With just four months to go until IRONMAN Arizona (November 18, 2018), I'm pretty happy with my training. I am regularly swimming 1-1.5 miles, running double-digit miles, and biking -- oh, let me tell you.

I had my bike (2014 Cannondale Synapse) re-fit for time-trial/triathlon -- this basically involves raising the seat post and moving the saddle forward, lowering the bars, and adding aero bars. In the couple of weeks since the brilliant bike tech at Sports Basement took care of this, my cycling performance has gotten so much better. The higher/forward seating position activates the quads and glutes in a way that both gives me more power, and saves more for the run which follows. And the lowered front and aero bars put me into a much more aerodynamic position, which means less wind resistance. These combined will give me a better, faster, smoother bike segment for the IRONMAN.

Aero bars and CatEye bike computer on the hard-working Cannondale Synapse

Okay, so training is going well, what else? Well, it's time to close out my Team in Training fundraising season. It's early for my event, but since I'm part of the national fundraising team -- with a common schedule -- I have to close it out now. And that means I need your help. If you have a family member or a friend or co-worker who has been touched by blood cancer, you know what the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society does. From funding vital research, to developing treatments, to supporting patients and their families. It's an immense effort, it does a ton of good, and it costs money. 

Please hit the Donate Now link on this page and support this cause. Your donations are tax-deductible, and if your employer offers charity matching, you can potentially double your impact.

Thank you, and GO TEAM!

How to know you're officially In Training:

Your official IRONMAN Arizona "In Training" shirt arrives!

As seen hanging on the Wall of Bling

The 2018 Team in Training IronTeam season kicks off on January 6 -- and I'd love to have some significant progress on that $2,000 fundraising goal before then. There are only a few days left to donate and earn that 2017 tax deduction!

Over the past six years, since 2012, you have helped me raise more than $12,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's groundbreaking mission of blood cancer research and patient care. Along the way, I've met and conquered ever-increasing challenges, from my first half-marathon to my first marathon, from my first Olympic triathlon to my first IRONMAN 70.3.

Now it's time for the next step in my journey: I'm taking on the full IRONMAN 140.6, coming up in November. With nearly a year of lead time, I expect to train hard and finish strong, representing LLS and TnT all along the way. And here's where you can help once again: my fundraising goal for this season is $2,000. Will you help me reach that goal?

Thank you as always, and GO TEAM!