tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203758312024-03-14T02:11:02.003-04:00TriEricTriI not only tri but I try....to be a better husband, father, athlete and all around person. Join me as I see what lies ahead on the path to personal enlightenment.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.comBlogger641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-57054220647446425652015-12-31T15:35:00.001-05:002015-12-31T15:35:11.402-05:00Selfies of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx622zK13mcSAGlDrRzubOrC13hQH-sXStw7FKRfUWoKEOK66r8xHWk7bur5_X-NqbXg4wJ4JSQfXPLIKFq6paG7KWbCJqBYyjq37n1WbPHuIh5UIliXn6lX7HisE9n21TC1nwA/s1600/2015+Selfies.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx622zK13mcSAGlDrRzubOrC13hQH-sXStw7FKRfUWoKEOK66r8xHWk7bur5_X-NqbXg4wJ4JSQfXPLIKFq6paG7KWbCJqBYyjq37n1WbPHuIh5UIliXn6lX7HisE9n21TC1nwA/s400/2015+Selfies.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
I took a lot of selfies this past year. <br />
<br />
I just wanted to share as we close out 2015.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-8962672536329927892015-10-18T22:09:00.003-04:002015-10-18T22:09:32.577-04:00A Final Word for Our Father<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My brother and I spoke at our dad's memorial service today. While dad
was in hospice we shared memories and compared notes about what we
remembered about dad. As a follow-up to my roller coaster ride here are
the two speeches we gave today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rob's speech:</b></span><br />
<br />
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not a bad idea.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">John
Gibb was my father and one of the finest men I've ever known.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
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trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, (my
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When
he got his diagnosis two years ago, he became the Project Manager of his
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also had an amazing Project
Assistant in Carol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took charge of
his medical decisions and treatments and put up a good fight for two
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also chose when to stop
fighting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
week ago Saturday, my husband Dave and I went to visit him and Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a few seconds when he and I were
alone and he said "I should've died two days ago." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was pissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was behind schedule.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because
he took control, there are no regrets. And we are here today to celebrate his life!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">John
Gibb is the man who taught me how to camp, how to canoe, how to swim, how to
travel and how to drive a stick shift.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
constructed a permanent model train layout on a platform which would retract
into the basement ceiling on a pulley system. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
helped me build pinewood derby cars in the Cub Scouts. When it came time to
paint the car, instead of a high-gloss paint with a racing stripe and number, I
insisted on staining it Walnut. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sure
John just rolled his eyes. But we got second place due to his perfectly placed
weights; it's good to have an engineer for a father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
tried to teach me sports, but mom and dad finally gave up and produced Gibb
2.0. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
also taught the entire family the card game Qualify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He learned it from his parents and it has now
been passed down four generations of Gibbs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">John,
Carol, Eric and I are very different people with very different interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whenever we got together we laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are officially “The Fun Family”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it’s official because we have a wooden
plaque which says, “The Fun Family”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
today, when the extended Gibb family gets together, we laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our family Christmas dinners at Eric and
Aimee’s are epic and legendary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When
dad decided to end his treatment, the family got together Labor Day weekend and
went through boxes of dad's photos and mementos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we passed things around, dad would
identify friends and family and tell us stories, many we had never heard
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we laughed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Even
in the last three days when Dad was in hospice the family gathered, reminisced,
and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sure he could hear our
laughter and I know he enjoyed it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
want to share two words of wisdom John gave me: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“There's
a difference between wanting something and needing something.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“When you pick a college, pick one that you can drive to, but you're not home
every weekend.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Here's
a short story from his travels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and
mom were in France, I think, and John was walking around on his own. He came
across a guy working on the foundation of the house. He stopped, observed and
the guy saw him watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking no
French, dad pointed at something that caught his eye and gestured to the other
guy who spoke no English but seemed to understand and made some other gestures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly they were having a conversation
which spanned language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess guys who
build houses can do that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dad
spent his last few weeks sleeping most of the time. He would wake and tell mom
the most incredible, detailed dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
favorite is when he was arguing with Donald Trump. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad was in charge of 4000 construction workers,
waiting for instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Donald
Trump didn't have a plan!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Finally,
quite a few years ago, my friend Donna asked me to go to a psychic session with
her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, why not. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the session the psychic told me, “Your
parents have sought each other out over and over, life after life. They enjoy
each other’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have played
with all types of relationships, currently they are husband-and-wife.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I told my parents, my mother said “Yeah,
we're going to keep doing it until we get it right.” Well, Mom, I think you got
it right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
psychic also told me I specifically chose John and Carol to be my parents. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You chose them because you felt you could
learn something from them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What they
taught me was how to be myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
Dad, we love you and miss you and I'll be looking for you again.</span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My speech:</b></span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When dad first decided to stop his chemo treatment I
knew it was only a matter of time before he would be gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to write his eulogy so he could read
what I was going to say about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Primarily how much I felt people admired and respected him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I thought about it the more I
realized two things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First he probably
already knew that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second he probably
didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If he already knew, it was because of the type of people
around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quality attracts
quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He respected those around him
and they respected him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Secondly, if he didn’t care it was because he was at the
top of Maslows Hierarchy of needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physiological
needs, safety and love, the first three levels, were achieved early in his
adult life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say once he married
my mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The esteem and
self-actualization, the top two levels, would slowly build as he became the
great man that he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t need
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was already filled with
morality, creativity, lack of prejudice and acceptance.</span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we look back at his youth, he delivered newspapers,
was a life guard with significant responsibilities, and a scout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of which took a certain amount of
dedication, initiative and drive.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was a hard worker with a 38 year career at NASA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted Olsen, who was head of the Propulsion
Division at the time of my dad’s hiring, commented his two greatest hires were
Neil Armstrong and John Gibb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me one
was a great man, the other was an astronaut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our family workcations to Cape Canaveral were a unique way to spend time
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad would pile us all into the
station wagon and drive down to Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though he was working on a launch I always enjoyed our beach front
accommodations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was even fortunate
enough to witness the launch of both Voyager missions in 1977.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These trips weren’t all about work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some strange reason I remember one night
we were driving through Atlanta when we hit a opossum trying to cross the highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob always said it was a racoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No Rob it was a opossum and dad agrees with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of his final ten years with
NASA, dad was a member of the Senior Executive Service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members of the SES serve in the key positions
just below the top Presidential appointees and are links between these
appointees and the rest of the Federal workforce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dad was humble about his work and accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom admits to not really know what dad was
working on most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet she
worried about his health because he would spend long hours getting the job
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This lunch box, to me, is a symbol of hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sturdy and solid, this was used by a man with
the same qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he had still used
it in retirement it would have, of course, been filled with Double Stuff Oreos...his favorite cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry…I
brought enough for everyone.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the same time he was building a highly successful
career he had time to meet the needs of his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact he was the first Renaissance Man I
knew before I could appreciate what that meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“A present-day man who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in
more than one field.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was my
dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His involvement with scouting
continued as both he (Pack Leader) and mom (Den Mother) took leadership roles
for both Rob and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His scouting also led to our family camping
trips to the Adirondacks, Canada, Florida, New Orleans and a host of other
destinations that involved hiking, canoeing, exploring, learning and playing
cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After retirement, his hard work continued for 18 more
years with Habitat for Humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
wasn’t out golfing with his friends, he was working at a Habitat house twice a
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His work with Habitat and golfing
were the primary means of getting dad away from the house, keeping him busy and
out of moms hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a highlight of
his retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A renaissance man
doesn’t stop learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Habitat
he met many excellent people who shared their talents with him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He also had a religious faith that carried him through
to his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wherever he was he became
so involved with the church: finance committees, usher, sound system, youth
groups, ground maintenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed
like he wanted to know more about the church than the guy who built it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All of the things I have mentioned above have one common
thread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is something that a
person either has or does not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are
born with it and some it has to develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad had it all
along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How else do you get your office
staff to call you Mr. Gibb, Sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
like a double dose of respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this
day one very special person still simply calls him Sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is something that is earned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we gather in the barn later you will see
many awards that are a result of his leadership abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the unseen reward is the love and respect
of his family, co-workers and peers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have heard so many good things about my dad from so
many people that I cannot recall them all .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Comments from the NASA community, church community, Habitat and Weslyan
Village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I share these words from a neighbor at Weslyan Village.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly, we lost one of our wonderful neighbors this
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John seemed to live his life
finding ways to help others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite
battling a terrible disease, he maintained his good humor and helpful
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would never know that he
bore this burden. His manner with everyone was unfailingly upbeat and pleasant.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I cannot recall any specific words of advice he offered
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, everything I learned is
through his character and actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard
work, Respect (of others / by others), compassion towards and acceptance of all
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How else could he have handled
“unique” situations presented by Rob (a gay man in the early 80’s) and I
(becoming a father at age 19).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never
wavered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He accepted the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He accepted his son’s for who they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob was the first to thank our parents, and I
wholeheartedly agree, for not (insert colorful language) <s>screwing</s> us
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am still learning from my dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still learning how to be the man he
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have a pretty good blueprint
to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I can<span style="font-family: inherit;">'t say these are our final words about dad. If you <span style="font-family: inherit;">as<span style="font-family: inherit;">k about him we will<span style="font-family: inherit;"> talk an<span style="font-family: inherit;">d share our memories of <span style="font-family: inherit;">our lives with him. With these memories he will always be with us.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-32932896421966704662015-10-16T10:17:00.000-04:002015-10-16T10:17:38.522-04:00The Ironman Roller CoasterTalk to any Ironman veteran and the topic of emotions is sure to come up. There is this roller coaster of emotions that one rides during training and racing. I have been there, filled with doubt in the middle of Musselman Triathlon I went on to have one of my best races. You can also ride the roller coaster during training. Whether it is one more f'in hill or snapping at the one you love because your favorite pair of socks are STILL dirty.<br />
<br />
Instead of kindergarten, All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Ironman. I've come to realize that as this past weekend was one of the craziest roller coaster rides I have ever been on....and am still on.<br />
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Two of my worlds, past and present, looked to collide the weekend of October 9 - 11. My 30th High School reunion and Ironman Louisville. Living close to my alma mater, Westlake High School, made it hard to avoid the weekend activities that involved friends I have known 30 - 40 years. But many of my tri friends were going to Ironman Louisville to either participate or spectate/volunteer. Aimee and I were going to volunteer and also spend time with my son Andrew and daughter-in-law Jess.<br />
<br />
Most roller coaster rides allow you to share the fun with someone sitting next to you. I'm lucky enough to have Aimee by my side during my rides. She supported me when I said I wanted to stay in town Friday night for the reunion social. She said she would drive my tired ass down to Louisville Saturday morning. <br />
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Friday night was a lot of fun. I was able to re-connect with many people. One of the best things I noticed is that the wonderful people I graduated with 30 years ago are even more awesome now. We shared memories from the past and talked about what our lives are like now. My only disappointment was not seeing people that had shown up and left before I was there. I would not be at the formal Saturday event so I would miss those that would be there.<br />
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The rest of the weekend would be shared with Aimee and my triathlon friends at Ironman Louisville. We signed up to be volunteers in the morning changing tent and would then be on the bike and run course cheering for our friends and over 3000 athletes.<br />
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We drove down to Louisville Saturday morning to get into the CTC group picture and wish our friends good luck. The rest of the evening was spent with Andrew and Jessica. No matter what we are doing we always have a great time in Louisville.<br />
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<br />
Sunday morning, similar to Saturday morning, came very fast after staying up too late and getting up early. We got to the transition area around 6AM and were able to see several friends and give them hugs and encouragement for their big day.<br />
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We helped collect and sort the special needs bags before our duties in the changing tent began.<br />
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<br />
In the changing tent we would great the athletes coming in from the swim and help them get ready for the bike. Some athletes didn't need any help while others took their time and welcomed the assistance. I would help someone get their gear in order, struggle with putting a cycling top on, stuffing their pockets with bars, gels, sandwiches and whatever else they needed for the ride. When they were done I would stuff the wetsuit, goggles, swim cap and whatever else into the transition bag and throw it in a corner to be sorted later. It was controlled chaos and I was loving every minute of it.<br />
<br />
At one point I took a moment and looked up. I saw a tent full of athletes in varied state of undress, some completely naked, with steam rising off of their warm bodies. I was in a corner helping as many people as I could so I had a good view of the entire tent. It was amazing.<br />
<br />
Somehow I managed to see some friends like Jeff Geagan and Chris Martino and missed Christian and Adam. There were so many people that I helped get through the changing tent. However I couldn't help them all.<br />
<br />
One athlete came in and sat down on an open chair. He sat there and put his head in his hands. I asked if he was okay. He responded saying he was a little dizzy. I told him to take his time and I would be right back. I returned a couple minutes later and he hadn't moved. Still sitting there with his head in his hands I sat next to him and asked how his swim was. "Okay. I'm just dizzy now." was his response. I didn't want to rush him but I also didn't want him to loose momentum or not be properly prepared for the bike.<br />
<br />
I helped him get a jersey on but he just kept sitting back down. Just as I was looking for the changing tent captain to get some medical help an Ironman Staff member walked over and made the call for a doctor. I was able to continue helping other racers but kept an eye on Mr. Dizzy.<br />
<br />
I was close enough to hear bits and pieces of the conversation. "I checked my numbers this morning", said Mr. Dizzy. Shit....he's diabetic. "The numbers were odd all week", was another response. Now it was getting serious. The doctor finally said he couldn't let Mr. Dizzy continue. They removed his timing chip and contacted a friend to pick him up.<br />
<br />
As a volunteer you try to help everyone have a good race. Unfortunately there are some that you just can't help.<br />
<br />
When the last athlete left the changing tent our work continued. We started to pile up all of the bags to hand off to more volunteers who were putting them back in numerical order on the lawn. Aimee was already sorting bags. I also helped with garbage pickup around the bike racks. It was best to clean up the area without the bikes on the racks.<br />
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<br />
Once we were all done we went back to the volunteer tent to get some food. It was now 11:00 and we were hungry. We started to talk about our changing tent experiences when Aimee told me about the envelope in her jacket pocket. One of the female athletes handed it to Aimee while getting ready for her bike ride. <br />
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There were two Starbucks gift cards and a note the choked me up each time I read it. Aimee gave one of the gift cards to another female volunteer she met and shared the story.<br />
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I have <strike>stalked</strike> found Jennifer and she shared with me her story. That will be something for another post.<br />
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Before heading out to the bike course we saw newlyweds Mark and Jen who were getting ready to be bike catchers. <br />
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A quick drive out to the bike course put us in the same spot we were at last year. Due to traffic closures we couldn't get to where the majority of CTC IronFans were located. But as soon as I jumped out of the car in my speedo and hat we joined the other fans cheering for the athletes.<br />
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We spent about 2.5 hours on the course cheering for Jeff, Brian, Tariq, Desiree, Barb, Elizabeth and Danette. We just happened to miss some of the other people. We had signs like "Shut Up Legs" and "You are all Nucking Futs." A highlight of the day was when a female athlete was riding by and yelled, "Were you at Triple T!!!". I quickly yelled back yes. Of course she recognized me. She saw me three days in a row wearing my hat and speedo on the run course at Triple T.<br />
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After we saw Elizabeth a second time it was time to go back to Louisville. We were excited to get onto the run course and cheer louder and closer to our friends. This is when the roller coaster took a sudden dip.<br />
<br />
<i>Flashback to Labor Day 2013. Feeling bloated and out of sorts my dad drove himself to the emergency room leaving my mom a note because he didn't feel it was anything serious. He was then transported to the hospital with Stage IV liver cancer. After two years of treatment, and almost normal lifestyle, his options were exhausted. Two years to the day from the original diagnosis he decided to stop all treatment and enter into the program at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. He received weekly hospice care at home for 5 weeks. </i><br />
<br />
Checking my phone I missed a call from my brother. I called him back and was told my dad was transported to the hospice center and they didn't know how long he would last. This is where having Aimee and my co-pilot pays off. My mind was confused and I heard her say, "Go to the hotel. We will get our stuff and drive home." On auto pilot I did as I was instructed and told my mom we were coming home. She said there was a 50/50 chance of me seeing him before he would pass. That was good enough odds for me.<br />
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I felt bad leaving my friends behind when I wanted to badly to see them cross that Ironman finish line, but I knew they would understand. They aren't assholes. They are the best people I could be friends with. Once we emptied the hotel room of our luggage we started the 5.5 hour drive home.<br />
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I called my son Andrew and told him to sit tight until we knew more about what was happening. Three hours later he called me to say he was leaving to drive home to see his Grandpa. Yep, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and I didn't blame him. I just wanted him to drive carefully.<br />
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Our drive was fairly quiet as we both thought about what we were returning to. Would we be there in time? Is this really happening? When will it end?<br />
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We arrived at the hospice center around 8:30PM. My dad had been there about 8 hours so far and they said his condition had stabilized. We were all there supporting my mom and waiting for Andrew to arrive. Aimee went home to get some rest and unpack the car of our bikes and gear...she is my angel.<br />
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Andrew finally arrived around 12:30AM. We stayed another hour before leaving my mom with dad.<br />
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Monday was a long day of waiting around. The time became magical as we told stories and cheered each other up as only the Gibb Family can. We watched videos of a little girl turning a tissue into a "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rd0cr__qYY" target="_blank">bird</a>" and recounted how dad wanted a viking funeral (setting him adrift in the canoe and lighting it on fire).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU5WGKoR3EaiE6nppfYDk_URF-twUEija0QtXDBKZ_XaStt7YDN3i3DjkrgelENkgrkzvOHgwbjvwJhFxMoILOyl-F1rOjaVApEkyFhICjtjLHa527Mhk1F3YMYPJP3lha3cNaQ/s1600/viking+funeral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU5WGKoR3EaiE6nppfYDk_URF-twUEija0QtXDBKZ_XaStt7YDN3i3DjkrgelENkgrkzvOHgwbjvwJhFxMoILOyl-F1rOjaVApEkyFhICjtjLHa527Mhk1F3YMYPJP3lha3cNaQ/s320/viking+funeral.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actually my dad is cool enough for this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mom finally left for the evening and slept at home. We were all still in a state of limbo. Just not knowing what or when. Tuesday morning was more waiting around. My brother's spouse Dave was able to visit before going to the hospital for knee replacement surgery. Yes, can you say worst timing ever. I was very happy that he was able to stop in before his surgery. He was able to see dad and we could give him our best wishes in person.<br />
<br />
After lunch Aimee returned to work while Andrew and I went home to cook lunch. 45 minutes later mom called with the final announcement. Dad had passed away quietly without her hearing a sound. Andrew and I rushed back to the hospice to be with mom and see dad for the last time.<br />
<br />
He looked peaceful and as mom said, he never made a sound. Mom had her things packed up and we bid farewell to a most wonderful facility that made my dads last moments comfortable with care that exceeded anything I could have anticipated.<br />
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Hard to believe the roller coaster ride started 90 hours ago. At this point I don't really know when the ride will end. I know there are many ups and downs still yet to come. I have shared his passing in my own special way and the response from friends has been the most supportive.<br />
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So I relate this roller coaster ride to something I understand, Ironman. In both situations there will be ups and down. Sometimes you never know when those dips will occur. But no matter what, you always ride it out because change is just around the corner and it is bound to get better.<br />
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All I know is that I am happy to share this ride with a great family, fantastic friends and Aimee sitting with me in the front row of the first car. I only wish that I had asked my friends to join me on this roller coaster two years ago.<br />
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Regardless, I'm still one lucky guy. <br />
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Game On.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-33601497604866442372015-09-15T14:47:00.003-04:002015-09-15T14:47:15.520-04:00Ironman Muskoka 2015<br />
The drive to the race was dark and quiet except for the songs playing on the radio. Aimee and I were the only ones on the road coming from the east towards Huntsville. It seemed that everyone else stayed in Huntsville or west of town. Approaching the parking area there was a long line of cars coming from the opposite direction. We quickly made our way to the parking area and boarded a bus for Deerhurst Resort.
