Who knew what a long strange trip it would be...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A little flashback to my youth: WRESTLING
I just saw this preview for a new movie with the sport of wrestiling as a plot theme.
Paul Giamatti is a great actor, and I'm sure he would make a great wrestling coach. Not because you have to coach wins in wrestling, but it is important for adolescents to learn the value of Participation. (Thank you Mr. Schafer!) In my 7th and 8th grade years I won a total of...wait for it...one match.
Then I went out for High School wrestling. I learned a different lesson here, which was Hard Work. (Thanks, Wags. RIP.) I have never been as sore in my life as after the first week of wrestling practice as a 9th grader. I was a little wierd at that age. While other kids were going to parties and goofing off, I was jogging and reading biographies of great athletes.
Vision Quest was a movie that my friends and I liked to watch to get fired up for meets.
Pre-match warm-up.
The Climax of the Movie.
I was only marginally better at wrestling as a high schooler than in junior high. But I soon realized that while I wasn't the best wrestler, I was the best runner on the wrestling team. I went out for track the spring of my freshman year, beginning a running career that is now 22 years long and counting.
Paul Giamatti is a great actor, and I'm sure he would make a great wrestling coach. Not because you have to coach wins in wrestling, but it is important for adolescents to learn the value of Participation. (Thank you Mr. Schafer!) In my 7th and 8th grade years I won a total of...wait for it...one match.
Then I went out for High School wrestling. I learned a different lesson here, which was Hard Work. (Thanks, Wags. RIP.) I have never been as sore in my life as after the first week of wrestling practice as a 9th grader. I was a little wierd at that age. While other kids were going to parties and goofing off, I was jogging and reading biographies of great athletes.
Vision Quest was a movie that my friends and I liked to watch to get fired up for meets.
Pre-match warm-up.
The Climax of the Movie.
I was only marginally better at wrestling as a high schooler than in junior high. But I soon realized that while I wasn't the best wrestler, I was the best runner on the wrestling team. I went out for track the spring of my freshman year, beginning a running career that is now 22 years long and counting.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Reversing diabetes
A great article on CNN.com, which is one of my favorite on-line news sites these days.
I have some personal experience with this because my mother has had Type II diabetes her entire life, and my father (The Fergus) has just recently been diagnosed. Whereas my mother's situation has been long term and chronic, my father has been able to make a significant change in his health.
"The side effects of the medication are really unpleasant," he tells me. I actually see better results if I watch what I eat and exercise. This comes from a man who did not exercise during his adult life, until the last 5 years. Since then he has began began exercising, made moderate dietary changes, and has participated in running races ranging from 5K to marathon.
Articles like the one linked above, and my dad's experience are really encouraging. But it makes me wonder. What is the message that is being communicated to people who are diagnosed with this disease? Do physicians make the effort to really convey the importance of lifestyle change? Or is it easier (and more profitable) to prescribe the medication? And are clients being referred to resources that can help them make the changes, such as a wellness center or personal trainer.
I have some personal experience with this because my mother has had Type II diabetes her entire life, and my father (The Fergus) has just recently been diagnosed. Whereas my mother's situation has been long term and chronic, my father has been able to make a significant change in his health.
"The side effects of the medication are really unpleasant," he tells me. I actually see better results if I watch what I eat and exercise. This comes from a man who did not exercise during his adult life, until the last 5 years. Since then he has began began exercising, made moderate dietary changes, and has participated in running races ranging from 5K to marathon.
Articles like the one linked above, and my dad's experience are really encouraging. But it makes me wonder. What is the message that is being communicated to people who are diagnosed with this disease? Do physicians make the effort to really convey the importance of lifestyle change? Or is it easier (and more profitable) to prescribe the medication? And are clients being referred to resources that can help them make the changes, such as a wellness center or personal trainer.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Exercise gives you more than health and fitness
This afternoon it was snowing like crazy here in DC. So I got some warm running clothes on, put the leash on Kokolulu (my dog,) and headed out into the snow for a run.
At first there were cars everywhere. It was a total rush hour, commuter traffic jam, cluster out there. People were angry, honking. Even the snow plows were stuck in the traffic jam. But soon I was down a trail running in the woods, away from it all.
Immediately I felt my head clear and my stress dissipate. With the fresh snow and muted twilight, the trees were a beautiful black-and-white photograph. When you exercise outside, you get to see things that people who spend all their time indoors miss out. Sunsets (and rises,) wildlife, fresh air, pretty vistas, and remote locations. My mind can wander and my body feels alive.
Exercise gives you so much more than health and fitness. You see things, feel things, experience life in ways that you would otherwise completely miss.
I am in a job search right now for a Wellness Coordinator or Corporate Fitness position. The reason why I strongly believe this can happen is that EVERY time I meet someone here and tell them that I am a fitness coach, they say "I could sure use your help." People want this benefit. They need this benefit.
