Where has the Summer Gone, My Captain?

Where has the summer gone?  It seems as if Rev3 Williamsburg was ages ago.  Immediately after the race my new career with Fleet Feet Sports began.  It was a whirlwind week of meetings and information.  It was much like the first few teacher workdays back at the beginning of the school year when all levels of administration are laying out the goals for the year.  (Hint: It was always the Achievement Gap!)

Mission Man Sprint 

Transition Area 

July was basically a blur of training and working in the shop.  I did race Mission Man Sprint Triathlon and set a PR of 1:16:44 on the day.  Hard, structured work brings about results!  Jeremy had mentioned that he wanted to race this one because it was the first Tri that he had seen.  (If you go back to last year, you will see that his wife VaLArie, daughter Mia and he cheered me on last year.)  Funny thing is I was three minutes slower last year and placed third in my age group.  This year it is no longer in the Try Series and has been moved to the NCTS; hence the fast boys and girls came out to play!  All that aside, it was a great race and it is always fun to race with/against Jeremy.  (Where is "The Stein" my good man??)

New Career

The career change has been interesting.  Retail.  If you don't turn a profit, you don't get paid.  Fleet Feet High Point has been going along, but I have been tasked to help the shop reach its full potential.  This means I am in the shop, utilizing social media and even getting in the car and doing old fashion sales calls.  Things have been interesting and I am finding that I most enjoy working with people and helping them become more knowledgeable about why the proper shoe, apparel and socks are important.  (Socks are not part of your apparel in the shoe world, they are accessories.)  I have quickly found my favorite sock brand and style, but to find out and get them on your feet you'll have to come to Fleet Feet High Point!  Another plus of working is I am seeded apparel and shoes to test so that I can give the customer an educated opinion of what we carry.  My Tri area at home is becoming shoe-filled and I LOVE IT!  Let me state this: Just because I like a shoe does not mean that you should be in that shoe or that you will like it!  The FIT process is vital to getting the customer in the correct type of shoe.

One of my favorite ventures in my new position was working with Potent Potables, a local beer and wine specialty shop, to create the Potent Runnables.  The group meets every Thursday evening at 6:15pm at Potent Potables and runs 3-5 miles at any pace.  Last week, Sydney, or Hoka Sydney as I call her brought the Hoka Clifton for the Potent Runnables to test out.  Everyone was excited and enjoyed the experience.  Throughout the next two months Swiftwick, Saucony, Adidas ( Whose rep is Amy and I call her Adidas Amy: Alliteration is GREAT!)  and Brooks will be making appearances.  (Philip from Pearl Izumi you are welcome ANYTIME!! #givingrev3plugandlove).

I will say that it is a little weird and sad that I am not returning to the classroom.  I ran with the SWGHS XC team last week and all the returning runners were asking where I had been.  They are such a great group of kids!  This choice is the right one, it is just an adjustment from what I have known for ten years.  Who knows what the future holds from here?  I will say that I am in the process of tackling my apartment at the moment because while adjusting to the new career and training schedule my apartment has been declared a NATIONAL DISASTER AREA!!!  I have "put my stupid hat on", as Gov. McCrory would say, in the cleaning department.

Oh Captain, My Captain...

Robin Williams committed suicide last week.  Needless to say, we are collectively suffering from this shock.  This goes to show that it is difficult to see what truly lies underneath the surface.  He was a person who I never met, but did look up to as an actor/comedian.  There has been a great outpour of support and sadness over social media and throughout the world beyond social media.  Although I had never met him, I felt sadness and pain due to his loss.  My mother phrases feeling loss like this, "When a person has affected your life you have an emotional response."  Good words.  But remember his final words from Hook...

The Family you Choose

*Borrowed from Pam McGowan's Facebook

Everyone knows that I love my family that I was born into, but with the loss of the greatest comedian it has made me very reflective.  The other day on Facebook my fellow Rev3 Teammate Pam McGowan posted an amazing picture her husband Steve made for her.  It states "Triathlon is Family"!  (Pam and Steve, I "borrowed" this picture for the blog.  I hope you don't mind.)  This past year has been an amazing year filled with inappropriate jokes, losses, quips and new editions through the Rev3 Google Groups; and that's just through Google.  My Facebook feed has been filled daily with the adventures and support of all my Rev3 Teammates.  You could possibly be apart of this part love/part insanity by applying for next years team.  I can say that I am so thankful for this experience will continue to support Rev3 through my efforts as a team member. There are still some events left this year!  Go sign up!   

Rev3 Williamsburg... Why YOU should race Rev3!!

Rev3 Rocks... and PR, BABY!!

 I had an amazing race in Williamsburg!!!  The last time I raced the 70.3 distance was Ironman Raleigh

Running is fun?

