As we woke early on that Wednesday, we planned as if it was a regular business day. Though I got to ride my computrainer for a longer ride and workout altogether, it wasn’t until 9am that Gina decided to bag trying to go in for work. It wasn’t bad at 9am, but it was at 3pm. She worked anyway as she got calls, emails, and texts throughout the day to keep busy. You should see her go. She is now mastering the Blackberry thing.
We then did our share of weight training by going out every 3 hrs to shovel the front and back. We were so exhausted that we were out by 9pm. It was still coming down and we wondered even if Thursday would be the worst of it since now that it stopped, we’d be able to see how the roads were.
And this is where the city rocked. The roads were clear as everyone stayed home and let sanitation, road crews, etc do their magic. The city was almost spotless according to Gina. Here though, it will take a while since we remember how long it took in December when we got the last storm upon moving back. We left the car where it was and each day shoveled it out. Slowly the sidewalks cleared and everything was back to normal as the weather got warmer and mother nature took it’s course.

Training is going well. Closely analyzed and now working in conjunction with my foot pods, I am now taking to hillier routes and basic hill work in general to gain some strength. The weather is still appears cold but I am well acclimated. As I approach the Lenten season, I am ready to finish Base 2 and get to specifics.
It will be a reflective Lent this season and with it the introduction into the start of the season. Fasting, sacrafice, and the reflection of the Easter season to come will be a great challenge for my spiritual side of training. Many say they intend to “give up” something for Lent. As in past journals I have written over the years at this time – I don’t give up anything, only my time in helping others when the opportunity comes. It’s a welcomed 40 days of a smalll struggle within.
It is made easier as the sun comes up now well before 7am and one a morning run I will relish in it’s rising for brief moments.With that as well, the commute home is brighter as the days get longer and allowing for a well wishing to the sun a good night. 

Hopefully, the winter subsides nicely and we can get more out of the weekends. But we ain’t complaining and we manage to hit necessary chores while ‘chillin’. One bright spot really came in the form of a gallon – yes a gallon of RITA’S!!!!!!!!!! I had been speaking to John McClendon from the Rita’s in Charlotte as he is a great friend ever since he opened the franchise in Charlotte last March (who now getting into triathlon’s) and we came up with an idea of seeing if a gallon under dry ice would make it here in 2 days.
Well he went all out in planning and packing the new flavor – Chocolate Chocolate Chip. We agreed to have it shipped to my job for security and I literally ran home with it that evening - both in anticipation of lapping it up but also not knowing if it survivied the trip. It did and a big shout out to John McClendon and the crew at Rita’s. My ice has been served!!!!! Yo!!!
I geta little fix each day (straight from the jug too) now and can team it up with some Turkey Hill ice cream to make my own type of gelati!

Another big welcomed surprise came in the form of a peanut butter pie, created with perfection by Gina’s sister Christine Colvin. We donated a runner’s gift basket with products we had extra’s of and she thanked us with the pie. Mind you I haven’t been able to have one since we left Charlotte. Awww, yo this thing is the bomb - seriously!! Healthfully made, and most important – homemade, she is thinking of going into a small business with her “craft”. We are happy to help as we think she will nourish a bunch!
    
Everything is going well and under both the watchful eyes of Gina and the inward readings of my Polar monitors, I am getting the feel for racing and testing. I am hitting the hills and doing preliminary intervals, with the goal of finishing up the necessary base building after Lent.
I have been able to set up the following schedule so here it is – see you on the roads!
Here is the preliminary schedule for 2010:

March 13 -  Kings Park 15K
April 3rd – Queens 13.1 Half-Marathon
May 2nd – LI Half-Marathon
May 16th – Montauk Century+ Bike Ride
May 30th – Ironclad Sprint Triathlon
June 6th – Gina’s MacArthur 5k run
June 27th – Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3

Depending on qualification at the Texas race, these events are on the radar for the second half of 2010:

September 12 – Toughman Half Ironman
October – Get to the Point 5K

Gina and I have also been able to plan our weekends around exploring the area shopping centers, going on some morning jog/walks together, recently assisting her family in needed errands, and basically well hanging out. On several evenings during the week when she gets home, we go for a quick jog where we catch up on the day’s duty and clear the day off our shoulders.
It’s a quiet neighborhood and makes for reflective runs even in the early morning and I have already created several good routes – short and long – for training. I mostly do extra runs during my lunch break while my rides are all on my spinner/computrainer. The Polar 600 power reader on the Black Widow has been a great addition to my indoor riding this year. Even after a month, overall I have been able to stay in the required zones needed to build my base properly.
The UBE completes my upper body “swimming” and is often followed in short bursts after a run or ride. I even get to commute back and forth to work in as little as 10-15 minutes each way so the Xterra gets to sit idle all week and “relax”. All this under the ever watchful eye of Gina. All good.  Heck, I even completed a Myers-Briggs psych test and it nailed me right on (well with a slight twist here or there but agreeable with) – just call me an ISTJ. Word up.  

