1. April 2009
Coming Real Soon =>
Tri Fusion fun social time
at Fastkart raceway on
Wednesday, April 22 @
7:00 pm..
Heart BoD,
RR: New RR: Snake Jitters &
Rate Sponsors,
Orleans, River, Clinic,
Training, Calendars,
pages 5-6 page 8 page 10
page 2 page 12
Your Best
RR: Critical
Swimming, Recipe,
Oceanside, Components,
pages 3-4 page 11
page 7 page 9
Amino Acids in Sports Nutrition Products
by Pip Taylor
Adding amino acids (the building blocks of protein) to Amino acids from the breakdown of ingested protein may
sports drinks and gels has challenged the more traditional also moderate the metabolic responses to exercise,
formula of carbohydrates and electrolytes, which has long limiting muscle breakdown.
been believed to improve endurance exercise more than
the consumption of water alone. The common perception is that the recovery process
begins after exercise ceases. However, there is ample
During exercise fat and glycogen (stored in muscles and evidence to show improved muscle protein balance when
the liver) are the body's primary fuel sources. However, protein and carbohydrates are consumed both before and
protein may contribute up to 10 percent of the energy during exercise. Faster muscle damage repair leads to
used during high-intensity endurance training and even improved recovery, which in turn means greater
more once glycogen stores are depleted. This means that adaptation and performance. There are studies showing
toward the end of a long, hard training session or race, improved endurance performance when protein is added
the body begins to break down muscle proteins for fuel. to a carbohydrate formula during exercise, and although
Sports drinks and gels that contain carbohydrates reduce other studies have failed to show the same benefits, none
this muscle damage and improve endurance by providing a have shown a detrimental effect. So it seems there is
readily accessible fuel source. nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain! As with many
nutritional issues, individual response is a huge component,
The accepted optimal carbohydrate concentration is 6 and what works for some may not work for all. I use
percent to 8 percent for maximal uptake beyond which Accelerade and Accelgels, as they work the best for me.
gastric emptying slows, thus reducing the uptake by However, I would recommend experimenting with any new
depleted muscles. Since the uptake pathways for products in training before trying them out in a race.
carbohydrates and protein are separate, adding protein in
the form of amino acids means that you are effectively
adding another fuel source simultaneously.
[1]

2. Heart Rate and Training The key to using a heart rate monitor is determining your
training zones. That is done by first finding your lactate
from Joe Friel’s blog
threshold heart rate. This is much more precise than using max
heart rate. It’s also more precise than using the formula 220
I got my first heart rate monitor in 1983 and still recall minus age to predict max heart rate. If you do that you had
what a great thrill it was to see my heart rate in real time on might as well guess. The formula is close to useless for
my wrist while training. Prior to that we used to stop during a individuals. It works fairly well with large groups of people. If
workout and count pulse beats for 6 seconds and multiply by 10 you tested a large group you’d produce a bell-shaped curve. For
to get an estimate of what was going on. Of course, heart rate those in the middle of the curve the formula would predict max
dropped when we stopped. So this was a great breakthrough. heart rate rather closely. But there would be many people at
For the first few weeks I wore it daily just to see how my the far ends of the curve, both high and low, for whom the
heart responded to everything – walking up stairs, brushing my formula is way off. Since you don’t know where you fall on the
teeth, touching my wife (she didn’t like that), eating, and about curve, the formula is mere speculation and likely to be 15 to 20
everything else including sleeping. or more beats off. I’ve also never found any evidence that
heart rate changes with age. I’m now 65 and have been using a
It took a couple of years to figure out how to train with
monitor since I was 39. My lactate threshold heart rate on the
heart rate. Then I began a mission to get athletes to start
bike has remained quite constant at about 152 all of these
using them. By 1992 the device seemed to have reached a
years. I have also been coaching one athlete for 7 years. His
tipping point. That year I noticed that almost everyone was
lactate threshold heart rate has not changed either. Bottom
wearing them when I went to running, triathlon and bike races.
line: Forget about your age, using a formula of any kind and
That was 15 years after the heart rate monitor was
finding max heart rate. What you need to know is lactate
invented by the founder of Polar in 1977.
threshold heart rate (LTHR).
Now athletes take them for granted.
There are many ways to find LTHR. The
Unfortunately, due to this technology
simplest (not the easiest by any means) is to
most athletes have now come to believe
complete a 30-minute time trial all by
that their training has a singular focus
yourself (no training partners or races).
– to improve the cardiovascular
Warm-up and then go as fast as you can
system. That’s not the case. Most
for the entire 30 minutes. Treat it as if
athletes would improve faster by
it is a race. Ten minutes after the start
focusing on their muscular systems.
hit the lap button on your heart rate
Many also seem to believe, based on
monitor. When you are all done look to
their heart rates, that they know
see what your average heart rate was that
what their fitness is and if they are
last 20 minutes. This is a good estimation
overtrained or not. Those things can’t
of LTHR, I’ve found. Please note that this is
be measured by heart rate alone.
