Merry Christmas Everybody

First let me apologize to the Maddens. I believe that I never responded either way to their offer to host a gathering at their house. That was truly inconsiderate of me. I am doing sit ups right now as punishment.

Work has been pretty crazy as my clients are trying to get things resolved by year end. Since September, we have added four associates to the firm and I have been running around dealing with stuff. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel (ie, December 31st).

I hope that you all have been able to continue your workouts as I think I left mine in Toronto (or Houston). Having signed up for Philly and Nations, I realize that by January I better start getting in gear or I will drown in a river.

Here is a picture of the girls for Christmas...I am off to Houston again for hopefully my last trip of the year. Oh wait, I may have to be in Kansas City for a meeting...ugh...

Merry Christmas!

Cool Bike Accessory for the Holidays

http://www.sahalie.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=13115&keyword=78426

Cool looking lights... imagine if they had pink for a certain bike rider

SK

Gobble, Gobble

Happy Turkey Day!! =) Hope that everyone is having a GREAT Thanksgiving with friends, family, strangers etc.! This morning I ran the Albemarle, North Carolina 8K Turkey Trot... it was as exciting as it sounds.... it was FREEZING!! Although warmer than last Sunday... that's for sure! My time was 50min38sec... not horrible considering my sore knee... my brother actually examined my knee and it doesn't look like my IT band is messed up... YEAH!!! Sad news... my meniscus is torn. =( The only fix is surgery... but great news is I can't mess it up more!! It just will hurt. Such is life...

What's the word on holiday plans?

Philadelphia Triathlon 2009

Hello Team! I just wanted to let you all know that I signed up for the Philly Tri-Olympic race. It isn't cheap, but I like the race itself, being so close to home and it is something to gauge myself from year to year.

Now that I signed up and shelled out the cash, I have something to start planning for. I am sure that you marathoners will have no problem, but for the rest of us...

Congratulations to those that ran on Sunday. It was wicked cold outside and I completely bow down in absolute admiration for your dedication. I, however, fixed a leaky toilet and re-potted three indoor plants. Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations.

It Ain't No Fun...

...when you get chicken pox. Yes, apparently it takes about 12 days for chicken pox to present. Luckily I recognized it within 24 hours of the first outbreak, so the it isn't too bad. That being said, it wasn't part of my training program.

Philadelphia Marathon ???

Hello Friends,

Two miles into my 12 mile Sunday morning training run I pulled up lame with a sore left calf muscle. I had felt some discomfort and stop to rub it out then continued to run. After another 1/2 mile I could no longer push off the ground with my left leg without feeling great pain in my lower calf. I was barely able to walk out of the park where my friend Laurie picked me up with her car and drove me back to my car. I drove home and RICEd the leg for the remainder of the day. Monday I saw Dr Moyer of Temple Sports Medicine (he fixed my broken leg 15 years ago). I have a partial tear of the gastrocnemius muscle. How much of a partial tear is the BIG question. Dr Moyer has set up a program for me to re-habilitate the leg in 12 days. That will take me to Sunday morning November 23. We all know what day that is. I am in a full lower leg walking cast boot. I start swimming tonight with no kicking and slow on pressure spinning on Wednesday night. I have to warm the leg up first for 15 minutes with a warm/hot moist towel wrap then ice for 30 minutes afterwards. At all other times I must try to keep the leg elevated and with the compression boot on. I am also wearing a full length toe to top thigh compression stocking. I ice the leg every hour for 15 minutes. Do this for the next 12 days then on the morning of November 23 I can remove the boot and try to run. I am allowed to continue running as long as I have no pain in the lower calf. If pain starts I have to stop. Dr Moyer says it all depends on how much tearing occurred before I stopped running last Sunday morning. I am going to try and make the marathon happen but I am not going to jeopardize next summers ironman. What a bummer, I was so excited about the Philadelphia Marathon. Now, I do not know what will happen. Philadelphia Marathon ???

Interesting article

Triathlon making the front page of the Washington Post... =)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/09/AR2008110902071.html?sid=ST2008110902085&s_pos=

Longaberger Raffle for Arrowhead Elementary

Hi everyone. I am raffling off this Longaberger Basket to help raise money for Arrowhead Elementary School. Please let me know if you are interested in buying a raffle ticket.

This is an Oval Market Basket in the Rich Brown color. It includes two bottles of wine (YellowTail Shiraz and Chardonnay), 2 wine glasses and 3 bottle stoppers from Pier 1, a corkscrew, wine charms (that look like mini Christmas tree ornaments) and wine tags from Pottery Barn, Planters Mixed Nuts, Hickory Farms cheese, and a box of fancy crackers. It is all worth over $150.

Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20.

