Training with NTG

Running this summer has been extra special. I have had the pleasure of training with my son, who is preparing for his first season as a high school cross country runner. His training plan was aggressive, calling for several long runs, tempo runs, and track intervals. We have managed to stay on pace so far.

There have been ups and downs in training, most of the downs due to the heat! Some runs had to be cut short, broken up with water stops, or cancelled altogether. The "ups" however outweigh these downs. My love for my son continues to grow stronger with each passing day. Running together has brought us closer together. I have discovered so much about myself as a person, a father, friend, and husband.

I would not trade this summer of training for anything!

Road to Lake Placid 2013

This road starts as a volunteer at Ironman Lake Placid 2912. I was proud to serve as a volunteer on the bike course with my son. He incidentally passed out early in the AM due to dehydration and claustrophobia, but recovered quickly with aid from the wonderful medical support team.

The race began as we tracked friend Bill Pinto...he had a great swim. We were able to see him enter T1 and exit for the bike, looking in good form. Later, after eaing breakfast in the volunteer tent, we watched many bikers exit T1. Finally, we made our way to our volunteer post, at the Lake Placid Post Office. We managed bike and pedestrian traffic for 5 hours. This act allowed me to move to the front of the line on Monday to sign up for IMLP 2013.

After signing up for the race, we made our way to the Golden Arrow Lake Placid Resort, where we booked a room for next year.

So, I am all in for next year, but the first stop is ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountan!

End of An Era

Finally, after life has dealt a series of blows, the end of the Clydesdale ear has been reached. With a weight loss of 58 lbs., I have dipped below the Clydesdale zone, weighing in at a buff 198.6 lbs. Govern the training level and the sense emotionally of a goal of National Harbor Ironman 70.3, I am confident of keeping in this zone for a long time, and hopefully permanently.

Beginning 2012 with Enthusiasm!

The new year greets me with several goals:

1. To fully recover from the ill effects of last year's bike crash, including breaks in both arms. To date I have ventured on the bike one time, which resulted in a sore left elbow. Now the strength is much improved which should bode well for the next ride, hopefully next weekend.

2. To continue to lose weight. To date I have dropped 18 since New Year's Day. I hope to lose another 20.

3. To finish another 1/2 Ironman distance race. Right now I am looking at Ironman Pocono Mountain in September. The training will include a summer trip with my training buddy to Lake Placid. He will be doing IMLP this July. We hope to do a recon trip in June to ride the bike course, get a swim in, and check out the run course.

4. Get my wife back on the bike. She still wheels anxious from my crash.

5. The Philadelphia Broad Street Run and Philly Distance Run, in order to call myself a runner once again!

Back at It

It has been a tremendously long time since I have posted to his blog. I almost forgot I had it, considering the world of Twitter and Facebook. But, alas, I am back to catch up on what has gone on.

Both hips have been replaced, resulting in a long time off from working out, let alone racing. I am back at it, however, having completed two spring tri's in the past month. Took third in AG in the Pine Barrons Tri and 1st Clydesdale in the Parvin Tri this past weekend.

Looking forwards to good training and perhaps a 1/2 iron distance later this summer!

THR Race Report

Race Report- 10/12/2009 Weather: Temp 55, skies clear, no precip

Arrived to venue at 6:15 for scheduled start-time of 7:15. Checking in was a breeze...just show up and a personal escort to individual rack. Placed personal items in special needs bag and changed into racing gear. Definitely not form fitting or aero or water resistant.

Watched pre-event video..boring...switched to "Today Show" which was also available. This passed the time better...was informed that there would be an additional delay in the official start...not sure of this was due to the water conditions or crowd management or exactly what. I did know I was fully prepared for the race ready to begin ASAP.

At 10 AM I was told I would be wheeled to phase #1 area...this was great...I didn't even have to pedal myself. I was then provided with final details of the event and given fluid supplements. I met with my personal trainer one last time before the races "final cut." Support team members were all in their appropriate places.

T1 went by quickly...exited the H2O area and moved quickly to race event 2...anesthesia. Was given a dose which made me very giddy, then one that quickly numbed me from the waist down.

Left for T2 where I was placed into proper position...and went under the knife.

When I awoke, I was in the pre-arranged family meeting area. I was also told that my race # was 903. I guess I had done very well as my wife was surprised to see me so alert and giving the thumbs up.

All in all, the best recovery I have ever had...an nice 11 inch incision and staples, but very little pain. Post race supplements prolong the giddy feeling, which will continue for several days. I was allowed to come home the very next day, not forced to remain in the recovery tent.

I do not remember much about the other event details, but remained awake throughout the entire event.

Training for next race will not begin any time soon, but given the experienced and improvements gained, I will become fitter and faster.

Race pics will be posted as soon as available. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Hip Resurfacing Surgery

October 12, 2009...nuff said.