My 40 in 40 Challenge

40 in 40 by the numbers

2010-07-09T05:42:00.001-07:00

So – here’s a recap of what we’ve done over the course of the past year and how we’ve done it:

$40,000 raised – absolutely awesome! Thank you all for your support.

1 VERY patient and supportive wife

300+ people supported me with donations

40 races
25 running events
9 triathlons
4 cycling events
1 Duathlon
1 Adventure race

3 longest races in terms of distance and/or time:

Event # 9 America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Tahoe, 100 miles, 6 hours
Event # 25 SC Half Iron Man, 70.3miles, 5 hours 53 minutes
Event #40 NC Adventure Race Series Race #2, 10.5 miles, 4 hours 6 minutes

Here is the link to the blog entry for the 40th race: Event #40

I turned 40 years old….feel like I’m 25 and act like I’m 12

57 hours, 54 minutes and 23 second of racing
621.9 miles raced
Approximately 3,000 miles worth of training
1,250 miles of running
1,750 miles of biking
105 miles of swimming
6 states raced in

Approximately 60 pounds of peanut M&M’s devoured….yes, I have a slight issue – but they’re so darn tasty…
92 packs of Gu and/or Powergel – consumed
Several cases of beer – drank

4 pairs of shoes – done
1 new bike helmet
$1,350 in race fees – paid….

Hundreds of new friends, followers and supporters.

3 sponsors - to whom I owe my deepest gratitude

Karhu and Craft Apparel: www.karhu.com www.craft-apparel.com – Thanks Corey and Jordan
Try Sports (Charlotte): www.trysports.com – Thanks Jenn, Teelo and company
Carolina Sports Clinic: http://www.carolinasportschiropractic.com – Thanks Dr. K

1 charity – supported.

When it comes down to it – the first and the last are the most important. The rest just helped us get here.

Thank you all again.

Sean

Go TEAM!

no event...but what a weekend - Thank you Sheila - you rock

2010-05-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

One week after she graduates from her masters program, Sheila throws me the best, knock down drag out weekend party ever! a night on the town with the boys.....including the boys from boston on friday...then a kick arse surprise party on saturday for 5+ hours....followed by margaritas, cigars and a potato cannon on the back deck and a touch of middletons.

Thank you Sheila and thank you to my friends, family, neighbors and supporters. It has been one hell of a ride.

I love you Sheila - thanks for dealing with me and the 40 in 40... I could not have done it without you.

A weekend "off" so what to do?

2010-05-13T18:19:00.001-07:00

Resting on my laurels is not a common practice for me. There is so much to be done. We have the Man/Woman of the year event on Saturday. And Light the Night in October, coming up. The need for support does not end.

Support us, make the next year of an LLS patient that much better.

Come on, you know you want to.

Event #40, 4 Hour Adventure Race, US National Whitewater Center, Saturday May 8

2010-05-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Honestly, it is with a bit of sadness that I am writing this entry. After a year of racing, training, blogging and most importantly fundraising, the 40 in 40 is complete.

This minor bit of sadness is overcome by the following:

1. We raised over $40,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

2. All the awesome folks I met along the way, through training, racing, blogging, just interacting with folks and explaining the 40 in 40 and why the mission of the LLS is in critical need of support.

3. I had so much fun. I enjoyed every race, in its own way - some of them were a lot more enjoyable when they were over to be honest - but so many of them had their own special memories attached to them - all of them, have been documented here in this blog.

4. The amazing kindness, generosity and support from friends, family, co-workers and even complete strangers.

So for those of you who are uninitiated in the way of adventure racing, like me, Pete, Mike and Josh were yesterday morning - here's how this one worked:

Start and go through the prologue - find the first three checkpoints and punch the corresponding number of your "passport" a sheet of paper with numbers and letters on them which correspond to the checkpoints in the race. Then - well actually before, strategize to get as to as many checkpoints as you can and as many numbers punched....in 4 hours or less.

We got the first 6 on foot, the next three (two plus a bonus) via kayak on the Catawba river, the next three via whitewater rafts on the largest man made whitewater river, the next three on the rock climbing wall and the last one via mountain bike.

We missed one by totally overrunning it - my bad idea about bushwhacking along the riverbanks versus sticking to the trail a little while longer...and only got one on the bike - because- well, these little markers buried in the woods are hard enough to find when you're jogging along, never mind when you're flying down the trails at the whitewater center....and besides, after some technical difficulties - we were running out of time.

So - as we head out - we set a pace of about an 8:30 - 8:40 minute mile. We've got a lot of land to cover - and it was warm at the start. Last year's winner, a young man from Germany was WAAAAY out front - he wound up running the entire course - and winning again this year - so we kind of followed him for a bit. As long as we could see him anyways, which wasn't long.

We got into this event at the suggestion of Mike Nicosia, the Director and our team consisted of Mike, Pete Lohri, the Navigator, a friend from UMass, former rugby teammate and neighbor here in Stonewater and Josh Cowley, the Gazelle, a neighbor of Mike's...and me, the anchor. We were Team 40-40 - still are...and we rocked!

What can I say - we had an absolute blast. The kayaks out across the Catawba to the checkpoints were fun. Realizing that I had totally overrun checkpoint 5, by probably 1/2 mile - and being able to get to the whitewater rafts in time - potentially damaging, but we did it. Riding the whitewater, not getting tossed out of the boat even on the hydraulic. They had them dialed up to about class 3 rapids is what I guessed...hard but not overwhelming. Rock climbing - which I expected I would totally suck at was fun...I know I didn't set any records on that - but surprisingly it was easy. And I got to see Abby Miller, TNT Director. She is such an awesome woman - she came out there to cheer us on and was so excited for us. God bless you Abby you are one of the many reasons I love TnT and the work the Team does. And then the bikes - well - that's another story.

Sheila arrived just as we were heading out. A quick kiss for good luck and off we rode - Team 40-40 - down the hill and off into the woods. The bikes were still fun mind you, but as we started out, Josh had quite possibly the worst popped chain I had ever seen. It took us ALL to get it fixed - and took about 10 minutes. Then, as we're barreling down the trail to the mandatory Checkpoint 9...we missed a turn and went on a black diamond (very difficult) trail which ate up more time.

Then - we finally get to checkpoint 9. A mandatory checkpoint, which we all thought, meant there'd be people there making sure we were all together - you have to stay within 100 feet of a teammate at all times- and checking us in...but no. It was a freaking compass orienteering riddle.

150 yards at 270 degrees, then 36 yards at 30 degrees, then 100 yards at 20 degrees...find three numbers, jot them down - then go back and continue finding checkpoints.

We completed the riddle - but then realized we had 15 minutes to get back to the finish...given the challenges on the bikes thus far - we quickly realized - no time for checkpoints - hump it back to the finish.

We got back about 6 minutes past 5, which meant we get docked 6 points. but you know what - we finished - and I made sure we finished together.

As we went through the awards, ours being the award of finishing - first time adventure racers - first time teammates (for most of us) - the race director asked us to come up and tell our story. Mike asked who found Checkpoint 5...apparently - we just missed it - again - my bad - as most of the four hour folks found it

Then they asked me to tell the story of the 40 in 40. Which I did. When I told them how we raised $40,000 - we (note we not I) got a standing ovation. That was in honor of all of you, those who have supported me with your generosity, Sheila with her patience, my friends who raced with me, pushed me, gave me grief about missing a race...

That was for you.

The 40th race is dedicated to Mike Nicosia, his three children, Kacey, Matthew and Sean and in memory of Kathy Nicosia who passed away in June of 2007. Kathy was pregnant with her youngest, Sean and upon giving birth, it was determined that there was a massive tumor in her uterus. It had gone undiagnosed or even seen during the pregnancy. From the time it was found, to the time that Mike, Kacey, Matthew and Sean lost Kathy - seeing them all from time to time, their power, their passion for life, love for Kathy - wife, mother - and their resiliency...was and still is powerful. Kathy was a great energetic, friendly, loving woman who welcomed friends, new and old into her world. She is missed, but not forgotten - and I am humbled to be dedicating this race in her memory.

As mentioned, Mike was the director of this team. Being able to do it with him - and now, being able to dedicate this event to him, his children and most importantly in the memory of Kathy - is the least I can do. I hope that I honored her, Mike and the kids appropriately. As a testament to Mike's power - he told all of us on Team 40-40 - to donate the race fees to the 40 in 40 versus reimbursing him. over $180...selfless....generous....kind hearted and powerful.

While the 40 in 40 is done, I am not.

I will continue to serve as the Treasurer for the NC Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Board - a position I am honored to hold. I will continue to do Team in Training events, I will continue to support and further the mission of the LLS - the cures are out there - we must continue to battle - to eventually defeat blood cancers.

This summer - I intend to volunteer for as many TnT events as I can - and challenge you all to come out and support the events as well. No dollars involved - just some time. Volunteers are critical to the success of these events. If you want to know more - just let me know.

Come out and see what enjoyment, sense of accomplishment and success the members of TnT realize during their events. Come out and see what powerful message is communicated - as those clad in purple and green - race for a cause, for a cure, for a life....or like the 40 in 40 - to put another birthday candle on a blood cancer patient's birthday cake. This year, next year, 10 years or more from now.

So - while the 40 in 40 is over- the blog will continue - with updates to races, new events, new challenges...but for now - nothing like the 40 in 40.

A Full Ironman is probably in the works for next year - more to come on that.

So while the adventure is over - the fun is not. I've had so many incredible experiences - I'll recount them over the next several years - happily - and will be sure to recognize all of you and your support. Thank you for following the blog - please stay tuned - we'll have a lot to share with you as time passes.

Who knows - maybe I'll write a book - 40 chapters, 40 pictures, probably sell about 40 copies!

Pictures to follow.

Go TEAM!!!! And thank you all!

#40 in the books and what a blast

2010-05-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Will provide more details shortly - but at the end of the day, we raced about 10 miles in about 4 hours time....four novice adventure racers. The best race out of the 40 by a long stretch

All I can say is - what a blast!

#40 - coming up....in a few short hours

2010-05-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

We're off to the Whitewater Center (http://www.usnwc.org/) for the final event in the 40 in 40, a 4 hour adventure race with

Pete Lohri: the Navigator - friend from UMass and former Rugby teammate - and now neighbor,

Mike Nicosia: the Director - friend, ringleader, organizer...the guy who thought 4 hours in the woods with three friends on a Saturday afternoon in May is a great idea) and

Josh Cowley: the gazelle- soon to be friend, current acquaintance....if we don't reach friend status by the end of the day - well, something will have happened during the race

and me - I'll be the mule...

We have no idea of the order of the events or the distances. The race starts at 1PM. We PROBABLY should have gone to the mini clinic a few weeks ago - oh well but this is what we know we have on tap:

Trail run
Mountain bike ride
Whitewater rafting
Flatwater kayaking
Rock climbing

"other challenges"

The whitewater center is a spectacular spot - did two of the 40 out there in fact - #19 and #31, but never done anything to this extent out there.

I'm going to have fun today - keep us moving forward and on track - and just enjoy the 40th event in a year.

Sheila's mom and dad are in town, for her graduation. She graduated last night - with a 4.0 from Queens University. They're planning on coming out to try and see us finish -

Hope to see you there. It's been a hell of a week - sheila graduates with a 4.0, we are guaranteed to reach the $40,000, I am getting ready for my 40th event - and I just turned 40...wow

Thanks everyone - go TEAM!!!

$40,000

2010-05-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today - my birthday - my 40th birthday started out like any other day...a little sleepy - a quick workout before work - and then - it got amazingly better. I had a surprise visit from my mother this past weekend - who flew down from VT to see me and take me out to dinner...who could ask for anything better?

The flood of emails and calls today wishing me a Happy Birthday from friends, family, people I've connected with as part of the 40 in 40 - people I have had the privilege to honor as part of the 40 in 40 and do the races for - kept me in a positive mood.

A planned lunch with my wife - gave me something to look forward to later today

Then - I get an email from a co-worker.

Whatever the difference in my fundraising and the $40,000 goal - they are going to close the gap - ENTIRELY

This person - who has yet to share their story with me - is going to make up whatever dollar amount we are short of our goal. Currently around $7,000...you can still help close the gap between now and then.

words cannot express the gratitude - and utter awe I am in.

Thank you. Go Team! One more race - but we've already reached one goal

Will you help us go even further?

Event #39, Mount Holly Springfest 5K, Saturday May1

2010-05-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Holy cow - it's May 1st. How did THAT happen? Man the year has flown by, the year of the 40 in 40 and 2010 so far...wow.

We've raised over $30,000 (by my count with what is outstanding in terms of posted items and matching gifts, etc) $32,681...unbelievable. I am in awe of the generosity and support of my family, friends, co-workers, and even complete strangers. Thank you all. It has been an adventure that has made my 40th year one I will never forget.

So - got up a little extra early to apply my much promised purple and green TnT colors face paint...to my entire head. Besides some smearing and not quite 100% straight lines, it actually was pretty easy....and Sheila thought it was hilarious. Maggie wasn't real sure what to make of it - she went and hid under the bed.

As I arrived at the race site, I got several sideways glances and odd looks. I just smiled. Someone who was doing her first 5K in over 3 years, finally asked..."So did you lose a bet or something?"

Nope - I WON a bet. I explained the 40 in 40 to her - she was complimentary of the adventure. AS I checked in, same thing "So what happened?" Then the radio announcer came up and asked. HMMM - maybe I should have been doing this all along.

The race director came up and asked me about it (we had emailed a few weeks ago about the race) and he said "We have to have you get up and say a few words!"

GULP...I stammered and was like UMM, OK. So what to say?

I got up and explained why the purple and green, and no, I did not lose a bet, no I am not an alien, no I am not sick (one kid thought I was green because I was sick...) When I explained what I was doing, where I had been - and what we have done - over $30K - there was a lot of applause. I had an opportunity to thank Sheila for her patience, and my sponsors, Karhu/Craft and TrySports.

So off to race...It was a loop course, with a nice downhill at the start, but that meant an uphill climb for the finish.

Mile one was a bit too fast, mile 2 went through a recently developed and reclaimed park in Mount Holly - and mile three point 1 was as promised...flat to down to start, then a climb to the finish. As I either passed folks, or got passed - I got a lot of "great job", "good luck with the last race" and a few "thank you for what you are doing"...

There were three young boys who raced today - two brothers, placed 3rd and 1st in their age group - who came up to me after the race and asked more about what I was doing. I find it fascinating that these young boys - who were probably more interested in the fact that they placed in their age group and what kind of mischief they were going to get into this afternoon - spent a bunch of time talking to me. They were very nice and seemingly impressed with the races.

Everyone after the race was kind as well and were encouraging.

Today's race is dedicated to the memory of Steven Smith and to his family. I learned about Steven and his family's story when I reached out to a donor,who had commented on my donation page about her brother's battle and the son of a friend of hers, who has fought the battle and lost. Steven, the father of four very young children was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in June 2004. Here is some more information from Steven's mother who (along with her husband and a daughter) are Team in Training Alums - and Steven's sister Kimberly is a Coach with Team in Training.

Steven’s story is a long one, as they all seem to be . He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in June, 2004, underwent various types of chemo to no avail, and finally entered a trial at Sloan Kettering in August of 2005. And again he underwent brutal chemo in preparation for a stem cell transplant. I don’t know how familiar you are with transplants, but the patient suffers terribly. And the parents watching over him are reduced to silent weeping, as there is nothing you can do. The transplant was done on November 9, 2005, but was unsuccessful, as we found out in February of 2006. From that point on it was a matter of keeping Steven alive for as long as possible, as he was the father of four very young children. Steven died at home with family right there on November 6, 2006, a few days shy of his 36th birthday.

Kathy and her husband, along with one of their daughters, Kimberly, ran the Nike Women’s race in San Francisco in 2008 as Team In Training participants, and are doing the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon with their other daughter, Kate, this fall – this time a relay – again for Team In Training.

The pictures included in this blog post are of Steven and his wife, Mija’s, children taken in 2004, just after the diagnosis, a photo of Kathy and Tacitus Bond taken the morning of the Nike run in San Francisco. Where they each did a half. Steven's sister Kimberly is a coach for Team and Training and has done lots of marathons, including Boston – one photo is of Kathy and Kimberly, taken in 2006, when they first trained for SF, but Kathy did not go due to Steven’s condition. And there is also a photo of Steven with the four kids taken in March 2006.

The Bond's strength and support for their family leaves me in awe of their resilience - and ongoing dedication to support the LLS through their TnT events - to hopefully one day, find a cure for blood cancers.

Kathy said in her email to me - "you are a remarkable person" - no - Kathy, Tacitus and their daughters and the memory and family that Steven leaves with me - and I expect all of you - they are truly remarkable.

Go TEAM!

23:20

Over $30K raised - so as promised....one purple and green noggin

2010-05-01T08:56:00.001-07:00

Will provide a recap from the race, #39 right here in Mount Holly, a little later on - so in the meantime, enjoy the pics.

Go TEAM!!

Events #37 and #38, Sally's Y 5k and Sally's Y 50K Sunday April 25

2010-04-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Two for one special today...just like last year, I was able to do the 5K prior to the cycle event (thank you Melissa Lasarsky and race directors) and got to ride and hang out with a lot of good friends.

Mike Ferretti, Jim Russell, Cat Reid, Cheryl Ryan, Greg Counts (all did the 100K) Kevin Collins, Justin and Tricia McCord - we did the 50K. Thanks everyone for coming out and making the trek up north to do the ride. Awesome seeing you all!

Beautiful day for the events - albeit a bit windy. Extremely well run and seamless. Well supported - challenging course with some great hills to test out the legs. Loads of fun.

For those who don't know, the Y in Denver, soon to be Sally's Y is being built in memory of Sally Clark, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2004. Her passion for life and spirit will be commemorated in the future home of Sally's Y - being built through the collaboration of her parents, David and Jo, to give back to the community - just as they know Sally would.

Due to the recent rains, the run was on the road, versus a trail run - a double loop - easy enough to navigate and fun to run - even if it was by myself.

Finished the run and changed up for the bike - different shorts (changed in the car) a lot of sunscreen and inflated the tires....shortly after I finished the run, we were off.

I can't say that I was really hammering on the bike. It's been awhile since I was on the road for an extended ride, so it was one mile at a time. Justin and I kept changing position up front - well - mostly Justin up front really....I kinda lagged behind.

We all had an awesome ride and a lot of fun. Nice to be out with good friends on a challenging course on a beautiful April afternoon.

Dedications for these events are forthcoming.

5K approx 23 minutes
50K 1:50:22

Go TEAM!!!

Event #36, Skyline 5K, Saturday April 24

2010-04-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ugh...tired....really sleepy when the alarm went off this AM. I abused the snooze and got up pretty much at the last possible minute to make it to the race on time. But I did.

Good fun race. And a bigger crowd than I expected given it was drizzling this morning. Went and picked up my bib number and dropped off the stuff in the car. Went and lined up and thought to myself "self, hmmm no timing chips. OK, just watch the clock and figure out your net time. No biggie"

Then we start, and as we approach the starting line, and I hear a familiar high pitched beeping noise. TIMING MATS - what?!?!? I didn't think to ask about the chips (part of my running late issue) and so - rookie mistake. Good news is - my time can be anything I say it is.

So - I came in dead last - yep, they were rolling up the finish line as I crossed...no - not really..but I might as well have.

As we're lined up I could hear folks strategizing, "OK, so we'll aim for 8 minute miles the first mile, the a little faster....", "If you want to take off, go ahead, I'll be right behind you", "should we take water on the course? do we need it?" A lot of folks were running their first 5K. Pretty impressive and the banter was a lot of fun to listen to.

Good course - covered some of the Great Harvest Bread Company course from last year and the Elizabeth 8K from last weekend. Long gradual hill for the first mile or so - which bodes well for the last mile (downhill baby). Didn't really have the bounce in my step that I was looking for, but had fun nonetheless and ran a negative split (second half was faster than the first).

Today's race is dedicated to Elizabeth Crowther the grandmother of a friend Keith Fleming, whose aunt was the person I dedicated last weeks race to. Elizabeth is 82. Here's a little bit about her battle

"My non-Hodgkins lymphoma was diagnosed in December 2004, chemo and radiation followed and I have been in remission since then. Thank God! I had a lymphoid tumor on my spine which was completely different from Sheila (Keith's aunt) who had a large tumor in her abdomen. Our courses of treatment used the same drugs, timing, etc. so the treatment hasn't changed much in the past five years."

While the treatments haven't changed much, the life expectancy of a blood cancer patient has improved. 40 years ago, a blood cancer of any sort was almost assuredly a death sentence. Through your generous support, this much needed work and improvements in quality of life and length of life have been made possible. But there is so much work to be done.

I saw Matt Woodliff, our internal audit partner - having a strong race. Also ran into Jenny from TrySports - she broke 21 minutes...holy cow. I also met Jordan, the Karhu/Craft rep for the area. He ran some crazy time of 15 + minutes. Great job everyone!!!

Next up, Sally's Y 5K and 50K (bike ride) tomorrow, if the weather holds up. It's a little iffy, so let's hope for great weather.

GO TEAM!!!

22:25

so - what's up this weekend? Events 36,37 and 38

2010-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

What are your plans for the weekend? I plan to run 2 5Ks (one each Saturday and Sunday) and do at least a 30+ mile bike ride (Sunday).. why? I am within striking distance of the 40 races I set out to do a year ago...and am within, well at least the same zip code of the fundraising goal ($40,000) to support the LLS. I am relying on my trusty Karhus and Craft gear....and a little rest -to get me through...I am also looking forward to the support from Kevin Collins, a TnT coach and fellow Bank of America Associate, and his friends to keep me (relatively) sane during the ride on Sunday....pray for nice weather.

Go TEAM.....

If all of my FB friends forwarded this to their friends and everyone donated at least $10....I bet we could make $40,000 EASY......think about it...I have 300+ FB friends....I suspect many of you are MUCH more "popular" than I am.

Event #35, Elizabeth 8K, Saturday April 17

2010-04-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Great day for a run of any sort....cool, sunny..I got about 10 hours of sleep - bonus.

Made it to the race site about 7:10, saw Elvis out front...same dude as last year - very funny. Caught up with Mike T from work and his wife Megan - got my gear and changed the shoes....do not walk in my running shoes - EVER

Went for a warm up with Mike - this is pretty much the only time I could ever run with him - much faster than I am. By the time we got back they were lined up and we jumped into the crowd...we were both checking out the guys and gals up front - and were like - so, who do you think will win? I don't think either of our choices won...

As I missed mile marker 1 - about 14-15 minutes in I was thinking, we better be past mile one otherwise I'm taking my ball and going home...didn't really seem to have it and was a bit tired. But then I saw it - mile marker 2 - OK - not so bad - keep going.

Seeing as Mike is faster than me, my goal was to keep him "in sight" as much as I could - ideally I'd see him cross the finish line - but after mile 3 and with all the turns - and the fact he increased the gap from me - that didn't happen...

Yeah - all the turns....there are a ton of 90 degree turns in this race...not a lot of long straightaways - given the fact it goes through the residential neighborhood of "Elizabeth" that's not shocking but something they could contemplate improving upon.....

End of the day - good event...as it was last year. Ironically enough, my time (haven't been able to find the results online yet and didn't wear the garmin) was pretty much the exact same time I posted last year...

is that good? Is that bad? given I had one heck of a week at work - I'll take it as a plus.

Number 35 down - five more to go...next weekend I'm looking to do three. One on Saturday, and two on Sunday. Anyone want to join me? Let me know

Looking at the Skyline Run Saturday, and the 5K and 50K bike ride on Sunday at Sally's Ride for the Y

Today's race is dedicated to Ms. Sheila Hufnagel the aunt of a friend of mine. She is a survivor and on the road to recovery, her brief synopsis of her battle is as follows - and this was all last year:

Admitted to the hospital in June with blood clots in lungs where they diagnosed a large abdominal tumor (follicular lymphoma stage 4) and began chemo; had 6 rounds of chemo finishing in October; had 17 days of radiation in November; had the final scan and officially finished treatment in complete remission the middle of January; and have started on the quarterly checkup routine – first appt next week

We'll be thinking of you - and hoping for the best!

Thanks to all of you and your support, research and treatments have improved vastly....most importantly - the number of folks who do survive, who come back from the battle - continues to improve...

Go TEAM!!!

37:40

#35 on tap - Saturday AM

2010-04-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

tough week at work and I think I ran all of 10 miles this week...and that may be generous...Elizabeth 8K is tomorrow - hope to see some co-workers Mike, Adam and Steve there. That is if I don't sleep through the alarm - getting home from work a little late is NOT conducive to training - it's official...but it's "fun" in a sick and twisted way.

we're over $26K now - come on - $30K and the paint goes on the noggin...

Let the games begin...

2010-04-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

With 6 more races, I am now entering what I call "crazy season" at work (a quarterly phenomenon associated with what I do) where the days are long, but extremely worthwhile - and unfortunately the nights are short...like right now....it's a delicate balance between work, training and "life"....

I am preaching to the choir though - as so many of my friends, followers and my wife Sheila (who all follow the blog) - struggle to find the balance... do I get in miles, or a couple extra minutes or hours of sleep...and then hit the desk.

I am so energized about the last 6 (at least) races for the 40 in 40...and ironically enough have had so many folks at work, at the gym and at races ask about it recently ...that it adds to it all.

All I need to do is manage my own balance....and get to the goal. What do you think? is 3 hours of sleep enough to run 8-10 miles? Or swim a mile? Biking, I act like it is is on auto-pilot sometimes - which is why it is better to ride with folks..better for me and the cars on the road.

Nutrition helps balance things - eating better makes it do-able, but the Dunkin Doughnut I had at the office today doesn't quite fit into that....that's my own fault though. Who can resist a boston creme Dunkin? Come on now....

