New Triathlete Magazine Swimsuit Model Linda Baltes

Recently, Triathlete Magazine held a contest to find their next great swimsuit models After weeks of highly demanding research during which their team viewed photos of hundreds of beautiful, fit women in their bikinis, Triathlete Magazine picked a winner: Linda Baltes from California.

Linda wears many hats: not only a model and triathlete, she also uses her background in biochemistry and her MBA to work for Roche Diagnostics, do sales and consulting for Clinical Laboratories, and hold the position of a Biomedical Science Officer in the national guard.

Two and a half years ago, while in Commissioned Officer School for the Air Force, Linda was injured during an obstacle race. Her injuries were extensive, and it took two surgeries to correct them all. Linda's final surgery fixed a torn gluteus muscle, repaired a town labrum, and released her IT band. Having her physical ability robbed from her in an instant made Linda appreciate what she had always taken for granted. One year after her surgery, on what she calls her "surgeyversary," she did her first triathlon.


Linda describes her triathlon experience as "amazing," and says that what makes her love the sport is the inspiring influence of the other athletes and the realization that "I can, with the right mindset, defy what I thought were my limits! The feeling I got after finishing my first complete race was indescribable, but if I had to try and articulate it, so humbling, so inspiring, and it gave me such appreciation for the power of the mind."

Between her job and her duties with the military, Linda is constantly on the road. She has to fit in training with a regimen she labels "fluid" (surely an understatement!) Training while on the go requires "lots of planning and lots of creativity," Linda says. "I make sure when I am home to maximize the pool and bike time, but on the road nothing beats good long hard runs and weight training. I also make sure to eat clean as much as possible, and that also takes planning." She hopes to push her triathletic career to the next level, and plans to race an Ironman in the near future. Linda is living proof that finding time to train is a mental battle, and that triathlon is truly the everyman sport.

For her Triathlete Magazine photoshoot, Linda will travel to the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Linda calls being chosen "overwhelming" but adds, "To be honest, it makes me want to train harder!"

Congratulations, Linda! We'll be looking for you in Triathlete Magazine's 2010 swimsuit edition! Click here to subscribe to the magazine.

Naeth Back on Track

The crisp cool air of an October morning made Angela Naeth feel right at home.

As guest coach for a group of aspiring triathletes gathered for the free session at Masich Place Stadium, Naeth was sharing the wealth of her knowledge of what it takes to run, bike and swim faster.

As much as she’d like to remain a California girl and take advantage of a year-round climate for training, she came home to pay the bills after a leg injury curtailed plans to cash in on the World Triathlon Corporation 70.3 professional circuit.

Coming off a breakout season in 2008, her first year as a pro, with several top-10 finishes and an eighth-place result in the 70.3 Ironman world championship, Naeth thought her career was about to skyrocket.

Triathlete magazine wanted her for a cover story. Sponsors were lining up to suit her up with gear. She was the obvious choice for The Citizen’s athlete-of-the-year award in 2008.

Her troubles started in the Philippines. Picked up by Team TBB, a professional triathlon team, she left her home in Sovang, Calif., and headed south last winter for a two-month stint to train with coach Brett Sutton. Within a few weeks, the pace of running three times a day began to take a toll. Naeth tried to keep up, but it was too much of a jump from what she was used to. By then the damage was done...

Click here to read the complete article.

A Triathlete Amputee Muses About Missing an Arm, but Not Courage

Triathlete, published author on leadership and management development, and mother of quadruplets, twins and three other children, never leaves the house without lipstick in her purse. She's always prepared and presentable, no matter what. In Eighth grade her mother told her that she needed all the help she could get given that she was born with a congenital amputation of her left arm.

"That was a big of a grab for me," says Myers. "My reaction was to get really small and invisible. But part of me was curious. When my mother asked me to wear lipstick and light make up she said, 'This is not fair but people will judge you by what you wear and how you look. Never get fat. Always be healthy looking. Take care of your hair.'"

Myers' mother was a prestigious banker's wife who entertained frequently. Although she had twelve children she didn't look like a "drudge housewife". The house was always neat and tidy. Her hair was done, her clothes were clean, ironed, and pressed. She had a motto: Always be dressed for company.

This is a script that has played in Myers' head since the day her mother first schooled her on how she needed to present herself to the world. But today Myers has a different take on it. "It's the same script," she says , "I just have a new story. Now I see it as an invitation to always be ready, to extend for what you want, for what's needed. It's a lesson to be ready for anything." That anything can mean stares at the yoga studio and strangers boldly asking, "How are you going to do downward facing dog?"

So Myers shows them and asks if they have suggestions. "At first I didn't know whether I should try to explain or just demonstrate. I allow people to breathe around their own stories." When her yoga class recently undertook handstands, Myers had some moments of confrontation with herself.

Click here to read the complete article.

Unthinkable by Scott Rigsby Now Available

9 Seconds- That’s how long it took Scott Rigsby’s life to come crashing down around him 16 Hours, 42 Minutes, 16 Seconds - That’s how long it took for Scott Rigsby to make history

After losing both of his legs in a car accident at age 18, Scott Rigsby battled his way back from depression and addiction to achieve the unthinkable—become the first double-leg amputee ever to cross the finish line in the sporting world’s most grueling and prestigious competition, the Ironman Triathlon. Scott has since become an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of physically challenged and able-bodied athletes the world over. Unthinkable documents Scott’s remarkable journey. From the scene of the devastating crash that claimed both of his legs, and his subsequent battle with depression and alcohol addiction, through his dawning realization that God has a greater plan for his life, readers will be inspired. From his decision to participate in the Ironman competition, to the moment he crossed the finish line, readers will engage with Scott’s unthinkable courage,
determination and faith. Unthinkable releases simultaneously in both hardcover and softcover. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Scott Rigsby Foundation, a Georgia-based non-profit organization dedicated to inspire, inform, and enable physically challenged individuals with loss of limb or mobility to live an active lifestyle.

The book is available at www.unthinkablethebook.com, www.amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com, booksamillion.com and at other booksellers nationwide.

Scott Rigsby is a double–leg amputee, an athlete, and a professional speaker whose message is "Do the unthinkable." His mission is to encourage people to do more than they thought possible in pursuit of big goals. He has completed more than 20 triathlons, and in 2007, he became the world's first double–amputee to complete the Ford World Championship Ironman competition
in Kona–Kailua, Hawaii. Scott grew up in Georgia, where he still makes his home today. He is the founder of The Scott Rigsby Foundation, a Georgia–based nonprofit organization that exists to inspire and support challenged athletes. Scott has delivered keynote speeches for civic organizations, Fortune 1000 companies and schools across the country, and in 2008 was named World Vision's Advocate for Children with Disabilities. His story has been chronicled in Runner's World, Sports Illustrated, and on FOX, CNN and NBC news.

Jenna Glatzer is an award-winning full-time writer who's written 18 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and online publications such as Physical, Prevention, Woman’s World, Woman’s Own, USAA, Women's Health & Fitness, Salon.com, ePregnancy, Contemporary Bride, Match.com, MSN, and AOL.

Iron Heart: The True Story of How I Came Back from the Dead

“Not since Lance Armstrong has an American athlete been so celebrated for dodging death and competing again.”—Washington Post

The magic of the Hawaii Ironman is especially vivid with the inspirational tales --of athletes who overcome illness or injury to cross that finish line on Alii. NBC does an admirable job each year filming some of these special stories. Two years ago, it profiled Brian Boyle whose story of survival and athletic redemption led the Washington Post to write, “Not since Lance Armstrong has an American athlete been so celebrated for dodging death and competing again.”

Now Boyle has a new memoir out. Written with Bill Katovsky, founder of Tri-Athlete magazine, “Iron Heart: The True Story of How I Came Back from the Dead” is destined to be a triathlon classic-- yet it transcends multisport as it deals with the most fundamental issues of what it means to be alive.

Many people I know have had tears reading the first few chapters, and yet by the book's end, they are silently cheering as they follow Brian on the Ironman course.

Here's his amazing back story:

On July 6, 2004, eighteen-year-old Brian Boyle was driving home from swim practice. He lived with his parents in Welcome, Maryland, a small town near the Eastern Shore. The roads are narrow and windy in this rural part of the state. At one intersection, a speeding dump truck plowed into his Camaro, totaling the vehicle and practically costing Boyle his life. He suffered massive internal damage, shattered pelvis, and lost 60 percent of his blood. A helicopter whisked him to a local hospital with a state-of-the-art trauma unit. Doctors had to jumpstart his heart numerous times during surgery. To lessen his pain, the medical staff also put him in a chemical-induced coma that lasted two months.

With his mother and father sitting vigil at his bedside, the prognosis looked grim for the former bodybuilder, discus thrower, and competitive swimmer who would end up losing 100 pounds. Did he suffer irreversible brain damage? Would he ever speak or walk again? Would he permanently remain in a vegetative state? Miraculously, however, Boyle managed to punch his way through the coma barrier known as a 'locked-in” state. He was actually conscious and aware of his surroundings but was unable to communicate, blink, or express himself - he soon rejoined the land of the living again.

After months of rehab where he had to relearn such basics as eating, showering, talking, and taking a few steps, he set out to achieve what seemed like two impossible goals: joining the swim team at St. Mary's College, and competing in the Hawaii Ironman triathlon. He accomplished both. On October 13, 2007, Boyle crossed the Ironman finish line in 14 hours and 42 minutes - two and a half years after the catastrophic accident that had literally pushed his heart clear across his chest. Not only did Boyle cheat death, but also he had triumphed in one of the world's toughest endurance events while being shadowed throughout the long, hot day by an NBC television crew.

This inspirational memoir is a real page-turner. You root for the likable Brian the entire way. With no memory of the accident, imagine waking up to this horrific reality-”I awake to regular beeping sounds. I'm alone in a white room and looking straight up at the ceiling. Bright lights shine all around me. My heart is beating fast. I try to raise my arms, then legs, but I can't move them. My head won't budge either. I can't blink or wiggle my fingers.”

Or consider this passage after he comes out of the coma and is finally aware of his condition: “Each morning, nurses strap me into what I call the angry chair, positioning my body so it can sit upright at a thirty-degree angle. This is supposed to improve blood flow in my legs. While I feel less like a corpse when I'm confined in the angry chair than lying in bed, I only wish I could tell the nurses to loosen the restraining belts which are cutting off the circulation in my chest, waist, and legs. The way they have me strapped down, I feel like a catatonic patient in a mental institution. Sitting like this, my paralyzed left arm dangles uselessly by my side, while my right arm rests inert upon my chest like I should be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The fingers on my right hand look foreign and small, just paper-thin skin stretched tightly around the bones. They remind me of illustrations of skeletal fingers in my high school biology textbook. I wonder if my entire body is skin and bones. I must have lost a lot of weight. Exactly how much?

“Not long ago, I weighed 230 pounds. My weight changed according to the sports I played: swimming on the high school team in the winter and, in the spring, throwing the discus and putting the shot for the track team. But that satisfying memory is eclipsed by Room 19's reality. I can't even toss a pencil in the air or snap my fingers. A wave of rage crashes inside my head. My body, in response, reacts by shaking ferociously, trying to wriggle itself free from the restraints. But I am too weak, so nothing happens. I slam my head against the chair's top in agitated fury and grind my teeth, shredding my tongue, to feel something other than numbness. Blood dribbles out of my mouth and down my chin.

Or weeks later, when he's at the rehab center: “{The therapist} Jamie's job is to teach me how to do simple everyday chores. We start with tying shoelaces. She places a black Nike running shoe on the table in front of me. I stare at it. Nothing really intimidating, right? But looks are deceiving, because my left hand refuses to cooperate with my right. I flop my left hand upon the shoe for support as I ready my right hand to do all the work. You would think that I'm a diamond cutter by the intensity I direct toward this simple act. I take a break after the first loop. Several minutes later, I have the next loop established. My fingers fumble trying to interweave the loops for a knot. After fifteen minutes, I finish tying my first shoelace.

Now leap forward in time several years to when he's at in the Ironman and has just made the turnaround at Hawi and is barreling down the lava highway on his Canondale CAAD8: “The downhill section is terrifying. I'm traveling so fast that the bike begins to shimmy. I must be going at least forty miles per hour. One small mishap and I'll be torn to shreds by the fall. Yet I literally throw caution to the wind. I hold on tighter to the handlebars. It might be called a death grip. But I recognize it as a “life grip.” I let out a cry of triumph and victory that acts as an emotional release of all the built-up aggression, bitterness, frustration, and anger from the past few years.

“I don't remember the accident on July 6, 2004, so I don't know if my life 'flashed before my very eyes' like most survivors say it does, but in this sustained moment, as I'm barreling down the mountain, I start having a series of memory flashbacks: waking up from the coma in the hospital; seeing white-sheet covered dead bodies rolled out on gurneys; having my parents visit three times a day; being confined to a wheelchair. Thoughts are rushing by at such velocity that I can't even keep up with them. When I finally reach the bottom of the mountain, my cheeks are wet-not with sweat but with tears of joy. “

Powerful stuff--how he went from coma to Kona. And guess what? He's still competing in triathlon, and this past August went sub-11 hours at the Louisville Ironman. Not bad for someone whose heart had stopped eight times in Intensive Care. Brian has the heart of a warrior and the soul of a poet.

Click here to buy Iron Heart on Amazon.
Click here to buy Iron Heart from Barnes and Noble.

CAF San Diego Triathlon Challenge Photo Gallery

Some wonderful photos from the CAF San Diego Triathlon Challenge...

Press play in the window below, and you can scroll through the photos.

Injured SEAL's Friends Staging Fundraiser--SATURDAY

LA JOLLA — Just 36 hours into his fourth combat deployment, Navy Lt. Dan Cnossen, commanding a Coronado-based SEAL platoon, stepped on a land mine on a hilltop in southern Afghanistan.

The blast Sept. 7 blew off both of Cnossen's legs, damaged his internal organs and nearly cost the mountain climber and triathlete his life.

“When he left Afghanistan, it was kind of a 50/50 proposition whether he'd make it or not,” said Lt. Brian Ray, his longtime friend and former Naval Academy roommate. “Someone who wasn't in the kind of shape he was probably wouldn't have made it.”

Six weeks and 25 surgeries later, Cnossen is recovering at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., cracking up visitors with his relentless jokes.

On Saturday his Navy and triathlete friends from the San Diego area are holding a fundraiser in La Jolla to help Cnossen and his family, who live in Topeka, Kan., with expenses.

“A lot of people wanted to help. This was a way for us to focus everybody's energy,” said close friend and fellow SEAL Marty, who asked that his last name be withheld because SEALs and other special forces work undercover.

The event, called “Dan's Aquathlon,” begins at 9 a.m. in front of Tower 30 at La Jolla Shores Beach on Avenida de la Playa. In honor of Cnossen's love of athletics, it will combine a 500-meter ocean swim and a 5 km beach run. About 180 people already have signed up to participate, Marty said, for an entry fee of $25. Thirty more of Dan's friends are volunteers...

Click here to read the complete article.

Hawaii Ironman Demo had 15% More Vendors this Year

SAN DIEGO, CA (BRAIN)—Triathlete Magazine's Kona Demo Days saw a 15 percent increase in the number of vendors attending this year’s event.

Brands such as Cannondale, Cervelo, Fuji, Kestrel, Orbea and Scott hit Kailua-Kona late last week so that athletes could test the latest in high-end bikes, wheels, pedals, components, helmets and running shoes.

“The event is getting some serious traction after its second year,” said Sean “Wattie” Watkins, vice president of sales and marketing for Triathlete.

According to Fletch Newland of Cervelo Cycles, the company’s staff conducted more than 100 demo rides leading up to the race, hosting 18 professional athletes—that represented more than 50 Ironman wins—at the Cervelo signing booth.

Kestrel’s brand manager Steven Harad said it’s the best expo the company has ever attended. “A solid test ride show with our local dealer [sold] six Kestrels in three days,” Harad said.

Fizik marketing manager Suzette Ayotte feels that the tri market has barely been tapped. “Triathlon is a unique population with an insatiable appetite for technology, innovation and information,” Ayotte said...

To read the complete article click here.

Almot 1000 Unedited Photos -- Ironman Hawaii!!

Click here to see close to 1,000 photos from Kona, Hawaii - the unedited photo gallery is below...

KSWISS Triathlete Party @ Ironman - Photo Gallery

What a great night, some rain, but some stories... Click on the photo gallery below for more photos...

Ironman Race Day Photo Montage With Music!

A photo is worth a thousand words. Add music and movement and well, you've got a million words...

Scroll down below this text and then click the play button just once below for a one mini photo montage from my race on Saturday. If you click the Full Screen button you can expand the video to full screen.

Ironman Eve - Friday - The IRONMAN is Tomorrow - Photo Gallery

Click here for a great photo gallery from today's events in Kona Hawaii...

Ryann Fraser Gets Her Bike Ready - Video and Photo

The youngest competitor, Ryann Fraser, prepares her bike with Chris Huber, one of the best bike mechanics, experts and professionals on the island!

Carbo Banquet Photo Gallery - Ironman Hawaii

The Expo Low-Down

by Stephanie Warren

The expo is a must-hit for every triathlete in Kona. There’s no better event in the world at which to learn about all of triathlon's newest time-, sweat-, and energy-saving products and talk to the people who make them. Here’s just a small sample of what the expo has to offer:

Zoot Sports’ Physiologist Chris Bohannon

Chris previewed Zoot’s three hottest new products for us. They are:

The Ultraspeed shoe. Zoot used a medical pressure device to measure the varying pressures on the different parts of a shoe during exercise. Zoot was able to use this data to create a shoe that replicates the feel of a regular running shoe—but without laces. Imagine the ease of a slip-on shoe, but with the security of a laced one. This is the future of exercise shoes.

