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This is an older post, but one that I will forever be thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving.

It started like any other race. I was excited just to be in great shape and test my abilities.  After setting up my transition area, I looked at the sky and saw heavy rain. I smiled and just watched as the rain soaked the bikes, shoes and just about anything that wasn't covered. I stood under a tree and just smiled. So many people panicked, but I just smiled and enjoyed it all. After about 15 minutes the skies cleared and the race was on. Note: I was prepared and always carry a big garbage bag with me in case this happens. My stuff was nice and dry once the race started.

After a good swim warmup, my age group was called. A new age group for me this year - the big 40. I looked at the guys and for the 1st time thought - I can beat these guys. I normally start up front to get off fast. The gun went off and I quickly was out front. Huh What? Where is everyone? I looked left. Nothing. Right. Nothing? Huh? What? I hit the first turn and saw nothing. Wow. Is this happening? It's not that big of a deal, but I have never been out front. I hit the 2nd turn. Still out front. I started to pass the groups in front of me, and finally saw a guy come up to the right. For a split moment I said, just let him go. NO. NO. NO. I picked up the pace and made sure that I came out 1st.

The bike started out ok. With my PowerTap, I was able to see my power. The problem with the sprint is you have to go so hard that your HR is high. I was not feeling the best, but I held on. I was not getting passed in mass like past years. I did count 4 guys pass me from my age group, but I was staying close. Wow. At mile 7 I was starting to get in a rhythm and staying at 90 cadence. It was a mental battle. Come on Stu. Stay with the guys. Say with them! Come on.

I was flying and feeling better until the sound we HATE to hear. Psssssssssssssssst!

Yep. Flat city. My day was done for the division race, but not for me. I changed the tire but noticed a big cut. I didn't think the tire would hold, but I tried. I rode another mile and got another flat. I was not surprised, but not all that happy either. My day was done. What do I do? Well, I figured I better start walking. I walked about 3 miles, trying to tell people "Nice Job", or "way to go." People felt bad for me, but I was actually enjoying all of this. Not sure why, but it was not that bad.

I hit the main road and found 2 older women and a boy about 16 years old getting in a van. I asked if they could drive me back to the start line. I got in the van and jumped in the back seat with the boy. After talked for a few minutes I found out he was mentally challenged. He told me how he had made it to Special Olympics Nationals in Iowa. He was so proud. He asked if I wanted to see the medal he won in power lifting. Our conversation went on and I felt like I was riding in the car with a super star. I promised him that I would tell all my friends that I met a Olympian. He smiled and told me to "go get 'em." Have you even seen a person that works so hard and never wants to take that medal off? Have you seen the pride? The passion? This kid had it all! He had 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and the best attitude!

I took my bike out of the car and just smiled. I put my bike together but thought that I had to finish the race. I told the guy at the start that I got a ride but wanted to finish. I asked if that was ok. He looked and at this point I was dead last in for the men. "Sure, go on." I looked at my tire and figured it was better for me to carry the bike so I didn't do any damage. I picked up the bike, put it on my shoulder and started to run. I was abut a mile from the transition area. I was running in bike shoes. Not the best thing, but I had to carry the "virtual" Olympic torch that my new friend gave to me while in the car. I just smiled and started to hear the crowd go crazy. I ran faster and decided that I could not let my new friend down. I had to keep running. I ran and carried my bike over the bike finish! The crowd erupted! I was already in dead last, but decided that I could not stop. I was the LAST male out of T2.

I ran hard and finally caught a few people. I finished the day swimming, biking, flatting, walking, riding in a car, running with a bike, and finally running. (I want to make it clear that I did ask an official if I could continue even though I had to take a ride in a car). Officially I had a DQ as I got in a car, but I really didn't have a choice. I do want to thank my new power lifting Olympian to show that sport is not about winning, it is about passion! I'm 100% sure that I had the best race of the day. No question about it. I met someone that would make even the last place finisher smile. I met an Olympian. I met pure magic. I just hope that one day, on your worst day, you too can meet him. I guarantee that he will make your day! He certainly made mine! 

 It is for meeting people like him that make me thankful!

Here is to a happy and healthy 2008 Thanksgiving!

I was trying to get my pictures organized, and came across this picture.  One of my favorites.  I was very happy to have this picture with the incredible Tyler Stewart and the awesome Melanie McQuaid.  This was taken a few years back in California by John Segesta.  If you want to see some wicked photographs, check out his website.  Prepare to be amazed!  Also, you have to check out the upcoming Racergirl Television. This is going to ROCK!  Can't wait to see what she comes up with.  Check Mel's RacerGirl TV Episode 1 here.

Race report.

The Twin Cities Marathon may be the end of the seaon for many, but for me, it was the kick-off to 2009.  After Steelhead, I kicked into gear, and started my training for Ironman 70.3 New Orleans.  My plan is to stay in shape and work on my weaknesses.  I also really want to take my running to the next level.  I thought Twin Cities would be a great place to start.  I was also looking forward to the first marathon with my "proven" nutrition strategy.

I was planning to drive to Minneapolis the Friday before the race, but got delayed in Madison.  My wife had been on travel, so I hated to leave right when she got back.  I stayed in Madison Friday night and left at 4:30am so I could meet my teammates Rob and Michelle at Hell's Kitchen by 9:30.  I made good time, and was only a few minutes late.  We met Scott from BMC, and had a great discussion about the 2009 season.   After breakfast (lasted until almost noon), I picked up my race packet and ate more food.  I also drank plenty to top off my tank.

The forecast looked OK, but I was prepared for anything.  I put out clothes for scenario 1, scenario 2, and scenario 3!  After a great night of sleep, I woke to rain.  Looks like it will be the scenario 2 outfit that consisted of shorts, Ironman Wigwam socks (love these), a long sleeve shirt, visor, vest, Garmin and my nutrition.  I was prepared for cold and wet.  I got my wish.  As for nutrition, I was wickedly excited to test my Ironman successful nutrition strategy. The key has been NUUN and Carbo Pro.  As I have said before, whatever works for YOU is the key.  The key is that I just cannot take pills (salt tabs) and without them I was never getting enough electrolytes. Gatorade makes me totally sick after about 2 hours, and so I was left with very little. I used my 1.5 NUUN tabs per bottle and went from 1.5 scoops of Carbo Pro to 1 scoop.  I find that on the run, I take in just a few fewer calories to keep my stomach in check.  

In order for me to carry this, and really the only down side, is I need to carry the mixture in a Camelbak.  It holds almost four full bike bottles.  I don't see many runners with them on, but I love it! After a mile, I forget it is on.  During a marathon, and in training, I can make it to about mile 19 before I run out.  That is a huge benefit as I don't need to stop at water stops, and my nutrition is in perfect sync.  I mix the bottles to make sure I get my perfect mix, and dump them in the Camelbak.

After stretching at the Dome (where the Vikings play), I went to the start line.  I somehow made a mistake and was about 10,900 of 11,000 runners.  It took me over 5 minutes to cross the start line. I could see people laughing at my Camelbak, but I was determined to see if my nutrition strategy was going to work.  In my past 10+ marathons, the last 10k has been miserable at best.  Time to see what happens.

So I start the race just trying to not fall over the people around me.  It took the first mile just to see the street below me.  My first mile was 9:40.  Nice!  Anyway, I was really only trying to run sub 4 for the day, and it was early in my season.  I watched the Garmin and knew that I could certainly run very easy and make 8:35 pace until mile 20. It was 20-26.2 I was not sure about this early in the year.  Mile 2-8 were perfect.  I was feeling like a nice jog in the park, only is was more like a jog in the pool as the rain was coming down hard.  I had predetermined I would walk for 3 minutes at mile 8.  It was early in the race, but had done it by accident in training, and it felt great.  All my miles from 2 - 8 where about 8:15.  Mile 9 was 9:50 with the walking.  I was back to running and felt incredible.  I had a 7:43,  7:50, 9:01 and the rest at about 8:15 until mile 18.  I had decided to walk 3 minutes again.  I was feeling awesome, but didn't mind the walk.  After that I got back and was preparing for the melt down. In all my races,  it didn't matter how I felt, it just happened. The WALL!  My NUUN and Carbo Pro were gone.  Bummer, but it got me to mile 20 feeling like a million dollars.  NO WALL!

At mile 20, I ran an 8:06.  What?  Huh?  Mile 21 was an 8:46.  Huh?  Where's the wall?  Mile 22 was a 9:06.  I walked for 2 minutes and decided after that I would give it all I had.  I was still feeling perfect.  Nothing hurt.  I was smiling and chatting with the crowd.  I thanked as many volunteers as I could and said "Good Morning" to at least 1000 people.  So at mile 23, I felt a tad tired, but I still felt nothing.  I felt a slight cramp from time to time, but said, not today and kept running. I didn't look at the Garmin, but the next day I saw I ran 24 = 8:46, 25 = 9:14 and 26 = 9:12.  I didn't feel like I slowed at all, but I must have.

