My Passion Play

Who was I kidding? You can take the athlete out of the Ironman, but you can never take the Ironman out of the athlete. 4 months ago, I decided to hang up racing for a while and concentrate on grad school. After 1 semester, I've realized that I'm not cut out for this sedentary lifestyle. Grad school is still my priority, but no matter how much I try to ignore it, Ironman is in my soul forever. For me it's more than a race. It's a metaphor for life - the eternal struggle between spirit and body. Subjecting the body to the will and awesome power of the spirit to accomplish something great. The desire to be proven herewith. It's transcendent. It's spiritual. Set against the backdrop of life, it is my passion play.

May the question never be posed again: Why?

What's wrong with the world today?

This is seriously the coolest thing I've ever seen

Happy Birthday, Karate Kid

I am dedicating this post to the hero of my childhood, Ralph Macchio - The Karate Kid. Today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, kid. Mr. Miyagi and I are thinking of you today and smiling....

Mraz, Mindy and Me

Hanging with Jason Mraz.

Capitalism and Freedom vs. Socialism and Bondage

As we have seen a resurgence in the argument for socialism in this presidential campaign, I thought I would posts excerpts from the late Milton Friedman's 1962 treatise, "Capitalism and Freedom".

"The preservation of freedom is the protective reason for limiting and decentralizing governmental power. But there is also a constructive reason. The great advances of civilization, whether in architecture or painting, in science or literature, in industry or agriculture, have never come from centralized government. Columbus did not set out to seek a new route to China in response to a majority directive of a parliament, though he was partly financed by an absolute monarch. Newton and Leibnitz; Einstein and Bohr; Shakespeare, Milton, Pasternak; Whitney, McCormick, Edison, and Ford; Jane Addams, Florence Nightingale, and Albert Schweitzer; no one of these opened new frontiers in human knowledge and understanding, in literature, in technical possibilities, or in the relief of human misery in response to governmental directives. Their achievements were the product of individual genius, of strongly held minority views, of a social climate permitting variety and diversity."

(From the 2002 preface)"The climate of opinion received a further boost in the same direction when the Berlin wall fell in 1989 and the Soviet Union collapsed in 1992. That brought to a dramatic end an experiment of some seventy years between two alternative ways of organizing an economy; top-down versus bottom-up; central planning and control versus private markets; more colloquially, socialism versus capitalism. The result of that experiment had been foreshadowed by a number of similar experiments on a smaller scale; Hong Kong and Taiwan versus mainland China; West Germany versus East Germany; South Korea versus North Korea; But it took the drama of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union to make it part of conventional wisdom, so that it is now taken for granted that central planning is indeed The Road to Serfdom, as Friedrich A. Hayek titled his brilliant 1944 polemic."

Mindy, Mraz and Me

What do you get when you combine Patrick Byrne, CEO of Overstock.com, and Jason Mraz? No, it's not a fundraiser for school vouchers. It's a private party for Patrick, and Jason Mraz is going to be there. My good friend, Mindy is really tight with Mr. Byrne, and she invited me to go. I'm pretty confident it's not a naked short selling party, so George Soros won't be invited. Maybe I could dress up as Soros and freak everyone out. That would be the scariest halloween costume ever.

Fight for the Ideals and Character of a Free People!!

Over the past months, I have come to realize that the American dream is slowly slipping away, and if we continue to complacently sit back, we may lose it. I feel like we are in a struggle to preserve this great republic and I am ready to fight for it! I'm ready to fight, my friends. I've never felt more passionate about anything in my life. I often feel like the great prophet Nephi praying in his garden tower, lamenting the wickedness and blindness of his people. While I know that the majority of the American people are good and decent freedom loving people, I fear that freedom and privilege has led to unparalleled complacency never before seen. Are we willing to fight for liberty the way our forefathers did? Or will we allow the devil to lead us away into carnal security, whispering in our ears that all is well in Zion?! It's time to stand up and fight for what's right. I'm an American and I choose to fight! McCain gave a brilliant speech in Miami today. McCain wasn't my first or even second choice during the primaries, but I am increasingly convinced that he is the right man to lead this country at this challenging time. Here are some excerpts from the speech.