The CompressRx Calf Sleeve. Zoot used medical studies to make a connection between the physiology of those recovering from injury and the physiology of a triathlete’s muscles under duress. They discovered that since compression of injured tissue works well for medical patients, it should also work for triathletes, to aid in muscular recovery from workouts.

The Icefil Cool Sleeve. This incredible arm sleeve is made of a fabric with zylotol, a crystal that vibrates when wet, creating an endothermic (or cooling) reaction. When activated by water or sweat, the sleeve lowers its temperature by 5.4°. That’s 5.4° that would come in very handy on the lava fields on Saturday.

Contact Chris at chris@zootsports.com or visit their website here.

Endless Pools’ Michael Sparacio

Endless pools are a great solution for triathletes that want a convenient way to practice their strokes at home. Endless pools operate at two different speeds, and, since you remain stationary, allow a perfect platform for coaching. Michael affirms, “If you hold at top speed for 2.4 miles, you’ll be the first one out of the Ironman swim by 5 minutes.”

Endless Pools is offering two models, the original and the Fastlane. The original is the most effective and efficient, and the Fastlane is a more inexpensive option which has one great advantage: the unit itself can be purchased and installed directly into an existing pool, turning a backyard oasis into a high-tech training machine.

Contact Michael at msparacio@endlesspools.com or visit their website here.

Rocket Science Sports’ CEO Martin Sochaki

Rocket Science Sports is introducing a new “rocket racer” called 20BPM. It’s made of a special material that is double-sided, white on the outside and black on the inside. The white outside shell is made of a special reflective material that sends the sun’s rays away from the body. The inner black lining prevents whatever sun that gets through from hitting the skin.

The suit also features a unique cycling pad. With a specific gravity of 0.25, it floats and won’t weigh you down, but it also stays dry so that you can swim in it without that uncomfortable diaper sensation.

Martin is Rocket Science Sports’ CEO. He’s also its engineer, and a former aerospace engineer. Visit Rocket Science Sports’ website here.

All photos credit Alexis MacMillan

Triathlete Profile: Jaime Windrow

by Stephanie Warren

Today we got a chance to sit down and talk to Jaime Windrow, a Rockette-turned triathlete that we met earlier this week. Jaime’s story is an unusual one; unusual, however, is the norm in the world of triathlon.

When Jaime was 15, she started working as a lifeguard. Her lifeguard coach was an Ironman, and he would while away the time by entertaining her with stories from his experiences. “One day, he told me about the Ironman and Kona, and I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to do that someday.’” 18 years later, Jaime is less than 48 hours away from making her dream come true, on the cusp of her personal IronMoment.

“I grew up as both a dancer and an athlete—a double life,” says Jaime. Jaime loved running and eventually started to race in marathons. “When I was 20, I moved to New York and became a Radio City Rockette, my lifelong dream.” Jaime loved dancing and performing, but found it hard to continue her athletic lifestyle. “Dancers aren’t runners-it’s just not how it works. A professional dancer can’t afford to build up the wrong muscles.”

“But one day, I watched the New York City Marathon run by, and I started crying. I missed being a part of that. I decided to enter multisport, no matter what it took.”

With profound determination and “incredible” support from Radio City, Jaime started running again, this time adding swimming and biking to the mix. Amazingly, her dancing improved. “I was so much stronger from the cardiovascular exercise. My knee pain went away. Keeping up the flexibility was the hardest part, but I manage it with lots of Pilates.”

Jaime’s first Ironman was Lake Placid. “I didn’t even knew I qualified for Kona until someone sent me a text,” she says, her eyes shining with emotion. “This has been 18 years in the making.”

Jaime is a professional nutritionist as well as a triathlete. You can check out her website here. Good luck, Jaime! We’ll be watching for your high-kick photo pose at the finish line!

More Tips and Secrets for your best Ironman Race Ever

More TIPS for your BEST Ironman EVER...

1. Only decaf until the day of the race. I’m not a nutritionist, but this has worked wonders for me. I go totally caffeine-free for the week before the race, then race morning I have a coffee, and then the day’s immersion into GU-ville and de-fizzed Coke on the marathon. It seems that when I drink caffeine all the time, its effect dwindles. Once I started doing this, I felt energy for the entire marathon. So bag the caffeine until race day.

2. Don’t smoke. I’m not talking about cigarettes--if you smoke tobacco and are doing the Ironman, you truly are insane. I’m talking about “smoking” others on a training run or ride. This is a NO NO. Surrounded by some of the fittest and some of the most successful people on the planet, your may feel the urge to ruffle your fitness feathers, and go anaerobic to prove a point. Don’t.

3. Low salt until the night before the race. This is the one thing I did that stopped me from cramping. Once I started not salting anything until the day before the race, when I salted everything – even my ice cream. I never cramped again.

4. Ice your injuries. Many of us arrived here injured – or sore. Make sure to ice your injury before and after training.

5. Get a massage. Flush out the toxins, drink water after the massage, and make sure when you are actually getting the massage to RELAX. Remember, you’re here to have fun.

6. Time your digestion. This week, you want to be regular. In all senses of the word. It’s always a good idea when traveling to make sure yogurt is in your daily diet to strengthen the healthy bacteria in your digestive system. Try to eat at regular times, and schedule your multi-meals, and plan out what you are going to eat in advance. Now is not the time to experiment with exotic foods.

7. Keep a journal. Your great-great-grandchildren will never believe you did this, so write them a letter, even though they’re not born yet.

8. When you swim, stop. Look around. You’re in Hawaii H-E-L-L-O… I see swimmers do the pre-race swim course without even noticing the fish.

9. Master pain management. This is a tip from a pro, who, years ago, would win the swim regularly. Rob was his name, and I asked his advice the night before my first Ironman in 1994. His response? “Master pain management.” Think long and hard about this one.

10. Meet someone new. Make sure they have done the race before, and then ask them for some advice. Remember to gather advice like you’re on a treasure hunt. And be sure to throw out the advice that does not work for you.

11. Iron Week - Make 5 phone calls to the most positive people you know. Laugh with them about something. Tell them you are here.

12. If you’re here with a pack of people, then make sure to take some time ALONE when you are NOT training. This “think” time will give you a special peace you need when racing.

14. Be prepared to race with two spares and two quick fill cartridges. You’ll feel better. You’ve come a long way to race here; don’t let it end with one puncture. You can make up the time from a flat with a few extra powerful pedal strokes on your way back from Hawi with the wind at your back.

15. This pro advice comes from Faris Al-Sultan. He said, “Don’t train too much this week.” He’s right. This is a beautiful place to train – the ocean will pull you to the next buoy, and you can always go just a bit further on the Queen K, because it’s so nice out there. Don’t. You know your body, and you’ve built the base, don’t suck the energy out of your muscles this week – build it up.

16. If you have not done so already, then take this small step to becoming a triathlete: buy elastic laces. Put them on all your shoes, then your life will consist of slip-on, slip-off, rather than tie and untie.

17. Sleep in at least one day this week. Yes, this means you will miss the pier scene, and the daily body-flaunt, but hey, you can check this blog to see what you missed. The idea here is to let your body rest in a deep sleep for as long as it needs at least one morning the week before you ask that same body to haul your tail over hot lava and through the Hawi tornado.

18. Eat at the Kona Inn. Order the grilled Ahi, with vegetables and a baked potato. This place serves premium-unleaded fuel with a fantastic view.

19. Buy a small travel bottle of Johnson’s Baby shampoo, and put one small drop in each lens of your goggles or mask when training and the day of the race. Rinse them until there is just a slight film left, then put your goggles on and they will not fog for your swim. Make sure not to use too much. Having no fog during the Ironman swim is one of the best ways to have “No more fears.”

20. Find the Secret Place -- Makalawena Beach. Just 5 minutes north past the airport, on the left, you will see a sign for Kekaha Kai State Park. Follow the road all the way down (10 minutes) You should have a 4 wheel drive vehicle (very rough road). At the end, park and start your 15 min hike to the ocean. Follow the long lava trail, and then near the end you will see rolling hills with green lilies, and a sand path through the middle. That path will take you to soft white sands, clear blue water, and something magnificent worth taking a photo of that we can’t talk about here.

21. The night before, remember that the Ironman is TOMORROW. You're done. A year or perhaps a decade of preparation is behind you. It's time to shut down, and relax. Nervous energy is normal, so expect it.

20. Just before the cannon blows during the swim, lift your legs to the top of the water so you're horizontal rather than vertical for the start.

21. If your goggles don't fit very well or tightly, and you're worried about losing them, feel free to bring an extra pair and tuck them in the back of your swimsuit, just above your butt. You won't likely need them, but you'll feel much better on your swim. It's like biking with a spare.

22. Eat early tonight; don't change your routine.

23. Don't wait to relieve yourself on the bike. Just do it. Get it done. It's hard to bike when you have to use the, um, "rest" room. So stand, check behind you. Veer safely to the right and relax. Please use a water bottle to rinse yourself and your bike, but only if you have enough water. One year I was unable to, um, relax on the bike until mile 80. Miles 65-70 felt awful. If you have to stop and pull over, then do it. It's a long ride.

24. If you cramp on the run, let all your air out of your lungs and bend over slowly. Then stand up WITHOUT breathing in, and slowly start to run, and viola! Your cramp will subside - repeat until cramp is gone.

25. Limit the amount of time you're walking during the marathon - set an exact moment when you'll start running again.

26. If you can, save the Coke intake until after mile 13 of the run. Use everything else that you like, and then start to use the Coke for the last half of the run.

27. Put ice in your running hat. This will change your race. As you come up to the aid station, they will need to know what to get you, so yell up to them with your needs, e.g. ICE, water, etc. That way they will be able to prepare.

28. Hold on to your handle bars tightly, but when you are biking, relax the non-stressed muscles, e.g. this is a race and you will tend to tense up unnecessary muscles from the excitement of the day. If you remember my words here, and relax the parts of your body that you can when you're swimming, biking and running, you will have a much better race with a much faster time.

29. If I had to pick one thing for you to remember during the race - just one thing above all else, that changed my races in Kona and around the world for the better, it would be this: to take in your calories early on the bike and consistently on the bike and run. Don't overdo the carbo drinks, and if your stomach bloats and you need to boot - then don't worry, you can still finish, just stick to simply water after the ordeal, and get calories from the other stuff. Eating earlier on the bike gave me great strength on the run. Think out there. If you do the bike course in 5:30, that's a great deal of digestion and caloric burn time, and then you need the energy for a marathon, so don't be shy. On a personal level, leave your inhibitions at home tomorrow about bodily functions -- it's an Ironman, we're all human, we're all in the human race, and we may have to do human things, so stop at the porta-potty if you have to. Take in the calories you require -- calories are the basis for your energy on race day -get them in early.

31. If you're really worried out about loosing your goggles, just put an extra pair in the back of your bathing suit trunks. This is the only place you can safely carry something extra.

32. Go to the Carbo Load and the awards EARLY. The place is massive, but the good seats get reserved early. When you’re there, meet everyone at your table.

33. Go to the mandatory meeting to learn about the course changes, and the specifics for this year’s race.

34. Learn about the signs of dehydration, such as chills. If you cannot ingest any more liquid during your race, or you start to throw up on the run then you’re carbo intake may be too much. Drink water or coke only if this happens for a while. Drink before you’re thirsty, but don’t bloat yourself with too much.

35. Don’t cut your toenails the night before the race. Do shave your legs the night before.

36. Get to the starting line early. Body marking in Kona is notoriously a long process, and it takes FOREVER to get through the body marking line – and they do not let you into the transition area until you are marked. So plan on an extra 20-30 minutes in the body marking line. If you get there at peak arrival – it could take up to 40 minutes.

37. Have a post finish plan. Where will you meet people, how will you contact them if you come in early? After you meet, what will you do?

38. When you’re swimming back to the pier, do some more extended kicking so your legs work when you stand up. With the same theme, when you’re coming back to town, just before you arrive on your bike, lower your gear and spin for a bit to clear your legs out after the hammering.

39. Remember that Ironman will change your life, but it’s up to you how. No matter when you finish, make sure to come back to the finish line to witness the last finishers around midnight.

40. Locate a private or secret bathroom option for race morning. There are several. If you can’t find one, make friends with someone staying at the King Kam, and then ask them if you can share their pre-race facilities in their room on race morning.

42. Hit the expo hard – people have come from all over the world to present their products to help you as a triathlete. Spend time in each booth not just for the free stuff, but take the time to find out about the latest and greatest in the nutrition, product and psychology of our sport. NOTE: Find Chris and Cambria from Cassidy’s Massage – they are two of the best massage professionals around and are set up at the expo. Arrange a post-race massage appointment with them.

43. If you feel like you are catching a cold, then make sure to swim casually today and tomorrow, take some Vitamin C, and mentally focus on beating the cold. Drink hot water with lemon.

44. Traffic in and out of Kona is brutal. If you are staying far from town, then leave early to get back in on race morning or for the carbo dinner and awards. Find a friend with a shower and bring clothes you can change into after the race, so you don’t have to leave town after the race if you want to stay and watch the finish. Remember the Queen K closes on race day.

45. Find and shake hands with John Duke. Rumor or legend state that if you shake hands with John Duke from Triathlete in the days before the race you will set a new PR. ; )

46. Go low fiber the day before the race. Don’t be afraid to stop at a porta-potty on the race course – that’s what they are there for.

47. Think BIG picture. Grab a pen or a keyboard and answer the following.
a. Ironman is important to me because? Share this with your "life support" crew.
b. The people who have helped me get here are? Send them a thank you.
c. Saturday I will finish in the following time range: ____ to ____.

49. Be ready to get pelted. This swim is brutal, and it’s not the waves – it’s the people. Remember you’re within inches of close to 2000 people who have waited and prepared for an entire year for this moment, and many of them are way too uptight about their finish time. Just plan on getting kicked in the face, having your goggles super-sucked on with an elbow, and someone bumping you off of the perfect heels. Do not hit people back.

50. Get your stuff done race morning and get in the water early - take the time in the ocean to relax and get ready.

51. I have a recurring dream. I’ve had it since I was little kid, it happens every month or so--even now. It’s a dream that I’m flying. That’s not the strange part though; the strange part is that in the dream, if I start to doubt that I can fly, I land on the ground running. Then when I believe I can fly again, I can take off. In real life, I’ve only been able to simulate the flying feeling by descending hills in Colorado when cycling--it’s an amazing feeling to fly. In the Ironman, you will fly -- you will finish -- because you believe you can. If you don’t believe you can, you’ll be right. So believe. This is the origin of human achievement--belief in that thing you call you. So just do.

52. Connect with something bigger than yourself and this race before you start. Ironman has spiritual roots, and so does Hawaii. Religion is always an interesting subject to write about, because you are never sure what people believe, and you never want to offend anyone when it comes to the most fundamental part of life. With all due respect to the different religions of the world – I encourage you, only if it’s your choice – to connect with something bigger before you embark on your journey. Have faith--you can finish.

53. Wrap your bike gears in plastic before checking it in – it’s been known to pour the night before the Ironman.

54. Clean and lube your chain. If you can find Teflon Plus, I highly recommend it.

55. Think this week about how you can spread the wealth. The sport of triathlon is filled with successful people from all over the world. Use your network, your savvy business understanding and your influence to inspire a new triathlete in your immediate network.

56. Check your bike in early, and then get your feet up.

57. Have someone give you a shoulder or quad rub down the morning of the race.

58. Make a checklist of everything you are going to do tomorrow (Friday) and on Saturday. Plan your time carefully the day and night before the race. If you’re looking for a low-cost awesome pre-race fish and pasta place, find Quinn’s across from the King Kam.

59. You will be with close to 2,000 people in the water swinging their close to 4,000 arms and legs in a human-egg-beater. When you get out of scrambled legs -- and get in to the transition area – PLEASE BE CAREFUL. Many accidents and mishaps can happen in transition, so pay very close attention to people around you, and look in every direction when you are leaving the transition area.

60. Mentally race the race. Spend 15 minutes with your eyes closed going through everything you need to do, and watch yourself do every part of the race successfully.

61. From Graham Cooper. “When you're doing an Ironman, and it's your kid's birthday, and you want to wear a second tank top during the run, don't use a Marksalot indelible marker to wish your son a happy birthday." He says, "After about two miles, I started feeling really bad. By mile three, I was incapacitated - throwing up, intestinal distress, headache, etc. I sat down on the side of the road (thinking my day was over) and the fumes from the “Marks-A lot” started wafting up and I was gagging. I took off the t-shirt and recovered after 10 or 15 min sitting on the curb.”

62. Stephan recommends for other first timers, “If you feel bad, don’t stop. After the bike, I felt really bad. Athletes need patience and movement. My key to breaking 8:30 was my training and my 2 Milky way bars, 8 Power Gels, Coke, Water and Gatorade on the run.”

63. When Thomas Hellriegel did his 8:06 here in Kona, he only drank water and coke - no food. The night before the race he had pasta, a tuna steak and some salad. His advice? “Go out and go as hard as you can. Drinking is a sign of weakness.” He is serious about the first part and is kidding about the second part, but it plays in to the “Die or succeed” mentality.

64. On the morning of any Ironman, wake up very early. This will set your whole day on the right course. Make sure you get to a bathroom. If you run out of time, then don’t worry about it – there are plenty on the course.

