REMEMBER

Recently, my family experienced a tragic loss of a family member.  The loss has left a huge hole in our family.  Moving forward is not easy, but it is comforting to know that Kyle is at peace.  Kyle is my nephew and was just 24 years old.  Although he was with us for a short time he has touched many peoples lives.  Below is a tribute to Kyle's memory that will be with my family for generations to come.

Kyle is a giver!  He never hesitated to offer his time and talents to help a person in need.  He is the first person to help when trees fall and need to be removed, RV’s need to be driven for a group of middle-aged people pretending to be younger than they are, dogs that need to be watched (even the aging kind that need to be lifted up and down stairs), cousins that are in need of care, and brothers are need advice!  Never hesitate, never ask why, and he never would say he CAN’T. 

Kyle’s personality allows him to embrace life to the fullest.  He would not be a person to sit on the sidelines and watch or want.  He PARTICIPATES!  He SHARES!  HE ENJOYS!

KYLE enjoyed many FIRSTS! 

•                   First day of Kindergarten
•                  First good grade
•                  College graduate
•                  Career

These firsts he shared and enjoyed with all of us.  These memories we will have forever.  Although there is a hole in our hearts it is alright to be angry, to cry, to laugh, to be angry some more, and to just BE. 

KYLE is loved, will be loved, and will be missed.

As the LORD says in:

Thessalonians 1 4:13-14

  “Brothers, we do not want to be ignorant about those who “have died”, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have “died” in him.”

Knowing Kyle’s faith journey in the Lord these words comfort me.  Kyle wrote not long ago to about my family losing a dog…”Uncle Doug, I’m sorry to hear about Buddy, but I’m glad he is in peace and can now keep Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Bill company.”

Be angry, have a discussion with God, cry, laugh, and just BE...knowing that Kyle is at PEACE.

Fiscal Cliff NOT Avoided!

Hi All,

Wow has time passed.  The holidays are over and the New Year has begun.  Apparently, our wonderful leaders in Washington have come together to pass a bill that will not increase taxes.  The only problem is that when I received my first paycheck in the New Year it was smaller than the last paycheck of 2012.

I thought there was a mistake so I took the liberty of using Excel to help me determine what has transpired.  After a fews keystrokes I find that federal taxes AND social security tax have both increased.  But you say, President Obama has clearly stated in speech after speech that taxes on the middle class will not increase.

I clearly must have made a mistake and my calculations must be off since President Obama has spoken so clearly.  A second and third review yields the same results.  Taxes increased!

In fact, taxes have increased by 2.3%; 2% for social security taxes and 0.3% on Federal taxes.  Mr. President, I must be mistaken for that 2% of the population that are the "wealthiest" and need to pay their fair share.  However, I'm clearly the definition of middle class living in a home built in 1940, two vehicles with the newest one 8 years old, and three kids that view eating out at a restaurant as vacation.

With the tax increase, my net pay will be less this year.  Mr President, if you have problems balancing the budget here's a tip, spend less than you make.  There's also the idea of eliminating redundant services and positions.  Another option is to improve current processes.  Private sector calls it "efficiency".  This is obviously a foreign topic when walking through any federal building.

I expect to wake up from this nightmare to find my next paycheck with the tax percentages similar to last year.  If not, Mr. President please do not look into the camera during your next speech to say that taxes on the middle class have not increased.  If you do, you are clearly lying.  The last two presidents that were caught lying had some serious issues.  One was impeached, Nixon while the other stained a dress!

Until next time........

Travel and Family

Hi All,

Hope the world around you is filled with fun experiences that challenge yourself.  Challenges are necessary to keep us moving forward to continually improve ourselves.  Sometimes these challenges arrive in the form of work travel.  Work travel is the great divide that stretches the bounds of family from physical presence to mental presence.

Lately, travel has consumed my life on a weekly basis.  The challenge is amazing, yet is filled with rewarding moments.  Being away from family is never easy, but mentally families are ALWAYS close and never too far apart if you put family first.  The beginning and end of everyday should be with family.  No matter where travels may take you or how great the distance between family members become, beginning and ending the day talking to, writing journal entries, or just thinking about family reduces the distance and keeps families together.

On your next business trip, put family first and you will find that the trip is easier on everyone!

Until next time...

Continue the Journey

Have you ever had the opportunity to work at a place that wasn't work?  Think about that...working in a position or for a company that was actually fun and you wouldn't consider work at all.  Of course, positions like these have challenges as do all positions.  However, having a job that you wouldn't consider a job is wonderful!

Now the hard part.  Imaging being in that dream job only to be offered an equally challenging position that you believe would be equally as fun.  What would you do?

In my case, after long hours of prayers and extreme "fellowship" with my wife we decided to take that second opportunity.  God opens and closes doors everyday.  However, when He does open doors we need to do our part and listen or act.  In my case, I decided to leave the best position that I ever had in my professional life.  That was extremely difficult, yet God called me to do something more and I acted.

What are you being called to do today?  How are you going to respond?

