Tonight I officially registered for the OxBow Triathlon in New Roads, La. on April 10th.
Yes, I did it last year. But, after the race last year I pretty much stopped working out for about 7 months. A few months ago I got back to it and tonight I ante'd up. One major difference this year is that I will be wearing the wetsuit this year. As you can see from the picture above I was one of the few who went natural. Last year was a warm winter so I figured the weather wouldn't be too bad, and it wasn't. The water was cold, but manageable.
This year however was a very cold winter, by Southern standards. And so, I am taking no chances, I will be in the wetsuit. But, as it is my first time i have decided to go sleeveless for the sole reason that I fear the awkwardness of the suit pulling my arm hair when i move. It may not be an issue, but mentally it is bothering me.
I have only worked out once in the past 7 days, which isn't good since I am running a 10K on Saturday. I have my work cut out for me.
I went camping this past weekend, had a great time, and though I am glad to be home with my girls that I missed so much, I feel awkward at home missing the girls that I left.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Mama Mia!
I was thinking about the post I wrote about my brother last week and I realized that i left on of my biggest heroes of the list.
My Mom.
Let me just say that she is awesome and that I love her. Thanks for being my mom!
My Mom.
Let me just say that she is awesome and that I love her. Thanks for being my mom!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Quadathlon-Swim, Bike, Run, MOW!
I have to admit that my training has been going pretty well. The swimming is great, the bike and I have greatly improved our friendship, and I finally remember what it feels like to run(as opposed to plod along). I know that I have lost at least 3 lbs and can definitely tell that my face is thinner(usually the 1st thing I notice when I lose or gain weight).
this is the time of year where the racing events start happening and i've got 3 planned in the next 2 months.
1.Crescent City Classic 10K in NOLA April 3
2.OxBow Triathlon (.5 Swim 18 bike 3.1 run) April 10
3. Memphis in May Triathlon (1mi swim, 25mi bike, 6.1 mi run) may 23
and though I have been working out 5-6 days a week, following my training schedule, I just don't feel prepared for any of them. True, they are still weeks away, but I feel overwhelmed by all of them. But, I am a big advocate of the famed "Baby Steps" teaching of Dr. Leo Marvin. So, I will just do the training and focus on one day at a time, one event at a time.
Sidebar: I did an hour and 20 minutes on the bike yesterday and can still feel all my bits and pieces, WOO-HOO!
One thing does have me a bit bothered. I decided a few weeks ago to make my yard look really nice this year. So, I cut it last week and put down some weed & feed. I've got some grass seeds that I will be putting down this week and have a full sclae plan to make my lawn the best lawn in my hood, yo!
BUT, as I was looking at my training schedule I realized that starting next week I lose my friday off days. That's right, I'll be working out 7 days a week. My yard isn't huge, but it is pretty big(front and back combined) and pushing the mower in the summer heat will wear anyone out. So, if I truly want to commit myself to both the pursuit of someday being an IronMan and having the best lawn in the hood, yo! I can only see one alternative: Riding Mower!!!!!!
Yet another problem arises: The Bank account. It doesn't seem to be agreeing with me on this issue. now, I have done the math and there are funds to cover it, but I have a certain number that I hate to see the account fall below. I call it my safety number. So, I say all that to say this, if you or someone you know has some quality used lawn mowing equipment that you would like to donate to a good home, and at a reasonable price, let me know. Perhaps I can help you make room in your garage or shed for that upgraded model you have had your eye on.
You can also feel free to make donations to SWARM (Scott Wants A Riding Mower)
And if not for me then do it for Sadie and Lily, those sweet babies need a soft lush and well manicured lawn to run and play on and they want their Daddy to have a riding mower so he will have energy left to play with them.
weekly workout stats
Run: 7.6 Mi (1:29:46)
Bike: 48.0 Mi (3:05:00)
Swim: 2.6 Mi/4500yds (1:46:28)
this is the time of year where the racing events start happening and i've got 3 planned in the next 2 months.
