On Sunday, the cycling and triathlon worlds were again hit with tragedy when Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson were killed after being struck by a car. Kristy was the 2004 winner of the 25-29 age group at the Ironman World Championships. She had recently made a transition to elite cycling and had her eyes on the Olympics.
Sadly, the initial reports are that the vehicle that hit them had crossed a double yellow line into the path of the cyclists. Gough and Peterson were killed and a third cyclist was seriously injured.
Please pray for the families of these victims as they deal with the loss of loved ones. And watch yourselves as you hit the roads for the training and race season. We all know the number of drivers who are oblivious to anything on two wheels, and we don't have the loud pipes of a motorcycle to help protect us.
 In the late 80s, I got into a bit of trouble with my parents over music. Now, my parents were fairly tolerant about music choices, so long as it was played at a reasonable volume. My parents accepted my punk rock music as easily as they accepted American folk. They even coped when I showed up at home with the remnants of a mohawk, a pierced ear, and tapes from the punk band of which I was a member.
So getting in trouble with my parents over music was a rare situation. Then again, it is safe to say that respect was more the issue than the actual music.
Our church has a tree farm where members frequently camp. While in high school, it was common for many of us to bike or drive there several times a month. And many families camped there over long weekends. Some of them, one in particular, were far less tolerant of alternative music, or any secular music, for that matter. My parents had voiced that concern to me and asked that I be respectful when playing music while camping.
After that, I always picked contemporary Christian music if this family was around. Apparently, that wasn't sufficient, as they continued to object about my music. Finally, I lost my patience and broke out my copy of Larry Norman's Only Visiting This Planet. The song I selected was picked for maximum impact. "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music." Lost patience was catching, as my parents realized what I was doing and got fairly tense. Not about the music, but about the disrespect being shown to another adult.
Larry Norman was often called the father of Christian rock. Through his music, he reached a lot of people otherwise shunned by the church. He was, himself, shunned by those who believe any "rock" music is bad. Others frowned upon his appearance. After all, the "hippie" look wasn't widely accepted by the more conservative factions of the church.
Those who looked beyond the person found a wonderful singer and songwriter. Often considered the Christian version of artists like the Beatles, Elvis, and Bob Dylan, Norman touched on subjects such as war, addiction, and faith in ways nobody else did. His influence on Christian music extended well beyond his career. Still today, many consider him to be one of the biggest influences on their music.
Sadly, Larry Norman passed away on Sunday, February 24. After battling heart problems for many years, he died peacefully with his family at his Oregon home. He was 60 years old.
He will be missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered by those who loved his music and ministry. And the contemporary church will always be better for his willingness to worship God in new and unconventional ways.
Rest, Larry. The trip is over, and we know you're home, now.
 The thought "at no point" has crossed my mind so frequently, it would almost certainly be the title of any book about my endurance "career." That's because so much of what's been accomplished in the past half-decade falls well outside the realm of anything I had ever considered. Or believed I could accomplish.
At no point in the first 30 years of my life did I contemplate running a marathon. Yet somehow, prior to my 35 birthday, I became a marathoner. At no point in the first 35 years of my life did I consider becoming a triathlete, let alone an Ironman. And somehow, prior to my 39th birthday, I did both.
Somehow, "at no point" is likely to end before my 40th birthday. The accomplishments of the past few years have drastically changed how I view things. The Boston Marathon, a goal long considered unattainable, is something I now consider as a possibility. Ultramarathons I used to consider out of reach are now in play.
There are two people (groups) that can take credit (blame) for this evolution in my life. First? The youth that challenged me to complete a triathlon, and an occassional training partner named Bill. The kids put me up to the attempt. Bill gave me a single suggestion that turned my swim around.
Second? Roman and the rest of the raceAthlete founders. When they came up with the "Train Like a Pro" theory, Ironman was something I considered as "a possibility, years down the road." The chance to be on that team led me to shoot for IM Wisconsin. When that failed and IM Louisville was announced, that distant pipe dream became a driving force.
And now, several members of that 2007 team are starting another journey. And while I am excited about what opportunities might be offered, I am equally excited about what will happen regardless of those opportunities. While I was unable to officially participate in the 2007 Ironman Wisconsin, I went along for the ride, and accomplished some amazing things, anyway. Because it's all about team, friendship, and the Tri Blog Community.
 I started evolutionary change in 2000. That led to dramatic results in 2007. And in 2008, a new evolution begins. Led by several members of the 2007 team, new opportunities will come into play. And this time, "at no point" will not be a factor. Just like last year, I'll be there to support the team in whatever capacity is needed. And just like last year, we will all benefit from the friendships that will form and grow. If you haven't already stopped by the site of Iron Wil, Simply Stu, Chris Sweet, Rural Girl, or Bolder, visit one of them and stay up to date on all that's happening.
Sixty-six years ago, today, Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Then President Roosevelt referred to it as "a date which will live in infamy." The attack pushed the United States into World War II and caused a great loss of life and property. It also showed the strength of the United States people.
Rather than collapse under the Japanese offensive, military and civilian personnel in Hawaii proved that heroes are everywhere. People with no medical training found themselves in the position of providing aid to hundreds of wounded and dying. "Ordinary" people in tragic situations performed amazing acts of heroism. Military personnel, facing overwhelming odds, did what they are trained to do. The defended the United States at tremendous personal risk and at a great cost in human lives. Rather than question what was happening, they reacted to stop it.
