FUELING LIFE EXPERIENCES

The 4 Freds

2011-11-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

Fred W. Pool III, Fred W. Pool IV, Fred W. Pool II & Fred W. Pool - Thanksgiving 2011

Advertising

2011-04-13T19:03:00.001-04:00

2010-10-15T01:51:00.002-04:00

Champions are not made in the gyms.
Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: a desire, a dream, a vision.

- Muhammad Ali

Blast from the past...

2010-09-02T00:07:00.001-04:00

I was going through a box of memorabilia from my high school and college days and found an old passage that I kept in my sports locker and travel bag:

"A competitor may or may not be talented. But a competitor cares and tries like hell, because he or she is someone who faces up to the fundamental truth that it may be only a game, but the purpose of the game is to win."

Amazing how that has stayed with me as I have navigated through sport, life, family and business.

Bouker Pool | svp, marketing | competitor group, inc. | 917.520.7411

Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race Completed

2010-08-19T22:07:00.002-04:00

2010-02-22T15:37:00.004-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Dan Cruz, 800-311-1255

dcruz@competitorgroup.com

Competitor Group Announces New SVP of Marketing

Bouker Pool tapped to direct multi-platform marketing efforts

San Diego, CA – February 22, 2010 – The Competitor Group (CGI) today announced that Bouker Pool has been named Senior Vice President of Marketing. Pool will join CGI’s management team effective immediately and lead all marketing and communications for the world’s largest endurance sports media and event company.

“Bouker is a tremendous addition to the Competitor Group,” said Scott Dickey, President of CGI. “He brings a wealth of experience in the world of sports marketing, as well as a seasoned perspective on the industry that will be valuable in driving the development of the Competitor brand. He joins Competitor at an exciting time, with opportunities to develop our brand as we relaunch Competitor Magazine and roll out a new Triathlon event series along with the continued expansion of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.”

Pool comes to CGI with over 15 years of experience in sports marketing. In the newly created role, he will be responsible for the development of the overall Competitor brand and respective event marketing strategies, including advertising, sales promotions, public relations, industry research, database management and digital marketing.

Most recently, Pool served as the Vice President of sports marketing and events for Rodale Inc., where he managed Rodale’s Sports Marketing and Events Group. He also founded a sports marketing and sponsorship practice called Podion Sponsorship Group (PSG) in Colorado, working with clients such as United Airlines, USA Basketball, Quiznos Corporation and the National MS Society.

“Bouker is one of the savviest, most creative marketing executives in the endurance sports industry,” said Andy Hersam, Executive Vice President of Media at CGI, who previously worked with Pool at Rodale. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated that he sees the 'big picture' and is able to put all of the necessary pieces in place to ensure that a marketing program is successful and melds perfectly with the overall business goals.”

Pool was named the 2007 Event Strategist of the Year by BizBash Magazine. Prior to founding PSG, he was Vice President for the Denver marketing firm Proxy Partners, securing exclusive marketing rights for the City and County of Denver’s Theaters and Arenas Division, which includes Red Rocks, the Denver Coliseum and the Colorado Convention Center. He also spent five years in motorsports marketing and two years working with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and NBA’s Denver Nuggets.

“Competitor’s media assets and ability to execute world-class events make it one of the most enviable companies in the sports and entertainment industry,” said Pool, an avid endurance athlete. “There is tremendous opportunity to grow our brands to deliver innovation and inspiration for athletes of all abilities. I look forward to working with the CGI team to build a world-class company.”

A graduate of the University of Denver, Pool holds an MBA from the Daniels College of Business. He is also the founder of the non-profit Project Youth Foundation, which seeks to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged children.

About Competitor Group Inc.

Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is the leading endurance media and event entertainment company dedicated to promoting the sports of running, cycling and triathlon. CGI owns and operates 36 national events delivering more than 350,000 professional and amateur participants in 2010. CGI publishes four magazine titles with a combined monthly circulation of over 800,000 and has recently launched an online endurance community at competitor.com delivering over 1.5 million monthly unique visitors and 25 million page views. Further information about Competitor and its media properties can be found at www.cgimediakit.com.

# # #

Tik Tok

2010-02-10T10:44:00.005-05:00

I lay in bed with my eyes wide open unable to sleep.

I could hear a clock across the room, Tik Tok...the noise of the watch winder rotating, the dog snoring.

2:00am

Why can't I sleep?

Something was invading my mind but I could not pin point what it was. I have had little difficulty sleeping and last night should not have been an exception since I got outside for a good long ride.

I slowly rolled out of bed as to not disturb my wife, grabbed my Blackberry and crept into the adjoining room.

The screen lit up and the emails started flowing in.

Scrolling through, I saw a charge receipt from the Leadville Trail 100, that's odd...did I get in? why would they be charging my credit card?

I moved on and read a few more messages and an hour later felt my heavy eyes sending me back to bed. One last look at the inbox and there it was: "Congratulations!"

I was in!

Holy Shnikees, I got in to the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race in August.

I forward the message to my brother, as we were hoping to both get in and ride together, and headed off to bed.

Then the guilt hit, what if my brother didn't get in? He wanted it more than I and had been hatching ways to get in should the lottery not be his ticket.

I tossed and turned.

Finally, I passed out and dreamed of, what else, mountain biking.This morning I got out of bed, got my son changed and eating breakfast, poured some coffee and clicked on the BB. There was a message from my brother...gulp...guilt, wonder, hope...

"Me too!!
Holy shit yea!!
New bikes!!"

What awesome news, I am probably more excited that he got in than my entry, but the fact that we both got entries is special and will be a great summer goal.

Winter Blues...

2010-02-08T09:17:00.005-05:00

The mercury is hovering around 20 degrees and the wind is howling again today, the fact that the sun is shining is small consolation and is just a tease.I ran outside yesterday in what felt like a ski outfit as I could not bear another indoor assault on the senses. Unfortunately, after running on numb toes and a frost nipped face I relegated myself to the rollers for a little indoor bike session.
Today is more of the same and it sounds like we are getting a nice big snow storm on Wednesday, I need more movies on DVD. Oh well, this is the price of having early season races on the schedule.

I've been busy with job interviews over the past few weeks and think something could break as early as this week, fingers crossed.

"There is no such thing as the 'Golden Rolodex' any more.
With all the layoffs and turn over,
everyone is starting over and,
besides, it takes much more than a phone call or email
to sell something these days."

Bigger is not aways better

2010-01-20T10:34:00.003-05:00

I keep hearing and reading a lot about "building a community" and having a large network. I'm all for reaching out and connecting, as a matter of fact, it has been a huge help in my job search.
But, I think the approach people are taking is wrong.

Building for building sake and connecting with anyone and everyone is impersonal and disingenuous.

I'd rather have a strong but smaller network than some huge database of people I hardly know. Why not instead of building to say you have the largest network, build quality and actually know all the people in your network.

I'm going to start filtering my networks and stop accepting invitations from those people I really don't know.I recently finished the book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall and found it inspirational and entertaining. I highly recommend it.

"Beyond the extreme of fatigue and distress,
we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own;
sources of strength never taxed at all
because we never push through the obstruction."
- William James

I Ran...

2010-01-06T10:13:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I got out for my first run of 2010 and for the first time since November; I forgot how cathartic the pounding of the pavement and the sound of my own breathing is.

It was cold and there were icy patches, but I did not seem to mind nor notice after too long; I was deep in thought.

About what?

About everything: Life, new business ideas, how you lose a lot of fitness in a month, the book I just read...

My stream of thought during a run is amazing and something I have always wanted but had the hardest time capturing once the run concludes, perhaps that is a good thing.

I do remember snippets from those runs and maybe that is the cream rising to the top.

New Year, New You...Blah, Blah, Blah...

2010-01-04T15:45:00.008-05:00

It seems that every magazine cover trots out this slogan (without the Blah, Blah, Blah) for their December/January issues to entice you to make "wholesale" changes to your life in hopes of creating a new and improved version of yourself.

I don't think a magazine in the world could tell me something that would create a new me...no slight to the publications, there is some good information to help educate us on ways to improve small snippets of our daily grind, workouts, eating, etc.

You've made it this far, why on earth would you want to scrap everything to this point and create a new you? Sure, there are bad things that happen, illnesses, transgressions, etc., but those are all a part of who you are and like it or not, you cannot hide from it.So, instead of New Year, New You; how about we focus on "New Year, Small Tweaks, Big Gains and Charging Ahead!"

I'm fired up for 2010. Heck, one of my New Year's resolutions has come and gone - New Year's Resolution #3: going on Taco Bell's drive-thru diet...Ha! Still trying to wrap my head around a diet of Taco Bell food, from the drive-thru and how that is a diet...I guess the "New" Subway Jared had to come from somewhere...

WORK
I've been on holiday for the most part of the last two weeks and have really enjoyed the time with my family. I know a new job is close, "Charging Ahead" is the cry...in due time with persistence and patience I will find a new home.

Before the holidays, I did have some very productive meetings as wells as some pretty funny conversations. People are just thrown off by this economy and the change in the marketing landscape.

I believe that the explosion of social media over the last 12 to 18 months has been fueled by so many qualified/educated people being out of work and having the time to become "experts" in this new medium. I, for one, have been studying and participating in webinars to gain more understanding on the changing landscape of how we converse and the interaction between consumers, brands and media...it's a whole new ballgame and those who don't think so and have not prepared for the new wave are the next bubble...

Additionally, it has been interesting to see how I get pigeon holed into the "sports marketing" industry due to my past and personal pursuits and it being an easy topic of discussion. I have become a bit disenchanted with the sports marketing industry and the influx of those who know sports but do not understand the sports business...

"Too many in the #sports #marketing #sponsorship industry
talk process w/ anyone who will listen
rather than doing work and earning results"

PERSONAL
I could go on forever here...
The holidays were very special with a trip to Colorado and time at our home in the Catskills. My son is growing like a weed and has a new trick every day; it was really great to have a week as just our family unit.

TRAINING
This time of year usually makes the "GO" time for St. Croix Ironman training and it still will be, just not as much of the focus as in years past. I have taken a bunch of time from running to let the legs rest, but have been on the bike almost every day to keep the fitness.

I'll ease into the rigors of swimming, running and the training schedule over the next week, but not mentally prepared to jump right in...there is a long way to go and I'll get there, I just want to do it on my terms.

"New Year, Small Tweaks, Big Gains and Charging Ahead!"

Busy body

2009-12-17T14:30:00.004-05:00

While my body has been less busy in the training department, my mind and body have been busy rushing from meeting to meeting and call to call...

WORK
This is what it has been all about in the last few weeks. Some great meetings and calls have me feeling optimistic that the next month will bring a new professional home for my marketing skills.

Executive comment of the week:

"We'll let People Magazine handle that one as that is where the story belongs."
- A Sports Illustrated executive in reference to the Tiger Woods saga and their coverage of it

PERSONAL
I've cut back on the drinking and sugar in hope to start some sort of solid training plan in the coming weeks. The family is good, a little stressed with the holidays, but who isn't?
TRAINING
I made it through a couple of testing sessions last week to get some preliminary number to build training plans with ranges, man those hurt, but I felt pretty strong. The numbers came back better than expected, in a better spot than this time last year. This week has been a wash as I've had a ton of meetings and calls that there has not been enough time in the day to get a session on the books. Any spare time I do have has been getting the dog out for a game of fetch in the park and chasing Weck around.Off to Colorado for the holiday next week, then home and upstate through the New Year...man, time flies!

One Crazy Month...

2009-12-08T09:40:00.003-05:00

WORK
I'm still looking at a few opportunities and hope to make something stick in early January. I have two different directions to go and am excited about both but know one will be a bigger struggle to endure...in due time.

Last week, I had some good meetings and I heard a very interesting comment from one of the best known sports media executives in the world:

"With the internet and social media pushing information, consumers feel that they are entitled to content and can readily access it; therefore, print and pay for content models are dead."

PERSONAL
I'm not sure where to start or end...I just know I've been drinking A LOT more wine over the past month since spending more time with the in-laws, but I've also spent a good deal of time on my bike getting my thoughts together and enjoying the solitude.

Weck turned one and is walking/running like a drunken sailor all over. He is one tough dude.

TRAINING
I've sort of started training, nothing concrete, just getting out on the bike for a few hours everyday or inside on the rollers when the weather is not cooperating and running a few times a week. I have yet to hit the pool and I'm slacking on the strength training.

My plan is to do some power testing on the bike trainer today, get some preliminary numbers and build my training plan with the rest of the year being some good build/easy miles and really having a concrete training schedule start the first of the year.

One Year Later

2009-11-03T10:59:00.005-05:00

It has been an amazing yet trying year...

Let's revisit this time last year to gain some perspective...

Sunday November 2, 2008 - Ran the NYC Marathon on no training and had a great time.

Monday November 3, 2008 - Sore and in pain form the marathon; go to work and get laid off; go home to tell my 9-month pregnant wife that I lost my job.

Thursday November 6, 2008 - My son is born!

So, I now refer to the Monday after the NYC Marathon as BLACK Monday, not only due to my personal issues with the day, but as a day that sees many New Yorkers hobbling around from the race, dealing with the post-race/training hangover and adjusting to the time change; it is just a bizarre day around the city.

This year I did not run the marathon and instead did nothing and made it through BLACK Monday with no issues.

It has been a solid few weeks getting back into training as I'm taking it very easy and not pushing myself too hard.

I'm really looking forward to my son's first birthday on Friday and the weeks ahead. I sense that I'm about to turn the corner on my career and life in NYC.

Off to ride the bike as I feel some competition soon coming from within the family (as soon as he can reach the pedals)!

Back at it...

2009-10-26T13:40:00.007-04:00

First week back in the driver's seat of "training" and it sure feels good...well, sort of. The soreness and feeling that I'm out of shape is not a huge moral booster.

Where does all the fitness go in so little time off?

I'm easing back into the swim, bike, run routine and have added a few wrinkles during this early build phase to hopefully help stave off injury, build more overall fitness, work on my weaknesses and be able to feel more comfortable at single discipline running and bicycling events next season.

I've built what I feel is a solid weight and core strength routine that gets me in and out of the gym in an hour or less; I'm working through a three month swim technique progression program; training for bike racing and not just endurance triathlon bike riding; and focusing on shorter fast runs all building up to faster half-marathon distance runs.

The running will be interesting as in the past, longer runs really beat up my body and the recovery was so long that it cannibalized my cycling training and the ability to really be able to increase power.

I'm sore, tired and really looking forward to more.

I am very happy with the training plan I've worked out for myself and think it could yield great things in 2010.

Time for another nap...

Product Review: Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Cycling Bib Tight

2009-10-19T11:05:00.010-04:00

I ordered some winter riding tights in an effort to spend less time on the rollers this winter. I have a good deal of winter riding clothes but have always struggled with tights and keeping my nether region warm and out of the wind. A combination of wind proof underwear, pants, tights, etc. has been effective but not comfortable on the bike.

Product: Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Cycling Bib Tight
MSRP: $240

This past weekend I got to test out the new tights, it was 34 degrees with a few flurries, so I felt this was a good chance to see if I could be warm and comfortable without freezing if the gear did not deliver.

The Good: I have always been a fan of Pearl Izumi cold weather gear, they seem to know what works and can be comfortable.
After getting these on and adjusted just right, I headed out the door for a good two hour ride. Right off the bat I got to test the windstopper characteristics, as our home is on the top of a hill. I was really impressed.
As the ride went along I really didn't notice these tights other than the fact that when I was climbing hard, my legs got really warm, but descending and in the wind I was really comfortable.
I liked the chamois and had no discomfort in that area.

