RazorbackTri-ing

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T12:38:00.000-06:00

A good trip becomes a great one when the right people are bombing down the hills with you!!!

Character

2011-11-06T20:06:00.000-06:00

Disciplines, practiced over a period of time, become habits or lifestyles- habits and lifestyles, repeated over a period of time, become character- and character over time shapes a life! So, it follows that if you want to change a life- start by establishing an appropriate discipline which will lead to a habit/ lifestyle which will develop new character which will change how life is lived.

Saw this on another blog today. I thought it was great. We have been talking to Tapp about establishing good study and organization habits recently. She has started to adapt a few things. Everyone is pitching in to help her.

I decided I need to establish a solid exercise habit. The blog I stole the quote from just began a 40 day quest to run at least 30 min per day. I am going to adopt a swim/run habit everyday until the end of the year. At least one day of swimming will be lost due to the club being closed for Christmas holiday. Thanksgiving may be the same.

Part two of the habit is to do all I can to remind my dad that he is measured by the depth of his life not the length of it. Just two months after being told he was essentially NED (no evidence of disease) his melanoma has spread to his lower spine. It was a tumor that could not be completely excised by surgery. He also has a new occurence of mets in his lungs. Small ones that are not the same as previously treated. He is will begin radiation after Thanksgiving. Back to the fight.

Part three is helping my mom out with her current health issues. She needs some tests run and some back surgery. My parents are independent stubborn people. Challenges to there mobility does not make them happy, especially my mom. She always saw after me when I was sick. She is one of the heroes of my children. I owe it to her to make sure she gets to celebrate her life. Again depth not length of life. If you want to the depth of her life, just hang with one of my daughters for a day. You will see my mom in both of them.

Langley out!

Ironman?? Missed it and I don't care

2011-08-27T11:37:00.001-05:00

tWednesday I was supposed to be on the road for Louisville. Earlier this year I was looking forward to completeing this Ironman. In January my father was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. He had skin cancer that had moved to his lung.

He immediately started treatments through clinical trials in January. The chemo was too hard on his body and had to be stopped after 8 weeks. I was training regularly at that time and feeling pretty good about the approaching summer. He was switched to a brand new drug that had showed great results in some patients. The problem was it only worked in 20% of the receipients. When switched, the scans showed his cancer was maintained but no tumors had shrunk.

This medication was much milder to Dad's system. However, the mental side of the situation was catching up to him. He was struggling to see that a positive result was possible. As time passed, I began spending more time assisting him and dealing with this internally. As a result the training suffered. At the beginning of July he had an event that appeared to be a stroke. Adding a new medical condition was not a welcome option. Turns out it was a side effect of the cancer medication. If his body had not sounded the alarm with a seizure, he wouldn't be with us today.

After a round with the Dr's and hospital stays, he found out all side effects could be managed with medication. However the cancer medication had to be stopped and he had not completed the initial 4 treatments. He won't admit it but he was very discouraged. He was sure this medication was going to be the thing that saved his life. Now he couldn't have it anymore, ever. We had to wait 6 weeks until the Dr. was willing to do the scans. By this time I was pretty sure the ironman was out of reach this year because I had let myself become distracted from training.

Turned out the scans were yesterday, the Friday before the ironman. Couldn't be at the Dr's. office and make it to Louisville in time to check-in for the race. Dad's day started about 5 am with drive to Little Rock. That is followed by hours of waiting, a few minutes of tests then a visit with the Dr.

The Dr's main nurse came by to take some information. Dad was immediately convinced this meant he was going back into clinical trials and the medication had not worked. In reality she just wanted to take his history to make sure it was accurate after the last hospital stay. The Dr. came in for her visit. She went through all the tests except the scans. They had not been posted to the computer yet. She went to check on them She came back and said they had not been read yet. We needed to stay in the examining room and wait until she came back. Needless to say the modo was very tense. Dad and his wife were very nervous.

Dr. shows comes back in with a great poker face. Dad's tumors had disappeared or shrunk from 4cm to 1.2 cm. Almost within acceptable levels. It was amazing three doses of medication had almost completely erradicated his cancer. I am pretty sure the magnitude of the event is still settling in everyone. Lots of speechless people.

Missing Ironman Louisville to be in the room when my Dad realized his life had been handed back to him was well worth it. I will definitely be in Louisville next year celebrating the anniversary of this momentus day. Hopefully he will come and watch me finish my journey since his is going to be a lot longer than he thought.

Langley Out

March Madness

2011-03-06T20:45:00.000-06:00

March is here and the training is going on in earnest. Not much new to report there. Working to be in racing shape by June with a strong final Race at the end of August. Weather is wonderful for training. Running from the house is a new experience as a result of all the hills that surround me now. Great work out once a week for 6 miles. Training and the girls are my baseline these days.

The legislature is the first item of March Madness. The partisanship is strong around the drinking tables. The talk is bland in the capital. Each side is waiting to see who will blink first over how the money is spent. Bill filing ends tomorrow and the real fights can begin. I have never seen a session this late with so little business. Some committees don't have more than a couple of bills to consider. More on this as the days progress.

Charlie Sheen is a 50 car pile up in the opposite lane on the interstate. I want to hurry up and get past it but not until I slow down and get a complete view. Everyone should go to http://www.ustream.com/ and check out Sheen's Korner. I cannot say he is on drugs but I can say he has fully liberated himself from the expectations of society. I think he will make more money while his show is on hiatus than the 2 million he would make from his sitcom. I know at least one person in this world who could reach Sheen's levels if he ever lets himself out of his straight jacket. There are flashes when enough liquid permission has shot through his system.

Hogs lack the discipline in basketball to grow. The talent is obvious but the dedication is not there. While the coaching is suspect at times, a player has to hold his teammates accountable. This team doesn't have that person. Darrell Hawkins taught the national championship team how to be great. This team isn't interested. What a shame.

Time to hang with Hank and Runkel.

Langley out

Why I do it!!

2010-12-09T15:38:00.000-06:00

This is the best example of why I am trying to complete an Ironman that I can find. Enjoy it.

Langley Out

Let it begin

2010-11-08T16:51:00.001-06:00

Got in a solid one hour run today while Tapp was at swim practice. Felt great to start a long base period. Much fitter than I expected bit o have a long way to go. Race season begins with the Little Rock half marathon and builds into New Orleans then Memphis in May then Louisville. I may run the hogeye half again if the urge hits. The fundraising call will come later this year. Those who gave last year get a pass due to my shortcomings. Those who committed but I didn't din will be getting a call plus a few more. Littlest one, Wesley, is home with Strep throat. She looked pitiful this morning. She had a hard weekend in Paragould to boot. She is getting the short end of the stick right before she turns 6. She is so pumped for it!! Tapp has found fun in swim team. Her competitive spirit is still hiding from her but she gives great effort and never misses a day of practice unless her parents make her. That kind of consistency is going to make her a solid triathlete in the future. So proud of my girls. The coolest chicks I know!! Hog talk tomorrow. WPS!!! Langley out

2010-10-05T21:53:00.000-05:00

I love October. College football is in full swing. Fall is trying to assert itself in Arkansas. Runs are fantastic in the middle of the day. School activities are rolling too. Tapp and Wesley have the fall festival on Saturday. It will be big fun at Forest Park. Then on to watch the Hogs!!! at Dugan's.

Dugan's is a new pub in downtown Little Rock that opens this week. It is owned by a lifelong friend. It looks amazing inside. Everyone should come down, have a cold adult beverage and eat some fantastic food. Donald runs a great place. He has been operating Markham Street Pub for years. This is a great step up.

I add another year of life tomorrow. Last year was about change, learning and adapting.

I am looking forward to a year of growth, completion, satisfaction and success. Spent a weekend in Fayetteville at a motorcycle rally. All makes and models of people came from all over the world. It was amazing to see people sharing something they are passionate about. You could tell from their expressions and the tone of their voices how much love they had. It was really cool. I want that. Great to have goals.

Birthday dinner with Tapp and Wesley tomorrow. Cannot wait to spend my birthday with the coolest chicks I know. Gotta get 5 miles in at lunch. I am in a 90 day run bloc. I am planning to run at least 4 miles six days a week until new years. Riding will be less but swimming is going to get a kick up in intensity too.

Langley out.