65. Realize that you will forget something, or something will go wrong -- just accept it. I forgot to put water in my front water bottle, and it was a while before the first bike aid station - so I had salt-water-cotton-mouth for the first few miles of the bike race. I could have let this upset me, but I chose to relax, and enjoy that first sip of water from the first aid-station.

62. Tonight’s pro tip is from the 4th place finisher in last year’s race and his 15th consecutive race in Hawaii - Alexander Taubert. I asked him what advice he had for the athletes. His reply? “I have no advice, just go.”

63. When you finish reading this blog, go to sleep, the race is in less than 12 hours.

64. You have done all the prep you can. Now relax.

65. Don’t stress about sleeping, if you can, great – if not – no big deal. You’ll be able to sleep fine tomorrow night – trust me.

66. Listen to your body tomorrow.

67. Whatever happens tomorrow in the Ironman, don’t stop. Just finish.

68. As the sun burns your skin tomorrow (the sunblock WILL wash off), let the day burn into your memory.

69. Set two or more alarm clocks tonight.

70. Tonight, before you go to sleep, call someone you love. Tell them.

71. Be camera friendly. Remember, when you come out of the water at the end of the swim, flex, pose, do whatever you want to do, because they take your photo as you exit the water. Suck in that stomach! Riiiiight. Also at the finish line, do something amazing when you finish – remember – your photo and video are going out live all over the world with your finish, at http://www.ironmanlive.com/ and it will be accessible on the internet FOREVER.

72. Get to Hawi as fast as you can. This year was the easiest year to bike to Hawi and back that I have ever experienced. Whitney Lynn, a long time resident of the Big Island said “I have never experienced winds that favorable -- since I’ve been training here.” We actually had a "sail" wind on the way back - this is a wind from the side that if you're on the right wheel configuration - it helps you sail forward. It's better than a tail wind because the wind is catching more of your body. I've been convinced that, in most Ironman Hawaii races, that a minute faster to Hawi = 2 to 5 minutes faster on your overall finish time. Typically, as the island heats up, so do the winds.

73. Remember, you cannot help another biker on the course - it's outside assistance.

74. Get in the water early. This year I started near the pier, and I was able to branch out to the right for some open water so I could stop a few times to take some photos for the special report. If you like open water, swim near the edge of the pack.

75. Book your condo or hotel now for next year’s event – they are almost sold out, and the island’s real estate market seems to be increasing the prices exponentially as availability becomes more limited with the more spectator-friendly “Tour-de-France style” finish line and race course.

76. Go for a very slow spin the day after the race. This will help your recovery substantially. So before you pack your bike up, head out for a quick spin – make sure you still work. Swimming is the easiest discipline to pick up again after your race, so get back in the water quickly.

77. Wear a bright orange shirt and a Speedo as your Halloween costume this year. Show your race number tan lines. Ask for Power bars instead of candy at the door.

78. Get an Ipod. Learn how to use it. Burn all your CDs into your computer, and become your own DJ for your training and race week music. Music has a powerful influence on performance. Cue up songs that empower you in your mental ipod. Use music to create a “soundtrack” for your training and racing experience, especially during Ironman week. Pick a song to represent every Ironman event or triathlon you do.

79. Do the “germ-free” handshake. When two triathletes meet in Kona, they touch their fists together--this is the official Ironman "germ-Free" handshake and you'll see many people shaking hands fist to fist, because no one wants to get sick the week before the Ironman.

80. Sleep with your timing chip on – that way you won’t lose it.

81. Use empty Tic-Tac boxes to carry your salt tablets so they don’t melt.

82. Don’t watch the news until after the race

83. Eat less fiber the night before an Ironman

84. Have your “last supper” the night before your race no later than 6PM. Mostly liquid nutrition thereafter.

85. Stay out of the sun the week before the race.

86. Fall in love race week with a triathlete. This is perhaps the single most effective way to insure that you will find energy on the race course. Mile markers pass quickly when you know there is someone you’re running towards – not away from. (Please only do this if you're single.)

87. Use music to create a perfect auditory environment race morning.

88. Bring an extra set of dry clothes to the race - warm clothes - for when you finish.

89. Befriend someone staying at the host hotel or tower near the finish line – sneak in a quick shower in their room, then come back to the finish line.

90. Have you found a comfortable seat? If not, find one. I'm a fan of the saddle above. Find that (and goggles that don't leak) and your triathlon experience will be much more enjoyable.

91. There is something wonderful that happens when you start to do triathlons - you think more clearly. Clear thought comes partially from increased blood flow and partially from the clearing out of the dust from our mental and physical attic. What ideas are you considering, what Tri-spirtations do you have in your life, and for the lives of others? What is your dream?

92. As triathletes, our day is often full enough with work, e-mails, moving around life's stuff, and the people in our lives - now throw in a long swim, bike, run, lift, special diet and sleep plan and time management can become an issue. If you LET it. Remember there are 24 hours in a day. And they are YOUR hours - even if you are with other people - your time is still yours, and never forget that your attitude is, at all times, at your command. Ultimately, you decide how to spend the withdrawls from your ATM (Attention Time Macheine), where to spend them and how many of them you will spend getting and staying fit. Twenty four hours. If you want to really understand how much time that is - try sitting in the same place and doing nothing for 24 hours. My guess is you will last ten minutes, then want to go running. Find whatever it is that will spark/shove you into your "groove." That amazing feeling of fitness awaits.

93. Every race I've ever done, Ironman or sprint, always affords a wonderful "race eve" which can be challenging, sleepless and at times even stressful. The best thing to do is to relax - and it's hard. After all, within 24 hours, this Ironman of tomorrow will be over, and that's after 140 miles of swimming, biking and running -- not to mention the tornado transitions or the 2400 other people racing or 4500 people volunteering.

94. Your life always changes when you hear the encouraging cheers from tens of thousands of specators.

95. We are all on a very short timeline. Perhaps we can re-name it a short "Triline," because life is a series of trying events and tri-ing events. Then we check out, leaving our legs, bags and bikes all behind. Make the most of your Triline!

96. "Anything is possible" may be the Ironman tag line and these words may carry with them a world of possibility for our lives, but when it comes to the race you should also rephrase them -- “Anything can happen.”

97. This race is about overcoming many challenges in order to finish – these challenges don’t stop when the starting gun fires – you have to be prepared, and adaptable to the challenges and course conditions.

98. "It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop." Confucius (551-479 BC)

Thursday Morning Awesome Photos & Videos - Swim Tips for Ironman, Dig Me Beach, Coffee Boat, Underwear Run and Dolphins Underwater!

What a perfect morning in Kona. Check out these photos and videos from this morning's events. The Underwear Run, dolphins, swimming tips and more: scroll down and turn up your speakers!

Sunrise



Tri-Center Crew, check out their awesome videos buy clicking here.



Underwater

Who Wore It Better? Kona Style...

Ironman Aloha Reception

Situated on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona, Hulihe`e Palace was the vacation residence of Hawai`ian royalty. Today it is a museum operated by the Daughters of Hawai`i and is a showplace of beautiful furniture and fascinating artifacts. The Ironman Aloha Reception is held there every year for sponsors and special guests. Here is a photo gallery from the evening.

Windy Bike Safety Tips + Video from the Natural Energy Lab

This photo shows the windiest spots in Hawaii, the blue is a 7 on 1-7 scale.

At Ironman Hawaii, you need to learn how to handle severe crosswinds (sometimes referred to as a Wind Shear, a microscale meteorological phenomenon occurring over a very small distance). They are dangerous, and scary. A wind burst from your right or left can make you lose control of your bike. On the road to Hawi, with 20,30,40 mph + winds in your face, or on the return trip - you might feel bursts of crosswinds. There are a few things you can do to increase your safety if the winds are blowing this year. Here is a short video... and you can scroll past the video for 7 important safety tips...

1. Keep your fingers wrapped around your aero bards if you are aero. This is a good idea at most times, and the goal here is to make sure your hand is actually "holding" the bars, not merely resting on it.
2. Don't go aero. When you need to respond to crazy crosswinds, you will need to hold on to your handle bars tightly - it's more difficult to respond to a sudden wind burst when you are aero.
3. Lean forward and down to reduce your profile.
4. During gusts, your bike will NOT travel in a straight line, if your bike is blown off course with a gust and the result of that movement is EXACTLY the same as any other minor course
change – you will need modest counter-steer to correct it.
5. Anticipating wind shear is especially important under a couple of scenarios during the race, a) when approaching or being approached by bikers, b) when riding near any cars or motorcycles that are on the course, as they pass they can reduce the wind then allow a wind burst when they are farther away.
6. Also, remember, that there are TWO times when a gusty crosswind changes your bike’s direction of travel: when it hits, and when it stops. Each of these moments will require quick action and control on your bike.
7. Remember, the wind is not necessarily the most dangerous part, it's the other cyclists who are on the course and how they react to it when you are nearby that are dangerous.

Safe Riding!

Bo Arlander: A True IronMom

Today, we caught up with Bo Arlander, a longtime triathlete with an incredible story. Bo has raced countless Ironmans, and has been a regular in Kona since 1998. She counts herself as blessed, with a healthy body, a fulfilling lifestyle, and wonderful friends. But three years ago, she decided she was tired of having no one to meet her at the finish line.

After "a bunch" of IFVs, finally, in 2006, Bo was pregnant and overjoyed. A few weeks before the Hawaii Iroman, she had a miscarriage. Bo simply describes her Ironman experience that year as “really, really hard.” Kona didn’t carry its usually magic to inspire and renew. The race didn’t bring her spirits up--she felt defeated and depressed.

But after years of hard work and disappointment, on October 16, 2007 baby Mirabel was born. Bo’s face lights up when she talks about her baby daughter—it’s clear that Mirabel has given her a new lease on life.

Last year, Beau came again to watch the race, this time with her new baby in tow. Finally, she felt the old magic of the island working on her. “I got inspired,” she said. “I raced Florida a month later and qualified for this year.” Bo looks in great shape and happy with life. She’s nicely recovered from a shoulder surgery she had 2 ½ months ago, counts many as great friends in the world of triathlon, and recently quit her job to start her own business, a private equity company that makes investments in middle market consumer and retail companies called Moxie Capital. But best of all, she says with a twinkle in her eye, “Now I have someone waiting for me at the finish line.”

Congratulations Bo, and we wish you the best of luck on Saturday!

Snapshots from The Parade of Nations -

In this year's parade: an all-new, improved Konasauras, and a new fire truck donated to the city by Ironman, with a huge water cannon - that they fired during the parade - it was fantastic. Athletes from around the world marched in the parade. There is an old rumor or myth that says that if you don't walk in the parade, you'll do some serious walking on the run course, which is a bit better than the Ironman Canada Parade rumor from years back, which said if you did not march in that parade, the lake Monster, Ogo Pogo, would eat you during the swim. Here is the parade Photo Gallery, enjoy!

Ironman Super-Large Image Photo Gallery from Dig Me Beach, Wednesday with the Turtle...

Move your mouse over the photo gallery today to scroll through the photos!

Photo Gallery - Ironman Kids Fun Swim Run

Today, triathlete Philip La Haye, whose wife, Blair LaHaye, is the Director of Communications for Ironman, let us in on a little secret. “If you’re looking for the biggest gathering of the world’s best race directors,” he said, “Go to the Ironman Kids Fun Swim Run.” Race directors from the best Ironman races across the globe come together to help put on the Ironman Kids race every year. You could call it the best-organized (and most adorable!) event in the world.

Double-click any image to view a larger version.

The Ironman Kids race is truly one of the most inspiring events that goes on during Ironman Week here on Kona. What grabs you every time is their onverwhelming enthusiasm for the sport. They give it all they've got, and if they mess up the little things, like going the right way around the buoy or having to run barefoot because they can't get their shoes on, they don't slow down one bit. We should all take a lesson from this kind of tenacity and enthusiasm.


When you're racing on Saturday, don't forget that this incredible event in this gorgeous place is, yes, an opportunity for you to show off your muscles and beat last year's time, but it's also an opportunity to experience that purest form of childhood fun: the joy of motion.

Click Play Below for a perview of the Dig Me Beach Ironman Video Montage

Even More Candid Photos Kona Hawaii, Tuesday, October 6th

Another fine morning at dig me beach. The dolphins were back - and stayed around this time to play. The pod surrounded me today today on the way back to the pier - what an amazing experience. Here are some photos... (remember, you can click any image to see a larger version)

Dolphins jumping in front of Lava Java this morning.

Ladies, here is his phone number.

I can only imagine what the kids who have ironparents will acomplish in their lives. What would you do if you knew anything is possible?

In this small leaf toy that the girl is holding, she can find joy. The same joy and pleasure that you can find in anything. Ironman, a laugh, a smile, a new bike seat. Remember, it's up to you to find the joy in the small things around you.

What's in that bag?

Ok, not funny.

Dig Me Beach Rockettes

I see tat.


How high?

Are you in this photo?

I'm here with Duke - it's his 27th year here.

K-Swiss' Eric Vervloet and Age Grouper Spotlights

This morning at the Dig Me Beach Kailua-Kona Pier we caught up with some amazing athletes and Ironman affiliates who were catching up, practicing their swims, and checking out each others' 8-packs.

We talked to Eric Vervloet, the Sports Marketing Director for K-Swiss and the man who brought his brand to the Ironman. Eric has been busy setting up the "K-Swiss Village," where the triathletes can come check out and try out the new products. Eric was effusive about the quality of the athlete-tested K-Swiss Ironman line. "If we put an M-dot on it, you can race in it," he affirmed.

K-Swiss is representing 16 athletes that are here in Kona for the race, including Terrenzo Bozzone, the Lieto brothers, Belinda Granger, and Gina Ferguson. "The energy here is incredible," Eric said, "If you don't fall in love with the Ironman when you're here, you should do something else."


We also caught up with John Marshall, an old college friend of mine who I've been able to reconnect with through triathlon. This will be John's second race on the island, for a total of 8 Ironmans. He started out by running marathons, decided to try his hand at triathlons, and has been hooked ever since. He qualified in '06 in Brazil and hasn't looked back. "I had a great first race here," he said, "It was all the heat, humidity, and wind that I wanted."

John has three kids, ages 6, 5, and 3, who are just as excited to be visiting Kona as their dad is. "The three-year-old wants me to play Ironman videos for her two or three times a week," John laughs. "She says, 'Poppy, Ironman!'" We'll keep out eyes out for the littlest Marshall at the Hawaii Ironman 2027.


We met Adrienne Saeger, a first-timer who owns her own yoga studio in Chicago. She's been racing marathons since 2001, and ran her first triathlon two seasons ago. Like a lot of newbies, she credits her start in triathlon to a "crazy friend" who told her, "Wouldn't it be wild if we qualified for Kona someday?"

Now, Adrienne loves cycling more than running. She can't wait for Saturday, but she's admits being nervous for the swim portion. "I try to stand with the other girls so I don't get kicked as hard," she laughed.

Adrienne keeps her own blog chronicling her adventures with yoga and triathlon. You can check it out here. Good luck, Adrienne!


We also met Mitch West, another Hawaii first-timer who qualified only 10 weeks ago. Mitch said he was immediately struck by the unique energy on the island, a mood that is both laid-back and high-energy. "It's a whole other level of competition here," he said. "Triathletes are different--you have everybody cheering for each other."

Mitch, like Adrienne, is nervous about his first Hawaii experience. He biked on the Queen K and decided that, "You can have people tell you about the wind, sun, and heat, but when you feel it for yourself, it's a whole other thing. But, to be honest, the harsh conditions are what this race is known for. If Saturday was a cool, calm day, you'd be sort of disappointed."

Ironman 2009 - Dig Me Beach Tatoo View Gallery

Ironman Tatoos abound, the photo gallery below highlights some of the most interesting tatoos of the morning at Kailua Pier. Move your mouse over the gallery below to scroll through photos, to see larger images, triple click the image.

More Secrets and Tips & A Private Video Interview with Fernanda Keller!

It looked like a person was laying in the road ahead of me, and when I got closer, I noticed that indeed, a triathlon photographer had set up in front of me when I crested this hill - I recognized him and stopped and said hello. Michael Rauschendorfer emailed me this awesome image.

Coffee tonight with Triathlon Legend, Fernanda Keller at Lava Java (live video interview below)

What a day it was. Perfect weather. Bit windy, but that made it seem cooler. This could, however be an issue on race day. Swam the course with Kai, but that sure felt longer than 2.4 miles, sheesh... Then a nice ez run, short ez bike - and some amazing meetings. Part of the crew arrived today, Stephanie, Alexis and Derek are here now, Nicole and Jessica get here Wednesday & Amanda arrives on Thursday! It's a bit of a shock that the Ironman is in just 5 days. My yogurts are now expiring a full month after I race.
'

Ashley Relf & Philip Gauthier biking back to town

In case you were wondering just how fresh the fish at Quinn's really is. This was tonight's dish.

The signage saga begins. The Banners, the signs, the sponsors...

And here is a wild photo, check out this guy who was trimming the palm tree this morning at 5:10 a.m.

Drumroll.... and now for tonight's insider tips and secrets for a great Ironman!

17. Just before the cannon goes off on race day, lift your legs to the surface of the water, it's easier to get going when your legs are high and at the surface of the water not pointing straight down. I always start far to the right because I know it's possible, in an emergency, to swim off to the side to avoid the oncoming stampede of eager, talented athletes from around the world, all who will always seem to swim at about the same pace. If you want an escape route, swim far right or far left. The middle is mulch.

