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.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Season Opener
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Winter Warm Up
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.
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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Happy Valentines
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.
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.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Beloved
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.
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.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Winter Wonderland
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.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A Need to Race
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)