NOT a 10-minute warm-up and a 20-minute
race effort. For some reason many athletes
Nevertheless, heart rate still is valuable
assume that’s what I’m saying. It is a 30-minute, all-
information. I require everyone I coach to have a
out effort. We are just looking at the last 20 minutes of it.
monitor. I also require them to have a power meter and a
speed-distance device (GPS or accelerometer) if they are
Also note that the first time athletes do this test they
triathletes. By comparing heart rate with power or speed we
nearly always go out too fast and then fade badly in the last 10
now have a very good idea of how good one’s aerobic fitness is.
minutes. Try to start a bit conservatively and gradually increase
For example, if for a given low- to moderate-intensity workout
the effort as you progress. You’ll get better results that way.
power or speed increases but heart rate remains the same then
Also, note that if you are a triathlete you need to do this test
you are in better aerobic condition. The same may be said if at
for each sport. LTHR varies by sport.
the same power or speed heart rate is lower. It’s a simple
measure but you must know both input (heart rate) and output
Once you know your LTHR go to my Cyclist’s Training Bible,
(power or speed) to draw such a conclusion. (You can find more
Triathlete’s Training Bible or Total Heart Rate Training books
on this topic here and here.)
and find the table which provides zones based on LTHR. The
books also describe how to use the zones in your training.
[2]

3. How to Beat a Swimming Performance Plateau
by Ben Greenfield, MS, CPT, CSCS, CISSN
President of Pacific Elite Fitness
Director of Sports Performance,
Champions Sports Medicine
Now that you've perhaps had the chance to complete your initial
triathlon of this race season, you may have experienced that
first-race-of-the-year "Oh Crap" moment, which is when you
realize that your water speed really has not gotten much
faster than last year. Despite countless hours spent
poolside with a bag full of pull buoys, kickboards, and lucky
rubber ducks, are your race swim splits looking eerily similar to
the previous season? So what can you do about it?
1.Swim Fast
As the next race approaches, typically about 4-6 weeks out, you can begin to phase in more difficult sets at closer to a
tempo or threshold pace, with an intensity zone that would be considered anaerobic (typically produces a burn in the
muscles, a higher heart rate, and more difficulty breathing). The rest periods between these anaerobic efforts should
grow shorter and shorter as the competition approaches, while the the total volume of swim training gradually
decreases. For example, begin with 2-4x500 with 60 second recoveries, and work down to 6-8x200 with 20 second
recoveries over the course of a month-and-a-half. Finally, 1-2 weeks from the event, you can significantly decrease
volume by 50-60%, and swim only a few very intense 50-150 sets, with long rest periods. With this approach, you may
feel like you're losing endurance, but remind yourself that it’s better to be 5% under-trained than 1% over-trained!
2.Test
I recommend utilizing a consistent testing method to track your progress in the water. Not only are you provided with
added motivation as your test date approaches, but you’ll be able to track your progress efficiently and compare how
changes in your training program affect your speed and endurance. I utilize the T-Pace test with most of my coached
athletes, who probably hate me for it. The T-Pace test involves a brief warm-up, then a swim at maximum possible
intensity for 500-2000 yards, depending on an athlete’s experience. The total time is used to calculate the "time per
100 meters", which is called an athlete’s "T-Pace". Future training sessions are then based on a speed percentage of
that pace. If available, a blood lactate test can be even more precise than a T-Pace test. In this test, you swim at
gradually higher intensities for 2-5 minute stages, stopping after each stage to test blood lactate (using a handheld
blood lactate testing unit). The speed at which blood lactate concentration shows a significant increase is very near to
your anaerobic threshold. Once the heart rate and speed at this value are known, future training sessions can be based
on this threshold. Since most over-training occurs when you swim too hard for too long above threshold, knowledge of
where the threshold occurs can ensure that you receive the most benefit out of every training session, without actually
over-training or hitting a plateau. In other words, it is possible to train too hard in the pool, and this test can keep you
from smashing yourself.
[3]

4. Swimming...(cont’d)
3. Dry Land Strength Training
Muscles rarely produce forces during the swim stroke that parallel the forces produced during resistance training. So
why bother to train on the weights? Because the muscle fiber utilization, neuromuscular adaptations, lean muscle tissue
growth, and resistance to fatigue that occurs in the weight room result in an energy sparing effect in the water.
