tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48831183681338525152024-03-14T03:58:09.305-05:00www.FelipeBastos.comFelipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-35987006961406448532012-03-25T18:37:00.000-05:002012-03-25T18:37:46.917-05:00Don't be stupid<div style="text-align: justify;">After a long unwanted absence from racing due to a variety of reasons, I toed the line this morning at the HITS Triathlon Series Ocala Half Ironman. I know what you are thinking: "a half, this early in the season, after many months of racing? You're not serious." I am. And the beat down was well deserved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My motto for this race was "Don't be stupid." I told <a href="http://www.twitter.com/heysilvershoes" target="_blank">Jessica</a> to keep reminding me of that throughout the race so I wouldn't get too excited. First out of the water? That's great. Don't be stupid. Out in the early lead? Terrific. Don't be stupid. You get the idea.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out on the bike course in 2nd.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Without too many details, I had sub-par race. However, I am thrilled to have stuck it out and finished a disappointing 8th. It was a deceivingly hard day with high temps on the run and a windy, rolling bike course.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was probably my slowest Half distance races ever, but gave me a great baseline to work from. I am now painfully aware of the weaknesses that need to be addressed, and can go to the drawing board and make a plan to have things fixed before the next race - which I don;t know what it will be. When I do, I will post it here. I should also have a race calendar shortly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In other much more interesting news, Jessica raced her first triathlon ever and finished 4th overall after leading the swim. She led for a while on the bike, but unable to get her feet into her cycling shoes, she rode the entire time atop them. Needless to say, less than ideal and made a for a slower than desired bike and a tough run. I'm pleased to say, however, that she is hooked, and I doubt it will be long until she finishes a race on top. I've created a little monster. Makes me so proud. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-71301517755259912002012-02-16T08:36:00.001-06:002012-02-16T08:41:19.113-06:00Race Season Prep<div style="text-align: justify;">I know, I know. It's been a long time since I last posted. I've been bad and promise to update more often this season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now that most of my sponsor ships for the new year are ironed out, I am finally able to focus on the race calendar. While I don't have a complete idea of what the year will look like, I will be kicking off the season at the HITS Half Distance in Ocala, FL on March 25, and I am certainly looking forward to it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have not raced the Half distance in several years. The last time I opened a season with one was in 2007 at the Kinetic Half, where I was 5th (losing 2 spots in the final miles). This time, my hopes are that the preparation ensures I don't crumble right at the end. That being said, expectations are not very high. The main goal is to have a good hit out to set me up for the rest of the race season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Training is coming along well, particularly swimming and running. The bike is slightly behind due to living in a big city and the difficulties of just getting a good ride right out the door. On the weekends, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jessicaayers" target="_blank">Jessica</a> and I have been driving to San Antonio to enjoy the hills. She just bought a QR Seduza from <a href="http://www.cycletherapy.us/" target="_blank">Cycle Therapy</a> (it was quite a good deal) and we are planning on heading to Ocala to see the bike course this weekend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've enjoyed seeing her progression from runner to triathlete quite a bit. She has an engine in her, and coaching her to race her first ever triathlon, an Olympic distance also part of the HITS Series on March 24 has been a blast. Needless to say (but I will say it just the same) the rest of the race season will be even better once we have this first one out of the way.</div><br />
I promise to update more often in 2012.<br />
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FelipeFelipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-10097538390510873612011-07-29T22:32:00.002-05:002011-07-29T22:39:08.847-05:00I'm back!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">The bar exam is done. My diploma arrived today. It's all done.</span><br />
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<div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">So, naturally, I celebrated with some long overdue training. After a morning strength session, in the afternoon I headed over to Alafia State Park for a good outing on the Scott Spark RC. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">While there are several levels of trails ( from Easy to Extremely Difficult), I wisely chose to warm up on the River loop, one of the easiest ones. So far, so good. A few bridges, some twisty turns, but I was managing just fine. And my confidence kept rising. Fast.</span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">After I felt sufficiently warmed up, I decided to enter the hardest mountain bike course I have ever seen. In hindsight, this was a mistake. Below is an image of one of the many "speed bumps". I saw at least 3 of these guys, as well as deer, bunnies and a baby armadillo. Cute little bugger.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3o9rYVPhxxBM1Twxk0srtI4C6cJX_y6QY-6Fs_lqiqv0DsMoT97nL9NHE_Si9MPf5oTc49iUGYZQSgb0eIqY7zRkZvVE0X8M6C1QMWU239oEqAZupLFLtrmiV-dgqU4ap-RSS_AayJM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3o9rYVPhxxBM1Twxk0srtI4C6cJX_y6QY-6Fs_lqiqv0DsMoT97nL9NHE_Si9MPf5oTc49iUGYZQSgb0eIqY7zRkZvVE0X8M6C1QMWU239oEqAZupLFLtrmiV-dgqU4ap-RSS_AayJM/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Sadly, the images do not do this course justice. I am no professional mountain biker, but found myself forced to dismount over 30 times in just a few miles ( both up and downhill), and had plenty of near misses.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">I am not sure if it is the lack of time spent on a mountain bike (or any other bike, for that matter) over the past few months while Law School graduation and the bar exam consumed my days, but my skills certainly were far behind my eagerness.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">I am proud to say, however, that I only had one (minor) tumble. I braked hard to avoid a fall, and rolled to the right. There was a ditch, and I rolled (gently) down it, ending upside down and without any way to support my self back up, so I was upside down for a good few seconds until I finally propped myself back up. Nothing to worry about, really, but it made me extra careful the rest of the lap.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Alafia State Park is only 45 minutes from downtown Tampa, but it feels a world away. The easy course is a lot of fun, and if you have some serious skills, the Moonscape and Roller Coaster courses will treat you just fine. Maybe.</span></div></div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-16186172639007018042011-06-24T00:41:00.000-05:002011-06-24T00:41:54.087-05:00Back to FLIt's been a very long time since I last wrote, but better late than never. Since last February a lot has happened.<br />
