One other key thing we did during training this year was two big blocks of focused training. The first involved a cycling-only week in July which consisted of 5 consecutive days of long hard riding for a weekly total of just over 500 miles. The second was a big triathlon training week in September. Both of these blocks of training showed noticeable and immediate results that carried increased fitness for the rest of the season.

Tempe
Ironman Arizona is a very late season race (at least for Midwesterners) and it made for some VERY windy and VERY cold training days in October and November.  Dan, Nicole and I would head out and just get through those last weeks of training.  As the race approached it was comforting to know there were so many people racing from Springfield and so many more watching/tracking us all online.  Nicole Sommer, Dan Billingsley, Dan Dungan, Patty Shafer, Brenda Reiling, Dave Bagot, Mark McCormick and myself were all racing from Springfield as well as a group from St. Louis led by Hardy Breed’s Jeff Black.  Tempe itself proved to be a great town and the venue & host hotel were ideal for an Ironman.

Swim – 56:32
The Ironman swim start is one of the only aspects of the race that I was really not looking forward to.  We entered the water at around 6:45 and had to swim about 75 meters to get up the starting line. It was relatively easy to get up towards the line without too much congestion. Treading water in the dark (the sun rises there around 6:55) and the incredibly cold water (62 deg.) made for a pretty stressful situation. As the gun time approached the actual line got more and more congested. I settled for 2nd position with Nicole right behind the front row of athletes.  Not ideal for me, but I would have to swim around some bodies.  The gun went off and we started forward.  I went incredibly hard at first to get out from the mass of people. I was in a row across the front of the entire race within the first 50 meters and continued for another 3-4 minutes at that pace.  I could feel myself going too hard and decided I would settle in behind some of faster swimmers.  I immediately felt a huge pack of swimmers come around and over me when I slowed down. I let them all by me and continued to look for some feet to draft off of.  Eventually I found an opening and continued to pace the swim on my own.  When I got to the first turn buoy I realized I was almost half way done with the swim. At the second buoy I wanted to check my split to see what kind of pace I was on.  26:02. “A little fast”, I thought to myself.  I then found a guy with a huge efficient stroke and got behind him. It was a perfect draft. In fact, it was so perfect that at one point I thought he was slowing down so I went around him. Once I was out of his draft I realized I could barely go around him because he was going so fast. I happily settled back in behind him.

Bike – 4:59:53     Garmin Connect Bike Data
Once out on the bike it was time to dial in my pacing plan.  My plan was to hold between 200-210 watts the entire day.  At first the pace felt really easy, but I knew that it was very important to stick to the plan.  I had a secret goal of breaking 5 hours for the Ironman bike leg, and with 3 laps to do, I knew I had to be around 1:40:00 per lap to do it.  I also knew that whatever split 205watts gave me is what I was going to get.  Coming up to the end of lap 1 my Garmin read 1:38:40. I was so happy to see that sub-5 was a real possibility!  I continued to execute the pacing plan and the nutrition plan like clockwork.  I was feeling great.  I had no issues whatsoever on the bike except for a little bit of shoulder pain for sitting idle in the aerobars for so long. I was drinking a full bottle of Perform between every aid station and it made me pee during the bike… A lot.  I successfully peed 7 times during the bike while moving.  Towards the end of the ride I was so comfortable doing it that I could do it and continue to pedal (my shoes still smell like it, too).  The last lap of the ride did see my numbers start to fall ever so slightly.  Not a major slow down, but enough to make me focus on going under 5, all the more. During the last 10 miles back into town I was solely focused on my power, my speed, and my bike time.  I slipped under 5 hours by 7 seconds.  I’ll take it.  I ended up averaging 204 watts (207 watts Normalized Power).

Run – 3:42:29
Off the bike, I saw some friends that had come out from Bloomington to watch my wife and I race, and they told me I was 5th in my age group coming off the bike.  I couldn’t believe it.  But once I got out on the run course, I was quickly passed by two guys in my age group.  I knew I was at least in 7th.  I continued to run my own pace, actually trying to hold back from going too hard.  Guys continued to run by me (some literally flying by me) but I was running my own race. The run was a 3 lap course (just like the bike) and I felt incredible the first lap.  The second lap started to get hard but I was trying to maintain my pace.  By the time the third lap started I was starting to lose some speed.  Guys were going by me that looked to be my age.  Many guys wear compression socks that cover their calves (blocking their age) or have intentionally erased the age on their calf completely.  At that point during the race I knew my age group position didn’t matter, but I was really wanting to break 10 hours.  I had it calculated that if I didn’t slip much more during the last lap I could go under 10. I was really starting to hurt during the last 5 miles or so, but I kept running.  I kept trying to maintain a positive focus on what I was actually doing and trying to accomplish.  The miles slowly came and went.  I could hear the crowd on the other side of the water and I knew that was where the finish was.  I kept focusing on it and focusing on the other runners that I was lapping.  I wanted to slow down and make it stop, but I knew I was very close and knew I was going under 10 hours.  I finally made it back to the area where the crowds were and gained some motivation from them knowing I was close to being done.  I made to the sign that shows an arrow to the finish line. I had run by it 3 previous times and finally got to turn left towards the finish.  Just then a guy came running by me with a “42″ on his calf.  I thought to myself, well now I’m in maybe 15th place or 20th place in my age group but it didn’t matter because I was going under 10 hours.  I entered the finish area and started high fiving the crowd on my way to the line.  I screamed and loved every minute of it.  I had done it.