Basically, your muscular and nervous systems ‘learn ‘ how to contract more efficiently, and produce more power per
contraction, while also sparing the amount of carbohydrate used, which is important for distance swimmers. There’s no
doubt about it: there is a strong cross-over training effect from weight training to swimming. Additional advantages of
dry land strength training include: 1) the development of core musculature, which can enhance balance while practicing
‘downhill’ swimming and create a stronger kinetic chain between the hips and the upper back muscles; 2) more powerful
hips, thighs, and calves, which are strengthened during ‘triple-extension’ movements like the squat and the lunge - very
useful for any kick that involves a powerful whipping motion, as well as push-offs from the wall and 3) a super-hero like
body that looks like it is about to rip through your wetsuit.
4. Rest and Recovery
Often, a plateau simply occurs because the body’s energy systems are never given an opportunity to absorb the effects
of all those hours and meters in the pool. True training adaptations actually occur while the body is resting, not during
the actual swim session. If your current program includes a hard training session nearly every day of the week, week
after week (can you say "competitive Master's class"?), then you should: 1) begin to include skill and drill based swims at
an easy pace for at least 1-2 of these workouts and 2) include a recovery week every 3-5 weeks, with no hard swimming
and 100% easy sets or drills. With this approach, you will experience a stepwise effect in fitness that prevents the
body from hitting a wall, and ultimately, your potential intensity and volume will become much greater. Yes, you'll feel
like you're getting "unfit" during these skill days and weeks, but then again, I'll bet that 13 year old girl that keeps
passing you in the pool is worrying more about form than fitness.
5. Lifestyle
The importance of sleep, proper nutrition, and a holistic wellness approach in all aspects of life must be emphasized, and
this becomes far more important for athletes and individuals who constantly break their body down and produce free
radicals and other damaging metabolites during exercise. My pet peeve as a coach is the athlete who complains about
poor performance, but continues fueling their workouts with pretzels, orange juice, bagels, and late night TV.
Recommendations to follow include: 1) maintaining 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and attempting to follow the body’s
natural circadian rhythm by hitting the sack before 11 p.m.; 2) eating high amounts of a large variety of fruits and
vegetables, preferably organic; 3) avoiding alcohol, cigarette smoke, pollutants, and exposure to large amounts of
detergents and cleaners; 4) 2 weeks out from the race, completely eliminating consumption of refined and processed
sugars, alternative sweeteners, and processed or packaged foods with chemicals and preservatives; 5) daily consumption
of at least 0.5-0.9 grams per pound from lean protein sources that provide a complete amino acid profile, like egg,
animal, or whey protein (for vegetarians, this may require food combinations, like rice and beans); 6) balancing family,
hobbies, and non-stressful activities like family tennis outings and outdoor concerts over the daily strain of work and
training.
A lack of ability to build speed in the water is probably not because you don't have the most expensive wetsuit, size 14
feet, or a underwater mp3 player. Instead, with a complete combination of the strategies outlined above, you can vastly
improve your swim and overcome a water-based performance plateau.
[4]

5. Race Report: New Orleans 70.3 Fumbling with my Blue Seventy Helix GU Chomps I had shoved up my shorts. I
by Ben Greenfield and yanking the swimcap over my head, I ended up making a stupid decision, and
made a mad 50 yard sprint for the swim for all the athletes that I coach, do as I
I awoke with a jolt on race morning start, leapt over the gate and had a race say, not as I did on this one. It would
when Chris punched me in the back. I official quickly zip me up. As I ran down have cost me maybe 20-30 seconds to
rolled over and realized I'd slept the stairs into the water, my wave was stop and gather my nutrition off the
through my alarm twenty minutes. Not literally doing the ten second road, but I didn't stop. And this was
that big of a deal, really, since we were countdown. knowing that Gatorade messes up my
primarily getting there early for him, gut, which I learned after a similar
since his wave left thirty minutes prior But somehow, arriving at this moment incident in Hawaii. Take away lesson: in
to mine. So off we went, with a quick put me in a perfect inside jockeying the heat of the race, listen to your
stop off at the refrigerator to grab my position that allowed me to push off the brain, not your emotions.
pre-baked sweet potatoes, and wash stairs, glide underwater, and lead the
them down with some Millennium Sports entire pack to the first buoy. Three of Fortunately, it turned out that there
supplements, Hammer Race caps and us led the swim for the next 200m or were "unadvertised" Powerbar Gels at
Impax Enerprime. And of course, I so, then we started to swim into the most of the aid stations. These things
grabbed my precious GU Espresso- wave that started ahead of us. don't hold a candle to the caffeinated,
flavored gel with some delta-E for that branched chain amino acid/maltodextrin
morning caffeine jolt. Everything broke up at that point blend of GU Roctane. But I can tolerate
(basically like swimmming into a mine them, unlike Gatorade.