70.3 and it was a terrible day!  (Well, not terrible in the fact that I was able to get out there and race, but terrible in that I walked most of the half marathon.)  I finished with a time of 6:36:change.  (I'm not looking up the exact time, just know that it was respectively in that ball park.)  I completed Williamsburg in 5:07:23!!  I ran the entire half marathon except the part where my left hamstring completely cramped up.  It was simply a great day for me all around!

Trepidation

Swim Start

The most daunting portion of a triathlon for most people is the swim.  We all love to bike and run, yet we seem to slog through our swim workouts.  Swimming can be a tedious endeavor.

 Rev3 Team was front and center at the swim practice handing out samples or Triswim, Foggies and spraying folks who were practicing in a wetsuit with Trislide.  (These are all fantastic products created specifically for swimmers and triathletes by SBR Sports, INC.)

Mr. Opdyke with Team Rev3 

The big question on each participants mind was whether or not the swim would be wetsuit legal.  The Rev3 race director Eric Opdyke was readily on hand answering each nervous athlete's question before the pre-race meeting.  Jonathan Williamson, the swim coordinator and jack of all trades, was on hand giving the water temperature updates and reassuring athletes that they could race in a wetsuit if they wished, but the points and placing would be nullified due to USAT wetsuit rules.  Eric and Jonathan also announced that there would be an open water swim clinic for those who wished to attend during the swim practice.

Having the race director, swim coordinator and Team Rev3 on hand created an incredible sense of ease for nervous athletes with pre-race jitters.

Expo-losion

Sean English

No one throws a party like Rev3.  Sean English and Stu Stacy were both rocking the mics with constant updates about race details and the music was pumping throughout the expo creating a party atmosphere.

The Rev3 Adventure team had both an adult's adventure race and family adventure race taking place.  Kids were racing Trykes and athletes were milling around the Rev3 MultiSport Store.  (If you forget anything for race day Hannah Heisler has got you covered!  You can even pick up some sweet Rev3 Water Bottles.  Those things were clutch on the 56 mile bike!!)

Sometimes the most difficult park of a larger race is packet picket up.  Not Rev3!!  You grab your packet and its on to get your chip.  Tim and Lisa take you through the computer timing sign in in about thirty seconds and Viola!! your registered and race ready!

Oh, and did I mention the HUMONGOUS HDTV at the expo??  People can see past race footage, interviews with pros who have raced previous Rev3 events and interviews with people just like you and me!

Race Day

Yes, we all know that race day a triathlete wakes up SUPER EARLY... I'm talking 3:30am after having gone to bed around 9/10pm, if you could actually sleep!!)  

Rev3 staffers were on hand to help sleepy-eyed athletes find their areas in T2.  Ashley Quinn was

The Best Staff in the Business!!

escorting groggy and nervous athletes towards the charter buses that carried them to T1 and swim start.  She even held a bus so that friends could ride together.  Nothing is more pleasant in the morning than seeing Ashley and her awesome smile greeting you!  (Quick plug, if you are thinking about racing Cedar Point and your child enjoys triathlon, Ashley has organized a Revvie... Knoxville was a huge success, this girl knows what's up!!)

The busses brought athletes to T2 and Sean "The Voice" English was keeping the vibe light and giving constant swim updates as athletes prepped their bikes. Thanks to Fat Frogs Bikes for being on hand for last minute mechanical issues!  

At go time, Sean led the athletes in a moment of reflection, and respectfully stated he understood that folks might be of different faiths, but it is important to reflect on what we are able to do.  The anthem was sung.  (This was a highlight for me because I was able to blend two of my passions in one day.  I sang the anthem and raced!)

The bike course was well-serviced with incredibly pumped volunteers.  I know "Bahston" Bob and Tracy had something to do with the festivities and cheerfulness of these awesome volunteers.

Perhaps the most mundane part of the race could have been the run.  When I looked at it online it was simply 5K loop that the 70.3 athletes would complete four times.  One would think this might get a little boring!  It was far from it.  Each time spectators and families were cheering you on with new signs and Sean English was updating the crowd and cheering on athletes the entire time!  (The man spoke for nearly 72 hours straight!)  

And the pinnacle of the entire experience... YOU, the athlete, can run across the finish line with your entire family... and wait for it... you get the Finisher Photo FOR FREE!!!

One More Thing...

Glow Runs!!  Rev3 Glow Run two days before the race!!  The community comes out and there is a 1 mile or 5K option.  It is fantastic!!

Final Finisher Celebration!

Oh, and the Final Finisher Celebration!  The Final Finisher at each race has his/her picture at the finish line with the entire Rev3 Staff and Team!  Sean cues up some spectacular music as he/she is escorted by the Sweepers to a BLOCK PARTY!!