Out of the Ashes

2010-08-29T23:46:00.000-05:00

Today was supposed to be the day that I completed my journey. As you can see from the lack of posting this summer things took a different direction. Training continued. Life became a jungle safari and I got lost several times. As a result of life, I could not get to Louisville in time to prepare and race properly. I needed to stay in Little Rock to get the next phase of life rolling.

I am proud of Ernie, Adiel, and Stephanie. Especially proud of Doc Lyle. He jumped in with both feet and never looked back. Distance was not as important as heart today.

This was a lost year as far as racing goes. Gary Taylor says when you get down to it, this is for fun while family is for real. I took that to heart every time I made a decision about races. Getting back on the Blog and racing horse. Before the week is out I expect to be signed up to participate in Austin 70.3 so I can say I raced at least once this year.

Coach Biscay is ready to launch another year. I have a plan to race in New Orleans, Kansas, and either the full Vineman or Louisville. Vineman is looking like the goal because entry fee is less. I can use the left over money for travel. Wine Country is a great place for someone in the alcohol industry to get this done. Plus a week in SF after the race would be fantastic. It is my favorite city.

Going to do all I can to convince Doc Lyle to join me in some of these races. He will be swimming like a fish before next year is here. That IMLouisville swim was a trail for him and if you see him you should congratulate him. He looked alot of fear in the face and beat it. I hope I am as resiliant as he is when I need to be. He is a hero in a race just like he is in the NICU every day. Thanks for being my friend Doc!!!

Moving into a new house this week. Going to be setting up the training studio first thing. Will post pictures once everything is in place. Will be looking for the right treadmill soon. The computrainer/Movie Mania wall will be up and running within the week.

Have convinced Coach to put the next 90 days in as a big run block. I am going to do Austin but am hopefully going to convince Hillary to set-up my training block as though New Orleans is my first race. I will also be mixing in some Arkansas racing as well next year.

Will be back with a kids update soon.

Langley out

Promotion

2010-06-05T15:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Wesley was promoted from Pre-K to Kindergarten. We are so proud of her. She did great during the ceremony. Tapp has moved up to 5th grade. She made honor Roll. She finished 2nd in AR reading and was recognized for ETC. She could not have had a better year. Now it is on to swimming, sleeping late, summer art projects and lots of Red Mango smoothies. It will fly!!! Go Hogs!!! Great day for baseball at Baum. Looking forward to tonight. Langley Out -- Post From My iPhone

A Candidate without Character - LJ Bryant

2010-06-01T19:28:00.000-05:00

I was raised on the notion that politics is a noble profession practiced by people of high character. The link below shows lack of character by a candidate and his friends, in my humble opinion. The candidate endorses the creation of a website that bashes his opponent and then denies any connection to it. If it is yours, make it yours.

This is taking a serious race for a job that effects thousands of people across the state of Arkansas and reducing it to a high school clique spreading rancid gossip across the lunch room to embarass and outcast a person without cause. The actions exhibited by Mr. Bryant and his ilk in the emails contained in the link are the exact reason why he should never be elected to public office. He has no respect for his opponent and even less respect for the voters whom he chose to decieve. Not the character of a man I want to be a representative of Arkansas and her citizens.

Please read:
http://www.bluehogreport.com/2010/06/01/ar-land-comm-breaking-bryant-behind-greedymontydavenport-com/

Then vote for Monty Davenport in the run-off

Training/Hogs, so cool!!!

2010-06-01T16:11:00.006-05:00

The heat is really here to stay. The humidity is the worst. It has made the runs miserable after the first mile. In about two weeks I should be acclimated. It was really fun either way.

Coach Hillary managed to finish 4th and IM Brazil and earn her World Championships slot in Kona. That is the race you see on NBC every year. She had a great race after a long IM Lanzarote last week. That is still amazing to me.

Long run yesterday was great. Looking for the right nutrition on the run. Clif Bloks, strawberry, seem to work the best. One every 15 minutes during a run seemed to work well yesterday. I have also decided to start using a Camelbak water reservoir on Monday long runs. It will take some getting used to but I can run bigger loops without stops for water. The heat and addition of bigger hills makes water much more a necessity.

Working on getting Dr. Lyle to enter the Cardinal Harbour half with me in July. It is a chance to race on the IM Louisville Course and get used to the heat. Get over to http://www.ironneo.blogspot.com/ and tell him to sign up. It is all in from here on.

Let's call those Hogs this weekend!!! Headed to Fayetteville as the Razorbacks host a NCAA baseball regional. It is a chance to show off the best stadium in America to those watching on TV and attending. It should be great baseball and 3 days of great fun. Hope to see some of you there.

Go Hogs!!!

Langley Out

Women and Shoes - The initial onset

2010-05-28T20:02:00.000-05:00

Wesley, my 5 year old, asked me if I had bought her new shoes today. I told her she did not need any shoes. She told me that she did not have enough. Then she said "Daddy, you cannot tell me 'no' when I ask for shoes!"

I am now convinced that a woman's addiction to shoes is a trait that will be identifiable as a result of mapping the human genome.

90 miles in the hills tomorrow followed by a hot run. Should take about 7 or 8 hours including refueling stops. Hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day weekend. Cheer for Coach Hillary. She is competeing in Ironman Brazil. This is her second Ironman in a week. Last week she did Ironman Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. To complete Ironman Lanzarote, travel to Brazil and then do Ironman Brazil is an amazing feat of physical endurance. I predict she will finish in the top two professional women.

Langley Out!!!

The End of the Rut

2010-05-27T14:26:00.000-05:00

Finally had a good run this week. It wasn't at the right pace but it felt good. I was able to find a rhythm with a solid stride. Cadence was down. Hopefully that means everything is falling back into place. I changed the time of the workout and that seemed to help. Also made sure I fueled up earlier. Now it is time to get the swim back on track. I had nothing in the pool. I felt like I was treading water. Usually the swim is my fall back. I can always smooth out and get in a groove. Not lately. Have to schedule lunch in the pool for a while.

I have signed up for the Cardinal Harbour Half Ironman on July 17. This serves two purposes. I get in a solid training day 6 weeks out. I also get to do the race on a large portion of the IMLOU bike course. It will be a great gauge. Make no mistake, I will not be racing this one. I will be treating it completely as training. I say that now because I have no idea if I can convince myself of that once the race starts. Don't want to do race intensity because I might no recover enough in time to excel on August 29th.

Was invited to a dinner party at Doe's last night. About 20 guys for great food and fellowship. My buddies Walter and Harry got us into a discussion about what I am doing and the cause I am trying to serve with it. If the discussions are any indications the Jackson Graves Foundation will be getting some more small donations before August. That is fantastic!!!

Langley Out!!!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE RIGHT NOW!!!!

2010-05-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

Triathlon is a passion and this is a great journey for an Ironman finish. The reward is what all of us can do for the Jackson Graves Foundation. http://www.jacksongraves.org/. This video from CNN reflects the difficulties families face around the world when their most precious treasures begin their lives in a NICU.

The Jackson Graves Foundation is working in Arkansas to help families just like this. Your donations make days less stressful for parents with children in NICU's across the state. Your money buys gas cards and daily living supplies that are necessary for families in these situations. The added expenses of gas, meals, clothes and boarding blow up a budget. Families are forced to weigh working extra to cover the added expenses against the need to be at the hospital. It can be a no win situation. Your donations can make the added stress not necessary.

A NICU child may have several sibilings. Child care is expensive and often times unavailable. Your donations to this Ironman effort will aid in the construction and furnishing of a sibiling playroom at Arkansas Children's Hospital so child care isn't a burden and neither is the discomfort of a child stuck in a waiting room with nothing to occupy their mind. Let's create some peace of mind. Click on the Razoo donation button and give today. The five minutes you take to give can, for hours or days, ease the weight of worry on parents shoulders.

Thanks,

Langley Out!!!!

A Friend

2010-05-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth Page Tyer is one of the great people in the world. She is one of those mothers who does everything and never shows a bit of frazzle. She is dripping with Southern gentility. She loves unconditionally. She speaks her mind. She defends all that she believes. She sacrifices herself everyday for her daughters and her husband. She is to be admired.

I stole this from her facebook page today. It screamed at me. She is wise beyond her years. She said in reference to the quote below:

I know this is supposed to be about "love," but it made me think of my best friends. They are the ones who listen to me, know when to let me vent, know when to hush and know when to offer advice or tell me to suck it up. And I listen.

