Life of an Age-Grouper

I am now just 4 weeks away from my first focal race of the year, Vineman 70.3. My preparation for this race has gone well although, Ill be able to provide a more accurate response after the race.   I have completed two preparation races, Harriman Olympic and Rev3 Quassy Half.   These two races were both very challenging, offered quality tests of current fitness levels as well as provided valuable feedback on what I can/need to improve on.   Regarding training I feel that I’m on point and where I should be.   I have spent a lot of time pedaling because of my injured shoulder so I’m confident that I will have success over the 56 miles.   With my shoulder being such a limiter in the pool I have had plenty of time for slow, technique-based swimming that I feel has paid off dividends.   My running is progressing and I believe that the next few weeks will allow my run to come into form. Over the last few years I have become a big propo...

Date: 5/18/13 Race: Harryman Olympic Location: Harriman State Park, NY The Harriman Olympic/Half racecourse is challenging. To start the water is pretty cold, usually around 55 degrees. The bike course is anything but flat which makes it difficult to get into a rhythm. The run course is just as hilly and presents the same problems. On top of all that there is limited fan support and the field is very small which can be mentally daunting. All of these negatives are exactly why I love this race. This race truly tests your athletic abilities. One unique feature about the Harriman Race is that it is self-racking. I actually like self-racking, being able to set up my transition where I desire has its advantages. The down side to self-racking is that if you don't get to transition early enough you’re forced into a less desirable rack. Today’s first objective, rack my bike right next to the main drag out of transition. Objective number two; get a rack that is equidistance fro...

As keeping with standard protocol I once again have managed to hurt myself right before the race season. Long story short I was on my bike then, in a pothole then, on my shoulder. If this was my first incident resulting in injury I would be freaking out, probably crying, super angry and not a pleasant person to be around. Thankfully (for everyone) this isn't my first rodeo. I'm aware of the extent of my new injury and the time it will take to heal. Thankfully my legs are good to go so I will be back pedaling, running and swimming (in that order) sooner than later. Any athlete or active person cannot stand being immobilized in any fashion. All we can think about is what we can't do when what we really should be thinking about is what we can do. Triathletes are a special breed of person and if you are one or know one than you are very aware of how their life revolves around the sport. The energy they put into triathlon is admirable and at times insane. As triathletes it...

Every person deals with adversity in their own unique way.  Some people adopt the "sink or swim" mentality while others gravitate towards "fight or flight."  Whatever the choice a decision is made and one must deal with the consequences.  When I'm overloaded with work I don't throw my hands up in defeat, I buckle down, increase my focus and attention to detail and become extremely efficient.  When I'm stressed out I don't take it out on others rather channel it into something positive, more often than not that outlet is exercise.  When something angers me my first reaction isn't to find a scapegoat rather to become introspective and figure out why I'm so bothered by it. As triathletes there are many times that you will face adversity and it is how you manage that adversity that will allow you to flourish as an athlete.  Most athletes can handle the stresses induced by training. We are willing to sacrifice our bodies to push it just a lit...