Those Are The Breaks Duke...

After 90 minutes of a good ride on the last day of August I was distracted; my mind wasn't in the game.... I was caught up in a world far away from the moment. After all of these years riding 2 wheeled vehicles I rarely realize the speed I am traveling. One lapse in concentration and I am seeing the ground... the sky.... the ground.... etc. At first I didn't want to let it in, but after a few minutes I knew I had broken my clavicle and at least a sprained wrist. Its a common injury with cyclists, and my 3rd time; but it is never something you are ready for. After my last break and no medical treatment except an Xray, I decided to skip the doctors and just get on with the recovery and try to get back to Ironman training. The bike would be no problem with indoor training, but running and swimming would be a challenge. Two weeks without running and four without swimming would be hard to recover from. At the end of September my Ironman race in November started to look like a problem. Injuries are part of being an athlete whether its a broken bone, a muscle tear, or an overuse injury. I am lucky to be resilient when it comes to training stress, but I do get injured from time to time. The key to putting it in your past is accepting the injury, accessing the situation, and planning how to come back to your form quickly and safely. This time I decided I would do one of my favorite races and see how I would hold up before I decided the end of my season: the Brierman 50 Half Lite Triathlon in Frederick, MD.

One of my friends was doing his first race back after an injury and a long recovery which made the day much more fun. Luckily for me he didn't mind me swimming behind him for almost the whole time which made my first obstacle much better! Getting out of the water and onto the bike I knew that I had to do all I could to have a good bike split. This race is not your typical 1/2 IM, it is HILLY! In fact you cross the Appalachian Trail a few times and you are almost always going up or down. Glancing at your speed usually shows something like this: .... 28....34....12....4....26... 40.... 4... 6.... There are a few times when I was spinning out in my aero position with a 53x11 so that is not your regular bike leg! Luckily for me I was having a good day; and at the end of the first lap there were times when I could see the pace car and the leader ahead. That was all I needed to keep the pressure on. I was making time up on the climbs, but where I would really close was the descents. I was probably climbing 1 or 2 mph faster, but on the descents it was probably closer to 7-8 mph difference which I didn't want to lose. I knew the leader was a gifted athlete and runner so I had to make my move on the bike. With about 5 miles to go up a steep hill I finally moved into the lead and kept my momentum going. A few more technical sections and I was finishing the bike leg. When I left T2 Mary was giving me some great encouragement, "... you are first and 2nd place isn't in transition yet..." Running up the path I heard, "He is just coming into Transition...GO!" I had never led a road Triathlon before and was doing my best to push the pace. This run was demanding as well so I tried to keep that in my mind. I kept repeating one of my favorite song lyrics in my head, "... Goodbye everybody... don't come find me 'cause I want to disappear..." What a difference a month makes! I was laying on the ground August 31st, and now I am leading one of my favorite races! I passed a house with a dog in the yard which was great because I could hear how far ahead I was. When I heard the dog start barking I looked at my watch... 15 seconds... just keep pushing maybe he will slow down. I hoped to lead until the turnaround, but after being caught on a descent I started to feel the limit. My legs just wouldn't go fast enough on the downhill. I started to lose contact. Trying to keep it together I just kept my focus; although I was passed I was having one of my best runs ever... I wasn't fading. On my way back into the park I was happy. I wasn't going to win, but I was finally finding some strength in my racing again. After all the stress of the year, the setbacks and disappointments; I was feeling what I love to feel: I am an Athlete. I am performing and have no limits... This is where I love to be!

After a long day I was happy with my second overall, but my body was telling a different story. I was definitely feeling my injury and lack of preparation. The bike was one of my best, but I have a long way to go to feel good again. It is time to call it a season. I will work very hard in the pool and the gym over the winter so I can have a successful 2010. So many times I have chased my dreams for good results regardless of my actual fitness. An athlete has to be stubborn, tough, and determined; but being smart and realistic about goals and achievements is also very important. In a year when I raced less than I have in 17 years, it is still nice to move on. Bringing the season to a close means you can begin to plan your next season and goals; What could be better than a fresh start? One of the greatest things about competition is that it is always there when you are ready. All you have to do is decide when and where you want to go, and the starting line will be waiting. How many things in life are like that?

You Say You Want Diamonds On A Ring Of Gold...