Transition set-up went through without field) and the next 25 minutes were
a snag. This race was a point-to-point spent swimming "around people". And So, surviving off a bit of an
swim, so we had to set-up transition, yes, the lake tastes like a mix of sushi unanticipated nutrition plan, I continued
then walk or take a shuttle bus 1.2 miles and metal. with what I consider to be one of my
down the rode to the swim start. better Half-Ironman bike
Nonetheless, I felt like I came out of performances. My heart rate was dialed
Sorry for the severe lack of photos, but the water in a good position, and only in the entire time, and I literally sailed
after I set-up my transition area so saw 2 other bikes when I arrived at my through the field. I came out of my aero
beautifully and had my GU nutrition transition towel. The swim was position just a few times.
tattoos placed so strategically across somewhere around a 29, and I crossed
my body, I grabbed my camera to snap a the timing mat at about 30, as it was a Interestingly, I realized after the race
photo...and it was dead. But it looked fairly long transition chute. that my seatpost had slipped nearly 3
good, I promise. And you can purchase a millimeters when I went over the speed
professionally snapped race photo for From the minute I hopped onto my bump! This may have been why my quads
the special price of 199.99 (three Specialized Transition, I knew I would were more sore than usual the day
hundred dollar shipping charge have a pretty solid bike split. I had a after. I was pushing pretty good
applies). ;) great taper for this race, and for the wattage with a high amount of weight on
days leading up, was feeling some real the pedals and "hovering" over the
Since I had time, and my wave didn't go power in the legs. They were poppin', so saddle most of the time, so this didn't
off until 7:34, I opted to walk twenty to speak. hold me back too much. My bike split
minutes to the swim start. When I got was around a 2:20, and I felt great
to staging area, I slipped into the porta- The first 10 miles or so of the bike was coming into transition.
potty and took a nice long poo, strolled ultra-bumpy, and on the first real
over to the chip area and got my timing teeth-rattling speed bump/pothole/ And the blood-sucking caterpillars?
chip, then stretched awhile. I glanced at volcanic crack (still not really sure what Something resembling a caterpillar (that
my watch. Still 12 minutes left. it was), my special-made Profile Design I can only imagine fell out of a tree)
downtube gel holder device thingy spit gave me a big nasty bite on the thigh at
With my wetsuit hanging around my out all my GU Roctane and scattered it about the 60K mark, as we were biking
waist, I wandered off in search of some across the road. through what appeared to be a wildlife
water, and heard the announcer give the refuge. I at first thought it was a wasp,
"Silver Caps" the 60 second count-down. Here I had to make a quick decision: which would have probably resulted in a
I looked down in my hand. Silver cap. lose momentum, stop, and gather my DNF, since I am allergic, but it just
Oops. Must've read something wrong. nutrition, or push on and survive on aid- stung like hell for a while, then
station Gatorade and the one packet of disappeared.
[5]

6. New Orleans, (cont’d) I'd experienced gut distress in Hawaii. on the plane - no solid numbers). No
I'd experienced run ending knee injury awards or special placings on this one.
The first 5K of the run, everything felt in Hawaii. I'd experienced completely Out of three thousand people, I came in
great. It was pretty hot, but I was very fatigued and useless legs in Chile. somewhere around 90th place.
pleased that everything was going as
planned. I typically don't eat for the But I'd never experienced the inability I grabbed a slice of pizza, a massage and
first 30 or 40 minutes of the half- to even do a light jog without feeling like caught a shuttle bus back up to
marathon in a 70.3, as I shove some my head and heart were going to blow transition.
extra fuel and hydration down the hatch up. So basically, I think that for the
on the bike. first time in my racing career, I really,
truly "blew up". Like, smoke coming out
After about 5K, there is a turn-around my ears, blew up. What
on the run, after which we head down did I
learn?
towards the city park for 10K or so. My The last bit down Espanade avenue was
plan was to stay relatively aerobic for pure hell. I couldn't smile, I couldn't
the first 10K, then really open up and enjoy myself, it was every shred of
attack hard to the finish. determination to even move. I was
audibly groaning with each step. A)"Acclimatize". After thinking about it,
It was at this first turn-around that I this was really my first warm weather
started to feel very, very warm. Afraid When I took a right on the last 800 race where I didn't pay attention too
that I might be overheating, I stopped meters down Decatur, I still wasn't sure much to heat acclimatization, and did
at the next aid station and took about 6 that I was going to make it. People's not do my usual heat fan/humidifier
oz of cool water while slowing to a walk cheering was sounding very faint, and I indoor sessions on the bike. I think this
to catch my breath and cool. Ice or ice wasn't hearing right. A couple of New was because the weather was getting
sponges would have been nice, but these Orleans cops began walking beside me nice in Spokane and I ended up riding
weren't available. like they were getting ready to catch some of my key sessions outdoors in the
me. I could see the finish line but I cool Spring air.
