Lately

Lately I've been running around - busy with work, traveling, dogs, etc... but, I have had a chance to stay active. I finished the Solvang Century with a client and a new friend that we met on the ride that was down from Portland, OR. I decided to do the ride despite feeling awful and coughing, and at mile 65 or so it started to take it's toll. While pushing to get on a faster group's tow, I over did it and began coughing continuously. Needless to say, it was a rough 35 miles home!!! But, I was able to drag myself across the finish line and all in all had a really great time. I'll post pics soon.

I also got in touch with (on facebook) an old buddy I grew up and we had a chance to get reconnected via mountain bike riding. He came out 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning and we rode Sycamore Canyon and overlook trail back home to my place and had a great morning. We plan to do this on a regular basis on weekends when possible - let me know if you would like to join us! All are welcome.

Yesterday I was able to sneak out and paddle surf sunrise at Latigo Point. I had the entire place to myself for about an hour and a half on low tide with some solid 4ft sets rolling in. I was able to catch 4 waves without even getting wet! # 5 wave through #12 saw 2 falls. My balance is feeling very strong, and I still think that this paddle surfing is such a special form of exercise.
As I was ready to paddle home I met a new friend who lives in Cove Colony and we discussed paddle board shape and the unique shape of my 9'6" Naish quad fin and how the 12' Laird is really a table disguised as a surfboard.

There is a new Naish 9'3" board out that looks pretty cool too.
Here are some pics from my buddy Wardog's Blog at Surfing Sports in Santa Barbara

I created a new Youtube video for surfing and standup Paddle board training. It is great for a dynamic balance drill for your particular sport. If you do try this, try to do it on carpet or even on a mat since it is very dangerous. Yes, safety is important!

100 Years of Men's gymnastics at University of Illinois

March 2009 marked the 100th anniversary of men's gymnastics at the University of Illinois. I made the trek out there for the reunion, and had a great time. This a pic with two very special people. On the left is Justin Spring, an Illini Alum who was in the 2008 olympics and is now coaching at Illinois. In the center is Ivan Ivankov, the great Belarussian gymnast.

Illinois is fortunate to have such world class talent coaching for them. This should be an extremely attractive draw for recruiting new talent, and a great way for the current gymnasts to seek improvement from two world class gymnasts who can do every trick in the book!. They've been there, done that and can tell the guys how to follow in their footsteps.

Biggest Loser Fan?

For All you Biggest loser fans - I ran into Mike and Ron in Sycamore canyon today while riding the mountain bike ... They look great! that's all I'm going to say about this since I could probably get them in trouble.