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.