The response from Senator Obama and his campaign yesterday was to attack Joe. People are digging through his personal life and he has TV crews camped out in front of his house. He didn't ask for Senator Obama to come to his house. He wasn't recruited or prompted by our campaign. He just asked a question. And Americans ought to be able to ask Senator Obama tough questions without being smeared and targeted with political attacks.

The question Joe asked about our economy is important, because Senator Obama's plan would raise taxes on small businesses that employ 16 million Americans. Senator Obama's plan will kill those jobs at just the time when we need to be creating more jobs. My plan will create jobs, and that's what America needs.

Senator Obama says that he wanted to spread your wealth around. When politicians talk about taking your money and spreading it around, you'd better hold onto your wallet. Senator Obama claims that he wants to give a tax break to the middle class, but not only did he vote for higher taxes on the middle class in the Senate, his plan gives away your tax dollars to those who don't pay taxes. That's not a tax cut, that's welfare. America didn't become the greatest nation on earth by redistributing wealth; we became the greatest nation by creating new wealth....

What America needs in this hour is a fighter; someone who puts all his cards on the table and trusts the judgment of the American people. I come from a long line of McCains who believed that to love America is to fight for her. I have fought for you most of my life. There are other ways to love this country, but I've never been the kind to do it from the sidelines.

I know you're worried. America is a great country, but we are at a moment of national crisis that will determine our future. Will we continue to lead the world's economies or will we be overtaken? Will the world become safer or more dangerous? Will our military remain the strongest in the world? Will our children and grandchildren's future be brighter than ours?

My answer to you is yes. Yes, we will lead. Yes, we will prosper. Yes, we will be safer. Yes, we will pass on to our children a stronger, better country. But we must be prepared to act swiftly, boldly, with courage and wisdom.

I know what fear feels like. It's a thief in the night who robs your strength.

I know what hopelessness feels like. It's an enemy who defeats your will.

I felt those things once before. I will never let them in again. I'm an American. And I choose to fight.

Don't give up hope. Be strong. Have courage. And fight.

Fight for a new direction for our country. Fight for what's right for America.

Fight to clean up the mess of corruption, infighting and selfishness in Washington.

Fight to get our economy out of the ditch and back in the lead.

Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.

Fight for our children's future.

Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.

Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. America is worth fighting for. Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.

Now, let's go win this election and get this country moving again.

Conference Weekend

So I met my best mate, Cory Neill at the conference center Saturday and we spent the entire day together, attending conference and talking to the protestors. By far, my favorite protestor is Ruben Israel, a painting contractor from Southern California. I've been following Ruben's proselytizing efforts for several years now, and though I don't agree with his assertions about Mormonism, I respect him for his courage to preach repentance every year amongst the revelers at Mardi Gras, Las Vegas, and other such places. He supports capital punishment and travels around the country to support the state sanctioned execution of murderers. He is also a strong conservative who stands up for Christian and American values. Though there are minor doctrinal points that may separate us, there is much more that brings us together in a common purpose to strengthen individuals, families, communities and nation through the teachings of Christ. Ruben's son recently graduated from UCLA, and he couldn't be more proud. Next time you see him at conference or anywhere else, stop by and say hello and thank him for his efforts. Click here for a video of him preaching in Las Vegas last New Year's Eve.

Cool Hand Luke

I gotta say I was shocked when I heard the news yesterday that my hero Paul Newman had passed away. Even though he was a lib, he was still a good man. I first became aware of this man at the age of 14 when I first saw my favorite movie of all time, "Cool Hand Luke". If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it.

