Closing out 2012 - A New Begining

Well you must feel like the 'Red-Headed Step Child'. It's not that I've been ignoring you intentionally, really. I think about you almost daily, but I've just been unable to ink the pen and write to you like I should.

So in an attempt to make up, and catch up, I think I'll break this entry into a two-part post; one to recap the past few months and one to look at what is in store for 2013.

So let's rewind to September. The month started off with my son getting married. It was an amazing wedding, and Charlene and I now have a beautiful and loving daughter-in-law. We are so proud of both of them in this year of transition; new jobs, new home, the Wedding, National News Celebrities, and just recently a New Puppy (Meryl). It has truly been a year they will never forget!



Then a bit later in September;

This year I was in Madison, not as a participant, but as a volunteer and spectator. It was great fun and, I saw some amazing, gut wrenching performances by several of my friends. You guys now who you are (Amy, Dave, Jenny, Milan, Tiffany, Tina, Steve, and Wiseman). You truly do inspire. They each had their own story and journey to get to the start line and finish line as True Ironmen and IronWomen!

The most memorable of the day has got to go to Wiseman with his hair-raising just under the wire swim plus T1 time, making the cut-off by an amazing 32 secs.

I had a blast cheering and helping out. And by the way, I did manage to register for the 2013 race, but there will be more on that later...

Moving on; The 2012 Twin Cities Marathon - Race Report

This will be a very brief review, but if you would like a detailed description along with a training plan for how NOT to train for a marathon, I'd be happy to share. My longest training run between mid-July and the race was 12-miles, and that was in August. I'm not making excuses. I'm just saying that this is not how you want to approach a 26.2 mile running road race.

My travel schedule for the second half of the year was challenging and was not cohesive to good training. So, going into the race I had no real expectations other than just finishing my 3rd TCM and getting another finishers shirt. My strategy was to run 9:00 min miles for as long as I could, which ended up being exactly 17 miles. I ran into a friend just before the the 18 mile marker. Unfortunately, he was also struggling. So for the next 8+ miles, we walked, talked, and jogged our way to the finish line.
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One final bit of news prior to rapping up this post, and since it has been four months, I guess it's okay to publicize the following news.

I have adopted a whole foods plant based diet. I've tilted this way for many years and have experimented during lent with abstaining from meat. I have; however, never attempted to also abstain from dairy in addition to meat. Some might actually use the dreaded V word to describe my diet and lifestyle choice. I'm not quite ready for that label. It has many other connotations beyond diet that I'm uncomfortable with. I've chosen this lifestyle change for many reasons, but I was inspired by the following books in particular:

The Thrive Diet - Brendan Brazier
Finding Ultra - Rich Roll
Food Revolution - John Robbins

In addition to meat and diary, I've also chosen to greatly reduce alcohol (in four months I have consumed about 3 servings) and caffeine, which has been reduced to green tea and an occasional decaf-coffee.

These changes are the cornerstone of my 2013 training plan:

Eat Right - Sleep Right - Train Right

If nothing else, 2013 will be interesting...part-two coming soon...

A Letter to my Wife

Dear Charlene,

Some say that a full-distance triathlon, an Ironman, is the toughest individual test of one's physical and mental endurance. The average Ironman athlete takes 12.5+ hours to traverse the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. The average Ironman athlete will spend 36-weeks training an average of 12+ hours a week in preparation for this one day test of endurance. So if competing in an Ironman is the toughest individual endurance event then being married to an Ironman athlete is Tougher X2!

Charlene, you are my Ironman, Iron-Woman that is. While training for an Ironman you have to endure my wining, complaining, bumps, and bruises. You have nursed me back to health when ailing from aches and pains. You've made homemade energy bars, made sure that the kitchen is stocked with fruits and vegetables, and have made endless meals to help in my daily recovery. You have consoled me when my training and/or racing has not gone so well. You have gotten up early to drive to a race, made signs of inspiration, and have cheered me on every step of the way. All the while with a smile and with words of encouragement to keep me moving closer to my dream. And in addition to all that you find the time to keep our home in order, volunteer as the Leader of Alexandra's GS troop, volunteer on the Park Girls Swim & Dive Boosters, and work as a Critical Care Nurse. Some think completing an Ironman triathlon is an amazing feat, well maybe they should try a day in your shoes.


In just a few weeks, I will be traveling to Madison again, this time not as an athlete but as a volunteer. I have tentative plans to register on Monday, September 10, 2012 for the 2013 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon. This would be my fourth full-distance triathlon in five years. But before I can register I need to know that it's okay with you. I need to know that you've got my back. I know it's not really fair to ask you to do this again. But if I cannot ask you...

