It's been a while..

Well let's see, since my last post school got out, summer break is almost over, peaches and corn are all gone, etc...etc...That pretty much explains where I've been in the blogging world the past couple of months...

This week I had some interesting things happen.  I found out that I qualified for the National Championship for the United States Triathlon Association for Age Groupers in part from my performance at White Lake back in May.  Age Groupers are considered the step below the elites and pros by the way.  This race is up in Burlington, Vermont.  At first I was like...ehh..that's a long way off...well at least I can say I qualified..blah blah blah.  Well I told some people about it...posted on Facebook and was immediately encouraged that I should do it.  Thanks for the encouragement by the way.

After thinking long and hard and getting Nicole's blessing permission, I decided to sign up for it.  It was one of those things that I would regret not doing.  The other deciding factor was how hard I've trained my body this spring and summer.  I'm in some of the best shape of my life right now.  Why not see where I stand against the nation's best? 

It's hard to believe where I am now compared to 3 years ago when I did my first triathlon.  I went from a non-swimmer/beginner road biker/decent runner to a decent swimmer/intermediate biker/advanced runner.  I was looking at pictures back from when Nicole and I first got married up till now....goodness tons of things have happened to me in the last 5 years.  Not to mention my body type..the extra weight I was carrying around is gone.

I am very excited/nervous about my upcoming challenge which is next weekend.  Around 2500 competitors will be there!!  By far the biggest race of my tri career.  I'm going to give it my all and see what happens...if I have a great swim I might have a shot to finish in the top of my Age Group.  It's supposed to be wetsuit legal since water temps will be in the low 70's.  That's an advantage for me! The bike doesn't look very hilly and the run looks flat and fast.  It should be a great trip..LONG drive, but I'm going to a part of the country I've never been to before.

There will be a way to track me live and see my progress..I'll post that link on Facebook so you can follow me next Saturday.  Until then...wish me safe travels and for a great race!