18. Make a plan for your next goal, NOW. Don't wait until Sunday. I'm going to race Honu and Canada next year, they are on my calender already, and I have them to look forward to. There will be time off, time spent doing nothing, but you need to have something in your mind that is "next." It's a natural part of any emotional "high," to have a low afterwards, and the rush of the week, the energy of the island, the realization of a dream all will take you to a very special, very ecstatic place, but you will leave this island sooner than you think, taking with you all that you learned. It's very important to have something to look forward to after the race. Set a new life and athletic goal now, so it's in your mind when you cross the line. Finishing the Ironman is not the end. It's the beginning.

19. When biking over the hills, don't stop your effort at the top. Many people have the bad habit of slowing down at the top of the hill, which is not good for your finish time. If you plan on relaxing a bit to let the legs recover, always make sure that is happening once you gain your speed back on the other side of any hill, e.g. push hard until you are going fast downhill, then relax a bit and let gravity and momentum help clear the lactic acid from your muscles.

20. Practice problems. Mentally prepare yourself to miss a water bottle grab, when you really need water. Consider how to best handle a flat tire, and the exact steps you will take to get your tire off your bike quickly. You will of course want to visualize a perfect race and finish, but you should run through the potential issues you can encounter, so in the event that you flat or have a problem on race day, you can deal with it, fix it, and move onward toward the finish line with a positive attitude. Make sure to do a major safety check of your bike prior to the race.

In the video interviews below, check out the beautiful, spectacular athlete Fernanda Keller and her family at one of our Lava Java chats.

Remember, click PLAY only once, then wait for your video to load.

.... | View More .

A Beautiful Morning Photo Gallery from Dig Me Beach - Monday Morning in Kona, Hawaii

Remember, you can just click any of the photos below to see larger images.


Jochen Diedrich & Andrea Naumann also model for the Grey's Anatomy book

Sunrise

Michellie Jones heads for the water

Swim cap over the ears, right?

Pre-swim hug

Chrissie Wellington getting ready for the swim, sure she looks ripped up, but I still want to hand her a cheeseburger with some fries.

Which way?

Thierry Deketelaere owner of Triathlete France

Ready to swim

Lee & Cherie Gruenfeld

My favorite person on the pier today - his name is Ken. He is retired, and has been living in Kona for 27 years. He's been able to swim at the pier for 7 years - but was only able to start swimming here when they put the railing in, because he wants to be able to get in and out of the water without help. A hero - he's got a permanent smile on. I asked, "how are you?" and he looked at me with the biggest happy face and said "I'm still alive, it's a great day." You really should click this image above to see the large version of this photo.

Another day

Now, that's an Ironman Tatoo.

He's from the tropics



Jesse Du Buy & Co, ready to go.




Kai & Glynn



What?


Media
Lydia

Kodak Moment

Sun getting higher

Tri-Kids



Chris Legh, with his wife Sarah and daughter Jamieson and yes, it's another daughter, 4 months old, but that means, you guessed it, SHE had a baby 4 months ago? Are you kidding, look at her stomach. Ok, wow.

Creatures found on Quenn K Highway! + 5 More Tips and Secrets for Your Best Ironman

Sunday afternoon and now evening in Kona, Hawaii. Time to make a list and check it twice. Time to review all the things that go into race week preparation. Time to plan for the arrival of the best support crew and loved ones. Time to relax in the midst of the energy and anticipation.

One of the important things on my list is to continue writing the 100 tips and secrets for your best Ironman Ever. So let's continue... (for earlier installments, just scroll down to older blog posts).

The Blue Hawaiian Chopper Service

12. Lower your biking and running intensity. Let your legs and your body replenish everything. Fill'er-up. A week of almost rest might just be good for you. I did my last longish bike ride today, there was a massive tailwind leaving Kona which felt great on the way out. I biked to the Mauni Lani and back, easy - not hard.

That's me taking a photo when getting ready to ride this afternoon - make sure to take tons of photos on your Iron Journey, you'll want your grandkids to know you looked like this, once upon a time.

13. Kona is the WOOFER capital of Hawaii. Every 5th car is a pick up truck, and they are outfitted with massive sound systems, with the primary feature being a nuclear powered woofer, designed to produce very loud low frequency sounds, typically from around 40 hertz up to about a kilohertz or higher. The name is from the onomatopoeic English word for a dog's bark, "woof. " It's easy to get annoyed at these loud sounds as they go by, or a drivers attitude and it's just as it's easy to get annoyed when Harley Davidson's rev their engines on the main streets of small towns setting car alarms off, but realize that you do not need to get annoyed at this local activity, or at anything for that matter.

One of the most important things for you to manage this week is your mental outlook and attitude. Negative thoughts beget negative outcomes. If you get frustrated, it's going to spread into other thoughts and actions. So let it slide.

Don't sweat the small stuff this week. When check-out-my-woofer-blast-kona-dude, or when mid-life-crisis-accountant-who-bought-a-Harley-so-he-could-wear-leather-and-have-a-loud-bike goes by and your ears are attacked for a few moments, don't let it appear in your mind and emotions as anything more than a freak mating call akin to the loud whale of a elephant in Africa, or a male bullfrog (which produces loud calls during the mating season to attract females.) Interesting note: Most female frogs prefer males with the loudest calls, because it indicates fitness. You can draw your own conclusion here, Darwin notwithstanding, that something has perhaps run amok genetically. The point is that at any given moment, you control your emotions, and you are going to need those emotions to be very positive during a challenging day when you are racing in the Ironman. Focus on the positive all week. If you have negative people in your life, then tell them you'll talk to them next Monday. Smile. Relax. Laugh off the small stuff.

14. During the swim, learn how to feel the swells of the ocean. Swimming in the ocean offers you good times to look around (at the top of a swell), and bad times to look around (at the bottom). Save energy by getting in touch with what it feels like at the top and at the bottom of the swell. It's much easier to see around you, and to spot a buoy, when your higher in the water thanks to the ocean's own lookout trick.

15. BE CAREFUL this week. I'm talking about EVERYTHING. Be careful driving, running on alii drive with the cars pulling out, biking in the wind out near Hawi (I heard today that some people were blown off their bikes already). Every year, in the week before the race, I see ambulances going down Alii drive and people get injured.

The fact is, tourists and triathletes are a volatile mix. The folks from Lost Springs, Illinois looking for a parking spot to snorkel and suntan are not really inclined or adept at checking right and left as they pull out onto Alii drive. (I use Lost Springs as an Example, because it has the smallest population in the USA). You need to be an aggressively safe driver, safe biker, safe runner this week. Also, don't do anything stupid, e.g. jump off a large wall, reach around to the back seat of the car to get something or twist and turn your body in any direction that could cause a pulled muscle that you will feel during the race. Tread gently this week with your human form.

16. Look up when you are swimming during the morning swims leading up to the race, Spot often. Swimming at the pier in the next few days, is like driving on the 405 in Los Angeles - backwards. I've seen people come out of the water with black eyes from getting whacked in face before the actual race, this is 100% avoidable. Look up.

16.5 - and this is not an official one of the 100 tips, but it's equally important. Get to Lava Java, have a meal or two there, it's the epicenter of the professional post swim/run mornings and they make great, healthy food. Dinner rocks. Try the grilled fish of the day, spinach salad, pasta, chicken, butternut squash lasagna and of course the world famous choc late chip oatmeal coconut peanut butter cookie if there are any left - I just had one.

Check out this video of the strange creatures hanging out on the bike course.
Push PLAY only ONCE, then wait for the video to load.

... | View More

Ironmitch Lava Interviews Pt I - Normann Stadler's Baby, Rip Oldmedow Recovers and Jamie Windrow, a Radio City Music Hall Rockette Prepares to Race

In today's Lava Java interviews, we catch up with Rip Oldmedow, an old friend who broke his back and went through a 7 year recovery filled with prayers and miracles. It's apparent that he's back, no pun intended. His goal: to be the first Hawaii resident to finish this year.

Also in this first interview below is Jamie Windrow, a 13 year Radio City Music Hall Rockette (the precision dance company performing out of the Radio City Music Hall in NYC). During the Christmas season, she performed five shows a day, seven days a week. Perhaps their best-known routine is an eye-high leg kick in perfect unison in a chorus line, which they include at the end of every performance. Jamie said, if she can, she is going to try to do a kick at the finish for her finish line photo this year.

In the second interview below, we catch up with Normann Stadler and his new son. He seems to be in the zone this year. I told him I raced the 5k this morning and came in forth. His reply? In a German accent "Mitch, you do know that 4th place is just the third looser." We laughed, but he was serious. He will be racing in full force this year - chasing the Iron Grail.

Remember, Pres the PLAY button only ONCE below then wait for your video to start...


Watch ... | View More more ironman coverage at www.competitor.com


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Photo and Video Gallery of Dig Me Beach & The Path 10k & 5K Run -- Always On Sunday the Weekend Before Ironman!

Check out this photo and Video Gallery from this mornings events in Kona...
You can expand any photo just by clicking on it!

Clear water, calm ocean.

The wandering eye wall.

Unique idea (of German origin?) Use a rubber glove to put the glide product on. It's hard to get it off your hands so what a great idea apply it with a rubber glove, then you can still clean your goggles with your fingers. You don't want to get your anti-friction product on your goggles, becuase it clouds them up with a hard-to-remove slime.

Michellie Jones arrives at the Pier

Who can guess what kind of clouds those are Stratus, Nimbus, Cumulus, or Cirrus?

I'm ready to race. Photo credit: Linsey Corbin

After the race, I'm here with Gerry Rott and Roch Frey - it was hot. Gerry is one of my greatest friends and was the first person ever to sign up for the online registraion service with active.com for her amazing race - she is the founder and owner of the Lavaman Triahtlon Series - which just opened registraion, click here to register!

Heather Fuhr, a superstar - ready to race the 10k.

A family affair.

Don Ryder - and, look in the crowd... someone was happy to see me, (I was making the same face back at her) - my friend Nicole Deboom, the founder of http://www.skirtsports.com/ - What a great idea she had, check it out online!

Linnea Humphrey and Glenn Rossitter after a fast one!

Don Ryder, announcing guru.

Ready to Race!

Joe Bonness (a.k.a. Superman) and Larry Black on Sunday Morning near Lava Java.

And now, Check out these short videos below from this mornings Path 10k and 5k. I ran the 5k and filmed my finish - making it across the line 4th overall with a time of 19:30, running 6:17min/mile - check out the finish video below!

Remember, Press the PLAY only ONE TIME below - then wait for video to start.

.Path 10K Run Start in ...

The start of the 10k run, can you find Heather?


.. in . | V .

Finishing the 5k this morning.

The first 11 of 100 Tips and Insider Secrets For Your Best Ironman Ever

Tonight, from Lava Java cafe, I'm starting with the first installment of 100 tips and insider secrets that you can use to have the best Ironman race in your career.

1. When you arrive on the island, turn the AC off. Do not use Air Conditioning in the car, in your hotel or condo and try to stay away from air conditioned areas. Firstly, AC units carry airborne illness, especially in tropical places. Secondly, you want your body to acclimatize to the heat. At night and during the day - be hot. It's going to be hot when you race. When humans move from a cool or temperate environment to a hot environment, they should spend up to seven days acclimatizing to the change in their environment. This lets the body make internal adjustments (to a new state of homeostasis) to compensate for the change in environmental conditions. If people do not acclimatize, then they will be at higher risk of heat related injuries (heat stroke, heat cramp). A heat acclimatized person will begin to sweat earlier and more intensely under heat, have a lower heart rate and a lower skin temperature, which is very good for triathletes, especially when racing. The salt content of sweat also decreases as people acclimatize.

2. Get everything (chores) done early. Make the lists you need to make, e.g. buy your food/nutrition, salt tabs, GU, Carbo-whatever - get your bike and spare tires ready and put all your race-specific stuff in one area of your accommodations. Try to make a plan, follow it if possible and don't stress if you need to adjust your plan. Just get your stuff done early so you can relax.

3. Build a pyramid out in the lava fields. Make it a special place on the island that is yours. How? Just drive out into the lava fields, pull over, and start stacking lava rocks carefully into a pyramid. Put a rock in the pyramid for every person in your life that has helped you along the way, and one for everyone you love. Now, when it's complete, you have a special place on this very special island that is yours, and yours alone.

4. Find the ideal goggles for your race. Try to get some that block the sun, but that are not too dark because it's early. When the sun comes up over the mountain in the morning, if it's a cloudless sky, it can be very hard to see the buoys if your goggles are 100% clear or way to dark - and there are many packs of people that stray right and left. I'm pretty sure you'll want to go straight. Find goggles that work, don't leak, and don't hurt too much when someone whacks you with an elbow or hand and they super-suck to your eye socket. Have a pair that is perfectly clear as well, just in case it's cloudy on race morning.

5. This week, start getting up earlier and earlier every day: swim, work out, eat early, get the digestive system humming. Condition your body to early mornings, and early evenings and it will make it a much easier moment when that alarm goes off. If you get tired in the afternoon (heat can do that), then take a short (not too long) nap.

6. Do everything in your power to get a good night sleep the night before, the night before the race (Thursday night) - because research shows that it's that rest on that night that impacts your performance (and the night right before your race does not). So if you have to sleep late to get your hours in on that Friday morning, do it. Get a good night sleep on Thursday, no matter what.

7. Meet some new people. You've spent all year competing to get here, and there is a natural "checking each other out/sizing up the competition" that occurs as you are training and even in restaurants. But remember you are in Hawaii, the only US state made up entirely of islands. The people around you have traveled from all over the world to this archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. There are 1,283,388 people in the state of Hawaii, and you now, for just a few days, have the chance to meet some of them -- and some athletes from around the world -- and find out about their lives and their stories. We spend our daily lives wrapped up in facebook, texting, training in an individual sport - so it's up to us to reach out and meet some new friends. It's not as easy as it used to be to meet friends in triathlon, because as the sport has grown, it's become more challenging to qualify, (and even to register) -- all this translates into the fact that there are entirely new batches of athletes that show up at each race. But every athlete has a story, how they got here, what they do, who they are, how they found this sport. It's up to you to ask and discover some new friends.

8. If you want to climb, turn right off of the Queen K and climb this hill (it's a nice break from the traffic) just be careful descending and of any debris in the road.

9. Get a massage. You can find massage folks everywhere on this island, massage is a prolific practice here, but even so, they book up, so book your massage early.

10. Make sure you have new tires and tubes, but not too new. If you are going to change them, change them, then ride them for one or two days. Tires and tubes that fail, typically do so in the first 20-40 miles - so make sure you are not on virgin tires when you start. If you are riding tubular, then find a spare that is stretched and you can get on your tire easily. I race on Continental comp 22's because I love the way they grip the road in the crazy headwinds and cross winds, but often I'll ride with Victoria tires as a spare, because they stretch so much more easily than the Conti's do.

11. Read this blog and send it to your friends. If you don't send this blog link to 10 people, then you will... just kidding, but do check back here or subscribe to get all 100 tips and secrets to help you have your best Ironman ever!

Here is an awesome short interview from tonight at Lava Java from Lexi Frank, the super-outgoing and adorable daughter of my friends Murray Frank (age group athlete who should win the most positive attitude award) and his wife Karen. Lexi completed her first triathlon this year!

Click the Play button below JUST ONCE, then wait a moment and the video will begin.


Watch Lexi and the Frank Family at Ironman Hawaii in . | View More .

Tri-Insider Launches - Celebrity Triathlete Interviews - Episode I

Scroll down and hit play to check out this short clip from the new show, Tri-Insider, with host, Mitch Thrower. Tri-Insider delivers an exciting inside look a the sport of triathlon, the industry, the hot gossip and some tri-celebrity interviews.

This episode includes Jeremy Piven from the hit HBO series Entourage, David Hasselhoff, best known for his roles in Knight Rider and Baywatch, Terri Hatcher from Desperate Housewives, William H. Macy from Fargo, Julie Bowen from Lost, and Boston Legal and Nicole Steinwedell from the film He’s Just Not that Into You. Check back with www.competitor.com for the full show schedule.

Kona Morning Report from Dig Me Beach

Another beautiful morning in Kona.
(remember you can always click any photo to see a larger image, anytime!)

How many triathletes do you think actually read this? Reef overview sign? what sign?

Shadows soon to become brightly lit souls.

Competitor.com's Kurt Hoy photographing at dig me beach, check out his photos by clicking here.

Ok, Linsey - Nice abs.

Competitor.com online Editor Liz Hichens gets ready for a swim.

Camp photos.

The glimmer of hope.

Triathlete Supermodel Linsey Corbin is in top shape this year.

I swam with Chris Lieto today - he is here with Kurt Hoy.

With almost certainty, I can say that the person on the left has a bench press in his bedroom, and on the right...I think he's about to swat a girly-fly. Ja.

Let's face it, one of the great things about Dig Me Beach is the rocking bodies that triathletes from around the world display. That's why every year, I shoot a "butt blog" or the best of the Dig Me Beach butts. That's coming soon - so stay tuned.

Steve Godwin, video producer and editor extraordinaire at the starting line.

And check out the video interview below of an athlete that was hit by a car last week and still plans to race!

Click the Play button below JUST ONCE, then wait a moment and the video will begin.

More blog coverage atironmitch.com in Triathlon News | View More More photos and vidoes Online at triathlon.competitor.com

Ironman 2009: A Warm Friday Night in Kona & How to Arrive at the Starting Line Germ-Free

Flying down to Kona yesterday, I actually wore a mask. I felt silly, goofy and a bit strange, but the guy who was next to me ended up sneezing and coughing quite a bit, so I was happy to have the mask. If your immune system is strong, you might be ok, but if you're body is sore from the training and now you are tapering down for Ironman, and you are flying here this week, it might be a good idea to actually wear a mask. You can get one at your local drug store. There were other people on my flight with masks on, so I only felt like a partial alien.

