tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38623236896769421012024-03-13T17:38:25.721-04:00The Lazy TriathleteIt's a semi-true story
Believe it or not
I made up a few things
And there's some I forgot.
But the life and the tellin'
Are both real to me
And they all run together and turn out to be
A semi-true story. -- JBThe Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-4769256151409091722012-11-25T19:25:00.001-05:002012-11-25T19:25:14.436-05:00Moving Blog SitesI have moved the Lazy Triathlete to a new host.<br />
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If you are interested please follow me to <a href="http://www.thelazytriathlete.net/">www.thelazytriathlete.net</a><br />
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All the best. The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-83670086393670904532011-05-24T11:54:00.000-04:002011-05-24T11:54:30.130-04:00Columbia Triathlon Race Report<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="" name="1301dea8031beef0_1301d187218a0947_OLE_LINK2"></a><a href="" name="1301dea8031beef0_1301d187218a0947_OLE_LINK1"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">I</span><span style="color: black;"> completed my first triathlon since 2008 yesterday.<span> </span>Why I chose to start with the Columbia Triathlon in Columbia, MD I have no idea.<span> </span>It is one of the tougher Olympic Distance races around here.<span> </span>I guess because it bills itself as the “Right of Spring” in the Mid Atlantic and I am sucker for marketing.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">I told the Bride that I would stay close to home this triathlon season.<span> </span>Other than a late summer trek to Dewey Beach, DE for the Dewey Sprint Tri, Richmond, VA is my farthest trip.<span> </span>The trip to Dewey is a long weekend trip with for us and some friends.<span> </span>So we just rent a house and enjoy the weekend.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">I was up early on Sunday morning for the 50 mile drive to Columbia.<span> </span>I arrived just after 0500 and set up my transition area.<span> </span>The weather Sunday morning was just about perfect for a race.<span> </span>This is the first time I have done this race or even a bike ride on the course that it hasn’t rained.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">My wave went off at 0718 and would you believe that the men aged 40-44 was the seconded largest wave?<span> </span>Men 35-39 was the largest.<span> </span>What is it with us old guys?<span> </span>The start of the swim was about what you expect.<span> </span>There was plenty of kicking and jockeying for position.<span> </span>After about 5 minute it all settled down and I got in a nice groove.<span> </span>I made the turn at the dam and then made the turn back to the swim exit.<span> </span>I was feeling good, my strokes were strong, I was in a good zone, and started to get a little cocky.<span> </span>As I was sighting on the buoys, I started to hear the announcer<span> </span>getting louder and louder.<span> </span>This wasn’t a surprise since you swim by at a greater distance in front of the start/announcer.<span> </span>Then I realized I had been sighting in on the wrong buoy.<span> </span>So I had to turn to the right to get back on track.<span> </span>I probably wasted 3-4 minutes due to my sighting error.<span> </span>However, I came out of the water at 32:04.<span> </span>Without the sighting problem I am comfortable I would have gone under 30 minutes for the swim which was my goal.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">I took my time in transition.<span> </span>This was just a long training day for me.<span> </span>I pushed the bike to the top of the hill outside of transition, mounted up and I was off.<span> </span>The course is a hilly 41k (25.4 miles) that I had two weeks earlier with a friend of mine.<span> </span>I am glad I had done the practice ride, because I had forgotten how tough it was.<span> </span>I warmed up my legs during the first couple of miles and then it was down hill for a little ways.<span> </span>The first 10-12 miles of the race has some downhills, but it is a net uphill.<span> </span>OUCH.<span> </span>The middle part of the bike is more rolling hills.<span> </span>I was cruising a long on the rolling hills and flat land.<span> </span>Very pleased with my progress in just two weeks.<span> </span><span> </span>Then it was back up the final big hills and the transition to run.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">As I started to run I realized how much my shoulders and lower back were hurting from the bike.<span> </span>I have made myself a promise to do more upper body/back workouts and much more core exercises in the coming days.<span> </span>I have to strengthen that part of this old body.<span> </span>As with the bike, the run is hilly.<span> </span>I told myself I would run the flats, downhills, and I would walk up the hills.<span> </span>I did more walking than I wanted.<span> </span>I legs did not cramp like I thought they would, but the shoulder and lower back were just hurting.<span> </span>By about mile 4 I had loosened up enough to get in a good trot.<span> </span>By the time I was crossing the dam, I had a pretty decent pace.<span> </span>But then you have only a half mile to go before the finish, so I am sure that had something to do with it.<span> </span>You have to love triathlons.<span> </span>The announcer is always calling out the names of the finishers (got to wear those numbers).<span> </span>I typically don’t hear my name called, but this time I was directly in front of a speaker when he called out my name.<span> </span>I gave some kids some high fives, low fives, and middle fives as I came down the chute.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">It was good to get a hard race out of the way.<span> </span>Made me feel much better, gave me an idea of what I need to work on, and made my muscles that good sore.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-27768217948768208932011-03-17T13:08:00.002-04:002011-03-17T13:08:54.759-04:00Deep in My Head<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far this has been a good week of workouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gotten in workouts every day and even some two-a-day workouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This afternoon it is back in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow morning I have an easy 4 mile run and I may even try to get in a bike ride when I get home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is suppose to be in the 70s on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus the Bride and I are heading to Philly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to do the tourist thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t spent much time in Philly and I am looking forward to seeing some of the historic sites that led to the founding of this country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me a nerd, but I do enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus I can get a good Philly Cheesesteak!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before we head out on Saturday, we have to do our annual phone/computer attempt to get Jimmy Buffett tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do this every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of us is on the computer and the other one is speed dialing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One year we actually both got tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have never been to one of his shows I highly recommend them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tail gating is awesome!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the only during the year that I get drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I workout (especially swim), I really get<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into my own head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tend to think deep thoughts, things that confuse me, irritate me, or anger me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was swimming on Tuesday I started thinking about </span><a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Fukushima+risk+lives+prevent+meltdown/4452751/story.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fukushima 50</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had read a little about them online during the day and some of us had discussed them at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of people could not understand why these people would risk their lives, if they are killed outright then they will slowly and painfully die of radiation poisoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the guys shocked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me sexist, call me old fashioned, but I expect men to be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of their world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, a man should want to be John Wayne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the right thing regardless of the consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But more and more males (especially younger ones) are not what I would call a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as I was swimming I started replaying that conversation back in my head and I got more and more angry (my 100 splits also got faster).