, rather hard on the body compared to Triathlon. If you are in town here it would be great to see you on the course cheering on our TNT team! If you are intrested in joining my race with a donition just click the link at the top of the page and follow the directions.

Here are some pictures from all the fun we have been having around here that has kept me from putting up regular posts.

Pa Pa Victor with Armand at the Fendelet Family Reunion

Janet golfing w/sister Jen and Vanesa in PA

Us with Grandpa Victor and Grandma Bernice in PA

Last tri if the year at Green Lake

Baby Armand not such a baby any more

Hiking on the North Shore

Lake Superior

State fair 09!

Down time at home

Adison's 4th Birthday

!

2009-08-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

What a month. I just looked at the date on my last post (if you can call it that) ONE MONTH. If you were to measure time by the things you have done, that was the entire summer in one month.

I'll have to come back to much of it for details, but here are the bullet points.

> TNT Lifetime race week.

What and experience. Every TNT race is so fun and special in it's own way. The cause and the people make it that way. This race I was honored to be the speaker at the pre-race Pasta Party. Pasta parties are, in my opnion, just as exciting as the race. The message I has prepared was decent and then the night before, while I was going over things, I was inspired to go deeper. It is a special thing to be used to convay a message that God wants others to hear.
Race day was great! The team finished well. Everyone finished! My race was solid. I felt good on the swim, but lacked the ability to swim a strait line. The bike felt fast and powerful, but was not much different than last year. Happy for sure. The run gave me problems on the first lap around Lake Nicomas due to a painful stomach issue. Most likely due to consuming a expired Power Gu during the bike. Lesson learned. I was able to run through it and pick up the pace for the second lap. A super race none the less.
I did come close to placing third (by a long shot!) but fourth in the age group was a suprise and it would have been great to get TNT more attention by placing but the difference between 4th and 3rd was pretty huge. My favorite part of the day was jogging the run course in reverse after I finished to cheer on and encourage the rest of the team on the course. What and inspiration to see the determination and the effort put out by everyone. A proud moment to be part of something so much bigger than the race!

>Cornhole 09

What a blast to put on a party the day after Lifetime on Adams Birthday. Sunday July 12 was a day to remember Adam. Play, eat and reminice. A picture perfect day. No big fan fare, just a relaxing day with 70 friends and family doing what Adam loved.
Thank you all for being part of a special day and supporting our family through the years. Thank you also for helping me to reach my fundraising goal for this year with TNT. I was able to reach and exceed!....more to come on that.

>Canada Trip 09

The following Thursday from the Cornhole party Janet and I purchased a pop-up camper and headed to Canada for nine days. So many great memories made. We camped on night on the way up at Turtle Mountian Provential Forrest. Bijou and I swam in Adam Lake and Armand and I ran all the paved roads we could find.
The Fendelet family reunioun was next in Hafford Saskachuan. A super fun weekend meeting many new faces on Janet's dad's side of the family. 120 plus people in a small town makes for good times.
Next on the list was Prince Albert. Lots of time with Janet's sisters, Dad, Mom, and all the cousins. What a blessing it was to see the kids play together. Janet has three sisters and they each have two kiddies also. All close to the same age with exception to Rene who is 11 I think and one yet to be born but all the rest are close. What a blast. I was able to golf with the brother-in-laws once and got a couple of runs and bikes in myself but the best part for me was being with the kids for a whole week. Morining to night dad, mom and their kiddies for nine days. What a blessing that was. Makes one think about priorities. We are blessed.
It was fun to seen Janet spend quality time with her sister and her mom and dad. What a sacrifice she makes living here in Minnesota. What a blessing she is to so many.
Coming home was long but full of new family memories and lots of great experiences in our new pop-up camper.

>CBC Reunion

We were lucky to squeze in dinner with some college frineds from Covenant Bible College where Janet and I meet back in 1994. Faces we had not seen since then. What a blessing to reconnect with great people from such a life shaping time.

>Green Lake Tri 09

We started a new tradition with a new Tri race in Spicer MN last year with "Team Swenson"
It will most likely signal the end of the Tri season as it did last year and this year. Laura Swenson grew up close to the race start on Green Lake and her grandparents have a cabin on the lake so it makes for a wonderful time spent with the kiddies wives and us guys giving it one last hurrah as training leading up to the race is pretty much non existant. We all finished our seasons well this year giving it all we had. I had another good race this year. Struggling on the swim because I had not been in the water since the Lifetime race July 11, and really struggled on the run because I have been training for Twin Cities Marathon and so long miles and tired legs were not much good for a short six mile sprint. Not a complaint at though. I was able to place in my age group for the second year in a row placing 8th overall and 3rd in my age group.

>Another Race

As I had mentioned in the part about my fundraising during the Cornhole touranment. You all blessed me with enough to jump into another race. Crazy fool that I am. Lot's of thing inspired this one. Twin Cities is local. I am over half way to my fundraising goal, with another $800 to go (if you want to help me get there go to the link at the top of the page). We had wanted to do a TNT garage sale to help ration down our possessions anyways. So more to come on that fundraiser. I wanted to do a marathon this fall to re-qualify for Boston next April. I was able to qualify when I ran Pheonix with TNT in 08 but did not have the money to get out there the past two races. Now that Sun Country flys to Boston it is affortdable for Janet and I to make it a weekend out there.
So it is my goal to raise more money for a cause that I am passionate about. Qualify with a good race time and run Boston before I run out of gas and quit with all this training. You never know I may get sick of it?

So many pictures to share but my computer is having issues and I have not been able to link to add them for some reason.
So many thoughts to share along the way over the past month but they come and go ank there will be more to come in that department.

Time crunch

2009-07-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for making my TNT "tri" season such a sucess.
Ending the year with a party in Adam's memory on his birthday was special beyond words. Thanks to all who joined us that special day.

More to come soon. I need to get pictures downloaded and such.

Can't wait to up date you all on...
Armand's birthday
Pacific Crest Half Iron
Nine year Anniversary
Lifetime Tri
and of course the Cornhole 09 tournament.

More to come soon

Cornhole 09!

2009-06-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

The day is fast approaching. Pacific Crest Half Iron is June 27. Lifetime Olympic tri here in Lake Nicomas is July 11 and my TNT season is over. What better way to celebrate the end of another great year of fund raising and racing than have one more big bash on Adams birthday, July 12!

So, if you are reading this you are invited! We will have a super fun time doing all the things Adam loved to do most.....eat and play games!

It is designed to be a fundraiser for the Leukemia, Lymphoma Societies "Team in Training," for whom I have been racing for since the summer of 07. Of course it is a voluntary fundraiser. To play in the bean bag (cornhole) tournament there is a fee (donation).
The food and drink donations are suggested. I do want to raise as much money for cancer research and family support but know that not everyone is as excited about that as I am, and not everyone is in a position to give. That's plenty fine around here.
The reason for "Cornhole 09" is to remember an amazing man, my brother Adam Prest.

So come one come all. Give some, give lots, give none, let's all just have a great day doing what he really loved to do. I will have lot's of stories about this years training and racing. There will be many of my TNT mates there if you want to talk to others about TNT.
Enough blabbing....here are the details.

When: July 12......Let's say 1:30 food and fellowship...games start by 2:30

Where: Prest house....18641 Dayton St. Dayton, MN. 55327

What to do next: RSVP by making a donation via my safe TNT web site at
http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/pctri09/aprest it is $10 per person, so $20 per team of two. If you have a team of two leave a comment with your team name. If you are solo, great! We will pair you up. That will secure you spot in the games and help me to know how many boards to have for game day.

If you are not playing or donating please RSVP via my email at drewprest@gmail.com
so we can get a estimate on who all is coming. Yes you can show up unannounced. We want you there RSVP or not!

There will be suggested donations of $5 for a food plate and $5 for a drink cup. We will have pop, water, beer, wine and a variety of other libations.

There will be prizes for winners and loosers of the tournament.

Bean bag game sets will be available for a $110 donation to LLS
You can also make this purchase via my online donation site. Just make comment that your donation is for a set of boards and they are yours! custom paint jobs available.

One set will be raffled off. Tickets available at the party or you can get your name in via the web with your online donation. $2 per ticket.....$10 buys you 7 tickets. Note in the comment box that your donation is for the raffle and your in. Do not have to be present to win.

Most of all we want to relax and remember our friend Adam so come out and enjoy the day.

If you have a dish or desert you would like to contribute let me know via the e mail and we would love to add your dish to the spread. drewprest@gmail.com or Andrew @ 763-286-5874

Perspective all Wet

2009-06-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Training and racing update. We are deep in the throws of peak training. The second long bike training took place last Sat. Yes the wet, cold Sat. 12 of us left Afton Mn. and made our turnaround just past Diamond Bluff Wi. Sixty-four miles of rain, wind and cold all day. It is trainings days like this that are make or break for what you will be able to do race day. Attempting to find perspective and fight through the mental desire to quit is the biggest challenge. Can the body keep biking in cold and rain....yes. Do you want to at the time when your warm bed is calling your name, that is the question. Many things come to mind to combat these mental predicaments. Four hours of cold, wet, ridiculous hill climbs are not typically something you choose to do.

The first one that I call upon in my mind is knowing that pretty much anything I choose to do training will be way easier than any chemo treatment. It always inspires me to push on when I think of Adam and all the things he had no choice to go through. I think about all the little kids going through treatments. Suffering through the side effects of their treatments. I think about the fight they must put up to endure to get better. This season I am blessed to be training with Josh who fought this battle just a few short years ago. He was one of the fortunate ones to get better and I am blessed to train and race with him. That is why I will choose to push on. Together we are making a difference in the fight. People's lives are being saved with the treatments that are being found.

Sunday, the day after that dauntingly wet Afton ride, was my first tri race of the season. Typically when you have a race coming up you "tapper" your workouts down to allow you body to fully recover from all your workouts and thus have full energy to give race day. This was the furthest from the case for the Buffalo triathlon this year. Buffalo is a "tune up" race this year for the big Pacific Crest Half Iron on June 27. Last year Buffalo was my strongest swim day and most comfortable race of the year. I am one year smarter and have close to twice the training in at this point compared to last year. I knew that yesterdays ride would severely hamper me from performing my best but I still wanted to give a comfortably strong race. I had many bike issues preparing for the start of the race. Thankfully I was able to get the help I needed to fix all my problems but I was not able to relax or warm up the way one would like to.

Race nerves are becoming more manageable with many races under my belt. The swim began and I set out to have a strong comfortable effort for the first part of the race. About 100 yards into the swim I was at the front of my wave when my body asked me a funny question. It was more of a statement I think. "Do you rally think you are going to do this today?" I continued on thinking that it was something to work through but the feeling became stronger and I soon knew that today was not a day to push hard. The focus of this race quickly changed course by the second hundred yards. "Just be comfortable" became the motto of the swim. So I settled back and watched the bulk of my wave go by and was happy to settle in to a pace less than what I could have done on a "fresh day."
Coming out of the water I was dizzy. I took my time to get on the bike and decided that I would make the bike my strong effort for the day. It is my goal to improve on the bike this year so I wanted to push my limits on this part of the race. My legs felt fine and allowed me to push faster than I have ever been able to push on the bike. Things were building stronger as I approached the half way point of the bike leg and knew that I would be able to carry my pace for the majority of the race. Then one big bump and a odd noise occurred. I pushed on trying to figure out what the noise was. It occurred to me not too far down the road that my Garmin computer on my wrist band came unclipped and was now gone. That is not something you want to loose so I quickly changed course to find the missing computer. Sure enough not too far back it was in the middle of the road. Lucky for me it powered back up and I attempted to get back into the grove I was in. I was able to notch things back up but not quite to the pace I was turning.
None the less the bike was the best I have ever turned out. I learned how to better prepare for racing and the swim to bike transition. A great learning experience.
The run was great also. I have been very diligent with running this year. Making each workout valuable this season has really paid off. It is very important to listen to your body during training. Weighing your food, sleep factors into what you can do that day. Pushing when you can push and running "recovery runs" when you need to take things easy. The race run was strong. I really wanted to pull back on this piece of the race but my heart rate was in a comfortable spot so I pushed myself to keep pace and fight the desire to lay up. I turned in a strong pace and was happy to have won the mental battle and finished with a consistent pace.

I do need to be careful from here out to not push too hard. I fraught many thoughts of "burn out" today and it is only the first race of the season. I am pretty sure that the conditions of the Afton bike ride the day before and the race conditions today were better, but not by much. My sleep factor wan not what it should have been either. I will take the next few days to recover and do "easy, recovery" workouts. I know that this week will be a great building block for a great race in Oregon. I am so thankful for all the support this year and my great friends that I am training and racing with. Many of us had challenging moments today but they are all experiences that can make us stronger.

Over all, my day compared to last years race was close to the same. The swim was way slower, the bike was way faster even with the backtracking and stop. The run was a bit faster and my transitions were about double from last year because I was either was not well prepared and or I just did not care to get in and out that fast. The overall time was less than two minuets slower than last year which makes me super happy.
Most of all I was proud of all my TNT team mates that competed for the first time today. Epically those that rode Afton Sat in the wind and rain and finished a great race Sunday at Buffalo.

WAY TO GO!

Open Water

2009-05-25T18:44:00.001-07:00

What an exciting day it was today. The first day of open water swimming. It was solo, yet so exciting because it was the first of the year. Not an easy swim. Memorial weekend was perfect for weather Fri, Sat, and Sun. Today there was a south wind on the river at mom and dads and that meant slow rolling white caps all day. I actually decided to swim up river with the waves so not to be battered by the waves. I figured it would take me a half hour to get to the high power lines that we swim down to so I set that as my goal. It took about half way for me to figure out my stride with the wet suit. A wet suit changes many things in your swim stroke and it takes time to adjust. It makes many things easier but it is completely different than lap swimming in a pool. I take open water any day over a pool.
The water temp was the warmest that I can remember on Memorial Day. That was good because before the swim I needed to make many adjustments to the boat lift in the water. So, I got the to high power lines and looked at my watch assuming that I would be close to my half hour goal and I was just shy of nineteen minuets. Wanting to call it "good enough" I resisted and decided to attempt swimming down into the waves back to home. I should not have to drink any water for the next couple of days. I have only swam in that bad of conditions once before during a race last year and I hope not to experience it again this season. I know I was the better for doing it but it's now 9pm and it is well past my bed time. I will sleep like a baby tonight.
This next week and a half will be the peak hours of my tri training this season. I hope schedules continue to work together so I can get the heavy stuff in.

God Bless and Good Luck!

Spring?

2009-05-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

It's the same drum beat at the Prest house hold. Never a dull moment. Today (Sunday 5/17) was a recovery day from the Maple Grove half marathon yesterday. I ran a St. Patty's Day race this year that was warmer. Cold wind and 30's for morning temps. Not ideal race weather. No rain or snow though?! It will make average feel outstanding. Janet and I, Erek and Laura Swenson, Steve and Mindy Bursh, Reggie Swenson, Sean Pease all took part in this freeze fest of running and we all finished. The girls are a little achier than the rest of us due to a lack of time for training but they were determined to finish and that they did. Us guys all had good finishes keeping healthy and getting ready for more important races. I was able to turn in a similar time as last year and took home my third race day metal.
One more "tune up" race at Buffalo's Olympic tri (6/7) and we will be in the final stretch to the big Pacific Crest Half Iron in Oregon. My training has been better than expected this year. Things have been jiving will with schedules for me to get important workouts in. That and some really early morning runs and bikes when nothing else works. This year I have had so many reminders of why I choose to race. For those struggling with cancer. Neighbors, friends, and too many new acquaintances I have been in contact with that are fighting for everything moment on this earth. I know that any encouragement is good encouragement to them so I push on letting them know that every mile training and racing I am praying and racing on their behalf.

Janet, Bijou and Armand are such a huge inspiration for me while I train and race. I dwell on them often now that trainings last 1-2 hours or more at times. Thinking about Janet and the incredible job she dose with the kids. Keeping the house in order with me and two little ones is no easy task. All while working four days a week. She is amazing. Little Bijou and her sponge of a brain. Singing and talking up a storm. She takes such great care of her special animals and dolls. What an amazing creation she is. And fast, she is going to be something. My little boy Armand. He has dad's crazy brain. He notices everything, processes and wants to dig right in to everything. Scary! He is starting to see that he can play on Bijou now too. What a hoot to see them two go back and fourth. I remember having a bigger brother and that was one of my favorite things to do when I was board, bug Adam. To see the chemistry between our two brings back warm memories of days gone by. How it reminds me to be a strong, wise father for them to look up to. They are a gift entrusted to us with endless potential. I so desire for them to be inspired by life and all the Joy that is all around us.And to top all the events of the year was last weekends ceremony at Crown College to watch my little sister graduate. We are so proud of her and her amazing dedication to not only to finish but finish well. A student athlete is more that a full time job. Now we hear a lot of complaining about how she needs to adjust to the real world. Soon perspective should set in and she will appreciate this great time of life. Coming out of school is not the easiest thing these days with the job market but there is nothing new under this sun. It will be what we make of it. Good luck sis and great job we are so proud!

Gods Work

2009-05-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

A fitting title for a mothers day. I have been wanting to post so many things that I have experienced in the past two weeks. They will have to all roll into one.

The thing that has really stuck in my head lately is a couple that we did some work for last week. They are in the process of adopting their 9th child, each one being a special needs child. Their latest blessing will require 24hr nurse care and a more balanced home climate. What a gift they give, what a sacrifice their lives are. How is it that we define the word hero. In my book they are at the top of the list. Compare their sacrifice to mine and I have nothing to complain about....ever! The thing that really stuck with me was seeing a little shed in the back yard. I had to get something by it and happened to see what it was. The mom has all of her scrap booking stuff in the shed so she can make stuff for the kids to feel extra special. Their house is decorated with amazing pictures and things that she has made. On the door is a plaque that reads. "It is not about getting through the storm, Its learning to dance in the rain." Now that is perspective. That is living a Spirit Filled life. That is God's work lived through one persons life. What an inspiration.
Telling that story on this special mothers day 09 is fitting. It is because of a mothers love and personal sacrifice that gives us all so much joy. I have been so blessed to be raised by a loving self sacrificing mother and now to have married a beautiful woman that models the same love that Christ first gave us. What a blessing mom's are.

Action Packed

2009-04-26T18:47:00.001-07:00

What a blessing it is to have things to do. This weekend certainly had no shortage of that. I had my first half marathon of the season at the Get in Gear half. Great weather and a well run race for the first of the year. As that was happening Janet had planned to get the house ready for our first open house Sat. afternoon at 2. Instead she ended up at urgent care with Armand. That turned out to be the thankful but frustrating brocitias "just let us know if it lasts more than one more week." Good but frustrating.
So we both got home with less than two hours to clean the week old mess in our hour. Luckily the kiddies wend down for naps and we went into super cleaning mode. Got things done and the showing was decent with five couples coming through. One with good interest. It's tough to have the house on the market but we are ready to move quickly at this point.
We went to our friends the Kroska's for dinner while the open house was on and enjoyed the company of our dear friends that we had not seen for a long time.
Sunday was a nice slow start with the kiddies. Dad was up early for a forty minute bike and 10 minute run before the kiddies woke up. Tried to get loose from the race yesterday morning. Good thing I did that early because the weather did nothing but get worse the rest of the day.
Breakfast and play time then off to Grandma and Grandpa's to put the dock and lift in for the boating season. Not a good day for that but we did not have much choice on that. We are so blessed to have great friends to help with big projects. Brad Bone, Mark Larson, Wendy and Creighton, Dad and I muscled things back into place. It is a great time to remember times with Adam and the sign of great day's and warm weather to come.