Race number two of the season is in the history books, and I am still trying to find that elusive form that I have been working on all season. Saturday July 11th was the 2009 Diamond In The Rough Triathlon in Perryville, MD. Leading up to the race I have had a few rough weeks. An injury and a sickness from XTERRA East kept me off the bike for a week, and both have been nagging me enough to cause a few problems here and there. I woke up Friday with some issues that turned out to be related to my fall earlier this year. How come these things crop up right when you REALLY don't need them? I can train through things, but a good performance usually requires good health!Tthat being said I decided to give it my best shot.

the Swim: Oh.... the swim.... my new bane of existence! I used to train for 1/2 an hour 2-3 days a week and was always happy in the water; now I spend 3 days for an hour with structure and can't seem to put together a good race! Just a little humor first, if you ever have to use the restroom before a race, don't count on just going in the water! When I jumped in off the dock into the water there was 30 seconds until the start.... I don't know about you; but I need a little more time than that, and less than the 400 other people floating and bumping around me! Sooo... I started out OK, but realized that my back kept me from rotating properly to breathe to the left which is my stronger side, and I couldn't pick my head up to sight without a spasm....NICE. I tried to stay with as many people as I could so I didn't have to look. I just never felt like I could get going and was already thinking of the bike by the time I got back to the dock.

T1: I have to start riding without gloves or something, this is getting ridiculous. Do I really have to spend 1:51 in transition? What am I doing putting gas in my car? I have heard of staying calm, but this is taking it too far.

Bike: This is my favorite course. From the moment I get on the bike I love it. this year I went in the 2nd wave and there were way more people on the road (that combined with a swim that was more like a float in the current by me!). I was very impressed with everyone out there because the course is demanding. It is hilly, twisty, and actually a little scary for someone that isn't very confident in their aero position. I left the aero helmet in the car because of my back problem, but rode my disc and trispoke wheels. It seemed pretty windy out on the loop and I usually do better when the riding gets tougher. My top speed on my GPS was 49.8 mph and judging from how it felt I think it couldn't have been far off. My legs were OK, but my HR never got very high which was actually a good thing. I never seemed to lose too much momentum. I did pass 3 cars on the left on the loop which was new to me; one seemed to be following a racer they knew; but 2 wouldn't go around other competitors. I wonder what they thought when there was no one coming the other direction, but decided to sit right behind a racer trying their hardest to let them by? It had to be funny to have someone on a bike come by and quickly go out of sight... we have to get our revenge sometime right?

One funny thing happened when I passed someone about 3 miles from the finish. I usually race the bike leg with my earplugs in because of wind noise in my helmet, and it keeps me focused and in race mode. I usually leave them in T2, but one fell out on the loop. I shifted to the small ring to go up a climb and dropped my chain. I was still going fairly fast when someone came up along side of me. I pedaled the chain back on and took off. The other racer began to sprint next to me and tell me how I was supposed to slow down until he passed me... I didn't want to tell him that the 30 year old group had left 5 minutes earlier, I didn't want to break his spirit so I just kept going. People are funny in races sometimes! I was definitely wishing I had my earplugs in so at least he would have been muffled a little!

Run: After a good T2 I set out on the run. This race is good for me because of the demanding bike loop and climbing, and the run is only 5 miles. Its out and back so you can see where you are in the race. Surprisingly I was feeling very good on the run. Again it was tough to know where I was because of leaving in the 2nd wave. Maybe this was a good thing because I passed a lot of runners; that almost never happens! At the turnaround I thought I was going to hold my position, but about 1.5 miles out I was passed by someone; I raised my pace, but couldn't stay with him. I finished and was very happy to have that one behind me!

After the race and talking to my friends MJ and Mark I realized that it wasn't just me suffering in the swim; the winds and the chop definitely took its toll on all of the racers. That brings me to a good point: Its funny with athletes because we tend to feel that all of the problems or obstacles that happen to us are unique. We feel like we are the only ones with these adversities, and that everyone else out there is having a perfect day.... this isn't true! EVERYONE has something that is bothering them whether its physical, mental, mechanical, or even mythical! When you hear the stories after a race about how "this year isn't good", or "I could have had a great day, but..."; or "I wish I had felt like I did when..." try to tune them out. After a race everyone has things that could have gone better! Its a natural reaction, but when you are racing you have to forget anything negative. If you focus on the fact that you had a bad swim, or you have a sore back and neck, or you just can't seem to push you are DEFINITELY going to have a bad day. There are some tricks to use that are worth experimenting with, Some racers use a mantra such as "go, go, go", or "venga, venga, venga" for old TDF fans. I tend to focus on a line of music, or a lyric. In this race I used AC/DC's "Runaway Train... running right off the track". Something to take your mind off the problems and the pain, and get on with the job at hand. So much of racing is attitude, and a good performance is just as much mental as it is physical. Try to have something whether it is a song, a lyric, a sound, a color, whatever it is to keep you thinking positive.

