Gryphon Calisthenics

Shaved 27 seconds off my time. But still not as fast as I want to be. For a kid who was told he could never run distance again (almost 25 years ago) I’m going to take the wins.

I have never been excited about placing last in anything. But today wasn’t about trying to podium. It was an experiment to see how much of the running work transferred to the bike and to challenge myself; both to finish the race and to beat my time from two years ago (the last time I participated).

The win is that I accomplished both of those goals, with the greatest victory being that I shaved 8 minutes off my time. I realized after the first lap that I would not be able to keep pace with the group. I settled into my own internal competition and analysis. Me vs me vs the clock.

I’m thankful to be back on the bike and to have finished without injury (although VI drivers are the MOST inconsiderate). Thanks to Left Lane Cyclers VI for putting on another great race. Congratulations to those who placed and all who competed. An active community is a healthy community.

It has been an honor, privilege, and joy to work with this young man over the last year. Already an extremely talented and accomplished soccer player, we were able to harness the gifts and the grit, preparing him for the next step in his journey. I am grateful for the opportunity and extremely proud of the extraordinary progress he had made.

Amorie_carty thanks for allowing me to help fine tune and increase your ability. Special thanks to Amos W Carty Jr. and your wife for trusting me with your son. It was a responsibility I did not take lightly and I believe we have accomplished what we set out to do. Shaw University Men's Soccer is getting ready to receive great addition to their program, but more importantly, they are getting a great young man.

Looking forward to seeing what all you accomplish in this chapter. This is truly only the beginning.

I definitely discovered my orthopedic limit today. First 3 miles felt great. Would have been my fastest 5k (by 40 seconds) but I cut the timer short.

Coming back on the second half, my knees were wondering what I was doing with my life. Breathing feels great so the engine is building. I know I’m supposed to take the wins but the competitor in me is frustrated beyond words.

But we finish regardless. I’ll be back. You can bet on that.

Ok. I’ll take it. Literally one step closer and faster.

They said I couldn’t, but they didn’t know who they were talking to.

Adjust, adapt, evolve, but don’t ever quit!