Triathlon – Page 2

July 25, 2014

I Got Rejected by USAT

About a month ago, USAT put out a call for an “Age Group Blogger” for USAT Nationals in Milwaukee. I replied swiftly, with what I thought was the winning application, but unfortunately, I will not be your blogger. Below is the letter I submitted, and I would love your input on how I could tighten things up in the event I get another chance.

Mike Tarrolly Blogger — This guy will not be your USAT blogger

Dear USAT,

Here are 10 quick reasons I think I would be an excellent blogger for USAT AG Nationals:

1. I have no problem being referred to as a blogger.

2. I am a marginal AG triathlete with just enough experience to be dangerous.

3. I am originally from Wisconsin and my brother lives 3 blocks from the race.

4. I am sensitive.

5. I’ve worked in the news business for 14 years and (no thanks to them) understand what makes a good story.

6. I’m a marketing director by trade, but don’t necessarily think that’s anything to write home about.

7. I’ve been shooting and editing video for many years and have the ability to make age group athletes resemble Sebastian Kienle or Andrew Starykowicz (but not necessarily his run style).

8. I’ve read a lot of books on triathlon and liked most of them.

9. I have a strong command of taking and uploading pictures from my iPhone.

10. My mother would likely come over from Beloit and supervise my writing.

Here’s a link to some triathlon videos I’ve shot and edited https://crushingiron.com/video/

Many more writing samples at www.crushingiron.com

Thank you for the consideration.

Mike

———-

Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but they sent me a nice letter of rejection with a promise to keep me in their thoughts.

In the meantime I am second guessing myself in blogging and in life.

[follow_me]

July 17, 2014

The Hardest Parts of Writing About Triathlon

I’m closing in on 500 original posts about triathlon. Seems like I would have run out of fuel a long time ago, but it proves to me this blog is about much more about the human condition than simply swim, bike, and run.

It kind of blows me away . . . mainly because I have stuck with it this long. I haven’t made money, but I’ve gained a better understanding of myself and how to deal with the intense ups and downs of training for Ironman and how that impacts our lives.

My blog traffic suggests that a fair number of people have enjoyed reading about my journey, but the truth is, there are always questions. Sometimes it’s like being all alone on your run at mile 19. You question the point and want nothing more than for it to be over. But as hard as that marathon can be, you have to keep moving.

I Don’t Know What I’m Talking About

As I write about triathlon there is always temptation to “start acting like I know what I’m talking about.” That’s what they tell you . . . “be an expert.” But the truth is, I am not.

I love to get into the mind. Play with the psychology. Explore the limits of this crazy pursuit. Find solutions and somehow get to the finish line.

The answers are never obvious and my opinions/strategies are constantly changing. But, the one constant is, “My body knows if I listen.” The truth is inside me fighting its way to the surface. Some days it may be different, and, in the end, I am pouring feelings, often unclear, onto the page.

Staying the Course

I’ve watched a ton of music documentaries in my life and there’s always a point when the band is getting popular and the label starts trying to control everything. But legendary groups stick to their guns and make the music that’s inside of them without compromise. That is how I want to approach my writing.

They say, “write what you know,” and for me that is passion. Passion for the sport, the lifestyle, and the quest to become a healthier person.

Do I want people to enjoy my website? Yes. Do I want to do whatever it takes to get the most views? Sometimes, but I would rather grow organically than by using artificial tactics that lose focus of the reasons this blog is important to me . . . and hopefully you.

“Marketing is Everything”

Ironically, I am a professional marketer by trade, but the writer in me refuses to listen to that asshole. Well, he’s not that bad, but like most executives, he has a tendency to overlook one very important part of the marketing mix: the product.

In my professional life, I spend a great deal of time writing what are ultimately lies, or at best, illusionary truth. Covering up flaws with beautiful words that hope to sway your opinion about something you don’t want.

That’s exactly the opposite of what I want to do here. I am fallible, vulnerable, impossibly human, and everything in this blog is a true reflection of those flaws. Those beautiful flaws that I believe everyone can relate to.

An Authentic Voice

This is about being real. Admitting my struggle, knowing that is ultimately the best way to get through it.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a ton of talented writers and musicians in Nashville. Great, creative minds that push the envelope with their thought. But often, that innovative soul is stripped in the name of commerce.

They pour music and words from their purest hearts, only to adapt mechanical approaches to please the masses. Their original material becomes diluted in the process of chasing numbers.

They learn nuances of “getting attention” and “manufacturing fans,” but it’s often a compromise that leaves them unhappy. This is where I struggle as a writer.