I have to comment on this financial crisis. I am highly disappointed with our incompetent government, democrats and republicans, for allowing the credit markets to get so out of hand that there is no longer market value for mortgage backed securities. The root of this problem goes back over a decade, but most recently, the push to give out mortgages to everyone, regardless of ability to pay it back is the direct cause. I'm highly disappointed by the attempt by the majority party in congress to blame the minority party simply because their party is in the White House. It was the democrats who, in the name of compassion and equality, pushed to give mortgages to minorities at the lowest income levels. The administration has also gone along with this in the name of "bipartisanship" and for many years boasted of record home ownership in this country. It was all a ruse, and now everyone is suffering because of the political pursuit of power and money despite the risks to the country's economic well being. The finger-pointing and blame for political expediency isn't encouraging. This bill will pass in Congress this week and will be signed by the President, and it will be a national tragedy. Some say the taxpayers will make money on this bailout, but I say once the government gains a little power, it rarely gives it up. What scares me even more is what an Obama presidency would do with this increased power and money.

If the democrats gain the White House this November, and larger majorities in Congress, the blame should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the Republicans and the Bush administration for abandoning conservative principles in the name of bipartisanship over the past 8 years. They will have gotten what they deserved. I am still a strong conservative and still firmly believe that the democratic party is the party of Lucifer, but I'm also ashamed to call myself a Republican. If we do lose in November, it will be a long awaited wake up call for conservatism. It took a Carter to get a Reagan. Perhaps it will take a disastrous Obama to stimulate the rebirth in strong conservative principles. In 1999, President Gordon B Hinckley said "there is a portent of stormy weather ahead." I'm afraid he was right. This country doesn't realize the sore trials that await her. God help us.

Family Trial

Our thoughts and prayers are with my Brother Brian and his family at this difficult time. Check out their blog www.ourmagnumopus.blogspot.com for more details and updates on little Ezra Nolan McCombs.

Race Pics

Moments before the swim start. I think Brian had been eating powdered donuts.

The End of an Era?

After months of training and planning, we all took the starting line at Utah Lake in Provo, UT -- Monte Johnson, Brian, Geoff and Chris McCombs. I had been nervous all morning as my mind kept telling me to not start the race. When we got to Utah Lake State Park, Monte was looking strong and confident, and it made me feel much more confident about the race. We all setup in transition, got suited up in our wetsuits and walked down to the water. Brian and I swam to the starting line just minutes before the starting gun fired at 7 am. Right before the gun went off, Brian and I grabbed hands and wished each other a good race. Ahead of us was over 70 miles of unknown. How would our bodies respond to the rigors of this event? Would anyone have equipment problems? Would we all make it to the finish line? I think the unknown contributed to the fear and excitement. Here are the results from the day:

Swim:
Geoff McCombs - 38:41 Place: 57
Chris McCombs - 42:11 Place: 111
Brian McCombs - 44:47 Place: 147
Monte Johnson - 1:57:18 Place: 272

Bike:
Geoff McCombs - 2:35:46 Place: 57
Brian McCombs - 2:40:52 Place: 86
Chris McCombs - 2:47:47 Place: 127
Monte Johnson - no data

Run:
Geoff McCombs - 1:59:14 Place: 60
Brian McCombs - 2:03:43 Place: 80
Chris McCombs - 2:50:45 Place: 223
Monte Johnson - no data

Total Time:
Geoff McCombs - 5:16:48 Overall Place: 45
Brian McCombs - 5:32:19 Overall Place: 72
Chris McCombs - 6:25:00 Overall Place: 184
Monte Johnson - 8:38:02 Overall Place: 260

Brian had an impressive result for his first half ironman. He totally smoked the bike, passing Chris and was nipping at my heels by the end.

Chris struggled on the run due to foot injuries, but he still pulled through with a respectable time. He had an altercation on the bike when another rider accused him of drafting, to which Chris responded, "Hey, I have an idea - SHUTUP!"