I glanced at myself in the reflection of couldn't mentally gauge how far away it
a car window and I didn't look so good, was. I was shutting down. B) "Slow Down to Speed Up". I probably
but I'm pretty used to a bit of could have completely stopped when I
suffering, or what I call "dark places", I really don't remember crossing the began to overheat, and literally taken
here and there in the race, so I took off finish line. All I remember is just five minutes to go soak in the lake,
again, hoping I'd come around. Usually I standing there while they took my chip which was only about 50 yards off to my
do. I never did. off. My hands were tingling and I left. Instead, I pushed through and it
couldn't understand what the race cost me a half hour and a lot of misery.
My heart rate began rapidly pounding volunteer was saying. The blood was
out my chest every time I pushed any pounding in my head and my ears so hard C) "Ice Is Magic". At 3 aid stations,
faster than about an 8 minute mile. I that I couldn't hear properly. I felt cold they had ice in cups. For about a half
couldn't catch my breath, ever. All I and clammy. mile after each of these aid stations, I
could think about was ice and cold water. had some of my "bright spots" in an
My skin felt like it was burning up. Two nurses helped me into the med tent. otherwise miserable half marathon.
I began to walk every aid station, and I collapsed on a stretcher while they There is no doubt that my body was
then I began to walk a little bit *after* stuck an IV in me and covered me in ice burning up, and ice or ice sponges can
every aid station. bags. Then I just lay there, staring at really turn that around, so get your
the white tent ceiling while the world hands on it whenever you can.
By the 8 mile mark, I was ready to quit, spun around.
and at this point was running 500 steps, I've had two chances this year at some
then walking 100 steps to cool down. So after the smoke cleared, it turned serious Half-Ironman PR's, and both
That kept me going for another couple out that I ended up about 30 minutes times, training or preparation mistakes
miles. When we turned onto Espanade, off goal pace for my half-marathon, have simply nailed me on the run. My goal
which signals about 5K to the finish line, running something like a 1:55 and is for this to be a breakthrough year in
I was very disappointed. I'd been finishing somewhere around 4 hours and 70.3, and with Boise, Lake Stevens, and
passed over a dozen times, and my body forty five minutes, give or take (that's Clearwater on the horizon, I think that I
had never felt like this in a race. what you get when I write a race report can learn from these mistakes and really
have all cylinders firing.
[6]

7. Race Report: Oceanside 70.3 Well, before I got on my bike I had to find it, because for some
by Matt Cusack reason, from the time I was body marked I was off on what my
# was, so I racked my bike in the wrong area. Oops. Finally got
You have to decide if you to my bike, I put on my Nathan Booster Belt , my aero helmet
want to do this race and my shades and was off to enjoy a 56 mile ride in the SUN! I
several months prior, used the first 15 mins to get my body used to being on the bike
since it sells out before per Coach, just sipping water to start. After 15 mins I started
November. This gave me to feed on my nutrition and to start to settle into an easy fast
something to look pace. As people would fly past, I had to remember that it’s a
forward during all those long day and I would see them later :) so I let them pass. The
dreaded trainer workouts people along the course were great, the support was great and
and treadmill runs. Let they looked as excited as I was to be out there. The hills where
me say, this is a great always in the back of my mind, I felt like I was holding back too
race to do for someone much, saying save it for the hills. Over all they were not too bad,
from the PNW, it snowed I should have rode both the hills and the flats a tad harder.
the day I left, then to fly When people are walking their bikes up hills you know that the
into 70+ degree weather hills aren’t a gimmie. At times on the fast descents you had to
was heaven! be careful since there were side winds in some ravines. In the
last 10 miles, I tried to make up for my pace now I was just
Now going into this I have around Oly pace, picking people off that passed me early on.
