True story, it's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to write an update!  It's been heavy on my mind though, so although I'm super tired and would much rather sleep, I'll knock out this little piece of literature.  The main reason I MUST complete this is because there are soo many good things ahead, some things must be relayed immediately.   
I've been busy with the following:
- Post Ragnar Injury
- Personal Trainer Certification (5 others to follow)
- Small Business planning X2
- Being a Father (to my dogs)

 Fun Fact: Let me start off by saying if you find yourself in a conversation and  "to make a long story short" rolls off your tongue, you've already made the story too long!  Moving on, there have been many changes/realizations in my life.  It all started when my housemate left for Air Force basic training (3 weeks ago).  Since then, things kinda got hectic.  The dogs need way more attention, the house is always empty and no one plays video games with me (which rarely happens anyway) but life goes on.  As far as my injury goes (medial shin splints), I've been working like mad to get healthy and lose the "freshman 15" I gained from December.  Essentially, I've been riding the bike a lot (appx 575 miles in 1.5 weeks) and swimming a butt load (20000 yds weekly). A fellow Air Force Triathlon member and his cycling club came down to Clermont for a visit.  We put in some great miles over 3 days. (50 Friday, 75 Saturday, 100 Sunday). Recently, I started running on the Alter G treadmill and have seen some really interesting results.  Odds are that some changes to my form have added to the injury, but this treadmill allows me to run at 70% (or whatever I set it to) of my body weight.  Additionally, I get weekly massages and have a Chiropractor perform some active release.  Check out Dr Scott Rubin for all your Chiro needs!

My favorite way to start the day is with some good energy/Baristas and delicious coffee/baked goods.  Both of the above places make my FAVORITE list because number one...Banyan has a cup with my name on it and secondly, Jessica, owner of Jett City Espresso makes the most amazing creations EVER (scones/salads/drinks).  Either way, if your day isn't better from visiting these establishments, there is something VERY wrong with you! I also have to say It's always the most amazing feeling when someone picks up the tab for my coffee.  It's happened 2 times this week when I've been in uniform.  It means so much to me that people support what we do! (High five!)

Additionally, I picked up a GU sponsorship and Honey Stinger sponsorship.  Totally amazing that these companies reach their hands out to make racing more cost effective.  Flying Fish bike shop totally hooked me up with some great new cycling shoes, plus they ALWAYS make sure my cycling needs are met. They also don't ex-communicate you for having friends from other bike shops.  Since I love healthy fuel for racing, I signed up as a member for Jesse Thomas's Picky Bars.  The ingredients are stellar and support a very talented athletes endeavors.  I suggest you sign up as a member and receive your treats every month.  They are like Cliff bars but better X 100000. 

All in all, I wanted to get it all the good people who support me recognized.  The list is very long, there are even more...but they will all have their time to be written about.  Life is so incredibly short and seemingly insignificant, however the memories and bonds we share, make life quite unique and worth taking time to appreciate.  I heard somewhere that we base around 80% of our happiness on the relationships we share with others.  I guess that explains why lonely people aren't really happy....DUH!  Surround yourself with positive people! Also....eat good food!

This picture says it all.  I shed a tear every time I think "a small child has seen Hank Campbell in a speedo".  However ridiculous we may look, I assure you we took this more serious any anyone in the history of Ragnar Key West.  Not only did we WIN the "fun run", we came in over 2 hours ahead of the next 12 man team.  That's right, over the course of 197 miles we literally ran past over 6 thousand people (probably) and it ONLY took us 22 hours and some change.  This year we incorporated 1 full time driver and 1 full research team from Barry University.  We were turned into sweaty, butt fungus, smelly armpit test subjects.  This year was much warmer and the humidity was stifling.  I think the only thing we really needed to bring more of was dry towels.  Around 3 am, we'd all been through 2 or 3 legs of hard running, that's when the reality set in.  Someone may literally die (probably Owen, but hopefully Gus).  The highs and lows throughout the race will forever be remembered.  From being lethargic, to  feeling like a king (5 hour energy) we certainly had to rally our "man goods" to finish this race on a high note.  I'd like to highlight that this years race lacked severe IBS (squatting in random grassy areas), a van that smelled of dead people (6 runners in a minivan), air humping and near death experiences.  Having two vans and "dedicated" drivers, made the trip 100% better.  There was however, lots of blood.  Our trustee scientist from South Africa took over 30 blood samples from each runner over the course of the trip.  

To sum up Ragnar Relay, Key West, I'd like to say that despite us not really "winning" anything spectacular, the memories and true BROner love will always make me want to do it again. I had to remind everyone on the team that "Winning at this race, isn't really that cool".  However true that may be, it's important to me that we smashed everyone else and seriously pushed hard to finish at the top.  I'm more than proud to have raced with such a great group!  I think it also goes without saying that the after party and awards ceremony brought out all the important people from Tampa who support us! My friends are such a great support group and really gave the Broners some great love!  Thank you!!

If you've never met me, you should know that I LOVE making homemade pizza and taking pictures before I eat it.  Not sure why the pictures are important, but I like to look back at them from time to time and smile at that delicious pie.  I' made a great new pizza with an avocado base, roasted veggies and salsa, topped with an egg.  Quite a delicious mexican pizza!

SOOOOO it's back to reality.  December, brought some seriously amazing memories, lots of beer, delicious meals with great people and about 5 pounds of belly fat (which I already lost).  It's time to plan out the next few months, which are sure to be tremendous.  My Mom and Dad are visiting, I have a Half Marathon, Half Ironman in Puerto Rico, cycling camp and many many many miles ahead....(hopefully I am able to run again soon)