Turning 50!!

                                                            The BIG 50!!! 

Honestly I don't know what all the buzz is about, it's just a number. Regardless, I was excited to celebrate this historic occasion although I sure hope that there are more memorable dates in my future.  

The day began with Kathy and I rolling out of bed around 5:25 am.  The goal was to be in the water at 5:50 am and we succeed diving in on right on time. We proceeded to swim 50 x 50's.  Nothing too exciting to report other than I hadn't swam one yard since doing the open water swim race on 9/8 in Chicago.  We finished in about 50 minutes and headed home.

We abandoned our normal diet for the day and went to Squeeze where we had a spinich/mushroom/goat cheese omlette and a cup of chai tea.  The meal was great but by the end we both wished we had just stayed at home and had a smoothie.  

Next on the agenda was a 50 mile bike ride.  With a house that still needed to be cleaned for the party in the evening, impending bad weather forecasted and a trip to the store in the future we needed to get moving.  When we headed out the door the weather was absolutely gorgeous but I still encouraged Kathy to get some arm and leg warmers which she reluctantly did.  I'm convinced it hadn't been my birthday she would have told me to mind my own business and that she was fine.  

We proceeded down the South Platte Trail and took a detour around Dartmoth to try and find a route to the  DU campus.  We eventually found our way and returned to the South Platte around 21 miles into the journey. The pace was leaisurly and we were conversational. The sky was starting to darken as we headed downtown.  I noticed the pace starting to pick up and Kathy was saying she was getting cold.  We got to REI and determined that we would be about 1 mile short coming home and would tack that mile on at the end of the route.  

As we started home the wind picked up and small rain drops started to hit our faces.  I saw Kathy switch into a big gear and away we went.  My garmin data is a tale of two tapes.  The line on the way home was a lot higher than on the way going out.  Every time the rain picked up so did our pace.  Forunately we made it back South without getting too wet. The sun was out and we were both complaining of being warm on the ride home.   Finished the 50 and moved on with the day.

The next plan was lunch, a short nap and a 5 mile run but I soon bagged that plan.  There was too much to do with company coming over in a few hours.  I did lay done for about 30 minutes but I never actually slept.  

For the big day we decided to celebrate on the actual date of my birth and replace our annual Kona party.  We sent out over 110 invitations and I was told about 80 people came in and out throughout the evening.  Nick came home from college and missed a fraternity initiation ceremony.  My take on that was someone missed getting swatted with a paddle one more time but he assured me it was more than that. Of course he can't tell me the details because he is sworn to secrecy.

 A number of current and former athletes came and it was good to connect with everyone. 

 Kathy invited a group of ladies she coaches and it was great to see them all dressed up in non athletic attire.

 We have been members of the RMTC since 2005 and have forged some great relationships over the years.

 Time for a family photo late in the evening.  Lauren was at swimming and joined us late.

With Charley Perez.  Charley is an amazing man, friend and a great coach. The following day one of his athletes would win her age group at the Ironman World Championships.


The evening was a huge success.  I felt the love of a lifetime of friendships and couldn't have asked for anything more.  I'll be honest and say I'm glad the 40's are out of the way.  A lot of great things happened for me in my 40's namely leaving Corporate America and starting my own company, completing two Ironmans and watching my family grow and succeed in a  number of areas.  However, I sufferred some serious injuries in my 40's which sidelined my athletic ventures which I missed very much. 

I'm signed up for Ironman Texas in May.  When I complete that race I will have completed at least one Ironman in my 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's.  I have a goal to complete one Ironman in each decade of my life. 

Here's to another 50!!