JustKev.in  •  From Lazyman to Ironman, one inactive guy's journey to triathlete (and everything else under his beer helmet.)
May 19th, 2010 | 29 views | 3 Comments »

a special ride tonight

Tonight, after work, I will participate in my second group ride.  Again it will be with Mojo Riding, along with Melissa and it will be a special one.  As I found out on Sunday, they participate in an Annual Ride of Silence in memoriam to fallen riders.

This touches close to home to almost any cyclist because we either know of or personally know someone who has either lost their life or been seriously injured while cycling on our roadways.  Distracted drivers or unfit drivers (the same thing?) have caused more heartache than I care to think about for too long.  Those drivers coupled with poor funding for adequate space on the roads to share with drivers have caused these incidents to escalate.

And it is not even those situations that make up the whole of it.  I read an article recently that described a local incident with teenage boys having “fun” and actually shoving a cyclist off of his bike.  Luckily (if there is a good side here) the cyclist rode with a camera for just such incident and captured their tag number.  The boys were charged with felony assault.

One rider I will be remembering in particular will be Dylan Mitchell.  He grew up in the same town I did; we graduated from the same high school.  I did not know him very well, but I have several friends that were close to him.  He was an avid mountain biker prior to going to college in Columbia, SC where he started road cycling.  He quickly advanced to a competitive cyclist and joined the USC cycling team.  He tragically lost his life while riding home when a car struck and killed him.

The point of this post and of this ride is to raise awareness.  I know that non cyclists think that we are a nuisance at times, but we love what we do and we will not stop anytime soon.  All we can do be respectful to drivers and ask the same of them.  And also hope that the lives are not lost in vane and the laws are strengthened and funding is made available to widen roadways to allow more room to share.

Categories: Triathlon Training
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May 17th, 2010 | 14 views | 3 Comments »

on being a part of a new group

I was privileged enough to have been invited by my buddy Scott, who I know through Melissa, to ride along with his cycling group called MojoRiding Cycling Team.  The ride was to be at 7:30 on Sunday morning and had a 32 and 40 mile options.  Scott told me he was up for either distance and whatever pace I am comfortable with.  That helped because not having ridden in a group before (in fact other than races I have only either been by myself or with only one other rider) I did not know what to expect.

Let me tell you it was wonderful.  Sort of the feeling I get at a race when I see so many others out early on a weekend morning for some exercise.  This was different, though, because it was not a competition.  100% friendly and fun.

Scott made sure that we could choose our distance along the route which was confirmed and we set out.  I am not sure what point I chose to definitely do the 40 miler, but I think I wanted to all along.

We saw some great scenery and I met several new friends (although admittedly I will have to refresh myself on all their names!).  In fact, I had so much fun that I decided to buy a uniform and join the group!

You can see my stats as recorded from the Garmin 310XT here.

Oh, and did I mention that I burned 1,852 calories on the ride? :)

At a stop along the 40 mile bike course with MojoRiding Cycle Team

Categories: Triathlon Training, Weight Management
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May 14th, 2010 | 32 views | 6 Comments »

on a side note…

I was contacted today by Anne from the National Marrow Donor Program and she informed me that I have been selected as a preliminary match for a patient.  How cool is that?

And yes, I know that it will probably hurt and take me out of commission for a few days, but I find that minuscule compared to the fight the recipient is going through.  I will gladly accept if I am selected as his/her best match.  A few days of discomfort for me are totally worth saving some one’s life!

Who else is on the registry?  If not, why not?  How would you feel if the tables are turned and you need a life saving transplant and you have a match out there, but that person is either too afraid of the pain or too lazy to get on the registry?

Categories: Random Thoughts
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May 12th, 2010 | 33 views | 9 Comments »

new running shoes

I just got a lunch time run of 3 miles and it happened to be the first run in my new shoes!

Of course, I bought them at my favorite running, cycling, swimming, triathlon store, TrySports.  Melissa has written on her blog several times about how great they are at TrySports.  Yesterday’s purchase experience was no exception.  Once I walked in, Jenn (an associate that has been there since I have started shopping there) recognized me, said hello and asked how I was and asked how Melissa is.  Now that is customer service!  Keep in mind too, that it has probably been 2 or 3 months since I have been in there.

