Having just returned from the 2011 Timex Multisport Camp in The Meadowlands, my head is spinning with so, so many thoughts:

• the new Race Trainer Pro is a terrific new product
• I love the NY Giants!
• VO2 max tests serve a purpose, and can be a strong motivator
• protein’s a really good thing; but, good to know carbo loading’s still cool
• I can get goosebumps watching a beautiful runner at max speed on a treadmill (thanks, Kim & Gwen!)

But, the overriding thought, emotion – whatever you call it – is the love and respect of triathletes for each other, and those who pursue and achieve great challenges.  None are more pronounced than the wisdom and inspiration shared by Dick Hoyt during our very special dinner at The Meadowlands Stadium.  No words can describe the impact this individual had upon all those present, listening to the pure & unconditional love that drives him to achieve unbelievable feats with his incredible son, Rick.  I’m not sure there was a dry eye, nor an unmoved person, in the audience.

We all have our heros … people we admire, respect, and are motivated by their drive, accomplishments, or whatever.  Well, one of my heros is unequivocally Sister Madonna Buder.  At 80 years old, Sister is vibrant, still competing in triathlon (hoping to return to Kona this year), and has just published her first book, “The Grace to Race.”  It’s a wonderful read.

Well, this past Wednesday, we were blessed to host Sister for a book talk she was doing that evening in Boulder.  Spending just that afternoon and evening with her further inflated my admiration for this amazing lady.  Within 30 minutes of arriving at my home, a videographer was at the house, ready to spend the next 2 hours with Sister, filming for an upcoming running documentary.  After a 15 minute “break,” we needed to rush off to KGNU, Boulder’s public radio station, for a taping of “Book Talk.”  We left there immediately for dinner; and, then, her evening talk at the Boulder Book Store.

The pace left me tired; but, not Sister Madonna.  While many, many 80 year olds are in assisted living or even nursing home situations, this triathlete is as vibrant as, well, this 55 year-old!  She’s sharp, her hearing is perfect, and she operates at a feverish pitch … always.

The talk at the book store was standing room only.  The store said it was the best attendance for a book talk in quite a long while.  People loved it, and a great many stood in line to have Sister autograph her book, and just to meet her.

Sister Madonna Speaking at the Boulder Book Store

On a personal note, my latest venture is titled “Life Endurance.”  The genesis of it, and its meaning, is focusing upon those things that allow us to live long, joyful, happy & healthy lives.  Sister Madonna Buder may become the “poster person” for Life Endurance.

Introducing Sister to the Audience (Timex is in the house) - photo by Warren Schuckies

Many of us were thoroughly impressed and inspired by Amani Toomer, the former NY Giants all-world football star and Super Bowl Champion, completingthe New York City Marathon a few weeks ago.  What many did not know was that Amani started dead last in the field – behind over 40,000 other runners.  His incentive was to pass as many people as possible; and, for each one passed, Timex would donate money to a wonderful charity for kids.  He passed 25,817 people!  What a stud!

Well, with that as inspiration, I didn’t quite start at the very back of Ironman Arizona Sunday (November 21); but, did manage to begin the bike leg almost last.  Yes, in what I call “Amani Toomering,” I then proceeded to pass 1,173 other Ironman competitors – nearly half the field – on the bike alone.  I continued my passing frenzy in the first 3 miles of the run, only to succumb to the pain felt in my quads with every step, slowing down; and, ultimately, just passing 40 more people, for a total of 1,233 people passed in the Ironman.  Now, mind you, these are all Ironman finishers!  In addition, I went from 68th place in my age group after the swim to 16th at the finish.

Yes, Amani passed roughly 64.5% of the NYC competitors, and I only passed 55.5% of the Ironman field; but, hey, I didn’t have Timex Multisport Team stud and coach, Chris Thomas, coaching me.  Maybe next year.  The interesting things you see (and most of you miss) when you swim in the back of the pack is how many times these crazy backstrokers hit you in the head when they pass you; or, how those breast-strokers are constantly stopping in front of you, only to do that hard breast-stroke kick just when you are within range.

I will say it was really cool having 11 volunteers all to myself, taking off my wetsuit; and, finding my transition bag and bike was a breeze.  And, yes, it is motivating and somewhat fun to cruise past so many other cyclists; but, Jodee, my wife, had to wake me up last night, as I was shouting “on your left” over and over in my sleep.

One Moment Not Saying "On Your Left" (Credit: Paul Phillips, as seen on Triathlete Mag's Photo Gallery)

Just six weeks after doing Kona, I did make the trip to Tempe for IMAZ.  I did this race 2 years ago, and had a respectable 11:24.  This year, with my legs feeling a bit “lava-laden” after the bike, I finished an hour slower; but, hey … the season is over – yeah!

And, what a season it was.  We started with a 50K run way back in January, and completed two 70.3′s, another non-WTC half, a couple of half-marathons, a few other shorter run races, and two Ironmans.  And, now, just 48 hours later, I can’t help but think about next year.  Right now, I’m thinking of some different goals: NYC Marathon for one, maybe the Trans Rockies Run solo, and an ultra run or two.  Maybe focus on triathlon half the year, and run the second half.