All in all I had a good race and enjoyed it again. I like to try to pick out the good things about a race as well as the things I need to work on. I had to settle for the 2nd bike split, but I also negative split the run which is new for me. I suffered in the swim, but I have never been as comfortable at speed on the bike which means the best races this year are yet to come. I was never thirsty or hungry so I did my nutrition right as well. Although I finished 14th overall, I have another chance to have a better race in a few weeks; that is what I love about racing... the best is always yet to come! Thanks for reading...

Back In the Saddle

I am finally getting back into training! Monday after XTERRA Richmond I came down with something, but didn't know I was getting sick until the fever and cough hit. Now I am finished my antibiotics, and my lungs are starting to clear and I am feeling better. what a bad time to be sick... I wait all year for this weather! maybe I won't get sick in October like I do every year.. I hope so! At least it kept me from pushing too much with my injury from the fall in the race. I am such a Rock-head about things I would have been training and not giving my body a chance to recover had I not gotten sick. Its funny how your body reacts to things, and how it compensates. I can always notice it in my athletes, but its hard to notice when your body needs rest yourself. 

    No races for a 2 weeks, and then I am doing the Diamond In The Rough Tirathlon in Perryville, MD. this is an awesome event! The bike leg is very hilly and demanding, and also is longer than a standard race at 27 miles. I will be working on the TT bike getting ready for the event. I would like to do a training race or TT before the event as well so I will keep you posted. 

     I am also starting to plan 2010 already believe it or not. In this day and age of races selling out in minutes online, you have to have your major events planned well in advance. This year IM Arizona is November 22nd, and that may be my last IM for a while. right now I am thinking of racing the full XTERRA Cup Series for 2010, and doing 1 Ironman 70.3 race; possibly New Orleans. Plans always change, but for now I think that is the plan. I am going out to ride MTb for a change now so I will post over the weekend. If you get a chance get out and enjoy the weather this is what we wait all year for! thanks for reading...

The Numbers...

Going over the data from this weekend's XTERRA, I found some interesting things. I didn't wear a HRM for the swim, but on the bike my average HR was 157 bpm. That is very close to my 156 bpm average I had at IM Arizona in 2008. The funny thing is that the bike leg for Arizona was 5 hours long! My LT threshold at my last fitness test in February was 167 bpm, so I was 11 beats under my usual HR in a race such as an XTERRA. The run was better, but still 164 is not my usual sustainable effort level in a race; especially of that nature. Its not like I don't know what happened during the event, but looking at the hard numbers sometimes can provide another insight to your performance. This is a good time to realize that things in races don't go as planned. You can train, diet, prepare, and rehearse; but the race is going to take its own course. You may have great luck and have a better than expected day, or you may have a very rough time and not even finish. An endurance athlete has to put even big races with big goals and ramifications behind them in order to have the confidence to continue. Successful racers will take the good and the bad from a day, and use it to improve for the next time. So many times all I hear from racers is the bad and that can be a problem. As a competitive racer I can beat up on myself over and over about so many things in an event from nutrition, equipment selection, and race strategy, to other athlete interaction; but that will not help me become a better racer. As a coach I know that even in the best race with the best results there are things that didn't go well. They just aren't mentioned because of the positive outcome. I try to find something positive in every performance from myself and my athletes; as well as things to work on and ways to improve. This approach may seem unemotional at times, but in the long run it is filled with much more emotion, dedication, and perseverance than having a more reactionary response to the outcome. The overall winner of the XTERRA East Cup had a horrendous cut on his foot pre-race. If you ask Conrad how the day was of course he is going to be pleased and positive with the outcome, but I bet he will remember what happened in the water and do whatever he can to avoid having a problem like that again. That is one of the things that makes him a great champion.
Next time you compete try to evaluate the entire experience, the good and the bad, and don't focus too much on either. Nowadays I am almost embarrassed to talk about the bad things that happened during a race! In the hours and days after the event when you are telling the story, don't focus on just the bad things. Some of the sensational stories are from the bad things, but the good things can make for good entertainment as well. If all you take away from a race is the bad things, the missed opportunities, or the mistakes; it will keep you from being the confident, positive, successful athlete you need to be to perform at your best. Once you see that even on the worst days there are many things that are good, competing becomes much more enjoyable. The next time you get to the starting line it will be easier to remember all those good things from a race that can give you the confidence and toughness you need to make it through the next bad time. One of the greatest things about being a racer is that there is always the next event to have a better outcome. As long as there are races to do, and people that want to push themselves to new levels, an opportunity exists for a positive performance. You can't control many variables that go into a race and an athletic performance, but you can control how you are going to interpret the outcome. Try focusing on those positives and see how much better of a story can be told when you look back on the day; you will be a better racer and athlete because of it!