Helping people improve their health is not complicated: they need information, motivation, and inspiration. But the benefits go FAR beyond the individual and the physical. When the transformation occurs, a person comes alive. They feel a new energy and vitality that quickly becomes infectious to others.
An organization certainly wants healthy people: it helps from the insurance and benefits side. But if we think more broadly, an organization that embraces wellness/fitness is one that ENERGIZES employees. Corporate culture becomes a strategic advantage when individuals feel valued, and they are encouraged to be physically, mentally, spiritually their very best.
This company realizes a strategic benefit far beyond health and fitness.
At first there were cars everywhere. It was a total rush hour, commuter traffic jam, cluster out there. People were angry, honking. Even the snow plows were stuck in the traffic jam. But soon I was down a trail running in the woods, away from it all.
Immediately I felt my head clear and my stress dissipate. With the fresh snow and muted twilight, the trees were a beautiful black-and-white photograph. When you exercise outside, you get to see things that people who spend all their time indoors miss out. Sunsets (and rises,) wildlife, fresh air, pretty vistas, and remote locations. My mind can wander and my body feels alive.
Exercise gives you so much more than health and fitness. You see things, feel things, experience life in ways that you would otherwise completely miss.
I am in a job search right now for a Wellness Coordinator or Corporate Fitness position. The reason why I strongly believe this can happen is that EVERY time I meet someone here and tell them that I am a fitness coach, they say "I could sure use your help." People want this benefit. They need this benefit.
Helping people improve their health is not complicated: they need information, motivation, and inspiration. But the benefits go FAR beyond the individual and the physical. When the transformation occurs, a person comes alive. They feel a new energy and vitality that quickly becomes infectious to others.
An organization certainly wants healthy people: it helps from the insurance and benefits side. But if we think more broadly, an organization that embraces wellness/fitness is one that ENERGIZES employees. Corporate culture becomes a strategic advantage when individuals feel valued, and they are encouraged to be physically, mentally, spiritually their very best.
This company realizes a strategic benefit far beyond health and fitness.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Boot Camp Mayhem; Instructor Personalities
I had a good friend from church recently approach me about teaching a boot camp. She gets together with about 20 friends 2 x per week to do a boot camp workout. She described her disappointment when the boot camp instructor called one of the women a "F-up" for showing up late. It seemed this was part of a small but persistent pattern of disrespectful and negative leadership style.
Perhaps it is due to the biggest looser, Boot Camp DVD's, or a distorted perception on behalf of consumers of what should happen at a boot camp. Perhaps some instructors were subjected to abusive or negative leadership themselves, or they get off on a power trip.
There is no excuse for calling someone a F-up. There is no excuse for being mean spirited or belittling someone no matter what their performance or effort.
I suspect I have been misconstrued in the past and her someones feelings. But I am certain of one thing: I respect and dignify every client I work with. I want to be positive, supportive, and appropriately challenging. If your boot camp instructor makes you feel bad, fire him or her.
Perhaps it is due to the biggest looser, Boot Camp DVD's, or a distorted perception on behalf of consumers of what should happen at a boot camp. Perhaps some instructors were subjected to abusive or negative leadership themselves, or they get off on a power trip.
There is no excuse for calling someone a F-up. There is no excuse for being mean spirited or belittling someone no matter what their performance or effort.
I suspect I have been misconstrued in the past and her someones feelings. But I am certain of one thing: I respect and dignify every client I work with. I want to be positive, supportive, and appropriately challenging. If your boot camp instructor makes you feel bad, fire him or her.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
RIP Jack Lalanne
Jack Lalanne showed that fitness and wellness can help you defy the effects of aging. Here is a list of his accomplishments. My personal favorite was his 70th birthday, when he swam 1.5 miles while towing 70 boats behind him...while handcuffed!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Cool video with accompanying soundtrack
I came across this cool animated video of a runner. The only problem is that the narration is not in English. Does anyone know what the narrator is saying? It is very soothing. If you want to add some more peppy music, mute the original video and add some Dandy Warhols to the mix.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Cadence in Running and Fitness Walking
"CADENCE" pt. 1
Cadence refers to how fast your feet are moving, otherwise referred to as "turnover" or "rpms." The main idea here is that you should increase the speed of your feet. For example, if you are on a stationary bike there is usually a readout for RPM. On the bike continually work on increasing this number. If you are initially at 50, aim to increase to 65-70. If you are at 65, try to hold 80-85. If it is too difficult to sustain the higher cadence continuously then use "intervals;" short chunks of high cadence interspersed in steady cadence.
Keep in mind this is increasing the speed of your feet, not the "level" of resistance. You can get better benefit and increase your fitness by keeping the resistance at a relatively easy level. Just move your feet faster.
The same holds true for fitness walking. If you are walking to get into better shape, increase your cadence. Moving your feet more quickly will get you breathing harder and moving faster. This is not to say take longer steps. On the contrary, it usually means that you should take shorter steps. In the case of walking, it is important to use your arms to set the rhythm for your feet. You must bend at the elbows and keep your wrists close to your ribs. Now get those arms pumping in short quick strokes. No wild swinging. Short quick strokes.