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the world I grew up in as child, adolescent, and adult just did not tolerate this type of thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have known many firemen, policemen, and soldiers who would (and have) laid down their lives for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just a code of honor that I have come to expect, maybe even demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need others who will take the proverbial bullet for the greater good; that man or woman who quietly sacrifices so that others may live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The US Air Force Pararescue Force has the motto – That Others May Live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my humble opinion, that sums up the type of life we should all lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-24635603309318646002011-03-10T12:53:00.000-05:002011-03-10T12:53:32.705-05:00Strange Things afoot in the weight room<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all have our weird people (</span><a href="http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2008/05/whisky-foxtrot.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whiskey Foxtrots as DC Rainmaker calls them)</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> at the gym or pool that we frequent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last couple of months I have going to one of the Fairfax Co Rec Centers near my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have noticed that the men in the locker room are not as fit, nor as friendly as the ones at the YMCA I had been visiting .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bride and told me about some of the WFs using the weight machines and using the cardio equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not that I did not believe her, but I had to experience these WFs for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WF #1 was fully dressed and using the weight machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is fully dressed in an outdated button down shirt and khaki pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is balding, thin (with a little gut), wears wire rimmed glasses, and reads a magazine between sets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also does not like to share the machine as he rests between sets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WF#2 was dressed in a dingy old yellow shirt and royal purple running shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bride informed me that he has used the weight machines in nothing but a Speedo (banana hammock type).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the two “gentlemen” start up a conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not listening until they start talking about guns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This piqued my interest, so I started to listen a little more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guns in question were of Civil War vintage which led to a talking about Civil War reenactments and re-enactors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have our own hobbies and I am not one to question hobbies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then dingy yellow shirt guy stated the reason he was opposed to Civil War reenactments is…wait for it….wait for it…wait for it….the people in the 1860s had no fashion sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost lost it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a strange bunch of people using the weight machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not even say anything about the lady who could give Tom Selleck lessons on growing a mustache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I would love to hear about your Whiskey Foxtrots!</span></span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-35548726676318767022011-03-07T21:38:00.001-05:002011-03-07T21:38:09.688-05:00Weekend Update<p>This weekend was a long weekend and unfortunately it was a not filled with long runs and bike rides.  This was more a recovery weekend.  I try to schedule my recovery weeks on the weeks that I have my Reserve Weekends.  I am up and out of the house before the sun and it usually about 7 when I get home.  I could workout after I get home, but I have made a deal with the Bride to do something with her when I get home.  It is only fair.</p> <p>Today, I hit the pool and did 2000 meters in 45:20.  It was a strange workout:</p> <p>4x200 (Swim, Kick, Drill, Swim), 4x150 (Swim, Kick, Drill, Swim), 4x100 (Swim, Kick, Drill, Swim), 4x50 (fast) 100 cool down.  I had a good swim.  I don’t think I went that hard on a lot of the sets.  My time was within 2 minutes or so of my normal time, but I did not feel worn out.   Tomorrow is a morning ride with Crockett and Tubbs.  </p> <p>The house is coming along nicely.  We are set to received the dining room set on Friday.   Today we had first cleaning with a new cleaning service and she did a great job.  The </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWjQ-RZMI/AAAAAAAAAg0/0AbPwa-Nt5o/s1600-h/House-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="House-1" border="0" alt="House-1" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWjsZ6afI/AAAAAAAAAg4/-cAj4dPda0Y/House-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>lady who had been cleaning our other house wanted shit load (that is a financial term) of money and when we had her clean the house prior to us moving in, she did not do a very good job.  This new lady did a great job.  To the left is the front of the house.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWjQ-RZMI/AAAAAAAAAg0/0AbPwa-Nt5o/s1600-h/House-1%5B3%5D.jpg"></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWjQ-RZMI/AAAAAAAAAg0/0AbPwa-Nt5o/s1600-h/House-1%5B3%5D.jpg"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWj7GUsCI/AAAAAAAAAg8/-Fe0BwNYy_A/s1600-h/Den-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Den-2" border="0" alt="Den-2" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWj2JJmII/AAAAAAAAAhA/LPbGxpmSilY/Den-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWjQ-RZMI/AAAAAAAAAg0/0AbPwa-Nt5o/s1600-h/House-1%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The downstairs Den</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWkFDH0CI/AAAAAAAAAhE/vGqVCvnP4cA/s1600-h/Den-3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Den-3" border="0" alt="Den-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TXWWkaJVKQI/AAAAAAAAAhI/KY8-7nU7uCc/Den-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>Another View of the Den.  The reason I am only showing the downstairs den is that is the only common room that is finished.  </p> <p>I hope that everyone had a great weekend and keep working hard.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-3306784724975064482011-03-04T11:18:00.001-05:002011-03-04T11:18:19.784-05:00Is it Friday again?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once again I am living up to my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been working out, but I haven’t been blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past week I have had five really good workouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can feel the endurance coming back, especially in the swimming and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I get the bike out on the road I will let you know how my trainer workouts have worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have had some contract issues at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Tuesday and Wednesday I had to work from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did bunch of CPE classes since I don’t have much vacation time since I have returned from military leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also dismantled a shed, moved a desk, tried to do some plumbing, and bought a new part for the sink all over at the “old” house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Tuesday I had a 2000 meter total swim with the main set being 10 x 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hate 10 x anything (especially 100s).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was happy with my times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got slower over the course of the set, but I started at about 1:40 and ended at 1:48s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a non-swimmer like me I have no complaints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I swam two days in a row and on Wednesday the main set was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 x50 (constant pace), <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3x300,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4x50 (finish strong).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again my 300s were in the 1:48 to 1:50/100 pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty happy and rather tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thursday morning was a run day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a nice warm Wednesday afternoon (low 60s), it was a blustery 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is spring?