Good Morning

2009-04-24T18:01:00.001-07:00

It's crunch time. So many things going on all ready we have resorted to early morning workouts starting this week. The house is for sale, fundraising is fun work this year and keeping proper balance with the most important things has made afternoon workouts impossible. Wed mornings are early bike days and Thurs mornings are early run days. Of course its not easy getting out of bed and hour and a half earlier but once I get into things outside it is so wonderful. Coming home on foot or on the bike with the sun coming up over the hill with the church steeple in the forefront is something that I will never tire of.
Get in Gear half marathon is in the morning Sat 4/25. The first of two halves I'm doing this year. This one will be a solid pace for me but not all out. Not enough training, not enough recovery time, it will be wiser to take this one a bit easier. It looks like cold and rain is on tap too so we will enjoy what we have and make the most of it.
Things with the house on the market are slow. We have other places that we can see ourselves in for great prices so we will most likely have to let go of our house for less to make that move.
The kiddies had a bit of a rough week with chest congestion. They were great all things considering but no fun to see your kids sick and wore out. Armand is into everything and is finding his voice more and more. Bijou continues to enjoy everything, what a princess.
Janet continues to be a fantastic mom and care taker of her hubbie. Her part time job has been crazy busy lately and she is enjoying the challenge lately. We hope to make the move to a lesser mortgage sooner than later so she can be home even more.

Make the most of today....If that gets by you there get after it tomorrow.

Summer

2009-04-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

So many things are going on right now it feels like the middle of summer. Great things but a lot of things.
The house is on the market now and for some reason I feel the need to do and change all the things that I have wanted to do for the past five years. I all most have all those things done and it feels great to get them done.
That of course is edging out some of my training time but not too much. We are past the base building mode and into the fun speed and endurance mode. Lots of challenging workouts that really feel great.
The weather has finally come around for me to get an outdoor bike in last Sunday. Man that was great. I may even dare to run in shorts this week if I can get out.
The kiddies are wonderful. Two certianly calls for all of your attention, but it is so much fun you don't mind all the things you can't get done any more. Bijou is becoming such a helper with Armand. He love the extra attention. Armand is a monster eater, not picky at all and it shows. He is nine months now and 2o pounds and 30 inches. My guess is that he will be walking before 11 months but we will see.
Mentally and spiritually I have been challenged with many things going on and am enjoying the challenge that each thing brings. I feel blessed with the experiences my life has brought me and continue to enjoy the grace and love that I so much do not deserve. Lately I have been focused on being thankful and positive. It is becoming very clear to me that God want's nothing less for us and when I really think about it I have nothing to complain about. I suppose I should act like it then. Joy is a wonderful thing.
Big fundraiser at our house this Sat. The second annual "triathlon of games" should be a fantastic time. My fundraising is a challenge this year so this should give us a little boost. If you can make it, bring $20 an be at our house no later than 6:30pm Sat night.

God Bless

Miserable : )

2009-03-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

The majority of training lately has been in less than perfect weather. Cold wet, windy, some peeks of sun but not the norm as of the last two weeks. Before one of my runs I thought that the weather was down right miserable for a run, who would run in this kind of stuff. You guessed it. I gladly run in all most everything. Miserable trainings are the benchmarks that make great weather, even average weather seem down right perfect. If you choose to find a way to like the miserable stuff that makes everything else wonderful!
I like to think about those that don't have the opportunity to do such things. Those that don't have the ability to run, or those that are sitting in a hospital somewhere wishing they could be anywhere else. Then the weather becomes a blessing.
I had the pleasure of being on a swim relay team with Eric our honored team mate this week. What an inspiration that little man is. If all goes well he is on his way to consider himself cancer free soon. Because of the efforts of what we are doing so many more kids get to say they are cancer free and that makes everything I do worth while.
Eric reminds me so much of Adam when he was 13. Tall skinny bean, glasses and sharp and kind as can be. A real go getter, not afraid of anything. I remember how excited he was last year when he was looking forward to his last spinal tap treatment. Watch a kid get excited about a spinal tap and your worries seem to lessen a bit quickly.
You never know the importance of something until it hits home most of the time. That is how I feel about TNT. Not a perfect organization like all the rest but what they are doing is so important. Life saving important.
I am thankful for the good fortune that we have had with our kids thus far and will continue to fight for the families that are fighting for the very lives of their own children. TNT is so much more that a great training and racing experience.

By the way my fundraising is, as you can expect, a challenge this year. I need to have two thousand raised by April 30 to commit to my races and have $1800 to go. So if you are in a position to support what I am doing with any size donation, consider looking at my fundraising web site. http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/pctri09/aprest

This years training has been top notch so far. The base building stage is mostly complete and am looking to bring things to another level of performance in the next two months.
I recently did a four way trade/swap for a new Triathlon bike. I gave up the Buell motorcycle that I bought new in 98. I still cant believe that I traded my baby for a petal bike. This is not ordinary petal bike that is for sure. And the motorcycle was litterly rotting in my garage so better to see it get used. It now belongs to my coach Bob now and so I am excited to see him race it. The new Tri bike gets here Tuesday and I am more that just a bit excited about it.

We are meeting with a relitor friend of ours soon to get the house on the market. A crazy big step for us but we are confident that it is the right finicial move for us to move on and build equity in something else. I don't know how I will feel when the actual for sale sign goes up in the yard, probably sick. Like I said it is best.

Doing what is right is not always easy.

Season Opener

2009-03-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Race one is now behind us. Last year I ran in the "100% Irish for a day" race. It was a 10 mile race, two laps around Lake Harriet and one around Calhoun. I loved it and had to do it again this year. My training has been great this season thus far. Very balanced, I would say that I am at least a month a head of last season at this point and less weight to loose coming in.
My goal this season is to improve my bike portion of my triathlon races and keep if not increase the swim and run.
I have signed up for one race a month though July, the first three being running races. Last Saturday was #1!
This year I felt I was in better shape so my goal was to stay injury free and to push hard to see where I am at right now. I came in right where I wanted to be with a 6:47 min mile @ 1:07:43 finish. I was hoping for anything less than last years 6:58. So I was delighted about that. I did however work much harder than I expected. I was exhausted for the last three miles of the race. My sleep and nutrition was great the two days coming into the race and race day was great. No problems at all. I am so excited to have the first one done!

We had a mini vacation last week with mom, dad, Erin and Adison, up at Breezy Point Resort. A wonderful relaxing time if that's possible with three little ones entertaining us. We spent a lot of time every day in the pool, reading and playing games. We came home in a blizzard and now this week it is in the 50's and 60's. What a perfect way to say good by to winter....I hope!

Work is a bit slow, but it is allowing me to keep up with things around here. Bijou continues to be our little sweet heart. We have entered the copy cat stage, what a riot. Armand is becoming pretty durable now so they have been playing together much more. That little guy is all ready standing up on everything and soon will be walking along everything. Armand is like his sister with teeth, eight in eight months and more soon to come. He is going to be a hand full when he gets to walking. All ready non stop, getting into everything he can reach.

Church continues to be a blessing. The kids love their child care rooms and the people we meet have been so genuine. Not what we expected from such a big church.

Spring is officially here this Saturday and after this winter we sure deserve some good weather!

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.

Winter Warm Up

2009-02-24T19:41:00.001-08:00

I know most people think that winter still has its grip firmly around us. Coming from someone who has worked may days outside in the bitter cold days of December and January, these days feel like spring is right around the corner. This usually means that I would have been getting in great training miles in outside running with one less layer but the physical condition has been keeping us in check as of late.
For the past two and a half weeks Janet and I have been experiencing the effects of long term sinus pressure. Just the other day it started to loosen up for us thanks to the doctor prescribed meds. Like the un-wise person I can be, I did not want this to slow my training down, so I attempted to continue with my schedual. Not so smart. So, this last week we have done about a third of the perscribed workouts and it is now, all most, past and we will resume full trainig this week.
Training has been very solid this year. Learning alot as always and feeling much more solid at this time fo the season verses last season at this time.
During this time of "rest" I have enjoyed more play time with the kiddies and done some more reading of a book I started called "The Shack." I highly recomend it!

Armand is just 8 months now and a speedy fast crawler. Pulling himslef up standing, smiling and laughing as always. He just started his Cheeroes diet and is not at all a pickey eater, just like his sister. Bijou continues to eat most everything you put in front of her. She is such a little social angel. She will actually introduce herslef by name now but you have to be able to hear a whisper to hear her. Still a bit shy. Hair now to the middle of her back and brightenes every room she is in.
What a blessing parenting has been. Often I watch them play and wish I could make time stop so I will always remember this percious age. Each moment you are in, good or bad, is a great moment to remember. It is either a time to learn and be grateful, or a time to feel blessed and be grateful. The choice is to be still and know you are belssed and loved no matter what.
Make the most of today, it is the only one we will ever have.

Happy Valentines

2009-02-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

This Valentines was a special one this year. Not at all what anyone would expect as typical Valentines fanfare, but better in it's own special way.
There were lots of flowers involved but none from Janet or I. There were cards involved but none exchanged between Janet and I. Honestly there was no big heart warming, romantic day between my love and I.
It was filled with unexpected blessing that only God himself could deliver. In the hustle and bustle of the weekend. One in which Janet and I were suffering intense sinus infection headaches (all week). The first blessing came in the form of a side job for me. Seriously bad timing but seriously needed to help cover the six medical bills we have been trying to pay off. The other Valentines miracle was that my parents went out and had there own V-Day dinner all to them selves. Way to go dad!
Valentines is extra special in our family because it's Jayna's birthday. Twenty-two this year. That just means that we all just that much older! She wanted to have some friends over to our house for her special day. We had a great time with her fun friends. A fun filled, long night full of games and laughter.
But Sunday was the greatest day. Sunday we shared a service with Erin, Adison, sister Amy and her two kids, Derby and Stella. The kids all had a great time in there sunday school rooms and us adults were treaded to one of the most moving, inspiring sermons I have ever been a part of. There were so many wonderful thing at work there. We serve an amaizing God. I have had the line from some worship song stuck in my head ever since. "my saviour...he can move the mountians, my God is worthy to praise!"
That will be a Valentines weekend to remember. Nothing like you woud expect. But often times God will to that to you.

So Blessed.

Beloved

2009-02-01T19:23:00.001-08:00

The new year has been full of many personal challenges. I am so thankful for my amaizing wife and our strong family and friends that encourage us to live every day to find the good. I am so thankful for the challenge that was given to me when Adam passed, to be better and not bitter. That echoes through my life daily. I know that I can not make it on my own.

We have not made it to church(open door) much this winter, yet every time we do we have been so blessed by the amaizing worship and messages. Two Sundays ago pastor gave a talk on the concept of how we treat each other. His focus went in a different direction. He got to the core of the matter, who we are. Each one of us is His beloved. He is so proud to call us His. Do we look at our selves as such. Do we treat each other as such. If the people around you are the treasure of God, do you see it? Do I see it? It has stuck with me like gum on my shoe.

The TNT season has kicked off and I am super excited for our first team training this Wed. I have been able to get my self into good shape coming into this season, so I have high exceptions for myself this year. Being two years in now I think I can really ramp things up in my races personally. I am more excited to help guide my TNT teammates to doing their best. This years team is full of returning alumni and it is going to be a blast learning from one another.

Life at home has been full of fun firsts. Bijou is learning so fast, good things, challenging things, lots of things. Parenting is just getting fun! Two is what they said it would be. What a blessing to be entrusted with guiding her ever blossoming world.
Armand is hitting a serious growing streak. Eating and sleeping like mad. Every time we gets up he is stronger. Crawling and sitting up on his own now. Seven teeth now and more on the horizon. A happy, happy little boy. Sister chooses her time to play with him, but when she dose he lights up and laughs so much. He even laughs when she is on his back or tummy jumping up and down as if he was a bucking bronco. Except he is just laying there laughing! Yep, we gotta keep a close eye on those two.

One of the most special things this winter, was getting Adams old three wheeler going with the help of Ryan Theunissen. Being able to get Bijou out there around the yard and over the river was such a great connection to the past. I know that Adam was proud that it is in use again.

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Sure we had to wait out a week of sub-zero temps but it is all worth while. If nothing else it makes 20 above zero feel comfortable. The past week has been great. Hanging out with the kiddies, getting things done around the house, this that and the lat. I have now committed myself to getting a loose run, bike (on my new trainer from christmas), swim or x-country ski. The variety has been great for getting back into the swing of things.
Today I was out at Elm Creek with a friend from last seasons team, Jim Sheldon. A great athlete with fantastic consistency and amaizing drive. This guy did six marathons last year! Jim is going to be signing up to do the Pacific Crest half-iron with us this year and I am excited to train with him another year.

The new season of TNT kicks off in less than three weeks and I am excited for the challenge of being a "Team Captain" this year. Excited to balance the schedule of putting my family first, training with the team, and getting my personal trainings in. My plan is to go to bed when the kids go down. Or shortly after anyways around 8pm. Getting up 4 or 5am ish and getting some work outs done before work once or twice a week. We will do what we can and not worry about the rest.

The kids have been a blast. Bijou has been singing songs with us now and can count with us, and do her ABC's by her self if you can get her going right. It is just so fun to see her creativity and imagination blossiming. Armand is growing by leaps and bounds. Now all most seven months, he is just starting to pre-crawl. It looks like the army crawl. And he has three more teeth to boast of. Five in total now, two down and three up. They are both amaizing blessing to our lives, smiling and laughing. Challanging at times but that is what it is all about. The big picture is beautiful. My prayer is that I may model Christ to them in my life, and honor Him, by guiding them into the beautiful little people he has designed them to be. They are so precious. What a gift. I have loved all the blessings and challanges that life has given me through the years, but it is such an amaizing gift to be called daddy. So much credit goes to my beautiful wife. What a strong hold for me. What an amaizing mommy.

A Need to Race

2009-01-04T19:16:00.001-08:00

It's official the new year is upon us. The food the fun the additional pounds happily gained. What a grand month. From hosting two family Christmas parties, New Years, Bijou's second birthday on New Years day. What a month. Now winter stares us down, severely entrenched with its cold and wonderful blanket of snow. I have wanted to get out on those cross country skies I bought years ago but they continue to collect dust in the garage.

As life has it's funny way, I have found a real need to race again. As you all know racing is a great outlet for me. I have found it to be that for many things in my life. In the beginning it was a great bridge to dealing with Adams death by doing something I love and raising money for cancer research and family support. Once again life has renewed its self with fresh challenges and thus a lack of comfortable sleep if any at all at times. As life goes at times these challenges are no fault of our own at times, and thus you have little to no control of them being over your head. Therefore I had a need today to get my mind re focused on the race season ahead. So the money is spent and the registrations are in. I now have a clear focus on things ahead and a great season starting in just seven weeks.

My season will start March 14 at the 100% Irish for a Day 5K & 10 Mile http://www.needtorace.com/race.php?calendar_id=4897 I did this race last year and loved it. It is a must for me again. It is a good motivation for early training on the cold days.

Next is a new one for me. Just needed something in the month of April so a found the inaugural Get in gear half marathon on April 25 they have a 5&10k too http://www.getingear10k.com/

Last year in May I did the inaugural Maple Grove half and is another must for me this year. May 16th They also have a 5k option so here is the link http://www.maplegrovehalfmarathon.com/

The tri season starts with Buffalo June 7. last year I did this for the first time and loved it. They also offer a sprint distance and is a great one to do if you are a first timmer. http://www.tribuff.com

I may squeeze the new Trinona race in because of the hills but other than that the next one will be June 28 in Sunriver Oregon. http://www.racecenter.com/pacificcrest/halftridu/index.htm
The big TNT half Iron! I am super excited about this one, all my other races up to this are a tune up. I am a team captin for this race and am encouraging some other crazies to join me on a life changing journey.

After that is the olimpic lifetime fittness tri (also with TNT) on July the 11th http://www.ltftriathlon.com/raceinfo/ I really loved the specticle of this big city race with the pros and the crowds.

Then we gear up (or may be down) the season into the Green Lake Tri Aug. 9 http://greenlaketri.com/
Another great small town race with great friends to end the race season.

After that I look forward to family vacations and hopefully setteling into a different house. I'm sure many things will change around the race schedual but no matter what it will the greatest race season yet.

Need a Ride?

2008-12-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Another Saturday morning with beautiful snow falling from the sky. Winter has been espically kind this year. If you like snow and cold. So before Janet went out to finish the last of Christmas shopping I slipped on my running warmies and headed into the falling snow for a morning run.
I would guess 2-3 inches were all ready on the ground and traffic was light over the slow rolling hills. As I got out of town I could hear a flock of geese up in the sky and slowly they came into view through the snow in the air. They circled over head and landed in a top the hill side where the horses were in pasture. What a treat!
As I ran today I pondered many things. A funny parallel occurred to me as I glided through the snow. It was about how running has become a filter to me. A time to find clarity and truth. It is so difficult to really clearly think with so many distractions in life. As the snow fell and silenced everything around me both visually and audibly I was able to more clearly able to get to the truth of the matters in my mind. Not just what I though and wanted to believe, rather what was right, moral and or right in the eyes of my Father God. I often times find that on my runs but it seems to come faster when there is snow.
Just about a mile in, up over the hill a Jeep slowed down and honked at me. He pulled along side of me and rolled down his window. "Need a ride? I would be glad to help you out," the portly man said with a look of worry on his face. I smiled at him and replied that all was well and that I was doing this for fun. He gave me a second look, with a bit of confusion on his face he asked, "REALLY?" I assured him again that I really love winter running. He said ok, rolled up his window and drove off. I don't think I'll ever forget that.
One of the reasons I love winter running besides the extra layer of peace, is because it is a bit harder. You need take even more focus off yourself and focus on what is in front of you or coming behind you. You have to slow a bit and be sure of your footing. You really have to dress well and sometimes you just have to bear it and choose to like it. Sound a lot like life doesn't it?
Endurance racing is not about race day. It is about all the days before race day. Today made most every race day I will ever have look easy. I enjoyed it because I chose to enjoy what was beautiful about it not what was obviously difficult about it. When they say the racing is 80% mental I think they are wrong, it's closer to 90%.
What do you want to do today? Do it with JOY!

Have a happy and Blessed Christmas not because it is the most beautiful time of year. Have a blessed Christmas because it marks the day that our Savior came to earth to walk among us, to fully love us and understand us and most of all to save us.
We are all so very blessed.

Let it Snow

2008-12-16T18:41:00.000-08:00

It has been a very productive past couple of months around here. Life continues to remind me that the less TV and Movies I watch the happier I am. We continue to get odds and ends done around the house and are getting ready to list the house for sale. We would rather never leave our home that we built but there are much more important things than our home. Money is tight and if our house sells we can get the equity out of it and get into another mortgage much cheaper. Our hope is for Janet to be at home with the kids. It would be fun to have money left over for important things like vacations and such too. Life is only going to get more expensive as we go. Our desire is to be good stewards of our money and that is not happening.

