Where Water Buffalo Roam

DETOUR #1: Driving over the Eastern Sierra was very relaxing after a solid week of work.  I finished work at 2:30pm, arrived in Santa Rosa to race Vineman 140.6 at 11:30pm.  Turns out there is a fire near South Lake Tahoe, which translated into a turd chase on windy county roads trying to get down and around. DETOUR #2: Exited water feeling pretty good and in 4th place.  Solid bike legs came around and we were cranking in 2nd or 3rd place (pretty strung out and no one giving splits) just past mile 100 of bike.  Head down and hammering a corner full of volunteers shouted left turn, I turned left.  Ten minutes later I realized I'd been sent out on lap 3 of a 2 loop point to point bike.  Missing the "lolly" part of the "lolly pop," was at 120mi and 10mi from the bike to run transition when things hit the fan. Most days are awesome, so everyday can't be.  It's my responsibility as an athlete to be familiar with the course.  That was the fi

Miles of trials, the trial of miles. Time is starting to move faster. Finding space to slow it down feels good. A long time ago Nick met Sarah. Eventually they got married.  Here's a song that sums it up: Time went on. Happy and moving swiftly. Then came the most magical moment: a daughter. Introducing 'B': In a place as powerful as Yosemite, with friends turned family, the experience can only be described as follows: *** A couple photos from in between hugs: Day 1 trail run 20ish miles Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite with a huge net loss.  Day 2 ride Yosemite back to car in Tuolumne Meadows with a huge net gain.  Long rides are longer without coffee.  Sunrise roll-out. Nick and Sarah are on a tea kick...no good.  'B' and Nick stage right.  Lucky baby, proud dad.  Post ride after work mid week. 4,000ft to 9,500ft. Not bad California.  Mountain shuffling  Psyched. Until next time. Your pal, Andrew

A whisper turns to a murmur, a murmer turns to a buzz. Stress.  If they shorten the race to a 70 mile ride and 13 mile run should I still eat this loaf of bread?   The drive from Mammoth to Reno.  Good morning. Projected race temp is 110 degrees Fahrenheit.  There was talk of shortening the race for the safety of both athletes and volunteers. Tension and anxiety of athletes in the village builds.  Pro meeting on a hot clammy boat: “No intention of canceling the race.” Tension rises. Pre-riding run day before race: man playing bagpipes at top of hill. Fitting. In an odd way, chaos created a sense of calm heading into Ironman Coeur d'Alene.  This race was a reminder at just the right time of why adventure and meditation through movement is healing.  When forced to focus on what is right in front of a person simplifying, trying to control less, and more focus is required.  All consuming moments make ‘life-stress’ melt away (especially if it’s hot).  Assessin