Thank God For Triathlon.
not trying to be dramatic, thats really all i want to say. if it wasn't for this sport, and training as much as i do, i'm not sure i could deal with this world.
p.s. = if there was no q or r, a part of the alphabet would look like that.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
70.3 World Championships - Clearwater - Flat
after spending much of the 2008 season chasing down a slot for the world championships, i am left very disappointed. ill get to my personal misfortune in a minute. i am disappointed in the sport. what is supposed to be the ultimate test between the top athletes in the 70.3 distance turned into a total sham and became nothing more than a bike shop group ride with a transition run. everyone knows its a draft fest, and some age groups had a fairer race then others. for instance the 18-24 age group for both men and women was absolutely ridiculous and i dont blame the athletes as much as the race organizers. because of the flat narrow course, it is virtually impossible to avoid drafting in some of the swim waves, and if you actually want to compete you have to draft because everyone else is and they are not going to be penalized. its a joke. i really hope ironman thinks about the sport not money when they decide where to put the world championships in 2011.
i was feeling pretty damn good on saturday morning, as i came out of the water sub 26, crossing the mat in 26:04. those damn swim classes at nssc really helped. i will say that was the most violent swim start i have ever endured, the fighting lasted for about 700 meters!
after a relatively quick transition and struggling to mount my bike, i slowly got into the groove. about 5 miles in i really started to feel good. at about mile 20, the course became real narrow and populated. over the next 40k it was getting dangerous. i was literally yelling at people. i started yelling at them for blatantly sitting on my wheel, then i began to mad because it as downright dangerous. i broke from one pack, and a heavier guy came off my wheel looked at me and said, "ill ride shotgun!" i couldn't believe it.
the only way to get ahead of some of these peletons was to ride the shoulder and go for it. which i did. unfortunately the last time i did, i struck one of those reflectors from the side, and almost went down. the pack of thirty couldn't of cared less as they continued to cruise on. after regaining my balance i got back in the drops, and went after them again, but this time, i couldn't catch them. i was thinking, "damn, they are moving". as i got slower and slower, i realized there was a problem. i had a flat tire at mile 37.
i ended up walking my bike for a few minutes until i got to an intersection and found a cop. he radioed someone, and 28 minutes later i was back on my bike headed to t2. as i sat on the side of the road, i noticed one thing in particular, no one was not drafting! i cruised in debating whether or not to even finish. i was so pissed off, i needed to run.
i ran a relatively relaxed 1:24, finding it hard to dig deep because of the flat, crossed the line in 4:41 and i am left waiting for 2009 to begin. i am not finished with that race, and will not be until my next one. i had too much in my legs, my heart, and my gut. i have never once eaten food from the race after a half ironman, becaus ei am usually so sick. i was eating pizza within 15 minutes.
learning is such a huge par of this sport. i have learned more about triathlon this season then the 5 before it combined. consistency, quality, and bringing a flat kit are a few of my lessons. but, the great part is that it will all begin soon enough and redemption is sometimes more fun then getting it right the first time.
i am not sure if i ever want to return to clearwater, because the times are so insane due to drafting, but there will be 2009, 2010, and beyond. there will be plenty of races where i will continue to leave it all out there, and puke my way to the awards, but i will never forget what its like to finish the world championships with so much left in the tank and a 28 minute handicap.
congrats to kelly and her new PR! 42 SECONDS from breaking the 5 hour barrier ! 2009 for that too. it was still a blast to chill on the beach, get a sunburn, and eat some grouper tacos again.
a huge thanks to janda for his support all year, and especially for being there saturday. i could see him and michelle from a mile away because of that damn green shirt. next year...
i was feeling pretty damn good on saturday morning, as i came out of the water sub 26, crossing the mat in 26:04. those damn swim classes at nssc really helped. i will say that was the most violent swim start i have ever endured, the fighting lasted for about 700 meters!
after a relatively quick transition and struggling to mount my bike, i slowly got into the groove. about 5 miles in i really started to feel good. at about mile 20, the course became real narrow and populated. over the next 40k it was getting dangerous. i was literally yelling at people. i started yelling at them for blatantly sitting on my wheel, then i began to mad because it as downright dangerous. i broke from one pack, and a heavier guy came off my wheel looked at me and said, "ill ride shotgun!" i couldn't believe it.
the only way to get ahead of some of these peletons was to ride the shoulder and go for it. which i did. unfortunately the last time i did, i struck one of those reflectors from the side, and almost went down. the pack of thirty couldn't of cared less as they continued to cruise on. after regaining my balance i got back in the drops, and went after them again, but this time, i couldn't catch them. i was thinking, "damn, they are moving". as i got slower and slower, i realized there was a problem. i had a flat tire at mile 37.
i ended up walking my bike for a few minutes until i got to an intersection and found a cop. he radioed someone, and 28 minutes later i was back on my bike headed to t2. as i sat on the side of the road, i noticed one thing in particular, no one was not drafting! i cruised in debating whether or not to even finish. i was so pissed off, i needed to run.
i ran a relatively relaxed 1:24, finding it hard to dig deep because of the flat, crossed the line in 4:41 and i am left waiting for 2009 to begin. i am not finished with that race, and will not be until my next one. i had too much in my legs, my heart, and my gut. i have never once eaten food from the race after a half ironman, becaus ei am usually so sick. i was eating pizza within 15 minutes.
learning is such a huge par of this sport. i have learned more about triathlon this season then the 5 before it combined. consistency, quality, and bringing a flat kit are a few of my lessons. but, the great part is that it will all begin soon enough and redemption is sometimes more fun then getting it right the first time.
i am not sure if i ever want to return to clearwater, because the times are so insane due to drafting, but there will be 2009, 2010, and beyond. there will be plenty of races where i will continue to leave it all out there, and puke my way to the awards, but i will never forget what its like to finish the world championships with so much left in the tank and a 28 minute handicap.
congrats to kelly and her new PR! 42 SECONDS from breaking the 5 hour barrier ! 2009 for that too. it was still a blast to chill on the beach, get a sunburn, and eat some grouper tacos again.
a huge thanks to janda for his support all year, and especially for being there saturday. i could see him and michelle from a mile away because of that damn green shirt. next year...
Friday, November 7, 2008
70.3 worlds tommorow
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Gloucester
So, in the past few months a lot has changed. Some would say my whole life has changed, but it has not. I left a career as an officer in the USCG, left where I had lived and trained for 3+ years (Houston, TX) and ended up back home in Gloucester, MA with no job. all with a smile.
When i left the uscg, the following is what i was berated with:
what's your plan?
do you have a plan?
do you have a job lined up?
how do you feel about being unemployed during a recession?
why are you giving up such a great career?
what about health care?
and a lot more of why? how? and when i answered, a lot of.. what?
the truth is it doesn't matter why, because if it truly did, i would never have wanted to leave. if you can follow the last sentence you get where im going without actually going there.
and as for how?
in my opinion life is not supposed to be cookie cutter and something un-original, or at all a string of experiences that we are all supposed to go through to get to the same finish, or a career of playing the game in order to achieve the vast summit of retirement. life is different for everybody. whether that is fair or not, is not up to me. some people will trot happily through their existence never questioning why or how, but always doing what they are supposed to, maybe or maybe not with a smile.
I thought we were all supposed to attempt the apparent impossible... happiness. maybe they are, maybe they are not. for me, i am still searching.
but as far as being unemployed in a recession, i am pretty happy. i am not too nervous, and when i find what i am looking for i will know.
Being home in Gloucester is truly a gift. I am with my family, and that matters (despite what the uscg thinks). being able to grab a cup of lone gull coffee and take a walk with jasper through stage fort park (above-top) during a november sunset would make anyone smile.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Back to the Pool
I was involved with a Master's team down in Texas last spring, and it was good in the sense that it got me to swim. But, it was a lot of junk, 25s and 50s. with no real coaching.
This past summer i came home and spent about 5 weeks executing mostly long great open water swimming. which really helped me in cancun, and got me back feeling confident about my swim fitness.
if there is one thing lacking about my triathlon training it is entirely my fault. it is my disdain for getting into a pool alone to do a workout.
solution: back in Gloucester, MA and swimming with my high school US Swim Team North Shore Swim Club. I swam with Dan and Tony throughout high school and was a decent swimmer. The thought of returning brought nostalgic smiles to my face, and a familiar group of water-phobic butterflies in my belly. i knew it was going to hurt. i also knew it would work.
i have been hitting north shore for about two weeks consistently now, and i am excited for the swim in clearwater. it has been hard, quality, and do-able. there has been no junk.
finding something that works for you in this sport is huge. this will work for me, and i am excited about it, yes when i hear dan spout, "Main Set" I get nervous, but i know it is worth it and i can handle it.