The experience at a Rev3 event is unparalleled!  It is fun for the whole family!  So if you are on the fence about a destination race this summer, sign up for a Rev3 event!  (If you do two or more you might even qualify for Knoxville Championship in 2015!!)  If you comment on this blog, like/comment on Facebook, retweet or tweet to me I might even throw in something that will sweeten the registration deal if you're on the fence.

Come and #rocktherevolution!!

PR in the books!!

Old Dreams and New Beginnings

Andy and I after HPU Ceremony

I have been in the field of education for over ten years.  Last year, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from High Point University.  I became a licensed principal upon graduation.  Last summer was spent as an administrator of the Guilford County Summer Arts Institute (SAI).  This program is an amazing summer experience where students are immersed in an area of visual or performing arts.  It truly was and continues to be an authentic educational experience for every student who is chosen and participates.  My hats off to Superintendent Green and Arts Coordinator Nathan Street for advocating for it during the first roll out of the GCS Strategic Plan.

Aside from working with SAI, I had begun to apply for administrative positions within GCS and throughout the greater Triangle and Triad of NC.  There were a few interviews with amazing "break up" letters; as I started calling them.  There were some interviews with no responses at all, and then there were simply no responses to the emails, resumes and phone calls made.  This was extremely disheartening!  August began and Cross Country season ramped up and I went back to "The Ranch", a term we use when referencing Southwest Guilford High School.  I worked alongside Coach Boulton, Coach Brown and Coach Johnson.  I ran with the kids and Coach Boulton gave me more and more freedom in the creating of workouts for the team, especially our "A" runners.  I coached Cross Country not to add to my paycheck because I wasn't receiving any pay for it, but simply because I love running and helping others develop as runners.

This coaching experience led to a greater relationship with the High Point Off'n Running/Fleet Feet Sports Store.  I started a training group out of that store now known as the "Funner Runners"; Funner Runners 3 starts July 21st at the store and please come and join us as we target a 10K and/or Half Marathon!!  This relationship with the store and its owner John Dewey and newly minted General Manager, also one of my best friends, Michael Vance led to more responsibility at the store such as helping to plan Pub Run nights and working with people through other programs in meeting their running goals.  Something was starting that wasn't focused within the school.

School started and the training group was wrapping up.  I was ready to attack the new school year and
hopefully produce another musical.  Musicals, acting in them and directing them, are definitely one of my passions.  Unfortunately, there was to be no musical this year due to scheduling conflicts and lack of funding.  Class sizes at the beginning level of theatre were reaching the high thirties and I was struggling to manage the immense diversity within the class.  There would be students who were considered "Gifted and Talented" with students who had an IEP over a mile long.  I do not fault the school for this scheduling nightmare because they were and still are under enormous pressure of scheduling students in tested classes.  The school was also faced with a scheduling nightmare due to the fact that despite claims from the NCGA, the budget for education had been greatly reduced and we lost a teacher in the middle of the semester because we were nineteen students under our projected numbers.  The teacher was moved schools and the students were jumbled into other classes.  How is that fair to the students, teacher and school??  We were continually asked to do more with less and at our beginning of the year meeting all our principal could do was shake his head about the deep cuts and new regulations placed on education.

Simply put, during my tenure at SWGHS, the number of tested subjects went from five to three to over ten.  The Common Core had been implemented and it was a full court press come testing time.  This year alone students were in testing for over twenty days of the school year.  How is authentic learning taking place when students are constantly being tested in the name of "accountability"?  I began to feel as if I wasn't truly teaching anymore, but merely holding court and keeping a space for students.  Do not misunderstand me, I love teaching theatre and helping a student see how theatre can help them in the 21st Century, but with over thirty students in a class it was increasingly difficult and I noticed that I was barely able to keep calm.  It was time for a change, the only issue is I had no idea what the change would be!

The Snow came down in January, February and March.  I approached Mike about possibly increasing my responsibilities with the shop.  The Rev3 Team Summit had just ended and I had met some of the most amazing and inspiring people EVER!!  (As Dawn Davis calls them, "My People".)  Dewey asked me to come in and talk about what I could bring to the shop.  It was a great discussion and his energy was and is amazing!  I left the meeting buzzing.  I had no clue what it could lead to, but it was simply exciting talking to Dewey about possibilities.  About a month later, Dewey emailed a proposal to be the manager of the High Point OnR/Fleet Feet store.  This was interesting and an unknown.  I had worked in a bike shop, managed an Abercrombie, but this was something new.  I wasn't sure at first because ten years of my life had been in the classroom; I was a freaking Teaching Fellow!  I had been pursuing administrative positions to no avail, I had just recently been announced as a member of Team Rev3.  (Still one of the coolest things to date!!), was I ready to jump ship??

