Vermont has some of the best Nordic ski trails in the Nation if not the best.  Vermont also has some of the best collegiate, masters, and recreational Nordic skiers in the Nation.  I like endurance sports and I like a good workout and after reading Bill McKibbens book (Middlebury Professor) on endurance I knew I wanted to get into Nordic.  I picked up a pair of skis, boots, and poles and without taking lessons I figured I'd just go out and hit the course.  Middlebury College has a Nordic ski center but I figured I should wait before I embarras myself on those trails. My friend Jason Hayden is a great Nordic skier and he's given me some pointers online and I've read some how to websites.  How hard could it be?  I had actually hit the golf courses in Illinois a few times when I was younger so I figured I would be o.k.

Boy was I mistaken.  I'm sure I looked like a complete moron.  I know I felt like one.  I only saw one human being and I acted like I was stretching so he didn't see me ski.  I'm going to meet a friend tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. and try again.  My friend Joe DeSena is going to participate in a Nordic Marathon in January and I'd like to join him but I would need a full day to finish at this rate. 

I'm hoping to pick it up so that I can get a workout.  Today was just me floundering around in the woods.

2008 is coming to a close and the 2009 race schedule is in the works.  Peak Races will add a few races for 09 but will also say good bye to one race.  The McNaughton Park Trail Runs will no longer be a Peak Race.  This is the last year because I have relocated to Middlebury, Vermont and I'm unable to put on a quality event without being in Pekin.  I do hope the race continues.  I'm very passionate about McNaughton Park and about that race which is in it's 9th year.  I've made lots of friends at McNaughton Park and I hope runners come back and enjoy the course for years to come.

The 2009 Schedule

March 7th - Pittsfield Snowshoe Marathon, Half Marathon, and Six Miler

April 10 - 12th - McNaughton Park Trail Runs - 50, 100, 150 mile

April 26th - Middlebury Mud Run - 1/2 Marathon

June 6th - Pittsfield Peaks Ultra Challenge - 53 mile/ 50 K

June 27th - Death Race 

July 18th - Chet Warren Memorial Bike Ride - TBA

August 22nd - 666 Mtn. Bike Race

Please check www.peakraces.com often for additional races, training plans, photos, videos, blogs, etc.

We hope to see you in 2009.

Registration is open and we have seventy plus entrants thus far.  The race is in it's 9th year and this will be my last.  i've relocated my family to Vermont and logistically it's too tough for me to direct this race without being in Pekin.  I've spent the last 8 years directing this race and the last 12 years running in the park.  It's become a passion of mine and a very special place. 

I'm looking forward to one more weekend at McNaughton Park.

Winter has finally arrived in Vermont.  We actually had two snowfalls in October but in Vermont that doesn't mean it's winter.  The snowfalls were followed by a week of sunny skies and mid 50's.  We moved in June and we've enjoyed our first official summer and fall in Vermont and now we're looking forward to winter.  I have to say that Fall has been my favorite season so far but I'm thinking I'll change my mind after winter.  I'm not sure Sloan feels the same way.  I know she's already talking about our trip to Florida in late December.  Grace and Jade will be skiing for the first time this winter and we're all excited for that.

Middlebury Swimming is under way.  We are in our second week of training and we start our season this weekend with the Blue/White meet.  The Muffintop Masters team will also be in attendance.

The Peak Races have finished their second season and the race staff is already planning for 2009.  We're looking forward to another great year.  We'll kick off the race season with the Snowshoe Marathon and Half Marathon March 7th. 

Congratulations to Reeder Fahnestock for winning the $10,000 purse offered up for anyone who could finish all six races.  Ri completed 100 miles in Pittsfield two weeks ago to walk away with the 10k. 

I'll be sending a recap of the 2008 racing season and a preview of the 2009 racing season shortly.

I spent my Saturday at the Funeral Run in Pittsfield, VT.  Jason Hayden created a brutal course with 32,000 of elevation change for the 100 mile run.  The 200 mile run was 50,000 elevation change due to the last 100 miles being on the road.  Four men challenged the 200 distance and 9 challenged the 100 mile distance.  The 50 mile fun run is set for Sunday.

The weather was gorgeous during the day but very chilly at night, down to 16 degrees.  The mountain had four inches of snow a few days prior to the race and the ground was wet for the entire race. 

Had a great time visiting with old friends and catching up with the Pittsfield clan.  The runners were in great spirits as were their support crews. 

More to come tomorrow.

