Fat Slow Triathlete

Crystal River Racing

2013-05-23T09:56:00.001-04:00

When we started this process all we had our sights on as far as races were concerned were sprint distances, with the culmination being the Olympic Distance of St, Anthony's. After three years this has turned into Half Iron distances of 70.3 miles with the eventual goal of a full 140.6, hopefully in the next couple of years. One thing has remained constant, however, from year 1; the sprint races in Crystal River.

Why, you may ask?

Because, at the core of it, they are fun races.

Crystal River Triathlons are a series of three races run by DRC Sports scheduled around the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, with an extra one called Crystal River Twilight near the end of July that is started at 6:30 PM. They are held on Saturdays, which is great because you don't have to go to work the next day (normally), they are inexpensive (especially if you buy all three in the series at once near the beginning of the year. They averaged out to be around $35 a race.), and they have a fun, relaxed, party atmosphere. The number of racers are limited to around 300 or so, which gives an excellent chance to place (Jennifer placed in one race last season) in the many divisions they have, and the awards go 5 deep.

I am not saying they are not challenging. We have had easy races here and we have had harder races (this is subjective of course) but what once were target races have now become part of our summer training routine, and I see no reason to alter this in the future.

For one thing, the race is short and fast. This is a good thing for beginners as it doesn't present obstacles that

The normally calm waters after Debbie hit last season

are too great to overcome. The swim is 400 meters in a clockwise direction, in brackish water that is usually around 83 degrees. Since it is a mixture of salt water and spring water, it sometimes can give an odd smell, but normally it is clear and calm (except for the race after Tropical Storm Debbie which churned it up pretty good). The current can be a challenge at times, but normally not anything that can't be over come. The bike is 15 miles (7.5 out and back) out and back along a flat smooth road. The drawback here is because it's the only road in and out of Fort Island Beach it is an open course and we all know what asses some motorists can be. The good thing about that is you can get behind a car or truck and draft the hell out of the ride. The run is 1.5 miles out and back, for a total of 3 along the same route as the bike. It can be a HOT race, especially into the middle summer months, and the Twilight race, although fun at night, can provide much needed blood supply for the mosquito population (bring bug spray, especially for the run portion).

We use these races as "training" races. Mostly to get our transition speed down and learning how to push hard for an entire race. I still race in the Clydesdale Group, and this year there are 13 of us in that division, and only two in my age group, which means I have to beat 8 people to place 5th. I have never placed higher than second to last. I have my goals this year of being through the swim and bike in under 1 hour (10:00 swim and 50:00 bike), giving me a lot of time for the run. With correct conditions I think this is doable, but we will see. I angered the Tri God last season by taking Crystal River for granted as an "easy race" and got progressively worse with each race, including the miserable performance in CR2 after Tropical Storm Debbie churned up the normally clear swim route and provided choppy water. I won't make that mistake again.

So if you are a newbie, or just someone wanting to have some fun, I highly recommend this race. I have known elite level triathletes, like Kelly Ann and Jim Jenkins run these races and still managed to have fun, so come on out.

Tell the the Fat Slow Triathlete sent ya!!

The Fat Slow Triathlete Network

2013-05-22T10:31:00.002-04:00

Sounds fancy doesn't it?

When I started this blog my purpose was to have a forum where I could state my ideas and feelings as I moved from overweight to triathlete. It has since morphed into not only a journal of my progress, but also a way for me to vent frustrations, and to share thoughts about methods of training and nutrition. Along the way I have managed to connect to people I never would have had the opportunity, and good fortune, to have met, hopefully inspire a few more to get off the couch and get moving, and regretfully, have ticked off more than a few with my innate ability to go to my mental bulimia and say things that I feel with little regard to editing before I got post. If you happen to be one of those in the latter group, I have probably contacted you directly at some point to either explain my position or to apologize, or both. for the two initial groups, it amazes me when I get a message, or tweet, stating that I have inspired them. I have never seen myself as an "inspiration", but since starting this journey the knowledge I have gained, and continue to gain, from coaches (like Teresa Kurfiss, Kristie Concepcion, Lyle Jacon, and Pete Amedure), and podcasts (like Jon Smith's Fit Fat Fast and Vinnie Tortorich's World's Angriest Trainer), I have the need to share my new found knowledge with others. This is not always met with the reaction I was expecting (people love and will fight for their sugar and Diet Coke) but along the way I am getting better at just putting the information out there and if they want it, then it's there, but if they don't I just let it go. As the saying goes ... "you can't cure stupid".

And no, I'm not calling you stupid, so refrain from the hate mail please.

The effort that I have started, and that others have joined me on (notably Jennifer Cultrera) is now morphing to a larger effort. I am not a coach. I don't have the physical ability to present myself as such, and as some know I suck at training others ... I have no patience ... but what I can be, and what I see myself as, is a conduit to the people who ARE coaches and DO have this ability.

Kind of like a "1-800-Ask-Gary" for the Triathlon crowd, if you will.

This is turning into a network of sorts. I have been writing the blog for almost 3 years now. That turned into the Facebook page, and now has become a Newsletter (if you'd like to receive it, please opt in to the right of this post). The newsletter came about because I see and hear things throughout the day that really have no potential for a complete blog post, so it's a way of getting quick information out when I see it or hear it. In the past I have tried to "expand" little bits of information into posts, and that in turn has resulted in some that seem to jump from point to point (as was kindly pointed out to me recently).

So that's what we have now. The Blog, The Newsletter, The Twitter Feed, The Facebook Page.

So ... what's next?

We are looking to expand into clothing and other gear. I have no earthly idea how to do this, so if anyone reading this has that background PLEASE contact me or Jennifer. In an earlier post I related that one of the more irritating aspects of being a Fat Slow Triathlete is the clothing not fitting. Most cycle gear and tri gear are cut small, so Tri Tops usually end up being belly shirts by the time you come out of the water. Not anything someone should be subjected to seeing. I also know this is an issue for tall women, like Megan, who are in shape but have the basketball player build. Another issue is the color of the gear. Who is the braniac behind making tri gear, gear that will get WET, in the color white? I am not shy about my "parts" but I am sure everyone is not interested in seeing what I have to offer as I exit the water. So FST gear will NOT be white!

So I put it out there, loyal readers. Is this an idea that seems like something tangible? What other areas do you think we should look at? Maybe a coaching referral service?

Disclaimer: I am NOT looking to make money on this, so put ROI out of your head. :-)

Setting my Sights on Augusta (and a Short Rant about TNT)

2013-05-20T12:32:00.001-04:00

As of today we have 19 weeks until Augusta. Official training for the race starts next week, at 18, but training has not ceased at all since December. I know that KC will ramp up the distances, and times, and the number of duals and bricks, between May 27 and September 26, but it’s good to get this underway with a decent amount of base training completed. We have started riding the hills in San Antonio, Florida every other weekend, so this will help. I know now that I should have spent way more time doing this last year before the race.

We are doing this race as part of Team in Training once again, but here’s the thing … the training they provide isn’t that great when it comes to race specific training. Case in point was the recent email sent from the leaders of the team. This race is hill dependent. They need to be in the hills as much as possible, and by hills I mean the closest thing we can provide in Florida. In this area it’s either San Antonio or Clermont. Riding the “hills” on the Suncoast Trail will not prepare the team for this race. I know I am not a “coach” nor anywhere near an “expert”, but I have done the race and I know what is waiting for us. Since Jennifer is in Ocala we rarely train with the team anyway, so it is not going to affect us that much, because we are doing our own training, but those on the team that are new or almost new need to know what is coming and be prepared so that they don’t have the issue I had last season. When the email came out I immediately responded that Jennifer and I were going to ride the hills with a couple of teams (Wesley Chapel and A-Train) and that they were more than welcome to join us. None did. I guess that is all I can do at this point.

The other thing in the email that made me cringe was the “tips” given, specifically #2.

A 2% Chocolate Milk or Special K Protein Drink makes a good protein replenish within 30 min of your hour plus efforts. Choose some form of getting 25 grams of protein after hard workouts. Your body immediately uses it for muscle repair which speeds recovery and pays forward makes your next workout more productive.

See what I have to deal with?? (Vinnie … PLEASE help me!!)

It’s misinformation like this that allows for people to refer to us as “Team in Trouble”. If you are reading this and part of TNT … PLEASE do NOT buy into this rubbish. These items, especially the 2% chocolate milk, are laden with sugar and it will UNDO the training you have completed. SUGAR is NOT your friend and will NOT help you recover! Forget the pictures of Hines Ward and Mirinda Carfae chugging this stuff. I can almost guarantee you they do not drink it either. As a rule, stay away from anything labeled as non-fat or low-fat. In fact, just go by this rule as much as possible: if you have to read a label to determine what is in the item you are about to eat, then it’s probably wiser to not eat it at all.

Makes me want to pull my hair out! It’s like the smoker who has all the research in front of them that it’s bad for you and will kill you, but decides, you know, I am somehow different and will not have this happen to me.

This goes back to my last post a bit. I have to learn to give people the information and then let it go. It’s hard for me to see people doing something that hurts them and not open my mouth. I will not embarrass them in front of people, so if we were standing in a group and this was given out as information I am not the one to call them out in front of others. I will, however, respond to an email, or to a Facebook message, rather quickly. The problem with THAT is I am usually standing alone. Even when others agree with me they say nothing, so I come out as a “lone wolf” type, screaming into the wind.

I am not changing though, so I guess they will have to learn to deal with me or (horrors of all horrors) unfriend me. Not sure how I would go on if that happened.

The Born Again Athlete Syndrome

2013-05-17T15:15:00.001-04:00

I had stated in an earlier post that I have been compared in recent months to a “born again Christian”, or a newly non-smoker. You know these types. They have discovered something new so anything they see contrary to their new belief system becomes their nemesis and their responsibility to eradicate it.

I know this about myself. But there is something that should be known also. I don’t do it to “be a dick” or an ass. It’s like what you parents used to tell you when they spanked you (back when a parent could actually discipline a child without fear of being arrested), that it was because they cared about you and loved you. When I see people I care about going down the same path I did I want to stop them, and have been doing so vocally.

I think I just have to stop.

I recently read a saying that I have to start taking as a mantra.

You can stand in the sunshine, and be a good role model, but you cannot make a person change.

I want to share a letter that I sent earlier to Vinnie Tortorich concerning his podcast today (edited somewhat):

When you were going over the triathlon/triathlete issue I am glad to hear you state that you were not looking down those of us that are still working on our weight and running these races. You were spot on when you stated how frustrated we get with the fact that we can train our asses off six days a week and not lose a damn pound. I had thyroid cancer so it's making this journey longer than it needs to be, but since starting the NSNG lifestyle I am starting to see weight loss again.

Finally.

On the shoe issue, I am not sure if you read my blog or not but I made the mistake you were talking about. I had been using Brooks and Asics 12mm drops and got ragged on a bit by Danny Dreyer during his Chi Running clinic for wearing bricks. Going against my best knowledge I signed up to review for the Blog a lair of Saucony Zero drops, and being the highly intelligent person that I am, did it a week before a 70.3 race in Ocala that was partly on trails. Of course I strained my Achilles where it connects at the heel. I did the race anyway, my intelligence showing again, and ended up walking the entire run portion of 13.1 miles. I have since healed (pun intended) and went to a pair of Asics with a 10mm drop, so it sounds like I am doing as you recommended. Still being large, 237 pounds down from over 300, I need some cushion.

