Just one of those weeks!

Have you ever had a week that you just knew probably wouldn't go right?  Apparently 2 times for shingles isn't enough for me - nope onto the 3rd time.  I am trying the relaxation method to deal with the symptoms.

I have also signed up for a class for the paper.  This class is very physical and mentally draining - what was I thinking?  Added stress for the shingles.

AJ has had a busy week.  Saturday he had two soccer games with a third planned for Sunday afternoon.  Since it was Sweetest Day we offered to keep him overnight.  He wanted to go to El Sombrero's for dinner (which he has eaten at since he was born).  When we got home Jeff and AJ were going to kick the soccer ball around (like he hadn't done that all day).  I noticed him touching his chest a few times so I called it quits for the night.  Figured he needed his inhaler with the activity he had that day.  He came in and complained that his chest hurt.  Next he couldn't breathe.  Gave him 4 puffs of the inhaler and he kept holding his chest and complaining his heart really, really hurt.  He seemed to be struggling to breathe so I had him sit on my lap.  It felt like his heart was beating out of his chest.  I took his shirt off and saw that his body was covered with welts.  After trying to check his pulse and I couldn't count that fast.  I decided to call Mom and Dad. 

Bottom line, AJ got to take his first ride via emergency squad to the hospital.  Scared all of us.  Spent 6 hours at Children and finally got to come home (once again - awesome if you have shingles). 

Dr wants to check his heart tomorrow to make sure there is no permanent damage done.  AJ is a fighter and we are very proud of him.

I am so glad that Jeff backed out of Crankenstein.  I don't think either one of us was up for it this year.  I guess the leg problem was a blessing after all.

Jeff found a way to squeeze his bike in the car and was able to get great riding in on Sunday.  He said the countryside is beautiful and very hilly.

I think this course is a little harder on the brain than he expected.  He is enjoying meeting new people and seeing a new place.

He returns on Friday and will have to rest :-)  He as an old friend coming to town that is looking forward to torturing him on the bike next week.

I won't address more recent drama that has been copied and pasted to me in an email.  I appreciate you also being angry, but honestly,  we no longer give a shit.  I am happy Jeff doesn't have a computer with him, he would blow a gasket and probably say somethings that he shouldn't

Addressing one issue - believe it or not, I don't think for Jeff - he thinks for himself.  He askes me to make comments or answer something.  I type it, read it and then send. 

He has lost a couple of friends through all of this but realized maybe they weren't the friends he thought that the were. 

So enough said .....

Vacation?

Jeff has been on vacation this week. The plan was to paint the trim on the house ...... my new car had a scratch on the hood which required a trip to the body shop. It has rained so the wood on the house has been too wet to paint. AJ started school this week. So.......Jeff has been at AJ's house every morning this week taking him to school and having lunch with him,

So what does them mean ----- lots of time on the bike training for upcoming events. When riding alone - you have nobody to depend on but yourself. He misses riding with Mark, but hopefully with quick healing, Mark will be back.

We will be heading to south for Thanksgiving, the plan is both of us to take our bikes while the rest enjoy the southern popular spots.

Busy next couple of months

Wow - looking at our schedule - Jeff has a very busy next couple of months! Duathons and Triathlons are perfect primers to take him into the winter months preparing for Powerman Alabama.

Unfortunately, people have added races to his schedule that may or may not be true :-(. Wish people wouldn't do that. I have a hard enough time keeping straight what is planned! All this does is create unnecessary drama that we do not desire in our lfe!!

Powerman Alabama?

Just found out that this will be the week that AJ and Rebecca are on Spring Break! Hmmmmm Jeff - what do you think? Nice way to kick off the season.

Hot Night for a Duathlon

Jeff has decided to add into his training schedule a couple of duathlon races. Last night we ventured down to a spot he has raced in the past. It was a little warmer than it seemed but there was a great crowd out for the last one of this series. The first run I was afraid he might have gone out a little fast, but after talking to him, he was very happy with the first run.

