Happy New Year

Well, today marks the last day of 2008 and what a year it was. Perhaps the biggest year of my life in terms of change. 2008 provided some struggles but, in the end, Jess and I came out on top and are moving closer to our dreams. Bring on 2009...it's going to be a great year, I have NO doubt!

Training has been going well. I got in a masters session, a trail run and a trainer session yesterday. Today I logged another masters workout (up in north county b/c UCSD is closed) and got in a fun mountain bike ride. It felt great to be back on the trails as I have been away from my mountain bike for almost two weeks. I am actually feeling pretty good in the water...let's just say that I am swimming faster now then I did all year last year and I haven't even done that much intensity in the pool (I am doing some different things this year and they are no doubt helping, the results have been rapid and obvious). Some good'ol hardwork in the pool in 2009 and we will see what kind of times I can post...I just can't keep swimming the way I have been for the last couple years (ie. way too slow!), change is coming =) The next few days involve some longer rides with Luke, a buddy of mine down here and some runs. UCSD opens back up this saturday so I will hit the pool over the weekend

The rest of the day is all about enjoying this great S.D. weather with Jess and the dog. We are heading to the beach and then we will find something exciting to do close to home.


--I have had some questions about wetsuits recently. I am lucky enough to be swimming in an Xterra Vendetta, which is the fastest, most flexible and most boyant wetsuit I have ever worn. If you need a new wetsuit or just want to swim faster contact Xterra and pick one up!

--Oh, we are making bread these days with this breadmaker...amazing! It is my new addiction =)

Have a good one everyone and have a good 2009!

Quick update

We are in San Luis Obispo right now and have been for the last few days. We are heading back to S.D. today...I really can't wait to get back home.
I have been gone for a couple weeks now and I need to get back to a normal routine. My 9 day "isolationist" training camp went well. I got in some great swims, rides and runs and my motivation went through the roof. After my training camp Jess and I went up to Sacramento for Xmas. We had fun with family and, overall, it was a pretty mellow holiday. On the 26th we cruised down to SLO to spend some time with my family. Now, we are on the road again, this time back to sunny San Diego.
My training last week was pretty light and unstructured. I did get in some workouts but nothing too serious, which is fine as I think it will serve me well as the season progresses.

This week I will be back at it with some higher volume...can't wait!
Hope all is well. Have fun out there!

--She is ready for the beach!

Day 7 and 8

--Winter riding gear...no fooling around, it's cold up here!

Sunday I started out with another Stanford masters session. It was a challenging set that included 17x100. 5x100 at base +5, 100 easy, 5x100 at base, 100 easy, 5x100 at base -5. I felt decent as the session went on. Swimming meters is getting much easier (relatively speaking), which is a great feeling b/c the first few workouts were rough! After swimming I rested up a bit and then head out for my long run in the afternoon. I got in 1:25 of hilly running.


--Sans pelo. This is my christmas present to my family, they love it when I cut all my hair off ;)

Today has been a lazy day and will be a day off for me. I logged almost 20 hours of training last week and, while I feel good, I am certainly tired so today is a good day to take off. This week will be challenging from a training standpoint just b/c of the holiday. So, I will get in another masters session tomorrow morning along with a trainer workout. Then, it is up to Sacramento to spend Christmas with family.
I will have my running shoes and that will likely be the only thing I will get in as pools will be closed and the roads will be wet.
This week is a great time to relax and be with family so I am going to enjoy it and get back to structured training after Christmas.
Hope everyone is getting that shopping done. Have a good one and thanks for reading.

--Passed out...rest is key!

Day 6

The day started early with 6 am masters practice. It was freezing this morning so it was a little rough making the dash from the locker room to the pool. We warmed up with some 50's and then had to swim 2 k straight alternating free/back by 50 and descending the free so that by the end you are really pushing it. Surprisingly, it went by pretty quickly and it felt good to really work on my stroke, making sure I am really "catching" the water. I am starting to feel so much more powerful in the water, much more so then ever before =)

After my swim I cruised back to the casa for some breakfast before my big adventure in the Santa Cruz mountains. I met up with my buddy Paul Roach (fellow Xterra athlete)...it was great to have company! We got in just about 4 hrs and 10,000 feet of climbing. I love the ride we did b/c it includes 2, 45 min climbs and the route runs through some amazing terrain. Today was gorgeous! The views were unbelievable. Some of the best riding in the country really is in Northern California. Of course, I didn't bring my camera so you will just have to take my word for it. It turned out to be one of the best rides I have done in a very long time. It was cold but I dressed appropriately this time so I stayed fairly comfortable despite the massive climbs and descents.
Tomorrow will be another masters session and a long run.
I think I am going to kill this entire pizza I just made and I am beat so I am going to cut this one short. Thanks for reading. Time for some recovery and then let's do it all again tomorrow! Yeahhh boyyyy! Thanks for reading.

Day 5

Today turned into a recovery day. I made it to the pool for a noon workout and just cruised it. I had a lot of work to do, the weather sucked and I was feeling tired so I decided to get in some lighter swimming to loosen up my sore muscles and then come back home and knock out some work.

Plus, this weekend I have some serious hours on tap. I will be swimming masters both days and then on Saturday I will head up in the Santa Cruz mountains for a long, hilly ride. On Sunday, after masters, I will get in my long run on some of the local trails. So, today is nice and easy and this weekend will kick my butt! Can't wait!

On another note, Skinfit will be partnering with Christine Jeffrey, stud swimmer and most recently 5th at Xterra World's. Look for her to dominate Xterra next year! The athlete line-up here in the states is looking pretty good with Victor Plata (olympian), Brian Lavelle, Christine Jeffrey, Reto Waeffler, James Walsh, and myself.
Plus, a whole bunch of top European athletes.

Throughout the weekend I should have a lot to report...plenty of adventures ahead!
Thanks for reading.

