I have been training the past several months in preparation for an Ironman triathlon to be held on June 29, 2003, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It is a qualifying event for the championships in Kona. It will be my first Ironman length event. Although I have participated in several shorter triathlons over the past six years and am comfortable doing those, this event is, by its nature intimidating. During the course of my training I have become much stronger. I am now beginning to increase the intensity of the training. I have to be careful not to overtrain as well. This is an exciting process and one that I am enjoying very much. I will begin posting my thought on my training and preparation for the event. Periodically, when the mood strikes, I will post on some current event as well.

Regarding the space shuttle Columbia....I don't think I would start out on a cross country trip today in a 20 year old car. This tragedy should be a catalyst for rethinking where our space exploration money should be spent.