Congratulations Aaron!!!
Portland Marathon– by Leah Hoyer
I’ve done it, my first marathon. Thank you, Portland, for putting on a great race, and for holding it at a time of year when conditions were perfect. 60 degrees, overcast, well supported and with enough spectators and entertainment to pull me through (I never knew how uplifting the opening riffs of “Call Me Al” could be until I heard them at mile 18). My one complaint is that the course was a little long—it was like 26.2 miles or something. That’s a long way to run.
I had a good day. Slept well, my nutrition was on, my clothing wasn’t rubbing in uncomfortable ways, and while I was aware of my muscles, no joints were screaming at me. I pushed it, but I didn’t die. My heart rate averaged 185 (my lactate threshold is 182, so that’s about what I would have wanted). The one thing I would have changed in my preparation is that I would have made my longest run about two miles longer. My longest training run was 20.5 miles. On race day, my muscles started to fatigue around 21/22 miles…go figure. There is always that balance to strike between training and overtraining, but I know I could have done a 22/23 mile training run, and my day would have been even better for it.
That said, though, I’m happy with my first marathon. I finished in 3:43, which at age 35 even qualifies me for Boston. When I crossed the line, though, that wasn’t a reason to celebrate. Why in heck would I put myself through that again?! But, given a given a couple of days to recover and allow short term memory loss to set in, I’m thinking that could be pretty cool. I’ve never been to Boston. Maybe their course won’t be so long.
Ironman World Championships
Well, it seems like it was just a few short weeks ago that I was heading to Canada to race in my first Ironman. And now, I'm getting set to do it all again on the island of Kona, Hawaii. It's been a bit of a roller-coaster with my health and fitness the past few weeks. Nothing serious but a sprained ankle, a good head cold, and then some pain and swelling in my nether-region aggravated by too much cycling. It's kept me from training full-on the past month or so.
But, the base training is there and I feel good about being able to better my time of 11:58:02 in Canada.
Here's the skinny:
Who:Aaron Brougher (participant #1449)
What:Ironman World Championships
When:Saturday, October 13th (start time is 7am local)
Where:Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Why:Why Not!?!
How:Swim, Bike, Run...140.6 miles in total in under 12hrs
Comments:
You can follow my progress by going to http://www.ironmanlive.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship, clicking TRACK AN ATHLETE, and punch in my race number or last name. I'm not sure where the check points will be for this race, but the swim should be around 1hr 10mins total. The bike should avg. above 19mph...or just under 6hrs total. And the run, well...I'm still hoping I can get down to around 4hrs. But that will depend on the ol' IT Band. If it stays pain-free...a 4hr marathon is quite possible.
On a normal day, the Kona Ironman is probably not the hardest Ironman out there. Canada's bike course is VERY hilly. Other courses have very hilly conditions on the run as well. Kona is fairly flat with a total elevation change of about 700 feet. But! And it's a BIG but...if the heat, humidity and wind are all high on race day, Kona can borderline on dangerous. Nutrition and hydration are paramount not only to do well, but to finish. I'm sure you've all seen the footage of people stumbling across the finish line. No thanks!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeah Man!
Aaron Brougher
But, the base training is there and I feel good about being able to better my time of 11:58:02 in Canada.
Here's the skinny:
Who:Aaron Brougher (participant #1449)
What:Ironman World Championships
When:Saturday, October 13th (start time is 7am local)
Where:Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Why:Why Not!?!
How:Swim, Bike, Run...140.6 miles in total in under 12hrs
Comments:
You can follow my progress by going to http://www.ironmanlive.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship, clicking TRACK AN ATHLETE, and punch in my race number or last name. I'm not sure where the check points will be for this race, but the swim should be around 1hr 10mins total. The bike should avg. above 19mph...or just under 6hrs total. And the run, well...I'm still hoping I can get down to around 4hrs. But that will depend on the ol' IT Band. If it stays pain-free...a 4hr marathon is quite possible.