Once I told them that I think I needed new shoes, they started their fit process.  They put me in a pair of Brooks, had me run on the treadmill to analyze how my feet contacted the treadmill when I ran.  They determined that I still needed a neutral shoe so she got a few out for me to try on.

I ended up deciding on a pair of Mizuno Wave Creation 10’s.  They have a different feel than my old Saucony’s.  Not that I didn’t like them, because I loved them, I just wanted to try something different to see if there was something possibly better out there.

After my first run, I still like them.

They are interesting because the cushion is really different than that of a normal shoe.  Instead of cushion all over the bottom of the shoe, your foot rests on a sturdy foot-bed and the ankle area is supported by several cushion “points” so-to-speak.  I will show the picture so you can see what I am talking about.

Of course, I had them put a pair of Yankz! in for the ease of use that they offer.  When they asked me what color, I said “white, I guess” to which they promptly told me that was boring so we compromised and I ended up with reflective white.

After getting the shoes, I met up with Andrew, Breanna, Chad and Stephanie at REI to get some food for Mitchell & Beyond coming up memorial day weekend!  Two of my favorite stores in one day woohoo!  Oh, and did I mention that I was able to convince Jenn to join us this time for her first backpacking trip!?  So excited!

Categories: Hiking/Camping, Triathlon Training
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May 9th, 2010 | 101 views | 2 Comments »

2010 Tri the Rock Race Report

This race marked the “anniversary” race of my first triathlon.  It was also my first tri of the year and I had not been training the way I should due to a very busy schedule.  So I did not know what to expect, but I hoped to beat my times from last year.

The swim:

I was running late to the race due to a faulty alarm clock (or perhaps it was my faulty hearing?) and arrived at the race with less than 5 minutes before they were to close the transition area.  Good thing I had picked up my race packet the day before and had my numbers on my race belt, helmet and bike.  I got my transition area ready in a hurry and went to get body marked and my timing chip.  Luckily there was not a line at this time and I was able to get in and out of there.  After that, I hit the bathroom to christen another special place and then headed to the pool side.

They were midway through the pre-race meeting, so good thing I had raced this event before and pretty much knew what to do.  I waited for my swim start (this year 57th) and the race was on.

I actually felt pretty comfortable in the water, as opposed to last year, and went at a steady pace for the 500 yards.  I must have seeded myself a bit fast as there were a few people that needed to pass me along the way, which required me to stop at the walls a few times to let them.  That slowed me a bit, but no big deal.

Swim time: 12:09

Last year: 12:06

The bike:

As always, after the swim I am glad to be heading out on the bike.  I had a relatively quick transition and hit it.  I was soon to find out that the weather conditions were windy and that wind was pushing against me on the way out.  This made for a very tough bike, but relented a bit on the way back.  I also realized that they extended the bike course by about a mile or so, which the extension was uphill and into the wind!  I didn’t beat my bike time from last year, but the conditions and extended course could explain.

Bike time: 51:42

Last year: 50:24

The run:

After the tough bike, I was tired.  I headed out on the (also changed) run course hoping to finish strong.  Early into the run, I had calf cramps.  I stopped and stretched.  I went on with a run/walk program for most of the remaining run.  I also didn’t beat my run time from last year.  I attribute that to under preparedness in addition to the tough bike.

Run time: 32:11

Last year: 29:40

Total time with transitions: 1:39:20

Last year: 1:32:09

Complete reults here.

Overall this was a very fun event again, and will most likely race this one every year.  Also, Jenn, Mia, Sadie and Melissa came to cheer me in!  Oh and remember my brother-in-law, Alex, who said he wasn’t ready for the race because he hadn’t run or cycled since Christmas?  He freakin’ won his age group.  Told you he would win it anyway!  Go Alex (aka The Machine!)

I will post pictures once I am able to get my hands on some…

Thanks Melissa for the pictures and for being there!!!

P.S. see Keith, I really did do it and have the pictures to prove it!