Registration is now open for the 2009 Snowshoe marathon at PeakRaces.com

Here's my report from the Inaugural Race:

Hello All,

What a wonderful weekend in Vermont. I enjoyed myself and I sure hope you did. Mike Halovatch invited me to Vermont last December and that's when this race was born. Anthony Cotter, Mike Halovatch, Matt Quinlan, myself, and Joe took off into the woods for a eight hour training run. We made a decision that night to host a snowshoe marathon on Joe's farm. We were very rushed and weren't sure if we should go for it in 2007 or wait until 2008. January was rather mild and it looked like the snowshoe marathon was going to be a trail run. A few storms later and Joe had three feet of snow in his yard. I'm glad we decided to give it a try. Congrats to all of you who raced and enjoy the beautiful Green Mountains. Thanks to Courtney and Joe for their hospitality and for allowing us to use Riverside Farms.

Special thanks to Jaloyn Fockler who is a organizational maniac. The weekend would not have been possible without her help. Jen Held, Anthony Cotter, Liz Cotter, Mike Halovatch, Bill Thom, and Sherpa John LaCroix were also on the race committee. They were very instrumental throughout the last few months.

I would also like to thank my wife, Sloan, who puts up with all of my stupid ideas. She hears some crazy things from me but when I told her I was going to put on a snowshoe marathon in Vermont she about choked.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Long Trail, First Response, Dion Snowshoes, Hammer Nutrition, Vermont Original General Store, GMAA, VASA, World Supply, REI, and Red Bull.

Special thanks to Rick and Paula for capturing all the pictures. Rick has asked me to announce the following: Pre-register to see the snowshoe marathon photos at: www.pictage.com/283342
It will prompt them to enter their email and it will notify them when they are ready.

Special thanks to race day volunteers: Kevin McCarthy, Bob and Laurel, Eileen, Kristin Beedy, Mark, Matt Quinlan, Francisco, Angela Jackson, Heath Gosselin and family, Liz and Jimmy Albright, the Warren's, Colby, Pat, and anyone else who popped in and helped for awhile.

Special thanks to David Breashears for making the trip, speaking, and presenting his movie. Saturday night I mentioned Saturday night that few people in this world have done what David has done. He is a tremendous athlete and person. Thanks again for spending time with us.

Please visit www.peak.com to get updated info on races in Pittsfield. The next Adventure will be the Pittsfield Peaks Ultra Challenge. We are in the process of changing the format. There will be two divisions. The ultra division which will be a 50 mile ultra run in which you will summit six peaks. There will also be the death division which will cover the same course but nobody will finish it solo and relays might die trying to finish. All relays will participate in the death division and they will summit the same six peaks but they will carry something to the top.

Andy Weinberg R.D.

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Sherpa John Adds:
What does a Vermont wedding, David Breashears, and 102 crazy people have in common?
By: John Lacroix

Riverside Farms, Vermont's premier wedding venue hosted the First Annual Pittsfield Snowshoe Marathon and Half Marathon on March Third. 84 participants toed the starting line to take on the ultimate winter challenge of completing one or two loops of New England's toughest half and full marathon course. In an event that many said would never get off the ground, success was imminent with a presentation from the world famous adventurer David Breashears and a stomach stuffing lobster and shrimp feast.

When race organizers Andy Weinberg and his team of organizers came up with the idea to hold a snowshoe race in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, it was a match made in heaven with Weinberg's famous race organization skills and his somewhat off the wall imagination. As they assembled their race committee, New England's toughest marathon and half marathon quickly began to take shape. Those who would register had no idea the challenge that lay before them.

When Bob Dion, owner of Dion Snowshoes and sponsor of the event, heard about the race; he wasn't as optimistic as Weinberg about the pending number of registered participants. Dion normally sees only forty racers at local four-mile snowshoe events with the numbers slowly declining as the distance's increase. When race organizers called their sponsor because the fifty loaner snowshoes promised were all ready spoken for, Dion was simply amazed. "You never see this many people at a snowshoe race over 10K, never mind thirteen to twenty six miles." Some skeptics doubted that 50 people would even sign up at all! Therefore, Weinberg's team scrambled to get nationwide outdoor sports outfitter REI to sponsor the event as well with their own contribution of loaner snowshoes.

The course started with a 200-yard dash through three feet of unbroken snow. The next 13 miles was a lollipop course consisting of snowmobile trails, single track and back country roads all the while climbing 2,000 feet to the near top of South Mountain. Twice! On their way back to the Riverside Farm, racers climbed to the actual peak of South Mountain where they had the option to grab a sled and cruise the 2,000 foot descent to the back side of the Farm.