I finished in 3:47.  Not too bad for my first run of the new season.  I'm completely convinced that my problem for all those years was not the work.  It was not the training, it was the nutrition.  Plain and simple.  I did not get the proper nutrition.  At the end I was well hydrated, felt great, and never hit much of anything during the race.  I cannot say enough about my NUUN / Carbo Pro combination.  I know I have to carry it, but it got me to mile 20 singing in the rain!  Literally!  Please remember that nutrition is so individual, but for me I finally get the right balance of electrolytes and calories. I walked out of that race wanting to do another.  That has never happened before!  I'm totally excited and already looking to run at least one marathon in 2009!  Now I know I can do it.  I can race and not feel like death at mile 20.  Now I know I can get my times down.  I can't wait for 2009!

*** Check out my picture gallery of Ironman Wisconsin here. Once you go to my picture site, click on Ironman Wisconsin 08 for almost 60 pictures! ***

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I’m a huge fan of Ironman Wisconsin, and really Ironman in general.  I love everything about it.  I love that it’s not something you can just “do.”  Just ask those that have done it.  It just gets in your blood.  I hear it all the time – let me give you the scenario:

Ironman Athlete after finishing -“I’ll never do another ironman.”

Ironman Athlete after taking a shower, eating some food and getting down some liquid – “I’m definitely going to do another Ironman one day. Maybe in a few years.”

Ironman Athlete the day after – “Heck yeah I’m going to do another ironman.   Next year!”

So there you have it.  Once you do one, you want to do another.  That is exactly how it is for me.  I love it.  While I was not doing the race this year, I wanted to be part of race day.  I wanted to follow someone every step of the way.  I wanted to feel part of the race.  I wanted to be part of the action.  As I have done in the past, I decided to follow and document a few of my favorite athletes.  This year was an easy choice.  I wanted follow my friend and teammate Michelle and new teammate JP.  I also wanted to follow a pro, and this year was an easy choice – Hillary Biscay.

To make things easier for Michelle’s family, I picked her up at 4:45am on race day.  I even recorded our conversation on the way to the starting line, that will make for interesting Podcasting.  Anyway, I sat with Michelle and got the same race day jitters.  It was sad for me in a way.  I would have given anything to be right next to my teammates racing.  I made a promise, however,  to myself and my family that I would hold off a few years on my Ironman racing.  Have no fear as I will race again.  As the time got closer I walked with Michelle down to the start and wished her well.  After wishing Michelle well, I turned and saw Hillary.  As with Michelle, I wished her a good day!  She was walking alone to the swim start.  It seemed late to me, so I imagine she likes to get in the water close to the start.  I guess you can’t blame her as she is a complete rock star in the water.

I watched the swim start and about 15 minutes.  After that it was time for my Ironman spectator journey.  I knew Hillary would be out of the water up front, so I went to the road underpass to see her for the first time.  It didn’t take long until I saw her fly past me.  I screamed some craziness at her and I’m sure she thought I was some crazy Ironman freak.  I guess she was right!

After seeing a few men and Hillary, I had plans to see the lead group about mile 7 of the bike.  Unfortunately, Hillary and the boys were too fast.  I had to leapfrog the group and find a nice steep hill. As it turned out, I had a perfect vantage point and awesome spot for pictures.  

The men started to come past and I finally saw Hillary.  She looked great and I screamed again and again.  She looked a bit puzzled, so I said “It’s me – Stu.”  She smiled and said “Hey Stu!!!”  I felt a bit better as I had interviewed her awhile back, and had E-Mailed her a few times wishing here well at the races.  This spot was so awesome that I decided to wait for JP and Michelle.  I was surprise to see JP only a few minutes past Hillary.  I again went nutty on the hill screaming and running along side him.  I did this at least 40 times until my buddy Michelle came up the hill.  To be honest, I wasn’t sure she was doing well.  I half smiled and she smiled widely, so I knew things were ok.  I repeated my craziness and ran as far as I could.  I was convinced that she was going to do well.

After each passing of Michelle, I had to report back on her blog, so I jumped in the car and drove around neighborhoods until I found a “public” WI-FI.  It was actually funny as I would drive until I found a signal, hoping it was “public.”  I made my update and rushed back to find my three peeps for the day.  I was lucky to find Hillary right away and went absolutely berserk when I saw her.  I was starting to worry for her.  I wanted her to win and didn’t know how she was feeling.  Anyway, after watching her fly past me at 28mph, I figured I needed a better spot.  I tried to return to the “perfect hill” but was unable to get back due to closed roads.  

I decided to head back to another steep hill later in the route.  I found the hill and started the yell and run routine.  I saw my buddy from Canada and ran all the way up the hill with him.  It was so nice to see Laird again. (BTW – you have to check out his time.  NICE!) Anyway, I did this about 10 times for those on the 1st lap and finally saw Hillary, JP and Michelle again.  I was now dripping wet from running up and down the hill so many times.  The group at the top of the hill kept laughing.  There was even a little girl that started to put “tick” marks every time I made it to the top.  My grand total?  48 times.  I think that was a PR.

It was time for me to find another “public” WIFI.  This time it took me a bit longer.  I finally found it at restaurant.  I bought some food and updated Michelle’s blog again.  It was now time to pick up the run.  I had my spot picked out for weeks.  I was right outside my office.  I had dreamed of this for weeks.  I know.  I even dream of Ironman when I’m not racing.  Anyway, It was approximately at mile 2/11/15/24.  It was also right at a turnaround so I was surrounded by people.  I saw Hillary right away and screamed.  I’m not sure if she could even hear what I was screaming as she was starting to have the perfect game face.  She didn’t look to be struggling at all.  I can remember yelling “Hey Hillary – this is it!  This is the day.  This is YOUR day. You belong! This is the day you win!!!”  

I knew JP and Michelle were a bit behind Hillary, so I decided to run over to watch Hillary on the lake path.  I ran over with my camera, saw Hillary and the lead pack twice and ran back just in time to see JP.  I couldn’t tell how Hillary was feeling, as her smile had gone away, and she looked totally focused.  Consistent.  Focused.  Ready to win.  JP on the other hand, had this huge smile, like the day was a walk in the park.  Alll day.  He wins the prize for the happiest athlete.   I cheered on the athletes that surrounded my small landing area.  It was the perfect spot too watch the race.  I was able to see Hillary, JP and Michelle at least 8  times on the run.  I was starting to get nervous for Hillary and Michelle.  Hillary had the lead all day, but could she hold it?  Michelle wanted to break 12 hours.  BOTH had the day in hand.  Both had control.  Both were about to find out how deep they could dig.  After screaming like a crazy man all day.  After worrying myself sick, I saw Hillary for the last time.  For the first time in my many sightings, Hillary was now in second.  At mile 24 I saw the bike turn the corner that said, 1st Place Female.  As was the case all day, I expected Hillary to appear.  This was not the case.  Instead Karin Gerber of Switzerland ran past. I was so sad. I was devastated that Hillary had come so close only to give it to Karin.  I looked to the ground and kicked the Gatorade bottle.  After a few seconds I looked up and saw the 2nd place female bike.  There she was - Hillary was about 50 yards down.  Karin did not look good, but Hillary looked so determined.  I screamed like never before.  I can’t even remember what I said, but when she ran past me I knew she would win.  No doubt.  I wanted so bad to see her finish, but I could not leave my teammates JP and Michelle.  I had a blast with Hillary, but I was loyal to my teammates. I gave one last scream and just had a feeling that Hillary would pass and win here first Ironman.  

I sat on the ground for a few minutes just thinking about how lucky Hillary,  JP and Michelle were.  They had health, family, and Ironman.  They had it all.  I was so proud of them.  I wanted to scream and run all the way in.  I saw JP pass me with a smile of all smiles.  He was an Ironman – and fast as well.

I decided that I couldn’t miss Michelle’s finish so I made my way to the finish line.  It was hard to find a spot, so I went to the athlete exit.  I watched the clock tick ever so close to the 12 hour mark.  All of the sudden, out of crowd of athletes, came Michelle.  She was smiling and looking like an Ironman.  For those that know Michelle, the next words out of her mouth will not surprise anyone.  It went something like this: “I'm not happy.  I know I can do better next time.”  She smiled as if to acknowledge what she had accomplished.  

We went to find Michelle’s family. As soon as I shook her husband Jack’s hand, I decided this was time for me to exit.  This was time for Michelle and her family. You will never see a family with more pride and tears.  She had the support.  Michelle was an Ironman, and her family was the Ironclad support!

I walked back to the car with a smile.  Hillary had won.  JP crushed it, and Michelle did the usual.  She exceeded her goal, while setting the bar ever higher.  All three made my day.  All three are the reason that I WILL do another Ironman.  Once my children are in college, Stu will be back.  For those wondering, my son is a high school freshman.  Four years until college.

