By Alphabetical
2543 - Gena Alvarez, F, 43, The Woodlands
1249 - Gregory Alvarez, M, 42, The Woodlands
1931 - Ramon Arroyo, M, 53, The Woodlands
573 - Kevin Barr, M, 33, The Woodlands
676 - Thomas Behe, M, 36, The Woodlands
1656 - Todd Cooper, M, 48, The Woodlands
2447 - Lori Culberson, F, 39, The Woodlands
652 - Matthew Dishman, M, 35, The Woodlands
2609 - Leslie Dupuy, F, 45, Conroe
2536 - Lynn Flora, F, 42, Spring
1345 - David Frank, M, 44, Spring
2212 - Vanessa Gnatzig, F, 28, Spring
379 - Daniel Grube, M, 30, Montgomery
1362 - Steve Hardy, M, 44, Spring
1655 - Clifton Henson, M, 48, Spring
576 - Matt Horak, M, 34, Spring
1917 - Dan Jordan, M, 53, Conroe
1467 - Shawn Kirk, M, 44, Magnolia
1101 - Paris Menefee, M, 41, Panorama Village
1763 - Kent Morris, M, 50, Conroe
798 - Patrick Osborn, M, 37, Conroe
709 - Scott Reaves, M, 36, Conroe
2738 - Susan Rouse, F, 52, Conroe
1382 - Stuart Simmons, M, 44, Willis
2505 - Leslie Watts, F, 41, Spring
2585 - Colleen West, F, 44, Willis
1476 - Dirk Wolbers, M, 45, The Woodlands
884 - James Wygand III, M, 38, Spring
2852 - Michael Young, M, The Woodlands
By Number
379 - Daniel Grube, M, 30, Montgomery
573 - Kevin Barr, M, 33, The Woodlands
576 - Matt Horak, M, 34, Spring
652 - Matthew Dishman, M, 35, The Woodlands
676 - Thomas Behe, M, 36, The Woodlands
709 - Scott Reaves, M, 36, Conroe
798 - Patrick Osborn, M, 37, Conroe
884 - James Wygand III, M, 38, Spring
1101 - Paris Menefee, M, 41, Panorama Village
1249 - Gregory Alvarez, M, 42, The Woodlands
1345 - David Frank, M, 44, Spring
1362 - Steve Hardy, M, 44, Spring
1382 - Stuart Simmons, M, 44, Willis
1467 - Shawn Kirk, M, 44, Magnolia
1476 - Dirk Wolbers, M, 45, The Woodlands
1655 - Clifton Henson, M, 48, Spring
1656 - Todd Cooper, M, 48, The Woodlands
1763 - Kent Morris, M, 50, Conroe
1917 - Dan Jordan, M, 53, Conroe
1931 - Ramon Arroyo, M, 53, The Woodlands
2212 - Vanessa Gnatzig, F, 28, Spring
2447 - Lori Culberson, F, 39, The Woodlands
2505 - Leslie Watts, F, 41, Spring
2536 - Lynn Flora, F, 42, Spring
2543 - Gena Alvarez, F, 43, The Woodlands
2585 - Colleen West, F, 44, Willis
2609 - Leslie Dupuy, F, 45, Conroe
2738 - Susan Rouse, F, 52, Conroe
2852 - Michael Young, M, The Woodlands
Woodlands MultiSport is an open training and event forum for multisport athletes of The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe and the greater Montgomery County area.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
May Magic on Market Street #5: Stuart Simmons, Willis
Even though he would be considered the patriarch of the Conroe Triathletes, a small, yet growing, family-style, close-knit, but welcoming multisport club, Stuart Simmons just doesn't fit the image of Grandpa Walton.
As well loved as John Boy, though? Absolutely.
Even the name on his Ironman Texas entry reflects his first name, John. But, of course, everybody knows him as Stu or Stuart.
Stuart has two Ironman finishes to his credit -- Ironman Florida in 2008 in 12 hours, 20 minutes and three seconds followed by the inaugural Ironman Cozumel last November in 12:34:57.
And he'll look to punch his Ironman card twice more - once next weekend as he returns to Panama City Beach and then again in May at Ironman Texas.
He speaks below about his first triathlon being in 2002. While we couldn't find the results, it was interesting to note when we pulled up his results at athlinks.com (not necessarily complete) that he has done just three running events since 2003 - and two of those were trail run 5K's -- and almost 60 triathlons.
He says he got suckered, but we'd call it hooked!
In the meantime, though, we think that you'll be hard-pressed to find a better personality and ambassador to the sport.
2010 USAT age? -- I am 44 this year and will age up next year although the times do not seem to get any slower in the 45-49.
Birthplace? -- Fredricksburg, Texas.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- I am trying to do one Ironman a year until I reach the age I have to get a Kona slot because I am the only one left in my age group. There was an athlete at Ironman Florida last year that was 74 and had been at Kona less than a month before. That is my plan, if I can not out race them I will outlast them. The other factor was it was close to home, Ironmans are not spectator-friendly events but this close to home my family can see me several times on the bike and run.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- This will be my 4th (I hope) Ironman by race day.
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- My first race was Ironman Florida in 2008, last year I did the inaugural 2009 Cozumel race with my friend Paris Menefee, and I am going to Florida again with a large group from Conroe Triathletes for 2010 Florida.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- I did get an MDot after my first race, it was such a huge personal accomplishment that I felt it was tattoo worthy. I also told people I would get one if I finished months before the race. It helped having that out there because every time I wanted to bag on a run or a ride my friend Paris would start in with “The only tattoo you are going to get will be a DNF tattoo it”. It worked, I finished.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- I am part of Conroe Triathletes, which is one of the most inspirational groups of people I have every met.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- The Conroe Tri Club has some standing rides, runs, and swims geared toward the sprint and Oly distances. Those of us that are training for the full or half Ironman distance will start to meet outside those times three to four months out and train together for the longer distances.
Are you coached by anyone? If not, do you follow a formal training plan? -- I am not personally coached; however, we do have several athletes in the club with coaches and we are all close in ability so I tend to follow the workout of whomever I am training with at that time. I have a target for distances and/or time based on how far out from the race I am and as long as that my training partners workout falls close to that mark, I follow them. I do get a track workout in once a week, if possible, and that is out of a marathon training book.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- I hope to spend three hours a week swimming. At the high point of the training cycle I want to spend 10 to 12 hours a week on the bike/trainer, and I try to get four to five hours running. I have two kids (11 & 14) plus a job in Pasadena so I can end up really short on training time if work or the kids have a lot going on.
When was your first triathlon? -- My first race was Cinco Ranch in 2002.
How did you do? -- My swim and bike were competitive and I did finish; however, I was passed on the run by a woman on the other side of the street power walking with a yippee dog.
Why did you get into the sport? -- I got suckered! I started swimming Masters in Conroe and after a few weeks, the tri geeks in the group invited me out to ride bikes. So I bought a bike for $1,000, which my wife thought was outrageously expensive (little did she know) and started riding. Then came the hook, “If you can walk three miles you ought to come to a race with us”. After my first race, I was sold and it fit with the reason I started swimming in the first place, both sides of my family having horrible cardiovascular histories. My father lived to be 74, but had five strokes and two heart attacks before he passed. Most of the men on my mother’s side of the never made it out of their 50's. Triathlon is a good hobby to have if you want to live to be a problem to your children.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- Mainly that I am a much more social person than I thought I was. Outside of my family, the time I spend with other members of my Tri Club are what I look the most forward to during the week.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- I am a strong swimmer and comfortable in the water, if they would do sprints with a 300 meter run, a 15 mile bike, and the 5K swim ... I would be much more competitive.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- I enjoying racing the sprints more than anything else but I really enjoy the training and preparation required for Ironman. If you have Ironman on your calendar, then for 6 months of the year you have a focus for your training and diet.
Favorite race? -- The Sports Spectrum River Cities race in Shreveport has always been my favorite. The swim and bike are long compared to the run, it is one of the nicest courses I have raced, and the club goes up to the race as a big group.
What's your bucket list race? -- Kona like everyone else, but I would like to do the Ironmans in Brazil and New Zealand.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Now that I have a Garmin that reads out run pace, I do not know how I trained without it.
What's your favorite training routine? -- Open water swims in the lake when the water temp is cold enough to wear a wetsuit are what I look forward to the most.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- We ride out towards Richards, Anderson and north toward Bedias on long rides. We usually end up at Starbucks in Huntsville at some point in those rides which in August is sometimes the only thing that keeps you from just pulling over and calling home for a SAG wagon.
What foods are most critical in your training? -- I have standardized on vanilla powergels and vanilla powerbars for Ironmans. I know that they get along with me but they are so BORING. By the time I get through training and a race, I am so sick of them I will not touch anything vanilla for months.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Whoever I have training set up for that day or myself if it is close to a race. I know that my training partners are also making themselves get up so they do not leave me hanging so I make sure I do not bail on them. The me best part of Ironman is the camaraderie during training and I rarely miss those opportunities.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Paris Menefee; Paris is one of the truly inspirational people in our club and was the person who really got me started into Ironman. If it was not for Paris and my other training partner, Leslie Dupuy, I would never have pushed myself hard enough to be ready for my first Ironman. My best triathlon experience was Ironman Cozumel with Paris, first he found me in the swim and we swam side by side for most of the course and then I found him on the bike at mile 70, we rode in together into T2, and started the run together. After months of training side by side getting to do large sections of the race together was awesome.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- It has changed how I define my personal success away from my job and more towards my family and myself. It has also provided a close group of friends that I can look to for help, advice, or inspiration.
Favorite website(s)? -- I look at Slowtwich, RBR, and Velonews but in general my web viewing is Facebook or politics.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- From a sport standpoint, I would change USAT back to being more focused on organizing races and supporting clubs. I do not want to see so much focus on selling me “The Multisport Lifestyle”. From an athlete standpoint I would instill every triathlete with an unbearable sense of guilt for drafting when they do it on purpose. Sometimes you just get bunched up but when you are in a pace line you know it, everyone in the pace line knows it, and you all know you are cheating.
Favorite triathlete? -- Heather Gollnick. She was at Ironman Florida last year and after she finished she was out walking around in the crowd talking to people and watching the age groupers finish. That is someone who still loves the sport even though it is her job.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- Kurt Rambis was always my favorite pro athlete. He was never the most athletic guy on the court and his job on the team was not to be a star but he did everything right every time and never stopped hustling.
Favorite city to visit? -- College Station, Texas.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- I hope I am so far from the bucket that I have not really thought about it yet.
As well loved as John Boy, though? Absolutely.
 |
| Stuart Simmons looks perfectly comfortable in the water just prior to the start of the USAT Age Group Nationals in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. |
Stuart has two Ironman finishes to his credit -- Ironman Florida in 2008 in 12 hours, 20 minutes and three seconds followed by the inaugural Ironman Cozumel last November in 12:34:57.
And he'll look to punch his Ironman card twice more - once next weekend as he returns to Panama City Beach and then again in May at Ironman Texas.
He speaks below about his first triathlon being in 2002. While we couldn't find the results, it was interesting to note when we pulled up his results at athlinks.com (not necessarily complete) that he has done just three running events since 2003 - and two of those were trail run 5K's -- and almost 60 triathlons.
He says he got suckered, but we'd call it hooked!
In the meantime, though, we think that you'll be hard-pressed to find a better personality and ambassador to the sport.
2010 USAT age? -- I am 44 this year and will age up next year although the times do not seem to get any slower in the 45-49.
Birthplace? -- Fredricksburg, Texas.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- I am trying to do one Ironman a year until I reach the age I have to get a Kona slot because I am the only one left in my age group. There was an athlete at Ironman Florida last year that was 74 and had been at Kona less than a month before. That is my plan, if I can not out race them I will outlast them. The other factor was it was close to home, Ironmans are not spectator-friendly events but this close to home my family can see me several times on the bike and run.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- This will be my 4th (I hope) Ironman by race day.