After 13 miles and over 4,000 feet of elevation change, only 16 of the 84 registrants finishing a second loop to make it a marathon. Leigh Schmidt, New England's 2006 winning most ultra-runner came in second for the marathon behind Paul Low. As Schmidt reached the finish line 4 hours after starting, he collapsed into the snow. A smiling Weinberg asked him how the course was to which he replied, "That was harder than the Vermont 50!"

After the race, everyone assembled in one of Riverside's barns for dinner and a special presentation. Aside from a fleece and finishers plaque, everyone enjoyed a 2lb lobster and all the jumbo shrimp they could eat. The place was packed as David Breashears, a world famous mountaineer, adventurer and filmmaker; gave a special presentation centered around the events of the May 1996 tragedy on Everest, is slated to air on NBC within the coming year.

Peak Adventures successfully put on the First Annual Pittsfield Snowshoe Marathon and Half Marathon. What's next for Weinberg and his band of misfits? Their upcoming Pittsfield Peaks Ultra Challenge in June, where participants must attempt to run to and from each of the 6 area peaks. When asked about it the crew simply replies," The number 6 is closely related to Hell, and a day in hell is what they'll get this June. We seriously doubt anyone will be able to finish this race!" I guess only time will tell. Visit peak.com. For more information about Riverside Farm, please visit RiversideFarmWeddings.com.

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Pittsfield Snowshoe Marathon and Half Marathon
Pittsfield, Vermont
3-Mar-2007

Full Marathon
1. Paul Low – 3:55:39
2. Leigh Schmitt – 4:08:42
3. Todd Walker – 4:38:16
4. Chad Denning – 4:44:33
5. Matt Bedoukian – 4:53:20
6. Frieda Rosenberg – 4:54:36
7. Courtenay Guertin – 5:13:50
8. Tyler Otfinoski – 5:39:11
9. Tom Parent – 5:53:00
10. Jennifer Shultis – 6:15:36
11. Alan Randolph – 6:23:46
12. Teresa Sukiennicki – 6:38:20
13. Dan Myers – 7:00:16
14. John Izzo – 7:03:40
15. John LaCroix – 7:08:04
16. Jon Romeo – 8:33:24

Half Marathon
1. Bob Dion – 2:08:00
2. Kelli Lusk – 2:12:07
3. Tim Nichols – 2:30:12
4. David Darby – 3:12:01
4. Michael Kagey – 3:12:01
6. Laura Bleakley – 3:21:24
7. Steve Crosley – 3:27:58
8. Joe Gaziano – 3:30:00
9. Jeff Longcor – 3:31:52
10.Michael Lachariete – 3:37:08
11. Barry Casamasima – 3:54:12
12. Jen Held - 3:57:31
13. Joshua Robert – 3:59:47
14. Patrick Singh – 4:09:46
14. Andrea Dombrowski – 4:09:46
16. Zach Cutler – 4:10:27
17. Steve do Rego – 4:10:49
18. Noel Ashekian – 4:22:35
19. Colin Kwak – 4:24:06
20. Andy Hawley – 4:25:39
21. Enid Patten – 4:26:20
22. Greg Hartwell – 4:29:33
22. Crystal Locke – 4:29:33
22. Keith Davis – 4:29:33
25. Anthony Cotter – 4:30:00
25. Patrick Polsunas – 4:30:00
27. Joe Zerillo – 4:34:50
28. Viginia Iadonisi – 4:35:01
29. Michael Chan – 4:42:23
30. Mat Mullen – 4:44:33
31. Katelyn Dondero – 4:52:36
31. Leigh Croteau – 4:52:36
33. Neil Book – 4:56:01
33. Heidi Casamasima – 4:56:01
35. Mike Iadonisi – 5:12:32
36. Rosa Mora – 5:16:30
37. Dave Delibac – 5:24:19
38. Sloan Weinberg – 6:10:58
38. Molly Damotte – 6:10:58
40. Matt Quinlan – 6:11:37
41. Christian Douglas
42. Karen McCarthy

Fun Run
1. Joe DeSena
2. Courtney DeSena
3. Boris Pluskowski
4. Scott McCallister
5. Piers Hughes
6. Marissa Fazio
7. John Guaracio
8. Judy Bucklen
9. Denise Dion
10. Kevin McCarthy
11. Jacqueline Lundi
12. Liz Cotter
13. Rebecca Rankin
14. Karen Scacchi
15. Alecia Mullenis
16. Sean Maguire
17. Heath Gosselin
18. Daniel Pallson
19. James Maguire
20. Michelle Mahoney
21. Kim Bradshaw
22. Mark Bradshaw
23. James Maguire
24. Georgia Demetriades
25. Alana Zerillo
26. Antonio Biliardis
27. Ashley Farrington

I'm enjoying my first fall in Vermont and what a treat it is.  Great hiking, biking, paddling, running, camping, etc.  The weather is absolutely perfect.  My oldest, Gracie had a field trip yesterday and I tagged along to Ft. Ticonderoga and Mt. Defiance.  Very educational and great fun.  My youngest, Jade had a field trip today and I tagged along.  We went apple picking. 

