The 40-40 Club

I have been racking my brain over the last few months as to what my 2010 plans will be as it relates to endurance events. Turning 40, I also wanted to have some correlation between my age and my events or training.

My original thought was to participate in 40 events from running to cycling to triathlons. After some careful consideration and number crunching, I decided this was not the wisest of ideas. Living in this area, I would likely have to race 40 out of 52 weekends and/or race 2 times per weekend. Truth be told, this became unrealistic.

Should I try and run 440 miles? Try to bike 4040 miles? As I kept thinking about it, I wanted to try something a little different, challenging, reasonable and fair to the family.

• Different: I have done many local races a number of times. I have done the Timberman, Mooseman, Black Fly, Patriot, Black Bear, Big Lake, Tri Clough, Lobsterman, Pumpkinman, Rye Du, and many more.
• Challenging: I have been lucky enough to improve over the years of racing. From 5k's to marathons and sprint triathlons to Ironman, I have done all of the distances.
• Reasonable: Each race I have done in the past has been somewhat reasonable to attain and train for. With Ironman being the most challenging, I don't want to do something so extreme that it takes more time than I am able to give.
• Fair: With Ironman out of the picture and down "sizing" my expectations. I am hoping I can stay fit without putting the family out too much.

So, after crunching numbers, doing some race research, and thinking it through to a certain extent, here is what I have come up with for 2010 and being 40.

My first goal is to workout 404.0 hours. To me, that is A LOT of time to commit to working out. With coaching until March and trying to maintain a resemblance of a family, this will be a challenge. I know during the summer months that I will be able to "make up" time, but a big week for me is only about 12 hours or so. Without Ironman in the picture, training may be even less.

The hours and minutes break down like this:

1. 404.0 hours = 7:37 hours/week
2. 404.0 hours = 1:05 hours/day

For most endurance athletes, this will really not be much of a challenge. Some of you get 404.0 hours in just 20 weeks. You are hardcore and training like crazy. Each of our lives are a bit different, so I think it will be difficult for me.

The second part of 2010 for me will be trying to do 100% new races. If I have raced an event before, it is off the list for 2010. Sorry Patriot, Pumpkinman, Timberman, and others. The search is on, so if you have any events, send them my way.

The final part of my 40 year challenge is to find an event that pushes me beyond my limits or comfort zone. This may mean a MTB race, an ultra, or something off my radar the last 40 years. I have been searching for just the right event and a couple have peaked my interest. However, no decisions have been made.

So, if you have any ideas or suggestions, let me know. I hope being 40 and taking on new challenges will re-energize me after a difficult 2009. As always, I'll let you know.

What's In A Number

Tomorrow I turn 40. To me, it really isn't a big deal. But driving to my parents house, I thought a lot about numbers and what, if any, are their importance.

Seeing as my birthday is 2 days after Christmas, I went about 6 months thinking I was a year older than I actually was. I was driving to work and actually had to think long and hard as to my age. As many of you know triathlon races age you based upon your birthday. I thought I was 39 for 6 months when I was actually 38.

I am a numbers kind of person and I think this fits into to my anal-retentive personality. I like stats. I like figuring how much a business makes based upon people they attract. I like figuring out my pace, speed, distance and often during stupid laps in the pool, I do mental math. When I race, I wear a watch but I don't have a computer on my bike. That way, I can take a few minutes to figure out how fast I am going based upon time.

But anyway, back to being 40. To me, not a big deal. I think the following ages were more important:

• 5 years old: I am now going to school.
• 13 years old: Now a teenager and everything as you know, changes.
• 18 years old: You are a legal adult and can be drafted into a war. Really, I am an adult?
• 21 years old: I can legally drink...finally. Big day for everyone.
• 30 years old: I think this is when you really become an adult. No more 20's and it is time to move on with your life

That said, I think athletes, regardless of their sport, are number fanatics. My sister had to have the #11 while her close friend had to have #8. I could tell you story after story about these number combinations, but this blog is about me, not them.

