Tough

Yesterday's stage of the Giro d'Italia was hard to watch. I had to fight back tears like most of the peloton. Condolences to Weylandt's freinds and family.

Mapping Ironman 70.3 Races

Google web map showing Ironman 70.3 races around the world. Click on a race to get more detailed information such as qualifying slots, date, website, etc. A work in progress.

View Ironman 70.3 in a larger map

Being Boulder in France - Part 1

Wow! My last blog entry was back in May. Right before our displacement from our house that would mark the first leg of wild journey. A journey with ups, some occasional downs, and of course a lot of "lost in translation." The best part is the journey has only just begun.

At the time, the decision to uproot the family and embark on a new life in a different country was a no brainer. Sometimes naiveté can be a good thing.

How does one prepare for a new life in a foreign land? How does one prepare his or her family for a new life in a foreign land? The decision to move to France from our cushy home in the Boulder bubble was/is, an opportunity for our kids to really expand their view of the world and the people that inhabit it. I know the experience they will take from this journey will be an experience that will change their life in a profound way, even if they may not see the benefits for years to come.

I am reminded on a daily basis of the challenges my children face as the new kids on the block. In addition to being the new kids, they must also cope with not having a means of fully communicating their thoughts to their peers. I am also greatly proud of their development and willingness to adapt to their new environment. They are meeting their challenges head on and are doing so in their own way.

I don't think anything could have prepared us for our first 24-48 hours in France. Sure we have been to France on several occasions, but this was different. We arrived in France on one way tickets to a gray and rainy back drop (cold and wet by Southern France's standards for July). Our temporary home a "rustic" gite in the country (near Lavaur) and was full of aromas, none of which the human nose has ever encountered previously. Poor lighting, overcast skies, smells from the underworld, and the invasion of flies if you leave the door open for just a moment. Was this what our new life was to become?

Thankfully, no. After a few nights in the "rustic" gite, our senses finally awoke and led us to the Ibis Hotel in Lavaur. This would become our new home for next several weeks while we continued to search for a more permanent home, no easy task when you know little of the area you just moved to. As if the challenges of finding a new home wasn't hard enough, we also had to find a new car to help us find the new home. And because we don't speak the language and we are new to the freakin' continent, let's place another hurdle in your way...the pace at which the French move.

"Yes, your car is ready but you will have to wait a couple of weeks to pick it up."

"If it is ready, why do we need to wait?"

"Because François is on holiday (of course)."

"Who is François, and what does he have to with this car?"

"He releases all lease vehicles."

Yes, businesses stop doing business during the holiday season here in France, which typically runs from July-August (but at times feels like it runs from January - December). It is moments like these I am reminded of the Frank Sinatra song, "My way." Interestingly enough this song has its roots in France based on the french song "Comme d'habitude."

Now that we have a car and a house, I can look back on these experiences with a smile. We are different. Not better or worse. Just different. That is the reason we moved here in the first place. To show our children that there are many different things in the world. Open your senses to these differences and embrace them. Learn from them.

Living as an expat,

J-Rod

Texas 70.3

There are a few of us on the Feedback Sports team that actually like to swim as a warm-up to the bike race and cool down with run. In other words, we also race triathlons. For me this was my first triathlon of the season and could be my last as I prepare to move me and the family to France in July.

I’ll save the excuses of why my preparation for the event was less than lackluster. I hadn’t put in the necessary time to really compete for the win in my age group which is a shame. Based on the times that were posted and the times I am capable of at this distance, I missed an opportunity.

Galveston was the backdrop to this half ironman distance race, covering 1.2 miles in the swim, 56 miles on the bike, and 13.1 miles on the run. The wind was whipping and had all flags standing at attention. It would create for a choppy swim that had at least 2/3 of the course heading into the wind and chop. The wind would also make the bike course challenging with a crosswind from the right on the way out to the turnaround and then from the left for the return back to transition.

We got underway and although my swim training was minimal leading into the race, I felt comfortable and relaxed. The swim felt longer than usual, but only swimming 1-2 times a week has that effect. Despite the chop, I was able to maintain a pace that would allow me to complete the swim. I wouldn’t be setting any records on this day that’s for sure.

Once out of the water I made my way through T1 and was on my Specialized Transition to ride the 56 mile course. With only a few days of riding a week, my main goal was to ride steady throughout with a couple of short hard efforts. The run would be tough enough without the bike segment, so no need to flex.