Let me know if you are interested. You can mail me your donation. And you do not have to be present to win. Thanks!

Random posts from Chuck

I love how Chuck tries to sneak in a random post at the bottom of one that already had 15 comments! Good work Chuck!

In reference to that post...I, too, have a ton of Halloween candy left over and I made an agreement with myself that I could keep eating it this week and then maybe get serious about my diet next week.

I've taken Pilates three times this week so tomorrow I need to either do cardio or lift weights. What has everyone else been doing? I assume Dave is logging some serious miles! Bernadette should be preparing for her upcoming 8K. Michaelle & Shannon, have you started training for Disney yet?

As we discussed at brunch, please send me your birthdays and also let me know if you have '09 race dates already and then I will update the main page.

Anyone else want to post some random comments?

Anyone busy March 22nd?

Just curious if anyone would be up for running the Shamrock Half-Marathon in Virginia Beach... LOTS of beer since it near St.Paddy's day... let me know... the half fills up quickly....

SK

"A Nice Day for a White Wedding"

Here it is the wedding photo you have all been waiting for. The paparazzi found the secret location and have been paid millions for the celluloid. The beautiful bride was wearing a strapless white gown, an original from the USAT collection. The T3 veil and Sidi shoes were perfection in style and grace. Wedding rings were design by the well known LLS. Necklace and earings (from registration goodie bag) were viewed in admiration by all spectators.

The very happy groom looked dashing in his Zoot suit, Louis Garneau jersey, specialized shoes and was elated with his trophy (wife). Eric was heard to say he was expecting a PR.

The weather was perfect and ceremony delightful, while the church was a perfect podium for the starting point of their new life together.

Best wishes Beth and Eric from your tri-buddies.

Come on now

Hey, folks. We can't let Beth get back from her honeymoon only to see the same old post! What's going on out there? Am I the only one who's only working out twice per week? Down from three times?

Shannon's due in town on Nov 1 for a scheduled card night, followed by the bridge run on Sunday. I'm looking forward to seeing her, Nicole and Shannon Hanley. Anyone want to meet up sometime Sunday?

Bernadette, if you email me the photos you took I'll get them up on a post. Or start a new post and click the photo icon to add.

Is it too early to talk about the 2009 Season

I know it has been a slow with new posts. For that, I apologize. I would like to tell you that I have been training so much that I haven't had time to post but that hasn't been the case. Work, kids, employees and travel have pretty much thrown my schedule into a funk. However good news (for me) is on the way. I have hired a woman to get the girls from school and help me until 7ish. I know I could take the girls to the childcare center at the Y, but that just seems too much for them and gave me no time with the kids. So starting next Monday, I am back into exercising multiple days a week.

Like you all, I am starting to get emails and notices about the 2009 triathlon races and I want to see what everyone is planning on doing. This is my current plan (subject to material changes) Broad Street, Blackbear (May-sprint), Philly (June-Olympic), New Jersey (July-Olympic)and Nations-DC (September-Olympic). I know, like all of you, that Philly was a bit disappointing last year. But it is here at home and I do like the course layout. I also want to see if I can improve my times again this year. Blackbear and New Jersey registration are currently open. I know that Beth had talked about a race in Upstate NY and would like to get that on the calendar too. What is everyone's plan?

Fun Fall Run

Last year I participated in the Run the Ben Franklin 10K and had a great time... it is on Nov 2 this year and I am going to run it again (it will actually be the FIRST time I put on my running shoes after the marathon... my training plan has me running 6miles that day... guess I will walk that .2)

Here's the link http://www.runthebridge.org/site4.aspx

It would be fun if folks joined me...

Houston we have landed

I am sure that you all heard about Hurricane Ike. I will give you three guesses as to where I have ended up this week as a result. It is hot here, almost 90 and feels it. I am right next to Rice University and will try to go running tomorrow morning. Taking the girls to the mountains this weekend. Bonfires, marshmellows, fishing and walking through the woods...It doesn't get any better than that.

Nation's Triathlon & Check-In

Hey everyone...

Figured it was time for a new post... I hope everyone had a great weekend. It was awesome seeing Michaelle work her volunteer magic at the Nation's triathlon on both Saturday and Sunday. =) Race weekend was a BLAST and I highly recommend you sign-up for the race next year... it sells out super fast... so sign-up early!! Despite the horrible heat and humdity... UGH!!... all three legs of the race were fun. The swim was easy going against the current (who knew) and filled with lots rough, choppy waves on the second leg... but still fun! =) The bike course was GREAT...only one loop, mostly flat... some small hills but nothing major and nice sights to check out... plus a completely closed course throughout DC and a little part of Maryland! The run was flat... but no shade and those miserable weather conditions made it a challenge. Thankfully, DC FireDept. set up rain tents for us to run through... which they forced people to do in an effort to keep those core temps. down... lots of water, powerade, gu and other supplies helped too. Fun finishing with the Capt. building right behind you.... despite not having done a serious bike ride since the NJ State triathlon in July and with limited swimming... I did have PR time of 3hrs and 27minutes.... which was just about the average finishing time... if the weather had not been evil... my time would have been better since my run leg was PAINFUL!!

