Lake Geneva

September 3, 2014

The Most Beautiful Run Ever?

I’ve been recuperating. My first Ironman had me floating for a few weeks, this one dragged me through the mud.

A 350 meter swim was the only exercise I’ve had since the race . . . until today.

I’m in Wisconsin, and will be on the sidelines with my video camera for Ironman if anyone is looking. But today, I’m in Lake Geneva, potentially the best kept secret in the US.

It is absolutely beautiful and allegedly Al Capone’s weekend getaway spot. The homes on this lake are absolutely breathtaking and there is a public trail that runs through the backyard of each right along the lake.

I found out the trail, which goes the entire way around the lake is 21 miles long. There was a part of me (a very small part) that considered ripping off the whole deal, but part of the reason I came here was to get back in touch with moderation. I opted for about 5 miles.

Surprisingly, my legs felt alive as they glided across the crushed cinder, grass, dirt, and stone. There is ample shade, and nice little hills to keep you honest. There are roots and single tracks with overhanging trees, then perfectly manicured lawns that beg you to take off your shoes.

Let me tell you, this is one of those trails that screams, “Keep going!” Every corner offers a surprise and a stunning view of this picturesque lake. I simply can’t remember a more beautiful run in all of my runs. I may have to come back tomorrow.

If you’re convinced and have a couple million laying around, I’ve done some leg work for you.

[follow_me]

September 10, 2013

I'm Still Alive #IMWI

Ironman Wisconsin is in the books and was the thrill of a lifetime. I’m kicking back at the family cottage near Lake Geneva and this is the most gratifying recovery I could imagine. just sitting on the deck with a warm breeze after a morning swim. It may be a couple days but I have dozens of blogs percolating in my head. Thanks for following the journey. Crushing Iron has just begun. I

October 22, 2012

The Fab Five Plus One

So here we were again. Sitting around a table at Calypso Cafe talking about how awesome we are, but this time, our coach was on hand to keep us in check.

Kevin showed up with a big smile and belly full of beer. Daniel had paint on his face and looked mildly like a warrior. Jim sat across from me wearing shades indoors while reading the menu. Mark was late from his rock climbing class and I sported my new mustache. If nothing else, the Fab Five make for an interesting story.

Just to give you an idea of how these guys operate, here’s a workout summary from today:
Mark – P90x, 16 mile run, rock climbing
Jim – P90x, 16 mile run, antiquing
Daniel – P90x, 5K Color Run for the ladies
Kevin – A solid 6 hour training day that included at least two bars and 3-4 bar stool changes
Mike – Winterized the pool, ran over to neighbors

I think our new coach, Robbie, was intrigued by the challenge that sat around him plowing down Caribbean food and defending their training strategies.

“By the time training starts in January, you should be able to swim 2,000 yards,” said the coach as we all shook our heads with mouthfuls of beans.

He went on to say, “I’m big on bike training.”

“Mmmhhmm…” chomp chomp.

“Any questions?”

Kevin chimed in, “Yeah, is it possible to overtrain?”

“Absolutely, it’s better to be undertrained than overtrained.”

I stared in Mark’s direction, just to make sure he heard that.

“What???” he asked.

“Nothing.”

Coach gave us a few inside angles on how to handle Ironman Wisconsin. He also confirmed the rumor that during the swim dead bodies have been known to float to the surface with all the commotion. This, of course creeps everyone out, but I have something else at stake. That dead body could be someone I know! Maybe that long lost buddy from high school who went ice fishing only never to be seen again. There’s nothing like bumping into an old/dead friend in Lake Monona to freak you into a record swim time.

Robbie suggested we take a road trip next summer to get familiar with the bike course, which was greeted with clinking bottles of beer. “Here here, road trip!” I volunteered the family cabin in Lake Geneva and flashed back to the legendary bachelor parties I have thrown in my mom’s favorite place on earth. If we do end up getting a stripper this time, it will likely be low key and she’ll have to be done with her show by 8 so we can go to bed.

The evening ended with a promise to do our documentary interviews next weekend and a Pearl Jam “10” like raised hand pre-game explosion. “Let’s go!”

And go we did.

Kevin and Jim went back to 3 Crow Bar. Daniel went to scrub the paint off of his face. I came here to write this. Mark went to Tae Kwon Do class.