My friends at Breakaway Training want to help you prepare for your 2009 triathlon season. If you’ve ever considered working with a coach this event will be a fun kick of point. Coach Felipe is the man!
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Are you ready to put in some hard training? Are you sure…??? Then join us for a few days at an epic Triathlon Training Camp in the mountains of Southern California.
Come see what can happen when a 3-time National Triathlon Champion, an Olympic Athlete and a US Navy SEAL team up to host a training camp! Join Breakaway Training for a 4-day all-inclusive, fully supported training camp. Be ready to jump start your aerobic base, multisport knowledge and boost motivation for the coming year. This camp is designed for those athletes who want to start this triathlon season with a BANG!
Included:
· 3 nights/4 days lodging at the historic Warner Springs Ranch, meals included
· Transportation to and from Warner Springs Ranch from San Diego
· Professional coaching staff
· Lectures on triathlon subjects including nutrition, race strategy and more…
· Guest Speakers
· On-site bike mechanic
· On-site nutritionist
· On-site massage therapist
· Well organized and fully supported runs and bike rides
· Breakaway Training race jersey, ball cap
….and much more!
…or else you might end up like this woman, with no one to pry a rabid fox from your arm! Gnarly story! Wish they had pictures! (But I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be better than the images I have generated in my head)
PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) - With a fox locked onto her arm, an Arizona jogger ran a mile to her car, where she was able to dislodge the animal, throw it into the trunk and drive to a Prescott hospital. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said the fox, which later attacked an animal control officer, tested positive for rabies.The unidentified Chino Valley resident told deputies she was on a trail Monday at the base of Granite Mountain when the fox attacked, biting her foot. The woman said she grabbed it by the neck when it went for her leg and it latched onto her arm…
Now that summer is over and we are heading into the winter months, how many of you are already changing some of your exercise related habits? In particular, what is your thought process regarding proper hydration and energy needs? Even though winter (colder environmental conditions) is upon us, proper hydration and nutrition should not be ignored. In fact, you might be surprised to know that there are more environmental issues that must be addressed for athletes to maintain their performance levels in the cold than in the heat.
Which is a better workout? Which shows more gains physiologically? Well that depends on what your training for. If your training for a 10k or a half marathon then yes Lactate Threshold Runs are more important than Tempo Runs. Why? Well it is because in both of those races, more so in the 10k, you experience a build up of lactate acid in the body and that acid when converted to energy creates a by-product of H+ ions, which makes the blood acidic and the body feel crappy. So by doing a lactate threshold run you allow your body to cope with the excess lactate acid in your system.
One of the concepts that this article focuses on is the importance of recovery. If you aren’t recovering well after each workout you won’t ultimately be able to achieve your training goals. For the last year I’ve been using recovery products from Fluid Recovery. Their team has created a product that combines incredible taste with actual results.
If you’re tried different recovery drinks in the past but haven’t enjoyed them I would recommend giving Fluid a try.
Offering “something for everyone”, the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay has added shorter distance runs for kids, families and recreational runners on Saturday, November 8, as a supplement to Sunday’s main event.
The JUST RUN!® Just Kids 3K sponsored by CHOMP and the City of Monterey, and the Run Forrest Run 5K sponsored by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company will begin and end on Cannery Row and will travel along the scenic Pacific Grove shoreline. The 3K fun run starts at 8 a.m. with the 5K following at 9 a.m.
“With the addition of these Saturday events, we’re able to offer something for everyone in the community. We’re hoping that our half marathoners bring their families and run together on Saturday as a warm up to Sunday’s race,” said race director Wally Kastner. “Even if you don’t plan to participate in one of the runs or walks, you can visit the Health and Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center on Friday or Saturday.”
The two shorter distance races were previously featured events in the Half Marathon weekend, but the pairing of the two on a different day is new for 2008. The move was prompted by the need to lessen congestion during Sunday’s main event in addition to providing half marathoners the opportunity for a final training run that they can share with their friends and families.