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- My first race was Ironman Florida in 2008, last year I did the inaugural 2009 Cozumel race with my friend Paris Menefee, and I am going to Florida again with a large group from Conroe Triathletes for 2010 Florida.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- I did get an MDot after my first race, it was such a huge personal accomplishment that I felt it was tattoo worthy. I also told people I would get one if I finished months before the race. It helped having that out there because every time I wanted to bag on a run or a ride my friend Paris would start in with “The only tattoo you are going to get will be a DNF tattoo it”. It worked, I finished.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- I am part of Conroe Triathletes, which is one of the most inspirational groups of people I have every met.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- The Conroe Tri Club has some standing rides, runs, and swims geared toward the sprint and Oly distances. Those of us that are training for the full or half Ironman distance will start to meet outside those times three to four months out and train together for the longer distances.
Are you coached by anyone? If not, do you follow a formal training plan? -- I am not personally coached; however, we do have several athletes in the club with coaches and we are all close in ability so I tend to follow the workout of whomever I am training with at that time. I have a target for distances and/or time based on how far out from the race I am and as long as that my training partners workout falls close to that mark, I follow them. I do get a track workout in once a week, if possible, and that is out of a marathon training book.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- I hope to spend three hours a week swimming. At the high point of the training cycle I want to spend 10 to 12 hours a week on the bike/trainer, and I try to get four to five hours running. I have two kids (11 & 14) plus a job in Pasadena so I can end up really short on training time if work or the kids have a lot going on.
When was your first triathlon? -- My first race was Cinco Ranch in 2002.
How did you do? -- My swim and bike were competitive and I did finish; however, I was passed on the run by a woman on the other side of the street power walking with a yippee dog.
Why did you get into the sport? -- I got suckered! I started swimming Masters in Conroe and after a few weeks, the tri geeks in the group invited me out to ride bikes. So I bought a bike for $1,000, which my wife thought was outrageously expensive (little did she know) and started riding. Then came the hook, “If you can walk three miles you ought to come to a race with us”. After my first race, I was sold and it fit with the reason I started swimming in the first place, both sides of my family having horrible cardiovascular histories. My father lived to be 74, but had five strokes and two heart attacks before he passed. Most of the men on my mother’s side of the never made it out of their 50's. Triathlon is a good hobby to have if you want to live to be a problem to your children.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- Mainly that I am a much more social person than I thought I was. Outside of my family, the time I spend with other members of my Tri Club are what I look the most forward to during the week.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- I am a strong swimmer and comfortable in the water, if they would do sprints with a 300 meter run, a 15 mile bike, and the 5K swim ... I would be much more competitive.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- I enjoying racing the sprints more than anything else but I really enjoy the training and preparation required for Ironman. If you have Ironman on your calendar, then for 6 months of the year you have a focus for your training and diet.
Favorite race? -- The Sports Spectrum River Cities race in Shreveport has always been my favorite. The swim and bike are long compared to the run, it is one of the nicest courses I have raced, and the club goes up to the race as a big group.
What's your bucket list race? -- Kona like everyone else, but I would like to do the Ironmans in Brazil and New Zealand.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Now that I have a Garmin that reads out run pace, I do not know how I trained without it.
What's your favorite training routine? -- Open water swims in the lake when the water temp is cold enough to wear a wetsuit are what I look forward to the most.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- We ride out towards Richards, Anderson and north toward Bedias on long rides. We usually end up at Starbucks in Huntsville at some point in those rides which in August is sometimes the only thing that keeps you from just pulling over and calling home for a SAG wagon.
What foods are most critical in your training? -- I have standardized on vanilla powergels and vanilla powerbars for Ironmans. I know that they get along with me but they are so BORING. By the time I get through training and a race, I am so sick of them I will not touch anything vanilla for months.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Whoever I have training set up for that day or myself if it is close to a race. I know that my training partners are also making themselves get up so they do not leave me hanging so I make sure I do not bail on them. The me best part of Ironman is the camaraderie during training and I rarely miss those opportunities.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Paris Menefee; Paris is one of the truly inspirational people in our club and was the person who really got me started into Ironman. If it was not for Paris and my other training partner, Leslie Dupuy, I would never have pushed myself hard enough to be ready for my first Ironman. My best triathlon experience was Ironman Cozumel with Paris, first he found me in the swim and we swam side by side for most of the course and then I found him on the bike at mile 70, we rode in together into T2, and started the run together. After months of training side by side getting to do large sections of the race together was awesome.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- It has changed how I define my personal success away from my job and more towards my family and myself. It has also provided a close group of friends that I can look to for help, advice, or inspiration.
Favorite website(s)? -- I look at Slowtwich, RBR, and Velonews but in general my web viewing is Facebook or politics.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- From a sport standpoint, I would change USAT back to being more focused on organizing races and supporting clubs. I do not want to see so much focus on selling me “The Multisport Lifestyle”. From an athlete standpoint I would instill every triathlete with an unbearable sense of guilt for drafting when they do it on purpose. Sometimes you just get bunched up but when you are in a pace line you know it, everyone in the pace line knows it, and you all know you are cheating.
Favorite triathlete? -- Heather Gollnick. She was at Ironman Florida last year and after she finished she was out walking around in the crowd talking to people and watching the age groupers finish. That is someone who still loves the sport even though it is her job.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- Kurt Rambis was always my favorite pro athlete. He was never the most athletic guy on the court and his job on the team was not to be a star but he did everything right every time and never stopped hustling.
Favorite city to visit? -- College Station, Texas.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- I hope I am so far from the bucket that I have not really thought about it yet.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
May Magic on Market Street #4: Charles Ash, Spring
One thing is common in every profile: Everyone started somewhere. Certainly an understatement, but significant because they are so many places to jump off from.
As Spring's Charles Ash shares with us below, he ran marathons to begin with and was in Carol Steele's Team In Training group - a program that brings many into the adult-onset athletic world for the first time - that included fellow Team Strive member Scott Farrand.
The other thing that is turning up is the number of individuals that did their first triathlon at The Woodlands' own CB&I sprint triathlon.
As we work through all of the individuals from Montgomery County and Spring, it will be interesting to see just how many people got their introduction to the sport like Charles did at that single race.
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas will be Charles' debut Ironman, but he has four half Ironmans under his race belt and will add a fifth iron distance race soon at Iron Star on Sunday, November 7.
His four have come at two different races, two different times and both times, he walked away making improvements on both courses.
At Ironman 70.3 Austin, Charles took his time from 6:45:55 in 2007 down to 5:52:29 in 2008. And then he followed it with a time reduction the following two summers at Steelhead 70.3 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He completed the course in 6:02:10 a year ago before belting out a career best 5:37:15 this July 31.
2010 USAT age? -- 48.
Birthplace? -- Ridgewood, New Jersey.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- It has been a goal of mine for about three years when I started doing triathlons. I was looking at Arizona or Florida until this opportunity came up to race in my back yard!
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- Yes. First Ironman!
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- I have completed four 70.3 races.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- Undecided.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- Lonestar Multisport and Kim Hager's Strive Group.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- Usually ride with friends and run with my Chocolate Lab, Buddy! (We might both get tatoos!)
Are you coached by anyone? -- Kim Hager will be coaching me.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- 13 to 18 overall. Each discipline varies.
When was your first triathlon? -- 4 years ago -- CB&I in the Woodlands.
How did you do? -- I survived the swim is all I remember! (Editor's note: Charles went 1:29:15 for his debut and brought it down to 1:28:09 and 1:21:42 in 2008 and 2009.)
Why did you get into the sport? -- I had been doing marathons for several years and wanted some variety.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- Anything is possible! Limitations are self perceived.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- Cycling.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- 70.3.
Favorite race? -- Steelhead 70.3 - Loved the swim in Lake Michigan!
What's your bucket list race? -- Kona. Without a doubt!
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Glide!
What's your favorite training routine? -- Swim/Cycle brick.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Cycling - Montgomery route; Running - Trails in Spring near my house and the White Pine Trail in Michigan (especially in the summer!)
What foods are most critical in your training? -- Oatmeal, Peanut Butter and Infinit.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- My dog Buddy. He lives to run and deosn't care about the weather! He is ready to go at 5 a.m. or anytime for that matter.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- My friends and family. Since getting involved in endurance sports, both running and triathlon, I have met the most amazing people and consider myself extremely fortunate. My family is incredibly supportive.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- I have learned to be a better planner and to make the most of every day!
Favorite website(s)? -- Favorite triathlon sites are probably Slowtwitch and Ironman.com.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- All swims would be held in crystal clear 68 degree water with a white sand bottom! (Seems like Charles has been collaborating with Jim Harrington.) All cars would be prohibited from riding on bike routes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Bike routes are everywhere!)
Favorite triathlete? -- Chrissie Wellington.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- Lance, Tiger, MJ .... and my son!
Favorite city to visit? -- San Francisco.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- 1.) Kona. 2.) Boston Marathon. 3.) Western States. 4.) African Safari. 5.) Tour de France.
Favorite quote or motto? -- "Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." -- Lance Armstrong
As Spring's Charles Ash shares with us below, he ran marathons to begin with and was in Carol Steele's Team In Training group - a program that brings many into the adult-onset athletic world for the first time - that included fellow Team Strive member Scott Farrand.
 |
| Proudly wearing his Steelhead 70.3 shirt from this summer, Charles Ash pushes it in at October's Ten For Texas |
As we work through all of the individuals from Montgomery County and Spring, it will be interesting to see just how many people got their introduction to the sport like Charles did at that single race.
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas will be Charles' debut Ironman, but he has four half Ironmans under his race belt and will add a fifth iron distance race soon at Iron Star on Sunday, November 7.
His four have come at two different races, two different times and both times, he walked away making improvements on both courses.
At Ironman 70.3 Austin, Charles took his time from 6:45:55 in 2007 down to 5:52:29 in 2008. And then he followed it with a time reduction the following two summers at Steelhead 70.3 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He completed the course in 6:02:10 a year ago before belting out a career best 5:37:15 this July 31.
2010 USAT age? -- 48.
Birthplace? -- Ridgewood, New Jersey.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- It has been a goal of mine for about three years when I started doing triathlons. I was looking at Arizona or Florida until this opportunity came up to race in my back yard!
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- Yes. First Ironman!
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- I have completed four 70.3 races.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- Undecided.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- Lonestar Multisport and Kim Hager's Strive Group.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- Usually ride with friends and run with my Chocolate Lab, Buddy! (We might both get tatoos!)
Are you coached by anyone? -- Kim Hager will be coaching me.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- 13 to 18 overall. Each discipline varies.
When was your first triathlon? -- 4 years ago -- CB&I in the Woodlands.
How did you do? -- I survived the swim is all I remember! (Editor's note: Charles went 1:29:15 for his debut and brought it down to 1:28:09 and 1:21:42 in 2008 and 2009.)
Why did you get into the sport? -- I had been doing marathons for several years and wanted some variety.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- Anything is possible! Limitations are self perceived.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- Cycling.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- 70.3.
Favorite race? -- Steelhead 70.3 - Loved the swim in Lake Michigan!
What's your bucket list race? -- Kona. Without a doubt!
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Glide!
What's your favorite training routine? -- Swim/Cycle brick.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Cycling - Montgomery route; Running - Trails in Spring near my house and the White Pine Trail in Michigan (especially in the summer!)
What foods are most critical in your training? -- Oatmeal, Peanut Butter and Infinit.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- My dog Buddy. He lives to run and deosn't care about the weather! He is ready to go at 5 a.m. or anytime for that matter.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- My friends and family. Since getting involved in endurance sports, both running and triathlon, I have met the most amazing people and consider myself extremely fortunate. My family is incredibly supportive.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- I have learned to be a better planner and to make the most of every day!
Favorite website(s)? -- Favorite triathlon sites are probably Slowtwitch and Ironman.com.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- All swims would be held in crystal clear 68 degree water with a white sand bottom! (Seems like Charles has been collaborating with Jim Harrington.) All cars would be prohibited from riding on bike routes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Bike routes are everywhere!)