You see Charlene, I don't think I can do it without you. You are my rock when I need stability, the wind that lifts me up when I'm down, my inspiration to keep moving forward when my body just wants to stop, my light when I'm lost in the darkness, my best friend, my lover, my everything.

So I'll await your reply...

Yours Always,
M

Revolution 3 - Wisconsin Dells - Race Report

Sunday, 12 August 2012, was the inaugural Revolution 3 Wisconsin Dells Triathlon. Tackling the Wisconsin Dells would be a mighty ambitious feet for anyone, so keep this in mind as I recap my thoughts of this year's event.

The Rev 3 race series is relatively new on the triathlon circuit with its first race in June, 2010, The Quassy, in Middlebury, Connecticut  and was founded on the principle of change. And according to their website, one of the immediate goals was to make triathlon more interactive and enjoyable for spectators by providing fun things for family members to do while their loved ones were racing.

The Wisconsin Dells, originally named Kilbourn City, in honor of the Railroad's President, was incorporated in 1856. Kilbourn City was a logging town as well as the home of the Ho-Chunk Indian Nation. The town was renamed to Wisconsin Dells in 1931, which was the name the locals and tourists had always used, with "Wisconsin", derived from the Native American word meaning "dark rushing waters", and "Dells", mimicking the French word "dalles", which means "layers of flat rock", to describe the bluff rock formations. Today the Dells are the self-proclaimed 'Water Park Capital of the World" with over 16 million gallons of water flowing through the parks and over 1 billion dollars in annual revenue. Who's to argue?

This ends today's history lesson; on to the race report:

Pre-Race
Check-In, Packet Pickup, and Expo began on Friday afternoon and continued on Saturday. There was no race day check-in or packet pickup allowed. Logistics would be a challenge throughout the weekend with the swim and transition areas being about 3/4 of a mile from the race finish. The expo, check-in, and packet pickup were located at the race finish which was tucked in behind Noah's Ark (The Largest Outdoor Water Park). All in all, it was not a horrible location and finding parking was not really an issue once you got your bearings. In general, the check-in process was painless. The one quirky and very intentional item of note was the SWAG bag pickup. It was located in the far right hand corner of the Rev 3 merchandise store. Really? The SWAG bag contained the usual suspects (adverts and local coupons) plus a pair of Blue Seventy swim goggles and a Rev 3 visor, which all came in a Muscle Milk sport bag. However, you would need to finish the race to get the shirt.

The Expo was small with just a few booths. There was a race ministry booth, an Ulman Cancer fundraising booth, Pilot/Flying J, who is the presenting sponsor of the race series, Powerbar, and a few others. It took 15 to 20 minutes tops including the check-in process.

Bike check-in and athlete meetings were mandatory on Saturday. There was also an official swim practice on Saturday morning. The bike transition area was located about 1/8 of a mile (up hill) on a paved driveway from the swim exit. At the athlete meeting it was announced as a 1/4 mile but was a lot closer to 1/8, although I did not measure it with GPS. I was impressed with the bike transition area and the racking system that was used. It was space effective and seemed a lot less cluttered than the traditional bike racks used at most triathlons.

The Swim - 1.2 Miles
The swim took place at the Tommy Bartlett Swim and Ski Show theater located on Lake Delton. A TT (time trial) start was used for all age-group athletes. The process was efficient and executed flawlessly. The water temperature was reported at 73 F at the start of the race. After the invocation and the National Anthem, the race was underway.

The swim course was a single counter-clockwise loop and was well marked. With the TT start, congestion was minimal and I enjoyed the swim. I felt comfortable in the water and kept my stroke long and relaxed. There were no strippers at the swim exit and the run up to transition was long but uneventful. I'm not positive, but I believe the T1 time started when we left the water, so the run was included in the T1 time.

The Bike - 56 Miles
Challenging.

If this race can sustain itself (yet to be seen), this bike course has the potential to become legendary. It is without question the toughest bike course I have ridden in a race. The course, similar to IMWI in that it is a lollipop shape, gets serious almost as soon as you leave transition. The course has, what the race directory called, 'three serious' climbs and provides the athletes varied challenges throughout the ride. The Door County Half boasts the moniker 'Are you tougher than the Bluff?', well nothing against Door county (I've done that race three times and love the challenging course it presents) but the Bluff Rd. climb and subsequent descent down Tower Rd. on this course, 'OMG', hold on to your seat posts; and when you see the 'caution signs', pay attention! They are there for a reason.

