Now hold on a second, I thought that Paris-Roubaix was held in France. Oh yeah, that’s right, it is… I am thinking of the Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race being held in Middleville, Michigan on March 27th. The Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race may not have all the Elite Pro-Tour Racers like Paris-Roubaix, but I am sure it will have the same amount of intensity and luv of a challenging road surface. This 35 mile race loop will have a combination of gravel roads (80% of the time), pavement, a challenging 1-mile section with two-tracks of mud, sand, rocks, snow, ice and over 2200 feet of climbing. Wow, what a challenging combination! This race is open to a number of rider racing levels and a variety of bikes (road, mountain, cyclocross, single-speed, fixed-gear, and tandem). Just grab whatever bike you think will be the fastest on this ever-changing course. Good luck riders and don’t forget to bring extra clothes and water to wash-off all dirt and grim from the ride!
Mining Country Challenge
March 8th, 2010
Ok, so if you are from Arizona (or at least driven through Arizona), you have probably seen the hills of the Mining Country. These areas are normally a little rugged and contain a number of nasty little hills. I know this because, being from Arizona, I have ridden and raced in many of these locations. The Mining Country Challenge on March 20th in Superior, Arizona definitely fits the description (hilly and a little nasty). The members of the Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club are putting on both a 62 and 96 mile ride (Please note that there is over 7000 feet of climbing for the 96 mile course). The ride will start in the attractive town of Superior, Arizona and go through the historic towns of Miami, Globe, Winkleman, and Kearny. Along the ride, you will see a number of breathtaking views and oh yeah, hills. Come give it a try, you’ll be glad you did!
Are you a Marine or Triathlete?
February 22nd, 2010
Ok, so I never had the honor of being a member US Marine Corps, but I have heard of Parris Island. From what I have heard, Parris Island is, what’s the word I’m thinking of, “challenging”. It is where the men and women of the US Marine Corps train to become elite soldiers. So with that said, now image having a triathlon in the same location that our hero’s in the Marine Corps train. How cool is that!!! Well the Parris Island Triathlon on March 20th in Parris Island, South Carolina will give you this opportunity! You get to do a 500 meter swim in the Military Combat Training Pool (cool) and perform your 10 mile bike ride and 5K run on a course that is mostly closed to traffic. Awesome! Only one request, if you see soldiers in a platoon formation, please stop and let them go by. If you do not, you will be asked to leave the base. Enjoy!
Conversation with Coach Art Macfarland
February 19th, 2010Conversations with Coaches and Athletes
Today we talk with Coach Art Macfarland. He is a USA Cycling Level 2 Coach from Chandler Arizona.
We talked about setting appropriate and specific goals, and having the right training program for your lifestyle to get to your success, and he shared one of his success stories with us as well. His quick tip is to keep it fun!
Press the Play button to listen to our recording.
For more information on Coach Macfarland,
Check out his full profile!
Art Macfarland
Baja Training Systems
Chandler, AZ
480-203-3968
Coach@BajaTrainingSystems.com
www.BajaTrainingSystems.com
Miracle Limbs
February 18th, 2010
Now this is something that I just cannot imagine… Loosing an arm and/or legs because a congenital birth defect, accident, diabetes, or casualty of war. Wow, talk about a life changing event! I’m not sure how I would react to a situation like this, so that is why I have so much respect and admiration for everyone who does not let losing a limb slow them down in life! That takes a lot of will and determination!
The Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion Benefit Bike Ride in Naples, Florida on March 6th is the vision of Bob Ayres and plans to raise at least $75,000 to help amputees overcome the physical, financial, and psychological hurdles of loosing a limb. What a really great cause and great reason to ride your bike!!! Did you know that in the US, there are 253 new amputees for diabetes every day and over 3000 people every week that loose a limb? I never realized that the numbers were so large!
So, if you are anywhere Naples, Florida on March 6th, please consider signing-up to do this great event! You’ll get some great ride miles and be contributing to a fantastic cause. Oh, I almost forgot! TREK Bicycles and Gary Fisher Bikes will be there to demo some of their awesome bikes. Have fun!!
Training for a Triathlon - over 40
February 12th, 2010As witnessed at last summer’s Olympic Games, athletes at all ages are competing successfully and enjoying greater fitness as they age. Witness Dara Torres, who at age 41 has competed in more Olympic games than any other American swimmer and says her stroke has improved with age. Or Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania, a 38-year-old mom who grabbed gold in the women’s marathon. More and more athletes are competing and even entering the fitness world for the first time in their 40s, 50s and beyond.
