Triathlon Training Blog, Triathlon Gear Blog, Running Gear Blog, Marathon Training Blog

Checkout our new Family Fan Club website on Wordpress

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:30:00 +0000

It's been in the works for a while, but we've finally made the move to WordPress. On the surface, that's probably not very exciting, but behind the scenes it lays the foundation for some exciting enhancements at Family Fan Club.

The first big change is the integration of the store and blog. From this point forward, we'll be blogging from the integrated blog function native to WordPress.

The second and most exciting change is the ability to offer products direction from the lab at Family Fan Club. As we announced on June 7th, we're starting to offer Performance tech t-shirts for triathletes, runners, cyclists and swimmers. The move to WordPress based store will allow us to supplement our partnership with CafePress with products made and delivered directly from Family Fan Club. We'll be printing all of our Performance Tech Shirts on 100% polyester ALO shirts with styles for both Men and Women. Every design in our store will be available on demand and in low volumes (as low as one!). In addition to our standard designs, we can also personalize any design or simply supplement an existing the design.

In the end, the benefit will be to our customers, providing more options with products directly from Family Fan Club.

If you've landed here, please go to our site, look around and shop, shop, shop!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

New Family Fan Club logo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:30:00 +0000

As you can see at the top of the page, Family Fan Club has a new logo! We think it really embodies what we're about, designs for athletes, family and friends, wearing your support and who doesn't need more cowbell on race day? Thanks to the guys at i design your logo for making it happen.

We'll be making this design available in our store shortly!

What do you think about the new design? Tell us your comments.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Performance Tech T-shirts for Triathletes, Runners and Cyclists

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:57:00 +0000

You asked for it, you got it! Performance Tech T-shirts for Triathletes, Runners and Cyclists (or Adventure Racers, High School Sports or anything!) will soon be available on the Family Fan Club website. Every design in our catalog will be available on light colored 100% polyester performance tech shirts for training and racing.

Over the last month we've been piloting a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto the fabric. The benefit of this process vs. other methods is that the fabric is permanently dyed so it can be washed without damaging the quality of the image, as well as resistant to discoloration from UV light and air. Needless to say we've been impressed with the quality and will soon be updating the store with all the details regarding how to purchase these new shirts.

If you can't wait for us to get the webpage updated and need a Performance Tech T-shirt NOW, contact us with the details of what you're looking for and we'll get it done!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Family Fan Club is now available at Campus Street Sportswear

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 04:02:00 +0000

Family Fan Club is now available at Campus Street Sportswear located on the Pearl St. Mall in Boulder, Colorado. With Father's Day approaching and race season heating up, stop by and pick-up some t-shirts and Wear Your Support!

Here's some shots from our visit on Memorial Day Weekend:

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Sport Hooks by Heavy Medalz

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 04:57:00 +0000

If you've got a few medals from races that need a home, checkout Sport Hooks from Heavy Medalz. Of all the races I've done over the last three years since I got off the couch, I think the only medal I have is from the Amica Boulder Spring Triathlon. Perhaps I'll have another medal to add after the race on 6/20/2010?

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Get your Family Fan Club involved on race day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 04:13:00 +0000

The 2010 race season is just around the corner. For those of us with families there are a couple of great ways to get the whole family involved.

One way is to get the family involved on race day, is to train and pick a race to participate together. Here's a great article I found on Active.com by Farel B. Hruska, the National Fitness Director for Stroller Strides, regarding getting the family involved on race day. Kim & I agree and this article covers many of the reasons we started Family Fan Club, to get the whole family involved on race day and to be role models for healthy living.

If kids aren't ready for training and racing, include the family on race day with support t-shirts from Family Fan Club. Our kids love to come out and support Mom and Dad on race day. There are typically a ton of kids, activities and generally a ton of fun to be had on race day. Our boys love finishing up a race with Mom & Dad and I can say I love finishing with the boys, it's a great feeling.

Getting the family involved may even lead to a uninterested spouse suddenly getting of the couch running and racing. It happened to me, it could happen to you.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

The Elusive Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

By guest blogger Kelly:

In January I decided I needed some motivation to keep me running through the winter months. I decided to run a marathon in May. As a recreational runner I had participated in many 5k’s, 10k’s, and 15k’s, however, with a family including 2 young kids I never thought I could run a marathon because there already weren’t enough hours in the day. All around me, however, many of my friends (many with children younger then mine) had recently completed marathons so I decided to dive in headfirst.

