2010 is on!

This week's warm weather has created a small case of spring fever! It was especially nice to get off the trainer and actually ride on the road twice this week! Very strange to be riding in 70 degree weather and still see piles of snow on the ground in Georgia.

Unfortunately the Lake lanier Temps are still in the 50's but starting to slowly creep toward the 60s which will be later this month hopefully. Need to get out of the pool and in the lake! I really want see how the Tri Slide works with the wetsuit! I've already use it in lieu of Glide several times and it works pretty damn well!

Looks like this is the Race schedule for 2010. I'm trying to figure a way to fit in Cedar Pointe in Sep but work is not cooperating. Not included are several smaller 5ks and a trail run or two spread throughout the season. The big question is will I be able to train for both road and off road races......I guess we'll see about that one! Whatever!

Apr 17 2010, Xterra DU, Tribble Mill, Lawrenceville, Ga
Apr 25 2010, Xterra TRI, Ft Yargo, Winder, Ga
May 8-9 2010, Rev 3 TTI, Knoxville, Tn
May 29 2010, *Xterra DU, Fort Yargo, Winder, Ga
Jun 19 2010, *Xterra DU, Chicopee Woods, Gainesville, Ga
Aug 14 2010, Fools Gold 100/50 Mile Mtn Bike Race, Dahlonega. Ga
Sep 26 2010, Six Gap Century, Dahlonega, Ga
Oct 7 2010, Lake lanier TRI, Buford, Ga
Oct 2010, Dirty Spokes 12/6, Mountain Bike Race, Helen, Ga
Nov 2010, Beach 2 Battleship, Wilmington, NC

The Trakkers Pro Team is already on fire with its second victory of the 2010 triathlon season. Brian Fleischmann took the victory at the USAT Elite Developmental Race down in Clermont, Florida. Just hope I'll be able to contribute a few strong finishes this year!

Snowfall

I walked outside of my office to see the large quarter sized flakes slowly cascading to the ground bonding with the almost unbroken white blanket that covered nearly everything. In only a short period of time an inch of snow had already accumulated and more was promised. A few minutes earlier the boss decided to release everyone from work early so as not to have to risk driving the long treacherous ice and snow covered mountain road back to Dahlonega, which was bound to worsen as the day progressed. This was the fourth major snowfall of the year in North Georgia causing schools and businesses to close. Our small quaint little town will most likely take on a festive type atmosphere as college students freed from classes take to the parade field and compete to see which group can form the largest snowball as they usually do on a snow day. Several years ago I remember driving by and seeing what had to have been a 15’ snowball on the parade field along with several lesser 7 footers scattered about. Today would probably be no different.
The sight outside my office was beautiful… The long cascading waterfall next to my office was flanked on either side by snow covered rocks. Icicles were beginning to form on the dripping rocks that overlook the falls. Immediately I wished I had my camera as the view was post card like. In some was it was a shame to have to walk to my truck and break the smooth white covering with my footprints. I couldn’t help but think how beautiful it was…..and how breathtaking…..and how cold….and wet…..and how it also means……. another F@*!*^g trainer ride. Damn I’m ready for summer……

Good new is that despite the crappy weather here in the south, training is in full swing and I feel as healthy as I ever had for this time of year even though my bike base is slightly down. I was pretty skeptical at first however I think the switch to from Pearl Izumi shoes to Saucony has helped me as my foot pain while running has been reduced drastically. I poured back over my logs recently and although I have been dealing with calf problems for several years now I believe the foot problems (Plantar issues) were caused by my running shoes as it coincided with the switch to a new model of PI shoes. So BIG thumbs up to Sacony shoes. Can’t wait to get new trail shoes as the season’s first Xterra is next month!

I also can’t wait until 21 March! Aside from it being ING weekend, I’ve signed on for Carole’s swim clinic she’s running in Atlanta. This will be the first time I have EVER had ANY swim coaching or instruction. Should be fun and interesting…….or maybe embarrassing……or whatever….man….it can’t make me swim any worse, that’s for sure!