Spirit of Racine 1/2 Ironman

Pam, the girls and I travelled to Racine, WI for the annual Spirit of Racine 1/2 Ironman Triathlon. The race was on Sunday morning, July 19.  The weather was a nice 68 degrees with overcast clouds, water temperature in Lake Michigan was about 66 degrees, perfect day for a triathlon. About 30 MSM'ers competed in the event: www.multisportmadness.com, and most of the athletes in the group PR'd the course.  A 1/2 ironman consist of swimming 1.2 miles, followed by a 56 mile bike, followed by 13.1 mile run.  My time for the event was 5:47, which was better than my previous 1/2 by almost an hour.  I did have some issues with my right hamstring at about mile 8 of the run and had to walk for a couple of miles...oh well!

The girls stopped to have a picture made with a Pirate, and Pam has a picture made next to a neat tile mosaic.

Rockman Collegues

These Pics are of some of the Multisport Madness Friends that were at Rockman. Go Madness!

Whole-Half

Sunday June 7, 2009 was the day I set out to complete a "Whole-Half". The Half Ironman Triathlon, called "Rockman". The Setting was the Rockcut State Park in Rockford, IL. The Half Ironman Distance is 1.2 mile Swim, 56 mile bike and 13.2 mile run. This was my first entrance in the Half Iron distance. The day started at 4:30am with a bagle at the hotel, followed by a short drive to the course. The weather was overcast at 56 degrees, with rain and thunderstorms likely. Transition opened at 5:00 with the race beginning at 7:00am. My Tri Team, Multisport Madness had about 30 participants in this race. After setting up transisition, I suited up in the wet suit for a swim warm up. The race began promptly at 7:00 with a mass start (another first). My swim time was 40 mins, I was satisfied with this pace. Out of the water and into T1 at about 7:45, I noticed most of my MSM friends are already out of T1 and I look forward to seeing them on the bike. During the swim, the rain started. The bike course was Hilly for the first 12 miles the flat to the turn around, which meant the last 12 mile were back over the same hills. The hills combined with the rain, made for a challenging ride. During the Ride, I got to see all of the other MSM folks that were ahead of me. They made the turn around point before me, and I got to see them as they were heading back to T2. Adam, Danny, Deb, Dave, and all of the others looked to be in good shape on the bike. I made it back to T2 just before 11:00am. Everything was wet from the rain, so I put on my wet running shoes and headed off for the 13.2. mile run. I figured that I could run the course in 2 hours without any problem and finish my first Half at 6:00 hours, however there were problems and it took 2:42 to finish the run. At First the run course seemed pretty tame, then at about mile 7, things changed for the worse. There were about two miles of wicked hills! What twisted mind decided to route the run through these hills, I do not know, but I would have liked to see him craw up some of those hills. The rain had dampened the course and the path was scattered with dead leaves and debris, which made your footing a little slippery at times. I ended up walking up some of the hills but still felt pretty good until mile 9. My left calf started to cramp and I had to stop and walk. I would walk for a bit then run for a bit and walk for a bit...you get the picture. I pretty much did this for 2.5 miles. At the last aid station, I took two E-tabs and eventually the cramps eased. I was able to start running again at 11.5 and ran all the way to the finish. My First Half Ironman Trithlon 6:42. I know I can do better. Pam was able to attend the race with me, and I found this to be a great source of encouragement. Thanks to my MSM friends and their "Go Madness" support. Thanks to Carla her coaching, we will get the cramp issue figured out. Next event on the schedule, Racine Half.

Kirby's Graudation

Sunday May 24, 2009 was the "Big" day for Kirby's High School Career.  The ceremony began at 2:00pm and was over by 5:50pm.  Kirby was anxious to end her HS days and move on the College. She plans on attending Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and focus her studies on Pre-Med.  At the moment she has plans on becoming a Physicians Assistant, or PA.  This will allow her to diagnose patients, but not have to worry with the administrative responsibilities or carry the same malpractice insurance.  Four years undergrad and two years medical followed by one year residency.  Here are two Pics from the grand event.

Sasha Update

Sasha is now 13 months old.  The first pic is April 2009, the second is March 2008.  She is a very smart dog and loves the family.

West Chicago Prom

Brooke and some friends attended the West Chicago Prom in May.  This was Brooke's first prom. According to Brooke she had a really great time! The Dance was at a banquet hall in Addision with the "after-prom" on a cruise ship on Lake Michigan.  This Picture is of Brooke & Stu, and Brooke's friend Kaitlyn with Ryan. Brooke is in the Teal dress and Kaitlyn is wearing the pink.  The car is a 57 Chevy Two door hard top...nice!

Memphis In May Triathlon 2009

Kirby and I traveled to Memphis on the 15th.  Kirbs hung out with some friends for the weekend, while I participated in the MIMTRI Olympic Distance Tri.  This was my second time to participate in this event.  Unlike 2008, the weather was quite unusual for Memphis.  The morning of the race, the Air Temp was 57 with a 20-25 MPH wind.  My time in 2008 was 3:40, my time in 2009 was 2:54 a 46 minute improvement!  I think I could have gone 2:30, but the wind really slowed me down on the bike.  My friend Adam Zucco, came in second in the 30-34 male age group, while his wife Lindsey came in second in the female group.  They both did great. Next race in the Rockman 1/2.  This race was also the first race at which my parents attended.  I think they enjoyed themselves. (except for the weather)  We all went to Corky's after the race...I earned it!  IronMan in Sept