Thank you Hillary for letting this crazyman scream his head off for you.  Thank you for having the courage to come back and take a victory that you so deserved.  Thank you for digging so deep those last two miles that you made me dream that in Ironman, you can NEVER give up.  Thank you for showing the world how tough you can be!  Thank you for inspiring me.

Thank you JP for the smile that made others smile.  Thank you for coming on the Evotri journey with us. Thank you for making Ironman look easy.  Thank you for making so many others smile when they saw you smile.  

Thank you Michelle for setting the bar higher and higher.  Thank you for showing the world that you can set a goal and that you can deliver.  Thank you for showing that with hard work you can exceed your wildest goals.  Thank you for showing the world how tough you are and how great of a teammate you can be.  Thank you for being a great friend.  And most of all, thank you for being the ultimate of all teammates.

The athletes are gone.  The bikes are packed.  The journey may be over for those that did the race in 2008, but the greatest thing about Ironman is yet to come.  Those people that finished can proudly walk over to the line of people waiting to start their own dream for 2009.  Where else in sport can you run with the pros?  Where else can you feel like an Olympian?  Where else can you tell people you plan to swim 2.4 miles, ride 112, and run a marathon?  Where else can Hillary do TWO Ironman races in seven days?  The answer is simple.  You can do it in the dreams of Ironman. Here at Ironman you can DO what others only dream about.

Until September 13th at 7am, 2009, thank you Ironman for letting me race with my friends for one day a year and dream about it the other 364.

I love Ironman.  I love the energy.  I love everything about Ironman.  There is a certain emptiness in the air when I watch and don't toe the line.  The only thing that gets my past that is my awesome Evotri teammates and friends. I have already taken many groups out to preview the route.  It is such a blast.  This is a picture of the group I took out last night.  From Texas to Canada - we had a blast. I love Canadians!!!  :) I plan to follow teammate Michelle all day and track her updates online.  You can check it out here.

It's official.  I've hit the 1000 (1166 to be exact) mile mark for my commute this year.  Can you believe that for my commute to work, I have only filled my car TWICE since June.  Here are the details:

- Seven weeks so far
- 1016 miles of biking
- 150 miles of running
- 2 tanks of gas
- 1 flat tire
- 1 extreme thunderstorm
- 1 day of 60 mph winds
- 3 days of rain
- 39 low temperature
- 92 high temperature
- 1:22 = slowest commute
- :54 = fastest commute
- 39 mph, fastest speed
- 1 big smile

Ten years ago, I did not know how to spell Leukemia.

Today, I think this is a work of Art. 

Details to follow.

I have partnered with Zipp to help with the new ZippCast Series.  I hope you enjoy the show about the new Sub9 Disc.   On the first new show I talk with Josh about the Sub9 as well as Ironman 70.3 World Champion Andy Potts.  You can listen to new shows every two weeks on www.Zipp.com.

I have been all over the United States this week.  Check this out...

1) Marquette, Michigan (almost Canada)
2) Chicago, Illinois (spent the night at the airport)
3) Tampa, Florida (-30 wind chill when I left Chicago, and 72 in Tampa)
4) Los Angeles, California
5) Madison, Wisconsin (Home again)

The SimplyStu Worldwide Triathlon details - Coming Soon, for now...:

1) I have a special Evotri team member joining me this year...Guess who?
2) Free T-Shirts for the kids again this year.  Thanks Coach Adam.

When I get back, I have some awesome guests:

1) Andy Potts, 70.3 World Champion
2) Chrissie Wellington Ironman World Champion (GREAT interview)
3) ???  One of my favorite past guests.  (Back by request) She rocks.

Thank you.

I can remember the night.  It was cold.  Sometime in late February.  1997. Ten years ago. It was about 2am.  I woke to my daughter moving around in her industrial hospital crib.  With numerous lines, it was easy to hear any movement she made.  After this long in the hospital, I knew what to do.  I could tell with unbelievable accuracy her core temperature.  As I went over to feel her head, it was as hot as it could be.  I went to get the thermometer, and remember the red line went to the very top in seconds and stopped.  Is that possible?  I got the electric one, after it hit 104, I dropped it and ran to the nurses station.  My favorite nurse (Kathy) looked at me and knew.  She ran with me to the room.  She had decided that we MUST get her temp down quick.  Her heart rate was well over 200.  First she gave her some meds.  Next, we had a basket that all her teddy bears had been in, so we decided to give her a cool bath on the hospital floor.  I can remember sitting with Kathy and Abby for hours as Abby splashed in this small tub. She was just able to sit, but not much more. I kept looking into her eyes.  She looked so sad.  Almost like, why can't you make me feel better dad?  She wasn't even one yet.  Kathy never left me that night.  We sat for almost 3 hours.  Finally the meds kicked in and her temp fell.  About 5am, I wrapped Abby in her favorite blanket (we actually had ten blankets as she would get sick from the Chemo so often that we needed backups).  I often would hold her in my arms and rock her in a chair for hours.  She was so at peace when I did this.  The nursing staff would laugh at me as I could rock her for 4 to 5 hours at a time.  

Nurse Kathy would do these things with me over and over.  Things always seemed to happen when the doctors were at home.  I had so much faith in her that it really didn't matter. She was the one (of many) that got our family and most importantly Abby, through this mess!  This last week, I called to Children's Cancer Center to try and find Kathy.  She has since retired.  

Since I could not do it face to face I wanted to thank her publicly as well as ALL the others at the University of Wisconsin for giving my family the best gift of all.  Life.  I would do anything to thank you all.  I would give anything to pay you back some how.  I know I could never give back what you all gave me.  

This year, the SimplyStu WorldWide Triathlon and Community Outreach will be a bit different. It will be a weekend of giving thanks.   I want to thank so many people. Not just those in the hospital, but those who have taught me how to live.  Those that have taught me how to be more healthy.  Those that have guided me through the maze of sport.  I plan, and I hope you join me, in celebrating life, sport and anyone and everyone that has guided you.  We are all so lucky to be healthy enough to participate in a sport.  Time to enjoy!

So I say it again - THANK YOU!

After a month of rest and relaxation, some needed quality time with my family, a temporary move, the final move, 600 rolls of sod, invisible fence training, unpacking, and just plain chaos… SimplyStu will be back November 1^st with season #3!  Time to get back to some training!  Hope to see you soon with new postings,  and of course all new shows. And yes, an Ironman Wisconsin recap will be part of the mix. Can't wait to see and talk to you all again!  -Stu 

This is going to be short. No long story. No long detail. This is just a very sincere thank you to all those that have supported me during this journey. My son. My wife. My daughter. My friends. My Team. So many I don't even know. Everyone that had a hand in this journey. I Thank You. I will have a better "thank you" after the Ironman. For now, I just wanted you all to know that I really do appreciate all the help and support you have giving me. I plan to give it my all. There may never be another Ironman for me. Life is so short and I plan to take in every ounce of this race. I have chills thinking about it. I will run this race. I will enjoy my health. I will enjoy life. I will do whatever it takes this year. I will do all that, but I will never take anything for granted!

I loved to play golf with my dad. It was a treat. It was a gift. I would get so excited when I actually got to play with him. He was so majestic. We were in Florida at the time, and I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was 13 or 14 at the time. The day just didn't go well. I remember hitting the ball like I had NEVER played before. I turned into a snotty kid. I did it all wrong. I think I even tossed my clubs. My dad, as I have written about many times, never said a word. He just watched. It got worse and I was just being a snot. I didn't even like myself. I remember that I shot 44. I was SOOOOOO mad. It was an easy course, and a 44 was just not good. I was soooooo mad.

After the first nine my dad let me have it. In the calmest of all voices he talked about life, about enjoying the game. It was as if he was saying - "Hey, you better enjoy each and every day you can play. You have talent. You have so much that others dream they had." He told me about a day, his worst day, when the same thing happened with his dad.

I stood on the 10th tee and was so sad that I let my dad down. Why did I do that! I can remember looking at my dad on the tee. He just looked at me, smiled, and i knew what I had to do. I had the best nine holes of golf I ever played. I shot 33. Front nine 44, back nine 33 for a 77. Yeah the 33 was cool, but when I walked off the 18th green, I can remember my dad walking over to me. He gave me a big hug, smiled, and said "Don't ever forget that. On your worst day, you have the power to bring it back."

I was thinking about this story when a friend of mine called me last night. I trained with him almost every day for the 2003 and 2005 Ironman. He has since had back problems that has made riding a bike almost impossible. When he called, he wanted to make it clear to me that this is a gift. He would give anything to be in my shoes. I think most people that do Ironman start to get emotional during these last 30 days. Some days I want the training to be over. I want to return to a normal life. Other days, I get so sad because I don't want it to end. The one thing that IS and always will be consistent is this - I will never take Ironman for granted.

The Ironman Wisconsin videos are now available in "Windows" format.  Many people have asked if I would convert them to a more friendly format so here you go.  Just click on the video you want to see:

Swim

Bike

Run

Here is what I did this last weekend. FELT GREAT after the ride! A far cry from the weekend before where I had maybe 5 bottles. Argggggg....