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I have graduated law school and will be sitting for the Florida bar exam in a few short weeks. Scared out of my mind, I've been putting in solid studying hours. keep your fingers crossed.<br />
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I have also relocated to Tampa, FL. I am absolutely loving it here - the coast, the ocean breeze, the proximity to some of the world's best beaches all make being here a great experience.<br />
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On the training front, I have been running a lot given the lack of real time to swim and ride. The fitness is not where it used to be, but it is coming back. I plan on doing a few local running races to get the racing legs back, and as the fitness returns, the triathlon and off-road racing will resume as well.<br />
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I have a new Scott Spark RC, courtesy of <a href="http://www.cycletherapy.us/">Cycle Therapy</a>. I also have Enve Composites on it which make it the lightest MTB I've ever touched by far even though it is a full suspension. It has motivated me to do an 8 hour off road event, which I should tackle around October. Pic below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://c0013829.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_6c42796" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://c0013829.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_6c42796" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>I will try to keep this updated more often. The past few months have been absolutely crazy, but things are falling in place again and I can tend to my duties better.<br />
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Be good,<br />
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FelipeFelipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-63099895486270219532011-02-05T11:32:00.000-06:002011-02-05T11:32:09.495-06:00Long Overdue Update<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">Okay, I will admit that it has been far too long since I last updated my blog. At some point, too much happened and I kept postponing the update. Well, the time has come. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41dmY0QMEwk-uhArn5mrH69qJXlyoPi08jASy-lCq-Cxo279K2PvaTRgvf8TAznF57-lys6O6YcLmXL_jSKp2MMoVU54ib-t95lmoAlSZJ4hNjcP9Dk5oacuyO9o24ObOAEI5D56KDsI/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41dmY0QMEwk-uhArn5mrH69qJXlyoPi08jASy-lCq-Cxo279K2PvaTRgvf8TAznF57-lys6O6YcLmXL_jSKp2MMoVU54ib-t95lmoAlSZJ4hNjcP9Dk5oacuyO9o24ObOAEI5D56KDsI/s320/IMG_0959.JPG" width="320" /></a>I spend a couple of weeks in Queensland, Australia during the month of December. It was an outstanding trip altogether. Getting used to the lack of ocean swimming took a little while (saltwater crocodiles,<span> </span>sharks and deadly marine stingers kept everyone out of the areas not fenced in), as did getting used to the heat and humidity. It’s usually not a problem when I slowly get acclimated, but jumping from near freezing temps in the States to close to 100F everyday in Cairns took the better part of a week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">The visits to the Tablelands (the gateway to the outback), the Great Barrier Reef,<span> </span>the downtown Cairns Esplanade and the other local attractions were all incredible. I could easily get used to spending winter break Down Under yearly – the only issue is the super long flight.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">When I returned I spent 5 days in Tampa before heading back to Alabama. I just wasn't ready to brave the wintry weather yet, and the weather, as well as the company in Tampa were too good to pass up. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">Since being back, I have been trying to not spread myself too thin between working at a couple of law firms, taking the last few credits before I add J.D. after my name, and professional sports training. I have been doing most of it at night after work, and adapting to this schedule has been tough to say the least. The much-colder-than-usual winter</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">I have posted an album with Australia images on my facebook, if you have an interest in seeing them. I also did the majority of the updating on twitter if you wanna see a play by play of the trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">I am currently working on a race schedule, and will share it once it becomes available. I promise it will not be as long until I update next time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">Felipe</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-82959662052527294582010-10-19T18:41:00.000-05:002010-10-19T18:41:13.089-05:00Navigator Triathlon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Last weekend I once again visited the lovely town of Rome, GA. Last time I was in town was back in March, and another visit was overdue. Once again Trey Smith of Cycle Therapy organized my entire visit and could not have been happier. As per my request I stayed at the Hawthorn, a local hotel that is built on an old warehouse.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><div><a href="http://www.navigatortriathlon.com/images/darlington_campus_-_fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.navigatortriathlon.com/images/darlington_campus_-_fall.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I have spent probably 2 years of my life in hotels, and the Hawthorn is my favorite. I can't really pinpoint one quality that does it for me, but I just feel at home and relaxes there. I always sleep well, I love the quaint atmosphere. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZirT6yGo8I-zJb12_ayk1NqIcIeER8BJhiAQs06ixeeQJ5kliHyYcteUBGkSYF5EJs5MgtqCxttpCLyyWBvjGmwt_auxk_BFD29t0PTUrlsE1LwlgwjPwH_6mLNIJ2vBIvcTq6JfNOuA/s1600/Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZirT6yGo8I-zJb12_ayk1NqIcIeER8BJhiAQs06ixeeQJ5kliHyYcteUBGkSYF5EJs5MgtqCxttpCLyyWBvjGmwt_auxk_BFD29t0PTUrlsE1LwlgwjPwH_6mLNIJ2vBIvcTq6JfNOuA/s200/Bike.jpg" width="176" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> Now, back to the reason I was there: the Navigator Triathlon. This year on a new course at the Darlington Upper School, and featuring an afternoon time trial start, I knew that I would have to push it from the gun. I am no fan of time trial starts as I like my competition close, but I managed to start off well and push the pace on the bike. That gave me a sizable lead o the run, and I was able to keep it under control for the 5k mixed course and win the 44th race of my career. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">For an October event the weather was extremely warm, and I was fortunate to play my lead on the run and not finish too dehydrated. Many of the other athletes were not as fortunate and finished under much warmer temps later in the day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The race organizers did a phenomenal job putting everything together and I will certainly be back next year.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-74552314580576625672010-08-23T22:12:00.000-05:002010-08-23T22:12:04.457-05:00Florida Campaign Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpqAhna1qu1Ef18fBIjhhyphenhyphenufe0sIhr5Y6aoiEhltjpuoeJYHscQVifaZgzVNK1GzZXeYhRmSfgsGHmhcahIbbDB1D6dQFC1Dl3wEj7CW13T9XKbkfcMPJ9alTUfjvjdDLfTqaeEiFXaQ/s1600/DSC_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpqAhna1qu1Ef18fBIjhhyphenhyphenufe0sIhr5Y6aoiEhltjpuoeJYHscQVifaZgzVNK1GzZXeYhRmSfgsGHmhcahIbbDB1D6dQFC1Dl3wEj7CW13T9XKbkfcMPJ9alTUfjvjdDLfTqaeEiFXaQ/s320/DSC_0020.jpg" width="212" /></a>I ended up spending 6 weeks in FL rather than the 7 I originally had planned. I wanted to come home early, spend some time with my fiancée, and catch some rest before heading to my last 8 months in law school. Time flies!<br />
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I ended up undefeated while in Florida, which was absolutely amazing to me. I really seemed to have found my bike legs once again. it's nice to be able to ride at 26-27 mph once again. it had been a couple of years since I'd been able to do that. And in fairness, a large part of that comes from the super fast <a href="http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en">Scott Plasma</a> 2 I am riding this season, courtesy of <a href="http://www.cycletherapy.us/">Cycle Therapy</a>. I've got some <a href="http://www.profile-design.com/">Profile-Design</a> bars on it, and custom <a href="ehttp://www.edgecomposites.com">Edge Composites</a> wheels, and a <a href="http://www.quarq.com/">Quarq</a> powermeter. It is a sick fast machine, and the help I got in January from Todd Kenyon at <a href="http://www.ttbikefit.com/">TTBikeFit</a> and <a href="http://www.coach-al.com/">Coach Al</a> made all the difference!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuMrulKFeYoQYxyG6nH3TYA-I7agx_vbQls5R97VHYg-CVifUVnjLF1DefaTF7Cl8kRlKnKw6MZ25sgvAv8TBnmMbRa3tulA_cTk_2QCkFknIXZuokABsEDNOfc-oF1WbgHg2TdjYwHY/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuMrulKFeYoQYxyG6nH3TYA-I7agx_vbQls5R97VHYg-CVifUVnjLF1DefaTF7Cl8kRlKnKw6MZ25sgvAv8TBnmMbRa3tulA_cTk_2QCkFknIXZuokABsEDNOfc-oF1WbgHg2TdjYwHY/s320/DSC_0169.JPG" /></a></div>I first won the Crystal River Triathlon. The last time I had won this event was the year before I left FL and moved to Alabama, so it was a great feeling. Kevin Grogan and I swam and rode together, but I pushed hard on the run to win by almost 90 seconds.<br />
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The following day I raced the Gainesville Melon Run 5k, an incredibly competitive event held yearly on the 4th of July. This year the course changed and was slightly slower than in previous years, but it made me go right by my fiancé's parent's house, where I was so graciously hosted- a I always am. I am happy that come December they'll officially be my parents in law. I ended up 6th, running in the mid 16's for a hilly, somewhat off road course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0JS90js8vF3wKZKsTM86OMZR9nB_YFv7h3Z_6ms2Y8gmWr_wBYJbHqxJpiH4yxJnbnbDKHcu-NJBxyPsWxQhRh6-oeyKDAERPCv12KxK-cMVTpBBb51H2-CUeRCpiLJFYQUbTt0Sn5w/s1600/Twilight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0JS90js8vF3wKZKsTM86OMZR9nB_YFv7h3Z_6ms2Y8gmWr_wBYJbHqxJpiH4yxJnbnbDKHcu-NJBxyPsWxQhRh6-oeyKDAERPCv12KxK-cMVTpBBb51H2-CUeRCpiLJFYQUbTt0Sn5w/s320/Twilight.jpg" width="320" /></a>The following week we traveled down to Inverness for their 5k Cross Country event. I pushed harder on this day, once again facing the pure runners, and ended up with a 5th place. I was pretty pleased to make the podium and see how my form was already coming along nicely.<br />
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Next was the Jacksonville Triathlon. I really wanted to break the course record, but the strong trade winds on the bike, as well as the oppressive heat and humidity on the run course got me 40 seconds short of my goal. Fortunately, I'd have a crack at it once more in a few weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY55hjnG5-5c4QNARe2OwOmILki-VAAAy-kXS5UOJY0kUQgEa8FCLPkUEyZsCn1BxuXzmMk2wcSIrdNeN0fJSB596VtGYGPLpioGlgTtyM4V_wrXB3qLOH5zc9OILjCe-4hxQymZxzxg/s1600/b1_IMG_6919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkY55hjnG5-5c4QNARe2OwOmILki-VAAAy-kXS5UOJY0kUQgEa8FCLPkUEyZsCn1BxuXzmMk2wcSIrdNeN0fJSB596VtGYGPLpioGlgTtyM4V_wrXB3qLOH5zc9OILjCe-4hxQymZxzxg/s200/b1_IMG_6919.jpg" width="200" /></a>With 2 wins under my belt, I knew my form was coming along. So I raced the Twilight Triathlon going all out from the gun. The effort would yield me a bike course record, averaging close to 26 mph, and a 3rd victory in a row, making me plenty nervous to end my campaign in Florida undefeated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS4uxKjSJz6L-el2tJW1SquDKSgpV98rYXufnafd7U-_8Vsks_q-uEwlF9-urejBagG2YF-n7X2lOu3RRLQl3RSiKHA0DXDyVXKQMbFrTWzy1Co759iT61zT-8uSuX0o6gujiCGcaoaI/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS4uxKjSJz6L-el2tJW1SquDKSgpV98rYXufnafd7U-_8Vsks_q-uEwlF9-urejBagG2YF-n7X2lOu3RRLQl3RSiKHA0DXDyVXKQMbFrTWzy1Co759iT61zT-8uSuX0o6gujiCGcaoaI/s320/DSC_0107.jpg" /></a>On my last day down there, I won the Amelia Island Triathlon, breaking the course record and setting a new bike course record. I arrived in T2 over a minute ahead of everyone else, so my work was mostly done by the time I hit the 5k run course.<br />
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Back in Alabama, I've been struggling to really absorb it all. My body seems to be destroyed from what I put it through. As a result, I am not making any crazy commitments for the time being. I do plan t be back down there for the AmeliaMan Half in October as well as MiamiMan in November. I just love racing in Florida!<br />
