Bob Mitera - Tales from a Triathlon Lifestyle

I've Moved to Kokuamultisports.blogspot.com

2009-11-22T17:38:00.004-10:00

You can now see me at http//kokuamultisports.blogspot.com

Shoulder-ing More Training

2009-11-07T04:23:00.003-10:00

This week was one of my best weeks yet.

I do have some bad news. My shoulder (while being "ahead of schedule") is still not 100%. I swam 2,050 on Tuesday. I thought it was fine. Wishful thinking. On Wednesday I could feel my shoulder aching and moving a little as I swam 1,000. Nuts. I'll give it another two weeks and go back to kicking in the pool.

The good news is that my cycling and more importantly running will get more time. I am keeping all of the heart rates down in true "Mark Allen zones". The good news is that I am able to ride at my FTP and still be in the right heart rate zone.

Lastly, I am doing an "extreme home makeover" on my diet. I'm going radical. No, I'm not on Atkins or South Beach. I'm working with a USOC nutritionist who I am friends with. I'll keep you posted as to the results. If it works out as planned, we should see the difference in April.

Time to ice up the shoulder after workout.

A Public Appearance & I am Asked to Talk

2009-11-06T08:25:00.003-10:00

“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.” - Bob Hope

I have been teaching Spinning and indoor cycling classes for 11 years. I have been coaching athletes since 2001 back when I knew everything there was to know about how to have a great Ironman experience. (tongue firmly in my cheek) The thing that really gets me moving is motivating others. I love it.

One of the people I encouraged to try new things was a woman named Mary Beth (MB) Sammons. She was kind of nervous about going to spinning. Didn't know much about cycling (indoor or outdoor) and like a lot of people is extremely busy in life. In one of my classes she had one of those "break through" moments. Little did I know (but actually could have guessed) that my friend Andrew (also an instructor) was encouraging MB as well. MB got the idea for a book about people helping others and making a difference in the world. One of those people she selected is me.

I'm honored to be in the book. When we started to work on the ALS spin-a-thon (now called "Cycle for ALS") it was because my friends and I felt compelled to do something where so many had done nothing. My coaching philosophy is the same. Many coaches will train you, but they fail to give you critical information to have a good experience and mentally enjoy the fruits of your labor regardless of outcome. This may be the reason I like working with "Biggest Loser" type athletes a great deal. Once you get past all the unique challenges they face you talk about the joy of being in the race. I think that gets lost in the top age group level of racing. What a terrible shame.

Tomorrow at 3:30 pm at the Oak Brook Barnes & Noble store you can meet MB and I and we will talk a little about what we learned and how it can help you in your pursuit of triathlon, business and personal excellence.

I hope you can enjoy it with us.

Home From Kona

2009-10-21T07:34:00.000-10:00

Sorry to be away so long. Lots has been happening. Marshaling, a new day job, building a website, starting Kokua Multisports, LLC (legal and accounting stuff), a bike crash. As we joke at home, "other than that, nothing is really happening".

Kona was a great learning experience as always. Nothing like seeing the world's fittest people up close and in person to get a feel for what is happening in triathlon, cycling and running. This year I would add swimming as well.

I won't be giving you the "dish" on what happened behind the scenes as that needs to remain behind the scenes. 2009 brought about the explosion of Facebook, Twitter and rules for those closely involved with events like Ironman and USA Triathlon. I respect that. I hope you understand. We can still talk about rules and happenings in our sport; I just cannot address specifics about races.

The most important thing I saw in Kona was the second confirmation that you CAN race hard and clean at the front of any field if the athletes choose to. I am happy to report I saw a lot of clean racing and sportsmanship.

More later...

Bike Crash & Moving to KokuaMultisports.blogspot.com

2009-09-18T01:53:00.004-10:00

Hi folks!

I'm moving the blog since I started my coaching business officially and I'm no longer sponsored by Polar.

I had a bike wreck last night.

I had just arrived at intervals and was holding the right side of the road soft pedaling in order to let the peleton pass me. Then a guy who has only been out there a few times tries to cut me off and his inability to be aware of where his body was overlaps my rear wheel as he is moving left to right. I never had a chance to reach for the brakes. He slammed into me making a strong move right when he would have been clear of me in tenths of a second. I was forced into the curb and then dragged down to the tarmac as he started to go down. He didn't.

I'm airborne. I land on my left shoulder. Nothing broken but I cannot support weight with my arm at all. So my muskie fishing trip with my brother is out, so is most training and Sunday's race but back to the crash. I'm sliding on the ground and the first of the two cyclists to hit me lands on me. Luckily for me (and her) it was Kai. She ways about 115 lbs. soaking wet. She was missing a little skin from after she slid off of me and actually finished the workout. The bikes are now caught up and the chain rings stab me fairly well on my calf. and lower leg. Looks like a 8" tall person with a knife attacked my legs. I have no skin on my knuckles of my right hand.

As I am watching bikes fly over me I think, "Well at least it wasn't too bad and nobody hit me." Just then my friend Tom literally rides up my inner thigh. 1" right and I'm in a different section of the church choir. Tom does his best Superman impersonation and lands flat on his back. (Ow!)

My Lynskey R420... dented (from what I'm told) - it is Ti so looks like my frame will make a trip to Tennessee for a looksee. My fork (Alpha Q) is so shattered that we would need a broom and dust pan to get it all off the road. Chris King headset... blew apart.

I will talk with coach today but my plan is for indoor cycling on the trainer and a lot of walking. I'm thankful that one bad rider didn't hurt Tom, Kai or me worse. Bikes can be replaced. Mine took the worst of all of them. Pictures on Saturday.

I'm Moving! Announcing Kokua Multisports!

2009-08-21T04:16:00.013-10:00

Today as the state of Hawaii hits it's 50th year of statehood, I would like to announce the arrival of a new multisport coaching business: Kokua Multisports, LLC! I'll announce our new website here and post a link once it is complete.

Hawaii - History, Feelings, Respect

The history of Hawaii is interesting. After King Kamehameha the Great conquered and united the islands in 1810, the kingdom was overthrown when a group of American businessmen forced Queen Liluokalani to abdicate while U.S. Marines came ashore in 1893. Hawaii was considered a republic until it became a U.S. territory in 1898. "This newfangled idea of celebrating statehood shows that people don't understand Hawaii's history, or if they do understand, then they're celebrating a lie, a theft, that essentially stole a people's right to self-determination," said Poka Laenui, a Hawaiian and attorney who has worked for independence for 30 years. **Chicago Tribune, 8/21/09, Mark Niesse

I have several native Hawaiian friends who call me 'ohana' (family.) This I consider a deep honor. We became friends because I took the time to show respect to several Hawaiian cultural traditions and halted an ignorant tourist from doing some disrespectful things. Getting stopped by a very large Hawaiian group can be intimidating - until they start high fiving you and shaking your hand or hugging you. I visit these friends every time I am fortunate enough to be "on island". Hawaii just feels like home to me. I have always felt comfortable there. Giving my business a Hawaiian "flavor" is an attempt to say "Mahalo" (thank you) to my friends in Hawaii as well as those in triathlon who helped me with no reason to help me. I have tried to pass that on to my clients in the past, as I have been coaching since 2001. It is about the experience. Your individual journey.

This respect for Hawaiian culture and the kokua I have received from my ohana is the reason behind the name of my organization. Kokua means "help" in Hawaiian. Kokua Multisports means "help multisports" or "multisports help" - translated literally. This is the premise of what I do in relation to training athletes; anyone can put together a training plan - but does it PREPARE you for your EXPERIENCE? These are the difference makers in coaching: service, contact, growth (in all aspects of life and not just physical), and insightful knowledge - not necessarily all about power, splits and heart rate.

Philosophy & Adult Learning Theory

My philosophy is to work with each athlete as an individual. I am a student of John Wooden (legendary UCLA Men's Basketball coach) and Anthony Robbins. My expectations of each person are individualized based on their abilities and dreams. If an athlete of mine "loses" but has significant learning and growth experience - that is a win. If they win, but fail to perform at their best - that is a "loss" or more aptly a lost opportunity for growth.

What differentiates me is my certification in adult learning theory and experience teaching adults in complex technology projects as well as various technologies. I have taught for several years, and about 1,000 "adults". I'm not saying I know it all, but I have seen a lot and have worked with many personalities.

Coaching Experience, Rules and Anti-Doping

I have coached the Northwestern University Cycling Team (before they had a triathlon team) and helped several racers (both male and female) achieve CAT 2 status. I have coached several (four) of the national champion U.S. Naval Academy Triathlon Team, including Tommy Brown who raced pro for a year (and will again) after his commitment to the U.S. Navy is complete.

100% of the athletes following my plans have finished their Ironman races. 100% of my athletes who have competed in Kona have PR'd in Hawaii. I admit the sample is small - four athletes - but you have to start somewhere and 4 of 4 is pretty darn good.

One of my athletes won the Duathlon National Championship in his age group - Matt Armstrong. (I rode with Matt last night.)

I am a USAT Certified Marshal. I know the rules and will teach them to my athletes for sportsmanship, safety and performance. My athletes will sign an "Ethics in Racing" contract which will cover the rules and an anti-doping pledge. I will be the first multisport coach publically insisting my athletes follow the rules and pledge not to dope. Lastly... I know I don't know everything. Not even a sliver of everything. I will continue to seek out more experience, classes and education and apply it daily in my work.

The Team

"On staff" are friends, colleagues and other professionals who we can consult about specific needs. From Bobby McGee to Bob Seebohar and Heather Fink (formerly Hedrick) to Mark Schubert and Alelee Osborne or Dr. Flood and Dr. Bartoli: We'll get you on the right track.

Cost

I believe that triathlon is too young to be cost prohibitive. You'll see in the service and fees that value is where the future is at in the business of advising clients and is a differentiator between my service and others.

My Experience

As an athlete, I have finished five of five Ironman races (Kona, Canada, Great Floridian, Lake Placid, Wisconsin). I've raced in Clearwater. Swam in top meets. Ran large marathons - 11 marathons. All of my experience means that your coach can relate to your athletic experience and tell you things that give you an advantage. (Like not lining up on the left in Lake Placid unless you are as fast as Michael Phelps, have legs like Terry Schroeder (US water polo legend) and can intimidate others like Mike Tyson.)

I'm looking for athletes to join my ranks. I'm capping at a certain number - where hours available are full and elite service cannot be given.

Mahalo, nui loa for your kokua. (Thank you very much for your help/consideration.)

Past, Present & Future

2009-08-19T03:18:00.005-10:00

Past

2009 was set on fire in February when layoffs affected me personally. I'm already anxiously awaiting New Year's Eve. Since "tomorrow is promised to nobody" how do I live the next four and a half months? Here is what is happening.

Present

I am looking for a masters swimming team to settle into. Same for a gym. It may be a YMCA or a private club. The "where" depends on if I get a full time job or create a full time job.

Future

Get busy livin'! I am finishing up some things that I will announce here as soon as I get the go ahead from some folks I am talking with. New site! This blog and an expanded web site will be online soon. Most importantly, many of my athletes are approaching major milestones. For some, it is a 50 pound weight loss or a first triathlon/5 km and for others, a first Ironman. Regardless of which end of the spectrum, I have found some real enjoyment coaching both types of athlete this year.

Go get 'em!

What is a Triathlete?

2009-08-14T03:26:00.003-10:00

A triathlete can be anyone. Large or small. "Rich" or poor. Like Ironman's mantra, "Anything is possible"; if you believe you are a triathlete, then you are.

First, the ugly. I know a lot of bloggers who have had Internet "stalkers" and wild negative comments. As great as it is to blog and express opinions in our personal blogs - there are mean people in the world. It is a fact of life. I've started a policy on this blog that unless I can see a first and last name with a working email - I will no longer publish comments from those people and I am in the process of rejecting those comments throughout the history of my blog. Same with some of the forums on the Internet. Some forums have good information. According to how they read forums are full of 9 hour Ironman times and pros. Not really... but they are loaded with people who think numbers mean things. To quote Jack Welch, "We often measure everything and understand nothing." Negativity along with mean and crazy people do have Internet access too. Ask anyone with a blog older than two days and they can tell you stories.

I was telling one of my athletes (who is going through a hard time personally) that negative people are everywhere. If you have never trained for an Ironman, you have heard comments like these from everyone - including triathletes:

a) "I don't even like driving 26 miles let alone run 26 miles"

b) "I won't walk 2.4 miles and you're going to swim it"

c) "How long do you have? A week?"

d) "Do you get a motorcycle for the bike?"

e) "How long is the marathon portion of the race?"

f) **My favorites** "You are crazy", "You're a f**king lunatic", "You're insane", "You're an idiot" - get ready for all of these once a day minimum

On to the positive...

Through triathlon, I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people from every walk of life. I have had the opportunity to inspire people to do things in their life. Even more so, I have been inspired to do things in my own life by Bill Bell, Bob McKeague, Bob Scott, Madonna Buder, Rudy Garcia-Toloson, Jon Blais, Gordo Bryn, Dave Scott, Natasha Badmann, Mark Allen, Cherie Gruenfeld, Scott Rigsby, and many others.

Everyone of these spectacular people make experiences with the crazies and negative people worth it.

Hearing Bill Bell say that at 87 he still does sprint triathlons, "for the chicks and beer". Bob McKeague saying, "Boy you guys are too fast for me" right after he held 30 mph on a bike sprint... at 84 years young. Watching 79 year old Bob Scott do 10 x hill repeats in Warrenville when the high school cross country runners are puking after five. Having your bike blessed by Sister Madonna Buder at USAT Nationals "because that doesn't look like the bike you had last year". I'll take any blessing I can get! Running with Natasha Badmann in 2001 St. Croix on her second loop of the run (my first loop) and having repeated examples of good sportsmanship by her and me and having her turn to me and say in her accent, "Go, fight strong the whole run!" Gordo Bryn answering training questions when we have never met in person and I have not paid him for his advice. (One day Gordo... I hope to repay your kokua. Mahalo nui loa brother.) Cherie Gruenfeld just being Cherie. Scott Rigsby joking about taking BOTH LEGS OFF and putting them in the overhead compartment of a plane. Last, but not least, sitting with Jon Blais and his parents and learning about ALS at the medical tent in Kona at 2:05 AM on Sunday. A year later, spitting in the face of ALS as the end drew near for Jon but laughing together anyway. The difficulty of that personally is high as the moon. Miss talking to you Jon. I still hear your voice brother.

If you aren't inspired by that... well, perhaps nobody can help you. If you are a triathlete, just hearing some of that probably got your blood boiling and your own mind thinking of your own personal stories.

The "Average" Ironman

According to the data points from the WTC surveys in Kona, the average Ironman's typical training week:

(in miles per week)

Swim: 7 (11.3 km)

Cycling: 225 (373.2 km)

Running: 48 (77.2 km)

*All this from page 19 of the Ironman World Championship Media Guide 2008

Average Annual Income: $161,000

Average Age: 37

Gender Ratio: Male 70%, Female 30%

Education: (Post Secondary): 95%

Occupational: (Professional; Executive): 72%

Access to Internet: 97%

Daily Internet Use: 60%

Education about the Rules of Triathlon: How do we make our sport better?

2009-08-12T11:17:00.005-10:00

Hi folks! Long time no talk. My apologies for being missing in action.

I'm all ears. I've offered to speak to coaches and clubs for free. A USAT CAT 3 marshal with WTC CAT 1 experience. Only one coach had me talk to his athletes. One club had me talk to their members. Of all of those folks... only ONE male in his 30s got any penalties this year. (He got two and really didn't care. I get the feeling like he will race Ironman Wisconsin the same way.)

It isn't just knowing what the rule is. It is also knowing how to act. Do you ask the official? Do you talk to race management? How do you avoid the penalty? How do you enjoy the race more? How do you be more competitive legally?

This past weekend I was a marshal at a local, highly competitive, sprint triathlon. The race director made some improvements in the race format over last year. This was a welcome site and significantly improved the race experience for everyone: spectators, athletes, officials and volunteers. The issue was really how little the athletes knew of the rules.

In my opinion, coaches must educate their athletes about the rules. Triathlon is a very young sport. Can you imagine bringing your children to soccer (football), American football, Little League or any other sport and the coaches only training the kids physically? This is what I feel most personal trainers, coaches and coaching services need to apply more time to.

I coach several women (in particular) who are outstanding cyclists. They "chick" guys all the time. They need to know the rules about passing and being passed in order to stay out of the nasty racing which usually accompanies faster ladies - not from the gals, but the egos of the men who refuse to allow a more fit woman to pass them for very long. These ladies know how to stay out of the mess the guys and peletons can create, but more importantly they aren't wasting energy on the back and forth. They just see legs and race numbers and do their thing. They think on their feet with their heart rate in the 150+ range.

Sunday we wrote 22 penalties for iPods, mobile phones and one radio. Not only is this unsafe for the athlete and the other racers, but it is a competitive advantage to blast music and leave the "hurt box" mentally. This has been proven in a scientific study. The other "big" penalty was athletes riding on the left longer than 15 seconds without passing anyone. When I say we were being liberal about position fouls... with two full lanes - I was only calling position if they were on the left and not passing. Very generous, but the road was a closed course with 2,300 people on it. I race too after all.

So how do we improve the race experience?

1) We can demand USAT coaches understand the rules and take an exam on some of the "biggies".

1a) We can boycott races that are notorious for drafting, large fields, low marshals and generally crappy race management.

2) We can force pre-race talks where all athletes must sit through a 20 minute rules talk at check in for experienced racers and a 1 hour rules talk for first year racers.

3) Race Directors can include the "biggies" of rules in race schwag packets.

4) Experienced racers need to teach the newer racers. This is how I learned.

5) Increase time between waves.

6) Shrink race fields.

7) Have two races.

Governing Bodies at War

I don't know what caused the rift(s). I don't care. What I do care about is fair, clean racing in all divisions of the race. Meaning, rules get enforced by people who will call what they see. A unified governing body would help, but it isn't necessarily a must have. Look at boxing. Oh... maybe a bad example or perhaps a cautionary tale?

Last year in Kona and at several races this year I was impressed at some of the very hard decisions that race management needed to make. They made the right calls in every case in my opinion.

What else can we do?

Timing the Attack

2009-07-31T03:52:00.002-10:00

The Thursday night ride has grown significantly over the last three years. What was a small group of 20-30 triathletes and a handful of road cyclists is now 65 to 85 athletes in about a 50:50 mix.

Last night was fun! A few of the pro cyclists were out for a few of the "easy" laps. Once they peeled off it was "game on" for the rest of us. I like to sit about 2/3 of the way back and blast past the group as a whole. Sometimes I get caught, other times I'm able to stay away. Not unlike any break in the TdF.

The pace was picking up. Just before critical mass, I went. A full on attack of the group with a 100% effort for about a full 90 seconds. I didn't look back until I was nearly at the end (about 30 seconds later) and I still had a 200 yard gap. Success!

Once "complete" I finished the workout doing my own thing riding at 74% effort. This allows me to stay out of the bunch sprints when guys are failing.

Ride with the Pros - Tour of Elk Grove

2009-07-30T04:42:00.003-10:00

Tomorrow the Tour of Elk Grove officially starts, but for amateur cyclists and triathletes it starts tonight at 6pm departing from Village CycleSport in Elk Grove.

Not an event, but an "easy ride" with the pro cyclists. Our intervals... pro cyclists easy ride.

Think you're a good rider? Come out and play tonight.

Two years ago the pro guys (who I was able to ride with on their "easy" ride - my heart rate was in the 150s to their 130s) told me to "lead them out" as they were going to "work" this sprint. Wanting to contribute I went to the front and pegged my heart rate at 195 at 30 something mph for 1.2 miles. At the end of the interval one pro pulled next to me and instead of "winning" the sprint he sat up and started cheering me. "Good effort! Come on! Finish this one hard!" All while riding next to me. His teammate from Belgium pulled next to me and snapped a picture of us.

It was a humbling experience for sure. I did hang with them, but I was working (and on some intervals - drilling) the interval efforts and they were "aerobic" pace. Back at the shop, I got a handshake and a "well done mate" which is good enough for this amateur athlete right now.

Come out and be humbled.

A Little Help in the Community

2009-07-28T04:08:00.003-10:00

I follow Lance Armstrong on Twitter. Lance posted a link to a guy struggling with his wife who has cancer. It was touching and sad but what I took out of it was the support of many people.

Take a read and drop him a positive note if you are moved to do so. I hope you are.

http://www.fatcyclist.com/

Triathlon Marshal Sees Sportsmanship and Legal Riding - Film at 10

2009-07-23T17:56:00.003-10:00

Last weekend I was a marshal at a major regional triathlon. This race is highly competitive attracting some of age groups fastest people. What I'm not used to seeing is legal riding and sportsmanship.

I'm happy to report that the event director made some improvements in his race process. The race isn't a "huge brand" but he is headed that way. Now if he can only limit his field a little more or add more time between waves. He listened to the feedback of marshals, spectators and racers. I feel light headed.

We had a huge field and a lot of penalties. I wrote 43 penalties which is double what I would normally write for a field of this size. I think that everyone headed to Ironman Wisconsin or Kona from this region is really fit and determined. Nobody gave an inch and it caused some to get a penalty or two. 4 to 12 minutes depending on if it is one or two fouls.

I saw the usual: riding on the left for more than 15 seconds without passing, drafting (.5 lengths behind another rider to 2.5 lengths), forcing another rider over the center line, forcing a right side pass, outside assistance (pacing on the run and one guy who's family set up a personal aid station... on the bike), and the popular drafting off of official race vehicles. When I returned to transition I told the head marshal that I thought I had DQ'd about 15 guys on the road for repeated offenses. It turned out we only DQ'd four. I wrote two penalties for those four and two other marshals wrote two each as well. Those are the "cheaters" we all detest.

Happy to report that the coach who had me speak to the athletes they coach... only one penalty out of a large number of athletes. This coach had the most penalties at this race a year ago. The athletes known more for their drafting than anything else.

