Happy trails...saying 'Bye' to EN

Mike Hedman

 Hi everyone,

I'm ready to move on to a new stage in my life, though I don't know (at all!) what the future holds for me.  But I'm pretty sure I won't be training to be competitive in long course triathlon, so June will be my last month with EnduranceNation.

Many years ago I raced in my first full iron race, and realized I was nowhere near prepared.  I did some looking around online, and found some solid training plans from some guy named Rich.  My next race was at CdA, and I did much better, but I knew I could take my ironman racing to another level.  Fortunately, right at the same time, Rich (and some guy named Patrick) decided that they could take their coaching to another level.  Shortly afterwards, a small group of us started what would come be called "out-season" training. 

Since then I've piled up a number of great memories.  Camping at Wildflower, being part of a real team at my second trip to CdA, making the "I Got a Feeling" video for the run challenge a couple years back, and this year's writing "EN" in six mile high letters during a marathon run.

But of course, what I'll remember the most are the people who have banged around these forums over the years.  I have never before encountered such a collection of people with so much drive, humor, knowledge, and kindness.  Because of my life here at home, I train pretty much 100% by myself - but with EN, I never felt "alone".  There was always someone to say "great workout!", or to offer a shoulder when the damn injury just wouldn't heal, and someone to describe how hard they worked today - driving me to want to try that hard tomorrow.

Many of you have heard me babble about the Desert RATS race...well, it happened two weeks ago, and it was an incredible experience.  I STRONGLY recommend this race to any and all.  It will change your life.  If you're interested, here's my Race Report:

blog.mikehedman.com/desert-rats-2011

I will miss you all greatly.

Rich and Patrick, thanks for the guidance, and for carving out this little slice of the internet for us all to come together.

Mike

 

 

 

Chris G

I demand that you may only leave if you write out "I am giving notice that I hereby resign from EN" in letters at least 5 miles tall 

On a more serious note, it has been very nice playing with you the last several years.  And thank you as always for making what I do seem "reasonable".  God speed on your new adventures.  I am sure that we will be in touch.

chris malone

Good luck, Mike.
Here's to the rest of your journey!

pgiesin

Best of luck Mike on where-ever your journey may lead you. I am certain with your drive and determination it will be a success regardless of what it is.

Brad Loescher

Good luck with your next stage. You will be missed.

Brad

Tom Glynn

Thanks for being part of EN for all these years! Great stories and advice (especially the Ininji socks!). Best of luck on life's next adventures.

Steve West

Mike,

We never got a chance to meet but I really enjoyed cheering you on for your live video FTP test this past winter. Good luck in your endeavours - where ever they take you.

Steven

Barbara Spitler

Mike, best of luck to you in whatever endeavors you have ahead! I will indeed, read your race report of Desert Rats! You have been such a supportive, wise, member. We will certainly miss you! Godspeed!

Steven Ford

Good Luck and we will see you around I am sure

Gordon Cherwoniak

Mike,

Good luck in the new adventures in your life.  I'm only sorry that we won't get the stories and race reports anymore.

Gordon

Coach Patrick

Mike, it's been said, and we've emailed, but THANKS for all you did for EN. Many don't know you created the Member Map concept and helped us import our smilies and much much more. Happy Trails to you!