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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.
2007 SEAC - Jeff Vicario
2007
Siku Extreme Arctic Challenge
by: Jeff Vicario
Team POLAR / Feed the Machine
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Adventure Racing at the end of the world… Tasiilaq, Greenland is the stage, population 1,849 where the summer is a miraculous combination of almost 24 hours of daylight, huge icebergs, vast glaciers, monumental mountains and crystal clear air.
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Our team, Team POLAR/Feed the Machine, includes Jon Barker, a UK guy living in Atlanta, Christian Burke a good friend from LA, Egon local Greenlander who has placed 3rd in this race twice and myself.
Getting here is of course no simple feat. A myriad of planes, trains, automobiles, boats, trucks and donkey carts (not really) and we arrive in the town of Tasiilaq, Greenland, about 1000 kilometers off the end of the planet. This was to be our base camp for the race duration. It is very small Inuit town with seal and polar bear hunters, fishermen, and sled dogs waiting for winter again. Seventeen teams of four, mostly from Northern European countries descend on the town to tackle icy fjords, man-eating glaciers and mountain peaks on foot, canoe, and mountain bike for five days. Greenland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, England, Scotland, United Kingdom, and of course us Americans are represented.
After a couple days of non-stop preparation of gathering food, testing and outfitting inflatable canoes, organizing gear, we started stage 1 on Saturday morning.
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Stage 1:
After some agonizing hours by race officials when Air Iceland didn’t deliver the gear we needed for the race including our team’s bikes they were able to find everything to substitute the missing gear. The first stage started as planned and our team was good and fast. It was relatively short in comparison to the next three stages. Stage 1 began as a mass start in our inflatable canoes paddling the icy fjord to the foot of the Polhelm Mountain. We had nice movement together and moved quickly through the 35 degree water. We exited the water in fifth place. After that we quickly transitioned to our trekking gear and headed for Polheim's Peak, a very famous mountain peak in Greenland. If you ever see pictures from Greenland and they show mountains, you were probably looking at Polheim's Peak. We powered up the mountain very quickly, although it was not easy. Very loose rock and very, very steep. Once we arrived at a ledge (the checkpoint), most of the way up the mountain, they smartly stopped the clock and allowed us to head to the summit for the photo-op with safety in mind and not worry about knocking someone off the hill to their imminent death trying to race to the top. When we arrived back to the checkpoint, the clock started and the game continued.We flew down the hill opting for a not so obvious route choice though we were not alone since there are other Greenland teams here as well with local knowledge. We arrived at the water, again, quickly transitioned to our water gear and canoed back to the Tasiilaq and the start/finish line.
After Stage 1 we sit in fifth place. 1st and 2nd place are occupied by Greenlandic teams.
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Stage 2:
This stage began with 35 Kilometers of mountain biking on a course that gives new meaning to ‘single track’ and makes you work for every hill, every turn. We got the bike part done, quickly transitioned, and were on to the trekking leg in, what else, fifth place.
The trekking venue consisted of ascending...then descending...three mountain tops, and back to the start/finish. Teams that ranked with an even number in Stage 1 go were to go clockwise over the tops, while those ranked with an uneven number summated the peaks counter clockwise so as to make it more difficult for close competitors to get an idea of how the other teams are doing. It is very hard to describe the violence in which Mother Nature created these mountains. A trail in Greenland is non-existent, the rocks are severe, there is no such thing as gradual; it is either straight up or straight down. On each ascent, we took the most direct lines, usually the steepest too. On climbing the second peak, it was nearly vertical, ascending through these vertical slots of granite rock, with the ground sliding away from us with every cautious step.We finished the stage in seventh place.
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Stage 3:
Again we were to begin this stage from the town with a two man time trial followed by the other two teammates along the same course. Egon and Christian went out first and returned in second place. Jon and I headed out and tried to hold the lead as the other team tried to narrow the gap. Our team did very well and we had a good head start to the trekking section.
We started out on a cross country run with a path to the Kittimenfkasfnaf glacier. Once we passed a long valley, we started our climb up. Once again, steep and rocky was the theme. Greenland, France and Iceland passed us on this assent. We made it up to the glacier trying to stay clear of the many crevasses, started our way to the checkpoint and eventually down the glacier. We worked our way down to the end, finished with a canyon bouldering session over all the rocks that the glacier tossed out of its mighty way, and made it to base camp on the beach.*********************************************
Stage 4:
We woke, ate, received our maps and instructions, and began to prep for the expedition leg of the race. It was an estimated 120 kilometres (depending on your navigation and route selection), a long hard navigationally difficult course that covered the entire island. The stage would start with a short canoe section, then a difficult trek section, glacier work, canyoneering, coasteering, canoeing, the longest glacier trek on the island, more canoeing, trek with very difficult navigation, shorter glacier, canyoneering, and then finally a canoe to the end.