These past 4 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. Both with the new job and learning everything there, completing our move (yes the cable is in and the HP up and running nicely – Thanks Brad!), finally enjoying some time together on weekends, and just trying to project goals for 2010, each workout has helped me focus on dealing with certain feelings, create ideas, and reinforce my resolve for what lies ahead, while slowly letting go of what we left behind. Faithfully.
Slow and low, that is the tempo. And it’s working nicely. 

The Olympics are coming up but after seeing a dude do a double flip with a snowmobile on Winter X, I kinda dig that instead. While rockin my Monster of course. Well, maybe doing a luge is fun.

I started to take a look at what races I will do this year. I do know the first race will be the Kings Park 15k in early March. This is in Gina’s sister’s hood and since there is a fun run, should be a great family event to be in. A target in May will be the Long Island Half, then the Montauk century bike ride – all favorites we participated in when we lived here.
From here, it looks like the Rev3 half Ironman Triathlon in Quassy, CT come June, maybe if lucky a return to Texas with the Wilson’s at Buffalo Springs, and then some shorter tri’s in the summer months all locally here on Long Island. Don’t know what final race I will peak for, but it will be a Half-Ironman and towards late October.
FPC got in contact with us with some of his “plans” and “ideas” so his vision may change these races somewhat, but this is what I am sticking to and will be discussing more in depth with the Ironsherpa over our weekend sangria!

With Lent coming up in a few weeks, it will be here that I end my Base period and begin doing the faster, harder stuff with more structure. The sun will be coming up before 7am finally and setting closer to 6pm. A great transiton to what evolves both within and outward. Looking forward to it.

We packed everything up and shipped a few items ahead of time thanks to the crew at ShipItHere. We had not yet secured our apartment pending a physical interview and were planning on staying at G’s parents house until the 21st.
We found a great deal with PODS, and if you never seen how they operate, it’s an engineering wonder. They deliver this 16 foot x 10 foot pod and what’s great is they way they are able to load/remove it from the flatbed truck it rides on. They drivers are fun but they didn’t let me near the controls.
It’s like a remote controlled toy that they lift and place the POD unit. From there, G and I physically packed all our stuff – furniture, equipment, and all in over 3 hours. (they give you a full day before they pick it up). We both were exhausted and full of BioFreeze that night. No messing around with us.
So the next day, the POD gets picked up and shipped out. It was going to be sent to their warehouse in Melville but not until the 21st of December. We had one full day to clean, throw away everything we weren’t taking with us. We planned on departing at 5am on the 16th for the drive back to NY. It was a night we didn’t sleep much. But then we never do before a big event.
So we packed everything we needed for a week into the X and that included Holmes, our adopted cat. Yes, G was taking him with us. Off we went and it was a rough go those first 2 hours for us all in the dark and the sound of Holmes meowing was all the rage. Eventually the tranquilizer she gave him set in and he was quiet and slept the rest of the way.
We made great time and were greated the entire way with cold windy conditions – like the upper 20’s. We stopped only for bathroom and more java. G completed her own Ironman by getting us ther in under 11 hours. We only hit traffic on the BQE which officially welcomed us back to NY. And the potholes. But G enjoyed being able to use her horn and welcomed the drivers here.

We found a spot on her folks block and unpacked what would be our room in the basement. I went for a run while G was just glad to be out of the car. She was concerned about Holmes and made sure he was ok the entire time. We were exhausted by 9pm and this was only the beginning. We knew it too. We had the interview the next day and had to make sure we were on the ball with everything they needed. Yes, we studied.
The basement was cold and the aerobed less than aero but we sucked it up. G even sealed her folks’ windows since the drafts were too much. Holmes made his way around the basement and got comfortable in certain hiding spots – but he was ok. After a run I even got back into the habit of alternate side parking by having to move the car by 8:30.
Soon off we went to the interview and some traffic in between. All went fine and well as one thing we liked about the area was it was self-governed in a way so it came with lots of rules. It is located in Bellerose which stradles the Queens/Nassau border. We were renting from a woman who has lived here for 30 years and was retiring back to Puerto Rico. She was eager to find a renter and we got a lead that matched us up. We haven’t even SEEN the place mind you!!
We relied entirely on the trusted eyes of her sister Patti and niece Megan. They checked the place out for us after Thanksgiving and met the family. We trusted their judgement and were rolling with it. The board member who interviewed us turns out had more in common with us to the point it felt like we were just having a good conversation getting to know each other. A formality more than anything but we made sure we knew the rules.

Sure enough the next day we were in. We had to get all the needed funds to close the deal that morning, headed to the realtor office where we then went to the apartment and met everyone. She was still cleaning out as she was set to leave that afternoon. This was our first look at the place. No joke. It was nice – certainly smaller than what we were use to – but plenty of closets, tucked away in a quiet area (no alternate side parking!) and access to all the major roads. transportation, and a backyard with a BBQ all our own!!
It was even better that Polar was only 1.5 miles away! The woman and her family were friendly and welcoming. Anything we needed, just let them know. We got the keys and back to her folks we went. We were relieved and constantly moving that any chance we got to either take a walk, take a breather, whatever we took. And we needed it cause another test was still to come – a major winter snow storm was ready to hit Friday night.      