When the door is knocking....Answer!

Define Yourself

Its been a long while since I've scrawled something, but the time seems right for another dump.  Time has been short trying to balance work and living.  In fact, I would say that work has dominated my life the last 5 months.  With that said, does "work" define you?  Does our working lives define who we are as a person.

In the past, I would have said "no way".  However, what we do in our working lives and what we do in our personal lives is actually very much the same.  We don't just want to exist on this planet, we want to live.  When we thrive at work, we thrive at home.  The happiest people I know are the ones who treat work the same as play.  Whether they attack their work or are passive about work, as long as they live their personal lives the same as their working/professional lives they are indeed happy.

Work doesn't define a person, but having the same passion for work as for your personal life will blend your two worlds to knock your "happy meter" off the charts.  After you read this and you are dreading going back to work, think how you can change or what you should change to get that passion back.  Life is short enough without having to blindly exist for 50 hours a week working at something you have no interest in.  You owe it to yourself and the company that you work for.

As for me, I'm living even though work has consumed me recently.

When are you going to Start Living!!

Wisconsin Ironman 2010

The Bridge to 2014

Most of us probably missed it during the great Health Reform debate.  However, there was a billed passed in March 2010 called the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" by our congress and signed by President Obama.  It is a law and now we need to read the 300+ page document to understand what it means.

Since I am currently looking for insurance coverage to compete with a group plan offered by my wife's employer this bill may hold some answers.  However, after reading the first 100 pages the concept is that this bill is primarily enacted as a prelude to the larger Healthcare Reform bill set to go in effect in 2014.  Also called the Bridge to 2014.  One recurring theme was that this bill is primarily responsible to "control" the cost of healthcare.  However, it basically involves definitions that healthcare systems are supposed to measure health outcomes, reduce readmissions, promote wellness, and require a health plan to report the ratio of incurred loss plus the loss adjustment expense to earned premiums.  Yes, I was at a loss as well to the last statement.

One line that stood out is that "health plans are suppose to provide ANNUAL rebates to each enrollee if the ratio of the amount of premium revenue expended by the issuer on reimbursement for clinical services provided to enrollees and activities that improve health care quality to the total amount of premium revenue for the plan year is less than a 85% for large group markets or 8-% for small group or individual markets."  This line is straight out of the new law.

If we break this statement down, it states that "health plans" (insurance companies) are suppose to measure the amount of premiums paid versus the amount paid for care per enrollee.  The problem is that "enrollee" is not defined.  Will rebates go back to the group plan holder or the individual plan holder?  Similarly, who is going to provide oversight to this law?  If oversight is required and insurance companies are now required to add an additional layer of staff to provide this documentation how is this going to be paid for?  The only way I can see this being paid for is higher premiums and plan costs to cover the added expense.  Also, since the Government will need an entire new organization to provide oversight there will be an added expense for the federal government to monitor this act (increase taxes).

Not really a win-win and definitely a bridge to no-where.

Since it is open enrollment time, I suggest that each of you plan on reviewing this bill to see if there is anything in there that you can benefit from.  If not, prepare for premiums to go up...again!

Facility Design Consulting

When it comes to facility design industry has been bludgeoned by corporate downsizing.  Internal resources typically used as experts for facility design and process improvement analysis has been shed from their positions only to reveal that there is a large experience gap to be filled.  Independent consultants have been helping industry fill this need.  However, not all independent consultants are alike.

Some consultants rely upon their past experiences while reputable consultants also include their vast network of experts to help.  Solutions to facility related issues and process improvement issues are best found from a cross section of individuals.  Below is an example of work that has contributed to major cost saving initiatives with one of my clients.  

Experience + Network = Cost Savings.

Life after Ironman

My first Ironman is complete and now it is time for another goal.  Life is full of goals, but if goals aren't defined they rarely happen.  A goal needs to be written down and then a plan needs to be developed to lead you to achieve the goal.  In the case of completing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run a plan is definitely required or you may not make the finish line.

In the case of careers, goals need to be defined or we find ourselves wondering how we arrived at the place we're in.  Looking back did you have a goal to end up being in the job that you are in or did you end up there by the winds of change or worse yet choices that you DIDN'T make?  There is always time to define goals in your life no matter if they are regarding your career, retirement planning, home buying, kids college funding, having kids, getting married, finishing school, etc.  Everything we do requires a goal and a plan.

For me, the next physical challenge is yet to be defined, but my career is still focused on building a business one sale at a time!

Ironman Wisconsin - What an Experience

Sunday September 12th, 2010 is a long way off I thought as I was volunteering for Ironman Wisconsin 2009 watching many friends and training partners compete in the event.  It was so inspiring that I thought to myself it is a wonderful challenge to undertake.  To that point, I have completed many sprint, olympic, and half-ironman events that I thought a full Ironman would be a great goal for the year.