Categories: Race Reports, Triathlon Training, special places
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May 7th, 2010 | 12 views | 1 Comment »

tomorrow’s tri and 100 posts

Tomorrow is my first triathlon of the year, Tri the Rock in Rock Hill, SC.  About 1 year ago, I raced my first triathlon, which happened to be the same event.  Not too long after, I started this blog.  I think it fitting that my 100th post be the day before I race this triathlon for a second time.

I only hope I can beat my times from last year:

Swim – 12:06

Bike – 50:24

Run – 29:40

I picked up my race packet at lunch today, and guess what?  Dry-fit event t-shirts!  More and more events seem to be moving away from cotton t-shirts, which is great so the participants can actually use them while exercising!  Plus it works for the event because it works as advertising.

As always I am looking forward to the support of my friends and family.  Jenn plans to bring Mia and Sadie to cheer me on (Mia already told me she wants to bring her pom-poms :) ), Melissa said she wants to come and my brother-in-law, Alex, who convinced me to race this triathlon last year will be racing as well.  He says he won’t do well, but I think he will win it in spite of the fact he hasn’t ran in months.

I will report back and let you all know how it goes!

On another wonderful note, I will be racing my first triathlon as part of a relay team!  Sally will tackle the swim, I will take the bike portion and Melissa will run to the finish!  We will race at the Ballantyne Triathlon on July 10th.  We are currently throwing around team names, so what do you all think?  Check out some of the names suggested on Melissa’s post today.

Categories: Race Reports, Triathlon Training
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May 4th, 2010 | 14 views | 5 Comments »

taper week

With my first triathlon coming up on Saturday, typically this week would include a tapered training schedule, but can I really call it that when I haven’t been training on a schedule?  Oh well, I’ll call it that anyway.

This past Sunday, Melissa and I did our own “triathlon” at my grandmother’s house on Lake Wylie.  We swam in the lake (COLD!) with Jeff paddling in the kayak along with us to make us more visible to boaters.  Next we hopped on the bikes only for Melissa to get a flat less than 3 miles in.  Oh well, I rode back, got in the car and picked her up.  Then we went for a 2 mile run on the hilly road along the lake shore.  Could we call this a “quadrathon” since it included a car ride between the bike and run?  Read Melissa’s great write up here.

I felt pretty bad on the run, but I will chalk that up to nutrition.  See, we didn’t start until close to noon and I foolishly followed my normal “race day” routine of not eating prior to the event.  But the real events normally start at 7:30 AM, not at noon.  My energy level on the run was almost nonexistent.

On another note, I got a bit of cross-training in on Saturday.  I guess you can call it that.  I took a job helping a family unload a moving truck into their new house.  2 hours of work, but I went basically nonstop moving in heavy boxes and furniture, even a piano!  Ugh.

I will try to post again before the race, but I have been very busy lately with several areas of life, but that should be nothing new to me!

Categories: Triathlon Training
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April 28th, 2010 | 16 views | 2 Comments »

frustrated

I planned a cycle commute into work this morning.  I had a change of clothes in my office.  I had my bag packed with my running shoes to get a brick workout in once I got to work.  I aired up my tires and had my bike ready to go by the front door.  My helmet was there, ready to put on.  My bike shoes on the floor ready to go.  Water bottle filled and on the bike.  I checked the batteries in the lights.  All good to go.

So what stopped me?

Family drama unfolded last night, so I did not get much sleep and was completely exhausted when it came time to leave this morning. 

It is interesting how family I don’t even live with anymore can still get to me.

For those who may be wondering if starting a business with your family members that entails owning commercial real estate in an area that is an 8 hour drive away, take it from me:

DON’T DO IT!

Categories: Triathlon Training
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April 22nd, 2010 | 6 views | 1 Comment »

unorganized training

I am less than 3 weeks from my first triathlon of the year and I am in no way training like I “should” be.  I have battled back issues, lack of motivation and job stress this year, but those are all excuses.  I am extremely excited that the race is coming up and although I am not training correctly, I am fitting in workouts.  I wore my Garmin while we walked around the Greenway at Earth Day festivities and for mowing the lawn and walked a total of 4.41 miles.  I rode my bike to a pub last Saturday night to meet up with a buddy before he goes to Afghanistan with the Army (4.44 miles and 3.87 miles).  I ran at lunch on Monday (3 miles).  I wore my Garmin while I went to the zoo on Tuesday with Jenn, Mia and Sadie (6.31 miles).  I rode to work on Wednesday (9.79 miles) and back home (9.59 miles).  Since Saturday, I have logged 41.42 miles and burned 4,050 calories.  Again, this is not ideal training, but I am finding things to do that work with my schedule.

