why ask why?

the past few weeks have been amazing. I have been able to see my youngest almost doubled in size and his older brother wants to be his best friend. I have switched gears in training and feel like it has been paying off. I have been practicing my own version of crossfit, strength training. I just can't get my mind to even think about about bike workouts or pool sessions just yet. Tossing dumbbells around and plyometrics are much more soothing right now. I am waiting for my Newton All weather trainers to come. That will probably give me the incentive to get back outside and do 8 or 9 miles before work.

The funny things is right now I am enjoying trying to build strength, maintain my weight and put my mind in the right place. People are always asking, why do you do this or why do you do that? I explain, It puts me in a good place, I enjoy being fit and I have a job that I think requires me to be at peak physical condition for as long as I can. My question to you is, Why ask Why?

Perspective!

Sorry it has been awhile but my training is slowed down and trying to focus on recovery. The family is great and life is good. I came across this race report from the World Championship Ironman in Hawaii. This is a pro athlete who opens his door to see what motivates him. It is refreshing to see that this sport brings the best out of people. Hope you like the read.

http://www.chrismccormack.com/blog/ironmanhawaii

Base and Recovery

So as it stands now my training has switched a bit. I has gone from 0530 pool time to 0300 feeding time. I do have to say that I love it! Seamus is settling in and Jack could never be more proud to be a big brother. Tomorrow he is one month old. Yeah that was quick. I think about how long a month takes to pass when I am waiting for a race or even a holiday. Heck Dec 1 -25th feels like a century! I can honestly say that there is nothing like having a newborn open his eyes and look right at you, deep into your eyes. I can only attempt to try and figure out what he is thinking. So just to let you know Seamus, YES, I am here for the long haul and don't worry, your big brother will stick up for you too!

I also have some news on the sponsorship front. This past year I raced for Team Aquaphor and it was fantastic. I wore their uniform with much success. On Tuesday I received word that I also was accepted as a Silver level Sponsor for BASE performance supplements. This is a company located in southern California that specializes in endurance nutrition products. The founder is one the US's top Ironman pro triathletes Chris Lieto. I began using BASE products this past season and had much success with it. I look forward to utilizing them for my off season and pre-season prep work. For more information about BASE performance go to www.baseperformance.com

Call to Honor Tri:

Race report for the Rick Cashin Triathlon. 9/13

Pre Race

The morning came early because my 1 week old son decided to give an early wake up call. After getting him back to sleep I put on my coffee and ate at 4:30. The weather turned out to be nice and I looked forward to my last race of the season. Once at the race site I was able to get things in order. My brother Brendan and I went out for a warm up ride and right off the the bat he broke a spoke. Luckily one of our friends was volunteering and lived minutes down the street was able to get him a replacement wheel! THanks Pat.


After a good warm up I was slotted to go off in wave 2. There were some really great athletes there. Scott Ellis, whom I raced against back in May at the JCC was in hand. I know he can run and was curious to see if the short bike and short run would benefit him or me.

8:32= 400 yard Swim

The second wave starts the 400 yard swim. I decided

to go all out at first and see how long I could hold max swim pace. I got to the first buoy quickly but faded a bit loosing my sight for the next turn. I lost a few seconds here but still exited the water at 6:00. While in T1 , got off the wetsuit and my chip came with it. Took a few seconds to find. After sticking it in my shirt pocket I moved on.


10+ mile bike:


I was aiming at holding about 265 for my power. I knew it was a hilly course and was curious to see what toll it would take on me but I wanted to eat the 2 minute head start that the 1st wave had. I felt very fast and rolled through the 10+ miles in 27:00 (including T1) . As I was finishing the bike I saw Scott just ahead and we finished the bike together. I knew I got rid of the time gap but was curious as to how fast he was going to run.

1.5 mile trail run:


Out of T2 I was just ahead of Scott Ellis. I knew the run would be interesting and liked the fact that it was a trail run, something different. It was pretty hilly. A lot of ups and downs. Suprisingly my legs returned quickly from the bike. Because of the trail I was unable to really found a bounce or rythm. After hitting the turn around I saw Scott right there. While heading back I tried to speed it up on the downhills. Sure enough I saw my brother Brendan for the first time in the race. He looked strong. I find it ironic that the first race of the year he had a newborn and my last race, I have the newborn! Anyway I hit the finish line in 44:25 and took 1st overeall! I couldn't be more proud to have won at a race like this.


Overall the race was great! A fitting tribute to a man who served the Commonwealth with the highest level of integrity. I was told Capt. Cashin was a "go getter" someone who liked to live life to the fullest. I hope that the event in his honor was something he would have been proud of. I know the pride I felt when I finished. It was an honor for me to receive my medal from his children and can't wait to do it again next year.

Welcome Home Seamus!

On Saturday, my wife, son and I welcomed home our youngest and newest member of our family. Seamus Patrick Reen. He was born on September 4th. It is amazing how life's miracles can create such an overwhelming effect on how you live your life. I can't tell you how blessed I feel to have been given such a wonderful gift. The past weekend has been pretty good. Seamus is adjusting well. So is his big brother Jack. Many family and friends have been extending their thoughts and prayers and Lynn and I thank you all!

It is safe to say that this has been a great year and it looks like it is only going to get better!

Anticipation

Anticipation is something that hits us all at one point or another. It may be before a race or interview. For me, tomorrow morning my second child will be entering this world! I can't describe how exciting this time is for my wife and I. Our son Jack is well aware he is going to be a big brother and is more that willing to lend a hand! Waiting for the alarm clock is going to be the hardest part. When Jack was born there was no notice. Things happened by itself and joined us just after desert on Thanksgiving night.

So as I anticipate what will come next I can't wait for the newest member of our family!

Can't get enough of this stuff!

So I am calling myself out, I said I was done for the summer with tri's but I registered for the "Call to Honor" triathlon on Sept 13th. It will take place in a north shore town, at Stiles Pond. This one is in honor of a fallen trooper who was a Capt. with the Mass. State Police. This is a great cause and the proceeds will got to a scholarship fund established in Capt. Cashin's name.

The race WILL be a great way to finish of the year. By then my second son will be on this earth and I will be somewhat sleep deprived but in the end that is what life is all about.