The Bad: These tights are not the easiest to fit. Pearl Izumi sizing is a moving target and I have yet to find consistency to the fit between their running, cycling and other gear. The large tights fit ok in the thighs and butt, but were way too big from the knee down. I opted for the medium size and felt that while the thighs and butt were tight, they were still comfortable.
There was still a lot of room from the knees down (and I don't have small calves) where the fabric bunched and pinched a few times.
These are not cheap, so I would think you could get a better fit for the money.

The Consensus: Warm, dry, comfortable and expensive. If you are a die-hard rider and have some money to burn, these are a good purchase, but if you can do without really cold rides, a good set of thermal/windstopper underwear and some good leg warmers will keep you outside until your water bottles freeze and then it's time to invest in a trainer.
Almost too warm for yesterday's ride means I am in business for some good outside cold weather rides this fall, winter and spring, now to keep my nose from freezing...

The Off-Season

2009-09-30T08:50:00.004-04:00

It's hard being lazy!

After 10 months of training, racing and sticking to a strict schedule, it is time I took a little time off to let my tired body heal and prepare to build for the 2010 season. Normally, I'm amped up in the Fall to race and keep going; I usually have to force myself to rest and take time off, but this year I'm mentally and physically tired and ready.

It has been a long, disappointing season. From the broken bike parts to flat tires and all the DNF's that have me ready to shut it down and reboot.

I have to admit that the first days of this "off-season" have been a bit tough to adjust to no workout schedule and mentally separating from getting out the door every morning.

Over the last 24 hours I've settled into the down time and have focused on building the first part of my schedule and the subsequent training plan. I am hoping for big things in 2010 and really hope to take all the teachings, coaching and learnings from the past three seasons and create a really great plan for 2010.

Rest and eating time is wasting, only 10 more days of no "training". The hard training schedule will not be far behind with a target start date of November 2nd.

Time for a nap.

Tour of the Catskills - Stage 2

2009-09-21T18:28:00.002-04:00

Throwing caution to the wind was the theme of the day.

After my inability to hold back and be a factor in the race on Stage 1, I figured that I'd get on the front early to open up the legs but not create a break; if there were a break I'd go and sit on their wheel till the first KOM climb. Once over the first climb I wanted to get to the front and lead the decent as this decent is right next to our house and I know it like the back of my hand. After we hit the highway I would go with any and all breaks.

The plan worked just as I had planned out in my head. Out front warming up and opening the leg muscles, sitting on a few break attempts, leading the decent and back into the group on the main road through Windham.

At the Windham Ski Area a lone guy went out on the break. I was boxed in and took a few miles to get the opening to chase him down. I finally bridged up and the two of us opened a significant lead out to the major decent of the day. As we approached the decent he said "I'm not good at going down." I said, "sit on my wheel and follow, big wide road, easy."

I pushed on the downhill, using the entire road. I looked back about 2/3 of the way down and my break partner was way off my wheel. Oh well, I decided to keep flying down and figured I get caught on the winding roads leading to the big climb of the day. At the turn there was an accident and just as the group was catching me there was great confusion as to where we needed to go.

We all finally took a detour, following the pace vehicle.

After an pee stop (yes, a pee stop on a 2 hour, 50 mile race) by a majority of the group we hit a road I knew would intersect back with the race route. This is where I decided to go to the front and drive the pace to discourage breaks and weed out some weaker legs.

Back on the race route we wound through back roads and the guy who made a break earlier in the day jumped off the front again. I again went to the front and turned the screws to the base of the climb.

As we approached the climb I knew my legs were done in and just getting to the top was going to be a struggle, so staying with the pack was not an option.

I made the top after a pillow fight with my legs; oh my, were they soft and non-responsive, and proceeded to try and hammer the last seven miles picking off as many straggles as possible.

I hammered and passed two, crossing the line totally spent.

Again, I rode hard. Not effective, but I rode the 51+ miles hard...

It was a good first stage race for me with a lot of learning about racing, maybe next year I hold back and show my cards only when I need to; then again, I feel a bigger sense of accomplishment by actually riding hard and not following a bunch of dudes all weekend.

Duration: 2:29:24 (2:30:03)
Work: 2426 kJ
TSS: 264.3 (intensity factor 1.03)
Norm Power: 319
VI: 1.18
Pw:HR: -4.6%
Pa:HR: 28.29%
Distance: 51.871 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 1344 271 watts
Heart Rate: 0 169 147 bpm
Cadence: 29 141 88 rpm
Speed: 0 51 20.8 mph
Pace 1:11 0:00 2:53 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 1087 261 lb-in
Temperature: 66.2 87.8 74.8 Fahrenheit

Tour of the Catskills - Satge 1

2009-09-20T23:22:00.001-04:00

I'm not a smart bike racer.

In most if not all bike races I get impatient and hate riding/coasting in the group. I like to RIDE my bike, not just sit on it until a finishing sprint. For these reasons I usually got out and attack early and often to find myself back in the group for the sprint with no legs to contest. My reaction is always one of satisfaction that I actually rode hard and may have made some other people suffer in doing so.

I was hoping to be a little bit smarter for this race to see where I could actually place.

Well, that was short lived. About 5 miles into stage 1 I got antsy and took off. My rationale was:
#1 I know the course and might be able to gain some advantage with my locals knowledge to run away and hide.
#2 If I could get to and up the first climb ahead of the group, I could create a small selection that would stay away to the end.
#3 I'm just a bad ass and am going to solo 40+ miles for the win.

I was caught, dropped and popped at the base of the first climb. What an idiotic move. That took no brains at all.

Cresting the climb I was passed by the wheel van and could see the main group down the road.

So, I spent the next 30 mile fixated on the back of the van chasing to get back into the main group. I would catch others who were dropped and ride with them for a bit and was so close on so many occasions to then turn a corner and be so far back again.

Finally, after riding my legs into the ground I caught the main group comprised of about 25 guys. I sat in trying to get some life back into my lifeless legs.

As we came out off the back roads onto the main highway and final climb, I mustered all my strength to stick with the group, yo-yoing off the back for about 3 miles until I settled into a pace I could deal with. Bye Bye pack and hello solo world again, this time behind the group.

Cresting this final climb it was a test against the wind to make it to the finish. I caught a few stragglers off the group and worked my way across the finish line.

Dumb racing. Hard riding. Maybe tomorrow I'll have learned my lesson and race the bike...

Stats:
Duration: 2:38:16 (2:48:39)
Work: 2519 kJ
TSS: 275 (intensity factor 1.021)
Norm Power: 317
VI: 1.19
Pw:HR: 4.76%
Pa:HR: -7.5%
Distance: 52.729 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 1052 265 watts
Heart Rate: 0 176 144 bpm
Cadence: 30 117 86 rpm
Speed: 0 51.8 20.0 mph
Pace 1:10 0:00 3:00 min/mi

Tour of the Catskills - Prologue TT

2009-09-19T23:00:00.001-04:00

2.3 miles up hill, flat out, on the rivets!

No need for a TT bike, aero helmet, disk wheel or any of the TT specific gear. This was a straight up climb to the top as fast as you can.

I took a nap this afternoon. Yep, good rest and feeling calm for the start of this race. Too bad I woke up realizing I'd left myself too little time to pack up my gear, get to the race site and have a good warm up. IDIOT! My fault. Dumb move!

I scrambled the bombers as quickly as possible and got the the race start. Threw down as much warm up as possible, pathetic, didn't even break a sweat.

As I sat under the start tent, bike holder holding my fat ass up, I felt calm and relegated to the fact that I had to go hard and see if my legs would respond with no heat in them.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...I was off.

I hammered. Blew through the first little hill and settled into a suffering rhythm. Oh shit, this hurt. Is that lactic acid I taste in my mouth? Searing pain in my legs. Breathing through my eye balls, ears and anywhere else I could find hits of oxygen to feed my burning lungs.

I could see my :30 second man ahead passing someone else. I focused all my attention on his back wheel and set into a harder pace. At this point I was not breathing, I was merely functioning on lactic acid as my fuel.

Lungs, head, legs, eyes, heart, etc. burning, I powered through the finish line. No clue how I finished, I was looking for so way to stop the nonsense.

Pedaling around for a minute, I brought everything under control except my heart rate. It was not elevated, just sitting at 120, but I felt like I was having a heart attack. This is what happen with not warm up, it is basically like jump starting my heart with a car battery.

I headed back to the car and got changed, slowly beginning to feel like my life was about to end and headed home

I ended up 21st; 8:22 forty seconds off the winning time. Not what I was looking for, but it could have been worse.
Data:
Duration: 8:17
Work: 202 kJ
TSS: 25.3 (intensity factor 1.354)
Norm Power: 420
VI: 1.03
Pw:HR: 21.7%
Pa:HR: -3.57%
Distance: 2.141 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 1237 406 watts
Heart Rate: 124 169 161 bpm - this is bad
Cadence: 64 109 88 rpm
Speed: 10.2 29.2 15.5 mph
Pace 2:03 5:53 3:52 min/mi
Crank Torque: 0 1080 389 lb-in

Mighty Hamptons Race Report - I actually finished!

2009-09-14T09:44:00.007-04:00

I have to start with the fact that this is only the second triathlon of this long season where I've crossed the finish line. So, it is nice to write something that does not involve broken wheels, cut tires or flats.

Our family was invited to the Hamptons for the weekend by some friends as Will was competing in the Mighty Hamptons Olympic distance triathlon and he asked me to race as well.

Going into this race I was a bit down on my season and had pretty much packed it in for triathlon racing and have been focusing on bike fitness for my attempt to complete the Tour of the Catskills. I have not swam since the NYC triathlon and had been running just once a week since July as I have had a few nagging running pains. Cycling has been my fitness and racing outlet for the last few weeks so going into this race I knew I'd ride well, but that would be pretty much it.

An additional factor to the race was that on Saturday, I engaged in about 2 hours of vigorous backyard soccer with one feisty 9-year-old; I've never felt so old and sore before a race.

SWIM: I rely on my swimming background way too much and figured I'd have little trouble hanging with a lead group. This was a huge mistake, not keeping up on the swimming fitness and technique make for uncomfortable swims. When the horn sounded I took off, going hypoxic within the first 30 seconds, great idea, and kept on the toes of the leaders. The water was a bit rough and the course lay out was odd as it curved following the shoreline. About 500meters into the race I looked up to sight and see what this lead group looked like and to my surprise the leaders were all spread out and there was no group. I pick a set of feet and proceeded to swim like a drunken sailor. I began to struggle big time as I approached the turn around and just focused on staying smooth and getting through the swim. I was all alone on the last leg which indicated that I was way off the pace.
25:24
41st Overall - YIKES!

T1: This must have been hilarious to watch. My transition spot was as close to swim exit as possible and so I arrived at my spot well before I had settled down and stripped the top half of my wetsuit; my goggle were still over my eyes and I again went through my mental patient dance of trying to escape from a straight jacket. Finally freed from my shackles, I had a nice long run with the bike to the exit.
2:17
115th - BRUTAL!!!

BIKE: Finally on to something I knew I had the fitness for and confidence to put the hammer down. My first thoughts were on all the bad bike luck I've had this year, but that lasted only a second as I got focused and got into a rhythm. The roads were wet and a bit slick from the misting condition so I was overly cautious in the corners but went after it whenever I had some good long sections. I was picking people off and felt strong; I was really wishing the course was dry as I feel I have better bike handling skills and that is nullified with wet conditions. A little section of headwind towards the end, but a pretty fast uneventful bike.
1:02:16
5th - There we go!

T2: Great dismount, a lengthy barefoot run to my spot, but good quick transition.
1:04
6th -Solid

RUN: I'm a notoriously bad runner off the bike. I was told coming out of T2 that I was in 4th position overall, so I felt like with a mediocre run I could hold on to a top ten and more importantly be under 2:15 to retain my elite wave status for 2010. I saw my wife, son in his BOB and dog walking into the finish area as I was headed out on the run. What an amazing feeling to stop and give her kiss and say hello. My legs felt sluggish and tired; the backyard soccer and bike hammerfest was not helping. I fell into what I felt was a good pace and rhythm that I could hold for the entire 10K. I was passed by one guy early and wasn't passed again until two guys caught me in the last two miles. The good thing was, I felt little pain and actually felt like I was running, not shuffling. Looking up at the clock down the finishing chute I was happy to see that I would just get in under the 2:15 mark, which raised my spirits and made the race an instant success.
43:09
59th - could use some work, but good under the circumstances.

TOTAL : 2:14:09 13th OVERALL
This was a cool race. Good transition area; good bike course; flat run course and not too crowed. The swim course buoy placement could be better. All in all a great weekend with friends and a good race where I FINISHED!

To my buddy VDV:

2009-09-10T08:52:00.006-04:00

"The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles-preferably of his own making-in order to triumph. A hero without a flaw is of no interest to an audience or to the universe, which, after all, is based on conflict and opposition, the irresistible force meeting the unmovable object."

"The sun rises everyday. What is to love? Lock the sun in a box. Force the sun to overcome adversity in order to rise. Then we will cheer! I often admire a beautiful sunrise, but I will never consider the sun a champion for having risen."

Here's to looking ahead and getting after it in the 2010 season!

A Ride Along the Hudson

2009-09-09T07:29:00.012-04:00

It has been something I've wanted to do ever since we purchased our weekend home in the Catskills; ride my bike from NYC to Windham, NY; apartment door to home door; approximately 140 miles.

This past Friday, I finally had all the pieces fall into place to allow me to pedal the 140 miles. A great beginning to the Labor Day weekend with time to recover and get in a few more rides, the weather was perfect and I convinced my good friend PC to join.

We departed the city at 6:30am making our way up the west side of the city to the George Washington Bridge, across to 9W and headed north. The route was simple enough with a few detours, but basically we headed north on 9W.

Cruising through Nyack and on to Haverstraw, which is always a sketchy place to ride when going to Bear Mountain, we kept the pace conversational and enjoyed the fresh morning air. At our first stop on the north end of Haverstraw we encountered and interesting gentleman/street bum who thought he could shock us with a guessing game on his place of birth. "Born in Beirut, Lebanon" pulling a piece of paper out of his wallet to prove it. I think we won the game of shock when he asked if we were riding to Bear Mountain and we said we were going further to the Catskills. "Holly SHIT! That is far!"

Passing Bear Mountain, I was now on new roads, I've never ridden out of the city this far north before.Our first detour came at the town of West Point where we opted to take route 218 around the mountain. This turned out to be on of the most spectacular roads we encountered all day. A winding road through the trees, no cars, great pavement, opening up to a simple climb looking out over the Hudson along a cliff. Amazing.A quick stop in Newburgh for a Dunkin Doughnuts egg sandwich we were at or close to the halfway mark.

9W is nice but not the most scenic from Newburgh to Kingston and as the heat of the day replaced to cool morning air and the head winds from the north kicked up, we found this section to be grinding.

We both were suffering a bit when we pulled into a little Italian deli on the north side of Kingston and were very happy to sit, rest and refuel.

This was the scene of our second comical encounter of the day; a few overweight, rough locals were telling us about their friend who rides bikes and began asking us where we were coming from and to where we were headed.
"We started in the city at 6:30 this morning."
"Whoa, I don't even dive my truck that far."
"We are headed to Windham."
"You going the back way or straight up the mountain?"
"Straight up."
"You guys are F-ing crazy."

After filling the tanks, the little banter with the locals, stretching and reapplication of Aquaphor, we were refreshed and rolling at a good refreshed pace to Saugrities where we would make the hard left turn to climb in to the Catskill Mountains.

Just after making the left-hand turn on route 32 up the hill I suffered a flat rear tire. My summer of flat tires and wheel problems continues. We entertained ourselves during the tire change and were back on the road pretty quickly.

One last stop in Palenville before the road turned up to present us with the most difficult climb of the day; a four mile UCI rated category 2 climb into the town of Hunter.

We both made the climb relatively easily and continued the last few miles to our house.