Final – 9:46:28
Once I had finished, I met back up with our friends in the finish area. They told me I had finished 8th in my age group. I couldn’t believe it. I thought that some of those guys that had gone by me during the run had been in my division. This meant that besides those two guys in the first two miles that went by me on run, the guy in the finish chute that passed me was the only other guy to do so.  I would find out the next morning that the top 7 in my age group got slots to Kona.  I had missed a Kona slot by just 10 seconds.

I really don’t think I would change very much about my race.  I know that it’s easy to go back during a 10 hour day and find 11 more seconds and qualify for Kona, but I’m extremely happy about my result.  And, I couldn’t be happier with my training partners’ performances.  Everyone from Springfield had fantastic races (one our very own ended up on the podium, DD!!)  Nice job, Springfield!

Ironman Arizona Nutrition  -5,608 Calories & 10,589mg Sodium
4:00am wake up
1 Imodium AD
1 Ensure+ :350 calories & 220mg sodium
1 cup of coffee

4:30am
Peanut butter on bread with banana slices- :412 calories & 420mg sodium
1 cup of coffee

4:50am
2 Imodium AD

5:15am
Walk down to the transition area
1 Ensure+  :350 calories & 220mg sodium (sipped on until the start)

Bike-
Immediately drank one large water bottle of Gatorade and Gatorlytes.
Ate 1 peanut butter Powerbar
Every aid station grabbed a bottle of Ironman Perform and drank it before the next aid station.
6 salt stick plus caps – took one cap every 45 minutes.
Ate 1 sleeve of Clif Shot Blocks (lemon-lime flavor) throughout the ride
Sipped on a bottle of (4 scoops of Perpetuem and coffee) the first half.
Grabbed another bottle of Perpetuem and coffee at special needs.
Ate a Powergel (double latte) at mile 105
*Peed seven times on the bike

1- 20oz. Gatorade with Gatorlytes.  240mg + 780mg = 1020mg sodium & 150 calories
1- Powerbar = 240 calories & 200mg sodium
2- 20oz. Perpetuem with coffee = 1,080 calories & 880 mg sodium
11- 20oz. Ironman Perform.  475mg x 11 = 5,225mg sodium & 1,925 calories
1- sleeve (6 pieces) Clif Shot Blocks = 200 calories & 140mg sodium
1- Powergel = 110 calories & 200mg sodium
6 – salt stick plus caps – 190mg sodium x 6 = 1140mg sodium

Run-
3 2 oz. of Ironman Perform = 278 calories & 759mg sodium
44 oz. of Coke = 513 calories & 165mg sodium
20 oz. of water
Ice and sponges at every aid station
*Peed 4 times on the run

I took some time off from work and did a big bike week in July (390 miles), and a big tri week in September (swim 8000, bike 410, ran 28).  I did every bit of work EN asked of me throughout the year.

Going into Arizona my FTP was 274, my VDot was 54 my weight was 145.  My swimming was also at its best (best for an average swimmer).  I had some wild notion and thought I could go sub 10 on a really good day if 200 watts could buy me a sub 5 hour bike.  I just figured I could swim a 1:15, bike 5, and run a 3:30 (my marathon PR was 3:29).  My goals might have been lofty.

Swim 1:09:10

I was scared to death of the swim.  Dark and a Cold 62 degrees.  I wore a full suit with neoprene cap and booties.  The cannon went off and I was getting clobbered.  I had only started about 5 deep, and About 100 yards in I turned over on my back and took a deep breath. This was not going my way.  The year flashed through my head. I had to convince myself that I was well prepared and to put my head down and swim.   It seemed that every few hundred yards on the way out, I would hit a huge group and get beat up for 20 seconds.  The way back was much better.  I felt pretty strong in my pull, and was now hoping to make up some of the time I lost on the way out.  I reached the stairs, had my wetsuit stripped, and started running to get my bike bag.  I didn’t wear my garmin in the water so I had no clue what my swim time was, but I felt pretty good about it.  I wouldn’t know what my time was until the race was over.  

T1 5:02

I am not sure what took so long for transition.  I think the arm coolers and cycling gloves might have taken too long to put on but they were comfort items for the long day.

Bike 4:54:01 – Garmin Connect Bike Stats

The bike was 3 loops and I knew I had to do a 1:40 per loop to do 5 hours.  I know EN encourages JRA “just riding along” pace out of the gate, but I didn’t have time to lose.  On the way out we had a slight headwind going up hill. On the way back I was flying downhill all the way to town.  I hit the turnaround at 1:36, 4 minutes fast.  I figured that was money in the bank that I might need later.  My NP was 208 watts.

The second loop seemed to be a little harder, I started to think I might have over cooked the first loop.  But I kept my power numbers in check.  The wind seemed to be changing up, not sure what it was, but it was different.  I came into the turnaround at 1:39, still below my 1:40 goal with a NP of 203.  I saw my family cheering, this was a huge boost to start the third loop, it was like they game me superpowers.

Starting the third loop the wind had shifted to a tailwind on the way out.  It was a nice push up the Beeline.  My average speed stayed over 22 mph on the way out, that was a big bonus!  I headed back to town and decided to not worry too much about my power on the downhill.  I knew I would beat my goal and could give my legs a rest.  I came into T2 with a 1:38 on the last lap and an NP of 199 for a total bike NP of 203.  I was ecstatic!