I still have no idea why I registered for this event after hearing so many stories from people I train with of what they put their bodies through during this type of event such as delirium, nausea, cramping, fatigue, pain, and hurt.  However, after completing my first Ironman Sunday Sept 12, 2010 I can tell you that each one does it for different reasons.  Mine was probably to prove to myself simply that "I can".  Last year was a horrible year being told that my position was being eliminated after 10 years that I needed a goal to feel good about myself.  Go big or go home, right?

I was a little naive to think that this type of event can be done by yourself.  Little did I know that I would need a HUGE support staff to keep me motivated and to keep things balanced at home.  Between my training partners asking me to train with them and Kim holding me to my training schedule the last month was a blur.   Did we have an August?

All of that must have paid off since I am able to write this recap.  When Sunday morning, the day of the event, rolled around Kim and I began the day at my nephews house.  He and his wife were gracious hosts while we stayed at their "Inn" in Madison about 15 minutes from the start line.  (Thanks Kevin and Alicia) After what felt like a brief nights sleep Kim and I were up at 4:30am getting ready to head to the start line.  Since I was sporting a little cold that my youngest son gave me as a present the day before I was wearing a fashionable breathe-right-strip over my nose so I could breathe.

We packed up the van and head to town.  The nervous energy in the van was amazing.  I don't know who was worse Kim or I.  I can only imagine what was going through her head as she is ready to watch her husband essentially exercise for an entire DAY!  I was calming saying to myself...don't forget the bike computer (memories of Racine 70.3).  We pull in the parking structure and find that wonderful bunch of Thursday morning run buddies park in a stall near us.  As we are walking and talking on the way to the start line I remember...where is the bike computer?  Yep, I left it in the van and had to run back to the parking structure to get it.  Kim stayed with all my stuff thrown about the sidewalk like a rummage sale as I ran to get it.  I get back to the van and open the rear hatch only to see the shining silver computer right where I left it.  As the day unfolds, I probably could have left it right in there.

There is still plenty of time before the event start.  It's about 5:45 at this point and Kim and I are heading into the bag drop off points.  I quickly separate food that I think I'll need for the bike and run and place in the appropriate bag.  My approach was just like Halloween...one for you, one for you, two over here, and you might as well have one of these also.  Not scientific, but I wanted to make sure I was packing more food than necessary.

The bags are now safely in their places and Kim is taking awesome pictures.  Now its time to get my shoes clipped onto the bike so I don't have to run on concrete with "horse feet".  Shoes are clipped in and then I remember that I didn't pump up my tires before dropping my bike off.  Who knows, the extra 2psi I can squeeze in the tires might make me an hour faster on the bike...  At this point, I don't have a tire pump so I have to pimp a pump from some one nearby.  So I wait...and wait...and wait for about 10 minutes before two men run next to me to pump up tires on a bike like they are on a pit crew at the Indy 500.  I finally can pimp a pump and they actually pump up my tires for me.  Volunteers are GREAT!!

Now its off to body marking, a quick release, and off to the water start.  While I'm waiting in the porta-john line Kim begins snapping more awesome photos and then asks me if I wanted that Monster that I bought last night.  HEAVEN!  No - not in any nutrition plan and I have never drank one before an event, but I was thirsty and thought why not try caffeine before an event as long as this?

A quick kiss and hug from Kim and I'm off to the swim start.  As I'm enjoying the moment and getting some last minute advice from Lowell (a veteran at the distance) we notice that 7:00am is only moments away and we are both on DRY LAND!!!  The cannon sounds and we rush in the water.  Not the way I wanted to start, but it will do.

After swimming like a salmon up stream for 30 seconds I run into people....people everywhere!  The water seems to have white caps on it, but there's isn't any wind.  Gulp-gulp.  What in the H$@! is going on.   I decide to surface to look around.  There are four of us in a morning coffee session bobbing about looking around only to smile and say to one another..."this is amazing".  No names, just an awesome experience shared by a few individuals competing in an event for unknown reasons.

I finally get into a good swim rhythm and approach the first turn.  I remembered during the athlete meeting that the swim director said that the first turn there is a tradition to "Moo".  I laughed at the time as did the other 2500 participants, but from some odd reason I could hear a strange sound while swimming into this turn only to discover that everyone does indeed MOO.  Yes, it felt and SOUNDED like cattle being herded.

Rounding the second turn I feel a sensation that I shouldn't be feeling in the water...nature calling.  Somehow I need to release the hatch while swimming to let out the Monster drink I had 30 minute prior. As I am trying to relax my legs and swim with my arms someone keeps slapping my feet.  I think to myself, "I wouldn't keep doing that or you are going to get a mouthful of p..." too late.  It is possible, and I'm sure I'm not the only one!!

Nearing the swim ending I think "one event down and two to go".  I walk up on shore and look at my watch 1:25.  Not bad considering I haven't been in a pool to train in over 20 years.  Now I need to find a good stripper...wetsuit stripper that is.  Just like that, my suit is off and I didn't have to lift a finger.  I'm beginning to like this distance.  I run with my wetsuit over my shoulder up the helix with a massive crowd that is at least 4 deep around the outside.  There is cheering, clapping, and shouting for every participant.

