A NON-stop weekend

Now that Christmas is here and gone it's time for Jen and I to get back into a somewhat normal routine. As I was getting ready this past Saturday for my long run I got a frantic call from Mom saying that the ambulance is on it's way for dad and he's getting rushed to the hospital. He had lower right back pain and I could hear him screaming in the background. I quickly threw on a pair of jeans and rushed over just in time to follow the ambulance to Allegheny General. Luckily there was nothing major wrong and he had a case of kidney stones and that was the root of the pain. After spending the morning in the ER (he was released around 1PM) , I got back home and headed out for my run. I really felt good on my run and could really tell a difference between now and a month ago when training was just starting to ramp up again. I got in a smooth 11.5 miles, got a quick shower, a bite to eat and then headed to the Greensburg YMCA for my long swim of the week. Saturday's swim workout was 3400 yards consisting of a main set of 10x100 yards and 10x50 yards at my T-Pace (pace it takes to swim 1000 yards). I was consistent and right on pace with all of my times. So basically after a long day it was time to go to bed. I think Jen and I were in bed by 9:00 PM, and I know I was asleep within 10 minutes after my head hit the pillow. The alarm went off around 7:00 AM Sunday morning and after we hit the snooze button one or two times, it was time to get up. Paul wasn't coming over till 9:00 for our bike ride so it was nice having some time to relax, wake up, and eat breakfast. Typically I'm always rushed on our weekend workouts especially if I'm meeting someone at a certain time. Paul arrived on schedule, and we headed outside for a brisk 27 degree 2 1/2 hour ride. I was actually able to stay with Paul today and I think it's because I lowered my seat height and was no longer reaching as much on my pedal strokes. I felt good in the saddle and had an average cadence of 88 (about 5 revolutions higher than my long ride last week) and our average speed was 17.2. Although our speed was still slow, it was 1 mph faster then last week when my knee was extremely sore. Jen opted not to go outside, and instead biked over 2 hours indoor on the trainer. I still don't know how she does that! I get bored on that thing in like 20 minutes and time seems to crawl. We got home around 11:45. We had just enough time to quickly recover with a protein shake, eat a quick lunch, and then we were off again for the Y. Now after Saturdays long swim workout my workout on Sunday called for 2700 yards (700 shorter than Saturday). The ladder intervals were to be done again at T-Pace, but arms thought otherwise. After one or two sets, my arms could no longer keep up, and my times were off by 5-10 seconds and maybe even slower as the workout went on. I'm going to take two days off from swimming and hopefully the rest will help me recover and come back stronger. So after another hour in the pool it was time to call it a week. So to sum up my 4th week with Coach Kevin, I exercised just over 14 hours, swam 9150 yards, biked 101 miles, ran 26.5 miles, and spent a couple hours weight training at the gym. I'd call that a good solid week of training! So we got home around 2:00 PM and I cooked up some spaghetti left overs as a small snack before Jen's family arrived. Jen's Aunt Lainie, Uncle Rob, and Grandma were in town to see our new nephew Marty and the whole clan came to our house for dinner. I'm not sure when Jen had time to cook up a pan of Lasagna, but then again her time management skills (or energy) is way different than mine. After my workouts I'm dead and want to have nothing to do with anything else besides relaxing on the couch. Jen on the other hand will spend hours cleaning, cooking, you name it she's doing it. So after dinner we looked at Marty pictures, Wedding pictures, and pictures from Hawaii. It was a long day and I was again happy to sink deep in my bed. Monday is a half day of work and we're off to a couple of New Year's Eve parties tonight with some of our good friends. I hope everyone else has a fantastic night and brings in 2008 with tons of excitement!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 9:43 AM Comments: 1

My winter setup

So the Triathlon magazines always feature a pro bike in their magazines so I figured I'd feature my trainer setup in my basement since it seems like I live on that saddle sometimes. I think my ride can give all the other bikes in the magazines a run for the money.