If we are quiet enough and listen to our gut, we instinctively know how to deal with any situation. But when “influencers” start impacting decision making, we tend to lose our way.

Are you willing to throw away your lyrics and your soul just to get a little attention? Are you willing to stop running just because it hurts?

[follow_me]

May 29, 2014

Day 2 of "10 Days of Rest"

The Blessing of Addiction

When you grow up in an alcoholic home, you have a tendency to crave excitement. So, when I don’t start the day running through fires naked, it’s worthy of note.

A subtle, but valuable indicator is when I’m not actively thinking of coffee. It’s a sub-conscious decision that I like to interpret as a symptom of balance.

I have to be careful though, because in some ways I fear that this newly concocted “10 Days of Rest” is the excitement. Do I really feel more relaxed, or am I just more optimistic because I have a fresh stimulant?

This thought process is a blessing and a curse, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a great base for being a triathlete. You crave new challenges and push your ass to the limits. You believe (or want to prove) you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. But, staying committed is the real battle.

Today’s “Workouts”

On “Day Two,” I eased in without anxiety of a missed or pending workout and I swear the calm was real. I didn’t have my first sip of coffee until I got to work. Often, that is time for cup number two.

The stretching and leg exercises from the day before helped, but I had an underlying feeling meditation was having just as much or more impact on my serenity. I’ve also been reading a book called “Flow” which is a pretty intense dive into consciousness and how your state of mind can be controlled and not left to chance. (More on that when I figure out what the hell he’s talking about).

Over lunch, I repeated the pelvis and hip flexor stretches from the day before. After work, things got a little more physical.

I added push ups, pull ups, some dumb bell work, then swim catch and pull simulations with cords. None of it was overly intense. Simply a wake up call to unused muscles. As the 10 Days build, so will the weight and reps. I also did Beso ball step-ups and can feel it a little in my calves.

Race Schedule Options

After walking the dog, I pulled my new USA Triathlon card out of the mail and found some intriguing race teases in the package. Louisville is my ultimate goal, but if I get done with these 10 Days and decide I’m gonna race short courses I have an alternative plan . . . that coincidentally could all take place in Wisconsin.

June 22 – Rev3 Wisconsin Dells (Olympic)
July 20 – IM 70.3 Racine (Half – most doubtful)
August 10 – USAT Olympic Nationals Milwaukee (Olympic)
September 13 – TriRock Series – Lake Geneva (Olympic)

In reality I will probably only do 3 of the 4, but it feels like a good plan considering I would have convenient lodging for most of it and I love being home in the summer.

If, I decide Louisville is my destiny, the schedule will probably look like more this:

August 24 – Ironman Louisville

Either way is a win and I’m just gonna let it play out naturally. Of course, the third option could be spending a summer in meditative recovery, but that might make a blog about triathlon kinda boring.

May 28, 2014

My First Day of 10 Days of Rest

I started my 10 Days of Rest yesterday, but that doesn’t mean I’m being lazy. I think it’s important to restate that this will be intense mind and body work to rebuild my foundation. I will be very active in my relaxation.

Last night I performed a fairly intense cycle of stretching and strengthening exercises. The base of the stretching is from Tim Ferriss’s 4-Hour Body book, and can be seen performed by this young man or look at this picture for a sample.

The first thing I learned (which I already knew) was that I am super tight in my pelvis and hip flexors. This is a major problem, and whether it’s true or not, I think it is basically the root of my plantar facetious (not to mention strain and stress in general). It sounds strange, but my heel is measurably better today after spending about 30 minutes with these exercises last night.

I also did a handful of planks only to realize, not only am I tight, I am weak! Crazy how you can workout so much and feel like a you can’t fight your way out of a paper bag.

Triathlon was the perfect cross train discovery for my running woes, now I realize I need to cross train the cross train. Triathlon makes you very straight-ahead-easy-pace-strong, but doesn’t round out the body as much as I need. It’s those same, repetitive motions that build the same muscles. When I was going good last season, I was doing yoga at least twice a week, along with leg exercises that worked unused muscles. But, time is a rare commodity in triathlon and something as simple as 30 minutes to invest in your long-term success becomes expendable.

So, I have no idea if this experiment will pay off, but my gut is telling me it will. It’s a little risky to drop all endurance training for 10 days at this time of the season, but health is the key to fitness and I’m hoping this slight detour will get me there faster.

I’ll probably repeat this routine a couple times today, then add some Beso ball step-ups and balance stuff, along with a full round of yoga. I’m also looking forward to incorporating a bunch of plank varieties along with push ups and modified pull ups.

