Balance

I took a few days to evaluate some things in my life and training. Coming off two weeks of some of the most consistent training I have done in years I was fatigued and wondering if I did a little too much even though it was hardly anything. I have so many passions in life it's hard to balance what is most important as all of you know. Not enough time in the day to do all the things you love. My priorites are simple God/family/work so where does that put my training or desire to swim bike run. After the talk with Peter Reid I felt a freedom to take a few days off and heal some wounds and just get away from the training. I discovered on my first ride back that my training is such a part of my quest in balancing my walk with God, family and work. All the books (including the bible) speak of the importance of taking care of the body. At times the work outs or whatever you do to train your mind and body do seem to be a waste of time but once again I was reminded that it is the opposite. I think I was just being a wimp and looking for a way to justify my lack to get workouts in. In fact I need to finish this post and get a run in. I'll probably swim at lunch since I wimped out this morning on the run. Remember taking care of the mind and body is an important part of whatever you do so get out there.

Joe

Riding With Peter Reid

The title is correct! I rode with Peter Reid today. Peter is a 3X Ironman Champion and arguably the best Triathlete of all time. I was a little nervous and had to remind myself several times that is was all happening. He is sponsored by Specialized which has a shop down the street from my house. It was supposed to be a moderate 30+ mile ride to hang with Peter but that didn't last very long. Twenty miles into the ride when it was time to turn back, all the club riders wanted to ride through the canyon. I had a choice to turn back or go with the big boys. Peter decided to go with the big boys so I seized the day. The paced took off as soon as the light turned green and I was in the thick of it. I was determined not to get dropped and glad to say that I was hangin but seriously workin. A couple of us got dropped when we hit the heavy climbing but we were able to regroup on top. Peter though now retired was working effortlessly and I was blown away. He is a pretty laid back guy and we talked about all kinds of stuff. I also met a guy who is starting a Triathlon Team at CSUF. I started prayin throughout the ride and had all kinds of opportunities to build some relationships that I know were by assignment. God is so good and I look forward to building on the relationship I made today.

At the the end of the ride I hung out and Peter did a seminar and gave us all some good wisdom. We ended up doing fifty plus miles of hard fast climbing. I am still on adrenaline and feel no pain. I am pretty stoked on my training these past few weeks and having a blast. Smell you later.

Joe

Welcome

Looking forward to sharing my life with whoever happens to visit what I have called a cup of Joe. You'll find all kinds of post coming from me. My heart is to keep things fun but also attempt to keep things real and inspiring. I honestly feel like I am the most blessed man that has ever walked the planet and feel a sense of assignment to somehow give to you what has been so freely given to me. Everything I do from my training to adventures of being a husband, father, friend, son, brother and pastor you'll probably find in this cup. I have so much to pour out unto these pages that I find it hard to communicate where we'll be headed. So let me leave it open ended for now and if you don't have a clue what I am talking I may start by teaching you a new language called Hoganese. For those who already understand the language feel free to post some lessons for our freshman.

For my fellow triathletes I am training for the wildflower and feel I am in a good place to have a good day in May. I logged some good miles on Saturday with my friend Nate Dog breaking a spoke at mile 9 and riding with no rear brakes the rest of the 30+ miles. Yesterday logged a nice afternoon run with Adam but strained something on my back side. Hoping I get myself out early tomorrow am, but not looking good since I am tackling this and trying to wind down from a heavy night at the church. I beleive I was the most impacted tonight by my message, and I still am trying to get my brain around what was tought. How do you process "It is not I who lives but Christ in me." Does anyone else just find it absolutly nuts to think God lives through us. That's enough caffeine for tonight. post quick and get to sleep. you have a long day tomorrow.

Joe