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As cold as it was, I still had a very good run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tell the fitness is coming back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I maintained or was a little faster over miles than I have been and my HR was about 7 bpm less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the house front;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started painting the shed, but I still haven’t finished the trim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a new </span><a href="http://www.weber.com/explore/Grill_details.aspx?glid=2&mid=5"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weber Grill</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> which I used for the first time last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry no photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, we ordered a new dining room table set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is suppose to be delivered on Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house is slowly coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will be playing soldier this weekend, so no hard training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope everyone has a great weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-11762995780849118632011-02-25T15:03:00.001-05:002011-02-25T15:03:48.687-05:00Friday Ramblings<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is a rest day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to swim on Saturday and then a short brick on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be going to a different Church on Sunday—we are looking for a new one since we moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we are going into DC to meet up with a friend of ours who is in town for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping that tomorrow gets as warm as advertised, high 40s, so that I can finish painting the new shed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I painted the body a couple of weeks ago, but still haven’t done the trim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully that will not take more than a couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try to remember to get some pictures of the shed before and after I paint the trim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today has been one of those rather brain dead days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I don’t work up a sweat in the morning I just feel run down most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know my legs need a break and tomorrow will be a good day in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss my workouts and being in my own thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I could just remember them or were more technically inclined I bet I could invent something crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also pretty creative in the writing arena when I don’t have a keyboard or pen and paper in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My last two deployments I have started on a novel and never got very far. But I would lay in bed at night and map the plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My most current plot is a former Army Special Ops guy, who has become a National Geographic type photographer and is a triathlete living in DC, who gets recruited to “do thing” to keep us safe or to help out friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a shame I can’t write it during work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have finished up some work and I am awaiting it to be reviewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since it is Friday I am going to bet is not reviewed prior to my departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am on the 6<sup>th</sup> floor of a building on the Virginia side of the Potomac listening to the wind HOWL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just checked the weather and it the wind is gusting to 53mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking out the window wondering if some of the plywood being used for construction was going to get airborne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yuck!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am glad I am not out running or biking today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-69596724078155342932011-02-24T09:18:00.002-05:002011-02-24T09:18:30.282-05:00Living in the Past?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know about other people, but when I am out running I have all sorts of crazy thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I was jamming to some 80s music and a song I forgot I had on my iPod came on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song took me back to some more care-free days in college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then my mind wandered even more and I started thinking about people who seem to live in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was huffing along in the cold morning air, I broke them down into two categories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones who still think they are great because of previous accomplishments and the ones who have bettered themselves but still see themselves as the (fill in the blank) from way back when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did not ponder too much on the ones who still think they are great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the high school or college jock types who never got past being the starting quarterback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fair number of the people I grew up with are like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their lives never got past those accomplishments many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is sad really that whatever the accomplishment was was the highlight of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other group actually makes me sad and in some cases mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those individuals who have greatly bettered themselves in terms of education, financial status, and (since this is a workout blog) those who have overcome their lack of athleticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have worked hard to be that good runner, biker, swimmer, or whatever; have gotten in shape and lost weight and look good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do they still see themselves as the slow or the fat kid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was always active growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played organized baseball from age 6 through college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a decent player, but never pro material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran track a couple of years in middle school, played football in middle and high schools, and even wrestled a couple of seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fit and skinny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The army kept me in shape and as I have aged the challenge has gotten more difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pounds don’t melt off and I don’t recover as fast I use too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t really dwell on the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to learn from things that have occurred in the past, but I don’t see myself as that 18 year old athlete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My question is do you still see yourself as that person you were, or do you embrace the new you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would your family say?</span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-75567420150248501522011-02-23T09:44:00.001-05:002011-02-23T09:44:50.453-05:00Swimming Etiquette or I learned to share in Kindergarten<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past weekend I was back in Georgia cleaning out a storage unit and bring some of the contents back the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now have enough space to store the stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We departed Friday afternoon and drove as far as Spartanburg, SC and finished off the trip early Saturday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to see family and to walk the Bride around my grandmother’s lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How the land around her property has been developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can actually see new construction behind her house now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It used to be out on the middle of nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday morning we were up early and on the road back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty hours in the car in roughly two days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So no long workouts for me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday was a Federal Holiday, so I worked from home doing some online classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to do a long run, but the ball of my left foot was in a lot of pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled up after about 2 miles and just walked home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday was a 40 minute bike ride in the morning followed by a swim in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The distances are improving in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of the pool, what the hell is up with lane etiquette?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday morning I did a short swim before departing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had put my equipment down in an unused lane and went to grab a kickboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since all the lanes had at least one swimmer in them, I was not shocked to see a lady putting her equipment next to mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I greeted her and she gave me one of the DC woman shit eating looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then informed me that this was “her” lane and she swam in it every Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her “no problem”, would you rather swim side to side or circle swim?