The next few weeks were spent talking with my parents, Mike, Jeremy and a few other trusted friends and advisors.  Ultimately, my mother stated (paraphrased), "You love triathlon.  This is a great opportunity.  Education in NC is really going no where.  Why not?!?"  Dewey had created a plan where I would be easing into the position by working one day a week at the Greensboro shop.  There I learned to fit people for shoes as well as find the appropriate apparel and for the most part customers were and continue to be incredibly gracious. 

Rev3 Williamsburg Finish

Who knows if I will ever return to education.  (I even recently cancelled my NCAE membership which was a huge step because I have been a local Association Representative, served on the local board and served on the state level Board of Directors.)  All I can for now is that I will work to create an amazing atmosphere at the High Point Fleet Feet and represent Rev3 to the best of my ability at their races and other locally produced races.  I am thankful to all my mentors who worked with me and helped me become an accomplished educator.  I will treasure those experiences and I WILL miss the students who I have taught and directed over the past ten years.  Leaving what is often viewed as a calling can be a difficult choice, but we all develop many passions throughout our lives and how often do we truly get to indulge them?  One of my favorite singer/songwriters David Lamotte has a lyric in the chorus of his song Time: "There's no time like the present.  There's no present like time."  With the volley of attacks on public education, a stagnant salary schedule and the welcoming embrace of the running and triathlon community locally and nationally it seems that time is offering me the present and I must do as the great teacher, John Keating from the movie Dead Poets Society, told his students to do on his first day, "Carpe Diem!"

Tri Season is Upon Us!!

Team Rev3!
Those Pearl Izumi Kits look good!!

Summit

Team Rev3 Summit was incredibly awesome!  I met so many new people who instantly felt like family.  Everyone has experienced that awkward "first day of school" feeling where you're not sure where to sit in the cafeteria.  That was me the first morning.  I drove through the night after my students performed their self-written and directed works.  I got to Mannassa, VA around 1:30am and went straight to bed.  I woke up the next morning knowing the guys who I bunked up with and went to breakfast looking for a place to sit.  Instead of, "Can't sit here."  Oiler immediately opened up the table and provided me a place to sit and eat.  The uncomfortableness was gone and I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.  The day was spent listening to the nuts and bolts of Rev3 and hearing from our various sponsors.  I think I know more about PowerBar than I have ever even needed to know.  SBR Sports rounded out the day with an amazing presentation about their products that keep us show fresh and clean after swimming.  (The smell of chlorine can really put a damper on a person's dating life... wait do triathletes even have time for that??)

There are so many amazing things that happened during the weekend I can't even provide a great summary in a blog post.  I do know this, I have lost a lot of my "special fraternity powers" and take a much longer time to recover, but WORTH IT!  On a more serious note, thank you Momma Bear, Carole Sharpless, for choosing me out of the hundreds who could have been on the team.  I know that it has been a whirlwind of change for you lately, but I couldn't be prouder of the strength, courage and vulnerability you have shown over the past few months.  

Race Time

This is a proof.
CC Bird's Eye View

What should a person do who is itching to race and has put in a huge block of training do... RACE OF COURSE!  Last weekend I suited up after having a crazy week of training and decided to jump in the Belews Creek International Triathlon.  The water was rather frigid and the air was brisk.  My legs were fatigued from a week of track workouts and hill repeats; running and biking, respectively.  But, I have been itching to race (especially since the Team Rev3 Kit looks fricking AWESOME!)  I woke up EARLY Saturday morning and trudged out to the race site.  

Swim

The swim was freezing, but a small victory is that even though I haven't been extremely diligent about morning swim practices, I managed to freestyle most of the way and only have my contact slip once.  The young lady on the kayak said, "We're hear if you're tired."  I politely responded, "Thanks, but my contact has just slipped back in my eye."  Not to mention the zipper on the back of the wetsuit became unhinged.  (So much for completely smooth sailing.)

Bike

I got out of transition and the chain on my bike fell off... it fell off... it fell the _______ OFF!  Jeremy Yoemans, I think you can relate to how this situation made me feel!  (For everyone else, Ron White for you viewing and listening pleasure!)  

(The clip above about sums up how I felt about the chain falling off.  DISCLOSURE: There is usage of profanity in the clip.)  

Fortunately, a kind volunteer helped me get the chain back on.  This took what felt like an eternity.  If the chain was not going to cooperate I was about to bag the entire race.  It went back on after much finagling.  Off I went up the first hill.  I started to pick people off and move through the field.  This course was rolling!  There was a point where I was in no-man's land and then WHOOSH I was past going up hill and as if I was going backwards!  I managed to average just over 20mph, but the lost time from the chain had occurred so any thought of "racing" was gone.  This had turned into an evaluation of where I currently stood physically.  