I steadily increased my mileage and incorporated speed work and tempo runs. It was all going well until my “long” runs went beyond 11 miles. I started to feel the pain of the strain my body was under and I was tired. I was tired of so many things; tired of the constant aches in my legs, tired of losing hours of time to running on Sunday mornings, tired of getting up before the sun to run, and tired of forced workouts because “I had to”. On the morning I was supposed to do a 14-mile run I quit. Yes, after weeks of hard work and time spent, I quit with part of me feeling guilty and part of me feeling like a gigantic weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I went out that morning and ran 6 glorious miles without a water bottle, without energy beans, without an ipod, and enjoyed every minute of it. I have never looked back and have no regrets. Afterall, I did train through the winter months right? Goal partially achieved.

What have I learned from this? Well, I think I will ultimately run a marathon. When? Maybe when my kids are older and I have more “time” to myself. Maybe when I have a committed marathon partner to encourage me and go on long runs with me. But really, it might never happen and that would be OK too since I am still a runner and still enjoy “long” runs even if they are 10 miles or less.

So anyone want to train for a marathon with me?

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Am I A Runner?

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Taylor) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:19:00 +0000

This is a question I rarely ask myself, because the answer is simple. No. When people refer to me as a runner I always deny it. My friend Leandra often refers to me as her friend Kim "the runner." Every time she uses "the runner" label to differentiate me from another friend I always say, what are you talking about Leandra? I'm not a runner.

Funny, Rebecca (my running partner) doesn't consider herself a runner either. When people ask us if we are "runners" we say we run together and yeah, we run some races, but we aren't "runners". After all, look at me. If you saw me on the street you would never think of me as a runner. I don't go through running shoes every other month, I don't wear shorts that are high cut and flap in the wind or are tight. For goodness sake, I chafe in places where I know "runners" do not chafe.

To me, running is simply a recreation, time when Rebecca and I can be together and chat about all that is going on in our lives. We have actually saved specific topics for a run and read books specifically for our long runs. Knowing that it is our conversation that gets us through to the finish line we look forward to seeing each other every day. Often after we have run 10 miles and talked in the parking lot for 20 minutes I have to call her to tell her something I forgot to mention. We aren't runners......

I am currently reading the Runner's World "The Runner's Diet" by Madelyn H Fernstrom (which I will review when I am done reading). In her book Madelyn says "No matter whether you run 1 or 6 miles a day, you're a runner (p13)." She also paraphrases Descartes to "Offer an important guideline for all of us: 'I run; therefore I am a runner' (pXIV)." By this standard I guess Rebecca and I should consider ourselves runners.

My friend Leandra has made it a personal goal to convince me that I am a runner. She is constantly catching me off guard asking me questions when I least expect it. While golfing one day she asked me if I was wearing my running shoes (I just wear sneakers to golf in), I promptly said no, I only wear my running shoes when when I am running never any other time. "Oh she said, then you are a runner."

Then at soccer practice she asked me if I knew the time, when I told her she said, oh is that your heart rate monitor. Yes I said, it is. She replied, if you have a heart rate monitor then "you must be a runner."

Do you have a running partner? Yes, you know Rebecca is my running partner. "Oh, then you must be a runner."

I think you get the picture......

Sometimes I think this misconception that I am NOT a runner is a result of geography. After all, look where I live. When I tell people I ran a 1/2 marathon they say "Great, do you want to join me in the .... Marathon?" It seems like everyone around me is competing in IronMan, Marathon, Ultra Marathon etc. I only run a half marathons, but maybe just maybe instead of comparing myself to people that I will never compete with I should compare myself to where I came from.

I didn't even start running until I was 23 and in Graduate School. A long distance race for me as a 5K. I run farther than that on a daily basis now, and I still love running. I have run the Steamboat Half Marathon 5 times (4 times in a row) and I have even run 2 half marathons in the same season a few times. Now that is amazing when I look back on it.

OK Leandra, I guess you are right. Rebecca and I are runners! Instead of denying it when people ask we should hold our heads high and say

"Yes, as a matter of fact WE ARE runners!"

- Thank you friend

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Traditional Medicinals

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Taylor) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Written by Kim:

As I mentioned in my first post, one of the things that has plagued me and my motivation to run over the past few months has been stomach issues. I don't know the root of this evil. It seems like I wake up every morning with a stomach ache and no motivation to run. However, because of my accountability to my running partner Rebecca I have run through it.