What I saw from several folks was encouraging. About 25 people said, "Thanks for being out there. You guys (marshals) made a difference." If I can help folks have a better race experience; that is why I marshal and coach. I saw a guy on the pointy end of the field stop to help a back of the pack friend fix a flat. "This is just a training day with a crowd." I saw another guy help another racer get up out of the sand after he tripped. A competitor make space for a guy on the bike rack. Chaos and anarchy I tell you!! No snarls.

Just racing.

USA Triathlon Coaching Certification Clinic: Lessons Learned

2009-07-14T01:57:00.005-10:00

This past weekend I flew to Minneapolis, MN to attend the USAT Coaching Clinic. Pending my exam and a CPR re-certification, I will be officially a coach (with eight years of triathlon coaching experience).

I have been coaching successfully, but my success has been based on objective feedback, consistency with athletes and their drive/ability. I feel that the certification has helped me to more fully understand the coach/athlete relationship and to understand more of the why behind what coaches prescribe. The why is really the difference in coaches; after that I would say communication. Based on what I learned, I have a new perspective on some coaches and their methods.

The clinic wasn't ground breaking for me in knowledge except in two areas: nutrition and running form.

Thursday started with an extra session with Bob Seebohar. Bob is the USOC nutritionist who was with the triathlon team in Beijing. I have worked with Bob in the past as a client when I was really fit. After talking with him for about five minutes I realized one thing, I was doing everything 180 degrees from correct nutritionally. My Florida 70.3... the things I wrote off to neck and fitness issues? Nope, nutrition and heat acclimatization mostly. One of the things I didn't blog about was the intense swelling in my hands during the race. It was so bad that for four days after the race I couldn't get my wedding ring on and I was pouring salt on everything I ate (uncharacteristic for me). Anyone know? Bueller? Anyone? Hyponatremia. The salt tablets I was using (a popular brand) are actually LOW in sodium. Interesting. I bought the marketing and the peer pressure to use this product. I will be changing salt tablets for hot races effective immediately. I have changed my eating effective last Thursday. Since the change is just a shift of nutrients and not a "diet" of any kind, success is just a matter of time.

The second big "mistake" was not doing enough heat workouts early enough. In 2006, I started six weeks before the race. This year two weeks. 14 days is normally about right EXCEPT when you live in a cold climate. Our year has been exceptionally cold and judging from my results, I should have started earlier. Though my fitness wasn't what I would call good, it wasn't poor either; which is what I would call my race result.

The clinic ended with Bobby McGee. Arguably, the world's best endurance running coach. Looking at my run pictures from races when I was running well versus today - simply put, oh my. Bobby reminded me of what I was doing when I was more "successful" (using that term rather loosely). Since working with Bobby a little bit, I can FEEL the difference in my running already. Last night, I was working 1:1 with an Ironman athlete of mine on his running form. We started working on efficiency and form immediately. I will be contacting Bobby to set up sessions for my athletes as well as me.

Lastly, I figured out that I haven't been very "coachable". That changed yesterday. More about that another day.

I used to buy the "I don't need a certification" from some pro athletes turned coaches. I don't anymore. In the end, I feel like I am growing again in the sport. That hasn't happened since 2003. I am renewed.

PS: I know it is Tour de France time when I get text messages from my wife saying things like "THOR!" I hope you are enjoying the race. I think this year has been really great thus far.

Improving Triathlon: Talk, Social Networking, Blog, Vote with Your Wallet

2009-07-08T17:30:00.003-10:00

Money and word of mouth can make or break businesses. The average person knows ~250 people according to recent case studies. You only need to look to Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and email for the spread of information in the blink of an eye. Heck, I am getting the latest Tour de France stage weather and wind information on my iPhone. You only need to search United Airlines and guitars on You Tube for a great example of how we can affect a company.

The same should happen with races.

On a recent ride the folks I was with were complaining about a large regional race. The race is overcrowded, the race director doesn't have enough race marshals which makes drafting, blocking and safety all an issue and lastly expensive. When I asked why they do the race the response was simply, "Gosh, I don't really know. That race sucks."

A little activism goes a long way, but before you start picketing, talk to the race director. Most RDs don't set out to fail or do a bad job. They may take your feedback as constructive if you don't attack the RD with your comments. Some RDs and race boards really value feedback. There are some races I love to do because the feedback I gave was actually implemented successfully. Sadly, many triathletes launch into attack mode instead of explaining what they experienced as the end user of the RDs product.

If nothing is done...

Blog about it. Talk about it at masters swimming, the long ride or the track workout. Discourage folks from going to that race based on your experience. Call and write USA Triathlon. Most importantly - don't sign up for the race until it changes.

Money talks.

Silent Start to Thursday Night Intervals

2009-06-26T03:18:00.006-10:00

Wake services are tough. They are a whole lot tougher when they guy in the wake is a 28 year old friend who died tragically. Thursday afternoon was a parade of cycling and triathlon folks mixed with family. The family was thankful for the support of their customers, employees, bike companies, suppliers and competition.

Thursday night intervals had a different tone. Those of us who have been with Village for a long time took control of the group last night before the ride. We chose to honor Jason and his family by observing a cycling tradition of the silent lap.

We rode out to the shop as one group to the interval grounds. Once there we formed a large group of 85 riders and for two laps nobody said a word. It was a peaceful ride. All you could hear was the buzz of various groupos. Many of the folks went on to say it was very therapeutic.

A fitting salute to a fallen soul.

Tonight's Village CycleSport Thursday Intervals

2009-06-25T03:59:00.002-10:00

A lot of guys will be at the wake service from 3:30 until 5 or 5:15 pm today.

In honor of Jason and Tour de France tradition, we will assemble at 6 pm in front of the store. Anyone wishing to say a few words will be allowed to do so and then ride the first two laps slowly and together as one group before we start intervals tonight.

Today Will be a Tough Day

2009-06-25T03:50:00.001-10:00

Jason M. Eberhardt:

Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home, 450 W. Lake St. (¾ mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Road), Roselle. . He was the loving son of Joseph and Laurie; dear brother of Bobby and Joe (Melissa) Eberhardt; dear grandson of Shirley Eberhardt; loving boyfriend of Christine Gaza; and loving uncle of Alyson and Abigail Eberhardt.

For information, 630-889-1700.

Cars Don't Kill Cyclists People Kill Cyclists

2009-06-24T14:17:00.005-10:00

A must read if you ride. As a cyclist who obeys traffic laws even though it isn't what the "cool kids" are doing and as a guy hit by a drunk person I want to pass this along. Nothing will make you ride safer than after you've been hit by an SUV. It hurts a lot. Thanks to Molly for sharing. This is really well written and deserves to be shared in my opinion. Since you are reading MY BLOG here you go.

http://dreadpiraterackham.blogspot.com/2009/06/cars-dont-kill-cyclists-people-kill.html

Safe riding everyone.

Job Offers (Finally)

2009-06-24T04:09:00.004-10:00

After being unemployed since Friday, February 13th of this year I have my first job offer(s). This after applying to at least 3,500 jobs from Hong Kong to Sydney to Argentina to Western Europe, Mexico, all the provinces of Canada and every one of the 50 United States. I have 932 "don't call us, we'll call you" letters; 95 of which are from WellPoint my former employer who assured me that I would be "considered for all open job needs first" before internal transfers. At least 932 companies thought enough to send a "no thanks" letter, over 2/3rds didn't even bother a courtesy of a "no thanks". So many companies thirst for good people and there are a lot out there, I think that the application process is what is killing the effort.

Competition in the job market remains insanely tough. Companies are very picky. Just last week I was a match for a job on 11 of 12 items. The 12th I had done, but about five years ago which got me bounced from consideration. Just Monday I was at a job fair where I stood in line to talk to Westinghouse for 90 minutes. Former Motorola project managers and engineers still litter the job market of Chicago. It makes me wonder how long Motorola has as a former once great organization. The property they sit on in Schaumburg, IL is worth a fortune alone.

My (in)human resources friends want to know why I scoff at the notion of HR people. I know a few who are alright, but as a whole I'm not impressed. Sorry, its kinda like lawyers. I know some great lawyers, but many ambulance chasers and politicians who ruin their name. Same can be said for my expertise as a project manager. For every good PM, there are 40 who couldn't manage their way out of a bright room with directions, a map and a compass. It all depends on the people.

So... decision time.

Offer one: a NYC and London based consulting company who is very close to Microsoft. I really like everyone I've met at this firm. Work would be out of the Chicago office. Offer is solid.

Offer two: an LA based media/Internet company who is a household word. Offer is cool for sure, but I'd have to move to LA.

Offer three: a Chicago based retail store and drug supplier. Not sure if they will get it together in time to compete but at least they actually liked me. That is very good.

Off to run in the heat and think about the future.

Happy: Coming All the Way Back and Sad the Loss of a Son

2009-06-22T03:01:00.003-10:00

OK... sad first.

28 year old, Jason Eberhardt passed away in a horrible accident on Saturday. Jason was the manager of the Village CycleSport Elk Grove store for the last few years and is the son of one of the owners Joe Eberhardt. Jason was working on his car when the jack slipped or failed and the car came down on him. The irony of his death is when Marc Fidrich died the same way a few months ago, we talked about how Jason was afraid that the same death could happen to him. Irony sucks sometimes.

As several of us discussed last night, when God calls you it doesn't matter how young you are or who you are your time is up. We may not understand it here on Earth, but I have faith that we all will understand it one day. The way I see it you have a choice. A) Become a bitter, mean person for your loss; or B) Open your heart and choose to be greater for knowing someone who passed away before you. It might sound corny, but it is my blog and I believe that life should be celebrated. There are too many mean, negative people in this world. Some read this blog. I can only hope some of this gets through their thick skulls one day.

I've known Jason since he was 15 and I first waddled into Village CycleSport. In the Village family, nobody laughed at me, then an obese 5'8" balding guy saying he wanted to "do triathlons and maybe Ironman one day". I was introduced to the greats like Tony Kowalcyzk, Dave Poulin and invited to workout with the guys. They supported me and believed in me all the way. Even through 24 months of injuries and me packing on some extra weight - Village has still supported me. I feel renewed when I visit the shop and try that much harder because I don't want to let them down any longer. I will be back and competing at a high level one day soon and Village will be a primary reason. I'm not the only one the Village family has helped. There are dozens of athletes who owe Village a great deal. That's why I use the phrase "Village family".

A family supports you no matter what. You celebrate the good times and endure the bad times together.

Speaking of enduring the bad times, congratulations to Marit for her outstanding first Ironman in Idaho (known as "spudman" in this house).

Marit, crashed badly about 18 months ago and nearly ended her normal life let alone racing. Yesterday, Marit crushed Ironman CdA in a 10:47 and change in her first Ironman and second marathon where she finished... second (by only 45 seconds)! All her hard work and emotion pouring into this race was just amazing to watch online. I only wish we could have been there live.

Marit is so much more than an athlete. Both she and her husband Nate are smart, fun people and I am so happy for them I could jump over the house. Dean, Russ, Lorrie and I visited Marit in the hospital after her accident twice. What is interesting... Marit and Lorrie may be related on Lorrie's father's side of the family. The Norge connection. Marit reminds me a lot of my sister-in-law Megan in many ways.

One sad moment this weekend - tempered only with the consolation that Jason is with God now.
One happy moment this weekend - so high we can reach the heavens. Well done Marit (and Nate) - every Ironman spouse knows that this journey isn't a solo one.

A Weekend of Workouts: Good Luck to Those Racing

2009-06-19T09:27:00.002-10:00

Ahead is a lot of conditioning for me. I enjoy the time in the saddle and in the pool. Due to job concerns, I haven't done as much as I should but everyone handles extreme stress differently. Since starting back on my program and improving my diet (or switching my diet) I'm feeling more like myself. As we used to say after hard workouts in age group swimming, "Let's call it another day." Meaning, I did all I could today. Slept right. Ate right. Worked out. Bring on tomorrow.

As I said to my friend John today in the pool, "It's on." I find that trying to motivate him (and a few others) is motivating me. I actually get a "bump" from it mentally.

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend. Safe, fun and fast racing to you all.

We Have a Heading

2009-06-17T05:37:00.005-10:00

"Your work is to discover your work, and then with all your heart, to give yourself to it." - Buddha

I'm a planner, plain and simple. I need a direction. A heading if you will. Without it, I am like a ship without sails nor anchor - adrift at sea going no where. I need that compass from Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean; the one that points to that which you want most.

If I've learned anything in this life it is that nobody should count on anyone else for assistance. That may sound jaded but hear me out. What I really mean is that each person must know what they are going after and then pursue it like a big cat on the African plain. When it comes to work most people are miserable at their job because it is not their passion. So I am combining mine, project management and fitness. I'm from a "pull yourself up from your own bootstraps" kind of family, so this move comes from the, "Get busy livin' or get busy dying" view of the world; a la Shawshank Redemption.

In a few days I will release a new website. The coaching business is somewhere I'm headed, ultimately, as a full time business/occupation. Being a coach for adult athletes is one thing that I've had some reasonable success with and something I really enjoy. Why not do it full time and work with a health club as well? That is what I am pursuing. My skill as a project and program manager is solid, so let's apply it to fitness and see what heights I can hit with the folks who entrust their fitness to me. You won't see this announcement on Xtri.com, Slowtwitch, or even Ironmanlive. I doubt most of the big coaching groups won't even notice. One day soon, I hope you will. You'll be at a race and see people racing under my program and with my jersey on. The one thing they may notice is my statement which I borrow from Lou Holtz, "Actually, all I ever wanted to be was the best in my field." That is pretty bold statement. There are a ton of great coaches out there. I'm not saying I want to be "the best", but I certainly want to be in the debate and team picture. I know that I prepare my athletes for the experience better than most coaches judging by what I hear from clients who have come from other coaches to me. This comes from my project management background as well as my SCUBA training. (Yes, really.)

In the meantime, I'll do some project management work in order to not lose our home. Ultimately, I'll be that full time coach. Who knows, if I continue to be unemployed, I may just be able to finish all of my certifications and just go straight into coaching. USAT is in July. USAC is going on now. ASCA is going on now.

Watch for my workout programs on Training Peaks.com.

I tell my athletes to "forget past times" and "predictors of performance" because they are now a different athlete once I take over their training. It is kind of the scientific method applied to training. "Had I known x, I would have done y." So when it comes to future races no one can predict to what heights you can soar, even you will not know until you spread your wings and try. The race day experience is a whole new world under "new management". A European philosopher once said, "Every time you step into a river, you step into a new river." Meaning you have more information, more feedback on the current, tempeture of the water, depth, the river bed material, animal life, etc.. Racing is a bit like that too. You may have been in that same "river" but each experience is a little different.

It's on.

A Weekend of Triathlon: Sportsmanship, Hard Racing, and Fun

2009-06-15T02:14:00.003-10:00

This weekend I was a race marshal at two USAT races. One was a US National Championship qualifier and the other was a sprint with some strong competition trying to get to the US Sprint Championship. Triathlon coaches need to do a better job teaching rules and sportsmanship is my premise for much of this blog entry today.

Friday night we made into central Wisconsin very quickly. Traffic wasn't that bad for some odd reason. We had three pre-race briefings to give. I know that a lot of people think these are a waste of time, however, if you get a very detailed "view" of the race course in the briefing I think it is a great thing. I know that as a marshal I knew what locations on the course would be tough and which ones would be dangerous. Missing from the race briefings were all of the IL and IN members of Team in Training. Not good.

Saturday we awoke to light rain. I put on the "magic rain cape" and by the time the bike started the rain had stopped. By the end of the run it was sunny and warm. 85% of the penalties were people who did not attend the pre-race briefing and the majority of those were Team in Training. We had one guy unbuckle his aero-helmet on the bike (an instant DQ - not called by me). This guy was 2nd in his age group and wanted to protest the DQ. Unfortunately for him, two other refs (Stew and I) got him for drafting and blocking as well. Three penalties is a DQ also. He gave up his protest when he learned that all four officials had penalized him for something. That is actually really hard to do but this guy got it. He'll have to try and qualify for nationals at another race.

Most of the penalties called on Saturday that I recorded were just silly fouls. Most racers didn't know the rules. X equals a penalty. Y does not. Most racers didn't know that no CPSC sticker in the helmet may mean that your helmet is not legal in US racing, and that this is a safety concern. This year all USAT officials should know what to look for. Unfortunately, a friend found one official who didn't know what to tell her in time before a race about a year or two ago. That means that YOU as a racer should know OR YOUR COACH should know and inform you. If the average coach is getting paid $240 to $360 a month... you better know the rules and advise your clients in my opinion.

Let's take that one step further. Do you know how to use the rules to your advantage? I'm not just talking about "pimping" another racer when the marshal is next to you and you accelerate at the last moment and the other guy or gal gets a penalty. Do you know what do to when there are two lanes of slower traffic and you need to pass? Do you know how many seconds you can stay in the draft zone as an amateur at a USAT race? WTC race? Do you think that might help you? Is your coach reviewing this with you as one of the pre-race details? I do.

The most embarrassing thing from Saturday was for Team in Training. TNT is a great cause and I have worked and participated in their events. Saturday was not a day that they will look on fondly. The TNT people were 86% of all the penalties called Saturday and the group that blew off the pre-race talk. Just before the finish, with children and other spectators looking on, they handed out cans of beer for a "photo op" at the finish line. Not until race management had a talk with them did this stop. The head ref, and very tactful and nice Lucy, had a conversation with the head TNT person but was treated pretty rudely. (A major understatement.) The conversation was like this, "Hi, who are the leaders of TNT here today?" Response, "What do you want? What now?" Later, I told Lucy she should have responded with, "I just won the lotto and didn't know if I should donate money to TNT, but you confirmed my initial decision. Thank you." I'll let my readers comment on this. It was really disappointing and misrepresented a lot of really good people who are their teammates.

We did have three disappointing, maddening and sad situations Saturday. Disappointing - one woman didn't know the course and rode 2/3rds of the course in the wrong direction (in spite of the well laid out signs). She did go back to where she left the course and finished - with really long bike ride. I credit her for finishing when she could have said "screw it". Maddening - one racer showed up to registration on Friday and said, "So are you guys going to f*ck up the race again this year" to the volunteers. Saturday morning he showed up at 7:25. Transition closed at 7. Tells the volunteer, "I've already paid my money. I want to race. Call to race director (RD). He asks me and I tell him this is a race management decision because the race has not started yet. RD lets him in. He goes off cursing us out after we helped him. I ask him his number. He says, "Write it down pal. Go ahead." He got a penalty from Stew for drafting later. Sad - we had a fatality on the beach after the swim. A woman staggered out of the water and collapsed. They took her to the hospital but I believe she died right there. Water temp was 61 F, but I don't have the details. Either way, someone came to a race for fun and died.

I think Saturday's race was exceptionally well done. I would love to do that race as a participant one day. Well done by the race staff and volunteers.

Sunday, the race went really well. A sprint which had some high end folks. The race went fast and I saw really good racing by a few members of one local team. You bet I'll email their head coach and tell him what I saw. Good sports. Good racing with the rules. A tip of the cap.

Lastly, I am very happy with my athletes! Nice work this weekend! Great sportsmanship exhibited by you guys was noted by several race directors. One of my athletes gave another guy in his age group an extra pair of goggles. He didn't know that the race director was right behind him and that the RD is a friend of mine and knew that guy is coached by me. Another female racer, said thank you to the race staff all day and was known as "the friendly racer". RD knew that she was coached by me too. Neither of them had any penalties AND they finished on or near the podium. See, it can be done. Good racing and be a lady or gentleman; a sportsman or sportswoman. Thank you for representing yourself, your family, and your coach well at the races this weekend. Yes, all three race directors called me to say "thank you" for my racers being so cool to everyone - it was noticed! Triathlon is a "small pond" at times. I'm glad that my folks are such good people as well as good racers.

Triathlon coaching needs to lead the direction of education and coaching. Right now, it is just physical training. Any monkey or plate head can coach the physical part, can you coach the mental part - good sportsmanship or the lack there of - will make this sport great or "just a fringe/extreme sport". Last year in Kona, most of the racers looked like they were headed to a funeral or a meeting with human resources instead of what they do for fun. The people with smiles on their faces were standouts. My folks, who are great racers, are the smilers or at least the friendly folks. Two punched their first tickets to Kona this weekend and they did it with a smile on their faces and no penalties issued.

I'm so happy I could just bust! Well done folks.

Weekend of Racing

2009-06-11T16:37:00.002-10:00

Good luck, safe and legal racing to everyone this weekend. This is a HUGE weekend around the country for races. My thoughts are with you all for PRs and great racing.

If you are training this weekend, keep on keeping on.

See you Monday.

US Government Says Your Life is Worth $7,167

2009-06-11T05:38:00.008-10:00

As many of us head to races or beautiful training rides I ask you think of those who can no longer use their arms and legs. You are their arms and legs now in the form of lobbying. Motor Neuron disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease or ALS, has no treatment and no survivors. Unlike cancer, where there are drugs and treatments (some successful) and many still being discovered, ALS has nothing.

We, the endurance athlete, have to be the voice of ALS patients. We will need all of our patience to fight the drug companies on this one. What is being said away from the cameras is, "ALS patients won't make us any money." This is bigger than just ALS. Look at all the brain and spinal disorders and diseases. Just off the top of my head, MS, ALS, stroke recovery, paralysis, brain injuries, epilepsy, depression, ADHD, autism. No money in understanding brain and nerve disorders? Really? Maybe the return just isn't fast enough for Wall Street?

ALS occurrence is high in endurance athletes and military veterans; without U there is no cure.

Re-Printed from the Chicago Sun Times. This is written by Steve Heronemus. Steve and his wife, Suzanne, recently accompanied Les Turner employees and board members to Springfield to advocate for ALS research funding.

U.S. should fund ALS research

June 11, 2009
How much is a human life worth? According to the United States government, mine is not valued very highly.

In 2003, I began experiencing symptoms later diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, widely known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that weakens and destroys motor neurons, causing paralysis and death. There is no cure or effective treatment. In the 150 years that we have known about ALS, science has unveiled few answers as to its cause or progression.