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Xp Multisport put out a newsletter, and you can see it here: <a href="http://drcsports.com/XPMultisport.pdf">http://drcsports.com/XPMultisport.pdf</a>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-83006747167542903442010-07-28T09:33:00.000-05:002010-07-28T09:33:09.312-05:00Back to Back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9NCHSh8XKVIIvh9rj2U6Ox7YWpqETZ_DqVYZ9lBgvA5QmWtIviQQTrIk1Cq50TZmD2IpnmVPWzPdYhlKYGVjvNBAd79fcHR9HEM4xiYMF_Gn83Njb4wffbv9xfJu69ugjPgKGpqMpOA/s1600/JaxWin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9NCHSh8XKVIIvh9rj2U6Ox7YWpqETZ_DqVYZ9lBgvA5QmWtIviQQTrIk1Cq50TZmD2IpnmVPWzPdYhlKYGVjvNBAd79fcHR9HEM4xiYMF_Gn83Njb4wffbv9xfJu69ugjPgKGpqMpOA/s320/JaxWin.jpg" width="150" /></a>I am pretty excited to have won 3 triathlons in a row here in Florida. The training seems to be falling into pace despite the long days in the office during the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQCalphXKNtoqPeQitb0T8fDfGerpxbrgILnf9IRbvdVr8Iix6hX0MYQ2xuttavSQhv8klFKS-weV3sDFPOVhRuvD6OUYU6689diHyHaYYLWdEPouPVv6weoQv4sXm7PFLYvpc23pIbo/s1600/JaxBike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQCalphXKNtoqPeQitb0T8fDfGerpxbrgILnf9IRbvdVr8Iix6hX0MYQ2xuttavSQhv8klFKS-weV3sDFPOVhRuvD6OUYU6689diHyHaYYLWdEPouPVv6weoQv4sXm7PFLYvpc23pIbo/s200/JaxBike.jpg" width="160" /></a>This weekend I won, for the 2nd time, the Nature Coast Twilight Triathlon. The last time I raced this even was in 2006, and prior to the event I had serious doubts as to my ability to repeat the win - 4 years is a lot of time. <br />
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Knowing I'd have serious threats from the local sprint specialists, I decided to attack the course from the gun and solo at the front. My strategy worked well as I exited the swim with a small lead, but long enough that I had a 5 second gap at the beginning of the bike. I used it to my advantage, putting my head down and riding 29-30 mph for the first 4 miles in order to build a comfortable margin.<br />
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The strategy worked. At the bike turnaround I had a 40 second gap to 2nd and 3rd place (working together to catch me). I increased that lead to nearly a minute at the end of the bike ride, and ran alone to finish with a 50-second margin at the finish line, beating my time from 4 years ago by 30 seconds, and beating the winner from the past 3 years in the process. I also broke the existing bike course record averaging near 26 mph.<br />
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I will race next at the Amelia Island Triathlon on August 7, my last weekend in Florida before heading back to Alabama to resume my last year in law school. I certainly hope to win again and leave Florida undefeated. So far I have won the Crystal River Triathlon, the Jacksonville Triathlon and the Twilight Triathlon. I also finished in the Melon Run 5k and 5th in the Inverness Cross Country 5k. It's been a very rewarding summer so far!Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-86828965954994696952010-07-09T08:10:00.001-05:002010-07-09T08:42:16.290-05:00FL 7 week-trip - Update 1The first 2 of 7 weeks I'll be spending in FL have gone by quite fast. Last weekend I raced the Crystal River Triathlon on saturday and on Sunday I raced the Melon Run 5k, a very competitive local run race.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXr05IiU45yfdEt7hbMLCIIbIZGAIdWaofk86jghtUaynI18yjNUGom4zp7dybsAAtAkLa6oZV4pafnljXRtSEvtUJGHHKQMV53L49lmPFQTRQcqbiMX8xCqXCu7ghxz8XnhMYvnSnSc/s1600/lead2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXr05IiU45yfdEt7hbMLCIIbIZGAIdWaofk86jghtUaynI18yjNUGom4zp7dybsAAtAkLa6oZV4pafnljXRtSEvtUJGHHKQMV53L49lmPFQTRQcqbiMX8xCqXCu7ghxz8XnhMYvnSnSc/s320/lead2.jpg" /></a>I am very pleased to say I won the Crystal River Triathlon. I had not been to that event since I moved away from FL in mid-2007 and was thrilled to be back. I had plenty of competition to keep me honest and was unsure about my chances to pull off a win until well into the run. I just love how competitive these FL races are!<br />
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Still sore from the race I ran a local 5k the next morning, finishing 6th. I ran with the lead group for the better part of the first mile, but they were simply going too fast for my tired legs. I got dropped on the first hill (winner averaged 4:545/mile) so I had to settle for running alone between the 1st and 2nd groups. I blew up a bit at the end, and ended up running a 16:49. Given how tired I was from the previous day, I can't say I was too unhappy with it.<br />
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Tomorrow, I'll race another 5k, and next week, I'll be racing again. Just not sure where. There are so many races in FL in the summer!Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-10606645289324102392010-06-06T14:40:00.000-05:002010-06-06T14:40:19.089-05:00Disappointing DayI have been somewhat injured since December of last year. That's no news. But the injury has really not prevented me from performing (most) of the required training I had in mind this season, aside form some of the faster speed sessions.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BxdXVspxx8GTHtKi9oj9_6mfVK58xOY3rjUUfN9wKdWW6etEFUlwFlDytO6lqzwIcE63Xa109NBIAczTkpOPPxGArtzPqM3mzQctQxVRgx5c9r0GZsTT3jkRbhhTOsvRRyvtEZv2wPw/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BxdXVspxx8GTHtKi9oj9_6mfVK58xOY3rjUUfN9wKdWW6etEFUlwFlDytO6lqzwIcE63Xa109NBIAczTkpOPPxGArtzPqM3mzQctQxVRgx5c9r0GZsTT3jkRbhhTOsvRRyvtEZv2wPw/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Usually, my body recovers well by itself whenever I have an injury. Rarely do I need to resort to drastic measures such as anti-inflammatory meds, and I erroneously thought this injury to be one of those.<br />
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But when it forced me to pull out of the Rock N'Roll Half yesterday near the mile 3 mark of the run, while in striking distance of the podium, I realized it had gone on long enough. I am now trying to find an ART specialist that I can work with in order to solve the problem. After the end of my race I had one of the therapists work on it and it feels much, much better. I was already able to do intervals this morning so, needless to say, I will be making use of the ART technique to hopefully get rid of the injury to my left semitendinous muscle once and for all.<br />