For me, my number was 5. I always had a uniform that had the #5 in it. When I out grew #5, my number was 15. When I played basketball at PSC, my number became 23. 2 + 3 = 5! Since then, #23 has been it for me. Love the number and always try to find some combination of it. I also love the #3, as in "DJ for 3". Three points has always been better than 2 points, but if you make one of each, you have 5!

As endurance athletes, we are number crazy. I have been trying to avoid the numbers, but this past year I gave in. I now have a 140.6 AND 70.3 sticker on my vehicle. Ironman and 1/2 Ironman were not enough, I needed to have the numbers. We are all fascinated with how many miles and yards, time and distance and we all brag about it. They are all based around numbers.

There are 5K's, 10K's, 13.1 miles and 26.2 mile running races. Stickers, shirts, and vanity plates all have these numbers. People rarely ask you about the race without us commenting on our finishing time or place. For years, and still to this day, I consider myself "Mr. 4th Place". Never in the top 3, but often in the top 4. Are we bragging or are we just proud of the accomplishments?

In 2010 and now 40 years old, I am trying to figure out what numbers I want to accomplish. I have racked my brain but can't seem to come to a logical conclusion. Should I do 40 races, ride 4000 miles, run 400 miles?

I know I am searching for new and different challenges this year. Even though I just turned 40, it is really just a number. I am hoping that at age 40, I will be able to push my body like I never have before. Father Time will tell.

The A-Hole

For those triathlon enthusiast out there, this blog will sound familiar to an article that was posted in "Triathlete Magazine" about a year or so ago. The article was a point/counterpoint article about allowing family members to run across the finish line with race participants.

One of the writers brought up the safety of the racers, families or any non-paying member to cross the finish line. That a triathlon is, in fact, a race and if you haven't paid, get off the course.

The other writer suggested that races have two finishing chutes, one for the "racers" and the other for racers with family members. The "A-Hole" was the chute for the type A person who is so anal retentive they could make diamond from squeezing coal in their butts. This person feels the race is about them and their time. A secondary chute would be added for family members and less "serious" racers called the "B-Hole".

As I read the article, I found my self laughing at the names of the holes and how perfect it was for a lot of athletes. The "A-Hole". How fitting?! We all know who they are and what they are about. But I was curious as to which chute I would run down in my very own race.

Let me go back a little. My first half ironman race was in the rain. It was cold and just a dreary day. I remembering seeing Tammy and Jordan throughout the run and was hoping to have Jordan run across the finish line with me. After waiting for just over 5 hours, I was on my way down the shoot to the finish line. I found Jordan and Tammy handed her off to me. As we crossed the line, another athlete sprinted in front of us and cut us off. No picture, no time to enjoy the moment with my 3 year old who had waited for 5 hours to run with her dad.

Now, I thought I had a reason to be upset and posted my thoughts on a two triathlon forums. I was curious to see if I was wrong or just too sensitive. The "Trinewbies Forum" absolutely slaughtered me. How dare I ruin a race for others by running with my daughter? She did not pay and was a safety concern. She, in fact, ruined the OTHER persons race by being out there. I was shocked and angry at these "A-Hole" type people.

When I signed up for IMLP, in their infinite wisdom, WTC had now banned any family members or non paying racers to be on the course and at the finish line. They brought up safety and ability to monitor all of the action. I understand their concerns but really don't agree with it. What better memory than crossing one of the toughest endurance event with your family?

As much as an individual sport triathlon is, family and friends do play a huge roles. They spend hours waiting around for us while we train and race. On race day, depending on the weather and activities, they could be waiting for hours. At Lake Placid, my family waited for 10:47:59, in the rain, to see me finish the race. And with the new WTC rules, they were not allowed to run across the finish line with me.

I feel that sprints and international distance races should follow the WTC rules. Most of them are really fast and people are flying all over the place. But, how many times do you see an all out sprint or a race to the finish at a 140.6 or 70.3 race? Of course, there will be some sprinting but the majority will just be happy to see the finish line. So, do we need another chute?