What's the word up in Philly? Anything new and exciting... this week's training for me is three 5 mile runs (Tue, Wed, Thur); swim on Thur, soccer on Friday night and Saturday afternoon and a 19mile run on Saturday morning... I am very excited my week runs are now decreasing... I CAN FEEL THE TAPER COMING ON!! =) (the down side of that means the marathon is not far away... OMG!)

2nd Week of September

Hello all.

I hope that as the "season" winds it way down that all are doing well. As for myself, it has been crazy with the girls starting school and hurricane season at work. On Sunday at 8am, the Philadelphia Tri Club and Bryn Mawr Running Company are having runs that range from 5 miles to 14 miles for those preparing for full and half-marathons. I am going to try and run the 5 mile. They say they are going to group the people together by ability. The are also supposed to have a running clinic. After the run enjoy some snacks provided by BMRC while you take advantage of the knowledgeable staff as they analyze your gait to ensure you are running in the shoe that is appropriate for your biomechanics. Since I have never had a running coach and my technique is pretty much follows the "one foot in front of the other" approach, I think that it can't hurt. Although none of you are PTCers, I am sure that would not be considered a problem if you came.

Through a friend of mine, I got a season ticket for the Eagles this year. Yesterday's game was a lot of fun, as we tailgated prior to the game. If anyone is actually going to a game this year and would care to join me for a beer/food product, please let me know. It was a lot of fun walking around the parking lot and seeing the different pre-game festivities. Some of these people were professional tailgaters, with outdoor bars and dj systems!

Alrighty now. I expect a message from each of you detailing your workout schedule for this week. NO SLACKERS!

Are we really post season?

I had expected Beth to post by now, with our new Marlton photo... It was nice to see Chuck and Beth (with contingent) yesterday. It brought home the realization that there will be no more swimming in the Perkiomen Creek for awhile.

Has anyone considered joining a master's swim team? There seem to be quite a few going, especially NW of Philadelphia. Any thoughts?

We should pick a date in late October/early November to get together. Sometime when the out-of-towners feel like coming in.

Anyone want to join me in volunteering for Nation's Tri? LBI? Another DQ tri on 10/12?

North Wildwood Tri & Live Strong

Let's do our race recaps!

N Wildwood was fun...yet grueling. I am still shaking sand out of my bike and running shoes! The running-into-the-ocean start was a little daunting but if you started far enough over to the left then you were at the buoy when it was time to go around it. The current did most of the work to get to the next buoy as long as you could stay in a straight line...otherwise you had to fight the current to get back around the second buoy before heading back in.

The run through the sand was a new experience. Talk about a leg workout! Sand 6" deep is not easy to walk through let alone try to run through. T1 was not going to be good for any of us! We had to walk our bikes through sandy grass to get to the boardwalk before hitting the road. Most people carried their bikes. Once on the road, we went down to the main drag and had to do FOUR loops around before heading back to T2. There were quite a few people who averaged 45 mph on the bike course so we know not everyone did all four laps!

T2 wasn't as bad as T1 because we knew what to expect. However, the run through the deep sand was longer than anyone thought it would be. Once we got to the packed sand it was actually nice. I passed about a dozen fishermen and after I turned at the halfway point and started back, a guy caught a fish right in front of me. The turn back to the finish through deep sand was ridiculously long, intermittent with some sort of paved path. I actually had to stop, take my shoes off, dump out the sand, and then I was able to sprint to the finish line. It was nice to see Chuck and Fran there cheering me on to the Finish. My unofficial (watch) time was 1:18:14.

They didn't post times or splits because of the people who didn't complete all four laps on the bike course. So the results should be posted tomorrow. They are going to mail out the awards.

We saw quite a few TNT'ers out there. Steve Brown was volunteering and Todd Wiley did the race.

It was fun despite the deep sand and I think I would do it again.

How was Live Strong?