Thanks once more for the podcast. I have sent many people over to you. Some stick with it (Jennifer, Cheena/Cindy) and some don't, but we can only stand in the sunshine and provide a good example. We can't make people change.

I share this for a few reasons. The first being that I highly recommend this podcast. The banter between the hosts and guests are great. If you’re not averse to language, this is definitely a great place to get a good overview of eating the No Sugar No Grain lifestyle. Another podcast I would highly recommend is the Fit Fat Fast one with Jon Smith. Jon is highly educated and knowledgeable in this area, especially in metabolic syndrome issues. He is a great resource mostly because he’s been where I am, so he knows the trials and tribulations associated.

The second being that even with the best of us, although we train 6 days a week, have issues and make dumb mistakes. For all I know in 6 months we will find out that everythign I have leanred in the previous 6 is wrong and that we should all be eating tree bark and drinking urine. If that happens, then I will alter my training accordingly.

So, loyal reader, is it a bad thing to be vocal in newly found knowledge, or is it better to let people remain ignorant to the dangers associated with the things they eat? Maybe a compromise, like pointing it out, then leaving it up to them is the way to go?

Let me know!

The Lazy Triathlon Series

2013-05-13T09:01:00.003-04:00

Recently there has been much to do about the change in the swim rules by the WTC in Ironman races. It has been interesting to read the comments on Facebook, on blogs, and listen to them on podcasts, especially today on Vinnie Tortorich’s. Everyone has their own take on it, but it seems to be divided along the lines of experienced endurance athletes and novices/beginners. I don’t need to explain which side each of them fall on I am sure. My initial reaction was actually on the side of the endurance athlete, even though I am a novice (and probably always will be). I’ve had a few days to let this sink in so I will join in the fray and give my two cents. I am sure you were waiting for this.

Since I touched on it in my last post I will attempt to rectify my writing in this one, since I received a couple of comments that the previous entry was “disjointed and hard to follow”.

Let me start by commenting on a few things stated by Vinnie in his podcast. Far be it from me to correct him, but there were a couple of things he said that probably need clarification. Number one, the swim is 2.4 miles, not 2.2 (never cheat a triathlete out of mileage Vinnie!!). The second thing was he stated that the new “rest rafts” were being placed on the course for swimmers to hang onto. Triathlon rules have ALWAYS allowed a swimmer to hang on to a non moving object, for example a marker buoy or a kayak. That rule has not changed. These rafts they are now placing will allow the swimmer to actually get out of the water. This is where I have a problem with this change. As most of you know, and as most triathletes experience at some point, the swim is the most anxiety provoking event, so I have no problem with being able to grab a buoy or kayak for a few minutes to get your head together. This has NO bearing, for the most part, on your ability as a swimmer. This is a head thing. But, that being said, getting OUT of the water to rest should not be allowed.

Even though I disagree with this specific change, I also see it this way. Triathlon’s have a time cut-off. For the swim (correct me if I am wrong) it is 2 hours and 20 minutes in a full 140.6 race. If you can make that cut off even with resting, than you are meeting the requirements of the race. You getting out of the water is not going to affect my race at all. You won’t be placing. You won’t be medaling and standing on the podium if you’re stopping, so why should it matter to the elite level triathlete? Does it somehow “cheapen” the whole race? Maybe. I don’t know. I guess the same can be said of a marathon finisher that walks more than runs but still finishes the race. Does it matter that they did not RUN the whole thing? When I started triathlons a couple of years ago I felt that I could not call myself a triathlete because I was not running the entire way. I did feel like I was cheapening the race for others to put myself in that same classification (much in the same way I have a hard time labeling myself a “cancer survivor” because I never had chemotherapy, just radiation). What I am finding interesting is that some of the people that were adamant about the fact that I WAS a triathlete just because I finished are the same people railing about this change cheapening the sport.

Go figure.

So maybe there needs to be separate races. A pro/elite race on one day (and I say to make it so they REALLY deserve the title they should run it with NO support except for what they can carry). An Age Group race, where they have aide stations, and (shudder) rest rafts. And then, a Lazy Triathlon. The Lazy Triathlon would consist of this:

The Swim

You would enlist the help of an elite or pro level triathlete. You would attach a harness to their torso which then connects to an inner tube, where you would sit and be pulled though the course. If you do not dip your hands in the water at least once every fifth stroke of the pro you would be disqualified.

Of course, it doesn’t need to be said that wetsuits are required.

The Bike

One word … rickshaws. You and your assigned pro would exit the water where you would attach the harness to a two wheel rickshaw. The pro would then ride their bike, pulling you through the course. Helmets are mandatory to the rickshaw, but not for the pro, since they are tough enough to handle any potential falls.

The Run

This is where you would lose the pro and actually be on your own. Each athlete would be assigned a segway (these will be provided because we would not want to inconvenience the athlete by putting an undue financial burden on them) and they would complete the course, making sure to stop at the aid stations to both stay hydrated and to recharge.

The sad thing is, all that is obviously tongue in cheek, but there are already “triathlon’s” in this area of Florida where you can use inner tubes. No lie.

(Post note: There is a website called Lazy Triathlon (www.lazytriathlon.com) which deals with doing the distances but spaced out of more than one day. This was not intended to "steal" the idea.)

Sensitive Guy

2013-05-10T13:39:00.001-04:00

Once again, before I post this entry, I have to admit to an admittedly “unmanly” aspect to my psyche.

I am a very sensitive guy.

Now, in this instance, sensitive does not mean I drink red wine daily, get manicures, cry at movies, and own the blue ray version of “The Notebook”. The answer to each of these would be No, Never, Rarely (“Parenthood”, “Big Fish”, and “She’s Having a Baby” get me every time), and Please Stick Me In The Eye With a Fork First.

No, in my case it means I wear my emotions on my sleeve. If you know me personally you know this to be true. I say what I think (a trait that seems to be getting worse the older I get), even if it hurts someone’s feelings (more often than not unintentionally ... but I admit to doing it on purpose at times), if I don’t like you, then you will know it, without question. I have a low tolerance for what I perceive to be dismissive or disrespectful. Maybe this is my Italian background? Probably not, but I do think it is due to how I grew up, being dismissed and disrespected, to the point that at my age I have decided to not put up with it anymore.

This obviously goes over very well at work.

I did grow up hearing my grandfather say that hard work is its own reward. He said that if you worked hard you will get noticed and you will advance. This has hardly been my experience. I served in the Navy for ten long years, advanced very quickly, and made E7 before exiting. I started college at the age of 27 and earned a BA, a Masters in Public Administration, and eventually an MBA. An example of what this work got me was evident in my first week at my present job. A peer had received an email from someone in another department and printed it out for us all to read. It was horrendous in grammar and spelling. It read like a third grader had written it. She then showed us the sender. After her name, in bold type, were the initials MBA.

Great.

Now, some know that all MBA’s are not the same, especially with the diploma mills like Keiser and Phoenix out here now, so I have seen numerous people carrying that credential who shouldn’t be, but there are more than that of us who worked our asses off for our educations, so when my direct supervisor made the comment “well that’s what happens when you get an MBA. You turn stupid.” It gave me immediate pause. This person, who I have to take direction from, has no respect for my experience or education.

Great start to a new job.

“But John,” you ask. “How does This relate to Triathlon??”

Let me tell you (remembering the aforementioned fact that I am a sensitive guy).

I work my ass off training for these races. I know I still am not the best, and that I have a lot of work still to even become a top 10 in my age group, but for someone to post on Facebook, and in their blogs, that I somehow do not have the right to be racing if I have trouble in the swim, or on the bike, or on the run, is disrespectful and dismissive in my mind. It’s that elitist attitude that some athletes carry around with them that makes them want to have these races to themselves. These are the same people who buzz by you on the bike without saying on your left because they feel like, since they are “better” than you, then you have no right to be “in their way”. You know who they are. Those local to me have seen these assclowns doing loops at 28mph around Flatwoods. Are these athletes less dangerous than the weekend warrior plugged into music and oblivious to anything around them? I say they are the same.

I am not saying that I don’t understand their frustrations. Even in my current state I have become annoyed at the swimmer in front of me flailing around, or doing a breast stroke, preventing me from passing. It takes every ounce of self control to not correct a swimmer in the pool doing “laps” making as much noise as they can, goggle-less, and head out of the water, barging worse than the Exxon-Valdez. During the Disney Half this year I got frustrated with the slower runners/walkers in front of me (and they had to be slow to be frustrating me) when we were being funneled, so I get where these “elites” are coming from. A lot of this stemmed from the recent announcement that an Ironman race is installing “rest rafts” on the swim course. I totally disagree with this, so let me be clear on that. If I were doing full Ironman races I would be ranting against this too. There are kayaks, buoys, etc. on the course in case you have an issue, so I do not see the need for these on the course. The only reason for this, as far I can see, is the ability for more advertising. Right up there with Carfrae pushing low-fat chocolate milk or Biscotti Cookie Butter in swag bags. Money talks. But to make a statement that if we have anxiety or nervousness about a race prior means we are not ready is not correct. I work my ass off 6 days a week swimming, biking, and running. I am Fat, I am Slow, but I toe that line at every race and have finished every damn one of them, mostly in last place, but I am betting most of these elites can’t say the same thing.

I am sure I will get feedback on this post. Bring it!

Swim Calm … Bike Hard … Run Steady

Product Review: Road ID High Visibility Items

2013-05-09T14:13:00.002-04:00

One of the fears we all share as athletes, both elite level and beginners, is training on roads or areas shared by other vehicles. Most of these people we “share” the road with have little respect for us tooling along at 15mph, especially when the road is such that they cannot get around us, because, as you know, what they have to do or get to greatly outweighs us.

Most of us abide by the rules of the road. Yes, I am embarrassed to admit, we cyclists have our share of idiots. There are those of us that buzz by us without calling “on your left”, wheel suckers who get behind you and don’t alert you to their presence, and cyclists who play music while riding so they have no idea about what is around them, groups that ride two or three abreast and take up the entire lane. As a triathlete, seeing these types while driving annoys me, so I can imagine how it reacts on those who don’t understand what compels us to be out there in the first place.

But the majority of us follow the rules. This of course doesn’t matter much to some drivers. They will ride your tail for blocks, and then when they do pass you they get as close as they can to you while doing it (for some reason the majority of these are driving trucks with gun racks in the window, but that’s another subject). So how do we follow the rules and still try to account for these buffoons?

For those of us doing this a few years we are all aware of the company called Road ID. We all wear the bracelets, the dog tags … we see them at every race. In fact, I would venture to say that over 90% of triathletes have one on them at every race. It’s almost part of the uniform now. If you do not wear one, I would highly suggest going to their site and getting one. It can be a lifesaver.

But Road ID is much more than a provider of identification bracelets. One of their side products are High Visibility items. They provided me with a couple of item to test out and report on, and I have been using them for about a month now. The first is called the Super Nova, essentially a safety light. The beam can be adjusted from steady to blinking, and I found that I could spot it a good half mile away easily, meaning its visibility is much further. I have used it on my bike, as a rear flasher, when traversing the dangerous hills of San Antonio, Florida. What is even nicer though is that you can also strap it on your ankle or wrist while running giving you much more visibility on the road.

