Trip to CA to meet Coach Roch and Free Promotion!

Two big events over the past five days. I've been horrible at workout recording and have sprinkled in a few days off but it has been a very important last 5 days.

On Friday I travelled to tri-nirvana (aka San Diego) to spend some time with my brother who lives out there and my IM coach. It was a spectacular time. We spent 3+ hours riding the Pacific Coast Highway and through Rancho Santa Fe's hills. Our rides were outstanding and one was led by Roch's wife Heather Fuhr (of Ironman fame). Heather had a "student" in town from Texas who rode with us. I was able to hang at well known places like Swamis and the outdoor pool in Solana Beach. I spent some time at the beach, eating great Mexican food, and talking with many athletic folks who inhabit tri-nivana. I made great strides on my swim although its like starting over again. In the end I will be better for it!!! To top the trip off I ate a great dinner with my brother and his wife on Sunday before I jumped on my 11PM red-eye back to Raleigh. Haven't stopped traveling since.

While I was gone an article detailing my IM Quest and mission to raise funds and exposure for the Children's Fund of North Carolina apparently came out in Endurance Magazine. I haven't seen the article yet so look for info in my next post.

Overall, things are going very well regarding my base training. I do need to step up the pool and weights work and the last two days ended up as unplanned days off. The weather is improving so I see some big rides in my future as my bike hopefully arrives alive via FedEx coming from my weekend in San Diego.

Back to Rosemary's brick class Thursday at 5:30AM. I'm feeling a need to really hammer to jump start my mental and physical slump of the past three days.

Finley YMCA Time Trial

Today I participated in 2/3 of the Finley YMCA Tri Club time trial. This event is primarily for newbies, but since I'm a newbie to the club, I was able to participate. Having three complete triathlons under my belt didn't disqualify me.

I chose not to run because I didn't want to deviate too far from my training prescription from my coach. So, on this scheduled day off, I hammered a 300 yard mini-swim and a 14 mile bike. I came out of the water in 5:40 (good for me I think) and did the ride in well under 40 minutes (forgot to stop my watch). My feet froze on the bike as I didn't wear socks and it was probably about 48 degrees. I also received a "pretend" drafting penalty for riding too close to another rider. Good learning experience!

Here is my favorite picture of me for the day. Its kind of blurry but I think its good as my rotation looks good via my high elbow...right?