So, what is one to do? Being a fan of homeopathic medicine and my desire to solve problems naturally I began searching the internet for solutions to stomach issues. I found the answer quickly and it seems to have transformed my belly. I have been so happy and excited to wake up every morning with no stomach ache. I have started drinking Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Tea before I go to bed at night and it has made a world of difference. So YEAH again to Traditional Medicinals and their wonderful teas!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Training Chart

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Taylor) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:04:00 +0000

I have found that I work best with a goal in mind, preferably one I have had to front some cash for. So this is part of the reason why I sign up for the Steamboat Half Marathon every year. Of course the fact that Steamboat is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and 5 days away with my family and friends is one of the best weeks of the year for me has something to do with it too.

So, how does a novice/intermediate runner like me prepare for a Half Marathon?

Every year I follow Hal Higdon's Half Marathon training program. I find his website to be very informative, realistic and best of all FREE! He says "The excitement around half marathons often is the same as at a marathon -- except you get to go home early." I love this and it is exactly why I train for at least one half marathon a year. In my opinion a half marathon is not a race just anyone can get up and run, but at the same time the training is not so time intensive that I would fail to do it right.

With my two young boys I just have not gotten to the point yet where I can dedicate myself enough to training for a marathon. Although, my friend Tracey and I have promised ourselves that we will run a marathon together before we turn 40. Unfortunately that window is quickly closing and at least Tracey has the experience of running 5 marathons behind her (I know I know, already with the excuses).

Anyway, for the past several years I have followed Higdon's Novice 12 week program, but last year Rebecca and I thought we would try to bump it up to the Intermediate program. After all, we definitely fit the description - "THE ABOVE [Intermediate] SCHEDULE IS FOR EXPERIENCED RUNNERS: individuals who have left their Novice roots behind and who want to improve their performances. You should be capable of running 30 to 60 minutes a day, five to seven days a week, have competed in at least a few 5-K and 10-K races, if not a marathon, and at least be willing to consider the possibility that some speedwork might help you improve."

Last year we created our workout calendar (well I did and forced my spreadsheets on Rebecca), and everything started out easy. After all we were more than ready for this. ROAD BLOCK: I can not get myself through the speed workouts. Let's face it, I am a 10 minute miler. I enjoy this pace and I can continue to run this pace for miles on end. I hate sprinting, but I KNOW it would help me in many ways. First it would knock my body out of its doldrums and it may also decrease my mile time. The question is, is the pain worth going from a 10 minute mile to a 9:45 minute mile? I still won't win, but maybe I would finally hit that elusive 2:10 half marathon time I have always longed for and have come so close to.

This little tirade brings me back to yesterday's post and the how I mentioned that blogging was partially selfish. I figured if I created a workout and told everyone about it that it would make me even more accountable and more likely to stick to the parts that I don't like. So I promise continued updates.

My 12 week training program officially started this week and I am going to get out of this funk, get myself excited and start training for this race the right way! Anyone want to join me?

My Plan:
Mondays - Easy Run starting with 3 miles increasing 1/2 mile every other week
Tuesdays - Yoga and/or Sculpt & Tone Class
Wednesdays - Alternating 400 m weeks and tempo runs
Thursdays - Yoga and/or Sculpt & Tone Class
Fridays - 3 miles easy and strength
Saturdays - 3 miles easy increasing 1 mile every third week
Sundays - Long Runs starting with 5 miles, increasing 1 mile a week

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Road Block

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Taylor) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Hello. I am Kim, Paul's wife. Paul has been asking me to write for our FamilyFanClub blog for 2 seasons now so I figured I should finally get around to doing it. Although, I have to say there are selfish reasons for my blogging as well, but we will get to that in a bit.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I am the proud mother of 2 handsome boys, ages 7 and 5, and a very happy wife. My primary duty is to be a mom to our boys, but in spare time I run 3 businesses. BINSI Labor and Birth Apparel, FamilyFanClub and I am also a birth doula.

My life is full of joy, however, it would absolutely not be the same if it wasn't for my running partner Rebecca (that's her on the left)! We prefer to call each other running partners rather than best friends because we feel like it shows more commitment to one another than simply just being best friends.

In fact more often than not, it is this commitment to Rebecca that keeps me running. That's why I am particularly thankful for her this year. For whatever reason it seems like I am hitting a running road block this season.

This is only the 3rd year that I have run all year long. In the past I would stop running sometime around November and pick it back up in March, but for the past three years Rebecca and I have run every Sunday outside, regardless of the temperature and this year (for the first time) we continued to run outside 3 days a week, regardless of temperature. Although, the coldest weather we ran in was 10 degrees.

