Temporary "place holder" for the BIG blog post.

I wanted to ensure everyone reading that I will update the blog to fill everyone in on the exciting weekend I just had in Philadelphia.  I had intended to update the blog day-to-day while there, but no internet connection combined with the bike issues (some of you know...others will read about later) caused a shortage of time to do so. 

I'm trying to get caught up with work and life, but rest assured I'll get a nice long blog put together describing the weekend events.  Please check back to read about it.

For now, just know that I finished "in style" as Mr. Zainali likes to say, and that Philadelphia Triathlon participants who raced for TNT raised over $475,000 for cancer research.

Fundraising goal...check!

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic family and superb friends. It is a little over 7 days from the Philadelphia Triathlon, and I've met (and slightly exceeded) my goal!!!  Unbelievable.  I can remember when I initially contacted LLS/TNT before Jen was diagnosed, just to see what the fundraising amounts were.  When the upwards of $3000 were mentioned...I was like "yeah right", I thought "no way", I said "that's unpossible!!!".  It's clear that I underestimated the generosity of others in the face of a great cause.

The intent of this blog was to, in some small way, connect donors with exactly what this charity is all about.  The people it touches (both patients and participants), the advances in treatment directly attributable to its researchers, and what the future of the organization means to those stricken by cancer.  My hopes were that donations weren't thought of as for my campaign, but more for the cause.  I understand personalization is a big reason why these programs are successful, but I didn't want everyone to lose sight of the overall reason I decided to do this.

On my blog, directly after I met my goal, I wanted to put together a post that could put things in perspective.  Runner's World (although I have not paid them in 2 years) continues to send me issues periodically.  I rarely read the articles, because...well I'd rather post to my blog than read, and you know how good I am at that.  Regardless, I had a trip for work on Tuesday and the June issue came in the mail on Monday night.  Without looking at the cover, I threw it in my bag.  When I got on the plane, I noticed that it was an issue dedicated to "outrunning cancer".  There were several articles on survivor stories, and the impact running has on cancer patients, and survivors.  I found myself getting a little choked up on the plane to Chicago while reading through the issue - while trying to maintain my composure (it felt like the guy next to me was wondering...although I was probably just being paranoid).  One article in particular rung home because it directly addresses programs like LLS's TNT.  The article is very well put together, and instead of foolishly trying to regurgitate the content, I'm going to cut my blog short and ask that you read it...it will give you a very good idea of what your donations mean to so many people.  It's a bit lengthy, but well worth the time.

I'll close by just humbly saying Thank You again...Enjoy! 

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-588--13982-0,00.html

Almost There

18 days to go, and I'm at 93% of my goal...Thanks so much to the last few donors.  You've really helped me get to the home stretch.  I just need to cash in on a few promised donations, and I should be at my goal before the race!  Again, I can't say thank you enough to everyone's generosity.

Almost a month has passed since my last post, and I'm sure everyone has given up on the blog.  Have no fear just because I've been slacking on my blogging duties, I have not been slacking on training.  Through the stress of my crazy work schedule lately, vacation, the KC Corporate Challenge, and the duties of keeping my (and Jen's) life the way we've grown accustomed - I'm still kicking my butt getting myself ready for this triathlon. 

A quick update on Jen...she had her 3 month scans, still CLEAR!!!  Still in remission!!!  Only 9 more months to go and the odds of recurrance goes WAY down.  She has still been having a little trouble with her lungs, a side effect of the radiation.  Luckily she's not the first, and a pulmonologist had the answer...ROIDS.  That's right people, my wife's juicing like Arnold in his hay-day.  I'm talking before Maria, and "the maid".  I'm just kidding...she's just taking a relatively mild (in comparison to Arnold) dose (albeit more powerful than what was originally prescribed) to aid in repairing the damaged tissue.  The great news is we went to Shawnee Mission Park for a bike ride (anyone who has been there can attest to the challenging hills), and she did FANTASTIC.  2-laps, and a run without that old "I can't breathe" feeling she's been struggling with lately.  We're hopeful that this means she's on her way back to her old fitness levels.

On a quick training note - I had the KC Triathlon a few weeks ago, and although we swam 250m less than previous years...I shaved 7 mninutes off my personal best.  I also had a fun run on the beach when on vacation.  4 miles, on my toes, resulted in blisters and THROBBING calves for 2 days.  I feel good, and am looking forward to 1 more brutal week before I taper down to get ready for the race!

As much as I want to write a nice long blog post to catch everyone  up...I need to get to my soccer game.  It's been a busy day, 10 hour work day, KCCC soccer practice, SMP swim/bike, and soccer game...I'll sleep well tonight.

Cheers everyone!

Get Ready...here it comes

I have certainly made a better habbit of missing posts than I have of posting posts.  I guess that's just the type of blogger I am.  Again, I'll try to make up a couple/few weeks in a post.  Last post I was at 75%...now I'm at 87% of my goal.  YEAH!!! 

This is attributable mostly to my wonderful wife who threw me a surprise 30th birthday party, and in lieu of gifts asked for donations.  Perfect!  Not only do I never know what to ask for, but am actually really uncomfortable being the center of attention (especially when opening gifts).  This worked out so well.  Not only did I not have to think about what I wanted, people didn't have to think about what to get me, and MOST importantly LLS is that much closer to their goal.

It was really good to see everyone.  I was surprised, but in hindsight I should have known it was coming because of several "hints" throughout the week.  It's funny how your subconscious notices things but your conscious mind doesn't put the pieces together to the point of realization.  That must be what they mean when they tell us we only use 10% of our brains, or maybe they just told me that so I have an excuse for all the stupid thing I say (and do). 