About 200m out of the transition and out on the course I hit a deep crack in the road that caused a rear flat. I had no spare with me so my first thought was my race was over. I walked back to the transition to find out what my options were if I had any. Luckily the local bike shop supporting the race, Bike Barn, was there and they replaced my tubular tire. Although the process seemed like it took 20 minutes, in truth it was actually closer to ten minutes by the time everything was said and done. It would have been nice to see those 10 minutes added to my T1 time instead of my bike time.

Once again I was out on the course and started pulling back numerous riders from my age group. I rode a moderate pace to the turnaround fighting the crosswind the entire way. My goal once I hit the turnaround was to really lift the pace and see how much time I could take back. However the fatigue was really setting in at this point and I found myself constantly out of the saddle to stretch my legs and work different muscles. The fatigue also made it harder for me to concentrate and control my bike as I fought the crosswind leaving me weaving around the road like I was drunk. I completed the bike leg well off my target and over 20 minutes off the time I should have hit on this course. It’s hard to gauge how far off where I want to be, not knowing exactly how much time I lost due to a tire replacement. I know the first half of the bike took over 1h27m and the second half took 1h12m.

I began the half marathon and was feeling the accumulated efforts from the day. Even before I got to the first mile marker my quads were beginning to cramp with every stride. This was not the way I wanted to start the run, but I was mentally prepared for this. The only run off the bike I had in preparation for this event was the exact same, so you could say I was somewhat prepared for the agony that awaited. At the first aid station, I took several cups of water and dumped them on my quads. The cold water had an immediate effect and relaxed the muscles enough to prevent the crippling cramp I experienced in training. For the rest of the half marathon it was about getting from one aid station to the next to repeat this process of dumping water on my legs. The first few miles of the run I was turning in just under 7:10 miles. These were not spectacular splits, but I was pretty happy all things considered. Miles 4-10 I slowed with every mile. The lack of training in all three disciplines wore me down. I knew at the start I could not focus on my time or even where I placed in my age group. Instead, I would focus on enjoying the opportunity to do something I love.

I eventually finished the race just over 5 hours for a completely underwhelming performance, but a great day of training.

Signing out soon

The days on this blog are numbered. Come July 17, the family and I head out on our next adventure. We are packing up and moving to southern France, just outside of Toulouse. No I don't speak French, but I will learn.

Farewell 09

As the great Dr. Seuss would say...Oh the Places You'll Go.

Look back to move ahead

Every year when the race season concludes, I am always tempted to launch right into the planning of the next season. However before I can really plan ahead, I must first look back and provide an honest assessment of how the year went. What went well and what was more challenging (areas for improvement)?

By far the most challenging part of any season (including off-season) is achieving the proper balance between the sport and the rest of your life (family, work, play, travel, etc.). Every athlete faces this challenge and every athlete has different measures for what constitutes equilibrium between these two areas; rarely are the measures quantitative. For me I met that challenge better than in previous years and with a more relaxed approach to training/racing. That approach went a long way to keeping my stress level lower. The key is being able to set goals that stretch and challenge you, but being realistic knowing the constraints one must work with. I am sure the wine didn’t hurt with keeping a relaxed approach through the season.

Although I had a more relaxed approach, I still worked hard to succeed. I put a lot of effort into running off the bike this year. However that effort didn’t always pay off. Again this year I struggled in my triathlon runs (primarily at half iron distance). The solution to this problem continues to elude me so I have sought to find answers from former triathlon pros like teammate Nate Llerandi and from 5x world champion Simon Lessing. Both have provided valuable information for me to chew on in the off-season and incorporate into my planning for next year. Now having said that, I posted PRs for my run in triathlons at every distance I raced in this year. I have just happened to have had more bad runs than good runs.

To balance the bad with the good, there were several bright spots to this season that I hope to carry into 2010. Racing in more hill climbs may not seem like a bright spot, especially if you find fighting gravity a challenge. For me (and almost every other sprinter), hill climbs are very much like time trials; you are often alone and always in pain. However due to my travel schedule this year, I would either race hill climbs or not at all. In racing in hill climbs, I found that while I suck, I could suck a lot worse. Yep, that’s what I call motivation!

The only crits I raced in this year was Louisville where I placed 5th and Bannock where I placed 25th. Although I found Bannock to be a sketchier than normal for a 3s race, I was reminded of how racers fight for every place in a race, whether it was for 5th or for 25th. After all, you spend an hour racing your ass off, why stop 200m from the finish line? For me it’s just for pride; going out and finishing what you started.

