Life of an Age-Grouper

Race: Vineman 70.3 Location: Santa Rosa, California Weather: 83 and sunny This time last year I had just started my medication and couldn't bring myself to venture down and spectate the race even though I had a very good friend racing it. This year however was a different story. I'm back and expecting to kick ass. The only way this race is going to be deemed a success is for to PR, failure or a sub par performance is not an option. Pre Race calories: 250 (PB&J, 20oz smoothie) Swim. It's amazing what one can do in the water with a "fully functioning" shoulder. I have been extremely patient waiting for my shoulder to heal so that I can finally race the swim. Finally, after months of holding the reigns tight it was time to let them go. With intentions to race the swim a solid warm up was vital. Being in the last swim wave (don't even get me started on this) at 8:36  allowed for plenty of warm-up. With the morning air temperature in the low 60...

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” How many times have you been asked this question?   I feel like I have been asked this question since elementary school and I never had a true answer.   Even upon graduating college I still could not answer the question. It has taken me nearly 30 years to figure out the answer to that question. I want to be an endurance sports coach.   For the past few years I have become obsessed and passionate about learning how the body functions.   The human body is truly impressive and capable of unbelievable feats.   Triathlon has provided an amazing outlet to test my understanding of how the human works and has fueled my desire to coach triathletes.   With any profession there is a specific amount of education needed to be an accredited coach. In less than a year I have obtained my Personal Training Certification as well as my USA Cycling Coaching Certification.   I’m currently in the process...

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: June 2nd 2013 Race: Rev3 Quassy – Half Location: Middlebury, Connecticut Weather: Sunny, 85 degree, 75% humidity Race Goals: 1. increase effort on swim 2. maintain specific wattage on bike 3. put in a solid effort on first ½ of marathon “You have to do Rev3.” “You have to do Quassy.” “Rev3 Quassy is awesome.” - Everyone The swim course was in Lake Quassapaug a fresh water lake located at Quassy Amusement Park. The course was triangular and was to be swam in a clockwise direction. The water quality is very similar to that of Timberman 70.3. As compared to two weeks ago at Harriman, the water temperature was much warmer, 72 degrees! Prior to my 7:15 wave start I was able to get in a 7-10 minute warm up. Everything felt great including the arm coolers I was wearing. My intentions were to wear them during the swim to save some time during transition, we all know how annoying putting spandex type material on when wet is. I mention this because I have never swam w...

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...

Just a few more weeks and I will be toeing the line! It has been a super long time since I raced last, actually it will practically be a year to the date. Am I ready to toe the line?  Mentally: Yes Emotionally: Yes Physically: No I haven't had the best of luck pedaling my bike as of recent.  The unidentified injury that I wrote about in my last blog was actually a broken collar bone.  Yes, I broke my collar bone again.  As a result my swim training has pretty much been non-existent.  I broke my collar bone, for the second time, on Easter Sunday.  Right after it happened I told Matt that I needed one week off.  I then told him that I want to hit the bike hard again at the end of the week, that I'll start running a week after that, then swim the following week.  I gave myself 4 weeks to heal.  The average timetable for a collar bone to completely heal is 12 weeks.  I have done exactly what I said I'd do. I'm currentl...

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...