20+ miles this week (running) 20-30 on the bike and a mile (or more) in the water will help with the balance.

Who else here feels they are "better" when they maintain their workout schedule...even if it means an hour less of rack time? I sure do.

Number 35 in a few days...time to sleep...but not time to rest. The LLS has a daunting challenge in front of it...makes an hour less of sleep seem like a cake walk.

As a side note - but no less important...the fundraising event in Raleigh helped raise over $1,000...initial estimates were closer to $500 - but with donated food and follow on donations, we raised more than $1,000 for the LLS!!!!

Again, a huge thank you to Mike Tadych and Denise Mullen (no "blood" relation), Mary and Al Tadych - and of course Sheila....Glyn Jones from PF Changs in Raleigh and all the folks who turned out for the event...

We couldn't have done it without all of you.

#34 CoolBreeze Triathlon, Sunday March 28

2010-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Holy crap that alarm went off early....although truth be told - I didn't sleep much after we got home at midnight. Tri bag prep (prior posts go into my concern over that) and getting the bike ready and rack on my car...hit the rack around 1 AM - woke up pretty much every half hour concerned I slept through the alarm.

Then when it did finally go off at 5:15, I over used the snooze - assessing "what is the latest I can get up and make it to the race to get set up and ready?" Turns out that was 5:45....

Grab some pre-race chow and head for the race. make it to the site at 6:45 - plenty of time before the race starts - and even more before I have to jump in the pool. Get set up in transition, bike racked, clothes set up, all stickers/numbers affixed properly. Go get my numbers written on me at body marking....this is when it hits me - once again - we're so close to the end of the 40 in 40.

In Triathlon (and apparently in the race on Saturday) they do what is "aging up". If your birthday occurs after the race but during the calendar year of the race, they mark the age you will become (in my case 40) on your right calf. The reason for putting ones age on their leg is twofold....

One - to tell everyone just how old the person who just dusted you on the bike or run is
Two - to know if you should chase them - if they fall into your age group (5 year groupings - I am now in 40 -44)

Back to transition - and the guy next to me in the racks informs me my bike is racked incorrectly - to those of you who haven't done a tri - this could result in a penalty of 2 minutes - which in any tri - especially a short one - can make a big difference...not that I'm going to win - but still.

So I explain - no its not and why...net-net - he feels he doesn't have enough space for all his transition stuff...waa waa waa. So I double check the rules - and no I am in fact racked properly. So I leave it.

About 15 minutes later - they announce incorrectly racked bikes and other potential penalties over the PA system "#426 your bike is incorrectly racked"...guess who #426 is...ME.

So - I move it - but as I do a USAT official ( the folks who figure out who is potentially in penalty - and record/report it accordingly) is walking by so I ask him....is my bike incorrectly racked this way? He's like nope - you're good....

OK - I'll catch this little bugger, #425 on the course and make up for him tattling (incorrectly) on me...ya big space hog baby.... :-)

I am somewhat sympathetic as for many this is a first time tri - short course, pool swim early in the season - and while it's my first of the season, and I clearly could have made a mistake - however, just like there's no crying in baseball, there's no tattling in triathlon. I did in fact move my bike to accommodate #425 - not wanting to make his first tri (or one of his first tri's) a bad experience.

Today was like a TNT reunion of sorts....ran into and chatted with Jay Reid TNT Coach and husband of the wonderful Cat Reid - who was a Tahoe teammate from last year (his first tri EVER - as prep for the Austin TX Olympic), Abby Miller - TNT Director, John McLean, TNT Alum and Full IronMan finisher (I haven't done that...don't imagine I could) and Cheryl Reid - also a Tahoe teammate who is doing her first (I believe) TNT Tri in June....

Also saw Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer blogger and running aficionado who just completed his third marathon in 4+ months last weekend....

All of them - with the exception of Jay - were all out volunteering to help make this a great event. John McLean of course was giving me grief on the run...."come on, get up this hill"...but it helped.

Net - net...

Swim - which was short (250M) was harder than it should have been
Bike was fast - due in part to the fact that pieces of the course were familiar due to other training rides and previous tris
Run was good - especially given the fact that we did the 5K yesterday...and I pushed a little harder than I expected to.

I passed #425 (mr tattle tale) about mile 5 on the bike - and saw him come in from the run...I was already hanging out drinking water and stretching and chatting with Jay....go re-rack YOUR bike pal.... (sorry - just an irritant)

I also met Patrick (didn't catch his last name - maybe he didn't have one - like Fabian....) who was doing his first ever Tri today and Jennifer - a mother of 3 who was doing her first tri too.....I love meeting folks who are just getting into a sport - their enthusiasm, their nervousness, their energy....and questions - help me feel like - no matter what - if I helped them get through this race - or prep for another one - or give them something else to think about - such as the 40 in 40 and the LLS mission - then - it was a great day. And I know - based on seeing them at the end - they'll be out there again and again.

Official times aren't up yet - but based on the clock - looked like about 1:14...not my best time - not my worst - but #34 is in the books and we're getting closer to home.

Also - #33 - yesterday in Raleigh (also - official results aren't posted) Sheila came in under 27 minutes, Mike around 30 and Denise around 35.

It was a great race - but some technical issues with the start time, the actual start - they counted down out loud versus using a horn or gun...and the course....the first half was fine - but as we looped back we literally ran across the stream of outgoing runners to get back on the road heading to the finish....I mean...we're running - "they're headed right for us" and you'd hate to impede them at all or break up their pace. Come on Raleigh and the race organizers...you had several hundred out there for the 5K - possibly close to a thousand including the half marathon - and this is what you offer? I'll be submitting feedback once official results are posted.

Thanks to everyone out there today with kind words, support and cajoling.

Thanks also to Denise and Mike for training for the 5K and letting me come in ahead of them- and more importantly - organizing and planning the fundraising party where we raised nearly $500.

Thanks also to Mary and Al - for hosting the party and helping to organize and make it happen
Thanks as well to Sheila for getting us home as early as possible and making sure I got out there and made #34 happen.

You all ROCK!

Congrats to all finishers today. Will be providing heroes and folks I am doing these races in honor of shortly.

Go TEAM!!! We're over $25K - who gets me to $30K?

Let me know how I can help.

Next up - looks like the Elizabeth 8K - April 17, 2010.

#33 Raleigh Rocks 5K, Saturday March 27

2010-03-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Another one in the books. A great 5K in Raleigh. Got to run with Sheila. And got to run with my sister and brother-in-law - who were doing their first 5K EVER.... and they did great. While the results aren't posted yet for some reason - there was a half marathon that took off about 30-35 minutes before us and the winner of that race came in in about 1:05 - 1:10...holy shnikies!

Anywho - chilly race morning, mid 30's and some delays at the start led to us standing around in the cold for a bit. Good course for the most part - came in around 23 minutes.

Mike and Denise (brother and sister-in-law) and Mary and Al (mother and father-in-law) arranged a fundraising dinner party around the event. 50+ people turned out from their church, tennis team (Denise's) water polo team (Mike's) and neighborhood...PF Changs catered - and donated the delicious food...

Got to meet some great folks - many who were truly interested in hearing the story of the 40 in 40, asked great questions and several called me "the crazy man".

We raised nearly $500, with promises and commitments for more donations from folks who forgot checkbooks, etc.

I want to thank

Denise - for her persistence and training for her first 5K - and for pulling the event together
Mike - for training so hard and helping pull it all together

Both of them for reminding me how much they love me - and seeing as I "made them run" I get to go play water polo and tennis with them someday soon

Al and Mary - for hosting the party at their home - and helping make sure it all came together and driving us to Mike and Denise's at 6AM this morning after little sleep.

Glyn Jones from PF CHangs for donating the food - and making it all gluten free.

More later about the event tomorrow...#34 is tomorrow AM - CoolBreeze Tri - which after returning to CLT from Raleigh at midnight - is gonna come OH SO EARLY....

Thank you all - GO TEAM! Off to bed

#32 Shamrock 4 Miler, Saturday March 20 - in the books

2010-03-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Whew - very relieved to have done the race and had a blast doing it. Large field (about 1000 runners) but very well run event.

Heading into the race, I was feeling a great deal of trepidation. Training of any sort over the past few months has been less than optimal. Training of late has been slow and difficult. Not a ton of enjoyment - but I hadn't been able to determine exactly what was going on with me....after a disappointing race in January (the trail run) and two non-races in February...the fire in the belly was weak. I'll be honest - self doubt crept in this morning when the alarm went off at 5:30.

They sent us off with some Dropkick Murphy's (click their name for the song) which was only appropriate for a "Shamrock" race. Great tune and I took it as a good omen. Along the way - between snippets of songs from folks over volumized iPods - there were moms and dads encouraging their sons and daughters - with pace advice - mentioning expected finish times, 40 minutes, 50 minutes...whatever - not pushing - encouraging them... It was great. Reassuring. And it energized me about running again.

As we continued on the course, the reason for the 40 in 40 really came back to me - not racing for this long - and with a bit of a crazy work schedule, while I hadn't truly forgotten why - it had dimmed a bit....part of what weakened the fire in my belly I suppose. But today - as we were running - it came back...and so did I.

Everything kind of clicked - the Karhus were light and bouncy - almost like they were brand new (maybe because I haven't been running that much) - the Craft gear - kept me the right temperature - it was a B-E-A-U tiful day for a run...the fire came back - and I thought about all the folks I am doing the 40 in 40 for...not for me - for the patients, survivors, families and those who have fought the battle and lost.

With 8 more races to go - we have $15K left to raise - and a little over two months to do it. We'll get there and the renewed energy and focus - a good race can do that - will make it happen.

30:08

Go Team!

The Drought

2010-03-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

The span between # 31, January 23, 2010 and #32, March 20, 2010 - was a drought...a drought of races, training, discipline....but not of work or fundraising. We're at $25K - $15K to go to reach the goal....and less than two months to go - to complete 9 races. Admittedly, due to schedules,race availability and timing, the last 9 will not be as grandiose as I expected.

A Half Marathon scheduled for February was canceled due to weather ("lots of snow" in Myrtle Beach in February) and a fun event (Krispy Kreme Challenge) was canceled due to my inability to travel from CLT to Raleigh (also due to weather) - so I am under the gun....

Regardless, bring it on...three events scheduled for the next two weekends....at least three in April - and a jam to get the final three in the first couple of weeks of May (I granted myself some time due to the weather situation here in February) - we'll get to 40 races.....can you help me get to $40K?

Follow up corporate sponsorship/donation requests are going out next week...please get the word out to your friends, family, companies...let's make this a reality.

The battles that LLS patients, their families, their friends struggle with and the need for your support make this so attainable..and so very worthwhile.

Get me to $30K - my head will be painted purple and green (Go TEAM!!!) TnT colors for my races.

Get me to $35K - purple and green noggin - and the last 10 donors to get me there gets their names scrawled on my arms, legs, head

Get me to $40K + - I wear a purple and green "greenman" suit for all remaining races. (pending approval from race directors and pending any safety concerns....) I will post a video of the suit and me - regardless - everywhere I can.

Come on, let's do this. I am asking for your support....find 10 friends, ask them to support this cause with $10 each. It has been a grassroots initiative to begin with - let's keep it going and get to $40K.

comment regarding Charity runners and Marathons

2010-02-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

"Charity runners" are not lesser marathon citizens in the world of marathon. Sure we may not be pushing sub 3 hours, but we are doing "our first marathon", "our first half marathon" or our umpteenth marathon or half for a cause that is bigger than ourselves.

One of the things I loved (note the past tense) about road racing WAS the camaraderie and love of the sport. One of the things I dislike is those that diminish those that do not run sub 8's, 7's etc because it's not fast "enough"...

Imagine yourself - accomplishing more than you ever anticipated - to hear "charity runners diminish the sport." Liken that to...you trained really hard, but did you qualify for Boston, the Olympics....F No - they looked adversity in the face and did a hell of a lot more in their training, fundraising and networking than most do in a lifetime. Could one of the elites pull their butts off the couch after learning a loved one was diagnosed with a fatal disease or ailment - with no "hope" of recognition or monetary reward?

Folks who do this with a charity do it for the benefit of others and hope they do "some good"

Next time....kick me in the schnuts before you say anything derogatory about "charity runners" - it would be less painful however, even more out of line.

Every race can be a first....no race should be a defeat.

what an end to an amazing week Event # 32 - NOT

2010-02-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

After leaving work at 2 AM Friday AM - and a long 7 hour rtek to Myrtle Beach for the half marathon, event # 32....with my sister Andrea and her boyfriend dave....arriving at 10:40 PM...no chance of ever getting my race packet - but still determined to do the race....I see this

Media Advisory
To: Myrtle Beach Media
From: Mark Kruea, Public Information Officer
Date: February 12, 2010
Re: Marathon update
We regret to report that the BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon has been cancelled for
tomorrow, Saturday, February 13. The city staff has monitored weather conditions and
delayed making a decision as long as practical, in hope that the forecast would improve.
Unfortunately, the forecast consistently calls for snow accumulations overnight, raising concerns
about the safety of all involved in the marathon.

I need a beer.

Go Team!!!!!

Event # 31 (sort of) Whitewater Trail Run, Saturday January 23

2010-01-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since the last event (over a month) but today started out with pretty much ideal weather for a trail run at the Whitewater Center, just outside of Charlotte. Scheduled to do 13 miles, I got to the site and picked up my packet and bib in semi-darkness. I ran into Abby Miller, soon to be new TnT Director for the Western North Carolina Chapter of the LLS, Cat Reid, fellow TnT Alum, Mike Smith - Cheryl Ryan's (also a fellow TnT Alum) husband - and a bit of a running nut, Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer blogger extraordinaire and also a running nut, and Santiago Montilla and Juan Pablo Mancia from work. It was like a reunion of sorts.

We started out a bit after 8AM and quickly enter the woods....this is where trail running diverges from road running. Single track trails (one person or bike wide) muddy, mucky, rooted and rocky trails. it taxes muscles and the body differently. First few miles are good - and I start to get into a rhythm. The challenge of trail running - in addition to the trail conditions - are the constant grade changes, uphill, downhill, stump jumping. You can't really get into an even pace...but we're having fun and ticking off the miles..

Then - right past mile 4 - down a bit of a muddy washout, and my left calf locks up....tight tight tight....so I pull over and try stretching it out. It's rock solid because of the cramp, but it loosens up and I get going again.

Mile 5 - and past mile 6. As we make the turn where the 8 mile route and the 13 mile route split- Theoden says "well we're committed now"....to which I respond - "maybe we should be committed"...about a 1/4mile down this trail, the calf cramps up again and my legs are just not feeling right - so I stop to stretch again...get going and another 1/4 to 1/2 mile...and again...cramp - this time worse than the other two. Dammit....Decision time....so I decide - begrudgingly - I turn around and have now determined I am best served to do 8 and not 13. My concern over seriously hurting my calf - potentially derailing the last 10 races out of the 40 in 40...outweighs the "no guts no glory" that was running through my head and silencing the pain in my calf. Good news is - it's my left calf - not my right calf like in Kiawah...

As I get on the trail again - I am debating - should I just turn around and muscle through the 13. I see where the 13 mile route rejoins the 8 mile route....yes, no, yes, no....no. fudge

I manage to get through the balance of the 8 mile route with only a couple more cramps and instances of my legs locking up - or feeling like they were.

I cross the finish line and am in all honesty - pissed at myself. My training has not been as focused as it should have been the past couple of weeks. Nutrition has been suspect. And it all showed up today - and got in my face - and beat me.

So - while I completed a race - whether or not I count it ultimately in the 40 in 40 remains to be seen. The folks I am doing this for - the reason - all go through so much more than a little muscle cramp. They persevere through Chemo treatments, surgeries, ups and downs that make what I was dealing with today seem like a hangnail or a bad hair day. They don't give up.

So while I believe I've isolated the factors that drove the outcome - that I didn't have what was needed to complete the event I set out to do - I also know I need to reflect and build on these things - and focus on the reason I am doing this - to do more to help those who are battling blood cancers....to help them by raising the $40K I set out to raise.

Going forward - no more doubts - no more letting the doubt get in my head - time to re-focus and do better....time to do more for those who are unable to. Training needs to be smarter and more diligent - more consistent. Nutrition more purposeful.

Santiago and Juan Pablo did great today - finishing the 8 well ahead of me. Mike did better than he set out to do - crushing the 13 in around an hour and a half....and while I didn't see Theoden since the time I stopped to stretch, I know he did awesome as well. He has a determination and fire that kept him focused....

All the runners did great today - well - all but one.

Run well my friends - hope to see you soon - and if I do - tell me to pick it up and get going.

Event # 30, Kiawah Half Marathon,Saturday December 12

2009-12-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Event # 30 was positioned to be a special event for a variety of reasons. It turned out to be more than I expected and was powerful, moving and wonderful.

I was asked to be the emcee for the Inspiration Dinner on Friday night. I was truly honored to be asked and humbled by the experience. Speaking to a room full of survivors, heroes, their families and fellow TnT athletes....I only hope I conveyed the message and information needed. Most importantly,I wanted to inspire them and fire them up for their respective events on Saturday.

The event, beyond my speech, and our honored speaker went extremely well. Adrienne "Daisy" Zonneville who was the WNC honored hero captivated all present. The event is dedicated to her and her battle...more later.

So after a great inspiration dinner, it was rack time.....unfortunately, not a lot of sleep was to be had....so 5AM came quickly.

Wake up and off to meet the team. There were 3 TnT teams at the Kiawah events, a total of 205 TnT'ers out there. We raised $525 thousand, and the top 10 fundraisers raised over $62 thousand themselves.....amazing

with over 3000 folks doing the races, about 2/3rds doing the half, the starting line was crowded, but energy packed. at 8 Am we head out and it looks to be a promising event. after mile 1,which was a bit slow due to the crowds, I slipped in with a few guys who were pacing their friend and joined them for the first several miles. along the way - it was an interesting start...dodging some walkers, looking out for alligators in the marshes - yes alligators - and the recurring "Go TEAM" shouts - kept us moving along nicely. The morning was chilly, but not bad at all. Thanks in part to the new Craft hat and gloves that arrived the previous day. kept em on the entire race...light enough to do so - even after I warmed up but not so much to over heat....even though I violated one of my own rules - not wearing something brand new without washing it first, i was soooo glad I brought that gear with me

About mile 5, we saw the first runner coming back our way, the leader for the marathon....I checked my watch and was like "he had to cut the course somewhere...he is flying....sub 40 minutes for his 8 miles" but no...no cheating on his part (for the record - that same guy won....the MARATHON...so he kept flying)

Make the turn at 6 and as we're heading back, I see more TnT folks coming out...Go TEAM resounds throughout the crowd...with the energy from the TnT crowds, my pace picks up and we hit mile 8, mile 9.....and then....

there is a sharp stabbing pain on the inside of my right ankle...oh no. what is it, what could it be? i haven't had any pain previously there....damn. so decision time, do I ease up, or do I push it and deal with the issue later....next big race is in two months, so I have time to heal...so keep it going.

Hit mile 11 and realize that the energy seems to have drained out of the crowd of runners. whereas two or three miles ago, everyone was encouraging one another "keep it up", "great job", "looking good"...there was primarily silence. No other TnT members heading out on the course at this point to pass along "Go Team's" to keep us moving. But the folks I have honored and remembered here, over the course of the 40 in 40 certainly gave me some extra energy to go through the pain and finish strong.

It was a great race. I finished in about the same time as I did my last half marathon, but given it was a MUCH flatter course, I have a lot of work to do over the next two months.

As I finish I run into a woman from work and a guy from the gym...seemingly random, but given the course, the venue and the proximity to Charlotte, maybe not as random as one might think.

My ankle really starts bothering me again as I walk around, the stabbing pain is getting worse and I realize I need to stretch NOW and possibly look for the medical tent - otherwise this may get unbearable....so as I start to stretch, I look down and what do I see??? a burr...an annoying little star-shaped, pea-sized burr that has embedded itself in my sock.....THAT little m-fer was the cause of the stabbing pain in my ankle and it has dug itself into my ankle while I ran. No wonder it hurt like hell....I laugh at myself, yank it out - and all is well.

The event this weekend is dedicated to Adrienne"Daisy" Zonneville. Daisy captivated us all with her story. Diagnosed at the age of 11 with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, she fought for years and was once again diagnosed with this terrible disease at the age of 15. At that point she was given a 65% chance of survival.

15 years later, to the day, she ran her first marathon. The Kiawah Marathon....her fiancee who trained with her, ran the half. They both finished and had amazing experiences...their spirit, their love for one another and their commitment was evident in everything they showed to us this weekend. Daisy commented during her speech on Friday night, that if she can beat cancer, she's gonna kick this marathon's ass...and she did - and her fiancee kicked the half's ass as well.

Her energy, her determination, her power and spirit make the cause, the fight, the fundraising, the training all that much more worthwhile and meaningful. I cannot imagine the fight and determination that Daisy and the rest of the survivors who ran with us on Saturday have. Their power, their belief....it empowered me to realize the next 10 races and the next $20,000 must be realized.

After the race, the rain started - and I watched the crowds dissipate. I knew there were numerous people still out on the course and yet - there would be few to no spectators at the finish line to cheer them in. I took it upon myself to stick around and cheer in as many folks as I could. It may seem self gratuitous to even mention it - but I can't imagine being out on any course running a race, my first, last, or one for or in the memory of a loved one....and coming in to silence except for the ticking of the clock over the finish line.

8 hours in, with the last runner, a TnT teammate, coming across the finish line it was time to wrap things up....

This weekend, for whatever reason, I connected with so many more members of other teams than I have at prior events. I met folks who shared their stories with me about their battles, or the loved ones they have lost.

Event # 30 - in the books....in my heart and mind forever.

To all the survivors, to all the family members, to all the heroes and all the folks we honor...to all the folks I met this weekend and in weekends past...prior teammates, coaches, speakers - you are the reason for the 40 in 40. I hope to be able to honor you all appropriately.

30 down, 10 to go - $20,000 raised.

Event # 30 - 1:48:02

GO TEAM

Event #29, Trot it Off 5K, Okemo Mountain, VT Saturday November 28

2009-11-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

Yes - a 5K...seemed like SUCH a great idea, in VT for the Thanksgiving holiday - and the only race I could find that was within one hour of "home base", aka my mothers house in Rutland, VT. After getting 9 in on Turkey Day with Sheila, this seemed like a no-brainer...yeah - right.

7 AM wake up, one week after getting back from China - and my clock is still not quite 100% reset, but it's close. Temperature at my mom's house is in the low 40's. My sister Andrea's boyfriend Dave is going to do the race as well, so they meet us at my mom's house around 8. Dave is also my sister's kids cross country coach...and a really fast runner - after getting into long distances (marathons especially) in the past 4 years. I do not plan to run WITH Dave....but rather run the same race. I want to "enjoy the scenery" aka - I will be running a bit slower than him.

As we make our way to the race site, I notice the wind picking up and the temperature dropping. Granted, we're getting into ski resort area, so we also get some hills. It did snow at Okemo overnight, so overall temps have dropped.

It's a crazy course, double backs and muddy road runs and hills....not anything too gradual - some pretty steep grades - but hey - why not?

We head out at 9:45 AM down and right, down some more, then onto the main road....major headwinds...pass a few folks and climb back up for loop two.

back into the headwinds along the main road and then back on the muddy roads....As we approach the finish area, we get another wonderful hill to climb...quads are tired, my left hamstring is really tight - but I pick it up. left turn, then a right - and I see my sister Andrea, and Dave (of course - he is clearly already done....frikkin frackin....) and pick it up a bit to get to the finish.

It's a great event, especially given it is an inaugural event for them and benefits a "fuel bank" to provide fuel assistance to families in need during the upcoming winter with the local fuel (oil, coal, etc) companies matching every dollar raised through the race registrations.

Net - net, good race. My sisters boyfriend kicked my butt...and he is contemplating doing the Bi-Lo Marathon with me in SC in February...so - it will be game on (again) then.

This race is dedicated to Dorothy Emery, a fellow LLS Board member and great woman who has battled blood cancers for years and has survived. She is a strong spirit and wonderful woman who has realized the benefits of the work that the LLS and their researchers have done over the years. Someone whose power, positive spirit and resilience personifies the the power of the LLS.

End of day 25:02. Bring on NUMBER 30!!!! Kiawah Half Marathon in December.

Nearly $19K raised....let's hit $20K by December 31!

Go TEAM!!!

pics from events 26 and 27 - Huntersville Aquatics 10K and 5K

2009-11-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

pics in no particular order from the 2 races this weekend. Thanks to Mike and Megan Tolley for taking the pics....they are few and far between thus far. but they got some great pics of us both (mike ran the 10K and crushed it) and of the Karhu and Craft gear....great stuff - check it out.

Event #28, Dowd YMCA Half Marathon, Saturday November 7

2009-11-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

I was on the fence about this event - given another challenging week at work, so when the alarm went off at 5:30 (after a couple untimely calls related to the boat storage alarm in our community at 3:30 and again at 6 AM) the little voice in my head was like....but it's so nice and warm in this bed...and the dog and the cat are sound asleep on you...don't wake them up...come on - a little rest - take it easy today.

Leukemia and other blood cancers don't take a day off - patients and their families don't get a day off because they're tired - or have had a challenging week as they go through rounds of chemo, and other treatments....

6:15 (yes that "conversation" lasted that long) - Up and at em - and out the door at 6:30.

Racing in cooler weather adds an interesting aspect to the events...dressing properly to make sure you're warm enough at the start and as you get going - but not going to overheat as the race progresses...given it was 35 degrees - popped on a long sleeve shirt - a 40 in 40 t shirt - hat and gloves...oh and shorts too...felt just about right at the start.