Training is back in gear now. I am running when I can and swimming once or twice a week. It has felt so good to be back training again. Sunday was my first winter run in the rain before it got crazy cold. It was good to do it because it will make all my other runs this winter feel easy. Today is Tues and I got out before Janet and the kids got home. It was zero degrees but little wind and the snow was falling. You can dress for the cold, but not the wind, and there is nothing better than running in a light snow. It is so peaceful and quiet. Traction is actually better and soft. My soul was satisfied with today's run, what a blessing. Now my only christmas wish is a bike trainer so I can be well rounded coming into the training season. I want to be able to work on speed and endurance this year and if I am in shape coming into it I will be able to do that.

The races that I will for sure be doing are: May 16- Maple Grove half marathon. June 7-the Buffalo Olympic Tri. June 27-pacific crest Oregon half iron(tnt). July 18-lifetime Olympic (tnt).
Aug 9-Green lake sprint.

We have been so blessed as a family with so much. We look forward to a great Christmas season with family and friends. Then our little girl Bijou turns 2 new years day. What a great time of year.

God bless and have a Blessed Christmas Season.

Thanks

2008-11-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

Our little Turkey

The rest of the year seems to quickly disappear from here out. May be that's why we have Thanksgiving now. The rest of the year is a flash and you really don't remember it all. Outside of Janet getting a migraine our thanksgiving was wonderfully peaceful. Dinner at mom and dads and I must say everything was perfect. We even got to play some 500 after dinner.Cousin Adison and Armand

Adison and Bijou in their tent.

I have a bad habit of getting myself into big projects when I am not training. Since it is my off season I started looking at moving my utility room into the side of the garage. It took me a couple of months of thinking to figure it out and came up with a plan and dove in. Once again, way more work than I imagined but it is almost done. We are hosting our Prest Christmas party this year and we are super excited about it. This "little project" should help to make our space more comfortable. The old utility room is now a "mud room" off the garage complete with built in lockers for us and kids. Bijou has been a great help with the framing, sheet rocking, tile and paint work. Just one more weekend to get things ready.

Time for work daddy!

This last week I had my first meeting of the upcoming season for TNT. This year I have committed to being a "team captain." My role will be to support our coaches (mike and bob) in any way possible. We will be training for the local Lifetime Tri and also the Pacific Crest half Iron distance Tri in Oregon. The goal is for us to prepare and encourage everyone who joins to have the best season possible. It is an amaizing, life changing thing for everyone. Epically the families we will support that are dealing with cancer. It means something different for everyone but the important thing is that we are making a difference is the fight against cancer. I hope some of you out there would consider joining me this year for a race, I promise it will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. It is amaizing what a small group of committed people can do! Be a life changer!

Last years season was great. I look back at all the work I put in and get excited to start back into training this weekend. Finding a balance of time with the family and time training was better this year. I look forward to getting better at that every year. Bijou joins me for many runs in the running stroller and I look forward to sharing that with Armand. I always do the "horse farm" loop when I run with Bijou. She love to see all the horses as we go by. I feel very fortunate that she loves to go with me.

This year I feel older. That is a big statement. I feel more fit that any time in my life, and I love all the experiences that life has taught me. It is just interesting that I am now at a point that even college age seems so far away. The shows I used to watch are now on the classics, and I like all the music on the "oldies" station. I am no longer in between. There are wrinkles on my face that I have never noticed before and my hair line continues to retreat into the "back forty." None of this is a compliant. I love where I am in life. It feels much more complete and full. It is so fun to share so much with the woman I love and two beautiful children. What a challenge it is to be a good parent. It is so exciting! Everything is so new every day. Today Bijou had her first "potty" on little toilet. I never thought peeing could be so exciting. What a joy to see her learn and grow. It really is going so fast. So fun to have a little boy right on her heels about to learn it all too. What a great pair they are.

So much more to share but I thought I would burn the rest of my time on the computer putting up pictures. They are much more interesting than my blabber.

And So It Goes

2008-11-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

Looking back on the past year is surreal. It seems so long ago. Finishing my first TNT race, doing my first Olimpic distance Tri. Going strait into two other races, a century ride and my first marathon. All things that I could not have done on my own. It is curious for me to look back and see what I am doing with my time now. I honestly don't know how I did all that last year. Honestly it was the thoughtful letters and support that all you gave, to keep me going. Granted I did get an ulcer, but is was an amaizing time. Loosing McKenna, our honored team mate for the TNT marathon was reason to keep going. Tragedy happens every day. It is so important to find ways to help in the fight. To ease one anothers pain. To love others more than yourself. I am so excited to race again for TNT next season, I wish so badly I was doing it right now.

One year ago Bijou was just starting to stand. We knew we were going to be expecting another and I was filling time in at the store to relieve pressure off dad and mom. Dad has just gotten out of the hospital due to a heart/stress scare.
Bijou is double her size and her learning ability is amaizing. Running, jumping, learning how to sing and copping everything we say. An absolute joy! Armand is an amaizing little boy. Following in his sisters steps as a happy little baby popping teeth early and talking like crazy. I have not filled in at the store yet this year but that may come yet. I hope dad is doing more to manage his stress better.?
The experience I gained last year with my TNT races gave me great confidence and results this past season. Five Triathlons, one half marathon and a few other running races. A fantastic season with fantastic friends.

So what am I doing now? I am really enjoying being a husband and a father. Your perspective really changes when you loose people you love so young. The simple things seem much more important, and life's problems seem less important. I have found that you can only do so much, and that the things that are out of your control should be left alone. Do what you do well and pray for those thing that are out of your control. Life is so precious. Every moment every day. Like it or not it is your choice. Enjoy the things that go your way and love the thing that don't. The alternative is much less appealing. Nothing good comes from negativity and that is no good for those around you. Don't get me wrong, I fail at these thing often but it is rewarding when you can find consistency in the good and bad.

I looked back to my post this time last year and found this. I wish I could say that I had something better to say but I still reflect my thoughts then.

I want so badly to pray with Dan Roelofs but he is gone. I want so badly to go back to Woodland Fellowship and be washed away by the worship and feel the genuine concern of my brothers and sisters, but that is gone. I want so badly to walk over to my brothers garage and hang out with him and the boys, but he is gone and the feeling is not the same. I want so badly for there to be honesty among adults and a desire to seek the truth, to lift one another up and grow as we have been commanded to do. To love one another as we have been loved.

I know my pain is not new, just new to me, and is nothing compared to what so many others have faced. I know that my Father hold my heart and I can feel comfort in my times of hurt. I see so many blessing in my life that He has orchestrated on my behalf, to be able to handle this chapter of my life.

Janet and I have found a church home in The Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove. We do not attend all that regularly but each time we do we are bathed by the worship and encouraged and inspired and challenged by the messages. We could not ask for more there. A great answer to prayer. I continue to be amazed how much longer projects around the house take without Adam. It's not just the time factor, it feels lonely at times too. But that is just something to get used to. I don't think I ever will. It has been so exciting when Adison is able to come over and "help out." What a sharp kid. Just a monster too. Although there continues to be realtionships that are still broken since Adams passing, I know those things are out of my controll. And even though those things make the pain of Adams loss real and personal, I cannot be kept down because of all the wonderful realtionships that we have been blessed with. My parents, alouthouth imperfect, always make an effort to be strong and supportive. We are in it together and we know we will make it together. My sister is busy in her final year of college and doing a fantastic job. It is exciting to see her on the cusp of entering the "real world." So much good ahead of her. I cannot say enough about my best friend Erek Swenson and his family. How supportive he is in every way possible. Great friendships are ones that work in and through anything, and give you confidence along the way. So many other friendships in my life bless me in the same way. So many to list, you know who your are. Thank you, I pray that I am giving back at least half of what you all give to me.

Reflecting on two year of life without my dear brother is odd. My dreams of him are so real it is wierd waking up. Life without him is just that, wierd. I have asked myself if all my crazy training and fundraising for TNT is just a cover for the pain of loosing him. For a short time last year may be.? But I can confidently say that TNT is exactly what I would and should be doing. I will continue to race (one at a time though) for a cause that gives hope and encouragement to those that are forced to deal with cancer. I really look forward to being a mentor next year for the Lifetime Fittness Tri for TNT. I will continue to live in a way that puts my wife and my children first. I pray that I will have to courage to follow God in the path that He has for us.

Life is a blessing.

Off Season

2008-10-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year. The great cool weather. The beautiful colors. So many things happen in such a short amount of time. The next thing you know it's cold out. I have been completely off from any training for two months now on a much needed break. It was good to take the "I gotta get a work out in" stress off of everything. Family time has been great. Caucht up on some house stuff. Janet had her garage sale that she has wanted to have for the past couple of years.

The thing that got me into the "off season"was a last minute offer by Erek Swenson to go camping in the BWCA. It had been years since I had done that so I skipped my last tri and headed north. What a great experience to share with Erek. It was a fantastic trip.

After that, since I had no more races planned, my wife thought it would be a good idea to ensure that she would not get pregnant again. Somehow that had more to do with me than her. So under the knife I went. That's all I want to say about that procedure. We do want to consider having more children in the future via adoption. We were so close to adopting while we were trying. So if we feel that God wants our family to grow, we will be excited to do that.

My camping trip with Erek got me excited about camping. So I called up Covenant Pines to see if we could set up camp there and enjoy a weekend. We wanted "Team Swenson" to join us but Erek's wife needed to be sold on the idea. So our neighbors Lou and Ellen were kind enough to lend us their pop up camper for the weekend. So we had all the comforts of home. But it could still be considered camping. We did have a tent and cooked our meals over the fire and on the grill. I have to say that camping with Janet and the kids together was special. That really felt like family to me. Enjoying the elements together, "roughing it." It really dose develop a bond like nothing else. Very special, and so fun to share it with "Team Swenson."

Yesterday was my first day back to training. Man did I miss it. It honestly felt like I was missing something about myself. You know you really like something when you come back to it and you can say, you truly missed it. So, I am excited to be back in the swing of things. I am racing in the Elm Creek fun run next sat morning with Sean Pease and John Kinghorn. It is a fun time in the park reserve with lots of family fall things going on.

As life progresses, and man do it seem to never stop, I feel more and more blessed by the friends and family that surround us. The things in life that are important to us now seem to be so simple but so much more fulfilling. I know that all of these blessings are rooted in our faith. Life has been so precious to me in all stages of it. Young, school, work, play, single, married, responsibilities, loss, children, family. Be encouraged no matter where you are! Know that God knows your heart and open up to His grace and mercy. He is consistent, desire that calm consistency in your life and he will give it to you.

Memories For Sale

2008-09-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

I knew that some day it would happen. Life changes and we must all decide what to keep and what to sell. When the memory of someone is attached to something, it makes letting go all that much harder. Dad and I were sitting last weekend trying to remember just what year he bought our beloved boat. Neither of us could remember. I chuckled later when I was still trying to come up with it because I know that Adam would have remembered the year the day and probably what we had for dinner that night. Adam always had the gift of remembering details.
So the summer of 91(plus or minus a year) . Dad surprised Adam and I with a boat. It was shiny and FAST. There is nothing we didn't ski behind that boat. From skis to canoe paddles, chairs, our bear feet we did it all! So many summer days at Grandpa and grandmas cabin in Aitkin. Lake of the Woods. Camp. We had more fun behind that boat than anything. But the thing we enjoyed the most was teaching people how to ski for the first time. Adam epically. He would try to get you up until you gave up, or the sun went down.
The boat was Adams baby. No body put more time into the care of that boat than Adam. In 02 when he had his own garage. He decided to restore the floor and seats. That project lasted over the winter because he decided to have the transit redone and all the fiberglass in the belly under the floor. He rebuilt the entire boat! For good reason. We have driven a lot of boats in our day and I can honestly say that the "playmate" is the best handling boat we ever drove. They just don't make boats like that anymore.
I can't remember who was driving but one summer night at the cabin we were taking it out for one last cruise of the day with mom and we decided to take a full speed turn. Mom was sitting shot gun. Now with most boats when you turn, you loose momentum and slow down and corner pretty slow. Not the "playmate"! Back then, with three people, it would do about 50mph + and you didn't need to slow down for even the hardest turns. It could pull it and be right back up to full speed in no time flat. We forgot to tell mom to hold on for the turn, because she slid right off her seat in came to rest in the back corner of the boat. No harm done just great memories. One of the few times we ever heard dear mother use a descriptive four letter words to thank us :)
I could type pages of stories about this boat. It is a shame that we don't use it like we used to but life has a tendency of changing. There comes a time when it is best to let go and let more memories be made by someone new. It would be a shame for us to let it sit and rot and not let it get used. Adam put far too much work into it for us to let it sit.

It was tough taking it out of the water for the last time. Washing it was almost a sacred experience this time. I didn't wash it many times alone. My mind raced the past three nights as I prepped it for sale. Oh, the times we had. Oh, the care Adam gave to that boat. I pour over my emotions and as I graze over the many memories, I smile. Because as I reflect on memories had, I see the lives that are here. The future that God has blessed me with. Two beautiful children and my beautiful wife. The memories that we have all ready made and ones yet to be.
The page turns in the book of life and all we have left is the memories we hold dear. I choose to do it with joy. We were blessed! We are blessed!

Early Off Season!

2008-09-10T18:41:00.001-07:00

This picture is from the Waupaca WI sprint tri Aug 16th.

Since then I have decided to go into a early off season.

That's my boy! Armand Andrew! He's a little smilin' talkin' machine.
He is sleeping great, just one feeding a night.

This is what daddy dose now that his tri training is done for the year. Before too long we will be starting marathon training up again.
Nothing beats time with the Family!

Summer Events

2008-08-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

I think we just squeezed in a full summer of events into the month of August. What fun, what sheer exhaustion.

The Green Lake tri was on the 9th in Spicer MN. Small town Tri's are my favorite. The towns embrace them. The excitement of many people doing one for the first time, and those that are more seasoned racers are there to have fun and enjoy other peoples company. Erek Swenson and a bunch of his family do this race every year so it was fun to be a part of it with them. Erek, Justin (erek's bro-in-law) and I did the Olympic course (about 75 people) and the other 500 people were doing the sprint course. The swim (.8mi) was a great challenge because it was strait into big waves. That is a tough swim into constant chop. The Bike (24mi) was twice around Green Lake and was a small hill rolling course. The run (10k) was the same rolling hills. I gave it my best and turned out my best bike and run thus far. It was good enough for 5th place overall and third in my age group. The greatest thrill was being honored by the announcer when I received my medal. He noticed that I had my TNT jersey on and thanked me for making a difference by racing and raising vital funds in the fight against cancer. That applause really meant something! That is why I race!
The next week was getting things ready for Janet's sister Jen and her family to come down from Canada for a visit. We have been so excited for them to come but I foolishly decided to race the two weekends before they came. So we did what we could before the next weekend and loaded up for the 4 hour drive to Waupaca WI. for the Waupaca sprint Tri.

Four years ago Waupaca was my first race. My good buddy Clark (who was in Chicago at the time) called me up and talked me into meeting him there to race four years ago on a whim. We have done it together every year since. Every year we have bettered our times. Every year we talk more people into doing it for the first time. This year Sean Pease came out with us for his first tri race ever. John Kinghorn made the trip for the second year in a row too. It was great. We all had great times. We all had personal best times. It was my first short course or "sprint" of the year an so I was curious if I could ramp up my speed for the short course. All of my training this year has been more focused on the half iron course. The weather was perfect for the entire race. I was able to do better then I expected. Looking at my race times from this year I though I could come in about 12th overall. Waupaca raced 575 this year and I was able to come in 9th overall, second in my age group. My swim (.5mi) was good. My bike (20mi) is my weak point, but I did not give up too much time on it. My run (3.1mi) was better than I expected, running under 6:20 min miles. Waupaca is a great race in a great town, on a perfect setting. Right after the race it's pack up and drive home and start to get ready for our Canadian visitors in two days.

Jayson, Jen and their kids Renee and Nolan drove the 16 hour drive down Tues the 19th. They made it as far as Alexandria and their van's transmission decided to give up. So I left home for Alex at 10:30pm to help. Got to Alex at midnight and we decided to pull them home slowly on Hwy 55. Four hours later we arrived home. Our Canadian visitors had arrived. It was so exciting for us to have them down. We had a such a good time, it was a pleasure to spend time with them in and around our home. The van's problems were covered under warranty.
Their first day Wed. we did a noon Twins game then Jay and I golfed 9 holes with John Kinghorn at Daytona.
Thurs morning they went shopping into the afternoon and then Jay and I went golfing again 9 holes at Fox Hallow with the Dayton gang, a group of guys that golf every Thurs. during the season. It was my first time golfing with them this year and it was fun to introduce Jay to everyone.
Fri was more shopping for them at Cabalas and after that we had a fantastic dinner at Buena Siera with my folks and Pa pa Dom. Gret food and great company.
Sat more running around to get ready for a good ole' dayton party at our house that night. Lawn games snacks and refreshments. Great weather and great company.
Sunday a long drive around town and the lakes then a great afternoon at mom and dad's on the river.
Monday was the big State Fair day. They picked this week to come for the fair and we had perfect weather for that.
Tues the girls did their thing and Jay, I and the Swenson brothers golfed 18 at Edinburgh. I left a lot of balls there!
Wed. was the end of a great week with a great dinner at the Swensons. What a wonderful time! What a wonderful week! They were off for home Thurs.

What a great month! Two exciting races with great friends and great weather. Having Jen and her family down for the first time was exciting beyond words. We got to do a lot in that week. Since then I have been mostly grinding through the days. I was getting sick during their stay. The change of sleep, diet and training (none) really hit me. When I stopped after work Thurs my body started to crash and has not yet recovered. Today is Sat and I fought a sinus infection/migraine all day. It was all worth it! I hope tomorrow is my bounce back day. I will try to get out for a run or bike or both tomorrow. I must be realistic about next Sunday and the Square Lake Tri. I wanted that to be my pinnacle race of the year. I'm not sure that I will race now though. I am happy with the races I have had this year and I have not really trained since Waupaca on the 17th. Square Lk is a half Iron and I do not want to risk injury. I know I could do it but I don't trust myself to do it easy. I know I would push and I don't know that my body would handle that well after all this fun and then being sick for the past five days.
I also need to think about Boston next April. I don't want to exhaust my self now and be flat coming into training for that race.
Our family has been so blessed in this busy month. Bijou is getting so big and smart. She was a nut for the rides at the fair and had a blast with her Canadian cousins. Armond is doing great. What a great baby. The smiles melt your heart. He is going to look just like mom. I dare say he has is grandpa Victors smile.
So blessed!

Summer Break

2008-08-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

What a journey since the half-iron race in Racine. The following week I got in a short recovery run and bike in. I have been pretty consistent in Wednesday night swims on the river. Outside of that this Sunday the 3rd was the first real training I have done in two weeks. I know my body probably is better off for it, but I have really missed the routine.

Angel, John Kinghorn and I , did something new on Sat the 26. We swam in the 22nd annual Minnetonka Swim Challenge. It is a 5 mile swim from Excelsior Bay to Wayzata Bay. John did the first 1.7 mile leg. Angel did the second 2.2 mile leg and I repeated the same as Angel. I was very curious as to how I was going to handle a 2 mile swim. I loved it. We all did our best to remain calm, get the most out of each stroke and not think about anything else. It was great. I have put alot of extra effort into the swim this year and I really am beginning to love it.

The other thing that has gotten us to put training on hold is rebuilding mom and dad's deck at their house. Remodel projects always take twice as long as you think they are going to go. This one is just a bit worse than that. I have really enjoyed the work but the project is really getting long. It will be beautiful after it is done.

