My Triathlete Wife

Quote of Day

2012-02-06T15:03:00.001-05:00

Why I Can't Be a Pro Cyclist

2012-01-23T12:44:00.001-05:00

ADELAIDE, January 20, 2012 (AFP) — Tour Down Under organizers on Friday made good on a threat to sanction cyclists for urinating in public, handing fines to a dozen riders for “unseemly behavior.”

With the mercury regularly rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Adelaide Hills this week, riders have been forewarned by their respective teams to drink plenty before, during, and after each day’s stage.
But that advice has often led to some being caught short, feeling the need to relieve themselves at the side of the road during the race despite the presence of spectators.
The peloton was reminded Friday morning by organizers of the season’s opening WorldTour event that such behavior, fairly common in pro cycling, was not acceptable and they would be fined accordingly.
Under an International Cycling Union (UCI) rule with the heading “Insults, threats, unseemly behavior,” Australia’s Robbie McEwen, Jens Voigt of Germany, New Zealand’s Hayden Roulston, and race leader Martin Kohler of Switzerland were among 12 riders handed fines of 50 Swiss francs ($54).
The race continues Saturday with a potentially decisive stage five which finishes on Old Willunga Hill. It finishes Sunday with a 90-kilometre (56-mile) street race in Adelaide.

From Bicyling.com blog. 1/23/2012.

Somehow I don't think a $54 fine will stop pros from taking care of their needs, but I can understand organizers hoping the cyclists could use a little more discretion in where they pee.

Athletes for a Cure Triathlon

2008-10-15T10:22:00.006-04:00

Amanda (mytriathletewife's daughter) completed her first Olympic distance triathlon (1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run)at DisneyWorld on September 21. The swim was held in Bay Lake, so it was a nice preview of what our 1/2 IM race in May 2009 will be like.

Amanda said the water was kind of murky, it was impossible to see the bottom, and the morning was foggy, so sighting the buoys was difficult. I would have photos, but copyright protection on the official race photographer website made it impossible to grab some.

My Eating Philosophy

2008-10-09T09:25:00.002-04:00

"Lord of the Rings"
Aragorn: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Aragorn: You've already had it.
Pippin: We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
[Aragorn turns and walks off in disgust]
Merry: I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
Pippin: What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?
Merry: I wouldn't count on it.

I eat breakfast at 6:30am, but really am more of a nineses, than elevenses. By 11:30 it's lunch time, 2-3pm a snack. If I'm cooking dinner I'm eating at the same time. Then dinner and maybe some cookies around 8pm.

I could have been a Hobbit.

Tri at the Y

2008-10-03T08:12:00.003-04:00

Jan, obviously intimidated by me entering the December 13 Tri at the Y in Penfield, has yet to send in her entry, while mine went in the mail today. Rumor has it LouIneversawapoolIdidntlike and Mikeijustrun may also enter the race. To the victor goes the spoils (wine or beer). Make mine Merlot.
Thank you.

Last Post?

2008-09-29T09:46:00.004-04:00

Can't come up with any creative stories. Think the blog has reached its' end.

Let's do it this way, on the left of the site is a link to "followers". You can be anonymous, make up a name, or use your real name. If enough people show interest and really read this blog I will continue.

Okay, if the followers link is too difficult, a comment or something works.

Switching Gears

2008-09-18T12:18:00.001-04:00

Enough with the triathlon stuff for awhile. Jan and I are part of the Brooks Fleet Feet cross-country team. We are racing the Upstate New York series, directed by Pete Glavin. Races are held in the Rochester area, Syracuse, mid-way between Syracuse and Utica, and near Ithaca, NY.

This doesn't mean Jan isn't still swimming, biking and lifting weights, only that the intensity and duration of these activities has diminished.

IM Louisville Photos

2008-09-09T12:37:00.005-04:00

Team McCullough at Bike Transition,Louisville skyline from Galt House Fitness Facility, Bethanie, Amanda and the Ohio River,IM practice swim

Louisville Ironman Blues

2008-09-02T12:20:00.009-04:00

Why is it always so goddamn hot! Another race day with near record heat, bright sun, no clouds until 6pm or so. The dew point was 62, not anywhere near comfortable with the temperature soaring to 93. Support team McCullough was hot sitting in the shade watching the bikes speed by.

So I wrote a song, well actually blues singer Robert Johnson did, but I changed the lyrics. "Crossroads"

Jan went to the crossroads, fell down on her knees
Jan went to the crossroads, fell down on her knees
Asked the Ironman gods above, have mercy now,
Get me to the finish if you please.

