tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80247036394544119562024-02-18T20:21:41.066-07:00My Triathlon LifeMile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-65601255648965833382012-10-16T11:42:00.003-06:002012-10-16T11:42:37.023-06:00Turning 50!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAM5iYR1VSWhNLcN4scyRznkCr-fXk4Te_eaf4faTspn5bihdrpaLAlbA8em7ihmrW5nVwyEWurfr6r2N8kzIPHdCYP0TeXtw13NYaHq3JLDK4HjHgdR3SfB8Bf6nvaZTfvgELroix0U/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAM5iYR1VSWhNLcN4scyRznkCr-fXk4Te_eaf4faTspn5bihdrpaLAlbA8em7ihmrW5nVwyEWurfr6r2N8kzIPHdCYP0TeXtw13NYaHq3JLDK4HjHgdR3SfB8Bf6nvaZTfvgELroix0U/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>The BIG 50!!! </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Honestly I don't know what all the buzz is about, it's just<span style="font-size: small;"> a <span style="font-size: small;">number. <span style="font-size: small;">Regardless, I was excited to celebrate this historic <span style="font-size: small;">occasion although I sure hope that there are more memorable dates in my future. </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The day beg<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>n <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">with</span> Kathy and I rolling out of bed around 5:25 am. <span style="font-size: small;">The goal was to be in the water at 5:50 am and we succe<span style="font-size: small;">ed diving in<span style="font-size: small;"> on right on time. We proc<span style="font-size: small;">eeded t<span style="font-size: small;">o swim 50 x 50's. Nothing too exciting to report other <span style="font-size: small;">than I hadn't swam one yard since doing<span style="font-size: small;"> the open water swim race on 9/8 in Chicago. We finished in about 50 mi<span style="font-size: small;">nutes and headed home.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We <span style="font-size: small;">abandoned<span style="font-size: small;"> our</span></span> normal diet for the day and went to<span style="font-size: small;"> Squeeze where we had a sp<span style="font-size: small;">ini<span style="font-size: small;">c</span>h/mushroom/goat che<span style="font-size: small;">ese omlette and a cup of chai tea. <span style="font-size: small;">The meal <span style="font-size: small;">was great but by t<span style="font-size: small;">he end we both w<span style="font-size: small;">ished we had just stayed at home and had a smoothie. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next on the agenda was a 50 mile bike ride. <span style="font-size: small;">With a house that still needed <span style="font-size: small;">to be cleaned for <span style="font-size: small;">the party in the evening<span style="font-size: small;">, im<span style="font-size: small;">pending bad weather <span style="font-size: small;">forecasted</span> and a trip to the st<span style="font-size: small;">ore in the future we need<span style="font-size: small;">ed to get moving. When we headed out the door the weather was absolutely go<span style="font-size: small;">rgeous but I still en<span style="font-size: small;">couraged Kathy to get some arm and leg warmers which she rel<span style="font-size: small;">uctantly did. I'm con<span style="font-size: small;">vinced it hadn't been my birthday <span style="font-size: small;">she would have told me to mind<span style="font-size: small;"> my own busin<span style="font-size: small;">ess and that she was fine. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We proceeded down t<span style="font-size: small;">he S<span style="font-size: small;">outh Platte Trail and <span style="font-size: small;">took a detour around Dartmoth to try and find a route to the</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><b>DU campus. We eventually found our way and returned to the South Platte around <span style="font-size: small;">21 miles into the <span style="font-size: small;">journey. The pace was leaisurly and we were conversational</span></span>. The sky was starting to darken as we headed downtown. I noticed the pace starting to pick up and Kathy was saying she was getting cold. We got to<span style="font-size: small;"> REI and determined that we would be about 1 mile short com<span style="font-size: small;">ing home and would tack that mile on at the end of the route. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we started home the wind picked up and small rain drops started to hit our faces. I saw K<span style="font-size: small;">athy switch into a <span style="font-size: small;">bi<span style="font-size: small;">g gear and away we went. My garmin data is a tale of two tapes. <span style="font-size: small;">The line on the way home was a lot higher than on the way going out. Every time the rain picked up so did our pace. Forun<span style="font-size: small;">ately we ma<span style="font-size: small;">de it back South<span style="font-size: small;"> without getting too wet. The sun was <span style="font-size: small;">out and we were both complaining of be<span style="font-size: small;">ing warm on the ride home. Fin<span style="font-size: small;">ished the 50<span style="font-size: small;"> and moved on <span style="font-size: small;">with the day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next plan was lunch<span style="font-size: small;">, a short nap and a 5 mile run but I soon bagged that plan<span style="font-size: small;">. There was too much to<span style="font-size: small;"> do with company coming over in a few hours. I did lay done for about 30 minutes but I <span style="font-size: small;">never actually sl<span style="font-size: small;">ept.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><b> </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the big day <span style="font-size: small;">we decided to celebrate<span style="font-size: small;"> on <span style="font-size: small;">the actual<span style="font-size: small;"> date of my birth<span style="font-size: small;"> and replace our annual Kona party. We sent out over 110 invitations an<span style="font-size: small;">d I was told about 80 people came in and out <span style="font-size: small;">throughout<span style="font-size: small;"> the evening. Nick came home from college and missed a fraternity <span style="font-size: small;">initiation</span> ceremony. <span style="font-size: small;">My take on that was someone missed getting s<span style="font-size: small;">watted with a paddle one more time but he assured me it was more than that<span style="font-size: small;">. Of course he can't tell me the details because he is sworn to secrecy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><b><br /></b><br />
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A number of current and former athletes came and it was good to connect with everyone. <br />
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Kathy invited a group of ladies she coaches and it was great to see them all dressed up in non athletic attire. <br />
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We have been members of the RMTC since 2005 and have forged some great relationships over the years. <br />
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Time for a family photo late in the evening. Lauren was at swimming and joined us late.<br />
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With Charley Perez. Charley is an amazing man, friend and a great coach. The following day one of his athletes would win her age group at the Ironman World Championships.<br />
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The evening was a huge success. I felt the love of a lifetime of friendships and couldn't have asked for anything more. I'll be honest and say I'm glad the 40's are out of the way. A lot of great things happened for me in my 40's namely leaving Corporate America and starting my own company, completing two Ironmans and watching my family grow and succeed in a number of areas. However, I sufferred some serious injuries in my 40's which sidelined my athletic ventures which I missed very much. <br />
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I'm signed up for Ironman Texas in May. When I complete that race I will have completed at least one Ironman in my 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's. I have a goal to complete one Ironman in each decade of my life. <br />
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Here's to another 50!! Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com101tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-52725617936869706402012-09-14T10:45:00.002-06:002012-09-14T10:47:10.722-06:00Big Shoulders 5k Swim Lake MichiganAfter fracturing my hip on May 10th I made it a priority to have a goal for this season to help me with motivation during my recovery. Since running and biking were out for some time I was able to lift weights and swim. The Big Shoulders open water swim 5k has always been on my bucket list of races to complete. During my time at Grant Ranch I have had the pleasure of getting to know some of Colorado's top open water swimmers such as Sarah Thomas, Ken Classen, Craig Lenning and Cliff Crozier. This group has accomplished some 'real" open water swims i.e. English Channel, solo efforts across Lake Tahoe, Manhattan, Tsugaru to name a few. I'm quite sure they don't even look at my race (especially since I wore a wet suit) as anything more than cool down swim. However, they have inspired me and swimming 5k in Lake Michigan was only .7 miles more than an Ironman swim so I figured it was a good goal with a broken hip and would stretch me during my recovery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvDUHku55tNtZOhvH95mJVe2TbF55HEhnlasO5moIQYi00oX_sQMn4mtjNVQ3sVH5CPA5gWpCNzB-XN1PD_MmweiAx_klvBTdSEU_aFwS_kRJsG94_C1zafg5h-F2MHxRHUJFs-h8cSQ/s1600/Big+Shoulders+Ross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvDUHku55tNtZOhvH95mJVe2TbF55HEhnlasO5moIQYi00oX_sQMn4mtjNVQ3sVH5CPA5gWpCNzB-XN1PD_MmweiAx_klvBTdSEU_aFwS_kRJsG94_C1zafg5h-F2MHxRHUJFs-h8cSQ/s320/Big+Shoulders+Ross.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Ross and Marion Hauser. I've known Ross since the 2nd grade. He has finished this race twice. I couldn't have asked for more gracious hosts and sherpas!! Thank You!!</td></tr>
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I began swimming two days after fracturing my hip. I had been swimming masters 3x a week since November so I had a good foundation. My routine was swim one day lift the next. I eventually built up my pull sessions to 4k. After about 8 weeks I could do flip turns but still no kicking. Nine weeks post accident I went back to masters but had to move down a few lanes because I still couldn't kick and my flip turns didn't produce much of a push off the wall. The following week I moved back to my original lane and added two weekend open water swims at Grant Ranch. I didn't officially track yardage but I was putting in between 14 and 17k each week. My longest open water effort in training was just over 3 miles and my time was 1:28. The lake I practice in is always flat and rarely are we dealing with any elements. In the back of my mind I was a little concerned about the conditions in Lake Michigan, mainly waves and cold water. I had been swimming in water which was high 70's most of the summer. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packet pickup. It was cold !! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross pointed out to me where the course would go. I was starting to get a little nervous as some of the waves were 3-4 feet and it was windy.</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>
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Ross and Marion got me down to the lake early and that was good as the registration lines were long. I was glad to get through the lines early so I could study the course, ease my mind and prepare for the swim. I ran into Scott Reeves who is the registrar for Big Shoulders. Scott and I went to high school together and back in the day he was "the man" when it came to swimming. Scott's daughter Haley would be doing her first open water swim and both were swimming the 2.5 k loop without wet suits. Scott repeatedly tried to get me to shed the wet suit but I declined. I also ran into Kim Katz who I coached for a few Ironmans a few years back and it is always good to see her smiling face. Her aura is just infectious and helped calm me down. <br />
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The wind was quite strong and it was cold so my mind told me the water would be cold. I opted to not do a warm up as did most of the 1200. The race was delayed as there the PA system had not arrived and the Life Guards had no oars for the boats. The race director went over some race day logistics, the original race director was recognized and the obligatory triathlete jokes (why can't we all just respect that we each swim. Never can understand why people in the same class have to make fun of each other). Eventually we started to line up in our waves which would go off in 3 minute increments. I was in wave 5 and eventually said good bye to Ross and Marion and heading off to the start. <br />
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As I headed out to the start I noticed that there were very few people actually moving to the start line. Everyone was hanging back. I ended up front row and off to the right. It was difficult to site the buoys because the waves were forcing you to bounce up and down. I had opted to wear two caps (because I thought the water was cold), ear plugs because I've had recurring ear infections this summer and because my silicone cap covered my ears. As I swam out to the start buoy I couldn't help but notice the water was VERY WARM. The gun went off and I started swimming. I noticed because of the swells I wasn't moving through the water as quickly as I normally do. I knew the first leg would be the hardest as the waves were coming straight in. About 400 yards in I started to have some breathing difficult and had to breast stroke for about 30 seconds. I started swimming again and felt better immediately. Because of the chop I started using more of a delayed stroke up front, almost a catch up stroke. This seemed to help me get through the water better. Sighting remained a challenge so I tried to site off the arms and legs in front of me the best I could. An issue I soon found out was that a number of the life guards were wearing orange jackets which made them look like buoys. They were not stationary so I found myself chasing a moving buoy until I figured this out. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wave 5 start. I am the first white cap to the right of outside buoy</td></tr>
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I made my way the to the first buoy and was relieved to have a little calmer water. Each leg of the swim was a 1/2 mile. I started to catch some of the swimmers in front of me and sighting was easier with all the skyscrapers in the horizon. I felt strong in the water and continued to focus on form and breathing. I was surprised at how much of the swim I was by myself but that is how things work out sometimes. Perhaps this is normal in open water swim races?<br />
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The third leg of the of first lap was the easiest as we now had the waves behind us and could feel an occasional surge forward. I made the turn in 41 minutes and headed out for lap number 2 (there is no getting out of the water, just a loop). The 4th leg of this race was a bitch. I found myself struggling a little and it seemed like I was swimming all over the place. One second the buoy would be just to my left and then I would take 5 strokes and I would be completely on the other side of the buoy. Other than this leg I had no issues with swimming straight so I can only attribute this to the waves moving us around. It seemed like this leg was taking the longest. I was starting to get a headache from being over heated and I wanted to rip off my caps but I didn't (not yet). I eventually made it to the turn and noticed that I continued to pick off some slower swimmers. I had no idea where I was position wise but I knew I surely wasn't up front. Without being able to see much I just focused on trying to swim straight and catching a glimpse of the next buoy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the other white caps in the background chasing me to the finish.</td></tr>
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As I made the turn for the last buoy I was passed by two white caps wearing wet suits. I was really get lethargic and my head was pounding. I finally ripped off my top cap and slowed things down a little to see if I could regain my form which was getting a little sloppy. I kept thinking "tempo and arm speed". I could see the two white caps swimming about 10-15 yards ahead of me and I picked up my pace in an attempt to try and catch them. At first I made no ground up and even found myself going off line a little to my left. I corrected some technique issues, focused on tempo, arm speed and staying long and strong. I eventually caught up to them but couldn't pull away. I was getting tired and my head and stomach were not happy. I felt like throwing up and was getting really warm. I won't go as far as saying I should have listened to Scott but it would have been nice to not be in a full sleeve wet suit! I found a last surge and eventually pulled past both of the other white caps, made my way to shore and headed to the finishers shoot.<br />