T2 2:11

Once again running into transition my family was there yelling for me.  I had goosebumps and felt like I was floating though.

Run 3:40:08 – Garmin Connect Run Stats

This was where the day started.  I had been looking forward to this “Mary” for two months now.  I felt amazing coming off the bike, but I had to pee.  Yes, I tried to on the bike but couldn’t do it.  The porta potty was not close enough in the transition so I figured I would run until I found one.  The first mile is always fast, but I tried to slow down.  I was doing 7ish pace and hit a open porta potty on the course.  Oh that felt good.  I jump back out and still finish the first mile in 8:25.  Ok, now it was time to slow it down for the first 6 miles or so.  Mile 7 came I dropped the pace and I decided I had better take a Powerbar Gel. It about made me throw up.  I had to stick to liquids.

Lap two

I think I still stayed pretty conservative, I was worried about mile 18-20 and if I could hold it together without cramping.  The miles just ticked off, and I still felt great.  This was crazy!

Lap Three

Starting off the lap I spotted my family, I stopped and turned around high fiving them, saying “just one more lap!”  I was too excited!  I was running strong.  Just after mile 22 I heard someone say something like “it was only 4:15pm.”  At this point I had no clue what the race time was, I started getting even more excited.  I just kept running, and running.  I saw coach Rich standing on the course, I asked him for some love, he gave me a high five and said “get it done!”  I ran the last 3 miles, it seemed like everyone was in my way.  I was swerving and dodging just trying to get to the finish.  I completed the loop and they directed me towards some parking lot and around the corner to the finish.  I clock was sub 9:50,  I had a smile on my face, I continued to run, high fiving everyone down the finishing shoot, including my family.  I don’t think I could have had a better day!

Ironman Arizona 9:50:32

Go here to listen to Dan’s interview with Coach Rich

Nutrition Total 4472 Calories, 9659mg sodium
I pretty much followed the Jesse Kropelnicki, Core Diet plan from his EN webinar.   Here is what I calculated.

Pre Race: 1135 Calories, 1855mg Sodium
12:00 Midnight: 260 calories
Fruit smoothie

3:30 am
12oz apple sauce 150 calories
1 scoop protein 120 calories 100mg sodium
1 banana 100 calories
Gatorade w/ gatorlytes 200 calories 1155mg sodium

5:30
powerbar 230cal 200mg
Gatorade g2 75calories 400mg

Race:
Bike 2585 calories, 7035mg Sodium
1/2 powerbar
1/2 powerbar 230cal 200mg
4xGel 400cal 800mg
1/2 power bar
1/2 powerbar 230cal 200mg
Gel 100 cal 200mg
2 Gatorade w/ gatorlytes 400 calories 2310mg sodium
7 Perform 1225cal 3325mg

Run 752 calories, 769mg sodium
Lap 1
14 oz perform 122 calories 332mg sodium
12 oz coke 140 calories
Gel 100 cal 200mg

Lap 2
10 oz perform 87 calories 237mg sodium
12 oz coke 140 calories

Lap 3
7 oz water
14 oz coke 163 calories

HardyBreed made it out for the 2012 Illinois State Fair Parade Run which was held on August 9, 2012 at Illinois State Fair. Thanks to HardyBreed’s Tom Kulmacz who took all the photos.

[2012 Illinois State Fair Parade Run Photos]

[2012 Illinois State Fair Parade Run Results]

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

HardyBreed made it out for the 2012 Iron Abe and Stoneman which was held on July 28, 2012 at Lake Springfield. Thanks to HardyBreed’s Tom Kulmacz who took all the photos.

[2012 Iron Abe & Stoneman Photos]

[2012 Stoneman Results]

[2012 Iron Abe Results]

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

HardyBreed made it out for the 2012 Sizzling Mile which was held on Wednesday night, July 25 at the Sacred Heart-Griffin Track in Springfield, IL. Thanks to HardyBreed’s Eric Sommer who took all the photos in the sweltering heat.

[2012 Sizzling Mile Photos]

[2012 Sizzling Mile Results]

[Sizzling Mile Records]

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

HardyBreed made it out for another year at the Capital City Biathlon.  Over 150 participated in this challenging 5k run, 15 mile bike course.  A big thanks to Tom Kulmacz for shooting photos which are free for the taking once again.

[Capital City Biathlon 2012 Photos]

[Capital City Biathlon 2012 Overall Results]

[Capital City Biathlon 2012 Age Group Results]

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

Another successful Frostbite Festival cruised down West Washington on December 4th. The dedicated HardyBreed photographer Tom Kulmacz was out there braving the cold taking photos once again.  Congratulations to all that competed!

[Frostbite Festival Run Photos 2011] [Results]

HardyBreed made it out for another great race at the Illinois State Fair.  This time for Abe’s Amble.  Close to a thousand participated in this challenging 10k course, with Brian “The Glass-man” Glass taking the victory for the 7th year in a row.  A big thanks to Tom Kulmacz for shooting photos which are free for the taking once again.

[Abe's Amble 2011 Photos]  [Abe's Amble 2011 Results]

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

Another super night at New City! There were 32 riders, including 2 returning (Dave Loyd & Amanda Kidd) & 6 new riders: welcome Connor Ramsey, John Zerkle, Henry Janssen, Chris King, Bill Stokes & Elias Hunerdosse! Thanks again for Adam Wallace on the timing Olivia & Mike Vonnahmen’s son, Tyler! There were many, many PR’s tonight-great job everyone!