Holy s#—. We actually made breakfast for her family that Saturday morning to celebrate and brace ourselves for what weather they expected. And boy did it come. I started work on Monday too.
When we got up early it was bad. I made a run out of eack weekend to have some fun and checked the areas. Not too good – even in the streets. We shoveled and shoveled out the car, then helped some neighbors all along not knowing how bad it was in Bellerose, which had gotten hit harder. And the POD! It was in route this weekend how was that going? We started a small panic. We got ansy. We were wanting to get into the place, tired of the aero bed, just plain tired.
The sun peaked out a bit and we sacraficed the parking spot we had to try and see if we could get everything in the X and chance getting into the place. The expressway was clear but the Glen Oaks neighborhood area snowed off. We had to park a few blocks away and then walk in knee deep snow just to open our front door! Ain’t happening. We were demoralized all the way back as we unpacked the bit we tried to bring – and then walk it another half mile since we couldn’t find a spot near her folks. Demoralized. Deflated.

Ahhh, only to reinflate. Just like we did with the bed each day/night. We regrouped, refocused, reaffirmed our faith. Got to church early Sunday morning and met the pastor who was a teacher at my high school. Shoveled some more. Power up. We talked and planned. We can do this.
That Monday morning in frigid temps we got there in 15 minutes. We had coffee at a Starbucks to kill time and the next 2 days I went to work and Gina handled the rest. Since her job started on Jan 4th, she worked 8 hours a day, driving back and forth and with the help of her nephew Billy, clearned the snow from our area. By Wednesday, we spent our first night – in the aerobed still, no tv – but in our new home.
The woman is a rock I tell you. Yes Jesus we were home for Christmas!! Even got to go to Mass the evening before in our new parish. The crew at Polar was great at welcoming me and prepping me in the tasks I’d have to learn. I got crammed info, but was able to digest it over the holidays. A nice transition. We slowly utilized every aspect of our day to get settled. We still made a few stops back to her folks – on Christmas day – but now we had to make our home a home. We still had one major challenge ahead of us – the delivery of the POD.
One thing we did manage to handle and get promptly done was a new mattress from Sleepy’s, coupled with a bed frame her sister had and at least we had a bed. We also ordered carpeting for the room. Get it done, get it done. 

It was expected to arrive Monday morning. They needed to use the parking lot. This was Holiday week – no one moves the cars. Gina was nervous we wouldn’t have 2 spots for the POD. That whole night she didn’t sleep (and it was a quiet night since I didn’t say a word), but I tried to squeeze every little faith I had to be firm that we’d be fine. The POD came, we had 2 spots, and it was 5 minutes before I needed to leave for work. Gina again took control as she had her Long Island sisters coming in to help and her nephew Billy again (major props Billy THANK YOU!!).
When I came home that evening it was all in. Everything we owned. She did it. I knew she could. The woman is diesal!! I made sure to give her a massage that night as we processed what was now before us. Each day, we tackled the project. She doing the most of it while I was in work. We met each other in the evening since I can walk home from work and by the 31st we had 90% of everything unpacked, in it’s place and I was even able to start using my equipment again. Everything worked fine. Nothing was broken.
Now we could officially ring in the new year on the couch, cooking dinner, making coffee (we relied on instant for a while), and sleeping on a real bed. Holmes is back to his usual self and doesn’t have any interest in the outside world. We surely didn’t make it to 10:30 on New Year’s Eve, but Gina made a damn good cake, some wine, and ice cream while we sat on the couch completing several Jumbles – yeah we were back.
Ice cream and cake and cake, ice cream and cake and cake, do he ice cream and cake ice cream and cake and a cake….

This morning we went for a jog together – in the snow – then went about our business. We will enjoy this weekend cause in 2 weeks we went through all that BS and we still came out on top, intact, and stronger once again. We appreciate all the help we got – and we let them know each day – but together we proved once again why we got this thing. AMOR VINCIT OMNIA!!!
We’re gonna recharge this weekend and prepare to make 2010 a great year. Our time. 

I begin structured training on Sunday. All is in place. Play is over. My journey through Advent was a good one this year. By next journal I should have an idea of what races I plan to do. Thanks to the crew at Polar, I am going to use the CS600 Power on the Black Widow to progress my bike training this base period. Most importantly, we made it secure, we made it safely, and we will as usual – make the most of it together.

Surprisingly we both slept good. No tossing/turning. Just good sleep for both of us. We got up at 4:30 as we were to meet the Wilson’s at 5:15. It was great weather. In the upper 50’s, no wind at all, and was to get up into the 80’s. That didn’t stop me from lathering up in Aquaphor for both insulation properties and reducing any chafing from the wetsuit.
As we walked to the transition areas the place started to take on that race atmosphere beginning with the customary “branding” of our race numbers on us. I was all collective and confident. My legs were a bit achy from the past few days but nothing major. As we set our gear up Gina and Deb prepared their plans for how they would manage keeping track of our progress.
Soon the sun was on the horizon and they were calling us into our Wave Corrals. Think a major running event where you set up based on your pace – HOWEVER we lined up based on our preassigned age group waves. Wade was in #4 and myself in #9. As I waited in line inching towards the dock, I assessed myself inwards. I gathered everything collectively and channeled my strength. I took 3 deep breaths and soon made my way into position. Each went single file and once you stepped onto the timing mat, you were on the clock. I stepped on the mat and jumped in.

