stateside

After 3 countries, 2 continents, and nearly a full day of riding on planes I am finally back stateside. It was bittersweet leaving Australia, I didn't want to leave but it is nice to be eating salty, greasy American food again! I just couldn't stomach bread or cheese anymore. The jet lag hasn't been unbearable as I managed a full 12 hours of sleep last night, but I fear that needing a nap only an hour after waking up cannot be a good omen. I spent much of my last day in Australia on the southern coast which was blasting 40 mph winds, rain, and cool temperatures, so being greeted by a 70 degree day in Chicago was quite splendid. I am eager to start training with the team again for the cross country season. The team has now been together for a little over a week so I am a little tardy in my return but rest assure I needed the vacation. I have been feeling pretty lonely the last 24 hours seeing as Rachel was by my side everyday for the last 2 weeks, but we parted ways in L.A. yesterday morning. This blog is about to heat up! I will be competing for the Razorbacks this fall and for the first time since last March. So stay tuned folks!

Holiday

The days are getting shorter as the time draws ever closer to mine and Rachel's departure from Australia. Since arriving in Melbourne 6 days ago everyday has been a reminder of just how blessed my life has been. I am visiting a foreign country with my beautiful girlfriend Rachel, my knee is 99% healthy, and nearly all my friends are getting married....or so it seems. Not all epiphany comes from running, and this trip has reminded me that each moment needs to be a constant reminder of just how precious life is. carpe diem!

Making tracks...literally.

The past few days I have been going for my run in the mornings to catch the short but amazing pockets of sun. I have been running along the coast taking in great views of the beaches and the Melbourne skyline. The cool temperatures have really helped me extend my runs which are now right around an hour long. My knee has stayed pretty much pain free throughout the extended runs. Luckily I stumbled upon a nice dirt path that winds through the trees along the coast, making for a soft running surface with views to die for.

Australia.

Well After nearly twenty hours of flying Rachel and I finally arrived in Australia. It is quite a bit cooler than what I am used to at the moment but it sure feels nice when I am running. I went for my first jog since shaking my serious case of jet lag. It was a beautiful run along the ocean with a great view of downtown Melbourne in the distance. My knee feels surprisingly good at the moment which is very encouraging for future runs here in Oz! I will try to keep you all posted on future events! Later mates.

Let the summer begin!

This summer has been a little backwards for me, but this all changes this thursday.  Until now I have been attending class everyday so far this summer with the occasional weekend trip or wedding to break up the daily grind.  This Thursday I will be leaving for home, where I will be an usher in my cousin's wedding, hitting downtown Chicago for a couple nights and then leaving for Australia for ten days!  NOthing like starting your summer while most people are wrapping theirs up.  

Training has been going well, so well in fact I have recently bumped my runs from 40 minutes to 45.  I am also getting a little better adapted to the heat, which right now at eight p.m is still 96 degrees!  Seeing as it is winter in Australia I think it will be a nice reward running in the mid 60's as compared to the daily temp of anywhere from 110-115 here in Fayetteville.  I will post again before leaving for Australia, and then again while I am in the land of the kangaroos.  Hopefully I will get some sweet pictures to share with you all.