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I'm off to Florida in 3 weeks, and will be spending 7 consecutive weeks there - working at a law firm and training. I am hopeful that by the end of that period I'll be healed.Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-67538391669916532322010-04-11T22:13:00.001-05:002010-04-11T23:52:12.560-05:00Talladega 21000<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRZnSgDd1Pv-IIfOSneMyeR5EW3i4Ki6CqEvbq6gF4VYOs_K3km-IosjPMN0n97xUjBfIvA6T06jdm5bkP1bNEllGdyYQutXPXtUjHz1Dqltr0ssEBkhD9vYOGbsY8TnYd42HaSxisSo/s1600/Run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRZnSgDd1Pv-IIfOSneMyeR5EW3i4Ki6CqEvbq6gF4VYOs_K3km-IosjPMN0n97xUjBfIvA6T06jdm5bkP1bNEllGdyYQutXPXtUjHz1Dqltr0ssEBkhD9vYOGbsY8TnYd42HaSxisSo/s320/Run.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This season I have been using running races to reach better form in the early season. This plan culminated today with the unique Talladega 2100 Half Marathon benefitting prostate cancer education and research. I finished fourth overall, first in the 25-29 age group. The 13.1 mile course started and finished on the famous Talladega Superspeedway and was followed by a post-race party in the pit garage.<br />
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Though I really wanted to place top three, as a result of reduced mileage and intensity while nursing an injuryan injury, my wheels completely came off at mile 9. In the end, I was still very pleased to finish fourth in a true running race.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYCPqfSWb2UYgVGxNYGty6bHu6jG3tYK6iPBOU9If3qWimC4v9vsS9oqHpAlwaklAmKnT9541hGMJb5CQI0edTZm0tHobhMg9wcUbajXid_rQUtdxH_Nuroc0FyD9tLlCNECNyaz5lI0/s1600/Run3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYCPqfSWb2UYgVGxNYGty6bHu6jG3tYK6iPBOU9If3qWimC4v9vsS9oqHpAlwaklAmKnT9541hGMJb5CQI0edTZm0tHobhMg9wcUbajXid_rQUtdxH_Nuroc0FyD9tLlCNECNyaz5lI0/s400/Run3.JPG" width="400" /></a>The venue itself was unreal. The starting line was at the base of turn four of the legendary Nascar track and the finish line was in front of the main grand stands. I couldn’t get over the sheer size of the place!<br />
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Next up will be first triathlon of the season at the Peachtree International Triathlon in Peachtree City, GA, on May 15.Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-35327787216417160862010-03-24T11:31:00.000-05:002010-03-24T11:31:58.646-05:00Spring UpdateThis past week I was in Gainesville, FL for a training camp, and on March 21, I was set to race the Gator Half Ironman in Sarasota, FL. I once again stayed at the Black household fr the entire week, and could not have possibly felt more at home. They are so sweet to me.<br />
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On March 12, on the way down to the Sunshine State, I stopped at <a href="http://www.cycletherapy.us/">Cycle Therapy</a> in Rome, GA for a clinic. On Saturday morning we did a group ride and a run, where I showed everyone some drills to work on. it was a great experience and we will likely have another one in the summer, probably over the whole weekend. Updates will be up shortly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fFoxMV6P1LrbfgELCu8HccMXfFkv8EeGKUtJhxQhZkXbFY5jpi2xOawgQkbMOcAvgCxgrA4DwJaWhKjVOIkd0gZ4yUF_AivcaAWWclUMicnXmRe_ISe0-Zt782O0yBvvGieLt-GXNj0/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fFoxMV6P1LrbfgELCu8HccMXfFkv8EeGKUtJhxQhZkXbFY5jpi2xOawgQkbMOcAvgCxgrA4DwJaWhKjVOIkd0gZ4yUF_AivcaAWWclUMicnXmRe_ISe0-Zt782O0yBvvGieLt-GXNj0/s200/photo.jpg" width="200" /></a>Unfortunately, upon arriving in Florida, my left ankle flared up big time. It hurt swimming, riding AND running. So much so that riding home one day I had to unclip the left leg and only use the right leg. It was bad. After a course of anti-inflammatory medicine (oral and topic) , it seems as though it is mostly gone. Not totally yet, but I can once again do hard sessions pain-free. As a result, I was forced to miss what I had hoped to be my season opener.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa8N5Nas09CwpvwZ0NsW1ZpE-brQbxDMkHbNeBFzT1X1mWZkKhzwnHxtx08yv2n5vjSK5t66ExwqVuoiZgSMopXDAZY8IG3npjp8DTsmyDjVU1h9obSdFpBqAPpcBnm-IYP70tEj1mVs/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa8N5Nas09CwpvwZ0NsW1ZpE-brQbxDMkHbNeBFzT1X1mWZkKhzwnHxtx08yv2n5vjSK5t66ExwqVuoiZgSMopXDAZY8IG3npjp8DTsmyDjVU1h9obSdFpBqAPpcBnm-IYP70tEj1mVs/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="240" /></a>As of right now, it looks like my first multisport even of the season will be the Making Tracks Duathlon in Anniston, AL on Apr 3. I am usually not keen on Duathlons ( they hurt a lot!), but I'm looking forward to it.<br />
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On different news, my custom cycling kit is ready. It is, as everything else this season, Brazilian inspired. <a href="http://www.pyroapparel.com/">Pyro Apparel</a> did an outstanding job, had an incredibly quick turn around, and I was able to wear it when training in Florida.<br />
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I will update again in a couple of weeks.<br />
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Ciao,<br />
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FelipeFelipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-14055761382314879232010-02-20T22:44:00.000-06:002010-02-20T22:44:03.642-06:00Running RacesThe running form is finally coming around, it seems. This morning I raced a local 5K and was pleased to average 3:25/km ( just under 5:30/mile). It is still above what my goal for the event was, but it is better early-season form than I have had in years past. Winning was just icing on the cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRKN5YaHdquJ97yxHzti_jjb93WP1U2rHgEfpmVm_-kOyRSnxd9IaKNzcv36AqDD4n6NeweDPthmKl1SuIg7AjRr5xwwpcGSXMDp1gSK0hyphenhypheno4dtciyZ3_bmK_GJwEKzV4kci2J2qKeDo/s1600-h/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRKN5YaHdquJ97yxHzti_jjb93WP1U2rHgEfpmVm_-kOyRSnxd9IaKNzcv36AqDD4n6NeweDPthmKl1SuIg7AjRr5xwwpcGSXMDp1gSK0hyphenhypheno4dtciyZ3_bmK_GJwEKzV4kci2J2qKeDo/s200/DSC_0011.JPG" width="200" /></a>The course was not nearly as flat as I had previously thought but it went by my local running grounds so it was fun to race through areas where I usually only use in training.<br />
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I will be racing another one in a week, so I am hopeful for a faster time, and hopefully meet my goal of 3:20/k pace.<br />
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I will also be doing a photo shoot tomorrow, and will post a link to photos as they become available.<br />
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Ciao,<br />
<br />
FelipeFelipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-74993543198259640872010-01-27T14:52:00.000-06:002010-01-27T14:52:31.705-06:00Weekend in Rhode island with TTBikeFitThis past weekend, I traveled to Rhode Island to have my bike fit and my run form and biomechanics looked at by 2 of the best in the sport: Todd Kenyon ( TTBikeFit.com) and Coach Al (Coach-Al.com).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWTfzWWaoYsjkoJTKP2vncHxCiy0rdE_GUJsAC6-MFFfEejQtcXF9bou3SqbOlQPd7_G_B8IQZ96u1K1GIombOeti-Ipfglmw_k4S8vHlIi-d2y_TYMOne70sNJcY3zpMB58i2hH2FtI/s1600-h/Felipefit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWTfzWWaoYsjkoJTKP2vncHxCiy0rdE_GUJsAC6-MFFfEejQtcXF9bou3SqbOlQPd7_G_B8IQZ96u1K1GIombOeti-Ipfglmw_k4S8vHlIi-d2y_TYMOne70sNJcY3zpMB58i2hH2FtI/s320/Felipefit.jpg" /></a>The weather was actually pretty nice, especially considering it is the middle of winter in New England. Todd & the TT Bike Fit crew have an amazing set up that I highly recommend visiting, and not only if you live near Providence. I went up there from Alabama just to work with them, which should explain just how much I trust their evaluations. If you cannot travel up there though, they do video analysis as well.<br />
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My bike position was actually not too bad ( Todd had already worked with me on it via video), but my running immensely benefited from the visit. I left with a great deal of excitement about the next few weeks' working on my run form. it was also very nice to have confirmation that the bike position was powerful and comfortable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzyeQXIZeMU_jsCt6Vkf8B4MCoJYV8DPmnP4gqodhZdkJ-6VapJiIFcz6Fv8p66rRstD7DTcZnJYx9lF1_xtUTaMvoeu07oBWzvGXt4nktNDZGPvfJtHqWlU7aBUULWnqXmk7doj8r5g/s1600-h/CIMG3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzyeQXIZeMU_jsCt6Vkf8B4MCoJYV8DPmnP4gqodhZdkJ-6VapJiIFcz6Fv8p66rRstD7DTcZnJYx9lF1_xtUTaMvoeu07oBWzvGXt4nktNDZGPvfJtHqWlU7aBUULWnqXmk7doj8r5g/s200/CIMG3997.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>Before the fit on Saturday I got to do a 2 hour group indoor ride and it was a blast. We did some virtual riding in the back roads of Lake Placid, NY ( not on the Ironman course), and also some rollers across the Canadian border. It was absolutely awesome. Group indoor riding makes time fly by!<br />
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On the way back Delta/United/Northwest/KLM/Pinnacle Airlines managed to temporarily lose my Scott Plasma, but it has since been recovered. If you follow me on Twitter (@felipebastos1) you may have seen a post of 1,296 about it. If so, rest easy, it is now safely in my possession.<br />
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I was already excited about 2010, working with such knowledgeable guys only makes me even more eager to begin racing!<br />
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Ciao,<br />
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FelipeFelipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-1608897765180886592010-01-16T01:11:00.000-06:002010-01-16T01:11:56.845-06:00More Scott Plasma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC2MEY9U8FDvvEBtGNj-gCJwCyuLpE-3ZVZfC9PFWYCgUXFzeSwCK4cHwsjWt1NSCmr-MoKMvn2xoDkQrrswuWQ-H78Q3t232LKokKWHl_DSfTpASj9CSZIMJoEr_UOiJTx5R6R_tsb8/s1600-h/PlasmaRaceReady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC2MEY9U8FDvvEBtGNj-gCJwCyuLpE-3ZVZfC9PFWYCgUXFzeSwCK4cHwsjWt1NSCmr-MoKMvn2xoDkQrrswuWQ-H78Q3t232LKokKWHl_DSfTpASj9CSZIMJoEr_UOiJTx5R6R_tsb8/s320/PlasmaRaceReady.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>I know, I know....it's all I have been posting about lately. I can't help myself. Besides, I have't posted an image of the new ride with the race wheelset yet. I will alternate between the rear disc and the rear 68mm, but always running the 68mm up front. Edge Composites laced them with a low spoke count to DT Swiss 190 Ceramic hubs, so I am confident it will be a speedy combination on the asphalt. I apologize for the low quality photo, but my iPhone's camera is not a Nikon (yet).<br />
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A week from now I will be in Providence, RI, getting a bike position fit, as well as my running gait and motion videotaped and improved by Todd Kenyon of <a href="http://ttbikefit.com/">TTBikeFit.com</a>. I am pretty excited about it and I am sure it will be a tremendous help in making 2010 the kind of season I want it to be.<br />
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My race plans are nearly finalized, also, with a few exceptions. I know for certain I will return to the Coliseum Rock N' Roll Half Ironman for the 5th or 6th year in a row. I also decided that I will be using running races as a pre-season race regimen and am hopeful it will be the difference I want it to make.<br />
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Soon I will be revealing my 2010 partners and sponsors. Some old names, some new ones, but I am excited about all of them. The new season is shaping up to be a great one and I am looking forward to giving it my best once again.<br />
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I will hopefully have some video to add shortly as well.Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-23557889244708912722010-01-09T01:21:00.000-06:002010-01-09T01:21:49.337-06:00Finally ReadyWell, it took 2 days, help from a pro mechanic and a good friend to get the Scott Plasma fully built, but it is done. It is shown below with an Edge composites clincher training wheel set.<br />
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I will post soon images of it with the racing wheel set, also by Edge Composites.I will probably post a video shortly as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwhNhyphenhyphenoSyiSFXs8nm1pL-COEf1a6PyTxXDpZz-eS7f0uHz-haB50b3J_fdkIRcHSL9E1nl5j4VhWk68Kizi1tWIUP6FuVzqKBp2Quk32fVamMuhIWGjPkYoc_t5KgRg7UAz3Vp0VebeA/s1600-h/scottplasmaBRA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwhNhyphenhyphenoSyiSFXs8nm1pL-COEf1a6PyTxXDpZz-eS7f0uHz-haB50b3J_fdkIRcHSL9E1nl5j4VhWk68Kizi1tWIUP6FuVzqKBp2Quk32fVamMuhIWGjPkYoc_t5KgRg7UAz3Vp0VebeA/s400/scottplasmaBRA.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>It's now 2 am EST, my Subaru Outback is packed ( to the brim!) to make the 7-hour drive back to Alabama.<br />