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The first thing I did when I stood up was rip my last cap off. The cooler air felt much better. I saw Ross and Marion, waved and ran over the finish line. I got out of my wet suit as quickly as possible. Spent some time with Ross and Marion at the finish line. Met Scott's daughter as well as the race director and then we headed home for some food and rest. I later found out I was 8th in the wet suit division BUT of all the swimmers in the 5k division I was in the lower 40% overall. The majority of "real" swimmers don't don wet suits. My finish time was 1:29 which was exactly what I was doing in my training swims. I didn't really have a time goal but thought I would come in somewhere around 1:25-1:30. Given the conditions I was happy with my time. Mission accomplished!! This was a very well organized event with some very fast swimmers. I look forward to going back in the future and some day to do this event with my daughter and wife!! A huge thank you to Ross and Marion for your hospitality. It is ALWAYS good to see you two and as always, I wish we lived closer!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished.. Can I get out of this wet suit PLEASE??</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-74039950713773063742012-08-29T16:14:00.000-06:002012-08-29T16:14:11.093-06:00Time for a little recapTime flies when you are recovering from a broken hip!! The good news is I was cleared to run a few weeks before the original recovery date. I attribute this to staying positively focused on healing as opposed to feeling sorry for myself because of another set back. In the whole scheme of what I've been through, missing 10 weeks isn't a big deal.<br />
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Once I cleared to start running again I noted that the Rattlesnake Triathlon Sprint was 4 weeks out so I signed up. I started by running 1 minute and walking 1 minute for the first week and then bumped it up a minute each week. My initial runs were 2 miles but by week 3 I did a couple of 4 milers. My pacing including my walks had me around a 9:45 minute mile sometimes 10 minutes per mile. Not fast by any means but I was up and moving. I started to get some knee discomfort and this was attributed to some muscle imbalances caused by rehab and the break. I saw my ART Dr. a few times and my PT. I was taped up race week and ready to roll.<br />
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In the mean time I continued to swim as my key race of the year will be the Big Shoulders open water 5k swim in Lake Michigan. I've been putting in 4-5 days a week between 3500-5500 yards. This includes several 3 mile open water swims at Grant Ranch. I've never trained for this long of a swim. I think I may have peaked too early but my only goal is to finish and get the experience of a distance open water swim under my belt.<br />
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The coaching business continues to prosper and I couldn't be prouder of the entire Mile High Multisport family. Our coaches have really started to peak and many of us are already full for next season with clients. Last weekend, we had 3 more people qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. This brings the total to 7 MHM athletes who will race that day. We also have a number of athletes who are racing at the 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas on September 9. In addition to that we have had some many positive experiences with athletes who are setting goals to live healthy lives and in the end that is mostly what matters.<br />
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After the Big Shoulders swim I will race an Olympic distance triathlon on the Western slope of Colorado on 10/7 then shut her down for a little while before ..........big announcement here...... starting training for Ironman Texas. I've always wanted to do a 5th Ironman and the timing of this race fits in perfect with our work schedule. I have no goal other than to finish and prove to myself that I can overcome a lot of set backs and still be in shape to complete an Ironman. I will also have completed one Ironman in each of the decades starting with my 20's. I did Ironman Canada at age 28, Ironman Wisconsin when I was 39 and 40, Ironman Canada when I was 41 and now Ironman Texas when I'm 50.. Then I'm good with Ironman for at lease 19 more years!!<br />
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If you've read this far, thank you.. I'll try to blog a little more frequently in the future. Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-56136042481203587942012-06-25T14:44:00.001-06:002012-06-25T14:44:40.781-06:00Life Moves Forward When You Are InjuredBut it doesn't mean you have to be left behind..........<br />
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I'm 5 + weeks post fracture. I had a great follow up visit with my Orthopedic Dr. last week who told me I'm ahead of schedule in my recovery. I have bony union and can begin rehabilitating my hip. He gave me some exercises to do and told me I would be fine. "just don't fall off the bike" Excuse me Dr. but you don't seem to understand I have a problem with that!! I'm amazed at how much strength you can lose in a short period of time. My upper body has put on size from lifting but I cringe when I see my bird legs in a mirror (I cringed before the accident so you can only imagine what they look like now!)<br />
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So my routine since day two of being injured has been swim one day (pull buoy) and lift the other. I'm stepping that routine up a little. I'm happy to report that I'm back with my masters program and today moved back into my old lane. I'm kicking and pushing off the wall. Today was the 5th time I've swam in the past 7 days including a 2.4 mile open water swim yesterday at Grant Ranch. Today I signed up for a 5k open water swim race in Chicago on September 9th. I might as well check one thing off the bucket list this year other than turning 50.<br />
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This week was the first week I felt a little down about not racing this year. Everyone is out racing and seeing results and I'm on the sideline rehabbing...AGAIN. I've had a few moments of self pity but then I go back to working as hard as I can. There has been one individual at our health club who has told me and a few other people he was looking forward to racing me this year to avenge an earlier loss. He just made the top of my list and I may have to post his picture inside my locker room door!! :) I miss racing and all the positive things that come out of competing. I'm tired of being the "good supportive guy on the side line". I want to be the participant again. So I take each day at a time. Try to remain upbeat and positive. I'm reading books when I find myself bored (Highly recommend Unbroken) and working out hard in order to be ready for either the end of this season or next year. <br />
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Life isn't stopping because I fractured my hip. I can either step aside and let life go by or I can step things up and get back in the game.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-13621435821995446462012-06-06T09:27:00.001-06:002012-06-06T09:27:05.180-06:003.5 Weeks Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dinner with Matt/Molly Smith and Brandon and Lauren Barnett. <br />
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I'm 3.5 weeks post fracture of my Greater Trochanter and I couldn't be more pleased with my progress. Although I don't have another Dr. appointment until June 18 I can already tell that I'm healing ahead of schedule. The Dr. tells me that formal PT will be prescribed then but I've already started doing some things with his permission and I feel stronger every day.<br />
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Injuries are an opportunity to pay attention to other areas of your life you ignore. Two days after my accident I was in the weight room, three days back in the pool. My goal is simply to get stronger and improve my swim fitness. Before anyone writes me, I'm doing everything with Dr.'s permission. <br />
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I gauge progress by how my hip feels today versus one week ago. I amazed at how much progress I've been able to make. Yesterday I was able to go up the starts without having to one step with each leg. It wasn't pretty and I don't think I can do that every time I head up the stairs but it is definitely progress.<br />
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Since I'm not on a crazy training schedule I have had more time to spend with family and friends and work in my garden. I took our daughter to Film on the Rocks the other night and saw Office space and have a couple of Rockies games on the schedule for this month. I also purchased a fly fishing guided tour for my son and I which I hope to be able to use later this summer.<br />
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My mind continues to be my greatness tool in my injury. I truly believe this will not be a long term issue and time and proper rehabilitation will get me back to where I was before I fell. Thank you to everyone for your positive thoughts and words as they MEAN A LOT TO ME. God Bless!! Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-57449848352242504432012-05-21T15:48:00.003-06:002012-05-21T15:48:46.581-06:00Making Some ProgressFirst of all I want to thank each of you for your kind thoughts this past week. If I'm certain about anything right now, it is that I'm surrounded by people who love and care about me. Who could ask for anything more than that? So many of you have called, e-mailed, stopped over and sent cards and that was so kind. The most creative was a bouquet of kale, chard, spinach with Red Beets in the middle!!<br />
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My hip continues to make progress and I'm encouraged. I continue to measure progress by comparing to where I was last week. Last week I could barely get out of bed, had to use crutches to get up and down the stairs and generally ached all the time. I was unable to dress myself, limped like I was 100 years old and couldn't even drive a car. To show the progress I've made, today I dressed myself, walked down the stairs, used my crutches to get out to my car. Once in the car (that was the only hard part getting in) I drove myself to the Rec center and swam 3600 yards with a pull buoy. Progress!!<br />
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Tomorrow I have a follow up X ray and am looking for the Dr. to tel me the break is calcifying and reduce my restrictions. That's it for now......Peace!!Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-33828740277738711832012-05-17T11:42:00.000-06:002012-05-17T11:42:14.257-06:00When Life Hands you LemonsMake Lemonade!!!!<br />
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First off I'll start by saying I hate writing this article. In fact I almost didn't write anything but I finally landed on that there is something to be learned from every story. <br />
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Day one group gathering and the morning ride map.<br />
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Last Thursday I set out on a 150 mile Mountain Bike Journey from Fruita, Colorado to Moab,Utah as part of the Bikerpelli ride. This ride has been on my bucket list for years and was part of my "it's all about me" tour this year (I turn 50 in October). Having completed the Vegas camp and NOLA I wasn't worried about the endurance. I had done a lot of research on this ride, even meeting with a 4 time finisher to get the logistics of the camp and the trail. I was told day one was technical in the morning and then nothing technical until Moab on the last half of day three. I was so excited to do this trip that my bag was packed 5 days before I left. <br />
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I had not done a lot of mountain biking prior to taking off but have ridden a lot in the past. My plan was to be conservative within reason. When Mountain biking being conservative can be a detriment. One of the things that my friend told was that I needed to listen intently to all pre ride instructions. Knowing that I have a tendency to let my mind wander I made sure I hung on every word from the ride director before we took off. <br />
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The group was split into 4 (self seeding) and I opted to go with group three which appeared to be a mixture of middle age guys like myself, women and some bigger riders. The first three miles were down a dirt path and I found myself in the middle of the group until there were little climbs and then I noticed I caught up to everyone fairly easy. I wasn't even working hard but this was a long journey and I was pacing myself. I tried talking to a few people but groups of friends had formed and I didn't find the other riders interested in idle chit chat so I just took in the scenery. I even stopped to take a few pictures. "It's not a race, stop and smell the roses".<br />
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some of the incredible views and this was in the first two hours of the ride.<br />
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I had finished the first two loops of the morning and was just starting Troy's loop. The ride director said that the each loop gets a little more technical so I stopped at the trail head. There were three guys there. One guy who wasn't with the group asked where we were heading and I replied "Moab? you?" He said "the parking lot" and we all chuckled. Not wanting to be riding in a group at this point in time I asked the other two guys if they wanted to go ahead. If we encountered any techncial stuff I wanted the option to get off my bike and not worry about holding anyone up. They declined to go even though I asked twice so I took off. I was about 250 yards down the trail and my front tire washed for no apparent reason. There wasn't a drop off and the few rocks that were on the trail didn't present any technical challenge. Perhaps the ground was soft, I don't know. All I know is that I went down hard and landed directly on rock with my hip. "Shit" I bounced right up knowing the two guys were behind me but my hip was not happy. My bike had slipped off trail under a small evergreen tree and I reached down and drug it back up. I tried to get back on my bike but couldn't swing my leg over the top tube. The first guy came buy and I did my best to get out of his way. When the second guy came by I asked him to stop with me because I wasn't sure if I was o.k. This guy was completely cool. He stayed with me for a long time. I hobbled down the trail to try and get out of peoples way but as the picture above shows it was not easy with the slant. At one time I almost fell down the hill. <br />
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More people stopped and one said she was a Dr. She told me to lay down and did this test on my leg and told me my leg/hip were not broken. I tired to mount the bike from the left side but couldn't get stable on the right leg. The original guy who stopped gave me some Advil. His buddies had all ridden back up the trail and now we had a good little group going and I felt bad I was holding up everyone's journey. They took down my information and were going to notify the ride director of me. Pre ride instructions said to always keep moving forward so that is what I did down a valley. My cell phone didn't have coverage. Another guy stopped on the trail and wanted to stay with me. He was very kind and asked me all the right questions. "Do you have food, water etc?". He didn't want to leave me and I didn't want to interrupt his trip. I could tell he reluctantly moved forward. <br />
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The Colorado River below<br />
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I even encountered a few people who weren't happy with me because I wasn't getting out of their way. One elderly gentlemen even made the point of letting me know that I should have gotten out of his way even though he was going downhill and I was hobbling up hill at the time.<br />
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I finally got a hold of the ride director and was told to keep moving forward. It was hot and I was getting low on water. I had walked for about 1.5 hours down the trail when I was called and told rescue personnel could not get to me. I could either have a helicopter come in to get me or go back up trail. I was just hoping my hip was bruised badly and surely didn't want to go out in a helicopter if that was the case so I declined. <br />
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I made my way back up the trail. Most of the ride had passed me by but I ran into a few of the back of the packers including the group of ladies I had driven out with. I could tell they were very concerned but I made sure they continued on. I was about half way back up the hill at that point. I cut the conversation short and moved on. <br />
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In short (I know this isn't short). I ended up getting rescued within a 1/4 mile of where I fell. I went to the hospital where it was confirmed I had fractured my greater trochanter bone in my hip. Most of you know that in 2008 I suffered compression fractures in my back from a cycling accident in which another cyclist entered the roadway without looking up hill and I struck him. The last three years have been spent recovering. Countless trips to medical providers, pilates, yoga, the gym etc. To be sidelined again is like a bad recurring dream. Why me? <br />
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Initially I was told I needed surgery but now I'm being told the bone will heal by itself in 6-8 weeks. That in 12 weeks I can resume running. If that is the case I'll be in heaven. After three years trying to get my back in shape, 12 weeks is like nothing.<br />
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I feel sorry for my family who has to help me again. My wife has been nothing but supportive. The kids just keep themselves busy because they know if they get within shouting distance I'm going to ask them to do something.<br />
