4:22

And then there was rest...My 2008 race season culminated with running the Denver marathon yesterday. The highlights were many as it was a perfect day and running with my wife and Kelly B. was a treat.

The low lights included a blood blister that is now where my little toe used to be and a pesky 'it' band. I think I need some shoe modifications. The course was hillier than I had expected it to be; not big hills but those aggravating, gradual, false flat kind.

Additionally, I need to thank my wife (and Kelly) for dragging me the last 6.2, as dragging one's self is a whole lot, less easy sans the proper motivational kick in the running shorts. She-studs and icons in my running circle.

I am resolute in the fact that I will never blaze any land speed records, but would sure like to nail this time next year at IMMOO, but for now I'll take it easy.

It's a girl...

The littlest Freisem.

And no, we're not having a baby (yet - &%$!#). That comes later in the progression. We're having a puppy and her name is Willow.

She's a kindred spirit of Josey's...so mellow!!!, and will certainly provide a yin to Luna's yang.

The fun begins when we pick her up next Friday!

Appreciation.

I am about half way thru a new book. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Now, a NY times best-seller, as of this week its #1, and with good reason. I first over heard about the book several weeks ago on Oprah, though I am embarrassed to admit it.

A must read if you are a dog lover...I can hardly put it down. I find myself looking for time to get in another few pages...that doesn't happen often. Usually, its 3 or 4 pages and out. Zzzz. For me, it gives me a profound appreciation of the relationship between us and man's best friend.

At any rate, Luna and I had a great hike this week. I suspect you'll be able to read about it one of these days on her blog. She's a piece of work...lovable, mischievous, eternally starving...you know the gig.

Aloha Fall...

It's here, in what seems to have been a blink of an eye....I forget how fast it creeps up on us sometime. With leaves on the ground, a chill in the air and a constant drizzle, Kristina had a 9 mile run, which was our last, relatively sizable training run before the Denver marathon next weekend. Fingers crossed for better conditions than last year.

Yesterday was also the Ironman World Championships in Kona. For me Kona is a pipe dream or lottery long shot, but for a few of my friends its reality. You could say that I am proud of the company we keep.

For Craig, yesterday was a test of courage. Having been hit by a car less than two weeks ago, he swam faster than last year and rode like the wind, and while he didn't cross the line in the end, the fact that he toed the line at all embodies the true spirit of a champion.

For BJ, his dreams of Kona are immediate, as he sets his sights on qualifying at IMAZ...he is a pillar of heart and grit, dedicated to a fault and works harder than anyone I know...

...and for Craig Wilson. Speed, strength, raw talent, is already thinking about where he can lose 28 minutes and 48 seconds so he can make the trip to the Big Island next year.

Pretty damn cool. Studs. Friends.

For me, slow and steady gets me there...

11 days 10 hours 6 minutes 45 seconds...

...until the Denver Marathon...did the famous 3x 10K this past weekend. The object was to negative split each of the 3...almost happened (62:48, 61:45; 62:23).

On another note...Godspeed to Craig in Kona...that's one tough mutha...a bike wreck a week ago, 3 busted ribs, road rash, missing teeth and a ton of stitches...I am pretty sure you're gonna scare the crap out of the field!

Another crazy debate tonight...the gap widens...or at least it should....