I look forward to running season every year. I run the Mother's Day Title 9K and Steamboat Half Marathon every year, and sometimes the Bolder Boulder as well. Yes that is my season in 4 weeks, the rest of the summer I simply run for fun. But for some reason this year I have hit a running road block. I just don't seem up for the training this year. I have been struggling with stomach issues, exhaustion and flat out disinterest in running. What is that all about? Luckily I have Rebecca to keep me motivated and to help me get through this odd time.

So what am I going to do? I am going to get out my training chart and run my way out of this funk!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Thanks to Rudy Project!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:38:00 +0000

I bought a pair of Exception glasses from Rudy Project via my local eyecare professional (Eagle Vision in Longmont, CO) in 2008. I love the flip capability that allows me to wear the glasses outside and flip (or remove) the lens when lighting conditions change. I wore the glasses snowmobiling this year and when I went to remove them, the frame snapped => devastation!

Luckily Rudy Project has a no hassle warranty replacement policy. I filled out this warranty form, with proof of purchase and $19.95. I had a brand new frame in hand in about a week and I couldn't be happier.

I recommended the glasses before they broke and with the excellent customer service, my happiness continues with Rudy Project. Thanks Rudy Project! (I love my helmet too, hopefully I won't be writing any testimonials on that.)

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Don't start training without Road ID

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:35:00 +0000

Road ID is the perfect gift and training partner for the runner, cyclist, triathlete, or active person on your gift list. If you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. If you don't know exactly which Road ID to purchase, just order a Road ID Gift Card or an online eCard.

Road ID: It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind.

Kim and I both have Road ID bracelets and it really does give me peace of mind when Kim is out for a run or when I'm out for a ride on my bike. It's nice to know that if something happens to me, people will know who I am and how to contact family and friends. We even used our Road Ids for our kids a few times this summer when we were out at busy locations, such as Yankee Stadium!

If you don't think it can happen to you, checkout the testimonials. It's the best $20 you could spend this season.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Miami International Triathlon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:36:00 +0000

Congrats to Matt Chrabot & Sarah Haskins for winning the 2010 Miami International Triathlon yesterday & to all the pro and age group finishers.

If you're looking for a unique t-shirt, sticker or perhaps an oranament for the holidays, stop by the shop for Miami Triathlon t-shirts, stickers and more!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Happy get off the couch 3rd anniversary to me!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:57:00 +0000

It's been three years this week since I decided enough was enough and got off the couch to get in better shape. Here are the reasons I wrote about here and here in 2008 as I started this blog. As I look back over the last three years I certainly feel great having:
* Lost 25 lbs. At my peak fitness in July 2008 preparing for Boulder Peak Olympic Triathlon, I was down 40 lbs, back to my Navy weight in 1995. I've gained some of that back, but overall very happy with how much better a feel.
* 9 Triathlons. 5 Sprints, 2 Olympic & 2 relays as the swimmer.
* 2 Bolder Boulder 10Ks & a couple handfuls of 5Ks
* Started Family Fan Club as a side project to create triathlon, running, marathon, cycling, duathlon, swimming and personalized t-shirts, stickers, sweatshirt, ornaments and more for family, friends and athletes. We've had a great time & meet a lot of wonderful athletes and supporters over the years.

So, three years down and an unlimited number of years ahead. This year I'm going to be focusing on shorter races and get my fitness where it needs to be for future considerations.

We've got a bunch of new products and designs in store that we'll be adding over the coming weeks and months. We're finalizing details on an exciting new product offering that we'll announce more about later this spring.

As everyone dials in their plans for 2010 race season, please considering making Family Fan Club part of your race schedule. Whether you're an athlete, sherpa, family or friends, we've got something for everyone, including personalized t-shirts.

If you've got a question, recommendation or would just like to say hi, contact us!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

LOST inspired t-shirt designs for triathletes, runners, cyclists, swimmers and duathletes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:27:00 +0000

Celebrate the 6th and final season of LOST on ABC with a LOST inspired t-shirt from
Family Fan Club.

Shop our collection of Lost Dharma Iniatiative t-shirt for Triathletes, Runners, Cyclists, Duathletes and Swimmers!

Supplied by the Initiative, these standard issue apparel items signify your position within the Dharma initiative.

Not all who wander are LOST! Start Shopping Now!