Pulling into the driveway, we were pretty happy to be finished and very happy to be getting off our bikes.136 Miles
6000 Kilojoules of energy
8hours 15minutes
6 Gallons of Gatorade
6 Gallons of water
2 Cokes
2 Iced Teas
1 PowerBar
1 Clif Bar
1 King Sized Snickers Bar
1 Pop Tart
and A LOT of Aquaphor...

Big Indian Epic Road Race Report - A European one-day Classic

2009-09-01T11:06:00.007-04:00

It is a rare August morning in New York that we wake up to temperatures in the 50's, but is has been commonplace to wake to the sound of rain this summer. It was the case on Saturday morning rolling out of bed to see the rain falling and feel the chill in the air as I let the dog out the front door.

Granted, I was at our weekend home in the Catskills where temperatures tend to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the city, but nonetheless, it felt like an earl spring morning.

This Saturday morning I was signed up for the Big Indian Epic Road Race. A first year event, 20 or so mile loop with a good 10plus mile climb and a crazy dirt road descent. With the weather the way it was, I gave a second, third and fourth thought as to whether I really wanted to venture out.

I was getting over a cold and had spent the night in the baby's room because my wife had come down with the cold and was a coughing, hacking nightmare.

Going on 4 hours sleep, I prepared the coffee and oatmeal while trying to convince myself that either it would be fun and good for me to get out and race or to pack it in to kick the lingering effects of my cold while relaxing on the couch. I doddled around getting my gear together, my subconscious knew exactly the final choice I'd make, and wondering what I garments I had that would both keep me warm and dry.

There is not one thing you can wear that will keep you warm and dry in a bike race. Warmth needs to come from riding hard and letting the internal furnace do its job, while just succumbing to the fact that water will penetrate every layer of clothing.

I finally loaded my bike on the roof of the car, gear bag inside and started the 20 minute drive to the town of Big Indian.

Big Indian, not so much a town as it is a fire station and a parking lot. I pulled into "town" where I saw a few other hardy souls preparing for the race, good sign.

Once I was checked in, it was back into the car/dressing room to make final preparations and cherish my final moments of dry warmth.

Ten minutes before the start of the race I slinked out of my warm dry cocoon to make an attempt to ignite the furnace and generate a little warmth in my muscles before the race start. Wet within 30 seconds and feeling a good chill, I lined up with my designated start group. The race director proceeded to review the rules and course layout and ended with "because of the weather and we don't have big numbers, we will all start together."

I really had no idea who any of the other riders were and what category they were racing. I liked this fact, it is nice to race without labels.

We worked our way out of "town" in a bunch. Oh do I love the spray off the back wheel of the bike in front of me, road grime never felt nor tasted so good.

Five miles into the race the group was still intact, my shoes full of water and feeling as though I was draped in a wet towel, the pace was pedestrian and I was really starting to feel a chill.

We started to climb, nothing too steep, just a gradual rise in the road. I needed to get warm or I knew my fingers and toes would not be last. I made a move off the front thinking that going hard for a few minutes would get the blood flowing to warm me up and put me into a mental state where I was not thinking about how much road water I had ingested and if the guy in front of me was paying attention.

I was off the front, warm and breathing hard enough to eliminate the distraction of the rain. Looking back to see if I had anyone looking to join my posse, I saw one brave soul and the rest of the bunch either too cold and wet to realize what had just happened or too smart to make this big an effort so early. Now warm, do I sit up and rejoin the bunch or join my new riding partner to try and build a break? Once last glance back, one more trying to bridge the gap and the rest looking around at one another. We slowed a bit to allow the third passenger in our train to couple on and then proceeded to work on putting distance on our chasers.

I was the oddball in this group of three as the makeup of the break was two small rabbits and one large elephant. The rabbits smartly tucked in behind the elephant for the benefit of the draft to the base of the climb. Making the break, attempting to stay away and driving at the front had me very warm and feeling like I was breathing through a straw.

We hit the base of the road kicking up to a nice 14 percent grade and it was anchors away for this big hairy mammal, while the two little jackrabbits danced on their pedals up the hill like it was nothing. I made every attempt to hang on to their wheels, breathing through my fingernails, eyes bulging out of my skull and heart pound like a jackhammer, I wanted off that bike; I wanted to lie down on the side of the road and die. I found something inside to keep the pedals moving in circles and my break buddies in sight.

The hill hit its peak and the asphalt ran out. We were now descending on a muddy road with skinny tires, oxygen deprived and not seeing clearly. This allowed for no rest and kept the heart rate at an uncomfortable level. I caught the number two guy and hung with him, making the decision not to test my luck on the slick mud.

Back onto a real road and the smoothness of the asphalt gave the false sense of safety. Blazing down at speeds over 50mph we worked to try and catch the lone leader. The conditions were making that effort difficult and dangerous. Rounding the last corner, on the road leading to the finish two miles away, I was locked into a battle not to be caught by the chase pack and the thought of the podium.

We worked in tandem to maintain our lead and in the final stretch I had no legs to contest a sprint; across the line in third place overall.

A really terrific race, cool course with conditions that made me feel like I was a part of a European one day classic. I happily took my third place winnings and returned to reality where I treated my wife and son to a great lunch and beers (formula for my son, of course) at the local brewery.

Allergies, Running, Swimming and My Son

2009-08-25T12:21:00.005-04:00

I got one nasty allergy attack last week which progressed into a full on cold with some nasty chest congestion. I probably didn't help it by proceeding to hammer my workouts and wear my body down to exhaustion.

I spent this past weekend in Maine at a camp my wife's great grandfather founded. this was the 90th anniversary which is pretty amazing considering all that has happen in that time for this camp to endure.

My run workout on Friday was to be a good paced 6-7 mile effort; it turned out to be a 13 mile lost dash to beat the rain. I got lost on some back roads and failed to have much in the tank for the additional 6 miles tacked on to the plan. I was happy to reach the camp and have the beautiful lake to jump in to and cool off. I was joined by my son for a few laps which made all the pain go away.Saturday was a nice easy 4 mile run to the camp from the hotel followed by a great 2 mile swim in the lake. All in all some good long base sessions; now it is time to dial up the speed with a potential bike race this weekend.

Product Review: Men’s P.R.O. Road Cycling Shoe

2009-08-18T17:42:00.004-04:00

A little background: I've ridden Sidi shoes for as long as I can remember and was hesitant to stray from something I have had great experiences. I had to jump when my latest pair of Sidis began to deteriorate; funds were not available for a new pair and I had an opportunity to purchase some Pearl Izumi gear at a discount.

Product: Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. Road
MSRP: $200.00

The first pair I ordered the same size as my Sidis (45) and had to return as they were too small; I had to go for the 46.

The Good: At first look, they are great looking shoes, light and seemingly well made. Although the leather feels a bit like plastic and nowhere near the soft, supple feel of Sidi leather. Good straps and Velcro closures.

The Bad: Bike shoes should fit like a glove and be hardly noticeable, not so here. The toe box on these shoes is huge. Even after I put my custom insoles in to take up some room, when I cinched the Velcro straps, the top of the shoes bunched and pinched, creating uncomfortable pinching and pressure points. The heal cup is very deep and allow the cuff of the shoe to ride high on the ankle, rubbing on my ankle bone.
I gave them the benefit of the doubt (and since they were my only shoes) and headed to my Mini Mid-Season Training Camp in the Catskills. Long days in the saddle and pain in the feet from hot spots, pinch points and general discomfort I'm done with these shoes.

The Consensus: I'd rather go back to to my old worn out Sidis than spend another pedal stroke in these shoes...anyone have a good deal with Sidi - I'm desperate!

Mini Mid-Season Training Camp

2009-08-18T17:32:00.003-04:00

Just back from a great few days of riding in the Catskills with my buddy PC. We got in three days of solid riding on the hills around Windham and Hunter ski areas. The climbing was good for me to build some power back in the legs and begin getting ready for the Tour of the Catskills race this fall.

Long but not down the center

2009-07-29T14:26:00.005-04:00

I headed down to Chelsea Piers this morning to hit some golf balls in preparation for the annual ColoRyder tournament my brother hosts next week at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. I am not a good golfer; I like to just swing away so going to a driving range is not so much about refining my swing or sharpening the skills, as it is about seeing how far I can hit the ball and if I can get a few to go straight...it was a fun morning...I'm still not good, but I can hit the ball a long way!On my way to hit balls into the Hudson, I walk through the new Highline Park. That place is really cool and really a nice elevated escape from the city.

I took the bike out for a few laps around the park at lunch time; I'm not bagging training completely as I will jump in a few bike races and a mountain bike race over the next couple of weeks to keep the fitness up and have some fun. The park ride was a bit painful and my mind was racing the entire time.

I was thinking about my training and when I felt good on the bike. I came to the conclusion that early in the season when I was putting in at least one hour on the bike everyday with some easy riding and intervals, my legs felt good day in and day out and I seem to think my power steadily increased.

I got home and looked back at my files to find that indeed, during the winter and early spring, when was putting in time on the bike every single day, my power was building and I was recovering better. Only when I stared breaking the week up with other training sessions and only getting on the bike three times a week for long sessions my power and recovery shifted in the wrong direction...amazing what you find by digging through old data and analyzing the outcome over time...I now know where my focus needs to be and what I need to do.

2009 New York Ciy Triathlon Race Report - Another DNF

2009-07-28T16:30:00.007-04:00

The lead up to this race had been really difficult for me to get mentally fired up. I do feel like my fitness is good, just race specific training has me wondering what my body will do.

Luckily, I live less than half a mile from he transition area so I was able to spend a good amount of time a home before heading down to the river. Good thing because a hue rain storm passed over the city about 4:30 am.

The weather delayed the start of the race 20 minutes so I had some time at the start area to catch up with friends and competitors. The Elite Men's Wave was third to go.

We lined up on the dock for our dive start and I starred at the murky water of the Hudson wonder what I was doing there and feeling no nerves, not a good thing.

The horn sounded and off we went. Some good hits to the face and climbing around for the first few hindered meters uni I fell into a good rhythm. I had a hard time keeping the daft of the swimmer in front of me so I just focused on my stroke and getting out of the nasty water.

I exited the water with no idea of where I stood in the wave, maybe mid-pack. Then the long asphalt run to transition.

I jumped on the bike and blazed out of transition. I felt good on the bike and clicked off the first few miles without issue. My legs were loosening up and I was just finding the right power and cadence when my tire blew. A nice gash through the tire, unfixable...Day over.

I am of the belief that if you are not in the game mentally then you are more likely to suffer other odd problems due to lack of focus and neglecting the small things.

Time for some rest and time away from the sport...time for some golf...I hope to come back mentally ready to go and have some good fall results.

Easy Miles

2009-07-16T13:06:00.005-04:00

When not on the dirt, I've been logging easy miles on the road bike through the Catskills and across the GWB.

Mentally, I've shut it down for the rest of the month and probably the first few weeks of August. I need a break from feeling like there is a workout I'm missing or I am not going to hit a time in a race.

There have been so many other distractions for me to think about; looking for a job, my son, my wife, my dog and all the little things that go along with life. Training and racing are just not that high on my priority list this season.

Maybe, I'll get a second wind in mid-August to propel me into the Fall and able to enjoy some great fall races.

Mountain Biking

2009-07-10T15:59:00.000-04:00

Instead of following a training plan for the NYC Triathlon I have decided to break out my mountain bike and just do what I want as long as I am logging the miles I should have the endurance to finish the race.

I've been riding up the back side of the Windham ski area to the cross country course they are in the process of building for some races in August and to be the World Cup course next summer.

Fit Addiction

2009-07-02T08:45:00.003-04:00

The morning alarm breaks the silence of the night or is that my son crying?

Crawling out of bed, getting dressed while being accosted by the dog yearning for his morning walk, my foggy mind instantly begins to run through the mental checklist: family, work, finances, travel, etc.

Once all the important things are dealt with (dog walk, diaper change and coffee), it is time to confront the idea of the day's training session. What is it today? 50 miles on the bike; a 12 mile run; 4,000 yards in the pool; strength and core training?

I have been thinking lately that I really dislike training and racing.

What?

Then why do I put myself through this daily, monthly, yearly ritual of subjecting my body and mind to countless hours and miles of biking, running, swimming and other assorted physical activities?

I have come to the conclusion that what results from these intense training sessions and races is what I desire.

Mentally and physically, I am stronger, sharper and more confident by enduring the grueling miles and hours; I am addicted to the mental and physical edge this intense fitness gives me.

I ride and run through Central Park and take note of the people out seemingly enjoying a good run or casually turning laps on the bike. Don't get me wrong; I love riding my bike, I love running; I like swimming; and I like working up a good sweat. But, I only find enjoyment once the efforts are completed. More often than not, I find myself saying, at least once, during intense interval efforts and any training session for that matter, "I hate this, this sucks."

The same is true for racing. Never once, during a race, do I find myself enjoying myself. It is just that during the training workouts and races I am so mentally and physically focused on pushing myself to the limit that I find no time nor enjoyment in that pain and and suffering.

It is only when workouts and races are completed that I find some satisfaction, but I still find no affection for the efforts.

The real enjoyment comes when I put on a custom made dress shirt and well tailored suit; when I'm sitting in a meeting and have a strong clear mind; and, when I walk into a room with confidence knowing my mind and body are fit and sharp.

I'm addicted to it...

R.I.C.E.

2009-06-22T10:01:00.004-04:00

I've never been good at accepting injury and taking the time to let them heal. I've been good about training recovery so I'm fresh for my next training session, usually following the R.I.C.E. formula = Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation.

Since injuring my ankle in last weekend's race I've kept on the training gas until this past weekend. My ankle had continued to be sore with a little dull pain but would loosen up and feel pretty good after some time on the bike, until Saturday. I woke up Saturday morning with my ankle feeling really sore and looking particularly black and blue...Time to the the "R." serious and get this thing healed up so it does not continue to nag me.

I pulled the plug on all weekend training and racing plans and really stayed off my feet. I'll continue that for one more day and then I'll ease back into training on Tuesday with some swimming and maybe a little time on the bike. We'll see how that goes for a few days and hopefully get an easy run in before the weekend

Injuries SUCK!!!

Sprint Tri #1 - Race Report

2009-06-15T18:03:00.003-04:00

I got up early Saturday morning to close up the house, pack the car, get my gear ready, eat breakfast and drive to the race location. It was a nice looking day with few clouds and no rain, finally!

After the hour drive to Williams Lake in Rosendale, I spent some time walking Chief and getting ready for the race. It was a low key affair in a really beautiful location: the old Williams Lake Resort.

I got in a 10minute swim warm up and felt pretty good considering: #1, I had not been swimming since St. Croix; and, #2 this was my first time in my wetsuit since Alcatraz last June.

We lined up on the dock for a pre-race briefing and then it was a diving start off the dock. I lined up next to a gentleman who looked to be a good swimmer and seemed to be the one everyone had their eyes on as the top swimmer. The horn sounded and in we went; I surfaced and quickly took the lead although I could feel someone on my feet.

At the first buoy I could look over and see that I had gaped the field with one other person. I could feel my shoulders starting to heat up and fatigue from the lack of training, but I managed to power to shore and out of the water neck and neck with the gentleman I started next to - .5mile swim 9:41.

T1 was just plain silly...I was lightheaded from the swim and must have looked like an escaped mental patient in a straight jacket trying to free myself from my wetsuit...note to self: practice wetsuit removal!!!

I finally escaped the black neoprene hell and got out on my bike about :15 behind my swim buddy. I put the hammer down, quickly made the pass and set into a good rhythm. I was soon passed by a guy who was smoking on the bike; I kept on him the best I could and had realized that I had a gearing issue and could not shift into my lower 4 gears. So, on the downhill sections I would lose some ground as I would spin out of the gears I had available.