Some other tips for avoiding germs this week in Kona.
a) Don't swim in the ocean the morning after a really hard rain - the runoff can contaminate the water. Head over to the Kona Community Pool instead. It's about 3 min outside of downtown Kona. Click here for the pool schedule.
b) Don't shake hands - all week. With anyone. A seminar at www.ted.com on germs and extending life estimated that 30% of all human illness comes from shaking hands. It's better to do the light fist punch or the head nod, or even the wave.
c) Make sure to rinse when you get out of the water. Buy and have ready small bottle of mouthwash for after your swim, and rince twice.
d) Get enough rest, if you are tired but still want to swim early, then make sure to take a nap later in the day
e) Don't touch your nose and mouth - sounds simple, but this one change alone can reduce your frequency of illness by 8%.
If you have other tips on how to stay healthy during the final days before a big race, please share them by posting them in the comment section for this blog below! More tips coming!

The underwear run is a week away - but the reason the underwear run was founded - to inspire people not to wear speedos unless they are swimming - is still around.

A great sunset shot of a runner on Alii Drive

a

Someone's getting ready for a bike tomorrow.


Watch Ironman 2009 Coverage - Bike Through Town in Triathlon Videos | View More More Live Coverage at www.competitor.com

Ironmitch's Coverage of Ironman Hawaii 2009 - Video and Photo Gallery Part I

This morning, waking up to sound of the waves and the clear ocean air, I remembered that Kona is a very, very special place. I'll be racing again this year, and I'm here to bring you more tips and secrets all week, along with photos, videos and more, so bookmark this page or subscribe to the feed. To get started, here are some fantastic shots and moments from this morning, Friday, October 2nd - a week before Ironman Eve.

During the swim this morning, a large pod of dolphins surrounded many of the swimmers and swam along, checking us out with clicks, whistles and by jumping out of the water. I've never been that close to wild dolphins, and there were many baby dolphins in the pod. Some dolphins were even jumping over swimmers at one point. They are hanging out by the large white metal buoy just to the right of the third orange buoy, past the jet-ski platform.

Remember, to see a bigger version of any photo just click on the image. To play the videos, click the image.

Welcome to Ironmitch's Coverage of the 2009 Ironman World Championships!

Early morning at Dig Me Beach in Kailua Kona...

The Buoys. Be extra careful out there this year, the sea urchins have not all been cleared away, so keep your feet up.


Post swim Corbinites.

Competitor.com's Kurt Hoy taking a profile shot of Craig Alexander

The Cruise Ships tourists are out in force. Little do they know that people their age and far beyond, will finish this race next Saturday.

Santa Barbara Police Officer David Gonzales pictured here. He's an age group triathlete, but this year he's working the registration. If you see him, be sure to say hello.

Triathlete coach and abs model Sergio Borges, check out his video below...

Wherever you are, what ever your doing, let me know what you want to see while I'm here, if you want me to interview a friend of yours, or just get a photo of the best food at Lava Java - let me know by posting a comment here or sending me a facebook message. Let's make this some fun, interactive coverage...

Click the Play button below JUST ONCE, then wait a moment and the video will begin.

.TTV - Kona in Sports | View More .
Watch this video for a race week tip from Sergio Borges

.Kona 2 in Sports | View More .
Belinda Granger sees dolphins!


.Craig Alexander sees Manta Rey in triathlon | View More .
Craig Alexander sees a manta rey!

Great Kona Condo Available

My good friend Susan works with a company called Prince Properties in Kona. Every year, I rent a condo for a week or two during the Ironman. They have some truly amazing properties available, and they have some great deals that go on during Ironman week. Their service is impeccable and I've never been disappointed with my stay.

Right now, they have a two-bedroom ocean front condo available for $135 a night at a 7-night minumum. It's well-appointed with a large wrap-around lanai, has great ocean views, and can sleep 5. This is a great place to stay during Ironman week, so if you're going to the race and haven't booked a room yet, check this one out.

If you've already got a place to stay, make sure to keep Prince Properties in mind for your trip next year. The photos above are of the available condo. The photos below are of other Prince Properties places available and of the surrounding areas.

If you're interested in the condo or want to check out Prince's other properties, below is Susan's contact info:

Susan McKay R(S)
Property Management
Prince Properties, Inc
877-782-5662 Office
808-334-0545 FAX
susan@konatraveler.com
www.KonaTraveler.com

Jarrod Shoemaker wins Duathlon Worlds

The USA’s Jarrod Shoemaker used a blazing final sprint to come back from outside the top 20 on the final 5k run to win the elite men’s ITU Duathlon short course World Championship in a photo finish over France’s Damien Derobert.

Shoemaker, the 2005 Under 23 Triathlon World Champion, fired off a 13:52 final 5k -- 23 seconds faster than Derobert – to take the win by a chest lean at the tape in a time of 1:49:02.

Shoemaker, a 2008 Olympian who won a breakthrough first ITU World Championship Series race this summer in Hamburg, almost fell out of contention when a crash in the misty rain on lap five of the bike put him half a minute back of the lead pack. But Shoemaker worked with a strong chase group to pull into T2 in 20th place, just over 20 seconds back of the lead pack which included Derobert, Jurgen Dereere of Belgium and Sergio Silva of Portugal.

Shoemaker jetted after the leaders on the run, rising to 4th place after 2.5k. By the time he reached the home stretch on the tarmac of Lowe’s Motor Speedway where NASCAR racers routinely are flying along at 180 mph, Shoemaker had dispensed with Silva and had Derobert and Dereere in his sights.

Shoemaker surged into the lead, and then Derobert counter attacked. But with a final burst that put the lie to Shoemaker’s reputation that he did not have a finish line sprint, the Sudbury, Massachusetts flash nipped the Frenchman at the tape.

While crediting any duathlon or triathlon event, even world championships, with accurate measurement is a low percentage bet at best, Shoemaker’s 5,000-meter split would have won gold at the 1952 Olympics...

Click here to read the complete article.

Asthma not stopping triathlete

A man from Cochrane who has severe asthma is about to compete in an ironman triathlon in Hawaii.

Shawn Strachan was diagnosed with asthma when he was a child after a bout of pneumonia and has only 52% lung capacity.

He has avoided participating in physical activities because of his condition but now he is pushing himself to show others that the disease can be managed.

Strachan started training for the race months ago and says even though he is a little apprehensive, he is still confident that he will be able to complete the race.

"Very nervous, very nervous, I mean I did 7 half distance ironman's and was only able to complete five, two of those I had to stop because of my lungs," said Shawn...

Click here to read the complete article.

Amey and Dogana, the first stars of the TriStar200 Andalucía

Paul Amey, winner of the inaugural edition: “This is more fun than an Ironman!”

The inaugural Challenge TriStar200 Andalucía Doñana Challenge developed dramatically, uniting the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz and through the Doñana National Park. Paul Amey (GBR) and Italy's Martina Dogana are the first winners of a unique race that has had very positive resonance from the more than 200 participants who were up for the challenge of this new competition format.

One of the great innovations, the start of the peloton cycling, has facilitated a good battle between several riders who decided to break away in the ascent to Medina Sidonia. Thomas Darby (FIN) had a 12 seconds lead ahead of Ramon Garcia (ESP) and Austrian Alexander Wilhelm Franc, while Paul Amey (GBR) would take the lead from kilometer 110. On the women’s side, Tiina Boman (FIN), Martina Dogana, Christel Robin (FRA) and Nieve Infante from Andalucía dominated the bike leg.

After crossing the River Guadalquivir Paul Amey was still in the lead and none of his pursuers, including Spaniard Marcel Zamora who managed to make up a lot of time on the run, could close the gap. The renowned British triathlete Amey completed the 200 miles of the Doñana Challenge in 6:09:40. "It was fantastic; it's more fun than an Ironman! It has been a real challenge to feel the loneliness in Doñana, and running on the beach on sand has been a new experience. I will definitely participate in more events of the TriStar series!” Marcel Zamora was also satisfied with his participation in the TriStar200 Andalucía and remarked "it is a very attractive and interesting event that will attract many more participants for the next edition - it is perfectly organized. Alejandro Santamaria completed the podium three minutes behind Zamora...

Click here to read the complete article.

Click here to view the race results.

Click here to view more photos.

All photos credit of TriStar200 Andalucía

The Great Athlete Auction

If you're familiar with Ironman, you're familiar with the Blazeman Warriors. You've seen them doing the "log roll" across the finish line--Chrissie Wellington, Dede Griesbauer, Matt Reed, and Leanda Cave. They roll in honor of Jonathan "Blazeman" Blais, who lost his life to ALS in May 2007.

The Blazeman Foundation for ALS raises awareness about the disease by leveraging the energy, commitment and compassion of the multisport community, and earn funding for scientific research for find treatments and an eventual cure for ALS. So far, team Blaseman has raised more than $562,000 for their ALS Awareness and Research Fund.

Blazeman Warrior Leanda Cave has started The Great Athlete Auction to help the Blazeman Foundation reach their goal of $750,000. The Great Athlete Auction is asking for donations in the form of athlete-sponsored items, race entries, miscellaneous items, race suits, autographs, books, getaways, etc. These items will be available on ebay two weeks before the Hawaii Ironman in Kona on October 10. The auction will end as the pro triathletes are finishing. All proceeds will go to the Blazeman Foundation for ALS.

The Great Athlete Auction already has some amazing items for sale. Here are two of them:

ITEM 24: One Charity Slot to the 2010 Eagleman Ironman 70.3. The EAGLEMAN Ironman 70.3 is an avid supporter of charitable causes, one of which is the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. This race is a true test of both your physical and mental toughness. It is set in the beautiful historic town of Cambridge, Maryland, an authentic Chesapeake town on the Eastern Shore, known for its rich history, beautiful buildings, vibrant arts scene, and one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Value of US$250.00.

ITEM 20: Aqua Sphere Icon Wetsuit (in Wms sml) and Aqua Sphere Goodie Bag. Designed for the Elite triathlete looking for the maximum edge, the Icon is a universal fit and is ultra-light, while offering maximum buoyancy, flexibility, and warmth. Value of donation including goodie bag: US$600.00+.


Please click here to check out Leanda's original article, and here to check out The Great Athlete Auction's blog to see daily updates on new items. Please consider donating and bidding!

Nautica Malibu Triathlon and Celebrity Photos

When Entourage's Jeremy Piven was having coffee with a friend, the talk turned to triathlon--the friend was racing in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. "I want to do that," thought Piven.

And he did. Piven was one of several hundred athletes who took part in the 2009 Nautica
Malibu Triathlon on Sunday. Competitors swam a half-mile, ran 18 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway, and then did a four-mile run in Zuma and Trancas beaches.

Along with Jeremy Piven, many big hollywood celebs raced, including Jennifer Lopez, Terri Hatcher, Mario Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Andy Baldwin, William H. Macy, and Felicity Huffman. Disney CEO Bob Iger completed as a relay participant, and also presented a $250,000 check to Childrens Hospital. The athletes raced to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angles, topping their goal of raising $1 million.

The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is always a great event, but this year was an especially great success--thanks to all the athletes who raised so much money for this amazing cause. Check back in a day or two for the video from the event!
All photos are credit of Caue Suplicy, suplicybikes.com

World Triathlon Corporation Enhances Anti-Doping Program

September 10, 2009 (Tampa, Fla.) - World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner and organizer of the Ironman and 70.3 event brands, announces the launch of a new, comprehensive Anti-Doping Program. Beginning this month, athletes competing in Ironman and 70.3 events are eligible for in and out-of-competition drug testing. Additionally, a Registered Testing Pool (RTP) consisting of professional and elite age group athletes who have qualified for either of the World Championships will be created. From this RTP, athletes will be selected for random testing.

“Ironman has been conducting testing since 1990, and this is our latest initiative to maintain the integrity of our testing program and keep the sport of triathlon drug-free,” said Ben Fertic, president and CEO of the World Triathlon Corporation.

WTC signed and accepted the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code in June of 2005 and has registered with WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). This system manages the athletes’ whereabouts and racing calendars, in addition to serving as the results clearinghouse for the program. WTC will also work cooperatively with other National Anti-Doping Agencies (NADOs) to streamline testing initiatives and anti-doping efforts throughout the sport as a whole. The partner and service provider for all testing and administration will be the Association of National Anti-Doping Organizations – Anti-Doping Service (ANADO-ADS).

Casey Wade, Executive Director of ANADO, applauded WTC’s efforts, stating, “Putting this program in place clearly demonstrates a serious commitment to maintaining a clean sport and keeping doping out of Ironman’s competitive arena.”

Chrissie Wellington to Headline Inaugural GOTRIbal-Fest and Charity Fun Ride

GOTRIbal® (www.gotribalnow.com) is pleased to announce that Chrissie Wellington, 2x Ironman World Champion and ironman distance World Record holder, will greet 100 women who attend the inaugural GOTRIBal-Fest in San Diego on October 17, 2009. Chrissie will also lead a charity fun ride & enjoy a girls’ lunch to support the local chapter of the Girls On The Run nonprofit organization.

GOTRIbal Fest is a one–of-a-kind experience for women of all ages and experience who love running, swimming and biking. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with top professional athletes such as Chrissie, test equipment from top manufacturers, attend educational seminars from industry experts, share ideas, experiences and most importantly the passion for triathlon with one another! In keeping with the mission of GOTRIbal®, the Fest will enable women to build their own support networks and “pay it forward” to help other women achieve what they may not have thought possible, in and out of sport. The GOTRIbal-Fest will be held at the Hyatt Bay Resort in San Diego on October 17, 2009, and is limited to 100 attendees.

The next day, October 18th, Chrissie will be leading a charity fun ride and lunch for a random selection of Conference attendees. Twenty four lucky women will join her on a bike ride followed by food and drinks and a chance to ask questions, and yes – even get an autograph or two! Proceeds from this charity ride will support the San Diego chapter of the Girls on the Run. www.girlsontherun.org

For more information about registering for GOTRIBal-Fest, please visit us online at www.gotribalnowevents.com.


About GOTRIbal®: GOTRIbal® exists to provide the resources, tools and means to connect women around the world together so that they, through the power of sport, can accomplish anything they dream of doing; finishing a triathlon, asking for a promotion, starting a business or even leaving a destructive relationship. Once women GOTRIbal®they experience a personal transformation that empowers them – and challenges them - to rethink what is possible. GOTRIbal® seeks to offer triathlon, and its worldwide TRIbe of women, as a means to empower, engage and excite women who want to accomplish things they never thought possible.

About Chrissie Wellington: Chrissie is a British triathlete who is the reigning, and double, World Ironman Champion and world record holder for the ironman-distance triathlon. She is noted for having won the World Championship less than a year after turning professional, an achievement which has been described as "a remarkable feat, deemed to be a near impossible task for any athlete racing as a rookie at their first Ironman World Championships." She is also the first British athlete to win the World Ironman Championship. In addition to the Ironman titles, she was also the 2006 ITU World Age Group Triathlon Champion and is the current ITU Long-Distance Triathlon World Champion. www.chrissiewellington.org

Marauding marine mammal chews up triathlete

Forget about bears and cougars — animal attacks just keep getting odd-er.

A 49-year-old triathlete in this mountain town about 275 km west of Calgary was training in an area lake for an upcoming Ironman competition when he had the surprise of his life — an angry otter viciously attacking his leg about a dozen times.

“I was scared,” said Sanford Schmid of the unusual Aug. 22 incident in Lake Lillian, about 5 km from Invermere.

“At the time I didn’t know what it was hitting me and the fact I was out there in the water, helpless, while it was attacking me – it was freaky!”

Decked out in black wetsuits, goggles and black swim caps, Schmid and wife Mary-Janne had just begun swimming a 1,500-metre lap when the furry attack from the depths happened.

Schmid was facedown in the water about 250 metres from shore, when he felt something hit his foot.

“It was like a thud,” he said.

“It just felt like someone was pulling on my foot, like something was going to grab me.”

Thinking he had accidentally kicked a floating log, Sanford continued swimming. Then to his surprise, he felt another thud and turned over on his back to see what was hitting him.

“I saw something come towards me in the water and I started kicking hard,” he said. “I didn’t want whatever it was to bite me. I thought ‘the more I can move around, the less chance of it grabbing me.’”

Panicked, Schmid headed for a small wooden dock 25 metres away. He began to kick harder, but the otter continued its attacks...

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Tri-Celebrity Navy Doctor Andy Baldwin to Lead 420-mile Bike Ride Across Pennsylvania

World-class triathlete, former star of The Bachelor, and my good friend Dr. Andy Baldwin to highlight childhood obesity crisis. Visit www.healthride.org to learn more.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Andy Baldwin, M.D., star of 2007’s The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman, will lead a 420-mile bike ride across Pennsylvania in October to raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with childhood obesity. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, at least 20 percent of Pennsylvania children are overweight.

“Our nation’s epidemic of childhood obesity weighs heavy on the future of our youth - and on my heart personally,” said Dr. Baldwin, an eight-time Ironman finisher and three-time USA Triathlon All-American. “As committed citizens and neighbors, we can and must serve as important role models to our children and teach them the power of healthy habits.”
The Pennsylvania Health Ride and Kids Fitness Days will kick off with two assemblies in Pittsburgh schools on October 2. The bike ride will begin in Pittsburgh on October 4 and end in Philadelphia on October 10. Along the route, Dr. Baldwin and others will host public events for children that highlight physical fitness, healthy eating and bike safety. There will also be motivational talks and public forums for parents and educators.

