Newfound Inspiration

Another large gap in my postings, but as I sit in my kitchen and the babe sleeps quietly, I thought I would share the link to http://www.allsevens.blogspot.org/, where my colleague and Monsanto Maverick teammate Mark Neuman has captured the amazing story of a seven day trip across Europe exceeding 777 miles. True credit actually goes to Bert Berla, who chronicled the adventure.

I experience tremedous Sehnsucht (yearning / longing) for Europe when I read the blog and I aspire to participate in "alleights" in 2008 - should it transpire. I assume that Europe will again be the target (where else can you hit 8 countries in 8 days?). It would be wonderful to see the EU in a new fashion and hopefully reunite with some friends. I have failed to keep in touch with folks like Isabelle, Blanche et Jannie, mes amis de Belgique but I have sustained a number of my German friendships - but need to go VISIT.

Switching gears: training for Racine has enterred the taper stage, where I continue to have some intense intervals but where the overall volume decreases. We are two weeks away from the race and I am anxious. I completed a brick of one hour hard riding (~20 mph) followed by a 6.5 mile run. I didn't push too hard on the run, as I know that come race day, I will have to pace myself. I am pleased that Jessica and Isaac will join me for this adventure.