Ups, and Downs

Today was my first race of the season, 2009; the first of my new direction, and the first XTERRA as a Pro. It was quite an experience! I definitely learned a lot, and had a great time. I also learned some big lessons that will keep me motivated, and learning to be a better athlete. Here is a breakdown of the race:

Swim: This was the hardest swim I have ever done at XTERRA, or really anywhere. the James River was muddy, high, and the current was STRONG. I started OK, but quickly went way downstream with the current because I didn't swim at the correct angle. It was tough! I couldn't really ever get into a rhythm, and was only able to correct my path by standing on the rocks during the shallow sections. I talked to my friend Kris after the race and we both laughed how we were washed down so much that we had to walk up to make the buoy! After the swim I couldn't have been happier to get to T1.

Bike: A lot has changed for me over the past few years. I used to ride my MTb about 3 days a week, and do most of my long days on it. This season I have ridden about once a month until a few weeks ago; it showed! I will always have good bike handling skills; the problem is I have lost my MTB fitness a good bit. I have much more power now, can keep a better tempo, and can ride much longer, but the steep sections and the quick accelerations and pace changes are hard on me. I definitely need work on it and will start this coming week! I was having a good bike split until I got to a section of trail that was darker, wet from dew, and off camber; when my front wheel touched a slab of wet rock I didn't really see I went down... HARD. I high sided, went down off the trail and downhill onto a bunch of rocks. After getting back up and composed I had my chain jammed down under my chainrings against the BB. After getting it out and back on the bike I realized i had a stiff link in the chain. A few minutes later after the repair I was on my way, but couldn't push as much. It was my mistake, and it was pretty much the end of a good split. After riding in to T2 I was hoping for a decent run.

Run: This was my highlight. I have always had a good bike leg, but the run was always my Achilles heel. Leaving T2 I had a few spasms from my fall in my lower right hip and back, but I was moving well. After about 3 miles I was still feeling like I had a lot of energy, and could keep a good pace. Mile 4 and 5 came and went, and after running a little with my friend I just kept an even pace until the finish.

All in all it was a good day. I actually feel lucky because I haven't hit the ground that hard since 2006 on the MX bike which landed me in surgery. I guess someone was watching over me so whomever it was I appreciate it! There were a lot of things I learned today, and a lot of things I see that I have to work on. the good thing is that I can say I ran much better, I got my nutrition right, and I was strong until the finish. I have to work on pushing a faster pace, my MTB fitness, and my swim starts. Its always important to take good things out of a race. People that only focus on the negatives like falls, traffic on the trails, and the competition will never be happy. I will try to take both the good and the bad and make my next race better. I finished 12th, but need to work on all my sports to get into the top 10. Most of all I need to stay off the ground on the bike to maximize my best sport! The best part of today was that Jesus and Elvis didn't make an appearance! I know what I need to work on, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of friends and getting to race! To my friends and crew Andy and Erica, Stan, and most of all my Superstar Mary; thanks so much for coming to support me and cheer me on! I hope everyone had a great weekend, and get out and enjoy the great summer weather ASAP! Thanks for reading!

Pre Game...

Nothing much happened Friday; had an uneventful swim and got ready for the race. I rode the Yeti on the street and made some adjustments. Today, saturday I got here in Richmond at 2:30 pm. I picked up my packet and pre-rode the course. Man it was awesome! It was drier than I thought, but the river is high and some parts of the old course are flooded it looks like. I think they had to re-route a bit on Brown's Island. Anyway, I will post some stuff tomorrow night when i get home; keep your fingers crossed for some good luck and a great race! I can't wait!!! Thanks for reading!

WMD...