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then looked at me and told me again this was “her” lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I responded kindly sarcastically that if she had it rented I would be happy to swim in another lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, to make a long story short—she changed lanes once another lane came open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hate to share lanes, especially with people you don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, these pools are for everyone’s use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t get the hostility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, to show that I am not a jaded person (at least tell myself that), as I was finishing up my swim a gentleman came onto the pool deck looking for a lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled up and told him I had another 10 minutes or so, but he was welcome to use this lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very much appreciative; we discussed strokes and the use of flippers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I went to leave he thanked me, saying that he was used to the people who refuse to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I guess that lady is the norm…..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who else has any similar experiences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you handle them?</span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-82943430055226865552011-02-17T09:49:00.002-05:002011-02-17T09:49:37.743-05:00Happy vs Unhappy. Who wins?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know if it is that time of the year or what, but so people appear to be unhappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general we have so much to be happy for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we as Americans just an unhappy lot? Do we like to hear ourselves bitch and complain?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am not talking about the “Damn, I don’t want to get up and work out at 5am”, type of unhappiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am talking about the kind that appears to come from somewhere deep in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to think of myself as a half full kind of guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not bubbly or overly charismatic, but I try to look on the bright side of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are people that will say I am not always happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raise my voice at the news on TV or really stupid calls by officials in my favorite sporting events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also a realist and sarcastic at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that doesn’t make me unhappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since I am realist I have been told over and over that I am too hard on others, typically people who appear to me to be unhappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to point out the good things in their lives, that sometimes there expectations are unrealistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people get angry or unhappy that they “only “lost 1.5lbs this week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or did not PR a race?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not realistic to be perfect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why is it that the individuals who get mad at something are the most likely to do the same type thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they projecting? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have people around me who are convinced that others need to respond to them immediately, but then they like to hold back information or wait until the last minute to pass on information or complete a task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My personal opinion is that they do that for control reasons and think that anyone that doesn’t respond “their way” is trying to control them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Double standard?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you that angry or unhappy people sleep less?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worrying about things that they can’t control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they try to bring you down to make themselves feel better?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know this isn’t exactly a happy (no pun intended) post, but it was something I was thinking about this morning on my run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happiness is not always<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that flowery feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But look around you—is your spouse by your side (even if you don’t always agree?) are your kids healthy, are you trying to improve yourself or make yourself better?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to play the cards I have been dealt, patiently made my decisions, and make the best of my situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are your thoughts on the situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you the unhappy one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the person making you unhappy really doing something wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it something you can change or should change?</span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-60978784843362461512011-02-15T19:20:00.001-05:002011-02-15T19:20:19.309-05:00Getting back into the swing of things<p>We all know how good we feel after a workout.  Especially a hard on.  We also know that there are some days it takes all we have to get out the door, or in some cases out of the bed.  November and December were difficult months for me to get my ass in gear.  I knew I would feel better, but that damn couch was so comfortable.  Now that I am back at work getting up in the morning and making the time, both before and after work, to get in my workouts has actually been easier than when I had all the time in the world.  I tend to do much better when I have constraints on my time.  I have to manage my life better. I actually get more accomplished and don’t feel so overwhelmed.  </p> <p>Sunday morning was my longest ride on the trainer to date.  It was 15 miles, which isn’t that far, but I have been doing 30-40 minutes in the morning before work.  This was about a 50 min workout.  I broke a good sweat and thankfully Jack Bauer was able to make headway during that hour.  Monday morning I was up about 0445 and hit the road.  I did a little less than 4 miles.  I know I am starting to get back in shape when that run starts to feel good.  The down side of that was about a mile from the house, I started feeling “that rumbling” down in the belly.  I walked for a couple of minutes until it subsided, then I started back off at a faster pace.  It then started to me again.  Luckily, I made it home just in the nick of time.  </p> <p>Today I was back in the pool.  I did 2200 meets in roughly 50-55 minutes.  I forgot my watch.  Silly me.  The main set was a pyramid of 4x50, 2x100, 1x200, 2x100, and 4x50.  I was happy that I was able to keep the 50s at about 45 seconds and the 100s at about 1:40. </p> <p>I have promised some photos of the “Man Room”, so here they are.    The TV mounted over the desk is a godsend when I am working out or the bride has taken over the TV in <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TVsYPUoFxkI/AAAAAAAAAfU/nCT282ib6Ag/s1600-h/Man-Room-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Man-Room-2" border="0" alt="Man-Room-2" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TVsYQOnMc2I/AAAAAAAAAfY/pHtZovJ_NpA/Man-Room-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TVsYQInLDKI/AAAAAAAAAfc/yEE1tlh5SDs/s1600-h/Man-Room-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Man-Room-1" border="0" alt="Man-Room-1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TVsYQfbUR2I/AAAAAAAAAfg/yRTU5hxIJcI/Man-Room-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>the den and is watching some crazy Red Carpet Special or those moronic “housewives”.  I can retreat to my retreat and watch sports or my military and history channels.  Speaking of history on television—if you are folks with a TV in your room I highly recommend “The States” or “The Presidents” from the History channel to help you fall asleep.  </p> <p>I hope everyone has a great week and keep up the hard work.</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-83765958352747769202011-02-09T09:01:00.001-05:002011-02-09T09:01:22.840-05:00Sick and Tired of the Cold<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am just sick and tired of the cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least the last two mornings I have been able to watch the sun come up over the Potomac as I drove to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means it is not cloudy and the days are getting longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring has to come sooner or later—I am hoping on sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday and Sunday I donned my Army suit for the first time since returning from Afghanistan and it was back to the one weekend a month thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been nice to be off, but I can’t complain about the additional cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus it was good to see all the folks I haven’t seen since we got back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The down side is not really any time to get in a workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did not work out<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just did the weigh for our Family and Friends Biggest Loser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not pleased, but I had a fair amount of alcohol and really bad food as I watched the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only down half a