The Tour of California is taking place right now and it holds a very special place in my heart. Mostly because it covers roads and routes that I have travelled so many times growing up in Cali. And one stage goes through the town where Derek and I were living right before we moved -- almost right by our house. Ahhh, if only the tour was around when we were living there. . .
Anyway, this year I am 100% backing Team High Road. Not only do they have a woman's team (YEAH!!), but they are an amazing team that is trying to bring back the respect that true cyclists and cycling teams deserve. With all the recent doping scandals, it's hard to believe in the skill and amazing athleticism associated with cycling. But Team High Road was started in order to be "transparently drug free". I mean, listen to this:
"Our teams are founded on the principles of clean and fair sport, personal commitment, and placing ones goals beside those of the team. We strive to create an environment of success for our athletes using the best methods, technology and personal development tools found across the world of sport. Our goals are to make change happen, to win by fair means, and represent the best aspects of sport."
HELL, YEAH! They actually test their riders more often and under stricter guidelines than are required. George Hincapie is their main "name" but they are filled with great riders and one of our guys is currently in 3rd place.
Check them out at www.highroadsports.com. They're worth watching. In the meantime, send some good ol' mojo toward Team High Road!!
Wishing a safe, fun filled, fantastic, super speedy race to Kathy Miller and Greg Mathe who are participating in IM New Zealand today!!! Both are first-time Ironman competitors! (You can read about Kathy's journey to IMNZ here: Kathy's Ironman Blog)
If I haven't said this before, I only swim during races. I don't really train at all. Pretty much a complete slacker. I only got in the pool something like 5 times (with the exception of during races) for the entire year prior to Ironman Florida. How stupid is that?!? I have often told people that this way of training has left me with Arnold Schwarznegger legs and Spongebob arms. Last night, it was proven beyond a doubt. 
I realize it has been just over a month since my last blog but life has just gotten crazy. And with things that are just not bloggable -- at least not enjoyably bloggable. But, today. Today was fantastic. Today it was sunny and I got to train outdoors. I forgot how much I missed being on my bike while enjoying the sunshine. Sure it was a bit windy. And, yes, a 3 hour bike ride followed by a 6 miles run may not sound like "fun" but, God, it cleared my head and cleansed my spirit. 