Swimmin' like a dolphin, in that Ohio River
Whee-hee, she glided right along
Didn't nobody seem to know her, nobody passed her by.

Ridin' through the crossroads, risin' sun goin' higher
Ridin' through the crossroads baby, the risin' sun gettin' hotter
I believe to my soul now, po' Jan is burnin' up.

Jan can run, she can run, tell all her friends
Jan can run, she can run, tell all her friends
That Jan got the crossroad blues this afternoon',
Lord, baby she's sinkin' down

She went with the medics, she looked pale and sick
She went to the medics, she looked pale and sick
Lord, I couldn't find my sweet woman, ooh well,
Babe, Jan is in distress.

Jan made it to mile 12 of the marathon after an excellent swim and bike. She was almost 35 minutes ahead of last year's time. Jan had over 7 and 1/2 hours to do the marathon and still beat the 17 hour cutoff time. Unfortunately, despite an excellent nutrition plan and conserving herself on the bike, the dehydration had already begun.

Jan wouldn't be the only person to succumb to the heat. One poor man fainted with just a mile to go in the marathon and never finished. The medical area had over 60 cots and they were constantly being filled with participants. Jan received 2 liters of IV fluids and a shot for nausea.

Possibly some medication she takes acts as a diuretic. That is a side effect the doctors never mentioned.

Jan is a tough, stubborn, determined woman and will be participating in Ironman Lake Placid 2009.

Packing for an Ironman

2008-08-27T20:40:00.003-04:00

Aah, there is a trick to this my friends. Let's say you are the support crew, name of Lowly, or Mrs. Lowly as the case might be. Your athlete, the King or Queen, who is participating in the race, might be under some stress, which is totally understandable.

It is up to you, Lowly, to be calm, cool and collected. Yes, an impossible task given your natural disposition, but still, it must be done for the athlete. Obviously packing your own clothes is necessary. But, use as little room as possible. More than one suitcase is not allowed! How could we ever fit the triathlon bag, wetsuit, bike, bike gear, cooler, bag of special triathlon foods, and running gear with us?

Oh, who packs all this stuff you ask? Well, Lowly, your job is make sure the vehicle is prepared. Fill the gas tank, check the oil, the tires, clean it inside and out. You are the nutrition specialist. Wash the water and electrolyte bottles, gather all the gels, Hammer bars and special nutrition supplements.

Lowly, you get to squeeze everything into the suv. Bungee cords are allowed. Borrow a bike rack, get the roof rack ready for emergency storage. Get the morning coffee ready to take on the road. Do you have the maps? What about the 3-ring Ironman binder you made with all the race information, restaurants, phone numbers, maps?

Did you bring necessary spectator supplies for race day? Remember, Lowly, you are going to have 17 hour day too. Think about breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, clothing, a portable chair, drinks, camera, video camera, cell phones. How about a book or magazine or puzzle? You can never have enough crossword puzzles. Please don't forget the cowbells, signs or other support group items. It is physically impossible to clap for all of those hours.

Good job. Now maybe you can sleep a few hours before the 9 hour drive.

Athlete Tracking

2008-08-27T09:18:00.002-04:00

As of Wednesday, August 27th, several steps are necessary to track your favorite IM Louisville athlete.
Go to the website and on the menu to the left, click on race coverage and choose 2008. A new window opens. Click "tracking" located at the top right. You can search by name, category or bib number.

Louisville Ironman Weather Part II

2008-08-27T09:14:00.002-04:00

Well, the Louisville IM site has the weather for Sunday's race posted at a high of 90 and bright sun, similar to last year's scorcher.

I'm sticking with the Weather Underground forecast, which still has a high of 86, with the temperature at 67 around 8am, and not hitting the high until 2-3pm.

Louisville IM Weather Forecast

2008-08-25T11:20:00.002-04:00

The long-range forecast for Louisville has been posted at WeatherUnderground. The low temperature is 70, high of 86, wind up to 5mph and partly cloudy.

Why Jan will Finish Louisville IM

2008-08-21T12:24:00.004-04:00

10. Faster, stronger on the bike than last year.
9. Better nutrition plan before and during the IM thanks to Hammer
8. Loss of 4-6 sizes in clothing
7. What else would a couple do to celebrate 30 years of marriage?
6. She wants a tattoo.
5. Jan loves swimming in the Ohio River (at least there are no alligators).
4. Jan is so hot in those goggles, swim cap and suit.
3. Faster transitions (no more milkshakes, fries and cheeseburgers - just kidding)
2. Mental strength - "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional"
1. Tremendous support received from family and friends.