A. Aerobars - Oval Concepts A900 - Upgrade: carbon brakes, double bend bars, & pad holders
B. Hydration - Profile Design Aero Drink
C. Frame - 2007 Felt DA - Full Carbon, Size 56cm
D. Saddle - Selle Italia SLR T1 Saddle
E. Beaker Concepts Hydro Tail
F. Groupset - Shimano Dura-Ace 10-speed, 12-23, & Dura-Ace Brakes
G. Wheels - Velomax Circuit Wheelset (shown), or Zipp 999 Tubular, or Zipp 404 Clincher
H. Shoes - Sidi T1 Triathlon LORICA
I. Trainer - Kurt Kinetic Fluid Trainer
J. Seat post - Felt Carbon Fiber
K. Tires - Hutchinson Fusion Comp Road
L. Fork - Felt Carbon Fiber Bayonet
M. Pedals - Speedplay X/1 Titanium

If you google the prices of this stuff you'll now know why I'm broke!!!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 7:10 PM Comments: 0

2007: Taking a look back at the year's top 10 stories

This weeks local paper (Gateway Newspapers - Trib Review) did an article looking back on the year's top 10 sports stories. My journey to Hawaii made #8 on the list.

Click Here for the entire article

8. Man of Iron
Irwin resident and Penn-Trafford graduate Chad Holderbaum proved that he is one of the best athletes in the world this year when he competed in the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii this October. The 27-year-old engineer at Westinghouse crossed the finish line in 846th place with a time of 11 hours, six minutes and 38 seconds. The event featured a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. "It was pretty much the hardest race I've ever done as far as the heat, the winds and everything in Hawaii. It was pretty brutal," he said.
"It was definitely a life-changing experience. It was very humbling being there with the best of the best." Holderbaum, a 10-time letter winner at Penn-Trafford, qualified for the Ironman championships after placing 58th out of more than 2,200 competitors at the Lake Placid Ironman. He plans to make a return trip to Hawaii next year if he qualifies again.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 7:52 AM Comments: 0

Solid week of training

Wednesday night I was able to get out of work a little bit early. Jen's bike was broken so I headed over to Jeffs to work on her broken shifter. After we got it fixed I headed to the gym for a quick workout and then later that night, Jeff came over our house and the three of us biked on our trainers for an hour and a half to the last section of the Lake Placid IM course.

On Thursday I met the Irwin running group at Giant Eagle and ran the 6 mile GE course. I ran pretty easy since I was still having a small case of a stomach bug going around. Afterwards I went to the gym for a quick lift.

Friday I took 2 hours vacation and headed into Greensburg for a 3000 yard swim. After the swim I jumped on the trainer again for a 70 minute ride.

As for today, it's still early and sort of nasty out. It's been raining all night and even though it's stopped the roads are still a little wet out. I'm going to head out soon for my long run of the week, and then head to the pool later this afternoon for a 3400 yard swim.

I hope to get outside on the bike tomorrow with Paul. A 2 and a half hour indoor ride does not sound welcoming at all!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 7:41 AM Comments: 0

The Ham

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 7:34 AM Comments: 0

Now with the Christmas Blog

Grandma Gordon and Marty

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 6:33 PM Comments: 0

Recap of the past 3 months (except x-mas)

Bill's Halloween Party

Uncle Mike and Tony's suprise birthday party

2007 has to be by far the best year of our lives. We made so many great new friends, went to many awesome places, got married to Jennifer, and had one fantastic family vacation in October! I can't wait to see what '08 brings.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 5:59 PM Comments: 0

Christmas Eve

Well today was again a very busy day. Jen started off the morning by waking up around 5:30 AM, and headed over to the gym for her workout while I got a couple extra hours of sleep. Jen had to work today and I didn't so it actually gave me extra time to wrap some of her presents!

Once I woke (around 10AM) I got some breakfast, drank some coffee, and headed outside for my hour long run. It wasn't very cold, but the wind made it uncomfortable at times. I did about 7 or 8 striders, but besides that ran pretty easy.

