My training officially started Tuesday, Feb. 1st, and I'm FIRED UP! My races are set, and two- months after prostate cancer surgery, I'm ready to roll! Coach Eric Atnip once again will guide me thru the race season. Here's what we have planned, and it starts with a "twist." Instead of a sprint triathlon, I'm warming up with RunTheBluegrass Half-Marathon on April 3rd at the Kentucky Horse Park. I had such a good experience at my first half-marathon last October in Midway, I decided to give it another go. The Iron Horse was a joy. I had such a good race, and I want to see if I can achieve the same feeling again. I also like the idea of training on one of my weaknesses which has been the run. I encourage all of the runners out there to register for RunTheBluegrass Half-Marathon. It's locally sponsored, and organized. Let's support our local race!

After the half-marathon I'll probably pick-up a sprint triathlon in Tennessee the first weekend in May. Next, my wife Noelle and I plan to make the drive to Austin, Texas. We've always wanted to visit this college/party town, and what better excuse than an Olympic distance tri on Memorial Day weekend. We love the idea of racing and seeing new places.

My big "A" race will be a return to the Kansas 70.3 Half-Ironman in June. I had a good race there last year (got to meet and talk with the legend Andy Potts), and finished right at 5-hours. My swim was good, my bike strong, but my run suffered (started too fast). So this year, my goal is to go under 5-hours. By the way, Kansas is not flat, at least not where they hold this race!

I may throw in another sprint tri in July near Kentucky, but then it will be off to Age-Group Nationals in Burlington, Vermont in August. Again, my wife and I love the idea of going to a place we probably wouldn't visit otherwise. Summer in New England! Not bad.

That's the plan, and yes I understand my training, diet, health, and positive mindset are key to making this a fun racing season.
But there's something else. After my battle with cancer, every moment is even more precious. I plan to make it a great year! What do you have planned?