Local Sprint/Olympic Distance Races

Had an athlete recently ask me about the options for local events. Thought it was a good question and worth posting the reply here as well -

The "local" races are -
Topeka Tinman - mid June (used to be my favorite local event but in the past years it hasn't been run as well as it once was)
Shawnee Mission Tri - early July (biggest local event, pretty well run, challenging looped bike course, always lots of fun)
Midwest Mayhem - mid July (KLM has their challenges with running quality events but some people really like it, challenging course that I like)
OctoMax (part of UltraMax 50) - 500 yard swim – 18 mile bike – 3 mile run August 9th out at Hillsdale Lake near Paola, KS (this is a new event run as a partnership between Sherpa Sports - the RD of Kansas 70.3 and UltraMax Events - who do the TriZou Tri and other quality events for years. I know both those guys and am 100% confident that it will be a great event) I am planning on doing the longer UltraMax 50 on the same day.
Jackson County Tri - late August - same swim beach and transition area as the KC Triathlon - different bike course that some people do not like. Well attended, long running event.
Redman Tri - Oklahoma City, mid Sept. A bunch of options are available here - Full Iron Distance, Half Iron Distance and an Olympic distance event. Well run, athlete-oriented. My understanding is quite a group from KC is going to be going down there. Could be a great finish to your season.
US Open Tri - Dallas, mid October. If you really want to cap off the season with a "bang" this would be another great option. Very high quality event!

KC Triathlon and other stuff

Wow what a time the last week has been! Finally getting an opportunity to sit down and update recent developments in the world of Midwest Triathlon Coaching. Being on the race committee for the KC Tri was a great experience that I was happy to be part of while at the same time happy to be finished with.

Putting on a race is a HECK of a lot of work!!!!

We had a solid group of knowledgeable, committed and hard working people all contributing to the success of this event by doing a lot of what they did best - Sheryl designed, Sandy sold, Mark organized, Ben and Joel worked tirelessly etc etc etc. I had the opportunity to design and then take care of the bike and run courses and I was very happy with the way they turned out. Highlights included scrapping road kill into the ditch in the poring rain at 4:30a and "stealing" my wife's car from the VIP parking lot to race water coolers up to the run aid stations as they were about to run out of water... I have always thought I appreciated the effort Race Directors put into hosting good events but in case I was forgetting, this experience has reminded me how much work goes into putting on a quality event.

As proud as I am of the event we put on I am even more proud of the results of all 25 MTC athletes that participated! From Kelly D who was the overall winner of the Women's Olympic event to Alan W who won an AG award at his first ever triathlon, seven MTC athletes were up on the stage picking up plaques - very impressive performances all around. I was busy taking down the bike racks when the awards were being handed out but I had to keep stopping and rushing over to the stage every time I heard another name being called - felt like a proud father watching his kids succeed.

I was also happy to see so many athletes wearing the new MTC visors and shirts. I love "stuff we all get" (SWAG) so I like giving it out and seeing people using it. (For my part my wife has told me I'm not to wear more than one thing with an MTC logo on it at a time, something about looking like a dork?) Did get a nice compliment from a friend about how much the business has grown - its cool to see the progress / impact my little company is having.

This week is a lighter schedule then next weekend will be another big event in the local triathlon scene - the Kansas 70.3. 22 MTC athletes will be toeing the line and although I won't be racing I will probably be more excited and nervous about watching them than if I was.

New Postcard

New postcards just arrived. Think they look great and appreciate Arch's help with the design and slogan. Will be stuffing them into the bags for the KC Triathlon.

Maggie Wins!

Congratulations to Philadelphia based MTC athlete Maggie B for her recent victory at the Upper Main Line YMCA Triathlon.

Maggie nearly didn't enter this event because she "isn't a sprint distance athlete" but decided to do so on a whim. Maggie's abilities as a great runner have never been in question but at this event she was not only the fastest woman (by a huge margin) but she also posted the 4th fastest bike split of all racers - male & female! Impressive.

Way to go Maggie, keep up the great work.

Group Ride

All MTC athletes & guests are invited to join the group ride leaving from Leawood Park at noon on Sunday, May 3rd. The ride is for all levels of cyclists. The route will be a simple out and back so distances will vary from 30 to 60 miles. Click here to see the map. If you have any questions please let me know.

Kansas 70.3 Training Event

Rode the new Kansas 70.3 route this weekend as part of the training event put on by Ryan Robinson, the RD. It was my first time over the new course and I liked it. Believe it is quite a bit faster than last year's course and should lend itself to some good times. As I was riding with a client and on my 16 year old Trek (with downtube shifters) I wasn't exactly tearing up the course but it was still nice to get out for a 5o+ mile ride. Also great to see so many friends, clients and associates out there as well.
Funny thing about a training event like this -

"Why do people want to train with their race wheels and aero helmets?"

The purpose of race wheels and aero helmets is to be faster on race day than you are while training. If you are constantly riding on race wheels you don't get the added boost from putting them on for the race. I am in the process of getting a new bike and I told Jeff at Elite Cycling I wanted the heaviest, most durable wheels he could give me for training. The heavier and less aero the better. My progress is judged by how I do on race day not at a training event. I tease athletes I coach about training with race wheels but the point is a serious one, the harder you train the easier you race.

2009 Season Under Way

The 2009 Triathlon season official got under way this past weekend with five MTC athletes competing in events that stretched from one (southern) coast to the other.
Pictured above are John O. (l) & Jason (r) (along with some guy in the middle named Dave who had never heard of their coach...) who, along with Mike K. raced the Nautica South Beach Triathlon in Miami, FL. John did really well at his first "big time" race while Jason finished second in his Age Group, missing the win by only a few seconds. Mike K also did great, completing his first triathlon in many years.



Bianca & Rob S. were way over on the other coast in Oceanside, CA. The water was colder but the day was beautiful for their first ever "Half" at California 70.3. They both dealt with numerous challenges but put in great first time efforts.


Finally, Sandy C. (pictured in the MTC shirt with some training buddies) also raced this weekend at the New Orleans 70.3. Putting in a great swim and his strongest bike performance in years, Sandy is pleased with his progress so far and is fired up for his "A" race - Kansas 70.3 on June 14th.