Contact Us to personalize your Dharma initiative design.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Rocky Mountain Team in Training - Train with Altitude

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:24:00 +0000

Family Fan Club is happy to announce that you can now buy Rocky Mountain Team in Training Train with Altitude t-shirts, stickers, hats, Sigg water bottles, travel mugs and more in our store. You can get the value Train with Altitude t-shirt for $9.99 or Train with Altitude with the Rocky Mountain Team in Training logo on the back. It's your choice. We also have Triathlon TNT Men and Triathlon TNT women shirts for supporting Team in Training. If you supporting friends and family, personalize our triathlon t-shirt with TNT colors. Mix and match any Family Fan Club design in support of TNT athletes. Stop by and take a look.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

2009 Ironman World Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Less than two weeks until 2009 Ironman World Championship on October 10th in Kona, Hawaii. Whether you're a first timer or returning world champion, Family Fan Club has got a triathlon t-shirt for you. Regular readers of our blog know that you can now pick-up a Triathlon Mommy or Triathlon Daddy t-shirt at Ironman expos. What if you want a personalized triathlon t-shirt supporting friends and family? Contact us today and we'll get a shirt personalized for Uncle Eric, Natasha, Paul or your choice. You provide the name, we'll personalize a t-shirt for you. Leaving for the big island this week, no problem. Order your custom triathlon t-shirt and have it shipped directly to your hotel or rental.

Congratulations to everyone that made Kona and have a great race!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Chain Condom, it works!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:29:00 +0000

Yes, it's what it sounds like. As their website states, "Chain Condom is a simple-to-use cover that goes on your bike in less than a minute. It keeps the grease and grime from your bike chain." The concept couldn't be simplier, the "condom" is made of nylon with a velcro closure. Everyone that has traveled with their bike for days, weeks or even a month understands the challenge of keeping your chain clean and rust free. I've been looking for something like chain condom since our annual month long trip to NY last summer (2008). Lance Armstrong happened to tweet about this new product available at Mellow Johnny's in Austin, I had to check it out and lo and behold it was exactly what I was looking for.

I ordered from the Chain Condom website and had it in my hands within a week. I had it on my chain protecting my goodies in three easy steps, just as the website tutorial stated and it takes < 1 minute. It's really easy, no tools, no hassle, etc...it really is that simple. I wish it completely covered the rear de-railer, but it covers most of it.

The real testimonial comes following the month long trip to NY (from Colorado) which was filled with rain, humidity, camping, and generally my bike was outside for a month. We were traveling with my road bike, my wife's mountain bike, my son's bike and a trail a bike. Only my road bike had the chain condom. The pictures are worth a million words. Every bike, but my road bike was a an absolute mess.

Here's my bike, protected by Chain Condom:

Here's my wife's bike, not protected by Chain Condom:

Needless to say, it's easy to see the value of the Chain Condom. I don't have the before pictures of the Mountain Bike, but it was clean. (Not perfect, but not rusted either) If you're traveling with your bike, protect it! Worth every penny in my opinion. Buy it online.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Family Fan Club is an Ironman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Ok, t-shirts can't be Ironmen, but we're happy to announce that Family Fan Club triathlon t-shirts will be featured at the Ironman Louisville and Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon expos. We're excited to share our vision of supporting family and friends on race day with our Triathlon Mommy and Triathlon Daddy t-shirts in a wide variety of colors. Lucky for you, you don't have to go to Ironman Louisville or Ironman Wisconsin expo to get a shirt, you can get your Triathlon t-shirt online at www.familyfanclub.net and if you're not supporting Mommy or Daddy, personalize it to support family and friends with a personalized triathlon t-shirt.

Here are the colors and designs you'll find at Ironman Expo:

Checkout the display at Ironman Louisville from our friends Holly and Bryan Reid who are at the race:

Thanks for the photo and have a great race Bryan!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Vacation 5Ks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Yes, Vacation 5Ks. I can't believe it either. We vacationed this year in 1000 Islands NY with all of our family. This was our 1st year in 1000 Islands, but our 5th vacationing with extended family. Here are the race reports:

July 19th - Tibbets Point 5K & 10K

On a whim, we decided to head over to Cape Vincent to participate in their 5 and 10K races. I selected the shorter 5K distance, while Kim and my nephew Daniel went for the 10K. There were about 200 people, so relatively small race. The course for the 10K was out and back around the Tibbets Point Lighthouse, with the 5K turning around midway. We all ran together for the first 2.5K and then I headed for the finish. I was mentally taking notes at the turn as to who was ahead of me that was in my age group. I figured there might be 3 or 4 people ahead me, but that was just for fun. I kept digging, running as hard as I could and finished in 29:28. I know, not blazing fast, but a best time for me! It felt good. Kim and Daniel finished strong with both breaking an hour on the 10K.

We hung around for the awards ceremony and in the back of my mind I thought there was a chance I placed in my age group, however after I discovered the age group was 30-39, not 35-39 I figured there was no chance. The results were posted and I quietly counted the places and.....I was 3rd! (And no, it wasn't 3 of 3, it was 3 of 5 or 6 thank you.) I didn't tell Kim and when they announced the 3rd place finisher, it was a great feeling. My nephew Daniel also placed, finishing 2nd in the under-18 division.