Day 4

I slept in a bit this morning and then knocked out some Skinfit shipments.
I decided to skip masters today and opted to head out for my trail run around 11. I felt great so I kept running and got in a fairly hilly 1:20. I just love running when the weather is a bit chilly...the air is so refreshing and invigorating. After my run I put in some serious stretch cord time and did core/lower back work. The stretch cords kicked my butt...I love doing these exercises b/c I feel that I get instant gratification in terms of better form, a stronger pull and, overall, just more efficient swimming.
I was going to spin on rollers but the rain was holding off so I hit the road for 1:30 of pure recovery. It felt good to loosen up the legs and get some fresh air before the rain starts falling again.
A fairly uneventful day, especially when compared to yesterday. Tomorrow is more of the same with a masters session (another threshold set that will no doubt destroy me!) and a trainer workout. Sorry for the lack of pictures...I will have more tomorrow and over the weekend.
One announcement is that Xterra released the 2009 race schedule. I will be doing all the cup races (8 in total), which are the races with money and pro points. I will be traveling to some new venues so I am excited about that... Las Vegas, Michigan, Alabama, Vermont, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and they are slated to put two more cup races on the schedule...who know where those will be.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Day 3

First of all, I slept like a champ last night. I was so tired last night b/c I had to be up early two days in a row and, plus, I spent the whole day training. So, in true rockstar fashion I hit the sack at something like 8:15. I ignored the alarm for masters and slept until 7:45...some solid hours and it felt great. I spent the rest of the morning doing some work and then went to noon masters at Stanford.

--Fuel!

Again, a serious slap in the face...warmup, 3x50's all-out for time, then 2 rounds of 3x100 base -5, 100 base +20, 2x100 base -5, 100 base +20, 1x100 base -5, 100 base +20. The good thing was that I made the send off fairly easily. We pulled the second round so the send off became a nonissue. So, some hard swimming and I am much happier with my performance today then I was yesterday. Swimming long course is simply harder...no way around it. If your not swimming long course you are at a disadvantage at the start of every triathlon/open water swim you do (doesn't really apply if your a REALLY GREAT swimmer but it doesn't hurt either). So, if you can get in a 50 meter pool do it! You will be a faster swimmer b/c of it.

--My home away from home...2, 50 meter pools! This facility is awesome.

After swimming I rushed home to head out the door for my ride. I had planned a 3 hr ride but since I slept in I changed things up and set out for 2 hrs. I rode out to hwy 9 and started the 45 min climb, feeling a little unsure if it was a wise move given how cold it has been and how much snow was up top. I forged ahead and really enjoyed the climb. When I was just about at the top I saw a guy sitting on the side of the road and a bit further was a bike on the ground. I stopped to see if he needed anything and when he looked at me he was covered in blood from his head/face down...wow! I stopped to help and just as I unclipped the ambulance/police came flying around the corner. They took care of it and I rode off since he was in better hands. As I rode away he said "be careful, the roads are really slippery."

So, I got to the top and changed my plans, no more riding for me b/c the temperature was only going to get dip lower and the roads were only going to get more icy. I decided to go back down the climb I just came up (the fastest way home). Nine miles later I was frozen! Seriously, my hands were so cold I was actually a bit worried (yes, I did have gloves on). I rode the last 15 minutes as hard as I could to try and get some blood flowing again. I made it back, fired up the heater, turned on the hot water in the shower and tried to get back to normal...it hurts so bad to get blood back into your hands when they are that cold. So, stupid to head into the mountains given the weather? The short answer is yes however, I got some great pics, saw and rode through some beautiful snow covered mountains, which I don't normally get to do, and in true "rocky" fashion I had to toughen up just to get home.


Now, it is time to relax before tomorrow. More training in store with another masters session, a trail run, and core/stretch cord work.

Day 2 (yesterday was day 1 and I did my long run)

The day started REALLY early (Thanks Reto!) as I had to take Reto to the S.F. airport. I could have come back and slept but I decided to get my training under way and got in my first trainer session. The rain was coming down hard and, in the mountains, snow plows were clearing the roads...crazy. So, time on the trainer was fine, especially since I had to get in some spin-ups, single leg drills and some strengthening. I wrapped up my session in 1 hr and then got some grub before heading to Stanford masters.


--my office this morning

Okay, let me start by saying that this workout today was just silly...20x150 on your base interval +5 sec. I understand that I need to put in the work but could we please make my time in the pool somewhat enjoyable?! I mean come on, 20x150...it just doesn't get more boring! It was one of those workouts that when I got in the shower I just stared at the wall and wondered what the hell just happen...seriously, 300 warm-up and then basically 3 k straight (yes, it was long course).
Welcome back to Stanford Trevor!
After swimming, I did some grocery shopping, shipping of packages and then went out for a trail run before it got dark. I love running these trails around here, especially with the rain as it has made the trails so soft and tacky. Plus, running during the winter is
So, a solid day of training. Tomorrow I am heading back to the pool (for some redemption!) and, since it is slated to be sunny, I will head out for a longer road ride.

Stay warm and dry out there.

Training camp time!

So, today marks the beginning of my "real" training in prep for the 2009 Xterra season. I am in Los Gatos until Christmas looking after Skinfit while Reto is in Europe. That means a nine day training camp is getting under way (literally in 5 min. as I head out the door for my first session, a long run). I will be in full-blown "Rocky" mode...no distractions, no being soft, no alcohol, no heat, only cold showers, and plenty of training in the cold and rain/snow =) Ha, Ha, time to toughen up! The hair is coming off, there are trees in the backyard I plan to chop up and haul to the top of hwy 9(on my shoulders), and when the snow falls I will be out there in only my speedo tearing up the trails ;)
There will be plenty of rides and runs in the Santa Cruz mountains (lots and lots of climbing)and Stanford masters swimming...a recipe for fitness if you ask me. I will post my days activities everyday for 9 days so follow my progress as I kick off the 2009 season...it's going to be a good year, I can feel it!

By the way, Christmas is fast approaching so make sure to make your Skinfit purchases soon...so much great gear that you know you need!!!

Training...

On saturday, I hit up the famous Swami's ride. It was a good time and a solid group to ride with. Plus, the weather was perfect! The pace was fairly comfortable for me, which was good seeing as how I have only ridden a few times in the last few weeks. After the ride I went for a short transition run on the beach and a mellow drill session in the pool. I wasn't feeling 100% on sunday and monday so I decided to lay low and rest up...I think the move was finally catching up with me. By Tuesday, I was ready to roll and I got in some great training. I went to masters and got in 4k and then met up with Eric Palmer for a mountain bike tour of Penasquitos Canyon. The day was so nice and I felt so good so I went for a short transition run after the ride.

