Just to show you more about Team Red White & Blue and what they do for our veterans.
Enjoy.
5.25.2011
Pensacola 5k - Post Race
The race went well. So, how about a recap...
Pre-race routine:
Woke as normal, downed a coffee, a couple crackers, sipped on a gatorade, and took care of business.
Easy Peasy
Event warmup:
None.
Showed up, stood in line forever getting a timing chip, and then waded into the water. Took a couple strokes to fit goggles and cap, but that was it.
When the gun started, either I took of WAY slow, or everyone else was WAY fast. I was getting passed quickly. Started to speed up to stay with everyone, but I didn't. I began backing it down a little, while working to stay with a group of swimmers.
I came up on a group of kayakers and paddle boarders shadowing some swimmers and used them for a visual as I made passes. I fell into a upbeat 3stroke/breath pace and let it go. Passed the swimmers and the paddle boarders and started working to pick off other swimmers.
At this point, really started picking it up to pick off the last of the folks I could. I remember making a few passes, especially of a guy doing the backstroke coming in.
I swam until my hands dug sand, then stood to run. Obviously, it's hard to run after swimming that long. Slightly dizzy so did a "drunk run" to the finish.
Felt great.
Final Standings:
Age Group 25-29: 5 out 12. Total time 1:48:53
Overall Rank: 55/228.
What would you do differently?:
Go faster, earlier.
I saw 1:21 on the watch, and knew I had a bit to go, so the pipe dream of 1:30 was out. I still thought I could reach the time of 1:38, but saw it leave as I had 0.5mi to go.
Guess I should've gone harder.
Apparently the swim times were slow by 8-10mins from last year, so something affected it, which is the difference of my estimated time...
Final thoughts:
Great race. Definitely something fun to do. Standing on the shore looking out is one thing. Being in the water and swimming it is something totally different.
Pre-race routine:
Woke as normal, downed a coffee, a couple crackers, sipped on a gatorade, and took care of business.
Easy Peasy
Event warmup:
None.
Showed up, stood in line forever getting a timing chip, and then waded into the water. Took a couple strokes to fit goggles and cap, but that was it.
Swim:
Started behind a group of Auburn University swimmers. Figured I would attempt to ride their feet as long as possible and see where it gets me. But, I didn't want to go too hard too fast on this race. When the gun started, either I took of WAY slow, or everyone else was WAY fast. I was getting passed quickly. Started to speed up to stay with everyone, but I didn't. I began backing it down a little, while working to stay with a group of swimmers.
(the little dots in the middle are us...the finish is on the other shore)
At one point, I started counting strokes per bridge span to make sure my pacing was consistent, which it was. I knew that once I got to the hump, I'd be okay and I could start turning on the gas and making my moves. I reached the hump at 51'; 3mins behind my halfway goal time. At this point, I started making course corrections away from the bridge to setup the final turn into the finish line. I came up on a group of kayakers and paddle boarders shadowing some swimmers and used them for a visual as I made passes. I fell into a upbeat 3stroke/breath pace and let it go. Passed the swimmers and the paddle boarders and started working to pick off other swimmers.
(making the pass)
Here's where I realized that I had been swimming too close to the bridge and had to start making some serious course corrections to avoid having to swim extra around the boat dock. The whole swim I had been sighting left with the occasional right, but here's where I started looking forward to guage a bit more accurate. I spotted the yellow bouy (0.5mi to go) and got on track. At this point, really started picking it up to pick off the last of the folks I could. I remember making a few passes, especially of a guy doing the backstroke coming in.
(rounded the last bouy. coming home)
I got the course corrected and proceeded in. I noticed it was so shallow that I could've easily stood up and walked it in, but knew that would be much much slower. Plus, I had no need. I swam until my hands dug sand, then stood to run. Obviously, it's hard to run after swimming that long. Slightly dizzy so did a "drunk run" to the finish.
Final Standings:
Age Group 25-29: 5 out 12. Total time 1:48:53
Overall Rank: 55/228.
What would you do differently?:
Go faster, earlier.