Skies: cloudy, storms in the area with rain predicted
Temp: 84 degrees, not too humid
Wind: 4mph SSE
Results from August 17, 2011:

Rider Time Previous PR

Ladies:
Bette Chesser       26:03     26:41
Dee Wise            27:33     27:44
Lisa Kidd           27:55     28:41
Emily Chesser       29:45     31:22
Becky Smith         33:35     34:11
Lois Jazo           33:46     34:16
Amanda Kidd         35:47

Overall:
Rob Brokaw          23:32     23:19
Andy Lister         23:41     23:38
Jake Buescher       23:46     23:37
Lance Kidd          25:39     25:33
Bette Chesser       26:03     26:41
Mark Shea           26:03     25:31
Tom Chesser         26:27     27:50
Dave Loyd           26:45
Steve Schien        26:45     27:22
Mike Vonnahmen      27:02     26:43
Mike Scott          27:21     28:20
Dee Wise            27:33     27:44
Elias Hunerdosse    27:37
Brad Schwab         27:41     29:52
Kenny Vennell       27:46     27:29
Connor Ramsey       27:48
Keith Buescher      27:49     27:39
Peter Wise          27:51     28:41
Lisa Kidd           27:55     28:41
Devon Loftus        28:06     29:40
John Zerkle         28:33
Bill Stokes         29:20
Bob Brandon         29:27     29:41
Neil Glessner       29:42     30:05
Emily Chesser       29:45     31:22
Jacob Brandon       30:10     30:36
TJ Schlouski        31:17     31:54
Chris King          32:56
Henry Janssen       33:28
Becky Smith         33:35     34:11
Lois Jazo           33:46     34:16
Amanda Kidd         35:47

See you in 2 weeks!
Steve Schien

Another great race from Director Lance Cull.  The Parade Run drew over 500 participants.  HardyBreed photographer Tom Kulmacz was on the back side of the course taking photos once again.  Congratulations to all that competed!

[State Fair Parade Run Photos 2011] [Parade Run Overall] [Parade Run Awards]

Results from August 3rd, 2011

Ladies: Time
Nicole Sommer              26:53
Dee Wise                   27:44
Lisa Kidd                  28:51
Emily Scanurra             29:44
Brigitte Cutler            30:25
Becky Smith                34:11
Jenni Gardner              34:30
Lois Jazo                  35:20
Leigh Anne Horvath         39:06

Overall:
Rob Brokaw                 23:19 PR
Andy Lister                23:51
Eric Sommer                24:44
Adam Sergent               25:13 PR
Lance Kidd                 25:33 PR
Tim Shotts                 26:07 PR
Mark Shea                  26:11
Nicole Sommer              26:53 PR
Jeff Williams              27:02
Steve Schien               27:22 PR
Kenny Vennell              27:29 PR
Dee Wise                   27:44 PR
Michael Dwyer              27:47
Nick Fogleman              28:18 PR
Mike Scott                 28:20 PR
Peter Wise                 28:41 PR
Lisa Kidd                  28:51
Clay Crocker               29:11 PR
Eric Wise                  29:22 PR
Emily Scanurra             29:44 PR
Brad Schwab                29:52
Brigitte Cutler            30:25
Greg Huntley               30:26
Craig Timson               30:46 PR
TJ Schlouski               31:54 PR
Tom Selby                  33:51
Bert Barlow                33:58
Josh Billington            34:02
Becky Smith                34:11 PR
Jenni Gardner              34:30
Lois Jazo                  35:20
Mike Vonnahmen             35:35
Leigh Anne Horvath         39:06
Jeremy Morgan              42:27

See you in 2 weeks!
Steve Schien

Thanks to Steve O’Connor  for putting on a great race in Springfield last weekend.  Also a big thanks to our photographer Tom Kulmacz for taking some awesome photos again this year.

[Check out all the Iron Abe and Stoneman Photos] [Iron Abe Results] [Stoneman Result]

On-line registration for Iron Abe and Stoneman triathlons will close Thursday the 28th at 4:00 pm. If you miss the deadline, plan on registering in person at packet pickup on Friday the 29th from 4-7pm.  Due to a tremendous response, we may need to order more shirts and mail them to your home if you register on the 29th.  Remember, there will be no race day registration.  Check out Tri Harder Promotions to register and for more info about the races.

Almost 100 degrees & we STILL had 30 riders! Welcome 6 new riders Josh Billington, Cheryl Held, Kelly Hegele, Matt Bryant, Adam Klunick & Dave Holland! Thanks to Adam Wallace & Keith Buescher for timing tonight, allowing me to ride for the first time this season!! On a personal note, I was shooting for a 23mph average & ended up with 22.7 – I’m pretty happy with that, considering the heat! I really appreciate all of you coming out, making this a successful event for us all!

Results from July 20th, 2011:
Wind: 3mph SSW, Very hot at 97 degrees, clear skies.

