I finished the 2011 Cap Tex Olympic Triathlon on May 30 with a time of 3:35, which was 15 minutes faster than last year's time.
For the swim, I hit my goal time of 40 minutes right on the dot. Like last year, I had trouble getting started in the crowd (had google problems this time) but settled into a rhythm after the first buoy and swam a nice pace thereafter. Even passed a few people. Both transitions about 5 minutes each.
The bike leg was actually slower than last year even thought I thought I rode as well as last year. 1:35, which was 5 minutes more than I expected. I'll blame it on the windy conditions. In hindsight, maybe I could have pushed harder on the long straights. But I wanted to do well on the run.
The run course was pretty strong, and I started very nicely before heating up about 2 -3 miles into it. Sun was hot about then. Despite a bit of walking, I was able to continue to run and finished strong, 1:10 for the 10K, running about marathon pace, 11:35. I was just 5 minutes off of my goal time of 65 minutes.
Most importantly, I was not too nervous getting started. I knew I had the training to do the distances. And most surprisingly, I was not completely exhausted after finishing. So that was a nice finish to a good race. The 3 helpings of Chinese food tasted great that night. As well as the celebratory lunch today at Fogo de Chao!
Next on the list: http://www.trifind.com/re_16150/PioneerPowerSprintTriathlon.html on July 31.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Watching The Office
Season 6 on Netflix. Our cable box has gone out and so I had a frustrating time on the phone. "A technician will come Thursday". What a joke! Of course I have a full day of other event set on Thursday so I'll just add that to the list.
Even though the cable box was out, it is cool that you can now watch TV on the Internet. And to think that limited bandwidth used to be a problem.
Sarah is ready to finish school this year. I asked her if she could graduate early but she said she had 3 more necessary classes. Some of the recruited football players from UT now graduate from high school early to start UT in the spring semester so they can start practicing with the football team. She seemed interested in that.
Even though the cable box was out, it is cool that you can now watch TV on the Internet. And to think that limited bandwidth used to be a problem.
Sarah is ready to finish school this year. I asked her if she could graduate early but she said she had 3 more necessary classes. Some of the recruited football players from UT now graduate from high school early to start UT in the spring semester so they can start practicing with the football team. She seemed interested in that.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Information Overload
While I was checking on line for some CLE programs this summer, I came across a free CLE program on Information Overload. As expected, I've got it running in the background while I am blogging :)
Today was a good cash day - surprisingly. I was not expected to receive a check, much less 4 of them. As a friend said, when you're making money, you're usually not that busy.
I did get 3 good things done - a will, a demand letter and 2 contracts today. So it was a nice opportunity to get some things completed.
Sarah' s getting signed up for a UT Summer program for a week in July. So I'm working on getting the papers signed (parental releases) and will get those faxed in tomorrow.
The Cap Tex Triathlon is next Monday, May 30. Its coming up and I'm ready for it. This evening I went for a bike ride, with Perceived Exertion 8/9 on a scale of 10. Heart rate was in the 130s which I thought was about an 8, while cycling.
Today was a good cash day - surprisingly. I was not expected to receive a check, much less 4 of them. As a friend said, when you're making money, you're usually not that busy.
I did get 3 good things done - a will, a demand letter and 2 contracts today. So it was a nice opportunity to get some things completed.
Sarah' s getting signed up for a UT Summer program for a week in July. So I'm working on getting the papers signed (parental releases) and will get those faxed in tomorrow.
The Cap Tex Triathlon is next Monday, May 30. Its coming up and I'm ready for it. This evening I went for a bike ride, with Perceived Exertion 8/9 on a scale of 10. Heart rate was in the 130s which I thought was about an 8, while cycling.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Birthday
Today is Sarah's 17th birthday so we have a houseful/backyard full of kids having fun. The stereo is cranked to 11 :) As they say, if its too loud, you're too old.
Since I'm not really needed, I am planning to go to the movie tonight; Bridesmaids. More importanty, Hangover 2 starts May 26. Getting to the good summer movie season. Super 8 looks good also, Green Lantern. Not too excited about Pirates of the Carribean 4 though.