Ever been in an everyday social interaction with someone where your answer doesn't quite address their question, and (more or less) makes you look and feel like you just missed the short bus because you set your alarm for 5pm instead of 5am?  Happens to me all the time.  Example:  Sitting at a restaurant it's standard operating procedure for your server to extend plesantry by inviting you to "enjoy your lunch", to which my brain (subconscious or conscious depending on your opinion of me) would reply "you too".  In attempt to salvage the respect I demand from my severs I cleverly add "Uh...you know...when you have your lunch"  Damage done.  Oh, my favorite is passing a co-worker in the hallway when they ask "what's happening?".  Now, this doesn't even REQUIRE  a response, just simple greeting protocol.  A simple nod would be a satisfactory response and you'd be successful in keeping the charade that you've never lost your sunglasses while they're on your head.  Instead, I like to respond "Good". 

I digress (and actually digress pretty well if you ask me)

Here comes the heat, whether or not you love or hate it - here it comes.  I for one am not a big fan, because I have what you call a little bit of a weight problem that results in a little bit of a sweat problem.  I've noticed that my sweat quantity has increased exponentially over the course of the last couple weeks.  I always remember thinking how good it feels to actually sweat after the winter training months because I forget that I'm one of those who sweat so much that I'll actually saturate and overheat.  I've experienced this a few times - it's like hitting a wall, only it happens WAY earlier than it should.  Hopefully we get lucky and the temps stay in the 60's for a few more weeks.

Training has been good in the last few weeks.  I've had a 20mi ride, followed by a 30mi ride, and then an 8mi run in subsequent weeks.  I've also been pushing up the distances in the pool, and combining weight trainings incrementally.  If I could just figure out how to get a yoga session in there.  I'm cautiously optimistic about my fitness level at this juncture knowing the big challenges are still in front of me for this particular endeavor.

Work is succeeding in keeping my stress levels high, and although training is doing it's part in giving me an outlet (really a good give-take) it's resulting in restless nights and some missed sessions (usually foregoing the first of my "two-a-day" sessions).  On top of work, my company participates in the KC corporate challenge - an Olympic style competition that pits local businesses against each other to establish a "fun" bragging right.  I like to do a couple/few events that I enjoy, but sometimes I wonder why I put myself through it.  Of course there is fundraising/training attached to all of it.  I don't know how people do this with kids.  All this combined...I have a busy few weeks approaching, but luckily I also have vacation coming up.  May and June will not be void of interest...Stay Tuned

I promise I'll wait a long time until my next post :) 

_____Block

What did you fill in the blank with?  Think about that for a second...hmmm. 

I knew this would happen, I need to post on my site, but don't really have anything to say.  I hear this is called writers block, but I'm really not a writer so we'll have to figure out something else to call it when it pertains to me.  Nonetheless, I promised to keep this blog rolling, so against the urge to watch (ignore) American Idol with Jen, I'll just start molesting my keyboard in hopes that it results in some witty banter that everyone will enjoy.

Challenges - people always talk about how they like to be challenged, pushed, and driven.  Sometimes I wonder what exactly drives people to really want to get outside their comfort zones.  Does comfort tow the line with laziness, and we feel guilty?  Perhaps it's just that perpetual drive for self improvement that we all strive for.  Now, I'm about to get a little philosophical, so bear with me...Booger, Booger, Fart, Fart, Weiner.  Think about THAT for a second...boogers.  Did you laugh?  Congratulations, your comical capacity hasn't gotten past the 3rd grade.

Ok, I'll really do have some challenges coming up.  First work is really ramping up and becoming more stressful than I typically allow.  This usually translates to bad (and sometimes lack of ) workouts.  I've done a good job so far of not letting that happen.  I'm hoping to keep this trend rolling.  I missed official training this week on account of almost $4 gas, but I did run a much hillier route to keep me on my toes.  The bike shop still has my bike, but luckily I have a "spare", and got on the trainer a bit.  I really need to get on the swimming - Wednesdays haven't been as accommodating as they were.  That's about it for training...longer and more intense. 
 
Good news! - more donations are rolling in, I'm now at 75% of my goal with 66 days until the Philadelphia Triathlon.  Again feel overwhelmed by the generosity of family, friends, and friends and family of family and friends.  Thank you again!  I hope everyone feels as happy as I do to be a part of something bigger than yourself. 

I'm really proud of Jen, she is struggling with what we're still thinking are the residual effects of treatments.  Her stamina and lung capacity is holding her back in her running and cycling.  I experienced a little of this, but I chalked mine  up to age, and it passed relatively quickly.  I try to sympathize, but all I can do is try to be supportive.  Remember me saying that you're never rid of cancer?  Well it's true.  It keeps popping up here and there.  Despite it's best efforts, she keep pushing ahead.  Through the frustration of having to work SO much harder for what came with much less effort last year, she keeps on going. 

Proud of you babe!  You're so strong and you're going to get where you want, it just may take a little longer.

Booger...:-)

Random thought: - has anyone ever taken a picture of a dog turd and posted it on facebook with the caption "It's pretty much the same thing that you're posting"  I almost did.

Keep Truckin'

I'm going to have to fast forward since I'm becoming bad at keeping promises, and maintaining the blog week-to-week.  I mean, really, now that the weather is nice...who wants to stay inside and be on the computer (especially when that's what you do for work)?  I'll try to get caught up with this (abbreviated) post and keep up for the rest of the trip.

My last "to be continued" post mentioned a slump.  Ultimately my brief vacation combined with a little lull in the fundraising efforts resulted in 5am trainings seeming just a little too early, the dungeon (my basement...AKA training headquarters) seemed a little too dark and damp, and my legs seemed just a little too heavy, and instead of "attacking" workouts I returned to my winter form of just going through the motions.  After a week of the motions, and just when I was determined to power through, I developed a BRUTAL stomach flu.  I won't bore you with any of the details (OK, I won't embarass myself, because it would likely be quite funny to outsiders to describe my misfortune), but let's just say that if I was working out as hard as my bathroom, I'd be running the Boston marathon next year. 

Luckily it only lasted a couple weeks, and while I didn't get behind, I certainly didn't move toward my goal by much.  I'm happy to report that training efforts have resumed to their normal vigor, and fundraising...well, still at a bit of a standstill.  I'm hoping that my last e-mail/letter campaign will pay some dividends and I have a few more followers, and LLS has a few more dollars.  Regardless, I'll continue to work the streets (yeah, it's a little like it sounds) for funds, and trying to be creative to attract potential donors.  I have some more ideas, and hopefully everyone can get in on the fun.

