Why Tri?

The Sarge after Swim Practice.  "Marshmallow anyone?"

The title is "Why Tri?", but it could be considered "Why Race at All?".  But, the title rhymes and as with alliteration, I also enjoy using rhyming phrases to catch people's attention.  (Yes, I am a total Edunerd!)  I put some serious thought into this question and even farmed the question out to Twitter and Facebook.  (I only received one response.)

Brian Lewis (of NCAE Fame) and I after my first 70.3

The response I received was from my dear friend and colleague Brian Lewis.  Presently, he, Roni Shoemaker and myself are all training for Ironman Raleigh 70.3.  We will be Team NCAE.  NCAE is the advocacy association for North Carolina public educators.  Brian also wants to use our training as a way to raise funds for the NCAE PAC.  Every mile we race, members can choose to donate a dollar towards the PAC.  It is an interesting idea, but I do believe that Meighan Davis could have come up with an even more interesting PAC fundraiser.  "We all miss you Meighan!!"  (This is in no way slighting Brian, just wish Meighan would have stayed in NC!)  But, onto the only response I received via Twitter, Brian (or @NCAEsDPB) stated that he trains so that he can eat his next meal.  (Or rather #lovetoEAT).  This is a common theme I hear from a lot of runners and triathletes.  I don't often here this from cyclists, but perhaps they are too busy worrying about "Race Weight" and how they perform whilst climbing.  (How's that coming Tommy Rodgers?)  I should be nicer, he is a pro mountain biker and will surely doll out the punishment to me on our next ride!

"Sweaty Bettys" and I getting new shoes!

Perhaps it is all about getting the latest bike, shoes, heart rate monitor or other gadget.  One thing is for sure, triathletes sure do like our technology!  Training today can encompass about as much data as standardized tests and formative assessments.  Essentially, all the "new gizmos" turn us into "Trigeeks or Trinerds!"  I'll admit it, it is fun to get new gear.  I think for the past several Christmases I have gotten new running shoes or some other gear.  (I have more running shoes than work shoes!)  This year I asked for my Rev3 Williamsburg entrance.  Triathlon takes over your life!!

The Calm before the Storm.

Honestly, I think the real reason I started training and racing was to escape life.  I had recently lost my first job and was so confused on where I was supposed to go and what to do. I would like to say it was for weight loss, although the initial purchase of my first bike a Trek 1500 was for that cause.  My mentor Philip Morgan, who now is the director of the athletic bands at Wake Forest University, introduced me to the bike.  (Years later, I introduced him to the joys of running.)  We would ride after work and between rehearsals this 20+ mile loop close to the school.  It was so much fun!  At first, it was a real sufferfest, but the more we rode, the stronger I became.  Then, BAM! cuts.  I was barely twenty-five years old and had a plan for how life was supposed to go.  That plan was rocked.  I chose to move back to Greensboro, home of my alma mater, and reestablish old friendships through SigEp and old college friends.  As I began to move back, the bike had become a huge part of my life.  I would get on the bike and race away from the utter pain and confusion I felt.  I began to slowly start to run.  Running truly connects you with the world; especially trail running.  I located a local bike shop and soon started to work there and learn more about the engineering behind the bike.  I made incredible friends there like the aforementioned Tommy Rodgers, Landen Acebo and Brent Lester (just to name a few).  These guys were serious amateur bike racers and signed me up the shop's local club team.  Little did I know what I was getting into.  Before I could blink, I had raced my first criterium and had a buzzed head (it was mandatory in the shop)!  I was all right at simply bike racing, but missed running and discovered a local sprint tri.  I raced it and came in third in my age group.  (It was a small race.)  I remember my brother and his now wife coming to watch.  It was a great moment.  It was at this small Tri that I decided to let go of bike racing and focus on Tri.  It was also here that I discovered that it wasn't so much about burying the pain with speed, but more about the awesome atmosphere surrounding Triathlon.

Lake Logan the beginning of an amazing friendship!