I run into transition and volunteers call out my bib number.  I run inside and my bag is thrown to me.  Thanks buddy.  He directs me to the mens changing area where you are not going to believe what I see...nakedness!  What are they doing I think to myself.  Why are there so many naked men with the boys hanging...and what is that over there, yep a few men sitting bare-assed on chairs!  That is a pet-peeve of mine...if I wouldn't be in this event I would have shared my thoughts about sitting with your manhood on a community chair!  Not right!

Out I come from T1 and run right to my WIFE!!!!  She is sun lotion application goddess number ONE!  After a quick picture pose I am off to harass Gary and Mike (other sun lotion applicators and training partners).  I run to my bike and another volunteer yells my bib number and my bike is brought right to me.  I run to the mount line and begin a 6 hour bike ride.

Everything going smoothly now.  One event done and two to go.  Biking is my comfort zone it should be all pedal, eat, drink, pedal, eat, drink for the next 112 miles.  Sounds great, but after mile 20 my bike computer crapped out on me.  It went blank.  The same bike computer that I ran back to the parking structure to get.  I just put new batteries in it and it went blank during the biggest event of my life.  God has a plan and this was in it.  Time to manage the bike course using my watch.  At least I started that when I jumped on the bike.  Now I could do a little math during the next few hours to figure out how fast I am NOT going.

The most inspiring moments during the bike portion came during the location where spectators gathered to watch.  Since I was part of the show I couldn't disappoint so I tried my best to entertain by getting people to do the wave, chant my favorite hill grinding song "up the hill nice and slow, to the top we want to go!", and a few bunny hops (mountain bike days coming back to me)...a sign read "tops for hops"...wrong kind of tops.

Finally, a tailwind on the last 10 miles back to transition and I realize that a long sleeved shirt was not a good move as the temps were getting hotter.  Back in transition and more volunteers waiting to take my bike and direct me to the next area.  1363 someone shouts and my run bag is handed to me.  I just love this event!

A quick change of shoes and I'm out of T2 ready to start my FIRST marathon.  8 hours in and I'm thinking that 12 hours is no problem at this point.  I begin my trot and find great friends right on the run course as well as my beautiful wife.  She looked happy as I finished two of three events.  So did I...I can even muster a trot, I think to myself.

The first 10 miles are a blur.  Run 5 minutes walk 30 seconds, repeat.  Things are going well and I am on pace for a 2:05 half marathon.  Then the wheels begin to fall off the cart since I forget to eat ANYTHING during miles 9 and 10.  This set up miles 11 and 12 as make or break miles.  My legs felt weak, my head began to pound, and then I remembered...when did I eat last?  Next aid station I had 4 gel packs, two bananas, pretzels, and chicken broth.  I walked for about 5 minutes and then felt my headache go away and my legs came back a little to muster my trot.  30 minutes later I finish mile 12 and find that I am on pace for a 3 hour half.  Not a good moment.

I round the loop at the finish line to begin the final half marathon praying that He gives me strength to finish.  There's is my wonderful wife again, taking pictures and videos.  I shuffle off for another round until my legs actually do come back a little.  5 minute run, 30 sec walk and repeat.  I have a little more energy since I am eating constantly now.  I see Dan, Lowell, Jerry, Dennis, and Iron Mike on the run and they give me great inspiration to keep at it, left foot, right foot.

As I near the finish line, I run with the most amazing nameless people that all have great stories.  Some on their way out for their second loop and others that have more pep than I and cross the finish line first. The Ironman event is truly inspiring.  The human spirit can accomplish a great deal when the intentions are good.  There were so many wonderful people that I shared stories with on the swim, bike, and run that it will stick with me a long time.  As I write this I remember the Airforce buddies that help one another.  Both 21, one was in bad shape and his buddy actually ran an additional 13 miles (another loop) just to see his friend finish.  That is dedication, and that is friendship!

The finish line is amazing.  I didn't know what to expect at the end.  I did my best to get the crowd waving and shouting as I was in the finish chute.  I looked up and saw the finish line arch and smiled.  Two volunteers quickly placed a sheet around me, metal, hat, and t-shirt.  Congrats they say.

Looking back I couldn't have done this without my wife, prayers from friends, and without the good graces of the lord.  I don't know how or why the human body can endure an event of this magnitude.  I will always remember the feelings of awe after crossing the finish line.  Truly amazing!

IM-MOO

This has been the year of the phrase "yes I can".  I'm two weeks away from my first Ironman event and I've swam, ran, and biked enough miles the past 4 months to get me ready.  Yes I can finish this event, but holy crap what an investment in time of my life.

I'm looking back and wondering if I trained too much.  Did I miss something that I was supposed to do or be a part of?  Did I miss any opportunities to advance my career.  Did I miss any opportunities with my family?  The benefit of this type of goal is that I have been surrounded by a great family that has supported my effort to train.  Although training was not always on everyone's schedule, this definitely would not be a possible goal without a supportive family.