This past summer i came home and spent about 5 weeks executing mostly long great open water swimming. which really helped me in cancun, and got me back feeling confident about my swim fitness.
if there is one thing lacking about my triathlon training it is entirely my fault. it is my disdain for getting into a pool alone to do a workout.
solution: back in Gloucester, MA and swimming with my high school US Swim Team North Shore Swim Club. I swam with Dan and Tony throughout high school and was a decent swimmer. The thought of returning brought nostalgic smiles to my face, and a familiar group of water-phobic butterflies in my belly. i knew it was going to hurt. i also knew it would work.
i have been hitting north shore for about two weeks consistently now, and i am excited for the swim in clearwater. it has been hard, quality, and do-able. there has been no junk.
finding something that works for you in this sport is huge. this will work for me, and i am excited about it, yes when i hear dan spout, "Main Set" I get nervous, but i know it is worth it and i can handle it.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
CANCUN 70.3
It has taken me some time to post this blog, partly because i should not really have been in Mexico. Either way, I got down to the windy, humid world of Cancun and Quintana Roo, Mexico. By the by, Quintana Roo was the first "Triathlon bike" ever made.
I prepared for the race by getting in a lil' 15 min shake out run the day before the race. I have never sweat so much in 15 minutes in my life! That place is hot as hell. Coming from the not so cold state of Texas i knew i could handle it, but i needed electrolytes. Unfortunately, Mexico is not the haven for race day supplies, and i had to be creative, because i forgot my endurolytes. so the night before the race i ended up creating my very own cancun survival package, which included table salt and tic tac cartridges. i filled four empty tic tac boxes with salt and went on my merry way. p.s. - this works, but salt hurts your teeth if you might have a cavity. oww!
ten minutes before i was supposed to be at the beach, my front wheel went flat and my zipp extension fell inside the rim! i remained calm, but i could have broken things. a very nice mexican man helped me fix it, and also knocked my bike over on its side. either way, scratch or not, i had air in my tires.
the swim was a no wetsuit ridiculously choppy two loop course. got her done in 28 min, and was fine with that. it was gonna be windy. the bike was a two loop windy draft fest, but i tried to focus on my salt tic tac things in preparation for the run.
there is maybe 20 feet of shade on that run course. hot as hell. but i do love the little water bags they had. i continued to eat the salt, and just try not to pay attention to the heat. i thought i was in the lead of my age group, so i kept it kind of easy in efforts not to blow up. there was only a few people and some pros ahead of me, because i was the second wave. "one foot in front of the next" if they did not have rest areas every 1km! i would not have made it. this gringo would have combusted. at 10.5 miles i ran into a dude in my age group. i have come all this way, and finally i need to race! damn, i was tired!
so, i passed him, and he passed me. and it was on. i decided to run my own race and see what i had left. i ended up passing him, and he stayed on my heels. at 12.5 i made my move. skipped the last aid station(risky) and took off. at the turnaround for the second loop, i ran over the mat and it made that beepie noise. and 30 seconds later i heard the beep again. he was gone, and i cruised on for the W.
After finishing i went to the medical tent and got poked three times by mexican needles and finally they found a vein. i checked, they were new needles each time! creepy.
i was toast. truly toast. i puked in the hotel lobby 7 hours later on my way to the awards ceremony. in one of those flower pot things!
haha. i was really happy with my efforts. it was a greuling day, and i def killed some margaritas the following day before flying back.
i met chris leigh, and michellie jones. both of whom are amazingly down to earth and cool cats.
would i do it again? only if there was a 100% chance of rain!
I prepared for the race by getting in a lil' 15 min shake out run the day before the race. I have never sweat so much in 15 minutes in my life! That place is hot as hell. Coming from the not so cold state of Texas i knew i could handle it, but i needed electrolytes. Unfortunately, Mexico is not the haven for race day supplies, and i had to be creative, because i forgot my endurolytes. so the night before the race i ended up creating my very own cancun survival package, which included table salt and tic tac cartridges. i filled four empty tic tac boxes with salt and went on my merry way. p.s. - this works, but salt hurts your teeth if you might have a cavity. oww!
ten minutes before i was supposed to be at the beach, my front wheel went flat and my zipp extension fell inside the rim! i remained calm, but i could have broken things. a very nice mexican man helped me fix it, and also knocked my bike over on its side. either way, scratch or not, i had air in my tires.
the swim was a no wetsuit ridiculously choppy two loop course. got her done in 28 min, and was fine with that. it was gonna be windy. the bike was a two loop windy draft fest, but i tried to focus on my salt tic tac things in preparation for the run.
there is maybe 20 feet of shade on that run course. hot as hell. but i do love the little water bags they had. i continued to eat the salt, and just try not to pay attention to the heat. i thought i was in the lead of my age group, so i kept it kind of easy in efforts not to blow up. there was only a few people and some pros ahead of me, because i was the second wave. "one foot in front of the next" if they did not have rest areas every 1km! i would not have made it. this gringo would have combusted. at 10.5 miles i ran into a dude in my age group. i have come all this way, and finally i need to race! damn, i was tired!
so, i passed him, and he passed me. and it was on. i decided to run my own race and see what i had left. i ended up passing him, and he stayed on my heels. at 12.5 i made my move. skipped the last aid station(risky) and took off. at the turnaround for the second loop, i ran over the mat and it made that beepie noise. and 30 seconds later i heard the beep again. he was gone, and i cruised on for the W.
After finishing i went to the medical tent and got poked three times by mexican needles and finally they found a vein. i checked, they were new needles each time! creepy.
i was toast. truly toast. i puked in the hotel lobby 7 hours later on my way to the awards ceremony. in one of those flower pot things!
haha. i was really happy with my efforts. it was a greuling day, and i def killed some margaritas the following day before flying back.
i met chris leigh, and michellie jones. both of whom are amazingly down to earth and cool cats.
would i do it again? only if there was a 100% chance of rain!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Done Deal
I am officially out of the USCG. The past few months have been pretty stressful, and have not been updating much at all. Either way, the news for now is I am Clearwater bound and officially seperated from the USCG.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
On the road again
Louisiana check
Mississippi check
Alabama check
Georgia check
Up next :
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Mother Nature Round 2
So,
Mother Nature is a bitch! Yes she is. The heat keeps on coming down here in Texas. This weekend I was on duty, so I could not execute my workouts till the afternoon.
Which sucked.
Saturday: i had a 3 mile warmup, 2 x 2.5 miles @ 15 min, then a cool down. Thats the funny part, how was i supposed to cool down. It was over 100 when i began, without the heat index on the black track. What should have been a relatively hard/not so hard workout turned out to be an overheating nightmare. I had to stop half way on each to re-hydrate, but I finished. So it was a 0.5 point tie. Mother Nature 1.5 - Liam 1.5.
This should have been posted:
Sunday: i had a four hour intensive ride in the hills followed by a falf hour transition run. I passed through Anderson, TX and the bank read 102 degrees, and i had 2hrs and 20min left. At about 2hrs, i recieved a text from Kelly who was about 30miles south,
"dropped 20 degrees and clouds rolled in. windstorm and i am getting stabbed by pine needles. call me if you need a ride. May storm."
Followed by,
"lightning and thunder 45 seconds apart. not safe. its getting closer. im scared"
So needless to say, it came my way. Kelly got back to her car safely, but I was past the forest and back to open texas. Lightning is pretty horrifying down here compared to back home. I wanted to get away from that storm as it was heading towards me. the wind got so strong, i literally almost got knocked off my bike from the gusts.
it kinda looked like this:
i had to book it through the hills to get back to anderson to the gas station for shelter. as i rolled in the rain came, and the bank thermometer read 78 degrees! I camped out for about a half hour, and finished the workout. I can not tell you how much easier it was to climb through those hills at 78 compared to 100.
Mother Nature tried to get me, but i got it all in. Liam 2.5 - Mother Nature 1.5.
