You are browsing the archive for 2010 February.

It’s called TEAM in Training for a Reason

February 16, 2010 in Team In Training, Training, Why Do This

Today, it was 12 degrees when I woke up.  It was 14 when we got out of Becca’s care to start the run.  There is NO WAY anyone in their right mind would get up at 6:30 on a Saturday morning to go running in 12 degree weather.  It was cold, it was brutal, it was actually fun.   It was not the awesome weather, the great post work out feeling or the internal drive to get in shape which made this possible, let alone fun.  It was the team.

Here I am at Eagle Creek during group training. No I havent gone grey, thats ice.

Here I am at Eagle Creek during group training. No I haven't gone grey, thats ice.

I have been reflecting on the importance of relationships in human evolution.  Mankind learned to slay huge animals with only spears, conquered enemies and developed technologies that were unbelievable only a few years ago because we have an ability to rely and support each other.  We have been dependent on each other for protection and support, necessary for survival. That dependance has not changed.  As much as some of would like to think we can do everything ourselves, we simply cannot.  We might accomplish something, but that accomplishment would be an even greater achievement when you are part of a team.

If you are trying to move from a couch potato to a lean and fit individual, you will likely fail if you try to do it alone.  You will make some progress but your accomplishments will fall short of what they cold be as part of a team.

The team pushed me to run 4 miles, instead of 3.  The team pushed me to put up my fastest mile time ever.  The team pushed me to show up in the freezing cold.  It is the team that makes it fun.

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Keep Andy Bald – Save The Date

February 13, 2010 in Events, Fundraising, Team In Training

Keep Andy Bald Kickoff – Saturday April 10 @ 3:00 PM – Shaving @ 4:00 PM

BW3s is donating 10% of food purchases to the LLS during the Keep Andy Bald kickoff

BW3s is donating 10% of food purchases to the LLS during the Keep Andy Bald kickoff

The Event is set at 3:00 on April 10. It will be at the Castleton BW3’s.   Shaving will be at approximately 4:00.  We will also be having a drawing and maybe even a silent auction (still working out those details).


If seeing me get my head shaved isn’t enough of a reason for you to come out, 10% of your food purchases will be donated to the LLS. Consider this an invitation to anyone who loves wings and wants to support the LLS.

Directions

Here is the Map

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar

8440 Castleton Corner Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46250-3579

(317) 577-2999

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Team In Training Week One: DONE!

February 11, 2010 in Team In Training, Training

I have made it through my first week of practices, and as far as I know so has everyone else.  The first practice was the morning after we had 6 inches of snow!  We were more reliable than the postal service and ran outside.   It was hard, but we all stayed arm and made it through and then had a running equipment info session at the Running Company.  After that we had a swim clinic where we went over the drills.  The Team In Training staff members and coaches are making sure we get the clinics and information sessions to learn to train safely.

The point of this week was to get off the couch and realize “yeah! I can do this” and that is exactly how I am feeling.  We will gradually be building up the distance, but for the first couple weeks its a nice steady climb to get our bodies ready for the hard training.

I remember all of the great times I had back as part of the swim team and I had forgotten how wonderful it is to train as part of a team.   Everyone is working toward a common goal – physically and more importantly doing their part to help the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.    The road (and lake) ahead may be challenging, but I can’t wait for more because it has already been so much fun.


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Totally Baldacious

February 11, 2010 in Fundraising, Team In Training

Just as I have been finalizing a venue for “Keep Andy Bald” (stay tuned for more information).  The LLS had announced an fund raising event to support Team in Training and Light the Night campaigns called Totally Baldacious: Shave One for the Team.  They decided to do this after they read my blog and said “wow shaving your head in solidarity for cancer patients is a great idea.”  Okay, probably not, but I’ll keep believing it even though shaving one’s head has become an increasingly popular fund raiser for all sorts of cancer research.  Why is this?

For both men and women the hair loss is something that acts as a flag that “this person has cancer.”   Despite the shaved dome becoming more popular with celebrities with the likes of Bruce Willis, Vin Deasel, and even some women for movie roles like Natalie Portman and products specially designed for head shaving such as the Head Blade, the bald head is very traumatic for cancer patients, especially women and children because it blatantly changes the physical appearance and there is little you can do to hide it.

Its this outward symbol the head shaving fund raisers focuses on.  It is saying “You don’t have a choice, I do and I am doing this to support you guys.”   In a small way, I’d hope it makes it a tad bit easier for cancer patients to loose their hair.  Don’t think its that bad? Check out the story of Lauryn, one of the Honored Heros of the Indiana Tri Team.

There is also the more practical reasons why these fund raisers are popular.  People notice it!  A shiny head, where there used to be hair, is pretty obvious so as people ask “WHAT THE HE$$ happened to your head?”  so then you innocently tell them and ask for more donations :) .

Totally Baldacious looks like a lot of fun.  The techie in me also noticed that they are trying to integrate with Facebook and other social media sites.  VERY COOL!  So if you are considering shaving your head for charity or organizing an event, check this out one out.

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My First Road Bike

February 3, 2010 in Equipment, Ironman, Steelhead, Team In Training

Last week I brought home my beautiful new bike!  With tri training starting and Elkheart Lake and Steelhead Ironman approaching rapidly, I thought it was time to get a bike.

I’m no expert, but I have learned a few things to consider when making a bike purchase, especially for the newbie.

1.  Do not even thinking about getting a Tri Bike

Really, this if this is your first triathlon and Tri bikes are insanely expensive when a normal road bike will do just as well.  If you keep doing this for another year or two then think about upgrading, but right now, if the Tri thing doesn’t work out you’ll still have a bike you can ride for other things.

2.  Carbon Isn’t worth it…yet

Carbon frames are awesome, they are beautiful and they are insanely light.  That means they go really, really fast and they absorb shock.  Carbon Fiber “flexes” more as you hit bumps which means less vibrations which means its easier to ride on for long periods of time.  It costs a fortune, like you could buy 3 iPads with the cost difference.  Instead of spending all the money on carbon focus on a good quality aluminum frame and be ready to invest more on equipment.   I’m also told that by getting carbon later you’ll appreciate it more.

2.  Do consider a carbon fork

The part that connects to the front wheel can be made out of carbon fiber while the rest is aluminum.  This is a worth while upgrade because it really reduces the jolts and vibrations your shoulders will feel as you ride.

3.  If you upgrade – upgrade the gear, not the bike.

I have rode my bike for about 3 hours total so far.  I am GLAD i got the good bike shorts. – likewise spend the extra bucks on a good pair of shorts and your butt will thank you.  Same goes for shoes and helmet. Spend a hundred more if you have too to get light and comfortable shoes and helmets.  This will make much more of a difference than any other part of the bike

4.  Keep your arms bent!

Okay, not a purchasing tip but the bike shop told me this and it helps a lot.  Don’t get into the habit of ridding with locked out arms.  It causes tension in your neck and shoulders.  Keep the elbows bent to absorb vibration and shocks.  Try to keep as much weight off your hands as possible so you’re wrists don’t feel numb.

I’ll be posting a picture of my bike soon!  I am really excited to get out on the road and try the bike outside, and off of the trainer.

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