1.Crescent City Classic 10K in NOLA April 3
2.OxBow Triathlon (.5 Swim 18 bike 3.1 run) April 10
3. Memphis in May Triathlon (1mi swim, 25mi bike, 6.1 mi run) may 23
and though I have been working out 5-6 days a week, following my training schedule, I just don't feel prepared for any of them. True, they are still weeks away, but I feel overwhelmed by all of them. But, I am a big advocate of the famed "Baby Steps" teaching of Dr. Leo Marvin. So, I will just do the training and focus on one day at a time, one event at a time.
Sidebar: I did an hour and 20 minutes on the bike yesterday and can still feel all my bits and pieces, WOO-HOO!
One thing does have me a bit bothered. I decided a few weeks ago to make my yard look really nice this year. So, I cut it last week and put down some weed & feed. I've got some grass seeds that I will be putting down this week and have a full sclae plan to make my lawn the best lawn in my hood, yo!
BUT, as I was looking at my training schedule I realized that starting next week I lose my friday off days. That's right, I'll be working out 7 days a week. My yard isn't huge, but it is pretty big(front and back combined) and pushing the mower in the summer heat will wear anyone out. So, if I truly want to commit myself to both the pursuit of someday being an IronMan and having the best lawn in the hood, yo! I can only see one alternative: Riding Mower!!!!!!
Yet another problem arises: The Bank account. It doesn't seem to be agreeing with me on this issue. now, I have done the math and there are funds to cover it, but I have a certain number that I hate to see the account fall below. I call it my safety number. So, I say all that to say this, if you or someone you know has some quality used lawn mowing equipment that you would like to donate to a good home, and at a reasonable price, let me know. Perhaps I can help you make room in your garage or shed for that upgraded model you have had your eye on.
You can also feel free to make donations to SWARM (Scott Wants A Riding Mower)
And if not for me then do it for Sadie and Lily, those sweet babies need a soft lush and well manicured lawn to run and play on and they want their Daddy to have a riding mower so he will have energy left to play with them.
weekly workout stats
Run: 7.6 Mi (1:29:46)
Bike: 48.0 Mi (3:05:00)
Swim: 2.6 Mi/4500yds (1:46:28)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thoughts on St. Patrick's Day
I read a lot of blogs and check my FaceBook account once a day. And so, In the past week I have seen and read a bunch of stories and seen a lot of pictures that are related to St. Patrick's day. Many of the pictures are quite humorous, like a coworker of mine who paint his entire body green and went to the local parade as the Incredible Hulk. Lot's of people, lots of parades, lots of green, but mostly, lots of beer, scantily clad women, and lots of sexual overtures masked in Irish national pride(the many of those involved are in fact, not Irish).
And it all got me to thinking, What would St. Patrick think about the way people celebrate his day?
Here's a brief background on St. Pat, thanks to our friend "the wicker pedier".
1. lived sometime between 330 and 430 AD. In Romanized Britain( thus he was British, not Irish).
2. was captured at age 16 in Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave. lived as a slave for 6 years.
3. escaped slavery and made his way back home to his family.
4. entered the church(catholic) and apparently rose up through the ranks.
5. Returned to Ireland as an ordained bishop
6. was an active missionary who refused to accept gifts from Irish royal families to prevent possibility of corruption and forced loyalty.
7. Focused on baptism of converts and bringing the wealthy into the church, even convincing many daughters from wealthy families to become nuns, which apparently wasn't an easy task back in the day because these women could be married off to other families to improve family status and connection.
8. Ordained Priests across Ireland
Now, from what I can see, it seems that Patrick is certainly worthy of recognition and his own day in the Catholic calendar. But, I don't think he is properly celebrated.
For starters, this guy was very intent on converting and baptism. He wanted people to be in the church. IN the church. But, how many people actually go to church on St. Patrick's day. I have no objection to a party, but if you want to honor someone make it an appropriate honor. Perhaps an AM trip to the local church, a few minutes of prayer and thanksgiving, something along those lines would be a nice thing to do.
Many non-catholics celebrate the day as well. For most, it seems to be a celebration of Irish pride. I am not Irish, as best as i know, and I am not Catholic, though most of my family is. And I do not celebrate st. Patrick's day. But If i were Irish, I don't think I would be too pleased with the way the day is celebrated from a nationalistic perspective. Say the words "St. Patrick's day" and see what the 1st thing the people around you say first. Green Beer, Irish car bomb, etc.
