Tri Key West 2019

This was the third year ( in December) in a row my wife and I and friends went to Key West for a triathlon #TriKW. In 2017,  the race was canceled due to lightning and rain storms. In 2018, the swim conditions were absolutely nuts. Elite athletes were pulled from the Atlantic Ocean waters at Higgs Beach. Total white caps and windy as heck.

This year our patience paid off. All aspects of the race were superb. Calm and warn ocean, very light winds on bike, and warm but not too hot running weather. The KW Tri  sprint is a race I do side by side with my wife, Jeanine. She tolerates my training and race schedule. Its the least I can do and the right thing to do. I know she feels comfortable with me as she does not race as often as I do, not even close. and she likes me to push her LOL. Marital bonding I call it. Last years swim was a challenge and I know she was scared to death. She did really well for not traing much.

This years trip was with the Marino's , Denny Kane and Ellie, the Howards (stacey just missed third by 10 secs), the Marriners (third place relay), and the Deams (although we didnt see them much). There's a local swim group (Key West Sunrise Swim Club) that hosts a practice swim and other swims while we are there. Taz is the leader and full of knowledge and experience.

There is no doubt we plan to return in 2020. The eating and drinking is so much fun. I will say that I don't think I would ever buy a place there but i can certainly handle a week or two at a time. we usually stay for 5 days. I always feel like I gained 5 pounds while there. My favorite is the Agave Tequila Bar and the small plates Santiago's Bodega, Blue Heaven, Salute, and the Banana Cafe. if you have Trip Advisor I post it on there - look for my account IronMayor.

If you haven't been to KW, try it ! Join us in 2020 for the triathlon !

Holiday Tree Lighting and Reindeer Run

We tried something new in Wildwood Crest this year. Last night we hosted our Holiday tree lighting event along Sunset Lake. The weather was cold and windy but overall it was awesome. The Crest had a tree lighting event back in the early 2000's in my first term.

This years event brought some wellness initiatives as we brought in the Reindeer Run, a 2.25 mile run with reindeer antlers and glow neckglaces. I must say it was awesome run throughout the Borough. We are trying to win the state NJ wellness award.

Thank you runners !

Get Stronger - Get Faster - Do Yoga

So late last year Stone Harbor Yoga offered a special class for our Tri club. I knew that my tight bulky self needed to stretch more. Our instructor, Stef DeSatnick and also owner of the studio, taught the class.

Having tried yoga before at various places, I always walked away with the idea that yoga was not for me. Earthy people doing earthy things pretty much summed it up. I walked into the SH Yoga studio with that same mind set. When I left the class I openly admitted I was wrong. I didn’t know it was a hot class and I didn’t know it was a flow class. I didn’t know there were push-ups and crunches and stretching my body in areas I use often for disciplines of triathlon. I was challenged and I loved it .


So flash forward to 2019 year. I tried to maintain going to SHY at least a 1-2 time a week sometimes  3x. You can take what you need at every class. Sometimes harder sometimes easier. And never the same thing. Here’s the positive : I have medaled more this year than ever in racing. Swim is better-bike is better and run is better. I have not been sick for over a year (sweating out the toxins) and mental focus is on point.


I strongly recommend going to hot yoga as part of your life and training. It will make you better all around. I was a non- believer and proved to be wrong. I suggest Stone Harbor Yoga and Stef (all instructors are good and different ). And when you do remember who told you !
Namaste !