On a normal day, the Kona Ironman is probably not the hardest Ironman out there. Canada's bike course is VERY hilly. Other courses have very hilly conditions on the run as well. Kona is fairly flat with a total elevation change of about 700 feet. But! And it's a BIG but...if the heat, humidity and wind are all high on race day, Kona can borderline on dangerous. Nutrition and hydration are paramount not only to do well, but to finish. I'm sure you've all seen the footage of people stumbling across the finish line. No thanks!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeah Man!
Aaron Brougher
Piru TT
Piru Time Trial
by Vince Mattera
by Vince Mattera
My Tri Season is complete for 2007, but the racing continues. Since I have to put in a two hour run this afternoon (training for the Santa Barbara Half Marathon in November), I elected not to ride with my usual Sunday Cycling Club (40-60 miles). Today I did something new - a time trial.
Piru is located in Ventura County and the course is on a two-lane road that follows along orchards and farmland. It is an open course, but this morning I saw only one car.
There are serious competitors that enter this race against the clock, with very expensive TT bikes and helmets.
This is a fun, family atmosphere race. All ages and skill levels welcome. The out and back course has slightly rolling hills, and a total elevation gain of 300ft.
Registration opens at 8:00am and closes at 8:55am for both 40k/Sat and 20k/Sun. The first rider will leave at around 9:00am, with remaining riders leaving in 30-second intervals. They give awards 5 deep in a variety of age groups/levels.
There are two more events scheduled for 2007, one in November and one in December.
Check out the website if you're interested. http://www.blogger.com/www.uncletren.com
Nautica Malibu Triathlon - Zuma Beach 9/16/07
by Leah Hoyer
The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is the one event where my two tri teams come together into one great race. Not only was there a large Polar presence this year, but 300 of my closest coworkers from the Walt Disney Company also descend upon Zuma Beach. They were there to compete in the Entertainment Industry Challenge, which pits media companies against one another to raise the most money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. I am happy to to say that, as a company, we raised $235,000 dollars this year for this great cause and took first place (by a large margin!)
Being able to train and compete with folks from work has been a huge part of my growing love for triathlon. Sometimes it is so hard to make the time to stay in shape and work towards your athletic goals. Thankfully, my job encourages this. And this year, with my new Polar sponsorship, I've been doubly motivated to train and achieve faster times. I've also been able to share the benefits of heart rate training with the dozens of folks that I run and bike with every week. Not only did I have my best time on this course (and made the podium for the first time in five years of competing in this race), but the Disney team's overall understanding of how to train efficiently and smarter helped many of my coworkers finish their first triathlon or improve their personal bests. Great job Disney and thank you Polar!
by Leah Hoyer
The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is the one event where my two tri teams come together into one great race. Not only was there a large Polar presence this year, but 300 of my closest coworkers from the Walt Disney Company also descend upon Zuma Beach. They were there to compete in the Entertainment Industry Challenge, which pits media companies against one another to raise the most money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. I am happy to to say that, as a company, we raised $235,000 dollars this year for this great cause and took first place (by a large margin!)
Being able to train and compete with folks from work has been a huge part of my growing love for triathlon. Sometimes it is so hard to make the time to stay in shape and work towards your athletic goals. Thankfully, my job encourages this. And this year, with my new Polar sponsorship, I've been doubly motivated to train and achieve faster times. I've also been able to share the benefits of heart rate training with the dozens of folks that I run and bike with every week. Not only did I have my best time on this course (and made the podium for the first time in five years of competing in this race), but the Disney team's overall understanding of how to train efficiently and smarter helped many of my coworkers finish their first triathlon or improve their personal bests. Great job Disney and thank you Polar!
Leah checking her time and heart rate after leaving the chilly ocean swim!
My Summer Vacation - Vince Mattera
What I did on my Summer Vacation
By Vince Mattera
Every summer I head back to Rhode Island to spend a few weeks at our family summer home in Matunuck Beach. Usually it’s 85 degree sunshine with a cool ocean breeze. This summer was different. Heat and high humidity invaded the seashore and there was no relief for most of the summer.