An easy way to gauge your walking cadence is to count left-foot strikes for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. That is your rpm cadence .
Fast feet, the arms are moving...you will notice with the increased walking cadence that it is easy to hold quite a bit of momentum. That is good. Now the trick is to keep holding that momentum. You will be breathing a little hard but not gasping for breath. If you are gasping, then take shorter steps. But keep the cadence up.
This kind of training--high cadence paired with low resistance/short strides--challenges the body to make a special kind of adaptation: "neuromuscular." Namely, your brain develops the ability to signal your body to move quickly. Once you get good at taking short steps with high cadence, then soon you will be taking medium length and longer strides while at the same time holding that higher cadence. Same with the bike...high gear + high cadence = speed.
I figured this out while training several women in a Power Walk class. After 4-5 weeks of power walking , I realized I was improving my own fitness. Keep in mind I was in prime Ironman form (10:11 at Vineman). But during those Power Walk sessions we always kept high cadence, which really added strength to my legs and stamina to my lungs.
Okay, I can't resist making an Ironman triathlon comment. If you are training for an ironman, or for most people a marathon for that matter, you are well advised to spend some time doing power walk training. Not only is it a gentle break from running, but in all likelihood you will spend a significant amount of time walking during your race.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Ron Crozier's Birthday Run
Okay so this isn't exactly a timely post but it is a good one. This summer I was training for the Vermont 100 miler so I was looking for some company on a long training run. My good friend Ron had a birthday in a few days so I suggested...let's celebrate your birthday by doing a run...a really long run.
This also happened to be in the middle of the summer in TN so it was oppressively hot most days. Besides, both Ron and I are married and you can't exactly go do a seven hour run without resulting in a unhappy wife. So we devised the idea to do the run in the middle of the night.
The gate to the natural area was on a large gauge gravel road which we departed down after midnight.
This day was Ron's 35th birthday so our goal was to run 35 miles. It was still quite hot but not as hot during the day time and sun light. We took plenty of water and kept up with the nutrition/electrolyte intake...
Photo: Ron is either flashing a gang sign, or saying "I'm this many."
This was a great chance for me to test run my Columbia Mobex pack. I later used this pack for a double crossing of the Grand Canyon, and some other challenging training runs.
We didn't have any formidable wildlife run ins, and we didn't find any puppies in the woods. Just this frog.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Forget You on Glee
Sometimes pop music just makes me happy and I want to share it. Probably we all feel like telling this to someone from time to time. If you haven't seen this from the TV show Glee, enjoy below.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Meanings of Ironman (Part 1 of 3): Origins and Intellectual Property Issues
I was reading this discussion forum thread with meandered into a debate on the meaning of Ironman. Ironman, Iron Man, 140.6, etc mean a lot of different things to different people. Let's look at some of the historical, current, and various uses of the term "Ironman."
Old School
If we are going to be thorough we should acknowledge the very first Ironmen. During the Iron Age of mankind (~500BC to 800AD) life consisted of hunting, various agricultural activities, and a war every now and then.
Iron Age men existed a long time before the rest of these versions.
Comic Book Character
In more contemporary terms, Iron Man was used by Marvel Comics for the character of the same name, pictured below. Like many other Marvel characters, Iron Man has been made into a movie recently. I will give credit to Robert Downy Jr and everyone else involved, they've done a good job.
Body Building, Etc.
Another historical use of the term Ironman refers to guys who look like this:
Ironman (in the body building sense of the word) is some kind of empire of magazines, competitions, and product. I'm not sure which is more of a caricature...the comic book Iron Man or the guys in this video:
Seriously though, these guys ARE intense athletes. They have to have a very strict diet and rigorous training program. I am not writing this to bad mouth anybody. Besides, at least these guys still wear speedos, unlike triathletes in 2010.
Not to be outdone by those strictly going for size, aesthetic development, and really dark tans, there is another kind of Ironman/body building/size/strength thread out there, namely people who want to be able to bend iron.
This movement is both a reaction to training for aesthetic reasons, and against commercial gyms. It includes Cross Fit, kettle bells, boot camps, TRX, and all manner of improvised workouts. My friend CJ Ong writes about the Free Fitness Movement on his blog the Crucible. Before forming opinions about CJ, be aware that he has done Ironmans, Triple Ironmans (Ultraman,) AND body building competitions. So he is not just an Ironman, he is all the different kinds of Ironman except the comic book character and the Iron Age man.
Sabbath
Our overview of Iron Man would not be complete without name-checking the Black Sabbath classic. By now it is somewhat of a parody song. For this reason I don't enjoy it as much as other Black Sabbath songs from this era, which are hard without being TOO hard if you know what I mean. With this album they basically invented metal.