Ladies:
Becky Smith                34:51 PR
Cheryl Held                35:18
Lois Jazo                  35:37
Kelly Hegele               40:45

Overall:
Rob Brokaw                 23:30 PR
Jake Buescher              24:01
Lance Kidd                 26:04
Mark Shea                  26:05
Mike Vonnahmen             26:43 PR
John Hulcher               26:45 PR
Ted Hamilton               27:27
Dave Holland               28:09
Steve Schien               28:35
Randy Held                 28:38
Kenny Vennell              28:47
Eric Hegele                29:14
Matt Bryant                29:37
Bob Brandon                29:41 PR
Peter Wise                 29:55
Clay Crocker               30:00 PR
Mark Birtch                30:09
Jacob Brandon              30:36 PR
Brian Albracht             30:37
David Kalasie              30:42 PR
Adam Klunick               30:46
Tracy Shelabarger          30:57
Justin Sawyer              32:40 PR
Tim Shotts                 32:58
William Henebry            33:05
Josh Billington            33:32
Becky Smith                34:51 PR
Cheryl Held                35:18
Lois Jazo                  35:37
Kelly Hegele               40:45

See you in 2 weeks!
Steve Schien

Finishers 1, 2 & 3 were separated by only 8 seconds!

A new record for the season was set tonight by Jake Buescher, but only by a second! Finishers 1, 2 & 3 were separated by only 8 seconds! Another great night at New City-the temp was 75, a little windy, but there were 34 riders including 7 new people! Welcome Mike Scott, Ted Hamilton, David Carron, TJ Schlouski, Eric Wise, Justin Sawyer & Molly Canum! Thanks a ton to Mitch Johnson for stopping by & helping at the last minute with catching the rider’s numbers at the finish line—I had missed at least 9 of you, trying to hit the stopwatch & write at the same time! Jeff Williams showed up on an old Pinarello funny bike-650c front wheel & a super-low stem. He only lost about a minute from his best time this year! William Henebry was on his fixie, as usual, but he broke the 30-minute mark tonight! Many, many of the riders set new PR’s tonight, sometimes by nearly 2 minutes-Great Job! Remember, you can find all these results & more at www.hardybreed.com, just click on the ‘New City’ tab!

Results from June 22, 2011:

Temp: 75 Wind: SW at 14, dropping to 7 & cloudy

Name                  Time      Previous ‘best’ time this year

Ladies:
Bette Chesser         26:41     27:12
Brenda Reiling        27:52     28:04
Dee Wise              29:10     29:14
Brigitte Cutler       29:18     29:32
Molly Canum           39:35     none

Overall:
Jake Buescher         23:37     24:36 (23:37 new record this season)
Andy Lister           23:40     24:40
Rob Brokaw            23:45     23:38 (23:38 old record this season)
Dan Billingsley       24:38     25:34
Eric Sommer           24:54     none
Dan Dungan            25:41     none
Lance Kidd            26:00     26:16
Ray Caruso            26:14     none
Trevor Lister         26:37     28:31
Bette Chesser         26:41     27:12
Chad Martel           26:52     none-mentioned that this was with unshaven legs, though.
Ted Hamilton          27:06     none
Brenda Reiling        27:52     28:04
Kenny Vennell         28:08     27:36
Michael Dwyer         28:10     none, but beat his last season’s best by 5 seconds!
Brian Albracht        28:16     28:19
Jason Beeler          28:32     29:30
Nick Fogleman         28:41     29:28
Peter Wise            29:01     32:11
Dee Wise              29:10     29:14
Jeff Williams         29:14     28:12 on a Pinarello ‘Funny Bike’ tonight!
Brigitte Cutler       29:18     29:32
Mike Scott            29:18     none
David Carron          29:26     none
William Henebry       29:31     30:46 on a fixed-gear, as usual but added aerobars
John Nelson           29:56     29:52
Kirk Romanotto        30:05     31:13 so close to that 30-minute mark!
Jacob Brandon         30:43     32:38
Eric Wise             30:59     none
Neil Glessner         31:05     30:05
Craig Timson          32:13     34:18
TJ Schlouski          33:29     none
Justin Sawyer         35:13     none
Molly Canum           39:35     none

Thanks for coming out & I’ll see you again on July 6th!

Steve Schien

Results from June 8th, 2011

Hot & moderately humid at 95 degrees, wind from the SW at 14mph & clear skies, a bit hazy.

Ladies:
Bette Chesser        27:26
Dee Wise             30:13
Lisa Kidd            30:41
Emily Scanurra       31:50
Marilyn Powell       32:09
Emily Chesser        33:07
Becky Smith          35:49
Lois Jazo            35:57

Overall:
Jake Buescher        24:36
Andy Lister          24:40
Dan Billingsley      25:34
Lance Kidd           26:42
Scott Robinson       27:01
Mark Shea            27:12
Bette Chesser        27:26
John Hulcher         27:55
Jeff Williams        28:20
Tom Chesser          28:26
Mike Vonnahmen       28:29
Trevor Lister        28:31
Kenny Vennell        29:21
Jason Beeler         29:30
Brian Albrecht       29:53
Mick McGlasson       29:59
Nick Fogleman        30:00
Tim Shotts           30:05 on a fixed gear!
Dee Wise             30:13
Lisa Kidd            30:41
Dan Eichinger        30:42
Bob Brandon          30:43
William Henebry      0:46 on a fixed gear
Mark Birtch          31:08
Clay Crocker         31:19
Kirk Romanotto       31:43
Emily Scanurra       31:50
Marilyn Powell       32:09
Peter Wise           32:11
Dave Wooten          32:14
Jacob Brandon        32:38
Neil Glessner        32:45
Emily Chesser        33:07
Craig Timson         34:18
Becky Smith          35:49
Lois Jazo            35:57

See you out here in 2 weeks!
Steve Schien

After a week a crappy weather, the sun came out for the 2011 Capital City Biathlon at the Lake Springfield Beach House.  Close to a couple hundred participants did a 5k run and a 15 mile bike with HardyBreed’s own Eric Sommer coming home with the WIN in 56:32.  We also had HardyBreed photographer Tom Kulmacz donating his time to take some great photos on the course.  You can check out all the photos and results using the links below.