pound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Monday after work (the weather was fairly nice) I hit the road for a painful 4 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first half of the run I could not get loose nor really work up a good sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to my training plan I was only suppose to run 3 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I am still learning all the side streets in the new neighborhood (yes I did Map My Run, but..) I took a wrong turn and ended up doing 4 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second half was much better than the first half, so I will categorize it as a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday morning I was up and hopped on the trainer for a 10mile spin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the new house I have my own office/workout room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mounted a TV on the wall so I can watch TV, a DVD, or stream Netflix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have to get pictures up soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday afternoon I did an ab workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning, it was effing cold so I opted to do another ride instead of a run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For entertainment during the ride I streamed an old George Carlin HBO Special, “Doin’ It Again”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot how funny that man is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This afternoon I am scheduled for some speed work in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate sprints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now off to earn a living.</span></div>The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-10554755225228178682011-02-02T20:21:00.001-05:002011-02-02T20:21:24.476-05:00How to ruin a marriage and I don’t mean mine!!<p>This morning after I was done stretching and doing an ab workout I came across this very interesting article, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703439504576116083514534672.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703439504576116083514534672.html</a>, and was truly fascinated by it. Initially, I was fascinated by the author’s view point on the Waxmans. My initial though on the article is what is the author’s bias? There appears to be some major gaps in the writing. If he gets up early and works out, so what if she wakes alone. He is the one getting up earlier. Either the author has a bias against endurance athletes or athlete in general (was he the band or a nerd and mocked by the jocks) or was Mr. Waxman really that big of a selfish pig. Then I started reading the reader comments.</p> <p>I was amazed at how many people think that training for a triathlon, specifically Sprint or Oly, all that crazy. The ones that really stood out to me were the women complaining about their husbands training. What is wrong with someone (male or female) deciding to push themselves and tackling a new challenge? What is wrong with getting off the couch and shedding that belly fat (I know I need to)? As I continued to read the comments I was struck by 1) the number of women (who don’t appear to work out) complaining, 2) the number of men who whined in general (I make the impolite assumption they were just fat and miserable, 3) the number of ladies who praised their husbands for being supportive, and 4) the number of men who complimented their wives/girlfriends for working out and looking good.</p> <p>Anything in moderation is usually a good thing. Addiction to something, even exercise when it affects your relationships, falls into the Lazy Triathlete’s category of “BAD”. But who decides that it has been become a problem? How much is too much? Seven hours a week? Ten hours? Fifteen? 7-9 hours a week is not really excessive if you do you the math. One hour a day for 4 days a week and then 90 minutes on Saturday and Sunday gives you seven hours of working out. I realize you have prep and travel time which adds another hour or two. However, that appears to me to be a small price to pay to push yourself and accomplish something, make yourself healthier, and to look and feel better.</p> <p>Please take some time and read the article and let me know what you think.</p> <p>This afternoon I went for my first run on my training plan. It was suppose to be an easy 30 minute run. Well it was a SLOW one. After riding 30 minutes and swimming 30 minutes the last two days, my legs were rather heavy and the run was slow. But I did about 3 miles in those 30 minutes after work. My resolution is to follow the training plan as best as I can (weekends with Battle Assembly will be difficult) and to work out after work. New house, new habits.</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-68990670606606904622011-01-25T21:01:00.001-05:002011-01-25T21:01:04.222-05:00Buying a new house, moving, cold weather, and working out<p>Ok, it is not really a reason, more like an excuse.  I haven’t been that good on working out over the last 3 weeks.  My excuse is that we bought a new house, moved, my wife went out of town for two weeks and I was putting stuff together and cleaning up the place.  Did I mention it was cold too?  Cold is lame, I admit it.  I have been much colder in my life than it has been here lately.  </p> <p>We closed on the house 7 January and had the movers take everything out of the house on the 8th.  January 10th was a great day for my supervisory skills.  I had the locksmith, the FIOS guy (if you can get it, it beats the hell out of cable), Sears brought the new washer and dryer, the plumber, the yard guys, and the Geek Squad to hang the two TVs.  One in the downstairs den and one in my office/workout room.  I can now watch TV, a DVD, or stream a movie from Netflix as I ride the bike or work out.</p> <p>I have lost 2.5 lbs in the last three weeks, so I am eating better.  That motivated me to get back to working out this week.  I was up at 5am Monday for an easy 30 minute ride on the bike.  Then after I got home I started a new ab workout.  I have to say that my abs are rather sore today.  This morning I got up and did a 30 min run, which is my third run in the last 2 weeks.  After work today I hit the new gym (we finally joined this weekend) and I swam about 30 mins.  The swim was ok, but an easy 30 min swim should not have been as hard this one felt.  </p> <p>Tomorrow is another day on the bike.  Shooting for 35 minutes.  I want to get up to 45 mins before work, and then do the Ab workout after I get home.  All it takes is 21 days to get in the habit!!!!</p> <p>Keep working hard everyone!!</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-15604744489385351852011-01-03T20:48:00.001-05:002011-01-03T20:48:59.318-05:00Starting back HURTS<p>I ate way too much on December 31, but damn it was good.  Why can’t steam broccoli taste like a pepperoni pizza?  Just a random thought there.  The Bride loves WII Fit, especially the scale since it keeps her honest.  She has talked me into doing some of the WII Fit games, but mainly the weigh-in on there.  Of course she can see my weight, but I can’t see hers.  But I digress.  I weighed in at 179 lbs (rounding up).  Which was about 6lbs less than I thought I weighed.  So I am pretty happy that I had not gained as much as I thought I had.  My goal is to be at 160 by the end June.  I see no reason I can’t do that.  Well there is my love of pepperoni pizza.  </p> <p>Saturday afternoon I headed out for my first bike ride of the year.  I planned on meeting a buddy of mine and doing about 20 miles, but he bailed at the last minute due to the possibility of rain.  So I headed down to Haines Point to do some laps.  I ended up biking an hour in some pretty chilly wind.  With the wind I was easily doing 18.5-19 mph and against the wind I was working hard to do 16.  I don’t remember when a short hour ride hurt so much.  But it felt good to be on the new bike for only the second time outside.  </p> <p>This morning I was up at 5am and headed out the door for 3.5 miles.  It was a brisk 27 with a cold north wind as I started.  I am ashamed of how slow my 3.5 mile run was.  I don’t remember the last time I suffered through 10 min miles.  The good news is it only gets easier, well it gets faster.  Tomorrow, I am off to swim with the masters at the Y.  Soon, I will be moving to a new place to swim.  That is if we ever close on the new house, but more on that later.  </p> <p>I think I am going to sign up for the Augusta 70.3.   If anyone has done that race I would love some info.</p> <p>Now back to the closing.  We wanted to close last Wednesday, but due to a last minute request from the lender to the seller that did not happen.  The document was received late on Thursday, but with the holiday nothing was done on Friday.  I was not hopeful about today even though the Bride was.  If everything was completed today, we should be able to close on Wednesday.  Please keep your fingers crossed.</p> <p>I hope everyone had a great New Years.  Lets all get back in gear.</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-49362744816783660932010-12-31T20:06:00.001-05:002010-12-31T20:06:04.223-05:00Last Day of Gluttony<p>I have been back from Afghanistan now for a little over two months and I have done exactly what I said I was not going to do.  I have eaten like it is going out of style.  I have not run or swam like I should have.  I haven’t biked much either, but I have an excuse for that, which I will discuss in a minute.   The last real run I did was a Turkey Trot on a family vacation in the Keys during Thanksgiving.   That is how pathetic I have been.  After Thanksgiving we went spent 10 days in Puerto Rico and on cruise.  During this time I ate and drank WAY too much.  