This morning I went back to masters...mental note, test sets take place on wednesdays=) Joy, 14x100 with 1,4,7,10,12,13 as fast as you can go and the rest just cruising. I sucked it up despite my "out of shapeness" (ok, not a word but I am rolling with it) and swam okay. I never really struggle to swim fast 100's though. I need to work on swimming fast 500's, 1000's, 1500's (duh!). So, even though I just got back in the water it didn't entirely surprise me that I swam between 1:07 and 1:09 for all the hard hundreds. So, if I could just hold that 1:07 pace for a 500 or 1000 I think I will be better off =) I am sure when I have to swim this set again in a couple of weeks the fast hundreds will all be sub 1:05, maybe even a couple seconds faster ;)
I really like the morning masters group at UCSD. There are a ton of swimmers and plenty of people kicking my butt. So, the motivation is high everyday when I get in the pool, which is what I need to get faster. Tonight I am heading out with the Swami's group for a night mountain bike ride. Should be a good time and a chance to get to know more of the riders in the club.
I have a couple more swims on tap this week, a trail run with James and then some riding on some "new" roads out east. So, good times ahead.


Oh, I picked up a new sponsor/partner...Saris Cycling Group, the makers of Powertap, trainers, bike racks, etc. A great partnership to have and one I will take full advantage of.
Have fun out there and thanks for reading!

My week so far...

So, Monday marked the beginning of my 2009 training/racing campaign. December is a "prep" month for me and I get more serious starting in January. This weeks workouts have been decent and what I expected. Some time in the pool (I felt terrible all week but oh well), some mountain biking and a few trail runs. Basically though, I spent most of the last 5 days getting used to my surroundings and finding my way around. I have the pool and some decent trail running down but I still have a lot of exploring to do on the bike before I find some nice routes. I am excited about UCSD masters...the group is good, there are tons of workouts, the facility is nice and they have long course, which is key.
When I wasn't training I was busy with Skinfit, coaching and getting our living situation all dialed in. I think we are finally set and it feels great!
This weekend I am going to do some riding. On saturday, I am going to go do the famous Swami's ride in north county to see what this is all about (and to learn some riding routes) and then on Sunday I am headed out east with one of my athletes for a longer road ride. I am sure Jess and I will sneak in some time relaxing with some beer and the beach/bay. I really love being so close to the water! I need a kayak =)
Have a good weekend everyone! Thanks for reading.

Settled and getting back to a normal lifestyle

Jess and I are finally down in San Diego and are getting settled in our new place. Most all of the boxes are unpacked and the casa is decorated. We still have some loose ends to work out but everything is falling into place. Our location is pretty sweet, we can cross the street and we are on the beach or the bay, we can walk down the street and there are TONS of restaurants, bars, and shops. So, there isn't a lack of things to do and the scenery is pretty hard to beat.


--Bayside



I started back with my training on sunday and it feels great to be back at it. I don't feel too bad, except in the pool, which is to be expected. Everything will be back to normal shortly and I am fine with the lack of fitness since it is December. A lack of fitness now is actually a great thing and, while it makes the training a bit harder, I am fine with it.
I am swimming at UCSD, which is a nice facility. The only thing that bums me out a bit is that I have to drive so much to find good riding and running. I have been really lucky in that I could just ride road or mountain and run on trails right from my front door. Now, I pretty much have to drive somewhere to find solid riding without a million stoplights and for me to hit the trails requires a drive too. Things could be worse so I will make it work and there are so many other perks that it offsets the driving ( I think =) ).
Overall, we are stoked to be down here and I think there are a lot of good times to be had. James has been my local resource and a huge help so thanks goes out to him. It is nice to actually have a training partner now and there are so many resources down here that it is almost overwhelming. So, all is good here at the beach. Now, back to my list of things to do =)

--Beachside

Uhaul is packed and we are on our way!

San Diego or bust!!!
We are all packed and now we will spend a couple of days celebrating Thanksgiving with family before we finalize our move to S.D. We are on the central coast now and friday morning we will make the 5 hour drive to our new home. I think it is safe to say we are excited to finally get settled! It has been a long process and I can't thank Jess enough for all her support with this. It was a hard decision and one that required tremendous sacrifice and had she not been right by my side the entire time this wouldn't have come together the way it has. I just feel grateful to have such a supportive and loving wife that really believes in what I am trying to accomplish...thanks Jess! Plus, someone has to be the brains of this "operation!"

I am still enjoying my break from training and it feels great to be with family, just relaxing during these rainy days. I do feel sluggish, out of shape, etc. but I welcome it all for the next several days b/c come December 1 my journey begins. I will start with some prep work and then I will launch into some base training...I can't wait! I am really motivated and I look forward to the challenges ahead. This will be my first year without obligations to a corporate job so I am excited to see my progress and what the future holds.

Enjoy that big meal tomorrow (in our case, today and tomorrow...I love the holidays!.
My next post will be from sunny San Diego...the sun better be out!

Update

Well, my foot is healing, Jess and I have started the moving process (we move down to S.D. the day after Thanksgiving), Skinfit is keeping me super busy, I am enjoying my "mini-break" from training, we are driving up to Sacramento today for our niece's birthday, and I started writing training articles for a great website called amateur endurance. So, a lot happening but all good things.

James put me in contact with the owners of amateur endurance (www.amateurendurance.com)and my first article was just posted on their website. "Amateur endurance is a magazine-style, endurance sports blog aimed at amateur athletes. The articles you find on www.amateurendurance.com are generously donated by folks who love the sports they participate in, have a passion for helping others, and value maintaining a friendly, positive endurance athletics community. Our diverse group of writers consists of amateur and professional athletes, coaches, and professionals in the industry."
I am really excited to be writing for them b/c it gives me a chance to give back to the triathlon community. I will be posting an article once a week. You can find the article on the home page titled "Bike Workouts for Beginner Triathletes and cyclists."


On another note, my grandma LOVES products from Matisse and Jack's so the owners of the company asked for a picture of us...just shows that ALL generation love their stuff so get online and buy some tasty goodies for the holidays!

