I can’t believe I am leaving again. So soon.Actually, it was a great break – I was able to do some work, be with my wife, and get recharged for the most important meet of the year. I got back to Madison and unpacked immediately so that the stay at home felt a little bit longer. I took a couple of days off and did not get back on the track until the Monday after Stockholm. Those little breaks are nice every now and then. The house was a wreck when I left (we were remodeling the kitchen), but it looked so good when I got home; Michelle handled the situation so well. To finish up the downstairs I wanted to paint the hallway next to the kitchen. I had sat on my ass for six weeks so I was ready to take on a project. We picked one color together, looked terrible. I picked a second color. Michelle let me go with it, but once it was on the wall she hated it. We chose yet another color. Long story short, five coats of paint later I got a project done. Sweet! I have to admit that it looks way better than what I chose. With the house looking good, we had some friends over for a BBQ. It was great to have everyone around, just shooting the breeze and catching up. Time is going by slow, which is good. I try to get up pretty early to not waste the day away sleeping. Michelle and I just laid low and spent some quality time together the rest of the week.
Things have been going great on the track. The best I have felt in a while. The best workout was with (Jonathon) Riley on Friday. We did [600 / 100 jog / 300] X 3. The times were 1:27/44; 1:26/43; 1:23/41. Everything felt pretty comfortable and I am really looking forward to Worlds now (not like I wasn’t before)! I know I am fit and ready to go. I’m pretty damn excited.
As my departure day gets closer, I’ve realized how nice the last couple of days have been. Michelle and I have been making my favorite meals because I have no idea what to expect over in Japan. I am pretty open to food so I don’t think it should be too bad. I was a good husband and helped clean house so it shouldn’t have to be done again until I get back. I mowed the lawn, although it will need another one in a few days because of all the rain we’ve been getting (sorry Michelle). She got off easy when I was in Europe because we were basically in drought mode in Madison; the grass didn’t seem to grow at all. She may have to mow a couple of times while I am gone now. I starting packing much earlier this time around and, I must say, I did a much better job of not bringing too much stuff. I have been trying to make phone calls, keeping in touch with everyone before I take off, but with that and typing up these entries I am running out of time. I still need to look up how to pronounce some Japanese greetings, but other than that, I’m ready. I’m looking forward to it and, at three weeks, this trip will be much easier!