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With our course instructions understood, the short canoe section started with helicopters flying overhead. We get out of the water uneventfully in about fifth place. Off on what we could see would be a difficult navigation section. Everyone was everywhere. We eventually decided to take a very uncommon route and it paid off. We hit the glacier very quickly and without much expended energy, which would turn out to pay off in a big way later. Unfortunately we took forty-five minutes to figure it out. Climbing up the glacier, as we had done before, we felt that the glacier was solid enough to allow us to travel without crampons, we would however rope in. The crevasses were simply out of control, we found ourselves jumping over one or working your way around another literally every few feet. Eventually we arrived at the top of the glacier in seventh place. Lost two positions, but the other teams that heard of our route selection were jealous.Down the glacier, into and down a valley to CP3, the canoe. After a short canoeing section to CP4 and realizing that a few teams lost their way, we left CP4 in 5th. Up, up, up the longest glacier of the trip. Again, no crampons until we needed them. Being the very early hours of the morning the sky remained as bright as mid-afternoon. Being so far north, literally on the polar ice cap, there is no real darkness only a few hours of twilight each night. This helped fight off the sleep monsters as we continued through the night and into the following day. Upon arriving at CP5 we learned that we moved up to 4th place. The French team seemed to have gotten lost along their way. Down, down, down the other end of the glacier and then what seemed a forever long trek to CP6.
We make it to CP6 and third place is just heading out on the canoe section. Totally energized by that, we frantically inflate our boat, ready our gear, and head out. As we are depart Team France is coming in, a few minutes later, we see Team Intersport Iceland, and in the distance, Team Explorer.
Into the water, we move. In the distance we see third place, the Greenlandic team. We eventually make it to CP7 only seconds behind third place. Now the pace picks up. Team France lands on the beach just minutes after us. This next section turns out to be one of the trickiest navigation sections. We head out and notice that Team Greenland is taking a different route. We absolutely nail the first part of and re-join them and traveled together. We make it to CP8 in what felt like record time. We proceed up a valley and onto the final glacier, with second place at the top and in sight. We're sans crampons of course even though this glacier is a bit slushier and no less difficult. Greenland does pull away ever so slightly and the race is back on. CP9 is at the top. Looking back down the glacier and valley we cannot see any teams behind us.
Off the glacier, we had a simple downhill to the final canoe section and to the finish. Starting down we became separated as Christian and Egon who suggested they would move ahead to prep the canoe. Jon & I were without the map and ended up descending the wrong valley. After an hour plus we arrived at CP9 and frantically swap our glacier gear for paddling gear. We paddle hard and come out and up to the finish line with the canoe on our shoulders. We have finished the last stage in 4th place.
Now, the clock runs as we wait for the other teams to finish. A change of clothes, food, and stories abound. The times start coming in and our fears become reality. We have landed in sixth place overall, twenty five minutes behind the French, and ninety minutes behind Explorer. Our mistake cost us fourth place overall.
Final results:1. ISI Salomon - Danish
2. Neriusaaq - Denmark/Greenland
3. Maniitsoq 225 - Greenland
4. Explorer - US/Kiwi
5. Les Couleurs - France
6. POLAR / Feed the Machine - US/UK/Greenland
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Thanks to all who responded for your kind words of support.
T Minus 7 Days and getting excited
Just 7 days till I depart for Greenland and I'm getting excited ... my team, Team POLAR/Feed The Machine, is the only one representing America. We will be racing the SIKU EXTREME ARCTIC CHALLENGE.
The SIKU EXTREME ARCTIC CHALLENGE is 5-day combined stage and expedition race takes teams through a distance of about 250 km and climbs 9,000+ vertical metres in the magnificent and wild beauty of Ammassalik Island, Greenland. The race is always held in July, as this month unfolds, the Arctic summer reaches its very height with long sunny days and just a few hours of twilight. The average temperature during daytime is between 10 - 15 degrees celsius.
The SIKU EXTREME ARCTIC CHALLENGE consists of the following stages:
Mountain Biking
The bike sections have received the best reviews from very prominent mountain bikers. Very demanding routes both physically and technically. The routes are laid out on a mixture of gravel roads, paved roads, dirt tracks and "no tracks at all".
Mountain Trekking
Navigating through mountainous terrain, with very few - if any - defined tracks. Cols, culoirs, peaks and rivers need to be crossed with a lot of loose rocks and some easy scrambling. On one of the stages we might incorporate actual climbing, but this will be done with the timing on hold, to make this experience accessible for all racers, including those without any previous climbing experience.
Glacier Trekking
Several glaciers will be travelled. This requires full glacier gear (crampons, harnesses, ropes, ice axes) and the requisite knowledge to use this equipment. There will be crevasses on the glaciers, but generally the crevasses are easy to navigate - though in bad visibility difficulties can arise.
