Running to Win

July 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Nutrition is a huge part of training. Whether you are prepping for a running race, or an Ironman, it’s a cornerstone of your training. I love food. That’s really my downfall when it comes to training.I don’t really follow any specific plans, and as a result, I experience some slightly mixed results.Then I found Coach Hoffman. What I learned in my training was all WRONG. Thanks coach. I’m a better athlete because of your techniques.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Weekend Recap: Yard Work and Triathlon

May 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

When you train for an Ironman, a lot of other stuff gets put on the back burner.  My neighbors can attest — and I’m sure they have scoffed at — that the state of our yard took a dramatic turn beginning early this year.

There was just no time for it.  And we’re probably the only couple who does the majority of their own yard work.

So for the past few weeks, we’ve been chipping away at it.  Sarah planted a ton of herbs and veggies, and I tore out some dead stumps and planted some new rose trees.  That was the back yard, though.  And while we could relish in the fruits of our manual labor, our neighbors saw no signs of improvement.

Until Saturday.

We polished off the backyard and moved curbside.  Sarah did a great job trimming all of the bushes.  I was on weed and clean up duty.  And keep in mind the temperatures here this weekend were pushing triple digits.

I’m not a fan of heat or yard work; the combination made me extremely cranky.  All this the day before a race; but we got the yard wrapped up for the most part.

On Sunday, we raced the Tempe International Triathlon.  There were two races actually — a shorter sprint triathlon, and the traditional Olympic distance that Sarah and I did. Ironman is the only race that allows a mass start, so on Sunday we started in waves.  Sarah’s wave was the first for our race.

With the heat climbing, I got to stand on the edge of the lake in a full body wetsuit, anxiously waiting to get in the water.  Sure I looked superhero-cool, but thick black neoprene is anything but.  I was sweating my keester off.

Eventually the temp climbed to more than 100 degrees.  I’m pretty sure we were off the course by then, but it was hot none-the-less.

The race was awesome! Nothing like doing a shorter race to help you remember why you are in the sport to begin with.  It’s not so long that you really suffer, but you can push yourself hard the entire time.

And since both Sarah and I had the fitness left over from five weeks ago, we figured we might as well do it.

She ended up taking second place for her division, and I set a PR.  Not too shabby — especially considering that we did not train specifically for this race.  It was great that we were both successful on Sunday, but what really mattered was the positive experience of it all.  I was a little fried from my last race and was not too thrilled about Sunday, but I’d be kicking myself now had I not done it.

So my advice when you are burned out on your favorite sport or activity: Do something simple.  Do a shorter race, go to a smaller event. Just go to watch, or volunteer.  It will help you remember why you love the things you do.

I got so stoked watching other people finish, that I couldn’t stop smiling.  I was both excited and bummed knowing that I probably won’t have too many more opportunities to race because the heat is coming.  So I was soaking it all in.

So take the time to remember why you do the things you do.  Whether you are casting a fly in your favorite fishing hole, or surfing your favorite break, remember, it’s all about the experience.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Ironman AZ 2008 Race Report

April 18, 2008 | 2 Comments

ironman_finish.jpgRace morning came much more relaxed this year. Being my second foray at the Ironman distance, I felt like I kind of, sort of, knew what I was doing. I felt like I had some key issues solved, and I resolved that my race, perhaps my last Ironman, would be vastly different from my first attempt.

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Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

IM AZ: Pre-race photos

April 11, 2008 | 3 Comments

img_2963.jpg Last year Sarah and I made inspirational signs for each other. This year, she REALLY outdid me again. Support and encouragement, plus some key reminders. Can you spot them all? Oddly enough, they all intertwine, so if you don’t follow one it can really affect the others, and the end result can really derail your race. Hence the squiggly blue arrows. Think she is trying to tell me something?

More photos after the jump!

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Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Weather for This Weekend’s Ironman Arizona

April 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Ironman AZ ForecastSunday’s weather for Ironman Arizona is going to be warm. Really warm –the warmest weather in the Valley thus far this year.

Last year’s weather included infamously epic winds (gusts topping 30mph easy), and this year’s weather conditions look to be epic on another scale.

I’ve got my SPF 45 cocked and loaded. No doubt multiple, inch-deep coats of will be required.

But if anyone out there knows of a “fireproof-breathable-water resistant sunscreen” I’d love to hear about it, and where I could purchase some legally.

Look to this blog on Friday or Saturday afternoon for more information on how you can track both Sarah and I on race day.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

The lifeguard shivered when we jumped into the pool

January 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Not because the water was freezing, but because the air temp was less than the water.

And you see, Sarah and I were swimming 3100 yards. That’s about an hour worth of swimming, and when you’re a skinny teen lifeguard, that means you have to brave it poolside until the wackos get out of the water.

I felt the guard’s leering “get the *$@!& otta the water” stare once we were done and hanging out in the water, working up the courage to jump out, get dressed and get home.

I hopped out first, the lifeguard’s teeth chattering now keeping time to the Bon Jovi concert promo playing on the radio. Sarah finally began to get out of the water, and before she could grab her towel, the small, waif like guard disappeared in a flash.

This is the second time we essentially closed the city pool near our house. The first time, a couple of weeks ago, was on a Friday night, and the guard was some teen guy who couldn’t stop pacing. On both occasions, most of the pool was tarped — a you’re no longer welcome here signal, if I have ever seen one — before we got out of the water.

Training is going well. . . .we had a rest week the first week of the year, during which I lived Conehead style and consumed mass quantities. This week I don’t seem to be too worse for wear, but the real test comes Sunday when we race a half marathon.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

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