Its been a busy week at work. I've been following the productivity idea: figure out what you don't want to do, then do that first. No shortage of things I dont' want to do :) so its been productive. Lots of new clients though - things going well. I made a good decision to come back.
Since I'm not really needed, I am planning to go to the movie tonight; Bridesmaids. More importanty, Hangover 2 starts May 26. Getting to the good summer movie season. Super 8 looks good also, Green Lantern. Not too excited about Pirates of the Carribean 4 though.
Its been a busy week at work. I've been following the productivity idea: figure out what you don't want to do, then do that first. No shortage of things I dont' want to do :) so its been productive. Lots of new clients though - things going well. I made a good decision to come back.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Trip to Houston
We got back from Houston on Sunday, having to come back a little early. Our friend Oscar Cardenas died over the weekend. He had just turned 50 last summer. While that sounds young, he had Muscular Dystrophy for many years. He was not supposed to live nearly so long, so he accomplished a lot: graduted from Texas A&M, owned 2 businesses, travelled, drove, had many friends. He was one of the first people I met in McAllen. "Hard not to meet him" said one person.
Friday I went to the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute for a VO2 max test. It was a combo cardiace stress/max oxygen test. My numbers for 175 heart rate and 44 Ml which was measured in the 80th percentile. I needed improvement in strength and flexibility. Afterwards, I went by the Galleria for a present for Joel whose birthday is May 20. We all met for dinner at El Meson which was a lot of fun. We had the Paella along with Ceviche, Quail and red snapper.
Saturday Susan and I were back at the Galleria. We had a good time together and had lunch at the Daily Grill. Saturday night was Nicole's party. It was fun to be there with but apart with the kids. They ended up staying up late.
Sunday John and I went riding in the Memorial Park trails on my new bike that has been at his house since December. There were lots of ups and downs, roots and rocks. It was pretty exciting, and I've got the road rash to prove it.
Friday I went to the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute for a VO2 max test. It was a combo cardiace stress/max oxygen test. My numbers for 175 heart rate and 44 Ml which was measured in the 80th percentile. I needed improvement in strength and flexibility. Afterwards, I went by the Galleria for a present for Joel whose birthday is May 20. We all met for dinner at El Meson which was a lot of fun. We had the Paella along with Ceviche, Quail and red snapper.
Saturday Susan and I were back at the Galleria. We had a good time together and had lunch at the Daily Grill. Saturday night was Nicole's party. It was fun to be there with but apart with the kids. They ended up staying up late.
Sunday John and I went riding in the Memorial Park trails on my new bike that has been at his house since December. There were lots of ups and downs, roots and rocks. It was pretty exciting, and I've got the road rash to prove it.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
LA TO PLAY MIAMI IN FINALS
WE KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!
Credit to:
Jimmy Parks, Jr.
Attorney at Law
210-229-1322
LA TO PLAY MIAMI IN FINALS
MAVS FANS EXCITED FOR THE LAKERS
Surprisingly, almost to a person, Maverick fans who heard the news that the Lakers were still going to the NBA Finals were excited that the Lakers were going in spite of being swept by the Mavs. Tom Masoni, a Maverick season ticket holder since the team first came to town, was not the least bit disappointed. “At first I was a little chagrined; after having swept them and all. Besides they’re genuine A-holes. Then I thought about it. They really are the best team in the NBA, and besides we’re A-holes too. So it’s a win-win”.
Mark Cuban was practical in his approach. “It really surprised me at first…having never heard of the rule before. But it’s no secret that I obsessively spend a ton of money that could do some good for mankind, on this goofy German freak of nature; I’m offensively selfish; and by the way I’m an A-hole. Besides, I only waste my fortune to prove that we can play with the best. And I think we showed the world that we can compete with the Lakers, and we sure did give them a good game. We are satisfied with the results and we’ll be pulling for them in the Finals”.