After I got home I had plans to run to the Verizon store since my phone was acting up, but when I turned my key in the X-terra, I got the "battery dead" sound. See I left my Sirius radio on yet again, and in the winter it really drains the battery. So I had to wait till Jen got home from work and instead went for a walk to the local Target. It's only about a mile each way, so wasn't too bad of a hike.

I did some light shopping and not to long after I got home, Jen got home from work. We quickly packed the car and headed over to my parents for their X-mas eve party. My brother Rob was there with his two kids and it was really cool seeing how excited they got over opening our presents.

It was really great seeing the family and it's too bad we don't have more get togethers like this. After the party Jen and I headed home, and I jumped on the trainer for 45 minutes. Nothing like a 10 PM trainer ride to make you not want to go to sleep anytime soon! :)

Well it's 11:10 right now, and we better get to bed so Santa comes!!! Goodnight All!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 11:01 PM Comments: 0

Wow have I been busy

Well after returning from Minneapolis late Wednesday night, my week has just flown by ever since. Thursday morning I woke up and got in my Lactate test on the bike. The bike test was the same as the running. I maintained an average 171 HR for the ride. After work Thursday night I went for a swim to figure out my T-Time (Average 100 / yard swim) over 1000 yards.
After the test my T-Time was around a 1:36. A little slower than I thought, but not too bad.

Thursday night Jen's cousin from Fredrick MD visited us in addition to Jen's brother Ryan, sister in law Ange, and there new baby Marty. We ordered pizza, looked at wedding and Hawaii pictures, then watched a combination of the Pitt Basketball game, the Steeler game, and the Penguin game. It was a good night in Pittsburgh for our home team sports. Pitt knocked off Duke, the Pens beat the Bruins in a shootout, and the Steelers clinched a playoff spot beating the Rams.

Friday was again a very busy day. After work I dressed warm and headed out on a 80 minute bike ride. It felt really good to be outside again on the bike. I don't think it's going to last however since a cold front is coming in today. :( After I got home from my ride, Jen and I headed into town for the Penguin game against the NY Islanders. My friend Mike and his wife Lynn were there with us, and although the Pen's lost, we all had a fun night.

Now for Saturday. Boy was this a busy day. It started off with a 2 and a half hour bike ride with Paul (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1507573 ). I really enjoy riding with Paul, but really need to be in top shape when riding with him. Somehow he is able to maintain fitness all year long and is a really strong rider (hence his nickname "Paul the Animal"). We didn't ride very hard mainly because of me. I've been experimenting with some aero changes on my bike and raised my seat up just a hair. I think this is what is causing my left knee to hurt with every pedal revolution. My knee hurt the entire ride, but I managed to push through it. After the ride, Jen and I had a quick lunch, relaxed just for a little bit, and headed off to the pool. We swam 1700 yards with seven descending 100 yard intervals. My fastest 100 was 1:23 (I know, not fast for you swimmers out there), which I think is my fastest time yet.

After the pool Jen and I headed straight to the Ice Rink in Delmont. See growing up, my #1 passion was playing hockey. I wouldn't have even gotten into running unless I didn't play hockey. Well once a year Penn Trafford has it's annual Alumni game. I haven't been on the ice for close to a year, but it's just like riding a bike (you don't forget). Having endurance has always been a big advantage for me. Everyone else is tired in 30 seconds, and I'm just getting warmed up. My friend Rob and Matt were my wingers, and we had a really fun time and it felt like high school again. We didn't really keep score but I know I scored a couple times during the night. After the game some of us went out afterwards to Rick's Sports Bar for dinner and cocktails. This bar has to have 1000+ beers on tap and in the cooler, but they didn't have Kona beer. So I'll have to wait till October for that nice cold lager taste! :)

By the time we got home around 9:00 PM I was beat. Jen said I was twitching all night so that definitely means I was exhausted. I'm a little sore this morning from hockey, swimming, and biking, but not sore enough to skip a workout. Well we just finished up eating breakfast and hopefully will head out the door soon for our run and beat the rain that's coming this way.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 8:42 AM Comments: 0

Lactate running Test

Last night was my first test workout with coach. He had me run a mile warm up on the treadmill and then a 30 minute hard tempo run at a pace where I can handle but also sustain. The last 20 minutes determines my threshold pace which I kept at a heart rate average of 182. I was running 6:00 minute miles (10 mph) which requires my turnover to be faster than normal since the treadmill was flyin.

