tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70054402946383728352024-02-02T02:17:22.029-08:00Ian Mikelson TriathleteIANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-72275460105720266462012-12-12T14:23:00.000-08:002012-12-12T14:23:17.646-08:00Downtime<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The 2012 season is behind me. It has been a little over three weeks since I raced Ironman Arizona, and I now find myself in this somewhat strange place of feeling like that was an eternity ago, yet at the same time, yesterday.<br />
<br />
I will be totally honest and say that I haven't come close to solidifying my race schedule for next year. My mind and life has been occupied with many other things. Spending time with friends and family that I haven't seen in quite a while has been great. A truly refreshing relief and pleasure.<br />
<br />
My "offseason training" has been pretty unfocused. And I have enjoyed that. I have been spending time back up in my hometown and getting back to my where I planted my "roots" in endurance sports. I have really enjoyed getting back to some runs with my old running group, Club Ed, and having great conversations with the friends I've met there over the years.<br />
<br />
Swimming has been pretty much non-existent. I think I've been in the water four or five times since Arizona. This is both because I wanted to give my shoulder a bit of a break to rest and recuperate, and because I simply haven't wanted to swim. And my overarching rule this off season is "If I don't want to do it. DON'T!" So I haven't.<br />
<br />
I have however, been riding quite a bit. No time goals, no watts to hit, no planned routes; just ride with friends and enjoy the scenery. I am actually surprised at how much time I've spent in the saddle. But it's time I have wanted to spend, so I have.<br />
<br />
With that, I will leave you with some photos from my first ride on my TT bike and first over three hours since IMAZ. A fantastic day in LA with a good friend and incredible scenery.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3758yBbRMFqToBfCOJrlK47j3tZ38noebEFnpQhbhQiTxRnxtwQQs2T4Rv7fm7qKAF0Au_cG04vy_i02lxRib_yyUHQhjLTj4K_M_25iDhMXRjh6KZACSfnvaakopmqFlq4WmbaXsok8d/s1600/Latigo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3758yBbRMFqToBfCOJrlK47j3tZ38noebEFnpQhbhQiTxRnxtwQQs2T4Rv7fm7qKAF0Au_cG04vy_i02lxRib_yyUHQhjLTj4K_M_25iDhMXRjh6KZACSfnvaakopmqFlq4WmbaXsok8d/s400/Latigo1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a bit up one of the more famous climbs in LA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQAb7UgSPU0/UMkBmyoHQVI/AAAAAAAABbY/WqmhOIOYu8s/s1600/Latigo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQAb7UgSPU0/UMkBmyoHQVI/AAAAAAAABbY/WqmhOIOYu8s/s400/Latigo2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snaking Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCOjoYVNlgSzupaU8NwoO-aa1iS-KncPTTDMo0KJNX-DarMgdjtGjgQ6pcucUg0ilC00LN0rsRkcGZ5RPbJfBIlCLSZXvSzV4i7bAyJRcho5be2z59NdLtp2GZVnk8yI950tDvrgLRsWB/s1600/Latigo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCOjoYVNlgSzupaU8NwoO-aa1iS-KncPTTDMo0KJNX-DarMgdjtGjgQ6pcucUg0ilC00LN0rsRkcGZ5RPbJfBIlCLSZXvSzV4i7bAyJRcho5be2z59NdLtp2GZVnk8yI950tDvrgLRsWB/s400/Latigo4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same climb, with a little Instagram touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXAAhmF8h4gKApxGQgQG8aSnt6nK0AGdap5UfsxNyKwqPfm1itLXxjXBMsx3wWP4NsSRDqGrhSE1V9r_O6hIDap0YDcVZOFdpHHSis8d_l72-Txqawo8J11hTwWExIPzTcPLh9z_VE0kq/s1600/Latigo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXAAhmF8h4gKApxGQgQG8aSnt6nK0AGdap5UfsxNyKwqPfm1itLXxjXBMsx3wWP4NsSRDqGrhSE1V9r_O6hIDap0YDcVZOFdpHHSis8d_l72-Txqawo8J11hTwWExIPzTcPLh9z_VE0kq/s400/Latigo3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malibu is not all ocean front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ag9fH6G1QqZkw78ObisQTjkjn3xmRULXlPp2V4inuj-_wsMD5qjs1MwM1xwVZEiOQ0drISszqkSYaSaangXRbYHJrO_10cb3_SAwfss55RwA087iyQdk0q6kfcasXlcmXYwWC9LFxIhe/s1600/StuntTop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ag9fH6G1QqZkw78ObisQTjkjn3xmRULXlPp2V4inuj-_wsMD5qjs1MwM1xwVZEiOQ0drISszqkSYaSaangXRbYHJrO_10cb3_SAwfss55RwA087iyQdk0q6kfcasXlcmXYwWC9LFxIhe/s400/StuntTop.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out over the Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lW5qAQCZ7FSm8kquqPDHoUBW3hGSKAw2I4zUPFzUy4u6LJYXAHft_8B_Q77w9It8061L4L0QCtH-5BWaLJaSo_Eg-shA0_3aQhIMRAVQcIhV0c50bjaXkcb3CiucsF4foX-BTkCwROdN/s1600/LasFlores.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lW5qAQCZ7FSm8kquqPDHoUBW3hGSKAw2I4zUPFzUy4u6LJYXAHft_8B_Q77w9It8061L4L0QCtH-5BWaLJaSo_Eg-shA0_3aQhIMRAVQcIhV0c50bjaXkcb3CiucsF4foX-BTkCwROdN/s400/LasFlores.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming back down to sea level</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJskl3JDLkDKLTM37tfFSVAU6cK1ugAS5TmDLX6-9G_642zzlNCxz556Jd3r_F5VfSGpMivhogBG8Svvz1PO1yTyW-nq2kqh7zCUtsDAVIt2xRlz6WkhAivjMj0LHU4jM6fW5ueDS3Il32/s1600/SM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJskl3JDLkDKLTM37tfFSVAU6cK1ugAS5TmDLX6-9G_642zzlNCxz556Jd3r_F5VfSGpMivhogBG8Svvz1PO1yTyW-nq2kqh7zCUtsDAVIt2xRlz6WkhAivjMj0LHU4jM6fW5ueDS3Il32/s400/SM.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on the Coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7pJQHIM6U-0GM4l8kGwnv8Ul50XN_WwSmQ4fP5uy3O0vZn1ts0pbq7zrEcRSbWNTqzAaXjRjgbZ7HUQmU8z-bJK0oDkixTfakqYEnJ0P2Cu5IwQQTiegnIlG3DKZLLvuLGi_5TJw5oIz/s1600/Pier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7pJQHIM6U-0GM4l8kGwnv8Ul50XN_WwSmQ4fP5uy3O0vZn1ts0pbq7zrEcRSbWNTqzAaXjRjgbZ7HUQmU8z-bJK0oDkixTfakqYEnJ0P2Cu5IwQQTiegnIlG3DKZLLvuLGi_5TJw5oIz/s400/Pier.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Monica Pier and nearly the end of the ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-87794439229297770312012-11-21T10:21:00.001-08:002012-11-26T15:00:29.623-08:00Ironman AZ Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ironman Arizona, as I said in my previous post, is a race that I just like. After this weekend, I like it even a bit more.<br />
<br />
Arizona feels like a bit of a second home to me. I had the great fortune last year to spend well over a month enjoying the incredible generosity and hospitality of some extraordinary people and friends in Bryan and Jamie Dunn. This year they again opened their door to me prior to the race and I was able to spend a very enjoyable three days at their lovely home.<br />
<br />
TRIBE Multisport, for the third year in a row, put on a fantastic pre race party. It is a true pleasure to work with a shop and crew that really gets behind the athletes and pulls out all the stops to really enjoy the experience of an Ironman.<br />
<br />
With IM AZ being the closest Ironman to my family in LA, it was great to have my parents and older brother come out for the race. It also meant a night in a hotel only minutes from the race site to ease the race morning prep. In addition to my parents and brother my pseudo brother and life long family friend, Josh, made it out as well as my Aunt Kay and Uncle Dan. So it was up to me to make it worth their while. Here's how it went:<br />
<br />
Swim: 48: 41<br />
I had a terrible swim at Austin 70.3 and my separated shoulder had been causing me all sorts of problems since that race. My last masters workout went terribly and my back and shoulder were so tight I couldn't even finish the set. I know that when my shoulder is happy, I can swim well, but if its not, I swim like a brick. So in the final week I made sure to get some massage and serious ART work done and limited my swimming thereafter. I knew going into this race that I HAD to make the front swim group. Without a dominating bike or run, I just wouldn't be able to get myself into the mix if I didn't make the front in the swim.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the gun sounded and I found myself in a strong group rolling up the right side of the lake. I took one solid kick to the goggle which immediately filled with water, but aside from that and a few other small knocks it wasn't a terribly rough swim despite the size of the field. There were definitely some key moments where I had to really push to stick with the group or close a gap that a falling swimmer let open, but for the most part I was within my "comfortably hard" zone and just tried to focus on form and turnover. When I exited the water and saw 48:xx I was happy to know I was already on pace for a new PR.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZwnjlIhwsI/UK0HRAeR7OI/AAAAAAAABXU/uG47UXZecZA/s1600/AZSwimEx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZwnjlIhwsI/UK0HRAeR7OI/AAAAAAAABXU/uG47UXZecZA/s400/AZSwimEx.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zoot Prophet was awesome again. Warm, buoyant & flexible<br />
Photo: Kerry Yndestad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cY_rF-hLnP_xykdYyR4Sk3g4VRb_QuB28uB6GCrZcOnDgXOlGhpqCUl8srFLBpP7j4DziIh-kXQ238nnmAsOcNojGaLcyTahcnRbIn4rbfPrc1QE7RHgNA8xEFwg0IjIiTAu7XVafsR4/s1600/AZT1run.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cY_rF-hLnP_xykdYyR4Sk3g4VRb_QuB28uB6GCrZcOnDgXOlGhpqCUl8srFLBpP7j4DziIh-kXQ238nnmAsOcNojGaLcyTahcnRbIn4rbfPrc1QE7RHgNA8xEFwg0IjIiTAu7XVafsR4/s400/AZT1run.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
T1 went by in a flash and I was onto the bike just behind TJ Tollakson (read his report <a href="http://www.tollakson.com/">here</a>).<br />
<br />
BIKE: 4:24:07<br />
Heading out of town I knew I was with a strong crew of cyclists. TJ being the dominant force on the bike that he is, I knew I was going to have to work to stay with that group. In the beginning we numbered many. But soon guys began to fall off. I was working pretty hard on the outbound section of the first loop and my <a href="http://www.cycleops.com/en/products/cycling-computers/joule-gps.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=708&category_id=1">Joule</a> was telling me I was exceeding my goal wattage, so I made a decision to stick with the group to the turn. If the effort was still too high on the way back to town, I would have to let up. Fortunately, by the time we got off the B Line on the way back to town the pace had settled down some.<br />
<br />
Onto the 2nd lap again the effort picked up on the outboud (into the wind) section. I think this is a point where the group lost a few more. At the turn around, the referee moto crashed in front of me and forced a little detour through the turn. I was out of water at that point and had to grab a bottle. By the time I looked up the group had a solid gap on me and I knew it was another "make or break" moment. Coming downhill from the turn with the wind at my back, I knew it was going to be very tough to catch back up but I knew I had to. I hit the gas. This was my first opportunity to ride the new Reynolds <a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_resource=items_wheels_item&p_itm_pk=662">Aero 90</a> front wheel. It was at this moment that wheel came into its own in my mind. I've never felt it before, but the only way I can describe it is that it felt like the front wheel simply disappeared. Not like it was cutting through the wind or just rolling super smooth, but like it completely vanished. Like I was riding a bike without a wheel under me at all. It was an incredible experience. Sooner than I expected I had made it back to the group but missed special needs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BUewAOb3pGf9cP7A_VMomFJ_r5GBcgT2z0IlzO0QiyOXGPeEeDGUZGgthtdoebnqyxff8ILELTsbOHqddEGMY3eGQWk9t2ZSsVRGeimMlYh2Xj-wB7TJhY4EbB3mmuXskS6uUceM5gi3/s1600/YndeBike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BUewAOb3pGf9cP7A_VMomFJ_r5GBcgT2z0IlzO0QiyOXGPeEeDGUZGgthtdoebnqyxff8ILELTsbOHqddEGMY3eGQWk9t2ZSsVRGeimMlYh2Xj-wB7TJhY4EbB3mmuXskS6uUceM5gi3/s400/YndeBike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I knew heading into the 3rd lap, that guys were beginning to tire and this would be the key lap. The course had become clogged and you had to have your wits about you. We dropped a few more from the group early in the lap as we made our way out. Unfortunately, as we went through an aid station I found myself at the back and needing water. Once we had cleared the malay, TJ and Nils had gotten a gap. This is the one "hindsight" regret I have of my race. I am not saying I could have hung with TJ and Nils on the final lap, but this is where they got their break. Riding with Paul Matthews and Paul Amey, I knew with their running ability, they were not going to be too concerned with a little gap, thus the onus fell to me to set the pace for much of the 3rd lap. I focused on riding steady and staying within my goal watt range, no reason to blow myself up just to pull some excellent runners all the way home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn9LmgjtsI0/UK0NEkXHaMI/AAAAAAAABX0/B3KZEnmTW1o/s1600/AZRosaBike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn9LmgjtsI0/UK0NEkXHaMI/AAAAAAAABX0/B3KZEnmTW1o/s400/AZRosaBike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
RUN: 3:02:31</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I REALLY wanted to run under 3hrs on the day. Since getting my cycling back on track I have been putting more focus and energy into my running and I felt it had been showing promise. My plan was to come out of T2 and run no faster than 6:40s for the first lap. By doing so I hoped to avoid the mid run hole I found myself in at Rev3 and Augusta. Immediately I knew I had a shot at my goal. While my legs didn't feel great, I knew I hadn't shredded myself on the bike and my <a href="http://zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-ultra-tt-5-f12?category=mens%2Ffootwear">Zoot TTs</a> were ticking over well. Cadence and Fuel. That was my mantra. With Ironman switching from PowerBar gel to Gu, I wore a FuelBelt with a flask of red bull and a flask with 4 Power Gels and water. Special needs had a 2nd flask of each. Starting the second lap running past family, friends and the TRIBE tent had me fired up. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKhOmKD1LuI/UK0SiZ2Z9DI/AAAAAAAABYU/SPciZlMP02U/s1600/AZHigh5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKhOmKD1LuI/UK0SiZ2Z9DI/AAAAAAAABYU/SPciZlMP02U/s400/AZHigh5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother nearly knocked me over with that High 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I must admit some wind came out of my sails however when Tyler Butterfield passed me running a blinder. I had to remind myself, "Dude is an Olympian! It's ok. Just settle down." To my chagrin my planned 6:45-50s just didn't hold for the second lap and I managed just under 7. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL3UZVKNLcKCGzmlIepz_Pym7mugxcO9TYeDd28F4kWu_wACQCOp-SX1_1dj5oONPJFB_w-SwJJHty8YQWCHW3fa6oHsgLPrEuSAf3-FjP3-3vw449fkO2cyaSVBjsr59-5lNw_20-B7r/s1600/YndeRunlow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL3UZVKNLcKCGzmlIepz_Pym7mugxcO9TYeDd28F4kWu_wACQCOp-SX1_1dj5oONPJFB_w-SwJJHty8YQWCHW3fa6oHsgLPrEuSAf3-FjP3-3vw449fkO2cyaSVBjsr59-5lNw_20-B7r/s400/YndeRunlow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fortunately, I came around both mentally and physically at the start of the 3rd lap. I was passed again, but was sure the guy was on his 2nd lap (not so lucky), and I kept my focus. After the park on the back side I made up two spots in short order. With the multiple laps, it is always hard to know where you are. One minute someone would tell me I was in 5th, the next 8th. I had no reason not to keep running hard. Around mile 24 my good friend Justin Daerr alerted me to the fact that Starkowitz was only a bit up the road and told me to get my ass in gear. Going over the bridge I spotted him and knew I could get him. At the final aid station I made the pass and put in all I had to open a gap. It worked but I wasn't aware it had until I made the turn for the finish. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaaKbQErM40/UK0TCpdqZfI/AAAAAAAABYk/p8LihYh420g/s1600/AZFinSpread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaaKbQErM40/UK0TCpdqZfI/AAAAAAAABYk/p8LihYh420g/s400/AZFinSpread.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty stoked to see the new PR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bu_22Hbmgg/UK0TfzehxFI/AAAAAAAABYs/KvdfGDlWtF8/s1600/AZRosaMo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bu_22Hbmgg/UK0TfzehxFI/AAAAAAAABYs/KvdfGDlWtF8/s400/AZRosaMo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annnndd Done. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Total: 8:19:38<br />
<div>
A new PR by 20+ minutes and a great way to end a season. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now its time for some much needed R & R. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I need to send a special THANK YOU to my wonderful sponsors who have been so supportive this year: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ZOOT: Like I said, the Prophet was great. Cold water was no problem and I never felt even the slightest resistance from the suit. The TT 5.0 is a fantastic shoe. The perfect choice for the day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reynolds: I have never felt anything like I did with the new 90 Aero. I was amazed at that sensation and performance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SPY+: I opted to race without a visor to try and beat some of the heat in this race. The striking Arizona sun was no match for the <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=1189&colorid=3645">Screw</a> with the Green Spectra lenses. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PowerBar: 20 Power Gels, 1.5 PowerBars, 2 bottles of perform... Powered 8 hours and 19 minutes of pushing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
TRIBE MULTISPORT: Everything from pre race party, pre race maintenance, last minute needs and on course cheers. You guys did it all. Thanks so much.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-83293724957334159512012-11-13T16:02:00.000-08:002012-11-13T16:02:18.027-08:00Thats a wrap... (almost) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2012 has been a season of change.<br />
<br />
Change from an injured athlete possibly out of the sport, to an athlete coming back.<br />
<br />
Change from a group training environment, to solo hours for the largest part.<br />
<br />
Change is coaching, approach, and focus.<br />
<br />
All of those changes, I am happy to say, have been for the better both so far as my performance and state of mind are concerned. As the saying goes however, change is not easy. While I don't necessarily subscribe to the notion that we human beings, on the whole, are resistent to change, I know it does not come easy for most. Myself included. Creatures of habit we may be. Change upsets a certain rhythm of life that most endurance athletes seem to adhere to with greater resolve than others. Our routine, in some sense, becomes the life.<br />