At Timberman this year, I was really happy to run across the line with Jordan. I had a tough day but she was the boost I needed that last 100 yards. She understood what we were both doing and she was proud to be running with her dad. Look at the picture. What you can't see is both of us smiling!
Maybe some RD's or the WTC doesn't beleive in "allowing" families to join in the triumphant finish of a race we've worked hard to complete. Now that the Timberman has become a member of the WTC, I am hopeful they will still allow family members to cross the line with their race participant. If not, we need to figure out a way to make it happen.

So, is the answer...an "A-Hole"? What do you think?

Parents Need To....

Never did I think I would write about youth sports and how parents may be the biggest issue. You may ask why I am writing this in a triathlon blog and I promise to connect the dots by the end of my rant.

I reluctantly agreed to coach my daughter's 6 year old soccer team this fall. As a coach, I really feel it is important for Jordan to experience different people "coaching" her in her athletic endeavors. Whether it is soccer, basketball, dance, t-ball, active games or whatever, I really want her to get feedback from someone other than her dad.

So anyway, this soccer team is based out of the local community center. It is well run and organized, which I really like. We spent the first 3 weeks just practicing, getting to know the game a little bit and most importantly, have fun. Like many youth sports, parents are on the sidelines chatting and watching some of what is going on.

After the "practice" sessions, we finally graduate to live "games". The rules have been adjusted so that everyone gets to play and that the game doesn't resemble magnet ball. Offense can only play offense and defense can only play defense on their respective sides of the field. As coaches, we referee, make substitutions but most of all, work to make sure everyone is having fun.

This past Thursday, we were playing our last true "game". The coach, and I use this term lightly, had one thing in mind, win. Each coach has the option of how they play their own players and before the game the coaches agree on some general rules (ie. number of kids playing at a time). Well, although he agreed with the rules, he of course, did his own thing.

Now, onto the game. For the first time, we had some obnoxious parents. These particular two moms had nothing better to do than to yell at the kids, on BOTH teams. They were telling the players where to throw the ball in, how to throw it in, making calls and being just plain ridiculous. As the game progressed, I did become more frustrated at these parents. They felt entitled to say and do whatever they felt. It really took the fun out of the game.

And as for the coach, as many youth coaches do, he felt that winning was more important than letting the little girl who was picking grass play. He kept in his two biggest, and best, players and allowed them to do anything they wanted. Apparently, beating us by 5 0or 6 goals was not enough. However, their parents where happy.

Let me now connect the dots for you. Triathlon is an "adult sport" at this time. The USAT is putting great emphasis on creating youth programs to develop triathlon into a multi-aged sport. More and more race directors are beginning to put on youth triathlons with the focus on participation, healthy lifestyle and safety.

But again, the parents have already begun to screw this up. I have witnessed parents bullying other kids over transition spots. I have seen parents endangering the safety of other kids to benefit their own child. And I have seen parents get angry with volunteers and RD's for no reason other than their child did not me their own expectations. I already know of one RD who has cancelled the kids race because of the parents. Way to go mom and dad!

In closing, I think parents need to know their role. They need to get their kid there on time, be supportive and keep their mouths closed. Parents, you are not living vicariously through your kids and because you were a high school hero, this does not permit you to be a jerk on the sideline or in transition.

Race Directors are providing a service and unlike youth sports, if you continue to act this way, they will pull the plug. Just like you say your kids, I say this to you: Grow up.

The Winnie the Pooh Factor

Although I am not a fan of Winnie the Pooh, I am trying to figure out whether I am more like Eeyore or Tigger. Eeyore is the pessimistic one while Tigger is the outgoing and optimistic animal. The have contrasting outlooks and at times, I feel I have a bit of both running through my dehydrated body.

If you have followed any of my past writings, it was evident that this year was full of ups and downs. I have been trying to figure out whether it was a good year (Tigger) with some bumps in the road or just a plain bad year (Eeyore) where early expectations got the best of me.

So, I am I Eeyore or Tigger?

As I look back, I think my season was full of more disappointments than successes. I found myself more frustrated with racing, rather than enjoying the fitness level I was obtaining. I think each year, we need to evaluate our season and see what went well and what went wrong. For some reason, to me, things seemed to go more wrong than right.