Run

This is a proof.
CC Bird's Eye View Photography

Bike transition was slow, but done.  It was time to fly in my brand new Pearl Izumi T2s!  I had just received them the day before, but if Andy Potts can try something new every race why not me?!?!  (Not to mention one of the people I swim with says I look like him.  Wish I could swim like him!)  The double loop 10K was HILLY! (Thanks for the big cheer on the way out, Matt Clancy!) It felt as if I was moving through mud.  I looked down at my Garmin and I was cruising at 6:40s-7:30s!  Training for a marathon and then reintroducing speedwork after recovery has truly helped my run.  There was one issue on course and I had to walk to take care of it.  Yep, folks, I peed during the run and felt so much lighter afterwards.  (Triathletes don't have much same and there is nothing sexy about salt streaked faces and farmer's blowing!)  

As I was rounding the turn towards the turnaround, I saw Jordan McAmmond aka "The Swan" crushing her second loop!  She was sailing!  

The entire race took my 2:53:44!  This was my slowest Oly tri, but I'll take it because it was so fun to be back out there racing!  Over the winter I have done a few half marathons and a marathon, but nothing compares to triathlon!  A major shout out to local race organizers Jones Racing Company.  Benji it is amazing that you are following your passion and putting on great events throughout North Carolina!

Rock'n Roll Raleigh

And his hair was perfect!
Slapbet Stage one Complete!

Mike Vance hamming it up!

Congratulations to all who raced Rock'n Roll Raleigh.  It was an amazing event.  I had a blast providing support at the PowerBar tent at the finish line.  Greg Karpinski and I slapbet each other that he would complete a Raleigh this year and not only did he complete it, he finished his first half just above 2:00:00!  I truly enjoyed a training with Greg and his amazing girlfriend, Katie, a few times this winter.  (We even ran in the snow!)  Greg has been my best "bro" for nearly three years and it is simply great that he has started running and racing.  (It might help a little that Katie is a bit of a stud runner.)

There were 12,500 runners, respectively and most of them ran the half marathon.  It was an incredibly hilly course.  Michael Vance (ha!  I knew I could get you in this posting!) paced Bill Lamb.  Bill has some unfortunate IT issues, but he had quite a kick at the finish despite it all.  Mike was simply being his usual self hamming it up giving people high and low fives throughout the race as he helped pace Bill through the half.  Mike's wife Lauren finished the race as well... well she and the child she is carrying inside of her!  Those Vance's are just crazy and awesome!

Stevven Anderson 2nd Place
See all that PowerBar!
Fleet Feet Sports REPRESENT!

Stevven Anderson of Greensboro, NC came in second!  He crushed the course in just over seventy-one minutes!!  I glimpsed him coming up to the finish line and began to scream my head off!  He saw me and we were both ecstatic about his result.  (There might have been a sweaty man-hug that occurred.  There is no photo journalism of that event.)  Stevven is one of the nicest guys a person will meet and a humble runner.  He is willing to run with everyone and slow down to meet their pace.  With this said though, the kid can crush a half, 10K, or 5K any day of the week.  Stevven had his plaque at the Fleet Feet Sports in High Point the next day.  I'm sure some shoes or recovery products were sold that day!!!

What Does the Future Hold??

I am looking forward to racing more this season and working a few Rev3 events!  Maybe some change is on the horizon, who knows.  As I tell my students each day, "The only constant in the Universe is change."  Train smart, race hard and recover well!!

Ice, Ice, Baby!!

Two weekends ago the "Trilogy Bros" got together to watch the entire Indiana Jones Trilogy.  Needless to say, it was EPIC!  (The fourth movie NEVER HAPPENED!! And that statement goes along with Rocky V, NEVER HAPPENED!!  Alex Farmartino will appreciate these statements.)  I find it fitting that when I started this post the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark was piping through my headphones as I sit her at Starbucks sipping on a soy latte.  I bring up the awesome movie and score for one reason, much of Guilford County has been without power for three days now.  What was supposed to be a mild winter storm turned into a massive ice storm.  (Ironically, it is about 60* outside now.  NC weather, it is bipolar!)  The power outage has made me feel a little like Dr. Jones.  I have been coach surfing at friends' places.  Each night I have packed a bag and headed over to another friend's place.  It has been like searching for heat and electricity.  Granted, not the Ark of the Covenant, but a necessity.  I even took some baked chicken over to my friend +Ron Kennedy aka Kal-El or Clark to put in his fridge.  (That was some good chicken!!)