Even after the attacks, people had to show their mettle. Martial law was declared, individual liberties were greatly restricted, and the status quo was turned on its head. And the people endured. Their liberties would mean little of the looming threats came to pass. So they did what was required.
It is fitting that the Ironman World Championships occur in Hawaii. And it's more than just that being the birthplace of the Ironman. During the attacks of December 7th, 1941 and in the weeks and months that followed, the people of Hawaii showed that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. And that's what triathlon and Ironman are all about.
As we look back to remember the price that was paid on this day 66 years ago, we must also look to the heroes of today. Members of the United States military are stationed around the world doing what they have always done. Defending our nation and defending others. They do so for too little pay, nearly zero recognition, and at great sacrifice. So, when you see a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine, remember to thank them for serving. And if you see a veteran, especially a member of the Greatest Generation, thank them for all they gave, as well.
It looks like I might have my next major undertaking laid out before me. That will teach me to open my mouth too widely.
This morning was a great day for a swim, as several triathlon friends were there for workouts. It was nice to catch up without the pressure of a big and vital workout. All too often, my conversation at the pool consists of:
Hit wall. "Hi." Turn and swim the other direction.
It sort of covers "polite" in that I did, in fact, acknowledge them. It makes it difficult to see what is happening in people's lives. This morning was different. I was able to stop between sets. While it may have only been 30-60 seconds at a time, it gave me brief opportunities to see what people had on the agenda.
Then, we all hit the whirlpool and caught up. During the "what's next" part of the discussion, I mentioned that I would have to hit some of the trail races one of these friends will be directing. I indicated it would be good training for a race I was considering. "Oh, which race is that," he asked. "A 50 mile trail race in Kettle Moraine."
"Really! I'm running that race. We'll have to do some training, and might even be able to run together in the race." And like that, my "perhaps" race has become something with a bit more peer pressure.
That's just how I roll. Come up with an idea and then find someone to light the fire that will be held under my toes for the next six to twelve months. Some think it's all about self-motivation. Sometimes, it's just easier to let others provide the motivation.
So, anyone have a training plan for a 50-mile race?
 For most of the country, the new year begins on the first of January. For triathletes, the new year often starts in September or October as they begin preparing for their next race season. For those considering an Ironman, the new year starts as much as 365 days prior to race day as they sign up at the current year's race.
Next year will be slightly more relaxed as the longest triathlon in my sights will be a half-IM. In fact, I have already registered for my A-race, the Spirit of Racine half distance event. This year, the goal will be to break the 5-hour mark, which will require shaving 31 minutes off my previous PR, set on the very same course.
Ten minutes of that should be easy, as I won't be stopping to help any "damsels in distress," this coming year. The balance will be picked up through self-improvement. My swim and bike times have plenty of room for improvement, and I always strive to pick up the run pace.
2008 might be just around the corner, but planning is well under way for the year's race season. Coming soon...
A mid-winter 15K, an early season 10K, and a full marathon with a Boston qualifying time in the sights.
 On Friday, September 21, the arbitration panel reviewing the doping case of Floyd Landis ruled that the positive test result that has stalled his career would stand. This ruling, which will result in a 2-year ban from the sport of cycling and his being stripped of his Tour de France title, is laced with controversy.
(Picture at left, Floyd Landis after his Tour de France victory. AP Photo)
First, there was a dissent in the ruling. While the majority held that the errors committed by the testing lab do not automatically nullify the second positive, the minority opinion raises an interesting question. Can a lab notorious for administrative and procedural errors, testing discrepancies, and flawed results be trusted? More importantly, if the lab screwed up the simple initial testing process, how can they be trusted to have properly complete the secondary testing, an admittedly more complex and challenging process? In the opinion of the minority, that trust cannot be granted.
Also intersting is the stance that Landis' lawyer has taken. If Floyd Landis is unable to vindicate himself in this case, it is senseless for anyone charged (rightly or wrongly) to even attempt to clear their name. Let's face it, the majority opinion admitted in their decision that mistakes were made, and the lab may well see future rulings dismissed if they continue the same practices used in this case.
Say what?!? Future cases will face dismissal, but this one stands? Here's an analogy. "We acknowledge that the evidence used to convict this death row inmate may be flawed. And we acknowledge the methodology used to convict said inmate may have been improper. In the future, such cases will face dismissal. But in this case, carry on with the execution." How would you like to be that inmate?
I don't know if Floyd Landis used illegal substances to fuel his amazing victory in the Tour de France. I do understand that there are valid and compelling questions about his recovery that tend to lend credence to the theory he did. There are equally compelling arguments that tend to support negating the testing as potentially flawed and untrustworthy (note, I didn't say "inaccurate," simply untrustworthy).
One thing is certain, though. Cycling (and hopefully triathlon) will not follow the same path taken by many sports, baseball in particular. Negative drug tests will not be met with a lackadaisical attitude. There will be no hearings 10 years from now about whether so-and-so was on steroids. The use of illegal substances, when identified, will be dealt with quickly and harshly. And defending oneself against such charges will be difficult.
That, of course, is the real challenge. How do we balance strict enforcement with equitable treatment? If a case riddled with inconsistencies and errors such as this one are still indefensible, has enforcement outweighed justice?
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