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Law classes start early Monday morning, but fortunately, the following Monday is MLK day so I get a nice break to absorb the initial shock from reality.Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-85332836640887627892010-01-02T20:41:00.000-06:002010-01-02T20:41:50.255-06:00Scott Plasma Limited UpdateA couple of days ago I received a photo of the completed Scott Plasma. Toby at Hot Tubes did such an amazing job I wanted to post it here, although I still plan on posting a photo of the finished product. Needless to say, I can barely wait to receive it here on Thursday and begin putting it together. I have hopes to have it finished by Friday and ride it then.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh7Tx1IVVONyi-6olt2iBOq5XBaMojw0hq-sOz3ppOvv3PJRxiNJQWbzk8AdqoEGqEiRcLxISp9TjmmmFKiHOwM4znIbKv6qqyK0pPmwzQorFh0ZRFSLYEzGMoI4n_WKza0OtQVoTouo/s1600-h/Plasma+Snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh7Tx1IVVONyi-6olt2iBOq5XBaMojw0hq-sOz3ppOvv3PJRxiNJQWbzk8AdqoEGqEiRcLxISp9TjmmmFKiHOwM4znIbKv6qqyK0pPmwzQorFh0ZRFSLYEzGMoI4n_WKza0OtQVoTouo/s320/Plasma+Snow.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-38942961081327042792009-12-13T21:27:00.002-06:002009-12-13T22:32:48.854-06:00FloridaI arrived in Florida yesterday. When I left my home in Alabama, it was 28F and sleeting. Today I rode in 80F weather. It is quite amazing to be able to do my pre-season here.<div><br /></div><div>I rode close to 4 hours today, and it was an eye-opened of how much fitness I have lost this off season. I have a lot of work to do.</div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-24231332704094479472009-11-27T16:19:00.004-06:002009-11-27T19:48:46.677-06:00What I will ride in 2010<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Through a partnership with Rome, Ga.'s <a href="http://www.cycletherapy.us">Cycle Therapy</a>, Shirley, Mass.'s <a href="http://www.hottubes.com">Hot Tubes</a> and Sun Valley, Id.'s <a href="http://www.scottusa.com">SCOTT USA</a>, I am proud to announce I will be atop one of the fastest bikes in the world for 2010 - a SCOTT Plasma 2 Limited. I will also be riding SCOTT footwear.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For most, that would be enough. But the bike will be custom painted in a design based upon the Brazilian flag, and will have customized matching brakes from <a href="http://www.trpbrakes.com">TRP Brakes</a>, custom decals on <a href="http://www.edgecomposites.com">Edge</a> 1-68 wheels, and I will also sport matching kits from <a href="http://www.kiwamitri.com">Kiwami</a> and eyewear from<a href="http://www.e-rudy.com"> Rudy Project</a>. Below is an image of the winning design.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGhTP46IXq3NrZJhjHp8VXZxt4UpJg2EpFdIX0lHDaDizbI2eiU-Sf3v8mp9RKuRVqXN3i1LRc_hAbm4wGTqxLutbFehMNReO0gARpDh48ayDmZe1ccjOmsD2aCRCTR53VjGYgG6c01o/s320/scottplasmaBRAZIL.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408913155037017698" />Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-67390279212319937452009-10-25T15:39:00.002-05:002009-10-25T15:48:15.420-05:00ThursdayThis past Thursday I had the standard mile repeats. After averaging a solid 5:21 for the first few, I definitely mis-paced the last one, ending in 5:01. Now, that alone would have been enough to fry my body, I thought.<div><br /></div><div>That evening, I decided to run a half marathon on the treadmill. 13.1 miles and go nowhere. I started easy and kept increasing the pace as the miles clocked in, and ended the last one with a solid 5:20. My treadmill goes to 12mph ( 5 min/mile), so it made for some fun sprints in the middle of the entire run.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the 20 miles for the day really overcooked my body, and now I have a bit of a cold. Hoping that by tomorrow my body will be ready to rock and roll once again.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-27756466851721183772009-09-30T23:37:00.002-05:002009-10-01T00:46:46.404-05:00South Carolina Half IMTomorrow morning I head out from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Ninety Six, South Carolina, for what *might* be my last race of the season. I say might bcause I may just attempt to have my fitness carry over into November, and try to win MiamiMan one more time. What's 4 more weeks trying to stay in race shape, right?<div><br /></div><div>Well, my body is tired. Juggling law school with professional sports is no easy task. I have tried to do both to the best of my abilities, but I need to knwo when to listen to my tiring body. I am still undecided, however, and won't make a final decision until probably 3-4 days after I return from the beautiful state of South Carolina.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm excited to be potentially ending the season with such an amazing event. I know the guys at Set-Up Events well and they always do an amazing job putting on world class events.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will write more after the race.</div><div><br /></div><div>FB</div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-90710347865163354332009-09-14T16:37:00.000-05:002009-09-14T16:46:51.733-05:00Pumpkinman Half Ironman - Maine<p class="MsoNormal">This past weekend I flew to Maine for the state’s only Half Ironman distance triathlon. I had never been to either Maine or New Hampshire (where we stayed), and was impressed with the area’s natural beauty. Despite all of the rain we had from the moment we arrived, race day turned out to be beautiful, sunny and breezy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I barely slept the night before. The race drew the very best of New England’s athletes and my body decided the night before the race would be a good time to freak out about facing those guys. I did not fall asleep until 3:15 am, and with a 4:20 wake up alarm, that kid not make for very restful shut-eye.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The early morning fog made for humid conditions early on, and I felt just like home. The temperature was in the high 60F’s so I knew that would be a non-issue. I had brought gloves and arm warmers just in case, but was very pleased not to have to wear them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The swim was a 2-loop affair, and I swam reasonably well, coming out of the water about 40 seconds down from eventual race winner, and former Ironman Lake Placid winner Tony Delogne. A large pack followed another 40 or so seconds down. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I rode the 2 loop bike course well within myself. I wanted to ensure I’d be fresh for the half marathon, but in hindsight I should have been somewhat more focus on maintaining power output on the downhill section of the rollers. I rode a 2:20, just short of 24 mph average. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Onto the run I was in 5<sup>th</sup>, and decided not to take any chances early on and run a conservative race. I was clocking 6:15 min/miles early on , and not concerned about losing time to those behind me – and I knew I was not gaining on the ones ahead either. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I received a split early on and local athlete Jesse Kropelnicki was about 2 minutes down. At the next turn around I noticed he was slowly, but steadily, eating into my advantage. Rather than change my strategy, I decided to let the cushion continue to diminish in case we got into a long side-by-side duel to the line, and I’d be more rested that way. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">At mile 10, the gap was down to just over a minute. I hit a bad patch and at mile 12, I was only 18 seconds ahead. By then I was able to start pushing the pace, and with a long uphill before the downhill finish, I was able to turn on the afterburners and guarantee a 5<sup>th</sup> place and podium spot among the Elites, avoiding an all out sprint for the line. Jesse definitely had me running scared for a good portion of the run!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Huge thanks go out to Kat Donatello, the race director, who put on an outstanding event, to Matthew McCabe and his girlfriend Marlene, who played the role of homestay hosts extraordinaire for the entire weekend, and to Leland for being so crafty in maneuvering the race course to snap shots that would rival Tim Moxey and Graham Watson’s. </p>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-89375789128444503582009-08-26T14:48:00.007-05:002009-08-28T13:34:02.114-05:00A little Swine Flu Update<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:48px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:14px;"></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:7;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Upon returning from what was a successful training camp in beautiful Gainesville, FL, in which I managed to ride 5 hours for three consecutive days and invoke the wrath of my crotch, I found myself with a slightly compromised immunological system. Aside from the heavy training load, I also lost a little weight and with it, the ability to ward off viruses and other nasty bugs that thrive on weak defense systems. Many thanks go to the Black family for being wonderful hosts ( yet once again) during my stay there. My trips to FL would simply not be the same if not for them.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">On Monday, I felt slightly off. On Tuesday, fever had set in and I was unable to move much. Leland picked me up from school ( I was already unable to drive) and took me home. My body temperature was 102F for a while, and I was diagnosed with swine flu.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I usually don’t get sick. When I do, I fight it off rather quickly, or at least, quicker than most. Not this time. Today, over a week after showing the symptoms, was the first day I am even sort of back to a normal routine. It was a nasty bug.</span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">While I am upset to have lost these past 8 days of training which I really needed to do well at PumpkinMan, I am only left with the option of doing what I can, with what I have. I am not changing any plans regarding the event and plan on fighting as hard as I absolutely can come race day.</span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">After that, I will most likely be racing the Chesapeake Man Ironman distance event on Sept. 26. Once again, another event I would have appreciated the extra 8 days of training, but another event I will fight as hard as I can, with what I have.</span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Onward.</span></span></span></span></p></span><p></p>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-3523697176330214852009-08-03T17:38:00.002-05:002009-08-03T17:44:43.507-05:00Heart O' Dixie TriathlonDespite a 31 mph ( ~ 50kph) crash at mile 23, I was able to win the 30th edition of this great Southern Classic. <div><br /></div><div>I had a good swim, exiting the water first. I led for a few miles and then got caught and paced 20 meters back until a crack in the asphalt brought me down. I must know how to fall, because I have very little road rash to speak of. Even my awesome Kiwami Kameleon suit is not torn! I was bleeding a little on the run, but was able to hold 5:38's on the 7 mile run to win by 26 seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an article: <a href="http://www.meridianstar.com/sports/local_story_206234215.html?keyword=secondarystory">http://www.meridianstar.com/sports/local_story_206234215.html?keyword=secondarystory</a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is very exciting to add my name to the winner's list of such a classic event. Next on the schedule is PumpkinMan in Maine in Mid september. Prior to that I will have a 2 week training camp in Florida, where I have been for the past couple of days.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am at my fiancee's parent's lovely home. It is absolutely awesome being here, and I could not ask for better future parent's in law. </div><div><br /></div><div>Will post an update from the camp in a couple of days.</div><div><br /></div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883118368133852515.post-40047790728396657902009-07-05T10:27:00.002-05:002009-07-05T10:45:59.487-05:00Peavine Falls 4th of July RunYesterday I decided to mix it up with the road runners at the Peavine Falls 8.2 mile Run. The race has a rolling first mile, then a 2.5 mile climb to the top of Peavine Falls, a 2.5 mile downhill run, and a 1.2 mile single track to the finish line.<div><br /></div><div> I had a good start with a group of about 15 other runners. At the 1/2 mile mark I realized the pace was a bit too quick ( 2:37 at 1/2 mile) so I slowed it down, as the pack ahead started to get strung out. My decision proved smart as slowly the group started to thin out. Although I was passed by a couple of runners in the next mile, the looooong uphill to Peavine gave me plenty of opportunity to get them back, plus some others. <div><br /></div><div>I was running strong up the climbs and pushing the downhills, so right after the turn around I was in 11th place, with 10th within 16 seconds. I tried and tried to get him back, but we seemed to be running nearly the same speed. In the last mile, after a long surge, I was able to get within 3 seconds of 10th, but as soon as he saw me, he turned on his jets and sprinted out of sight. I crossed the line in 11th, in 49:54, averaging 6:05 min/mile, in one of the toughest run courses around, and surely the toughest one I've ever done. This same time would have put me in 3rd place last year. It was a very competitive field.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will definitely be back next year to try to break the top 10 and the 6 min/mile barrier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leland's dad was there as well, and ran a super strong 1:05, averaging under 8 minute miles. he has been on a awesome running grove lately and it showed in the race. Leland and her mom and sister were there also, but had a slow start and missed my finish, arriving just in time to see David's strong finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards, we went for a short swim, and I rode my bike home. When we got home, we grilled out. It was a great wa\y to celebrate America's birthday, as well as our independence and freedom.</div></div>Felipehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11220631836758338045noreply@blogger.com