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I'm able to walk up and down stairs without my crutches. I've even gone to the gym and lifted some upper body weights on the stationary machines. My friends have sent me movies, books and someone is bringing us dinner tonight. I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who love me and I consider myself to be very fortunate. It could have been worse. I'll be back as soon as I get clearance. Obviously my summer slate is now wiped free. The ride director extended an invitation to come back next year......hmmmmmmmm?????? Unfinished bucket list items..... As of now, I have plenty of time to think about that....Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-24968858254579449102012-04-24T13:40:00.000-06:002012-04-24T13:40:06.371-06:00It's Just a Test (NOLA 70.3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First and foremost I want to thank everyone who reads my blog. With all the blogs out there. I'm humbled whenever anyone tells me they read my stuff. ( and some of you even tell me you like it) <br />
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Last year, I attempted to make my triathlon comeback at the end of the season with an off road triathlon in September. In the days leading up to the event the swim was cancelled due to cold temperatures and then the event was cancelled due to snow. I moved on to the off season and set my sites to New Orleans 70.3 race. I chose this race because it was early season. Once May 1 rolls around I typically don't know what is on my schedule due to coaching, working the lake and kids activities so I wanted an early season focus race. <br />
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Without getting into a lot of detail I was doing great three weeks out from the race. After completing the Mile High Multisport training camp in Vegas, I was convinced I could go close to 5 hours on this course. About 2.5 weeks before the race and just after returning from Vegas I woke up one morning with an ache just below my knee on the outside of my leg around the fibular head area. It hurt to walk. I started getting treatment and within a day or two my ITB flared..great. I completed a 60 mile bike two weeks out then put the bike away, no running either so I decided to swim, complete light weights and stretch. During this time my body gave me no indications that it was healing and my confidence going into the race quickly evaporated. I worked on positive self talk, wrote down all the sacrifices I had made since breaking my back in 2008 and repeatedly asked myself if I was willing to walk away from all this and not race. I told myself to not worry about what others thought as they truly had no idea what I have or am going through but my mind continued to torment me. I developed a mantra "my mind will be stronger than my body" and I prayed. I prayed a lot. <br />
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Kathy and I have always said that racing is "just a test" to see how we handle adversity. In the end, our body always responds positively and that any bumps in the road are just tests. Kathy is much better at handling tests than I am. She has this unique way of just letting "stuff" roll off her back. At times I want to pinch her and see if there is someone inside her skin when "stuff" pops up. So in the weeks leading up to the race I was anxious and nervous. I started to question if I wanted to race. After all, I wanted a great come back race. I knew I could finish this distance. I had put in a lot of effort and my training results were positive. Considering I couldn't run a mile in March of 2011 I couldn't have been happier with my level of conditioning Yet the tests kept coming. My father was hospitalized in March and remains in the hospital to this day (in fact as I'm writing this report he is in surgery for a third time). He sounded bad and my mother told me he looked bad. I couldn't help but question if I was being selfish by racing when I should be back in Chicago helping my parents. I had already gone back in February for 10 days and my mom assured me there was noting I could do to help. It' just a test I kept telling myself.<br />
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Two days before the race we headed to the airport for what my wife tells me is a 7:20am flight. I remember discussing with her what time we wanted to arrive in New Orleans so we could test ride our bikes and drive the bike and run course. We arrived at the kiosk and "Can't check luggage 12 hours in advance" "WTF?" She booked flights out in the evening not the morning. We tried standby for two flights to no avail and went back home. It's just a test!! We finally arrived in hotel room and to bed around 1 a.m. We wake up the next morning, look outside, raining and driving winds which meant no checking out our bikes before the race. We headed to the athlete meeting and the swim is cancelled and replaced with a 2 mile run because the forecast calls for 20-40 mph winds. If I'm being honest here I'm telling you I seriously thought about bailing on the race. Injured, tired, mind on my parents, no swim (again) and a forecast of 20-40 mph winds!! This isn't what I had in mind. Then my son calls and says his girlfriend isn't feeling good, describes her symptoms and Kathy says you better get her to the ER ASAP. She ends up being admitted to the hospital. We had the "it's just a test" conversation for the millionth time and head back to the hotel room where I took a bath to try and relax. All along I'm asking myself what the downside is of not racing for me personally and how it would look as a coach who bails on a race. If an athlete were calling me right now what would I have told them to do? (I know it wasn't what I was thinking).<br />
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Later that day we decided we weren't sitting inside all day and went and explored New Orleans. The city was full of life. We saw some incredible street musicians and a few weddings parading through the streets with bands. We eventually went out to dinner and had a long talk about our options for the next day. The bottom line was that we would make a decision in the morning that was centered around safety and nothing else. If we woke up and it was gusting over 20 mph we wouldn't race. <br />
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The following morning I slept through my alarm. Kathy woke me up, told me she had already looked outside and almost went back to bed. I looked outside and the trees were bending. I didn't say a word, I just started getting ready. We both finished packing our gear and headed out the door. We went downstairs and outside and it was not only windy but freezing. We got in the car and headed out to the race course.WE didn't talk a lot and didn't even play music in the car.<br />
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We arrived at the course, set up transition and put on every layer of clothing we had brought with us. The flags were blowing pretty hard and it was cold but we waited until about 30 minutes before the race to make a final decision.We landed on we might as well race since we were here. If at any time we deem the conditions to be too harsh we can stop racing. There were a lot of empty slots in the transition area and a race official said a lot of people didn't even come back up their packets.<br />
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Given the new format the 50+ males started approximately 15 minutes behind the pro's and the one para athlete. We were paired in twos and I was about 8 pairs back. Every 5 seconds we would take off. Just before the start, Sister Madonna Buder showed up sporting a Boston 2012 shirt ( I would later see her out on the run course). My goal for the initial two mile run was to use this as my warm up and that is exactly what I did. I was wearing a jacket and this run helped me realize I was over dressed. I ran 8:19's and transitioned into the bike.<br />
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My goal on the bike was to be smart and exercise caution until I got a good feel for the weather and how my legs would respond. The wind was still blowing hard and there were some significant white caps on the water to my right as I headed out of town. I sat up for the first few miles as the wind was pushing me around pretty good and I wasn't comfortable in my aero position. I could still see the white caps blowing in the water and with the wind howling I chose to spin at a higher cadence and in the small ring until my legs felt good. I had about 10 people go by me and I noticed they were all in the big ring but I stuck to my game plan. I was in my aero bars now but stuck to the small ring. Around mile 10, I switched into the big ring and found a cadence which I felt comfortable I could hold. I raced naked (no computer no garmin)today because given my over thinking the past few weeks I didn't want to over analyze any race day performance. I always tell my clients to not judge the performance while the performance was happening so I continued to focus on maintaining a higher cadence, keep a clear mind and pick off people who were a head at a steady pace. I started to pick off the people who had passed me earlier and by mile 15 I was by myself for with the exception of a few who I could barely see up ahead. My pre race morning nutrition was a little off since I over slept and wasn't 100% sure I was racing so I made sure I stepped up my calorie intake early on in the ride. I had brought enough calories for a 3 hour bike ride and finessed it all although I rode a 2:26. (21.3 MPH)My bike nutrition was spot on as I had great energy the whole ride. I finally saw the pro's going the other way when I was around mile 20. I maintained a steady cadence and was looking forward to the turn around so I could see other cyclists since I continued to ride mostly by myself. I caught a few more folks just before the turn a round. On the way back in, I saw Kathy and knew she was having a strong ride since she wasn't that far back. I was passed by a few in younger waves but no one in my age group. On a TT start you never know where you are position wise so I kept riding my race. I continued to ride alone with an occasional youngster blowing by. <br />
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I entered into transition and saw a few guys from our rack running out. There didn't seem to be many bikes in our rack so I thought I might be racing well. As soon as I started running my legs let me know they weren't happy. Not having done an endurance event since 2004 I had no idea what I was in for on this run. Not to mention I hadn't run except one time since returning from Vegas. I focused on form and breathing and tried to get into a good rhythm. The first mile came fairly quickly and I remember thinking that wasn't so bad. The wind was in our face and around the 1.5 mile mark my inner thigh cramped. I stopped and stretched and it played with me for about a half a mile. A few weeks ago one of the athletes I coached (Susie Wargin from 9 news) who qualified for Boston had posted she was dedicating each mile of her race to certain people who played a role in her getting to Boston. I decided to borrow this concept and started dedicating the mile to people who had played a role in my comeback). I worked on maintaining good form although I was told later I didn't look so good. In the first 3 miles I passed 3 guys in my age group. Since I was running about 8:45 miles I was starting to get passed by some really fast age group runners and some pros who were on lap number two. I saw Kathy coming the other way and told her to catch me so we could run together. I saw one of the athletes I coach who told me she wasn't feeling it today and I yelled back to "then find a way to feel it and race to the finish". (she eventually had the fastest run split in her age group and took 4th.) Around mile 5 I latched on to a small group of guys who went buy who were holding a decent pace and had great form. I just sat on their shoulder to the next aid station. I walk through every aid station to get my nutrition and hydration so I lost the group. Around Mile 7 Kathy came by and asked me if I wanted her to run with me. She had just been passed by a women in her age group and I told her "no go, get her" (she never caught her and took 2nd by 2 minutes). Miles 7-12 were not fun but I kept thinking the same things. Running for the person I had dedicated the mile to and maintaining my form. I was passed by 4 guys in my age group in the last 4 miles but I thought to myself, I passed 3 and got passed by 4 so I only dropped one spot from where I came in (this actually turned out to be accurate as I was 13 off the bike and finished 14th out of 59 in my age group.<br />
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I saw Kathy heading up the last climb before she made the turn from home and I proceeded around the last circle to make my way to the finishers shoot. As I came around the corner I heard the announcer calling Kathy in. The last little climb was brutal on my legs but I saw a guy in my age group ahead and caught and passed him although I later learned he was just starting loop number two. As I made the turn for the finish line I felt someone come up on my shoulder and knew I didn't have anything left for a sprint the last 1/4 mile. Thankfully it was a younger age group female and I was relieved I could just cruise on to the finish. <br />
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I had dedicated the last mile to myself to signify all the hard work I've put it since getting into a car accident in 2004 and a cycling accident in 2008. There were so many people who played a role in getting me to where I am today but I knew that the person who made the biggest difference was me. The attitude I put forth in working through being inactive for a number of years and the desire to get back to racing. If I didn't want this bad enough it would have never happened. I wasn't pleased how I handled the last two weeks. I put myself and my wife through a lot of worry for nothing. The body sends a lot of mixed signals just prior to a race. Funny how none of my "injuries" affected me on race day. Once again.. "It's Just a Test". <br />
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Kathy had waited for me at the finishers shoot and we embraced. She told me she was proud of me and that meant a lot. My finishing time was 4:44. I figured with the cancelled swim and a shortened bike that if the wind hadn't played a factor in the bike leg I would have been close to my goal time. I ended up running a 1:58 which was only 10 minutes slower than my stand along half marathon time from February. <br />
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We waited around for Kathy to get her award and then went home for a much needed shower and nap. That evening we experienced the finer cuisine of the French District and then on to Bourbon street to experience some beverages, sites and music. In the end, everything turned out just fine and once again we passed the test. <br />
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Technically I still haven't completed my comeback because I haven't completed a triathlon. I will do that with an Xterra race in June and Sprint/Olympic distance races in Steamboat in July and August. I am contemplating a local race at the end of May but I want to see how I recover first and how my next adventure goes in early May. <br />
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Thanks to everyone who sent me well wishes before the event. I apologize for thinking "I wish you would all just go away so I could race in complete anonymity". (To my buddy Jeff who I actually told this to, I've already said I'm sorry but this time it is print. ) Next up is a 150 mile ride on the Mountain Bike from Fruita, Colorado to Moab, Utah. No race, just a bike ride and hopefully no tests along the way!!<br />
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PEACE OUT <br />
<br />Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-2950949027018718472012-03-31T16:25:00.001-06:002012-03-31T16:25:25.458-06:00Day 6/7. almost there..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We started our 6th day of camp with a 3k swim at the multi generational pool in Henderson. After the long day yesterday on the bike the swim was great active recovery. After swim we had our final group breakfast then headed back out towards Lake Mead for our final ride together. <br />
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The ride was rather uneventful on the way out but the pace picked up on the way home. Several breakaways were chased down and the pace was upbeat considering we were nearing the end of the camp. I can tell a number of people are nearing the end of their physical and mental capacity. Early season big weeks of training like this provide a great base in which to build for the upcoming season. Within the group we have people racing Galveston in 4 weeks, St. George in 6, Kansas 70.3, Eagleman and IMCDA. I'm confident that everyone was stretched physically and mentally and learned a number of tips throughout the week.<br />
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Everyone went down to the Strip on Friday evening for dinner and saw a show. Several people left Saturday morning and a few of us went out for a 40 mile spin. The Leadman tri was going on and we went down to watch the end of the swim and the beginning of the bike. With whitecaps in the lake and very heavy winds I was glad we didn't race today as I'm sure the racers are having a miserable day out there. I know we were miserable riding the last 20 miles into a strong headwind.<br />
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Total miles for the week<br />
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9k swim<br />
350 miles bike (plus I'll ride again tomorrow after everyone is gone)<br />
16 run<br />