My day presented plenty of challenges, from the front brake sticking problem that took several stops to finally resolve, and to a bathroom break that will remain anonymous. On race day I was pretty unhappy (in general) about how the day transpired, but in retrospect, given my training (or lack there of), I got out what I put in.

The Run - 13.1 Miles
The challenging and interesting run course was an out and back affair. The course presented a logistical nightmare for the city, the spectators, and especially the tourists of the Dells. One lane of traffic was closed on two of the busiest sections of roads in town. The course was well staffed with course marshalls and police officers directing traffic. The water stops were adequtely stocked and staffed (the volunteers throughout the day were terrific; A+). Although the course was interesting with the sites, sounds, and smells (some not so good) of downtown Dells, they might want to reconsider the route logistically.

My run/walk/jog/walk went south at mile 2. My left leg kind of stopped working. I had some kind of a nerve thing going on in my hip that would make my leg all tingly and numb and a reoccuring cramp in my quad just above the knee. I could run maybe a couple hundred yards before returning to walk mode. I was pretty much mentally defeated and I'm sorry to say (and somewhat embarrased to admit) that before too long apathy set in. There was just no real desire to try and push beyond the surface pains my body was expressing. I had no doubt that I would finish but that was about the extent of it.

The Finish and Post Race
The website touted a waterslide in the finish chute, they lied. The Rev 3 race series promotes having your family members cross the line with you (if you desire), a nice touch. The finish arch, the big screen scoreboard with each althete's picture (which was taken during check-in) being flashed as they crossed the line, and the finisher's medal were all well done.

What was not well done was the post race food, the finishers shirt, and the posting of results. The food (or lack there of) consisted of a pickle spear, some crummy looking potato salad out of a bucket, chocolate chip cookies, and a boiled bratwurst. AND there were no drinks, other than what was being handed out in the finish chute. REALLY?

The finishers shirt was a white cotton Hanes t-shirt! REALLY? I have enough undershirts, thank you.

The fact that bike transition was 3/4 of a mile away and that parking was at the finish line was an inconvience. So you had to walk to transistion, get all your stuff, and then walk back to the finish area where your car was parked. Not a super big deal but again maybe something to reconsider for future events.

In Summary
If I was to give the series some grades, I'd give them an A for concept, a B- for effort, and a C- for execution. The course was great; A+. It was challenging, interesting, and fair. The timing and scoring was first-class, not having individual results avilable at the finish area was an oversight, I'm sure. Volunteers; A+, they were great throughout the day! SWAG; D+, the visor and goggles are very nice; an A, the shirt; F-- (REALLY?).

At this point I'm not sure that I would consider this event again. It is priced up there with the other high profile events (Ironamn, HITS) and for a mid to late summer Half, my money will be going back to Door County (by the way, great shirt this year, I love orange).

The Summer of 2012

As I weave my way through this post on the eve of yet another multi-sport endurance event, I briefly reflect over the past month or so. They say as you age that time speeds up and slips away. I never believed this would happen for me, but the last few years seem a blur in the rear view mirror of my mind. The sun is about to set on the 28th week of 2012, the days are getting shorter, and I'm halfway through my 2012 race season.

Charlene and I sent our daughter, Alexandra, off this morning on her week-long Mission Trip to Mingo County, West Virginia. The St. Rita's youth group will work in the area helping families in a variety of ways. We then loaded the car and headed west to Sibley State Park, about 15 miles north of Willmar, MN. I'm participating in the Heart of Lakes Triathlon (HOLT) in the morning in Annadale, MN. The state park is 55 miles west of Annandale, and we are planning to stay at the park until Tuesday morning. As we drove, we reminisced on the last time the two of us camped alone and agreed that it was prior to our marriage a mere 27 years ago.

My last post was the Buffalo Triathlon race reoprt on June 3, 2012. Since then we were in Duluth for the 36th running of Grandma's Marathon, in Afton, MN, for the 19th edition of that race. And now in Annadale, MN, for the 27th edition of the Heart of the Lakes Triathlon. This will be my first race here on what promises to be a very warm summer day with high temperatures expected in the low to mid 90's.

This has been a very strange and erratic training year. Life has been very busy outside the training and racing scene and has provided many challenges in sustaining a consistent training schedule. The less than stellar race results and the few extra pounds I'm carrying around are evidence of that. So as the anticipation builds for tomorrow's race my expectations are tempered in this reality. I remind myself that it's okay, I do not participate and compete becuase I have to. I participate and compete because I like to; it makes me feel alive.