My wife and kids have watched me log over 3,000 training miles and in that time I have been a part several birthday parties, several high school and college graduations, family reunions, and I even managed a few dates with my wife (yes, there should have been more).  They have seen me sleep deprived, exhausted, crabby, elated, rested, happy, and sometimes all of these in the same day.  IM training can make a person crazy if you take it too far, but now I have thoughts if I have taken it far enough.

Thoughts do enter my mind about not being able to make the cut off time in any of the three events to complete the full IM.  Can I swim 2.4 miles with 5,000 of my closest friends in under 2 hours?  If I make that, will I be able to complete 112 miles on the bike in under 7 hours.  Then to wrap it up, can I complete a marathon and walk across the finish line before midnight to have my time actually count?

Anything can happen on game day.  Looking back I see that the journey is what makes this event special.  Ironman is not about one day, but about the journey along the way.  Where else can you train with a bunch of individuals as crazy as you are to enter this event.  Where else can you find training partners with illnesses and health issues that make any sniffle or sickness of your own insignificant.

Looking back I wouldn't change anything.  I've trained with great friends and balanced training with family time.  Yes I can and yes I will finish this event!

Racine 70.3 Recap

It's been a long while since I've posted.  Work is taking up more time than ever...but those that have followed know that this is a good thing after being caught up in corporate downsize 12 months ago.  It's a new day with new challenges.

The latest challenge was Sunday July 18th participating in the Racine 70.3 Ironman event.  To some swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles, and running 13.1 miles may seem ridiculous, but to me its a challenge.  This is the second time that I've completed this particular race.  The first one was last year and the circumstances were completely different.  At that point, I was ready to participate until a week prior I found that my position was being eliminated.  That left me without focus and without following a training plan.  By the time the event came, I didn't really realize what I was going to endure.  When it was all over, my body was a wreck.

This time around, I'm a little wiser.  I trained smarter and listened to my body realizing that the day after the event I still need to be able to be a husband and father.  The day prior to the event Kim and the kids came with me to register and drop my bike off in the transition area.  This is a good time to shop for pricy triathlon apparel and look at all the latest gadgets that pros use to go faster and age-groupers just spend money on to say they have it.  Yes, triathlon is over commercialized, but I'm still hooked.

While dropping the bike off we stumbled onto a fishing tournament where we were able to see a world record brown trout caught by a 22 year old weighing 41.15LBS.  It was unbelievable.  Where else can you see a world record trout at a triathlon??

That night was a little different since my bike was in transition, my wet suit was packed, helmet, shoes, and tri-shorts and shirt were all ready.  The only thing to do was go to sleep.  That didn't go so well since I drank so much water throughout the day that the water works began about 2:00am and lasted until 4:00am when I was planning on waking up anyway.

Now that I'm up and relatively awake I get dressed and there isn't that overwhelming anxiety that comes with each event.  I was calm which was really unusual, but a welcome visitor since Racine is about 40 minutes away.   The ride went smooth until I found about 100 other participants on the roadway.  There was a great deal of drafting and the anxiety began since the start was getting closer.

Once at the event, I find a parking place hop out and begin unpacking and packing everything to make sure I have what I need.  After beginning to feel a huge weight on my shoulders and touching each needed item more than once in the truck and creating a complete yard sale of items throughout the vehicle I begin to put it all back in the bag and head to transition.

On my way to transition I feel the energy and walk past the row of professional riders.  As luck would have it I see Chris McCormick next to his bike and decide to introduce myself and wish him luck.  To those that don't know Chris McCormick, he is a pro-athlete that won the Hawaii Ironman 2 times in a row.  It seemed casual that I would shake hands with an individual that can earn a living from a sport he loves and I love, but as luck has it I'm in the wrong gene pool.

Arriving at my bike, I begin to unpack my bag and spread out my goodies.  To my SHOCK I don't have my bike computer.  What's that...I DON'T HAVE MY BIKE COMPUTER!!!  That's horrible.  That's like driving a car without a speedometer or traveling to a party without directions.  YOU FEEL LOST!!!  Only one thing to do now and that is run back to my truck and try to find it.  I get my running shoes on and take off.  About 3 minutes later I realize that I don't have my keys and need to run back into transition area where 2000 other participants are getting ready for their event.  This is like swimming downstream during spawning season...its slow...very slow.

Luckily, I find my bike computer right where I left it in the truck and head back.  On my way back I see two people running.  At first I don't think anything of it since it appears that they are almost sprinting.  However, it turns out that it is my new friend Chris McCormick and fellow pro athlete taking a quick warm up.  Their warm up was faster than my one time haul ass, run away from the burning building as fast as you can effort.  I guess that is why they are professionals.

Back in transition I get my bike computer all set up, shoes in the pedals, helmet staged, running shoes and socks ready, some food, and sun glasses all ready for my next visit after the swim portion of the event.  I grab my wetsuit, new goggles, and head to the lake for the start.  No more nerves at this point.  I'm ready to begin.

