Greg worked hard the last few months to boost his swim endurance to confidently finish a half iron. In his words:
Ironman Longhorn finisher here. Good swim for me (:43). Fair bike (3:01). Awful run (2:49). 6:42 total. Calves blew up on the hills. Had a great time though.
Finishing a half is impressive. It is a hard race. Go Greg!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Shari Payne BQ's at St George Marathon
After triathlon season Shari Payne set her sights on Boston Qualification (BQ) standards. She needed to run under 2:50:59 to do so. She chose St George Marathon in Utah because of the favorable terrain and climate.
Photo: Shari at St George's Marathon in Utah.
Photo: I'm not sure what this hand gesture signifies, but if it means "sub 2-50" then it is spot on.
Her time was 3:48:55....just under the requirements...a big congratulations to Shari! There is nothing sweeter than a narrow margin of victory.
Photo: Shari at St George's Marathon in Utah.
Photo: I'm not sure what this hand gesture signifies, but if it means "sub 2-50" then it is spot on.
After a disappointing race at Country Music Marathon, she had some unfinished business.
One of the smart things that Shari did was end her triathlon season early to focus on marathon training. You can't have your cake and eat it too...unless you strategize. I bet that BQ "cake" is mighty tasty.
One of the smart things that Shari did was end her triathlon season early to focus on marathon training. You can't have your cake and eat it too...unless you strategize. I bet that BQ "cake" is mighty tasty.
Photo: Shari (center) during a warmer time of the year at Old Hickory Triathon.
George Allen at the Big Dance
George Allen is an amazing triathlete in Nashville. I am not his only coach but he does do some of his workouts with the STtrainer team.
George finished 11th out of ~60 racers in the M60-64 age group (remember this is the World Championship Ironman!) with a time of 12:17. He is highly motivated and plans to go back next year and do even better.
George finished 11th out of ~60 racers in the M60-64 age group (remember this is the World Championship Ironman!) with a time of 12:17. He is highly motivated and plans to go back next year and do even better.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fox wins AG
Lora Fox won her age group at the Inglewood 5K with a time of 24:20. She is training for the Nashville Half Marathon.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
ACME Tailgate Party
I arrived in time to score some shop coffee and get my kit ready. Mark Evans gave instructions for the 50 mile ride.
There was a good turnout for the 50 mile ride.
It was a cold ride today. I rode with some roadies but they were in the off season...which was probably how I could keep up with them.
There were lots of festivities, food, and interesting people around after the ride.
Nashville Ultra 50K and 50 Mile
Ashly Dewberry 7:02:23
Alice Kim 11:45:25
Walter Harris 6:06:33
(First ultra for all three of these runners.)
I arrived just in time this morning to give Ashly Dewberry a quick pep talk. It was cold but I figured it would get warmer later.
Photo: I could never match colors...check out the new STtrainer Swiftwicks.
The Nashville Ultra is a welcome addition to the local race calendar.
Photo: The race director gave a few last minute directions. Like a typical ultra, everyone was chill and looking forward to the run.
Clients Walter and Ashly were both doing their first ultra on this day.
Photo: The race director yelled "go" and the race was started.
Ashly finished 2nd place in the 50 mile with the help of his wife/sherpa Catherine. She crewed for him all day by bike.
Alice Kim 11:45:25
Walter Harris 6:06:33
(First ultra for all three of these runners.)
I arrived just in time this morning to give Ashly Dewberry a quick pep talk. It was cold but I figured it would get warmer later.
Photo: I could never match colors...check out the new STtrainer Swiftwicks.
The Nashville Ultra is a welcome addition to the local race calendar.
Photo: The race director gave a few last minute directions. Like a typical ultra, everyone was chill and looking forward to the run.
Clients Walter and Ashly were both doing their first ultra on this day.
Photo: The race director yelled "go" and the race was started.
Ashly finished 2nd place in the 50 mile with the help of his wife/sherpa Catherine. She crewed for him all day by bike.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
5K PR
Cynthia is part of the large running training group that has been meeting all summer long on Monday nights. In that program I have helped participants return to running after a long lay-off, or start running for the first time. But the best is when someone experiences a new breakthru in speed.