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<br />
Special needs bags dropped off, check. Tires pumped and bottles on the bike, check. As I started to see people the excitement began to build as I ran to give them hugs and best wishes. Done in the bike area we went to check our transition bags. Last minute items and we were good to head down to the swim start surrounded by friends and fellow athletes.
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<br />
I gave Aimee a final kiss and we parted ways. I headed toward the 1:10-1:20 sign where I expected to see Durno, Beech, Asher, and Uzl. Jeff and I waited on the left side opposite from the other guys. I wanted to be left so I could find clean water quickly.
We saw some of the Cleveland cheerleaders like Magda, Maria, Ben. It is always comforting to see familiar faces. It helps keep me relaxed. Relaxed enough to dance with the music playing on the beach.
Jeff and I were in a group that started about 8 minutes after the starting cannon went off. I walked into the water, took one dive and started swimming.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiZZRj00VJp2gvLzvIxQG7sVanJpkUPPNXtUX7YqGECOQLco1RdnKz9XvQg11Q1Yy1eC9A-bbVgOJukFZatw79BYIxfeW8aWYTMjC1v9otCqK1cNH-Oe5aE5HxDGy-emU0loYbA/s1600/1194_009345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiZZRj00VJp2gvLzvIxQG7sVanJpkUPPNXtUX7YqGECOQLco1RdnKz9XvQg11Q1Yy1eC9A-bbVgOJukFZatw79BYIxfeW8aWYTMjC1v9otCqK1cNH-Oe5aE5HxDGy-emU0loYbA/s320/1194_009345.jpg" width="212" /></a>With the rolling start the swim start was great. No congestion, no claustrophobia, no bumping and hitting. I found a good rhythm quickly and settled in. I was consistently passing people who started in front of me. I would swim through a small group, find open water ahead of me, then swim through another group. I obviously started way too far back but I was still getting some benefit drafting people as I passed them.
My sighting was good but occasionally I found myself zig-zagging. Usually when I was breathing bilaterally so I would switch back to breathing only on my right side. I would guess I swam 80-90% of the course using a 2:1 breathing pattern to my right side. It felt very comfortable so I stuck with it.
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At the first turn I started to find people to draft with because I finally found people around my speed, specifically one woman and stayed with her about half way along the return trip.
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I was amazed at how many people had bad swim form. I saw hands and arm surfing up, legs split apart, knees bent too much, also some very quick turnover.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mVmGxTO4NWtPZx1AX17cMXcnYbV-N2UHRuolRK7Ti358F5xxg43R8jS4o5l-syCIdaIdUUTqNoaiDxz2_5PN6ajuV_SNNzhuLPwyE_x89gB7-SS9_EtyORU6zizAGCx2B6vesQ/s1600/1194_000387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mVmGxTO4NWtPZx1AX17cMXcnYbV-N2UHRuolRK7Ti358F5xxg43R8jS4o5l-syCIdaIdUUTqNoaiDxz2_5PN6ajuV_SNNzhuLPwyE_x89gB7-SS9_EtyORU6zizAGCx2B6vesQ/s320/1194_000387.jpg" width="211" /></a>I was very mindful about my tempo. I think I was swimming at a 1.2 – 1.3 pace breathing every stroke, to the right. Occasionally I would breathe to the left side or alternate after several 2 stroke breaths. But I felt great, under control, and not over exerting myself.
After making the final turn towards the swim exit the water was a little cooler but nothing shocking. I swam all the way to the steps leading up to the fairway of the 18th hole of the golf course.
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I stepped onto the stairs and was helped up the stairs by a volunteer. As I turned left towards the wetsuit peelers I spotted a free one and pointed him out. I ran to him and his partner and had the wetsuit stripped off in no time. I grabbed my gear and started the long uphill run to transition. I saw Elizabeth, Dave and Maria. There were people all along the path to the changing rooms cheering for us.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbVHXlfQdtboTiJAaIM8s7KFiCVJso6o1ehlQ5xkXpBkk2rmxTHWBEB6ZKRRjw_8hW15SUveNH-ULs5jjEfW1wvW04LpLtoAg2ACiPHY4bZJKukxtMX6BkzwrjxqOLIFFxNj6bA/s1600/P8290667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbVHXlfQdtboTiJAaIM8s7KFiCVJso6o1ehlQ5xkXpBkk2rmxTHWBEB6ZKRRjw_8hW15SUveNH-ULs5jjEfW1wvW04LpLtoAg2ACiPHY4bZJKukxtMX6BkzwrjxqOLIFFxNj6bA/s320/P8290667.JPG" width="180" /></a>My swim time was 1:02:49
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I found my chair and dumped out my bike gear. (In transition each racer had their own chair. It was sweet because it was all yours with your gear bags waiting for you.) The volunteer started to help with putting my wetsuit away. Brad Scholtz appeared and took over as my personal assistant as I got ready for the bike. It was great seeing Brad there with me. As I was getting ready Mark Durno yelled at me across the room. Since there was only about 50 guys in transition we could see each other. We bantered back and forth before heading out to the bikes. Mark and I mounted our bikes at the same time and headed out for a little 180km ride around Lake of Bays.
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T1: 7:11
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The bike course has been named The Beast: or the whole course depending upon who you talk with. The elevation gain and hills were freaking people out. It is Ironman and if it were easy it would be called your mom. So it was time to tame the Beast. Aimee and I had driven the course on Friday. We were familiar with the terrain and I didn’t see anything that was extremely hard. Two or three hills were steep but rather short. And even the long climbs were really not that long. Having done the American Triple T 5 times and Ironman Lake Placid I had seen longer climbs. I think the accumulated elevation is what had everyone concerned….upwards of 8000 feet.
So Mark and I rode the first 20k together. Sometimes side by side chatting sometimes he was leading sometimes I was leading. At the first aid station I stopped to use the bathroom because I wasn’t ready to pee myself just yet. That is when Mark pulled ahead and I wasn’t sure when I would see him again.
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Back on the bike course I found myself often riding alone. First of all the race didn’t sell out. There were only 1300 people registered for the race. Second I had a good swim and was ranked 129 overall by time. I may not have been the 129th person out of the water due to the rolling start but I was damn well up there. So I was bound to be riding by myself at times. I chatted with a couple of racers like Todd McCall who had a cool IM tattoo on his calf. We saw each other a few times because I would pass him...stop to pee…then pass him again.
So I stopped at the second aid station and took another break to empty the bladder. I did the same at Musselman and it worked for me there, so why not do it this time also.
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I can’t say enough about the bike course. We went through the towns of Dwight, Dorset and Baysville, each one a nice little town with people out cheering for the racers. Some of the roads were fresh pavement and some were a little choppy. But the scenery was just amazing. The open sections with the rock cliffs reminded me of Lake Placid and St. George. The wooded sections reminded me of Triple T. I felt right at home and the many spectators along the way put a smile on my face.
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I felt strong and in control of the first loop. I wasn’t over exerting myself and felt like I could have gone faster, which meant I was holding back just the right amount.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphvn6MoKJOkTkzpui1M4TXPlp6p1kjG6iyKgnTIFtSFeUvBOoMYj_homc8s01lKdxj3fwOCTogldZ2UdtHzrjm-tiCdUuR1PQSBFaxyI4YZar6gb-zdRcrzRnssxUJHPrdn-ABA/s1600/11950267_10207528932121315_9072308606486904593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphvn6MoKJOkTkzpui1M4TXPlp6p1kjG6iyKgnTIFtSFeUvBOoMYj_homc8s01lKdxj3fwOCTogldZ2UdtHzrjm-tiCdUuR1PQSBFaxyI4YZar6gb-zdRcrzRnssxUJHPrdn-ABA/s320/11950267_10207528932121315_9072308606486904593_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>Near the end of the first loop I caught up to Brian Wilson, Don Asher and Mark Durno. I chatted with Brian and Don a little and was within 100 yards of Durno when I stopped at special needs to get my replacement bottles. I wouldn’t see Mark until the run course.
The second loop was going well until the course left Dorset and turned onto Route 117. This part of the course is fairly open and straight. The winds had picked up a little and the headwind was a little bit of a challenge. I had to gear down a little more this time to keep things under control. I could see how some people might have muscled through this section and paid for it later on the run. I could feel my quads begin to lose some power during this period. I made note of it and waited to see what would happen. One important aspect of Ironman racing it to remember how long the race actually is. There is a lot of time to recover from a dip in energy as long as you recognize it and counter it accordingly.
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As I got closer to Baysville my stomach felt full and bloated. Experience tells me that the digestive process wasn’t working efficiently to empty my stomach of the nutrition I was putting in. I had to ditch a bottle of my Perpetuem and grab a water bottle at the aid station. The water would help the digestive process and allow the calories to be absorbed.
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Sure enough after a few sips of water I felt better. I tried Perpetuem again but the bloat returned. I grabbed one of my PowerGels and two things happened, positive things. I was able to take the gel with no problem and my quads felt better. So I am thinking that perhaps my stomach just didn’t want any more Perpetuem. I did go through four bottles of the stuff up to this point, plus a Z-Bar, Fig Newtons, a PowerGel and some brownie made by Tiffany.
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With 10k to go, the rest of the bike course I chatted with a couple of people. The final road back to Deerhurst was possibly the hilliest part of the ride. There were several steep uphill sections with some nice down hills. Approaching transition I didn’t prepare to dismount with enough time. I had slipped my one foot out of the right shoe but didn’t have time to do the left. I came to a complete stop at the dismount line and took my left foot out of the shoe. I ran towards the bike handlers, gave my bike to a volunteer and headed toward transition.
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Bike: 5:55:03
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Inside transition I was excited to start the run and let people know with an encouraging holler. I went straight to my chair and dumped my run bag onto the floor. A volunteer started to put my bike gear into the bag, primarily my helmet and socks. I also changed out of my bike jersey and into a running singlet. Fresh socks and my running shoes completed my attire for the marathon. I put on my race belt, hydration belt, hat and made my way to the exit. Upon exiting the building I was greeted by the ladies ready and willing to apply sunscreen. I stopped, paused a moment as they looked at me and I said, “Sure, give me some lotion.” Two or three ladies rubbed their hand on my arms and legs to prepare me for the very open run course.
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T2: 4:49
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDKwdrPKLDyNRLzd_RtBq44BVGdmBPanLxLoZqMCRUgiBa2S-cwsUKWlQj3mXOQZT6fBt3pkuu0TWjd2rLPi877dX4ri4D9EzS4NM_9DmwJOP8YMX-lQkfuFkBAog1w6vop2QUg/s1600/DSC_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDKwdrPKLDyNRLzd_RtBq44BVGdmBPanLxLoZqMCRUgiBa2S-cwsUKWlQj3mXOQZT6fBt3pkuu0TWjd2rLPi877dX4ri4D9EzS4NM_9DmwJOP8YMX-lQkfuFkBAog1w6vop2QUg/s320/DSC_0921.JPG" width="213" /></a>I stopped in the port-o-pottie again and was good to go. The first aid station immediately out of transition I filled my bottle with water. That would be my primary fluid replacement since my PowerGels would provide my electrolytes and calories. The strategy would be to take a gel every 4k which is 2.5 miles. This follows my normal race fueling of taking a gel every other mile. In hind sight I could have taken a gel every 3k/1.86 miles. The math was probably easier with every 4k.
Almost immediately the course presented us with hills that needed to be walked. Expending too much energy this early in the marathon would be a recipe for disaster. I was determined to power walk the hills and at any other time. As I was heading out on Highway 60 the leaders were finishing their first lap. I would see them again on the out and back course two more times.
I felt the course was great. A variety of terrain and neighborhoods kept it interesting. The worst part was the long stretch on Highway 60. Otherwise the course ran through neighborhoods and the center of Huntsville. Some immediate memories:
Running through one neighborhood that was an out and back I saw a woman working on her garden. As she looked up and smiled I told her, “Thanks for letting us run through your neighborhood.” With a smile she replied, “It gives us something exciting to watch.” Her street was overrun with triathletes and she welcomed us.
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The volunteers who controlled the traffic were great. They were patient with us and made sure we had the right of way with plenty of space. The drivers I think were pretty accepting of the situation.
Through the center of town there were canoes laid out on Main Street. It was a nice touch to divide the street that was closed for the race.
The aid stations were fully stocked with helpful volunteers and plenty of options to refuel.
I was running quite well at a steady 9 minute/mile pace, or at least that is what it felt like. I never started or looked at my watch the entire race. The immediate time was on no concern to me. My running time was of no concern to me. I was able to stay in the moment and race by how I felt.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpmEvMslk8j6McSRT0mmMMpwppXhyphenhyphenYDtlv_jm8jEGyb9D7-qpL0CdJJ3qh4PhB3b8PYvFoxGBDFd2sSeeCEE8qHiDpqYUhegnORG7Xz3okz9AeUdfoYiK-7sM0vPDYiwO4OnSvA/s1600/11096553_10153290851963791_1312203530955543405_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpmEvMslk8j6McSRT0mmMMpwppXhyphenhyphenYDtlv_jm8jEGyb9D7-qpL0CdJJ3qh4PhB3b8PYvFoxGBDFd2sSeeCEE8qHiDpqYUhegnORG7Xz3okz9AeUdfoYiK-7sM0vPDYiwO4OnSvA/s320/11096553_10153290851963791_1312203530955543405_o.jpg" width="212" /></a>I was able to see plenty of friends on the course and exchange some hand slaps. If I came upon someone walking I would spend a few moments with them to check on them and provide some encouragement. But I didn’t stay long because I had to get to the finish line.
