My favorite time of year to run is now, Spring Time.  I love waking up on cool crisp mornings and stepping outside to be serenaded by the birds.  Its usually just cool enough to get a good steady sweat going.  As I start my run I am greeted by the smell of blooming flowers and various other budding plants that takes me to a place of happiness.  Then at some point on my run I get to watch the sunrise.  It is usually so spectacular it looks like the sky is on fire, with all the different shades yellows, oranges, and pinks.  Mother Nature has taken her brush and painted me a picture for me to enjoy to get me through the end of my workout.  Thanks. 
    After usually being cooped up for most of the winter, I really look forward to this time of the year.  I get to start packing the winter gear away and start wearing the lighter weight more comfortable spring/summer gear.  Weather is changing, days are getting longer, and the meat of Race Season is on the Horizon.

Embrace Mother Nature with all she has to offer and let your senses take over. 

    Well the race is all over now I am recovering and will soon be ramping up the training again to prepare for the next race.  First though I  wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU to my wonderful wife and kids.  I raced on my birthday and all I kept thinking about was how I should be the one giving them presents on my birthday for the amazing support they have given me throughout this whole adventure.  With out them this would not be possible.  I have an amazing wife and three great kids.
    Next I would like to thank my parents for making the trek down to San Juan and giving me so much support emotionally and physically (I was leaning on them pretty hard after the race before I made my way to the massage tent).  There dedication to there children and grand children with there functions is unmatched and am proud to say that they are my parents.  You guys are the best. 
    Thanks to the Bridgeton Group, PXT, Fine Line Racing, Walabax Construction Services, and Pop21eye, for your support in the 2012 season.  I am looking forward to a great rest of the season, and thank you for believing in me.  
    I would also like to thank all my family and friends who supported me through this first race.  I pulled from everyone's support and had a good race. 
    Special Thanks to Mandy Lovett for keeping me in check leading up to the race.  Also to Ann Lovett and Barb for an awesome brunch and for the support out there on the course.
    Finally to all the volunteers that helped with the race and the spectators there yelling out words of encouragement on the course, it really does help motivate.
    So big thanks to everyone who tuned in and who was there cheering us on.  You can go to the K-Krew page to view some pictures surrounding the event.

Next Race White Lake Half: May 5th - White Lake, NC

So its race week and I'm headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico in a few days for my race that takes place on Sunday the 18th.  I am really excited about this race as it will hopefully set me up to have a great 2012 season.  Everything is going well and feeling right.  I feel mentally and physically ready/fresh to take care of business and accomplish all my race goals.  I was becoming nervous after returning home from my Arizona Training Camp: feeling beaten, bruised and extremely fatigued, after logging lots of miles and hours.  My coach, Todd Wiley, did a tremendous job dialing me back in and getting my body back on pace and in a strong place.  I need to go down there and stay focused, race smart, and have fun.  Now with all the time put in, all the sweat behind me, and all the winter illnesses avoided, I am ready to compete and start this season with a bang. 
    With the 2012 Season upon us I want to wish everyone good luck in all there races and training sessions, and hope to see you out on  the course.  Race Hard, Leave Everything Out on the Course and Finish Strong.  Have a great season and be safe out there.

    Well my first taper of the season is finally here, Ironman 70.3 San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The race is a week and half away.  What this means: 2012 season is on the horizon, all the second guessing is present, anxiousness is in the belly and anticipation of seeing what this season will bring is eminent.
    I am very excited for this 2012 season.  It is going to be a true test to see if all the hard off-season training is going to payoff.  I have left everything on the line for this season and am anxious to see what is in store for me.   This is an exciting place, a good place, and a nervous place to be.  I am ready to push my limits and give it everything I have in order to attain my goals.  I know deep down I am ready but there is always that second guessing for the first race of the season.  You have nothing to compare it to after months of not racing.  Will my body react as it did towards the end of last season or will I need to work out the kinks again.  In reality though I think we are always working out the kinks to be honest.  That is what makes focus and preparation so important for this first race.  Every little edge I can get will make a world of difference in the long run, and sometimes those often get overlooked.   I am going to go down and try not to worry about the things I cannot control or the things that are in the past and just race hard and have fun.
    The first race of the season will hopefully set me up to have a great rest of the season.  It will add more confidence at this distance and most importantly will give me valuable information on how my body reacts to different sets of circumstances and stresses.  I always have a tough time with the taper though.  I always feel like I am losing fitness, getting lazy and gaining weight.  Although all of these are false, I can't help but feel this way.  I think this is natural.  It is nice to have partnered up with Todd Wiley, my coach, to ensure me that all those things are not happening and also that I am tapering correctly.  I have the confidence that I am doing things correctly and am on the right path to have a great race.
    About a week and half to go and I will have the first set of results for my 2012 season.  I look forward to letting everyone know how it went.  I'm going to reach for the moon and shoot for the stars.