Cynthia writes:
Hi Stephen, just wanted to thank you guys for helping me get faster! That Love Circle Hill Repeats run must be doing something!! I did a PR yesterday on the Oktoberfest Germantown 5K.Second in my age group!! Wahoo. I appreciate my Run for the Party Peeps!!!
CYNTHIA K 23:28 7:34
Cynthia writes:
Hi Stephen, just wanted to thank you guys for helping me get faster! That Love Circle Hill Repeats run must be doing something!! I did a PR yesterday on the Oktoberfest Germantown 5K.Second in my age group!! Wahoo. I appreciate my Run for the Party Peeps!!!
CYNTHIA K 23:28 7:34
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Carrie and Kevin complete half irons
In their own words:
Carrie Rollins
Augusta 70.3
6:03:01
As most of you already know, I ended up with a tail-kicking sinus infection that left me sitting at home in bed on Wednesday. I surrendered my goal of finishing in a sub-six hour time, but still had hopes of finishing the race. As Brad and I traveled to Augusta, I was high on drugs sleeping most of the way and basically stayed in bed until race day. Brad wasn’t sure if I was going to make it to the start line. But…as the saying goes, “you can’t keep a good women down.”
Atlantic Coast Triathlon
6:21:31
Carrie Rollins
Augusta 70.3
6:03:01
As most of you already know, I ended up with a tail-kicking sinus infection that left me sitting at home in bed on Wednesday. I surrendered my goal of finishing in a sub-six hour time, but still had hopes of finishing the race. As Brad and I traveled to Augusta, I was high on drugs sleeping most of the way and basically stayed in bed until race day. Brad wasn’t sure if I was going to make it to the start line. But…as the saying goes, “you can’t keep a good women down.”
When I saw the finish line I screamed like I won a million dollars. I was clueless about the time. I didn’t care. I finished. My knee wasn’t hurting, I wasn’t going to pass out, I may get sick (and did) but even that was okay. Metal around my neck I found my husband Brad. YEAH!It was a great day. The three minutes and one second over my original goal of a sub-six hour half ironman was the best three minutes…I kept my number ONE rule – Have fun. And I did. Bring on B2B!
Atlantic Coast Triathlon
6:21:31
I will admit I am disappointed with my time and felt it should have been at least 22 minutes faster. However I did finish and that in of itself is a major accomplishment to me. Through the training I accomplished and surpassed many of my goals. I would have never made it this far without the support of my wonderful wife, Sonya, and the coaching of Stephen Taylor. For now I am stepping away from this sport as it requires more time than I willing to continue to commit. There are just too many things I need/ want to do with that time. When I come back I will kick the half iron (70.3) in the butt and conquer the full Ironman.
Bikes of the Adoption Tour
"Cosmini's GT"
Photo: Jelly Belly team-issue GT, with "Dopers Suck" decal on the downtube.
Photo: Photograph of MiKayla on the back.
Cosmini told me the long story of the many hardships and unlucky breaks that this young girl has faced. Cosmini daughter is the same age, and when his daughter told him the story he accepted her into his family. Most adoptions of older children involve adults who already know and love the young person. Cosmini already had a full house, but they made room and accepted MiKayla into the family.
Photo: Me and Cosmini enjoying a cold one after a day of riding.
Day 4: Manchester--Bell Buckle--Columbia
Today, Thursday, was a great day in the Adoption Tour for me because I got back out on my bike and rode today. It was only 70 miles, but compared to 100+ miles (and especially with one leg) a 70 mile day was not too bad.
Photo: Back out on my bike, H-A-P-P-Y.
Today's route went through some very beautiful countryside. It was warm, sunny, and quite frankly a perfect day. I was reveling in the prior days of inspiration and introspection, so today was nice to consolidate those feelings and just ride.
Next we arrived for lunch and a celebration in Bell Buckle, TN. I had never before been to this town of 300, which is known for the RC Cola/Moon Pie Festival and 10 mile run. The town is very quaint with a number of little artisan, craft shops, and cafes.
Photo: Writing on the side of the support van.
Photo: Riders speaking with resident's in Bell Buckle.
We met the Mayor, First Lady, and Tennessee Poet Laureate. At every celebration whoever spoke would illustrate how we are all touched by adoption. People on the street were always interested, and it was easy to talk to them about the issue of adoption.