2012 Buffalo Triathlon Race Report

The 2012 Buffalo Triathlon is in its ninth year and going strong. The weather, wow, very nice for early June with race day temps approaching 80 F, mostly sunny skies to start, and light winds out of the south.

The Buffalo Triathlon remains one of my favorite events of the year. I hope it remains on my calendar for years to come. I enjoy this event for many reasons; the town and support of the volunteers, the small town grass roots feel of the event, the high level of competition, the challenging course, and the list goes on.

This year was made even more special for me because my daughter (Alexandra) and two of her high school swim mates and friends(Peyton and Maddy) were participating as a team. They signed up for the Olympic distance event (the long course) and Alexandra was swimming, Peyton doing the bike, and Maddy the run. Alexandra has done the Miracles of Mitch Triathlon a couple of times, but this would be the girl's first go at an event of this magnitude.

Needless to say I'm very proud of these three young ladies for taking on this challenge and completing the event strong. Each had to face a variety of challenges throughout the day and each found a way to overcome those challenges and finish their leg of the event strong.

Alexandra, already a three time letter winner in swimming for Park High School and just finishing her Freshman year, has a deep seated fear of open water. Unfortunately, I think this is something she inherited from me. My anxiety in open water is only tamed by repetition which seems to desensitise the fear with frequency. She, on the other hand, has only had a few open water swims ever. Once last year at Square lake, and twice this year, once Saturday evening before the race, and once on Sunday for the race. Like me, she does not like when things, people, seaweed, fish, etc. touch you while swimming. In addition, her imagination gets the best of her; I wonder what might be down there and maybe it will come up from the bottom...

On Saturday, after checking in to the hotel, we went over to Sturgis Park where the triathlon start\finish would occur to swim a bit. Alexandra also decided that she would not be wearing a wet suit, she was planning on wearing her fastskin for the race, but for the practice, just a suit. After the initial shock of the water temp (actually not too bad, probably 68 - 70 F range) we started out toward the fountain, the first leg of the swim. Within a couple of hundred yards she was pulling on my leg, and she had that look (what have I gotten myself into?). The water, in addition to being cool, was choppy and there was a significant amount of weeds. We continued on and when we got to the fountain (maybe 500 yards or so) we stopped. I could see the concern in her eyes. We chatted about pacing and strategy, turned, and headed back in.

I knew that I would need to get her in the water in the morning for a warm- up before the race started, and I was hoping that the conditions would be improved. A calm lake would make a significant difference for her.

We headed back to the hotel and then over to packet pick up. Zion Church in Buffalo was hosting packet pick up and a spaghetti dinner. Brett Oden, M.D., Chris Legh, and Jill Hanson would be speaking, and there was a mini expo as well. The proceeds from the dinner were going to help with the churches' youth groups.

When we headed over in the morning all three girls were anxious about what the day would bring. There was the normal nervous tension, but for them the unknown was weighing on them. I helped them get their transition area set up, and they reviewed the transition area and how the chip would need to be exchanged throughout the day. We got body marked, took some pictures, and then I left them to themselves as I prepared a bit myself.

After the race meeting, prayer, and national anthem, Alexandra and I headed down to the beach for our swim warm up. The lake was calm this morning but felt a bit chillier in the morning air. The biggest drama of the day occurred before we left the hotel. Alexandra brought her old fastskin and put a hole in it while trying to put it on, so she would be going with a swim suit only. She looked around for others but found that 98% of the athletes had wet suits. And the fact that the announcer kept saying 'we do not have an accurate water temp this morning, wetsuits are not mandatory today but highly recommended'...

We got in and swam a couple of hundred yards and discussed more strategy as I attempted to keep her focused on the thing she actually had control over. My biggest fear of the day was that I was in wave seven and Alexandra in wave eight, which meant that unless she passed me, I would not know how she did and that she was okay until much later in the day. This unknowing would weigh heavy on my thoughts for a good portion of the day. As my wave was called to the starting coralle, I gave her a hug and wished her well.

As the day progressed I thought about how the girls were doing. When out on the bike I thought about how Peyton might feel at this point of the race, or on the run, wondering if I might see them on the course.

With about a mile left on the run I saw Maddy heading out on the course. As we passed I uttered some words of encouregment and gave her a high five. After finishing and catching up with Alexandra and Peyton about the swim and bike, I headed back out on the run course to find Maddy. I caught up with her with about 1-1/2 miles left. I offered her some water and told her I would run in with her, to just run her race. When we approached the final 1/8 mile, I let her go to finish it out.