“Studies show that overweight children risk serious health issues as adults, such as coronary disease, Type II diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and even cancer,” Dr. Baldwin said. “The Pennsylvania Health Ride is a fun, interactive way for me to encourage kids and parents to avoid these problems and live strong, healthy lives.”

The Pennsylvania Health Ride will follow the PennDOT S Bike Route and make several stops across the state. Some details are still being finalized, but the schedule is as follows:
• October 2 – Kickoff assemblies at two City of Pittsburgh schools
• October 4 – Ride begins with event in downtown Pittsburgh
• October 5 – Ride to Rockwood (Somerset Co.) Health Fair at Rockwood Elementary
• October 6 – Ride to Everett (Bedford Co.) Health Fair at Everett Elementary
• October 7 – Ride to Chambersburg (Franklin Co.) Health Fairs at Fayetteville Elementary and Cumberland Valley High School (Cumberland Co.)
• October 8 – Ride to Columbia (Lancaster Co.) Health Fair at Park Elementary School
• October 9 – Ride to Valley Forge, Health Fair at Hill-Freedman Middle School (Philadelphia Co.)
• October 10 – Ride into Philadelphia with celebration on Art Museum’s “Rocky Steps”

Dr. Baldwin is working closely with other prominent Pennsylvanians and sponsors to make the Health Ride a success. He will be joined by several VIP riders, including Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., Acting U.S. Surgeon General; Everette James, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health; and other public officials and sports figures. Community organizations are encouraged to get involved to help spread the word about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Riders are welcome to join the Health Ride at any point along the bike route and participate to their level of ability.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Health Ride and Kids Fitness Days 2009 and how you can participate, please visit www.healthride.org. For more information about Dr. Baldwin, go to www.andybaldwin.com.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Andy Baldwin, M.D. is a physician, humanitarian, and Navy diver at the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C. where he serves as a spokesman and advocate for Navy medicine. Additionally, as an Ironman Triathlete, and National Health/Fitness Specialist, he assists the U.S. Surgeon General with his initiative Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future - a national program that combats childhood overweight and obesity.

Avoid this - Top 10 list of common triathlete mistakes

New athletes to the sport of triathlon often make the same mistakes other triathletes prior to them have made. Since this sport combines three disciplines and slams them together into one, there are millions of mistakes to be made no matter how many triathlons you complete.

Hopefully by reading the following information you won't make a fool of yourself or sometimes worse, look like a fool...

Click here to read the complete article.

Actress and Triathlete Maxine Bahns on First-Time Parenthood

During the Experience Life cover shoot for the September 2009 issue, actress-athlete Maxine Bahns discusses navigating first-time parenthood and nurturing her relationship with husband Patrick Watson.


Maxine Bahns is an model, actress and triathlete. She has starred in the 1997 indie hit The Brothers McMullen, and is currently appearing on CBS' The Mentalist.

In 1999, she did her first sprint triathlon and came in 3rd in her age group. She was hooked. Since then, she has completed Ironman Hawaii and a handful of half Ironman and olympic distances.

Outside of acting and triathlon, Max enjoys representing companies such as Triathlete Magazine, Health, Her Sports, Competitor and Runner's World.

Call for Athletes

Call for athletes: This Fall, athletes will assemble in the African dawn to participate in a triathlon event benefiting Worldbike, a nonprofit organization delivering bicycles to the rural poor. Ross and James are friends of mine, we need to fill two spots (I may take one) - pass around please.

Visit WorldBike.org to learn more.

Cyclist and Ironman triathlete struck by lightning in Boulder, Colorado

So what do you do after you are struck by lightning while training for an Ironman triathlon.
If you are 44-year-old Terri Menghini you go out and buy a Powerball ticket.
"I was just lucky. So I'm going to go buy a Powerball ticket now," Menghini said.

The mother of 5 was riding mile 78 of her 100-mile bike ride on North Foothills Highway just ourside of Boulder, Colorado near Longhorn Road, when the sky turns dark and she saw lightning in the distance.

"I thought, 'I'm two miles from my car. That's about five minutes. I'm going to go for it,'" Menghini said.

But luck was not on her side.

"There was one lightning bolt and within a minute, the second one got me," she added.
Menghini passed out and when she woke up she could not move her arms and there were people standing over her holding umbrellas.

She was taken to Boulder Community Hospital were she was treated for her injuries, which included a temporary loss of eye sight, fortunately she was mostly uninjured and she was eventually released.

"My training, I'm still going to do it," she said. "I've been an athlete my whole life, and I'm not going to stop that."

To read the original article, click here.

Intense daily workout may keep cancer at bay, study finds

WEDNESDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- Increased oxygen consumption associated with moderate- to high-intensity exercise appears to reduce the risk of cancer, a new study has found.
The Finnish study included 2,560 men, aged 42 to 61, whose leisure-time physical activity was assessed over one year. None of the men had a history of cancer, according to the report published online July 28 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

During an average follow-up of 16 years, 181 of the men died from cancer. Those who engaged in moderate- to high-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes a day were 50 percent less likely to develop cancer compared with the other men.

The researchers found that an increase of 1.2 metabolic units (oxygen consumption) was related to a decreased risk of cancer death, especially in lung and gastrointestinal cancers, after they took into account factors such as age, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and fiber/fat intake.

"The intensity of leisure-time physical activity should be at least moderate so that beneficial effect of physical activity for reducing overall cancer mortality can be achieved," the study authors wrote in a news release.

Click here to read the article on Yahoo! News.

Former Runner's World Publisher to lead Competitor Media Division

Andrew Hersam Joins Competitor Group as EVP, Media

San Diego, CA – July 21, 2009 – The Competitor Group (CGI) today announced that Andrew R. Hersam has been named Executive Vice President of Media, effective immediately.

Hersam is an accomplished media executive with over 20 years of managing print, digital, radio, television and event brands. During his five-year tenure as a Rodale executive, Hersam served as Vice President and Publishing Director of Runner’s World Media Group, which he led through an unprecedented period of growth and expansion.

“We are thrilled to have Andy join our team at Competitor,” said Peter Englehart, President and CEO of CGI. “Not only does he bring an enormous wealth of knowledge and media experience, but he carries direct endurance industry expertise combined with a personal passion for the space. Andy is poised to direct the future growth of the publishing, digital and sponsorship operations for our expanding event and media properties.”

“Given my passion for the endurance market, I have closely followed the creation and development of the Competitor Group since its inception,” said Hersam, who will relocate to CGI’s corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA. “Competitor is the leader in engaging and inspiring millions of endurance athletes. No other company offers a more effective and robust opportunity to advertisers. I look forward to leading the company’s media expansion, partnering with both Peter and Scott, and renewing many of my endurance industry relationships.”

Scott Dickey, Competitor Group COO, added “We have spent the past 18 months developing the assets and building the framework from which to deliver truly unique partnerships. Having an executive such as Andy join our team simply affirms the value of our properties and fuels the continued momentum in our organization and throughout the endurance industry.”

Hersam, who most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of Westwood One Inc., brings to CGI an expansive background in both developing traditional and new media assets. At Westwood One, Hersam oversaw over $500 million in radio, TV and digital sales across the company's brand portfolio. Prior to his tenures with Westwood One and Rodale, Hersam spent six years as the New York Advertising Director of Sports Illustrated and eight years at Times-Mirror in a variety of executive positions. He is also an avid endurance athlete and a board member of Running USA, a leading industry association devoted to the growth and success of the running industry in America.

About The Competitor Group

Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is the leading media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. CGI is a portfolio company of Falconhead Capital and comprised of the following brands: Competitor Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Inside Triathlon, VeloNews, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Muddy Buddy and VeloPress. CGI owns and operates 27 national events delivering more than 250,000 professional and amateur participants in 2009. CGI publishes four magazine titles with a combined monthly circulation of over 800,000 and has soft launched an endurance community web presence under competitor.com. Further information about Competitor and its media properties can be found at www.competitor.com.

Triathlete Tackles 5 Countries

A triathlete has run, swum and cycled 1,681 miles (2705km) across five countries for charity after his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Matthew Bennett, 33, from Rossett, near Wrexham, hopes to raise £250,000 for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

He swam the Strait of Gibraltar, cycled through France and Spain, and ran back home from London.

Mr Bennett's father, Martin, was diagnosed three years ago.

He started his journey on 1 May and his triathlon coincided with The Prostate Cancer Charity's first ever Prostate Cancer Awareness Month...

Click here to read the complete article.

Cycling Training Damages Triathlete Sperm

The high-intensity training undertaken by triathletes has a significant impact on the quality of their sperm, Spanish researchers said.

Diana Vaamonde of the University of Cordoba Medical School in Cordoba in Spain said triathletes who did the most cycling training had the worst sperm morphology.

The research team had previously shown that both high exercise intensity and high exercise volume may be detrimental to sperm quality. Of the three modalities of the triathlete, only cycling -- the activity for which triathletes undertake the most training -- showed a clear correlation with sperm quality.

The more cycling training the sportsmen undertook, both in time and miles, the worse their sperm quality became, Vaamonde said.

Vaamonde said the researchers believe it is likely the findings may be due...

Click here to read the complete article.

Sign Up for the Tag the World Charity Triathlon With Celebrity Guests

On August 23, the beautiful shores of Waikiki will play host to the Tag the World Charity Triathlon. The triathlon will consist of a 700m swim, a 12 m bike, and a 5k run. The course is flat and fast, with views of the gorgeous Hawaii coastline throughout. The event is working in partnership with "It Takes an Ohana," and will be partnering each celebrity with a foster kid and also a triathlete. The event weekend will include: a Tag The World Charity red carpet luau presented by HILuxury Magazine 8/21, 7p at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a press conference 8/22, 3p at the Halekulani hotel, and a full Sprint triathlon on 8/23, 8:00a. A celebrity list has already been confirmed. Online registration is available.

Hannah Cornett, the event's PR and Media/Events coordinator says, "Tag The World Charity is honored to be paired with the Hawaiian charity "It Takes an Ohana" to raise funds and awareness for foster youth through this triathlon. All proceeds from the event will go towards saving the ITAO organization which is being shut down due to loss of grants. We're hoping through this triathlon (which will include giving 30 of these foster youths a chance to compete on VIP teams), your participation, and celebrities we can save the charity and over 300 foster youth. Come compete, come enjoy a weekend filled with events, come race along side your favorite celebrities (currently, we have 15 high profile celebs from Laird Hamilton to Nick Lachey) all for a good cause. "Tag, you're it!" Now go make a difference!"

Visit tagtheworldtriathlon.com to learn more about the event, or click here to register online now.

Ironman Just Released: Ironman from the Inside Video--Long Version

Ironman just released the all-new, full-length version of the video "Ironman From the Inside." Great song, great motivation! - see if you recognize anyone...check it out below.

"Watch this Ironman Triathlon From The Inside video for an inside perspective on the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Mitch Thrower, the first athlete in history to race in the Ironman with a Video Camera, provides commentary and perspective. If you've ever wondered what it's like to race in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, have a look. Note: Special Training and permission were required. This is the extended version of the 3 min video released earlier. A very special thanks to Max Graham, for his song, "Does She Know Yet" (avail at iTunes)."

New Novel Features Triathlete Hero

Check out this exciting new novel by author Jeff Donahue, a thriller featuring a triathlete protagonist.

No Finish Line by Jeff Donahue is a novel of intense competition, intrigue and the extreme endurance of the human body. When Alex Foreman completes his first win in an Ironman triathlon event, he is approached by a stranger who offers him an invitation to an exclusive race: a triathlon with no finish line. Alex agrees and soon finds himself trapped on a private island with fellow competitors, forced to literally run for their lives.

"I was inspired to write the book after completing Ironman Florida in 2005," Donahue says. "There are very few works of fiction based on the sport of triathlon, one of the fastest-growing competitive events in the world. My hope is that this book will speak to the growing audience of triathletes and fans."

Soon after arriving on the island for the mysterious race, Alex and other competitors learn that when they drop out of the race they will be shot and killed, all for the entertainment of an elite group of spectators. Left at home and worried for her husband's safety, Alex's wife Kara alerts the FBI. Now Alex must find a way to stay alive until federal agents are able to find the island and end the race without a finish line.

About the Author
Jeff Donahue is an assistant vice president of finance for a life insurance company and an avid swimmer, runner and triathlete. A graduate of Bentley College, he has competed in triathlons of various distances, from short sprints to Ironman competitions. He resides in Melrose with his wife Bonnie and three children. This is his first novel.

Purchase No Finish Line from Amazon.com here.

Exotic Triathlon, Anyone?

On November 8th, Mauritius Island will play host to what looks to be one of the world's most beautiful triathlons. The Ocean Indian Triathlon consists of a 1.8 km swim in a lagoon, a 55 km bike through the tough Chamarel Pass, and a 12 km run along the beach. Gorgeous hotels in the a area make it the idea triathlon to plan a vacation around; after the race, spend a few days with your family enjoying the beautiful scenery and the tropical waters of Mauritius Island.

Registration for this event has begun! Click here to view the event's website.

Mauritius island is an island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometres (560 mi) east of Madagascar. In addition to the island of Mauritius, the Republic includes the islands of St. Brandon, Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands. Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Réunion 200 km (125 mi) to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues 570 km (350 mi) to the northeast.
The island of Mauritius is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo. First sighted by Europeans around 1600 on Mauritius, the dodo became extinct less than eighty years later.

To read more about Mauritius, click here to view its page on Wikipedia.

Cool Triathlon Blog to Check Out

If you're looking for an inspirational new triathlon blog, I've got a great site to share. Coach Jay is an elite triathlete, coach, and a seven time Hawaii Ironman World Championship finisher. He has over 12 years of coaching experience, having coached over 200 athletes including top ranked professional triathletes, an Ironman Clermont Champion, an Ironkids National Champion, and a World Age Group Silver Medalist. Jay has also coached Team USA Members, World Junior Team Members, and dozens of Ironman competitors.

Coach Jay has long excelled in triathlon, despite some recurrent health issues (his inspirational words about his most recent health scare will be the first thing you see on his blog.) His posts about staying positive, healthy, and continuing to persevere in the sport give me motivation to train harder and better. I encourage you all to check out his awesome triathlon blog here.

Marc Rubin's Amazing Journey to Triathlon

Need some training inspiration? Read Marc Rubin's incredible story:

I am a forty one-year-old attorney with 3 kids and a loving wife. I am obsessed with the sport of triathlon - specifically qualifying for Kona and the Ironman World Championship. To that end, I have to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles. To qualify, depending on the Ironman qualifier, I have to finish in the top seven to ten in my age group. To be sure, I have to complete 140.6 miles in just under 10-hours.

On March 7, 2009, I completed Ironman New Zealand in 9:55. In so doing, I qualified for the Ironman World Championships. This is my story.

At 41, I am having more fun in athletics than I've ever had. Having lost more than 150 pounds (take a look at the picture at the bottom of this page), I am on the fringes of being an elite triathlete. I now weigh 168 pounds and have just 6 percent body fat. I was named an All-American for my performance during 2007. I try to make healthy decisions now about what I do and what I eat.

You are probably asking how is that relevant to me or why do I care about your obsessions? One reason is that so many people told me that my goals were unrealistic and not possible. Are others limiting your visions? Your goals? I bet if you think about it you will find that they are. That makes how I destroyed my limitations relevant. My website is all about making healthy lifestyle changes by making good choices while setting and achieving our goals.

First, it is important to note that I was not always heavy. I earned eight varsity letters in high school and played football and baseball in college. Following college, my weight began to creep up - maybe ten pounds a year. However, following law school and while studying for the Arizona Bar Exam, I gained another sixty pounds.

On New Year's Day 2003, I sat by the trail that snakes its way up what was then known as Squaw Peak feeling like I was about to die. Weighing 325 pounds at the time, I also felt frustrated that I could not complete the hike with my wife, Suzanne, and our two sons, Nathan, then 4, and Joel. My family descended and went home.

I saw the disappointment in Nathan's eyes, I recalled. I sat at home devastated. I felt sorry for myself for a couple of days. It was like how in the hell did you get yourself in this mess? You've really done it now.

It is easy to see now how I got in that mess. My diet was replete with everything that is wrong with the American Diet. I was addicted to sugar and processed foods. I was drinking up to ten carbonated Coke products a day. I drank so many in fact that I actually became allergic to the caffeine.

Anyway, the hiking incident jogged my memory of my childhood. Growing up with a father who constantly faced health problems, rarely was I active with him. My father suffered from a debilitating hip injury, heart disease, and fought a prolonged battle with cancer.

I could now clearly see the generational pattern I was replicating. In the past I had lost weight, then promptly gained it back and more. I felt pathetic and lost.

Not long after this humiliating Squaw Peak retreat, a friend called to invite me to lunch.

I said great, I like to eat so I'll go to lunch.

The lunch turned out to be a major turning point in my life. I was stunned to see that this friend has lost nearly 70 pounds since the last time I had seen him. My friend had been under the care of Sofie Fontis, a weight loss doctor at Scottsdale-based Chiro-Med.

I told him that I would love to see her. Then he said, fine, because I've paid for you to see her. She taught me how to eat right, and the weight started coming off. Like ice melting, the pounds began to slowly disappear.

As they did, I began to feel reinforced by hearing positive comments on how I looked. The good feelings I felt began to snowball, motivating me to stay on my weight loss regime. I was hell-bent to stay on course. In six months I lost 40 pounds.

These forty pounds were the hardest pounds to lose because people actually tried to sabotage my efforts with comments like you look fine or reward yourself, etc.

