Where am I now?

I started the 2004 IronMan season at 215 lb.

I started the 2006 IronMan season at 182 lb.

Now I am at 163 lb. That's my high school wrestling weight from 15 years ago.

I've dropped at least 6 inches off my waist.

I'm looking forward to a great race in Lake Placid.

Danville DOUBLE BRICK

The team did a double brick in Danville this past Sunday (2/19). What's a BRICK? I'm not really sure what it stands for, but I think it means Bike Run In Combo Kinda. Essentially it is workout in which you bike then run.

Now I know that it seems simplistic, but to those of you who have ever biked really hard, then decided to run right afterwards, then you'll know exactly what I mean. The muscles emphasized in each discipline are different. The bike uses more quads whereas the run uses more hamstring. They are two opposing muscle groups... which feels like your muscles are fighting each other.

The best way that I can describe the experience is that it feels like I'm holding in my pee.

We biked on trainers for about 80 minutes. That was followed by a 40 minute run. Then we got right back on our bikes for a 29 mile ride though rolling hills in Danville. Then we went for another 40 minute run.

It was an easy 4.5 hour day of training. Of course this is nothing compared to 17 hours at IronMan!

Be sure to donate! www.IronMel.com

The Louie Tri

Just wanted to share some pictures from the Louie Bonpua Memorial Triathlon. 

Train, sleep, work, repeat...

Been pretty busy. This past weekend was the first in about a month in which I did not have to go to work. On top of that, I got sick. It wasn't anything tragic, though I did lose my voice. It's a respiratory illness, so I have shyed away from my normal swim schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I did go to my swim workout the past Wednesday. While it wasn't a huge mistake, it might have been a bit premature. My form felt awkward. I also think that being out in the water aggrevated my cold.

I did a long run last weekend with the team up at Inspiration Point. It was a 8.5 mile rolling hill run. I finished it in 78 minutes.

And I'm tired...

Oh waah.... get me a waahmbulance.

In spite of the complaining, I am so glad to be here. Back in the winter of 2002, when I did my first event with TNT, Coach Al put it all in perspective. This is what he said (and I'm paraphrasing a bit):

"It's cold. It's rainy. It's windy. And it's 5 am. But remember this. You made the choice to come out today. There are others, who are not able to make that choice. People who are ill cannot make this choice. They would gladly switch places with you, if it only meant that they can feel the wind on their back, the rain on their faces, and to be a little cold. It would mean that they are alive."

I am thankful for this opportunity.

Train, sleep, work, repeat...