Tag: Triathlon

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Triathlon: Chasing a Dream, or . . .

Below is a picture I posted on Facebook 5 years ago. I was the heaviest I’d been in my life and depression was my new buzzword. I posted this picture as a “carb-loading” joke the night before starting a Couch to 5k running program. We did 6 sets of 60 seconds of jogging followed by 60 seconds of walking that first day. Since then I’ve finished 4 Ironman races and will likely do more. I’m almost positive you could do something similar if you put your mind to it.carbloading

As I reflect on that day, I remember how obsessed I became with the quest, to first, be a runner, then an Ironman.

There were a lot of pictures like the one above.  Posts of my Garmin after workouts, race results, or anything else to do with my new found love of transformation.

But, after about a year of that, I started getting self-conscious of my quest.  I remember how I would covertly steer seemingly every conversation around to Ironman, then I’d launch into a diatribe about how “amazing” everything was in my life because of triathlon.  But it wasn’t.

I was still struggling with many of the same issues and triathlon was mainly an addictive substitution.  My life balance was still out of whack.

I was definitely on a better path, but had to figure out how to balance the incredibly demanding sport of triathlon with other passions in my life.  And more importantly, how to use the momentum for personal growth.

I can honestly say I haven’t quite figured it out yet.  But I have been on a path of finding contentment in the simpler things in life.

I’m feeling more comfortable in my skin and finding clarity in the idea that this process is for myself.  Most people could care less if I just had a kick-ass 8 mile run, or swam 3,000 meters in the pool.

But some do.  And it’s those people I feel most comfortable with.  The ones who take genuine action towards being a better person, not only in triathlon, but business, creative pursuits, and exploration.  The ones that know it’s a long road and change, privilege, and understanding  doesn’t happen overnight.  The ones who realize we’re all flawed and life is a work in progress.

This is kind of the tone for our latest podcast.  We talk about the delicate balance between endurance sports and life.  The price of isolation, addiction, and obsession.  We ask questions like, “How can we trek 138 miles, ache in every inch of our body, and be sad an Ironman is almost over?”

I just love the drive and desire of people who take up triathlon.  I truly believe they are the type of person who wants to get the most of life through action.

Commitment to change is never easy, but it helps to have like-minded people in your corner.  Hope you enjoy this discussion.

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De-Mystifying Swimming

Without question the biggest mystery for triathletes in training, is swimming.  The fact that you literally cannot breath half the time can be tricky, and the fact that drowning is a real possibility probably doesn’t help.

When our breathing gets out of control on the bike or run, we instinctively know how to slow down without fear.  But slowing down in the water isn’t as natural.

In each of my first four races I slowed to either a breast stroke or started treading water to catch my breath and slow my heart rate.  There are not many feelings worse!

That’s why I made it my mission to get that anxiety-piece out of my triathlon-puzzle.  I became obsessed with learning how to relax in the water.

The biggest breakthrough came when I committed to swimming every day for two straight weeks.  I didn’t go long (usually between 1-2,000 meters) but the repetitive nature of my practice made a huge difference.

I naturally got faster, but I really think it was because I was more relaxed. Being “tight” in the water (and land for that matter) is my biggest enemy.

After about 7 straight days of swimming I noticed a very simple thing: That first plunge into the water didn’t feel cold or weird or uncomfortable.  My body had adapted, and I really think that’s the biggest win you can have as a swimmer.

In today’s podcast we go back into the water for a follow up piece to “How To Not Suck At Swimming.” Part 2 takes a closer look at swimming technique, and more importantly ways to remove the mystery.

Coach Robbie lives and breathes open water swimming and he’s back with another round of great insight to becoming faster, stronger, and more efficient in open water.  Topics covered today are:

– Proper breathing – How and When
– Body Positioning and how to get it right
– Hand entry and exit – How and When
– How to deprogram from bad advice, including workouts that get you there
– How to structure a swim week of workouts
– Should you join a Master’s Team?
– Swimming square and why you swim crooked
– A big announcement from Coach Robbie
– Which country has the second most Crushing Iron listeners

If you feel you’re getting some good information, please subscribe and review on iTunes.