Into T2, I had a great flying dismount and into my running shoes, had to be less than :15 seconds into T2, certainly made up a little for the T1 fiasco.

The legs felt a little heavy heading out on the run, but that was in part due to the slight incline that greeted us right out of transition. I felt much better once we hit the jeep trails and some flat terrain. I really had a good cadence going and could see the #1 position about 200 yards down the trail. About a mile into the run, a came around a bend and my ankle did the twist and pop on a rock and some mud. I was startled and hobbled for the next 100 yards wondering if I should stop, but as I kept on pace my ankle loosened up and here was little pain...onward.

My pace probably dropped a bit and I knew that the guy ahead of me had turned on the gas once he saw me closing in on him earlier. I kept a strong effort to the line and finished in 2nd place; 1st place in my age group.

A great training race, other than the ankle misstep, but felt really good about my effort and all disciplines; just need to work on T1.

I'll be putting the Tuesday night bike race on hold this week as I rest my ankle and look forward to another sprint tri on Father's Day.
Results

1 out of 2

2009-06-15T17:50:00.003-04:00

Amtrak threw a monkey wrench into the weekend plans...
I departed the city for the Catskills house with Chief on Thursday morning. After a quick stop in Rosendale to drive and ride the Sprint Triathlon course, we made to the house in time for some pond swimming and fetch. Jennifer and Weck were slated to join us Friday evening by taking the train from the city, so Friday was spent doing some housework; planed a tree, fixed part of a rock wall and built a stone landing for the hose off area.

At 5:3pm Jennifer called to let me know that all Amtrak service had been cancelled for Friday evening and she was headed home. I hustled to pack up and get ready to drive back to the city, but then made the call to stay at the house Friday night, get up Saturday morning early to race and then proceed home to the city.

Raced Saturday morning, amazing course, good result, bad ankle sprain...race report forthcoming...

I got back to the city around 1:30 Saturday just in time for the heavy rain, again!
Saturday afternoon was spent eating and watching movies on the couch.

Sunday, we ventured up to Pelham to spend the day at the NYAC-Traverse Island; it was a great day and we had a fun family day swimming and playing family games.

No MTB racing Sunday due to travel issues and ankle injury, a good thing because we had a great day!!!

Racing into shape

2009-06-09T16:24:00.002-04:00

After a long winter of sporadic training and now a spring filled with rain and disappointing race outings, I'm finding it hard to cobble together a consistent training plan. So, I have now devised a plan to race my way into shape for the NYC triathlon. It starts this week...
Saturday 6/13: Sprint Triathlon Series
Sunday 6/14: NYS MTB Series race
Tuesday 6/16: Floyd Bennett Race Series
Thursday 6/18: Rockleigh Crit Series
Sunday 6/21: Long Island Sprint Triathlon
Tuesday 6/23: Floyd Bennett Race Series
Saturday 6/27 & Sunday 6/28: I'll dig up something
Tuesday 6/30: Floyd Bennett Race Series
Saturday 7/4: Sprint Triathlon Series

I have to figure out a schedule for the rest of July, the Tuesday night Floyd Bennett races will be on there...I'll be amazed if I do all these races, but it is a start to finding some endurance and speed for the July 26th NYC Triathlon.

Atlas Shrugged

2009-06-03T07:22:00.003-04:00

I just finished this fantastic book, to took me six months, but it was well worth it and something I think everyone should read in these trying times - especially the members of the House, Senate and any form of government...

One of the defining passages:

"Do you wish to know whether that day is coming? Watch money. Money is the barometer of a society's virtue. When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion - when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing - when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors - when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you - when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming self-sacrifice - you may know that your society is doomed. Money is so noble a medium that it does not compete with guns and it does not make terms with brutality. It will not permit a country to survive as half-property, half-loot."

Customer Service

2009-06-02T13:03:00.008-04:00

The last few weeks have been busy with interviews, training (not really, but I like to think so), travel and well...life.

We finally made it up to our house in the Catskills to open it up for the summer over the Memorial Day weekend; it is so beautiful up there and Chief, our dog, is in heaven with the room to run, sticks and our swimming pond. I managed to get in some good rides, one MTB up and around the Windham ski area and on the roads the make up the Tour of the Catskills race in the fall.

I'm a little less than two month out from the NYC Triathlon and have not hit the pool since St. Croix. I'm registered in the Elite Age-Group wave and feel like I should do some training as to not embarrass myself...
We spent this past weekend in Colorado introducing Weck to all our friends and family there. It was a great trip other than Continental Airlines...

I normally fly American Airlines because I like them, I have status and 9 times out of 10 provide great service. Unfortunately, AA does not fly direct to Denver so we had to select another carrier. On the flight out, the flight attendants could not have been more unprofessional and flat out mean. We were in first class and basically got our meals thrown at us and then they sat in their seats chatting and people had to walk up to the front with their food trays for the garbage.

Then, on the flight home, the plane was oversold, late, hot as hell and, again, the flight crew was rude and unprofessional. Our son got a little fussy so I got up and walked him to the galley of the plane, the attendant said "can I help you" in a snide tone.

I said "no thank you, just walking my son to calm him down."

"well, you are disturbing me so please go back your seat."

"ah, no thank you, I'll just stick right here."

He took off down the aisle in a huff.

The rest of the flight he would not acknowledge us or get us drinks or food and keep glaring at me.

I will never fly Continental again if I don't have to...

Finally, we were home and I got a call from Toga Bikes on the westside saying that my Zipp 808 wheel had come back.

Weck and I headed down there and picked up the wheel, as I was preparing to pay, the said "it came back 'no charge'". oh baby, that is nice! I'm not as depressed about my DNF/crash in St. Croix now. Huge thanks to Zipp/SRAM and the boys at Toga on the West side, super customer service and really fast!

Now, I guess I need to start actually training...bike race tonight count?

Cut Tires

2009-05-20T10:33:00.005-04:00

I am a magnet for cut tires these days!

Yesterday, I was out for a nice easy ride across the GWB on River Road when, BAM, pssst...another flat and look there, a cut tire.

Long ago, I learned to never ride without either a PowerBar or PowerGel and to never dispose of my wrappers mid-ride for two reasons:

#1 - Never know how long you'll be out and away from a convenience store to get some fuel and energy.

#2 - The wrappers make for great tire patches if you get a cut tire.

2009 St. Croix Ironman 70.3 - DNF - Did Not Finish

2009-05-11T10:36:00.014-04:00

Every time I think about it I just shake my head...I was feeling SO good and in 2nd place...ARGH!!! I'm not really a sandbagger and I truly went into the St Croix race having no clue where my fitness was compared to previous years. This year has been a total toss up with losing my job, the birth of my son, the economy and the headbanging process of finding a new job...my training was done with a lot of anger and whenever I could fit it in.

I headed down to the island a day earlier this year to try and acclimate and get in a few solid workouts so my body could be better prepared for the steam cooker that race day always seems to be.

I got into St. Croix Wednesday afternoon with all my luggage and my bike, a first!

I headed out that afternoon for a 5 mile run with some strong efforts thrown in to shock the body; then to the ocean for a good 15 minutes of swimming.

Thursday, I headed out to ride the second half of the bike course and test the legs a little. I felt great on the bike, totally dialed in to the fit and feeling like I could throw down some solid power when needed while staying as aero as possible into the relentless winds on the south side of the island. I jumped off the bike to do a short brick run and the legs were there with some spring.

Friday, I joined the group swim on the actual course. I was not too worried about the swim even though I had under 20 pool session this year. I worked on my technique in those sessions and felt I could get in around 30 minutes (31 minutes last year was good enough for 6th in the AG). The rest of the day was rest and anticipation as my wife and son joined me on the island Friday night...a great boost and reminder that I was there for more than the race (we had a week of vacation on the island after the race).

Saturday, I headed out for an easy hour ride followed by an easier brick run; at that point I really felt good and excited to see what a hard effort on Sunday would bring.

Race morning dawned, not a cloud in the sky, calm winds, smooth water and a great vibe! I got all my pre-race rituals out of the way and headed over to the start on the island in the harbour.

6:38 the 35-39 men's age group horn sounded and I bounded into the clear blue ocean...I turned the first buoy in the lead pack of 5 right on some feet. I fell into the draft in a good rhythm out of the harbour to the turn around. There were a few rough spots trying to navigate slower waves, but I felt good at the half-way point. On the way back in I focused on my technique and getting a good smooth stroke rhythm...I was jamming. Out of the water in 0:29:38; 4th in the AG.

Into transition I took a little more time than normal just to make sure I had everything to hammer on the bike. Ran out to the mount line and found that my cleats had filled with some nice dirt, I took about 200yards to get them to clear and lock into the pedal. I only saw two guys in my AG pass me during that time and I was not panicking.

Once I settled in on the bike I really got after it on the first loop out of town. I blitzed back through town and the "Hot Corner" and was really feeling good and strong. I made a good effort to the first aid station where I took a water and a Gatorade. After the station the course really allows for the opportunity to open it up on some relatively flat terrain. Once we made the turn to the north side of the island and a section that usually has the worst roads, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had been repaved! I took the smooth roads at full throttle and was making a bunch of passes on other AGs and a few in my own.

I hit the 20mile mark and the start of the beast...A gentleman at the bottom yelled to me "you are top 30 overall and 2nd in you AG." Holly $%!&... That gave me a little extra power to tackle the Beast. I crested the sucker and took on fresh fluids, ready for the fast decent...

BAM!!! Utter terror!!!

My front wheel exploded about 1/2 mile into the decent at about 50mph...I was about 200 yards from the next turn and fought the front end of the bike like a wild bronco to slow down before hitting the deck or auguring into the side of the mountain...the turn was getting closer and I knew there was no way I was going to make it and/or stop beforehand, so I spotted a patch of "grass" on the side of the road and did my best acrobatic dismount with a flawless tuck and roll...

I ended up on my feet with a few minor scratches, but miraculously totally in the zone...grabbed my bike and went to work to change the front tube...great fast change, throw the wheel on, sling the leg over the stead and thunk, thunk, thunk, skid...I grabbed the front wheel and gave a spin...

I could not believe my eyes at first...there was a gash splitting my tire down the sidewall (the newly inflated tube was bubbling out) and a nice dent in the clincher rim down to the fragmented carbon of my Zipp 808's...

This is where I went numb...my day was done...NO!!!...

After hanging out with a motorcycle official on the side of the road, I was scooped up by the sag vehicle and taken back to town...that is not a good feeling.

There was a lot of cursing, laughing, sadness and general bewilderment for the next hour...I changed and went to find my wife and son. Boy, were they shocked to see me.

I spent the rest of the day cheering on a few friends in the race and working on my sunburn before hitting the bar to further numb my senses.

With all that happened, I love this race! It is so demanding of an athlete physically, mentally of their equipment, testing your resolve at every turn. I'll be back in 2010 ready for the test.

The week of vacation afterward was...

Product Review: MBT Shoes

2009-04-13T08:19:00.004-04:00

That's right, I'm reviewing and even wearing MBT shoes...

My wife bought a pair a few months ago and I kept making fun of her until I read up on them, and as I am on the never ending search for equipment to help with the stress I put on my body during training. I have learned that I need to recover better and keep key muscles stretched. So, I went out and bought myself a pair a few weeks ago...

Product: MBT Shoe - Chapa GTX Pumpkin
MSRP: $270.00

The "anti-shoe" which claims that the shoes have a number of positive effects not only on the foot but on the whole body. MBT is the first physiological footwear. Masai Barefoot Technology is patented worldwide.

The Good: These things ROCK! This is the single best active recovery tool I have used. I have had constant issues with tight hamstrings and calves and all the fatigue and training issues that come with logging thousands of miles running and cycling every year.

After getting used to feeling a bit awkward with them on my feet, I extended the time I would wear them and really started noticing my little aches, pains and soreness going away.

I really started to feel the effects in the last week when logging a few longer runs and tough rides in preparation for an upcoming race. By wearing the shoes while cruising around the city and right after a tough workout session, I am really noticing that I am recovering faster and feeling fresher going into my next session.

The Bad: These thing are not cheap and they look a bit goofy. I'm already 6'2" and with the MBT's I go about 6'6". The style of shoes to choose from are limited as they are a bit dorky looking. They could be a bit better to make "the anti shoe" less sterile and clumsy and more hip and and funky.

The Consensus: While not the most stylish looking shoe, I give this product my full endorsement...worth every penny so far.

I like the new style of the shoe that drops down when their web page opens (http://www.swissmasaius.com/), but they are not listed on the site yet...

The Tembea Mink looks stylish and the Safiri's in blue do look a bit like New Balance's...

I like the shoes that have some style and are not different in a dorky way, a lot of them look like Geek Squad, nerd, toll booth attendant, busboy orthotic shoes...who wears shoes with Velcro straps anymore, I guess Weck will and I used to rock the Roos...

The women's Tataga C Denim and Barabara Smoke look like a cool shoes, why not more men's offering with some edge and some style? If the shoe is going to claim to be "the anti shoe", be different and obviously look different, then embrace that...

2009-04-01T12:29:00.001-04:00

The poster from the New Orleans 70.3 is unreal...What a way to endear triathletes/swimmers to your city and event...
Nothing like swimming past toilet paper and a plunger in good looking water.

Product Review: Garmin Forerunner 405

2009-03-29T12:36:00.003-04:00

CRAP!

Product: GARMIN FORERUNNER 405

Retail Price: $349.99

The Good: I really having nothing good to say about this watch other than it does tell time.

The Bad: I was fired up when this was launched as I was looking for a new training watch and liked the 305 but wanted something smaller and that didn't look like a computer.

The 405 disappointed in so many ways, let me try to list them:

1. It takes forever to locate satellites; and when you are standing outside in freezing temperatures waiting for it to just allow you to start the stop watch is ridiculous.

2. The touch bezel is crap; it doesn't work with gloves on; it doesn't work with sweaty wet fingers; but; will work when your wet sleeve touches it.

3. It gives terrible pace read outs. I was running intervals and looked down to check my pace and it read 13:34 min/mi...boy am I really slow. There is no way to use this to accurately gauge pacing.

The Consensus: I'm back to my Polar which is much more reliable.

Reading, Racing and Weck

2009-03-23T15:38:00.011-04:00

I'm doing a lot of reading these days...everyday I read the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Sports Business Daily and many other blogs that come through my RSS feed; I am making my way through Atlas Shrugged (this has been a few months in progress, but one of the best books I've ever read); I read Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company and few other magazines. I read a majority of these items on my Kindle (one of the greatest pieces of technology around) and love being able to have all of this information at my fingertips.
I read a very interesting article in the March 30th issue of Fortune:
Layoffs cost more than you think
Cutting jobs may seem the fastest, easiest way to manage in a recession. But it's really one of the most expensive.
The article goes through 5 ways layoffs are more costly in the long run:

Brand Equity Costs
Leadership Costs
Morale Costs
Wall Street Costs
Rehiring Costs

So while companies think they are saving money now, they are creating weaker work environments and marginalizing their brands, services and value. It will be interesting to follow and see what some of the companies that cut so many workers do when the economy turns around and if they can keep up with those who invested in people and a strong foundation. My guess is two thing will happen:

1. New brands/service leaders will emerge and take market share from the cost dumping companies, and those companies will drive their industries and shape the future of consumption.

2. The companies who dumped people to cut expenses will over-spend trying to regain top talent, creating micro bubbles; those bubbles will quickly burst because recent history will show that in the face of difficulty, they sacrificed the foundation of a company to get by.

