Minnesota Tri News

We Have Moved To MinnesotaTriNews.com

2010-05-28T14:36:00.003-05:00

Please go to MinnesotaTriNews.com for new features, race coverage and a whole lot more. New & improved, and 100% pure multisport stuff. Link here, and remember to change your bookmark. See ya at the new site! --MTN

BECOMING "ONE" WITH DIRT...

2010-05-27T23:07:00.000-05:00

(Photos: R - Bonnie doing outdoor stuff not particularly well. Below - Bonnie got too close to the edge.)

By Bonnie Faceplant

Triathlon is my passion but sometimes you just gotta go off the beaten path.

For the past few years I have gotten to know a few XTerra guys. They've shared with me their adventures and I have to say I've been a bit envious. One particular friend is a well seasoned triathlete and also an XTerra World Champion. He does quite well in triathlon, usually in the top three and so I asked him if he has any adverse effects from the cross training. He was adamant in that he feels that it helps him stay focused, break up any potentially monotony and gives him the chance to just go out and play even harder.

Enter my $75 bike from Target. Enter Mike and his well-used mountain bike. Enter Lebanon Hills.

As we pulled into the bumpy, dusty parking lot, I was acutely aware of the noises the bikes were making on the rack at the back of the car. Well seasoned mountain bikers stood around, all heads simultaneously turning towards us as if their internal radars could instantly detect a newbie entering their turf. I swallowed hard and felt as if the dust had somehow crept through the vents and was forming a dirt clod in the back of my throat.

If you were to survey the planet, you may discover that I am probably the most clumsiest person that ever existed. I have "become one" with the pavement, branches, leaves, rocks and dirt on more than one occasion. And this was all from the comfort of my own home. You'd think this would distract me. You'd think I would have a still small voice beckoning me back to reason. "Stay away! Go back to safety!" I smothered the voice with a loud comment of, "I'm scared to death! Let's DO this!"

We unhooked the bikes and geared up. Out of the corner of my eyes I caught sight of the veterans shaking their heads and pulling out cash to place their bets on how long I would survive, if I survived. Mike assured me we would go slow and that the beginners course would not be too difficult. I was skeptical. We mounted our bikes and I rode onto the soft dirt trail, barely escaping colliding with the welcome sign posted at the opening.

Have you ever noticed how a seemingly small and innocent rock can suddenly appear to be a jagged, jutting luminous villain of death, or appear to be about the size of the stone that chased Indiana Jones through the Temple of Doom? Have you personally witnessed how a twenty foot drop off can suddenly appear to be the edge of the Grand Canyon all the while the trail you're on that runs along side it is quickly shrinks from a casual five foot wide path to about the width of a tight rope? Let's just say you knew where I was on the trail by the screams echoing throughout the peaceful hills. Poor Mike. He'll never be able to show his face there again.

Mountain biking was terrifying. So I went back the next day. This time I earned a few stripes. I hit the aforementioned jagged, jutting rock of luminous death and could not pass through it. It was very unforgiving. After surveying the damage I got back on my Target bike and went on. Eventually, I was able to actually take my aching eye balls off the dirt path in front of me and steal a quick glance around at the lush scenery and understand a little bit better why mountain biking can be such a rejuvenating and incredible experience. I'm still working on uncurling my fingers which appear to be permanently in a tight, handle-bar gripping position but even if I can't get them to relax, at least I can slide them back onto the handle bars and be ready to hit the trails again. Oh- and that beginners trail Mike promised to take me on? That one went left. We went right....

APPLE STUFF...

2010-05-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

There isn't a better duathlon in America!

Sure, some dus are larger and some feature fancier staging--bells and whistles that mean little if the event isn't expertly produced and participants aren't treated like rock stars.

Since 2000, the year The Apple hosted the USAT Age Group Duathlon National Championship, this event has done everything right. We have founders/directors Daryl and Pam Stevens and their "Committee of Carers" to thank for this. These folks were completely dedicated to satisfying the participants of their event.

Daryl and Pam are no longer at Apple's helm, but new director Brandon Testa is intent on promulgating (great word!) the legacy that the Stevens' built.

From a management and execution standpoint, as well as athlete amenities, the Apple is first-class. It is also an amazingly competitive event and may generally deserve to be recognized as America's Most Competitive "Small" (500 participants or less) Multisport Race. We use the adverb "generally" because this year's event, while featuring an extremely strong field, will not be quite as formidable as in the recent past. This is because the '10 race will not be a Team USA World's Qualifier. Losing it's qualifier designation, it should be noted, will not diminish this event in any way. If you have been reluctant to register, don't be. REGISTER

It's time to make some totally foolhardy predictions AND to recommend a great place to get pizza in the St. Cloud area.

* MEN'S WINNER - David Thompson. (DKT is 5-for-5 at The Apple and owns 4 of the six fastest times ever.)

* MEN'S TOP 5 - DKT, Justin Hurd, Kevin O'Connor, Patrick Parish & Brooks Grossinger.

* WOMEN'S WINNER - Cathy Yndestad. (The 2009 US Athlete of the Year beat an amazing field at Gear West last weekend. A win on Saturday would be the 41st of Cathy's stellar career.)

* WOMEN'S TOP 5 - Cathy Yndestad, Marlo McGaver (4-time Apple winner), Julie Hull, Suzie Finger, Tara Croteau.

* COOLEST AG CATEGORY: 65-69 Men. This division features the regionally undefeated--in 2009 and thus far in 2010, that is--Bob Baily, 2008 Minnesota Grand Master of the Year Hank Larsen, who's won his AG here four times since the current course distances--5K-33K-5K--were established, and Nick Vanduzee, a three-time divisional winner at Apple. We wanted to post a photo of Nick, but we didn't have one. Because he kinda sorta looks a little-bit-but not-too-much like everyone's favorite Bolshevik, Vladimir Lenin, we decided to post a shot of the Soviet revolutionary. Vlad is a totally cool-looking guy. And so is Nick. FYI, Nick knows more about musical stuff than the long-dead Commie ever did.

* BEST PIZZA IN ST. CLOUD & SARTELL: House of Pizza. (Yes, HOP happens to be owned by Apple's Race Director. It is also billed as "Minnesota's Favorite Pizza Restaurant." Do yourself a favor and check it out. See if you don't agree with the slogan. WEBSITE)

COMING ON THURSDAY...

2010-05-26T17:03:00.005-05:00

28th Apple Duathlon Preview....

YOU DON'T WANT THIS DOOR PRIZE!

2010-05-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

DON’T GET DOORED!

By Darin Wieneke

This is the last installment of my posts recognizing Bicycle Safety Month. Please check out MTN’s Safety Page for prior posts.

The two most common bicycle accidents involve getting either “doored” or receiving a “right cross.”

#2 The Door Prize

A driver opens his door right in front of you. You run right into it if you cannot stop in time.
In order to avoid this type of collision, you should ride 3-4 feet to the left of parked cars. You might be wary about riding so far into the lane that cars cannot pass you easily, but you are more likely to get “doored” than you are to get hit from behind by a car which can clearly see you.

#1 The Right Cross

The “right cross” is the most common type of bicycle accident. In fact, Professional Triathlete Jordan Rapp was seriously injured on March 23, 2010 in this exact type of accident. This type of accident occurs when a car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot,or driveway on the right. The car either directly hits you or causes you to slam into it.

The best way to avoid this type of collision is for you to stay as visible as possible by having a headlight or wearing bright clothes. You should also try to make eye contact with the driver. If you cannot make eye contact, you should slow down so you can make a complete stop if necessary. Riding a little further to the left may also make you more visible as the driver is likely looking for other cars and not in the bike lane or close to the curb for bikers.

MTN again wishes you safe biking this summer!

Darin is a personal injury and wrongful death attorney. In addition to posting periodic triathlon safety articles, he will be answering a legal question of the month. Please send him an e-mail at dwieneke@tewksbury-kerfeld.com if you have a triathlon-related legal question that you would like him to address on MTN.

IT ONLY HURTS WHEN SHE'S AWAKE...

2010-05-24T21:31:00.003-05:00

("Before"--Top--and "After"--Below--photos of triathlete Jen Martone.)

Me and Lance

by Jen Martone

I read an ESPN headline yesterday that said “Think you had a bad day on Thursday? Cheer Up. It had to be better than Lance Armstrong’s.”

Well, my Thursday was okay, but Saturday morning wasanother story after a 55 mile ride with fellow cyclists in the Western suburbs. No one’s ever going to spread rumors about me doping with my average RPMs on the bike, but I found that Lance and I had a couple of things in common this past weekend aside from being 38. Most notably left side facial road rash after a crash. Although I think he’s wearing his a bit more gallantly, especially since he hopped back into the Tour de California two days later, and I’m lying on my couch with a several ice packs, wondering what my clients are going to think on sales calls this week. I’m not positive where this story goes. Just a good reminder to always wear your helmet properly, take downhills in the rain/hail with caution, avoid slippery manholes, and ride with friends who have cell phones.

Oh, and if you happened to be in downtown Wayzata on Saturday morning at 10:50 am and assisted me with blankets, a concussion review, or towels, thank you. I hope you’re reading this. - JM

COOL TRI BIKE OF THE WEEK...

2010-05-24T21:30:00.001-05:00

Let's hope that security was tight in the rackless, unfenced transition area at the 3rd annual Faribault Family Fun Triathlon last Saturday. The total replacement cost for this "tri equipment" would be tens of dollars.

This totally cool image, provided by MTN's Darin Wieneke, reminds us that triathlon is an individual sport and intended to be fun. This lifestyle is for everyone, goshdarnit, not just those who are deadly serious about their performance and their gear.

Here's Darin's event report:

FUN IN FARIBAULT!

By Darin S. Wieneke

The Family Fun Triathlon was held on Saturday in Faribault and it definitely lived up to its name. If you are looking for a fun and casual triathlon to start your season next year, especially with a friend or relative new to the sport, this is the perfect triathlon for you. While you will find lots of smiles and joking at the start line, you will not find timing chips as the race is hand timed and recorded.

As I checked out the transition area, I found one more bike (1) with a basket and pigtails (thanks to some high school pranksters) than I found with Zipp wheels (0). Despite the lack of expensive wheels, the race was exciting and had some close finishes. Ultimately, the short course race, which featured a 200 yard swim, 5 mile bike, and 1 mile run, was won by Christopher Smith in 0:32:11 and Abby Mattson in 0:33:51. The long course, which featured a 400 yard swim, 8 mile bike, and 2 mile run, was won by John Mattson in 1:03:42 and Kelli Koehnle in 1:07:03.

Another reason to think about doing this race next year is because this event is hosted by the United States Deaf Triathlon Association and Hilltoppers Athletic Booster Club and all proceeds benefit the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Athletic Program. This is a fun event that supports a great organization. -DW

THE BIG 4-0...

2010-05-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

(Photo by Christine Wood, wife of Curt, mother of Sea Bass.)

Naw. Cathy Yndestad did not turn 40. She's got nine years to go before she reaches that milestone.

The number 40 is significant in her life, nonetheless. You see, last Sunday at the Gear West Duathlon, a race that she has won thricely, the 2009 USAT Athlete of the Year recorded her 40th career multisport victory.

Congratulations, CY! You are awesome.

PS: And speaking of awesome, 2009 US Master of the Year nominee who does a great impression of Arnold Schwatzenegger, Greg Taylor of Mankato, won the 55-59M AG at Ironman St. George on May 17.

PICTURES OF "BROOKEY"...

2010-05-24T21:25:00.001-05:00

Tim Larsen is a very cool guy who doesn't look old enough to have a 32-year-old daughter. He's also got a great sense of humor, likes to take pictures and loves his daughter with all his heart.

Tim's daughter is Brooke Larsen, winner of the 2009 Tri Minnesota Series and victorious at the first two races--Chain of Lakes and Land Between the Lakes--in this year's series. He sent us a scad of photos of his beloved "Brookey," * which he snapped this weekend in Albert Lea. Here's two of those shots.

FYI, Brooke's margin of victory at LBLT was 3:31. There should be a place for her on Team Minnesota this year.

* We don't know for sure if Tim Larsen calls his daughter "Brookey," a sobriquet we made up. We do suspect that he has a pet name for her, and that it's probably kinda goofy.

GEAR WEST DUATHLON STUFF...

2010-05-24T09:32:00.009-05:00

(Christine Wood Photo: Amazing Talent at GW's Race Start!)

It an earlier post we admitted that it was more fun to be wrong than right when predicting racing performances.

Well, we were in ecstasy after Sunday's Gear West Duathlon.

Here's our projected Top 5 men and women with their actual placings in parenthesis alongside:

Men:

1. David Thompson (1)

2. Brooks Grossinger (3)

3. Chad Millner (5)

4. Devon Palmer (6)

5. Patrick Parish (2)

Women:

1. Jenny Wilcox (2)

2. Cathy Yndestad (1)

3. Julie Hull (4)

4. Marlo McGaver (5)

5. Suzie Finger (9)

Finishing a surprising 4th was Josh Riff, who is best known for his long course prowess. This is so cool. Cathy Lee, who was overlooked when predictions were being made, placed 3rd in the women's race. This, too, was very, very cool!

We were most pleased with Patrick Parish's emergence. We are reluctant to call his effort a "2nd place" finish, preferring to acknowledge that the event had both a pro champ--DKT--and an amateur winner, Patrick Parish.

Don't be surprised of Patrick and Josh earn Most Improved nominations at season's end.

Photo: Julia Weisbecker. The 44-year-old from Mendota Heights raced brilliantly at Gear West, finishing 7th against a national level field. If her name is unfamiliar, you may know her by Julia Mairs (pronounced "Mars," like the planet or the candy bar.) FYI, she has a really cool blogsite and has posted a GW race report. Check it out: LINK.

PS: Richfield's Lucas Pedersen pulled off a "du double" last weekend, winning in rainy Spicer (Green Lake Du) on Saturday, then bouncing back against a rather bottomless field at Gear West, where he placed a respectable 23rd.

WEEKEND NOTES...

2010-05-24T08:33:00.004-05:00

This Tim Larsen photo proves that Minnesota's "Lake Swim" season has officially begun. Pictured here is Land Between the Lake's eventual winner Matthew Payne climbing out of Fountain Lake.

More images from the weekend's racing action and commentary coming later today....

BROOKE IS 2-FOR-2 IN 2010!

