Happy Thanksgiving

Another turkey day has come and gone. I must say I controlled myself pretty well today. Probably the most restraint I've ever used on Thanksgiving. Having a race on Saturday was good motivation to not go overboard. I got a nice run in last night before work and my legs felt really good. I actually had a nice bounce and spring in them all night at work. I took today off and will do a short tempo type run tomorrow morning to stay fresh and loose and then let Saturday just come to me. I'm in no position to force a certain type of race for myself. Temps for Saturday are probably gonna be in the 30ish area. After the race, I'll head to Georgetown for some family fun and hook up with my high school buddies for our annual post-Thanksgiving steak dinner in Champaign. As soon as I get back, its back to work. I'm going to start up my Simple Fit next week to start adding some strength to the mix. I want to really concentrate on my core and getting myself ready for the '09 season. I'm laying out a pretty strong schedule, and I need to be ready for the task.

I'm starting the search for a new mountainbike. I've got some ideas, but I really want to do my research and get the bike that will suit my needs the best. I'm really looking for a race worthy trail bike if that makes any sense. If I had to pick now, I'd probably go with the Stumpy FSR. You cant really go wrong with that thing, but I'm keeping my options open.

Killin Airport Time

So I'm sitting here bored at the Peoria Airport so I thought I'd drop a few lines. My department has a contract with the airport that we provide security here so every so often and for 1 month/yr. I am here....watching the place. It's slightly mundane since the place is locked down for about 4 of the hours I'm here. The rest is spent locking/unlocking and checking the perimiter and the parking lot. I like to spend my free time reading, surfing the net and researching training and races. I'm still putting together my 09 schedule, waiting for a few dates to be listed. I pretty much have something going on every month except Feb, March and Dec for next year including 4 duathlons, 6 trail races and the Run to Remember 5k for fallen officers. Still hoping to lock down 2-3 du's at this point. I have a couple in mind but no word on dates yet.

I did finally get a new camera last week too so I can start putting some pictures back up in the near future. Tomorrow I get to pick up my Power Tower and get it down in our "gym". This will really help me out so I can get going on the Simple Fit workouts again. The running is coming along great right now. I need to start throwing some more riding in the plan though. I've been out on RIT once a couple weeks ago and felt better than expected so hopefully I can get some more rides in before Winter really hits us. If not, I've always got the trainer. As soon as Milkman is ready, we'll be hitting the dungeon again too.

Well, that's it for now. Back to securing PIA!!

The Week Ahead

See, My week runs Wed-Tues. Actually, my week begins on Wednesday night. So to kick it off I did a nice EZ 30 minute run on the treadmill. I always feel so much better at work when I get a run in before I go. It makes the treadmill tolerable. It also make me look forward to Saturday mornings and Monday afternoons went I get to run outside. I've got one night at the airport this week. Maybe I can get some more dates locked down for some races. The good news is that my schedule will be the same next year. No reorganizing or shifting around. FOLEPI 4 miler in about 10 days. I should have a decent race for this time of year. I feel good and getting stronger every day. Just have to stick to my plans and no shortcutting.

Th p.m.-25-30 min run
Fri-oOf
Sat-45 min tempo run
Sun p.m.-25 min ez run
Mon-Long run 60-75 min
Tues-Off

Out of the Cave

So here I am. Back on track and ready to crank up some actual competition in '09. It's been a long yet short year for me. The new (not so new anymore) job is going great. I'm set to be off probation in about 3 weeks and things are good. I've settled into my nice 3rd shift routine and have gotten serious about "training" again. I ran a 10k 2 weeks ago, very slow mind you, but it was a start. I was able to taste competition again and the whole production of readying myself for an event. I missed it very much actually and look forward to what I believe will be a good '09. The goal right now is duathlons and the CITRA series, an area trail run series. I'd like to see it do well and I enjoy doing them. Gone are the days of the ultras. The training and effect they have on my body just doesn't work for......well, work. I have to be explosive and bust heads at times. I know how I felt in '07 and it just wouldn't be a good move for me. But the duathlons and shorter trail runs, that I can handle and very much enjoy. So here I am, back at it after a LOOOONG layoff. Things are lookin good......so far.