Favorite triathlete? -- Chrissie Wellington.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- Lance, Tiger, MJ .... and my son!
Favorite city to visit? -- San Francisco.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- 1.) Kona. 2.) Boston Marathon. 3.) Western States. 4.) African Safari. 5.) Tour de France.
Favorite quote or motto? -- "Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." -- Lance Armstrong
Saturday, October 23, 2010
May Magic on Market Street #3: Jim Harrington, The Woodlands
Editing these profiles is already a real joy.
By the time the inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas gets here, we all will have learned many things about our fellow athletes and hopefully it will generate better bonds within our local multisports, running and cycling communities.
There are those people in our sports that when you mention their name, the first thing that comes to other's minds is: "They're really a good guy or woman."
Finish Strong Racing's Jim Harrington is one of those people that meets and exceeds that definition. Didn't the Astros have a campaign recently about "The Good Guys"?
Drayton McLane could have promoted Jim the same way.
When I started running in 2003, Jim was one of the regulars at the twice monthly Run The Woodlands 5K.
Then after awhile, Run The Woodlands' loss was triathlon's gain.
Jim definitely got hooked on triathlons and Ironman Texas, as he explains below, will be his sixth career Ironman. -- By Jon Walk
2010 USAT age? -- 46.
Birthplace? -- Cleveland, Ohio, but grew up in Huron, South Dakota.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- We have home field advantage. You will never find more incentive and support than when you get to race in your backyard.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- This will be my 6th full Ironman.
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- 5 completed: Florida twice, Wisconsin, Arizona and Idaho.
11:26:50 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M40-44, The Woodlands, FLA, 2006
10:57:15 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M40-44, The Woodlands, FL, 2007
11:40:46 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M40-44, The Woodlands, WIS, 2008
10:59:47 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M45-49, The Woodlands, AZ, 2009
11:44:09 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M45-49, The Woodlands, CDA, 2010
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- Got the approval to get one, but I do not have a tat.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- Lonestar Multisport, Conroe Triathletes, and Team Inspiration.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- I have groups for each of the three capacities that I train with along with a significant amount of time that you have to go it alone.
Are you coached by anyone? -- Yes. Dana Lyons has been my coach since I signed up for my first Ironman five years ago. Simply put: the accountability helps get you there.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- I average 12-15 hours a week in total and reach 18-20 on peak weeks. The training time breaks down into 3-4 hours of swimming, 4-8 hours of biking, 4-5 hours of running and 1-3 hours of core/strength.
When was your first triathlon? -- The Cinco Ranch Sprint Triathlon in August of 2000.
How did you do? -- Seriously thought I was going to drown in a duck pond but survived and finished with a respectable time but left plenty of room for improvement.
Why did you get into the sport? -- I joke that I have sick friends that lured me into it but friendships, healthier lifestyle and the sense of accomplishment are what really get you hooked.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- Every race teaches you something new but overall and without question you learn that you are capable of FAR more than you can ever imagine both mentally and physically.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- The bike is where I am most comfortable, but the swim has improved a lot in the last year. Problem is it all comes down to the run and we are all going to suffer through it.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- I like the Olympic distance because it’s fast and doesn’t take all day.
Favorite race? -- CB&I is by far the best sprint race in the area and Coeur D’Alene Ironman for the long stuff.
What's your bucket list race? -- Well Kona is out there but I think the Leadville 100 mountain bike race is just as big of an accomplishment and I don’t even mountain bike…yet.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Definitely the heart rate monitor. Proves that I actually have one.
What's your favorite training routine? -- Eating whatever I want for breakfast after a morning workout.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Biking through the Sam Houston National Forest or out in the Chappell Hill area top my favorite bike routes for training and the Nature Trail is my favorite area for running in The Woodlands.
What foods are most critical in your training? -- Depend on oatmeal, grits, bagels, chicken and pasta a great deal.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Have a bad race and you have a ton of reasons for training on less favorable days. You don’t control the weather but you can control if you are ready for it.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Other athletes that have a great attitude and set a good example.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- The obvious part is I’m healthier. I don’t take any type of medication and for the most part stay injury free but it has also allowed me to be a good example for my kids and created unbelievable opportunities to help others in ways I would not have imagined.
Favorite website(s)? -- Trisports.com, Hammernutrition.com and Athlinks.com.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- Well you don’t mess with creation but crystal clear water would sure be nice to swim in.
Favorite triathlete? -- Chris Lieto because he is from The Woodlands and I occasionally run into his dad and can get fantastic race reports.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- Albert Pujols is a baseball machine.
Favorite city to visit? -- Boston, Massachusetts. Tons of history and great food!
Bucket list (1 to 5 things):
1.) Leave a positive legacy – help my kids realize their full potential in life.
2.) Give back to the sport - help Trace Sherer finish the CB&I Triathlon.
3.) Appreciate health – always be able to go and see and do. If I can swim like Bruce does in his 80’s then I’ve done something.
4.) Be a better person. Sure I want to be faster, place more, go to Kona, watch the Tour live but life gets sweeter when we get better no matter where we go.
Favorite quote or motto? -- "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Emerson
By the time the inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas gets here, we all will have learned many things about our fellow athletes and hopefully it will generate better bonds within our local multisports, running and cycling communities.
There are those people in our sports that when you mention their name, the first thing that comes to other's minds is: "They're really a good guy or woman."
Finish Strong Racing's Jim Harrington is one of those people that meets and exceeds that definition. Didn't the Astros have a campaign recently about "The Good Guys"?
Drayton McLane could have promoted Jim the same way.
When I started running in 2003, Jim was one of the regulars at the twice monthly Run The Woodlands 5K.
Then after awhile, Run The Woodlands' loss was triathlon's gain.
Jim definitely got hooked on triathlons and Ironman Texas, as he explains below, will be his sixth career Ironman. -- By Jon Walk
 |
| Jim during Labor Day's Avia Triathlon in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Jon Walk) |
Birthplace? -- Cleveland, Ohio, but grew up in Huron, South Dakota.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- We have home field advantage. You will never find more incentive and support than when you get to race in your backyard.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- This will be my 6th full Ironman.
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- 5 completed: Florida twice, Wisconsin, Arizona and Idaho.
11:26:50 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M40-44, The Woodlands, FLA, 2006
10:57:15 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M40-44, The Woodlands, FL, 2007
11:40:46 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M40-44, The Woodlands, WIS, 2008
10:59:47 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M45-49, The Woodlands, AZ, 2009
11:44:09 - HARRINGTON, JIM, M45-49, The Woodlands, CDA, 2010
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- Got the approval to get one, but I do not have a tat.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- Lonestar Multisport, Conroe Triathletes, and Team Inspiration.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- I have groups for each of the three capacities that I train with along with a significant amount of time that you have to go it alone.
Are you coached by anyone? -- Yes. Dana Lyons has been my coach since I signed up for my first Ironman five years ago. Simply put: the accountability helps get you there.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- I average 12-15 hours a week in total and reach 18-20 on peak weeks. The training time breaks down into 3-4 hours of swimming, 4-8 hours of biking, 4-5 hours of running and 1-3 hours of core/strength.
When was your first triathlon? -- The Cinco Ranch Sprint Triathlon in August of 2000.
How did you do? -- Seriously thought I was going to drown in a duck pond but survived and finished with a respectable time but left plenty of room for improvement.
Why did you get into the sport? -- I joke that I have sick friends that lured me into it but friendships, healthier lifestyle and the sense of accomplishment are what really get you hooked.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- Every race teaches you something new but overall and without question you learn that you are capable of FAR more than you can ever imagine both mentally and physically.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- The bike is where I am most comfortable, but the swim has improved a lot in the last year. Problem is it all comes down to the run and we are all going to suffer through it.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- I like the Olympic distance because it’s fast and doesn’t take all day.
Favorite race? -- CB&I is by far the best sprint race in the area and Coeur D’Alene Ironman for the long stuff.
What's your bucket list race? -- Well Kona is out there but I think the Leadville 100 mountain bike race is just as big of an accomplishment and I don’t even mountain bike…yet.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Definitely the heart rate monitor. Proves that I actually have one.
What's your favorite training routine? -- Eating whatever I want for breakfast after a morning workout.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Biking through the Sam Houston National Forest or out in the Chappell Hill area top my favorite bike routes for training and the Nature Trail is my favorite area for running in The Woodlands.
What foods are most critical in your training? -- Depend on oatmeal, grits, bagels, chicken and pasta a great deal.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Have a bad race and you have a ton of reasons for training on less favorable days. You don’t control the weather but you can control if you are ready for it.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Other athletes that have a great attitude and set a good example.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- The obvious part is I’m healthier. I don’t take any type of medication and for the most part stay injury free but it has also allowed me to be a good example for my kids and created unbelievable opportunities to help others in ways I would not have imagined.
Favorite website(s)? -- Trisports.com, Hammernutrition.com and Athlinks.com.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- Well you don’t mess with creation but crystal clear water would sure be nice to swim in.
Favorite triathlete? -- Chris Lieto because he is from The Woodlands and I occasionally run into his dad and can get fantastic race reports.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- Albert Pujols is a baseball machine.
Favorite city to visit? -- Boston, Massachusetts. Tons of history and great food!
Bucket list (1 to 5 things):
1.) Leave a positive legacy – help my kids realize their full potential in life.
2.) Give back to the sport - help Trace Sherer finish the CB&I Triathlon.
3.) Appreciate health – always be able to go and see and do. If I can swim like Bruce does in his 80’s then I’ve done something.
4.) Be a better person. Sure I want to be faster, place more, go to Kona, watch the Tour live but life gets sweeter when we get better no matter where we go.
Favorite quote or motto? -- "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Emerson
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Hager's Ironman Wisconsin Time? 5th Best All-Time in Age Group
None of Ironman's age group records for any of its domestic races have been updated so far; however, Woodlands MultiSport decided to do a little updating once our suspicion was confirmed.
Kim Hager's second-place age group, Kona qualifying time of 10 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds moved her into fifth place on the all-time best women's 35-39 Ironman Wisconsin chart.
1. Lisa James, South Bend, IN, 10:31:12 - 2004
2. Sarah Mercer, Golden Valley, MN, 10:35:59 - 2007
3. Ann Terlaak, Madison, WI, 10:37:18 - 2007
4. Maggie Fournier, Onalaksa, WI, 10:38:02 - 2010
5. Kimberly Hager, The Woodlands, TX, 10:45:11 - 2010
6. Tamela Gabrielse Elkhart Lake, WI, 10:46:25 - 2009
7. Kara Hughes, Evanston, IL, 10:48:42 - 2002
8. Jennifer Eberman, Toronto, ON, 10:51:35 - 2009
9. Natalie Schaefer, Chicago, IL, 11:04:56 - 2008
10. Christina Kichula, Mountain View, CA, 11:05:17 - 2008
Unfortunately, the battle won't repeat itself in Kona as Fournier, 35 this year, will remain in the 35-39 age group while Hager moves into the 40-44 division.
Kim Hager's second-place age group, Kona qualifying time of 10 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds moved her into fifth place on the all-time best women's 35-39 Ironman Wisconsin chart.
1. Lisa James, South Bend, IN, 10:31:12 - 2004
2. Sarah Mercer, Golden Valley, MN, 10:35:59 - 2007
3. Ann Terlaak, Madison, WI, 10:37:18 - 2007
4. Maggie Fournier, Onalaksa, WI, 10:38:02 - 2010
5. Kimberly Hager, The Woodlands, TX, 10:45:11 - 2010
6. Tamela Gabrielse Elkhart Lake, WI, 10:46:25 - 2009
7. Kara Hughes, Evanston, IL, 10:48:42 - 2002
8. Jennifer Eberman, Toronto, ON, 10:51:35 - 2009
9. Natalie Schaefer, Chicago, IL, 11:04:56 - 2008
10. Christina Kichula, Mountain View, CA, 11:05:17 - 2008
Unfortunately, the battle won't repeat itself in Kona as Fournier, 35 this year, will remain in the 35-39 age group while Hager moves into the 40-44 division.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
May Magic on Market Street #2: Ana Lemus, The Woodlands
Some of you may be a little bit too young to remember the late 1970s series of Anhueser-Busch Natural Light Beer commercials and the spiel, "Now you can call me Ray, or you can call me J ... but you doesn't hasta call me Mr. Johnson!"
