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Jopson sizzles in Summit…

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:24:10 +0000

Multi-titled Cebuano triathlete Noy Jopson led the winners' cast in the Summit Triathlon Team Championships yesterday at the Salagdoong Beach in Maria, Siquijor.

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Jopson sizzles in Summit…

Atkinson rediscovers triathlon…

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:16:45 +0000

Australian triathlete Courtney Atkinson wants to put a disastrous year behind him and focus on the Olympics.

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Atkinson rediscovers triathlon…

Weyant top male triathlete in…

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:12:33 +0000

Column by Seeley Gutierrez Democrat correspondent — It's hard to believe Mike Weyant hasn't already been named Gulf Winds' Triathlete of the Year. He's been competing in the sport since the late-1980s and has been a role model, mentor and advisor to countless local athletes. It was high time for him to finally be recognized for his achievements in triathlon, as an athlete and as a volunteer.

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Weyant top male triathlete in…

Royle, McIlroy winners

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:08:46 +0000

Australian triathlete Aaron Royle has won the men's elite race in Kinloch, near Taupo.

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Royle, McIlroy winners

London 2012 – Thorrington…

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:32:00 +0000

British triathlete Abbie Thorrington is willing to sacrifice her own dreams to help Helen Jenkins bring home that elusive gold medal.

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London 2012 – Thorrington…

Inside Triathlon Archives: No…

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:48:10 +0000

Image by Robert Murphy. Thoughts on digging deep in the Hawaii Ironman, and the mental perseverance required in endurance sports. This story was originally published in the January/February, 2010, issue of Inside Triathlon magazine. It was part of the magazine’s 2009 Ironman World Championship Coverage. Two decades ago Mark Allen reversed the course of his life. When he stepped on the starting line of the 1989 Hawaii Ironman, he had yet to win the coveted championship even though he had been in the mix since 1982, usually failing in spectacular ways (epic physical meltdowns, internal bleeding, bike machinery freak-outs). Dave Scott’s six masterful Hawaii wins must have loomed like a mountain. In his 2008 book, “Fit Soul, Fit Body,” co-authored with his teacher, Brant Secunda, a Huichol Shaman and healer, Allen describes how fear used to be the crux of his problem. “Every time I competed in the Ironman, fear would well up inside of me. I felt completely vulnerable to the thought that I had not done enough of the right kind of training to get my body ready. Everyone else seemed more prepared than I was. I trembled at the idea of not knowing where I would possibly find the strength of soul to make it through the thousands of moments when my body would scream out for me to stop. This fear could have been paralyzing, except for this simple teaching from Brant: ‘Be fearless in the face of your fears.’” Allen would win in 1989 and go on to win a total of six before his retirement. His presence continued to be felt in the race, as he became a critical adviser to others who struggled to secure success in Kona. In finally winning the Hawaii Ironman in 2007 after seven years of failing, Chris McCormack, in an interview conducted the day after the race, said it was Allen’s counsel that made the difference. Peter Reid made similar statements. It almost frustrates Allen that more Ironman athletes don’t pursue a metaphysical side of training. In an interview last year about the current pro field, Allen lamented, “There is still not one athlete who is incorporating anything other than numbers in the logbook to go fast. Anyone out there that you can think of that focuses on developing strength of inner character as a viable tool to go fast in Kona?” Two days before the race this past October, Allen introduced me to one of the age-group athletes he coaches, Diane Calderon. “She gets it,” Allen told me. Calderon is 50 years old and lives in Scarsdale, N.Y. Within triathlon she hails from the 1980s era. “It was a different scene back then,” she says. “I used my brother’s 10-speed to jump into the Westchester triathlon.” Calderon recalls the sport being more about the adventure than the competition. She qualified for the Ironman World Championship at St. Croix in 2005, ultimately finishing seventh in her age group at Kona. She then crossed into a different triathlon culture, where a competitive aura had supplanted the spirit she recalled from the 1980s, and she could feel it draw her in. Calderon, married with three children, was impassioned with the vision of returning to Kona, but in 2006 her plans were upended by a Lyme disease infection and an ensuing case of meningitis. She recovered and tried again in 2007, where she qualified for Kona at the Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3, but she was struck by a car while riding, two times, on a thin strip of road near her house. “It’s Route 22, with two lanes and a tiny shoulder. Second time I was going northbound. It was a hit and run. I could barely walk for two weeks.” Calderon didn’t give up, making her Hawaii comeback in 2009. She says the setbacks had a calming effect and freed her from competition anxieties. “It’s about perspective,” she says. “I felt sheer joy the first time I came to the Ironman because I had never been to Hawaii. I remember being in the race and just screaming because it was so great, because it’s so wonderful to be able to do such a thing.” Rather than get caught up in the hamster wheel of obsessing over an annual Kona slot, Calderon pledged to stay in the moment and simply enjoy it all. *** “Here the real melancholy began, when the runner might ask himself just what the hell he was doing to himself. It was a time for the most intense concentration, the iciest resolve.” These words were written by John L. Parker in the cult-classic running novel, “Once a Runner.” For those who have tasted the shock of racing one mile all-out, he nails it. The stunning amount of discomfort that is part and parcel of distance athletics leaves many wondering why any sane person would volunteer for it all. In his lectures, running coach Jack Daniels talks about how few American kids ever start off wanting to be runners—usually they run or go out for track to train for another sport, so my path into the long-distance world might sound familiar to you. Track was secondary to football for me, and I was one of those kids in track who started off in seventh grade seeming like I was destined to be a sprinter. I ran the 100, the 200 and the sprint relays. I wasn’t the fastest but I was close. Time tumbled forward and by ninth grade a few others caught up. That was all it took to bump me out of the short sprints and the sprint relays. Coach Denny Kohl (I remember it all well) then put a hand on my shoulder and enthusiastically told me how it “was time to move up to the ‘master sprinter’s race.’” He implied it was a great day, a graduation, and it was time to move up to the 400 meters. As any kid who ever raced the 400 meters can tell you, being moved up from the 100 or 200 to the 400 does not feel like a promotion. The first time I raced it I ran 56 seconds. It was a blood lactate horror show, more uncomfortable than anything I’d ever imagined, as I tried to fight through the leg-melting fatigue by clenching my fists and teeth (told later “Boy, the bear really jumped on your back!”), a state that Parker described as the hero of his novel survived a one-mile race: His body rigged up in true fashion, getting the jaw-shoulder lock and the sideways final straight fade and he began to lose all semblance of control. He peered out at all this as the orb was about to burst, letting all the poison flood out, peered at it and quite calmly wondered, When will it all end? So as time began to bare my fast-twitch limits (and, coincidentally, no one offered me a football scholarship), coaches moved me to the 400, then the 800, and later on in life the mile, the 5K, the 10K, the marathon, to triathlon, to the Ironman. I’m sure that those from competitive swimming and cycling backgrounds can describe similar journeys through sport and into triathlon, and all of us at one time or another, when a blast of cold, grim reality hits in the bad part of a race, have had to square off with the existential question: Just what the hell am I doing to myself?