Ice Fjord Paddling
The Canoe venue is a unique experience on the ice-filled waters of the Sermilik Icefjord. Paddling among the huge icebergs is an awesome experience and not to be found anywhere else. Our Grabner Adventure inflatable canoes have proved their value - they are stable (very safe) and carry the whole team. Safety on this venue is a main issue and security boats are at all times close to the racers.
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Below are a few pictures from previous years races. You can watch a short clip from last year's race here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agdpq2y1oM0
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Team Saab Salomon on the Mittivakkat Glacier
Part of the base camp
Race start
Team Tscherning, canoe sprint
Stunning Arctic vista
Team Inu:IT on the Mittivakkat Glacier
MTB route in the streets of Tasiilaq
Team Peak Performance
Polhems Fjeld
Jeff Vicario
Cool Breeze Century Anyone ???
Cool Breeze Century
Saturday, August 18
Are there any other Polar members riding in Cool Breeze? It's a great course with plenty of rest stops providing fresh fruit, cookies, bagels, sandwich fixins' and they even pass out popsicles at the last rest stop in Carpinteria at the Rincon Point Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean.The Cool Breeze route follows the coast from Ventura to Santa Barbara. The weather is generally in the low 70's - perfect summer cycling weather. The route is fairly flat to rolling terrain. You can sign up at Active or for more information go to http://www.cibike.org/
Vince Mattera
Ironman CdA 07
Sunday June 24th, Race Day and the strong trade winds from the south and cool temperatures returned. 30 minutes prior to the start Ironman announced that the swim, due to the conditions on Lake Coeur d’Alene, would be optional. Those opting not to swim could compete as duathletes and would start after all of the triathletes exited T1 and were already biking (estimated 930am). The swells were big considering it was a lake. The water had warmed to a pleasant 64 deg, warmer than the 42 deg air temperature on race morning. 7am and the cannon fires; 2400 athletes head in unison into the unforgiving water. Many would not make the swim cutoff. The swells and unusual current spread everyone apart so there was much less hand to hand combat than I was expecting. Of course the swim times were affected and mine was 9 mins off from where I had hoped I’d be.
Out of the water in & out of T1 and I was on the bike. The wind made it difficult to warm after swimming for an hour plus. The new bike course was beautiful though challenging. There were a few dangerous turns, near 180’s, but they were well marked. In comparison to the old course, this one was by far hillier. After analyzing the data from my POLAR CS400 I am still amazed at all the data it captures. I was able to take XXX off my bike split and there is no other reasons other than I was able to train more intelligently with my POLAR computer. I didn’t train more, just smarter.
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Ok, so as I pull into T2 I quickly throw on my running gear and head out. Shortly into the run the battery dies on my RS400sd foot POD. I should have known better and replaced the battery but still it would be great to have a low battery indicator on the watch. I ended up running the marathon using Heart Rate and perceived ex ertion and felt great. I am lucky I have my nutrition nailed down. The only deviation was after mile 19. I became addicted to oranges on cola and walked each time I saw them. Still I pulled out a 4 hr marathon and shaved over an hour off my previous Ironman time.
After the race I was not terribly sore and friends tell me I didn’t push hard enough. I know they are right and I am already looking to set a new PR next year and shatter my current time.
Out of the water in & out of T1 and I was on the bike. The wind made it difficult to warm after swimming for an hour plus. The new bike course was beautiful though challenging. There were a few dangerous turns, near 180’s, but they were well marked. In comparison to the old course, this one was by far hillier. After analyzing the data from my POLAR CS400 I am still amazed at all the data it captures. I was able to take XXX off my bike split and there is no other reasons other than I was able to train more intelligently with my POLAR computer. I didn’t train more, just smarter.
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Ok, so as I pull into T2 I quickly throw on my running gear and head out. Shortly into the run the battery dies on my RS400sd foot POD. I should have known better and replaced the battery but still it would be great to have a low battery indicator on the watch. I ended up running the marathon using Heart Rate and perceived ex ertion and felt great. I am lucky I have my nutrition nailed down. The only deviation was after mile 19. I became addicted to oranges on cola and walked each time I saw them. Still I pulled out a 4 hr marathon and shaved over an hour off my previous Ironman time.After the race I was not terribly sore and friends tell me I didn’t push hard enough. I know they are right and I am already looking to set a new PR next year and shatter my current time.
-- Jeff
Ventura Breath of Life Triathlon
Theses are a few pics from the Ventura Breath of Life Triathlon June 24th. The water was a lovely brown color and very choppy. Not good for the stomach on the ride. It was a nice flat 25 mile bike ride and 10K run.
- Samantha Moske
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