On this day, God wants you to know...
... that the way you know you have found the right one is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with the person. Having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful h...and will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. - a quote by Dinah Craik

I am acquainted with lots of people. Very few do I call friend. Each passes the test above. My training is mostly solo and without an ipod (train like you race). From that solitude come appreciation of friendship, and loyalty. That makes the pain go away

Langley Out!!!

Great Long Ride

2010-05-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

Was under orders for a 90 mile ride on Saturday. It was cruise pace. In Coach Hillary terms that is "just ride and pace will take care of itself, but don't go too slow" Got done and had averaged a little over 18 mph for the distance. 4:50 for the ride Kept my cadence down in the 70's and light on the pedals. No mashing it.

Sent her my info today and her response was "90 miles?" I affirmed and asked why the question mark. She told me that was really fast. I was not fast. I did manage consistency on each lap. I am proud of that. Am bragging now because next week is 90 miles with hills. That will take a LOOOOONNNNG time. 7 hours probably.

The week after that I am supposed to push the pace on a flat course to better the 4:50 time. I am setting myself up for failure or pain. I will bet pain and success. Looks like she is going to give me a new goal or test every few weeks. I like the challenges. Will make for a great IMLOU in August. Hotter than Hell on Saturday gives me a head start on heat acclimation.

If you are in Fayetteville area get your Red, White and Baby Blue tickets before they run out. June 25th at the Garden Room. Music, food, drinks, and good fellowship for the Jackson Graves Foundation. Go by Everett Maxey Buick in Bentonville or find the foundation page on facebook for more buying information. If I can go 140 miles in one day you can go to a party.

Langley Out!!!

Dogs with Dads

2010-05-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Had a great week with the Tapp and Wesley. Tapp and I had date night on Thursday. We went to the Racquet Club for dinner. She has such great ideas and dreams. I want her to see them all come true. We followed that up with a trip to the bookstore. She found three chapter books. That will last her until Monday.

Friday was Dogs with Dads day for Wesley's Pre-K class. We ate hot dogs, had lemonade and played on the play ground. Wesley made the hat. Isn't that cool!!!. We played a little catch and chase. She wanted to sit on the bench in the shade and talk too. I have amazing girls!!!

Time to go ride 90 miles in the record heat!!!

Langley Out!!!

Fundraising

2010-05-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

We are approximately 100 days from race day. That sounds long but like school vacation, it isn't long enough. It will be an amazing summer. The support for this endeavour has been great. I am always surprised by the number of people who mention the blog. I am excited about the impact. One ultramarathoner and former top finisher at Ironman World Championships said a post inspired him to do something similar. That is really cool.

To date over 4000.00 has been received in cash and in-kind donations. We have over $15,000.00 committed so far. Thanks goes out to all that have participated. If you want to be part of this please click on the Razoo button to the left and make a donation. All amounts help. NICU patients and their families deserve all we can do.

Want a chance to attend a great party and help out, click here http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117921538246782 . Also click here and become a facebook fan of the foundation

Thanks for being a part of this journey!!!

Langley Out!!!

America's Oldest Endurance Sport

2010-05-19T14:56:00.000-05:00

The election returns were quite an event. So much work by so many people and now it is transition to a runoff. Elections are an endurance sport. A candidate has to have enough fast muscle twitch to greet people, discuss issues, and ask for votes at every event. He/She must have the endurance to do this repeatedly. Consistent training is the key to triathlon success. The repeatable week is the be all end all. It is the same for a candidate. If you can bring strong energy and passion to same schedule week in and out, you will succeed. The kicker is you might win but still have to go another three weeks before it is over for a while. Like Ironman, if you don't finish close enough in second place there is no prize money or chance at a future. Just a podium and a see you next time.

Pat O'Brien is suffering deja Vue from his first race for clerk when he just missed the 50% barrier that night too. He will make a great Secretary of State. Everyone who can should get out and vote for him on June 8th or during the early voting period. He was relentless. Every day was the same high standard. Coach Biscuit talks about teaching people how to LIVE and train like a professional so they can perform on race day. Pat did that and he is on his way.

Monty Davenport, another fine candidate for Land Commissioner, had a rough night. He finished in the money so he gets a second shot. He has to gut it out and finish strong. Some triathletes, Hillary Biscay for instance, can do two Ironman races in back to back weeks and produce better in the second one. It comes from preparation and total commitment. If Monty wants to win he has to give long days and lots of travel for 3 weeks. Then he can sleep. The votes are there. He has to ask and you have to give. I hope he meets you, impresses you and you vote for him in return.

Congratulations to Rep. Steve Harrelson in his Senate primary. He pullled out a solid victory. He is an accomplished marathoner and triathlete. His discipline showed in the race. Good luck to him.

Training was good yesterday. Solid time in the aerobars chasing fitness 3 minutes at time as fast as I could go. It hurt in the end but was tempered by the parties and political junkies celebrating the holiday. I loved it. So many good people and fun arguments about who should do what. None of my political friends kibitz my training. They think I am crazy. But the difference of opinion in how to run a political race was in full swing.

Next is a fundraising update I hope. We have made great progress and will bring it home on a good note.

Langley Out!!!

Election Day!!!

2010-05-18T08:54:00.000-05:00

It is election day in Arkansas. Please go vote if you haven't already. I hope you will consider my friends:

Pat O'Brien for Secretary of State

Monty Davenport for Land Commissioner

These are leaders Arkansas needs!!!

Langley Out!!!

Back to Triathlon

2010-05-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you how cool it is to trade emails with Coach Hillary when she is halfway across the world. The instance response is amazing. She is getting ready for Ironman Lanzorate this weekend. It has a reputation of being the toughest Ironman course that exists. It is also one of the most beautiful. I think she will do great.

On the coaching front she has upped the work from here on out. I have a 90 mile ride on for Saturday. I didn't see 90 until July of last year. Hit a solid 15 mile run today too. I am stoked to have some good training in the works. A great time to have focus on one thing at a time.

Swimming is taking a jump too. Longer intervals and shorter rest periods. On top of that I have decided to give myself some extra swim work because I never feel comfortable in the water for long periods of time. Too much time to think. Boredom sets in at the 1.5 mile mark.

Tapp learned how to dive today. An important skill on swim team. We are beginning to see the essence of a long smooth stroke. It is just a flicker but she will be amazing in the near future. Glad she is getting the time. We have date night on Thursday. Her class was divided boys and girls last week to have their first "sex" talk with the school nurse. I am afraid every time she starts to ask a question now.

Friday is Hot Dog Day with Dad's for the Pre-K kids. I get to eat lunch and play games at school with Wesley. There can be no better way to close out a week. I will be in the right frame of mind for that 6 - 7 hours riding on Saturday. That includes water breaks and refueling stops that will be necessary. At least this round is flat but all in the aero position. I expect a major case of monkey butt before it is over.

Vote early, Vote often, Vote O'Brien!!!!!

Langley Out!!

The view of children

2010-05-16T22:03:00.000-05:00

Avery Tyer is the daughter of Elizabeth and Andy Tyer, my friends. She is one of the sassiest girls I know. She, like her sisters, would fit with the Langley daughters any time. I think the poem below is a masterful expression of how 10 year olds see the world. Tapp, my 10 year old, will agree with this anthem. Enjoy!!!

AVERY TYER

All day I work very hard.

Very hard I work indeed.

Even though my grades aren't perfect

Really, it's true. My grades aren't perfect

You should see them, but it's not worth it.

Time to go.

You really need to go.

Even though you are obviously attracted to me

Really you need to go. But before you do, go get me some flowers or something.

By: Avery Tyer

Week that was - Vote on Tuesday!!!

2010-05-15T17:34:00.000-05:00

This was a difficult week. Family and personal life took priority and workouts had to suffer just a bit. A giant void was created Monday. Have no way to replace it. Getting by has been made possible because I learned about the great friends I have who listen and give honest, sometimes difficult advice. It has been awesome.

Training kept me going. It was not the quality I needed but I am making process. Long run was good on Monday. I am always surprised I can run that far. Ride on Tuesday was half ass and half way done. It will get better. Wednesday was good on the road. The rest of the week was useless. However, I got to take Tapp to swim workouts twice this week. It is cool to watch her go at it. The potential for growth is awesome.