At first it was real cold but after a few strokes the water was fine. Since we entered one at a time the only thing that got in my way was a few strands of seaweed. I also got to drink a few sips of the bay during the swim. Very salty. The only hinderance was the sun rising ahead. It actually threw me off one bouy but they had guys on surfboards making sure you stayed course.
Stroke, stroke, smooth, kick hard around the bouys. Everything about the swim was right on – get into a groove, settle in and get out unscathed. The only tactical thing would be exiting the water by the dock. As I passed a few people in the prior 2 waves (you could tell by the swim cap colors), they had athletes funneling into a ladder area and exiting 2 at a time. A little jostling occurred here but nothing major. I was out and ready to hit the roads.
The jog from the swim exit to the bikes was a bit extended due to the swim change. Once you got the wetsuit off (they had “strippers” but all were occupied so I just dropped down and did it myself thanks to extra lube I had on). It was very warm now so it made for an easy quick change and off onto the bike. I straddled the Black Widow and off we went.

I activated my Polar and got into a good gear to crank. With my new Flash Point race wheels (thanks Ilan) evrything was humming nicely. It was only a matter of time though before the illegal pelatons were to form. It is illegal to draft on the bike, but as customary in this race’s history, the flat course enables packs to form and groups of 10-20 is not unusual to see. The dangerous thing is due to the amount of space blocked off to ride on the roads, when they come by, it’s usually single file and easy to get tangled in.
There are usually a few crashes due to this and I saw a few people on the side of the road already down for the count being attended by medics. The police in the areas counties do a great job controlling traffic. My plan was to follow these packs as they went by, but ease off the last rider into the required 3 bike length zone to avoid a penalty. Then I would manage that pace until the next group came along. It was working great. I was pacing well, and my heart rate kept me honest. Lovely.
The ride was going swiftly, but I was way hydrated enough to work my “release” of excess water. By the halfway point, I tossed one bottle and kept the one with my Monster in it. I grabbed a Powergel at an aid station and hoped it was an espresso based flavor. Turns out it was a Raspberry Cream which tasted just splendid! I paced every 5 miles and kept on target. My goal was to finish in 2:30 and I was way ahead of that. I didn’t consume much since I was still releasing water and started to increase my pace as I got past the 40 mile mark.
As I passed the city of Largo, the packs got a little tighter and made for just a crank fest. All eyes on the road now and I made enough room for myself to get distance from such groups. I knew the finish was ahead and my body felt fine so I started to really push it once I hit the 50 mile mark and knew I was hitting my time goals. In a flash, it was back into the transition area and time to change for the run. It was another good jog from the bike to the tent, then back out on the road. Great volunteer support! They made everything smooth and easy for you. Awesome and a big Thank You!!!

Now it is time to rock. I felt great and started my run right in pac-man mode. Behind my SwissEye shades, my intensity was well disguised and established my focus. I saw Gina and gave her a thumbs up. I asked about Wade and she said he was out on the course and ok. He had about a 20 minute head start based on his wave so it was a point to try and catch up to him. My first mile was 6:30. My heartrate was in range and my goal was to get in mode by 3 miles. As I made my way up the bridge (which was the only “hilly” section) I heard “Go Mark Carbone!” It was Nick Frank. He raced Pro and was walking. I asked how he was. “Ok” as he waved me on. I pointed at him and said, “Just finish!”
Once over the bridge I dipped into an open Port-O-John and made my final “release”. That small stop made all the difference. Though I had to balance since it was uneven and rocking, it enabled me to flush everything and as I jumped back out, it was game-on! I quickly made it into 6:10 pace mode and though I could feel the heat coming on, it was very manageable. I passed Wade at mile 4 and he was all smiles. We gave each other a tap and onward I went. All business now. Nothing could tamper me. I knew with a solid run I would smash my PR, it was just a matter of how much. As I made my way to the turnaround for the second loop, I was on all cylinders and just sped up. Sipping a drink at each aid station, it was just a matter of counting down the miles now.
At mile 11 I let it rip. I had a few sub-6 mile splits and I just thought of how 3 years ago at this point I had a ring in my hand and was a nervous man. Now I was a fired up runner with the woman I love waiting at the finish. Faster I pushed. The crowds came to life, a sprint to the finish. Done!!!!!!!!!!!

The short finish area made you stop real quick as volunteers assessed you and cared for you. I walked out of the area not needing medical, but my hug from G. She ran up to me and told me I smashed by record and goal time! We hugged and kissed – she nevers minds how smelly I am or now covered and caked in patches of salt all over me. This is what it’s all about for me now. Not only cause even after a hectic 2 weeks, but we both got to this finish line together and now could really celebrate. That’s the best recovery aid I could think of after a race.
I was feeling a bit nasueated as everything caught up to me and had to walk around a bit to “calm down”. We eventually made our way to Deb and waited for Wade. He too would cross the line in a PR!!! We all were in celebrate mode as we gathered and shared stories. He actually got a bike penalty by getting caught in a group but he still did a PR! Nothing could dampen his spirits this day. And it was only 12:30.
The only thing I could handle was a Lo-Ball Monster. Ahhhhh, tasted so well as I nursed that back to a better feel. We sat down for a bit to rest, then walked to get all our gear and walk some more back to the hotel. The atmosphere was a party. Music blared, the announcer read off each finisher’s name and it was all hugs, photos, and smiles. The sun was out, hot, and the weather was what we all expected. This would be a long day extended until we ran out of energy.