I was 24th overall on the bike at the halfway point, but I flatted just after the turnaround and got knocked back 50 places.

But by far, the greatest story of the day was made by Monte. 340 people took the starting lane and 260 finished. Monte was the last one to cross the finish line. 80 people abandoned during the race, but Monte showed to have the strongest will of the day. He just would not quit. He got out of the water and had to convince the officials to not disqualify him. He headed out on the bike for a long lonely ride. The volunteers had all left and closed up the aid stations by the time Monte got on the course, but he did not give up. He finished the bike when most had already finished the entire race or were in the last few miles of the run and he did not quit. He headed out on the run with the very real possibility of finishing after the 3pm deadline. He kept going, and the volunteers kept the aid stations open for him. We awaited his arrival at the finish with great anticipation. When we saw him turn the corner and start down the last stretch, we all jumped to our feet and cheered him to the finish. His perseverence was inspiring to us all. Way to go Monte! You're a Half Ironman. Beat that, Johnson brothers!

While I was suffering on the run, I began to wonder if this race would mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. I start Grad School in 2 weeks, I'll be working full time, and there won't be much time to train. I'll run the Top of Utah Marathon next month, and then I'm going to hang it up for a while. While I'm looking to the future with optimism, I can't help but reflect on the past 6 years of racing. Here's my top 10 list:

10 - My first Half Ironman in Guerneville, CA

9 - Getting hit by a car on a training ride, flipping over the car and totaling my bike, yet not suffering any serious injuries.

8 - Blacking out on "corkscrew wall" in the World's Toughest Century

7 - Only 15 minutes away from qualifying for Kona at the 2003 Utah Half Ironman. My best result ever!

6 - Escape from the Rock Triathlon in which I swam from Alcatraz and had to pull out after the swim due to hypothermia. Thanks for rubbing the life back into me, Mom!

5 - April 2004: Ironman California, Driving a moving van to Nauvoo, World's Toughest Half Ironman, Salt Lake City Marathon...all in the same month!!

4 - Ironman California 2007 when my parents came to Oceanside, CA to support me and then attending Priesthood session of conference with my dad.

3 - Full Vineman Ironman, August 2003 with my best friend and mentor, Rick Bird

2 - Utah Half Ironman, August 2008 with Brian, Chris and Monte

1 - Hawaii Ironman World Championships, October 2007

Grad School Roller Coaster Ride

SO, I was accepted into the MBA program at the U a couple of months ago, but my acceptance was contingent upon my retaking the GMAT and scoring above a 50 percentile on the quantitative section. Evidently, quantitative is a fancy schmancy way of saying Math. Why don't they just say math? Anyway, I studied for a month, putting my Ironman training on hold to learn how to do algebra, geometry, fractions, and long division again. I didn't even touch the verbal material in my studies because all I cared about was getting a 50 percentile in math. I took the test on Saturday and scored 30 percentile on the math, 81 percentile on the verbal. I think I may have had a better result if I had studied the verbal and not touched the math. When I saw my results, I could literally see my hopes of getting my MBA go up in smoke. I wanted to cry, so I went out and killed my body for 2 hours on my bike to vent my frustrations. It made me feel much better, even though I threw up in my mouth twice and almost passed out from heat stroke, but I digress. After my ride, I emailed the admissions committee to tell them what an idiot I was for not doing better on the math and that I'd hope to see them before my 50th birthday. I also made sure to mention my high verbal score. :) Today, I got the best birthday present of all from the admissions committee when I received the following email:

Geoffrey,

The Admissions Committee has had an opportunity to review your circumstances and previous coursework. They feel you have much to offer the program and are willing to welcome you into the PMBA program on the condition you maintain a 3.25 GPA during your first semester. The GPA condition is in lieu of your quantitative results on the GMAT. I have attached a contract and ask you to return it by the end of the week. Please let me know if you have any questions.

