The Old, The New, The Good, The Bad

It seems it is that time of year again where blog posts talk about 2011 in review or plans for 2012, so why would I not participate? 

2011

The year started off on a great note, having just returned from a mission trip to Africa.  I went straight into training for my first year on Team Trakkers.

I was posting weekly summaries of workouts and putting up some content on my blog. 2011 looked strong!  I got my new ride.

I compiled a list of Trakkers Favorites to workout to: Trakkers Music and reviewed some products:

My training progressed and before I knew it, it was race season!  The Kestrel Airfoil Pro was ready to roll:



The first race of the season ended up with a 1st in AG(due to the first 2 getting top 3 overall) Then it was off to Knoxville… All I can say, is daym!  I was in pretty solid shape and have some work to do!



Knoxville was my first REV3 Race… and I was very impressed with how well things were run.  A+++++ Organization!

I had a disappointing race in New Brighton, but bounced back with an Overall win in Mason City Iowa.  Then the big news…. We found out my wife was expecting! Twins was just the added bonus! 
It never seems to fail that with good comes bad.  July came around and smacked me hard.  Leaving me with a broken collar bone and multiple surgeries to repair.



After the crash… everything went downhill quickly.  A much longer than expected recovery period took its toll on me, and I was mentally crushed. 

The good news, our twin boys were on the way, and growing well.  After a million doctors appointments, the boys were born on November 29, 2011. Both boys were healthy and after two weeks in the NICU, they got to come home and join the family. 

2012

I have a number of goals/resolutions/plans for 2012.  First and foremost is to be the best dad I can to Carter and Caleb.  I love watching them grow every day.  They are truly a blessing in my life and I  could not imagine it any other way. 

I am excited to be ‘back’ on Team REV3 for 2012.  The returning members are what got me through my injuries last year, and looking forward to good things this year. 
My race schedule is far from set in stone, but here are my thoughts for events, peppered with a few local races as well.

• REV3 Knoxville Olympic – May 6
• Mason City Triathlon
• Camp Courageous Triathlon – August 5 – Possibly
• REV3 Wisconsin Dells Olympic – August 12
• REV3 Cedar Point Half – September 9

Since 2011 added some pounds, I am also aiming on being back to race weight for Knoxville!  I have my work cut out for me.  But a goal is a goal!  I will post some more specific goals in the coming weeks.
I am very excited to see what else 2012 has in store! Until then… Go Hawks! 

December Ramblings

I am going to do my best to keep this post to a reasonable length, but it has been a while since I have posted anything... So much for posting more often! Life is busy... What else is new. As many of you know, my wife was put on bed rest at 30 weeks which lasted for 5 weeks exactly. On November 29, 2011 we welcomed two members to our family in the form of twin boys, Carter & Caleb. They spent the first two weeks in the NICU, so we spent a lot of time back and forth between the hospital and home, scrambling to get things in order. Luckily both boys were healthy, what they call boring babies there. Boring is good!!!!! On top of that, in the same week as the babies were born, I found out that the new job I just hired into and transitioned to, was eliminated. How about that roller coaster of events in the same week?!?! Luckily, I was able to find something so it was not a big impact, more-so just a wave of emotions. I have been fairly diligent at squeezing in workouts when possible. I figure 30 minutes of running is better than 0. Hopefully I can use some of the time around the holidays to get into my new routine to find what works best. As the holiday season is around us, I cannot miss thinking about what a great year it has been. Some highlights include: - Finding out we were pregnant - Finding out and having our twin boys! - Making the Rev3 Team for 2012 - First Olympic Distance Triathlon - First place overall at Mason City Tri - Bike accident - broken clavicle - 2 surgeries for repairs Some people may look at that last one and say... What? How's that good? Well, you see, it did make me miss the whole second half of the season, but it makes me all the more excited for 2012! I am grateful for everyone that has been put in my life, friends, family, co-workers. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I fully trust that regardless of the situation, there is a bigger plan out there. Last night we had our first Christmas with some family. Since we moved into a house in March, we were ale to host, not to mention having two week-olds gives some pull so we did not have to travel. After hosting, it started to lightly snow, and a bit later after things settled down at the house, we had carolers from the neighborhood. This is one of the first years since being out of college that I felt like our Christmas was in a home, and not just our house. I am very excited for the next few weeks, and all that 2012 has to bring. Welcome to all of the new Team Rev3 members. I am excited to get to know everyone in the coming months. PS Pictures to come.