After a year of racing triathlon, it became less and less about running away from the pain of loss and more about cultivating new friendships and discovering that I could face new challenges.  I honestly believe that triathlon has made me more creative and more receptive.  I can push my body and hone my mind to endure the physical and mental challenges that occur in every race and take these experiences and apply them to life.  Perhaps, I have become a better teacher due to my life in Tri.  I can say that when I moved back to Greensboro that I interviewed throughout the system and accepted the new teaching position I was offerred while riding the bike.  (The bike was a Madone 5.9 SSL, the famed bike that carried Lance, along with lots of drugs, to his win on the storied Alpe d'Huez.  Yes, I still have that bike, but I also have another speed machine that is Tri specific along with shoes and my Garmins!  Am I really a Trigeek now?!?!?)

Uncle Louie and his crew after a ride in Asheville.

The really great thing about my love for Triathlon is that others are catching the fever!  My Uncle Louie (or rather The Rev. Dr. Louie V. Andrews III master of social justice issues.)  has begun to ride.  I was able to help him purchase a new bike a few years ago and now he lives in the mountains of Virginia.  He is probably going to blow by me on the hills now.

In all honesty, I Tri because I can!  It was about running from something and now it is simply a way of life.  Since the fabled phone call on the bike, I have raced a marathon, several half marathons and a countless number of triathlons. At present, I am hoping to break the six hour mark a Raleigh (or at least beat Brian!).  In the end, I am thankful the I discovered triathlon because it opened a whole new world of friendships as well as opening my mind to the idea that one can have a plan, but plans are not concrete.  Triathlon training can be surprising and some days you simply need to listen to your body and take a rest day.  Life is akin to this metaphor.  You can have plans and hope they come to fruition, but like injuries that occur, life throws a wrench in your plans and you have to reevaluate.  Thankfully, in moving back to Greensboro and continually training and reevaluating I have formulated a new "idea" for where my life will go.  Hopefully, when I finish my degree at High Point University I can better advocate for students.

A Little Valentine's for Everyone!!

Riding. Running. and... RELAYS!!

First mile repeats of the season! MASSACRE!!

It has been a great week!  First of all, the musical I am directing is going extremely well.  There is a little over six weeks before Godspell opens and the cast is really starting to click!  We are almost through the blocking of Act I.  I met with the choreographer this week and she completely buys into the vision.  The one thing I can say is that I have started to find some balance in the world of training, work and grad school.  It has been a bit difficult, but I've realized that I have to cut down on some two-a-days and really settle into quality workouts.  Every mile logged needs to be focused and there is no time for "junk miles" (or as my Aunt stated "You ain't got time for that!")  I can honestly say that this week overall, even as long as it seemed, was a much more fulfilling week training wise and I had much more power on the bike than last week's frigid 70 mile sufferfest.  (But, with rehearsal, work and school it seems like the only times I am able to get on the bike outside are Saturday or Sunday.  I am very thankful that my friend John Cerra rode and put up with my intervals on Saturday for a 38 miler.  It was a beautiful ride.

So thankful for Hulu!

This week was seemingly going to be a regular week where I slogged through training, went to work and came home to do it all over again, but then something really interesting happened.  My friend +mandy castle called me on Friday saying that one of the runners for their four person relay team in the Valentine's Massacre Relay Marathon had fallen ill and was wondering if I would run in her place.  I have not raced since the Greensboro Gobbler on Thanksgiving and even then I was not in full race shape.  To be honest, I have been in a build phase because I truly enjoyed an off season where I ran or biked because I wanted to, not because I was sticking to a schedule.  (Yes, I realize that I am still behind on the swimming!!)  This opportunity was interesting because each person in the relay ran roughly 1-2 miles; this meant that I was getting thrust right into mile repeats on a Sunday no less!! I couldn't have asked for a more fun and engaging time.  The atmosphere was like a huge party as you waited for your team to run around Country Park.  If you know anything about Country Park it is the antithesis of flat.  The course rolls and rolls and rolls.  Fortunately, the route was the reverse route of the Gobbler and there was a fast downhill towards the Start/Finish.  (Warning: The video below has one mild "Adult Word".  In my defense, it was REALLY COLD!)