One advantage of having the run course marked in kilometers is your progression is constantly being monitored. You get to see the progress quicker. It also kept me mentally in the game. I needed to constantly do some math to remember when I needed a gel. Every 4km was my goal which requires more mental acuity than every even mile.
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I was staying on top of my nutrition and refilling my water bottle when I needed it. I would occasionally take some Gatorade at the aid stations. During my second lap I started to change what I took at the aid stations. The water was losing its appeal so I started to take cola. The extra kick from the sugar and caffeine was a nice boost on top of the gels. I know it was a lot of carbs entering my system but I regulated it with water.
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With approximately 8k remaining, or 5 miles, the effects of the long day were starting to catch up to me. Water was not cutting it anymore and I started to switch to cola at the aid stations. I was still taking PowerGel which under normal circumstances is not the best combination, however there wasn’t much left in the race and I could worry about the effects after I crossed the finish line. I just stayed focused and kept moving forward. The long stretch on Highway 60 was difficult for everyone. Many people were walking and I would occasionally walk small segments of the hills with a promise that I would continue running once I reached that construction barrel, sign, person or line on the ground; and I stuck to my promises. I continued to pass people who were struggling. I was also but I like to be an actor and conceal my suffering. If you give the presences of looking good on the outside the mind will convince the body of the same thing.
The final 3k was possibly the hardest portion of the day. I was struggling to keep it all together…..not physically but mentally. Training for an Ironman is a very taxing endeavor. The mental and physical stamina required is hard to describe and is best experienced. So when I finally make it to race day I become very emotional at the finish line. Sometimes the emotion comes out sooner.
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At Ironman Lake Placid 2006 it was while hugging my son and daughter after becoming Iron for the first time.
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At Ironman Wisconsin 2008 it was at the finish line after nearly drowning during the swim.
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At Ironman Wisconsin 2013 it was in a port-o-potty at mile 12 when I realized I would have to walk the rest of the marathon.
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This time at Ironman Muskoka 2015 I fought to hold back the emotions. Breathe Eric. Keep it together. Up one more hill. Through one more aid station. Around the Subaru. Turn left towards the finish chute.
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Okay….now you can scream you head off running down the carpet to the finish line and your fourth Ironman finish.
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“Eric Gibb from Avon, Ohio……Eric…You are an Ironman.”<br />
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Redemption. Redemption after having a troublesome race at Wisconsin 2 years prior. Redemption after struggling with stomach issues during some swimming. Redemption having an injury free marathon.
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Crossing a finish line never felt so good.
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Run: 4:12:50
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Total: 11:22:42
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My personal video from Finisher Pix.<br />At 1:50 of the video I am slapping hands with my teammate Mark Durno as I come in from the bike and he starts the run.<br />
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This is the Ironman race day video. <br />
Starting the swim at 1:46 <br />
My friend Jeff is at 4:00 and I am seen again immediately after.<br />
My finish is at 13:37<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-62282774806157651652015-03-10T12:07:00.002-04:002015-03-10T12:07:31.089-04:00Everything I Need to Know I Learned at Mohican - Race Report from 2002<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the early days of my racing career NCN Racing had an adventure race, of sorts, in Loudonville. The race consisted of canoing the Mohican River, mountain biking and trail running (both on the same trails).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited by the canoing part since I remember Cub Scout trips on the river as a kid. Unfortunately recent rain had brought the river level very high and they replaced the canoe with a run. So it became a duathlon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone had a great time the entire day. This was one of the first times I met Tony Ramos. Those that know Tony understand and appreciate his wit. We have been friends since and I came across his race report while digging through some old papers. Funny how I find many of these comments still hold true almost 13 years later. Thanks for the memories Tony.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Show Up. Especially if your competition didn't.</strong></span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20375831" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Ask for what you want. You might get it. This applies to jobs, dates, or free boxes of Wheaties Energy Crunch in mass quantities. Thanks gals!</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Follow your leaders closely and watch what they do. It makes it easier to surpass them.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Move through space with authority, like you own it. Don't let yourself get pushed around, but realize that in the battle of feet, pedals and trees......trees win.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>If the going is truly tough, it's OK to walk. But be prepared to hammer. Someone is watching. It is probably a chipmunk. And he is laughing. At you.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Your path is littered with signs of those who have fallen --water bottles, broken branches, etc. Passing these areas unscathed is the moral equivalent of passing these people. At least I like to persuade myself of this because it sounds nice.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>You may be prepared for one thing but life can hand you another. Typical pre-race comments: "Dang, too bad about no canoes." Typical post-race comments: not one word about canoes. A strong and honest effort makes any changed plan a good plan.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>In the year 400, after we have mastered time travel, space travel, and immortality, there will still be orange barrels along Interstate 71.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Enjoy your surroundings. The natural world is a beautiful and wondrous gift to take in and worth relishing at very moment. It makes terrible relish though. Next time, I will wipe off my hot dogs after I drop them.</strong></span></li>
</ol>
TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-38775132071576640642014-09-05T12:00:00.000-04:002014-09-06T00:06:29.788-04:00Embrace the Suck<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent">I have had this post in draft for a long time and feel it is appropriate for many facets of life. </span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
</h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://sealfit.com/staff/mark-divine/" target="_blank">Mark Devine</a> from <a href="http://sealfit.com/" target="_blank">SEALFIT</a> wrote this is on his blog a couple years ago and I think about it often to help me push through tough times.<br /> </span></span></h5>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent"> Embrace The Suck!</span></span></h2>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent"> <br /> Today I would like to introduce another habit of the masters – I will simply call it “Embrace the Suck!” <br /><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br />
To embrace the suck means to develop the habit of suffering in silence.
The obvious corollary is that you will not shy from suffering – in
fact, as you learn to embrace the suck you look for actions and goals
that require an unusual element of suffering to succeed. Soon you will
come to appreciate and enjoy the hard won rewards of your personal
growth earned through this trial by fire. <br /> <br /> The habit of
Embracing the Suck is developed through the deliberate internalization
of any expression of pain or discomfort during periods of suffering.
When you hit the sweet spot of the workout and the pain is intense, or
you are so cold you can’t stand it any longer, that is when you must
embrace the suck. Those are the times to double down and feel the
aliveness of the moment, feel how utterly indomitable your spirit
actually is. You swallow the natural yearning to wince, cry out in
pain, whimper and project weakness…all acts that will undermine your
mental toughness and the team’s trust, especially if you are the leader.
<br /> <br /> Turn Your Focus Outward<br /> <br /> Others in the same boat as
you will be suffering alongside you, and they will naturally follow
those who can bite their lips and turn their attention to helping
others. Nobody wants to participate in your pity party and you can only
make life better for yourself and others by embracing the suck and
being helpful rather than selfishly think you are the only one
suffering. <br /> <br /> A good way to start learning to Embrace the Suck is
to put a smile on your face in the middle of the challenge – when you
least feel like smiling. You will, admittedly, find this difficult to
do…however this simple action will give you strength and train your pain
tolerance to a new level. Another thought is to repeat the mantra
“pain is weakness leaving my body.” Soon you will notice that the pain
begins to dissipate, transmuted into strength. <br /> <br /> As you grow
tolerant of pain, and can turn the inward strength that embracing the
suck develops into an external expression of control and resolve, you
are on your way to mastery!<br /> <br /> Now go do something really sucky and revel in it! Hooyah! Coach Divine</span></span></span></h5>
TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-31790343875797930252014-09-03T21:14:00.000-04:002014-09-03T21:15:01.774-04:00France 2014 - Day 3 - Bayeux to ArromanchesThe second day in Bayeux would be a full day of riding and dinner on our own in the city. The route for the day was a loop from the hotel to the town of Arromanches which was a major landing site for the Allies. Known as Port Winston the port would serve the landing of 2,500,000 men and 500,000 vehicles during the invasion.<br />
<br />
We started our day with a warm-up run through Bayeux. I absolutely love
touring a town by foot this way. We can cover so much territory in a
short period. <br />
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<span style="color: black;">We followed markers that led us to 21 different historic spots in the
city. Each spot has a descriptive board to read. It was like a mini
treasure hunt because some of the markers we had to really look for..
It was the most fun we have had running together.</span></div>
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After we returned to the hotel we had breakfast and our pre-ride meeting. This would be an everyday occurrence so we could review the route, identify tricky turns, get restaurant recommendations and know of any time schedules. After our morning meeting we headed out to Arromanches 22 miles away. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful country side was predominantly farmland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Oo_1rVMqYCQf5PpzL_aFItsEsdTt0SxxiyVCaIipPlaCZbDsfKUM__A2HYe7UO_khocN_kdE34sSoXJzuclOmoF4-4n9dYabWqnL5ZEYiwS0_-jJdvA7CEcm8HGfyIv6NNDscQ/s1600/P7210864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Oo_1rVMqYCQf5PpzL_aFItsEsdTt0SxxiyVCaIipPlaCZbDsfKUM__A2HYe7UO_khocN_kdE34sSoXJzuclOmoF4-4n9dYabWqnL5ZEYiwS0_-jJdvA7CEcm8HGfyIv6NNDscQ/s1600/P7210864.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like back home.....cows on the farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREQfA_unxyvszctWhKvbPtOAQc2VIfZwEtIRYnJSv8Bf1UmRsTSLrDvgoxwlS4JAMqxeJxkBWHaJYeMFN04DRzPGE7ZazZ7PiVSRKkSh3kswA2YrLAwWkjhdxy2cHiRcKTnT3aA/s1600/P7210870.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREQfA_unxyvszctWhKvbPtOAQc2VIfZwEtIRYnJSv8Bf1UmRsTSLrDvgoxwlS4JAMqxeJxkBWHaJYeMFN04DRzPGE7ZazZ7PiVSRKkSh3kswA2YrLAwWkjhdxy2cHiRcKTnT3aA/s1600/P7210870.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The on bike selfie with Brenda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH3cyCYznxz8G4quLsPFuIV-SsIqUMT6a8kBPcYcgjTJZCuTfBSe58oH7EzrA3KaQ_oepKN-rMsg3v8FGtMVJhk7lXWqwhH59rR6I-MjL1BhCxKuNmk_b8EBK3Ej0pL47tD8vcA/s1600/P7210867.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH3cyCYznxz8G4quLsPFuIV-SsIqUMT6a8kBPcYcgjTJZCuTfBSe58oH7EzrA3KaQ_oepKN-rMsg3v8FGtMVJhk7lXWqwhH59rR6I-MjL1BhCxKuNmk_b8EBK3Ej0pL47tD8vcA/s1600/P7210867.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also got a picture with Joe. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYpMAOH1oaE0HS7mTyc4qMdDM7ipq6BCAdZnNSigffxDQGilWtDz4XQCZm5FhL4obYSYbWHpZi9TBmoinaMmhq7y_wEiy6UeilduVcxuiKzdmhvNlGI4Gl-BNY9CzFosMDbItjA/s1600/DSC_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYpMAOH1oaE0HS7mTyc4qMdDM7ipq6BCAdZnNSigffxDQGilWtDz4XQCZm5FhL4obYSYbWHpZi9TBmoinaMmhq7y_wEiy6UeilduVcxuiKzdmhvNlGI4Gl-BNY9CzFosMDbItjA/s1600/DSC_7100.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/Prieure-Saint-Gabriel/PCU/SAINT-GABRIEL-BRECY/fiche-PCUNOR014FS000JU-2.html" target="_blank">Former priory which is now a horticultural school</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODqFijap0sfMXdf6kz7d7a5Hch4kt5H6IPrseOvDx27DsEu-h45Q3hcP5Wo2IdFVsdKcDQJf4l1pxGlnYLiaKQEnqwe5Xw9PF9gKtxZhq3x4iH6_rHEmmQLdRpytu00Bo4phADQ/s1600/DSC_7119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODqFijap0sfMXdf6kz7d7a5Hch4kt5H6IPrseOvDx27DsEu-h45Q3hcP5Wo2IdFVsdKcDQJf4l1pxGlnYLiaKQEnqwe5Xw9PF9gKtxZhq3x4iH6_rHEmmQLdRpytu00Bo4phADQ/s1600/DSC_7119.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aimee loved seeing the poppies everywhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4baWZV5zDTjJomcqpOwdjOcsTH1GJJ2hF-iJhhffgCj1rkbHLA0Q0-a5M49QvA5-hYY85R20YTlPD2RVC2pbS_PjPnIUKf9FzZnQn1a5FhdwLHpPWFqKI1QvSbVwko1ZMEDCB3w/s1600/DSC_7128.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="211" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old door at the priory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4baWZV5zDTjJomcqpOwdjOcsTH1GJJ2hF-iJhhffgCj1rkbHLA0Q0-a5M49QvA5-hYY85R20YTlPD2RVC2pbS_PjPnIUKf9FzZnQn1a5FhdwLHpPWFqKI1QvSbVwko1ZMEDCB3w/s1600/DSC_7128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH3cyCYznxz8G4quLsPFuIV-SsIqUMT6a8kBPcYcgjTJZCuTfBSe58oH7EzrA3KaQ_oepKN-rMsg3v8FGtMVJhk7lXWqwhH59rR6I-MjL1BhCxKuNmk_b8EBK3Ej0pL47tD8vcA/s1600/P7210867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMk9JAdLtXT6RM6elkuRNzgqUs0CWId2OsETyMltCP35Tm_InfxeVeDKN9D25GfewcgItPcqghRz-K3bwq5XVoXrBDT0lTMFGxyxH27UxE118KdChVPTHAf4ONX90t2-7rEDhmg/s1600/DSC_7135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMk9JAdLtXT6RM6elkuRNzgqUs0CWId2OsETyMltCP35Tm_InfxeVeDKN9D25GfewcgItPcqghRz-K3bwq5XVoXrBDT0lTMFGxyxH27UxE118KdChVPTHAf4ONX90t2-7rEDhmg/s1600/DSC_7135.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw hydrangea like this everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-KI6XZ3tqNFdq4PuZI-3cVM2BHoDD0m_dc5MVObmveTDhxY4SK-a_uBCOeufiyHBIPuBJaeekiOZce7DuLyn3N7rYzK_RyUxfGSAkbLJ4EgzDseIJYCn0fPXr-MmZyGKsln9cg/s1600/DSC_7138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-KI6XZ3tqNFdq4PuZI-3cVM2BHoDD0m_dc5MVObmveTDhxY4SK-a_uBCOeufiyHBIPuBJaeekiOZce7DuLyn3N7rYzK_RyUxfGSAkbLJ4EgzDseIJYCn0fPXr-MmZyGKsln9cg/s1600/DSC_7138.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Citroen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to the <a href="http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/Prieure-Saint-Gabriel/PCU/SAINT-GABRIEL-BRECY/fiche-PCUNOR014FS000JU-2.html" target="_blank">Priory </a>we stopped at a family run umbrella factory called <a href="http://www.h2oparapluies.fr/pages.php?language=GBR" target="_blank">H2O Parapluies</a>. We looked around and one of the daughters gave us a great demonstration of their umbrellas and explained why they are guaranteed for life. Aimee bought a beautiful blue and pink umbrella with little bows on it. It is a compact one with an automatic opener.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRxyImySyeVQi1EN-7RYfSooESJt26kliQVBGmNBrQeM3eE_omSYg3J0pXFzqigIjpfrbHVjOPf5ePptIffjGKki4gnfKZ7vi2Lp-Jt6FFPITq6ECdrO0S0DR76BxL7UsOsP_Tg/s1600/P7210872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRxyImySyeVQi1EN-7RYfSooESJt26kliQVBGmNBrQeM3eE_omSYg3J0pXFzqigIjpfrbHVjOPf5ePptIffjGKki4gnfKZ7vi2Lp-Jt6FFPITq6ECdrO0S0DR76BxL7UsOsP_Tg/s1600/P7210872.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the umbrella shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSpzO3oRknJ-R9Zbrzo0EfjvrPQuOPU69EYkULyXrYZy5XLbq3bOI8y6AI7p6F2khafi3hBv9OArgZ5mh3KyrxAZFJH9_3UbJTj1lTa2Pvr47gkm0wmNIKHOHCIwrubOIIVqW7w/s1600/P7210879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSpzO3oRknJ-R9Zbrzo0EfjvrPQuOPU69EYkULyXrYZy5XLbq3bOI8y6AI7p6F2khafi3hBv9OArgZ5mh3KyrxAZFJH9_3UbJTj1lTa2Pvr47gkm0wmNIKHOHCIwrubOIIVqW7w/s1600/P7210879.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hill du Jour before getting to Arromanches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqA3hDEcxEp5kvAjV_MQm7qCcFVXPEpaXQcRefINxPzXUFSyLAw7oSXOL49a7lSWmyFepl02TRdnlEhETrTtd6r35cwyHkPyRvJcFPgjno6LrojWqtJWSBR0O1sfhwftaWhazQ/s1600/DSC_7150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqA3hDEcxEp5kvAjV_MQm7qCcFVXPEpaXQcRefINxPzXUFSyLAw7oSXOL49a7lSWmyFepl02TRdnlEhETrTtd6r35cwyHkPyRvJcFPgjno6LrojWqtJWSBR0O1sfhwftaWhazQ/s1600/DSC_7150.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLrUOoT3a6v8pMSmA1wrM6Ouho-qhZ0OKDipOceLsZjEoFX0Yhyd3LEoNY9ZBW6OUGKnbNUpJPOXoHIeoTalBqtZCJikAF_lexf7f9tvgfc2nW8ksmqM6K2aZxIQACiXIrbzuqA/s1600/DSC_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLrUOoT3a6v8pMSmA1wrM6Ouho-qhZ0OKDipOceLsZjEoFX0Yhyd3LEoNY9ZBW6OUGKnbNUpJPOXoHIeoTalBqtZCJikAF_lexf7f9tvgfc2nW8ksmqM6K2aZxIQACiXIrbzuqA/s1600/DSC_7155.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally arrived at Arromanches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5sdsOyLh-GZQULmQ0NCvq-bUmZCpQh6WtZqHzxTadqW9EEjw3Vq-IvBvkZHnawM6xQ4cyHBAGtGVsDMkAdyvabtorGgiyc2CkVfe1oNeK0N-Sq9jd3XXZYUtuWKVJK6dp0vBtQ/s1600/DSC_7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5sdsOyLh-GZQULmQ0NCvq-bUmZCpQh6WtZqHzxTadqW9EEjw3Vq-IvBvkZHnawM6xQ4cyHBAGtGVsDMkAdyvabtorGgiyc2CkVfe1oNeK0N-Sq9jd3XXZYUtuWKVJK6dp0vBtQ/s1600/DSC_7157.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1jpNax7EVV0UdqCh8KH37SKkxsb3NY5oLxe8WsJ58GID_W7jce3C6bMUTkkFjW38qPp5NuWFdmmXD3zNCbHdYm9ujB4iKH5C-JMt4d2x647JoahXTod-Sm2ydCT4cZ1fCzpu6Q/s1600/DSC_7164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1jpNax7EVV0UdqCh8KH37SKkxsb3NY5oLxe8WsJ58GID_W7jce3C6bMUTkkFjW38qPp5NuWFdmmXD3zNCbHdYm9ujB4iKH5C-JMt4d2x647JoahXTod-Sm2ydCT4cZ1fCzpu6Q/s1600/DSC_7164.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the beached Mulberry's. These concrete structures were used as floating docks.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ih0CDwvqZY9rLx6CaYh4JGcPg69LkniKS5638MxjfWFkdJ7JQuDdWluZtpcRzlCtg9kSaHJAUlJskMwav79rvwTyFUa-RqRzXDnHtMiyZpBLALuncGCiw0W5qSiPGgLRPQafnA/s1600/DSC_7165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ih0CDwvqZY9rLx6CaYh4JGcPg69LkniKS5638MxjfWFkdJ7JQuDdWluZtpcRzlCtg9kSaHJAUlJskMwav79rvwTyFUa-RqRzXDnHtMiyZpBLALuncGCiw0W5qSiPGgLRPQafnA/s1600/DSC_7165.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1HizOnY9bMaZQ3yt30NgpEuhym6pdcRQkcJ6pudFujD69Ror2gD2MpTtjk0IRSXVH-crzzMaxdPO8JB431bO_T99vjpuifbDV0oXhczVDgOK161dtppUCtf8QNm6W0xSx3PH4g/s1600/DSC_7173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1HizOnY9bMaZQ3yt30NgpEuhym6pdcRQkcJ6pudFujD69Ror2gD2MpTtjk0IRSXVH-crzzMaxdPO8JB431bO_T99vjpuifbDV0oXhczVDgOK161dtppUCtf8QNm6W0xSx3PH4g/s1600/DSC_7173.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aimee next to the Mulberry to show it's size.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdYViaAPzBXublTJHJegpFM-0_bywz43OnZTK2vfbi7j5mW_MK1cxxqANJnHsfThpOFzgNRwagsMfK7RFrAeGtBuIupYkjeA4KyF_9KiIdIVpdlQ1WeaLS9jF-H5UlUaynj47gA/s1600/DSC_7179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdYViaAPzBXublTJHJegpFM-0_bywz43OnZTK2vfbi7j5mW_MK1cxxqANJnHsfThpOFzgNRwagsMfK7RFrAeGtBuIupYkjeA4KyF_9KiIdIVpdlQ1WeaLS9jF-H5UlUaynj47gA/s1600/DSC_7179.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The objects in the back ground were also part of the temporary docks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZrFOmGQFpFQ8Cq0FAaJlTlnFnJ-qs7lYwUgETqY2iYuvgajXrR4kDkVkW1bW26CTMB16JaWj0_tHzQjrW-89pHHEFkD8hWVQxYTXwKR9MIQAlTsEBlIwHNmabDBHFNDGkc5Mzw/s1600/DSC_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZrFOmGQFpFQ8Cq0FAaJlTlnFnJ-qs7lYwUgETqY2iYuvgajXrR4kDkVkW1bW26CTMB16JaWj0_tHzQjrW-89pHHEFkD8hWVQxYTXwKR9MIQAlTsEBlIwHNmabDBHFNDGkc5Mzw/s1600/DSC_7184.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arromanches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the same statue from the picture above</td></tr>
