Northshore Marathon-Dulth, MN

The word to describe this race-FAST.  We were clocked by the motorcycle at one point, on flat ground, cruising at 33+mph, that's over 50km per hr!   much of the race was like that too... The first fliar was oh, say about 100m into the race, once that came back, the second was about 1/4 mile later.   That's the way the race went until Wesley and Luis-Carlos got away at mile 12.   a few of us, Julian, Matt Walther, Ty Fidler, Steffen Howard, Jesse Pauley, and myself (there were a few others-cant remember) tried to catch, but at that point, the 12 leaders had gotten too far away.    from mile 12 to 24, it was fast, really fast... a few times it went from 30mph+ down to about 5mph, but once it got moving again.. back to 30+ QUICK!   I will say, there was only a few that actually led and put some work in.. most of the 18+ skaters in the pack didn't do any work, that was disappointing...

Once we got on the freeway, that's about 5-6 miles from the finish, the pack stayed at a good fast pace, everyone watching to see who would make a move. one we were about 2 miles away, a 15 year old, Christopher made his move... and no one jumped on..  I was shocked.. I was in a bit of pain, so if I went to catch him, I would have nothing at the end.  1.5 miles to go, I realize we are racing for 4th, so I try to get my legs as ready as I could.. alot of skaters were jocking for a position at the front of the pack, but I tried to stay up in the top 5.   Once we start up the ramp, I knew it was about 1 mile to go.. 1600 meters and we are done!  Juan Toban went!  He had such acceleration no one could go with him, he was after that 3rd place and Chris!    At the top, that's where it started to get a little crazy, feet everywhere, skaters trying to get to the front, a hand here, a hip there, I got shuffled to about 8-10th and knew I had to move up, so on the downhill I pushed it a bit to move up a few spots, made it around the first corner, and the people in front of me split, 5 or 6 skaters across the whole road.  Was thinking, ok, I guess ill stick it out here and try to pick a spot off at the end, Im stuck!?!    well, once about halfway down the stretch-500m to go, gaps opened up, I saw two, one big one to the outside with Rob Bell, and a small one on the inside.. Hmm... outside is a longer distance, and legs are screaming... Inside it is!!!  Took a few steps inside, got around a skater or two, corner came up and had to go back to the middle of the track as I was right behind Andres Guzman, cant move up if he is in front right?   3(ish) skaters right around me,  last 150m, a straight shot to the finish... Sooo... hips dropped, head down and go... I saw my skates moving ahead of everyone, saw the line, and DONE!  stood up, won the field sprint... its been awhile since Ive done that!       Looked at the clock, 1:04 marathon.. 5th place... WOW.   

Amazing race, fun, no drama or anything during the race, a little teaming(that's how 1-2nd got away), but that's racing, it was great!   

I really enjoyed the event this year, and hope to get in a little better shape for next year...

Thanks for reading, write soon, God bless!

stress sucks....

Its been a long, strressful few days.. Getting ready for Northshore Marathon, getting the last training in, work, house work, among normal life has worn me out.    I felt great training last week, this week, not so much.   My body didn’t have the pop it normally has, legs were sluggish, slow moving, and I felt drained(hope its not like that on Saturday, say around 930!)  I know we have gotten some good miles in the past few weeks, the part of Precision that races outside is looking very strong right now, especially with A2A coming up.   

Im really looking forward to racing Duluth, we have the Marathon team all together, so I think its gonna be fun!   Duluth is always fun though, 2 years ago, I finished with a group of skaters and Ty Fidler was in that group (he has joined up with Pinnacle), and earlier this year, Pinnacle’s Bill Numrick and Steffen Howard were awesome to race with at Road rash. 

I think some of why I felt so bad the past few days, was because we had a family trip to Six flags, first time Jimmy has ever gone, and of course Chase also.  It was a great day riding all the rides with the wife and family, and Jonathan, Mom, Dan and Dustin H went with us also, so it was exciting.    The only thing to drink there is soda, unless you want to pay $3.50 for a bottle of water, so I drank more soda that day than I have in 2 years! LOL    That day totally wore us out and J was a tired little boy at school the first few days this week.    School is great for him, hes enjoying it, and learning alot, and I think making some friends too.   Chase,  this kid is growing up so fast.. “talking” a lot more, in baby talk of course, and crawling so fast, he is everywhere!    He is pulling himself up on everything, checking it out, then on to the next thing he can get into.   The bigger the boys get, and more activities they are getting into, themore I know I gotta get my shop out of the house..  They need a playroom, and the only place is the basement, where my shop is now.  I also kinda want to build a theater downstairs too (lol). 

Ill write more after I get done with this weekend… I pray the race goes safe and well for me and all the racers, Take care and God bless!

chewing up wheels...

There are a few sounds you hear when skating outside on roads..   you hear wind, nature, other skaters, and one of the best in my opinion... the grinding sound of your wheels chewing up pavement... its a sound like no other!    you know you are putting power down when you hear that sound, the woosh, woosh, woosh, its great!    

So,... this year has seemed pretty good so far, overall winner in the Americas cup in SR division, 2 overall wins out of the 3 stops of Americas cup. Two out of 3 races won at Indoor nats, along with a record in the 2000m.  Did a few Marathons that were great, with one more coming in a few days..   I ccnat help but think this is some of the best shape I have been in in a a few years.   Im nowhere near where I want to be, but I feel pretty good. 

I have a new training tool coming in the next few days..  Not so much for me, but I hope its going to help the skaters that I train with alot...  Ill make sure to post pix when it comes in. 

Everyone have a great one. talk again soon..

its been awhile

Wow.. its been awhile... new child, change in in buisness, almost 2 inline race seasons.. lots have happened...

just wanted to get back on here to log my training for the upcoming season..

2 days in a row of 20-25K of skating is not good on my shoulder.. I gotta find out how to fix this thing...