Either way, i am tired. Now we have a little hurricane coming in called Eduard. So work might get a little interesting and the trainer looks like it will have a friend tommorow.
Mother Nature is a bitch! Yes she is. The heat keeps on coming down here in Texas. This weekend I was on duty, so I could not execute my workouts till the afternoon.
Which sucked.
Saturday: i had a 3 mile warmup, 2 x 2.5 miles @ 15 min, then a cool down. Thats the funny part, how was i supposed to cool down. It was over 100 when i began, without the heat index on the black track. What should have been a relatively hard/not so hard workout turned out to be an overheating nightmare. I had to stop half way on each to re-hydrate, but I finished. So it was a 0.5 point tie. Mother Nature 1.5 - Liam 1.5.
This should have been posted:
Sunday: i had a four hour intensive ride in the hills followed by a falf hour transition run. I passed through Anderson, TX and the bank read 102 degrees, and i had 2hrs and 20min left. At about 2hrs, i recieved a text from Kelly who was about 30miles south,
"dropped 20 degrees and clouds rolled in. windstorm and i am getting stabbed by pine needles. call me if you need a ride. May storm."
Followed by,
"lightning and thunder 45 seconds apart. not safe. its getting closer. im scared"
So needless to say, it came my way. Kelly got back to her car safely, but I was past the forest and back to open texas. Lightning is pretty horrifying down here compared to back home. I wanted to get away from that storm as it was heading towards me. the wind got so strong, i literally almost got knocked off my bike from the gusts.
it kinda looked like this:
i had to book it through the hills to get back to anderson to the gas station for shelter. as i rolled in the rain came, and the bank thermometer read 78 degrees! I camped out for about a half hour, and finished the workout. I can not tell you how much easier it was to climb through those hills at 78 compared to 100.
Mother Nature tried to get me, but i got it all in. Liam 2.5 - Mother Nature 1.5.
Either way, i am tired. Now we have a little hurricane coming in called Eduard. So work might get a little interesting and the trainer looks like it will have a friend tommorow.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
TEXAS IS F#$@IN HOT !
I have been here for three years, and I do not remember it being this hot in years past. This past weekend turned out to be an epic battle: ME vs. The TX sun. It was a tie.
I have always made fun of texans because my Mothers house in Gloucester, MA is like 3 times older than their beloved state. I am figuring out why that is. There is no way people could live down here without air conditioning.
I ended last week with an easy two hour ride out in the Missouri City/Sugarland area, took a turn down a familiar road and stumbled upon...
This might actually be the actual picture too(GOOGLE), because the game wardens were catching it when I got there. So, if I was a little faster I would have been eaten alive. Thank god it was a recovery ride ;) Maybe its because the swamp water was boiling!!
So, the topic/complaint is the heat. It is killing me, it just seems like I am trying harder, to go slower, and recover longer. It is wasting my mucles and my energy. Last saturday, as I went out for a long run at 1030 in the morning, it got so hot, I had to sit under a tree a couple times to let my body cool down. That is not healthy. I felt like death all day, and slept 12 hours that night. Therefore, I started my long ride late on Sunday. TX sun 1 - Liam 0
Beginning a 5 hour pace ride in the Texas afternoon heat up in Conroe is so dipressing, that when it was done, I felt like I had won. When I got to the turnaround point, I asked the lady at the gas station how hot it was, she was already looking at me funny (spandex, white spandex), she turned around and looked out the window at the bank thermometer and it read (note:not real picture)
Yes, without the heat index. I have to give kudos to INFINIT. This shit works. Nutrition is such a vital part of triathlon, but exponentially so in the heat. I wasn't hungry or crampy and threw done 106 miles in the hills. Liam 1 - TX sun 1.
As i prepare for Timberman 70.3, I need to watch what this heat is doing to my body carefully, I can not afford to get burnt out(PUN Intended).
I have always made fun of texans because my Mothers house in Gloucester, MA is like 3 times older than their beloved state. I am figuring out why that is. There is no way people could live down here without air conditioning.
I ended last week with an easy two hour ride out in the Missouri City/Sugarland area, took a turn down a familiar road and stumbled upon...
This might actually be the actual picture too(GOOGLE), because the game wardens were catching it when I got there. So, if I was a little faster I would have been eaten alive. Thank god it was a recovery ride ;) Maybe its because the swamp water was boiling!!
So, the topic/complaint is the heat. It is killing me, it just seems like I am trying harder, to go slower, and recover longer. It is wasting my mucles and my energy. Last saturday, as I went out for a long run at 1030 in the morning, it got so hot, I had to sit under a tree a couple times to let my body cool down. That is not healthy. I felt like death all day, and slept 12 hours that night. Therefore, I started my long ride late on Sunday. TX sun 1 - Liam 0
Beginning a 5 hour pace ride in the Texas afternoon heat up in Conroe is so dipressing, that when it was done, I felt like I had won. When I got to the turnaround point, I asked the lady at the gas station how hot it was, she was already looking at me funny (spandex, white spandex), she turned around and looked out the window at the bank thermometer and it read (note:not real picture)
Yes, without the heat index. I have to give kudos to INFINIT. This shit works. Nutrition is such a vital part of triathlon, but exponentially so in the heat. I wasn't hungry or crampy and threw done 106 miles in the hills. Liam 1 - TX sun 1.
As i prepare for Timberman 70.3, I need to watch what this heat is doing to my body carefully, I can not afford to get burnt out(PUN Intended).
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
hamstrings, steroids, good workouts, and the "hoff"
i finally went to the doctor. he prescribed a week of steroids, some muscle relaxers for bedtime, and an mri (which hasn't been done yet). the steroid, which is really just a souped up anti-inflamatory is really helping, and i am feeling alot better already. i need to make stretching a part of my training, seriously for once and for all.
last night, i had to do a litl=tle track workout, 3 mile warmup, 3x1 mile at 6min pace, with 1 min walk inbetween, and a mile cool down. nothing serious, nothing too hard, just getting it done. i was a little nervous about it, because of my legs, but it turned out to be a great workout, and exactly what i needed. i needed to feel that kick at the end of a workout, that didnt feel like my leg was falling off, i needed to feel somewhat normal again. for the first time in about 6 weeks, i felt like a runner again.
i took today off from work to get a nice 2.5 hour ride with intervals in. this will be another power test to base my zones off, so it was more important then work. nasty weather here as Dolly nails southern Texas, so i might be dodging thunderstorms during my ride.
if the weather hold off, i am going to get a open water swim in too, but that does not look promising. timberman is in less than a month, i need to get my legs ready for thoe hills on the bike, and my run legs back in gear.
in other news, i was "hoffed" at work yesterday....i left my computer unlocked, walked away from my desk, and this is what was locked on my background for the remainder of tuesday.....
last night, i had to do a litl=tle track workout, 3 mile warmup, 3x1 mile at 6min pace, with 1 min walk inbetween, and a mile cool down. nothing serious, nothing too hard, just getting it done. i was a little nervous about it, because of my legs, but it turned out to be a great workout, and exactly what i needed. i needed to feel that kick at the end of a workout, that didnt feel like my leg was falling off, i needed to feel somewhat normal again. for the first time in about 6 weeks, i felt like a runner again.
i took today off from work to get a nice 2.5 hour ride with intervals in. this will be another power test to base my zones off, so it was more important then work. nasty weather here as Dolly nails southern Texas, so i might be dodging thunderstorms during my ride.
if the weather hold off, i am going to get a open water swim in too, but that does not look promising. timberman is in less than a month, i need to get my legs ready for thoe hills on the bike, and my run legs back in gear.
in other news, i was "hoffed" at work yesterday....i left my computer unlocked, walked away from my desk, and this is what was locked on my background for the remainder of tuesday.....
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
This is Bad A$$
i actually stole this from one Desiree Ficker's website, but you need to see it. Click below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
Monday, July 14, 2008
Providence 70.3 race report
Let's go over a little race report that i would give to the race director, as well as go in to my day. I arrived friday with Trent and Andrew, excited and full of nerves, especially because of my hamstring issues. We got to the expo for packet pickup right before it closed, and it was pretty painless other than the fact i forgot my USAT card, then it was expired, then they gave me the wrong chip. needless to say, i was there for a while. But, the beautiful IRONMAN girls where a lot of help. ;) But, they did have some wierd radio system set up for packet pickup that seemed a bit ridiculous, and just an uneccasary step in the process.