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Inside Triathlon Archives: No…

Ask A Pro: Fitting In To New…

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:22:45 +0000

Samantha McGlone provides tips on fitting in when joining a new triathlon training group. McGlone on the run in the 2010 Ironman World Championship. Photo: Kurt Hoy Q: I want to mix up my training and join some group workouts such as Masters swims and the local shop ride. What should I know before showing up so I don’t anger the natives? A. I train in Tucson, Ariz., where besides spectacular weather, you will find some of the best group workouts in the country, including a large and competitive Masters program and the Shootout, a weekly road ride (read: race) that has been rolling out Saturday mornings for more than 30 years. If you don’t observe some specific rules of etiquette you can quickly find yourself under a barrage of tri-dork jokes and ridicule. I spoke to Jim Stites, the head coach of the Ford Aquatics Masters squad at the University of Arizona, and he gave me the dirt on the top 10 group swimming faux pas: 10. Finishing a swim and not moving over to allow others in the lane to finish to the wall. 9. Executing a turn on the “finish” side of the lane. 8. Disregarding the pace clock. 7. Disrupting the flow of a lane by not following the set design (ex.: starting out too fast or too slow). 6. Leaving 5 seconds behind the swimmer in front of you (10 seconds is considered the rule unless the lane is particularly crowded). 5. Repeatedly touching, grabbing or groping the feet of the swimmer in front of you without passing. 4. Talking or socializing while the coach is explaining the set. 3. Leading the lane without understanding the set or intervals. 2. Arriving to practice after the main set has begun, forcing a side-by-side lane to circle. 1. Choosing the wrong lane (too fast or too slow). If it sounds like swimmers are anal retentive, some cyclists take elitism to a whole new level. Here are some key things to remember when riding in a pack or organized road ride: – Don’t ride a triathlon bike on a group ride if you can help it. Bring a road bike or if you must ride a TT bike stay off the aerobars in the pack. – No one cares about your VO2max or your lactate threshold. Obsessively checking your heart rate monitor to make sure you are “in the zone” is also out. Go with the flow of the ride and leave the gadgets at home. Watts are the only numbers that count. – Drafting is legal and encouraged in cycling. Don’t leave a big gap between you and the rider in front. Point out obstacles, bumps, potholes and road signs for the riders behind you. Do not swerve suddenly at the last minute to avoid something in the road. Learn how to bunny hop. – If you puncture in the pack, raise your arm to signal that you have a flat tire and pull smoothly to the right, out of the group and onto the shoulder of the road to fix it. Look a few riders ahead to see when the pack is accelerating or slowing down suddenly. Be aware and ready to respond to anything. – Compression socks on the bike are a no-no. Cyclists use them but they are considered strictly post-ride recovery attire. – Store stops are your friend. Take the opportunity to rest and fuel up or you will get dropped by the caffeinated, sugar-rushed pack on the way home. Don’t be discouraged by these long lists of rules. Most training groups operate under a “more is merrier” philosophy and are happy to have new members. Smile, introduce yourself and chat with the locals. Mention that you are new to the group and ask the more experienced athletes for some tips. There is no faster way to make friends than to ask an athlete to share his vast knowledge (accurate or not) with a rookie.

