Six Weeks.

Between my return from a work/fun trip to Europe, in July (where I go to watch in awe as 20+ teammate rocked Ironman Switzerland!) I had 6 weeks to fully commit to Syracuse. Mind and body, I was ready to do what I needed to achieve my goals. Looking back, part of my fear/apprehension going into Eagleman knowing, in the back of my mind, my training and commitment had been sub-par to achieve the goals I had placed on myself. Unfortunately, with a job that includes last minute travel, this commitment is sometimes out of my control.

However, between August 1 and Syracuse, I only had one small trip, no work involved, and it would be to one of my favorite running cities in the world, San Francisco.

There is nothing quite like catching up with best friends over a 15-mile run with a turn-around view like this...

I was able to run everyday in San Fransisco, as my two best friends out there are training for their first marathons, bringing me my biggest mileage of the year thus far, and I felt better each run. I am finishing up a pretty big (for me) 4 week block that will lead into a gradual 2 week rest. I have been focusing on strength, speed, and hills while knocking out way more longer runs that any other time this year. Although I am a bit apprehensive about not being on my bike for many 'LDS' rides, the quality has trumped quantity. Mentally and physically, I am on the brink, but just need to get through this weekend and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As a quick tune up before Syracuse, I will be racing Nation's on 9/12 as a relay with my Dad. I CANNOT WAIT for this day - this is far beyond my father's comfort zone and a wonderful, fast course in the city where I grew up. My dad has been training his booty off, has even started to lead and organize group rides with his local tri club!, and I know he is going to surprise himself (and probably me!) with his result.

I will swim, then play in transition and cheer on teammates while my Dad attacks the bike, then I hope to run a speedy, faster-than-tempo 10k on the flat course. We lucked out and aren't in the last wave (start at 8am), so we will hopefully be done with drinks in hand by 11am at the latest. And the boy is racing Nation's as well, and if my Dad beats him on the bike...well....let's not even go there :)