I grew up on the coast and we were affected by hurricanes so power outages are nothing new to me, but ice storms and power outages are a bit of a new thing.  I am grateful that my friends with power have opened their homes to me.  (And tolerate my Dairy Free and Gluten Limited ways, Liz Hackney those cookies were AWESOME!)  I will say that this ice storm has made training interesting.  I have only been on the bike twice this week.  Fortunately, Tommy Rodgers at E3 Elite Human Performance (Coach Matt I promise to get back in the pool!!) let me get in on the Tuesday night trainer class since Monday was booked up for me.  It was absolutely insane, and I get to suffer all over again this Monday.  I can say that the classes are helping my running and riding.  Yesterday, in shorts and a t-shirt (the weather is seriously chaotic) I was clicking off 7:30 miles/min.  It felt awesome!  The only major issue throughout this power outage situation has been fueling properly.  I have gotten in solid food, but have strayed a bit from my usual diet.  Saturday I subsisted off of Egg protein and Powerbar, well all except dinner which was at Village Tavern.  Yes, Sarge, the Egg Protein is AWESOME!

This brings me to a point... THANK YOU POWERBAR FOR MY SHIPMENT BEFORE THE ICE STORM!!  I received my Team Elite/Rev3 shipment of Powerbar product on Thursday.  It was the gel chews, gels and fruit blends.  I have been eat the Strawberry/Banana flavored that are too delicious!  (I think I picked that flavor up from my old SigEp brother Alex Davis.  He said the Stawbanana juice was, well if you knew Alex you would know the colorful adjectives he would describe it by.)  These past few days have been like a 70.3 event.  How much fuel intake do I need?  When will my stomach finally start to reject all the processed nutrients?  Powerbar is amazing for a long event, or even a quick pick-me-up during an Oly or Sprint; I don't suggest trying to live off it.  But, when in need you eat what is available.  (OK, I haven't eaten only Powerbar stuffs, but I am a teacher who hasn't had a raise in six years... do the math!!)

You know what place does have power?!?!?  Barbados... umm.. I mean Northern Virginia!!  It is less than a week until #TeamRev3 Summit.  I have been following most of my new teammates on Twitter and Facebook.  I am beyond ecstatic to meet them face-to-face.  According to +Carole Sharpless we will need to bring an extra bag for all the swag that we are being sent home with!  This trigeek is super excited!  The weather is supposed to be chilly, but NO ICE, NO SNOW and POWER!  Running tights will work fine with arm warmers.  And, real food!  The only thing I am concerned about is that some of my teammates have a passion for a particular man whose name is Jose!  Jose and I have had a contentious relationship, I have all but given up on any dealings we might have.  With all this said, I am extremely excited about Summit and look forward to meeting and rekindling friendships with people just as tricrazy as myself!

Powder, Pounding, and Pancakes (Alliteration is BACK FOLKS!!)

Look to the left of the image and that is me running up Piedmont Parkway on a snowy Tuesday when the Winter Storm Pax hit.  The photographer, Carly Wrenn, was stuck in traffic and saw me running through the snow.  Needless to say, this has been an interesting winter here in North Carolina!  One day it is snowing and others the temperatures have gotten up to 70*... CRAZY!!

I have been able to ride outside three times and the rest of the riding has been relegated to the trainer.  I chose to take a Power Class that is being coached by my old friend Tommy Rodgers over at E3 Elite Human Performance to gain strength on the bike.  Tommy sure knows how to put us all in "The Pain Cave".  Hopefully, these crazy intervals will pay off come Tri Season.

Speaking of Tri Season...

My first official race will be Rev3 Rush in Richmond, VA!  This is an incredibly cool format.  The race will take place over two days on Richmond International Motor Speedway.  It is a draft legal bike, ITU format.  I will be looking to utilize some old school bike racing tactics during this race.  (Yes, Landen Acebo, hopefully I won't crash and scream in agony like I did years ago at Dixie Classic.)  Rev3 is really focusing on creating an atmosphere that is open to all ages.  Rush will allow relay teams, youth as well as age group athletes.  If I am lucky, I might make it to the finals on the Sunday.  Guess I'll have to race four heats in order to get my best qualifying time.  

The overall goal for Tri season is to finish a 70.3 in under 6:00:00.  I will be racing Rev3 Williamsburg in June; hopefully this will be the destined race where I make that stride.

A Quick Review (The Best DAMN running Shoes EVER!!)

I have run in A LOT of shoes over the past year.  Yes, I have shoes for track workouts that I also use to race 5K-10Ks.  BUT, I have to say that I have raced two half marathons, Asheville and Mistletoe, in the Pearl Izumi N2 and they have become a regular go-to shoe!  Almost all the High Point Fleet Feet/ONR Pub Runners have purchased a pair of N2s or M2s and are highly pleased.  (Well except VaLArie, but we have no clue what is going on with her feet!  Kayanos, Transcends, M2s... toe nails gone and we all know that she needs her pedicures weekly!)  

I took the N2s out today for an LSD of twelve miles and they responded fantastically!  The dynamic drop is incredible.  The shoe is never levels and rolls with your foot strike.  As a midfoot/forefoot striker, it truly propels me forward and also allows me to run freely through the downhills.  The only complaint I have about the shoe is that the tongue slips to the side during runs.  The M2 trails (which I also am in love with) lock in the tongue and do not have this issue.  Jeremy recently purchased a pair of T2s, the tri specific shoe, and has raved about its responsiveness and comfort.  I am hoping to move into the T2s for the season (no more buying awkward speed laces.)  