Louisville Ironman

2008-08-18T13:04:00.004-04:00

We are going to Louisville!

I can hear it now, "JAN MCCULLOUGH, YOU...ARE...AN...IRONMAN!"

(the announcer says the finisher's name like this everytime one crosses the finish line)

Jan participated in 2/3 of the Sodus Triathlon yesterday. After practicing in Lake Ontario she opted out of the swim. Seems the two foot waves didn't agree with her. So she waited and was let in to the last two segments about 30 minutes after the swimmers began. Of course her times don't count, but it was still a good workout.

We are taking an educated guess that the Ohio River won't have two foot waves. The next eleven days are for resting, sleeping (maybe not falling asleep on the couch at 8pm every night, but staying up until 10pm?), and a few shorter workouts.

Haruki Murakami

2008-08-08T14:23:00.004-04:00

I just started reading a memoir, "What I talk about when I talk about Running" by Murakami. This is a great statement that can be used by any endurance athlete, "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Say you're running and you start to think, Man, this hurts, I can't take it anymore. The hurt part is an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand any more is up to the runner himself." page vii.
Another quote, "most ordinary runners are motivated by an individual goal, more than anything; namely, a time they want to beat. As long as he can beat that time, a runner will feel he's accomplished what he set out to do, and if he can't, then he'll feel he hasn't. Even if he doesn't break the time he'd hoped for, as long as he has the sense of satisfaction at having done his best...then that in itself is an accomplishment, a positive feeling he can carry over to the next race." page 10.

Last Long Ride

2008-08-08T14:07:00.005-04:00

What do you do when the thunder is booming and lightning flashing all around with only 22 days left until Ironman Louisville and you need a last long ride, maybe up to 100 miles?

You put your bike on an indoor trainer in the basement, pull out the Lord of the Rings trilogy on DVD, and ride.

This training method is also a good way to get caught up on washing the dirty clothes that seemed to be taking over our basement. How many clothes do two athletes use when each one is working out 10-14 times a week? Multiply this hamper by 4 and you might be close. In the spirit of being "green" we even re-use our bath towels two or three times before washing them.

Shoreline Triathlon Photos

2008-07-31T12:00:00.011-04:00

Click on photos to enlarge.

Tri-newbie,Eileen and Doug Pennington

swim start

I survived the Lake!

Which way does this shirt go?

Yes, finally running!

Enthusiastic supporters!

Who Moved My Cheese?

2008-07-28T14:29:00.005-04:00

The Triathlete Wife convinced me to compete in my first triathlon, which I did on Sunday, the Shoreline Triathlon at Hamlin Beach in NY.

It was a perfect summer day, but I was still worried about the .5 mile swim in open water. The security of the wetsuit and advice from the eventual winner, Carl Johnston, helped somewhat. Carl said to start near the back and side, count to ten after the gun sounds, then swim. This would keep me from all the flailing arms and feet and being dunked. The strategy did work and actually I thought the swim went pretty well though my time was 3 minutes slower than I expected. But it was fun passing lots of people in the water.

Transition was horrible and I no longer can make fun of Jan (triathlete wife). As Mike Weinpress stated, my getting out of the wetsuit was like watching someone wrestle a giant squid.

T1 was over 4 minutes as I rolled around in the middle of the path, not considering other athletes around me might need space. A fight then ensued with my shirt, backwards, forwards, which way is up?

The bike course was nice and flat. Seemed like I road well, averaging over 19mph and passing 20 or so people. Later that day I saw the results and realized I stink on the bike.

Coming to T2 was great, I knew exactly where everything was, or not? Someone had moved my stuff. I ran with my bike from one set of racks to another, then back before locating everything. I was not happy. Even with a large bucket labeled and unusual towel I couldn't find my spot because some ass had shoved it all down the row, so there went another minute.

The run went as I expected, a solid pace if not speedy. My legs felt better the further I ran.

Thanks to my loving family a video and more photos will be available soon.

Now I can proudly say I am mediocre in three sports! Yippee.

A Greek Tragedy: Camping at Lake Placid, Act 2

2008-07-23T08:18:00.009-04:00

Readers: please scroll down to the previous post, Act 1, to begin the play.

Scene 1: Sunday afternoon, bikers are done with their second loop, roads open to traffic, it is still pouring rain.

