Timex Multisport teammate, Kirill Kotshegarov (k2 for short), has been training in Colorado for the past 2-3 weeks, staying in Highlands Ranch with fellow teammate, Trista Francis.  Kirill (k2) won the 2009 Ironman Florida, and is now preparing for the Ironman World Championship, October 9, in Kona.   He feels his final training block before heading to the Big Island would best be spent at altitude; and, what better place than Colorado?

Now, no offense to Highlands Ranch – where a fantastic contingency of top age group triathletes (including our very own Tim Hola and Trista) live – but, well, Boulder is Boulder – home to Chrissie and Crowie, and dozens of other top professional triathletes, most of whom are getting ready for Kona, as well.

Ready To Leave For The Ride

It took some effort, but I finally convinced k2 to “try out” Boulder for a weekend, and I think he got a great taste today.  We left my house at 6:45 AM to go meet a group for the Saturday AM long ride including 7-time Ironman New Zealand Champion, Jo Lawn; Aussie Stephen Hackett; Swiss star Mathias Hecht; and, oh yes, none other than Craig Alexander.  Most of the group was going to do be doing some hill repeats and, then, some motopacing; but, Mathias and k2 both had long rides planned; so, they took off together.  Their ride took them through some of the more spectacular routes in and around Boulder, including Big Thompson Canyon, Estes Park, Peak to Peak Hwy., and back home through Ward and Lefthand Canyon … 100 miles of major climbing, descents, and serious altitude (between 5,430 and 9,500 feet).

Me? I said goodbye to the group, went out on my own, and did a solid 90-miler with 3 hours of it at moderate to strong pace.  Great ride!

Needless to say, k2 was a bit tired upon returning home; and, after the “biggest Subway sandwich I’ve ever had,” he retired to a one-hour nap.   Upon arising, and looking like he just woke up after a late night out, k2 went to the famous Flatiron Athletic Club to get in a swim, where he met and swam next to none other than “The Man” himself, Dave Scott.  This set up the evening perfectly, as Jodee and I had already eaten our dinner of salmon, fresh veggies, and seasoned potatos; but, saved k2′s plate for when he got back. 

With dinner in hand, and with my dessert in hand, k2 and I shared my bed, and we watched “Iron War” – the greatest Ironman ever – the 1989 epic battle between Dave Scott and Mark Allen.  k2 had never seen the race before, and you could tell it truly inpsired him.  Watching Allen and Scott run 6-minute miles, side-by-side, for 24+ miles will do that to you!

Captivated By Iron War

k2 is one fine young man (he turns 24 today – Sunday, Sept. 5), and it is a pleasure to host him, even if just for a few days.  This is certainly one of the great things about the Timex Multisport Team – the feeling of family.   Some 12-15 “family members” are each getting ready to hit the Big Island in October … watch out for this super sweet, soft-spoken gentleman from Estonia – he certainly has a big future ahead.