Timberman and timberwoman

Timberman was a great experience. Beautiful country. It was a well run sports event except for the food tent on Sunday. It was a very small tent with only one way in, thus causing the line to become very long so we didn't want to wait for food. Dave bought a great bike jersey and our tee shirt was a long sleeve tech shirt that is really nice Bike course was hilly but I conguered it and was real proud of myself. First race I was ever in were there was a "no passing zone" on the bike course. There were a few narrow areas on the road were you were not allowed to pass. We are not doing Marlton Lakes this year but Dave is doing Livestrong this weekend, we are doing the MS 150 and some running event in November. Looks like our triathlon season has come to an end for this year. Can't believe summer is coming to an end so quick.
Beth, did you get lots of good stuff at your shower?
Shannon, Miss you too.
Shelly, How is the job hunting going.
Chuck, Good luck in Wildwood and have a great vacation.
For those of you who were signed up for the Annapolis tri are you still doing it since they made it a run, swim, run?
Hopefully we can get together soon

Weekend trips

Hey gang - time for a new post. What's everyone up to this weekend? I'm off to Pittsburgh for the weekend. Hopefully I'll catch the tail end of the Steelers/Eagles match up tonight.

I'm probably out for any group runs or training next week but then I should be back the week after for Tues/Thurs bike/runs. I've got Wildwood on 8/23 and Marlton on 8/30 and then I'm done.

Good luck if anyone has a race this weekend!

Random and Inspirational

So this morning I played hookie from work for three hours... why you ask? Today was the second annual USAT DC Kids triathlon... and who could possibly think of missing that! After a 6 week camp that teaches inner city kids in DC to swim, bike and run... BUT also how to live a healthy lifestyle (which for most of these kids is hard given where they live and choices they have in terms of recreation and food), participants take part in a USAT (with an official!) triathlon... 100m swim, 5K bike and 3K run. IT WAS AWESOME!!! The volunteers that ran the triathlon were from the DC tri club... folks from the club also served as coaches during the camp. We put together the bikes for athletes this morning... helped affix race #s and body marked. (kids get to keep the bikes when done)... they athletes were given brand new speedo bathing suites and goggles for the bike race as well... which was sponsored by SmartWater and Powerade. I was impressed with all the fancy official triathlon stuff... transition area, flags, swim in/out, bike in/out etc signs.

Next, I was assigned a racer... Patricea... I walked the pool with her and cheered while she swam her four laps... helped her out of the water and ran with her to transition... she put on her cool DC Kids triathlon bike jersey (with gel pocket in back for those long rides!), snapped her helmet, slipped into her sneakers and was off for nine laps... it was my job to count the laps for her and ring my cow bell. After her last lap, I went with her to transition and prepped for the run... she confirmed that I would be running with her (and telling her no I can't run with you because today is a rest day in my marathon training plan just didn't seem quite right)... so we started off on our 3K run... thankfully she didn't blow my doors off... her plan was to walk a little to make sure she had energy for the lap around the track and a strong finish... her favorite part of the run was drinking water/powerade at the aid station and tossing her cup on the ground... "You look cool and tough" she told me. It was HOT... and SUNNY, but the crowd and cowbells brought us home... Donna Grogen (sp?)... President of the LLS/TNT was a volunteer as well... she asked me about Amy Rivera and Todd Wiley.

Seeing these 40+ kids compete today was great... they talked about how they never thought they could do it... how learning to swim at the start of camp was tough etc... maybe it was even more special because of the saddness since last week's NJ State tragedy... I also told Patricea that I expect her to count my laps at the Nation's tri and run the 10K with me... she didn't seem too sure! =)

Fall Running ?

I know that Dave is planning on running the Philly marathon... and Michaelle may be away that weekend... Chuck... have you decided if you are running the half-marathon that weekend... I think Nov. 23rd? Beth? Bernadette?

I am supposed to run 14miles that weekend (Hal Higdon and I just laid out my running plan between the Marine Corp Marathon in October and Disney Marathon in January... I am very excited I can run Disney much SLOWER than MCM!)... and think that running the half in Philly (while .9miles shorter than my scheduled run) would be fun... if I had a running buddy or buddies.

(Yes... I am not motivated to do work right now so planning my training is much more fun... ) Let me know....

New Jersey State Tri

I thought a new post was in order... Good luck tomorrow! I'm looking forward to hearing all the details.

Also - let's try to get together for another happy hour and/or dinner so we can catch up.

Road Trip Details...

Figured we would need space to hear about the Ohio and Lake Placid road trips... I have been tracking Ken on the Placid course this morning... although I know not as exciting as being at the race... =)

Yesterday I ran 12 miles... which was not fun... mostly because I had to run it alone (I don't know why I wasn't able to get any takers on my exciting run opportunity)... it also wasn't fun because it was hot and humid (didn't make the 6am wake up call as I hoped/planned!)... but was running by 9am and finished by 11:10.

I road my bike this morning... which actually felt great... my hips were sore/tight from the run yesterday, but 20miles on the bike fixed that right up! I am heading to a WNBA basketball game in a little while... hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Post Philadelphia Women's Triathlon

To all the ladies who participated in the Triathlon today-congratulations! You all looked really strong out there. It was a pleasure to take a Sharpie to your arms/legs/hands and yank you from the water.

