The Race

First event of the season is in the books. For anyone that isn't in tune with the San Diego running or triathlon scene, the San Dieguito 1/2 Marathon is something of a local gem. I can't really classify it as a "low key" event (not with close to 3k participants) but somehow it has a very grass roots feel about it. Could be the location? Could be the modestly priced entry fee? Sure it's smack dab in the middle of February, although you wouldn't have guessed it this past Sunday. Mother Nature was smiling that day and gave us near perfect conditions to test our early season fitness.

What can I say about the race, I took off with a small group of fast guys (Jefferey, David, Nick and Ian were in the mix) and we stayed together until mile 3. Shortly after that the bunch began to string itself out and I felt good enough to test the legs on a few of the uphill sections (the course is predominantly rolling hills but nothing too crazy). Split times were yelled out at each mile and I knew it would be possible (although not probable) to set a PR for the open 1/2. When the body is in a state of steady exertion, the ability to truly be in the moment seems all the more difficult to capture, racing on such a picturesque course makes this challenge downright impossible. Future training runs along the local trails WILL be accompanied by photos ! Nearing the last few miles my legs still felt good, one final uphill kicker at the very end capped off a solid effort. No PR but still happy to cross the line just under 1:19.

Post race celebrations and war stories were shared by all (as is always the case). Nick and Carla were ever gracious for hosting the after breakfast at their home, a perfect way to complete the morning indeed. The take away from this race was (as will often be the case in San Diego) - I feel blessed to live and work here. In the 2 short years that I've called San Diego "home", I've met the most amazing group of friends that I've probably ever known - thank you all (even if you never read this).

Oh yes, I had planned to wear my "Zoonies" (photo above), as it seemed appropriate on several levels for race day. Sadly these were early samples and thus an odd fitting size 9 means they will become casual kicks for summer. See you at the races, eh.

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Deep Water

This past weekend capped off another 3 week training block. Most of the usual weekend riding crew rolled out bright and early Saturday morning, up and down the coast through Pendleton before doing a small loop back home. Food, shower, and off to a friends' birthday party - our boy Tim was celebrating the big 3-0 !! Yessir-e, we've got a new racer joining the 30-34AG and I'm happy to say he'll be making his 1/2 IM debut at Wildlower in just over 3 months. Ended up taking a rain check on the beer (save it for San Dieguito or WF), and snuck out of the party a bit early. Finished out the day with a decent run and thankfully my legs were still mobile at this point.

Sunday was my last long run for this block and all started out well. In hind sight I should have called it quits by 2 hours, but hey what's another 30 minutes? 30 minutes running turned into 20 minutes of slowly jogging, followed by 25 minutes of walking home in the cold and rainy dark evening. It seems like every year I'm plagued with sore (inflamed) Achilles or other random issues with my ankles during the early season training. Thankfully it's not too bad this time and luckily it comes at the start of a huge swimming volume week. Perfect timing if you ask me - the weather forecast for San Diego is showing a solid week of rain in store, and I'm welcoming it with open arms. Although, I fear that by the end of this week my arms may be singing a much different tune.

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Ghost Town

It's never a good sign when the co-tenants of your office building slowly begin to dwindle in numbers. Last May we were moved into a shared office structure and settled into the 2nd floor penthouse, with plenty of windows and natural light it was a welcome upgrade from our old building. A few weeks before Christmas we were informed that the other business would be licensed out and all but a few employees were handed their walking papers. Ouch - Happy Holidays, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Fortunately our company has been performing relatively well, despite the down economy of 2009. Regardless, we're now the sole occupants of a building much too large for a company which directly employees all of 11 people. Last week saw the last of our days in the penthouse, somehow it was decided that moving our company to the groud level and subletting the 2nd floor was the way to go for 2010. Hopefully there won't be any haunts from the previous brand that lurked these hallowed cubicles !

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The One Thing

Blank canvases make me anxious, but I needed to post on the first day of the new decade. I'm quite certain that the world doesn't exactly need yet another blog about one persons' incredibly self indulgent pursuit of triathlon and the amazing juggling act of career, training, and trying to maintain some form of a social life. I'm hopeful that this could amount to something more, but that's an awfully tough promise to make at this time. Follow along or not...

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