I dont shop much these days, not as much as I used to at least, nor as much as I should. But did earlier, always on the rush, never quite knowing what I really need -but with some general impression - nor quite where to find everything I think could aid hunger and optimal health - and then finally, never quite sure on all I have in the basket - until checkout. Figure to tempt checkout tonight.

On the sunrise horizon (too short a night) the trip to Brazil has ambushed my training time line a little, but excited to be heading back to Rio de Janeiro next week Tuesday. Only a 17hour commute, which seems to manageable compared to the States. And time zone change is a little less. Second attempt at Xterra Brazil - new venue though. Little play time, and get back on the Monday 31st.

A few days in Bosch, before another weekend in Natal - complete with chain breaker and master link this time. Have planned to connect with a few guys who'd apparently like to meet and do a long ride, which should be a treat, and then race on the 6th at the 3rd Jeep Apparel Multisport Race at Nagle Dam. Felt like such a clown, again, last weekend. Perplexed how I navigated hazardous mistakes through seven races in the States without misfortune? Twas the third multisport event in Natal I'd hashed in a total amature fashion. One last year, and two this season. Alas. Cheers to better days. One of the things I love about racing, the promise of a better day, never far off. Its half the life blood of us athletes, that form of reality escape, ever lifting one's gaze to the future.

That leaves me with two weeks of quality training in Spring time Stellenbosch, before returning States side for 5 weeks, 2 races, and 1 big goal - Maui. My mother dearest celebrates a significant birthday September 19th, and I have decided to hang for it. Which leaves a short week to get to Ogden, Utah, for the USA Series Final on the 27th. Am thinking midst my new found NYC infatuation that I may travel only to the East Coast, settle for two days, and then migrate further West to the Ogden, and drive from there back to Truckee for three and a half weeks of altitude tuning before Xterra World Champs in Maui.

As you gather, I've not finalised the travel and am leaving it well late, somewhere on the 'desperately must do list".

Fancy the idea of travelling back the other way round the globe, and stopping in Tokyo on return from Maui. Wonder if such a ticket would be possible? Great thought though. Been wanting to get there for a while. Either way, that gets me to early November. Gary I have discussed trying to keep it going a little more than last year to have better form and more racing options locally through the summer. Would very much like to do the Hell and Back; a 2day mtb event near Oudshorn on the 9th, and then attempt a 4th win at the Triple Challenge on the new date weekend of the 15th. Out of character, but considering joining the 2XU lads round the Double Century end November.

And thats all the stern checkout girl bills me for on the race pile.

Why did I just finish the 2l Ginger Beer? Oh dear. Might haunt me in the sack just now. Oh well. In that context, still very much enjoying being home. Many small flavours and smells and conveniences that shape my time here. Stellenbosch is visually so striking with greenery through the blackened hillsides many a perfect winters day. But the fronts are rolling through too, and weights the 'restday convictions' in the wrong direction. Not been on the farm as much as I'd like. Still flat hunting in Bosch. Time to trade the Principality of Mon Desir. So good to be indulging at Greengate - big news on the greengate horizon - blog post soon, and much enjoyed time with Naude at Eden Health - but been so stiff, and Pilates is always a treat. But I have learnt the distant longing thereof is more romantic than the actual 1h class...

Sponsorship side has me really excited. All seems well, and have new kit with Luma in the pipeline which has me amped. Something different. Seems I'll have a major opportunity with Tropitone, in trying to position the brand in the sports arena in South Africa. The first time a brand would like to use my identity as much. Seems the latest cover on Runners World and the article inside has been received well. Hope you read it. I sure havent. Dont have the bravery for it, and can only hope it was heavily edited. Anyhow, I owe my dreamGivers an update (also on that list...), but otherwise all rosy.

Mmm, the checkout girl is polite, but suggests subtly I dont have enough sleep in my basket. In the context of the desert and wholesome goodness and all. So will stop it at that, and leave my play time checkout for a rainy day. Thanks for wading through all that, am not even going to myself to edit all the mistakes... You're more loyal than I. I.