University of Utah Admissions


Did you notice the part about me "having much to offer the program"? I wonder if they're referring to my fantastic leg shaving abilities.... Now if I can just figure out how I'm going to pay for this, I'll be in business. Anyone know how to count cards?

10 days and counting...

The Utah Half Ironman is just 10 days away. Here's what's been going on...

Brian is ready to go. We ran 11 miles last week in 1:20. A couple weeks ago we did a 1.2 mile open water swim at Lake Tahoe. About 2 months ago, Brian and Chris did a 135 mile ride and finished strong. It was a major confidence booster for Brian. A 56 mile ride is just an afterthought compared to a 135 mile monster from Reno to the shoe tree on Highway 50. Unlike the rest of us, Brian has actually gained weight! Don't ask me why. He currently weighs in at 180 lbs. Unfortunately, Jami isn't going to make it to the race to watch Brian compete. She's in the final month of her pregnancy, so she needs to stay close to the home base in case there's any news from the front.

Chris is ready to go. He's been following a training plan that Chanika put him on a couple months ago. He's lost 8 lbs and is looking lean and mean. He's been struggling with some ankle pain lately, so there may be some walking out on the run course.

Monte took a couple weeks off when Megan was born and was able to get some good hard training in. Like Chris, he's lost about 10 lbs, and feels confident about the bike and run. The swim is another story. While he has shown major improvements in the water, he's still not able to do the distance. I'm a little concerned that he may not be ready for the swim. 1.2 miles in open water with a few hundred other athletes can really make a person feel vulnerable, especially after being kicked in the face. When they get to Provo, I'd like to see them do a practice swim on the course at the Utah Lake Marina just so Monte can feel comfortable with the course.

Cody isn't going to make it to the race this year. He and Jen are moving to Vegas the following week, and they realized that there was just way too much to do, and the Ironman had to be cut out of the schedule. We'll really miss having Cody at the race.

I've been training hard all summer. Recently, however, I've been studying for the GMAT, so I haven't been able to get the necessary last minute training in. I feel weak in the water and on the bike. I'm feeling strong in my run training, though. Additionally, I'm going to be out of town on business a week and a half leading up to the race. I won't be able to get the necessary training in, but I'm still planning to attempt this race. As long as I can avoid my frequent abdominal pains and throwing up on the bike or run, I think I'll be ok.

Half Ironmans are HARD. Though I've done more of these races than I can even count or remember, it's always a mental and physical struggle to push myself beyond the limits of pain. This race won't be any different. Race morning will be full of excitement and fear and anticipation as usual, but it will be particularly sweet to have my family there, not as spectators, but as fellow participants. I've been inspired by them and their desire to take on such a daunting challenge, and I am honored to race with them. It will be a great day.....oh yeah, and I'll see you at the finish line, boys!

VIVE LE TOUR!

There are few things on this earth more beautiful than bicycle racing. The perfect combination of man and machine - the crashes, the humanity, the drama, the sportsmanship, the suffering. It's like NASCAR without all the explosions. I am passionate about this sport. SCREW THE DOPERS.

Beautiful Doctrines of the Gospel

On April 3, 1836, 3 heavenly beings appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland temple and restored sacred keys pertaining to the everlasting priesthood.

...the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north. After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed. After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come— To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—

D&C 110

"Elias" appeared in the Kirtland temple on this occasion and "committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham". What is the gospel of Abraham? Why was this key restored to the earth? What does it mean that "in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed. "

This quote from Russell M. Nelson is amazing.

