OUCH!

I suffered my first training related injury this week. On my long run, somehow, I was able to get an old metal cotter-pin into my shoe. I didn't feel it on the run, but it did poke a hole in my foot. (I guess that is the euphoria of the runners high). There was no real euphoria, (there never is when I run) but needless to say, I didn't feel it until I got home and took off my shoe. My tetanus was out dated so I went to an urgent care clinic to get an update shot.
So, here is my little suggestion for other triathletes in a similar position... IF you do step on a piece of metal and need to get a tetanus shot, by all means go and do it. Just don't go for a mile and a half swim the next day. My deltoid was sore all weekend and still hasn't fully recovered.
I did also have a real overuse injury on my long run. Nothing major, but my right calf tightened up and didn't really let go the whole run. It didn't feel as bad today on my brick run, but I know I have to stretch better.
I was actually able to get all my training in this week and finished with my long ride on Saturday. Brett and Dr. Wong went along for the ride. We spent the day Sunday playing at Vancouver Lake with Becky and Phil. The boys had a blast swimming and riding bikes. One more week before Kaden is back to school. Where did the summer go?

Under 100...Over 100

As I write this I look to the countdown ticker and see that THE DAY is now only 96 days away. What happened to the last 4 months? I remember when I had so little to do and so much time to do it. Now I look at this coming week and realize that at the end of this week, the race is only 3 months away. I guess it is time to get busy.

Over 100...We had temperatures of 103-101 for a couple of days here in the 'Couve. The family was in the Yakima Valley this weekend for Audreys 20th Class Reunion from Toppenish. We had a fun time at a winery owned by one of her classmates parents. It was really hot and we were outside for most of the afternoon. Rylan and I spent some time in the wine tasting room where it was nice and cool. We bought a couple of bottles of wine as well. Hyatt Vinyards Zillah Gorilla is really good.

More motivation this week as the Olympic Triathlons are being held in Beijing. Hopefully they will get some coverage. Not much to be expected from the Americans, but the Australians look for a sweep.

Spirit of the Titans- Motivating Ironman Athletes

I found this link to a really cool Ironman Picture Book. Yea, it is an advertisement for coaching, but is is still pretty cool. Great music also. It is a tad long, but I think it is worth it. I think I will watch this weekly to stay motivated. Enjoy!

http://iamtri.com/video/video/show?id=1984656%3AVideo%3A36810

MidSummer Olympic

This week was a bit less training as I got ready for the MidSummer Oly. It was nice to have a bit of a break with less intense workouts. The Richter Clan was off to Blue Lake again this weekend. Saturday, Kaden and Alek both did the Splash, Pedal and Dash Kids Race. Kaden ended up winning the overall with a fast time of 5:18. He is becomming a transition specialist, quickly out of the water and on to his bike. Alek was an official MOP (middle of pack) with a time of 9:02. When asked what the hardest part was for Alek, he said, "Umm, the swim and the bike and the running." He ended up wet and sandy, but had a lot of fun.

I raced on Sunday and had a solid race day. My bike split was a bit faster than June (no tire rubbing on the frame this time). I felt okay on the run, but my splits were great. I ran 49:25 for the 6.2 miles. It was my PR at that event as I knocked off about 5 minutes from June.

We spent the rest of the day at the Clark County Fair. It was a fun but long day of walking around, but I think it helped my legs loosen up a bit as I wasn't too sore the following day. Now it is back to the grind of lots of training hours.

Happy Birthday Dad!

We celebrated my dad's 82nd Birthday this weekend. He came over for the weekend and Mary Kay and Peter joined us. We enjoyed the Hawaiian Festival in Vancouver on Saturday and had nice birthday meal on his day the 27th.

Training is going along smoothly. I made my weekly goals this week. This next week is a bit easier as I race the Midsummer Olympic Triathlon on Sunday the 3rd. Gotta love those race week tapers.

I had another issue with my rear wheel rubbing against the frame on my long ride this weekend. Seems to be an issue when the tubes are inflated to a high pressure. I will dial this thing in before the weekend race.

Officially I am under 120 days left before the BIG DAY! Seemed like there was so much time and now it is right around the corner. As they say, "So much time and so little to do." (Wait let's reverse that.