About 35,000 people in the U.S. live with ALS at any given time, including an alarming number of recent veterans. As ALS is relatively rare, I was disappointed but not surprised to find pharmaceutical companies uninterested in funding research, but was shocked how government supports ALS research compared with other conditions.

I found the National Institutes of Health spends billions of dollars for research -- the vast majority targeting preventable, treatable and non-life threatening diseases. The sample below provides perspective on how much money the NIH was willing to spend in 2008 to prevent each death from these diseases: HIV/AIDS, $198,263; substance abuse, $162,353; sexually transmitted diseases, $40,833; ALS, $7,167.

I shared my statistical analysis with U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.). He was impressed by the manner in which these statistics highlight inequities in NIH grant allocations and believes hard statistics help legislators make good decisions about how and where to direct federal funding.

Don't misunderstand me. The targets of NIH research dollars are deserving. However, I believe government's main role in health research should focus on basic research and on areas deemed unprofitable by private industry.

July 4 marks the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous "Luckiest Man" speech, and many ALS awareness activities are planned to commemorate this occasion. Please help raise awareness of ALS by sharing this information with elected federal officials and the secretary of Health and Human Services.

Q and A

2009-06-10T02:31:00.006-10:00

I've had a lot of questions roll in to the blog so I'll take the time to answer them.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009 2:43:00 PM CDT Question #1:
CHRIS SAID...
Bob, from everything I'm reading, there is no way you should be unemployed. Your former bosses love you and CIO's rave about your work. Am I missing something here?

BOB: They'd still have to pay me. Most companies right now aren't adding employees as revenue isn't there to pay them. Even at low rates. I offered to take a reduction in pay and skip my bonus when I got RIF'd in February, but HR said I could not because there is a standard pay structure. Three time CIO of the Year (CIO Magazine, Fortune) Michael is one of my referances. Mike, Patrick, Yvonne, Christy and others are my references. They are trying to hook me up to a company but until organizations start hiring management I am looking at two months more of being out of work in a best case scenario.

The general impression of the market is if you aren't a "spot on match" for a position companies are putting your resume to the side and looking for a better match because "one is in the market".

Lastly, CIOs who are currently working also have their own connections. Introducing me doesn't mean I get to skate right into a Director or Project Manager gig.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009 2:48:00 PM CDT
Chris said...
Hey Bob, do you have a dedicated website for your coaching business?

BOB: It is under construction. I was hoping to have it done on Memorial Day but I ran into a coding problem that needed another set of eyes. I hope to have it done this week.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009 2:53:00 PM CDT
Chris said...
Bob, are you still marshalling this weekend? If so, let me know so I can say hi if I'm out on the course!

BOB: I will be. I'm not sure where I'll be on the course but you can always say hello pre/post-race when we are answering questions and checking bar ends. As a Cat 3 USAT marshal I actually get paid a little, so this money will go to groceries and mortgage.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009 2:54:00 PM CDT
Anonymous said...
Bob any thoughts on going back to Kona to race the world championships again?

BOB: I would love to race in Kona again. Let's be honest, right now, I need to get a job. If I was given a slot to race in 2009 I could not afford to race. Furthermore, my training has been terrible for the last two years with injury and major illness. My plan is to get healthy then train like I should. I will try to qualify in 2012 at Ironman Canada or another race TBD. Yes, I think it will take me that long to get into form. I did not do the lottery in 2009. I probably won't in 2010 or 2011.

I will be in Kona as a marshal. That is confirmed for 2009.

Helping Others

2009-06-09T07:28:00.003-10:00

What can you do? Well, this week I interviewed 27 times. Hoo-ray me. What I'm more proud of is that I passed on referrals to six people and all of those folks are in their second interview for those positions and things look good. Typing this, I just passed on another name. That makes seven.

One of my toughest former managers and I sat down and talked. She gave me some great feedback and constructive criticism. I really appreciate the honesty and I wish more people would be honest. We could cut the crap and get down to it.

In her words, "You're not good, you're great at what you do. You need to toot your own horn a lot more and stop being so f*cking humble." (Did I mention she was in the Army/CIA for 20 years?) She tells it like it is. I love working for her. I always know where I stand. Once I made a mistake rushing to put together a proposal. All the numbers were there but the comma was off one zero. Her feedback? "You did an exceptional presentation except for that f*ck up with the comma. If you ever do that again, your fired. Nice work on everything else. Are we clear?"

Crystal.

Communications

2009-06-08T04:50:00.005-10:00

Last week my friend Eric asked his girlfriend Tracy to marry him and she said "Yes!" I'm very happy for them for the following reasons: Eric is a great guy. He is smart and a good athlete. I'm not just saying that because a) He won the Chicago Triathlon Clydesdale division last year b) I've coached him for a few years c) I've worked with Eric. NO! I'm saying that because it is true. Guys with their collective act together aren't just out there, but Eric is certainly one. He prepares better than 99% of all people I know and knows how to balance his life better than 99.9% of all the people I know. Tracy is exceptionally great as well. My favorite part about Eric is that he is a Cardinals fan (hey, nobody is perfect) but he isn't a typical Cards fan that you'd expect. He is knowledgeable and forms his own opinions. He might say the same about me as primarily a Cubs fan. (*For those of you new to this blog - "my" baseball teams are 1) Cubs 2) White Sox 3) Yankees 4) Cardinals.) I grew up with an appreciation for great baseball (sans Cubs and Sox of course) when I saw it, I knew it. Mainly, because my teams didn't play it.

Communication. I knew about Tracy and Eric's engagement immediately after Tracy said yes. Many of my friends are outstanding communicators (see links to Jen Harrison, Elizabeth, Chade, Marit and Molly) to name a few. Seldom do communications go longer than 24 hours before a response back. These are insanely busy people. I appreciate this. I really do. It is called "common courtesy" but I like to call it "uncommon courtesy" because most people aren't considerate to even throw a text back.

When I graduated from college (back when dinasaurs roamed the Earth) we were taught to "call back within 24 hours of all communication". What is interesting to me is that these days with Facebook, Twitter, text messaging and mobile phones I have more "friends" who are harder to reach than ever. I know they are online because Facebook tells me so. So why wouldn't someone communicate quickly? Makes me wonder if I offended someone, somehow or in some way without knowing it.

Friday, I rode ~111 miles in 5:41, during which time (at refueling stops) I answered 23 emails and 5 text messages from athletes I coach. I was even getting communications from a US Marine in the field training for Afganistan somewhere in Virginia. I looked kinda funny in Williams Bay typing on a BlackBerry with an empty water bottle hanging out of my mouth at the store but I won't take calls, text, or email while riding. Thankfully, I am an exceptional keyboardist. In college I actually made money typing other people's papers and homework. It paid well. Especially rush jobs. $35 an hour in 1987 was good money. I typed one guy's masters thesis and made about $500 on a Saturday. Pretty great.

So why, when I email, call and Facebook people do they not return any type of message? This has happened four times to me recently with four different people. On all occasions, I saw that person at a gathering and they were laughing and talking to me (seemingly) just fine. In one case, a tornado had leveled part of their town. I sent a message to their work, home and mobile. "Are you OK? Do you need ANYTHING? No reply. Another instance, a job at one friends company (where they are an influential muckety muck) was open - I am a perfect fit on paper. No communication at all and I get told by HR that "they don't see project management in my resume". Kinda funny as my ENTIRE resume is about portfolio, program and project management. I am arguably one of the best (or at least in the team picture) in the World. Don't take my word for it... read the letters from the big CIOs who endorse my work.

So for those who don't return calls and messages; get on it! To all of you who are courteous enough to send some kind of message, text, Facebook comment, a flare, smoke signal, middle finger - whatever - I thank you.

Friday Fun

2009-06-05T06:12:00.004-10:00

Coming out of an interview into a parking garage at 4:00 pm. By all appearances, a normal Thursday afternoon. Out of the corner of my eye I see a car move. Can't be. I must be seeing things. Car moves again in a more rhythmic motion. I'm parked opposite of this car, so I have to walk by the car in motion.

You guessed it.

Two people naked and getting it on in their work parking garage. Couldn't wait until 5:00 pm? I first thought, "Obviously, they aren't married, as sex has to be scheduled via Palm pilot or Microsoft Project."

The three thoughts I had instantly...

How is she going to fix her hair?

I wonder if they are married to other people?

I wonder what the security folks are doing right now?

Off to ride...err, my bike.

**Time and date may be slightly changed to protect the innocent.

Job Market Update - My Life and Finances Held Hostage Day 112

2009-06-04T05:29:00.008-10:00

On the 13th of June I will have been out of work for 125 days (four months). Not for a lack of trying to find work, but due to the panic setting in during the first quarter of 2009. I have 23 recruiters "working for me". I go to networking meetings. I have helped staff people for friends with consulting companies but nothing back to me yet. I've paid it forward. I've paid it backwards. My resume is posted on Dice, Careerbuilder, Monster, Indeed, Biospace, Resume Reserve and several other places. I respond to about 130 RPFs a day for program management talent worldwide. Most days, I work 21 hours at trying to find more work. My intention of this blog entry is to give you fully employed an idea of my experience.

Why the layoff?
Good question. I was told by HR and the VP I reported to that WellPoint (parent company of Blue Cross and others) did a 10% cut of all employees regardless of benefit to the organization. That was the first mistake. As a Director at WellPoint, I can tell you that they need me more than ever in trying to balance their project, program and portfolio management lack of experience and talent. Furthermore, the talent acquisition team at WLP is understaffed as well. Many companies still don't understand the direct corrolation of project and portfolio management to their bottom line. General Motors (also known as Government Motors) is a great example. It took GM seven years to bring new models to the market, even while using the same frame and manufacturing process. Compare that to Kawasaki who brought new concepts to the market in seven MONTHS. Huh, wonder why GM had so many problems? WellPoint is a great example of what is wrong with American companies. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing and many in "power" are politicians versus what they did to get those positions.

Lost in the GM bankruptcy coverage, the press release from Ford Motor Company that they will INCREASE production by 10% immediately. Somebody is thinking over there.

The layoff really could have been solved with better leadership. I really see that now. American corporate culture is suffering for a lack of leadership, innovation and ethical management. I encourage you to read Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell and America's Corporate Brain Drain by Babs Ryan.

News - Down and out on cable television
Everything on TV is negative. The good that is out there isn't being reported. Unfortunately, this media coverage is killing the positive vibe that is living "on the street". Radio news seems to be slightly better but the lessons I learned in Journalism class at Missouri are not being applied.

Politics -
I am not a politician. I'm a project manager who completes projects and perhaps I'm a bit of a boy scout. I believe in working together and team work. I believe in hiring the right person regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, height, weight and most importantly - hair line. You can either do the job or you cannot. In my opinion, a better solution for WellPoint would have been to not pay out bonuses and freeze or reduce pay in 2009 by 5 -15%. Then you wouldn't have to cut people loose in a poor economy. I'm a boy scout I guess. A boy scout who should have turned down the opportunity at WLP and stayed in "hell" which is daily life at Allstate.

Competition - A buyers market for talent
The competition in the job market right now is tougher than any World Championship triathlon I've ever been in. EVERY person out of work seems to have an MBA, PMP, PgMP and great experience. Thankfully, I have an ITIL certification and teach the prep for the PMP. I really should just go pass the exam, but I don't like the way PMPs are just handed out. I may have to do it anyway. In one interview a week ago my competition was similar to my experience and undergraduate degrees in the room: Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Texas (great IT program), Princeton and yours truly (Missouri). Motorola dumped too many people in the Chicago job market and did so quickly. I've waited in line to speak to recruiters for four hours at job fairs only to get two minutes with the recruiter. Every other person there seemed to be a former Motorola employee.

Timelines -
For the first six weeks I received no contact or communication from anyone - recruiters, companies. It was a very scary time. March perked up significantly. I started getting calls from out of state. Namely Disney and Apple, very cool start. I lost out on the roles I was interviewing for but there are CLEARLY companies out there "looking to steal talent that were RIF'd for no good reason other than fear". Great companies are looking to grow. GREAT companies look at hard times as the opportunity to leap forward and make sweeping changes. Regretibly, these are not the majority of companies.

It is becoming apparent that American companies are now in a panic as they fall behind their 2009 plans and revised plans. They RIF'd too many people, or worse, they kept the wrong people and projects aren't getting completed. The problems at Disney are in the organization's view of tackling projects. It is downright scary what they could do if they made some simple changes, but I wasn't the "right guy" for the VP who was more concerned about maintenance versus growth. Even our government doesn't want to wait for 5 to 21 days for me to get top secret clearance (not a problem by the way) though I am clearly the right guy for several projects.

Money -
We're OK, but not great. I got a severance package and my aforementioned bonus. Those plus unemployment and Lorrie and I are still eating. We are also eating into our savings. We are still about three months from me working as a greeter at your local WalMart, but we aren't going to movies, casinos, out to eat, and most importantly - racing until I get work. I just cannot justify $125 for a race fee and then "other" stuff a race would require - hotel, etc. So my racing is on terminal hold until I get work.

Things we were ready to buy in March and April have been deferred until I get work. We need a new TV. We need to do some home improvements. I need new cycling shoes and several other items for racing. All on hold.

Where do we go from here?
a) From here, we continue to talk to anyone. Fog a mirror complex. If you can fog a mirror I will send you my resume.

b) Start my own work. I have two projects started 1) a book about Kona which has been in the works for a few years. I am working with the State of Hawaii on getting me there for free to work on it 2) my coaching business. The website is under development and my athletes remain my best advertisement.

Better times are close at hand. Henry Ford's quotes,

"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward."

"I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done."

Swim News - Suits Under Scrutiny

2009-06-03T04:43:00.003-10:00

When I was a kid, if we wanted a bike we carved it out of an oak tree with a butter knife. We got splinters and we liked it!

Much debate over skin suits, the Speedo LZR and alike. TYR suing USA Swimming over the use of Speedo products in the Olympics after they paid to be the "exclusive supplier". They lost millions as Michael Phelps won his medals in a LZR.

From a triathlon perspective, the speedy swim suits have also come under scrutiny. Ironman and USAT say that they follow the FINA swimming rules, however, don't discount all the sponsorship dollars flowing into the company's treasury. This creates a tremendous conflict of interest. See the law suit below for a real time example.

The issue, in my opinion, is these suits provide floatation aid to those who have poor body position. The aid that they (those swimmers with poorer body position) get out weighs the aid someone like Jenny H. or myself get if we were to wear one in a triathlon. We can wear the suits too, but since we would swim well without the aid of a float suit our difference is minor. Imagine the up roar if good swimmers, who were not strong runners were given two miles of a triathlon run to use a skateboard. Same concept. For those great runners, they don't need it. If you are me, it changes the whole ball game.

Below are the news stories from swimnews.com and the battle about the suits. Not discussed is the IL high school association (IHSA) to scrub all records set in the 2008 state swimming championships because of the suits. I'm not sure I agree with that either, but from a high school competition factor it makes a bit of sense. Is it fair for a kid in the inner city or a small IL town who cannot afford a speed suit to race in a championship versus a kid from Lake Forest or St. Charles where $500 is the weekly allowance for some kids? Probably not, but there has to be a better way. Until better minds figure out a solution, they are banning the use of speed suits.

Talking to Rowdy Gaines today, my debate was about a swimmers ability versus the aid of equipment. In Ironman, they are considering a ban on the speed suits but with the current money situation in the sport I think a ban is unlikely. In order to really compete, I think you have to have one. I refuse to wear one out of principle (as well as the fact that they cost between $300 and $685). So until I get a sponsor... I race "spartan".

** Re-printed from www.swimnews.com ***

Mare Nostrum Tour Follows FINA Suit ListCraig LordJun 2, 2009

Organisers of all three rounds of the Mare Nostrum tour - in Barcelona, Canet and Monte Carlo - will enforce FINA rule and disallow the use of the Jaked01 and other suits that did not make it on to the list of 2009 approved suits on May 19.

A spokesman for Barcelona confirmed to SwimNews today that events in the Catalan city this weekend will be organised under FINA rule, including the latest direction on suits: "No, those suits will not be worn. We will go on FINA norms as they are right now."

The series will be over before the June 19 deadline arrives for resubmission of modified suits, though the timetable for re-testing of certain models, such as blueseventy's range and the Jaked01, remains unclear. The FINA executive will consider the issue once they have data from the head of the independent testing team, Prof Jan-Anders Manson, of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.

In Lausanne last Thursday, FINA executive director Cornel Marculescu said that it was the international federation's intention to make all decisions affecting the world championships in Rome as soon as was possible. "We are very close to the championships now and swimmers and coaches need to make choices," he said, echoing what swimmers and coaches have been saying for many months now.

FINA also intends to make decisions related to 2010 before racing starts in Rome, with a view to making clear to suit makers what materials they ought to be rolling on production lines in readiness for January 1. A decision before Rome will also allow the world championships to be placed in their true context: for one season only.

TYR Cleared For Court Case Against US FedCraig LordMay 30, 2009

A federal judge in California has dismissed an attempt to dismiss TYR Sport's antitrust lawsuit against Speedo and USA Swimming, allowing the case to go to trial next year.

The decision issued by US District Judge James Selna of Santa Ana, Calif., said that nine of the 10 claims made by TYR were strong enough to be heard in court. Also named in the suit are Mark Schubert, US head coach, and Erik Vendt, US Olympic team member who switched to Speedo after he came to the conclusion that the LZR racer was the suit that helped him the most.

The case is scheduled for trial in March 2010.

TYR claims that the exclusive endorsement relationship between USA Swimming and Speedo, along with Schubert's dual role as Olympic coach and paid Speedo endorser, was an unlawful restraint of trade.

It remains to be seen how a restraint of trade will apply to a national team - the US - that is allowed to wear any brand of race swimwear it wants, provided that branding symbols are removed during national-team duty.

The case rests on whether Schubert, as TYR claims, tried to persuade elite swimmers to switch to the LZR, even if they had sponsorship deals with other companies. Schubert said that the choice of suit in 2008 would be a "true test of character ... will it be the money or the medals". He made that statement in March 2008, at a time when the LZR was the obvious choice as the only widely available suit recognised the world over after a February launch of the first suit to use non-textile, non-permeable fabrics.

"We are pleased by this ruling," Larry Hilton, attorney for TYR, told AP. Speedo, USA Swimming and Schubert had filed motions seeking to dismiss TYR's claims, and a separate motion was filed by USA Swimming and Schubert to strike TYR's state law claims, the agency reported.

Selna through out TYR's allegation of trade libel. For USA Swimming, Richard R. Young, attorney, told AP: "We are confident ... once the court is allowed to assess these facts, USA Swimming will prevail." Speedo has denied any wrongdoing but declined comment when asked to do so by Associated Press.

In light of what has come to pass since the launch of the LZR and various TYR suits since the dispute reared its head, and given that the death knell has been sounded for non-permeable, non-textile suits from January 1, 2010, the action is on the fringe of the current suits crisis.

Bob and the Magic Rain Cape

2009-06-02T02:51:00.003-10:00

A year ago my beautiful wife bought me a great present. A Sugoi rain cape.

http://www2.sugoi.com/usa/eng/Products/Bike/Men/Details/1463-71102U-HydroLite-Jacket

$120 sounds a bit steep for a jacket, until you put this on and wear it in a cold, hard rain at 25 mph.

a) The piping has a back up seem and water doesn't get through.
b) There are reflective accents to this jacket on the front and the sides.
c) It is light but tough (like a lot of female triathletes I know).
d) The zipper is tough and the jacket can easily be put on at 25 mph.
e) The jacket has two places where body heat can escape without letting water in so you don't over heat.

Something this jacket doesn't advertise is that it holds off the rain. I know. I know. Hard to believe? Not really. After interviewing for six hours yesterday, I needed to lift and swim. So naturally I rode my bike. My Lynskey R420. My kickass, razors edge of technology, titanium road bike. It was 84 F and sunny. Why not? As Lorrie can attest to, I get lost in the gym for hours. Swim, run, bike, lift, run again, abs. I come out of the gym and it is raining a little. Not bad. Then I look at a group huddled around the TV in the lobby. It is on the radar glowing red. I hear one guy say, "I'm glad I'm not riding home." This is when he points to my bike and says, "I wonder if this Mitera guywill make it?"

Enter the Magic Rain Cape. Multiple rides I've pulled out the MRC and it did not rain. Entire radars filled with rain, did not come down when the MRC was on.

15 miles to home. Heavy rain and strong winds about to start. It's dark and I'm wearing sun glasses. Hit it! MRC is on and I'm off like a dirty shirt. After three minutes of easy pedaling (because I couldn't really feel my legs from lifting) I started to up the wattage. Lightning went across the sky spidering like a horror movie with a wind gust that bent the trees to 30% of horizontal. Just then, my power output went from 212 to 403. I was flying. I didn't see the numbers until home, but somewhere along the way I hit 683 watts for about 29 seconds. Lorrie was waiting for me at the house and had the garage open. I kid you not that as I flew down my street the rain followed about 15 feet behind me. A blinding, soaking rain. A white out rain. I bunny hop the curb and transition to running in the best form ever executed by me. In the garage, and rain is pouring down right behind me. "SAFE! WOO-HOO, what a ride!" I screamed.

I cleaned up my Lynskey and gently wiped down my rain cape. My magic rain cape.

**Your rain results may vary. Strong quads and power numbers are from a lifetime of hard workouts.

The Derek Rose "Controversy"

2009-05-29T04:57:00.005-10:00

Yesterday the "revelation" that Derek Rose had his SAT taken for him and a grade changed when the colleges would check his transcripts from a D to a C, thus making him eligible to play college basketball... is this really a surprise?

In my senior year of high school I remember a basketball player from Mt. Prospect (a suburb of Chicago) telling the Sun Times that he was "happy" he got a 13 on his ACT because it allowed him to play basketball in college if proposition 48 passed. It didn't for another year. Never mind that if you answer "B" and sign your name in the right blank you get a 12. Not only did he not go very far in college, but he never played basketball after his freshman year due to academic difficulties.