Queen: The coffee shop clerk told us it would rain the rest of the day and thunderstorm all night. What will we do Lowly? How will we stay dry and sleep? We have to be up at 5:30am to get to the 2009 Lake Placid IM registration.
Lowly: We could sleep in the SUV?
Queen: And just where will all our stuff go. Look at the tent, it's a mess. Give me the tablecloth.

The Queen clothespins the tablecloth to the tent. Now there is a beat up sun canopy over the tent, a checkerboard tablecloth on one side and garbage bags around the rest of the tent to try and keep it dry. The tent site is mud and puddles.

Queen: Let's see if there is a motel room, Lowly, please.
Lowly: There aren't any rooms, it's the IM, this area has been sold out for months.
Queen: We have to do something.
Lowly: Okay, get in the SUV, at least we will be dry for awhile.

Lowly and the Queen stop at the first motel, less than a mile from the campground. The Queen goes in while Lowly the servant knows this is futile.

Queen: Lowly, they have a room, Queen bed, it's ...

Before she can finish Lowly is in the office and paying for the room. Someone got hurt and went home a day early, canceling their room. Bad for them, but finally some good fortune for Lowly and the Queen.

Back at the campground, one last time.

Queen: Lowly, what should I do with the canopy and poles?
Lowly: I'll meet you at the dumpster, throw it in and let's get out of here!

Scene 2: Lowly and the Queen in a bar/restaurant next to the motel.

Waitress: Can I take your orders?
Queen and Lowly in unison: Just bring a pitcher of beer and two glasses, maybe hot burgers and some side dishes.

Queen and Lowly stagger to the nice warm room, with a clean, private shower, and television falling into deep sleep until the 5:30 alarm.

Scene 3:Lowly and Queen arrive at the Lake Placid skating oval at 6:35. People have been sleeping on the sidewalk all night. There are 3-400 people in line ahead of them.

Lowly: You triathletes are nuts. This is crazy, I can't believe people get in line like this to spend $500 and race for 140 miles. Registration doesn't open until 9am.
Queen: I want to do this race.
Lowly: Yes Queen.

At 7:30 the organizers tease Lowly and Queen,letting everyone into the oval in an orderly fashion. People who volunteered at yesterday's IM get a special line. They get to register first.

At 9:00 the lines begin to move. It goes quickly and by 9:30 everyone is out of there.

Scene 4: Queen and Lowly are back home unloading the SUV.

Queen: Where are we putting the tent so it dries out Lowly?
Lowly doesn't answer, just drags the soggy mess over to the side of the road so the garbage men can pick it up in the morning.

Queen (jumping with joy and clapping): Does this mean we aren't camping again Lowly?
Lowly: No... I don't know. Maybe. But you were right, again, that 23 year old tent should have been tossed years ago. How did we ever fit us and three kids in there?

Later that night the Queen logs on to the IM web site.

Queen: Look at this Lowly, Lake Placid IM sold out on site. If we hadn't have been there I wouldn't have gotten in. Amazing.

Lowly: Well that's just great Queen, should I look for a campground to stay at for next year?

The end.

Greek Tragedy or "Camping in Lake Placid" Act 1

2008-07-22T11:00:00.006-04:00

A play in two parts. Readers, if only it weren't all true, a sad woeful tale of a vacation gone awry. Main Characters, Queen Triathlete Wife and Lowly, the loyal servant.

Act One, Scene 1, before leaving Spencerport:

Queen: Don't you think we should waterproof the tent, after all it hasn't been used in years.
Lowly: Nah, it'll be fine, it has a rain fly and the weather forecast calls for only a 30% chance of rain.
Queen: I better not get wet. That's all I ask from you making me camp again, a dry tent to sleep in!
Lowly: Not a problem, I guarantee we will be okay.

Scene 2: At the campground in Wilmington Notch, 8 miles from Lake Placid

Queen: I can't believe we got lost, we've been coming here for years.
Lowly: I know, I thought the shortcut would help us avoid downtown, I didn't know we would miss our turn to Wilmington and take another hour.
Queen: Well, let's get the tent set up.
Lowly: Okay, but where's the electric at our site, it must be here somewhere.
Queen: Lowly, there is no electric!
Lowly: There has to be. There are rv's here, don't they need electric?
Queen: Evidently not, Lowly.
Lowly: Oh gawd. All of our meals were planned using electric. I brought an electric coffee pot, electric lamp, a griddle for cooking with electric!
Queen: Let's ask the Park Ranger.
Ranger: Are you stupid or something boy? No DEC campground in the Adirondacks has electric.
Lowly: Stupid is as stupid does.
Ranger: Well, there you go.

