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Prep Training

This week I finally got started on some prep training for the upcoming triathlon season. For the next couple of months I’m targeting about 7 hours per week of low-intensity endurance training in all three disciplines, with some technique drills in the pool.

I had a cold all of last week and could feel he effects on the first run earlier this week but I’m back to normal now.

Missouri Day #2

Today we drove even more than we did yesterday. The day started with a short trip from Joplin to Racine, where I introduced Trinh to logs for a couple of hours. Our host, Rich, was very gracious and took his time to explain the ins and outs of log grading and scaling. It was a good visit.

Then it was time for another long drive to our concentration yard in Van Buren, where Trinh had a chance to see how we produce the lumber he sells in Vietnam.

We’re spending the night in West Plains, and rather than taking the shortest route from Van Buren, I decided to show Trinh where the trees actually grow. We took a windy road through the Mark Twain National Forest. It’s not as impressive as the Appalachian range but still dazzles with its colors this time of year. Trinh, who’s only seen green jungles before, was impressed.

Joplin, MO

What a day! Got up at 4 this morning to pick up my Vietnamese agent from his hotel and drive to the airport. After a connection in Denver we arrived in St Louis at 2 pm this afternoon. From there it was a 300-mile diagonal drive across the entire state of Missouri, to Joplin. I’m sipping a Bud and watching the Patriots-Colts but am ready to call it quits. Good night.

Halloween

Our Halloween celebrations started a week early this year and my mom had a chance to attend her first Halloween party, which was a big hit.

Unfortunately, Trek spent several hours in the hospital with a high fever tonight and missed out on the trick or treating in the neighborhood.

Here are some pictures from the past week until today.

Maui Day 7

Aah, nothing like getting up at 2:45 in the morning when you’re not a morning person, but we decided to stick with the Haleakala plan and see the sun rise over Maui from its highest peak. If you’re ever in Maui and decide to do this (which I recommend), take 1/2 hour off the estimated drive time. There’s no traffic and speeding is not an issue. Anyway, we made it up there with plenty of time to spare and actually took a short nap in the car before dawn.

With the exception of some drunk Italians it was a very peaceful experience, even with plenty of folks around, because everyone spoke in a whisper. Once the sun was up everyone reverted to normal.

Getting up that early meant that we had a long day ahead of us. It was completely cloudy in Kihei today for the first time, so we dozed a bit on the beach. My mom spotted a sea turtle while snorkeling, which was a big hit!

The afternoon was shopping, beach, a drink at Fred’s and dinner (grilled meat, yet again). A good day!