3K and 5K participants will be treated to finish line food provided by Bubba Gump and entertainment provided by the Cannery Row Company. Post race festivities held at Cannery Row’s Steinbeck Plaza will include music, a magician, balloon maker, and exhibits from MY Museum and CHOMP. All participants will receive an event t-shirt, finishers ribbon or medallion, and a 2-for-1 ticket to the IMAX Theater. Entrants in the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K also receive a complimentary pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (with a paying adult) and will be part of a random prize drawing for bicycles and other surprises.
Pre-registration is ongoing for the 3K and 5K races online at www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org through November 3. It will re-open at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 7 between noon and 5:00 PM, or on race morning at Bubba Gump restaurant beginning at 6:30 AM. Prices for the 3K are $5 for children (5-17) and $10 for adults 18 and older. Prices for the Run Forrest Run 5K are $17 for ages 5-17 and $27 for adults 18 and older.
For more information, visit Big Sur Half Marathon contact info@bsim.org or 831-625-6226.
At 9:00AM on Sunday, October 26th, a maxed-out field of 600 international dirt lovers will embrace the annual challenge of XTERRA’s most grueling course - and in the ensuing hours put their mental and physical toughness up against Mother Nature’s arsenal of sun, sand, water, kiawe and lava. When it’s all over, they’ll don some of the weirdest and most wonderful costumes you’ve ever seen and dance the night away at what is surely triathlon’s greatest after party.
Watch is live at: http://www.xterra.tv/
*The dang site doesn’t state what time the coverage starts but the race begins at 9am Hawaii time which is 12pm PST.
James Walsh from San Diego will be competing for the top male amateur spot on Sunday. If I was a bettin man my money would be on him. Good luck James! May all of us weekend warriors live vicariously through your amazing talent!
Saturday morning I got up early, dressed quietly, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, slipped quietly into the garage to hook the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour.
The wind was blowing 50 mph. I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad throughout the day.
I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. There I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.”
My loving wife of 20 years replied, “Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?”
I still don’t know if she was joking, but I’ve given up fishing.
The Tri-California Folks have sure found a beautiful setting for the Tinley races. Lopez Lake is tucked away in San Luis Obispo County closer to vineyards and wine tasting rooms than persistent fog of Morro Bay or the heat of Atascadero. These races were a Senior Project at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo – and let’s hope the student got an A – because it was a great idea.
Yesterday the weather was beautiful. The rain of Saturday that we missed altogether by arriving near 3 PM for check-in had already come and gone. Becky and I found ourselves sitting in warm sun staring at a glimmering lake. Check-in was cheerful and I pulled the race bike out and took off to get a practice lap in. We met Stu after his on-road Tri awaiting the next day’s off road tri (by Sunday afternoon he was awash in race metals). Stu is awesome. On Sunday from the awards stand he said “there should be more parents and grandparents joining me”.
I got back to the Subaru and the seat post was still swiveling and I made a mental note to fix that later along with trimming my new running shoe laces. As I drove towards SLO on the 227 I was a bit frustrated that I couldn’t figure out my new Specialized bike computer, my throat was sore and I was tired. The computer was spitting out non-rational data and I was too. We had a big dinner and the shared a lovely evening catching up with my Aunt and Uncle overlooking Laguna Lake with Madonna and Bishop Peaks in the background into the night.
We left the house late and made in down Orcutt to the race with very few minutes to spare. I had no warm-up to speak of due to struggling with the seat post I had mentally noted to solve the day before. The laces never got cut. It is race time now and all that must go away. 26 weeks of training were complete.
Swim Finish: 13:37
Bike Start: 15:57
Bike Finish: 2:02:00
Run Start: 2:02:43
Run Time: 54:09
Finish Line: 2:56:52
10th overall (of 31)
2nd in age group (of 7)
I got a bit confused on the swim forgetting that I needed to pass the marina to get to the Swim Out section. I made some of the time back by knowing the first two miles of the ride as well as anyone. That helped me pass one guy within 50 yards and hold off a charge until the last few yards of the first technical section.