Prior to venturing back East, I had made plans with a couple of high school friends to run in a local 10-mile road race. The Blessing of the Fleet (boats parade through the harbor and are blessed by the Catholic Church) is generally held on the last weekend in July each year, the event is "kicked off" with a scenic, 10-mile road race on Friday evening. The course, which winds its way through historic Narragansett, is officially sanctioned and listed as one of the top three races of its distance in New England. More than 3,000 runners competed, hailing from all over New England, across the country and around the world.
While I have been to many Blessings of the Fleet events, this year was the first time I have done the run. It was interesting to say the least. While waiting before the start in a sardine-like mass, on a small, rural 2-lane road, I was dripping in sweat. At 6 p.m. it was close to 90 degrees and 90% humidity. The street was tree-lined so there was no wind. When the gun finally sounded, it seemed like a minute before I started walking, then jogging, and close to 2 minutes before I crossed the starting line. I was glad to get the first mile out of the way, and finally to begin running. At mile three I glanced down at my heart rate and I was over 90%. I was running at my typical race pace, so I guess the heat and humidity were making my heart pump harder.
After 7 miles of running in direct sunlight, the course finally turned into a tree lined neighborhood that provided 3 miles of shade. As I approached mile 10, it was difficult to determine where exactly the finish line was located. There was a mob at the end of the road and spectators were crossing in front of 6 finishing chutes that were set up parallel to the road. Some racers were stopping in front of the chutes and mingling with spectators, some were running through the chutes to the end. At the end of the chutes were race officials tearing off bib numbers. Since the race didn’t have chip timing, and no distinct finishing line to cross, I’m still not sure where the race officially ended.
I started my watch as I crossed the starting line, and stopped it as the guy tore of my bib number. My unofficial time was 1:13:20 (about a 7:25 min/mile). I had hoped to finish in 1:10, but all things considered, for me it was a good run.
Not so, for some racers. More than 20 people were taken off the course with heat exhaustion. One gal landed on her head and was taken to the hospital with serious head trauma as a small child wandered in front of her, just ten feet from the finishing area. After the race, it didn’t get any easier. The post-race nutrition area was set up in the street and spectators, who were there for the Seafood Festival, were taking advantage of the free food and drinks. A race like this makes you really appreciate a well-run event. The race kicked off my vacation and afterward I was ready to relax.
The rest of the trip was spend trying to keep cool – body surfing at the beach, sailing, water skiing, wake boarding, and fishing.
After completing the race, Vince is joined by his daughters.
By Vince Mattera
Every summer I head back to Rhode Island to spend a few weeks at our family summer home in Matunuck Beach. Usually it’s 85 degree sunshine with a cool ocean breeze. This summer was different. Heat and high humidity invaded the seashore and there was no relief for most of the summer.
Prior to venturing back East, I had made plans with a couple of high school friends to run in a local 10-mile road race. The Blessing of the Fleet (boats parade through the harbor and are blessed by the Catholic Church) is generally held on the last weekend in July each year, the event is "kicked off" with a scenic, 10-mile road race on Friday evening. The course, which winds its way through historic Narragansett, is officially sanctioned and listed as one of the top three races of its distance in New England. More than 3,000 runners competed, hailing from all over New England, across the country and around the world.
While I have been to many Blessings of the Fleet events, this year was the first time I have done the run. It was interesting to say the least. While waiting before the start in a sardine-like mass, on a small, rural 2-lane road, I was dripping in sweat. At 6 p.m. it was close to 90 degrees and 90% humidity. The street was tree-lined so there was no wind. When the gun finally sounded, it seemed like a minute before I started walking, then jogging, and close to 2 minutes before I crossed the starting line. I was glad to get the first mile out of the way, and finally to begin running. At mile three I glanced down at my heart rate and I was over 90%. I was running at my typical race pace, so I guess the heat and humidity were making my heart pump harder.