So all last week was, finish work go strait to the deck. Janet would bring the kids and work till 9pm or so. So today I got up early with Erek Swenson to start training again. 30 mile bike and 4mile run. I loved it. Great to be in the saddle again. But man am I tired now.

Janet I and the kids had some fun with the Swenson's at the local Dayton church fund raiser festival Sat. night and Sunday afternoon. Janet and I finally got to church Sunday morning too. It is her first day back to work Monday :( She has done such a great job with the kids and our exciting schedule. Now we try to balance her 30 hours a week into it.

Next Sat another Tri. Green Lake by Spicer MN. with the Swenson clan. The following weekend Waupaca.
Fun fun fun.

Ready set Racine!

2008-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

New weekend, new race. I had signed up for the Racine half ironman last Dec. Long before any thought of doing Lifetime with TNT. Angel Colon-Perez from last years Disney race signed up for it and I thought it would be fun to try it with him.

Janet and I were nervously excited for the six hour ride with the kids in our new, used Honda Pilot. We left Friday afternoon for the Sunday race. Angel and I wanted Saturday to relax and prepare for our first Half Iron.
Saturday started off calm but as the day went on things got testy. Thankfully Angel and I kept calm as problem after problem arose. Everything from 55 degree water temps for the swim to forgetting things to car trouble. It was a great mental test to stay calm before race day.
Half Iron's are a 1.2 mile swim, this one in Lake Michigan. 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run. Race day came and our start time was delayed an hour because of fog. Visibility from bouy to bouy was poor at best but they started the race anyways. Getting through the swim was the hardest thing I have done racing or training thus far. Interestingly enough it was a positive key for the rest of the mental portion of the race. Once I got out of the water everything else seemed easy compared to that cold water.

Coming off of the Lifetime race I was planning on only giving what I had left for this race. Lifetime and Square Lake in Stillwater Sep. 7 are the races that I really want to focus on. As I settled in for the bike I reminded myself to keep it comfortable. As the miles piled on my legs felt stronger and stronger. The guys I was around were great and the course conditions were perfect. I was very happy with the outcome of the bike portion, but was worried that I had spent too much energy during the bike.

The run was a double loop, part of it was along the lake where the swim was. As I ran along and looked out at the swim buoys I was just thankful to be out of the water and was encourage to know that running today was much easier. I got through the first loop all right and felt confident that I could keep the same pace for the second. The sun had just come out for the run and it was really heating up! People were really starting to overheat and run out of energy. I stuck to my nutrition plan and cooled off at the water stops to keep from overheating. The last four miles were a challenge but when I got to the last three I picked it up . My thoughts were to get done so I could see my family at the end. Each race gives me different but strong thought to focus on at different points of each race. The points that stood out on this race were Adam, my TNT teammates and races and all the generosity that has kept me racing for such a great cause. McKenna, our honored teammate for my marathon last Jan. She lost her battle with cancer at the age of 10. And at the end of the run this time was thankfulness for my family. What a blessing , it is beyond words to explain how blessed I feel.

Race results are posted here. Scroll down to 158 th
http://www.hfpracing.com/results.php?eventid=40&raceid=100

Race of a Lifetime

2008-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Four months of training complete and race day has now come and gone. The Lifetime Tri was an amaizing spectacle to witness. It all took place around Lake Nicomas with over 3000 racers. My motivation for racing was to honor Adam on his birthday by raising funds for the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society. This was my fourth race with TNT. Training and fund raising as a group has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. This season was espically special with the race on such a special day, Adams B-day.
Our team was about 120 racers strong. Together we raised over $300,000 to help in the fight against cancer.
The weather was perfect for the race, with the wind holding off until most of the field was finished. It was a long day, arriving at the transition area at 4:30am to set up and get ready. My wave did not get off into the water till closer to 8:30 or later. Two hours and twenty minuets later I was in after having a smooth confident race. The swim was very comfortable. The bike felt strong, and the run was the mental challenge.
I was honored to share my story about Adam to the team before the race. It was such a blessing to communicate to the team my love for him, and my experience of life, death and what has transpired since then to the group. There were many tears, but my point of my talk was to inspire! To CHOOSE to race for bigger reasons, to be inspired by things bigger than yourself. Reminding myself of that and getting all that emotion out really helped me to keep it together during and after the race. I know Adam was proud of what happened. Not because of how I finished but rather how I trained and fund raised. It is the example that you lead with and the lives you touch along the way that matter. Race day is such a small part of bigger picture. I know that Adam sees that perspective completely in the presence of God. I want to honor him by doing my best to share hope in the midst of struggle. To share the bigger picture.
Results are posted here http://www.peaktiming.com/2008LTF/searchreturn.asp

Schedual of Events

2008-06-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Since March, I recall looking forward to July, week after week, trying to imagine what it was going to be like having a new baby in our lives. The due date is June 27, the races are July 12 and 20. What was it going to be like? I have dedicated a lot of time over the past four months to being ready mentally, having things ready around the house, and physically for the races. But when the baby comes what would happen? Would birth be smooth? Would we pay for the easy baby that we had with Bijou and get a new one with an attitude? Would I be able to sleep? Keep up with the house projects? Get another swim, bike or run in? I really prepared for it. If that's what you get, then that is the challenge you are blessed with, what ever that is. Well I can now answer that question after a week of experience.

Armand (Arm-nd) Andrew Prest was born last Sunday the 22nd at 10:13am after 11 hours of labor. Mommy was amaizing. She handled things well even when thing didn't go exactly as expected. I am so proud of her for being so brave and confident. Eight pounds, seven ounces, twenty-one inches, all boy. It is different the second time. You know what to expect more so there is a bit more comfort but knowing more made me more emotional. I was so taken by the process of everything this time. So proud of Janet for enduring so much over the past 38 weeks and for finishing so strong. When you hear that first gasp of air and the cry that follows it changes you forever. From that moment to now things are different. We are a "family" now. Not just Janet, Andrew and Bijou. It just feels like so much more to me. I didn't expect it. It just feels great.
Wanting to get home as soon as possible for Bijou, we spent just one night in the hospital. Night one was naturally nervous and not completely smooth. We had to learn what he liked and how he would eat and all that good stuff. Night two was better. Night three through tonight has been better than could ever be expected. He eats two to three times over night, and just gives a half cry-grunt when he is ready to eat. Keep the dipper clean and he is one content baby.
Bijou has been super. We have been letting her take her time warming up to him. She has been very excited to point out "baby" from the start. Every day she helps out more and more. Bringing his blanket or pacifier or helping to "genitally" burp new brother. Occasionally giving a hug or kiss. She has been handling the shift of attention very well thus far.
So all the questions that I had about things around the house and training and such have been great so far. I have no problem dropping any of those things if need be. My joy comes from the blessing that God has given me. The biggest ones in my life are my wife and my children. If I need to give them all my attention then they have it, no question. Being able to get a decent nights rest and having wonderful help from grandma and grandpa and our close friends bringing meals and such, I have been able to get in about seventy percent of my workouts this past week. Much more than I could have expected. I even got to clean the garage for the first time this summer today, with Bijou's help of course. What a helper!
Tonight was Armand's first pontoon ride on the river with the family. What a blessing that everything has been going so well. One day at a time, we do what we can.
What an adventure! How amaizing it is to be on this side of the calender. For the longest time it looked so far away and now we are her. What a blessing.

New Day

2008-06-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

Since the Buffalo Tri it has been fun keeping up on all the "summer" things going on. So far mostly projects. This year we built a new dock for mom and dads place to keep better tabs on the pontoon. Of course it took much longer than I expected. It's in now and the boat and the pontoon got in just in time to enjoy for fathers day.
Bijou continues to make life joyful. She is getting fast and smart. It is amaizing to see her grow. It's hard to see her as a toddler now but she is. Nothing terrible about it yet though. She is challenging us in some ways but she is receptive when we calmly talk to her. What a joy parenting is!
Janet is on the home stretch now with our son. She thinks it is going to be this week sometime. The doctor agrees that it could be any day. Her pregnancy has been great. She is so amaizing, what a joy it is to be by her side through such an amaizing experience. The leading name we have so far is Armand. Armand is Janet's dads middle name given to him from his grandfather who was the first settler into Canada from France. Armand Fendelet We looked it up and it means "war", it is where we get the word Army from. We are not nuts about that part but it is certainly a strong name. I never thought I would have the "creative" kid names but we surly do. Bijou is so fitting for her and Armand sounds pretty good with Bijou. We pray for a smooth experience bringing him into the world but pray for courage to handle what every situation we experience.
Training has been a bit secondary to getting everything else done. I will excuse it as a good for a change of pace and muscle recovery. From here out I am going to do my best not to skip many workouts. Lifetime is just a month away and Racine (half Iron) is just 5 weeks. I am not quite ready for the half Iron but if I get in the majority of my long workouts I will do just fine.

Beautiful Buffalo

2008-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a race day. They come in all varieties. This one just happened to be the picture perfect weather day. Buffalo has a great park setting on a hill over looking the lake. It dose not make for an easy race but it is great to hang out in after the race.

It was great to see so many familiar faces from TNT. Both past and current team mates. It is a bond like no other at a race. What a feeling to know that those people are there supporting you and cheering you on. Wes and Erek did fantastic in their first race. Erek cruised through like a seasoned athlete, wondering if he could have pushed harder. Wes found out that nerves play a huge part on race day. He, like me in my first race, hit the water and his heart rate jumped. As the champ he is, he knew he just had to keep moving forward, how ever he could. Of course after he got out of the water he burned up the bike and the run.
I was able to talk the race director into bumping me into the longer Olympic course last second. For some reason the mile swim looked shorter to me than it did at Disney. That is a great place to be in mentally going in. As my group went into the water I got in front and for the first time stayed in front. This was my first race with a wet suit and I felt really comfortable in it. My focus was to stay relaxed and consistent. No push, just relaxed and consistent long strokes. Before I knew it I was on the beach on my way to the bike. Not dizzy like all the other races coming out of the water. It was a proud moment for me to stay in my swim stroke from start to finish. 22 minuets in the water 9 minuets faster than Disney!
The bike was good. I did not feel strong in it, but I was happy with it. The competition was crazy good. This was my best bike ever, averaging 21.5 mph on a hilly course. That was good enough for 109th out of 357 competitors. I was happy but man the field was fast!
The run felt good too. I wanted to push harder because my heart rate was calmer than I usually see in a race but I know I could not push my legs any more than I was. That is a good sign for future training. It was difficult to let people pass but I knew it was wiser to let it go and enjoy my pace in this race. All that said it was my fastest 10k race pace yet. I finished 51st overall in the run with a 6:48 min mile pace.
In total my final finish time of 2:18:18 for the Olympic course was very satisfying. 58th of 357 finishers. I can't thank my coaches, Mike and Bob for the focus and technique that they have given me this year. They sacrifice so much to coach for TNT, we are lucky to be part of their team.
My focus during the race was a mix of specific POSITIVE things. In the water it was great memories of Adam and I. On the bike it was all the people that have supported my races and been so generous. I will always be inspired by all that support. When the bike got tough, I thought about Janet and our coming son. I though of how I want to be a father that my son can look up to even when I'm in my later years. In the run I always think about McKenna who was our honored team mate for the Phoenix marathon for TNT. McKenna lost her fight with cancer before the race and I will always do my best to honor her in my runs. All of those thoughts cross my mind through the entire race but my focus usually is stronger in those areas. When the going gets tough, I focus on the pain that Adam and so many others have to endure with cancer. The pain in these little races is nothing compared to that. I want to honor them and their courageous spirit when I train and when I race.

Buffalo Race Prep

2008-05-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a race prep night. Wes, Erek, Angel, and I signed up for the Buffalo Tri Sunday June 1

I am excited for the first tri of the season. It will be a "warm up" race for me. I want to focus on the details. I am well aware that I do not have much of a half throttle in competition so I am committing to going into each event slowly and then building as I go. I want to pay attention to technique and most of all avoid injury!
Erek, Wes and I have swam the frigged open waters Fri night and Sat afternoon. It is a different feel epically when the water temp is just above 55. These were my first swims with a Tri wet suit. It gives a completely different feel. Better but different. The big issue will be the transition having to change out of it. I want to get very smooth at this because I will be using my suit in most if not all of my tri's this season.
I will do my best to up date as soon as I can.

Alaska Training

2008-05-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Training has brought us to Alaska this past weekend. It was life training at it's finest. Bijou did a fantastic job on the 5 hour flight. It is always handy to have grandpa, grandma and Auntie along. We made the 2 hour car ride from Anchorage to Soldotna in about 3 hours, lots of stopping. Alaska is amaizing. It is seemingly never ending beauty. I hope to get some pictures up but no time tonight.
Our tour of the school was great. So many great things are happening up there. The ministry that they are doing up there is very creative and needed. Janet and I are prayerfully considering jumping into it someday. God is doing amaizing things in the lives of the native people there.
Training has become a vital part of life for me. It has given me a positive place to process all thing in life that need thought. Naturally training up there was a necessity. There is such a connection made when you get up early to spend time in out in the raw elements. The Alaskan terrain was just that much more amaizing. We arrived Thursday and I was able to swim early Friday in the Keni High School pool. What friendly people and a great pool I might add. It was a misty rainy morning but it let up just enough after the swim for me to get a 30 min run in when I got back to the Hill's house, where we were staying. I wanted to run at an easy pace but the surrounding were so exciting I found it hard to keep it slow. A long hill was at the half way point and I couldn't resist pushing to the top. I found out first hand just how important nutrition is. I did not bring any of my protein, vitamin / recovery stuff. Much sustained soreness followed after my workouts, not typical. So important! Saturday morning we packed up our rental van and headed to Seward, a little harbor town on Resurrection Bay. We had been there in 01 and had to visit it again. What a treat. Sunday morning Bijou woke up at 5 am and Janet decided to stay up and give her a bath before breakfast so I took off for a hour run up the bay to the end of the road. Imagine starting the run on the docks with fishing boats, a big cruise ship and tour boats galore. Past the boat docks you jump on a walking path that takes you along the water past the town to a dirt road that follows right on the water. Water directly in the left and sheer mountain's climbing to 8-10,000 foot peaks to the right. As you run along waterfalls stream off the mountains and the sun reflects off the snow high on the tops. As I got further from the town I see a small object cruising along the shoreline. It's not every day you run along side a sea lion. I'm sure it wasn't every day he swam along side a runner. He followed me for about 20 yards or so and kept to the area he was in. Later down the road I happened upon a pair of sea otters. More curious than the sea lion, they really cruised along the shore line to check me out. Just beautiful, graceful creatures. What a treat! Down to the end of the road at Lowell Point where some beautiful ocean cabins were built on stilts along the shoreline. Turning around into the sunrise was a treat. Along the road back the pair of otters were gone but my sea lion was still cruising the shoreline. He was less interested in me this time but it was still a treat to run by. My legs were pretty tired buy the time I got near the hotel. I have never run that early before and without breakfast first, I was past empty. A one hour run for the history books! A quick breakfast and on the road back to Anchorage. Another 2 hr car ride of breath taking views.
A quick 5 hr flight back to Minnesota and that wrapped up a quick Alaska trip.

What a treat!

North to Alaska...

2008-05-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

The rush is on. Thanks to Sun County's great last minute specials Janet, Bijou, Mom, Dad, Jayna and I are heading to Alaska to visit Mark Hill in Soldotna Alaska. It's Janet's last week to travel before the baby. Adam drove up with Mark (an old collage buddy) the summer of 06. When he got back he said that someday we would have to see it. That some day is this weekend for us. Janet and I were in this area in 01 and really look forward to seeing the school that Mark is running up there. If you are interested in checking out the school go to http://aecak.org

Training over the past week has been tiring. After the half marathon I felt pretty good. The day after I went on a long bike ride with and old team mate (Angel Colon-Perez) from the Disney tri last year. This year he is doing the Madison Ironman. Big time crazy! Sunday was his light bike day so I decided to join him. Three hours and 48 miles later we were done. Probably a bit much after a half marathon race. None the less, I was careful training this week not to over due it. luckily my half-iron training schedule is on a "recovery week" where you ramp down from a four week ramp up period. GOOD TIMING!

Tonight we had a team swim. It was a big night for most of us. The workout was a few short warm ups, then a half hour continuous swim. My longest continuous (staying in the freestyle the whole time) swim by double. It was a great mental challenge to get through the mental/physical fatigue that comes and goes. Holding your stroke and focusing on long efficient technique is a great challenge. I was right around 2000 meters in the long set. A mile is 1750, what a confidence booster! I'm sure it gets easier the more you do "long swims" like that. It is such a great feeling to know I can do it. I have been working on my swim the hardest over the past two months and it's really paying off. Erek and Wes have thankfully taken to the swim much faster that I did. I am very proud of their progress. They have accelerated at an amaizing pace and the race is still over a month and a half away.

One of the reasons the swim was a great success is because our coaches challenged us before we started the long set to focus on why we are training. We went around and each of us named the person/s we are training in honor/memory of. It is not an option for me to quit or complain when you are focused on those who are fighting cancer or have passed on because of it.

PERSPECTIVE! we all need it.

Maple Grove Half

2008-05-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I had the great fun of racing the first ever Maple Grove Half Marathon today. Erek and Laura Swenson signed up first and then myself, Sean Pease and Wes Aldinger. It was a blast running with so many friends again. Everyone did fantastic! The weather was perfect 60's with a light wind. The course was unexpectedly hilly but we all had biked it in preperation for the race. 656 people finished. Mr Wes Aldinger got the number three for his race number and in his first half he took 3rd in his age group to take home a medal. What a work horse. Erek and Sean finished super close together 85th and 87th overall. Laura raced her first race in quite some time and did great finishing 325 in the female division.
I personally had a good race. I was fortunate enough to run with a great guy. We enjoyed a similar pace and chatted through the edtire race. His name was Ben and I was thankful for him because I worked through side cramps through half the race. I learned an important lesson on something I preach all the time. Never change anything on race day. I chose to run with a sports drink that I only had bike trained with. Not good for running. My conversation with Ben kept my mind off the discomfort and crossed the line with nothing left at the finish. Along the entire race I could hear someone not far behind us. I expected that person to pass me in the final stretch because I had nothing left to push at the finish. After I got across the finish I turned around too see my good friend Wes! In his first race he finishes right on my tail. So in the 30 something category he took 3rd and I took second. That is in part due to the first and second 30 something finishers took 2nd and third overall in the race and so are not eligible for the age group medals. 11th overall at 1:29:25.

As fun as the race was Janet and Bijou waiting for me at the finish. Playing with Bijou and cheering everyone else in was a fantastic delight.
Next race June 1 Buffalo MN. Wes and I are doing the sprint tri!

Spring Flowers

2008-05-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

There are so many things poppin' up around here it's like the trees and flowers popping outside. If you are here to see the BABY POOL calender click on the post in the archive titled BABY POOL!.

I had a busy weekend of training and family fun. Saturday morning was the TNT group bike ride in Afton. 24 miles of hills, hills and more hills. Mix in two flat tires for me and that makes for a personally challenging day mentally and physically trying to catch the pack. Good times. Sunday was eventful. Fantastic church service with Janet and Mom. After the service I got a hour swim in and then went to the store to relieve mom from working on mother's day. She was not scheduled but someone called in sick and dad needed help. Eventually we got to enjoy a great home cooked meal with Erin and Adison at mom and dads.

Bijou is growing as fast as the grass outside. Taking care of her babies. Cuddling them with her blankie and feeding them, putting them in our baby swing that is back out now. Kitties and babies are her thing. What a joy to see her little personality blooming.