A mini-break and my healing foot

So, I had this plantar wart removed from my foot about 6 weeks ago and the darn thing made a comeback so I got it removed (supposedly) again yesterday. This means my foot hurts and there is no chance of running or riding for several days. I was cleared to swim as the Dr. said it would actually be good for it (I did question the whole public pool thing but was assured it was okay). However, this is the perfect time for a mini-break from training. I have been back training now for 6 weeks or so and I have about 10 days before the start of December when I really start back with some structured training. So, a good time to rest mentally and physically. Plus, Jess and I are making the move down to S.D. the day after Thanksgiving so there is plenty of prep work to do.

I did plan for this break and I am glad I did. It never hurts to have some extra down time before things get more serious and I start my assault on the 2009 Xterra season. I think too often athletes refuse to take adequate time off...they think a week of rest after their last race is enough and then they go back to 10-15 hrs of "light" training, thinking that it's just "social" training for fun. Last I checked the triathlon season is LONG and I think taking some real time off in November pays huge dividends as the season moves into September and October. Real rest means not riding your bike for 4 hrs, doing long runs, etc. How about some hiking, taking beach cruisers down the coast, surfing, spending time with friends and family? You know, doing things that we as triathletes don't always get to do. Kind of on the soapbox right now but I think so many athletes fall victim to "training obsession" and don't realize (or are unwilling to admit) that taking REAL time off in November will reward you more then training will in the upcoming season. I am always surprised with how fast fitness returns. Sure, I have been doing this for a long time so fitness comes back pretty quickly for me but in December I always think to myself "wow, I don't feel that bad and I still have several months to prepare for the important races." I would just encourage people to take a step back and move away from triathlon when it is your off-season. When I say move away I mean really remove yourself from riding, running and swimming and enjoy some other aspects of life that make you happy. I know your thinking, Trevor your only taking 10 days off before you start back with training but don't forget that I took nearly 2 months off in the middle of the summer to figure out my life.

Oh, and watch out for those plantar warts b/c they are painful little guys...always wear those flip-flops in the locker-room showers and around the pool area.

12 hrs fuel by Matisse and Jack's

Man, I don't even know where to start with this one....
The 12 hr mountain bike race was BRUTAL! James and I raced as Team Skinfit/Matisse and Jack's and it was awesome to have him as my teammate! While I couldn't have asked for a better partner I am not sure either one of us was prepared mentally (or physically) for what this effort required. It was HOT, dusty, hilly, technical, super WINDY, HARD, did I say HOT?!! Seriously, as if riding 12 hrs straight as a two-man team isn't hard enough, mother nature decided to punish us =)
Overall, I had a good time, met a lot of people, got in some good training, learned a lot about myself, and thought a lot. What was amazing was the performance of all the solo riders....truly incredible how some of these athletes can push themselves for 12 straight hours under very tough conditions. Luke, you are the man and I have so much respect for you!! You killed it...I am in awe! Also, big props go out to Allison and Jens that also rode solo and crushed it!
I kind of feel like a sissy sitting here typing about how hard a two-man 12 hrs was because a lot of people did the whole 12 hrs solo =) In my defense, I will say that doing this type of race as a two-man team is very hard because you never really get to rest but you ride each lap pretty hard. Each lap was 50 minutes long so that wasn't much time to eat, fill bottles, hydrate, etc. Before I knew it I was back on the course climbing those damn hills again. One of the toughest parts was that James and I never really got to communicate throughout the race because as he came in from his lap I went out for mine. We did make it through it and, when I think back on the day, I am happy with our performance and I am glad that I experienced it. To say I was beat down after the race is probably an understatement. I literally walked in the door at 10, took a shower and then collapsed half on the bed and half off. I slept for 11 hours and when I woke up the next morning I was completely wrecked. I felt like I got hit by a truck! I was seriously a mess. Poor Jess was a little worried I think...I could barely function. Ha, ha, how crazy us athletes are. I will probably end up doing another one of these crazy things and knowing me I will probably even do one solo because I am that stupid =)
The funny things was that through all the pain I was just stoked on the day because, really, this is my life now, racing, training, and meeting people to grow the network for my coaching biz and Skinfit. If I get to call these trails my "office" I am just fine with that, even if it is a BRUTAL day of racing =)

Huge thanks goes out to Matisse and Jack's for supporting me and James! We made a ton of Matisse and Jack's bake-at-home goodies and they fueled us throughout the race. This company makes such great products and they have been so good to me for the last 3 years. They believed in me from the beginning and have stood by me even when I was not racing. Give their stuff a try and you will be addicted (I promise)...checkout their website and make a purchase!

Also, I have to thank James and Beth for letting me stay with them for a whole week! Awesome hosts and I had a great time! We are going to have some good times once we get down here.

Now, it is back up north until Thanksgiving and then Jess and I will be packing up the uhaul for the big move down here...can't wait!

The joys of swimming =) and my life in S.D.

So, I am still in San Diego and I have been doing a little bit of training, plenty of beer drinking and I have managed to get quite a bit of work done for both Skinfit and my coaching business.
I have been to masters swim practice the last two mornings and it is kicking my butt! I haven't really been in the water much since June when my life kind of got "disrupted" so let's just say it is rough going in the pool every morning. I am actually enjoying being back in the water but I am so out of shape it is all I can do to hold 1:20's. Plus, my muscles just can't handle the load yet. Regardless, I am going to keep at it so that when December hits I have a good feel for the water and a good base fitness from which to build on. I actually felt much better this morning then I did yesterday so there were a few signs of hope during the workout =) and my fitness tends to return fairly quickly so at weeks end I am sure things will be much smoother (I hope!). It is so nice to have a solid group to swim with. Up in Monterey the swimming is really lacking so being down here and having so many resources makes it so much more challenging and enjoyable. I really can't wait for us to finally move into our place down here and call S.D. home!
Yesterday was a great day...James and I hit masters and then we, with the addition of Beth, went for a road ride and enjoyed the awesome weather.


--My tour guides


--Rocking the new cycling kits

It was just a nice day of training and relaxing in a coffeshop. Then for dinner we went and ate some killer seafood in Cardiff. There are so many great places to eat around here...too bad I am broke and a starving athlete now. Jess and I will have to stick with red beans and rice =) I will be here through sunday b/c James and I teaming up for a 12 hour mountain bike race out in Temecula...good times for sure!


