Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
How We Roll
One key to long course success is learning how to put your inhibitions aside, roll the dice and simply "Go For It" on race day. For VA based triathlete Joel Myers, who is Clearwater bound and ready to ROLL, this was his idea of an "inhibition reduction session" as (publicly) demonstrated at the Wicked 10k in Virginia Beach last weekend
Friday, October 30, 2009
2010 Gloucester Triathlon
Work is in progress on the new and improved Gloucester Triathlon. Race date for next year's event is Sunday, August 8th. Stay tuned for more info and our new website.
www.gloucestertriathlon.com
www.gloucestertriathlon.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Back to the Basics
We're 2.5 weeks out from the Ironman 70.3 World Championships now. I've got a small army of athletes that I'll be accompanying down to Clearwater and am very excited to watch them all compete. It'll be a great time in that I'll be meeting a bunch of these people face to face for the very first time, so the trip promises to be special for a variety of reasons.
Although it's always tough to sit on the sidelines, I can't wait to support my crew and watch them compete. It's a real thrill to see all of the hard work and planning you've laid down over the months come to fruition. I expect some great performances on race day, so stay tuned for post race recaps.
On the personal front, my life is finally starting to settle down and return to normal. 2009 was a very tough year for me given all that Michelle and I faced. No complaints on my end though, as it was nothing but "good" challenges that we had to face along the way:
Fixing up our new house
Helping to launch the VERY successful "Gloucester Tri"
Getting married!
I managed to squeeze some half-way decent training into the mix this year and a couple of noteworthy results, but my focus just wasn't where it needed to be given all the distractions/outside commitments that had to be dealt with between February and October.
Thankfully, the end is now in sight and slowly but surely, I'm building back and getting back in touch with the training focus that allowed me to attain a good deal of athletic success from 2006 - 2008.
I have no regrets about the 2009 season and actually learned a lot about myself along the way. I'm not one of the most talented athletes out there, so in order to hold my own on the pro circuit, I need what amounts to a year-round laser focus when it comes to training and race prep. As someone who's juggling a pretty successful one-man coaching operation, I've come to realize that over-committing myself is something that's easy to do, so I have to plan ahead and be sure to set aside enough "me" time so that I can chalk up the necessary training and recovery time to compete at my best. Lastly, I've learned that in order to operate at full capacity and remain happy, I have to avoid/cut ties with people, and in some cases, athletes, that either require too much "maintenance" or simply bring too much baggage and/or negativity to the table. Although this may sound cold, at the end of the day, the reality of coaching is that it's not a "job" that you never walk away from. Unlike other jobs I've worked in the past, there is no punching out at the end of the day and your "work" stays with you 24/7. Given the fact that I love my job, I have no problem with this, but the only way that I can keep my life in balance and move forward on all fronts is by maintaining healthy relationships with everyone I (closely) interact with on a daily basis and avoiding everyone and anyone who stands to get in the way.
So now that my "house" is nearly in order, it's time to start focusing on the 2010 season. I'm prepping my body for the Ironman focus that lies ahead. At this stage of the game, if I'm going to race on the pro circuit, I am going to focus on the races and distances that will allow me the greatest chance for success. 70.3 has become so competitive these days that losing even 1 minute in the water puts you nearly out of contention for a top 3 overall finish. And now that more and more ITU/Olympic distance specialists are flooding the 70.3 circuit, podium spots are harder to come by. If it's one thing I've found over the years, the longer the race goes, the better I do, so it's time to extend out and see what I'm capable of on the IM circuit.
Although it's always tough to sit on the sidelines, I can't wait to support my crew and watch them compete. It's a real thrill to see all of the hard work and planning you've laid down over the months come to fruition. I expect some great performances on race day, so stay tuned for post race recaps.
On the personal front, my life is finally starting to settle down and return to normal. 2009 was a very tough year for me given all that Michelle and I faced. No complaints on my end though, as it was nothing but "good" challenges that we had to face along the way:
Fixing up our new house
Helping to launch the VERY successful "Gloucester Tri"
Getting married!
I managed to squeeze some half-way decent training into the mix this year and a couple of noteworthy results, but my focus just wasn't where it needed to be given all the distractions/outside commitments that had to be dealt with between February and October.
Thankfully, the end is now in sight and slowly but surely, I'm building back and getting back in touch with the training focus that allowed me to attain a good deal of athletic success from 2006 - 2008.