The next day, we went to spin out or legs on the run course, and wow. We saw "the hill" for the first time. There is literally a sign posted on the way down this thing for trucks, thats says 7% grade on it! it was also the same hill used when the x-games visited providence, they used it for the ice luge! bottom line, it was a bitch of a hill. andrew was having some shifting problems with his campi set, so we went back to the expo, and there was literally a 2 hour line for packet pick up. i have never seen that before. people did not look happy.
trent and i were staying near the start, so we packed up our essentials and put the rest in andrews hotel room. we had to bring our bikes an hour and a half south to t1. the day before the race turned out to be a logistical nightmare, the people at ironman are going to need to make this a little easier or else i will not return. the day before a race should be relaxed and restful, not stressful and spent racing around.
we got our t1 settled, and andrew left to go back to providence to sleep for a few hours and catch a bus back to the start in the morning (which you need to pay exra for??) the point to point race is cool, however it needs to be refined, especially for the pre-race logistics
race morning, was a 3:45 wake up, and a two mile walk to the sart, luckily we hitched a ride about half way there. i literally had a two hour wait to start the race, so i hung out with kieth (the man of shannon - who was also racing). kieth also took my stuff back to providence instead of it hanging out in the back of a truck all day with everyone elses. thanks kieth!
race start: i was in the last wave, which sucks. the start was fun. a beach start into the waves. i don't know what i did in the swim, but i did not have it. i guess i did not push it hard enough, i got out slightly under 29, not a good swim for me. for me to have a good swim, i need to attack early and settle in, i didn't do that. overall i did like the swim course, a great, little choppy out and back ocean swim.
bike course: there where some nice hills, not a mooseman, but it was hilly. a point to poiint is nice, once you are done toting your crap aound the day before. it was a beautiful scenic tour of ri as well, until the last few miles in the ghetto. there where a lot of left turns, and a lot of traffic, and a lot of bikers. so it was not the safest course either. ironman! - spray paint the potholes! all the money that was made last weekend, maybe they can afford the spray paint next year. for the first ten miles my glutes where killing me, then i finally loosened up for a while, and around half way, my left glute totally locked up. i rode through it, and the pain subsided eventually. my hamstrings did not bother me that much on the bike. i never felt great on the bike, i never got in my groove, probably because i havent trained on hills in a while.
run course: i screwed out of transition, but about .5 mile into the run, "the hill" occurs, and then again on the second loop. the run course really did not have more than half a mile of flat, so it was going to hurt regardless, but my hamstrings could not take it. they cramped up a few times during the race, once really bad. going up the monster the second time, my right hammie cramped up to the point of no return. i had to stop and stretch for a while, and then walk some. it sucked. i clocked the slowest run of my half ironman career, 12 minutes behind my usual pace. it was hilly, but that does not add up to 12 minutes. the slowest half ironman since i started this as well.
the race is cool, needs a little logistical help, but a good race. it is challenging, not a draft fest on the bike, and a very hard run.
i ended up 5th in my age group, and 45th overall, but very unhappy about my performance. i need to get this hamstring situation under control. doctor visit this week.
huge congrats to janda, 6th overall, and fastest run split of the day! his time of 4:02 on that course is proof of what he is capable of this season.
The next day, we went to spin out or legs on the run course, and wow. We saw "the hill" for the first time. There is literally a sign posted on the way down this thing for trucks, thats says 7% grade on it! it was also the same hill used when the x-games visited providence, they used it for the ice luge! bottom line, it was a bitch of a hill. andrew was having some shifting problems with his campi set, so we went back to the expo, and there was literally a 2 hour line for packet pick up. i have never seen that before. people did not look happy.
trent and i were staying near the start, so we packed up our essentials and put the rest in andrews hotel room. we had to bring our bikes an hour and a half south to t1. the day before the race turned out to be a logistical nightmare, the people at ironman are going to need to make this a little easier or else i will not return. the day before a race should be relaxed and restful, not stressful and spent racing around.
we got our t1 settled, and andrew left to go back to providence to sleep for a few hours and catch a bus back to the start in the morning (which you need to pay exra for??) the point to point race is cool, however it needs to be refined, especially for the pre-race logistics
race morning, was a 3:45 wake up, and a two mile walk to the sart, luckily we hitched a ride about half way there. i literally had a two hour wait to start the race, so i hung out with kieth (the man of shannon - who was also racing). kieth also took my stuff back to providence instead of it hanging out in the back of a truck all day with everyone elses. thanks kieth!
race start: i was in the last wave, which sucks. the start was fun. a beach start into the waves. i don't know what i did in the swim, but i did not have it. i guess i did not push it hard enough, i got out slightly under 29, not a good swim for me. for me to have a good swim, i need to attack early and settle in, i didn't do that. overall i did like the swim course, a great, little choppy out and back ocean swim.
bike course: there where some nice hills, not a mooseman, but it was hilly. a point to poiint is nice, once you are done toting your crap aound the day before. it was a beautiful scenic tour of ri as well, until the last few miles in the ghetto. there where a lot of left turns, and a lot of traffic, and a lot of bikers. so it was not the safest course either. ironman! - spray paint the potholes! all the money that was made last weekend, maybe they can afford the spray paint next year. for the first ten miles my glutes where killing me, then i finally loosened up for a while, and around half way, my left glute totally locked up. i rode through it, and the pain subsided eventually. my hamstrings did not bother me that much on the bike. i never felt great on the bike, i never got in my groove, probably because i havent trained on hills in a while.
run course: i screwed out of transition, but about .5 mile into the run, "the hill" occurs, and then again on the second loop. the run course really did not have more than half a mile of flat, so it was going to hurt regardless, but my hamstrings could not take it. they cramped up a few times during the race, once really bad. going up the monster the second time, my right hammie cramped up to the point of no return. i had to stop and stretch for a while, and then walk some. it sucked. i clocked the slowest run of my half ironman career, 12 minutes behind my usual pace. it was hilly, but that does not add up to 12 minutes. the slowest half ironman since i started this as well.
the race is cool, needs a little logistical help, but a good race. it is challenging, not a draft fest on the bike, and a very hard run.
i ended up 5th in my age group, and 45th overall, but very unhappy about my performance. i need to get this hamstring situation under control. doctor visit this week.
huge congrats to janda, 6th overall, and fastest run split of the day! his time of 4:02 on that course is proof of what he is capable of this season.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Providence 70.3 Pre-Brief
Well, here we are again, in the midst of taper. Lots of extra time and that unusual feeling, energy. I have been excited about this race in particular for a long time. It is the inaugural year, my first A race, and an hour and a half from home.
I have been having some hamstring/piriformis/glute - mostly hamstring problem for about two weeks now, and hating it. It has destroyed a few bike rides, some runs, and kept me pretty uncomfortable. I pray it loosens up by Sunday.
Does life pass you by as you train?
Lately, i have re-realized again, that I have no life, relative to people my age. Due to work, and training hours i uphold, it is hard to want to go out and do normal people things.
Relationships for one, i don't have time or energy to even think about getting involved. cop out? maybe, but i have a goal and nothing is going to get in the way of it.
i wouldn't trade it for anything. my definition of life, or what will at the end of mine, define my life will hopefully be more than the norm.
the beauty of triathlon, and the life of an endurance athlete, that is a huge part of it, even if it is usually a subcontious part of it, is the fact that day in and day out, we push the envelope, we push the buttons of what society tells us to be, we test ourselves, we see how far we can take something.
back to the race, janda ricci-munn(coach), trent stephens, andrew strong, nick dufresne, and amanda russel will all be headed to RI race day. good luck.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Necessary?
I am getting ovar a nasty chest virus, still hacking up small volks-wagons, but i have decided to stop taking my codine filled cough syrup, because...
I left work yesterday, emotionally drained, pretty miserable, but physically ready to throw down some miles. I had a track workout to complete. Not insane, a 3 mile warmup and 8x400's at 76-77 seconds, with a little cool down. Not difficult, but something i need to be ready for. The codine got to me, and Jasper and I slept till 2000, passed out. I am sure that was good for my illness, but I woke up a little pissed. I finally got to the park at 2030, and I sat in my car with bed sores, and just mentally focused on my present work situation, wondering what i was doing there.