When the recorded Iron Man the psychedelic movement was still in full swing. Damn that Ozzy Osborne is crazy as hell. Check out their video for Iron Man here. It is really crazy. Although I guess if you were going to do an Iron Man in the late 1960's, you could at least have the benefit of an Aqualung which might help you with the 2.4 mile swim.
The (First) Ironman Triathlon, M-Dot, and the WTC
When 15 guys lined up on the shore of Waikiki in 1978 to settle a bet, there is no way they could have imagined the behemoth that the race format would eventually become. The whole premise began with the argument, "Who is the best athlete; runners, swimmers, or cyclists."
Evidently some legal wrangling and business deals have had to occur for all the different versions of Ironman co-exist. You know those Medieval dudes have some really nasty lawyers! But seriously if you want to know how the tradmark business go settled, then you really read this article written by Dan Empfield on Slowtwitch.com (the older version not the new one.)
Old School
If we are going to be thorough we should acknowledge the very first Ironmen. During the Iron Age of mankind (~500BC to 800AD) life consisted of hunting, various agricultural activities, and a war every now and then.
Comic Book Character
In more contemporary terms, Iron Man was used by Marvel Comics for the character of the same name, pictured below. Like many other Marvel characters, Iron Man has been made into a movie recently. I will give credit to Robert Downy Jr and everyone else involved, they've done a good job.
Comic book geeks like myself know that this iteration of Iron Man is actually known as War Machine, which is a lot like the approach of some Ironman triathletes. Personally I never was too into Iron Man comics...I was more of a Punisher and X-Men reader.
Body Building, Etc.
Another historical use of the term Ironman refers to guys who look like this:
Photo: Ben Greenfield displaying one version of an Ironman performance.
Ironman (in the body building sense of the word) is some kind of empire of magazines, competitions, and product. I'm not sure which is more of a caricature...the comic book Iron Man or the guys in this video:
Seriously though, these guys ARE intense athletes. They have to have a very strict diet and rigorous training program. I am not writing this to bad mouth anybody. Besides, at least these guys still wear speedos, unlike triathletes in 2010.
Not to be outdone by those strictly going for size, aesthetic development, and really dark tans, there is another kind of Ironman/body building/size/strength thread out there, namely people who want to be able to bend iron.
Another version of an Ironman: "How to Bend Nails"
This movement is both a reaction to training for aesthetic reasons, and against commercial gyms. It includes Cross Fit, kettle bells, boot camps, TRX, and all manner of improvised workouts. My friend CJ Ong writes about the Free Fitness Movement on his blog the Crucible. Before forming opinions about CJ, be aware that he has done Ironmans, Triple Ironmans (Ultraman,) AND body building competitions. So he is not just an Ironman, he is all the different kinds of Ironman except the comic book character and the Iron Age man.
Sabbath
Our overview of Iron Man would not be complete without name-checking the Black Sabbath classic. By now it is somewhat of a parody song. For this reason I don't enjoy it as much as other Black Sabbath songs from this era, which are hard without being TOO hard if you know what I mean. With this album they basically invented metal.
When the recorded Iron Man the psychedelic movement was still in full swing. Damn that Ozzy Osborne is crazy as hell. Check out their video for Iron Man here. It is really crazy. Although I guess if you were going to do an Iron Man in the late 1960's, you could at least have the benefit of an Aqualung which might help you with the 2.4 mile swim.
The (First) Ironman Triathlon, M-Dot, and the WTC
When 15 guys lined up on the shore of Waikiki in 1978 to settle a bet, there is no way they could have imagined the behemoth that the race format would eventually become. The whole premise began with the argument, "Who is the best athlete; runners, swimmers, or cyclists."
Evidently some legal wrangling and business deals have had to occur for all the different versions of Ironman co-exist. You know those Medieval dudes have some really nasty lawyers! But seriously if you want to know how the tradmark business go settled, then you really read this article written by Dan Empfield on Slowtwitch.com (the older version not the new one.)
Ironman (Part 2 of 3): The Tattoo, Sticker, and Corporation
When I first got into the sport of triathlon, I asked a mentor, "Why do they call us tri-geeks?" I will never forget her response. She said, "Let's see, because you go for a run in the morning, you swim at lunch, and you go for a bike ride after work." The first triathlon club I ever belonged to was Columbia Multisport Club, five time national club champion in the largest division (beating among others L.A. Tri. They had--and continue to have to this day--a very popular listserv called "trigeeks@columbiamultisport.com."
Have you ever heard the expression, "I did it for the T-shirt?" It seems backwards that someone would do a race so that they can wear a t-shirt to let others know they did a race. What about enjoying the race itself? Doing it for the sense of achievement or fun? Well Ironman Triathletes tend to take it one step farther. They are not satisfied just "wearing the shirt."
We aren't called tri-geeks because we exercise a lot. It is because triathletes vainly display the M-Dot tattoo. (The below pictures of M-Dot tattoos are interspersed with quotes from an actual discussion forum thread about getting M-Dot tattoos...quotes do not correspond to the pictures.)
