Spring?

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!