As they celebrated their accomplishment, I felt pride. They each had to overcome a variety of obstacles and challenges and each found the strength and will power to overcome and complete what they had started. I hope they take away from this expierence the knowledge that anything is possible and that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to doing. And thanks for taking me along on your journey!

2012 MN Ironman Bike Ride

The 2012 Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride celebrated its 46th year and I celebrated my 4th attempt at the 100 (actually 105) mile ride.

It was not until Wednesday this week that I could even walk down stairs. The 50K last Saturday had taken a toll on my quads and I really could have used a Handicap sign. On Wednesday night I managed 30-minutes on the bike and a mile on the treadmill at the Holiday Inn Express in Toronto. The treadmill kept changing speeds on its own. I think it might have been possessed. I flew home late Friday night. On Saturday  I spent a few hours helping out at the Nick Clare Memorial Run, in Hastings, MN. I directed traffic and got to cheer the runners as they returned from their runs. I got to see lots of familiar faces, Jenny Clare Wilcox, Tina Welzien, Amy Hite, Dave Lundberg, Laurie Feist, Wisman Sikakane, and Cari Huppert. I think several of the ladies went home with hardware as well; congratulations to all! The weather was cool and damp but good for the runners. I heard that there were 450 total runners! A great turn out!

I was abruptly woken up @ 02:39 Sunday morning by a chorus of hail, wind, rain, thunder, and lighting. I woke Alexandra (Charlene had to work night shift) to get her to move to my bed just in case we had to make a dash to the basement. When the alarm went off at 05:00 the rain was still dancing off the windows and I thought, here we go again...

As I made my way to Lakeville North High School the rain slowed and the skies shown signs of brightening. It was 54 F; could it be that we might just get a break this year? My optimism grew as I checked in and got my wrist band and map. I was realistic though, I would most likely spend 5 - 6 hours navigating the 105 mile route, so anything was still possible.

I was dressed warm and quickly heated up. I was very much okay with being overdressed today. I knew as my pace slowed in the second half of the race the extra layers would be welcomed. Plus, if it did rain I was prepared. I traversed the first 50 miles with a solid pace, nearly 22 mph and started to feel my quads as I approached the half way point. I decided it was time for a break and stopped at the Le Seuer rest stop. I loaded up my pockets with Pearson's Nut Rolls, yum...

In the second half of the ride there were plenty of times I wished to be done. I was talking to myself and listening to the crickets. The crickets were as loud as I can ever remember them being. I'm still not sure what to make of that. My conversations centered on convincing myself that I was having fun, at times I was, but others not so much. During one of my verbal interludes, a rider had come up behind me and quickly passed. I'm sure he thought I was looney and probably just wanted to put as much distance between us as he could.

I made a quick stop at the Lonsdale rest stop (mile 83). It was the last stop on the 100 mile route. With about 15 miles left to cover my legs started to feel a little better, albeit briefly. It seemed to come and go in the last few miles. With the 68 mile group now sharing the route the time seemed to move much faster as I made my way through traffic.

I finished without seeing a single drop of rain, the temperature had risen to a cozy 64 F, and I ended up averaging nearly 19.5 mph. My quads definitely feel like they worked today but I'm dry (relatively speaking) and looking forward to some Ruffles.

Chippewa Moraine 50K

Does a year really make a difference? Apparently so...

On the 2 hour drive to Bloomer, WI, where I was spending the night, I thought about the weather which was being predicted as cold and wet for the race on Saturday morning. I had run this race last year on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. It was about the same time of the month, maybe a week earlier. It was wet last year but a little warmer. It's funny how soon we forget the challenges of a race and start to imagine that we can perform so much better.

Bloomer is about 14 miles from the Ice Age Unit Interpreter Center where the race starts and finishes and where packet pickup is. After checking in to the Bloomer Inn, trying to save a buck, they have a $39.99 truck driver special during the week, and on Friday night the room was $63 with tax. I have stayed in worse. I made my way out to the Interpreter Center to pick up my race packet. Randy and crew already had race day preparations well under way. I got my packet and shirt (nice shirt this year), wandered around, took some photos, and walked a small section of the trail to check out the conditions.

The trail was in superb shape. Like most of the upper Midwest, it has been dry, so unless the forecast holds true, the trail should be about perfect. After a dinner of two plain chicken breast and a large bake potato I headed to my room to call it a night.