7:40 - gun goes off and we're headed out. Not sure of the total numbers just yet - but a couple thousand maybe? mile 1 - about on track time wise, mile 2 - picked up the pace a bit to make up some time - mile 3 - right on track - 24 minutes....and then - literally as I look at my watch - it goes blank...battery died...phooey. so - I tag along with other folks who are around me seeing as we're all doing the same pace - I'll let them help me pace so I don't get too ahead of myself.

It's a spectacular day - cool crisp fall day - sun was out - very few clouds in the sky, leaves turning and/or falling from the trees. slide into the zone and check out listening to my iPod...a little Aerosmith, some VH, Violent Femmes, Pat Benatar, Poison, Def Leppard, (must have the eighties represented appropriately) Mettalica, then mile 6 - Clancy Brothers, "Whiskey in the Jar", then Cher...ummm I really need to straighten out this playlist...I seem to have imported some of Sheila's music (Cher - not the Clancy Brothers - we downloaded that for St Pats Day) - then we revert to "my music" all is good in the world again - mile 8 I catch up to a new group and ask them what they're pacing for - their on track for what I was shooting for so I tag along with them - having left my other tag along friends a while back...

Miles melt away and I am feeling good. Start to recognize the surrounding area so I know (between the fact that we just crossed mile 10 and I recognize the area) that we're getting close to home. More fans out here - and they're actually cheering for everyone.

See - odd phenomenon at races. Folks come out to cheer for their son or daughter, husband or wife, friends, partners, whoever...and don't clap and cheer for all the other racers...you know what - a little "way to go" or thumbs up or "great job" really helps keep the feet moving...and unless we are almost done - say a mile or MAYBE two from the finish....do NOT tell someone "you're almost there" almost is smell the finish line - not two miles away...

Also - there were some great volunteers out today - handing out water and high fiving the runners as we passed - the kids manning the water stops were great about the high fives...those are fun.

Pass mile 12 and am on track and now "we are almost there" head up Morehead - which given the fact it is a rather long drawn out hill has been nicknamed Morehell - especially the last mile of 13 - couple of quick turns and we're heading into the finish. Newsflash from my iPod apparently Justin Timberlake is Bringing Sexy Back...awesome - so happy for him...but I laugh to myself and pick it up the last hill.

Cross the line and feel great. From working to block out some persistent voices this AM and getting here - to the finish line - number 28 with 12 more to go. I was pretty stoked. It was a great run and a well run race. Had the proper level of attire on - great Craft gear keeping me warm - Karhus once again carried me well across the 13 miles.

Got to enjoy some Great Harvest Bread - which by the way - if you ever get a chance to partake - you must. It is downright delicious - whether or not you've just run 13 miles or just woken up...mm mm good.

Today's race is dedicated to George Barnett and is in memory of his three children. George works with one of the other LLS Board members. George spoke to us at our last Board meeting. He lost all three of his children to blood cancers in a matter of 3 years. His first two children died from AML, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and his third child died after a bone marrow transplant to treat Myelodysplastic Syndrome. George is a true survivor - one who has felt the far reaching effects and pain that these terrible diseases can bring to any one of us any day.

Great day, great race, even more important cause.

Great big shout out to Kevin Collins, John McLean and Greg Counts - fellow TnT'ers and coaches and overall great guys doing the Florida IronMan this morning - that's the big kahuna - 140.6 miles...Kevin raised over $10K for LLS for the event - good luck guys! You're gonna do great!

Go TEAM!

1:47:22

Events # 26 and #27 - Huntersville Aquatics 10K and 5K, Saturday October 31 (BOO), 2009

2009-10-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sleep deprivation is usually not conducive to great racing...or much of anything else. After a couple of weeks of challenging work hours - and limited training - that's my fault - I debated between doing the Runway 5K - a 5K on the tarmac at the Charlotte Airport. Cool - right - or these two races...seeing as 10K's in Charlotte are SO rare to find - I decided these were the events to do. Besides - it was essentially in my backyard and if all went well - I could add two more to the list...

I woke up about 30 minutes later than I wanted to - rush to the race and register. It was a gray misty morning couldn't Misty Mountain Hop http://s0.ilike.com/play#Led+Zeppelin:Misty+Mountain+Hop:29826:m11842763 out of my head on the drive over there....at least it wasn't Paula Abdul again - so there's that.

Ran into Mike and Megan Tolley - Mike works with me at BAC...so he's had the same work fun I've had - but he's a really good runner- so this'll be a piece of cake for him. Also ran into Dave Leonard a friend (now) but also the recruiter who helped me get to Charlotte and BAC...

10K line up - see a few folks in Halloween costumes - I decided I was one of the following: Lex Luthor, Dr. Evil, Lenin, Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel, or just some bald guy who was out for a little run. The women wearing the wings were in for a lot of fun with those things bouncing around on their backs...I thought to myself...

Down hill start - which is always nice - but usually winds up being faster (for me) than it should be...and as I cross mile 1 just under 7 minutes...I realize yeah - time to ease up on the gas a bit...good course and not too hilly. Around mile 5 my hip starts acting up - probably more of a overall fatigue thing - or lack of training recently thing - but it's not bad. My new Karhu's feel AWESOME...nothing like a new pair of running shoes...seriously - they're the best. I glance at my watch and start thinking...how is that possible? I'm going to go over 50 minutes?closer to 60? I'd have to do 6minute miles for the next 2 miles to break 50...and then - me - someone who works in a finance role, works with numbers all day every day remembers....its 6 MILES so that would be only ONE more mile - knucklehead

As we turn it towards the race finish - I start to pick it up again - as we had a downhill start - we also have a downhill finish double super duper bonus...no qualms about a downhill finish...

Cross the line and I've got about 30 minutes between races. It starts to rain - nice - nothing like being sweaty and slightly chilled and getting rained on in 50/60 degree weather...I get to catch up with Mike and Megan - Mike crushed it - as expected in 45...and was heading out. Megan took some pics of us - which once I get them, I will post them to the blog....she actually had a funny idea for us for a costume - seeing as we're working on filing the 10-Q next week - she thought we should have worn a "10" on one shirt and a "Q" on the other... of course seeing as Mike was so far ahead of me - it would have been a lost joke...maybe next year.

Head out to line up for the 5K - As we're lining up - the pace leader comes up and makes us make a path - as there are still a few runners out on the course for the 10K - and they're coming in...so we make a path and as they come through - they get hearty cheers and clapping from those of us lining up...one woman had a look on her face like "what in god's name are you idiots doing in the road?"

As they pass - we regroup and get ready. Same start - downhill and I know mile 2 is a climb - pretty much one mile up a gradual - sometimes steep-ish hill - so at least I know - "Know Thine Enemies" which is always helpful. Many more costumes this time - a cat, a bee, the Flintstones family, a zombie or two - at least I think they were zombies...maybe just really tired.

Make it to mile 2 - and no math needed this time - I know we're in the home stretch. I get a couple "Go Team" cheers from folks as I pass them - with the 40 in 40 shirt I designed (available in the lobby during intermission) I made sure that the 40 in 40 challenge was detailed on the back...for this very purpose - genius. The best way to get the word out about what LLS and TnT are doing is through these types of events. I wish I could do more - and I try...but I can't do it alone.

Head in to the finish and pick it up - a young man was out there with his trainer - and he was slowing down heading in to the finish - I yell over to him - up over this eensty little hill and it's all downhill to the finish...turn to my right and there is a young woman to my side - big smile from her and she's like - I'm hanging with you to the finish...she starts to pick it up - I respond in kind...hey - whatever it takes to get there.

As I think back on the races - there were so many folks out there - doing the 10K and 5K probably a few hundred - all shapes and sizes, all ages and abilities - as with any race really - but it was kind of moving for some reason today - they're all out there doing this for their own reasons - fitness, fun, possibly their own personal challenge...who knows.

Today's races are dedicated Wendy O'Donnell, the sister of Barbara Entwistle, a woman I work with at BAC. She told me about her sister the other day. The prevalence of blood cancers is frightening. It effects so many more people -oftentimes - folks we know - and yet - their strength, their battles and challenges are unknown to us. Here is some information Barbara shared with me.

Wendy O'Donnell lived at Sloan Kettering, fighting her battle for a year. She was diagnosed and died from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Barbara told me that honoring her here with one of my races would be the greatest thing. Her son would be so proud as well as the whole family. "It was the worst year and best year of my life. We met so many wonderful people. It was very hard going back to "reality" after that."

I hope I did make them proud - and I am honored to honor her with these events. The impact to families is far greater than any of us who have not had a battle such as this to deal with can imagine. I ran for her - in her memory - and did so proudly myself.

End of the day - good races - two more down - 13 to go.

Next up -Dowd Half Marathon - next Saturday.

10K: 48:44

5K: 24:28

Oh - and as a side note - when I was running at a 5:56 pace (clearly downhill) and my heart rate hit 190 beats per minute...I realized (despite the heart rate) it would be a good day...

Go TEAM!

Some time off - time to get back on the road

2009-10-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a hectic week at work...so the time off has been welcome - to a degree - but with 15 events left - it is CLEARLY time to get back on a regimented training program. A couple of short runs and spins this week helped get the legs loosened up, but back at it in the AM with a run - a swim on Monday and time to toss the bike on the trainer at home. I found out about my "penalty" in the race - apparently I got dinged for drafting....ironic don't you think seeing as I was complaining about the guy drafting off of me?

Oh well.

I still get psyched about the fact that the race went so well and I had so much fun doing it (nothing like 6 hours of competition to rev one's self up I guess) despite my missteps with planning and prep.

Next up - looks like a 15K next weekend...great prep for a half marathon and even better excuse to get off my butt.

Event # 25 South Carolina Half Ironman, Sunday October 4

2009-10-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

Net - net - a GREAT day! 4:30 AM wake up for some breakfast (ensure and oatmeal - lots of it). Got a great nights sleep - which I attribute to the stress of my McGyver activity earlier and most importantly the massage I got the other night.

It was cool - mid to upper 50's at the race site at 5:30 - and the water was 74 - wetsuits baby! After getting set p in transition, body marked etc..and making chit chat with folks - met a couple guys from SC TnT teams - it was 7:20 - time to get this party started....or - get in the water anyways. With the overcast skies - we had ideal conditions for the race. No sun in our eyes on the swim - which can make sighting and swimming in general tricky, and no major threat of unbearable heat. Perfect.

We start at 7:34...and head out - good swim - although at one point I swore I must have made a wrong turn - as there were two extra turns on the swim. But I saw folks in front of me (not necessarily a good means of swimming as if the guy up front makes a wrong turn - we all make it.) But eventually make the final turn and head into home. Swim was really relaxed and I actually felt good the entire way. Except of course at one point when some guy - swimming up along side me managed to grab my head. Not touch it - GRAB it and kind of hold on...what am I a buoy? Dude - get off...so I push him off with my leg...and spend the rest of the swim pondering wtf? Seriously. Make it to the shore and up the boat ramp - promptly slip and almost do a face plant on the slimy concrete...but somehow right myself and get going to T1. For those of you who know me - I am not known for my grace - so not falling was a miracle in and of itself.

Quick change over. Strip off the wetsuit - pop on the riding gear and head out. Now - it's overcast and probably 60 - 65 degrees. But feel comfortable. Spin for awhile and start to pick it up after the first big hill.

The bike course map did NOT do the hills justice. They were much larger and more frequent than they appeared. Still - my McGyver gel flask is helping and the enhance water is really (or so it seems) doing just what it should. Good fuel and good ride. Chatted with a lot of folks on the ride (probably not the best use of energy but still) which helped make it move along. As we're going along I decided to chuck the ride, or break it into manageable pieces, 10 miles down, 20 miles down, 5 more, halfway...damn these hills. One woman and I kept switching position - until around 35 - when I pulled away. Also - right about this time I was thinking - hmmm - not too many have passed me - although the rest of my wave and the one before us was clearly ahead of us....and then....

One guy, 52, another 50, then three mid forties...then three women - 28 - 35 years old...well - there goes that. Oh well. Keep chugging along. Spin, spin, spin...as I try to stuff a fuel pack back in the pocket on my tri suit - a guy who is behind me goes "A little higher" telling me the pocket is up just a bit. so I thank him. We trade spaces a few times - me passing on hills - him on the flats....last hill when I see him - he says "$10 bucks you pass me on this hill" I credit the recent bike fitting to my improved cycling speed - so thanks again TrySports - and thanks for getting me over that hill.

Not one to pass up a bet, although I didn't think it would happen - I do...and then I don't see him again.

One guy - kept drafting off me - right after the marshalls passed (the folks who monitor this kind of thing) he'd speed up and get in my slipstream...I can hear him - so I try picking it up - he keeps pace - so I slow down - dude - just pass me - don't cheat...he does - and he's not even in my age group. The drafting rule is in effect for everyone - not just those in your age group...so I pass him again...jerk...as we get to mile 50 - I hear someone behind me - it's him AGAIN...fine - draft - I hope you get penalized or disqualified.

Make it into T2 - off the bike and now for the run - the part that has worried me almost as much as the swim due to my recent leg speed issues and the fact that my training has been - well - choppy.

Run starts out well - much better than White Lake last year when my knee flared up and made me walk by mile 2.

So - Mile one down - small bio break - due to all the fuel I took in during the ride - and then mile 2 - so far so good. Miles 3 (past the "wonderwomen" water stop - they were hilarious) 4 and 5....so I make a deal with myself.

Self - if necessary - you can walk water stops after mile 7 - a little gift to me for having done better and feeling good thus far. But AFTER mile 7 and only if necessary.

Mile 7 down - mile 8 water stop coming up - grab some water and gatorade - no stopping...up the hill and turn to the final turn around. Mile 9 and here comes 10...make it to ten and take in some water and electrolyte pills...those things were my saviour today...and turn to the second to last water stop. Pass a couple guys I had talked to in the morning, make it to the water stop - and walk through.

Now walking through a water stop in any race can be challenging....well - the getting going part is challenging. But I down the gatorade and water and get going again. A little less than 3 to go. The walk allowed me to get in what I needed versus dumping gatorade all over myself - which as it began to heat up - would have been sticky - and made the drive home less than ideal. My legs appreciated it too.

Mile 11, 2 more. Turn back into the park and start singing (in my head- I probably would have been disqualified or rushed to the medical tent if I sang out loud - what is that god awful noise he's making) random bits and pieces of songs, Beast of Burden, 500 miles, Start me up, White Wedding, Straight Up (yes - somehow Paula Abdul crept in there - not real sure)...walk a bit then get going again...

Make it to the finish area and make the final turn towards the finish line.

SC Half has a lovely hill at the end you have to run up to the finish...love to meet the masochist who decided that after swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 and running 13.1 that we should finish up this ridiculously steep - albeit short - hill.

Cross in a PR time compared to White Lake last year. At White Lake - the wheels fell off during the run, and my swim was slow... there is still room for improvement, but not this season - as tri season is over (for me) and I head into running events for the winter.

Oh - and the dude who was drafting off me on the bike - I made 100% certain I passed him on the run. Draft off this jerk...

This race - as noted in the previous post is dedicated to the memory and extraordinary lives of Bill and Alice Faisst. They're battles with blood cancers did not slow them down and they lived lives that continue to inspire their family and me, although I did not have the honor of knowing them, to this day. Thank you Justine for sharing their story with me.

So - once I figure out what I got penalized for...I may consider adjusting my time by 4 minutes, but at the end of the day

Swim: 38:04
Bike: 2:57:45
Run: 2:07:37

Total - including my penalty 5:52:48

Thank you everyone for your support and words of encouragement. I could not have done it without you - and we would not have raised $17,000 in seven months.

Thank you so much.

Go TEAM!

Dedication of Event # 25 SC Half Ironman. Sunday October 4

2009-10-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Before I get into race details, I wanted to post an email I received from Justine Faisst, an acquiantence from CA, who joined the "40 in 40 Team" on Facebook and has been an ardent supporter of the cause. She always asks after each event "How'd it go" even though we don't really know one another. Justine lost both of her parents to blood cancers. She sent me an email, which I tried to paraphrase a bit, but was fearful I wouldn't do it justice. Her email in its entirety is below. It honors their memory and the amazing things they did in the face of adversity, in their battles. The battles Leukemia patients are faced with and the impact on their families - is so profound - and unique for each family.

Here is her email. Thank you Justine. Your parents were clearly remarkable.

Bill and Alice Faisst.

My father was born in 1915 in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of German immigrants. His parents moved to San Francisco in about 1921. My father was raised in San Francisco, when to the University of California and then served active duty in the Army from the time he graduated from college until the end of World War II. My mother was born in Sacramento, California in 1914. She was the first daughter and third child in the family. My grandfather worked as a miner, shop keeper and eventually a California Highway Patrol officer. My parents met on the eve of the bombing of Pearl Harbor; my mother was visiting her brother and his family and my father had been invited to join them for lunch (and then dinner) on December 6, 1941. My parents were married in 1946 after my father returned from Europe. My parents were luck to have found each other. My mother never grew tired of my father and my father remained totally enraptured by my mother. My parents raised their three children in the San Francisco Bay Area.

My parents were not particularly remarkable people. Neither of them did anything newsworthy, they worked hard and loved their family, their friends, and their pets. My father was a CPA and a Boy Scout leader. My mother was a housewife, volunteered for school field trips, and always had fresh-baked cookies in the house. After the three of us kids were grown and on our own, my mom went back to college, got her BA degree, and for about 10 years, had a career of her own. During the "empty nest" years, my mom volunteered at Children's Hospital in Oakland. She knit countless hats and booties for the preemie babies. My dad's job was to make tassels for the hats; he had learned this skill as a child working in his father's knitting factory. My parents travelled some, to Europe and Egypt, where I was working in the early 1980's. Despite the time he spent in North Africa during WWII, my dad was left with his mouth open at the site of a woman walking down the street carrying a basket of live chickens on her head! The trip to Cairo was after my father's first bout with lymphoma. At one point, he needed a rest day, so my petite grey-hair mother and I went off to the camel market and pyramids! My mother's urge to travel was greater than my dad's; after the war years, he was happiest being at home with a cat on his desk, a dog at his feet, and a pot roast waiting for his dinner!

My dad's second bout of lymphoma was in 1987. A second course of chemo was more than he could handle. He lived to see me get married, but not much longer.

If there could be a silver lining in death, my mother found it. A few weeks after my father died a neighbor lost her husband. My mother was able to offer consolation and companionship to an old friend. The two ladies checked in with each other every day, shared gourmet meals several times a week, and even went on a couple of far-flung Elderhostel trips. Right after my first son was born, my mom went off to mine opals in Utah. Before my second son was born, she was in scrambling around ancient ruins in Turkey. She also ramped up her volunteer efforts and did bookkeeping for a couple of my dad's former clients. In 1994, my mother's last planned trip, to Thailand, was halted by treatment for multiple myeloma. She lived for about a year and died just a few days short of her 81st birthday in October. In keeping with her character, before she died, she combed mail order catalogues and selected birthday presents for the family members who had not yet had birthdays that year. She wanted to make sure everyone got their "fair share" that year!

We learn from our experiences with cancer that it is a tragedy, but we also learn that there is always someone else worse off. My parents lived long, full lives. They raised their children, they contributed to society, and they used their gifts to help others. They didn't loose a child to this disease, they didn't leave young children behind without a parent, they didn't loose all 4 grandparents to the disease (as my niece did).

As devastating as cancer is to a person and their family, as we go through life we can celebrate the good stories. Both my brother and mother-in-law were successfully treated for early stages of cancer with surgery, without chemo or radiation. We celebrate when friends have their last chemo and radiation treatments, when they have their pik lines removed, when they go from 3-month to 6-month to annual check-ups, when they reach "5 years", when they move on with their lives and run a marathon again. We contribute when our son does a Relay-for-Life or complete stranger takes on a crazy challenge to mark his 40th birthday!

Thank god I plan accordingly - too bad I screwed it up.

2009-10-03T15:29:00.001-07:00

So - as mentioned previously I am a bit obsessive with my tri bag gear check. Several checks each time regardless of distance. This week I packed in advance so I could check it once per day and once right before I left today.

Cutting to the chase - about an hour and a half into my 2 hour drive I realize...oh CRAP! I forgot my gel flask - which attaches to my bike so I have solid fuel while riding to go with H2O and enhanced water with electrolytes, proteins, carbs, etc. Oh SHIT - I forgot one of those bottles too. Both of those were or ARE in the fridge...nice and cold for when I return. Oh and when I stop to get gas - I realize a bar plug (a little piece of necessary plastic that plugs the end of the handle bars so if you crash and get pitched forward you IDEALLY do not impale yourself on the open bar end...) has fallen out. Freakin PERFECT!!!

So after not having a gear "expo" at the race, despite my cautious optimism that they may (they did at White Lake last year - same distance, same race company sooooooo I thought, maybe...) I go into McGyver mode, or McGruber, or McMullen-Gyver-Gruber mode.

Look for sporting goods stores, closest with anything like I need is 1 hour + away...too far. I swing through a couple grocery stores - thinking a cake decorating gadget may work for the flask..nope

And then - there on the horizon - the bane of all mom and pop stores existence - Wally World (WalMart).

So - thank you TSA for the 3-1-1 rule...while it usually does not effect me, not a lot of shampoo or conditioner to carry...they have three ounce squeezable bottles - get two. Grab some velcro tape to attach it...grab some black electrical tape to cover my bar end, so it is at least "legal".

See - if the bar end is open, they may penalize me (time-wise) or not let me ride at all....it's those rule - thingies....so now (shhhhh) it appears closed or plugged - so I'm good.

All gear is set and packed - bottles are filled and chilling in the "MicroFridge" a lovely 70's era item with a "college size" fridge and an antique microwave attached to the top of it.

now I am going to do the Seinfeld-esque clock check, back up alarm check and a potential wakeup call....but given how things have gone thus far - I may rely on technology.

pray the lights don't go out....off to get off my feet and watch whatever is on the tube. 5 AM wake up...and a few miles to get in. BRING IT.

Go Team! I am still FREAKING out.

The Kindness of strangers

2009-10-02T18:51:00.001-07:00

So I went to get a LOOOONG overdue massage tonight at the constant recommendations of Kevin Collins and many others in preparation for Event #25 - the SC Half Ironman on Sunday. Many reasons to get one - to obviously relax you, work the acid out of your muscles and in this case - all of that as well as try and get my mind off the race.

BECAUSE I AM FREAKIN OUT MAN!!!

So I spent some time talking to this one person there before and ran into them after the massage. I had told them about the 40 in 40 during our conversation. Turns out they are kind of between jobs, working but not in what they ultimately want to do, but they were genuinely interested in the 40 in 40 and TnT.

Went got my massage - and am now mush at this point.

As I was leaving, they came up to me and gave me $50 and said - "to help you reach your goal"

and that was it. No chance to say , "No I couldn't", but I managed a stammering, somewhat choked up "Thank you so much"

A complete stranger - some brief conversation - and quite possibly one of the most generous donations I have received. Not discounting the others, mind you - but it was truly touching and greatly appreciated. The human spirit, the ability and willingness to support someone else in their quest with no chance of recognition...amazing.

Off to recheck my tri bag and try and hit the rack. Have to catch Kevin Collins tomorrow AM at the Race for the Cure - sporting his skirt again and a fresh mohawk!

Go TEAM!

Events #23 AND # 24...Hit the Brixx 10K and 5K, Saturday September 26

2009-09-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

What started out as just event #23 - turned into a why the hell not...let's do two. On a drizzly dark morning heading in to the race, I knew I needed to get miles in as prep for next weekend's race...so when asked - 10K, 5K or both, I immediately said BOTH...they run back to back, so all I had to do was finish the 10K in time.

Saw Kevin Collins at the race - Kevin is doing Florida IM - the big enchilada a FULL IronMan in a little over a month, raising $10K for the LLS. As part of his fundraising scheme - he set tiers to induce certain incentives...for instance - $5K - he will wear a mohawk leading up to and for the race, once he reached $7,500 - he would wear a running skirt, or "skort"...and not just any skort - his is a leopard print with purple seams down the sides...he was wearing that lovely number today - no mohawk yet - but the skort....and he's at $8,500+. When he hits $10K - he'll color his mohawk purple...can't wait to see pics of the skort, the purple mohawk...all of it. Kevin is alos a TnT coach and a fellow Bank of America associate. All around great guy who goes above and beyond. He'll also be doing Florida IM with John McLean and Greg Counts - fellow TnT Alums. Kevin's fundraising page - as he is still shy of the $10K can be found here http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/FL09/KCollins - if you are so inclined to check it out and help Kevin along...

As always - I met a lot of great folks along the race and before. I had the honor to meet Scott Campbell. Scott's son Garrett passed away after being diagnosed with Infantile NCL, a fatal neurological disorder that took his life devastatingly in December 2007. Scott and his fellow "Team Garrett" member ran the 10K - some also ran both - and their big event to raise awareness and funds is next weekend, the "Take Flight Triathlon" here in Charlotte. More info can be found here http://www.garrettswings.org/event_takeflight.html

Scott and I shared a beer after the races (at 9:45 AM...yes ) and chatted a bit. He is a strong, friendly and wonderful individual who is doing so much to not only honor is son but also further work to help others who may be faced with the same devastating diagnosis. As he said, it is part of the healing process and it is remarkable what he has accomplished. I look forward to getting to know Scott and do what I can to support his mission in the coming years.

Also ran into Sarah Hereford - an auditor that we work with at BAC during earnings and the 10-Q process (coming up in a couple weeks - whoo freakin hoo).