7 hours of riding with 13 Bottles of water each containing 1.5 tablets of NUUN and 1.5 scoops of Carbo Pro. With that in mind I got the following per hour:

NUUN:

Sodium (carbonates) 360.0 * 1.5 = 540 per bottle or 1080 per hour

Potassium (bicarbonate) 100.0 * 1.5 = 150 per bottle or 300 per hour

Calcium (carbonate) 12.5 * 1.5 = 18.75 per bottle or 37.5 per hour

Magnesium (sulfate 25.0 * 1.5 = 37.5 per bottle or 75 per hour

Vitamin C 37.5 * 1.5 = 56.25 per bottle or 112.5 per hour

Vitamin B2 500mcg *1.5 = 750 per bottle or 1500 per hour

Carbo Pro

Carbohydrates 28.35 g * 1.5 = 42.525 per bottle or 85.05 per hour

Calories 112 * 1.5 = 168 per bottle or 336 per hour

I also had 2 bananas and a few pretzels as well. What is your plan?

My wife says I have too many pairs of shoes? Huh? What?

We are close. Only 70ish days to Ironman. This is when the fun really begins. This is when the friendships are cemented. So many things yet to experience. You know why this is so great? When the dust settles, I know I will have a few special people waiting for me at the finish line. That is worth gold!

I was ready to race. A bit nervous, but ready to race. Than it happened. Coach Mike sent all the people doing the High Cliff triathlon an E-Mail that was straight to the point. “I want you to write a race plan for the triathlon.?

What? In the past he gave us a general outline. This time was different. We had to tell him the plan. Not just any plan, but a detailed plan for the race. This was difficult for me. This was the first time I actually put my race day on the line. Out in front of Coach Mike. I always think this makes you stick to it when things start happening on the actual day. So here it is. This is what I wrote to Coach Mike and the details that followed.

NOTE: So you can see the PLAN (P) that I gave Coach BEFORE the race, and the ACTUAL (A) of what happened during the race.

Friday night:

(P / A): Watch Ironman Kona. The “Blazeman? one. Life is good. Safety tabs off. (P / A): Pack. Write race plan. Relax.

Saturday.

(P / A): AM - Help move the house. Yes, I’m moving to a new house. Mow the lawn. Balance the checkbook. Recheck my packing. This should take until about Noon. I hope to leave for the race about that time.

(P / A): Noon - Drive to race site with an extra emphasis on hydration. - Once at site I will meet Tracy , Michelle and others. I will register, eat and get in a short ride to check out my bike. (P / A) I will take a short run and bike at race location if possible. (P / A) Try to relax and get a few good hours of sleep.

Sunday:

(P / A): I will wake and eat a bit more than in past races. Just like Wildflower. (P): Dress warm, relax, and get a good attitude. Believe in today’s race plan. (A): This was the first thing that did not go to plan. I was NOT 100% confident that I could pull the bike power that Coach Mike had suggested. My goal was to BELIEVE that I could do it. I did NOT believe, but I was at least going to trust the plan. (P / A): Get to race, lay out transition area early and stretch, relax, and ENJOY.

Swim:

(P / A) Relax. Enjoy. Get at 29 min. No faster, no slower. (Note: My official race time was 31, but you had to walk about 25 yards as the water was so shallow and run up a hill, so the swim time was actauly 29:48.

Bike:

(P / A): This is the focus of the day. I was going to “take the safety tabs off? even at the expense of the run. (P / A): First 30 min will be at 150 W with a cadence of 90+. My plan worked perfect. Even at the start where there was a HUGE hill, I just let everyone pass me and stay in my range. I felt horrible at the start of the bike. I was not sure I could even hold 140 watts. I was wondering what the heck was going on. I had to trust the plan, so I just stayed at 150 and 90 cadence. The plan was working. I started to feel much better after about 20 min. I think that is one of my keys. I need to keep my watts lower for about 20-30 min. It just helps me get in a rhythm without blowing my lungs.

(P / A): At 30 min, up the power to 160-170 for about an hour. 90+ cadence. Ok. I did NOT think I could do this. On race day, it was no problem. I was feeling great, and having no problem keeping the watts about 160+. This route was easy, but watts are watts, and I was pushing it. My average ended up to be 168. Yeeee Haaaaa!

(P / A): At 1.5 hours, move to 170+ W. This is when I have to believe. Make sure I do the last 1.5 hours at 170-180 W. Again 90+ Cadence. Again, I was having a great day on the bike. Good nutrition. The plan was perfect. Now was the test. I started to go above 170. I was now flying past people. I have NEVER had that happen. This was something new for me. I was doing the passing. I had about 10 people that I passed say the same thing – “Nice bike man.? At one point around mile 40, I looked to see my average MPH. It was 19.6. Wait. 19.6? I can do this. I can make 20. I will tell you that I have NEVER averaged 20 mph in a race longer than a sprint. Ever! Today was going to be the day. I had a group of 3 pass me (no drafting) that rode together. In that past I would let them go. Not today. I wanted 20 mph. I wanted to call Coach Mike and tell him so I hung on. And you know what? It wasn’t that bad. I was starting to believe for the first time on a bike that I belong here. I belong with these guys. I ended my last 1.5 with an average wattage of 171 with an overall average speed for the 56 miles of 20! Double yeeee haaaa! My work all Winter on the bike finally paid off.

Run:

(P / A): Smile, and think how excited I am to call Coach Mike about my bike ride today. I did not think I could ever average over 165W on a bike ride and I just did. My plan and actual to this point were spot on.

- Ok.... The run. (P / A): Try so hard and to get that heart rate down to about 145 (140 ever better) for the first 4 miles at 145 max. Well….this was hard as the first mile of the run was straight up a hill. So I did my best to get the heart rate down. I did NOT feel good at all, but I got my HR down. I was running at a good pace, but did not feel as good as Wildflower on the run.

(P / A): Next 4 miles at 140-150. My plan and actual were spot on, but I was not running as fast as I could at that HR. My planned HR was on, but the pace was way slow. It was not the legs, but the core. Not sure how to explain. I was just not going very fast.

(P) Last 5. Do it for yourself. You did it. 150 - 165. Time to take off the safety tabs. (A) This was really the first time in the day that my plan and actual did not match. I just did not have the legs or core to move faster. I was getting passed by everyone. Argggg. With 2 miles to go I looked at my watch and figured I needed to run 9 min pace to break 5:30. I picked it up and took the “safety tabs off.? I tried, I really did, but I just was not moving very fast. I did NOT in any way bonk. I just did not have “something? on that run. I still do not know what that something was.

Post race:

(P / A): Call Coach and tell him he was right and I really could do it. Yep, I did call Coach Mike and Bolder. I always think about them during a race. I do it for ME, but I can’t wait to tell them. As we all know, there is nothing worse than telling your buddies you had a bad race, so It is much easier to have a good race!

Closing thoughts:

All in all the race went great. In past years, I had always “peaked? the end of June and beginning of July. This year, I do not feel that way. I feel great about the bike, but need work on the swim and run.

My nutrition plan is solid, but I do think I might add some variety in the plan. I just get bored toward the end of ½ Ironman races, so I’m sure I will at Ironman as well. I have a few ideas that I will try at WIBA. After talking with Coach Mike total, he feels I was dehydrated and did not get enough nutrition. After telling him how I was feeling, he thinks that was the issue on the run. The plan is to rework a few things and test again at WIBA.

The swim will get better as I will add a few more long lake swims. The run will get better with Mikes help. I think he realizes I need work on my run as well. What is so exciting is that I feel like I can compete now. I hold my own on the swim. I hold my own on the bike, and now its time to put it together. I still need to work hard on nutrition. Fine tune for Ironman.

Tracy, Michelle and I made it to the race. We are all checked in and ready to roll. We plan to meet some friends and listen to Dick Hoyt speak tonight. Race day temps will be in the mid 80's. Results on Monday!

I have never been good taking the safety tabs off (thanks to my buddy Bold for this). My bike is ready, my coach believes in me. It's time for me to believe in me as well.

 

Bike Ready - Check!

Coach believes - Check!

Teammates believe - Check!

Stu believes - Time to find out! Check!

Bring on High Cliff 1/2 Ironman!

When I first got my BMC with the cool Zipp wheels and the incredible PowerTap, I was in love. It was new. It was cool. It was amazing. That was than, this is now.

1400 miles later, 3 flats, 2 batteries, 10 washes (1 by a friend, a team member), at least 35 tubes of NUUN, 2 new team kits, and countless hours on the saddle - I'm still in love, but not in the same way. Let me explain.

Have you ever seen a guy walk to his garage, open it up to show his vintage Corvette? Have you seen the passion? You may not see the sweat, the tears, the love, but you do see a car. It has been well used, it becomes a part of you.

That is exactly how I feel about my bike. It is a part of me now. Picture the joy on the guys face showing you his Corvette. Now think of me next to my bike. The tears, the sweat, the love is the same. The only difference is that mine only moves forward with the daily work and daily deposits I have put into Ironman training!