If you haven't done it all ready. Get in the BABY POOL! The dates will fill up quick the closer we get. Click on the Archive BABY POOL and see what's available. E-mail me the date you want, or just comment on the bottom. Make your donation, and your in! Help us get the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to their goal this year of raising one billion dollars in their 20th year of making a difference in the fight against cancer.

* * * * BABY POOL ! * ! * ! *

2008-05-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

Prest Baby Pool (Black and White = $10 / Red = $20)

JUNE

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15 Mark Hill ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	16 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	17 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	18 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	19 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	20 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ Suzanne G ___________	21 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ Mark Hill ___________
22 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	23 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	24 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	25 Tammy B ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	26 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	27 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	28 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ Misty W ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________
29 A: 12am-6am ___________ B: 6am-12pm ___________ C: 12pm-6pm ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________	30 A: 12am-6am ___________ Molly Sells ___________ Clark Sells ___________ D: 6pm-12am ___________

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God Blessed

2008-05-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

I survived "the great Bijou move." The initial shock was a bit strong. Bijou decided to wake up from her peaceful sleep just before Janet walked in the door. I told Janet that I had a surprise for her when she got home. I was so excited, Bijou was in peaceful slumber and then she woke up, not happy. So Janet walks in and hears her baby crying. It took about 30 seconds and the look on my face to realize where the crying was coming from. Not good. It did end up great though. We took our little one out to spend some time with mommy and after a while brought her back to her crib and she went back down like always. It's been roses ever since. She loves her room. Mommy loves that she is up there and the transition ended up great. The power of prayer works!

It is so exciting to have summer bearing down on us. Full of so many fun things, great weather, great traditions, busy with fun. I all most want time to slow down or stop. We have been enjoying so much of life, our precious little girl, Janet and the amaizing glow of pregnancy. So many fantastic friends to support us. I am so overwhelmed with all God has blessed us with.

Training is solid. I have had to skimp out on some suggested longer training stuff this week but we don't sweat the small stuff. We do what we can and enjoy what I can get in. Sometimes I can make it up.

Mommy left for a business trip today (wed) to Fri afternoon. It's only two nights but I must admit, I miss my sugar pie tons. I am getting so excited to experience the challenges of having two little ones! What a blessing it will be!

I meet with and old friend/mentor for lunch today and it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the major points of life since we had last really communicated. About thirteen years gone buy. Before our lunch I had some time to fill so I sat and charted out the major chapters of my life since then and how they have made me who I am today. What a great thing to do. I found myself writing "God's consistency" in every chapter. Good or bad. All learning experiences. All consistently moving me into the person I am today. So undeserving, so blessed!

May I See Good Weather?

2008-05-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

It's the end of another week. I did a lot of swimming this week. The program I am following for my first half Ironman (July 20) has me focusing on each of the events specifically at different times. I wish I could say that I found my swimming stride this week, but I did get a lot of conditioning.

The team TNT schedule has shifted it's Saturday morning training's to the bike instead of the run. You know, to take advantage of the good weather and all.....except there is no good weather to be found. So tomorrow morning I will be bundled up expecting rain and snow flurries at 8am down at Lake Calhoun. Seriously 37 degrees, yuck. I don't know how many times I have gone into bad weather training thinking that this one will be the last week of bad weather. My first Tri this season is the Buffalo sprint June 1! The ice came off last week! I did purchase a wet suit on clearance this winter, but I have a feeling were going to need a bit more than that.

Patience, and perspective, those are the key. This will make the good weather that much better.

A big day today in the house. Bijou moved into her room tonight. Mom and dad have been enjoying the convince of having her in our massive walk in closet. Before you think "crazy" it's bigger than the room I grew up in and it has two windows. It is the perfect situation for a baby. Number two is just about eight weeks out and we do not want Bijou to see the new baby coming in and signal a big change for her. So, we played all night moving all her books, stuffed animals and toys. She did a little whining for about 5-10 minuets at bed time (like normal) and as I have been typing she went out. It was a good transition for Bijou. Now the real test....mommy comes home soon and she didn't know that dad was doing this tonight. Now before you think I'm being insensitive I must say that Janet knew that we had to do it. Weeks ago for that matter. She just didn't ever want to do it. So, pray for me, that I make it though the night.

Geared Up

2008-04-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

I cant tell you how great it was today to bike and run in 70 degrees. Training has been great. I have been slowly ramping up my daily training schedule. I can easily say that I am in better all around tri shape now, than I was all of last year. Experience is a great teacher. Our TNT coaches for the big Lifetime Tri are fantastic. They have both done the grandaddy of Tri's the "Ironman." As great of a personal feat that is, I must say that their teaching strengths lie in bring those along who are learning how to swim, bike and run for the first time in their lives. It is such an honor to be part of a group that is focused on the groups success, rather than individual triumphs. It honestly inspires me to push harder on my own. So I have.

Last year I could not continuously freestyle swim without taking a break, for more than 300-400 meters. Yesterday I did 1000m continuous for the first time. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I believe 1750m is a mile, so I have a bit more to go, but I know I can get there. It is by far my weakest link. Biking is just starting to get going. I am happy where I am at. The bike is usually where the most time is gained or lost, so staying strong here is my goal. I am doing a 100 mile fun tour this Sunday called the MN Ironman Bike ride. I am doing it with some other TNT alumni so it should be a great day. The run has become my strong-point. I have been following a solid half-ironman training schedule for my July 20 race in Racine Wisconsin, and it has really excelled my running pace with little effort. In light training I am running one minute faster per mile than last year at my peak of marathon training last year. I have my first real test coming up in four weeks. The Maple Grove half marathon is going to be a fun test to see where we are at. A lot of good friends are doing this race and I am really looking forward to it.

Training is about 10 hours total during the week, so needless to say were pretty busy around here!

I Just Felt Like Running

2008-04-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

I was going to title this post perspective, both were fitting and in the end "I just felt like running."

We have not left the cold clutches of winter here in Minnesota. We are currently sitting in the path of a winter storm warning. By Sat. morning we should have 4-10 inches of snow. I continue to tell myself that it will just be a couple more day and it will all be behind us.

Life and training have been great. Janet celebrated her 33rd birthday for the second time yesterday! We had a lovely dinner at Benihana, just her and I. Date nights get shorter when you have to get a little one in bed. It's amaizing how wonderful life is in all of it's constant changes. God has been pressing perspective in my life now for a few years now. Striving for perspective is rather life changing, especially when you apply it to Gods desire for us to be happy.

I was looking back on my old training records, now that I am starting to bike again. The reality of last year hit me. Looking back now, it looks crazy. I could never do that again. I thought. The training is one thing. Couple in the scope of the fund raising and it gets pretty nuts. Last year I didn't give it a second thought, doors opened and I kept going. My perspective then was completely different. It looks to hard now. I could never do that again. But why? Mostly because I told myself I couldn't when I was thinking about it. Don't worry, I'm not going to fund raise for three consecutive races again. But it really got me to thinking about the power of the mind and the will of our spirit. Who is in control of those all important things. There was an amaizing example made in the sermon last Sunday at Open Door. Do we walk across the river of life on rocks that we have created, that we consider safe and good. Completely God, we claim. The rocks I stand on is certainly God. And then some thing comes along and knocks us off the rock and life stinks. Life is suddenly not fair. The river current got crazy and now your all wet and not happy. The point being, that often we unknowingly put our own spin on the rock that we stand on and when one thing or person dose something we don't like. SPLASH! When all along God is calling us to walk....walk on the water. We do such a good job of keeping things in a box. Espically God. Who is really in control. The true test is the things that we can't control. Is he really leading us. How do we react when the things that we don't like get in our way. Who's joy do we reflect then.

The more I see the more I realize that as Gods creation, His desire is for me to be happy, always. Obviously, there are many examples of pain and loss, and His heart breaks with ours. But outside of the pain. The day to day life, God want us to find joy and happiness in everything. He is in everything Good and we should take great pleasure in that. Even in time of hurt He is there, consistently offering goodness and grace. We choose to distract ourselves from His constant blessings. That is Godly perspective.

The last two days I was off from training. With the winter weather bearing down I really wanted to get in a long run. Six miles was on my mind and I got done with work just early enough to beat the snow. But I did not beat the rain. Now I will admit that 35 degrees and blustery, stinging wind with rain is not ideal running conditions. Yet my perspective has forever been changed by my experience. Running six miles in cold stinging rain is not pleasant, but neither is chemotherapy. I listened to our current "honored team mate," Eric tell our team before a swim a month ago how excited he was to have his last spinal tap, his third I think. The procedure was the next day, and he was excited!? Eric is 11 and he has done chemo, and all the rest. He has a smile on his face every time I see him and he is inspired by everyone who is fund raising for him. How can I not be inspired by Eric. I honestly can't look outside and see rain as something that should stop me from giving it my all.

My memories of Adam, and all he went through have changed me. I can't honestly look at rain or snow or cold and say that looks too hard. My perspective has changed. Because Adam was strong, because Dan was strong, because Brenden is strong, because Elliot is strong, because Eric is strong, because McKenna was strong, I will always train strong. I will always finish strong. I completely enjoyed the rain today. Do you seriously think that there are not a million people out there that would love to have the ability to run period. And rain should stop me? It was hard, and at times unpleasant, but as I ran I remembered that all those I run in honor of and in memory of, do not have a choice. I do, and I will choose action. I will continue to fight with them. As the many memories poured through my mind on my run today I felt drawn to go up to Adams memorial. I rarely go there. It is just .37 miles away. He is not there, but today I went up to finish my run there. There is nothing in the world like a head stone. It represents finality. I broke down in emotion as I approached the stone and fell to my knees in the rain. On that head stone is a river and it winds along the front of the stone. I am thankful to be reminded what an amazing man he was, and how blessed we all were to have him in our lives. I am glad that there is a river on that stone reminding us that life is constantly changing and this is not the end.

Every moment matters, find Joy in it all! The book of James is filled with how to do it. Sit and listen some time. Find your perspective.

Canadian Cousins

2008-03-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

We had some visitors from the far north this week. Janet's cousin Rose and her daughter Cathrine paid us a visit from Sat to Thurs morning. It was my first time meeting the two of them because they have lived in BC for as long as Janet and I have been together. It was so exciting to have part of her family here. We had fun showing them what we could of Minnesota, bad spring weather and all. Easter dinner with mom and dad. The Mall of America. Mystic Lake. Ikea. Fort Snelling. Dinner at Benihana. Costco. Movie in Maple Grove. Dave and Busters. I know is was very exciting for Janet as for me also.

We are officially two months into training for the Lifetime Fitness tri on July 12. The coaches have had us on a great light schedule to build a base for the coming increase of activity. I myself, along with Erek Swenson and Wes Aldinger (team mates) have been putting a lot of extra time in on the run in preparation for the Maple Grove half marathon on Sat May 17. I have put on 90 miles since Feb and I am starting to work on improving my tempo.

Swimming is coming along slowly. I am very happy with my progress, but I am starting from ground zero in terms of technique and breathing. My test now is keeping my technique while building endurance. Coach Mike and Bob have been so great and patient. Coaching 75+ people per week in a pool, with skill levels all over the board, can't be easy but they are fantastic.

I just got my bike back from coach Bob this week. He has had it since the Nov's century ride in Tucson. He had to alter it quite a bit for it to be "road worthy" for that race since tri bikes were not allowed. I am excited to possibly get out Sunday for the first ride of 08. I am quite behind in bike training, but no worries.

More importantly my spiritual training is back on track. I started meeting with some close guy friends on Sunday nights to study the book of James from the New Testament. I can't tell you what an enormous encouragement it has been to be back in the Word. God has carried me through so much this past year. I have had my life on "cruise" attempting to be more patient, healing from the loss of Adam. I know that process will continue until I join him some day, yet clearly He has called me to a season of growth now. It is so much more satisfying to be training for another race and challenging myself spiritually as well as physically. It is so remarkable to serve a God that is always consistent. I feel much more confident and at peace, and it has only been three weeks.

I look forward to a great season of physical and spiritual challenges. I have been so blessed by so much support once again with this TNT race. This year, with new races and new babies and watching our little Bijou growing up so quickly, I am excited to live each day to the fullest.

Imagine what will happen if each of us decides to reach just a little bit higher, to try just a little bit harder, to care just a little bit more. That's the power of one. – Gil Atkinson

Spring into action!

2008-03-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

And baby #2 is still three months away! Life is exciting around Dayton the past couple of months. We are doing our best to "adjust" ahead of the curve. Janet is working hard and adjusting at her new job (since last Nov) as an office administrator. Lots of new challenges. Thirty hours a week is more than enough. She went on her first business conference in the beginning of this month. Just Wed. thru Fri. in San Diego. I am very proud of her. It is definitely not skin care and make up. The little boy in her belly is an active lad. He lets her know he's there most all day long. She is amaizing. I was running the other day, thinking about races and training, and I began to marvel about how what she is going though is so much bigger than anything I could ever accomplish. I am so proud of her. She is my #1!

Bijou on mommy's old toy horse.

We celebrated Easter early this year because of vacations and what not. We had a fantastic day. Starting with our first church Sunday service that Janet Bijou and I had attended. We felt at home again with worship and the message was fantastic. It is so good to connect with the church again.
After church we meet up with Erin and Adison and headed down to Mary and Bills for Easter brunch. A relaxing afternoon and fantastic food as always.

Adison and Bijou getting Easter coloring presents.

Bijou is fantastic. Practically running. Picking up words here and there. Nose, eye, mouth, waffle, egg, hi, by, dog, puppy, and a hand full more. It is so incredibly exciting to watch her develop. She tries to sing with us and do actions to songs. I could go on and on. I am so excited to see her with her brother. She is going to be a fantastic big sister.

We purchased our new family vehicle. We happened upon a used Honda Pilot and purchased it. It is perfect for us. I am very excited to do lots of family stuff in our new vehicle. We are so blessed, life is so exciting. So very blessed by so many things.

Training with TNT has been great. Slowly working our way into heavier training. After the Lifetime Tri July 12, I have my first Half Ironman in Wisconsin July 20. My training for that will start in the next couple of weeks. Sean Pease and I ran our first race of the season. We raced in the "100% Irish for a day" race around Lakes Harriet and Calhoun in Minneapolis. Not just a 5k or 10k....A full 10 mile race. It was a great challange. It was much colder than it should have been, but way warmer than it has been. Race results are posted here http://andresonraces.com/Results/Irish10mrs08.htm

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. – Helen Keller

Thanksgiving in Feburary

2008-02-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I was trying on new shoes. My first "real" pair of running shoes have all but lost their support. I recall wearing out soccer shoes back in the "glory days," but wearing out a pair of running shoes gives you a real sense of accomplishment.

Saturday was our second team run at lake Calhoun. I have been taking the training very lightly lately. Schedules have been pretty tight for daily training, and honestly I have been enjoying being able to focus on other things. I found out Saturday that I need to get back into it soon. We break our team up into three running abilities on team runs, so to fit where everyone is at. I thought I had time to take things easy for a while. I found out differently on Sat when my group decided to work in sprints and hill sprints to our 3.5mile workout. I knew to keep things light but the more we did our sprints the more I wanted to get into it. The second hill sprint got me. I love hills, I love to attack them. I am not ready to do hill sprints. My heart rate spiked on the second one and never really calmed down much after that. Not a big deal. Rather frustrating though. I am thankful for the extra money I spent on a heart rate monitor last year. I know my threshold and I was able to monitor where I should have been. I lightly jogged out the rest of the run and felt good to know where I am at.

I am super excited about the group of guys that will be pushing me during this season. There is a group of about eight of us that will challenge each other to greater heights. So I'll have to get back into the swing of things soon or I'll get left in the dust.

The rest of life training has me in a season of thanksgiving. Spring is ready to start cracking its thick shell and that is certainly something to be thankful for. Most exciting is the places that God has brought me to in respects to relationships that are very important to me. These endurance events have showed me to be patient, and I have applied that to many things in my life. I have never been much of a patient person. I see good or bad, what ever I see I want to react to and take action. Life has shone me to be more sensitive when I am not the only one involved in any given situation. It is amaizing the things you learn when you really strive to be less of your self and more Christlike. Simple concept, but difficult to put into action. It requires giving up. There is nothing that can't be achieved when you honestly give up and look to God for guidance. I have found surrender to be the most powerful action I could ever take. I know that great things are in store.

I look ahead to the next 10 months of my life and I am excited. Excited for the good and the bad. I doubt that it will be a smooth ride, but it will be what I make it. I pray that it will have more evidence of Gods fingerprints than mine. One day at a time. Every day every moment I have a choice.

Winter Wait

2008-02-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

Training is back in swing. I am taking my time getting back into things. I went for my first run since the marathon last Sat. It felt great to run again. It felt even better to be training with TNT. This season of training will be very fun and different. The race is local and the team is 140 racers strong. I was curious how training would go with that many people, but it is fantastic. Our coaches have done a great job of handling all of us well and still are able to cater to all the different physical abilities. I can't say enough good things about TNT.

I am epically excited to be training with Erek Swenson and Wes Aldinger. It is extra special to be training with friends that know why I race and fund raise.

More than anything this time of year really challenges me mentally. Winter seems to drag on and the sun seems to hide more than anything. My challenges have been epically difficult this year. Loosing Adam is a difficult enough task to deal with, but when relationships in your life break down because of it, the adjustment becomes down right painful. It is interesting because loosing Adam was never painful to me, I don't think anyways? Adam understood exactly what was happening and he faced it with courage and only worried because he knew that his absence would be painful for others. I respect that, and it is what has inspired me to being better. My heart aches for him at times. I sometimes wonder what job he's working on when I see a Lakeland truck on the road and then remember that he's gone. That's weird. His faith never wavered and God comforted him and guided him through his cancer. I cannot be bitter about that. I hate cancer. I hate that any one of us is vulnerable to it. I hate that kids have to experience it. I know full well that life is not fair. So I don't expect much when it comes to the basics of life. I know that God will provide for me in any circumstance. The big picture is more important and Adam knew what that was. I am confident in what that is. I have seen amaizing things too many times to deny the awesome power of God. A loss like this is painful when your relationships around you break down. Not much in life goes according to "our plan," so why worry about it.

Healing comes with honesty and unity. Pain is born out of all of the things that honesty and respect do not represent. It is easy to have "issues" with one another when we solely focus in each other. We will always disappoint each other. That is to be expected. We are commanded to look to God for strength and wisdom and to focus on him for the answers. There is where we find forgiveness. I don't think that I take it seriously enough. I can't say that I have spent any extra time praying for situations like these in my life. I am foolish enough to sit and wait for thing to happen. I am confident that things will work out in due time.

Waiting is difficult.

Praying is what I need to do.

Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost. – Helen Keller

Oh Boy

2008-02-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Winter in Minnesota. This year had so much promise. Lots of snow early. Temperatures were not bad at all. What happened? There has not been too much to get excited about as of late, and that's not a bad thing. After the marathon I have not been out for any runs. The days that I could have it was -0. Just a couple of swims. Weekly broomball is enough fitness for now. So what is there to get excited about this winter.

For the Prest family it's the news that we will be bringing another boy into the family come June. My suspicions were were confirmed last Wednesday during the ultra-sound appointment. We are now 19 weeks along and have a healthy baby boy on the way. Janet has adjusted well to the news. She has been pretty nervous about having a boy but our friends and family have been calming her nerves that boys really are not that hard to raise :) She came from a family of four girls, so this will be an adjustment. We are very excited to have another baby coming into our lives.