So I ran with Kevin for the first mile plus and then he was doing run / walk - as per his training schedule and the fact that he just did a century ride (100 miles) yesterday. Madman. Then went off on my own.

Cool day - the drizzle had stopped - lots of runners on the course and some spectators. Good course - with some interesting hills...the fog shrouded the city so even when we were heading back in, it was difficult to make out the skyline. But all in all - perfect day for a race. Support and logistics were great - so hats off to the folks at Brixx, Run For Your Life and all the sponsors. Got asked about the Karhu shoes by a bunch of folks at the end (of both) and told them they were the easiest to transition into and thus far - some of the best shoes I had run in in a VERY long time...the craft hat, shorts, socks etc...worked perfectly too.

Did the 6.2 miles and geared up for the next 3.1. Also had a chance to talk to Theoden Janes, blogger for the Charlotte Observer, who crushed the course - as he said - "it's on like Donkey Kong" en route to doing the NYC Marathon in November.

Head out for the 5K and it's mostly the same course to begin with - a few new twists and turns and we're headed back in.

At the end of the day - I truly got out of the runs what I wanted to and needed to....better leg speed and maintained an even pace for both races. Right around 8's

Today's race - is dedicated to the memory and in honor of Scott's son Garrett. While he was not struck down by a blood cancer, I feel that in honoring him - the mission and memory that his father and family are honoring - it is appropriate. I am in awe of the human spirit to overcome such tragedy and do something absolutely wonderful with it. So - today's events are in memory of Garrett and in honor of Scott and what he is accomplishing. I wish him and his family all the best - and look forward to seeing him again.

10K 50:51
5K 25:31

Not my fastest for either - but still like I said - exactly what I wanted.

Next up - SC Half IronMan - and it's gonna hurt.

Go TEAM!

Next scheduled event - SC Half October 4

2009-09-23T17:43:00.001-07:00

Have to admit it - I am bit nervous about the Half IronMan in two weeks. The training for all the other races have complemented one another by allowing me to get my runs, swims, rides, etc. in appropriately....but as Coach Steve has told us - you might be able to "fake" your way through a sprint, and "make" your way through an Olympic...but a Half - if not properly trained will make you go cryin to your momma....

I've gotten all the components down and covered the distances - but the training has not been as consistent as one would like. So - it's gonna probably hurt.

There - I've said it. And no - I don't necessarily feel any better about it - but I'm gonna do my best to get over this cold that is trying to creep in and get all the rest of my taper training in this next week...and be as prepared, mentally and physically as I can.

What I am afraid of or in fear of right now is sooooo incredibly minor compared to what LLS patients and their families go through each and every day - knowing that through your support we've raised $16K and will make the $40K or more...and help bring light to their lives. ...

Bring it on - just bring it on next weekend :-)

Event #22 Cane Creek Sprint Tri Saturday September 19, 8AM

2009-09-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

One word - DELUSIONAL: a fixed belief that is either false, fanciful, or derived from deception. as in - I was delusional thinking I had an awesome swim - and denial now....I DID NOT SWIM THAT SLOWLY...

Seriously - I swear I had an awesome swim today. but according to the powers that be in my race chip, their mats etc...it was something like 2+ minutes slower than my past races. BAH! no way...ok - maybe, but i want a recount...great googely moogely...that's not right.

anywho - the TrySports Development series - a series of races geared towards first timers - allows racers to EASE into the sport of Tri by starting at 8 AM vs oh my god early AM... and Cane Creek last year was where I started hatching the idea of the 40 in 40....

early into transition, down to the water and in and off we go - a GREAT SWIM...well - so I thought and up to T1 - swim to bike.

Of course I managed to fidget around in T1 - but got on the bike and got going. good course with some rollers upfront - and then flat and more downhill-ish on the back...kinda like a mullet - business up front, party in the back...

Word to the wise - on the bike - clif bars, no matter how small and delectable - are REALLY hard to eat, wash down and ingest...they are dense little buggers - that I have eaten before on the bike - but especially the "chocolate brownie" variety - egads...

had a good ride and as I was riding along - this 13 year old boy was really hammering and keeping up. i told him so - he was a REALLY strong rider - we'll be seeing him again someday. seriously - that good - he kept up with me going 20 MPH uphill...

T2 - bike to run - quick switch and out we go....my back - again was tight - so it started out slowly, but with a double loop for a 5K - and knowing the course - I knew it would loosen up - which it did around mile 1.

During the day - I saw fellow TnT Alums, Ruben, Lex, Holly and Jen....they all did awesome. And as always - I met a lot of very cool, awesome folks - all just down to earth, friendly and supportive. Try Sports and Setup Events - as always - did an awesome job and I would recommend this course to anyone. Especially if they're looking to have an AWESOME swim...ha ha

Regardless of what my time was - it was a great day for a race - and a lot of fun as always. And of course - another race down in the 40 in 40...22 down - 18 to go.

Got a few miles in (running) after the race - as SC Half is in a couple weeks and I needed the miles - and managed to really scuff up my shoes on the trails - but they still did me right and all the Karhu and Craft gear held up great.

Today's race is dedicated to Liza Bourg - Liza is Wayne Bourg's daughter. Wayne is a fellow TnT alum as well - who just rocked the course at Patriots Half IronMan last weekend. Liza is a great spirit and Wayne is an equally great man...who has accomplished much for his daughter and TnT. Liza was diagnosed with ALL several years ago and thanks to the work of the LLS and all TnT folks around the world, has been in improving health for the past year +. She also had an "extra" role in an American Girl movie. Despite what she has endured, she - when we had the pleasure of spending sometime with her - has such a glowing, powerful and amazing personality - such a great outlook and presence - it is infectious. I am proud to be able to help her and those like her who are battling blood cancers.

So - at the end of the day - total time 1:34:18
Swim - 19:38 (hmmmm)
Bike - 43:59
Run - 26:19

Go Team!

Event # 21 Nations Tri, Washington, DC Sunday September 13

2009-09-15T18:07:00.001-07:00

After a long drive to DC and getting through our mandatory briefing, it was off to game day prep. Lots of last minute checks and hydration preparation and proper (are quesadillas proper?) fueling...

Saturday was our day to rack our bikes in transition - by far the biggest transition I have ever seen with room for 6000 triathletes. Followed by some team information, a pre race talk by Dave Scott and a practice swim in the Potomac river. No trees or massive detritus in the river as we practices - but I was glad to have my wetsuit...it was CHILLY

Sheila arrived Saturday - after classes - and was awakened by my 3:30 wake up on Sunday AM to get some breakfast in me and gather up my gear for the race. Didn't get a whole heck of a lot of sleep Saturday night - no matter what 3:30 AM is early...

Met the team in the lobby and we got on the bus. Arrived at the race sight in darkness and did final set up in transition, laying out gear for each stage of the race, filling tires, checking water bottles, bio breaks, etc.

Even with 2 hours before the race started - the time flew by as the sun began to rise over the Nation's Capital....

So - with 6000 registered athletes, there were 30+ waves - which is how they start the race. Wave by category (elite, para-athletes, military (special to this event), then age groups...men first then women) - every 3 - 4 minutes.

They get us in the water around 7:20...the horn sounds and we're off. My swim is not bad at first - but I soon realize - there are few buoys to sight off of - sighting is where you make sure you're going the right way, in a "relatively" straight line to minimize your time swimming...."shortest distance between two points". As I get to the first turn, I look over my right shoulder taking a breath and there is the Lincoln Memorial....I make the turn and straight ahead is Arlington National Cemetery....next buoy, turn and head downstream - so far - besides the two clowns who grabbed my feet and pulled me backwards - not too bad...those two clowns received a swift kick to the noggin by the way...hey all is fair in love and triathlon

As I turn downstream - I don't see a buoy - so I follow the leaders - or the folks in front of me - and then get out from under the Arlington Memorial bridge and still - no buoy....so I pull up and flip up my fogged up goggles....oh - THERE it is....wow - that's a long ways off...hmmm

get back to swimming and finally make the next to last turn - one more stretch then in to "home" and I can get out of the water. Make the last turn and promptly (although unknown to me) start heading more towards shore than the finish...a nice kayaker comes along and yells "LEFT, LEFT"...I look up and am like - " Oh - yeah - thanks....phooey"

Pull myself out of the water after what seemed like an interminably long swim - a bit more tired than I expected to be...and start peeling off the wetsuit and head towards T1 - Swim to Bike...after wrestling with my wetsuit - a lot harder to get off over ones ankles than you might imagine - and get my bike gear on - I head out to ride.

Bike is a couple of loops, one about 5 miles, one about 20...the 5 mile loop allows me to get me breathing down and start to take in some fluids - slowly.

See coming out of the water - especially on longer swims - your blood is mostly in your upper body, you get out and get upright and it "rebalances" itself...often making you disoriented, nauseous, etc. So you need to take in fluids and calories slowly at first - otherwise - you may share your breakfast with the other riders. While sharing is usually a good thing...doing so all over them, their bikes, etc is not so popular.

Head out on the 20 mile section and it is a long, slow gradual climb - with some moderate downhills - but mostly up. Also - with this many riders out there on a relatively narrow course - it is IMPOSSIBLE - not to draft or block - both of which are infractions in triathlon. Drafting - like in NASCAR - is where you get into the "slipstream" of a rider in front of you and let them block the wind and pull you along - blocking is when you are alongside a rider, not allowing them to pass or move out to pass...but try as I might - as well as the thousands of others - it can't be avoided.

Make the 180 degree turn to head back into town - up over one hill and pop into the big ring and get moving...20 mph, 21 mph...25 mph...miles spin off and we're almost into town...I hear a wreck behind me - didn't sound good - and head into the final mile.

As I start to go under an overpass, I notice - water bottles....lots of them - everywhere...a water bottle lawn sale - and I wonder what the....then I hit the same pothole everyone else hit and lose my gel flask - lawn sale...yikes - no popped tire though.

Make it to the dismount line and into T2 - Bike to Run.

As I head out - my back is a bit tight - and someone passes me saying "you were my motivation on the ride"...as he passed me....great - I motivated you to kick my butt...oh well - off he went and off we went - 6 miles - nice and flat - mostly shaded, and well supported with lots of spectators...awesome.

Mile 1, 2 and 3...chugging along, not my fastest - but one foot in front of the other. I see a lot - and I MEAN A LOT - of TnT folks along the way. Great to see everyone out there.

As I make it to mile 6, I am happy that I will soon be done. It has been a challenging race - not overly taxing - but admittedly, I am getting tired. That fatigue though - is minor compared to what we are working towards eradicating.

Also - as a side bar - there was a man - who in the vein and spirit of "Team Hoyt" did the race with his child.

For those of you who don't know of Team Hoyt, Dick Hoyt has completed numerous marathons (Boston included - as a qualified racer) and competed in the Hawaii IronMan - with his son Rick. Rick was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, limiting oxygen flow to his brain, debilitating him. The Hoyt's continue to work towards Rick's inclusion in everyday life (http://www.teamhoyt.com/) and are an inspiration for everyone....

I saw them at the start, the father attaching a raft to himself to swim with his child in tow, on the ride - with a bike carrier/wagon attached to the bike, and in the run - finishing with a smile on their faces...

That and the fact that one of my teammates, Marty Pittman was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) in April and the unending work to be done for the LLS, made me make 110% certain I crossed that line. Marty - whom I met for the first time this weekend - is a great guy full of energy and determination, with a wife and two young boys (7 and 5). His energy, his fight, his power - and the need to continue to raise the awareness of the LLS and their work - made me damn sure I kept going. This event is dedicated in honor of Marty and his fire - his fight, and my ability to try and make a difference for him and countless others. Marty - and the rest of the team rocked the course...and everyone finished.

Now - I don't know this for certain - but while there were 4300 who toed the line at the start on Sunday and about 3900 who finished...I can almost guarantee that all 585 of the TnT athletes out there Sunday finished....because we're not out there racing to win for ourselves, we're out there racing to win against blood cancer.

As was noted from the inspiration dinner, in the average time it took for folks to complete the race, 48 people were diagnosed with a blood cancer...48 people in 3 hours...

Thanks you, Marty, Wendy, Pam, Maggie and Juliene for racing with me this weekend and being so much fun. Thanks a MILLION Tricia and Lynn for keeping us focused and on track and getting us across the line - both at the start and the finish.

Thank you all for your support and kind words. Go TEAM!!!

Swim 35:09
Bike 1:14:58
Run 54:08
TOTAL: 2:51:22

Congratulations to all TnT Folks this past weekend

2009-09-15T10:55:00.001-07:00

Two events in two cities or one city, one town....two triathlons two different distances....18 athletes

7 in Washington DC - Nation's Tri

11 in Willimasburg, VA - Patriots Half Ironman

Great job to my fellow Nation's tri folks, Marty, Maggie, Wendy, Juliene, Pam and Bekky...we endured the Potomac - we willingly and legally swam in that river - ick...dealt with the fact there was no way in hell we could not draft or block or anything given the 4300 folks on the course, avoided the water bottle "lawn sale" under that overpass created by the potholes and bumps in the road - although I contributed a gel flask...got out there and ran that pancake flat 10K on Haynes Point - along with our nearly 600 other TnT'ers! You guys rocked the course.

Equally impressive job by the TnT folks in VA.

Great Job Coaches Steve, Jenny and Kevin and TnT alum John, Greg, Wayne, Cara, Lindsey, and Shelly - and first timer - Tal....who I suspect had the quote of the day regarding his swim..."No I am not getting out of this water, I am swimming to cure blood cancer" - and fellow TnT sympathizers Marcus and Matt Crow... looked up your times all of you - damn impressive.

Also - of course a great big huge never ending thank you goes out to our coaches who kept after us during the training and kept with us through the race. Wouldn't have dared toed the line without you and never would have crossed the finish. Our unsung heroes - folks we often forget to thank - usually because we are cursing them for making us do a brick after riding 30 - 40 - 50 miles....or another swim drill....kick on side, single switch, triple switch, shark fin....arrrggghhh

I don't know the final tally from the Patriots Half and funds raised but in DC by the Western NC teams but over $2.4 million was raised by all 585 TnT athletes competing in the DC event.

Go TEAM!!!

Event #21 - Inspiration dinner recap - Nation's Tri Washington, DC

2009-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Inspiration Dinner was Saturday night - after we got to take a practice swim in the lovely - chilly Potomac River and hear Dave Scott speak - giving us some race tips. I will say this about our teams coaches - we are well advised and prepared - at least based on some of the questions that were being asked during Dave's talk.

For those not in the "world of Triathlons" - and admittedly I didn't know this much about him....Dave Scott is a 6 time Ironman world Champion (Kona - the big one) and the first inductee into the Ironman Hall of Fame. He knows his stuff. and was remarkably personable and down to earth.

During the dinner we learned quite a bit about TnT, Triathlon and the LLS.

While the LLS has been around for 60 years, Team in Training is only 21 years old and triathlons have only been a part of the program for 10 years. Triathlons have raised over $200 million for the LLS. Over the 21 years of TnT nearly 390 thousand athletes have been trained to complete a marathon or half marathon, century ride, hike or triathlon (of varying distances). These athletes have raised nearly $1 Billion over the 21 years....Are you one of them? Do you want to be? there are a lot of great events coming up....

For the Nations Tri - with 6000 registered participants, there were 585 TnT athletes competing This years Nation's Tri TnT athletes raised $2.4 mm for the LLS. The top 3 fundraisers raised $45k

Some of the advice given to us was sound... Stop and take in scenery Lincoln memorial as you make the first turn in the swim...Arlington cemetery at the next turn, Washington memorial, WW II memorial as you ride and run - from vantage points often not allowed or available

Additional advice that pertains to triathlons, marathons, cycling events....
Manage what you can in the moment
Keep the faith in your self and the work done
Remember what you have done through the course of your training

Our Honored Patient Hero speaker was Jake Sulberg from the NJ chapter - at 22 he held the room and audience in his words and battle...

In 2007 after hiking with his family he felt sick, was treated for his symptoms. Later on he and his family went to Italy - after feeling sick once again - a mass was found between his lungs and he saw great sights in Italy only from a small window in a small room for 25 days.
He was diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma. Throughout his chemo he and his family battled and focused on "getting through this"

Once the first rounds of treatment were completed - he and his family took a 14 hour flight from Italy stopping in Scotland, Iceland, Canada - along the way - he had his first meal of solid food in months, kfc in Iceland...reportedly delicious.

His humor and strength were pervasive throughout the discussion. He recognized what he had encountered and dealt with - and honored so many more who were not able to win this battle.

He also told us as "we were "getting through" our race that when we think we're at the end or going to stop, remember that 48 people will be diagnosed with a blood cancer during the time it takes on average to finish the race.

His words, the humor end energy he filled the room with - kept me going through a challenging but fun event on Sunday...

That and the fact that the 40 in 40 and our work to make it a success was recognized during the dinner. In front of the 585 athletes, their families, friends and coaches Jake, Dave Scott, and Chuck Brodsky - founder of the Nation's Tri - I was honored to be recognized and inspired to persevere. And I hate being in the spotlight....so - a little out of my confort zone there...

More on the race - coming shortly.

Coming up - Event #21...Nation's Tri in Washington DC - Sunday September 13

2009-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

With an "out of town" tri coming up...I am a bit extra anxious. The out of town aspect just makes it that much more interesting. Pack the bag extra early - and carefully - as I will not have all my home base supplies close at hand...check, recheck and recheck again the bike - clean the chain, check the brakes....must remember my tire pump...

Nations will be my first Olympic distance this year - so that means, a 1 mile (1.5 kilometer) swim, a 25 mile (40 kilometer) bike and 6.2 mile (10 kilometer) run...in reality it is a training race for the SC Half in a few weeks....which will be the second longest event (in distance) to date...

But not looking past this weekend, I get to swim in the Potomac River with 2399 other triathletes, ride up and around Reedy Creek Park, and run amidst some of the nations most memorable, iconic landmarks in and around downtown DC. This is a TnT event....so lots of TnT folks will be there - quite possibly the majority of the field - and lots of great TnT support...as always!

Weekend will be busy, busy, busy....when I get to DC I get to meet the Karhu Rep and chat about the products so far. Go through a MANDATORY pre-race briefing...these are usually optional - one wonders why it is mandatory? catch up with the Team - and then catch up with some friends from ATL who I haven't seen in a long time...

Saturday - another fun filled - jam packed day....we have to rack our bikes in transition Saturday and leave them there overnight - due to parking and traffic logistics - and then we get to have a swim practice - so not just one swim in the Potomac - but TWO!!!

When we lived in DC, I recall a significant amount of detritus floating in that river...some of it sizable - like whole trees - especially after heavy rains - so that should add a new dimension to the swim....

then off to the inspiration dinner, then set up the rest of my gear and triple check the bag and try and get some sleep before the 3:30 AM wake up. The race kicks off at 7 AM...I start swimming (or flailing in the water) between 7:18 and 7:24....based on the age group waves.

It is supposed to be a beautiful day for a race - or some sightseeing in and around DC...which once I get out of the water - it will be - sort of.

The recent bike fitting has done wonders to increase my wattage or cranking power and has helped ease the mild discomfort I was feeling in my knee. Thanks again TrySports! The swims with and without the Team have helped get me properly prepared - or so I think...and my own versions of training - have - well - kept me focused on the event at hand.

So - big weekend - with lots of stuff to do....and some sleep to go get...for now.

Go Team - will try and update as soon as possible on Sunday - or in the interim if anything of interest occurs....

Did I mention the $16K raised

2009-09-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

I am sure I did...but just in case...so far - since this all began, we - yes WE not I - have raised nearly $16 thousand so far in the quest for the $40K I set when I crafted this challenge - in a little over 4 months. That is incredibly inspiring - and I am humbled by the support I have received.

From friends and family, from colleagues at work, from acquaintances, from what one might consider "perfect strangers" we have accomplished so much thus far.

My next step is to approach corporations for monetary support to boost this even further. The $40K was a goal set to tie in to the "40 in 40" theme. It is but a small dent in the needs of the LLS, the patients, their families... to recieve the support and research they need. It is not a required amount, it is not a set amount...if - no - WHEN we exceed that it will make this challenge all that much more beneficial to those who we know, are related to, have met - who have battled blood cancers and lost - and those that continue that battle today.

Do you know of a corporation that is open to the opportunity to do so much more? If so - please let me know. I am pursuing sports oriented as well as health oriented, family oriented, community oriented organizations to help us all surpass this goal.

I appreciate your continued support and kind words - and am humbled by your generosity.

Thank you all..... GO TEAM!

60 miles and a short brick - great way to start a Saturday

2009-08-29T09:23:00.001-07:00

6:45 AM ride start - in some fog - with 17 riders. Coaches Steve, Tricia, Greg and Jenny, Tricia's husband Justin, Jenny's husband Marcus, Wayne, Lindsey, John, Tal, Shelly, Becca (i think), and a couple other guys whose names I didn't catch...

rode out through some heavy fog/mist for the first 30 or so - then it cleared up and turned into a glorious day. got to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen in a while - what else do you get to do when riding for 3 and a half hours or so...

got awesome SAG (Support and Gear) support from Stacey and Abby from the TnT office...they had a guy with them as well - but I am not sure who he was - just someone who wanted to spend the first 4 - 5 hours - early hours of his Saturday riding behind a bunch of folks on bikes I guess...

Followed that with a lovely 10 minute brick - at a good pace. Jenny really pushed me on the return trip in...

had an awesome ride the newly fitted bike really felt awesome....knee started acting up - but not until around 55 miles - which goes to show you how much better it is. My knee used to start bothering me around 15 - 20 miles...thanks again TrySports - looking forward to some time in the mountains this weekend with Sheila, Maggie and Dobhen...and probably a long run at some point.

Thanks everyone for an awesome ride - and for the terrific support from Stacey and Abby...and the guy I don't know....I know - it's bad of me to not know his name - but I kept forgetting to ask.

Most of the folks out today were doing their last long ride before the Patriots Half IronMan in two weeks...they're gonna rock it - they all did awesome.

Go TEAM

Event # 20 half way there. Lake Norman Sprint Tri Aug 23 700 AM

2009-08-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

Early wake up call after getting no sleep for the past few days. Butterflies all weekend due to the number of events and the fact that if I were successful I would reach the halfway point in terms of races - and thanks to all of you, nearly halfway in terms of my fundraising goal. In a little less than 4 months..... Half way in about a third of the time!! You are all absolutely incredible. Thank you all.

So the day started off well. All packed and prepped after multiple bag checks the night before and readied my typical pre-race breakfast. Oatmeal (lower sugar maple and brown sugar) and an Ensure shake (yes - ensure - a good friend turned me onto them for races - thanks johnny Murdock) and the combination rocks. 300 good well balanced calories from the Ensure shake and 150 calories from the oatmeal. Lots of water the night before and on the way to the event...

6:30 AM All set up in transition and body marked (where they write your race number and age on you) a few tunes on the iPod to get in the mood and right frame of mind...some Skynyrd, some AcDc, some tunes from the Rocky IV soundtrack, some Stones... met Ben - a first time triathlete who was excited and anxious....just like me - despite the number of races done, the whole getting ready thing can be a bit daunting. Chatted with a few folks in transition, caught up with Ruben, Tal, Scott - some other TnT folks out doing the race today. Got to see Abby at chip pick up...Abby is great - always a smile on her face and cheer in her voice - despite dealing with stressed out triathletes...get to finally meet Theoden Janes, blogger for the Charlotte Observer. He and I have been communicating over the past few months - he's looking for a comeback after getting a flat tire at Latta in June - and is pumped!

The venue and weather are perfect. The water - a bit warmer than bathwater...and at 7:02 we hop, well wade in the water. Wave 1 is already out there crossing the swim course...I'm in wave 2 waiting to get going.

Gun goes off at 7:04 and away we go in wave 2. Lake swims are different than pool swims...and I still need practice...and I realize that early on. See the big difference is three fold....

1. the water is murky and doesn't taste so good (neither does pool water - but it is "relatively
clean")
2. there are swimmers in front of you, besides you, in back of you competing for the same space versus a pool where you swim in relatively straight lines
3. there are no lane markers - so you need to "sight" or pop your head up out of the water every couple of strokes so you make sure you are on course, versus swimming out to sea...or the wide open lake in this case

I get through the swim and see Abby Miller, John McLean and Sheila - right there as I head out of the swim...and then Todd Spanish - a neighborhood friend who did the same race on Saturday...comment to Todd "I hate swimming" - his response "well you're done - get on with it"..very true....

I jog the 1/10 mile across the pavement to transition and get on the bike. Up on and out easily and on the course. Make the first turn and I know the hills we are about to face in the first 4 miles, so I shift and adjust accordingly. Up and over the hills and a quick turn onto some more level pavement. Pick it up a bit - but not by shifting...the new bike fit is accommodating my "picking it up" without having to crank much harder....thank you Teelo and TrySports - again.

As I make my way over the 13.5 miles of the shortened (due to construction - not me cheating) bike course I continue to pick it up a bit...it's shorter, the run is still only a 5K - so let's see what is left after the 4 other events I've done since Friday night.

Transition to the run smoothly and relatively easily, strap on the Karhu shoes and nice breathable Craft hat - get the race number on and away I go. Up the hill to the run course...as I pass Sheila who is telling me to "go, go, go Sean" I think - what am I doing...and then I remember...I am doing this for so many others who cannot, those who have not been able to, who are battling something more than mere fatigue in their legs. As I crest the hill - I hear "Go Team" again and again...grab some water and I am off...not fast mind you - but I am off.

Make my way across the run course. Mile 1 down, mile 2 down...1.1 to go. Pick it up - and pass a few folks - and get passed myself...but it's not about me - point to point, A to B - several times over today.