I look forword to Ironman Wisconsin with you and all my team members and buddies!

It started like any other race. I was excited just to be in great shape and test my abilities just 3 days after my last sprint Aquathon race. After setting up my transition area, I looked at the sky and saw heavy rain. I smiled and just watched as the rain soaked the bikes, shoes and just about anything that wasn't covered. I stood under a tree and just smiled. So many people panicked, but I just smiled and enjoyed it all. After about 15 minutes the skies cleared and the race was on. Note: I was prepared and always carry a big garbage bag with me in case this happens. My stuff was nice and dry once the race started.

After a good swim warmup, my age group was called. A new age group for me this year - the big 40. I looked at the guys and for the 1st time thought - I can beat these guys. I normally start up front to get off fast. The gun went off and I quickly was out front. Huh What? Where is everyone? I looked left. Nothing. Right. Nothing? Huh? What? I hit the first turn and saw nothing. Wow. Is this happening? It's not that big of a deal, but I have never been out front - even if this is just with the 40 year olds. So I hit the 2nd turn. Still out front. In the past I would have started to get tired, but with Coach Mike's help, I'm in better shape and not hitting the wall in the swim. I started to pass the groups in front of me, and finally saw a guy come up to the right. For a spilt moment I said, just let him go. NO. NO. NO. I picked up the pace and made sure that I could look Coach Mike in the face and tell him I gave it my all. I was out 1st.

The bike started out ok. With my PowerTap, I was able to see my power. The problem with the sprint is you have to go so hard that your HR is high. I was not feeling the best, but I held on. I was not getting passed in mass like past years. I did count 4 guys pass me from my age group, but I was staying close. Wow. At mile 7 I was starting to get in a rhythm and staying at 90 cadence. It was a mental battle. Come on Stu. Stay with the guys. Say with them! Come on.

I was flying and feeling better until the sound we HATE to hear. Psssssssssssssssst!

Yep. Flat city. My day was done for the division race, but not for me. I changed the tire but noticed a big cut. I didn't think the tire would hold, but I tried. I rode another mile and got another flat. I was not surprised, but not all that happy either. My day was done. What do I do? Well, I figured I better start walking. I walked about 3 miles, trying to tell people "Nice Job", or "way to go." People felt bad for me, but I was actually enjoying all of this. Not sure why, but it was not that bad.

I hit the main road and found 2 older women and a boy about 16 years old getting in a van. I asked if they could drive me back to the start line. I got in the van and jumped in the back seat with the boy. After talked for a few minutes I found out he was mentally challenged. He told me how he had made it to Special Olympics Nationals in Iowa. He was so proud. He asked if I wanted to see the medal he won in power lifting. Our conversation went on and I felt like I was riding in the car with a super star. I promised him that I would tell all my friends that I met a Olympian. He smiled and told me to "go get 'em." Have you even seen a person that works so hard and never wants to take that medal off? Have you seen the pride? The passion? This kid had it all! He had 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and the best attitude!

I took my bike out of the car and just smiled. I put my bike together but thought that I had to finish the race. I told the guy at the start that I got a ride but wanted to finish. I asked if that was ok. He looked and at this point I was dead last in for the men. "Sure, go on." I looked at my tire and figured it was better for me to carry the bike so I didn't do any damage. I picked up the bike, put it on my shoulder and started to run. I was abut a mile from the transition area. I was running in bike shoes. Not the best thing, but I had to carry the "virtual" Olympic torch that my new friend gave to me while in the car. I just smiled and started to hear the crowd go crazy. I ran faster and decided that I could not let my new friend down. I had to keep running. I ran and carried my bike over the bike finish! The crowd erupted! I was already in dead last, but decided that I could not stop. I was the LAST male out of T2.

I ran hard and finally caught a few people. I finished the day swimming, biking, flatting, walking, riding in a car, running with a bike, and finally running. (I want to make it clear that I did ask an official if I could continue even though I had to take a ride in a car). Officially I had a DQ as I got in a car, but I really didn't have a choice. I do want to thank my new power lifting Olympian to show that sport is not about winning, it is about passion! I'm 100% sure that I had the best race of the day. No question about it. I met someone that would make even the last place finisher smile. I met an Olympian. I met pure magic. I just hope that one day, on your worst day, you too can meet him. I guarantee that he will make your day! He certainly made mine! 

 

Stu and the gang from raceAthlete meet at the Zipp factory. Stu also introduces a new project with Jessi Stensland (race route previews). You will also hear a cool interview with Tim at Colorado Multisport.

OVERALL TRAINING: B

Good Points: More focused training. More consistent training.

Needs improvement: While a "good" point is consistent training, this is where I need the most improvement. Mental improvement at races. Ability to "push" during a race.

The following race report is a good way to sum up the 1st half of the season.

20 Mile Running Race - It was just a "C" race. Nothing more, nothing less!

I got up and ate a bit more than in the past. I did this at Wildflower and decided to do it again for my 20 mile Syttende Mai point to point race. I felt a bit better at the starting line again. I think a few more calories early before the race helps me feel better at the start. At the starting line I sat on the curb and thought about what Coach Mike said. "Stu, I want you to start out completely in Zone 1. The first 5 miles MUST be in that zone. This is a "C" race. Remember that. The next 5 would be a bit faster, the next 5 faster, and the last 5 hard. HUH? What? So, I'm to run a 20 mile race negative splitting each 5 miles? I have to tell you that this 20 miler is a very difficult, very hilly race. If you take out the massive one hill at Wildflower, this course was harder. Without it, I think they are about the same.

I started out at about 9min pace. It was actually hard to run that slow, and almost EVERY person passed me. I was laughing as I knew I would repass almost 95% of the people passing me. If I stuck with the plan, I would see all these people again. My goal was 45 min to mile 5. I was 1 second off, as I passed the 5 mile mark at 45:01.

Right on pace. I was in control and ready to pick it up a notch. I was going to drop to 8, but thought since the hills start about mile 5, it would be better to hold back to 8:30. I tried, and tried, but could not go that slow. I was hitting 8:19 pace for the next 5 miles. At mile 4.99 I stopped to go to the bathroom. It was a 2 min stop, so my pace looked slower for mile 5-10. Without the bathroom stop I was at 8:19 pace.

So here I was. I was using the same nutrition plan as Wildflower. To make it even easier, I put NUUN and Carbo Pro in a blender and mixed the powder together. I have these bottles that will mix with 2 bottles. I carry 2 of them in my pocket - and basically can carry my entire nutrition plan with me. Yes I do have to mix it, but I also get to skip many water stops as I have my own bottle. I really attribute part of this years success to the nutrition plan. I have to send a huge thank you to Bold for hitting me over the head early in the season with nutrition planning. Many people have asked about my plan. It is simple. I cannot do the "sugar" tasting stuff. For short races, not a problem, but after 2 hours, I just get sick of drinking Gatorade stuff. I can't get down GU or ANYTHING else - I have tried. Believe me when I say that I have tried it all. No problem for short races, but longer races do not do well for me and the sugary stuff. For whatever reason, NUUN just works for me. It might be the "fizz"? I'm not sure why, but it even allowed me to go to the bathroom. Yep - Nothing in the past has. Nothing. In ALL my marathons, or Ironmans, I NEVER went to the bathroom.  NOT GOOD. Like all things in sport, some things work for some, and not for others. The bottom line - this will be what I use at Ironman Wisconsin.

So back to the race. I'm here. Mile 10. I have 10 to go. I need to drop into the 7's. So, what I did was drop to about 7:40 pace. It was easy. I was in total control. I was waiting for the ball to drop. When this thought came into my mind I would "snap" the rubber band around my wrist. I know it sounds corny, but the interview with Dr Walker seems to work. Anytime I start to think negative thoughts I just snap the rubber band. It worked. Anyway, I was passing people like they were standing still. It is so much fun flying past people. We were still in the very hilly section so some people that started too fast were just in pain.

I get to mile 15. I had put the 3rd set of 5 miles into the lower 7 pace. Now what? The only way to get better was to get into the 6's. HUH? To be very honest, at the beginning of the day, I was hoping to be under 8's for the last 5. I kept thinking about Coach Mike. He really thinks I can do better than I do. When I started to drop into the 6's for pace, I thought about Mike smiling. I can just hear him saying 'Stu - this is what you can do. I never had any doubt.'

I finished strong at 6:58 pace for the last 5 miles. I was tempted to run another 6.2 to get in a marathon, but wasn't sure how to do that.

Now let's take a look at the rest of the grades for Stu:

BIKING: A

Good Points: More focused training. More time on the bike.

Needs improvement: Long rides. Endurance.

Here is all I need to say about my biking (FTP Power Numbers)

Nov 05: 167

Feb 19: 182

Apri 10: 195

May 20: 211

RUNNING: B-

Good Points: More balanced training

Needs improvement: Speed and endurance

I have focused on the bike so much this year that my run has not improved much. I know Coach Mike has a plan to get me up to speed the last 90+ days.