Once I got down to 275, I became more active in the gym. Before then I was just walking every day. Once in the gym I got a trainer, she helped me regain my fitness and taught me about stretching.

In October 2003, a bit trimmer, I entered the sprint event at the SOMA triathlon. Amazingly, I crossed the finish line and I was hooked.

But then the nagging injuries began; old baseball and football injuries began acting up. A third-degree shoulder separation had ended my baseball career at Wake Forest, while a nagging torn knee tendon plagued me as a linebacker at SMU in the late 1980s. Also, bad form and an overly aggressive event schedule had me taking one step forward and two steps back for he next nine months.

Relief came at Endurance Rehab, a Scottsdale physical therapy company.

I work with Nate Koch, he's a big part of my story, he put me back together. I had tons of unresolved injuries from college. We worked on running mechanics; I had never been a runner. Now I was running 50 miles a week. I was going to get hurt. He made me more structurally sound.

I went from not being able to walk around the block to competing and completing Ironman Arizona in 2005.

It was stupidity! I went 14:37 my first year to 11:36 in 2006.

Following that adventure, I began to work with three time Ironman Champion Melissa Spooner. Melissa taught me how to eat and the principles that she taught me are the backbone of my diet today. In addition to diet, Melissa has helped me evolve as an endurance athlete.

In September 2008, I made a major change and switched coaches. I am now working with Hillary Biscay (www.HillaryBiscay.com). Hillary is another Ironman Champion (Wisconsin '08) and a true warrior. I love Hillary's approach to the sport and the fact that she loves the SMASHFEST. There is no one that I would rather work with than Hillary. She is accessible and I think she truly understands what I need as an athlete.

I train with an exceptional group of people. They are great athletes but better people. I would not trade my group at Tri-Scottsdale which operates out of Gainey Village Health Club and Spa for any other group anywhere. They have become my family.

Speaking of family, I owe so much to Lewis Elliot (www.LewisElliot.com). Lewis like Melissa and Hillary is also a professional triathlete and he has taught me the nuts and bolts about racing and pushing your body to the next level. I was not lucky enough to have a brother but if I did I would want him to be just like Lewis.

After going 10:10:59 at Ironman AZ 2007 I am working toward a 10-hour tri and the elusive Kona spot. In June 2007, I competed in IM Couer d' Alene. My training regimen for Coeur d'Alene- and the June 3 Escape From Alcatraz-consisted of riding 350 miles a week on the bike, 60 to 70 miles running and more than 13 miles in the water. Unfortunately, I came up just short finishing in 10:27. Ironman Florida 2007 was supposed to be my next shot. Unfortunately, I broke my collarbone racing in Dallas so I did not get that opportunity. Similarly, I was hit by a car training for Ironman Arizona and separated my shoulder.

Foolishly, despite the fact that I was not ready, I took another shot at Ironman Couer d' Alene in June 2008 . The rust showed and stomach problems led to my first DNF. I trained the rest of the summer to go under 9:40 at Ironman Arizona. Unfortunately, I did not have the day that I needed and finished in 10:30.

My training with Hillary continues and we both believe that I can go sub 9:45 in 2009. In 2009, I am competing in four Ironman races *New Zealand, Germany, Hawaii, and Arizona.

Now, my diet is based on the concepts I learned from Melissa and the principles in The Cure for Heart Disease by Dr. Dwight Lundell. This book demonstrates the benefits of a high protein low fat low carbohydrate diet. (If you have an interest in the book, please email me at Marc@triscottsdale.org).

Look, CHANGE IS HARD. In fact, I tried and failed several other times to lose weight. Everyday millions of people decide to make a lifestyle change. And everyday, just like me, millions of people fail to achieve their goal. It is popularly believed that in 1953 researchers polled the graduating class of Yale University and found that 3% of the graduates practiced goal setting and had a set of clearly defined written goals.

In 1973 researchers went back and visited the class of '53 and found that the 3% of the graduates who had the clear and written goals had amassed a fortune worth more than the other 97% combined. This is powerful evidence that goal setting is a proven process in creating and defining success.

If you really want change to happen then you need to write it down. However, in addition to writing it down, I believe it is paramount that any goal that you set is a SMART goal.

SMART goals have four defining characteristics. They are:
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

Specific

Goals must reflect what YOU want to happen. Notice the emphasis on YOU. Change for anyone other than yourself has a limited chance of success. Thus, if your spouse wants you to stop smoking but you have not bought in to that then the chance for success is limited. The goal should be to the point. Do not beat around the bush. If weight loss is the goal then rather than saying I want to look better say I want to lose 35 pounds. By emphasizing what you want to happen you will focus and define what it is you are going to do.

Specific is the nuts and bolts of what you are going to do. It answers the What, Why, and How questions.

WHAT are you going to do? Use action words such as lose, stop, start, etc. WHY is the reason that you want to change a behavior. It asks why is this change important to do at this time? What do you want to ultimately accomplish? HOW are you going to do it?

Ensure the goals you set is very specific, clear and easy. Instead of setting a goal go to the gym or be healthier, set a specific goal to walk 2.5 miles at a challenging pace.

Measurable

If it can’t be measured then how will you know if you have achieved it? The goal you set becomes your metric by which you will measure your success. In essence, the goal statement is a measure for your success; if the goal is accomplished, there is a success.

Attainable

Goals that are extremely ambitious or difficult you probably won't commit to doing. Although you may start out with a rush of energy and determination your subconscious will keep reminding you of this fact and will try to derail your effort. A goal can be a step in the direction of change. For instance, if you aim to lose 100 lbs that may be more than your subconscious can handle. But, by setting a goal to loose 2 pounds a week you can keep your subconscious interested. And when you've achieved that, aiming to lose further pounds will be a possibility

Realistic

Do not confuse Realistic with a piece of cake. Realistic, in this case, means within your abilities. It further implies that the skills needed to make a change are available. If they are not available it does not mean the goal is doomed. Rather, it means an intermediary step of attaining those necessary skills is required.

If the skill are not available then devise a plan to get the skills necessary to achieve your goal . In my case, when I decided I wanted to lose weight and become a triathlete I had to take a hard look at my skill sets. I had flat feet, and every time I started to train I got hurt. Thus, I could not become an Ironman until my muscles and joints, etc. were ready. Therefore, I had to take an intermediary step and develop those skills before I could set a goal of becoming an Ironman.

Your goals should be such that they can be attained with some effort! If they are too difficult then you set the stage for failure. If they are too easy you send a message that you are not capable to your subconscious.

Timely

Remember your goal is your measure of success. Thus, always set a timeframe for achieving your goal. For example, I will lose 20 pounds by the end of January 2008. An ending point gives you a timeline to work within.

Setbacks can occur if you do not set a timeframe. If you don't set a time, the commitment is too vague. Without an endpoint, there's no urgency to start taking action now.

Writing down my goals and making these goals SMART has enabled me to make life saving changes to my behavior. As a direct result of doing this I have lost over 150 pounds and I am now within ten minutes of my goal to qualify for the Ironman World Championship. I use this skill in all aspects of my personal and professional life. Try this on a simple goal and see if it works for you.

-Marc Rubin

To learn more about Marc and his awesome 10 Hours organization, click here.

Book Recommendation: In Fitness and in Health

My friend Phil Maffetone recently published a book called In Fitness and in Health. Dr. Phil Maffetone, besides being an accomplished endurance athlete and all-around great guy, is a health expert who is renowned worldwide for his work in diet, nutrition, stress management, and biofeedback. He's been named coach of the year by Triathlete Magazine and called one of the top 20 most influential people in endurance sports worldwide by Inside Triathlon. Phil was instrumental in my recovery last year. I'm a fan.

As triathletes, we constantly struggle to eat and exercise in a way that optimizes our racing time. In a world of conflicting advice about fats and carbs, aerobic and anerobic, I welcomed In Fitness and in Health as a sane guidebook. Phil offers real methods to attain and maintain health, and stories about real people whom he has helped to take charge of their health and gain better lives.

In Fitness and in Health takes a novel approach to wellness, suggesting that it is up to each of us to take charge of the long-term care of our bodies. Phil advocates that medicine can help cure disease, but that we can prevent it. In a health book unlike all others I have read, he uses a simple formula of diet, exercise and lifestyle management to create and maintain optimal health and fitness.

Some of what he advocates surprised and enlightened me. He cuts through the confusion of Atkins and South Beach to explain what foods are truly bad for us, and that some foods we've been taught to avoid are actually highly beneficial for health. Phil looks at food as something to be enjoyed, and diet as a means to optimize our bodies' functionality. Followers of his diet system won't find themselves limited, but liberated.

Phil's wise words about disease and injury prevention have given me the tools to continue a life of racing, problem-free, for decades to come. His chapters about stress remind me that a too-hectic life is as bad for the body as a poor diet, and his stress-management techniques help me take control. His ideas about increasing energy levels are applicable to training, work, and life in general.

If you're interested not just in being a better triathlete, but in living a healthier and happier life, I highly recommend that you pick up Phil's new book. Click here to purchase the book on amazon.com. Click here to visit Phil's website.

Competitor Group Announces Joint Venture in UK: Competitor Media UK Ltd to launch Triathlete Europe

San Diego, CA - June 5th, 2009 - The Competitor Group (CGI), has announced that it has signed a joint venture agreement called Competitor Media UK to establish a European edition of Triathlete Magazine. Triathlete Europe will launch this summer in conjunction with the London Triathlon with distribution in the UK, Ireland and Holland.

"Triathlete Magazine has always been in great demand in Europe," said Publisher John Duke. "Shipping costs have always made widespread distribution cost-prohibitive. Thanks to Competitor Group's joint venture with Competitor Media, European readers can now enjoy the great content of Triathlete Magazine, along with rich local content at an affordable price."

The launch issue of Triathlete Europe will be on sale July 24th, 2009 and the magazine will then be produced as a monthly publication, with national distribution handled through Comag.

Jim Peskett will head up Competitor Media UK Ltd. Peskett brings with him 20 years of experience and knowledge in specialist sports media, having launched, amongst other titles, The Surfer's Path, Whitelines Snowboard Magazine and Sidewalk Skateboard Magazine.

"Triathlon has now become one of the 'must do' sports," said Peskett. "Triathlete Magazine has been the voice of triathlon worldwide for more than 25 years and is written by the sports most talented journalists. The UK market will now have a magazine to reflect the achievements, growth and interest being shown in triathlon today."

Ian Osborne will become Triathlete Europe's editor. Having worked on cycling and triathlon magazines for the past decade, Osborne is an accomplished International Triathlete. He has raced at the World Championships for Olympic distance, long course and 70.3 half ironman, and most recently qualified for the 2009 World Iron Man Championships in Kona this October.

Founded in 1983, Triathlete magazine is the world's largest multisport publication. International versions of the magazine have been published in various languages, and from 1984 to 1999 a prior UK version of Triathlete was the market-leading title in Britain.

About The Competitor Group
Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is the leading media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. CGI is a portfolio company of Falconhead Capital and comprised of the following brands: Competitor Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Inside Triathlon, VeloNews, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, Muddy Buddy and VeloPress. CGI owns and operates 26 national events delivering more than 250,000 professional and amateur participants in 2009. CGI publishes four magazine titles with a combined monthly circulation of approximately 1 million and plans to launch an endurance community web presence under competitor.com in Q2 2009. Further information about Competitor and its media properties can be found at www.competitor.com.

Ironman 70.3 Race Report and Race Day Photo Gallery Part III

(unedited) What a day it was. 4:30 beep, beep, beep. Pushed the snooze button. 4:45. Food, shower, final checklist. As the sun came up, things had apparently changed overnight. Vog, gone. Clear sky and trade winds, back. Headed to the transition area with Chris Lieto and his wife. Spectacular morning, perfectly clear water. Cannon, boom. Mass start. Fish darting below in panic mode, people darting above - also in panic mode. (see photos in gallery below). Swam faster than I thought I ever could after riding Craig Alexander's heels for a bit before I lost the lead pack (came out of the water 21st) - loved my new skin suit. Swam most of the way with my friend Greg Penner, and started in the water with Graham Cooper, Randy Work, and Nicole Gorman. "We're all in this together," I thought.

Good transition - long run up to the bikes - Belinda Granger passed me on the transition hill - she was sprinting up the hill, focused. Jumped on my bike, felt strong and was so happy to be back on the Queen K in a race. Lost my nutrition when the mount holding my water bottles filled with Ensure and spare tires broke off on the way to Hawi. Kept a positive mental attitude about the loss of nutrition and my spares - told myself, "My bike and I are that much lighter!" rather than getting upset. Prayed that I would not get a flat. So many things can go wrong in a triathlon, but you're going to dance on a fine mental line between being upset and in pain and being motivated and enjoying a day you've been waiting for. I choose the latter. Whatever mental attitude you choose when you race it will amplify in your soul. It's up to you. Pick doubt and fear, or challenge and motivation.

I was so very glad when the Hawi turnaround was not quite all the way in to Hawi town. Ahhhhh, tail wind. Just before the turn around, the winds picked up again. Wind really picked up about the time the pros turned around near Hawi - so people in the middle and back of the pack had a much more difficult race - just like the Ironman - every minute faster on the swim, e.g. getting to Hawi a minute faster, can translate into 2-3 min faster finish time, because you have another minute less of headwind and another minute more of tailwind.

Got back to the Orchid, surprised to see an almost empty transition. Started the run, and knew immediately it was going to be hot. It was hot. An oven actually. Ice in the running hat at every aid station was melting by the time I hit the next aid station. Ice in my shirt, pants and mouth. Anything to try to cool down. As I started to melt anyway, my paced slowed down significantly, but I kept telling myself, just keep going, just hang on. "I've just got another 1:45 to 2:30 hours to go and I'll be on the massage table next to the ocean with a new medal." Had some issues on the run - but don't we all. Wet running shoes made a Squish, squish, squish, as I squished my way through a several hour tour of a golf course, and as much as it hurt, and was hot, I still think it would have been more "painful" to actually to sit and stand in the sun and actually golf the course - but that's just me. Saw my friends Caue and Rip on the running course - it's amazing how supportive people in a race are of each other. When people walk, or stop, you can hear the other racers say "Come on man, let's go together!"

I think that in every half Ironman distance race and in every Ironman race, at some point on the run (usually around the 50% mark of the run) I have said to myself, "Why are you doing this? It just hurts." and then I consider retiring from the sport. Then as I get closer to the finish line, I know there is no way I'm going to retire from this sport because I remember how much easier my life's challenges have become after each triathlon. It truly is a self imposed challenge that makes the external challenges in our life seem easier. At the 12 mile mark on the open golf course, there was a women with a sign that said "Only 1 mile to go!" As we approached, I heard the guy behind me say "Actually, it's 1.1 miles to go." 1.1 miles later, around a path, over a bridge and the crowd was cheering. That's a big crowd for a half Ironman I thought. I crossed the finish line, looked up and said thanks. What a day. Far beyond my dream to compete in this race - on this day, and be able to go that fast - after what I had gone through this past year with 8 months off doubting weather I could ever race again (but that's another, yet untold, story - stay tuned...).

Done. Finished. Sore. Time for photos, smiles and hugs from friends at the finish line. Time to rinse and jump in the hotel pool. 70.3 Hawaii was an amazing, very well run event - worth all the effort and cost to get here and be a part of. I got a spot for Ironman Canada at the awards! I also qualified for Clearwater, but I noticed that the guy at the end of the 5 slot allocation roll down (number 6) seemed to be going with his friend (number 5), you could also see that his wife really wanted him to get the slot and he his sense of anticipation in the slot allocation roll down line up of guys was apparent - but he could not go, because there were 5 people in front of him, including me. You could see in his eyes how much he wanted it, and I knew I could find another triathlon to race somewhere - so I forfeited my slot, and it rolled down to him.

The joy in his face was so very worth that momentary loss. I found out later that his name was Kris Kiser and his wife Kym Kiser had qualified for Kona, so had he, but he gave up his Kona slot because he was yet not ready for the big show. So earlier in the roll-down, his forfeiting his slot had allowed someone new to race in the Ironman. Talk about instant Hawaii Karma - now the exact same thing happened to him, and he got his Clearwater slot! Sometimes in life, we can make small decisions that have a major positive impact on others. My challenge for you on your tri-athletic journey - is to make some of those decisions this month. And if you can, go online and register for the Hawaii 70.3 for next year and I'll see you there!

Click on the play arrow for the race day photo gallery! To see larger images, triple click any photo gallery.

Ironman 70.3 Photo Gallery Part II - The day before the race...

Click play to view the photo gallery from Hawaii!

Live from the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii (Honu Half Ironman)

I'm at the Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii - what a place. The weather is a big voggy, but this side of the island, luckily is not as dramatically impacted as other parts of Hawaii. And if the vog sticks around for Saturday's race, then it's sure to be hot, and perhaps not as windy -- but if the trade winds pick up, then you better hold on to your handle bars. Some great pre-race photos below...

Spring Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon Photo Gallery

A few Sunday's ago, I raced in Mission Bay's Spring Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon. With it's calm bay swim and flat bike and run courses, the Spring Sprint Triathlon was the perfect way to kick off the season. It was a truly fun experience, made even better because with every entrance fee, a $100 donation was made to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, which focuses on developing new and better options for the care of patients with cancer.

My friends Mallory Cleveland and Katie Araujo joined me in the race, and they both did an awesome job. It was Katie's first race, and like many newbie triathletes before her, as soon as she crossed the finish line, she was ready to sign up for her next race. Let this album remind you of how fun a triathlon can be, get inspired for the 2009 season!