I did not sleep well, tossed and turned, and dreamt that I woke up late and missed the start of the race (twice). Well waking up late did not happen, I was up at 2, 3, 4, 5, and out of bed at 5:30. I brought the plug-in water boiler thingy and made oatmeal for breakfast. I talked to Charlene. She was up early and had to work 7 - 7. She wished me luck. I was hoping I would not need it but kindly accepted.

It was kind of snowing when I loaded the car and headed out. I arrived at 7:00, an hour before race start. The weather forecast was for light showers early and a high of 46 F. It was 41 F at race start but felt colder with a strong 15 mph wind. I was dressed warm and was hoping not too warm.

The race started with little fanfare, no F-16 fighter planes, no National Anthem, no cannon shot, just a get set and go!

I took off my hat and opened up my jacket within the first 2 miles. I was over dressed. I hoped to make it to the turnaround and lose the jacket and gloves (drop bag). I started with a much slower pace than last year and was hopeful it would play out well on the way back in.

With 3 full tumbles (8.0, 7.6, and 9.0) and 4 major stumbles in the first 25K, I looked like I was playing in the dirt. With about 2 miles to go until the turnaround, the front runners started passing me on their way back from the out and back course. I was running about 15 minutes slower than my pace the previous year but was still hopeful for a strong return trip.

In the last mile and a half before the turnaround there are obstacles; you have to navigate over a barbed wire fence and another gate- like thing. I had a hard time lifting my legs high enough on the way out and could only wait with anticipation to do it again on the way back. There are a dozen bridges on the trail, some only 18 inches or so wide, rocks, roots, boggy areas, a couple of fences, and some major up and down single track trail.

On the way back in I managed only one major fall, but it was a real doozie (10.0). I cramped as soon as I hit the ground, a cramp worthy of legend. The cramp started in the middle of the top of my left foot, went up the inside of my left calf and thigh and ended just shy of the swim suit area. As I lay on the ground, as if looking for earthworms, the runner in front of me turned to see if I was okay. I grimaced and stated that I was okay, just a cramp. I laid there thinking of the 10 or so miles I had left to navigate.

The next couple of miles were on- again off- again cramping. Every hill seemed to aggravate the muscles, but after some time I was able to get back to a more reasonable run/walk approach.

After a few more close- call stumbles, I was getting within the finishing window and knew that I would finish today and had already accepted that it would not be a PR.

The last two miles are cruel, with two miles left you pass within 50 yards of the Interpreter Center and the start/ finish line. It seems like these final miles are all up hill. With just over three miles left I was passed for the final time of the day. The runner that went by provided enough motivation to mount a response. I followed her, catching up on the up hills and falling back on the down. The down hill hurt as bad as the up, my feet were ready for the day to end.

The last 1/4 mile is a very steep (hands on knees steep) climb. There are signs along the trail meant to provide motivation (they did not work). They read, 'No Walking', 'U R Not Walking R U?' You're damn straight I'm walking, I'm just glad I'm not crawling...

Lessons Learned:

• Getting old sucks but beats the alternative
• Shuffling equals falling (a lot). If you're going to run trails you need to learn to pick up your feet or learn to like eating dirt.
• Good weather does not necessarily equal PR
•  50 K is a long way to run
• Celebrating the journey is not always a party ;)

2012 Calendar of Events

As I reflect on last year and finalize plans for 2012, I think back to an episode of NBC's Biggest Loser (season 12). John (the eventual winner) was having an ah-ha moment which triggered one of my own. Dolvett (Quince), John's trainer, was trying to get John to understand that he needs to appreciate the Journey he is on or he'll end up right back where he started. John is definitely a type A personality. He has to be in control and is so focused on getting to the finals that he is missing out on the self-discovery process which will be the glue that will sustain the physical transformation that is occurring. Dolvett was partially successful, but based on John's game-play actions later in the episode, I think there is still work to be done. Bob (Harper), discussing John with Vinny (another contestant on the show), stated that John will put every pound he loses back on due to his one-mindedness.

As I watched, I thought back on my own personal journey. The Biggest Loser (online) played a big part in my lifestyle change. I think back to June 2005, I was still smoking a pack+ per day and was ~70 pounds overweight. And even though that image is still very clear, it seems a million miles away. But is it really? Have I really learned the life lessons along the way? Or am I so focused on the end-point that I'm missing it? And now, only a few inches from ending up in the ditch on the side of the road in a steaming heap, I wonder...

Am I really that different than John? I can, at times, be very one-minded. I have a tendency to grab on to things and not let go; maybe even borderline OCD. When living an unhealthy lifestyle, I did so with great passion...

