I have been fairly quiet so far this year. This is something I am well known for if you know me. Especially, when I am dedicating myself to something specific. That something specific has been the establishment of routine given major life changes and training for an Ironman or two.

2007 has been an interesting year for me so far. This year has seen me accept a new job as director of recreation for the the area in which I live. As exciting as this opportunity is it has not been without its challenges, least of all the 70 hour weeks. Being the typical Type A that needs or should I say lives for routine my life since January has been anything but routine. I have moved 6 hours from my family who is not destined to join me for another 3 months. I am living by myself in a small suite and only make it home about once per month. This living in two places is for the birds.  This has been a little different to say the least coming from a life with a wife and 4 teenage children, a dog, cat and lots of activity. The challenge has been to establish routine & continue in preparation for racing in 2007 while at the same time not thinking about what is missing but looking for the positive in what is.

Early this season I had to withdraw from Ironman Arizona as there was no way I was ready in addition to not being able to free myself from work. The next race on the schedule is Ironman CDA at the end of June. Training for this race as mentioned has been difficult. It has been made even more difficult given my location. I have been use to riding on moderate hills but now find myself riding a total of 6600 feet in a 5 hour ride. A little tougher than I am use to especially not being a smaller athlete. Last weekend after the ride I was totally wasted & thought I best put my granny gear on the bike or I was not going to make it. Much to my shock on Sunday when cleaning my bike did I realize that I already had my granny gear (27) on my cassette. The thought of dying while training quickly entered my mind :) (After I had a good laugh at myself)

However, with a little due diligence I was pleasently surprised this weekend on my ride & run. I rode 4 1/2 hours on Saturday and ran 2 plus today (Sunday) and feel pretty good. I actually negative split both training sessions as I have been working on being PATIENT which is what Ironman is all about. I have been sleeping well and this was the first time since January that I thought I can compete at the Ironman distance again. Having sai that I am feeling good enough to be sitting here with my feet up, having a glass of red wine & watching the stanley cup playoffs.

This experience has taught me many things:

1) Be positive about what is not what could or should be

2) Don’t dwell on what you are missing but embrace what you have

3) Change is good if you embrace it even if you laugh at yourself every now & again

4) Don’t give up it will always gets better, just be patient

5) Remember the real reason why you are doing what you do. It is always easier that way.

Enjoy your training & see you at Ironman CDA. My first step towards a PB at Ironman Florida in November.

Thanks to all my close friends including my TIMEX team mates for your continued support. You ROCK!!!!!!

Bruce “The IronCanuck” Bauman