Angelica was REALLY FAST today!

The group I ran with was a mixed bag of runners.  I stepped in for Angelica and managed to keep my splits around 6:30 miles.  I have to say that is pretty good for the terrain and not having done any true speed work in months!  The running joke was that Angelica was running SUPER FAST in today's race.  As the day went on the clothes started to shed. I started in tights and arm warmers and ended in a shirt and shorts.  Thankfully, years of triathlon have taught me how to do the "deck change" or "triathlon shuffle".  Now, those who know me know that I do have a bit of a competitive streak, but ultimately I put that aside and simply enjoyed the atmosphere of this awesome event.  It was amazing to see people shoot out of the Start/Finish after the baton hand off.  There were a few of my Cross Country runners that had a relay team and they truly rocked out!  There were kids who couldn't have been older than third grade on a relay team.  This one kid painted his face white and was decked out in red and white as if he was a Valentine.  I usually don't get all excited about a Valentine's Day event, but this was totally different.  It was such a party!  Yes, there were groups attempting to win, but overall people were just partying!  The team from Elite 3/CompassElite  was out there keeping the party going.  I must thank them for the "recovery drink" I had after my last lap.  One of the competitive teams featured my friend and her colleague, Dr. Jordan McAmmond.  (Thanks Jordan for letting me pace off of you for the first lap.)  She was running a two person relay and totally rocked out!  Jordan is engaged to The Shannon who had a feature last week.  If those two ever have children they will be freaks of nature with super endurance and stupid fast!!

Under 4 hours for the Marathon!

The team I was on couldn't have been more of a hodgepodge of runners.  The young lady in the brown jacket is Anya.  She was a Russian Dancer and is now a vicious attorney.  This was her first race in quite some time and she was rocking 10:00 miles!  I couldn't have been more proud of the work she put in.  Mandy, the young lady in the green, had already run 5 miles over to the race because she had to run a total of 16 miles in preparation for the Shamrock Marathon that she and the Streakers will be running in March.  (She is also a vicious litigator.) Drew, the young man in grey, and Angelica's beau was running solid 7/8:30 minute splits.  I was so proud that our team put together a sub-4 hour marathon.  (A true sub-4 hour not a Paul Ryan sub-3 hour marathon!  Sorry, it was too easy.)  Even though we didn't win anything, I couldn't have had a better team.

She said yes!

To top off what was an amazing race, there was a proposal at the Start/Finish at the end of the race and she said yes! What a way to relay a marathon together!  Everyone gathered around the Start/Finish to capture this moment.  I can honestly say that it was a perfect moment.  (This week, while excellent came with heavy news.  Aimee Buchanan passed away from complications with the flu.  She and her husband were highly influential in my brother and sister-in-law's college years.  It was awesome to see the beacon of light at the race after hearing that one of the PC(USA)'s bright minds and spirits had left us suddenly.)  There is no better place than to "pop the question" than a place where both people are doing an activity they both love!

Patty and I getting crazy!

A great week and as I write this the clock is inching towards 10:30pm and I will turn into a pumpkin if I don't go to bed soon.  Unfortunately, there is no full section this week dedicated to "Joking on Jester".  All I can say is that way to go running a 5K this week for training.  I have registered for Azalea and I am ready to roll, how about you?  I also registered for Rev3 Williamsburg!!!  I am super excited about that race.  Granted it is three weeks after Raleigh Ironman 70.3, but as the popular phrase goes YOLO!  It was that motto that led me to do the awesome relay today.  I suppose I simply want to say thanks to +mandy castle  for thinking of me to fill in when Angelica became sick.  I also want to thank her because I have met some extraordinary people over the past few weeks.  Guess it is cool to have lawyer friends!  (Oh, and Mandy don't forget that I have placed a "Gentlemen's Agreement" and you are going vegan for at least a week.  HUZZAH!)  Good night people and stay crazy!