Photo: Riders in a paceline.
For the rest of the day it was warm and windy. There was nothing between us and the finish, so everyone got into pacelines, put their head down, and pedaled hard.
Photo: It was a great day.
Photo: Back out on my bike, H-A-P-P-Y.
Today's route went through some very beautiful countryside. It was warm, sunny, and quite frankly a perfect day. I was reveling in the prior days of inspiration and introspection, so today was nice to consolidate those feelings and just ride.
Next we arrived for lunch and a celebration in Bell Buckle, TN. I had never before been to this town of 300, which is known for the RC Cola/Moon Pie Festival and 10 mile run. The town is very quaint with a number of little artisan, craft shops, and cafes.
Photo: Writing on the side of the support van.
Photo: Riders speaking with resident's in Bell Buckle.
We met the Mayor, First Lady, and Tennessee Poet Laureate. At every celebration whoever spoke would illustrate how we are all touched by adoption. People on the street were always interested, and it was easy to talk to them about the issue of adoption.
Photo: Riders in a paceline.
For the rest of the day it was warm and windy. There was nothing between us and the finish, so everyone got into pacelines, put their head down, and pedaled hard.
Photo: It was a great day.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Celebration in Manchester
Just watch this video:
Video: Adoption Tour celebration in Manchester.
After a couple hours to shower, eat, and relax, we hopped back on the bikes and rode over to the town square in Manchester. I wouldn't normally ride my bike on a busy thoroughfare at night, but a full THP escort made it easy.
This celebration had a band, popcorn, sodas, other souveniers...and lots of people.
Photo: Nikki was cold...so one of our beloved THP crew lent her his coat.
The most touching thing I experienced during this celebration was I talked to a woman who was waiting to adopt a child. She was hoping for a child between ages 2-6, because she had some grandchildren in that age range that she already takes care of. She was very sweet and I could tell she would make an excellent mother. She lived near where the celebration was in Manchester, and she came walking down to see what the music was. And here it was an event for adoption! I had the feeling like divine providence was taking place....just like all week.
Video: Adoption Tour celebration in Manchester.
After a couple hours to shower, eat, and relax, we hopped back on the bikes and rode over to the town square in Manchester. I wouldn't normally ride my bike on a busy thoroughfare at night, but a full THP escort made it easy.
This celebration had a band, popcorn, sodas, other souveniers...and lots of people.
Photo: Nikki was cold...so one of our beloved THP crew lent her his coat.
The most touching thing I experienced during this celebration was I talked to a woman who was waiting to adopt a child. She was hoping for a child between ages 2-6, because she had some grandchildren in that age range that she already takes care of. She was very sweet and I could tell she would make an excellent mother. She lived near where the celebration was in Manchester, and she came walking down to see what the music was. And here it was an event for adoption! I had the feeling like divine providence was taking place....just like all week.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Unwanted Rest Day
Today was a tough day for me....I didn't get to ride today. With my knee tweaked I made the decision last night to take the day off today. I sheepishly asked Jesse O'Hatnick if there was a crew job that I could do? He said that he could really use a driver and that it would be immensely helpful to him. That was a big relief because if I can't ride, I didn't want to be a useless hanger on. Yes, I could contribute by driving the Adoption Tour Director in a white Tahoe.
Yes, it was a good day.
Photo: Rider briefing before the tour rode from Chattanooga to Manchester.
We started the day with a rider briefing, led by tour director Jesse O'Hatnick. It was a beautiful morning in Chattanooga...we woke up on the Bayou Queen (see previous post,) and it promised to be a warm, fun day.
Photo: My bike, sadly sitting on top of the sag vehicle.
My darn knee was still hurting this morning, but it felt slightly better. I made the decision that I would take today off and rest my knee, so hopefully I can ride both days on Thurs and Fri.
Photo: A photo that I surreptitiously snapped while leading the Adoption Tour out of Chattanooga in the Director's Truck. Note: 80-some riders and a full THP compliment.
I had a wonderful time chatting with Tour Director Jesse O'Hatnick. I learned some of the history of the Adoption Tour, which started primarily at the behest of some Harmony Adoption workers. They wanted to combine their passion for cycling along with raising awareness for adoption. One quality of the first Adoption Tours was connecting different adoption-related agencies, including Omni Visions, Harmony Adoptions, Agape, and Tennessee Department of Children's Services. Now in it's 5th year, the Adoption Tour is truly a collaboration among numerous agencies that are involved in the Adoption effort.
