Bockel is Back: On Winning Challenge Denmark.

Pre-Melbourne Update

Update: Bronze, Boats, and Bavaria

Summer has finally come to Europe, at the relief of all of the frozen Europeans who have been suffering through one of the longest winters ever. It is sunny here and very very hot–which will be great preparation for my upcoming race in Roth!

Since my last update, I raced at 70.3 Florida and placed 3rd (I had to scurry to get points after my flat tire in St. Croix two weeks before), and then we flew straight out to Europe on the same day as the race. We then landed in pretty cold conditions in Luxembourg, so I booked another flight straight to Spain so I could escape the rain (even if it is just for a few days, I really don’t like training in the freezing cold rain, and it is a risk for my health before big races). After a quick trip to Spain, I flew back into Luxembourg and then drove down to Belfort, France for the ITU World Champs. The conditions were so horrible that the race was turned into a duathlon (as a lot of the races in Europe have been). I ended up placing 3rd after a long and hard battle through the elements. Take a look at Facebook for photos–the pictures are worth a thousand words there.

So, after that mission was complete, I headed over to the Black Forest to spend some time letting my legs recover a bit.  It was much needed and very much enjoyed.  I took this little video to update you guys from one of the lakes there… the Titisee.  Funny name, but nice place.

Now training is in full swing as I prepare for Challenge Roth!  I am really excited to start there–and have been able to train on the course quite a bit.  I have been enjoying the German fare as well (see HERE).  I will spend the next few weeks in Luxembourg and Roth, hammering in the kms before my second highlight of the year, on July 14th in Roth.  Check back soon for more updates… lots of new exciting things in the pipeline.

Ironman Cozumel: The Official Report

My last race in Cozumel didn’t go exactly as planned but I am glad that it’s now in the past and I am enjoying my off time after a long and successful season.

My final race was supposed to give me at least a minimum of a Top 4 in order to “validate” my IM requirements and earn the necessary points for the Kona qualification system. I am at around a 1500 points short and that result would have taken care of it Continue reading →