It has been a little quiet here at Outside San Diego.  This is mainly due to the fantastic weather, and the endless opportunities to explore.  I just came home from a wonderful jaunt in the Sierras, that nourished both body and soul (more about it this week).  Despite the quiet, things are going to get real busy.  My oldest daughter and I will be headed to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City in just a week.   We will be reporting live from the show via daily posts,  as well as live updates via Twitter at outsidesd.  Be sure to follow to get all the new info directly from the show floor.  I have 3-days chock full of appointments from all of the best outdoor gear companies.  To get a overall view on the show,  search Twitter with #orsm09 to get more on information than you ever imagined.

After a few blips in the road,  I will be announcing the winners for the Stanley Water Bottles,  and the contest in conjunction with 4alloutdoors on Monday.  On Tuesday I will be introducing the biggest giveaway in the history Outside San Diego.  If you like to be outside, check back on Tuesday.

As my 40th birthday appraoches in  under a year,  I began planning for my midlife crisis.  I figured I have a choice between buying a Porche,  and giving everyone the immpression that I am trying to compensate for something,  or I could challenge myself in ways I previously thought immposible.  After much consideration, and some not so gentle chiding form my wife, I am beggining traing for my first ever triatholon at some point in the first four months of 2010.   As I slowly began to emerge from the sedintary shell that marked my early 30’s,  new vistas opened up as to my capabilities.  I would have never even considered setting a goal of competing in a triathlon, but I believe that my mind and heart are up to the challenge,  and where there is a will, the body will follow.  The running is a particular challenge as I have never been very capable.  I am now coming to realize that it is as much mental as it is physical,  and by training enough, and wanting enough I will suceed.  Stay tuned for regular updates on my progress.

As always Outside San Diego will bring you quality gear reviews, gear bargains, trip reports, and news fro San Diego, Southern California and beyond.