The other item provided were reflector wrist bands. Much like others of its type, it is made to wear on the road to give the runner, or cyclist, a higher profile for cars as they approach you. I have used a few other brands of these and they always became uncomfortable to wear after more than 4 miles. These, however, I forgot I even had on, which moves them to the top of the list. As a bonus, they are CHEAP ... running at $9.99 for a pair.

Road ID is a company that has invested itself into the active community, and the high level of their products, and the professionalism of their support, deserves a “look see” if nothing else. Check out these products, and while you’re there check out their other products, including their race gear (my first tri top was a Road ID top and I still have it over 2 years later!). You will not be disappointed!

Pumping The Brakes: Working Toward Ironman Augusta

2013-05-07T12:41:00.002-04:00

Day 1

The reason it is important to find a good coach or mentor while working through your progress in Triathlon’s was evident Sunday during our meeting with our coach Kristie Concepcion (“KC” for all of the loyal readers out there). When you hire a coach, or find someone to help you navigate the maze of information out there as a newbie, what you want, or better stated, what I wanted, was someone who could give me a guideline to follow, help hold me accountable, but most importantly, someone who would listen to me and not force me into things I was not ready for mentally or physically. KC has met this need numerous times. She has pushed me when I needed pushing, never gotten “angry” (as she says, she never gets angry, only disappointed, which is much worse), allows me to make the mistakes on my own as a lesson, and then carefully points out where I made the mistake and how to fix it. She has been our biggest cheerleader at times, and when we need to be pushed she understands how I need it to be done. At times she seems to be in my head. She will bring up an issue at our meetings and it is usually something that had been rolling around in my bean for a few weeks. This Sunday was no different.

Our initial goal when starting two years ago was that during my 50^th year I would compete in an Ironman 140.6. 2013 is my 50^th year and I know I am nowhere near ready to attempt this task. A point of pride to me is that I have never DNF’ed a race. I have not started one due to illness, but even when confronted with a breaking bike, downpours, panicked swim starts, and 70.3 times in the 9 hour range, I have crossed the finish line in every one where I toed the start line. In trying to meet this lofty goal I have skipped steps. I have jumped from barely able to swim, to sprints, to Half Ironman races in the course of a year and a half, without taking the time to “master” the shorter distances.

For example, and this is a bit embarrassing, I have never RUN a full 5k. By that I mean I have not been able to run the entire distance. I have completed many. I have completed half and full marathons, but until I can complete one running the whole distance, do I really need to be signing up for full Ironman distances?

Probably not …

So it’s time to pump the brakes.

I have 4 ½ months until my ‘A’ Race, Esi Ironman 70.3. This is now my marching orders for the summer. I am going to go back to square 1 and start running 5k’s during the week. My swim and bike are under control now, so I can get through some basic workouts during the week and do longer sessions on the weekend, so my focus for the next few months will be the run.

Run Run Run

So I am sure I will writing a lot about my frustrations, my injuries, my aches and pains, but hopefully by the end I will be able to say that my run is no longer a weak spot.

Until then ...

Swim Calm … Bike Strong … Run Steady

Taming My Monkey Mind

2013-05-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

Not to sound sexist, but as men we are raised to not admit nor bow down to any weaknesses, be it physical, but even more so, mental. This post will address the latter, at the risk of sounding weak minded to those of you who see me as a God Amongst Men. You know who you are :-)

In the Chinese vernacular, a Monkey Mind is one that jumps from thought to thought like a monkey jumps from tree to tree. It's almost impossible to focus on one thought, which in turn invokes anxiety, and panic, if you cannot learn to control it. The Monkey Mind distracts us from the present. We all, as triathletes, runners, cyclists, etc., feel this often. Try to remember what goes through your mind when you are running.

"Did I leave the oven on?"

"Man I have to get that report done tomorrow morning!"

"Squirrel!!"

It's almost impossible to not let your mind wander while running. But running, in its essence, should be a way to free your mind of life's troubles and just ... run. If your mind is cluttered with this day to day minutia you cannot enjoy the present, the now, of what you are doing.

There are supposedly ways to fix this, though every way I have tried has proven to be unsuccessful. It's probably why I have yet to experience the "runner's high" I hear so much about. Running still hurts for me. Granted, it is better than it was, but running as a heavy guy can be jarring and painful.

I have fought anxiety issues for years. I was on medication for a short while in my 30's, but it actually made me feel worse, so I stopped taking them and have been "self medicating" ever since. It comes out of the blue more often than not, and usually at times where nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. I get my normal nervousness pre-race, but this is different.

And it is not fear. There is a difference between fear and anxiety. Fear, according to Freud, is a primitive alarm in response to a present danger. The key word there is "present". Anxiety, on the other hand, is a state of nervous vigilance that is targeted as something in the future. Fear and Anxiety are both linked, in that it provokes the same basic response physically or mentally, but it's target is where the difference shows up. Fear, though, is something easily handled, even beyond the flight or fight response. Fear about something is usually something you can see, or you know is there. Anxiety can be present without even knowing what the hell is causing the feeling. Anxiety affects you in every way; physically, emotionally, cognitively.

Anxiety is also something hard to describe to someone who has no issue with it. You will hear people say "I am really anxious over this job interview" but it's really not the case. They may be nervous about it, or excited about it, but if they were truly feeling anxiety over it, it could cause them to stay in bed and miss the interview altogether. Not by choice, but by the physical inability to get out of bed.

Luckily I have not had an episode like that in over 12 years. It's not a feeling I ever want to experience again.

I also love it when I say to someone close to me "I am feeling off" (which is my code for anxiety) and get the inevitable response of "Why??". If I knew why I would be able to deal with it correct?

I have learned to deal with it, for the most part, over the years, either by plugging into music, or running, or just a hot shower. It has actually lessened since losing much of my weight, probably because much of me anxiety was over the fact that I always felt like I was fighting for air.

As I said in the beginning, it's not normally a thing a man admits to feeling, but if you know anything about me by now you know I am forthright about most things and say what I feel. So, if in the future, you are training with me, or racing with me, or talking with me, and you notice that I am drifting or wandering, and I tell you I am feeling "off" (some of you may have heard me say this already), you now know what I am talking about.

Go easy on me ;-)

Swim Calm

Ride Strong

Run Steady

The Nutritional Side: Racing in NSNG

2013-05-02T12:05:00.002-04:00

I broke this St. Anthony Race Report into two different posts because I felt nutrition, and how I handle it now, was best served separately instead of buried in the normal race report. Of course someone picked up on my lack of it immediately (thank you Sarah) but that has made me work on it faster because she cannot be the only one that was looking for it right?

So here we go ...

I have been No Sugar No Grain since January of this year. Since then I have seen many improvements. Initially it was just the weight loss, but after awhile of it, even though the losses started leveling off, it was more than that. It was a feeling of ... wellness. I had energy where before I was tired all the time. Even after hard, long rides or runs, I felt like I didn't have to crawl off into a dark corner until the pain subsided. I wasn't magically turned into a 8:00 runner, or a 25mph biker, but after a ride where before I would be recovering for days, I was bouncing back by the next day.

I started this well before Triathlon season began, so I was itching to see how it worked once the races, and the training, started in earnest.

The first step was a 70.3 in Ocala. And the most recent, my barometer race, St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg.

How did it go?

My normal issue with race morning eating is always present. I have to be very careful about how I am feeling because nerves cause me to have problems in the morning. This was no different. At times I can handle a little nutrition, like in Ocala, usually in the form of Bulletproof Coffee (coffee, coconut oil, butter and/or heavy cream). During training this has more than sufficed for energy and to keep me full through the race. The morning of St. Anthony's, however, my nerves got the better of me and I eschewed the normal BP Coffee and took in NO nutrition prior to the race. Did it effect my race? I can't say that it did since I had a PR in the swim and my bike was right where it was last season. I cannot say I would have been faster on the bike if I had forced down something, but what I can say is that I felt hunger pains at mile 20 and that is not normal during training. It probably DID alter my speed, but after the bike I still felt OK and ready to run.

I do think the run was affected though. I was expecting issues since I was still having the Achilles problem on my right foot, but even with my energy level high at the start I felt it bog down quickly by mile 3. I did make up a flask of honey water for sugar trickling (2 tbsp. honey and the rest water) and that got me though, but with the hot weather and the fact I had to walk quite a bit which kept me out in the heat longer than I normally would be, it wasn't enough. I was starving by mile 4 and was ravenous after finishing, eating things I normally wouldn't, and shouldn't eat (salty crap snacks) just to get something in me. St. Anthony's is an Olympic distance race, so I probably got away with more than I would have had it been a 70.3.

So, bottom line is that I need to learn how to handle the pre-race stomach issues, or find something I am confident won't have me sprinting to port-a-john's before getting in the water.

Race Report: St. Anthony's 2013

2013-04-30T12:34:00.002-04:00

And here it is for your reading pleasure.

As I have stated in previous posts and Facebook updates, St. Anthony's is my barometer for how my training is going, if I have improved, what areas need work, etc. and this year proved no different. I entered the race with high, though cautious, expectations about what I would be able to do. I set my goal at under 4 hours, which would be a new PR, and even with the foot injury I felt pretty confident I could do it. Still, I have also completed enough races to know that anything can happen, and there is usually one thing that occurs in every race that will push you to the limit, or alter your plan. The trick is being able to over come these things as they arise.

After spending the day before the race hitting the water for an acclimation swim, checking in, getting our bikes set in transition, combing the expo for the one crazy deal, and checking in with quite a few people (Beth Shaw, Dave Scott, etc.), then doing our duty expected with Team in Training (with a very rousing speech by Gene Smith), we settled in pretty early to get some sleep before the 4:00 AM wake up call. The three years of racing have taught us many things, including what we need to have in transition, and what is nice to have but not needed. This has made our packing much easier. We have also learned to sleep much better.

4 AM still comes early, but we were up and out the door quick, Another thing we have learned is to have a Sharpie on hand and body mark yourself. Saves so much time not having to stand in line in the morning. The first SLIGHT curve happened due to the Boston Tragedy, which resulted in Bag checks and having to bring items in provided clear bags. Not a huge inconvenience, but was a pita lugging everything back that way after the race. The other thing we noticed right away was the wind. The flags were standing straight out, and the news said it was steady at 15 mph. You would think our immediate concern would be the bike, but what entered every one's head was the swim. High winds equals swells, and waves pushing you into the water exit. Not good. Gene stated they may cancel the swim, but in 2011 we had similar conditions and they shortened the swim, so I had expected that before a complete cancelling. Turned out I was correct (as if there is a surprise there).

My goal in the swim was to do my training pace, which was around 36-40:00 mile. This has to be my

biggest improvement area. Not in how strong I am in it, but the panic issue. I have not had a panic in this area for awhile. I know that can happen at anytime, but it is nice to enter the water, hear the horn, and get your face in the water immediately with no issues. It was a strong swim with no issues other than one ear plug coming out in the final 200m. I exited in 18:00, which was about an 38:00 pace. Right on schedule, so was pretty happy with that. The big issue was after the swim. when they shorten the swim like this you come out of the water on the beach, which then gives you about a .5 mile run to T1. In bare feet. On sidewalks. When you already have an Achilles issue, running flat footed like this is a problem, so I had to walk. This did NOT help my time, but I think it was the right call. I would have hated to kill my race entirely only 18:00 in because I felt I had to run.