My commentary:
And this one is a variation since she did a "non-WTC iron distance" at Beach 2 Battleship. Getting an Ironman tattoo is like getting a Nike Swoosh tattoo or a McDonald's Arches tattoo. Getting a 140.6 tattoo is like getting a tattoo that says "sports apparel" or "hamburgers."
I understand what an epic and profound experience doing an iron distance triathlon is; I've done eight. I've won a 140.6 tri and gotten 3rd in two others, and been to Kona. My criticism specifically is the need people have to advertise their achievements with the M-Dot tattoo. It is like someone who has to cover the back of their car with stickers advertising every racing distance they have done, providing irrefutable evidence that "I am a Tri Geek."
Part of the issue I have with the M-Dot logo, brand, and the WTC is that corporately, Ironman has become an overly commercialized corporate entity. The sport/brand/corporation of Ironman is owned by a company named Providence Equity Partners. This company views the sport of triathlon and for that matter the spirit of Ironman as little more than a flippable commodity. And if flipping this commodity is it's business, then business is good.
The WTC has engaged in an aggressive expansion including the popular "Ironman 70.3" distance with at least 34 races, and in 2011 a nationwide series of olympic distance triathlons called 5150. I won't say that this business expansion is itself a bad thing, it's just that the entire sport is becoming dominated by one particular brand. Well, actually two brands. The other giant is Falconhead Equity aka Competitor Group, which owns Triathlete, Inside Triathon, VeloNews, Muddy Buddy, and the entire Rock n Roll Marathon series.
When those 12 guys and 3 gals lined up on the beach for the very first Iron Man Triathlon in 1978, they would have never imagined what a corporate mega-entity of pre-packaged experience, magazines, and lifestyle accessories their little experiment would become. Before you get your Ironman Tattoo, consider "Do I want to advertise for this company?"
And consider...How the rest of the world views Ironman triathletes. Perhaps Ironman Triathlon has "jumped the shark." (Part 3)
Have you ever heard the expression, "I did it for the T-shirt?" It seems backwards that someone would do a race so that they can wear a t-shirt to let others know they did a race. What about enjoying the race itself? Doing it for the sense of achievement or fun? Well Ironman Triathletes tend to take it one step farther. They are not satisfied just "wearing the shirt."
We aren't called tri-geeks because we exercise a lot. It is because triathletes vainly display the M-Dot tattoo. (The below pictures of M-Dot tattoos are interspersed with quotes from an actual discussion forum thread about getting M-Dot tattoos...quotes do not correspond to the pictures.)
"I say hell yeah! So what it's not Kona earned?!?! It's still a friggin' ironman and that is AWESOME!!
"For those of you that have IM tattoo's- Did you get it right after the race or did you wait a while? Can anyone recommend a good tattoo parlor in Panama City? I'm planning on getting one after IMFL.
"Does it matter if you are sunburned? I'm planning on getting mine around my right shoulder blade. Basically where it will only be seen if I'm swimming or in a jog bra.
"I will probably wait until I get home. The long drive home will be hard enough on my legs without having a new tattoo on my back! I'm planning on getting my inside my shoulder blade. It won't be covered by a bra strap, jog bra or swimsuit. We're going to try out a temporary M Dot tattoo on first. After looking at the prices of M Dot jewelry, Hubby told me to get a tattoo instead!
"This may be extreme, but I actually got mine 30 minutes after I crossed the line at IMAZ and got back in time to root on the last finishers...I wanted to get the tattoo where I raced and I was leaving Tempe early the next morning. I called ahead and scheduled an appointment, based on my moderate goal finish time...
"I printed out an ironman logo, and the tattoo guy resized it with a copying machine. Freehand drawing doesn't sound like a good idea, since there's a circle involved and stuff.
Even thought I am not worthy of sporting an IM tat yet, it would be nice to have a copy saved for the big day. Only have done 1/2 IM, Timberman . In the process of signing up for the new 101 series in Bradenton, Fla. in may. 1.8 mi. swim, 80mi. bike and a 18 mi. run. Do they make a 1/2 IM or 3/4 IM tattoo? lol Could you please send me a copy? Hope to do IMFL in 08. Should I get the tattoo on my leg or my back? Thanks for the help.
My commentary:
And this one is a variation since she did a "non-WTC iron distance" at Beach 2 Battleship. Getting an Ironman tattoo is like getting a Nike Swoosh tattoo or a McDonald's Arches tattoo. Getting a 140.6 tattoo is like getting a tattoo that says "sports apparel" or "hamburgers."
I understand what an epic and profound experience doing an iron distance triathlon is; I've done eight. I've won a 140.6 tri and gotten 3rd in two others, and been to Kona. My criticism specifically is the need people have to advertise their achievements with the M-Dot tattoo. It is like someone who has to cover the back of their car with stickers advertising every racing distance they have done, providing irrefutable evidence that "I am a Tri Geek."