Looking forward to hiking and camping with my kids tomorrow and a good long bike ride Sunday afternoon. 

On the professional side I'm looking forward to my first college swim season and on the personal/family side I'm gearing up for our first winter in Vermont.  My kids are very excited.  Sloan loves winter as well but she's a little unsure of the length of the Vermont winters. 

Lastly, the PEAK race staff is very excited about the 2009 races.  We've added a road cycling event.  Visit the new www.peakraces.com website for more info on the races.

I just returned from the Triple Ironman in Virginia.  

I've been wanting to do this race since 2006.  Due to injury in Dec. of 2006 I was unable to train in 2007 and couldn't enter the race.  Not only was I unable to race but unable to train at all from March - October.  Late October of 2007 I had a lumbar fusion back surgery and I was out of commission for the rest of the year.  2008 rolled around and I started walking.  I walked quite a bit for a month or two and then I was released to swim.  I started swimming quite a bit for a month or two and then I was released to bike.  I couldn't bike much because my back hurt to lean forward.  I did what I could and tried to stay pain free.  I also started running 1-2 days per week.  In April I committed to the Triple Ironman.  I was confident with the mental side of things because I like to suffer and I'm not afraid of long races.  What I was unsure of was whether or not I'd be able to train enough. 

Late May my school year ended and I headed to Vermont.  I hung out with Joe and Jason quite a bit and spent quite some time in the woods getting ready for the ultra, then the death race, then in mid June I was hired as the asst. swim coach at Middlebury and I knew we were in Vermont to stay.  We've been trying to relocate to Vermont for a few years now but had a hard time finding teaching jobs.  My close friend Joe lives in Pittsfield.  I checked the classifieds time and again for jobs in the metropolitan Pittsfield area but couldn't find anything.  Middlebury was calling and it was a great fit for our family.  Middlebury happens to be one of the most athletic towns I've ever been to.  There are so many fit and athletic people in town it's unreal.   I'll write a entire blog about Middlebury, Vermont and Middlebury College. 

Back to the triple.  I started training in July and trained pretty hard for all of July, August, and September.  I knew I was ready but the one thing that I wasa concerned about was sleep.  I have found my niche with nutrition and I've had nothing but good luck fueling myself for races up to 32 hours.  I hadn't gone past 32 hours in competition.  Once you hit 24 hours it's a entirely different feeling.  It's a great feeling but it's also a little scary.  I was excited to reach that point and also a bit nervous for going into the unknow. 

I left Middlebury Thursday en route to New York to pick up Mike's bike and his bag.  The entire drive I thought of the PEAK crew and I thought of Mike getting ready for his Ironman and Joe getting ready for the 508.  I wasn't really worried but it crossed my mind that I don't have time to train like those guys have.  Not that I wouldn't want to train like them, I would.  I simply don't have the time in my life to train like they do.  I never questioned myself about being prepared but I'd be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind.  These guys are super talented athletes.  They are not only physically tough but mentally as well.  I finally arrive in New York city and Kate greets me with Mike's stuff.  At first I thought maybe Kate was coming along as well.  he had packed so much I couldn't imagine all of that for one person.  He packed all of his belongings and I wasn't sure if I'd have room for Eric Skocaj who I was picking up in Baltimore.  Luckily we made it work.  Eric was ready to go at 2 p.m. and we were off to the venue which is the beautiful Lake Anna State Park.  I've toured this park a number of times since I have participated in the Virginia Double Ironman twice.  This year would be different.  This year I was attempting the triple ironman with 16 other athletes.  I arrived around 5 and set up our base camp.  We had a great camp and I had a great crew.  The camp and the crew were essential to me.  It's very important to have people who have pushed their bodies and minds and I choose two of the best.  Eric and Mike were absolutely great from the moment they arrived.  Eric and I set up and chatted with race staff, support crew, and athletes. 

We headed down to the lake at 630 to catch the pasta dinner, race meeting, and athlete introduction.  I was surrounded by some phenomenal athletes.  I enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting new one's.  Eric and I sat with Rich Hume and his support crew (Julian), two great guys from England.  I enjoyed their company.  We hung out for an hour or so and then headed to bed.  Eric and I were out quickly.  I asked our neighbors (Michel and Francine - Canadians) to wake us if we weren't up. 

