Ouch!

That's my foot. A few weeks ago, while out on an evening run, I hurt it stepping on a tree root. No, I didn't go see a doctor...not a big fan of going to the doctor. In fact, I made it worse trying to do my usual weekend run a few days later. So I decided to give in and rest it for a week or so and compensated with some extra swimming. You guessed it, then my shoulder started acting up. The next couple of weeks were spent mostly moping around, whining, and generally feeling sorry for myself since I couldn't get my usual training in. Whaaa.

Amidst my little mini-crisis, I got a clear message from The Big Ironman in the Sky. Simply put, "Tobey, it's not about you." Ouch. I realized that it had become just that in the weeks leading up to the tree root incident. It had become about performance, getting faster, stronger, me, me, me. An easy trap to fall into in this individual, sometimes self-serving sport and that's not what got me to where I am today. That's not why I come home from a long work day and head right out the door for a long run and that's not why I'm up with the AARP polar bear club the next morning for a 5AM swim. Not at all. My hope is to glorify God, serve, and hopefully inspire a few others with my racing and with my "real life." That's what this is about. That's what started this little adventure we're on.

So this week, I was blessed with a renewed focus. We had good weather, all of my parts were working again, and all of my workouts were great. Not because I set personal records or logged huge mileage, but because it was for Him again. It's scary how quickly we can get back into that, "what's in it for me?" rut. Even scarier, sometimes, how long it can take and what might be required for us to realize it.

They say the truth hurts and apparently so do renegade tree roots. But I'm sure thankful to have stumbled on it that night. It was just the friendly reminder I needed to get me back on track.

A bit of advice, do what you love, do it well, and find a way to use it to make a difference for someone else.

Joe's Comeback

After overcoming a broken back and suffering through months of leg pain, it looks like Joe is back on track. Joe and I took a little road trip up to Temple this week to see an old friend. Early indications are that Mike was able to fix Joe's leg and he should be up and running again in a couple of weeks.

What a story. We're all looking forward to his return in 2010. If you happen to be in the Kemah area on April 10th, I hope you'll come out and root for Joe in his return. You won't see the scars, just the smile on his face, and after our pilgrimage, a Tri4Him jersey on his back.

Road Trip

Cindy, Kelly, Ronnie, and I headed to Austin this weekend for the 1/2 marathon. It was a great trip and a nice change of pace from our usual training work. After a chili start to the morning, the weather turned out perfect and all of us were happy with how we finished, self included. Ronnie pushed me to a new personal best, beating my previous 13.1 mile time by nearly 20 minutes. Thanks Ronnie!

A motivating race that was much needed with just 2 months left until our first tri of the season.

Have a great week.

And we're back...

After six weeks of riding in the garage, we finally made it back out onto the road today. Looking forward to rising temperatures and mileage in the coming weeks and months. Next weekend some of the Tri4Him crew will be road-tripping to Austin for the half-marathon. The transition from maintenance to training has been a long time coming.

On the fund-raising front, we're off to a good start as well. I've matched our to-date total, which brings us up to a $500 grand total. Thanks to those who've given generously thus far. Your contributions and words of encouragement inspire me more than you know. Not to mention the good that we will be doing for our friends at WVR.

Once again, I would appreciate your help in spreading the word. Facebook, email, Twitter, whatever. The more people we reach the better.

Have a great weekend.

Pit Stop

More than 30,000 folks participated in this year's Houston marathon including several Tri4Him members who represented well, as always. Must admit, I'm a little jealous that I wasn't out there with them. Congrats to all involved.

I'll get mine in this afternoon. It's just too nice of a day to pass on...forgot what it's like to run in shorts.

Here, Cindy takes a quick break to repair a flat.

Maybe next week

The Cowboys have "Jerry World." Tri4Him-Houston has...Joe's garage. This is how we roll when the outside temps dip below tolerable. Hopefully back on the road next weekend.

Have a great week.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a restful holiday season and a wonderful Christmas. Now onto 2010. Still three months until our first race of the year, but it's time to get back to work. After a brief off-season of "limited" training, my work-outs will soon start to ramp up. Can't avoid the chilly swims, lung-burning runs, or face-numbing rides any longer. All we can do is be thankful that it's Houston and warmer days are near.

As we approach the start of the season there are two big ways that all of you can help. First, if you are able and feel called to contribute, just click away. It's very easy and any amount that you're able to give is greatly appreciated. Second, spread the word! Tell your friends and pass along a link to this page. For those of you who are savvy in the ways of facebook, myspace, twitter and the like, by all means, tweet away or link us to your page. The more folks we reach, the more good we can do.

In the coming weeks, check back as I'll soon start posting training schedules, related updates, and anything else that I think may entertain you. I'll do my best to send out an e-mail when I post something new or you can get automatic updates by clicking the "follow" button located below.