Whats in a year?

1 year = 525, 948 minutes = 31, 556, 926 seconds.

In 365 days, myself and a dozen plus of my favorite internet bloggers will be treading the buoys in the Gulf of Mexico awaiting the infamous cannon shot that begins every Ironman race.

I think of my tri-athletic conditioning just nine months ago and where I am today. What a difference. I can only imagine the conditioning that will occur over the next year and how it will shape and change my body internally and externally. The mindset and character building attributes that will change me from being a 'Common Man' into an 'IronMan'.

My mind already this far away is inextricably drawn to that future date of destiny. I already have affirmations of, "I am an Ironman." I pray to God every day to give me the wisdom and patience and strength and especially courage to not only accomplish this goal but have fun doing it. I want my first Ironman race to surprise me with its effortlessness. I want all the obsticles that will be there to come in their time and be easily manuevered around.

I do not fear Ironman. More than anything I look forward to the test I will put my body through. More than anything I want to know what is inside me. Regardless over the next year how bad my body aches or chaffs, I know that on that course in Florida, I will find something inside me I have not yet met.

365 days is only a moment in time. An aribitary point of reference when training for Ironman. Bring It.

Soma- The Swim

Oop almost forgot

I have been in a meeting all day and almost forgot to post Soma photos before I left for the day.

The Good Doctor rolling out of T1. Still a lot of people back there.

John rolling out of T1, ready to beat the bike leg into submission.

Tai is a fast mover on the bike and had a great ride. Just crushed the hills.

Hardcore Mike, rushing to his future on the bike leg. If only he knew that it will be another bike he will be pushing back into transition...

Tomorrow will be some wide shots from the swim starts and Friday some of my favorites taken from the course. A montage if you will.

Random musings

This isn't really a random post just eclectic items to discuss.

Last night I got in my 12 mile run. I averaged 9:40 per mile. Not bad considering my last three miles were at 10:30 thanks to a leg cramp. I put in a couple of high 8's for good measure. Since then I have been really hot and legs very sore. I have drank almost a gallon of water in five hours. It's not dehydration, believe me I know that feeling. Its like my body needs water to repair the physical damage. Its also keeping me awake.

I took in 3 endurolytes before and then 3 every five miles and when I was done I had a nice crust of salt on my arms and legs. I haven't had the salt caking my skin like that the Army. Interesting.

Mistress and I had a disagreement over Mighty Mo going to a birthday party Sunday at a highly contagious location. Remember that he's been put on quarantine by his doctor since he already has contracted pnuemonia in the last 30 days. He is not allowed to play with or frequent an area with children who go to school or could be contagious until February. I was very much against it as I feel a three hour party is not worth a possible $200 in medical bills, sleepless nights and fussy days. She felt he needed to release some 'kid' after three weeks of seclusion. Sure enough 48 hours later I get the call that he is running a fever and to stock up on pediasure and pediacare on the way home. The Mighty Mo...tsk tsk... what a trooper. I would do anything for him to be as healthy as he looks.

Last night I watched a Walmart commercial with Destiny's Child sitting around on Christmas morning opening presents. ITS THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN FOLKS. I thought it was bad enough that the local Home Depot had Christmas trees and lights up for sale on Columbus Day, that's the middle of October for you back of packers. But now it going to be seven flippin weeks of buy-my-crap. I love Christmas. Love it. Its become way to commercialized.

Today is a bike day. Goal is 25 miles. Not that thats a hard goal but the goal is to get it in after a meeting and still overwhelmed with closing out last month.

PS. On new rims. HaHa Flatman. It's actually for a good cause, the upgrade in 'Shiny Things', but I can't say why today.

Soma half Ironman- the Bike

John out of the saddle on the graded hill of the Soma half ironman course.

The Good Doctor screaming through a tight turn.

Hardcore Mike. This was taken a split second before the accident. The woman in frame cut to her right and cut him off. This was the last shot on my last roll of film. I wish to God I had one more frame to shoot because I know I watched the accident through my lens and tried to activate the shutter. BTW, I went to the store and bought more film and medical stuff for Mike and was able to shoot the rest of the race, if your wondering how I got the finish line stuff.

Tai passing people on the graded hill of the Soma half ironman course.

Oh Well...

Yes, I failed. I broke down and bought a Grande Drip this morning after my 1,000 meter swim. Here is the proof. Surprizingly, after a couple of sips, I didn't feel down at all. Was that my lack of guilt or caffine?

Is it too honest or just normal?

I understand I may offend some people with this question or exhibit a complete lack of common sense, but I really must ask it in all honesty.

Do you count running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike or using a bike trainer towards your total minutes/miles/mileage in a month?

I haven't. I have only counted distances done outside, except for pool swims.