Getting around Europe...

I'm not a big fan of driving.  However, I am a big fan of seeing Europe off the beaten path.  Therefore, I've bought a car...  Not much to look at, but it will get me (and my bike) to interesting places on the weekends.

60

60 minutes... That's my threshold to consider myself "able to train."  When I can run 60 minutes, I feel like I'm finally making progress.

After nearly 6 weeks of illness and travel, I finally completed a 60 minute run today.  The weather was cool and clear.  Although my legs were still a bit heavy, my head was light.  

I managed to find the German trail network... WOW!!!  What a great system.  There are MILES of paved/cobbled trails.  I can't wait to explore it with my MTB when it arrives.  

Finally, Sunday in Germany is a day of rest.  The stores are all closed.  There are serious ordinances/restrictions to prevent noise (no lawn mowing or loud music for example).  It's really peaceful seeing so many people outside walking, running, cycling and re-charging themselves (quietly) for the week ahead.  I think the U.S. could learn something...

Home at the Mo Hotel

This is where I live for the next month.  It's not bad.  The breakfast is good and it's convenient for work.

Making an impact...

Photo by www.cyclingnews.com

I think we all hope to make a positive impact in the World. 

 

Although I've never been a huge Lance fan (I was always partial to Stephen Roche and Bernard Hinault), I can't help but support Lance's return.

Simply put, I think he really is drawing global attention to the need for increased cancer research. And that... Is worthy of support.

Colmar and the Haute K castle...

Just a quick couple of photos from the weekend...

The road ahead...

I've got 38 weekends in Europe. 10 of them will be occupied by work. 4 will include Rachel and family visiting. Therefore, I have 24 mini-European vacations until the adventure ends. Of course, I have more than 24 places I'd like to visit. Here's a brief list of my plans for the year:

1. World CCX Championships in Holland
2. Colnago Factory Tour in Cambiago, Italy (order custom Colnago)
3. Venice Festival
4. Ride the Tourmalet and Croix de Fer and Alpe d'Huez in a weekend
5. MTB in Garmisch
6. Ride the Gavia and Stelvio passes in a weekend
7. Ride the Porte d'Aspet
8. Visit the Eagle's Nest
9. Berlin
10. Porsche Factory and Museum Tours
11. Mercedes Benz Factory and Museum Tours
12. Lake Como weekend
13. Paris long-weekend
14. Vienna weekend
15. Lichtenstein
16. Tour de France weekend
17. Giro d'Italia weekend (Dolomites)
18. Pick up custom Colnago weekend
19. Custom DMT shoes weekend (if possible)
20. Prague weekend
21. Budapest weekend
22. Milan weekend
23. Stuttgart weekend
24. Triathlon race weekend (EmbrunMan, Challenge Switzerland, or Triathlon Alpe d'Huez)

New year & new goals...

First I want to thank those people who supported me in 2008:

The Athlete's Lounge--Gary and Nick's support of the Ironheads is phenomenal.

Adidas--I've tested gear for free and chosen to purchase plenty of it myself.  I look forward to visiting company HQ when I'm living in Germany next year.

Fuel Belt--Never leave home without it.  Awesome products with even better people.  Meeting Vic at IMAZ in April was an absolute highlight of my year.  Your optimism and "can do" spirit inspires me.

Ironguides Coaching--Marc Becker is simply one of the most honest, dedicated coaches in the business.  While we've amicably parted ways (I simply don't aspire to focus on "time" any longer), I consider him to be the single biggest influence in my development as a triathlete.

Rachel--She's not just a supporter... She pushes me to pursue my best in every aspect of life.  

2009 provides a chance to redefine my goals.  So, I'm refocusing on a few basics:

1.  Become a more complete athlete.  Focusing on triathlon alone has left me "weak" in many areas (core, upper body, lateral movements, etc.).  It's time to build the foundation for the next bunch of life's adventures.  Can you say full-body workouts?

2. Ride OUTSIDE and enjoy the view more often.  Trainers are great TRAINING TOOLS.  However, memories are created when riding outside.  Unless it's unsafe, I'll be spending my weekends riding through Europe and experiencing life.

3. Re-find my climbing ability.  Lots of flat races and trainer time has increased my weight and decreased my climbing ability... Since my 2009 schedule is marked by "memorable" courses (those with lots of climbing), it's time to start collecting vertical feet.

4. Balance.  Both on and off the bike.  I'll be back to riding MTB more frequently.  I'll also be back to taking a few more days off to pursue other interests (learning to speak German for instance).

Happy New Year and good luck to everyone out there…