Part of the issue I have with the M-Dot logo, brand, and the WTC is that corporately, Ironman has become an overly commercialized corporate entity. The sport/brand/corporation of Ironman is owned by a company named Providence Equity Partners. This company views the sport of triathlon and for that matter the spirit of Ironman as little more than a flippable commodity. And if flipping this commodity is it's business, then business is good.
The WTC has engaged in an aggressive expansion including the popular "Ironman 70.3" distance with at least 34 races, and in 2011 a nationwide series of olympic distance triathlons called 5150. I won't say that this business expansion is itself a bad thing, it's just that the entire sport is becoming dominated by one particular brand. Well, actually two brands. The other giant is Falconhead Equity aka Competitor Group, which owns Triathlete, Inside Triathon, VeloNews, Muddy Buddy, and the entire Rock n Roll Marathon series.
When those 12 guys and 3 gals lined up on the beach for the very first Iron Man Triathlon in 1978, they would have never imagined what a corporate mega-entity of pre-packaged experience, magazines, and lifestyle accessories their little experiment would become. Before you get your Ironman Tattoo, consider "Do I want to advertise for this company?"
And consider...How the rest of the world views Ironman triathletes. Perhaps Ironman Triathlon has "jumped the shark." (Part 3)
Meanings of Ironman (Part 3 of 3): Champions, Finman, and Jumping the Shark
In this series I've explored some of the meanings of Ironman. For some it is a comic book character, a body building competition, or a heavy metal song. Others choose to commemorate their Ironman experience by getting a tattoo. One thing for sure, Ironman is big business.
People are getting these tattoos like crazy. Here is one impressive example:
This tattoo is even more impressive when you see it on the back of its owner, Ben Greenfield:
I have a feeling that this is not Mr. Greenfield's first time posing. In fact he has done not one, but at least two kinds of Ironman. From part 1 of this series, here is Greenfield posing at a body building competition:
This is the same guy who was body building, and now he is doing triathlons with a huge M-Dot tattoo on his back. He is displaying the trends which are at risk for taking over the Ironman brand: Hubristic bragging fodder and conspicuous consumption.
But first--before I come across as completely critical of Ironman (and just nasty in general,) I want to give at least a couple counter-examples. The first I will give is the current Ironman superstar Chrissie Wellington. I had the chance to see Chrissie race recently at Ironman Arizona. To be honest I was super-excited to watch her. Her talent as a racer is exceptional, and her form is remarkable. After seeing Chrissy run past, Susan said "I want to be her."
And I can see why she said that. Chrissie is a moving display of power, efficiency, and speed. Her body appears to be made of 123 lbs of pure muscle. Her technique is flawless and her killer instinct is undeniable.
Now I do want ACME Multisports to sell lots of bikes and schwag. But I think Ironman, and triathlon in general suffer from conspicuous consumption. People want to throw money at the sport, buy the most expensive bike, trendy minimalist running shoe, or new skin racing suit rather than learning the fundamentals of the sport. Don't get me wrong; it is cool that you can obtain the same equipment and race alongside the pros. Here is a picture of Jordan Rapp at Ironman AZ.
Jordan Rapp (on the right, another extremely classy guy) is shown here next to an age grouper. Note they have very similar helmets, bikes, wheels, glasses, and racing suits. The age grouper has decidedly the more impressive socks. The difference here is that Jordan is 1) displaying proper usage of a triathlon bike, and 2) is 38 miles ahead!
This is not an isolated instance. Having been a triathlon coach for over 10 years, I can identify good and bad technique. Attending any triathlon on any given weekend, you see people who have no clue what they are doing. They may have spent the money to buy the things you are supposed to buy, enter the races you are supposed to enter, and maybe even put in the necessary training time. But there is not evidence of the small additional mental effort that it takes to do things correctly.
The problem with all of this is triathletes have earned the reputation of being incompetent and boastful show-offs; people who spend lavishly on unnecessary gadgets but can't even use them correctly. If you want to fake-it-till-you-make it, go right ahead. But it makes you and the rest of the sport look bad. Just don't cheat like this guy.
This is a picture of Fin Man, so known because he attempted to cheat and use fins at Ironman Florida a couple years ago. He was in fact disqualified after being caught with the fins, a fact which he disputes to this day. The fact that Fin Man was disqualified did not prevent him from claiming he had finished the race, in this shocking picture:
I hope that isn't Finman swimming around under the ramp, or Fonzie is in real trouble.
People are getting these tattoos like crazy. Here is one impressive example:
This tattoo is even more impressive when you see it on the back of its owner, Ben Greenfield:
I have a feeling that this is not Mr. Greenfield's first time posing. In fact he has done not one, but at least two kinds of Ironman. From part 1 of this series, here is Greenfield posing at a body building competition:
This is the same guy who was body building, and now he is doing triathlons with a huge M-Dot tattoo on his back. He is displaying the trends which are at risk for taking over the Ironman brand: Hubristic bragging fodder and conspicuous consumption.