Another instance was Marcus Liberty of the "Flying Illini" got an 11 on his ACT. The same day his score was announced (this is before proposition 48 requiring a higher score in order to play) I received an "un-accepted" letter from the University of Illinois saying that my 31 was "not strong enough" for pre-med students. Huh? For the record, the U of I killed their swimming programs after my freshman year. My guess is that they knew then that they would start to enforce Title IX. Good for women is sport. Bad for "non-revenue" men's sports and Olympic sports.

Mr. Rose is not the only person to have a test taken for him. A grade changed. Professors and administration look the other way while academic rules be dammed. Doug Smith, former Dallas Mavericks player, was rarely seen in class at Missouri. As were other superstar basketball players. The NCAA basketball and football schedules make it very difficult for these athletes to attend class. They are athletes first and students second. This is how ESPN can give you "Big Monday" or "Tough Tuesday". The kids pay for it in sweat. Notre Dame and Indiana basketball start times were changed to 6:30 pm (from 7 or 7:30 pm) so students could go from dinner to the basketball game and then back to study. The reward for this? They lost out on TV contracts bringing money into the school.

Let's talk facts.

1) NCAA Division I sports are big money.
2) Nobody cares about the athletes. They only care about the gravy train of money.
3) It is a meat market. If you fail, I've got someone else behind you who can jump higher, swim faster, run longer. When I was swimming Div. I, we called the big championship meets "swimming for dollars". Your scholarship and how much money you got depended on how fast you swam.

When ESPN, or any other "news" outlet speaks about the "shock" of something like this Rose situation I want to scream. If it was really a concern, then make the academic rules tougher to stay eligible. Oh, wait, we can't do that because it will make some guys ineligible to complete. (Never mind the discrimination issues of the guys from the inner city and other "poorer" areas generally get a worse education due to funding their schools.) Is it fair? Hell no.

So until the NCAA, ESPN/ABC (owned by the "family" organization The Walt Disney Company by the way) -actually expose and fight to make changes in the academic rules; please don't act like this is a big deal. It is a daily transaction as common as going to the ATM. Lest we forget to mention that the Olympic sports get shelved when not in an Olympic year by ABC and ESPN in order to make room for "popular sports". Which came first the sport or the popularity? Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, and triathlon are thriving with virtually zero coverage on ABC and ESPN.

NCAA athletes are abused for their scholarships, which we were grateful for, but it is a hard way to earn an education. If you actually get one.

Don't get upset at Mr. Rose, get mad at the system who perpetuates it.

Choices: Every Day is a New Day

2009-05-28T06:34:00.003-10:00

As an athlete and a human being I think it is good to have a "short" memory about a lot of things. It usually takes me a good night's rest to move on from something that was bugging me. In athletics it also applies.

I have one athlete I work with who has a very LONG memory when a workout goes well or poorly. As an actor friend of mine said, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. That's why they call today the present." I like it a lot. Forget the "bad" workout as soon as possible. As I told this athlete, "Why did you think that workout was bad? Did you understand my expectations for this workout?" When I explain that I was looking for heart rates, splits, MPH, RPMs and wattage, etc. and my athlete hit them all; I explain that I am actually quite happy about the workout. Even if it "felt" awful - feeling awful is part of training. You aren't going to feel sprite every day. Gosh, I hope not. My athletes should feel a bit tired until we get to their A race.

Nailing a workout isn't necessarily feeling great while doing it.

Another great athlete I work with will relive a great workout for months unless I re-focus them on today. I have to admit that is a lot harder to leave the great workouts "in the bank" and focus on suffering today.

Each workout is ONE opportunity for greatness. The workout itself should be graded as just that - ONE workout. Don't get too excited or down from the experience.

One mile at a time. One workout at a time. We become great as a collection of these come together as a whole.

Financial Suggestions: A Word About Insurance and Death at Early Age

2009-05-27T04:41:00.005-10:00

I will miss racing Steve Larson, if only for the swim, he was always nice to me (probably because he always kicked my ass in the bike and run) but at least he was cool. I didn't mind racing a former pro, it always elevates my game to race against the best. I race a clock with a bunch of other people.

With the recent death of Steve Larson at 39, I called a friend of mine who I sold my insurance and financial services business to in 1995. We caught up a bit on life and family and I supplied him of Steve's story - dying at 39 with five children.

When I was a financial planner, I saw and heard it all. 98% of people you see do not have cash in the bank and enjoy $8 to 15,000 of credit card debt and are woefully under insured.

Let's start with the basics, you can't go bankrupt if you don't have any debt. Being unemployed, this is a big ease on my mind as Lorrie and I just don't have any credit card debt. For those of you with credit card debt, you may notice that a lot of companies are playing with your minimum payments. My dad used to call credit cards "juice loans", referencing the old loan sharks in the "neighborhood". Financially, a credit card debt is like carrying around an anvil, not very practical for making strong moves. To help, make multiple payments a month. Make your minimum payment on the date you are supposed to. Then make multiple additional payments of whatever you can afford. $1 even makes a difference. The reason? Part of most interest calculations is how many days from your last payment. So, in theory, you could pay your minimum and then one cent every day and never have any interest added on to your balance.

Pay yourself first. When I first left college I didn't even have beer money at the end of the week. How the hell was I going to save? Easy, pay myself first by having $10 each week taken out of my checks. $10 became $20 and at the end of the month $40. $40 x 12...you get the idea. Once I made it to $2,000 I rewarded myself with a cruise. Just about EVERYONE you see on the street has less than $1,500 in the bank.

Life insurance, the best kind is what you have when you start dirt surfing. Another troubling issue is the lack of life insurance. Life insurance isn't for you, it is for your family when you are dead. So if you care about your family, you'll get insurance. It takes care of the funeral expenses and more depending on your planning. I have a great deal of life insurance. We joke that because it is "just" Lorrie and I that the "extra" money is for the survivor to "pay for therapy" when we are gone. But it is more than that, I want to replace my income so Lorrie can go on a cruise and live a lifestyle that she is now used to living. If you have children, it will allow the survivor to stay in your current home, schools and life that they are used to. Some people even plan for their children's education in their life insurance. So when I see a guy like Steve pass away, five children and a spouse, I think about how much insurance they guy had and if he had his affairs in order. Do you have a will, etc? If you're reading this blog its highly likely that you aren't in college any more. Do you know what happens to your children if you don't have a will? If you knew, you'd be running to an attorney right now if you didn't have one!

The reality is that we participate in a sport that has drownings, fatal crashes, heart attacks and more every day. So as you plan your workouts, plan your finances.

Please. For your family if not for you.

Learning the Lessons & Blog Cuts from Chrissie Wellington

2009-05-26T05:02:00.005-10:00

The FL 70.3 didn't exactly go "as planned" but there are some other things that I noticed in me.

a) I am not as fit as I thought I was. Even with solid power numbers and "respectable" power to weight ratios, I am still to heavy and now more drastic measures will be taken. Doctor appointments have been made.

b) Mental health does effect your racing. Although Lorrie and I have never been happier together, being unemployed and having that "hanging" around my neck (ouch) is something you cannot train for. Race week had multiple job interviews and running around dealing with different HR screening types, the loss of the Disney.com Manager job in Orlando (a gig I REALLY wanted - and was ultra qualified for, in the end it went to a guy with consumer website management experience. I have commercial/industrial), and the cherry on top - the death of my Uncle Bob in Minnesota and another friend (30) both from Cancer. During the race I just hurt all over. Now some of that was from getting hit in the neck, but I look back thinking that it may have hurt more because of what was filtering in the background of my mind. Don't get me wrong. I was racing in the moment. I really was. On race day there was no snap or explosive strength which is my key asset.

Take a lesson from Chrissie Wellington. I think she wins because of her mental strength which powers her physical strength. I think she is the best triathlete in the world right now, including the men. She is changing the sport and in time, may redefine it like a Paula Newby-Frasier. IMHO the top people in the sport (ever) are Paula, Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Natasha Badmann. Chrissie may join that group shortly. What do these folks have in common? Mental strength paired with tremendous physical abilities.

Here is a bit of Chrissie's latest blog. With what I mentioned in mind, read between the lines here. She is getting stronger.

You cannot achieve your stretch goals until you are truly happy in your own skin.

learning the lessons
May 19th, 2009
We all have expectations for ourselves, in training, in racing and in life in general. But what happens when we don’t meet those expectations. When, in our minds at least, we have performed badly and in some way ‘failed’? I guess what I am trying to say is. How do you cope with not reaching your goals?

For me my response, attitude and approach to perceived ‘failure’ was put to the test on Sunday at the Columbia Triathlon. I had a number of reasons for wanting to do the race. To test my short course speed, to visit a part of the USA that I hadn’t been to before, to support the Blazeman Foundation for ALS (one of the nominated race charities) and to break out of my long course comfort zone.

Like any race I enter I went into it wanting to win. Not expecting to win, but aiming for the top nevertheless. And what happened? I felt flat for the whole race. The water was cold (but a lot of the girls have the body fat of a beetle, so i wasnt the only one shivering). I saw the splash of feet as the main pack got away, and when it came to the bike I froze. I urged my body to break into the next gear. It wouldn’t respond. And on the run. I pushed through. But again, my speed and time didn’t equate to the effort I felt was putting in. I crossed the line in 6th. Smiling, but inside incredibly disappointed. So the question is….how do you deal with this?

For me the answer is to look back at the reasons I did the race in the first place…. And then try and make a more objective judgement call on winning and losing, success and failure.

I took myself out of my long course comfort zone, and yes – it hurt. But that’s a good thing.

I visited a part of the US that I had never been to before, saw some beautiful scenery that reminded me so much of being at home in the UK.

I met some fantastic people, before and after the race, and had the opportunity to put medals around the necks of amateurs of all abilities.

I was able to meet Robert Vigorito - the race organiser I had heard so much about and now, having met him, I have immense respect and admiration for.

And looking back I can see some of the mistakes I made. And learn from them. Not getting enough rest on the days before the race; not giving myself the space I need to focus my mind; not swimming fast enough at the outset to get on the feet of the front pack; not wearing enough clothes for the cold/wet conditions. Having the body fat of a beetle. These are all practical lessons to carry forward and learn from. Of course I also need to deal mentally with not performing to my best. And I think that is the biggest test of all. Coping with perceived ‘failure’ is hard. Many of us are perfectionists, and set the highest standards for ourselves. And so we should. But I have to look at the bigger picture and see the race as a rung on the ladder. Look forwards. The world won’t stop turning just because I have a bad race. If anything it will make me even more determined to improve. So I will learn, bank it, move on…with even more fire in my belly!

Oh, and for those that are following my friend Billi…the weather on Everest has improved and she is on her way up to the top of the world…..the summit push is on!

FL 70.3 Race Report, Johnny G, and other Self Important Blow Hards

2009-05-22T11:59:00.004-10:00

Well, the FL 70.3 was a disappointment. I did everything right leading into the race, including avoiding the pre-race BS. I did see one guy from Team Timex (don't know who he was) swimming at the YMCA on Saturday. He was flexing in front of the window for the women on the treadmill and walking around like a peacock. Every person there was laughing at him. There was another team from New York who were on the crowded bus talking about how "great" they were going to do. This race had a lot of low key folks, which is why I like it. The "pointy end of the field" had an extraordinarily high amount of triathlon weenie assholes. The only thing great they did was look like fools.

This race, like just about any WTC race in Florida, was lawless. Two large peleton screamed through the field. The second one was broken up by a crash that sent 14 to the hospital. Any male racing from Mexico or Brazil were drafting. The funniest one was a rather large Mexican guy drafting a really small American gal. She couldn't have been more than 100 lbs but this 200 lbs guy was on her like white on rice. The marshals were completely ineffective with zero penalties in the first tent. The automobile traffic on the course was like any training ride during rush hour. Only the good will of a woman in a black Mercedes allowed me and a few other riders to have clear road until we caught the next group of cars. Cyclists were crossing the center line and other dangerous riding behavior that one day will get them killed.

My Race:
The pre-race stuff, well, I was running a little late but got my act together in transition quickly and luckily had no problems. I was out of transition early and very relaxed.

The swim started great. I was left of the first buoy but wanted the super fit guys to lead the way. They did, and I tucked in right behind them. I never got touched in the first 800 meters and at the first buoy I was right behind Bruce Genari. I went around the first buoy and got punched in the neck by a guy screaming at me. He said I was "hitting him" I swam a bit of heads up and said I hadn't touched anyone. He tried to hit me again and missed. I swam away three times and he grabbed my legs and started punching me in the calves of both legs. After three attacks on me, the water polo player rage came out. I'm not proud of it but it was time to fight back. I punched him in the ribs and then under the ribs knocking the breath out of him. Fight over. The damage was done. It was impossible for me to turn my head to breathe and as I type this I cannot turn my head without pain. The swim was long between 4 and 10 minutes depending on who you want to believe. I swam easy and it felt good at the time.

The bike started fine. I went through mile 20 in under 55 minutes, but was unable to be in the aerobars for longer than 60 seconds. The rest of the ride was a complete disaster with no power (my only triathlete strength these days). My back and neck were in severe pain. I told myself that if I rode slower than 2:55 I would get checked out at medical. I came in at 2:54:38. Keep going.

On the run, I started quite good with 8:54, 8:38, 8:41 and then the wheels fell off. Pain was screaming down my back, leg and arms. I would literally run 400 meters and then walk 200 meters. This repeated for the remainder of the run. I was pretty worried for a little while, but I was still moving forward. I saw David Rozelle running with one leg in the distance and knew I wasn't going to quit. He was doing the race on one f'ing leg. Bad pain or not, I'm going to finish.

I did finish in what was a completely terrible race. I am proud for not quitting. It was more than an idol thought believe me. I was concerned about my long term health which is far more important.

Johnny G - The founder of Spinning
I got a comment to the blog I wrote about six months ago from the man himself. I refuse to publish it, or any other dribble other than an apology from him. You may remember that Mr. G and his organization believe that the word "spin a thon" infringes on his ownership of the word "spin" as it applies to indoor cycling and that the use of "spin" effects his brand. This is why we had to change the name of the ALS Spin a thon to Cycle for ALS. Mr. G went on to say he gave $50,000 to Augie's quest - a number yet to be confirmed. He also made several statements where he didn't have all the facts about my association with John W..

I used to believe that what he started was great. Now, in my opinion, I believe Johnny G is just out for himself and what he preached in the beginning of his Spinning movement is all just bullshit in an effort to make money. I've been teaching indoor cycling for 13 years now. My classes are packed with waiting lists longer than the class themselves. I'm proud to call them cycling classes and have no affiliation with him whatsoever. I regret giving him the $278 it cost to certify me back in the day.

I ask for a boycott of anything "Spinning" or Johnny G related until he apologizes for how he treated our event and stop calling his event "the first indoor charity cycling event" it wasn't - we weren't even the first indoor event and we started our event three years before his "first ever" indoor cycling charity event. You'd think that a guy who has a full time person searching the internet for people's use of the word "spin" with their events that he would have researched if he had the first "indoor cycling charity event". What he probably has is the first indoor "spinning" event because everyone using the word "spin" or "spinning" has to pay him a fee and hasn't done an event. I dunno...just an opinion. Stop hiding behind email and attorneys Johnny G. It is people like you who perpetuate the nation's opinion of southern California. False. Fake. Arrogant. Self absorbed.

Pro Athletes and Others Not Carrying Spares
Multisports.com had a podcast that made a great point about athletes not carrying spares. Pro athletes should carry a spare in order to try and get a check. One pro I know lost out on a check because he didn't carry a spare. It was a shame, because even if it took 2:00 to change a tube he still could have been 1st, 2nd or 3rd based on his lead at the time.

Amateurs not carrying spares. What the hell? Are you so "good" that you DNF at the first flat? For anyone, this is unacceptable. You finish every race unless you need medical.

Time to Race

2009-05-14T02:14:00.003-10:00

Alright, ready or not its go time.

Expectations:

Swim:
I haven't been able to swim for 14 days. I have done some swim bench which is just fine. I'm swimming today. Easy tomorrow swim Friday and Saturday. I think I'll be between 35 and 38. I'm just going to cruise the swim at a comfortably aerobic pace.

Bike:
I'm not sure what to expect. I feel good when I ride. I'm not in top shape for the bike. My coach would like me "under 2:50", but my goal is to be under 2:45. My best on this course was 2:38:10 in perfect conditions and a 2:54 last year in a blinding rain storm and a flat tire at the worst possible time. I was in a groove (finally) and passing people. I had older tires on my race wheels and I caught an edge of a ramp. Flat tire. I just about had it changed when race support showed up. The guy was cool. In the rain, I had stabbed myself on the cogset and blood was all over my legs and hand. Looked worse than it was.

Run:
My weight is still too high. I have leveled off at 201 lbs. since returning from California. I can't change it. My goal is to run the entire run. Sound easy? Well, it is going to be HOT down there. That will be tough. No time goal other than to beat my time from last year by 1 hour. I did the half marathon in 3:18 last year. HA! I shouldn't have even started the "run" but I did. My long run going in was 3 miles. This year I have one 13 mile run and several 6, 7 and 8 mile runs with several 3, 4, 5 milers. It will be interesting to see what happens after 7 or 8 miles in that incinerator like heat and humidity.

So if I'm around 5:36 to 5:50, I'm cool. On a positive side, I'm racing 40+ and Clydesdale. The goal is top 15 in that race division. I think that can be done.

Talk to you next Wednesday night with a race report.

Safe training and racing.

RIP Uncle Bob in Minneapolis! Love you and Aunt Phyllis - Love, Bobby

Chicago To Allow Surfing in Lake Michigan

2009-05-14T02:04:00.002-10:00

CAN'T SURF HERE
Freshwater surfers seek to change 'No Surfing' laws on Lake Michigan
By: James Pribram
Photos: All photos: Mike Killion/ Great Lakes Surfer Magazine

Surfing has taken me to a lot of places in the world, but I never in my life, thought it'd take me to Chicago and onto the Great Lakes. I'm here filming for Fuel TV and my documentary, talking with local surfing activists and environmental groups about various concerns. (Yes, in case you were wondering, there is surf in Chicago - enough to have a magazine and activists, anyways.)

Our discussions have touched on things most surfers can related to, stuff like water quality, and surf spots, but perhaps one of the most compelling topics I've ever experienced as a surfer just came up: in some parts of Chicago, surfing is illegal.

Ironically, in a place that gets less surf than the Gulf Coast of Florida, surfing is against the law on some of Chicago's beaches. And there are plenty of surfers there who would love to see that law changed.

Local surfer/musician Jack Flynn was arrested for surfing some three- to four-foot windswell not so long ago. He was locked up overnight in his wetsuit, shivering with cellmates who'd just robbed a bank with AK-47s.

After hearing this, local surfers David Vanderveen, Jack Flynn and Ryan Gerard and I decided to do something about it: we paddled out smack dab in front of downtown Chicago and the legendary 'Miracle Mile' (*Readers Note: It is the 'Magnificent Mile' - Bob) and risked being arrested. No one really knew for sure what might happen if we were caught on our boards surfing or going for a stand up paddle, but either way we were going for it, where everyone could see us.

After an hour and half in the water stand-up paddling, we decided it was time to go in. Ironically, within minutes, the Chicago police boat came flying into action with another five cops swooping into the park on their bikes - all looking for us. Fortunately, we'd already made it in.

And while our little paddle-out was just a small step, longtime local Flynn has a pro-surfing petition with over a thousand signatures on it, letters have been sent, and the local community is pushing the issue to go before the city council.

Stay tuned.

The Training Dungeon

2009-05-13T06:34:00.010-10:00

Pre-run - heat training picture. I ran 7 miles dressed in full winter gear. The temp? 75 F.

Living on the edge of civilization here in Chicago we have great places to train. Unfortunately, our weather usually doesn't cooperate. So on a race week which is not my "A" race where tapering and shaving would be in order, we do what we can preparing here.

Currently, it is 48 F and raining. Sunday it will be 95 F, sunny and about 60% humidity - roughly a 105 F heat index. I know that it takes me about 10 days to fully acclimate to warm weather. 14 days is even better. I like the heat. When it was 106 F and humid here in Chicago and people were dropping dead - I went running with the dog. We did jump in the lake and when we got home we both got hosed down - Max first, then me. I'll never forget how he just sat under the cold water and looked perfectly happy. I gave him a small amount of boiled ham as a treat and to give him something salty. You are what you eat right? Max was a ham. After his cold bath, he got brushed out but he wasn't very happy about being outside as he was now pretty warm, so inside we went.

This week, I have read through my training log. Not bad. Not great, but certainly better than last year. I endured CompuTrainer Power classes twice a week and sometimes three times, getting up at 4:05 am starting in January and then going to work. Well, at least until 2/13! At home I have 1/3 of the basement as "training space". I've added some pictures to show you.

The first picture is of "The Wall". It is still a work in progress. I want to change this to make it all pictures of my friends around the world and a map. The map will have two pins. One for where I've raced, another for where my friends live in the world. What better motivation than seeing your friends going to your workout?

The second picture is of the entryway to the basement. It has pictures of all my Ironman race finishes except for one. The guy who took the picture wanted $172 for the shots he had of me. No thanks. Also on the wall are my race bibs from Ironman Hawaii and Ironman Canada as well as the C_RE - a picture from the folks at ALS TDI who sent me a note that says, "Without U there is no cure." A touching card which was signed by the entire group.

The third picture is of a finish banner from the last Tour de France that Lance Armstrong did. Now, originally I was told that this was from the Alpe d' Huez time trial finish line. Mike (my friend who sent it to me) now thinks it is from the finish in Paris. Either way, I think it is cool. I want to get this framed so it doesn't discolor. That will have to wait until I'm working again.

The last picture is of the entire "facility" - VASA, treadmill, CompuTrainer (hiding on the right) and electronic entertainment.

We have a saying in the house, " You know you've trained about enough when the basement spiders look like they have stop watches and start giving you advice."