2010-05-23T16:21:00.008-05:00

(Photos: Madonna, who wasn't at the race. We don't have a picture of Brooke Larsen yet, though her dad said he'd send us some. If you squint, Brooke and Madonna look an awful lot alike. Well, they both have blonde hair. We'll post pics of Ms. Larsen when they are available. Below - Two-time LBL champ Matt Payne.)

The totally cool and well-produced Land Between the Lakes Triathlon is the first event on our state's annual multisport calendar that features a lake swim. The temps in Fountain Lake has been sub-bath-water-ish during the first five runnings of this race. This morning, however, the water was a quasi-balmy 67.8 degrees according to triathlete Jim Wolter's handy rectal thermometer. (Okay, it wasn't really a rectal thermometer, though it looked like the one that Dr. Shelley at Central Pediatric's uses.)

Twas warm (70s), cloudy and more than a little breezy. Riders alternately enjoyed tailwinds that pushed their odometers into the high 30s and rued (cool word!) head-on blasts that made double-digits tough to maintain.

Still, most of the record 200-or-so entrants rocked, turning in great times. Warm and windy beats cold and windy any day!

Last year's champs Matt Payne and Brooke Larsen more than lived up to their favorite status, especially Larsen who toasted her CR on this .25 -20.9 - 3.5 route by more than three minutes. Brooke is two-for-two in 2010. The win is the 4th of her young career.

While Payne, runner-up to Devon Palmer for the Most Improved award last season, did not match his 2009 time, he wasn't far off (+:29). More importantly, he outdistanced his nearest challenger, COLT winner Sam Janicki, by 4:30. Sam, who really does look a lot like Andy Samberg, is definitely a man to watch.

Winner of at least three races in 2009, Todd Landgraff finished an impressive 3rd in the men's overall competition. He was almost two minutes faster than last year, when he finished 5th. Fairmont Olympic '09 winner Suzie Olsen and lasts year's LBL runner-up Caroline Skaar (pronounced "Score")-Page rounded out the women's Top 3.

AG course-best efforts were recorded by: Shelby Woodworth (00-19W), Caleb Vukovich, 14, SD (00-19M), Dan Friedrichs (40-44M), Suzie Olsen (40-44W), Carol Marston (50-54W), Sue Reiss (55-59W) and Denise Kaiser (60-64W).

Complete RESULTS

...COOL TO WATCH!

2010-05-23T15:49:00.008-05:00

(Photos: Top - Cathy Lee with hubby Terry at Nawlin's 70.3 last season. Her 3rd at GW today was nothing short of awesome! Below - And speaking of awesome, Patrick Parish took top amateur honors and placed 2nd overall behind seven-time GW winner DKT.)

Gear West Du view from the bike in & out...

By Heidi Keller-Miler

Assigned the task of taking splits from the transition bike in and out affords a nice view of the race especially when your partner is doing all of the work (thanks Sarah Foley!).

As always this race brings out a stellar field and is fun to see who is on their game early in the year and what new multi-sporters are joining the fray and going to be the next big names on the scene.

Here are some very basic observations between the timing splits, it was hard to see the finish from where we were but I did wander over to check out the women’s finish.

DKT had some serious competition on the first run and didn’t have much of a lead going onto the bike but must have crushed on the bike as he came into t2 with a sizeable lead that left no doubt about his taking the victory. And he has really smoking fast transitions! He barely even slows the bike before hopping off in full stride….cool to watch.

After David a couple of guys all kind of came in around the same time, Patrick Parrish, Chad Millner and Brooks G along with a few other guys who I didn’t recognize but was impressed to see them up there with that crew. (assuming those guys I didn’t recognize are Josh R and Josh B, maybe Matt Liebsch who finished a very solid 4 & 7, 8 very nice races!).

Patrick put on the jets and ran to second place with the 2nd fastest run, Brooks took 3rd which gives him two great races to start the year. Devin looked like he would have liked a longer bike and Anton put together a very nice all around effort for 9th, no comment on that first transition though – looked like something I would do.

My main thought watching those guys is if you want to win at the elite level around here and you don’t run a 15-16 min 5k (on the road) you are in trouble as there are a number of of guys who can just plain run FAST!

I think the women’s field was about as good as it gets, the amount of races during the summer tends to spread the fields out and the next time you will see this many fast women assembled will be at LTF or Turtleman. No surprise that Jenny Wilcox led off the first run, her biking is fast too, very impressive for being relatively new to the sport. As expected Cathy caught her on the bike and managed to put some distance there, she had a decent lead into transition probably about 40-50 seconds. Cathy Lee had a great ride to pull into T2 in second, she looks super fit and really rocked the bike, Julie H pulled in 3rd with the fastest bike split of the day and Jenny followed a moment behind.

Cathy Y ‘s run is getting stronger every year and she had no problem holding on for the win. Jenny pulled up to 2nd followed by CL and Julie. Jan won the masters with another amazing race, she is always in the mix year in and year out.

Tony took the masters title for the men and finished 11th overall. Jan and Tony are both over 50 so that is ridiculous how fast they are and how high they place in the open competition – I honestly don’t think either has any intention of ever slowing down!

This is one tough course and can really kick your butt for the first race of the year.

Congrats to everyone who raced! - HKM

COMMENT: Love your shorthand, Heidi. We recommend that readers who are not on a first-name or "initials" basis with Minnesota's elite, check the results. RESULTS

About Heidi Keller-Miler - Heidi is a member of the Minnesota Multisport Awards Selection Committee and a former professional triathlete. She was named MN Master of the Year in 2007 and is a perennial member of Team Minnesota. She's 45 and gets injured a lot. Her favorite beer is Stella Artois. She LOVES donuts and is a total HOOT!

PAYNE & LARSEN REPEAT AT ALBERT LEA!

2010-05-23T13:09:00.010-05:00

Story & Photos to follow. Results

DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST! DKT & CY TAKE GEAR WEST DU CROWNS! AGAIN!...Story by Team Minnesota's Heidi Keller-Miler & photos coming soon...RESULTS

OTHER TRI NEWS...

* Former elite Minnesotan Sarah Viamonte, now of Omaha, NE, won the Holiday Lake Triathlon in Boone, IA on May 16. Her margin of victory was an inhospitable 10+ minutes.

* Marshall, MN's David Sample placed 4th at the Siouxperman Sprint Triathlon in Sioux Falls, SD on May 16.

* John Mattson and Billie Sell won the 1st annual Faribault Family Fun Triathlon's "Longer Course" (400 yd - 8 miles - 2 miles) event on Saturday. The 3rd annual Short Course evet (200 yd - 5 miles - 1 mile) was won by Christopher Smith and Abby Mattson.

ROOKIE RACE. ROOKIE CHAMPIONS.

2010-05-22T15:49:00.007-05:00

Rain. Wind. Thunder. Lightning zapped a tree across the street from the venue. Seventy minute delay. Squeegees in transition. A fine event, nevertheless. Baby back ribs and pulled pork afterward. Gastronomic heaven.

The girl in the picture (L) is Amy Woolsey. We filched the pic from Facebook. This Amy Woolsey is NOT the Amy Woolsey who won the inaugural Green Lake Duathlon this morning, but this was the only Amy Woolsey photo we could find.

The Amy Woolsey who won the duathlon, her first career multi win, is a statuesque 44-year-old dark haired math teacher from Sauk Rapids. Third after the soggy first run, an aggressive bike split landed her in T2 ahead of the women's field. Not knowing that her lead was insurmountable, Amy ran the final 2.5 mile leg in a state of terror. Her eventual margin over runner-up Josie Thole, 23, of Benson, was 3:19. Fifteen-year-old Jessica De Groot of Prinsburg grabbed third.

The man in the picture (R) is Lucas Pedersen. The photo was taken in 2007 at the Buffalo Triathlon. There, he and two-time Minnesota Junior of the Year nominee Sarah Daniels (in photo) were junior champs.

Lucas, like Amy Woolsey, who is totally not the woman in the picture at the top of this post, won his first multi ever this morning at Green Lake. A three-time podium finisher at the popular Green Lake TRIATHLON, Lucas loves to race on this course and its variations. First into T1 and 2nd into T2, the 22-year-old Richfield resident out-split eventual 2nd placer Andrew Turner, 22, of Scandia,--the guy who was leading after the first two segments--by just under a minute in the final run to claim an exciting seven second victory. Shawn Gort of Superior, Wisconsin placed third.

Just over 100 athletes made the pilgrimage to Spicer for this debut event. RESULTS

ALSO: A pair of talented Junior triathletes from Winnipeg captured the top spots at the Thief River Falls Triathlon this morning. Sixty-plussers Neil King of Nevis and former Turtleman director Dan Conway turned in noteworthy efforts. RESULTS

RECOVERY HAPPENS...

2010-05-21T21:00:00.000-05:00

(Art: Chest X-Rays: A belongs to a normal guy. B belongs to a guy with pneumonia. Photo: Bonnie drinking coffee through her ear. Don't try this at home! Drawing - A woman who looks like Bonnie, only totally different, doing sick-in-bed stuff.)

Making a Comeback Without Making a Scene...

By Bonnie Vivify

If there's one thing I should be good at it's making a come-back to training. In fact, I should be a pro at it by now, unfortunately. As I continue to progressively heal from my lung infection, the Pulmonary Specialists are allowing me to ease into training. First let me point out that these specialists are so busy doing specialistic type things that it was necessary to explain to them what a triathlon consisted of: "Nope, there isn't any jump roping or hog tying involved, it's just swim/bike/run... No, you do the three events back to back, not over the course of the summer.... Yes, people die.... No I have not yet seen someone die in the swim and I hope that I never do... Yes, we are all crazy."

Keeping in mind that exercising minds do not always think alike, I carefully asked the specialists in front of a witness if they were absolutely sure I could commence training, repeating back to them their instructions. They confirmed it in unison and reminded me to go slow and ease back into it. I had them sign a consent form I had hidden in my pocket to give to my mother and then asked them what slow and easing into it meant to them. "Well,.... running and biking and swimming I suppose...." "Let's talk semantics" I suggested. I was emphatic to make sure they understood that a short swim was a half mile, a short bike ride 20 miles and a run around 5-10 miles. They concluded that my body would consider those short and gave me the thumbs up. So, on Mother's Day, I did what I consider pampering myself. I ran 9.6 miles.

Ah, yes, the great outdoors once again! In case you are unaware until this fatal moment, Eagan is the equivalent to the hills in Tour de France. If you doubt it, just run Diffley after you finish Cliff and Pilot Knob. Last Sunday Lebanon Hills was bedded down with a beautiful blanket of fog that stretched across Cliff Road and the early morning sun streamed down through the clouds. Mike and I jogged at a very slow pace, allowing the fog to envelope us and eventually eject us out the other side, being careful to go just barely faster than a walk. I breathed in the cool, crisp air and my very being was instantly rejuvenated as I sifted through the scents that remind me that spring is here and the rain washes everything clean and fresh.

A long time later we finished the run. Injury free. As I continue to ease back into my training I am reminded daily that exercise and health are a gift we give ourselves, not something that we should take lightly. Be kind to your body in every way. Without it, how could you run Tour de France?

SUCCESSFUL DEFENSES & CHIMICHANGAS...

2010-05-20T21:26:00.003-05:00

(Photo: Comic actor Andy Samberg, looks a lot like Sam Janicki. Sorta. They kinda have the same haircut. We didn't have a picture of Sam. Sorry.)

The 6th Land Between the Lakes, a.k.a. the Albert Lea Triathlon, will be contested this Sunday and close to 200 participants are expected.

On the competitive side, we expect 2009 champs Matt Payne and Brooke Larsen to repeat. On paper, Larson, winner at COLT three weeks ago, appears to be the clear favorite.

If she does prevail, it will be career win #4 for the Northfield resident. Payne, however, will have to contend with young whippersnapper (is there such a thing as an "old" whippersnapper?) Sam Janicki, who is an Andy Samberg lookalike. Well, sorta. Janicki shared the Winners Circle with Larsen at COLT. This is his opportunity to prove that he is pretty darn good and not to be taken lightly.

We looked at various websites of restaurants is Albert Lea. The most interesting in our opinion was Plaza Morena. If their real food looks half as good as the food in the pictures, then this place could be outstanding. Check out their WEBSITE and maybe even pop in after the race for a Margarita and some El Sabor y Estilo de la Comida Mexicana, which loosely translated means "yummy Mexican stuff."

If it's salt and fat and calories you crave after the race, we wholeheartedly recommend Jake's Pizza on Clark Street (507-373-7350). The reviews are uniformly glowing.

GIRLS STUFF...

2010-05-19T21:34:00.001-05:00

(Photo R - Jenny Wilcox at Oakdale.)

See that really skinny limb up there? That's the one. We're going to climb out onto it.

It's time to make some really bold out-on-a-limb predictions about the women's race at Sunday's Gear West Duathlon. As always, we're doing this for chuckles and fully expect to be wrong.

Our Top 5...

1. Jenny Wilcox - Total darkhorse, eh? Not when you consider that Jenny is totally-out-of-her-mind fast right now. Her course record-crushing wins at Cinco Du Mayo and Oakdale make her, in our aspartame addled minds, the one to beat.

2. Cathy Yndestad - The 2009 USAT Athlete of the Year and winner of the last two editions of this event is altering her focus this year, concentrating on Ironman Wisconsin and the wonderfully insane Leadville 100-Mile MTB race. Can she still win? Of course! She's Cathy!

3. Julie Hull - If Julie races like she did at Falls Du (CR!), she could win on Sunday.

4. Marlo McGaver - She appears to be off her game right now--she's posted sub-Marlo-ish efforts at Desert Classic (AZ) and Oakdale--which is why we have her in the 4th position. We'd love to see her return to form this weekend. Prove us wrong, Marlo! Please!

5. Suzie Finger (photo) - The 2009 Rookie of the Year just missed earning a spot on Team Minnesota last season. She'll have no trouble making the squad this year. She's healthy and riding like a banshee right now, which is why we place her ahead of the purportedly dinged Jeanne Fleck.

Chase pack: Jeanne Fleck, Jan Guenther, Tara Croteau, Cathy Lee, Ann Snuggerud, Greta Simpson.

AG Faves:

* 00-19 - Gabbie Keller

* 40-44 - Ann Snuggerud

* 45-49 - Jeanne Fleck

* 50-54 - Jan Guenther

* 55-59 - Pam Stevens

This is going to be one super race!

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN...

2010-05-19T21:26:00.002-05:00

It's fun to prognosticate. And it's fun to be right.

But it's even more fun to be wrong!

Huh?

