When I was back in the business world – working 55-65 hours per week, traveling most weeks, and still doing triathlon – I would tell my oldest son (now 31): “you can do it all.”  Well, since my transition from crazy Type-A on steroids to a more relaxed, less stressed life of pursuing my passion, that “drive” to do it all has subsided a bit … until this weekend.

I raced the Utah Half (a half-ironman race) in Provo on Saturday morning, and immediately left, drove 7.5 hours to Denver, and caught the last 1.5 hours of the Green Day concert  Jodee and I were so looking forward to.  A classic 21 hour day!

The race went great.  Becasue I left so quickly, I did not know until Sunday afternoon that I actually won my age group (thanks to my Timex teammate, Trista Francis!).  This was my third race in 3 weeks, and all have been solid performances.  The 5:51 Pearl St. Mile was big.  A 1:35 half-marathon on trail last weekend, following a big bike the day before was big (and good enough for 3rd); but, Saturday’s “victory” is really big for me mentally.

I really focused on racing – concentrating, not waving to people, not thanking every single volunteer out there (though, I still did a lot of that), and staying focused.  This is why I chose a smaller, non-Boulder area race, where no one would know me.  It worked.  After an “OK” swim (the course was notably long, per the swim director, and clear by the times; plus a very long run to the TA and timing mat), my bike (2:39) and run (1:48) were solid.  I was comfortable throughout, hydrated and fueled well (thanks PowerBar), and my equipment was excellent.  My Orbea Ordu gave its usual awesome performance; but, the best surprise – equipment wise – were my new K-Swiss Blade-Light Runs.  I have honestly never run in a better fitting, lightweight (especially for my size 13!) shoe that felt fantastic throughout, sockless.

I also used my Timex Global Trainerfor the race – mainly to keep me “honest” on the bike … and it did.  I routinely checked my pace to be sure I was working hard enough; and, a couple of times it, indeed, served to wake me up.  This certainly allowed me to hit my average speed of 21.13 MPH for the 56 miles.  I felt great and ran 7:30′s for the first few miles – easily – but, one bathroom stop, and a wrong turn on the run (my fault) cost me at least 2-3 minutes.  I also had a minor side stitch a few times that caused me to be a bit more conservative.  Overall, great race, though … and a win for this old guy!

The picture here shows some new friends I met the day before and at the race – a wonderful father-son team.  The father successfully did IM St. George this spring, and this was his son’s first half.  He did great.  They loved the Timex Ford Flex … and were “rewarded” for their spirit by getting a couple of cool Timex t-shirts.  Good people!

So, this was Saturday, Part 1 – 4 AM to 1 PM.  Part 2 consisted of an immediate 7.5 hour drive to Denver to meet Jodee (who got their by bus and light rail) to see Green Day in concert.  I got there one hour into the show, but still caught their last 1.5 hours. They are absolutely one of our favorite bands, and the show exceeded our expectations.  Simply amazing!  Even though my legs were screaming, and we stood for the show, it was well worth the pain.  Got home at 12:15 – got to bed at 1 … 21 hours after waking for the half.  Good prep for Ironman!

Green Day at Night

Putting in 16-18 hours a week in preparation for my fall Ironmans has certainly formed a solid base and good endurance.  But, under Simon Lessing and Darren DeReuck’s tutelage (Boulder Coaching), this has also included more high quality sessions than I have done in the past … including some serious work on the track.

Now , before you question doing trackwork as part of one’s Ironman prep, let me point out that several pretty good Ironman competitors share the track on the same Tuesday morning that our group works out, including one Chrissie Wellington.  Right up to 2 weeks before she set her amazing record in Germany, she was out there, banging off quarters, 800′s, etc.

So, it was with a bit of new found confidence that I entered the Pearl Street Mile last Thursday evening (8/12).  I actually used to own the race, before selling it to Ironman last year; so, it was pretty cool to be on the other side of the fence for it.  I loved it!

Anyway, the week before the race, we had 2 sets of moderate to high intensity runs of 20 minutes each, followed by a 5 minute all out run (this was on trails).  My final 5′ was at 6:18 pace, and Darren pronounced me ready to run a 5:55, based on that.  I though “cool.”  5:55 at 55 years old!  Now, for the weird/karma part – I went to pick up my race number the day before (I had pre-registered) … yep, #555.  It was now a done deal.

My warm-up had my heart rate elevated quite high as I was waiting for the starting gun (that was the plan – no time to build in the first 1/4); and, right before the gun, Steve Jones – the former world marathon record holder (1984 – 2:07) – was right behind me, and pulled my shorts down, as a bit of levity.  Just as I pulled them back up, we were off!  My heart rate pegged immediately, and I never once looked down at my Timex Global Trainer.  I just ran all out for exactly … 5:51 – I was wasted and ecstatic.  Mission accomplished.

To be clear, most of our track sessions are like 8 X 800′s, or 6 X 1600 at this point; but, with a 20 minute warm-up and 10 minute cooldown, they are pretty solid speed-endurance combos.  It certainly helped me hit my goal last week; now, here’s hoping it will help me sustain 26 of those miles even 2-3 minutes slower on The Big Island come October!

Before I get into some brief details of the day in Lubbock, Texas, I just have to say what an honor and privelge it is to be on the Timex Multisport Team, and be associated with such incredibly wonderful teammates.   I have been racing triathlons since 1986, and have never been part of a more supportive, positive, and sincerely nice group of folks.  I love you guys!!!