The reality is that nothing worth having in life comes easy or without constant focus and commitment. My yogi reminds me; 'How you do anything is how you do everything".

Pause and reflect....

Whether you subscribe to the whole Mayan 2012 prophecy or not, welcome to 2012 and the new year! New year, with new goals, hopes, desires, opportunities, and challenges. 2012 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year. My son Christopher (Cheese) and his fiance (Elisabeth) are planning a September wedding! I'm so very happy for them and I wish for them nothing but the best that life has to offer!


This will also be the first year since 2008 with no full distance triathlon in the schedule. For the past three seasons I have had 'that race' in September as my Capstone event. It has been a challenge puting together a schedule without that as my anchor. I have not run my last full distance race and I will be there to cheer on friends and to volunteer. This year's schedule will feature the RUN. With two marathons and two 50K distance events as the featured events,the year will take us to many new venues with some stops at some of my favorites. So without further adieu, here is the 2012 calendar of events; hope you enjoy the ride!

2012 Charity Challenge Indoor Track Events
Charities Challenge Mission: To Improve Health/Fitness, Reduce Health Risks, and Enhance Disease Management via Goal-oriented RxExercise Training Education Programs, Engaging Events Active Community Partnerships. Because...There is NO CURE for all the ills associated with lack of exercise except RxExercise!


Wow! Way outside my comfort zone. Track meets...really?
Well someone once said; If you want to run fast you have to train fast. So starting last November I started training with a group of like- minded friends at the University of Wisconsin River Falls on a 200M indoor track. The track meets started in December, with a total of five meets during the winter, all hosted at Bethel University. Three meets down with two more in February, it has been fun and I hope it pays off later in the year.


website: http://www.charitieschallenge.org/

29 January 2012

University of Minnesota Aquatic Center


It has been a couple of years since we participated in a USMS Swim Meet. I challenged my daughter Alexandra $10 for each event she beats me in. She has a meet on Saturday where she will swim three  of the same events I will swim on Sunday. Honestly, I have little chance, since she has PR's in most of the events that are way out of my league. So I think it is more of a challenge for me than for her. I plan to swim the 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Free events. A lot of swimming in a morning meet, but what the heck, it should be fun.
website:http://www.minnesotamasters.com/

 04 February 2012
Yukon Days - Run and Snowshoe
6 Mile and 3 Mile Run on White Bear Lake


Not exactly sure what I was thinking when I registered for this event and really not sure about what to expect or how to preapre. You see, the runs will take place on White Bear Lake; yep, not around the lake, or near the lake, but on the lake. Hope there is plenty of ICE!

website: http://www.frontrunnerusa.com/event/yukon-days-run-and-snowshoe-pick-your-distance

 
07 April 2012

Half Marathon - 13.1 mile run
Bald Eagle Lake Park

White Bear Lake, MN

A Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Fun Run.  Proceeds from Camp WannaRunAMileorMore help pay for special needs kids to attend Young Life Summer Camps. 

The half marathon course is challenging and scenic. The venue is beautiful and the field is intimate and competitive. There is good support and is for a great cause. It also gives me an early season look at where my training is and is a good warm-up for the 50K run in a couple of more weeks.

website: http://www.trifitnesswbl.com


28 April 2012
50K Trail Run
Ice Age Trail
New Auburn, WI.

This will be our second trip to New Auburn. Last year was amazing, very challenging, and I'm looking forward to going for a new PR at this distance, 50K = 31.0685596 miles. This is a very challenging trail run, with most of the course being single track trail.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile footpath - entirely within Wisconsin - that highlights Ice Age landscape features while providing access to some of the state's most beautiful natural areas. The trail is maintained by an army of volunteers.

website: http://www.frontrunnerusa.com/event/chippewa-50k-and-10k-trail-run

06 May 2012
100 Mile Ride
Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride

Lakeville, MN

This event has become a staple of my early season cycle training. This will be our fourth consecutive trip to Lakeville in early May. It has proven to be one of the most challenging events, primarily because of the amazing weather we have experienced; rain, snow, hail, thunderstorms, hurricane force winds, and extreme windchill. I would like to say that you never know what to expect, but the reality is, you know exactly what to expect, Mother Nature at her best!

website: http://ironmanbikeride.org




12 May 2012
3 Mile Run / 14 Mile Bike / 3 Mile Run
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Oakdale, MN



 This early season event is a good kick-off to the multi-sport year. The race is well attended and a lot of the big guns are out to test their off season training. Front Runner Events, the event sponsor, does a good job.It is a well organized event and has good support. And there are hot dogs and Classic Ruffle chips when you're done!

website: http://www.frontrunnerusa.com/event/oakdale-spring-classic-duathlon


03 June 2012
Olympic Distance Triathlon

Buffalo, MN



Probably my favorite race of the season. This year there is BIG news! Alexandra (my daughter) and two of her friends, Peyton and Maddy, are doing the Olympic distance race as a relay! The team, 'Triple Threat', will be coached by G4 Endurance Racing owner Coach T! Go Triple Threat!