Being wrong typically demonstrates that the status quo is being shaken up. This is good for the sport and the Minnesota scene. A recent example of our being blissfully wrong was when we predicted that Steve Sander would win the Chain of Lakes Triathlon. Steve had a good race but was beaten by upstart Sam Janicki, a youngster whose previous results were sub-stellar. But young guys (and gals) sometimes make quantum improvements. Sam sure did.

Examples of our flubbed predictions in 2009?

* Manitou winner- Devon Palmer (MTN Prediction: Kevin O'Connor) - This win served as a launching pad for Devon's stellar season.

* New Bri Tri winner- Greta Simpson (MTN - Jody Quesnell)

* Buffalo Sprint winner- Troy Anderson (MTN - Jesse Nelson)

* Life Time Fitness Elite winner- Devon Palmer (MTN - Mark Harms, Jared Woodford, Nathan White) - We should have known better!

* Chaska winner- Suzie Finger (MTN - Christina Roberts)

* Brewhouse winners- Jon Balabuck & Heidi Keller Miler (MTN - Brian Bich & Marlo McGaver)

* Green Lake Olympic winner- Cindy Blackstock (MTN -Laurel Sundberg)

* Pigman Half winner- Kortney Haag (MTN - Alaina Neary or Julie Hull)

Okay then. It's now time to, most likely, incorrectly predict the Top 5 men's finishers at Sunday's Gear West Duathlon.

1. David Thompson - David is 6 for 6 at Gear West and hasn't been beaten by a Minnesota multisportsman since June 2001 (Lake Waconia). Enough said.

2. Brooks Grossinger (photo above) - The two-time GW podium finisher is coming off a course record effort at Oakdale.

3. Chad Millner (running photo)- A CR at Falls Du and a close 2nd behind Brooks at Oakdale tell us that Chad is ready to make the podium at GW for the 2nd straight year.

4. Devon Palmer - It's foolish to bet against Devon, but here we go again. Devon has yet to race in a multi in 2010. The guys in front of him have already knocked off the rust and raced well, especially in run-bike-run races. Also, DKT, Brooks and Chad will each be at least 20 seconds-per mile faster in the run segments. Can Devon make up 50-seconds during a 17.3 mile bike leg? Maybe on Chad and Brooks, but not David. This will be very interesting.

5. Patrick Parish - As one of the fastest rising young stars of our region, the fleet-footed Parish will be nipping at the heels of the established elites. He was 8th here in 2009. He'll be barking with the Big Dogs on Sunday and for the rest of the season.

Men's AG Faves:

00-19 - ?

40-44 - Doug Davis

45-49 - Todd Firebaugh

50-54 - Charlie Roach (unless Tony Schiller shows up!)

55-59 - ?

60-64 - Ben Ewers (He's also signed up for Albert Lea. What's up, Ben?)

65-69 - Bob Bailey (Great Division! Bob, Hank, Nick!)

AVOIDING CATASTROPHE STUFF...

2010-05-19T21:24:00.000-05:00

AVOID THE RIGHT HOOK, LEFT CROSS, AND RED LIGHT OF DEATH

By Darin Wieneke

There are many days when I am biking that I think I might be safer in a boxing ring facing Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. Biking accident statistics in Minnesota support this sentiment. According to the Star Tribune, officials at St. Paul’s Regions Hospital saw a thirty (30) percent increase in bicycle-motor vehicle crash injuries in 2008 and officials at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale saw fifty (50) victims during the Summer of 2008, as compared to twenty-eight (28) the previous year. Editorial. “Sharing the Road.” Star Tribune, 6 October 2008.

As noted in a previous post, May is Bicycle Safety Month and MTN wants you to be safe this summer! Accordingly, I will be highlighting five of the most common bicycle accidents and how to avoid those accidents this month.

#5 The Right Hook

This type of accident occurs when a car makes a right turn directly in front of you, or right into you. A “right hook” generally occurs soon after a car passes you or when you are attempting to pass a car on the right.

Important ways to avoid this type of accident is to pay very close attention to traffic going in your direction, and even behind you, as you approach an intersection to make sure no one “hooks” you. Also, do not pass on the right. If a car is going slowly in front of you near an intersection or elsewhere, it will likely start moving faster. If it does not, you can pass the vehicle on the left when it is safe to do so. You should also ride behind a vehicle, and not in the vehicle’s blind spot.

#4 The Left Cross

If a car coming toward you makes a left turn right in front of you, or right into you, you will feel the pain of a “left cross.” Visibility is important in regard to avoiding this type of accident. You should be sure to have a headlight if riding at night and should always wear something bright, even during the day. You should also try to make eye contact with a driver that is turning. If you cannot make eye contact, you should slow down so you can make a complete stop if necessary. While slowing down is inconvenient, it beats a trip to the emergency room.

#3 Red Light of Death

This type of accident occurs when you stop your bike to the right of a car that is already waiting at a red light or stop sign. When the light turns green, they turn right into you. This can occur whether you move forward or not after the light turns. Numerous cyclists have been crushed by semi-trucks that have made a tight right-hand turn.

You can avoid this accident by not stopping in the car’s blind spot. If you stop behind the car, you will be visible to that car and the car behind you.

I hope this information is helpful to you. The “Door Prize” and “Right Cross” will be featured in my next post.

RACING FOR RIBS & OTHER STUFF...

2010-05-19T08:11:00.001-05:00

There are four multisport events scheduled for this weekend--the inaugural Green Lake Duathlon and 3rd edition Faribault Family Fun Days Triathlon on Saturday, and the 6th Albert Lea Triathlon and the gazillionth annual Gear West Du, which kicks off the 12th (can you believe it?) season of Midwest Multisport Series racing. A combined 900 -1000 athletes are currently registered for these events, which means that there is plenty of room on these starting lines for additional participants. We recommend that you visit each race's website to learn more about what they have to offer and to find out if registration will remain open until race day. FFFD, GLD, GWD, ALT (The Albert Lea Tri will be previewed on Friday)

There are oodles (don't you hate that word!) of good reason to race this weekend. For those who haven't raced yet this season, hey, isn't it about time you knocked the rust off? And if you have raced already, here are some good reasons to go ahead and enroll in one of the weekend events.

* ADVENTURE STUFF- The Faribault (see yesterday's post) and Green Lake events are "road trip races" for the majority of our state's multi community, which reside largely in urbanesque locales, e.g. Twin Cities, Duluth, St. Cloud and Rochester. Minnesotans in general have a reverence for nature and rural life. Selecting a race in an "outlying" area allows one to do natural and rural stuff, which is very cool.

* LEGACY STUFF- The Faribault event is relatively new and only now marketing itself to

more seasoned or serious triathletes, thus it is in the process of building it's legacy. The Green Lake race in bucolic Spicer is new, but it is produced by the same folks that stage the popular Green Lake Triathlons, which finished 3rd in the polling for Triathletes Choice Race of the Year two seasons ago. The success of the tri portends great things for the du and certainly jumpstarts the legacy-building process. Add to this that the GLD's post-race repast features baby back ribs yummiliciously prepared by the staff at Melvin's On the Lake, arguably the area's best eatery. That's a great way to build a legacy!

The event that benefits most from this legacy stuff is, of course, the Gear West Duathlon. Simply put, it's a great race that has been around forever. And it is a wonderful tune-up for the Apple Duathlon, one of America's truly iconic run-bike-runs, which is slated for the following weekend in Sartell. (Make sure you sign up for Apple, if you haven't done so already.)

* EXCITEMENT OF COMPETITION STUFF: Races don't need to be competitive to be exciting, but it sure doesn't hurt. There's no question that the event, thanks in part to this legacy business, that will host the most formidable field this weekend is the Gear West Duathlon. Have you see the start list? Wow! What a studly and studettely assemblage!

TOMORROW: GW's rockin' field!

FRIDAY: Payne & Janicki square off in Albert Lea. (Land Between the Lakes Preview)

FARIBAULT FAMILY FUN TRIATHLON STUFF...

2010-05-18T14:14:00.000-05:00

Is it pronounced "Fair-Rib-Bow?" Or "Fair-Rib-Balt?" Never figured that one out.

Whether you pronounce it "Frenchly" or "Anglicany," Faribault, Minnesota, is a totally cool town with lots of great stuff to see, do and consume.

It is also the home of the Faribault Family Fun Triathlon, an event that is celebrating it's 3rd anniversary on Saturday, May 22. What do we know about this event? Only what we can learn from visiting it's webpage and the fact that it's in a totally cool town, one that is well worth visiting. Our point is this, check out the race, then check out the town. Our guess is that you'll be glad you did.

We also suggest that you visit the city's website LINK. There's lots of cultural and historical stuff to see, great places to recreate and lots of shopping and dining options. For us, all we have to see is that cool castle-like building in the woods in the photo at the top of this post to make us want to visit Faribault.

Looking for cool eateries and a place to get a drinkie or a caffeinated bev in Faribault, here's some recommendations:

If you like cheese, the Cheese Cave sounds like an awesome place. It's like the great "Cheeseries" of Europe, only closer. They hand-craft like 5000 kinds of totally yummy fromages (that's French for "cheeses") that run the entire olfactory range from almost odorless to truly stinky. Check out their WEBSITE.

For pizza, we suggest Basilleo's. We liked their WEBSITE and think their boxes are cool.

For info on Faribault's restaurants, bars and coffee shops, we suggest you check out this SITE.

BICYCLE SAFETY STUFF...

2010-05-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

(Photo Above: Cyclists, like motorists, need to pay attention to road signs.)

By Darin Wieneke

May is Bicycle Safety Month! As MTN wants you to stay safe, I will be posting some articles this month on safe bicycle practices. Please see below my thoughts in regard to ten of the most important rules of the road. Subsequent posts will focus on avoiding some of the most common bicycle accidents.

While researching these subjects, I ran across a few notable quotes/sayings regarding bicycle safety: "Let trouble pass you by" and "Here lies the body of Edward Grey, who died, defending his right of way. He was right, dead right, as he pedaled along, but he's just as dead as if he'd been wrong." If you have a bicycle quote you would like to share on MTN, please forward it to me at darin@minnesotatrinews.com.

TEN RULES OF THE ROAD FOR BICYCLISTS

1. Always wear a properly fit helmet (photos: not what we had in mind). It should be snug, level, and stable. It is recommended that you wear a helmet approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Snell, or the America Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).

2. Use proper lights and reflectors when riding. Wearing bright clothing is also advisable. Minnesota law prohibits the operation of bicycles at nighttime unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector of a type approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety which is visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet when viewed in front of lawful lower beams of headlights on a motor vehicle. See Minnesota Statute Sec. 169.222 for additional requirements.

3. Obey all the same traffic laws and regulations as motorists. Bicyclists have the right to ride on all Minnesota roads, except where restricted. They also are required to follow the same applicable requirements.

4. Ride in the same direction as traffic. While it is safer to ride single file on most roads, you may ride 2 abreast as long as you are not impeding the normal flow of traffic.

5. Ride as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of roadway. While there does not seem to be a clear definition of practicable, you should ride as far right as possible, while still being safe from debris, parked cars, and traffic.

6. Obey all traffic stop signs and stop lights.

7. Motorists and bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to each other. Making eye contact with motorists assists in ensuring that you are seen.

8. Keep well back from moving cars as they might stop suddenly. Also, keep at least 3 feet away from parked motor vehicles in order to avoid colliding with an opening motor vehicle door.

9. Use hand signals to indicate when making turns and changing lanes. Arm signals must be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the bicycle before turning, unless the arm is needed to control the bicycle, and shall be given while the bicycle is stopped waiting to turn.

10. Be a polite and courteous rider. Be appreciative of gracious motorists and do not negatively comment or make hand gestures in response to motorist actions or provocations.

OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE STUFF...

2010-05-16T22:03:00.001-05:00

OptumHealth Performance, with partner Gear West Bike & Triathlon, are committed to enriching your multisport lifestyle.

And you thought life couldn't get any better? If you missed the announcement post, link HERE. Or learn more by visiting the OptumHealth Performance WEBSITE.

We hope to see you at the OptumHealth Manitou Sprint Triathlon on June 13. LINK

BREAKING NEWS: Later this week Gear West's Kevin O'Connor will race in Stage 7 of America's largest cycling event, the ultra-prestigious TOUR OF CALIFORNIA. Follow Kevin's totally cool odyssey on GW's blogsite LINK.

WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT...

2010-05-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

(Photo: Jon with wife Laura and son Rudy. This family is so goshdarn attractive it almost makes you want to hurl.)

Recently, we e-mailed Team Minnesota's Jon Balabuck, who is one of the totally coolest people you'll ever meet (did we mention he's Canadian?), to discuss his 2010 racing plans. Here is his unedited--Hey, capitalization, punctuation, spelling and syntax are overrated, right?--reply:

Hi MTN Readers,

I guess I should let you know..... I probably won't be racing that much this year because of a viral infection in my heart wall. Back in November I did Ironman Florida. Prior to the race i was feeling off, compared to being extremely out of shape. We all saw the result in Florida, I was flat. For the first time, i started running during the marathon, and simply could not run. My body was rigid.

Fast forward a couple weeks and that feeling never left. I was at work one night on a call for a fire, and was moving wood pallets out of the way and noticed that i was bagged, as If I had done a Mile sprint. I checked my Heart Rate and couldn't keep up the count to how fast it was beating. It was around 220. That morning after night shift I went in to the hospital and was admitted and tested for all possible causes. When i would figgit in the bed, my Heart Rate would jump up to 160. Something was up.

After numerous tests and visits to the cardiologist, turns out I have a viral infection in my Heart wall. This thickens the heart wall and causes the heart to spasm that in turn creates a faster heart rate. For you Tecno people: my S.T. line in my rhythm was irregular and curvy. My options- rest the Heart. I have been placed on Beta-Blockers for 6 months and at that time, i will be reassessed and the next course of action will be determined.

That is due end of June. What do beta-bockers do? basically, they act as a governor for my heart and only allow it to beat so fast (i've seen 140).

So, there it is. I have to take a break from racing until the doctor gives me the green light. I am hoping to start back training with some consistency in July and maybe show up at the Brewhouse and give it a go.

we will see; one day at a time.

trust me, I will be following the minnesota scene and sending some canucks down to show off some red and white.

Super good to hear from you and I wish you and all racers the best for their seasons.

Train hard, train safe, and stay healthy

Cheers,

Jon

ED. Do what you need to do to get better, Man. We miss you. Best to your family.

STATE OF THE ART!