<br />
Following my crash at Ironman Cozumel last year, a very well respected doctor, knowing the typical athlete's adherence to routine, told me I needed to mentally accept and prepare for a change to that routine, a change in my way of life. To contemplate a life without triathlon, at least at the profesional level, and thereby begin to prepare myself for such a life should it eventuate.<br />
<br />
To my relief, my shoulder proved resilient and unaffected by the rather unaesthetic protrusion it now sports. I worked at rebuilding its functionality and strength and went back into routine. Life.<br />
<br />
With my final race of the season looming this Sunday, I have come to realize that this race means more to me than I thought it would. It represents an opportunity to finish on high, a season that started so low. I raced Ironman Arizona in 2010. I have been at the race as a spectator or participant every year since 2008. It is a race that holds a certain significance with me. I am unable to exactly pin it down or explain it, but I just like the race. A great deal.<br />
<br />
So all the training is done. Hay is in the barn, all the other saying we use to describe our readiness to compete. I am excited to head out to Tempe tomorrow to see familiar faces and feel the race week buzz. I am excited to face the truly unique challenges that this great sport of Triathlon presents us with over 140.6 miles of racing. Excited to try and eclipse my previous best on this course and to do so amongst a great field of professionals, and in front of many family and friends.<br />
<br />
If you are racing this weekend enjoy yourself, your sport, your family and friends, and the opportunity to do what you love.<br />
<br />
Cheers</div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-35141882576725350352012-10-31T16:14:00.001-07:002012-10-31T16:14:37.201-07:00Austin 70.3 Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I raced Austin 70.3 in 2010 and had pretty good memories of the race. It was warm, the course was fun, and I had to dodge a HUGE bull that had gotten loose on the race course.<br />
<br />
This year things were much different. Yet much the same.<br />
<br />
Different:<br />
1. It was Frigid! 43f (6c) at the start and didn't get much warmer all to fast.<br />
2. The run course. Out went the cross country section and in came another loop.<br />
<br />
Same:<br />
1. We started in near dark.<br />
2. I had to dodge an animal on course. Granted a dog this go round, but same difference.<br />
<br />
All in all, Austin was not a very good race for me. I knew going in that with Ironman having been the focus in training, that I shouldn't expect to be all too sharp for this race. But my dullness surpassed my expectations. Only some of that was due to the conditions on the day. The rest was simply a lacking in the physical and mental department.<br />
<br />
Swim: 25:49<br />
I lined up for the swim with some guys I thought I could hang onto. From the gun I knew things were going to be tough. For reasons I am still unaware, I swam hard left while the rest of the field swam right. For the remainder of the "out leg" my internal navigator was steering the ship left. I fought it for what seemed like an eternity and while swimming like a drunken sailor, the lead groups swam away. Unfortunately we were swimming directly into the sunrise which, while beautiful for the spectators, made the task of sighting the course buoys that much more difficult.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyU7_gyVdXFL58ISwJ-d5qp6qu4s3-PxX3wbcHn1PDBeeAxxXRVoL_q9AyWHwXwoxoco6Lo0V1ubhtS1ds06XV0kwAkxJ4Xs_vyKvHPuXgKMn_6buT1Bij-qgtfO7z9UTws0co3qglap6/s1600/AustinSun.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyU7_gyVdXFL58ISwJ-d5qp6qu4s3-PxX3wbcHn1PDBeeAxxXRVoL_q9AyWHwXwoxoco6Lo0V1ubhtS1ds06XV0kwAkxJ4Xs_vyKvHPuXgKMn_6buT1Bij-qgtfO7z9UTws0co3qglap6/s400/AustinSun.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once I had charted and locked onto proper course, I was alone for the rest of the swim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbTvMVP7iienBaN0WpscOQPWLfErGBUR6m5dP5x_bqPUmaobyQmYtyMwZJVBQ0CkC29cp2h6cll-T_1NqeBaFk41yJyBO9_r4bQn4KPh8iSnAC11H-l9FQem6moWRTLm42GLEkYlGQbTr/s1600/AustinSwimExit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbTvMVP7iienBaN0WpscOQPWLfErGBUR6m5dP5x_bqPUmaobyQmYtyMwZJVBQ0CkC29cp2h6cll-T_1NqeBaFk41yJyBO9_r4bQn4KPh8iSnAC11H-l9FQem6moWRTLm42GLEkYlGQbTr/s400/AustinSwimExit.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I ran in to T2, stopped to pick some very pleasant thorns out of my feet, ran past my bike, ran past my bike in the other direction, looked around frantically, located said bike, donned a long sleeve jersey and FINALLY was on my way.<br />
<br />
Bike: 2:18:51<br />
Getting onto the bike I got a split of 1:10 to a group up the road. Not Good. But possible. On I went. Given the early (relative to sunrise) start, it was still mighty brisk when I began my <a href="http://www.bhbikes-us.com/bikes/detail/27">BH</a> piloting duties and my legs were having none of it. My upper body was reasonably warm thanks to a long sleeve jersey and a pair of gloves that TJ Tollakson had kindly lent me that morning. My legs were a different story. No socks, not toe warmers, no "go." For the first 20 or so miles I rode totally alone. I never saw anyone up ahead, and getting power out of my legs was not happening. When I got company, it came from behind and was not the kind I wanted. Somewhere before the mile 40 mark I began to feel a bit better (warmer) and finally felt I could start putting down some decent power. Too little. Too late. I entered T2 without being passed, but not having caught anyone either. Not a very good ride.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E61Fp3jyh5z7_bQaS7oTNFEMpwoEzG-Z961sHKuvzwcR6YxH-wMhnn-USEvTT85TmZ12LEyOaqyfZ34zsgTMez8emVYWc3Le-GPiKgg2jPSOa5RMg2VBryGqB5u-FPXq_XfJWjQkOj0t/s1600/AustinBikeFinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E61Fp3jyh5z7_bQaS7oTNFEMpwoEzG-Z961sHKuvzwcR6YxH-wMhnn-USEvTT85TmZ12LEyOaqyfZ34zsgTMez8emVYWc3Le-GPiKgg2jPSOa5RMg2VBryGqB5u-FPXq_XfJWjQkOj0t/s400/AustinBikeFinish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Run: 1:20:07<br />
Heading out on the run I was determined not to make the same mistake I made in Augusta and put myself into the mid miles bad patch I ran through in that race. So I took the first lap very conservative, trying to get my legs under me and focusing on getting in some nutrition and fluids. Due to the low temps I didn't drink much at all on the course. I started the race with a single bottle with 10 Green Apple PowerGels in a bottle, and one bottle of water. I took one bottle of PowerBar Perform at an aid station but only took one long pull off it before tossing it within the same aid station. After the race, I still had about an 1/8 of the original bottle of water I started with, and about half the gel bottle. I was thirsty when I started the run and knew getting on top of that was priority #1.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QdM0WF9CRc/UJGf6oR9rEI/AAAAAAAABWs/EcuYXhLM1ss/s1600/AustinRun.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QdM0WF9CRc/UJGf6oR9rEI/AAAAAAAABWs/EcuYXhLM1ss/s400/AustinRun.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I managed to make up a couple spots in the first lap, and starting my second, I concentrated on picking up the turnover in my feet I could now actually feel. I moved up a few more spots on the second lap and kept my focus on turnover going into the third and final loop. I managed to up the pace slightly more in the 3rd loop and distanced myself from some unwanted company in the final three miles or so. I didn't however shake loose fellow <a href="http://californiatraining.blogspot.com/">Zooter Beth Walsh</a>, who went on to record the day's fastest run split in the pro women's race. To be honest I actually felt a little bad peeling off to the finish when Beth had another lap to go.<br />
<br />
Finish: 8th, 4:08:44<br />
<br />
While I did not head into this race with grand expectations, particularly with a field containing the likes of Andy Potts, TJ Tollakson and Chris McCormack, this performance was still a bit of a slap in the face.<br />
<br />
There are a few takeaways however:<br />
1. Once I had warmed a bit, I rode halfway decent; <br />
2. I managed to pull some motivation from beneath my frozen exterior and finish the day strong; and<br />
3. I negative split the run and executed my pacing plan thereby avoiding the mid mile hole I found in Augusta.<br />
<br />
A hefty congrats to all those who raced with integrity and class, most notably Andy Potts and TJ Tollakson who both put on stellar performances on the day.<br />
<br />
Thanks as always to my incredible sponsors:<br />
<br />
<b>Zoot</b>: Once pointed in the right direction the Prophet wetsuit was fast and warm. And the <a href="http://zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-kiawe-f12?category=mens%2Ffootwear">Kiawe</a>... I just can't say enough. That shoe is Radical!<br />
<br />
<b>BH Bikes</b>: When my legs came to life the machine responded. Reliable, easy and fast.<br />
<br />
<b>Reynolds</b>: Much like the bike, when the power came, <a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_resource=items_wheels&p_itc_pk=3">my wheels</a> were ready to roll.<br />
<br />
<b>TRIBE</b>: I wouldn't get to and through race day without the gear and support I need and you provide.<br />
<br />
<b>SPY+</b>: if only you guys made goggles!! Great sunglasses for <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=1190&colorid=3651">training, racing</a>, or just <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/sunglasses/l/100_viewall">casually</a> cruising around. They <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/weller/d/1054_c_100">dress up</a> pretty nice too.<br />
<br />
<b>PowerBar</b>: From alarm clock to finish line, my day was fueled almost exclusively by PowerBar products. Bars, Gel blasts, Perform, and Gels. All delicious.<br />
<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Mikelson & Mikelson, LLP: </i>Great support, from wonderful people. On the race course for me, in the court room for you.<br />
<br />
ONWARD! To Ironman Arizona and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/490176797680709/?ref=ts&fref=ts">TRIBE Slowtwitch Party</a><br />
<br /></div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-92068855723397161082012-10-04T11:57:00.002-07:002012-10-04T11:57:41.961-07:00Augusta 70.3 Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last time I raced a half ironman this close to an full ironman was in 2009, when a month after my first Ironman at Couer 'd Alene, I raced Vineman 70.3. I felt alright at Vineman, but remember that my legs just seemed to lack any real life on the bike.<br />
<br />
Going into Augusta 70.3 only 3 weeks after Rev3 Cedar Pt., this uncharted territory left me a little uncertain. A blog post by good friend and former squad mate <a href="http://wurtele.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/2012-ironman-70-3-lake-stevens-trev/">Trevor Wurtele</a>, in which he noted the dangers/pains of racing a half 3 weeks after a full rab through my head, and I had my concerns. While I didn't have the best race, I can say it certainly was better than I feared it could have been.<br />
<br />
The weeks between Cedar Pt. and Augusta were predominantly focused on recovery, with only a few hard efforts. As a result I came to Augusta feeling a little sluggish, but fully recovered, which is much better than feeling peppy but less than fully recovered. <br />
<br />
I got to South Carolina, a state I had never been and didn't even realize I was flying to, in the wee hours of Friday morning and to my incredible homestays' beautiful home in North Augusta, South Carolina (say it 5 times fast) later that afternoon. Due in no small part to my homestays' generosity and hospitality, all went smoothly and it was race morning before I knew it. So onto the race.<br />
<br />
Swim: 19:56 but I cheated.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0l1ULDYbIUeIFwPa_bWxmpZSkt-O_U5e-OGNb8pdsbt9pt5i5QEbV60B4_59u1xuTKIbGysa4pKOfNb-_baiAPKSKMzo3FAoAQ7yUF9ZqDxcqBOhj5eO_ib8aWYCzdTyPwnwlkNPmVko/s1600/AugSwim1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0l1ULDYbIUeIFwPa_bWxmpZSkt-O_U5e-OGNb8pdsbt9pt5i5QEbV60B4_59u1xuTKIbGysa4pKOfNb-_baiAPKSKMzo3FAoAQ7yUF9ZqDxcqBOhj5eO_ib8aWYCzdTyPwnwlkNPmVko/s400/AugSwim1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I say I cheated for several reasons: 1. the swim was down river. 2. Although the water was "magically" one tenth of a degree shy of the ridiculous WTC wetsuit cutoff, I was warmly ensconced within my <a href="http://zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-prophet-wetzoot-s11?category=mens%2Fwetsuits">Zoot Prophet wetsuit</a>. and 3. Good friend and fast swimmer <a href="http://guy%20crawford/">Guy Crawford</a> was kind enough to tow me the for what was probably a mile of the 1.2 mile swim.<br />
<br />
All that said, the swim was rather uneventful. A few minutes in Guy came around me and I got on his feet. We swam in the middle of the river with a group of guys ten meters or so to our right. In the end I came out a few seconds behind Guy in 2nd. The would set the theme for the day. Aside from that the only notable parts of the swim were "losing" my cap, and getting to swim under this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsAKR_mHULA/UG3TEUE3xVI/AAAAAAAABVM/Cl-SuUoIdO8/s1600/AugFlag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsAKR_mHULA/UG3TEUE3xVI/AAAAAAAABVM/Cl-SuUoIdO8/s400/AugFlag.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bike: 4:10: 22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Coming out of the water I was boiling and ended up losing some time in T1, getting out onto the bike in 5th or so. Going into the race, I was determined to show that my 2nd fastest bike split at Cedar Pt. was no fluke, and thought I may be able to go one spot better than that in this race. In the first few miles however, the power just wasn't really coming. After trying to settle in and cool off a bit, I took the lead around mile ten but it would only last a few miles. We were a group of 6 or 7 and it took a while for us to thin that number. Most of the group took solid turns on the front setting the pace. I made an attempt at mile 30 to get away, but six miles later I saw it hadn't worked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went again with roughly five miles to go, but Guy was having none of it. He passed me in the final mile and comedy ensued. Doing our peers no favors with regard to our bike handling reputation, we arrived at the dismount line in rather surprised fashion. I hadn't taken my feet out of my shoes and Guy only had one out. Queu the "America's Funniest Home Videos" scene of drunk women in high heels chasing a wedding bouquet. That was Guy and I scrambling on our plasticized soles, fumbling for the line. It was awesome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite my efforts and determination to take the fastest bike split, the Pizza Pizza man beat me to it and I ended up 2nd off the bike, with the 2nd fastest bike split, for the 2nd race in a row. (see the theme?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Run: 1:22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Out of T2 I was running in 2nd behind Maxim who blazed through transition. I knew Maxim would run well. I was determined to do so in kind. Sadly however, just shy of the four mile mark, it became clear this would not happen. As many people have experienced, and due solely to my own stupidity, I "Suddenly" found myself in a rather dark cave. I would run this way for four miles or so, dropping to 5th place, before I was able to take in some calories and clamber my way out. In the end it was too little, too late and I would remain 5th. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnyg-wt5GwA/UG3XAz-5sII/AAAAAAAABVs/WhhXrx6GpLY/s1600/AugChuteShakas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnyg-wt5GwA/UG3XAz-5sII/AAAAAAAABVs/WhhXrx6GpLY/s400/AugChuteShakas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with the Dancing Girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CErAkDriB7w/UG3XLp1rXCI/AAAAAAAABV0/35syOdbMeFY/s1600/AugFin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CErAkDriB7w/UG3XLp1rXCI/AAAAAAAABV0/35syOdbMeFY/s400/AugFin5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad to be done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv20vD-HcEuPoJ93nfirZ0eh8KuE_yHh47LilDKV0yUVnwMbEswiRQsHM2BJIMlR3mglq-hLZG8wuPMM1A_ZzgVFnunxcMEYETQYlXraLSjrm_U-dPHNwv3x8oeEaQXgNWEGbKMmYk0lXZ/s1600/AugFinWhoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv20vD-HcEuPoJ93nfirZ0eh8KuE_yHh47LilDKV0yUVnwMbEswiRQsHM2BJIMlR3mglq-hLZG8wuPMM1A_ZzgVFnunxcMEYETQYlXraLSjrm_U-dPHNwv3x8oeEaQXgNWEGbKMmYk0lXZ/s400/AugFinWhoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoooo! Not an easy day<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As always I owe a huge thanks to my sponsors: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
BH Bikes: Thanks for providing great support and an awesome MACHINE! Its great to have a bike under me that I know is capable and can be relied upon to deliver me to T2 up front. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
ZOOT: While warm in the steamy waters of the Savannah River, the Prophet worked like a charm and the Kiawe were game for some fast miles when the body was able. Best Half IM shoe ever! Maybe even IM too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reynolds: A bike doesn't get you too far if it doesn't have some good hoops to roll on. Reynolds makes some of the fastest, strongest and lightest wheels on the market. Stoked to finally be putting them to good use!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
SPY+: We all need to shield our scopes. Spy makes some of the best looking and performing shades out there. The Screw is flat out Tops! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PowerBar: Fuel... Ahh I just needed a little more. My fault. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TRIBE: Keeping oneself stocked up on all the gear we need for training and racing can seem like a full time job in and of itself. Thankfully the competent and knowledgable staff at TRIBE has my back. Much less to worry about. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mikelson & Mikelson, LLP: Great lawyers. Great support. Great fans of the sport. Couldn't do it without you!</div>