FAST-FORWARD...last weekend was our first full brick workout.  Again I travelled out to BFE to join my team for our weekly training.  This week we started at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex.  We set out to swim in the pool, ride around Johnson County and then Run...yeah, just run.  When we got to the pool, the first thing I noticed was that there were no lane markers.  Typically for a triathlete this is a good thing because it simulates more of an open water effect rather than a pool, because the lane dividers deaden the waves created by the patrons happily slugging through the pond.  Unfortunately, it also means you have to pay extra close attention to make sure you're staying in your lane.  Although I thought I was doing a good enough job, the EXTREMELY POLITE woman next to me didn't exactly share my thoughts.  Coming back to my 8th (or 9th...I always lose track in the pool) turn, the GRACIOUS woman calmly asked if I could shift my swim slightly so she could have just a little more room.  Oh who am I kidding...This (insert derogatory noun), grabbed my leg as if I was ignoring her (maybe I was...).  As I surfaced to see what was important enough to grab a perfect stranger in the pool wearing...swimming gear, I was greeted with a look that would make you think I had just drowned her cat (I always make the correlation to upset people and cats).  Startled, I stopped and asked what the problem was to which she replied - "you need to move over, because I'm already hugging the wall and I almost ran into you twice".  Normally I would have apologized and just made every effort to stay out of her way, but I was almost done and frankly didn't care since this request was a steep order considering there were no lane markers...I simply replied "ok", and continued swimming.  I didn't really notice, but I think she came up again at the end of the pool because I was crowding her again, but I was getting out to start my bike and well...didn't care.
   
After my swimming experience, to which my team all heard about from the coach and hackled me as the "lane hog", I headed out on my bike.  A relatively eventless bike ride through southern Johnson County.  I dropped a chain which caused a little damage to my new bike, but the shop is operating on it now, and should be good as new by tomorrow.  The run also was relatively uneventful, nonetheless I finished with good pace and feel.  Overall I was very happy with my workout.

When we got back, we were informed that our least experienced team member, Melissa, was still out on her bike.  Coach Dave seemed worried and asked if I would set out to see if everything was alright.  I re-suited up and headed back onto the bike course to look.  After about 3-4 miles I started to honestly get worried.  First I forgot my phone, and once again...don't know CPR, and I thought what was I going to do to help?  I don't have pegs for her to ride, and no handlebars either.  Luckily as I crested a hill, there she was just peddling along trying to ignore the cars roaring beside her.  Bless this girl for undertaking this adventure.  She has little experience in endurance racing, and I could tell doesn't have a bunch of experience on the bike (her knuckles were white she was hanging on so hard).  Against the odds, by herself, and with mechanical troubles on her bike - she kept on trucking through the workout.  Absolutely no quit, and a smile on her face the entire time.  By the time we got back to the center, the rest of the team had finished up their runs.  Not once did Melissa think of quitting, and as a sign of comraderie - Joeli (another team member) volunteered to run the route a second time with her.  What did I tell you - GREAT people.

So that gets us up to present.  Hopefully I'll keep up, and the posts will be more frequent (and shorter).  I'm still not to my goal yet, so if anyone has any ideas, or would like to help - I'm all ears.
Thanks again!

Continued and More (update)

It’s been so long since my last post that I ended “to be continued” I actually had to re-read it so I could figure out how I wanted to proceed.  I have some excuses, but in effort to move on we won’t talk about thoseJ.

So as I realized it was for real, I grabbed every piece of clothing in my car to put on hoping it would be enough to keep me warm.  Unfortunately, what I really needed were good cycling gloves and shoe covers, and there are no substitutes.  Nonetheless, again I was determined (thinking of the blog) that this wasn’t going to be the diary of the wimpy kid.  So I threw my 2 pairs of running gloves on and said goodbye to my feet that would surely be sacrificed to frost bite.  As we set off, my feet and hands numbed up pretty good, but not as bad as I expected.  When we hit the first hill, I couldn’t hang behind the leader anymore because I needed to get my blood flowing.  Once I attacked the first big hill, I felt some blood flow to my fingers (sorry feet).  After I concluded that I wasn’t going to be penalized my extremities, as if my very realization was the cause, the sun came out making things all that much better.  Against all odds…I made it out to the turn-around and (contrary to the wishes of the wind) made it back.

You forgot I had to run after this bike ride didn’t you…me too.  Upon arrival Coach Jen, after congratulating us (and razzing me a little), got after us to “practice our transitions”.  Ok lady...I’m not planning on having 3 pairs of gloves, a hat, socks, shorts, and a parka to worry about in my transition in Philly.  This wasn’t exactly a good trial run to work on transition, but I tried to hurry.  After I got my shoes on I started off running.  Have you seen “The Office” episode where Kevin goes to Jim and Pam’s wedding with Kleenex boxes for shoes?  Imagine those were filled with water and then frozen solid…that’s what it felt like to run after this bike ride.  Thud, thud, thud for at least the first half mile.  Once my feet began to thaw (or melt…I couldn’t tell), began the needles.  It felt like both feet were asleep, REALLY asleep.  That lasted for about a mile or so.  Once I finally got a little comfortable, I realized I only had a bit to go, so I reveled in the fact that although not a juggernaut in the distance category, this workout certainly was up there on the “bad-a$$” scale.

The week of 3/13 was particularly special.  It marked the “silent mile” and family fun event for TNT.  It was really great because Jen got to come with me to training to meet the team and to be honored as a cancer survivor.  After driving around for a couple minutes trying to find the mysterious entrance to this place, we arrived where we got rememberance/recognition ribbons and Jen got a balloon to recognize her as a survivor.  We listened to the honor patients explain what TNT and LLS meant to them.  We heard heartwarming stories of survival, and support assisted and provided by LLS.  It was really eye-opening to see the impact a handfull of people working at a task for a cause has on someone in for the fight of their life.  Fresh off the emotional presentations, we set off; vowing to reflect in silence for the first and last miles of our run.  I thought about why I decided to get involved with this (obvious), and thought about the thousands of people who weren't as lucky as Jen to get such a "curable" disease.  The kids we all see on the St. Judes commercials with ALL (leukemia), and their families' trials and tribulations.  Dealing with the emotional baggage of having a child with cancer combined with the real world consequences.  It all seemed so overwhelming.  It was somewhat bittersweet as I ran in silence;  you feel good that you're doing something, but it makes you feel a little helpless that you're not doing more.