Dave-I hope that you don't get poison ivy from leaning your bike against that tree. I looked at the calendar at that Irish Pub bike ride and can't make it. Roy and Nancy (Perk House owners) are having a birthday party that day and it is important for all's sake that not miss it.

I know that Michelle said that she was doing King's Grant (Aug 10?). Does anyone else plan on that race?

Planning on 30 ride/30 run on Monday. As Hank the Tank would say, "Who is coming with me?"

Philadelphia Women Triathlon Week

I hope that all had a good weekend. It felt like I spend mine either in the car or eating at a picnic. I did not bring my bike because they called for rain, but I was able to run once. I hope you all were more productive.

Apparently I missed the deadline for participating in the Philadelphia Women's Triathlon this weekend, so I will be volunteering at the body mark/water exit. Hopefully when my volunteerin' duties are done, I will head over to the finish line to cheer my lady friends on.

I am planning on a 30-45 min ride/30 min run on Tuesday this week starting at Spring Mill around 6:30pm. If any one is interested in joining, please let me know. If you are just interested in joining for either the ride or the run, we can accommodate that too.

I will work on getting a Saturday morning workout together too. Usually the earlier the better, assuming I have childcare in place. I will let you know.

All we need is a kayak

We could do an open water swim anywhere that there's river (or lake) access, if only we had a kayak for the "lifeguard." Of course, there would need to be kayak storage and transport. But it would mean more open water swim options, right?

I'm betting that Shannon goes back on Wednesday for the butt kicking. Anyone betting not?

Potato salad

1 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons vinegar
4 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon mustard

6 cooked potatoes (5 cups cubed)
1/2 cup diced celery
1 medium onion, minced
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup mayonaise or miracle whip

mix together the top four ingredients and pour over the potatoes, stirring in well. Let stand for 30 - 40 minute. I stir sometimes. Add other ingredients, mix. Chill.

Post Philly Gathering

Figured this may need its own post... here is what I 'heard' today about food/drink for next Sunday... Beth-- please add whatever you desire...

Chuck: alcohol
Maddens: plates/utensils, random munchies (nothing that needs to be chilled etc).
Michaelle: box o' meat, salad of some sort
Shannon: box o' meat, salads, dessert (?)

I also have water and am sure I will have some sort of soda/juice for mi madre... Michaelle--let's coordinate on meat products... I am guessing since I live close to the race site... it will be easiest to just run home and get things... requests would be lovely if folks have them... =)

What have I missed?

Final Week

Hey gang...one week to the big race! Is everyone ready?

Also, congratulations to Shannon and Shelly for their great performances at thier tri this weekend!

Maggie's Poetry Share

Here is the video from Maggie's Poetry Share. I know that this has nothing to do with triathletes, training, nutrition or swim goggles....I believe that due to safety reasons or that they did not want to upset the snack table, they did not actually jump rope.

Where's Chuck?

Okay gang - I posted our 2008 picture...which looks fine in the preview...but Chuck somehow got (mostly) cut out of the picture. I am working on it...

Great swim tonight! Chuck, thanks for hosting! The water temp was fantastic and the food was delicious.

Weekend Plans

OK - it was time for a new post. We can put what we're doing this weekend. I'll be at practice (bike then run) and then I'm heading over to Cherry Hill to get my bike tuned up. I have nothing planned for Sunday yet, but I'm not going to the bike race. I think I'm going to go for a run and then swim at my gym.

Have fun at the bike race!

HaHa

After getting home and checking my email... I out of habit went to read the blog and wondered for a moment why nobody had posted anything... fear not, it clicked soon after!! =)

Here's the details on the sprint triathlon Todd told the Philly mentees about... it's a week before Philly, but supposed to be a great way to get all three events in as a practice on an easy course... I am thinking of doing it...

http://www.lin-mark.com/race/register.asp?race_id=687

Black Bear-in'!

It is race time! Thanks to all that came out today to bike/swim. It required a cast of goofballs like you all to convince me that jumping in the water was acceptable. I am glad that I got the sensation of swimming in colder water before the race. After the initial shock to the face, it didn't seem to be that bad. I might go again on Wednesday or Friday after work (6:25pm) depending on the schedule. I know for myself, getting out there in the open water was important. I also appreciated swimming without the chlorine taste in my mouth. Dave & Bernadette-please thank your son for coming out and playing the lifeguard.

I will post tomorrow what my accommodation situation is. There was some talk about food and stuff for Saturday/Sunday. I will let everyone kick that around so we can make sure that we don't end up with 14 bags of Stacy's Pita Chips and the remainder of Beth's keg. My usually dinner before the race consists of Buffalo wings, a dozen oysters, two cans of baked beans and an entire canister of Ovaltine washed down with a six pack of Genesse Cream Ale, but don't let that influence the team's choices.