</div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-15947598037617528992012-09-14T11:44:00.000-07:002012-09-14T11:53:33.897-07:00Rev3 Cedar Pt. Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is the race report I have been wanting to write for a year and a half now. As any of you that have followed my racing or this blog for that time period will have noted, I have not been happy with my riding during this stretch. In fact, since joining the Squad and my former coach, I struggled mightily on the bike all of last season and the beginning of this season. In fact, save for Kona, I will be the first to say that my riding flat out sucked in every race since I started my 2011 season.<br />
<br />
I am now happy to say that while there remains much work to be done and improvement to be found, the changes I have made in my coaching, training, and bike position, have "righted the ship" and put me on the path to competitiveness.<br />
<br />
This past weekend I had the pleasure of racing another Rev3 race out in Cedar Pt., Ohio. The Rev3 Wisconsin Dells race was my sole Rev3 experience prior to this, and despite the mechanical mishaps on the bike, I rather enjoyed the event. With that experience fresh in mind, and the fact that Rev3 saw fit to put up double the prize purse WTC had on offer at Ironman Wisconsin, I opted to race in Cedar Pt. and could not be happier that I did. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Going into the race I knew I would have my work cut out for me as toeing the line was a competitive field. I mean anytime you have two guys with 13 Iron distance wins between them, you know you are in for a battle. But I was excited to display my much improved riding ability and was confident I could ride at least near the top guys in the field. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Swim: </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3V1iACR_TCVunTjHMrDeCF8A77XGy9AJvJAOoD62TCVnDGyrK1h-QUNoFZu6gpxjefCjWRBkJzMvFenDp1_VE9Ih5mKk91QkYPYz8r1ldda-QmXqzZr4OtcAuN89DmPZNxhotzY4tFu9/s1600/CedarPt.Water.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3V1iACR_TCVunTjHMrDeCF8A77XGy9AJvJAOoD62TCVnDGyrK1h-QUNoFZu6gpxjefCjWRBkJzMvFenDp1_VE9Ih5mKk91QkYPYz8r1ldda-QmXqzZr4OtcAuN89DmPZNxhotzY4tFu9/s400/CedarPt.Water.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fortunately for us Mother Nature had unleashed her fury the day before the race and we were greeted with a beauty of a morning on Lake Erie. Unfortunately for me and my midget legs, Lake Erie is rather shallow for a rather extended distance from shore. Thus, the "in water" start was more of a "In (wading depth) water start." This meant that some of my taller competitors ran and dolphin dove away as I swam and attempted to get on some feet. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJoPVYQ1exg/UFIAz8JqseI/AAAAAAAABQ0/p5vakVOZJNg/s1600/CedarPt.+LeadPaddle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJoPVYQ1exg/UFIAz8JqseI/AAAAAAAABQ0/p5vakVOZJNg/s400/CedarPt.+LeadPaddle.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The gap that opened made it a solo swim for the majority of the first loop, and only after coming through the shallow section to start the second loop was I able to bridge up to a group ahead of me. After doing so I realized it was my good friend and summer training partner, Chris Mcdonald leading and I decided to try and share the work with him. Sadly, I swam like a drunken sailor and Chris soon opted for a much straighter route. We ended up coming out of the water only a few seconds apart, but both having spent the energy that a solo swimmer would have. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4iwiW5r3O8/UFIAzURtn5I/AAAAAAAABQs/X4iFLDHtPxU/s1600/CedarPt+swim1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4iwiW5r3O8/UFIAzURtn5I/AAAAAAAABQs/X4iFLDHtPxU/s400/CedarPt+swim1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Big Sexy behind me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVxcvcshj1Q/UFIAygS62MI/AAAAAAAABQk/vSr574u0pSw/s1600/CedarPt+Swimexit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVxcvcshj1Q/UFIAygS62MI/AAAAAAAABQk/vSr574u0pSw/s400/CedarPt+Swimexit.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSipUZKzSpg/UFIA7t9x46I/AAAAAAAABRM/NORpqn85tpw/s1600/CedarPt.water2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSipUZKzSpg/UFIA7t9x46I/AAAAAAAABRM/NORpqn85tpw/s400/CedarPt.water2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Bike</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since Couer d'Alene my training has been much different than it was for the past year and a half. Finally I was coming into a race looking forward to the bike rather than fearing it. I knew from my training that I had a strong ride to uncork and was excited to do so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a little bit of a slow transition and came out behind Chris and Zack Ruble. Having raced with both these guys before, I thought we would have a good crew to trade some time at the front and work our way back up to the lead swimmers. Much to my chagrin however, Zack nor I were able to match Chris' pace and he rode away. After that I settled in and focused on executing my plan. With Zack and Jim LaMastra in tow, I reeled in a few of those who had gotten away in the water. It was essentially a solo effort to stay on my watts and try to move forward. To some extent my past year and a half of poor riding prepared me well for this as I am used to riding alone. I was content to do so and was happy with my numbers for the remainder of the ride. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINVPIHFU9bTj-gfPh5AgOB8QmV925BnKFI8nVXIXH8C5gh5W4k5QrLZLSCQkkZCZ38wF2vuMvCCgdoLqRbDP4m5p4q6Kf0TxPIgvTAonkmh69stanfSDL1LFz8rczXVSvZafRynuXzT76/s1600/CedarPtBikeEW1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINVPIHFU9bTj-gfPh5AgOB8QmV925BnKFI8nVXIXH8C5gh5W4k5QrLZLSCQkkZCZ38wF2vuMvCCgdoLqRbDP4m5p4q6Kf0TxPIgvTAonkmh69stanfSDL1LFz8rczXVSvZafRynuXzT76/s400/CedarPtBikeEW1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo rights: Eric Wynn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around the 80mi mark I saw a figure up the road that looked to be Victor. Right around 85 miles I passed him. The LAST thing I wanted to do was drag one of the best runners in the game back to T2. I knew I was sitting in 3rd now, and thats pretty much when I decided it was time to step up to the plate. For the past 18 months I have been telling myself that I need to be "in the race" and not just "out there." Knowing Victor's run palmares, I knew I needed to get as much separation as I could. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr_aQn_z1PvEpoqmuTBFcaXofGAAGFRv-gSHyj1i5lAIicsMzOP2E96t2MN3pggszSmZvjDUm6A0vayccYV7Z9vHKF0pEaXAtLGkQ8yOHcZq14WvfuArXgUlXvSxWLqApO17hRYsxvTkj/s1600/CedarPtBikeNils.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr_aQn_z1PvEpoqmuTBFcaXofGAAGFRv-gSHyj1i5lAIicsMzOP2E96t2MN3pggszSmZvjDUm6A0vayccYV7Z9vHKF0pEaXAtLGkQ8yOHcZq14WvfuArXgUlXvSxWLqApO17hRYsxvTkj/s400/CedarPtBikeNils.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
About 10mi later I caught Chris. I now knew that I had two of the best runners in the sport behind me. I hit T2 about ten miles later and knew that my gap to Chris was insignificant. No disrespect to Eric Limkemann, but I hadn't heard much about him prior to the race, and knew he had been off the front all day. That can take a toll on anyone, and with that in mind I thought there was a good chance he would come back rather quick on the run. It was at that moment, exiting T2, that I thought I had a chance to win this thing, but only if I went "ALL IN". I knew if I ran a paced run I was just going to be a carrot for Chris, Victor and Daniel Bretcher. I thought there was a chance, albeit slim, that if I got away in the beginning of the run, I could hold on long enough to stay away. You only live once. So with my new Zoot Race 4.0's firmly wound down. I set off on a pace that I thought would reel in Eric and keep me out front. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOCWITDxr64/UFIA8Ao3BEI/AAAAAAAABRU/nhuiWB0Z1BU/s1600/CedarPtRun2ndlap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOCWITDxr64/UFIA8Ao3BEI/AAAAAAAABRU/nhuiWB0Z1BU/s400/CedarPtRun2ndlap.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, about 8 or 9 miles later my cards were called and I didn't have the hand. Much to his credit Eric had only increased the gap, and Victor had reeled me in. I focused on holding a steady cadence back to the turn around and just tried to fight for the podium. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tsHf7urOkMs/UFNyH9Kw-GI/AAAAAAAABTE/Kscg306M9Sk/s1600/CedarPt.runEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tsHf7urOkMs/UFNyH9Kw-GI/AAAAAAAABTE/Kscg306M9Sk/s400/CedarPt.runEW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo courtesy Eric Wynn</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second lap is when things got REAL. Chris caught me about mile 14ish and I had nothing left. I actually stopped, not walked, but stopped and drank three cups of coke and two waters at the mile 17 aid station. I was running on empty. My stomach was not too happy but I knew I needed sugars. So I kept up the intake and around mile 21 things started to turn around. I could see that Eric had finally slowed and was coming back. I thought if I could run well for the final 10K, I might be able to catch him. I focused on nothing other than reeling him in. All the way to the chute, I was digging and keeping hope alive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--E1xhALwMbk/UFIAxrIWArI/AAAAAAAABQU/rSENLTpkO5Q/s1600/CdrPtRunFin1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--E1xhALwMbk/UFIAxrIWArI/AAAAAAAABQU/rSENLTpkO5Q/s400/CdrPtRunFin1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the finish chute but still on the gas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I came up short. About 50 meters short. 5th it was. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqKPlNJhpHU/UFNzuUM2k3I/AAAAAAAABTM/zSpAv-2GXhc/s1600/CedrPtFinEW.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqKPlNJhpHU/UFNzuUM2k3I/AAAAAAAABTM/zSpAv-2GXhc/s400/CedrPtFinEW.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went into this race really thinking I could crack the 3hr mark on the run. My gamble in the early miles backfired and a 3:06 was all I could muster. I paid up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsF8lKmLVrUcwp_tZlyNLjjHbXomDKDfn1shpvtgVSBbGfC70U6kJR0XW08YmHpuB6elUAnLlODY9v2i1VkZtQNJcGe2SvliG73YAQccPtv8OHasQfFN8qFwdAWtA03F7n583ctE2jmdv/s1600/CedrPt.BSdeath.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsF8lKmLVrUcwp_tZlyNLjjHbXomDKDfn1shpvtgVSBbGfC70U6kJR0XW08YmHpuB6elUAnLlODY9v2i1VkZtQNJcGe2SvliG73YAQccPtv8OHasQfFN8qFwdAWtA03F7n583ctE2jmdv/s400/CedrPt.BSdeath.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5th place is nothing to be all that excited about. In fact, while I say I am "happy" with my race, the only real detractors are a poor swim, and the 5th place finish. I am "happy" however, because my training and new bike position courtesy of Jim at <a href="http://www.finalfit.com/">FinalFit</a> have me riding well again. I proved to myself that I can ride "in the race" at this level and compete. And while I clearly didn't come out the winner on my gamble, at least I anted up and put in my chips. I lost but I learned. As such, I am happy with the end result. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As always, I need to say a BIG "Thank You" to my great Sponsors. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.zootsports.com/">ZOOT</a>: Zoot has stuck by me and continued to provide me with great equipment and support and I can't thank them enough. They continue to innovate and strive to be at the forefront of Triathlon. Evidence the Race 4.0 with BOA technology that I raced in. A great company with athletes at the helm, and in their heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.bhbikes-us.com/">BH Bikes</a>: I was finally able to do justice to my BH GC Aero. A fantastic bike that is simple, strong, stiff and fast. People underestimate just how important reliability and simplicity are until they get to race day. I know my GC will be ready to go, day in, day out, wherever I am. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com/">Reynolds</a>: Knowing a company is dedicated to developing fast, strong and safe wheels gives me as an athlete great confidence come race day. I can't ask for anything more than that and Reynolds provides it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.poerbar.com/">PowerBar</a>: My day was fueled 99% by PowerBar products. Cola gel blasts and a Cookies n Cream Powerbar for breakfast. Peanut Butter Powerbar and Strawberry Banana PowerGels on the bike and run. Had I known I would be running the engine so hot in the first part of the run, I would have calculated a little more fuel and then... who knows!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/">SPY+ Optics:</a> Spy keeps me in not only stylish casual shades, but more importantly, functional high performance shades that look great. Protect your eyes in style!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://tribemultisport.com/">TRIBE Multisport</a>: You don't get to race day without training. And having a knowledgable shop to rely on through the months leading up to race day is KEY. TRIBE is just that shop and does it with top notch service. </div>
</div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-43553563947284601682012-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:002012-08-17T10:54:02.440-07:00The long route<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have clearly taken the long route as to blog updates recently. Frankly, not much has been going on since Ironman Couer d'Alene until the last couple weeks. With that lame excuse for my literary laziness, here is a bit of an update including 2 race reports!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After Couer d'Alene I took it pretty easy for nearly 2 weeks and just focused on some much needed recovery. The second weekend after the race I was pretty much back to the grind and happy to be so. I added in some group riding with the (famous? infamous?) Swami's ride down here in North County San Diego and have made that a pretty regular event since. I think it has been good for my top end and added a little competitiveness into my weekly routine. As I write this, its been a couple weeks since I have been out to the ride due to racing, so this week's ride could be a tough day in the saddle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Training has gone fairly well with no set backs and nothing major to report. I keep waiting to make these "massive, insane, unbelievable" gains and PRs that I hear/see some of my competitors talk/write about, but alas, I haven't seen them. I guess I will have to be content with consistent, focused work, and the slow progress that comes as a result. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two weeks ago I raced the Camp Pendleton Sprint Tri in Oceanside. It had been YEARS since I raced a sprint, but I knew it would be a fun day. A quick ocean swim, a ride on familiar training grounds and a run finishing on a Marine LCAC (Hovercraft). Awesome. It was indeed a quick swim as I think the low tide cut out a fair portion. Either way, there was no Elite wave and I exited the Pacific pretty confident I was in the lead of my wave. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I came out of T1 and was promptly passed by a dude who looked like he knew how to ride a bike. We traded passes again, and then I accepted his cycling superiority and focused on simply staying with him. I did that to some degree and I think I ended up with the second fastest bike split to my tall leader. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Onto the run, I felt pretty good and just focused on trying to keep the effort and turnover equally high. I wore the <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-kiawe-f12?category=mens%2Ffootwear">Zoot Kiawe</a> and I simply cannot say enough about this shoe. I've now worn it in sprint races, fast workouts, and Half Ironmans and it has been a joy in all. The wave start, and my 3rd wave position made for a few carrots on the run, but for the most part a somewhat solitary 5K. In the end I know I didn't have the fastest of any of the disciplines, but was able to come away victorious. A fun race for sure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward to last Sunday and I was out in Wisconsin to race the inaugural Rev3 Wisconsin Dells. Race morning arrived and the weather looked ideal. A non-rubberized swim brought a smile to my face as well. Richie Cunningham was on the line and he has been riding an unbelievable wave this season. I knew I couldn't run with him, but I thought if I could find his feet in the swim it could set me up well. While I haven't been too pleased with my swimming this year, I had been feeling good in the water of late. This combined with the fact that I had done some swimming with Richie in Boulder last year gave me the confidence that I could do it. After the "GO!" I was waiting for Richie to pull ahead but he never did. I found myself on feet I knew I shouldn't be on and begrudgingly decided to shoulder the burden and set the pace for the second pack. Richie and a few others in tow, I just tried to set a consistent, comfortably hard pace all the way in. Clearly it wasn't Richie's day in the water (as he later admitted), but I was happy to be out with he and a few other strong cyclists. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZsY9pK4_oA/UC6A5hjBnmI/AAAAAAAABPQ/h-jF5Hmbc48/s1600/Rev3Swim1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZsY9pK4_oA/UC6A5hjBnmI/AAAAAAAABPQ/h-jF5Hmbc48/s400/Rev3Swim1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Nils Nilson Twitter @TriathletePhoto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RoqoE6TJAk/UC6A9Hz_LVI/AAAAAAAABPY/h-G20P1mK80/s1600/Rev3Swim2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RoqoE6TJAk/UC6A9Hz_LVI/AAAAAAAABPY/h-G20P1mK80/s400/Rev3Swim2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Nils Nilsen Twitter: @TriathletePhoto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After ten miles or so I simply lost touch with the group and tried to settle into my own rhythm. I will readily admit I struggled a bit to keep the tempo/wattage where I wanted it and the power wasn't coming without a fight. I sometimes go through these patches while trying to get "warmed up" and I chalked it up to just another of those episodes. Unfortunately, things were about to get worse. The Rev3 course is legit and has a series of climbs in the middle miles. At the bottom of the middle and biggest of these climbs, I managed to drop my chain and get it stuck under my K-Edge and wedged between the chainrings and frame. I had to unclip, dismount and fight a mighty battle to get it back out. Re-mounting on a steep climb however was no easy task, particularly on a open road. I tried not to think about the lost time and just keep at it, but at the top of the climb, in a tight left turn, I hit a rock and flatted my front tire. After a cursory inspection, the tire appeared to have survived intact and I went about replacing the tube. I tell ya, there are few things that provide such a "gut check" as repairing a flat in a race, then promptly beginning a steep and technical 50mph descent. I made it through the descents and was later relieved to see the better part of luck was on my side after all. The aforementioned "cursory inspection" had failed to discover a cut in the sidewall of my tire. It was only in the final 10 or so miles that I noticed the front tire seemed to be a bit soft. I figured it was simply a "light fill" thanks to a Co2, but upon returning to transition, I indeed had second flat. Had it blown on the descent, I might still be out in the woods. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Knowing I had lost HUGE chunks of time to the boys up-front, I figured on making it just a training day and set out to run a solid 13.1 to get the "race benefit" I came for. The Rev3 course designers didn't deal us an "easy" hand and the run course had many ups and downs as well. I wouldn't say I was "happy" with my 1:20 run split, particularly when compared to the 1:13 of Richie (L-E-G-I-T! on that course), but it wasn't far off from some of the other top finishers, so I will take the progress and say I was content. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finishing dead last sucks. Straight up. But all in all I can't really say I was too upset with the way I raced on Sunday. Even prior to crashing out of Cozumel last year, I have always had a rule to finish so long as it is medically sound to do so. Cozumel was a terrible experience and not being able to finish was far more painful than the separated shoulder. Knowing I was well out of the race on Sunday after my mechanical issues, I momentarily thought of pulling the plug. I thought of my rule, and of the feeling I had in Cozumel and opted to keep on pushing. My dead least finish notwithstanding, I can confidently say I made the right decision and am content with my race. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The remainder of the week was spent doing some course recon for Ironman Wisconsin. I will post some photos and thoughts garnered from that experience next week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-66679240347023682442012-07-03T17:45:00.001-07:002012-07-03T17:45:59.983-07:00Ironman Couer d'Alene Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another notch in the belt.<br />
<br />
That is sort of the way I am looking at my race in Couer d'Alene. I say "sort of" in that a finish, concluding a day of constant "effort," was something I wasn't exactly confident was within my current ability.<br />
<br />
After crashing out of Ironman Cozumel last November, separating my shoulder, then going through the rehab and corresponding lack of training, my confidence at the iron distance was definitely shaken.<br />
<br />
Thus, my goal for CdA was simply to make it to the finish line, being able to "push" all day. My training since January, and my resulting fitness, meant I just couldn't afford to take any risks and try to "go" with anyone. My day, was very much, "my day." Stick to "my numbers." Run "my pace."<br />
<br />
Here's how it went:<br />
<br />
Swim: 53:High<br />
<br />
The water was cold but relatively calm on race morning. I opted for the single cap as in the days prior it hadn't been that bad. Once I got in to "warm up" I realized this was probably a bad choice. The rain and wind of the previous days had brought with it a noticeable drop in water temp. Oh well.<br />
<br />
In their great wisdom (and I REALLY do mean that) the race director and organizers saw fit to start the pro wave 35mins before the age groupers. On a two loop course, this is MUCH better as it allows the pros to get in a full loop before the age group masses launch into the course. This is much better for the pros, the pro race, and for the age groupers, especially the unlucky ones who get swum over when pros come tearing though when the starts are only spaced 10mins apart. I digress. But bravo on that decision.<br />
<br />
The gun went off, I found some good feet out towards the front and then lost them. After a rather protracted battle for them, I found some others, but eventually conceded those toes to an over-aggressive/eager swimmer who promptly fell off the pace and let a gap open. I swam around her and tried to close it back up but it was not to be. Each time I sighted I noticed the gap was growing, and so too were the waves. The wind had picked up and the chop was strong.<br />
<br />
The aforementioned over-aggressive swimmer faded and I soon found myself swimming alone. No bueno. I finished the first loop and started the second that way and it was to remain until my exit.<br />
<br />
Bike: 5:09<br />
If you have been reading this blog with any frequency, you are likely aware of my struggles on the bike this year. I have been putting in some solid bonding time with my BH, but was certainly aware my fitness would not afford getting caught up in a "race" on the bike. So I rode my numbers, and tried to stay as steady as possible. As is typical at this distance, I felt great for the first few hours and was confident coming back through town the first time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdvCmcKp93U/T_OE0ZPV-gI/AAAAAAAABOE/fhXlNT0UhAA/s1600/CdABike2B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdvCmcKp93U/T_OE0ZPV-gI/AAAAAAAABOE/fhXlNT0UhAA/s400/CdABike2B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the above-referenced winds during the swim remained and their might was growing. The new course, like the "old course" has a substantial amount of elevation gain. The delivery thereof however, is much different. Gone are the short punchy climbs of the old, and in are the long grinding climbs of the new. The vast majority of the elevation gain is found in the "top" of the course, heading out from transition. Our nemesis of the day, proved to be the wind, blowing straight at us for these climbs. Nothing to do but grind on through it. To my great delight, I still felt quite good passing my family and heading out for my second serving of climbing with a topping of headwind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_ECwQ0zgG8/T_OGrLP16fI/AAAAAAAABOM/RGHmyEo4EIg/s1600/CdAShaka2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_ECwQ0zgG8/T_OGrLP16fI/AAAAAAAABOM/RGHmyEo4EIg/s400/CdAShaka2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was after the first long climb, that I blissfully rode into my first "rough patch" of the day. Knowing what I know about Iron distance racing, I wasn't surprised to be mired in such a circumstance. Figuring calories to be at the root of my problem, I rolled though a few aid stations helping myself to a fair quantity of their offerings. Soon, but not soon enough, things came around and I rolled into T2 ascending from the valley of my troubles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Run: 3:05</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Given my state, the marathon was looming large on my mind. Give it a go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kU7NCZnVeM/T_OK-hxaHxI/AAAAAAAABOY/IF5UaAwwSz0/s1600/Run1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kU7NCZnVeM/T_OK-hxaHxI/AAAAAAAABOY/IF5UaAwwSz0/s400/Run1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stick to my pace. This was my mantra. My eyes frequently scanned my Timex GPS and I let its reading dictate my effort. As is typical with my iron distance runs, it felt easy in the beginning, yet I knew it would grow more and more laborious. True to form, it did. I hit my second "rough patch" of the day coming back into town. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwMZQ_Pfn58/T_OK_CbOCYI/AAAAAAAABOg/1HPfCu_Ldqg/s1600/Run2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwMZQ_Pfn58/T_OK_CbOCYI/AAAAAAAABOg/1HPfCu_Ldqg/s400/Run2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Heading out for my second loop was tough. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5cQp2c1pJo/T_OK_4VSc5I/AAAAAAAABOo/b9dsILA2R4k/s1600/Run3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5cQp2c1pJo/T_OK_4VSc5I/AAAAAAAABOo/b9dsILA2R4k/s400/Run3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My GPS was no longer giving me numbers I wanted to see, and my energy was waining. Fortunately, once out of town and through my 2nd FuelBelt flask of PowerBar gels, I came relatively good again, and was able to get back on top of my turnover. Which was good, because it was in this second lap that I made two more passes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the end, after 9hours and 12mins of racing, I was happy to slap some hands. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2PszL8cBW0/T_OMBDv3xhI/AAAAAAAABOw/bGswkyTGcKI/s1600/Finish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2PszL8cBW0/T_OMBDv3xhI/AAAAAAAABOw/bGswkyTGcKI/s400/Finish.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, I will say I am happy with my day in Couer d'Alene, but not satisfied. I am happy to have put up another finish at the distance. I am happy that I was able to keep the effort relatively constant throughout the day, and push hard in the concluding miles of the marathon. I am happy that I CAN really still do this. But again, nowhere near satisfied. So its back to the grind. Happily so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A HUGE "THANK YOU" to my sponsors: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
ZOOT - Without the Prophet wetsuit, I am sure the cold would have had a much more vicious bite. I ran in a pair of (until then) top secret shoes, which have since hit the public eye. Keep a lookout. the new "Race" is another shining example of Zoot's ingenuity and dedication to triathlon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
BH - The GC Aero did its job yet again, without a hitch. Strong, steady and comfortable. A great platform for 112mi! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reynolds - I opted for the RZR 92 front and Element Disc. Reliable, Aero & Fast. I don't regret my choice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
SPY+ - I spent 9hrs looking through the "Screw" and couldn't have been happier. Great shades, great company. Congrats to Scott who had the nerve to yell out the key phrase and scored himself a sweet pair along with a 2nd in his AG!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvgYF8LiVL4/T_OPu6VpDDI/AAAAAAAABO8/MWABj2SbWGo/s1600/Scott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvgYF8LiVL4/T_OPu6VpDDI/AAAAAAAABO8/MWABj2SbWGo/s400/Scott.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PowerBar - Had it not been for my own error in simply not bringing enough, my entire day would have been fueled by PowerBar. Next time, I'll bring more :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TRIBE - Racing is one thing, getting there with proper training is another. Having a shop that stocks all my training and racing needs is key! One that does it with a knowledgeable and friendly staff is just a bonus!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm back in San Diego and back at it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-64817868961262906422012-06-22T08:02:00.000-07:002012-06-22T08:02:04.022-07:00FREE SHADES!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I m extremely fortunate to have some of the best sponsors in the business. Their support of my racing has never wavered. One of those incredible companies is<a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/"> SPY+ Optics</a>. And now they want to share a little of that support with one of you lucky readers.<br />
<br />
Here is the deal:<br />
You have a chance to win a free pair of the same shades I race in, The Screw.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS7sgvvEsMogQAR8gEnwLdTnK1MO15Em1eIcYl-ku_o4NqjRuGRqsD3vCiHCUqs36N_ZWJr2A71kUNCrmAr_T7IGsMIfpVF93_fneGEbdKaGMB5JqNkYa7x7OnYALEn5HheYA0JSLH8FC/s1600/Screw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS7sgvvEsMogQAR8gEnwLdTnK1MO15Em1eIcYl-ku_o4NqjRuGRqsD3vCiHCUqs36N_ZWJr2A71kUNCrmAr_T7IGsMIfpVF93_fneGEbdKaGMB5JqNkYa7x7OnYALEn5HheYA0JSLH8FC/s400/Screw" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these shades</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are the rules:<br />
1. You must be in Couer d'Alene.<br />
2. You must be racing Ironman Couer d'Alene.<br />
3. You must be the first person to approach me and utter the simple phrase: "Screw Me"<br />
<br />
If you are, the above pictured shades are yours!<br />
<br />
See you around,<br />
<br />
Ian <br />
<br /></div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-90778234262416928832012-06-21T21:43:00.001-07:002012-06-21T21:43:26.969-07:00CdA Round 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am all settled here in Couer d'Alene with internet finally up and running.<br />
<br />
Sunday will mark my second "go round" at IM CdA after cutting my iron distance teeth here in 2009 as an amateur. I had very fond memories of that race so the thought of coming back has been in my head ever since.<br />
<br />
The course has changed some over the last couple years, and today I got to go check it out. The old course was pretty scenic, but the new course did not disappoint. With views like this, I mean, come on....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3we00HSkmwhKxxrHnXsw9WxLdxraxFHVGyOQliXd72FrgtAuIoLLfC59Ur8RXpdUnMw1i12k_6JikKq34-3zRITczg-teN2XvPSbFwsa6P-huRYfxYnV_QIhy7SDPF-Boe_skSIaeHRqx/s1600/LakeHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3we00HSkmwhKxxrHnXsw9WxLdxraxFHVGyOQliXd72FrgtAuIoLLfC59Ur8RXpdUnMw1i12k_6JikKq34-3zRITczg-teN2XvPSbFwsa6P-huRYfxYnV_QIhy7SDPF-Boe_skSIaeHRqx/s400/LakeHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right near the run and bike course turn around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some have said the new course will be much faster as many of the hills have been removed. But there is still a substantial amount of gain facing us on Sunday, and I am not so sure a vastly different finish time is in store.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCHKtcPYeQU/T-P14YqifVI/AAAAAAAABNk/pgkMcMWYXrE/s1600/Climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCHKtcPYeQU/T-P14YqifVI/AAAAAAAABNk/pgkMcMWYXrE/s400/Climb.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of the first climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And with views outside my front door like this, soaking the legs is all that much easier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUmXisvj3ac/T-P153DvJVI/AAAAAAAABNs/KxE3eiUm7Ss/s1600/RiveWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUmXisvj3ac/T-P153DvJVI/AAAAAAAABNs/KxE3eiUm7Ss/s400/RiveWater.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-84144141765130143772012-06-14T19:45:00.000-07:002012-06-14T19:45:11.511-07:00Long way to the yellow brick road<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Sunday I had the pleasure to race Kansas 70.3.<br />
<br />
I put Kansas on my schedule shortly after Wildflower (really I put it on my schedule mentally about thirty miles into the ride at Wildflower). I knew that I needed another long course race before Ironman Couer d' Alene, and while there were quite a few to chose from, knowing Ryan Robinson and crew were organizing the race tipped the scales to Kansas. Having heard it was a tough and honest course, I thought it would be a good test for me. I was right.<br />
<br />
It was to be my maiden voyage to Kansas and I had a great homestay in Jason, the race director's brother. It was awesome to have such a friendly yet non-intrusive host who also had some key local knowledge.<br />
<br />
This was the latest I had ever traveled to a race, arriving Friday evening. It would also be the earliest I've ever left, an 8pm Southwest departure. It was a "work trip." That is, I was there to get in a solid hard effort as prep for CdA and also gather some more data. Going through my head all day was the phrase, "workmanlike manner." In short, work hard, all day. While I am not exactly thrilled with my race from a results standpoint, I am content with my "workmanship" on the day, keeping my head in the game and my effort high for all but a few short moments throughout the day.<br />
<br />
Swim:<br />
It had been warm in Kansas and thus we had a non wetsuit swim. Knowing Clayton Fettel was on the line I knew there would be at least one guy off the front. I was determined to be in that first chase group however. Unfortunately, shortly into the swim, I realized I had lost the key players and was now trailing. The easier pace should have been an indicator to me. Mental error #1.<br />
<br />
The wind was blowing strong on the day and had already claimed two of the course buoys. Swimming on my own I had a bit of a tough time and here was Mental Error #2. I let my mind drift. I got down on myself for missing the pack, my pace slowed and I swam off course. Stupid.<br />
<br />
I exited the water, after getting my head back in check, a little over a minute behind the guys I wanted to be with.<br />
<br />
Bike:<br />
If there was one thing I wanted to do in this race it was execute the plan on the bike and just ride Hard all 56 miles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MnNhNK2Rmo/T9qgZtvl4XI/AAAAAAAABM0/nhjvj7-8zl4/s1600/KansasBikeAB" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MnNhNK2Rmo/T9qgZtvl4XI/AAAAAAAABM0/nhjvj7-8zl4/s400/KansasBikeAB" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I went off alone (familiar position) and began the focused "conversation" with my power meter. The wind remained and grew ever more relentless throughout the ride (thanks Leadman for preparing me for that). Knowing who was in front of me, I focused on trying to stay alone as long as I could and not let the gap grow too big.<br />
<br />
In the end I was "okay" with my ride. There wasn't a train of dudes that rolled on by, in fact only one pass really stuck, so I can say I was "in" the race rather than "watching" it roll on by.<br />
<br />
I came off the bike in 8th.<br />
<br />
Run:<br />
Hitting the run course I knew two things: 1. it was gonna be HOT and 2. I hadn't drank enough on the bike. My focus on my effort blocked my focus on hydration and it wasn't until the final aide station that I took a bottle.<br />