I never really think about it, I just do it. I am rather conditioned to training, double sessions, hours of putting fitness in a bank, a bank that will always be there, even when i'm broke. With work and other things having me question and prioritize the real importances in my life, work truely not being one of them, I am in a stale status. With one constant in my life, triathlon. As i sat in my car, i realized i didn't have a choice, but to lace up and put one foot in front of the next.
When i cruised through my last 400 in 77 seconds at 2130, the air was so thick i could see it under the street lamps, i was dripping sweat to the point that i resembled getting out of a pool, my legs finally felt loose, my chest was almost clean od flegm, my eyes were open, the endorfins slowly kicked in, and i realized that training is a necessary part of my life.
I left work yesterday, emotionally drained, pretty miserable, but physically ready to throw down some miles. I had a track workout to complete. Not insane, a 3 mile warmup and 8x400's at 76-77 seconds, with a little cool down. Not difficult, but something i need to be ready for. The codine got to me, and Jasper and I slept till 2000, passed out. I am sure that was good for my illness, but I woke up a little pissed. I finally got to the park at 2030, and I sat in my car with bed sores, and just mentally focused on my present work situation, wondering what i was doing there.
I never really think about it, I just do it. I am rather conditioned to training, double sessions, hours of putting fitness in a bank, a bank that will always be there, even when i'm broke. With work and other things having me question and prioritize the real importances in my life, work truely not being one of them, I am in a stale status. With one constant in my life, triathlon. As i sat in my car, i realized i didn't have a choice, but to lace up and put one foot in front of the next.
When i cruised through my last 400 in 77 seconds at 2130, the air was so thick i could see it under the street lamps, i was dripping sweat to the point that i resembled getting out of a pool, my legs finally felt loose, my chest was almost clean od flegm, my eyes were open, the endorfins slowly kicked in, and i realized that training is a necessary part of my life.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
MooseMan - Post Race Report (Kinda')
I landed in Boston's Logan Airport late Friday night, and actually did not end up putting my head on the pillow until close to 2am. Either way, I was happy to be home in Gloucester, and waking up there is a gift even without sleep. I came down stairs the next morning to a nice warm day. My Mother was telling me how hot it was, and unbearable the heat was going to be. Little did I know, there was a heat wave in the North East! It felt like a Texas winter to me, so i was psyched. The thought of all these poor new englanders overheating the following day on the race course, and me wanting arm warmers was spectactular.
So, my mother and I head for the hills. Literally we took off for the foot hills of the white mountains, and one of the top ten cleanest lakes in the US - Newfound Lake. We arrived at the race site around 1500, after a short detour to the outlets(i was with my mom). I have done Lonestar, and Longhorn 70.3's so I was not surprised that the Jordan's and their awesome team(Endorfun) put together an awesome venue. If you ever have a chance to do one of their races(Lonestar(TX), Mooseman(NH), Timberman(NH), or Longhorn(TX), do it. No other race director can compete with Endorfun.
I picked up my number, made sure my bike was working, and took off for the little lake cottage that I rented for 99$! I was nervous about how that was going to turn out, but it was actually perfect. On the way there, we stopped and had an enormous turkey dinner(not sure if that was smart, but it was good, not to be repeated). I settled down for a few hours sleep, and the tryptophan helped that endeavor.
I woke up Sunday, pleased that I didn't have to wear a sweatshirt to the race( for New England even in the summer this is rare). I got there, got warmed up, donned the wetsuit, and headed for the frigid, but beautiful waters. I had been a little nervous about Mooseman, 1- the sizeable climbs that were on both the bike and run course, and 2- i had a pretty bad cough for the past two weeks. I felt okay during my high end shake outs the previous week, so I had some comfort in that.
Time to swim! The elite wave took off first, and I hung on to whom must have been Nick Dufresne for about 300 yards. But, I was not hanging on to his dolphin feet. Then, shit suddenly hit the fan, my goggles were filled with cold northern water, wearing contacts, i got a little nervous and flustered, because I could not sight. So, I settled in with a pack, because I could see underwater, and I could focus on there kicks. Triathlon is funny, no matter what happens in a race, I always learn something. I have had a big problem with drafting in the swim. I know how effective it is, but everytime I do it, its effectiveness scares me into going alone. I always feel like im going to slow, so I get out of the draft. Mooseman was the exception, I couldn see, and had no choice but to stay with that little pack. So a pretty easy swim brought me into transition at 26 minutes, and out in 5th place.
But, the cough caught up with me(not the way i thought it would, but it did). I think the cold water kept it at bay, but i needed to let one out. I produced a deep booming cough and when i opened my eyes and looked up, i was headed for the woods. Luckily i rode into a ditch, but i went over the handlebars, and landed on a tree stump, then the top tube slammed on my manly nether region. it happened so quick, before i knew it, there were volunteers and cops helping me out of my hole. The cop got some of the dirt out of my eyes, and i made sure my bike was ok, and lost alot of my nutrition in the forest. Pretty shooken up, dirty, and bleeding, i got back on the bike, but in 16th place. I am not sure how much time I lost. as the endorfuns eased up, it became apparent that I was pretty banged up on my left knee, and every crack in that new england road, i felt on my boys. It was pretty uncomfortable. I wanted to stop multiple times, but kept with it, because i knew i could run some people down in the heat. i got in off the bike, and began the run. about 3 miles in i pulled the flag, my left knee couldn't take it.
My first DNF, but also my first crash in a race. I am dissapointed, but I did get to see my family, catch up with tri-nuts from the norhteast (Amanda, Pat, Nick) This will just fuel my fire for Providence in July. I went to the doctor about the cough that caused the crash on tuesday, and I had a 100 degree fever. So for now I am doped up on antibiotics, and some crazy cough syrup. I am pretty fit, my splits weren't bad considering the crash. I'll be back.
So, my mother and I head for the hills. Literally we took off for the foot hills of the white mountains, and one of the top ten cleanest lakes in the US - Newfound Lake. We arrived at the race site around 1500, after a short detour to the outlets(i was with my mom). I have done Lonestar, and Longhorn 70.3's so I was not surprised that the Jordan's and their awesome team(Endorfun) put together an awesome venue. If you ever have a chance to do one of their races(Lonestar(TX), Mooseman(NH), Timberman(NH), or Longhorn(TX), do it. No other race director can compete with Endorfun.
I picked up my number, made sure my bike was working, and took off for the little lake cottage that I rented for 99$! I was nervous about how that was going to turn out, but it was actually perfect. On the way there, we stopped and had an enormous turkey dinner(not sure if that was smart, but it was good, not to be repeated). I settled down for a few hours sleep, and the tryptophan helped that endeavor.
I woke up Sunday, pleased that I didn't have to wear a sweatshirt to the race( for New England even in the summer this is rare). I got there, got warmed up, donned the wetsuit, and headed for the frigid, but beautiful waters. I had been a little nervous about Mooseman, 1- the sizeable climbs that were on both the bike and run course, and 2- i had a pretty bad cough for the past two weeks. I felt okay during my high end shake outs the previous week, so I had some comfort in that.
Time to swim! The elite wave took off first, and I hung on to whom must have been Nick Dufresne for about 300 yards. But, I was not hanging on to his dolphin feet. Then, shit suddenly hit the fan, my goggles were filled with cold northern water, wearing contacts, i got a little nervous and flustered, because I could not sight. So, I settled in with a pack, because I could see underwater, and I could focus on there kicks. Triathlon is funny, no matter what happens in a race, I always learn something. I have had a big problem with drafting in the swim. I know how effective it is, but everytime I do it, its effectiveness scares me into going alone. I always feel like im going to slow, so I get out of the draft. Mooseman was the exception, I couldn see, and had no choice but to stay with that little pack. So a pretty easy swim brought me into transition at 26 minutes, and out in 5th place.
But, the cough caught up with me(not the way i thought it would, but it did). I think the cold water kept it at bay, but i needed to let one out. I produced a deep booming cough and when i opened my eyes and looked up, i was headed for the woods. Luckily i rode into a ditch, but i went over the handlebars, and landed on a tree stump, then the top tube slammed on my manly nether region. it happened so quick, before i knew it, there were volunteers and cops helping me out of my hole. The cop got some of the dirt out of my eyes, and i made sure my bike was ok, and lost alot of my nutrition in the forest. Pretty shooken up, dirty, and bleeding, i got back on the bike, but in 16th place. I am not sure how much time I lost. as the endorfuns eased up, it became apparent that I was pretty banged up on my left knee, and every crack in that new england road, i felt on my boys. It was pretty uncomfortable. I wanted to stop multiple times, but kept with it, because i knew i could run some people down in the heat. i got in off the bike, and began the run. about 3 miles in i pulled the flag, my left knee couldn't take it.
