Can Ya Dig it?

Before I get to all the exciting race information, I've got to start off by mentioning how easy it is to maintain a garden.  Obviously, it's not completely sustainable unless you've really got a good system going on BUT it's pretty rewarding when you get some goodies.  Not only do you get the reward of eating your own creation, you get to play with chicken crap!  I mean who isn't pumped up about some hearty chicken poop for fertilizer? Anyway, I definitely have a lot to learn, mostly when it comes to proper veggie spacing. Plus there is a fiendish cat that consistently paws around, tearing up my beets. I can't take full credit though, I have some cool friends helping me water the crops and keeping the bugs away.  So onward to better things!

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The past 4 weeks of racing have been full of emotion, laughs, large bowel movements and sleepless nights.  For St. Anthony's Triathlon I hosted some great friends for the race.  I'll have to remember to stock up on toilet paper before I have a lot of triathletes around....dead serious.  So anyway,race week was pretty typical, light training and an attempt at a "taper week".  Taper week is quite telling and often hard to nail down, plus it's hard to break routine.  Since I'm so used to working out at a certain volume and intensity, it's hard to throttle back BUT it is very important to "Chill Dude".  Not only for the physical side but for the mental aspect as well.  It's smart to remember the hard training days where your legs feel like tenderized meat and reflect on the hard work you've put in.  My favorite aspect of training is recovery! It typically allows for some delicious meals and some nice couch time.  It's a legitimate reason to be a little lazy. My race at St Anthony's wasn't the best representation of my fitness or capabilities, yet I managed to thoroughly enjoy the event.  As far as talent goes, this race is a magnet for the best athletes in the US.  If this race were made of red meat, it would be a very tender and succulent filet mignon OR if you're a veggie lover....it's a Simons black bean burger (the best I've ever had).  All nonsense aside, this event delivers a piece of humble pie....topped with "you need to get faster" whipped cream.  I'm waiting to have a stellar race and I think it's going to come down to a little different approach mentally.  Being injury free would totally help too.  The pictures tell a decent story.  Great people, positive energy and most importantly everyone, including me, ended up doing better than they had in previous years.  What else could anyone want? Despite a shortened swim, the overall weather turned out perfect! I ALSO managed to score a brand new Aero Helmet for free from Louis Garneau...they deserve some love for that one.  Also, had a GREAT time with the St Pete Mad Dogs on the Wednesday prior to the big race.

The following weekend, another of my favorite events was held; The Florida International Triathlon.  Typically it's two weeks after St. Anthony's, however this year it fell on following weekend.  This wasn't really the coolest decision I've made, since the week also included a Time Trial and some NEEDED intervals on the Alter-G Treadmill.  Needless to say, If I was a piece of toast, I would be burnt.  I'd also like to add that I felt like 10 pounds of crap in a 5 pound bag. Even if the decision wasn't too hot, I wanted to come check out the new venue and wear the #1 I had earned from a victory last year.  Two other races decided 5 May was a good day for a race too...so this once popular event took a bit of a hit.  None the less, a wonderful training day and FINALLY a relaxing weekend!  My friend Jesse invited a bunch of our friends to a beach condo in Siesta Key Village.  While everyone was out partying their faces off, we enjoyed the view but not the a-typical colder weather.  All I wanted was to crush the swim, do whatever I could on the bike and possibly not suck on the run.  In the end I accomplished my goals and despite my energy being zapped, I was able to win.  This event should grow once again considering it's a one of the BEST venues for triathlon.  Nathan Benderson Park will be a premier Olympic rowing facility and bids are already in for more ITU races.  It's a very "fast" location with perfect amenities for fans.  So now it's finally time to wind down for 1/2 a day and then get amped for Armed Forces National Championship in June.  It's time to rid myself of injury and become yet again.....a fast freaking runner!  The new diet will consist of bullion cubes and water, this will expedite "race weight".  Oh and by the way, the new Giro air attack is pretty cool...don't hate.