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Our guides, Bruno and Sophie, told us that mussels were in season and to get some for lunch. We grabbed a table at <a href="http://www.au-6-juin.com/" target="_blank">Au Six Juin</a> and ordered the mussels with fries. We were expecting to get a small bowl with maybe a dozen or two mussels. Little did we know we would be served a POT of mussels. We estimate that each pot had about 40 mussels inside.<br />
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Did we eat them all.....heck yeah. And they were delicious. Forget about the fries, there was no room after eating all of the mussels. <br />
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After lunch we walked around and Aimee put her feet into the French Channel. At least that is what Bruno told us it was called.<br />
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One last stop in Arromanches was at the <a href="http://www.arromanches360.com/en/" target="_blank">360 degree movie</a>. Old footage was put together showing the Battle of Normandy.<br />
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We rode back to Bayeux on the medium option so we could visit the <a href="http://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/musee_memorial_bataille_de_normandie_en.html" target="_blank">Normandy Museum</a> in our base town.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the city of Bayeux we saw the cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aimee got her picture of the red poppies</td></tr>
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The museum was very nice. It was cool to see the equipment used during the battle, how the battle progressed, etc. We tried watching the movie there and found ourselves falling asleep.<br />
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As we walked back to the hotel we noticed these little shutter stops. I thought they were the coolest piece of architecture we had seen so far.<br />
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We bought a cheese sandwich to last us until dinner. Our reservations weren't until 7:30 so we had some time to clean up and rest at the hotel.<br />
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We joined Brenda and Tonya at Le Moulin De La Galette. Galettes are the dinner version of crepes. And of course there were crepes for dessert. We had a great time getting to know our travel companions.<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-63801855803984480562014-08-07T17:03:00.001-04:002014-08-09T16:09:46.427-04:00France 2014 - Day 2 - Paris to BayeuxOur second day in France, Sunday, was the official start of the trip with <a href="http://www.vbt.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Vermont Bike Tours</a>. We had breakfast and then gathered outside to board the shuttle bus with our fellow travelers.<br />
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Our trip leaders would be meeting us in <a href="http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/articles/bayeux-397-2.html" target="_blank">Bayeux </a>2.5 hours away.<br />
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Warning: There will be A LOT of selfies during this trip. <br />
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After almost an hour of driving I couldn't stand the silence anymore, I was also driving Aimee crazy. I walked to the front of the bus and introduced myself. I led everyone through introductions which helped break the ice and started many conversations. Our trip-mates would be Dylan & Vicki, Frank, Alex, Linda & Neil, Bob & Sharen, Jim, Joe, Rich & Maryanne, Gary & Sheila, Brenda and Tanya.<br />
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In Bayeux we met our trip leaders Bruno and Sophie. From the very beginning this husband/wife team was friendly and looking forward to giving us the best trip possible. As Bruno took our luggage to the hotel in town, Sophie took us around town for a small tour. We had two days to experience the small town feel of Bayeux.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mill wheel powered by the river that flows through town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayeux Cathedral...one of many we will see on the trip</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group touring Bayeux</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of many Yellow Cars we will see.</td></tr>
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The history of Bayeux is very extensive but during the 70th Anniversary of D-Day it is important to know that Bayeux was liberated by the American forces on June 7th. One day after the landing this town was reclaimed and the damaged was very minor. Considering the amount of damage incurred at other towns due to bombings and deliberate destruction by the German Army, it was a miracle Bayeux survived like it did. The majority of buildings are original. <br />
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After the tour we had some time to unpack, get some lunch and walk around the town on our own. Aimee and I grabbed a ham & cheese baguette from a small shop and ate outside. Walking back to the hotel we bought a meringue pastry that had a layer of cream filling. The box it was packaged in felt empty as we walked out the door, but it was oh so delicious. <br />
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We re-grouped and were fitted on our bikes. Once Sophie and Bruno gave their safety talk we headed out for a quick 8 mile ride.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruno and Sophie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEdCQLx-09g9srllFK-8PVJmNs4ebrtI9Nv7k37PVnZGUdhIbgAQYOm33WIYREss6GI56brYRXERvsksipIfih6PKV38rifCvVyOJ0Lp1xvovAJXqzKhRHQp06BFbvobUGz8luw/s1600/P7200807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEdCQLx-09g9srllFK-8PVJmNs4ebrtI9Nv7k37PVnZGUdhIbgAQYOm33WIYREss6GI56brYRXERvsksipIfih6PKV38rifCvVyOJ0Lp1xvovAJXqzKhRHQp06BFbvobUGz8luw/s1600/P7200807.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcqrDObfyDFk1MxUrcjcw6SQo_JjNUIEe_LmoLWA_qFYLCmLvmzeAD9BNI2HVH0TF2mcCxREh2NNMyG2r7v9RLKYTYI8IprX_DV023djJ8-pF2cQICdr8quOQqlZewzvgwRx2Fg/s1600/P7200809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcqrDObfyDFk1MxUrcjcw6SQo_JjNUIEe_LmoLWA_qFYLCmLvmzeAD9BNI2HVH0TF2mcCxREh2NNMyG2r7v9RLKYTYI8IprX_DV023djJ8-pF2cQICdr8quOQqlZewzvgwRx2Fg/s1600/P7200809.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dylan (son) and Vicki (mom)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuR-a3ql18cyrGqK9WHcamY9Nrqpo9Ag95Cv2Gn_yQSmtYWFqL0XMX0cpkH-11ctmBNLfJ26_tu025rFrELJjei7bnxQNHR7vdgGh-FdfTkqfme_MlZEtxfR9V6o5ATmgjeFQlg/s1600/P7200810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuR-a3ql18cyrGqK9WHcamY9Nrqpo9Ag95Cv2Gn_yQSmtYWFqL0XMX0cpkH-11ctmBNLfJ26_tu025rFrELJjei7bnxQNHR7vdgGh-FdfTkqfme_MlZEtxfR9V6o5ATmgjeFQlg/s1600/P7200810.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On bike selfie</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbS0wWoRYMqiFdr44x827kFCpv0yXzg_BFPS_qvwgcRH4hfdTLC4zob3RIxONv2vzK44G6syEJdg7Xn2giGwEXL_F3qFGKJNPqOmx6_iB4orAdY35q8pDXiYeyPSaQByMnCKBZQ/s1600/P7200816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbS0wWoRYMqiFdr44x827kFCpv0yXzg_BFPS_qvwgcRH4hfdTLC4zob3RIxONv2vzK44G6syEJdg7Xn2giGwEXL_F3qFGKJNPqOmx6_iB4orAdY35q8pDXiYeyPSaQByMnCKBZQ/s1600/P7200816.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Back at the hotel I made some minor adjustments to my bike and took it back out for a short ride through town. This allowed me to get my bearings in the town on my own. We still had time to kill so Aimee and I visited <a href="http://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/la_tapisserie_de_bayeux_en.html" target="_blank">The Bayeux Tapestry</a>. This historic tapestry is 229 feet long, 19 inches high and relates the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, from 1064 to the outcome of the Battle of Hastings. It is an impressive work of art and is listed as a "Memory of the World" by UNESCO. There are so many details involved that the audio tour couldn't cover it all but told a great story.<br />
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Back at the hotel we had our first dinner together as a group. Our hotel <a href="http://en.liondor-bayeux.fr/" target="_blank">Le Lion d'Or</a> took care of us with food and lodging just as it did for the English press during World War II. TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-91763762091398432612014-08-04T10:11:00.002-04:002014-08-04T10:11:34.904-04:00France 2014 - Day 1 - Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aimee and I were long overdue for a true vacation. Especially one that didn't revolve around a race, like Ironman. Once we finished Ironman Wisconsin we knew 2014 would be the year of the big travel.<br />
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We looked at so many options and were becoming overwhelmed until we found this one trip to France. We would be in the Normandy and Brittany regions visiting historical places such as Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Being the 70th anniversary of D-Day we thought this trip would be perfect. The timing was also perfect because we would finish back in Paris the day before Stage 21 of the Tour de France. We extended our trip by 3 days so we could watch the final stage of the Tour and properly visit Paris.<br />
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This post and the ones that follow will provide a glimpse into our trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoVlQaih60NYpKruJlTds4cb1K5XB-qmNfPt4FnLb458co9e1ovokfsoWfWCvaBpYRJMOzZamwrbkR92fAFDFSeX7QLPitHkILHp0CaZ0p4oYp-56Qr-sUk3k2zJ6ztdaSN0MkQ/s1600/P7180785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoVlQaih60NYpKruJlTds4cb1K5XB-qmNfPt4FnLb458co9e1ovokfsoWfWCvaBpYRJMOzZamwrbkR92fAFDFSeX7QLPitHkILHp0CaZ0p4oYp-56Qr-sUk3k2zJ6ztdaSN0MkQ/s1600/P7180785.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Friday July 18 was a travel day. We flew from CLE to ATL to CDG. The overnight flight was completely uneventful except for me taking Aimee towards the incorrect concourse in ATL. Yes, I was already getting Aimee lost and we hadn't even made it out of the US. We decided it was just part of the fun we would be having.<br />
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We landed at CDG (Charles de Gualle) airport at 5:30AM....France time. This is 11:30PM US time and we had been up since 6AM. We transferred to our hotel and got to our room. We power napped for about 4 hours before freshening up and heading out.<br />
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Seasoned travelers have said to get on local time quickly in order to avoid jet lag. We hit a nearby plaza for lunch and to plan out where to visit. Our hotel was in the <span style="background: #fff;"><span style="left: -5px; position: relative;">Bercy section of the 12th Arrondissement</span></span> We walked through Le Parc Bercy towards the Seine River.<br />
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We walked along the Seine to the <a href="http://www.batobus.com/english/index.htm" target="_blank">Batobus</a> station. Batobus is a boat that you can hop on-off all you want at 8 different spots. This would prove to be a great mode of transportation for us. <br />
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Once we got off the boat we walked along the Champs Elysees. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. It was very commercial and reminded me of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago full of trendy shop, restaurants, and movie cinemas.<br />
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There were several store fronts related to the auto industry. Race cars and concept cars were in two different stores. This is for my friends who like F1 racing.<br />
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This is the Fly Emirates team store. In the states it would be a Browns team shop with Johnny Manziel jerseys instead of a soccer team.<br />
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The metal barricades were already in place for the Tour de France that would be arriving in one week.<br />
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So we walked up to the Arc de Triomphe just to get a view. We would tour it when we returned to Paris.<br />
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Back to the Batobus and a quick stop at the Eiffel Tower.<br />
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<br />
Of course the Eiffel Tower is photographed a lot and there will be more pictures to come.<br />
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As soon as we got to the Eiffel Tower a cold front blew through and it started to rain. Aimee had her umbrella and the tower actually provided some good cover from the rain. <br />
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After the rain stopped some more pictures before heading back to the hotel. <br />
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This group of cyclists came down the road and were greeted as if they were the Tour de France. Once we got home I looked them up. These are employees of Taylor Wessing finishing their charity ride from London. Read about it <a href="http://www.taylorwessing.com/news-insights/details/taylor-wessing-staff-to-cycle-london-to-paris-for-firm-s-three-charity-partners-2014-07-17.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-79552288277504570492013-12-29T21:17:00.001-05:002013-12-29T21:17:35.334-05:00First You Have to Admit There is a Problem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This will come as a surprise to anyone that knows me. After much thought and careful introspection I have now realized something about myself.<br />
<br />
I'm an addict.<br />
<br />
This morning was so difficult. I couldn't get myself out of bed. My stomach felt all messed up. I just wanted to go back to bed and sleep.<br />
<br />
Lethargic and feeling like I was going to puke I gathered my things together. I had a responsibility ahead of me that I wish I could have handed off to someone else. But I had to keep the facade going. <br />
<br />
It would be okay. It was only a 90 minute spin session. <br />
<br />
I could tell people what to do and for how long. I could hide under the mask of being the leader. No one would know how hard I was working because I knew they would be distracted by their own suffering.<br />
<br />
I've had this feeling before. So tired from the days prior. It reminded me of the Sunday mornings at Triple T when 70.3 miles lie ahead of me. <br />
<br />
I hate feeling this way, but I still find myself in this position.<br />
<br />
We made it up to Coca Crossfit and started getting our bikes set up. <br />
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Slowly the people started to arrive and bring their gear into the gym. The smiling faces and warm good mornings started to wake me up. Three new faces to the group seemed to lift my spirits. <br />
<br />
Okay, I can do this. I have the workout in front of me. It was time to do some work.<br />
<br />
Once I started spinning the pedals and listening to the music, the bloated feeling in my stomach started to go away. <br />
<br />
90 minutes.....I can do this.<br />
<br />
I counted down the reps and seconds. Told people to gear up/gear down and stay strong.<br />
<br />
I seemed to be saying the words for my own benefit as well. It would have been easy to hide.<br />
<br />
.....NOT push as hard. <br />
<br />
.....NOT add that extra gear.<br />
<br />
.....NOT push my cadence beyond 100RPM.<br />
<br />
But there I was feeling the burn in my legs and watching the sweat roll down my arms and drip off my hands to the floor.<br />
<br />
Standing next to my bike when it was finally over I realized what my problem was.<br />
<br />
I am an addict.<br />
<br />
Addicted to the running, swimming, cycling, Crossfit, and anything else I might be able to fit in.<br />
<br />
I need this to feel normal. It is my drug. It is so much a part of my lifestyle I am lost without it and occasionally I don't feel right until I get my fix. And 90 minutes is one hell of a fix.<br />
<br />
I guess I am fortunate that Aimee and many of my friends are willing enablers in my addiction. They make it fun and worthwhile.<br />
<br />
Game On.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-33137542421057631862013-12-22T21:48:00.002-05:002013-12-29T21:17:59.337-05:00Running with JoeYesterday was one of those HTFU days. Aimee and I were scheduled to run with our friends Dale and Tina for 1:30. But the weather was super crappy with non-stop rain. Friday night it was already in the 50's so I figured I would be running in shorts for sure.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning the rain was still coming down but no so bad to dissuade Aimee from running. I gathered my gear and we headed out.<br />
<br />
Boy am I glad to have Aimee. She gave me the right HTFU motivation to lace up the running shoes.<br />
<br />
The rain wasn't that bad but the temperature was cooler than I thought. I ran in a different direction than the others. The solitude allows me to get lost in the run.<br />