OK, the race: Buffalo Springs Ironman 70.3.  Hot, hilly, tough day, tough course; but not tough enough to keep Chris Thomas from being the overall Age Group Champion … “allowing” Tim Hola and Denny Meeker to take 1st and 2nd in the 35-39 AG.  Amazing performances by these guys!  Chris nailed his Kona ticket, while Hola’s already in, and Meeker is sitting out Kona this year (onto Roth in 3 weeks),

Not to be outdone, though, was Cindi Bannick, winning the 30-34 AG, and punching her Kona ticket – Cindi looked spectacular out there today.

On the pro side, it was a very competitive field, with Andrew Hodges finishing 13th (and getting a pro Clearwater slot), Alex McDonald 19th, and Laura Tingle 12th. 

Me?  Very happy with a 13th place in my AG, just a minute off from my time here 2 years ago, and felt solid and strong all day – particularly pleased after just 6 weeks of serious training, after 6 months of just staying fit.  I had a great time out there – smiling and thanking every volunteer I could; and my nutrition plan was perfect, thanks to my PowerBar products.  My Orbea Ordu ran flawlessly – I lovethat machine!  And, the 10 hour drive down here was smooth as Tim Hola’s looks, thanks to our very own Timex Multisport Ford Flex.  We even got to use the amazinghands-free feature when we parallel parked the night before the race at our pre-race dinner.  The Flex rocks!

But, unequivocally, the highlight of the weekend and race experience for me was going out on the run, and seeing each and every one of my teammates heading to the finish, kitted out in our awesome Sugoi apparel.  We all recognize each other, cheer each other on, and the camaraderie is seen by all.  It speaks volumes for our key sponsor – Timex … and, believe me, we were visible!

Lots of pictures were taken post-race and at the awards, and I’ll let others post those.  I just want to publicly thank my teammates at the Lubbock race for their sweet and sincere support.

Two wonderful opportunities availed themselves to the Timex Multisport Team the past 3 days.  Both were associated with the Grand Opening of Wheat Ridge Cyclery’s (WRC) new Multisport Department.

First, a word about WRC.  The Manager and Co-Owner of this huge store is none other than former Team 7-11 rider and 1984 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Ron Kiefel.  It was an honor to meet Ron, and see some of his memorabilia, including bikes he had ridden in some of the Classics back in the day.

The big Grand Opening Event featured 2X Ironman World Champion, Craig Alexander, and I had the opportunity to be the MC for the evening.  The event drew close to 150 people to the store, where they had a chance to listen to a little “discussion” between Craig and I, followed by a Q & A, and then pictures and autographs with the Champion.  “Crowie” (Craig’s popular nickname) is simply one classy, soft-spoken, and thoughtful individual.  We talked about family (he and Neri have 2 young children), nutrition, watts in Kona (279-281 average typically … for 112 miles), and his thoughts on Macca (“I let my racing do the talking”).  It was simply a wonderful evening.

In addition to Crowie’s appearance, many great companies had tables and displays set up, including some of our favorites: Timex (of course), Orbea, Aqua Sphere, and Shimano.  We also had the amazing Timex Multisport Team’s Ford Flex on hand.  Everywhere it goes, it grabs attention.  All and all, a great evening!

Next up: Saturday morning found five members of the Timex Multisport Team making their way to WRC to do a group ride, mainly with Team Transplant, an organization of folks helping those in need of – or who have had – organ transplants.  One of the riders who joined us has had a double lung transplant – and, he was awesome in the ride!  Trista Francis, Tim Hola, Erin Kummer, Brian Schaning and I spent the morning talking cycling, the new Timex Global Trainer (soon-to-be-released), and showed off our Ford Flex team vehicles.  We even did a demonstration of its incredible hands-free parallel parking, which drew lots of amazement from the crowd.  Once again, another fun and energetic day on the road with Team Timex.

Big thanks to the wonderful folks at Wheat Ridge Cyclery, which is located a few miles west of Denver, east of Golden, and 30 minutes from Boulder.  We know their new Multisport Department will do great!  Also, big thanks to my teammates – Brian, Erin, Tim, and Trista – for taking a precious Saturday morning out of their normal training schedule to be with all of these wonderful folks.

have fun out there … and be safe!  barry.

Q & A Discussion

Craig With Aspiring Triathletes

Saturday Morning Group Ride

Up until this year, I was the proud “old man” of the Timex Multisport Team.  This year, along comes Stu Fitch, a 57 year old Aussie.  OK, I thought, another “Grand Master” to inspire others.

Inspiration?  Meet Stu – the guy who was just recognized for swimming – ready? – 17,000,000 (that’s 17 million) meters!  For we Americans, that’s 18,530,000 yards!!!

Here is the story that just got posted on www.ntnews.com.au.  I’m sure Stu is too humble to post this himself (OK, maybe not; but, I thought it is certainly blog and newsworthy!)  By the way, doesn’t Stu look great in his Sugoi Timex kit, and his new Timex Global Trainer?  Love you, man!!!

March 30th, 2010

 

A DARWIN man is back in town after swimming almost halfway around the world.

Triathlete and Iron Man Stu Fitch, 56, was honoured by Masters Swimming Australia for becoming the first member of the 15 million metres club.

It’s a milestone he passed several years ago – he is now closing in on 18 million metres.

And that’s just the swims he has recorded in his log – there are many open water swims not included, plus an estimated 5 million before he started counting in 1991.

“At the peak of my training I was doing a million metres every nine months,” he said.

“Somebody’s got to catch me and overtake me, by virtue of the fact my distance accumulation has slowed down.”

A member of the Darwin Stingers swimming club, Fitch said he was happy to be back in Darwin for a break.

“I think Nightcliff is the most beautiful pool in Australia,” he said.

<!–

Related Articles

–>