September 30, 2008

Mountain Of Gold

Day after the last California Multisport race of the year and we are enjoying the Northern California coast... We headed out to Montana De Oro (Mountain of Gold) for some easy trails and beautiful views. Perfect recovery ride and the best time with Monique exploring the area. I'm so glad we decided to stay an extra day and take our time getting back... We rode some local trails and checked out the amazing coastline. The pictures just don't do it justice.

Monique, the coast & the "Moro Bay Rock" back in the fog

Wheres the surf?



I know...I have problems but I love that bike ;-)




After some shopping, eating and driving we met up with Chuck in Santa Barbara for an open water swim and some more food. Good thing we had our wetsuits with us because that water was COLD!!! It took us swimming the length of about two buoys to get numb enough to put our faces in the water. COLD. A quick swim and a long hidden sunset followed as we ate at a restaurant along the shore and watched the locals run about. Perfect ending to another day.

September 12, 2008

Getting Fast for S L O

I have never stuck to a training plan more than I have in the last few weeks... Consistency in my training, adding volume like never before and not falling into my "limiters" like racing too much or not stretching, not sleeping enough. The plan is really working its way around and I actually feel it...

The last time that I took a look at my training my biggest weakness was VOLUME. For the first time I have actually started ramping my volume on a consistent basis and I feel great!! Here is what the last few weeks looked like for me. AWESOME!!


Before the last California Multisport race Paul had asked me if I feel "fast"... Sure I said not knowing what that really meant at the time. I alway feel "fast" I guess but I had no idea. It was normal fast just like my normal training. I don't want to get ahead of myself but my training is ahead of the curve and my pace is way "better" than it has ever been in the three years that I have been training. Better by speed, better by quality, better by a new standard. I feel fast ;-)

Today I just got back from my first run over 14 miles since our Stinson Beach run last November... Volume in mileage and I still felt solid to push a good pace on the way back after a few thousand feet of climbing. Stoked that I am feeling strong, injury free and more motivated than ever.


Now it is time to start tuning down the volume and getting my focus on San Luis Obispo for the final California Multisport race of the year with a focus on getting fast for SLO

Google earth shots from the course - FOCUS ;-)



Looks like an incredible course and venue ahead. We have the weekend and Monday off to enjoy with some friends up there and I am so looking forward to it.