Ana Lemus e-mailed us last month thanking Woodlands MultiSport for compiling the top 25 half iron distance list of times by disciplines and saying that "it is now a big motivator for me to be on that list". (Actually, we've heard that from more than a few people.) However, she also told us that the complete list of area half iron distance finishes finds her sprouting a multiple personality disorder!
"I am listed as Ana Rivero and Ana Lemus for my half Ironman finishes and it would be great to be the same person for all of them," she said. "People here know me as Ana Lemus although all results will be listed as Ana Rivero, you can pick which ever if you decide it is important to change it."
We'll definitely get it changed, but we couldn't help but thinking that Ana was walking around going, "You can call me Rivero or you can call me Lemus ... or you can call me Rivero-Lemus, but just make sure you call me Ana!"
Well, especially when your name is called in Cozumel because we know that Mike Reilly will get it right here!
2010 USAT age? -- 36
Birthplace? -- Mexico City, Mexico. Dual citizenship now.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- I think the biggest motivator was the local tri community. That night at the Township meeting, when they gave the final “yes” to bringing Ironman Texas to The Woodlands, I knew this is something I wanted to share with my closest friends and to have my family with me.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- My first attempt will be Ironman Cozumel in November 2010.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- No, I will not get an M-Dot tattoo. Might shave my head, might do something temporarily crazy ... but no tattoos!
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- I am a member of the Lonestar Multisport Club and that reminds me that I haven’t paid for The Woodlands Running Club yet!
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- I am honored to do most of my training with my close friend Karen Maldonado. We ride with Don (Cole), Buck (Snyder) and Roberto (Guiot) on Saturdays mostly, and whomever else we meet on the way or whomever wants to join (Greg Gibbons, Mike Bard and Kevin like to make sporadic appearances). If we ride Sundays, we go with Raul (Luzardo), Jesse (Robinson), and Mike Young. Although, there is always a whole bunch of people to ride with, we (Karen and I) usually swim together once or twice a week. I run every now and then with The Woodlands Running Club although I mostly run by myself. Most people in The Woodlands are faster than me! (That is a fact!)
Are you coached by anyone? -- I have been coached by a phenomenal athlete and great friend, Michelle LeBlanc, since September 2009.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- I probably average between 16 and 19 hours a week. Now it all depends on which week of training we are at for the hours of each specific discipline. I usually do four (4) running sessions, four (4) bike sessions, one being optional, and swimming is where I have a problem limiting myself. Some weeks I swim every day. There are times in which I swim twice a day if I don’t know what to do with myself but let’s say that at least five (5) times a week. I should do upper body weights and core twice a week but I can say I am a slacker when it comes to these.
When was your first triathlon? -- I think April 2008. (Editor's note: About the same time as Amy Barr.)
How did you do? -- I did not pass one person on the run, not one! I still remember I could not even breathe coming out of T2, but for what I expected I did good. I was happy to have finished. I finished in the middle of the charts and 11th out of 100 first timers I think. It was a great day! I still remember how empowered I felt at the finish line.
Why did you get into the sport? -- I still don’t know, a friend of mine practically obliged me to sign up and do a tri with her. I was just into yoga and would go do some cardio at the gym. I really at first thought it was going to be a one time thing and that was it. I must say though that I was always uneasy during my first year of racing, I did not like to compete at all, or to race. I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep doing it or not. That bothered me for a while and took some time to like it and get adjusted to it; more than a year.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- I guess the most important lesson has been that the only thing that should really matter to me is what I think of myself.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- I would say the bike but I have been working hard on the swim and am starting to get out there and seeing great results.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- Half Ironman. Most Definitively.
Favorite race? -- Uh oh! I know I am going to get comments on this but I loved Buffalo Springs 70.3. I would love to go back soon. I also enjoy low key races: Silverlake is one of my faves’.
What's your bucket list race(s)?
1.) I think this summer I am doing Wisconsin 70.3.
2.) If I do other Ironmans then Roth (Germany), Australia or New Zealand ... in my dream/wish list.
3.) New York City Triathlon would be awesome.
4.) Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas: Definitively to end the curse.
5.) Ironman 70.3 Austin (Longhorn): As my beloved coach did not give me permission to do it this year.
6.) Captex to redeem myself.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- My heart rate monitor and Chamoise Butt’r.
What's your favorite training routine? -- I can rarely do it but going for a moderate run at night and afterwards getting in the pool for a swim when it is all dark and only the pool is lit up. Love it!
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Biking, I don’t do it as often as I would like to, but I love to ride the “second day route” of the MS 150 ride. Now more locally, I every now and then go to Hempstead and Waller, I wish I could go more often. Run? I change this around a lot but the latest favorite is a 5-mile loop around the Lake. I park at Villa and make repeats of the loop depending on the length of the run.
What foods are most critical in your training? -- I am not the best person to talk about this as I have no will power when it comes to food. I know that lean protein would make a huge impact in my performance and overall wellness. I just have a hard time eating enough protein. I really live on a chocolate based diet!
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Karen, for the swim. My swim group with Tim, Derek and Kim is always fun to go to and keeps me motivated. Long rides are always full of jokes and stories so I would never miss one, both, my Saturday and Sunday groups are the best! When it is extremely cold, a few cyclist friends from The Woodlands Cycling Club are always up for a ride. I am very self motivated and disciplined when it comes to this. If it is on the schedule, it has to be done, so this is not really an area where I struggle. Fortunately, so far!
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Two things. First, respecting my heart rate and second, discipline and consistency.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- There are not enough words to write about this. In brief I can say that the way I now believe in me, is something I would never have expected and that has transcended to all areas of my life. There is so much behind this story, it gives me a knot in my throat, but in conclusion, I am mentally stronger than ever.
Favorite website(s)? -- I know you are referring to triathlon websites but I browse shopbop.com way too often. I rarely go check something out in a triathlon site, unless I get an email or a link from someone: Karen bombards me with info!
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- I would give me a pair of really fast running legs or I would make port-a-potties flushable.
Favorite triathlete? Current? -- Chrissie of course!! Well, Alexander has a special place in my heart too.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- It was John McEnroe for a quite a long time, now I struggle picking between (Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer.
Favorite city to visit? -- London.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- Ok, I am giving you the first things that come to mind: 1.) White Water Rafting in Costa Rica, 2.) 2-3 days of sailing in the waters of the “Mar de Cotez” by Cabo and 3.) this is silly but I have got to go to the batting cages soon! Anyone?
Favorite Quote or Motto -- “Trust the process of life” -- Marcelo Rivero, my Dad.
Ana Lemus e-mailed us last month thanking Woodlands MultiSport for compiling the top 25 half iron distance list of times by disciplines and saying that "it is now a big motivator for me to be on that list". (Actually, we've heard that from more than a few people.) However, she also told us that the complete list of area half iron distance finishes finds her sprouting a multiple personality disorder!
"I am listed as Ana Rivero and Ana Lemus for my half Ironman finishes and it would be great to be the same person for all of them," she said. "People here know me as Ana Lemus although all results will be listed as Ana Rivero, you can pick which ever if you decide it is important to change it."
We'll definitely get it changed, but we couldn't help but thinking that Ana was walking around going, "You can call me Rivero or you can call me Lemus ... or you can call me Rivero-Lemus, but just make sure you call me Ana!"
Well, especially when your name is called in Cozumel because we know that Mike Reilly will get it right here!
2010 USAT age? -- 36
Birthplace? -- Mexico City, Mexico. Dual citizenship now.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- I think the biggest motivator was the local tri community. That night at the Township meeting, when they gave the final “yes” to bringing Ironman Texas to The Woodlands, I knew this is something I wanted to share with my closest friends and to have my family with me.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- My first attempt will be Ironman Cozumel in November 2010.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- No, I will not get an M-Dot tattoo. Might shave my head, might do something temporarily crazy ... but no tattoos!
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- I am a member of the Lonestar Multisport Club and that reminds me that I haven’t paid for The Woodlands Running Club yet!
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- I am honored to do most of my training with my close friend Karen Maldonado. We ride with Don (Cole), Buck (Snyder) and Roberto (Guiot) on Saturdays mostly, and whomever else we meet on the way or whomever wants to join (Greg Gibbons, Mike Bard and Kevin like to make sporadic appearances). If we ride Sundays, we go with Raul (Luzardo), Jesse (Robinson), and Mike Young. Although, there is always a whole bunch of people to ride with, we (Karen and I) usually swim together once or twice a week. I run every now and then with The Woodlands Running Club although I mostly run by myself. Most people in The Woodlands are faster than me! (That is a fact!)
Are you coached by anyone? -- I have been coached by a phenomenal athlete and great friend, Michelle LeBlanc, since September 2009.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- I probably average between 16 and 19 hours a week. Now it all depends on which week of training we are at for the hours of each specific discipline. I usually do four (4) running sessions, four (4) bike sessions, one being optional, and swimming is where I have a problem limiting myself. Some weeks I swim every day. There are times in which I swim twice a day if I don’t know what to do with myself but let’s say that at least five (5) times a week. I should do upper body weights and core twice a week but I can say I am a slacker when it comes to these.
When was your first triathlon? -- I think April 2008. (Editor's note: About the same time as Amy Barr.)
How did you do? -- I did not pass one person on the run, not one! I still remember I could not even breathe coming out of T2, but for what I expected I did good. I was happy to have finished. I finished in the middle of the charts and 11th out of 100 first timers I think. It was a great day! I still remember how empowered I felt at the finish line.
Why did you get into the sport? -- I still don’t know, a friend of mine practically obliged me to sign up and do a tri with her. I was just into yoga and would go do some cardio at the gym. I really at first thought it was going to be a one time thing and that was it. I must say though that I was always uneasy during my first year of racing, I did not like to compete at all, or to race. I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep doing it or not. That bothered me for a while and took some time to like it and get adjusted to it; more than a year.
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- I guess the most important lesson has been that the only thing that should really matter to me is what I think of myself.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- I would say the bike but I have been working hard on the swim and am starting to get out there and seeing great results.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- Half Ironman. Most Definitively.
Favorite race? -- Uh oh! I know I am going to get comments on this but I loved Buffalo Springs 70.3. I would love to go back soon. I also enjoy low key races: Silverlake is one of my faves’.
What's your bucket list race(s)?
1.) I think this summer I am doing Wisconsin 70.3.
2.) If I do other Ironmans then Roth (Germany), Australia or New Zealand ... in my dream/wish list.
3.) New York City Triathlon would be awesome.
4.) Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas: Definitively to end the curse.
5.) Ironman 70.3 Austin (Longhorn): As my beloved coach did not give me permission to do it this year.
6.) Captex to redeem myself.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- My heart rate monitor and Chamoise Butt’r.
What's your favorite training routine? -- I can rarely do it but going for a moderate run at night and afterwards getting in the pool for a swim when it is all dark and only the pool is lit up. Love it!
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Biking, I don’t do it as often as I would like to, but I love to ride the “second day route” of the MS 150 ride. Now more locally, I every now and then go to Hempstead and Waller, I wish I could go more often. Run? I change this around a lot but the latest favorite is a 5-mile loop around the Lake. I park at Villa and make repeats of the loop depending on the length of the run.
What foods are most critical in your training? -- I am not the best person to talk about this as I have no will power when it comes to food. I know that lean protein would make a huge impact in my performance and overall wellness. I just have a hard time eating enough protein. I really live on a chocolate based diet!