I will be interested to see how my times improve vs. my heart rate at this pace in the future.

After my hard run I swam for 30 minutes and called it a night.

Today I ran an easy 45 minutes and currently I'm in Chicago waiting for a flight home.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 5:23 PM Comments: 0

Timber!!!

Yesterday was again a very busy day filled with lots of exercise. Jen and I woke up early around 6:30 AM to get ready for this mornings run with Mike Fallon. Our run workout for the day called for an easy 90 minute run in HR zones 1-2. As we awoke all we heard was pouring down rain running down the house gutters, but none the less we didn't even give it a second guess weather or not we should skip the workout. So we drove to the playground to meet Mike at 7:30 (yes we drove even though it's only a 1/2 mile away - pretty pathetic) and started our nice and easy run. We headed up Pennsylvania Avenue all the way into Adamsburg and ran "Denny's 10 mile loop". It's a pretty hilly course, but plenty of downhill recovery. We finished up around 9:15, and headed home soaking wet. Jen headed straight into the shower, and I proceeded to walk into our living room. As I walked into the living room, our 7 foot tall Christmas Tree was laying on the ground!!! Ornaments were broken, and glass was everywhere. How could this have happened, we thought. My only thought was "the cat"!

I think he knew he was in trouble and that's why he didn't greet us at the door when we got home. We don't really have any smoking gun that he pulled the tree over, but he seems to always be up to no good. So we spent the rest of the morning setting the tree back up, and sweeping up all the little pieces of broken glass. Jen was obviously more upset over the broken ornaments than I was and she was in a crummy mood all morning after that. (I know, hard to believe).

After we cooled down, we still had to get a swim workout in before the big Steeler game. We headed to the Y, and swam another 3000 yards. This actually put me a 9500 yards for the week, an all time high! My shoulders were a little sore at first, but felt okay once I got going.

Doug invited us over his house for the game, so rushed over there and got there with about 10 minutes left in the 1st quarter. It was a pretty disappointing game considering they lost, but at least they're still in 1st place in the division.

So after a very long day filled with crazy events, everything eventually worked its way out.

I'm currently sitting at the gate in Pittsburgh Intl., about to board a flight to Minneapolis (connecting in Chicago of course).

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 9:12 AM Comments: 1

Workout Saturday

Well today it seems like all we've been doing is working out. Considering it's only base training, I'm wondering what will come when build weeks start. As for this afternoon, we went to the pool and swam a 750 yard warmup. For our main set we swam 15 x 100 yard intervals at a moderate pace. My splits started off around 1:30, but the futher into the set I got, my time started to creep up around 1:35. After the 100's, we did some kick work (6 x 50's). For a cool down we did an easy 500 yarder, and that was that. We finished with just over 3000 yards, and after tomorrow I'll have in close to 10,000 yards for the week. That's about 5 1/2 miles for the week if you're like me and are new to the "yards" thing. I think that's pretty good considering up until December I've only swam about 30 miles for the entire year!

After the swim I dropped Jen off at home, and headed over to the gym. I had to move quick since they closed at 5:00, so I super speed lifted, and managed to get in my least set just as they were turning the lights off. Now it's time to relax and enjoy the night. Maybe even go out for a beer. (yeah right, no beer unless it's Kona beer and I'm drinking it on the big island!)

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 5:51 PM Comments: 0

I want sun!