That same sentiment was applied to the 5430 Long Course when my derailleur cable came loose. I lost precious minutes trying to get to an aid station to have it fixed, however I didn’t let that become an excuse to soft pedal the rest of the course. I continued to race hard until the end. Even to the point of blowing up on the run (I told you my runs could use some improvement).

All in all, I would consider the year a success. Whether in triathlon or cycling, I learned a few things this year that will hopefully lead to greater things in 2010. I narrowly missed out on a qualifying slot for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, which has really given me a focus and determination through the off season that I have probably lacked in previous seasons. While I was unable to score any victories, I had fun and performed to a level that continues to drive me to want to succeed even more.

Coming up to speed

It’s been a busy few months since my last post with lots of surf, good wine, work, and some training and racing mixed in there.

Louisville Crit

Let’s start with the Louisville Criterium. A good pre-race race to keep the legs from getting stale going into the Hawaii 70.3 triathlon. While I found the race a little difficult in the beginning, things came around and I finished in a respectable position, 5^th place. You can read it about here.

Hawaii 70.3

Then it was game time with the Hawaii 70.3 race. When we got to the big island, the heat and humidity was exactly what I imagined. In a word, suffocating. Regardless, I felt like I had put the training in to do well in this race and was ready to finally test myself. My goal was to get into the top five for my age group and do so with a solid run, hoping to repeat my California 70.3 run.

Of course the race started with the swim which turned out to be a pretty flawless swim for me. I needed to exit the water around the 30’ mark to stay in the mix of things. I enjoyed the mass swim start we had instead of the typical wave start. We are all equal at the start and face the same conditions on the course. I found some feet that would take me to the swim exit in just over 30’. So far I was right on track.

The bike course is essentially the middle portion of the Hawaii Ironman bike course. From Hapuna, we head south for a bit before turning around to head to Hawi and back along the Queen K. The trade winds were out as was the sun, just as I had hoped in some demented way. While the first part of the bike leg was pretty aggressive with a lot of attacking, I found a comfortable but hard pace I knew I could sustain. In the heat, you really have to stay on top of your hydration, which I felt I did. As I neared the end of the course, my legs started to feel the twinge of cramping but nothing at that point to slow me down. Put your head down, grit your teeth and keep turning over the pedals. I completed the bike segment in 2:28 which was about 3-4 minutes slower than what I was aiming for on this course.

Although the twinge of cramps were present, I left the bike to run transition with a little bit of a hop in my step. Surprisingly it felt really good to be running. The run course would be dominated by running on the golf course (fairways, greens, rough, cart paths, etc.). Over six miles of the course were on grass. Add the humidity and heat, and it felt like you were running in molasses at times. Nevertheless, my first two miles were run at 6:45 pace. I felt good in those miles, I knew I needed to run a pace that I could sustain over the remaining half marathon. I pulled back to just over 7:00 miles for the next two. At that point, the heat really started to take its toll on me. In the span of a quarter mile, I went from feeling good with a bounce in my step to holy crap, am I done yet? I hadn’t even hit the half way mark. The rest of the race was about running from aid station to aid station. Just survive and try not to let anyone pass you. I survived the race running to a 1:39 half marathon which was six minutes north of my goal. My total time was 4:42 and some change. While I felt like I absolutely melted on the run, my time was good enough for 6^th place in my age group and 36^th overall (out of about 1100 competitors).

The race was hard, but I was pleased with my effort I put forth. The only downside I really take away from the experience is not going to the awards ceremony where I could have picked up a slot to race in Hawaii in October for the Ironman World Championships. It’s safe to say I am hungry and already eyeing coming back here next year to win my age group. To do so, I’ll most likely need to upgrade my TT bike to the new Specialized. If anyone is looking for any gift ideas for me for Christmas, Hanukah, my birthday, or your birthday, I would need a 56cm.

5430 Sprint

Coming off the Hawaii 70.3 race and a couple of weeks in Hawaii and Maui, followed by work trip to DC, I had done very little to prepare for this race. Try to add to the difficulty of the race, I took the opportunity to have a hard 3.5 hour bike ride the day before in our local mountains. Needless to say, expectations were low and I didn’t disappoint. My only real goal was to not blow up on the short swim and to run a sub 20 min 5K. I didn’t meet any of those goals which made me realize I really can’t let my foot off the gas for very long after a race. Lesson learned . Even after 5 years in this sport, I am still learning some valuable lessons. I guess that is one reason I like it so much, the challenge of racing my competitors and myself.