Obviously this is far deeper than training. Last year’s Ironman training knocked me off a lazy and directionless foundation, and now I’m working on putting these pieces together in a way that makes sense. The “excitement” WAS Ironman. Now, I feel like I’m looking for that deep and genuine place in training (and life) that fuels me on a more natural and consistent level. Pure excitement for the day ahead, period.

May 28, 2014

10 Days of Rest Mid-Season?!?

The Way In is Out

I’ve been struggling again. After the high of my Rev3 race in Knoxville, I’ve hit another wall. I’m desperately searching for an answer on whether or not I should do Ironman Louisville, but think my best play is to take a step back.

There are many factors going into this decision, but the biggest is: I want to race it well. Wrong or right, I have no interest in going up to Kentucky to simply finish. With that in mind, the only solution I have at the moment is to take a break from swim, bike and run.

I’ve decided to take 10 days to focus on the “little” things that will allow me to train with a purpose and hopefully race Louisville to my standards. I will be spending a lot of time on the Beso ball, foam roller, and hopefully massage tables. I will be doing yoga, planks, and glute/hip flexor exercises. I will be walking, hiking, and skipping. And quite possibly kicking back in a hammock.

The Clock is Ticking

I already feel behind in my training and 10 days off will put me at around 10 weeks until Louisville. Ten Days for Ten Weeks.

As I contemplated this decision, I scoured the web for info on rest while training and discovered a great article with this reassuring excerpt:

Both Kienle and Crowie rest for four weeks in their off-seasons with a little alternative activity. After that period of inactivity, they build back up. That might seem like enough rest, but for a top-level pro, a six- to eight-week period of rest would be more appropriate, as Allen has shown. Allen also took a full week completely off in early August, just eight weeks prior to Kona, something that would leave most athletes insecure so close to the most important race in the calendar. He would use this week to balance body and mind, and work on his strength of character. Read the full article here.

Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/y/yogiberra162048.html#1Tb8Y8TBtiuihTUd.99

Triathlon is 90% Mental, the Other Half is Physical

Of course I borrowed that from Yogi Berra and replaced baseball with triathlon, but the point is made, sort of. I think the real point is, just like that quote, this decision is confusing. I realize it sounds a bit ludicrous to take 10 days off right in peak season, but I also know it’s wise to stop building a house if you screwed up the foundation.

I really, really want to do this race, but it’s all coming from the ego. Either to prove I can battle through another ridiculously tough day, or to be a mule on display for friends who will be there watching. None of it is coming from the right place and the more I haphazardly train, the more jumbled the choice becomes.

Seriously

If I can’t get serious about training, I’m not doing the race. I really think backing off is the only hope I have for Louisville.

Take yesterday for example. I went out for an open-ended run I thought might end up around 8 miles. For the first mile my mind was screaming stop the entire time. Somehow my legs fought it off, but that’s just not how I want this to unfold.

I did finish the 8 mile jaunt, but it felt more like survival than a training run. It seemed just as hard at the beginning as it did at the end. Not even a good hard. And if that’s how it’s gonna go, I’d rather spend a little more time in this bad boy.

Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/y/yogiberra162048.html#1Tb8Y8TBtiuihTUd.99

May 22, 2014

Your Choices Define the Consequences

Someone’s trying to tell me something

On the way to work I listened to an interview on 104.5 The Zone with former University of Tennessee and Dallas Cowboy football player, Dwayne Goodrich. His story is one of tragedy and triumph. Charged with vehicular manslaughter for killing two people, he went to prison and it gave him a lot of time to think.

The interviewers asked all the tough questions, and Goodrich didn’t run away. He has owned up to what he did, but puts all of his energy into being a better person and helping others do the same. In the end, he hopes to get this simple message across to young people: Your choices define your consequences.

As I walked across the parking lot at work I thought, “Hey, I’m a ‘young people,’ I should really think about this.”

How does a young person like myself make the right choice? And is it really possible to control consequences?

I sat at my desk, and the first thing I saw in my email was this little gem called “Your Choice” from Seth Godin.

He talks about how our habits, giving, reactions, words, work, ideas . . . everything is choice. And they all bring consequences.

For me this all points to being aware and consciously in the moment. Too often I find myself “somewhere else” and doing things on impulse. Mowing down a bag of chips or haphazardly running out the door dehydrated and tense.

Preparing to be Prepared

Triathlon training is a delicate balance and a great way to learn the value of making good choices. Relentless workout schedules and a constant need for fuel can be a good recipe to get off track.

One of the biggest mistakes I consistently make is not being prepared for my workout. Often it’s because of poor diet or hydration, but mostly it’s because I don’t make time to be ready.