On Friday Wesley stood me up. She and I were supposed to hang out while her sister took a friend to the movies. We went to eat at the Purple Cow and she broke the sad news to me. "Daddy can I have one of your pickles?" "Sure" I said. "Even if I am not hanging out with you?" All the while using her angelic expression and giving a kiss every few seconds. She is such a little con artist. Swim was done but weather wiped out the run.

Before I hit the bike tonight, I spent the morning watching cartoons and Hannah Montana with the girls. It is really cool way to spend a Saturday morning. With rain off and on, it will be a long evening or morning on the computrainer and Louisville bike course.

If you are in Arkansas, don't forget to vote on Tuesday!!! If you don't vote you cannot complain about the state of things. I encourage you to vote for my friend Pat O'Brien. He will make a great Secretary of State.

Week that was

2010-05-07T19:42:00.000-05:00

Checking in!!. It has been a week. Had a cruising 14 miles on Monday. It was the first move toward 26.2. The Tuesday ride was tough. That big gear work really wears on me. Made the run after feel great though. Wednesday I had the best 200 meter swim with paddles and pull buoy since I started. It was 3:37. Much faster than normal.

That my friends is adapting to training. I love that feeling. Thursday was a cruise at pace on the bike and a short run. Friday is a pacing swim and 6 mile run. I will be falling in the pool in a just a bit. Seeing results makes training much better.

Tomorrow is an 80 miler. Luckily it will be realtively flat and the weather should be perfect. Ready to roll. Wind should push me like a jet one direction!!! The head wind will be a fight. Good to build strength.

Several mental challenges this week. I think I am worn out because this solitary training gives me waaaay too much time to think!!! I have managed to keep it out of the ditches.

Tapp has started swim team. It is great to see her out there working. Once the light goes off in her head she will be rolling. Wesley has started swim lessons. She has caught on quick. Already swimming in the the deep end. Most importantly she can do perfect CANNONBALL!!!! It will be great when they are in the lanes next to me going back and forth.

Langley Out!!!

A Great Loss

2010-05-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

Ernie Harwell, the voice of the Detroit Tigers, died today at 92. He was a great voice and patron of baseball. The guy who owned Domino's fired him after he bought the Tigers. That lasted about a year before he returned. Some traditions should never be touched.

Ernie lived a full and vibrant life. It was reflected everytime he was heard on the radio. He proved rewards come to those who follow their heart with good deeds and hard work. God bless you Ernie!!!!

No training wheels part 2

2010-05-02T18:48:00.001-05:00

Wesley was ready for round 2 on the bike. We got to the playground and it was crowded. She made two laps and decided she needed a "rest". She rested going full speed on the jungle gym for 20 minutes.

I on the other hand was hitting 70 hilly miles as first Louisville simulation. My legs are jello!! Great way to end a weekend. Langley Out!!!! -- Post From My iPhone

Date night

2010-05-01T18:35:00.001-05:00

I try to have date night with my daughters often. Tonight is Wesley's turn. She wanted to be first this week. She is tired of Tapp getting the attention before her. We talked and she chose Chick-fil-a. We have a rotation of Chilis and here. She loves to come here and make friends in the play area. We talked about summer, swimming, TV and when not to cry. It is now play time.

-- Post From My iPhone

Playing Hooky

2010-04-30T18:36:00.001-05:00

Don't tell coach Hillary! Took the night off to watch the Hogs play Auburn in baseball. What a beautiful night to watch a game. Rain came thru cooled it off. Ready to play. Taking a break. Actually drinking a few beers and enjoying some ball game food. Nothing nutritionally good nor fitness oriented.

-- Post From My iPhone

NICU Nurse

2010-04-28T22:41:00.000-05:00

Below is a video by a NICU nurse. It speaks for itself. It is imperative that we do all we can to help everyone who has contact with a NICU. Nurses are the backbone of any medical ward. Daily they effect the patient and families lives.

The money we are raising may be used to enhance their jobs or aid them in the helping the lives they touch every day. Please donate. Let's make lives better.

Langley Out!!!

Up the Ante!

2010-04-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

It is a step up week!!!. After an easy flat 70 miles, Coach Biscuit decided to put me back to work. New distances swimming. More hills for riding. At this rate, the Ironman might be a daily cruise. The greatest thing about this program is the consistency it provides in the week. Even the big gear workout on Tuesday is tolerable. Don't tell coach!! She will up the ante on that too.

New Ironman race on tap for this weekend. Ironman St. George in Utah. Water temperature at the beginning of the week was 55 degrees. For not familiar, that is so cold that warmth is a long way off. The racers will spend the first hour of the ride getting feeling back in their arms and legs. On top of that there are two huge climbs in the race. The gain is 2x's that of Louisville. It is one to watch someday.

Work puts me in Fayetteville at the end of the week again. Great place to run. Have to find somewhere to swim. Maybe my little sister can get me into the pool at the University. I am pretty sure she has no idea where it is.

Rob Lyle tried as hard as he could to finish his simulated 70.3. He put his heart into it. That is awesome. This endeavour for us as athletes will be great but the return to the Jackson Graves Foundation will be even more. Every day someone asks me about the training. The follow up question is always about the fundraising. That interest and support is great motivation.

Langley Out!!!

Dr Lyle's Domain

2010-04-24T23:02:00.000-05:00

My friend, Dr. Rob Lyle is doing a simulated half ironman tomorrow to kick off his fundraising for Jackson Graves Foundation. He is the co-director of the Arkansas Children's Hospital NICU. I want to give you an idea of what he does to help children and families every day. Below is a video about the life in a NICU. Check it out.

I admire Dr. Lyle and hold him in the highest regard. He has become one of my heroes. Please follow his journey at http://www.ironneo.blogspot.com/ Not only is he a great doctor. He has made amazing strides in his own health and fitness. He has lost much weight and found a renewed commitment to triathlon. I will not however adopt his Vegitarian Lifestyle. Those smoothies look disgusting.

Langley Out!!!

New Rider

2010-04-24T17:32:00.000-05:00

Tapp and I spent part of the afternoon helping Wesley learn to ride a bike without training wheels. She did great. She was really scared at first but by the end she was coasting on her own and getting some good speed. Before the week is out she will be screaming up and down the street looking for ramps and bigger hills. I still remember the day I learned to ride a bike. We were in front of our house on top of the hill. The across the street neighbor gave me a small bike and helped me get my balance. He told me to close my eyes and pedal. I looked up and I was riding by myself. The next day I went flying fearlessly down the hill and immediately had my first crash, skinned knee, and walk home crying. It was awesome!!!

Soon we will be riding the river trail together. Better yet I will have new support for my runs. She can ride next to me while I knock out the midweek runs. I asked her on my 70 mile ride today but she had a meet her boyfriend at the jungle gym.

5 year old with boyfriend. What is up with that?! ARRRGGGHHHH!!!

Langley Out!!!

Bucket list item X 2

2010-04-23T20:05:00.001-05:00

I hope I get to this with Tapp and Wesley some day!!! How awesome!!!

Steven's Triathlon Station 2010 Boston Marathon Race Report A while ago my daughter, Jennifer, told me wanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon I told her if she made it I’d run it with her since I’d only done it once and that was back in 2002. Fast forward to May 2009 and the Eugene Marathon where she nailed her first Boston Qualifying time and with mine in the bag there as well we set on our sights on the 2010 Boston Marathon. After nearly a year of thinking about it, and planning for it, and talking about it, and then several months of training for it we finally arrived at marathon weekend this last weekend.

We all met up Saturday morning at o’dark-thirty and Jen’s mother-in-law, Jayne, drove us all to PDX. Jen, and her husband Chris, were on a different flight so we parted ways just prior to checking in. Karen & I got to our gate where we boarded our 5.5-hour PDX-BOS flight and also met up with my tri-training buddy, Mike, and his wife Deb who are both great friends of ours. The flight and travel to the hotel were uneventful and that night we went into the North End for an Italian dinner. A bit later that night Chris & Jen got to the hotel so everyone made it there safely. Sunday the 18th was the day we had to get signed in for the race and then hit the Marathon Expo to buy our goodies. The rest of the day was spent sight-seeing and wandering around downtown Boston which is an incredible experience. We love that city. The weather was a bit concerning as we had high winds, hard rain, and very cold temps one minute, then sunshine and warmth the next, but I knew it would change for race day. That night we met up at “Bell In Hand” Tavern (the oldest operating tavern in America) in the Back Bay area of Boston for a great carbo-loading dinner of pasta, beer, and good times.

