Endurance Nation | Triathlon Coaching, Ironman Training, Half Ironman, Beginner Triathlon

And the group just keeps getting bigger.  CDA should be our largest group of athletes in one race to date! Very exciting.  Watch for them on Sunday as well:

Scott Alexander – This will be Scotts third IM and first time in CDA.  Scott’s swim training has been ‘great’.  He has a goal of swimming faster for an IM swim than an ex-girlfriend so this could the year for it. This will be his first IM race with power meter.  He has high hopes that with the aid of the power meter he will race the bike such that he can run the run and take him to his overall goal of a race PR! Scott says he has had a tendency to hammer the bike and have less than enough for the run in previous IM’s.  So how’s his run training been?  Well, he is reporting a case of sesamoid-itis (swollen bone in his right foot that is only fixed by lowering – if not completely eliminating his run volume).  So it sounds like that is what he did and that could mean he’s got a rested 26.2 in those legs Sunday.  Scott’s ‘one thing’ – to beat his previous IM times (those were near 13:51).

 Erik Sandhu – This will be the first IM for Erik.  He sounds very pleased with how his training has progressed since February 1st!  Erik has struggled a bit with downtime of the taper which is usually a good sign that he actually DID taper.  Erik sounds like he is ready for the experience of the race.  His goals is of course to ‘finish’. (We know he will!)  But he is looking to enjoy himself Sunday.  His words are  ” I have no idea whether I will ever do an Ironman again so I really want to relish every minute of this one.”  His ‘one thing’ will be realizing something he never thought he would do – and think about his family and the sacrifices they have made to support him in his quest to be Ironman.

Mark Baumli – This will be two for two for Mark – second IM in CDA racing his first CDA in 2005.  This is also the first IM for Mark with a power meter.  He says he expects to be riding slower and smarter for this CDA but feels stronger on the bike this time around and, at 48 years old, is in the best shape of his life.  He is also looking to do more running for the marathon with his second.  His ‘one thing’ like most in their second year, he is focued on ‘I know I can do this…and I know I can do this better’.

Paula Ericson – a former marathoner turned Ironman.  Paula accomplished marathons qualifying and racing Boston in 2003.  Then a friend loaded her a road bike and the rest is history.  This will be her 4th IM and 3rd one in CDA.  Her other IM was Arizona in 2007 where she placed 4th in her age group.  She is also racing with power for the first time this year and feels stronger than ever on the bike thanks to that little meter.  Paula participated in the Off Season training and had a PR for her early season Half marathon.  She says she is running faster than ever off the bike and is really looking forward to a good run at CDA this year.  She is reporting NO INJURIES, not even a twinge!  Sounds like her head is in the right place.  I think anyone racing in the 50-54 Women’s age group is gonna have their hands full up against Paul on Sunday.  Her ‘one thing’ to get back on that podium.

Alan Cunningham – This will be number two for Alan and his first CDA.  He has five buddies he will be racing with (or more accurately, against) on Sunday.  Alan is the only EN Koolaid drinker in the group.  Sounds like a slam-dunk for Alan already.  Alan is very pleased with his EN training and says he has not had too many hiccups along the way; a little illness here, a little life there.  He feels good and that is giving him alot of confidence.  Alan is going to use his confidence for his ‘one thing’ on Sunday hoping for big dividends and no jinx because he just feels so ready!

David Wonn – Another member of the Arkansas Mafia, and apparently the founder!  David raced Louisville last year with ENers Marianne Park and Heather Bender – but first dragging them to Rich’s training camp in Louisville.  (not even a full seven degrees of separation of this one)  This will be Davids fourth IM and first in CDA.  He says his training has started to come to life as the weather has been warming up.  His race day goal is to beat his IM Lake Placid race time (LP was his first IM in 1999).  His ‘one thing’ will be to run the run course!