Two extra days stuck in Chicago over Christmas did not help either. </p> <p>My excuse for lack of riding is this—I had to move the bike and trainer out of my house because it is on the market.  Our realtor has us keeping things in our house to a minimum.  Since the house is rather small I completely agree with her.  We were suppose to close on the new house on Wednesday but that did not occur.  Now we are shooting for Monday.  All I can say about the underwriters is tell us up front what documentation is needed.  That allows us and the seller to be prepared.  Don’t wait until the last “effing” minute to throw something new at us.  So lets hope Monday or Tuesday works out.</p> <p>The good news is once we get settled in the new house, I have one of the four bedrooms as mine.  I am having a flat screen mounted on the wall so during the cold winters I can ride and watch some shoot’em up movies.  The new house is over twice the size of our current one and has been completely renovated.  I am excited to get in and get settled.</p> <p>Today is the last day of Gluttony for the bride and I.  We have been grazing on appetizer foods as we watch football games.  Tomorrow I have a 20 mile bike ride scheduled.  I am excited to get out and ride the new bike some more.  </p> <p>So much for 2010.  Lets all welcome 2011.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-2900410353554569282010-12-03T21:35:00.001-05:002010-12-03T21:35:42.117-05:00Slowly Working Out<p>I had such high hopes for my workout on my return.  However, life and laziness (I am not the Lazy Triathlete for nothing) have gotten in the way.  I have been swimming the last month.  I am back up to about 2000 yards.  Most of these workouts are rather slow with lots of drills thrown.  I haven’t run in over a week.  Most of my runs have been on the short and slow side, especially since the weather has gotten colder.  I am going to try and run for about an hour tomorrow.  </p> <p>The other issue that has been tying me up is the process of buying a house and selling a house.  We were looking at one that did not have a buyer for a while, dragging our feet hoping that no one was interested.  At the last minute we were in a bidding war, unprepared, and ended up losing that one.  We have found another house and have a contract on it.  Currently there are two issues holding it up.  We are still awaiting the mold test and the VA appraisal.   I am concerned about the VA appraisal.  I am hearing horror stories regarding the this process.  </p> <p>This house has been completely re-done on the inside.  It is basically brand spanking new.  I will need to enlarge the deck and the backyard needs some TLC, but that is not an overly difficult process—just time consuming.  Wish us luck.</p> <p>We also went to the Keys for Thanksgiving.  Myself, the Bride, her mother and father, and her sister and her family.  We had a blast.  Plenty of sun, fruity drinks and<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TPmo-_PAg-I/AAAAAAAAAfE/z3WqISjJjM8/s1600-h/Key-Diving-3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Key-Diving-3" border="0" alt="Key-Diving-3" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TPmo_TDJsVI/AAAAAAAAAfI/3zKogDpnXZk/Key-Diving-3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> some great scuba diving.   In addition to the diving we also did a 5K turkey trot at the resort.   I promised the Bride I would run with her.  It was a lot of fun if not the fastest race of my life.  </p> <p>Next Friday we head to Puerto Rico for a cruise.  So I better work out hard the next six days.  I just wish I had the new bike easily accessible so I could do some trainer rides.  But we are keeping our house clutter free incase someone comes to look.  </p> <p>I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-36419270517887651922010-11-10T22:53:00.001-05:002010-11-10T22:54:12.832-05:00Back to Bamiyan<p>The last week I have gotten in a few runs, a couple of days on the trainer ( I love the new bike), and a couple of 2000 yard days in the pool.  But for the most part I have been working on the doing all the things needed to buy and sell a house.  However, not to jinx ourselves I am going to refrain from going into any detail at this time.  </p> <p>This past year was my second trip to Afghanistan.  I spent 2002 in Kabul, Bamiyan<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtolt_rJwI/AAAAAAAAAeE/OdyyG3KyWFE/s1600-h/bamiyan_map200%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="bamiyan_map200" border="0" alt="bamiyan_map200" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtol2zsC7I/AAAAAAAAAeI/uYYv8W8lbWc/bamiyan_map200_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154" /></a> (home to the big Buddha's that the Taliban destroyed), and the Airbase at Bagram.  My favorite place was Bamiyan.  I was absolutely a beautiful place.  The people there were honest and hard working.  The Hazaras were persecuted by the Taliban and had suffered greatly.  Bamiyan is the middle of country is very isolated due the terrain.   During my 2002 time in Bamiyan I was previledged enough to build numerous schools  for both boys and girls,<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtomQXScwI/AAAAAAAAAeM/OI7agezFEGQ/s1600-h/Boys%20and%20Girls%20School%20in%20Bamian%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Boys and Girls School in Bamian" border="0" alt="Boys and Girls School in Bamian" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtomo_Z0_I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/BTrGydg7JUg/Boys%20and%20Girls%20School%20in%20Bamian_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> emplace wells, and other activies that benefited the people  of this impoverished area.   I have enough stories about this place to fill a few hours over numerous beers.  During this tour, I was lucky enough to get back up there for a little while.   Man how the place has changed.  </p> <p>I escorted some Afghan government leaders and luckily we flew <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtonHmufuI/AAAAAAAAAeU/HXkplG_39bk/s1600-h/Chase%20Helo%20over%20Shibar%20Pass%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Chase Helo over Shibar Pass" border="0" alt="Chase Helo over Shibar Pass" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtonZorWSI/AAAAAAAAAeY/sXJRlgu79Gs/Chase%20Helo%20over%20Shibar%20Pass_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>instead of taking the long ass trip in a vehicle.  It was a wonderful experience to see all the changes.  There was a lot of new construction going on, at least 5k of roads had been paved, the airfield was being used.  Most of all I enjoyed seeing the safe house we had lived in 2002 had reverted back to the hotel it has been previously.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtony_4L5I/AAAAAAAAAec/ITFDiqbKdrE/s1600-h/Outside%20old%20safe%20house%5B3%5D.jpg"></a><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Outside old safe house" border="0" alt="Outside old safe house" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtooV_wmvI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Go59x2S8EwM/Outside%20old%20safe%20house_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></p> <p></p> <p align="center">This was our safehouse 2002.  20 Americans living by your wits</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtoo0FEqSI/AAAAAAAAAek/xtInPoh60JQ/s1600-h/Old%20safe%20house%20outhouse%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Old safe house outhouse" border="0" alt="Old safe house outhouse" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtopFCTiMI/AAAAAAAAAeo/cf2zDcOOaMw/Old%20safe%20house%20outhouse_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">This was our outhouse.  We had carpeted and even magazine holders for reading material.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtopm91YoI/AAAAAAAAAes/Cn3SSSZzEn4/s1600-h/At%20the%20old%20safe%20house%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="At the old safe house" border="0" alt="At the old safe house" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtoqeOfDwI/AAAAAAAAAew/KhGqQwXZ4bM/At%20the%20old%20safe%20house_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="216" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The Lazy Triathlete over looking one of the Buddha holes in March 2010.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtorJOsX6I/AAAAAAAAAe0/6opIYUMgo_g/s1600-h/Inside%20old%20safe%20house%201%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Inside old safe house 1" border="0" alt="Inside old safe house 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtorlJ3l9I/AAAAAAAAAe4/8eSdeVodDtI/Inside%20old%20safe%20house%201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtosD9fWGI/AAAAAAAAAe8/2R2lrMel8jk/s1600-h/Inside%20old%20safe%20house%203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Inside old safe house 3" border="0" alt="Inside old safe house 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TNtosVvmofI/AAAAAAAAAfA/cbQQW1Vmq6g/Inside%20old%20safe%20house%203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="223" /></a> </p> <p align="center">This what the hotel looks like now.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Enough reminiscing, it is time to get some sleep and get in a few miles in the morning.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-4463741544503884062010-10-27T16:55:00.001-04:002010-10-27T16:55:50.575-04:00I AM BACK<p>I am back from a tour in the great state of chaos called Afghanistan.   I have been back for about a week and have been sort of relaxing.   However, I have started working again.  Which is pretty good.  Sleep is still not as solid as I would like.  But when your body gets use to only 5-6 hours a night and you through jet lag in on top of it, it is no wonder I am waking up at 0300 or so every day.  </p> <p>None of my workouts have been anything earth shattering.  