Without a warm-up I was left gasping for air within the first 30 minutes. I had to slow, cough very hard and slow even more. The climb out of Boy Scout land was brutal. Very brutal. I remembered it pretty well from last year so it was easier this time but I found myself in no mans land. By slowing so abruptly during my gasping period I lost contact with the strong racers. I slipped from being third at one point to somewhere near 10. Second thoughts about training, sleeping and working filled my rapidly unfocusing mind. Now I was chasing two guys uphill off my bike and in the heat. I lost them and I took my eye off the trail and into the surrounding hill sides. Beautiful, stunning and serene. Soon I was descending. My new bike was still a bit new underneath me and I did my best to trust it. I stood to stretch my legs. I took a deep breath and relaxed my wrists. The trail was coming fast and soon I was sliding above my very fast tires that lacked many gripping knobs to slow my pace. I remembered some snowboarding techniques and made the delicate section.
Without anyone around my pace was solely mine. Probably great for Lance, Miguel or Greg – but not me. I gained focus into the second lap. Every section of the technical portion was made without touching down. I was able to pass slower racers from the sprint race in great locations. Thanks everybody for making that safe and easy.
On the run, I ran to chase down the next racer I saw: some sprinters, and hopefully one or two extreme distance riders. The finish line came up on time. Thanks Tri-California. Thanks Tinley.
To celebrate our 760th post on Outside All Day we wanted to give some props to Greg Sellers at Motor Tabs. Greg thanks for the water bottle. We carried it across Europe. Let us know if you get international shipping orders to Roma…especially at the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom of the Spanish Steps where the 17th century Fontana della Barcaccia spouts water as she sinks.
Yesterday was my first ever cyclocross race. I think I’m hooked. Sorry for all the vanity shots in the photo gallery, I’ll have to train the family take more general shots next time. After the race a dude came up to me and told me how awesome my family was for cheering so much. Thanks to Julie, Carter, Landon, Alison, Alex, Dave and my mom for the on course love.
The 35 minute race went 42 minutes for me. My average heart rate was 176 with a max of 186, that’s way faster than I imagined I could hold.
Get out there and race, its fun and everyone is laughing the entire time. Hopefully Old Man Sellers will come out sometime so I can drop some pain on him. That is if he can find his MTB shoes.
Life has been a little hectic lately and blogging has taken the back burner for the last 30 days. My world revolves around family and work and the rest is getting pushed aside. Our newest, Landon turned 30 days old today. Most of the time he’s great but sometimes he’s a pain in my neck. I’ve figured out a trick to calm him down when he is screaming bloody murder in my ear. I place him in the Baby Bjorn and bounce on the exercise ball for as long as necessary. I’m not sure if his is helping my core and my back is killing me!
Speaking of core, the boy’s at Amateur Endurance have an incredible article with full pictures up on a daily stretching routine that looks really legit.
As noted in my last article on the (debatable) benefits of stretching, I stretch on a near daily basis to keep things loose. My daily stretch routine usually takes me about 30 minutes, and I try to do it shortly before bed in a quiet room with minimal noises to help relax me before hitting the pillow.
Early this past week I found myself hammering out miles on a tread mill at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. 6 miles in one room can seem like forever at race pace. Late in the week I was weaving along the Rio Grande finishing up my weekly mileage. I am determined to hold work at bay while I train for Big Sur.
Many thanks are due to Bosque Youth Conservation Corp who manage the Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem. While I was putting in the trial of miles early Friday morning I was grateful to each of you for your work on the Ecosystem. THANKS.
Focused on my cadence while riding the mountain bike and nearing the top of Palos Verdes back here in LA on Saturday morning James Reilly slowed as he was passing me to offer words of encouragement. Twenty minutes later I had invited him to Tinley’s Extreme Tri in early October and he had shared his knowledge of the trails around PV. Thanks James for sharing your passion about riding.
My wife and I will be joining a bunch of friends up in Monterey for the Big Sur Half Marathon. It will be great to run along the coast and get a great run in before the Thanksgiving weight gain. Join us. And don’t wait to register. Registration is filling up fast.
Half-way through this morning’s swim workout with the El Segundo Slugs I looked over and saw the man, the myth, the legend Craig Hummer putting in the laps. Naturally I was not on the same pace. For those who have only seen him behind the camera at the Tour de France or other sporting events he can hold his own with many of the same athletes he interviews and discusses. Diane Graner, our coach and legend in her own right, headed out to the rising sun and left us under his direction for the ab workout. Mine still burn. A great way to start the week off. Hope you had a similar day.