After the silent mile training session we headed down to NKC to “sell” beads at the Snake Saturday parade.  I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t good, and didn’t take rejection well.  I figured everyone would be happily open their pocket books and throw me money upon request simply because I represented a wonderful cause and had a strand of green beads I knew they couldn’t live without.  Like I was the old creepy guy on the float at Mardi-Gras and they were the…well you get the picture.  It wasn’t like that at all, and it got to me.  Every “no thanks” I heard might as well have been a “What do you think I’m stupid…why would I ever give you money for such an unworthy cause, and stupid trinket” or (and not to cast judgment on the demographic) “Them ain’t Dale Earnhart beads, I ain’t payin’ no $1 for nuthin’ that don’t say Coors, Nascar, or Larry the Cable Guy”.  I felt rejected every time.  Jen was so much better, probably because she got rejected WAY less.  She was a fundraising rock-star machine.  Luckily she was willing to do most of the “heavy lifting” while I toted the loot and told my story when asked.  Overall the team raised over $1000 for LLS at the parade…way to go TEAM!

Next weekend came March Madness, and it honestly started off pretty good.  Jen and I always talked about taking off the first 2 days of the NCAA tournament that just-so-happen to coincide with St. Paddy’s day, because we don’t get anything done at work anyways.  So we called it a little celebration/vacation of watching basketball and drinking green beer.    To kick things off, I got up on Thursday and set out to run 6 miles.  Now, I’m not totally electronically dependent, and can usually tell about how far I’ve gone, about what my exertion rate is, and about how much more I can take.  However, on this particular run I decided to go “blind” and let my Garmin do the work.  The idea would be 3 miles out, and when Garmin said to turn back I would.  Only somewhere between my house and…my neighbors house, Garmin died.  I was on my own.  So I ran what I thought felt like 3 miles and turned back.  When I finally mapped it I had run 7.2 miles. 

GREAT!  What a way to start the vacation off…little did I know the slump was coming.

To be continued

No really – I made up 2 weeks this time, and I’ll make another post this weekend.  I promiseJ

I said...Burrr...It's cold in here!!!

Again, I've been slacking on my blogging.  Apologies to those of you who are keeping up. I've heard several people wondering how to get an e-mail notification when I post.  Unfortunately I don't think this is something you can do as a follower.  I can, however set up this blog to send a notification an e-mail every time a new post is made.  If you're interested - let me know (somehow...not necessarily through the blog) that you would like to receive post notifications.

On to the fun stuff…Jen is done with cancer treatment!!!  Ok - not totally done (you're never done once you've been diagnosed), but her last radiation treatment was a week ago.  I know she’s excited to feel in control of her body again, and it's great to think about what the next few months hold - looking forward to a fun year and beyond. 

I had missed the last 2 official TNT trainings leading into last weekend.  Not that I haven't been doing the work - I just didn't make it out to BFE (bum-fart-Egypt...AKA, outside the 435 loop) to train with the team for those trainings.  I missed a swim clinic (that I could have probably used), and a COLD 10mile ride.  I knew I had to make it to the next one being the first brick training of the season.  A brick (for those of you unfamiliar) is when you practice the most important transition in triathlon – bike-to-run.  I’m still not 100% sure why it’s called a brick, but perhaps it stems from the fact that when getting off your bike - running feels like Wylie Coyote mistook you for the roadrunner and replaced your legs with 40lbs of ACME product.  Regardless of the Warner Bro’s antics – I was going to make it to training….beep-beep! 

I think the multi-sport gods had decided to punish me for missing that first cold bike ride.  Knowing I’d be on my bike early in the morning – weather became an important player in how this training would go.  I began checking the weather all week, with mixed reviews.  I watched Lezak and/or Busby every night, I even got desperate and turned to that crazy Horner, but more for comic relief than a forecast.  I checked The Weather Channel, Weather Bug on my phone, and NOAA (for when I wanted to feel more scientific).  It was like eating a Lay’s potato chip – I couldn’t eat just one, or once I popped I couldn’t stop…maybe I was just hungry.   As I gathered the data from all the meteorological misfits throughout the week, my general assessment was that Saturday’s forecast was getting colder, but dryer.  Ultimately I couldn’t complain about that (yet).

 

The training session started at Roe Park.  According to my previous classification of BFE, I can't say this meets the criteria, but being a 40min drive - we'll say it was BTL (butt-toot-Libya).  A last look at the weather told a tale of a dry yet cold morning – 18 degrees at training start.  I put my bike in the truck and grabbed every piece of warm clothing I could think of that would be applicable to a bike ride and set it out the night before.  I was convinced that upon arriving I would be informed that because of the cold – we’d only be running. 

Again a 7am start – I got up at 5, grabbed my PB&H/banana, and headed out the door.  Pulling into the parking lot, I didn’t notice so many bikes (the prophecy was being fulfilled…running only).  I got out of the truck, and here comes the lead coach, Jen.  No doubt to tell me to put a lock on my bike, because I wouldn’t need it this morning.  Of course, I’d look disappointed while the decision, but the coaches know best.  All the while I’d be rejoicing like an elf who just got promoted from the old man’s house making shoes to Santa’s workshop.  “We riding today!?” I asked, a short little smirk on my face.  “Of course!” she replied.  No doubt a little humor to rev the engines on a cold morning.  “No seriously, we’re just running, right?” I laughed.  She only grinned at me.  Now, I’m no FBI profiler, but I was starting to wonder why she was stringing me along.  Was she a comic mastermind, or did she just like seeing me squirm?  It was time to end the charade…”really?” I finally asked.  I felt a shiver (literally…we were standing outside) trickle up my spine as she explained something about how the cycle group needed to get used to the cold…blah, blah, blah…whatever!  She wasn’t serious – hypothermia, frost bite, SARS???  Only she was serious – there was no back-up plan to run if the weather was below adequate temperatures.  We were doing this! 