Pre-Race Prep

2009-05-11T02:24:00.004-10:00

Race week is here. So is the heat and humidity. I love tough conditions, but have to admit that "racing" while returning from being injured and lazy is more of "participation" if I may borrow a word from Jerome Harrison. Participation is more realistic. Even though Jerome "only participated" in California, don't look for any time near his for me this coming Sunday.

As I am still unemployed, and this could be a long time "on the bench", I told Lorrie that i won't race outside the area again this summer unless I get work. So, at risk, my 2009 goal of racing at USAT Nationals in Alabama among other races. This changes the perspective for this weekend's race. I'm going to enjoy it and just have some fun. Race as hard as this body will allow and not worry about what happens. I'll be the guy smiling pre-race, during the race and post race.

This was something I noticed at several races I have marshaled. People don't look happy except for two - Chrissie Wellington and Natasha Badmann. I'm not saying I will have the same results, but at least I'll be pleasant to other racers and volunteers.

The new tubulars are stretching right now! To be glued tonight. BTW - get a 700c bike as soon as possible. NOBODY has 650c anything around here and to top it off the shop screwed up my order of tires. So I have, Zipp 404s and a disc wheel in 650c that I am having a hard time getting tires to race on.

Who cares? Maybe I'll go old school and ride my training wheels the 10 year old Velocity Deep Vs and race in a Speedo. Well, maybe not, for all of us babe.

PS: This weekend I got to spend time with a lot of friends in Chicago; John, Renee, Jack, Brad, Joanne, Bill, Cassie, Katey, Ellen, John - You guys really are the coolest.

Racing Old Pros, EPO Users, Reality Show "Celebs" and Those Who Have Time

2009-05-08T04:18:00.008-10:00

Last night at intervals there was a debate. On one side, some guys I ride with were complaining about racing old pros (like Steve Larsen and Troy Jacobson) and talking about the "people who have time to train". On the other hand, I was arguing that at any race you take on "all comers". This started an interesting debate.

Old Pros:
I believe that you never lose those skills that you hone as a pro. Steve Larsen will never forget how to ride like an animal. Troy Jacobson (a low 4:30 biker in Kona - on the OLD, tougher course) will never forget how to prepare. The only difference is their amount of preparation for whatever race they are doing. Now, they are doomed to roam the Earth as a "normal" triathlete with a job and family responsibilities. If you notice, Larsen and Jacobson have raced age group and still have gotten beat by others. The gap between what is a pro and an amateur in triathlon (due to the lack of money in the sport) is narrow. Mainly, our sport is a wealthy one. The fastest cyclist in IL right now is 50! Why? He has a successful business on auto-pilot, kids in college and has plenty of money to purchase good coaching, an SRM and time to train properly. Note as well, Karen Smyers, Fernanda Keller are still racing pro in their 40s.

EPO Users & Steroid Users:
Bring your barrel chested (guys) to any race. I'll look forward to racing you when the side effects of your drug use catch up to you. Admitted drug users like Nina Kraft are allowed to race after serving a suspension, but for me that isn't enough. I'd like a lifetime ban for drug cheats and tougher testing. Testing should happen in the age groups as well. Podium at any sanctioned race USAT, ITU, WTC and you should have to supply a blood, hair and urine sample. It will be interesting to see what health effects there are on triathletes who dope in the future. How many age group athletes die in their late 40s, 50s, 60s versus "normal" population samples.

Until my utopian state of testing every podium placer is implemented, bring it dopers! You suck and I'll beat you racing clean.

Reality Show "Celebrities" & Those Who Have Time to Train:
These are two separate divisions if you ask me. Guys like the season one winner of "The Biggest Loser" getting an Ironman Hawaii slot doesn't bother me. If he can inspire people to get off their ass, stop making excuses and workout then I am all for it. As far at "those who have time to train", they also have time to over train. There is nothing like beating someone with all the advantages of wealth and fame. To you, I also say, bring it!

Bottom line, race all comers. I'll get as fit as I can and if you "beat" me in time bully for you. But you'll do it knowing that you were a pro and I wasn't, or you used drugs and I didn't, or you were given a place to stay in San Diego and free training from former pro athletes and I figured it out on my own or paid a coach.

Who really won now?

iPods: How Many Times Do We Have To Cover This?

2009-05-07T04:12:00.004-10:00

In 2009, USA Track and Field ruled that iPods are OK in their races if race directors allow them. Thankfully, USAT and the WTC do not agree.

How many times do we have to talk about this?

iPods are for inside only. Believe me, I understand the long boring training events need a bit of tunes. Indoors - no problem here. I love loud music in the weight room, in the pool, on the treadmill, on the CompuTrainer. LOVE IT! Outside - NEVER, EVER use an iPod or mobile phone while training or racing.

My reasons are simple.

Exhibit A: the late Randy Cadell, two time Ironman Hawaii Champion in the wheelchair division, was killed when a driver on her mobile phone ran over Randy as he rode through Kona. I have heard that Randy had an iPod on - BUT I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT - it doesn't sound like the Randy I met. That isn't something they put on your obit. page. Either way...the driver was distracted. No ear piece. (Free in every mobile phone box incidentally.) We, as a triathlon community, lose a great guy. Lorrie and I met Randy and his girlfriend in Lake Placid in 2003. Why people who need to use their mobile in their car (everyone potentially) don't just buy a bluetooth or use the wired headset in their phone's box is beyond me. It is so easy. Uncommon sense perhaps?

Exhibit B: last year I had to deal with a racer who what run over by an SUV in a triathlon run. He couldn't hear the SUV coming out of a well hidden (trees and shrubs) side street. Lifting a body into a coroner's car is something I won't forget anytime soon. Neither will telling his parents, wife and ultimately his young children; that their son/husband/daddy is dead because he couldn't hear the big truck coming at him in time to get out of the way. I've delivered death benefit checks before but that hurt a lot.

Both are senseless deaths. What does this mean? Is a race not stimulating enough? Are up and coming athletes so devoid of self confidence and race strategy that they need constant distraction and motivation in their ears?

I believe in no iPods and plan on boycotting any race that allows iPods or mobile phones. I hope you join me in doing so as well.

Use your head. It might just save your ass.

Our 9th Wedding Anniversary

2009-05-06T02:33:00.002-10:00

Today is Lorrie's and my wedding anniversary.

Smiling at her, I asked Lorrie, "Why me?" She answered with some of what you might expect; "You're considerate of my feelings", "You do the shopping", "You clean the house", "You're a great cook" (probably too good), "You work hard to give me a good life and take me on trips", yada, yada, yada. The trips comment made us both laugh as we looked at a picture of us in Lubbock.

In support of my argument, that it takes two understanding people to make a marriage, I give you this.

Lorrie and I have traveled all over the Caribbean. We've gone on eight cruises together. We've gone to Hawaii once together (and there was a big athletic event in the middle of that trip, so it really doesn't count as a vacation). Lorrie has also been dragged (willingly) to Lubbock, TX where she learned to love fried pickels. Southerners please help explain it to the northerners please. Lubbock is where I punched my ticket to Kona in 2000 - also nine years ago.

To further explain, one month before we got married, I "won" the Ironman Hawaii lottery. This meant what I would call significant training on our honeymoon. My first 20+ mile run (21.9 miles) was on St. John in the USVI. On that run, I had a 400+ lbs., female taxi driver pull up next to me and say (rasta accent), "Hey, runnin' man. Git in me cab. This is a vacation and no reason to run anywhere." I was doing "track" workouts UP the mountain. Riding an indoor Lifecycle bike for 2 and 3 hours because the resort wasn't allowing mountain bikes off the resort. I swam Pillsbury Sound (Great Cruz Bay to Red Hook and back) with a Navy Seal on his wedding anniversary trip. That is over a six mile "free swim" while trying to avoid being run over by ferryboats. That was just the honeymoon.

Lorrie has endured trips to Lubbock, Springfield, IL, Indianapolis (too many to count), Clermont, FL, Lake Placid, St. Croix, Tucson, AZ, Cleveland, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconin, etc. People ask me why I do the FL 70.3 every year, simple really. Lorrie can wake up, eat a fancy breakfast, workout, read, hit an amusement park and meet me around lunch time. A great venue for her and should be a bigger trend in triathlon event development.

Lor has also had to deal with my crazy career. Upon returning to Chicago from our honeymoon, I was ordered to travel out to Bogota, Columbia for a week for business. We landed on Sunday. I flew out Tuesday morning. Gifts weren't even unwrapped. In Columbia, I had two personal body guards paid for by my company. Both had 9mm handguns to protect me and I traveled to the office in a bomb proof town car with tinted windows. Back then, kidnapping an American could yield big money. I didn't give her the details of my trip for several days after I returned. She would have been sick. She has dealt with lay offs for no reason, contracts, delays and politics. We joke that in our industry if you have been somewhere for more than 90 days you should get a gold watch, what they used to give to those who endured 40 years at one company.

In the months leading up to Ironman, I was the lead program manager for a 40 city implementation of a new customer relationship management system (CRM to those of you propeller heads and pocket protector types). This meant more travel. So, while training for my first Ironman and first marathon (at the Ironman World Championship by the way) I was traveling each week Sunday through Wednesday - often not working out in the same gym twice in a row, running on unknown streets in bad neighborhoods in strange cities. In Minneapolis, I worked out from 5 to 7 am and then from 10 pm to 1 am. That's what had to be done. So in the five months leading into Ironman I traveled across North America (Mexico, the Caribbean, US and Canada) implementing my solution to this project. Fighting off political attacks from jealous colleagues. Training for an Ironman and trying to see my wife.

At Ironman Hawaii, I was doing well. I came out of the water 3 seconds behind Lori Bowden. Not a bad place to be. I rode well in spite of being grossly out of position, uncomfortable due to my clothing choice, mechanical issues because of bad (brand new) wires, and grossly over geared. Think of doing Ironman Kona on a fixie - that's what it felt like - in 50 mph sustained winds, gusting to 75 mph. I also made nutritional mistakes, because back then nutrition was still being figured out. There were only two gel companies that I knew about. Two sports drinks. Well, here is where this gets interesting. You know my story if you read my blog, but you don't know Lorrie's. Lorrie took care of her mom and dad who came to see me "race". My brother and Lor took care of them and waited for me to arrive in Kona. I have video and should upload it. I ran the first 19 miles in roughly 2:20 and was doing very well. That's when my nutrition issues hit me hard. Here is the problem, I had crossed the final timing mat. So the information booth told my family that I'd be there in "somewhere between 45 and 55 minutes". Well, they waited, and waited. About 2 hours later, Lorrie starts getting worried and was so excited, didn't drink and was now getting heat exhaustion herself. My in-laws go to their hotel - exhausted. Lorrie is near puking in the King Kam hotel. My brother was running back and forth between the finish, the IronmanLive computer room, and the hotel - checking on Lorrie. Somewhere in there...I finished.

Somewhere in all that, we managed to stay together and support each other while quoting movies back and forth to each other.

Happy Anniversary Lorrie! "What are you lookin' at Popeye!?"

Village CycleSport Triathlon Clinic Elk Grove, IL 9 AM

2009-05-05T05:50:00.002-10:00

This Saturday at 9 AM there will be a triathlon clinic at Village CycleSport in Elk Grove Village, IL.

Speaking are Mike Norman from Chicago Endurance Sports on training programs. We have a new triathlete speaking about preparing for his first Ironman and what he is going through, yours truly speaking about the rules of triathlon and how to use them to your advantage and a female coach (to be determined) talking about "women's issues" in triathlon.

This is sponsored by Blue Bicycles and Village CycleSport.

Tell your friends.

34 Random Facts About Me

2009-04-30T03:52:00.005-10:00

Walter Payton is one of my heroes. His number was 34 for the Chicago Bears. Here are some things about me...

1. Met my wife on a blind date. She didn't want to go...and neither did I. Since that day we have spoken or been together everyday. She is one of the "only" darker haired Norwegian women in the World.

2. I've walked across hot coals. A life changing experience and a great BBQ party trick.

3. I'm a positive, confident, outgoing person but I come across as rather serious, know-it-all, and quiet because I understand that I have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

4. I have never done any drug or smoked anything- ever. Never will. I took a class in understanding drugs in our culture. Drugs explains a lot of what I've seen in my career though.

5. As I said, I have never smoked anything and never will. Although, my dad smokes cigars so I suppose that I have second hand smoked a lot of cigars.

6. I'm not a big drinker. It's not really my bag.

7. Still hold the 100 yard breaststroke record at my high school; 23 years and counting.

8. I think my in-laws (and in-law relatives) are cool.

9. I am good at every sport I've done except for gymnastics - aka: "gym-spastics" - I can only do rings, yet, I've never had a problem with flip turns (forward or backwards).

10. I speak four languages and have conducted business meetings in three (English, duh; Spanish; French)...I speak Italian...poorly thus far.

11. I have worked on four continents. Australia, North America (USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean), South America (Columbia), Europe (UK).

12. I love to research things I don't understand. Yes, I used to read the encyclopedia. Our world is fascinating and should be explored.

13. I believe that "bad" people or folks with ill intentions will "get theirs" eventually one way or another.

14. All animals and children flock to me. Anywhere I go. An old nun friend of mine tells me that "They can sense a good spirit." Who am I to argue?

15. I believe I saw an angel. Sounds crazy I understand, but in church one crowded day (I was going through a tough time in my life) an older lady kept knocking over the Bibles and I kept picking them up for her without complaint. At the end of the service she destroyed the Bibles and knocked over a few other things with her walker. I picked everything up. Before I could stand up she put her hand on my head and said, "God loves you." I looked the other way for a second and she was gone. Kinda cool, huh? So I got that goin' for me...which is nice.

16. I love the ocean. I'm a new man when I'm near the water, but the water just has a special something for me. I've been on eight cruises. I scuba. I can't get enough time in the ocean. *I had a whale and her calf swim right past me in St. Thomas. Imagine a city bus swimming past you. Awesome stuff.

17. I hate cold. Probably comes from a summer in HS when swimming at the Schaumburg Park District when the heater broke and the weather was cold. I can still feel how cold I was. Terrible cold. I would like to swim the English Channel but that cold...argh.

18. My family is from: Northern Italy - Turino/Martini region (mom's side). Dad's side - Czech Republic - there is a Hotel Mitera in Prague and Poland (grandma M). My grandparents were great, tough, loving people who taught me a great deal and I miss them all greatly. I will travel to my grandparents hometowns sooner or later.

19. I hate posers, "moths", and selfish people. You have to like the reflection you see in the mirror first.

20. I have six NCAA Division I Varsity letters. Two in water polo (team was stopped to enforce Title IX). Four in Swimming. All conference swimming four times. I was a zombie in college due to athletics. NCAA Div. I was very tough.

21. I was the first person in my family to go to college. That should explain a lot about me.

22. I'm a bit like Forrest Gump. I've been in a lot of places where things have happened. I've met or know people who know people or are doing amazing things. From friends in MLB, NBA, and NFL, to doctors, to physicists...I probably know someone; or know someone who knows someone.

23. I like hanging out with my cousins, brother/sister-in-law. Casinos, comedy clubs, water skiing, and dinners, whatever - it never gets old. Friends can come too.

24. I have friends all over the world. The sun never sets on my friendships. I have all sizes, shapes, creeds, etc. in my friends. I'm proud of that. We talk trash via the Internet - you know that thing that Al Gore invented. Its a fad, so don't get used to it.

25. I am a great cook and do most of the grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning in our house. Ask Lorrie! Best meal? Eating omelets, white pineapple and Kona coffee with my brother in Kona, Hawaii after workout while watching spinner dolphins catch their breakfast.

26. I leg pressed 685 lbs. five times when I weighed 160 lbs. in college. That lift put me on the "pound for pound strongest" list for a time at Missouri.

27. I wrote the Olympic Charter for the nation of St. Lucia for triathlon. I love the Olympics and their spirit. One day I hope to walk into an Olympic stadium...my best shot now is as an official.

28. I've played international water polo in a post-Olympic tournament (1988) with Team USA.

29. I can throw, eat, write with and basically do everything with both hands.

30. I am a patriot. I love the USA even when it isn't fashionable and have been nominated for a US Department of Defense Citizenship Award in 2004. The highest honor a civilian can get from the military.

31. I should have taken the US Naval Academy seriously when I considered it as a possibility for college.

32. I have worked in radio (WLUW, KCOQ), TV (KOMU) and newspaper (many). When I was a kid my dream job was to be the next Bob Collins on WGN. If you've ever heard me announce at an event you know I'm built for announcing. Mike Reilly I want your job.

33. I can talk, see, and be around blood and guts all day...just don't talk teeth. I have a great dentist and have paid for most of his beautiful home.

34. If it would pay the bills I would be a motivational speaker or personal trainer.

A Normal American Life

2009-04-29T04:15:00.004-10:00

"What if I told you insane was working fifty hours a week in some office for fifty years at the end of which they tell you to piss off; ending up in some retirement village hoping to die before suffering the indignity of trying to make it to the toilet on time? Wouldn't you consider that to be insane?" - "Garland Greene" from the movie Con Air

What is normal anymore?

Is normal getting pagent officials to pay for breast implants before the Miss USA contest?

-- Donald Trump would like you to think so. Hey, Donnie! I like chicks with long, fit legs and high IQs! (See Lorrie for an example.)

Is normal loyalty to your job, not playing politics, and making a difference?

-- I would like to talk you out of Neverland.

Is normal living in a box, driving in a box, working in a cube, driving back to your box and then sitting in your box watching a box

before sleeping on a square and doing it again?

-- God, I hope not.

I'm getting back to the amount of working out that I was doing from 1998 to 2003. I was never so happy. I'm not saying that

"working out" is the only thing I could do. But my point is when work was over - I did something. You could take pictures.

Take a class. Go fishing. Anything but watch TV or play on Facebook (which is seriously getting old).

I would have pulled out of Facebook if I didn't connect with so many old friends. I lived HS once. I have no desire to start again.

Normal - it's what you make it.

Cyclists Ambushed with Wall of Flames & Violence Against Cyclists

2009-04-27T10:33:00.004-10:00

As villages like Barrington Hills , IL further restrict cycling on public roads how long before we see this in the state?
Cyclists ambushed with wall of flames

"STEVE Athey was leading a pack of 16 cyclists on a training ride when a wall of flame suddenly burst in front of him. Unable to take evasive action, he rode through the head-high flames. The 15 riders behind him braked, swerved, skidded and did everything they could to miss the inferno. It was a miracle no-one was seriously hurt. Police believe the flames were deliberately lit by young men who had earlier harassed the group of cyclists and who had used a beer can to pour flammable liquid on the bitumen as the riders approached them." To read the rest of the story, use the copy the link below:

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2009/04/10/cyclists-ambushed-with-wall-of-flames-cyclists-fac/

Where have all the Duathlons Gone?

2009-04-24T08:25:00.003-10:00

This weekend is the Duathlon National Championship. It begs the question, if a championship were held and nobody noticed, is it a championship?

Ten years ago duathlon was flourishing. Often, triathlons and duathlons were held on the same course. Those were the days when people didn't draft because if you did you'd never hear the end of it from your training mates. You read the rules because you were afraid to be caught as the one who didn't know the rules.

These days duathlon doesn't exist - that may be an exaggeration. Duathlon is in exile at best. Why? Do we all have "Ironman Fever"? Is the multisport community changing its interests? Or is it just a matter of race profitability? Why go through the effort of putting on a duathlon when you could do a triathlon and make more money? I'm not sure.

I've been thinking about this today. Why not have duathlons here in Chicago? Our spring weather would make a PERFECT "spring classic" like racing. Chicagoans and northern people back me up on this one! Wouldn't you go to a duathlon if it was fairly cheap and in April? I would. Having coached two age group USAT Duathlon National Champions doesn't hurt my interest in the sport either.

Duathlon may be on life support but it is just like the Frankenstein monster; it just needs a jolt of electricity. I'm going to look into starting a race.

A little help: Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge 2009

2009-04-23T03:49:00.004-10:00

OK...I want in. For several years I have been eyeing this event. I need to raise $1,000 to enter and $10,000+ to participate. As you may know, CAF helps folks participate in sporting events who might need a bit of a hand to get to the starting line. I'm doing (or hope to do) several events this year to raise money. In Febraury, I did one for ALS, this one for CAF and I may do a few others...if I get work. (Maybe something soon...)

How can you help? Can you skip Starbucks once and send me $5? I'll put 100% of it into the donation to CAF.

CAF athletes are amazing. As an "able bodied" athlete, I have doubts and questions about my racing. Can you imagine showing up to Ironman Hawaii without a leg, arm or how about the use of your limb because of ALS? Yeah...that person should be a CAF athlete too. It is about participation and getting active.

Here is a bit more....

Capped at just 100 riders, the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge is the cycling experience of a lifetime!

Riders will cycle 620 miles, departing San Francisco on Saturday, October 17 and arriving in San Diego on Friday, October 23, 2009. Participants also have the option of riding an inspirational final stage on the 56-mile bike course being used for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge on Sunday, October 25. The collective accomplishment of the Million Dollar Challenge riders will play a memorable role in that day’s “celebration of abilities.'

Each day of the ride the participants will cycle up to 119 miles across (and over!) some of the most scenic – and demanding – terrain in California. Each day will conclude with an inspirational group dinner and celebration.

Each participant will raise $10,000 for CAF and in return will enjoy a fully supported ride, including hotel accommodations for seven nights, daily breakfast, lunch and most dinners, tour leaders, sag wagons, mechanical support, massage, first aid, and bike transport from Southern California to San Francisco prior to the start of the ride. Each rider will be outfitted daily with branded cycling apparel and have the opportunity to take part in a 20-week training program, including group rides in San Diego, indoor cycling classes and a customized training program.

During the Million Dollar Challenge, participants will ride alongside athletes who may be missing an arm or leg … who are paralyzed and utilizing a handcycle to cover the miles … or who are vision-impaired and are riding tandem with a pilot who serves as their “eyes”. Together, they will deliver a message that will reverberate across California – and across our nation: people with physical challenges can be athletes, too and all that’s standing in the way of their dreams is a chronic and pervasive lack of funding.