I saw 1:21 on the watch, and knew I had a bit to go, so the pipe dream of 1:30 was out. I still thought I could reach the time of 1:38, but saw it leave as I had 0.5mi to go.
Guess I should've gone harder.
Apparently the swim times were slow by 8-10mins from last year, so something affected it, which is the difference of my estimated time...
Final thoughts:
Great race. Definitely something fun to do. Standing on the shore looking out is one thing. Being in the water and swimming it is something totally different.
5.24.2011
Staying busy
This is how we stay busy while waiting at Children's...
(She's getting tubes placed today)
sent from droid
5.22.2011
5.20.2011
Pensacola 5k Bridge Swim - Pre Race
On Sunday morning, I'll stand at the edge of the bay in Pensacola, Fl, waiting on the starting gun to sound. And when it does, I'll be among the other crazy 224 people swimming the 3.1mi to Gulf Breeze, Fl. To put it in perspective, the "3 mile bridge" that spans the bay, I'm swimming that distance. I will not have a life jacket. I will not have fins on. I will not be wearing a wetsuit. It will be, myself and my abilities.
So far this year, I've covered 90,550yrds (51.5mi) worth of swimming in the pool. Most of it has been single 4000yrd (2.3mi) sessions covered as part of a swim team practice. Some have been steady long non-stop 4000yrd sessions. And of course there are a few of the 2500yrd (1.4mi) sets that are more intense than anything I've done before.
Just in the month of May, I've covered 32,400yds (18.4mi). As we've gotten closer, my volume has steadily been increasing. So has my intensity. I've done stretches where I've covered the distance all together. I've done stretches where I've covered half the distance at a pace much faster than I intend on racing. I really feel like I've covered it all. Now we just wait for the starting line...
Sure, I could've swam more. But I didn't. Even then, based on volume, I think I'm ready.
But, as always, we often question our abilities and processes. That's what I'm doing now that the race is within 48hrs. It's natural. I hope.
Part of my fears? The unknown.
I've never swam in open water for 3.1 miles and don't know what to expect. I don't know if there will be a current, or which way it'll be going. I don't know how the crowd will act. I don't know the weather. But, on the other hand, there's nothing I can do about any of it. All I can do, is take it, adapt, and keep going.
I guess I do have a few advantages though, that should help me out. This year, I'm down almost 10lbs. I'm faster. I've never done this type of race before, so this is more of a "set the bar" race, and it'll be very hard to be disappointed. I'm actually faster in the water now, than I was this time last year. And I'll have my family following along on the bridge cheering me on. Lastly, I have Team Red White & Blue cheering me on. If you're reading this, and you want to cheer me on, feel free to visit my TRWB page.
So, though I'm nervous, it's time to step up to the plate and have at it.
Oh, and if all goes well, my predicted finish time is 1:38. We shall see...
On that note, here are a few thoughts and points regarding it...
So far this year, I've covered 90,550yrds (51.5mi) worth of swimming in the pool. Most of it has been single 4000yrd (2.3mi) sessions covered as part of a swim team practice. Some have been steady long non-stop 4000yrd sessions. And of course there are a few of the 2500yrd (1.4mi) sets that are more intense than anything I've done before.
Just in the month of May, I've covered 32,400yds (18.4mi). As we've gotten closer, my volume has steadily been increasing. So has my intensity. I've done stretches where I've covered the distance all together. I've done stretches where I've covered half the distance at a pace much faster than I intend on racing. I really feel like I've covered it all. Now we just wait for the starting line...
Sure, I could've swam more. But I didn't. Even then, based on volume, I think I'm ready.
But, as always, we often question our abilities and processes. That's what I'm doing now that the race is within 48hrs. It's natural. I hope.
Part of my fears? The unknown.
I've never swam in open water for 3.1 miles and don't know what to expect. I don't know if there will be a current, or which way it'll be going. I don't know how the crowd will act. I don't know the weather. But, on the other hand, there's nothing I can do about any of it. All I can do, is take it, adapt, and keep going.