It just seems to me that if all I knew about the Irish was what I see in this day, I would assume that the Irish are all lazy drunkards, promiscuous, and lacking in common and public decency.
Of course that is not true.
And that is why i think people should at least consider what it is they are celebrating before they celebrate. Take a few minutes to remember who are what it is you are celebrating. do something appropriate to the day. St. Patrick was a missionary, maybe spread the word to at least one person. Irish persons have overcome a lot of adversity in their history, maybe read about or reenact a scene from there history. show pride in what you are celebrating, but be sure you know what it is you are celebrating.
I'm not making any judgements for or against anything, I'm just saying.
If you just need a reason to have a party and act silly and crazy, come to Mardi Gras(shameless plug to boost my local economy). But, on days like St. Patty's, I'm just saying, take a minute to pay an honest, sincere, and appropriate tribute before putting on your "Kiss Me, I'm Sh1t Faced" T-shirt.
And it all got me to thinking, What would St. Patrick think about the way people celebrate his day?
Here's a brief background on St. Pat, thanks to our friend "the wicker pedier".
1. lived sometime between 330 and 430 AD. In Romanized Britain( thus he was British, not Irish).
2. was captured at age 16 in Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave. lived as a slave for 6 years.
3. escaped slavery and made his way back home to his family.
4. entered the church(catholic) and apparently rose up through the ranks.
5. Returned to Ireland as an ordained bishop
6. was an active missionary who refused to accept gifts from Irish royal families to prevent possibility of corruption and forced loyalty.
7. Focused on baptism of converts and bringing the wealthy into the church, even convincing many daughters from wealthy families to become nuns, which apparently wasn't an easy task back in the day because these women could be married off to other families to improve family status and connection.
8. Ordained Priests across Ireland
Now, from what I can see, it seems that Patrick is certainly worthy of recognition and his own day in the Catholic calendar. But, I don't think he is properly celebrated.
For starters, this guy was very intent on converting and baptism. He wanted people to be in the church. IN the church. But, how many people actually go to church on St. Patrick's day. I have no objection to a party, but if you want to honor someone make it an appropriate honor. Perhaps an AM trip to the local church, a few minutes of prayer and thanksgiving, something along those lines would be a nice thing to do.
Many non-catholics celebrate the day as well. For most, it seems to be a celebration of Irish pride. I am not Irish, as best as i know, and I am not Catholic, though most of my family is. And I do not celebrate st. Patrick's day. But If i were Irish, I don't think I would be too pleased with the way the day is celebrated from a nationalistic perspective. Say the words "St. Patrick's day" and see what the 1st thing the people around you say first. Green Beer, Irish car bomb, etc.
It just seems to me that if all I knew about the Irish was what I see in this day, I would assume that the Irish are all lazy drunkards, promiscuous, and lacking in common and public decency.
Of course that is not true.
And that is why i think people should at least consider what it is they are celebrating before they celebrate. Take a few minutes to remember who are what it is you are celebrating. do something appropriate to the day. St. Patrick was a missionary, maybe spread the word to at least one person. Irish persons have overcome a lot of adversity in their history, maybe read about or reenact a scene from there history. show pride in what you are celebrating, but be sure you know what it is you are celebrating.
I'm not making any judgements for or against anything, I'm just saying.
If you just need a reason to have a party and act silly and crazy, come to Mardi Gras(shameless plug to boost my local economy). But, on days like St. Patty's, I'm just saying, take a minute to pay an honest, sincere, and appropriate tribute before putting on your "Kiss Me, I'm Sh1t Faced" T-shirt.
And don't even get me started on Valentines Day!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Sadie and Lily!!!!
That's right! today is birthday day. Sadie turns 4 today and Lily is now 2. Now, I don't know the exact days they were born but according to the vets and SPCA records, it would've been around this time. I picked today (the ides of march) because it's easy to remember. Of course I didn't bring Sadie home until Cinco de Mayo and Lily joined the pack the 1st week of June. But as far as birthdays go, today is the day. I gave them their presents last night. T-BONES!!!! Not the whole thing, just the bones with lots of meat and fat still on it. They were in puppy dog heaven.
Sadie, Ain't she cute?
Lily, worlds best foot warmer!