In order to reach our goal of over $1 million, each participating rider in the MDC must raise $10,000 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation! Together we can make difference.

Event Location:

The ride departs from San Francisco, CA and finishes in San Diego, CA.

Event Schedule:

Evening Check-in and Orientation: San Francisco, CA	10/16/2009
Day One: San Francisco to Santa Cruz (86 miles)	10/17/2009
Day Two: Santa Cruz to Big Sur (86 miles)	10/18/2009
Day Three: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo (114 miles)	10/19/2009
Day Four: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara (119 miles)	10/20/2009
Day Five: Santa Barbara to Marina del Rey (89 miles)	10/21/2009
Day Six: Marina del Rey to Newport (53 miles)	10/22/2009
Day Seven: Newport to La Jolla (72 miles)	10/23/2009
Optional Ride: 56 mile bike course of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge	10/25/2009

Mario Lavandeira, Jr. v. Miss California

2009-04-22T03:13:00.004-10:00

My triathlon blog will jump into the Miss USA contest for a day.

As you may remember, Lorrie's cousin was Miss Michigan last year. Let's face it, these Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Universe contests are farce at best. Superficial and subjective and product of an age gone by.

The issue this year is over "gay marriage". The question was asked by Mario Lavandeira, an American gossip blogger who posts tabloid "outings" of celebrities in a very aggressive manner. He goes by the name "Perez Hilton" which is ironic because like Paris Hilton he is just "famous for being (in)famous" versus doing anything in particular.

Facts from Wikipedia:
Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr. (born March 23, 1978 in Miami, Florida) is an American blogger and television personality. His blog is known as Perezhilton.com (formerly PageSixSixSix.com), which he writes under the pseudonym Perez Hilton. On his website, Lavandeira posts gossip items about musicians, actors and celebrities. He often posts tabloid photographs over which he has added his own captions or "doodles." His blog has garnered both positive and negative attention for its brash attitude, its active "outing" of alleged closeted celebrities and its role in the increasing coverage of celebrities in all forms of media.

Lavandeira graduated from New York University in 2000. Before beginning his blogging career, Lavandeira attempted a career as an actor.^[2]He briefly worked as a media relations assistant for LGBT rights organization GLAAD, was a freelance writer for gay publications, worked as a receptionist for NYC gay events club Urban Outings, and was briefly the managing editor of Instinct, a gay men's magazine.^[3] He says he started blogging "because it seemed easy."^[4]^[5]

Lavandeira's angle on celebrity gossip includes an unapologetic desire to mingle with and be a part of celebrity culture. He often describes celebrity awards shows, clubs, and private events he has attended, and posts photographs of himself with the celebrities he writes about under the "Personally Perez" category of his blog.^[6]^[7] Some have suggested, however, that Lavandeira's proximity to the celebrities about whom he writes has led to biased coverage on his blog. He purports to have befriended Paris Hilton, the source of his nickname and frequent subject of his posts. It has been noted, for example, that Lavandeira rarely reports on stories or rumors casting Hilton in a negative or unflattering light,^[8] and that, unlike most gossip blogs, he often acknowledges and praises her positive achievements.^[9] Additionally, Lavandeira has been known to speak out publicly against the discriminatory behavior of celebrities and other public figures. For instance, he called for the firing of Isaiah Washington from ABC television series Grey's Anatomy for making homophobic remarks and called for his readers to do the same.^[10] However, in early 2007, Lavandeira was criticized by the blog The Hollywood Gossip for ignoring racist and homophobic remarks made by Paris Hilton.^[11]

Lavandeira often promotes his favorite up-and-coming musicians by posting streams of their songs under the "Listen To This" category of his blog.^[12] London-based singer Mika's 2007 rise to popular success in North America has been partially attributed to Lavandeira's frequent support.^[13]^[14] Lavandeira and Mika also claim to be friends.^[15]^[16]

Success and infamy

On March 11, 2005, within the first six months of Lavandeira's blogging career, PageSixSixSix.com was named "Hollywood's Most-Hated Website" by The Insider, catalyzing an initial surge in its popularity which temporarily crippled its server.^[17]^[18]^[19] Lavandeira claimed that on July 30, 2007, a seemingly "ordinary day," Perezhilton.com had over 8.82 million page views in a 24 hour period.^[20] Other sources dispute the reliability of Lavandeira's traffic claims.^[21]

Pop singer Fergie has confirmed that she is referring to Lavandeira in her 2006 song "Pedestal," in which she criticizes an unidentified person for making negative remarks about her on the internet.^[22]

On August 17, 2007, citing exclusive sources, Lavandeira announced the death of Cuban President Fidel Castro, and claimed that he was the first media outlet in the world to break the news.^[23] Although Lavadeira claimed that U.S. officials would be making an announcement within hours, no announcement was made, and no major media outlets verified Castro's death.^[24] The Associated Press later determined that rumors were sparked by a meeting of Miami officials who were to discuss the city's plans when Castro passes away. Rumors were further fueled by a road closure in the Florida Keys that was due to a police standoff.^[25] Castro appeared in an interview on Cuban television on September 21, 2007, "looking frail but sounding lucid," and mocking rumors of his death.^[26]

Enough about this douche bag who has seen more court time than air time.

The issue at hand is "gay marriage". I'll give you my view. (Gasp) I have male and female friends who are gay. Who cares who anyone is buggering! As long as you don't touch anyone under age, hurt anyone, cause damage to property, or do so in public. Go for it. Just like you don't want to hear about my buggering, I don't want to hear about yours. Marriage, as defined by the dictionary, needs an update. Gay and heterosexual marriages both have the same problem - people. People do dumb things. Some people cheat. Some people find a partner and say together. Marriage isn't the issue.

The real issue here are financial benefits and quality of life issues. AKA: Money. For example, one friend of mine wasn't allowed in her partner's hospital room after a terrible car crash. If she were a he...not a problem. When her partner died due to complications of the surgery she wasn't allowed to take care of funeral arrangements, financial issues etc.. This is a couple who has been together since college - 15 years. How many of us have been married for 15 years? Thankfully, the family recognized her as a partner and everything was cool for them; other than losing a loved one. To change all that, definitions and laws need to change. So is this a civil union or a marriage? Honestly, I'm not sure what to call it. Divorce rates among "standard" marriages are scary at best. When Lorrie and I made it to 7 years of marriage we joked that we now have a 90% chance of "making it". Since we are female and male, we don't have issues that same sex couples will.

I support Miss California's opinion (though it may be conservative and perhaps nieve to the real issue). I turn off the radio or TV when I see leftist personalities who support everyone's "right" to an opinion except when critical of a view of theirs. It's her view. If you want this to work out for you you'd be better off trying to educate her and others on the real issue. Money and rights behind marriage for all relationships. Opportunity lost, again. The mind of Mario Lavandeira, Jr. is more about being infamous than really helping the issue he says he supports.

The question is what to do about it when it comes to health insurance, life insurance, property rights and that will take time and state court decisions. When people understand the issue at hand they will start to make the right decisions. Another issue, not recognized here, is freedom of speech allows for all speech. Even if it is offensive to some. Lavandeira should stay out of sight, but that won't happen; he has bills to pay. A better answer from Miss California would have been to say what she said but add about the issue of money. When she said it, I said to Lorrie, "Her interview coaches should be fired. She just lost based on that answer."

One more thing on the pagent itself, Miss North Carolina was the best choice. California should have been second. Matter of fact the entire top five was right based on the whole package. So as much as I detest a Lavandeira, he and his other judges got the order right from a TV viewers vantage point.

Speaking of money...you don't think Donald Trump and his minions set this up do you? Andy (my friend who works for Trump)... can you weigh in? Laughing all the way to the bank...

Going from Uncertified to a USAT Certified Coach

2009-04-21T04:00:00.002-10:00

In my haze of 17 hour days looking for work before my savings account runs out and I lose my home something marvelous has happened. As some of you know, I started coaching at the urging of Troy Jacobson in November of 2001. My athletes have qualified and PR'd in Kona, nearly qualified for the Olympics, and rocked marathons from South Africa to Tokyo to Boston to London, Berlin and Chicago. I have coached two long course duathlon national champions. The biggest miracle happened last week.

I didn't announce anything on my blog because I was waiting for the email saying that I was "out" that normally comes a week after I sign up. I'm getting my USAT coaching certification in July in Minnesota. Why is this a big deal?

Every class I've signed up for follows with an email that says, "You are no longer enrolled in the class." No email yet.

Do I need a certification to coach? No, but it helps with clients. My plan is to build my coaching business to what it was in 2001. I had a group of 24 athletes I coached and was working full time. As folks accomplished their goals they became "self coached" only to return at different times. Now...I'm rebuilding the group.

Mental Training Techniques and the Job Search

2009-04-16T05:23:00.004-10:00

Calming your emotions is the difference maker. Your self talk before and during an event are the thoughts and feelings that run amok like a puppy chasing his tail.

"Don't go out too hard" = stress

"Start easily and build" = calm

"beautiful scenery" = happiness and relaxation

"I'm trashed" = sluggish feelings

The thoughts and feelings you allow in your head have a profound effect on how we race and live. Thankfully, we can learn to manage those emotions and focus on the job at hand. I've had to do the same thing in my job search.

The emotions of a job search that began before I left AIM/WellPoint have been very much like an Ironman race. They've ranged from excitement to aggravation to anxiety and depression to happiness. My point is that our mental state is what determines whether we finish an Ironman successfully or DNF.

Well, I can't DNF my job search. Much as I hate talking to the 20 something recruiters of "EKTa" Systems (sounds something like that in pig Latin) who are order takers and not true recruiters; a body shop. I must talk to them. I must be nice. I have to keep swimming forward. Dealing with organizations that are so screwed up that even when they meet the person who can make the change in their organization they are too paralyzed by cloudy minds to take action. My personal favorite is the leader who meets their future replacement and they realize it in the interview. "Can't hire this guy. He'll replace me one day."

Simply breathing can help.

1. Calm the emotions

2. Collect my energy

3. Manage the pain

4. Create a positive attitude and find SOMETHING to be positive about.

5. Visualize and feel an event

1) Breathe. Inhale for 5 seconds with your arms pulled in. Then exhale and release your arms breathing all the tension out. Feel the rhythm of your breathing. Feel your energy building.

2) As you breathe, feel the energy of life around you. At a big race you can imagine pulling energy from the tension of the others out of the air. This energy makes you stronger and your competition weaker.

3) Managing pain is a specialty of mine. First, go into the pain. Bask in the pain. Feel it. Reach into the pain and grab it. Hold it in your hand. Now pull it out of your head and put it on the side. Let it sit. You still can kind of feel it. It is still there, but now it doesn't effect your race or mental state in your job search.

4) Find something to be positive about. "I have great project management skills" or "Nobody brings the wide range of experience that I do to a project." It has to be true. In a race it may be as simple as "This new race kit makes me look good" or even better something in the moment; "Listen to the sound of my race wheels as I'm doing 25 mph."

5) Visualize the details around your event. Shaking the hand of your new executive, in a new city, at an entertainment giant. Meeting the creative team with a bang and not just another corporate meeting which drones on for an hour and then goes away like a weak rain shower. In an Ironman, feel the energy of the crowd on Al'ii Drive (the greatest 800 meters you'll ever run). Feel the rise up the Queen K as you reach mile 25 and look down to the Pacific Ocean and hear the music at the finish line. See the faces of the kids you'll high five on the way to the line.

Stress is what you make out of it. It can work for you if you know what to do.

This is the difference in my athletes. They are ready for the experience. As Yogi Berra once said, "90% of the game is half mental."

Off to meet with the outplacement "genius", her own words. I hope she is.

3,000 Meters in 55 minutes

2009-04-14T04:30:00.005-10:00

Yesterday, I swam 3,000 meters in 55 minutes. You're happy for me. I know. This blog entry isn't about how fast I swam or the distance. It is about getting past an injury and the mental scars that come with any injury.

Last October I was swimming with my friend Jim who is an ubber biker and solid runner but not a fast swimmer. We were working on his swim together when I popped a tendon in my shoulder. It hurt like someone stabbing me in the front of my arm. That bad. I couldn't open a door with my left arm until late January. I could pull fine, but to recover my arm it hurt like hell in all strokes.

After months of rehab, stretching and strengthening, fast forward to the second week of February when I was cleared to swim 500 meters. No bad pain. Just sore from treatment. In training camp I was able to swim 2,500 to 2,800 yards but rather slowly. This wasn't an issue because we were so fatigued from cycling and running that swimming was a welcome stretch.

To yesterday. I didn't feel like swimming. As I walked into the pool I could almost feel my shoulder hurting and I hadn't done anything yet. I allowed myself to swim slowly in warm up, but I seemed to be moving fine. After about 1,000 meters (yes, my pool is meters) I started to feel good. 1:25/100 meters like a machine: over and over. I thought about training like I had in the early days of triathlon and a quote from the philosophy that I like to read. "Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." - Samuel Johnson Even the older folks walking in the lanes next to me were nice. I had no reason to leave early or cut the workout short.

The biggest challenge of the workout was mental. When I left the pool I was curious if my arms would start to hurt. They never did. A big boost mentally. I didn't think this day would come, but it is finally here. No pain again when I swim. I'm still not interested in "Masters" swimming other than a group workout with some fast people. If they people aren't fun or are too serious about "TRAINING"...bite me. I'm gone. The idea of swimming a meet with a bunch of type A people isn't really interesting to me. I'm the guy who used to show up at masters meets on a Sunday after doing 10,000 yards of swimming, 4 hours of cycling, 1 hour of running and weights on Saturday...and then running a very hilly 11 miles BEFORE the swim meet. Gee...you touched me out and you were tapered for a stupid masters meet. Congrats dork. I did that all through college - swimming for "scholarship" dollars and the pressure. Swimming fast while physically exhausted.

I'm more about getting a solid workout in these days and having a laugh along the way. If I did swim a masters meet I'd swim my best events, IM and breaststroke and I wouldn't shorten my triathlon workouts for anything masters. I'd probably swim under a false name though. I do have some pride. A name something like "Otto Shappe", "Jack Daniels", "Joseph Cuervo" or "Al Szheimer".

It wasn't fast. It wasn't pretty. It was 3,000 meters and a cool down covered in 55 minutes. Time to start doing some speed work in there. Anyone looking for a laugh and a tough workout (not necessarily in that order) give me a call.

No Electronics on the Course Please

2009-04-13T04:11:00.004-10:00

This weekend there were races. I got some updates (but not all BTW) from Molly who was racing. What the hell? Turns out her friend was sending the messages on Facebook as if it was Molly. I emailed back and said, "Please tell me you didn't have a phone on the course."

I mention it because recently iPods were deemed to be "legal" by USA Track and Field for marathons. So get used to seeing iPod people at races. The wording was clugi at best. All electronics are legal: phones, radios, iPods, Gameboy.

This has to be the single dumbest sports decision I've heard of.

At the California 70.3, I saw five iPods and three mobile phones on the run course. The iPod people were in their own world but studies have shown that music helps athletes stay in rhythm and perceive less pain during exercise. The phones were another matter entirely. All older female users were getting information on their "Kona competition" from different members of their entourage.

I view this as blatantly unfair. If allowed to survive, we'll get what we see in Kona every fall. People on bikes with mobile phones and radios in the lava fields telling racers where they are. I view this as different than a spectator in a static location.

Leave the electronics at home. When you turn pro and race with Lance Armstrong, they will give you a radio.

Quieting the Head

2009-04-13T04:03:00.002-10:00

The worst athletic hindrance is between the athlete's own ears. Watching the Masters golf tournament, it was evident that triathlon isn't the only place it happens.

In the golf yesterday we saw San Diego's own Phil Mickelson tie a record with a 30 on the front 9 only to have the "yips" on the back nine and fail to catch the leaders. Don't get me wrong, he did far better than I would have as my best 18 holes is 83 - but I golf three times every three years. Good weather or not. I like the game. I just don't have time.

Tiger Woods was hitting magical shots only to miss read putts on the notoriously tough Augusta greens. Greens that he has read flawlessly before.

In triathlon the hardest part is getting out the door. Once out the door, if you have the guidance of a good coach, then the difference is made in what you actually do.

Quiet the talk in your head. Just focus on what you are doing and have practiced. The rest doesn't matter.

On Being Your Own Athlete

2009-04-10T05:40:00.009-10:00

I have had two folks who I train who are in a bit of "full freak out" about their racing. This message is directed at him and her, but I hope it can help you as well.

Relax. Repeat after me...

Triathlon is how I have fun. I can only control my training, diet, racing and self talk. If I did not mention it before, I cannot control it and therefore, has no effect on me. I will not waste energy, time or mental power on what I cannot control. When I go to competition, I will only care about my best and using my competition to get my best even better.

Maybe it is me not racing for almost 20 months now (save for one race that I shouldn't have started) or perhaps my "advanced" age. I just don't care what other people think. Ya know what? I'm pretty darn happy and enjoying my racing more than ever.

This lesson above was learned two ways and a few times at various races. Once in a swim meet in high school, I was so keyed up to beat the guy who finished 3rd in my best even in the finals the year previous that I completely ignored pacing and got beaten by someone else. I finished the race and wasn't even breathing hard. I beat the guy...lost the race...swam a bad time.

Another time I was so dialed into the rivalry of a guy who I will hate to my dying day that I failed to notice the kid from another club ride past me and run away from me. Trust me, 2nd overall didn't feel so good when I should have won.

My last example was a triathlon where I didn't care what anyone else was doing. I did my own training at my own pace. I stayed away from the expo. I didn't go to the "carbo load". On race day I (momentarily) led the race when the men's pro field swam the wrong way. On the bike, I rode past several of my friends and didn't even notice because I was dialed into my race. I had two flat tires because some douche bag in my age group (who I passed on the run) had thrown nails down on a downhill. Try changing a tubular loaded with rusty, bent finishing nails quickly. On the run, there were several opportunities to get freaked out by other racers. Approaching the first nasty hill the two guys in front of me were literally complaining about the hill before they got to the hill. I pulled my hat down and took the hill one step at a time. Wasn't so bad. At mile 23, when I should have been breaking down, a runner's high kicked in. The finish line announcements were being played out at 23, 24 and the 25 aid stations. When I was leaving 23 I heard this, "If you are a man in the 30-34 age group and you can hear my voice. NONE of your competition has crossed the finish line!" Understand that I knew some guys in my age group were in front of me but I didn't think that. I thought about the opportunity to catch as many guys as I could in the last three miles. I thought that I can suffer a lot for only three short miles. I drilled it finishing with a heart rate at 211. But if you would have asked me, I would have said my heart rate was around 193. My last 5k of this Ironman 22:00. Did I have too much in the tank? Maybe. Or was I running on empty and raw emotion? In the zone and not feeling the pain I should have. I believe the later. Especially since it took me about two hours to be able to walk without looking like I had a disease.

I caught 75 people in the last three miles of a highly competitive Ironman. 24 guys in my age group. I went from 51st to 27th and having a ghost of a chance for Kona. The last slot went to 26th place. Imagine if I didn't have two flats? By my numbers I would have been about 22nd.

That is the difference in being your own athlete. Do your best. Believe in yourself and your training. If you haven't been able to train like you think you should have - talk to your coach. That's why you pay him/me. Believe me...if you have more in the tank I'll get it out. I am trying to balance your training and rest. Sometimes more is just more. You know my track record with my athletes at big races; big PRs and times that "weren't possible" achieved.

Quiet the negative self talk. Turn off Facebook, your blog and tune into your own feelings. Review your training log. Look at the hard work you've done. Think about all the people who have said things like "I don't even like to drive that far", "You're crazy", "Nobody should go that far", and my personal favorite "Who do you think you are?" Give them the big up yours at the race and stick the landing.

So to my two athletes who are reading this...do your best. I know where you are currently in your preparation. I have my expectations of you which you can achieve if you try. I believe in you. You should believe in you. Reach into your soul and pull out who you are for all to see.

Hard working.

World class.

Tough as nails.

Fun.

Call me after your race. It's gonna be a ripper!

Coach Bob

*Queue up "No Mountain High Enough"

Training Camp By the Numbers and Lessons Learned

2009-04-09T03:43:00.004-10:00

Swimming: ~10 hours (9.75 hours) and roughly 30,000 meters

Running: ~14 hours (13.85 hours) I have no idea of how far we went. (I'm not a GPS wearin' guy.) I do know that we ran up as much as we ran.

Cycling: "The big winner" 24 hours, 46 minutes, 23 seconds (approximately) and 348.6 miles. This explains the burning sensation in my legs on Thursday after we left California on Sunday. Same insane climbing numbers here too.

In the future, I would swim first as a great way to warm up the body after a night of slumber, then run, then bike on most days with transition runs on the long rides. So a day would be something like swim, run (short), bike, run.

Absorbing Training Camp

2009-04-08T10:27:00.004-10:00

This rest is killing me.

As an "older athlete" I understand the need for rest. Trust me...I'm good at resting. I am also a product of the training style of the 1980s and 1990s which screams "OVER TRAINING". I am happiest beaten into the ground and dragging my tail everywhere to workout even more.

My workouts this week are laughable. I'm hooped up on motivation to train and I am under orders to "absorb" my training from the last two weeks. I understand, however, I would rather drill it.

So here I sit...blogging, setting up work and "self employed" stuff I can do from any city. I continue to follow up with recruiters but honestly...I think I'm getting picky about which corporations I may join. My standards have been raised. I'm looking for innovation, taking care of employees (loyalty is a two way street) and fun (I'll spend most of my life working. Shouldn't I love it?)

Here's to recovery and no more coffee today...

Training Camp, Thoughts on the Calif 70.3, Interveiws and thoughts about Notre Dame & Obama

2009-04-07T03:53:00.009-10:00

TRAINING CAMP (view pictures in the right gallery)

Another spring training camp is in the books!

