March Already?

Hard to believe it's March already. Triathlon season is right around the corner with races in the U.S. happening I think as early as next week (Miami Olympic). I am excited to do my first triathlon of the year (May 8th), but first up I have a couple of duathlons to get after. One the end of this month and then Duathlon Nationals the end of April. Duathlons are a lot of fun, but boy do they hurt!

I did my first outdoor ride of the year today. The last couple of years I've ridden at least a few times during the winter, but because of the poor weather we've had and the fact that I don't mind the trainer and have seen good results from that work it wasn't too disheartening to prolong the outdoor riding. It is time, though, to start getting outside a few times a week in addition to a staple trainer session each week. I was probably a bit ambitious on today's ride going with just water, but because it was just all long, fairly easy riding I figured I'd be good to go. I was fine, but I was super hungry when I got home...nothing a little eggs and bacon couldn't take care of upon my return:)

Speaking of cycling, I did my 2nd power test of the year this past Friday. Joel, Brian, and I met up in Brian's garage and we all pounded it out together. It's a nice bit of extra motivation that can go a long way in helping you get the best out of your testing. Janda actually had the majority of his athletes test this weekend and there were some awesome results. A minimum of 5% power increases for just about everyone (in 6 weeks), with several people close to 10% or above. Bottom line is...the cycling we do works. I was not expecting much since I have been focusing more on my running and only riding about 3-4 hours a week. Those hours were highly structured, but to make the jump I did was not expected at all. My ceiling has definitely been raised...now it's time to start working on raising my lower zones closer and closer to that ceiling. I'm lucky to be working as both an athlete and assistant coach under JRM. The guy is steadily rising to the top as one of the best coaches in the U.S. I really think the work I'm doing at Range of Motions and Balance Massage are working wonders too. It pays to take proper care of your body.

Yesterday, I attended a swim clinic put on by swim guru Juliet Adams. She owns a company called Stroke Focus and does a great job teaching proper swim mechanics. It's always good to refresh yourself on how you're "supposed to" swim. I always learn something new from Juliet...even if it's just a little cue to think about when doing this or that drill.

Spring is right around the corner now as it's looking to be at least 50 if not 60 degrees for the next 10 days...now we're talking. It just brings a sense of life to everything. Lots of people are outside walking, jogging, or riding their bikes. Kids are playing outside. It's not dark when I finish my first workout or BEFORE I start my second one of the day. All good stuff.

Talking about spring, the amount of people on the trails yesterday was awesome. If you ever come to Virginia Beach and are around on the weekend...you should definitely try to swing by Final Kick for a run at 7:30AM on Saturdays. There are groups of all ability levels and the people are all very friendly. There will be people running anywhere from 20+ miles to as little as a couple of miles.

Well, I should have my new Orbea Ordu coming in a week or two. The Zoot team has helped us get the ball rolling with some equipment for the upcoming season and it's exciting to be involved with some great companies. The 3 guys in charge of the team have been very helpful. I just can't wait to get on the Ordu and see what it can do.

Last, but not least, you have to love March if not for anything else that March Madness is here. There is nothing better than the excitement of the tournament basketball games. I'm hoping Michigan State can pull things together in a similar fashion to last year. Kentucky is who I like to win the whole thing. John Wall is ridiculous!

Ok...this is really the last thing...I'm going to try to post a youtube clip to most blogs now. This week's one is a song by Need to Breath. I'm hoping these can inspire at least one person. If it does that it's worth it. There are a lot of people struggling in this world today. If how you've lived your life isn't working all that well...why not try to get a little help from the man upstairs. He's a pretty good dude once you get to know him.