Bijou is walking 90% of the time now. She has been taking steps since around Christmas and has taken her time to make it a full time thing. It is very fun to see her exploring her world at her new level and speed. Still an angel. Not too much for words yet. Happy all the time.

My summer training schedule just got better. It looks something like this. I am going to wing a 5k or 10k or half marathon in here or there. There is the Gear West Duathlon Sunday, May 18. It is a 5k run, 28k bike, 4k run. Good to get the race year going before the lakes defrost. I will probably find something to do in June supr of the moment (there is a baby on the way). I had thought I was going to take a year off of fund raising and not do a race for TNT. Then I went to a meeting with a friend and saw that the local Lifetime Fitness Tri is on Adams birthday July 12. So today I went to the season kick off party and signed up. It's a $2,100 frundraise and I don't have to travel. I really would have had a hard time going cold turkey from TNT anyways. I am very excited to be part of the team again and racing on Adams B-day. Sunday July 20 is the Spirit of Racine race. My first half Iron. 70.3 miles of swimming, biking and running. I am excited to challenge my endurance to a new level. August 16th is the annual sprint tri that I do with Clark and his uncle Steve every year in Waupaca Wi. I look forward to this race every year. If you are interested in trying a tri yourself this is the perfect race to get your feet wet on. To end the season Sep 7 is another half iron, Square Lake. It is a local race just north of Stillwater. Many "tri heads" rave about this race because of the clear lake water and challenging hill bike piece. I am looking forward to the challenge of this season as I ramp up to trying a full Ironman in 09.

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to race for TNT and the inspiration and support to push myself to greater heights, both physically and mentally. I am most excited to watching our family grow and hope that all this crazyness melds together as we go. If not, my hopes and dreams of these races can wait. Not every race is perfect and timing is everything.

Twenty-Six Point Two

2008-01-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

Event weekends for Team in Training are special. You train hard for months. Fund raise your tail off. Then before you know it your on a plane. Thankfully things are busy building up to the race. Meetings, race expo, and then my favorite, the pasta party. TNT throws a big banquet for all the racers, complete with fantastic speakers and great food. During the night you see the pictures of all the people from around the country that you are racing for. There are people we are racing in honor of and people we race in memory. Adams picture flashed at all three races and it hit me like a ton of bricks every time. It's just so crazy that he's gone. My emotions range from disbelief, that he's gone, to pride, "that's my bro, what an amaizing man." Each pasta party I made a choice to channel those emotions to good come race day.
This pasta party hit me extra hard because the weight and sacrifice of all three events hit hard. So many letters. So many inspiring responses. So many miles of training. I was there and the race was just hours away.

This was my first marathon, and I had no idea what to expect. I knew that I could run a good race but how good? I did the Las Vegas half Dec. 2 and finished 1:31, but that's half. I gave that race everything I had. That weekend was our honored team mate Mckenna's funeral. McKenna was just 10 and delt with cancer since she was two. She was a princess and loosing her really hit me hard. I didn't know her, but things like that shouldn't happen to kids. Parents shouldn't have to deal with burying a child. Reality is painful, life is hard and certainly not fair. I am thankful there is more that this life. I am thankful we have a choice to be better and not bitter.
I ran the Las Vegas half with all I had. After the race my legs felt weak. I knew that I would have to train a lot harder if I expected to do that for 26.2.
So I did. No skipping runs during the week. I followed my training schedule and come Phoenix my legs felt strong. My coach said that typically you can double your half marathon time and add ten minuets and that will give you a close finish time. I knew I had a chance. But what would happen after mile 20?

Everyone I have ever talked to about a marathon has always told me their horror stories about what happens after mile 20. Your body is trained for 20, it's after that when it gets tricky.
My race prep all weekend felt great. Food was good, sleep was good enough. Great focus and a new "race" hair cut, the mo-hawk. I felt fast anyways? I had written Adams name in big letters on my left forearm in black sharpie marker. On my right I wrote Dan (my mentor/pastor who was taken by cancer in 03). On my wrist was a pink silk "princess" bracelet that I tied on and on another bracelet I wrote McKenna. As a team we painted our finger nails and toe nails pink. I wimped out and just did my thumbs and pinkies. It still looked fast! I knew that when people would cheer for me I would raise my arms and they would see why I'm running. What a gift that turned out to be.
At each big race there are "pace" people that will finish exactly what their jersey sign says. So if you want a 3:10 time you run with that guy and you will finish at 3:10. That was my plan. Don't think just follow. I am a classic over-thinker so this is a good thing. Race starts and I felt good. The pace felt do-able....that was mile one. Mile two my shins started to feel tender. Mile three they felt hot. I was nervous.....keep running, pray it goes away. Mile four was better. Mile five better yet, but now I had to pee! I didn't want to stop once. Now I gotta go. I knew at some point I would have to take care of that because it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I was feeling really good at this point, (around mile 8) my plan was to pace ahead of the group for a while and quick go. I broke ahead slowly and when I got in front I felt great, strong, like I could keep going at that new pace for the rest of the race. Two problems, we wern't half way done and I had to pee. So I took care of my business by some bushes and watched my 3:10 group go right on by. I really had to go. Finally, done. I was about 100 yards back but I had no panic. I took my time and slowly caught back up. Feeling comfortable, back with the group, I started dreaming how great it felt pulling away, how strong my legs were. I started to wonder how soon was too soon to pull a head for good. Patience, just focus and run.
Man it was fun. There was a live band playing every mile and a school cheer leading squads in between each band. Every time people would see my name on my jersey and cheer me on I raised my arms to Adam, Dan and McKenna and it sent chills up the back of my neck every time. Focus, be smart, save your energy, mile 20 lay ahead!

13.1 came and I took mental stock on how I felt. Those questions of "when should I pull ahead" disappeared. Those thoughts turned into, "can I keep this pace and hold on to this group?" Around then I started to put my nutrition plan into play. I wore a race belt, loaded with 32 ounces of my Gatorade/power mix, and some gummy shot blocks and race goos. Over the next 8 miles I slowly ingested my calories and hydrated. Mile 20 came and I was good.
In the group I was running with were two big, shirtless, tattooed runners. They looked fast and intimidating, they made it look easy. I figured them for cocky runners that were too cool for everyone else. Over the miles they were great. Talking to everyone and making it look too easy. One other thing that caught my eye in our group was a guy that was wearing a real Florida Ironman race jersey. He was a bit older and built like a brick-house. All I know is, I wanna be cool like that.

So happy sticking with the group mile 22 comes and a group of 5 starts to pull ahead. Wouldn't you know. The two tattooed guys and the Ironman jersey were part of the group. I had a second to think about it......and I was gone.
At this point of the race I drew back to the century bike race. I remembered how important drafting was and I figured it could help here too. So I pulled in behind the group of five and pretended like I fit in. I kept my mouth shut and watched what they did. I studied their efficient strides (just like my coach Suzanne had explained earlier in the summer) and followed their lead. I knew I was taking a gamble and did my best to ignore my tired legs. When ever I began to pay attention to fatigue I immediately focused on old memories with Adam. All the adventures, laughter and projects. Eventually you loose that focus and the body reminds you that your tired. Immediately go to the amaizing memories of Dan Roelofs and all the things he taught me. Body flashes back and recall all the generosity and letters that encouraged me to get there. The promise I gave, to give it my all! Body fades back in "Leg's are getting tired here," immediately go to McKenna the reason our team is racing. Run for her memory and her parents in such a hard time of life. That really got me strong. I'm rarely the smartest guy in the room, but I know that running is easier that loosing a child. There was no room for weakness. I will run strong!

Mile 23 a hill is coming. I'm running the loop in my head and the guys are talking about how we were on pace to come in at 3:07. Holy %#@*! I couldn't believe that I was with them, but I was. But slowly I was dropping. They were really picking it up. So, keep pretending and do your best. I'm at this point, back a good 7-8 strides, and one of the tattooed duds slowly drops back. He gets back to me and says "all-right?" I replied "All-right is a good word......you?" He says "yea, I'm just all right....thought I would drop pace a little bit.....you good with that?" I wanted to scream in celebration! I replied "Yea, I guess I could drop a bit."
Guess I could drop a bit?! I was all ready dropping. And here this guy just happens to do it at the same time. I have to say, I do not find this a to be lucky or happen-stance. This happened in all three of my races and all at the crucial gut check times of all three races. I praise my God and King for that stuff because He knew exactly what I needed.
Mile 24 over the bridge. I trained on hills every day, no bother right, but now it's a hill on a 26 mile run. I go back to my mental loop and think about my amaizing wife and our little girl. What a gift! I draw off the little baby growing inside Janet and think it may be a boy. I have to set the bar high. Can't slow up now, gotta set the bar high! Mile 25 took forever. Mentally you know it's over soon but you can't see the finish yet. I hated the end because it was one turn after another and no sight of the finish. Finally someone says, "three more turns and the final stretch." I looked for something left in my tank. I saw empty. I was proud, you never want extra for the final stretch. My coach said from the Disney tri, "If you can sprint for the finish you didn't give enough earlier, make sure you have nothing left. Leave it all on the track!"
I did, I stretched out my stride and picked up what little I had left. My airway got tight as I came down that final stretch. I did not get passed and I raised my arms in joyful triumph as I crossed the finish line.

The phrase I would use to describe how I felt at the finish line is "mentally wiped out." I made it I used everything I had within me, and now I'm done. The emotions of the summer rushed. The emotions of the race flooded. The hole in my heart felt huge. I didn't know where to go or what to do. Race helpers looking at me asking "is everything ok?" Of course I'm ok, I'm done. But my brother is still gone, Dan is gone, Mckenna is still gone. I turned the corner and slouched over a fence and sobbed.
Eventually someone came over and asked if I was going to be all right. I replied, "Oh yeah, it's my first time, and that was a strong finish!"

Finish time 3:08:38
205th / 6489 overall
pace 7:12

I miss you bro!

That is worth running for, training for, fund raising for. We are making a difference. Get excited, Get involved! http://www.teamintraining.org/
If you don't have time to get involved and you want me to keep going. Click on the link at the top of the page.

3:10 to Boston

2008-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Marathon weekend.....where do I begin. I just have time to give the quick update. The final event for me this season was the Phoenix Marathon this past Sunday. The weight of so many things encompassed it. At times I felt very overwhelmed but I knew that if I focused properly that I could us it to run a great race.
I had a great time getting to know everyone on the team better, many of them I had never meet for one reason or another. All in all I was very impressed with everyone on the team and very proud that everyone was a finisher. A Hero! A difference maker! I am so proud to be a part of that group!
Our chapter raised close to $100 thousand dollars for cancer research and support. All chapters in total at the race (2000 + racers) raised 3.6 million dollars over the season and that weekend! That is worth running for, training for, fund raising for. We are making a difference. Get excited, Get involved! http://www.teamintraining.org/
I may have run the race of my life because of the things and people that inspired me to run. I promise to share the details of my race because honestly, there was more to it than just my legs moving. My finish time was 3:08:38. That put me 205th overall out of 6489 finishers. 162 out of males and 30th in the age class 30-35. My pace was 7min 12 second miles on average. And I honestly have goosebumps thinking about the amaizing experience it was.
I can honestly say it was the most physically and mentally demanding thing I have ever done, and if anything was different that day the results would have been very different.
I am so proud to have honored Adam, McKenna and Dan in this race.
I can honestly say "I gave it my all" to everyone who supported me with your generous gifts and thought, letters and prayers. THANK YOU for getting me there!

I will share pictures and the amaizing thought and details soon!

Golden Birthday!

2008-01-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Golden Birthday Bijou!

I'm hoping that the phrase, "better late than never" applies. It has been a very busy two weeks around here and I have wanted to get this up since the first, but sacrificing sleep before the big race is not a prudent thing. I must say that Bijou's birthday was very special. Janet and many helping hands worked hard to make it special.
Our theme, being a new year baby, and her name meaning jewel, was "JEWELS."
Pretty original, I know. Crowns, rings, necklaces and other pretty things.
Bijou got in a good afternoon nap and we were ready to party!

My two princesses.

Eventually she forgot about the crown on her head.

Grandma can always get a big smile!

She loved her card's, and sat very patiently while we read to her.

She lover her hat she got from auntie Erin.

Her favorite toy was "Elmo's world cart" from The Bone family. Derby, Brad and Amy
She still can't get enough of it!
Lots of help from Derby and cousin Adison.

Time for the cake!

The moment Janet was fearing. She loved SUGAR!

There is literally nothing she dose not like to eat. And cake was no exception. She was a two fisted little princess once she hit that chocolate cake!

Eventually we had to stop her or I'm pretty sure she would have finished the entire thing.

What a special time it was. It was so neat to see her with everyone who was there. We have been so blessed with Bijou and the special relationships that have blossomed because our precious little girl. Life is so precious, it was before, and it is now. We have experienced so much in the past two years. From deep loss to blessed life. It is so important to give each day, each moment perspective. We serve an awesome, gracious God, who gives us the ability to endure the darkest of valleys, to the most joyful mountain peaks.

Everyday is a chance for new beginnings!
Happy Birthday!

Good Tidings of Great Joy!

2007-12-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful Christmas 07 was. Not too cold and beautiful white blankets of snow. I remember when Adam and I were young, it would have been non stop madness in the snow. Sledding, snowmobiling, forts, jumping off the roof or just laying there in the snow and catching snowflakes on your tong. A winter with snow brings back wonderful memories of non stop action.

This year brought the same non stop action, just a different variety. Daily work for Janet and I, then it was run training for me. Janet shopping every chance she could get. At night, relaxing and playing with the babe. Both of us helping mom and dad at the store as much as we could. The year at the store was a good one. Snow is not a good recipe for great sales, but they had a good season non the less.

Christmas Eve was celebrated back at Mary and Bills this year. It was a fantastic relaxing night, with great food, fun conversation and 0f course the presents. Over the past year Bill (artist bill) worked on a drawing of Adam and I as cowboys. It is the most touching, amaizing characture drawing I have ever seen. The flood of emotion was so amaizing I could barely even cry, it is so full of what we were. Thank you uncle Bill for your talents, you nailed it, what an amaizing gift. I can't wait for others to see your amaizing talent.

Christmas Day was a bit busy with the babe. It is our tradition to go to mom and dad's to do our family gifts in the morning. Eat mom's always delicious christmas brunch, then the boys head to the store for a few hours to get ready for the big 50% off sale. I know working on Christmas sounds bad, but it is our tradition, and there is literally no other time to do it. We had lots of extra helpers this year so we got much accomplished. Then back to mom and dad's for the mom's side of the family. My cousin Christopher (navy seal) and his wife Natalie were able to join us this year. It had been a long time. It was great conversation of course, we really enjoyed seeing them again. Food, conversation, christmas carols, and gift exchange. It was a great family christmas!

This year we had "good tiding of great joy" to announce. Our family will grow buy one! come the end of June. Janet is carrying another bundle of joy! It was epically fun to be able to share our news at Christmas with family and friends. We are so excited to be blessed with another little one. I am excited that Bijou's sister or brother will be close in age. So far Janet has been great. May be a little rougher than the first one but I think it helps to have all ready been through it.

My training is winding down. All my big runs are done. I am really getting excited to bring all my training to Phoenix and see how I do. I know my legs are ready for it. I have learned much through this training season. Run training is a much longer process. It really takes a lot of miles to get you legs in shape. I have been following a intermediate training schedule and am excited to see if I can keep a high tempo through the race.
Last Fri the 28, my buddy Sean Pease joined me for the Winter Waddle. It's a small 5k run around lake Calhoun. About 410 people raced this year and it was a blast. It was Sean's first 5k and he finished like a rock star. 37th overall. Finish time of 23:18 race pace of 7:30. I look forward to training and racing with Sean this summer. We have been competitive brothers since high school, and I can't wait to hit the "tri circuit" with him.
I myself had a good race. I was able to put together all the things I have learned over the past year from my TNT coaches and have had extensive training around Calhoun. I had fun and raced the best race I could have that night. I came in 9th overall, 3rd in my age class (30's) a finish time of 19:15, at a 6:12 mile pace. I though I would be a long shot to have a 6:30 pace, but I think everything came together and I was lucky to post a surprising time.
Just two more weeks of training for the big run!

If you wanted to have a big day of gaming, come to our house next weekend for the "Triathlon of Games." I need to raise another $500 to get to my fund raising goal for the marathon. So if you can make it, e-mail me back (drewprest@gmail.com) or just show up. It starts at noon, Sat the 5th. The entry fee for all day fun is $50. We will have a tournament in ping-pong, fooseball, and darts. To end the day it will be Texas hold-em. Cash prises will be awarded to the top finishers in each sport. The final hold-em pot will be big for 1st - 2nd and 3rd. I will have snacks and food, beer and pop. Bring something if you wish. If you can't make it and want to contribute to cancer research and family support go to
http://www.active.com/donate/tntmn/andrewrun

Thank you and God Bless.
Have a safe and happy New Year!

The Big Week!

2007-12-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

This last weekend was a good finish to a tough week of training. After doing my first 20 mile run two weekends ago I realized that my legs took too long to recover. I have been skipping many of my short weekday training runs because of cross training for other events or work or any other variety of reasons. I realized that if I want strong legs for the full 26.2 miles of the race, I will need to religiously follow my schedule the rest of the way.

Last week that meant, 5 miles Tues. 7 miles Wed. and 6 miles Thurs. a day off Fri. and a team long run of 13 on Sat. I can honestly say that last week was the hardest training of the year so far. My legs took till Wed to loosen up from the previous Sunday's 20 miler. The temp was cold cold and colder, and one day I had to run in the dark with the snow, ice and traffic. I was determined not to short out the schedule. Marathon training is a long slow road to get your legs into shape. Patience is not something I am used to, but I really appreciate what I am learning. I know if I stick to the schedule, I will have the power I need to run my best race. Besides the fact that I don't want to end up with a pesky injury.

Today I got in my easy 5, because the broom ball season starts tonight. Tues is 7, Wed is 30 minuets of tempo running, and Thurs. is 8, culminating with the last 20 miler on Sat. the 22nd.

I am really glad that I have all this running right now, because I am really enjoying the food that comes around this time of the year.

In the past week my eyes have been opened to the amaizing works of God. This summer I have over focused on training and raising money for TNT. I am proud of my accomplishments and am passionate about why I am doing it. Yet, as life goes sometimes, when you get really focused on one thing, other things get ignored. That one thing in my life is my daily walk with God and the attention I have been giving Him. I have grown in many ways this past year personally, and have learned so many things about myself and been encourage buy countless others. I am thankful for every bit if it, yet when I take stock of it all, I know I have shorted my growth with my God my Saviour. The one that has made all this possible! I have seen Him work in people and situations all throughout the year all around me. It has been amaizing! Yet, I haven't slowed myself to listen to what He has to say to me. That should be a daily occurance for me, at worst, a weekly event called church. I am not for one second going to allow an ounce of disappointment downcast my spirit. Yet, I am going to pay attention, and start to make choices differently. I need to do what I should have been doing all along. I need to be lead and inspired by my creator God. He is the one that has given me the ability to do all these things. And he alone has brought all these people into my life to make it all possible. It is to Him be the glory. I am just a servant. I can do only so much. But with Him, "All things are possible."

TO HIM BE THE GLORY!

Tis The Season

2007-12-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Tis the season to take stock of all you hold dear.

