Last Long Run With The Gang

2012 Year End Numbers

With a drastic shift in my career and it seems like blogging may be a technology of the past; this blog has been dormant for a while. However! I will continue to post my year end numbers for anyone who is interested to see them, as 2013 is going to be a quiet year for me with not much time to train and no Ironman this year (thumbs down). I do need to take a break though, as my streak of 7 straight years of Ironmans comes to an end.

Please note a PR preformance at Ironman Mont Tremblant in 2012! which I know is a different course, but I will take a new PR any day.

The numbers:

Totals For The Year:

Swimming: 162,320 yards
Biking: 3805 miles
Running: 2065 miles

Which Averages Out To Per Day:

Swimming: 445 yards
Biking: 10.42 miles
Running: 5.66 miles

Positive notes for 2013; will be running my 17th consecutive Boston Marathon April 15th! Also, will have an annoucement soon about new triathlon team sponsorship.

I will be focusing on Boston here for the next few months and then once again try to re-invent myself at short distance triathlon.

I hope everyone had a great 2012 and has gotten some time off over the holidays!

Look forward to seeing my friends and team-mates out there in 2013!! I am going to need all the help, support and comraderie I can get.

-Kyle

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

Finally Running Again After 3+ Weeks

It's been an interesting off-season; lot's of outdoor riding and some decent yards in the pool. I'm now swimming at Harvard Ridge Swymfit pool, which is really convenient and I'm finding it easy to fly over there and get a quick workout in. I'm about 5 kilos over race weight, but that's off-season and I'm sure it will come off quick. I will post my numbers for the year in the next few days. It's interesting to see how things have added up and how different this year was from last.

Also, a quick recap of the sub-3:00 hour marathon streak, which ended this fall at Cape Cod (Nor'easter) marathon:

2006 2:5857 Baystate, 1st sub-3, new PR and 1st Masters

2007 2:53:11 Boston, new PR at Boston by almost 10min

2008 2:58:57 Boston
2:56:59 Manchester, 5th Overall

2009 2:52:10 Boston, new PR
2:56:24 Baystate (Also Nor'easter)

2010 2:49:53 Boston, standing PR

2011 2:56:52 Boston, the failed 2:45 attempt

8 straight marathons. It had to come to an end sooner or later.

I hope everyone has had a great holiday and is getting some time off!

Calling It A Year

Yes, it's over. 11 months straight of training and racing, it's time for off-season. Another strange day on Thanksgiving; a revisit of the hacking cough that morning and cold ... burrr! ... 27 degrees that morning. Is this supposed to be New England or something? I don't know. I hadn't run in that weather since last winter. Time to look for something else to do besides running. Outside AGAIN today on the bike. I am really enjoying this strange, but very mild weather. I know, we all just expect it to continue, but sooner or later reality will set in. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great year!!! 2012 looks to be very interesting as I will be doing an Ironman in August, which really changes the running outlook from Boston until later spring. I look forward to doing things differently next year and I'm looking forward to the inaugural IM Mont Tremblant! Plan is to be a regular at the pool the next few weeks and then start running again sometime around the holidays. I hope everyone is getting some time away from the sport and taking a break! I will see everyone soon, as 2012 training is right around the corner. -Kyle

Running Into The Off-Season

I've been continuing to run here through November. All short and fast stuff - no more than 3 or 4 miles. It has been interesting. I think I have actually kept some fitness without all the miles. I will try my luck at the Ayer Thanksgiving race and then pull the plug on running for a few weeks. My next focus will be on SWIMMING as I am now about 30 days without a visit to the pool. I am ready to call it a year. We'll see what happens on Thursday. New pic is me crossing the line at Cape Cod Marathon. I don't look too bad for a tough day. Cheers!

A Quick Cape Cod Marathon Report

I knew we were in trouble the night before when I was abruptly wakened by the house moving from a HUGE gust of wind. We were worried that the race would be canceled, but race organizers vowed that the race would go on. My second marathon during a serious Nor'easter. Race start; very cold about 36deg with a wind chill around 20deg. I was scared this would be a repeat of Baystate two years ago when I got hypothermic during the race. Thankfully, no rain just wind and I was dressed with more clothes in this race than any other marathon, to make sure I would be warm enough through the entire race.

Race summary; this race ends my long sub-3 streak with a 3:06. Tough course under adverse conditions, I was worried that this race would end my streak. Anyway, high wind, roads with lots of debris and then Shore Line Drive completly flooded in about 5 places, I just felt like everything went wrong - including the cytomax drinks, which were awful and blasted my stomach. Honestly, I think the combination of hills and running into the wind killed my hamstrings, trying to keep my body leaning into the wind. Anyway, I am still celebrating a long season and I'm satisfied and glad that the season is over. I gave it my best shot, the race didn't get canceled and the add-a-10+ minute consensus would leave me with a good result. Hope all is well with everyone. We got power back very quickly - very lucky, but many still without power. Something needs to change. -Kyle

Cape Cod Marathon Race Weekend

Some lousy New England weather always encourages a scaled down taper. The body is okay with some early week trails. Plan remains the same; cruise the first 10 miles in around 65 minutes or so and see how it goes. Looking forward to racing with the BAA gang. Small group this race though - even looks I might be the solo master and only a few guys in the open catagory.

Anyway, possible Nor'easter on Saturday; will definitely be windy on race day. Looking forward to putting in a solid performance and capping off 2011 with one final big race!