He was in the top 5 coming in off the run and actually surprised me with his transition time. He was smiling as he was heading out on the bike. I know how long it should take him on the bike, but standing around, time drags on forever!! I did have a 70 yr old lady keep me company, she was very amusing and did help the time pass.

After the first loop on the run, Jeff actually look great. I can usually tell by his running style on how he feels. I didn't see the "shuffle" or "lean" so I knew he still felt well.

His typical look at the finish line - actually I have a couple other photos, but decided not to post those :-) The look on his face for those photos is priceless!

We talked on the way home about the race. He was thrilled with all 3 events, was happy with his times. We thought he came in 2nd overall, but you always hate to say anything until you see it in writing. But, yep - 2nd Overall. Looking at his posted times and transitions, I am thrilled. Even though he is a year older, his times are still where they should be.

I didn't realize how much I have missed the duathlon races - now we will be looking for more to do. It is too late in the summer to look for primers for qualifying for anything "big" - but this December - google search will get a workout!

Very proud of you

Carded

Big step this season - Jeff wanted his USAT card renewed. Now to discuss where he wants to take this renewed adventure. I do know he is planning on a Duathlon (I hope they offer long course) Wed evening. This is how we started our adventure towards Team USA World Duathlons 10 years ago. Not sure if that is really where either one of us wants to go again, but? Who knows.

My Bike is FIXED!

My bike now shifts like my old one did - thanks to Tran (I know that isn't how you spell his name). Brought his tools and bike stand to Weilers on Saturday - 30 minutes and it is like it should be. I got in 35 miles today with it shifting like it should - and I knocked 10 minutes off my time!!!!

Jeff traveled south and rode with M.C. He had a great ride with you today. Thanks for opening up your home to him. He is now safely tucked away in bed snoring.

Tuesday Fun

Continuing with the chronicles of Jeff's 60th year! He had a great ride tonight with a very special friend M.C. Dinner/Date with two special people afterwards at BW3s.

Thanks for helping Jeff sleep really good tonight :-)

Day After

Jeff called early in the afternoon - knowing I'm on deadline tonight and will be up until probably 4 am - wanted a date night :-) Love those nights. His legs felt great but still opted for an upper body work out.

Met me for dinner - love not having to cook every night (plus he has a week's worth of lunch in the fridge)

He is off to bed snoring and I am still up working. I get to sleep in and if it isn't raining, off for a long bike ride.

Night all.

His MoJo Is BACK!!!

The alarm came early this morning! With everything packed we just needed to hit the road. With Speedy Feet they are always the first people there, this race was timed by a different group and when we pulled into the lot - we were the only ones there! I had this sinking feeling it was Saturday not Sunday. About that time another car pulled in - thank heavens!!!

This race took us back to one of the first Triathlons Jeff had ever done (and at this canoe livery). Everybody had to ride a bus to the start - Jeff was grinning ear to ear on the bus, lovin' the bus ride.

First solo guy started to get in his kayak, apparently he slipped and went into the water. I got my camera ready in case Jeff had a repeat act of Tony's - nope perfect entry and ready to roll (or paddle).

His new canoe glides over the water. Plus it helped the extra training he has done in the canoe last couple of weeks. First out of the water.

He was out on the road all alone for his run. Unfortunately, no water stops which I know will hurt of the competitors as it kept getting hotter. Huge smile on his face finishing up the run.

Excellent transition for the bike. This was a two lap course and was happy to see him looking great on the second lap.

Crossing the finish line, I think the timers were a little surprised he came in a quick as he did. The young lady made a comment about his time then asked his age. She was shocked he is 60 (OK - no big head on not looking your age -but will let you be full of yourself for a day or two on your win! Then you need to get over it - lol)

Excellent race, everything worked just like clock work. Looking forward to the next one!!

Getting Back Into The Groove

I have always found the trouble with vacation is getting back into the groove at home.

This week has been a very successful week of training for both Jeff and I. Jeff is dividing his time equally between his three vices - canoe, run and bike. He is feeling more comfortable in the boat. "If you can't get out of the water, you are done". Instead of focusing any one particular event, he is focusing on all 3 and his time management has been awesome.