I chose to quickly review this shoe today because last week I ran in my Bondi Bs and they did not respond as well as they normally do.  I felt sluggish so I consciously wore the N2s just to see how they felt and we even picked up the pace to 7:20s at the end of the run and it was like being on cruise control!  One thing to remember is that even though I love the N2 and have introduced others to it, you must find the right shoe for you.  (We'll be glad to fit you at Fleet Feet/Off'n Running!  And just maybe you'll fall in love with Pearl Izumi's EMotion technology as well!)

Pancakes!!!

Fueling up after 12.5 miles! 

This morning Mike and I decided to resurrect the Pancake Run.  I have been very cautious with my nutrition lately as I prepare for the season and the Rev3 Team Summit (shimmer suit photo??  Yeah, I'm scared!!).  Today I through caution to the wind and indulged in what has come to be known as the Johnny Redwine special.  Bill Lamb showed up at the end of the run for the pancakes.  He ate chicken and waffles that looked incredible!  It was a great time of friends and fellowship (and this is Clean, right JSmalls?!?!?)

These past few weeks have been filled with snowstorms, upheaval and new beginnings.  I want to take a second and thank a few people who have really been there during this time. 

1. Michael and Lauren Vance:  I am simply honored to call you my friends and look forward to many more dinners and races.

2. Jeremy and Valarie Yoemans: You guys are like a family and sometimes I feel like that lost brother who comes around.  Thanks for all the runs, chats and KIKS!

3. HP Pub Runners: You are all an incredible group of people.  Thanks to our awesome gang of misfits I have been able to reconnect with my old SigEp big brother, Josh Apel.  

4. Kathryn Campbell: COACH!

5. Tommy Rodgers: It has been great reconnecting with you through the power class.  It has been too long!

6. Carole Sharpless: Thanks for the emails and checking in, Momma Bear!  Also, thanks for the teasing in the emails.

7. Of course my folks and my brother and sister-in-law.

7. And my new Tri Family Team Rev3:  There are so many emails in my inbox reading all of the threads has become a full time job!

Charleston Marathon... Why I should not run flat marathons!

Jeremy Yeomans and I had spent many hours training and preparing for this day.  Finally, this past Saturday, Jan. 16, 2014, the fateful day had arrived.  I had coached Jeremy through long runs, speed sessions and a few tempos sessions that we were able to run together.  All the training had culminated to this day.  Jeremy, his wife Valarie (who ran the half with a cold, rock on, girrrl!!), his parents and their daughter Mia arrived in Charleston a full day before the marathon.  I drove up that afternoon after NC Final Exams and End of Course test proctoring.  (Yes, because these are the most important things we do in education aside from everything else, but I digress!)  I arrived in Charleston ready to race.

That night we ate at one of Charleston's many restaurants.  I had the world's greatest cornbread EVER!  I slathered that piece of pie looking cornbread with honey and preserves, it was heaven!  (This could have possibly lead to some later intestinal issues later, but we'll get to that.)  So, all fueled up and ready for bed.  The Holiday Inn Express was COLD!!  The vent was LOUD!  AND, a thunderstorm was wreaking havoc outside our window!!  Hence, there was not a lot of sleeping done that night.  (Maybe its just me, but it could have been pre-race nerves...)

We woke up around 6:00am on Saturday ready to race.  Udi's gluten free bagels with almond butter and banana was the pre-race bill of fare.  I sort of missed my peanut butter and honey made by the Original Peanut Butter Company, but Valarie makes some awesome almond butter.  I went back and forth what to wear for the race because it was freezing and winds were blustering in at 20 mph!  I finally settled on my High Point Funner Runner T-Shirt, Saucony Splits, Brooks arm sleeves, 2XU Compression Socks (thanks Emily!!!), an old LIVESTRONG beanie and my REV3 visor.  (Valarie said a visor would keep the sun out of our eyes and sunglasses were not needed.  There are points on the course where she was WRONG!!)

We walked over to the start line that was located across from the Citadel.  We did the usual pre-race stand in line at the port-a-john.  The winds were picking up and blowing this way and that way and I was shivering uncontrollably!  After about forty-five minutes it was go time!  The National Anthem was sung and the gun went off!!