After 7 miles of running in direct sunlight, the course finally turned into a tree lined neighborhood that provided 3 miles of shade. As I approached mile 10, it was difficult to determine where exactly the finish line was located. There was a mob at the end of the road and spectators were crossing in front of 6 finishing chutes that were set up parallel to the road. Some racers were stopping in front of the chutes and mingling with spectators, some were running through the chutes to the end. At the end of the chutes were race officials tearing off bib numbers. Since the race didn’t have chip timing, and no distinct finishing line to cross, I’m still not sure where the race officially ended.
I started my watch as I crossed the starting line, and stopped it as the guy tore of my bib number. My unofficial time was 1:13:20 (about a 7:25 min/mile). I had hoped to finish in 1:10, but all things considered, for me it was a good run.
Not so, for some racers. More than 20 people were taken off the course with heat exhaustion. One gal landed on her head and was taken to the hospital with serious head trauma as a small child wandered in front of her, just ten feet from the finishing area. After the race, it didn’t get any easier. The post-race nutrition area was set up in the street and spectators, who were there for the Seafood Festival, were taking advantage of the free food and drinks. A race like this makes you really appreciate a well-run event. The race kicked off my vacation and afterward I was ready to relax.
The rest of the trip was spend trying to keep cool – body surfing at the beach, sailing, water skiing, wake boarding, and fishing.
After completing the race, Vince is joined by his daughters.
IRONMAN CANADA RACE REPORT
By Aaron Brogger
By Aaron Brogger
August 26, 2007
I’ve tried to make this report down the middle on detail. Some of you won’t understand a few parts…the triathletes will get bored with some of the detail. But here’s a not-so-quick recap of my first Ironman event. The best part is that I’m definitely up to do it again. Which is good considering I am doing another one on October 13th in Kona, Hawaii. Here we go….
The Swim (2.4 miles)
This was the largest start to any Ironman event ever. What does that mean you ask? Well, it means that there were over 2500 people that started swimming when the gun fired. Yeah, chaos.The course was basically a very long triangle…all right turns. So, I started to the left a bit to try and be out of the huge crowds that always seem to stay close the buoys marking the course. There were a lot of people out there, but it never got horrible. There would be traffic for about 5 mins…then it would thin out. And then randomly I would hit a bunch of traffic again. I got kicked in the face twice…had to reset the goggles. Nothing too tragic. I have four words that I recite to myself while swimming. Reach. Pull. Glide. Breathe. After repeating those words about two thousand times, I found my self at the beach! Time 1:08…goal was 1:10. Lookin’ Good! Special thanks to Sierra for showing me my new swim moves!
Swim to Bike Transition
So I’m feeling pretty good at this point. The wetsuit strippers peel my suit off and I grab my bag to head into the tent. I get my bike gear on, stop at the suntan lotion stand for a quick apply and I’m off on the bike. Time: 4:38
The Bike (112 miles)
So my goal here was 6 hours. Looking at my friend’s times from years past, I knew this was going to be rather optimistic. They are all stronger cyclists and have consistently had faster bike times in other races. So, I was praying that the bike Gods would be good to me. The plan was to keep my heart rate (HR) as close to 140bpm for the first 30-45 mins so I could ease into the bike…then turn it up to 150bpm for the remainder of the ride. I stuck to that plan. I passed people. Some people passed me. Such is life. The first big hill comes by around mile 40. I was feeling pretty good here. Gear down, sit up, take it easy and don’t let the HR get crazy. Climbing…climbing…climbing…and finally to the top. Aaahhh…that wasn’t so bad. Now down hill…fast! And man do I mean fast. I passed everyone that I could see. Not sure why, but gravity liked me on the way down the hills today. I hit the rolling hills after the Richter Pass climb and the wind really picked up. It made for some sketchy descents, but I just tucked in and watched that heart rate. Made it to mile 80 which is the turn around. I stopped to pee. Had to wait in line for about 2 mins before I could get in the damn port-o-potty. Hated seeing people passing me, but nature called. Back on the bike with one major climb left and then the long descent into town. Climbing again…the crowd was crazy. It was like being on the Tour de France. They lined the road leaving one single lane for us to ride. Got to the top…tucked into my aero position and let it fly down the hills. I hit over 50mph on the way down. After a long descent, I’m now back in town and feeling good except for my shoulders and neck. I stayed in aero position for nearly 6 hours straight. That killed the neck. But, I was back and ready to hit the run. Time: 5hrs 52mins. My goal was 6:00 hours….sweet Jesus! I done good!Bike to Run Transition