With the growing popularity of triathlon, there are increasing numbers of athletes over 40 and baby boomers entering the sport. Studies even show that older athletes may have an advantage. According to Karen Francis, a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of San Francisco and author of “Physical Dimensions of Aging, “I liken it to a pianist who has done very deliberate practice for 50 years. That individual will know exactly what is needed to perform the piece. The older athlete is aware of how his or her body has changed with age and will anticipate what is needed to perform.” With increased age comes enhanced body awareness, maturity and life experience to help know how hard to train and when to rest. Knowing one’s body and one’s limits can help create a specific training plan that is appropriate to specific talents and fitness level. Compare the seasoned athlete to the young, aggressive athlete who may train incessantly to the point of injury.
As we age, our speed decreases, but we still have the endurance to sustain a long effort. Also, the sport of triathlon – as opposed to other endurance events such as marathons – is comprised of three sports and therefore puts less impact on the body than the sustained effort of just one sport. The cross-training aspect of triathlon allows the body to rest and recover on alternating days and the use of different muscle groups keeps the body fit in a more comprehensive “all-over-body” way.
Staying fit as we age offers health benefits such increased strength, stamina and energy, and is really the key to longevity and quality of life. “We are learning that exercise actually reverses some basic aspects of aging at the molecular level,” said Simon Melov, who directs genomics at the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato, California. “Exercise doesn’t just make muscles stronger, it makes muscles younger.”
The sport of triathlon specifically offers mental and physical challenges, opportunities to train outside and enjoy the beauty of nature and surrounding environments, the chance to meet new people through clubs, training groups and races, and the aspect of competition that keeps people fresh and engaged and part of a community.
As people enter retirement age, they find they have more time to train and it is less of a stress and more of a fun, social outlet. Also, it has been proven that cardiovascular exercise (like swimming, biking and running) benefits brain health and can help offset diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
There are currently no studies that suggest that being active will increase your lifespan (although apart from genetics or uncontrollable factors (like accidental death), fitness is the primary factor in determining potential longevity, decreased disease risk and quality of life. Either way, as the legendary runner, Jim Fixx said, “Running (or substitute triathlon) may not add years to your life, but it definitely adds life to your years.”
Rachel Schey
Rachel’s Mobile Fitness Training
San Francisco, CA
415-269-5238
rachel@rachelsmobilefitness.com
www.rachelsmobilefitness.com
Rachel is an A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates Certified Instructor and Sports Nutrition Consultant, as well as a USA Track and Field Member with a Level 1 USA Track and Field Coaching Certification
Which Princess Are You?
February 10th, 2010
So everybody knows that Walt Disney World is “where dreams come true”, but did you also know that it is a great place to do a half-marathon? Don’t believe me, well it is true… On March 7th, the Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida will be hosting the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. This run will take the racers through the heart of Disney (from Epcot Center to the Magic Kingdom, and everywhere in between). That sounds so cool! Only one problem… No guys allowed. This race is only for the Princess (wife, sister, daughter, mother, etc…) in your life. Bummer! Guess I’ll just have to enjoy the park while my wife does the run.
Oh, and for all of you looking for a good cause, this race will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which is dedicated to finding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. So come on down to support a great cause, see Mickey Mouse, and support all the Princess’ while they experience the half-marathon.
Run for Haiti
February 8th, 2010
So by now, unless you have been living under a rock, you have definitely heard and seen all of the tales of horror and bravery from the earthquake in Haiti. This was a tragic loss of life and showed us how brutal Mother Nature can be. Well, we all want to help Haiti in one way or another, and now, we can do it with our running shoes. The NYRR and New York City Department of Parks & Recreation have joined to put-on the Run for Haiti. This is a 4-mile run and/or walk in New York’s Central Park that will take place on February 20th. All entry fees will go to New York City’s Haiti Relief Fund administered by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, which is directing all donations to reputable organizations providing relief to Haiti.
The best part of this run is that if you are not in New York City on February 20th, you can still join in the run and help Haiti. All you need to do is sign-up, run or walk 4 miles between February 19th and 24th, and submit your results. So please, no matter where you live, sign-up for this great event and help support our friends in Haiti. You’ll be glad you did.
Conversation with Coach Katie Stumbo
February 5th, 2010Conversations with Coaches and Athletes
We recently got the chance to talk with Coach Katie Stumbo. She is a US Certified Swim Coach and NCSF Certified Personal Trainer.
