Thanksgiving...With My Homeboys...Random Bloggin

I am looking forward to spending several days with my boys... We are heading south to eat a ton of food (not really CV), relax, play some poker, workout everyday, and spend quality time with the family. I have a lot to be thankful about...I have an awesome support crew extending far and wide. Family, friends, coach, etc. You guys and gal are all awesome!!!!

I have spent quite a bit of time reflecting on the past couple of years. As far as racing, I didn't all last year. No structured training, nothing. I came to realize I miss it. Quite a bit. Perhaps it was a needed break. I left 2007, feeling extremely fit and in the best shape of my life. I had great results in training, made huge gains from placing 4th overall , winning my age-group, to a disaster in Morgantown Half (heart cath), to disaster at Luvall (marathon walk). Thankfully, I am healthy both physically and mentally.

I love this puzzle we call Ironman. You put in so much time and energy into training for a single day that can go well or fall apart. That's the attraction for me. Solving problems and thus....

I have decided to enter another Ironman for next year. I was settled on IMAZ until it sold out in 20 minutes (work did get in the way of registering!!!). So now I am looking at bringing it to Luvall (I have some unfinished business down there) for 2010. I am familiar with the course, have family that lives there (means CHEAP), and was extremely dissapointed in 2007 with my result. Hell, I was dissapointed in a lot of ways in 2007 with all the up and down moments. Motivation is easy. I know I can do well. I know how much fun it is to race when you have people out cheering you on wanting to be there supporting you. I can't freaking wait!!!

On top of IMLOU, I am thinking of racing mostly local events. Nothing solid yet...Im not going over the top. Just a drop in hear and there. I do like the idea of TTT again (camping with kids could be fun if they are up to it), a half-ironman somewhere in between, and certainly the Capital City Half marathon around the corner. My focus right now is on running...and getting the volume back. I need to become light on my feet. So much work to do, but damn it's fun to train with a purpose.

It did take me a while to figure out if I have the mental energy to train long, train hard, be focused, and still be a great dad. What I came to realize was that I like to train and race. I have an awesome coach who can make you really, really fast (it's all relative...for me I seem fast!)I have to be flexible and willing to adapt. Early morning's will be my friend. I will also be on the indoor trainer a ton! As far as the Dad part, I have no doubt about that...

On that note, it's time to bulk up for winter. Turkey, Turkey, Turkey.

Ithaca...A friend sent this to me...Posted on Chrissie's blog as well...I find deep meaning in this...

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon — do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Then pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many,
that you will enter ports seen for the first time
with such pleasure, with such joy!
Stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony,
and pleasurable perfumes of all kinds,
buy as many pleasurable perfumes as you can;
visit hosts of Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from those who have knowledge.

Always keep Ithaca fixed in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for long years;
and even to anchor at the isle when you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would never have taken the road.
But she has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not defrauded you.
With the great wisdom you have gained, with so much experience,
you must surely have understood by then what Ithacas mean.

-K. P. Kavafis (C. P. Cavafy)

Motivation - Courtesy of My Training Partner