I’ve played sports my entire life and every single time I stepped onto the field, I warmed up before the game. Even if it’s “just a workout,” it’s still a taxing event and the body doesn’t go from zero to sixty without consequences.

On the Saturday before my Sunday race at Rev3 Knoxville, I went to the river for my practice swim around 1:00. Without thinking about it, I put on my wetsuit, jumped in the water, and started swimming. Seven hundred yards later I held onto the edge of the pier and floated for 10 minutes. I felt like I got hit by a Mack Truck. I didn’t “think” I swam that hard, but I was breathing heavily and a little off balance. This is what happens to me. It’s always happened to me. I seemingly never learn.

But I did learn.

Preparation Pays Off

Before the race on Sunday, I made the choice to get up earlier than necessary and spent a good 45 minutes easing my body into being awake. I spent time on the foam roller, did yoga, and meditated. I was preparing to be prepared.

When I got to the Swim Start I focused on loosening my arms and getting the blood into my upper body. I kept moving and added light stretches. I jumped into the river as soon as I could and did some easy swimming to acclimate to the water.

I’ve screwed several races by bastardizing the swim, but Sunday was a perfect example of making a choice to be ready, and it paid off. I eased into the swim, bike, and run that day, and the payoff was feeling stronger at the end of each event.

I made one choice and it delivered a string of positive consequences. I’d imagine that can also work in reverse.

May 22, 2014

Swimming and Bruises

Just a quick little story about my swim at Rev3 Knoxville on Sunday. Well, this actually isn’t about the swim as much as the transition.

After you are lugged out of the water onto the dock, you head up a little ramp and into the boat house. Once you break the threshold of the main “big” door, they have you make a sharp right turn and go out the side door. It’s really a pretty easy maneuver, but I had a little issue.

I’m typically a little wobbly when I get done with a swim but Sunday I felt strong while heading up the ramp. You might say I even got a little cocky.

I picked up steam to pass someone as we entered the rowing barn, but totally lost my equilibrium and started drifting left then slammed into the door frame as highlighted below. (Betsy is a friend and has nothing to do with the event, I just borrowed this awesome picture to illustrate my lameness).

It was really quite comical, but hurt like a son-of-a-bitch. The adrenaline is flying, so I didn’t even think about it until halfway through the bike when I looked up from aero bars and discovered this . . .

May 21, 2014

Rev3 Knoxville – Weekend Overview

The Man Who Saved My Race

Saturday night after dinner, I was exhausted and shuffled back to the Knoxville Holiday Inn a little after 8:00. As I circled through the revolving door, I remembered something very important . . . I had nothing to eat before the race in the morning.

The gates were closed on the hotel store and I cringed at the thought of navigating Rocky Top to find pre-race food. But, when I looked a little closer, I noticed one of the gates was halfway open and there was activity inside.

I did a little limbo under the metal and noticed Eddie from Nashville was buying a few things from a very helpful clerk, who I will call Chuck. It was obviously after hours and the older gentleman behind the counter was a freak of courtesy, even while balancing his till.

Eddie left with his goods, and I apologized for the inconvenience before asking if I might buy a few things for the morning. Chuck was all in.

“Sure! Whatever you need, my friend.”

I scoured the shelves for fuel. Bagels, bars, and bananas. This was a blessing and I loaded up. But I couldn’t find peanut butter.

“Oh, hang on buddy, I’ll go get some from the kitchen!”

Seriously? What a guy!

He came back with four packets and sheepishly asked if it was enough. I assured him it was.

These are the little things in life that I crave and never seem to find enough. It was more than “service” it was kind human behavior. It was someone who put others ahead of himself.

He was lighthearted and asked genuine questions. He even told me a story about Wisconsin and promised someone would be there at 5:30 in the morning if I forgot anything.

I tipped him kindly, then noticed three or four other guys meandering about the store. I ducked under the gate again and heard Chuck in full glory, ready to feed the next wave of hungry triathletes.

The Rev3 Experience

I’m telling you, Rev3 puts on a great race. You just get the feeling they really care about the athletes and takes pride in the little things. To a man, and woman, everyone I know that raced said they would definitely come back.

First of all, I love the course they designed. The swim in the Tennessee River rocks. It just feels big and anytime there is multiple bridges, count me in.

The bike course was, as many people describe it, tough, but fair. It’s really the perfect course for me. Lots of turns, challenging climbs, and fast descents. The scenery was gorgeous and everything was well marked.

The run course was a little blah, but still enjoyable. It was mostly on a bike path, but there was a nice creek/river along the way and it’s always cool to run through parks. The last .3 miles was uphill back into the finish line and probably the most memorable portion.