Next up for me is the Boulder Peak Triathlon and Mt. Evans Hill Climb. Now we get into the heart of the summer race season. Why can’t we have summer year round?

Train hard,
Jonathan

Oceanside…A sea of surprises

The first race of the season (California 70.3) is now in the books.  What a surprise! The week before the race I was trying to decide at what point I would pull out of the race (end of the bike leg or end of the first lap of the run?).  I was also trying to determine if it is better to DNS or DNF.  Both have the element of quitting, it’s just a matter of at what point that happens, right?  

My goal of using this race as an early season barometer and spring board got tossed out when I was sidelined for a couple of weeks due to illness in the final month before the race. I felt like I was already behind the eight ball in training so this was something I couldn't afford.  Even when I returned to training from being sick, I had to make sure it was a gradual return so I didn’t land myself back in the doctor’s office, which had happened already and why I was out for a little over two weeks and not just a few days.

Now after completing the race and having my best half ironman run, I am left with trying to figure out why it went unexpectedly well?  Everything I usually look at (including how I felt fitness wise) told me to prepare for a long brutal day.  So how is it I knock five minutes off my best half ironman run on little training with no speed work?  I’ll be looking to answer that question over the next couple of weeks as I start my training in earnest.  Right now it just doesn’t add up and I need to figure out why so I can repeat it!

A quickie

Just a quick post on the world of J-Rod...It has been a busy couple of months and the trend will carry me into April.  That's a good thing considering the economic climate.  Although I am very secure in my job, it's never easy hearing about friends losing theirs and just last week Megan asked if I still had a job (I think she had Kit Kitridge on the brain - but nevertheless, do you want your kid asking you that question).

Holden is still racing down the slopes, scoring his first win in a GS downhill.  I might need to start making reservations for Vancouver for 2010.  Megan has also started her assault on the slopes as well leaving poor old Dad #4 in skiing ability. I'll need to get some photos posted (as well as  video).  Carey has been instrumental in their rise to greatness. Keeping the sport fun while providing new challenges has been the key.

I said it would be quick and it was.  Until next time, keep on keepin' on.

J-Rod

Feedback teaming up with Panache

Feedback Sports Road Cycling team will be teaming up with Panache Cyclewear for the 2009 season. We continue to enjoy generous support from our sponsors and are excited about the addition of Specialized. With Feedback Sports changing corporate colors to red/black, it only made sense for the road cycling team to do so as well, which fits well with the Specialized colors.  The change in color also allowed us to rethink our design.  We needed a bold design to match the riders. With that in mind, we solicited the help of Dylan Nelson. You may have seen some of his previous work in the pro peloton (the old CSC team).

We are excited about racing this year and expect our 2009 season to be just as successful as our 2008 year. 

St. George pictures

The early going.

Finding a rhythm.

Splashing through the puddles.

Approach to the finish.

The finish!

A note from a friend in a deep red state

walker -

imagine how great it will be to one day tell your kids about where you stood in this election - how you felt, and what you believed in.  this beloved country has given us but a handful of truly great leaders, and we are about to witness its next great contribution.  this man is a phenom - the stuff that rushmore's are made of.  washington, jefferson, lincoln, teddy, fdr - these guys all had naysayers, too.  naysayers who were all dead wrong.  it's nice to be on the side of right, for i know in my heart of hearts that obama is truly what is right for this country.  this is one of those historical moments that we will never forget - we are on the brink of monumental change - change we can all believe in.  word.  tru dat.
the hurricane

It’s time to cast your vote (if you haven’t done so already).  Both candidates have stated clearly that this is an election for change.  I think the choice is clear, especially if you believe the country is in desperate need of change.

I voted last week like almost one third of Colorado.  I voted for someone and not against someone.  That is the first time I have done that since being able to vote. My voting record is embarrassing.  Although I have voted in every election since turning 18, I have not based my decision on facts and knowledge of the candidates.  Usually the politics of fear steered my decision.  This year I am rejecting that philosophy and making a decision on what I think will help our country move in a direction that will get our economy back on track, restore our image in the global community, and move us away from our dependence on foreign oil.