not been able to race to Coming back into town was great, people everywhere cheering
my potential, always away. I quickly got out of my shoes, so I could dismount fast! I
brought to a halt by my stomach issues. Like everyone else I always look forward to coming back in because then I can see
have the pre-race jitters, but then I have to add the anxiety of Jessie, smiling for me and yelling at the top of her lungs. Bike
something going wrong w/ my stomach race week or during the time: 2:57
event. So, I have to be extremely careful of what I eat leading
up to the race, but to help with this I actually packed a few I racked my bike (in the wrong place again), and took off for a
lunches and dinners I could eat in my hotel room. Training 13.1 mile run along the breath-taking beaches of Oceanside! I
leading up to the race was great, the first winter I have had felt really good, my pace felt comfortable and sustainable. I was
solid, consistent training in all three sports. going to stick to this pace until mile 8 and then see how I felt. I
loved seeing my friends from Tri-Fusion out there having great
Our first night in Cali was a long one, due to a bad experience at races this early in the season! Around the turn around I started
the rental car place, we didn’t get into bed until after 2am. to lose my bounce, my energy was fading fast. I started to do
Awoke at 7:30 am anxious to get things rolling. Friday was spent anything I could, kept taking in nutrition and water as well as
getting a brick session in, registering, and checking out the run water over my head. By mile 8, I was doing everything I could
course with Erica and Craig. not to walk, this was mentally one of the hardest things I had to
do as my mind kept telling me to walk. Even though I felt like
Race Morning: crap, I was still passing people in my AG so this helped me a lot
I got up about 4:45, being in the last wave I didn’t want to get mentally. At mile 10.5 I took a mouth full of my gel and chased it
there to early. Ate my oatmeal on the way to the race and drank with cold water a local was handing out in front of her house,
my EFS drink with 2 scoops of Base Salts to top off my then poured more over my head. I am not sure if it was the cold
electrolytes. Found a spot for my bike and got things in order, water cooling my temp down or what, but I felt a little better by
then went to find Phaedra to get my numbers on my leg and arm. mile 11, so I started to pick it up little by little until I was
finished. I felt pretty emotional at the finish line, I have been
This is a deep-water start, so you get to warm up on the swim busting my butt for a long time now and finally had a half IM
over to the start. The water felt much warmer that 59 degree, that I was able to finish standing tall. Even though the times
a big plus! The gun went off and I was off. Felt good to be are not what I know I am capable of, I still think this was a
racing, after 200m the group broke up but there were previous breakthrough race for me. I was able to race without stomach
waves out there that I was forced to maneuver around and this issues and had a good run. Run time: 1:47
kept my pace slower than I wanted. Even thought my time was
slower than I felt I could swim on that given day, I am still Finishing time: 5:27
stoked for a 5 min PR! I came out of the water about 34:20, but This is over half hour faster than my best 70.3 race! I’m looking
the timing mat was jog away. Swim time: 35:15 forward to see what this race season has in store for me. :)
[7]

8. Race Report: Snake River Sprint Tri
by Tiffany Byrd
Well, the first race of the season is officially under my belt. This weekend was the Snake River Sprint Triathlon. I really like starting
the season with this one because it's broken up into two days. The swim is on Friday night in a pool and the bike and run follow on
Saturday. Nice way to ease back into racing. This year was a little different because my husband, Eric had decided to do the race. I
was so excited I could barely stand it! He has been working his butt off and I couldn't wait for him to compete in his first race. It's
been a dream of mine for the past three years!
I always get really nervous for this swim. It's nerve racking to know that other people are watching your entire swim, and, as always, I
put a lot of pressure on myself to do well in this leg of the race because I know it's my fastest. The second we pulled into the aquatic
center, the butterflies were in full force. Once we got inside, it was like a Sunday swim at Oz. Tri Fusion had taken over the pool. It
was awesome to see so many familiar faces.
At the Whitworth masters' swim on Thursday, our coach, Kevin, gave us some great advice for swimming this 500. Kevin definitely
knows what he's talking about when it comes to swimming, so I decided to stick with his plan. Eric and I jumped in side-by-side and
started warming up.
I was supposed to kick as little as possible and just focus on a strong pull for the first 200 of the swim. That was easier said than
done. It's hard not to kick it into high gear with so much adrenaline rushing through your body. I stuck with it though and picked up
the kicking after completing the first 200. The last 100 yards was tough, but I knew I could endure anything for a 100. My time for
the 500 yards was 6:36. I was shocked. Last year I swam a 7:16 so I would have been thrilled with a 7:15.
Eric ROCKED his swim. He literally just started swimming about 6 weeks ago, but he worked his butt off. He was in the pool almost
every day and it definitely paid off. He swam an 8:55! Unreal! Once the swim was over, we headed outside to go to Tomato Bros. for
dinner with the team.
On Saturday morning, the time finally came to line up and then the nerves rolled in. They start the clock and you just have to wait until
your swim time comes up to run to your bike. I found the girl who beat me in the swim, White Tank Top. She looked like she was in my
age group. Crap. Well, at least I had a rabbit. Once my time came I ran to my bike, took forever to clip in, and headed out. I passed
White Tank Top a couple of minutes in, but then she passed me on the first hill. Are you kidding me? My response was, "Oh no you
diin't!" so I took full advantage of the quick downhill that followed and passed her right back. This was honestly the first time I have
ever felt like I was actually in a race. I was so scared W.T.T. was going to pass me again that I didn't relax on the bike for one second.
I pushed hard the entire time, especially on the way back since it's mostly downhill. By the end of the bike, I had been passed by
Jessi (obviously) and Erica (who did not slap my ass as she had promised!), but I was the third woman off the bike. What? I had no idea
how far behind W.T.T. was. I wanted that third place more than I've ever wanted anything!
