Solid Start to 2009!

After an off season that focused more on healing a hamstring and less on fitness the expectations for this weeks race a huge question mark to say the least. The result 3rd place. The answer to the question, was to be expected, as I feel that my run fitness is about a month behind and my bike is suffering from a lack of cycling specific strength training. This said, surviving the day on a solid aerobic base I was able to best last years run times by 30+ seconds and 1:18 (with the fastest closing run split) and all the while riding 3 seconds faster. And in the end bested great athletes such as Tim Deboom, David Thompson, and Greg Remaly. Lastly, hats off to Chris Foster who showed great early season fitness and made a statement that he will be a force in the '09 race as torched the course just missing the course record.

2009 Gets Rolling!

The 2009 season is just about the be off and rolling with my first official race in a week from tomorrow in the warmer weather of Phoenix, Arizona. Last year's Desert Duathlon Classic ended with a sprint to the line for 4th place with none other than Simon Whitfield, a loss that I hope to rectify this year. As for an off season training update: it went well despite the rigors of the final year of physical therapy school (graduation in May, finally!). I feel that my hamstring is back after tearing it for the second time in three weeks at the Duathlon World Championships. And with the help of my Riptide Multisports teammates and coach I feel faster in the water than ever, a good sign that my achilles heal (swimming) is becoming more like a small side cramp in the progression of my triathlon career. So what is the focus for 2009? Duathlon World's with a full set of intact hamstrings, increased play time in the 70.3 world, and of course an ITU Continental Cup or two depending on the small side cramp, that is.

A quick, but very appropriate thanks to all of my 2008 sponsors: Fezzari Bicycles, Boulder Running Company, Honey Stringer, Nuun, Shuttle Pack, and Rol Wheels. Without your support there is no way that my career is where it is today, SO THANKS!

And to the 2009 sponsors: Fezzari Bicycles, Boulder Running Company, Active Health, Rocket Science Sports, Specialized, Mix 1, Infinit Nutrition, Optic Nerve, and Bicycle Village. Thanks and I look forward to a stellar year representing your outstanding companies!