After an awesome 80 degree run in Austin earlier this week this morning I woke up with hopes of weather in the mid to upper 30's. Talking to Paul last night got me thinking that there was no reason for why I couldn't be outside riding right now, but as I woke up and peered out the window I saw water on my road and said to myself not today. The temperature might top out a little over freezing, but that's too risky if the roads are even a little slick with ice.

Instead Doug came over and we did a 2 1/2 hour indoor trainer ride. It really wasn't too bad since I had someone to talk to. We watched Anchor Man with Will Farrel, and then did part of a Spinerval. My knee was a little sore about 90 minutes in to the workout, but tolerable.

I was supposed to swim last night and as I was at the pool unpacking my stuff, I realized I forgot my bathing suit and decided to switch my swim to today. So Jen and I are going to grab a quick lunch then hop in the car for our 3000 yd swim.

I also have to lift sometime today, so will probably head over to the gym later tonight. On a side note, we got our tree this morning, and it looks good in our new house!!!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 1:57 PM Comments: 0

Strange Weather in Austin

Well the past two days I've been training (I mean working) in Austin Texas. When I arrived Monday afternoon it was cold outside, but when I woke up Tuesday morning it was complete night and day. After work I got in an hour run outside and almost took off my shirt cuz it was topping out at 80 degrees.....as for today, complete opposite. A cold front blew through the midwest, and ended up in Austin. Today it was only 44 degrees and raining. I was really not prepared for 44 degrees, but still ran outside in shorts and a T-shirt for 45 minutes after work today. Last night, I went to the Austin YMCA for my swim. It was a really good workout, and I managed to get in over an hour in the pool and swam something like 3400 yards. I'm still slow, but getting better by the day!!

I'm sitting in the Austin airport right now about to board my plane. I decided to fly home tonight, but wont get home till around midnight. I'm also surprising Jen. She thinks I'm still coming home tomorrow. I'll probably end up calling her from Chicago so she doesn't think I'm a robber or something.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 5:47 PM Comments: 0

Austin Bound

Well I flew to Austin Texas this morning and almost got stuck in Washington DC. I had to fly on United, and they oversold the flight therefore since I just booked the ticket a couple of days ago, I didn't get a seat assignment. Having spent many many hours this year in the airports across the country, you learn all the rules and what your entitled to if you might get "bumped" off the plane. The airline will ALWAYS offer you a free ticket anywhere in the US, but they don't tell you what restrictions apply. See you can only use those "free" tickets on select flights, and have to drive to the airport within 24 hours of booking the flight to turn in your voucher at the ticket counter. Now what they also wont tell you is that when you get bumped off your scheduled flight and it isn't due to weather or mechanical failure, and the next flight doesn't leave for 4 hours, you are entitled to a full refund and an additional "cash" refund doubling the price of your ticket, not to exceed $400. Much better then a free flight that you'll probably never use right?

So anyways, back to my DC layover. When the guy at the front desk told me that if I don't make the flight, he'll give me a free ticket and put me on the 7:00 PM flight. I said "I DON'T THINK SO". I told him, if I don't get on this plane you owe me $400 dollars Cash!!! Well that was a little rude, so I guess I didn't put it exactly like that...but after we argued back and forth, and I showed him the rules in writing, he said "well actually it looks like you're going to get on this flight...". So long story short, I made it to Austin originally as planned.

After I landed, and since today was my day off, all I wanted to really do is go to the hotel room and relax. I had a good Japanese dinner and so far that's what I've been doing. Oh by the way, the waitress said I'm "good with chopsticks". I think that's a complement right?