But first--before I come across as completely critical of Ironman (and just nasty in general,) I want to give at least a couple counter-examples. The first I will give is the current Ironman superstar Chrissie Wellington. I had the chance to see Chrissie race recently at Ironman Arizona. To be honest I was super-excited to watch her. Her talent as a racer is exceptional, and her form is remarkable. After seeing Chrissy run past, Susan said "I want to be her."
And I can see why she said that. Chrissie is a moving display of power, efficiency, and speed. Her body appears to be made of 123 lbs of pure muscle. Her technique is flawless and her killer instinct is undeniable.
Chrissie around top ten overall (including pro men) at Mile 4.
Her technical skill is perfect, her physique is amazing, and she crushes the competition.
But the most striking thing about Chrissie Wellington isn't any of the above, it is that has fun while she is racing. She displays pure joy in movement and in fact is smiling most of the time she is racing. In interviews she displays nothing but class and humility. After winning an Ironman, she returns to the finish line until 12am midnight to congratulate each and every finisher behind her. She is on the cover of magazines, on advertisements, and she has three Ironman world titles. She doesn't need a tattoo or a sticker on her bumper to advertise to the world. She does it for fun and to challenge herself.
You don't have to be an Ironman Champion to display the true spirit of Ironman. Here are three other examples from among my friends and clients:
This is Corrie and she is about to start her first half iron distance triathlon in this picture. It is at the Rev 3 in Sandusky. She is here with her friends and the STtrianer team. Corrie is kind, humble, and friendly. But she also is one to challenge and push herself. She has steadily worked her way up from beginning triathlon to olympic distance and now a half iron. She has been at it for 2-3 years and will probably take 1-2 more years before she takes a shot at an iron distance race. That is, if she ever decides to do one. She still uses a road bike and her bumper is not covered with "I'm a triathlete" stickers.
Perry is pictured here at Ironman Louisville. He knew he had a window of time between his first and second children's births to get his shot at an Ironman in. He has worked diligently for 2-3 to get to this point. Despite the demands of being a health care executive and having a young family, Perry worked very hard to prepare for this race. He was not one to take short cuts. I gave him a plan to be well-prepared for Louisville, and he never complained about the difficulty of the workouts. If you are going to do an Ironman you better be ready to do 100 mile bike rides. And if the race is in Louisville, you better do those rides in the heat. His performance on race day is the testament: he went sub 13 hours, had negative splits on the marathon run, and never felt distressed throughout the day.
Perry is pictured here running with his dad. Much like my father The Fergus, Perry's accomplishments have inspired his father to get healthy and exercise. While an Ironman triathlete can inspire others, taking the time to train for one is another matter. If you are a parent with small children, carefully consider if Ironman training is a good idea. It takes a lot of time to prepare for this race. If you can't train 15+ hours a week for a few months, doing an Ironman may not be a wise idea. And if you can't make that balance, then don't punish your family by being selfish with your time.
Another great example is Brian. He too did his first Ironman at Louisville this year. He has children, career, etc, and he managed to get the training time in to be ready to finish this race. He is so interested in triathlon he actually invested in Nashville's ACME Multisports. Despite being a part owner of a triathlon store, he has never come across as showy or materialistic. He doesn't brag. He doesn't flash bling. And he comes across as a genuinely nice guy.
This is not an isolated instance. Having been a triathlon coach for over 10 years, I can identify good and bad technique. Attending any triathlon on any given weekend, you see people who have no clue what they are doing. They may have spent the money to buy the things you are supposed to buy, enter the races you are supposed to enter, and maybe even put in the necessary training time. But there is not evidence of the small additional mental effort that it takes to do things correctly.
The problem with all of this is triathletes have earned the reputation of being incompetent and boastful show-offs; people who spend lavishly on unnecessary gadgets but can't even use them correctly. If you want to fake-it-till-you-make it, go right ahead. But it makes you and the rest of the sport look bad. Just don't cheat like this guy.
Finman at the New York Marathon the next day with a sign on his back which reads, "Finished an Ironman in Florida Yesterday"
Believe it or not, this guy actually went to the trouble to arrange air transportation from Florida after presumably finishing an Ironman to be at the race start the next day in New York. If you want to do this then more power to you. I supposed its cool. Heck, wear the finisher shirt from IMFL and tell someone all about it if they ask you. But don't put it on a paper sign on your back, especially when you got disqualified at the race. Finman's continued his craziness after serving a 1 year suspension from all Ironman races. Unfortunately the rambling Finman Challenge video appears to have been taken down.
