Tons to write…I’ll get to it…

Things are going well here in the Woodlands.  Actually-Awesome.  I’ve been blessed with an incredible place to stay leading up to my race.  The home is beautiful, the family that has offered to let me crash their home for the week are beautiful, and my friend who put me in touch with them..is beautiful.  Yes Matt-you are beautiful man.  I thank you again.

Julia, Jay and Margie-I am forever grateful.  This has been wonderful and I am fortunate to still have 5 more days here-It makes it easier to be away from my family.  Texas hospitality is an understatement. It’s amazing….

Thank you.

Things so far have been almost too good. Of course I found this packed in my bag and I melted as per usual when I feel Rhonda’s love through ink.  Her letter was incredible-I miss you babe. I love you so much it hurts.  

My flight was solid-I eat very light traveling to and from events.  Having Living Fuel is vital on long travel days—Thanks KC.

I also owe Rich Roll a cyber-hug.  I ripped through the advanced copy of his new book he was kind enough to send me.  I had planned on using it through the week to relax-but, once I started…I-could-not-stop-reading. Strong work Rich.  I laughed, I cried, I related. You wore a patch-I had massive buck teeth.  Seriously-it's very well written. Something about reading of your struggle comforted me. I understood.  Oh... yeah, the amazing athlete part-is amazing...

I don’t want to give too much away but I connected to so much of what Rich had to say about nutrition, racing, and of course the Epic 5. We chewed through the same bitter seconds-I loved his retelling of what he went through.  I've had the privilege of talking back and forth with Rich for a little while now. His honesty is clear. No, I don’t agree with everything in the book.  I know he too appreciates truth and honesty--None of it is a “deal breaker” here-just different outlooks-that's OK. 

I thought this a few time throughout-- when things are written so clearly it’s easy to nod and think “Ok, not what I believe. But-- I love this man”….I want to say that again-This is a great book. Rich's story is incredible.  I enjoyed every second and I respect Rich and am proud to say he is a friend.  His plant base diet makes sense and as regimented as I eat, and myself close to what he is doing now--I'll continue to tweak my intake based on his advice and knowledge. My wife is up next to read it and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks. Check out his site here-read his book.

 http://www.findingultra.com/

As for me-the final days leading into my first Ironman of the year have been smooth.  My race week workouts have been solid-short and focused.  This morning when I went to swim the athletes in the lanes next to me (obviously here to race) were killing it in the pool. I mean-killing it. I had entered and exited and they were still going-and, fast. Not going to analyze what other people do-or how they train.  For me-I’ve screwed the last few weeks leading into a race up more than once.  If anything, this time I plan to error on the other side.  Actually-as my final week prep has gone-I think I’ll be on the dot come 7AM on race morning.  For the athletes that have asked me about specifics on how to taper/peak-key take away point here is this-you gain nothing leading into a race tired.  This was actually another cool topic Rich relays in his book-his humility and willingness to share mistakes he has made in the past leading into events made me stop and think about my own final days stretching to the line.

I have struggled on and off with doubt-but, not in ways where I fear the outcome.  My legs are in the mode where they don’t hurt, or feel heavy, but appreciate it when I can kick them up and rest.  Tomorrow I am doing very little. At times when too much time is at hand-over thinking ensues. Not this time.  I’m going to enjoy it and read-and re-read race details.  It has always amazed me the days leading into a big race like Ironman how much athletes walk around?  I understand though-it’s so exciting.  The expo is awesome, the pro’s walking around, vendors dole out free gear, food, samples, its fun.  Kind of like Disney land. **For my friends doing CDL for the first time-Take advantage of the Ironman expo early in the week. Like, the Wednesday it opens.  Stand in line on that first day-get registered, try the GU samples.... Then focus on the race, rest, relax.  I've also made the error of dragging my family to the expo more than once during the week.  It’s hard enough getting there-I know I drive Rhonda nuts (sometimes)-talking “Tri”. Then to drag her to a race, then to an expo.  

 Make race week as much about your loves ones as you can. It’s tough-but can be done. And-crap is expensive…Plus how can I screw this up? I miss you guys so much.  (not the dog though...)

I’ve been proud to walk around and represent RYU here-It’s been a good conversation starter and my gear has had more than a few people ask about them.  I always end the conversation the same way-“I am so proud to be on the RYU team”. Thanks RYU.

Today at the Ironman expo I was given the privilege to talk about More Than Sport. Chris Lieto is making an impact. Here at Ironman Texas he is supporting the Freedom Place-

www.freedomplaceus.org  The Freedom Place provides a bed, guidance and help for girls caught up in Sex Slavery. Yes-Here in the U.S.A. 12 and 13 year old girls trapped.


Please check out their site.

I have had the chance to talk to many people about my teaming up with Living Water International www.water.cc .  Many know of LWI and it makes me proud to be an advocate for what they are doing around the world. 

As for the race-I’m ready.

#1658 if you are curious.