Photos

• Capital City Biathlon Photos 2011

Results

Abe’s Mini and Pioneer Sprint Results and finishing photos can be found on “Its Race Time” results page.

• Capital City Biathlon Results 2011

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

Thanks for coming out tonight! There were 20 riders tonight. The weather turned out great-the wind died a bit & the humidity dropped along with the temp. Welcome new rider Kirk Romanotto! Remember, you can always check www.hardybreed.com for the all the results.

Clear skies, temp 80 degrees & dropping slowly, wind 15MPH from the NW.

Ladies:
Bette Chesser         27:17
Lisa Kidd             28:41
Dee Wise              29:14
Emily Chesser         31:22
Lois Jazo             34:44

Overall:
Jake Buescher         25:23
Dan Billingsley       25:47
Lance Kidd            26:16
Justin Stewart        26:26
Mark Shea             26:58
Bette Chesser         27:17
Kenny Vennell         27:36
Mike Vonnahmen        27:46
Tom Chesser           27:50
Brian Albracht        28:19
Lisa Kidd             28:41
Dee Wise              29:14
Keith Buescher        29:50
Bob Brandon           30:37
Kirk Romanotto        31:13
Neil Glessner         31:32
Emily Chesser         31:22
Dave Wooten           32:34
Jacob Brandon         34:20
Lois Jazo             34:44

Nice Job, Everyone & I’ll see you in 2 weeks!

Remember, I host a ride from BikeTek on Tuesdays, (next ride 5/17) the off-weeks of this time trial. Leave at 5:45, it’s a 25 mile hilly loop. Please be able to ride at least 17MPH. Aerobars are OK, we wait for stragglers at the top of each big climb & at stop signs.

- Steve Schien

Results from 4/27/11:

Major storms in the area, it started raining steady 3 minutes after the last rider started. 20 MPH north winds & 62 degrees.
Thanks for coming out & braving the weather!

Adam Sergent          30:24
Scott Robinson        31:22
Todd LaFountain       31:22
Kenny Vennell         31:35
Neil Glessner         36:41

Photos

• Pioneer Sprint Triathlon Photos 2011
• Abes Mini Triathlon Photos 2011

Results

Abe’s Mini and Pioneer Sprint Results and finishing photos can be found on “Its Race Time” results page.

• Pioneer Sprint Triathlon Results 2011
• Abes Mini Triathlon Results 2011

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

Thanks for coming out to New City on Weds! This is the beginning of the 5th year of the Wednesday Night Time Trials! There were a few new faces & a few that haven’t been out for a while! Some new equipment, some old, a fixie & a mountain bike! Justin Stewart set a new course record on a fixed-gear bike & Albert Pierceall (training for an adventure race) showed up for the first time in a few seasons on a knobby-tired mountain bike & rode while wearing a HUGE backpack!

Results from 4/13/11
22 riders
70 degrees, light ESE wind, clear skies

Women:
Bette Chesser         27:12
Brenda Reiling        28:04
Lisa Kidd             30:13
Emily Chesser         32:25
Lois Jazo             35:57

Overall:
Rob Brokaw            23:38
Justin Armstead       23:46
John Lawyer           25:13
Adam Sergent          25:32
Andy Lister           26:01
Lance Kidd            26:49
Mike Vonnahmen        27:08
Dave Drennan          27:08
Bette Chesser         27:12
Brenda Reiling        28:04
Kenny Vennell         28:04
Jeff Williams         28:12
Tom Chesser           28:14
Justin Stewart        28:59 on a fixie-old record was 30:01
Todd LaFountain       29:20
Nick Fogleman         29:28
John Nelson           29:52
Lisa Kidd             30:13
Emily Chesser         32:25
Jeff Meyerhoff        33:26
Lois Jazo             35:57
Albert Pierceall      38:26

Thanks for coming & I’ll see you on Weds April 27th!

Steve Schien

HardyBreed photographer, Tom Kulmacz made it out to Washington and took over 800 photos of the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon on April 2, 2011 in Springfield, IL.

Congratulations to all the HardyBreed Rabbits out there that completed the race! Let us know what you think of the photos!

[Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon photos] [Results]

Like what you see? Help HardyBreed out and donate a buck or two.

by Adam Hawkins

My New Year’s Resolution for 2011 was simple: I would participate in a race or a triathlon every month. Since I love trail running, I tried to find as many trail races as close to home as possible.  Luckily, there would be a trail race held in March in nearby Clinton.

This was the first year a 10 mile race was offered at Clinton Lake. It is held in conjunction with a 30 mile ultra on the same day. I knew a 30 miler was out of the question, but I figured I’d be okay doing a 10 mile race.

The past few weeks of training had not gone smoothly. I had been suffering a fever and chest congestion. In spite of being on vacation, my ailments did not allow for many good miles. Nevertheless, I had paid my fee, and I was going to race.

