Seriously fine Spring morning for the HayMed Triathlon This Morning!

Around one hundred folks participated in the HayMed Triathlon today around the Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde, NC. The weather and conditions couldn't have been better! The staggered (300 yd) swim start makes it truly a race against the clock, but everyone raved about the ease of the swim and the beauty of the bike (10mi) course (sans hill from last year).

The 5k run on the other hand didn't disappoint for those looking for a challenge. What would a mountain tri course be without a couple hills worthy of respect, especially for flat landers?

This was a good early season baseline for many and had quite a few first time triathletes! The great thing about sprint tris, is that almost anyone can complete one! I love them because they are such a great celebration of life, wellness rolled in with a healthy dose of challenge!

This is the third event of the Asheville Tri Grand Prix Series a points series for AshevilleTri.com members to enjoy racing throughout the season. Consider checking out the next three events coming up:

• Xterra Uwharrie Triathlon May 3
• Clemson Triathlon May 16
• Enka Triathlon @Biltmore Lake June 13

No, I personally didn't race this one but did photos and 'encouragement'! Hope to see you next time at a race soon! Register early as races can fill and reach capacity weeks in advance of the event!

Results forthcoming at The Asheville Tri Club Website-Blog

For more photos visit...


Great job Gloryhound Events, Setup Events and our thanks to the Haywood Regional Medical Center and Fitness for hosting such a great event!

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Happy New Year! Locate faith and hope anyone?

I don't think I've heard too many folks complaining about the end of 2008. Many of the things Americans put their hope, security and trust in were shaken this year. Real estate, the stock market and even employment and trust in our banking system are all in question. You see, our faith determines the value we place upon things. It also determines the direction things go.

In a few weeks, we will have another President. History is being made and he will face unparalleled economic and political challenges . I am expectant, hopeful and encouraged by the changes but I am quite concerned that the "Hope" he represents to many will be a high (and perhaps even impossible ) bar to attain.

This New Years Eve, we spent in Naples, Fla watching the sunset with some family and friends. It was awesome! Despite the fact that the value of Naples real estate has evaporated, there was still a beautiful celebration of the New Year arriving.

On the beach, as the sunset disappeared into the water, I was grateful and filled with joy and hope for our future. Not because we have a new President, or new administration or even because of the economic stimulus package is coming. I am hopeful because the sunrise and the sunset are daily dramatic reminders that God is still in control. No matter the temporal circumstances, there is another level to things that we may perceive but don't always see or understand. I am reminded that if we put our faith and hope in things that are temporal or even in very talented people, ultimately we will be disappointed. I'm also reminded that being challenged and uncomfortable aren't necessarily bad things. So as we enter 2009 boldly, let us consider these words from the Message:

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced out into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

The current state of America will not respond to a quick fix. Fundamental truths, values and foundations must be re-established for any change to be lasting.

So may each of us learn lessons from our past, be prepared to work through the process and show our 'true colors' of what it is to live a life worth living. May God help us become a nation worth following again by collectively reestablishing faith, hope and value in things that are good and true. These are the things that ultimately will stand the test and tides of time.

Asheville Triathlon Photos from Rec Park in East Asheville!

Thanks to all the volunteers, to the fire and law enforcement folks for one of the safest races I can remember. Thanks to Doug Methvin, SetupEvents did a fabulous job making a great, safe event for everyone.


Hope you all enjoy the photos and the slides. God blessed us with another incredible day!

I think I need my Sunday afternoon nap now!

Billy Graham on Ted

I'm struggling with how to respond to the comments on Rev. Grahams' talk. He is still the most respected senior statesmen for the American church at large. Clearly, he speaks a different language than most scientists and technical folks. Many Ted readers are skeptical of anything that cannot be proved by the scientific method.

It is also amazing how we all are so unaware of our own "lenses" and biases, whether existential, evolutionary or evangelical.

If the video takes to long to load on the blog visit it at Ted.com .

Enka Triathlon at Biltmore Lake was AWESOME!

No, that really isn't a smile, it is a post-race grin and grimace.

First triathlon of the season, experienced adrenaline, pain, exhilaration and a very cool but gnarly course. Good news! I was in a better shape than I thought! Felt so good on the swim for the first 200 I swam well past the first buoy before I realized it! I think my swim was 3min faster than last time we did the course. Thank you , Bill Keel and my Reuter YMCA Master Swim Buddies!

On the ride, unfortunately, I still couldn't hang with the amazing Dewayne Robinson with his kickin' fresh new aero bike. This is his home course. Like REALLY his home course. Like his house is ON the course. That said, Dude is a total machine wherever he goes! Before the race, he said he had been at the beach all week and did virtually nothing but hang out drinking sweet tea and eating cheese puffs. (Mild exaggeration on the tea & cheese puffs.) Here's to beach week before a race! I want to get on your training program Dewayne!

My main man, Team Red Leader, Hudson Owen overtook me and made me chase him from about mile 3 to 13 of the bike. Then politely, as only a Brit can do, he let off the accelerator so I could overtake and return the favor. Unfortunately, I never returned the favor. We Americans can be ugly like that. Maybe next time bro! (He still took home some Mugware for the Clydesdale division!)

Yet another lesson in humility today. I made a mistake I had only heard of total novices making. Got H2O and Gatoraide bottles confused in a cool downhill and generously squirted my helmet and head with Gatoraide! Sticky. ROTFL

No surprise with the winners. Kevin Lisska was #1, Brad Miller #2 finishing strong for the AshevilleTri home team. Julia Tobias won the womens and was hanging out with the baby after as though they had just been out for a little stroll!

Some cool post race tees were spotted including Underdog and "Chicks dig my ride."

Wendy Miller (while simultaneously kid wranglin) and I took a few photos. I think I still have some to upload but I'm late for my nap.


The littlest Curwen got the most fashionable sunnies award while his mom Monica had the "most advanced hands free to accept awards" friendly child front pack. Like is Jay in the gear business or what! ;-)

Lecky Haller shared with Joe and I that part of his paddling success was due to his very well accomplished 'Robot' dance/warm up routine.

Thanks to all the volunteers, to the fire and law enforcement folks for one of the safest races I can remember. Thanks to Greg Duff, GloryHound Events and AshevilleTri Club Officer! Thanks to our sponsors, especially Apollo Flame for the very tasty Grilled Greek Chicken Salad. Extra thanks to SetupEvents did a fabulous job making a great, safe event for everyone.

I think we ran out of AshevilleTriClub Membership Apps in the first 15 minutes before the race.

Hope you all enjoy the photos and the slides. God blessed us with an incredible day!