You have a voice. Tomorrow you need to use it. Regardless of your choice make it informed.

Vote smart,

J-Rod

Losing all your marbles

Before embarking on my first marathon training program, I asked the question, "I have never run more than four miles before, how will I be able to run 26? In one day?" The answer was complete cheese and went something like this...

"I'll give you a bag of 26 marbles and after each mile you throw out one marble.  When you cross the finish line look down in your bag and you will see you just lost all your marbles." - Mark Foist.

Officially my time in St. George was 2:59:36.  I thought about what I would write, but in the end decided there probably wasn’t much to say.  I had a good race and felt great. The weather looked menacing at first but helped keep my legs cool and wet. I ran a negative split of 1:33/1:27 just like I had hoped and planned. I told Carey the day before the race I planned to run sub 3.  I laughed when I said it knowing that if I truly wanted to do that, I would have to run my fastest half marathon ever and it would be in the second half. Although I laughed, a part of me thought I might be able to pull it off.

My favorite moment in the race came after I crossed the finish line (of course).  In previous marathons and Ironmans, when I crossed the line, it was done. No emotional ending or discharge, just a simple “I am glad that is over.”  This time was different. I embraced Carey and had a hard time holding back. It was roughly six years ago that Carey and I became active in running.  It was the finish of the San Diego marathon that captured my attention. Watching runner after runner endure a pain unimaginable to cross a line marked on the ground before the clock overhead struck 3:00:00. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. In the grand scheme of things, whether I finished 2:59:59 or 3:00:01 is irrelevant.  What’s a couple of seconds after all? But on this day, this race, this time, it mattered. I don’t know why, but I know it did.

This is how I got it done.

1 - 7:43 (7:43)
2 - 7:26 (15:09)
3 - 7:13 (22:22)
4 - 7:00 (29:23)
5 - 6:51 (36:14)
6 - 6:05 (42:40)
7 - 6:44 (49:05)
8 - 7:40 (56:45)
9 - 7:47 (1:04:33)
10 - 6:46 (1:11:19)
11 - 7:19 (1:18:39)
12 - 7:06 (1:25:45)
13 - 6:54 (1:32:40)
14 - 6:47 (1:39:27)
15 - 6:33 (1:46:01)
16 - 6:19 (1:52:21)
17 - 6:44 (1:59:05)
18 - 6:17 (2:05:23)
19 - 6:56 (2:12:19)
20 - 6:51 (2:19:11)
21 - 6:04 (2:25:16)
22 - 6:36 (2:31:53)
23 - 6:31 (2:38:24)
24 - 6:30 (2:44:55)
25 - 6:39 (2:51:34)
26.2 – 8:05 (2:59:39)

Run smart,

J-Rod

2:59

Enough said.

Changing winds

Fall is beginning to whisper in my ear and in previous years, I dread that cold whisper. Not surprising since I have lived in Houston and So Cal for over 25 years absorbing the warmth and sunshine deep into my flesh. As a result, my motivation for braving the cold is usually absent during fall/winter which causes me to struggle in early season races. Last year was the exception when I struggled through the entire year. This year I am trying a new strategy. I haven’t been on my bike since the 5430 Long Course back in early August except for once. Even a month later I am not chomping at the bit to get back on. I simply haven’t thought about the bike that much since the race. For the time being, I am enjoying being a pure runner. I hope my St. George results reflect the work I have put into my running and more importantly, I hope that same running fitness carries over into next year. I have always struggled on the runs in a triathlon so I am trying to give myself a jump start this time around.

I am hoping that by the time mid-October rolls around, I will be craving to get back on the bike regardless of weather. Until that craving comes, I’ll let the bike rest in favor of running shoes.

Those that know me know it is usually around this time I start the great debate. Do I hang up the triathlon gear in favor of being a pure cyclist? This year there is no debate. I am triathlete AND I am a cyclist. At least for another year.

So as I look ahead to St. George and beyond to next season, I see a lot of areas I need to work on to really improve and continue taking steps forward. Much like this year’s election, this off season will be about change. I need to do something different to get off the plateau I have been on the last couple of years. So what is in store for me next year? I can’t say just yet, but you can bet that I will be changing things up in the racing scene as well as the off season. Besides, if I make any big announcements here, it will take away from another big story.

Run hard,
J-Rod

Republicans in a nutshell...

Thoughts from a 56 mile ride during the 5430 Long Course

- Should I be hurting on the bike this soon (less than a mile into the race)? Better back off.