At the start line, it is hysterical to see hundreds of men and women pretend that they are warming up when they are actually trying to pee in the lake.  Never open your mouth at a triathlon swim start.  The water quality has to be worse than the outlet pipe at Jones Island from Milwaukee's Metropolitan Sewerage District.

As the professionals are just about set to begin their quest for prize money, the announcers says something that I can't hear.  Moments later the loudest cannon goes off and there I am soiling myself standing among thousands of people.  Good thing I patched the holes in my wetsuit or I would have begun to leak on the beach!  Not a pretty feeling.

Finally, the moment when my wave begins.  I get set with my recently glued wetsuit and new goggles at the start line ready to break the 5 hour mark (only 10 minutes faster than last year...that's doable right?).  The gun goes off - no cannon since that is only for the professional athletes and not the ones that actually finance the sport - and I'm in the water running like the wind.  It's time for my first dive and then everything goes dark.  My goggles end up around my neck and my eyes are burning from all the pee in the water.  I quickly get my goggles back on and find that my right goggle leaks.  I try several times to get the goggle to seat unsuccessfully.  After rounding the first turn buoy I try again to get the goggles to seat.  Still doesn't work.  Now I'm beginning to panic and watch time click off the clock.  In the end I swim with one eye under water and spot with the other eye.  It took 10 minutes to begin to feel comfortable in the water, but eventually it worked.

Coming out of the water and being able to see in what seems to be one dimension I see the chute we need to run through to get back to transition.  Goggles are off now and I can finally begin to see out of both eyes.  I see what looks like a 1/4 mile to run before you get to the transition area and it felt like 10 miles!

In and out of transition in no time and on the bike.  The lovely bike where if you get tired you can coast. If you're hungry, you can eat.  If you're thirsty, you can drink.  The bike is heavenly when it comes to this sport.  At least, that is until there's a massive head wind and you begin to feel what appears to be a little chaffing in the nether regions.  In the end, the bike is reatively uneventful.  However, I did notice how the professional riders were able to ride single file and close to one another.  They get all the special attention and the leader gets to draft off of the police escort.  I'm sure they were going close to 28MPH when they past me going the opposite direction.

Coming back into transition ready to begin a short run I feel that 5:00 was a little aggressive.  I'm fact I need to complete the run in 1:32 to make it in 5 hours.  While I was approaching mile one I hear some cheering and see a motor cycle with a clock on top and my good friend Chris McCormick running like a cheetah with only one mile to go!  I wanted to yell and ask if he would wait for me at the finish, but he wouldn't have heard me anyway.

Three miles in on the run and I begin doing a system's check.  I realize that after 3 miles I'm going at a slow pace...about 9:30 per mile.  I think to myself what could be going on to make me run like this.  As it turns out the heat began to rise and my body was thinking up crazy ways to trick me into think I was running fast to keep cool.  It keeps getting hotter and hotter on the run until these black clouds roar in and begin to release a gentle cool rain shower.  5 minutes of bliss.  My pace seems to pick up and I'm smiling.  This was short lived since the gentle rain turned into a down pour that was deafening.  I couldn't hear the person I was running next to nor anyone in the water stations calling out their wares.

I begin walking as do most of the people around me.  It was hard to see anything with all the rain.  Then as quick as the rain started it stopped.  The sun came out and blessed us with rising temps.  Not bad, but the temp could have stopped at 80 versus shooting up to 96 degrees with thick humid air.  This is when I could have begun filming a made for TV movie.

The body can go through a great deal without showing signs of rejection.  However, I witnessed a great deal of bodies rejecting their owner.  There was lovely projectile vomiting, crippling falls, and in one case it appeared that someone was in convulsions with aid works screaming for medical staff.  I would love to say that I purposefully decided to slow my pace down at this point, but my body did that for me.  I couldn't have run faster if my life depended on it.  The brain said go, but the body said "look I'll get you to the finish line, but we're doing it my way."

The remainder of the run was slow and steady.  I found a granny gear and kept it at that pace.  Walked through almost all water stations eating, drinking, and loads of ice in the shorts.  That's refreshing at 96 degrees.

As the temp kept rising, the finish line kept getting closer.  Although finishing is an accomplishment, it didn't have the same appeal this year as last year.  I came across the finish line and forgot to complete my cartwheel.  I've done that at all of the events I've finished.  Not sure why I didn't at this one and maybe that's why this event felt different.

No, I'm not giving up on this sport.  It is too much fun and the event is only a portion of the experience.  Great training partners and challenging yourself to different courses and events is all part of the experience and lifestyle.  In the end, I wouldn't change a thing.

Venting

The oil slick keep moving towards land in some parts of the gulf and is still leaking like a sieve.  Not sure what the BP CEO and his leadership team must be thinking by waiting to develop another plan.  It's over two months 11 people have lost their lives and MILLIONS of others are having their way of life permanently changed by a FOREIGN company.  The federal government is financing part of the clean up at this moment and an entire region of the US is scrambling to find viability.