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This was my longest week of training since 2004. After a succession of injuries including a broken back I couldn't be happier with the week. I felt strong everyday with the exception of the last 20 miles today. My body started to tell me "enough" today. My legs were tested this week and I'm happy to report they passed the test with flying colors. I was proud of my clients Michelle, Kelley and Sydney who all rode very strong this week. Spending time with my clients teaches me how they respond to the pressures of a big training week. I asked each of them to challenge themselves physically and mentally and from what I observed each of them accomplished that objective.<br />
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With Galveston coming up in 4 weeks I'm happy with my level of fitness in the pool and on the bike. I wish I had a few more long runs in me but I've done what I could. tomorrow, Sydney and I will head home making a stop in St. George to preview the bike course. I'm not looking forward to riding but it will give me 400 miles for the week and I always welcome the opportunity to do a little scouting of courses so I can provide the information to clients who will be racing their in the future.<br />
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For those of you interested we will do more camps in the future. Please contact me at Pete@milehighmultisport.com for more information.<br />
<br />Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-57395454188962004002012-03-30T10:06:00.001-06:002012-03-30T10:06:14.874-06:00Day 5.. Century Ride Virgins No More..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today marked the longest riding day of camp. The schedule called for 80-90 miles but a few folks talked about doing century rides. The day called for people to pair off in ability levels and start within a 30 minute window prior to 9 a.m. The weather forecast was absolutely perfect.. high around 75 and very little to no wind. The group pulled out exactly at 9 and headed to Lake Mead.<br />
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Once in the park three groups formed. Jessie Sund had agreed to run an aid station for us and would be 20 miles out on the Silverman bike Course which was 30 miles from our house. The course we road today is used by several big races in the Lake Mead area.. Ironman 70.3.world championships, ITU long course W.C., Silverman, Leadman (which was being held this weekend) and Rage in the Sage to name a few.<br />
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Kathy and I headed in a different direction than the main group and our plan was to pace line as much of the route as possible. About 35 miles into our ride a guy pulled up along side me and asked me if we were doing the Leadman race this weekend. Turns out it was a guy I had gone to High School with over 30 years ago and was in town from Boston to race this weekend. It's a small world sometimes!!<br />
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We hit the aid station exactly where Jesse said he would be. There was cold water, nutrition, sun screen and chamois cream. Jesse said most of the group had come through and everyone reported they were have great days. Kathy and I saw the lead two riders coming back to the aid station. We turned around at our designated point and soon ran into Bill who had stopped to wait for Michelle. Bill and Sydney had lead the first group and had ridden pretty hard. We preceded ahead and soon ran into Syd who had doubled back to find some company. The pace picked up at that point and we were working harder than we had all day. We still had 20 miles to go and I began to wonder if I could hold the pace to the end. Thankfully the girls couldn't hold the pace and we settled into a reasonable pace until we got home. We went a total of 82 miles in 4:28. Not bad for a hilly course and on tired legs. <br />
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The riders began trickling in and everyone was excited with how the day had turned out. Most of us had ridden 200 hilly/windy miles in the past 4 days and started the day on tired legs. Ride distances ranged from 70 and two campers did 100 miles with Alan riding his first century. Connor did his longest ride ever. the mood at dinner was festive and you can tell there was a great sense of pride in what everyone had accomplished. <br />
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Tomorrow is the last official day of camp and will include a morning 3k swim followed by another 50 on the bike. Total miles for the week will be 330 miles on the bike, 9k in swimming and 10-15 miles of running. <br />
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<br />Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-41514727517936628392012-03-27T18:01:00.001-06:002012-03-27T18:01:19.191-06:00Day 3... No more filters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I reviewed our weekly schedule, Day 3 worried me the most. Last night we had a great meal prepared by Allen and Michael. Alcohol was consumed by some of the campers and you could see everyone starting to interact. The filters in the group were starting to come down and it was great to see the interaction amongst the group. With the filters coming down it lead to more questions this morning. Why are we doing..........(insert any one of a number of questions here). It always amazes me when you get a group together how certain individuals can't accept certain things as they are and go with the flow. This also marked day 3 of riding and some people were getting tired. With a rest day schedule for tomorrow I just wanted to get the miles in, have no crashes and head into the recovery day healthy and with everyone still talking to each other. <br />
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The morning started out with a run followed by breakfast. A few opted to go swim long course. We had a 10 o'clock departure time and a few folks were running a little late. Very few clouds in the sky and no wind so we were excited to ride today. the plan called for 70 miles and only a few of us made it that far today. <br />
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The ride got off to a rough start with a few mechanical issues and some bitching in the group about the route and a few other things. It was five miles into the ride and I strongly considered taking a flyer off the front to be by myself. Then Kathy and I road on some freshly paved tar which wasn't marked. Another stop. Then my water bottle cage bolt came loose, another stop..more bitching... The route we were going to take was under construction and we took one wrong turn. We eventually made our way out to Lake Mead and road most of the same route we did on the first day but it seemed like it took forever to get going and you could feel the tension in the group from the rough start. After we got going the group became more chatty and the camaraderie we experienced the first two days came back. <br />
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Kathy, Bill and I were off the front and pace lined it through the park. The others were not far behind. We stopped to regroup then rode a short but steep hill out of the park. On the way back Kathy jumped the group from the back and I followed. I wanted to see who in the group would follow or if the group was content to just sit in today. After a few pulls I looked back and saw a few chasing. I told Kathy here they come and we continued to work hard to drop the chase group. It was fun to ride like this with Kathy again. Since my injury in 2008 we have ridden very little together and this reminded me of good ole times. Our breakaway was successful and we regrouped outside of the Las Vegas Bay harbor. A few more photos and we decided to experminent with a few side roads to see if we could add some miles to our route. We ended up riding the Lake Las Vegas loop and had decided to do this hilly loop 3-4 times. On Loop one Johns deralieur broke..another stop. We were 50 miles into the route and John was done for the day. Kathy took off to get the truck so she could pick him up. the rest of us decided that we weren't going to get our 70 miles in and headed back home logging 60 miles. Karen, Trish and Connor who had elected to ride together today becasue they were of similar paces made the 70 miles and let the rest of us know they made the goal and we didn't.<br />
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When we got home it was time to relax pool side, drink some beers and head into the recovery day. Everyone is looking for to tomorrow which consists of an early morning swim (no masters, we will run our own group) and a 30 mile recovery ride.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-44558942440132712202012-03-26T18:28:00.000-06:002012-03-26T18:28:08.014-06:00Day 2.. Lots of Estrogen around here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 2<br />
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Ten of us woke up at 5 am to join a local masters group lead by Frank Lowrey who is the race director for Silverman, the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and last years ITU long course championships. I've never swam outdoors at 5:30 in the morning when it was pitch black outside but the pool was lit up like a football field and once you hit the water you didn't know the distance. We swam 3k in an hour and then headed home to eat. Today was cold outside and we delayed our bike ride until 10 a.m.<br />
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Today's ride consisted of riding the ITU long course route. We lasted 224 feet before the first call for a bike adjustment and 1.5 miles before the first call of "I'm over dressed can we stop". After the initial stops the group stayed together for the first 15 miles then the group split up in three groups. Team Estrogen was out in force today as the ladies were pushing the pace from the beginning of the ride. Bill, who is training for Boston and ran 20 miles on Saturday showed no effects and was soon gone from the group. Michelle, Gail, Kathy and Kelley gave chase and before long we were all spread out. We worked with a few of the athletes on proper gearing and cadence going up the climbs. The views were spectacular and you could see the strip in the far distance. Long climbs gave way to steep windy descents. At mile 30 we stopped to regroup and then pace lined back to the entrance of the park.<br />
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On the way home Kathy took us up the infamous 3 sisters. I'm not sure why they called them 3 sisters because it seemed like there were 8 "significant climbs". The last climb consisted of three steep climbs with the last section at a 18% pitch. Out of gears and out of breath we all stopped at the top. One camper summed the climb up best "that sucked".<br />
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I can't imagine what it would be to do these climbs at mile 60 of a race then have to get off and run the 18.6 miles like they did at ITU long course worlds. The rest of the ride was a recovery spin home. Part of the group cut off the climbs at the end and we all rolled into the complex within minutes of each other. The kitchen was packed post ride with campers making smoothies. We ended up riding a little of 60 miles. <br />
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Day 3 will consist of an early morning run followed by a 70 mile run.<br />
<br />Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-30684633955650792642012-03-26T10:25:00.001-06:002012-03-26T10:25:59.709-06:00Vegas Tri Camp Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today marked the first day of the Mile High Multisport Vegas Tri Camp. Thirteen campers with varying ability levels from throughout the United States are spending the week with Coaches Pete and Kathy Alfino. We've rented a spacious house in Henderson, located about 8 miles from Lake Mead, blocks away from some running paths and close to several aquatic centers. <br />
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The day started with breakfast prepared by a couple of our campers, a brief meeting to go over house logistics riding rules and today's route/goals. I challenged each camper to do three things this week.<br />
1. Learn from the coaches and other campers throughout the week. Ask questions, listen and observe. There is a lot of experience in the group and a lot to be learned.<br />
2. Challenge yourself mentally and physically. Go beyond what think you are capable of doing. But also pace yourself as it is a long week.<br />
3. Get to know eveyone at the camp. Don't just associate with the people you are familiar with.<br />
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Today's goal was a 50 mile easier ride so we can get the legs warmed up and make sure everyone's bikes were working properly. We had a side bet as to how far we would go before someone asked to stop to fix something. The general consensus was we wouldn't make it ten miles. At 9.6 miles we stopped so Michael could make an adjustment to his seat post.<br />
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We road portions of the 70.3 World Championship course and the Rage in the Sage race. The Las Vegas tri Club was doing a simulated race and we found ourselves in the middle of their race at times. The group spread out fairly quickly and it was aparent the estrongen was taking over. The girls were all out front with the guys hanging back and conserving energy. It will be a long week and it will be interesting to see how everyone paces themselves. As I rolled in at the end of the day I was thankful we had no crashes or other incidences. Then Kathy came out and told me we had someone fall but no serious injuries.<br />
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Our camps require everyone to help out. We purchase the food as part of the camp costs but teams of two prepare a meal each morning and evening. Everyone is on their own for lunch. We have a number of vegetarians in the group. Dinner consisted of Chicken for our meat lovers and a variety of different options for our Plant Based and Vegetarian eaters. At night we drove down to the Strip.<br />
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Tomorrow begins with a 5:30 a.m. outdoor masters swim practice followed by breakfast then a 60 mile ride on the long course ITU World Championship course.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-22352620267364677822012-03-14T14:14:00.001-06:002012-03-14T14:14:38.683-06:00Dedication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems every year I write about the topic of dedication, commitment or perseverance. It is usually triggered after reviewing my clients logs and noticing a pattern between those who succeed in accomplishing their goals and those who can never seem to get "there". Perhaps I'm different, but I've always thought that if I put money out there and set a goal, that the motivation naturally follows. Everyone has different goals, talent levels, genetic make up but the effort to reach individual goals isn't much different from the podium finishers to back of the packer.<br />
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During my initial interview with athletes we have a long conversation about triathlon goals in relation to life goals. This interview sets the tone for how I will monitor progress and the level of feedback provided. You coach someone differently who tells you that sport is a hobby and balance is important in their life versus the person who tells you that "Kona" is the ultimate goal and they have time to train. After the initial meeting I watch closely to see if the actions of the athlete meet the goals and work ethics they have outlined for me during our introductory meeting.<br />
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What separates those who succeed and those who don't? I found an article I wrote for Triathlon Life magazine in 2009. In reading the article, there are very few changes I would make today. I've updated a few references and added a new section but the message remains the same.<br />
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WHAT IT TAKES <br />
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Being a multisport athlete requires dedication, perseverance,
commitment and an attitude of doing WHAT EVER IT TAKES to accomplish ones goals,
what ever they may be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The athletes who
reach their dreams are those that are consistent in the approach they bring to
training and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means making
sacrifices that others aren’t willing to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It means preparing both physically and mentally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means taking a business like approach to
reaching goals.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a coach, I see many
different approaches to racing and training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obviously not everyone has the talent to be the first person across the
line. Winning is defined by accomplishing what you set out to do, NOT being
first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The working parent who finishes
an Ironman is more of a winner in my eyes than the pro who “wins” the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In the late 80’s when I first started racing, the sport was
filled with former jocks, the ex high school football player, volley ball
player looking to fill a void in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sport remains the same but the faces have changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now vogue to be a triathlete and more people than ever are participating in the sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>USAT reports (2009) that 75,000 people are card
carrying members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The computer geek, the
guy down the street who used to weigh 300 pounds and more women than ever now
toe the line with the ex jocks. In 1992 when I completed my first Ironman I
filled out an application and held on to it until February ( I didn’t have
$175), today Ironman races fill within 15 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironman is becoming the marathon of the 80’s.