SWIMMING: B

Good Points: More pool time

Needs improvement: Endurance

A few weeks back I would say I have not done much improvement, BUT my last two shorter races I have a swim PR in both. In the last swim I even won my age bracket. That has NEVER happened. I still have a way to go, but the swim IS getting better!

Key to the last 90 days before Ironman Wisconsin? Follow the plan, have fun, be consistent, and prepare mentally!

See you in Wisconsin.

 

WOW - I cannot believe how many stories, photos, voicemails, and videos I got! I'm just blown away! I have so many to go over that I put out this show before the "results show." I will be away for 10 days with no E-Mail and no phone, but PLEASE keep them coming in! I will have a WorldWide Triathlon II show when I come back. I do have a new podcast for you! Wait until you hear the awesome advice from Dr. Walker. Bring on the runner bands. :) Also meet Jamie from Endurance House, and Jonathan talking about Ortho-Bionomy.

The SimplyStu Worldwide Triathlon II is open for registration. 

When: March 23-25, 2007

Distance: You pick it.  Just do it. 

Fee:  Come on...  100% FREE

T-Shirts: 1st 100 Kids get FREE T-Shirts.  Just E-Mail me your address and kids size. Other T-Shirts available via link on right side of this page.

Registration: Just send me an E-Mail at stu@simplystu.com with your name and location.  It is 100% Free. 

Results:   When you are done, send me pictures, VM, stories or video! 

Safety:  Have fun and always be safe! Since this is a non-sanctioned event you will need to be responsible for safety!  Enjoy, have fun, and be safe!

365: If this is your 1st triathlon, make sure you send me an E-Mail so I can add you to the Simply Stu 365 New Triathletes. You can also see the current listing with the link on the right side of the screen. My goal is to get ONE new Triathlete into the sport EACH day of 2007.  You can help.

So what is RaceAthlete.  What do you get by being a member?  What is it all about?

The idea started a long time again ago.  The idea was to see what it would be like for age groupers to "Train Like a Pro."  At the simplest of explanations that is what it is all about. But than the question is -  what about the others that do not get sponsored?  To that I answer with a story.

Several months before Ironman Wisconsin,  I met a young lady named Ironwil.  I did not know much about her.  She had a blog.  She had a podcast.  That's about all I did know. I started to E-Mail her and get to know her over the internet.  Over a few months, we talked more and more and I asked if I could follow her at the race.  Her husband and I followed her every move.  It was an amzing journey.  It was as if I was doing the race.  I felt pain, I felt happy, I felt all the emotions she put out that day.  

A few months later I got to know a guy named Greg.  He had a blog.  He seemed cool.  He seemed to have this triathlon thing worked out.  I had talked more and more to him over time.  A few days before the race I called his cell phone and left him a message.  It was a message of good luck.  I was really wishing I could be at his journey as I was with Ironwil.  At that time I did not have a cool new BMC bike or the sponsorship.  It was just a me.  Just me in my truest form.  It was just me "feeling part" of a journey.  It was just me feeling part of the Ironwil journey.  It was me feeling part of the Greg journey.

So now it is my turn. This year, I get to train.  I get to sweat.  I get to run.  I get finish.  I get to be the one (along with MANY others) that people follow.  I'm so excited.  It's not about the sponsorship as much as it is about the journey.  Last year I followed, dreamed, wished, hoped, and walked next to so many that raced.  This year I feel honored to have you help me out. I already feel it with Wildflower.  I feel it with the excitement of WIBA.  I dream daily about the journey.  I dream about a 5 hour ride followed by a run in the heat.  I dream about a 20 mile run.  I dream about the longest workout day of the year.  I dream about meeting new people.  I dream about "that day."  I dream about the start.  I dream about the finish.  I dream about being on the "other" side this year.  I love to watch people race.  I love to support people.  I love it all.  When all is said and done, what I love the most is to toe the line.   So for the next 9 months, I'm the one training right next to you.  You might be the one that watches the race, but I can promise you this.  Next year, I will not be doing Ironman Wisconsin.  I will not being doing an Ironman.  I will be back where I was last year.  I will be watching and supporting you. I will stand once again by your side. You know why? Loyalty.   I'm loyal becuase I believe in you.  I just hope you believe in me!  

So what do you get?  At its simplest form - you get to be part of a journey.  Come on, let's get going! It's Time.

 

Mal sent me this picture from Iraq! I can't believe that he took the time to take this for me. Check out the SimplyStu WorldWide Triathlon T-Shirt in the picture. He also sent me the picture below with the following E-Mail:

"Finally I get to wear my Simply Stu T shirt in a place for a bizarre picture, taken this morning in Ramadi IRAQ , as you can see the running surface sucks , either three inches of dust or pot holes made by tanks as in the background. Still never one to shir 'c' t a training run , managed a quick three miler in cold temps of the desert and in a war zone."

You can track his blog and read about the cool job Mal has in Iraq at http://point1of1percent.blogspot.com/

Welcome Tyler! Go to www.RaceAthlete.com for all the awesome details!

See the video I created for Belinda for an upcoming Ironman. (This is a larger file and will take a few min to load.) I promise to try and get an interview with her soon. She is just amazing amazing!

I also did one for Desiree Ficker. See her at the finish line at Kona 2006! WOW. This makes it all worth the effort!!!!!!

Meet the newest Race Athlete Michelle. She is just a Rock star and in fact listens to Bon Jovi, Nickelback, and the Goo Goo Dolls. How darn cool is that? Sneak Peak of the Belinda Video

This was Stu on the Epic run in the first snow storm of the year. This was so wild. Snow, rain, ice, and even some thunder! Also check out Steve's pic to Stu while in NYC. Also, Jay says HI to Stu while doing some SCUBA. The awesome Bree gives Stu a few YouTube videos. And finally, check out Victoria on her way to a great day for TNT. Thanks for all you do Victoria. All I can say is all SimplyStu listeners just ROCK the WORLD!

Ok, I'm not a big fan of autographs. Never have been. I not even a big fan of seeing famous people. To me, these people are just like you and me. I have see many famous people up close. I've been next to a president, been close to a movie set and for the most part it is just another day. With triathletes, however, all rules are off. I'm in awe of triathletes. I would rather meet Peter Reid, Joanna Zeiger, Jamie Cleveland, Heather Haviland, Heather Gollnick, Mel or Andrea Fisher (all of whom I have met face to face). This is strange right? I never really thought about it until a few days ago.

I was sitting at my computer and as I do with all my buddies, I like to send a VM or an E-Mail wishing them well at an upcoming race. I sent an E-Mail to Desiree Ficker wisher her well in Kona. I didn't think much of it, and did not get an E-Mail back from her right away. Once the race was over, I had a few friends that had taken pictures of her (thanks to Casey and Joe). I sent them on to Desiree with another note. Today, I got a note back from her and was just floored that she took the time to do this. You see, I have written Santa Clause many times when I was young and never got a reply. I wrote a few of my football stars and never got a reply. I know that my daughter once wrote Lance and never got a reply. I'm sure that if I wrote Brett Favre or some other stars that I would never get a reply either.

That is not true with triathletes. I have E-Mailed many Pro Triatheles wishing them well or asking questions and to date have received a reply from EVERY SINGLE one of them. Desiree is just amazing and this is what makes the sport of Triathlon so great. This is a sport that just ROCKS! People like Desiree, Peter, Mel, Jamie, Andrea, Heather, and countless others make me just love this sport. Try and E-Mail the guys from the NBA, NFL or NHL and see how many replies you get! So I take my hat off to Desiree. After taking a strong second in Kona, she quickly replied. I hope this sport never changes. Thank you Desiree for being the Rock Star!

Stu is a Triathlon geek! No questions asked...... Here is proof:

 

1) I actually stopped my run at the bottom of the hill, changed the song on my iPod to "Eye of a Tiger" and ran the hill.

 

2) I took a bigger suitcase on a business trip just to add my running / cycling clothes.

 

3) I went for a run DURING a Packer game (please do not tell anyone about this)

 

4) I ran to the mailbox for 3 straight days waiting for Triathlete Magazine and Inside Triathlon Magazine

 

5) I secretly pulled my old triathlon magazines out of the trash and put them into my car trunk (they now sit proudly in my office)

 

6) I will never put my triathlon clothes next to my regular clothes. This seems perfectly normal to me.

 

7) I recently went on a business trip and actually considered wearing my running shoes on the plane. This thought ended quickly as I took them off, and placed them safely in my bag. What came over me?

 

8) I admit that my most anticipated movie release in the last several months is "What it Takes."

 

9) My latest purchase at a sports store was SportWash.

 

10) 99% of my searches on the internet are Triathlon based.

 

At least I admit it! I love triathlon!!!!!