2010-05-16T08:04:00.007-05:00

We’re totally excited to bring you this great news:

OptumHealth, one of the nation’s largest health and wellness companies, has expanded its offerings to include OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE, a personalized athletic coaching and training service that will be directly available to endurance athletes.

Formerly SCS Multisport, OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE will qualitatively and quantitatively expand their world class professional services to better serve the needs of athletes--elite and recreational alike--who are looking to improve their fitness and performance levels. OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE will offer the use of a state-of-the art facility for multisport coaching, training and performance testing. This first-of-a-kind center is slated to open in the Eden Prairie area late this summer.

“We are truly looking to improve the experience of the athlete by offering everything they need to meet their goals, whether they are just entering the sport or a seasoned professional” said Frank Blackstock (photo left), triathlete and Senior Vice President of OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE. "The Performance Center will offer a “one stop shopping” approach to the sport with coaching, training, testing and retail under one roof. Athletes will have access to 13 lanes of lap swimming, an endless pool with underwater treadmill and video, a CompuTrainer spin studio, metabolic testing, video analysis, and group classes including spin, yoga functional strength training along with many more specialty offerings." Gear West Bike & Triathlon, one of America's premier tri shops, will manage, staff and stock the on-site retail store.

“By adding OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE to our health and wellness services, we are extending our expertise and commitment to help people live their lives to the fullest,” said Rob Webb chief executive officer for OptumHealth Care Solutions. “Performance programs will be personalized for people of all fitness levels to help them meet their health and wellness goals – especially if they are participating in endurance events.”

“SCS has been in the business of helping people achieve their athletic goals for many years,” said Dan Cohen, OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE Director. “Becoming part of one of the nation’s largest health and wellness companies expands our reach to active individuals who are seeking best-in-class options to achieve their athletic goals and personal potential." Dan (left) and SCS partner Kris Swarthout (smiley guy by ocean) will manage the Performance Center and are currently in the process of hiring the coaching staff.

As part of their expansion of services, OptumHealth also becomes this year’s primary sponsor for the 21st Annual Manitou Sprint Triathlon, which will be renamed the “OptumHealth Manitou Triathlon,” held Sunday, June 13^th in White Bear Lake. To celebrate, roll-back pricing will be offered. Register between today and May 19^th and receive $15 off the entry fee (Enter code ROLL.BACK.TRI). This iconic race is part of the prestigious Midwest Multisport Series, arguably America’s premier amateur tri/du Series. We encourage you to take the opportunity to get out and enjoy a first-class event with a great course. And while you're there, you can visit the OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE booth and learn more about their exciting and innovative programs and facilities.

More information about the race and registration is available HERE.

To find out more about OPTUMHEALTH PERFORMANCE visit their WEBSITE or call 612.209.1571

MORE LAKES TO PINES STUFF...

2010-05-15T18:19:00.003-05:00

MTN - Thanks for giving the previously 'unknown' Park Rapids "Lakes to Pines" triathlon a little love this year. It is a well run, and extremely friendly, event. I returned back for my 3rd time in 2010. They had a record 63 individuals this year.

I believe the results are in process of being posted but I took some notes while there. Seven (7) males went under the previous course record. Five (5) females went under the previous female course record. Weather was perfect, if not a bit warm! Top 5 males:

Mike Fretland - Bismarck, ND
David Lewis - Nevis, MN
Eric Carder - Breezy Point
Dan Bjorkstrand - Guthrie, MN
Brian Maas (photo) - Plymouth, MN

Mike's wife Kailee won the females, so they did the family double! RESULTS

Brian Maas
Tundra Transition Zone

ED. Thanks, Brian!

AWESOME IN OAKDALE...

2010-05-15T11:29:00.012-05:00

(Photos: The run start pic above and the finish shot lower right provided by Steve Stenzel, who looks pretty darn good in a Speedo.)

Records are doomed on days like this. The cool temps and unkind winds that greeted the participants of every outdoor multi staged thus far this season were replaced by perfect conditions. Add to this the fact that many of today's Oakdale Duathlon's 500-plus participants brought hunger and enthusiasm to the start line. Those who also brought elite credentials (both frontrunners and AGers), and there was no shortage of these folks, were going to rock!

And they did!

In an effort that certainly rivaled his Performance of the Year at Manitou in 2006, Brooks Grossinger (photo) held off a great men's cast and ultimately lowered both of Neil Miller's course record.

Both? What?

Neil's Oakdale CR was 1:04:56, set in 2007. His fastest time on this course, however, was a 1:04:42, set at the Younglife Du, also in '07.

Pushed and pulled by Falls Du winner Chad Millner and defending champ Kevin O'Connor, both of whom dipped under Miller's OD mark, Brooks crossed in a time of 1:o4:36.

O'Connor's performance was circumstantially amazing, given the state of his health. Looking rather "thin in the skin," Kevin had recently battled illness and the inability to train. When he was overtaken in the later stages of the final run, it was apparent that his recovery was incomplete. Still, he can away with a PR. Heroic.

Kristin Miller's seven-year-old women's best finally went down, and did so in a big way, though not, as expected, by pre-race fave, Marlo McGaver, who had to settle for 3rd today in what would otherwise have been the 2nd fastest time in race history (1:06:08) had not runner-up Shelley Nelson (1:15:39) and last week's Cinco Du Mayo record setter Jenny Wilcox (1:13:50!) had the races of their careers. Wilcox's 2nd win and 2nd CR in an eight-day period was a whopping 1:47 improvement on Miller's former standard.

Jenny and Shelley, like Brooks, Chad and Kevin, were nothing short of brilliant today. And they weren't the only ones. Former OD and Younglife winner Scott Penticoff absolutely obliterated the men's masters record. His clocking on this great 5Kish-14ish miles-5Kish route was 1:06:27. The old mark belonged to Rocket Rod Raymond, a 1:08:43, set in 2007.

* New Age Group Course Records (Does not include "Open Class," i.e. 20-39 divisions):

* 00-19W - Janelle Yonker, 16, White Bear Lake - 1:30:31 (Old CR - Chelsea Willett's 1:45:38 - 2005)

* 00-19M - Kyle Serreyn, 19, Lakeville - 1:12:13 (Old CR - John Heinlein III's 1:12:48 - 2009)

* 40-44M - Scott Penticoff, 40, Woodbury - 1:06:27 (Old CR - Rod Raymond's 1:08:43 - 2007)

* 45-49M - James Kelley, 49, Osceola, WI - 1:09:15 (Old CR - Todd Firebaugh's 1:09:37 - 2009)

* 60-64W - Liz Wahlberg, 61, St. Paul - 1:45:05 (Old CR - Ann Rhea's 1:54:08 - 2009)

* 65-69W - Sandra Dahquist, 69, Rochester - 1:44:01 (Old CR - Betty Meck's 2:09:53 - 2003)

Stay tuned for Photos.

Oakdale Duathlon 2010: RESULTS

BIG WEEKEND!

2010-05-15T07:15:00.002-05:00

* SATURDAY: Rumble Strip Stuff...See Next Post Below...

* LATER TODAY - Oakdale Duathlon and, hopefully, Lakes To Pines Coverage & Results.

* SUNDAY: Last Tuesday, we revealed that something big and totally cool is on the horizon:

"...in a few days MTN will officially announce the establishment of a Minnesota-based system of programs that will have a revolutionary impact on the endurance lifestyle in our state. Cutting edge and first-of-a-kind, it will ultimately serve as the prototype for similarly revolutionizing national and international programs. Life is about to get even better for triathletes--and duathletes, runners, swimmers, cyclists et al--here in Minnesota and everywhere else."

WE'LL MAKE THAT HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT ON SUNDAY!

STUFF ABOUT RUMBLE STRIPS...

2010-05-15T07:14:00.000-05:00

Mankato triathlete Chris Crocker brought this story to us.

By Gene Bisbee

An attempt to make travel safer for everyone by installing rumble strips seems to be making some roadways more hazardous for bicycle riders.

Big surprise, right? Nobody thought of those darn bicyclists. READ

BUNLESS HEART-STOPPER...

2010-05-13T21:41:00.000-05:00

By Alex Voigt

There's a wonderful episode of 'The Simpsons' where Homer effectively gains enough weight to go on work disability.

To do so, he resorts to everything from buying an industrial-sized tub of lard to eating Maggie's Play-Doh doughnuts. The episode ends with Homer becoming an overweight shut-in who wears a mumu and nearly blows up the town.

So what does this have to do with anything? READ

LAKES TO PINES STUFF...

2010-05-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

The 3rd annual Lakes To Pines Triathlon in Park Rapids will be held this Saturday. We believe the event is still accepting registrations. WEBSITE

We don't know much about this event, other than that it is small, friendly and staged in a beautiful rural setting. Don't you love small town races? We do. Some of our state's best events are held in or near wonderful little towns, e.g. Northoods in Nevis, Lake Waconia in Waconia, Green Lake Tri and Du in Spicer, just to name a few. And we love to explore the community and environs after the event. Don't you?

We googled Park Rapids to find out what restaurants, bars, coffee shops and B&Bs are recommended. Here's what we found:

* B&B: Heartland Trail Bed & Breakfast - Located in Park Rapids and built in 1920, this has to more quaint that the local Super 8. Here's a list of local motels and links to their websites: LINK

* Bars : Lobo's, Bogey's and the Velvet Antler are three watering holes that might be worth checking out. If you're not driving, that is.

* Restaurants: Check out this list.

* Coffee, Ice Cream & other Goodies: This place in nearby Nevis is probably totally cool:

Muskie Waters Co	visit our website
118 Bunyan Trails Rd Nevis, MN 56467	(218) 652-3769
Muskie Waters Co. offers family fun! Coffee and Espresso drinks, smoothies, hand-dipped ice cream, malts, bulk candy and chocolates, specialty gifts, shirts, souvenirs, mini-golf and bike rental.

MATT CHECKS IN...

2010-05-13T08:06:00.003-05:00

Catching up with Team Minnesota's Matt Payne, 2009 Most Improved nominee:

I made a conscious decision this season to take it a little easier in May to hopefully race better later on into the summer. I think I may have come out of the gate a little too hard last year and suffered a bit for it into July and August. I'll be going to AG nationals this year so I want to still be going strong into September.

I'll be kicking off my season on the 23rd at Albert Lea, with Buffalo and Trinona being my next two races after that. I've been checking your blog daily and seeing race results and reports coming in really has me itching to get back out there.

Training has been gong well, my various limbs are all still in one piece and nothing hurts too bad. I spent a ton of time in the pool over the winter, raced at a couple of Masters meets and made a ton of progress. If my open water times track with my pool times I should be 2-3 minutes faster for 1500m than I was last season. I think I'm a tad bit stronger on the bike than I was at this time last year and right about the same on the run, but not having cycled or run in race conditions since last September I can't really quantify anything. I'll find out on the 23rd I suppose.

Hope all is well on your end!

Matt

LIBERTY & ROCHESTERFEST STUFF...

2010-05-12T14:20:00.000-05:00

The 6th edition of the Liberty Olympic Triathlon and the 5th running of the Liberty Half, which will be staged at Lake Independence on June 12, are full. A Waiting Listhas been started. Those who get on this list early have an excellent chance of getting into the event.

The 3rd annual RochesterFest Triathlons (Sprint & Olympic), which like Liberty is produced byFinal Stretch Inc., will be held on June 20. This event is filling fast. Organizers believe that it will reach its enrollment ceiling prior to June 1. So act quickly if you want to participate in this excellent event. WEBSITE

GREAT NEWS!

2010-05-11T21:00:00.002-05:00

(Photo: Minnesota's stately Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior at sunrise.)

The purpose of Minnesota Tri News is to prosaically celebrate our vibrant multisport culture. As far as we're concerned, our dynamic and innovative scene is second to none, setting national standards in the areas of competition, community building, event and venue quality, and practitioner resources.

And speaking of resources, in a few days MTN will officially announce the establishment of a Minnesota-based system of programs that will have a revolutionary impact on the endurance lifestyle in our state. Cutting edge and first-of-a-kind, it will ultimately serve as the prototype for similarly revolutionizing national and international programs. Life is about to get even better for triathletes--and duathletes, runners, swimmers, cyclists et al--here in Minnesota and everywhere else.

We can't wait to bring you the great news!

OAKDALE PREVIEW...DROPPING NAMES...

2010-05-11T07:21:00.001-05:00

(Photos: Images from 2009 Oakdale Duathlon: L - Men's Top 3 -Brendan O'Flanagan (3rd place), Kevin O'Connor (Winner), Neil Miller (2nd place). Middle - Julie Hull (Winner) and Sarah Viamonte (2nd place). Right - Diane Hankee (3rd place).

The 9th annual Oakdale Duathlon will be staged at Lake Elmo Park Reserve on Saturday. It's a great event at a great venue. A field of 500+ participants is anticipated. A glance at the start list reveals that the field will be formidable. Overall course records will definitely be in jeopardy if the weather isn't extreme. And several AG marks could fall, as well.

Dropping names is fun and the Minnesota multi scene has more than its share droppable monikers. For giggles, let's do some name droppage here. We offer the following observations and predictions, which when coupled with $1.89 will get you a Grande Tanzanian Peaberry at Starbucks:

* 2009 US Duathlete of the Year Kevin O'Connor will become the event's first 2-time men's champ. He'll be pushed hard by Falls Du record-holder Chad Millner, who's very fit and focused right now. Kevin did not have the race he wanted at Du Nationals last month. He'll right his ship on Saturday.

* Two-time US Duathlete of the Year Kristin Miller's seven-year-old course record (1:15:37) will finally fall. Marlo Crosby-McGaver, who when on her game is arguably the best female duathlete in American, will cross the finish line first. Jenny Wilcox, who's coming off a CR effort at Cinco Du Mayo will not be far behind.

* The following athletes should lower their divisional CRs: Ashley Heinlein (00-19W), Scott Penticoff (40-44M), Charlie Roach (50-54M) and Bob Bailey (65-69M). Familiarity will serve Penticoff well on Saturday. The 2-time Most Improved nominee, has two outright wins on this Lake Elmo Park course, winning the Oakdale Du in 2005 and the late-season Young Life Du last year. FYI, Heinlein, 18, won her division at Du Nationals three weeks ago. Very cool.