Winding Down Training

Another unusual training period; I guess I started this back in 2008, when I trained for Manchester Marathon on only 10 weeks of marathon training. It worked then, so hopefully it will yield the same result for Cape Cod. Of course, coming off a long summer tri season has left me moderately fit. Numbers: 68 miles last week and it looks like I will breach 70 again this week. The numbers are deceiving though! 10/11-17 I had 90 miles, which is a lot. I will probably continue to train into next week and then shut everything down. It looks to be a pretty stacked race with decent prize money, which always brings them out of the woodwork. Anyway, I get the message that the latter part of this race is hilly and will be challenging. Expectations will be reasonable for this race and the strategy is to cruise the first ten in 65 minutes or so, and then see how it goes the rest of the race. I will err on the side of being comfortable throughout this race and avoid any possibility of blowing-up in the latter stages. Also, plan is to continue into November with some short fast stuff and shoot for a decent 5K and then go off-season in December. I hope everyone is doing well; lots of marathons this month and early November. I hope everyone's races go or have gone well. -Kyle

All Systems Go For Cape Cod Marathon

Less than three weeks to go before my first shot at the Cape Cod course. I am now committed to running, barring any disasters over the next couple of weeks. This is the New England Grand Prix Championships. It would be nice to have a good race and get myself somewhere in the standings - without blowing myself apart like at Boston this year! Expectations will be reasonable, since this has been a very short training period. Last weeks numbers: 75 miles, some riding and not much swimming. Trying to focus on the running here for another week or so - then start mixing some cross-training in. I had a very tender heel last week and forced myself to take a complete day off Monday. My body seems to be very sensitive to running on roads. No problems on soft trails and I will try to focus all workouts toward soft surfaces. Anyway, there seems to be two camps on the CC course; one camps says hilly and hard, the other camp says it's not too bad. Feel free to leave your opinion! I am looking forward to finding out for myself! -Kyle

Four Weeks until Cape Cod Marathon

This is going to be a very, very short training period for me. I'm lucky to still have some fitness from the tri-season and I did run a marathon only a couple of months ago (3:30 at LP), so I can't be that far out of marathon shape. The biggest issue has been long runs, but I finally got a 20+ run in this week and will shoot for a 3 hour run next week. At the Octoberfest 5K 18:30 3rd overall - I would have had a shot, but too many miles in the legs and no kick at the end left me in third place. That is the fastest 5K I have run in a few years (5:59s), so I am happy and that seems to be my annual 5k. Numbers last two weeks; 68 and 50 miles. I need an 80+ week to get some confidence that I can have a good race. Expectations will be lowered, but I may still try to PR. Not much else going on; some riding but not much swimming. I may try to get back into Walden a couple of times this week, as the water is still warm, but the count down begins. I hope everyone's fall training is going well. Lots of marathons to choose from over the next 5 weeks. Cheers! -Kyle

Tri Season Ends, Focused On Cape Cod Marathon

A quick end to summer and another reminder that we are in for a change of season here in New England. Lobsterman went well and was a fun race to end the year. It turned out to be a pretty competitive race with Cranberry getting canceled - a lot of people signed up last minute to get a race in before the season ends. Here's the report:

The swim is in a protected bay up by Winslow park. It felt a lot better to be swimming with a wetsuit and ... the water temperature wasn't too bad. At the first turn I could not see the next buoy and opted to sight on the furthest swimmer I could see. At the second buoy, I could see the third, but it looked like folks were swimming out into the middle of the ocean. Absolutely, no one on the line. Same thing at the final turn, people were still way right. The bike, dropped a chain on the first hill - never happens except during a race. Course: very hilly, not long but some steep climbs, I was out fast and furious. The run course: hilly. I (only) made two mistakes during this race: (1) I decided to take my water bottle cage off the bike and only take water at the half way station. The temperature has now climbed a lot higher than they predicted and direct sun was very hot. Definitely dehydrating on the run. (2) No socks on run. My new flats, supposed to be forgiving, drill a hole the size of a quarter in the side of my right foot. 26min at 4 miles - I fall way off pace at the end of the run.

19th Overall, 3rd AG, 2:21

Great party and podium afterwards, and two lobsters!! Definitely a race to do and I am glad I did it. Festive outing with lots of friendly, low key competitors from all over the place - lot's of out of state travelers.

Drum roll please ...... Next race will be Cape Cod Marathon on October 30th. Nothing like cutting it close. I have been running A LOT and am trying to get my running legs back. We'll see - I have 5 1/2 weeks before the race. Looking to ride off my tri fitness into fall marathon season. If that fails, I will lower expectations and run anyway. As this is another race on my todo list. Will be running with the BAA masters as this is the USATF grand prix finale. At least I am getting some new races in this year! Cheers! -Kyle

Lobsterman Triathlon

Change in plans - I will be racing at the lobsterman Tri in Freeport Maine on Sept 11th - the tenth anniversary-memorial. This is an Olympic distance, which is working well for me here at the end of the summer. A lot less training time and focusing on speedwork. I look forward to closing the season with a good race. Would like to see the Lake Denison 2008 PR fall. -Kyle

Post IM Recovery

Moving on with the rest of the season - looks like next race wil be the Naragansett Half IM and probably my last tri for the year. Recovery has gone well and letting my rib heal (still hurts) has been keeping me from any real training and swimming has been out altogether. Starting to consider fall plans; maybe Manchester marathon again? or maybe Baystate for upping my BQ seed. Everything is good and the body is in good shape, so I will resume again and try to have a fast race on 9/11. It's just for fun, but I would like to go out with a good finishing place.