This podcast has all kinds of cool stuff. I talk about Ironman Wisconsin 2006. Also talk about the SimplyStu WorldWide Triathlon II. Do you want to meet Floyd Landis? How about meeting Peter Reid and other awesome pro Triathletes in sunny Temecula? Don't forget to check out IronWidow - the place for all those NOT doing triathlons.  And please check out RaceAthlete for all kinds of awesome articles and team information.  Remember, only a few days left to get your entry in for team sponsorship.

An article from the show today. 

Orange Jersey Women writes Stu: Was down at the Twin Cities Marathon this past Sunday - thought of you. I ran down in the morning to watch the course just a few blocks from my house. Wasn't really thinking of the timing or anything, just headed down when I woke up. Well, as fate would have it that day, I showed up just minutes before the sag wagon came rolling through. I saw the looks of disappointment and sadness as a couple people got on the bus. As you did on Ironman day, I wondered what their stories were. What really caught my eye were the 6 - 10 people that waved the bus away, some with smiles, and just kept running or walking. I wondered what their stories were, and I decided to just go ask them. I met Colleen, who had an entire picnic packed in her backpack as she came prepared, knowing it was going to be a long day ahead. There was Ben, a younger, overweight gentleman that was doing everything he could to keep going and seemed distracted just enough by my running with him to keep going. Then there was Mike. Mike earlier in the year had a doctor's appointment in which the doc said he had terrible cholesterol levels and blood pressure, on top of being extremely overweight and a smoker. He decided to take control of his life, quit smoking and placed a bet with his friends that he would finish a marathon. He wasn't very fast but I could tell he had that look in his eye that he was going to finish and nothing was going to stop him. Then there was Jerry. Jerry looked like a dirty Santa. He had a longer white beard that had seen better days. He had an old generic gray t-shirt with the sleeves ripped off. He had a Willie-Nelson-ish bandana on and what appeared to be old, worn out New Balance running shoes. He was one of the very last people still going and I asked if I could run with him for awhile. We chatted for a bit and then I asked him if this was his first marathon. He chuckled and said, "No. This is my 25th......Twin Cities Marathon (This was the 25th running of the race - so he's done every TCM!). I've also done Grandma's about 14 times, Arizona, Vegas,..." I was shocked. I told Jerry how impressive that was and how I felt privileged to be running next to him. We chatted a little longer and I could tell that he didn't need me. After picking up a runner and running them 1/4 - 1/2 mile, then running back to pick up the next runner, congratulating them for not getting on the bus and finding out their story, I told everyone I would meet them again down the road. I ran the couple miles home, changed into biking clothes, grabbed my commuter bike with my saddle bags and loaded them up with all the gu I had, water bottles, sunscreen, maps, etc. and sprinted out the door to catch my new friends. I don't think I've ever been so excited to go on a bike ride. I headed straight east to try to find them on West River Road. Once there, I started to get worried as I kept biking the course backwards and did not see any of "my people". I was very excited to see Mike coming around the corner. Out of water and looking a little tired, his face lit up a little when he saw me approaching. I offered him water and filled his water bottle. I then biked back up to the nearest water fountain to fill up on water, then back past Mike to find the others. I found Ben and gave him water, as well as Jerry. I also met several "new" people that had slowed down and had now mixed in with the originals I met. One of the new people was Jane, that came all the way from Arizona, geared up with her race belt and pace wrist band, and was plagued with stomach and digestive issues since 4am. Making stops at the bathroom every opportunity she had - she was having a really hard day. I was actually very impressed with how great she was doing physically considering it sounded like she couldn't keep any food down and every attempt she made to try to refuel, ended up in the bathroom. Jane and I hit it off right away and I ended up spending the next few hours biking amongst her, Mike, Jerry and a few others. A friend called Jane on her cell to make sure she was ok and her reply was "I'm ok - I have Bobbi my bike angel here with me" How sweet! It was a wonderful morning and afternoon of biking around the course cheering people on, filling them up with water, searching for more water, and refilling again. Considering they were all slower than the 6 hour cut off pace, the water stops were all down and gone by the time they got to them. They didn't even have course markers to know where to go - so I did my best to be there at major turns and intersections so they wouldn't get lost. Wow - I guess this is getting long. My point is that you inspired me. I have been volunteering or spectating at races for a long time - but you motivated me to step it up a notch. It was so perfect how it happened and how I arrived just before the bus came. I will remember this Twin Cities Marathon as much as I will remember last year when I ran it myself. It's going to be a tough decision to make between running the race myself, and helping next year's Jane's, Mike's and Jerry's cross the finish line.

So - I wanted to say thanks for sharing your story, for being a part of my Ironman journey, and for helping me be a part of other's marathon journeys.

As you may have figured out, I've been working on some VERY VERY cool stuff. I have been so busy that I have not put out a Podcast in a few weeks. Here is a sneak peak of what is coming over the next few weeks.

1) New Podcasts with Andrea Fisher and Jamie Cleveland.

2) A companion website JUST for your spouse. I hope to help those that are NOT doing but have to deal with our "triathlon" behavior. Have your significant other check back soon for details.

3) Details on Race Athlete. This is so darn cool.

4) The start of Stu's Ironman Wisconsin journey.

5) SimplyStu WorldWide Triathlon II details.

6) Powertap clinic with Peter Reid and Melanie McQuaid details.

I have to catch my breath after the most awesome Ironman Wisconsin ever. Ironwil gave so much and I will always remember her "Wil" to race! What a day.

-Stu

If you want to follow an Ironman in the making from start to finish check out www.throughth3wall.com. I hope to get audio, and text along the way on the journey with Ironwil from Get Your Geek On!

On the Monday before Ironman I anxiously away the barrels to come off the truck. After taking the kids to school I drive a different route just in case the barrels are starting to show up on the roads. As I drive I do not see anything. I was a bit depressed, but figured that Tuesday might be the lucky day. The entire day I dream of barrels. Tuesday comes and with the same results. This cannot be happening. Each of the last 5 years, I’ve seen the barrels come out on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

At lunch on Tuesday, I decided to ride out on the bike route in hopes I would see the barrels. As I started my ride, I had the swim route on my left. I was dreaming of the day when I would be racing in Ironman again. I know signup is only a few days away. As I dream of racing I look up and see the barrel truck. Yeeee Haaaa!

As cars passed by I did not see the excitement in the faces of the drivers. I looked at a few more drivers and saw nothing. What is going on? How could this be? I guess people do not get excited about this as much as I do. Oh well.

I get off my bike and watch as they unload one after another. This was the start of Ironman preparation. These guys were putting barrels out that would mark the first part of the route. This was so cool. This meant that I could officially start celebrating Ironman fever. I was so jazzed up. On the way home I could see the electronic sign go up that said “Ramp Closed from 6am to 6pm, Sept 10th.? How cool is that? Another piece to up the Ironman fever. I had my fill for the day.

On Wednesday I was lucky enough to meet and Interview Andera Fisher and Jamie Cleveland. Andrea is racing while Jamie is a spectator. After the barrel sightings and meeting Jamie and Andrea, I was just about to burst! Could things get any better?

Thursday night I was able to host a “Triathlon Training with Power? clinic with the AWESOME help of Scott from BMC, and all the folks at CycleOPS. I was hoping to have 50 people in total. We had 83! Wait. It gets better. Heather Haviland, Jamie Cleveland, and Allen Lim Phd did a wickedly cool presentation. They where all just super!

OK, so I’m not about ready to just self destruct as I had so much excitement! I needed to calm down. Everyone always tells me that. I get things from my training buddies like “Come on Stu, calm down,? or “Stu, this is not a race, slow down,? or “What the heck got into Stu today.? It really never changes. This is such a darn cool sport.

So what do I do to top the last 2 days? On Friday, I meet Ironwil and a bunch of others for a swim at the official race staring line. Wrong thing for me to do this since I was trying to calm down. There had to be 400 people just out for a nice easy swim. It was so awesome. WOW.

The word is out.  Come with us on this journey!!!! 

The start of a journey is often scary. It is often the hardest part. To say you want to do something is easy, but to put your plan into action is far different. The road may be clouded, the sky may be dark, but the journey is well worth it. Think of what you will feel like when you cross that line. 2007 is just around the corner - do you have a dream?

Do you have a dream to do a 5k? How about a Marathon? What about a sprint triathlon? Do you want to cross the line of an Ironman? If you have a dream, I promise I will walk with you each step of the way for the 2007 season!  As an added bonus, MANY other Podcasters and Bloggers are on the Team already!

Whatever your dream is, maybe its time to see it to the end. Yes you will need to do Ironman Wisconsin 2007 to win the complete package, BUT you can do ANY race, have ANY goal, and pick ANY journey to come with us. 

Check out the official Press Release:

 Official Press Release:

Be a Race Athlete in 2007
September 1, 2006
Boulder, Colorado

---Imagine being able to train and compete like a professional. Starting now, eight ordinary people will get extraordinary training, equipment and coaching to compete like a professional triathlete.

raceAthlete.com is proud to announce the formation of Team raceAthlete in conjunction with CycleOps Power, Zipp Speed Weaponry, BMC Bicycles, D3 Multisport and Descente Athletic Apparel. Eight lucky age group athletes will showcase the improvements that can be achieved through world class equipment and training resources. This will give select age groupers the opportunity to compete like seasoned professional triathletes.