The atmosphere was electric as we walked back to the hotel once Wade and I got all our gear and bikes together. Wade and I retold our stories and both of us were very happy. The announcer was calling off the names of each finisher in amplified sound and the cheers were all around. Everyone was in party mode – family, friends, volunteers, and those just hanging out. With athletes from around the world here, you heard German, Spanish, Aussie, South American, you name it.
We all walked back to the hotel with the sole purpose of jumping in the pool. My head was burned since I wore a visor and it was painful to the touch. But the pool soothed and cooled everything down and refreshed us all after a long day. I did lather the BioFreeze after showering and considered putting some on my head. From here, Deb and Wade went to their room to relax while G and I showered, stretched and tried to catch 4:30 Mass. We walked a good bit to the church but it was so nice out, I didn’t mind one bit. We had a lot to thank for the blessings this day – and everyday.

G checked the results before we met the Wilson’s for dinner and sure enough – the breakdown was:
30:33 for the 1.2 mile swim
2:24 for the 56 mile bike
1:19 for the 13.1 mile run – totaling with transition times into 4:21, good for the top 300 overall out of some 1500. Wade Pr’d in under 5 hours even with that 4 minute penalty. And yes, it was good to see that Nick did indeed finish.

Was no problem falling to sleep before 10pm. We woke today to another beautiful day. I did ride the bike for a bit but only to loosen up and stretch. Then it was breakfast, pool dip/lounge, beach dip/lounge, back to pool/dip lounge and writting this journal. The events down here also enabled me to open a few doors with connections and will lead to opportunities down the road, so we are both looking forward to such options.
Tonight, it’s just G and I again over a nice dinner as we continue to talk and enjoy our stay here. We have discussed quite a bit and with great progress as we prepare now to head back to Charlotte. It has been a great trip and one certainly in the memory books. Clearwater Beach will remain for us a place worth revisiting.
Our time.

Gina was there all in full pre–travel nervous mode and was very cautious driving home. I tried ease the situation and joke a bit but it was late and we still had some last minute things to do. I switched bags and passed out about midnight.
G didn’t sleep much and was up by 3. I got up and 4 and we had the continuation of the rain that Gina left our loving stray/home cat Holmes in the house to stay. She skillfully eased the drive to the airport (someone in Charlotte please put lights on the highway streets leading to the port!) and found a spot in long term right by the bus gate.
Everything went smooth with check-in and we were set. By the time we boarded our AirTran flight at 6am we felt it was going to be another easy trip. Not so.
Once everyone was on the plane the pilot mentioned a “mechanical problem” and was awaiting a mechanic. Everyone on board remained there for 45 minutes before the dude even came! No one was offered water or a snack. Several people knew that their connecting flights would be missed so opted to leave. It wasn’t until 7:45, a full hour+ that they decided the problem could not be fixed and the plane was out of service.
Gina was starting to get riled, more so by what continued to transpire. They needed a part inn ATLANTA to be flown here to fix it. Then it would be 2 hours before we could re-board. What the $$(*?? No back up plane?? People wanted refunds annd were bailing out, others tried to get booked on another flight or carrier. Not happening. Then the confusion continued while AirTran tried to sort things out.
G and I simply took note and just waited it out. We walked around and had some snack – none provided by AirTran either. We people-watched and laughed things off. Someone tell me why at 10:30 in the morning that the lines for Asian Wok and BBQ Pit are longer than Cinnabon? And ladies, if you can’t walk in high heels, why bother?
Eventually we got booked on a flight at 11:30 that didn’t leave until 12. Gina and I both were preparing our complaint letter to AirTran when it was announced that we were all getting free round trip tickets for our wait. NICE!!!!!!!! Wonder what the fine print would read on that one, but we’ll take it.

We both also wondered why the airlines continue  to let people carry on their luggage? Hey, if you can’t left it over your head (and some have almost leveled others doing this) and it won’t fit in the bin – charge them!! Make it double too cause you delay the boarding and leaving times. Unreal! One free check-in bag, reduce the size of the carry-on folks!
We land in the ATL by 1:30 and our connection didn’t leave until
4. We walked some more, surfed, snack, and tried to relax. One more stop. No glitches and we were off to Tampa. We finally landed at 5:30 and Gina had arranged for a SuperShuttle to the hotel. It was misty rain, but warm and the sun was setting. We used this group several tBy 6 we were all set and on our way to the hotel. Mmmm, not yet.
So the driver does a U-turn in the lot and is trying to manage both a cell phone that is sending him text messages while he is looking at his GPS. We then proceed to go back to 3 different parking levels and pick up 4 more passengers!! He dropped them off first and extended what we thought would be a 20 minute ride into a 2 hr stop-go. The last guy got dropped off across the street from our hotel and we just got off and walked it. Gina dissed the tip and was in f-mode. Yeah!

