Rev 3 Knoxville

November 24, 2013

Like "The Flying Monkey" Isn't Hard Enough

UPDATE: All the “hundreds” of 2013 Flying Monkey Pics have been moved here: Crushing Iron on Flickr

Tomorrow I will witness a legendary running race. I will stand, shivering on the sidelines as a bunch of friends and other brave souls tackle one of the harder marathons in the business, the Flying Monkey.

It is a beautiful, yet brutal run that kicks off at 8 am with a starting temperature forecast of 25 degrees. Making matters worse? It’s not supposed to get above freezing. I am totally jealous.

It’s easy to rock a race when conditions are perfect, but weather is the great equalizer. Tomorrow, we’ll find out how tough everyone is and they will carry that badge forever. It reminds me of the cold rainy day at my Rev3 race in this Spring in Knoxville, the blistering heat of Ironman Louisville this summer, and 30 degree air for the Ironman Lake Tahoe swim this Fall. All three had very, very tough weather conditions, and tomorrow, Flying Monkey will join the club.

These are the races that create fraternity for the competitors. Runners will forever be able to say “I ran the Monkey below freezing.” Alumni will be able to spot each other simply by looking in their eyes. A subtle confidence will emanate from their being.

“Hey, did you run the Monkey in 2013?” “Why yes I did.” “I knew it!” High five.

So, if you’re running in the morning and are fortunate enough to read this post before the gun, consider yourself blessed. Keep your form, don’t let snot freeze on your lip, and beat the shit out of this monkey. It will suck for a while, but the legend of this race will live a long, long time. That means years and years of conversation that will be much more enjoyable if you wipe the weather from your head, let go of the pain and leave it all on the course.

And if you want to feel sorry for someone, think of the unlucky spectators who are standing there shivering as you bathe in glorious sweat. Or, even me, who will be crouched down with frozen fingers taking pictures of your happy faces.

Go get ’em you lucky bastards!
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2013 Flying Monkey Pics
2013 More Flying Monkey Pics
Even More Flying Monkey Pics

May 7, 2013

Quick Thought On Rev 3 Knoxville

Just a quick post as I look at a pre-swim picture taken by Robert from X3 Endurance the morning of the Rev 3 Triathlon. I see the look in my eyes and know what I was thinking. “There’s no turning back.” One part of me couldn’t believe I was in that situation, the other wanted nothing more than to dive into that 58 degree river. It’s an odd predicament in the sense that as soon as you start each stage, you want to be in the next one as fast as possible. But, the more I race, the more I try to embrace every minute and let the end come when it will. In reality, it doesn’t get much more awesome than swimming in a raging Tennessee River on a cold and rainy morning. It’s a rare opportunity to test yourself. To push the limits. To emerge from a major challenge. Not many people take those kinds of plunges because, until you do it, it’s hard to understand why you would.

I will conclude my race report later tonight with “The Run” summary.

May 3, 2013

This Is Absurd

I knew there was a chance of rain for this Sunday’s Rev 3 Triathlon in Knoxville, but 100% is a little ridiculous. To make matters worse, the other guys I’m training with (who are not going) have been making weekend party plans all day!

I got absolutely drenched last weekend in the Country Music Marathon. My first tri of the year was soaked and freezing. Now this. But, I’m looking forward to the challenge and a test of will that can only help me in the long run, right? Heading out at 7 in the morning.

May 2, 2013

Racing In The Rain

We opened the triathlon season with a frozen jaunt through the rain at the ADPiathlon in Murfreesboro. Last weekend I ran the Country Music Half in a steady downpour and celebrated by shivering in the rain for two more hours. This weekend I’m heading to Knoxville for the Rev 3 Olympic and the forecast is for a 60% chance of scattered showers.

First of all, what the hell does 60% chance for scattered showers mean? Does that mean there’s a 40% chance of solid showers or a 40% chance that it will be dry? I have sent an email to Knoxville meteorologists for clarification and will give you an update as soon as I hear.

Either way, I’m mentally preparing for rain, which, in theory, isn’t that big of a deal while you’re racing, except on the bike. You swim in water and it can actually feel good while running . . . but rain dampens the excitement of the event for anyone watching and frankly, I use their energy.

So, Sunday, when I’m treading water and it’s also dropping on my swim cap, I will turn inside to channel all of the training and experiences of past races as I drop my face into the river and pull myself upstream toward the first orange buoy. Then I will turn downstream, glance at the three spectators, and settle into a nice backstroke toward the swim exit.

As I find land, I’ll rip myself from the wet suit, and plod the point 3 miles to my bike where I’ll stuff garbage bags under my top and hit the lonely roads of Knoxville. Biking in the rain is dicey, but I figure the more I ride in the rain, the easier riding in nice weather will be. Sooo . . . bring it on!

In the last 3 weeks I have run exactly 3 times. A 10K race, a 3 mile jaunt with the East Nasties on a Wednesday, and a half marathon. Sunday I will hop off my bike and run for the fourth time, another 10K. Since this is my second Olympic, I’m feeling more confident about sticking the run, so we’ll see what happens.

Years ago I listened to a cassette tape from motivational speaker, Zig Zigler, and the very first thing he said with regard to staying positive was, “Never judge a day by the weather,” and while it’s not always easy, that line has stuck in my head. Truthfully, the rain will “bother me” most in the swim because I would prefer to enjoy the sunshine while I’m in the river, but once you dig in, water is water, and my body will be alive and full of light, even though the sun is behind the clouds.