Chesapeakeman

The triathlon has now come and gone. It was really a lot of fun. Whitney deserves a big thank you for supporting me. She watched the kids while I was doing 12 weeks of early morning exercise, put up with hours of my research and incessant discussion of triathlon details, and was there to cheer me on. The race started with the swim. The bottom of the Choptank was sandy and smooth. I expected muck and other stuff. When the horn blew to start the race the wetsuit kept me on top of the water and I cruised on adrenaline for the first 400 yards. Then I had to swim. It was harder to spot the course marking bouys than I anticipated. People were veering all over the place. I had to muscle a couple of people out of the way who were crossing my bow. I kept it steady and came out of the water 11th. Luckily, I didn't get stung by jellyfish. One guy in the changing tent was complaining that he got stung all over his face. The first transition was smooth. I didn't fall over taking off the wetsuit, which I did in practice. I got on the bike and felt good, at least at the beginning. About three miles in, on open road, it started to drizzle a little. I was going as fast as I could, which wasn't very fast. I got passed by a couple people and that motivated me not to let others pass. Around mile 10 my legs were burning and me seat got really uncomfortable. That's when I had to start to endure. Its also when I got passed by a few others as I took a drink and adjusted my position. The last mile and half I felt better as I knew it was almost over and the second transition was coming. I was the 27th fastest biker with an average speed of 17.7. Lots of room for improvement there. The run transition was easy. I just took off my bike helmet and started running. My legs needed a little while to get going because I got so tight on the bike. I slowly sped up as my legs stretched out. but never got going very fast. I got passed by a few and passed a couple of people myself. One Navy cadet passed me saying "good job sir." Coming into the finish I looked back and saw a lady coming so I started to speed up. Right at the finish I forgot about her and she caught me. Grrrr. I've learned that's called getting "chicked," when a woman passes you at the finish. Won't happen next time. My run was respectable, the 16th fastest with 8:23 minute miles. Overall, according to unofficial results I finished 12th of 70, 8th of 32 men. I was surprised I did that well in my first one. The hours of training paid off. Even more surprising was that the swim was my best sport. I've never swam in my life till last May. Now I have winter to train and plan for the next race. I've heard and now experienced that triathlons are addictive. I might be hooked after one.

Good work sam!

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Race completed

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Race ready

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Ready for football

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Boo boo

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Playtime with Emi and Segei

Almost fall: School, focus, teeth and training

Another little family update. Week two for Arlo in his new school. It's been a short week since we had the labor day holiday and a visit to the dentist. He's still unhappy when I drop him off but the teachers report he gets over it pretty quickly once I am out of sight. By the time Sam gets there to pick him up he's perfectly happy and engaged - Dad's appearances at the door are like a happy surprise every time.

The dentist visit is a follow up to his first visit. He's unfortunately got several cavities. In retrospect, our liberal use of milk at bedtime (after brushing teeth) has come back to bite us (haha). Even though we never give him candy, don't do lots of sweets, and diluted the juices, we weren't as diligent as we should've been with brushing. We're sad about him having to go through this experience at the dentist so early in life.

Magnus is really gaining ground. He's "speed crawling", cruising, and really into throwing things - balls, bottles, blocks, and whatever he can get his hands on. When he wants something he'll race over, grunting away, with the most focused look of intent you ever saw on a baby. This is especially true when he wants mom or dad - he races over and yells at you to pick him up. Determined little red.

Sam's on the final countdown - just over two weeks - to his first triathalon. It's a sprint race called "Chesapeake Man" and he's been working hard getting ready for it. He's pretty determined too - I envy his dedication to preparing, and how motivated he is by this new pasttime.

Me? Just working away, lamenting the fact that the pool closed for the summer, but getting excited for the cooler weather, halloween, and fall birthdays. Hope you're all enjoying the first taste of fall where you are!

goodnight kisses

School: Day Four

Today was Arlo's fourth day of school and the afternoon report was a good one - hooray! He's had a hard time with the transitions in the morning (being left behind by mom has not gone easily) but today, after we'd been there a while, he got so engrossed in the morning circle that he didn't notice me tiptoeing out the door. Circle time includes songs and dancing - they go around and greet each friend and that kid gets the chance to dance, if they want to, inside the circle. By the time they'd greeted six kids I realized he was no longer paying attention to where mom was and I slipped out. When Sam picked him up this afternoon, he was in a good mood and even hugged and kissed one of his teachers on the way out the door. He's in a good mood and singing and telling stories from class, as has been the case all week.

We really like his class, his teachers, and the principal at the school. They are understanding, caring, smart and fun. I think this is the start of something good...