Heather Bender – this will number two for Heather and first time in CDA.  Another member of the Arkansas Mafia.  She has been drinking the EN koolaid regularly.    Heather will have the support of this supportive group of training partners as well as the EN groove that should start happen Thursday as our ENers start to arrive in Idaho.

Kris

Popularity: 8% [?]

Coeur D’ Alene is this Sunday and here is how the Endurance Nation Line-up is shaping up:

Marianne Park – Probably the most know EN member in the Forum and our official Welcome Committee!. This will be Marianne’s third IM and her first time in time in CDA. For this IM race Marianne is racing for the Janus Charity Challenge in dedication to her sister-in-law Monica who is battling Lung cancer. Sounds like her training has been great and she is ready to race! Any apprehension she has about the day will be overcome by thinking about her sister-in-law and what ever the race day hands her she will keep it all in prospective.

Todd Mellinger – A veteran IMer and this will be his third race in Coeur d’ Alene. Todd is leaner than ever going into race day and power is higher for IM number 12! He is shooting for a 10:15 and hopes that will be good enough to set him up for IM number 13 in October. This will be the first IM race without the family support crew – but his ‘one thing’ will be thinking about his family and maybe how they would never let him head off to October IM without the ENTIRE family.

Craig Wilson – A 37 year old father of two young girls from Colorado will be racing for IM number 3. Craig was a competitive mountain biker in his younger days then the good life happened: job, wife, kids, new home. Three years ago he made a goal for himself – to get back into shape and throw everything he had into being competitive at racing Ironman. He took his first two attempts as learning the ropes and working through a hamstring issue during number two (Great Floridian 2007). The experience of finishing despite the injury has him healthy, and ready to go hard for IM CDA 2008 and looking to move up the ranks in the men’s 35-39 age group. His ‘one thing’ will be to honor his family’s support and leave CDA with no regrets.

Jim Yanoschik – Jim will be one of the last few folks standing at the Carbo dinner when they ask everyone to stand and then sit down if you’ve done 1 Ironman, 5, 10, 15, 20!! Yep, Jim is still standing. This will be his 5th time in Coeur d’ Alene. Jim is very involved with various charitable advisory boards as well as raising funds for the Janus Charity Challenge. His work has been so amazing this year that he has a PR for fundraising and will likely podium for this with JCC. Yet he feels less than prepared this year. He says he has never gone to an IM with such inconsistent and lack of training. But what he feels he lacks in training prep could possibly be overshadowed by experience and his attitude “to have a lot of fun out there”. His ‘one thing’ will be to concentrate on the good work he has done with his charity fund raising.

Mike Hedman – Mike has twin kindergartners and works for the St Jude Medical Center in the San Francisco Bay area. Mike is a software developer for the St Jude’s Cardiac Rhythm Management Division focusing on devices that control implantable defibrillators and pacemakers. He remembers the early years of triathlon competing back in his college years. Two years ago he finished his first Ironman and last year competed in CDA. This will be his second attempt on CDA course and his third IM. In the summer of 2007 Mike competed in an open water swim event where a guided blind athlete also competed. So impressed by the courage of this athlete, Mike joined a group that supports and encourages athletic participation of other blind athletes – the C Different Foundation. Mike will compete this year as part of the C Different Foundations fund/awareness raising IronTeam. There will be 6 blind athletes and their guides racing this year in CDA. Mike says “When the going gets rough, and it always does in an Ironman race, I’ll be thinking of those 6 incredible people who have gone through so much to be there.” Sounds like a pretty amazing ‘one thing’. As for personal expectations, Mike hopes to put together a solid race. Mike will be focusing on hydration for IM number 3.

Derek Yankoff – This will be Derek’s first attempt at the Ironman. He has a good 7-9 months of training in but sounds like he may have the first-timer jitters. Ahh, remembering that first Ironman…”Will I survive???….what will the weather do??? …How in the h*$$ am I going to get through 26.2 miles after 114.4??…”Ironman, What was I thinking?…Will my family be able to find me in the medical tent???”. Those of us that have been there know that somewhere during your race you realize it will all be OK…You will finish…You will be “AN IRONMAN!”. Even with first timer jitters, Derek does have the home court advantage going and will rely on his stick-to-it attitude on race day.

