Humpy McHumperson, the dog.

Yo Dogg,
In my last post I was excited to meet a Golden Retriever that was a possible fit for our family. Long story short, it didn't work out.

He was a sweet dog, but he had a "mounting" problem. With little kids, they would all get excited, and his reaction was to try and mount them. If our kids were older, it wouldn't have been much of an issue.

The wait continues.....

I did fill out the adoption form for a local no-kill shelter, that has a huge amount of dogs. Hearts United for Animals hua.org is a great place, that really gives a ton of dogs a fair shot at a good life. They don't have any Golden Retrievers right now, but there is one Australian Shepherd that I like the looks of.

Running:
I had my first really nice run the other day. I went out after dinner, while my in-laws were over hanging with the kids. It was just perfect out, with a slight breeze and cool temps (very warm for January). Clear skies, with quite a few stars, and an empty golf course to run on. I just ran as I felt, walking up some short inclines so I didn't spike my HR too much. Not fast, that's for sure, but it was just one of those times when you go out, and it just feels good! I should have eaten just a little less though. I was choking back the re-flux quite a bit. LOL!!!

Cycling:
With the unseasonably warm weather, I have gotten out on a few rides with my cousin. Although I am nowhere near anything that resembles "good cycling shape", it feels great to get out and spin the pedals. I'll just keep going out on long rides when I can. The first ride was about 27mi, with a late lunch stop toward the end. The second ride was a much faster 20mi ride on the rail trail. Slow speeds still, but we were pushing the fat tires on mountain bikes, with a stiff breeze and some really wet, squishy and slow spots on the trail.

Swimming:
Swimming rocks! I got the Total Immersion MP4 vids, and put them on a DVD for my brother-in-law. I will use them as a technique review, and work on perfecting my stroke. He will use them (hopefully) to learn how to swim, without drowning.

Weight loss:
As of this morning, I am officially down 5 lbs. Still have not broken into the 130's, but I am hoping that a lean eating day today, and a nice run tonight will allow me that moral boost for my official weekly weigh in day tomorrow.

Cheers,
Kurt

Golden Boy

I may be getting a running partner soon!

We have been on the waiting list with Golden Retriever Rescue In Nebraska (GRRIN) for a few months. They have a dog that we are considering, and going to meet tomorrow. He's 5yrs old, and very gentle. He has also been craving more attention and exercise. He will get an abundance of both at our house! As long as he is good with the kids at the meeting, I think he will be our new doggy!!! 

Brewing wise, I finally got to brew a week ago. My good friend Josh came down and we brewed a split batch of wheat beer. Half of it was brewed as a traditional German Hefewiezen, with noble hops and WLP300 yeast. The other half was brewed more like Blue Moon, with orange peel, coriander and American Hops, with WLP320 yeast. The primary fermentation was much more vigorous with the WLP300, and I'm very happy about that. I'm hoping that the "Blue Moon" comes out with very low yeast character, to let the adjuncts shine through. I'm letting them sit for another week, and then I will keg them. I might drag them up to a warm spot in the house, and let the yeast clean up the beer. If the weather cooperates, I will cold crash them in the garage.

Things are going pretty good in the training dept. Getting back into the swing of things swimming wise makes me feel like I'm actually "training". While my son is at pre-school, I take my little girl to play in the child care area at the YMCA (she LOVES it), and I hit the pool. My stamina is nearly non existent, and my form needs some touch up. My brother-in-law goes with me, and he makes me look like an Olympian. He would drown if he had to swim farther than 50yds. With this in mind, I went ahead and ordered the Total Immersion DVD, partly for me, and mostly for him. I'll have him swimming great in a month with that technique. He is really willing to learn, and is starting from square one. I wouldn't be surprised if he became a really good swimmer this summer. Talking him into a triathlon with an OWS might be a different story. He doesn't like deep water. At all! I tried to get him to tread water in the deep end (6'6"), and he wouldn't go further in than about the 5' spot. It will be interesting to see how he progresses. 

I'm 5lbs down from my starting weight a month ago. I feel better than I have in a couple years too. I'm really excited for summer....or spring at least. The 60deg weather the last few days really helped my cabin fever. I fear winter will rear it's ugly head again soon though. Feb is still in the heart of winter, and March can have some of the biggest snow storms. We'll see.

-Kurt