We are officially renters, for the next 24 hrs anyway.

Today are current house transfers to the buyers officially, so we are renting for the next 2 weeks. We also sign the closing papers on the new place today, so by tomorrow it will be in our name. Not bad, only 24 hrs of not owning a home, or at least not making a mortgage payment. Now the coordination of the 3 ring circus begins! House cleaners, carpet cleaners, cable, phone, electrician, TV installer, and of course the movers. All are scheduled to not conflict with each other and to meet our deadline to be out of the old house by the 30th at 5pm. If one doesn't show up everything could be jeopardized. But fortunately Jen is the most organized person I know. We have lists, calendars and schedules that factor in packing for the race, the move and documenting everything we need to do to be ready. I always tease her about her lists, but we would be in trouble without them right now!! Oh, and I finally invested in the fancy garage floor coating that I have always planned on getting put never have. It's tricky because you have to paint it on and let it dry for 72 hours before you can put any heavy objects on it. The timing should workout with this house if I paint it on Wednesday night. No the ideal taper for the race on Sunday, but I have all the right tools to do it without putting back at risk. Let the fun begin.

An evening in the lake

Jen and I decided to head to Hagg Lake last night to get some time in our wetsuits before CDA and the swim this weekend. Headed out yesterday afternoon about 5:30, got there just after 6pm. The sun was shinning and a light breeze was blowing, it was a perfect afternoon! We crammed into our wetsuits and headed down to the water. It was nice, low 60's. As we headed out the water got a little cooler but not bad. The best part came as I stopped about midway into the swim. I treaded water for a minute and realized that I was about a 3rd of a mile from shore. It occurred to me that most people wouldn't do stuff like this. Work all day, drive 30 miles to swim out into the middle of a lake just because. What made this realization even better was when I turned around and Jennifer swam up behind me, stopped and smiled. It made me realize also how lucky I am to have someone that "gets it" too. There are not very many people out there that would bob around in a 60 degree lake with me on a Wednesday afternoon. After heading out a little farther we turned around and went back. There a couple dozen moments I've had in my life when I've stopped and taken in something that was extra-ordinary. This one was two fold as I not only appreciated the fact that I'm not normal (one of my biggest fears), but also how lucky I am to have someone else that is not normal too.

First Olympic Distance Race... Done!

Blue Lake Olympic Distance race yesterday. Wow... There are some somkin fast folks out there! Being one of the last qualifiers for the Nationals race next month, all the fast guys came out. Normally with a finish time of 2:09 I would have been in the top 15 at this event and potentially place in my age group. Yesterday I barely grabbed 28th overall (8 second lead over 29th) and 7th in 30 to 34 age group. But my race went exactly as planned. I definitely had nothing left when I crossed the line. The Ironheads team had an outstanding showing! The new Blackwell wheels were fast, and they sound really cool too!

Now the taper for CDA really starts. Pretty light week ahead as far as training goes. Two days of open water swimming (Lake O on Wednesday, Hagg Lake on Sunday) will be good. The more time in the new wetsuit the better. A few relatively light rides and runs. What are we going to do with so much free time...

Pack!! We got the official acceptance from the buyers of house yesterday for the repairs that came out of the inspection. So we are all set to close a week from today. Time to pack our crap. Should be easy as we donated a sizable amount of stuff to the Union Gospel. Pretty sweet deal. They come pick it up, old mattress and all. I am loving the minimalist way of life. Well, minimalist for us anyway :)

Well here I go...

This is my first attempt at a blog. Thought it might be nice to keep everyone up to date on what's going on since I am not always good about picking up the phone or sending email. I just thought it would be good to share what is taking up all of my time so you will now I'm not just ignoring you :) 2 weeks until CDA Ironman, man it's been a long 8 months of training! I have to say though I have never felt so prepared going into an Ironman (this is #5). Having Scott as a coach and joining the Ironheads has made this a completely different experience. Meeting all of these people that share the same enthusiasm that revolves around an active lifestyle is amazing. The wealth of knowledge that exists within this group is also mind blowing. I can learn more on a 4 hour ride with the IH group then I could from a year subscription to Triathlete magazine. Then to have Scott custom making my workout schedule, I am very lucky! The people I have met this year are examples of why this sport/lifestyle has consumed me. The support and encouragement are great. It complements the non stop support given by my family and friends. Jen and I are so very lucky, and trust me, we don't take it for granted. We realize it and are thankful for it! I will try to post updates an how our taper to IM CDA is progressing. Also keep you posted on our move (3 weeks from today) and continued down sizing. Busy, busy, busy...