I had no problem going to sleep and no problem waking up.  I was up at 5 a.m. itching to go.  I had some coffee with Nick who is from England and with Michel from Canada.  Eric woke up and we got all of my cycling gear together and my swim gear and headed down to the water for breakfast and last minute instructions.  The race was to start at 7 and it was quickly approaching. 

I've gained some weight since my last back surgery and it was tough to squeeze myself into my wetsuit.  Eric got a kick out of it.  I didn't think it was that funny as a struggled for breath.  One guy from England wasn't wearing a wetsuit but everyone else was.  He had just finished swimming the English Channel a few weeks ago so the 73 degrees in Lake Anna wasn't going to affect him.  One neat thing about ultra tri's is you meet some neat people.  I spent time with a guy who has done the RAAM (bicycle race across america) 14 times, other guys who have done Badwater, Double Badwater, Arrowhead 135, Susitna, Triple Ironman races, Quintuple Ironman races, and even DECA Ironman races. 

We had a quick photo shoot and Steve told us we were a few minutes away from starting.  7 a.m. came and we were off.  The water temp was perfect.  My suit was a little tight but it was stretching out.  I've been telling Mike Halovatch for years that I hate wetsuits, they cramp my style.  I still feel that but in that temp for that amount of time can really drain you and I thought it would be smart to wear one. 

I was cruising right along at 120 pace for about the first mile.  Everything was great.  I was really enjoying a relaxing swim in Lake Anna.  Hoping to knock out the 7.2 miles in about 3 hours but instead of telling other people that I told my support crew to expect me at 315.  I felt fine and I wasn't pushing at all.  The first Ironman swim (2.4 miles) I came in at 58 minutes.  I felt great and picked it up the second Ironman swim and came in at 1:54 so my second 2.4 miles was 56 minutes.  I thought for a second I could come in at 2:50.  I had taken two breaks to drink water and take a gel and banana.  other than that I felt fine.  I had swam 4.8 miles and wasn't really tired.  The tough part is staying straight.  I chose not to look up too often and just swim.  I find it easier just to swim then to worry about holding my line.  That can be bad though.  I was zig zagging and swimming extra.  With a 7.2 mile swim I didn't need any extra.  I spent the last six laps of the swim focusing on DPS (distance per stroke) and just trying to knock out one at a time.  I love the sound of open water swimming and the feel of open water vs. pool.  All was great and then the waves started to come in.  The lake had been flat for the first two hours and now I was noticing a little chop.  The little chop grew and before I was done it felt like I wasa swimming in a ocean.  Each loop got harder and harder and the waves were bigger each time.  This really throws off the efficienty in my stroke but I knew I was almost done.  At mile 6 or 6.5 I started cramping in my calves so I stopped kicking and just dragged my cramped up legs.  Then I became nauseous.  The waves were taking their toll and I was getting motion sickness.  I was very frustrated but knew that I could get to the end.  I checked my watch for after my 16th lap and figured out that I was swimming about a one hour pace for the last 2.4.  I plugged away the last 1/2 mile and finished in 2:56.  The swim record was 3 hours and I was happy to beat that but I had a long way to go.  Swimming is less than 10% of the race and to me it's just a formality.  I was happy to stand up and quickly greeted by Eric, my support crew who was a former swimmer of mine at Pekin.  He is also a avid trail runner.  I got him into ultramarathons a few years ago and he's done some impressive runs.  He's a pretty stubborn guy and has pushed through pain a number of times.  I knew he would be a great support crew and he was.  We headed to the bathroom greeting other support crews along the way.  I sat down to rest and settle my stomach.  I was very hungry but still sick from the waves.  Eric gave me some coffee, bananas, muffins, gels, etc.  I ate as much as I could as I changed my clothes.  14 minutes later I was on the bike course. 

I was the first one on the bike course and the cones hadn't been set up yet, the timing mats hadn't been laid out yet, etc.  I knew where to go because I had been there before.  I wound up knocking out twelve miles before the next competitor hit the course.  Happened to be my friend Richard Hume from England.  We greeted each other.  Slowly but surely all the athletes were on the course.  Took quite some time.  I hit mile 80 before the last swimmer was out of the water. 

The first 100 miles went by quickly.  I was holding a strong pace and felt good.  I was eating well and drinking tons of fluids.  My goal was to knock out as many miles as I could before my second support crew person showed up.  Eric was doing a great job and would ride with me periodically so we could go over nutrition strategy.  My friend Mike was coming down from New York City and was due to arrive at 830p.m.  He was going to help get me through the night.  Mike is a great triathlete and also a great friend.  He has crewed for me before and does a phenomenal job.  He always knows when to push me and when to keep it slow and steady, when to eat, when to rest, etc. 