Okay, this next part is really, really cool.....
One of our pit-stops was at an elementary school in Jasper, TN. Want to hear something loud? Click on the video clip below:
Video: Adoption Tour pulling into Jasper, TN elementary school. CLICK IT!
It was not nearly as fun as riding, but I led the procession into the roundabout in front of the school. The principle and the tour director spoke to the children about the need for adoption families in TN. There is currently a need for 100 "forever familes."
Photo: The kids were very interested in meeting the cyclists. We gave them candy and Adoption Tour bracelets.
Next up was some serious riding. Yes, it was time to climb Monteagle mountain. The climb was 7-10% grade for 3.4 miles. Of course, I had the best seat in the house. As driver I could watch the lead group while climbing with abandon. Well, the best seat would have been a bike saddle. This was the next best thing.
Photo: These guys were really hauling, under full THP support.
By the end of the day I had driven Jesse and I to Woody's Bicycles in Sewanne to get some badly needed emergency supplies. I begged if they had a set of cranks that I could use to replace my PowerCranks, and they totally hooked me up with a set of 9-speed Ultegra Cranks. If you live anywhere near Sewanne, go check out Woody's Bicycles [link here.]
Photo: Woody's Bicycles, which was full of character and characters. Very chill, SUPER helpful, and they have great decorations. Go there if you are in the Sewanne area. (Jesse O'Hatnick in the door.)
Yes, it was a good day.
Photo: Rider briefing before the tour rode from Chattanooga to Manchester.
We started the day with a rider briefing, led by tour director Jesse O'Hatnick. It was a beautiful morning in Chattanooga...we woke up on the Bayou Queen (see previous post,) and it promised to be a warm, fun day.
Photo: My bike, sadly sitting on top of the sag vehicle.
My darn knee was still hurting this morning, but it felt slightly better. I made the decision that I would take today off and rest my knee, so hopefully I can ride both days on Thurs and Fri.
Photo: A photo that I surreptitiously snapped while leading the Adoption Tour out of Chattanooga in the Director's Truck. Note: 80-some riders and a full THP compliment.
I had a wonderful time chatting with Tour Director Jesse O'Hatnick. I learned some of the history of the Adoption Tour, which started primarily at the behest of some Harmony Adoption workers. They wanted to combine their passion for cycling along with raising awareness for adoption. One quality of the first Adoption Tours was connecting different adoption-related agencies, including Omni Visions, Harmony Adoptions, Agape, and Tennessee Department of Children's Services. Now in it's 5th year, the Adoption Tour is truly a collaboration among numerous agencies that are involved in the Adoption effort.
Okay, this next part is really, really cool.....
One of our pit-stops was at an elementary school in Jasper, TN. Want to hear something loud? Click on the video clip below:
Video: Adoption Tour pulling into Jasper, TN elementary school. CLICK IT!
It was not nearly as fun as riding, but I led the procession into the roundabout in front of the school. The principle and the tour director spoke to the children about the need for adoption families in TN. There is currently a need for 100 "forever familes."
Photo: The kids were very interested in meeting the cyclists. We gave them candy and Adoption Tour bracelets.
Next up was some serious riding. Yes, it was time to climb Monteagle mountain. The climb was 7-10% grade for 3.4 miles. Of course, I had the best seat in the house. As driver I could watch the lead group while climbing with abandon. Well, the best seat would have been a bike saddle. This was the next best thing.
Photo: These guys were really hauling, under full THP support.
By the end of the day I had driven Jesse and I to Woody's Bicycles in Sewanne to get some badly needed emergency supplies. I begged if they had a set of cranks that I could use to replace my PowerCranks, and they totally hooked me up with a set of 9-speed Ultegra Cranks. If you live anywhere near Sewanne, go check out Woody's Bicycles [link here.]
Photo: Woody's Bicycles, which was full of character and characters. Very chill, SUPER helpful, and they have great decorations. Go there if you are in the Sewanne area. (Jesse O'Hatnick in the door.)