I got in T1 and back out in just under 12:00. Once I got to my bike my transition was actually pretty fast and I hot the bike feeling strong and ready. As much as I hate to admit this, because the Tri Gods have a way of getting you for saying things like this, but that was the easiest 25 mile ride I have ever had. Even with the heavier winds I was right on pace with last year. Now, this means a couple of things; I have not made any progress since last year, and I should have pushed harder. As far as the progress, I think I am wrong there, because last year I was beat after the bike, but this year, with winds and the same pace, I felt good and had plenty of energy. As far as effort goes, looking back I should have pushed harder, but there is really no way to know that while the race is happening. You push as hard as you feel you need to, but in looking now at how I felt, I know I could have done better. I finished in just over 1:30:00, which was what I expected.

The run portion I knew was going to be a problem due to the injury I had not run in over a month, but

I also knew the pain was going to be there. The plan was just to do what I could and try not to hurt myself further. I think it went OK. It was hot hot hot, laws yes it was hot, but I never felt like I was bonking. I set myself up at a 1:00/:30 run walk and just ran as fast as I could when I was running and let it be what it would be. I was planning on a 20:00 overall pace and ended with a 17:00, so in that I was successful. I know I can do better when healthy. The other good thing was that my foot didn't hurt as bad as I expected, but the sole pain was back again. I think it was due to the non-running for a month.

I completed the race in under 4:00:00 which was my goal. I know there was a shortened swim, but after going through the paces I determined that even with the swim I would have finished in under 4, so I am counting it as a new PR for this distance. A good start to the season.

I do want to mention a couple of other things though:

It is an odd feeling to be recognized. Unlike other bloggers my picture is not a big part of my writing, so it is very ... odd ... to be recognized on course. This happened three times during the weekend. Once when I was waiting with Jenny (because after my transition is set I am blind due to my need of glasses) a woman next to us said "I know this is going to sound weird but is your name John?" Turns out she reads this blog (Hello to Jamie!!) and started telling me that I have inspired her, which for someone who just writes to keep himself on track is quite complementary. I think I had posted that once in Vinnie Tortorich's site that it would be nice to inspire people. I am not sure how I do it, Jamie, but if it does it makes me want to keep writing, so thank you for that compliment. The other two times were on the run portion with yells of "I am going to read about this in the blog right?" and "I want to read about this tomorrow!!". I was in a state by that point and wish I could remember who yelled those things, so let me know who you are!
As hot and miserable as this race can be, the people who live on the course are beyond compare. They get out on the road and spray you with water, bring you fruit and water, and ICE. There was even people giving out beer and Jell-O shots (though I could not do that). I have not seen this in any other race, and it makes this race what it is.
The No Sugar No Grain lifestyle works. The weight is down, and using this stuff as fuel (i.e. no sugar except for an occasional trickle, fat based items) works guys. You may poo-poo it all you want, but you are missing the boat on this method. I talked to a few people on the run and touted this method. It's one of those things you have to share with others once you see how it works and see the BS that is still out there (yes, Mr. Hines "Chocolate Milk" Ward, I am talking to YOU!).
It is NOT fun to be waiting for your partner and see, as she crosses the finish line, her go down to the ground. She had become dehydrated and was almost in heat stroke. Don't do that again Jenny!

So, two races down for the year. All that's left are the Crystal River races (which we use for training) and then Augusta in September. I am going to work my ass off this summer, because (I know I am going to get hell for this) I am sick of finishing last in my division (though I was actually 18 of 19 this time ... with 10 DNF'ing).

The Not Quite as Fat and a Little Bit Faster Triathlete

2013-04-23T15:33:00.004-04:00

I was asked last night by a teammate whether I would need to change the name of this blog since I was losing so much weight. I jokingly responded that I could change it to the “Not Quite as Fat and a Little Bit Faster Triathlete” but that name doesn’t quite roll of the tongue. In addition, I have started “branding” myself a bit as the Fat Slow Triathlete so changing at this point wouldn’t be a good idea.

On a side note, now Mary understands anything said to me is a potential Blog Post. J

I had written a few posts ago on the Treatise of The Fat Slow Triathlete. It basically centered around how anyone can be a fat slow triathlete, that it is not based on weight or speed. It is a metaphor for those of us challenged in some way. That can be many reasons other than weight. It can be as small as lack of time available for training. The point is that a “Fat Slow Triathlete” is someone that has barriers, but pushes through them, and confronts their issues, their fears, and emerges on the other side. In that vein, we are ALL Fat Slow Triathletes.

So, bottom line, the name of the blog stays the same J

I wish I could report that things are going better on the weight loss side, but the fact is that I seem to be stuck on a roller coaster again, hopping between 239 and 243 for about a month now. The initial loss after switching to the NSNG lifestyle was amazing, but I should have known that at some point it would level out. There is something about the 10 pound markers that seems to get me stuck. I always seem to plateau at them, and hover there for awhile. As soon as I hit 239, inevitably the next days are right back over 240 again. It’s a bit maddening. The good part is that I FEEL great. Lots of energy. No issues with “bonking” on long workouts. Actually I have moved to barely any on course fueling other than water and electrolytes (in the manner ofSalk Sticks) and it has been working great. Much thanks once more to Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino for their continually useful and informative podcasts on these subjects.

On the racing front, only 4 more days until St. Anthony’s 2013. I have entered this week feeling pretty confident about my race preparation, which is odd in itself. This is a distance I know that I can do (.9 swim / 25 bike / 6.2 run). My only thought is the run with the foot injury I have been dealing with, but worse case I can walk/run the thing and get through it. The swim has not been on my mind like it has been most years, which can be either good or bad. This race has become my White Whale in a way, a barometer for the coming season. Even with a 70.3 under my belt this season already, St. Anthony’s is the official start of the race season for everyone, including me. After the let down and disappointing 2^nd year in 2012, I am looking to much improvement this season. I am working hard to make that happen.

Hopefully you all will keep reading this, not because I like the attention, but more so that you will keep me on track and hold me to task.

Boston

2013-04-17T10:44:00.001-04:00

I have spent two days wondering what to write about this tragedy. Others I know have posted, some rather eloquently (notably Beth Shaw at http://www.discombobulatedrunning.com and Brian Brink at FitNiche in Wesley Chapel), that no matter what I say will probably pale in comparison, but I feel I need to post something, if nothing other than to get it out of my system. If I tend to parallel others it is only because, as not just runners, but as athletes of all kinds, we were all hit in much the same way and have many of the same feelings.

Nothing I can write will match the true sorrow I felt in my heart Monday when my iPad flashed with Breaking News and I glanced over at it and read “two explosions at the finish line of Boston” on my screen. My first reaction was to scan Facebook to see if Lyle Jacon and Vera Sanchez had finished, which both had. I know many other people running this year, but these two I know well, so my first thought was to find information about them. My next thought was a selfish one, and I admit to it. It was along the line of “thank God KC, Beth, Brian, Summer, Genna Beth, Teresa, Megan, etc. did not run it this year”. Is that a selfish part of me, to immediately be thankful that friends were not affected? I’m not sure. It’s definitely an honest reaction, and a human one for sure.

My heart was heavy … and still is. Senseless violence like this saddens me, irritates me, and angers me. It saddens me for the loss of life, and the numerous horrendous injuries, both physical and mental. It irritates me that we cannot even run a marathon without fear of death. It angers me that people immediately turned this into a conservative/liberal debate online. At this time there is NO room for this “us vs. them” mentality. It is US vs. THEM. The fact that some of us, as a nation, cannot put aside our philosophical differences after moments like this in order to stand together against this type of aggression is what is feeding these people. They know we are fighting amongst ourselves so much that we are at a point where nothing can be accomplished. And “they” are using it to their advantage. Every POTUS back to Clinton has had an act of terror on their watch. No one has been exempt. These terrorists have one thing in common …

They hate Obama …

They hated Bush …

They hated Clinton …

It doesn’t matter what side of the room you sit on. They hate you.

As Brian said in his great post on Facebook, we are runners. We are also Swimmers, Cyclists, and Triathletes. We all have one thing in common. We are stubborn. If these people think that we will hide in fear next year, or at ANY race, they have severely misjudged this community. We will run. We will run in solidarity. And when we cross the finish lines at races we will place our hands over our hearts to recognize the victims of Boston and to show whoever is watching that we are united and we will not be bullied into hiding. WE … are NOT … cowards.

The perpetrators of these acts have the market cornered on cowardice.

My Head Hurts!!

2013-04-15T15:21:00.001-04:00

This is going to be something new. As I am sitting to write this, during a beak at work, I am realizing that I have no “goal” in mind. Usually I do these as a data dump, which is my preferred method of writing, but I at least start with a germ of an idea in my head about where I want to go with the entry. This time, not so much. All I know is that I have not written anything in a week so before Megan starts hammering me on Facebook (I know you’re reading this) I thought I better try to piece something together. Hopefully it will be worth reading.

To be honest I have not been feeling very well since Friday. I developed a migraine at work (always fun) and ended up going home early. There was no one there so I lied down on my bed and the next thing I knew it was 5:00. Just so you know I NEVER take naps. They always make me feel worse than I did when I started, so I will try to keep myself busy if I feel like I am dozing during the day. This time was different. I woke up and was relaxed, if not energetic, but must have been something I needed. While I am on this subject, is it odd that the first thing I thought of Friday when I was deciding to leave work was that it was a rest day as far as my training plan was concerned so I should take the opportunity to get some real rest? I know that if I had a swim or bike or run on the schedule I would have went anyway, headache and all.

Sick. Sick. Man.

The training this weekend was kind of odd. The planned 22 bike ended up only being 12 on Saturday because we were trying a new route and it wasn’t what we thought it would be. We ended up running low on time so bagged it at 12 and figured we’d make it up on Sunday. We had committed to a charity auction on Saturday Night, which resulted in Jenny ending up with a new puppy (Jake the Dachshund) which I really wanted for myself, but I did get to hold the little guy most of the night. Check out her Facebook page for pictures. She also ended up with a very cool single gear bike (thanks to her business partner), and I ended up with Rays tickets for Mother’s Day (thanks again to Jenny). VIP Level, right behind the dugout.

I didn’t get home until 1 AM so Sunday was not fun. I did get my 90 minutes ride in but missed my swim. Something has not been feeling right with me since Saturday. My first instinct is that it’s due to what I ate. For the first time since January I allowed myself bread and a piece of cheesecake. To compound that I ran out of Natural Peanut Butter and needed a snack last night so ate Jiff. I have been feeling like shit all day long today. You NSNG’ers reading this right now … is it possible for it to react negatively on my system so quickly?? It’s the only thing I can link it to, unless I am just run down.

Only two weeks to go until St. Anthony’s. I see this as my nemesis race. The first attempt I ended up with food poisoning and had to drop before I even began. Last year I did OK. I really want to smoke this course this time, but now have the strained Achilles to deal with. I have been on rehab for a week and it doesn’t seem to be getting better. Just seems like it’s always something when it comes to racing. I can have great training sessions, then on race day something always goes awry. The Frenchman trying to drown me in Ironman Florida 70.3 in 2012. My bike (Gunner) trying to throw my wheel off every ten miles in Ironman August 70.3 in 2012. Food poisoning. Tropical Storm Debbie. Head winds out of nowhere. On and on. I know its part of being an Ironman that you learn to deal with these setbacks, but just once I’d like to hit a race on the upswing. No bad weather. Warm, buoyant water. 75 degrees. Nice smooth bike with no wind, or maybe a tailwind.

