So it's been a few weeks since I wrote something.  Not sure what has changed, but here's a stab at it:

Rode a 108 miles a few week ago.  No problems, but did take a spill early on on a wet corner.  I was a bit loop for a while (probably a concussion), plus cracked my stem on the bike, which wasn't noticed until today by OG.  That's been replaced now. From the crash I bruised my hip which made running not good for a few weeks.  Cracked my helmet too, so nice to have a new bucket to strap on.  Sometime recently I got my first Bicycle Heaven kit and am proud to race for BH.  Did a cicuit race at TAMU - SA a few weeks ago and did pretty well.  Small field, but ended up 3rd (thanks to JT pulling off and letting me take a podium spot).  Still, I was happy with my ability to read the race and be where I needed to be and respond when things required.  Sometimes it's only a matter of seconds and if you're not on board, well, the show is over.  Kudos to Aaron for a great venue and race. 

So, the training keeps going and I'm now 8 weeks out from race day.  I feel pretty relaxed, but far from comfortable as to where I'm at.  Sure, I'm close, but have some good solid final weeks to dial things in as to be expected. Yesterday was very sweet on a couple of levels.  I'll start with the more mundane.  I rode from Vanderpool to Leakey, then a few miles beyond towards Camp Wood.  At 25 miles out did a U-turn and headed back.  I rode with training buddy Alissa.  It started out misty, but a few light showers came down early on.  Later it cleared up and the roads dried.  Back in 2005 in preparation for IM Suisse I rode these hills too and was quite strong.  Still, as I recall they were tough.  This time they didn't seem tough at all. I powered up them at a steady tempo and felt pretty relaxed.  HR was never spiking.  I believe my training level is superior and by far I'm way lighter, maybe 5 to 8 lbs.  That helps. So the climbing was great and no spills, cracked helmets or stems!

The second part is the things some friends will do.  I can't thank Alissa and OG enough for their endless support in my training efforts. They have bended and adjusted their training schedules to meet what I have on my plate. Yesterday, Alissa was very fortunate to experience so much beauty and variety that the hill country offers. But, mostly, she spent a good part of her day riding with me in support.  Thanks Alissa and Happy Birthday!

So, I'm feeling good about the upcoming race, but have some good challenging weeks remaining.  I am thankful for my ever supportive wife, LeNora, and so many good friends and training buddies including but not limited to:  Alissa, Orlando, Heather, Jill, Tri-Sition Area, many others, and Mom.

Nothing will change at Ironman France (unless I die). But I plan to have a great race, and spend lots of wonderful time with LeNora, Mom and Pops, Pat, and all the frenchies.  I really having nothing to prove, but to enjoy the day, excel at what I do, and be the person I need to be; but mostly, to love my wife!

Well, what a nice week. It's been quite some time since I wrote anything. Today was a great day and this past week has been equally fine. Numerically, it's my longest training week coming in at about 19 hours. Lots of swimming, biking and running. Today I knocked off a fun little century ride. Started a smidge before the group, so ended up with 108 miles. That was followed by 7 x 1 mile repeats. The first 4 were good, but then the fade came on. No worries. It was good. Really, really excited and moved by the support of my closest training buddies, my coach and a couple of others that joined in for the fun. That would be: Alissa, Orlando, Chris, Diana and Raul. Big thank you to all. Coach is supposed to, that's why I pay him, but still, he goes the extra and I can't thank him enough. Diana and Raul were great today and so fun to have them along. Great folks! Alissa and Orlando are training buddies and friends that are hard to define. They continue to always be supportive, motivating, pushing themselves for my benefit, and so on. I saw Alissa dig so deep today to continue the brick run just to support me. I am so moved. Orlando rode and ran so well and is a true friend beyond words.

So, the crux of all this is it's amazing to have friends that get up freaky early in the dark to go riding, then 6+ hours are still there and are running along side. They aren't doing this for any particular race in their immediate future. They did this to help me in my 4th Ironman, which happens in 10 weeks. Thanks for the love friendship of Alissa and Orlando. I am so moved!!!Collapse this post