Here She is! My new XTERRA machine, a Yeti hardtail! I have been racing on a 29er for a while, and last year in Richmond I rode it in my return to triathlon after 3 years off. I was definitely a "deep dish" version of myself at 169 pounds, and I felt like I had the wrong bike for the job as well. The 29ers definitely roll over obstacles much better, they hold their speed better, and they have more traction in just about every situation; they also are slower to get rolling, and have more resistance with more contact patch. I decided I wanted to give a 26" wheel a try and hopefully it will be the right choice. I prefer to race in the rocky, mountainous terrains where the big wheels excel, but for the fast twisty stuff this may be the ticket. My friend Jes Stith at Gettysburg Bicycle got me the frame and fork, and he is a great source for anything as far as cycling goes!

    I rode the bike yesterday and it was awesome. Very fast, light, and smooth. I will say you have to be on your toes a lot more without rear suspension or big wheels, but that is part of the fun. I think it will be a great bike for the weekend; lets hope that we are able to have a swim at the XTERRA. The James River is very strong right now, and it won't be the first time that it is a problem. Years ago the current and high water forced officials to cancel the swim and have a duathlon. Nowadays I will be OK with that, but sure would love to swim so keep your fingers crossed!

Race Week!

Well it is finally here! It has been a very long Spring, and the XTERRA Atlantic Cup is this Sunday 6/14/09! Its a big day for me because its the first race for me as a Pro triathlete. I have to say I am a little nervous about it, but I also think I can excel at a lot of the things that will be different:

1. I will be leaving in the first wave. I am not a great swimmer, but I have been working hard since I had such a terrible swim at IM Arizona last Fall. I hope to be able to finish with the pack of normal guys. This is important because I will be behind a lot of people after the swim, but as of now 22 pros including me isn't bad. I am usually very polite on the bike and have trouble moving by slower racers; I can really push the bike leg now!
2. The competition will be excellent. A lot of times because of my bike strength, and lack of swim strength I am passing a LOT of riders that are going a much different pace than me. With Pros maybe I can ride with someone and it will actually help me push and have a better bike leg. Sometimes you raise your level to the competition around you.
3. I am an unknown rider. Nobody will know who I am, what my abilities are, or just what I may have under the hood.

4. I am a runner. OK, I said it. I actually feel like I can call myself a runner! Not that I am anything special, but I think I can hold my position a lot better now than any other time that I have been racing. I actually go out to run for "Fun" sometimes now... I know, crazy!
5. I have wanted to race Pro since 2004! I have been waiting a long time for this shot and I will do my best to make the most of it!

It has also been a good year for training for me. Unfortunately I was downsized after FBW was acquired. I have opened my business Sublime Athletics, but I am still building it and have more time to train and recover. I haven't ever been able to get this much time in, and have it be quality with a decent amount of rest. I have been working hard on my running, and when I get my nutrition right I can actually lay down a better time than in the past.
Emotionally and personally it has been a very bad year for me as well, but I am getting along OK and the racing will definitely help me have direction and an outlet. On the good side I am 14 pounds lighter than I have been since 2002.... there is nothing like racing with a more powerful and lighter engine! Speaking of that I will post some new pictures of my new Yeti race bike... it will be finished today!
I will post every day until Sunday, and then will give a recap of the race. I have other plans for this year, but they all start after Sunday. I really hope I didn't lose anyone by not posting in a while; this is a race blog though so its time to get started! From here on out its racing and fun for the rest of the year! Thanks for reading...

Is It Spring Yet?

Well its been a long time since I posted, and a lot has happened for me. I have been having a great time with Sublime Athletics working with some great athletes, and finding out just how many people out there really love to compete and race at their best. I have also left my career of 11 years; Ferris, Baker Watts is no more. It was a great run, and I hope to work with some of my friends again in the near future.
I have been very busy training and learning a lot about what it takes to be a Professional; I had no idea the amount of recovery i was missing out on! 2 a day workouts, and longer days have been much easier for me in a lot of ways; lets just hope I can make it pay off. So far I am only registered for 2 races: Ironman Arizona on November 22nd, and XTERRA Atlantic Cup in Richmond, VA on 6/14/09. The XTERRA will be my Pro debut as an Off Road Triathlete; something I have wanted to do for 8 years. One of my competitors in the past who is an excellent racer is also racing Pro which is exciting. In XTERRA I really haven't seen many age groupers move up to the Pro ranks which is unfortunate. Upgrading is not an easy process due to the current USA Triathlon rules, and that is the problem. Regardless of that it should be exciting! I will be making regular posts, and am working on a training blog as well; I will post the link when its up and running. I hope this weather holds now its time for Spring and summer!