As I make the next to last turn to the finish - Todd is there - cheering me on....Todd who woke up with fever and chills the day prior and did the race and got up at 4:30 AM to volunteer today....Abby who also got up - probably at 4:00 AM to volunteer and help check folks in...Lex Erwin - a TnT Alum who raced today and is done...I am inspired...pick it up a bit....head to the last turn...there waiting for me is John McLean - fellow TnT Alum who is doing Florida IM in November who yells at me...."pick it up it's not like you've done anything else this weekend" - while in jest - he is right....compared to those who are battling blood cancers, those who have battled and lost - this is nothing...so I do pick it up to get to the finish line. I get to stop this challenge for the day in about 200 yards....those patients, families have to battle day after day.

While official times are not in yet - Sheila estimated about 1:28, which translates into approximately a 17 minute swim (on par) a 41 minute bike (tracked with my Garmin (I love that thing)) and a 24 minute run (again thanks to the Garmin) - adding a couple minutes for the two transitions...

Not my best times - but not my worst. But that doesn't matter....I have been out there, I have brought attention to the mission, WE have raised almost $16,000 over the course of 4 months.

I have completed, through your support and belief 20 events, half of what I set out to do over 12 months in 4 months time. We have reached the 40% mark - or close to it - in terms of fundraising in 4 months...ONE THIRD OF THE WAY in terms of the 40 in 40 calendar.

I could not have done this much thus far without the support of you, my family, my friends, my colleagues, your friends, the TnT Team, the folks from LLS, my supportive, appreciative and understanding wife Sheila (and our dog Maggie who gets left out of long runs at this point due to the heat and my schedule) and our cat (Dobhen who gets woken up at crazy hours as she sleeps between my feet).

I am inspired, energized revitalized to get to 40 and beyond in terms of races and more importantly $40,000 for the LLS by the time I turn 40 in May.

Next week is an "off week" no races, just training...September holds for right now 3 more events and at least one biggie in October. I could not have made it here without you - I will not make it without your support, kind words and friendship - and good natured ribbing - but I will keep pressing on.

Today's event, the halfway mark is in memory of Bill Janov, or grandpa Bill, as Sheila's nieces and nephew knew him. Bill was my sister-in-law's step father, who a little over two years ago was diagnosed with Leukemia. Sheila and I went to visit him in the hospital while we were out in the Asheville area - for a TnT event (Fletcher Flyer) that she was participating in. In his words "I feel great but my blood work sucks" those 8 words were a testament to the challenge and battle that Leukemia patients suffer and deal with every day. You never know. We can work for a cure, or cures, we can fight the good fight - but we need a stronger, better more capable army to win. Sadly, Bill passed no more than a couple months later...full of life, full of piss and vinegar (as my dad would say - although...not 100% sure what that meant besides fight and determination) and a die hard attitude that he was sure he could beat this.

As I reflect on the events of this weekend, 5 races in 38 hours, a bit tired, but exhilarated, energized and determined (hell bent for leather - if you will) for the next event and fundraising threshold...I can only recall and reflect on the battles so many have endured, hundreds of thousands each year who are diagnosed with blood cancers...some who win, some who lose those battles. So many families, friends, colleagues who have been stricken. All ages, genders, races...it is indiscriminate.

I appreciate your support thus far. I am humbled by your friendship and belief. I strive to do more.

Thank you. Go TEAM!

Event # 19 5K trail Run Challenge at US National Whitewater Center, Saturday August 22, 8:30 AM

2009-08-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

Great race and a somewhat technical course. Sheila came out to run as well after a grueling workout with her trainer yesterday. After last nights 1, 2 and 3 mile runs in Mooresville and LKN Tri tomorrow, this was going to be an easy recovery run with some great scenery at an amazing facility.

The US National Whitewater Center is an Olympic training center for kayakers and is also open to the public with biking and running / hiking trails, a rock climbing wall, a ropes course, top notch restaurant and conference center. Also - some of the coolest man made rapids - right here in our backyard.

But enough of the PSA. TnT was represented with Kelly Alley, Stacey Irwin - Kelly's husband Roy, Jackie and Meredith (I believe)...all TnT folks - and most if not all TnT Alumni. Great turnout for the races too...probably close to 50 - 75 for the 10K and the same number for the 5K.

The course and run were as described, a trail run around the USNWC grounds - somewhat technical and for the most part well marked. The water stop which was supposed to be at mile 2...was closer to 2 1/2 which gave those of us who were looking forward to being done (myself included) some pause...another mile? Good grief...but it wasn't it was really more like 3/4 of a mile. Which makes a difference.

I got to talk briefly to a newscaster from News 14 in the Carolinas - and I am going to try and leverage their focus on local events ( as many of the upcoming events are local and the ones in the future will be too) and stories to get additional exposure for LLS and TnT and their mission. Will let you know how that pans out.

Great way to start the day. For those of you in the Charlotte area - the USNWC is a hidden gem, right in our backyard with a little bit of something for everyone. For those of you who visit Charlotte, you should really check it out if you have the time. www.usnwc.org

Off to finish final prep for tomorrow - recheck my Tri-bag several times, get breakfast and fluids ready to go - and try and get some sleep, which has been hard to come by these past few days for some reason....not sure why.

As an update - the knee / leg seems to be doing better. I've been doing R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to help it along until I can get in to see the sports Doc - if need be.

I also get to try out my new "bike fit" tomorrow on the course, which Teelo at TrySports did an amazing job on. The bike is a bit more "aggressive" in its geometry now, which gets me down into a more aerodynamic position and adds some wattage to my pedal cranking power. Not that I am going to hammer the course tomorrow, but it'll be a great test for it - at a longer distance. Despite flying somewhat in the face of the "nothing new on race day" mantra - it is not a brand new bike, not a completely different geometry - just a better fit. Kinda like wearing a different or more well suited pair of shoes, or tri suit versus the same old same old.... famous last words.

Today's 5K is dedicated to Sara Behnke. A good friend and neighbor (across the lake) who is also a published author(http://www.amazon.com/Must-Have-Mom-Manual-Perspectives-Everything/dp/0345499875) and blogger (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/moms/) who was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma a little over two years ago. She is two years cancer free - and is an indomitable spirit and great person. She and her husband Dave and their two children keep me motivated each day to take on another event and further the mission of LLS.

Off to prep and a little more ice. Tomorrow will be #20...halfway - but the battle continues for so many more who are just beginning and can't measure their progress in terms of halfways of almost done.

Go Team!

Events #16, #17 and #18 Miles of Mooresville Friday August 21

2009-08-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

As Steinbeck said...."The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Things didn't really go awry, maybe a little askew. More on that in a moment

Miles of Mooresville is a really fun event, actually 3 wrapped up into one night. This was the last of the series for this year. It is comprised of a one mile run, followed by a two mile run, followed by a three mile run. Followed by a couple free adult beverages, supported by great volunteers and live music at the finish line.

Each run is separated by a 10 - 20 minute break depending on when you finish. The plan was - as discussed with Sheila - go out and use the one miler to warm up, pick it up on the two miler and if I felt good and wanted to - push it for the three miler. But within reason - as I have a couple more events this weekend...

So - we gather at the start for the one miler. They ask us to stage ourselves based on our estimated minute per mile times....sub seven minutes, seven minutes, eight minutes, etc...So I line up with the eight minute folks. Remember - easy the first run..

Off we go down main street in Mooresville, turn past the fire station and I am like "why am I breathing so hard? I am with the eight minute folks...Now I know I haven't run much after work in the heat and humidity we had tonight - but COME ON... through the hose that is spraying us, past the water stop turn the corner and head towards "home"...still really panting up a storm...wtf...maybe I should only do two of these runs tonight.

As we turn into the finish area up the slight hill...now I know why I am breathing so hard...6:30, 6:31, 6:32...I cross in 6:45 OOPS. Slightly askew.... So much for nice and easy. Thankfully we have some time to rehydrate and cool down.

Two miler starts to Hip Hop Hooray, Ho, Hey, Ho...a little Naughty by Nature to send us off. Kinda funny...So I really do rein it in this time...and do the two miler and then the three miler... keeping them closer to the 8 minute per mile pace. Get to chat with some folks along the way and run into a guy from the gym - who's training for some crazy 24 hour run around a lake - like 24 hours of running in 1.5 - 2 mile circles...Chat with a retired marine who wants to get in under 25 minutes (on the three mile course) he's well on his way to doing just that. Talk to a group of folks who are doing Chicago in October, first marathon for all of them...this course is perfect training for it as it has comparable elevation and declines as Chicago...although running this 20 times might be a bit tedious.

Finish the three miler to Sheila at the finish waving one of my "40 in 40" t-shirts to bring me in.

These three races are dedicated to Michael Wren, our honor patient from the White Lake Half IM last year. His spirit and energy when we met him reminded me of the spirit and energy around this event. He's a great kid - full of life that really motivated us all to do our absolute best. Every stroke in the water, every crank of the pedal every step along the course.

Also ran decked out in my Karhu and Craft gear...loved it. Shoes felt great, hat was very breathable and light - shirt and shorts - although drenched at the end were perfect.

Total running time 45:52

Great event and very well run thanks to the Mooresville Runners Foundation, Queen City Timing and all the fans, supporters, volunteers. I will definitely look for it again next year.

Next up - Trail run and the Whitewater center tomorrow AM

Go TEAM!!!

Malady (potential) #1...but not major

2009-08-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

I seem to have lost all the hair on my head...no wait - that's not it.

Weird knee pain - mostly when I cycle. Something similar happened last year at White Lake 70.3 on the bike around mile 45...just kind of a weird tweak. Now it has migrated to across my kneecap. my best guesstimate (and no, I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night) is twofold:

1. stretching
2. bike fit

I have Soas / IT band tightness related to the fact that I "am not that strong a stretcher" (translation - I skimp on it when I know I need to do more of it) and a long lived back injury. I also have not had my bike refitted since I bought it two years ago...and with more cycling, and better efficiency/training, the geometry of the bike needs to change with your body. The seat needs to be adjusted, the handle bars, etc.

So - I have a bike fitting scheduled for Thursday and have reached out to my favorite Sports Doc, Josh Kollman...and have added another day of rigorous stretching/foam roller work to my weekly regimen.

Will let you know - but it will NOT derail the 5 events this weekend....which will get me to 20 events out of the 40.

Off to stretch....and ice.

nice 37 mile ride with good folks

2009-08-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Got up at 6 AM - yes - on Sunday to go ride 37 with a good friend and TnT Coach Kevin Collins, who is training for the Florida IM - that's a full Ironman - to you and me. Like the one they have out in Hawaii (seeing as they rarely televise IM's I figured that may resonate with a few folks)

Kevin is also raising funds for LLS, all the while training to swim 2.4 miles (yikes!) bike 112 (longer then I've ever ridden) and run a full marathon (holy cow). Kevin's donation site is here:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?ievent=296523&supID=242087409

Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated. As you are well aware - no dollar amount is too small and every dollar helps. Kevin has helped me train for all of my TnT events and has been a great ride organizer during the "off season". He's a great guy working for a great cause.

Good ride this morning, got to ride with Sheila and a handful of Kevins cronies...more were joining them later as they were doing the 37 mile route twice today...yes twice.

Got caught in a bit of a rain storm heading out - but thankfully it was when we were climbing the hills. So we took a bit of a break around mile 12 to wait out the storm. Hard to ride in the rain safely, as your glasses fog up and get covered in rain and you tend to lose your braking ability. That and my whining about the rain is REALLY distracting.

Took us a little over 2 hours, with stops and due to my slow -pokiness but it was a great way to start Sunday. Especially as it is a rainy dreary day - I think I need a nap.

Thanks everyone for your support. Please consider supporting Kevin as well.

Go TEAM!

Event #15, Kreuger Memorial Splash and Dash Saturday August 15

2009-08-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

So when I looked up the start time last night - I asked myself, "self - what are you thinking?" as it had a 7:30 start time, which meant a 6 AM wake up...but still - that's pretty normal of late. So much for a little extra beauty rest.

Splash and Dash was a 400M swim followed by a 5K run. Great event at the Harris YMCA here in Charlotte. Well attended and very well run.

Ran into a former grad school friend, John Templeton and his wife Erica - Erica was doing the race - and told me not to pass her in the pool. I reassured her - starting a few spots ahead of me - that she would be well out of the pool by the time I did my first lap. She pretty much was.

Also ran into my friends from TrySports, Jenn Teipen and Cody. Got to show off my new Karhu running shoes. Saw a few folks from work too - out with their families - as there were a couple of varying distances for the kids to do as well. I saw Kristin Meehan and her husband Dennis - and Kurt Kitterman and his family.

The swim was a pool swim - 8 laps then out to transition to strap on the shoes. Had a good swim - right about in line with my estimated time that they used for seeding the swimmers. And as always - graceful and coordinated - as I was putting on my shoes, I managed to fall down. Right in a nice spot of mud. So - that will look nice on my bum as I head out to run.

Get out on the course and it starts out pretty flat - legs feel good - even after a 17 mile bike and 1.5 mile brick yesterday, so I try and pick it up. Shoes feel great...light and still have the new running shoe feel...thankfully not smell. I managed to forget my race belt, which usually holds the race number you wear during these types of events, so I am running and trying to fasten the bib to my shorts with safety pins. Did I mention I am graceful and coordinated? Yep - managed to stick myself only a half dozen or so times - with each pin.

Course was hilly and I got a bit turned around on the back half - and couldn't really gauge where I was in the course. Each hill made me think, we get to climb back up that, but with only a half mile to go - I finally recognized where we were in relation to the start/finish. So much for orientation.

Saw John Templeton and his kids again, he told me to finish strong, so I tried to pick it up again. Turn the corner - hit the straight away to the last turn into the finish area and cross the line. Not my best 5K time - but adequate...I finished

Good event, very well run by the folks at the Y and I believe the organization is called Try to Tri. Really good turnout - even with the kids events. I did a few laps afterwards on the track - and some of these kids were kicking my butt. Good thing they're not in my age group :-)

Good day - fun event. Go Team!!!

Swim 7:44
Run: 23:19

Up Next:
Miles at Mooresville 1 mile, 2 mile and 3 mile run - Friday night
5K trail run at the Whitewater Center - Saturday AM
Lake Norman Tri - Sunday AM

So what do you think?

2009-08-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

In two weeks, I am contemplating what I consider 5 events....

Miles of Mooresville (approx 6 PM 8/21), offers a one mile, two mile and three mile run -of which I can do all three...and then on Saturday - a 5K trail run (approx 8 AM on 8/22) followed by the Lake Norman Sprint Tri on Sunday (approx 8 AM on 8/23). So from 6 PM on Friday to (finish time on Sunday of approximately 9:45 AM) I will have completed 5 different events, albeit not "endurance" events...does this count as 3 events (mooresville, Whitewater Center and LKN Tri) or 5? Whatcha think?

Event #14 - Y2Y Metric Century Saturday August 8

2009-08-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

What a great ride! Got to ride with the fantastic four +1, Sheila, Mike Feretti (TnT Coach), Cat Reid and Cheryl Ryan PLUS Jim Russell a neighbor here in the 'hood. Not having ridden much over 40 in the past month+, I was a bit nervous about my ability to cover the 62 without much cursing...but it was awesome.

I met a woman who was out on her first organized ride, after buying a bike two weeks ago. She bought a bike to ride with her husband (awwww) and did awesome.

We started out riding together and around mile 24, at the second rest stop...

Side note - organized rides like this are great. Every 10 - 15 miles they have rest stops with food (cookies, oranges, bananas, water, Gatorade, etc) and porta potties... I make sure I partake of everything at these stops - foodwise. And its a great opportunity to talk to other riders.

So - after the second rest stop - I got a little spunky and started to pick up the pace - a mini breakaway. I wanted to see if I could pretty much sprint the 15 miles to the next stop. So I picked it up and was having fun...a little music in one ear (only one, so I could hear traffic and other riders) kept me moving along. The lovely smell of poultry farms helped me pick up the pace even more - pee-yew ...those birds are smelly...

Jim Russell caught me about 10 miles into my little sprint...he's an amazingly strong rider - he put me to shame - but we rode together for the rest of the 30 miles to the end.

As I was riding, I was thinking about who I could dedicate this event to. I haven't done much of that for the first 13 - but with all the honor patients and honor heroes with TnT - there are so many to honor with these events. At the end of the day - raising awareness for these folks, their families and the challenges they face - and the money for the LLS and their mission is what this is all about. It's not about me. So - going forward I will be dedicating each event to an honor patient or hero.

Today's ride was in honor of Cat Reid's sister, Page Stanton. Cat had a great ride today, battling a nagging tweak (won't call it an injury) in her leg but she's a trooper and powered through. Cat is an amazing person who raised nearly $12,000 while training for Tahoe with us. So - to Cat and her amazing work, and in memory of Page, whom I never met, but knowing Cat - was no doubt an equally amazing and wonderful person - today was for you.

So at the end of the day - or the ride - about 3:45 and change - we packed up and headed out. Great ride, great friends.

Next week - a duathlon of some sort - either a swim and run - or a bike and run...it all depends.

Thank you all. Go TEAM!

Event #13, Go For Blood Bike Ride & 5K....and some misdirection

2009-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

After a drought in terms of races in July, between races / event schedules and work - August got started off in the right fashion.....30 - 35 mile bike ride in and around Waxhaw, to benefit the Union County American Red Cross - best of all with my wife, Sheila. With the way work has been for the past several weeks, getting home at midnight or later - working weekends, etc...I was itching to get back out and get another event under my belt...

With the way fundraising went through July - I was pumped to get out and ride...as of today, with a few matching gifts outstanding, we are over $13K! A good chunk of that came from a friend and fellow TnT Alum Julie Jones and her 3rd grade class at Cotswold Elementary...Julie was training and fundraising for an event and could not participate, she transferred her donations to the 40 in 40 - almost $1,800!!! $13K Thank you all so very much.

So we get to the venue - Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw (site of event #19 - Cane Creek Tri in September) and they're lining up the riders, we're a tad tardy. Tardy??!?!? I don't Feel Tardy.

Anywho - so we register and head out. The road markers for the ride show a 30 mile route and a 60 mile route, so I'm thinking, OK - it's only 30, not 35...no big deal....

As we ride along, we pass a few folks and then get passed by two guys..one of the is Dr Josh Kollman - best Sports Dr in the CLT - as far as I am concerned. So I yell out to him, and he and his buddy pull up - and we chat for a bit..he's training for IM Florida - as are Kevin Collins and John McLean, TnT coach and TnT Alum respectively...and Josh mentions, "I just go back from France...I rode a stage in the tour... A STAGE IN THE TOUR - as in Tour de France...holy schnikies! Will post more once I find out which stage exactly - but Josh rocks...he's the best guy and Dr...anywho - so they peel off

We keep going cruising along, nice and easy..get to rest stop #1 around mile 15...grab some chow and head back out - we're riding along and I'm goofing around (I know shocker) and we are just cruising...the we see a SAG (Support and Gear) truck, and they wave us down, around mile 18...after some back and forth, we realize we missed our turn, about 3 miles back - right about the time I was goofing around...oops.

So back we go - but before we get going, Sheila aka the Cat Whisperer, notices a little gray tabby kitten alongside the road...meowing adamantly that it needs to be picked up...so the SAG truck comes up and they agree to take it with them back to the start/finish...so we were MEANT to go those 3 extra miles, to save a kitten...good to know.

We make it back to our turn, and chat a bit with the folks there who were helping other riders not miss the turn, and get on our merry way....

About 25 miles in, we get passed by a pace line - a group of riders, in a straight line, using drafting (blocking of the wind) to speed along. When they get about 200 yards ahead of us, I decide, I'm feeling pretty good...I'm gonna go catch them - they're doing about 22 mph...so off I go, imagining the Tour - catching a breakaway...and I am actually gaining on them, 100 yards, 75, 50...and then I try to shift and mess it up...they crest a hill and off they go - not to be caught...stupid me...why shift when I am gaining on them? Oh well, so I spin back and rejoin Sheila and we continue on.

As we get to about the 30 mile mark, I am doing the math in my head, we've got about 5 - 10 more to go, due to my little detour to unexpectedly save the cat...probably closer to 10...

This little stretch of road was pretty hilly, and as Sheila said, no one told us these hills would be so hilly. But we make it to just shy of the 35 mile mark and again - another pace line...this time I'm like - nope - not going to do it. But I'm still feeling good and my competitive and curious nature creeps up..can I actually catch them? They're about 1/4 mile ahead of us by now.

So I figure - why not try. So I shift now, better planning this time and jump on the pedals. Start hammering pretty hard - not gaining yet, but wait, I start to, and then some more, a little more, shift again and gain more...they crest a hill - but I decide to keep going...about 3/4 of a mile into it - I catch the back wheel of the last rider - and let out a little whoo hoo! The last rider turns around and is like "who's back there?"

Right where the marker is on the pic above...is where I caught them

As I chuckle to myself and give myself a little pat on the back, I turn around to rejoin Sheila...

So - last few miles to the end, we cruise along and just enjoy the ride - 2 and a half hours later we return...some of the most fun 40 miles I've done in awhile- I got to ride with Sheila and really enjoyed the ride. Sheila had an awesome ride after not riding, we figured, for almost a year.

Go and check out the snacks at the end - and the volunteers tell us the kitten, which they brought back (YEAH!) has been picked up and passed around by several kids who were their cheering on their parents. Looks like it will be adopted right there. Very cool.

Looks like the folks who organize the event are considering adding a 10K and/or a half marathon to the events schedule in the next year or so. Something to keep in mid for all those folks training for a Full IronMan in the fall - a half marathon, in early August....seems like perfect timing - depending on your race....so keep your eyes open for that.

All in all an amazing day. First event back after the July hiatus, and knowing we've raised over $13K was truly motivational...you all rode with us this morning.

Thanks so much - next event is next weekend - Y2Y metric century in and around Weddington (south of Charlotte). Looks like Cat Reid and Cheryl Ryan, Tahoe riding partners will be doing it as well.

Go Team!

Bad month for racing, great month for fundraising

2009-07-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

So as promised, July has been a difficult month in terms of races, however, through your generous support and with pending matching gifts we are over $12,000. $12,000! That is truly amazing. As noted, I have secured Karhu (www.karhu.com) as a supporter and through the amazingly generous support of a fellow TnT'er who transferred nearly $1,800 dollars from her fundraising efforts for another TnT event she was unfortunately unable to complete, we have exceeded $12,000. Absolutely amazing and incredibly generous of all of you.

Thank you all. Also - I have recently downloaded Skype, for those of you on Skype (it's free and an easy way to chat, www.skype.com) I will be available for chats. emails, etc on there from time to time....we're sean.n.sheila.mullen..I still don't know what you need to communicate in specific terms, but it should be fun.

Thank you all....Let's race!

My most recent sponsor and supporter - Karhu

2009-07-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce that Karhu (www.karhu.com) has officially become a supporter and sponsor of the 40 in 40 Challenge and I am a member of "The Karhu Explorer Challenge". An explorer embodies the spirit of Karhu and promotes it world wide as not only a supporter of runners worldwide but of all athletes from all disciplines and endeavors.

Do You Karhu?

Sean

Running in silence

2009-07-17T16:20:00.001-07:00

With a challenging week at work, training has been local and from home base - literally...runs from home versus going to the gym, rides on the trainer...and a few laps in the tub - ok maybe not the last one. But I did get to experience something I hadn't in a long while.

at 4:45 AM I got up to run - as I had an 8 AM meeting and could NOT be late (run an hour, cool down, stretch do some core work and light lifting) and then get cleaned up = about 90 minutes as it takes me FOREVER to get my hair right so I had to account for that. So out the door I go. I decided that despite my puppy dog's insistence (she lollygags - and every sign post, firehydrant and mailbox in the neighborhood "knows" her), I needed to run alone this morning.

No iPod, no headphones, no nothing...me, the street and Anu (Gaelic), Gaia (Greek), Kali Ma(Hindu), or Mother Nature...however you choose to name her...

It was spectacular. As I ran, the day awoke around me. Birds chirping, peepers (frogs) up and about, beavers off to knock down trees for their dams or just to knock them down because they have big honking teeth and can do that, deer in the open areas in my neighborhood looking at me like "you don't see me, i don't see you - we're good". As I ran - I witnessed the day awakening before me. Houses came alive as folks got up for their own daily routine, the flowers began to open as the sun began to rise, the birds awoke and started their songs, the deer were out and about - and none too happy to see me plodding by them, the lake was still but there were gentle waves lapping up to the shore, either from the wind or early morning fisherman (ahem) fisher people out trying to ply the fish from the lake...i didn't see or hear that M-80 go off I swear...

Reminded me of days many (many squared) years ago when I would run in VT, WAAAAY long ago before music devices became so compact that one could carry them everywhere they went with thousand of songs at their fingertips - or the random draw the iPod chose - when one could experience the splendor around them, undisturbed by anything...

shoes hitting the pavement, breathing in rhythm with the pace, eyes and ears open to the world around you.

I had one of the best runs I had experienced in a long time. I know many are die hard "must run with music" folks...and I am one - especially indoors on a treadmill - but try it. One day, early morning or midday, late afternoon or early evening...hell - in the middle of the night - just wear reflective apparel please...

One day or night - leave the iPod or whatever MP3 player you have at home - let it rest and charge for the next run or workout. When you do - listen, look...the world is an amazing place even if it is right outside your front door, down the street and around the bend.

This is true at the gym too...I mean - come on - there are hundreds of folks working out around you - for their own reason...weight loss, training for an event....a life changing chapter has begun...or they are just there because - everyone has their reasons - hearing about it even surreptitiously - makes the world and potentially everybody's life fuller...and funnier - some of the crap people say and do at the gym is just downright hilarious.