Tri for the Cure, Danskins and your local sprint triathlons fill to capacity
year after year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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But I’m seeing a pattern of athletes who don’t understand
“what it takes” to set goals and make the sacrifices both physically and
mentally to attain what they set out to accomplish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who sign up for an Ironman but they
have never done another multisport event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People sign up for a sprint tri and don't go to the pool before the race.</div>
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I have a good friend who is infamous for saying “SHUT
THE HECK UP AND RIDE!! QUIT TALKING ABOUT RIDING, QUIT TALKING ABOUT WHAT
YOU’RE GOING TO DO, QUIT TALKING AND PUT YOUR BOTTOM TO THE LEATHER AND
RIDE!!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People just laugh at him, but
as simplistic as the approach may seem, there is a lot of truth to what he
says. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a plan and follow it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means that as athletes we need to stop
talking about doing what it takes, and do the things necessary to achieve what
you set out to accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The time to talk is after the gun goes off and before you cross the finish line. </span></div>
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<span>I find that when I call athletes out for lack of commitment I get a lot of push back. The goal remains the same but the commitment level doesn't live up to the pre season promise. </span>My wife is a three time Kona qualifier (podium finisher in
2010) and will enter her 30th year of racing in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty years ago, she stepped on a broken beer
bottle exiting the swim portion of a triathlon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was told she would never run again and spent six months in a cast. She
has very little feeling in her right foot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>People ask her all the time, how a working
mother (she is a sales representative who travels a three state territory) of
two teen age children does “it”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
often taken back by the question because we have done this for so long it has
become natural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is a bit
complicated but in short she/we “does what it takes to succeed”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We follow some very simple guidelines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Manage
Your Time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up a training
schedule which is realistic and manageable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t try to do 25 hours when
realistically you have 15 open hours a week.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Be Consistent:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Designate certain days and times to
swim, bike, run and lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Be
Creative: Drop the kids off at practice and go for a run as opposed to
sitting in the stands talking to the other parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wake up at 5 am and ride the
trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hire a baby sitter and go
for a ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work out at lunch. Ride
your bike to and from work.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Work
out in the morning:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most busy
people don’t have time after work. Become an early riser and get your
workouts out of the way before your real job.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Plan
Ahead: Prepare meals in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Review the weekly family/work activities in advance and then enter
in your workouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make
exercise a priority: You don’t find time, you make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is plenty of time in a week to get
in 8-15 hours of exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
really need to watch all that reality TV?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Make it a priority to accomplish your goal. Don't let life distractions throw you off course. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s what it takes” has different meanings for different
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only you have the ability to
look at a situation and truly know if you are capable of achieving your dreams.
Your dream may be to finish the Danskin triathlon or complete an Ironman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when you commit to your goal, do
what ever it takes to succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sacrifice,
determination, commitment, dedication, perseverance, attitude… “That’s what it
takes”</div>
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<br /></div>Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-6026661592578438452012-03-06T10:12:00.003-07:002012-03-07T17:49:00.583-07:00My Time With Michel and BeyondDr. Michel Herskovitz is the owner of <a href="http://acupunctureandlifestylemedicine.com/">Performance Acupuncture and Lifestyle Medicine</a>. She is strong in her faith and very passionate about following a "Natural Hygiene Diet". Before we go any further, , I really don't care what you call this method of eating, I just care that you are open to realizing there is a different way than what you read and have been taught over the years. Meat isn't the only source of getting protein. <br />
<br />
As I explained in my previous post, we began the week by unplugging and water fasting for three days. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I read books, sat in the sun and took short walks. During this time Michel had me read some books by Herbert Shelton. A lot of what Shelton writes is over my head but the key points surrounded food combining. In short, a lot of the foods that we combine do not do well in our stomach thereby causing us to not feel well. I highly recommend a simple read called <i>Green For Life </i>by Boutenko or you watch the movie <i>Fork Over Knives</i> to get a simple introduction on moving toward a plant based diet. You can also reach out to Michel as she does provide consulting services. <br />
<br />
Michel switched me to a plant based diet and taught me how to shop for what I would need. There were a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, no meat and nothing in a can or bottle. I came off the fast and Michel started teaching me how to prepare some simple meals. Organic salad with lots of vegetables but no dressing, bok chot, cucumbers and fresh made carrot juice and an assortment of different smoothies all made naturally. I was surprised how good the food tasted "naked" and astonished that I wasn't waking up hungry in the middle of the night like I always had. <br />
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What is a plant based diet? I can tell you what is not. It's not Vegan and it's not vegetarian. Plant based diet meant eating nothing processed and nothing that was cooked. If you think about it for a second, that is a lot of what I was eating before and what you are probably eating now. In Michel's approach you paid close attention to foods you combined together so the nutrients would be absorbed into your system with no side effects. If you think about it for a second, that is a lot of what I was eating before and what you are probably eating now. Before you ask where I get my protein, there is plenty of protein in leafy greens, fruit, nuts and vegetables. Do the research and you will note meat is not the only way to get your protein. You have to eat a lot of them but they are there and as you will soon find out, you get plenty of everything you need to feel energetic. Sometimes we believe by reading the research, other times we believe by experimenting or observing and drawing conclusions. My wife soon joined me on this diet. Although she had just placed 3rd in the wolrd at the Ironman World Championships she liked what she saw in the new me. I wasn't back to racing and I was still skeptical that endurance athletes could follow this diet and succeed. In short, she raced three times last season. First in her age group at Kansas 70.3 (won by 26 minutes and had her fastest run split ever at age 50), 4th at 70.3 world championships and 2nd at long course ITU worlds. She dropped 11 lbs from her Ironman race weight and still performed at a world class level. That should put to bed any questions about if you can perform well on this diet. <br />
<br />
The biggest learning I had from my week with Michel was how much sodium is in the food we eat and "think" is healthy. A simple rule of thumb is that if the sodium count per serving is greater than the calories per serving there is too much sodium. The ratio should be 1:1. Use this rule of thumb and I guarantee you that 80% of what you currently eat will be eliminated. This article isn't intended to be an overview of the plant based diet. I will tell you that for 40 days I did not drink any alcohol and ate only foods which were not cooked or processed. I went from 182 lbs to 150lbs in less than three months and I hover between 151 and 154 a year later. Have I fallen off the wagon on occasion? No when it comes to eating read meat and chicken. Yes when it comes to pizza and occasionally a bowl of pasta or fish. I don't beat myself up when I go to the dark side on occasion. My body does that for me.....<br />
<br />
We eat a lot of salads with no dressing and drink a lot of smoothies which contain bananas, organic blueberries or cherries and leafy greens. I'm immune to all the jokes my friends throw at me. I've found that when people don't know what to say they make jokes. They don't mean harm they just don't understand. I was recently asked if I miss "real" food. Initially I did and on occasion when my kids cook something that smells good I think I miss the taste of those foods. There have been times when I've traveled and had limited options on the road and have allowed myself to eat a vegetarian burrito, pizza or vegetable soup. The food tastes good but I can quickly tell that my energy level drops and I don't think as clearly as I did before. I'm astute enough to realize that I can easily get caught in the trap of eating how I did before. By most peoples standards I was eating "healthy". However, I knew my energy levels were low, I had no desire to exercise, my body ached, I couldn't sleep at night despite taking sleeping pills and I was generally at a loss for who I was or where I was going. Post diet change, I have clear direction, I'm thinking clearer, I have the energy to exercise and will be racing in 2012. I'm pleasantly surprised that my times are not far off from when I was at my training peak in 2004 (when I last raced endurance events) and I'm anxious to see how my body and mind respond to the training. Another HUGE benefit of this diet is that because I'm not putting all the chemical byproducts that come with eating meat and processed foods I have less inflammation in my body. I can go out and run 10 miles and have little to no residual pain the next day. Recovery is vastly improved which allows me to have quality workouts. <br />
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The pictures below are before and after. They were taken 1 year apart, one in 2010 and the other in 2011. In the first photo I weight about 180 lbs.(note the roundness in my cheeks) In the second photo I weighed 151 lbs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylJ0g9IYo34ffcU1_olPV0pakeFEjasWjIciYsdj4Ltsh2wWkARAxF6RXatElzbBxEd_FpqpMIToDYaQ3Sh7Y1CLG5AtvCAnt85ve1TlwOLE_pIl1Rg_ZDtgNJBKOSm0iN_qPymVqUAM/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylJ0g9IYo34ffcU1_olPV0pakeFEjasWjIciYsdj4Ltsh2wWkARAxF6RXatElzbBxEd_FpqpMIToDYaQ3Sh7Y1CLG5AtvCAnt85ve1TlwOLE_pIl1Rg_ZDtgNJBKOSm0iN_qPymVqUAM/s320/DSC_0230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I often tell Michel she saved my life. We keep in touch and she is sincerely moved and touched by my transformation. People come in and out of our lives for a reason. I hadn't been in touch with Michel for over 10 years but as I sought answers to my problem I felt a strange urge to reach out to her for help. It required me to put life on hold and make a significant change to a way I had lived for 48 years. How honest are you being with your current situation? Where is your energy level as opposed to where it was 10 years ago? Are you gaining weight although you are still exercising? Does your body ache? How is your mental clarity? The answer is not I'm getting old and these things are going to happen. The answer may be as close to what you put in your body? Do some research and see what chemicals and additives YOU put in your body every day. Just remember there is no silver bullet in a pill that makes you feel better. Take control of your health by selectively putting food in your system which makes you feel good in the long term. Let go of what you have been taught for years and search alternative manners in which you can restore your enthusiasm for life.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-66168482860641874562012-03-04T18:42:00.000-07:002012-03-05T08:41:54.681-07:00Another Comeback ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I'm long over due on updating my blog, but as I wrote in my last published post in 2008, it was never my intent to write about being injured and create a pity party. In fact, within months of my last post, I was back on my bike when another cyclist, who was descending a hill in front of me, made a u -turn and I struck him going about 25-30 mph and flipped over my handle bars. <br />
