Reflexion...

Work, kids, work, work, work.....have taken their toll on my athletic pursuits this winter. Unfortunately work has been extremely busy since last summer and I have yet to develop a consistent way to get out and train on a regular basis. Winter is especially tough with the short days and it being more difficult to drag the kids along for a ride/run. I'm not sure how I can get back into top ski shape but it will be fun trying to juggle life and get some fitness back. I've been almost a "normal" person for the last 6 months and I don't like it! I miss the 2hr skis, trail runs and 3hr bike rides. Right now I'd be happy just to get out 6hrs a week. So, I have scaled back my expectations and look forward to building some base throughout the spring and summer months. Getting fit again is the goal. Becoming a regular again on the Mich Cup circuit in 2009 is the stretch target. Hitting the Top 15 in the Mich Cup Sprints next season would be priceless!

Observing some things this season in the Mich Cup have really inspired me. Seeing guys like John Gravlin and Cliff Onthank place in the top 3 in several races is quite remarkable for a couple guys in their 50's! I'm glad I have 20 years to catch up to them! Seeing the names Ernie Brumbaugh and Dick Fultz in the results sheets is equally remarkable. You guys are my new hero's! May you have many more years of Mich Cup racing ahead of you. And finally the Todd family is some thing I hope I can achieve someday. Traveling around Michigan enjoying nordic skiing and racing some Mich Cup races. Way to go Dell, father of two and breaking the Top 5 twice this season, nice work my friend! In a few years I hope to follow your path, if I can at least get the family up and out skiing that would be great and if I can hit the Top 20 on a regular basis that would be awesome! Other's that have inspired me this season, the Dawson family and of course Mike Muha and his great skiing resource, Nordicskiracer.com....keep it up Mike we all appreciate your hard work.

Things I need to focus on in the next 2 months: 1. doing something everyday, even if its a 15min core workout. 2. build a new rollerboard, gotta get that upper body back. 3. get more running in, need to build up the aerobic system and running is one of the best ways to do that.

I know what I need to do to get back into good ski shape, that's the easy part. The hard part is juggling my crazy job, my playful kids, my athletic interests and my beautiful wife(not to mention keeping up a house) all into a 24hr day. Buckle up is going to be a fun crazy ride this year!