Thanks

The second contest for the Evo tri team is over. Congrats to those three individuals who had the most votes. Shirley Pratt, Sara Ziemnik and Brian Brode, one of you will be the chosen one.



The first thanks goes to my voters for the support on a valiant effort at making the team. Good job Dave Quinn support crew.



Second thanks to Evo Tri for giving me this opportunity.

"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"

Sponsors for EVOTRI you rock

Check out the sponsor list in the right column, purdy aint it... Now go to each one and visit their web site. The bike for Team Evotri is the BMC TT02, purdy aint it...man, that bike looks fast just sitting there. Next, Cylce Ops power, SRAM components, Zipp wheelset these here folks are top notch outfits... Now picture any athlete, try me, decked out in full 2XU gear standing next to the Vision Quest Coaches and Evo tri team members, purdy aint we...

Purdy good looking, skilled, dedicated, funny, talented, determined, thirsty, sensative, hungry, helpful, ect.ect.



Go vote, make it happen...

"Pain is temporary,Pride is forever"

WOWS

Where is the warm weather. Can some of you southern folks ship some sunshine and warm air to Central Illinois. It seems that this winter is dragging on forever, and I truly am tired of bundling up for an outside training session. At least the ice is off the lakes.

I have received numerous calls and emails concerning WOWS (Wednesday Open Water Swim) and when it's going to start this year. For those who don't know, here in Bloomington our local triathlons clubs are fortunate enough to have a facility right smack dab in the middle of town. Going into the second year, WOWS again will be a benefit for the club members. It's time to get out of the pool and into the lake where there are no lines, no walls, and no flip turns.

When I answer the above question, I tell them WOWS will start when you can withstand the water temp. I have no problem watching from the canoe. The swim course is a some what triangle shaped course and is approximately 600 yards per loop. For those beginner swimmers who may feel intimidated by open water there is no set course. You can do the entire loop or just go out and practice with in your comfort zone. The course has numerous buoys for sighting and safety. Also the beach or shore are within a short distance throughout the entire course. There is always someone to answer questions and to help with techniques.

Yesterday, I was reading up on the long distance swimmers and learned that this year 2008 will the first year for the 10K swim in the Olympics. From the USA National team, here are the names of the swimmers who will attempt to qualify May 3, 2008 in Seville Spain at the FINA Open Water Swimming World Championship. The top 15 swimmers in the 10k advance to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which is going to be held in October. www.10kswimming.com

1. Micha Burden (26), Mission Viejo Nadadores: 10K and 25K
2. Kirsten Groome (17), First Colony Swim Team: 10K
3. Chloe Sutton (15), Mission Viejo Nadadores: 5K
4. Christine Jennings (20), Minnesota Aquatics: 25K and 5K
5. Erica Rose (25), Northwestern Aquatics: 25K
6. Mark Warkentin (28), Santa Barbara Swim Team: 10K and 25K
7. Chip Peterson (19) University of North Carolina: 10K
8. Josef Kinderwater (18), University of North Carolina: 5K
9. Chad La Tourette (19), Mission Viejo Nadadores: 5K
10. John Kenny (26), Germantown Academy Aquatic Club: 25K

Good luck guys

Just some quick calculations: If some one wants to do a 10k at WOWS that would be 6.21 miles, 10936 yards and 18 laps. Any you crazies want to go for it?

For the past few months I have been swimming with the local masters group 2-3 times per week. The swims are great, structured workouts, whats that. I used to just jump in and swim for 10 minutes to 1 hour. Good for endurance yes, but my stroke was not what I thought it was. Having a coach on deck is where it's at. Plus having others in the masters group swim in the same lane or the lane over really gives you a push through the workouts. Camaraderie makes it worth while. From the heart pounding sprints to the long distance swims, the people your with share the same or similar goals, and that is to better oneself and enjoy life. Learn, experience life and pass along knowledge to others.

Until next time

"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"


"Persistence isn't using the same tactics over and over. That's just annoying.
Persistence is having the same goal over and over."

Keep finding votes, St Louis, St. Pats

I received a message from Evo Tri today that the voting will be extended until March 28th. So keep on finding people to vote for me. Remember to send an email to vote@evotri.com and place my blog address in the subject line. http://wannabfast2.blogspot.com

So far, those who have been visiting have given great reviews on my new blog adventure. I have some new ideas that I will be sharing soon so stay tuned.

Just a quick up date: I have two weeks until St. Louis Marathon. Taper is in full swing and I feel strong. The goal, 3:10 is within reach. The path and quest is right around the corner. I hope for nice, dry weather so the spirits will be soaring. I know that the energy level on the morning of the race will be high and I will be contributing.