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Triathlon 101: In The Beginning

It was the morning of my first triathlon and I was understandably nervous. So many fears:  My first open-water swim, the unknown of running off the bike, and walking around in public wearing head-to-toe spandex.

It was actually lycra, but the self-awareness was frightening.  I stood on fast-warming concrete and waited with about 600 others to enter the water. Truth be told, I still didn’t really know how to swim and I was about to jump into the fast moving Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.

We filed down the pier and soon my number was called.  With an exhilarating (and fearful) scream, I plunged into the murky water for a 300 yard swim.  Six minutes later I fought the current with all my might just to get to the ladder with a VERY high step.  I couldn’t get my foot on there and did more of a pull-up-to-body-flop onto dry land.

Everything about that day was a trip.  The feeling of running to my bike was wild.  Gasping for air as I tried not to lose my balance.  Trying to remember what to take off, leave on . . . and put on.  I didn’t know anything about transition and started running out without my helmet, of course.

We hear all this stuff about nutrition, aero bars, race wheels, and on and on, but so much of it is overkill in the beginning.  If I had to do it over again, I would probably do everything in my power to think of my first time as a practice race.

Again, this was a sprint, so the run was 3.1 miles, but it was . . . um . . . weird. I wasn’t yet used to the feeling of running off the bike.  This feeling stayed with me for a few races, but now I almost look forward to running after loosening up the legs.

I finished the race that day and it was genuinely one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.  I thought I’d just scaled a mountain but it was just the beginning.  I was hooked.

I’ve gone on to do many Olympics, several 1/2 Ironman, 4 fulls, and yes, more Sprints.  I love them all.

I think the key is to keep moving forward is to have patience with our development.  It doesn’t happen overnight, but it eventually happens.  You will fall in love with the sport and hopefully with how it makes you feel.

In today’s podcast we talk about the most important things to consider before doing your first triathlon and how you can stay in the game for a long time.  We also share ways to make starting triathlon a LOT less expensive.

Here’s an outline of our podcast:

  • Things to consider before signing up for your first race
    – location
    – brand
    – race management
    – time of year
  • What made you want to do a “triathlon” in the first place – Finding your “why”
  • Gear: Items you HAVE to have, would be nice to have , and items that are just  because you WANT to have them
  • How to set up a plan for success
  • How to know if you are ready to go to the next distance 

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Triathlon Trends: Fraud or For Real?

Everyone’s looking for an advantage, and that’s certainly true of triathletes.  But sometimes you have to wonder if we’re taking placebos.

There is an endless supply of accessories, nutritional options, and advice, but where should it stop?  Or should it keep going?

That’s the topic for today’s podcast, and it will certainly ruffle a few feathers, but it is genuinely an open and honest discussion about which trends are fraud and which are for real. There’s a lot of gray area in this stuff and we address most of it.

Fraud of For Real?

  • Compression Socks
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Stretching
  • Ice Baths
  • Altitude Training
  • Heat Training
  • Oxygen Masks
  • Coca Cola
  • Pull Buoys
  • Wind Breakers
  • And all of the intricacies that could actually make some frauds for real.

Here are the reference links discussed in the podcast:
Chocolate Milk
Stretching
Ice Baths
Compression Socks

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What My Dog Teaches Me About Racing . . . and Life

To be honest, I never really wanted a dog.  Somehow, Matisse, just sort of landed in my life.

As the story goes, she was abandoned on the side of the road and survived on her own for a few days.  I like to say she grew up in the streets.

MattiePoseWeb

She’s a good dog, but dogs are a lot of work.  At least for someone who isn’t used to having one.  It’s getting easier, though.

When I’m present, she teaches me a lot, especially how to be satisfied with the simple things in life.  Like stopping and smelling the roses, coffee, or in her case . . . anything!

mattiecurious

Mattie’s lived with me most of her life, and I think she likes it, but sometimes it’s hard to tell.  It doesn’t seem like she’s truly happy unless she’s moving around.  I know the feeling.

