Random Questions

While finishing up my ride today with Kurt (thanks dude) and to distract my mind from the numbness setting in on mi bones I began to ponder a few random questions I have been asked recently. In no particular order:

1. Brad, why don't you have a girlfriend? Do you play for the other team? No, I do not play for the "other team" and do not judge those who do. I have been in several wonderful relationships and know what is to love and to be loved. Am I open to a relationship? Absolutely, but not for the sake of simply being in a relationship. Do I have commitment issues? No. Do I find women attractive? Yes.

2. Brad, are you a devout Catholic? Hmmm...I am Catholic and continue to grow in my faith. Since moving to Colorado I have been challenged on many levels...physically/mentally thru sport, emotionally in taking some risk in leaving friends, job, etc. to pursue triathlon and spiritually in not compromising who I am for the sake of gaining approval. I am not a choir boy nor was I ever an altar boy. I went to Catholic grade school for 1st through 3rd grade before moving to the public school ranks. We are all imperfect and I find myself stubbling quite often in this race of life. I know a few Bible verses and live by a simple motto which I learned from Gilbert Tuhabonye: love God, love people.

3. Brad, what are you using for a powermeter this year? Still sorting that one out and will roll with either SRM or PowerTap. My Ergomo is simply a glorified bike computer at the moment as it only gives me speed, hr and distance.

4. Brad, do you still live with Pete? This is a funny one because another athlete asked me this at 70.3 World Championship who I have not spoken to in probably two or three years and she is the one who connected me with Pete. Long story short, Pete was looking for a roommate and I was looking for cheap housing when I first moved to Boulder. Initially, I was thinking alright cool dude, quiet, clean, comfortable place. It will work for a while until I get to know Boulder. Four years later my parents frequently ask me if I am going to ever remove my belongings from their home. Pete's place is as close to FAC as one can be and our balcony is within spitting distance of the pool. I'm actually thinking it would be fun to launch water balloons from it some time. One word sums up why my bum has not moved out of here...convenience baby...oh I guess that's two words. I have been looking for my own place on and off and will continue to keep my ears to the ground.

So there you have it - a small glimpse into my psyche. My nickname in high school was Psycho, so maybe you don't really want that glimpse.

Keep it smooth...

Brad

Merry Christmas & All That Jazz!

Wishing all my family, friends and you the best this Christmas season! A wonderful Christmas eve spent at the Reeds' with many of my Boulder friends (loved the ginger bread cookies) and hitting midnight Mass in a couple of hours (yes, it really starts at midnight :) The excitement of the kids was so cool and reminded me how crazy me, my brothers and sister used to get at Christmas. It would be like a 24 hour storm whipping through my grandparents' house in either Maine or Indiana. Good times for sure! My family is scattered throughout the country this Christmas and we actually had our big family Christmas celebration over the Thanksgiving weekend back in Michigan.

Enjoyed a great swim this morning followed by a ride outside this afternoon with some big gear work. Tomorrow will be pretty chill with an easy run or snow shoe outing and easy spin. Hooking up with friends later in the day for a very casual Christmas dinner.

Thanks for reading and sending you Christmas blessings!

Keep it smooth...

Brad

Armstrong or Phelps?

A few nights ago I was out with the guys for some ginger ales (as famed Red Wing broadcaster Micky Redmond would say) and the topic of conversation at one point focused on the question - Who's a better athlete, Lance Armstrong or Michael Phelps? This sparked some heated debate and I think in the end we really did not come to a consensus. However, when phrased as "Who has more mental toughness?" it seemed Phelps was the winner. No doubt Lance is incredibly focused and mentally tough as nails. However, it was argued that Phelps' ability to overcome the hype/pressure during the Olympics in addition to the fact the guy has stared at a black line on the bottom of a pool for thousands and thousands of meters gives him the edge mentally.

As far as the greatest athlete, I would throw out a decathalete as he/she has to excell in ten different athletic events. Just my HOP.

Keep it smooth...

Brad

Gettin' Back Up

With plenty of early morning sunshine, blue skies and the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains I ventured outdoors for my morning run. It was a tad windy but I found myself really enjoying the run and crisp December air. Through my warm-up I began to reflect on the many blessings in my life (family, friends, good health, beautiful place to live & train, etc.) and how often I take these things for granted. Earlier in the week my cousin sent me this clip from YouTube which certainly grabbed my attention. After watching it I realized how often I complain when the weather does not seem ideal for training or the times I get frustrated when the computer is having a "moment". It is so easy to get distracted and waste energy on the little things in life, especially when they do not seem to be so rosy.

Nick's passion for life is infectous and has inspired me to persevere, keep working and get back up when I stumble (and I will stumble!)

Keep it smooth,

Brad

Winter Training

Things have been rolling along pretty well since my return to training. I really enjoy the base work done this time of year with the inclusion of yoga, strength training, snowshoeing and skate skiing. Between the two snow storms we've had the weather has been quite "balmy" with temps in the upper 40s and lower 50s. The blue sky, loads of sunshine and backdrop of snow-capped mountains makes for scenic training. I know there are some boo-nasty cold days on the horizon, but for now I am eager to get my bum out the door.

As the holidays get closer it seems like time goes faster. My roommate and I are hosting our 3rd annual "Yeah, I Look Good In a Speedo" party this weekend. The last couple of years have been quite entertaining and I surmise this year will bring more good cheer. The highlight of the evening will be a visit from Santa for the white elephant gift exchange. I wonder if Santa is going to do any Jell-o shots this year???

Thanks for reading!

Keep it smooth,

Brad