I am off to shave my legs.

What's Up... =)

I agree with Beth... we needed a new posting! Hope folks had a good Saturday... Michaelle and I enjoyed the Pine Barrens triathlon today... (800m swim, 25 mile bike and 4 mile run)... Michaelle rocked it out with a 2nd place age group finish... missing out on first by only 26 seconds. =) I knocked 16minutes off my time from St.Anthony's and that's with getting a pinch flat tire... 80minutes. (between 3-4min of that 80minutes was tire changing... which I know isn't great Dave, but better than Marlton last year which was over 10). Averaged just over 12min. miles (slow) for my run, but 1.5 miles of it was on sand (listen to my excuses!!!) and my swim was 14:30 without goggles (thanks to a fellow triathlete). I am excited for some warm water... any day now!! =)

How was TNT practice? Any big plans for the upcoming holiday? I will be in NC... hopefully fishing and enjoying the boat if the weather cooperates... what are workout plans for Sunday (tomorrow)?

Congrats! =)

Just wanted to say CONGRATS to everyone on an excellent day... we certainly are a pretty amazing group of people (if I do say so myself!)... think about how far things have come since last year... how many triathlons are you doing this season Bernadette? A half-iron in the near future, long runs, pounds lost, speed increased etc... While some have perhaps referenced a nagging-drill serg. when speaking of me... its only because of the motivation and good times you all provide that make me want to workout... =)

Okay... enough sappy BS... get back to running, biking and swimming and no lame 'I'm sore cause I ran Broad street' excuses! =)

Less that two months to Philly Tri

How time flies...Congratulations to Shannon for kicking some serious tail this weekend in Florida. I now have to figure out a way to attach my bike to yours to help me get across the finish line!

Cold bike ride this morning with two unplanned pathside bike repair clinics. Beth was kind enough to show the mentees the necessity of carry supplies to fill your low tires. Afterwards, I decided to run into a big pothole and show the TNTer's how to change a flat tire. Considering that I hadn't done that before, I was quite proud of myself. For the record, that is the third tube change on my bike this week. I hope that I am getting this out of the way before we start racing.

As for this week, weather permitting I would like to go for a long run on Tuesday and a light run on Thursday in anticipation of running Broad Street. I got some childcare commit issues to resolve and hope to do that on Monday. All runs would meet at 6 at Spring Mill if you are interested in joining. I believe that as of now Shannon, Beth and Michelle are running on Sunday. Anyone else? If so, we should also plan on some post-run food/refreshments?

St. Anthony's/Out & Back

I hope that all had a great weekend and got to go out and enjoy the great weather. Shannon-Good Luck at St. Anthony's on Sunday. I look forward to hearing about what it is like to stand on the winner's podium in front of all your adoring fans. I know that you will make the team proud.

As for training this week, I am going to try and run on the trail Tuesday and Thursday and Bike on Wednesday. This is, of course, all after work. I will swim at lunch.

Weekend Plans

Hey gang - tomorrow after the swim/run practice, I'm taking my group to Delancey Street Bagels. So far, I have two who are going. Are any of you taking your groups?

Let me know about biking, too. I have football at 3 pm. If we start around noon and bike for about an hour or an hour and a half, then I'll just go over to the fields early to watch my friend play her game.

FL Spa

Yes again, beach on right, pool on left.

Mom's selling the SC house, my job to clean out the 6 bdroom house, ouch.
building a garden home (state college also) but take sme out of pocket most weekends.
stillplan to do out & back April 23

See you sonn - miss the gang!!

Where is spring???

This weather is ridiculous!

I wasn't sure what week it was so I opted for a different title.

What is on the agenda for this week's training?

What week is this?

Greetings. I tip my hat to all of you that took the bike ride on Sunday. I wasn't going to bring the girls out since it was still below 40 and I did not have anyone to watch them. It looks like warmer weather is on the way.

I signed up for Black Bear today and got a room at Split Rock Lodge. The Hampton Inn wasn't available and agree with Michelle that it would be an early drive up there on Sunday morning. I think that I may load up the wagon and bring the whole Wurzbach team along since the "lodge" has pools and things for them to do on Saturday.

Looks like today is supposed to be an indication of the weather for the rest of the week. Is anybody up for running?

Reminder...

* Black Bear prices go up on April 1st (thanks Michaelle!)

Also, I am thinking of doing the Pine Barren Sprint triathlon on May 17th (1/2 mile swim, 24 mile bike and 4 mile run)... the site is about 35 miles from AC. Anyone else interested?

