Oldman

OK I know I did the race. I crossed the finishing line. I didn't dream this or imagine it. However no results posted on the Naples Fitness Challenge Website for me. You see I suffer from the Curse of Ziegfried the Thumbless.

Ziegfried was a Viking who offended the King and thus was cursed by said King, sentenced to have his thumbs cut off. Do you know how hard it is to work with out thumbs? Thumbs are used for almost everyting we do. Test this by trying to pick up a cup of coffee without your thumb.

Now this curse was passed down the family line via my father's family (my mothers family are American indian). It affects everything in life such as when you buy something a part missing or broken, the new car will be a lemon, and usually whatever it is it will break at the WRONG time! If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have luck.


So that brings us to the email from the Naples Fitness Challenge Race Director, Linda Gregory:

Thank you very much for participating in The 23rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon.

I hope you had a great time.

We did have some timing issue with one wire on the transition area being cut by biking shoes and the finish timing device being unplugged accidental on the beach by spectators.

So some athletes will not have finish time listed. The FINISH TIME AFFECTED were from 1 hour 23 minutes to 1 hour 32 minutes this can be fixed and we can get your time listed in our final results. Thank you for your patience.

O well there it is again, The Curse of Ziegfreid the Thumbless

This Sunday bright and early is the Naples Fitness Challenge. I went today at lunch with my friend Jack to pick up my race packet. To my surprise there was a water bottle along with a tee- shirt. Who would have thot that would be in the packet (OK I'll wear the shirt once or twice but trash the water bottle).

So this is the first time in along time that I haven't been recovering from surgery or on some kind of doctor's restriction so hopefully I'll do well! I've been doing open water swimming with Jack, who is training for Ironman Kona (yes I'm jealous) so my weakest sport has become strong I hope!

Update on Monday with pics.

My friend Jack WON (lucky bastard) a slot for Kona Ironman, however in order to valid the slot he must complete another Ironman race, either a half or full Ironman. Of course Jack is doing a half this summer. So he has been swimming in the Gulf to get ready. Jack invited me to swim along. so today I met Jack at the parking lot of Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at 7:15 for a quick swim.

The water was a cool 84* with slight rollers so we stared out into the current with the rollers to our back left and it was a tough 1/4 mile swim...into the current. I had forgotten to sight so I started out by swimming in a circle. I realized the error of my direction, stopped, regrouped and started over again. I then sighted every 50 strokes only to find Jack puling away from me!

The turn around found us going with the current so it was a very easy relaxing swim back to the start, kinda like swimming down hill! The only problem... I have a salty water taste in my mouth.

Tonight will be quick 5 mile run!

Here is a video I thot everyone would like to see.

OK I know it has been a long time away again. I can tell your from personal experience that Melanoma is no fun! I think it affects every aspect of your life specially your head! But then having a brain tumor I have an excuse! I am weekly checking my body for another tumor and have a few "spots" I'm watching even though my doc says they are nothing to worry about. I see my dermatologist next month so we shall see.... but no surgery until after St. Anthony's Tri April 26.

I've been training but not as regular as I should. I seem to get to a certain point then have another surgery and fall back. So now that I have been CANCER FREE for 3 MONTHS I am going to get on track. (Also I am just getting to the end of the medical bills). I've been swimming trying to get back into a training groove.

I've registered for the Naples Fitness Challenge and will be doing the Beach Bum 5k this weakend. I'm looking at doing the 8 race series Publix Family Fitness Triathlon Series but maybe I need a sponsor.

The weak in review

Mon - Wed - Fri = 25 mile morning bike ave speed 20.1
Tues - Thurs = 6 mile run ave pace - slow
Thurs = 30 min swim
Sat = golf
Sun = 45 mile bike with Badass Flatlanders (got dropped of course)

well not all the stitches came out just some of the stitches. I now have a large adhesive bandage to keep the incision site closed plus a few stitches. The doc says I can't exercise until Monday when hopefully the rest of the stitches come out.

today was a run day but shortened to 3 miles as I have the appointment with the doc.

My stitches come out on Thursday morning....and I can't wait. My Surgeon says I can start to exercise again! Plus they itch! UGH!

Here is a quick hit on the weak in review:

Training:

• Monday - run day 4 miles
• Tuesday - run day 6 miles
• Wednesday - bike 25 miles
• Thursday - Run 6 miles
• Friday - Bike 25 miles
• Saturday - Run - stood in garage and watched the rain
• Sunday - Bike 42 miles

totals:

• Run 16 miles
• Bike 92 miles
• Swim NADA
• Waits NADA

No swimming or waits due to stitches. I can't wait for the Doc to give me clearance to start exercising again!

ON another note, I'm signing up for the Naples Half Marathon, Jan 18, 2009. It is one of my favorite races and you get to see how the poor people live in Naples - homes started at $5 mil! Who's in? Plus great pasta party the nite before!