Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Take The Good With The Bad

OK, I'm done whining about the cheaters in Florida. I'm still a bit bitter about the race - I actually don't even consider it a race. That was in no way, shape, or form an accurate depiction of who was fastest. Some have said to me "you still had a solid time." I don't even consider it valid. My time on that course had I raced from point A (swim start) to point B (run end) would have more than likely been different. Doing the math in my head beforehand, I felt ready to do a 28 swim, 2:08-2:10 bike, and 1:19-1:21 run.

Anyway, back to the point of this post. I still had a positive experience believe it or not. My focus this year was more on my trip to France. Then, I decided to try Timberman and felt really good about that experience. After qualifying for the 70.3 World Championships there, I gave some thought to racing in Florida. I decided to for the following main reasons:

  1. I wanted another late season goal to train towards. Something that would provide motivation to stay fit and in race shape, and so that I would train hard and consistent until November. For me, without that goal, I tend to feel lost in no mans land. I always keep myself in somewhat decent shape, but there is a difference when I'm training towards a key goal. In 2000, my key goal was IMLP and I didn't plan much else for the rest of that year since Lisa was pregnant and due in October. I felt lost and lazy not having a late season big race.
  2. Since 1998, I try to drag my father with me to one destination race each year. It's been a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my father as an adult. We always have a fun time and learn a bit more about each other.
  3. I wanted to test myself against the best in my age group.

All these things were accomplished, plus the weather was beautiful in Florida, I ate at some really good restaurants, I got to hang out with some good guys like Ed and Mark, I turned Big Rocks onto Jamba Juice, I was able to test out the My Athlete units further. It's all good! Well, almost all good.

For the rest of 2007, I plan on staying somewhat active at a much lower key level, with mostly running and strength training and maybe even jumping in a few 5K's.

On another note, I don't know if anyone reads my dribble here. Seems to be a few. I never get any responses and Scooter informed me that it was a pain in the ass to register to leave comments, so I looked into my settings and what do you know, I was able to switch it so that it's quite easy to leave comments and you can even remain anonymous! Maybe I'll get a few.

Cheers,

EH

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

The real reason Eric "drags me to a race" is so he has a personal Domestique.

B.R.

Eric said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eric said...

This is true.

Eric said...

Hods.....I have you in my bloglines and read your posts when they are up. Keep up the writing man. I appreciate the honesty in your posts and feel good knowing that there are are still athletes out there with integrity. I'm lucky to have Scooter close by to talk with about those types of things.

Looking foward to seeing you at Winterfest Camp.

Eric said...

Thanks Eric! Winterfest Camp will be a blast. How's Lake Erie in February? You may need a wetsuit.

Thanks for reading Eric.

Cheers,

EH

Anonymous said...

I like the new set up Hods, can shoot a quick comment to you on these posts. Keep them coming brother.
Scooter

Anonymous said...

We're big fans, but you already know that :)

Mandy + Johnny

Anonymous said...

Hi Eric,

I read these all the time. I didn't know you could respond to a blog until you mentioned it. Always fun to read.

Ed

Anonymous said...

I don't think I ever figured out how to become a member let alone get into blog land. Thanks Alan for plugging me in behind the curtin.

comments?? I have no comments I lived it ;-)

Big fat Mark