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!