And, yes, maybe a swim lesson or 2. 

Finally – in the spirit of Thanksgiving – the thanks that are so well deserved for all the support given in 2010 to enable me to do so much: first & foremost, Timex- it is such an honor and privilege to represent such a quality company, fully committed to its athletes and to the sport of triathlon; PowerBar – my first year on PowerBar’s Team Elite, and ever so thankful; K-Swiss for their awesome running shoes, for their friendship and support of triathlon; Sugoi, Orbea, and Shimano – you help make all of the Timex athletes faster and … better looking (which means a lot to triathletes!); Rudy Project - great eyewear and helmets; and, finally, my friends at Aqua Sphere – great stuff (it ain’t your fault … my swimming). 

Thanks to all of my friends in Boulder (and elsewhere) - amateurs like me, and all the pros – for your encouragement; Simon Lessing and Darren DeReuck (Boulder Coaching), who took me on in May, and got me as fit as I have been in many, many years; Brain & Elliot (my 2 sons) for their unconditional love and support, and leading their lives the right way; and, finally, the biggest thanks to Jodee and Jackpot for being there always, and allowing me to pursue my passion each and everyday … they put up with a lot!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My first trip to the magical Island of Hawaii was in 1986.  I had gone to watch 2 good friends, and training partners, do the esteemed “Hawaii Ironman.”  I t grabbed me like no other experience to date; and, just two years later, I was able to experience Kona as a competitor.  Since that time, I have returned to Kona eight more times — racing in 1995, doing media (and spectating) five times, and racing again this year. 

This is not a race report.  My race?  Well, it was OK.  I went into it tired, not rested, and had a flat day from the get go.  But, hey, it’s Kona – the Hawaii Ironman – no way can you feel badly about the privilege of riding the Queen K, running Alii, and sharing the stage with the greatest triathletes in the world (along with the “other” greatest over at ITU).  It was, of course, awesome and, well, magical.

I’m currently working on a book that talks about “the other stuff” in being a successful triathlete: rest, recovery, nutrition, balance, etc … everything besides swim-bike-run.  Well, this brief blog is about “the other stuff” that I did – and loved – in Kona this year.

THE TEAM – And I thought it was cool being with 7 teammates in Lubbock in June – and it was.  But, 15+ in Kona … are you kidding me?  No question – that was the best part of my Kona experience in 2010.  From seeing Stu virtually every day at Dig Me Beach, on Alii, or on the Queen K (we were out there quite early, 2 weeks early for me); to the group of us walking beside the team car in the Ironman Parade, handing out and tossing all kinds of cool Timex schwag; to Doug being – well, Doug – in setting our bikes up perfectly; all being together at the finish line till midnight; and our special team brunch the day after the race … it was all incredibly special … and “family-like.”

Team ... Pre-Parade

MEDIA – I love writing, and I love being connected to the sport through writing.  So, despite trying to lay low and “just” be an athlete during race week, I still wrote two major pieces for ironman.com that week.  The most fun one was on Lava Java, and how Normann Stadler is largely credited with its amazing popularity.  Once he started hanging out there several years ago, before it was the place to be seen, people started flocking in, and the staff couldn’t keep up with the sudden crowds.  Normann actually went in back and helped wash dishes!  Legend, fairy tale?  I think not.

With Jeff Fischer, Lava Java Owner

PUBLIC SPEAKING – I am a true fan of the sport, and have enormous respect for those who commit their lives to being the best in triathlon (I also admire anyone who balances “life” with triathlon).  Therefore, it was my pleasure to be the Moderator for two pro panels, organized by K-Swiss (great shoes!).  Both were a blast.  From Mirinda (Rinny) Carfrae to Chris Lieto, Julie Dibens, Terenzo Bozzone, and about 10 others, each and every athlete were loose, engaged with the audience, and a delight to be with.

With Andreas Raelert & Dirk Boeckel at K-Swiss (Timex Hat)

FOOD & FUN – After so many trips to Kona, I really have this food & fun thing nailed, I think.  From “Macadamia-Crusted Mahi Mahi” at the Kona Inn, to the fresh fruit (almost) daily at the local farmers market and, ultimately, at the always wild industry party following the Awards Ceremony.  One added special feature for me this year was the PowerBar Breakfast for their Team Elite.  This was my first year on the team, and what a reward, sharing breakfast with what seemed like 100 other PB athletes and PB staff.  It was wonderful!

Man, I love Kona – the entire experience.  It is such an exhibition of the best of our sport, and the best of our lifestyle.  It always me proud to be part of that family of athletes and people; but, this year was extra special, being part of the incredible Timex Multisport Team.  Mucho thanks to Tristan, Keith, Doug, all the temmates in Kona and back at home cheering; my friends at K-Swiss and Powerbar; the folks at Orbea, whose Ordu rode beautifully; and WTC for providing such a magnificent stage to perform and play upon.

Still Feeling Good At This Point (photo credit: Warren Schuckies)

For another story and version of my Kona experience, please visit www.ironman.com, where the story should post on November 18.  Now … off to Tempe, to end the season.

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.