Lately I’ve made a commitment to take her on longer walks and it seems like good karma.  We’ve ventured off the trails into the deep woods, even started hanging out along the hidden creeks.

It sounds cliche’ but she is truly in touch with nature.  Every scent, sound, or movement takes her breath away.mattieshelbypose2

She’s insanely curious and goes absolutely bat-shit whenever she meets . . . anyone!

Keith Urban might as well be Keith Fleck from down the block.  Jack Freedmore is just as big a deal as Jack White.  And Sparky might as well be Old Yeller.

It just doesn’t matter.  She loves everyone and gives them all a chance.

Every morning after a perfect downward-dog, she tears into the backyard to chase squirrels.  She’ll run up and down the fence for an hour, barking at the top of her lungs.  I keep expecting her to give up, but she never does.

If I decide to take her for a run, she’ll immediately forget the squirrels and move to the pavement.  If I jog, she models my speed.  If I go faster, she hits another gear.  Fast, slow, walk, run.  It doesn’t matter, she’s ready to go.  She loves to move and always with perfectly relaxed form.

I think running tense is the biggest mistake we can make.  The body should flow and we should allow it to so without resistance.

mattiesleeps

She goes balls-out when awake, but doesn’t hesitate to get her rest.  They say dogs take on characteristics of their owner, and I have no reason to doubt them.

Recovery is probably the last thing on the mind of endurance athletes, yet it is the most important to remember.  When we’re worn down, no amount of sprints or light jogging or hill repeats rebuild our body.

She eats, sleeps, greets, flows and lives with passion.  Oh, and, unlike me, never turns down an invitation to ride.

 

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VIDEO: First Pros Out of Water IM Chattanooga

Here’s Brandon Barrett and Eric Limkemann swimming, then running up the steep hill at Ironman Chattanooga.  Swim course criticism aside, these cats are going after it!

For more of this kinda stuff, follow us on Twitter @crushingiron and be sure to listen to the Crushing Iron podcast, available on iTunes.

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Longevity and Consistency in Ironman Training

Imagine what it would be like to do 162 Sprint Triathlons from April to October for 17 straight years.

You don’t have to win, or even podium, but you have to show up . . . and finish.  Could you stay healthy and motivated enough to do it?

My slew of injuries got me thinking about longevity and consistency, which led me to Cal Ripken and his 2,632 consecutive games streak.  Talk about an Ironman.

cal-ripken-streak-consecutive-games-played-conspiracyI know what you’re saying, “It’s only baseball,” but let me tell you, I played baseball my whole life and it is very similar to triathlon.  You are constantly battling nagging injuries that beg for a day (or week) off.

Ripken should really go onto the triathlon circuit and speak about preparation and mental toughness.  I’m guessing his major theme would be to “stay within yourself.”

He didn’t dive for every ball, and didn’t risk hamstrings by over-extending for infield hits, he stayed patient, because just like Ironman, the Major League Baseball season is a grind.

His lifetime batting average was .276, which is basically 1 for 4.  Every night, he was one for four.

He studied opposing hitters more than any other shortstop and his defensive position was impeccable.  He saved steps and energy by being prepared.

Ripken wasn’t overly flashy, he just kept grinding his way toward the finish line. He managed pain and stayed with his game plan, regardless of who may have criticized his effort.

I am certain there were times in June when he “could” have swung for the fence to end the game with a dramatic home run, or dove to stop a ball from the outfield, but he knew that would put the end-game at risk.  His comfort pace was 9 minute miles and he rarely dropped to 8:30 early in a race.

I was a Brewers’ fan growing up and rarely liked opposing players.  Ripken was no different.  He was the enemy and often hurt my favorite team.  He was always there and I truly got sick of seeing him.