Personally, I have a big star around this race. With road repairs now complete, which made the bike very challenging last year, the bike will be fast on the smooth roads around Lake Buffalo. I plan to go deep and push for a new PR.

website: http://www.tribuff.com




16 June 2012
Marathon - 26.2 mile run
Duluth, MN





Definitely on the list of favorite events. This year Grandma's celebrates its 36th Anniversary, and it will be our 6th trip to the north shore of Lake Superior. The 26.2 mile run from Two Harbors to Duluth is beautiful, with breathtaking views of the largest of the five Great Lakes. This event will always hold a special place in my endurance heart as my first Marathon.

Last year we ran very well here and it will be a tall order to lower last year's PR. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

website: http://grandmasmarathon.com

07 July 2012

50 K Trail Run
Afton State Park
Afton, MN

Last year we did the 25 K, which had to be moved to Afton Alps Ski Area due to the MN Government shutdown. The course last year was run primarily on single track MTB trails. The original course, which I hope we get to run this year, is in the state park, and is a mixture of cross country ski trails, hiking trails, and single track trails. Living a short 7 miles west of the park entrance, I hope to train on the same trails which I'll race. My biggest fear is the potential for extreme heat. July weather in MN can be extreme. I remember a Fourth of July a few years ago when the high temperature for the day was a scorching 105 F. Le'ts hope for something a bit more moderate.

website: http://aftontrailrun.com/50km-info/

15 July 2012
International Distance Triathlon
1/2 mile Swim, 21 mile Bike, 5.3 mile Run
Annandale, MN

A new event on this years schedule. This would typically be the weekend that we would make our way to Door County for the 70.3 Triathlon at Egg Harbor. Alexandra is leaving on the 14th for a mission trip to West Virginia. Charlene and I will pack up the car, drop Alexandra off for her long bus ride, and head west to Annandale for a little camping getaway. Although we have not been there I have heard nothing but nice things about this small midwestern MN town. With a strong downtown retail area I'm looking forward to a couple of relaxing days with my wonderful wife.

website: http://www.holtri.org/

12 August 2012
70.3 Distance Triathlon
1.2 mile Swim, 56 mile Bike, 13.1 mile Run
Wisconsin Dells

The classic half. I'm so excited about this venue. This is a new race for the Rev3 brand. An inaugural event, by a veteran organization. I've struggled a bit with how commercial and expensive Ironman events have become. I guess you can't blame them; it seems regardless of what the price is, people pay. It is nice to have some alternatives with Rev3 and HITS now becoming major players in the triathlon market space. Don't get me wrong, these events are still expensive, but competition at least provides the consumer with some alternatives.

The swim will take place at the Tommy Bartlett Show arena and will provide spectators with stadium seating for the swim.

My brother was able to book their time share, Wyndham Vacation Resort - Tamarack, so I'm looking forward to spending a few days with him and the family.

website: http://rev3tri.com/wisconsin/news/

 07 October 2012
Marathon - 26.2 Miles
Twin Cities, MN

After a three year hiatus from this fall classic, we will return for our third TCM Marathon. The spectacular and challenging course is point to point and runs from the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis to the State Capital in St. Paul.

This is another event with a big star on the calendar. It will hopefully showcase the focused effort on my run training for the year.

website: https://www.tcmevents.org/events/

Other 2012 events include:

Woodbury Days - 60 Mile Bike Ride
Woodbury Days - Country Mile Half Marathon
website: http://www.woodburydays.com/schedule_events.aspx

Bear Water Run
20 Mile Run
White Bear Lake, MN

website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bear-Water-Run-presented-by-The-White-Bear-Lions/239857956033540

Run for the Apples
5 Mile Trail Run
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
White Bear Lake, Mn
website: http://www.frontrunnerusa.com/event/run-for-the-apples-5-mile

The Great Pumpkin Chase
10K + 5K = 15K Trail Run
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo, MN
website: http://www.frontrunnerusa.com/event/the-great-pumpkin-chase-5k-10k-and-kids-run