Enjoy the day - and get out and run or walk or ride or Tri. Allow the world to give you experiences versus trying to own it...that is a hefty bill to pay and experiencing it is a hell of a lot more fun. Besides - watching a deer pretend not to notice you, or a bird, squirrel, rabbit or whatever - as the sun rises or sets, or the moon crests over your head and the world evolves with time helps one realize how simple and wonderful the world around us is.

Run, Ride, Tri and Train well my friends.

A few days off and a brief respite from racing

2009-07-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe Kure Beach was almost two weeks ago! I took some much needed time off to spend time with Sheila - we went to Yadkin Valley for the fourth - more to get away and relax than anything. Got in a 5 mile hike - which was much more strenuous than it initially appeared - up and over Stone Mountain. I think the most strenuous part was climbing the 200 +/- stairs on the back side of the hike up and over the waterfall.. I don't care what level of shape you're in - stairs just suck. Also got to visit a couple of really nice wineries (Raffaldini and Shelton Vineyards) and had a great meal at Shelton (Harvest Grill)

So - got back into training mode this week - with work, had to move training times up to 5AM - and races will be few and far between this month, but I am looking at a few. Possibly one tomorrow AM, if I think I can swing it and get into work "on time".

So we're at 12 races - but - am quickly approaching $11K in donations. With matching gifts and a couple checks I just received - we'll be OVER $11K! How awesome is that?

Thank you all for your support. Off to watch the Tour and see how "the big boys" ride their trikes...they're insane..they average close to 30 MPH over 120+ miles - with massive climbs. well, OK they're not going 30 up the Pyrenees or the Alps - but still...

Kure Beach pictures

2009-06-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Race # 12 Kure (pron Curry) Beach Double Sprint Tri Sunday June 28

2009-06-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

1st double sprint, 1st ocean swim tri, 1st time consuming approximately 1/2 gallon of ocean water...well maybe not QUITE that much.

Another great event run by Setup Events. This one, down just south of Wilmington, NC was a double sprint. The race format was as follows:

375 M swim
1.55 mile run
12.4 mile bike (2 consecutive 6.2 mile rides)
1.55 mile run back to the swim
375 M swim

As noted, there is a reason - especially for folks like me - why the swim is first. But more on that in a bit.

It was a beautiful day - 6AM wake up to get to the two transition spots and get ready. Sheila got herself set up on a primo spot on the beach between the finish line and the swim start. One thing I noticed early on...man there is a lot of sand on the beach (DUH!?!?!) ...I'm gonna have a lot of sand on my feet for the run and ride...

Note to self, there is a reason experienced folks bring buckets to fill with water, so you can clean your feet off effectively. Scrubbing them with a dry towel is like a serious pedicure exfoliation - and not at all effective..but at least I thought to bring the towel.

The ocean was angry on this day, but not as angry as it reportedly had been in the past. And - no jellyfish. One of the guys from Setup Events provided that little bit of commentary as I made my way to the beach to set up my swim to Run 1 transition. That's reassuring.

Big waves, but only about a 65-70 M swim against the tide to the first turn buoy. I had done a prep swim on Saturday to get used to the water (salty, murky, angry) and to make sure I didn't try to breathe underwater like I have been known to do. Just past the first turn was a Coast Guard cutter...more for photo ops purposes than for anything else I suppose. Make the 1st turn and 250M to the next turn which is in to shore. The tide helped keep me relatively straight - as I tend to stray to my right when I swim, so there was that. Seemed like it was fairly quick, but - hard to tell actual time.

Jog to transition and to get ready for the run, scrub my feet - no dead skin left that's for certain - and strap on the shoes. Make my way out and rinse out what little salt water is left in my mouth. Good, easy to follow flat course 1.55 miles to the bike...great support and awesome folks out there for 8:30 AM on a Sunday.

Get to the bike and notice - there aren't a lot of bikes left on my rack...hmmm apparently my swim was slower than I thought. Oh well - the bike is flat and only 12.4 miles - good transition and I am off. Use the first mile + to spin out the "run" from my legs and then shift into the big ring. Thanks TrySports - it shifts perfectly, smoothly and I pick up the pace. My legs took longer to get up to "speed" but I get going indeed. Do the two laps and head back in for run, part deux.

Changeover again - bike shoes off, run shoes on and head out to run. Course seems flatter, and familiar - well of course it is - I just ran it the other way...so it goes by quickly. Get to the run to swim transition, change up - take off the garmin (it is NOT waterproof and I would be so unhappy if I dove in with it on) and make my way over the beach 250 M to the swim start again

Running on sand, in any situation is more difficult than on pavement or packed gravel, doing so after running 3.1 miles and biking 12.4 (and having swum 375M before that) well...it was interesting. I almost fell down more than once due to my grace and coordination.

As we near the start of the swim area a volunteer says, "go past the start buoy before you head out to sea"...out to sea? I'm not going out to sea, nor do I intend to go out to sea I'm going out to that turn buoy - or at least I hope - turning left and swimming to the next turn buoy - no out to sea! What's with the out to sea?!?!!

So - interestingly enough, it is quite possible I should have paid a little more attention during my "Oceanography" class sophomore year of college. While the tide was "going out" as we hit the water the second time, the waves were bigger, steeper, breaking earlier and more often and seemingly saltier. I SWEAR the first turn buoy was moving away from me, but it wasn't, the arms were tired and I was a little bit as well.

Make it to turn one and sight the next buoy - 250M, 5 laps in the pool is what I tell myself - a technique called "chunking" breaking the race into manageable "chunks" - and I make my way across to the final turn, in towards shore...woo hoo!!! as I turn, I take a couple strokes and turn to breathe. Apparently I ordered one mouthful of Atlantic Ocean water with that breath - which due to the volume and unexpectedness of it, I swallowed...sputtering and coughing, I flip over to catch my breath...as I do - I notice a lifeguard to my right...STANDING IN THE WATER...not treading water, not on a surfboard....STANDING. The water is about 4-5 feet deep (tide was going out remember) but running through the water is a waste of time (slower and much more draining) so I regain my breath and get swimming. I wish I had the wherewithal to time my swimming with the waves a bit better, a little body surfing right about now would be great.

Make it in to 2 feet of water - yes I was swimming in 2 feet of water - and stand to run in the final bit to the finish - well slog through the water and then start running.

What a great event! Seriously. This will go on the permanent list of races to do - just need to not drink ocean water - or at least a little less.

Also important to note, we saw Sandra and Matt Clancy at the race - they both had an awesome race - Matt who was in my age category crushed it and did awesome - even after having to run and get a spare set of goggles - Sandra - I believe this was her first tri after giving birth to their first child last year did awesome as well...always good to see familiar and friendly faces.

Time was 1:23:17...both swims took me almost twice as long as I expected them to - but the run(s) and the bike were right on track. It was a blast. Will add some pics to this blog over the next day or so.

12 down - 28 left, nearly $9K raised for LLS.

What a tune up!

2009-06-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hats off to the folks at TrySports on my tune up (on the bike, me personally - I am beyond repair). Took the trike out for a 13 mile ride today to burn off some energy...and it handles beautifully, shifts like a dream (no dropped chain) and is as smooth as silk. All prepped for Kure Beach on Sunday. Thanks TrySports team....you guys rock!

must be something in the water

2009-06-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Don't really know what it is this week - but it has been a great week for training. Maybe it's the fact that we've crossed $8,500 in fundraising, maybe it's folks coming up to me and asking about or talking about the 40 in 40, maybe its the ongoing communications with fellow Tahoe and TnT teammates...but it has been a great week - and it's only (approximately) 1/2 over...

12 miles of running
4,000 yards in the pool
20 miles on the bike

That's only since Monday...woo hoo - Kure Beach Tri here I come.

Now - one thing about Kure Beach Tri...it's an Ocean swim, something I've done but not in an organized fashion and my longest stints in the ocean were usually as a kid in the water off the coast of Maine on Family vacations...which, even in August would just about give you hypothermia... Trepidation does rise up every now and again as this will be a different format for a Tri for me. Instead of the usual single transition spot, there will be two separate ones, swim to where we transition to run, run to where we transition to bike. These are usually in one place but they will be two different locations. Hopefully I put my running shoes at the run transition and not my bike shoes - those would not be fun to run in, hell they're hard enough to walk in.

TrySports has tuned up the tricycle - so I am looking forward to it shifting a bit better.

Off to start prepping my Tri bag...so I don't freak out on the 4 hour ride to the beach on Saturday.

Thanks everyone for your support and kind words.

it's not about the time.

2009-06-20T15:04:00.002-07:00

That may sound like something someone who didn't or isn't having the best races and finishing times might say..and in some cases that is true here. I truly appreciate the kind words about the times I post, and will continue to post them. It spurs some interesting dialogue with friends, family, fellow racers and co-workers to be certain.

But the times I am posting after each event aren't about me, they're about keeping track of what I am doing, and at the end of it all, my few hours out on the roads, or in the water over the course of these 40 events will mean that many more hours that I've been working to raise awareness and funds to defeat blood cancers. With the success so far in fundraising and a big push over the next few months to increase fundraising, awareness and knock off a few more races - I hope that I can continue to share with all of you some of the truly important reasons I am doing this - and where all the dollars raised are going to go. what they will accomplish.

I can't do this without your continued support. So let me know of some races and maybe we can do them together. Let your friends know about what I am doing - if you haven't already. The more we engage in this endeavor the better. I will be working on some more corporate sponsorships to add to the support TrySports is giving me, as well as my potential involvement in the Karhu (http://karhu.com/) Explorer program...

Once I determine if that (Karhu) will work in the best interests of the LLS, their mission and my overall goal, I will provide more detail here. It's been a great day so far....now out to the boat!

Go TEAM!

Race #11. Ada Jenkins FIRE 5K Saturday June 20

2009-06-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Another 11th hour decision, but another good one. The Ada Jenkins FIRE 5K was in it inaugural year, and I made it race #11 - good to get the running in by 8:30 AM as it is supposed to reach the mid to upper 90's today.

This race was raising funds to benefit the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, NC, http://www.adajenkins.org/. The "goody bag" was a home emergency kit, with a flashlight, am fm radio, packaged drinking water in a canvas backpack all in bright orange. Seemed odd, but after further inspection it's a really cool idea. There were about 50 - 60 runners registered, and lunch was a BBQ - we passed. I have a sneaking suspicion this will become a much bigger 5K in future years, once the word gets out. I'll go back....and stay for some Que!

Good course, a little twisty and turny, but tree lined streets through a couple of neighborhoods in and around the Davidson, NC area. Well supported, extremely well organized and run. All the volunteers were great.

Ran into Kevin Shea, fellow LLS Board member, and met his children...unfortunately, I am blanking on their names right now...senior moment I suppose. His kids did the fun run - and said they had fun - so that seems like a success.

Race recap - took off a bit too fast - with a sub-seven minute first mile, pulled it back to avoid overdoing it or injury with a Sprint Tri next weekend and 29 more races to go, and pulled back too far...wound up having a good race albeit unbalanced in terms of pace. Got to complete another event, support another worthwhile cause, and get cheered on by Sheila and Maggie - our dog - who loves to go to races - but hates watching everyone run by.

Got home, went to breakfast at Shuffletown - mmm mmm mmm - western omelet, wheat toast, biscuit and hash browns...then mowed the lawn for my cool down - so to speak.

Next up - Kure Beach Double Sprint, and $10,000 is RIGHT around the corner in terms of fundraising...we're so close to being 1/4 of the way there.

Thanks for reading, thanks for the support.

21:20 11 down 29 to go

Race #10, Tri Latta weekend, Part 4: Run to Finish!

2009-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

I head towards the woods along the trail...I see Coach Steve AKA Scuba Steve, Kevin and Cheryl as I leave transition, then Sandra, Sheila, Stacey as I make the turn into the woods. Nice trail run - although a bit harder course than a couple years ago. There is this one kid, a young boy of probably 9 or 10...maybe older but its hard to tell because he is running so fast and getting FURTHER and FURTHER away from me...holy cow. How does he run that fast? His legs are half the length of mine. He looks like Speedy Gonzales...eepah, eepah, andale, andale...

Anywho - back to the run - we make our way out and back, and I come back to where I saw Sheila and company...climb the last little hill and turn towards the finish.

Make the last turn and pick it up a bit. I know my run was slower than I would have liked, but in reality - the competition is to raise awareness of blood cancers, the ongoing research and much needed support, not my overall time in an event, or segment of an event....but I am competitive by nature. So - note to self.

At the end of the day - all 35 TnT'ers finished all with smiles on their faces. We accomplished something pretty great that day - and will continue to work towards even greater things. Setup Events as always - did an awesome job with this race. The TnT coaches did an amazing job training us all for the event. The TnT Team - did and continues to do amazing things, raising awareness, funds and support for the battle the LLS takes on each day.

Thank you all for your support thus far. Keep the comments coming. I look forward to hearing from you.

1:40:35

10 down 30 to go, with over $7,000 raised and recorded thus far

Race #10, Tri Latta weekend, Part 3: Bike to T2

2009-06-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

violated this rule and fidgeted with my watch...for probably 30 - 40 seconds. Waste of time - but I came to my senses eventually and hit the road.

Clean mount (you have to get on the bike at or just past the "mount" line) and away we go. Knowing the bike course is always very helpful - so one can make sure they are in the right gears and pushing it appropriately for hills, flats, downhills, sharp turns etc. It helped knowing the course Sunday - I had a great ride and was really enjoying it - then as I shifted around mile 12...dropped my chain (I KNOW Cat - can you believe it?). The chain popped off the small ring, and while I can usually pick it back up in mid pedal stroke...it was too far off. So - I dismount and put it back on...grumble, grumble, grumble...and get going again. 5 more miles

Make the final turn into Latta and head for the transition and a 5K run.

As I near the dismount line, I recall the race 2 years ago...I had fun then - and am having just as much fun this year. Knowing that I will have completed 10 races out of the 40. Knowing I am making a difference - and hearing the coaches, friends, Sheila cheering...gave me goosebumps.

Dismount, I do not fall over, or trip over myself, or crash into anyone...which is good. Jog into transition, presto change-o into my running shoes, put on my running number (it's the same as the rest of the numbers, just more visible for ID when you cross the finish line, and if you don't have it - it is a two minute penalty...and one more thing to worry about in transition) ditch the bike helmet and gloves and I'm off.

Race #10, Tri Latta weekend, Part 2: Swim to T1

2009-06-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

So, with and hour to go, time to try and relax. So, I break out the iPod, drink some more water, stretch a bit...pass the time. Sun comes up. The day is turning into a spectacular day to go for a swim, a bike ride and a run...with some wardrobe changes in between.

I decide it is time to go check out the lake....

As I approach the lake, there are several young kids who will be doing the race, seemingly a bit anxious about the swim "you can't see the bottom", " wait, there are fish in there"...I calmly reassure them that the sharks sleep in on Sundays..nice of me - no?

So - unlike the previous Tri - which was a pool swim - they send the swimmers off in waves. On this day, it is men, in two groups alphabetically (A-L then M-Z) , then women in two groups, alphabetically, then the mens and womens "master" categories, which are racers 40 years and older, then relay teams.

Wave one goes off at 6:30 AM, wearing white swim caps...they're the white caps and they're churning up the water, appropriate. I missed this little tid bit but heard about it from another blog, apparently there was a water snake sliding through the water - right behind the first wave of swimmers. Nice.

I am in wave two - John is right there beside me - always friendly and making jokes, nervous energy or just who he is? It's just who he is..he's not nervous.

So at 6:34 - the horn sounds and off we go.

So - my impromptu, self designed open water swim (OWS)the other day was a good idea. The water is murky, warm, and I probably would have had a harder time settling in if I hadn't done it - and yet...I still have this dysfunction about OWS...I swear my legs are dragging behind me, not kicking...I didn't try and breathe with my face in the water this time, but still...sheesh.

So we head outwards, out towards the turn buoy (regular marker buoys are usually orange cylinders, turn buoys are usually a different shape, such as a triangle/cone, or a different color) and I notice - guys from the first wave are headed right towards me.

See when you swim in open water, there are no lane markers to tell you your going straight-ish...so you're supposed to "sight" every couple of strokes to make sure you're headed in the right direction. Sighting is when you pop your head up and look forward to find the next buoy and adjust accordingly.

It appeared that the first few guys in the first wave were sighting off the wrong buoy and headed back the way we came, or were going - depending on where you were in the swim. And - one wrong turn, and a little follow the leader, and you have a half dozen guys off course.

I try to wave them in the right direction but they blow past me...someone will get them turned around as there are course marshalls on the swim - in kayaks and motor boats in the event of a missed turn, or swimmer in trouble...

I make it to the turn and head back in towards shore - five words I love to say to myself as I am swimming...head back in towards shore... pass one buoy, then the next, then the last one. I almost get run over by some guy going hell bent for leather directly across my "bow" headed out towards the open lake - parallel towards shore - try to tell him "You're going the wrong way"...but a face full of foot and some lake water and it's lost...All I can think of at this point is of course, Planes, Trains and Automobiles...maybe his response was "How does he know where I'm going, yeah, right - ahh he's drunk"...but in fact I did know where he wanted to go...

Make it out of the swim - to the cheers of our coaches, friends, other spectators and head up the hill to transition quick smile for the camera and I get to the bike.

Now - one adage we are told time and again, and one I live by is "nothing new on race day" that means, don't wear brand new shoes, don't eat food you haven't eaten while training, don't decide to not wear socks while riding...and don't try to use different gadgets on your watch that you've not used previously on race day..

I violated this rule...why do I DO these things??!

Race #10, and the lead in, Tri Latta weekend, June 13 - 14, Part 1: The Lead In

2009-06-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Race # 10, Tri Latta Sprint Triathlon Sunday June 14 - Back to where it all began

2009-06-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Tri Latta, as mentioned before is the first TnT event I did. 2 years ago, after 5+ months of training, going from not being able to swim 1/5th the required distance, I completed the event with my TnT teammates, many of whom I am still friends with today and my wife Sheila. While there were other events along the way that inspired me to take on and create the 40 in 40 challenge, this clearly was the starting point.

This too was a weekend full of events, so get comfy...

Saturday June 13 Inspiration dinner

While I was busy training for Tahoe, my 34 other teammates and I raised nearly $80,000 for the LLS for this event.

Our honored speaker was Matt Torkildsen. Matt recounted his story about his battle with Leukemia, being diagnosed at 18, a few months before he was to graduate high school and go to college on a basketball scholarship. His life, as so many others, changed drastically that day. Went to the Hutchinson center in WA. Like TnT, Leukemia can create families out of strangers due to the bond that exists and grows stronger with each passing day. When Matt checked into Hutchinson, there were 8 other families there. While there he received a bone marrow transplant, from his brother, and after 100 days "post-transplant", he was able to leave. His family and one other left. The rest had lost their battle with Leukemia. Matt's story is a positive one. One that got better, as when he left, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart.

After the inspiration dinner, Sheila and I went to the Man and Woman of the year fundraising grand finale for the LLS. This is a fundraising competition amongst candidates designated by the LLS and / or nominated by friends and families. While I do not have all the specifics, this year, while a difficult one, had 8 stellar candidates who raised substantial funds to help the fight against blood cancers. I will post more details on this, once I get them.

Sunday June 14 RACE DAY

The race officially stars at 6:30 AM. Sheila and I - as well as Maggie and Dobhen, were up at 4 AM, to get things together and get to the race course. I finished by multiple bag checks the night before. Now, the race course is only 12 miles from our house, but, Sheila offered to volunteer for the event, and I still had to pick up my timing chip (they don't give you those until race day in case you lose it...like THAT would ever happen), get set up in transition, get body marked and chill out a bit.

We arrive in darkness. Not a little darkness, but it is just plain dark. The stars are out, and yet there are a lot of people milling around. I run into John McLean, fellow TnT'er who is also doing Latta today, and is training for a Full IronMan in the fall. John and I did Latta together 2 years ago as well. We set up our stuff in transition, actually John's is already set up, four spaces down from me, apparently he got there REALLY early, and go pick up our chips and go get body marked. Sheila has been assigned body marking as one of her volunteer duties, so I not only got to have her write my numbers on my arms and legs, but I also got a good luck kiss...the volunteer coordinator raised an eyebrow at that one as she was standing right next to us at the time. Sheila limited the good luck kisses to me (I think - either that or she had the most popular body marking line EVER! kidding). Also - was pleasantly surprised to see my Tahoe cycle-mate Cheryl Ryan there - she came up to watch - even though she had to be there by 6 AM..wow. Also saw Laurie Pryor, who did Latta with us 2 years ago as well. It's like a reunion tour :-)

Anywho, so it's all of 5:30 now. An hour + to go.

Break out the iPod, drink some more water, stretch a bit...pass the time. Sun comes up. The day is turning into a spectacular day to go for a swim, a bike ride and a run...with some wardrobe changes in between.

I decide it is time to go check out the lake....

As I approach the lake, there are several young kids who will be doing the race, seemingly a bit anxious about the swim "you can't see the bottom", " wait, there are fish in there"...I calmly reassure them that the sharks sleep in on Sundays..nice of me - no?

So - unlike the previous Tri - which was a pool swim - they send the swimmers off in waves. On this day, it is men, in two groups alphabetically (A-L then M-Z) , then women in two groups, alphabetically, then the mens and womens "master" categories, which are racers 40 years and older, then relay teams.

Wave one goes off at 6:30 AM, wearing white swim caps...they're the white caps and they're churning up the water, appropriate. I missed this little tid bit but heard about it from another blog, apparently there was a water snake sliding through the water - right behind the first wave of swimmers. Nice.

I am in wave two - John is right there beside me - always friendly and making jokes, nervous energy or just who he is? It's just who he is..he's not nervous.

So at 6:34 - the horn sounds and off we go.

So - my impromptu, self designed open water swim (OWS)the other day was a good idea. The water is murky, warm, and I probably would have had a harder time settling in if I hadn't done it - and yet...I still have this dysfunction about OWS...I swear my legs are dragging behind me, not kicking...I didn't try and breathe with my face in the water this time, but still...sheesh.

So we head outwards, out towards the turn buoy (regular marker buoys are usually orange cylinders, turn buoys are usually a different shape, such as a triangle/cone, or a different color) and I notice - guys from the first wave are headed right towards me.

See when you swim in open water, there are no lane markers to tell you your going straight-ish...so you're supposed to "sight" every couple of strokes to make sure you're headed in the right direction. Sighting is when you pop your head up and look forward to find the next buoy and adjust accordingly.

It appeared that the first few guys in the first wave were sighting off the wrong buoy and headed back the way we came, or were going - depending on where you were in the swim. And - one wrong turn, and a little follow the leader, and you have a half dozen guys off course.

I try to wave them in the right direction but they blow past me...someone will get them turned around as there are course marshalls on the swim - in kayaks and motor boats in the event of a missed turn, or swimmer in trouble...

I make it to the turn and head back in towards shore - five words I love to say to myself as I am swimming...head back in towards shore... pass one buoy, then the next, then the last one. I almost get run over by some guy going hell bent for leather directly across my "bow" headed out towards the open lake - parallel towards shore - try to tell him "You're going the wrong way"...but a face full of foot and some lake water and it's lost...All I can think of at this point is of course, Planes, Trains and Automobiles...maybe his response was "How does he know where I'm going, yeah, right - ahh he's drunk"...but in fact I did know where he wanted to go...

Make it out of the swim - to the cheers of our coaches, friends, other spectators and head up the hill to transition quick smile for the camera and I get to the bike.

Now - one adage we are told time and again, and one I live by is "nothing new on race day" that means, don't wear brand new shoes, don't eat food you haven't eaten while training, don't decide to not wear socks while riding...and don't try to use different gadgets on your watch that you've not used previously on race day..

I violated this rule and fidgeted with my watch...for probably 30 - 40 seconds. Waste of time - but I came to my senses eventually and hit the road.

Clean mount (you have to get on the bike at or just past the "mount" line) and away we go. Knowing the bike course is always very helpful - so one can make sure they are in the right gears and pushing it appropriately for hills, flats, downhills, sharp turns etc. It helped knowing the course Sunday - I had a great ride and was really enjoying it - then as I shifted around mile 12...dropped my chain (I KNOW Cat - can you believe it?). The chain popped off the small ring, and while I can usually pick it back up in mid pedal stroke...it was too far off. So - I dismount and put it back on...grumble, grumble, grumble...and get going again. 5 more miles

Make the final turn into Latta and head for the transition and a 5K run.

As I near the dismount line, I recall the race 2 years ago...I had fun then - and am having just as much fun this year. Knowing that I will have completed 10 races out of the 40. Knowing I am making a difference - and hearing the coaches, friends, Sheila cheering...gave me goosebumps.

Dismount, I do not fall over, or trip over myself, or crash into anyone...which is good. Jog into transition, presto change-o into my running shoes, put on my running number (it's the same as the rest of the numbers, just more visible for ID when you cross the finish line, and if you don't have it - it is a two minute penalty...and one more thing to worry about in transition) ditch the bike helmet and gloves and I'm off.

I head towards the woods along the trail...I see Coach Steve AKA Scuba Steve, Kevin and Cheryl as I leave transition, then Sandra, Sheila, Stacey as I make the turn into the woods. Nice trail run - although a bit harder course than a couple years ago. There is this one kid, a young boy of probably 9 or 10...maybe older but its hard to tell because he is running so fast and getting FURTHER and FURTHER away from me...holy cow. How does he run that fast? His legs are half the length of mine. He looks like Speedy Gonzales...eepah, eepah, andale, andale...

Anywho - back to the run - we make our way out and back, and I come back to where I saw Sheila and company...climb the last little hill and turn towards the finish.