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Karen, for the swim. My swim group with Tim, Derek and Kim is always fun to go to and keeps me motivated. Long rides are always full of jokes and stories so I would never miss one, both, my Saturday and Sunday groups are the best! When it is extremely cold, a few cyclist friends from The Woodlands Cycling Club are always up for a ride. I am very self motivated and disciplined when it comes to this. If it is on the schedule, it has to be done, so this is not really an area where I struggle. Fortunately, so far!
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Two things. First, respecting my heart rate and second, discipline and consistency.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- There are not enough words to write about this. In brief I can say that the way I now believe in me, is something I would never have expected and that has transcended to all areas of my life. There is so much behind this story, it gives me a knot in my throat, but in conclusion, I am mentally stronger than ever.
Favorite website(s)? -- I know you are referring to triathlon websites but I browse shopbop.com way too often. I rarely go check something out in a triathlon site, unless I get an email or a link from someone: Karen bombards me with info!
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- I would give me a pair of really fast running legs or I would make port-a-potties flushable.
Favorite triathlete? Current? -- Chrissie of course!! Well, Alexander has a special place in my heart too.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? -- It was John McEnroe for a quite a long time, now I struggle picking between (Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer.
Favorite city to visit? -- London.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- Ok, I am giving you the first things that come to mind: 1.) White Water Rafting in Costa Rica, 2.) 2-3 days of sailing in the waters of the “Mar de Cotez” by Cabo and 3.) this is silly but I have got to go to the batting cages soon! Anyone?
Favorite Quote or Motto -- “Trust the process of life” -- Marcelo Rivero, my Dad.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Team Strive's Chris Gause: One of 21 to complete IM 70.3 in 2010 at 65 or better
Twenty-one women around the world age 65 or better have completed an Ironman 70.3 this year, including the world's best, Cathedral City, California's Cherie Gruenfeld, and the most notable (and oldest), 80-year-old Sister Madonna Buder of Spokane, Washington.
We are blessed to have one of these incredible women in our own backyard, Chris Gause, of Spring, who trains with Team Strive.
Five of these women (indicated with the *) competed more than a week ago at the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and four others (indicated with a +), including Chris, will compete next month at the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.
One of the five, Idaho Falls, Idaho's Kathryn Curl, was the last official finisher at Kona this year.
5:48:35 - *Cherie Gruenfeld, 66, Cathedral City, CA, IM 70.3 Vineman
5:56:36 - *Natalie Grabow, 65, Mountain Lakes, NJ, IM 70.3 Timberman
6:05:31 - *Cherie Gruenfeld, 66, Cathedral City, CA, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
6:20:38 - *Natalie Grabow, 65, Mountain Lakes, NJ, IM 70.3 Eagleman
6:28:27 - *Wendy Minor, 65, Kamuela, HI, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
6:43:13 - +Beatrice Burns, 67, Camden, CT, IM 70.3 Mooseman
6:49:34 - +Annette MacMillan, 66, Haddonfield, NJ, IM 70.3 Eagleman
7:09:55 - *+Karin Bivens, 65, Tucson, AZ, Rohto IM 70.3 California
7:10:31 - *+Karin Bivens, 66, Tucson, AZ, IM 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake
7:13:17 - Madonna Buder, 80, Spokane, WA, Ochsner IM 70.3 New Orleans
7:14:55 - Louise McGonigal, 67, Elmvale, ON, IM 70.3 Branson
7:26:36 - Margaret Collins, 65, Kissimmee, FL, Rohto IM 70.3 Florida
7:29:59 - +Marilyn Rodgers, 68, Sonora, CA, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
7:35:43 - Liz Heckman, 71, Lehigh Acres, FL, IM 70.3 Augusta
7:37:46 - Jan Miller, 71, Green Valley, AZ, IM 70.3 Lake Stevens
7:47:58 - Madalyn Jones, 65, Austin, TX, IM 70.3 Austin
7:51:01 - +Chris Gause, 69, Spring, TX, Memorial Hermann IM 70.3 Texas
7:56:24 - Sandy Guenzel, 66, Largo, FL, Rohto IM 70.3 Florida
8:12:04 - Nancy Taubner, 65, Edmonton, AB, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
8:15:55 - Liz Heckman, 71, Lehigh Acres, FL, IM 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake
8:18:32 - Susan Roberts, 65, Crescent City, CA, IM 70.3 Boise
8:29:37 - Gerri Lewerenz, 68, Coeur D'Alene, ID, IM 70.3 Boise
8:29:42 - Sandy Giannobile, 66, Robert, LA, Ochsner IM 70.3 New Orleans
8:54:04 - *Kathryn Curl, 66, Idaho Falls, ID, Rohto IM 70.3 California
9:06:07 - *Kathryn Curl, 66, Idaho Falls, ID, IM 70.3 Boise
9:24:20 - Beth Birch, 69, New Glouster, ME, IM 70.3 Timberman
We are blessed to have one of these incredible women in our own backyard, Chris Gause, of Spring, who trains with Team Strive.
Five of these women (indicated with the *) competed more than a week ago at the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and four others (indicated with a +), including Chris, will compete next month at the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.
One of the five, Idaho Falls, Idaho's Kathryn Curl, was the last official finisher at Kona this year.
5:48:35 - *Cherie Gruenfeld, 66, Cathedral City, CA, IM 70.3 Vineman
5:56:36 - *Natalie Grabow, 65, Mountain Lakes, NJ, IM 70.3 Timberman
6:05:31 - *Cherie Gruenfeld, 66, Cathedral City, CA, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
6:20:38 - *Natalie Grabow, 65, Mountain Lakes, NJ, IM 70.3 Eagleman
6:28:27 - *Wendy Minor, 65, Kamuela, HI, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
6:43:13 - +Beatrice Burns, 67, Camden, CT, IM 70.3 Mooseman
6:49:34 - +Annette MacMillan, 66, Haddonfield, NJ, IM 70.3 Eagleman
7:09:55 - *+Karin Bivens, 65, Tucson, AZ, Rohto IM 70.3 California
7:10:31 - *+Karin Bivens, 66, Tucson, AZ, IM 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake
7:13:17 - Madonna Buder, 80, Spokane, WA, Ochsner IM 70.3 New Orleans
7:14:55 - Louise McGonigal, 67, Elmvale, ON, IM 70.3 Branson
7:26:36 - Margaret Collins, 65, Kissimmee, FL, Rohto IM 70.3 Florida
7:29:59 - +Marilyn Rodgers, 68, Sonora, CA, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
7:35:43 - Liz Heckman, 71, Lehigh Acres, FL, IM 70.3 Augusta
7:37:46 - Jan Miller, 71, Green Valley, AZ, IM 70.3 Lake Stevens
7:47:58 - Madalyn Jones, 65, Austin, TX, IM 70.3 Austin
7:51:01 - +Chris Gause, 69, Spring, TX, Memorial Hermann IM 70.3 Texas
7:56:24 - Sandy Guenzel, 66, Largo, FL, Rohto IM 70.3 Florida
8:12:04 - Nancy Taubner, 65, Edmonton, AB, Rohto IM 70.3 Hawaii
8:15:55 - Liz Heckman, 71, Lehigh Acres, FL, IM 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake
8:18:32 - Susan Roberts, 65, Crescent City, CA, IM 70.3 Boise
8:29:37 - Gerri Lewerenz, 68, Coeur D'Alene, ID, IM 70.3 Boise
8:29:42 - Sandy Giannobile, 66, Robert, LA, Ochsner IM 70.3 New Orleans
8:54:04 - *Kathryn Curl, 66, Idaho Falls, ID, Rohto IM 70.3 California
9:06:07 - *Kathryn Curl, 66, Idaho Falls, ID, IM 70.3 Boise
9:24:20 - Beth Birch, 69, New Glouster, ME, IM 70.3 Timberman
Monday, October 18, 2010
York, Kirkland Lead Area Pack of 22 at Ironman 70.3 Austin
Twenty-two residents of the Woodlands MultiSport coverage area took on one of the last half iron distance races of the season – the Ironman 70.3 Austin -- on Sunday.
The Woodlands’ Ed York and Montgomery
Competing in the 45-49 age group and 78th overall among all age-groupers, York
Finish Strong Racing’s York gave up four minutes and 12 seconds to fourth-place finisher Ken Pacileo before the bike, but came within five seconds of the Broomfield , Connecticut York
Team Sport Beans/NTTC Club Team member Wendi Kirkland of Montgomery posted a 5:17:50 with seventh-best division times on both the bike and the run.
The only other top 20 age group performance of the day belonged to The Woodlands’ Sasja Jackson as she sliced almost 20 minutes off of her previous best with a 5:33:23 showing.
The Conroe Triathletes’ two previous half iron distance finishes were at the last two 5430 Long Course Triathlon events in Boulder , Colorado
The top five locally in the water yesterday were:
0:30:35 – Debra Castell, W25-29, Spring (7th best of 2010)
0:31:28 – Joel Pugh, M30-34, Spring (10th)
0:32:46 – Joshua Scott, M35-39, Spring (15th)
0:32:58 – Scott Peterson, M25-29, The Woodlands (16th)
0:33:28 – Derek Cooper, M25-29, Spring (19th)
The top five on the bike were:
2:22:54 – Ed York, M45-49, The Woodlands (2nd best of 2010)
2:33:58 – Jorge Lemus, M35-39, The Woodlands (8th)
2:41:02 – Scott Peterson, M25-29, The Woodlands (13th)
2:42:08 – Scott Jensen, M30-34, The Woodlands (14th)
2:42:13 – Derek Cooper, M25-29, Spring (15th)
The top five on the run were as follows:
1:38:35 – Ed York, M45-49, The Woodlands (6th best of 2010)
1:41:53 – Scott Peterson, M25-29, The Woodlands (8th)
1:45:06 – Derek Cooper, M25-29, Spring (13th)
1:50:25 – Wendi Kirkland, F25-29, Montgomery
1:56:09 – Sasja Jackson, F35-39, The Woodlands (23rd)
A number of area athletes were making their half iron distance debut including Outrival Racing’s Jorge Lemus of The Woodlands as well as trio of Conroe Triathletes – Montgomery ’s Amy Antley, Tomball’s Heather Mallette and Houston
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Community Night - Tuesday, Oct. 19
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Community Night
The inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Triathlon will take place on May, 21, 2011, in The Woodlands, Texas. The race will enhance the current Ironman calendar, which consists of 25 events around the world in locations such as Australia, China, Brazil and Germany. An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run, and athletes must complete the three disciplines in succession within a 17-hour time frame.
Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas offers volunteers the opportunity to assist nearly 2,500 athletes achieve a significant accomplishment while helping to ensure a successful, safe and fun event. Join us on Oct. 19, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., at Memorial Herman The Woodlands, Conference Center A and B, to learn more about how you or your organization can be a part of the race-day experience.
Catie Case
PR Coordinator
World Triathlon Corporation
Ironman/Ironman 70.3/Iron Girl/IronKids
2701 N. Rocky Point Dr., Suite 1250
Tampa, FL 33607
813.868.5931 (O)
813.927.3664 (M)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Barr, Laskowski Finish in Top 25% of 2010 Kona Lottery Winners
Two hundred triathletes - 150 from the United States and another 50 from the rest of the world - were chosen in the World Triathlon Corporation's lottery in April for this month's Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
All but 12 - 188 - were assigned bib numbers and 178 earned an Ironman finish on Saturday, October 9. (Seven did not start the race and just three did not finish - all stopping their journey during the bike portion of the event.)
Our hometown athletes - Amy Barr and John Laskowski of The Woodlands, Texas - finished in the top 25 of their fellow lottery winners -- and finishers.
Barr was sixth among 26 female competitors while Laskowski was 22nd among 152 male finishers.
A spectacular accomplishment by both triathletes!
