I have stared into the face of my enemy!

The weather is starting to get warmer as spring arrives and that means I'll be spending a lot of time out on the local waterways getting ready for the MR340.  This race makes me nervous.  Not because of the sweltering heat, or the 340miles of river, or the fact that I now have the slowest kayak in our group (The Godzilla Flotilla), or any number of other reasons that it should make me nervous.  It makes me nervous for one reason, Asian Carp!  During a short trip on the Mississippi river I was assaulted by a school of smallish asian carp, and let me tell you it was not fun.  When the first one leapt across my bow it left me with a couple seconds to think "that was cool" before 15 or so of his buddies started jumping all around me.  I had to block one from hitting me in the face.  These were as I said smallish fish between 8-12inches but they were big enough for me to get the idea.
Before the attack I was always told that they only breach in response to the vibration of boat motors.  Now I know this is not true.
There haven't been too many problems with asian carp during the race as far as I can tell so I'm not going to let it bother me too much other than knowing that they are out there!

Routine...

It's that time of year again when I have to rearrange my training schedule.  One routine will be swapped for another.  Warmer temperatures will bring cycling and paddling into the mix.  As I think about routines and what has become routine I wonder why somethings come so easy while others are near impossible.

Routine:
Everyday at work when break time rolls around I eat a bag of Buffalo Wing and Blue Cheese potato chips, and drink a Dr Pepper.  Very healthy I know.  Don't judge.  This is so ingrained I don't even have to think about it, it's like I am on auto pilot.  The workers in the store expect to see me, and know what I am going to buy (I would like to send a shout out to LaKenya and Amanda).  Incidentally if you are wondering, those particular chips are the BEST!  If you can find them I highly recommend them.

I have tried to add weight training into my routine many times, so many times in fact you would think I would be in better shape due to all the stops and starts.  I know weight training is something that would benefit me in everyone of my chosen endeavors.  Running, cycling, mtb-ing, swimming, paddling, being awesome, etc., every one of these gets better and better with pumping iron.  So why am I so lame that I cannot stick to a routine of lifting weights?  I know I am not alone in this battle, but I can't help but feel like there is something wrong with me.

When I find the answer I will be sure to share it with the world (for a small fee of course).  I know I will find the solution because I have to be able to establish more of a routine than eating potato chips.  They are pretty tasty though!

This guy is my hero!

So people ask me all the time, "Patrick, what motivates you to do all of the things you do?"  Okay, people don't really ask me that, but if they did I would answer "Mike Horn".  This guy pushes him self to the extreme, my most extreme adventure would be as easy as rolling over in bed for this guy.  Watch the video and then watch the other parts when you get time, and if you are not inspired to embark on a grand adventure you should probably seek medical attention because you are probably dead!



Live your adventure!

Saucony Peregrine

So far I have about 20miles in them.  Review coming soon?

MR340 vs OT100 and the winner is!

Okay so check it out.  Last year I thought it would be possible for me to paddle the MR340 and run the OT100.  Now that I am actually trying to figure out the logistics of training for both races it looks like it just won't be possible.  There isn't enough time on the weekends to get my long paddling and long running done and after the 340 I would only have 4months to build back up and I don't think that would be enough time. 

The decision to choose the MR340 over the OT100 was an easy one for several reasons:

• I'm doing the 340 with a group that I don't want to back out on.
• I am already registered for the 340
• I bought a kayak
• I was only interested in the OT because it was close
• I have heard the OT course is less than ideal
• I am not registered for the OT

So that is a quick list of what is going on in my head for the decision making process.  A 100mile Ultra is still on the table but when and where is still to be determined.

I think friends and teammates Chuck and Robin are wanting to do an Ironman in 2012 and have asked if I want to join the fun.  So who knows when I will get that 100mile buckle.  I'll still have a couple 50k's and 50 milers under my belt though and that has to count for something right?