A couple of minutes in my stupid left calf cramped. I knew stopping to stretch it would be faster than letting it go into a full blown
cramp. As I was stretching, all I could envision was W.T.T. passing me. Thank God she didn't! I took a split on her after the turn
around. It was 40 seconds. What I forgot to do was double that time, so that was the number I had in my head. I'm an idiot,
but at least it pushed me!
Towards the end, I saw Steve waiting to run me in. I asked him if he could see W.T.T. He
said, "No, but that doesn't mean you get to slow down." Jerk. :) After that Jessi was there
giving me that "C'mon!" as only she can say it. I busted my butt to the finish and had an
overall time of 1:01:09. First in my age group and third woman overall. Seriously
unreal. Jessi and I shared an emotional hug and then I got to head back out to
run my hubby in.
Tri Fusion completely dominated this race! It is really indescribable to race with
such an awesome team. Everyone is so supportive. I'd be almost sad if I was at this
race alone and saw all of the support we give one another. It's pretty special and I'm so
proud to be a part of it.
[8]

9. Critical Components Examples of active day sessions would
of Your Training be 1000-1500 yard easy swim and a 45
by Steve Fluet to 60 minute small ring bike ride. If you
are on the edge of becoming over
As many athletes get into their race trained, a day or two off will work
season they often forget to keep doing wonders for future sessions.
the things that got them into good
shape in the first place. 3. Post Workout Recovery: Improve
your recovery process with food and
Often athletes lose some functional other tools. This could be formulated
strength, develop bio-mechanical or recovery drinks, your own smoothie mix
muscular problems, and suffer a loss of (should include protein, EFA fats and
muscle mass because they are lacking carbohydrates), or at least some fruit if
enough calories to keep the muscle you are pressed for time or traveling.
recovery process working. I have listed Far too many athletes skip eating after
eight components that are important to training, especially a morning workout, Build in progression, avoid static weight
keep in mind to prevent these types of which can affect a later afternoon machines, and try to make the exercises
problems: session. Other protocols that can help sport specific and as complex as
are cold water soaks, active stretching possible.
1. Structured Training: Your training (post exercise), and a proper cool down.
should build on what you have been Never rush through this or skip the cool 6. Keep a Training Log: Specific data
doing. You should direct your training down. If time is an issue, decrease the from priority training sessions needs to
towards a peak for your goal race or middle part of the session instead. be recorded. The data collected should
races. Incorporate small increases in the include: Heart Rate (HR), Perceived
progression that point towards your 4. Self Care: The work that you do in Exertion, and other pertinent data such
major races to ensure better recovery this area allows you to lower the chance as your speed, rpm, and power (watts).
and physiological impact on your fitness. of injury. Throughout the year, the The data collected allows you to
Each discipline should include two key constant muscular stress of training compare and analyze your priority
sessions each week that allow you to needs attention everyday to avoid any sessions, then adjust future sessions as
measure some physiological aspect of possible issues. Ideally, two sessions of needed.
your training. The results of these massage each week would do wonders.
sessions will allow you to adjust your The cost and time required for that 7. Technique Focus: Every training
progression as required. makes it difficult for most age groupers, session you complete should have some
so self-care becomes a critical piece of focus on technique. It is your technique
2. Active and Passive Recovery: the big picture. Before stretching can that allows you to be efficient when
Include mandatory recovery days during provide results you must make sure the racing. Once your technique starts to
blocks of training. When you should any trigger points and/or muscular fall apart you work harder and go slower.
insert these days depends on the cycle adhesions are released. Even five to 10 Ideally you should do these technique
of training you are in, your age and minutes each day will show improvement. sessions early in the session and then
experience. I suggest athletes over 40 again during the last part of the session
should include a passive rest day each 5. Strength Training: This seems to when the fatigue level is higher and you
week, while athletes 30-and-over should cause some confusion with multisport will have to focus more.
take one passive rest day every 10 days athletes. Once you reach your mid 30's
or so, and athletes under 29 one day you start to lose a small percentage of 8. Alternative Training Method: I
about every 14 days. There will be days muscular strength every year. If nothing advise this for most age group athletes.
you wake up and your resting HR will be is done to slow down this process, by the While these are critical during the off
elevated. If this is the case take the time you’re in your late 40's the impact season, you can still do these workouts
passive rest day. If you monitor your will really be felt. For athletes over 35, at a reduced level during the season.
body on a regular basis you will know strength training should be completed These workouts provide a needed mental
when things are not right. The passive year around. The program should vary break once and a while. These sessions
day means no exercise at all. An active from phase to phase of your training. can help you maintain a much higher
rest day means a very light session that During your competitive season your goal general level of fitness and keep your
will increase blood flow to the muscles should be to maintain strength that you strength levels up. A few that I usually
and keeps the HR very low. developed. Keep the program simple, suggest are indoor rowing, hiking,
functional and dynamic. mountain biking or kayaking.
