Some highlights from Christmas. Full set on Flickr here.
It’s been about 5 weeks since signing up for the Ironman and I’ve been steadily making progress in the pool. I’ve been following a training program from SwimSmooth which has been great for keeping to a schedule but also, keeping it interesting.
I’ve updated my Training Progress page with automatic charts to track my progress. It uses Google Docs to update things automatically as easily as possible.
Grand totals thus far are:
Swimming: 39.7km
Biking: 0.0km
Running: 26.0km
Posted in Training | Tagged 3 | Leave a Comment »
Which is the worse scenario?
1) Retail spending is down for the holiday season because consumers are spending within their means.
OR
2) Retail sales are up slightly while consumers over spend on their credit cards and further bury themselves in debt.
Despite what I see on the news most nights, I propose that the answer cannot be both.
Posted in Commentary | Tagged econony | Leave a Comment »
The New York Times had an excellent feature story a few days ago:
How Obama Came to Plan for ‘Surge’ in Afghanistan
The three-month review that led to the escalate-then-exit strategy is a case study in decision making in the Obama White House — intense, methodical, rigorous, earnest and at times deeply frustrating for nearly all involved. It was a virtual seminar in Afghanistan and Pakistan, led by a president described by one participant as something “between a college professor and a gentle cross-examiner.”
Mr. Obama peppered advisers with questions and showed an insatiable demand for information, taxing analysts who prepared three dozen intelligence reports for him and Pentagon staff members who churned out thousands of pages of documents.
The story features a carefully constructed recount of the deliberations that went into the final decision and strategy to surge in Afghanistan. Regardless of where you stand on the final decision, it’s a fascinating look into the intense debate that went on behind the scenes to make the most of a shitty situation.
Posted in Commentary, Politics | Tagged whitehouse | Leave a Comment »
I’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on this, but the idea has been rumbling around in my mind for months. I’m happy to say that I’m now registered for my first Ironman 70.3 race next June in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland (Official Site). For those that aren’t familiar with the Ironman series, the 70.3 is a triathlon with a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run. The full Ironman is twice that, so we’ll save that for another day!
Key details
When: June 6th, 2010
Where: Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland (Google Map)
Why: One thing leads to another…
Goal: < 6 hours based on a back of the napkin calculation
It’s been a long time in coming, but between completing my first marathon last year, finally learning to swim this year (seriously), and entering my first sprint triathlon in August, it’s time for a big one.
Along the way I’ll be posting my training schedule, progress, and tricks I learn here on Across the Pond. If you happen to be racing or would like to show your support, consider joining our Facebook group.
And of course… if anyone’s looking for a vacation in Switzerland in June… it’d be great to see you! 
Posted in Training | Tagged ironman, triathlon | 5 Comments »
A big thanks to my wife Jen for this amazing frame on the 1 year anniversary of completing my first marathon.
Jen’s supported me every step of the way, from before the event and all the hours of training, during it in Odense with my parents, and now even a year later with this great gift (not to mention swimming lessons!). Thanks Bella! I couldn’t have done it without you.
Posted in Photography | Tagged marathon | Leave a Comment »
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Talk about a speck…
December 21, 2009 by djd
This simply has to make you wonder about what else is out there.
Posted in Commentary | Tagged universe | 1 Comment »