We joked that we need to move back east to place in our age-groups, as placing in the Boulder area is not even feasible. The funniest thing is that if I had run this race in 2008, I would have been 1st in my age-group! It's good to be active in the 30-39 age group along the St. Lawrence Seaway!

July 25th - Save the River 5K

On the second to last day of vacation, we decided to head over to Clayton for the Save the River 5K. We were joined by my sister Lisa and brother in law Tony, unfortunately Daniel wasn't feeling well. It was a beautiful day and by the time the race started it was getting hot. The race description had my favorite words "flat" and "fast", nothing I like better in a race! The race wound through Clayton, it was a nice course, flat and fast, as advertised. I ran with Tony for most of the race and went out in 8 minutes 30 seconds, which I thought must be an error. I don't that I've ever run that fast. Must have been race day adrenaline. I ended up finishing in 29 minutes and 4 seconds, a new PR! I wanted to break 29, maybe next year. We had a great time and jumped into the river after!

Vacation was awesome this year!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

2009 Race Reports

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Yep, I've been a bad blogger this summer. It hasn't been for a lack of ideas and topics, just for one reason or another I haven't taken the time to sit down write it all down. I thought about writing long blog posts about each race, training, and events, but then I decided to do this instead, one summarized mega 2009 race season report. So, when we last left our training triathlete, the 2009 Bolder Boulder was in the books and Family Fan Club had just completed an Expo with Girls on the Run in Denver. Here we go:

May 31st - Steamboat Half Marathon

Ha, ha, ha, ha, no, I didn't do a half marathon. We were in Steamboat, CO for Kim's annual participation in Steamboat Half Marathon (Where's your race report Kim?). We think this is our 5th or 6th year, I don't think we finalized the number of years, but it was a blast again this year. We extended our stay to 6 days and 5 nights and really got a chance to unwind with a half marathon in the middle. We spent a full day at the Old Town Hot Springs. They're finally done with the construction and I think it was worth the wait. New pools, slides and a good time was had by all. Kim and two girlfriends (Kim and Rebecca) struggled with race day "not feeling great", but were happy with their times considering the circumstances.

June 7th - 29th Annual Longmont Triathlon

While this may have been the 29th annual Longmont Triathlon, it was the first time that the weekend has been opened for me to do it since I started my triathlon quest for fitness. Typically we're in Steamboat the same weekend and I usually do the Greeley Triathlon (2007 and 2008), but due to how Memorial Day fell on the calendar this year, it was open and available, so I did it.

Longmont Triathlon is a pool swim with fairly typical sprint distances of 525 yards, ~13 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. I live close enough that I rode my bike to the race this year. Leading up to the race I didn't feel as prepared for the 2009 season as I was for the 2008 season, my off season conditioning never really was consistent for a number of reasons including laziness. This Triathlon was bit different than the others in that the pool swim is scheduled in waves, where the slower swimmers go first, followed by the faster swimmers. 5 or 6 swimmers to a lane for each wave of swimmers, 8 lane pool. I estimated my time when we signed up at 8 minutes, which in back in my HS days is akin to swimming with a piano on your back (5:20 was my best 20 years ago), but it's usually good for ~top 20% in the Triathlon world. With the seeding I was in Wave M I think, which was scheduled to start about 2 hours after the triathlon started. Very weird to be waiting around for so long. The good news was that I got to sleep in, the bad news was that the waves were delayed and I stood around for an extra 45 minutes after my scheduled start time.

The swim: The swim was uneventful. I didn't feel like my swim was strong this year, but I ended up going faster than I have in any of the other pool swims coming in at 8:19, which included 100 yard run or so after the swim to the checkpoint, I had just under 8 minutes on my watch, which was much faster than I expected given the amount of swim training time.

T1: Longmont Tri is interesting in that you've got triathletes coming and going, some transitioning, some packing their bags and leaving and still yet, some triathletes waiting to start. The other interesting thing is that transition is filled with family and friends. Every other Tri I've done, transition is closed to protect the athletes belongings, bikes, etc... Very interesting.

Bike: As expected. I hadn't put much time in on the bike to date, so wasn't expecting much improvement over past years and I met expectations ~40 minutes, which I've got to get lower. I've got the lower body strength, I think I must not be doing something right mechanically to maximize my pedal stroke.

Run: Oh, the run. The love / hate portion of the triathlon. I'm just not a good runner. I need to work on this.