I can attest to the realities of life, at times they seem to catch you by surprise. I have counted it as a blessing that our family has been brushed with many of life's uncertain challenges as of late.
I have found that dealing with void of Adam's passing has brought both spectrum's of emotion. As with faith, I have experienced amaizing highs and incredible lows. Over all I claim the challenge that I will continue to be better and not bitter. The relationships that I have found and the amaizing trainings and races that I have experienced through "Team in Training" has been at the top of that list. Having the support to do three races in a row, and to have all most reached my goal of $12,000 for cancer research is exciting.

Another contrast to the high and low is that our "honored teammate" Mckenna, whom we were supporting for the Phoenix race, recently passed away at the tender age of 10. If you want to find amaizing perspective that can only be granted from God our Father, check out her site. www.caringbridge.org/mn/mckenna
I have been very touched by her and her parents perspective, and am taking my time to process it all because it so difficult to see such a loss again so soon.

What a blessing life is! Even if is just for a day, a month, a year. We are so blessed to have experienced so much in such little time. Mckenna touched so many in just 10 years. Adam touch so many in just 32 years. What is too little, what is too much? There is no answer. I can honestly deduce that 10 years is certainly not enough in comparison, but seriously, every day is precious, 10 or 32. With all the perspective that I have seen in the past few years of my life, I feel a very serious call to make sure my daughter knows what is important. I remember when I was a young lad, thinking that a pair of jeans or shoes was life's biggest deal. I pray that God gives me the grace to teach heavenly perspective to my family.
Life is about others. Life is about service. Life is about honesty to yourself and others. Life is about serving. Life is about happiness! I want so badly for my family to never be defined by the things we have or want, but by the things we do, and have done. I want to reflect the love, and grace, that has been given to us. There is a lot to give! The grace that God has given and the love and support that our family has received is amaizing, awe inspiring!

Training has become difficult as of late. Winter has it's way of deflating all your energy with its cold and early darkness. I am finding it difficult to get out during the week to get in all the important short training runs. Instead I have just been making my group "long runs" on the weekend mornings. Last Sunday was my first 20 mile run ever and my legs do not like me much right now. I really didn't think I would enjoy it but I really did. The temp was just above zero but I ran with a great running partner Greg (a tnt mentor) who made the miles go by fast. I know that if I am diligent in my short weekly runs my legs will be able to handle the big miles much better. Race day is just four and a half weeks away. I am looking forward to running in Phoenix (jan 13) not here! I want to honor all the support that I have received to run this race, and complete the "triple crown." Most of all I want to run to honor the life of Mckenna and Adam. They are the reason I am running, and they deserve a my strongest efforts.

Here are some more pictures of life as it has been happening around here.

Our stinky little girl

Mommy and her Christmas Fairy

First fun hair wake up!
Good Morning

Viva Las Vegas!

2007-12-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Just finished the Vegas half marathon. It was a prefect temp, 35- at race start and about 50 at the finish. We had a blast during the morning and had fireworks send us off at the race start. I ran solo through the race and had a lot on my mind. McKenna kept my pace for me as I tried to do my best. I was happy with a 1:31:10 finish. That was good for a surprising 101st place finish over all in the half marathon out of 8,400. It was a heavy race but very fun. I am very excited to continue my training for the full marathon.

Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the trip in Vegas.

Bike Details!

2007-11-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

As I stood with my team mate Eric, in the starting corral for the Tour de Tuscon. I reflected back upon over one thousand miles of biking that I have petaled this summer. I was very confident that I could finish the race in good time, but I had no idea what to expect. My coach Bob gave me many pep talks on what to do and what it would look like during each phase of the race. His knowledge and coaching was priceless as every single thing was exactly as he explained. My success in this race is in LARGE part, due to him. Thanks Bob, you rock!
It is first come, first serve, in terms of starting place for the race so Eric and I went early at 5am to wait towards the front, to get off with the more seasoned riders. Race start was 7am and the temp was about 40-45 as we shivered in our shorts and jerseys. The temp was supposed to get up to 75 so being Minnesotan we didn't think waiting a couple of hours in 40 degrees was too tough. Bob had suggested that if we started towards the front with the "gold" racers, we might be able to keep up. He said to try to keep up with them for the first 5-10 miles and if we did that, we would "pace line" with them for the next 100 miles.
The sun came up, the U.S. Anthem was sang and the gun went off. The start, I am told, was a fast one. Within the first mile we were around 25-30 mph and in a big group of racers. As each mile went by the pack thinned every so slightly. At mile 9 there is a scheduled "river crossing." It is unique to the Tucson race. They have two places where y0u must get off your bike and carry it across a dried out river bed to the road on the other side. It sounded crazy to me, but it ended up being pretty fun. It was also the only times I stopped during the race. Along the way there are plenty of water and food stops. Most people take advantage of them but I had decided before the race that I wanted to try to do it without any stops. It takes a lot of pre-race prep to make sure you have proper hydration with you and the proper amounts of food to eat for your body to endure the duration of the race. Bob and my room mate Scott helped me to calculate that I would need to consume at around 400 calories an hour to fuel my body through the finish.
At the end of the first river crossing I reached in my "food bag" to grab a gel pack (calories in gel form) and noticed that during my two hour wait for the start, someone stole the two gels I had packed on my bike while we went to wish the rest of the team good luck. So right off the bat I was short 300 calories. But I did have more in the pockets of my jersey and didn't feel it was going to become a negative factor.
From the start I picked out riders around me that I though would push me. I pictured their jerseys in my head and attempted to keep up with them during the race. It was a fun mental game for me to see them come and go over the 109 miles.
After the first river crossing the pack got thinner and more refined. People were still trying to separate themselves from the large pack, so other small packs were forming but staying relatively close to each other. My legs were still feeling a bit heavy. I think the long chilly wait kept me tight for a long time. I was challenged many times to keep up with some of the jerseys I wanted to keep up with between miles 10-40. I had one helper during that stretch, she was a fellow TNT racer from Jersey. Her name was Jen and she really encouraged me to keep up when ever her group would pass me during my sluggish phases.
Then finally some hills came into play. I have a strange love for hills on a bike. I really don't like them all that much, but I really enjoy them for the fact that they pose such a challenge. I have always attempted to"attack" hills, everyone has to get up them you might as well get it over as soon as you can and have some fun along the way. Hills really "wake" my legs up. They did for me in the Disney Tri and here again they did in Tucson. Before I was playing cat and mouse with Jen from Jersey. Now I have hit some hills and my legs finally got loose and I felt power for the first time. I went from struggling to keep up, around the 20-30 mile point, to climbing my way into new groups one at a time. It was very exciting to see jerseys that I wanted to keep up with again.
Then at the second "river crossing" (mile 39) I took time to "empty my tank" by some bushes and refill an empty bottle with water just in case. I also re-applied my shorts with some butt-butter. Butt-butter is a bikers best friend. It keeps the seat area from getting any more sore that it needs to.
Right after the crossing you go strait into the worst hill on the course. I really liked it because it was steep but not that long. Right off the bat my legs are "juiced up" ready to cruise. The field of the pace line that I got into on this side was a bit more serious. I really liked it but I really had to pay attention. They were a bit faster and a lot tighter together, and they really jockied for position. I was not used to that speed (20-27 in flats) and had never trained in a pace line like that. You could say I was "white knuckled" the rest of the race.
Not too much talk from me, I was trying my best to look like I fit in, and doing my best to copy what everyone else was doing. The group I stuck with for most of the rest of the race was about 40 riders strong and was constantly changing shape and position. I did have a stretch of about 2 minuets where I "pulled" the group. "Pulling" is when you are in the front of the pack breaking the wind. Unless you experience the advantages of riding 6 inches off the tire in front of you, you would not believe me how much easier it is to "draft" in a pace line. It was a thrill to pull for that stretch. A cross wind had come up and our speed was dropping. People started to get sloppy, so I bolted ahead. Because no one was letting me back into the line I jumped up front. Basically it was, slow down or go up front. After my stint up front I got some encouragement and praise from other riders and that really boosted my confidence.
During this long stretch I reached back to grab a drink and realized one of my water bottles has jumped out of its cage. I had gotten caught in some rumble strips in the shoulder and couldn't get out right away because of riders on the sides. It must have jumped out then. I really didn't like not having that Gatorade, it was full!
It was smooth sailing coming into mile 90. Some people started to drop and some started to move to the front of the pack, pushing our over all speed higher. Around mile 105 one of the guys that I had tried to stick with from the beginning made a break to catch the group about 150 yards in front of us. I made a poor late attempt to go with him but was not able to get up on his tire to go with. He continued to forge ahead and I basically got stuck in between packs all alone. Not wanting to drop back I struggled mightily to remain positive. I felt the lack of liquid and the loss of those two gel packs now. I was out of gas to make the move I attempted. So close, just under five miles to go. I knew I could gut it out. I found it fitting that I was pushing the finish on my own. Adam's voice was very strong during this stretch. Not the kind fun one. It was the stern brotherly push, "well you got your self into this spot now get out of it" "this isn't hard." The memory of the pain he endured, and the strong amaizing way he "finished" was pushing me to the end. I will likely never experience the pain he went through, because of that I could never stop pushing at a time like this. At one point I was really getting burned out, I put my head down and challenged myself to only think positive thoughts. "You will keep going", "you can catch that group." Just after I put my head down, out from behind me comes some guy that had left the other pack with me. I didn't know it, but there he was. He pulls up beside me and says, "hey, let me pull for a while." What a blessing! I couldn't believe it! He gets in front of my wheel and suddenly i'm working 1/3rd less. I was beginning to recover, but we were not really gaining on the other group. I got up the energy to take one more stab at catching them and I pulled in front to give him a rest. We made up some ground but catching them was not going to happen. We came into the final mile trading places and at the finish line we were about one second apart. He was one of my angel's that day that helped me to a great finish.
I had no expectations coming into the race, but I am very pleased that I was able to finish where I did. I placed 612th out of 5300 because of my team and my coach. Because of my brother that will always bike with me, run with me and swim with me. I am so grateful that God has given me that ability and the opportunity to take part in these races for TNT. I am so grateful for all the people who have inspired me to push with their encouragement and generous donations. My healing is coming in the service of others, and I give thanks to my God for that.

Another Finish

2007-11-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

What a Journey!

Here is a quick bit of info about the race. I'll give more details when I have more time.

The conditions in Tucson were perfect. It was the 25th Tour de Tucson and they set records for most racers ever 5200 in the 109mile race and 9200 racers total. The field of racers broke all the previous records because of the perfect conditions.

I was very well coached as to what I should expect. As the race went on I was able to draw off of everything Bob (coach) told me. I was able to get into a great pace line that carried me to the end.
I finished 612th overall with a time of 5hr 14min. I couldn't be happier with my experience.
More importantly we had 40 chapters from TNT participating with about 580 racers. All together we raised over 1.4 million dollars for cancer research and family support. It is such a privilege to be a part of these groups. I can't thank you all enough for supporting this cause. I wish you could all hear all the wonderful stories I have heard. This is truly life changing, and life saving stuff.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!THANK YOU!!!!!!!THANK YOU!!!!!!!THANK YOU!!!!!!!THANK YOU!!!!!!!

All Abord!

2007-11-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

Just a quick up date before I catch some sleep. I catch an early flight to AZ for the TNT race Tour de Tucson. Race day is Sat the 17 and I am very excited to experience my first bike race.

Jayna's team (crown college) took first at nationals for their division. I am so proud of her and her team. I wished I could have been there for that.

I will get a post after the race as soon as I can!

Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience. – Eddie Rickenbacker

Thank You

2007-11-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night I woke up at 3am and could not get back to sleep. It seems that I had too many things unfinished and my brain could not relax. This isn't the first time this has happened but for the first time I got up and started doing things about it. One of the biggest things that I have not made time for, is my final Disney Tri letter, with thank yous to all who have sent donations since my last letter. Tonight I put some of the finishing touches on addressing envelopes and all that. What a job. What a blessing, what a big job.

This week was interesting. Dad went into the hospital with chest pains and they kept him over night. He had all the scans, tests, and what not done and they turned up nothing. I think that if they wanted to do and accurate stress test for him they should hook him up at the store and see how things read. I hope dad takes things seriously enough to change the way he sees and dose things from here out. Warning signs are good only if you pay attention to them. I was able to take the rest of the week off with Twin Peaks and work at the store Tues. - Fri. to try to take a little more stress of dad. I was able to accomplish a ton, but of course there is still a ton left to do.

This weekend Jayna flew down to Florida for nationals in her soccer conference. Last year they won it for the first time and this year they came in as the #1 seed. Mom and dad flew down to support Jayna and the team. Jayna has not played for some time because of a knee injury, but she worked hard to get back to play in the final tournament of the year. Fri they won 5-0 and Sat they won to get to the championship game Monday afternoon. I am excited to hear the results.

With all the fun things going on this week and the long hours at the store I did not train all week. It's had to go out to run when you get home from a long day and it's pitch black out. I think it was good to give my legs a rest after last weekends 16 mile run and the final bike training 50 mile ride.
So today I did a light 10 mile run with the TNT group from Harriet Island Park in St. Paul. I had a great run with Greg. We held a good pace and shared some good conversation along the way. Good times. With this past week of emotions and not training, I felt like opening it up for the final quarter-mile of the run, so I did. It felt fantastic to burn all the emotion at the end of that run. I ran with purpose. Please continue to pray for Mckenna, our honored teammate. http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/mckenna/ things are to the point where they must solely trust and lean on God to give them peace and hope. I run with purpose, in memory of Adam and many others, and for little Mckenna and her family. May Gods grace be strong in their presence.

One Foot in Front of the Other

2007-11-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Few things in life catch me off guard. I have always tried to quickly look at the big picture, figure out what is there and what is best to do. Regardless of how hard, or how difficult, I have always been confident in the end result. That is good most of the time, but not all. I must admit that this time of year has caught me off guard. I can pretend to see the big picture and it looks beautiful and promising, yet there is so much missing. I was not prepared to feel this weight, and there are so many needless things that make it heavier. For now I sit on the unfortunate realities of life. Unfortunately it feels lonely at times. I don't know how that is possible. My wife is the most perfect woman for me and my precious Bijou is so perfect and happy all the time. Yet life has dealt me some ugly cards here and there. Those people and those places are irreplaceable. Thus is the pit-falls of life.

I am so thankful for all the added support in my Team in Training races. I would have stopped at one race if not for all the amaizing generosity. Having two more race goals has become such a blessing to me right now. I do not have time to sit and feel down. That is a good thing. A great thing. I continue to make a difference with many of you in the fight against cancer. That makes me feel good.

This morning, after my morning team run, I looked back in my computer tracking log, to see the miles I have put in since all this began. I was pretty surprised! Since I started training at the end of last May I have biked all most 900 miles, and ran all most 100. I began training at about 225 pounds and now sit at a solid 185. I feel that I have more energy than ever. I am definitely healthier than I have ever been. I had to look back because I was starting to wonder if I was getting burned out. I have come this far and I do not want to get burn out. I am getting so close to finishing. I think a lot of it is this month. It is all ready proving to be a hard one. I just don't know what to do about it. I think I know that I can't do anything about it, and maybe that bothers me.

Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all. – Ernest Shackleton

I am blessed, I am able, and I am going to make it through this month.

On the Road Again.

2007-10-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Another weekend of training. I have learned one valuable lesson about the difference in training for these different sports. One is very healthy for your body and the other two are very wearing. I am now at the mileage point with the bike and the run where the constant motion of one or the other is wearing on the bones. In tri training your body is never taking a serious pounding. Now that I am doing 90 plus bike rides every weekend and 6 to 14 mile runs in between I am feeling it. I am really enjoying the distances. The weather has been great this past week but I am excited for the bike race to come. It is very interesting having so many miles under my belt. A six mile run mentally and physically seems easy. A 30 mile bike is just a warm up. It's amaizing what perspective will do for the mind. I am very excited for next years tri season. Training will be very different. I am excited to share all the things I am learning next spring, when we get to training for the tri's next spring.

Outside of the training, I have been busy. I have been getting into Mom and Dad's store to help organize the back room as much as I can. Their christmas merchandise is all shipping in now and there is no place for it to go. I have been seriously tested in my building and organizing skills. I really enjoy helping them as much as I can.

On the home front, we are all doing great. Janet and I are still training for the Vegas half marathon, Dec 2. Janet is doing great getting back into running. Bijou is now fitting all those super cool clothes we have had that were too big for her. I remember not long ago, thinking that it would be so long until she would ever fit into much of it. Well, we're here now. It's just crazy. She is coming up with new noises all the time. It will not be long before she's walking. Two weeks, give or take a few days, is my guess. I am looking forward to a break with all the training so I can have more time to just hang out with her and mommy more. I get some, but not enough.

As things get long going into winter with training, I am reminded, and so very thankful, for all the people that have been so generous in supporting me to do these things. I feel my time with Team in Training is helping me to grow in a difficult time of adjustment. Being a part of two new and different teams now, I am learning many new things. New relationships and new focuses. I am happy that I am being pushed. I am thankful. I am excited that we are making a difference in the fight to find a cure and the encouragement that we give to so many that are dealing with the real life struggles. That was the theme on my mind today. I was on my bike for over six hours today and when things started to get long, I was given much peace by the support that so many of you have given. Today I felt blessed by you.

THANK YOU!

Bike of the Century.

2007-10-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Last week's weather was not good for training. Not a bad thing, I was able to help dad and mom out at the store a lot. Janet and I went for a six mile run with Clark and Molly around Calhoun Wed. evening. I pushed Bijou in the stroller, that was an adventure. She was only happy when she could stand and "surf" her stroller while we were running. That was rather tricky.

No bike training during the week, and last Sat's ride was cut in half due to cold rain. So today, we more than made up for it. The team (five of us today) meet in Afton, MN. We got a late start at at 9am and planned at least a 80 mile ride. Because of the great weather and the exceptional scenery, we decided to stretch it into 90. Because I am choosing to push harder and attempting to race it I raced ahead and tracked back to the group. I did that enough to break the 100mile mark today. It feels great to know that I can do it and even better to have done it on the course we took today.

About a half mile into the ride today we hit our first hill. Not a horrible grade but a good hill non the less. The not so funny part was that it was over a mile and a half to the top. Then down, then up a much steeper one, but not as long. Bob had warned us about the hill, that was nice of him. What he failed to mention was the 10 other major hills, that made the first one look tame, that were on the way out on our ride. And the fun part was that we got to turn around and do them all over again on the way back! Our turn around was in Maiden Rock, WI. along Lake Pepin. It was so worth it. Granted it would have been easier in a car, but it was so worth it. The end of my ride was filled with fun. Two weeks in a row I have gotten a flat front tire. Flats are definitely part of the ride.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to put in 10 miles running, but I have a feeling that I am going to need a day or two to recover. Today's experience with the distance and the hills supported the fact that so much of all of this is 80-90% mental. I had to choose to get to the top of those hills, it was not something that I ever thought I could do but I convinced myself that I could and I convinced myself that I liked it. At the end of the day I did.

What a man accomplishes in a day depends upon the way in which he approaches his tasks. When we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen. – Arland Gilbert

Fall Into Adjustment.

2007-10-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Like many, fall is my favorite time of the year. I love to see the change in everything. It is also a time to enjoy the last warmer days.