Lets recap:

• Big Lake Half Marathon: 3rd in age group (Tigger), but really sick after (Eeyore)
• Patriot Half Ironman: 3rd place age group, smoked the bike (Tigger), died on the run and sick after (Eeyore)
• Black Fly Triathlon: 2nd place age group (Tigger)
• Ironman Lake Placid: Tried it (Tigger), DNF (Big Eeyore)
• Froenhoeffer Olympic Tri: Back in the saddle after IMLP (Tigger), bad swim/run (Eeyore)
• Timberman 70.3: Finished (Tigger), back pain on the bike, leg issues on the run, very sick after (Eeyore)
• Circle Triathlon: 2nd overall (Tigger)
• Pumpkinman Half Iron: solid swim and bike (Tigger), awful run (Eeyore)
• Hoosic Falls 5K: PR and 3rd overall (Tigger)

It seems that many of my Tigger moments have been balanced out by Eeyore ones as well. I am struggling when I look at the positives and all I can see are the negatives. That in turn, leads me to ask myself some difficult questions.

For example: Did my improvement on the bike lead to my demise on the run? Was I pushing so hard on the bike, I had nothing left for the run? Have I been training incorrectly when it comes to diet and nutrition? Were the conditions the cause of my issues? What distance is best for me and my ability? Did I under train (lack of quality runs, missing days) or did I over train (increase in my injuries)?

These questions have really made me step back and re-evaluate my options for next year. There are some personal changes that I will need to make if I choose to continue down this triathlon path. I have begun the process of educating myself even more so that I can enjoy racing more next season.

I think I want to be more like Tigger and less like Eeyore. Or do I?

Until that time, maybe you can decide: Am I a Tigger or an Eeyore?

Look Up, Please!

I have never claimed to be a good swimmer. To be honest, I am average at best. Of the three disciplines, it is definitely my worst and I spend most of the day "making up" time for my lack of swimming expertise. Yes, I do practice the drills and skills. I own the fins, hand paddles and pull buoy's too. I have improved over the years but I am still just an average swimmer.

That said, there are so many people who suck at swimming in every race I do. I don't mean they can't swim very fast, but rather, they can't swim in a straight line. I know there are big blue lines in the pool, but for God's sake, practice sight breathing. Is there a reason why they can't peek for the big buoy?

I never knew how bad it was until last year's Ironman. When you have swimmers running into a giant orange buoy, I know there's a problem. I saw someone swim into every buoy on my second loop in Mirror Lake. People, LOOK UP!!!

This year, at Timberman, there was a swimmer (and I use the term loosely) killing the water. He was smashing the water with every stroke and his kick would make a blender jealous. It was crazy. He was putting in so much effort that I was getting tired just watching him. It really was silly.

To make matters worse, he was a "zig-zagger". You know the ones. They swim as hard as they can in one direction, NEVER looking up. Once they do look up, they swim even harder in the other direction to get back on course. I tried everything in my power to get away from the drunk swimmer but no matter what I did, he would inevitable find me, club me and splash like a beached whale. I bet he swam an extra 100-200 yards.

At the Pumpkinman, it happened again. I was minding my own business, swimming my race when a "zig-zagger" swam over me and pushed me down. I went from horizontal to vertical in mere seconds. If you have ever been pushed under, unexpectedly, it is scary. Trust me, I was scared and it took me time to get my bearings again.

I really think some triathletes feel the swim is where anything is legal. That hitting someone, pulling on their feet, knocking off the goggles, pulling down their zipper or whatever is OK. Let me be the first to tell you, it is NOT COOL. It is a way to hurt someone, cause someone to panic and really effect someones well being.

I always hear you can't win a race during the swim, but you can definitely lose it. My guess is the faster swimmers don't have to deal with these swim clowns, but for us Average Joe's, we do. I doubt I will ever be a "fast" swimmer, so I guess I am stuck with a bunch of people who never look up to see where they are going.