<br />
The rivers were very high from the rain and I had the trails to myself. The only company I had was the dozen deer grazing along the side of the path.<br />
<br />
When I turned around a friend joined me for the rest of my run.<br />
<br />
Joe found me 45 minutes into the run and kept me company for the final 30 minutes. It was very nice to have the company.<br />
<br />
I wish I could remember how long I've known Joe. Aimee and I were introduced to Joe and Anne at one of our friends house. Joe always struck me as a well rounded guy. He could talk on many different topics. A wonderful husband and father, his faith was evident but not pushy. He was always interested in what you were doing. <br />
<br />
Joe and I didn't talk during our run together but we shared some memories. <br />
<br />
Joe died just over one year ago on November 21, 2012. At 48 years old his body, ravaged by cancer, decided it couldn't go on any longer. I wish I could have gotten to know Joe better. But having him in my life for even a short period of time is priceless.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure why Joe decided to join me for a run but I'm sure glad he did. He had no problem running by my side. He even helped push me along as I headed straight into the wind and rain.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure when Joe will join me for another run, but I sure will enjoy spending some time with him again.<br />
<br />
Game On.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-11014903184243919402013-09-15T20:04:00.003-04:002013-09-15T20:04:50.920-04:00Ironman Wisconsin 2013 - Pre Race and SwimIt was five years ago when I first did Ironman Wisconsin. In 2008 I completed the race in 11:03:36 with a sub 4 hour marathon. Five years later, and older, I was planning on going sub 11 hours.<br />
<br />
I never thought I would go back to Wisconsin but this time it would be slightly different. The talk amongst the Cleveland Tri Club had a lot of people going and I blame....was coerced...joined Aimee in making the decision to join the Cleveland crew of almost 30 people. At least there would be plenty of people to train with, including two of my Snakebite Racing teammates...Mark and Tiffany.<br />
<br />
Training over the summer went well. I remained injury free, felt strong, maintained my Crossfit training and mentally in a good place. I created training plans for Aimee and I which I think we followed pretty well.<br />
<br />
Aimee and I had a tight schedule race weekend. We didn't arrive in Madison until Friday morning. We got in a short ride on the course, drove the bike course, ate lunch, checked into the hotel and headed to registration.<br />
<br />
We arrived just in time for the athlete meeting. After the meeting we participated in the fourth event of Ironman....waiting in line. We stood in line for around 1:15....as is one hour fifteen minutes. it was good to get our stuff and get out. Back at the hotel we showered and made arrangements for dinner with some Cleveland friends. We skipped the athlete dinner and went to a local Italian place recommended by a co-worker who lives in Madison. It's good to have local contacts.<br />
<br />
After dinner we tried to relax for the evening. The Friday night rest would be the most important sleep we would have.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning we ran over to the Monona Terrace to see how the sun would rise on race day making sure we wore the right goggles for the swim. Running back to the hotel for breakfast we stopped by the local farmers market. It was a relaxing morning. <br />
<br />
I still wanted to get into the water and loosen up some. I have a session with the witch doctor, acupuncture/massage, on Wednesday and I was still feeling it. He might have gone too hard on me. I was also feeling a little bit of pleural effusion in my left lung. Friday night I could hear the gurgling if I was on my left side and also when i bent over at the waist. I wanted to make sure the pressure of the wetsuit wouldn't cause any issues.<br />
<br />
We dropped off our bikes in transition, after waiting in line, then deposited out transition bags in the ballrooms. We hooked up with half of the Cleveland crew for the swim and I was fine. Aimee and I took off for lunch when we were done with a group picture. After lunch we retreated to the hotel for some afternoon rest.<br />
<br />
Dinner Saturday night was with Aimee's family, Mom..Dad..Sister, who would be our fans during the race. it was another nice Italian meal before we called it a night. We finished preparing our bags special needs bags and nutrition for the race. Finally it was time for bed.<br />
<br />
4AM the alarm went off and we woke up from a decent nights sleep. For me it wasn't as fitful as previous races. This year I was mentally relaxed and felt in control. I reviewed my race plan and felt I was ready. At 5AM we met Tiffany in the hotel lobby and started the walk over to Monona Terrace.<br />
<br />
We dropped off the special needs bags and then checked on our bikes. We pumped up tires and I changed the batteries in Aimee's computer/sensor to be on the safe side. Once we were done with the bikes I checked on my transition bags before getting my arms and calf marked.<br />
<br />
Walking down the helix (parking garage ramp) there was a person with a big sheet cookie and a sign that said "last chance for nutrition". I was game so I grabbed a small piece of the chocolate chip cookie and they cheered. The crowd on the helix was going to be crazy. <br />
<br />
We saw Cleveland Pro triathlete Jim LaMastra getting ready for the swim. We wished each other good luck. Unfortunately Jim would pull out of the race after the swim due to a bad stomach that started the day prior.<br />
<br />
As Aimee and I put our wetsuits on we happened to be standing next to Team Evo Tri's Rural-Girl...Michelle. We connected on Facebook that I would be competing and she was wetsuit stripping. We hugged and talked for a moment before she wished up good luck. I was hoping to have her strip off my wetsuit later.<br />
<br />
As we were being herded across the timing mat and into the water I gave Aimee a quick kiss for good luck. I had my goggles in place and dove into the water. I swam to a small buoy and saw Mark, Jeff and Ryan. We all started at the same spot. We didn't wait long before the national anthem was played...then the start cannon blasted.<br />
<br />
I didn't take five strokes when the panic set in. FUCK ME!!!! I had perfect swims all season and here I was acting like I had never been there before. Each time I tried to force myself to swim the breathing was too short and labored to let me swim. I treaded water and tried to stay out of the way of everyone else. I once again made my way to the far outside, where I should have been in the first place, and finally found my comfort zone. I didn't look at my watch because I didn't want to see how much time I had already lost. In the words of Eric Bank's..sorry ladies...I didn't want to see how much of a vagina I was. Eric was also the guy who gave coined my favorite phrase Push The Mind and the Body Will Follow. Well the body and mind were freaking out.<br />
<br />
Three for Three on panicking during the Ironman start. If there will be a next time, I'm waiting a couple minutes on shore before I swim. <br />
<br />
I tried to move forward several times and get swimming but I couldn't control my breathing. I tried to tread water and move out of the way at the same time. I was trying to slide in between swimmers and swim to the outside.<br />
<br />
After I don't know how long, I finally was able to swim. I was able to find my stroke and head to the first turn buoy. After the first two left turns the course headed north and into the wind. The chop was bad and impossible to any type of rhythm. I had to adjust to the sudden rise of fall of the waves and breath quickly or hold my breath. But many times I was sucking in water. The waves were also pushing us around quite a bit. I would pass one buoy on the left, like we were supposed to, and the next buoy would be on my right. <br />
<br />
Halfway through the swim I got kicked in the left goggle they were pushed down a little in my eye socket. The seal was still good but not as comfortable. The second half of the swim annoying. <br />
<br />
I was annoyed with the choppy lake. I was annoyed with my goggles. I was annoyed with how the race started. I tried to get these negative thoughts out of my head and focus. The swim is just a small part of the race and I couldn't let it define the rest of the day. <br />
<br />
I rounded the third turn buoy and was happy to be heading back to shore. However, I forgot we had to swim 300m to the final turn buoy. I wasn't heading back to shore just yet. I finally adjusted my goggles and kept swimming. <br />
<br />
The fourth turn buoy put us on course toward shore at an angle. Once I sighted the exit arch it still looked a long way to go. My stomach also started to feel....gross. I saw a boat and a paddle board with safety people. I made my way to the boat. The lifeguard asked it I wanted a float but I opted to just hang on the side of the boat. <br />
<br />
While trying to collect myself my stomach heaved twice trying to eject the lake water I had swallowed. I wasn't trying to keep it in and actually wanted to puke. I finally checked my watch and I was 1:09 into the swim. Time to keep moving.<br />
<br />
I left the boat behind and wanted to get to shore. I was convinced that I would puke on shore. I stopped to tread water again and heaved. I'm not positive if anything came out, but I eventually burped twice and felt much better. <br />
<br />
I kept swimming toward shore and was finally able to stand up and cross the timing mat. I was so relieved to be done with the swim.<br />
<br />
I made my way to the wetsuit strippers. I wanted to find Michelle but found two people waiting and headed toward them. The wetsuit was off fast and I was back on my feet. I saw Michelle and gave her a high five.<br />
<br />
Up the helix we ran towards transition. I heard my name called several times from the massive crowds watching. <br />
<br />
I grabbed my bag and entered the men's changing area. I sat down and dumped out my bag. A volunteer helped me sort out my gear and started shoving stuff back into the bag. While putting on my socks I looked up and saw my friend Jeff entering the changing tent. He was looking good and ready to get on the bike.<br />
<br />
I finished getting my gear on and tossed my bag in the growing pile. I carried my shoes out the door and would be putting them on near the mount line. I heard my name a couple more times and saw Paco Velo sitting on the wall spectating. He was there to watch the Cleveland crew have a good day in Wisconsin.<br />
<br />
I grabbed my bike and started running to the mount line. Someone was yelling behind me that I dropped something, some of my food dropped out of my Bento Box. My front wheel turned on me and the bike went down ejecting a bottle in the process. <br />
<br />
The volunteers were great. One guy picked up my bike, the second guy handed me the food. I stood there with my bike resetting myself. Why was I rushing through transition during an Ironman? <br />
<br />
I started running towards the mount line and found a volunteer to hold my bike while I put my shoes on. All of a sudden Katie, another Cleveland peep, was running next to me across the mount line. We were excited to be heading out on the bike. <br />
<br />
Swim time: 1:18:02<br />
T1: 07:18<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-84361977153062465212013-04-21T20:58:00.000-04:002013-04-21T20:58:41.953-04:00A busy and confusing week...my thoughts about the Boston bombing.This is truly one of those times I just don't know where to start. It's in my nature to start at the beginning and it always takes me longer to write these words because there is so much to say.<br />
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Let's get started.....<br />
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As part of our training Aimee and I scheduled a trip to Athens, OH for some good long course tri training. The hills in southern Ohio offer some great riding and preparation for some of the races we would be participating in.<br />
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We scheduled it for the weekend of 4/13 -14, because it was also the weekend for the Athens Marathon/Half Marathon.<br />
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I advertised it as a group training event for anyone interested in joining us. We had a total of 6 people go south for the weekend. Mike, John, Ray and Jen joined Aimee and I.<br />
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We gathered Saturday morning at the "traditional" starting point for <span class="visited"><span class="Header"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b><a href="https://www.athenscyclepath.com/LocalplacestorideTTT.php#top" target="_blank">Tom's Trillium Tour</a>.</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
Aimee and I had ridden this tour in 2010 when she was training for Ironman St. George.<br />
<br />
It was a cool windy day but everyone did a great job covering various distances. The planned loop was 56 miles but I managed to squeeze in a solid 66 miles as I rode back to check on people before major turns.<br />
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We finished the ride and drove the rest of the way to Athens. We checked into our hotels, picked up our race packets and had a fun dinner together.<br />
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Sunday morning greeted us with cool temperatures which were perfect for running a half marathon. Jen was going to run hard and see how her training was progressing. I wanted to at least negative split the out and back run. Everyone else was in it to train for upcoming events. Ray was running with his daughter who is a sophomore at Ohio University.<br />
<br />
Everyone was very satisfied with their results. Jen was smokin' and took fifth overall female, won her age group and set a PR of 1:31 for the Half Marathon distance. She is one woman I don't mind being chicked by. I was 7 minutes back from Jen but crossed the finish line completely satisfied with how I ran the race. My legs were toast during the last 2 miles but I pushed through it all.<br />
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After the race Jen and I were waiting for the others to finish. As we walked to our cars for warmer clothes we talked briefly about the Boston Marathon. Jen has qualified and may decide to run in 2014.<br />
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My feelings about Boston are a little different. I'm a runner without a doubt. I love it and if I'm on the trails I can loose myself to the run. But I just don't consider myself a marathoner. I've completed three marathons. Ironman Lake Placid (2006), Grand Rapids Marathon (2007), and Ironman Wisconsin (2008). I will complete my fourth marathon this fall when I return to Ironman Wisconsin with Aimee and my friends.<br />
<br />
I have no desire to try and qualify for Boston. I am completely amazed by the people who run marathons and qualify for Boston, sometimes year after year.<br />
<br />
Some of my friends have raced Boston at the elite level. Some have busted the ass during their qualifying race to sit back and relax during Boston in order to soak in the atmosphere.<br />
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I get it. I understand it. I just don't have it as a priority on my list right now.<br />
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By the time we got home Sunday evening I was tired from the traveling and solid training. Thank goodness the following week would be a recovery week. <br />
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I was working in a computer room Monday when the first text reached my phone. My friend Ken sent me, "Bombs at Boston finish line." I first thought he meant some celebratory fireworks. But when he follows it up with....<br />
<br />
"Holy fuck"....I knew it was serious.<br />
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The first thing that popped into my mind was this picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMMwGiG5DomelB36-SJGK6-4zzWrbnZV3dA-jJPqwSA942J6o29WzqVvkBYPSA6G4qjA2ig41B8ipKUk2EkheaCW80wt_VF51X2j00v46RiUKV8sVop_zqhukElkVAtGD15o8bw/s1600/541628_10200800426029956_1605871707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMMwGiG5DomelB36-SJGK6-4zzWrbnZV3dA-jJPqwSA942J6o29WzqVvkBYPSA6G4qjA2ig41B8ipKUk2EkheaCW80wt_VF51X2j00v46RiUKV8sVop_zqhukElkVAtGD15o8bw/s400/541628_10200800426029956_1605871707_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
That is James and Andrea LaMastra. A Cleveland husband, wife and parents. Jim is a pro triathlete and Andrea is a damn good athlete as well....smiling on their way to the Boston Marathon start line.<br />
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All I could think of was how a happy event could turn so horribly wrong. I knew several other people from Cleveland who were in Boston. Fortunately they all made it back home safely.<br />
<br />
One of my close triathlon friends was at mile 26.1 when the explosions occurred. I was so relieved to hear that she was okay.<br />
<br />
Just like everyone across the country, and around the world, I was trying to get as much information about what happened. I knew I just needed to wait because details would surface on their own. Was a group responsible or some crazed individual? Was the attacker foreign or domestic?<br />
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Waiting for information to surface my feeling were all over the board. As I thought about what must have happened it made me sad. Hearing the reports about what the carnage was like deepened the agony. And then everything changed to anger and outrage. <br />
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I don't know if my current reading list contributed to my anger but I thought about it. Two books I had read before the Boston Marathon were <i>American Sniper</i> and <i>Lone Survivor</i>. Both books were written by former Navy SEALs who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq. <br />
<br />
I won't go into details about the books but I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to understand what the American military was up against in the Middle East. Both books are excellent. <br />
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The only thing I can figure is that the books renewed my allegiance to the US of A and fueled my anger for anyone wanting to attack us. <br />
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I kept reading the news reports and it wasn't until the next day when the anger would finally be replaced with tears. Because despite everything that went wrong during those 15 seconds when the bombs exploded, what happened before the smoke even cleared stands out in my mind.<br />
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America, specifically the residents of Boston, sprang into action. <br />
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Helping the injured. Comforting the confused. Controlling the chaos.<br />