Final Stretch into Chattanooga
We did a full THP escort ride into Chattanooga. Riding with 85 cyclists, matching kits, all lights blocked into a major city...this is heaven!
Photo: Tour with Full Escort.
While riding into town I noticed the rider next to me had two pictures of children taped to his handlebars.
In 5 miles of riding I had a very interesting conversation with my new friend Jeff. He has adopted two children, both as newborns, now ages 6 and 9 years old. He shared with me the overwhelming joy of the day he learned he was going to be a father. You cannot help but be touched by hearing about that experience of being blessed, especially after the pain, saddness, and confusion if you can't conceive naturally.
Jeff used to live in Tennessee but is now a federal law enforcement agent in Washington DC. When he heared about the Adoption Tour he knew he wanted to participate. He (along with many others on this trip) purchased a road bike this year for the first time, and started training for the Adoption Tour.
These are the pictures of his two children. I shared with him my experience of being adopted, and also how I was contacted and came to know my birth mother at age 30. It was a very emotional and extremely positive experience. I can imagine the love the love that Jeff and his wife are able to give and receive with these two beautiful children.
Jeff adopted his children through Agape in Nashville [link here.]
And I am glad Jeff is now cycling thanks to the Adoption Tour. It is great.
Photo: Tour with Full Escort.
While riding into town I noticed the rider next to me had two pictures of children taped to his handlebars.
In 5 miles of riding I had a very interesting conversation with my new friend Jeff. He has adopted two children, both as newborns, now ages 6 and 9 years old. He shared with me the overwhelming joy of the day he learned he was going to be a father. You cannot help but be touched by hearing about that experience of being blessed, especially after the pain, saddness, and confusion if you can't conceive naturally.
Jeff used to live in Tennessee but is now a federal law enforcement agent in Washington DC. When he heared about the Adoption Tour he knew he wanted to participate. He (along with many others on this trip) purchased a road bike this year for the first time, and started training for the Adoption Tour.
These are the pictures of his two children. I shared with him my experience of being adopted, and also how I was contacted and came to know my birth mother at age 30. It was a very emotional and extremely positive experience. I can imagine the love the love that Jeff and his wife are able to give and receive with these two beautiful children.
Jeff adopted his children through Agape in Nashville [link here.]
And I am glad Jeff is now cycling thanks to the Adoption Tour. It is great.
Delta Queen
Last night after the Chattanooga celebration, an exciting rumor spread through the Tour. Our hotel for the night would be...the Delta Queen!
Photo: Slow boarding....all those bikes.
We boarded the vessel with thought of dinner, beers, and sleep. But it was much more than that. We received a history lesson of the unique ship, which you can learn [link here.]
Photo: The rooms were tight, but the beds were SOOOO comfortable. After two days of 100+ miles (112 and 109, to be exact) we were ready for hardcore sleep.
One of the unique qualities of the Adoption Tour is that you will ride hard all day long. And you will also put your energy into learning about, promoting, and advocating for Adoption in Tennessee. Well, besides working hard, we also are treated extremely well with delicious dinner, socializing, and entertainment each night.
Photo: Anne, Marlena, and I jumped up and toasted away.
Okay I will admit that when I am feeling good, I will get up and make a toast. I don't care if it is in the dining room of a steamboat with 100 riders and support crew. Like Michael Yates, I won't shy away from a microphone. I shared my 1-legged tribute to youths awaiting adoption (see below,) and thanked Marlena for introducing me to the Adoption Tour.
Photo: My friend and little angel Marlena Waters. She works in foster and adoption placement, and she was the person who first told me about the Adoption Tour.
Photo: The grand staircase of the steamboat.
Photo: It was easy to wake up when this was the first view you see in the morning.
I will never forget my night on the Delta Queen. It would have been the perfect start to a day of riding...the only problem is that I wouldn't be riding today.
Photo: Slow boarding....all those bikes.
We boarded the vessel with thought of dinner, beers, and sleep. But it was much more than that. We received a history lesson of the unique ship, which you can learn [link here.]
Photo: The rooms were tight, but the beds were SOOOO comfortable. After two days of 100+ miles (112 and 109, to be exact) we were ready for hardcore sleep.