The finish was nice, Connor and Griffin ran me into the finish. No PR today, it's difficult to asses this vs. Greeley as the distances are a bit different, but still feels great to be out there exercising and tri'n. 1st Tri in the books for 2009 and lots of work to do before the Boulder 5430 Sprint on Father's Day. The other nice thing is that two friends from work joined me, the first Triathlon for both. Great job Russ and Steve!

June 21st - Boulder 5430 Sprint

5430 Sprint by Amica this year was a blast. I really enjoyed this race. The event was really well run, there was a band after and ....I got my first medal from a race. I've done like 10 races now, you'd think there would have been a medal by now! I think having the race sponsored by Amica was a big plus.

The big pre-race change I made this year was to stop at the porta potty outside the reservoir, before even entering the race area. Great time saver, no waiting in line and I felt great when I got in to the race.

No big surprises here, swim, bike & run and I PR'd by 3 minutes over last year's 2008 5430 Sprint race. The great thing about being slow is that there's lots of room for improvement.

July 12th - 5430 Boulder Peak

After the Longmont Triathlon & 5430 Sprint I decided I really need to work on my bike and run. I was biking close to 100 miles a week leading up to the race, including several trips over Old Stage and I figured that it would pay off during the race. I was really confident of smashing last years time of 3 hours 27 minutes. My time on the run last year was really bad, figured it was a sure thing. And that's why they play the game....

I didn't execute my pre-resevoir strategy as I did with the Sprint and I paid for it. Something about race day just makes my insides crazy and I was in a great amount of pain with ~50 people in line for every porta potty. This is why I say Potty * Swim * Bike * Run....the first event was my toughest today and that's saying a lot.

Swim: I was in the 11th of 12 waves and my wave got pink swim caps...could you just punch me in the gut while your at it? 11th of 12 means that most people will be done with the race by the time I start the run, which will make for a lonely run. Anyway, the swim was relatively uneventful. I stuck to the inside again and still feel like a swam a short race, sticking to the bouys. I actually think I swam to the left of one bouy. One thing I hate are the jet skis. I understand they're there for safety, but get back. I could taste fuel and exhaust! Generally everyone who swam today agreed that the course was long and my time reflected that, 4 minutes slower than last year, not a good start.

T1: Uneventful, transitioned to my bike as quickly as possible. My transition area bucket really pays off, I don't know why more people don't do it, instant seat!

Bike: I felt good on the bike, I thought for sure I'd break last years time as I spent more time on the bike leading up to the race. Old Stage was tough, more interesting at the back of the race as opposed to Wave 2 last year. I saw a lot of people walking their bikes up this year. Lots of spectators! One of these years, maybe next year I want to go up there and see the pros do it. Otherwise uneventful and had very close to the same time as last year, so I'm ~5 minutes in the hole vs. last year.

T2: Another uneventful transition, but when I got there, the guy parked next to me was using my bucket! No problem, but get up when I'm standing there waiting! I also had to hit the porta potty again.

Run: Death march. Dead man running. Dead man walking. It was awful. The good news was that it was overcast, it could have been worse. I felt good for the first 2 miles or so, but then it just went to hell and I walked a lot and subsequently, while I didn't think it was possible, finished 10 minutes slower this year than last. Disappointing. I was complete wiped out at the finish, really exhausted. I think I need to address my (lack) of nutrition during the race. Aside from water, I didn't really have anything to eat or supplements, which could explain my lack of energy or perhaps it was a lack of training?

Anyway, it still feels great to be out there tri'n! Must run and bike more in the off season, treadmill and trainer here I come! Maybe.

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

Family Fan Club at Girls on the Run - Denver

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Family Fan Club was invited to participate in Girls on the Run - Denver 5k this past weekend and we had a blast. It was a beautiful morning, perfect morning for running. If you're unfamiliar with Girls on the Run, here's a synopsis of what the organization is all about:

Girls on the Run® (GOTR) of Denver uses the power of running to change the way girls see themselves and their opportunities! It is an innovative health education and wellness program that uniquely combines training for a 3.1 mile run/walk event with life-changing, self esteem enhancing lessons that encourage healthy habits and an active lifestyle in 8-13 year old girls. Girls learn to stretch themselves - physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally - and in the process, gain the skills needed to live a life full of self-respect and healthy habits.

There were hundreds of girls, often running in teams of family & friends with participation more than doubling from 2008. Girls on the Run is doing great work with innovative programs to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Read all about Girls on the Run objectives, approach, expectations and academic evaluation.

