This is supposed to be fun, remember????

Toward the end of last season (my first year of triathlon) I was training for a half Ironman distance race and was struggling to find time to fit in all the training. I felt an immense need to LOG MILES after reading article after article about these people who dedicate their lives to Ironman. Well, sorry Joe Friel, I'm no longer interested in that pursuit. Over the winter I used the Slowtwitch.com workout log and did a couple challenges and yes, it kept me motivated during the cold winter months running on a treadmill and biking on the trainer in my Chamber of Pain. Since I have been able to be outside, I have completely quit keeping a training log. That overwhelming feeling of "feeding the log" is GONE!! It would get so bad at times I couldn't even talk to my wife if I missed a scheduled workout for fear of snapping at her for getting in the way of my progress. That nagging voice in the back of my mind "There's someone out there working harder than you, you'll get beat, you'll embarass yourself" wouldn't let me enjoy doing what I absolutely had loved to do earlier in the year. I had crunched all the numbers, broke my training down into Zones by heart rate and perceived exertion, and researched every aspect of it to make sure I knew all the tricks. It was an obsession.
Well, I'm glad to say it was a temporary obsession. I realized that I LOVE running, I LOVE biking, and yeah swimming's ok too, but I put waaaaaaay too much pressure on myself. I dove headlong into the glamorous arena of competition and forgot it was the love of the three sports that got me there to begin with. Don't get me wrong, I'll be a triathlete probably the rest of my life and I'll still track my improvement and work hard, but I'm not going to let competing or some ridiculous sense of responsibility to a training log take all the fun out of it again.
Fun is one of the things that drew me to XTERRA and off-road triathlon. This just seems like so much damn FUN!! Forget about heart rate zones on a mountain bike, forget about perceived exertion on a trail run, just enjoy the trail! (well that, and you're probably in the Red Zone if the bike trail is any good)
That's the kind of spirit I'm trying to bring out with XTERRA Pipestem Creek. I hope it comes through during the two days you spend here in Jamestown this June with me.

Too Little Blogging

Sorry I haven't been posting much recently. It's just I live in North Dakota and the temperature has been over 50 for the last month which qualifies it as BEAUTIFUL. I do a considerable amount of training, house work, and just general fun stuff outdoors, so that leaves less time for posting.
Let's see, here's the scoop on race stuff:

Sign up early, prices go up 5/25
Bring your kids: free kids duathlon after the big kids are done
Paddlers welcome: Relay teams allowed to kayak/canoe rather than swim
$1k in prize money up for grabs
DJ on course cold kickin' it live!! (Beastie Boyz reference)
Athlete social and packet pick up the night before at Buffalo City Grille
Dad has agreed to bring four grills and cook for everyone the day of the race = FREE FOOD!!!
Free GU and Gatorade
Raffles for stuff like XTERRA shoes and XTERRA Gear gift cards
Oh yeah, I hear the course is frickin RAD!!!

Buffalo City Running Club Part 2

The first two weeks of running club have gone pretty well, considering I haven't really been promoting it other than just talking about it. No flyers, no web promotion, just word of mouth. I'm excited about the fact that new people have shown up to every group run except one. In total there have been 10 different people that have participated in a group run.
I've received a few emails about more people catching wind of the club and expressing an interest to join. That is awesome. The more the merrier.
My main goal with this club is to get Jamestown's running community connected and get new people involved in the sport. The weather in March isn't exactly conducive to getting new or fair weather runners outside or off the treadmill. But this week will be different. Mid 60s are forecasted for the week and if you can't get inspired to get outside after a long winter by temperatures in the 60s in North Dakota, there's something wrong with you.
Oh, and let me know what you think of the slogan (?) I have been putting on all the communications (emails, etc): Come Run With Us!! Kind of cheesy, but it just seems to work.