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Reading the stories and seeing the pictures of people in action brought the tears to the corners of my eyes. People running towards the smoke and blood. Carrying people to the medical tents. People using their clothes to stop the bleeding and sometimes even using their bare hands.<br />
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The residents along the marathon route who brought in the cold, huddled masses of runners who could not reach the finish line or hotels. Restaurants offering food, water and shelter while everything was being sorted out. These people didn't need to be asked to help. They knew it was their responsibility to help...their fellow humans.<br />
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And then the actions of the different law enforcement agencies as they came together to hunt down those responsible. <br />
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Yes....America sprang into action as it always does. <br />
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Locally we all wondered how to spring into action. We started hearing about group runs in other cities to support Boston, the runners who were in Boston, the spectators of the race (and tragedy) and the victims.<br />
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Our friend Amy suggested a group run Thursday morning. I turned it into a Facebook event and invited everyone who could make it. I knew a 5:15AM run would be a tough sell but the response was amazing. <br />
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We had 23 people show up on a 50 degree morning. Some even wore their Boston best. Jocelyn ,who is front and center, was one of the Cleveland athletes who ran the marathon on Monday. She wasn't going to let it stop her from running with us. We had a good time and remembered that running is what binds us together and make us better people. Look at all those great smiles. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv_Qc0a45exP1w1Kc3HQXoq1RHQf4XVTvZOIvRkuvLw8s-lMXXlnyYV__hMRpLsp8zJGCc9LdQRiYHlG15HogWAvQWvX_4yDCFumTCOjs3ULMCaBKYCT_zvYCjSanlXFsw3PPXw/s1600/P4180259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv_Qc0a45exP1w1Kc3HQXoq1RHQf4XVTvZOIvRkuvLw8s-lMXXlnyYV__hMRpLsp8zJGCc9LdQRiYHlG15HogWAvQWvX_4yDCFumTCOjs3ULMCaBKYCT_zvYCjSanlXFsw3PPXw/s400/P4180259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Two days later.....Saturday. Both bombing suspects were found. One dead and the other critically wounded. Perhaps now we will find some answers. But what I saw Saturday night helped me understand "reaction" to such momentous events. <br />
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<br />
Aimee and I were watching National Geographics <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/the-80s-the-decade-that-made-us/" target="_blank">The Decade That Made Us</a>. It is a six part mini-series about the 80's. It is a very good show that describes how the 80's helped launch the world into the future and triggered how we live today.<br />
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My son Andrew and his wife Jessica had stopped over. The current show was about the mid-80's and the new Space Shuttle program. We were watching the events unfold on January 28, 1986. I remember the date because I was on the campus of Bowling Green State University wondering why the flags were at half mast. <br />
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The four of us watched the Shuttle lift off from the platform at Kennedy Space Center and rise into the clear blue sky. Andrew wasn't born yet and Jess was maybe 6 months old. <br />
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All of a sudden the Shuttle exploded and I heard Jess gasp. This was the first time she had seen the 1986 explosion. I quickly looked at her face and saw the shock from the explosion. The same shock that must have been on the faces of those people near the Boston Marathon finish line. The same shock that must have been on the faces of everyone around the world when they heard the news of the bombing. The same shock that settled into my gut when I first heard of the bombing.<br />
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It was at that moment I realized that life if full of shock and awe. In this day and age we are more readily exposed to it now because of cable TV, the internet, social media and all sorts of ways to keep "up to date". But it goes back deep into the history of our country.<br />
<br />
Lincoln assassination. Kennedy assassination. Shuttle explosions. Hurricanes and tornadoes. 9/11 and many more.<br />
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And now Patriots Day 2013 at the Boston Marathon.<br />
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Unfortunately this is the world we live in. But as long as we keep a firm grasp on our humanity....our compassion...our love of life....the evil in this world doesn't have a chance. Evil manages to rear it's ugly head reminding us to be vigilant. But we as humans, not just Americans...but people of the earth, always find a way to push it back down. <br />
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I pray for those that need closure from the events on April 15th. I hope they find it because they are surrounded by a country that cares more than they will ever know. <br />
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Game On.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-19890051448499382102013-03-24T21:07:00.001-04:002013-03-24T21:07:13.376-04:00Have you seen my toy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNxEIhyphenhyphen6QcwYdVTKJanlCsJg_mpxigD3HCNI1Zw1VQ5jBCAkjXKzUmCjsVXCpNHJiKiHVhONgbpv25ONMtcgzLwRhfwUtUVcaX5q4EFYeUo00KtHjynzRaPj0xWFkQ2-MiGr9ng/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNxEIhyphenhyphen6QcwYdVTKJanlCsJg_mpxigD3HCNI1Zw1VQ5jBCAkjXKzUmCjsVXCpNHJiKiHVhONgbpv25ONMtcgzLwRhfwUtUVcaX5q4EFYeUo00KtHjynzRaPj0xWFkQ2-MiGr9ng/s400/DSC_0306.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah....I'm talking to you. <br />
<br />
I'm Zoe and I can't find one of my favorite toys. I think those two "people" that live in my house are hiding it. <br />
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I mean...like...this is one of my favorite toys. I've had it ever since I moved in. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XhVEPRtoxiil88tsQCLJMwff-kPB70-94-8VtUFSiuntUvlUfXDfNQXAKXnjPOvoFdWULABTtbuQ87Q69xHAcWQRg-0-0r1Avv6g5IpDveA81510gAKVz0vZzcKEE4OU6spmhw/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XhVEPRtoxiil88tsQCLJMwff-kPB70-94-8VtUFSiuntUvlUfXDfNQXAKXnjPOvoFdWULABTtbuQ87Q69xHAcWQRg-0-0r1Avv6g5IpDveA81510gAKVz0vZzcKEE4OU6spmhw/s400/DSC_0668.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a better picture in case you have seen it somewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILdI-uylRGXcawuzMsKDSnz-vO7XUkEV25_M4g0rcx1uiGw6Mg7y7rgAU_jeIQ0dlw-BCczX1uqEVLtnPV2mwcOXP3oQCvC95ZIaNiuPi9iAv18ML0truRygowQ8ft1V5tF1p2Q/s1600/DSC_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILdI-uylRGXcawuzMsKDSnz-vO7XUkEV25_M4g0rcx1uiGw6Mg7y7rgAU_jeIQ0dlw-BCczX1uqEVLtnPV2mwcOXP3oQCvC95ZIaNiuPi9iAv18ML0truRygowQ8ft1V5tF1p2Q/s320/DSC_0672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
No? <br />
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You still haven't seen it? <br />
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Oh...you can't really make out what it is?<br />
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This is what it used to look like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vpg2udnLZnFRor0Z2e4V1fesjtq3yheHlBi0GXbh1ic92QgD_TTzC10ETmRF31qsWBZJwjOUYKgE65qLFddoX-QTdus0VsJO7G8BULKIk5xW0iJZlL5WXSlCmah3RTwSSmqwjg/s1600/DSC_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vpg2udnLZnFRor0Z2e4V1fesjtq3yheHlBi0GXbh1ic92QgD_TTzC10ETmRF31qsWBZJwjOUYKgE65qLFddoX-QTdus0VsJO7G8BULKIk5xW0iJZlL5WXSlCmah3RTwSSmqwjg/s320/DSC_0679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
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Yeah, I know. I ripped off the horns, arms, legs. The stuffing and squeaker are long gone.<br />
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But it's my favorite toy.<br />
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You mean they bought me a new one? Why haven't they given it to me!?!?!?<br />
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Happy Dog, Happy Dog...I'm a Happy Dog.<br />
<br />
Look at squirrel.......<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-57453015863400102352013-03-22T20:57:00.000-04:002013-03-22T20:57:13.988-04:00We Live Where?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEGuxO7O_SrjtSk6qWgiMc1c9wQXqm7wBh7sL8JPxurd1o3OBLUL2gl9K1IOxTA205Aes1Tmhu5V372zukX7tErKWGHiuigjapWId_hBueseisn5-Zg3iHl3KZ8YYL13a02DM8w/s1600/157047_10151343229072548_1152876106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEGuxO7O_SrjtSk6qWgiMc1c9wQXqm7wBh7sL8JPxurd1o3OBLUL2gl9K1IOxTA205Aes1Tmhu5V372zukX7tErKWGHiuigjapWId_hBueseisn5-Zg3iHl3KZ8YYL13a02DM8w/s320/157047_10151343229072548_1152876106_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Right.<br />
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We...Live...In...OHIO.<br />
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Not Florida. Not Arizona. And not Southern California. <br />
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The past couple of days I have been hearing the same thing everywhere I am. <br />
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"I am so tired of this weather." <br />
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I heard it when I was in Wisconsin. <br />
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I've heard it on the news and I've heard it from friends here in Northeast Ohio.<br />
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I'm sorry my friends but it may be spring on the calendar but this is still March. And to me March means crappy weather.<br />
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So I'm not letting the new snow or grey clouds get me down. I'm heading outside for a run or maybe even a bike ride. <br />
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This shit makes us tougher and prepared for when the crap hits the fan come race day. <br />
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So for now keep on bitchin'. I'm just going to silently shake my head and wish you would HTFU.<br />
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You don't hear my friends in Michigan racing <a href="http://barry-roubaix.com/" target="_blank">Barry Roubaix</a> complaining. Of course some of them are drunk tonight......go figure.<br />
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Game On my friends. <br />
TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-62584150219620116792013-03-19T23:37:00.000-04:002013-03-19T23:37:47.353-04:00My Verona.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My day finished around 5PM so I decided to visit Madison's sister, Verona. Verona is where the double loop of the Ironman Wisconsin bike course begins. <br />
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I would be remiss not driving the bike course and getting a little refresher from when I was last there 5 years ago. <br />
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It was nice to see some familiar portions of the course. It also provided me with some reminders of how to train for the route. <br />
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Or course the roads will look much better in 6 months.<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-71869897982894996532013-03-18T23:28:00.003-04:002013-03-20T17:10:11.722-04:00Dear Madison......thanks for the warm reception tonight. I drove in last night to a beautiful sunset on the western horizon as I drove from Milwaukee.<br />
<br />
However today, Monday, you placed a 3 inch blanket of wet snow on the city before the colder temperatures arrived.<br />
<br />
I knew what you had in store. I had done my research and packed accordingly. I would swim at the <a href="http://www.ymcadanecounty.org/branches/westymca.asp" target="_blank">Dane County Y</a> in the morning and get in an evening run before the temperatures plunged overnight.<br />
<br />
I just didn't expect so much snow. And wind.<br />
<br />
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<i>29 degrees with 15 MPH winds. Brrrr.</i></div>
<br />
My run along the <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/capcity/" target="_blank">Capital City Trail</a> was very picturesque with the new layer of snow covering everything including the grass, trees and icy patches on the trail. <br />
<br />
I followed the single wheel track of the <a href="http://surlybikes.com/bikes/pugsley" target="_blank">Surley Pugsley </a>and even went down on the same icy patch that the rider did. <br />
<br />
But that didn't deter me. I was enjoying my run of solitude.<br />
<br />
However, when I reached the end of the trail I turned around to feel your chilling deception. No wonder the run was feeling so nice. Your winds were pushing me along through the snow covered trail and slushy intersections. <br />
<br />
As I made the turn to make my way back to the warm confines of my hotel room you smacked me in the face. Your winds plastered my wind breaker against my chest and sliced through my two layers of gloves. My fingers could feel your icy grip despite my efforts.<br />
<br />
But you underestimated me. There is no surrendering. There is no stopping my resolve to return to the hotel, fending off the cold biting wind.<br />
<br />
Sure you can give me a little respite in the woods but rounding that corner I could feel your winds again pushing me back forcing me to give more than I wanted to during this recovery week. <br />
<br />
The tracks I had made only 30 minutes prior were already disappearing under the fresh snow sweeping across the open fields. Were those my footprints or someone elses from an earlier walk? Even the groove left by the bicycle tires was filling in.<br />
<br />
But my dear Madison, this is not the first time I have encountered your bitter cold. I have felt that sting before. I have also felt the warmth that you provide during the early fall months.<br />
<br />
You must remember that I come from Cleveland. We share the same love/hate for the seasons. The cold gives way to the warmth or spring and summer. Then the cold returns in the late fall.<br />
<br />
So I am wise to you Madison and I respect you. But you must also respect me.<br />
<br />
I am Goruck Tough.<br />
<br />
I am an Ironman.<br />
<br />
And come September 8th I will become Iron again.<br />
<br />
Game On Madison. Oh...and I'm bringing some friends too.<br />
<br />
<br />
PS....I was in Madison for work and met with one of my co-workers Ed. I told him about my run and he agreed that it was cold out. In fact, Ed was the guy on the Surley. He hit his head so hard that if it wasn't for his helmet I might have found him there dead on the trail. AND...Ed will be doing IM MOO for the 10 year in a row come September....this is his last IM.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-8154455429145554992013-03-03T19:24:00.000-05:002013-03-03T19:24:49.607-05:00Girls With Sole Swim-a-Thon.....kindofToday was the annual GWS swim-a-thon. Two hours of fundraising fun with Liz and Harlan. Unfortunately I couldn't make it. The swim time conflicted with my regularly scheduled spin sessions. <br />
<br />
But I didn't want to miss out on trying to help raise some money for GWS. After I refueled from the 2 hour spin session I headed to the Y for some pool time. <br />
<br />
I had a lane to myself, set down my water bottle and Gels for 2 hours of swimming.<br />
<br />
I broke the swim in 1000 yard sets. I alternated doing 10 x 100 then 5 x 200. <br />
<br />
I saw two of my tri friends Lori and Julie during my swim and it helped break up the monotony with a little bit a chatter with them. Julie shared the lane with me for my final 45 minutes.<br />
<br />
I decided to go with 2 hours of swimming by the clock on the wall since that was the pool time Harlan had arranged at the Rocky River pool. I was shooing for as much yardage as I could in the time allowed. <br />
<br />
On my last 1000 I miscounted and was excited to finish up so it was a weird amount of yardage.<br />
<br />
My watch shows that I had a total swim time of 1 hour 52 minutes taking into account a couple of breaks to refuel and hydrate. So 8 minutes of down time is actually pretty good.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The 1:20 on my watch is the final 100 yards I did. I was happy with that split having completed 6,8000 yards averaging 1:30/100 with 10 seconds rest. <br />
<br />
Yep, with the final 100 I reached 6,900 yards. I didn't realize my "shortage" until I got home and reviewed my splits. <br />
<br />
It doesn't matter because that is $69 I am donating to Girls With Sole. One dollar for each 100 yards. <br />
Well worth it. This money is used so Liz can keep her Game On with what she does through GWS. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imathlete.com/donate/EricGibb" target="_blank">Anyone want to match my donation?</a>TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-69540915782336324902013-02-01T15:16:00.000-05:002013-02-01T15:16:56.728-05:00CTC Swim Challenge - 2013Last Sunday I participated in the Fourth Annual Cleveland Tri Club Swim Challenge. This is the third year for me since I had to work on the day of the Challenge in 2012. <br />
<br />
In 2010 I swam 8k yards.<br />
In 2011 I swam 10k yards.<br />
2013 was going to be a repeat of 2011 as I had my eye on the 10k yard mark.....or in Swim Challenge terms it was 100 x 100.<br />
<br />
I didn't do anything special for the build prior to the Challenge but I felt confident in my technique and fitness to get me to the end.<br />
<br />
My longest single swim had been 5,000 yards a couple of weeks out. However I have been swimming an additional third day each week with a Masters swim on Saturdays.<br />
<br />
So I showed up intending to crank out my 20 x 500's as in previous years. This year I was placed in lane two which was for some faster swimmers. When I signed up the form asked what intervals I would be swimming. I had circled 1:40 because that was the pace I was expecting. However, the people in my lane were starting each interval on 1:40 meaning they would be swimming faster than that.<br />
<br />
In fact, it meant the pace would be more around the 1:20/100 yard pace with 20 seconds rest.<br />
<br />
I didn't make it through first 500 when it was apparent that my plans and their plans were going to clash significantly. So I bailed on my plan and decided to follow what the others were doing. <br />
<br />
My first set with the group would be 10 x 100's. I settled into the last position and tried to stay in the draft. Yep...sure enough we were hitting 1:20 to the wall with 15 - 20 seconds rest. I could do one of two things. Drop down to another lane or suck it up and hang with the group as long as possible.<br />
<br />
I stayed put in lane two with Larry, Melissa, Ed and Courtney. That first 1,000 together actually went by quickly. We changed things up to straight 500's and even a straight 1000, which I didn't want to do again. Swimming 1000 yards straight is just more mind numbing than usual.<br />