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Ask A Pro: Fitting In To New…

Lance Armstrong case…

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:45:28 +0000

The Associated Press reported Friday afternoon that federal prosecutors have closed the investigation of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong without filing charges. —VeloNews: Feds drop Armstrong investigation —AP reports case against Lance Armstrong has been dropped

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Nevis Island

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:15:59 +0000

This triathlon-friendly Caribbean island makes for a wonderful winter getaway. I never planned on racing a triathlon on Nevis Island, but how could I say no with Winston Crooke’s smile? My wife and I had come to his store looking to rent bikes and were greeted by Crooke—a tall, thin, athletic man with dreadlocks and a surprising British accent (he was raised in the U.K.). “We have a little local triathlon on Saturday if you want to race,” Winston said, pointing to a sign listing the monthly winter races of the FLY (Forever Live Young) Miniseries that lead up to the island’s major triathlon, TriStar Nevis (won in April last year by none other than Chris McCormack). Nevis is the smaller island of the two-island federation of St. Kitts-Nevis, just southeast of Puerto Rico. Its small airport receives some direct flights, but it’s easy and significantly cheaper to fly into St. Kitts on a major airline (American Airlines offers daily flights) and then take one of the frequent boat ferries to Nevis. Nevis offers a variety of lodging options, from a recently renovated five-star Four Seasons resort to private rental homes. The remains of the sugarcane plantations that drove the island’s economy during its early British colonial days are now home to upscale hotels including beachfront Nisbet Plantation and mountainside Golden Rock Inn. The island, which surrounds the often fog-covered mountain peak of an inactive volcano, is only 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a major 21-mile road that goes around its perimeter. Driving is on the left side on this former British colony, and though the road is narrow and the rules of traffic a bit improvisational, most island drivers are accustomed to watching the roads carefully for everything from bands of green vervet monkeys to sheep to the wild donkeys that roam the island, so cyclists are just part of the mix. Winston Crooke’s bike shop, Wheel World ( Bikenevis.com ) is the primary bike rental option on the island and it’s far better than your typical beachside bike rental shop. Remember to bring your cycling shoes because Crooke not only offers the typical bike rental platform pedals with cages, but can also set up a bike with Look or Shimano SPD pedals. Crooke and Reggie Douglass, a local triathlete known as the “Flying Rastaman” who qualified for the Ironman World Championship 70.3, lead regular road and mountain bike tours. If you want to get in some serious winter triathlon training, Nevis has two ITU-certified triathlon coaches—Crooke and James Weekes. Training can be arranged through Crooke’s Wheel World bike shop. One of the incredible things on Nevis is the number of young triathletes Crooke and Weekes are training. Expect to see some of these kids one day gracing the stage at Ironman 70.3 St. Croix and beyond. Nevis has several beaches, mostly associated with various resorts, but even if you are not staying at the resort, you’re usually welcome to access the beach, especially if you pay your dues at the bar. Nisbet Beach offers the whitest sands and the best water for swimming undisturbed by boats. After a swim or bike ride, relax at one of the island’s many excellent restaurants. Most of the resorts have good restaurants, but Golden Rock Inn stood out. The broiled lobster tail accompanied with mashed plantains made us pause over every bite. There are several excellent restaurants outside of the resorts that any visitor should certainly check out. Sunshine’s is on Pinney’s Beach and offers a great open-air dining experience. The lobster sandwich is a filling meal after a swim and with a side of conch fritters could easily feed two. Sunshine’s menu changes regularly with what’s just come in from the local docks. The Killer Bee, Sunshine’s version of rum punch, is a favorite. In Charlestown, the capital city, you can stop at the Jamaican Bakery to get a roti, a local favorite that resembles a savory stuffed crêpe. In those dark days of winter, when the whir of the bike trainer and treadmill are all too familiar, Nevis is a welcome break to up your vitamin D and get a solid start to your season. “An athlete can come to Nevis and indulge themselves in their sport without distractions,” Crooke says. On our last full day in Nevis, while temperatures were still below freezing back home, I raced my first triathlon of the year. There were only a handful of us, 20 or so, mostly locals, several of them the high-school-age kids Crooke is training. But there were also some other tourists, with Ironman T-shirts and new beach tans, who I’m sure were convinced as I was that a triathlon on a beautiful island, on a rented bike, with a group of friendly people, can be a wonderful way to start the season. If you want … A rainforest hike Try “The Source” trail. Named for the island’s freshwater spring, the trailhead starts at Golden Rock Inn. Expect to see monkeys and to climb an ancient rusty ladder. Golden-rock.com A beach-side massage Go to the Four Seasons Spa. A variety of massage therapies and other spa treatments are available. Fourseasons.com/nevis/spa An introduction to scuba Go with Ellis Chaderton’s crew to get a taste of reef life and a first-time scuba experience without having to go through a pool practice. Experienced divers can also get a great dive with sea turtles and rays abounding. Scubanevis.com Island-style pizza Eat at Mem’s. This is a local place, not visited by many tourists, but it has some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. Toppings range from lobster to pinneapple and ham (Island Style). (869) 469-1390 To visit Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace Tour the Hamilton estate. This Founding Father was born on Nevis, and the ruins of his family’s estate just outside Charlestown offer a wonderful view of the island. Nevis-nchs.org Take in breathtaking gardens Visit the Botanical Gardens of Nevis. The gardens mix the skill of British horticulture with the wonders of a tropical ecosystem. Botanicalgardennevis.com RELATED: Seven Scenic Fall Triathlons