Mike arrived and we quickly knocked out 50 or 60 miles.  I was getting tired and decided to pull the plug and get some sleep.  I slept from approx. 3:15 p.m - 5 a.m. and then I was back on the bike.  The nap was huge for me and I had a sudden burst of energy.  The last 100 miles of the bike leg was my strongest.  I was so excited to be off the bike and ready to run/shuffle.  I had a long transition.  I wanted to take a break and make sure I had everything I needed for the run.  The first few miles I simply walked and then moved to a light jog.  This didn't last.  After 10 miles I was smoked and decided to walk some.  I wound up walking the next ten miles and then I was able to jog some.  the job/walk strategy went well until early sunday morning.  I was so tired I was falling off my feet.  I decided to take another rest and wound up sleeping for 1 1/2 hours or 2 hours.  Once I woke I got out there and started cranking again.  Mike suggested I wear his ipod just for a change of pace.  I was amazed.  I felt so strong and the music helped me get through some fast miles.  I rarely listen to music when i train but this was great.  I was hoping the third morning light would give me a boost and it did. 

Day three was here and I was closing in on the finish line.  I knew I had done it and I was happy but I still had to knock out the last fifteen miles.  My feet were banged up.  I had blisters on the bottom of my feet and I still do three days post race. 

I finally crossed the line at 51 hours and 53 minutes good for third place overall. 

I had a great time.  I felt great the entire way.  I've had some races where I had ups and downs and races that got pretty ugly.  This race never got ugly.  I had a incredible support crew which helped.  Eric and Mike went above and beyond.  Other racers, race staff, other support crews all mentioned how lucky I was to have these two guys.  They were great.  I can't thank you guys enough.  My nutrition was perfect, my sleeps and rests were perfect, everything went well. No lows during this race.  Had a great time.  I'm not sure if I'll be back.  My feet are banged up and my ankles are rather swollen. 

Thanks to Steve and Cindy Kirby and their race staff and to the other athletes and their support crews.  We're all in it together and it was great meeting so many cool and talented athletes.

Lastly, I would like to thank my wife Sloan and my girls Grace and Jade.  They supported me in this quest.  The race has been on my mind for two years.  I had back surgery which set me back a full year in training.  I was injured for six months prior to the surgery and then six months before I could bike or run.  I only had six months to get ready for this race and only three of those months were quality because my back hadn't completely fused.  I wasn't even close to ready phsycially but beyond ready mentally and that's what it's all about.  This race was a huge mental test.

I just returned from the Triple Ironman in Virginia.  

I've been wanting to do this race since 2006.  Due to injury in Dec. of 2006 I was unable to train in 2007 and couldn't enter the race.  Not only was I unable to race but unable to train at all from March - October.  Late October of 2007 I had a lumbar fusion back surgery and I was out of commission for the rest of the year.  2008 rolled around and I started walking.  I walked quite a bit for a month or two and then I was released to swim.  I started swimming quite a bit for a month or two and then I was released to bike.  I couldn't bike much because my back hurt to lean forward.  I did what I could and tried to stay pain free.  I also started running 1-2 days per week.  In April I committed to the Triple Ironman.  I was confident with the mental side of things because I like to suffer and I'm not afraid of long races.  What I was unsure of was whether or not I'd be able to train enough. 

Late May my school year ended and I headed to Vermont.  I hung out with Joe and Jason quite a bit and spent quite some time in the woods getting ready for the ultra, then the death race, then in mid June I was hired as the asst. swim coach at Middlebury and I knew we were in Vermont to stay.  We've been trying to relocate to Vermont for a few years now but had a hard time finding teaching jobs.  My close friend Joe lives in Pittsfield.  I checked the classifieds time and again for jobs in the metropolitan Pittsfield area but couldn't find anything.  Middlebury was calling and it was a great fit for our family.  Middlebury happens to be one of the most athletic towns I've ever been to.  There are so many fit and athletic people in town it's unreal.   I'll write a entire blog about Middlebury, Vermont and Middlebury College. 

Back to the triple.  I started training in July and trained pretty hard for all of July, August, and September.  I knew I was ready but the one thing that I wasa concerned about was sleep.  I have found my niche with nutrition and I've had nothing but good luck fueling myself for races up to 32 hours.  I hadn't gone past 32 hours in competition.  Once you hit 24 hours it's a entirely different feeling.  It's a great feeling but it's also a little scary.  I was excited to reach that point and also a bit nervous for going into the unknow. 