Below is the complete list of 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship finishers who earned lottery slots:
Women
11:40:49 - Missy LeStrange, F, 58, Visalia, CA
12:03:14 - Heather Royer, F, 36, Goleta, CA
12:41:49 - Patricia Holland, F, 36, Smithfield, VA
12:50:41 - Courtney Spratt, F, 40, Ponte Verda Beach, FL
13:21:31 - Sudie Teszler, F, 47, Atlanta, GA
13:22:20 - Amy Barr, F, 36, The Woodlands, TX
13:34:31 - Julie Haura, F, 38, Tampa, FL
13:45:34 - Gillian Blake, F, 43, New York, NY
13:47:00 - Edie Cameto, F, 55, Gold River, CA
13:59:13 - Julie Hill, F, 39, Scottsdale, AZ
14:00:34 - Monika Hill, F, 40, Phoenixville, PA
14:03:15 - Gabriele Haeuser, F, 46, Erbach, Germany
14:07:50 - Linda-Ann Newsome, F, 45, Ashburn, VA
14:13:01 - Alex Kotyk, F, 44, Edmonton, AB, Canada
14:27:02 - Linda Hayes, F, 50, Reno, NV
14:27:27 - Wendy Clague, F, 39, Edmonton, AB, Canada
15:03:34 - Julia Wayner, F, 34, Enfield, CT
15:22:39 - Dene Sturm, F, 46, Kailua-Kona, HI
15:25:18 - Laurie Viault, F, 40, Austin, TX
15:42:31 - Debra Wendorf, F, 49, North Royalton, OH
15:54:11 - Alexandra Osias, F, 33, Denver, CO
15:59:41 - SuSon McLellan, F, 52, Lake Forest, CA
16:04:03 - Laura O'Connor, F, 29, Houston, TX
16:04:27 - Cindy Reeves, F, 38, League City, TX
16:15:24 - Debora Candilora, F, 45, Kenner, LA
16:44:12 - Lauren Hunt, F, 44, Chattanooga, TN
Men
10:10:35 - Ryan Pacifico, M, 30, Bayville, NY
10:17:42 - Michael Ferris, M, 44, Ebenezer, NSW, Australia
10:37:21 - Charlie McCracken, M, 30, Portland, OR
10:41:28 - Morgan Fine, M, 38, Darien, CT
10:45:28 - David Stainton, M, 38, Encinitas, CA
10:48:48 - Zane Morris, M, 46, Draper, UT
10:52:42 - Boris Lampa, M, 40, Plaidt, Germany
10:59:37 - Gerd Heisel, M, 46, Perl, Germany
10:59:52 - Pascal Bouchard, M, 35, Saguenay, QC, Canada
11:08:39 - Ryan Haug, M, 37, Seymour, CT
11:10:55 - Alex Garcia, M, 48, Manhattan Beach, CA
11:12:19 - Stephan Noske, M, 37, Berlin, Germany
11:20:50 - Udo Keuns, M, 45, Hannover, Germany
11:22:02 - Kyle Song, M, 31, Sacramento, CA
11:24:10 - Adam Beavis, M, 34, Beaumauris, VIC, Australia
11:25:01 - Gavin Champion, M, 41, Masterton, WGN, New Zealand
11:27:31 - Steven Montoya, M, 33, Socorro, NM
11:32:54 - Andrew Rebak, M, 38, Franklin Lakes, NJ
11:35:49 - Darrell Farquharson, M, 47, Mooloolaba, QUE, Australia
11:39:37 - Christopher Day, M, 41, Adelaide, SA, Australia
11:41:42 - Todd Borke, M, 41, Anchorage, AK
11:48:53 - John Laskowski, M, 41, The Woodlands, TX
11:49:12 - Eric Siskind, M, 40, South Orange, NJ
11:54:17 - Michael Church, M, 43, Silverdale, WA
12:04:04 - Scott Dunlap, M, 41, Woodside, CA
12:05:03 - Scott Padgett, M, 28, Severn, MD
12:06:56 - Andrew Proft, M, 40, Santa Barbara, CA
12:09:12 - Andreas Sikora, M, 46, Bad Homburg, Germany
12:10:10 - Jeffrey Huntley, M, 40, Phoenix, AZ
12:10:45 - Walter Seelinger, M, 55, Lampertheim, Germany
12:11:29 - Michael Capozza, M, 46, San Diego, CA
12:18:44 - Benjamin Baur, M, 27, Rheinstetten, Germany
12:20:35 - Fernando Huelga, M, 46, Danville, CA
12:20:57 - Jeremy Bolton, M, 33, Louisville, KY
12:25:42 - Gary Irving, M, 45, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
12:28:24 - Brian Preston, M, 40, Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada
12:32:08 - James Gracey, M, 38, Fort Worth, TX
12:35:16 - Mike Luginbill, M, 23, Troy, MI
12:36:16 - John Turner, M, 37, Midlothian, VA
12:36:36 - Lloyd Crickenberger, M, 38, Richlands, NC
12:36:44 - Brad Floyd, M, 39, Austin, TX
12:37:20 - Pablo Fuente, M, 37, Beersel, Belgium
12:38:50 - Julian Coiner, M, 46, New Market, MD
12:43:50 - Matthias Baumann, M, 39, Tuebingen, Germany
12:44:26 - Ross Hillesheim, M, 28, Carmel, CA
12:48:00 - Timothy Downing, M, 42, West Lafayette, IN
12:48:01 - Lowell Jones, M, 60, Big Pine, CA
12:49:12 - Manuel Fajardo, M, 40, Guayaquil, Ecuador
12:50:04 - Wendell Scott, M, 49, Dacula, GA
12:51:07 - Stephen Dewald, M, 42, Mililani, HI
12:51:50 - Edward Clancy, M, 42, Marina Del Ray, CA
12:53:07 - Andre Brandt, M, 38, Long Island City, NY
12:53:18 - Brian Walker, M, 33, Savannah, GA
12:53:24 - Luc Dehaspe, M, 45, Heverlee, Belgium
12:55:27 - Shaun Samuels, M, 49, Coral Gables, FL
12:57:15 - Rick Dana, M, 55, Santa Ana, CA
12:57:34 - Ryan Burke, M, 37, Portsmouth, OH
12:58:26 - Michael Sharp, M, 50, Mudgee, NSW, Australia
12:59:42 - Bradly Loescher, M, 46, Yardley, PA
12:59:44 - Gregory Berryman, M, 55, Pueblo West, CO
13:01:46 - Dave Kahn, M, 32, Libertyville, IL
13:06:08 - David Miller, M, 36, Denver, CO
13:08:04 - Timothy Clarke, M, 49, Salem, MA
13:08:15 - Joe McGill, M, 52, Marathon, ON, Canada
13:08:26 - Bob Dwenger, M, 52, Fishers, IN
13:10:45 - Hubert Gruenbaum, M, 60, Bayreuth, Germany
13:18:05 - Marc Akesson, M, 43, Miami Beach, FL
13:19:09 - Slaten Van Saun, M, 44, Fresno, CA
13:21:21 - Ryan Ladd, M, 42, Green Bay, WI
13:21:32 - J.B. Burns, M, 46, Medina, OH
13:22:42 - Clay Scheitzach, M, 35, Dallas, TX
13:23:59 - Damon Bowe, M, 33, Houma, LA
13:24:46 - Eric Custis, M, 26, Los Angeles, CA
13:25:31 - Steve Lee, M, 44, Mission Viejo, CA
13:27:26 - Mark Kleanthous, M, 50, Bedfordshire, Great Britain
13:27:27 - Russ Seideman, M, 51, Phoenix, AZ
13:28:55 - Bruce McKee, M, 45, Kelowna, BC, Canada
13:29:37 - Clint Holing, M, 46, Rivona, South Africa
13:31:47 - Jeff Kootman, M, 52, Phoenix, AZ
13:35:48 - William Burton, M, 45, Indian Harbour Beach, FL
13:36:21 - Peter Karoczkai, M, 49, New York, NY
13:38:19 - Gerald Moore, M, 43, Annandale, NJ
13:38:47 - Paul Toner, M, 48, Lafayette, CO
13:40:12 - Robert Nossa, M, 41, Upper Montclair, NJ
13:41:53 - Mike Olsson, M, 40, St. Albert, AB, Canada
13:43:53 - Andreas Spiewok, M, 48, Berlin, Germany
13:48:25 - Richard Paterson, M, 41, Spruce Grove, AB, Canada
13:51:23 - Patrick Baker, M, 41, Los Angeles, CA
13:54:53 - Ed Motto, M, 54, Chicago, IL
13:54:55 - Christopher Gair, M, 49, Dundee, Great Britain
13:56:16 - Brian Yannutz, M, 22, Hilo, HI
13:56:21 - Darren Price, M, 41, Orlando, FL
13:56:50 - Norbert Filippits, M, 37, Vienna, Austria
14:00:36 - Todd Wright, M, 46, Lakeville, MN
14:00:51 - Michael Pajaro, M, 42, Glendale, CA
14:01:25 - Steve Kagol, M, 64, Deephaven, MN
14:07:21 - Luis Tamayo Larranaga, M, 40, Zapopan, Mexico
14:11:01 - Martin Saturn, M, 53, Rockville, MD
14:12:49 - Jim Schulenberg, M, 43, Mesa, AZ
14:13:02 - Martin Graef, M, 48, Karben, Germany
14:14:00 - Ross Schiavo, M, 42, Decatur, GA
14:19:50 - Casey Gallaher, M, 30, Cleveland, TN
14:20:16 - Will Spaulding, M, 62, Charlottesville, VA
14:21:02 - James Bell, M, 46, Corpus Christi, TX
14:21:12 - Luis Alvarez, M, 40, Bogota, Columbia
14:21:16 - Israel Pena, M, 35, Corona, CA
14:21:38 - Ernesto Paredes, M, 44, Santa Barbara, CA
14:22:20 - Ross Stewart, M, 39, San Francisco, CA
14:23:37 - Marco Buri, M, 37, St-Jean sur Richelieu, QC, Canada
14:26:26 - Tom Luttermoser, M, 54, Cheney, WA
14:27:25 - John Jeha, M, 52, Alamo, CA
14:29:38 - Jim Langland, M, 58, Thief River Falls, MN
14:30:49 - Yati Yadav, M, 37, Scottsdale, AZ
14:35:43 - Daniel Eppel, M, 39, Gardner, MA
14:36:39 - Steven Weeks, M, 55, St. Charles, MO
14:39:22 - Michael Quiroz, M, 31, San Marcos, TX
14:39:35 - Ottie Taulman, M, 45, Parker, CO
14:49:54 - Valentine Przezdecki, M, 62, Gibsonia, PA
14:52:23 - John Wagner, M, 54, Vicksburg, MI
14:53:01 - Carl Knutsson, M, 52, Sarasota, FL
15:02:54 - Steve Morgan, M, 38, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
15:04:15 - Richard Pinker, M, 52, Caringbah, NSW, Australia
15:08:19 - Oliver Duhr, M, 38, Hamminkeln, Germany
15:09:55 - Richard Mayer, M, 44, Denver, CO
15:13:34 - Noritake Ishida, M, 50, Ota City, Japan
15:14:38 - Nathan Miller, M, 32, New York, NY
15:18:06 - Robert Wallace, M, 60, Deleon Springs, FL
15:22:06 - Thaddeus Wojcik, M, 45, New York, NY
15:23:08 - Brian Dillon, M, 36, Issaquah, WA
15:29:46 - Brian Oringderff, M, 40, Canton, GA
15:31:25 - Stephen Slight, M, 57, Cary, NC
15:33:02 - Aloysius Llaguno, M, 59, Sacramento, CA
15:35:48 - Tom Begg, M, 46, Glen Rock, NJ
15:39:42 - Peter Belcher, M, 51, Huntington Beach, CA
15:42:23 - Ricardo Vasconcellos, M, 53, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
15:46:24 - Keith Kober, M, 49, Berkeley, CA
15:51:12 - Jim Favreau, M, 51, Brunswick, ME
15:53:10 - John Weston, M, 53, Rowley, MA
15:53:53 - Charles Truluck, M, 45, Jacksonville, FL
15:54:39 - Dirk Zerressen, M, 44, Schermbeck, Germany
16:00:25 - David Hagele, M, 42, Healdsburg, CA
16:03:03 - David Minkoff, M, 62, Clearwater, FL
16:04:42 - Kenneth Fritz, M, 47, Fresno, CA
16:07:14 - Nestor Caniza, M, 49, La Quinta, CA
16:11:51 - Richard Snyder, M, 66, Austin, TX
16:12:01 - Will Rishovd, M, 29, Goose Creek, SC
16:27:01 - Glen Jusczyk, M, 35, Groveland, FL
16:27:24 - William Davenport, M, 30, Houston, TX
16:30:41 - Paul Burke, M, 61, Coeur D'Alene, ID
16:34:27 - Daniel Grabell, M, 32, Montville, NJ
16:36:28 - Michael Mallon, M, 46, Yonkers, NY
16:57:22 - Scott Johnson, M, 39, Frisco, TX
All but 12 - 188 - were assigned bib numbers and 178 earned an Ironman finish on Saturday, October 9. (Seven did not start the race and just three did not finish - all stopping their journey during the bike portion of the event.)