I have no regrets about the 2009 season and actually learned a lot about myself along the way. I'm not one of the most talented athletes out there, so in order to hold my own on the pro circuit, I need what amounts to a year-round laser focus when it comes to training and race prep. As someone who's juggling a pretty successful one-man coaching operation, I've come to realize that over-committing myself is something that's easy to do, so I have to plan ahead and be sure to set aside enough "me" time so that I can chalk up the necessary training and recovery time to compete at my best. Lastly, I've learned that in order to operate at full capacity and remain happy, I have to avoid/cut ties with people, and in some cases, athletes, that either require too much "maintenance" or simply bring too much baggage and/or negativity to the table. Although this may sound cold, at the end of the day, the reality of coaching is that it's not a "job" that you never walk away from. Unlike other jobs I've worked in the past, there is no punching out at the end of the day and your "work" stays with you 24/7. Given the fact that I love my job, I have no problem with this, but the only way that I can keep my life in balance and move forward on all fronts is by maintaining healthy relationships with everyone I (closely) interact with on a daily basis and avoiding everyone and anyone who stands to get in the way.
So now that my "house" is nearly in order, it's time to start focusing on the 2010 season. I'm prepping my body for the Ironman focus that lies ahead. At this stage of the game, if I'm going to race on the pro circuit, I am going to focus on the races and distances that will allow me the greatest chance for success. 70.3 has become so competitive these days that losing even 1 minute in the water puts you nearly out of contention for a top 3 overall finish. And now that more and more ITU/Olympic distance specialists are flooding the 70.3 circuit, podium spots are harder to come by. If it's one thing I've found over the years, the longer the race goes, the better I do, so it's time to extend out and see what I'm capable of on the IM circuit.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Results Keep Rolling In
Looks like we had another GREAT day...
Still awaiting official results, but initial reports indicate that Allegra Parisi took the overall amateur title and placed well within the top 10 overall (including pros) at Cancun 70.3
This race is run under brutal conditions, and I hear that temps reached 100+ degrees with HIGH humidity.
If Allegra did in fact take the "W" this would be the 2nd overall amateur 70.3 victory turned in by one of my women so far this year. Couple that fact with the flurry of podium and overall victories that the ladies have been turning in this year, and I think it's safe to say that the "girls" have been showing the guys HOW IT'S DONE in '09! I can't wait for the official results.
In CT, Evan Barry finished 2nd overall at the "hillacious" Nutmeg Half Ironman! This was a great result for Evan and I couldn't be happier with the way he raced (rolling the dice and going for the win vs. playing things conservatively).
Down in VA, Dave Smith and Joel Myers tore it up, going 1st and 4th overall/respectively in a pretty competitive short course event. Dave's power was just through the roof today and he was solid on all 3 fronts. Thing are looking very, very good as we gear up for Clearwater.
Speaking of which, Michelle and I booked our tickets today. We'll have a small army racing in Clearwater Beach this year and I expect GREAT things! I'm really looking forward to supporting everyone and watching the action unfold.
Update on Allegra as soon as results are posted.
9/21 Update: Official Cancun 70.3 results are in and looks like Allegra was actually 2nd overall amateur (a woman in the AG above her beat her out, time wise, by 2 min!) and 8th woman overall including pros. Not too shabby!
Still awaiting official results, but initial reports indicate that Allegra Parisi took the overall amateur title and placed well within the top 10 overall (including pros) at Cancun 70.3
This race is run under brutal conditions, and I hear that temps reached 100+ degrees with HIGH humidity.
If Allegra did in fact take the "W" this would be the 2nd overall amateur 70.3 victory turned in by one of my women so far this year. Couple that fact with the flurry of podium and overall victories that the ladies have been turning in this year, and I think it's safe to say that the "girls" have been showing the guys HOW IT'S DONE in '09! I can't wait for the official results.
In CT, Evan Barry finished 2nd overall at the "hillacious" Nutmeg Half Ironman! This was a great result for Evan and I couldn't be happier with the way he raced (rolling the dice and going for the win vs. playing things conservatively).
Down in VA, Dave Smith and Joel Myers tore it up, going 1st and 4th overall/respectively in a pretty competitive short course event. Dave's power was just through the roof today and he was solid on all 3 fronts. Thing are looking very, very good as we gear up for Clearwater.
Speaking of which, Michelle and I booked our tickets today. We'll have a small army racing in Clearwater Beach this year and I expect GREAT things! I'm really looking forward to supporting everyone and watching the action unfold.
Update on Allegra as soon as results are posted.
9/21 Update: Official Cancun 70.3 results are in and looks like Allegra was actually 2nd overall amateur (a woman in the AG above her beat her out, time wise, by 2 min!) and 8th woman overall including pros. Not too shabby!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
PMan
I'm feeling too lazy to post anything about my race today, so check out Michelle's blog if you'd like the story (and some pics!)
I had a good day, but what I'm super pumped about was the day that a bunch of my athletes had, both at Pumpkinman and across the country!
For starters... Crystal won (again) and is quickly emerging as a tremendous force to be reckoned with here in New England. She LAID IT DOWN on the bike, putting 8 - 10 minutes into her main competition on that leg. Since it was an out and back run course, I had a front row seat to the "C-Rock" show and she most certainly rocked the house.
Dawn and Greg Guarriello had great days, with Dawn taking home a new PR for the Half distance and Greg following suit. One of my newest athletes, Maris DiTolla also landed herself a nice 20 min. PR so that was pretty cool too! I can't wait to see how all three of these athletes do at IMFL in about 2 months time!