Queen: (ever optimistic) We can eat sandwiches for dinner, it'll be okay. Let's see, I'll have the ham, you have the pastrami, now where is the mustard?
Lowly: I forgot the mustard.
Queen: You have got to be kidding. Well, how about butter?
Lowly: Yeah, we have butter. Yum, pastrami on whole wheat with butter. This is good carb loading for our bike ride of the Ironman course tomorrow.
Queen: Break out the wine, now!

(later that night)
Queen: Umm, Lowly, I hear rain.
Lowly: It's got to be the wind, it's not supposed to rain.
Queen: Well, the tent is getting wet. Quick, let's get out there and put the sun canopy over the tent... Lowly, why are the holes in the canopy?
Lowly: Hey, I patched those holes with duct tape, it'll be fine.
Queen: My sleeping bag better not get wet Lowly!
Lowly: Don't worry my Queen, we will be fine.

Scene 3: Saturday morning, pre-bike ride, 70 degrees.

Queen: Keep the tent flap open, string up the bags so the tent dries out Lowly.
Lowly: Okay, okay, so it rained a bit, we are fine.
Queen: What's for breakfast?
Lowly: We were going to have eggs, bacon, homefries. But no electric and no time to start a fire. We need to get riding!
Queen: I'm not riding for hours without eating, I'm hungry.
Lowly: Okay, here, we have juice, Hammer Bars, dry cereal, bananas, this is great!
Queen: My banana is rotten. Where's my coffee?

Scene 4: On the bike. Lowly forgot his Garmin and his bike computer doesn't work. He can't tell distance, speed or cadence.

Lowly: (to himself) Oh, isn't that cute, someone put a sign on the road saying, "Cherry Patch". Hey, we are going up a hill. Hey, look at that, a sign "baby bear", a bigger hill. Oh no, "mama bear", a bigger hill. Gdammit. Here it comes, "papa bear". They are killing me here and we are only 7 miles from the campground!
Lowly: Are all of these bikers in the race? How can they be riding miles the day before an Ironman? They can't be in the race.
Queen: I guess they are in shape.
Lowly: I'm in shape dammit!
Queen: I guess not IM shape.
Lowly: But they are miles away from Lake Placid. This doesn't make sense.
Queen: Maybe they are just riding the course for fun, like us.
Lowly: (in his lowest granny gear, climbing up some mountain heading to Keene)This is fun? How can they fly by me like that. Ugh.
Queen: Look, a downhill sign, are you ready?

Queen and Lowly fly downhill for over 7 miles. It is treacherous reaching speeds Lowly never thought possible. His brakes are smoking from overuse.

Lowly: We have to stop, my hands are tired from braking. Did you see that woman go past me? She must have been doing 45mph or more! That is crazy.

Queen and Lowly continue from Keene to Jay. A fairly flat section that was actually fun and beautiful to ride, a smile almost appeared on Lowly's face.

Queen: Okay, Lowly, we have a three mile climb to Wilmington, just turn left.

Two bikers pass Lowly. Two more, then more, and more.

Lowly: I made it! Wilmington, wow, Queenie, look behind us at the climb we just did! Now we are only 7 miles from our campground.
Queen: First we have to take a right turn and go out for 7 miles, then back.
Lowly: Hah, hah. Funny Queen.
Queen: Let's go.

Queen and Lowly head out on the 14 mile loop. It begins to rain. Then stops, then rains and stops, then rains and stops. Finally they are back in Wilmington.

Lowly: Hey Queen, that wasn't too bad a section, except for the rain and wind.
Queen: I need a bathroom.
Lowly: Well, it's the day before the IM, surely there are port-a-pots all over Wilmington?
Queen: They are locked Lowly, what will I do now?
Lowly: Hey, a tourist information center, let's stop.
Queen: There better be a bathroom.

Later, Queen and Lowly head up route 86 to the campground.

Lowly: (as Queen passes him) Why aren't I going anywhere? I'm pedaling like hell, it doesn't look uphill, but I'm hardly moving!
Queen: I know, it doesn't make sense. Look up there, the campground sign.
Lowly: Uh, Queenie, it's not.
Queen: Oh my god. where is it? This is all uphill! I'm going to cry.

Back at camp.
Lowly: I'm sorry Queen, I can't do another loop. You go, I'll follow in the SUV.
Queen: It's okay, I'm done for today too.