I took off for Clinton before dawn. I stopped at a Circle K in Forsyth to grab a few bananas. About 30 minutes later, I had arrived at the race start. The bad part…I had accidentally gone to the 30 mile race check-in. After traversing back to Route 54, I got to the proper check in and prepared myself.

Bus transportation from our area to the start/finish was mandatory. The bus left at 7am, our race was not set to start until 8am. That was a long time to be out on a cold morning. Everywhere I looked, people in tights were shivering. Some were hopping up and down in an effort to keep warm.  I can’t remember the last time I was so cold at a race.

After a few words of thanks and instructions, we were off. There weren’t a large number of runners. As usual, I started out slow. We were on asphalt for a bit, and then we turned into the woods.

The trails surrounding Clinton Lake were in great shape. I found myself in the middle of a 4-person pack. We were together for the first few miles. Knowing that my fitness was not where it needed to be, I took it easy, walking most of the uphills.

I felt pretty good through the first part of the race. There was an aid station just past mile 5. Since there was an ultra going on at the same time, the aid station had Success sports drink, fruit and salty snacks. I grabbed a quick drink, some fruit and headed back into the woods.

While I was feeling a bit tired, I kept concentrating on the next mile marker. I kept walking the uphills, but it seemed like my recovery time kept increasing after every one. I found myself walking more and more.

After mile 7, I found myself in quasi-survival mode. My lack of training was starting to become more apparent. Once I passed mile 8, I started hitting the water bottle. I passed mile 9 and felt my right calf starting to cramp. I paused to stretch, and thankfully, it never seized up on me.

I crossed the road and entered the parking lot, curving around the cars toward the finish line. I was going at a decent clip, and felt relieved that it was over. I had finished in 2:04.

I took some water and fruit and waited for the bus to take us back to our cars. The volunteers had made four kinds of homemade soup, and bread was available, too. There was also a pony keg of Murphy’s Stout beer.

The goodie bag included a LaSportiva technical shirt, a copy of Trail Runner magazine, a nice pen and two tubes of lib balm. Overall, a fine offering.

I was very impressed with the organization of this race. Mile markers on the course were great. The aid station was awesome, and the post-race offerings were top notch. The goodie bag was solid, and the race was close to home.

I recommend The Clinton Lake Trail Race to any trail running fan.

-Hawk

Adam Hawkins is the Creative Services Director for Neuhoff Media Radio.

The main group is heading to the Track today for a few (i.e. 3) one mile repeats at about 5K pace.  This is going to be used as a tune up for those competing in St.Louis this weekend at the St.Patty’s Day 5 miler.  One of our very own members of the lunch group won that race a few year’s back.

Hardybreed Dan and I are sticking to the park and running 2 mile W/U, 8 x (5:00 @ T pace followed by :30 recovery), 2 mile W/D

Springfield High Track @ 12:05

When

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter Street, Springfield.

What

Some of the topics to be covered will include transition set up, T1 and T2, swimming efficiently, bike and running training including equipment choices and techniques.  Several experts in the field will be speaking and sharing their knowledge including a USA Triathlon Certified Race Director, Ironman Finisher, Ultra-Marathoner, Tri-Swim Coach and ACSM Health Fitness Specialist.  Both novice and experienced triathletes are encouraged to participate in discussion in preparation for the July 30^th Stoneman Sprint and Iron Abe Olympic triathlons being held at Lake Springfield.

Register

For registration information, call Annette at 217-545-7133 or register online at www.siumed.edu/surgery.   For more information about the races, proceed to www.triharderpromotions.com.

Join Fast Forward Triathlon Pro Development Team April 1-3 in North Carolina.  A bargain $449 for an all inclusive, lodging (heated cabins), meals, 30min massage. All you have to do is eat, sleep, train and learn. Find out more at fastforwardtriathlon.com

With the size of the crowd we had last week, we should have a great group.  12 finishers last week for our 4th annual President’s Day 5K was pretty impressive.  Hell, we could rival some of the local 5K attendance numbers.  Plus the weather looks to be fantastic.

Meet at 12:00 noon at 1st and Madison.  Today.

See you there.

The 4th annual President’s Day 5K.  The event was originally organized to meet the criteria for qualifying for a seeded corral at the Indy Half Marathon.  I know it hasn’t been used for that since the first year, but for some reason we’ve kept the tradition of the race alive.

The course for the 5K is our usual 3 mile course.  It starts at Vine and MacArthur and goes through the Park, exiting at Wiggins down to Outer Park and then back up Park Street to Laurel.  The course is exactly 3 miles and then we add 30 seconds to make it a 5K time.

*New Course Record
^Clydesdale Division Record (190+)

Previous years: 2010 Results and the 2009 Results.

*2008 results:

1. Bennett, Greg   18:05
2. Sommer, Eric  18:06
3. Egan, David   18:11
4. Taft, Alex   18:53
5. Gilmore, Greg   19:28
6. Dowell, Tracy   21:28

RACES:
In the Women’s race Beverly Enslow (PBC) just rode away for the WIN followed by Gina Kenny (Turin) and Amy Dykema (Team MACK).

Jacob Schilling, Joshua Mittelberg and Joshua Schilling (all Team MACK) finished 1-2-3 in the Junior event.

The Public Open was won by Jason Goddard of Rushville followed by JJ Kellock and Doug Urbank.