<br />
The 500's were pretty good early on because we were holding around 7 minutes for each 500. But the later 500's were a struggle. <br />
<br />
At the 5k mark we took a small break to use the bathroom and fuel up for more swimming. During the second half of the swim the magnificent 3 (Larry, Melissa and Ed) decided to kick 5 x 200. Unfortunately I didn't have any of my swim toys like pull buoys, paddles, fins or a kick board. Since this was a swim challenge I was going to swim the entire 10,000 yards. <br />
<br />
I took the rear of the pack again and swam freestyle behind the kickers. As long as I was starting and finishing with the group we were swimming the same amount and could verify the distance with each other.<br />
<br />
And don't worry about Courtney. She was still swimming with us....only faster than us. Being a college senior, and a swimmer since age 6, she was just motoring along. At one point we were swimming along and I felt her catch my feet. I pulled as close to the lane line as possible in order to let her pass me before the wall. I buried my head into the water so I could watch for her pass on my left side.<br />
<br />
All of a sudden she was swimming underneath me with a powerful dolphin kick. I slowed way down to let her surface and reach the wall. When I talked to her after the swim she said that someone was coming the other way and she couldn't squeeze between us, so she went under me. I was quite impressed by her underwater pass. She finished her 10k yard well before we did.<br />
<br />
With 2000 yards remaining Melissa said we could finish before noon if we kept a 7:20 - 7:30/500 split. We only had the pool reserved from 9 - noon but I knew finishing before noon wasn't a priority. <br />
<br />
After the first 500 I was really starting to feel the loss of energy in the arms. They were a little heavy and the pace was beginning to get out of my ability. Ed opted to put his flippers back on to keep the pace. I slid down to an open lane and finished my last 1,500 yards on my own. <br />
<br />
I finished just past 12:00 but I knew my actual swim time was less than 3 hours. Probably more around 2:45. <br />
<br />
Overall I was happy with the swim. Aimee did the swim challenge as well and completed 5000 yards. That is the cool part about the challenge, everyone can come down and swim as many yards as they want. People swam anywhere from 2,500 - 12,000 yards. The people in lane 1, which held some superstar swimmers, went above and beyond the 10k.<br />
<br />
I was most satisfied with the swim because I went outside my comfort zone in the pool. I have been swimming 1:20/100 in the pool thanks to the Masters swim I've been going to on Saturdays. But to maintain that type of pace was the unknown. I wasn't sure if I would burn out well before reaching 10,000 yards.<br />
<br />
I won't be swimming another 10,000 yards any time soon, until next years challenge. Unless you are a top level swimmer this type of yardage is not necessary, but the challenge and bragging rights is just another way to show what you are capable of. If you can do this what else can you do?<br />
<br />
Game On.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-47735390531929919702013-01-27T18:01:00.001-05:002013-01-27T18:01:13.428-05:00Running with a friend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aimee had made arrangements for her long run to be with a couple of friends down in CVNP (Cuyahoga Valley National Park). I wanted to get in a long run as well so I tagged along for the two hours of running.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJq0FE8JtrY6xkYp8KnQemvm4OF0NUmZQmNWTW4_S7lAvkGTvxJHJ6fIVoMVwCwHtygHKoPlAKAd5NXwW476fcXzx0jFW0UHAgLRRT8v5GOyvbwtigJ9UH2sSxGYF1lQMOUwYsw/s1600/P1260446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJq0FE8JtrY6xkYp8KnQemvm4OF0NUmZQmNWTW4_S7lAvkGTvxJHJ6fIVoMVwCwHtygHKoPlAKAd5NXwW476fcXzx0jFW0UHAgLRRT8v5GOyvbwtigJ9UH2sSxGYF1lQMOUwYsw/s400/P1260446.JPG" width="300" /></a>However, I had plans of my own. I was going to get re-acquainted with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. <br />
<br />
Aimee, Dale and Deb headed towards the Towpath Trail and I headed in the opposite directions towards the Buckeye Trail. The trail goes into the Cleveland Metropark Brecksville Reservation then heads into the CVNP. This section of trail finishes at Snowville Road where I could catch the Towpath back to the parking lot.<br />
<br />
I haven't run this section of the BT for a long time so I was excited to be out there. The powdery snow was fresh and lightly covered the footprints from the day prior. The only other tracks were from various woodland critters like squirrels, deer and possibly fox or coyote. <br />
<br />
The peace and quiet of the woods was only broken by some birds or cars when the trail went close to some roads. <br />
<br />
But I had the entire trail to myself. I could clear the mind and think either about the swim challenge, tasks I needed to take care of or absolutely nothing.<br />
<br />
The majority of the time I was thinking was nothing since I had to watch for roots buried under the snow or was simply enjoying the scenery.<br />
<br />
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The two hours almost went by too fast. I could have stayed on the trail longer but had to get back to the parking lot. I'll have to revisit this friend of mine come spring and watch the forest wake up.<br />
<br />
Game On.<br />
<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-32512289524173813392013-01-23T21:54:00.001-05:002013-01-23T21:54:44.972-05:00Baby is it cold outside?Depending upon who you talk to the answer is probably yes. Ohio has been covered by a cold mass of air thanks to our friends to the north....and I don't mean Michigan.<br />
<br />
Overnight lows have been into the single digits and when the wind kicks up it starts to feel well below zero. I've been spinning and swimming as normal but getting outside for a run is another story. And I haven't broken down and used the treadmill yet.<br />
<br />
So after work today I decided it was time to get outside for a run. Temp reach a high of 15 and the wind was light. I've ran in much worse conditions than this so I grabbed my cold weather gear and suited up for a nice 5 miler.<br />
<br />
If you never thought you could over dress for 15 degree weather I am here to prove you wrong. As I stood looking at my options I grabbed my Pearl Izumi winter wind breaker. But as I looked outside again and the temp on the thermometer I put it back and grabbed my slightly heavier Nashbar cycling jacket. Yes you read that correctly...<a href="http://www.nashbar.com/" target="_blank">Nashbar</a>. I haven't been to their website in years so I was surprised they are still around. <br />
<br />
I've had this jacket since around 1999 and the plush lining has kept me warm in some brutal conditions. So I put on my jacket with a short sleeve base layer and a mid-weight long sleeve tech shirt providing some layers for the cold.<br />
<br />
As soon as I stepped outside and closed the garage door I knew I was overdressed. Usually I follow the 10 degree rule when dressing for a run....dress for weather 10 degrees warmer than it is. Within the first 2 miles you should warmed up and comfortable for the remainder of the run.<br />
<br />
As I said I was overdressed and I didn't feel like going back inside to get my other jacket. My shoes were muddy and I didn't feel like taking them off. So I headed out, overdressed.<br />
<br />
The first 2.5 miles were comfortable and I couldn't feel the cold on my upper torso. My legs could feel the biting cold a little and that's what I really wanted all over. On my return trip home I did a couple of small pick-ups and then I could definitely feel the sweet forming on my body. For a short run like this it's not a big deal but on a longer run I would want to avoid the sweating and subsequent chills from the cold. <br />
<br />
I made it back home satisfied with my outdoor run. This weekend will be two hours on the trails and I'll dress more appropriately. <br />
<br />
Have fun out there in the snow.....if you have any.<br />
<br />
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<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-12989281835459636552013-01-04T07:38:00.003-05:002013-01-04T07:38:57.687-05:00Push It Real GoodBack in November my friend Chris offered up a challenge on Facebook to perform 10,000 pushups during the month of December. He calculated it out to 322 per day with 340 on the final day. I'm usually up for a challenge and this one sounded interesting.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until I actually started doing the pushups that I realized how real the challenge was. Would the arms get stronger or would they fall off.<br />
<br />
I kept track of each day on a notepad and I'm glad I did. It gives me something to review and see how the month progressed.<br />
<br />
I mixed things up by performing a variety of "pushups". I did the standard plank pushups on my toes. I also did them on my knees. I used the rings at Crossfit low to the ground. I threw in some hand stand pushups against a wall or kneeling on a chair. The triceps were also worked with dips on the edge of a chair. <br />
<br />
The different exercises allowed me to use different muscles and avoid overuse injury and keep in muscular balance.<br />
<br />
I pushed with sets of 10, 20 or 30 depending upon the exercise, and how tired I was.<br />
<br />
Here is my day-to-day recap.<br />
<br />
12/01 Started off strong with 292<br />
12/02 212<br />
12/03 50 - I was sore from the first two days.<br />
12/04 380 - This included 30 Handstand PUs and 50 Rings PUs at Crossfit<br />
12/05 400 - While I was swimming I did 100 press-outs on the edge of the pool<br />
12/06 350<br />
12/07 350<br />
12/08 300<br />
12/09 300<br />
12/10 450 - Time to start catching up. I was only 200 behind pace.<br />
12/11 450 - 8 shy of goal pace<br />
12/12 300<br />
12/13 150<br />
12/14 400<br />
12/15 400<br />
12/16 0 - Despite this being a Sunday I was busy with work all day<br />
12/17 400 - only 290 behind pace<br />
12/18 400<br />
12/19 240<br />
12/20 0 - This was a work travel day.<br />
12/21 200<br />
12/22 0 - A run/swim brick in the morning had me shelled for the rest of the day.<br />
12/23 60 - Had the family over for Christmas dinner. Barely time to breath.<br />
12/24 0 - Tired and busy<br />
12/25 400<br />
12/26 0 - I was not 1,566 behind pace<br />
12/27 600 - Time to start cranking them out because of several zeros.<br />
12/28 1000 - I was on vacation but it felt like work to get all of them in and I was 1000 behind pace<br />
12/29 400<br />
12/30 516 - The 16 was to make it an even 1000 the final day<br />
12/31 1000 - Did my final 10 as the countdown for 2012 began.<br />
<br />
I woke up the morning of 12/31 and thought to myself....there is no way I'm going to get this done. But then I remembered some comments posted on Facebook from various friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
Cristi<span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][1]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">.........if anyone could do it, it would be you!</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
Shawn.......<span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][1]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">You can do it </span>Eric<span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[2]">. You and </span>Chris <span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[4]">inspire me to do more...........You got this.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
Eric B........<span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][1]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">If u r awake 12 hrs a day...u can set an alarm to do 33 every half hour...you can do it. PTMATBWF = Push the Mind and the Body Will Follow</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I..Can..Do..This.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Aimee and I ran two hours in the Cuyahoga Valley. At different times I would drop to the ground and pump out 20 pushups. During that run I did 400 pushups.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Back at home I did another 400 in the early afternoon.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Before heading over to our neighbors house for New Years Eve I did another 190...saving the final 10 for midnight.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460229654025137}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">I did it. It wasn't the most optimal way of going about it. With December being such a busy month between work travel and the holidays it certainly added to the challenge. </span></span></span></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460235307357905}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[4]"> </span></span></span></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Once again there is proof that anything is possible. Ninety percent of any challenge is getting on top of it mentally. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">How have you challenged yourself lately.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0]">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[188].[1][2][1]{comment460213714026731_460217824026320}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Game On.</span></span></span></div>
TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-3112206505266914582013-01-01T17:32:00.000-05:002013-01-01T17:36:00.699-05:00Happy Freakin' 2013 Happy New Year everyone. <br />
<br />
First off you get the obligatory picture of my running into Lake Erie at the Cleveland Triathlon Club's annual Polar Plunge. I bought a snazzy new swim suit to celebrate the new year.<br />
<br />
Here I am counting down the final 5 seconds before everyone ran into the water. I took my time and walked in. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsx9bLxSXv8zD22nZKR-7DirKWsAhaIgsdIGPqyMacSJPSAq317endwSIYaXZh7Q-MbzL6GMJt7ZIvaquTNYEJKQKF8zWKa3AFIObzRpejHnl_0rsmeIAV8diQX5dqFIbru9MEQ/s1600/P1010447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsx9bLxSXv8zD22nZKR-7DirKWsAhaIgsdIGPqyMacSJPSAq317endwSIYaXZh7Q-MbzL6GMJt7ZIvaquTNYEJKQKF8zWKa3AFIObzRpejHnl_0rsmeIAV8diQX5dqFIbru9MEQ/s320/P1010447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I was walking out of the water my friend Troy had just shown up and was just getting undressed. Troy and I did Goruck Challenge together and one thing we learned....never leave your battle buddy. Troy wasn't about to take his plunge all by himself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzujIiix50B9qFadbm34FJZyLy8JV36uMSAY7g-wjmovg_-XERl8FmXwAFW57kgj02vejJiLlIweWzNPwEGVkC1oe5PbLu14RQ_jCaGBouw7WL11QqBAoNROyYUNhFwUr9apQmLg/s1600/740675_10102511100401585_481179616_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzujIiix50B9qFadbm34FJZyLy8JV36uMSAY7g-wjmovg_-XERl8FmXwAFW57kgj02vejJiLlIweWzNPwEGVkC1oe5PbLu14RQ_jCaGBouw7WL11QqBAoNROyYUNhFwUr9apQmLg/s320/740675_10102511100401585_481179616_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you can't do these types of things without a smile on your face....why bother. I'll also admit that I didn't dive in or go fully underwater. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD02Zy6rqoWh8aJB8Mg0kO7kMPmNHot7ZSVYktrUs9GLtkN7_k9gafiJhypX0PN99pizJAcWEZG_OlbbCotK1JFniDFpfvViZ2C1iF9VdocJb4byaafanTh2R1UIjSLQ_ks-Os0w/s1600/737933_10102511102008365_2045323316_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD02Zy6rqoWh8aJB8Mg0kO7kMPmNHot7ZSVYktrUs9GLtkN7_k9gafiJhypX0PN99pizJAcWEZG_OlbbCotK1JFniDFpfvViZ2C1iF9VdocJb4byaafanTh2R1UIjSLQ_ks-Os0w/s320/737933_10102511102008365_2045323316_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So what does the new year hold in store for me. More than I could have imagined. First off I don't like to call my statements resolutions. They are simply things I should do more or better.<br />
<br />
Aimee and I will be racing at Ironman Wisconsin on September 8th. This is my second trip to IM MOO (third IM) and this is Aimee's second IM, St. George was her first. There is a group of 30 people from the Cleveland area participating in the race so it will be some good times with friends.<br />
<br />
Because of the IM MOO I have a full build-up of races. Run for Regis, Athens Half Marathon, Triple T, Double Mussel, and a smattering of other races.<br />
<br />
But wait there's more.......<br />
<br />
I have come full circle with Snakebite Racing and am again the Vice President of the team.<br />
<br />
But wait there's more........<br />
<br />
I volunteered to be on the Board of the Cleveland Triathlon Club. My first official duties were today at the plunge by being the emcee and media contact. I was interviewed by Channel 3 and WTAM radio.<br />
<br />
Both of these are my realization that I need to step up and be more active with the team and club. No time like the present.<br />
<br />
So with all of this stuff on my plate I need to blog more......about.....<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Training</li>
<li>Racing</li>
<li>Balance</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Teamwork</li>
</ul>
<br />
I think one interesting part of this season will be the fact that Aimee and I will both be training for Ironman...the same event. We know several other couples in the area who have pulled it off so I think we will be fine, but it will still be interesting.<br />
<br />
Here's to a exciting 2013.<br />
<br />
Game On. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-54636001808168009192012-11-15T17:19:00.002-05:002012-11-15T17:19:43.917-05:00Goruck Challenge Event ReportThe Goruck Challenge- Cleveland is now in the books.<br />
<br />
Another opportunity to build both physically and mentally.<br />
<br />
One of my teammates posted the following quote after we completed the Challenge.......<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">"For those who haven't, no explanation is possible. For those who have, no explanation is necessary".</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">That about sums it up. I have tried to explain what the Goruck Challenge is to family and friends. I usually wind up telling them to check out the website or search for "goruck" on YouTube. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">From the website: </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]"><br /></span></span></span>
<b><i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">The GORUCK Challenge is a team event, never a race. Think of it as a
slice of Special Operations training where – from start to finish -- a
Special Operations Cadre challenges, teaches, and inspires your small
team to do more than you ever thought possible. Leadership is taught and
teamwork is demanded on missions spanning the best of your city. </span></span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><br />Registration is individual, completion is collective. We recommend
signing up with a friend, but you don't have to. Either way, you will
leave with 29 friends for life. You will show up to the start point with
water, wrapped bricks, and a rucksack full of anything else you need.