I left Middlebury Thursday en route to New York to pick up Mike's bike and his bag.  The entire drive I thought of the PEAK crew and I thought of Mike getting ready for his Ironman and Joe getting ready for the 508.  I wasn't really worried but it crossed my mind that I don't have time to train like those guys have.  Not that I wouldn't want to train like them, I would.  I simply don't have the time in my life to train like they do.  I never questioned myself about being prepared but I'd be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind.  These guys are super talented athletes.  They are not only physically tough but mentally as well.  I finally arrive in New York city and Kate greets me with Mike's stuff.  At first I thought maybe Kate was coming along as well.  he had packed so much I couldn't imagine all of that for one person.  He packed all of his belongings and I wasn't sure if I'd have room for Eric Skocaj who I was picking up in Baltimore.  Luckily we made it work.  Eric was ready to go at 2 p.m. and we were off to the venue which is the beautiful Lake Anna State Park.  I've toured this park a number of times since I have participated in the Virginia Double Ironman twice.  This year would be different.  This year I was attempting the triple ironman with 16 other athletes.  I arrived around 5 and set up our base camp.  We had a great camp and I had a great crew.  The camp and the crew were essential to me.  It's very important to have people who have pushed their bodies and minds and I choose two of the best.  Eric and Mike were absolutely great from the moment they arrived.  Eric and I set up and chatted with race staff, support crew, and athletes. 

We headed down to the lake at 630 to catch the pasta dinner, race meeting, and athlete introduction.  I was surrounded by some phenomenal athletes.  I enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting new one's.  Eric and I sat with Rich Hume and his support crew (Julian), two great guys from England.  I enjoyed their company.  We hung out for an hour or so and then headed to bed.  Eric and I were out quickly.  I asked our neighbors (Michel and Francine - Canadians) to wake us if we weren't up. 

I had no problem going to sleep and no problem waking up.  I was up at 5 a.m. itching to go.  I had some coffee with Nick who is from England and with Michel from Canada.  Eric woke up and we got all of my cycling gear together and my swim gear and headed down to the water for breakfast and last minute instructions.  The race was to start at 7 and it was quickly approaching. 

I've gained some weight since my last back surgery and it was tough to squeeze myself into my wetsuit.  Eric got a kick out of it.  I didn't think it was that funny as a struggled for breath.  One guy from England wasn't wearing a wetsuit but everyone else was.  He had just finished swimming the English Channel a few weeks ago so the 73 degrees in Lake Anna wasn't going to affect him.  One neat thing about ultra tri's is you meet some neat people.  I spent time with a guy who has done the RAAM (bicycle race across america) 14 times, other guys who have done Badwater, Double Badwater, Arrowhead 135, Susitna, Triple Ironman races, Quintuple Ironman races, and even DECA Ironman races. 

We had a quick photo shoot and Steve told us we were a few minutes away from starting.  7 a.m. came and we were off.  The water temp was perfect.  My suit was a little tight but it was stretching out.  I've been telling Mike Halovatch for years that I hate wetsuits, they cramp my style.  I still feel that but in that temp for that amount of time can really drain you and I thought it would be smart to wear one. 

I was cruising right along at 120 pace for about the first mile.  Everything was great.  I was really enjoying a relaxing swim in Lake Anna.  Hoping to knock out the 7.2 miles in about 3 hours but instead of telling other people that I told my support crew to expect me at 315.  I felt fine and I wasn't pushing at all.  The first Ironman swim (2.4 miles) I came in at 58 minutes.  I felt great and picked it up the second Ironman swim and came in at 1:54 so my second 2.4 miles was 56 minutes.  I thought for a second I could come in at 2:50.  I had taken two breaks to drink water and take a gel and banana.  other than that I felt fine.  I had swam 4.8 miles and wasn't really tired.  The tough part is staying straight.  I chose not to look up too often and just swim.  I find it easier just to swim then to worry about holding my line.  That can be bad though.  I was zig zagging and swimming extra.  With a 7.2 mile swim I didn't need any extra.  I spent the last six laps of the swim focusing on DPS (distance per stroke) and just trying to knock out one at a time.  I love the sound of open water swimming and the feel of open water vs. pool.  All was great and then the waves started to come in.  The lake had been flat for the first two hours and now I was noticing a little chop.  The little chop grew and before I was done it felt like I wasa swimming in a ocean.  Each loop got harder and harder and the waves were bigger each time.  This really throws off the efficienty in my stroke but I knew I was almost done.  At mile 6 or 6.5 I started cramping in my calves so I stopped kicking and just dragged my cramped up legs.  Then I became nauseous.  The waves were taking their toll and I was getting motion sickness.  I was very frustrated but knew that I could get to the end.  I checked my watch for after my 16th lap and figured out that I was swimming about a one hour pace for the last 2.4.  I plugged away the last 1/2 mile and finished in 2:56.  The swim record was 3 hours and I was happy to beat that but I had a long way to go.  Swimming is less than 10% of the race and to me it's just a formality.  I was happy to stand up and quickly greeted by Eric, my support crew who was a former swimmer of mine at Pekin.  He is also a avid trail runner.  I got him into ultramarathons a few years ago and he's done some impressive runs.  He's a pretty stubborn guy and has pushed through pain a number of times.  I knew he would be a great support crew and he was.  We headed to the bathroom greeting other support crews along the way.  I sat down to rest and settle my stomach.  I was very hungry but still sick from the waves.  Eric gave me some coffee, bananas, muffins, gels, etc.  I ate as much as I could as I changed my clothes.  14 minutes later I was on the bike course. 