Ok, on to the fun stuff...I was back on the bike racing laps in Central Park this past weekend. While I did not win, I did not crash and had a good time while getting in some good speed and intensity training. As always, I took a few flyers off the front of the pack and almost got one solo effort to stick, but I was caught and hung in the field until a group of three got away and no one felt the need to chase. So, I kept blasting off the front to try and bridge and/or get the pack to close the gap catch the break. There was little motivation to catch the break and they made it to the end (just barely).I am off to try my hand at some racing in a different venue this weekend when I head to our home upstate and race Saturday in an event just down the hill. Then it is off to New Orleans for the New Orleans Ironman 70.3 next week; it will be an interesting test and I hope to hammer the bike and survive the run...great strategy eh?

Finally, It's Monday and I'm chilling with Weck. We are 4 1/2 months and one curious dude...nap time is over!

Life is what happens when you are not looking

2009-03-20T11:21:00.010-04:00

It is amazing how I can sort of just disappear into this world of my own to reemerge wondering where the time went. It is not a bad thing at all, actually it means I'm relaxed and living in the moment.

I was commenting to my wife the other evening that since being laid off this is the first time I've noticed that I've stopped grinding my teeth, waking up in the middle of the night worrying a deadline and the lack of tension in my shoulders and neck. Don't get me wrong, I'm still stressed - a 4 1/2 month old son, no job, bad economy, family obligations, etc..., but it is a different kind of stress. I am actually using the stress that comes from being "head of household" and advancing my life to the next level to motivate me.

I've come to realize it doesn't matter what my job is, because I've worked for some great companies and people as well as running my own company; the job stress is a beast no matter the situation, and in some ways I miss it...

So, what am I doing now? Well, it is a lot of networking and trying to stay on people's radar for when things come around and companies actually start hiring and stop cutting (I've presented at a few conferences and had a ton of great meetings); A lot of time training...AH HA, the great stress reducer!!!... A lot of time with Weck; I find every reason not to leave the house or take him with with me these days as he is growing and becoming his own little person.

It is a crazy world out there and we all are feeling the pain. My advice is to grab what's near and dear to your heart, hold it close and enjoy that one heart beat; also, find an outlet...might it be running or biking or just walking through a park, get out, enjoy some sun shine and soak in the warmth and vitamin D.

Congratulations go out to my friend Christian Vande Velde:I'm hoping to strike a similar pose in one of my local races soon! CONGRATS VdV!!!

Too Funny!!

2009-02-25T16:13:00.006-05:00

Trainer cockpit

2009-02-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

cold and windy outside today...

Life off the bike, out of the pool, not on the run and out of the gym...

2009-02-17T13:26:00.004-05:00

All this posting about training and racing...that is not all I do, really!

Since being laid off in November, I've been having meetings and trying to figure out what my next career moving is to be. This is such a strange time and extremely difficult to be on the outside looking in. On more than one occasion, I have been in a meeting where a top level executive has commented that they are holding off on hiring not only because of the economy but because he or she is afraid that they will loose their job soon. So, the conversations sway from a focus on their company to a focus on the industry and what I've experienced in terms of opportunities. I come out of these meetings feeling like I'm in the twilight zone...who was helping who and what just happened?

I had the opportunity to present at the Running USA Conference in San Diego last week and found the mood to be relatively good. Most people I spoke to were complaining about the lack of sponsorship but happy to tout that participation numbers are up. The industry is strong, but as the San Diego Tribune reported, even event companies are getting a second look at how they run their business and their financial dealings.

I'm continuing to talk to a lot of people and explore a variety of opportunities, I'm confident that things will turn around and I'll find a new job, but in the meantime, training and racing keep my mind clear and sharp.

Oh, and Weck? He is growing everyday...I am so lucky to have this time to hang out with him and watch him grow; my wife is afraid he will walk and ride a bike before he can crawl...

Strong weekend

2009-02-15T21:04:00.001-05:00

Getting back into the swing of training and logging some good miles...
We were at our home in the Catskills this weekend, the weather was a bit cold but tolerable...
Saturday - 13mile run, late in the afternoon, good pace got really cold when the sun went down.
Sunday - 42mile bike ride, averaged 240 watts with a few strong intervals and some hill climbing.
Now, I need to get in the water at some point!

OUTSIDE!!

2009-02-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

I couldn't take another turn of the pedals on the rollers, so I bundled up and braved the 12degree temps and 6degree wind chill for a really good ride in the Catskills...a bit sloppy towards the end with all the crap on the roads...

An INDOOR Tri

2009-02-02T12:27:00.004-05:00

As a beginning to race may way into shape and to break up he monotony of training, I entered the Indoor Triathlon at the JCC yesterday - 10 minutes swim, 30 minutes on a spin bike and 20 minutes on the treadmill.
This was quite the experience. I showed to the club about 7:50 for my 8:45 start time, got a tour of the areas where the disciplines would be held an then headed to the swimming pool. I watched a couple of heats go and found the people competing in this race to run the gamut, guys in basketball shorts for swim trunks and some young 'hardcore' triathletes. It was impressive to see people getting into it on an early Sunday afternoon.
I jumped in the pool for my heat and since this was the third time I'd touched water since the fall I had no grand plan other than do a solid 10 minute swim. I split a lane with a very nice woman and when the whistle blew I went out at a good clip. I felt my lack of swimming kick in pretty quickly and faded throughout and was really happy when the 10 minute stop whistle blew.
We now had 15 minutes to go to the locker room, change and get to the spinning studio. Once in the studio I set up a spin bike, man are those things awkward and uncomfortable, and started pedaling to loosen the legs. I had my running shoes on with baskets as no clipless shoes were allowed. First thing I noticed was that with cages I pedalled on my toes due to the length of my feet.
We were give our instructions and began the 140rpm spin. This was brutal as the whole point was to go the furthest distance gauged by the magnet and computer the had mounted on the flywheel. no hills, no tension, just spin the thing as fast as you could. As I have some nice sized legs this was hard and favored the scrawny little legged guys who could just get their legs going super fast. I finished up and felt like it was a good endurance ride by not particularly hard and little power output.
Another 10 minute to get to the floor where the treadmills were. Once on the treadmill it was hit start and run as far as you could for 20 minutes. I went pretty hard to see if I could simulate coming off the bike and getting the running legs gong.
All in all a good time and worth a Sunday morning workout. I have yet to see results, but I'm not too concerned.
February looks like a long, lonely training month ahead...

A month behind...but, ahead...

2009-01-29T10:33:00.003-05:00

Looking at my training schedule from the past few years, I have figured that I am about a month behind in the work and training hours I need to be putting in to peak around St. Croix. I'm not too worried because I feel like I put down some solid late season efforts in 2008 including the NYC Marathon.

The loss of my job, the birth of Weck and general life confusion has seen my training hours dwindle. On the flip side, I feel like I've been a bit more consistent about getting an hour on the rollers and getting in some strength and core conditioning in the last few months. I'm hoping that this translates into stronger base mile and a stronger physical foundation to support a bit more intensity in the coming months.

Without scientific evidence and just my own testing, I figure my FTP has improved by 20 watts from this time last year, bonus. This time last year I was in Tucson for a training camp with my coach, this year, I'm freezing my butt off in NYC with no coach and winging the training.

My plan going forward is to continue to work on building the base with a focus on the bike and trow in a few random races to up the intensity and shake up the system with speed. Nothing like racing our way into top form. My first "race" is this weekend; a indoor triathlon - 10 minutes swimming laps, 30 minutes on a spin bike and 20 minutes on the treadmill.

It's go time!

Sponsorship

2009-01-28T22:23:00.001-05:00

I am really excited that I have extended my relationship with DESOTO Sport through the 2009 season. I've had the privilege to wear their gear for racing and training since 2006 and think it is by far the best gear on the planet. I'm really looking forward to getting into the 2009 gear and seeing how they could have possibly improved upon the prior years!

Thanks to the entire DESOTO team!

Product Review: Rocket Sciences Elite Bag

2009-01-27T07:34:00.011-05:00

I've been carrying around the Rocket Science Sports Elite Bag backpack for over a year now and am finally getting to a review:

A great bag, but needs replacing once a year.

Product: Rocket Science Sports - Elite Bag

MSRP: $114.99

The Good: This bag has loads of pockets and is super comfortable to carry. I really like the the top "rain cover" pocket; I removed the rain cover and use that pocket for essential tools, HR monitor/footpod items (who needs a rain cover if you make a bag water repellent?). Inside the bag there are great shoe compartments and sectioned off compartments for clothing, etc. The bag comes with a wetsuit dry bag which snaps in the back and you can get an optional padded laptop bag to snap in the rear instead of the wetsuit bag.

There are other external pockets and water bottle holders on the sides which give you plenty of places to carry pens, id cards, watches, etc.

The Bad: This bag is made like crap, it comes apart in too many different places. A small band/strap on the shoulder strap came unstiched within the first few months and now the shoulder straps are coming unstiched from the bags body...I'm not sure I'm comfortable carrying anything of value (laptop) in this bag going forward as the straps are going to fail at any moment.

The inside mesh compartments get caught in the zippers and it would be nice to have the back separator mesh flap to be solid waterproof material to be able to put wet clothing in the bag without the wetsuit bag. It would also be nice to have a divider in the back or elsewhere to slide in files and/or magazines.

The Consensus: This is the best of the lot when it comes to bags that serve multi-purpose and multi-sports, but it is a bit pricey for the quality of workmanship. I'd love to see a bag like this in a more sophisticated/professional look for those who would like to carry it to the office and not look like a middle schooler.

Monday Musings

2009-01-26T13:55:00.008-05:00

Monday is my day with Weck, no mom, no Chief, no nanny; just me and the man. I love Monday's for this very reason.

Since I was laid off, I have always had this angst about Monday and getting back into the job hunt. With my responsibility for Weck on Mondays, it really breaks up the day and never let's me dwell on the crappy job market, the fact that people are not responding to my phone calls and/or emails or the multitude of other downer Monday thoughts (Weck is sacked out right now so I have a little time to eat and surf).

Instead, I change diapers, feed Weck and get to see him do things for the first time...here are a few shots of today:

I had a few good training sessions over the weekend...all indoors as it was frigid upstate. I good solid hard ride on the rolls Saturday before heading to the gym to bang out 5 miles on the treadmill and then on Sunday I spent a boring one hour running n the treadmill. I'm loving the rest day today...

A few days last week and over the weekend, I was following the results of my friend Joao, who races for the Bissell Pro Cycling Team, racing in Argentina. He did great and had some great comment on his Blog. Unfortunately, he had to abandon the race and chalk it up to some great training. As if that is not enough there always has to be some jerk out there who has such little self esteem and is jealous of everyone else to post an anonymous comment:

"excuses, excuses-- truth is, any one of the 50 thousand (or so) kids you took this spot from could have done much better. Instead, they're all stuck working at the local bike shop another year (this is not a stereotype, I just met one of these kids at my local shop the other day). Even if the remainder of your season is spectacular (by your standards) there are still so many kids with so much more talent that deserve that ride."

#1 - Posting a comment anonymously = COWARD!

#2 - If you don't know the person why personally attack the guy?

#3 - Joao is a pro for a reason...not to mention he has a real job as well.

It just makes me sad that people cannot be happy for someone and their efforts to go after something they want.

I say, "Joao, keep the hammer down and keep dreaming big! We need more people like you to show the younger generation that it takes hard work and dedication to have a chance to be on the big stage. Things are not just handed to you whether you think you deserve it, have a desire or have talent; you must earn it!"

Ok, Weck is stirring, back to being a dad and tummy-time on the play mat!

Juicing the Orange

2009-01-21T10:07:00.000-05:00

Cold in NYC

2009-01-21T09:38:00.000-05:00

My man Weck is braving the elements while his dad is staying inside and riding the rollers.

New Year

2009-01-05T11:19:00.004-05:00

I'm not really one for New Year's resolutions, but with the arrival of Weck and all the change in my life over the past few months, here are a few things I'd like to keep in mind for 2009:

Being a good husband and father comes before everything else
Become more involved philanthropically - I miss Project Youth Foundation (could we see PYF-NYC?)
Send more handwritten notes
A job where I'm passionate about what I do and can accomplish
Integrity and ethics
Loyalty

Here's to lighting it up in 2009...

Tired Dog

2008-12-30T21:37:00.003-05:00

We had a tough day taking care of the baby today...

On to 2009...

2002 Cervelo Soloist Redo

2008-12-20T06:02:00.000-05:00

My first really nice bike was a 2002 Cervelo Soloist. I loved that bike, the perfect transition from road machine to triathlon/TT rig.Recently, I've had the good fortune to be a Pinarello athlete and hence my Soloist found a lonely place in the basement of our home upstate. It got an occational spin of the wheels when I would opt not to bring one of my city bikes up to the house or we had company and we needed an extra set of wheels.

This year, I brought out the old trusty ride and felt it needed a good home. My brother-in-law has been making comment that he might like to get into bicycling and asked for some recommendations on bikes. This is going to make the best Hanukkah gift for him, but before that she needed a fresh livery and new accessories.

I had the bike stripped and sent to a painter in California (I'm leaving out who the painter is because I'm not particularly happy with the transaction).

When the bike returned I had it built up with SRAM Force and Rival components, and I'm really happy with the end result. The guys, Edwin specifically, at Toga on the Westside are the best!

Foot In Mouth Disease

2008-12-19T06:19:00.006-05:00

Very nice to see a good news item regarding our beloved sport of triathlon in the Sports Business Daily yesterday:

Triple Threat: Triathlon Not Being Slowed By Economic Crisis
During the current economic crisis, triathlon is "thriving ... from the beginner's sprint distance to the veteran's Ironman," according to Don Norcross of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. USA Triathlon this year has seen its membership increase 15% to 115,000 and the World Triathlon Corp. has "jumped from 16 half-Ironman races in 2006 to 34" this year. Also, Triathlete magazine's circulation has climbed to 70,000, a 10% annual increase. Norcross noted what makes the sport's "mushrooming growth more fascinating" is that it "takes serious bank to race triathlons." The N.Y. Triathlon last summer raised the entry fee for its '09 race from $175 to $225, and "sold out the 4,000-plus spots in less than 30 minutes." Also, the '09 Ford Ironman Arizona, at $500 per entry, "sold 2,000 spots in one day." Industry sources said that there are "multiple reasons why the multi-sport is faring well." Demographics "play a part" -- Triathlete Publisher John Duke said that the average household income of the magazine's subscribers is $177,000. Duke: "I don't think they're the people getting laid off. They're the people laying off." Norcross also noted "high-end bikes are still being pedaled out the front door." California cycling store B&L Bike & Sports Owner Jeff Rowe: "We haven't seen the hit car salesmen have seen" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/12).

Unfortunately, I find Mr. Duke’s comment to be terribly insensitive and narrow-sighted…this economic crisis is hitting every family no matter their demographic status and/or professional position. I happen to know quite a few triathlete, executive level, top earners (including myself) who are finding themselves without a job at this time.
“Triathlete Publisher John Duke said that the average household income of the magazine's subscribers is $177,000. Duke: "I don't think they're the people getting laid off. They're the people laying off."”

Inside Ride continued

2008-12-17T16:47:00.007-05:00

I still don't like riding inside, BUT, if I must, there is nothing better than the e-motion rollers. I've put in ten or so hour-plus rides on them and get more comfortable every time. I finally can reach for my water bottle and get some hydration without spiking my heart rate or getting the wobbles, in fact, I've become so comfortable on these rollers that I've done my workouts on my TT bike the last two days. While getting into the aero position took about 30 minutes into yesterday's ride, today I was able to log a strong 15 minute hard interval in the aero position without engaging the bumpers or having a heart attack.

I did see a video where a pro rode these rollers with no hands, so there is still improvement to be made and plenty of winter left to practice.

Here is the link to the Inside Ride company: http://www.insideride.com/

While not riding my bike and looking for a new job, I've been spending time with my wife and Weck. This guy is a stud, the three of us decorated his first Christmas tree the other night.