* Other suspected female AG winners: Amy Klosterman (45-49W), Cindy Tiedke (50-54W), Karen Rothbauer or Jeanne Minder (55-59W), Ann Rhea (60-64W)

* Most Competitive Divisions - 40-44M, 65-69M

- 40-44M podium challengers: Scott Penticoff, Karl Schultz, Jeff Grebner, Rick Wegener, Charles Donly, Nolan Barrios, Jared Roy

- 65-69M - Wow! Check out this assemblage of vintage studs: Bob Bailey, Hank Larsen, Nick Vanduzee, Gene Holen, Steve Paladie

* Other credentialed participants with droppable names: Dan Arlandson (2008 Performance of the Year winner), Casey Richter (her first career win was recorded last weekend at the Cinco Du Mayo Sprint Duathlon), Jesse Nelson ( two 2nd place finishes thus far in 2010), Shelley Nelson (Jesse's sister won this race in 2006), Derick Podratz (2-time Cinco Du Mayo winner), Tracie Kent (2-time podium finisher here), Ross Weinzierl (3rd at Chain of Lakes two weeks ago), Jim Felling, Jill Hughes, Tina Welzein, Jill Ellenbecker, John Heinlein III, Pam Zachman and Sarah Berger.

The highlighted names in this post do not represent all of the talented athletes who will be racing on Saturday. Moreover, there's always the possibility of a breakthrough or two, e.g. Sam Janicki at COLT. And remember, there are bound to be a few elites who will sign up between now and the then. Unfortunately, 2009 women's champ Julie Hull will not be one of them.

WATER STUFF...

2010-05-11T07:16:00.000-05:00

By an anonymous gender-non-specific humanoid who works for a company called Ironguides & annoyingly uses personal pronouns. The article is good, though.

It amazes me how many athletes don’t drink enough during training and racing. The excuses I hear go from the sublime to the ridiculous. With some of the early season races this year experiencing higher temperatures far above the norm, it’s time to take a serious look at this most important aspect of good health and performance.

Dehydration can be linked to so many things--diabetes and asthma to name just two. Dr F. Batmanghelidj wrote a bestseller a few years back entitled Water & Salt: Your Healers From Within. In it he lists so many reasons why we need water that it is hard to understand why people don’t realize our body needs it. READ

A DESERT TO CROSS..

2010-05-11T07:14:00.000-05:00

(Photos: Top - Bonnie & Mike after the successful proposal. Below - The Proposal.)

"The Beneficiaries you have selected are as follows:..."

By Bonnie Siegel

Drawing in a slow breath, I surveyed the first page of the document. Pausing, I leaned back, closed my eyes and listened momentarily to the home office chair groan at the redistribution of my weight. Rain tapped on the window as the storm's thunderous voice announced the direction it intended to take. A large luminous clock hung from my home office wall, lapping up time as it ticked away.

Four years prior I had sat across the table from the V.P. at the Symetra office in Redmond, Washington talking with him about joining forces to increase sales and broaden customer base for those in need of life insurance policies. Now I sat with a personal term life insurance policy that hung heavily in my hands, making sure that all of the 't''s were crossed and the 'i's dotted. I coughed and carefully swallowed the blood that emerged from my lungs, rolling it around with my tongue, feeling it for volume and consistency.

With consistent training under my belt the previous week I had finally started feeling like my training was getting somewhere. Mike and I were on our way to doing our first Ironman. We laughed and joked about racing with chocolate and other temptuous treats in our backpacks, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. I felt good.

The ER doctor had tried to explain the results of my CT scan without too much doom and gloom. I tried to cheer her up with a few humorous comments to loosen up the air in the room. My first Ironman would have to be postponed she concluded. The pneumonia was far too severe. She handed me the print out and pointed to the description of what appeared to be a mass, indicating that it measured about 1/3 the size of the infection above it.

I looked her in the eyes and said with all confidence that I wasn't giving up just yet. After all, I hate biking and if I could force myself to bike for hours upon end, anything was possible. I pointed to the place my tiny Ironman tattoo would go after I crossed the finish line and smiled.

One of the most challenging aspects of my current situation is the inability to train. I have had set backs before that include the general array of injuries people who have a passion for training and exercising endure. This time the wait would be longer and there was no clear-cut end in sight. In five weeks I would go in for another CT scan and if there was any infection remaining, we would start the five weeks process over again. If there were indeed a mass, a whole new course of action would be taken.

So what do you do besides twiddle your thumbs and try not to drive your friends crazy by calling, texting, and emailing them when you have too much time on your hands? Alas, I have relinquished to such hazards as gardening, learning a game on my cell phone, writing terrifying posts and baking Marie Calendar pies. Thankfully my life is delightfully balanced with playtime with my kids, coaching Lacrosse and trying to learn a martial art in my basement. My coach is working diligently on my comeback training, my sponsors are tying up a few loose ends and I am avoiding the mirror and its distorted reflection of my forever-young body.

In just a few more weeks I will know which direction I am going. It's hard not to be anxious. I want to know right now and get on with things but this is a valley that must be walked through and a desert that must be crossed. From every fervent endeavor I embrace challenges arise and from every challenge I find growth can be cultivated within. This time is no exception.

CROIXATHLON GENESIS...

2010-05-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

By Amy

Brendmoen

I met Gretchen in the mid 1980s while we were campers at YMCA Camp St. Croix. To anyone who has been a part of summer camping, it should come as no surprise that we became instant and lifelong friends. I don’t know if it’s because we bonded over campfires, open water, bug juice, outhouses and clean air, but when we get together we laugh until our guts hurt. It’s a great thing that we think everyone should have in their lives; both the camping and the friendships.

About 7 years ago, Gretchen talked me into doing a sprint triathlon with her. We did the Cambridge “Paddle, Pedal, Run” and finished with dignity (our standing goal). About 5 minutes after we finished the race we agreed that we needed to coordinate a triathlon fundraiser on the grounds of Camp St. Croix.

“The river is perfect in Hudson! Sugar sand, no weeds and clear water,” I said.

“Yeah, and the bike ride would be incredible on the country roads around camp,” Gretchen added.

“And the run could be fully contained --all on trails. It would be a cool way for camp to show off its grounds and programs.”

But then we thought ….what about the “Beach Path”? The Beach Path is a 500 yard trail that connects the waterfront to the bluff-top. No matter how much we thought, there seemed to be no way to avoid the arduous, near-vertical slope up the hill. The path, under a leafy canopy, offers a gorgeous view but we knew that the beauty would probably be lost on athletes transitioning between swimming and biking. Was it a deal breaker? Did it turn our proposed triathlon into a “quadrathlon”? We thought so, but decided to give it a try anyhow. And so the Croixathlon was born.

Our first year, 100 people raced. And after expenses, we raised about $2500 for camp. We could tell the race was a success looking at the beaming faces walking around. The team of 125 summer camp counselor cum race-day volunteers kept things entertaining. Everyone seemed to have a case of the camp giggles and the positive energy was palpable. The Beach Path? Participants uniformly agreed it was incredibly challenging. But they also uniformly agreed that the feature set us apart from other races and they encouraged us to embrace it and make it central.

Last year, at the fourth annual Croixathlon 350 athletes sign up for the race. We partnered with area businesses to offset the costs of putting on the race. And we partnered with the Wild River Tri club to offer a pre-race clinic for newbies. We raised about $19,000 to benefit YMCA Camp St. Croix. We also awarded a sparkling gold cape and grape-vine wreath crown to the fastest woman and man up the beach path and dubbed them the Queen and King of the Hill. The Beach Path royalty played along and celebrated their amazing quads and lungs with the cheering crowd. It was a blast!

You can help get more kids out to camp by signing up for Croixathlon V, June 26. This race offers a scenic course that is a good place for beginners to get their feet wet, but offers challenges for experienced triathletes. The atmosphere is focused on fun, with functional prizes given out to lucky participants as well as to the age-group champs. And we suspect that you’ll have at least one gut-busting laugh that will make glad that you are now a part of the joy that is YMCA Camp St. Croix, as well.

Please check us out at: http://croixathlon.zapevent.com

TRAINING RIDES...

2010-05-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

(Photo: Aerial view of Paradise Park, the Chisago Lake Triathlon's scenic venue.)

PRESS RELEASE:

CHISAGO LAKES TRIATHLON TRAINING RIDES

Training rides for participants of the Chisago Lakes Triathlon (Sprint & Half Iron on July 25) will be held on the following Saturdays: June 12, June 26 and July 10. The rides will cover both distances, 16 and 56 miles, and will be fully supported. All abilities are welcome! The rides will start in Paradise Park at 8 am sharp. For more details call 651-464-4035.

The fifth annual Chisago Lakes Area Triathlon, a swim, bike, and run event, features an event for everyone! The triathlon hosts 3 distance events beginning with the Kids’ Triathlon on Saturday, July 24 starting at 9 a.m. and the adult Half Iron and Sprint distance triathlons on Sunday, July 25 starting at 7 a.m. Participants will be rewarded with going through the quaint communities of Stacy, North Branch, and overseeing the Wild River State Park.

Situated in the heart of Chisago City, Paradise Park will again host the event site. Overlooking Chisago Lake, the park offers exceptional viewing for the key points of the event; the swim start, the transition points from the bike to the run, and also the finish line. Spectators can enjoy the event in the abundance of shade!

Proceeds from the event benefit the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the American Cancer Association, and Family Pathways.

Registration for the 2010 Chisago Lakes Area Triathlon and Kids’ Triathlon is still open. To register please call us at 1-800-429-8044 or register online. Please visit the Chisago page on our website for additional information or email us at info@midwestsportsevents.com.

MINNESOTANS BREAK OUT...

2010-05-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

Alcatraz Escape - Port-a-let, Meals and More

By Darin Wieneke

Perfect weather conditions greeted me and the other brave souls attempting to escape from Alcatraz on May 2, 2010. Chants and cheers of the “convicts” were at a feverish pitch just prior to embarking on a swim of a lifetime. Then suddenly a group, led by inmates named Hunter (Kemper), Macca (Chris McCormack) and (Leanda) Cave, stormed the gates and rushed into San Francisco Bay.

Not far behind the leaders was Minnesotan and young swim phenom, Gabbe Keller. Gabbe successfully navigated the chilly waters and strong current and landed on a narrow strip of beach 1.5 miles away on the shores of San Francisco in a mere 29 minutes and 39 seconds. Gabbe commented after finishing the race that the exuberant atmosphere of the boat and jumping into the bay were race highlights for her. Reaching shore was a huge sense of accomplishment for all of the participants.

A hilly and highly technical 18 mile bike course followed. While the swim garners the majority of the discussion about the Escape, the bike and run, at a minimum, are equally challenging. I found that maintaining the speed and control of my bike on some steep descents was difficult, especially due to some hairpin turns at the bottom of several of the hills.

The challenging 8 mile trail and beach run concluded the triathlon. Jen Martone summarized the run by stating, “The run was grueling and much more technical than I imagined, more like an obstacle course than a run...steep inclines, dirt trail, up and down cement steps, through a tunnel, down to a beach running on soft & hard sand, up the 400 step sand ladder, and then up another dirt path back to the road. On both the bike and the run, there were times I wanted to pass people, but found it tricky with the single file line on the dirt portion of the run.”

In the end, Gabbe Keller (medal flasher), Jen Martone (cyclist) , David Swanson and I were all greeted by loud cheers as we successfully ESCAPED FROM ALCATRAZ!

Port-a-let line with Hunter Kemper
Numerous people have told me over the years that one of the best aspects of racing triathlons is being able to “toe the line” against the professionals and being able to converse with them afterwards about the experience and course conditions. This is truly unique to triathlon. You cannot have a beer with Joe Mauer after a Twins’ game and discuss your experience trying to make contact with Tim Wakefield’s knuckleball, nor can you explain to Al Jefferson how you dunked over Lebron James. You can, however, talk to Minnesota Pro David Thompson (DKT) about attacking a particular hill at the Manitou Triathlon or talk to Craig Alexander about the swim conditions on Lake Nokomis.

This perspective was brought to a whole new level when I was waiting in line to use a port-a-let just prior to boarding the ferry for Alcatraz. I glanced to my right and there stood Hunter Kemper waiting in line as well. Could you imagine seeing Brett Favre standing in line next to you before a Vikings’ game at the Metrodome? The next time that I saw Hunter Kemper, the Olympian and Wheatie’s box cover person, was when he was blazing the bike course en route to an impressive victory.

Meals in San Francisco

While the triathlon itself was the highlight for all of the triathletes, the food in San Francisco was not far behind. My wife and I enjoyed numerous restaurants around Washington Square, especially Mama’s and The Dogfather. Jen Martone “recovered” from the triathlon by consuming wine in Napa Valley. While I am not convinced she remembers eating during that phase of her trip, she does recommend dinner at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley. Gabbe Keller enjoyed the food and festive environment of the restaurants located in Fisherman’s Wharf. David Swanson gorged himself on great sushi during his trip.

Other Notes:

-DKT put forth a strong effort at this race. I last saw DKT about 2 miles from the finish and he was pushing the run pace with Chris McCormack and Francesco Godoy drafting behind him. DKT ultimately earned 6th place honors in a very competitive field. It was great to see the effort the professionals were exerting and the pain they were willing and able to endure.

-21 Minnesotans escaped from Alcatraz in 2010, including all four chronicled by MTN. Will you escape in 2011?

WEEKEND WINNERS...

2010-05-08T13:52:00.005-05:00

2010 Cinco Du Mayo champions: Dereck Podratz (1st long course), Jenny Wilcox (1st long course), Casey Richter (1st short course).

Long course winner / CR setter Jenny Wilcox commented on her race via e-mail:

Sorry this did not get to you sooner, I had to take my kids to a birthday party at MOA today, this is the reason I had to leave (the race) early. ....To sum up the race today it was a challenging course especially on the bike, but it was a good test to see how hard we could push ourselves with the wind and hills so early in the season. It was a very pretty course and lots of really nice people out enjoying the day. It was a nice venue, with lots of potential to grow because of the course and location.

Hope everyone has a great week!

See you at Oakdale Du,

Jenny

NOTE: A tri/du-athlete since 2006, this was Jenny's 3rd career multi win.

WEEKEND NEWS...

2010-05-08T13:45:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Highlights & Results (if available) of the Cinco du Mayo Duathlon and Take the Hill Triathlon.

Saturday's Take the Hill Triathlon--formerly the Gustie Tri--was won by Brian Severson, 46, of Lakeville, and Lydia Davitt, 24, of Minneapolis. Severson enjoyed a 44-second margin of victory over runner-up Dan Chargo. Insanely exuberant 2nd-year triathlete Paul Mollett was a jubilant 3rd. 2009 women's champ Kathleen Dewahl placed 2nd today, 1:21 behind Davitt. Stephanie Byland took the final podium spot. RESULTS

The 2009 Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon was contested under cool and windy conditions and had 42 finishers. The 2010 race was greeted by even colder temps (mid-30s)and was almost, but not quite, as breezy. And its field was perhaps four times larger than it was last year. The men's and women's long course records fell, the men's by a slim 12 seconds, the women's by a whopping 3:57. Doing the damage was defending champ Dereck Podratz (1:34:34) and Jenny Wilcox, whose outstanding 1:38:49 landed her in 4th place overall.