I have never ridden my bike outside in temperatures less than 50 degrees, and really don’t have the cold weather riding gear one should possess when venturing out in weather of this caliber.  However, once reality set in that I wasn’t going to be the wimp who didn’t go-I decided to just try to make the best of it.    

So we’re going out to ride bikes when it’s 18 degrees outside...

I could go ahead and finish this story but it is bedtime and I have an early morning run, but mostly, I’ve always wanted to do this:

To Be Continued…

Sick and Injured?

There are 2 things endurance athletes can’t stand…being sick and being injured.  I say injured, because of that old cliché we all know from our favorite professional athletes that “if you’re hurt you can still play”.  Well, endurance athletes are no different from basketball players, football players or NASCAR drivers – we play hurt.  It’s apparent when you read Runners World, Triathlete, or any other magazine aimed at endurance events and you see at least 1 article per month on how rolling a golf ball under your foot aids in plantar fasciitis, and scrunching up a towel with your toes improves foot strength.  Each attempting to help keep “hurts” from turning into injuries.  It’s the injuries keep you on the sidelines and being sick just plain sucks (that last part isn’t limited to endurance athletes).

Well, I had my bout with both of them in the last 2 weeks.  Those of you keeping up read about my bout with a little head/chest cold that held me down for a few days.  In the midst of all that non-sense, I had a bit of a situation with a potential injury this week as well…

Potential because I couldn’t exactly explain what was going on, so I did what any logical resident of 2011 would do – I “googled” it.  When I didn’t get the answers I was looking for, I “hoo’d” it (Yahoo you can send royalty checks payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society when that catches on).  After I expended my vast knowledge of search engine navigation without getting satisfactory answers from Al Gore’s contraption – I decided that maybe I should go see a Doctor.  I mean, if Jeeves doesn’t know what this thing is – I may be in real trouble. 

Now – I hate going to the doctor.  I’ll avoid the doctor like Lady Gaga avoids the norm.  I even have a low deductible health insurance plan because if I had to pay any more than $30 to see a doctor I’d probably die of complications from a bunion before I’d pay that guy to look at my….anyways – I don’t like the doctor.  So you know this is serious. 

Long story short – the doctor told me that the tingling/burning sensation I’ve been feeling when I…………….stretch my calf (was that enough dots to get the joke across?) is likely a nerve that runs along my Achilles that ends in my heel, and should go away on its own in a week or so.  By the way, the “injury” was feeling a funny sensation in my heel when I stretched my calf, but I wanted to make you sweatJ.

Bottom line – I’m fine, and over my illness and ready to break…it…down!  I’m getting ready to head to the gym for back/biceps, and to swim.  Then off to soccer.  I feel good about being able to hit it hard again, and am looking forward to the training this weekend (although not looking forward to driving out to 151^st street) into next week.

Jen only has 3 more radiation treatments!  The last one can’t come too soon, her throat is so sore that drinking water is difficult, although she is getting a nice little tanning (or should I say redding) base goingJ.  Remember my rant about being sick…I have NOTHING to complain about. 

Fundraising has slowed down, and I think I can safely say that the results of my initial campaign are in.  The results speak for themselves – WOW…46% of my goal.  Once again – thank you so much to those who have donated.  I’m looking forward to getting creative to knock out the remaining 54%, and then helping my team to reach its goal.

Stay tuned to see how I do it

Sick!

Boom – it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I’m sick…ugh, I hate being sick.  I guess I should count myself lucky that I didn’t get sick while Jen was in chemo with a weakened immune system.  Jen always laughs at me because I will never admit I’m sick, but I felt it coming on Monday afternoon with a sore throat, that turned into sinus pressure, that turned into a stuffy nose/heat, and has moved into my chest ending in an overall feeling of ickiness.  Last night I finally made the designation…it’s official.  It’s not the laid up in a used tissue infested bed, watching Oprah (NO…I don’t watch Oprah), chicken-soup and cracker diet, only thing that will help is a Nyquil induced coma type of sick…luckily.  I’m still going to work, but my workouts have taken a back seat for a short time, and although I’m trying to keep my diet on track, I haven’t felt much like making lunches or dinners.

Someone once told me not to push physical activity when you’re not feeling well.  Good advice.  I can remember one time I didn’t take that good advice and turned a head cold into a week long date with my sofa and (AWFUL) daytime TV while slipping in and out of “green haze” consciousness.  I learned from my mistakes and have taken the last couple of days off to recover.  The good news is I’m starting to feel better, and might get in a yoga session tonight.  The bad news is I’m missing out on a golden opportunity to take advantage of the groundhog’s gift to endurance athletes.  Oh well…my time will come.

Nonetheless, to get everyone up to speed – the official TNT kick-off was a week ago, and our first official training was on Saturday.  I got to meet my team.  There are 8 of us going to Philadelphia (9 counting our campaign manager).  Our honor patient (a recent Hodgkin survivor) is actually on the team!  He was just cleared by his doctor to participate and I’m very excited for him.  The rest of the team seems extremely well manneredJ, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better in the near future.

Our first training took place at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence at 7am.  Yeah, half way to Columbia (or so it seemed).  I guess I should get used to this, because most of the trainings are either out south or east.  Maybe I can convince them to hold one at the downtown airport, or better yet, up Interurban Road (more on that in following posts once the weather improves). 

