IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BIKE - AND THE LEG

After months of anticipation, the waiting is over - Diane's Bike has finally arrived!!! Complete with DuraAce shifters, wheels that weigh less than an ounce and a carbon frame that is made for racing, this bike is the ULTIMATE in performance!!! Perfect for half-ironman competitions and/or shattering time trials, this bike has everything to help her go fast except for a constant tailwind. Lance would be inspired. Just take one look at her below and you can tell that she is ready to go!!!



And go she did. It did not take Diane long to get out on her new bike. As soon as the heat index hit 50 she headed out to the closest parking lot to test out her new ride. See results below...

Needless to say, she has retained the firm of Denlow & Henry to represent her in her suit against Tom Stringer. A frivolous suit you say? Maybe. However, it was Mr. Stringer who pushed her to buy a new bike and is therefore responsible for the injuries that she has incurred. Imagine what would happen if the above picture was presented to a jury in a trial - who would you rule for??? She is looking at a HUGE settlement that will barely cover what she paid for the bike. I am pleased to report that this spill has not deterred her. She is back up and at it. Don't be deceived by the neck brace - she is wearing that on advice of counsel mentioned above.

Happy Riding!!!

HOW SERIOUSLY ARE WE TAKING THIS?

HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY!
What better way to spend a birthday then by going through a VO2 MAX TEST. While Bob, Beth and Lynn spent today drinking coffee, Tommy and I went in for some professional testing so that we could construct a super efficient training plan that would have us peaking for Vineman. The folks at FITTECH were great. They hooked us up to an oxygen mask (that would asphyxiate most people), plugged us into a computer and away we went. I will admit that the mask got hot as heart rates escalated but this is very common for professional athletes such as ourselves. It did not take long for the computer to determine that our fitness levels were deemed to be far superior to most athletes. I was very embarrassed to learn that Tommy's results were better than mine. All of this time I have credited his success to superior biking equipment. While my VO2 was average for the bike and above average for the run, his results were closer to the excellent mark. I still maintain that the oxygen mask malfunctioned during my test and that is why my results were below his. I plan to get re-tested immediately!!! Keep your eyes out for a ZONE TRAINING PLAN that will be developed and posted - this is going to make a huge difference in our training!!!!!!

THE BIG CHALLENGE AND WHY WE WILL WIN

GAME ON!
The challenge has been set..
Bob Denlow, Lynn Bouvatte and Beth Vacarro are challenging Tommy Rosenthal, John Strassner and Mike Pepper at the 1/2 ironman 6 months from now in California. Whoever has the combined best time will win a grand prize.
The TRAINING as well as the TRASH TALKING has begun. The girls are desperately trying to trade Bob but there are no takers. This is every bit as intense as Tommy's fantasy football league!

Here is why I am confident that we will persevere....



This is Bob's idea of a swim workout. Please notice the pool in the background - it is right behind the two women in the hot tub. Someone please tell him that this is not how you do the breast stroke.

Odds will be set as we get closer to the event.

NANCY IS THE VOICE OF REASON

The debate has ended - I am listening to Nancy!

I received some much needed advice today via e-mail from Nancy Lieberman...

"Guys - the June 5 is a Half Ironman at Innsbrook - this has nothing to do with your training. In no way, should you be ready with a 1.2 swim; 56 milebike; or 13 miles (although some of you already run this.) Remember not to peak early!"

That is enough for me - I am out on the Innsbrook 1/2. This is the most sound decision that has been made since Tommy booked five hotel rooms in the middle of Beal Street for Memphis in May. By the way, Suzy has not determined if she is going to Memphis. If she opts out of the trip then there will be a waiting list for all of the gals that would like to share a room with me. This will be done on a lottery system in order to keep things fair.

In a much more questionable decision, I completed my application for the ING New York City Marathon 2005. My entry number is 37573. I have been added to the entrant database and can now sit patiently for the lottery for U.S. applicants to be held in mid-June. My only hope of getting in is if Pepper remains on the DL and is not able to take advantage of his deferral - this would open up an extra spot. If you would like to join us in NYC then please visit their website: http://www.ingnycmarathon.org.

Just to recap...

No Innsbrook 1/2 Ironman this year - GOOD DECISION.

Partying on Beal Street before Olympic Distance Triathlon in Memphis - AWESOME DECISION.

Signing up for the NYC Marathon in 2005 - MUST BE OUT OF MY MIND.

Listening to Nancy - PRICELESS!