But now I can easily say he is one of my favorite and most respected athletes of all time.  Tons of guys put up better numbers and won more awards, but Ripken’s consistency is unparalleled.  And really, when you’re talking about racing, teammates or friends, what is more valuable than consistency?

Ripken understood one of the most valuable principles:  90% of life is showing up.

Or, maybe he carried Yogi Berra’s famous quote on his glove: “Baseball is ninety percent mental, the other half is physical.”

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cal-ripken_iooss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What H.S. Basketball Taught Me About Ironman

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If you’ve ever watched a Duke game at Cameron Arena, you know what basketball meant to my high school.  Beloit Memorial dominated Wisconsin by winning 7 state titles and our “gym” was one of the most electric sports atmospheres I have ever seen.

Opposing teams loved and hated playing at the 4th Street Arena.  The crowd was rabid and there was never an empty seat.  Parents, jocks, geeks, thugs, and rebels alike went bananas over basketball.  It was the only game in a blue collar town . . . us against the world.

The PA Announcer gave an apathetic introduction of the visiting team, then the lights dimmed and he’d launch into a spirited rant, “And NOW, here are YOUR Beloit Purple Knights!”  The crowd would erupt with pre-ordained chants and you couldn’t help but get goosebumps.

It was bone chilling stuff and I lived for it as a child.  Players wore purple blazers on game days and I watched in awe as future college stars and NBA draft picks electrified Friday nights in my otherwise sleepy town.

I made the team as a junior, but never played.  In fact, I never even dressed for games, until one week I had a tremendous stretch of practice and elevated my status to 7th man going into a showdown with conference powerhouse, Madison Lafolette.

I was literally shaking when I put on that uniform before the game.  I was uncontrollably jacked to get on that floor.

We stood in the tunnel waiting for the sophomore game to end and one of the seniors said he wanted me to lead them out.  That gesture gives me chills till this day.

When the band (which is still kicking ass) launched into Chicago’s 25 or 6 to 4, it was our cue to run out, circle the entire court, then go into our layup line.  The house was packed, and I was soaring.

My long hair flopped on my warm-up collar and I did my best not get distracted by the faces in the crowd.  It was surreal.  A freak show and I led the pack.

Like a open water swimmer, I came around the last buoy and sighted the goal.  I was so pumped I contemplated throwing down the first dunk of my life.  Thankfully I thought better of it, but exploded off the hardwood with more force than I’d ever generated in my life.  That’s when it happened.

I landed with a thud and was suddenly limping toward the back of the rebound line.  The ultimate high was replaced by a dark sorrow when I realized I’d blown my Achilles.

I fought through warmups and my coach obviously didn’t notice because after our pre-game huddle he said, “Mikey, I want you to sit here right next to me.”

Talk about an embarrassing moment.  He was really going to play me!

I confessed my injury, then slid to the end of the bench to watch the cheerleaders.  It was the first and last time I wore the purple blazer for Beloit Memorial High.

The Epilogue

Now, what seems like a million years later, I am once again nursing my left Achilles.  I’m not sure how I healed it back then, but I remember it being a major pain in the ass.

I’m pretty sure there’s no shortcut and rest is the only answer, but I can’t afford to rest right now.  I have a little thing called Ironman Louisville hanging out there in 47 days.

Three things are about to happen:

1.  A bump in swimming and low intensity biking.

2.  Lots of rolling pin/foam roller and massage.

3.  An onslaught of fresh juice that includes bell peppers and cucumbers.

The latter is courtesy of the Juiceman, Jay Kordich, who claims peppers and cucumbers are loaded with silicone which is good for lubricating tendons.

I’m obviously concerned, but think I can manage this problem if I play it smart.  I pushed too far on my run yesterday because I was being stupid and wanting to prove to myself I could finish before I started.

Unlike that one and done basketball game, I have a second chance at Ironman and my high school lesson reminds me to be patient.  Ease into the day and don’t blow it all on the first layup.

rollingpin

 

 

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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.  Hammock_against_setting_sun

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
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
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.

poolwyatt

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
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
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