Camp "Dean and Bob...and Russ and Derek" went well. As I've chronicled my weighty issues since being injured and unable to run I was happy to have lost 21 lbs. going into camp since January 1st. Great progress. I am back "on the program" and working toward getting back to the 180s by May for the Florida 70.3 to avenge my injury and out of shape plagued half ironman last year. The "you can do it" my friends all said is true. You can do the race and finish. Just don't look at the clock after you get off the bike. This year will be different. Clearwater is not a goal but it would be nice to have the option to pass on the slot.

Power...in January I went from "untrained" in watts per kilogram to "moderate" in a short time. My body was responding. No matter how much power you have, being close to 50 lbs. heavier than Dean, Russ and Derek didn't bode well for me on the big climbs. I was putting out mammoth power numbers but when you weigh 199 lbs and the other guys weigh between 135 and 160 you are fighting a losing battle over 3.5 to 5.5 hours.

Running was alright. It felt good to trail run and run a real hill like Torrey Pines. We ran up the front and down to the ocean and back up and down again. I still have work to do on my running but being off for so long it will take time.

In the pool I was taking the guys to the woodshed. Even with tired legs I was putting significant time into everyone - even Dean (unless he was drafting and working harder than the workout called for). I was happy with being respectable in the water but understanding that there is much work to be done before May but since starting swimming in February - I'm on track. May is just a grudge match with the clock and nothing else.

I tried to provide as much comic relief as possible as well as positive mental attitude. I think it worked. Even if I was exhausted and Dean suggested a long swim, I would say, "Sounds good. What time we going?" Additionally, I put hooker business cards (from our trip to Las Vegas the previous weekend) in Dean and Russ' bathroom and bedroom and through the week Russ or I would leave a hooker card in different places. The best was when we ran into the Swami ride on the road at the base of the Lake Wolhford climb and Dean had a hooker on his saddle. He had no idea it was there, but it got the attention of a few guys from the Swami ride. Dean figured it was his huge pecs or biceps. After seeing Dean's back end for 25+ hours of riding for the last two years, I figured that the hooker cards gave us more reason to chase after Dean. We had Leloni in the van and other "girls" in different places. Makes me wonder if the guys found the hooker cards I put in different places of their luggage?

Thoughts on the California 70.3

A few thoughts on the race, the people, the sights.

Sights: The weight room is certainly in vogue. The majority of the people we saw racing in the front of the race looked like they had spent significant time in the weight room. Big power is in. The emaciated racing we saw in Kona last year seems to be replaced by strength in the front of the pack. 2XU is the big winner in clothing in Cali. Everyone seemed to be dressed in XU or Zoot.

People: When I go to a race I will make sure to not talk about my training, other racing or qualifying of any sort. Everyone in California we overheard (maybe that was it) was talking about qualify this or Kona that. What ever happened to just racing all out and seeing what happens? If you qualify great.

I stress with my athletes that I want their best. If they win their age group, qualify for Kona (or whatever) but fail to achieve a well thought out and executed race I chalk that race up as a failure on both our parts. I thought it was interesting to watch how many folks were just mailing it in. If you are going to race then race damn it. Some folks (like Jen for example) were in agony and still racing aggressively. To that I say "well done".

I did not marshal in California. Jimmy and I talked in January but I was left off the list. I think this is due to race management not wanting to pay for my hotel. It was the "said but unsaid" part. I'm not mad as I was going to be there anyway. I'm more disappointed in race management and Jimmy not returning phone calls, email and Facebook messages. Just tell me, "Hey Bob, we are watching money and don't want to pay for you to marshal." Who knows...I may have done it anyway. Shit, I was already there! This is the lack of respect for individuals that I do not like about Ironman events and hurts their brand. Ironman used to be about guts, effort and honesty. It is moving more toward ratings, reality TV, and did you qualify versus how you got there. I hesitate to say more about that but until we get some age group drug testing paired with smaller race fields or significantly more marshals...this is what we get if we choose to pay for it.

The Race: A fun race to watch for sure. Rachel, Tim, Chad, Beth, Courtney, Dean, Jerome, Jen and Marit all raced amazingly well. From Jerome's, "I'm just a participant. Not racing." (I wish I could just participate like that Jerome!) To Rachel and Tim running like the Timex sponsor they have - like a watch. To Beth not taking any shit from anyone (pun intended - she lost her phone in the port-o-let...eew). Jen racing on a sour stomach but racing like she stole something. To the highlight of the race...Marit qualifying for Kona.

I attempted to be a "spectathlete". I even Facebooked ELF asking for guidance. Lorrie told me that I had "failed to achieve spectathlete status" as she was finding my friends faster than I was. Damn. In spite of her pain, Jen was flying. Marit and the others looked effortless! (But they weren't talking much, so I just gave them encouragement where I could.) Dean was in serious hunting mode on the run. Starting the old guys at the back of the race certainly helped him run people down and stay motivated.

Interviews: My interviews went very well. I am following up this week and hope to land somewhere in the next two to four weeks. I interviewed for contract gigs in Los Angeles, Northridge, San Diego, Madison and Chicago. I also talked permanent employee situations with companies in Chicago, Orlando, Los Angeles and San Jose. Three of these are dream jobs.

Notre Dame and President Obama: I think it is an honor for Notre Dame to have President Obama at graduation. I'm a moderate politically so I'm not a huge supporter of some of Mr. Obama's ideas but I like some of them. I mainly like his leadership. Cardinal George of Chicago has openly attacked Notre Dame (as have others) for having a pro-choice president on campus. I find this hypocritical coming from a cardinal who has openly moved priests accused of child molestation and criminal behavior versus allowing these crimes to be investigated. Perhaps Cardinal George should worry about the crime going on in his church versus something like having a sitting president come to Notre Dame to speak at graduation. (A Notre Dame tradition by the way.) The Cardinal has confirmed why I believe that organized religion is hypocrisy and not God's will. Wow, that's deep for a triathlon blog!

As for the pro-life/pro-choice argument, I prefer pro-life ideals, but it isn't my body having to go through a child birth. As soon as I am ready to let someone other than myself (or worse yet a government) tell me what to do with my body I'll support pro-life. In the meantime, please do what you think is right for your own body and enjoy your right to choose what is right for your own body. Do what you think is right for you. I cannot tell you and your government should stay out of it.

I support Notre Dame.

Training Camp Day Six

2009-03-30T05:58:00.003-10:00

Wow, we are smoked. 26 hours of training in 5 days will do that.

Today's morning swim was cut short because everyone was exhausted and the main workout is the 3+ hour ride later in Temecula's "rolling" hills. I suppose the warm water and nice sunrise didn't help either. Everyone is tired.

Yesterday, we rode to the base of Mt. Palomar and then back. Roughly 4000 feet of climbing in 40 miles. As I am carrying 50 lbs. more than everyone else up these climbs, I turned around 10 minutes early and rode to try and beat the guys back to the base of the Lake Wolford climb. I did! I started it and got about 15 minutes into the climb before I saw the guys bombing down the hill. I then talked the guys into going back up the hill once more. The climb is about 23 minutes long and at the end of a 3:45 minute ride...long enough.

We went for a run afterwards before heading back to the coast where the sun had disappeared in the marine layer.

You know you've climbed a lot when:
1) you don't have enough in your legs to clip into your pedals
2) you are above the marine layer when you decide it is time to head back
3) your ears pop several times on a descent
4) the ecology changes on your climb

Saturday we saw more people out riding, running, swimming, walking than on any one day (or entire weekend) in Chicago. Simply amazing.

Also Saturday, some folks were arriving for the California 70.3 which is next Saturday. So as we rode on our easy ride we had folks in aerohelmets and disc wheels racing us on every stoplight. We all just kinda laughed. We had one gal who we'd catch on every hill or when the wind blew and then at the stoplights she would sprint away. There is a lot of "ego riding" out here. Kinda funny as I just stayed true to the plan, heart rate and power. I've seen several gals who I think were pro triathlete chicks but I was more concerned with what I was doing to really pay attention.

I am looking forward to seeing Marit, Chad, Beth, Jen and Jerome later this week. Interviews have gone well. One at Disney and another at Medtronic...and now Baxter.

Training Camp Day One

2009-03-25T18:30:00.004-10:00

Greetings from Solana Beach, CA!

I've got a bit of a head cold with some nasty sinus drainage but I'm "training through". Going to sleep long tonight after a HUGE bowl of chicken soup tonight at Especial de Norte in Encinitas.

We climbed about 3,800 feet today over 50 miles one hill was 12% for three miles according to the map - warning trucks to avoid the area or prepare to go slowly. 3:48 in the saddle. It started out "cold" at 39 F but in no time at all it was 70 F with a clear sky and beautiful sun. As I had an interview at 3:00 PM with a large entertainment, resort and theme park company. So at 90 minutes into the ride I turned around and then road an extra hour back to Solana Beach. I climbed two of the hills that were in the last stage of the Tour of California. Beautiful and also painful. I was going about 10 mph at a 165 heart rate. The boys of the pro peleton took that hill at close to 22 mph at the same heart rate. OK, so I'm not going pro anytime this year. I was happy with how I stabilized my heart rate and kept moving forward at a descent clip - at least until a guy in an American pro cycling kit cruised past me on the hardest part of the climb saying "hello" and a comment about the climb.

We have been laughing if we haven't been working out. I have a stack of hooker cards from Las Vegas and I put some of them in Dean and Russ's bathroom in the condo. I also put them all over their bed. Most importantly, as Dean has been dragging all of us up all the big mountains and hills; I put one on his saddle bag so while we are looking at Dean's backside we at least get to see a hot chick. Dean noticed the hooker on his saddle about 3 hours into the ride as I had placed it there in a stealth mode.

Tonight, we swam 2,000 yards with some of the tricks we learned from Spencer Smith (at the camp he did with Jen and Jerome) and did abs. Dean wanted to do "Buns of Steel" and I had suggested we do a spin class after swimming but there were no takers. We were going to do "Yoga for Athletes" but none of us is feeling athletic right now so we are going to bed.

Tomorrow - Intervals - Run intervals up Torrey Pines. Then bike intervals up Camino de Real in Rancho Sante Fe (past Phil Mickelsen's house - on the market for $14M by the way) and another "easy" swim.

Pictures tomorrow.

Village CycleSport Multisport Team

2009-03-19T19:24:00.002-10:00

Take a look at the link in "blogs". After 25 years, we now have a blog and are organizing to become a real team.

Lynskey's New Triathlon Ride - T230

2009-03-19T12:41:00.003-10:00

What if I said you can get yourself onto a top of the line triathlon bike which was designed by some of the brightest minds in cycling and triathlon? What if I told you that you can get this bike which was engineered by the pioneering geometry done by Dan Empfield. This puts the rider in a position that allows optimum power output while being in an aggressive aero position; also while providing great stability and superior balance.

Using a titanium and aluminum 3al-2.5v tubing you get power transfer, aero-dynamics, durability (sorely laking in all carbon bikes) and comfort. Now throw in an Alpha Q aero carbon fork and a Cane Creek headset and what would you pay? How about $1,995?

I get your ear?

I am the proud owner of a Lynskey Performance R420 - house blend, medium frame road bike. This bike is exceptional. Can you imagine a triathlon bike like this? How about at this price?

The Lynskey's make great bikes right here in the USA in Tennessee.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade with Help from Apple

2009-03-17T10:43:00.007-10:00

Several days ago I was roasted on a spit by Apple. I was the last interview of the day which featured ~8,000 ex-Motorola engineers looking for software work. The recruiter wanted to get out of there and to be honest so did I. I had waited "only" four hours for my interview. Scheduled for 4:00 PM which started promptly at 8:36 PM. Competition was fierce. Everyone had great academic credentials but I noticed that many had not been particularly successful in the real world. Interesting.

The tough lesson of that day was to prepare for an interview regardless of what it is "supposed" to be. To fight for every last bit of knowledge about the company in a multi-faceted way.

Enter in "dream company".

I know more about their "customer experience" and products than many. I even attended a management conference they hosted at a local junior college. I took those skills and applied them in several companies successfully.

Yesterday morning I went online as I do most days to look for contract work or full time employment. I hit an "alumni" site of a company I once worked for an found a dream job. An email and several phone calls later, I have two interviews. I'm a perfect fit (my words and in my own mind). Now I need to convince this organization that I am the guy for them.

...and the irony is that the over the top comments by an arrogant Apple computer recruiter may have put me on the path to get in this role. The role of a lifetime.

Out of St. Anthony's

2009-03-13T06:54:00.002-10:00

I'm officially out.

Without work, there is no money for travel for races. It started today by removing myself from the starting line of April's St. Anthony's Triathlon. This race had significance for me on several levels, but that will have to wait until 2010.

The reality of life is that I was layed off on February 13th and my severance package wasn't enough for me to travel the country and race this year. Reality is setting in that any job may be better than no job at all. That sounds depressing but it really isn't.

I have great skills and a very wide range of skills and experiences. It is just a matter of time before someone will see that I am good talent and think to pick me up.

Another positive is that our house is becoming spotless and my fitness is coming together nicely.

Make Your Own Breaks

2009-03-12T07:42:00.003-10:00

When you leave races and the gym you see and hear interesting things. One of the things I heard the other day was that a friend of mine (who races very well) was described as "lucky". It is unlikely that they knew I am friends with him. The conversation went something like this.

"He is so lucky. He lives in (western state)."

OK...what does state have to do with luck?

"He has really good genes. You know, that is why he is so fast."

Maybe, however, I know that his dad had some serious heath issues at a young age so it probably isn't that either.

"Everything comes easy for him. He races so well. He's just a machine."

Actually...I've shared a few hotel rooms with him. He is most certainly not a machine. Doesn't wake up easily and sleeps like a log. I've seen him after a 25 hour workout week; not a machine.

My point is simply hard work and opportunity make "breaks" for you and yours more often than not. Success is never easy but it beats the alternative. A successful college football coach once told me, "Championships are won when the band isn't playing and the TV lights aren't on."

Applying this to job searches. I am connecting with old friends and colleagues. Cranking out email and resumes...and making my own breaks. Same goes for triathlon this year. This last month of being "off" I have been working out about 4.5 hours a day. Even Linda from Gatorade made a comment last night, "Bob, you've really lost some weight over the last few months." I joked that I'm trying to get down to my original weight of seven pounds and change and we laughed. I appreciate the feedback as I am working hard...on everything.

I'm innovating in my life and seeing positive change. Imagine what could happen if others did the same? We could land someone on the moon. Again.

Roasted by Apple

2009-03-11T07:57:00.003-10:00

I interviewed for a gig with Apple computer yesterday. After the interview this is what I looked like.

I found out about the Chicago interviews at 1:00 PM by chance. I made it there later in the day. I waited a long time to speak with a recruiter. Every technology job opening is being pursued by the 18,000 people Motorola put on the street around here. Asian, Black, Latino and White - we all waited and talked about ideas to find new work. Three hours later the interview started. I was the last interview.

I handled the BDI interview questions fine. I was able to speak about what I do well with Obama-like rhetoric backed with metrics and results. Then it got hot in the room as grill was turned on.

Admittedly, I was not prepared. I didn't know the business model, vision, does Apple use focus groups; nothing. The recruiter hit me with all she had. Game over. Thanks for playing.

I did learn a few things about preparing for interviews so it wasn't a total loss of five hours of my time. Let's hope this helps for the next interview.

Innovation and the Change Averse Society: Part II

2009-03-10T11:29:00.004-10:00

We are lacking for ideas in this country in everything we do. This may sound bad, but it really isn't. In many ways, we are able to take advantage of those who go before us and shorten our learning curve. Where we need to improve significantly is taking things to the next level.

Look at the TV programs we watch. Some of the most popular shows (and show genre) are from Europe or the Middle East. The Office, Bachelor, American Idol, Biggest Loser, Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars - all imports. Reality TV? Came from Europe as a cheaper alternative to writing actual shows. Did we improve these shows? Nope.

In other places around the world people are paying for goods and services using an "M wallet", mobile phone software which facilitates mobile money transfer. In the US, if you look at job listings like I have, you see companies trying to maximize their credit cards or debit card technology. Hmm.

In the new economy, the people with the best products will win.

In triathlon, it gets more cloudy. Being fit is always huge, but with the advent of technology and gaps shrinking the "best product" will be the mind of the racer. Any gym rat can pound out a swim/bike/run if they train enough. People are training much more than ever and more technically sound with CompuTrainers, PowerCranks, heart rate monitors, and power meters people are getting faster as they race their ultra light bikes after swimming in their speed suits (which should be illegal) and then running in their ultra light and cushy shoes with their ugly compression socks.

Ideas are the new currency. Experience, pride and belief that another set at the right power can be done. Recovering faster eating all natural ingredients and sleeping at altitude. It is a shift in attitude that makes the difference. Take a look at the Kona results for Ironman and you can see which age groups are struggling with change and innovation. It doesn't take a degree to figure it out.

Mental training: integrating all the knowledge of training with the mental aspects of training that will make the difference. Getting the most out of a coach and athlete. This is where my athletes have an edge. I've always been able to do this and see through to an integrated solution. This is what I do in my career as well...and I'm great at it. This employs all the skills of the athlete, coach or business.

Not being afraid of change makes the difference between good and great. Innovation is the difference between great and legend.

Innovation and the Change Averse Society: Part I

2009-03-09T15:08:00.006-10:00

My apologies for being away for a few days. We've had two funerals in five days. Yes, four of the last five days of wakes, funeral, church, cemeteries. The first death was "unexpected"; although we all die sometime, but most of us hope for later than sooner. A very young grandfather (69 years old) and long time neighbor of my wife growing up. He was a great person and I'll always remember our conversations once we both discovered (accidentally) that we love to read and discuss philosophy. The second death was expected (only because I talk to my dad a lot now that he is retired and willing to pick up the phone). My grandmother passed at 90.5 years of age. Both of our family members who died did so in their sleep, painlessly, with their children and family around them. If someone tells you that is how "you're going to go/check out/start dirt surfing"; I think most of us would sign up for that. Hopefully, closer to 90 years of age (average life expectancy in the USA is 78 for women and 74 for men; women tend to take better care of themselves due to "plumbing" and men hold more stress in general). Live longer than 78 or 74 and you're ahead of the average.

We, as a culture, don't like change. We say we believe in heaven but if we do believe why are we sad when one of our family or friends "make it home"? Well...mainly, because we lose their company here.

Parting with our family and friends until we "go home" is sad temporarily. "They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace." - The Bible, Book of Wisdom 3:1-6-9 I view death a bit differently. I think of the family members who have passed before and try to think of my newly departed and what they might be doing with those who passed before who were their friends and family. I'll stop the "philosophising" to quote White Goodman from Dodgeball. This is a triathlon blog after all. Today, I seem to be writing in the style of Herman Melville.

Change is not accepted well here in the United States and it may be our worst enemy. Look at how we react to when our family members go to heaven. Is this rational? Where sad that we won't see them here on Earth, isn't it a happy time they are in heaven?

Today, we hear the President say that CEOs of failing companies will be limited to a salary of $500k. (No mention of "other compensation" which is my favorite kind.) Why should a failing CEO get any salary? Why should they have a job? Shouldn't they move aside for fresh ideas and innovation to take over? These huge salaries are "the street's" over reaction to the potential loss of "talent" at the C-level executives. (See Jack Welch's book, Where Have All the Leaders Gone.) Times, they are a changin'. Why should Tom Wilson of Allstate make $54 million dollars a year in salary? Let's call his salary an even $1M a week. Seem excessive to you? Yeah. I thought so. Our current economic situation is creating a need for innovation and innovative thinking. Where I have some issues with how it is being done, I agree with the limiting of some of these salaries.

I am currently reading America's Corporate Brain Drain by Babs Ryan. I really like this book. It got me thinking about new possibilities with my career and in my training. Her premise is that top people in many big companies are politicians versus really skilled, smart people. Gotta agree there. Its not about what you know, its who you know (or what you know about their Facebook.com page.)

In triathlon, the first change was the ability to run, then bike. Now, bike with power and then run and promote yourself in the media. You could be an average athlete but if you are cute, sexy, cool or connected you would get opportunity.

Change is going to be forced on us. In triathlon. In economics. In how we live.

Part two tomorrow.

Cycle For ALS Results

2009-03-07T08:32:00.004-10:00

Late I know...a month late.

I don't have a final number (as one cycle for ALS ride is going on today) in Austin, TX.

Thus far...~$60,000 raised (in a horrible economy) for ALS research and all of it will go to research...not a single penny to the organizers. This is the largest one day total in the four year history of the event and was done without any full time employees of any ALS organization helping (or triathlon organization). Everything was volunteer work.

I'm proud of the event. I really am. Where we have our struggles with greedy major ALS organizations whose motives I fully question and with some groups of people who seem to need their face in the paper or on the TV news....most people are here to help. That feels good.

To my high school friend Steve (who is not working due to a lay off) who donated $200. You are one of the lights that make this world brighter. Funny thing..several people who were not working at all were some of our biggest donors while some who work and make a ton of cash donated $40. People who were never involved told magazines and TV shows that they were. Lastly, guys like my friend Nate who single handed rescued the Boulder, CO event when others wouldn't pick up the ball in a triathlon mecca with so many "friends" of Jon Blais. (I hope I don't have any friends like those. People who say one thing and do another.) Actions speak significantly louder than words.

I really hope that the karma train makes a stop for everyone and their intentions. Good and bad...you reap what you sow.

Cheers to those who worked hard and raised a great deal of money! Great job!

Don't Get Cocky Ace

2009-03-03T18:09:00.003-10:00

Since entering "transition" (aka: getting layed off 2/13) I've been working 10 hours a day trying to find a new gig. This leaves me 14 hours a day to sleep, eat and workout. I've been able to workout a bit more. Interviewing is a bit depressing. A lot of recruiters are 20 somethings with little to no knowledge of what they are recruiting for. I had an interview (a phone screen) where the HR person didn't know what SAP was and kept referring to the software as sap - like tree sap. Not quite the same kiddo. So a company has entrusted it's talent acquisition to someone who has no idea what the technology is. Great. Four companies where I've made the final two candidates - the companies have pulled the jobs off the market because the market is so awful. Sigh. My own former company has 40 Director and Sr. PM roles but my former leadership colleagues aren't sure if they should bring me back. I'm a threat because of my experience and success.

