Triathlons are hard

Well, I figured I'd start this vacation with a bang. After all, how hard could it be to arrive in Miami on Saturday night, wake up at 5:30am on Sunday to compete in a triathlon at crandon park? Plus, my brother assured me that a "mini" triathlon wasn't that hard and required little training. It was just a simple little quarter mile swim, 10 mile ride, and 3 mile run.

I was scared at first but I felt pretty confident after some strenuous online research on what constitutes a "proper swimming stroke". I signed up on Wednesday night thinking: The worst thing I can do at this point is train for it because then I'll be sore on the day of the race.

About 1/3rd the way through the swim, I had serious doubts about whether I would live. My pride was only a little hurt when a few of the women from the group that started 4 minutes behind us caught up and passed me. Luckily, there were a few other guys struggling with me who also seemed to be using swimming strokes that only internet research could produce.

I'm happy to say that after a nightmare of a swim, a great bike ride (which had two climbs up the rickenbacker causeway bridge), and a run that just wouldn't seem to end... I finished it! My time was pretty much in the middle of the pack of "first time participants": 1 hour 27 minutes.
Fun stuff. I'm glad the picture doesn't show the woman who just shot past me.

My last day of work...

Today was my last day at work. I know what you are thinking -- it must have been wonderful! And while it does represent our personal pursuit of a dream, it was also sad in many ways. Coming to Atlanta meant moving further away from family and leaving behind close friends. I've always welcomed change and believe firmly that you are in Life where you need to be. The last thing I expected, however, was to meet so many truly special people in this new place. I couldn't help it...I felt sad. I had several reasons to do so...I found in one place a handful of people I grew to respect and care for -- People who gave me great advice, who valued me, who made me laugh, who 'got' me, and who inspired me to be better. It's a special thing when you find that.