My first DNF, but also my first crash in a race. I am dissapointed, but I did get to see my family, catch up with tri-nuts from the norhteast (Amanda, Pat, Nick) This will just fuel my fire for Providence in July. I went to the doctor about the cough that caused the crash on tuesday, and I had a 100 degree fever. So for now I am doped up on antibiotics, and some crazy cough syrup. I am pretty fit, my splits weren't bad considering the crash. I'll be back.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Mooseman half iron
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, May 9, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Back to Gloucester
Umm, yea! Home sweet home. This is where I'll be for the next two weeks. I will be chillin with the family, at the beach, training my ass off, and eating the best food in the world.
I was planning on bringing Jasper, but there is no way I can afford it, so the pooch won't be able to plunge into the atlantic just yet.
I hope to get some miles in with Janda as well, while I am home. I will be laying out a solid couple weeks for Mooseman while i am home, which is good, because I might get a re-taste for new england hills, compared to my texas tortilla flat ass roads now.
I opted out of Boise for a couple reasons. Yes, I eventually want to race up there, but Mooseman offers another trip home, as well as a for-shizzle bad ass race put on by EndorFun.
My little Brother Kieran graduated from HS, and my little niece gets christened while i am home as well. I have missed so many things over the past few years, and I can't wait to be able to be home for a few important days.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Lonestar - Galveston HIM - Race Report
Lonestar Half IM came and went, quicker than I expected. I finally arrived at packet pickup around 1805(five minutes late!). Nevertheless, I got my packet, checked out the scene, ate some grub, and went to bed.
0430 – The alarm sounds. “%#?$” I totally forgot what it is like to wake up so early, so that I can put myself through numerous hours of pain and mental testing. I brought Jasper out to take a leak before departure for the race, and it was windy. Not killer winds, but a consistent presence. Not what I wanted to feel as I mentally prepared.
Arriving at Moody Gardens, and trying to find a parking place, I ended up planting myself next to the Mavic guys. I met Jason Vivion, the local ORBEA rep, and an integral part in getting my new ride. Thanks again Jason!
I warmed up, used the facilities, got my transition ready, and was on the pier in perfect timing. This rarely happens to me! I plunged into Galveston Bay, and not bad for March.
0730 – The race begins. I felt awesome in the water and held onto the lead man until we cut separate lines, his was better, damn. The swim felt like it was never going to end, and the collective answer was because it was long, I don’t think one person broke 28 minutes! So I was happy to get out with a nice cushion on the field, and looking at the results not too far savage swimmer Chris Sustala. I have found it is harder to swim fast in the front empty elite waves, when you are swimming with hundreds of bodies it is way more motivating. I also need a new wetsuit, mine of 5 years has shrunk beyond the limits I can push it.
Running out of the water, awesome to hear Adam formerly of Jack and Adam’s of Austin, screaming the play by play. I grabbed my bike, thought, “damn this thing is light”, and went on.
The word for my 2008 season is “cycle”! The weakest of my three, is something I will work continuously to get better, faster, and stronger. I have and I will press on. I knew it would be a matter of time before the like of Mark Brooker would come screaming by. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t happen for a while. We did not have a true tail or head wind, just a bunch of cross wind, which made for a windy day, but it could have been worse. I grimaced the entire ride pushing and pushing, almost trying to prove that I know how to ride a bike. Seeing Sugar Cycles out on the race course was awesome, and motivating. Thanks guys! Turning back down towards Moody Gardens with the only tail wind for a half mile was a gift, I was moving and I was about to finish the bike course. I ended up averaging 23 mph, and not losing much time to the field. The ORDU is a stiff ride, and I feel like every watt goes directly to the drive train. I was in the aero position for 56 straight flat miles, and felt comfortable as ever. I finished the bike in 6th place.
Time to run. I definitely did not eat enough on the bike, I felt kind of hungry at the run start. My first 4 miles were druising at 530 pace, but then slowly I faded. It got pretty hot out there, and I gave it all I had. I pulled off a 1:23 run split.
Finishing the day in 4th place overall with a time of 4:21, and very content. It is only March, and I have a long season ahead. This race gave me a great benchmark of what I can achieve this season. Thanks to everyone for all there support out there.
In other news, we had some great performances out there this weekend: Kelly Carrington got 5th overall female with a new PR, John Robertson(I will get you one day) pulled of a 2nd Overall, Mark Brooker(Texas version of Norman Stadler) 5th Overall, Natilie Miller P.R., and Kathleen killed the Aquabike, but then got warm water :(. Last but definetly not least, TRIGREYHOUND had a great race surprising himself with his pace throughout. Congrats!
FACT: Kieth and Claire Jordan from EndorFun, the race directors for Lonestar, Longhorn, Timberman, and Mooseman are true professionals. No race can compete with them, they think of everything, and I would travel anywhere to do there racers.
0430 – The alarm sounds. “%#?$” I totally forgot what it is like to wake up so early, so that I can put myself through numerous hours of pain and mental testing. I brought Jasper out to take a leak before departure for the race, and it was windy. Not killer winds, but a consistent presence. Not what I wanted to feel as I mentally prepared.
Arriving at Moody Gardens, and trying to find a parking place, I ended up planting myself next to the Mavic guys. I met Jason Vivion, the local ORBEA rep, and an integral part in getting my new ride. Thanks again Jason!
I warmed up, used the facilities, got my transition ready, and was on the pier in perfect timing. This rarely happens to me! I plunged into Galveston Bay, and not bad for March.
0730 – The race begins. I felt awesome in the water and held onto the lead man until we cut separate lines, his was better, damn. The swim felt like it was never going to end, and the collective answer was because it was long, I don’t think one person broke 28 minutes! So I was happy to get out with a nice cushion on the field, and looking at the results not too far savage swimmer Chris Sustala. I have found it is harder to swim fast in the front empty elite waves, when you are swimming with hundreds of bodies it is way more motivating. I also need a new wetsuit, mine of 5 years has shrunk beyond the limits I can push it.
Running out of the water, awesome to hear Adam formerly of Jack and Adam’s of Austin, screaming the play by play. I grabbed my bike, thought, “damn this thing is light”, and went on.
The word for my 2008 season is “cycle”! The weakest of my three, is something I will work continuously to get better, faster, and stronger. I have and I will press on. I knew it would be a matter of time before the like of Mark Brooker would come screaming by. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t happen for a while. We did not have a true tail or head wind, just a bunch of cross wind, which made for a windy day, but it could have been worse. I grimaced the entire ride pushing and pushing, almost trying to prove that I know how to ride a bike. Seeing Sugar Cycles out on the race course was awesome, and motivating. Thanks guys! Turning back down towards Moody Gardens with the only tail wind for a half mile was a gift, I was moving and I was about to finish the bike course. I ended up averaging 23 mph, and not losing much time to the field. The ORDU is a stiff ride, and I feel like every watt goes directly to the drive train. I was in the aero position for 56 straight flat miles, and felt comfortable as ever. I finished the bike in 6th place.
Time to run. I definitely did not eat enough on the bike, I felt kind of hungry at the run start. My first 4 miles were druising at 530 pace, but then slowly I faded. It got pretty hot out there, and I gave it all I had. I pulled off a 1:23 run split.
Finishing the day in 4th place overall with a time of 4:21, and very content. It is only March, and I have a long season ahead. This race gave me a great benchmark of what I can achieve this season. Thanks to everyone for all there support out there.
In other news, we had some great performances out there this weekend: Kelly Carrington got 5th overall female with a new PR, John Robertson(I will get you one day) pulled of a 2nd Overall, Mark Brooker(Texas version of Norman Stadler) 5th Overall, Natilie Miller P.R., and Kathleen killed the Aquabike, but then got warm water :(. Last but definetly not least, TRIGREYHOUND had a great race surprising himself with his pace throughout. Congrats!