Last week we loaded our matchbox car Prius with diapers, formula, clothing, a pack-n-play, a nanny, a baby, my wife, Chief, myself and assorted other goodies and headed to spend the week at our home in the Catskills...what a ride!

Inside Ride

2008-12-04T08:27:00.007-05:00

I'm back in the training game and have found the best indoor training tool! The Inside Ride e-motion rollers. In the past I have been riding indoors on the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer and could never go more than 2 hours without loosing my mind. Also the trainer had no traits to liken it to real road riding.

The e-motion rollers are easier than traditional rollers with the guide wheels, but the greatest trait is the motion to simulate the feeling of the road.

The first time I jumped on them, it took me some time to get comfortable and not feel like I was riding on ice...that sensation never goes away but you learn how the most subtle movement impacts balance. I have gone down once and still am nervous about reaching for the water bottle in the cages but slowly I'm gaining confidence.

I recommend this training tool if you spend time inside riding.

Next up - riding my TT bike on them, should be entertaining!

Off Season...Baby Season

2008-11-25T10:07:00.005-05:00

Timing has worked out that my off-season coincides with the arrival of Weck. We had a party last Saturday to welcome his arrival and it was great to see so many people show up to see the little guy.

We are now at the in-laws house on long island; it has been nice to get out of the city for all of us.

The dog, Chief, is getting to run and play with the other dogs out here, most notably my brother-in-law's new Portuguese water dog puppy, Kodi; the wife is getting to relax; and I brought my bike and a good book. I have not been on the bike, been running or swimming in a few weeks. I have really been enjoying Weck and doing a lot of nothing when he is sleeping. I'll probably get on the bike this week and maybe get out for a jog because I'll start a real schedule of training next week.

I made the tough decision to cut the cord with my coach and CTS because of the layoff and the expense. I think I can cobble together a pretty good plan from the data I got last year and other background.

Happy Thanksgiving! Amidst all the turmoil, I have a lot to give thanks for this year!

Joy!

2008-11-15T10:57:00.006-05:00

This has been such a great week...I don't think I've stopped smiling and looking at Weck. He is such a stud and so good.

We made a few trips outside of the house this week, one for his first doctors appointment and then a few to run some errands. It has been good for all of us to get out of the house and move.

One of the coolest things is how our puppy, Chief, has taken to protecting and looking after Weck. Chief likes to sit on the couch next to my wife and I as Weck eats and guards Weck's room when he is getting changed or sleeping. Chief looks to get his share of affection, but has no jealousy, he has been such a good dog.

What a week!

2008-11-12T03:00:00.007-05:00

I'm not sure where to begin...???

My life changed last week...and that is an understatement!

I guess I'll begin with Sunday and the NYC Marathon: At the time, this was a great accomplishment and another notch in the race belt...This was a beautiful day and I had an amazing experience taking the day and entire event in without trying to beat any times. I ran without a watch or heart rate monitor so I could focus on the experience and not be sidetracked by time. If you have never run NYC, this is the way to do it. I finished in 3:28:59...not too bad considering I did not specifically train for the race.

While the NYC Marathon was an amazing day personally and a great day professionally, Monday's chapter was a brick to the back of the head.

I'm still not sure how to explain what happened to me on Monday other than - I was laid off...

http://www.forbes.com/media/2008/11/04/magazines-publishing-advertising-biz-media-cx_jea_1104rodale.html

Here is my farewell note to friends, colleagues, clients and business contacts:

As you all know, I'm not one to do anything quietly...So, here are some parting thoughts, thanks and more thoughts...

"IF THEY GIVE YOU RULED PAPER, WRITE THE OTHER WAY" - Juan Ramon Jimenez

I carry around this journal of sorts in which I document my "life", well not everything, it is mostly training, nutrition/diet information, random quotes and articles that I began when training for the Ironman this past summer. Along the way I made some observations and learned a lot about how far I was willing to push the limits while balancing family, training, work and anything in between. Most of my best "life lesson" thinking came between the hours of 4:00am and 7:00am during my training sessions...here are a few items of note:
- Central Park is not that scary in the dark, just stay on the main road.
- Bathrooms in Central Park do not open until 6:00am (that's if the park rangers are on time)
- What the heck, Central Park is just one big natural bathroom for the animals and homeless, just remember to bring your own toilet paper
- The police do issue speeding tickets to cyclists going too fast
- No swimming in the reservoir
- Running at anything below 10 degrees is just dumb
- Raccoons and squirrels like to find their way underneath rubber
- The best time of day is sunrise over the Onassis Reservoir

"THE ONLY WAY TO DISCOVER THE LIMITS OF THE POSSIBLE IS TO GO BEYOND THEM INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE" - Arthur C. Clarke

I want to thank everyone for the last few years and listening to my "big ideas" and not so big ideas. It has certainly been fun to build this business and the icing is that we could be so successful doing it. I am truly thankful to my team: PC, Alison, Steph Z., Cindy, Steph K., Haley, Sarah and Jane, you all are rock stars and impressed me everyday with the dedication, passion and professionalism you brought to the job.
I have been lucky enough to work with some really great clients, vendors, colleagues and race directors during my tenure; and while my work stays behind I get to leave with the most valuable assets any marketing person can have; and those are the relationships with all of you. You cannot put a value on honesty, integrity, ethics, loyalty and relationships in business, but if you stay true to those core principals they will pay very high dividends.

"WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO. EXCELLENCE, THEREFORE, IS NOT AN ACT BUT A HABIT" - Aristotle

I am off now to the new chapters in life; the first is being a new dad and then your guess is as good as any as to where "the Bouker" will resurface, but rest assured it will not be long before I will be heard from again.

"STRENGTH DOES NOT COME FROM PHYSICAL CAPACITY, IT COMES FROM INDOMITABLE WILL" - Mahatma Gandhi

The Tuesday night before I left for Lake Placid and the Ironman event, my wife, Jennifer, and I had Chinese food and my fortune cookie read "The courage to be great lies deep within each of us"...it is now taped to the front of my journal...So, as I bid farewell I wish the best to everyone and hope that you all will reach deep and realize greatness.

It's all good!

While I was finishing my last week at Rodale, my wife went into labor Wednesday evening and delivered Fred Weckesser Pool IV "Weck" at 4:15pm on Thursday, November 6, 2008. 7lbs 8ounces 20inches tall...

WHAT HAPPENED EARLIER THIS WEEK? I don't care...This was the greatest day of my life and everyday since has been filled with the purest forms of joy and pride.

It's 3:30am and I just fed him, those big eyes looking into mine for comfort is something that makes all my worries drift away...little does he know, he is doing more good for me than I could be doing for him right now...

Very Easy....Very Hard...

2008-10-30T10:41:00.004-04:00

There is a very interesting post on Slowtwitch that has had me thinking:

"So I am at a party where a number of folks just became aware that I am an Ironman-I am asked what are the distances -as I explain each leg the "oohs and ahhs" and "thats incredible" are rolling in (I am enjoying my rock star moment) it crescendos when I explain that the last leg is a marathon... then a guy who was speaking another group at the party turns around with irritation in his voice and says " I read that a 70 year old nun does that event, how hard can it be?" That is Ironman Deflation. What prompted this post is a great quote I just read in another post: "Ironmans are very easy to finish, very hard to race". That is a secret which should be closely guarded..... "

Some of the response are very good and insightful...Having finished the Ironman earlier this summer, my first reaction was, how very true. But, now that I've read some of the other posts and thought about the Ironman in the context of life, I'm thinking this:

Wouldn't a better secret be? "It's very easy to reach a finish line and get through life with mediocrity, but very challenging to maintain the dedication and passion to race past mediocrity to be at the the front of the pack."

I'll continue to think about it...

Austin 5K & 90-miler

2008-10-29T12:21:00.004-04:00

A 5K and 90-mile ride this weekend in Austin at the LiveStrong Challenge events. The 5K went well, I finished 11th. Sunday was the ride and I had a goo time, pretty slow in the beginning and then I took off from our group and put down a little effort.
Feeling pretty good...next up NYC Marathon and Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

Dirt

2008-10-22T09:21:00.012-04:00

My first attempt at a mountain bike race. I've raced on the dirt before but as part of an off-road triathlon/duathlon.

I had a great time, got out of my comfort zone and learned a ton about what I can do on the bike and navigating tough terrain. This was a much better workout than spending three hours on the road or tri bike.

The race was the Riedlbauer's Round Top Rally as part of the NYS Catskill MTB Series. The event was really well done and the course was well designed. It was a perfect morning, about 38 degrees, clear blue sky and the leaves were in peak color.

I have no idea what my result was and I really am not concerned with that as I just wanted to get out and go hard on my bike for the full three laps. I started out at the back of my age group and I was pretty slow on the first lap as I had not been on the course and did not know what to expect, i picked it up on the second lap and corrected the mistakes I made previously and on the third lap I went all out, scaring myself in a few places and pushing hard to the end.

I was rocking the Team 303 Racing kit that my brother, Hank, created for his group in Colorado, it is pretty stylish and I got a lot of comments on it.

Two weekends down, no baby and I'm feeling good...although I think I feel a cold coming on...

Long Beach Half Marathon

2008-10-17T13:40:00.001-04:00

I had to be out in Long Beach for the marathon event so I decided to run the half. I have been training very little, if you can event call it training. So, I formulated a conservative plan to go out and run at a comfortable pace for the first 6-7 mile and then see if I had anything to push it to the end. I was just hoping to be under a 1:40 and thinking if all went right I'd go under 1:35.

I had a good morning, my hotel was less than 1/2 a mile from the start, ate a good breakfast stretched and relaxed. About 7:15am I ran from the hotel to the start line and seeded myself toward the front as there were a ton of people...the gun went off about 7:40 and I started out too fast, 1st mile was a 6:33, 2nd a 6:39 and 3rd a 6:36...I was just waiting for the detonation..

But, I held on and ran pretty consistently to the end...I did start to feel sluggish about mile 11 to the end but held on to finish in 1:27:53. My PR is a 1:27:00 so I was pretty happy to see that all my work over the summer had stuck with me a bit...One weekend down.

NYC TV Debut

2008-10-17T09:32:00.005-04:00

I made my NYC Television debut this summer on the local FOX news station. It is always weird to see yourself on TV especially trying to talk fast and simply about gear and the sport of triathlon...enjoy!

Win or Go Home...Come on!

2008-10-16T09:10:00.005-04:00

Darren Rovell of CNBC Sports Business blogged about Lance's return to cycling yesterday http://www.cnbc.com/id/27195913 and I sent him an email reply...

Darren,

I think you are being a bit shortsighted here...not everyone "wins" their battle against cancer, but isn't it still important to fight? If Lance indeed comes back and does not win the tour de France it still sends a message to those in their battle against cancer that being up to the fight and never giving up is the most important thing. The yellow bracelet may only signify winning to you but, to millions of people around the world the message of yellow bracelet goes beyond the field of competitive cycling to signify a fight and the unwavering passion to never give up.

Secondly, Lance coming back to the sport of cycling is a boost to an industry that helps get people off the couch and out doing something healthy. I, too, have spent time with Lance and that time has been on the bike where he truly seems to be at peace and able to ride with the general public. Lance IS an icon and means so much to so many different people, why discourage him in pursing something he wants and loves to do?

Lastly, my bet is that when Lance's career comes to an end he will be more proud of a legacy that defines him as the founder of the Lance Armstrong Foundation - an organization that was instrumental in finding a cure for cancer, than, a 7, 8 or 9-time Tour de France winner.

My message to Lance...
Lance Armstrong Come Out and Fight - Please
"Good for you, go for it, come back and lay it on the line! Your passion and determination, whatever the result, will inspire and enable many millions to do the same."

Best,
B.

BOUKER POOL
VP, Sports Marketing & Events
RODALE INC.
ph: 212.808.1362
cell: 917.520.7411
Bouker.Pool@Rodale.com
http://www.rodale.com/
"inspire and enable people to improve their lives and the world around them"

Potential Schedule

2008-10-01T19:42:00.002-04:00

October and November could be a very busy month...

Sunday, October 12 - Long Beach Half Marathon

Sunday, October 19 - NYS Catskill MTB Series, Riedlbauer`s Round Top Rally

Saturday, October 25 - LiveStrong Challenge 5K

Sunday, October 26 - LiveStrong Challenge 90-Mile Ride

Sunday, November 2 - New York City Marathon

Friday, November 7 - PEANUT DUE DATE!!!

Saturday, November 8 - Ironman 70.3 World Championships

Of course all of this hidges on that November 7th date and when we welcome the new addition to our family

Bike Racing

2008-10-01T13:51:00.014-04:00

I figured since I did the first CRCA race in Central Park back in March, I should close it out by doing the final race a few weekends ago. I find those races to be pretty entertaining. Most guys just sit in and wait for the bunch sprint/crash at the end and do nothing to mix it up over the 5 laps around Central Park. Me on the other hand...I go out to RACE my bike and get in a hard workout, so I play yo-yo off the front.

This last race was no exception. Right on the first lap I bridged up to two guys taking a flyer on Harlem Hill and we stayed away for a bit, only two of us were working with the third dude just hanging on the back because his team was in contention for the team points overall win and I'm sure he knew he couldn't stay away. We got reeled back in and after I caught my breath, I took off again. This was a short lived effort as I was alone and had burned some serious matches in the first effort, so back to the bunch I went.

Another two guys went off the front and bit later and I decided to try and bridge...I got pretty close, but brought the whole field with me.

On the last lap I just stayed in the bunch and sat up before the mayhem sprint and crossed the line in a nice coast.

A fun way to get some efforts in and see the bicycling scene in NYC.

I'm now running a bit more and have the hammer down for a few events in the coming months:

Long Beach Half Marathon

New York State Catskill Mtb Series (3 laps on an approx 6 mile loop)

LiveStrong Austin 5K and 90Mile ride

NYC Marathon

Ironman 70.3 World Championships

YIKES!

And if my wife decides to give birth between now and November, well, all bets are off!

MTB

2008-09-19T13:45:00.007-04:00

I broke out the mountain bike for my training rides last weekend. Rode the trails at Windham Mountain ski resort, really nice. Other than that, work has been busy and I've been training a bit and hanging with our new dog Chief. A few videos:

Sluggish, lazy and family time

2008-09-08T10:05:00.004-04:00

I'm feeling very sluggish and lazy! It's not so much that I'm bunt out, well, I'm burnt out on training and really only get excited about racing.

This past weekend I was going to do the Tour of the Catskills stage race, but was derailed by a few other things. #1 - I have a pregnant wife who is due in November and we still have a lot to do to ready the nursery and get prepared #2 I've spent the last 10 month training for a variety of event that has kept me away from home #3 My mother came to tow this weekend to help prepare for the baby. So, it was a family weekend which I cannot really complain about since I've had a ton of "me" time this year.

Hopefully the race is around next year because I'd really like to do it. Anyway, I'm sure I'll find something else to train and motivate myself in the short term.

Things you take for granted

2008-08-27T12:09:00.008-04:00

With my job I get to do some pretty cool things and most of the time I'm lost on how great they are to the regular guy because I'm working, away from my family and missing out on some other weekend activity.

This past weekend I rode in the LiveStrong charity ride outside of Philadelphia. We have a few clients that sponsor the event and as part of those sponsorships a few notable athletes and coaches attend.

I rolled out with the 100 mile group with all intentions of doing an easy 100...about 12 miles in I caught sight of the lead group containing Lance and Chris Carmichael among others. Chris is a part of our advertising program and the two of us have spent some time together (I'm also coached by Nick White of CTS) so I figured it would be cool to catch up with him and ride.

I caught the group, said hello to Chris and dropped into the pack. Next thing I realize, I'm on the front pulling the group with 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong on my right. This is where I guess I'm oblivious to "celebrity." I've met Lance before as a part of the sponsorships, so I strike up a conversation with him as we motor along (much harder than I wanted and intended to ride). We chat about Leadville, running, training, triathlon, people we know and work with in Austin, etc. Nothing really strikes me as odd during our conversation.