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I have no idea if I will write anything that anyone will read or if anyone will follow me. but I
have a lot to share regarding what has happened to me the past 4 years
and what is going on now in my life. I'm healed and have started racing again but the path back to health was long and filled with many detours. <br />
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My injuries were numerous with the most severe being a compression fracture of the back at T-11/T12. I spent the better part of the past 3.5 years in various states of despair, feeling sorry for myself, hurting and generally doing very little athletically. It was one of the worst phases of my life. I felt lost with which direction life was taking me. I didn't know if I should fight through the pain and forge ahead or find a new direction.. At one point I had convinced myself I would just start hiking. After all it was just walking and I could still do that. It would keep me in relatively good shape and I could see some great places in the state of Colorado. I never acted on this impulse. <br />
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During this period of being out of commission I vowed to be a supportive husband and father, growing Mile High Multisport and catching up on chores around the house that had been neglected during my triathlon years. I took the kids to swim, golf, hockey, guitar... you name it. If they wanted to go somewhere the answer was always yes. Kathy continued racing and I'm glad she did. In 2010, on her 50th birthday. she took 3rd in the world at the Ironman World Championship (<a href="http://www.milehighmultisport.com/category/training-tips/race/">http://www.milehighmultisport.com/category/training-tips/race/</a>). I was proud of my role in supporting her and the victory was all of ours as we really worked well as a family during this journey. But something was still missing from my life but I couldn't put my finger on it. I was getting through each day but I wasn't fulfilled in the least bit with anything I was doing except work which was going very well. Perhaps Gods plan for me was to be supportive and live vicariously though my clients? <br />
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I continued to see different Doctors and therapists in an attempt to make a return to being active. On occasion I would feel better, attempt to run 1/2 a mile only to have the same aching feeling in my body. My back throbbed, my head ached and I knew something wasn't right. I saw acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapist etc. My pill box rivaled that of my grandmothers in her 80's. I got to the point where I was photocopying the sheet which contained all my medicines so it made filling out medical questionnaires easier. <br />
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At the end of 2010, I started to feeling pains in my stomach and my throat hurt. I was convinced I was dying of cancer. The number of aches and pains throughout my body was increasing. I asked myself what was the purpose of all the medications and herbs I was taking if I continually felt worse. I made the decision to see two Dr.s I had been treating with. One suggested I take more medicine and the other questioned why I was taking some of medicines prescribed. A full blood panel was ordered which came back clear with the exception of a very high Iron count. I took a special blood test and was sent to a specialist who told me that everything was fine. During that meeting, he questioned why I was taking some of the medicines I was prescribed. So now, besides myself, I had two Dr.'s asking why I was on certain medicines. I knew immediately what I would do and as soon as I got home I threw away everything with the exception of my sleeping pills. I felt better, but I still wasn't "living life" so my mind continued to search for what was my next course of action would be in my quest to be happy.<br />
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I turned to an old friend whom I hadn't spoken to in years. We had reacquainted via face book. Michel Herskovitz, <a href="http://acupunctureandlifestylemedicine.com/">Performance Acupuncture and Lifestyle Medicine </a>) is an Oriental Medicine Dr. out of Las Vegas, Nevada. When I last saw Michel she was on this crazy "Raw Food Diet" and quite honestly I thought she was out of her mind. Something inside of me said to reach out to Michel and before I knew it, I was on my way to spend 10 days with her at her residence which doubles as a retreat for people like me who are searching for a better way. What happened over the next 10 days changed my life. When I arrived she confiscated my electronics. There was no tv in her house and I knew immediately I was just unplugged from my normal day to day living. When I went to visit Michelle I couldn't run 1 mile without experiencing pain. I wasn't cycling and I could swim 2000 but with no intensity. Since then, I've completed a half marathon (one year to the day after I left her retreat) and am signed up for various triathlons throughout the summer, including a 70.3 race in April. I'm happy to report that I am feeling a lot better than I have in years and take no medications, herbs, supplements at all!! Not a single thing! In my next blog, I will report more on what Michel did with me that changed my life.....Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-1390241042722285272008-04-20T17:47:00.005-06:002008-12-12T16:52:14.519-07:007 days and I'm OUT!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraQz6PK7ajivBtAMrm3faU5gLbqaJ6ti4FgwaFd-ErrpC88ju1S09eN7jvOVXYX4jC66_H7n08wYH-sZwzDicfThmNUF_it9Dw4G41apeeMUHdpjbJTDb81GXyqaUvto9sgNWVaWX44s/s1600-h/DSCN0101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraQz6PK7ajivBtAMrm3faU5gLbqaJ6ti4FgwaFd-ErrpC88ju1S09eN7jvOVXYX4jC66_H7n08wYH-sZwzDicfThmNUF_it9Dw4G41apeeMUHdpjbJTDb81GXyqaUvto9sgNWVaWX44s/s320/DSCN0101.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191481760342493266" /></a><br />I last posted to this site almost a month ago. At the time I was still hopeful that I would have a race season and was on course, even with some set backs to attempting the races outlined in a previous post. Kathy was on target with her season objectives and we were settling into a nice rhythm at home and with training. <br /><br />A few weeks back Kathy comes home and tells me she had a Dr. check up and she needed to have some minor surgery. No big deal, she has the surgery but they tell her they found some other complications, fixed them and "no training for a month". Wow, that sucked but we move forward and start attacking some projects around the home. <br /><br />Seven days after Kathy has her appointment I go into the Dr. for a small growth I detected and low and behold "outpatient surgery" is scheduled for later that afternoon. Kathy is on the road traveling so we make arrangements for the kids activities and she heads home. I have a friend drop me off at the hospital and 4 hours later I'm on my way home. No big deal, I'm feeling fine. An hour after I return home Stand up and blood starts gushing out of me. To make a long story short, this happens a couple more times and I'm on my way back to the hospital of surgery number two. I find out I have blood clotting disorder and ended up taking a lot of stitches and losing a lot of blood. Two and a half days in the hospital, early season racing over. <br /><br />So my intent of this site was to never create a "whoa is me" public log. I've had surgery in the past. In fact I completed an Ironman 9 weeks after having tendons reattached to my thumb and forefinger. Although the outlook is bleak today, I've been down this road in the past. I'll be back in due time when I'm mentally ready. For now it looks like the Alfino clan is laying low in 2008. Home projects, vacations which don't include tri gear and growing Mile High Mulitsport. <br /><br />Until I have more to write about "My triathlon Life" I will be off line. I'll continue my company blog at Mile High Multisport. Thanks to all of you who have read my posts, I've been touched by the contacts I've received from all over the USA. The blogging tri community is part of what makes the triathlon world oh so special. <br /><br />Peace to all. Remember why you train and race is to have fun. This is your hobby (unless the Lovato's read my page which I doubt) not your profession. Enjoy each and have minute you have in this sport. You never know if your last work out will be your last.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-13593507996687874952008-03-25T10:00:00.003-06:002008-12-12T16:52:14.916-07:00Whew!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRzH77JM1zxVZ7X-5HbzKhN4TD7KhxwZ-VsA-bUh-FM9z4YwOID0G2DEEw3xJAF15Y-tdbvdrphpC1L3t17ioeAtT_GX0_3k7xp5rzwpditVm6JDie4mpXPsElc_88G82fFaHP9FR0sc/s1600-h/DSCN0013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRzH77JM1zxVZ7X-5HbzKhN4TD7KhxwZ-VsA-bUh-FM9z4YwOID0G2DEEw3xJAF15Y-tdbvdrphpC1L3t17ioeAtT_GX0_3k7xp5rzwpditVm6JDie4mpXPsElc_88G82fFaHP9FR0sc/s320/DSCN0013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181712879794359762" /></a><br />Patience is something I'm not very good at. So when my back flared again I decided that the best thing to do was to give up training for last week and see how things went. I didn't do anything until Friday then swam about 2500 yards. After the warm up I decided to do 1 x 100 and see what my time was. I swam a 1:28 so decided the main set would be how many 100's I could do on a 1:40 interval but didn't drop below 1:30. I did ten and called it a night. <br /><br />Saturday I road the trainer for 45 minutes and Sunday ran 4 miles. I felt pretty shelled after the run but it was encouraging. So I followed this up with a 3000 yard swim Monday and then Kathy and I did hill repeats for our main set Monday night. My swimming and biking have taken a small hit but I didn't lose much. My running is behind but then again it always is. It appears I may be back in the saddle. We will see how the rest of the week goes.<br /><br />The new ride is sweet and I climbed a lot better than I have in some time. Kathy always rides well and I'm sure could kick my ass if we raced against each other. She struggled a bit yesterday but she swam a harder master session in the morning and ran 9.5 yesterday. I'm expecting her to have a good season. <br /><br />Big week for our clients as we have one heading to California and another to Galveston. As we get closer to the race season we get busier. This week as seemed odd as we have spent a lot of time consulting customers on bike choices. Personally I think it is a little late to start the process of buying a new bike. It takes time to settle in on a new ride and it isn't good to make bike selection decisions when you feel pressured. <br /><br />Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. One of my favorite sayings is. "I can't go back, I can't stay here so I must move forward"<br /><br />PeaceMile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-16344680473010404872008-03-18T21:56:00.005-06:002008-12-12T16:52:15.175-07:00Take Nothing for Granted........<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1UlKFakmYNgymPb5xvQYJdA8Ha2kgluJYhpWSm6rg8lSFYNqkVOakC2uezQClpshbhC1_JRtNNiFBMtc95hVsrkhoTpwT9iqjpYmTP_SaC8AXB-KjJUzs5xTrxIBrY-3CvjdcrxKyq0/s1600-h/DSCN0082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1UlKFakmYNgymPb5xvQYJdA8Ha2kgluJYhpWSm6rg8lSFYNqkVOakC2uezQClpshbhC1_JRtNNiFBMtc95hVsrkhoTpwT9iqjpYmTP_SaC8AXB-KjJUzs5xTrxIBrY-3CvjdcrxKyq0/s320/DSCN0082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179303624802392658" /></a><br />For those of you who have read my blog since the beginning you know that last year was a special year for me. I was able to return to racing after 2.5 years on the disabled list. I raised my expectations this year and after the Scottsdale trip believed I found my mojo again. Even after last weeks set back I knew in the back of my mind that I had it in me to have a good season. <br /><br />This weekend I was at my nieces 8 year old birthday party when my boy challenged me to a game of one on one basketball. Never being one to back down to a challenge the "game was on" until I drove to the basket and my back decided it was driving me to the ground. Down and out again.... I spent the better part of the last 3 days in considerable pain and barely able to walk or get out of bed. Thankfully there was some pain meds left in the cabinet from someones prior injury (always get the extra bottle of pain meds as you never know when you will need them!!). Each day the pain has been reduced and today I could get out of a chair without looking or sounding like my grandfather when he was 85. I'm not sure how bad this is but I do have some weakness in my left leg. I remain hopeful that I just pissed off a muscle and that if I take off a week or so I will be good to go again. Really I'm not worried about it but I did look at my new bike today and promised it that I would be on it soon. <br /><br />The point is, that everyone should be thankful for every day they are able to participate in this sport. Don't take training for granted. Quit worrying about personal records and pushing the limits but slow down and enjoy the health you have. I recently had an athlete I coach be told he couldn't run again due to a hip impingement which is causing some changes in his hip socket. One week he is preparing for a half ironman and the next week he is a swimmer/cyclist. Life changes quickly. <br /><br />After my heart incident in Arizona I went to see my Dr. for an annual physical today. He told me that the bee pollen was probably the root cause of my heart spiking that day. Then he listened to my heart and said "that doesn't sound right". They took an EKG and drew blood work. Results to follow in a few weeks. I also learned that a recent MRI on my brain returned with a small polyp on my pituitary gland. Apparently this is very common but is something I need to monitor closely (A brain MRI every 12 - 18 months). I was a little taken back at first but my Doctor informed me that in the majority of cases these things turn into nothing. Life continues to throw me curves but I refuse to quit. As far as I'm concerned all I've heard is that there is the potential for some bad news but I haven't heard anything definitive yet. The only thing that will change is how I choose to live life. <br /><br />A few weeks back in San Francisco there was a terrible loss in which a pro triathlete and pro cyclist were killed while riding in a pack. Apparently a sheriff fell asleep at the wheel and drove into a pack of cyclist. We've heard the words so many times, "enjoy each and every day as it were your last". We hear the words, for a couple days we live life with a little more zest and then we go back to our old ways. <br /><br />So as I reflected today I'm thankful for everything I have.. my wife, my kids, where I live, the Rocky Mountains, my job and my athletic accomplishments. I'm thankful that those of you who read my blog find me interesting enough to return for some words of wisdon. I'm not worried about my back, my heart, my brain or anything. I enjoyed the day to the fullest and tomorrow when I wake I plan to do the same.