I took Friday as an 'off' day since I planned to race mtb Sunday and not to overlook the fact the day was slam packed with activities. Deb and I took out of work early and drove to Jake's first track meet in Lebanon. He (and his coach) had no expectations of running fast times as his injury has kept him from most all speed work and it showed as his first event (4 x 800m) was average at best and it immediately caused his Achilles to flare up.
Deb, Ian, and I loaded up from Lebanon and drove to Springfield for Ian's last basketball game at The Courts. Odd thing when leaving the track; we pulled up on a truck engulfed in flames (could hear emergency crews already on the way) sitting on the road. I wanted to hang around and watch the 'explosion' like in the movies, but Deb's wisdom had us drive away to a safer distance (SGF). Ian's game was hard fought, but we lost by 2 in overtime - bummer. The boys ended up with a 13-12 record for the two sessions. I enjoyed coaching the boys and seeing their continual progress, but I am looking forward to a little time off (from coaching) while baseball is going on. Ian loves baseball and is looking forward to the games, but he is already missing the thought of no hoops (organized, that is) until the fall.
I gave Jake's track coach a call to see if we could make it back to Lebanon to watch his open 800m and the 4 x 400, but Ian's OT moved us too late so he went back to Bolivar. Jake came home absolutely bummed as his leg continued to increase in pain and his times were slower and slower. It's rough as a dad to watch him go through this, but he and I talk often about building personal character in dealing with disappointment and tough times and he is doing a good job in keeping it in perspective and moving forward.
Saturday early was nasty outside with rain and chilly temps, the forecast for STL was similar for the entire weekend, and the 'stride' specialist for Jake was out of town so we called off our trip. I still was making the trip to STL the following day with Ira to race mtb's, but for Saturday I had to tackle the bathroom remodel... sigh. But first I watched Criterium Int'l (AC had a rough go of it) and E3 (the Swiss Freight Train is a beast). Later I got the threshold piece and backer board down and layed out the tile for placement, but won't have the tools for the final step until Monday; I am happy with the progress so far (as is Deb, which is more important).
I jumped on the mtb and rode an hour mid-afternoon to make sure all was ready for Sunday's race and did a couple 'openers'. Feeling pretty decent, but you never know until the gun goes off.
Jake got out for a light 4 mile run and the leg pain was still present.
The rest of the day was spent doing odds and ends until the NCAA games; Ian and I's evening was set while Deb and her folks hit SGF and Jake and Andie hung out watching movies. Got word early evening the mtb race was postponed due to heavy rains. Took a look at STL's Sunday forecast and heavy rains were in order so we decided to skip the Forest Park crit.
Up and at'em for Church Sunday morning, but first I caught G-W and watched Hincapie look strong, but fail to pull the win (he probably couldn't have beaten BE, but you have raced long enough to know that move was too far out). After Church the chilly temps and winds (20+mph) combined with wanting to watch NCAA basketball drove me to the trainer as I watched the games with Ian in the garage. Three hours and numerous sets of 'big gear' work I said 'no more' and called it a successful session. All of the games were good and I was happy with my choice to do the indoor thing as I am not, nor do I pretend to be, 'a hardman' who rides in any type of conditions.
Jake got in a 5 mile run and got no relief from the leg pain.
Finished up the NCAA in time for some of Deb's homemade potato soup and peach cobbler - AWESOME. The rest of the evening included some Amazing Race and Settler's of Catan.All in all, despite some setbacks/cancellations/losses, we had a good weekend. Next race isn't until April 10th (mtb in Lawrence, KS) so this is a recovery/light week training/racing wise. Jake was a meet tomorrow at Reeds Springs, but don't figure he will run. Pretty routine week looks in order.
Jake hit AM practice this morning (Monday) and could only go 1 mile before shutting it down. I am in the process of getting him an appointment with a leg/foot specialist in SGF who was highly recommended.
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