Innovation and lack there of in corporate America...we'll talk about that another blog entry. (In short...don't give AIG or GM another dime. Survival of the fittest = capitalism.)

On the positive side I've connected with a lot of former colleagues and have been submitted to several of their companies.

Sunday I went to a make up class for the CompuTrainer classes I've been in since January. Its the only thing keeping me focused to be honest. This has been the coldest winter in 23 years in Chicago. Sunday the riders I was with didn't have FTPs near mine so I decided to challenge myself and try to hold a higher cadence the entire class. I held 100 to 105 for the entire two hours. That plus hitting rpms up around 180 and power numbers in the low 500s on some of the intervals gave me a real positive vibe on my fitness. Not so fast.

Today, I got the smack down today.

Today, because of the additional volume, fatigue I was digging deep. At times I was struggling to hold 90 rpms and 250 watts. I was able to pull it together and get into a zone but it hurt a lot. It was a great effort but not great numbers in the form of power and sustained endurance. Linda, Sylvia and the guys kept me focused and working hard. I really like working out with them and my rapid improvement is testament to the routine.

Another positive, I swam a full 1650 (1700 actually) and swimming is coming back. My shoulder is responding to treatment and some changes in my freestyle. I'm hoping to get some more 1700s later this week and string them together. If I can first repeat 1700 yards multiple days in a row with a heavy workload then I'll increase the yards.

In other words, keep working. Bring the lunch pail and go to work every day. As Greg LeMond said, "It never gets easier. You just get faster."

The Joy of Consistency

2009-02-27T18:51:00.002-10:00

Being back into a routine and seeing power numbers coming back into the 240s and heart rates coming back down - ah!

Now for the stress - I'm starting to ramp up for training camp with Dean, Russ and a new guy Derek. For Dean and I, this will be our third year training together. Dean is always in tremendous shape even with a heavy workload, three children and a very, very understanding spouse in Paula. I'm sure Dean works with Paula on some trade offs but it works. Russ is a great young guy so I'll have to beat him up in the pool again in order to hang with him on the bike and run. Derek adds another new young guy. He has done 4 and 5 hour rides but hasn't done those rides every day for 8 days before and is an unknown quantity. Derek will abuse all of us in running.

I've been consistent and now will be adding a bit more volume.

San Diego...I'm headed your way soon!

Returning to "Normalicy"

2009-02-27T01:28:00.003-10:00

Hi! Long time no see. After the ride for ALS I got very sick with a sinus infection just this side of the plague. Imagine your face hurting so badly that your vision was blurry, your teeth hurt and head was about to explode. That was me for 21 days. It appears that one person who was at the cycle for ALS event wanted to be there very badly and was really sick. He got me sick and I'm a little upset that he didn't use better judgement since we had several ALS patients there. For those folks, that is life and death. I didn't eat for 4 days. I didn't workout for 10 days. I'm back on the mend. My power numbers are coming back.

Speaking of the Cycle for ALS event - this year's event raised ~$60,000 (we are still waiting for a few checks). This is the largest amount of money we've raised for research ever. What is interesting is the response by the Les Turner Foundation. We have repeatedly asked for help in organizing this event. Remember, we have full time jobs, families, training, school, etc. The response was "We'll see what you do this year and then decide if we'll take your idea." Excuse me?

Now that the event is successful it is amazing how many people say they are involved (who have never been involved or donated) or who said they are "riding for the War on ALS". We've seen some of the worst side of human behavior as soon as the TV lights came on. Disgusting.

Mixed in the middle of this was my layoff. I've been spending 10-15 hours a day working on finding a new job. For what I do, 90 days at one job is a long time (Consulting) - so at least I'm used to this but it sure isn't easy.

More later today.

Is sick...

2009-02-16T05:47:00.001-10:00

I'm going to the doctor.

A) My teeth hurt from sinus pressure.

B) I have a splitting headache.

c) My vision is blurry from the sinus pain.

Cheers!

What a Day!

2009-02-10T04:31:00.003-10:00

It was 48 F when I got up today at 4:00 AM. The last time it was that warm or warmer was when I was in Kona in OCTOBER. It feels like 78 F! Today, we expect temps in the mid-60s and 99% of all our snow is gone leaving dead, brown grass exposed to the sun. This means that it should start greening up if it holds up in about four weeks.

We went from October 20th to February 5th without a single day over 30 F. Crackie!

Could it be that this guy was wrong? Say it ain't so.

As for the rest of today's blog...Missouri beat Kansas last night, the weather is great, workouts are great. I will address stupid WellPoint talent acquisition rules (you're gonna love this one) and A-Rod another day.

It's way to nice out to be mean.

ALS Event Information and Photos

2009-02-09T08:21:00.010-10:00

The Cycle for ALS event (had to change the name because Johnny G threatened to file a suit against us) is ALWAYS on the Saturday after the Super Bowl. You can ride indoors or out. The event raises money for ALS research.

http://www.cycleforals.com/

Nothing but legs in motion for 9 hours. Our bikes this year had power meters, cadence, odometers and heart rate all on a flight deck - bars complete with aerobars. One engagement from our event this year. This is the second engagement to come out of our event from couples who met at the Cycle for ALS event.

"You are a warrior...when the cause is larger than the self." - Jon Blais

We are leaving the on-line donation board up for another month as some locations are having their event in March. Last call... you're either part of this or not. A binary decision. (A tax deducible, binary decision.)

http://www.active.com/donate/SpinForALS

When we started this event four years ago the goals were as follows:

1) Be inclusive. No "minimum" donation. No excluding anyone willing to fight ALS or learn about it to talk to others.

2) Raise awareness that ALS effects more active people than others and endurance athletes have a greater risk of ALS versus the general population.

3) Bring people together. Around Chicago...mid-February is dead. Everything is dead. Brown, gray, cold, miserable. We are going to have an event that is fun, pumps up people emotionally and gets people talking. About racing, training, ALS, families, warm weather - anything.

4) Ask for donations that go directly to the researchers. 110% of the money goes to research - why 110%? The organizers (us) pay for a lot of "little things" that all add up over time.

Here are the pictures from Saturday. We had Olympians, Tour de France riders, a band member from Pearl Jam, 80 year olds, 4 year olds and all points between. This year we also had several people claim to be a part of our event who were not. I guess they need the press. Sad. On the positive side, we had a lot of people show up who have been here all four years. We had people reconnect who I hadn't seen in 5 years. Can't wait to run with them soon!

In 2005, we started with one location. In 2009, we had 29 locations with two in Canada.

More photos...

http://gallery.me.com/photobylee

We moved the temperature gauge up 12 degrees F in two hours. It was -7 on Tuesday here.

Bill and Brad...this comedy team was on fire all day. See last night's post...I'm laughing just typing about you guys.

Dave, Karen and baby boy! Our youngest rider - although, I'm fairly certain mom did all the work. Ladies...if you are racing Karen you are in deep sh*t. Don't say you weren't warned. Karen is gonna beat you like a drum with a smile on her face. Karen and Dave are the coolest.

These two SHOULD compete more. I saw their power numbers, cadence and heart rates.

The guys from my spin and triathlon class. Derek (on the right) has even dared to do a week of training with Dean, Russ and I.

Out takes from the 4th Annual Cycle for ALS Event

2009-02-08T17:57:00.004-10:00

Quotes overheard during the day...

Bill Elwell - Bucket full of Crabs:
"Our friends are like a bucket full of crabs clawing to get out. Hey, that sounds like an album and band name." I break into, "Pick up the new CD by Bucket Full of Crabs - Clawing to Get Out - released Thursday."

"You need a thick skin to be a friend in this group of guys. You'll get called on basically everything."

Brad Ulman - Newton's 11th Law of Cookies:
Lorrie, Bob and Bill discussing the value of Fig Newtons and Bill's inability to eat only a few and put the rest away. "They get dried out." Brad chimes in with, "That's Newton's 11th law...you have to eat them by the sleeve."

John Wolski and Bob (your's truly) - Guys we Swam Against:
"Matt Biondi had size 47 feet."

"Tom Jager had size 49 feet."

Preliminary money totals later this week. By the numbers:
1) 5,800 riders participated
2) Several Olympians who were in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
3) 29 locations in the USA and Canada
4) Raised $19,887 - BEFORE WE STARTED the event. (We are still counting to get to the final total and you can still donate.) http://www.active.com/donate/SpinForALS
5) During this event ~425 people died of ALS worldwide.

January By the Numbers

2009-02-03T09:30:00.004-10:00

I'm back.

January Totals:
Swim = ............0 meters - Vasa swim bench = 2 hrs/week
Bike =..............................22 hours and 35 minutes
Run =...............................10 hours and 2 minutes
Strength =.................15 hours
XC Ski (cross training/running) = 9 hours and 22 minutes

Body Type and Finding your Distance - ALS Fundraiser Update

2009-02-03T06:04:00.007-10:00

I went to bed at 6:36 last night. Sick. Woke up at 1:30 AM and couldn't fall back asleep so I popped in the movie What it Takes about professional triathletes and how they prepared for the Ironman World Championship. One of the athletes in there is Peter Reid who I identify with on a few things but certainly not all. I won't ever look like Peter Reid. I'm just not that thin and I'm pretty sure I've stopped growing (up anyway). I never will be that thin. Peter's racing weight according to his own words in the movie What it Takes is 160 lbs.. My best weight as an adult was 157 in 2003. It would take a lot for me to "thin out". If I did, I'm sure I'd race a lot better in distance races. So for me to "make a run" at Ironman seriously - it would be several years of effort in order to compete. (Not unlike the road I am on currently.) I think I could probably get down to 138 - 143 but that is still nowhere near the thin as a rail thinness as Peter for my height.

My body type is more like the actor Daniel Craig (aka: 007); although his quads a a bit scrawny next to mine. My nicknames are some of these: "quadimodo", "quadasaurus rex", etc.. Although one of the gals I lift with (an Olympic bobsled pusher) has larger quads than I do. Flat out impressive explosive strength. (Megan - this picture is for you.)

I'm OK with being more like Mr. Craig. I have been thinking of how to maximize what I do have in order to race better. To use my explosive strength and power to my advantage. The trick is to get out of the gate fast enough to drop guys in my age group who are built more like Peter. This takes fitness and strength. I'm getting there.

In the meantime, understanding our body differences and advantages makes a difference in the grand scheme of racing.

On the ALS research fundraising effort - (ALS effects more endurance athletes than "normal" people in the population)

2009 Cycle for ALS - her is what we are doing...and how much we have so far.

We NEED YOUR HELP to end ALS!

For the fourth straight year The Blazeman Foundation for ALS is calling for a day of unity and encourages endurance athletes, cyclists, and volunteers of all athletic abilities to hop on bicycles Saturday Feb.7, 2009 at YMCA’s, gyms and communities across the country for the fourth annual "ALS Ride-A-Thon. Proceeds will benefit The Blazeman Foundation for ALS. You can make a donation to the general 2009 Cycle for ALS event from this page. Or you can choose to donate to a particular Cycle for ALS event, or individual participating in an event by searching above.

Total Donations: $14,667 Goal: $100,000

Top Teams
East Bay Spin-for-ALS
$4,555.50

2009 Chicago, IL Cycle for ALS
$2,249.00

2009 Dallas, TX ALS Spin-A-Thon Fundraising Page
$1,564.00

2009 Palatine, IL. ALS Spin-A-Thon (where it all started 4 yrs ago)
$1,270.00

2009 "Columbus, Ohio" Cycle for ALS Fundraising Page
$1,128.00

2009 Raleigh, NC Cycle for ALS Fundraising Page
$1,075.00

Naperville, Illinois Cycle for ALS Fundraising Page
$664.00

Kristina Martin Fundraising Page
$556.00

Denver, CO. ALS Spin-A-Thon fundraising page
$500.00

Cycle for ALS RI Fundraising Page
$420.00

Louisville Rec Center ALS Fundraiser
$25.00

MN ALS Spin-A-Thon Fundraising Page - Gear West Tri Club
$25.00

Providence Triathlon Team Fundraising Page
$15.00

Cycle for ALS - Donations Not Mirroring the Economy

2009-01-29T05:43:00.007-10:00

To Donate: http://www.active.com/donate/SpinForALS/Mitera

Being involved in raising money for ALS / motor-neuron disease for four years now I've seen all kinds of interesting things. This year, most notably, is that people are donating in record numbers. (Much due to John Wolski's hero effort leaving all of the rest of us in the dust.) John works as hard on the Spin for ALS fundraiser as he does everything in his life and the success of this event echos his effort.

So I ask you...donate. Come on. I lose my job on Friday, February 13th and I donated. If I can donate with no pending prospect of work...so can you.

If you are in the NW suburbs of Chicago...you may want to really consider showing up to the Palatine YMCA to meet some special guests. (I'm not saying another word. You have to show up to know who I'm talking about until after the event.) If you are somewhere warm...do a ride and make a donation with those riding 16.5 hours to end ALS in mind. Ride an hour or more for solidarity.

Join us in the fight against ALS, so others may live.

http://www.active.com/donate/SpinForALS/Palatine

Random Thoughts

2009-01-28T08:46:00.004-10:00

The Job Market
Sorry to be away for nearly a week. I've been getting my resume on various job boards, talking to recruiters and networking. It seems several things are happening in the market.

A) There are a lot of jobs out there for the right skill set. Most companies don't know where to look for these skill sets and don't know what to do with them once they have them.

B) Companies are laying off employees just below the requirement to report them legally so their stock prices don't take a dive.

I believe the number is 30. Lay off 30 and you have to report it. What I'm seeing is that companies are laying folks off in bunches of 25 -29. Sneaky.

Corporate Anarchy
I got a call from the director of Wellpoint "ethics and compliance" yesterday asking my why I didn't complete my "conflicts of interest" form. Actually, I did finish it and send it in. 10 minutes before Wellpoint (WLP) layed me off. In Oracle you get an employee number. My number and all functionality associated with my number...is disabled. Looks like somebody jumped the gun on laying me off.

Meanwhile, back at corporate HQ we still can't find a program manager to manage resources and projects that are causing millions pain. Hmmm, I know where they can find one. Except you have to email me at home because my work email doesn't connect to the corporate feeding tube. Critical, budgeted for projects are getting cancelled or put on hold and the entire budget process I worked on 80 hrs a week only three months ago...up in smoke.

ALS Ride a thon
Same old. Same old. Media isn't interested unless they have a family member who had ALS and they can relate. I don't have family with ALS but I do have one with MS. I can relate which is why I am involved I guess. Many folks are still moths - looking for that reality show and that 15 minutes of fame. The real work is on the ground...person to person. As triathletes go...I guess we'll get more interest when they personally feel ALS as triathletes and endurance athletes are the #1 group of ALS victims and growing fast. Last year, 15 people I have raced against died of ALS; ranging from 28 to 68. That is a lot of folks. Still no research as to why...this is why we do the event. To find out why and end this disease which has lingered too long.

My Friend with the Brain Tumor
She is still in a drug induced coma. Blonde hair gone. Wedding on hold. Competing in Ironman Hawaii (earned in 2008) is also on hold. Surgery was last Friday and things appear to be OK; other than the giant scar on her head and no hair. Her fiance has not left her bedside in eight days. Not to eat. Workout. Work.

Village CycleSport www.villagecyclesport.com
Vince (one of the owners) called me yesterday and said I could work at the shop while I'm finding a gig. (My last day at my job is 2/13/09 - yes...Friday the 13th. Who says corporations don't have a sense of humor?) I gotta tell you I feel blessed that Vince and Joe would think enough of me to come work at the shop(s). I probably will be working for them. Great people at the shop. I'm there until I can get a full time gig. I'm thinking Vince and Joe probably won't offer me $100k +, a bonus and stock. I'm just spit ballin' but I'm fairly certain. That's OK. They got my loyalty and I'll do whatever I can to help the shop grow into it's great expanding footprint.

Workouts
At least I have running and cycling. I am near a return to the water. I can just about tell you how many ounces are on the swim bench these days. Sick of looking at cement walls instead of a black line. Power numbers look ok. So does the weight. One is trending up, the other down.

Keep your head up everyone. Keep on the edge. Motivation comes from within and if you cannot find your motivation...call me. I'll help you find yours.

You Need an Edge

2009-01-22T08:04:00.009-10:00

I was talking with one of my clients and said this, "You need an edge." She was confused as to exactly what I meant. Here is what I told her.

The Edge - (not this guy...but close)

The 'edge' as I call it is that thing that gets your ass out of bed (or better yet...wakes you up before your alarm) on the worst of days. Thursday is a tough turn around for me. As we say in our house, "Sleep fast."

Yesterday, I got home from being a Gatorade Lab Rat (http://www.gssiweb.org/) about 8:30 PM, make dinner after being completely annihilated in the lab at 85 F and an unknown humidity for 90 minutes. Dog tired this morning...I wake up at 3:45 AM. I do this before big races too: 15 minutes early. It just sucks more on days like these. 4:15 AM I am in the ice cold car and the only car on the road in the pre-dawn hour (the best part of getting up early) to go to CompuTrainer power class. I woke up tired. I wasn't sure what I'd feel like, but the class went very well. The reason? My edge.

Last season I was hurt but still attempted one race. I finished, but it was the most humbling experience of my life as I "ran" slower than my bike. I finished my first lap of the run at the same time in the race that I finished only a year earlier; I still had two more laps to do in 105 F heat index, high humidity and a merciless sun in mid-May. Early for us Chicagoans where it was still 45 to 60 F here.

My edge isn't against anyone. It is against what injury and laziness had made me. A bad "athlete".

You can be motivated by pain or pleasure. I am motivated by pain. This pain (my embarrassing performance) has motivated me to get "back to where I once belong". It is really hard to maintain optimal fitness and focus for a long time. A former coach told me, "You have to get out of shape before you can get into shape" at the end of every season. My hat is off to those who can do it repeatedly. I needed a little more.

The edge for me is more like a "I'm gonna shove this up your ass" kinda feeling. I need to feel that kind of motivation to train at my current level. I have it. I have it from a few nay sayers in my life. Some are distant relatives who are miserable in their own existence, so they dump on everyone else and mainly me. The others are from work mainly. Getting layed off has a way of doing that. Their negativity drives me to exceed expectations.

I've always been this way. Probably because I remember always being surrounded by negativity and low self esteem my whole life. I never felt that way, but many around me did. It took me a while to understand that and apply it positively in my life. The best example comes from high school.

I ran, swam and played baseball in junior high school. My running was pretty good (I was the first finisher from my school at the big JR. high XC meet) and I signed up for cross country my freshman year of HS. Through a mix up, I didn't get the information about summer training and showed up on the first day of school only to run something like eight miles. No surprise, I hurt my knee due to over training and then the cherry on top was a broken arm the next day in gym class. I went to every practice. Took splits. Cheered. I couldn't run. After my freshman year of swimming varsity all season I told the XC coach that I was going to focus on swimming. He then ripped me apart saying, "You'll never be a good athlete. Ever." Later at the same school the baseball coach told me that, "Swimmers aren't baseball players." I responded with, "I'm an athlete. Not just a swimmer." Those two clowns posing as teachers - Mr. Jim Swift and Mr. Ray Gawron - were the first to see my silver medal from Kona when I was invited back to speak to a group of varsity athletes. They were pretty quiet.

The 'world' will always tell you you can't achieve your goals. My edge comes from two things: 1) Capacity and Ability: being grateful for the mental capacity to keep trying and showing up and the physical ability to keep going when tired; and 2) Desire: the desire to keep proving people wrong.

Resumes, Interviews and Job Fairs - Oh My!

2009-01-20T05:50:00.004-10:00

I went to a "diversity" job fair yesterday. My friend Ron said, "Have you looked in a mirror lately?" Point taken. What are they going to do throw me out? Well, I suppose they could for not being a certain minority. In Texas, Caucasian people are now a minority. I might need to move to Texas.

Don't get me wrong. I support giving everyone an opportunity. We all know for many years people were excluded because they were (fill in the blank here). That is bull crap. Skills get the job. Even potential gets the job.

At this job fair I stood in line for 50 minutes per company hiring. There I was; clean shaven, in a pressed suit and shined shoes. I was mad because Kinko's jacked up printing my resume. In front of me, a gang banger with the hat sideways, smelled of "smoke", in dirty clothing, no resume. I guess it isn't that bad. I left after two booths completely disgusted having wasted my time as "over qualified" rang through my head.

On the way home I got a call from a consulting company who I worked for in 2003 - 05 and they have a few gigs they will propose me for today. This is great news, but if I've learned anything in IT the last 18+ years is never stop the full court press on jobs. Worst case...you get the pick of the litter.

I'm looking at jobs in BIO TECH. Companies like AmGen, Genentech, Gilead; biologics firms and they all seem to be in central-ish to northern California. I'm down.

In the mean time, I'm taking out the stress on my workouts and "bonus" workouts (cross country skiing). This morning I was smashed on the bike. Legs had no pop (above 558 watts) I noticed that my rpms felt better holding 95 to 100 rpms. That is a good sign. We had great XC conditions on Sunday and Monday and four hours of XC ski will do anyone in.

Lastly, I hear there is some little thing going on in Washington, D.C. today. (Obama love is everywhere...geeze, my teeth hurt.) A year ago I said that Obama reminded me of JFK in his campaign because much of the criticism of JFK was, "Can we trust a Roman Catholic to run the country?" With Obama the discussion was, "Can we trust a guy with little experience to run the country?" If folks brought up the "race thing" they'd be labeled a racist. Look at the voting in the south...'nuff said. The JFK thing worked out just fine (for us) and the southern states voted the same way. I have a feeling Obama will do just fine and we might actually improve.

Bottom line:
If Obama can get people to believe in themselves and this great country again then he is the right leader.

Give me a cabinet of moderates, balanced thought, thinkers and open minds and I'll show you a great start. Good luck Mr. President. You have a tough gig ahead but as long as you believe in us, we'll believe in you. 8 AM tomorrow...please start "moving people's cheese" in Washington.