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Nevis Island

Linsey Corbin Adds Trek As…

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:05:16 +0000

Photo: John Segesta/Trek American long-distance triathlete Linsey Corbin and Trek have announced that Corbin will be riding a Speed Concept 9.9 over the next three years. Corbin previously had a sponsorship with Scott Bikes. Read about the move on Linsey Corbin’s blog and check out the complete press release below: Trek Bicycle is proud to announce the signing of professional triathlete Linsey Corbin. The top American finisher at the half-Ironman (70.3) world championships will race aboard Trek’s groundbreaking Speed Concept 9.9 over the next three years as she continues to vie for the top step of triathlon’s most prestigious podiums. “Linsey’s consistent results at the top of the sport make her a perfect match for representing Trek, “said Trek Performance Brand Manager Nick Howe. “Her mental toughness and positive attitude combined with her success on the course make it really exciting for us to bring her into the Trek family, and we’re excited for her to represent us aboard the Speed Concept.” Corbin, an Ironman Coeur D’Alene champion, will begin her season on the US half-Ironman distance circuit before taking her signature cowboy-hat style to her first European race at Ironman Austria in July. Her goal events for the year include the Ironman and 70.3 world championships, where she finished third in 2011. “To be a part of the Trek family, riding the fastest bike on the market – it is only going to help my performances,” said Corbin. “The first road bike I bought was a Trek 5600 and I’ve always admired the fastest cyclists in the sport: Julie Dibens and Chris Lieto. Just like my athletic pursuits, Trek is constantly pushing the envelope with innovation and design. I am looking forward to many fast and fun times ahead.” Both Corbin and her custom Trek Speed Concept 9.9 will be attending the “Meet the Pros” night at Trek Bicycles of Tucson. The event will be held on Feb. 10 from 6-9pm.

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Linsey Corbin Adds Trek As…