After 15 hours from the time we left the house, we got to the Holiday Inn! Just like when we were in Japan, walking through those doors was a relief for us both. Connie took care of us and made sure we settled in. Our room was now a suite (granite counter, stainless steel kitchen apps, flat screen, balcony, the whole nine!) We got 2 comp drinks at the hotel restaurant, and 2 free coffees at the morning java joint). My bike was there thanks to the manager Stacey and summed up the reason why we always stay at an HInn.
Fittingly enough, we unpacked, strected, showered, and proceeded to the restaurant to dine and celebrate our 3rd anniversary! Yes, this day 11/11 at this race in this city, we got engaged. And sure enough our day was spent the way we’ve been able to strengthen our relationship and as a team – handling the travel, fiasco, and people in a roac/race trip. We won again and celebrated in a loving setting. Try us. Test us. Gotcha’ beat homey.
One last tas was to put the Black Widow together before a pass out on a spankin’ comfy bed. Gina beat me to that one (pick your type of pillow too at HInn!) Soon it will be time for some business.

We woke to the sounds of the ocean out the door and proceeded to start our vacation. I ran and did some biking to test things out while Gina did her walk. It was very, very windy and overcast. Cool in the 50’s and in some parts of my ride I had to hold on tight to avoid getting blown over. The area hasn’t changed much. Same shops, same layout, and quiet. Lots of other athletes were doing their deal and Gina loves to goat the serious ones and their attitudes.
We had a nice breakfast in the room with our staples and then walked to the check-in area. Got all settled, signed plenty of waivers, and thanked the volunteers who were doing all this outdoors. Tanita had the weigh-in and I registered 129 pounds and 5% body fat. Gina saw this too and promptly almost grounded me.
Today we will relax some more and I type this sitting on our balcony catching some rays that finally broke through the clouds. We might go for a dip later and figure out our game plan over dinner. Gotta also find our  way to Rita’s for the pre-race hydration on Friday. We will hit our favorite Thai place tonight for a quiet dinner and the Wilson’s from Texas are to be arriving today too, so it will be good to see them. But for now and this week, it’s OUR time.

Daylight Savings! I don’t get the concept since it gets darker earlier and the sun still comes up close to 7am. But deal with it and hope to spread the word to all the runners out there still wearing black/dark clothing that no one can see them. Ahh, the book will definitely open a few eyebrows!!! Though it might not matter much here in Charlotte since riding my bike into work I still get 1-2 close calls in broad daylight.

I am traveling to the annual Running Event conference in Austin, Tx but will not get to stay there all week like last year since it falls the same week as Clearwater. I instead have to fly out early Monday morning, and fly back Tuesday night, only to board a plane again on Wednesday morning for Clearwater. This will make packing a priority on Sunday and I will need to be efficient (Gina too since she is picking/dropping me off).
Thanks to Bill and David at Ship It Here, the bike is on its way and will be there by Wednesday. They’ve been a great help on shipping my bike to the 3 races I traveled to this season. 

All the plans for the event have been detailed and filed. Gina and I have compiled every aspect of the trip and since we’ve been there before it wasn’t too much planning. The checklist will be compiled Sunday.  
We even found a Rita’s for the ever important post-event (and pre-event) nourishment!!! That didn’t stop us from getting our fix at Rita’s here, where John is making a special send-off mix for me. if you must know – a mix of Fudge Bronwie, Coconut Cream, and Cookies/Cream ice layered in Coffee soft serve – WHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Gina is really looking forward to getting away and we both plan to sit down and talk things over while we are down there to plan our “plans” for 2010. We both have some ideas on the table and need to make some decisions by end of the year. 
I am feeling good thanks to G’s insistence on tapering well and making sure I don’t get sick. Her baked goods are becoming staples and it’s all fine by me. She even has prepared a special “hot toddy” for the days I show sniffles or when I was worn down last week. Although I hear her’s is more potent.    
I also have to give a thank you to Molly Almquist for the tune-up massage and feedback on areas that need to be addressed. She has conjured up special lotions and scents thatcontinue to add to her arsenal.   

I plan to leave all aspects of happenings here behind while I focus solely on the task at hand. I will let it rip and aim for a PR. A year end taper is in the works. The innervation has begun. The playlist is set. Sine Metu.
You can follow the athlete tracker on www.ironman.com for full race coverage on Saturday, Nov. 14th.
Onward.

G has been adding more homemade nutrient dense baked goods to my cubby drawer and has helped me refuel at work after my training. She has also kept the tabs on making sure I don’t break-down after each week is over and we both “chill” somehow on Sundays. I have learned to listen well. G is also completing revisions to my book, so that is progressing well. Now That’s G!