Meet Your Future Triathlon Bike

My friend Leo Zugner, an industrial designer, came up with this amazing concept bike. Bikes like this may never make the market, but new designs from innovative designers will refresh how we think about bike design every year. Leo's design may give us a glimpse into the future of cycling. His idea is a completely "green" bike for off-season riding. The front forks are made of a bamboo-plywood composite. The frame and wheels are made from a composite using spider silk instead of carbon fibers. The tires are made of recycled rubber and all of the binders are derived from soy. The inspiration was the shape of a mosquito. Another one of Leo's designs is below, a concept bike for BMW's F1 team.



Leo Zugner is a good friend and I've had the opportunity to see some of his truly innovative designs. He has a bachelor's degree in industrial design from The Art Institute of California-Orange County, and one in graphic design from West Virginia University. If anyone is looking for a superstar industrial designer, contact him at leozug@gmail.com. You can also visit Leo's website here to see some of his incredible concept products.

The World's Healthiest 75-Year-Old Man

Don Wildman can run like a Marine, snowboard like an Olympian, and bike like a Tour de France champion. Not bad for a 75-year-old.

Wildman is a world-class athlete in several sports. In recent years, he has competed in the Ironman Triathlon nine times, the three-thousand-mile Race Across America bike race, the Aspen downhill ski race, and the New York and L.A. marathons. In the sailing world, Wildman made history by winning all three of the Chicago Yacht Club's famed Mackinac races in one season. He snowboards the Alaskan backcountry with Olympic downhill champion Tommy Moe. Two years ago, he paddled through the entire chain of Hawaiian islands on a surfboard...

Click here to read the complete article.

Andy Baldwin Recieves DAR Medal of Honor

Andy Baldwin, an amazing triathlete, TV personality, humanitarian and good friend, was recently honored with the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor. Read up on his achievement below. Congratulations, Andy!

DAR Award Winner LT Andrew J. Baldwin, M.D. teaching a proper salute.

(WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 1, 2009) – Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has announced U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andrew Baldwin, M.D. as recipient of the 2009 Medal of Honor. Priscilla R. Baker, State Regent of the Washington, DC Society NSDAR will present LT Baldwin with this prestigious award at a ceremony on May 7th in Washington, DC at the Trust for the National Mall Annual Benefit Luncheon. The event is a capital city exclusive attended by Senators, Congressmen, and Ambassadors.

LT Andrew Baldwin, M.D. is a physician and Navy diver at the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C. where he also serves as a spokesman and advocate for Navy Medicine. Additionally as an Ironman Triathlete and national health and fitness specialist he assists the U.S. Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, with his initiative Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future; a national program combating childhood overweight and obesity in America.

“This is the most prestigious honor awarded by the DAR,” says Jan Estelle Cordell, Regent, Anasazi Chapter, ASDAR, “LT Baldwin has demonstrated insight and compassion and the energy to make a difference in the world. We are proud to have been able to nominate him for this award.”

The DAR Medal of Honor recipient must be a native born American who has shown extraordinary qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service, and patriotism, as well as unusual and lasting contributions to American heritage by truly giving of himself to his community, state, country, and fellow man. “Just to let you know the magnitude of this award, some previous winners are Rudy Guilani, Charlton Heston, and Bob Dole. The three winners presented at National last year were Bill Conti (composer and Oscar winner), Luther Smith (member of the 332nd Tuskogee Airmen) and Brigadier General Susan J. Helms (NASA astronaut). One of the other winners this year is Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; so you can see Dr. Baldwin is in very good company,” explains Darlene Corson on behalf of the Anasazi Chapter Nominating Committee.

The nomination was a comprehensive project submitted by the Anasazi Chapter ASDAR. “Many thanks to you and your entire organization for the huge honor you are bestowing on LT Baldwin and all of Navy Medicine! We are, indeed, very proud of this fine young officer and physician. With my most heartfelt appreciation and warmest regards,” Rear Admiral Bill Roberts, M.D., Chief of the Navy Medical Corps writes in a letter to Jan Estelle Cordell, Regent, ASDAR.

Among his numerous acknowledgements, Dr. Baldwin has been honored on the Washington DC Most Influential People under 40 list in 2009, and Outside Magazine's Top 100 Influential People of the World list in 2006 for the humanitarian work he did in Laos on a military mission where he treated over 600 Laotians in remote mountain villages.
Dr. Baldwin has been featured in numerous media outlets including Men’s Health Magazine, GQ Magazine, Runners World, and has been named Humanitarian of the Year by both Triathlete Magazine and Competitor Magazine. His television appearances are extensive including interviews on Good Morning America, The View, and FOX News as well as a special guest appearance on ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Dr. Baldwin was also the star of ABC hit show, “The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman”.

While serving as a Navy doctor, he remains active in his athletic and charitable pursuits. Dr. Baldwin is founder of the Got Your Back Network, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support families of fallen soldiers. Got Your Back provides help in funding and liaison to services that the children and families may need in areas such as tutoring, counseling, mentorship, education, athletics and healthcare. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Lee Becker says, “Dr. Baldwin has been a tremendous advocate for all the great work the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Navy Medicine have been doing caring for all WII warriors and families.”

LT Baldwin has become increasingly involved with domestic and global humanitarian projects. He will use his medical and Spanish language skills this summer aboard USNS COMFORT as part of Continuing Promise 2009 delivering care to those in need in Central and South America. To learn more about Dr. Baldwin’s work and volunteerism visit www.AndyBaldwin.com. “I am humbled by this honor and very grateful for the nomination from ASDAR Chapter and to Priscilla Baker and the Washington, DC Society NSDAR.”

The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, DC, is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. Encompassing an entire downtown city block, DAR National Headquarters houses one of the nation's premier genealogical libraries, one of the foremost collections of pre-industrial American decorative arts, Washington's largest concert hall, and an extensive collection of early American manuscripts and imprints.

Author and host Ariane de Bonvoisin interviews Mitch Thrower for the podcast "Change Nation."

While I was in New York a while back, I was given the opportunity to be interviewed by host Ariane de Bonvoisin for the podcast "Change Nation." (Her past guests include Jack Canfield from The Secret and Dr. Wayne Dyer.)

It was a great experience. Ariane is bright, motivated, beautiful and kind - not to mention she is a triathlete who completed the St. Croix Triathlon and now has her sights set on a longer race.

Ariane wrote the bestselling book The First 30 Days - Your Personal Guide to When Life Changes, and together, we were able to discuss some very deep issues about work, life, sport and inspiration. I read her book recently and indeed, The First 30 Days is a life-altering book for anyone dealing with any type of of change in his life.

Here is an overview from her website...

Ariane De Bonvoisin, author of The First 30 Days, presents real accounts of those that have faced adversity through change. From the start, Ariane became accustomed to a life of change. Before the age of eighteen she had lived in six different countries, on three different continents, and had learned four different languages.

After graduating from the London School of Economics, she joined The Boston Consulting Group, which allowed her to experience an even greater array of locations. After she obtained her MBA from Stanford, a career in media began to develop. She eventually became a certified trainer and life coach for the Anthony Robbins Companies after working for corporations such as BMG Sony Music and Time Warner.

The First 30 Days gives individuals different tools to understand the most crucial aspect of change, the beginning. It is here that one can feel stressed and alone, or they can take change head on to promote clarity and hope through their transition.

As you enter the sport of triathlon, you might just find yourself in one of life's "transition areas," and this book is a very well written guide to helping you find your way again. Order it here.

From the change nation web site...

My Interview With Entrepreneur and Triathlete, Mitch Thrower

You can turn any job situation into an incredible opportunity by interviewing everyone who works there. That's the advice that entrepreneur and change optimist, Mitch Thrower, author of Give Me 10 Seconds and I'll Change Your Life, frequently gives college students when they express their biggest fear—getting stuck in a cubicle, like in the world of the hit TV show The Office.

"People forget that the diamond mines of information exist in the people around them," Thrower told me, "so they stop hunting for diamonds." What you should be doing, he says, at any stage of life is having coffee or lunch with everyone in your company. Ask them things like...

What have you learned here? and What do you love in life?

Then listen and learn from their unique perspectives and experiences."

To hear my entire Change Nation interview with Mitch Thrower, click here."
-Ariane de Bonvoisin
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An Invitation to Join Me at the 3rd Annual CAF "Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope" June 10th at the Waldorf-Astoria NYC

On June 10, 2009 the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) will hold the Third Annual Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope at the Waldorf-Astoria to raise money for – and awareness of – physically challenged athletes. This first-class event will feature moving presentations, celebrity guests and more than 25 world-class challenged athletes. Funds raised through table sponsorships and the silent and live auctions will be used to purchase specialized equipment such as running feet and handcycles, and fund coaching and other sports-related expenses that will allow physically challenged athletes to “get into the game” – and into life.

At the event, CAF will showcase the courage, perseverance and inspiration of four of CAF supported athletes:

• New York’s own Sam Cila. An American hero, joined the New York National Guard after September 11 and was injured in Iraq on July 4, 2005, continues to heal through sports.

• David Gelfand. Born with PFFD, the same condition as Sarah Reinertsen – his idol, this young Weston, Connecticut native offers hope to other physically challenged kids.

• Deanna Babcock. A competitive athlete her whole life, she was devastated when she lost her leg. Now with a new running foot, she’s back into sport, and back into life.

• Ricky James. When a motocross accident went horribly wrong, he lost the use of his legs, but not his competitive spirit.

CAF is an amazing organization, and I just recently became part of their honorary committee. Please join me at the June 10th event. To find out more about CAF's Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope, or to register for the event, click here.
See you there!

Hope

In January, I wrote an article that appeared in Triathlete Magazine about my friend Robert Lindenau. I got to know Robert when he volunteered to help with my non-profit organization Project Active, distributing soccer balls and athletic shoes to kids in Iraq. We remained friends for years, until he was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade last October. Below you'll find the original article, an amazing certificate I received, (double click on the article to enlarge it) and a touching and beautiful message from Robert's wife, Tonya. Her letter brought tears back to my eyes. The love and inspiring words that have come from this terrible situation reminds us that we must do everything we can to spread hope around the world. Hope for peace, hope for compassion and hope for the children.

Double click article or photos below for clear image.

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see"

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." What a great quote from John W. Whitehead

My friend Nicole invited me to tell the children in her class about triathlon and the Ironman. These are the thank you cards they sent me... wow - worth a click. To view them in large format, triple click the images below.

Cyclists ambushed with wall of flames

"STEVE Athey was leading a pack of 16 cyclists on a training ride when a wall of flame suddenly burst in front of him. Unable to take evasive action, he rode through the head-high flames. The 15 riders behind him braked, swerved, skidded and did everything they could to miss the inferno. It was a miracle no-one was seriously hurt. Police believe the flames were deliberately lit by young men who had earlier harassed the group of cyclists and who had used a beer can to pour flammable liquid on the bitumen as the riders approached them." To read the rest of the story, click here.

Another Shark Sighting in La Jolla

While my friend George Plsek was surfing early this morning in Solana Beach, the carcass of a seal washed ashore. The seal had clearly been bitten by a shark; the frightening documentation of the attack is what you see here. Unfortunately, this sighting coincides all too well with the report the Shark Research Committee released about a Great White sighting in La Jolla on Monday:

On April 6, 2009 Raymundo Ayus, Jr. and a companion were spearfishing South of La Jolla. The sky was clear with a light breeze. The divers were about ¾ of a mile from the beach. Ayus reported the following: “We suited up at Camino Del La Costa just South of La Jolla. The water was a choppy with visibility 10 feet near the surface but a good 20 feet at the bottom. We swam Northwest to a nice kelp bed and begun hunting. About 20 minutes into the dive, I looked up and saw my buddy waving. As I swam toward him I realized he had shot a White Sea Bass and it was tangled 60 feet below in the kelp. First dive down, I looked for it and saw the fish then looked around 360 degrees for any toothy predator, then came up. The WSB was at least 50 pounds. I asked my buddy if he needed help cutting up the kelp and bringing the fish up. He said “yes." I made the 2nd dive to the fish. Once again, I scanned 360 degrees, nothing was around. I cut the kelp carefully so as not to cut the reel line. My knife was in my left hand and in my right hand I held the fish. I noticed the small green fish that frequent the kelp suddenly got spooked as I looked to my right. I saw a large dark object coming at me. That is when I freaked out seeing her nose, gums, and those teeth. I'm staring at the mouth of a 12 – 15 foot Great White Shark, 10 feet away and closing in...

Click here to read the complete story.

HOW TO AVOID A SHARK ATTACK
• Stay away from the mouths of rivers after heavy rains, when freshwater fishes and other animals are swept out to sea.
• Swim clear of fishing boats. They often trail fish remains and blood, which can draw sharks.
• If you're bleeding, including menstruating, stay on the beach. Sharks can smell and taste even the smallest amount of blood from over a mile (1.6 kilometers) away and trace it back to its source.
• If you cut or injure yourself in the water, get out! Do not stay in the water with blood around you.
• Stay out of the water if fish blood or baitfish are present. In other words, steer clear of fishers.
• Avoid large groups of fish, seals, or sea lions. They all are prominent on the shark's menu.
• Stay away if you see large groups of dolphins and seabirds. They are attracted to the same food sharks eat. And don't make the mistake of thinking that if dolphins are present, there won't be any sharks around. Dolphins can be prey for large sharks.
• Stay away from dead animals in the water.
• Avoid areas where animal, human, or fish waste enter the water. Sewage attracts baitfish, which in turn attract sharks.
• Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk, and night, when some species of sharks may move inshore to feed on fish. Sharks are well equipped to locate prey even when visibility is poor.
• Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, channels, and steep drop-offs. These areas are frequented by sharks.
• Do not wear high-contrast clothing (orange and yellow are said to be risky colors) or shiny jewelry (which may appear to be like fish scales). Sharks see contrast very well.
• Refrain from excessive splashing. Keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are attracted to such activity.
• Leave the water quickly and calmly if a shark is sighted. Do not provoke, harass, or entice a shark, even a small one.
• If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. They may be behaving like that because there is a shark in the area.
• If you feel something brush up against you, get out of the water to make sure that you have not been bitten. There have been reports that shark-bite victims often do not feel any pain.
• Swim, surf, or dive with other people. Sharks most often attack individuals.
• Don't wander too far from shore. Doing so isolates you and places you away from assistance.
• If you are diving and are approached by a shark, stay as still as possible. If you are carrying fish or other catches, release the catch and quietly leave the area.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE ATTACKED
• If attack is imminent, defend yourself with whatever weapons you can, advises the ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. "Avoid using your [bare] hands or feet if you can avoid it; if not, concentrate your blows against the shark's delicate eyes or gills." A shark's snout is also said to be sensitive.
• If a shark actually gets you in its mouth, says ISAF's George Burgess, "I advise to be as aggressively defensive as you are able. 'Playing dead' does not work. Pound the shark in any way possible. Try to claw at the eyes and gill openings, two very sensitive areas."
• If bitten, try to stop the bleeding. Leave the water as efficiently, calmly, and swiftly as possible. While many sharks will not bite again, you cannot rule out a second attack.
• Get immediate medical attention, no matter how small the injury.
HOW TO HELP A VICTIM...
Read the rest of the article at National Geographic News

Triathletes, please be careful out there. Stay out of the water at dangerous times and avoid high risk areas. Unfortunately, because of the seal colony in La Jolla, this can be tough. The seal colony has a range of 25 miles north and south of La Jolla, so as we enter the Great White migration and pupping season of April-June, be extra careful and stay out of the water at dawn and dusk. Please post your comments below.

2009 Carlsbad 5000 Photo Gallery

A picture perfect day at the Carlsbad 5000 yesterday, I'm so amazed at how many people from around the world come to this event. It's a spectacular race course along the Pacific Ocean, flat, fast and fun. I went out too fast and clocked my first mile at 5:55 (ouch). Check out the photos - push pause or play to view the gallery below.

Oceanside 70.3 Photo Gallery

Join Triathlete Magazine on Facebook!

The Triathlete Magazine group on Facebook is an awesome one--it's a great place to catch up with training buddies, find triathletes in your area, or get some words of encouragement when the going gets rough. Click here to join.

And if you haven't yet joined the group for the Rock and Roll Marathon nearest you, do it now--click this link to view all the Rock and Roll Marathon groups.

Extreme Marathons - Photo Gallery

Time Magazine presents an incredible photoessay that highlights some of the world's most insane marathon races. Proceed at your own risk.

Triathlete TV Interviews Jessi Stensland

Watch Interview with Jessi Stensland in Triathlon  |  . More Videos at www.triathlete.tv
Click play above to watch.

You Know You're A Triathlete When - from the Facebook Group!

When asked, "How old you are you?" you answer, "20-24."

When asked how long your training was today you answer, "Three to four hours."

Your training is more limited by your available time than how far you can run.

Your first thought when you wake up is how high your resting heart rate is.

You go for a run event though there's a thunderstorm outside, and then you take satisfaction in being wet and dirty.

You think it's natural to do your "business" behind a tree in the woods.

You take part in the corporate challenge to improve your base speed.

You go for a 5 km cool down run after a 5 km race just so that you can call it a training session.

You consider work regeneration time between training sessions.

That something hard between your legs is usually a pull buoy.

You always have a water bottle in hand when driving your car.

You've forgotten how to drink out of cups.

You spend your 2 weeks annual vacation at a training camp.

You know inside out how much protein each energy bar has.

You seriously consider applying for citizenship in Tonga, Jemen or Tschad so that you can participate in the Olympic games.

When people praise you for being able to run 15 miles you feel insulted.