Weekly Workout Totals
Run- 8.2 mi (1:42:51)
Bike-24.5 mi (1:30:00)
Swim- 2.3mi /4000yds (1:41:50)
yardwork all day Saturday(should count for something, right?)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Hero, and I'm not talking sandwiches either!
I'm not exactly sure what brought it to mind, probably from reading someone else's blog. Yep, that's what it was, I just don't remember whose(did I use the word whose correctly?).
But as I was driving home yesterday I got to thinking about heroes. Both fictional and real. It seems to me that what draws us to heroes are there fatal flaws. But not just that they have them, that they overcome them. After all, isn't that what makes one a hero, the ability to persevere and overcome obstacles? I think so.
My personal heroes list is short:
Dad
Step-Dad
Grandfather
Jon Shoulders
Nolan Ryan
My Brother
I would explain Why each one of those people are on the list, but let me boil it down to this: each one of those men has shown me a different view of what it means to be a man and how to live a life worth living. Ech providing a different perspective that has helped shape me into the me you see today, for better or worse.
I will focus on one of my heroes today, My Brother.
He has been through alot and has overcome many obstacles. And now I remember where the whole thought about heroes camefrom, a post that my brother put on facebook yesterday that "I became a runner today, I actually enjoyed running".
You see, A few years ago most people thought he would not run again, or walk again, or use his brain again, or live at all. But he has. His colon ruptured, he went into septic shock and has organs began shutting down. except his heart, the Doctors said he has a strong heart. Hells yeah he does. in time, systems began to slowly start to function again and after a month he came out a coma(partially medically induced). Months in rehab hospitals and a major blow to his life and emotional, not to mention physical state, he came back home.
One of the happiest days of my life was when he was still in the ICU and we were talking to him and over him, concerned about his brain being fried due to high temps and he did some math calculations in his head, and npot easy ones either. I knew his mind was there, and the rest would follow. And so it has, a few months ago he started running, he completed a half-marathon, and has runin several 5/10k's as well and I have had the pleasure of doing a couple of training runs with him. What a priveledge to run with one of your heroes.
What an honor to run with the person you tried to run with all your life. I followed him to elementary school, followed him to the bus stop in Jr. High, followed him to high school and lived in his shadow through it all, but there was no place else I would rather have been. I even moved 3 states away to go to college where he was. He was my superman, I couldn' tbeat him at anything but could tell he was proud when ever I did well at anything.
And then I started running. Even completed a marathon, and there he was(with the rest of the support team, team pegasus) every few miles yelling encouragment and lifting my spirits to get me a few more miles up the road where he would be again yelling my name for all to here and yelling how he knew that I could, and would do it. What a treasure.
I didn't make him start running. In fact, i was suprised when he told me he started. He Runs, does spin class, hits the weights. He has come from the ICU and inches from losing his life to the point where he enjoys running, which was not one of his favorite childhood activities(I think he still has Atari calouses on his thumbs).
He is a runner, He is a hero, MY hero.
But as I was driving home yesterday I got to thinking about heroes. Both fictional and real. It seems to me that what draws us to heroes are there fatal flaws. But not just that they have them, that they overcome them. After all, isn't that what makes one a hero, the ability to persevere and overcome obstacles? I think so.
My personal heroes list is short:
Dad
Step-Dad
Grandfather
Jon Shoulders
Nolan Ryan
My Brother
I would explain Why each one of those people are on the list, but let me boil it down to this: each one of those men has shown me a different view of what it means to be a man and how to live a life worth living. Ech providing a different perspective that has helped shape me into the me you see today, for better or worse.
I will focus on one of my heroes today, My Brother.
He has been through alot and has overcome many obstacles. And now I remember where the whole thought about heroes camefrom, a post that my brother put on facebook yesterday that "I became a runner today, I actually enjoyed running".
You see, A few years ago most people thought he would not run again, or walk again, or use his brain again, or live at all. But he has. His colon ruptured, he went into septic shock and has organs began shutting down. except his heart, the Doctors said he has a strong heart. Hells yeah he does. in time, systems began to slowly start to function again and after a month he came out a coma(partially medically induced). Months in rehab hospitals and a major blow to his life and emotional, not to mention physical state, he came back home.