- Crap, speed up, you just got passed by a girl. At least, she rides for Toyota-United. Still gotta pass her back though.

- I need a new saddle.

- That dude has four water bottles on his $6K carbon bike! WTF? There are six aid stations on this bike course. Idiot!

- Was that Steve running on Jay Rd? Maybe I should be doing a long run instead of this race. He’s fast ya know.

- Dammit! She passed me again. Go hard, show no mercy.

- Wow, that’s the fifth dude that has passed me and we haven’t even hit the 5 mile mark.

- I am glad the clouds are covering the sun.

- Why won’t my legs go faster? Push! Fuck, that hurts, back off.

- Those three guys are pace lining it. Assfucks!

- I wonder what it’s like to do the entire race in a speedo.

- Damn, my legs really hurt right now and I haven’t even finished the first lap. This is going to suck. I mean this already sucks.

- I wonder if Carey and the kids still plan on coming to the Rez? They are probably watching the Olympics.

- I dig women’s beach volleyball!

- I want to go to Maui. Maui Waui! He he. I wonder what it would be like to do this race high. Never mind, I don’t have enough food with me. It would suck.

- Can’t wait to have a burrito at the finish.

- Shit, I may not finish. This ride really sucks.

- Holden’s a tough monkey. He wouldn’t complain like this. I should be a tough monkey. Be like Holden.

- I need to get some work done after this race. Maybe I should go to the office. Will I be too tired?

- That’s the third racer I have seen with a flat tire. If I flat, I would be fucked [I don’t race with spares]. Wait…I hope I get a flat.

- Are you kidding me? I have to run after this shit.

- Triathlon sucks.

- Fuck, I dropped my water bottle (I only have one water bottle cage). I wish I had four water bottles on my bike like that one dude. I am an idiot!

- The next asshole with a disk wheel (and that trademark disk wheel sound) passes me, I am going to chuck my water bottle at them. Wait, I don’t have a water bottle. Idiot!

- Don’t overcook that corner. Damn that was close.

- I wonder if I actually have to finish the race in order to get a burrito.

- Will Carey think I am a pussy if I quit? I bet Holden will. I should at least start the run.

- Finally, the Rez. That was a shitty ride. Don’t do that again.

Plain and simple, I lacked focus. Usually I focus on turning the pedals without all the other noise. That didn't happen Sunday. The season is over so plenty to think about in the fall/winter. I do have one race left this year and it has nothing to do with a bike. It will be a nice change of pace.

Run hard,
J-Rod

When racing turns to finishing

There two groups of people that compete in triathlons. On one hand you have people that do it to challenge themselves, to basically finish the race. On the other hand, you have people that compete not only to challenge themselves, but also challenge others. In other words, they race.

I have been in the second group for a few years now. When I show up at a race, I intend to do just that, race. However yesterday at the 5430 Long Course, I found myself about 1/3 of the way through the bike course wanting to just finish. I had been passed by numerous riders, something that doesn’t happen to me on the bike. My thoughts then shifted from racing and pushing myself and others to just finishing. Some thoughts even drifted to wishing for a flat tire (I don’t carry a spare in races) to end my day altogether. Never before I have dreaded the run like I did yesterday. Fortunately for me, I didn’t flat and made it through the bike leg.

Surprisingly, when I started the run, I felt good. The first 4-5 miles, I had a consistent 7:20-7:25 pace. The middle miles were by far the toughest dropping to upper 7:50s and even some 8:00s. That was also about the time my mindset changed back to racing. If someone were to pass me, they would have to work for it. My goal was to catch those that had already passed me and turn this back into a race (even though it was only for top 10 in my AG).

With a couple miles left in the run, my I saw the guy that passed me around mile 3. Never before have I been able to catch someone who passed me on the run. That changed with a mile and a half left in the race when I passed him and put another 1:30 on him before finishing the race. That was perhaps the only highlight on the day. A day that was tailor made for PRs with the overcast skies and cooler temperatures, I came up short. I mentally checked out of the race early on the bike and couldn’t pull it together.

Next up, St. George marathon. Yes, I will do a marathon without swimming or biking beforehand. I really excited about it and hope I can post a good time. Since it has been so long I can’t say exactly what my goal is for the race. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 3:25??? Right now, I am just looking forward to being a runner first and a cyclist second.

Run hard,
J-Rod