At about the 30 mile mark, Lance and College leave the group in the dust and I come up on the 70-mile ride turn off, just after burning a lot of matches with the Lance group. I decide to hang there and wait for Chris and finish the 70-mile ride with him.

Chris rolls up and we head out for the last 40 miles. We talk about Leadville, CTS and then the topic of Lance comes up and Chris says a few things that gets me to thinking...Lance might be returning to professional cycling...

This is where I'll keep what was said between Chris and myself but it sounds like Leadville was just the beginning of the reemergence of Lance to the competitive world of cycling and away from the hobby of running.

Anyway, it was a fun ride and in hindsight probably a lot of people's dream to ride next to Lance like I did...again, oblivious!

Tour of the Catskills

2008-08-20T11:21:00.004-04:00

I just heard about this race today!

Hunter & Windham, NY - The Tour of the Catskills Cycling Race will be held on September 6 & 7, 2008 in Hunter & Windham, NY. More than 400 racers from around the region are expected to race the 2-day 'stage race' similar to the Tour de France. Racers will compete over 2 days for an overall championship and a yellow leader's jersey. Races for both amateurs and professionals will be held on various local, county and state roads in Greene County. Partial proceeds of the event will benefit local charities, including the Adaptive Sports Foundation. The event is hosted by the Catskill Mountain Foundation.

Route Maps:

Saturday

Sunday

Register:

BikeReg.com

I'm hoping to be able to do this race since these are the very roads I ride every weekend I'm up there. I'll for sure be riding the exact routes on Labor Day weekend.

Product Review - Oakley Radar (Positive Red Polarized Path Lens)

2008-08-18T14:35:00.005-04:00

This is a long overdue review of a product that is a "must have."

I had the opportunity to do a triathlon segment on the local Fox news station in NYC the Wednesday before Ironman Lake Placid. As part of the segment and for the race, my good friends at Oakley hooked me up with the new Oakley Radars with Positive Red Polarized Path Lens.

Right out of the box, these glasses look cool and fast. Once on, they are comfortable and the lens is outstanding. I was really excited for a good day at IMLP to try these things out.

I used them on my final run and bike workouts to check how they were in different light conditions...they made everything so clear that the road and its imperfections popped right out.

On race day, the weather was unbelievably bad with rain and clouds.

As I was riding along I could not tell you the number of people I saw who were constantly messing with their glasses, had them stuffed in a pocket or discarded them to the ground. I never had to give the Oakley's a second thought. The hydrophobic lens had the water just sheeting off and the polarization kept everything crystal clear.

This piece of equipment was the hero of the day, I just wish my results could have been better to match.

Worth every penny to make sure you have great eye protection!

False start...?

2008-08-18T10:33:00.005-04:00

Last week was to be "go time" and the week got off to a good start, but late in the week travel, fatigue and maybe some laziness dominated the schedule.

I had a couple of really good early week workouts, still ditching the pool sessions because swimming during lunch at the YMCA while they have youth summer camp is a bit like trying to do laps in the caddyshack pool...

Late last week I had to head to Chicago to give a 4-hour presentation on sponsorship for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) and I had to spend all my available time finishing that presentation.

I flew back to NYC Friday and what was suppose to be a 2+ hour flight turned into a 7-hour ordeal with a lot of circling and a stop in Harrisburg, PA to refuel. Got home late Friday night and needed some sleep.

Spent Saturday with my wife and dog, sleeping til noon and then a picnic in the park followed by some tasks around the apartment to complete the move in.

Sunday, I got out for a great 2+ hour ride across the GWB followed by a good brick 25 minute run. Lunch at the 79th Street Boat Basin and some good puppy playtime. So, Sunday got the blood pumping again and I'm eager to have a good week leading into the LiveStrong 100-miler in Philly on Sunday.

A few observations from the (mostly on the 9W route home) ride on Sunday:

1. To the guy I passed on the left side going about 25mph after yelling "on your left" twice - your wife (or whomever was riding your wheel) clearly heard me, take the earphones out, and the screaming "ASSHOLE" at me = CLASSY!

2. Not sure what people's aversion to riding on the right is...

3. The oh so "pro" wannabes who think not wearing a helmet is cool - buddy, on 9W with those people and cars - I guess it is your melon, but pretty irresponsible!

"ok buddy, its go time."

2008-08-12T15:36:00.002-04:00

That was the message that greeted me Sunday night when I logged in and checked my training schedule for the next few weeks.

I have to admit that it has been nice to rest and have some easy light workouts since completing IMLP. I have spent more time with my wife, played with Chief, slept more and done a few things which were neglected while training.

Part of my recovery was a trip to Colorado this past weekend to hang with my brother and some buddies while playing in the ColoRyder Cup golf tournament. I'm not a good golfer, but all the matches are based on handicap (mine is a 22) and I had a great time.

"ok buddy, is go time."

CHIEF

2008-08-05T16:40:00.005-04:00

It was sad to have to say goodbye to our black lab KD a month ago, she was a wonderful companion who didn't care what kind of day I had at the office, on the bike or just in general, she was happy to see me as soon as I walked through the door.

I have missed that over the last month. We are in a new apartment and it has felt eerily empty every time I come home...

In steps THE DUDE!!!

We got a new puppy this past weekend. A Wiredhair Pointing Griffon name Chief. He is a little stud and has brought back the energy of KD and my nightly routine of picking up poop.

Race Apparel

2008-08-01T09:41:00.006-04:00

I read an interesting article the other day about race apparel and Ironman apparel in particular. The subject got me to thinking while I was on my run this morning.

Why is Ironman and Ironman 70.3 gear so amateur looking compared to that of the Boston Marathon?

Boston apparel has an air of sophistication and style, whereas the Ironman stuff looks like a Disney designer on crack. I hold the Boston and Ironman logos in high regard as to qualify, train and compete in those events is an honor and a great achievement.

It then got me to thinking that while an Ironman tattoo is a popular way to express your accomplishment, I have not seen any Boston Marathon tattoos...?

Back in the saddle

2008-07-29T09:26:00.002-04:00

Recovering from LP has had its ups and downs.

Monday after the race was mellow and I felt pretty good, just a little soreness and fatigue, but was mostly still getting the benefits of the race adrenaline. Tuesday, Wednesday and most of Thursday were a different story...I have never felt worse than those three days. I could not eat, sleep or concentrate even though I was hungry and exhausted. I started to come around Thursday night at dinner, and ever since things have been on the up and up.

This past weekend, the prescription for training was to do nothing. It was really weird to have nothing on the schedule and not preparing for a big ride and run. Instead I went out sailing and drank beer.

This week, I get back to a little training with some light easy stuff. I'm ready and looking forward to sweating and being active again.

Next stop, Nations Triathlon in Washington DC.

IMLP Race Report - Soggy

2008-07-21T12:39:00.004-04:00

First, thank you to everyone for all the well wishes leading up to the Ironman event, the taper days and two days of nothing before hitting the starting line are filled with boredom, self-doubt, obsessive compulsive gear and nutrition prep and some random thoughts; your words of encouragement were a great diversion...THANK YOU!
Now for a recap of probably one of the most physically and mentally challenging days I will ever endure: The common theme of the day was RAIN...and I don't mean a few showers here and there, I am talking about a driving rain storm for the entire day and when it wasn't a driving rainstorm, it was a Noah's Ark deluge with the roads turning into rivers...our own form of water torture.

Pre-race - I woke up ready to go, a few nerves but feeling confident

SWIM: We got in the water and it looked like it was going to be a nice weather day...HA! I started right in the front line about 20 feet off the dock...the cannon went off and it was a free-for-all cage fighting match for the first 1/8 of a mile. There is no getting into a rhythm or feeling the water, it is all about survival and body bumper cars. I made it to the turn and found some free water in a good draft and settled in to finish the first lap...back into water (oh, I noticed that it had started raining) and I didn't feel great but was just comfortable enough to battle the last loop.Out of the water and it was pouring rain which really didn't matter since I was wet and trying to get my bearings...wetsuit stripped...nice long run down the hill on a road which was now a river to transition and a good quick change and onto the bike.

BIKE: The rain is not so bad for a little bit and it felt sort of refreshing...I got to the top of the long decent and it was pouring rain. This is where I scared the crap out of myself...50mph down hill in a driving rain which felt like a sandblaster to the face (not that I've ever experienced a sandblaster to the face)...first loop of the bike I keep my power in the range where my coach had told me I would be best served. The rain just kept coming and at this point it was obnoxious and annoying. The second time down the hill it was raining harder and I was going faster , in hindsight this was not my smartest move of the day. At the bottom of the hill I was frozen and this is where, mentally and physically, I started to really doubt what I was doing and looking ahead to running a marathon put me in a pretty deep hole. I knew I was off my goal pace and that my lofty aspirations were not going to happen...I dug down and refused to entertain the thought of dropping out...I was going to cross that finish line come hell or high water (ok, we were already at high water so just hell). I got a second wind and completed the bike...
I got off the bike and while handing to a volunteer he said "enjoy your marathon." Uh, mmmm, oh...a marathon...a good quick transition and headed back out into the rain. I've never considered myself a runner, but at this point in time I've never enjoyed running so much...

RUN: I started out feeling good and holding back my pace and got through the first two miles with a good cadence and rhythm...boom, there goes my stomach...on the downhill part of the run all the sloshing and jostling upset my stomach. I got to first aid station and walked to try and settle my stomach and get back a good feeling. The run was filled with a few highs - running at a good pace feeling good - and more lows than I can count...again, the thought of packing it in was looming...the rain was unreal, but I would not entertain this and would push my aching, frozen, wet, stiff legs to shuffle as fast as possible.
I saw my family and some friendly faces on the course and it is amazing what one word of encouragement means when suffering, it gets you through the next mile, it takes your mind off the pain if only for a few moments...
I crossed the finish line completely delirious and hallucinating, was this real? is this pain finally going to come to an end? am I going to get out of the rain?

I just finished an Ironman...

Thanks again for all the words of encouragement and support!
B.

P.S. When I went to bed last night it was still raining and I wasn't out in it...oh, what a relief!

Monday Update...it's raining again in LP...

Tapering...

2008-07-16T18:12:00.003-04:00

Don't stand when you can sit

Don't sit when you can lie down

When you lie down - sleep!

That's what it is all about right now, so I have plenty of time to update my blog and bore people with my musings...

It has been a while and a lot of stuff has happened:

1. Our dog KD passed away...it was a sad day, but we know she's in a better place...we'll miss you little one

2. We moved. New digs on the upper west side big enough for us to stretch out and accommodate our growing family

3. Jen's dad got out of the hospital following his lymphoma treatment

And now it is almost time to race...

Airports, traveling and the old people next to me

2008-06-27T07:38:00.007-04:00

Maybe it is just the cynic in me or I travel too much, but with the current state of the travel industry it seems that airports have become breeding grounds for idiots and the worst our nation has to offer. What happened to treating people with respect? Consumers treat airline employees like shit, while granted some of these employees are not the best and brightest and deserve a little harassing at times, but no one deserves what travellers are dishing out these days.

Additionally, what used to be a sanctuary of peace and quiet; a great place to get some work done - the frequent flier clubs - have become virtual nurseries. I'm used to the influx of kids out of school for the summer traveling with their parents, but the number of screaming, running and generally obnoxious kids running through the clubs these days seems to be high.

Yes, poor me...ah, it's early and I'm in the Continental Presidents Club waiting for my flight to Oregon. I'm really looking forward to this weekend for a few reasons:
1. I'm running the Pacific Crest half-marathon tomorrow and riding in the LiveStrong Challenge 100-miler Sunday.
2. This marks the end of the big training for IMLP and Monday is the start of the taper!

Oh sweet, the old lady and he husband are reading the newspaper out loud to one another!
"Honey, Russia beat Spain yesterday."
"I know."
"They play Germany in the finals."
"I know"
"Roddick lost"
"I didn't know Russia and Spain were at war."
"No, they were playing soccer."
"Who cares."

Light at the end...

2008-06-24T11:51:00.003-04:00

This is it...the last really tough week before the taper!

Time flies when you are suffering.

This past weekend, I did my last really long run, 3 hours in the hilly terrain of the Catskills. I felt really good and strong. I made it through the three hours and felt good.

I'm off to Portland, Bend, Eugene Oregon this weekend where I will run in the Pacific Crest Half-Marathon in Bend on Saturday and then ride the LiveStrong 100-mile ride on Sunday. All the while I will be working and shuttling to Eugene for the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials...check out our program site here: http://www.mastertheshift.com/ and our team picture from the Austin LiveStrong ride last year.

Then the 4th of July weekend at our house in the Catskills for some rest and relaxation.

On the road again...

Chase Corporate Challenge

2008-06-20T12:54:00.004-04:00

The day began with an hour and a half ride in Central Park with "Climbing Repeats" on the schedule...as anyone knows, there are no "climbing hills" in Central Park so I ask my coach and he said just try to follow the power ranges , cadence and heart rate outline as a Climbing Repeat Interval.

I got through the first two interval and went really hard on #3 which made my legs scream that there was no way I was doing #4...here the breakdown:

SRM #1:
Duration: 7:57
Work: 191 kJ
TSS: 17.6 (intensity factor 1.152)
Norm Power: 415
VI: 1.03
Pw:HR: 12.69%
Pa:HR: -14.53%
Distance: 3.225 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 671 401 watts
Heart Rate: 113 158 147 bpm
Cadence: 67 95 80 rpm
Speed: 14.5 34.7 24.3 mph

SRM #2:
Duration: 7:42
Work: 183 kJ
TSS: 16.6 (intensity factor 1.136)
Norm Power: 409
VI: 1.03
Pw:HR: 13.75%
Pa:HR: -18.3%
Distance: 3.182 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 162 662 397 watts
Heart Rate: 121 159 151 bpm
Cadence: 64 93 79 rpm
Speed: 15.6 33.4 24.8 mph

SRM #3:
Duration: 7:12
Work: 184 kJ
TSS: 20.4 (intensity factor 1.304)
Norm Power: 469
VI: 1.1
Pw:HR: 21.73%
Pa:HR: -12%
Distance: 3.201 mi
Min Max Avg
Power: 0 982 426 watts
Heart Rate: 136 169 161 bpm
Cadence: 63 104 89 rpm
Speed: 18.8 35.2 26.7 mph

I was pretty well cooked after that workout, but I had signed up for the Corporate Challenge with the Rodale team. A 3.5 mile run was not sounding good and I wasn't sure my legs would respond, but I got over to the start after a little warm up run from the apartment and figured I'd go for it and go as far as I could to top off the training week.

I caught up with Anthony Rodale at the start line and we got a chance to catch up...Anthony did St. Croix and is signed up for 2009. The rain started to fall right as the horn sounded and I took off trying to navigate through the masses and get some clear road. I hammered away and hit the first mile in just under 6:00, still feeling strong I power through the race with a 21:10 finishing time...I was really happy with that effort considering it was a big day.

My good friend and coworker from Runner's World, Kathleen Jobes, won the women's race. She placed 53rd in the US Olympic Trials this past spring...super talented runner.
Well, it's a rest day and I'm looking at my workout schedule for the weekend and it is brutal...

2008-06-16T12:02:00.003-04:00

No racing this weekend...

With the long weekend of training and the big storms that rolled through Saturday night, I felt like racing the sprint race Sunday morning was not the best decision. Instead, I headed out and logged 2 hours on the bike (much more productive than less than an hour racing).

I had a terrible run on Saturday in the heat and humidity, had a sweat rate fast than I could get fluids...yikes!

So, I'm a little tired and worn out today with a 3500yard swim on the schedule which I'm debating doing...need a little mental day.