Family Fan Club was happy to be part of the day. We temporary tattoo'd about 75 girls with Run Like a Girl tattoos. We also created special edition Run Like a Girl t-shirts for participants, family and friends with 10% of sales donated to Girls on the Run - Denver.

Consider visiting Girls on the Run - Denver or Girls on the Run - International to find a group in your area, contact them, read about their programs, FAQ's, VOLUNTEER and/or DONATE!

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

New RoadID bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Just ordered a new RoadID bracelet. If you run or bike, you need to get one of these, might save your life. Read the testimonials. They gave me a $1 off tell a friend coupon, I know it's not a lot, but if you buy one, use: ThanksDonaldP492519

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.

2009 Bolder Boulder Race Report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:25:00 +0000

The 2009 Bolder Boulder is in the books. It was an absolutely beautiful day for a race, not to hot, not to cold or rainy (Yes, I'm talking to you 2008 Bolder Boulder). Overall I'm pleased with the result, but I feel that I've got a lot of work to do and could done better this year.

I trained a lot (relative) more than last year, so I was interested to see how I'd do this year. Last year, I essentially willed myself to keep up with Kim and Rebecca, finishing about 1 minute (1:02+) behind with about 11 miles of training (yes, total). This year I did a couple of 5k's and I've been running 5k's a couple/few times a week for training. This year I ran the race solo, Kim was afraid that I'd make good on my promise to beat her I suppose, so I wondered how I'd stay motivated. If you've been reading this blog, you know if given the choice between walking and running I'd rather walk.

So, my wave was scheduled for 7:45 am. I figured since I was running by myself I could pretty much show up whenever I wanted after that and go for it. I didn't take into account that future waves might be walking waves or the associated challenges of running through walkers. More on that in a minute. I arrived at the local mall to ride the bus at about 7:15, figuring 30 minutes would be plenty of time to ride the bus to Boulder and make my scheduled time. Last year we parked and immediately got on the bus. This year, I waited an HOUR to get on the bus. By the time I got to the start line it was after 9:00 am, which was smack in the middle of the walking waves. Before I got started, as I usually do I have an urge to use the porta potty. I had every intention of #2, but not a single porta potty had any toilet paper => a new item going to the race bag is a roll of toilet paper.

Back to the race. Since I was running alone this year I decided to purchase an ipod shuffle. I'd never seen the need for this device, but it's really cool. It snaps on the back of my hat and I can't even feel it. So sweet. I loaded it up with a bunch of songs that would keep me moving. Great idea, I'll be using this on future training runs and races. I don't think I'll use it on the bike, as that's a different animal, but for closed course running races, I have no problem using an ipod.

The first mile was about 9:45 and feeling good. The walking traffic wasn't a problem as I was at the start of my wave, so not much traffic to contend with. Just after passing the mile mark it was sea of walkers packing the course left to right. It was immediately difficult to find room to run. I bounced in and out of traffic, up on the sidewalk, down, left to right, where ever it looked like there was a clearing, I went for it. Consequently my splits suffered, which partnered with aching heel pain and general fatigue resulted in a total time of 1:06. Not exactly what I was looking for, but considering a number of factors, I can't complain to much. The bottom line is that I need to improve my run fitness. Running doesn't come naturally to me, therefore if I'm ever going to get beyond 10-11 minute miles I'm really going to have to work for it.

Things that went well:
* Aside from walking through the water station at mile 4 and 5, I ran the entire race.
* Listening to music really had me focused on the task of running the race. The downside is that I didn't take in what was going on around me or the bands as I did the previous year.
* I think I could have run faster, I think there was more in the tank, need to figure out how to tap it, push myself to run faster.

Things to improve on:
* Get to the race on time and run with a running wave. I probably ran a 10.5K with all the dodging and weaving I did.
* Improve running fitness and cadence, which will probably require more than 5K's for training a couple times a week. I may have to change up the routine a bit.
* More stretching, particular related to tight calfs and subsequent pain in my heel and bottom of my foot. Getting older, I need to be more disciplined about stretching, particularly when my everything feels fine.

So the first big race on my schedule this season. As I said, overall feeling good with room for improvement.

Next up: Longmont Triathlon

Wear Your Support! Visit our t-shirt website for Triathlon t-shirts, Running t-shirts, Marathon t-shirts, Cycling t-shirts, Duathlon t-shirts, Swimming t-shirts and personalized t-shirt options supporting family and friends on race day. Browse our selection of designs, it's likely we have a triathlon t-shirt, duathlon t-shirt, marathon t-shirt, running t-shirt, cycling t-shirt or swimming t-shirt that will appeal to you.