"Muddy" Buddies

We're all buddies right?  After a barrage of "trash talking" emails back and forth amongst our riding group, we all set out for a ride n' run @ Frank Bonelli regional park (San Dimas) to prepare for our triathlon.  It was cold and in the 40's, since a storm front had just pass through the night before.  7:15 and we rolled out and around Puddingstone Lake.  For anyone wanting to 'try the tri' route, here is the Map.   They were setting up for the Muddy Buddy the next day and we pondered and joked about doing it next year.  Josh thought he could do it solo with his "imaginitive" friend.

Bill (Me), Brian Franco, Landon Diener, Matt DeMartino, Josh Manashe (taking the picture)

Landon, Matt and Brian took off on a nice pace and all the training that had led up to today sure has taken the toll on my legs by feel and looking at my HRM. Beats per minute were staying low....but any push was all gone. Looking at history calendar, my training was normally in the 4-5 hour per week range. The past 2 weeks have gone into the 7 hour range. Taking off for Vegas for business this week should give me the rest I need to get back on track I hope.  21 days left before the Turkey Tri!

Rolling towards Fairplex drive, the (not so) warm sun peaks right over Auto Club Raceway - Did you know 2011 NHRA Finals are to begin qualifying on Thursday 11/10/11?  John Force is doing a rare pre-event appearance and the race points are sure pretty tight coming in from last week's Vegas event.

After a few miles in, the tempo seems to be more forgiving and the rough road kept us keen and alert on the path.  Landon and Matt finishes up the 14ish mile double loop in about 45 min.  Brian, Josh and I finish up a few minutes behind.  We lock up our bikes, change into our running gear and I found an opportunity to get Josh into a picture on this post..... 

When you gotta go....you gotta go.  At the local Park n' Pee

We took off for a 4 mile run and once again, Landon led the way; Josh had started ahead of us so we had to play catch up.  Brian and I kept each other company as we overcame the hilly course.  Noticing many things on the run: Fall foilage, crisp air and some white dust on the local mountains......Winter is coming quick!  Also out of all the places that I have trained, I have never encounterd such nice group of people all around Bonelli park.  We almost got a 'Good Morning!' out of everyone, a 'Good Job guys!' out of another lady and plenty of hi waves.  It is always nice to be around people that look out for each other in the simplest ways.  We finish up and head back to our weekend activities.

Last night I stopped at Anaheim Hills Bike Shop to pick up some bar end plugs and Hammer Nutrition as we were next door having family dinner @ Knowlwoods.  The shop is small, but they carry a few more items for Triathletes then the typical shop.  I remembered that I needed to ride and run with no socks these coming weeks and recalled reading somewhere about Body Glide.  A funny name but I heard it does the trick.  I didn't get to try it out on my feet as it was a little nippy to go sans socks, but I did use it elsewhere.  Scent is a little funny but it seems to do the trick.  About $5.

To finish off the Buddy talk ~ I stopped by on the way home at Subway.  They are running a promo for the month of November 6-9 a.m.  Buy one 6" sandwich, get one free!  My favorite flat-bread with egg and veggies goes for $3.25; not bad to start off your most important meal of the day.  Because sharing is caring - load one up for your BUDDY!

- Bill