The challenge I posed to myself was continuing a basic week and then using this race to “Let it rip, have fun, and not fall apart in the process.” I did my normal weekly training which included some heavy intervals and a super long run + work Saturday, so I made sure to ice down big time last night and sleep with compression socks.
Not that it helped much as my quads were aching too.. I did have a good night’s rest and as Gina and I work the week, and the weather got cooler finally at night, zonking out isn’t a problem. Getting up IS though as sunrise is beyond 7am now. But when you use a race to hammer test and try something different, there is no big pressure on myself. Some, but not as much as next month. the “pressure” would be handling the speed while in a fatigued state, replicating the later stages of a half-ironman.
I decided to slap on the Zipp tubulars on the Black Widow since I didn’t plan to carry any spares. The distances were a 250 yard swim in the pool, a 10 mile ride, and a 3.1 mile run. All out. So minimalist was key. No socks, the final run in the womens size 7 Skylon’s, and I got to test my new shades thanks to Mark @ Swiss Eye.
We woke up at 5:30am and it was in the upper 40’s! Not an issue, except for the fact I decided to shave down this week. I opted to wear my Orca skinsuit and my Aquaphor tights on top of that! Ultimate compression for the quads now. I lathered in the Aquaphor for both chafe-free and insulating properties. Since we were able to check out the area yesterday after work when picking up the race packet, it only took us 20 minutes to get there. Plenty of parking and allowed for a good half mile walk to the event area (and warm-up).

This is a great event for beginners distance wise and many families and kids were participating, which added to that fan friendly atmosphere. There were plenty of volunteers as I got my number “branded” by a 10 yr old. How often do you see them volunteer at 6am? It was well organized and the Nomad Aquatic Center is relatively new, surrounded by patches of developments being bulit. In fact, most of the bike and run course weaved in/out of them, making for a traffic free race.
It is always fun to see those with hybrid bikes and fat tires rack their bike next to the race tri-specific kind. That’s when you know you’re in a sprint race. We admired the beauty of the unobstructed sunrise and made our way inside to the pool.
Wow – what warmth! That will be a shocker to the system – coming out of an 80+ degree pool after sprinting and exiting unclothed into 50 degree weather to hop on the bike. Wait, been there, done that. I still planned to do the race in a skinsuit/tight combo only. I did practice going in/out though to sense it. Gina scoped out here vantage points and made sure she had her logistics down, since being a sprint (and not being to the one in Maine), this would be her first trying to view everything very quickly.

When you register, you enter a time to seed yourself based on a 100 yd swim time. Not having done such a timed segment other than maybe from prior long distance races, I entered a time and was seeded 102nd. They start each person in 10 sec increments and you weave along 10 lanes. Plenty of room to pass as well. It would be about 20 minutes after the first person went off before I went.
We made our way around the center and it was buzzing with excitement. The energy was intense and easy to feed off, and then some of those who were anixous/nervous. Warmed me up quick as I loosened up and hopped/jumped around. I didn’t eat anything and kept it all light. In fact during the entire event I had 2 swigs of my Amino Vital and that was it.
Being Number 102, I had a great view of everyone lining up and then going off to the sound of the timer’s voice. 3-2-1-GO! I took a few foot dips to test the water to make sure it was indeed still warm. I viewed how people were passing others. The lanes were wide enough to do so. A girl in front of me who was part of a relay said to me “if you have to pass me, go right ahead.” “Just stay to your right.” I mentioned
In the water I went. You had about 30 seconds to get use to it and then set up. Not bad. One thing I did take from the girl infront of me was her starting position – face forward feet against the wall and arms bracing the wall behind her. Off she went and I had 10 seconds to set up and take 3 deep breaths. “This will be fast. and it will hurt”. 3-2-1-GO!

Boom! I just churned. No early contact to worry about but sure enough by the third (of 10) turns I passed the girl. Then another. And another. I was feeling quick. My kick was good. Hit the wall, turn, go. By the last lane I had 2 people side by side and there was slight contact. Not much. I hopped out of the pool 3 and a half minutes later at the same time as another person and as we exited the door to outside she screamed “Oh Mmmmyy, Gggooddd! Ittt’sss coooold!”   All I said was “Yeaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
No changing needed. No time, just helmet, shades, cleats and wave to G. Off I went and I just kept the legs going. There was no wind and that helped. Otherwise the only things I felt was my breathing, hands a little cold, and my legs wondering what the heck I was doing going so quickly and urgently. Think warm. The course looped around a few nice neighborhoods and no traffice. Volunteers (Thank You) at each intersection marking turns and a few good hills. It was a nice course, a safe course on wide roads.  
I pushed and pushed and time to dismount! That was it. Finished in less than 30 minutes and now it was time to run. Still wasn’t warm and the sun remained behind an overcast sky.