The Rule Cuban is talking about is the Rule of Parley. A rarely used NBA rule where the NBA can bring back a team and put them in the NBA Finals, even after they get goose-egged in a series. We sent Jimmy Parks to interview David Stern.
Jimmy: David how did the Mavs get eliminated?
Stern: It’s an American Idol move we copied. When a team loses, we let the heterosexual guy who judges ‘Dancing with the Stars’ decide if they should still be brought back to the Finals.
Jimmy: What about scores, wins, and playoff series?
Stern: They are all great. And they all have their place in the NBA. But you’d have to agree that the goal is to have the two best teams in the NBA play for the championship, and everyone knows that Miami and L.A. are by far, the two best.
Jimmy: But shouldn’t the objectivity of playoff scores mean something?
Stern: Of course. But scores only take you so far. The Lakers transcend scores. And objectivity is puerile and overrated. In some years the subjectivity of the media on the two Coasts, is simply a much better judge of who should be in the Finals than determining a winner by points. This year is a perfect example. The Lakers-Heat Series was predetermined. To tell you the truth, I’d have been shocked if that judge who sits in the middle and talks funny, whatever his name is, hadn’t invoked the Rule of Parley.
Credit to:
Jimmy Parks, Jr.
Attorney at Law
210-229-1322
LA TO PLAY MIAMI IN FINALS
MAVS FANS EXCITED FOR THE LAKERS
Surprisingly, almost to a person, Maverick fans who heard the news that the Lakers were still going to the NBA Finals were excited that the Lakers were going in spite of being swept by the Mavs. Tom Masoni, a Maverick season ticket holder since the team first came to town, was not the least bit disappointed. “At first I was a little chagrined; after having swept them and all. Besides they’re genuine A-holes. Then I thought about it. They really are the best team in the NBA, and besides we’re A-holes too. So it’s a win-win”.
Mark Cuban was practical in his approach. “It really surprised me at first…having never heard of the rule before. But it’s no secret that I obsessively spend a ton of money that could do some good for mankind, on this goofy German freak of nature; I’m offensively selfish; and by the way I’m an A-hole. Besides, I only waste my fortune to prove that we can play with the best. And I think we showed the world that we can compete with the Lakers, and we sure did give them a good game. We are satisfied with the results and we’ll be pulling for them in the Finals”.
The Rule Cuban is talking about is the Rule of Parley. A rarely used NBA rule where the NBA can bring back a team and put them in the NBA Finals, even after they get goose-egged in a series. We sent Jimmy Parks to interview David Stern.
Jimmy: David how did the Mavs get eliminated?
Stern: It’s an American Idol move we copied. When a team loses, we let the heterosexual guy who judges ‘Dancing with the Stars’ decide if they should still be brought back to the Finals.
Jimmy: What about scores, wins, and playoff series?
Stern: They are all great. And they all have their place in the NBA. But you’d have to agree that the goal is to have the two best teams in the NBA play for the championship, and everyone knows that Miami and L.A. are by far, the two best.
Jimmy: But shouldn’t the objectivity of playoff scores mean something?
Stern: Of course. But scores only take you so far. The Lakers transcend scores. And objectivity is puerile and overrated. In some years the subjectivity of the media on the two Coasts, is simply a much better judge of who should be in the Finals than determining a winner by points. This year is a perfect example. The Lakers-Heat Series was predetermined. To tell you the truth, I’d have been shocked if that judge who sits in the middle and talks funny, whatever his name is, hadn’t invoked the Rule of Parley.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday May 9
Tonight's the night - to bed by 11! So I'll make this short. I've got two books by the bedside waiting. One a classic "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence" From what I've read so far, it's heavy on the Zen and light on the motorcycles.
Speaking of, I witnessed a car/motorcycle accident while bicycling Saturday. I could have been part of it :( I was in the right lane (left wheel position) and signaling by hand to move lanes (from the right lane to the middle). A motorcycle had just pulled up and stopped at the light and I was going to tuck in beside it. Before moving left , I heard and saw a car screeching to a halt on my left , tires sliding. It hit the motorcycle stopped ... fortunately it didnt' knock the rider or cycle over or even much forward. The car stopped and - the driver yelled at me "What were you doing! I was watching you! You had your hand out!"
