First triathlon of the season--success

On Sunday, we traveled to Oxford, MS to compete in the Rebelman Triathlon. The weather was awful but not the worst possible. It was windy (20-25 mph) and cold (43 degrees), so doing well depended on whether or not the athletes could handle the conditions thrown at them. My swim was pretty good (for me at least) at 7:03 for 400m, my bike was not what I wanted but was the fastest bike split in the race at 22 mph, and my run was 20:22---which was great considering I'd only ran 3 miles so far in 2009 prior to this race. I ended up coming in 4th overall and first in my age group, so it was definitely a success.

The two athletes I coach (Rachel, my wife and Sarah, her sister) both had solid performances as well. Rachel placed just as I did 4th overall and 1st in her age group, and Sarah placed 9th overall and 2nd behind Rachel in the same age group. So, I was very pleased with how the both did--a big improvement from past years at this point in the season.

So, the first one is behind us, and we have many more to go this year. Our next race will be on April 18th in Scottboro, AL at the Frank Maples Triathlon. At the same time, my next race with my brother Barrett will be the Race to Live at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, AL. I am definitely nervous about this race because it will be my first cycling race ever!!!

Time for a first

I received a call last night from a spin instructor who needs me to fill in for her on Thursday. So, it begins!! I am nervous because I want to teach a good challenging, smart, and exciting class. I have a lot of knowledge about the types of workouts that can be done, and I just hope that the attendees have patience with me. I'm preparing two different CD's so that I'll hopefully avoid the dreaded lock-up of the CD player. It would be pretty dang rough having to teach class with no music!

At the same time, we have our first triathlon of the season at Ole Miss this coming Sunday. I hope to have a good race, but Sunday races aren't my favorite. I miss having a whole day of rest afterwards. Oh well, I hope the Lent season is going good for all. Easter's a comin'!!

Rough week

As you may have noticed, I did not post anything last week. That was due to an awful stomach virus that lasted three days and sent me to the doctor for an IV of fluids as well. Prior to last week, I hadn't thrown up in 10 years. Oh well, I guess I am starting a new streak. (sorry if that's gross)

Prior to last week's sickness, my family went to see the Ringling Bros. Circus, and it was great. We thoroughly enjoyed the animals and the acrobatic-type trickery that went on. We almost didn't make it to the circus because of snow!! Yes, snow in Alabama (see picture above). We woke up on Sunday morning to a nice scenery, and now it's going to be 80 degrees today. Oh well, that's just the way it is around here.

On a side note, I am competing in my second race of the year this weekend. I'm teaming up with someone to do a duathlon in Tuscaloosa, AL. It's supposed to be raining on Saturday, so I'm not sure what to expect as of right now, but anything's better than last year's race at this location. It was 29 and snowing.