--Our sweet new team kits

Skinfit athlete Victor Plata wins Treasure Island ITU Pan American Cup

Read more about Victor's win on the Skinfit USA blog...
http://skinfitusa.blogspot.com/

Skinfit athletes dominated the weekend...Victor's ITU Pan American Cup win and Team Skinfit/Matisse and Jack's leading the way at a local San Diego mountain bike race. Solid performances!

Life in S.D.

I got down here friday afternoon and was welcomed by 80 degree temp and blazing sun...let's just say I was stoked!
James and I went out for a mellow ride once I got here and it felt great to spin along the S.D. coast, my new home! Saturday, we all got up early and went out to Temecula for the hillbilly bike bash. James and I did the XC race and Beth got in a run. It was so hot out there...is it really November?!

The XC race was my first race back after my three month "life change phase." It felt great to be back at it even though it was hot, dusty and painful (and it's the off-season) =) James and I both walked away with wins in our respective categories, which is always nice.

--James on top of the podium...standing tall in that sweet Skinfit cycling kit!

We were racing as Team Skinfit-Mattise and Jack's so I think it is fair to say we represented both companies well. Plus, we looked good sporting our new cycling kits...Skinfit gear covered in Matisse and Jack's logos.
After the race we cruised back to Carlsbad and then James and I went out for a short run and a recovery swim. So, a long day and it was perfect. James and Beth cooked up some awesome food and then we had some Wiens wine that Luke gave us...great meal after a great day of training and racing!

This morning we went to the ranch run and ran way too far and way too hard =) No, it was actually a solid run on some cool trails. Can't wait to make this one a main stay when I get down here for good. Then randomly it started to rain and it got really windy...what gives? Isn't this San Diego...ha, ha. Have to take the good with the bad I guess ;)
Now the couch is my friend, beer is in hand and football is on the tube...the perfect sunday!
Life is good....



-The team that is taking good care of me...cooking good food, letting me stay with them, acting as tour guides, the list goes on! Thanks guys!!!

Support Movember!

Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a charity event held during November each year.

At the start of Movember guys register with a clean shaven face. The Movember participants, known as Mo Bros, then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their Mo (Australian slang for moustache), raising money and awareness along the way for men's health and the fight against prostate cancer.

Support the fight! Yes, it will look terrible but it is for a good cause =)

A humbling experience...

The last few days I have spent a lot of time in the hospital. On Friday my grandmother had to be admitted to the hospital...I literally had to carry her out of the house b/c she didn't have the strength to move, get her into the car and rush her to the emergency room. She was in the hospital the day before, as well as, ten days prior. This is very surprising b/c at 80 years old she has more energy then people 20 years younger and has been a picture of health since I can remember.
As I sat in the emergency room (for nearly 5 hours) I saw so many people come and go for various reasons. I have spent countless hours in this hospital visiting my grandfather before he passed away and now I find myself virtually living there again as my grandmother recovers from her health issues. She is on the road to recovery now and has the "fire" I know so well. While I had been in this hospital many time before I have never actually been present in the emergency room for that much time so, quite frankly, I was pretty humbled by what I saw and heard.

While I would never wish that someone spend time in the emergency room (other then if that is their career) I do believe it can teach you a lot about what is important in life. I left that day with a lot on my mind...first, I was concerned for my grandmother and, second, I left thinking about what is truly important in life. I realized that our health and every second of everyday is a gift, a gift that we should cherish and respect. Everything we have can be taken away from us so quickly, sometimes before we even know it, which is why we have to live life to the fullest. I certainly don't mean live life recklessly, but really do all you can to live a healthy, active lifestyle and do your best to keep a smile on your face and find the good in everything and everyone. I am totally guilty of being in a bad mood, being impatient, and letting small things irritate me but experiences like I had in the emergency room make me feel so small and petty for getting caught up in negativity.

There are a couple people in my life that have taught me to really go after life and to treat everyday as your last. My buddy Mike (that I have know for 25 years now) has taught me the most about this. He is a VERY positive person that helps me realize that life is what you make of it and there is always something positive in every situation. It's people like this that I rely on and look to when I am not my happy, relaxed self. I feel so lucky to have friends like Mike that help me to really put things into perspective.

I am not writing this to get sympathy or anything, I just hope that everyone sees where I am coming from. I am a big believer in chasing your dreams and following your heart so I can't help but sound off on my experiences from the past few days. It is such a cliche to say "live life to the fullest" and we all know this, right? Hardly, I think we have all heard this but most people say it is a great concept and forget about it. I know we all have busy lives and stress is ever-present but I just think we can all (especially me) do a better job smiling, laughing and finding the good in even the most difficult and challenging situations. Being in the hospital was just a reminder that life is short and we all owe it to ourselves to make the most of it and to live it up as much as possible. So, just make sure to think about how lucky you are and how valuable life is. I try to ask myself often "if I died tomorrow would I die knowing I did all I could to live the life I have imagined?" Sure, I have a lot of life left but that doesn't mean that everyday I can't get closer to the life I have imagined. Life is truly about the journey, not about the destination!

On another note I read an artice that Jessica passed over to me the other night and there was an interesting questions asked...
"What do you know FOR SURE?"
Give it some thought b/c it is an important question to ask yourself and one you'll probably never have all the answers to.

What do I know for sure?
1. Life is short so don't waste it!
2. Follow your heart and you'll never be wrong.
3. Find your passion and then find a way to make a living at it.
4. Happiness is a choice.
5. You need to look at yourself in the mirror everyday and be proud of the decisions you have made.
6. Smiling and uncontrolled laughter is infectious, you can't get enough of it, and there is no better feeling in the world.
7. Helping others comes back to you ten-fold.
8. You can dream all you want but it's those that really go after their dreams that achieve success beyond what they have ever imagined.

I am sure my list could go on but what I really know for sure is fairly limited...there is a lot of life still to live and I will continue to ask myself this question and I hope you will too.


-My grandma just a week before she went into the hospital for the first time.

P.S. I hope this serves as some motivation for you to do some thinking and to really uncover what is truly important to you. We can all spend our lives chasing the big house, the nice car, whatever but, at the end of the day, I don't care what anyone else says, we will spend our last moments in this life with family, friends and our own past...I just want to look back and know that I loved, laughed and lived everyday like it was my last.