Our hometown athletes - Amy Barr and John Laskowski of The Woodlands, Texas - finished in the top 25 of their fellow lottery winners -- and finishers.
Barr was sixth among 26 female competitors while Laskowski was 22nd among 152 male finishers.
A spectacular accomplishment by both triathletes!
Below is the complete list of 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship finishers who earned lottery slots:
Women
11:40:49 - Missy LeStrange, F, 58, Visalia, CA
12:03:14 - Heather Royer, F, 36, Goleta, CA
12:41:49 - Patricia Holland, F, 36, Smithfield, VA
12:50:41 - Courtney Spratt, F, 40, Ponte Verda Beach, FL
13:21:31 - Sudie Teszler, F, 47, Atlanta, GA
13:22:20 - Amy Barr, F, 36, The Woodlands, TX
13:34:31 - Julie Haura, F, 38, Tampa, FL
13:45:34 - Gillian Blake, F, 43, New York, NY
13:47:00 - Edie Cameto, F, 55, Gold River, CA
13:59:13 - Julie Hill, F, 39, Scottsdale, AZ
14:00:34 - Monika Hill, F, 40, Phoenixville, PA
14:03:15 - Gabriele Haeuser, F, 46, Erbach, Germany
14:07:50 - Linda-Ann Newsome, F, 45, Ashburn, VA
14:13:01 - Alex Kotyk, F, 44, Edmonton, AB, Canada
14:27:02 - Linda Hayes, F, 50, Reno, NV
14:27:27 - Wendy Clague, F, 39, Edmonton, AB, Canada
15:03:34 - Julia Wayner, F, 34, Enfield, CT
15:22:39 - Dene Sturm, F, 46, Kailua-Kona, HI
15:25:18 - Laurie Viault, F, 40, Austin, TX
15:42:31 - Debra Wendorf, F, 49, North Royalton, OH
15:54:11 - Alexandra Osias, F, 33, Denver, CO
15:59:41 - SuSon McLellan, F, 52, Lake Forest, CA
16:04:03 - Laura O'Connor, F, 29, Houston, TX
16:04:27 - Cindy Reeves, F, 38, League City, TX
16:15:24 - Debora Candilora, F, 45, Kenner, LA
16:44:12 - Lauren Hunt, F, 44, Chattanooga, TN
Men
10:10:35 - Ryan Pacifico, M, 30, Bayville, NY
10:17:42 - Michael Ferris, M, 44, Ebenezer, NSW, Australia
10:37:21 - Charlie McCracken, M, 30, Portland, OR
10:41:28 - Morgan Fine, M, 38, Darien, CT
10:45:28 - David Stainton, M, 38, Encinitas, CA
10:48:48 - Zane Morris, M, 46, Draper, UT
10:52:42 - Boris Lampa, M, 40, Plaidt, Germany
10:59:37 - Gerd Heisel, M, 46, Perl, Germany
10:59:52 - Pascal Bouchard, M, 35, Saguenay, QC, Canada
11:08:39 - Ryan Haug, M, 37, Seymour, CT
11:10:55 - Alex Garcia, M, 48, Manhattan Beach, CA
11:12:19 - Stephan Noske, M, 37, Berlin, Germany
11:20:50 - Udo Keuns, M, 45, Hannover, Germany
11:22:02 - Kyle Song, M, 31, Sacramento, CA
11:24:10 - Adam Beavis, M, 34, Beaumauris, VIC, Australia
11:25:01 - Gavin Champion, M, 41, Masterton, WGN, New Zealand
11:27:31 - Steven Montoya, M, 33, Socorro, NM
11:32:54 - Andrew Rebak, M, 38, Franklin Lakes, NJ
11:35:49 - Darrell Farquharson, M, 47, Mooloolaba, QUE, Australia
11:39:37 - Christopher Day, M, 41, Adelaide, SA, Australia
11:41:42 - Todd Borke, M, 41, Anchorage, AK
11:48:53 - John Laskowski, M, 41, The Woodlands, TX
11:49:12 - Eric Siskind, M, 40, South Orange, NJ
11:54:17 - Michael Church, M, 43, Silverdale, WA
12:04:04 - Scott Dunlap, M, 41, Woodside, CA
12:05:03 - Scott Padgett, M, 28, Severn, MD
12:06:56 - Andrew Proft, M, 40, Santa Barbara, CA
12:09:12 - Andreas Sikora, M, 46, Bad Homburg, Germany
12:10:10 - Jeffrey Huntley, M, 40, Phoenix, AZ
12:10:45 - Walter Seelinger, M, 55, Lampertheim, Germany
12:11:29 - Michael Capozza, M, 46, San Diego, CA
12:18:44 - Benjamin Baur, M, 27, Rheinstetten, Germany
12:20:35 - Fernando Huelga, M, 46, Danville, CA
12:20:57 - Jeremy Bolton, M, 33, Louisville, KY
12:25:42 - Gary Irving, M, 45, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
12:28:24 - Brian Preston, M, 40, Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada
12:32:08 - James Gracey, M, 38, Fort Worth, TX
12:35:16 - Mike Luginbill, M, 23, Troy, MI
12:36:16 - John Turner, M, 37, Midlothian, VA
12:36:36 - Lloyd Crickenberger, M, 38, Richlands, NC
12:36:44 - Brad Floyd, M, 39, Austin, TX
12:37:20 - Pablo Fuente, M, 37, Beersel, Belgium
12:38:50 - Julian Coiner, M, 46, New Market, MD
12:43:50 - Matthias Baumann, M, 39, Tuebingen, Germany
12:44:26 - Ross Hillesheim, M, 28, Carmel, CA
12:48:00 - Timothy Downing, M, 42, West Lafayette, IN
12:48:01 - Lowell Jones, M, 60, Big Pine, CA
12:49:12 - Manuel Fajardo, M, 40, Guayaquil, Ecuador
12:50:04 - Wendell Scott, M, 49, Dacula, GA
12:51:07 - Stephen Dewald, M, 42, Mililani, HI
12:51:50 - Edward Clancy, M, 42, Marina Del Ray, CA
12:53:07 - Andre Brandt, M, 38, Long Island City, NY
12:53:18 - Brian Walker, M, 33, Savannah, GA
12:53:24 - Luc Dehaspe, M, 45, Heverlee, Belgium
12:55:27 - Shaun Samuels, M, 49, Coral Gables, FL
12:57:15 - Rick Dana, M, 55, Santa Ana, CA
12:57:34 - Ryan Burke, M, 37, Portsmouth, OH
12:58:26 - Michael Sharp, M, 50, Mudgee, NSW, Australia
12:59:42 - Bradly Loescher, M, 46, Yardley, PA
12:59:44 - Gregory Berryman, M, 55, Pueblo West, CO
13:01:46 - Dave Kahn, M, 32, Libertyville, IL
13:06:08 - David Miller, M, 36, Denver, CO
13:08:04 - Timothy Clarke, M, 49, Salem, MA
13:08:15 - Joe McGill, M, 52, Marathon, ON, Canada
13:08:26 - Bob Dwenger, M, 52, Fishers, IN
13:10:45 - Hubert Gruenbaum, M, 60, Bayreuth, Germany
13:18:05 - Marc Akesson, M, 43, Miami Beach, FL
13:19:09 - Slaten Van Saun, M, 44, Fresno, CA
13:21:21 - Ryan Ladd, M, 42, Green Bay, WI
13:21:32 - J.B. Burns, M, 46, Medina, OH
13:22:42 - Clay Scheitzach, M, 35, Dallas, TX
13:23:59 - Damon Bowe, M, 33, Houma, LA
13:24:46 - Eric Custis, M, 26, Los Angeles, CA
13:25:31 - Steve Lee, M, 44, Mission Viejo, CA
13:27:26 - Mark Kleanthous, M, 50, Bedfordshire, Great Britain
13:27:27 - Russ Seideman, M, 51, Phoenix, AZ
13:28:55 - Bruce McKee, M, 45, Kelowna, BC, Canada
13:29:37 - Clint Holing, M, 46, Rivona, South Africa
13:31:47 - Jeff Kootman, M, 52, Phoenix, AZ
13:35:48 - William Burton, M, 45, Indian Harbour Beach, FL
13:36:21 - Peter Karoczkai, M, 49, New York, NY
13:38:19 - Gerald Moore, M, 43, Annandale, NJ
13:38:47 - Paul Toner, M, 48, Lafayette, CO
13:40:12 - Robert Nossa, M, 41, Upper Montclair, NJ
13:41:53 - Mike Olsson, M, 40, St. Albert, AB, Canada
13:43:53 - Andreas Spiewok, M, 48, Berlin, Germany
13:48:25 - Richard Paterson, M, 41, Spruce Grove, AB, Canada
13:51:23 - Patrick Baker, M, 41, Los Angeles, CA
13:54:53 - Ed Motto, M, 54, Chicago, IL
13:54:55 - Christopher Gair, M, 49, Dundee, Great Britain
13:56:16 - Brian Yannutz, M, 22, Hilo, HI
13:56:21 - Darren Price, M, 41, Orlando, FL
13:56:50 - Norbert Filippits, M, 37, Vienna, Austria
14:00:36 - Todd Wright, M, 46, Lakeville, MN
14:00:51 - Michael Pajaro, M, 42, Glendale, CA
14:01:25 - Steve Kagol, M, 64, Deephaven, MN
14:07:21 - Luis Tamayo Larranaga, M, 40, Zapopan, Mexico
14:11:01 - Martin Saturn, M, 53, Rockville, MD
14:12:49 - Jim Schulenberg, M, 43, Mesa, AZ
14:13:02 - Martin Graef, M, 48, Karben, Germany
14:14:00 - Ross Schiavo, M, 42, Decatur, GA
14:19:50 - Casey Gallaher, M, 30, Cleveland, TN
14:20:16 - Will Spaulding, M, 62, Charlottesville, VA
14:21:02 - James Bell, M, 46, Corpus Christi, TX
14:21:12 - Luis Alvarez, M, 40, Bogota, Columbia
14:21:16 - Israel Pena, M, 35, Corona, CA
14:21:38 - Ernesto Paredes, M, 44, Santa Barbara, CA
14:22:20 - Ross Stewart, M, 39, San Francisco, CA
14:23:37 - Marco Buri, M, 37, St-Jean sur Richelieu, QC, Canada
14:26:26 - Tom Luttermoser, M, 54, Cheney, WA
14:27:25 - John Jeha, M, 52, Alamo, CA
14:29:38 - Jim Langland, M, 58, Thief River Falls, MN
14:30:49 - Yati Yadav, M, 37, Scottsdale, AZ
14:35:43 - Daniel Eppel, M, 39, Gardner, MA
14:36:39 - Steven Weeks, M, 55, St. Charles, MO
14:39:22 - Michael Quiroz, M, 31, San Marcos, TX
14:39:35 - Ottie Taulman, M, 45, Parker, CO
14:49:54 - Valentine Przezdecki, M, 62, Gibsonia, PA
14:52:23 - John Wagner, M, 54, Vicksburg, MI
14:53:01 - Carl Knutsson, M, 52, Sarasota, FL
15:02:54 - Steve Morgan, M, 38, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
15:04:15 - Richard Pinker, M, 52, Caringbah, NSW, Australia
15:08:19 - Oliver Duhr, M, 38, Hamminkeln, Germany
15:09:55 - Richard Mayer, M, 44, Denver, CO
15:13:34 - Noritake Ishida, M, 50, Ota City, Japan
15:14:38 - Nathan Miller, M, 32, New York, NY
15:18:06 - Robert Wallace, M, 60, Deleon Springs, FL
15:22:06 - Thaddeus Wojcik, M, 45, New York, NY
15:23:08 - Brian Dillon, M, 36, Issaquah, WA
15:29:46 - Brian Oringderff, M, 40, Canton, GA
15:31:25 - Stephen Slight, M, 57, Cary, NC
15:33:02 - Aloysius Llaguno, M, 59, Sacramento, CA
15:35:48 - Tom Begg, M, 46, Glen Rock, NJ
15:39:42 - Peter Belcher, M, 51, Huntington Beach, CA
15:42:23 - Ricardo Vasconcellos, M, 53, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
15:46:24 - Keith Kober, M, 49, Berkeley, CA
15:51:12 - Jim Favreau, M, 51, Brunswick, ME
15:53:10 - John Weston, M, 53, Rowley, MA
15:53:53 - Charles Truluck, M, 45, Jacksonville, FL
15:54:39 - Dirk Zerressen, M, 44, Schermbeck, Germany
16:00:25 - David Hagele, M, 42, Healdsburg, CA
16:03:03 - David Minkoff, M, 62, Clearwater, FL
16:04:42 - Kenneth Fritz, M, 47, Fresno, CA
16:07:14 - Nestor Caniza, M, 49, La Quinta, CA
16:11:51 - Richard Snyder, M, 66, Austin, TX
16:12:01 - Will Rishovd, M, 29, Goose Creek, SC
16:27:01 - Glen Jusczyk, M, 35, Groveland, FL
16:27:24 - William Davenport, M, 30, Houston, TX
16:30:41 - Paul Burke, M, 61, Coeur D'Alene, ID
16:34:27 - Daniel Grabell, M, 32, Montville, NJ
16:36:28 - Michael Mallon, M, 46, Yonkers, NY
16:57:22 - Scott Johnson, M, 39, Frisco, TX
May Magic on Market Street #1: Kyle Mays, The Woodlands
Perhaps it is fitting that our first "May Magic on Market Street" profile for next May's inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas comes from one of the two individuals (the other being Dr. Kristie Chandler) who stepped to The Woodlands Township lecturn on the night that The Township approved its sponsorship agreement with the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) to bring Ironman Texas to The Woodlands.