SK

First DQ Tri of the Season

Group decision... =)

What are folks plan for sprint triathlons pre-Philly? There are the two DQ events (Hammonton & Belleplain) before Philly... I am leaning towards one event definitely the weekend of May 31st/June 1st (my birthday) which would mean either Belleplain or Black Bear (CGI)... I know that Dave is doing the half at Black Bear which would be cool to cheer for him (hopefully would finish the spring before his half!)... it is $20 bucks more than DQ, but better race. THOUGHTS? Would like to race with folks...

Also... I think this would be fun.... the four person relay (the 10 miler would be okay, but not as much fun!) http://www.races2run.com/marathon/runnerinformation/2008-relayawards.htm

Week #5

Finally-Extended evening hours! I don't what part of the training program you all are following, but I think I am going do the run on Thursday evening at Conshy again. Does anyone have an objection to meeting at the Spring Mill Parking lot? If we run from there, we don't cross any roadways heading towards Philadelphia. I am going to send out an invite to my team today with a new map. As of now, Thursday is supposed to reach a high of 52, which is pretty similar to what happen this past buddy run. Sunset is supposed to be at 7:06 pm, so I will suggest a meeting time of 6 pm for a 40 minute run. Thoughts?

Week #5

Good to see everyone on Sunday. Looking at the training calendar for this week shows a run scheduled for Thursday. The temps on Thursday are supposed to reach 49, so an after work run could be in the works. Do you all want to meet in Conshy and start running at 5:45pm? I will send out an email to my mentoree's to see if they are interested in running.

I am heading to Memphis, TN on Tuesday for the day (6:30am flt out, arriving back home at 11pm).Ummm, ribs....

Week #4-Philly Tri Training

I don't know about you all, but I can't believe that we are already 4 weeks into training. What a crazy month it has been. After a really long week in NYC, I am heading the opposite direction with a trip on Tuesday to Jackson, MS. As a result of the tornadoes that ran through the south a couple of weeks ago, I have the pleasure to head into the carnage to a sneaker company for an inventory loss calculation. If you give me your shoe size, I will pick through the mess and see if I can find something, but doubt that they will be the same model for the left and right foot.

I took my bike to the shop and got new tires and a tune up. The tires are much thinner than the grandma's that I had on there before, so hopeful I will be able to keep up with the Mr. Madden. I am sure that I will come up with a different excuse if I can't.

Sorry to miss everyone at the pool on Saturday. I took one of my clients to the Villanova vs. UConn basketball game. I will be back at the pool this week. I look at the weather for this week and it looks like it will be pretty cold on Thursday (high 31). I don't think that a buddy run is worth scheduling, but put it out there for all to discuss. the following week looks like temps will climb into the upper 40's to low 50's. If we want to schedule one for next Thursday, I suggest that we put together a flyer with the map (no comment necessary Shannon) to hand out at the pool. When we agree to the date/time/location, let me know and I will print it up here in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office.

Buddy Run on Thursday

Planning on a 5pm buddy run on Thursday... start at Lloyd Hall... 30 minutes... let your peeps know... give them my email...and/or cell in case they want to contact me etc....

cell: 202-744-8966


Sorry you aren't feeling great Chuck.... sounded like you made some cute little ladies even happier on Valentine's Day... the half-marathon was AMAZING.... except for the scorching heat and humidity (temps ranged from 84 to 90+) during race time... with no shade on a black-top highway for a large portion... everyone was affected by the heat (race directors added extra water stations and sprayed people with water on course), but clearly the fact myself and two friends hadn't run in weather above about 45 for the entire training period... didn't help. Still loved it!! Have officially signed up for Disney marathon... =)

Reasons not to run when snot freezes in your nose

Okay, it wasn't that cold on Thursday, but it was in no shape or form warm. I have a been battling a bit of a chest cold since last week and should not, in hindsight, actually run on Thursday. I am still hacking up crap and will wait to it goes away before I start training again.

Sorry that I missed all of Dave's head banging on Saturday.

Get your hands out of your who-who

Oh, the wonderful ramblings of my triathlete friends...just when I think that the weather is starting to turn warm, we have a day like today.

It was great to see everyone on Saturday at the pool and to begin preparations for the 2007 tri season. As frustrated as I felt in the pool, I was amazed at how well my legs felt running afterwards. It may have something to do with the running pants, as this was my first 2008 training purchase. I did get new shorts too, but will wait to break those out until the temps climb above 50.

When I did my spin class last thursday, my toes started to get numb when I was pedaling. Am I doing something wrong?

1st Week in February

So it begins this week. I am not able to make it to this evening's phone bank event as I begin to head back to West Wareham, MA. I moved my meetings around so that I will be home by the kickoff on Thursday. I find it hard to believe that it is time to get back in the pool. I kept thinking that I had a couple of weeks to go, but I guess that was a couple of week ago...