The new short course race--2 miles-10 miles - 2 miles--was won impressively by Fond du Lac, Wisconsin's Tim Petrie, who managed to hold off Stillwater's Jesse Nelson, and Casey Richter, 27, of Columbia Heights and the OptumHealth Performance Team (Coach Dan Cohen asked that we mention Casey's affiliation). The win was the first of Richter's promising young career.

Third annual Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon results will be available at the Tri Fitness website on Monday.

SUNDAY: Race Coverage & other Stuff...

IT'S A FORMER ZYGOTE!

2010-05-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

Isn't it cute? It's a fetus. It started as a zygote, then became a blastocyst, then an embryo. And now, it's a card-carrying fetus. Is that cool, or what?

This 12-week old humanoid fetus / future triathlete resides in a lovely uterine condo, which is owned and operated by Maria Vu Wieneke, wife of MTN's Darin Wieneke, a recent escapee from Alcatraz.

An official name has yet to be selected--we recommend Charlemagne for a boy or Murgatroid, if it's a girl. For the time being, he/she is referred to as Peanut Wieneke.

MINNEMAN FILLING FAST...

2010-05-07T09:42:00.005-05:00

Minneman is one of only two races--the other is Turtleman--that has won the prestigious "Race of the Year" award on three occasions (2006, 2007, 2008). If you've done this race, you know it's totally Cool. If you haven't, then you've missed out on a truly transplendent experience.

According to Minneman's website, only 50 slots remain for this year's race, which will once again be staged at beautiful Lake George Regional Park (photo) in Oak Grove. The date is July 3. We just learned that there are really only 20-30 slots left. So act quickly. Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of something special.

FYI, a number of Charity Slots will become available after the event fills. 100% of the proceeds from these slots will go to the designated beneficiaries. WEBSITE, REGISTRATION

CHEEZE ITS & THE BERNSTEIN COMPLEX...

2010-05-07T08:57:00.003-05:00

(Photo: Wells Rice carrying his mom in his backpack.)

Cyclist/triathlete/tank top wearer Brooke Darst Rice has a doctorate, tattoos and a Keifer Sutherland fixation. Her perfect meal would include Cheez-Its and craft beer. And she doesn't hyphenate her cool tripartite name. She's also a new mom and a dog lover.

Here's some more "Going Off-Course" stuff about the great person named Brooke Darst Rice:

Age: 34

Colleges, Degrees: University of Minnesota, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Family: Mark (partner), Wells (14 month old son)

Pets: Caffrey (11 year old boxer who's fighting lymphoma)

Favorites:

Books: Everyday Blessings (I'm such a new parent)

Movies: Birdcage (with Nathan Lane and Robin Williams), Love Actually

TV Shows: 24

Actors: Keifer, because he gives us 24

Singers/Band: 10,000 Maniacs for everyday, Black Eyed Peas on the way to races

Restaurants: Gigi's, Birchwood

Junk Food: Cheeze Its and anything sweet

Alcoholic Beverages: Breckenridge Brewery's Vanilla Porter

Non-Tri Hobbies: Who has time for hobbies besides tri?

Dream Vacation Destination: French Polynesia

Pet Peeves: Having the conversation, "How are your doing?" "Good"

Tattoos: yep

Favorite relaxation clothes: tank tops

Something Goofy about you: For 15 years I sang, "It's bigger than Germany," to the song "Love Bites" when Def Leopard sings, "It's bringing me to my knees."

Dream Job?: having time to talk to patients and get down to the root of their physical problems while working for people with integrity...wait, that's my current job

Fantasy? (Want to a Movie Star, Famous Singer, etc.): I've always wanted to conduct and orchestra

UNIMPORTANT STUFF...

2010-05-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Totally important, hard-hitting tri news, THIS IS NOT!

READ

KORTNEY HAAG IS STILL PREGNANT!

2010-05-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

(Photo: Above - Mother and son. Right - Owen Haag: He's what happened the last time Kortney got pregnant!)

Can you believe it? 2008 Rookie of the Year and 2009 Most Improved award recipient Kortney Haag is STILL pregnant! It seems like she's been this way for 7-8 months now. Is she ever going to get better?

We learned that her condition wasn't improving while cyber-surfing this morning. Here's what we found at kortneyhaag.blogspot.com:

It's been an emotional last two weeks for me. I think the hormones have hit and I am a full fledge crazy pregnant women! We put our house on the market a couple of weeks ago and have had some hits but decided that if it does not sell by the time the baby comes then we are fine with that. It is not like we have to sell the house and we really like where we live, our location and our house.

Owen came to my last Doctor appointment with me and I told him if he was good then we could go and get ice cream. The Dr. again told me to eat some with him! Here is a picture of Owen after ice cream (above) - he really wanted blue ice cream so the only place I knew to go to was TCBY....mmmm I love that place! READ

SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED...

2010-05-05T07:27:00.000-05:00

(Photos: Steve with a shirt & Steve without a shirt.)

By Steve Sander

When I arrived at the transition the wind was already getting strong and the temp was telling me this was not going to be a comfortable race. I was also interested to see how the pool swim was going to work. I will admit I was a bit nervous as I am not a great pool swimmer. Once I got settled in the transition area I enjoyed seeing some freinds I met last year and making a few more. It helped me relax and beore I knew it my lane was up.

Before the race I thought my toughest competition was going to be Ross Weinzierl. Ross and I got to know each other before the race and found ourselves in the same lane. I found the swim easier than I thought and felt I could have pushed a little harder but came out exactly where I wanted to. I threw on arm-warmers and gloves along with a wind breaker for the bike and was much more comfortable than I thought I was going to be.

I've raced in tough conditions before but the wind at Chain of Lakes Saturday was by far the worst. I went with my 606 wheel set and still nearly got blown off my bike a few times. It was so windy it was tough to judge how I did but I knew it was not a terrble ride considering the conditions. The wind on the run was much easier to deal with and I was able to let the legs go about a quater mile in. The run felt good and I came in with Ross about a minute and a half behind me. Ross is tough and had a great race.

Because the race started in the pool by lanes of 3-4 people I would have to wait for the results to be posted. Ross and I went on a cool down run and talked about how tough the bike was along with a few other war stories. When we got back I looked at the results and saw that somebody named Sam Janicki destroyed me by over two minutes. My first though was "who the expletive was Sam Janicki?!" Whoever he is put the hammer down and made a statement. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet him or congratulate him after the race but I am seriously impressed. This kid has the potential to go a long way this year if he races like that; Most Improved, Team Minnesota, or Race of the Year come to mind. I don't want to get ahead of myself but if Sam races at some bigger races this year he could be talked about for AOY. Yes, by the numbers I saw Sam is for real and I look forward to meeting him at some other races this year. - SS

Ed. - Thanks for the magnanimous report Steve. Best wishes for another super season. We'll see you at the races and the MMAs.

NAME CHANGE & SAUERKRAUT PIZZA....

2010-05-04T06:56:00.000-05:00

The "Powers that Be" at Gustavus Adolphus College have instructed the organizers of what used to be known as the Gustie Triathlon to change the name of their event. Legal stuff. The race, the umpteenth edition of which is this Saturday (May 8), will "hereafter be known forthwith" (cool legal talk) as the "Take the Hill Triathlon." As the name hints, the bike course is not as flat as a pool table.

This event, which starts and finishes on the bucolic campus of one of Minnesota's coolest and not-un-pricey institutions of higher learning named after a 17th century Scandinavian guy with a totally cool Latinized monicker--the dude's real name was Gustav II Adolph

(photo)--is low key and welcoming. Check out "Smiling Kickstand Lady" on her totally unsized bike in the photo above. Is that a cool, or what? She's a wonderful reminder that Triathlon, replete with its myriad of physical, emotional and social benefits, is for EVERYONE, even those who purchased their equipment and apparel at Target in 1982. Triathlon is both a sport and a wonderful form of recreation. Those folks--the ones with kickstand bikes and Chuck Taylor shoes--are just as totally Rock Star-ish as their Orbea riding, 2xU wearing brethren and sistren.

There are a plethora of cool things to do, see and consume in St. Peter, which is only about and hour's drive from the Twin Cities. Make sure you check one or more of these places out:

* Patrick's on Third (see below) - 20 Taps, Great Burgers.

* Whiskey River Emporium- Yumilicious Food.

* River Rock Coffee - Great Atmosphere, baked goodies and caffeinated beverages.

* Richard's Restaurant & Pub - Try the Coconut Shrimp.

* P.J.'s Pizzeria - Great Specialty Pizza's. Sauerkraut & Mountain Oysters, Stuff like that.

There are also museums, an arboretum and historical society, if you like cultural stuff.

And by the way, we believe that 2009 women's champ Kathleen DeWahl and Chris Leiferman will win this year's race, which will probably be contested under cloudy skies with "gustie" winds and temps hovering between 45 and 50.

CINCO DU MAYO PREVIEW: MAKE A DAY OF IT...

2010-05-04T06:52:00.000-05:00

There are many good reasons to do the Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon at beautiful Square Lake this Saturday. Here's three: Great course, Casa Lupita Tacos and hanging around the area after the race.

On the last point--hanging out--we suggest lunch and drinkies in one of Stillwater's fine eateries or drinkeries or a stop in Marine on St. Croix, which has a totally cool General Store, appropriately named "General Store" and an ice cream shop called Village Scoop.

So, if you haven't SIGNED UP yet, do so at your earliest opportunity or just show up on race morning. Yes, there will be race day registration. If you're fitness is not where you had hoped it would be, we suggest that you do the new sprint course--a 10-mile ride bracketed by 2-mile runs. The original long course is 5K-20-miles-5K.

After the race, hang out with 150-200 of your peers and consume massive quantities of Casa Lupita's major league tacos. Uh-um! That's good eatin'.

Oh yeah, look for Red Wing's fleet-footed Jesse Nelson, who's coming off a fine 2nd place effort at Falls Du, to lead the way for the men. He should get a good push from Wisconsin's Tim Petrie.

The women's favorite? Don't know, but we're pulling for Michelle Mussell of Hugo. Why? She has a seriously powerful name.

A COOL WEEKEND IMAGE...AND OTHER STUFF...

2010-05-02T21:35:00.001-05:00

Rochesterians enjoying world class caffeinated beverages at Burly's, a totally cool and funky coffee house in Cannon Falls, after Saturday's Falls Duathlon. (Front row from L - Joanna Hall, Mederic Hall and Super Mario Minelli. Back row - two other totally cool people.)

* MTN congratulates Minneapolis's Pam Nielsen, who was the 10th amateur woman--20th woman overall--to cross the finish line at the inaugural St. George (UT) Ironman on May 1. Her time on the absolutely brutal course was 11:37:05. Only two pro women managed to better 10 hours and Wisconsin's Jackie Arendt, who placed 4th at the Chisago Half last season, had a brilliant race. She was top female amateur--7th woman overall--in a time of 10:36:23.

* St. Paul pro David Thompson placed 6th on Sunday at the 30th edition of Escape from Alcatraz. The men's field--led by Hunter Kemper--was arguably the deepest in the event's history.

* Later this week, MTN's Darin Wieneke will post a report on how Minnesotans fared at Escape From Alcatraz.

UPDATE: Bill Nevala sent us an e-mail identifying the unnamed folks in the picture above:

" the "two other totally cool people" from TriRochester in your photo from the Falls Duathlon. They are Pattie and Jeremy Ekman..." BN Bill went on to describe Pattie as a transplanted North Carolinan and Jeremy as a super brilliant IBM nerd.

MSU TRIATHLON STUFF...

2010-05-02T15:27:00.004-05:00

(Photo: Shadowy three-time MSU Tri champ Rachel Busch, we think?)

By Jennifer Myers

For the third year in a row, Rachel Busch was crowned MSU Campus Recreation Triathlon Female Champion. She clocked in this year at 1:30.20, squeaking past her dad by 17 seconds.

The men's winner was Neil Schalk, who finished the course in 1:19.03. He was followed very closely by Mike Cullen, who pulled in 2nd place for the men with 1:19.40. Last year's winner, Jose Rosales (1:17 - race record), was sidelined by a broken foot and pulled lap counting duty.

The first of five heats of swimmers began their race at 8 am. By the time the 5th heat was swimming, it was 9:15 am, so the course had thinned out and participants had plenty of space to climb the two hills (same hill, out and back) that rise from the Le Sueur River valley. The wind picked up a bit, but didn't affect racers too much.

As promised, Lady Gaga and Little Debbies were waiting at the finish for all competitors. The spectators were loud and proud, and the Mankato community represented well, as quite a few members from the Mankato Multisport Club competed; some for the first time.

Full race results will be posted on the campus recreation website after the race director takes a much-needed day to recuperate! -JM

STICK IT...

2010-05-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

(Photos: Above - Bonnie's girls. R - Other girls doing lacrosse. Lower R - Britney played lacrosse in high school but hasn't stayed as active since graduating.)

By Bonnie Clamping

This season I was selected to be the assistant coach for the Lakeville North and South High schools Lacrosse team and I have to say it is an amazing sport. Essentially, Lacrosse involves several players using a stick with a hooked top end and net attached for the purpose of catching a ball then cradling it while the player runs the equivalence of the length of a football field towards the opposing team's goal, protecting the ball through within the net, doing maneuvering footwork, tossing the ball back and forth to other teammates and eventually slamming it into a goal net smaller than the size of a soccer net at full speed while eluding the defending team's players and goalie. Other than that it's totally easy.

As I watch the girls I often envy their seemingly endless supply of youthful energy and enthusiasm. During the course of most games, each player will literally run miles of sprint work. During practices we add in some upper body and mid section strengthening and conditioning for core and shooting power, focusing on a complete balance of fitness in addition to practicing set-ups, maneuvering and ball handling.

Once the girls graduate from high school several of them hope to play at the college level and some prefer to move in a different direction. This causes me to wonder what they will do to maintain their athleticism and health. Most Americans let their fitness fall by the wayside, allowing jobs, kids and other focuses to abrade away their health and end up in such a deconditioned state that in some instances can even be life threatening.

