STARRY STARRY NIGHT

night swim anyone?
i've been on and off the road all week for work, and let's just say that the hotels' gyms leave a lot to be desired, but i'm doing my best to stay on schedule with my training. naturally, the cycling suffers the most. the toughest part is that the call times for our shoots have been pretty early, so it's been difficult to get up early enough to knock out any of the two-a-day workouts on my schedule. it's also still hella dark in the early morning to be running in unfamiliar neighborhoods, so i've had to hop on the treadmill more than i prefer. at another hotel the other morning, i got on the treadmill for the first 2 miles of my 7 mile run, but as soon as the sun broke out, i bolted and did the last 5 out on the road. i love discovering a new place with a short run!!!

tonight, i'm in Montecito just outside of Santa Barbara. i was fortunate enough to get a chance to research the nearest YMCA before we came up here, and it just so happens to be just a mile away from my hotel. tonight after our shoot, as tired as i was from the 2 hour drive up and a full day of shooting, i quickly checked into my hotel and headed straight there for the 2400yd swim i needed to knock out. the staff were awesome and extremely accommodating to this visiting member. they checked me in and showed me the way to the OUTDOOR POOL. it was 50 degrees out. now i know all you folks back east are poo pooing me right now, but we panic out here in Cali whenever it dips below 70. still, the pool was heated to a more than comfortable 83 degrees with steam rising off the top, not too crowded, and a pretty full moon with some visible STARS IN THE SKY. the 2400yds went pretty quick, not too painful in the shoulder either, but my stroke is still kinda wonky. man, it feels good to be back in the water.

this weekend will bring my longest ride to date, and it's part of a brick, 75 miles followed by a 6 mile run. then another 12 mile run on sunday. it's startin' to get for real, people!!!