Franco Zuccoli took home an AG win at the Pman sprint on Saturday. This was Franco's 2nd AG win this season. Not bad for a former MMA fighter!
Out in New York, Dereck Treadwell placed 2nd overall in the "Toughman" 1/2 IM (and tells me that it was the HARDEST course he's ever taken on).
Dave Smith took 3rd overall in an Olympic distance event down in VA. He's certainly on track for a great performance in Clearwater.
Allegra Parisi was second overall at a sprint tri (tune up for Cancun 70.3 in 1 week's time!!!) in Miami on Saturday.
And last but not least, Quinn Borchard and Scott Hersey had solid races out in CA. Both of these fellas threw up some solid numbers and will be ready to roll at Clearwater as well.
A big "hats off" to RD Kat Donatello for the OUTSTANDING job she did with this year's Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival. If you haven't raced at Pumpkinman, yet, you have MISSED OUT. Full on Thanksgiving Dinner post race? Awesome course? Incredibly helpful volunteers? What more could you ask for? Nice work Kat!
I had a good day, but what I'm super pumped about was the day that a bunch of my athletes had, both at Pumpkinman and across the country!
For starters... Crystal won (again) and is quickly emerging as a tremendous force to be reckoned with here in New England. She LAID IT DOWN on the bike, putting 8 - 10 minutes into her main competition on that leg. Since it was an out and back run course, I had a front row seat to the "C-Rock" show and she most certainly rocked the house.
Dawn and Greg Guarriello had great days, with Dawn taking home a new PR for the Half distance and Greg following suit. One of my newest athletes, Maris DiTolla also landed herself a nice 20 min. PR so that was pretty cool too! I can't wait to see how all three of these athletes do at IMFL in about 2 months time!
Franco Zuccoli took home an AG win at the Pman sprint on Saturday. This was Franco's 2nd AG win this season. Not bad for a former MMA fighter!
Out in New York, Dereck Treadwell placed 2nd overall in the "Toughman" 1/2 IM (and tells me that it was the HARDEST course he's ever taken on).
Dave Smith took 3rd overall in an Olympic distance event down in VA. He's certainly on track for a great performance in Clearwater.
Allegra Parisi was second overall at a sprint tri (tune up for Cancun 70.3 in 1 week's time!!!) in Miami on Saturday.
And last but not least, Quinn Borchard and Scott Hersey had solid races out in CA. Both of these fellas threw up some solid numbers and will be ready to roll at Clearwater as well.
A big "hats off" to RD Kat Donatello for the OUTSTANDING job she did with this year's Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival. If you haven't raced at Pumpkinman, yet, you have MISSED OUT. Full on Thanksgiving Dinner post race? Awesome course? Incredibly helpful volunteers? What more could you ask for? Nice work Kat!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Mayflower Triathlon
Sometimes, things just don't go your way. This was one of those days... Got lost 3 times on the course while leading the race, the 3rd time being strike #3 (DNF/Walk back to transition after running 1/2 mile in the wrong direction). Usually helps when the RD at least has arrows out there on the run course, but volunteers who know which way to send you always helps as well.
Oh well...
In the end, it's not life and death, so I'll do my best to put today aside and move on. I read an article about a Marine Unit fighting in Afghanistan yesterday that puts days like today into complete perspective. This one is definitely worth a read and will remind you about what some people face on a daily basis and, what they give up. We complain about a bad workout or race while 21 year olds are losing their lives out in some dusty, lonely corner of the Earth.
In happier news, Crystal won!!! I'm very happy for her. Great to watch her continue to improve...
Oh well...
In the end, it's not life and death, so I'll do my best to put today aside and move on. I read an article about a Marine Unit fighting in Afghanistan yesterday that puts days like today into complete perspective. This one is definitely worth a read and will remind you about what some people face on a daily basis and, what they give up. We complain about a bad workout or race while 21 year olds are losing their lives out in some dusty, lonely corner of the Earth.
In happier news, Crystal won!!! I'm very happy for her. Great to watch her continue to improve...
Friday, September 4, 2009
Cape Ann Tri Club
Thanks to the efforts of Gloucester based triathletes Peter Justice, Joe Borge and Lou Perry, Cape Ann now boasts its very own triathlon club!
The club is in the earliest stages of development, but great things are already happening here. We're looking forward to creating a first rate support network for multisport athletes of all ages and ability levels and hope that you'll join us in this endeavor.
More to come over the course of Fall '09/Winter '10, but stay tuned on the club's developments by checking in on the club website
The club is in the earliest stages of development, but great things are already happening here. We're looking forward to creating a first rate support network for multisport athletes of all ages and ability levels and hope that you'll join us in this endeavor.
More to come over the course of Fall '09/Winter '10, but stay tuned on the club's developments by checking in on the club website
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