FACT: Kieth and Claire Jordan from EndorFun, the race directors for Lonestar, Longhorn, Timberman, and Mooseman are true professionals. No race can compete with them, they think of everything, and I would travel anywhere to do there racers.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Lonestar - Galveston HIM - PRE-RACE
Well, the first race of the year is here. I am pretty surprised of how quickly it came, but nontheless it is here. My taper this week is going well. I am tired, achy, and I want to sleep. SO = Good taper. I think it is funny that when you reduce your training volume and intinsity extensively, you get more tired. Our bodies are so used to the beating and endless exhaustion that is parralleled with Triathlon.
I have not blogged in a while. A lot of stuff going on outside my tri life, unexpected and expected. So, I continued training, ofcourse, but unfortunately I have not been on top o the blogosphere.
I hope all of you racing this weekend, have a great day, and I wish you good luck.
I recently acquired a 2008 White Orbea Ordu with SRAM Red!! I will be racing on it this weekend. I have spent two weeks on it thus far, and I love the bike. It truly rolls, and its light, responsive carbon is almost as irresistible as how damn good it looks. I will get pictures up soon.
I have not blogged in a while. A lot of stuff going on outside my tri life, unexpected and expected. So, I continued training, ofcourse, but unfortunately I have not been on top o the blogosphere.
I hope all of you racing this weekend, have a great day, and I wish you good luck.
I recently acquired a 2008 White Orbea Ordu with SRAM Red!! I will be racing on it this weekend. I have spent two weeks on it thus far, and I love the bike. It truly rolls, and its light, responsive carbon is almost as irresistible as how damn good it looks. I will get pictures up soon.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Texas wind
This weekend's long ride was long. One of the, if not most, windiest days I have ever encountered on the road. I would have rather of done 5 hours on a trainer than dealt with that wind! So, with a southerly wind, it made sence to head due south for an out and back, man. I soent the majority of the day way over my prescribed watts going 12.5 mph into a 25-30 mph head wind. I guss it made me stronger, but I was cursing Mother Nature at certain points.
I truly almost ended up getting blown off a bridge and falling directly into the Brazos River. The route, on a normal day, would be a great, safe, scenic, smooth ride throughout true Texas farm country. I am surprise Kathleen did not get blown over, being alot smaller than me!
My legs are feeling it, I'm a little windburn, and I think there is a tiny tumbleweed stuck in my right eye. It was a good day, and some great training, regardless.
For some sick reason, while I was driving back to town, I got the urge to do some yoga, and went directly to Joy Yoga, and did an hour. I didnt think I was going to be able to do it, because my legs were chewed up, but I did. Truely, it fealt great. It loosened me up, and I left there feeling fresh. Yoga is definitely something worth working into your schedule for any triathlete.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
This - It works
So...About a year ago while I was working at Tri On the Run, I met Mandy, a local yoga instructor. She was trying to sell me on the whole yoga addition to my triathlon training, and she spilt her coffee. I told Mandy I would think about it, and months and months pass, as I continued to tell Mandy, I am thinking about it. She was very persistent about me trying this thing, and finally, lastnight I did.
The verdict is...She was wright(haha)....
After totally embaressing myself in front of the whole class, I can now tell you what I think about triathletes doing yoga. I am so tight, I can't even sit indian style, touch my toes, or perform the downward dog with flat feet. During the class, the instructor walked us through each pose, in to the correct form. I could not do any of it correct, but thankfully, she gave us an alternate pose. She continually said, if you can't fully get it, do this...then she showed us. "This" is what I did throughout the entire class. But, "this" worked.
First off, the flexability issues are totally adressed. Most runners don't stretch, let alone stretch enough. Yoga truly allows you to build your elasticity. Additionally, the leg strength gained is remarkable. It is equal! Triathletes, especially ones with leg length descrepancies(me), have compensation issues. So, some leg muscles go unattended, and even inflamed. I found that, my muscular leg weaknesses became so obvious during the session. So, allow me to work on this. This is going to help me with my strength descrepanicies and flexability.
Thank you Mandy, and JOY YOGA CENTER . Mandy teaches a class for runner's on Sunday Morning.
So, triathletes, get some yoga on!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
The verdict is...She was wright(haha)....
After totally embaressing myself in front of the whole class, I can now tell you what I think about triathletes doing yoga. I am so tight, I can't even sit indian style, touch my toes, or perform the downward dog with flat feet. During the class, the instructor walked us through each pose, in to the correct form. I could not do any of it correct, but thankfully, she gave us an alternate pose. She continually said, if you can't fully get it, do this...then she showed us. "This" is what I did throughout the entire class. But, "this" worked.
First off, the flexability issues are totally adressed. Most runners don't stretch, let alone stretch enough. Yoga truly allows you to build your elasticity. Additionally, the leg strength gained is remarkable. It is equal! Triathletes, especially ones with leg length descrepancies(me), have compensation issues. So, some leg muscles go unattended, and even inflamed. I found that, my muscular leg weaknesses became so obvious during the session. So, allow me to work on this. This is going to help me with my strength descrepanicies and flexability.
Thank you Mandy, and JOY YOGA CENTER . Mandy teaches a class for runner's on Sunday Morning.
So, triathletes, get some yoga on!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tendinitis Tendancy
My achilis felt weird last sunday. Last sunday was also inventory day at Sugar Cycles. So I did spend the majority of the day on my tippy toes. I am sure that did not help.
Monday, masters was cancelled after about 800yds, due to some severe lightning(outdoor pool - texas). So, as i went out for my run, i felt real tight in my achilis. I ignored it. Do not ignore pain! A total rookie move, and i have been out of commision since monday. I have gotten some easy swims in, with one legged flip turns, and that is it. The Half Marathon in Austin has been cancelled by the JANDA . So, I will continue to ice, compress, anti-inflamatorize, incline, and rest. (RICE). Until he gives me the go, hopefully Monday. That will give me 6 weeks until Lonestar Half IM.
I was pretty upset about this, and the thought of cancelling a race, and not training, was and is a horrible mindset. I was given a different outlook by none other than Janda, "What's gonna happen when you get hit by a car riding your bike?" I thought about the fact that under different circumstance, I could be out for a long time, and possibly for good. He then said, "This is part of being a triathlete Liam."
I can not stress how important it is to have people in your triathlon life, that you can trust without question, and just do as your told. Triathletes are very intense strong people, and to be able to just listen, and do what someone says, is huge in this sport. To be able to talk to your coach, and know that he/she has been there before, and can guide you through it, is an amazing help.
In conclusion, even if your careful, you might get hurt, and when it happens, we must go against our style, and stay idle for a while. Find someone you can take advice from, without question.
Monday, masters was cancelled after about 800yds, due to some severe lightning(outdoor pool - texas). So, as i went out for my run, i felt real tight in my achilis. I ignored it. Do not ignore pain! A total rookie move, and i have been out of commision since monday. I have gotten some easy swims in, with one legged flip turns, and that is it. The Half Marathon in Austin has been cancelled by the JANDA . So, I will continue to ice, compress, anti-inflamatorize, incline, and rest. (RICE). Until he gives me the go, hopefully Monday. That will give me 6 weeks until Lonestar Half IM.
I was pretty upset about this, and the thought of cancelling a race, and not training, was and is a horrible mindset. I was given a different outlook by none other than Janda, "What's gonna happen when you get hit by a car riding your bike?" I thought about the fact that under different circumstance, I could be out for a long time, and possibly for good. He then said, "This is part of being a triathlete Liam."
I can not stress how important it is to have people in your triathlon life, that you can trust without question, and just do as your told. Triathletes are very intense strong people, and to be able to just listen, and do what someone says, is huge in this sport. To be able to talk to your coach, and know that he/she has been there before, and can guide you through it, is an amazing help.
In conclusion, even if your careful, you might get hurt, and when it happens, we must go against our style, and stay idle for a while. Find someone you can take advice from, without question.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Mental or Physical? Mental
I got motivated to write about this topic after I commented on Kathleen's blog and ended up going on a tirade, eventually forcing myself off my soapbox. The topic is the mental fitness you need for triathlon on top of the already physically demanding sport. Not like differential equation or literary mental fitness, but mentally allowing your body to accept the pain.
I am of the belief that triathlon is 90% mental and 10% physical. People talk aot about talented athletes. Almost, passively saying that they could never achieve great sucess because they do not posess the natural born genetic gift of talent. i DISAGREE, I agree talent does have a factor in this sport, but i believe it lies in the mind not the body. The body will react to science, just like a race horses.
