Hood to Coast finish

What a great event again. Social, fun, competitive, and a chance to see friends I only see once a year in Oregon. I suggest any adventuresome runner, competitive or not, find an event like this at least once per year. And check out the awesome starting line location!!!

And so it shall be -- Ironman USA Lake Placid 2007

I'm in. Strangely its like a weight off my shoulders having my IM event on the calendar. It has given me a clarity of direction I did not have ever since deciding I wanted to do an IM. I did not expect to find out with only 11 months to prepare but my base is good (save for swim) and I am prepared to commit. 11 months is a long time. 330 days.

My wife knows, my mother knows. Others can find out if they ask. I want to make the preparation a big and fairly silent part of my life without massive interference with their lives. I think I will see 4:30AM now instead of 5:15AM each day. We shall see. For now, I will focus on:

- a few marathons over the next 4 months
- finding my coach
- wetsuit
- bike
- my Oly distance Tri 10/7
- Travis, Olivia, and Heather every day

Oh my. The clock is ticking.

Hood to Coast

Its been a while since I've posted but there has been no stoppage in the training or travel schedule. This weekend will be my fifth Hood to Coast Relay in Oregon. I've been riding in the mountains of NC, running all over Raleigh, and swimming in mucky Falls Lake (need a LOT more of the swim of course).

On Thursday I hop on the plane for the trip across the USA. I arrive in Portland at about 4PM and will likely get checked in and head to the Beavers ballgame. Early Friday we meet and head up to Mt. Hood for the event.

If you've never heard of this race you need to check it out. The format is outstanding (I believe its been copied now in a few places) with limit pushing factors like 12 person teams split between two transport/support vans, three legs per runner of up to 8 miles each over a 24 hour period (hills often included), lack of sleep, and varied weather. Check it out at Hood to Coast 2006.