We talked about how she got started swimming, and becoming a coach, diversifying her training routines in the Arizona summers, and what keeps her motivated. Her quick tip is to have a mantra.
Press the play button to listen to our recording
For more information on Coach Stumbo,
check out her full profile!
Katie Stumbo
Katie’s Fit Life Bootcamps, LLC
katiestumbo@live.com
480-200-4632
www.succeedwithfitlife.com
The Mindset
February 3rd, 2010Over the span of 15 years, I have run over forty marathons – NYC, Boston, Marine Corps (my favorite), The Washington D.C. Marathon, Berlin, Stockholm, Quebec City, St. Louis, God’s Country Marathon in PA, The New Jersey Shore, The Rock in Roll Marathon in San Diego and Chicago to name but a few. Running grants me confidence and a positive outlook on everything. Even on my worst days, I gain inner strength and personal satisfaction simply from trying. Any single marathon is a triumph. Each time I line up for a new race, I feel nervous. But it is the feeling of accomplishment that I receive after having completed the event that keeps me coming back for more.
Whatever your own personal “marathon,” I believe that the same mindset I use in prepping for long distance running events may speak to you as well. These are not rules, but more a set of “values” to keep in mind when setting out to accomplish any worthwhile goal.
1. Stretch. Not much happens of any significance when we’re in our comfort zone. Had I not dared to stretch myself beyond the one mile distance, I may have never known my full potential. I ran my first marathon in Boston in 1993 to prove to myself that I am strong and capable. The marathon taught me that I could achieve anything when I put my heart and mind into something. Stretch yourself. Surprise yourself. Do one thing each day that scares you.
2. Make the time. Whether you want to run a marathon or write a book, it all begins with carving out the necessary time. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. So why do some people seem to do accomplish so much more? They do it by giving themselves the time. Create a short, achievable list of priorities and then make the time.
3. Pay attention to the inner voice. It is your constant traveling companion, and it can be your greatest friend or worst enemy. Snag any limiting voice when it surfaces and identify that it is your fear talking. Learn to identify negative self-talk patterns and replace them with more constructive inner dialogue. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are usually right.”
4. Just show up. According to Woody Allen, 80% of success is just showing up. That means you can’t run a race if you don’t make it to the start line. Don’t be too easily swayed by your moods. Even when you don’t initially “feel like” doing something, just taking the very first step will usually help you get in (and stay in) the mood.
5. Tune out the noise. Modern living is full of noise – literally and figuratively. Too much of it, and it can distract you from what you need to accomplish. Learn to quiet down your internal and external environment to the point where you can truly hear yourself. It will help you to stay focused and conserve precious energy.
6. Take in the view. When I am running, I often have to remind myself to take in the view. A new city, changing seasons – there’s a lot to enjoy. Doing this helps me to stay “in the moment” and distracts me from whatever temporary discomfort I may feel. It also provides an energy booster when I look up and smile or talk to someone. Same as in life, as in running. As the saying goes “Life is a journey, not a destination.”
7. Sometimes you’ll stumble. False starts are central to the process of running, and awakening. So you miss a day’s training, or you go nuts on dessert. Big deal! Start over again tomorrow. Perfectionism only causes stress and anxiety, and will eventually lead to burnout.
8. Buddy up. No man is an island, as John Donne once noted. Develop and nurture a healthy network of friends and partners who will support you in your endeavors. You will need them when the going gets tough. I believe that we carry one another in spirit. When someone falls down, go back and help them up. You may be able to do it all on your own, but you don’t have to. Model after others if it will help you to move forward.
9. Laugh. Don’t take life, running or yourself too seriously. And there’s a lot to laugh at (especially in the marathon!). One good belly laugh a day is essential for optimal mental and physical health.
10. Run your own race. Ultimately, only you decide how you will run the race. Nobody else can run it for you. Learn to listen to, and trust your own intuition. You may take the counsel of those you trust, but don’t be afraid to disregard it if you feel you know better. Dare to listen to the beat of your own drummer. Nobody knows you better than you.
Ann Mehl
www.annmehl.com
ann.mehl@gmail.com
Certified Martha Beck life and career coach
Avid cyclist and runner who has completed over 40 marathons
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- Was that Paris-Roubaix or Barry-Roubaix?
- Mining Country Challenge
- Are you a Marine or Triathlete?
- Conversation with Coach Art Macfarland
- Miracle Limbs
- Training for a Triathlon - over 40
- Which Princess Are You?
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- Conversation with Coach Katie Stumbo
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