My Training Partners

Vacation! Getting Fat Once Again!

Loving every minute of my time off! I haven't thought much about working out, but surprisingly I have fit in a few good sessions.

So far, we have enjoyed trips to an amusement park, went boating/tubing, and today we are headed for a kayak adventure. This wasn't a "typical" vacation, but one that has certainly re-charged my batteries, and has been fantastic.

The down side is I have very few pictures, but the upside is, I have a ton of memories.

Off to kayak, and thinking about Rocky Mountain National Park!

Nutrition and Hydration

If my buddy (you know who you are) is reading this.....Hydrate more pal. You were almost left for the wolves on Sat. You are not a camel!

In all seriousness, good time riding bro.

And Curran - you fall into this category as well. I know you eat, but dude, do you ever drink?

Over my last several workouts, I have been constantly reminded of the need to properly fuel (water and food). Unfortunately for me, I have been one of the worst offenders of not fueling properly lately. I kinda lost some mojoe since my last Ironman and started to slack off...but it's time to do the work on the nutrition front as well.

So I decided to post a few good links on fueling. Stolen from the web!

I will never forget talking with Peter Reid about his determination and focus on training. He was very quick to add that nutrition played a big role to his success and you have to treat it like it's the 4th sport. I tend to listen to folks who are over-achievers and learn from them. Why did I stop???

I can recall several discussions with Chuckie on this very topic. Heck, spend some time on his blog and it won't take long for you to see his Caveman approach and attitude towards fueling. He get's pissed if you don't pace and fuel properly. Anyway, I just needed to refresh my own view towards eating and fueling well as I am looking to start bringing my A game back.

Some bookmarks I keep on hand:

Nutrition Articles
http://chuckiev.blogspot.com/2008/01/nutrition-notes_08.html

http://tritrainingfrenzy.blogspot.com/2007/11/my-thoughts-on-fueling-real-food-for.html

http://www.endurancecorner.com/library/nutrition/sports_nutrition_part4

Common Mistakes
http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/nutrition/hydration-top-5-mistakes-000701.php

Dangers of Dehydration
http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Fitness/dehydrate.htm

Mountain Biking is Tough

Met up with a few good buddies and hit the trails for a 2.5 hour ride. Rode hard and became acquainted with the ground quite a few times. So much in fact, I thought about just staying on the ground.

I am still trying to get the hang of it. Much different than road riding and I enjoy it quite a bit even while doing a superman over the bars and sliding 15 feet down the side of the mountain! Yes, sign me up every time!

A few positives, I felt strong and had a ton of energy. I was thinking I would be hurting since I had a long run in the heat on Friday, but overall, legs felt quite good. Super excited to be constantly moving and just enjoying this sport again! Still no pool, need to find it again!

Small Training Update...No Couch Potato

My training has gotten back on track....well maybe not a fast track, but slowly I have been ramping up the volume and consistency. I am so happy to be training again!

I have been very consistent over the last several weeks. I am getting my run back to a decent length and duration without feeling like crap. Bike has been ok. Still no long rides, but that will come. My swim has been.....well.....lacking. However, I am training a little EVERYDAY!

It helps that I have met a few good training partners and friends. It's been good to be challenged and have something to look forward to each day. I have enjoyed the sunrises and even a few sunsets on the occasional long run. I have also been hitting some trails and that has been great!

Still no races planned for this year (may pop into a sprint or something small key). A few good friends of mine are asking that I enter a 70.3 next year in St. Croix. I am really considering it, and still thinking about what I plan for next year. Perhaps an Ironman, perhaps the Ultraman, perhaps I could become a couch potato or Mr. Potato.

Short update, but heck....my mind is back, my body is feeling good, and I am loving the training!

Today was 1 hour and 45min run. Well, more of a shuffle, walk, run.

Later

Failure Leads To Success

Why Do Dogs Pee on Fire Hydrants?

This was the question I was asked by my youngest son today! Kids always amaze me! I wasn't positive on why dogs pee on fire hydrants...but had a good idea....so needless to say it was a bit difficult to answer....

I thought to myself to say...go "Google" it buddy. That statement is sad in more ways than one...but that's another rant on another day..

So, the old man went to trusty "Google". According to Answerbag:

...it's like a tree stump in a city. Dogs normally mark on trees, but cities have few of them so hydrants will do. They would pee on signposts but they are too narrow so they would miss. Hydrants are nice and fat, and just the right size. When they sniff hydrants they gather all kinds of information.... like Pippi the poodle was there that day and she's in heat, or that Boris the wolfhound has a bladder infection or that Max the pit bull had fish for dinner. They sniff dried pee to gather data, the same way we surf the internet to learn about the world.

So, Jackson...there ya go buddy! You made my day with that question!

It's all about the little things in life, and for me, there are three of them! The joy my boys bring to me each and every day is something I will always be grateful for.

Now, I just need to make sure he isn't trying to pee on a fire hydrant...