I have been running about 5K this past week.  It is getting easier.  Tuesday was my first day on my new bike (more to follow on that), and today I swam for about 30 minutes.  I lost track of the laps, but I guess it was 1200 yards or so.  Nothing hard, just some lazy swimming and basic drills</p> <p>Now back to the bike.  Before I left I worked out a deal with the Bride, that if I <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TMiR01hwC0I/AAAAAAAAAd8/2NhfQhwvj_s/s1600-h/New-Bike%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="New-Bike" border="0" alt="New-Bike" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/TMiR1Rim08I/AAAAAAAAAeA/dgsGT4spm50/New-Bike_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>saved so much money for a new house that I could get a new bike.  So after much research, etc etc, I ended up with a Trek 6.2 Madone.  I took possesion from my LBS on Monday but due to the weather there was no riding.  Tuesday morning I headed out for what was suppose to be an hour ride.  Just to get my feet back under me and see how she handled.  A little over half way through the ride (I stopped at my local running store to get new socks) and when I returned to the bike the rear tire was flat.  I did not have a spare tube, so Dumbass (that is me) walked 2 miles back home pushing the bike.  Not very smart.</p> <p>The good news the tube is changed and if it is not raining on Thursday I plan on getting in that hour or so ride.  </p> <p>I will be posting pictures and stuff from the year in Afghanistan from time to time.  So if you are interested stay tuned to this channel.</p> <p>I am glad to be home and I hope my readers are still there.</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-30669510087974994562010-01-18T11:06:00.001-05:002010-01-18T11:06:39.513-05:00Hanging out Karzblacastan<p> Things here in Karzblacastan (I will tell you where we really are after we depart) are actually pretty decent—other than the fact we are still here. Sunday we had a pretty intense snow storm here. It was reported at over 9inches which is supposed to be a record for here. There is still snow everywhere. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SG-ToSDUI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/-pb8tnwz8Hs/s1600-h/Night%20of%20snow%202%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Night of snow 2" border="0" alt="Night of snow 2" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SG_BFThoI/AAAAAAAAAdU/celSy9qPU5k/Night%20of%20snow%202_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Luckily, today the sun came out and when the wind was not blowing it was actually very pleasant. If the roads had not still been icy I would have gone for a run. There was suppose to be a good abs class at the gym this afternoon, but I napped through it.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SG_lq34AI/AAAAAAAAAdY/yBo0kiOEQmE/s1600-h/Snow%20outside%20my%20tent%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snow outside my tent" border="0" alt="Snow outside my tent" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SHAdDOpHI/AAAAAAAAAdc/BS_OCoeUwW4/Snow%20outside%20my%20tent_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Before you think that I am being overly lazy napping the afternoon away I was up most of the night thanks to the Bulgarians. Their<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SHBADSd9I/AAAAAAAAAdg/RUfWyt8Nvcw/s1600-h/KO%20in%20the%20snow%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KO in the snow" border="0" alt="KO in the snow" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SHCGHHGZI/AAAAAAAAAdk/aH9KJQI2f3k/KO%20in%20the%20snow_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="228" /></a> flight was cancelled and they all came back to the tent. They are not the quietest of peoples. They also had one guy who had that penetrating voice that even made it through the songs of my iPod.</p> <p>The food is pretty good. The chow hall is open 24 hours a day so food is not a problem. What is very interesting is that the sun does not come up until after 0830. This morning about 0745 I was leaving the chow hall and it looked like the middle of the night. There were very few people out and it was dark and dreary. It looked like it was midnight. If we don’t get out on Tuesday we have a little “cultural excursion” planned for about 10 people.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SHC72R0cI/AAAAAAAAAdo/U37o4SbtnHM/s1600-h/Chowhall%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Chowhall" border="0" alt="Chowhall" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S1SHDsgDw7I/AAAAAAAAAds/dBB9mCt6hso/Chowhall_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="244" /></a> I am not scheduled to go on the trip but it will be nice to have some of the younger soldiers get out and see another country. Especially one that they probably never see again. If you are permanent party at this location you get to avail yourself of these trips. It took our Bde Commander to get this approved for us.</p> <p>We are all in good spirits and ready to get on with the mission. However, I would like one more day here to assist in the resetting of my internal clock.</p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-81693064121317635372010-01-03T20:26:00.001-05:002010-01-03T20:26:24.336-05:00Getting Ready to Head Out<p>As usual I have been very crappy in writing but this time I am going to blame it on poor internet at Fort Dix.   That is only part of the problem.  The other issue is the fact that I was very busy as the commander of the unit getting all the parts in the right places, herding cats, and all the other great things that commanders get to do.  However, that time is just about over.  We will be leaving within the week.  I will be sending out an address after we arrive if anyone is interesting in sending mail.  </p> <p>I did get out of Fort Dix for the Holidays.  The Bride and I made to Chicago to spend time with the family.  It is so much fun to spend time with my niece and nephew, especially at  Christmas.  The youthful joy of the Holidays is so much fun to watch and be a part of.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S0FDZZKpRsI/AAAAAAAAAc4/yyjM_UVMHJ8/s1600-h/Drinking%20beer%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S0FDc4xoHkI/AAAAAAAAAc8/QMVwf2YoZZc/Drinking%20beer_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> In addition to the exuberance of the youth, we older kids got to enjoy lots of good drink and food.  My sister-in-law made their family secret recipe stuffing with contains all sorts of Italian meats.  I just love this stuff and ate way to much of it.  We enjoyed some Wii bowling and ping-pong competitions.  I enjoyed the Wii so much I bought one for the house.  However, I will not get to use until late fall.  What was I thinking?  On the return trip we were luckily only delayed about hour in Chicago thanks to mother nature.  But with all the cancellations the day after Christmas we were very lucky.  </p> <p>When I returned I went to BWI to see some of the people from the unit off as the departed early to Afghanistan to pave the way us.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S0FDh-IVMTI/AAAAAAAAAdA/1X7LN8UjeKk/s1600-h/KO%20and%20K%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S0FDmuBrBKI/AAAAAAAAAdE/vWiY-R5YjcY/KO%20and%20K_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> It was great to see everyone is such high spirits and ready to get on the mission.  It makes me very proud to be serving with people such as this.  They had to leave their families early to get overseas and do what needed to be done for the unit and help ensure success.  </p> <p>The Bride and I wonderful meal and fellowship with some of the most incredible people I know.   Laura, whom I work for, and her husband and a former co-worker who left our Firm to go back and work in his native country.  He is back now in the US and is starting his own company.  These are some of the smartest people that I have ever been associated with and I happy to have them take time out their busy schedules to spend a couple of hours with us prior to my departure.  As usual it was a stimulating evening that left me happy to be working where I do.  </p> <p>Finally, the Bride and I enjoyed great company with a long time friend who no longer leaves in the DC and his girlfriend.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S0FDqy8DwjI/AAAAAAAAAdI/1b7jLuun7ck/s1600-h/K%20and%20D%20at%20dinner%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/S0FDuVKDktI/AAAAAAAAAdM/BvUS_L3Gjcs/K%20and%20D%20at%20dinner_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>   We had a great dinner at fantastic local restaurant on New Years Eve.  Great food, great wine, and great friends.  What more could anyone ask for.  </p> <p>This will be last missive before heading out sometime in the next few days.  I am sorry to be leaving the Bride, my friends, and everything else at home.  However, this is mission is important to to country and I am ready to get over there and accomplish what I can accomplish and influence things in my little sphere of influence.   </p> <p>The location I am to be posted at should be good for running and I hope they have some stationary bikes.  I have a work out plan in mind and I hope to get up to some good long runs and garner some mileage on the stationary bike.  I have book of work outs for triathletes and I will be making time to get my butt back in shape.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-27490328769808146932009-11-07T16:15:00.001-05:002009-11-07T16:15:18.830-05:00A Sad Week<p>Since I returned from my little trip to Afghanistan and Kuwait it has been a slow week.  I luckily got to spend 3 days at home, see the Bride, take a few hot baths and even get a massage to help my poor aching back.  