So I woke up at 6, threw on my training garb, made a PB and H, snagged a banana, filled up my water bottle, and headed out the door.  When I got there, I was met by all the warm faces of the TNT spring team, the “newbies” of the summer team, the staff, and coaches.  The staff and coaches made a couple announcements, and sent us off on our merry way.   The goal was to run 3 miles, but I figured I’d go a little further.  I could feel the cold air in my lungs, but my legs felt good as I kept up with the 2^nd group (the 1^st group must have been out for blood).  After a few miles conversations started budding and I realized I was actually running with the marathoners.  Luckily, their training goal was only 4 miles today.  Friendly bunch (as is typical with all participants in/around this program).  I met a guy in the Air Force who just ran a half marathon in Afghanistan and a girl whose bucket list includes a marathon in each state.  Before we knew it – wrong turn…where are we?  Luckily we hadn’t gone too far off track, but the consequence was that instead of 4 miles we actually ran closer to 5.  I know now to bring my Garmin wherever I go so I can track my pace, effort, and distance, because it seemed like no one had any idea how far we had gone. 

My apologies – I’m realizing this is kind of a bland post, but like I said…not feeling too well.  I’m hopeful the next one will be livelier with me feeling better in the nicer weather.

In closing – Congrats to Troy and Shannon who brought their 2^nd bundle of joy into the world…Reid Michael (you can see posts on Troy’s facebook page…yeah he joined facebookJ)

Cheers!

Oh no...It's Cold Again!!!

My apologies to my new followers – I had vowed to have at least 1 post per week, however super bowl Sunday and the MUvKU “disaster” on Monday got in the way of my plans, and it was either my post or my training.  In the spirit of keeping my priorities straight, (although I’m starting to enjoy being a blogger!) I kept my training in line and waited until today between work and my 8pm soccer game to fulfill my commitment to you drooling piranhas salivating at my every keystrokeJ - Just kidding, and let me take this opportunity to thank you again for reading.

My joyous week of training was brought to a SCREEEEECHING halt.  The most diabolical winter storm in Kansas City’s history (or so the weather personnel would have you believe) hit with the fury of a cat-fish swarm chasing after those little dog food pellets at local marinas (gross!).  Are we still blaming El Nino for crazy weather patterns?  Remember Chris Farley as “El Nino”?  All other tropical storms will bow to El Nino – El Nino is Spanish for…the Nino.  That was funny!

 As I press into month 2 – once again I was forced indoors fending off the temptations to hibernate.  I changed up my strength training in accordance with Tony Horton’s desires to confuse my muscles, and have grown accustomed to my trainer workouts, trips to the dungeon for plyometrics, and bearing the “new year’s resolution” crowds at the gym.  I even took advantage of the 2.5 to 3 feet of snow that accumulated in my driveway by turning shoveling snow into a squatting exercise.  So I’m doing my part to make the best of this atrocity, and now it’s mother nature’s turn to reward me with an early spring.  Punxsutawney Phil is even doing his part by keeping his shadow at bay (although I’d be more afraid of all those dorks in top-hats whispering in my ear).  Come on spring!!!

Jen just started radiation and is feeling a little run down, but she got to travel for work for the first time since diagnosis, so she was pretty excited about that.  Only 12 more trips to KC Cancer Center to go (which is actually 2.5 more weeks)!  

A little cancer note:  It is certainly interesting how serious everything is with cancer – diagnosis, prognosis, staging, treatment, etc. (and rightfully so).  I mention this, because of some of the scheduling “issues” we have had throughout this experience.  For instance, it was imperative that when Jen got started with radiation – she was to go EVERY day……except weekends.  When I asked why not weekends, I got a “duh” kind of look, and an answer “because we’re closed on weekends”.  Ok – so this vital process to cancer treatment and survival is so important that you can’t miss a day – unless the clinic isn’t open…gotcha.  I guess it’s just one of those nuances that you don’t think about until you experience it, and in no way (to my knowledge) are these things a detriment to Jen’s eventual cancer ousting, so don’t take this for distain, but I promised to share thoughts about cancer in this blog as well.  Now, I certainly have respect for time off work (believe me), and don’t wish doctors/nurses/technicians to work 24/7.  I just found it kind of funny how critical things are, can be, or seem to be until it runs into happy hour (food for thought).  Lastly, this wasn’t an isolated incident either – there was also a similar situation with Jen’s diagnosis and again when starting chemo, but that’s a story for another time.    

Looking toward the future – tomorrow is actually the TNT kick-off for the summer team.  I’m pretty excited to officially get started, even though I’m almost 45% to my fundraising goal already (Thanks again everyone).  I not only get to meet who will be accompanying me to Philadelphia, but the rest of the summer team (marathon, century ride, and hike teams) along with our honorary patient and mentors.  This weekend is also the first training session…we’ll see how my preparations stack upJ.  The meeting is at 5:45, and they’re having pizza…seriously???  We’re supposed to be in training and our kick-off is a pizza party?  I know what you’re thinking – the answer is ‘yes’ – Diet Dr. Pepper does taste more like regular Dr. Pepper.  The place I figured to be safe from saturated fat, and monosodium glutamate is where I’ll need to test my skills on portion control.  Trust no one!

What a Week!!!

Hands down the best week so far this year (and may be tough to beat for quite some time) - Jen is in REMISSION!!!  As the icing on the cake; the winter weather cleared up (I like to think because of my last post of endless bellyaching) enough to get my new bike out on the street.  I also had a very successful week of training, especially considering I was out of town (something I typically struggle mightily with), and oh - look at that...2 new followers - welcome friends.

So let's start at the beginning (actually it was toward the end, but...) - We all know Jen had completed her last round of chemotherapy, and although this is the result we were expecting, the only thing better than saying the word is realizing its meaning.  We met with Dr. Sheehan on Thursday, and I actually must have glazed over when she actually made the "announcement".  I didn't figure it was official until the radiation was over, but nonetheless Jen filled me in that she was indeed in remission.  So there it is - a few weeks of radiation and life gets back to normal (if there is such a thing).  Regardless, we're excited to put this whole ordeal behind us, and one MONUMENTAL step is now complete.