<br /><br />Continued: I saw the Rolfer today and she did a lot of work on my Piraformis and Glutes. I think they resonded well. My QL on the left side is still bad and my left hamstring feels weak. Looks like another week of relative inactivity. I'll try some swimming tomorrow. Positive thoughts for postive outcomes. Tough when it is 62 degrees out and you see people cycling and runnnig all over the place.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-19266777958211519862008-03-14T10:05:00.002-06:002008-03-14T10:12:41.181-06:00What's newSince the big posts of Arizona I feel compelled to write something but the truth is it sucks to be back to reality. Work, family, taxes, volunteer work doesn't lend for the big miles I was able to put in a few weeks ago. I've struggled in my training and now have bad allergies. I haven't don anything since Tuesday and today I cleared my calendar of my only appointment. I plan to sleep and finish my taxes. <br /><br />The bottom line with these types of detour's is you have to remember that we all hit bumps in the road of life and training. If we dwell on them too long they only serve to derail our progress. Although I may question my desire this week I know that it is only temporary. Right now I would die for a good night sleep.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-80505560549486733172008-03-09T14:06:00.001-06:002008-12-12T16:52:15.327-07:00My New Ride!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwFPWTzCCN1BtGv6DKiQVJ60eAWT_S8Ok8k3IBssfvlDVuMri5_YEkuwTizgXFZD-6gze4pJa2IQxeEHWgeeofTgn0AZwDNnC23Or954x5wn9OhQ46IYAJ1N964j3WseWBggj1cS7MBw/s1600-h/DSCN0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwFPWTzCCN1BtGv6DKiQVJ60eAWT_S8Ok8k3IBssfvlDVuMri5_YEkuwTizgXFZD-6gze4pJa2IQxeEHWgeeofTgn0AZwDNnC23Or954x5wn9OhQ46IYAJ1N964j3WseWBggj1cS7MBw/s320/DSCN0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175838354993666498" /></a>Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-71663179374577998152008-03-02T10:50:00.003-07:002008-12-12T16:52:15.608-07:00What I learned and Totals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiaO5HkN7Bqss4MpxL_wGV3sZOW9XAFies1j64V2ZW_BDep9okwGVM2TYktF-rv6PGt_A-LTWttEKnovRa_OCMcHXE0_A-T08OQ3CsRblz0iQNRp9guk-RH69NtRURAmEjfpKIXHN9hU/s1600-h/DSCN0024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiaO5HkN7Bqss4MpxL_wGV3sZOW9XAFies1j64V2ZW_BDep9okwGVM2TYktF-rv6PGt_A-LTWttEKnovRa_OCMcHXE0_A-T08OQ3CsRblz0iQNRp9guk-RH69NtRURAmEjfpKIXHN9hU/s320/DSCN0024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173205333265446018" /></a><br />Steve, Kathy and I rode 40 miles in some gale force winds on Saturday. Following are my totals for the past 6 days and what I learned during my trip. <br /><br />Photo of Camel Back mountain at night<br /><br />Cycling: 304 miles<br />Swimming: 10,000 yards<br />Run/Walk: 2:30 minutes<br /><br />* Jonathan Nixon is in outstanding shape, mentally and physically<br />* Steve is a stronger cyclist than I gave him credit<br />* I am in better shape than I give myself credit<br />* I need to focus more on the positive <br />* If I work hard I can regain my old form and perhaps even be better than I was before<br />* A week of cycling regardless of the terrain makes you a stronger cyclist. Nothing beats putting in the time and miles<br />* I'm looking forward to the race season<br />* Hiking provides a tremendous aerobic workout. I will do more walking and hiking as part of my total fitness plan<br />* Be happy and enjoy life moreMile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-23861394264909120372008-02-28T17:39:00.005-07:002008-12-12T16:52:16.628-07:00Part II, Big Trainnig Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEyEzlJYqYHPm_Vl7-qnLIySk3IeWbhPwkN_xcI_Olesi9phqpjLs8WxSdH6F6PmQ5U47Bj51O8OosHEgRwxij5otrw3UQd8nQ_OSFgz7xvKlwF83T6ykbbajEs599r_ZaBYC8MdzUI4/s1600-h/DSCN0089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEyEzlJYqYHPm_Vl7-qnLIySk3IeWbhPwkN_xcI_Olesi9phqpjLs8WxSdH6F6PmQ5U47Bj51O8OosHEgRwxij5otrw3UQd8nQ_OSFgz7xvKlwF83T6ykbbajEs599r_ZaBYC8MdzUI4/s320/DSCN0089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173199457750184978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X5l1oYxPrHT0VzBDYLeXci6ao05B2eEreJ3vgvEuxN6bXR9xODxx9blnJOBHEShr7-RbvtZv9rDQeBkuLdQfdwcuGJw2GPTvtWya6cmmOGJQm6DDYgkBtrque_KpM0zpZRGAi3vF7ko/s1600-h/DSCN0092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X5l1oYxPrHT0VzBDYLeXci6ao05B2eEreJ3vgvEuxN6bXR9xODxx9blnJOBHEShr7-RbvtZv9rDQeBkuLdQfdwcuGJw2GPTvtWya6cmmOGJQm6DDYgkBtrque_KpM0zpZRGAi3vF7ko/s320/DSCN0092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173199462045152290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWzg0ChcTr_g5ku8gm1WDIxt5IdBEHlDPUkXHbnq-boM-u70E5_2VFD8Ow3tEYrGOhxdRljaruaxtv2JRITf_d34SmLFH-6b0n-YVIwWZsE_gDOJF-_d2TbfFs-XIQoZ7iFkp70WQY0k/s1600-h/DSCN0022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWzg0ChcTr_g5ku8gm1WDIxt5IdBEHlDPUkXHbnq-boM-u70E5_2VFD8Ow3tEYrGOhxdRljaruaxtv2JRITf_d34SmLFH-6b0n-YVIwWZsE_gDOJF-_d2TbfFs-XIQoZ7iFkp70WQY0k/s320/DSCN0022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173196507107652578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguue1QHVX-S_8g-D-jrsvlTWNZ71LJjioCx4FtsfAW7yqadVrpg2OEIJY0eqN9vJrjeGbTKul_0cT39gKTRjjtImb6_RAoYGKhb5QnSYidEubO-91Ya-11HzyUzCaPf4WGnpkQy-8034U/s1600-h/DSCN0060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguue1QHVX-S_8g-D-jrsvlTWNZ71LJjioCx4FtsfAW7yqadVrpg2OEIJY0eqN9vJrjeGbTKul_0cT39gKTRjjtImb6_RAoYGKhb5QnSYidEubO-91Ya-11HzyUzCaPf4WGnpkQy-8034U/s320/DSCN0060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173196515697587186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN4xFXltOX-T4603XdycIQHVOoL9lIxm8VGI8TqDC6F70xRXAvpqFslmqR5j7JDrwNNVOBhBNsqjjo7jUgEe9Lq22aDSSIDpwbrT5QV_tdt5cFHM37dUwScDi2t8ZOjtW7ujiawDS08g/s1600-h/DSCN0062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN4xFXltOX-T4603XdycIQHVOoL9lIxm8VGI8TqDC6F70xRXAvpqFslmqR5j7JDrwNNVOBhBNsqjjo7jUgEe9Lq22aDSSIDpwbrT5QV_tdt5cFHM37dUwScDi2t8ZOjtW7ujiawDS08g/s320/DSCN0062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173196524287521794" /></a><br />Day 4: (photos are of Jonathan and Steve at the top of Camel Back Mountain, Derrick Lee Cubs first baseman and myself in the bleachers)<br />We began the day by doing 500 repeats at the outdoor pool. The first and fourth swim were straight free style, while the second and were pull and some stroke work. The goal of this 500's is tempo pacing and I always strive for my last 500 to be as fast as my first. The lower altitude and salt water contributed to two of my fastest 500 splits in the last 4 years. It would be so nice to have this facility available back home.<br />We left the aquatics center and immediately headed to Camel Mountain to tackle the echo canyon trail. At the start of the trail head Jonathan informed us that the trail was "only 1.2 miles to the top". We were ready to bail when someone informed us "it may say 1.2 miles but when you get to the top it will feel like 6.2". We had been told earlier in the week that even people in excellent shape take 1.5 hours to go up and back so off we went. Steve took off running while Jonathan and I hiked. The trail proved to be a challenge and in no time I was breathing harder than I had all week long. There was a series of high steps, boulders which you had to hoist yourself over and numerous other challenges. Bottom line is this was not your ordinary hike. It took us 43 minutes up and 43 minutes to get down. Our legs were spent when we got back to the car. <br />We went out for a quick bite to eat and then went out for a bike ride to shake out the legs. We found a flat stretch of road that looped through a golf course, around a casino and down a few deserted roads. The ride turned into a bit of a hammer fest for a few loops and was harder then planned. On our last loop I convinced the boys to pull into the Casino. Jonathan offered to watch the bikes as Steve and I went in dressed in our cycling gear and still wearing our helmets and shoes. I sat down at a blackjack table and Steve provided some advice. As we sat down the elderly lady next to me asked me "which planet did you just come in from?". I played a few hands and one of the Pit guys asked "boys may I ask why the helmets are still on?". Steve replied, "easier to wer than to hold". We are convinced the boys in the back were watching us fairly closely. I played one shoe, won $20 bucks in 15 minutes and we were gone. We only road 35 miles today but it was a hard ride given the climb and swim earlier in the day. Total bike miles so far is 200.<br />This was by far the hardest training day to date. I was toast when we arrived home around 5. We left for the pool around 8:30 and had been in motion most of the day.<br /><br />Day 5:<br />Day 5 was a repeat of the first day loop. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning and was hungry. I was too tired to head down stairs to get food but couldn't fall back to sleep so I just lay there. I was up at 6:15 to make an early dinner as we agreed to get out the door early since Jonathan had a 100+ mile ride and Steve and I were going to a sprint training game between the Cubs and Giants at 1. I thought the pace was hard from the minute we began the ride and went into survival mode early. There was a lot of climbing and long ascents on this route and I knew I was in for a long day. On top of this I forgot to put water in my front water bottle carrier. Yesterday my front water bottle carrier broke so essentially I was down to one bottle of water (rookie mistake). I asked for a break 1:30 into the ride so I could buy more water and when I got off my bike my back tightened. Fortunately I was able to recover and actually started riding stronger than I had all week. <br />There is a 9 mile stretch of road that is a 3% grade the whole way. It is a great stretch of road to build muscular endurance but when you are tired and hungry it sucks. I positioined myself in the back of the line and though to myself, it would be better to draft than fall off the back and have a go at this myself. I hung tough for the first 6 miles then "it" happened. Steve made his move and as he went to the front informed everyone "I think Pete is about to crack and I'm going to bury him". I saw him grab a gear and the cadence increased. I said to myself "white on rice" which basically is "stick to him". I stayed with him for a long time and he made several speed increases. He finally sat up and told me "you hung tough, I'm impressed". I was fairly proud of myself until a mile later when he went again. I didn't answer the bell for the second round and finished the last 1.5 miles by myself. The rest of the ride was uneventful and Steve and I made it home in time to get to the ball park. <br />On the way home we stopped at a Smoothie Store to get something to drink. As is the case you get 3 free ingrediants in your drink. I choose, protein, viatiman C and BEE POLLEN. I'm not sure what happened next but the minute I started drinking my heart started racing ( I think it was the Bee Pollen). I thouhgt I was just tired and dehydrated so I laid down. I dind't feel any better a half hour later so I went downstairs and put on my Heart Rate Monitor. My heart rate was at 145 and I was standing still. Crap, I'm at the top of zone 3 and I'm not doing anything. I spoke with Chris Jules who is a client and an ER Doctor. He asked me some questions and asked me to call him back in an hour. We had just experienced something similar with our son a few weeks back. The questions they asked him in the ER were, are you lighted head? Dizzy? or experience any pain? I spoke to Kathy who has years of experience as Cardiac nurse and she said I would be wasting my time going to the ER but to stay in clsoe contact with her and Chris. That evening I didn't feel very good but managed to go out to dinner with the boys. By Friday monring I was better but still not feeling myself. I managed to swim 3000 yards in the pool but called it a week and went home and packed up the bike.