And those that know me know that I don’t enjoy massages.  They are completely therapeutic and not done from enjoyment.  </p> <p>Since I returned to Fort Dix on Wednesday it has been days of organization and small decision making.  It has been rather boring.  Today we are starting to get in the rest of our people.  The formal part of the mobilization is starting this week.  It will be interesting to see how this compares to the rest of the training we have completed.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvXjT59FNMI/AAAAAAAAAcg/rtZr1MNNKkw/s1600-h/KO-Combatives%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KO-Combatives" border="0" alt="KO-Combatives" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvXjVEzgHhI/AAAAAAAAAck/CYp9Pqn34vU/KO-Combatives_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>This was taken on our first day of training in early October.  We were learning combatives, which is more or less Army sanctioned “Tap Out”.  The idea is to be more prepared to take down an opponent if you are attacked.    As you can see here<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvXjWACXpcI/AAAAAAAAAco/RvIbXKvafOU/s1600-h/KO-Combative-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KO-Combative-2" border="0" alt="KO-Combative-2" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvXjXKGa3nI/AAAAAAAAAcs/FicSAcVfyTw/KO-Combative-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> see here the instructor did a fine job of taking me down.  What you can’t see is that my left hand is tapping him so that I can be allowed to breathe.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvXjYA8W1_I/AAAAAAAAAcw/9j_dm9MyG8w/s1600-h/KO-50-cal-range%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KO-50-cal-range" border="0" alt="KO-50-cal-range" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvXjZLuq8AI/AAAAAAAAAc0/8RRsQ-zkgUg/KO-50-cal-range_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="244" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>This photo was taken as I was waiting in line to shoot the 50 cal.  I love to shoot that gun.  It makes the best sound as you fire it.  </p> <p>Finally, lets keep the soldiers and their families who were injured or killed at Fort Hood in our prayers.  It is shameful that an anti-American piece of crap was serving in uniform.  He ended or changed the lives of all these people and their families.  There will be no 72 virgins for him.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-69251440128329996532009-11-03T22:28:00.001-05:002009-11-03T22:28:05.275-05:00Catching Up<p> I really am still around.  I just have not been training or blogging.  I finished up my civilian work the end of August and spent the month of September starting Army work and cleaning out my mother’s house in Georgia.  I have a great house for a great price if any one in the North GA area is looking.  </p> <p>The first three weeks of training we did at <a href="http://www.dix.army.mil/">Fort Dix, NJ</a> were some of the best I received as an Army reservist.  It was all very professional and of the highest quality.  I was much impressed.   One of my soldiers has taken a lot of pictures and once I get copies of them I will post them and go into more detail of the type training we conducted.  </p> <p>After we completed this first phase of training the leadership left for Afghanistan and Iraq.  I just completed a whirlwind tour of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabul">Kabul</a> with stops in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagram">Bagram</a> and Kuwait.  This was my first time back in Afghanistan since 2002 and it has really changed.  Bagram has about three times as many people as it did then and the streets of Kabul have much better cars than before.  The most amazing thing was that I only saw three <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burqa">burqas</a> on women.  Based on the media reports and the Taliban violence I expected many more.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvD0uH0q2wI/AAAAAAAAAcE/-QOkISjfh6E/s1600-h/Bagram%20from%20the%20Air%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bagram from the Air" border="0" alt="Bagram from the Air" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvD0us3OPyI/AAAAAAAAAcI/nIj_qof_CvU/Bagram%20from%20the%20Air_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Here is a photo of Bagram from the air.  As you can see it is pretty good sized.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvD0v4eTSJI/AAAAAAAAAcM/O_TJV3VKUgE/s1600-h/KO%20and%20the%20Charlie%20Brown%20Christmas%20Tree%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KO and the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" border="0" alt="KO and the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvD0wRu-2sI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/asq9kARl_Qc/KO%20and%20the%20Charlie%20Brown%20Christmas%20Tree_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>This is a sad little tree we decided reminded us of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvD0wy0xRVI/AAAAAAAAAcU/tdY5pPy_Ztk/s1600-h/KO%20at%20Tillman%20USO%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KO at Tillman USO" border="0" alt="KO at Tillman USO" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SvD0xO6ppkI/AAAAAAAAAcY/AI9E62qSw0M/KO%20at%20Tillman%20USO_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="244" /></a> Finally just a quick photo of me in front of the Pat Tillman USO in Bagram.  </p> <p>I will work to get a new post out every couple of days.  I think we have the connectivity issue fixed.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-21371159023677736112009-07-30T20:28:00.001-04:002009-07-30T20:28:47.469-04:00I am NOT Dead<p>I am not been around for a while due to a busy schedule and lack of time management.  As deployment gets closer and closer my free time gets scarcer and scarcer.  Plus my time management skills have gone out the window along with any semblance of training.  The last time I ran was 2 weeks ago in Chicago when I went to visit my sister and brother-in-law and see the Billy Joel and Elton John concert at Wrigley.  </p> <p>This week I am off of work taking a class on Integrating Information Operations into the Middle East.  It has been very interesting.  The instructor is very good, having lived in the Middle East for a long time.  </p> <p>Tomorrow, I plan on running and getting my fat soft self back into some shape other than round.   More tomorrow I hope.    </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3862323689676942101.post-56651394019391993102009-07-05T17:34:00.001-04:002009-07-05T17:34:06.011-04:00Cleaning Up<p>As the frequent reader of this blog knows my mother passed away in February.   I have been back to Georgia a few times since then in order to clean out the house and deal with the other issues.  Luckily, my mother was a organized and did not want to leave a huge mess for the kids.  When I talk with other families who have gone through the same situation I am amazed and shocked at the selfishness of the children and the parents total lack of concern the mess that the children have to deal with.  I count my brother and I very lucky in this regard.   It is also a huge help that the house was paid off years ago.  I am not in any rush to sell it.  </p> <p>This weekend I was back in Georgia with the Bride for a few days to clean, pack, sell, dispose items and to see relatives.  As I was digging around in the basement I found an envelope with   newspaper clipping of things that I accomplished growing up.   I was a relatively big fish in a little pond growing up.  Which is very different than now—I am a tiny minnow in an ocean.   I am not really sure which is better, but I would not trade my life for anything.   </p> <p>I ran into a number of people I haven’t seen in years and the question was always the same, “Gonna sell the house?”  “Nope,” I would reply.  “We would love to have you back here.   How can you like living in that big city?”   How can I answer that question?  I love small towns and if there was a decent job for people like the bride and I would not mind moving back.  But I can’t make the money or have the standard of living I do here.  However, I would have a bigger house.   But explaining to people that life is what you make of it can be difficult.  </p> <p>Back to the envelope I found.  It was fun and some what scary reliving the life that once was.  Back in high school and then realizing that your 20th Reunion is next month.   Where the hell did the time all go.   Since leaving that small world I have lived in 3 different countries (been shot at in all of them  LOL), visited in excess of 20 countries, spent 2 years of my life in a combat zone, resided in numerous states, owned 3 houses, and been married twice.  Life has been fast and furious for me.  </p> <p>The photo I have opted to share today is when I was selected for the All Area Academic Football team for 1988.  I wasn’t a great football players,<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SlEcTF59C_I/AAAAAAAAAb8/WbG0f300C6A/s1600-h/IMG_NEW%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_NEW" border="0" alt="IMG_NEW" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HQyhKjCG1dc/SlEcTXhb3hI/AAAAAAAAAcA/PhqeaJVdKtY/IMG_NEW_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244" /></a> being 5-8 and weighing about 140.  Plus we were not a passing team and since I was a receiver it was hard to rack up huge numbers.    I was actually a much better baseball player.  But I will share those photos later.  </p> <p>I hope everyone had a great a Independence Day Weekend and got in some good mileage.  I am off again on Monday and I plan on getting in a long brick.  </p> The Lazy Triathletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05145803660702038118noreply@blogger.com4