Summer Update

How is it that so many weeks can pass by before I have a moment to update here? Feel like I need a "web updater" who can keep my all my "networks" up to date - this blog, Facebook, Athlinks, Linked In (don't even think about Twitter or any of the others - too much!)

In any case plenty has been going on and some great things to come. Athletes doing a lot of great stuff, here are some highlights of what has happened since June 4th -

• 22 0f 22 MTC athletes racing at the Kansas 70.3 set PR's! I am sure the ideal weather had something to do with it but as the coach I am happy to take some credit as well. Of all the "rookies" I didn't see anyone cross the finish line that wasn't thrilled with their results. Special congratulations to Kelly D who was one of only three local athletes to pick up a slot at the World Championships in Clearwater after winning her Age Group.


• On the same day Jim D also set a huge PR at Eagleman 70.3.


• Tim O crushed his Ironman PR by over an hour and Mackenzie M successfully completed her first 140.6 at IM CDA. Congratulations to both.


• Maggie B set her Half PR @ the Rhode Island 70.3 and became the second MTC athlete to miss a Clearwater spot by 2 minutes (Sandy C had the same bad luck at KS).


• Susan O rocked on a very hot day at the most competitive Half in the world - Vineman 70.3.

As for me, I had the pleasure of spending 5 days in Boulder with Gordo Byrn and the athletes & coaches of Endurance Corner. The camp was a learning experience (allowed me to pick up a bunch of the CEUs that I am required to earn in order to keep my USAT certification) AND I was able to do some really cool training. Training highlight was a 28 mile climb to the top of Mt. Evans - the highest paved road in the USA at over 14,100 feet. Learning highlights were time spent with running coach and sports psychlogist Bobbie McGee and the chances to talk with Gordo about the "business". Very worthwhile experience and one I hope to repeat next year.

Next up - This weekend will be very busy with athletes competing from coast to coast - Jim D at IM LP, Sandy & Norbert are doing the NYC Olympic and Jason F is racing Short Course Nationals in SoCal. There is also a group training run scheduled from Leawood Park on Sunday for those of us in town and available - all are welcome. I am trying to keep up the training to avoid being embarrassed at UltraMax 50 on August 9th. I have put out a challenge to all MTC athletes to come "beat the coach"; the staff of Elite Cycling have even offered a gift certifcate to any athlete that can do it! Should be fun...