Defining "Fast"

Over the last two years, I've been a member of a few different training groups. Whether they be local or online or whatever, the discussion always comes up about what constitutes "fast." Fast running, fast biking, fast swimming, ANYTHING fast. There's the argument that the true definition of fast is the elite athlete's paces they happen to be holding at that time. Whether it's 4:48 per mile pace for a marathon (course record at Boston) or a 27 MPH average bike speed over a 113 mile stage of a pro bike race. The people that can achieve those speeds are the epitomy of fast, for sure, but does that define fast for me? I'd say it defines what you may REALLY REALLY LIKE to be able to do, but it isn't very realistic unless you happen to win the lottery and can dedicate your days to training under a coach or are already super talented.
I've always subscribed to the theory that fast is relative to the individual. For example, if you're a 12 minute miler that is just getting started on a structured training plan, fast for you is probably somewhere in the 9-10 minute mile range. Meaning if you can achieve that pace at the end of your plan, you're going "fast" compared to you're starting point. 6 flat pace just isn't realistic for that individual at that time. In order to remain motivated, that person should be focusing on defining their personal "fast" and really disregard other people's definition of the word. I'm not saying it isn't possible for a 12 minute miler to one day be a sub 5 minute miler. I would love to train with someone who demonstrates that level of commitment and planning. It would trully be an inspiration to witness that transformation!
Does this line of thinking mean you should only train with people who share your ability and never challenge yourself by joining a group with more talented/fit athletes? NO!! It simply describes what I think is a healthy and sustainable approach to training and goal setting for the average athlete. It is essential that you expose yourself to better and better competition as you improve for several reasons. It teaches you there is always someone "faster," it helps you expand your personal limits to points you never thought possible on your own, and it keeps your ego in check. That goes for not only beginners, but also for those who routinely pound on their local training circle. They should make it a point to hit a group ride/run with more talented athletes to avoid stagnating or becoming "that guy" in their regular group. Getting your ass handed to you every so often is healthy and helps you RE-define your own "fast."
Keep that in mind next time you are setting goals or comparing your performance to someone else's. You're "fast" based on your criteria, not what others impose on you.

Springtime, Mud and Snow

Every March we in the North are chomping at the bit to get outdoors to workout. Whether it's a run or a bike, that first outdoor workout is highly anticipated. One of the biggest problems with Spring workouts is what to do with all the mud, dirt and snow that accumulates on your running shoes, bike frame or drivetrain. I don't have the luxury of a mud room to deal with sloppy shoes or a hot water spiggot in my garage to hose down my bike after a workout. While I can deal with the mud and grime on shoes, I can't afford to leave that stuff on my bike without the risk of damage to components. My preferred method is taking the bike downstairs into my unfinished basement and washing it off with warm water from a bucket (I have drains down there). While requiring a couple trips upstairs for more water, this has proven to be the most effective way for me to keep my equipment in good condition.
We'll never quit riding or running in the conditions that cause the mud and dirt. It's too important, both physically and mentally, to get outdoors after a long winter on the trainer/treadmill. However, keep your equipment clean, no matter what or you'll be shelling out cash way too often replacing it.

Flood Avoided

The Corps of Engineers has just put a halt to emergency levy construction in Jamestown due to the Spring run off has been less than anticipated along with less than normal precipitation.

Don't worry about any reports you hear on the news about high water levels or high releases from the dams. This WILL NOT affect the race course or water quality in any way.

Registrations for the race are coming in pretty much daily now that the posters have dropped. I'm excited to see the total number of racers this year. I'm expecting a minimum of 100 participants.

Buffalo City Running Club

The first meeting/group run of the newest incarnation of the Buffalo City Running Club will be this Thursday March 18th at 7pm. We'll meet at the Buffalo City Grille. Come dressed to run outdoors. The first 15 to 20 minutes will be for filling out registration forms, discussing routes and a question and answer session for new runners (that might take place during the run). I have drawn up a 5.5 mile, 3 mile and 1 mile route. I also have a 10k route, a 9.5 mile route, and so on for longer runs.
I want to stress that ALL ABILITY LEVELS ARE WELCOME!!! In fact, I would rather have the ratio of new runners to veterans be 2-3:1. This group is meant to get people out running, no matter your ability or motivation or fitness level.
I am really excited about getting this started. This club is for YOU, the more of YOU that are there, the better this club will become. Let's get it started!!!!!!!

Come run with us!!