Good news this morning is that my father-in-law has just been cleared for the transplant. This will start on June 23rd. He will go into isolation and can see family only. He will have full access to emails, phone, stationary bike and TV. He will be in for a minimum of 21 days. This is the most life threatening part of the treatment. He has actually responded quite well to all the treatments to date so our hope is that his body is tough enough to take these lethal doses of chemo and the transplant combined. Within 2 weeks of the procedure we will know if he is out of the danger zone and headed down a path of recovery. Then at some point once he is through the entire protocol there will be a new body scan and round of testing and we will know if it worked.

Escape From Alcatraz Race Report

2008-06-10T12:27:00.010-04:00

Just back from an amazing weekend in San Francisco with my brother and his wife. The weather was spectacular with no fog and warm temperatures.

My brother and I competed in the Escape From Alcatraz race on Sunday. It was a perfect day and again, this is a must do race for any triathlete: great course, well run and in a cool city.

Since I had done this race for the first time last year and this was my brother's first go at the event we stuck to the schedule and things that had worked so well for me last year. We boarded the ferry and sat near the exit doors to take in the sunrise and great view of the city and Alcatraz island as we headed out to the swim start.

The pro field went off and then the stampede of cattle out the doors...it is really an amazing rush doing the shuffle and then leap...

I jumped off and went hard right away to clear the boat, about a minute in I turned over on my back and looked back at the island, the boat and all the people jumping off. I sighted right at the radio tower thinking I was taking an aggressive sight line for the current and what had been told to us the day before. This is one swim where there is no getting into a rhythm or feeling smooth through the water with all the surf and wind...I took in my fair share of salt water and felt like the swim would never end. I kept getting closer to shore but not to the beach on shore where I wanted to end up, I was too far up current so about 200yds from shore I swam parallel to shore to the finishing beach. The waves were picking people up and planting them on the sand. I caught one in and got deposited right on a rock, my big toe on my right foot took the brunt of the blow. I ran up the beach and up the stairs where I had a little vertigo and had a tough time balancing while putting my shoes on. Finally, with the shoes on, wetsuit stripped to the waist and swim cap, goggles and neoprene cap still on, I ran to T!

T1 was a bit tough with cold hands trying to get the wetsuit the rest of the way off and bike shoes on, but I managed...although not as quickly as I had hoped.

I set out on the bike with the hammer down. My plan was to just go for it on the bike and see if I could survive through the run. Having the road bike made a huge difference on the climbs and descents as it was easier to handle and allowed me to take a few more chances. I was struggling a little to get to my upper limit until I hit Presidio Park. In the park, I found that next gear and put the hammer down all the was back to transition. T2 was better, a little difficulty with the socks, but I knew with the dirt and sand on this course they would come in handy.

I set out on the run and felt like crap! The first mile I felt like I needed to puke and that I was going to have to stop and walk. I held it together and got into a comfortable pace to the first set of stairs. Right before the base of the stairs I finally started to feel better and made a big effort to get to the top and to Baker Beach. I hit the beach and made the turn around and coming the other way was my brother, he was hot on my heals. I did my best to push my pace and not kill myself up the sand ladder...that thing is a killer...and hammered back down for the final 2 flat miles to the finish. My legs were feeling a little heavy but I kept a good pace and treated it like a training interval.I came through the finish chute and notice that I was going to break 2:30...I was really fired up as last year I barely broke 2:40.

My brother came in a minute behind me...he has a much better run than me and he uncorked a good one to try and reel me in, but today, I got to the line first.

We savored the joy of finishing and headed back tot he hotel for a shower and then to the Buena Vista for "Irish Coffee" and a huge brunch.

I made it back to NYC last night and whoa is it hot here! I didn't get much time to rest and recover from this race as my coach had me out on the bike and a good run this morning. The legs liked the bike and felt like tree trunks on the run...

It was a great trip, I just wish my wife could have come along, but we are trying to save vacation days for when the baby comes...maybe a family trip next year.

Next up is A LOT of training! A couple of really tough weeks before the IMLP taper. This weekend, we are headed out to Long Island to spend Father's Day with Jen's family and I get to do the L/Gold Coast Sprint Triathlon Sunday. Then in a few weeks I head to Portland, OR for work and run a half marathon on Saturday and ride 100 miles in the Livestrong Challenge the next day...load it up!

A Cigarette and a Red Bull

2008-05-29T12:28:00.004-04:00

Motivating to get out of the office and into the pool some days is a bit of a challenge. Not sure what it is; the undressing and redressing; the getting wet part; or I'm just lazy.

I didn't need too much motivation today as I had a great pool session on Tuesday and am feeling really confident in my swim, but as I was walking over to the YMCA I saw a guy, well dress business professional, sit at a bench with his Red Bull and light up a cigarette...I had to chuckle and mutter to myself, "at least I'm not that guy!" A little extra motivation to put the hammer down in the pool and continue this tough week.

Today's pool session wasn't as good as Tuesday but I'm pretty fast in the water right now.

I hate gardening...

2008-05-27T16:57:00.002-04:00

Oh man, what a weekend in the Catskills!

The Pool family left the city about 4:00pm Friday afternoon and took our super-secret route up north to miss a good deal of the traffic on the Thruway...again less than 3 hours door-to-door...

I took my TT bike up to simulate LP with my training miles with a long run to brick ride Saturday, a Long ride to brick run Sunday and to top it all off an "overload day" as my coach called it on Monday.

While I headed out for my workouts, my wife and dog did a little planting, and when I say a little, I mean a little. When I got back it was "I'm pregnant and tired, can you finish planting my trees?!?!?"

I hate gardening...I hate bugs, I hate digging, I hate allergies...I love to admire what a great job our landscaper does with the mowing and making our property look great and I do not want to infringe on his territory...

Needless to say, I planted the rest of the trees, sneezed my ass off, got eaten alive and got blisters, BUT did manage to enjoy a couple late afternoon beers.

My Saturday run was good, I ran with my new Garmin 405...pretty cool but the pace clock is always a little off only when yo download the data do you get the true pace. I ran just to get the prescribed 2 hours and fifteen minutes in and didn't really worry about pace or distance, I hit some pretty cool back roads. A good reverse brick ride after.

Sunday's long ride was set to be a 4 and one half hour affair...I set out pretty early and went pretty hard. My legs were a little beat up from the run but I got in some good efforts with one long ass climb back into town. When I was rolling back into town I saw a bear cross the road in front of me and hang out eating birdseed at this poor woman's house (she was on the porch and ran inside when she say the bear). He was just a baby and so cool looking.

Monday's "overload day" was just that and left me completely shelled. My wife asked me to go on a walk with her and I couldn't go because I knew once I made it down the big hill by the house there was no way I could get back up it...

It is great the weather has turned the corner and I'm hoping for some good non-cold weather gear training for the next few weeks!

Long Miles for Lake Placid

2008-05-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

Back at it...the hangover has worn off and life is at full tilt.

My mother was in the city this past weekend and so we entertained her and had a pretty cool weekend in the city, but I'm ready to get to our house up-state for some good relaxation and training.

The terrain up there is just like Lake Placid and will be good for me to get accustomed to before the big day. We'll be headed there for the Memorial day weekend and I cannot wait!

This past weekend ended up pretty strong with a few good workouts early in the morning then a lot of family time in the afternoons and night.

Saturday I headed out for my 2 hour run with some fun intervals and felt a bit sluggish but kept a pretty good pace to the end, right after that I jumped on the bike for an hour spin through the weekend chaos of Central Park, no hard efforts there.

Sunday was a nice 4+ hour ride up through Nyack and Bear Mountain. I have the Hydrotail on my bike (which I never put anything in it during St Croix as aid stations kept me filled up and no need for the extra weight) and launch a bottle on the ride and remained distracted for the rest of the ride that more bottle might launch.

I spent some time talking with a friend of mine about on bike hydration for LP and is the Hydrotail really necessary?...we came to the conclusion that it is not necessary due to the aid stations being about every 10 miles on course...so, off comes the Hydrotail.

Oh, I almost forgot, my brother put together some cool new kits for his 303 Racing Team out of Denver. I got a few things and have been rocking the Burberry inspired look...pretty sweet gear, I post some picks when I get the chance...

Hangover

2008-05-14T12:42:00.000-04:00

Back from St. Croix and the nice vacation after the race...

I'm feeling a bit of a hangover trying to get back into all the things going on at work and back into the training schedule...I feel lethargic and tired.

Being in St. Croix after the race was amazing, I could get up and train in the mornings, hit the killer buffet at the hotel, rest and then go for an adventure on the island with my wife. This work thing really gets in the way, HAHA!

I skipped my long run over the weekend and swimming on Monday, but I'm slowly getting back into a rhythm and hope to be back feeling good by this weekend.

I think after gearing up for a big race with the travel, the equipment and the race there always tends to be a let-down and loss of some motivation after. Everything is so hyper sensitive beforehand and the excitement is building there is nowhere else to go but down after the event. Staying in St. Croix the week after certainly lessened the harsh reality of getting back to work and help the mind and body ease off the the event hype.

I'm signed up for next year's St Croix event and the hotel is booked!

Tough day with a bit of a silver lining

2008-05-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

This race and island threw everything it had at us yesterday...

We woke to clear skies and howling winds, the water was rough to say the least (good for me, bad for others)...The swim was a battle, not against other people, but the swells and whitecaps made sighting a bit difficult...I exited the water in 31:16, I think about 6th in my age group wave.

Good quick transition and off on the bike...I felt great and was settling into a good power range, then the rains started and nothing sounds worse than carbon fiber and skin hitting the pavement. I didn't go down but proceeded with caution as our first lap wound through town and I narrowly missed one dude who took a corner a little too fast. I got to the "The Beast" feeling good and getting a mental boost by catching female pro Amanda Lovato. The Beast climb is .7 miles with an average grade of 17%, 20% in places, this is truly brutal...I made it up it in about 7 minutes, my legs were screaming...a long nasty decent and it began to pour rain and I mean sheets and buckets. I hunkered down and hoped for the best as my brakes were of no use...on to the back side of the island and the head wind, I felt like I was standing still and making no progress...I end the bike in 2:43:28, again I think it was 6th fastest for my age group, I was hoping to be in the 2:30's but error on the side of caution to keep it on the road..

My favorite part...the run...the skies had cleared and the heat and humidity set in as I put down a 7:12 first mile, I hammered along feeling like I could make up for the explosion on last year's run...my pace slowed as my legs and body gave way to the heat a bit and I was mentally struggling and I saw my dream goal of qualification for the Ironman World Championships in Kona slip away...I somehow kept it all together and found some speed for the final few miles as I could see on my watch that I was close to my next goal of breaking 5 hours...run - 1:47:19 in the age group 15th...

Not to be, I crossed the line in 5:02:03...58th Overall and 7th in my age group overall.

The silver lining:
I did not need an IV after this years race and felt like I executed a good nutrition plan
The conditions were more difficult than last year and I shaved 30 minutes from my time...
AND!
I qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Florida held in November!!!

Now time to relax and enjoy some vacation...thanks for the support!

Proud Day

2008-04-30T11:48:00.000-04:00

It's all about balancing life...

Life just got a little more complicated...my wife is pregnant! We've obviously known for the last few months but now we are letting everyone know...here are the details:
- Due date is November 7th
- No, we are not finding out the sex. It will be a surprise
In the short term this has made my training easier because Jennifer is always tired I can sneak out for a ride or a run while she sleeps.
Stay tuned...

Bronx Biathlon Report

2008-04-29T13:51:00.000-04:00

The week leading up to this race I told myself "If it is cold and raining this is a no go, no need to risk illness and/or road rash right before St. Croix." HA!

I woke up Sunday morning and it was raining and about 42 degrees...perfect! I was already awake at 4:00am so why not go to the race and see what happens, but be cautious.

As I drove out of the city the rain intensified and the sky got darker, but by then I was in pre-race mode and excited to throw down some fast miles on the bike and see if I could run anything decent after.

I registered, racked my bike and went out for a warm up run, it was pretty chilly.

The course was a 3 mile run followed by a 20 mile fast bike course and then repeat the 3 mile run. I got up near the front for the start and when the gun went ff saw a bunch of people sprinting past me...
Within the first quarter mile I caught and passed a bunch of people who shot out a bit fast and just missed the top two guys break off the front, so I was running in third all alone. Felt good on the run and blitzed through T1.

This was the first ride with my new disk wheel and with the wet roads and wind I took it easy, but kept the power on. The course had a metal grated drawbridge crossing that was treacherous. We got to cross that 4 times. I made up a little ground on 2nd place but not enough. I hit T2 and blasted out for the run, there was no catching 1st or 2nd so I looked to see where 4th was and never saw the guy. So, I went pretty hard on the run but was never pushed or chasing a rabbit.

I ended up 3rd and was very happy to have gotten in a strong effort before taking off to St. Croix.

Details:
Run #1 - 0:16:53 06:02 min/mi
T1 - 00:37
Bike - 0:48:53 24.6mph
T2 - 00:28
Run #2 - 0:17:27 06:14min/mi
Total - 1:24:17

Walk

2008-04-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, my wife and I woke up and took separate paths to the South Street Seaport for the Lymphomathon Walk. My wife cruised down the west side path on her cool new Specialized all tricked out with fenders, a bell and rack. I, on the other hand, had a training session on the calendar and decided to run the 7 or so miles from our upper west side apartment.
If you have never been to NYC, running around the island is amazing. I headed south on the path, passing the WTC site, into Battery Park and up around to the east side and the seaport. There are so many amazing stories in this city and running through and around here away shows me a different side to this place I call home.
The Lymphomathon is a walk to support the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF). My father-in-law was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma this past December and has been undergoing chemotherapy. It has been a very trying time for her family and so we all committed to raising money and walking in the Lymphomathon. Hazel's Team is what we went by and our team raise the most out of all the teams - over $25,000!
It was a great day for the walk and very inspiring to see my father-in-law in such good spirits.
If you would like to donate please do so by following this link:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=260453&lis=0&kntae260453=34D274E618484C6DA04042600059D1CD

Home at last...

2008-04-23T20:53:00.000-04:00

I am tired of hotels, rental cars, airplanes...enough complaining, although my last day/night on the road was one for the books...

I returned to my hotel room Tuesday evening, wiped out from a long day and ready for my first night with no client entertaining, looking forward to ordering room service, kicking up the feet and watching some hockey playoffs. As I approached my room, I could smell smoke from a cigarette, I got closer and could tell the smoking was coming from the room across the hall from mine (I was on a non-smoking floor). I quickly got into my room in hopes that none of the odor would follow...too late, my room smelled like a dirty ashtray. I called the front desk to alert them of the smoking and asked to move rooms, by that time I was nauseous.

I quickly packed up my belongings and met the bell manager outside of my door where he could hardly stand the smoke and was on the radio calling security...I got my new keys and headed to my new room. Dinner, rest and hockey were delayed...the bell manager was very apologetic and said that he would add a bunch of points to my Marriott Rewards account for the inconvenience, I'll let you know if that happens.

So, my fourth hotel room in seven nights, where was I again?

I'm home! Unfortunately, my pregnant wife has been dealing with our sick dog the entire time I was on the road so, I got home and immediately had an appointment with the vet. We have a 14-year-old black lab and we know any day her number will be called, but right now she is like the energizer bunny and just keeps going on.

Nothing dire with the dog and we would just have to put up with the sickness until the meds took hold...oh fun!

As for training, I skipped my swim on Monday as the hotel pool was a joke, 90 degrees and SHORT...Tuesday, I got in a great run along the lakefront and I just finished my Wednesday ride which I held off on to be able to do at home on my TT bike.

I might race a duathlon this weekend, we'll see how the weather is as I don't want to be out in the cold and rain before heading to St. Croix.