In the triathlon world I am inspired to see so many people of all ages continuing to live a healthy lifestyle. My age group (which will go unspecified) is a very competitive group and has an impressive amount of participants. I recently asked my track and soccer stars at home what they planned to do post college for fitness and received this assuring answer: "I don't know, Mom." I hope to lead by example and encourage them to continue to live a balanced life that includes exercise and eating healthy. This summer we plan on doing a 5k race as a family and hopefully I can convince at least one of them to eventually do a sprint triathlon or two.

CHAD & JULIE GO OFF THE FRONT...

2010-05-01T17:55:00.011-05:00

(Photos courtesy of Erik Hull.)

MILLNER & HULL TOPPLE RECORDS AT FALLS DU II....

The field was 50% larger than last year's, and vastly more competitive, too. It was a pretty day to look at--sunny, mild temps--but a tough day to race a bike. The lighter gusts were in the 25 mph range, the heavier ones, the ones that wreaked havoc on the venue's staging at times, were 30-plus. Still, two athletes managed to turn is record efforts...Several others--Joanna, Diane, Mario, Charlie, Lee and Bob to name a few, also turned in outstanding performances...

* Chad Millner's 1:03:46 lowered Jesse Nelson's prior course best by 46 seconds and was 3:37 faster than Nelson's runner-up clocking on this blustery day.

* Like Millner, Julie Hull grabbed the lead early on the bike and never looked back. She reached the finish line in 1:13:38, a full 5:24 faster than the old CR. The win was the 8th of Hull's impressive multisport career. (Her first win was at Pigman Half Iron in August of 2007.)

* Joanna Hall, who is not to be confused with the elite nordic skier of the same name albeit with an "H" between the "o" and the first "a"--something that we have done on several occasions--though she had skied once with medium-dazzle results, and Diane Hankee also had strong performances, finishing 2nd and 3rd overall respectively. Both women dipped under the old course mark, Johanna by 1:28; Diane by 1:26. Joanna is married to Mederic--pronounced "Med-Erik"--Hall, who also raced very well, finishing 8th overall. In addition to being fine athletes, this young couple is insanely good looking.

* Mario Minelli, Andy Clark, who has really cool hair, and 51-year-old phenom Charlie Roach all had outstanding races and rounded out the men's Top 5. Minelli and Roach were Top Fivers last year, too.

* 50-year-old Leeann Franz and 66-year-old Bob Bailey, who was undefeated in regional racing in 2009, set new standards in their AGs. Franz cracked the women's top 10 for the second consecutive year and Bailey's time--1:25:12--was significantly faster than the winning clockings in the men's 55-59 and 60-64 categories.

* RACE RESULTS

A NEW STAR IS BORN...

2010-05-01T13:38:00.006-05:00

GOPHER PULLS UPSET AT COLT...University of Minnesota triathlete Sam Janicki and 2009 TriMinnesota Series women's champ Brooke Larsen shared the Winners Circle at the the 8th annual Chain of Lakes Triathlon today. Cloudy, cool (4os) and extremely windy conditions prevailed, making Janicki's 55:11 ever more impressive. Only Matt Payne (2009) has gone faster on this sprint course. The 24-year-old, whose 2009 performances did little to portend his emergence, nor did his solid but unspectacular effort in Lubbock, TX at Collegiate Nationals two weeks ago, out-raced pre-race favorite Steve Sander in every discipline, beating the amiable smooth-headed Sander, who took 2nd, by 2:16. A fine 58:57 landed Ross Weinzierl on the final step of the podium.

Larsen's win, the 3rd of her young--this is her 3rd season--multi career, was convincing. Her margin of victory over runner-up Kadie Hokanson was 2:05. RESULTS

MILLNER & HULL TOPPLE RECORDS AT FALLS DU II....Story, Photos & Results coming soon....

KEVIN REFLECTS...

2010-04-30T21:00:00.002-05:00

Kevin O'Connor placed 6th overall / 2nd 35-39M at Duathlon Nationals last weekend. The 2009 US Duathlete of the Year was not satisfied with these results, but as ever, kept smiling. He was philosophical about the experience. These are his comments:

"Du Nationals was run extremely well. And the people in VA are so very polite and nice. "Minnesota Nice" has to be retired.

"The course was as goofy as Worlds. Several turns per “lap”. Of course a lap was actually a loop that brought you back past transition as you then went to complete an out-and-back with a u-turn which then brought you back past transition to finish the lap. And you did that 3 times. So you actually rode by transition 6 times on the bike. With a very large disparity in riding speeds it was always a bit tricky at all of the turns. At all 27 turns I had to slow (to some exctent) for the other riders on the course. Considering I was riding a more than twice the speed of most riders going into those corners it is not the safest way to operate waves.

"I did not race all that well. I couldn’t go out until Saturday and I never got my head in the game and I did not hydrate well. In fact, I am still so sore (from racing dehydrated) that I can't quite walk down stairs yet. The first run felt good and the bike started pretty well but I never could get going and I watched my wattage fall throughout the bike. And the second run was no better. Halfway through the run I realized I was just "jogging" and I finally got my legs moving to finish the run. I know I could have go 90 seconds faster but the fact is I didn't. Not the way I wanted to race at Nationals but that is how it sometimes goes.

"I am not going to Worlds in Scotland. I don’t have the time, money, or interest to do it. I know someone will be happy to take the rolldown slot and represent the US quite well." - KO

LATER TODAY: COLT & Falls Du Highlights & Results Links.

NOTE: MTN will post results links for, hopefully, ALL Minnesota's 2010 multisport events on our Calendar Page. CALENDAR/RESULTS

COLT PREVIEW...

2010-04-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

The 8th annual Chain of Lakes Triathlon will be staged on Saturday, May 1. MTN's Darin Wieneke asked COLT Race Director Mark Storhaug a few questions about his race, which happens to be the Tri Minnesota Series' kickoff event.

1. Could you give us a little history on your race? (i.e. when started, why started, changes in venue/courses over the year, charities involved, etc...)

MS - The COLT was started in 2001 by Alexandria biking enthusiasts that had gotten involved in Pickle Series triathlons. Charities included the Alex Swim Club and Lakes Area Recreation, both provide programming for youth in the area.

2. How did you become involved in this race?

MS - I first became involved as a participant in the triathlon but was also one of the coaches of the Alex Swim Club. My team provided lap counters for the swimming participants in the race.

3. What is your favorite aspect of being the race director for this race?

MS - My favorite aspect of the race is enjoying the fruits of the labor involved in putting on a big competition and hearing about the successes of the athletes involved

3. What do you believe is the most interesting feature of your race? (i.e. tough hill, some visual item, etc...)

MS - The most interesting aspect of the COLT is that it includes a pool swim instead of a lake portion. We also seem to have a variety of weather that never fails to surprise us as this race is the first in the Series (running the first weekend of May)

4. Are there any differences in the race from last year to this year?

MS - None

5. Any key racing or safety tips that you would like to share with participants? (i.e. particular corner to be wary of, hill to expect, wave conditions, etc...)

MS - Since the COLT includes a pool swim, there is less anxiety about that leg among many of the inexperienced racers

6. Any recommendations for post-race restaurant, beverage spot, or landmark to visit?

MS - Alexandria has many great little shops downtown and popular restaurants for post-race participants to enjoy.

Looking for a great pizza in Alex? We recommend the Depot Express at 1907 Burlington Train Station - 320-763-7712)

COURSE RECORDS: Matt Payne - 53:44 (2009) & Jen Lenarz (photo) - 1:04:29 (2009)

COMMENT: Before 2009, when Payne and Lenarz obliterated the old CRs, the men's race winners typically covered the sprint course in 56-57 minutes and the fastest woman went 1:06-1:07. Neither Payne nor Lenarz are on this year's start list. PREDICTION: 2009 Tri Minnesota Series champs Steve Sander and Brooke Larsen will win the race. Steve's time could flirt with Payne's CR; we suspect he'll pop a very respectable 54 or 55. Larsen's bike split will need to improve dramatically if she is going to challenge Lenarz's '09 time. We suspect she'll win with a 1:06 and change. Brooke should be one to watch this season. There may be room for her on Team Minnesota at season's end if she plays her cards right.

Forecast for Alexandria on May 1: Hi - 65, Low - 45; 30% chance of rain.

MSU TRIATHLON RESULTS

2010-04-30T12:48:00.000-05:00

MSU Triathlon 2010
Name	Type	Total Time	Run Split	Bike Split	Swim Split

Schalk, Neil	Male Student	1:19:03	0:25:00	0:40:43	0:13:20
Cullen, Mike	Male Student	1:19:40	0:28:02	0:40:30	0:11:08
Johansson, Sven	Male Student	1:20:40	0:30:20	0:40:30	0:10:55
Felt, Dan	Male Student	1:23:53	0:29:57	0:44:43	0:09:13
Crocker, Chris	Male Nonstudent	1:26:53	0:27:17	0:43:58	0:15:38
Friedman, LeMair	Team	1:27:17	0:24:37	0:47:40	0:15:00
Steinberg, Terence	Male Student	1:27:57	0:28:22	0:46:18	0:13:17
Oman, Nik	Male Student	1:28:28	0:28:26	0:46:34	0:13:28
Busch, Rachel	Female Student	1:30:20	0:32:20	0:48:10	0:09:50
Busch, Wade	Male Nonstudent	1:30:37	0:31:22	0:46:55	0:12:20
Kemp, Craig	Male Nonstudent	1:32:09	0:30:20	0:46:37	0:15:12
Sehe, Jim	Male Nonstudent	1:32:09	0:30:16	0:49:02	0:12:51
Bangert, Christian	Male Student	1:32:30	0:28:52	0:52:25	0:11:13
Essler, Desiree	Female Nonstudent	1:32:46	0:22:38	0:54:10	0:15:58
Roberts, Ethan	Male Student	1:33:00	0:26:37	0:50:43	0:15:40
Nack, Jim	Male Nonstudent	1:33:38	0:31:43	0:49:24	0:12:31
McGahey, Peter	Male Nonstudent	1:34:05	0:29:48	0:51:24	0:12:53
Fausch, Ryan	Male Nonstudent	1:35:39	0:29:17	0:49:09	0:17:03
Cossalter, Garvey	Team	1:37:26	0:29:32	0:51:46	0:16:08
Jones, Brian	Male Nonstudent	1:39:29	0:29:14	0:53:36	0:16:39
Rome, Teresa	Female Nonstudent	1:39:37	0:31:57	0:54:25	0:13:15
Kaler, Dan	Male Student	1:39:56	0:32:37	0:53:29	0:13:50
Boegel, Neal	Male Student	1:40:17	0:30:19	0:57:20	0:12:38
Yard, Chris	Male Nonstudent	1:41:43	0:33:45	0:51:23	0:16:35
Frederick, Chris	Male Student	1:44:37	0:30:49	0:53:47	0:20:01
Kemp, Kathryn	Female Student	1:45:39	0:37:29	0:53:23	0:14:47
Colby, Gagnon, Sweeny	Team	1:45:54	0:24:22	1:02:58	0:18:34
Griep, Katie	Female Nonstudent	1:46:56	0:33:50	0:58:08	0:14:58
Julian, Brett	Male Nonstudent	1:49:58	0:29:08	1:06:33	0:14:17
Bauer, Andrew	Male Nonstudent	1:50:08	0:38:13	1:06:33	0:11:22
Prescher, Chris	Male Nonstudent	1:50:14	0:41:16	0:48:25	0:20:33
McCarty, Ahlstrom, Veldkamp	Team	1:51:27	0:38:01	0:58:08	0:15:18
Cooper, Gina	Female Nonstudent	1:51:47	missed you!!		0:17:40
Ingenthron, Cody	Male Student	1:51:47	0:33:35	0:59:09	0:18:43
Johnson, Amy	Female Student	1:51:48	0:38:58	1:00:02	0:12:48
Zick, Courtney	Female Nonstudent	1:53:26	0:39:17	0:57:44	0:16:25
Glaser, Jared	Male Student	1:57:56	0:33:16	1:06:07	0:18:33
Cooney, Amy	Female Nonstudent	1:58:03	0:33:51	1:06:30	0:17:42
Dobratz, Paul	Male Nonstudent	1:59:03	0:41:48	0:54:28	0:23:09
Wallace, Samie	Female Student	2:00:42	0:37:02	1:03:38	0:20:02
Grant, Callie	Female Student	2:01:42	0:31:54	1:09:33	0:20:15
Crocker, Shari	Female Nonstudent	2:03:29	0:49:44	0:58:22	0:15:23
McGahey, Dawn	Female Nonstudent	2:05:31	0:40:21	1:08:05	0:17:05
Bowman, Emily	Female Student	2:11:48	0:38:37	1:14:57	0:18:14
Vail, Stephanie	Female Student	2:11:57	0:38:51	1:21:57	0:11:09
Schlangen, Brittany	Female Student	2:15:26	0:39:17	1:16:06	0:20:03
Stelken, Katrina	Female Student	2:15:26	0:39:17	1:16:06	0:19:09
Larson, Brittany	Female Student	2:21:54	0:35:25	1:27:57	0:18:32
Prescher, Kay	Female Nonstudent	2:28:22	0:53:00	1:15:02	0:19:59
Weir, Good, Ramberg	Team	flat tire	0:22:17	DNF	0:13:48

MSU TRIATHLON - LADY GAGA & LITTLE DEBBIES...

2010-04-29T18:24:00.003-05:00

Via E-mail, MSU Intramural Triathlon's exuberant Director Jennifer Myers tells us about her 6-year old resurrected event. Sunday's race is full.

Dear MTN Readers,

Our triathlon is a great first timer triathlon! Every year I get a range of people; some bike at 25 miles per hour and some ride their brother’s old Huffy mountain bike with the tires only aired up halfway. I advertise this as a low key event because the race itself is low key as well. We use a stopwatch (no fancy chip timing here!), the finish line is marked off by a few cones, and the swag bags leave a bit to be desired. However, people love competing because of the challenge of the course – two big hills to tackle – the feeling of camaraderie with other first-timers and the great music at the finish (including the theme from St. Elmo’s Fire and Lady Gaga this year!).

We aren’t fancy. We give out the same shirt every year, just a different color. Our refreshments aren’t healthy… fruit snacks, Little Debbies and freezepops… but people come back because of the enthusiasm of the volunteers.