I know there are no perfect races. So I will focus on the positives.

The bike distances are no longer a problem for me, especially a 25 mile Olympic race. I do 25 miles for breakfast, and can do them pretty fast. Even hitting a head wind I can still maintain 15-16, most days.
It’s scary that the swim no longer fills me with dread like it used to. I still will get the pre-race jitters I am sure, but I do these distances in training all the time. I know I can do it. The HITS race went a long way in flipping the switch I think. That was a cold water race, and one I was very nervous about, but I did really well in that portion. This race is back in the ocean, so it has natural buoyancy to it. Even checking the temperature yesterday and seeing 76 degrees, and knowing that means it’s probably going to be a non-wetsuit race, has not even made me nervous. Last season I would have been a wreck. Now, if this was a fresh water race without the suit, I’d be nervous again, but it is still a big step forward.
The run is worrying me because of my foot and the fact that I have not actually run in 3 weeks. I will be hitting that race with 5 weeks of no-running leading up to it. But, like I said to my doctor, “it’s only 6.2 miles”. I walked the entire 13.1 at HITS. If I have to walk, I’ll walk.

So there is my rambling post for the week. I apologize if I lost some of you along the way, but this job is mind numbingly boring and I needed a mental break. I promise to be back on track the next time.

Ciao!!

Night of the Living Dread(mill)

2013-04-08T22:05:00.001-04:00

500 years from now, future archaeologists will be digging in what was once the great city of Tampa. Buried under centuries of sediment from the Great Flood of 2042 they will uncover great buildings. These buildings will be unknown to them, and they will work feverishly digging out the clues to determine their origin, and more importantly, their use. They will find machines of all kinds, but their purpose will be unknown to them ...

... until they find the keystone. The one artifact that unlocks the secret to the entire building ...

It's style is unknown to these future scientists. It has an upright section with a myriad of buttons, most with a + sign or a - sign. There is a screen that looks like it employed a series of led lights, which appeared to measure some sort of output. Along the bottom of this machine was a track of some type, akin to a belt used in small cages to give pets a sort of exercise.

Is this piece of equipment for exercise? Did people of the twentieth century employ machines to exercise on?

This is quickly discarded as an unlikely hypothesis. This area was known for its sun and sand, a playground for the rich and those lucky enough to serve them by living here. This was part of what used to be Central Florida. With such temperate climate there would have been no need for indoor exercise equipment.

No ... this equipment had another purpose. Perhaps a more sinister one. It is found along side other pieces of equipment that had various ropes and pulleys, attached to what seems like weighted slabs of metal.

It finally dawns on them. They have discovered a palace of torture. Perhaps a place where prisoners of war were sent to garner information from them. In fact, a table is discovered that had straps attached to it. Obviously for water boarding. In another room a large basin is found, at least 25 yards in length, with ladders built into the walls. Residue found in the sediment showed it was once full of salt water. Another form of exercise? No ... with an area surrounded by water and many lakes, why would anyone need to exercise in the water inside a building ... ?

Obviously another form of torture ...

These people of the twentieth century were truly barbaric weren't they now? The archaeologists shake their heads. They must have had many many people in need of torture because these buildings are found sprinkled all over the area, with names like "LAF", probably meaning the company that was contracted by the government to carry out the orders, and "LFF", which seems to have been the same company as LAF.

They laugh amongst themselves as they gather their tools and artifacts for the trip back inland. "this was the time of sugar consumption, after all," the lead scientist states. "It addled the mind and caused complacency, and a culture of slovenly people, as evidenced by the documentary discovered last year called Wall-E."

Because, seriously, who would ever run on a machine right?

The Marino Syndrome

2013-04-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

Before I start this post I need to put out a couple of disclaimers. First off, I know this will come off sounding wrong in few instances, but bare with me, and two, I truly believe that Dan Marino was the best quarterback to play in the NFL from 1980 forward. That being said, let's move on ...

It's not about winning.

I have been told this over and over again since starting triathlons. I harbor no thoughts of ever winning an age group race, let alone an overall win, but is it wrong of me to want to feel that just once? And I am not talking about finishing 5th in Clydesdales because there were only 5 in the group. I am talking about finishing on the podium in the top 5 because you beat a goodly number of people (like the "old English" word there?). I have seen others finish up there, holding their finisher plaque, and knowing they earned it by actually beating people. I would like that feeling just one time.

In all of my races I get passed more than I pass, so I have grown used to it. I actually started counting them in Augusta and had to stop because it was depressing. So I started counting people I passed. Not that many, but I did pass a few in the last 5 miles, a few of which passed me earlier (I never forget an ass). I do pretty well on the short courses though, and have come very close to a top 5 there (highest was #6) but my group, Clydesdales, which is meant for us "heavier guys" (for my feeling on THAT term see one of my first posts HERE), can get some pretty good athletes in them. The bothersome thing about my grouping is that, while it is meant for us weight challenged athletes, more often than not it is used by age groupers who are very tall and very muscular but fit into the weight limits as a way of "placing". This season USAT has changed the weight from 200+ to 220+. Hopefully this will weed some of these people out of the group and give the rest of us a chance. I have already noticed a change in the listing at St. Anthony's. Last year there were over 50 men in the Clydesdale group. This season, as of today, there are 32. Big change eh?

So I look at this as a "Marino Syndrome". I know some here are not followers of the NFL (all three of

you) but let me explain. Dan Marino played for the Miami Dolphins for 17 seasons. He came in as a rookie during the 1983 season, and in 1984 had broken most franchise records and a few NFL records for passing, yards, TD's, etc. In his second year he led the Dolphins to the Super Bowl, only to be beaten by the Joe Montana led 49ers. Afterwards they asked him about how he felt. His statement was along the lines of "it's only my second season. I will have other opportunities."

Marino never went to another Super Bowl.

He played in MANY playoff games. Went on to be come the most prolific passers the game has ever seen, but always fell short of the Championship. He retired after getting beat by the Jaguars 62-7.

The question that always comes up when watching retrospectives on the greatest quarterbacks of all times that, while he was a great QB and a great passer, he never won a championship. A lot of things attributed to that. A lack of defense on Miami. No running back. The fact that he played during an era that had Joe Montana, John Elway, and Jim Kelly. But the burden of no rings always falls at his feet. Does the fact that he never won diminish his standing?

In many eyes it does.

So will the fact that I may never stand on the podium as a triathlete diminish my attempts or ability?

I know this is something I should not concern myself with, but it does play in my head from time to time. I know my coach is going to crawl all over me for even thinking like this, but it does occupy my thoughts at times. It is very frustrating to train train train, feel you have it down, then get out to a race and watch person after person pass you. Especially those that you have been around while training and you know you have out worked them. Does this make me a bad person, that I feel envious?

Maybe ... but I guess I just need to keep plugging away ... and maybe at some point the results will match the effort.

And maybe not ... and will that alter the way I look back at this time in my life when I can no longer do it at all?

I think too much!

As another side note, back to the Dolphins, this season they are changing their "brand" with new uniforms and a new logo. The logo is to the left. Those of you that are football fans, what do you think of this change?

Have a Drink on Me

2013-04-03T10:26:00.002-04:00

I don’t understand the attraction within the triathlon community to drinking. This is a group of extremely healthy people, for the most part, but for most their whole post race and post training regimen revolves around beer. We have Beer Runs, Pub Runs, in abundance each and every week. What is the lure of this?

Remember that these are the same people who quibble about how many carbs they should be eating, remaining “low sugar”, obsessing ove reach calorie entering their bloodstream, yet they have no issue downing beer after beer, or glass of wine after glass of wine, as if it’s a free calorie and“doesn’t count since I just ran a <fill in the blank>”, or “I only ate 4points today so far so I can have this”.

When I started getting into the “triathlon life” I looked to a number of Triathlon Clubs in the Tampa area. The two major ones (neither of which I will name because their members will not be friendly in their responses I am sure, along with the fact that a number of readers here are members of these clubs) apparently cannot hold a meeting any place other than a pub or bar. I joined both of them, wanting to immerse myself in the triathlon lifestyle when I started (not for the booze but for the camaraderie and knowledge), but the fact that I could not be “one of them” without going to a bar didn’t sit well with me, so both of my memberships have lapsed and will not be renewed. The head of one of these clubs, and I am not exaggerating, I have seen and spoken to 5 times, and each time he was drunk(two of which were immediately after a race he just completed). Just not the type of person, or people, I prefer to be around.

Now, understand, I am not a teetotaler. I have the occasional beer. One of the best tasting things I have ever had was when, after St. Anthony’s last year, I walked to the Team in Training tent, Jim Jenkins handed me a beer. Normally, after a race, especially a hot one like that one was, I would stay away from alcohol, but I took it and took a drink. It was cold, and went down so smoothly, that I could see how having one works. So a beer on occasion is understandable. I just don’t get how such health conscious people as far as eating and nutrition and exercise have no issue with drinking so much so often.

Is there some unwritten law that triathlon clubs must revolve around drinking?

I guess I shouldn’t just single out triathlon clubs, because most of the running clubs are the same way. Whole weekly 5k’s are built around the “pub run”. How does this make sense? Come out and run, be healthy, then go drink beer and eat wings. I know it’s just a “me” thing. My issue. I know I would have a hard time taking a coach seriously if they were like this. If the person coaching me now wanted to do our monthly meet up’s in a bar, they wouldn’t be my coach for very long. I know I have written about this before online, and in my blog, but if you are a person who is very good at what they do; running,biking, swimming, triathlons, and you have a “following” of sorts (whether you fostered it or not) I feel, personally, that it is your obligation to not represent our sport in a bad light or put out bad information. I can use myself as an example. I have had people who read this blog send me comments, or direct messages, about how my journey has inspired them in some way. I find that both amazing and intimidating, and maybe it is just me, but I take things like that seriously. It has helped me in that when the urge comes over me to “cheat”, in training, in nutrition, in health, it stops me from doing it because I would feel like a hypocrite dispensing my journey and not following what I am putting out there.

I have been accused of being judgmental about this, which I guess I have been, and I am working on that, but someone at work said to me yesterday “you are not judging ... you are measuring”. This rings true to me. I am not judging you. If you want to run 13 miles then drink beer … hell … go do it. It doesn’t affect me. What it will affect, though, is how I view your advice in the future. It’s along with my “go to” line about eating; don’t complain about your weight of you’re eating at 5 Guys Burgers, or stuffing your pie hole with 2 pounds of processed carbs every night. If you want to eat like that, fine … go for it … but don’t complain when you can’t lose the 10 pounds.Just remember, you may be a “little rubber person” now … and God bless you if you are … but I was a “little rubber person” at one time in my life too (seethe previous post for a picture). It will catch up with you. You may not see itin the mirror, but there are plenty of skinny fat people walking around about to drop dead of heart attacks.

And no one wants that!

Boy, You're Gonna Carry That Weight a Long Time

2013-03-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

It started out so well ...