I have had a lot of fun in my days racing Ironmans and iron distance triathlons. But I tell you it all gets to be a little too much with the tattoos, stickers, show-offs, and cheaters. The hubris, consumerism, and corporate control sure seem to detract from those who are genuinely seeking a cool, personally fulfilling experience. Sometimes it makes me wonder if possibly triathlon hasn't...just maybe... Jumped the Shark
I hope that isn't Finman swimming around under the ramp, or Fonzie is in real trouble.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Trail Running Extreme Gear
The purpose of this post is to share with you a few items I found indespensible for my double-crossing of the Grand Canyon (Rim to Rim to Rim.) This was achieved in November 2010. Climate conditions ranged from 5F to 50F+, and included ice, sand, 6" snow, rocks, and of course very steep drop-offs. A good portion of the run was in the dark.
The first thing I want to rave about is my Craft Knickers. I know knickers are traditionally more of a women's running apparel, but they are so comfortable and versatile that I just love them. They cover the knees which it is nice to have warm in cool weather, and it's not like your shins really ever get cold. Another nice thing about knickers is that they have a slimming appearance effect. I am just like your next triathlete with a healthy amount of body image issues, but I always feel great when I am wearing these pants.
Craft Knickers
Craft Women's Active Knicker
The next thing I want to rave about is my Columbia Mobex backpack (show in the pictures above and below.) I have been running with a CamelBak M.U.L.E. for a few years when I obtained this new backpack at the Nashville Muddy Buddy. The basic concept is a dome tent. There are plastic poles that loop around and give the pack an open, large-capacity design. It doesn't come with a hydration bladder but you can easily purchase one that will fit in the designated pocket inside the pack. (I used 100 oz for this run.)
Cargo access is easy with several external pockets as well as a water bottle holder and a small pouch on the waist belt. It was very easy to have all the items, hydration, nutrition, lights, extra gloves, etc I needed without constantly taking the pack off.
The best part was that my companions on this run had their packs stuffed tight...Besides being a light packer this backpack offered so much storage capacity that I only had it about 2/3's full. It really worked great!
Columbia Mobex backpack--It comes in at least 3 sizes so shop around on Amazon to find the one that is the best fit for your needs.
Columbia Mobex Sprint Backpack (Black)
Yak Trax---I have never purchased Yak Trax before in part because I've never felt the need. If it is icy out I just go run on a golf course somewhere in the snow. But when I learned that we were facing some snow and ice conditions at the GC, I decided this would be the time to purchase a pair. (There is something about falling a thousand feet to your death that is off-putting.)
Simply put, these worked great. If you are in a scenario where you are trying to run (or walk) on ice or packed snow, definitely consider picking up a pair of these. I opted for the Yak Trax Pro which offer an extra velcro strap to hold them on a little more securely. They just slipped right over your shoe and don't really inhibit your footstrike when you are running on normal ground. In fact I kept them on some time after we had descended past the snow-line.
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice,Black,Small
The first thing I want to rave about is my Craft Knickers. I know knickers are traditionally more of a women's running apparel, but they are so comfortable and versatile that I just love them. They cover the knees which it is nice to have warm in cool weather, and it's not like your shins really ever get cold. Another nice thing about knickers is that they have a slimming appearance effect. I am just like your next triathlete with a healthy amount of body image issues, but I always feel great when I am wearing these pants.
Craft Knickers
Craft Women's Active Knicker
The next thing I want to rave about is my Columbia Mobex backpack (show in the pictures above and below.) I have been running with a CamelBak M.U.L.E. for a few years when I obtained this new backpack at the Nashville Muddy Buddy. The basic concept is a dome tent. There are plastic poles that loop around and give the pack an open, large-capacity design. It doesn't come with a hydration bladder but you can easily purchase one that will fit in the designated pocket inside the pack. (I used 100 oz for this run.)
Cargo access is easy with several external pockets as well as a water bottle holder and a small pouch on the waist belt. It was very easy to have all the items, hydration, nutrition, lights, extra gloves, etc I needed without constantly taking the pack off.
The best part was that my companions on this run had their packs stuffed tight...Besides being a light packer this backpack offered so much storage capacity that I only had it about 2/3's full. It really worked great!
Columbia Mobex backpack--It comes in at least 3 sizes so shop around on Amazon to find the one that is the best fit for your needs.
Columbia Mobex Sprint Backpack (Black)
Yak Trax---I have never purchased Yak Trax before in part because I've never felt the need. If it is icy out I just go run on a golf course somewhere in the snow. But when I learned that we were facing some snow and ice conditions at the GC, I decided this would be the time to purchase a pair. (There is something about falling a thousand feet to your death that is off-putting.)
Simply put, these worked great. If you are in a scenario where you are trying to run (or walk) on ice or packed snow, definitely consider picking up a pair of these. I opted for the Yak Trax Pro which offer an extra velcro strap to hold them on a little more securely. They just slipped right over your shoe and don't really inhibit your footstrike when you are running on normal ground. In fact I kept them on some time after we had descended past the snow-line.
Snowy conditions on the North Rim.
Helping Hara put her Yak Trax on.
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice,Black,Small
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