Happy Easter!

First, I want to wish all Christians a very happy Easter. This, after all, is the reason we call ourselves Christians, or as I like to say, Christ followers. If Christ had not died and risen, well, he would have been like every other man. Thank you so much, Jesus!

Now....some updates. Last week was OK. The weather was so-so, which was OK because the primary training focus was swimming. And swim I did--14,500 meters that week. I even swam with the master's at LTF on Sunday--what a blast! I wish I could do it all the time, but for various reasons, I just can't now. Only two bikes and two runs, but that was OK because I felt good at the end of the week. My upper body was a little tired from the hard swims, but a good kind of tired.

This week the focus is on the run--not so good for me. The schedule called for four days in a row of running. I made it three, which still was probably too much for me. I should have skipped a day. I ran my two longer runs outside. Yesterday was perfect weather, Tuesday a little cold and windy. Wednesday was inside on the treadmill. Unfortunately, my leg and hip are really bothering me today. I swam this morning, an easy 2000, and plan to ride for about 1.5 hours or so. Tomorrow is a rest day. Originally I planned to run long tomorrow and rest on Easter Sunday, but now I'm not so sure. I'll have to see how I feel in the morning.

The kids have been on break all week, so it's been low key around here. I've been sleeping in and staying up too late watching DVD's. I guess it's OK, since it is technically "vacation" time.

I spent a lot of time chatting at the fitness center this morning. Saw some friends I don't see often and had time to visit, since many people are off work for Good Friday. I had some bad news from a woman who recognized me from my previous fitness center. She informed me that a woman I knew passed away several weeks ago from brain cancer. It's really thrown me for a loop. I'm so sorry I didn't know. I guess maybe I'm at the age where I need to start reading the obituaries. So very sad for her family. My prayers go out to her husband and children.

Makes me realize that no matter how bad things seem, my life is still very blessed. J interviewed for a job at a nearby hotel. He was chosen for the position, but the company just initiated a hiring freeze, so the job is now on hold. So, the search continues. Things are still tough, but we're hanging in.

There were several 70.3 races last weekend. I know several people who raced. I can't imagine training in Chicago and racing a 70.3 in April. I did the Orlando 70.3 in May, 2007 and that was tough. I think I only rode outside half a dozen times that before the race. Going from 50 degree weather to the 80's and 90's and humidity of Orlando was quite a challenge. Not one I plan to ever do again! I can wait until July or August right here in the Midwest to get that kind of weather. (Which, I must admit, I'm looking forward to!)

Next week, I'm hoping for great weather. Training will be bike intense, and I'm hoping to get outside next Sunday for a long bike ride. There's an organized ride I've done that last couple years that day, and I'm hoping the weather cooperates and I can make it. It would be so nice to get out of my basement and on the rode again!

Hope everyone has a great weekend/holiday.

Until next time--God bless!