James Martin – James is also facing his first Ironman race in CDA. James has trained along with the group we affectionately refer to as the Arkansas Mafia in the EN Forum. For a first timer sounds like James is enjoying the Taper!! (Wiser than his experience…and letting all the awesome training he has had this year settle in before Sunday.) He has leaned up and feels he is in the best shape of his life! Sounds like his ‘one thing’ will be FIRST IRONMAN!

Brenda Gibson – Brenda is an adult-onset-athlete taking up marathons first. Then needing a bit more challenge moved on to Ironman with the inaugural Arizona IM (after she bought a bike and learned how to swim!) She says she was a ‘hazard to anyone within a 5 mile radius that first year learning how to ride the bike. Despite the steep learning curve for Arizona she earned her IM degree and also finished her first triathlon at the same time. Next was CDA 2007. Unfortunately 2007 was the harsh lesson that the red man can dish out – under-trained and under-prepared Brenda missed the bike cut off by 2 minutes. Forty-eight hours later…registered for 2008. Brenda has some unfinished business in Coeur d’ Alene and Sunday will be the day to get the job done. She’ll head into the IM ‘board room’ at 7am on Sunday well trained, injury free, and ready to seal the deal. Although she says she is still thinking about her ‘one thing’…I think she’s got it.

Coach Patrick – First timer at the CDA course and IM number 12 for Patrick. Patrick has had a few life circumstances to distract his training this year: a new family member Emma just a couple months old and Megan, the big sister at almost two! New endeavor as Co-founder of Endurance Nation, big car accident end of May (yikes!). Patrick says he “can’t even remember training although my wife swears I did.” (second yikes!) Patrick is hoping to have a good day by relying on previous years’ experience. Of course it may motivate him that his buddy and business partner, Rich will be racing as well. Last I heard Patrick was trying to call for a Staff Meeting at Mile 96 on the bike to try and slow Rich down. Rich keeps trying to move the meeting to mile 18 on the run to mess up Patrick. All I know is I’m not showing up for either! Patricks ‘one thing’ will be Family – as he races to honor their continued support of him and his IM racing accomplishments.

Coach Rich – This is Rich’s third time racing the CDA course, with a PR on the old course of 10:02, but CDA will be his first IM since 2005. Rich has been busy building EN with Patrick this year and embracing the return to the ‘Frat House’ of IM training and racing after. Rich’s One Thing is to execute the best race he knows how.

Other ENers to add to your ‘Track an Athlete’ list on June 22:
Heather Bender
Scott Saxton
Kevin Terranella

Endurance Nation CDA racers will have the chance to gather for EN Race Week Activities such as Pre Race Swims, Pre Race Talk by Ironman Coaches Rich and Patrick, and meet up for the EN Race Dinner Thursday night. Be sure to let me know if I’ve missed you in my line up! Good luck to all racing Sunday!

Kris

Popularity: 9% [?]

Join us for our race-specific camp on the Ironman Wisconsin course. Endurance Nation coach Rich Strauss has raced Wisconsin twice (10:05 PR) and conducted four camps on the course, in addition to having personally coached over 400 athletes to successful Ironman finishes. Rich’s Crucible Fitness and Endurance Nation training plans have been used by thousands more. Rich knows Ironman and Rich knows Wisconsin!

Purpose of the Camp
You can thrash yourself at home on your own dime. Rather, the intent of the camp is to teach you everything you need to know to race Wisconsin successfully and to train for any Iron distance race. Don’t worry, you’ll get to ride and run the course, but with lots of smart thoughts and a different perspective in your head!

Swim Clinic
The camp will feature a four hour swim clinic, including under water video. Participants will receive a free copy of the Endurance Nation Swim Clinic eBook, a $29 value.

