The Life and Times of Sam Luna

So first, I did not finish, I pulled out at mile 20. I did not have it in me, so another day, another race. I am a bit disappointed, but I have learned a lot during the training. Thank you to all for the well wishes! The plan: Take the first 3 miles out with the 3 Hr pace group uphill and then use miles 4-7 downhill to make up a bit of time. Miles 8-11 get into a comfortable pace. Work up the hill at 11 and then rolling hills through 18. 19-26 are somewhat down hill so pick up a bit of speed heading back in. Take a gel every 4 miles, and 1 gel right at the start. Alternate between water and powerade at every water stop. I thought if I could get through the half around 1:29 I could run even or better the second half. Race Recap: Race morning was really nice, cool and windy. Temp was in the 40's and it looked to be overcast. The race started 15 mins late, that does not seem like much, but when you have nutrition and bathroom duties to take care of it can be a little problem. The rac...

This was my first running race since the 10k in August of 2008. I have completed 8 weeks of marathon training in preparation for the Austin Marathon Feb. 15. 1 - 6:48, started off nice and easy 2 - 7:01, got comfortable and relaxed 3 - 6:50, joined into a group training to run a 3hr marathon (6:53 pace) 4 - 6:50, spot on, even pace, good group of 6/7 guys, gu #1 5 - 6:54, 1/4 of the way done, hills are rolling up and down 6 - 6:21, 2 of the guys stretched it out on this downhill mile 7 - 6:37, group gets back together, but we were pressing some with the rolling hills 8 - 6:33, the pace is staying even, I was going a bit faster than I wanted, but I didn't want to run alone so I stayed with the group, gu #2 9 - 6:33, this mile took its toll later on, I went with 2 of the guys in the group and we gapped the rest of the group 10 - 7:52, 1st half 1:08:24, uphill and getting windy, I let the 2 guys get ahead of me while I recovered. 11 - 6:28, used the down hill to pick up some leg s...

Ok, seems to be the thing, here are a couple buddies and my list of bikes: Adam's Bikes Brandon's Bikes My bike list 2001-2009: Dave Scott Ironman Centurion - Steel, Given to me by a friend, size 61! This bike started the craze! Litespeed Tuscany - Sweet Ti Love Litespeed Saber - Had to have more Ti Colnago Dream - This bike could turn on a dime! Awesome road race bike. Look AL Track bike - My love for the track has never faded Quintana Roo Zero Gravity - Funny ITU road bike Quintana Roo Lucero - First Sponsored Tri Bike, really nice carbon Litspeed Siena - Ti, never got to ride it enough Guru Veloci'Ti - Wow, beautiful paint Scott CR1 - Really stiff carbon Titus Racer X - One ride and moved on from the off road stuff, maybe someday again. RMS Sparrow -Fully Custom Ti Tri Bike, I ride what I love Cervelo Super Prodigy - Steel, sweet ride! Cannondale F4- Hardtail Mtn. Needed something for the trails and Muddy Buddy races Some Rush - Fixed gear, back to the track! Steel, ver...

Ok, So the good thing about digital cameras, lots of pictures, the bad thing about digital cameras, lots of pictures. For your viewing pleasure, our pictures ! I will write up about the places to visit over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy!

I will post a full trip update asap, but here are a few quick pics. The weather has been great, no rain! We have seen Paris, Milan, Bellagio, Lake Como, EICMA and 6 Day track racing with Paulo Salvodille and Fabio Sacchi! Bonjourno!

Over the weekend Bike Houston put on a great event, the Midnight Moonlight Ramble . I had the pleasure of riding the 20 mile route with some good friends. The ride starts and finishes at the George R. Brown Convention Center and takes you through the Galleria area and down Memorial and Allen parkway for a scenic tour of Houston. By the way, the ride starts at 2 AM with the festivities beginning at midnight. The ride is for everybody, Hard Core Roadies, Nob heads, sub-culture messengers and families with tow-alongs. Pics of Team Moose . Thanks to Dakine for the Moose head!

So staying at hotels and working out can be tough. Here are some outside options that I have found: Atlanta – Tribble Mill , Lawrenceville – 10 miles or so of single track trails. There is also a couple of miles of paved path for road bike riding. Grapevine – Rockledge Park , Lake Grapevine – Single Track MTB riding and trail running. The trail is 9 or 10 miles in length, so great for long runs or rides. Fort Worth – Trinity River Trail – Miles of paved trails for riding that goes from outside Fort Worth all the way into town. Arlington – River Legacy Park – DORBA maintains a 3 mile loop of singe track trails. OKC – Lake Hefner - Lots of paved trail around the lake, water stops every couple miles. Tulsa – Tulsa Cedar Creek Trail – Tulsa maintains paved trails for riding and commuting. Very hilly portions.