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-1385244728633171662008-02-24T17:03:00.011-07:002008-12-12T16:52:17.569-07:00Big Trianing Week in Arizona<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N-QI5HNmQ9EXG8hnQohI_iDXIbMnpkHPz3KDWCIZpgVtidSHTa2eskhyy4XWlsJkhm5SQNvhTbu4guIcqfuVwtNlWjfZfjnt8rE4eZ-Ukqz10FWp4vS5OarcuaqC-n9YIHcyVJYqMho/s1600-h/DSCN0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N-QI5HNmQ9EXG8hnQohI_iDXIbMnpkHPz3KDWCIZpgVtidSHTa2eskhyy4XWlsJkhm5SQNvhTbu4guIcqfuVwtNlWjfZfjnt8rE4eZ-Ukqz10FWp4vS5OarcuaqC-n9YIHcyVJYqMho/s320/DSCN0019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173202618846114866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhatmBNG2J_nceTHhcasxSak-GObQUvmE7flx_ZVyQGvaEVULvHDMLqf3pjkSOtnels0UsR1ocmwdpZfnpgHfZ28ffbgqLHIlVY6kqfCPqe_ntrp9kJBMr_432MhHoyk3qBYU4h7JVo58/s1600-h/DSCN0027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhatmBNG2J_nceTHhcasxSak-GObQUvmE7flx_ZVyQGvaEVULvHDMLqf3pjkSOtnels0UsR1ocmwdpZfnpgHfZ28ffbgqLHIlVY6kqfCPqe_ntrp9kJBMr_432MhHoyk3qBYU4h7JVo58/s320/DSCN0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173202627436049474" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIGJmfsMZDxvPtxpmwTzThYP4Hwq7CLvQ-65kRAbZbMan2xM4nMn5AVK-gP-HKmfYIrXhTUYzM2THgzRqDiD6Hfo2G4vPSilhU0WB5FAuTcCy_W8ysj-zg5JDIr-Gaule7lqWXBMRL0w/s1600-h/DSCN0069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIGJmfsMZDxvPtxpmwTzThYP4Hwq7CLvQ-65kRAbZbMan2xM4nMn5AVK-gP-HKmfYIrXhTUYzM2THgzRqDiD6Hfo2G4vPSilhU0WB5FAuTcCy_W8ysj-zg5JDIr-Gaule7lqWXBMRL0w/s320/DSCN0069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173202636025984082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y1_wVnaABCYeCDa8-Lf4Vy_vQ_yg234hhinE6oWewUmr4zfONJIQJzvIBI9WoeM1cBOyD6OMhAUUifwvevCujd_RUknk95FnqfcpAC0eDPoPDrbAjcogYqcyN9WV9Lfj24ArlK10gTI/s1600-h/DSCN0076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y1_wVnaABCYeCDa8-Lf4Vy_vQ_yg234hhinE6oWewUmr4zfONJIQJzvIBI9WoeM1cBOyD6OMhAUUifwvevCujd_RUknk95FnqfcpAC0eDPoPDrbAjcogYqcyN9WV9Lfj24ArlK10gTI/s320/DSCN0076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173202644615918690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpu0BeHzR0ko1K7CoohmQLbA5vBojZweAgRhuTjy5I-7-UWMH_YVs0jfaCiM1g1oL2m_ZPom-plQYkpvLa2Zo0XXf6JhNk05z5B73VosZtmUF8LC0nyLFFQz-KiKYVR37lUI3p32U5gc/s1600-h/DSCN0074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpu0BeHzR0ko1K7CoohmQLbA5vBojZweAgRhuTjy5I-7-UWMH_YVs0jfaCiM1g1oL2m_ZPom-plQYkpvLa2Zo0XXf6JhNk05z5B73VosZtmUF8LC0nyLFFQz-KiKYVR37lUI3p32U5gc/s320/DSCN0074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173202653205853298" /></a><br />Arrived in Scottsdale on Saturday night. Jonathan Nixon and I were on the same flight. I read part of Bobby McGee's Magical Running book on the flight. I thought long and hard about my "self talk" regarding my body and came to the conclusion I need to focus more on the good things my body allows me to accomplish.<br /><br />Steve Uccello arrived before us and had the van waiting for us the minute we picked up the bikes. We dropped off everything at the Condo and headed to old town Scottsdale in search of the Memphis/Tennessee basketball game. We landed at the Loco Patron. Excellent food, a perfect view of the flat screen TV and we were on our way. As the night went on the place started to hop. I think the mandatory dress code for the women in Arizona is short black dress and high heals. We left as soon as the game ended and moved on to planning today's ride.<br /><br />Today we went 60 miles in 3 hours. The weather was around 65 and there was cloud cover most of the day. Arm warmers were in order but I had on cycling shorts and a regular cycling shirt. The beginning of the ride was a lot of stop and go but we eventually got out into a more rural area. The palm trees and views of distant mountains were surreal, like I was viewing something in a painting. There were a couple of steep climbs in the first 10 miles and my heart rate shot way up, so much for holding a zone 2 heart rate through out the day. My back and hip started to tighten up 1 hour into the ride but I focused on how great I was feeling. I lowered my bike seat a tad bit from last season in hopes that it would reduce the stress on my glutes and ITB. In the end I think this was the smartest thing I've done in a long time. Jonathan and Steve were strong all day. I was pleasantly pleased that I could hang all day. There was one 10 mile uphill stretch at about a 2-3% grade. I thought it would never end but I vowed to hang on Johnathan's wheel as he pulled us to the top. With about a 1/2 mile to go Steve came flying by and Jonathan went with him. I was gapped and thought I may get shot off the back. Just before we crested the top I bridged the gap. We flew done the back side and I haven't felt this good on a bike in a LONG time. <br />When we came back to the condo Jonathan went back out for a 2nd loop, this time reversing the route. It only took him 2 minutes longer!! The guy went 119 miles in 6:02 and there was a lot of stop and go. He also ran 2:30 yesterday!!! He is 6 weeks out from Ironman South Africa and I'm very pleased with his progress. When he did IMCDA in 2006 he had a stress fracture 7 weeks out and didn't run until race week. He went 11:29 on a 97 degree day and I'm confident he can go a lot faster than that. <br />All and all I've very pleased with how this week has begun. I'll add some photos when I return home. Time for Beer, dinner and a movie.<br /><br />Day Two.......<br />Last night we watch Ferris Beuhlers day off. I've seen this movie numerous times over the years and I think I laugh harder each time. The sign of a great movie is that it transcends time and generations. <br /><br />We began this morning with a 3800 yard swim in the Eldorado Acquatic Center Outdoor Pool (Steve did 4000). For just $2 we were able to swim outdoors in a salt water pool!! Palm tree's, an orange sun rising and 50 degree temperature outdoor.. Pinch me I must be in heaven. I wondered how incredible it would be to swim masters in an environment like this. The temperature of the pool water was perfect and as the sun rose the whole environment was incredible. The Blue Hairs were doing an aqua aerobics class in lanes 1/2 (no confrontations Jay, sorry) and I wondered home many years until I'm participating.<br /><br />I'm not sure if it was the lack of altitude or being outdoors but I had one of my best swims that I can recall in some time. Jonathan indicated that he swam his 125/yard at the same time he was swimming his 100/m in Colorado so Imagine we were all benefiting from the lack of altitude. I had a great feel for the water, was rotating from side to side and extending my stroke on both ends. I really concentrated on relaxing my shoulders and arms on recovery as I could feel them tensing as we progressed. This made a big difference as we got further into the set. <br /><br />Home to a big breakfast and now we are relaxing before we head out on the bikes. The sun is out and we are in for an incredible day of cycling.<br /><br />Day 2 evening: We went 43 today on the bike. The route was mostly on city streets and bike paths. We went through Tempe and the ASU campus and were on the Ironman Arizona race course for a short while. We saw the swim venue and as I have stated in the past, this is NOT my favorite Ironman location. There is no feel to the area that says Ironman to me. The water is green and the run is all on bike paths.<br /><br />Truth be told, not my favorite ride BUT it accomplished what we wanted for the day which was an active recovery day. Jonathan wasn't satisfied with a swim and bike (although he had gone big the last two days) so he went for a run while Steve and I ventured out to the patio to begin a cribbage tournament (I'm currently up 4-1 and I know when Steve reads this it will piss him off because he hates losing in anything, even board games.) <br /><br />I love spending time with my athletes while they train as it allows me to see how they absorb training and how they live life. Both Steve and Jonathan love life and training. I'm absolutely amazed at how Jonathan has absorbed his last few big weeks of training and remained amazing positive and happy. Most athletes at this stage of Ironman training are spent, Jonathan remains positive, healthy and focused on his goals. You would never know from talking to him that he works 10 hour days and trains 16-20 hours a week. He doesn't talk about his training or what he is going to do, he just does it week after week. And he does so without complaining, We could all learn something from the way he approaches his training. <br /><br />The weather has been incredible, sleeveless jersey and shorts. Mentally I've stayed focused on being positive especially when my back tightens up. I stayed in the small ring the entire ride today and spun a high cadence. There was a lot of stopping and starting at today and my back flared a bit. A few hours later and I feel great. <br /><br />Tomorrow we run in the morning and the do a 60-70 mile route. We are going to head out of town to avoid the city.<br /><br />Day 3:<br /><br />We all ran in the morning, Steve and Jonathan went longer than I. I ran 50 minutes with 20 minutes tempo in the middle. I'm sturggling to find my tempo zones as my HR goes to zone 4 or staysz low. I need to work on my pacing, breath control and staying relaxed when I run harder.<br />After breakfast we immediately headed out for a bike. I didn't feel good from the start of the ride. My legs were heavy and I felt like the rear wheel was dragging. I started belching an houre into the ride and finally asked to stop about 1:30 in. I went into the store and bought some gatorade as my Perpetum was mixed two strong. Steve gave me two tums and suggested I drink a coke. I don't drink soda but agreed. We started riding again and about 15 mintues later decided to ride up a steep incline where some very expensive homes looked out over the city. About 1/4 mile in I couldn't turn over as the the rear wheel was rubbing. I told the guys to go on as I went back down the hill. I reset the back wheel and tightened the rear skewer and headed back up hill. This time I had no issues and we did the hill up and over twice. We then headed out on a flat stretch of road and I felt better than I have in several years. We ended up doing 70 miles in some windy conditions in about 4 hours. I was encouraged as my body still feels good.<br />At night we continued our cribbage match, drank some wine and had a great lasagna meal. We watched Mystery Alaska and had some good laughs at some of the great lines in the movie.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8024703639454411956.post-57714555657598130332008-02-23T12:59:00.006-07:002008-12-12T16:52:17.852-07:00Arizona<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpIRsTUo8b0j2VhnjGtp3LOmonD7Jsn7rd6j77X3aMYWcXG6Hir1gSnIoaGE_fgrHz-XU4Zzc0AButT8vMTmGC1qpXr_zr8bpmIjfGXrMq6EAJDV8IAAo16IFnxIK17E10cFurD5I7O8/s1600-h/DSCN0102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpIRsTUo8b0j2VhnjGtp3LOmonD7Jsn7rd6j77X3aMYWcXG6Hir1gSnIoaGE_fgrHz-XU4Zzc0AButT8vMTmGC1qpXr_zr8bpmIjfGXrMq6EAJDV8IAAo16IFnxIK17E10cFurD5I7O8/s320/DSCN0102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170271591690792402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF4LkEmohu97Q8ldm44C8Jw8mW-JTNOVXgpuk9Rviud7v71nGcOsoTjB7AMax2DaNT1WSlBvDDTQN8WwWYxdLk3TQWfiW7NFxCe6eXvlVMYn-CrZ5UDQwdUx-g8snGnlBycieSfYhXV8/s1600-h/DSCN0107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF4LkEmohu97Q8ldm44C8Jw8mW-JTNOVXgpuk9Rviud7v71nGcOsoTjB7AMax2DaNT1WSlBvDDTQN8WwWYxdLk3TQWfiW7NFxCe6eXvlVMYn-CrZ5UDQwdUx-g8snGnlBycieSfYhXV8/s320/DSCN0107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170271604575694306" /></a><br /><br />The photos above are of my dad, son, sister and her fiance Daveandof my children Nick and Lauren and Dave's daughter Hannah. Karen and Dave were engaged (sorry Big D) on Valentines day. I'm happy for them as I truly believe Dave has had a very calming influence on my sister and I have never seen her so happy. <br /><br /><strong>Vacation?</strong><br />I'm off to Scottsdale for a week of s/b/r with Jonathan Nixon and Steve Uccello. What seemed like a great idea 3 months ago leaves me wondering what in the hell was I thinking. Nixon is training for Ironman South Africa and just completed a 100 mile training ride in 5 hours and Uccello is 5 weeks out from Ironman California. I'm looking forward to the warm air, sunshine and some male bonding but as I packed my bike last night I kept thinking to myself.. "I'm going to be riding a lot by myself:. None the less I'm looking forward to putting in some good base mileage. <br /><br />The beauty of all this is that Nixon had a 2.5 hour run today and Uccello raced a 10 mile this morning. For tomorrow I may be safe. The rest of the week will be a question mark. Photos and details of the trip to follow. <br /><br />Steve has researched the area thoroughly and knows where the bike routes are, food markets, pools and even has us scheduled for a cub/giants exhibition game next Thursday. There is some talk of golf but I highly doubt that will happen. <br /><br /><strong>2007 USAT Rankings</strong><br /><br />The 2007 USAT rankings are out and I ended up 350th. I've never really paid attention to where I ended up until this year. Kathy was 16th in her age group and earned All American status. I was closer to Honorable mention status than I thought. Had it not been for a very questionable penalty in Boulder 5430 sprint race I would have been fairly close. the rankings are interesting to me. I have to honestly say I did well at some very small races. The Boulder sprint and Sprint National championships probably earned me some decent points but the truth is I don't think the USAT rankings give a realistic picture of where you ranking country wide (I should be lower than 350 in my age group). Look at 2006 for example. For Kathy's three races she took 4th at IMCDA, 2nd at the Boulder Long Course and 15th at the Ironman World Championships. She only earned Honorable mention status and was near the bottom of the listing. In 2007 she takes 3rd overall at Loveland Lake to Lake, second at Boulder Peak and 5430 Long Course and second at Rattlesnake National Sprint Championships. She ends up 16th. In my opinion, 2006 was a far tougher race schedule against tougher competition. To me, the rankings favor the short course athlete who does well.Mile High Multisporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140073692736046483noreply@blogger.com1