Blog Dump Part 2

I've been off the blog kick for a while now. I'm not sure why really. Perhaps it's because the tri season is all but over and I'm out of triathlete mode. Looking back over my posts from the year, I can't believe how heavy the triathlon content is. I intended this to be a multisport blog, covering all kinds of endurance and multisport events, but that didn't happen.

Without realizing it, 90% of my racing has been triathlons the past three years. And that's a problem. I'm not feeling burned out, but I don't have the drive anymore. The races all feel the same. For the past three years, I've done the same 12 or so races, and they all blur together. I need some variety.

My plan for next year was to scrap sprint tris altogether and do a half iron in May, and a full iron in November. And I still may stick to that plan. But last Saturday, fate intervened. A craigslist post for a brand new Raleigh Supercourse road bike. Check it:














I've always wanted to get into the road racing scene, and now is my chance. I'm not sure how hard I'll hit it next year, but at least I know I'll have more variety in my racing experience.

3rd Annual Savannah Sprint Triathlon
I'm headed down to Savannah this weekend to do the Savannah triathlon. You can click the link to check out the race profile I wrote last May. It will be fun. I'm taking my oldest son Jake with me and staying with my brother. I'm hoping to get top 10 overall and/or beat my time from last year. We shall see. My training last year didn't include as many late nights playing Rock Band. I think my form is slipping some, but that's the price to pay when you're the lead singer of a band.

2008 Hawaii Ironman
Here is a pretty good video from this year's Ironman Hawaii World Championship. Not crazy about the choice in music, but cool nontheless.

In terms of good songs to set your tri videos to, I'm going to with Welcome to the Jungle or Lunatic Fringe. But really, anything that kicks in right when the horn sounds for the swim, it's going to be strong.

Age Group National Championship Highlight Video

A friend of mine sent this video to me today and it's really cool. It's footage from the USAT Age Group & Elite Nationals in Portland, Oregon.

Endurance Films did the video and the following link will take you to their website.

Watch the Video

New Camelbak product

Just came across a blog post on Outside magazine's website about a cool new product. Camelbak has developed a new jersey/bladder called RaceBak. It’s essentially a lightweight, breathable baselayer with an integrated, 72-ounce hydration pouch sewn onto the back. The key material is a proprietary compression (and supposedly chafe-free) fabric that’s designed to stabilize the water and conform to your back.

Sounds cool to me. I love the idea of carrying more water efficiently on long rides. My concerns would be how well it breathes; if it sloshes around too much; and if I look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame on the IOP connector.

This will be on the market mid-October so look for reviews shortly thereafter.

Triathlon Etiquette

How someone trains and races says something about them. When I see someone meticulously laying out his gear in the transition area, taking great pains to place every item just so, I know there’s a good chance his attention to detail and organization skills carry over into his personal life. For example, I would bet his garage is clean and organized, just like his office, the glovebox of his car, and top dresser drawer. Likewise, when I see someone knowingly drafting, I know there’s a good chance that person cheats on his taxes and wife. When I see someone in the race giving words of encouragement to everyone who passes, I know there’s a good chance that person has a lot of friends.

Your character comes out on race day, whether you like it or not.

I see a lot of driven and motivated people in the triathlon community. I see people who want to challenge themselves. I see people setting and achieving goals. I see hard work and commitment. I see detail-oriented, competitive, successful people. I see health conscious, active people wanting to try new things. And I see people who inspire me.

Unfortunately, I’ve also seen a lot of jerks. I guess it comes with the territory. It is a race afterall. And when you get a group of people with all the attributes I mentioned above competing against one another, tempers can flare. I’ve seen a near fist fight over bumping/passing in the chute of a sprint finish. I’ve seen yelling in the transition area over rack spots. I’ve seen volunteers get berated. I’ve seen unsportsmanlike conduct in crowded swims (as in, that kick was NOT accidental). I’ve seen people cut turns and corners perhaps a little too much. I’ve seen more bad attitudes and complaining than I care to talk about. And the drafters, don’t even get me started on the drafters.

Below are a few suggestions and tips regarding good etiquette and sportsmanship you should use on race day.

Transition Area:
Your space in the transition area is tight. Just because you bring more gear doesn't mean you get more space. Use common sense and courtesy. Don't lay your crap all over the place and leave items in the way of others. In fact, there are USAT rules about this.

Work with the people on your rack to make sure everyone has enough space.

Don't ever take someone's spot. If there is a wetsuit or anything hanging over a rack spot, consider it a place holder and move on. If you aren't sure, ask. Note: If you get to the race site late, don't expect to get a great rack spot. And please don't try to squeeze into an already crowded rack.

Help others if they are having trouble or look clueless.

When you're done with your race and you're in the transition area, be considerate of those who have not finished yet and stay out of the way.

Swim:
Slower swimmers should start farther back. Don't start front and center unless you plan on leading the wave.

When there's contact, make your adjustment and keep going. It happens. Also, don't assume it's some jerk swimming into you. It could be you who is veering.

Bike:
No spitting or blowing your nose farmer-style. The people behind you will not be happy.

Always ride in a straight line, and if you are a slower rider stay on the right side except when passing.

Always let the rider ahead know you are passing on the left.