One of the unique qualities of the Adoption Tour is that you will ride hard all day long. And you will also put your energy into learning about, promoting, and advocating for Adoption in Tennessee. Well, besides working hard, we also are treated extremely well with delicious dinner, socializing, and entertainment each night.
Photo: Anne, Marlena, and I jumped up and toasted away.
Okay I will admit that when I am feeling good, I will get up and make a toast. I don't care if it is in the dining room of a steamboat with 100 riders and support crew. Like Michael Yates, I won't shy away from a microphone. I shared my 1-legged tribute to youths awaiting adoption (see below,) and thanked Marlena for introducing me to the Adoption Tour.
Photo: My friend and little angel Marlena Waters. She works in foster and adoption placement, and she was the person who first told me about the Adoption Tour.
Photo: The grand staircase of the steamboat.
Photo: It was easy to wake up when this was the first view you see in the morning.
I will never forget my night on the Delta Queen. It would have been the perfect start to a day of riding...the only problem is that I wouldn't be riding today.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
108 miles, 1 leg, 4 adoptions, 2 heroes, and a huge cannon
Photo: Pre-ride briefing in Maryville, 108 miles to ride today.
Day 2 started early with a rider meeting at 6:45am. Jesse gave us the run-down and we rolled out under the flashing blue THP lights. My knee still hurt, seriously. Within one mile I knew that one of two things would happen that day: I would drop out and ride in a SAG wagon, or I would pedal over 100 miles with my left leg.
My personality is the the kind where I seek out challenges. The bigger the challenge the more appealing. Why just do 433.7 miles in 5 days, when I could do the distance on impossibly difficult PowerCranks? I was overly ambitious for my ironman training, and by the end of the first day my knee was hurt.
But this ride was for something bigger than my own triathlon training. The purpose is to raise awareness and even if I am hurt, I still want to contribute to this goal. So I decided this day I was going to pedal 100 miles with one leg.
Why?
Photo: Pedaling my bike with one leg.
Because right now in Tennessee there are over 100 children awaiting a forever family. Many are victims of abuse or neglect. Many are in foster care or residential placement. Some are approaching the age of 18...and they have no one. So no matter how difficult it got, I was going to make it through this day. I dedicated this difficult day to the difficulties these children faced.
One thing I quickly realized was that pedaling with one leg is SLOW. In one day I went from riding in the front of the tour to riding in nearly last place. Talk about self-reflection. I know what it is like to be in last place, and today I was reminded of that feeling.
One of the celebrations today was in downtown Cleveland, TN. I was really looking forward to this celebration because there was going to be a ceremony finalizing FOUR ADOPTIONS. Since I was adopted as a newborn, I really wanted to see the ceremony. I remember those last 20 miles of pedalling as hard as I could with one leg...and I missed the ceremony. I stood there in the gazebo with tears in my eyes, hidden behind my white Oakley sunglasses. It sucks being slow.
Photo: Adoption Tour celebration in downtown Cleveland TN.
Photo: This is the judge who finalized 4 adoptions during the ceremony. She has performed over 60 adoptions in the last year.
I stood there and watched all the happy people people. There were adults hugging kids and holding babies. The people who were involved in the adoption were wearing nice clothes and I was very happy for them. I walked over and talked to the judge. She shared her view that permanent homes are much more effective than foster homes and temporary placements. "Forever families." She is a huge advocate for adoption because it represents the best ending outcome of a bad situation for child. She has a mountain bike only, but she said she would get a road bike and ride with us next year. Talking to her made me feel better after missing the adoption ceremony.
So after that bummer was over there were some fun moments. First let me introduce you to a couple of my heroes:
Photo: Michael and Zan.
These guys were 2 of the 5 on the very first adoption tour. They are so cool because the chill in the back of the ride and take care of people. They have incredibly caring attitudes towards everyone. I admire what they started and I am grateful to be part of it's current incarnation. Plus they have cool bikes.
Okay this is just a funny picture:
Our lunch stop was in the parking lot of an shooters supply store. When I went in to use the bathroom I saw this insane looking, cannon-sized gun. The man working there told me to pick it up. I strained to lift the supports off the glass cabinet. I'm glad I don't have to use one of those things.
What a strange day. 108 miles with one leg. 4 adoptions. One huge gun. And where would we sleep that night?
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