Whenever I look at stars in the sky, I am reminded that about 4,000 years ago Jesus the Christ (then speaking as Jehovah—God of the Old Testament) made a covenant with Father Abraham. Included was the promise that the Savior of the world would come through Abraham’s lineage and that his seed would be multiplied “as the stars of the heaven.” In addition, Abraham was told that through his seed, “all the nations of the earth [shall] be blessed” (Gen. 22:17–18). This covenant was to be everlasting—even through “a thousand generations” (1 Chr. 16:15). Abraham was promised “that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee … even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal” (Abr. 2:11).
From scriptures we learn that this covenant “should be fulfilled in the latter days” (1 Ne. 15:18). Then the fulness of His gospel would be preached and many would truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
In 1836, keys of “the gospel of Abraham” were conferred (D&C 110:12). In 1843 the Lord declared to the Prophet Joseph Smith that “Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose loins ye are. … This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham” (D&C 132:30–31).
Brothers and sisters, you may also claim the supernal blessings promised to the faithful lineage of Abraham. The Lord explained that blessings and responsibilities of His priesthood are yours because of your faith, works, and lineage—the lineage declared in your patriarchal blessings. You “are lawful heirs,” He said. “Your life and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage” (D&C 86:9–10).
The ultimate blessings of the Abrahamic covenant are conferred in holy temples. These blessings allow us to come forth in the First Resurrection and inherit thrones, kingdoms, powers, principalities, and dominions, to our “exaltation and glory in all things” (D&C 132:19). The fulfillment of the ancient Abrahamic covenant is feasible only because of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is He who has made it possible for us to dwell with God, with Him, and with our families eternally.

Swim Training

My training partner, Natalie, and I filmed each other swimming yesterday so we could find ways to improve our form. It's really hard to improve on your swimming technique without a coach or training partner. Natalie has really helped me improve over the past few months. She's improved as well. It's been really satisfying to watch her evolve into a great swimmer.

IT'S ON!!!

Winter is officially over and with the spring thaw comes a new challenge. All the men in my family - my brothers in law, Monte Johnson and Cody Reeder, my brothers, Brian and Chris and myself - are going head to head this summer at the Utah Half Ironman in Provo, Utah. This will be another chapter in our family for the history books! I'm so excited to be able to race with all these great and inspiring men. Over the next 4 months, I'll be documenting our training for this event.

Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, Run 13.1 miles!

Cody was "prescribed" the right running shoes by the good people at Salt Lake Running Company. It turns out he over pronates, so hopefully a medium stability shoe will correct the problem.

Monte just bought a wetsuit that turned out to be too big. Right now, he's most concerned about the swim, so he's going to spend a lot of time in the pool over the next few months. Since we're swimming in Utah Lake, you might want to get a tetanus shot along with all the swim training, Monte!

Brian has commited himself to this event, and it's looking like he'll be the most prepared. His swim times in the pool are looking good, and he's started running again after taking it easy for a couple months due to a foot injury.

Chris has slated 7 hours as a good finishing time. Hey Chris! A couple words of wisdom - Eat a fudgesicle right before the race and when in doubt in the water, flip onto your back and remember "monkey, tree, rocketship"! You'll get it done.

As for me, my only new years resolution this year was to try and eat more ice cream. So far, it's going well. That's all you need to know.

Because it's there Mallory said, to an audience of misunderstanding reporters. The world has long thought that George Leigh Mallory meant the elusive summit of Mt. Everest, but perhaps he was referring to the mountain buried deep in the soul of every human being, that deep primal desire in each of us to be proven, not to the world, but to ourselves. In this, one can even hear echoes of similar desires expressed in our enthusiastic acceptance of a plan presented to us all before the world was made, a desire to be "proven herewith". Now we are here and the desire expresses itself in peculiar ways. Always the inward searching question of "would I have made it" when stories of suffering, trials, and valor are recounted. Or, the drive to climb a high mountain in some far off country. And, of course, for many it is expressed by an entry into an amazingly difficult race where the individual must transcend the physical body to draw upon deep wells of hidden mental and spiritual strength to finish. To any who desire to be so tested, the question may be posed: "why do you want to do this hard thing?" the answer is always the same, "Because it is there" the Moriah in each of us which must be climbed and conquered that we may in fact conquer ourselves"
-Brian McCombs