Race day on Monday the 19th dawned clear and cold and with a bit of breeze but no real clouds in sight. After saying good bye to our loved ones, we runners made our way to the “T” and eventually Boston Commons where we boarded our busses for the trip out to the race start in Hopkinton. The sun was shining but the wind had a definite bite to it that made it very cold and worse in the shade. We made the best of it by sitting in the sun and people watching. At 9:30am or so the call was made for runners in Wave One to start making their way to the race start. Then around 10AM the call was made for Wave Two to make their way to the start so that’s what we did. And this is when we started to get comments about our shirts. Last fall I had two running shirts made that I hoped we’d be able to wear during the race…weather permitting. They were white short-sleeved running shirts and in red letters mine said “Running Boston With My Daughter” and an arrow pointing left (she always runs on my left) and her shirt said “Running Boston With My Dad” and her arrow pointed right. I gave her the shirts at Christmas and we’ve been waiting to wear them ever since. So while walking to the race start we started to get comments about us running the race together and how cool that was (from guys) or how sweet that was (from ladies) and that would continue for the next 26.2-miles!

The shirts were a HUGE success and we got many, many more shout-outs then I ever thought we would. We were celebrities! At 10:30am the gun went off (although we wouldn’t cross the starting line for nearly 2 more minutes!) and we were off and running the Boston Marathon together. Jennifer is a much stronger runner than she was when she qualified and I knew she’d be passing a lot of other runners, but I warned her to take it easy out of the gate and not get too caught up in the rush of excitement and adrenaline of the start. The first several miles of the course are a net drop in elevation and whatever damage you do to your quads in those first few miles of running downhill will catch up to you later on during the race. We were steadily passing other runners, but it was very crowded and we had to be careful to not trip, or get tripped by, other runners. Jen did a wonderful job of running a very steady pace and taking in all the sights and sounds of the race. And there was a lot of sound! The crowds are massive for nearly the entire marathon and it is very loud and very encouraging. The sections through the little towns of Framingham, Natick, Newtown, etc…were hugely supported by the crowds and it is truly amazing to run in that environment. We enjoyed seeing all the beautiful and stately homes along the way, the lakes and rivers, and blue skies…it was a beautiful day.

Soon enough we were nearing the halfway point which means Wellesley College which means the Wellesley College girls. We could hear the roar from almost a mile away and then we were there. And it was deafening. For nearly a half-mile the road was lined with college girls screaming as loud and long as they could! Many of them hold signs for the runners to kiss them for various reasons. Jen and I both loved it. We kept motoring at she was still click off steady 8:15/m miles and feeling good. We hit the aid stations as needed for hydration and a few seconds of walking then got right back to running. Along the way we kept getting many shouts about running with your Dad or running with your daughter and Jen even got one very loud shout from one very boisterous young man to “Run that *hit with your Dad!” We kept going and the next big thing is the infamous Heartbreak Hill that comes between miles 20 and 21. And it has that name for a reason. It is long, steep, and painful. But to her credit, while many other runners were walkers at that point Jen did not walk and we ran the entire thing. On the other side and a mile or so down the road I could feel the wheels starting to come off just a bit. Our pace had slowed and her knee was bothering her a bit but I kept telling her “we’ve got this” and prodding her along. She’d man-up and away we’d go again.

About this point we ran through Boston College and I think it was even louder and even crazier than Wellesley College was. It was so loud my ears actually hurt and were ringing afterwards. Those kids are just nuts! And then we could see it – the gigantic “Citgo” sign which is one mile from the finish. We were both hurting by now and we both wanted to be done but there was no way we weren’t going to cross that finish line together. I knew it would be very close, but a sub-3:50 finish was still possible, so we ran as well as we could manage. And with a sharp right turn and a sharp left turn a block later we are on Boylston Street with the finish line in sight a quarter-mile down the road. She looked at her watch and told me she wanted to get under 3:50 and with that she was gone! We ran stride for stride towards the finish line as fast as we could muster passing runners along the way. About a hundred yards from the finish line we heard Chris yell out “Jennie” very loudly and looking over my eyes fell right on my beautiful wife who was waving big and smiling bigger. So 3:49:56 after we started we crossed the finish line of the 114th Boston Marathon hand-in-hand.

A tight hug later and our marathon was complete. Being able to run the Boston Marathon is a special experience, but running one with your daughter goes beyond special. I loved our long training runs together and I’ve loved watching her become a faster and better runner. Now, I’m hoping my next Boston Marathon will be with my younger daughter so I can do this all again! Thanks for stopping by...

Swim/Run

2010-04-21T16:40:00.001-05:00

Strength swim today. Coach has me use paddles and swim buoy to get thru a ladder workout. Distance starts at 500 yds. Last 100 is a screaming fit til the end. Since last week was not consistent I am repeating it. Incomplete is not acceptable on the Hillary plan. I like it. ABC board meeting is finally down to last hearing. Long Last one. Don't understand the fight among retailers over beer. There are lots of profit centers in stores. Compete!!!! Next week is Underage Drinking Seminar. Lots of law enforcement folks to teach in Fayetteville. Will be there from Wednesday to Saturday. Have to find someone to get me into the athletic club or UA to swim. Ride and run will be outdoors and fun. Langley Out !! -- Post From My iPhone

Political Sport - Pat O'Brien

2010-04-20T12:18:00.002-05:00

I will probably get in trouble for this but.... Pat O'Brien is running for Arkansas Secretary of State. He will do a great job. If you are an Arkansas Voter, please consider voting for Pat.

Comments

2010-04-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

Just noticed that comments have been hidden on the blog. Sorry about that. Now that training season is fully upon us and product testing reviews will be here in a week or so, I want everyone to be able to chime in.

Comments are back. Please do not be too harsh. I am a humble public servant.

New Week

2010-04-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

It is a new week. Thank Goodness!!!. Took the girls to climb Pinnacle yesterday to keep my mind off of what I was missing in New Orleans. It was great we walked the base trail and then climbed the Mountain.

Tapp is afraid of all things high and fast but she loves to go up that mountain. If her sister had not been along I think we would have climbed it in half the time. That is not a shot at Wesley. It is just a point of Tapp's excitement.

Wesley is 5 and it was her first trip to the top. She handled it like a pro. When we got to the top she wanted to go look at everything. She got a look at the Little Rock skyline and asked if it was New York City. She will be the family member with 1,000,000 frequent flyer miles some day.

Not once did either of them complain. That 5 mile hike was big for them. Crowd was massive. It made the up and down a little tricky. Wesley's fearless attitude created some hairraising moments. She was never in danger but she frazzled my nerves a time or two.

Big training starts now. 5 weeks until the next race and 4.5 months until big one. I am excited to dig in. Coach Hillary has a consistent week that is building in time and distance. The training is my friend these days.

Today says day off but there was no race yesterday. As a result I will hit the bike for an easy ride. I missed most of last weeks workouts so I am going to find a rhythm. We have nothing but soccer this weekend so it will be great training.

ABC board meeting on Wednesday means I will be taking lots of aggression out on the swim and treadmill that night.

Now that baseball is here, I have been looking foward to training while listening to the Red Sox games. The way they are playing does nothing for motiviation and inspiration. Even the Cubs and Pirates have better records. That ain't no Wicked Pisssah!!

So much for a rambling.

Langley Out!!!

Kona Lottery

2010-04-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

The results of the Ironman World Championships Lottery Drawing were announced today. I was not one of the winners. Dammit. I was all prepared to make hotel reservations and take weeks off from work to train extra hard.

Oh well there is always next year. I feel like a Chicago Cub.

Langley Out on a Jet!!

Midweek

2010-04-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

Hope all is good in the blog world. This a week of change and adaptation. Life has gotten in the way and New Orleans isn't happening. I was physically prepared to knock it out of the park. The past few days have left me so stressed and mentally blocked that I took a pass on racing.

I am happy to say it was a solid decision. Coach Hillary was cool with the change. Instead of 3 rest days and a race she shortened my rest intervals for swimming and increased my bike mileage. What a gal!!!!

My legs recovered well from Hogeye. A little soreness but I was ready for big gear Tuesday. The legs responded well and felt great today.

Wesley, my 5 year old daughter, figured out last week that I am Director of the ABC. So I am in charge of all the letters for our world. Who could ask for a cooler job than that. I am breaking the nutrition rules and sharing cheetos with her. She gets two and I get a half. Kids democracy!!!