Xterra training camp in Arizona...register now!

Are you ready to get off-road in 2009?

Are you looking to podium in XTERRA?

Are you not sure about it due to limited off-road skills?


Join XTERRA Champion triathlete and coach Brian Grasky and pro XTERRA triathlete and coach Trevor Glavin for 7 days, 6 nights of beautiful outdoor swimming, mountain biking that will challenge you, and breathtaking trail runs in the triathlon Mecca of Tucson, Arizona. Brian Barrett, 2008 XTERRA SW Regional Champion, Pro Mountain Bike Racer Jill Grasky, and unbelievable swim coach Bill Daniell will be joining the camp to offer advice as well.



Dates: March 8 – March 14, 2009


During this camp not only will we train, but we’ll learn! Small group mountain bike clinics on bike handling skills, fast descending, maneuvering over rocks, and powerful climbing techniques will be discussed and practiced. Trail running skills will be practiced to perfection, and swim strokes will be broken down through video analysis. We’ll go through the Pro tips on bike maintenance, trail repairs, and transitions.

The camp will be held the week after TRIFEST, a weekend triathlon festival hosted by Trisports.com. The camp and TRIFEST makes this a great time to come down to Tucson and get your season in shape early. Hear from top triathletes in the country and discover and test the new '09 gear. Discounts will be offered to our campers for TRIFEST.


Registration will be available November 3. Slots are filling, so get in early. Click on this link to register or learn more about the camp!

Newest sponsor

My newest sponsor for the 2009 season is 53x11 coffee. I am so excited to be working with them for several reasons:
1. I have an addiction to good coffee...no denial here. It is the reason I get out of bed and it fuels my every workout and movement for that matter.
2. They are a small and dedicated company.
3. They use organic, free-trade beans.
4. They give a lot back to the community and the environment.

So, their goals and ideals are exactly in line with mine... a perfect match!
Checkout their website and get yourself some coffee!

Winter is here (in my mind at least)!

I know winter is here b/c I did my first ride in the rain yesterday with Reto! I know it isn't "officially" winter but it sure feels like it. The temps have dropped, the roads are wet, people forgot how to drive, the smell of wood fire is present every morning, I need to wear gloves and a beenie when I run in the mornings...I love it. Well, I don't really love the rain but I like it when it get a little chilly and I get to break out all of my cool Skinfit cold weather/winter gear.
It was actually a VERY cool ride yesterday...we went for a couple hours up through the Santa Cruz mountains and since the wind was blowing so hard there were thousands of leaves falling (since we were in the forest) for the entire 40 min climb up hwy 9...it looked like it was snowing and it felt so awesome to be riding through it all. Too bad I forgot my camera!
Since it is slated to rain this weekend I have no excuse but to swim so swim I will. Plus, I will be back in the weightroom b/c I am not quite sore enough =)
Happy Halloween! Have a good weekend everyone!

Weights...oh, the soreness!

I am back in the weight-room and man I feel sore today. I certainly went light yesterday as it is my first time back in a while but wow! Ha, Ha, I love it though b/c I know everytime I am in there I am getting stronger and will be able to push bigger gears on the bike, run up hills faster and pull harder in the water (all with less fatigue!). So, despite the soreness I will continue =)
To be honest, I haven't really focused much on weights over the last couple of years b/c I spent my time logging miles in all three sports, which I think was necessary. Now that I have a good foundation (lots of miles) it is time to work on my weaknesses and develop my power in all three sports. So, I think time in the weight-room is going to change the game for me next season giving me the strength I need to really compete.
Besides that I am getting in the water a few times a week (come November I will up the hours spent in the pool so that come December I can really get after it)just for "feel." I am doing a lot of drills right now and nothing hard(or even moderate). I am on my mountain bike a few times a week (hardly any road riding right now) and I get out with the dog for runs a few times per week. Since it is November if I don't feel like training I don't and I try to take 2 days off completely. This is normally the time of year when I really "shut it down" but since I haven't raced since June I am doing some work now to prepare myself for December when my Base phase begins.
The key with Xterra is that the season is so long so I will be careful to not do too much now b/c I want to be fired up to race come October 2009.
Well, that's it from here. Have fun out there!

Man, is it hot or what?!!!!

--So hot I even cut off all my hair!


It has been blazing hot here in Monterey...the temps. on the trails are down right brutal after about noon. Note, 3 hrs on the mountain bike with 2 water bottles is stupid! I think I just now got rehydrated and got rid of my headache. I just didn't think it would get so hot here but, that's the thing with mountain biking, there isn't a 7-11 or starbucks on every corner so leave prepared =)
So, yesterday I went for my long run a little earlier in the day and managed to avoid the high temps. After my run I went over to the pool and got in 2500 and it felt GREAT!
After training and some work, Jess and I went to the beach to get out of the heat and we had an awesome time. The sun was out, it wasn't very crowded, and sophie was chasing her tennis ball like she was possessed. Carmel Beach is really a magical place and one that we will always regard as one of the most special places in the world. It will be hard to part with this place.


Today is a long ride and then Jess and I will find something relaxing to do.

Sponsor update...

I have been putting together sponsorship proposals for the last couple of weeks and, honestly, I have had some really great things happen.
New for 2009:
I signed a 3 year deal with Rudy Project so I will be outfitted with some great sunglasses and helmets through 2011!
I just now signed a 2 year deal with Xterra Wetsuits so I have no excuse but to swim faster now since they make the fastest suits on the market =)

Also, I have retained my contract with Avia so I will be wearing some killer new trail racing shoes (can't wait to get these...Xterra specific design!). I will still be under my powerbar contract for another year and I am stoked about that! I will continue to work with my long-time supporters Matisse and Jack's that make INCREDIBLE bake-at-home goodies! They are amazing people and they have supported me for the last three years.

I have some more proposals floating around out there and if they come through it would be huge! It will take a little while to hear back from a few of them so I will keep you posted as things progress. For now, I couldn't be happier with all the support I am getting...I wouldn't be able to survive in this sport without their generosity!

