More sponsors and race news....

I want to start this blog off welcoming Pearl Izumi and PowerBar as new sponsors to the Rev3 Triathlon team. I can't wait to start using their products. Whether it be the Power Bar Nut Natural Energy Bars or the Power Bar Perform sports drinks, I will be depending on them to get me through my races this year. I am also looking forward to using the Pearl Izumi line on the bike and on the run. Welcome to the team!

In race news, I just completed my first race of the season this past weekend. I am happy to report that I also have my first PR of the season. I finished the Germantown half marathon in 1:57:30. While it is not a blazing speed to some, it is a personal best for me. This is a race that I usually use to kick off my season and to get motivated for the years coming races. Considering the limited training I put into this race, I am extremely happy with the results and hope this continues into the triathlon season. I have 2 Olympic distance races in May. Rev3 Knoxville and Memphis in May triathlon. Before those arrive though, I need to decide if I am going to add in another local half marathon. I am torn on whether or not to enter. On one hand, it is additional run training, of which I need. On the other hand, it is the week before Rev3 Knoxville and I am not sure I want to take the chance in it limiting my potential in that race. What do you guys think? Enter the half marathon or concentrate on Rev3 Knoxville?

New sponsors...

Wanted to add a quick update to give a shoutout to 2 new sponsors. Swiftwick socks (www.swiftwick.com) and Blueseventy  (www.blueseventy.com). I can't wait to give these products a whirl!

In other news, training is starting to kick into gear. I have been focusing on weight training through bootcamp classes and actual weight lifting and am noticing a difference in my running. I am heavier than I was during race season, but feel stronger during my long runs so far. All those lunges and squats must be paying off! I am curious to see how the biking goes once the weather allows me to get outside on the road (for those that don't know, I am a fair weather biker).

I have 2 half marathons coming up in March and April and then kick off my triathlon season at Rev3 Knoxville (http://www.rev3tri.com/). If you have never done a Rev3 race, you should definitely look into it. While I am sponsored by them, I would be doing their races regardless. They put on a great race!

See you at the races!

Beast of burden...

...pack mule, sherpa. All things things are another name for a person that is carrying a large amount of physical burden. Carrying all the families luggage through the airport...you're a sherpa. Bringing in the 200 bags of Target items...you're a pack mule. You get the picture. Well, I have apparently decided to make see how much I can deal with this year. 2012 will be the year of the pack mule for myself. I am not sure if that is an official sign of the Chinese calendar, but it is in my world.

2012 is going to be busy. It will consist/has consisted of:

• Started a new job as the controller of a local bank
• Signed up for Louisville 140.6 (along with about 8 other races)
• Will be studying for/taking the CPA exam

I am not usually a morning workout person, but in order for me to get the studying and training in as well as keep as much of a normal family life together as possible, those am workouts will become a necessity.  I figure I will need to carve out enough time each week to have about 10 hours of study and 10-15 hours of training in addition to work and family time. For those that have kids and both train for 140.6 and are in school or studying for some sort of accreditation, how do you do it? Any tips or tricks will be much appreciated.

On a separate note, I can't wait for Spring to arrive.  Really miss riding outdoors.  See you at the races!