Make the last turn and pick it up a bit. I know my run was slower than I would have liked, but in reality - the competition is to raise awareness of blood cancers, the ongoing research and much needed support, not my overall time in an event, or segment of an event....but I am competitive by nature. So - note to self.

At the end of the day - all 35 TnT'ers finished all with smiles on their faces. We accomplished something pretty great that day - and will continue to work towards even greater things. Setup Events as always - did an awesome job with this race. The TnT coaches did an amazing job training us all for the event. The TnT Team - did and continues to do amazing things, raising awareness, funds and support for the battle the LLS takes on each day.

Thank you all for your support thus far. Keep the comments coming. I look forward to hearing from you.

1:40:35

10 down 30 to go, with over $7,000 raised and recorded thus far

Race #10 - coming up - Tri Latta Sunday June 14

2009-06-11T18:12:00.001-07:00

Here comes another Triathlon! This one holds special memories for me as it was my first ever Tri, and it was also with TnT two years ago. Half mile swim, 17 mile bike and 5K (3.1 miles) run. I will no doubt quadruple check my bag - although I have already started packing it - before hand.

For this event two years ago, our honored patient hero was Liza Bourg, whose father continues to race for TnT - in fact - he just did Fletcher Flyer (another century ride, here in NC) last weekend - and did the Statesville Sprint Tri (Race 7) with me in May. He's an awesome guy and his wife and daughter are amazing as well. Liza got to be an extra in an American Girl movie (the Kit Kittridge movie) as part of the Make A Wish Foundation. She - like so many of the honored patient heroes is such an incredible girl. Full of life, spirit and energy. I'll be thinking of her and all our honored patients during the race. Our honored patient hero for this event is Doug Wagner, who was also our hero for Tahoe. Doug is a great guy - 5 years cancer free, who competes in these events with us. I believe he is thinking about doing the Disney Marathon with us in January - which will be about event 25 or 30...we shall see.

Admittedly - the swim makes me nervous. I KNOW I can cover the distance - not quickly - but I know I can. I have this really weird habit in open water of apparently thinking I have gills and can breathe with my face / head in the water. Doesn't work well. The only thing I have connected it to is the swim cap. We have to wear swim caps to ID which wave we're in, they're different colors. Of course - most swims in pools, I don't wear one - no hair to clog the drain...and I swear because of that, I don't feel the water on my head, get nervous and wind up swallowing some lake water...yummy.

To remedy this, I did my own open water swim last night in the lake behind our community - which is not only the lake we'll be swimming in - but also the drinking water for Charlotte. So in order to prepare for the breathing underwater I wore my swim cap as well as during my past two pool swims...both went - ha ha - swimmmingly.

Race starts at 6:30 AM on Sunday. When (note not IF) all goes well, I should be done a little after 8 AM.

More later - thank you everyone for your support! GO TEAM!

Race/event # 9, Tahoe Century Ride Sunday June 7 - inspiring doesn't begin to cover it

2009-06-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

The weekend was
Terrific
Awe inspiring
Happy
Outstanding
Emotional...

Additionally, it was moving, spectacular, awesome (like totally dude - bringing back the eighties - just without my mullet). I have struggled to put everything that transpired into a brief summation, but can't seem to whittle it down - so I am going with my usual rambling free form.

The recap:
I saw some of the most incredible scenery which paled in comparison to the nearly 1,700 TnT riders who set out on this journey from 6AM - 7 AM on Sunday. Some riders were still coming in 12+ hours later. They were all truly inspiring, amazing and wonderful. TnT raised over $6.8 million through THIS EVENT ALONE! I made some new friends and acquaintences during the weekends events and through the help, support, belief, generosity and hospitality of a friend and colleague from Bank of America we raised nearly $2,000!!! All in all the ride took 6:10:02. Avg speed 16 mph. I burned 6288 calories. I'd do it again right now if I could. During the time I was out there, riding, resting and refueling (a total of approximately 7 hours) nearly 100 people were diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Here are the details.

Friday June 5 - TAHOE MINUS 2: This was travel west day. Go WEST young-ish man, with Sheila along side me, we headed out. It is so reassuring having Sheila with me when I travel (or any time) as she negotiates travel like a skilled surgeon performs a delicate operation. 8 AM flight, out of Charlotte, connect, with a brief jog through San Diego airport as we had a 20 minute window to catch our next flight. Make the flight and get to San Fran. Go from the airport to my friend Iris's house. Where she has graciously, generously, amazingly organized a fundraising party for me, inviting numerous friends. It is such an honor to have that level of support. Under normal circumstances, it was amazing, given her hectic work related travel schedule - well above and beyond. I get to meet several of Iris and Patrick's good friends. Some were former TnT members, some running partners with Iris and Patrick - who ran the Honolulu marathon several years in a row with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation...all great folks. All wishing me well on Sunday and for the next year. I was asked to say a few words, which was a bit terrifying. Sure get up in front of 50 folks you don't know and tell them about the 40 in 40. For those that don't know it - I am not a fan of "the spotlight". However, I did get up and speak. I will admit, as I spoke, and discussed the reasons behind the 40 in 40, the support of my loving and patient wife, I got a little choked up. Sometimes doing things, you lose a little sight or perspective about the reasons. However, talking about it, recalling honor patients I've had the priviledge to meet, friends and family members who have been touched by Leukemia, it brings it back home and drives me. A classmate from Emory (MBA) was able to attend, even with a bit of a late/last minute invite. Thanks Mike for making the trip out. The party was a success as we raised nearly $2,000 !!!! A gracious and humble thank you goes out to all those that attended and were so incredibly supportive and fun. You all have made my life and this experience that much richer.

Aristotle said "One recognizes the quality of one’s own character and one’s own life by seeing it reflected, as in a mirror, in one’s friends". Iris and Patrick have clearly some of the most wonderful, generous, funny, supportive friends! Appropriately so!

Saturday June 6, TAHOE MINUS ONE: Travel to Tahoe. Sheila and I hop in the car and get on the road around 7:30 AM. As we make our way northward, the clouds begin to build. All reports have been of cold drizzly rain in and around Tahoe....what happened to 30 percent chance of rain? This seems like 100 percent....hmmm. As we cross Donner Pass, I think, hmmm will I have to eat someone on my bike ride...let's hope not.

1:30 PM. Get to the hotel and check in. Get settled a bit and go get my bike from Sandra. Thanks Sandra for picking it up for me. Get it to the room and put the pedals back on, and attack fixing the brakes. Yeah, this is easy and oh so tidy a job. 5 minutes in and I am covered in a mix of worn brake pad, road grit and grease. (See the "I am not a bike mechanic" post below). But I prevail and get the pads on and installed. Now to test them and the rest of my handiwork out.

The rest of the team rode in the AM led by coach Mark, and they got about 20 miles in. Me, hoping for a little less rain and a few more degrees (I.e. Warmer), got more rain and about the same mid-60's. Lovely. The adage "That which does not kill you makes you stronger" is flitting about my brain... So I call Mark and he's up for ANOTHER ride. Okey doke...whacko. :-) - but I am eternally grateful for the ride along and support. He already did this and thawed out once...

Note to self - and others: When you are soaking wet after 3 miles of riding....it is officially raining. Despite the rain, we had a good, fast ride, about 18 miles though because I wimped out and didn't feel like climbing up Ski Run Rd...soaking wet, chilled to the bone, and moderately grumpy...

Took me 30 - 45 minutes to be able to actually feel my toes again. And then to try and get my stuff dry in approximately 12 hours....hmmm

Inspiration dinner:

The kick off dinner for the ride was absolutely PACKED! And - they broke us into 3 groups. Everyone was in good spirits, looking forward to and hoping for nice weather tomorrow. Our Honored speaker is a young gentleman Matt from the Central Texas team. This young man battled Leukemia numerous times over his life and was riding on Sunday. He was honest, humble, funny (hilarious actually), and truly brought the event and our emotions to the forefront. He inspired us all. To perservere, to do more, to live life. This is where we found out about the fact that there were nearly 1700 of us TnT'ers riding and we raised $6.8 MILLION. A great endeavor, a wonderful event - but it also helped me realize, there is so much more to do for LLS.

After the dinner, we head back to sack out, do one or two, or more bike and gear checks and try to sleep. Even though we're on the west coast, 5:00 AM will come quickly. We get some words of advice, and caution from our coaches - all of it heeded - of course it was...

Sunday June 7, TAHOE RIDE DAY BABY: No rain - clouds, someone said it was in the upper 30's but it felt much warmer, at least mid 40's. We head out a bit ahead of our allotted time, but it is a great way to start. The Western North Carolina Team is in the front of our time wave, and we ride together for the first few miles. We start getting stretched out a bit, some going faster, others getting their "bike legs". We pass the Renassaince Festival grounds, where we were warned not to yell anything obnoxious - but unfortunately, I could not resist with a little Monty Python as we rode through..." We are no longer the Knights who say NI, we are now the Knights who say Icky Icky Icky Za Ping, Za Poing..." Cheryl thought it was humorous..so did I. We pass the checkpoint where they screen for bandits, or illegal riders, and begin our climb up to Emerald Bay. As we near thr top, there they are switchbacks galore, OK 2, as we climbed to the top of big hill #1 Emerald bay. As we get to the top and look to our right, the sun is peeking out, the clouds are beginning to burn off and it is absolutely stunning. Then on the back side of that hill - I hit 43 mph. Woo freakin hoo! Thank god I got my new rear brakes installed. And properly.

Side note of sorts - One of the norms for rides like these, each team has a doo-dad attached to their helmet to help their support teams ID them out of the sea of purple and green. Here is a brief recap of some of the more memorable and funny:

Western North Carolina (us) green star with WNC.
Nation's Capital "spire" from the Capitol building for the DC team
Peach for Georgia
Can of SPAM for Minnesota (?)
Plastic wine glass for the Napa, CA team
Plastic crab for Maryland
Styrofoam bowl with chowder written on it for MA, ME, NH
Coors light can for the CO Rockies (not the baseball) team
Black pipe cleaner twisted into a spring-like shape with plastic cows, farmers, barns, cars, trucks, etc attached to it for Oklahoma
A fuzzy monkey with its butt poised over a beer can for Kansas (cans ass)
Rubber cow for california (happy cows)
Penguins for Pittsburgh
Red flag with Red Wings emblem on it for Michigan - they and Pittsburgh remained civil :-)
Texas flag for all Texas teams, whose team member as mentioned above was our honored and truly inspirational speaker, recovering from several bouts with Leukemia. As mentioned - he rode Sunday and kicked some serious butt...saw him at mile 70. He shook my hand, I almost cried.

A great big shout out to my fellow WNC TnT'ers who rode in Tahoe with me, Cat Reid, Cheryl Ryan and Toby Gordon from Greensboro. Also riding this weekend was the "Fletcher Flyer" team riding in Asheville. They kicked some butt as well.

So - out to Truckee - that name cracks me up for some reason...Truckee, is there a Caree and Vanee and Motorcycle-ee? I could have used a motorcycle. Truckee was about the halfway point. One item that was a must have at this stop was the boiled new potatoes...sprinkle a little salt and mm mm mm nom, nom, nom...good eatin clark. I hop back on the bike after catching up with Toby, Mike, Jay (Cat's husband) and Sheila - get a see you in 30 miles, good luck kiss or two from her - and awaaaaay we go. Took it realitvely easy over the bike path back to Tahoe City - it's narrow, and bumpy - and an opportunity to spin a bit versus hammering in the big ring.

King's Beach - lunch break and last break before the climb up to Spooner Lake - our highest elevation and longest climb yet - even higher - much higer than training - but it's hard to replicate elevation like that unless you have it in your backyard. This is where I saw Matt. Between seeing Matt and the awesome support and love from Sheila - I took on Spooner like I owned it...well kind of.

Off I went, in search of Spooner. Made it to the bottom of Spooner faster than I thought, even with the "single file or the cops will give you a $50 ticket if they catch you" warning through Incline Village. So - up and up, and up we go. My bike, an Orbea, has what is called a compact crank, slightly fewer teeth on the sprockets on the front rings, which I have convinced myself, is one of the reasons I do hills well. It seems to be much more efficient - for me anyways - and really helped me kick some Spooner ass.

As I crest the next to last hill, I jokingly ask some spectators, "does this thing have a top?" One woman responds..."you're almost there".

Now - note to spectators - do NOT say that unless it is true...as one guy passed me he said - "no we're not, we've got 4 more miles to go"...I almost turned around to find the woman who said that - but I did not.

Spooner was about 7 miles of climbing, culminating at the highest elevation of 7,076 feet (according to my garmin - thank you garmin). If I was halfway or less - god help her. Not really...However, I did notice, hmm, it is getting a bit warm - well of course it is - it's 1 PM +/-, so I begin with the interesting process of unzipping my jacket and jersey, loosening gloves, and drinking a lot of water as I am trying to climb. I pass several folks along the way up - which is reassuring for me...go compact crank go...

As I see the "Spooner Lake" sign on the right, I realize, I am in fact there, not almost, I am there! Holy cow. There is a rest stop at the top, with ironically enough, the first BIG "First Aid" sign posted out front that I've seen all day. Most other stops have the First Aid in the stop - this was a welcome sight - and thankfully, besides some advil for a weirded out left leg, not much of a need for me. Now some downhills, and some moderate climbs - to the finish...15 miles to go!

We get on US 50 headed back to the finish. US 50 is a great road, well maintained - but the engineers who designed the stormwater grates on the road need some assistance in their planning. Some of the grates run perpendicular to the traffic, others, only a few thankfully run parallel - and are slightly wider than the average road bike tire - which if hit going 30+ miles downhill would bring one to an immediate and dangerous stop. With the help of fellow riders - we point out road hazards, such as roadkill, bumps, holes, storm grates etc with hand signals and verbal commands, and most of us make it unscathed. Apparently two folks had run ins with the grates - no one was seriously injured from what I know - but still - it makes you think...and slow down a bit.

All this time, as you pass a cyclist - it is common road etiquette to say "on your left" - or if being passed - thanking them for letting you know. With thousands of riders - this took place all day long... I was a bit hoarse at this point - but still managed to let out a Woo Hoo as we passed through a tunnel as we shot down US 50...it was not the loudest woo hoo I've ever let out - but still - fun - and it echoed.

As we caught our first glimpse of the resort and ultimate finish line, I realized that while I was a bit tired, I was energized. The amazing riders, the support, the volunteers, the coaches, family and friends that were out there on this day - all working towards a common goal...to wipe out blood cancers. We made a dent..but there is so much more to be done. So over the course of my ride, my Team in Training ride, nearly 100 people, man, woman or child were diagnosed with a blood cancer. The money raised goes a long ways, but truly we need more help.

As I turned towards the finish area, I unzipped my jacket again, and began riding hands off the hooks, or handlebars, getting spectators to make some NOISE!!! GO TEAM! I rode across the finish line with Toby. It was truly spectacular. Hundreds of folks waiting there, cheering us in. It didn't matter if it took you 5 hours, or 50...

With all of our teammates in, and seeing the multitudes of riders, family, friends, coaches and support staff, we relished the accomplishment. 100 miles! Of course we couldn't have done it without our coaches, Mike and Mark, who coaxed us along and lied to us periodically to get us up and over hills and out on the courses. We never could have done this without you.

Also, but no less importantly, a big thank you to Sandra Clancy who was our TnT point person all weekend. She helped us gather our bikes, our contact info, kept us on time and on track.

A heartfelt and loving thank you to all the teammates, those who rode with us, those who rode at Fletcher, my wife Sheila for supporting me in this endeavor, and to all of you for your generous support, kind words and belief.

I hope you enjoyed this recap. as I recall other items to note, I will be sure to post them here - I thank you for your support, friendship, teamwork and belief in what we are doing. While the 40 in 40 is primarily about me raising awareness of the LLS Mission and Team in Training, raising $40,000 and doing a few races - it is a team, a family that makes it truly realizable and amazing.

Thank you all.

Sean

9 down, 31 to go

What a ride!

2009-06-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

That refers not only to the Tahoe Ride on Sunday, but the entire weekend. Great friends, new acquaintences, awesome teammates, coaches and support! Will post actual details about the entire weekend but wanted to share this one little tidbit

Tahoe - Here We Come!

2009-06-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here it is, Tahoe minus 3 days...and I am admittedly a bit nervous. Excited as well as everyone I have spoken to that has done the ride said it is spectacular, and this will be my first ever Century Ride. I know I have stuck to my training regimen, well, most of it, and have done the necessary rides. It is the unknown, the "other 20-25 miles" seeing as I've ridden about 75 in one "sitting" will I have the right fuel, will I be smart enough not to try and go out too hard, with all the excitement, will I get my brakes installed properly? Who will show up on "ride day"? There is the one variable that really sits out there for every event, regardless of distance or discipline. Each day when one gets to the starting line, there is always the unknown about who will show up - despite all the training, fueling, preparations. I'm betting on the Sean who is ready yet nervous about the event. Let's hope he shows up. If the other one shows, the completely unprepared, yet inappropriately calm Sean...it will be a long and painful day. I'll be grumpy afterwards. :-)

I know I will be with a great group of folks - thousands of TnT folks riding 100 miles around Lake Tahoe, beginning from 6 AM they send us out in waves by team - the Western NC team gets to kick things off at 6:40 - whew, an extra 40 minutes! They're sending over 60 TnT teams out over the course of those 40 minutes. It will be quite the sea of purple and green and quite a sight to see! The unfortunate aspect of that is that there are so many of us riding, to benefit and honor all those who are battling blood cancers, or who have battled and lost.

From Western NC, I'll have the privilege of riding with Cheryl Ryan (our mentor), Cat Reid, Mark Born (coach) and Toby (from the Asheville area - I believe) and supported by Mike Feretti, our coach who took a nasty fall after getting sideswiped during the ride portion of a Half IronMan and destroyed his collarbone, Sandra Clancy, coordinator and planner extraordinaire, and of course - my wonderful wife who is joining me out there...the best support team member I could ask for.

Will provide an update as soon as I can. Go TEAM!

I am not a bike mechanic, nor do I play one on TV, nor should I

2009-06-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

OK - so with the drive to VT and back and the hilly (to say the least) rides two weeks in a row, my bike needed some TLC. I couldn't get it in to the bike shop in time to get it tuned up to prep it for shipping it out to Tahoe for the ride this coming weekend....so I figured, I have several books, some tools, determination.

So cleaning the chain and the derailleurs (the things that shift the chain on the cassette (in the back) and the rings (in the front)) was easy - I do that every time I ride. Adjusting the tension so it would stop dropping my chain - you know when the chain pops off the rings as you shift from the big gear to the small gear and vice versa took a bit more attention to detail. You turn that screw an 1/16th of an inch too much or too little...good lord. I was covered in grease by the time I got it in a better place.

Now the brakes. My rear brakes are shot. They are approximately 1/4 the thickness they would be if new. Apparently I am a little tentative going downhills at an ever accelerating speed -on rain covered, somewhat unfamiliar roads and my rear brakes show that. Took me three trips to bike shops to get the brake pads I needed. Unfortunately, the bike is somewhere between here and Lake Tahoe in CA - so I get to do some last minute bike repairs Saturday - the day before the ride...not like I'll need brakes on the ride in Tahoe. Yeah right.

Will provide updates - on my brakes and the ride - when we return.

Race # 8 - done and fun Upgrade Lifestyle 5K, Birkdale/Huntersville, NC

2009-05-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

As an 11th hour decision - this turned out to be a good one. The weather here has been less than ideal for racing or training outdoors - great for grass, flowers, trees, and ducks...lots of rain, but the weather promised to be spectacular and we (Sheila and I) decided to go and do it Friday night.

This race has softened my unease about inaugural races. As the first ever race the Upgrade Lifestyle has held here, this 5K was well organized, properly supported and accurately advertised. Rolling hills (on a 5K course that can sometimes mean challenging - or flat - or who knows what), easy start (downhill - but that meant an uphill finish) and a great crowd on hand. The run went through the Birkdale neighborhood, which surrounds a golf course just north of Charlotte. As an out and back course, meaning, you run to 1.55 miles and turn around and run back on the same course, it was easy to recognize where you'd have hills to climb and hills to RUN DOWN!!! More down on the way back - which was fun and appreciated.

Saw Sheila just after I turned around to head back - she was having a great race of her own. As we neared the finish - I passed one guy and began the short climb to the finish. Apparently my passing him was not in his plans - as he promptly kicked it up a notch and kicked it to the finish - ahead of me. All good - I had a good run, had fun - got to do the race with my wife - one of many I suspect as the year progresses.

Next post will be about me maintaining my bike, and why I am not nor should I be a bike mechanic.

8 down - 32 to go

22:09

here's what the tour de nostalgia looked like

2009-05-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

and yes that downhill pretty much ruined my brakes....but wouldn't change it for the world

70+ miles, tour de nostalgia in VT

2009-05-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

So what was supposed to be a sunny wonderful day turned out to be a gray drizzly day, with some detours and ended with a flattened tire - but in the grand scheme of things - it was a wonderful ride.

Left my mom's house a little before 8 AM, and headed out winding my way from Rutland VT towards Castleton. Due to construction, went up and over the Hubbardton Battlefield Rd. Hubbardton Battlefiled marks the location where a Revolutionary war battle took place in 1777 - in fact, the only Revolutionary War battle that took place entirely in VT. As opposed to those that spanned the borders? Sorry - apparently not quite up on my VT history here? Although I suppose with Ticonderoga (VT/ NY border) and the historical forts there....there were some that did span the borders - that and the Grren Mountain Boys - I suspect there were some that di in fact cross borders.

Needless to say - this battle took place near the top of quite a hill....which I got to ride up and then back down again. The back down part was interesting, given the rain and less than ideal road conditions. Harsh winters, hell, moderate winters in VT take their toll on roads. I was dodging potholes, creases, frost heaves, etc....while I was torturing my rear brakes....which will now - without question - need to be replaced before Tahoe.

25 miles in - I stop and call Sheila - text her where I am and how it's going....bumpy and wet.

The on to Hubbardton Rd, for about 10 miles....past the house I lived in with my family from 6 until after college....past the roads I used to run on - cause limited amounts of trouble on....to 22A - a state highway known for truck traffic(i.e tractor trailers). Stop at the "Beaver Store"...a general store at the intersection of Route 144 and 22A - Called the Beaver store, due to a giant wooden silouhette of a Beaver....out front. Clean the tires off a bit, reload with some fuel (clif bar and gel) and hit the 9 miles down 22A.

It wasn't all that bad...besides the mess all over me from the wet roads and the spray from the trucks blowing me all over the shoulder.

Get to FairHaven - the town I went to HS in - and swung by the HS, past my old football coach's house....and back out onto the road....

Swung by Andrea's house to see if they were there...but apparently the parade the kids were in - went off despite the rain....So I coninued on in hopes of finding them at the parade.

Went past Castleton State College, where Laurie and Andrea went to college, past the house they lived in...then turned around to try and catch up with them where the ceremony was supposed to finish....So I swing up to the cemetary where it was wrapping up....the FHUHS band played some indiscernible song....I was a bit confused...but it was not quite up to par...having been in band for years, I do have some knowledge about music...oh well...

I got to catch up with Andrea, Nicholas and Andrew and Mallory afterwards...50 miles in at this point.

Jump back on the messy, dirty, grubby bike - rider was a bit grubby at that point too....to round out the ride.

Headed back towards my mom's house in Rutland - but of course, I forgot exactly where my route was suposed to take me...so I made it up from that point on. Up the hill past the country club - until I got to the point where, you know - time to figure out where I need to go to get home...so a quick right , another right and back towards Rutland.

Make it back with about a mile to go - and I notice my front tire seems a bit squishy...so I lean forward and press down on the hooks....front tire goes almost flat....ooops - looks like I picked something up that has flattened my tire - it still has air in it - so I press on carefully.

I make it back - front tire just about done for...I'm soaked, dirty, tired, but psyched. 72 miles by myself....over a course that when growing up seemed like a long drive in a car...I survived, and just need to change and replace one tube and one tire.

Good day - got to travel from my mom's home, to the home we spent a dozen+ years in - and flew by my elementary school, high school ....saw my niece and nephews (Andrea's kids) post parade....and consumed a ton of calories...and felt great the entire way.

Sunday - got up and got a 5 mile run in, 1 with Maggie - because she was looking for a run and some exercise....

I got to spend some really good time with my family - we missed Sheila - but she was having an awesome time in South Africa. I look forward to wrapping up this tour tomorrow, driving 9 + hours from Scranton PA to HOME>>>>

60 miles, no wait, 70 miles - nope...try 50 miles

2009-05-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

What I thought was going to be a 60 miler - was a mistake - we were supposed to do 70 - but mother nature - once again had different plans for us - so we cut it short - to 50. From Heddonite to Wilkesboro - UUUUP and over Brushy Mountain - and back again. Good ride - Coach Mike was there but not riding due to his recent accident and healing collarbone, Stacy Irwin ran SAG - our support vehicle with tasty snacks and collected and re-distributed jackets as the weather changed.

So the first 11 were rolling hills with some climbs, but not bad. Then the turn onto Brushy MT road - and up we go - 6 miles of climbing....three hills with moderate plateaus or downhills in between...my average speed up those hills was close to if not in the single digits....lots of shifting.

The hills of Brushy Mountain were alive with the sound of my cursing, every time we rounded a corner and saw more incline...but it was good practice. Short stop at the top at the Brushy Mt Volunteer Fire Department..yes - on top of the mountain...

Then a speedy descent down the backside - 8 miles or so to Wilkesboro - to the, as Coach Mike pointed out, "there are two gas stations, one of them looks much cleaner than the other - go to that one" Saw Scott and Missy flying back as we went down - Missy joined us as a tour guide b/c she knows the course. Caroline and another woman who joined us...didn't catch her name - met up with me at the BP...we hung out avoiding the inevitable climb back UUUUUP and over Brushy.