Langley Out!!!

New Orleans Not to Be

2010-04-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give everyone an FYI, New Orleans is going to have to wait another year. Life is getting in the way of recreation. Fitness is solid too. Have asked Coach Biscuit to rework my schedule. Louisville is still the "A" race. All things leading up to it are big training days.

Coach sent me an email while I was typing this. She said training hours are going up. Lets go have some fun. More later.

Langley Out!!!

Hogeye

2010-04-11T12:53:00.001-05:00

Great day in the Ozarks. The Hogeye races are a definite must do. Plenty of hills to avoid boredom. I was able to keep an even pace for 2:34 unofficial. It was great preparation for New Orleans. I wasn't mentally there today bit made it through. Good learning day. Langley out!! -- Post From My iPhones

New Kind of Taper (Hogeye Style)/ Challenge

2010-04-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

Normally two weeks out from a half ironman, an athlete begins a process of tapering his/her workouts. Intensity is greatly reduced and volume drops a little. This is to encourage fresh legs for the race.

With the help of Coach Hillary (biscuit to her friends) I am embarking on the opposite. This week the only taper is a 10 mile flat long run as opposed to a 13 mile long run. Long runs are usually slower than race pace. It is used to build your aerobic engine. Since the distance was shorter Coach decided the second 5 miles had to be faster than the first. She wanted to see if I am any faster. I get there quicker but it cannot be mistaken for speed.

Otherwise this is a usual week except I am doing the Hogeye Half Marathon. That is a leisurely hill climb in Fayetteville for 13.1 miles. Oh the agony!!

The Jackson Graves Foundation. http://www.jacksongraves.org/ is a direct recepient of funds raised through this event. If you have time on Sunday to volunteer during the race, folks would be appreciated. Drop me a line and I will get you to the right folks. It is a classic Arkansas race.

Next week is triathlon season debut. I will be headed to the Big Easy for a half ironman. It is 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 run. Should be fun. No real taper for that except a Friday and Saturday. Cannot wait to see how the body responds. I am excited for the journey. Last year I cut my foot on the sea wall at the start of the swim. I got through the bike leg but could not do the run. Have a cool scar though.

Tonight is a swim/run combination that is really improving my run fitness without killing my legs. I am using swim paddles too and my swim strength is improving.

My first half marathon was done in 2:40. I challenge all of you to give 10.00 if I beat that by ten minutes on Sunday. All the money goes to JGF. Let's make a great day out of my suffering. Just click the donation button to the left.

Langley out!!

WHAT ARE NICU's

2010-04-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

As the regular readers know, I am working with the Jackson Graves Foundation, http://www.jacksongraves.org/ , which works with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU's) to help provide patients and families with resources that are not readily available.

I thought I would provide you with some information about NICU's so you can have a better understanding of the kids and families I am trying to help.

Learning all about the NICU is often the first step in preemie parenting. The first time you visit your baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) might feel like a visit to an alien planet. The sights, sounds, and smells are all unfamiliar, and the doors are locked and guarded. It may even seem like the people inside are speaking a different language! Knowing a little bit about intensive care nurseries and the caregivers you’ll meet there can make the experience less intimidating, allowing you to focus on your baby.

What is a NICU?

NICU (rhymes with pick you) stands for neonatal intensive care unit, sometimes called a special care nursery. These nurseries care for babies who are born early, who have problems during delivery, or who develop problems while still in the hospital.

Levels of NICU Care

Although all NICUs care for babies who need extra help, different NICUs offer different levels of care.

Level I: Basic Newborn Care: Level 1 nurseries care for healthy, full-term babies. They are able to stabilize babies born near term to get them ready to transfer to facilities that offer special care.

Level II: Specialty Newborn Care: These nurseries can care for babies born at greater than 32 weeks gestation or who are recovering from more serious conditions.

•Level IIA: These nurseries do not provide assisted ventilation.

•Level IIB: These nurseries can provide assisted ventilation for less than 24 hours, and can also provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Level III: Subspecialty Newborn Care: Level III NICUs care for the sickest babies and offer the greatest variety of support.

•Level IIIA: These nurseries care for babies born greater than 28 weeks. They offer mechanical ventilation and minor surgical procedures such as central line placement.

•Level IIIB: Level IIIB NICUs can offer different types of mechanical ventilation, have access to a wide range of pediatric specialists, can use imaging capabilities beyond x-ray, and may provide some surgeries requiring anesthesia.

•Level IIIC: The most acute care is provided in level IIIC NICUs. These nurseries can provide advanced ventilation, including ECMO, and can provide advanced surgeries including “open-heart” surgeries to correct congenital heart defects.

NICU Staff and Caregivers

While your baby is in the NICU, he will be cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Neonatology: Neonatologists are pediatricians with additional training in the care of newborn babies. Neonatal nurse practitioners, or advanced practice nurses who specialize in care of newborns, and doctors in training to be pediatricians (residents) or neonatologists (fellows) may also help care for your baby under the supervision of an attending neonatologist.

Nursing: Nurses provide most of the day-to-day assessment and care of babies in the NICU. They work closely with parents and with neonatology to ensure the best care for the babies under their care.

Respiratory therapy: Respiratory therapists manage respiratory equipment, such as ventilators and CPAP machines to make sure they are functioning according to doctors’ orders. They may also provide breathing treatments.

Occupational and physical therapists: Premature babies require special positioning to promote healthy growth and development, may need special help to make sure they are learning to eat well, and may benefit from infant massage. Occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) provide these services.

Ancillary staff: In addition to the health care workers listed above, many other helping hands may also care for your family while your baby is in the NICU. You may meet pharmacists who prepare medications for babies in the NICU, lactation consultants to help moms provide breast milk for their babies and help moms learn to breastfeed their premature infants, and chaplains and counselors to help parents cope with their baby’s illness.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics. “Levels of Neonatal Care” Pediatrics 2004 114:1341-1347.

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “Procedures and Equipment in NICU.” Accessed November 22, 2008. http://www.chp.edu/CHP/P02358

Children’s Hospital West. “Our Caring NICU Staff.” 2008. Accessed November 22, 2008. http://www.memorialwest.com/neonatal/staff.aspx

March of Dimes. “Glossary: Common NICU Equipment.” October 2008. Accessed November 22, 2008. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21278_11032.asp

Nemours Foundation. “When Your Baby’s In the NICU.” Accessed November 22, 2008. http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/nicu_caring.html

Saturday Ride

2010-04-03T23:23:00.000-05:00

Got in my first outdoor regular course ride in today. Hillary is really making a difference in my ride. I handled this much easier than I did anytime last year. Like all first rides there were plenty of things to sort out. Forgot water bottle; Garmin died at mile 52 of 60. Chain issue here and there. Below is a cool new addition to Garmin Connect. Now you can see what a workout is like. Will post the Hogeye Half Marathon next week. It should be painful so I want to share.

Gotta give props to Ernie at the Chainwheel. The new Cannodale Slice was fantastic. Needs a few small adjustments but it rode solid. I am excited about the year on the bike. Two weeks to New Orleans. Cannot wait!!! Great City and a Great Race.

I am looking forward to no cut feet and a solid finish. This is the first race in the Tri-ing for Jackson Campaign. http://www.jacksongraves.org/ I will be asking for some support based upon a successful race. "success" is defined as a completed race without flats or cut feet.

Happy Easter to everyone!!!!

Langley out

New Week.

2010-03-30T22:29:00.000-05:00

I wanted to update the fundraising side of this site quickly. I am preparing a roll call of commitments and contributions for next week. We have had some checks roll in and commitments are climbing. We have over 15, 000.00 pledged. Now I need to collect. I appreciate those who have given so far. Your help is much appreciated. There is a waiting room that will be equipped with this money I hope at Arkansas Children's Hospital. I have also gotten a lot of support in the way of advice and offers of some schwag from my friends in the running and riding trades. Thanks Go! Running and The Chainwheel.