Rev3 is professional, yet accessible. The finish line felt big, but had a warm mid-sized town feel to it. I love their attention to detail, like the big monitors at the end showing your finish and a little tent where you can pull up your splits on the screen. It’s not the Final Four, but it’s definitely Elite Eight, and on some level that is more intriguing.

I plan to write more later on why I believe Rev3 is poised to challenge Ironman for attention in the shorter distance races.

Location, Location, Location

I absolutely drool when races are in a city and are PART of the city.

I love Ironman Louisville and Wisconsin because they showcase the location. Both run through their respective downtown’s and you always know where you are.

I was underwhelmed by Ironman Muncie and New Orleans. Both could have easily been in Bowling Green, Kentucky and I wouldn’t have known the difference. To me it’s the difference between playing a baseball game at a stadium versus your practice field. There is cache’ in the venue.

Rev3 Knoxville set up right at World Fair Park. I decided to stay at the Holiday Inn which is normally attached to the finish line, but moved about a block this year because of a book fair (which I regretfully didn’t attend).

Transition was a few blocks from the finish and nearly close enough to make my post-race bike fetch enjoyable. In New Orleans, I had to drive 20 minutes to get my bike after the race and got lost in the hood along the way, which actually came in handy in the form of ridiculously delicious hot wings, but other than that, driving to get your bike blows.

At Rev3 Knox, everything was a short walk, including Market Square, which set the pre-race table beautifully. Just a cool little town that genuinely seemed happy to have a bunch of goofy triathletes walking around in spandex.

Because of their excellent planning, I am “this” close to signing up for Rev3 Wisconsin Dells. I’ve been there many times and it is a crazy little place with a lot going on. Water parks, bearded women, fire eating jugglers, and I’m confident I’ll see them all.

The swim is where they hold the Tommy Bartlett water-ski show and the run course appears to be nicely entwined with the tourism absurdity. And what could be better than a ride on the amphibious Wisconsin Dells Ducks to wind down after a glorious day of pain?

May 19, 2014

Rev3 Knoxville 2014 – A Few Pictures

I have a ton of thoughts about this weekend at the Rev3 Race in Knoxville, but have been a little tired. Until I hunt and gather my opinions on Knoxville, the Pros, the Holiday Inn, and the race, here are a few pictures (including the group custom finisher shots) as a visual guide.

May 6, 2014

Rev3 Knoxville Looms – Pre Race "Report"

I guess it’s time to start talking about Rev3 Knoxville. My buddy Jim and I will be doing the Olympic with Katherine (along with a few Knox girls) while Corey, Marc, and Wasky are gearing up for the Half. Should be a good ole’ fashion showdown on both fronts.

They’ve made a couple changes to the race this year, including moving the location for transition. It used to be about a .66 mile run (according to Corey’s Garmin) from the water to your bike, but it looks like that distance will now be cut in half. The other change escapes me . . . but maybe it’s the weather?

Last year it was 56 degrees and rained the entire race. Portions of the run were literally through knee-deep-water. Frankly, I kinda thought it was awesome, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like we’ll be that lucky again. Here’s a finish line shot from that glorious day, which made my list of favorite photos from last year. My buddy Corey was there for the fun last year and I think he still has scars. The water temp was 53 degrees and it made for a dicey start to his long-distance triathlon career. But racing in terrible weather can only make you better. He took the hard-nock-Knoxville and turned it into a sub-12 Ironman at Louisville. You can read about Corey’s heroics here.

I had a good race in Knoxville last time and don’t really think I can beat that time. I’m sure I’d be more confident if I was actually training, but doing New Orleans took a little bit of steam out of the little bit of steam I had going. I think knowing that I’m doing the Olympic is a bit of a relief. Which . . . is pretty damn funny when you think of it.

Less than two years ago an Olympic triathlon seemed, not only unreasonable, but unthinkable. Now I’m approaching it like a stroll in the park. No matter how you slice it, that’s a really good feeling.

I’m pretty comfortable with the swim (though I missed this morning’s workout). I’m still a mystery on the bike (I tend to view the bike as a strength but New Orleans put a big seed of doubt in my brain). The run is . . . well, likely dependent on my bike (but I do feel pretty confident I’ll actually be able to stand up after my ride this time).

I will be in Knoxville on Friday night anxiously awaiting the opening of the Expo and the mandatory athlete meeting. Considering the conditions last year (and the fact that they rejected my application to be a team ambassador) I thought Rev3 put on an awesome race and I’m looking forward to seeing how they do when it’s 95 degrees and sunny.