Time to pull out the Machete...

....And do a bit of trimming on the race schedule.

I planned a few shorter run races early in the year as "build up" events leading into a half marathon in March. Coach Gordo says there's not much value in doing the shorter/harder races leading into the half, so, I'm cutting them out of the schedule. He also advised that I not race in June, which would mean axing the oly up at West Point Lake. I really like that race, so I'm leaving it on the schedule for now and will decide on whether to do it or not a bit closer to race day.

On a completely different subject, I finally got around to opening a Facebook account. I think I was the last kid on the block who wasn't on Facebook. I've found a few bloggers on there and some old friends from high school (some have really...REALLY... changed since HS days). I'm still trying to figure out all the features, but it's been fun so far. I find myself jumping on throughout the day to see what everyone is up to. Anyhooo, if you're on FB and need another "friend", send me a request: Todd Johnson -- Albany Georgia.

The new year is upon us and the J gang will be celebrating New Year's Eve as we usually do, right here at Rancho de Relaxo. After making the rounds at Christmas, we're usually ready to chill at home for New Year's...and that's the case again this year. I'll throw some chicken on the grill for dinner and will probably have a Heineken or two later. DJ will wake me up at midnight for a smooch and the new year will be here.
For those of you doing something a bit more exciting, drive safe and have a great time.

Hope you all have a great 2009.
TJ

Santa/Fedex, finally made it to town.

After spending a week snowed in up in Madison Wisconsin, my new toys finally made it to Georgia.

PowerTap 2.4 wireless

Zipp 404 Wheelset

Happy Training,

TJ

Christmas Pictures

Things are settling down a bit and I thought I'd post a few Christmas pictures.

KJ in her school's Christmas program

The first family gathering

KJ and Cousins

Christmas eve at DJ's parents.

Christmas morning.

Christmas afternoon at my folks.

Me, KJ, DJ, Nephew, Sis, Nephew, Brother-in-law

YouTubeAholic

A few of my favorites.

Mark Gungor. Very funny.....and true.

Reagan. Gotta love the Gipper.

Andy McKee. Awesome guitarist.

Ironman

Lance

Eddie

Sometimes....

...life gets in the way and all the training just doesn't get done.
This week it was work (overtime), a sick youngun with fever (now on antibiotics), and the first Christmas gathering (yesterday) that took precedence over training. I ended up with two zeros for the week. I don't like seeing blanks in the log, but sometimes zeros are necessary.

I'll have plenty of time to do some catching up over the next two weeks though. Saturday was my last day at work until January 5th. I am soooo looking forward to the break. D and K are both out for Christmas break as well.

I spent this morning watching old Ironman Hawaii tapes and drinking coffee while I waited for the rain to stop. Watching the Blazeman still chokes me up. The caffine eventually took over and my patience for a break in the weather ran out. I got on the trainer just after lunch, and of course, the sun came out 45 minutes later. :-)

Merry Christmas,
TJ

P.S. Remember those "toys" I mentioned I'd be getting a few posts back? Well, I'll get them as soon as the snow stops in Madison WI long enough for UPS to head south.

Coaching for 2009

I read a lot of endurance training “stuff” on the web. Pro athlete websites, coaching sites, amateur athlete sites, blogs, physiology sites … you get the idea.
One of the guys that I started reading early on was Gordon Byrn. Gordo’s writings made sense to me and were always presented in a way that I could easily understand. I suppose that’s why I’ve continued to read his writings through the years. I’ve learned a lot reading the info on his website and blog and have implemented much of it into my training.

For those who may not be familiar with Gordo, he is the co-author of "Going Long". He is a pro triathlete who started triathlon later in life than most pros. He has finished 2nd or 3rd at IM Canada with a best IM finish of around 8:30 (w/2:46 marathon!). He knows what it takes to do well at IM.

Anyhow, Gordo is also a coach and usually only works with a small group of athletes…at a premium fee. One on one type coaching. Well, he has started a new web-based coaching platform and put out a request for 10 triathletes who’d be competing at the Ironman distance in 2009 to volunteer as “beta testers” for the new website. I threw my name into the hat figuring with only 10 slots I wouldn’t stand much chance of getting in.
Well…..I’m in.

Not only will I be getting to work with a great coach, but it’s FREE…for the whole year! The only thing he asks is that we follow the program through the website and give feedback on what we like/dislike. Our individual training plans will come in 2-3 week blocks and he’ll tailor our training as we go.
My program starts December 29.
Looks like my year of self-coaching will have to wait for another year. Shucks! :)

Happy Training,
TJ

Sunday Morning Ride Pictures

2.5 chilly hours on the bike this morning.

Here are a few pictures from the ride.

Heading out of town.

One of the creeks I passed over.

Green amongst all the autumn colors.

It was REALLY cold in the shadows

An old farm house.

Open *(WINDY)* farmland.

Pecan grove.

Marsh

Sawgrass

Back to civilization.

Hope everyone has a great week of training. TJ