So I got my race kit for Team Aquaphor last week. The box was huge and there was tons of great stuff in there. The good thing is that all my race gear fit!.
Training has been going well. I was really pleased with my race at JCC and thought my swim was great, bike was good...weather slowed everyone down and the run was pretty good too. The one thing that I have been working on this past week is building speed on the swim. I have been doing 400 and 250 sets at race pace trying to hold it for 3-5 set with a very short rest in between. My swim today was good. I did 5X250's on 4:00. I was taking 25-30 rest in between then I did 10X25's on 45. Not bad. I was happy b/c I was not winded. I bought a new pair of shoes for the 1/2 IM. The Kswiss K-Ona. I had been talking with pro Chris Lieto and a few K swiss reps about the new technology and got a great deal on it. I still love my ZOOT's and will continue to wear them for my shorter distance stuff. I have noticed that when I hit the 10 mile mark my form starts to fall and my instep collapses. The K swiss has been designed to add a touch of support for mid to fore-foot runners who usually need help in the last few miles.
I also want to say thank you to all the soldiers and their families who have lost a loved one in battle, this Memorial day is for them and to those two women who left church and were complaining about singing "battle songs" in church...GET BENT! The church (whatever faith you are) prays for the safety and smart choices that our soldiers have to make every day. They don't ask GOD to win, they ask GOD to help make the right decision...like weather or not to give their canteen to a young boy who hasn't had a drink in last 4 days. I don't mean to go onto a political rampage but people need to appreciate what things like the "revolutionary war, Civil War, WWI and WWII, Vietnam, the Gulf and Middle East mean to our history. Our country was built on supporting what is right for mankind and sometimes that choice may not be agreed upon by everyone but WE ALL SHOULD SUPPORT AND PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS.
On that note my son got his 1st trophy! he beat me in a 5k. the Dory Run in Swampscott. I ran a 19:26 and he ran a 19:24. He was in the Jog Stroller. Not bad, 10th overall and 2nd in my age group! He was psyched. Jack took his trophy to pre-school today. I was never more proud...he's only 2
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
JCC 2009
Today was a great day. I started my 2009 season with a bang! I competed in the JCC triathlon by the sea. I have done this race for a few years now and have always loved it. It will now hold a little place in my heart because I finished 1st overall. I have not accomplished this before and I am quite proud of the way things turned out. The following is a brief recap of what took place.
0500 wake up and ate a bagel with cream cheese and cup of coffee. Put my stuff in the car and cursed at mother nature raining down on us. Had another cup of coffee, and grabbed my pre-race drink and headed down the street to the race.
Got all set up and checked in, hopped on the bike to check the conditions and noticed it was very humid. Then, along with my brother and Vin Miserandino. we went for a short jog then did some light sprints and strides to get the blood flowing.
Race start time; 0800. This race is a staggered start in the pool. a quick 250 yrd swim. I got in the water and loosened up. The pool temp was very warm and I, felt it uncomfortable. I was seeded 11th. The first one took off and every 15 secs after that the next racer left. I had a 2:30 wait from the #1 seed. Off I go. Felt strong and moved well through the water well. I was fluid and covered the swim in 3:12.
As the first 10 people ahead of me were off on the bike I made quick time and transition and passed 3 people there. Once on the course I ramped up the gears and started mashing away. Within seconds got to race speed at 22-23mph. The 10 mile bike course was a 3 loop ride through 2 tough hills that later returned the favor. Returned to transition in approx 28 min flat. As I was coming back the only one left in front of me was the #1 seed. I had made up 2:30 sec. and the both of us entered transition together. Another quick transition and of on the 3.5 mile run course.
I noticed the #1 exit right behind me and could hear him about 20 yrds back as we ran through the first mile. At 1.5 miles there is a hard right turn and I was able to sneak a peak over my right shoulder to get a glimpse of him and he had fallen back. I was feeling good but knew that there could be others out there chasing him down. Mile one was a 6:20, mile two a 6:10 and mile 3 was 6:10 and the last half mile was just over 3 min. I cruised into the finish line and felt good.
I have to say it was a good hard race. Some heavy rain on the bike and run but all in all it was a great day. Some friends had PR's today. blogger Vin Miserandino (sjp-crossfit) and his brother Marty had great days. I also want to note that my brother, Brendan had an exceptional day as he battled a lower leg injury.
Let the Games Begin!
0500 wake up and ate a bagel with cream cheese and cup of coffee. Put my stuff in the car and cursed at mother nature raining down on us. Had another cup of coffee, and grabbed my pre-race drink and headed down the street to the race.
Got all set up and checked in, hopped on the bike to check the conditions and noticed it was very humid. Then, along with my brother and Vin Miserandino. we went for a short jog then did some light sprints and strides to get the blood flowing.
Race start time; 0800. This race is a staggered start in the pool. a quick 250 yrd swim. I got in the water and loosened up. The pool temp was very warm and I, felt it uncomfortable. I was seeded 11th. The first one took off and every 15 secs after that the next racer left. I had a 2:30 wait from the #1 seed. Off I go. Felt strong and moved well through the water well. I was fluid and covered the swim in 3:12.
As the first 10 people ahead of me were off on the bike I made quick time and transition and passed 3 people there. Once on the course I ramped up the gears and started mashing away. Within seconds got to race speed at 22-23mph. The 10 mile bike course was a 3 loop ride through 2 tough hills that later returned the favor. Returned to transition in approx 28 min flat. As I was coming back the only one left in front of me was the #1 seed. I had made up 2:30 sec. and the both of us entered transition together. Another quick transition and of on the 3.5 mile run course.
I noticed the #1 exit right behind me and could hear him about 20 yrds back as we ran through the first mile. At 1.5 miles there is a hard right turn and I was able to sneak a peak over my right shoulder to get a glimpse of him and he had fallen back. I was feeling good but knew that there could be others out there chasing him down. Mile one was a 6:20, mile two a 6:10 and mile 3 was 6:10 and the last half mile was just over 3 min. I cruised into the finish line and felt good.
I have to say it was a good hard race. Some heavy rain on the bike and run but all in all it was a great day. Some friends had PR's today. blogger Vin Miserandino (sjp-crossfit) and his brother Marty had great days. I also want to note that my brother, Brendan had an exceptional day as he battled a lower leg injury.
Let the Games Begin!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Race one
So the past few days of training have been going pretty well. I have been hitting my times and feeling OK. My bike is great and swimming is going well. I have been having a problem with my running shoes. I know it sounds minimal but there is something so important about the cheapest part of triathlon. People spend 4K on bikes or 600 on a wetsuit but complain when they hit over a hundred for a pair of sneakers. So I have literally saved my pennies and will go and not think twice when I have to buy my new kicks today. Everyday I would take the change from my pocket at work and drop it in a coffee can. So I have rolled the coin and now I will pick my prize. I saw my dad do that when I was a kid...now my turn.
I was hoping to get this things ready for the first race of the season. The JCC in Marblehead is this Sunday. I have had two good years and hope to do just as well this year. What I like about this race is that it has become very competitive with the local talent and it is in my backyard. Getting the season off on the right foot is important because it sets the stage for the whole summer. I will enjoy a modified recovery week while I fight through the allergy season and get ready to got a 100% on Sunday. Until then.
I was hoping to get this things ready for the first race of the season. The JCC in Marblehead is this Sunday. I have had two good years and hope to do just as well this year. What I like about this race is that it has become very competitive with the local talent and it is in my backyard. Getting the season off on the right foot is important because it sets the stage for the whole summer. I will enjoy a modified recovery week while I fight through the allergy season and get ready to got a 100% on Sunday. Until then.
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