Talking to the motorcyclist, he had a Rider's Edge badge on ( the same course I took). He said "Its her responsibility to maintain the distance". So, as Billy Martin said - blame it all on me.
He was particularly calm - impressive!
There were thankfully no injuries and they exchanged info and insurance. I gave each a card, said "I'll let you handle this" and rode off - to a safer road.
Closest I've come to any accident - glad not be in it. Moral: Stay away from busy streets!
Speaking of, I witnessed a car/motorcycle accident while bicycling Saturday. I could have been part of it :( I was in the right lane (left wheel position) and signaling by hand to move lanes (from the right lane to the middle). A motorcycle had just pulled up and stopped at the light and I was going to tuck in beside it. Before moving left , I heard and saw a car screeching to a halt on my left , tires sliding. It hit the motorcycle stopped ... fortunately it didnt' knock the rider or cycle over or even much forward. The car stopped and - the driver yelled at me "What were you doing! I was watching you! You had your hand out!"
Talking to the motorcyclist, he had a Rider's Edge badge on ( the same course I took). He said "Its her responsibility to maintain the distance". So, as Billy Martin said - blame it all on me.
He was particularly calm - impressive!
There were thankfully no injuries and they exchanged info and insurance. I gave each a card, said "I'll let you handle this" and rode off - to a safer road.
Closest I've come to any accident - glad not be in it. Moral: Stay away from busy streets!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mothers Day
Its Sunday, Mothers Day. Susan decreed that she wanted the day to herself, so she has returned from a pedicure with Sarah and now Susan is outside sunning herself by the pool.
I did my swim workout today, 2100 meters which was a lot. Took about an hour and a half. Now the day is pretty quiet. Sarah sleeping now. Maybe I might see a movie later. Its getting closer to summer and hot in the afternoon. Or maybe I might go to the golf course.
Only 3 week until the Cap Tex Triathlon in Austin. I'm looking forward to the repeat race.
This week I'm doing something I've wanted to do - I'm going to the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute on Friday in Houston for a VO2 max test and other sports related tests. These are the ones that the big-time athletes use so I think it will be good information. THere's a party for Nicole on Saturday that we will all go to. Wednesday is my birthday (Nicole's tood) and Susan has planned a dinner here. Then on Friday, I've planned another dinner with my bike riding friends in Houston at El Meson, which sponsors an MS 150 team.
I did my swim workout today, 2100 meters which was a lot. Took about an hour and a half. Now the day is pretty quiet. Sarah sleeping now. Maybe I might see a movie later. Its getting closer to summer and hot in the afternoon. Or maybe I might go to the golf course.
Only 3 week until the Cap Tex Triathlon in Austin. I'm looking forward to the repeat race.
This week I'm doing something I've wanted to do - I'm going to the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute on Friday in Houston for a VO2 max test and other sports related tests. These are the ones that the big-time athletes use so I think it will be good information. THere's a party for Nicole on Saturday that we will all go to. Wednesday is my birthday (Nicole's tood) and Susan has planned a dinner here. Then on Friday, I've planned another dinner with my bike riding friends in Houston at El Meson, which sponsors an MS 150 team.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
First week back
Its been a nice week back in the office, although it can get a little quiet around here with only me here in the morning. Anna and Cristina are here in the afternoons. Thank goodness for Bob - 1035bobfm.com that is. Internet radio - right from your computer. It takes the edge off the quiet.
I am getting ahead with all the various matters that it never seemed I had the time for. Now I can think ahead, instead of simply reacting. One thing is that I've started leaving the laptop at work - no need to take it home. That has freed up the time to play the piano and guitar.
I am getting ahead with all the various matters that it never seemed I had the time for. Now I can think ahead, instead of simply reacting. One thing is that I've started leaving the laptop at work - no need to take it home. That has freed up the time to play the piano and guitar.
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