I was very thin when I was growing up. My grandmother would always tell me "manji manji" as soon as I walked in her door. she was so worried about me being so skinny. You can see for yourself what I looked liked at 14. Hard to believe looking at that picture that I was a summer away from playing football and three years away from boot camp. I was actually drinking weight gaining powder and downing calories by the thousands to maintain my weight. When I went into the Navy I weighed 142. Three months later when leaving boot camp and heading to Dam Neck, Virginia for "A" School I weighed 160. And it was ALL muscle at that point. When you grow up like this, you get into a pattern of eating, a habit, and after years and years of it it becomes something that is very hard to break. What once you could eat with no issue, now puts pounds on you instantly.

This was me, though I had help.

In 1990, at the age of 27, I was entering my last year of Navy service, and was being deployed to a destroyer in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I had noticed over the recent 6 months that my weight was increasing, but I figured it was me just getting older, and planned on using the final deployment of my ten year stint as a way to lose the weight and get back into shape.

I was 187 pounds.

It's funny to me now that I considered 187 pounds on my frame of 5'10" as "too heavy". I was still in good shape though, so I was concerned about the increase in weight, but not too worried. I got through the deployment, and during my exit physical the first, albeit slight, indication there was something amiss happened. The "doctor" (all Navy doctors, in my experience, deserve quotations) was going through his checks and mentioned, slightly, "hmm you have a slight goiter in your neck". Nothing else. He write it down in his book and off I went into the civilian world for the first time in ten years.

And I did indulge.

I drank. I smoked (not cigarettes). I did "other things". I entered college for the the first time as a 27 year old, and did very well, eventually earning a BA in Psychology, a Masters in Public Administration, and an MBA, but my health kept getting worse. The more I spent on my own, the more weight I was gaining, but because I had no insurance, there was no way to afford getting checked, so I waited it out.

Eventually I got hired at TJ Maxx and obtained insurance. This was 1992. I weighed around 220 by this point. Over weight, but not massively so, and still had plenty of muscle to "hide" the girth. At least that's what I told myself. The one thing other than the weight I had started noticing was that the goiter found in 1991 was now much larger, to the point I had a hard time buttoning collars. My wife made me go see a doctor, who was shocked at the size, and immediately sent me to an Endocrinologist in Orlando, Dr. Samuel Crockett. He found that my thyroid has seized to function at all so put me on thyroid to try to get it kick started and reduce the goiter.

It didn't work.

Surgery was the next option. He explained to me the risks that were there. My vocal nerves are very close but its rare that they are damaged. The parathyroid run a risk of damage, but that's also rare. So in I went to have half the gland removed. Or so we thought.

The planned 3 hour surgery became 5-6 hours. Once the surgeon was inside he noticed that the gland had grown so big that it wrapped around my entire neck. He didn't like the look of it so it was decided to remove all of it. In the process, everything that was "rare" happened. My left vocal nerve was wrapped in the sticky gland so it was cut out, and my parathyroid glands were damaged. The gland was sent off for routine analysis, so after I recovered I went back to school.

A couple of weeks later I returned home and found my wife crying. The doctor had called and wanted to see us immediately, but when she asked what it was about she was told that the doctor needed to tell us in person. That's never good. The next day I was told that there was cancer in the gland and that I would need to undergo radiation treatments to ensure that the entire thyroid tissue was no longer floating around my body.

This process lasted 6 years. 6 years of body scans in small tubes followed by radiation treatments. I was

"radioactive" after my son was born and could not be around him. Yes. I was alive. Yes. I wasn't "sick". Yes, if there is any "good" cancer to have this is one of them. But it was still scary.

Over that span of 6 years, now with no thyroid function, I went to over 300 pounds. When you are hypothyroid you have no energy. It is hard to explain to someone who has not had it. You know you need to get up and move, but there is NO energy. Your mind wanders. Every bone in your body feels like it just ran a marathon. Add this to the already bad metabolism and the weight just keeps climbing. Every effort you make to lose weight ends up failing, so eventually you stop trying. The cookies, pies, cake, chips become your staple. You start using the thyroid issue as your excuse. And you keep getting fatter. The picture to the left is me at about 280 pounds. I don't even look like the same person I was when I was younger. This picture honestly makes me sick to look at. Even the clothes I was wearing look slovenly and big, because I could stand to have clothes so tight on me that you could see how fat I was. I figured if I wore my clothes big, I would look thin!

Man am I SMART eh???

So most know the story from here. I looked in the mirror one morning after getting out of the shower in 2010 and was done. I had heard a doctor on a radio interview talking about a similar condition I had and it sounded like he was talking about me personally. Even though he was not on my insurance, I scrounged the money to pay out of pocket. I credit Dr. Michael Heim with being the first person to save my life. After every test performed by endocrinologists, not ONE ever mentioned, or even tested, that my testosterone level had fallen to 180. Along with that, my body was converting what T I had to estrogen. This, along with the "normal" thyroid issues, kept my weight going up. To make this long story a bit shorter, after numerous blood tests, I was put on T Replacement, Estrogen blockers, and switched to natural thyroid from synthroid. But it didn't stop with medication. He insisted I get active. Dr. Heim is a triathlete, so he told me "there's a triathlon called Escape from Fort DeSoto in April of 2011. Sign up for it. You have a year to prepare."

I went home and did just that.

This was about the time that I met Jennifer Cultrera while working at Moffitt Cancer Center (her office was next to mine). She was on her own weight loss journey (which is not my story to tell ... I will let her) and after talking to her awhile she too went to Dr. Heim. But the underlying fact was that she had started riding a bike with a nurse of hers. "Why don't you come with us? She has an extra bike you can use!".

I have not stopped since. Jennifer is the second person that saved my life.

Since starting this journey I have blogged about it non-stop. I have been told I was both inspiring by some (mostly people I have never met in person) and that I was selfish by others (mostly family members). Since that visit to Dr. Heim I have completed 10 sprint triathlons, one Olympic triathlon, three half ironman distances, five half marathon's, and a full marathon. And I am not done. I started on a NSNG eating lifestyle and have started losing even more weight. This was thanks to my coach, Kristie Concepcion, who has not only held me to task in training, but turned me onto a podcast by Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino. I had been at my wits end regarding my weight issues again, and once more someone came along that kick started me back into gear.

Kristie Concepcion, and The Angriest Trainer, are the third and fourth people that saved my life.

I can only hope that I can mean the same, and have the same effect, on people as I move through this journey, and it's why I keep writing about it. I hope it helps. I hope that is shows someone who is 300+ pounds, and sitting on the couch each week watching the Biggest Loser, or some other dumbass Oprah Winfrey inspired show like Dr. Oz or Dr. Phil, that there is nothing wrong with them other than the information they have been wrongly fed for their whole life. If I can do that, then I have done my part.

Remember, even though we are Fat Slow Triathletes ...

... we WILL be reckoned with!!

For the Love of Cycling

2013-03-27T14:27:00.000-04:00

The bike ride is a wonderful thing isn't it?

The feeling of freedom it gives you as you float across the open road, taking in the sites as you pass them, feeling the breeze on your face, the warmth of the sun as it slowly turns your skin from pasty white to rosy red.

It also gives you the chance to interact with the domestic animals of the world. So many cute little dogs come out to play with you as you pass by. If you're lucky you'll run into the most playful of all the animals, the friendly rottweiler. This playful species is so smart, so knowledgeable about what you are actually doing, that they will aide you in both your speed work and your heart rate training ... nibbling on your heels as you get faster as if to say "Come on JC!! You can go faster!! Pedal!!".

Yes ... so many pleasurable things about the bike.

And, honestly, who doesn't love the seats, huh? The engineers behind these aerodynamic things of beauty were so adept at their craft that they managed to build it at such precise measurement that it sits perfectly on the nerve that runs from your ass to your penis. This is done so that, by the end of the ride, you can no longer feel anything in that area, thereby reducing the pain of the long rides, and totally removing the need or desire for sex for a good two to three days. In that way, you are left with more time to train.

Let's hear it for the engineers eh?

Yay!

And so many styles to choose from! Where do you start?? Beach Cruisers!! Road Bikes!! Hybrids!! Mountain Bikes!! Triathlon, or Time Trial Bikes!! Each having their own special brand of pain and pleasure to bring you that you can actually HEAR Pinhead whispering in your ear ...

"Time .... to play!"

Yes, Pinhead! Yes!! Show me your sights!!

Pinhead was an engineer in life. You knew that right?

And who doesn't love riding when the wind has decided to pay a visit? Say what you will about the exhilaration of going downhill at 30 mph, but that doesn't compare to the feeling of going down that same hill, with the wind in your face, and having to pedal to maintain 12 mph. Oh what fun, what joy, what utter bliss to be experienced!! The wind is smart too, because it lets you go half way, especially during an out and back course, not blowing, or giving you a little push, and THEN after you make your turn back at mile 28 it makes it appearance! The even better part about that is if it happens for a full triathlon, all 56 miles (because the wind is so magical it can blow directly into your face regardless of what direction you are heading) your legs will be too tired for the run, and you'll get to enjoy the full time allotted for the final leg because you can take your time and walk the entire 13 miles!! See? This is the Tri Gods looking out for you. Helping you get your moneys worth for the entry fee. You paid $600 for this race, so why not enjoy every last minute of it on the course??

Yes, the bike is a wondrous thing. It gives you transportation. It gives you exercise. It gives you freedom. It helps you lose weight. But the single, most important, thing about the bike that holds it head and shoulders above all other activities?

It's NOT the SWIM. :-)

Race Report: The HITS Ocala 70.3

2013-03-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

An early season triathlon is a new experience. Normally, well 2 seasons worth, my year begins with St. Anthony’s, extends through the summer with the Crystal River series, or a few other sprints, and ends with a 70.3. This year the decision was to start the year off with a bang, a 70.3, and end it with another 70.3. A bold decision and one I am not sure of even after it being over with. On one hand it can kick start a season in the right way, but on the other hand it can sabotage you right from the start. As most know, there is definitely a lull in motivation after the end of a season. In my head I was hoping that an early 70.3 would fight this lull and force me to train. It did in some regards.

As far as the race itself went, it was a good experience. The HITS people are just starting out, so there are some growing pains as they sort through issues, but all in all the experience was good. The staff treat you very well, and the Race Director, Mark Hunter, goes out of his way to make each athlete, from Open level to 140.6 level, feel as if they are important, even remembering each persons name as they head to the finish. This is something Ironman does not do, and it does make a difference. I will get into particulars along the way in this post.

Check In Day

Since it is a smaller race, along with an early season race, the check in process was fast and not crowded. The staff was well prepared for the number of people, and all packets were handy and ready to go. The only thing negative I heard was that some shirts were not the correct sizes, but they were allowing exchanges the next day so I think everyone was satisfied.

The one thing I will mention was the transition area. We are used to lines of bars to hang your bike and sitting on the grown to change if need be. Not in HITS. Each row had your name and number in front of a bin, where you could put all of your gear without fear of it being trampled or moved, but the best part was a bench that allowed you to sit for shoe swapping and preparation. This little feature was outstanding, and makes this race stand out.