This almost sounds like a war took place on American soil.  The lasting effects couldn't be worse and if I see that commercial one more time of how BP will be responsible for cleaning up their mess I may end up wearing a straight jacket.  The expense for producing and airing that commercial is costing BP approximately $50 million when the emergency shut off valves and redundant systems required on oil rigs cost approximately $500 thousand.  I sure wish the leadership would have spend the money on all the redundant safety systems rather than on all the commercials.

I don't know how, but each of us need to make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of petroleum that we consume.  That is the only way to prevent disasters like this from occurring in the future.  With advancing technology we may get there one day, but in the short term each of us should think about how we drive and the products that we consume.

Yes, I'm venting, but what the hell!  If anyone else would have created this mess, we would be on trial already and held personally responsible.  BP leadership must be held to the same standard and they must be held accountable.  Who is going to step up and start the list of charges!!!

Until next time...

In the Movies

Triathlon training is going good.  No one told me when I signed up that I'd either be in a fog all day or craving sleep.  My body is beginning to reject me some times.  However, not as bad as how each one of us should be rejecting BP.  Over 50 days of oil leaking in the Gulf and BP Executives are contemplating using a movie director to solve their problems.  Its good they are reaching out, but come on already.

I don't believe that prior to this accident had BP decision makers been given a scenario of disasters and how to correct the issue that calling a movie director would be one of them.  If they are truly grasping at ideas that badly, we need to look at all other oil rigs and their disaster recovery plans.  This announcement comes just as hurricane season officially begins.

We think the devastation is bad now, wait until a hurricane drives oil 50 miles inland.  How is BP going to clean up farm fields after a hurricane comes through?  My guess is they are going to wait until their insurance company completes years of analysis and the lawyers spread doubt on the fact that BP had nothing to do with this accident.  All the while the Gulf will be cleaned up be the tens of thousands of people put out of work by the accident.

Only in the movies will you find a disaster like this with a happy ending.  I don't see the leak being plugged in the next 6 months.  Good thing I traveled to the gulf the last two years since there won't be a reason to go back anytime soon.  Maybe my great grand kids will be able to enjoy the gulf.

Thanks BP and your excellent safety record!

America's Leak

Why is it that BP is so eager to contribute $500 million to study to effects of the impact of the oil spill when they should have spent the money to develop a fail safe plan.  Why is it we can place a camera to run a live feed 24 hours a day to the bottom of the gulf within feet of the oil leak, but BP can't find the technology to plug it?  Doesn't this make anyone pissed off?

What about the rumblings that our US Congress is debating a bill to increase the tax on oil to generate a revenue stream to PAY for the oil clean up.  This tax will undoubtedly be passed on to consumers and businesses.  BP and other oil companies are NOT going to eat this cost.  It will slowly be passed on until the entire tax is paid for by consumers.  Hide in plain site and we'll never see it.

I say enough already.  BP has put the current generation of the fishing industry out of work and probably the next generation as well not to mention the tourism industry to the entire region.  Shouldn't the leaders of this company be held responsible for their decision making ability before the accident and through today?  Why should we allow the decision makers at BP the ability to prolong a solution to plug the leak?  What happened to standards and the regulating authority to check to make sure these standards were kept up to date?  I've been in many different companies and know that regulatory agencies have audits on a regular basis to make sure that procedures and standards are maintained.  How can drilling for oil in an environmental sensitive area not be regulated?  How come there wasn't a Failure Modes Effects Analysis completed on drilling and extracting oil.  If there was one, oil rig explosion and pipe leaking would have been ranked EXTREMELY high to generate several solutions and preventative process steps.

Yep, I'm pissed that we continually have to hear about how BP hasn't plugged the leak and we get to watch thousands of people in orange vests wash oil soaked animals.  Not to mention that the oil keeps moving further inland up contributory waterways.

BP, oil companies, and congress who are so intrenched in old school politics you all played a role!  Stop trying to do the political thing and get this leak plugged....NOW!!

Until next time...

Timing is Everything

We've all heard this before that timing is everything.  Whether we are discussing a sporting event, school, or work.  People always want to use that phrase.  Why is timing everything?  Shouldn't it really be that each of us have planned and been diligent to make things happen so that timing had little to do with it rather it was all the planning and prior work that caused the event to happen.

I don't have a crystal ball and can't predict the future, but I do know that the harder you work and the more you plan the likelihood of having events come true improve dramatically.  Similarly, the work life balance doesn't come without planning and work.  Families need to work at striking that delicate balance to earn a living while nurturing a family.  I'm not always good at this, but I do plan and work at it to try and find the proper balance.  Although browsing the web you will find a great deal of individuals with all sorts of formulas to sell you on how to find the right work life balance I would stay clear of advice you need to pay for on this subject.

Each of us know what we need to do in order to find the right balance and it probably isn't the same for each of us.  some families may like when one spouse dominates the earnings working 80 hours per week while others may find the right balance with each spouse working part time.  In any case, it is up to your own family to find the right balance.  Begin today and you won't regret it.  Also, remember that what you do in your family your children are watching and learning by your actions.  If you create balance, the next generation will have an easier time finding balance. 