<br />
I went out of T2 just behind Freddy Lampret and focused on trying to get my nutrition and fluids in. After about two miles I made a pass with an effort I hoped would make it stick. It didn't. About a mile later I began to suffer some cramps and had to back off. Freddy just ran away.<br />
<br />
From there on out it became a cramp, fluid, fuel and cooling management situation. At times I felt better and could pick up the pace, but inevitably the heat, cramps or bonks would come back to pull back the pace. <br />
<br />
I crossed the line in 7th. 4:09. Hot, tired and not too happy.<br />
<br />
But the goal of the race was accomplished. I got in a good hard effort on the day, and saw signs that the changes to my training are having the desired effect.<br />
<br />
Next up:<br />
<br />
Ironman Couer d' Alene on June 24th. </div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-41460570695416230222012-05-30T20:24:00.002-07:002012-05-30T20:24:49.975-07:00Island Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past weekend I made my first voyage ever to the Caribbean, specifically the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. While it is hard to imagine that one would need an "excuse" to go visit this area of the world, it just so happens that I had one in the form of the <a href="http://www.rainbowtri.com/RAINBOWCUP/WEB/welcome.htm">Rainbow Cup International Triathlon</a>. Charisa had actually come in contact with the race crew and I was lucky enough to get an invite to tag along. No convincing needed!<br />
<br />
On Thursday we left San Diego at the crack of dawn and put our feet on Tobago soil just after 11pm. After a short taxi ride we arrived at our digs for the weekend, having seen very little of the island. I always find it strange to arrive somewhere at night, and then wake up the next day having really no idea what may lay outside your door.<br />
<br />
Fortunately we had been roomed with an awesome British couple, Claire and Piers Vallance who were the defending champs, and thus knew a bit about the island. They gave us a few tips, and pointed us in the right direction, but suffice it to say, the first sights and sounds of the island did not disappoint. I mean, with views like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Tf6HHcv0E/T8bVjQeKU_I/AAAAAAAABLU/1xwSiu8uRYI/s1600/TobagoVillaView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Tf6HHcv0E/T8bVjQeKU_I/AAAAAAAABLU/1xwSiu8uRYI/s400/TobagoVillaView.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwYs8NdJIfQ/T8bUg34FqLI/AAAAAAAABKU/3FTpX8PaeYc/s1600/Tobago1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwYs8NdJIfQ/T8bUg34FqLI/AAAAAAAABKU/3FTpX8PaeYc/s400/Tobago1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Of course there was a race looming so Friday was spent trying to take in as much of the island as possible while seeing the course and not getting myself totally exhausted.<br />
<br />
As for the race, it was quick, so I will keep it short.<br />
<br />
I hadn't raced at the olympic distance since March of 2010. So I felt a little awkward lining up for the start but my goal was (given my recent luck with island racing) to keep the bike upright, and make it hurt!<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Swim</b>: It was a two loop swim with a run up a soft sand beach in between the loops. Not that I was looking past any of my competitors, but it was a SMALL race and thus I figured I would likely find myself at or near the front of the swim. My plan was to try and establish a gap on the first lap and then hold that gap into the bike. For the first hundred meters or so that plan was in jeopardy. A fast swimming local had gone off the front and established a good gap. I just kept swimming hard and he rather suddenly came right back to me. Soon thereafter I had a gap and was able to hold it the remainder of the swim. <br />
<br />
<b>Bike:</b> Given that it was an eight loop course with three turn-arounds per lap, I knew I would have plenty of opportunities to get splits on my competition. My goal was to go hard and do everything could to keep my gap, but remain cognizant of the fact that it is hot and HUMID in Tobago!! I knew if I totally blew myself up on the bike, I would be in trouble on the hot, HUMID and exposed run course. Seriously, nowhere I have ever raced has anything on Tobago as far as humidity is concerned. Fortunately I was able to keep my gap.<br />
<br />
<b>Run</b>: I would be lying if I said I didn't have a goal in mind with regard to my run split, but once I felt the heat and humidity, and realized the course may also have been a bit long, I quickly let go of that goal. I got off the bike knowing I had a gap, and that I just needed to try and stay as cool and controlled as possible. Again, with a four loop run, I knew I would have time to react if I saw the gap closing. I was dealt a lucky hand, and I could see from the beginning that my gap was holding. With this in mind I just focused on my turnover and tried to run as evenly paced as I could.<br />
<br />
In the end I crossed the line first and got to hold the winners tape above my head for the first time in my career. Pretty cool feeling.<br />
<br />
The race was marred however by one unfortunate event however, that of Charisa's failed attempt at a forward handspring off her bike. She's got<a href="http://charisawernick.blogspot.com/"> proof</a>, that such a move is NOT a good idea. <br />
<br />
This did put a bit of a damper on the remaining weekend festivities, but I got to see some more sights before we departed back to Trinidad and the states (more to come on that front).<br />
<br />
It was a great adventure heading down to the Caribbean to race. The island spirit and that of its people made for a great time and awesome "vibe" to the event (there has never been better music played at a race!). Plus, its not too often I get to participate in a Champagne Ceremony!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmBN7bEBXxM/T8beKVLJ9DI/AAAAAAAABLk/gynfJ9_Kv5w/s1600/TobagoChampagne" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmBN7bEBXxM/T8beKVLJ9DI/AAAAAAAABLk/gynfJ9_Kv5w/s400/TobagoChampagne" width="400" /></a></div>
The race director and the whole crew put on a great race, where the "fun factor" was definitely competing with the "fast factor" for top billing. Which is how it should be! I can't say enough "Thank Yous" to the whole Rainbow Cup crew, and to Jennice & Jason in particular for their incredible hospitality and energy. It was truly a great experience!<br />
<br />
While a win was great, it remains blatantly clear that my fitness and form remain far from "Elite" level. There is still MASSIVE amounts of work to be done to right this ship. Up next is Kansas 70.3 in ten short days! <br />
<br />
As always, the trip, the win, the journey would not have happened without the incredible support I receive from my sponsors.<br />
Zoot - the kit and kicks were light and fast.<br />
<br />
BH - The GC Aero was up to the task as always and handled the twits and turns of the looped course with precision and power. <br />
<br />
Reynolds - My Assaults proved yet again, they are beyond just a great training wheel. When race day comes, they answer.<br />
<br />
SPY+ - The Caribbean sun was no match for the Screw!<br />
<br />
PowerBar - Nothing like having familiar and reliable fuel even in far way lands. A few less calories but the same result, I had the power to push all day. <br />
<br />
TRIBE - Having a knowledgeable shop on your side when preparing for a journey abroad is priceless. Know what you NEED and bring it along!<br />
<br />
Mikelson & Mikelson, LLP - Flying off to faraway lands to chase experiences like this just plain and simple would not happen without your support. <br />
<br /></div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-85568163906305697722012-05-10T10:21:00.002-07:002012-05-10T10:21:56.924-07:00Wildflower: The Long, Medium and Short of it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Saturday I raced the legendary Wildflower long course triathlon in Paso Robles, CA. In its 30th year, this is one of the longest running and most storied races in the sport. It was the site of my first exposure to triathlon as a volunteer in my college years at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and that of my first half Ironman distance race in 2008. The weekend, the location and the course never fail to live up to their reputation, and this year was no different.<br />
<br />
I need to send a special thank you to the entire TriCalifornia Events team as they put on a top shelf race and take care of all athletes, including the pros, as if they were family members. This is truly a top notch organization that should serve as the model for any aspiring race directors.<br />
<br />
Onto the race. I will keep it brief as my race deserves little attention. So to take the title of this post in reverse, I will start with the "Short":<br />
<br />
Swim:<br />
I slotted myself off to the left, got caught up in a bit of scrapping but made it fairly unscathed, but quite winded, to the first turn buoy. I had to try and relax for a few hundred meters and stayed just off the feet of the a group ahead. Later I found a rhythm and was able to bridge up and swim my way up to the near the front of the group. Fettel and McClarty were way off the front with a few others between us, and then our group of 6 or so. Though I felt the swim was not a good one for me, I came out securely within the top 10 and with some of the big contenders.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzUvoPM4QGM/T6vs_ot0oPI/AAAAAAAABJk/smycZMIFMOM/s1600/WFSwimexit" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzUvoPM4QGM/T6vs_ot0oPI/AAAAAAAABJk/smycZMIFMOM/s400/WFSwimexit" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Onto the "Long" of it:<br />
<br />
Bike:<br />
I did indeed come out of the water with some of the big engines and ahead of a few others. Unfortunately, as has been par for the course since last year, I watched them all ride away throughout the day on the bike. There is not much to be said about my ride other than it was quite pathetic. I had great equipment, finely tuned, and ready to roll. Again however, it was the engine that failed. Since leaving the squad I have been focusing my attention on my riding and it indeed has paid off as this ride was much better than Leadman. But competitiveness on the bike at this level does not come overnight. The hole that my early season training (or lack thereof) has left me in is quite deep with respect to the bike. Climbing out will not be a quick leap, and will require some effort and time. I am game for the challenge however and things are now on the right track.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykw91S6IRrs/T6vugg__ziI/AAAAAAAABJs/_Lj48gvGOf8/s1600/WFBike1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykw91S6IRrs/T6vugg__ziI/AAAAAAAABJs/_Lj48gvGOf8/s400/WFBike1" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally the "Medium":<br />
I came into T2 with no idea where I was in the race, but certain it was
FAR out of money contention. So I set my sights on just trying to run a
solid steady 13.1. I got my feet under me, and just tried to concentrate on a solid cadence and relaxing my back and shoulders. I ran with my new <a href="http://www.timex.com/collections/run-trainer">Timex GPS</a> run trainer and it was great. It felt much lighter than my Garmin did as I didn't get any of the arm fatigue/burn that I do sometimes with the Garmin. My goal was to run under 1:20 and at the halfway mark I thought it might be in the cards. However going through the camp grounds I didn't feel the normal "pop" I do in that section and my energy began to fade. I took a PowerGel at each of the next two aid stations before the long climb back up to the mile 10 marker. On the downhill I got to see a large group of runners ahead of me, but it was too late. I ran the last miles before the downhill hard, but they never came back into view. I ended up with a 1:22 which is a PR for me on that course, but not where I wanted it to be. Again, medium. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_REVSwEk7UY/T6vxqYvMOUI/AAAAAAAABJ4/twMrtkZ1_X4/s400/WFRun" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.finishline-multisport.com/">TriLounge's </a>Kevin Koresky for the photos and the support!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished 20th, in 4:22, and WAY off the pace of the race. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to send out a HUGE congrats to fellow Zooter and friend <a href="http://heatherjacksonracing.com/">Heather Jackson</a> for her incredible race and course record on way to winning her first major race. You are in fine company Heather. Can't wait to see you name on those stairs.</div>
<br />As always I need to send a big thanks to my incredible sponsors for supporting me and sticking with me through as I attempt to right the ship.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.zootsports.com/">ZOOT</a> - From the water to the run, you've got me covered and go above and beyond. It is an incredible opportunity to work with a company on the leading edge of our sport and I value it greatly. I wore the Prophet wetsuit which is by far the most flexible suit I've ever worn, and raced in the TT5.0s which were light and comfy but held up well to the rocky and slippery trails of Wildflower. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bhbikes-us.com/">BH Bikes</a> - The GC will go much faster soon.. I promise! I've spent some quality time bonding with it for the past month and there is only more in the future. Thanks for believing in me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com//RZR92">REYNOLDS</a> - I opted for the RZR 92s out at Wildflower due to the rather punishing road conditions and the hills. I was happy with my choice. A few more modifications to the engine, and these bad boys will be delivered the horsepower they deserve!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/">SPY+ </a>- I can't recall exactly how many compliments I have been given on my Spy shades in the past few months. In a casual setting, on the bike, or on the run, they look great and perform. I wore the matte white "Screw" on Saturday and was happy I did.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tribemultisport.com/">TRIBE MULTISPORT</a> - The camp last month was great fun and also an opportunity to get some new accoutrements for my GC. They are helping and the bike is running flawlessly. Having a fully stocked shop with knowledgeable staff is awesome.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.powerbar.com/">POWERBAR </a>- Aside from a few swigs of on course drink, I fueled my entire day on PowerBar products. Cookies n Cream bar and 1 pack gel blasts for breakfast, a Double Latte gel before the swim, Strawberry Banana gels on the bike, 4 Powergels on the run. Not a stomach issue all day.<br />
<br />
MIKELSON & MIKELSON, LLP - Having a "Firm" that firmly backs my pursuits is truly invaluable. It sounds cliche, but it is simply fact, I would not be here, chasing my dreams, without your support. Great lawyers & Great people.</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-87479222075983935942012-04-26T20:01:00.000-07:002012-04-26T20:01:37.432-07:00Arizona Camp 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I spent a significant portion of last year in Arizona. Primarily in Tucson, but a few weeks in Scottsdale as well.<br />
<br />
While I had no plans to spend such a long time in the A. Z. this year, I knew I wanted to get out there for some time. Last week was my first chance. Given that Charisa and I were hosting a clinic/training camp weekend with our new sponsor <a href="http://tribemultisport.com/">TRIBE Multisport</a> in Scottsdale, I took the opportunity to head out to Tucson a week early and get in a little mini-camp. Thanks to good friends <a href="http://hillarybiscay.com/">Hillary </a>and Maiki, who graciously opened their home to me, I got what I was looking for and then some. It was fantastic to be back in Tucson and hanging out with my Tucson friends.<br />
<br />
I took the week as an opportunity to get in some solid hours on the bike. And I did. With visits and summits of Gates Pass, Mt. Lemmon and Madera Canyon combining for over 15hrs in the saddle over 4 days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k06dFJllijs/T5oEzLBZDbI/AAAAAAAABIo/ncRidfOyjJo/s1600/BHLemmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k06dFJllijs/T5oEzLBZDbI/AAAAAAAABIo/ncRidfOyjJo/s400/BHLemmon.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Lemmon never gets old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7tkhrCUMI4/T5oEKZloOaI/AAAAAAAABIQ/xUIej7OSb1A/s1600/Madera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7tkhrCUMI4/T5oEKZloOaI/AAAAAAAABIQ/xUIej7OSb1A/s400/Madera.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madera Canyon. Tough ride. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course I also got in some running and no trip to the Biscay-Twelsiek Desert Oasis would be complete without some insane post run waffles from the GCM himself.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnuce7LNn0Fmt4tnlADKJX9h-wHc0BGuqLWQCOxaiEGiCwOGFgdhyGxs-t073WlRxrpwyxx8ULlBsNTgH9L8b954M2CRyGni54zZFoiOlgllDNfoHIA9DbHNX8Td17nE9wM6a2femRRP8/s1600/MaikiWaffles" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnuce7LNn0Fmt4tnlADKJX9h-wHc0BGuqLWQCOxaiEGiCwOGFgdhyGxs-t073WlRxrpwyxx8ULlBsNTgH9L8b954M2CRyGni54zZFoiOlgllDNfoHIA9DbHNX8Td17nE9wM6a2femRRP8/s400/MaikiWaffles" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man has SKILLS!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tucson has some great coffee shops. Not surprisingly, Maiki's favorite is a little German place called Cafe Passe which served up one of these little delights after a hard swim.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJFCSyyuaUE/T5oEiicweUI/AAAAAAAABIg/nq2hk5JmvAA/s1600/AppleTreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJFCSyyuaUE/T5oEiicweUI/AAAAAAAABIg/nq2hk5JmvAA/s400/AppleTreat.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUMM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeySU-hA4U0/T5oHGwy8s2I/AAAAAAAABJA/FS036Xbze2Y/s1600/MaderaHobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeySU-hA4U0/T5oHGwy8s2I/AAAAAAAABJA/FS036Xbze2Y/s400/MaderaHobbit.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a little "hobbit house" near the top of Madera Canyon. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was with a bit of sadness that I had to pack up the car and head North after such a short trip. But I was excited to head up to Scottsdale and get the weekend clinic/training camp rolling. Again due to the hospitality of some awesome friends, the Dunns, the weekend was spent in the lap of luxury.<br />
