Here in Barcelona.

Ok, so both Jen and I made it to Barca. After a week stay in our small apartment we managed to come across a good one (photos soon) in only the first day of looking. So we were please. At 700Euros/month we were happy to find one in our budget .......yeah I know, this is about 1400 aussie per month! So pretty pricey around BCN.
We have been walking alot and looking around the city. It is big, busy and hot. I regards to BarcelonaFit, we are making inroads. After a hiccup a couple of days ago when we thought the BCN marathon was put back to October 2006 and nothing before, we we looking down the barrel of moving our sorry butts to Madrid. Something we didn't want to do. After getting a train ticket (the trip would last all night), we got news that there are actually 2 marathons in 2006. On in March and another in October. So we are pleased and may even work both if we are doing alright. We are struggling in understanding the Espanol (and Catalyn around these parts), but we are getting into classes this week.
Write more soon.

As close as I can get to a cat.....this is Sabre 

Out at STIR with a few mates....Ryan Botha (L) and Marc Rodriques (R). 

Ok, off to the White River we go.

Jen and I are heading 3 hours East of Fayetteville today to get to the White River. It is a long trip for such a short amount of time we are going to be there and we hope it is worth it. I am just running about 10 miles/week for a couple of weeks, then will hopefully get the urge to get back into it while in Barcelona. Photos of camping are coming....

We are waiting to head off....

Ok, so the latest is that we are trying to get everything organized before we get on the plane to head to Barcelona. The date is just about set for travel on the 21st June. Both Jen and I are pretty excited about it all and after reading alot of the details about the USAFit program we are more confident about what we are doing. We are in Fort Smith, AR, staying with Jen's parent until we leave. We're trying to stay fit and do some exercise each day, but some days slip by!!! arh well, we are trying..... The sun is out most days, so we catch up on the sun-baking skills at least. All is well and we are working hard to get to Spain with everything we need.....

Boulder Boulder 2005. What a hard race! I felt I let the Aussie team (Andrew Letherby & Kim Gillard) down. I hope I can redeam myself next year....if I am invited back! Great experience at racing at the ass-kicking altitude of Boulder, Colorado. 

Is that the wounded Eagle? 

A nice church in Eureka Springs 

After Springfield, Jen and I went up to Eureka Springs, AR. It is about 60mins away and we had a good 1/2 day of looking around the shops. 

Springfield Race

Went up to Springfield, MO last night for the Bass Pro 5km road race. Jennifer came with me of course and did her job as looking after me for the race day. I am not sure how she likes the 6am wake up calls, but sure her teaching days have given her alot of practise.
So I felt alot better than Little Rock and really wanted to run well leading into Boulder Boulder next week. I won in a time of 14:38 which is a little slower than last week. I reckon the course may have been a little long, as it felt stronger and faster than LR. Oh well, I walked away with $500, a nice trophy, and Jen walked away with a nice pair of running shoes.
After an easy drive home, although we were both very tired, Jen and I rested all afternoon. Then we went out with Jens parents and sister for dinner. All in all a good day.

The local bike race last week in Fayetteville proved to be a good way to see some live action and kill a few hours on Sunday. The guy in 3rd actully won...I think. 

Doing nothing these days....

So, school is out and I am done. Now what next? Ummmm, not sure, but have a few things in the pipeworks. Jen is subing at the local highschool in Springdale this week, which gives her a little money and something to do during these long summer days. My left leg is starting to get better mainly due to the fact that I am icing it alot. Hopefully it isn't playing up for the race this weekend in Springfield, MO.

Jennifer enjoying some chocolate coated strawberries.....they were yummy indeed 

Jen had a friend's wedding last week, so I tagged along and got some snaps....it was fun and was a really small church, but pretty quaint. 

Little Rock

Ok, got back from Little Rock last night. Raced the 5km down there, got 2nd in 14:30 odd (4:40/9:35). Pretty sour about the race, but it was a nice trip down there with Jen. We stayed in a local hotel and got up early for the 8am start. I didn't feel like I was in good shape after 2 miles, but as I was 5th going into the final 400 I thought that I should start sprinting! So i picked up a bit of pace and got into 2nd, but the finish line got there before I could get first. I picked up a little cash, but only turned in about $150USD profit. Nothing much, but better than training at home.
I will now focus my daily energies into getting susies (my sister) training up and going again as she is a little bored with training lately. Hopefully she can be ready for the half marathon on the 22nd.
As for me, I have another 5km in Springfield, MO, next weekend and then Jen and I head to Boulder Boulder 10km so that I can join Andrew Letherby and Kim Gillard for the Australian team. Will I run good? doubt it, but anything around 30:30 will be a good run @ that altitude.
Photos are coming.....