Team NRG wins mixed masters at RTB MA

We lucked out this weekend and had great weather for the race. Looking forward to doing another RTB again! It has been a long time since my last relay http://kyle65.blogspot.com/2007/09/press-release-baa-masters-team-wins.html - damn, five years ago!! Anyway here's the race report: I have to give most of the credit to our female side of the team as they put on an outstanding performance this weekend, and it was really fun to watch. Big high fives to my new friends and team-mates; Ardria, Jen, Jo, Charlene, Tracey and the powerhouse Gregg. Early start Friday am to Wachusett on the bikes, to the top and then the start (if my ride is biking to Wawa then I am there riding too - still no car). After a very exciting kick-off with Charlene taking the hill, we then head off in van #2 with van #1 taking the first 6 legs. A pretty warm day as we in New England once again jump from cool, dark and damp conditions to summer-like weather leaving us unacclimated to running in these conditions. Even in the late evening when we take over our (van #2) legs, it is still very warm and sunny. My first leg is blessed with some downhill at the start, only to be cursed by steep climbs and a hill that tries to break me down. I asked team captain Charlene for the longest and hardest legs and that's exactly what I got. I don't want things to come easy and with my lack of any training, speedwork or anything since Boston, I was going to need to go to work. Maybe even in hindsight, a little un-prepared as I should have at least done some tempo runs or something before attempting to run all out. Anyway, all out three times leaving it all out there, as I think we all did. Leg #1 definitely hard, warm and hilly. Leg #2 my longest and best; 8.2mi 55min flat with 11 scalps - go figure my best run would be at 2:am in the morning in the dark, but it was cool and felt good. Two hours of sleep in the van and my final leg was brutal!!! I love this sport. Only one gaff the whole race and big Kudos to Gregg with some coherent thinking (if that is possible at 4:am!) recognized that Kate needed to get going with a long way to the transition area only cost us a couple of minutes and could have been a lot worse. Van #2 was filled with zombies at that point! Anyway, day #2 was hard on everyone. We learn that we are in the lead by 60+ minutes from the second place team at the last transition area, but are careful to celebrate before that intel is substantiated. We all celebrate with Kate coming down the finish chute and pose for some post victory pictures and head to the beer tent. Very cool group and it was fun to celebrate afterwards!! Thanks to DanO for sponsoring us and we are all dedicated to NRG bar success!! Cheers, -Kyle

Running Reach The Beach MA with Team NRG

Looking forward to my first officicial RTB with the NRG team. Should be fun and the weather looks ideal for a 24+ hour race. I hope to see some faces out there. I am sure it will be a competitive race. I want to see us win the open division!

Dreaded Race Report

Another Boston torpedoed by mother nature. I think more difficult conditions than 2004. This race seemed to take its toll on everyone. Salvaged 3:19 - a mere 30 minutes over my 2010 PR. I hope everyone has recovered okay. I am taking additional days this year. I think I need them. Ironman Mont Tremblant training will commence in 10 days. -Kyle

Bib #1981

This blog has long been left for dead. Summary; very easy training period with a lack of any real winter. It has been easy and training has gone really well. I am very LUCKY to have made corral 2. Yes, it's a bummer to not be in corral one again this year, but I will have to re-earn that privilege. Also, not feeling the pressure to Ironman train had also helped me focus this year; Ironman Mont Tremblant in August is way out there and I will have plenty of time to get on the bike after the marathon. Anyway the numbers; this week was my peak week of 110 miles. The other weeks have been 70-80, probably my highest mileage ever. Anyway, the weather whipsaw is upon us. Mother nature can't decide if it is going to be 80 degrees or 30. I will be going for it again this year. I'm sure no one is surprised. I am going more conservatively at high 2:40s, maybe 2:47ish - we'll see. Will be holding some back for the second half. I hope everyone's training has gone well. The taper period officially starts tomorrow and I will start ramping down and getting ready to race. -Kyle

Planning 2012

This has been a real great winter (if you want to call it that) this year for us New Englanders. Things have gone really well and I am back up to 3 in a row 60+ mile weeks here ramping up for Boston. The body is getting back in shape and is doing well for all the miles. Next race is probably New Bedford half marathon on March. Two big races are Boston April 16 and Mont Tremblant Ironman August 19. I hope everyone is enjoying this great weather and taking advantage! -Kyle

Tri Clinic in Boxborough, MA for First Time Triathletes New Date Feb. 18 & 19

Swymfit in Boxborough is hosting a tri clinic for those that are interested in trying a triathlon this year. This is a good opportunity for your friends or family who are interested in trying the sport, but may not even own a bike yet or know a lot about swimming. The clinic is Feb 18th and 19th and will go over all of the basics; swimming, biking, running, transitions, race day logistics, nutrition and injury prevention. For more information and registration: http://www.swymfit.com/ - the nominal fee covers the 2-day use of their facility, etc. as it will be closed during the clinic. I have volunteered to do the cycling instruction and four-time Boston Marathon winner, Bill Rodgers will be doing the run clinic. If there is enough interest, we will be following-up with some organized sessions and target the Sudbury Spring Sprint Triathlon in May.

Numbers For 2011

Corrected numbers for 2010 (year, month, day):

Swim: 237652, 19804.3, 651.1 yards
Bike: 4416.4, 368.0, 12.1 miles
Run: 2111.4, 175.95, 5.79 miles

Numbers for 2011:

Swim: 185250, 15437.5, 507.5 yards
Bike: 5113, 426.08, 14.0 miles
Run: 2144.2, 178.7, 5.87

Definitely PRs except for swimming. Of course, I couldn't do anything but swim for three weeks in that June.

Will post a recap of 2011 later this week. I'm also trying to reconcile my marathon history - should be around 40 marathons and counting.

Training for the Boston Marathon April, 19th has commenced. Time to drop the ten pounds I gained over the last month! -Kyle