RAINMAKER, HEART BREAKER

Yes, the Olympics are history. Witness this guy imitating a Shriner during the closing ceremonies. You've seen those Shriners on those motorcycle thingy's driving crazy like at parades. I've seen them take out the first row of folks at parades. Always keep the EMS close by. But while the Chinese were closing their games, the man pictured below was all business.

Props to the Rainmaker, who's blog is always chock full of good stuff. The guy can cook..he trains, he takes great pictures...has a sense of humor and he is flat out a very good triathlete while training in the nations capitol. What does the guy do last week while the Olympics were being put to bed?? He blistered a 10:49 in his first Ironman at Ironman Canada. Great job Ray!!! Go to his blog (CLICK HERE) for another great race report. Hope you don't mind me pilfering a pic of you scorching the bike course!!!!!

In the same race, BreeWee, had some racing issues...tires appeared to be the smallest of her problems. Early into the run, she was in the med tent, getting fluids...unable to finish, which to most of us was a shocker, as she is so darn good at racing. Bree regrouped and is now declaring that she hopes to........

GET LUCKY IN KENTUCKY!!

Bree is racing at Louisville and hoping there, she can get a Kona slot. So many of my buddies from the Cleveland Area are racing this weekend in in Ky. Best of luck to all..

This past Tuesday I swam at Fairport with the regular group but the water was too rough for a swim out to the breakwall......so we did some work along the shoreline....about a half hours worth. My swim buds, Karen, Eddie, and Juan are also hoping to Get Lucky in Kentucky. Karen and Eddie are multiple Ironman finishers. All the best to Juan who hopes to hear those words announced......."You're An Ironman. After the swim, I ran a strong tempo 5 miler with my son Patrick on the North Chagrin Trails... 43:30.

Sunday, The Bride surprised me and asked if I wanted to take a bike ride??? Heck yeah, I said. And so, off we went.... The Bride has such a busy schedule and spends alot of time in between her different classes working on new routines and music mixes and stuff. So we have not been on the bikes together in a while. We went all over. Through 5 different towns... spent, lots of time at North Chagrin as well.. Just a great workout!! I used my son Pats bike, (which is my old tri-bike) and it was just so nice to cover so much ground..... We were out nearly 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Saturday, I ran 1 hour and 45 minutes at North Chagrin on the bridle trails. I am getting in long workouts and also lifting very hard, using heavy weights this week to change things up.

Notice the Motivation Quotation on my sidebar. The first 2 quotes are J.T. originals. I will try to post about 3 times a week...a fresh motivational quote. One that originates in this persons little skull. Any suggestions??? Let me know.

TREMENDOUS TRIBUTE

Greg Christopher of Twinsburg Ohio gets my props as well. In a very nice gesture, He wore race number 45 in the Greater Cleveland Triathlon Half Ironman earlier this month. It was his tribute to late Twinsburg officer, Josh Miktarian, who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Miktarian wore badge #45. Greg's gesture was a wonderful tribute. He never met officer Miktarian, but respected what he stood for. Greg is on the right, and thats Ted Yates, who also went the distance on the left. Its important that we always keep the memory alive of someone who serves us all each day. Of course, its also cool that race director Mickey Ryzmek made the #45 possible.

Everyone have a great day. Lifes a Blast