The twisted ankle seems back to normal, he has lost nothing on the bike and more comfortable in the water. Looks like a recipe for a great race.

I have been able to dodge the rain drops (well caught a couple of times) and gotten in some really great rides.

Although events and goals were changed for us, we have made new ones that will take us to a few new places and hopefully visiting old friends.

I finally have all my photos ready from New York City- can only post one of us with Brian, we tried to take a couple ourselves, but we don't have enough experience doing that and they didn't turn out.

Hope to have results and photos of Jeff's race from this weekend ready tomorrow.

NYC

Jeff and I made it into town - beautiful drive. Met with Brian M. last night (Monday) for dinner and drinks. It was great to catch up on his life. Brian is the happiest we have ever seen him - we are thrilled for him. I have photos to post when I get home. Forgot the cable to that camera and my other one doesn't work.

Thanks for Dinner and Drinks - love your humor and your words of wisdom.

PA Roads

Jeff and I have always loved the south, but today? We found new roads that need to be explored. PA has awesome climbs, beautiful country side, wonderful residents. Hopefully we could talk to certain NYC resident into meeting us here in the future (along with Mark Crow and family). I am amazed at the countryside. These roads have to be explored.

NYC Friends

Well, after a long, HOT week of training - the packing is almost complete. Jeff and I are very ready for this trip. This is the first trip in a LONG time that we will actually have time alone, both during the day and at night. Hmmmm :-)

Looking forward to catching up with family and friends in New York - no cab rides for us - lots and lots of walking. I hope we can get in at least 10 miles a day.

Can't wait for Jeff to see some of the sights.

Birthday Ride

The special birthday ride will have to wait until Tues. That's OK, glad somebody special is making the effort - means a lot to Jeff for his 60th!

A Chronical Of the 60th Year

I am still waiting to respond the numerous FB Private Messages I have received.

What I will say, Jeff has always said you can count your true friends on one hand - life lesson for him - the faces have changed.

The only request for his birthday ride (mentioned over a month ago) was to ride from our house - the locations had changed a couple of times, but never arranged from our house.

The start of the 60th year will be done in Jeff's style - hopefully with a good friend. If not, he will here in spirit.

We both are hoping his year will include a couple of his favorite/special rides. If the circumstances prevent it, he moves forward (and so do I).

The last 30 years in competing have been very successful - from day 1 he was winning. This year in the solo -great start. We both are looking forward to this year.

More later.

Written Note To Self

If I don't post this - I will forget route - awesome switch backs on roads to Flag Rock. Roads are rough but the climbs are cool.

The Mountains Are Alive

With Noose and Goose :-). Beautiful country - great climbs - warm weather with a touch rain - perfect! Hope to get some photos later.

Things are Different - New Year of Racing

With Jeff turning 60 in a couple of weeks, we have talked a lot about it. We have decided we are getting ready to reach a new crossroads in our life and I have to say I am sadden that some aren't embracing our new path as we had hoped they would.

Jeff always said "every year is different" and he is correct this year. Jeff purchased Leon's old boat and is heading out solo on races. No more depending on a partner - drafting a wheel to rest his legs, etc. The entire race is up to him - from canoe, running to biking.

Many have said Jeff can defeat himself mentally, which he can BUT this is a new year. Mentally he is ready for this challenge and frankly, so am I. Jeff has been an easy target to pick on, poke fun of, and sometimes (according to me) be mentally abused. I am proud that Jeff will no longer be a follower but is stepping up to be his own leader. Yes, there will be changes made in his training schedule (that once again not everyone supports) but his training will continue with intensity.

He has his first two races under his belt (both solo). Little Miami Triathlon was a huge success - first place and winning by 6+ minutes. His prerace week was like clock work - good sleep, running, cycling and weight training.

Second race was West Milton Triathlon - which by all accounts was an excellent race - he placed second. Neither one of us was happy with his "performance". His legs were dead and Mark and I knew it when came down the road. I can always tell by the way he runs. We yelled encouragement but afterwards Jeff said he just didn't have the legs.

There were a few things out of whack this past week, which are lessons learned. So we move forward to the next race and see what happens.