Long Hot Busy Summer!

Hello Readers!

I am sure most of you probably think that I have forgotten about my blog, but no I haven't I just have been extremely busy. Sometimes summer is the most difficult time to keep up on your exercise as it is so hot and humid outside. I want everyone to know I have not slipped up, I have been extremely busy with several events. I will say this may disappoint many of you but my training schedule didn't allow me the time to prepare for the 70.3 in Branson. I do still intend to run the sprint triathlon there that weekend but training for a 70.3 is almost like a second job. No worries it is still a long term goal of mine to complete and you will see future posts on my quest.

When I say I have been extremely busy this summer I mean it!! I have completed many great achievements for me the first and foremost being the Shawnee Mission Triathlon. I did the long course which was 1000 meter swim, 18 mile bike and 4.5 mile run on a day in KC which reached over 100 degrees. This event was extremely special for me as my mother was able to attend. This was the first distance event she has had the opportunity to watch and it meant the world having her there. My great friends Jen and Jeremy competed and were also there to cheer me on to my finish. Thanks also go to Marquita my boss who came out to support on a brutally hot day. I have also completed two other tri's this summer, one in Leavanworth and one in Cameron.

Triathlons are not the only thing which have kept me busy this summer, thanks to my "Y" friends I have gotten into biking. I competed in my first road race by doing a 32 mile ride around the city with my great friends. The "Y" folks also really helped me to push my boundaries with a 2 mile lake swim on the 4th of July. This was a great challenge and I was happy to accomplish this feat. With summer in full swing I have had to be much more creative in training as running has been near impossible due to the brutal heat but have no fear I will be back at it in full effect soon as I plan to do the Cerner 15K and be ready to pound a half marathon in a matter of two months.

This past weekend I aged another year, but I have not let that effect how I go about my life. This has just inspired me to continue to push my boundaries. This last weekend was pretty special for me though as I was able to celebrate doing the things that make me happiest with the people who make me happiest my great family and friends. Thanks to Jay for making it down from Iowa for a great round of golf, Ocean's of fun and then Dinner. Saturday the celebration continued as I competed in the Warrior Dash which is a 5K obstacle course. Lets just say this was totally crazy!! Then was the annual Dive 2 Survive Charity VB tournament which my team may not have won, but I can promise we had as much fun as any team!

As summer is near ending, I want to say to everyone reading continue having fun, exercise smart in this brutal heat. Most of all remember my slogan Life is Short, Live it Hard!!

Ryan