I guess I do have a few advantages though, that should help me out. This year, I'm down almost 10lbs. I'm faster. I've never done this type of race before, so this is more of a "set the bar" race, and it'll be very hard to be disappointed. I'm actually faster in the water now, than I was this time last year. And I'll have my family following along on the bridge cheering me on. Lastly, I have Team Red White & Blue cheering me on. If you're reading this, and you want to cheer me on, feel free to visit my TRWB page.
So, though I'm nervous, it's time to step up to the plate and have at it.
Oh, and if all goes well, my predicted finish time is 1:38. We shall see...
5.09.2011
Not nap time
I don't think this kid is in the napping mood just yet.
And I think she's feeling pretty good for a kid that's staying home sick.
sent from droid
5.07.2011
5.04.2011
Pensacola 5k Bridge Swim
The next upcoming race: 
I'll be swimming a 5k (3.1mi) from Pensacola, FL to Gulf Breeze, FL along the pretty popular "3 mile bridge". Maybe I'm crazy, but it should be fun!
As a matter of fact, I'm swimming it for Team Red White & Blue and would appreciate your support. How's about stepping over to my Fundraising Page and showing your support for both me, and Team RWB?
18days....
5.03.2011
Another Tornado Update
It appears that NOAA has confirmed 23 tornados ripped through Alabama on 4/27. Scary stuff. It has set a record with the most number in 24 hours, the longest path tornado, and sadly, the second deadliest outbreak in US history.
(click to zoom in)
Absolutely scary stuff...
5.02.2011
4.30.2011
4.28.2011
Tuscaloosa Tornados
Yesterday (4/27/2011) was considered a "rough day" weather wise. Numerous tornados touched down in multiple areas throughout the state of Alabama.
They originated from Mississippi moving NE through the state. It started yesterday morning (for us) with heavy winds around 0500 knocking lots of power out and downing trees before work. Wind speeds were listed as 80mph+ with gusts breaking 100mph. Scary stuff.
The area we live in lost power throughout most of the county and work was suspended.
To the South East in Tuscaloosa, it got worse as the day went on.
From the intersection of 15th St & McFarland. This video was taken from the mall parking lot:
This is the same tornado taken from the backside on The University of Alabama campus:
4-27-11 Tornado Tuscaloosa, Al from Crimson Tide Productions on Vimeo.
An interesting comparison from 15th Street in Tuscaloosa:
If you look in the top picture (click to enlarge) you'll see a small oil change center. While in college at The University of Alabama, I lived about 200yards behind there. It appears that neighborhood is now gone. Sad.
Another comparison:
Sadly, this same tornado system wasn't finished. It followed I-59 N out of Tuscaloosa, reformed and went through the Birmingham area as well. It went through the Concord, Pleasant Grove, Mulga, Fultondale, Gardendale and Cullman areas. More Photos
From early reports this morning, these storms are responsible for 128 deaths in the state of Alabama. Our president has declared the state of Alabama a Federal Disaster Area. The images, videos, and reports are quite scary.
Please keep the state of Alabama in your thoughts and prayers.
They originated from Mississippi moving NE through the state. It started yesterday morning (for us) with heavy winds around 0500 knocking lots of power out and downing trees before work. Wind speeds were listed as 80mph+ with gusts breaking 100mph. Scary stuff.
The area we live in lost power throughout most of the county and work was suspended.
To the South East in Tuscaloosa, it got worse as the day went on.
From the intersection of 15th St & McFarland. This video was taken from the mall parking lot:
This is the same tornado taken from the backside on The University of Alabama campus:
4-27-11 Tornado Tuscaloosa, Al from Crimson Tide Productions on Vimeo.
An interesting comparison from 15th Street in Tuscaloosa:
Another comparison:
From early reports this morning, these storms are responsible for 128 deaths in the state of Alabama. Our president has declared the state of Alabama a Federal Disaster Area. The images, videos, and reports are quite scary.
Please keep the state of Alabama in your thoughts and prayers.
4.23.2011
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