Kyle Mays finished his first Ironman last November at Ironman Arizona in 13 hours, 48 minutes and 27 seconds, and he says below, that he has some unfinished Ironman business to resolve in May.
2010 USAT age? -- 47
Birthplace? -- Houston, Texas.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- The first running of my "hometown" race and have some Ironman goals left to accomplish.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- No.
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- One, Ironman Arizona, 2009.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- No.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- Lonestar Multisport and Dana Lyons' Team Finish Strong Racing.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- Not exclusively.
Are you coached by anyone? -- Dana Lyons.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- 10 to 15 hrs/wk. Swim - 3, Run - 4, Bike - 5.
When was your first triathlon? -- The CB&I Triathlon in The Woodlands, 2004.
How did you do? -- It was a good "learning experience."
Why did you get into the sport? -- "After a few years of running the annual Run Thru The Woods 5-miler on Thanksgiving, I started thinking about trying a longer distance race. On Thanksgiving day in 2002, I mentioned to Cassandra (my lovely wife) that I was going to sign up for the Houston Half Marathon which was about 2 months away. If that went well, then I would run the full marathon the next year.
"Incredibly, she replied with chuckle that she didn't think I had the motivation to train for a marathon. Uh oh... The challenge was on! Of course I decided right then to skip the half marathon and run the 2003 Austin Marathon which was about 3 months away."
"The transition from running to triathlon took place over the next year. First, some friends talked me into getting a bike and riding the MS150 in 2004. That was the year that The Woodlands launched the CB&I Triathlon. Never one to pass up a good challenge, I signed up for the race, took a few swim lessons, and jumped right in. What a learning experience!"
"Thanks to the camaraderie of my fellow LSMS members, I have since trained for and competed in dozens of triathlons and road races of all distances."
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- It has reinforced that I'm very determined and very competitive. Not really a surprise to me.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- Bike.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- Sprint.
Favorite race? -- CB&I.
What's your bucket list race? -- Not sure.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Garmin 310XT.
What's your favorite training routine? -- I like to change things up.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Biking: Out to Montgomery and Ironstar bike course and back. Running: Run over to Jones State Park for a loop and back home (in winter).
What foods are most critical in your training? -- I use Hammer gels and Accelerade.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Determination.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Experience over the last 6 years and hiring a coach.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- I'm much more focused on health and fitness and I've made lots of new friends and acquaintences.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- Wave starts for Ironman triathlons!
Favorite triathlete? -- Team Hoyt.
Favorite city to visit? -- I like to travel to new places.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- Climb Denali. Lots of travel destinations.
Favorite quote or motto? -- Phillipians 4:13; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Kyle Mays finished his first Ironman last November at Ironman Arizona in 13 hours, 48 minutes and 27 seconds, and he says below, that he has some unfinished Ironman business to resolve in May.
 |
| Kyle Mays speaking at The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meeting in June (Photo courtesy of Jon Walk) |
Birthplace? -- Houston, Texas.
You've been identified as registering for Ironman Texas. What motivated you to sign up? -- The first running of my "hometown" race and have some Ironman goals left to accomplish.
Will this be your first attempt at an Ironman? -- No.
If not, how many IMs have you completed? -- One, Ironman Arizona, 2009.
Will you/did you get an MDot tattoo after your first Ironman? -- No.
What triathlon/running/cycling clubs do you belong to? -- Lonestar Multisport and Dana Lyons' Team Finish Strong Racing.
Do you train with anyone (i.e. training group)? -- Not exclusively.
Are you coached by anyone? -- Dana Lyons.
How many hours a week do you spend training (overall and at each discipline)? -- 10 to 15 hrs/wk. Swim - 3, Run - 4, Bike - 5.
When was your first triathlon? -- The CB&I Triathlon in The Woodlands, 2004.
How did you do? -- It was a good "learning experience."
Why did you get into the sport? -- "After a few years of running the annual Run Thru The Woods 5-miler on Thanksgiving, I started thinking about trying a longer distance race. On Thanksgiving day in 2002, I mentioned to Cassandra (my lovely wife) that I was going to sign up for the Houston Half Marathon which was about 2 months away. If that went well, then I would run the full marathon the next year.
"Incredibly, she replied with chuckle that she didn't think I had the motivation to train for a marathon. Uh oh... The challenge was on! Of course I decided right then to skip the half marathon and run the 2003 Austin Marathon which was about 3 months away."
"The transition from running to triathlon took place over the next year. First, some friends talked me into getting a bike and riding the MS150 in 2004. That was the year that The Woodlands launched the CB&I Triathlon. Never one to pass up a good challenge, I signed up for the race, took a few swim lessons, and jumped right in. What a learning experience!"
"Thanks to the camaraderie of my fellow LSMS members, I have since trained for and competed in dozens of triathlons and road races of all distances."
What have you learned about yourself while pursuing triathlon/Ironman? -- It has reinforced that I'm very determined and very competitive. Not really a surprise to me.
Which of the three disciplines is your strongest? -- Bike.
What's your favorite triathlon distance? -- Sprint.
Favorite race? -- CB&I.
What's your bucket list race? -- Not sure.
One piece of gear or gadget that you can't do without? -- Garmin 310XT.
What's your favorite training routine? -- I like to change things up.
What are some of your favorite routes (biking or running)? -- Biking: Out to Montgomery and Ironstar bike course and back. Running: Run over to Jones State Park for a loop and back home (in winter).
What foods are most critical in your training? -- I use Hammer gels and Accelerade.
Who or what gets you out of bed to train on bad days/freezing rain/100 degree heat? -- Determination.
What has had the greatest impact on your progress as an athlete? -- Experience over the last 6 years and hiring a coach.
How has triathlon changed your life? -- I'm much more focused on health and fitness and I've made lots of new friends and acquaintences.
If you were the God of triathlons for one day, what change would you make? -- Wave starts for Ironman triathlons!
Favorite triathlete? -- Team Hoyt.
Favorite city to visit? -- I like to travel to new places.
Bucket list (1 to 5 things) -- Climb Denali. Lots of travel destinations.
Favorite quote or motto? -- Phillipians 4:13; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Dwyer, Benes win age groups at Toyoya U.S. Open Triathlon
Approximately a dozen area triathletes took to the road last Sunday, October 10, for the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon, held in Rockwall, Texas, east of Dallas.
Conroe Triathletes' Michael Dwyer and The Woodlands Running Club and Brian Loncar Racing Team's Grace Benes left with first place age group finishes in the International Distance event, which featured a 1.5-kilometer swim in Lake Ray Hubbard and a 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run through the city of Rockwall.
The winner of this year's CB&I Triathlon, Benes easily won her age group by almost 18 minutes in 2:20:15 and was the top non-professional age grouper while Dwyer easily took down fellow Team USA competitor Michael Zinn of Dallas by more than six minutes with a division-winning time of 2:29:29.
Willis' Mark Haas (Conroe Triathletes) was sixth in the 50-54 age group with a time of 2:30:31, two spots ahead of The Woodlands' Michael Novelli, who was 8th in the 31-participant age group in 2:40:35.
Benes' husband, Mikey, and Panorama Village's Paris Menefee (Conroe Triathletes) finished 12th and 17th respectively in the 30-34 and 40-44 divisions with finishing times of 2:31:51 and 2:34:02.
Novelli's daughter, Becca, 20, of The Woodlands, was fourth in her age group in 3:04:41.
Four area athletes made the trip north for the 800-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run Sprint race.
The Woodlands' Michele Rossi, 26, competed in the men's collegiate division and posted a time of 1:34:03, while Benjamin McHenry, Jeffrey Kastendieck and Alan Bentrup, all of Spring, competed in the 30-34 age group.
McHenry led the trio with a 1:25:08 time, while Kasntendieck and Bentrup crossed the finish lline in 1:32:34 and 1:49:33.
Conroe Triathletes' Michael Dwyer and The Woodlands Running Club and Brian Loncar Racing Team's Grace Benes left with first place age group finishes in the International Distance event, which featured a 1.5-kilometer swim in Lake Ray Hubbard and a 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run through the city of Rockwall.
The winner of this year's CB&I Triathlon, Benes easily won her age group by almost 18 minutes in 2:20:15 and was the top non-professional age grouper while Dwyer easily took down fellow Team USA competitor Michael Zinn of Dallas by more than six minutes with a division-winning time of 2:29:29.
Willis' Mark Haas (Conroe Triathletes) was sixth in the 50-54 age group with a time of 2:30:31, two spots ahead of The Woodlands' Michael Novelli, who was 8th in the 31-participant age group in 2:40:35.
Benes' husband, Mikey, and Panorama Village's Paris Menefee (Conroe Triathletes) finished 12th and 17th respectively in the 30-34 and 40-44 divisions with finishing times of 2:31:51 and 2:34:02.
Novelli's daughter, Becca, 20, of The Woodlands, was fourth in her age group in 3:04:41.
Four area athletes made the trip north for the 800-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run Sprint race.
The Woodlands' Michele Rossi, 26, competed in the men's collegiate division and posted a time of 1:34:03, while Benjamin McHenry, Jeffrey Kastendieck and Alan Bentrup, all of Spring, competed in the 30-34 age group.
McHenry led the trio with a 1:25:08 time, while Kasntendieck and Bentrup crossed the finish lline in 1:32:34 and 1:49:33.
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