I know, I know. Everybody is thinking right now, racehorses are breed from long lines of racers. Remember Seabiscuit? He was not supposed to be a champion, because he lacked the genetical makeup of the typical thourough breed. But, horses are trained just like elite athletes, and fed a strict diet. If you ever get a close look at a race horse, there muscles are veined just like a triathletes.
Nutrition and training will make you stronger, but what makes you better and better, or even great is the mental portion that permits you to put your body through daily pain, wake up early, not have that second beer, get your workouts in, and deal with the lactic hot daggers in your legs at the end of a triathlon. It's all Mental. Horses lack reason, and they obey much better than any human I have met. Horses are instinctually born with the "lack" of mental wit to understand there is another option to running around in circles.
Take Bob, he knows working out is good for him, but sitting on his ass watching tv and eating Pop tarts is easier. (By the way, nothing against pop-tarts, i love them, i love the strawberry ones).
Horses don't know that sitting under a tree in the corner of the field is better. They do what they are told. This in lies the problem and the solution. Free will, wich we all posess. We, unlike the horse, can choose the easy route or the hard route. Triathletes, especially great ones, choose the harder one, because they are mentally strong.
So, It's All Mental! We posess that drive for more, and that obsessive desire to see what our bodies can do if we push it further and further. Mental Talent is where the magic happens.
Okay, there are still non believers out there, who think people are born with longer legs, that can run faster, or larger lats that easily develop, or giant quads that produce more poer on the bike. Yes people are different, but that is no excuse to sell yourself short before you attempted, I think people who do that may lack some mental talent, but physically similar to the rest of us.
"The defense calls witness Mr Arthur Lydiard to the stand.."
In actuality, Lydiard died in 2004 at the ripe age of 87, in Texas of all places. A New Zealander who is credited with starting the jogging craze in New Zealand and eventually the US, coaching tens of Olympic Medalist, and never refusing to coach anyone. He has been quoted as saying, "Champions are everywhere, all you need to do is train them properly." Everyone reading this blog, that is a triathlete, uses somewhat of the Lydiard System. He basically invented base, and periodization. He truly believed that with long slow distances anyone, anyone, anyone can get faster.
So, my conclusion: Anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to. The key words are anyone, anything, and mind. You need to set that mind, and not vary from that goal. The mental sacrifice, mental descipline, and mental motivation that is needed, is the real test.
Lydiard: "There are no shortcuts to the top!"
Okay, my soap box just broke.
I am of the belief that triathlon is 90% mental and 10% physical. People talk aot about talented athletes. Almost, passively saying that they could never achieve great sucess because they do not posess the natural born genetic gift of talent. i DISAGREE, I agree talent does have a factor in this sport, but i believe it lies in the mind not the body. The body will react to science, just like a race horses.
I know, I know. Everybody is thinking right now, racehorses are breed from long lines of racers. Remember Seabiscuit? He was not supposed to be a champion, because he lacked the genetical makeup of the typical thourough breed. But, horses are trained just like elite athletes, and fed a strict diet. If you ever get a close look at a race horse, there muscles are veined just like a triathletes.
Nutrition and training will make you stronger, but what makes you better and better, or even great is the mental portion that permits you to put your body through daily pain, wake up early, not have that second beer, get your workouts in, and deal with the lactic hot daggers in your legs at the end of a triathlon. It's all Mental. Horses lack reason, and they obey much better than any human I have met. Horses are instinctually born with the "lack" of mental wit to understand there is another option to running around in circles.
Take Bob, he knows working out is good for him, but sitting on his ass watching tv and eating Pop tarts is easier. (By the way, nothing against pop-tarts, i love them, i love the strawberry ones).
Horses don't know that sitting under a tree in the corner of the field is better. They do what they are told. This in lies the problem and the solution. Free will, wich we all posess. We, unlike the horse, can choose the easy route or the hard route. Triathletes, especially great ones, choose the harder one, because they are mentally strong.
So, It's All Mental! We posess that drive for more, and that obsessive desire to see what our bodies can do if we push it further and further. Mental Talent is where the magic happens.
Okay, there are still non believers out there, who think people are born with longer legs, that can run faster, or larger lats that easily develop, or giant quads that produce more poer on the bike. Yes people are different, but that is no excuse to sell yourself short before you attempted, I think people who do that may lack some mental talent, but physically similar to the rest of us.
"The defense calls witness Mr Arthur Lydiard to the stand.."
In actuality, Lydiard died in 2004 at the ripe age of 87, in Texas of all places. A New Zealander who is credited with starting the jogging craze in New Zealand and eventually the US, coaching tens of Olympic Medalist, and never refusing to coach anyone. He has been quoted as saying, "Champions are everywhere, all you need to do is train them properly." Everyone reading this blog, that is a triathlete, uses somewhat of the Lydiard System. He basically invented base, and periodization. He truly believed that with long slow distances anyone, anyone, anyone can get faster.
So, my conclusion: Anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to. The key words are anyone, anything, and mind. You need to set that mind, and not vary from that goal. The mental sacrifice, mental descipline, and mental motivation that is needed, is the real test.
Lydiard: "There are no shortcuts to the top!"
Okay, my soap box just broke.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Yes, I am still alive...And so is the Frog!
Frog, what?
For some reason work has accelerated in the past few weeks. I am still trying to figure out why. I am not really complaining though, being busy is better for Liam. Idle is bad, I get a little distructive when i am idle. So, remaining busy and full of tasking keeps me out of trouble and too busy to worry about things I cant control.
Oh yea, the frog. I started a 8pmish late, dark, wet, and cold run. I was wearing my ipod, which i usually dont when i am running. As i began to accelerate, get into a rythm, and mindlessly chip away at the optionless 6 miles down crestwood near Memorial Park...i suddenly felt like i was tripping on something heavy. I looked down, and a 10 pound double fist sized bullfrog was being kicked off my left foot.
at first, the nanoseconds while i was trying to figure out what it was, i jumped. like ten feet. i dont like snakes, but as the first hay-second ended, i realized it was not a snake, landed, and the frog hopped away. we were both fine, and we both continued on our nightly journey.
what are the chances of that? strange things happen during triathlon training and racing. we can all agree that these strange, wonderful, unique, awakening moments is a big reason why we wake up at the crack of dawn, or stay up late to put ourselves through an amount of physical pain day in and day out. but, there are so many other reasons, and if we could pin point them all, we wouldn't be blogging. so, with that said. i need to get on my bike.
p.s. Jane, thank you for another amazing epicurean masterpiece, and Trigreyhound, it was great to see you again. (My hyperlinks are not working?)
Train hard.
For some reason work has accelerated in the past few weeks. I am still trying to figure out why. I am not really complaining though, being busy is better for Liam. Idle is bad, I get a little distructive when i am idle. So, remaining busy and full of tasking keeps me out of trouble and too busy to worry about things I cant control.
Oh yea, the frog. I started a 8pmish late, dark, wet, and cold run. I was wearing my ipod, which i usually dont when i am running. As i began to accelerate, get into a rythm, and mindlessly chip away at the optionless 6 miles down crestwood near Memorial Park...i suddenly felt like i was tripping on something heavy. I looked down, and a 10 pound double fist sized bullfrog was being kicked off my left foot.
at first, the nanoseconds while i was trying to figure out what it was, i jumped. like ten feet. i dont like snakes, but as the first hay-second ended, i realized it was not a snake, landed, and the frog hopped away. we were both fine, and we both continued on our nightly journey.
what are the chances of that? strange things happen during triathlon training and racing. we can all agree that these strange, wonderful, unique, awakening moments is a big reason why we wake up at the crack of dawn, or stay up late to put ourselves through an amount of physical pain day in and day out. but, there are so many other reasons, and if we could pin point them all, we wouldn't be blogging. so, with that said. i need to get on my bike.
p.s. Jane, thank you for another amazing epicurean masterpiece, and Trigreyhound, it was great to see you again. (My hyperlinks are not working?)
Train hard.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Cubicle purgatory turned aerobic session !!
My new chair! I have been meaning to do this for years....
It is definatly working, i am so sore, there is no way i am going to last the whole day. Triathletes everywhere should be using this, for core strenght and balance building.
In other news - it froze lastnight in Houston, and frozen lizards were raining from the heavens(trees). Nasty.
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