I got MAD MOVES!  Dancing to MJ as I wait for the baton.

Super (Bowl) Recovery

NormaTec Goodness!

I am writing this as I am watching the latest UFC fight, I mean the Super Bowl.  There have already been about four minor and one major fight on the field.  Ron says that this game is only going to get bloodier due to the adrenaline and massive egos.  I have to say that I am really in it for the commercials this year.  I have joined +Tara Martine and her husband Kurt for a Vegan feast this Super Bowl.  Tara is also letting me barrow her Revolution 3 NormaTec recovery boots.  I always feel like all the junk in my legs from the long weekend rides and runs as well as the miles put in throughout the week are being flushed and compressed away.  It is delightful.  I spent the entire first quarter in the boots!

Tara actually spent some time in the boots earlier today, but has opted for 2XU compression tights and compression socks for the game tonight.  I must say she cooks a mean Vegan Chili.

Tara Martine rocking the 2XU 

We are trying to talk Kurt into getting his turn in the Norma Tecs, but he says that even after riding over 8 hours this weekend with his lovely wife that he feels pretty good.  Perhaps the LaHa vegetarian fajitas or his famous vegan nacho cheese dip has aided his recovery.  (Perhaps it could be the anticipation of a delicious Cold Mountain Winter Ale!)  As triathletes we all must remember that recovery is an extremely important element after all of our training exploits!  It starts with nutrition then continues with taking proper care of our bodies through stretching and compression.

Team Enclave!!

Aside from focusing on recovery during the Super Bowl, I have been getting back into the swing of things this week.  While I didn't get a swim in, I did get over 80 miles on the bike (with one day being a 68 miler in the FREEZING COLD with Team Enclave featuring Rev3's Tara Martine.  Why do I let Tara and Kurt talk me into these epic rides that always feature extreme elements.  As previously stated, we did 68 miles with LOTS of climbing in subfreezing temperatures.  The hills also included dogs that were off the leash.  We have discovered that Kurt is the Alpha Dog and all dogs should beware when he approaches!  When we got back to the 'Clave it took over an hour for my hands and feet to thaw out!

You guessed it folks, its time for this week's installment of Joking on Jester

See anything, Beuller... Beuller...

Where have you been this week, bro??  Last week you found time to joke my lack of posts on Daily Mile yet let's all take a look at your posts this week... Um, yeah not much there!  Have you had a sinus infection??  At least I had that excuse last week.  I have been getting back on track this week and put in an 80+ mile week.  I will say it is good to see that you got off your trusty recumbent bike and actually made your way outside!  One more thing, you haven't even signed up for Azalea yet?!?!?!?  I am planning on signing up this week.  I will be ready.  I will be evolved through my process?  You, my good sir?  I also have enjoyed your snarky comments on my videos and Daily Mile.  Yes, Kurt and I do enjoy holding hands whilst running 7:29 miles at the end of an 11 mile run.  It just makes things a lot easier.  Let's just say you are a little jealous and wish someone could hold your hand while you attempt an 8:00 miler!  

It is all about presentation

Well, back to the Super Bowl.  This week has been great and I am staring to find my rhythm between work, grad school and training.  I will continue to work on finding the proper balance.  I can say that four hour plus rides will only be few and far between throughout the process.  (Of course we all know the Martines are very persuasive.)  I will say that I enjoyed my trail run today with John, Tundra and The Shannon.  I ran in the Altra Torins.  They have two different insoles.  My first run I ran with the flat, strengthening insoles, but today I ran with the contoured insoles.  I prefer the contoured insoles.  The Torins are a great shoe, although I am finding it difficult to break up with the generation one Pure Connects.  Fortunately, the generation two Connects are making the break up pretty easy.  (Side comment, so far no wardrobe malfunctions during the halftime show, but a flaming guitar... really??  And, Beyonce is really singing!!)