Greetings my few and friendly following, I am being harassed to write more.  I used to write and edit an entire magazine, I should be able to at least maintain a small blog.  So the site has been properly updated and I am happy with 90% of the content.  Steve and I still need to work out some of the kinks with layout and get the photos of his car off my site and pictures of me and my friends on it.

SO, onto important stuff…

It is January and I began my first week with Dr. Phil Skiba of PhysFarm.  He is going to be my coach and adviser for this year.  I recently ended a very productive three year coaching relationship with Scott Molina.  If I can keep up with the blog perhaps I will address the change at some point.  Therefore, the important aspect of beginning the work is that the first week is light in volume, but I am doing some tests.  Last night, a mere 45 minutes on the trainer with a three minute max effort.  No need to share details, but I was drained for my 20 min cool-down.   I timed the effort to go with a Mudvayne song and the quote the subject line describes my winter/holiday period.

(this song was for the effort, not an easy listening tune at all)

Over the last month and a half since Ironman Arizona, I have had a really awesome time playing.  I have done some really good quality training, mainly easy but solid maintenance.  It has been a lot of play, though.  This is how I set myself up for a long year.  Over the last six weeks, this is how I unraveled and just partied like a rock star at times:

-Thanksgiving- 20 people at our house, amazing food from everyone, and complete with going around the table with everyone stating what they were thankful for, a wonderful evening.

-Holiday Parties- Lara and I are lucky to have a lot of friends and were invited to so many great gatherings.  It was great to see them and have some drinks with people we normally only see in workout or work clothes.

-White Elephant Party-  This is getting to be a treat for me, as I help out my buddies, Brad and Pete with their “I look good in a speedo” Party.  I have a Santa suit and after drinking with my buddy Jack, I MC the rest of the party.  It makes passing out 80 presents quite entertaining for everyone.  I am still not sure how I have pulled this out the last two years.  I do my best to walk the edge of offending and getting a good laugh.

-Hannukah- I am a Christian and Lara is Jewish, so celebrating with the local self-described “Jew Crew” is both fun and educational for me, learning more about the Jewish faith.

-Home for the Holidays-  Lara and I went back to Virginia Beach to see my friends. The high points: ran with some of the guys I coached a couple years ago (dam they can crush a long run!), did dinner with my best friend and stellar cook, and enjoyed having nearly all of my Virginia Beach friends at my parent’s open house.

-New Year’s Beer Miling and Party-  I finally podiumed at the Boulder Beer mile. It was a well-attended event, as it is a highlight on the Boulder tri crew’s social calendar.  I am still off my sea level time, but I was pleased to be running 70-80 second quarters.  Too bad it takes me over 20 seconds to drink a beer.  I am currently on triathletemag.com for my participation and semi-stellar performance.

-BOGART-  Lara and I brought a puppy into our home.  So now, when not training, coaching, or prepping for the wedding, I am hanging with our golden doodle, Bogart.  Every house should have a dog, preferably one that does not pee in the house, but we are working on that.

Well, it’s back to work, not really work, more working out and getting ready for a big 2009 of solid Ironman performances and helping midshipmen tear up the college scene.   Play was super-fun, wine, beer, fun without working out is fantastic.  I am no dull boy.

later,

billy