Only discard your water bottles and trash at aid stations. No littering ever -- even the tops of gel packs are litter. Just put it back in your pocket, or tuck under your shorts -- anywhere but on the ground.

No drafting. That's cheating. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with USAT rules.

Run:
Again, no littering on the race course.

Stay on the right except to pass.

At aid stations, try to discard your cups within a reasonable distance. Volunteers have to pick up each cup, so don't make them walk 400 yards.

In a sprint to the finish, use good judgement. If you're sprinting toward a chute, and you haven't passed the guy when you get there, he has the right of way.

After the race:
Treat the finish line volunteers with respect. Even though you're done, they still have to gather each racer's timing chip.

If you hang around for the awards don't bolt as soon as you get yours. It's good form to applaud everyone.

Thank volunteers and the race director when possible. They make it all possible.

I could go on and on with this list, but it's really common sense. Know the rules. Be considerate of others and contribute to the positive vibes. People are completing their first tris, PRs are being set, goals are being met, etc. Talk to people after the race and listen to how their race unfolded. Don't kill the buzz with negative energy and complaining. It's fun to be a part of the post race buzz and community. And it will make your race day experience all the better.

Upcoming Multisport Events

August 23: Cackalacky Cup
The Cackalacky Cup is held at Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, NC, and consists of two MTB trials. The first time trial will be a technical time trial held on the four mile Itusi loop. There will be four different obstacles on the course. The second time trial will be an all out speed time trial. The winners will be determined by the combined times of both time trials.

August 31: The Bear Adventure Race
The BEAR is an adventure race in Jacksonville, Fl. You can choose a 10-hour time limit race or enter The BEAR Sprint for the 6-hour adventure that includes many of the same challenges.

Entry into The BEAR is open to anyone. There is no qualifying requirement for entry, though Teams should be well prepared for the challenge. All teams must compete and finish together. Two-person teams and three-person or four-person teams will strive to meet the challenges of an event that includes mountain biking on trails and the beach, non-technical climbing, backwoods orienteering, open-water paddling in kayaks or canoes, and off-road running/trekking.

There are also "Mystery Tests" that will be placed at various stages along the course. The exact order of the events is not revealed until the day of the event, keeping the atmosphere mysterious. The Mystery Tests will try mental and physical abilities, as well as teamwork strengths. The Three-person / Four-person Coed Teams make up the premier division in The BEAR race. The BEAR will favor those who work together with sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and camaraderie.

September 6: North Myrtle Beach Triathlon
Registration is available at Active.com, or you may download the form from the website and mail it in. Late registration will be at McLean Park from 5–8 pm on Friday, September 5th, during the Family Fun Run.

September 7: Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon
Presented by US National Whitewater Park and SouthPark Cycles, the Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon is the Southeast Mountain Bike Marathon Championships. This is a 50 mile race in which 12 southeast champions will be crowned. There are also duo categories at the event.

September 7: Rock the Marne
The Rock of the Marne Sprint Triathlon is scheduled for September 7, 2008 at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA.

The distances are:
Swim - 500 yards in the Forest River
Bike - 12 miles around Perimeter Road
Run - 5K - Rio Road biking path
Proceeds will benefit the Hunter Army Airfield Spouse's Club. It's a USAT sanctioned race. Cost is $45 person; $85 relay; $35 military; $75 military relay. You can register on Active.com.

September 6 & 7: Tsali Offroad Triathlon
This is an off road tri in Bryson City, NC. Instead of the traditional swim, cycle and run, this race features a 3-mile lake paddle, a 5-mile trail run and a 12-mile mountain bike ride, all at Tsali Recreation Area on Fontana Lake.

Individuals compete on Saturday with four classes of racers: Women’s Open, Men’s Open, Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters (Masters Classes are open to competitors age 40+). Sunday sees the Team Challenge, where 3-person teams divvy up each leg of the race to one team member. On Sunday, there are three classes: Female, Male and Co-Ed teams. A racers’ meeting is held 20-minutes prior to the start of competition on both Saturday and Sunday.

A race dinner is held Saturday evening for competitors at NOC. Camping is available at Tsali Recreation Area, or you can reserve lodging at NOC.

September 7: Hartsville Triathlon
This is event #10 in the SCTS. There is a sprint (500m, 15m, 5k) or international distance (1500m, 27m, 10k) option. Both races are still open.

September 21: Kiawah Triathlon
This is the Charleston’s only Olympic distance tri, and for most, the last race of the season. The distances are 1.5k swim, 45k bike, and 10k run. Race entries are limited to 300 participants, and I think they hit that mark last week and closed registration. If you are registered, get there early because parking is limited. Packet pickup on Saturday is from 1-4 pm, and race morning 6-7 at Beachwalker Park. Good luck.

September 28: SC Half Ironman
This is event #12 in the SCTS and the only half iron distance in the state. Registration is closed for 2008.

October 4: The 3rd Annual Tree Shaker 12 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge
The 3rd Annual Tree Shaker 12 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge will once again take place at Anne Springs Close Greenway, which has some really good singletrack. Located in Ft Mill SC, the ASCG is located just off I-77. There will be live music at the event with Streetwise School of Rock. The event start and finish will be held at the Field Trial Barn.