28 Days and Counting - Not a Good Time to be Sick!

With the scare of Ebola, the weather changing and the kids back in school.  This is the time of the season to get sick.  While Ironman Training and eating healthier has improved my immune system by 1000%.  Having 3 kids coughing and breathing in the household has taken me off my game and put me into rest and recovery in the middle of my peak training period.  The plan was to do 115 mile bike on Saturday and 3 hour run followed by a 1.5 hour swim.  This has pushed some training off which I really want to finish before I begin my recover in Taperville. 

As I fumble and drag my butt around the house, I began to think of how much I invested this year in time and distance.  In 351 hours, I have swam over 73 miles, biked over 1900 miles, ran over 500 miles, and a bunch of core!  The other day, Zachary asked me if we could do something and I did not want to say that I had to ride 6-7 hours.  So I am looking forward for the training to be over and cross that finish line.  More importantly, spending more time with Irene and the kids.  While I involve my kids in my training, the investment of doing this race, is that Anything is Possible has been a tremendous Return on Investment.  If I think about it, I rarely hear them say the words, "I can't."    In addition, while spending more time with them is important.  It's quality time that is really important!

Over this past year, I have gotten to know some incredible people who I did not know last year.  I know I will be doing many shout outs over the coming weeks, however I think about the one person who probably has had a biggest impact on my family this year is John Graziano.  Out of thin air, he created a team that is so supportive.  In fact, every race that I did this year had a team member from the Wildwood Warriors providing some kind of supportive cheer or high five.  My boys, especially Zachary loves to find out what John is up to and throwing up the WW hand signals when ever he can!  Irene enjoys the comradery and has helped her cross the finish line.  John is the most considerate person because I see him being very thoughtful with this words with doing the right thing for all.  He is much better at that stuff than I could ever be!

Before I go back to bed, I am thinking about my efforts to support Island Harvest to End Hunger.  So, I asked on my Ironman Arizona 2014 Facebook Group a question, "What charity are you racing for and how much have you raised?"  Can you believe all together we have raised over $60,000 and counting for Various Charities.  I am so proud to be part of a community that is so Generous!

We will be close to $100,000 by the time we put on our wetsuits at Tempe Town Lake in 28 days!  If you know someone raising money as part of their Ironman Journey, please take the time to visit your donation page and support them.   If you want to help me End Hunger, please visit http://bit.ly/CrowdriseIronmanHunger

A lot will be happening over the next 4 weeks! I will be screaming my head off on the sidewalks of New York City.  Cheering for Irene and a bunch of friends will be running the New York City Marathon on November 2, 2014.  I am so proud of her!  She's running better than ever and is really excited to run with her friends!  Every year it seems that we know more and more people swimming, biking and running!

Again, I am looking forward to finishing my training :) Enough said!

Here is something I have watched and listened to hundreds of times.  Enjoy!



.