I have been adjusting to the new schedule of life in the house here. Monday, I went for a challenging bike with Andy Claflin. Wednesday, I went for my first "run training" with the Phoenix run team. We put in six miles and it felt good. Thursday, was a night with the family at home, and that was great. It had been too long since we just hung out on a week night. Friday some friends came over for a bonfire. That is always a highlight, but Janet and I turned in early.
Saturday morn, I was up and out the door at 7:30am for a morning run. I needed to get in 14 miles, so I did a seven mile loop solo, and at 8:30am Clark, Molly and Janet joined me for the second loop. My body definitely felt the added miles. I have never run fourteen before, but it felt great.

The rest of the afternoon was rather special. Dad and Grandpa Eno (mom's dad) came up and we spent the afternoon putting away the pontoon for the winter season. Doing anything with the boats is rather emotional because they were Adams "babies." That was his thing. It was extra special to spend the day with dad and gramps. The pontoon was originally purchased by grandpa and grandma new, and it was fun to see gramps work so hard on his old boat.

The evening was perfect too. The weather was perfect and Janet had invited some people over for a fire. It was special to enjoy the fire with some close friends. I have not had many days or nights to sit and enjoy the house or others company. Saturday night, I felt like I finally could, and I did!

Sunday morn was another early rise. Bike training down at Lake Calhoun. I was not going to miss this ride because we rode over to Eliot's house ( the boy we are racing in honor of) to give him his first bike. Eliot turned three this summer, and I had not yet meet him. What a cute little guy! He was shy, but very excited to show everyone how he loved his tents. He is why I am doing this, and it was so fulfilling to see his precious smile and fun spirit. From Eliot's house we were scheduled for a 70 mile ride. We had cold rain and multiple bike issues, so we tapered the day to a 35 mile ride and called it a day. My legs were not disappointed because of Sat's 14 mile run.

The rest of the day was spent with my little baby, Bijou.
Oh, what fun. She is such a jewel. She just popped four more teeth last week, for a total of 12 now. Crazy! She's only 9 months. She just started using a couple of the sign language signs we have been using with her. Milk, and "more," it is so amaizing to see her respond. It is crazy what babies understand. She is also walking along chairs and tables and anything she can balance on. It won't be long before dad is chasing her around the house. CRAZY!
I love Janet's new work schedule. No late nights, no weekends. It is starting to feel like a home around here. I like that. My wife is an amaizing woman and I am very blessed. Bijou is a jewel, so you can imagine how amaizing her mommy is. I feel so blessed.

Change-over

2007-10-06T17:33:00.001-07:00

Training for the Disney Tri was a great challenge. Having it done is somewhat of a relief. I did manage to drum up a stomach ulcer over the multitude of things going on. What's next?

I gave myself a week to rest after Disney. Took my time organizing things around the house, and mentally prepared to start training for the Century ride in November and the Marathon in Jan. The Sunday after the race, I got back on the bike with Sean Pease for the first time and we had a nice 15mile ride. Monday I went for a run to keep the legs moving and had a good 7 mile run.

In conversation with Kinghorn and Angel, from the disney tri team, we started to set goals for Tri's next year. We are planning on doing a half Ironman and probably two others. Most are planning on doing the Maui Tri with TNT but I think I'm going to give TNT a one year rest. I will do more races for them, but I think it may be best to take a summer off to focus more on home. I am very excited to attempt a half Iron next year. The following summer we should be able to attempt a full Ironman, I mentally can't even imagine that yet, 2 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. My bike coach did it this year and his experience is very inspiring.

So now the training schedule is much lighter. Two bike's a week and two run's a week. That means I get three days off. That works great with Janet's new job that she just started.

After 6 years at Daytons-Marshall Fields-Macys, she decided to cut back hours and get into office work. She is an office administrator for a small non-profit health club association. She works with health clubs and health care providers managing customers who take advantage of health care providers paying part of the monthly club dues. It is a big bold new world for her and she is very excited and overwhelmed learning lots of new things. Her new schedule is fantastic, and after she gets the hang of things it will be flexible. No more working nights or weekends!

So lots of change around here. We do not fear change.

When I was younger, I thought that the key to success was just hard work. But the real foundation is faith. Faith--the idea that 'I can do it'--is the opposite of fear ('What if I fail?'). And faith creates motivation which in turn leads to commitment, hard work, preparation...and eventually success. – Howard Twilley

I take that statement one step further, with faith. Being a child of God gives me the gift of the Holy Spirit and my faith in that which is bigger than myself, empowers me, to do that much more.
I had some more sobering news yesterday. As many of you know Jayna and I graduated from the same school, Meadow Creek. My gym teacher was Mr. Budish. He also had a son, Nathan, who grew up with Jayna at Meadow Creek. Jayna and Nathan both went on to college at Crown to play soccer. Last night I learned that the phenomia that the doctors thought Mr. Budish had over the past year, was actually lung cancer. He is now in stage four with his cancer, and will start the process of fighting the strangest battle of his life. My heart goes out to him and his family. I pray that they hold hope and peace in the middle of this storm. God is consistent, and will meet them in their time of confusion. I pray for Jayna having to see the face of cancer again so close and so soon. One could never answer the question of why? Choose to be strong, no one has answers, but we have faith that goes beyond our selves. Learn together, grow together.

One more reason to Bike....One more reason to run....Mr. Budish will fight, I will fight with him...
He will be on my mind every time I train, my groups all ready know his name and why I am Biking and running....We can all make a difference....What can you do....What will you do?
It is never too late!

Finished

2007-09-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

What an experience. I have so many things going through my head I don't know where to start. Immediately my deepest thanks go out to all those who sent me on this journey. Without all the generous support of letters, donations, and help for my fund raisers, and all the help I received to allow me to train for this event, THANK YOU! What a blessing!
I look back to when I first started training for this event and think about the process of healing that I have gone through during this event and I am encouraged about the future. I know that the healing process of losing Adam will likely last my lifetime, yet I feel very secure about it, after going through this race. One of the big reason for that is, because I firmly feel that when you loose yourself, the best way to find your way back is in the service of others. Being able to serve others along with Brad and John made it even more amazing.
I really went through a roller coaster of emotions during training. From excitement, to self doubt, to contentment, to determination. Those are just the one's at the fore-front. Come race day, I chose to focus, I chose to finish strong.
I had hoped for a "rock star" swim but knew that realistically, it would be just ok. I need about another year of training for my swim to be where I want it to be. Sure enough my swim was ok. We were not able to enter the water at all before the race so there is no warming up. The course was a horse shoe. In all of the other "sprint tri's" the swim has been a out and back with a constant string line of buoys. This was more typical for a bigger tri. There were single large inflated buoys spaced out about every 50 yards or so. That meant that if you didn't look up to "sight" often you would get a bit off course. I would say that I swam closer to 1.25miles that day, but I was happy with it. After I made the two left hand turns and was on the long final stretch I wanted to be done, but I was far from it. I just kept telling myself that it was the last time that I "needed" to swim for a while and tried to push myself through it. I want to swim like Brad and that will take a lot of training. He rocks!
After I got out of the water and my head stopped spinning, it was off to the bike. I was happy with the transition and was determined to crank out a solid bike.
The start was slower than I expected (about 19mph) and I had a difficult time getting any more out of it. Then some little rolling hills came up and I had a challenge about 4 miles in. I was excited to see the hills because I enjoy digging deep to conquer hills. Sure enough after the second little hill my legs woke up, and on the back side of the hill I was at 23-24mph and was able to sustain it for the next 20miles. I loved the bike. I was playing cat and mouse with some great bikers and felt great that I was able to even keep up, let alone pass on occasion. Along the way I made it a point to encourage other Team In Training bikers with a "good work Team in Training, keep it up!" It really kept me going, cheering on other TNT racers.
About mile 25 I learned a lesson. If you want to race at a certain pace (23mph) for a certain mileage (37) be sure you train at least once at that speed without stopping. Around mile 25 my body knew that it had not gone that far, at that consistent pace. My hips started to tell me "no more." Not wanting to slow, or stop, I continued to push as hard as I could, through the ever increasing pain. For the next 8 miles that pain increased until both of my hips felt like I had two hot knives digging deeper and deeper. My speed dropped to 15-18mph as I attempted to get back up to 23mph. I was resigning to the fact that it wasn't going to happen, so I attempted to adjust my positioning to make it less painful, while maintaining as much as I possibly could.
During this time a few people were able to pass me back up, and that was getting old fast. There was one gentleman in particular that I really didn't like being passed by, and so I pushed every time he got by me. He wound up being a nice guy and we gave some small talk as we traded positions. Eventually my hips just numbed a bit and I looked down and got up to 20mph. As I neared the end of the bike, I gave it all I had. As the pain increased, I focused on the red bracelet that I had written on. On it I wrote "BIKE FOR BRENDEN!" My memories of his playful laugh and his non-stop energy helped me to focus on my goal, and eventually tolerate the pain. The last 3 miles I got back to 23mph and finished strong. I was able to carry that into the run.

The run....oh the run! By this time the clouds we no longer around, just sun. Thankfully the run course was 40% shaded by trees. It's the other 60% that was the problem. I was determined to run the 6.2 mile course without walking and to help me to focus I had another bracelet on that I had written "RUN FOR ADAM." After Adam had passed I ran out of the house and I never wanted to stop. Now I could run and I was determined to have a strong run for him. I felt good and kept my legs going. I quickly noticed that about 40% of the racers were walking, and I was determined not to be one of them. I got to the first water station and dumped water on my head without stopping. I was well hydrated, no cramps. One water station at a time just keep pushing. Now the next mile and a half was all sun and it was getting to me. Later, I found out that the heat index was 105 degrees. I started to feel the tingling skelp and knew that my time would be severly longer if I fainted so I told my self to get to the next water station and walk through it and cool off. By this time about 50% of the runners were walking and I was still determined not to walk unless I felt faint. So many times I wanted to walk, and I came close many times. Yet each time I felt tempted I saw in front of me a race jersey with a picture pinned on the back of it. A picture of a father or a mother with their child whom they were running in memory of. They were still running. I had to keep running. I walked the water stations, and dumped water on my head to cool off and made sure I could keep going.
A few times my pace slowed more and more and I mentally wanted to just slow down but I kept reflecting back to a memory that I focused on when I was on the bike. When my hips were "on fire" and I didn't think I could keep my pace up in the bike. I remembered Adam at his celebration party. That day his morphine drip fanny pack came un-hooked and he was not able to wear it that night. So all night long, he did his best to smile, and laugh and give people another great memory of Adam. At one point I asked him how he was doing it, because I knew how much pain he was in, and he replied with a classic Adam smirk, "Smoke and mirrors brother, smoke and mirrors." At the end of the night, many of you may remember, he sent us all off with his patented "Pee-Wee Herman" dance to Tequila. I don't know how he did that, but he did, and he did it for everyone, he did it with a smile on his face. As I felt pain I sang it out loud, over and over, and I imagined Adam on that floor, doing his thing for everyone else. Adam was with me race day, just like every day. And he gave me that memory to get me through, what a brother!
I finished that run strong. I left it all on the course.
Our team finished strong that day. I would venture to say that we had the strongest team there. I know we showed it that day.
I could not be happier with my finish time. 3hr 15min 11sec. Tenth in my age group and about 75th overall out of about 1300 racers. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it my self. So to say the least I am hooked on Tri's. I love everything about it. I highly recommend it to everyone. Yes everyone.
Rewarding, in so many ways. Personally, I lost 40 pounds and am in the best shape of my life, and I was in pretty good shape in high school. Supporting little Brenden's family is worth everything to me and would do it again tomorrow, for sure. Rewarding, from a team aspect. The new friendships I now have in my team mates and the deepened relationships I have with Brad and John are invaluable. Knowing that our team of seven raised close to 30K and all the 301 TNT racers around the country raised over 1.1 million dollars, in this race alone. It goes to cancer research and family support. It is so crazy fantastic I can't put it into words. So I will just say this. Join, do it! Do whatever you can, but do something. Make a difference! Everyone will be better for it!
Make a difference!

Disney Tri Pictures

2007-09-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

And we're back! After four months of training and a little two day vacation in the "magic kingdom," here is a quick up date and some pictures.

pre-race picture

before the startpre-swim prep

keep swimming

out of the water (finally!)

John Kinghorn on the Bike

Brad bone in transition

Me on the run.

Finished!

Angel and I with our metal's

Bijou Duck had fun cheering us on!

I will give more detail soon. It's been a long day of traveling and catching up back here. Here is the link to race results.
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/endurance/events/detail?name=2007WALTDISNEYWORLDTriathlonResultsDetailPage

I finished 10th in my age group (30-35) at 3hr 15min and 11sec. I was hoping to come in somewhere around three and a half hours, so I am very happy with my finish time. I'm not sure where that is overall. There we're around 1300 finishers. I will tell you that it was hot and muggy. 105 heat index! I will share more when I can.

I cant thank you all enough for getting me there and inspiring me to push higher than I though I could have ever achieved!

1st Annual Cornhole Tournament

2007-09-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who came and enjoyed a perfect day of food fun and fellowship at the first annual cornhole tournament. We had a perfect day of weather and some mighty tough bag tossing teams.

My deepest thanks to all who helped to make this day possible. It took a lot of work to get things ready around the house since I have not been paying much attention to the house or yard because of training for our races.

In total we had fourteen teams competing and the playing field was very tough. It all came down to Team Sells (clark and Tyler), Team Naked (Brad and I), Team Remington (Sean Pease and Wes Aldinger), and Team Ocho Cinco (Mike Terras and Alex ?). Third place was a competition between Ocho Cinco and Team Sells with team Ocho Cinco taking the prize. The final game was between Team Remington and Team Naked. Home field advantage must have come into play because the Dayton boys from Team Naked took first prize. All the games were close and super fun.
All in all we learned a lot for next years tournament, more importantly you helped to bring me closer to my goal for fundraising in my three races. In total I must raise $11,900 for all three races. After yesterday you helped me to get to $9835. Just $2065 left to go! What a blessing! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I know the final $2065 will be a challenge but it is so worth the effort. Knowing that yesterdays fun and all the hard work that went into making it happen, directly benefited cancer research and the families we are sponsoring. What an honor. What a blessing.

One week from today we will be finishing the Disney Tri. We are all excited to compete and culminate all the efforts and emotions that we have invested into this race. Below are pictures of some of my team mates and our coach that came to yesterdays tournament. Thank you for all your support!

Coach Suzanne and John Kinghorn

Team Brown Baggers Betsy and husband Shawn

Angel and his son, Angel Jr.

Brad Bone

If you are interested in helping me with the remaining $2065 feel free to log on to the link below to support the Phoenix Marathon. http://www.active.com/donate/tntmn/andrewrun

Final Tune up

2007-09-09T19:44:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning was our last major tune-up before the big race. Coach put together another mock tri, this time Olympic size. The only concern I had about Disney was the distance. It seemed daunting, with a mile swim at the front, and a 6.2 mile run at the end. Saturday, my concerns were diminished after completing the Olympic mock tri. The only difference between an Olympic tri, and an international one(Disney) is ten more miles on the bike, and at that point, to me, it's not that big of a deal. I have been humbled so much in the past month. I am used to being able to train how I want to train, and thus excel the way I know I can excel. Life as of late has had other ideas, and it has taught me many life lessons. The biggest humility. I am not used to not being on top, or at least competing to be on top. In the past two mock tris, I have finished third out of three with the guys both times. I want to be frustrated and blame something, granted not everything has gone well in the races for me. Yet I know there is a good reason for me not being at the top of this group. I could break down specific things that give cause, and how I could change them to be the best, yet when I fell that urge I feel that small calm voice whisper, "be still." To me that is God telling me to pay attention. So I'm paying attention. Because of it, I am seeing so much more of the whole picture of why I am doing this race. That is more rewarding. I feel that the experience of the past year is teaching me to slow down with what I want to do, because it is never supposed to be about me, or what I think I want. Pastor Dan Roelofs always conveyed that point. He was always one to pray first to know that God was leading him in whatever it was that he was doing. I am not saying at all that I am on that level but I am seeing how important it is to step back and let the experience teach you something, instead of plowing through the experience just to be on top.

I am so proud of John, and Brad, and Angel, and how they have dominated there strengths and how they have improved their weaknesses to the point that they are no longer weaknesses at all. It gives me much more joy to reflect back and see their accomplishments, both in the races and in training. We are a pretty evenly matched group in the long run, and that has made this group very special. We are just starting to bond as a team. I was a bit nervous about the race approaching so soon. Now I am extremely exited and look forward to building an even closer bond with some pretty amazing people. The race will be the race. It could be perfect, it could be a disaster. Who knows and frankly who cares. I know that my team mates will do whatever it takes to do their best. When that gun goes off, I know that we will finish strong, no matter what the obstacle. This race is not what is important. The people we are racing for, is what is important. People, those kids and their parents, Erin and Adison, my family and all the other families that have lost their sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. That is why we are racing. Brenden, and his family, and the hope that they have that he will be 100% healthy. That is why we race. I love "Team in Training" because it is not about us.

Right now, I don't care if I finish last, as long as I give it my all and finish strong. Deep down I know I will lay it all on the line that day, and where ever that puts me is great. I thank God for the opportunity to race with this team. I thank God for our coach and all the things she has taught me mentally. Her style is completely opposite of anything I have been used to in the past. I feel privileged to be part of this team. I feel privileged to race for these kids and their families. I feel stronger, after loosing Adam, that I am giving hope to those that have a chance. I'm sure that Adam may be unhappy about the way I am doing some things, but I know he is proud of this. I know he will be pushing me Sep. 23. I miss him so much.

I have been working around the house a lot this past week to get ready for the big "cornhole tournament" and today I realized just how much I miss him. more and more every day. He was always here when I had projects going on. And I was always over there when he has projects going on. I have a lot of projects....I don't have Adam anymore. Not as much gets done when you loose your other half. I just realized that tonight. Typically I could have gotten all this done in time. I'm not so sure about this time, but that's all right. Not everything has to be just the way I want it. In the future I now know to double the time.

It's all good. I have so much to be thankful for, so much support and so much to look forward to. God has great things planned for us and we will do our best to follow that lead.

On the Train Again!

2007-09-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Boy, oh boy, it feels good to be training regularly again. I really notice the loss of where we were at, but I am excited to be back and it won't be long before we are above and beyond, ready for the race.
Monday, after I felt caught up enough around the yard (thanks to grandpa eno, janet) I went off for a run in the peak heat to prepare for the heat of Florida. So my idea was to run at my strongest steady pace for a full six miles. Those six miles are filled with 60% hills and the heat form the pavement got to me at mile four. I broke down and had to walk for 100 yards. I felt a bit faint and had no phone, so I took no chances. After I felt well enough to go I had a fantastic break-through. I found a quick pace for me with a two step breathing pattern that I can hold during my run. I was exhausted and yet I was able to really cook with my new pace and breathing rhythm. I know it sounds goofy, but it was a great moment. I have found similar things with my swim and am really getting excited to put them all together.
Brad and I went out for some hill and speed work tonight on our bikes. We took just a 14 mile loop, but we focused on short, and long bursts of speed. Then combined that with a pretty challenging hill....twice. I was crazy fun to push each other.
This Sat. at 8am we will be doing our final mock tri at lake Nicomas. It is a Olympic tri ( one mile swim/26mi bike/6mi run) Our coach is expecting us to really put things together and lay it down on the course. I really feel like I will do much better this time. Less stress, more sleep, I'm eating better, and I have been able to train this week. The big day is approaching soon and I am really getting excited.