The chosen athletes will get state-of-the-art PowerTap SL’s by CycleOps Power to help them train and monitor their progress with ultimate power and efficiency.

Swiss based BMC bicycles will provide them with proven bicycle technology—the same TTO2 Time Machine ridden at the Tour de France.

Zipp Speed Weaponry will provide world class speed and aerodynamic wheels and components. These are the same wheels ridden by champion triathletes like Peter Reid.

D3 Multisport will provide comprehensive coaching and training plans for the athletes to help them with expert advice and today’s most cutting edge training tools for peak performance.

Descente Athletic apparel will provide state of the art training and racing apparel to help propel the athletes to the winner’s circle.

Members of Team raceAthlete will compete in triathlon events all around the globe. Athletes will chronicle their journey from “ordinary to extraordinary? as they progress towards the ultimate Iron distance race! You can follow their progress on raceAthlete.com, as well as the athlete’s own popular endurance blogs and podcasts.

raceAthlete.com is a one-stop source that spotlights top endurance sports writers, bloggers, and podcasters—all in a networked community for aspiring race athletes!

CycleOps Powertaps are provided by the Wisconsin-based Saris Cycling Group. The Saris Cycling Group is Saris Cycle Racks and CycleOps Power.(www.cycleops.com)

Swiss based BMC (www.bmc-cycling.com) builds bikes with style, passion and precision. Innovative design features, rigorous testing, and a long history of working with the World’s best athletes have resulted in truly unique bicycles. BMC sets new standards and continues to push the design and performance envelope year after year.

Zipp (www.zipp.com) produces world class wheels that are tops in speed and aerodynamics. Zipp also provides unsurpassed component technology always on the cutting edge. Zipp builds the fastest wheels in the world as tested in Tour magazine, they were the first company to manufacture carbon cranks and the new vuka Aero bar already has a patent pending.

D3 Multisport (www.d3multisport.com) utilizes the most current research and training techniques and combines them with race proven strategies to create the best possible training programs for any athletes.

Axcent Sports (www.descenteathletic.com) was formed to license and distribute Descente Athletic apparel in the United States for the sports categories of Cycle, Run and Fitness, among others.

For further information on ‘Be a Race Athlete in 2007’, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit raceAthlete.com or contact Roman Mica (romanmica@gmail.com).

You can try all you want, but there are things in life that are impossible to explain unless you experience them first hand. Ironman is one of those. I have struggled both times in the past to finish. In 2003 I had emergency surgery just 17 days prior to the race. I was in bed for 7 days, and was unable to walk 10 feet just 7 days out. I was able to recover just enough to start and several hours later finish my 1st Ironman with a huge smile on my face. In 2005 I was in great shape, much better than in 2003, and I felt invincible. I was sure that I had figured out the race, and never thought twice. I made rookie mistakes. I took the race for granted. I took the heat for granted. After 90 miles on the bike in blistering 93 degree heat, I lost 11 pounds and had to stop. I made my children a promise that I would never get so bad that I went home in an ambulance. I was able to walk off under my own power. Do you know how hard it is to see you children and wife back at the transition area after dropping out? They both had bought Ironman necklaces' that day. They smiled as best they could and handed me the necklaces. I still have them to this day, and WILL wear them in 2007. When I cross the finish line, they will get them back, a few years late. I have never dropped out of any sporting event in my life. This has been on my mind every day since. I will be 40, and plan to do it right. I have the "ok" from the family, and I do not take this "ok" lightly. This is a huge sacrifice to have someone train for a year for this event.

I would love to have you join in this journey. Do you want to do it with me? You have only 5 weeks to think about it, as the race will fill fast. Don't take this decision lightly. This is a life changing decision. There are few things in life that compare to being called an Ironman! I was once an "Ironman" but feel I owe it to myself and the race to do it once more. Life is so short. Come on the journey. You will never regret it!

I will be following my progress on the Podcast, but would like to go one step further. I have some very special plans to include a few of you. Do you have a story to tell? Do you have a special Ironman journey for 2007? Let me know. You may be able to join Team Stu for 2007.

Learn from Darvin McBrayer, a Dallas-based exercise physiologist, who will give you a great starting point to learn about metobolic testing. Also get a first hand account of Team In Training from Brian from Plano Texas.

2006 RESULTS

You MUST look at www.Triscoop.com for the Simplystu Worldwide Triathlon] and The Simplystu Frappr page. There is a video on the Frappr page that is soooooo cool.

NOTE: I will NOT change the documents once I post them. I will just add new documents. If you already downloaded document 1, it will not change, just go to document 2.

Ok, these documents are HUGE as I added pictures and stories. You must read all the stories. WOW - Look at all the FIRST TIME TRIATHLETES! Look at all the kids that finished! Ok, and one guy did the entire thing in his hotel. We also have a few battles going on. We even had some shaved legs (on the guys). This is sooooo cool. Enjoy.

[1st Set of Results Document]

[2nd Set of Results Document]

[3rd Set of Results Document]

[4th Set of Results Document. Posted April 4th]

1st Annual SimplyStu Worldwide Triathlon. Listen as Stu does the race - Live!

Feel free to post comments here!!!!

Listen as the founder of Total Immersion talks about how the program was developed and founded. Also learn about triathlon transitions. Get advice from Jamie Cleveland and Jessi Stensland on transitions and week before race strategy.

Design Winners

CONGRATS to Joyce and Shirley for the AWESOME desgin. It was a rough choice, but this final design was to cool to pass up. This design will be on the back of the SimplyStu Worldwide Traithlon T-Shirts. Shirley and Joyce also designed a special logo to go on the front of the T-Shirts! Hope you all love the design as much as I do. Thanks to all that sent in designs.

Still time to sign up and join THE WORLD on this special day! Come be a part of history!!!

Race Details

Prizes: Come on, this is Stu, you know Stu-ie Swag will be abundant! Also, for those who register for the T-Shirt, you will be entered in a drawing for a free entry to a race! SimplyStu will sponsor you (up to 100$) for a race entry fee!!!!

When: March 25th and 26th

Why: (1) Will serve as a pre-season warm up race that will give newbies confidence & advanced Triathletes a good brick workout. (2) Do a world wide race the same day as people from all around the world. From Texas to Wisconsin and from Australia to South Africa. Join the triathlon community and enjoy a race with fellow Triathletes from around the world

Distance: ¼ mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 5k run

How?: Just complete the 3 events over the weekend. You can do them all together if you can, or separate them if you need to. Just make sure you complete them on March 25th and/or 26th. You can do them at your home, with a friend, or at the health club. Just get out and do it!

Results: You need to E-Mail me the results at simplystu@charter.net. I also want PICTUREs, AUDIO, and STORIES from the race.

Visit Cronometro for a professional bike fitting. Learn about preventing hot feet, numbness, knee problems, leg problems, back problems and just about everything else. Also learn about the 1st annual SimplyStu World Wide Triathlon.

Listen to the interview from the Trek World Headquarters as we talk about LeMond Triathlon bikes, wind tunnel testing, the Lance Armstrong connection, Bontrager wheels, and new super cool bike tubes. We also talk more about Andrea and Jamie's bike specs. Here are some pictures of my visit to Trek [Stu with Lance's Bike] [Lance's Bike Signature] [Wind Tunnel Software] [The strip that helps cut the wind] More Wind Tunnel Stuff [A closer look at the strip that cuts the wind] [Andrea's spec bike with no cool pink here] [Lance's TT Bike] Do you want a super big clear view of the above pictures? Once the picture shows on the screen change the "img" to "IMG" and the "jpg" to "JPG" this will give you a beigger and better view of all the pictures.

As promised, I talk about an internet training site. This is the first in a series of shows about different training sites. Today I talk with Annie from www.train2race.com. Also have listener reviews and feedback.

Thanks for everyone sending me stories, pictures, and just about everthing else. I have given away tons of stuff already, but since the demand has been so great, I'm getting more stuff because Stu's listeners are the best. You want more - YOU GOT IT! Here is the status of what is available for my SimplyStu listeners (remember, the better the story, the better your chances):

Dan Madson signed copy of Swim, Bike, Run, Laugh (New)
Gone --> Otterbox Case
Gone --> Small 4 bottle Fuelbelt
Fuelbelt Hats
Kickin Fuelbelt Visors (New)
Awesome Yankz Shoe Laces (New)

STU SWAG WINNERS:

SHOW #10
Wayne from Utah: Fuelbelt, and Fuelbelt Hat
Milam from MN: Fuelbelt, and Fuel Hat

SHOW #9
Scott from PA: Fuelbelt and Fuelbelt Hat
Trey from AR: Fuelbelt, Fuelbelt Hat, and Otterbox Case
Barb from WA: Fuelbelt, and Fuelbelt Hat