The Grey Lady

Just got back from the big island of Nantucket late last night. Had a very good visit with my mom, though she did melt down at one point, but we worked through it. Kids had a blast, skimboarding, bodysurfing, digging in the sand, checking out the grey seals, and living the fantasy island lifestyle. Got in three good runs, two with solid tempo for the last mile. Also, was able to get in a great open water swim at Dionis- good head current going out, waves breaking over me, great workout. I did not bring the bike out because we already had so much crap to haul, but thats ok because I will get a lot of riding in over the next four weeks before race #1. Groin feels great, but I still have solid scars and some numbness. More family fun on the near horizon, so I am sure to post updates to any of you gluttons for schadenfreude.

Catching up

Much to catch up on, to those hallowed few who even read this blog: On the home front, the situation is fairly stable with my extended family, though it is certainly in flux. She is in a facility (pretty nice) that is expensive (understatement) and getting the care she needs, but it will be a long haul. As the point person, I have been all over the place coordinating finances, legal things, and managing family stress. She gets out at the end of the month, so then we will be into a new phase of treatment with a new set of problems and potential pitfalls.

As for me, I just got back from a 10 day cycling tour with 27 students and 6 other faculty. We rode from New Jersey, through Amish Pennsylvania, Gettysburg, down to Harper's Ferry, WV, and on to Washinton, DC. It was very cool, camping every night and having the kids take responsibility for cooking for the group. Many miles in the saddle, many MONSTER climbs on my very heavy touring bike to work the legs. I feel like I am in great biking shape now. Last night, Chris and I were filmed by a running guru, and he broke down everything in our stride and position, much like we did with swimming. Once again, humbling how much I have to work on. I have not swum in a long time, but we head out to Nantucket this weekend, for a visit with my parents, so I plan to bring my wetsuit and get some open water swimming in a few times, a long with some great running. Thats it for now....