It’s awesome to just roll in and have people take your bike for you. Love it. So, I grabbed my bag and hit the tent to change. I sat down in the chair. And that was by far the most comfortable folding plastic chair that has ever been manufactured. Haha. No joke! I lubed up my toes and my arm pits (you have no idea the places that will rub raw when you run for hours on end). I ate, drank and stretched. Since I was a head of schedule, I was in no rush to get out on the run. Put on some more sunscreen and I was on my way. Time: 9mins 41secs
The Run (26.2 miles)
And so it begins…the real part of the race. I was clicking off 8 minute miles for the first 3 miles. Feeling really good. My HR was around 150…a pace I can hold all day long. Starting off fast is fairly typical for most…especially rookie Ironman athletes like me. The adrenaline will have you flying. But, I really did feel fine. That is, until my left IT band decided to act up. I’ll spare you a lesson in physiology, but IT band syndrome isn’t an overly serious problem, but it hurts like a mother. The pain is localized to the outside of the knee. Thankfully it can be relieved a bit with some regular stretching. So, that’s what I did. I ran for about 5 mins…then stretched for about 30 seconds…then ran another 5 mins. You get the picture.I settled in for what was going to be a longer run that I had hoped for. I stopped a few times to pee. I also had a little kid race me the whole length of road in front of his house. He gave me a hi-5. It was awesome. I drank the chicken soup and the “cola.”. Which was Pepsi…if you know me, that’s not a good thing. But At mile 20, I realized that I had one hour to make it back under my 12 hour goal. It was time to block out the pain and make sure I ran under 10 minute miles from here on.
I rolled into town and no amount of pain was going to hold me back now. I made the turn on to Lakeshore for the final little out and back. I picked up the pace and broke the tape at 11hrs 58mins and 02secs. And then I heard it….”Aaron Brogger…you are an Ironman.” Almost the sweetest words I could ever hear on race day. Haha. Big thanks to my girlfriend Jessica and friend Jami. They are great athletic supporters!!! And special thanks to my Dad and Rae. You made the day possible! Thanks to all the friends and family that gave support and encouragement along the way. Love you all!
Times:
Swim: 1:08:19 (1:48/100m pace)
T1: 4:38
Bike: 5:51:55 (19.1mph)
T2: 9:41
Run: 4:43:31 (10:50 min/mile pace)
Total: 11:58:02
Good luck to POLAR LA athlete’s racing this weekend in Louisville & Canada.
Rick (Ironman Louisville)
You can track Rick Sunday at by clicking the imbedded link above.
“Athletes are in for a challenging day –
Thanks to “significant rainfall upriver,” race organizers were forced to change the swim course, which will now consist of a short leg upstream followed by a fast downstream journey along the Ohio River to
The bike course promises to be a deceptive challenge. While it begins with a 10 mile stretch along River Road before heading into the beautiful “horse country” that this area is so famous for which offers a series of relentless “rolling hills” that will make this a tough ride for pros and age groupers alike.
The flat run will pass many of
It all ends with a finish line sure to be one of the most memorable in Ironman racing at “Fourth Street Live,” a closed off street area in the heart of Louisville’s downtown that features a number of restaurants and bars and certainly has the potential to be one very loud and exciting finishing venues.”
Aaron (Ironman Canada)
You can track Aaron Sunday at by clicking the imbedded link above.
It all started in 1983 when 26 athletes entered
On Sunday, August 26, 2007, the 25th edition of Subaru Ironman
2007 Dwight Crum Pier to Pier Race start
Here is a video someone shot of the Aug 5th 2 mile Pier to Pier swim held annually here in the Southbay. Great practice for the triathlon mass starts.
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