For those of you who don't know the game. I have asked folks to give 1 dollar for every hour I train not to exceed 650.00. The training period lasts until Iroman Louisville. I have been averaging between 10-12 hours so far and it will jump from there. There response has been great. We are working to raise money for the Jackson Graves Foundation. It meets the needs of patients and families in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. If you wish to participate, you can click the Razoo button the left. You can set up a one time donation or a recurring monthly one. Big things are coming for the Foundation. Wait and see. http://www.jacksongraves.org/

This 3 weeks on and 1 week off is a myth. Hillary has rewarded my hard work by adding a new level of work. Appreciate the confidence. Learning to love agony. My 60 miler this weekend was one of the most difficult rides I have had in a while. I was good for 45 miles. Up and down the hills. All of the sudden, my legs decided to make me scream. That lasted for the last 15 miles. Most of which were flat.

I can tell my fitness is improving. The agony after I get off the bike doesn't last the entire two miles of running after.

Langley out!!

Training Review.

2010-03-23T17:27:00.000-05:00

I am in the third week of a training block. Mondays are long run days. 13 miles to start each week is a great wake up call. Tuesdays are big gear work days. I spend approx 1.5 hours on the trainer pushing my legs to quit working. Wedensday is a swim/run combination that enhances my running fitness without over working my knees and legs. I have also discovered the power of swim paddles. Great workout. Thursday is a trainer workout with race pace intervals. It is 1.5 hours of trying to get my heart to blow up. Great feeling after I have recovered some. Fridays are another swim/run workout without paddles. Saturday is a long ride and Sunday is a day off.

Training has been a challenge with sick kids and some travel. I think I have it all under control. The first week was brutal. I had not idea how challenged in the athletic department I really was. Two long runs in one week was hard. However I completed the LR 1/2 marathon at a leisurely pace and really enjoyed it.

I am averaging 12 hours training a week. It is only going to grow. The short time I have been into this session I have made progress in all events. I can swim faster, bike with more power and not look as if my run is a hurried sojourn. I have come to appreciate the treadmill. Bad weather may force me inside but a workout on the schedule must be done.

I want to thank everyone for their support. I get asked about my training, racing and fundraising daily. It inspires me to get the workouts completed and progress to be made. Looking forward to great weather this weekend for a 60 miler West of Little Rock. New Orleans 70.3 is less than a month. Excited to face that challenge again.

Thanks to Hillary Biscay for all of the torture and advice. I am a new broken down old man.

Fundraising update tomorrow.

Langley out

Go! Running

2010-03-22T17:27:00.000-05:00

Been gone a while. Good news is I have been training a lot. Great month of March. I am seeing some real improvement with it. I will give a full update on that tomorrow.

Right now I want to tell y'all about the new running store in Little Rock. Go! Running has been opened by Gary and Erin Taylor. It is located next to Tipton and Hurst on Grant Street in the Heights. If you are an long time runner or think you want to start go see the Taylors. Both are ran for Razorbacks during college.

They have a great selection of shoes, clothes and accessories. More importantly they are great people who are ambassadors for their sport. Their expertise sets them apart from other stores in town. At Go Running! you will get guidance and advice on running. Not just a sales pitch. This is exactly what central Arkansas needs. You will hear me reference the store a lot. Going to review some of the products I purchase their and see what I can get Gary to let me do in relation to the store. Hopefully a few Foundation meet ups and the occasional interview.

As Spring and Summer progress you will get running seminars and group runs from the store. Tell everyone you know about Go! Running.

Back at work

2010-02-15T19:30:00.000-06:00

It feels good to be back in workout mode after a short stint on the DL. I spent most of January on the run. I am now trying to get a few solid days on the computrainer before I leave for Vegas on Thursday. I have put in just 5 hours in the past few days. I will do another 5 or 6 between now and my flight.

Once in Vegas I will get my running wheels back under me. From there it will be the 6 week lead in to New Orleans. I am pumped about the coming weeks. I think it will be a giant pain festival. Friday I will load some pictures from Sin City. Never a bad trip there.

If you ever go and need to find the Clark County Jail, give me a call. I can give you directions.

Langley out

Winter Olympics and Triathlon

2010-02-12T17:39:00.000-06:00

Bet no one thinks of triathlon when you mention the winter olympics. When I was in the 6th grade I got to go to the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. It was an amazing experience. In most ways it was better then because the commercialization had not taken hold. You could walk around and hear 15 different languages being spoken. Pin trading was all the rage.

I got to see Eric Hiden skate for gold medals looking through a chain link fence. Saw some great hockey, a little women's downhill and ski jumping too. Medal ceremonies were cool. The coldest day I ever spent was on Mirror Lake for the opening ceremonies. The wind was swirling and almost no shelter.

Souveneirs were sold out of a small metal shed near the lake. There was a serpentine line through the shack and out the door because the collective body heat raised the temperature from the teens with a windchill to the middle sixties at least. It was amazing. I didn't want to leave when my time came to go out the door. I digress.

One event I saw was the biathlon. This was my first multidisciplinary sport ever. Athletes would cross country ski to various points. They would stop, pull out a high powered 22 and shoot at 5 targets over a 10 kilometer course. To add difficulty some of the shooting is done standing and some is laying in prone position. If a target was missed, the skier had to do a penalty lap before moving on to next round.

The term triathlon was completely foreign to me at the time. I was amazed at the ability those guys had to transition from one sport of complete exertion to settling down and shooting consistently. I can only imagine how consistent their heart rates. Low I am sure. Best guys never missed.

Now that I have discovered triathlon and the transitions it takes, I have a greater appreciation for those athletes. It may not be the most exciting sport to watch on TV but you should all find it durning the games and consider the complex challenges to be world class triathlete. I think the mental toughness and focus is incredible. Consider things like that the next time you are arguing with yourself about the next mile in a race. At least you don't have to stop in a state of exhaustion and devote your entire concentration to hitting five small targets.

The mental strength required to complete ironman is immense but it is about survival. That is inante in us. Biathlon requires the additional concentration and interruption of rhythm. Not way I could do that with any success. Just goes to show for all the challenges we face on the course it could actually be more difficult.

Go USA!!!!

Langley out

Fame/Shame

2010-02-11T14:13:00.000-06:00

This is the weekly post where I pick a "winner/loser" of the week. Some weeks you will get both. Other weeks it could be all winners and no losers or vice versa. This week it is winners.

1. John Pelfrey - Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks; Coach made some difficult decisions early in the season to get player's attention. He held to his principles and lost games they would win today. As a result of those difficult decisions the Hogs are in first place of the SEC Western Division. Their overall record is not stellar. The coach should be lauded daily for his efforts and concerns for the well being of his players then his program. It is working.

2. New Orleans Saints - NFL World Champions; The team was prepared; the coach had guts; the quarterback played to his potential and the defense held the Colts to 7 points in 3 quarters. That is a formula for winning. Criticism of Manning is wrong. His throw sealed a loss that was coming all along. The defense played a complete game; adjusted correctly and showed no fear. Give it to the team and let Manning go back to work. The Colts defense failed to adjust and gave up a bunch of points.

Fame week all around. Next week we will have some shame I promise. I want to give a shame call out to the Little Rock weather teams for missing the big snow for hours. However, my girls loved it so much that shame cannot come of it.

Langley out

2010-02-10T18:25:00.002-06:00

Giving and training

2010-02-10T18:21:00.000-06:00

I am amazed at the array of ways to give online. The newest one I found is the badge on the left. It allows you to create a custom badge for any charity in U.S. and add it to your site or email signature. It is available through a http://www.sixdegrees.org/. For those of you with a pop culture affinity, it is the brain child of Kevin Bacon.

For those of you who have commited to participating in my ironman challenge this is a the quick way to get set-up. All you have to do is click the donate button and you can give a lump sum or set up your monthly giving. I am trying to get everyone to sign up to give 650.00 dollars. That is one dollar for every training hour I think it will take for a reasonable performance.

The button allows you to set-up a monthly recurring 65.00 donation. It is a quick and easy. I did it myself a minute ago. You can also pass this badge on to your friends and colleagues to help out. Hit the button, help the Jackson L. Graves Foundation and send me for another hour in the PAIN CAVE!

Speaking of which, I am going back to training after a six day stint on the disabled list. I have been going nuts literally and figuratively as a result of the time off. To make matters worse we have had a batch of snow that has left us home bound for a few days. There are some training changes coming soon. I will update those in March.

Hopefully I will get the daily posts rolling soon. I am improving.

Langley out

Lack there of

2010-02-08T20:57:00.000-06:00

I have officially made the 6 day disabled list. I had a small procedure to eliminate the possibilty of creating additional little Langleys. As a result I cannot train for a 5 days post-op. On top of that God decided my girls needed some time off and dropped 5 inches of snow. It is the first real snow we have seen in almost 15 years. Everything else has been ice storms.