So what am I to do? I have no idea at this point. I will keep practicing and continue to work on my sight breathing. I can only hope others will do the same.

May I Have A Drink, Please

During the last 4 years, I have had some difficulty with nutrition, specifically hydration. For some reason, I can not get this part of my racing correct. Every time I think I have it figured out, something bad happens.

After each endurance event, I get very sick after it. It has happened after a 1/2 marathon, marathon, Ironman and every 1/2 Ironman in the last four years. At first I thought it was me pushing my body too hard during the race. Then, I thought it was just my specific nutrition I used during the race. Then, I finally figured out (with help from Tammy) that I was significantly dehydrated.

First, let me give you some history with a few of my issues from past races:

1. Timberman 70.3 (2005): This was my first 70.3 race and with only two weeks before the race, I decided to make an attempt at the distance. Never riding 56 miles and running 13.1 miles back to back, I figured I was in for a long day. The race went a lot better than expect but after the race, my body, stomach and mind went south fast. After about 30 minutes, I knew I was in trouble. I thought it was fatigue and overdoing it. I was driving my 2 year old home and barely remember any of it. After putting her down for a nap, I tried to take a shower. I was in and out of consciousness, barely staying awake. I called Tammy, asking her to come home immediately. Once she arrived, I took a nap and only felt better after about 5 hours later.
2. Manchester Marathon (2007): With my first attempt at a marathon, again everything went pretty well. After crossing the finishing line, within 30 minutes I started getting sick to my stomach. On the ride home, we stopped to get food. While waiting in the car, I had to get out and throw up in some bushes in the parking lot. Then, on 93N, we had to pull over so I could throw up again on the side of the road.
3. Ironman Lake Placid (2008): Race went a lot better than anticipated but this time, the sickness hit 24 hours later. Intitially, I felt really good, just tired. I was able to eat and drink. Then the "fun" began. It began around midnight with diarrhea, then vomiting for the next 12 hours. No matter what I tried to get into me, it came right back out. I felt awful. I wasn't better until 3 days later and even so, I struggled with everything.
4. Big Lake 1/2 Marathon (2009): I hadn't planned on racing but did anyway. Although it is one of the shorter distances for what I have been training for, I was sick again. I tried to eat, then diarrhea and dry heaves hit me within 45 minutes of finishing. Light headed and struggling to stay functional crept in. I thought I was going to be fine but it took about 5 hours to finally feel "normal".
5. Timberman 70.3 (2009): After struggling on the bike and doing a walk/run for the 13.1 miles, I figured I would be fine. I drank on the run, ate a little and even had a cup of cold soda. Upon crossing the finish line, I thought I would be fine. However, after about 45 minutes, I things went bad. I went to the food tent to load up. While waiting in line, the smell got to me and I had to run out behind the trucks...dry heaves. I gathered myself and sat at a table with family and friends. I was beginning to get warm and tired. Here it comes, back to the woods to dry heave. I laid out on a platform in the shade for about 15 minutes. My body was shot, I was tired and light headed. I loaded up the truck and sat in it for about 10 minutes with the AC on. As soon as I got home, I ran to the bathroom and threw up, twice.

This is just five examples, but there are more. After this years disasters in both IMLP and Timberman ( was also sick after the 1/2 marathon and the Patriot 1/2), I knew something had to change. I had to either stop racing these distances or figure out what was truly wrong. Tammy told me my problem, DEHYDRATION.

I went online and sure enough, she was 100% correct. I had had all the symptoms of sever dehydration. It was so bad, I probably should have been pumped with IV's after most of these events. My body was shutting it self down to protect the major organs. Not cool.

I have worked on drinking and eating plans over the last few years. It always seems to work in training but never on race day. I basically know why, but figured I could just get through it from race to race. Hydration is not a race day only thing but a day to day thing and everyday thing.

The bad news is it took me this long to realize what a big mistake I have been making with my health.The good news, I have time to figure out how fix this. I have been doing research and talking to lots of people who know a lot more than me about this issue.

If you have any thoughts or suggestions, let me know. And, I'll drink to that!