Pre Race Dinner

Because of the NSNG lifestyle, and even before that, eating "out" the night before a race has never been a practice of mine. I prefer to control what I eat, and not have to worry about running around, driving, waiting, etc. when I should be home preparing mentally for the next morning. Luckily this weekend was a great experience, because Jennifer has recently relocated her practice to the Ocala area and, thanks to her and her mother's hospitality, we were able to prepare and host a pre-race dinner for some of the friends we were racing with this weekend; Megan, Sherrie, Teresa, and Brian. It was a relaxing evening of talk and food, highlighted by nice rib eye steaks and large chicken breasts grilled outside. Even after the eating and chatter there was plenty of time to prepare our gear, and to be honest, I think the company of friends helped ease the normal pre-race jitters. They are a good and loyal group. Hopefully next time KC and Summer can join us!

The Swim
The swim has always been my problem zone from day 1. It is not that I cannot swim. Actually I am a pretty strong swimmer. The problem arises from the pre-race jitters and my mental state going into the water. I expected all of that entering this race, especially with the water temps in the high 50's, which is the coldest I have ever swam in.

Entering the water with some time to spare is always the ticket for me, so I was prepared to get my transition area set, get my wetsuit on, and get my butt into that cold water for as long as I could before the race started.

Of course, the Tri Gods had other plans ...

Right as I was ready to walk down the sky opened up and it started down pouring. Not a light rain ... oh no ... this was torrential ... and it continued until 6:50, ten minutes before the race was set to start.

As soon as it let up we went down and got in the water with everyone else (great minds think alike). The called everyone back to the beach (are they cancelling the swim???) but it was just to announce that they were delaying the start 10 minutes due to the inability to see the buoys (kind of important). Once we got back in, I looked over at Jennifer, shivering all over my body, and said "I'm not sure I can do this". She looked back at me, in that Jenny way, and said "Yes you can ... you've done this before. Breathe."

When the horn sounded something happened. I put my face in the water and off I went. No panic. No breathing issue. Nothing. It was my first ever swim where I was able to go from the gun (other than the Crystal River races) and move through the water with relative comfort. It was amazing. When I hit the bottom with my hands and stood up to walk out, I glanced at my watch. It was my fastest swim. Even faster than Augusta when I had a 1.5mph current pushing me.

I guess I had improved ... good start to the race!

The Bike

Thanks to the downpour ALL of my gear was soaked. I worked on the bike jersey, but when I picked up my socks they were soaked, so I made the decision to ride without them. I have ridden without socks many times so I wasn't worried about having issues, and I was right ... none.

The bike was pretty straight forward. The only issue was that they had changed the course at the last minute due to construction, so the pre race planning and riding was really for naught, since most of it was unfamiliar now. I only passed one person the whole time, but no bike issues, which was a comfort. It was my first race on Buzz (Litespeed CR1) and the first half of the race I was cruising pretty well at 16-17 mph.

After the turn though, around mile 30, the wind decided to pay a visit and this is where I lost my pace. I went from going down hills at 22 mph to peddling downhill at 14-15. You can guess what going uphill was like. I saw Sherrie, who had come out of the water about 3 minutes ahead of me, and she was a good 5-6 miles ahead now. At the turn around I saw Megan (taking a potty break) and at mile 32 she caught and passed me. I did my best to stay with her, thinking we could leap frog for awhile, but she was way too strong for me this day. THIS day! ;-). Actually was very proud to see her do so well in her second attempt. She had a bad race last season in Miami and this was her re-attempt at the distance and she smoked it. This was a girl last season who could barely keep up with Jennifer and me, and now she was leaving me in the dust. Great competitor she is!

The Hobble (otherwise known as The Run)
The run is my new "Achilles heel" (pun intended). Thanks to trying out zero drop shoes a few weeks ago I had strained my PT in my right foot. I had not run in two weeks in hopes that it would heal itself by the race, and actually running out of T2 it felt OK. The mere fact that I could RUN out of T2 was an improvement. My socks were still wet, but luckily my shoes were pretty dry, so I put them on anyway and hoped for the best.

I did not get my wish.

The first 3.5 miles of the double loop course is in the forest and it got me almost immediately. The heel started hurting by mile 1, so I decided to walk the trail and run once I got back to the pavement. My race had been a personal best to this point, so disappointment set in quickly once I realized that the race was not going to be good by the end. The trail hurt me more than I expected and I ended up walking 95% of the run, and walking is an exaggeration. I was in pain the majority of the time, and was seriously thinking about pulling out when I was coming into the second loop. Of course, as fate would have it, this is when Jenny caught up to me, and as usual, she kept me going. Jenny, along with Teresa and Kate grabbing me as I came out of the forest was a huge help and kept me occupied on something other than the pain I was feeling. I became determined to finish, even knowing the time was going to be awful, and I pushed to the end, even managing to run once I got to the last turn and was met by my great teammates, friends, and the awesome race director Mark Hunter, who some how manages to remember every racers name.

Cheering Squad for Sprint and Aqua Bike

The exceptional thing about this weekend was not only having a "support" crew during the race taking pictures and cheering us on (Teresa and Brian Kurfiss and Kate Tombillo) but because the short courses were the next day we could then go out and provide cheering and support for them on their Sprint race (Teresa and Brian) and Aquabike (Kate). We've never had the chance to do this since we are usually racing. I found it very enjoyable, even though my feet were killing me (the wet socks managed to cause a blister on the BOTTOM of the balls of my feet ... not fun to walk on) we were running around catching them as they came out of the water, onto the bike, onto the run, and finishing. It was great to see Teresa and Brian do so well in this race. I think they have the bug now. You're welcome!

Fueling NSNG Style
This post cannot be complete with a mention of the racing with the NSNG (no sugar no grain) eating lifestyle. I will admit I was a bit hesitant, that same old tune goes through your head about using carbs, getting water ... sugar ... salt ... GELS!!! It is a hard thing to break out of, but I was determined to give this a shot.

I cannot eat on race morning. My gut is too nervous to get food in, but I made an effort to down a Bulletproof Coffee (coffee, butter, coconut oil, heavy cream). This sat well with my system. I had NO stomach issues at all, and didn't feel hunger the whole race. I did prepare a flask of honey and water (1:3 ratio) and carried that for the ride and run in case I felt the "bonk" coming. I ended up using that flask, but mostly on the bike, and not when I felt a NEED for it. I trickled a small amount at each aide station, along with water, in an effort to keep the bonk from ever happening.

Did it?

With all of the issues I had physically, I NEVER felt that my energy was depleted during the whole race. That was the frustrating part of it. I felt strong, like I could go forever, but my body gave out. I refuse to believe that it's my age (I am almost 50 now). I know it is my weight. 245 pounds over 70.3 miles causes pain. Just no way around that, so I am working my tail off to get down to 200 by Augusta in September. Thanks to Vinnie Tortorich's p'cast (www.vinnietortorich.com) with Anna Vocino (glutenfreeanna.blogspot.com), Chi Running (www.chirunning.com) and the advice they give on how to manage endurance racing, I believe this is possible.

Remember, it doesn't matter how you finish, only that you DID finish, and even more, that you STARTED. Life is too short to go through it Fat and Unhealthy. As Vinnie says, we all need to put life into living, and do it with enthusiasm.

St. Anthony's Triathlon in 5 weeks!

Let's Do It!!!!!

http://test.skimlinks.com

Product Review: Saucony Virrata

2013-03-26T21:04:00.000-04:00

I recently received the new Saucony Virrata from the manufacturer for a wear and review and was excited to get them in the mail and give them a test run. Since I was currently in training for the first 70.3 of 2013, and was facing a weekend training camp, I felt it was a good time to give them a test run and see how they felt.

Let me start by saying that the shoes are well made, designed, and putting them on the first time felt

like pillows on my feet. The problem is that I am a heavy (still) runner, tipping the scales at 243 pounds. This, in itself, should have told me that these shows would not work for me, but I had decided to give the zero drop a try, so I slipped them on and off I ran. They felt GREAT when starting off. The change from my normal "heavy support" shoes was noticeable, but something that started off comfortable. The run course in Ocala starts off with a 3.5 mile loop through a trail, and this proved to be the downfall. As most runners know, trail running is especially tough on the ankles, but even more so when you weigh what I do, so the change to a zero drop, from a 4mm drop, was noticeable by the time I came out of the woods. I want to be clear, though, that this is not a fault of the shoe. Others that I know that wear these SWEAR by them.

The ride was comfortable when I started, which was surprising for a light shoe. Once I am in a longer training zone I will try them again without getting "off road" to see how they feel without the added issue of the trail. I will add that I wear them still to walk in and love them for that, so it is not a total loss.

From Saucony's site, the Virrata is described as such:

Stripped down to strong. The Virrata is our lightest and most flexible training shoe and allows your foot to move naturally. We removed everything that isn’t helping your run improve. What remains is a feather-light, ultra flexible shoe with advanced cushioning that promotes a powerful stride and allows your foot to move the way it was meant to. Built on a 0mm offset, this shoe lets your feet do the work while providing plenty of protection from the road. The breathable mesh upper makes the shoe incredible lightweight and quick-drying to run in wet weather conditions.

With all that being said, the shoe is great for lighter runners, or runners with a lot of "time in the saddle". I cant recommend them for a heavy runner, such as myself, but it is so comfortable that it gives me a goal to shoot for ... because I would love to wear them some day.

Visit them at www.saucony.com and try them for yourself ...

Madman Across the Water

2013-03-20T14:54:00.001-04:00

I … am not a fish.

I know that comes as a shock to some of you, because if you have been reading my blog for any length of time you know how comfortable I am in the water. It is, in fact, like a second home to me. I love having the wave’s splash over my face as I try to swim. It’s especially nice when the seas are just a bit higher than your head, so that when you come up for a breath the water is right in front of you … I tell you brothers and sisters … is there anything more calming than being that close to the water?

It’s … well …

Soothing is what it is. It’s kind of like being coddled in your mother’s arms on a cold December night in front of a roaring fire.

But you know what’s even better?

Being in the water with 500 or so of your closest friends.

The playfulness that ensues while seeing who can get to the turn buoy first. The happiness you feel as your brothers grab your feet to try to propel them faster through the water. The occasional love tap of your buddy’s arm as it crashes onto the top of your head. The happiness it brings to grapple for your goggles as they float to the bottom of the lake (or ocean) while people are coming at you like you just yelled “Polo!!!”.

Yes … the swim is quite magical …

If you’re lucky, and we always end up being lucky because we are, in fact, in the water, there will be seaweed floating through the swim zone. Even better, under water sea grass! Nothing completes a relaxing swim portion than the occasional feel of something brushing past your legs, or across your face, while you’re trying to remain calm. Yes, the only thing better would be to have actual wildlife swim next to you. If luck holds, and you know it will, it will be the rarest of all wildlife, the elusive jellyfish. The exhilarating rush of the slight pinching feeling as they let you know they are around, as if they are saying “Hey! Hi there! Come on and play with the Jelly Man! We ALL float down here!!”

Yes, they are charming creatures. In addition to being able to play with them, afterwards you may get to experience the pleasant experience of having a complete stranger pee on you.

Now, really, what has two thumbs and LOVES being peed on by strangers???

THIS GUY!!!

So, no, I am not a fish. I wish I was, because then I could spend my whole life in the ocean. Frolicking, and laughing, and playing with my fish buddies. Maybe nibbling on the toes of the triathletes swimming over me.

Everyone knows

that Triathlete toes

are the best meals in the sea!

