Everyone needs a good running buddy!!!!

Every year around the end of August I start my daily morning runs and I mean early morning runs between 5:00 and 5:30am. This is my second straight week doing it. I can't take all the credit for waking up early though.

Everybody needs a good running partner. Someone that you know will always be there. This running partner never says its to cold, to wet, to windy or to early. This is the most dependable running buddy I've ever had.

See, this morning I almost bagged the run. I woke up looked outside and it was pouring rain. Shit I ain't running today. BUT without delay my running buddy comes calling as usual. I said you're friggin kidding me right?? At that point my running buddy gave me the most disgusted look as if to say I was some kind of pansy. At this point you've probably figured out my running buddy is Roxy the Dog.

Roxy has run with me through it all, the rain, snow, cold windy days, etc.. This morning was no different for her. She loves a run in the rain. So I said alright, got my gear together and out we went for our 6 mile run. Ahhh man we got completely soaked. There's something peaceful about running in the rain. Old girl didn't mess a step. In fact, she set the pace early in the run. It wasn't your run of the mill moderate run. She had me hurting a few times. My recovery was when she stopped to take a DUMP. Amen for that.

If I haven't said it before, thanks Roxy for the motivation.

Thanks for reading.

Good times

So I promised a nice family weekend and I delivered. Stayed completely off my bike Saturday. Erin the kids and I went to Costco for our routine monthly purchase of diapers, baby whipes and formula. That shit is expensive. We spent some serious dollars in one day. We buy it in bulk so that's probably why. Later that evening we went to Burke lake so that Erin could do her running workout. She took Christian in the jogger while I walked with Matea in the baby carrier. Roxy the dog came along as well. Erin is getting ready for a Duathlon at the end of September. She's pretty pumped about it. I'm still on the fence about doing it. I think I'd rather be a spectator with the kids and cheer for Mama.

Sunday morning I went on my normal sunday ride and felt pretty good. I had strong legs the entire ride. After the ride I went home and got our stuff together for our picnic that Erin planned. We went back to Burke Lake and had a nice lunch then took the kids on a small choo choo train that goes around part of the lake. It was a good time. I'll post some pics later.

Update Time!!!

Got my MTB back from the shop. Its has a SRAM X9 drive train. I love it. Been hitting the trails hard since I got it back. I even went ENDO (over the bars) on yesterdays ride. I managed not to jack myself up if you believe that.

So I decided not to do the MABRA Road Race Championships next weekend. I have great form to race right now but I just can't justify going out there for a whole day away from my wife and kids. I don't have that racing motivation right now. The kids along with my wife have been up at the beach with my in-laws since saturday and I missing them a whole bunch right now. At least I have Roxy the dog to keep me company. I decided that next weekend will be a family weekend instead.

I have been taking full advantage of sleeping since my wife and kids have been gone. Going to bed at 8:30-9:00 pm and waking up at 6:15am. It has been a long long long long time since I slept through the night. I guess its a recovery week. A recovery from the kids :) I'd rather have them home though. I miss them.

What I've been up to!!!

I suck at blogging. It's almost like another thing I have to get motivated for. So last entry I said I got a new Single Speed MTB. Right now I have it at my local bike shop. I'm converting it to a 9spd drive train. The frame is a rigid steel with no suspension. Since I got it, I have been on four rides. I live out by some fire roads which are pretty much single track trails around Fairfax County. With no suspension you can imagine I get beat to hell. I love it though. I feel like I just put in 2 hours in the weightroom. I've had one crash already but nothing bad.

My training partner, Wade on the other hand had a nasty spill this past Saturday. I thought he broke his hand but luckily didn't. I had to laugh afterwards because it was funny. I can't tell you how much I enjoy MTB. Its totally different from road racing. For one you don't have to worry about auto traffic. Its just you and the trail. Second, I can't imagine I won't get stronger on the road bike riding that 23 pound steel frame with nobby tires.

Trainnig is still going pretty good. I have taken some time off from running only to put more miles on the bike. I'm still on target for the Page Valley MABRA championships, Aug 24th. BUT all that can change when you have kids.

The kids are doing great. My boy, now 21 months is talking up a storm. He pretty much repeats everything he hears and damn does he have a good memory. My little girl is now almost three months old and is more beautiful by the day. Fatherhood is awesome but challenging. Not much else to report. Here are some pics of the kids and the new JAMIS MTB.