On another note, when I arrived in Austin, I was expecting 85 degree weather like they had this weekend, but of course a cold front came through and it's 48 here right now. The good news is, it's supposed to be 79 tomorrow, but a slight chance of rain. I think I'm going to wake up early and get my 60 minute run in before work as long as it isn't raining.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 7:58 PM Comments: 0

First full week with structure

Well tonight caps off my first full week of training with structure under a coach. So far so good even though it was a pretty light week. The biggest difference to my training over the past 11 months, and now has to be swimming. I swam a total of 8700 yards in the pool and I feel like my stroke is already improving. I still get winded really fast especially when I try to focus on my kick, but I'm sure it'll come around. In addition to swimming I biked around 85 miles on the trainer and it actually wasn't that bad. Having the feeling that I "HAVE" to turn in a workout, and don't want to disappoint coach Kevin really makes me zone in during my workouts and so far they all have blown by. Running was a little light this week as I ran just under 24 miles for the week. Another improvement to my training regiment is time I'm spending in the weight room. Although only 2 or 3 days a week, it should make me stronger over time. Well that about sums up my training for the week. I topped out at 13 hours, and can't wait for the intensity to build...but I know, give it time.

I leave for Austin Texas in the morning. I'll be spending three nights in the most exercise friendly town in the country. I literately walk outside my hotel room onto the running trail. There is a top notch YMCA close to where I'll be working so come Tuesday (Monday is my off day) I'll hit the pool hard. I also have to run an hour sometime Tuesday night. Maybe I'll do that before I go into work!!! A quick 45 minute run on Wednesday and I'm on my way back to the Burgh.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 8:13 PM Comments: 1

My neck still hurts, but workouts went well anyways

Friday morning I woke up not feeling very good. I must of slept wrong and now I have a super stiff neck. It hurts to turn my neck to the left (my breathing side when swimming), but that didn't stop me from getting in two solid workouts.

Workout 1 was a trainer ride downstairs. Jen and I biked for a good 75 minutes, and then headed straight to the pool. The pool workout was tough, but I tried to focus on my kick and form. Jen and I did a ladder workout with the main set consisting of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 yard intervals. We swam 3300 yards total for the workout, and it marked my second longest swim of the year behind IM Hawii.

Here's a summary of my weeks workouts so far.
http://www.trainingpeaks.com/publicview_summary.asp?p=chadholderbaum

Jen and I are off to the mall right now for some x-mas shopping. After we get home sometime this afternoon we're going to hang christmas lights and then do a 2 hour trainer ride.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 11:32 AM Comments: 0

Busy Day

Today was a pretty busy day for me. The morning started off slow and I really had trouble getting out of bed. Once I was up and moving and the coffee hit the stomach, I was ready to roll with my usual day to day work stuff. Tonight was the big Westinghouse work party and I had 2 hours of working out to do. I decided to leave work a little early, get in my hour run and go to the party fashionably late.

Backing up to the run it actually went rather well. I had absolutely no pains and set in at a slow zone 1-2 8:20 per mile pace. After I got back home I went to the work Christmas party. I stayed for about 2 hours and after dinner decided to go to the gym. I had a really good weight workout.

Tomorrow is going to be a tough day. Right after work I'm going to bike for 75 minutes then hit the pool for 3300 yards. I'm really enjoying getting pushed during my workouts! I feel like I'm in high school again, and having structure is going to help me in so many ways!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 8:57 PM Comments: 0

The Icy Track

Tonight was one of those nights that although only 19 degrees, I felt really good and 70 minutes of running in the frigid weather acutually flew by. Jen, Alan, Mike, and I ran a super easy 7 or 8 miles at a 9 minute mile pace. Recently I haven't gotten to do many easy workouts where I could actually talk to these guys about normal day to day stuff. It was nice. If only I could get faster running 9 minute miles.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 9:11 PM Comments: 0

Workouts, Charts, and Graphs - OH MY

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 10:29 AM Comments: 1

Pool Workout

Tonight after work Jen and I went up to the PT pool for my first real swim workout. The past three years I would simply swim at the same pace for any given period of time. Tonight was a little bit different. Having a coach actually made me do intervals in the pool and it was actually fun. Given I still can't swim and Jen smoked me up and down the pool it was still a big improvement having some sort of structure. I swam 2300 yards which is the longest swim workout of the year behind my Ironman races. HAHA. I think my shoulders are really going to be sore tomorrow morning but that's a good thing right? I'm supposed to do two more swim workouts this week, so we'll see how I hold up in the chlorine!

