Triathlon Haiku: Soma Half-Ironman

November 1, 2007 | 2 Comments

Wetsuit check. Bike check.
Nutrition neglected, I
faced dire consequences straits on run.

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Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Great Quote from Ironman World Champion Faris Al-Sultan

October 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Faris Al-Sultan, Ironman World Champion recently sat down with Bob Babbit and Paul Huddle of CompetitorRadio.com.

Al-Sultan talked about the upcoming Ironman World Championship race, his chances, and what it’s like to be a full-time professional athlete.

The most inspiring thing I took away from this interview was something he said near the end:
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Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

What does a weekday tri workout look like?

October 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment

workout.jpg

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of my hour-long, lung busting interval workouts. After a great long run last weekend, I figured it only made since to try and do a workout that will help increase my speed in longer races.
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Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Snap in Weather Making Training Easier

September 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment

In the past couple of weeks, the temperature has dropped to a comfortable level. In fact, as I write this, it is actually cooler outside than it is inside. It’s been months since I have been able to say that.

It’s not a day too soon. I’m preparing for the SOMA half-Ironman (Oct. 28). I’ve been doing a fair amount of long distance work, but I haven’t done a long run longer than 10 miles all summer.

Until yesterday.

I mapped out a nice course from the house east to my old neck of the woods, then back through a section that I ride on frequently. Instead of doing an easy, slow run, I decided to simulate my race pace. At my current fitness level, I did the 12.25 mile course in 1:41. Not too shabby, but I definitely pushed too hard in the middle.

SOMA is really the only race I have planned this fall. I’ve had a hard time getting motivated since Ironman, so I’ve been dragging my feet. Come the end of October, though, Ironman training will be in full swing.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Ironman FAQ

December 4, 2006 | Leave a Comment

10/03/07 Update: I’ve completed my first Ironman and am about to embark on training for my second. When I started my training last year, I received a lot of questions about what it’s like training for Ironman, so I put together this simple FAQ to explain it all. I hope to update it with more info soon!

Q: Are you crazy?
A: Despite what you may have heard on the Internet, or elsewhere, I am, in fact not — certifiably or otherwise crazy — only a “little off.” And saying that is a stretch.

Q: When is your Ironman race?
A: I’m racing in Ironman Arizona which is being held on April 15 - a.k.a. Tax Day. So while most Americans may be scrambling to meet Uncle Sam’s financial due date, I’ll be churning along for 140.6 miles.

Q: How long is the race?
A: “Ironman” is a distance. The race originated in Hawaii after a debate between endurance athletes (freaks) with various backgrounds. The distance involves a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike, and ends with a full 26.2 marathon.

Q: And you have chosen to do this? Did you lose a bet?
A: Yep. It’s all me baby, yeah! I did not lose a bet.

Q: So why are you choosing to do this now?
A: Way back when, in I think it was 1997 or 1998, I was really getting into good shape from cycling and running shorter distance races, 10-Ks, etc. After finishing Hood to Coast, a couple of friends of mine (Brian “Luciano” Luckey & Dan Smith) were watching an Ironman race in Australia on T.V. It looked cool, and would definitely be a challenge, which I never stray away from, so I put it in the back of my mind.

Low and behold, nearly 10 years later, I am at a point in my life — newly single, with a great girlfriend and training partner — that it makes sense to tackle this challenge. I’ve got a few shorter races under my belt, and have been training religiously since last fall.

Q: 2.4 mile swim? I thought you hated swimming.
A: Yes. At one point in my life, I would have chosen to eat a bag of glass over swimming even one length in a pool. But I didn’t know what I was doing. After a bunch of lessons, and discovering wetsuits — swimming is no big thing. I still have two speeds though: sink and swim.

Q: I thought you had asthma? Doesn’t that make it hard?
A: I used to have a really tough time running, cycling, and doing all of the things I enjoy doing outdoors because of allergies and exercise induced asthma. By staying in shape and on a regular routine, its not really an issue any longer.

Q: Are you on any special diet?
A: I’m on the see-food diet (rimshot!). Yes, I see food and I eat it. Everything. And at least 3 squares a day. You should see the looks Sarah and I get flashed in restaurants when we order — especially after a long ride.

Q: Why don’t you just quit? Why are you training so hard?
A: Believe it or not, training makes you mentally stronger in all areas of your life. I get more done, am in a better mood, and am more effective at work. Plus the endorphins make me feel good!

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

If Chuck Norris Were a Triathlete

December 1, 2006 | Leave a Comment

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete. . .traffic lights would change to green as soon as he approached an intersection.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he would race an Ironman . . .everyday . . .before 8am.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .you could waterski behind him during the swim. A few lucky competitors would be caught in his wake, and would be awarded with an extra fast time.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he would ride 40km an hour . . .backwards.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he would perform double handed bottle catches on the bike course.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he could finish an Ironman on only a half bottle of tepid tap water, and a handful of Chex mix.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he’d never get flats. If for some bizarre reason his front tire went flat, he’d just ride a wheelie for the remainder of the ride.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he wouldn’t wear a helmet, just that same old crusty bandana, or a cowboy hat.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he wouldn’t wear a race number, he’d just pin his Texas Ranger badge directly on his bare chest.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .he’d run barefoot over a specially designed course of hot coals.

If Chuck Norris were a triathlete . . .no one would draft him because no one drafts off Chuck Norris.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon 

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