<br />
We kicked things off on Friday afternoon with a nice 10K run and a little talk giving some background information on ourselves. Where we came from and how we got to the pro level. Thankfully the audience quickly bored of hearing about us, and we moved on to a Q & A session covering a wide array of topics. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi3Tu9PfpSKoapgsaz8ZdNwe9uvTaLLXPBTYK9teI4QOW4k5XT9tFamhQqP-84gBi8vh3DOCBLyCc6hmNvq0uCgQwFwtqLpbNb3mEyJt5RAcIXF8HBF8U16D0ltOUckjFuic-JM9F4e86/s1600/TribeTalk2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi3Tu9PfpSKoapgsaz8ZdNwe9uvTaLLXPBTYK9teI4QOW4k5XT9tFamhQqP-84gBi8vh3DOCBLyCc6hmNvq0uCgQwFwtqLpbNb3mEyJt5RAcIXF8HBF8U16D0ltOUckjFuic-JM9F4e86/s400/TribeTalk2" width="400" /></a></div>
Saturday began with a swim and was followed with a great catered lunch, and fittingly enough, a discussion re training and race nutrition.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mooo4PYUfQeJFYwbloB2Q2qgPh4NjAVC8lRHJNPXfnvW_llyaq1X04c09VCNlKwM-6ocodHQbgXG2acwWuuCuddrTX-8GFGqRRq5hyphenhyphenCf900uaKnN5V5YOOA_UBb8Bl3A9B7X01YscIK-/s1600/Tribetalk1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mooo4PYUfQeJFYwbloB2Q2qgPh4NjAVC8lRHJNPXfnvW_llyaq1X04c09VCNlKwM-6ocodHQbgXG2acwWuuCuddrTX-8GFGqRRq5hyphenhyphenCf900uaKnN5V5YOOA_UBb8Bl3A9B7X01YscIK-/s400/Tribetalk1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I have a cookie in my hand. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In what could only be described as "when the going gets tough, the tough get 'rolling'" fashion, after the nutrition discussion, and once peak heat had arrived, we rolled out for a long ride in the comfortable 105 degree temps. A beautiful day ;-)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ3gi_UQi9QPxcvbV0q-Ss-Orpp_DLV7u_WN_aOBGxY8b-U97EWSBm2JnVm7oYNjPO-x3scG4wRjEnAomK7XKnE_lAQ0FrP-a1XAdUTjga4_3Q3oe9sMvU5o3mds8DrhY9FUMp6Oesufs/s1600/TRibeRIde" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ3gi_UQi9QPxcvbV0q-Ss-Orpp_DLV7u_WN_aOBGxY8b-U97EWSBm2JnVm7oYNjPO-x3scG4wRjEnAomK7XKnE_lAQ0FrP-a1XAdUTjga4_3Q3oe9sMvU5o3mds8DrhY9FUMp6Oesufs/s400/TRibeRIde" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying in the shade as long as possible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We capped off the weekend with a Sunday morning run, breakfast burrito feast, and some friendly chat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all it was a fantastic week in Arizona. I have some great friends in Maiki & HB and Brian & Jamie to thank for their overwhelming generosity, and a great sponsor in TRIBE Multisport to thank for providing us such a cool platform to share the sport I love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-17336645564593829532012-04-16T14:28:00.001-07:002012-04-17T09:03:26.791-07:00Moving On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year I essentially roamed around the country, playing the part of the "nomad triathlete." Moving from place to place every 4-6 weeks. It was great. I saw some new places, trained in some cool locations, and experienced life and my country in a way I never had before. I am sure when I am old and grey I will look back on 2011 with a fond appreciation of the experience.<br />
<br />
This is not to say however, that the travel did not have its downsides. As anyone who has done it (particularly on a rather modest budget) will tell you, living out of a suit case (or a suitcase, duffel bag and bike box in my case) gets old. Pretty fast. Being away from family and friends, in foreign locales also begins to wear on one quite a bit. <br />
<br />
Given the foregoing, I was excited to start the 2012 season with the Squad as the first two camps I would attend were set to take place just inland of San Diego. San Diego had served, up until last year, as my home away from home and secondary training grounds essentially since I began serious training. I have a great group of friends there, and it is not too far from home and my family and friends in LA. It sounded great.<br />
<br />
Once the first camp began however, I quickly realized something was missing. I didn't have the same fire and excitement about training with the Squad as I had in the past. In short, I wasn't enjoying the work.<br />
<br />
I have been asked by many how long I plan to do this. My answer has always been "as long as it stays fun." Please understand what I mean by "fun." I do not mean that I want to be giggling like a school girl all day. I don't find hard intervals on the bike, track workouts, or the cold pool deck at "O' dark :30" to be "fun" as the word is typically understood in modern parlance. So hindsight being 20/20, I guess I should rephrase my stock answer to, "as long as I enjoy it." I enjoyed the hard efforts. I enjoy the long rides. I enjoy the work. Or at least I had.<br />
<br />
During the first camp I found that I was not enjoying the work. I left a career as an attorney to pursue professional racing. I can tell you there are much easier ways, to make a much more stout living than professional racing. If I am not enjoying it there simply is no reason, in my mind, to continue.<br />
<br />
It was this realization that lead me to consider all aspects of my then current circumstance. When I evaluated my position, I knew it was not triathlon or the work that I was not enjoying. It was simply the format under which I was pursuing my racing career. My interest in the sport, in the training, and my enjoyment thereof remained, it was simply the environment I was operating in that was running interference. I knew I still loved the sport and I didn't doubt my desire to continue racing but I also felt something needed to change. I knew I needed to leave the Squad.<br />
<br />
I have had some great times with the Squad. I got the opportunity to do some great training, with great athletes, and create some wonderful memories. I learned volumes from my experience. I am grateful for the opportunity and value the experience. It was just my time to move on.<br />
<br />
As for the immediate future, I will continue to prepare for upcoming races while writing my own training plans. I do not want to make a coaching decision in haste and thus will spend some time doing my research and seeking the opinions and advice of some close friends who I trust an respect.<br />
<br />
On to Wildflower. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-26068347726502945642012-04-02T11:23:00.002-07:002012-04-02T11:23:44.401-07:00LeadmanTri EPIC 125 Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I like to think I have raced some challenging race courses in my short triathlon career. My first half iron distance was Wildflower. I've raced Ironman Lake Placid, Wisconsin and Kona. All these courses can undoubtedly claim a spot on almost anyone's "Tough Courses" list. On my own personal list, the Leadman Tri EPIC 125, definitely claims one of the top slots.<br />
<br />
Had the race taken place on Friday it would have been a tough day even with temps in the 70s and little to no wind. With Saturday and a 10a.m. start however, came some high temps and some fierce winds. When I first learned of the 10a.m. start time I was stoked to enjoy a much more relaxed race morning. Come Friday however, I was really wishing we could get going early to beat the expected winds. As it turned out, even an 7a.m. start would have made for a hard day. The winds kicked up early and never let up, only strengthening throughout the day. Serious winds, those of the sustained 20-30mph type, with gusts into the 50s. In fact the evening new reported the highest gust recorded at 67mph.<br />
<br />
Onto the race: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDteDZLtcE2jXTkqC-zzhJ3_Pkw8b6uwsxIJhpiwfH62bqLIix3i9U8B8RJhvyj-i2HjtxbSkeZ7F-LTSSeMYOLJJ5CiHRikjWKCcsWBeB0C0FWho-JgBVvZklo1bEu6CADCP3VTynSM-/s1600/swim-start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDteDZLtcE2jXTkqC-zzhJ3_Pkw8b6uwsxIJhpiwfH62bqLIix3i9U8B8RJhvyj-i2HjtxbSkeZ7F-LTSSeMYOLJJ5CiHRikjWKCcsWBeB0C0FWho-JgBVvZklo1bEu6CADCP3VTynSM-/s400/swim-start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The water was hovering around 60f in the days leading up to the race but I think the winds stirred it up a bit and left it in the high 50s making my "warm up" short and sweet. Soon after the gun it was clear that the chop in the water was going to make it a "swim for the hearty." Fortunately I was able to stick close to Maik Twelsiek and keep the stand up paddler in sight. I came out in 2nd a few meters behind Maiki.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6R6dSCLJwk/T3nfEC0jphI/AAAAAAAABHc/ggNGdDIaixQ/s1600/swim-exit.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6R6dSCLJwk/T3nfEC0jphI/AAAAAAAABHc/ggNGdDIaixQ/s400/swim-exit.jpg" width="241" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bike: 109.5K</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Out of T1 Maiki immediately dropped me in rapid fashion. I knew I needed to maintain a high but manageable pace, and things began well. My BH GC Aero was set up well and rolling flawlessly. I had planed on running a Reynolds Element Disc and RZR 92 up front, but in a game time decision , I opted for an Assault (46mm) front due to the wind. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS8XSRywkqhZxN7z6o5mr5hUQoKw0Tzqc4UMX6QPgyhmV_asZt1Q7QRAAOE_QveGjRC1o5fVa12P-650eXtWg1IQDp_njPWsSmoirOOPxj09Ys9q9I0aQwczFjOpZjVm2GB0ZOUaiGg5z/s1600/LeadmanBike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS8XSRywkqhZxN7z6o5mr5hUQoKw0Tzqc4UMX6QPgyhmV_asZt1Q7QRAAOE_QveGjRC1o5fVa12P-650eXtWg1IQDp_njPWsSmoirOOPxj09Ys9q9I0aQwczFjOpZjVm2GB0ZOUaiGg5z/s400/LeadmanBike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Leadman & Slowtwitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a good decision with the fierce cross winds. After 25miles however, I began to struggle mightily. I will not make excuses, it was solely due to my poor planning and lack of fitness. I opted to use a <a href="http://www.torhans.com/aero30.html">Torhans Aero 30</a> which was a great call, and a single downtube bottle with my PowerBar gels mixed with water. This was a MAJOR oversight on my part as I ran out of fluids early and often. Poor planning and lack of foresight is tough to overcome. Even more so, is a lack of fitness. I simply did not have it and on a course like Leadman, in those brutal conditions, there is no place to hide, you can't "fake it." I was utterly drained by the time I hit T2, well off the pace of my competition.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1UlKskPNtc/T3nkAgl7_oI/AAAAAAAABH0/odd9ceNei1M/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1UlKskPNtc/T3nkAgl7_oI/AAAAAAAABH0/odd9ceNei1M/s400/bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently my brother and I both suffer from "High Arm Run" syndrome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Run: 13K ALL UPHILL<br />
The run course at Leadman is all uphill. Its also all on a walking/bike path. With these factors in mind, I knew there was little chance of making a wrong turn, and that I would have to ride the course the day before if I was to see it. So I opted not to do so. On race day, I was very happy I made that decision. Had I known what lay before me, I am not sure I would have had the gumption to make it out of T2. I was cooked dry and had very little left in the tank. Fueled predominantly by ignorance, I began the run, er... uphill slog to Boulder City. Cramping in my quads (again due to poor hydration and lack of fitness) began early and stayed with me for the duration of the run. My saving grace came in the form of a relay team member who caught me around the 5mile mark and set the pace to cling to for the remainder of the slog.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdN8EqSPcvQvFwVfQeB3-oeyRInbj6NKeUTU0I8_RLcHkyVzI9H3JExWWTvRd7YFnCFPP4QDGYUr9SOrNzPOXwcB-ljT-vOR5Bjb60_YnOGz21ZCy_E7QqzPwNTC5VUMwKIFXayAYbFjZ/s1600/finish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdN8EqSPcvQvFwVfQeB3-oeyRInbj6NKeUTU0I8_RLcHkyVzI9H3JExWWTvRd7YFnCFPP4QDGYUr9SOrNzPOXwcB-ljT-vOR5Bjb60_YnOGz21ZCy_E7QqzPwNTC5VUMwKIFXayAYbFjZ/s400/finish1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the finish chute railings had been blown over at this late stage in the race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhFNCmL_XJ4CBpouIXJqcyxhJRoAD-8GZpAddSRdQbPw3_7q9juuGVys5huZ66Vy8KKn_TcHc6aCqO3O0vEi0vnn2VWVToV09KjGMwv7GSQyiUcHCxz5E6SGQV_Yb6BvLrXtj2VMRl8s0/s1600/finish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhFNCmL_XJ4CBpouIXJqcyxhJRoAD-8GZpAddSRdQbPw3_7q9juuGVys5huZ66Vy8KKn_TcHc6aCqO3O0vEi0vnn2VWVToV09KjGMwv7GSQyiUcHCxz5E6SGQV_Yb6BvLrXtj2VMRl8s0/s400/finish2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish 4:59; 4th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzUuGk_zICo/T3ndZj-g2PI/AAAAAAAABGs/ZoCOIlgXyMw/s1600/brothers-finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzUuGk_zICo/T3ndZj-g2PI/AAAAAAAABGs/ZoCOIlgXyMw/s400/brothers-finish.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was great to have my brother there to see me race for the 1st time. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pz90pA8vEo/T3ndchsMA8I/AAAAAAAABHM/NAN65UPYrKE/s1600/friends_and_a_dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pz90pA8vEo/T3ndchsMA8I/AAAAAAAABHM/NAN65UPYrKE/s400/friends_and_a_dog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us reveling in the pain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All in all it was truly one of the more testing and trying days in my sporting career. I knew coming off a long off season due to my injury I was not going to be in the best shape, but I was hoping some consistent training and a month back with the Squad would work me back into some reasonable degree of fitness. Clearly, my hopes were not confirmed and I have LOADS of work to do before Wildflower. Time to batten down the hatches and get to work.<br />
<br />
I want to send a sincere "Thank You" to all the Life Time Fitness /Leadman Tri crew for putting on a spectacular race, serving up an incredible challenge, and doing it all with class, & top notch customer service. If you want a BIG challenge... There's a couple waiting for you in Vegas and Bend. <br />
<br />
I would also like to thank my great support network of sponsors:<br />
Zoot: The <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-prophet-wetzoot-s11?category=mens%2Fwetsuits">Prophet wetsuit</a> battled the cold temps and kept me comfortable and riding high on the choppy waters of Lake Mead. The new <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-tt-5-s12?category=mens%2Ffootwear">TT </a>is an awesome shoe! (even when you're worked!)<br />
<br />
BH Bikes: My first race on the <a href="http://www.bhbikes-us.com/bikes/detail/14">GC Aero</a> left me only wishing I had more to give as the bike worked beautifully and was only slowed by the engine!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com/">Reynolds Wheels</a>: The Assault & Element was the right choice in those windy conditions and I was confident even racing the wheel I typically train on (Assault). Again, only the engine slowed the roll.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tribemultisport.com/">TRIBE</a>: A big help is having a competently staffed and fully stocked
Triathlon shop a phone call away. Thank you guys for all you do. <br />
<br />
SPY Optics: The harsh desert sun and gale force winds were no match for <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/screw/d/1189_c_600">the Screw</a>. Comfortable, clear and good looking eyewear is HUGE! Not to mention the fact that they are so light I barely know they are there.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1390097390"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.powerbar.com/">PowerBar</a>: Had I been smart, my only change in nutrition plan would have been to bring more PowerBar Perform!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pvbike.com/">PVBC</a>: Knowing my bike is tuned and ready is a big help. <br />
<br />
Onward. </div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-10839924577457247002012-03-14T14:52:00.000-07:002012-03-14T14:52:12.064-07:00New Ride!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its been a while since I have put an entry up here, and that is due in large part to the fact that I have been totally consumed with training camp. Ok, 90% training, 5% driving and 5% training induced laziness.<br />
<br />
However, the first San Diego camp with the Triathlon Squad is coming to a close, and despite picking up a little cold, things have gone well. I expected that camp would deliver me a swift and stern "welcome back" and deliver it did. Paulo put together a solid routine that left me pretty wasted at the end of nearly every day. Being my first camp back following an extended off season due to my injury, I expected a few hiccups. And while I certainly bumbled about in a few workouts, my worst fears were abated and I survived. Stronger for it.<br />
<br />
I was delivered a big boost partway through camp, and one that I am very excited to announce. I have very happy to say that BH Bikes brought me aboard their esteemed triathlon team! I am excited to be working with a brand that makes quality and PROVEN race machines (witness Eneko Llanos' sub 8 hour IM Arizona). BH is dedicated to the sport of triathlon and triathletes and that kind of support is highly valued. I am excited to be a part of a brand that truly cares about the athlete, the enhancement of their performance and their enjoyment of an active, sporting life. <br />
<br />
I will be racing the GC Aero this year and my first impressions of the bike have been outstanding. I can clearly see how this machine has delivered Eneko, Angela Naeth and others to podiums around the globe. It is my plan to ride it to the same!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-iF82x6QSE/T2DJ9_Drw7I/AAAAAAAABGI/2_pORJt1G2Y/s1600/BHblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-iF82x6QSE/T2DJ9_Drw7I/AAAAAAAABGI/2_pORJt1G2Y/s640/BHblog.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br /></div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-47873673102375715152012-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:002012-01-31T11:37:36.528-08:00Getting Rolling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Training is back into full swing and with that, comes the obvious thought of when will be my first crack out to see where all the early season training has gotten my fitness. I have been toying around with a few different schedule ideas, and the entire season is by no means set in stone, but I have locked in on a certain race that really piqued my interest. LEADMAN 125!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.leadmantri.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rB8UiAp0HM/Tyg04XbkP-I/AAAAAAAABFw/bwjx13zKUv4/s400/Leadman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VEGAS! March 31st, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like many triathletes I watched with great interest as the inaugural Leadman250 unfolded in Vegas last year. An EPIC indeed. A distance I will readily admit to being more than just a little apprehensive about! But when I saw that Leadman would be introducing their "half" or "125" distance on the Vegas course, I was greatly intrigued. With a 2.5K(1.5mi) swim, 109.5K (69mi) bike, and 13K (8mi) run the distance is a new one for me. Add to that, that the fact that the swim is in Lake Mead, the ride heads out through the challenging and hilly high desert towards a place called the Valley of Fire, and the run ends in Boulder City near the Hoover Dam, and I was sold. And my season opener was set. <br />