Last weekend, March 16th I ran the St. Pats 5k. It was nice day for a quick 3.1 and people showed up by the hundreds. Largest number of runners to date, almost 500. A shout out to Bill Reed the race director and to the local sponsors Schooners, Reeds Sporting Goods and the US Marines. Thanks guys for a great race.

The race started at 1:00, and when the gun went off it was on. My 14 year old Zach, was in the race and he started out right next to Brandon Moen, the eventual winner. The race had a fast start as most 5k's do, but this one was different, I was up with the fast guys, but not the really fast guys. Brandon took off with Zach in tow. Zach stayed off all the competition until mile 2 when he was passed by a few strong finishers. At about 2.5 I yelled to Zach to pick up the pace. Down the last 1/2 mile stretch I attempted to catch up with Zach but ended up finishing right behind him.
Finishing time 18:32, 2nd age group, 10th place overall, Zach's time 18:27 , 1st age group 9th overall and the winner Brandon Moen 15:21.

Just pumping up the confidence was the goal: accomplished

until next time

"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"

Making the Team 2008

We are all here for a particular reason. Mine, is giving back to those who can't. The attack on our country September 11, 2001 we will never forget. I took the opportunity, and was chosen to participate in a charity event called Tour De Force, 911 challenge. This event was a challenge bike ride from New York City to Boston, which raised money for the families of our fallen Police and Fire personnel. Even after 7 years the pain is still there. Going to New York and being with those that were directly involved, brought back the memories of that horrific day, but gave me a sense of accomplishment to help those who lost someone.

When presented with the Team Evo Tri opportunity, I thought this would be great to learn what it takes to become a true endurance athlete. The team could provide me with the tools, especially coaching, to complete some long term goals; but what could I bring to the endurance community? Here, centrally located in Bloomington is a lake which I felt could be utilized by members of the triathlon clubs. I conducted some research and contacted the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. Upon expressing my intentions to cater to new athletes that may be intimidated by open water swimming, and for the seasoned athlete, a place to train for up coming events, the City opened the beach, and welcomed the local triathlon clubs. Thus started WOWS (Wednesday Open Water Swim), which is going into its second year.

As a Law Enforcement Officer, I have participated in an organization called Illinois Special Olympics. This organization is so very special to all who are involved, volunteers, family members and especially the athletes. We, as endurance athletes are all so very fortunate to have all our faculties, mentally, physically, and spiritually. For the past several years I have participated in the fund raising event, “The Law Enforcement Torch Run”.

Police Officers from around the state carry torches on numerous running legs, which converge here in Bloomington, Normal on the games opening day. Another Special Olympic fund raising event took place on March 2, 2008, “The 2nd annual Miller Park Polar Plunge”. During this event participants collected donations in exchange for a cool dip in the water, anything for those athletes.

Whether it’s assistant coach of the Junior High track team, participating in 911 Tour de Force, or being a voice in the local triathlon club, a new opportunity comes along everyday. If you sit back and let it go by then you have lost an experience that may never come back across the path you travel. You must take advantage and Team Evo Tri is my opportunity to better myself so others in turn can benefit.

Thanks Team Evo Tri

"Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever"

Thanks for reading! If you think I should be the next fully-sponsored member of Team Evotri, please write down the URL of this web site and have it ready for voting when you click the EVOTE button below. Thank you!

Track Team

My newest adventure is assisting with the Jr. high track team. Just what I needed to add to my busy schedule . This year the 6th, 7th and 8th grade came out in full force, 100 plus students. The first two practices were bitterly cold and most kids dressed appropriatley but some just don't listen, imagine that. I volunteered to take the longer distance runners 400, 800 and milers. There are a few good prospects that will go to State again this year. Last year there were only two 7th grade boys and about eight girls that went to State.

A couple of hard practices may weed out some, but I'll keep a positive spin on things when teaching some of the new runners. Who knows maybe a Ryan Hall or a Desiree Ficker will come out of this small central Illinois town.

Today we'll see what the weather brings. Yesterday a 20 -25 mph wind was blowing straight out of the south which made for slow times but good training. The kids really had to push down the back stretch. It was comical to see them after hitting the back stretch, the wind about made a few stop .

Only 1 week of school, then spring break. The 1st day back from break is the first track meet. We'll schedule non mandatory workouts over break. I'm sure a few will show up but we can only hope.

Until next time

"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"

Delevan Frostbite 1/2 marathon

What a beautiful day to run a 1/2 marathon. A shout out to the race directors of the Delevan Frostbite classic, which is in it's 33rd year . A small in number race but, a good time and fast course. I signed up for this race as a warm up and to see how my training for the St.Louis Marathon is going. I have only done one other 1/2 marathon race which was the Indy 500 1/2 last year. 1:34 and some change. A couple of different things came about yesterday.