Snow is better. Wednesday is go day and I will be hopping on the computrainer and chasing the silverman over hill and dale. About to go nuts not being able to do anything. Gotta get in a groove in preparation for my four days in Vegas next week.

Langley out

Jackson Graves Foundation

2010-02-04T22:48:00.002-06:00

In my typing haste I gave the wrong email address. Go to http://www.jacksongraves.org/ to learn about the incredible life of Jackson Graves and the contribution it inspired.

NICU Family Supports

2010-02-04T22:31:00.001-06:00

This is an Akron Children's Hospital video about the experiences of families with patient children in the neonatal intensive care unit. The emotional, physical and financial burden on these families is immense. It is vital that families be provided at the hospitals just as the patients. The parents and sibilings need comfortable soothing settings for their time with patients. Unfortunately these families cannot spend 24/7 in the presence of their patient children. However, the majority of their time is spent in the hospital. As a result, they need comfortable areas to wait including sitting areas, sleeping areas and meeting areas. The brothers and sisters of patients need play areas to occupy their hours. At the same time families need space, supplies and equipment to communicate the condition, growth and personalities of their patient children to friends and family who cannot come to the hospital. These needs cannot be met by many monetary gifts to hospitals due to the restrictions placed by the entity giving the gift. The Jackson Graves Foundation recognizes this void. It is dedicated to neonatal care with a focus on projects with a potential for high impact that may not otherwise be funded or considered. A major project for the Foundation is raising funds to construct and furnish a private patient room and to build and equip a sibling play area in the Arkansas Children's Hospital NICU. I drive ACH on my way to work every day. Each morning you can see the toll the stay at the hospital is taking on these families. It is imperative that we do something to ease that stress. Therefore, my goal in training for Ironman Louisville is to finish but more importantly to raise the necessary money for the Jackson Graves Foundation to meet their goal of funding these projects. I will have more on this as we progress in the next few days. For now go over to www.jacksongraves.com. Read Jackson story and then pledge to join me in this journey.

Test Drive

2010-02-03T17:19:00.000-06:00

I am the driving a Cannondale Slice 5. It is a pretty sweet bike. All carbon frame and a great price point. My LBS (local bike shop) is the Chainwheel. It has been around for almost 40 years. Pat, Bruce, Ernie, Sarah and everyone else in there is fantastic.

Ernie spent about an hour getting a basic fit for me on the bike. I am not used to such an aggressive positon. After adjusting the ride, my climbs were quicker and I was comfortable in the aero position. Definitely going to keep the bike and ride if for a long time. Hope it is faster as the season falls. into place. Ready for daylight savings time.

I wil post the bike porn and measurements when I get a chance. More on LBS in the future too.

I am going to figure out the vido blogging. I am going to put up all kinds of video interviews if I can get anyone to talk to me.

Langley out

Training Update/blog update

2010-02-01T13:52:00.000-06:00

January has been a great training month. Started Jan 1 in 14 degree weather in Memphis. Hard to run in that cold. Residual effects of my last good night of celebrating. It has progressed to a solid 12 mile run at the end of the month. Great to get extra time on the legs. Riding has been minimal but picked up over the weekend. Will be off a week for a small medical procedure but will be ready to jump right back in.

This blog is going to serve as information central for this adventure. Hopefully there will be five posts a week. Each day a different subject. Monday - training update; Tuesday - Children's Hospital Information; Wednesday - Triathlon general information/gear reviews; Thursday - Jackson Graves Foundation information and activities; Friday - Fame/Shame day.

My optomistic outlook includes video of training and interviews of a variety of people in the endurance sport community and neonatal care as well. It should be a really great. I am learning this as I go too so hold on it may take a while to become proficient.

Langley out

Janus Charity Challenge copy and paste

2010-01-30T14:21:00.000-06:00

Copy and paste the this link and it will take you to the charity challenge page for the Jackson Graves Foundation.

http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=327166&lis=0&kntae327166=49E55442E9A8484084B7F0D027160372#

2.5 hours in the bank

2010-01-23T18:53:00.000-06:00

2.5 hour long run in the bank today. Was the most painful run in a long time. Great thing was it had nothing to do with my physical exertion. It had everything to do with the lack of intensity and heart exhibited by the Hogs in Lexington today. They need to get to edge of out of control and play fearlessly. They were in 3rd gear and Kentucky was in fifth with a turbo boost.

I also think Kentucky is head and shoulders above everyone else in the country. They should win the tournament. They are as dominant as UNLV and Phi Slamma Jamma. Let's see if their mental strength holds up.

Slow long run was great.

36 miles for the week in running and 7 hours total for the week.

Kickoff Event and Day 1

2010-01-22T22:40:00.001-06:00

Had a great kickoff event last night for Ironman Louisville. I am using my training to raise funds for the Jackson Graves Foundation. For each hour that I train participants are donating a dollar. The reception has been great. It will be a great adventure.

This will serve as update centeral. I will have training updates, information on the foundation, interviews with key players, and info on giving opportunities.

Hit the ground for a quick 3 miles outside today. It was a perfect start. 12 miles tomorrow will be a great run. Made it through day one of the good food choices and no coca-cola.

Looking forward!!!.

Jackson Graves Foundation

2009-11-02T20:41:00.000-06:00

Travelers on the Ironman Journey are selfish. It is almost a requirement. I don't want to be the "take, take, take" athlete. As such, I am using my training over the next 40 or so weeks to give back. I need your help to get to the finish. I am participating in the Janus Charity Challenge on my way IM Louisville 2010.

I am raising money to support the Jackson L. Graves Foundation. The JLG Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to improving care for infants in need of complex medical attention and to providing important support resources to families of those patients.

The Jackson L. Graves Foundation funds numerous projects. Currently, it is partnering with Arkansas Children's Hospital to provide:

Toys, books, clothes, toiletries and other items for infants and toddlers, as well as their families and a supply for the NICU itself.

Funding for innovative communication devices to cut down on noise in the unit

Funding of special equipment including baby scales and nursing recliners to promote the lactation support program

Purchase of privacy and storage equipment needed for long term NICU patients and families.

Creation of resource library and waiting room computer for parents and families of hospitalized infants.

The Jackson L. Graves Foundation has also pledged $125,000 to support a longer term project at Arkansas Children's Hospital in conjunction with the opening of a new wing of the hospital planned for 2012. This pledge will provide for a new private room, the first of its kind in the unit, and one of 18 private rooms that will help accomplish the Foundation’s goal of family-centered care for longer-term stays in the NICU. This pledge will also fund a new sibling play area adjacent to the family waiting room so that siblings of NICU patients will have a safe, appropriate environment when visiting.

Click on the link below or copy it to your browser to visit my personal page and help me support the Jackson L. Graves Foundation.

http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=327166&u=327166-275678837

The beginning

2009-11-01T15:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the beginning of the March to Louisville. Started a weight loss contest today to make the off season challenging. Since I have the most to lose I am well situated to win. Over the next 43 weeks I intend to update regularly with training information, Razorback items, and a few special items.

Later this week I will be talking to you about how you can help me reach my goal of becoming an Ironman. It is a long journey. The more friends I have to be Iron Sherpas, the better I will do in August. Y'all are going to steward me to the finish line over the next few months. I hope you enjoy this as much as I will.

Transition Training and Great Wolf Lodge

2009-10-05T22:21:00.000-05:00

Transition training started tonight. 4 miles easy running. Great weather to train. Hot days have passed. Smooth easy jog at a 10 minute pace was just right.

If anyone is looking for a great weekend getaway with kids, I highly recommend going to Great Wolf Lodge. http://www.greatwolflodge.com/ We took the girls as part of the Razorback weekend in Dallas. The hotel has theme suites available for the kids. One has a bear cave, another has a tent or a cabin, and one is for wizards. Each room has an area set off for the kids with bunk beds and a TV. They have a kids spa and story time each night.

The big draw is the Indoor Waterpark for hotel guests only. It is included in the price of the room. Plenty to keep the kids amused all day. There is also a wizard game that takes the kids all over the hotel. Buy a wand and buy an adventure. It is perfect getaway.

Hogs played great. Hopefully they can validate that performance with their first conference win Saturday morning.