It is a very somber morning here. With the Giants winning the Superbowl, I will now have to hear it again from all of my New Jersey clients and personnel of how they won and we can't. I am refusing to answer my phone until April...

The last week of January

Good News for all...The days are getting longer and the normal average temps are beginning to rise. It is only days (mentally speaking) until we can swim again outside. I did check on the Perk Sunday but it is a tad too cold without the wetsuit.

I don't know about you all, but I haven't been in the pool for a while. I have the sneaking suspicion that it will come back to bite me in the arse when we start to practice next month. I have started to run more consistently since the New Year and on Saturday ran a 5k at a 10:30 pace. For me, that is good and shows progress. Last week was tough because I was traveling but I did go to the hotel gym, which consisted of a broken step machine, a bike and a treadmill and jumped on the bike for 30 min.

I think that Wednesday is the Conshy REI meeting and will see some of you there. I have been given 7 mentorees so far, with two already setting up there websites. No HM's yet, but we shall see.

Check It Out...

Thought everyone would enjoy the video... we found it when looking for a humorous addition to our St.A's mentoring newsletter...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1Fw1GdRKkc

hey, check out the group on yahoo

I put together a gmail and yahoo group for TNT. I like the yahoo one better b/c it has way more features, like a calendar, the ability to conduct polls (like who wants to meet at Lloyd hall for a run...). It would be a great place to put aggregate information for our participants, so they can see where all the buddy runs are, etc.

Anyway, check it out and see if you agree: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/TNTPhillyTri2008/

I only have Shannon, Nicole, Beth and Diedre's email addresses here, so they were the only ones I invited. Either email me at michaellec@aol.com or request membership.

Go Packers!!!

I will not spend the next week seeing "Go Giants" in my inbox. I am going to be at the Chestnut Hill Hospital on Wednesday night's TNT info meeting. I know that Shannon is going, but is anyone else? I heard that she is buying the first round!

Go GIANTS! (and posts for January 14th-January 20th)

Here's a new posting area... since the other one was getting long...

Out & Back Run - Again!!!

Hi Gang,
I plan to be a mentor for this year's Tri (with the new job at SEI, not thinking I have the energy to train and fund raise). I hopefully won't miss the next Happy Hours!

Here isthe email in reference to the ruun and AFTER PARTY!
Don't be afraid of the 4 miles (key - out and back - means turn around when ever you want!)

Greetings fellow runner! This is a friendly reminder of the 12th annual Bryn Mawr Running Club Out & Back Party Run 2008. The run will be held Friday April 25th. (rain or shine). If you are receiving this email you registered for this event last year.Due to the growing popularity of this run we expect a sold out event regardless of weather and encourage you to register early. The ONLY method is on-line via WWW.ACTIVE.COM which will become available when I get my arse in gear.No paper flyers or applications will be accepted! This will ensure a smooth race day registration. Pre-registration ends on April 15th, and on-line registration through Active will end April 23th. We cannot guarantee the event will remain open after that date.We will be enforcing a Tyvek ID wristband system for post-run festivities at the Lemon Hill Mansion. One wristband per bib number will be distributed on race day. Food, beer (must be over 21) and music plus an awesome performance T-shirt AND loads of swag! Hey, what more could you want?... Sunny skies perhaps?Just a reminder??? this year???s event has a special purpose: we are raising money for the ALS Hope Foundation. Please invite your friends and running partners to join us. We expect a full house!!!You can help make this fundraiser a success and the best year yet. We encourage you to participate in the Out & Back Party Run and look forward to seeing you there!Follow the URL to take advantage of on-line registration:http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1516165We look forward to seeing you at the 12th Annual Out & Back Party Run!-O&B Race Committee

Good Times!

Had fun last night... it was great to see everyone and get a chance to socialize! =) Definitely need to schedule more socializing into our crazy lives-- especially with training about to start again!

Beth-- the date for the Turks & Caicos triathlon has changed to March-- UGH!!! =( December was such a perfect time... and the pictures are sooo pretty... almost pretty enough to make one forget they are signing up to swim a mile, bike 66 (I have no idea why they add 10 miles to the normal half-iron) and run 13 (how kind, they knock off a whole .1 of a mile)

OWELL... guess that means the search for the perfect half-iron continues...

Happy New Year!

Just thinking that December 19th was too long ago to be the current post.

Vacation in Chicago great, except for intruding work (kill your blackberry). Worked out at my friend's gym, a fabulous place. Still managed to gain 2 pounds, though. It must be the cold I'm feeding.

Tomorrow night at the Boathouse. Flanigan's Boathouse at 113 Fayette Street in Conshohocken? 6 pm.