Right??

I am ready …

Let’s go swim!

'Tis The Season for Racing

2013-03-17T17:55:00.001-04:00

Here it is ...

Less than one week to go until my 2013 Triathlon season starts.

I am entering this season with hopes that I will improve on my disappointing season in 2012. It's not that I did not have my accomplishments last year, it was after all my first two Half Ironman races, but my performances were far from what I expected. As far as the half's were concerned, they were my first attempts, so the fact that I completed them was a success in itself, but it was the hard lessons I learned that were both disappointing to me and also helpful, if that is possible. I had issues in both of those races. A panic in the swim at Haines City (Florida 70.3 in May) helped along with a stray, panicking Frenchman trying to drown me, started the day off badly and I never truly recovered. In Augusta 70.3 (September 2012) the swim was still an issue but one I recovered from, but my bike decided to give me problems, resulting in a 4.5 hour ride and killing my legs for the run. These are issues that happen, and I will be more prepared for this year, but I didn't worry too much about these two in the end.

No, what my frustration was last year were my performances in the short courses, namely the Crystal River Series and the Twilight. In 2011, my first year, each of these races got better through the summer. I improved on the swim, the bike and the run, so I was looking forward to hitting these races in 2012 and making a large stride. After all, I thought, I had run half marathons and a marathon at this point, so a Sprint Triathlon should be no issue.

Yeah. Ok.

My first race was right on par with where I left off, but each subsequent races got worse, ending in the final event being slower, SLOWER, than my first attempt in 2011.

I spent all off season pondering these results. The weighed on my mind, even to the point that I had actually considered not doing this any more.

The one change, or constant, during the season was my weight. When I started in 2011 I was near 300 pounds and had dropped to 235, but by the end of 2012 I was back up to 265. After seriously looking into what had happened I discovered that I had fallen into the "carb trap". I was limiting carb intake during the 2010 to 2011 years, but after my first full season I had got into my head that "I am now a triathlete and should eat like one" so I started not worrying about the carbs and focused instead on training.

Turns out this was not a good idea, at least not for me.

My coach turned me onto a few podcasts, including Vinnie Tortorich's "Angriest Trainer", and this started making me see the problem. I read numerous books, including "Wheat Belly" and Gary Taubses's "Good Calorie Bad Calorie" and had an epiphany. I got rid of sugar and grains from my diet. I started eating a full fat breakfast, or drinking Bulletproof Coffee before long rides. I stopped counting calories and just focused on WHAT I ate, and only ate when I was hungry, not on a schedule.

This resulted in two things happening.

The weight started dropping again.

And my training rides and runs did not leave me sore for days.

Both very good things.

Another thing I discovered, once again though the Angriest Trainer, was Chi Running. His better half, Serena Scott Thomas, is a coach in this style and it intrigued us to the point that we signed up for a full day seminar. This, regardless of everything else, probably saved my training on its own. Chi Running is a method where you learn to "use gravity" with your lean and use a metronome to maintain constant pace. This is a very simplistic view of the practice, but suffice to say that the first time I used it in training I RAN 7 miles without stopping. I usually use the Galloway method of run/walk splits. Did my overall pace improve? Slightly. The difference was that after running 12 miles I could still walk with no foot pain. Very different.

So with all these improvements I am entering this year with cautious optimism.

We have fewer races than normal (learning our lesson). We start in 6 days with HITS 70.3 Triathlon in Ocala, then St. Anthony's in April, the Crystal River series, and ending once more in Ironman Augusta. I went to Ocala this weekend and got in the 58 degree water and swam, with no issue, and rode 33 miles of the bike course, so I am feeling good. Now, as we all know, many things can happen to alter a race no matter what time you put into preparation. Weather. A broken toe. A bike failure. But I feel prepared at this point to get this underway, and it is my hope to have successes this year not just in finishing races, but in improving.

I have no specific time goals other than one; finish a 70.3 in under 7 hours. If I can do that, especially if I can do it in both 70.3 races this year, I will be pitting a 140.6 on the schedule next season.

And ... so it begins ...

Check Your Ego at the Door

2013-03-14T22:46:00.000-04:00

Part of the process in becoming a triathlete, especially when starting from ground zero (or in my case, ground -42) is learning what you can do and what you cannot do. This becomes very apparent on the first group ride you participate in with riders the group advertises as "all ability levels". This tag roughly translates to sub-groups of paces above 35 mph, paces between 25-34, and my pace group, which I will refer to as Road Kill (you can easily identify this group by the fact they are seen sitting on the curb of the first 7-11 they passed sucking on a water bottle and softly sobbing into their towels).

A sad lot we are ...

But no matter what level you start off at, that fast pace is no deterrent at the offset of the ride. You jump into the pack and pedal as fast as you can to keep up, inevitably burning your legs out within 5 miles, and being dropped (this is a nice cyclist term, meaning "leaving your slow fat ass at the first 7-11 to cry into your towel, as referenced above). So the hardest part of triathlon training at first is learning this hard lesson and figuring out that you need to stay in your zone and let the "big boys" play at what speed they need to be at while you monitor your heart rate like it's a papal decree summoning the good little Catholics to CCD Class.

Luckily I was born with little to no ego, so learning to keep this in check has not been a hard task for me. I am kind of hard headed about some things (I know ... everyone that knows me personally just spit out their Bulletproof Coffee all over their keyboard. I assume no responsibility for your shock or amazement) so when I go out for a training ride, or run, or swim, I know what my pace and my goal for that day is, so being passed, or "chicked", on these rides doesn't bother me at all. My stalwart training partner, Dr. Jennifer Cultrera, on the other hand gets sucked into these mini races all the time. Now, to be fair, she has gotten a lot better at this recently, but also to be fair I found it kinda cute how, when being passed by faster cyclists, you could count on her scrunching down and picking up the pace to try to keep up. Adorable. And it didn't bother me that by the time she snapped out of this mindset I was about 15 miles behind her. Not one bit.

Seriously ... it didn't!!!

During a podcast by the Great and Powerful Vinnie Tortorich a few weeks ago he was talking about the need to train in Zone 2. Great news, since that's what I did anyway, so now I had an expert to back up my lack of ego! But seriously, it made a lot of sense during training rides, or runs, since you were training not only to endure long distances, but also to train your body to use fat as the primary source of fuel instead of carbs. It makes sense on the most basic level, since fat burns at a more slower rate than carbs, so the need to "reload" is diminished during these training sessions. It's likened to using a log on the fire vs. pine needles. Both start the fire, but to keep the second one going you need to keep feeding it pine needles.

Checking your ego is easy for some (me) but I know cannot be easy for others, especially the elite level athletes, and especially triathletes, because, lets face it, triathletes are a testosterone fueled bunch (even the women). Lightening up is not easy for them. The idea of WALKING during a training run is unthinkable, let along slowing to 15 mph on the bike, but to be fair, not every one's heart rate is the same. I think some people operate at a higher heart rate. To use the method Vinnie mentioned on his podcast is a good way to estimate your Zone 2 levels (180 - your age, then add 5 if your not active and subtract 5 if you are), but to get the real zone for YOU, there has to be a deeper process. Personally, I think what mine comes out to is probably right on the money. I am not a doctor (though I do hang out with one on the weekends), but I do know how I feel since starting this HR method. That method, in partnership with the Chi Running method, leaves me feeling good even during long runs. In the past I have finished long run (defined for me as anything over 8 miles) hurting and barely able to walk, but using these two practices leaves me able to go to a pool afterwards and swim 3000 meters.

So, I will continue to check my ego, get chicked, and finish when I finish. Hopefully training in this way will build my endurance and allow me to compete decently in races this year. It is my hope to improve to the point that, by the Augusta 70.3 this year. I will break the 7 hour mark.

I can hear you laughing out there!! 7 hours is FAST for me!!

7 hours is my mark before allowing myself to move to attempting a full Ironman Distance next season, which will be my 50th year of life.

Of course, this includes a 2.4 mile swim ...

.. but that's a blog for another time ..

This....is Your Triathlon Idol

2013-03-12T13:53:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I received my information packet for the HITS Ocala Triathlon in two weeks. In it was the normal things, like the Athlete Guide and Parking Pass, but there was one more thing; a link to a site to "share your triathlon story".

Unlike a lot of people, I don't mind these things because it gives me a chance to put down in words just why I would pursue a sport like this when knowing I will never be a top competitor and in most cases will be scared to death until I get out of the water. I mean, legally crazy people don't do things like this right? Anyway, the third or fourth question gave me pause. It was a simple question:

Who is your idol in Triathlon?

I am sure that when they posted this they expected the usual answers ...

Chrissie Wellington

Macca!!

Andy Potts

Rinny!!

Now, don't get me wrong, these people are outstanding triathletes. But are they my "idol"?

An Idol, to me, is someone you look up to, respect, admire, aspire to be like. While these people are ultimate pro's, I don't know any of them personally, so it's hard for me to consider them an "idol". I have no idea what, if any, hardship they have had to overcome in their life to get where they are. I have no idea if they help the needy, give free lessons to age groupers, brake for animals ... anything that I, personally, would consider worthy of "idolship". In the end I think when you put professionals, celebrities, and the like up on a pedestal as an idol you inevitably end up disappointed (as an example, how many people idolized Lance Armstrong?).

To me, an idol is someone you have to know personally. Some who you are aware of the things they do in and out of the sport. They may not be perfect, after all who of us is (with the exception of me of course), but they give of themselves, they overcome, they have gutsy performances that leave you with your mouth hanging open, or shaking your head as they fly past you on the run even with a broken toe. THESE are the people you respect and look up to each day. In my case, they are:

Jennifer Cultrera: For getting me involved in the sport and being beside me in every race, every challenge, every victory and every last place finish. She has faced her own challenges and demons and never backs down. She is one of a kind. Above all, though, Jennifer is a great doctor, because she actually cares about the patients in her care, a trait that is all too often missing these days with doctors. She had every opportunity to become jaded, and has remained true to herself and her mission.

Kristie (KC) Concepcion: Our Coach, who we connected with through Daily Mile, and who freely offered us advice and support in the very beginning, progressing from acquaintance, to coach, to friend. She is one of the FEW people I take advice from, both in Triathlon and in day to day life, and I don't give that freely. I can be kind of stubborn in that way.

Summer Bailey: As I mentioned earlier, broke her toe in T1 in Augusta, and finished the race, lapping me as if I was standing still. This girl is no bigger than a minute and is one of the toughest people I have ever met. In addition, she is a cop, and that in of itself deserves respect.

Megan Supernovich: I met Megan as a part of Team in Training, and there are MANY reason to look up to this woman. Not only a very good athlete, but someone that doesn't back away from a challenge, moving from running to being a triathlete in one season. In addition, Megan herself is a cancer survivor, but you would never have known that by her actions or words, but above all, Megan is probably the most supportive person I have known. She always has the time to lift you up, give you encouragement, tell you that "you can do it", even when she has doubts about her own ability.

These are the people that deserve to be looked up to, the people you know, the people that have helped you and were there for you when you needed them. The people you have witness give gutsy performances, not on TV, but right in front of you. I hope that when others fill this out that they mention these local triathletes, or coaches, or team members. These are the ones out there each day after working, taking care of kids, paying bills, cooking dinner ... and still finding time to train and prepare for long distance races.