Base, base, base

I spent friday getting in 3 good workouts under the blazing sun...the weather has been amazing! Friday night we had a big birthday celebration to attend and had a blast. Here are some pictures from the party...I thought I would "showcase" the three women in my life that keep me on track =)

-Me and Jess

-Me and Mom

-Me and Grandma


So, let's just say saturday wasn't a very productive day but it was probably good b/c on sunday I joined a big group and rode 90 miles and spent 5 hours in the saddle. This is an annual ride put on by the Hwy 68 hillbillies...I had a great time and logged some serious miles. It felt good to be back on the bike and putting in some time...it has been a while since I have gone this far and, honestly, I even questioned my ability to finish the thing (seeing straight at least). I did manage to finish and felt suprisingly good.
Monday I got in a run with the dog and then went up north for a little work.
Now, the base miles continue...


On another note, James Walsh and I are teaming up to do a 12 hr mountain bike race in Temecula on November 14th. I am really excited! James and I are both sponsored by Matisse and Jack's so we will be racing as "team Matisse and Jack's!" If you haven't tried their products you are missing out!!!! Seriously, they make some great "bake at home foods" and I often times feel like I live on them! Plus, the company is run by two incredible people that have supported me for the last three years...Aaron and Sarika, you two are incredible! Thanks for all the support. Now, please visit their website and get yourself some "goods"...you won't regret the purchase but you might become addicted, especially to the chocolate chip powersnacks!

My "feel" is returning...

It feels so nice to actually "feel" the water. I am certainly not swimming hard workouts or anything but I can actually swim with a bit of efficiency and power now, which is fantastic. My swims right now consist of getting to the pool around noon, swimming under the blazing sun and loving every minute of it...the way swimming should always be, right?! Ha, ha my days of sunny, relaxing swims will be short lived b/c in a month or so the weather will turn and I will most certainly be attending morning masters swims regularly. The thought of 6 am swim workouts is hard to swallow right now when I have such a sweet noon time swim routine =)
See, the days of swimming slow must end for me and that requires some serious time in the water. I am willing to put in the time and it's time that I will need to bring my swimming up to the level it needs to be...time and an insane amount of yards/meters. So, my winter/off-season mission will be to swim, swim, swim...who's coming with me? =)


--View from my "backyard"

I am getting back my "feel" for the bike and run too. The legs are turning over easier and hills aren't quite so daunting. I love when fitness starts to come back, even if it is base fitness. My base mile rides and runs have been great...time with the dog and warm weather. The joys of California!
And yes, I have been doing work...Skinfit, coaching, sponsorship proposals (just so you don't think I am a slacker!)
Well, off to the pool for my "hard" noon session... =)

A great few days...

We just got back last night from a few more days in San Luis Obispo...it was a great trip and we got to see friends and family.
On friday I got in a mtn ride and my third swim of the week. After some training on friday we cruised down south to meet up with some friends for some beers at Firestone Brewery in Paso Robles.
Then, on saturday, I manged to get in a mellow ride and run with one of my athletes, Jennifer. After our ride/run we headed into town for some wine tasting (and a few beers) in the park...always a great time!



Listen to me, sounds like all we did was drink...ha, ha. It was fun and we did do more then just drink, I promise!
Sunday was another mellow day and I didn't do any training.
I woke up on Monday and hit the road for a 4 hr ride through the vineyards and hills and down to the coast....it was an incredible ride for sure!
Here are some pics from my ride...


-On top of Hwy 46 west...the best view on the ride!

-I made it down to the coast!!

Now that we are back in Salinas it is time for a little work and some training. Hope all is well with everyone...take it easy!

Feeling good...

Well, I have recovered from my move (it probably took me about 5 days!)and I am feeling more normal. In fact, I am getting in some very solid training and feeling pretty good, which is a bit suprising. It helps that I am getting some good sleep finally.
Two days ago I had an awesome mountain bike ride. I went out for a little under 3 hrs and just nailed everything...one of those rides when your just flying downhill like your on rails! It was great and got me so excited I even went for a 30 min transition run and carried a bit of a harder pace (just for fun of course =) )
Yesterday I hit the pool for the second time and got in a mellow road ride with Greg. I still don't feel very good in the water but it is coming back ever so slightly. I am just logging mellow base miles with the goal of entering my 2009 season with a HUGE base and solid foundation from which to build off of.
I will be doing this type of mileage until late november and then I will take a couple weeks off before I really start back at it mid-december.
I am just glad I am feeling more myself and am able to get in some good training days.
Coaching is coming along and I am getting new clients every week which is great. I love coaching and I really look forward to working with my athletes.
Well, off for my long run and then time for some work.
Have a good one out there!
Oh, if you or anyone else would like coaching for the 2009 season get in touch with me...I am accepting a few more athletes! Contact me by email at coaching@tri-us.com

Final day in SLO and back "home"

My final day in SLO was spent getting breakfast at the beach with Jess and Tom and then we cruised back up to north county and I went for another ride through the vineyards. I love it out there, it's just amazing! I really feel like I am getting back to normal after the move and it feels awesome to be training again (despite feeling completely out of shape!) Four days in SLO was just what the Dr. ordered and I think Jess and I are feeling much more relaxed.
Today we drove back up to Salinas and then I went out for a run with the dog and then hit the pool for the first time in over a month! The water felt great and the sun was out in full force but swimming is plain HARD right now! It will come back soon but it sure is hard after such a long "break."
Things are going great in terms of coaching. I am really excited about all that is happening!
I am pretty busy with everything right now but I feel so happy and so relieved. It is a good busy and I am stoked!

Life is full of choices...hmmmmm

Race report on the Skinfit blog

http://skinfitusa.blogspot.com/

Oh, it has been nice...

The last couple days have been really nice...some training, time in San Luis Obispo, quality time with Jess and the company of some great friends (especially my buddy Tom from Arizona).
Yesterday Tom and I went out for a 3 1/2 hour road ride through the vineyards...I miss these roads. It felt great to be back on the bike but man am I out of shape and slow. Regardless, Tom and I had a great ride and then we went out for some wine tasting/beer tasting and then back to my parents house for some great food. Today we woke up to some rain but went down to watch my good friend Jennifer finish her first triathlon (a huge congrats to her!) and watch two skinfit athletes, Victor Plata and Reto Waeffler give it to the other pros...two skinfit athletes in the top 10, not bad! After the race Tom and I went for a long run in the canyons and then got some grub at the infamous Firestone in SLO.
We came back for a nap and then plan on going out for some dinner shortly. Tomorrow Tom and I will head out for another 3-4 hr ride down to the coast...It should be awesome!
I have some great pics from the race today but I will post those later.
Hope all is well out there!