We are four weekends away from Scott Tinley’s Adventures Weekend and I am so excited it that I think I should get a new bike. Excitement about race = new bike. Is everyone in agreement on this? Well good. Now here are the details for you to join us at Lake Lopez in early October:
Let me set the stage for you. Beautiful sunrise. Breakfast is already digesting. If you have camped at Lake Lopez - you roll out of your bag and walk over to registration. If you put yourself up at the Madonna Inn or another fine Central Coast establishment then you enjoy an amazing drive through the Big Arroyo. Mist on the SLO County Lake. Gear out on your towel. Bike tuned. You are ready to rock.
I’m not quit sure how Old Man Sellers pulled an interview like this. I think it really shows the clout that Motor Tabs and Greg have in the endurance industry. Michellie Jones is one of the greatest triathletes to ever live and I’ve respected her for years. Here 2006 Kona win was unreal. Enjoy the interview, it’s a great read.
MOTOR TABS: What would you say to the person preparing for their very first triathlon?
Michellie Jones: Find a partner to train with that way you have no excuses for not showing up to a workout. Race according to how you train, get to know the transition entry, exits and rack position, check and double check your gear, take just what you really need into transition, and most importantly, smile when you cross the finish so you get a great photo. Frame it with your race number for a great memento, it will not be your only Triathlon as it is a very addictive sport and you will be searching for your next event before you know it.
Click here to read the rest of the interview with Michellie.
Greg may have great athletes on his team but they won’t be there to help him when I’m lapping him at out first cyclocross race of the season on September 21.
Between meetings, prepping for meetings, and following up on meetings it has been a struggle to find energy and time to get the workouts in.
Scott Tinley’s Extreme Mountain Bike Tri is nearing a month from game time. If you haven’t signed up yet you should seriously consider it. There are a bunch of fun races for all of us (”King of the Hill”- Sprint & Extreme Mountain Bike Hill Climb On-Road Triathlons - International Distance* or Sprint Distance Off-Road Triathlons - Sprint Distance Tri-Cal Kids Triathlons) and the Tri-California crew - that brings us Wildflower is polished and able to provide a much more personal event. So I propose that those of us that won’t be at Incline Village, NV that first weekend in October meet-up in San Luis Obispo and have Tinley with the Eternal Timing System decide who is fastest.
Last year I went 2:01. A PR, being that it was my first race at that distance. This past week I have been slipping the training in and I’m mighty glad considering that I am now on for the Big Sur Half Marathon. My wife registered in the last two weeks with a bunch of her friends and has been trying to coax me into it. Tinley’s races are on October 4 and 5 and with Big Sur 1/2 on November 9 I have added another date onto my racing schedule.
Having gone to Cal Poly and spent hours driving miles across the coastal roads of the Central Coast looking for surf and camp spots I have added motivation for these races. I love being up there. Lake Lopez used by Tri-California for the race is where my Aunt windsurfs when the wind is up and where I fell back in love with triathlons last year. Big Sur has always been a place mentioned with reverence.
I started racing tri’s in junior high and had some good age group finishes throughout early high school before I burned out on it. Not sure if it was the speedo jokes from the guys I played beach volleyball with or the 30-year-old bike nerds that spent $6,000 on a bike and would fly past me age 14 after I had left them in the ocean. Either way, road tri’s weren’t for me. That has been the joy with mountain bike tri’s. A good swim, a challenging course requiring more than some training and a big budget, and a off-road run that takes everything.
Tomorrow we will be booking our hotel room in Pacific Grove for November 8 and 9 as the rooms must be almost gone. Everything I have heard pegs this as an amazing Fall race in Monterey. I am looking forward to running along Cannery Row and then staring off to sea and Monterey Bay. The 1/2 Marathon is nearing 70% capacity so don’t wait long to register.
A few weeks ago I came across a Subaru parked in San Bernardino County with this Web site across the back: bigbearoutdooractivities.com/. Needless to say it covered the entire back window. Being a devoted Outback fan I asked the driver about the site. It’s a group of people that use the site to do outdoor activities together up in Big Bear. The site could use a more frequent update but it is a great resource to check before you head up the mountain. If it can be done in Big Bear before the snow comes - this group is on it.