I invited a runner who is new to the area and is an incredible runner. I met Brandon at the gym one day running on the tread mill next to me. He has some local sponsors which automatically tells me his is fast.

The goal for the day is to start SLOW and do a negative split. I wanted to run the second half faster than the first. That didn't happen as I 'll explain here shortly. After checking in, a bathroom break, and it was off to warm up. Just a quick five minute warm up before loading on the bus for the ride to the start line.

As usual I get up to the start line and see what others are talking about, see who I think is in my age group and so on. The whistle blows and were off. Right out of the start again I'm up with the lead pack. I should know better by now. Anyway Brandon takes off and no one goes with him. His first mile 4:57 , My time 5:42 What? Way to fast for this guy, but I stayed with it and decided to see what the first 5k time would be. Maybe a PR. A right turn up ahead I could still see Brandon and no one was even close. This was around mile 2 and the two guys right ahead of me were talking about the rabbit up front, Brandon. They said he would die out at that pace. I informed them different.

At the 3 mile mark I checked my watch, what? 17:52 No way. I then told myself even after feeling pretty good its time to slow down so you don't BONK. That's still a PR for the 5k. I slowed down which let a few guys pass me. The rest of the race I held a nice steady pace until the last mile which I picked up a bit. Finished strong with a PR of 1:27:14 pace 6:39

The winning time was seconds off the course record. Brandon time was 1:08:53
and the course record set back in 1981 1:08:15 He's already been invited back next year. The second place finisher had a time of 1:15. Seven minutes back. Good job Brandon

My time by the way was a PR by 7 minutes. Time 1:27:14

In all, yesterday puts me right on track for the next 2 races. St. Pats day 5K and the St. Louis marathon April 6. I did get a boost of confidence from this race which means alot. I have an 18 miler in the morning but, I will be going much slower. I made some gains with my training program and only hope to continue making these positive gains.

Until next time...

"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"

2006 vs 2007

After only being involved in the crazy sport for two years I wanted to compare what I have gained. So with some duplicate races in 2006 and 2007 lets compare some finishing times.

Sullivan Sprint triathlon
440/13.4/5k
Swim T-1 Bike T-2 Run
2006
8:27 4:39 50:33 2:42 25:11

total 1:31:29

2007
6:57 1:10 39:47 1:08 22:09

total 1:11:13

Tri-Shark Classic
600/13/5k
2006
10:26 2:04 38:43 1:42 22:59

total 1:15:58

2007
9:38 1:43 36:15 1:35 22:33

total 1:11:45

Evergreen Int.
1.5k/40k/10k

2006
36:54 1:57 1:19:36 2:55 50:50

total 2:52:12

2007
32:47 1:10 1:12:05 1:11 43:15

total 2:30:28

Marathon
2006 Chicago 4:05
2007 St. Louis 3:27


Last but not least was the Florida Ironman. 11:32:43 I will compare the 2008 race to 2007 after November 1. This year my plan is to train harder and smarter than last year, and with the guidance of a few close friends I will again make even more gains in speed and endurance. SWIM BIKE RUN... do enough of each and you will see some results.

Remember

"Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever"

Polar Plunge

Yesterday's swim...

For the past 17 years I have taken some part in the Special Olympics here in Illinois. Weather it be running a torch run leg with other Law Enforcement Officers or cheering on the participants of the Special Olympics. This is a good heart felt cause. Yesterday I left work, put on my swim gear and took a dip with others in the 2nd annual Bloomington's Miller Park Polar Plunge. The air temp for Central Illinois was above average, but the water temp wasn't.

Myself along with another 140 plus folks took the plunge. The lake is in the City of Bloomington's well known Park, Miller Park. Since I work for the City of Bloomington I patrol this area on a daily bases. This is also the home lake of the Tri-Sharks our local Triathlon club.

So after registering and turning in the donations I received it was time to take the plunge. Myself and another tri shark Ed Lesniak, pictured on the left, lined up with the Police Officers team. The decision was made not only to plunge, but to plunge, dive and swim around the buoy. WOW it was cold . The blast of the first cold takes the breath right out of you.

Running out of the water to the cheers of the supporting family members and friends was a good feeling. High 5's, a few photo's and off to get warm. This is for a great cause and there will be more to follow. I will post a updates as the time gets closer to the games and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which happens in June.

This is a special journey.

Stay tuned
"Pain is temporary, Pride is Forever"