After a fine dinner of hot dogs, potatoes and carrots cooked over a roaring fire that the Queen started, with a bottle of wine, of course, the duo climb into the tent for the night.

(Lowly wakes up, checks his watch, it's 6am and raining) At 7:30am the Queen wakes up. It's pouring.

Queen: I'm getting wet.
Lowly: I know, this stinks. I can't take it. Let's eat the bagels we bought yesterday.
Queen: I want coffee.
Lowly: I can't start a fire, the wood is all wet. We can't drive to town, the roads are closed. Hey, let's run to town!
Queen: So, I have to run 4 miles downhill to get coffee and then back uphill 4 miles? In the rain?
Lowly: It'll be really good coffee.

Lowly and the Queen watch and cheer for the bikers. These athletes are riding 112 miles in a torrential downpour. The rain continues throughout the day, over 3 inches fell in Lake Placid on Sunday.

The campground is a mudpit.

End of Act 1.

Lake Placid

2008-07-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

The TW and I are heading to Lake Placid this weekend. The IM is on Sunday and we will be watching the race. Saturday we hope to bike the course. Monday the plan is to line up early so Jan can register for next year's LP Ironman.
We are camping near Wilmington, something we haven't tried in quite a few years. Should be a fun time for all.
As punishment for making the TW camp this weekend, she is forcing me to be at Braddock Bay at 6am Friday so we can swim in Lake Ontario. I can't wait.

Musselman Results

2008-07-16T12:42:00.002-04:00

The TW's DoubleMusselman time was 8:27:29. Fifty-two people began the two triathlons and thirty-four finished. Jan was 31st. Only two of the 5 women in her age group finished both races. Jan was 10th out of 30+ women in her age group for the sprint tri on Saturday, but had a tough time Sunday.

Seneca Lake was wavy on Sunday for the 1/2 Ironman and everyone's swim times were slower than normal. The 56 mile bike ride ended with an hour or more of rain pouring down, some thunder and lightning. Despite this Jan and many other athletes took off for their 13.1 mile run. The rain did not let up. A tough race became more grueling due to the weather conditions.

Eileen Weinpress completed her first 1/2 Ironman. Lou Katz completed the Aquabike (1.2 mile swim, 56mile bike) and didn't run due to a hamstring tear. Patty Pirnie completed the DoubleMussel, finishing in 7th place overall! Her husband Alex completed the swim and run, did not bike due to lack of training.

Musselman 1/2 IM Photos

2008-07-15T10:10:00.010-04:00

Jan and Eileen Weinpress, pre-Musselman 1/2 IM, July 2008. One smile, one wondering what the heck am I doing here? Click on the photos to make them full size.

Jan completing the tough, wavy, 1.2 mile swim in Seneca Lake.

Looks like Mike is paying Eileen for completing the swim.

Lou Katz heads off for the 56 mile bike tour of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.

Jan prepping for the bike ride.

Jan getting ready to run 13.1 miles.

Lou Katz: Marine Biologist?

2008-07-14T10:58:00.004-04:00

As Lou, Joanne, Mike, Jan, Eileen and I sat down over some cold beers, Lou told us the story of his Musselman 1.2mile swim adventure;

Lou: "The lake was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to return soup at a deli! I got about fifty-feet out and then suddenly the great legendary Seneca Lake sea monster appeared before me. I tell ya he was ten stories high if he was a foot. As if sensing my presence he gave out a big bellow. I said, "Easy big fella!" And then as I watched him struggling I realized he needed help getting back out to deeper water, the waves were just too rough for him. From where I was swimming I could see directly into the eye of the great fish!

Mike W: Mammal.

Lou: Whatever.

Eileen: Well, what did you do next?

Lou: Then from out of nowhere a huge wave lifted me, tossed me like a cork and I found myself grabbing his dorsal fin. I could barely see from all of the waves crashing down on top of me but I knew something was there so I reached my hand out and began swimming through the crowd of triathletes.

Jan: That's why your time was slow, Lou?

Lou: Yes. I just had to save the sea monster from crashing on the shore.

Joanne: But why did the lifeboat bring you back to shore?

Lou: After swimming with the fish...

Mike W: Mammal

Lou: Whatever. I was really far off course. Really far. Zigzagging with the sea monster through the triathletes wasn't easy. The boat brought me back to the last buoy.

Mike W: Great story Lou. Let's eat. Fish fry's for everyone!