31 years old

Today is my birthday.  I am 31 years old today.  I'm a pretty lucky guy.  I am married to a wonderful woman.  We have a beautiful son together.  We live in a great condo, in a great location.  I have a job that I absolutely love...I get paid to teach people how to cook.  Every day of my life, I wake up in beautiful Arizona and I hike, climb, run, bike, swim, and explore the limits of what my body can do.  I have great parents, and awesome siblings.  I love music, particularly heavy metal.  I have two cats that I love.  My life is good.  I feel fortunate to know who I am, and what I want.  I am proud to say that I've achieved it all without the help of any religion.  I do not drink, smoke, or use illegal drugs, all by personal choice.  It has been a great 31 years.  I am looking forward to a few more.....

Something big.....my birthday treat!

This weekend, Saturday, October 15th to be exact, I was able to accomplish a major personal challenge.  This is an event that some call "Hole-to-Hump", which basically involves linking the deepest canyon in Arizona (Grand Canyon), and the tallest mountain in Arizona (Humphreys Peak) together for a very long day.  There are many manifestations of how to do this, but here is mine:  start in the early morning with a hike on Humphreys Peak, then ride my bike from the Humphreys trailhead to the Grand Canyon, then hike the South Kaibab trail in the canyon to the river and back, all in one day.
The journey started around 3:30am in Phoenix.  All of the people involved in the event started our drive up to Flagstaff.  We arrived at the Humpheys trailhead and began our hike at 6am.  Myself, my sister, and my friend James all participated in the hike.  The hike is 9 miles round trip, with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.  By 10:45 we had reached the summit and made it safely back to the car.  It took me about 45 minutes to change and "gear-up" for the bike.  My wife, sister, and son hopped in the car with the plan to meet me at the half-way point for a safety check.  Then, I headed off on my solo bike journey.
About 70 miles, 2 flat tires, and a few meetings with my "support crew" later, I arrived at our hotel at the Grand Canyon.  I started the ride around 11:30am, and finished around 4:00pm.  The ride was long, but my speed averaged around 18.5 miles per hour.  After arriving, I changed again, refueled myself and got ready for the third, and final, leg of the journey.
My wife dropped me and my sister at the South Kaibab trailhead, and we began our hike around 6pm.  The hike is 13 miles round trip, with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.  We only had about 30 minutes of day-light, and the rest of the hike was by headlamp.  As always, it was tough going, and the Canyon was relentless.  But 5 short hours later, at 11pm, we emerged from the Canyon victorious.  Lacie picked us up, then it was back to the hotel for showers and sleep.
The mission is accomplished.  My version of "Hole-to-Hump" is over.  It was a great adventure, and another great entry in my proud book of accomplishments.  It was only possible with the help and support of my wonderful wife, and my talented sister.  I owe them both so much.  Now, what's next?.....

Tour de Scottsdale, 2011

On Saturday, October 2, 2011, I participated in the Tour de Scottsdale!  It was a 70-mile road-bike ride around Scottsdale and Fountain Hills.  My finishing time was 3 hours and 45 minutes.  My overall place was 472 out of 1126.  I averaged 18.5 mph for the ride, and my top speed was about 42 mph.  It was a great event.  Other than my half-ironman, this was the first organized road race I've ever participated in.  It was also the longest bike ride I've ever been on.  I loved the atmosphere and the experience.  I hope to do many more in the future!