Changes

Being an racer is very tough; competition is a microcosm of life. You never know what is going to happen, and with every action comes a reaction. No matter how hard you train, plan, desire, or persist you can't control the outcome. You have to react to what is happening in real time, and make decisions to bring out your desired result. Even with all the elements in place for success, there are simply things that are beyond your control. A true champion can conquer the obstacles, and move forward to the next challenge, crisis, or adversary. What makes someone successful is the ability to move on. If you hold onto the past that is exactly where you will end up. Nothing will remain the same, and that is why only a select few will emerge victorious.

2009 Season Planning and Training Begins....

Ouch! I just finished my first week of training for the 2009 season; the off season is over. Now is the time to get ready for the rest of the year. I had a great off season evidently with Holiday parties, Ravens tailgates, and the football playoffs and super bowl. The official tally is 9 pounds; I gained 9 pounds from 11/23/08, the day of Ironman Arizona. Not bad for the off season! On a more positive note I didn't break any bones in 2008! Every year since 2002 I had some kind of fracture; last year a broken collar bone in late October really derailed my training and I had a terrible winter. I was the heaviest I have ever been starting my training last January. When I was at the IM Arizona pre-race dinner they asked how many people had lost weight for the event; I stayed standing for the 20+ group! 22 pounds! So that means I am already ahead of the game for this season which I am happy about.
This year also brings a lot of challenges for me in my "real life". I am losing the job I have had for 10 years, and starting in a new direction. I hope to be able to get in the kind of training I need in my new adventures, but only time will tell. The good thing is that I will have a training camp for the first time since 2003 which should get me off the trainer and jump-started for the season. No official plans yet, but I will enjoy any time I can have in the daylight.
So far the only race I am signed up for is IM Arizona on 11/22/09, but I have some races planned and will post my schedule ASAP. I will be racing the 2009 Masters of Motocross Series, The Michaux Endurance Series, and the Piranha Sports Tri series, and probably 2 XTERRA events. I am undecided on an IM 70.3 because of my job situation, but for now I will focus on these events which should keep my busy! I am definitely happy to have competition, because it seems like the only thing that ever stays constant in my life. No matter what else I am doing, I always get to feel at home racing. Its funny that the most unpredictable thing in my life has become what gives me stability. No matter how well I prepare, I will be happy when the gun goes off. Its the only time when 100% effort produces 100% reward; I hope everyone is looking forward to racing as much as I am. It will be an adventure I know that, and I'll do my best to keep you posted.

2009, The New Year...

Happy New Year to everyone! Its been a while, and I have definitely had a good off season! I have officially gained 6 pounds, and I have been living it up and being lazy since November 24th; the day after IM Arizona. I went to Orlando for a coaching seminar, I went to 2 Ravens games, and numerous parties and have had a great time. the funny thing is, I am getting tired of it. Really? Really... tired of not training much, drinking and eating whatever I want, and not having any direction. When I train and have structure, everything is better. I know what I have to get done, when I can do it, and how I am going to do it. Without that I am just going through the motions. Even good beer and food isn't as good if I can have it whenever I want! I know what this means...
Time to get back to basics, and preparing for 2009 and racing. I only have one race for sure on my schedule which is IM Arizona on November 22nd; but I have an idea of doing three 70.3 IM races, and maybe even a sprint or 2. I will get it all laid out and post it soon, but at least I have a new direction. I will also fulfill one of my lifelong goals: get my Pro license! I really missed out on a Pro MTB license back in 1999 by pursuing the USA Masters Worlds Team; which was pulled and cancelled AFTER I had qualified! I only got one shot at a top Semi Pro result, and spent it racing the 1999 Seven Springs National in the team qualifier. It was such a big deal to me back then I turned on NORBA and MTB racing for good. Although I still do some from time to time I have never focused on it since. I started XTERRA racing in 2000 and ended up here as an IM Triathlete. Now, with the demise of the big time Pro scene for MTB racing here in the states (at least as we knew it), they have done away with the Semi Pro category; so Semi Pros can now race Pro if they desire. Well, I might as well get my license; then I could at least race XTERRA as a Pro if I want to give it a shot. Anyway, I am very pleased to finally get my license, and hope I can put it to some good use in the next few years. I hope everyone is ready for a great 2009; I know I am. I will be writing a good bit again so stay tuned, and thanks for reading!