I've said before and I'll say it again.  No one on their death bed breathing their last breath is going to say "...if only I worked 80 hours per week I would of had balance."  Similarly, no one is going to breathe their last breath uttering "...don't forget to clean the toilet."

Find your work life balance and then we can begin to discuss how you add into that mix training for an Ironman.  The motto becomes I can sleep when I retire.

Until next time...

Possibilities

Possibilities are everywhere.  However, not everyone takes the opportunity to explore the possibilities that they come across daily.  This is unfortunate since some opportunities present themselves and we often are so busy to recognize them that the opportunity vanishes before it has a chance to materialize.

I've said it before in my ramblings to take time for yourself.  Seize an opportunity and make something out of it no matter how small it may be.  Just think what would have happened it people would have responded differently to the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico.  Did the oil rig violently explode or were there warning signs prior to the worst environmental disaster this country has ever seen?  No one knows for sure except for the souls that were lost.

As 200,000+ gallons of oil daily continue to pollute one of this countries greatest natural wonders we should all take a moment and pause to see what possibilities we see every day that can lesson our demand for oil.  I don't have any magic answers, but each of us see possibilities in their daily lives where they can effect their own usage of oil.  Every little bit helps.

Just think if each of us were to stop drinking bottled water?  Did you know that one machine can pump out over 10,000 plastic bottles an hour.  You may wonder how eliminating bottled water would reduce the need for oil.  Think of it this way.  In order to manufacture bottles the raw material (polyethylene) needs to be shipped by truck to the bottle manufacturing plant.  After the bottles are created, the bottles need to be shipped to the water bottling company where filled bottles now hop on a truck to a distribution center.  After waiting at the distribution center for a few hours or days the filled bottles are trucked to their final retail destination.  This isn't all.  The consumer "drives" to the retail outlet where we purchase these bottles and transport them to various events and dispose of them in a garbage or recycling bin.  At this point, another truck picks up the discarded bottle and ships it to a recycling center or a landfill.  

That one water bottle logs about 300 road miles and fuel to complete its journey.  Just think about the other 9,999 bottles per hour that one machine can manufacture and the amount of fuel it takes to move those bottles through their journey.

Just think of the possibilities and next time reach for the tap!

Moms!

What would the world be like without all the wonderful mothers!  Once a year to take the time to thank moms for all they do is not enough.  Just think if moms went on a revolt for a day.  What do you think would happen...

You would see a great number of individuals wearing the same clothes they had the day before since laundry wasn't done.  The restaurant industry would have their single largest sales day in history since lunches wouldn't be ready to take to school or work.  Pets around the globe would go without food and water for the day.  Children would eat pop tarts or some other sugary thing before school only to crash hard an hour into the day (Remember, these same children will go without lunch since no moms were there to make it for them).

Basically, moms hold this country together and should be recognized for it.  Hopefully, you all thanked the moms you know for being moms and all they do.  If not, there's always today, tomorrow, and everyday to thank them.

Great work moms!!

Fridays!

For the majority of the population Friday's mean that they have reached the end of the work week.  However, how many individuals leave work physically only to think about work for the next 48 hours?  Doing so takes a toll on the body.  In fact, most aspects of you life will be affected by your work if you don't have the ability to separate work from personal time.

Each of us will use different methods to leave work at the door when leaving the office or checking out for the day.  If you don't have something that you use to provide this separation, then you need to find something quick before you become ineffective at work!  It sounds simple, but having a hobby (any hobby) will provide you relief from the daily reminders of work.  Simple activities such as reading, yard work, gardening, painting, exercise, or even people watching at the mall will provide you a great deal of benefits in your life.

How many of us can truly say that once we leave the office for the day we can truly turn it off?  Not many, but with some hobbies that we look forward to each and every day it will definitely help provide some sanity in the daily world we live in.  Find your hobby today.  In fact, you can probably search for "hobbies" on the internet and you will have a list longer than you have time to read in the 48 hours each of us have every week to live our lives.

Choose a hobby today to begin living.  You won't regret it and your work will actually improve.  Finding any outlet to express yourself and actually begin living is one part of finding your work life balance.  Start today since tomorrow is no longer here.

Until next time...

Weekends

Every once in a while its good to find a place to explore your deep down "red-neck" being.  My "red-neck" being is found in a little cabin in the middle of 80 acres that usually consist of off road vehicles, guns, beer, and great food.  The food usually keeps on giving long after the "red-neck" fun has ended since eating more than 10lbs of semi-mooing red meat in a 48 hour period spells GI trauma!

Below is a snapshot that illustrates the type of fun that is had by my fellow "red-neck" brethren.    Please notice the proper safety equipment that all red-necks must where.

Alright - I had to remove the picture since it took too long to load.  People were getting annoyed with the delay.  I'll have to reduce the resolution for faster loading.

Until next time...