<br />
If you aren't racing Oceanside on March 31st, and want to get in on what promises to be an awesome event out in Vegas, come join me! Copy the code <span style="color: red;">Ltftri24<span style="color: black;"> and save yourself 15% and click <a href="http://www.leadmantri.com/page/show/291368-las-vegas-nv">here</a> to register. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I'll leave you with a little video I made (please excuse the lack of cinematic professionalism, its my first one) of a training day this weekend enjoying the awesome So Cal weather. Enjoy. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyV4QLJmeIZ2wPH5-AZi-iPCgcCYvOkmEsVAq89CONhGcM_rzTshrMmkUzI9hXoxHx9RUq9KPknx3ECBpkbTQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-951571534707055822012-01-19T13:47:00.000-08:002012-01-19T13:47:50.901-08:00Talking Shop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I recently did a little interview with the guys from <a href="http://www.firsttimeironman.com/">www.firsttimeironman.com</a>. As the name implies, this is a website run by a crew from "Down Under" that is dedicated to providing information and "know how" to those who are just getting into the sport.<br />
<br />
If you are interested you can check it out <a href="http://firsttimeironman.com/ian-mikelson.aspx">here</a>. Have a surf through their website as there is some good stuff throughout. <br />
<br />
In other news, my shoulder is coming along much faster than I (or anyone else) expected. I am pretty much back up to full speed in the pool now and it feels pretty much back to normal. Now the task is just to build back some of that endurance that, if you'll pardon the pun, washed away in my month out of the water.<br />
<br />
I'll leave you (as has been my trend of late) with the view I caught on a recent ride enjoying the California "winter."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied8oNh4w0K2VxXMRm3OUyCejYgYPjBE7c1ZwfVzfLikwDAoiegpYFeaLMeMBoWldc2zlKF4Arg2jge0Eo6u9sPRvX2HKnute2nBOn9dLj_tQ-FpCcEOExp09S4TbgHisOp07LSJ99YMc2/s1600/Malibu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied8oNh4w0K2VxXMRm3OUyCejYgYPjBE7c1ZwfVzfLikwDAoiegpYFeaLMeMBoWldc2zlKF4Arg2jge0Eo6u9sPRvX2HKnute2nBOn9dLj_tQ-FpCcEOExp09S4TbgHisOp07LSJ99YMc2/s400/Malibu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-26173347847127604812012-01-10T15:43:00.000-08:002012-01-10T15:43:30.616-08:00Heading in the right direction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I hope everyone had a great holiday season. I did, and I think the best gift I received, aside from great time spent with friends and loved ones and some flip flops, came in the form of steady improvement/healing of my shoulder. I am not back to 100% as of yet, but suffice it to say that I am back to riding and running outside without any pain or fear of further injury, and full range of motion and strength has been restored to my shoulder. The latter part I am very stoked about. The primary concern of the doctors has been whether I would have full range of motion and strength. As such, it seems I am "out of the woods" from that perspective.<br />
<br />
While the major concerns of range of motion and strength have been quieted, there is still the issue of endurance. Right now, I am good for only 2.5 - 3K of swimming before the muscles in my shoulder tucker out and give up. I guess 3 weeks out of the water took its toll! But I am rehabbing and working on strengthening the shoulder several times a week with a great <a href="http://www.positiveenergypt.com/">Physical Therapist </a>and it is improving almost daily. Unfortunately it just hasn't come around quick enough for me to make the first camp with the Triathlon Squad this year. While initially the docs, Paulo, nor myself thought my attendance at the camp would be even a remote possibility, the rapid progression of my recovery sparked some hope in my mind. Thus, not being able to make it was slightly easier to accept. So all is not lost, and I will continue to work, and come the February and all ensuing camps, I will be ready for the whole ball of wax.<br />
<br />
Riding and running outside has been great and I will leave you with a few photos from recent workouts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX8NcWt0bFI/TwzMf23nQeI/AAAAAAAABE0/euy2X6HQZaU/s1600/IMG_0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX8NcWt0bFI/TwzMf23nQeI/AAAAAAAABE0/euy2X6HQZaU/s400/IMG_0382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiq2KWIn9iu-GBOTJuijZR2Cd-uTFMkUxhgMXjmd0GAe2mY-M5JKjaG-FBqbpG8MTaUdrj59jFEomLDZJYqNvdHi099iL6x5rt4EAEQu7rVUqbamlkRZ7UDkBGFgwo4EAyXIPLZnHDiz0/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiq2KWIn9iu-GBOTJuijZR2Cd-uTFMkUxhgMXjmd0GAe2mY-M5JKjaG-FBqbpG8MTaUdrj59jFEomLDZJYqNvdHi099iL6x5rt4EAEQu7rVUqbamlkRZ7UDkBGFgwo4EAyXIPLZnHDiz0/s400/IMG_0388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-46551695640936851172011-12-18T05:32:00.000-08:002011-12-18T05:32:44.882-08:00Bouncing Around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In all the hustle, bustle and focus of the racing season, I often realize that I don't have the time to really appreciate the beauty of some of the places my job takes me. Yes I snap a few pictures here and there, but often times some amazing scenery flies by before I can really comprehend the incredible beauty in wherein I often find my "offiice." Immersed in my powermeter, engaged in the work, I miss much of nature's splendor. <br />
<br />
A few days ago I had a lunch with an athlete I coach and found myself, down in Manhattan Beach, with free Christmas Parking and some time to kill. It was a beautiful day in my old stomping grounds, so I decided to take it all in for a while. The luxuries and the "offseason" and the silver lining of an injury. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hj2nQiI8Vj0/Tu3i6flkNKI/AAAAAAAABD0/-8N__3vh6Qk/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hj2nQiI8Vj0/Tu3i6flkNKI/AAAAAAAABD0/-8N__3vh6Qk/s400/IMG_0211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manhattan Beach, CA. Where I lived for 3.5yrs during my final year of law school and first years of practice, and where I took up triathlon. The hill in the background is Palos Verdes, CA the land of my childhood. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYU6UHoJG2I/Tu3i_VNMnvI/AAAAAAAABD8/UHCrPwmQlqA/s1600/IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYU6UHoJG2I/Tu3i_VNMnvI/AAAAAAAABD8/UHCrPwmQlqA/s400/IMG_0212.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
For a while I was content to sit, walk a bit, and snap some photos. But soon, the taunting and peer pressure heard in the footfalls of passing runners rose to an unbearable level. I hadn't technically been cleared to run, but I just NEEDED to. A part of me needed to feel it again, to take in this powerful scenery with a pounding heart. So I ran. And it was liberating. Exactly what I needed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneefeX6mxBnwe-18QOYY_hgLTyKd8Xoodw4xYLURM46DyYVLJtFhyJl1A09oh2_fOwS6rygVjbKGuThIhK3maGcy5KZjcTWzaRToZ2-kFty6710Sr_RAqjAthdSYEIudpK-1wfy7XfW6B/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneefeX6mxBnwe-18QOYY_hgLTyKd8Xoodw4xYLURM46DyYVLJtFhyJl1A09oh2_fOwS6rygVjbKGuThIhK3maGcy5KZjcTWzaRToZ2-kFty6710Sr_RAqjAthdSYEIudpK-1wfy7XfW6B/s400/IMG_0224.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yS8Cnri5kt0/Tu3hDTQteYI/AAAAAAAABC8/Y_lyWj_ypm8/s1600/IMG_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yS8Cnri5kt0/Tu3hDTQteYI/AAAAAAAABC8/Y_lyWj_ypm8/s400/IMG_0233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EdPnaEuAYo/Tu3hH1DxkfI/AAAAAAAABDE/gdt7tXCWY9c/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EdPnaEuAYo/Tu3hH1DxkfI/AAAAAAAABDE/gdt7tXCWY9c/s400/IMG_0243.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The next day I boarded a plane bound for the opposite coast. On tap was a visit with my nearly life long best friend who I have spent countless hours on the beaches above with in my life. He and his lovely new fiance moved out here in July, came and watched me race Lake Placid, and I haven't seen them since. A visit was needed.<br />
<br />
Friday morning I woke with antsy feet and a run route in my inbox from a caring friend who knew I needed it. It was windy and cold, but I was excited to take in what the landscape had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w9e2oyqAZU/Tu3hN2WDd9I/AAAAAAAABDM/OzrnU7gfgr0/s1600/IMG_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w9e2oyqAZU/Tu3hN2WDd9I/AAAAAAAABDM/OzrnU7gfgr0/s400/IMG_0270.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out onto Tod's Pointe in Old Greenwich, CT. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uttL0Y8Toy8U7EY5RWIC9BQoNK4pm9dVMcFq1h5B0fdZlnJcvg2hNupgMsuBxVzoYafT3JZxG_3u5deWHOrP1K3zSNzUcBqzkakhMZsutKZoXIgAMTBkxNDMNwvFwlfpPw7QMaDeWmUO/s1600/IMG_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uttL0Y8Toy8U7EY5RWIC9BQoNK4pm9dVMcFq1h5B0fdZlnJcvg2hNupgMsuBxVzoYafT3JZxG_3u5deWHOrP1K3zSNzUcBqzkakhMZsutKZoXIgAMTBkxNDMNwvFwlfpPw7QMaDeWmUO/s400/IMG_0275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Raw2GemBm6GlzAMv6WQ6nvua9YQ8bRmdbKgW2aXFmNec99nsW2H94eSlKbibcDJ6A23hWHPKAUoRe5xJ5IPiJOMOtbHm_cW_25F-qeHuMUNssDs7Bw7EfscosxTuR1nEYE8QH7vh42Z/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Raw2GemBm6GlzAMv6WQ6nvua9YQ8bRmdbKgW2aXFmNec99nsW2H94eSlKbibcDJ6A23hWHPKAUoRe5xJ5IPiJOMOtbHm_cW_25F-qeHuMUNssDs7Bw7EfscosxTuR1nEYE8QH7vh42Z/s400/IMG_0276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wiz5J48ztfFMkyPvm_M9ETEmbcyMRS-ZrFPb8U9TqSDyplt-TFsEb4_C79H1COlYQQuef8jLtgYzG08adN-WDY56wDrFcgIjdPjgc0bNM0j4nwCtykEcdiBYL1S_2D3KONcWe0o7qhx/s1600/IMG_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wiz5J48ztfFMkyPvm_M9ETEmbcyMRS-ZrFPb8U9TqSDyplt-TFsEb4_C79H1COlYQQuef8jLtgYzG08adN-WDY56wDrFcgIjdPjgc0bNM0j4nwCtykEcdiBYL1S_2D3KONcWe0o7qhx/s400/IMG_0278.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Southern tip of the Pointe you can see the New York City skyline</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-khVFdsQYA/Tu3nsT8gSuI/AAAAAAAABEM/tOoAhlCT1Fc/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-khVFdsQYA/Tu3nsT8gSuI/AAAAAAAABEM/tOoAhlCT1Fc/s400/IMG_0282.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contrast between the white-capped waters of the south side and the slate like calm to the east was striking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-coBIKpmBg/Tu3nuR-N8KI/AAAAAAAABEU/rOk5s2CnWgA/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-coBIKpmBg/Tu3nuR-N8KI/AAAAAAAABEU/rOk5s2CnWgA/s400/IMG_0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQqiEXUouhIcxRGPinVEQ-iblRFxJ3dmI2g3erMOzRGdDB8v3_2KxD9AL2fJ5ctTRS6jvs7eaK9q5x4GGnuueNo6Afqy_fPquCkHYYa3SnPVz8sI6CS7j2JU8M_ugbYwPXC_0jPVVvAjG/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQqiEXUouhIcxRGPinVEQ-iblRFxJ3dmI2g3erMOzRGdDB8v3_2KxD9AL2fJ5ctTRS6jvs7eaK9q5x4GGnuueNo6Afqy_fPquCkHYYa3SnPVz8sI6CS7j2JU8M_ugbYwPXC_0jPVVvAjG/s400/IMG_0285.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final portion of the trail along a nice long sandy beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYME6YSAYqfklrQOebyb6a9rVe9P_gkrcrdUTyTJZaZyoU0H2LrrzcAxgQyhMwV0moCfKeWvpCklUQFS5MogTGwnRhJVU8u9o8QzSlGdVnVaD1Jp_CED4IjWqJjnEVLMRmDyjvoHyQTh_C/s1600/IMG_0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYME6YSAYqfklrQOebyb6a9rVe9P_gkrcrdUTyTJZaZyoU0H2LrrzcAxgQyhMwV0moCfKeWvpCklUQFS5MogTGwnRhJVU8u9o8QzSlGdVnVaD1Jp_CED4IjWqJjnEVLMRmDyjvoHyQTh_C/s400/IMG_0287.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
For a few reasons, this proved to be one of the best runs of my life. One I am sure I will look back on in the years to come with great reverence. It is great to be running again. Taking it all in.<br />
<br />
I hope you all are fortunate enough to find the time this holiday season to "stop and smell the roses."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGaDgjXmJYMp0-3M8iEuzXIZTQy4PmCSScD_Yb0LMZEbVHWk7-ABqxdyongW4G25QY93kOpV11Kpmvp4KIPU-0NIx3h9hX4tMtcFGc5RaBIhZcP0MieFkMMBWBMzqw69jhs5doC83FJNc/s1600/IMG_0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGaDgjXmJYMp0-3M8iEuzXIZTQy4PmCSScD_Yb0LMZEbVHWk7-ABqxdyongW4G25QY93kOpV11Kpmvp4KIPU-0NIx3h9hX4tMtcFGc5RaBIhZcP0MieFkMMBWBMzqw69jhs5doC83FJNc/s400/IMG_0213.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-50201660960080657832011-12-08T15:40:00.000-08:002011-12-08T15:40:05.636-08:00Christmas Gift<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yesterday I went to the doctor for a follow up appointment for my shoulder. After further inspection of the X-Rays and talking with his colleagues, the good Doctor told me his recommendation was not to operate and treat my separated shoulder with aggressive physical therapy instead. I was elated. I almost hugged him but refrained, thinking that might make for an awkward doctor/patient scenario.<br />
<br />
To me, this was the best Christmas gift I could receive.<br />
<br />
On an entirely different note, I have been asked a few times in the past few weeks what a good gift would be for a triathlete in the family.<br />
<br />
Since most of us can't give someone a favorable medical diagnosis like I was fortunate enough to receive, or at least not one anyone should give any credence to, I figured I would try and spread a little triathlon goodwill and make a gift idea list for those of you who may be shopping for a triathlete this Holiday season. So without further ado, here are some products I use, think highly of and would recommend for any triathlete.<br />
<br />
It is winter. It stays dark later and gets dark earlier. It is cold. But none of those are valid excuses not to get our runs in. And lets face it, running when uncomfortable... Sucks. So here are some ideas for some great winter run gear from Zoot. The <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-ultra-kalani-2-f11?category=mens%2Ffootwear">Kalani</a> is a groundbreaking (no pun intended) high mileage trainer perfect for logging the winter miles. This is the shoe I do almost all my longer training runs in. Along with shoes, the winter weather calls for some coverups and the XOTHERM run <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-ultra-run-jacket-f11?category=mens%2Frun-apparel">jacket</a> and <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/spring2010/product/m-ultra-300-tight-f11?category=mens%2Frun-apparel">tight </a><br />
will stand up to the cold.<br />
<br />
After a year or two of logging countless miles on the road, especially after the summer heat has come and gone, helmets can begin to get a little funky. Not to mention that UV Rays are helmet foam's biggest enemy, next to violent road meetings that is. By far the lightest and most comfortable helmet I've ever worn, the <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=64164">Specialized Prevail</a> will meet the standards of any cyclist or triathlete.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6thrFXPE4iU8VPfz_2DZf1OnRKHLmYwh8xzR1wJQ7CRdQbT9cxeyISiIu0-iciaeakRnVqD9hOvdUFRP2dRLPQSn2DYmL1pGsDf0yJwuVp0C-M78rqJS0Ey85tx4SQetlOAxRU_znOix/s1600/Prevail" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6thrFXPE4iU8VPfz_2DZf1OnRKHLmYwh8xzR1wJQ7CRdQbT9cxeyISiIu0-iciaeakRnVqD9hOvdUFRP2dRLPQSn2DYmL1pGsDf0yJwuVp0C-M78rqJS0Ey85tx4SQetlOAxRU_znOix/s320/Prevail" width="320" /></a></div>If you have a very special or deserving triathlete in mind, then he or she will be incredibly stoked on a set of these <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDbF33ZSzUhHqhChl_6JO3YRlEuMDiUNpy82XpHrXbbEOzGNgBp-7eyz23ywMkTgD4XSp3oYhGwydxwi9Jzq2lMkLJgtW99Xwo2WphOeHaIMLXS7IC15gJ-_ePPFCbGSa2TUb7hCmuO2Z/s1600/66" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDbF33ZSzUhHqhChl_6JO3YRlEuMDiUNpy82XpHrXbbEOzGNgBp-7eyz23ywMkTgD4XSp3oYhGwydxwi9Jzq2lMkLJgtW99Xwo2WphOeHaIMLXS7IC15gJ-_ePPFCbGSa2TUb7hCmuO2Z/s320/66" width="249" /></a></div>The Reynolds 66 wheelset is a versatile high performance setup perfect for almost any race course.<br />
<br />
Winter doesn't exactly mean no sun. Further, while riding eye protection is a top priority. SPY+ Optics has a great line of casual and performance shades. The <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/alpha-commando-kit-2/d/1012_c_100">Alpha</a> is my favorite from the performance lineup. They combine great looks, fantastic lenses and are extremely lightweight which makes them great for riding and running. The commando kit comes with three lenses for all conditions. The perfect setup.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4qlGZB42is/TuFJrMGMP4I/AAAAAAAABCs/TrHmdE5q8aU/s1600/Alpha" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4qlGZB42is/TuFJrMGMP4I/AAAAAAAABCs/TrHmdE5q8aU/s320/Alpha" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
For those of you looking to fill some stocking gift vacancies, the following ideas are perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though its cold, we still need to stay hydrated on the longer winter runs. FuelBelt released its <a href="http://trisports.com/fuelbelt-revenge.html">Revenge Series</a> this year and it is fantastic. The Revenge series of belts features plastic molded flask holders that allow for easy one-handed entry. I don't do a run over an hour without one. <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Vf8HoULUhQ/TuFATvqXFAI/AAAAAAAABCE/Hz5CZDt8DYw/s1600/Revenge" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Vf8HoULUhQ/TuFATvqXFAI/AAAAAAAABCE/Hz5CZDt8DYw/s320/Revenge" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Staying in the hydration department, putting in the base miles on the bike will require some serious fluid intake. While I used to think a water bottle was simply that, a water bottle, and all were the same, that changed when I used the <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=67106">Purist</a>. The Purist Hydroflow is an ergonomically shaped, highly flexible, BPA free bottle that has an interior coating that protects from both color and taste stains. Possibly the coolest feature of the Purist is the spout that prevents all leaking or spilling. Just squeeze. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNanvO-8XJw/TuFCUDOJ3VI/AAAAAAAABCM/VG_5r592-9s/s1600/Purist" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNanvO-8XJw/TuFCUDOJ3VI/AAAAAAAABCM/VG_5r592-9s/s320/Purist" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Since there are gonna be some long rides in the saddle for most of us this winter, keeping the undercarriage happy is paramount. An ISM Saddle will do the job. I haven't found a more comfortable saddle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1doSg9xwME/TuFEjhXCc4I/AAAAAAAABCU/rqsMXph4GLw/s1600/ISMTT" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1doSg9xwME/TuFEjhXCc4I/AAAAAAAABCU/rqsMXph4GLw/s200/ISMTT" width="160" /></a></div><br />
