Father's Day Plans

Well a year ago, I had plans for Father's Day. They had just announced that they were going to have an Ironman 70.3 in Lawrence, KS - my old college stomping grounds. I thought, can't pass that up. Well things happen, and this Father's Day, rather than racing for 5 hours, I will most likely be a daddy.
But my friend Mike answered the challenge and is signed up and ready to go on Sunday. For those interested, you can check it out at www.ironmankansas.com.
Mike is bib #1045.
As for me. There is always next year. Hoepfully Mike will do a good job this weekend, and then next year there will be a larger former-KU-swimmer contingent racing.
Good luck Mike!
As for the rest of you..... better start training for next year!

I'm a Real Boy, er, Cyclist

There are some things in life that by their very nature are a right of passage; first kiss (dating life), getting your drivers license (freedom), birth of first child (parenthood), etc.

Well yesterday I had one of those "right of passage" moments. You see, I have been doing triathlons and riding my bike for a number of years (off and on). And until yesterday, I had never crashed. So on my way home from my noon ride yesterday, I entered the ranks of "cyclist" - a label that I am told is only attained upon, among other things, the successful completion of a road race, the shaving of one's legs, and a good crash!

Anyways, crusing home I was turning right into a little neighborhood when I felt my front wheel get a bit "mushy" and it became a bit difficult to control - Apparently it is a bit difficult to turn when you get a flat tire. Go figure. Anyways, I was leaning into the turn and my front wheel followed by my back wheel) came out from under me. My hip took the brunt of the initial impact before I slid across the pavement.

All in all, it wasn't too bad. Could have been much worse. My hands stung a bit and I got a little road rash on the fore arm and hip.

The thing that is driving me nuts now is my broken thumb. You would be amazed how hard it is to button your pants/shirt without the use of a thumb.

Anyways, it is handy having a brother around who is an orthopedic surgeon. I got right in and got an x-ray. First crash - first broken bone!

Few things I learned from this experience: (1) gauze pads were created by the devil and Tegaderm is the cat's meow (thanks for the heads up John); (2) I would much rather fall on a bike that most other injuries - it happens so fast that you don't have much time to react and as long as you don't break your collarbone (most common cycling break), you will not be too bad; and (3) road rash stings like hell when you first get in the shower.

Saturday Morning Ride