Up and over the top, then back down...funny thing - bad road surfaces and rain make riding really exciting...for some - for me - I almost needed to buy a new pair of cycling shorts a few times. Also - will probably need some new brake pads after today.

Got back to the 11 mile point - and met up with Scott and Missy - tagged along with them for the rest - until Scott jumped in his big ring, and I got the urge to as well...really flew back over these hills which at the beginning seemed pretty challenging - but it was fun.

A few points to note:

Bad road surfaces, rain and loose gravel are NOT a good combination on any ride, especially downhills...steep downhills - that may explain the dozen or so churches we saw on the route..seriously and graveyards.

Lawn gnomes are alive and well, and apparently prospering in the brushy mountain area...a little creepy - not as creepy as clowns, but still

Running over a dead opossum on ones bike is DEFINITELY much more noticeable than in a car - and more disgusting

34-38 miles an hour may seem slow-ish in a car, but going down hill on questionable roads (see first point above) that one doesn't know - makes it seem like warp speed...quick Chewbacca - light speed...not. ludicrous speed - no doubt

Road signs for winding roads ahead should come in different flavors...the gentle "wiggly" arrow really misses the point of 90 degree turns - at 34 miles an hour on a bike.

Helmets are very good things to have, as are good brakes and an appetite for bugs, or at least the ability to be OK if one happens to fly down your throat as you are cursing at Brushy Mt

Little Debbies PB&J oatmeal pies/cookies nom, nom, nom...damn good

Brushy Mt is in fact a mountain - not a hill as facetiously advertised by one of our coaches. But it was a great ride - and excellent training for Tahoe and Fletcher - where a bunch of folks are riding the same day we ride in Tahoe

50 miles later in just over 3 hours, we finished.

Props go out to Coach Mike and Stacey for the SAG and the snacks

Great job goes out to everyone, Scott, Missy, Mark (Coach) Cat, Cheryl, Cara, Caroline, girl from BSG I didn't meet.

Tahoe here we come!

Race 7 - in the books, Statesville Sprint Tri May 16, 2009

2009-05-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Great day and a good race. Setup Events and TrySports always do such a good job.

Early morning wake up - 5:45 - for a little breakfast, coffee, water - walk the dog - re-check the bag (did I mention I check that thing a million times?) and off we go.

Get to the venue, set up the bike and running gear in transition - the area you go from swim, to bike, then bike to run. Wayne's already there - so we start chatting a bit, more folks show up - they put us in the WAAAAY back of transition, but it's closer to the run start so that's good.

Have about an hour to kill before the my swim starts - so off to get body marked - where they write your number on both arms, both thighs right above the knee and your age on the back of your leg....in indelible marker. So in case your arms get separated from your legs, they can put you back together. :-)

Get in the pool area - they're lining folks up - we have about 35 minutes before we start swimming. Just like last year, there are some folks who over estimated their swimming capabilities and are walking in the shallow end, or doing the backstroke after two laps - so we have to pass them as we go if possible.

Good swim about 7 minutes (hard to read the clock with goggles on) - out to transition - put on the bike gear, sunglasses, helmet, watch/gps, gloves, socks and shoes. Jog to the bike start - which in cycling shoes on pavement can always be tricky. Hop on and off we go - route was as I remembered, couple of really good hills, lots of little ring cycling. Passed my fair share of folks - and only got passed once - had a good ride - just under 39 minutes.

Great transition - see transition - the time you go from one sport to the next can always be tricky. For example - my first tri - I had a 6+ minute transition (swim to bike) because my shoes were messed up, and a 2+ minute bike to run - because I was messed up. But today - I set up my gear properly for me, and had good transitions, both under 2 minutes each time. Defintely room for improvement...it's like I'm fixing my hair or something out there...wait

Off to the run - which after biking is always entertaining. Your legs because you just got off the bike feel like they have bricks in them, because of the blood in the larger muscles of the legs and they're fully engorged...so you have to kind of work on that during training...teach your legs "OK, your off the bike, get ready to run"

Got going on the run and started out at a good pace, and picked it up as I went along. Two loops through residential 'hoods and a finish downhill (YEAH!) into a park. The run was a bit slower than I wanted, 23:30, but still - by 9:35 this morning I had swam 300M, biked 12 miles and run 3.1 miles...in an hour and 12 minutes. - please note I checked actual results and it was 1 hour and 12 minutes...my original post said an hour and 2 minutes....

Wayne had a great first tri and had fun doing it. Ran into some guys I met last year at the same Race, Shawn Powell and his friends Rod and Darren. They've gotten the tri bug too and have done a bunch.

Good day, good race - now 60 miles tomorrow on the bike - just pray for good weather.

Tri Prep always freaks me out

2009-05-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you who aren't familiar with preparing ones gear for a triathlon... here's a synopsis

Go to packet pickup to get your numbers for your helmet, bike and for the run. Return home, pull out your travel bag of choice - some folks have a tri bag, which is a big backpack with all sorts of nooks and crannies for shoes (cycling and running), sunscreen, spare tubes and Co2 cartridges, gloves, sunglasses, hats, fuel (power gels and clif bars - kind of like hi-tech granola bars), pockets for water bottles, a wet dry bag to keep clothes in for after the race, deodorant (necessity also afterwards) and a secret bottom compartment really designed for swims that allow wetsuits, so you can store your wetsuit afterwards without soaking everything.

There are multitudes of checklists - of which I have one - that I follow - but invariably - I check my packed bag three, four, ten times the night before.

With tomorrow being my first tri of the season and the 40 in 40 - tonight has been no different.

Getting to packet pickup was a bit of a stressor tonight - b/c the main interstate to get to the race (which is an hour north of home, and I was at work) was a parking lot...always is on Friday nights - but was worse because of a few accidents.

Why do people always slow down to look at accidents - especially if it is APPARENT it was barely a fender bender? Come on now....but I digress.

Got there and got my stuff - then came home to set up. Picked out my race gear - will be proudly sporting the TnT tri suit - GO TEAM!!! tomorrow and packed the bag.

Now tri suits are a combination of cycling shorts and shirt, but slightly different than regular cycling gear - the shirts have no sleeves, and are slightly tighter fitting than a cycling jersey, the shorts have the much needed chamois for dryness and the essential padding. On the right athlete - they can be very flattering...note - the right athlete. Thank goodness tomorrow isn't a fashion show.

After bag check # 3 so far - I can proudly say that I am packed and ready to go tomorrow. After several more checks...

Wayne Bourg - a fellow TnT'er and also - who is doing Tri Latta in a month as his SECOND tri - tomorrow's his first - will be there - ironically - he is # 201, I am # 202 - so we'll be in the same bike rack (they organize bikes by number so you can find it after the swim a bit more easily) and he jumps in the pool immediately before me - this is a pool swim tri vs open water - where they send you off one right after another. Open water tris send you off in waves based on your age group..this is based on estimated time for the swim. Tomorrow is his first tri...he's gonna rock it.

So - off to eat, hydrate and get to bed. Will let you know how this turns out - and We get to ride 60 miles on Sunday.

Race 6 - Capital City Classic - 10K, Raleigh, NC May 9

2009-05-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Sheila and I went to Raleigh to visit the outlaws, nieces and nephew from her side of the family and to celebrate B-days (mine and Al's), 1st Communions (Caroline and Owen) and Mothers Day (Mary and Denise). Snuck in a race and Sheila joined me for it - we signed up officially - but it was a mid week decision due to work. Sheila did awesome.

Good course and had some fun with it - until mysteriously mile 4 - 5...went down a minute per mile...the wrong way. Not sure besides the heat what happened - besides I slowed down. I managed to make up the time though - even though it was not my fastest 10K so far. As mentioned previously with "inaugural" races, challenges do tend to arise in relatively "young" races. This was the 2nd annual Capital City Classic - and they ran out of water and had challenges at the water stops period. Hope that doesn't deter any newbie runners from future races, as it can be pretty demoralizing to run a race and have them have no water for anyone from Mile 2 to the end, especially as it was heating up as the race progressed.

There were quite a few elite runners there - which is always fascinating to see - to me at least. They're all decked out in their sponsored gear, warning up before and cooling down after - sizing each other up...They crushed the course - but that's why they're elite.

Good news is - I'm not an elite (nor do I play one on TV) so I get to just go and enjoy the course and pass whomever - or get passed by whomever and have fun - check out the scenery (the elites run too fast for that). One sponsor - Hardees - had quite possibly the most non-race friendly post race food...sausage biscuits. I had one of course - but in the usual suspects of post race food (oranges, bananas, bagels, water, gatorade, etc) sausage biscuits never really crossed my mind. It was good mind you...but still

Seeing as my father in law is shy, he told a local Raleigh Anchor Barbara Gibbs from News channel 11 (ABC) in Raleigh about the 40 in 40 - and I had an opportunity to speak to her before the race. She seemed genuinely interested in the challenge and what I am doing - so I hope to spread the word through her a bit more - will let you know.

All in all a good weekend...happy to be home

48:18

Great Harvest Bread COmpany 5K - Saturday May 2

2009-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

After a challenging week at work - and an early wake up call to get to the race - it was a great run. Got to see Mike, Juan-Pablo and Santiago from work - all of us work on the same floor even...both before and after the run. Went to the race planning for a "finish" versus a time. Good thing too - hilly course even if only for a 5K....first mile a little too fast, second a lot too slow - third balanced it all out. Mike, Juan-Pablo and Santigo rocked the course....it was fun - glad I did it. Met a guy Matt from Boston afterwards at Dunkin' Donuts...expecting his first baby in October...good luck Matt.

5K or so in Raleigh next week, sprint tri the week after, race in VT the wek after that and Tahoe Century two weeks later (June 8)

22:28

5 down 35 to go

60 miles at Crowders Mountain tomorrow...

The Official Start

2009-04-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

With my 39th Birthday next week - the official countdown begins. To date I have completed 4 events and have 8 more scheduled by the 4th of July. I have raised over $3,000 towards the $40,000 goal. It has been an interesting journey with work being as demanding as it has been over the past couple of months making me realize that the adage "All great plans of mice and men, often go awry" may rear its ugly head from time to time.

Regardless, I am undaunted and exhilarated by the challenge set forth before me.

Try Sports has signed on as a sponsor - which is incredible. Their support will help make certain non-racing challenges much more realistic. I continue to search for and approach sponsors to help with the challenge - but will prevail regardless.

The importance of the LLS mission and the work that they do will continue to drive me and those who support me and join me for events towards he ultimate goal....support and cures for blood cancers in young and old alike.

I will be updating this blog and the journey more frequently now - and I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I enjoy taking you along with me.

Go Team!

So - it SEEMED like a great idea

2009-04-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

In the end it turned out all right - but today, April 26th, I decided to do two events in one day - something that I suspect may happen a few more times over the course of the year due to work constraints and race schedules.

Went and did the Sally's Ride for the Y and their inaugural 5K Trail Run. In racing inaugural usually means - still may have some glitches...nonetheless - I went up to do them both.

82+ today here in the Charlotte area - those beautiful Carolina blue skies folks talk about - nothing but blue skies and sun - and heat...a breeze every now and then too.

The folks at Sally's Y in Denver - or the future site for the Sally's Y - which is named in honor of Sally Clark, who was killed in a car accident at the age of 19, here in NC - were great. Because of logistics they let me onto the run course early, so I would be properly supported during the 62 mile bike ride. Good idea - especially in hindsight.

So what was meant to be a 5K (or 3.1 mile) run turned into a 4.25 mile run - remember the inaugural part...oh well - no harm no foul - I just got a longer run in than I intended..but it was HOT in the sun. Nice little run - through the woods, along some trails they have cut in the adjacent woods...got to run along an unfinished road for a bit - which really brought the heat home.

Then to the finish - and to get ready for the ride.

62 miles - in the Denver and surrounding area - it's hilly....they name some of the hills they're so steep.

We get rolling - me and the rest of the Team in Training folks who came out, Cheryl, Mike, Scott, Bill, Cat, Amy, Cara...and Cheryl had a horrible spill about 2.5 miles in. Road rash and a broken derailleur - which is the thingy that shifts your back gears on your bike - so she was really bummed - and had to call it a day.

As we get going again, I find myself kind of all alone - in between the rest of the riders - who are WAAAY out in front - and the TnT folks. So - that's the way my day went - pretty much rode all alone for 62 miles.

Right about mile 40 - two cruel things happened...1 - my quads started to cramp up a bit - and
2 - there was an ENORMOUS sign for Hershey's Ice Cream and lovely Ice Cream store...which given the heat and my fatigue - I would have preferred to swim in the ice cream, rather than eat it...but I had to pass....milk based products and me working out don't mix - especially on top of all the Gu, Acclerade, Gatorade, etc...

Net - net - it was a great day. The folks at Sally's Y and Blood Sweat and Gears (the supporting Bike shop) did a great job and ran a top notch event.

Thanks Jane for your support and letting me run the course early - thanks to all the folks who made sure I made it out of the woods successfully.....and to all the volunteers on the course. Couldn't have done it without any of you.

34:50 for 4.25 miles
4:02.10 for 62 miles

4 down - 36 to go.

Interview

2009-04-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

I had the priviledge of being interviewed by Catherine Oliverio this evening, by phone for an upcoming article in a Local VT/NY newspaper. My wonderful sister arranged it - and it was a great experience. Ms. Oliverio is a Poultney HS teacher, whose family has been touched by Leukemia & Lymphoma. As I plan to do a race in VT over Memorial Day weekend, I hope to have the chance to meet her and thank her. If I get an electronic copy of the article - mind you it is a local paper - I will be sure to share! Very exciting

Southpark 10K April 18, 2009

2009-04-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day for a run. Great turnout yesterday - thousands of folks for the 10K and half - I expect I'll do the half next year as one of my last races...wow - given I now have 38 more to do that seems a long ways off - but not THAT far.

Anywho - great race - after a grueling week at work on average at home arival time was midnight, and being sleep deprived...I was psyched to get up and go run.

Adam Wilson joined me again for the race and he rocked the course - breaking his time from two years ago. Saw a bunch of folks from TnT - Stacey, Cheryl...a few other folks who were wearing our team colors...but didn't catch their names.

Up next - a two-fer next weekend a 5K trail run followed by a metric century (62 mile) bike ride. Sally's Y ride. If you're interested - here's the linkhttp://www.sportoften.com/events/eventDetails.cfm?pEventId=3830

2 down 38 to go
46:45

Props go out to my friend Randy Keller who is running the Boston Marathon tomorrow - Go Randy - you're gonna rock it. He's training for a Full Iron in the fall...

45 miles with some good friends

2009-04-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

With the weather turing out to be absolutely perfect this morning, 50 degrees at 8 Am, sunny a little breezy, went out for a 45 mile ride. Had an absolutely amazing ride too. Went out and headed south from our house and went around the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens - it was pretty cool as I looped around through the parking lot how fresh and wonderful it smelled. With all the plants in bloom it was incredibly fragrant. Either that or I was hallucinating...possibly both. Got to do a quick little sprint as a loose dog - and a big dog at that - decided it would be fun to chase me at one point. Thankfully it was near the start of the ride - so if he could keep up or catch me at 25 mph - he deserved to bite me...he didn't

Thanks to the friends who joined me on the ride today, Steven Tyler, James Hetfield and the boys, Joe Satriani, Buster Poindexter, David Lee Roth, Brandon Flowers, Tina Turner and Cher (apparently my wife sent them along with me...need to resynch the iPod), Santana and Rob Thomas...there were others, but those were some of the fan favorites...

Did a 2 mile brick afterwards - which is running after you bike - called a brick because your legs feel like they are full of bricks with our dog Maggie. She was so excited to go running with me her head almost popped off when I asked her. She knows what "go for a run" means and loves it.

Awesome day - on to a couple swims, three runs a couple more bike rides this week and another race on Saturday. Racefest 10K here in Charlotte. Will let you know how it turns out.

10 days straight

2009-04-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

So I like to think of myself as someone who is a consistent "workerer-outer"...someone who works out consistently, appropriately, methodically. I usually hit the gym 4 - 6 times a week, get out and run 3 -4 times a week if not more, as that is my "comfort zone"...but I realized as I went to the gym this AM, that I have worked out for 10 days in a row...and still feel I need more. Over the past week, I have covered (running, swimming and cycling) over 70 miles. Now workouts range from a run, to lifting, to a bike ride or - a swim...need more swimming that is for certain, but still.

On the days when I even contemplate not getting up to get to the pool, or on the road, or strap on the shoes, I think about all those folks that I am doing this for and the fact that they get up every day and face a much more daunting battle against Leukemia, Lymphoma and blood cancers. They need all of our help to find a cure.

A little rain, some cold wind, a chilly pool...pale in comparison to what the Honor patients and Heroes face every day.

It humbles me - and I am grateful to be able to try and make a difference.

One of the many reasons I am doing this

2009-04-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Doug Wagner. Doug is our honor patient, honor hero for the Tahoe Ride. Doug is a great spirit and an Alum of the Team in Training Family. He is 42 years old, has a wonderful family and has completed numerous events with Team in Training, and last time I talked with him was coming up on his 5 year anniversary of being cancer free. Doug went on one of the Team rides a little over a month ago...and kicked my butt. Despite the side trip he and Mike Ryan took into a ditch near the end...everyone was fine...Doug is the kind of person and spirit that makes all this more worthwhile. Always with a smile on his face, and energy that doesn't quit, Doug helps me realize that what we are doing to fight Leukemia , Lymphoma and blood cancers is so very important, for the patients. their families and for those who are currently battling blood cancers, and for those who have battled and lost. GO TEAM!

NEW RACES!

2009-03-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just added two new races to the circuit through June 2009

Sally's Y Ride 100K April 26, 2009
Sally's Y 5K also April 26, 2009. The nice race organizaers are allowing me to do the 5K early, so I can go out and ride with the rest of the pack. How awesome is THAT?!?!!?

Very excited. Brings registered events through June up to 9...still want a few more - more to come.

Elizabeth 8K March 28, 2009

2009-03-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

What threatened to be a rainy day, was a cool, overcast but perfect day for a lovely jaunt through Elizabeth - an area just outside of Charlotte's uptown. Got to run with a couple of friends, Adam from work and Margie, a fellow TnT Alum....oh and Elvis was there too. He didn't run - but he sent us off with a few favorites, or snippets of them anyways.

Interesting course, with lots of turns, which I usually despise, but it was fun. Good group of folks came out...towards the end though there was 1 runner left out there, and they started breaking down the finish line. I hate when they do that, especially when there is still someone out there. Can you imagine, running (well over an hour by now) and coming in to...nothing. No one. God bless her for her dedication though, she did finish - and hopefully will come back another day to do another race - and finish with the support she deserves. This was meant to be a cushion race for me, depending on how the calendar shapes up - but for now, I'll keep it in reserve for the total 40 race count. Happy I did it and depending on how next year is shaping up in terms of races, etc, I will probably do it again...just faster.

37:41

Bad Blogger, recap and more

2009-03-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

I admit - I am bad about updating on this blog. Sorry. I am new-ish to this but know that in order to make this and the 40 in 40 successful, I need to be better about providing updates, anecdotes, things to keep you all interested. I will get better about it for those of you who like to keep tabs on me. So hopefully I won't get some bad blogger award as I suspect in today's day and age - one exists! Work through February was NUTS! I spent a week in NJ fininshing up the annual report proofing - and got to do laps in a 15 yard pool (fifty equal a half mile approximately...so lots of turns, I felt like I was doing NASCAR training, as I kept turning left!)

So - here is a recap and going forward, I will differentiate this from the facebook group blogs/updates.

Let's see:Two weeks ago, I went from the base building phase of training to the ramp up phase of training. My weeks now look like 3 - 4 runs per week, 2 - 3 swims per week, 2 - 3 rides per week and 3 core/stretching days. Now if there were only 13 days per week - I could figure it all out.

Nutrition has been interesting. Going from protein heavy to balanced proteins and carbs - and lots and lots of water (I may cause another drought here with the H2O I consume) I get to the point where I feel like I'm gonna pop one day, and then the next, once I wake up the eating machine in me, I wouldn't recommend putting your hand near my plate!I also was humbled and energized by the article in the April edition of Endurance magazine - last page. Check it out. I will post a link to it once it is online.

And so - as a preliminary race, I am doing the Elizabeth 8K here in Charlotte Saturday. Will post results this weekend.Hope you enjoyed the recap. I will get more consistent info up here going forward.

Best regards - and thanks for your support!Sean

Training fun

2009-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

Ok - so the 8 miles yesterday was one thing. It was a beautiful day and I slept in a bit - got to run with my dog for a couple miles (which provided some nice walking opportunities - seeing as she had to check out the neighborhood "pee-mail") got to run a bit with Todd Spanish at the end and return a couple of wandering doggies to their owners.

But today - holy windstorm batman! We did 30 miles out to Waxhaw and back. The first 15 or so out were ok - windy but not bad. Coming back....I had to pedal DOWNHILL to maintain 15 MPH. DOWNHILL! Great seeing everyone, Mike F (Coach) Cat, Cheryl, Mark, Scott, Bill, Caroline, Mike (Cheryl's husband - who ran 20 yesterday) - and our honor patient hero Doug. He kicked some butt today. Go Team!

Let's get this party started

2009-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

OK - so time to kick in some real outdoor training and get the first handful of races on the docket - officially. Have a 60-90 minute ride this weekend in prep for the Century Ride in Tahoe (June) and an hour in the pool Saturday. Throw in some running Sunday AM pre-ride and some lifting Saturday pre-swim and we have a training plan. Well - my frenetic version of one. Despite the ongoing 80 hour work weeks - the realization and culmination of winter training is at the fore. Looking forward to hearing from all of you and sharing this crazy and wonderful experience with all of you.

Time delay - of sorts

2009-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well this whole work thing really can put a damper on blogging and training - but rest assured, I have reached my 1st milestone / benchmark on time and continue to train. After a 36 hour "day" at work last week, I had to alter some training plans - but still - I am on track and as days get warmer and races get closer - I am getting more and more excited about this challenge.

Big races this year will include the Burlington, VT Marathon (relay), the Tahoe Century Ride, Nation's Olympic Tri (in DC) and Kiawah Half or Full Marathon - yet to be determined. I define "big" differently than some I guess. The first race is scheduled for early April - a 1/2 marathon - and I'll build from there for the next series through April and May which will include 5K's, 10K's (if I can find them) and some sprint Tri's.

Recommended sites - for fun and info

2009-01-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

The reason - hint - search for 28120 (zip code)

http://lls.org/all_chap

The BEST Triathlon and Multi Sports store in the area!

http://www.trysports.com/

For the shoes I run in - and no - I am not a beginner - but if you find something that works - you go with it!

http://www.adidas.com/

The bikes I ride - these bikes make riding as easy as walking - DOWNHILL!

http://www.orbea-usa.com/

winter training - in VT

2008-12-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

As previously mentioned, holidays could be a challenge. Well here I am in Vermont loving the holidays and spending time with my family...but near zero temps have required all indoor training these past few days. A welcome relief in a way, treadmills, stationary bikes and weights to offset the accumulation of food and avoid the 3+ foot accumulation of snow! X-mas day will need an outdoor run which as a somewhat one time event running in snow kind of fun albeit twisted. Looking forward to what I will accomplish with friends, family, teammates and for LLS makes it more than worthwhile.

Race info

2008-12-19T18:57:00.001-08:00

This was buried in a comment I posted - wanted to get it on the front page

So - being new to blogging, I realized that I cannot post a file to the blog. What I can do however, is list the types and categories of races I am planning and SOME of the races here Listing all may be a bit overwhelming - for me and for you (whoever is reading this - please post something if you do - so I know you're out there).

RUNNING:

5K - 10
10K 10
Half Marathon - 2 (or 3)
Full Marathon 2

CYCLING:

Metric Century - 3 (or 4)
Century - 2
Multi-day Ride - 1

TRIATHLONS

Sprint - 5
Olympic - 4
Half Iron - 1

Other options include an Ultra marathon and a Full IronMan. These may fall out of the 12 month window due to logistics and training...but are on the radar.

Examples of races identified are as follows - please note this is not a complete list as not all local races have been published yet:

Elizabeth 5K
Ride for Sally's Y
Charlotte Duathlon
Racefest 10K / Half Marathon
Langley Pond Tri
Valle Crucis 25K
Clemson Sprint Tri
Key Bank Marathon (VT)
Tahoe Century Ride
Latta Sprint Tri (Sprint)
Bandits Challenge Tri (Olympic)
Lake Norman Tri (Sprint)
Nations Tri (Olympic - Washington DC)
SC Half Iron
Hit the Brixx 5K
Dowd Half Marathon
Turkey Trot
Disney Full and Half Marathons
Frosty 5K
Elam N8 Cancer 5K
Haymed Sprint Tri

training goals

2008-12-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

So I was mapping out some of the training I need to get in. My first benchmark will be in mid January. I will be up to doing 12 mile runs, at least 1 mile swims, and 25 - 30 mile bike rides. I am on track to get there... But this work thing makes it challenging. Fun, but challenging. That and the holidays of course.

Happy holidays!

The complete list of potential races

2008-12-12T21:21:00.001-08:00

They will be posted by Monday, December 15, 2008. If I don't know what I have planned, good lord, someone help me. Key races, such as the "anchor" races (Marathons, Half Ironman [or Ironman 70.3], Century and Metric Century Rides) and key Team in Training (TnT) races (Nations Tri, Disney Marathon and Half Marathon, Tahoe Century are almost certain) are "set in stone". Whether that stone is granite or sandstone...I will know this weekend.

Join me in a race with TnT. Support the mission. You know you want to.