Those of you who didn't have to work on Friday (which didnt' include me) were greeted with a huge treat in the middle of winter - an almost 60 degree day.  The night before, I didn't believe it even as Gary Lezak opened his arms and spouted off the expected high temperature in such glee that one only expects when Gary is forecasting "thunderstorms!".  I waited until 2pm to check the temperature (48).  Now that's a little cold to go biking (especially since I really don't have any cold weather cycling gear), but when you have a new bike burning a hole in your trainer - it may as well have been 75.  I negotiated a 3pm departure time with my carpool, and raced home to beat sundown.  I threw on my cycling gear like the kid from "The night before Christmas" threw up the sash (what does that mean anyways?), pumped up the tires, and headed out the door.  The first thing I notice - this is comfortable, and I can tell my trainer sessions haven't gone un-noticed.  When I get to the first big descent, I figured I'd just coast into it, still trying to get a feel.  Typically I hit around 23-24mph on this hill while riding my roadie - I hit 29mph on my new bike.  Maybe I'm hallucinating, or just misremembering because this isn't my favorite descent, but when approaching a favorite -2% grade, I decided to hit it a little harder.  Typically I'm pushing as HARD as I can on this decline to reach 30mph.  Without completely hammering my pedals as usual, I reached 32mph.  The synopsis - I LOVE this bike, and couldn't be happier with my purchase.  Jen got home and knew I had taken it out, not because it was covered with road grime (I cleaned it off afterwards), but because she said I had a huge smile on my face (I just love smiling - smiling's my favorite).  It was the perfect way to wrap up the work-week.  The weekend has a lot to live up to.

I think I've broken my promise of no long posts, but nonetheless I have to talk about my travelling experience this week.  We went to Chicago for 2 days of work.  I did a fantastic job of ordering soups, salads, and other fare that would not spoil my goals for the week. This was a big victory for me, because I typically hate ordering "healthy" food from restaurants since I know I can do a better job of creating more nutritional dishes.  When we got finished on site we went back to the hotel, and we discussed a 2 hour "break" before dinner.  I decided to cease the opportunity and get on the treadmill in the hotels.  About a mile into my run (I set out for 4), a (I'm not going to say "big") woman climbed aboard the treadmill next to me.  For around 12-14 minutes I didn't notice anything because I was engulfed in Harold and Kumar's light hearted journey to White Castle (was that Neil Patrick Harris?).  Over the numbing hum of the treadmill and Kumar's banter about how KFC just won't do - I hear a  faint "oh god".  Little had I noticed, but the "healthy" woman next to me had cranked up her speed to equal mine causing a heavy pant, and the occasional burst of language typically aimed at her deity.  I know what you're thinking...why were allowing Ms. Fitness 1984 to keep up with you...I'll remind you this is recovery week.  I was hovering around 3 miles when I noticed my plodding friend, and the remaining time on the treadmill I was just willing her to remain on the treadmill with all vitals functioning properly.  I could no longer enjoy the journey to White Castle, because I kept thinking the lady was going to fly off the treadmill "Biggest Loser" style and Ashton Kutcher was going to pop out of the closet to record my horrified reaction.  Alas, she maintained her pace, and backed off to a stop shortly after I did.  Sweet relief.  I finished up my abs routine and headed off to dinner thankful that I had finished my workout without having to explain to the paramedics that "no - I dont' know CPR".

That sums up my week thus far - and it was definitely a good one.  The cherry on top would be a Mizzou win over the evil empire known as Texas...Go Tigers!!!    

Winter Blues

It's happened, again.  Old fart winter (yes there is some disdain...keep reading) has reared his ugly head with ample snow, frigid temperatures, and oh-so wonderful driving conditions to/from work.  As a result, the winter training blues have grabbed hold and are doing their best to thwart my training efforts by enticing me with a warm bed, a comfy recliner, and re-runs of Family Guy.  As difficult as the training process is, it is further complicated (especially for me) by the fact that the first 2 months of the new year (for the most part) force training indoors.  Something you'll learn about me - I can't stand indoor training.  The rack (treadmill), and the torture wheel (trainer) have never been kind.  Even the fancy ones at the gym with a TV (where I can watch Family Guy) make me seasick to the point that I'd rather run into the nothingness with only my thoughts (OK thought). 

These facts give that little devil on my shoulder a little more pull than usual.  Come on - take the day off, sleep in, you've earned it, is that a cupcake??.  Alas, it seems every time 5am seems a little too early, my bike seat looks a little too hard, or I realize the treadmill hasn't magically been "misplaced" yet - I get that little e-mail notification that another kind soul has donated their hard earned $ to this cause.  I'm continually humbled by the generosity of others, and it keeps driving me on.  Thank you again to all who have donated thus far - I'm a little over 30% of my goal, and the season hasn't even "officially" kicked-off yet!!!

My training plan at this point is week-to-week, but nonetheless I haven't missed a session.  I'm now about 8lb down (which includes all of my holiday weight), I can finish P90x plyometrics without seeing spots, and I'm noticeably less winded during the workout warm-ups.

I did decide on Saturday that I (and more importantly Truman) had endured enough treadmill and deserved a break (no...not that stray cupcake).  We ventured outside to run the snow covered streets Rocky IV style.  Da-da dana-da-dana-da-dana-da...I was hoping to get chased by a Russian in a Mercedes (though I did almost get hit by an explorer - the driver looked French).  I threw on my hoodie, 2 pairs of socks, and shoes that have NO business being used as running shoes and hit the "mean" streets of Wildwood West.  Truman certainly shares my sentiment about indoor training, because he was smiling at me almost the entire time, I wish I had a camera.  Running in the snow is hard and probably a little dangerous, but sometimes unorthodox measures are the best means.  We got in about 4 miles that included a dead sprint up the steepest hill in the land to get a baseline of my maximum heart rate - 200bpm (Truman's pant rate got to 187 ppm...I still maintain I'm in better shape, but he has 4-wheel drive).

On another positive note - Jen has completed her last chemotherapy session, and survived both the "this SUCKS" phase and "no immune system" phase.  She's feeling better, and energy levels are continually rising.  She  had her follow up scans and we should get the results this week - expecting to hear no more cancer, and the radiation is just to "ZAP" any last traces.

