Selamat datang,
Folks, the weather this week is phenomenal! And, at
long last, the weather is going to be nice on the weekend, too (aided by
the fact that I don't have to go to work on Good Friday.) Needless to
say, I'm sure many of us will be outside (perhaps at the premier
Thursday brick) taking advantage of it.
Of course, it's easy to go outside when it's nice. This past Saturday, I
spent the majority of the day studying and cleaning. I justified not
running because it was "cold" and I was happy with all of the work I was
completing. I also decided to cancel the Sunday ride because the
weather was looking rainy and just as wet. The truth is, I was not happy
about skipping one, if not two, workouts. So when I received a taunting
e-mail from one of the members calling me out on my wussiness
(ahem...Adox,) I decided to do something brash. I would get up early the
next day and participate in the Ann Arbor Velo Club Spring Training
Series.
That night, I had major pre-race jitters/excitement/anxiety/anticipation.
I had never done a bike race before, and the total length of the race
(10K) is less than my commute to work. Hammering for 6.2 miles and then
packing the bike up and going home is certainly a foreign concept.
Nonetheless, I got up early, loaded up my stuff (which is a surprisingly
small amount relative to triathlon gear,) headed back inside for a pair
of long underpants, and then headed over to Concourse Dr. It was 40,
but light out and not raining. This was not to last. Before long, there
was a steady drizzle. I warmed up quickly while riding, had my butt
handed to me in the sprint, but had a great time. I even was warm enough
to decide to stay for the next race. However, with 5 laps to go, I was
starting to shiver. By then time the race ended, I was struggling to
talk through my chattering. I decided it was time to go home. I packed
up, got in the car, stripped off my soaking wet jacket, sleeves, jersey,
gloves, shoes, and socks, and headed home. After a scalding hot shower
with the space heater in the bathroom, massive layering, and a nap with a
warm cat on my lap, I finally thawed out. Despite the cold, I was
happy. Before I knew it, I was looking up Pinarellos and savoring the
burn in my legs. When days are cold, and sometimes wet, you have to hold
yourself accountable and head outside. I always feel happy and strong
afterward, and think it's totally worth it. And if you are struggling to
answer to yourself, perhaps a friend will pester you.
This week though, it's going to be easy to get outside. Here's more to
whet your appetite:
Spring Member Meeting - The Spring Member
Meeting will be on
Thursday, April 29, from 6-7:30, at WCC Health and Fitness Center at
4833 E. Huron River Dr in Ann Arbor. Get to know our sponsors and
partners, news on the club, pick up your fancy new kits, and meet fellow
club members. If none of that works, perhaps I can bribe you with food?
Board Elections - As a non-profit organization, the Tri Club
is required to elect officers annually. As we don't have anyone beating
down the door to contest any of the positions, it is not a very exciting
election, but your participation is greatly appreciated. Please take
this Survey
by 4/15. Thanks very much.
Rudy Project Discount - Club sponsor Rudy Project has expanded
their discount program, and it's easier than ever to get it. Just go to http://www.e-rudy.com/
and see if there is anything you like. Then, before checking out,
contact me for the special discount code to see the discount. I have
seen discounts from 30-50%!
Team Petoskey
- As you all hopefully know, the MERCRS championship race will be the
Breakwater Triathlon in Petoskey on August 29. The distances are half
and Olympic. For some of you, being fit enough to do one of these
distances by the end of August is a given; you have done the distance
before, and can do it again. For others, these distances are a bit more
ambitious. You may not know what training is required, or just never
thought you could or would go that far. I am here to tell you that you
can, and the Tri Club wants to help.
This year, we are forming what I have dubbed thus far "Team Petoskey."
The goal is to get members ready to do an Olympic or half at the
Breakwater Triathlon. You will have access to a 16 week Olympic (May 10)
or 20 week half training (April 12) plan with the goal race being
Breakwater. My vision here is to have multiple people get together to
train, talk about training, etc. for the same race, with several guided
workouts per week. All experience levels and paces are welcome. If you
have ever said "I'd like to do a longer race, but I don't have the
(time/discipline/training buddies/knowledge)" now is the time to do it.
Please let me know if you are interested, so I can start scheduling
workouts and sorting out logistics. There is no fee required as long as
you are a Tri Club Member. Let's get ready to race!
Running
Fit News
10 April -
Martian Invasion
Running Fit has announced,
for the first time ever, prize money for the Martian Marathon. News
from RF reads: "to be eligible, men must run under 2:25:00 and women
under 2:50:00. The top three men and women who finish within the
required standards will receive $1,000, $500 and $300 for their
respective performances. This added incentive is in addition to more
than $4,000 available in the Meteor 10K, and Asics shoes will be
awarded to all age division winners."
The race is April 10th in Dearborn Heights, and includes a 5K, 10K,
half, and full marathon. Check out www.martianmarathon.com
for more information.
Epic Events
18 April - Swim Clinic
"Tri what you like... like that you tri...!" This is the final
clinic of the series. We will continue where we left off in clinic two,
but those newbies who did not attend the first or second clinic will be
able to jump right in. We will continue our swimming instruction, you
will receive our “special” race day checklist, we will talk about
realistic goal setting, and will learn and practice that all important
skill of learning to change a flat. Participants will receive a 12 week
sprint triathlon training plan and as with the other clinics there will
be a “swim only” clinic for experienced triathletes.
- Time: 11AM - 1PM
- Where: Whitmore Lake
High School - 7430 Whitmore
Lake Road, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 - Cost: $20 for Tri Club
members
Workouts
Thursday, April 1
Brick
- That's right, baby. The brick is BACK! At least for this week, since
the weather looks like it's going to cooperate. However, since we still
don't have full daylight, we will be starting at 5:30 instead of 6.
Meet
at "Huron Bridge Park", which, for you Townies, is the backside of
Bandemeer Park where Barton Dr and Whitmore Lake meet. The bike route is
about 26 miles; check out the route here.
There are several trails for running, so you can really do whatever you
like. Also, for reference, there is more parking on the other side of
the wooden bridge, and the bathroom (when I was there a couple of weeks
ago) was vandalized and not accessible.
Saturday, April 3
Run
- Heather Woolls will be
leading runs out of Gallup Park
at 11:00 a.m. Any pace is welcome.
Since
all routes are out of Gallup, there are lots of opportunities for loops
and shortcuts, so you don't have to run the whole thing. Please meet at
the wooden car bridge.
Sunday, April 4
Bike? -
If the weather holds out (read "is not raining and is somewhat decent")
I will be out on the bike on Sunday mid-morning for a 40-ish mile ride,
probably out of Huron Bridge Park (where Whitmore Lake Rd and Barton
meet.) Let me know if you are interested, and what you would like to do.
Tuesday, April 6
Tuesday Track
Club Workout
- Come have your butt handed to you by the track club. Warm-up starts
at 6:30, workout starts at 7 at the U of M outdoor track on State St.
That's right folks, glorious outdoor running.
This week: 800 m, 1200 m, 1600 m, 1200 m, 800 m; 400 m jog.
OK, that's all for now.
Please let me know if you have any
questions.
Em
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