I hope to get some swimming in this weekend and possibly a “long” run of 7 miles or so.  Also, I want to get Melissa back on her bike!

Speaking of Melissa, she fired me up for Tri the Rock coming up on 5/8/10 with this post that includes a reference to one of my favorite stickers on my “new” 4Runner:

Categories: Triathlon Training
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April 13th, 2010 | 32 views | 4 Comments »

2010 Charlotte RaceFest 10K Race Report

This past weekend, I raced in the Charlotte RaceFest 10K.  It was a fun event and I was surprised at my finish time, coming close to a PR on a not so flat course.  Melissa, Chris and Scott also ran that morning; running the half marathon event instead.

It all started early morning.  I was going to ride with Melissa, Jeff and Chris, but Jeff had to go back to his house because they had forgotten to grab my race packet.  Melissa had graciously picked it up for me when she got hers.  No big deal, I drove Melissa and Chris and Jeff did me a favor and went back to his house to get my packet and met up with us at South Park.

We got ready with about a minute to spare before the start.  I had decided to run with the beer helmet again, like I did in the Athens run last year.  They had half marathoners on one side of the street and 10K runners on the other.  I guess it has to do with the timing mats.  Well, they had mislabeled which side was which and with nearly 3000 runners, this caused great confusion.  I went to my side and Melissa and Chris stayed on theirs.

getting costume ready

still getting costume ready

ready!

Chris was freezing!

Melissa

We started, and I made my way back to see if I could find Melissa and Chris and run with them for a bit.  We stayed together for a little while before splitting up.  I got Gatorade at the first water stop, but then started to cramp a little.  So, I decided that I would get some water at the next.  But when I got there, they had no water ready!  I grabbed an empty cup and just dunked it in the water bucket.  I didn’t want to complain to loud because these are volunteers, but this is a race; you have to be ready!

I was able to run the whole time except for walking at the water stops.  I am proud of this because there were some good sized hills on the course and I was feeling it.  I ended up with a Garmin time of 56:54, a chip time of 56:54 (I actually remembered to stop it on time!) and a gun time of 57:28.  My time in Florence was 55:33, so this wasn’t a PR for 10K, but I was surprised to be close, given the lack of training and the hilly course.

After the run, I went looking for Jeff and my Dad (who came even before the start!) but didn’t see them.  I walked around, cheered some people in and got a free beer.  I was wearing a beer helmet after all!  Several people said they loved the helmet and one guy just started talking to me, cheered my beer and we ended up talking for a good 30 minutes.

I left and got my second free beer (hooray beer!) and looked for Dad and Jeff.  I saw them this time and I talked with them while waiting for Scott, Chris and Melissa to finish.  A guy came up to me and said he liked the beer helmet.  Then he paused and said, “Umm, I’m trying to figure out if this is creepy.”  I had no idea what to expect!  The he told me that he reads the blog and Melissa’s blog.  Then Jeff turned around almost on cue and took the picture below and said “Now you’re going to be on it!”  He said he ran Thunder Road ½ marathon in December and started to think about racing a triathlon.  Since he grew up nearby Cane Creek Park, he went online to find out more about the Cane Creek Triathlon and came across my race report.  Apparently it came up very quickly (thanks Jeff!)  He found Melissa’s blog through mine and is now a regular reader!  Thanks for reading Brian!  Now comment!  And let me know how I can help with your first triathlon!

new friend Brian

Scott came in first in the trio, then Chris and then Melissa.  She ran faster than she had expected too!  It must have been a great day to run!  After they finished, they made their way to the beer truck only to discover that they had run out of beer!  Tsk Tsk Charlotte RaceFest.  Tsk.  Read Melissa’s reaction here.

this pretty much says it all

Special thanks to Chris and Jeff whose cameras captured the pictures!

Categories: Race Reports, Triathlon Training
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