It's week 4, which will serve as a bit of a recovery week.  I still feel pretty fresh, so I'm not planning to tone it back much, however I am looking forward to a shake-up of my routines.  I also am facing the first challenge of travelling for work - I'll be in Chicago for 2 days, and need to improvise to get my workouts in while avoiding fried food when eating out.  Wish me luck!   

Training has begun

It's official, training and fundraising has both begun in full force.  Maybe not in FULL force for training - you don't realize how far you fall off until you try to get back on - they should include that as a disclaimer to the age old saying that if  you fall off you just have to get back on (is there a way I can brand that?). 

Anyways, I've started doing some swimming, biking, and running combined with p90x for strength training.  Couldn't maintain my normal pace while running, had trouble in drills on the bike, and swimming was BRUTAL.  I swam at the YMCA late on Wednesday, and it was just me and the lifeguard.  I could tell he was annoyed (what - are you going to close early???).  I could feel him roll his eyes while I churned my arms futilely propelling myself clumsily through the water.  To be honest, I was a little relieved he was there, but luckily he wasn't needed.  P90x has been the real eye opener.  For those who have done it - you know you have to track your progress on things like push-ups, pull-ups, and heavy pants (seriously...that's what it's called) from week-to-week.  I keep looking at my week 12 recordings from last year and shaking my head, because I can't even do half of what I was once able to.  I'm confident I'll get there though the difficult part is being patient.  Tomorrow I get up for plyometrics at 5:00am - YAY!

As far as fundraising - my e-mail campaign has really produced so far, Thank you so much to those who have donated - it's really cool to feel the support.  I'm at 25% of my goal, which is AWESOME according to my fundraising mentor - especially since I haven't even attended the summer TNT season kick-off yet.  I still have a long way to go, and will be nervous about this thing up until I hit my goal, but if I have to go blue blocking (a more PC name for pan-handling) on Barry Road, I will - or maybe I'll sell pixy stix and 5-hour energies at high school track meets (is that legal)?   

My New Chariot

 After months (OK years) of toying with the notion of getting a triathlon specific bike, the opportunity was finally presented to me, and thanks to a shove in the right direction by my wonderful wife - I finally pulled the trigger.  After the whole purchasing process (believe me it was a process), and my fitting, I brought it home today.  Not only is it MY new hotness, this bike is THE new hotness.  Trek's new Speed Concept 7.2.  So this bike has been 2 years in the making, and during its development only guys like Chris Lieto (famous triathlete), and Lance Armstrong (if you don't know who he is...stop reading my blog - j/k) were allowed access to it.  OK, it's not exactly the bike those dignitaries rode (that would be the 9.9 series), but it's as close as I can get, and I'm excited.  

Now new bikes have a kind of sticky grease layer on their transmission which usually works its way off and you replace with a more slick grease to keep it running smoothly.  However, usually you don't bring it home in the back of a truck with sandbags that have a little (hidden) leak. 

You know the feeling you have after playing sand volleyball?  Well that's what my bike had to feel like.  You can imagine - sand EVERYWHERE!!!  As awful as it was and as mad as I was at myself, after some time with a toothbrush, some WD-40, and the garden hose (yes it is 24 degrees outside), I was able to get it back to its new condition (at far as I can tell).

So there it is - the bike that will take me from T1 to T2 in Philadelphia.  I can't wait until I get to ride it outside (Damn you winter!!!), but until then it will live here in our living room on the trainer where its engine will continue to tune up.

Happy New Year! (Introduction to the Blog)

Well, I decided to start this blog to document this whole journey, and although I officially have no followers at this point (is that sad?) I figured I better go ahead and throw up a post today. What better time to get started than on the first day of the new year, right?

Since this is my first "official" post, and am new to the whole blogger thing, perhaps this is as good a time/place as any to explain the point of this particular endeavour (I promise future posts won't be this long):

I started endurance racing (and I use the term racing loosely, because I'm NOT fast) a few years ago. Through the natural progression I established that my sport of choice was triathlon (swimming is boring, there aren't a ton of cycling events in the mid-west, and running seems so "everyday", but when you combine them somehow it all seems a little more tolerable). Realizing that more can come of these events than personal gains, I started to explore racing for a cause which lead me to LLS - Team in Training (TNT), check out the link up top. Ironically while contemplating whether or not I wanted to commit to doing the fundraising required by this program (which is really not my bag), my wife (Jen) was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although no one wants to be diagnosed with cancer, (a startling statistic exists that 1 in 3 people will realize "I have cancer" at one point in their life) if you're going to get one - this is the one to wish for. She is currently undergoing the successful treatment of the disease, and we expect a full recovery after a few more crappy months (occasionally I'll include updates to her journey) After the emotion of dealing with that realization, and also the conclusion that everything was going to be alright, I concluded that working with TNT was a small way to give back. It really made the previous decision I was waffling over easy - and here we are! I'm hoping to use this blog as a way to share my thoughts on triathlon training, fundraising, dealing with cancer, etc. in hopes to connect with those who are gracious enough to donate to this cause. Full disclosure - it may not last, because I'm not sure how much time/energy it's worth and really if anyone cares all that much to read about it.

Anyways - this is supposed to be about current happenings, right? Well, Jen isn't feeling well today (3rd day removed from her 7th chemo treatment) which is pretty standard operating procedure. Mostly tired, but a little nauseous (this is the worst part of this whole thing for me - the inability to really make anything better). Although I don't officially have a training plan established yet, Truman (the dog) seemed to be looking at me like "we're doing no good here", so I took him out for a quick run. No goals, just to get out of the house. It was a nice day besides being a little cold, and the run went well. I usually run across dog walkers, walkers, runners, kids, squirrels, etc. in our neighborhood, but being national hangover day - there was absolutely no one - I mean vacant streets. So, unfortunately, relatively uneventful today, but I feel like as I begin to write these I'll start looking for/noticing those little idiosyncrasies that are typically overlooked to describe.

That all for now - until next time (if there is a next time:))

Happy New Year!