Rapid turnover to stay warm and pump those arms, it’s time to roll. This route now took you in and out of a gated complex which included several tunaround points. Here it was just time to rock. Passed people big time (pac-man supercharged) and just try to maintain any type of speed I could muster both in my semi-cold state and my legs feeling yesterday’s 2 hr run. The 5 k went by in over 18 minutes. 
Back towards the start and a nice down slope finish. I hit the line in 54 minutes and change. Wooooooooooooooo!!! Now that was a quick race. Sort of like a 5K to me when I am training for a run event, this is how that felt now training for a half-ironman. But it was a blast! I found G and celebrated with a warm hug and kiss. They had a great spread for all and I stashed some pb sandwiches and goodies. We made out way back inside to warm up a bit and see some more people STILL getting in the water (last person set for 9:50am).
I talked to Scott a bit and let him know how the race went and he actually wasn’t far behind me! Guy even did the race! Awesome! This is definitely a race I’d recommend. Why? – the sheer amount of racers who finished and the reaction of family, friends, and community there to hug, kiss, laugh, and cheer their accomplishments. that’s what it’s all about folks.
We were able to take a quick walk back to the car and change before walking back to hang out some more. We met a lot of people we knew and some we haven’t seen in a while. Gina gave me the scoop on what the construction people were doing next to the event as they were building a few houses. The sun peaked in/out and we stayed for 4 hours enjoying the scene. Just a great time “away” and I finished 5th overall and 2nd in my age group. 
We would have went to Rita’s for the post-race refresher but we did a pre-race one on Thursday. The pumpkin pie flavor is a winner! We opted for home and some brunch before tending to chores, muscle soreness, and quiet time rehashing the day’s events.

I’m confident in getting such a race in and continuing my training for the final month. I’m hanging in there and we’re anxious about ending the year on a high note, along with finally getting to go on a vacation. No other test race on the docket since I will be at work mostly each day.  But I do what I can do, within what I can do. Special thanks as always to Aquaphor, BioFreeze, Polar, and now Swiss Eye for their product support.   

Gotta give a “shout-out” to Eimear who has attained her goal of breaking 45 minutes in a 10K. I have helped train her the past 5 months and she broke the tape at the Brixx 10K last week in 44:12, winning an award in her age group to boot! She has trained hard, well, and smart along with racing smart – something she hoped to work on as well. Though she says she can now “retire” from racing, I know she will continue to run and was happy to work with her. She makes a mean Guinness bread too!
Also to Gina and Rochelle for completing last month the Girls on the Run 8K over some difficult trail terrain. Gina coached Rochelle into walking the farthest she’s done to date.

Though I had used all of August to build in preparation for Clearwater, it was mostly hill work with progressing time and distances overall each week. Now with September, the technical stuff comes into play, the workouts get specifically disected, and the harder stuff begins. Gina has done some fine work baking the goods and structuring my eating plans. The crew on Thursday night Time Trials got treated to her famous ganache brownies. That was fun to do the past month and we got 15-20+ people each week to come and test themselves on a tough course.  She herself has done well in preparing for her 5 miler in a few weeks often doing the 4.5 mile course 2-3x a week. 

We only wish the sun would come up sooner. It doesn’t really peep until almost 7am now and we have 2 full months before Daylight Savings!!! We got a taste of some cooler weather finally thanks to the hurricanes and that has brought some relief from the humidity and heat the past few weeks. We actually sleep now with the window opened. We continue on as usual. I hope to be able to do a race in October to get a test in before the trip. But we are planning to take a weekend trip to Wilmington at the end of the month. The book is coming along nicely and just a few re-reads when I get the chance to make subtle changes. 

Special thanks to the staff at Amy’s Bread back home for giving the VIP treatment to the Thursday Nite run ladies. They had a great time touring the bakery and visiting NYC for the weekend.

For now – all systems clicking.

I still have the ok to train though. It has been humid and hot finally and the sweat puddles are around every morning, but I’ve adjusted and got the hydration down pat. Just don’t have much of an appetite so I drink my cals when needed. Or I just go to Rita’s and slurp down a gelati or Ritachino. G makes some serious cookies and coffee cake in place of the brownies and fortifies them with Brewer’s Yeast. That’s right. Hardly can tell. If it ain’t the whey powder, it’s that.
It’s been fair though cause she’s taking my glutamine chewables now as she ramps up her walking for the Run Like A  Girl 8K. She’s determined on this one and attacks now the hilly 4.4 mile Time Trial loop. 
But I’ve been going through my regular training as if I got the full ok, and believe me, G will continue to keep close tabs. I don’t mind either. It has helped and this race is the biggie for the year. I don’t worry one bit about the condition either.

2 good songs on rotation on the mental ipod – Papa Roach’s “Lifeline”  and Trapt’s “Falling Apart”. Oooooo feel it.

I hope to get set up with a pair of Mavic Cosmic Carbone race wheels from Ilan at Bicycle Sports. Not a misprint. They’ve been out for a while, and what better than a Carbone riding  Carbones??
Work has been up the whazzo as usual and I am trying to sort things out to make it tolerable without going on tilt. It is a revolving situation where it becomes how much do you continue to put in before you have nothing else to give. But it’s been lots of BioFreeze and Aquaphor to keep the body and skin healthy and upright.
The Time Trial nights have been a great hit ( I got the bullhorn finally too!)and people are coming out more each week. School is starting soon and the XC teams are coming in for gear. G and I long for those Sundays each and every week. We barely make it past 10pm now.
The book is in the process of proof reading and I hopefully will be able to send it out for editing by the end of September.

For now, I am two weeks in to the prep for Worlds 70.3. The hotel has been booked. The entry form completed. My mind and focus are creeping in on the goal. And once G gives the full OK -  bring it.