Paradise Valley

For those few who actually find this and the even fewer who read it, congrats. Appreciate that you care, I'll buy you a beer next time we see each other or maybe some gelato if you dislike beer. I just got back from a mini vacation to one of my favorite places, Scottsdale. The plan was to hang out with the Kona Kid, spend a day with Michelle and Brock and meet up with another Kona kid. While some loose plans, the real plan was to just wing it and enjoy some time away after some stressful months. Plans with the Kona kid didn't pan out as he had the opportunity to go to IM Oceanside and the Wattie Ink training camp. Being a good friend, hope he is enjoying the ocean and all things triathlon, there will always be next time. Guess we'll just hang out on the Kona Pier again!

That would be Camelback, truly my happy place. Just love being on that mountain. While I was in the valley for just about 6 days, I climbed the Camel 5 times and ran around it once. I guess I spent some time there! One of those days was a climb with Brock and Michelle then an afternoon filled with random scooter rides, tacos and beer. We topped it off with a squeaky shoe game at Dierks Bentley bar for good measure. In case you haven't figured it out, it was a pretty stress free couple of days and it was glorious. Also, to be clear, stress free doesn't mean lazy! Each day was filled with runs and climbs and Tuesday even consisted of a 13 mile day!

I removed myself from my safe zone one night and joined the Running for Brews group in Tempe. It was a cool bunch of people and I am really glad I decided to finally go after years of dragging my feet. Some walk, some run. Some go 3 miles and others 5. While I joined Steve on a 5 mile loop around Tempe Town Lake which brought back some good memories of my first IRONMAN which was IMAZ. So, an easy 5 mile run followed by some good beer and new friends (we had more than just one table for those thinking only 6 people ran!) it was.  Next time in AZ will likely consist of a RFB run, BECAUSE real runners carb load with beer!

An unexpected great hike came on Sunday Funday. After a RIDICULOUSLY long time of messaging and passing by each other at races, I finally got to hang out with Nicole because doing so in Minnesota would just be too easy right? A random hike (Apache Wash) and a random pizza place but it was a good time just shooting the breeze. Again, left my comfort zone and had an enjoyable experience. Guess I might be turning a new page in life. Sometimes no plans are good plans. What is meant to be will be and those meant to be in your life will come and stay. As a bonus, I got this really cool photo which will likely be turned into a canvas print ASAP!

On the triathlon and marathon side of things, as I am back home now looking out at this blizzard, it's the official start of training. Yes I have already ran Rock N Roll Arizona but now multi sport season is in focus. I have 3 main events planned for the summer and will add a few races on what ever catches my attention or if some peeps come to Minnesota. I have 2 more marathons and a 70.3 brewing for 2019.

• May 18th - Fargo Marathon
• June 9th - IRONMAN Wisconsin 70.3
• June 22nd - Grandmas Marathon

With those, the marathon count will be at 22 and 5 half ironmans. You don't have to be crazy, but it sure helps!

Asking for a friend, is it too soon to go back to Scottsdale?