The first 3-5 miles were incredibly crowded!  It was like picking your way through a briar patch.  Both the half-marathon and marathon went off at the same time so there were roughly 5000+ people all fighting for position.  Jeremy and I thought we had started with the 3:45:00 pace group.  We kept the sign in our sight, but at mile 5 I had to make what Jeremy frequently calls a "water stop".  I jumped in a port-a-john (after one before the race) and hopped out.  We started running again and our pace was around 7:40 minutes per mile.  The 3:45:00 sign was gone and next thing I knew we were staring at the 3:30:00 sign.  The miles began to tick off one by one and I was feeling pretty good about this race.  The only major issue was the wind and freezing temperatures, but at least it was sunny!!

Charleston has some beautiful waterfront views and funny, cute looking colorful houses in the downtown, King St. area.  Jeremy joked as we passed through downtown that he was thankful the shops were closed and Valarie was running otherwise his money might run away from him.

After about 13 miles or so, my stomach started getting that "uncomfortable" feeling.  We stopped again at another port-a-john and took care of business.  I noticed the 3:45:00 had caught back up with is after this stop and implored that we should back off and stay with this group.  This point in the marathon was the not so scenic part of Charleston.  No matter which way we turned the wind seemed like it was always in our face.  I began to grow a bit weary.  My head began to feel extremely hot and I ditched my beanie on a road cone.  (Good-bye beanie, you lived a great life!!)

After the turn-around point, we met this amazingly fun and energetic woman named Erica.  She laughed about she was drafting off of us.  She has run several marathons and a few Ultras.  She loves to run and could careless about her times.  This is the kind of person you want out there with you.  She stayed with us for a mile or two before falling off.  (She returns later!!)

At mile 18 we began to see runners doubling back and at that point both Jeremy and I began to wonder where the next turnaround point was.  We ran into this newly developed neighborhood with no driveways and Jeremy made a joke about how people had to walk across Egypt just to get to their houses.  I had no witty retort for him.  My gaze was forward and my whole body was aching.  I was having trouble getting a solid air through my lungs.  It was evident that I was reaching "The Wall".  We ran another two miles and walked through an aid station.  We were at mile 22, only 4 miles to go!!   Behind us a familiar voice yelled out, "There is no walking!!!"  It was the cheerful and vibrant Erica.  Jeremy and I began running with her.  She and Jeremy started to become a mirage in the distance as I began to hurt more and more until I eventually gave into the pain and proceeded to walk.

The next mile was complete torture.  The 4:00:00 group passed me and their pacer (who was by far the coolest pacer and only one who kept his sign the entire race!!  Come on Charleston, if you are going to have pacers they must keep their signs and not drop them to run their own race!!)  passed me and he yelled, "Keep going Rev3!!".  (I saw another Rev3 visor on course and apparently one of my teammates, Ryan Heisler, also ran it.)  I tried to follow him, but my legs were done for.  After battling the darkness of the wall, I finally decided that it was better to walk it in and not risk ruining my Tri season and injury than to try to force myself to run.

As fate would have it, it was my turn to help a person suffering through to the end!  I met a fellow walker who was in a lot more pain than me.  His name was Matt and he was falling down, hunching over and in "The Pain Cave".  I picked him up and told him he was walking in with me.  I did my best to give him active stretches and try to keep his mind off the impending pain running through his body.  He had signed up on a whim and only put in two months of training.  He, like me, was recently engaged and planning a wedding.  (Could it have been missing some training during the holidays, work stress and life changing stressors that led to my breakdown??  I do not know, but do not discount them.  The marathon reveals all!!)

We tried to keep our spirits up and a few wonderful ladies wearing "Black Girls Run" shirts inspired us at the end as they yelled and sang for us to finish!  (Thanks, ladies!!)  We shook hands at the end and the Charleston Marathon had been completed.  I did not want a finisher picture.  I only wanted warm clothes and a space blanket.  My temper was frayed and body was aching, but alas it was done!

The marathon is a curious beast.  Many say it has lost its allure because of the new running boom.  Many say that Ultras are the true test of one's fortitude.  I do not know the answer to this question.  I can say that I am proud of Jeremy as he finished his first (and he says only) marathon.  I can walk today way better than I could after Shamrock.  Mile 22 revealed my inner strength to move forward and think smart about my health.  Yes, I did cry for a bit, but who wouldn't?!?  My day was over, but the race was not finished.  I was able to payback the many "angels" how have been there for me during the dark times of the 13.1 during a 70.3 and even the one who nursed me across the finish line at Shamrock four years ago.

One thing I learned is that it is a true friend who will run day in a day out with you; rain, sleet, snow, heat or whatever the weather brings.  For this, I am thankful.  It is now time to turn my gaze towards Tri season and what new challenges it will bring.  I would like to thank Jeremy and Valarie Yoemans for simply being my friends on the road and in life.  I wish everyone a friendship as strong as ours.  They truly have been a great refuge this year.  (And a sidenote, my thoughts were with Michael Vance and his family throughout Charleston as they faced the loss of his father.)

So, the marathon... a painful journey that true friends, the family you choose, endure together and will remember forever!