One of the happiest days of my life was when he was still in the ICU and we were talking to him and over him, concerned about his brain being fried due to high temps and he did some math calculations in his head, and npot easy ones either. I knew his mind was there, and the rest would follow. And so it has, a few months ago he started running, he completed a half-marathon, and has runin several 5/10k's as well and I have had the pleasure of doing a couple of training runs with him. What a priveledge to run with one of your heroes.
What an honor to run with the person you tried to run with all your life. I followed him to elementary school, followed him to the bus stop in Jr. High, followed him to high school and lived in his shadow through it all, but there was no place else I would rather have been. I even moved 3 states away to go to college where he was. He was my superman, I couldn' tbeat him at anything but could tell he was proud when ever I did well at anything.
And then I started running. Even completed a marathon, and there he was(with the rest of the support team, team pegasus) every few miles yelling encouragment and lifting my spirits to get me a few more miles up the road where he would be again yelling my name for all to here and yelling how he knew that I could, and would do it. What a treasure.
I didn't make him start running. In fact, i was suprised when he told me he started. He Runs, does spin class, hits the weights. He has come from the ICU and inches from losing his life to the point where he enjoys running, which was not one of his favorite childhood activities(I think he still has Atari calouses on his thumbs).
He is a runner, He is a hero, MY hero.
Training for triathlons is not easy and there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Life is not easy and the obstacles are non-stop. But so are the strories of those who have conquered those obstacles. Steve has, and I will follow in his shadow, as I always have.
Weekly Totals
Swim- 4500 yds(2.6 miles)
Bike- 27 mi
Run- 8.8 mi
Monday, March 1, 2010
I should write stuff down
So, I am feeling like there were a buch of things that I wanted to tell you about, but I can't remember what they were.
Here are a couple pictures from a few weeks back
Sadie says: "You talkin' to me"?
Lily says: I is polar bear, hearz me roarz!
I had a pretty good weekend. Realizing I had a fridge full of stuff but nothing to eat I decided it was time to make groceries(for my yats). So, Saturday morning I got up and went to Wal-Mart. The secret to surviving the Wal-Marts is Headphones. It seems that rockin' out to the Neville brothers makes it a much more pleasant experience. I even went as far as to plan out my meals for the week And even considered how much i would need to make (of the various meals) to cover lunch at work(Hooray for leftovers).
Then I went home and Hopped on the bike for an hour. It seems that we are becoming friends after all. The beauty of the bike trainer is that you can watch tv/ movies while you ride. And NO, I am not embarassed to say that I watched the 1st half of Phantom of the Opera while riding. I will watch the second half today.
Saturday evening the roomie and I went out for mexican. El Rio Grande=Delicious. Though it was a little weird that there was a huge image of Jesus and a bull rider underthe lacquer of the table and below the picture was the Oracion del Janiete(or something close to that) which our waitress explained to us(though we figured it out before she told us)means the prayer of the bull rider, or something along those lines. Jesus apparently has very large, green, sad puppy dog eyes, Who knew. I hope its not a sin but I did put the chip bowl over his face, I couldn't take the pressure.
Sunday We(the roomie) went down to New Orleans to see his lady-friend run the Rock-n-Roll New orleans mardi gras 1/2 marathon. I wore my BAMA sweat shirt. I got many "roll tides"s, and "tiger bait"s. I had witty comebacks for everyone, and plenty of High-5's for the crimson nation.
The rest of the day Sunday was spent running errands, returning stuff that I bought in December but have been too lazy to deal with. Oh, and we cleaned all the crap out the fridge. Now there is actually space in there, and its organized, props to the roomie for even taking out and cleaning and adjusting the shelves for maximum storage space. I even took the dogs to the park on Sunday. So, it was busy weekend, but in a laid back way, no stress, no pressure. and I rode the bike.
This morning I made it to the Y at 5:30 AM for a swim, hopefully that's a sign that this will be a good and productive week. And Jesus, I am sorry about the chip bowl.
Weekly Workout Totals ( feb-22-28)
Swim-2750 yds(1.6 Mi) -1:13:42
Bike- 34.5 mi -2:15:00
Run- 3.2 mi -42:00 (Not real happy about this one)
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