Viva Las Vegas!

Hello again

So, for the past week I've been on a business trip to a small town in Nevada; Las Vegas. Also known as, The Land of Distraction and The Hottest Place on Earth. Clearly this has lead to my training schedule having to be a little flexible. So far, here is what I've learned:

Drink water. Like an insane amount of water, even if it's an off day. There is no moisture here, only heat and sunlight.

Yes, you read that correctly...it says 106 degrees.

Run inside. There isn't enough SPF in Nevada that would protect my Irish skin from this oven. Luckily, Nellis AFB has an incredible inside track, because I hate treadmills. 

Use the spin bikes. There are a couple different bikes in your average gym, and the one I have found to be the best is the spin bike. It's not as good as your own bike, but they can be adjusted in so many ways, you can get the geometry pretty close to your bike.

Craps. Always bet the odds when the pucks on the four or the ten because it pays out double. (Most important tip)

So, I've missed a workout here and there, but I've kept up with it the best I can. One good sign is, with the workouts I have done, I have felt really strong.

But enough about me. Drum roll please.. The donation site is up and running! That's right ladies and gentlemen, it's time to start choosing your miles, and getting some triathlon equipment for the awesome kiddos at The Methodist Home.

We're already 10% of the way to our goal of $2,000!
Special thanks to:
Katie, Benny, *Rowan, Mom, the Eds, Derrick, Patty & Gary for sponsoring a total of 16 miles!

*Baby Rowan was born premature at 24 weeks, on May 24th.  Support his family & follow his journey here.  I will be biking mile 24 in honor of Rowan.

Rachel, Maria & Chris for donating 2 sets of swim gear!

Here's the link to the page: https://www.crowdrise.com/ironman4methodistchildrenshome/fundraiser/jeffnorris

Thanks guys! Talk to you soon!
Jeff
"There's a jungle cat in the bathroom!" Alan

Race Recap and More!

Hello Internet world!

This past Saturday I did the Rock 'N Rollman Sprint Triathlon. This was supposed to be an easy practice race. I wasn't going go all out or anything. Just a nice easy race to start the season. Then the gun went off and that all went out the window and my competitive side came out. Oh well.. Here's what happened!

750m swim: The swim went pretty well. Once in the water I realized I was surrounded by people who were swimming like they had never seen water before. So I navigated around the hurricane of swinging hands and kicking feet and headed towards the front. Someone actually ran directly into me from the side. Like he hit me at 90 degrees. I don't even know how that was possible. Anyway, the last half of the swim went swimmingly and I finished with a time of 15:41

T1 (The transition area between the swim and the bike) I quickly grabbed my homemade energy fuel first and took a big swig. Delish. Sort of. Then threw on the helmet and shoes and rolled out.

15 Mile bike. Hills. Hills. Hills. I would survive the uphills and go as fast as possible downhills. As much as I don't like hills, I know that Louisville will be full of them, so I started to "embrace the suck" as they say. I ended up finishing the bike in 48:14.

T2 (the transition between bike and run) To be honest I don't remember this transition. But surely it happened.. Oh wait I remember now, and don't call me Shirley.

5k run (3.1 miles for you 'Mericans) Again, I have nothing to prove, just finish these three miles, have some pizza and go home. Then I saw a guy in my age group and I knew I had to beat him.. We were neck and neck for nearly the whole race until about two hundred yards out I pulled away. We talked after the race and he was actually an awesome guy. If it wasn't for him, I prolly would've slacked the whole run. Thanks Ben! 22:40

All in all the race was an absolute blast and I ended up placing second in my age group. Everyone was happy, then I got a text from my brother that said , "If you ain't first, you're last." Thanks for bringing me back down Scott.

So more on the Methodist Home. There is a couple right now who are biking across the country (yes you heard that right) in an effort to raise money for the Methodist Home. It is pretty awesome that people are willing to do that type of thing to raise some support and awareness. I highly recommend you check out their page right here.

Well that's about it. I'm still training out in a small town in Nevada. Plenty of distractions here, but so far so good! Till next time!

Jeff

"Is this hotel pager friendly?" Alan, The Hangover.