Jason Rassi (Wildcard) just plain out classed the fields in the Senior Open and Classic Cross winning the overall prize as well (MAVIC Wheelset). This guy was so quick I thought I was watching a criterium. MACK member Mark McGeen finished up 5th in the Open and 4th in the Classic. Way to go Mark!!

Eric Drummer (Albertos) seemed to float over the dismounts as he won the Masters 30+ race. Greg Springborn (Proctor) broke away early in the Masters 40+ and stayed away for the WIN. In the 50+ race Mark McGeen took the Gold!

GROUNDHOG PRIME:
Jason Fergurson (Wheel Fast Racing) tackled the groundhog during the Classic Cross and somehow got the wild animal back to the finish line. I heard the little critter was fighting Jason all the way to the line..

Results are posted to: http://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2011-100

The SJR ran some nice photo’s in today’s paper. Please visit the following links for some great photos of our event:  http://www.sj-r.com/photo_galleries/x1568450970/24th-Annual-Bill-Jensen-Memorial-Tour-de-Groundhog?foto=5 Also,  http://www.ficksphotos.com and  http://www.teammackracing.org will have action photo’s of the event posted up soon.

———-

This year will mark the 24rd Tour de Groundhog Cyclocross. Since 2005, the “Groundhog” has been held in memory of William (Bill) Jensen, 38 who died on October 24, 2004 as a result of a skydiving accident near Springfield Illinois. Bill was a member of Team MACK from its inception in 1992 through 2000. Bill was Team MACK’S newsletter editor and computer go-to guy for many years. Bill took up marathon running and skydiving as well as continuing his cycling, and was a fixture at MACK training races right up to the time of his death. Bill qualified for the Boston Marathon in September of 2004 with a personal best time of just over 3 hours. He was truly a super athlete and will be missed by all who knew him.

February 20, 2011 we will gather to remember Bill and to support Bill’s children’s education fund. Each year Bill’s Widow Karen and two young children Josh and Anna attend the event and serve as scorers (Karen and Anna) and starter (Josh). Karen, Josh and Anna hope you too can attend and show your support for one of our own. We hope to see you there. Flyer attached for location and race times.

24th Annual Bill Jensen Memorial Tour de Groundhog

The Springfield Tri Club will be hosting a meeting/social on Saturday, February 19th from 7-10 at PAO Bistro in the Gables.  Everyone is welcome and all members and prospective members should attend.  Springfield’s Triathlete of the Year will be presented with an award (You will have to show up to win).  HardyBreed’s own will be there to talk about Jack Daniel’s Running Formula and getting fast as hell and staying injury free.

Don’t forget to complete the membership application and bring it with you!

SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2011.

Porta Pool Swim Challenge – the morning of Saturday, March 12^th at the Porta High School Swimming Pool in Petersburg, IL . This will be a fundraising eventto benefit the activities and needs of the Porta (community) Swimming Pool. Participants will have the opportunity to swim ½ mile, 1 mile, or 2 miles in a 60 minute period (no awards will be given, BUT bragging rights will be encouraged.) More information to follow. Organizers: Rachel Frost (632-3216) and Therese Meyer-Cox (632-2338).

TIME:

Warm ups start at 8:30 a.m. Heat # 1 will begin at 9:00 a.m. You will be contacted the week of 3/07/11 and informed of your start time. You should arrive at the Pool at least 30 minutes prior to your start time. A warm up lane will be available.

PLACE:

PORTA Pool, 17651 Blue Jay Road, Petersburg, IL

PORTA High School is located on the west side of Petersburg. Turn west at the corner of Rt. 97 and Sheridan Road, proceed 3 blocks and continue up the hill; go 1 more block to the school entrance. Locker rooms are available for swimmers.

EVENT:

The Challenge Swim will be 3,300 yards or 132 lengths; 1650 yards or 66 lengths; and 850 yards or 34 lengths to slowest with two swimmers per lane.

Swimmers will be seeded fastest.

PLEASE RETURN LOWER PORTION WITH CHECK——————————————————

NAME________________________________________________________AGE on 3/07/11__________

ADDRESS_________________________________CITY________________STATE______ZIP__________

PHONE____________________________E-MAIL ADDRESS____________________________________

2 mile seeding time__________ 1 mile seeding time___________ 1/2 mile seeding time____________

[ ] Entry Fee $15.00 per event (Swimmers may choose to do the ½-mile swim as well as one of the longer swims for $20.00.)

*** This is a fundraiser for Pool safety improvements. Your support is greatly appreciated! ***

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ AND SIGNED THIS FORM! This is not a race—except against the clock. It is necessary to warn you that NO ONE should undertake this swim unless they are physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate safely. This involves yearly examinations by a physician and dedication to regular exercise. I understand this and consider myself an adult legally responsible for my actions and the results thereof. I

Signature of Swimmer_________________________________________________Date__________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian (if swimmer is a minor)____________________________________Date__________________

Please sign the form and return along with check payable to PORTA Pool.

Mail to:

Rachel Frost, PORTA Pool
17651 Blue Jay Road
Petersburg, IL 62675

For more information, contact Rachel at 217-632-3216 or for myself, my executors, administrators, and assignees, do hereby release and discharge the Director and all sponsors for all claims of damages whatsoever arising out of my participation in the Challenge Swim.

NO AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN – BRAGGING RIGHTS ARE ENCOURAGED!!

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