The men’s, women’s and team champions are crowned “MSU Intramural Champions”. There are no ribbons or medals, but we do have a raffle for some sweet prizes like a free VO2 max test, bike gear and old school triathlon shirts. When the weather is nice, finishers will lounge on the grass and cheer on the other competitors.Our race is limited to 60 people since we swim in the pool. The youngest competitor this year is 19 years old and the oldest is 53. We have dads and daughters competing. We have people from the swim team, the track team and our own MSU Triathlon Club competing. 75% of our participants are MSU students or staff, but we always welcome Mankato residents and people from all over Minnesota. We have a few competitors from Macalester College in St. Paul making their way down.

Thoughts have been tossed around about a potential end of the season triathlon on the same course – that way participants could compare their times in May (this might be the first of the season for lots of them) with their times in September. If that’s the case, watch our website.

Mankato offers lots of the recreation enthusiast. We have bicycle trails on all sides of town. The Red Jacket Trail trail takes you south of town to Rapidan and the Rapidan Dam, where you can enjoy a piece of pie at the Dam Store. Of course you then have to bike back to your car after the pie!

Mankato features all the eateries that you see in larger cities. We have a Chipotle, Noodles and Cold Stone right next to the university and finish line. People looking for a greasy, yet delicious, breakfast after the race should head to the Wagon Wheel.

Need some caffeine for the drive home? Try the Coffee Hag.

Mankato also has parks along the river which are perfect for a picnic or a game of Frisbee golf. (Land of Memories or Sibley Park – Sibley has a small zoo!)

Jennifer Myers
Fitness & Wellness Coordinator
Campus Recreation Department

Editor: Best wishes for a great event, Jennifer! More races should offer Little Debbies!

FALLS DU PREVIEW...GREAT VENUE & COFFEE, TOO...

2010-04-28T21:11:00.002-05:00

The 2nd annual Falls Duathlon will be contested on Saturday (May 1) at Cannon Falls' beauteous Hannah's Bend Park. Sign-ups have significantly surpassed last year's and registration will remain open until shortly before race time. Weather should be accommodating with morning temps around 60 degrees. Yes, there's a small chance of rain (30%) statewide this weekend, but let's assume that we won't see any wet stuff until later in the day, if at all.

Jesse Nelson's course record on this scenic 2 mile-14 mile-3 mile route is a solid 1:04:57. Winner of five races in '09, Nelson is hoping to kick off his 2010 season with a successful defense at Falls. Expect him to better his CR, though it may not be enough to win the race. On paper, the man to beat is Chad Millner, who has long been one of Minnesota's premier run-bike-runners. Via e-mail, Chad outlined his strategy for Saturday and his plans for 2010:

".....Goals: I'm taking a year off from swimming to concentrate on getting my run back to where it was in my college days. Not there yet but getting better. So my goal at Falls Du is to have a solid first run, strong bike and really work the second run. My second runs have been slower than others hence the focus on that.

"I'm doing the Falls Du, Oakdale, GearWest, Apple, Mpls, and maybe the fall duathlons also. Also doing some off road mtn bike races such as Ragnarok 105 (a couple weeks ago in Red Wing) and the Dirty Benjamin (gravel road race / ride out of Chaska in June)." - CM

If Chad shows any sign of weakness on Saturday, Jesse will pounce on the opportunity. PREDICTION: Historically, both Chad and Jesse are fast starters, i.e. they race well in the early season. Both men will be fast in Cannon Falls, each breaking 1:04. Chad should win with a finish time in the 1:03:40 range.

For the women, Canadian transplant Diane Hankee, winner of three races in 2009, two of them dus, should rip Gracia Folkeringa's soft CR, which is 1:19:42. Diane should finish approximately 10 minutes after the male winner, which would take the old mark down by 6-7 minutes. Rochester's Johanna Hall will keep Hankee honest and break 1:15 in the process. Hall, a decorated nordic skier, won two multis in 2009.

Hankee just missed landing a spot on Team Minnesota last season, placing 12th in the polling. We expect her to make the Team this year.

There's lots a great things to say about this event. Great venue. Produced by Final Stretch, etc. Add to this the fact that the Burly Coffee Company in downtown Cannon Falls (1108 5th Street) is one of the best coffee shops you'll find anywhere. And that includes Seattle! In the post-race mood for great food and a world class latte, cappuccino or dark roast (etc.), we wholeheartedly recommend Burly.

MAJOR UPDATE: We have a new favorite in the women's contest. We have just learned that national class multisporter Julie Hull, winner in '09 at Oakdale, Treadman and most significantly, Iron Girl, has registered. If Hull, who ranked #2 on Team Minnesota in 2008, is fit, she should pop a 1:11-1:12 this weekend.

UPDATE: Super Mario Minelli sent us the following astute observations:

"I read the Falls Du post, but might have to disagree with one thing: the winning time could be a bit longer than last years, rather than faster, only because of the bike course. Last year we had some cross winds on the bike, but it wasn't too bad. The bike course is an out-n-back that goes north 7 miles, then back 7. Tomorrow, on the bike, we're going to be greeted by 20+ mph winds from the SW. We may be able to take advantage of that on the way out, but not sure how much time can be made-up before hand. We'll see.

I do agree that Burly Coffee is a great place!

`Take Care... MM

Good stuff! Thanks, Mario. - Ed.

COMING.....

2010-04-28T14:31:00.000-05:00

(Photo: Jeremy & Jennie Sartain's beautiful brand new son, "Iron" Kai.)

COMING ON THURSDAY:

*Falls Duathlon Preview

COMING ON FRIDAY:

* Chain of Lakes Preview

LIBERTY ALMOST FULL...

2010-04-28T08:13:00.002-05:00

As of today - April 28 - only 35 slots remain for the 6th annual Liberty Triathlons (Olympic & Half Iron). Act quickly to assure your spot on the starting line of this great event. WEBSITE

Once the event has filled, a waiting list will be started.

MORE ALCATRAZ STUFF...

2010-04-27T21:01:00.002-05:00

(photos: R - DKT transitions at Apple. Lower R - Laura riding like a banshee.)

ALCATRAZ ACCOMPLICES: DKT & Laura Sampsell Hoffman

* Part III of Escape From Alcatraz

Coverage

By Darin Wieneke

Over the 29 years that Alcatraz was operated as a federal penitentiary, 36 men were involved in 14 separate unsuccessful escape attempts. One unsuccessful escape attempt was made by John Bayless while on garbage duty on September 14, 1941. While hedid make it into San Francisco Bay on that day, he gave up shortly thereafter due to the cold water.

As MTN does not want any of the brave Minnesotans competing at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon to be unsuccessful or give up, MTN has enlisted the assistance of Escape From Alcatraz veterans David Thompson (2nd Overall in 2009) and Laura Sampsell Hoffman to answer some questions from first-time Escape artists Gabbe Keller, Jen Martone, David Swanson and myself.

Darin Wieneke (tie guy): Any advice on sighting and dealing with the current when swimming?

DKT: Go to the pre-race meeting. They normally give the forecasted current and advice from a local swimmer who's done the swim hundreds of times. They will also point out the various landmarks to sight off: Fort Mason warehouses, Twin Peaks, Exploratorium's Golden Dome, and the Marina.

Laura: Listen to Mr. Oakes at the pre race briefing on the sighting if you do this you will have no problem. The day before the race I went down to the waterfront and jumped in for a quick swim just to get a taste for what the bay had to offer. It's cold but if you have a good wetsuit, a silicone swim cap, a skull cap, ear plugs and then the race swim cap you will be good to go after the initial shock. (One more piece of advice when you jump off the ferry boat, hold your hands on your goggles so they don't get ripped of your face when everyone jumps on you!)

Gabby Keller (transition girl): Do you have any advice in regard to the long transition run between the swim and bike?

DKT: The run for the swim exit to transition is about 600 meters on rough

asphalt. Usually, I usually run the distance bare foot. My feet are usually numb from the cold water, and I have callused feet. There is an option to put a pair of shoes at the swim exit. You can also take your wetsuit off at the swim exit and put it in the same bag if you like. Bags are laid out according to race number. From what I can recall, most of the male pros run bare foot with the wetsuit on, and most of the female pros take the wetsuit off and put shoes on.

Laura: I highly suggest using running shoe instead of bare feet. When you come out of the water look left and you will see all the bags. When I raced this course three years ago, I had no problems locating my shoes. Write your name and phone on the inside of your wetsuit if you haven't already just in case your transition bag rips when you are putting your wetsuit and swim gear in the bag.

David Swanson (sun glasses guy): Would you recommend riding a road or triathlon bike based upon the hills and other road conditions at Escape?

DKT: You should ride the bike you feel most comfortable with. For me, I am comfortable handling my triathlon bike on the terrain, so that is what I use as it is my fastest option.

Jen Martone (blond lady): Any advice on the San Francisco down hills and hairpin turns? I don’t want to end up in the emergency room.

DKT: If you haven't done the course, I would preview the course by bike or car. Weather condition can be very different between the ocean side and the bay side of San Francisco. The ocean side can be slick from fog, so it's best to not over inflate your tires. I use a tire pressure from 100 to 120 psi.

Also, remember there is two way race traffic on the course, so keep you head up when you climbing. You don't what to weave into on coming traffic when you start to get tired.

Laura: I had the same fear of the downhill’s but getting out and riding a little on Friday afternoon really helped me to get more confident with the handling of the bike on the hills. I just asked some guys in my hotel lobby if I could ride with them for a little practice and it was the best thing I did all weekend. My fears really diminished after the practice ride and a little post ride happy hour (you got to have a little fun and it helped me get a good night's sleep). In the race, I just remembered to pump by breaks so they wouldn’t lock up and I really just took it easy down the hills. In my opinion, I just wanted to have a good race and finish and I knew if I fell that goal would not be accomplished.

Bonus Question: What is your advice in regard to climbing the sand stairs?

DKT: Find a rhythm. The sand stairs are exhausting and an odd distance between steps. I start off taking three steps at a time and then change to one step rhythm that's manageable the rest of the way. If you can find a rhythm you probably will make it without stopping or falling.

Laura: Just take it one step at a time. They make it out to be worst than it is and your guys are all in great shape so no worries!

TONY REMEMBERS THORPE...

2010-04-27T06:47:00.000-05:00

Tony Schiller comments on the life and passing of Thorpe Running.

MTN,

Hopefully, there's a silver lining in this news... as much as Thorpe wanted to experience the good things, I know that life was a daily struggle for him in so many ways. I don't know how long he might have been suffering in the end, but certainly, had it not been for the accident he'd still be out there racing and probably a lot like Bobby Powers in the years to come.

I remember getting the news of his accident from Daryl and Pam shortly after it happened. If memory serves, they told me at one of our first banquets, probably at the University Club. Perhaps the reason his accident hit me so emotionally was that I'd never made him more than a casual racing acquaintance. Though his fate had nothing to do with me, it stirred something in me that in all those years of seeing Thorpe at races, I'd never paused to truly visit with the man... to have the chance to say that I ran or rode with him. It made me think about all the people in our community that I knew, but didn't really know at all. Having been so consumed with trying to be "the guy" for so long, guys like Thorpe just became part of the backdrop... you saw them and were glad they were there, but hardly ever noticed and reflected on the greater value they brought.

That Thorpe was fast and successful was not lost on me. He seemed to always be on the podium for his age group. I was also aware of something else... that he'd always greeted me with a friendly, "Hi Tony, good luck today," wish, and also often shared words of appreciation for my performances. Upon hearing about his accident I realized that it was always one way... always Thorpe walking up to me, never the other way around. But now, if he could even survive the accident, he'd never again be able to do that simple gesture of being able to walk up and wish someone well before a race. Suddenly, that ability to wish someone well seemed more important than being able to win a race.

So news of his battle for life struck me in an emotional way and I felt compelled to return the favor by walking up to wish him well. Though my gesture was trite and trivial, Thorpe didn't see it that way. He was outwardly moved that I had made a special trip just to see him. He was out of the ICU but not nearly out of the woods as the complications from his neck down paralysis were literally mounting and making another day's survival a feat in itself. We spent a couple hours getting to know each other, especially sharing favorite racing stories. I worried that talk of racing would depress him but Thorpe said something to the effect of, "No, don't stop, all my racing will be in my mind now, so the stories are more important than ever."

There would be other visits, including one to his St. Cloud home where I saw his world-class LP record library and the amazing sound system that allowed him to play them. We sat looking across his prairie as the music cranked loudly. The Rolling Stones have never sounded so sweet. Thorpe and Chery's new home was impressive with all the technology needed for him to function and carry on. And despite the fact that his days were filled by a barrage of health challenges, he tried his best to give positive energy to each person who came to visit. But of course he missed racing immensely and told me that not a day goes by when he doesn't close his eyes and visualize himself walking out the door and running down the road.

His courage inspired me to create the Thorpe Running Inspirational Award in his honor as a way of remembering the lessons of his example, both before and after his accident. Now that he is gone, I think the award - given each year to one of our own who's shown strength and courage while going through their own difficult times - will have even more meaning.

Two of the many lessons from Thorpe's life I hope to never forget are...

1) never dwell in self pity when running into a harsh wind or when struggling to finish a difficult race - it is truly a blessing to get to choose to take the next step.

2) never take all those familiar faces we see at races for granted - before and after each race, reach out as the encourager to a new friend - it absolutely will make your day more meaningful and you never know when the gesture will change a life - maybe your own.

Tony

Tony Schiller
BreakAway Motivation
952-474-3278
e-mail: ts@tonyschiller.com

WOMEN'S TRI CLINIC STUFF...

2010-04-27T06:46:00.000-05:00

YWCA Your First Tri Clinic

If you are aiming for your first tri or could use a few more tips, the YWCA of Minneapolis Endurance Sports department is offering a FREE clinic, open to the community, to help you put your best tri foot forward. Find out what gear you need and or don't need, clothing recommendations, what to expect on race day, how to make the swim less daunting, how the transition area works, what are the rules, and anything else on your mind! Presentation/Q&A format.Presenters include:

Lydia Novotny (26) … 2009 champion of the YWCA Women’s Triathlon and 2008 runner-up for Minnesota’s Rookie of the Year award. (Facebook Photo: Lydia with Bowser.)

Toni St. Pierre (55) … Winner of the 55-59 year old age group at the 2009 YWCA Women’s Triathlon.

Paul Johnson (43) … YWCA Women’s Tri race director, certified USA Triathlon coach and race director, first tri in 1980

Location: YWCA of Minneapolis-Midtown (2121 E Lake St) … please bring picture ID

Time: Sunday, May 2, 1 - 2:30pm

For more information, contact Nicole Cueno, ncueno@ywcampls.org, 612-215-4203.