I was the first one on the bike course and the cones hadn't been set up yet, the timing mats hadn't been laid out yet, etc.  I knew where to go because I had been there before.  I wound up knocking out twelve miles before the next competitor hit the course.  Happened to be my friend Richard Hume from England.  We greeted each other.  Slowly but surely all the athletes were on the course.  Took quite some time.  I hit mile 80 before the last swimmer was out of the water. 

The first 100 miles went by quickly.  I was holding a strong pace and felt good.  I was eating well and drinking tons of fluids.  My goal was to knock out as many miles as I could before my second support crew person showed up.  Eric was doing a great job and would ride with me periodically so we could go over nutrition strategy.  My friend Mike was coming down from New York City and was due to arrive at 830p.m.  He was going to help get me through the night.  Mike is a great triathlete and also a great friend.  He has crewed for me before and does a phenomenal job.  He always knows when to push me and when to keep it slow and steady, when to eat, when to rest, etc. 

Mike arrived and we quickly knocked out 50 or 60 miles.  I was getting tired and decided to pull the plug and get some sleep.  I slept from approx. 3:15 p.m - 5 a.m. and then I was back on the bike.  The nap was huge for me and I had a sudden burst of energy.  The last 100 miles of the bike leg was my strongest.  I was so excited to be off the bike and ready to run/shuffle.  I had a long transition.  I wanted to take a break and make sure I had everything I needed for the run.  The first few miles I simply walked and then moved to a light jog.  This didn't last.  After 10 miles I was smoked and decided to walk some.  I wound up walking the next ten miles and then I was able to jog some.  the job/walk strategy went well until early sunday morning.  I was so tired I was falling off my feet.  I decided to take another rest and wound up sleeping for 1 1/2 hours or 2 hours.  Once I woke I got out there and started cranking again.  Mike suggested I wear his ipod just for a change of pace.  I was amazed.  I felt so strong and the music helped me get through some fast miles.  I rarely listen to music when i train but this was great.  I was hoping the third morning light would give me a boost and it did. 

Day three was here and I was closing in on the finish line.  I knew I had done it and I was happy but I still had to knock out the last fifteen miles.  My feet were banged up.  I had blisters on the bottom of my feet and I still do three days post race. 

I finally crossed the line at 51 hours and 53 minutes good for third place overall. 

I had a great time.  I felt great the entire way.  I've had some races where I had ups and downs and races that got pretty ugly.  This race never got ugly.  I had a incredible support crew which helped.  Eric and Mike went above and beyond.  Other racers, race staff, other support crews all mentioned how lucky I was to have these two guys.  They were great.  I can't thank you guys enough.  My nutrition was perfect, my sleeps and rests were perfect, everything went well. No lows during this race.  Had a great time.  I'm not sure if I'll be back.  My feet are banged up and my ankles are rather swollen. 

Thanks to Steve and Cindy Kirby and their race staff and to the other athletes and their support crews.  We're all in it together and it was great meeting so many cool and talented athletes.

Lastly, I would like to thank my wife Sloan and my girls Grace and Jade.  They supported me in this quest.  The race has been on my mind for two years.  I had back surgery which set me back a full year in training.  I was injured for six months prior to the surgery and then six months before I could bike or run.  I only had six months to get ready for this race and only three of those months were quality because my back hadn't completely fused.  I wasn't even close to ready phsycially but beyond ready mentally and that's what it's all about.  This race was a huge mental test.

Found this video from NewLeafUltra on youtube.  Cool!