No matter how comfortable a saddle is, hours on hours will take its toll unless proper care is taken. And lets face it, even the finest machines need lube. <a href="http://trisports.com/dznuts.html">DZnuts</a>, as the name hints, was developed by Dave Zarbriskie, the US Time Trial Champion, who has logged ALOT of time in the saddle. It is the best chamois lube I have found.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAKZwza2D3E/TuFGTVSg6jI/AAAAAAAABCc/k9TBLPiScDY/s1600/DZNuts" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAKZwza2D3E/TuFGTVSg6jI/AAAAAAAABCc/k9TBLPiScDY/s320/DZNuts" width="160" /></a></div>Finally, while the winter isn't an excuse to totally slack off. It is a time for a little more rest and relaxation than the in season months will permit. For those triathletes like myself who may not be blessed with the worlds most hyperactive of metabolisms, this means its a time to watch the intake. PowerBar provides a product that is perfect for these times. Keeping hunger at bay with its higher protein content, while keeping carbs and sugar low, PowerBar Protein Plus Bites are the perfect winter snack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FT5rQmF-n0E/TuFHzT-tNpI/AAAAAAAABCk/g6WJw0xAo-w/s1600/PBar+Bites" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FT5rQmF-n0E/TuFHzT-tNpI/AAAAAAAABCk/g6WJw0xAo-w/s1600/PBar+Bites" /></a></div>I hope the foregoing list helps some of you out.<br />
<br />
If you buy at <a href="http://trisports.com/">TriSports.com</a> don't forget to use coupon code IMIKE-S to save yourself some dough.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays. <br />
<br />
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-20745721732581410922011-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:002011-12-02T12:11:29.398-08:00Cozumel: The Dust<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As any of you who read my last post pre Ironman Cozumel could tell, I went into this race with high expectations of myself and looking to occupy one of the top steps on the podium when all was said and done. I was not expecting to record my first career DNF and certainly not in such grand fashion. Here is how it all shook out.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday of race week I traveled to Cozumel with good friend and roommate for the past 7 weeks, Chris Mcdonald. All was going well including no bike fee on the way down and we settled into our accommodations, built bikes, shook out the legs and arms, and hit the grocery. The week was rather uneventful and probably the most restful week I have ever had leading into a race. If we were not training, or walking to the grocery, I was just sitting in bed surfing the temperamental internet. I was feeling fat, a bit sluggish in training, and a bit tired. So things appeared right on track ;-)<br />
<br />
Swim: <br />
Race day came and we hit the warm waters with plenty of time for a descent warm up. I picked a spot dead in the middle of the lineup with a straight shot down the buoy line. My swimming had been going well, and I was determined not to get stuck behind a break or to get popped off the front group as I had in Hawaii. I hadn't worked as hard as I had in the pool to let that happen again. So I took my middle spot and hit it hard from the gun. A couple hundred yards into the swim two packs had formed side by side and separated by 20ft or so. Soon those packs came together and it got a bit rough for a minute. There were some strong swimmers in the field with Mathias Hecht, Brandon Marsh and some others. So I knew holding those guys was not going to happen. Eventually they broke away and I found myself on the feet of a solid swimmer, at the front of the first chase group. I made it around the first turn without issue and was feeling good heading into the second turn before the long back stretch. It was at this corner that I got what in hindsight would prove to be a little foreshadowing of how my day would unfold. A kayaker had chosen to park himself just on the other side of the 2nd buoy out of sight to approaching swimmers. I went around the buoy and was abruptly stopped dead in my tracks when my head met the bottom of the kayak. I was a little dazed but adrenaline and a seething desire to stay on those feet propelled me onward. Once back on, we put in a few surges and distanced ourselves from the remainder of the pack forming a three man chase pack. The remainder of the swim was uneventful, and the back stretch being so long, gave me the feeling that maybe we were not swimming all that well. Upon exit however, I was very happy to see a 47:25 on the clock and hear a split of only a little over a minute to the front group of 8 or so. Onto the bike and out of transition I saw a clock reading 49:XX and was fired up to be on the road in under 50mins. Yes, the Cozumel swim is fast!<br />
<br />
Bike:<br />
Onto the road I was feeling good and immediately made a pass or two. Since Kona my coach, <a href="http://pstriathlon.com/">Paulo Sousa</a>, had been drilling into my head the lessons that I learned in that race. In our pre race discussions he harped on those lessons and gave me strict instructions that I was to disobey at my peril. I rode steady, within the plan, and about 30mins in I was caught by a group of <a href="http://www.trimacca.com/">Chris Mcdonald</a> and eventual winner on the day, Michael Lovato. I did my best to stay with the group and within my plan but doing both would soon prove impossible. The back side of the island is completely exposed and we had some fierce cross winds, the likes of which I've never encountered before. About halfway down the stretch, when Chris went to the front, I and a few others could no longer maintain contact. I rode the remainder of the 1st lap trying to close the gap to a few others up the road and started the second lap near Brandon Marsh and Zack Ruble.<br />
<br />
Soon after hitting the windy section of the second lap I realized the wind had died a little bit and would allow me to focus in on my power meter and "ride numbers" all the way down the stretch. I did, and managed to get a break on the guys I had been trading passes with before. Shortly before the end of the long straight section back to town I bridged back up to Chris. We were heading back into town together and I was feeling great. We were just south of 3hrs and I felt a 3rd lap around 1:30 was well within reach. I knew that Michael couldn't have been that far up the road and that if we brought him back, and I could hold on for the third lap, that getting off the bike with the likes of Chris and Michael would put me in great position. In the first turn back in town however, that excitement and positive energy was instantly decimated and replaced by sorrow and disgust. <br />
<br />
Entering into the hard left turn there was a age grouper on our right so I took a tighter line into the corner. Entering the turn I hit a bump that Chris, who had a front row seat for the debacle, said just unweighted my front wheel enough that when the weight came back down, while in a turn, simply snapped the front wheel to the left and I went over the bars. I comleted a half somersault and landed ever so gracefully on my head and left shoulder. I remember sliding across the street, coming to rest near the exit of the turn, and immediately being concerned about getting hit by other riders. It is with great gratitude that the first face I saw was Chris, unbuckling my helmet and holding me still. The fact that he had stopped, in the middle of what was setting up to be a good race for him, shows exactly what type of competitor, friend, and person he is.<br />
<br />
Once I cleared my head, I realized that in a matter of seconds the medical team was on site. I must send a HUGE thank you to the Cozumel med team who provided top notch care in such rapid fashion. I quickly took inventory and realized there was no blood, my legs were working, and my shorts were still intact. I stood up and walked over to my bike and saw it had escaped rather unscathed as well. For a brief moment I thought "I'm still in this thing!" Fortunately Chris saw exactly what I was thinking. He also saw my shoulder which I had neglected until that point. He put his hand on my bike, looked at me and said "Ian, you're done." while making a cut throat motion with his other hand. It was then I realized my left shoulder had a rather large protrusion coming out the top of it. At that moment it set in that the great race I was having, was done. To say I was upset is an understatement. I was also concerned about recovery and what it would mean for next season. <br />
<br />
Long story made slightly less long. I was whisked off to the hospital, an X-ray was taken and fortunately the broken collarbone I had resigned myself to, was not to be. Rather, it is a separation of the clavicle and I am not in nearly as bad of sorts as I would have been had it broken.<br />
<br />
Only adding to the disappointment of the weekend, the bad luck was not visited upon only one resident of room 204. Only 15mins later, Chris struck a volunteer who had run out into the road to pick of a stray bottle and ended his day when his face had an abrupt meeting with the street at 26mph resulting in some nice battle woulds and a soundly concussed melon.<br />
<br />
I am back in the States and within the confines of home sweet home California getting some excellent care for the shoulder which looks a little like this at the moment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29XzeKPNOcQ/TtkU8jr5pXI/AAAAAAAABBU/jilNO7Pfa1w/s1600/COZShoulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29XzeKPNOcQ/TtkU8jr5pXI/AAAAAAAABBU/jilNO7Pfa1w/s400/COZShoulder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ohhx3R9Pzy5yaVxAsFilojtJnkH5rwB5xGvUktkJLi5KxK0MiJrQ-U8R2Z6GWkbrOWNzqwQgdPado6FcNEdtvwIc3MFu_aONgmYJXXUdgo1ZilE1wXNs7AK15P6oxGrOcOL7aVOhFZoR/s1600/CozSHoulder2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ohhx3R9Pzy5yaVxAsFilojtJnkH5rwB5xGvUktkJLi5KxK0MiJrQ-U8R2Z6GWkbrOWNzqwQgdPado6FcNEdtvwIc3MFu_aONgmYJXXUdgo1ZilE1wXNs7AK15P6oxGrOcOL7aVOhFZoR/s400/CozSHoulder2" width="300" /></a></div>I returned from the hospital, to find Chris nursing his wounds and we had a little post race debrief. It was then that I finally discovered the nice battle mark on the top of my head courtesy of the kayak from the swim. Injury to insult. Clearly this was not the end to my 2011 season that I was hoping for. But with this line of work comes the inherent risk that such fates will be met. The positive is that it could not have happened at a better time.<br />
<br />
I am still in the early stages of diagnosis and treatment but things are shaping up well and all signs point to a fairly speedy return to 100%. For that I am very thankful.<br />
<br />
I owe an extreme debt of gratitude to Chris for stopping to help me out, for playing nurse, packing my bike and lugging my gear around from Mexico all the way home. All the while, dealing with injuries of his own. <br />
<br />
I also owe a big Thank You to my sponsors:<br />
<br />
Zoot: I'm pretty bummed I didn't get to bust out the TT 4.0s on the Cozumel course as I am positive the drainage and light weight would have given me a one up on the competition in the wet conditions. <br />
<br />
Specialized: Thanks for building some amazing bikes for me to wreck ;-) On a serious note, I did a number on my TT helmet and it did its job. It is much worse for it, but my noggin is not!<br />
<br />
Reyonlds Wheels: The wheels were working in awesome fashion as usual until I decided to try and ride them upside down. I promise to remember "Rubber Side DOWN" in the future ;-) <br />
<br />
TriSports.com: Thanks for another year enjoying your awesome support and service. Nobody stocks more or get it to you faster. Use coupon code IMIKE-S for a nice discount<br />
<br />
Powerbar: As usual, race day nutrition was dialed and working to perfection. I had the power to push for the first 3:50, unfortunately not the ability after that point.<br />
<br />
SPY+: Training and racing with your shades has been great. And even when busted up I still got comments on the casual shades. Awesome stuff. <br />
<br />
PVBC: Even from afar, it is great to know you have my back and racing with your support adds a great deal of confidence. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-37143347138175731522011-11-25T09:59:00.000-08:002011-11-25T15:55:30.901-08:00The End is Near<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The cannon for Ironman Cozumel fires in less than 48hrs.<br />
<br />
As anyone who has read my blog through the year knows, 2011 has been a up and down year for me from a racing perspective. There have been some highs, but some definite lows as well. Ironman Cozumel will close the books on 2011 and I am looking to do so on a high note.<br />
<br />
I have been here since Tuesday and seen much of the course as the ride consists of 3 laps of only 60K and the run is right outside our hotel door. It is flat, but the heat, humidity and wind will CERTAINLY make it a challenge. Maybe an equally grand challenge will be to keep my focus on racing while passing scenery like this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5WwDVQX9Tc/Ts_URvag9bI/AAAAAAAABBM/h9eSTzz4jMw/s1600/ShivCoz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5WwDVQX9Tc/Ts_URvag9bI/AAAAAAAABBM/h9eSTzz4jMw/s400/ShivCoz" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean... come on. Look at that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But I will do my best to put on the blinders, batten down the hatches and go for it on Sunday.<br />
<br />
I want to take a moment to say a big Thank YOU! to all of you who have followed along with my racing and offered such great support all year. It has been a humbling year in many ways, and having been the recipient of so much support from so many has been overwhelming at times.<br />
<br />
So Sunday it is. Lets Roll. </div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005440294638372835.post-42815688379682194042011-11-18T07:32:00.000-08:002011-11-18T07:32:44.087-08:00Poor Practice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The title of this post is in reference to the lack of new information on this blog. It is indeed, a poor practice.<br />
<br />
To recap real quick, upon leaving the Big Island, I flew home to LA for a few quick days, then hit the friendly skies again, landing in Denver and making my way back to Boulder. I retrieved my car and after a quick 36hrs or so, got out before the snow and spent the next two days driving to Tucson (by way of a night sleeping in my car in a New Mexico parking lot), to begin my training for Ironman Arizona and enjoy the generous hospitality of my friends <a href="http://www.trimacca.com/">Chris & Marilyn Mcdonald</a>. That was somewhere around a month ago.<br />
<br />
Since that time, some plans have changed. In fact, on my first long ride since Kona, I began to feel the weight of another Ironman looming just four weeks down the road. Chris was due to race on November 5th in South Africa, but the race had been abruptly cancelled, leaving him with a great deal of built up fitness and nowhere to express it. Fortunately, he still had time to register for Ironman Cozumel and his sights were once again set. The thought of an extra week to get ready, the opportunity to travel with a friend, and lets face it, cold blended adult beverages on a tropical beach to end my season all combined to sound pretty good at that point in time. I mean... come on...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ1ZISuLg2nKWYUujzno0HA-SZn0HapGc99tCLecrwZQMRSlZlThYyU9ZoBLd8uN1vJxAnnM7qoLhLRGyaVgNDroUbBbT5yFkR6a-yfm1BMQBHldjFkYgSSdM5411T5PVln-x54yOWQGB/s1600/COZ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ1ZISuLg2nKWYUujzno0HA-SZn0HapGc99tCLecrwZQMRSlZlThYyU9ZoBLd8uN1vJxAnnM7qoLhLRGyaVgNDroUbBbT5yFkR6a-yfm1BMQBHldjFkYgSSdM5411T5PVln-x54yOWQGB/s400/COZ" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insert frosty beverage above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since that decision was made I have been absorbed in getting ready for the day with the goal of my best Ironman performance to date in my crosshairs. Save a few minor hiccups in the bounce back from Kona, training has gone well. Having a friend immersed in the same pursuit has made the preparation for a late season Ironman a little easier, and much more fun, so I owe a big THANK YOU to Chris and Marilyn for their hospitality and support.<br />
<br />
I must say however, that while I am happy to be heading to Cozumel (never been before), with IM AZ just days away, I find myself just a tad bummed not to be racing. I had a great time racing Arizona last year and was really looking forward to racing it again with so many friends and family racing and spectating.<br />
<br />
That said, I will be heading up to Tempe to cheer on some great friends including <a href="http://www.zootsports.com/">Zoot</a> and <a href="http://trisports.com/">TriSports.com</a> teammate <a href="http://www.charisawernick.com/">Charisa "CBB" Wernick</a> who will be capping off her great 2011 season with what I am sure will be an awesome day out in Tempe. I am also excited to see fellow <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/home.jsp">Specialized</a> rider and Zooter Jordan Rapp take on the course he dominated in 2009 and hopefully take his title back. Finally, there is a battle brewing between TriSports.com teammate Leanda Cave and the owner of our great sponsor, Seton Claggett. A bet has been made, the terms of which are yet to be revealed, and it should be great fun to watch this battle unfold. <br />
<br />
So if you are out in Tempe this Sunday, cheer hard, have fun and say "hi" if you see me bumbling around. </div>IANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11557276386970001849noreply@blogger.com0