You will meet your Special Operations Cadre there, and then it begins.
You will stay with your team the duration of the Challenge. Your Cadre
will be with you the entire time until the 30 individuals have become
one team and earned the GORUCK Tough patch.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">The Challenge is 8 - 10 hours long. Covers 15 - 20 miles. The rucksack (backpack) mentioned above has bricks in it. Based upon body weight there are 4 - 6 bricks that must be carried during the Challenge. My six bricks plus other gear was around 40 pounds. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">With the above description, maybe this report will help describe a little better what the Challenge is all about. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">Everyone started to gather at Edgewater Park around 9PM on Saturday (10/27/12) night. Our official start time would be 10PM and no one wanted to be late. The anticipated rain had held off and it was still 50 degrees out. Maybe the suck wouldn't be to bad if we could at least remain dry for the night and finish before the outer edge of Hurricane Sandy reached Cleveland.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">Cadre Carlos and Cadre Joel arrived and gave us a run down of who they were and what we should be expecting. The big take away from what Carlos said would be the expectation to "be outside our comfort zone". I like hearing something like that because that is how people learn about themselves.</span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">We were told to split the group in two. Since we could split the group, that allowed us to stick with friends. As stated on the Goruck website, "The Challenge is like a 6-pack of beer, it's best when shared with friends."</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">My group was Challenge Class 297 with Cadre Joel as our leader. The other Class 298 was being led by Cadre Carlos.</span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">After they checked our rucksacks for bricks and weight we could put them on . Once the challenge starts the rucks are not allowed to touch the ground...ever. </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">Our first exercise would be together. Each class lined lined up two deep facing each other. The person on the inside assumed the push-up position. The person behind would grab their ankles. As the person went down for the push up, the person holding the ankles would squat down. The person doing the pushups was to keep their eyes locked with the opposite person and yell, "I'm not crazy....you are!"</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">The first round of push-ups would end when the Cadre were satisfied we weren't crazy. Then we switched positions and repeated the process. Once everyone confirmed they were not crazy we hiked over to the big field. Whenever we moved from point to point the team had to be in double file rank and keep close to each other. We needed to prove we were a tight knit team. </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">Cadre Joel started us off with calisthenics. Remember we are doing all of these with our packs on. We had to perform all exercises in unison. If the Cadre felt we couldn't work together we started all over until we did the exercises as a team. </span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[396].[1][2][1]{comment542025359156502_542245935801111}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[3]">I've tried to find a video to go with each exercise.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxQT-wZdP28" target="_blank">8 Count Body Builders </a>-<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dTo2-zhJmY&feature=related" target="_blank">Partner pushup/press</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36L1P8byDuk" target="_blank">Smurf Jacks</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttk8RdiIHzA" target="_blank">Dive Bombers - With sound effects</a><br />
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Seal Crawls<br />
In push up position walk forward only with your arms and drag your feet behind. <br />
Cadre also needed us to bark like a seal during the exercise.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIndH-WJJ6k" target="_blank">Monkey Fuckers</a><br />
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Tunnels<br />
Everyone was side by side and got into a downward dog position. The first person would crawl through followed be each person. A little difficult to crawl through with a pack on plus the pack on our backs forming the tunnel.<br />
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We finally were able to lie down for flutter kicks but the rucksack couldn't touch the ground. The ruck had to sit on our chest while we did the flutter kicks. We also did Hello Dolly's and leg raises at 6 inches, 45 degrees and 90 degrees.<br />
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To emphasis the teamwork aspect Joel had us do some military style drills. The Alpha and Bravo teams would leap frog past each other through the field. He would shine someone with his flashlight and they were now a casualty that we would need to carry for the rest of the exercise. <br />
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Then he showed us an Australian retreat movement called an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDjEYKNMu9o" target="_blank">Aussie Peelback</a>. It was cool learning about it.<br />
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After the peelback drill we bear crawled to the restrooms for a small break before our first major movement. While on break, or at any time during the challenge, we needed to watch out for our team. That included having a "battle buddy" available at all times. That means if you must leave the group to rest, pee, eat, etc. you never do it alone. We had to watch each others backs.<br />
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After the break Joel selected out first TL (team leader). An ATL (assistant team leader) was also selected. They were given the instructions for the movement and would lead us through the exercise. Our first team task was to ruck over to Lakewood Park. Since Joel didn't know the area we were told to complete the ruck in 20 minutes; an impossible task unless you could run the four miles at 5 min/mile pace.<br />
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We arrived at Lakewood Park in 1:09. Our penalty for missing our target was 49 Monkey Fuckers, one for each extra minute. We also had to fill a carrying case half way with rock-like material. We found a pile of old asphalt in the park and used that. This carrying case also could not touch the ground, similar to our rucksacks. We took turns with a two person carry for the case of rocks.<br />
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For the return trip to Edgewater Park a new TL and ATL were selected, actually Joel asked for volunteers. With the return trip we had some special rules.<br />
1. We couldn't talk during the return hike.<br />
2. At all street crossings we needed to perform 2 pushups...in unison. The TL could call out the count.<br />
3. We all had to cross the street at the same time.<br />
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As we approached a street we would spread out along the curb and get in pushup position. The case with rocks was placed on someones legs...not touching the ground. The TL called out the two pushups. We prepared for the street crossing by joining arms or holding hands and we would watch the TL initiate the crossing so that we crossed as one team.<br />
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We would get back into rank and continue our ruck. At one point Lakewood police followed us wondering what the heck we were doing in their city in the middle of the night. Joel was good about talking with the police and explaining the challenge. One car of guys pulled over and asked us what we were doing. Unfortunately we were under orders for silence and couldn't answer them. They were a little pissed when we didn't answer but they just drove away.<br />
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It still took us a while to get back but we made it in one piece. Next up was Lake Erie.<br />
<br />
Joel was kind to us and allowed us to take off any clothing we wanted to keep dry before going into the lake. I took off my wind breaker and technical shirt. I kept my base layer and everything below the waist on since I expected those items to get wet anyways.<br />
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With our packs on we entered the water with our arms locked together. The waves were starting to increase as the beginning on Hurricane Sandy started to reach Cleveland. The water needed to reach the middle of our thighs and then we did 35 squats into the water. The waves made sure we were getting wet all over.<br />
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After the squats we walked back towards the beach until the water was mid-shin. Now we had to do pushups. Doing these exercises in the water was made more difficult due to the waves washing over us and lifting us off the sand.<br />
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We went back to the pavilion to retrieve our dry gear and got ready for the next and hardest movement.<br />
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<br />
Next mission was to transport a downed aircraft to Browns Stadium. The aircraft was a log on the beach. Actually it was a tree and it was heavy and we needed to figure out how to transport it. We tried using straps...didn't work. We were also told that it couldn't touch the ground otherwise we would have a penalty imposed upon us. We put it on some picnic tables and put the plan in place. We carried it on our backs and shoulders replacing people as needed. With 20 people on the team, about 15 were carrying the log at a time. The flags and team weights needed to also be carried. Everyone did their fair share of work. <br />
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Our route took us through the tunnel under the railroad tracks, up W. 65th street and down Detroit Road. I can only remember us resting 3 times along our route. It's a little hard to remember very much of the route since I was usually hunched over staring at the ground with a huge piece of wood on my back.<br />
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I did take the team weight for a while. We had secured it to Jillian's backpack with carabiners so whomever took the weight carried her pack. The combined weight was about 100 pounds which usually isn't too bad. However, because of the awkward positioning and duration of carrying the weight we needed to pass it around to other teammates.<br />
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As people worked to move the log down the street we tried to take regular breaks to recover. One person would slip out from carrying the log and someone would take their place. The exchange usually put some extra load on the people still under the log and the temporary increase reminded you of how much this thing weighed.<br />
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The rest breaks became shorter and shorter. We would duck out from under the log and someone else would need relief so we often had no choice but to dive back under the log. <br />
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During this movement the group acted as a solid team. We were looking out for each other and knew that we all needed to carry the weight together. During my breaks from carrying the log I was circling the group watching how people were doing. I was watching for trouble spots in the group. If someone was struggling I forced them out and took their place. Of course they usually didn't get much of a break because someone else needed a rest. We were all diving in and out of position on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
Being in tight quarters we all took some hits to the face from the packs on our backs. Apparently I smacked Troy in the face several times by accident. I also remember a lot of cars and buses slowing down wondering why we were carrying a log down Detroit Ave. I'm sure we were a sight to see.<br />
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At some point I believe Joel was taking pity on us. We hadn't moved very far for the time spent lugging this log down the street. Instead of going over the Detroit-Superior Bridge to reach downtown Cleveland, we went down into the Flats. For those who are not familiar with Cleveland the Flats is the area on both sides of the Cuyahoga River with dining, entertainment, business and residences. Being along the waters edge we needed to take the log downhill which required even more control of our bodies and the weight on our backs.<br />
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Down the street and around two corners we approached a small park area along the river. We maneuvered ourselves into the park and were finally allowed to drop the log onto the ground.<br />
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Cadre Joel congratulated us and proclaimed, "That tree has fucked you long enough. Now it's time you fuck it back. 50 Monkey Fuckers!" We lined up on both sides of the tree and did two sets of 25. At least we didn't have the tree on our back anymore. We followed up the Monkey Fuckers with flutter kicks then a small rest break.<br />
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A new TL/ATL was selected and our next movement was announced, Browns Stadium. Some miscommunication occurred and we thought our destination was the Municipal Parking Lot where many Browns fans would be tailgating. One member of our team had parents living in the flats so we stopped in their garage and filled up with water. It was another nice break from the movement as dawn was breaking and the birds were starting to chirp.<br />
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We made our way out of the Flats and into downtown Cleveland. Our final destination was <span class="body">the Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial between Cleveland Browns Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center. At this point we were able to rip apart the Pittsburgh Steelers flag Cadre Joel made us carry. I didn't mention the flag before because...well..it's a Steelers flag and we had it rolled up the entire time. We also did some more bodybuilders before the next movement. </span><br />
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<span class="body">It was around this time that a slight rain or mist was coming down from Hurricane Sandy. So we would be getting a little wet until we completed the Challenge. </span><br />
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I became team leader for the next movement. Joel described a tall structure that he wanted us to get to. I thought he wanted us to go the the Key Tower plaza where the "Fountain of Eternal Life" is located. As we got closer to the plaza he told me I was wrong. He actually wanted us to get to Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Public Square. It's just around the corner so we were still in the same area. We made it there and took a group photo on the steps. Another small break allowed someone to volunteer at TL/ATL for the final movement.<br />
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We had 1:45 to get back to Edgewater Park. We would go straight down Detroit Road back to W. 65th street. There were no special instructions except following the traffic signals. It was a nice opportunity to actually see Detroit Road in the daylight and without a freakin' heavy tree on our backs. We made it back to Edgewater Park in time but not our bonus time, so we had to complete more exercises. <br />
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Joel taught us <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpBqDvYKBz8" target="_blank">Alligator crawls</a> and Jack Webb Pushups (starting on your knees you raise your arms over your head then down into a pushup position. Perform a pushup and return to your knees to complete the movement).<br />
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Joel would count off how many reps were to be performed. We did several rounds until Joel decided we were done.<br />
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He congratulated us and presented up with our Goruck Tough patches which are never for sale, only earned by participating in a Challenge.<br />
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Our team congratulated each other and went our different ways to begin the recovery process. But we didn't just turn around and leave. Class 297 is now family. There is no way to not come out of an event like this and have a certain bond with your teammates. <br />
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I waited with Joel until Carlos arrived to pick him up. Carlos and Class 298 finished a couple hours before us but also had a very hard Challenge.<br />
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As people started to recall the weekend, there was some "analysis" of what we had done.<br />
1) Remember that it was 4 miles from Edgewater Park to Lakewood Park. We did it round trip.<br />
2) The F'in tree we carried. We moved it 2.5 miles in 3 hours. It took us a long time but we FUCKING did it. Class 298 said they moved it 400 meters.<br />
3) The complete Challenge lasted around 13 hours and we covered 16.5 miles.<br />
4) Our team started with 22 people. Unforunately we lost 2 during the early hours of exercises because of bad knees and shoulders. <br />
5) Of the remaining 20 teammates, 5 were some of the most bad ass women I know. <br />
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While eating a late breakfast with a couple of friends, Chris and I said we were one and done. Why would be punish ourselves like that again. 24 hours later.....we were looking at the calendar for other Challenges and the Alumni only events (<a href="https://www.goruckchallenge.com/Events/Selection" target="_blank">Selection</a>, <a href="https://www.goruckchallenge.com/Events/Scavenger" target="_blank">Scavenger</a>, <a href="https://www.goruckchallenge.com/Events/Beached" target="_blank">Beached </a>and <a href="https://www.goruckchallenge.com/Events/Ascent" target="_blank">Ascent</a>.)<br />
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Goruck is like many other events that I have done. They may be challenging and difficult but the thrill of completing them is worth it. Ironman, ultra-running, team events like Hood To Coast or Ragnar. You get a taste and you want more. Fortunately we both have wives that can talk us off the cliff. Chris has some significant running events for 2013 and I need to focus on Ironman Wisconsin. But I definitely see another Goruck event in my future. <br />
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One week later a small group of us went back to chop up the tree. I kept a piece and put it in my garden as a souvenir.<br />
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I'm not sure what else to say about the Goruck Challenge. It was an amazing event that forces you to step into a zone that appears to be beyond your capabilities but when shared with a team anything is possible. I've tried to compare it to Ironman because of the similar duration.<br />
<br />
In an Ironman it's you against the clock, course, weather, and yourself.<br />
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With Goruck it's not only you but also your team against the challenges thrown at you by the Cadre.<br />
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In Ironman you control your efforts and how far you go into the pain cave.<br />
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With Goruck you are at the whim of the Cadre and will go deep into the pain cave because your team is depending upon you. <br />
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To all of my GRT family of Class 297 and beyond...GAME ON.<br />
<br />TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375831.post-36972537629021066832012-10-25T15:05:00.002-04:002012-10-25T15:05:32.127-04:00Goruck Challenge - T minus 55 HoursThe Goruck Challange is fast approaching. The leaders have told us our starting point, <a href="http://wendypark.org/" target="_blank">Wendy Park</a>. It's right along the shore of Lake Erie so I figure we will be in the water pretty quick. <br />
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The training for it has been going well. I got together with 4 other people last night for a final practice with our packs on. We almost went two hours in the wooded trails of the Cleveland Metroparks.<br />
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The other aspect of Goruck Challenge is my fund raising efforts for Girls With Sole. Of my $600 goal, $100 per brick in my pack, I am at $535. Only $65 away from the target. <br />
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I've put the names of people who have donated on the tape wrapped bricks so each person will be with me during the challenge. But there is still more room.<br />
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One name that has special meaning on the bricks is Jason Valatka. He is the son of my friend Jason Hendricks, Sr. Jason Lee, as they call him, was serving in the Air Force stationed in Japan when he died of a freak accident in his barracks. Jason Sr. and his family are devastated. Being fathers with children of the same age..I feel Jason's pain. <br />
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Ian Hoffman has made his donation in memory of Jason Lee and support of Jason Sr.<br />
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I don't know how I have managed to wind up with some many wonderful friends. Many people have donated towards my crazy antics in the past and continue to support me.<br />
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Thank you everyone for your past, present and future donation. <br />
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All of my friends will be with me Saturday night/Sunday morning in some way.<br />
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I have learned something important from each and every one of them that will help me get through the Challenge. And hopefully I will be able to help those around me to push through and complete the challenge and learn something about themselves. <br />
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Game On.TriErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691917208601027960noreply@blogger.com0