How to Race Ironman
Rich will present the Endurance Nation “Four Keys to Iron Distance Execution,” recently released as a DVD. Participants will receive a free copy of the DVD, a $29 value.

Training for Ironman
Next, Rich will discuss the tools and perspective he’s developed through seven years of full time, age-group, Ironman coaching. Please visit the Endurance Nation Long Course Training Manual, aka The Book, for a preview.

Training and Racing Ironman with a Powermeter
Ironman Wisconsin is MADE for the smart, power-racing athlete. Rich has been training, racing, and coaching with powermeters since 2002. Rich has developed a bullet-proof formula for racing Ironman with power. Participants will receive a free copy of the Endurance Nation Power Training and Racing Webinar Series, a $99 value.

Principles of Bike Fit and Set-Up
Rich will discuss the opportunities to become for comfortable, and faster, on your existing bike with a minimum investment. Participants will receive a FREE copy of the Endurance Nation Bike Fit Manual, presented by TTBikeFit.com, a $29 value (coming soon!) For a preview, please read about Rich’s IMCDA Bike Setup

Training and Racing Nutrition
Rich will discuss the truth about training and racing nutrition, sharing with you his experience and the successful plan he’s created for this athletes.

Ride the Course
You will ride about 75 miles of the IMWI bike course. Every turn, every hill, every hill, every But you’ll ride it with the tools that Rich has given you. You’ll ride the course as efficiently and intelligently as you possibly can!

Run the Course
Finally, you’ll run one loop of the IMWI run course, a scenic tour through downtown Madison and the UW campus!

Complete camp schedule

Registration for the camp is only $395. Bring a training partner and you’ll each save $45!

Register today!
Email us for the training partner registration option.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Join Endurance Nation coaches Rich Strauss and Patrick McCrann as they deliver their Four Keys of Iron Distance Execution talk at Ironman Couer d’Alene. Honed over the last five years at Ironman Triathlon (TM) events across the country, this talk has helped hundreds of athletes get their head screwed on straight before the big day and will walk you through the big picture elements and race day details you need to know.

When: Friday, June 20, 10am
Where: Look for the Endurance Nation EZ-UP and banner “on the grassy knoll” near the Gatorade bottle at swim start area.
In addition, attendees will receive a FREE Endurance Nation Four Keys t-shirt AND a CD copy of the Endurance Nation Swim Clinic eBook

Can’t attend the talk? Check out the Four Keys DVD, on sale for only $20 through July 1!

Endurance Nation is a unique community, providing affordable training solutions for self-coached multisport athletes.  As of June, 2008, 403 athletes have joined TeamEN since our launch in November, 2007! Learn more about the incredible value that TeamEN provides for its members!

Popularity: 4% [?]

Four Keys to Iron-distance Triathlon DVD

$29 On sale for $20 thru July 1st!     

“Your fitness is merely a vehicle you drive 140 miles on race day. Do you know how to drive it?”

Endurance Nation releases its first DVD entitled the Four Keys to Iron Distance Execution.
This two-hour, information packed presentation will give you the strategic and mental edge you need to be at your best on race day.

Join Endurance Nation co-founders Rich Strauss and Patrick McCrann as they present their renowned Four Keys talk. Honed over the last five years at Ironman Triathlon (TM) events across the country, this talk has helped hundreds of athletes get their head screwed on straight before the big day.

Designed specifically not to conflict with any one particular training protocol, the DVD contains three distinct sections: The Four Keys, Race Week, and most importantly, Race Execution. Rich and Patrick walk you through the big picture elements and race day details you need to know.

DVD Bonuses:  The Four Keys Slide Show & Long Course Pre-Race Checklists

Don’t wait until race weekend to learn the proven principles that can guide you to achieve your best — Order the DVD today!

$29 On sale for $20 thru July 1st!     

Popularity: 6% [?]