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 9:27 PM Comments: 0

What a weekend

Well this was definitely a weekend worth remembering. Let's go back to Friday night. As I'm sitting on the couch watching 30 Rock (which I taped from earlier in the week), my comcast cable box got possessed, and started doing very strange things. I wouldn't be very concerned, but Saturday was the big "Ironman" party at my house, and the HDTV box was crucial! :)

After spending close to an hour on the phone with Comcast's useless tech support, it was determined that I needed a new cable box. This means that the Lake Placid & Kentucky IM video's that I taped earlier this month were gone. I had to come up with other footage A-SAP!

I planned on getting in my bike workout first thing Saturday morning, but instead was found driving the X-terra to Greensburg to get the box swapped out. Luckily it went smooth and I was on my way home before you knew it.

On my way home I ran into another obstacle. There must have been a pretty bad wreck on Route 30, and traffic was backed up for miles. Just what I needed right? Well if that was the least of my worries, I got a call from Jen saying that there was something going on in our front yard. There was brown area spouting up from the ground with a mysterious smell.....after she saw the toilet paper, she knew something was up. Apparently the main sewage line on our road clogged up, and was coming out of our sewage trap. So now I have 20+ people coming over, and my yard smells like crap! The pipes were cleared just before our first guests go here, and I was able to at least rope off the nasty area.

As for the 1st annual Ironman party, I feel it was a success. We had a total of 25 people show up including all our good friends and family members! It was awesome reliving the Kona experience one last time. It was sort of a closure to my best year ever as an athlete. Not only did I have my best race year, but I got married the best girl too in September. Now it's time to look towards next season and the good fortunes to come. As you might already know, I'm going to be working with a coach which will provide me with structure, balance, and will hopefully help me excel in 2008.

As for 08, I finally firmed out my schedule adding one more big race in April. Jen and I will be heading to the West Coast to our favorite city, San Francisco, for the Big Sur Marathon. The Big Sur area is by far the nicest areas on the entire west coast. We didn't sign up yet because both of us need to make sure it won't interfere with work, but we did however use our frequent flyer miles to book the flights and hotels, so it's pretty much a go.

Our schedule thru July will look something like this:

BIG SUR MARATHON - SUNDAY APRIL 27 (Goal to run sub 3:00 hour)
EAGLEMAN - SUNDAY JUNE 8 (Qualifier for Half Ironman Worlds in Clearwater, FL)
LAKE PLACID - SUNDAY JULY 20 (Qualifier for Ironman Worlds in Kona, Hawaii)

I'm keeping my fall race season wide open for obvious reasons.......(Kona & Clearwater) Hopefully all the moons align in June and July and I find myself just north of the equator in October once again, and cooling off in the Gulf of Mexico come November.

As for my training, I had a so-so weekend. Yesterday I biked on the trainer for 2 hours and felt decent except for my butt. I still have some lingering sores that are making it tough on the long rides......I know....way more info than you care to read. Moving on...the run went good this morning but about 7 miles in to our 8 1/2 miler, my hip flexor started acting up and I also go a slight pain in my left knee. Coming down the stretch towards Kona, I had the same issues.

I'm going to go back to John's (my PT / Chiropractor) and hit it with some ultrasound, and some laser treatments tomorrow so let's hope that helps. After the run today I headed over to the gym for some weights and had all intentions on heading to the pool afterwards. As we were getting ready I told Jen I had better call the YMCA just to make sure they're open. And guess what....they were closed. Do people not workout on Sundays after 3PM??? Upset that I missed my swim workout, coach re-insured me that it was no big deal, but said if I had time tomorrow that it wouldn't hurt either if I got in some pool time.

On another note, Jen starts her new job tomorrow. It's only 5-10 minutes away, and has set hours. She might actually beat me home from work..... :) wish her luck!!!

Now the best way to finish out the weekend would be a Steelers win!!! Let's go black and gold.

posted by Chad Holderbaum @ 6:31 PM Comments: 1