The move is finally over (almost)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, that was a serious process! We officially have way too much stuff and I am so happy to have donated TONS of it to Goodwill/Salvation Army. We are beyond beat. I feel like I raced for 7 straight days! Now we are in need of some serious relaxation.
We are staying with family for the next month or two before we relocate down to S.D. (so, yes we do have to pack up another uhaul in a couple months but all the really hard work is done and we have simplified our lives big time!)
We have some loose ends to tie up today and then we are home free...we are heading down to San Luis Obispo tomorrow for some time away, to see family, see some friends and, of course, to get in plenty of riding/running. We love it down there and it is the perfect place to go when we need some normalcy in our lives.
So, now we are off on a whole new adventure and it is going to be great on so many levels. I have to tip my hat to my amazing wife b/c she has been so supportive of all these changes. I love you Jess, your the best!
Now, I can finally get back to some training. Given that it is October now and I am really preparing for next season I won't be doing anything crazy but I would like to spend the next couple months building up my fitness again with some longer base miles. The past 2 months have been touch and go and, quite frankly, I am really out of shape and I feel it on every run/ride/swim. I am looking forward to getting back on the trails and the great weather is going to make it that much more enjoyable.
That's it from here...just thought I would send out an update.

Interesting read given my situation

Okay, let me start by saying that I am always skeptical about astrological signs, readings, etc. but sometimes I do stumble on something and it really resonates with what is going on in my life. I know you can analyze the validity of these things all day but I am not really interested in that...the point is that I read this and I can't help but relate it to my current position. At least it gets you thinking...


Saturn Return is a word astrologers use to describe the coming of age
or initiation into adulthood which takes place between 28 and 30 years
old. At this time the planet Saturn has circled your chart and returns
to the place where it was at the time of your birth. Invariably, this
marks one of the most important times in your life, a time of endings
and beginnings, a time to discover your authentic self and correct your
course in life if it seems you're heading in the wrong direction.

The Saturn Return, which lasts about two years, is a time for
introspection and self-evaluation. It is a time of taking
responsibility and often a time for making serious choices.

Saturn Return energy is like pruning. Not all directions in life are
bad ones, but they may not be the best ones. Saturn Return asks us to
forsake so-so directions and have the courage to find the one that is
most like us, the one we were intended for when we were born.

The trouble is, this may not be the one our parents had planned for us.
Saturn Return is a time to consider your unique individual needs, the
contribution you want to make to the world, the resources that are
important to you, inner and outer, and who will go with you on your
journey.

Making the right choices, the authentic choices, at 30 guarantees more
happiness and fulfillment later in life and usually better health
because it is stressful to live a lie. Stress is a major contributor to
all physical illnesses.

There is actually a Saturn Return every 30 years. The second Saturn
Return occurs when you are between 58 and 60 years old. Those who live
long enough, like Robert McNamara, may also experience a third Saturn
Return.

The biggest decision of our lives...

Well, let me start by saying that this decision was hard and required a lot of contemplation but the decision has been made and Jess and I are moving forward. Yesterday I quit my corporate job and Jess and I are moving down to San Diego. My source of income will be from coaching and emphasis will be placed on building up Skinfit USA. So, I will be focused 100% on developing Skinfit USA, building up my coaching business and focusing on the 2009 Xterra season.
This is a big step and one that carries plenty of risk but it will give us the opportunity to be close to family, Jess will be able to find a good job down there and I will get the opportunity to chase my dreams.

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. "--Thoreau

This quotation headlines my blog for a reason...I am doing my best to practice what I preach and I truly believe that this is the right decision
.
Jess and I are busy packing up our house and we will be out of it by the middle of next week. We will stick around Salinas for another 4-6 weeks and then head down to S.D. to start our new adventure.

Have a good day out there!

Just not meant to be?

Okay, yesterday I went in to get a plantar wart looked at (it is on the bottom of my foot and they can get pretty bad and cause some major pain) and, ultimately, removed. I wanted to get this taken care of before it gets too bad and I have already put it off for several months b/c I didn't want to interrupt my training. Now that I have some time before the Xterra races start next season I figured I should go get it looked at. I would say it is a good move in the long run but right now I can barely walk. Seriously, she must have frozen half my foot to get it all and now I am in some serious pain. The pain will subside and the massive welt on the bottom of my foot from all of the chemicals used to freeze it off will go away but I am starting to think that the second half of the season just wasn't meant to be!
I should probably just take it as a sign, hang it up and just focus on next year. It is rather comical at this stage...all I want to do is run but I can't and I should be packing up my life since we are in the middle of a move but I can't really walk very much. Really, I think sometimes you just have to throw up your hands, ask yourself "is this seriously happening" and then just laugh it off. I guess I am at this point now b/c the last couple months have been such a roller coaster.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I have had a pinched nerve in my neck for the last 2 weeks (thanks to the Westin in Chicago for some horrible pillows!)making it really hard to turn my neck and the pain can be pretty bad at times. I am finally back home so I have a massage scheduled for tonight to remedy this problem but it hasn't been fun for the last couple weeks.
Okay, I know I sound like I am complaining and I pretty much am but I just find it amazing that "when it rains, it pours!" I guess it is good to get it all done at once b/c next year I want nothing holding me back. I am going full-steam at the national series next year so I should probably just look at this as my time to get all of the injuries/issues out of the way. Anyways, ha, ha this is a funny time in my life.
So, hopefully my foot will be healed in the next few days b/c I already miss the trails. I am sure I will be back to normal pretty quickly but I just can't get over how crazy my life has been for the last couple months.
I found this horoscope in a local newspaper a while back and saved it b/c it is so appropriate at certain times in your life...I can't remember it exactly right this second but it goes something like this, "every once in a while you need to visit the land of what the f%$! and you just need to embrace it, find the humor in it and accept it for what it is."
Have a good one out there!