[9]

10. Pre-race Jitters? You’re Not Alone.
by Roger Thompson
Recently Emma, my 5 year old daughter, competed in the
Shamrock Shake-Up as a member of the Spokane Waves swim
team. She's the youngest member of the team, and what she
lacks in size, she makes up for in heart. Little did I know that
when I went to this meet to support her, she'd end up being
the one to inspire me.
This was truly an amazing event. She had been working so
hard in her freestyle and had some "breakthroughs" in her
training. So, as she would say, she was really "cited" about it.
But as all of us know, no matter how excited and ready we are,
we all get nervous before the event. She had a few tears about
5 minutes before and I was a little concerned about her being It was quite a spectacle and watching her brought tears to
"ready" when it was her turn. But once her heat was lining up, my eyes. She dropped 10 seconds in her event... a huge
she walked right out on the bulkhead. All the other girls (years accomplishment for any race, let alone a 25yd freestyle.
older than her) stood on the platform to dive in. No matter what she did, she overcame all the same things
that we all do. Fear, Competition, Sticking to a plan, and Giving
But Emma got in the water and does a water start. She did it our all. When you do your best, you will let no one down...not
not even look at the other swimmers. She looked straight down even yourself.
the lane and was waiting for the tone. She stuck to her plan of
a solid streamline and kicked off the wall, 6 strokes before Emma showed me a lot that day about what it means to be
the first breath, then went to 4 strokes per breath. a competitor. I will remember this experience and tuck it away
to use before races that I question myself in. Never be afraid
It was amazing to see her little body kick and pull and to compete. Emma can even tell you that. :)
swim her heart out. I knew she was giving it her all. She
wanted to be proud of her effort. Since she was in Lane 6, I
was able to walk right along side cheering her on.
that I could ask any question on any topic in
Triathlon Clinic! that environment was relaxing and fostered “I thought that the tri clinic was a great
For the past two Wednesday nights, the
a real learning environment. “ Eric Byrd experience. We both gained a great amount
Thompsons have conducted a beginner/
“The clinic was very informative and helpful from the transition piece, there were so
refresher triathlon clinic at their home to
for a someone who is just starting out with many things that we had never thought
help ready triathletes for the current
triathlons. I learned so many things I can about. Also the nutrition piece was valuable
racing season. Following are some reviews
take with me to practice and use during to help understand how to properly fuel for
from training camp attendees=>
training and racing. I enjoyed getting facts workouts and races. . I have already began
“Having the opportunity to listen to both of
and helpful tips I could use during my to put what I learned to good use, and am
you share your knowledge of the
training and racing. I would suggest the looking forward to this seasons A, B, and C
fundamentals of training, racing and
clinic to others now especially triathletes races. Thank you again.” Danielle Warnock
nutrition was great. Furthermore, knowing
who are beginners like me.” Merissa Earls
[10]

11. Basil Garlic Stuffed Chicken
by Ali Stitt
You need:
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation:
In a small bowl combine parmesan cheese, basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and garlic; set aside.
Place each chicken breast half between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound lightly to
about 1/8-inch thickness. Remove plastic wrap. Spread cheese mixture on chicken. Fold in sides of each chicken breast;
roll up, pressing edges to seal. Fasten with wooden toothpicks.
For sauce- in a small bowl combine lemon peel, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil; set aside.
For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Test for medium heat above pan. Place chicken on the grill
rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F), brushing occasionally with
sauce the last 10 minutes of grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust grill for indirect cooking.
Grill as above.)
Note: You can also bake in the oven, but is a great grill recipe…Also add others of your favorite vegetables to the chicken
stuffing as you like, or better yet cut up several of your favorite vegetables, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper on put on
the grill as well, as a side with your chicken.
Nutrition facts per serving:
Servings Per Recipe 4 servings
Calories 273
Total Fat (g) 10
Saturated Fat (g) 2
Monounsaturated Fat (g) 6
Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 1
Cholesterol (mg) 103
Sodium (mg) 188
Carbohydrate (g) 1
Total Sugar (g) 0
Protein (g) 41
Vitamin C (DV%) 11
· Calcium (DV%) 8
Iron (DV%) 8
[11]

12. The Board of Directors, Sponsors
and The Calendar of Upcoming Events...
Board of Directors We would like to extend a
• Steve Anderson - Membership Director generous thank you to our
• Tiffany Byrd - Uniform Director truly amazing sponsors!
• Trish Cudney - Social Director
• Greg Gallagher - Event Director
• Natalie Gallagher - Newsletter Director
• Ben Greenfield - Website Director
• Mark Hodgson - Mentor Director
• Jim Powers - Vice President
• Tim Swanson - Treasurer
• Jessi Thompson - Secretary
• Roger Thompson - President
• Kathy Worden & Jen Polello - Kids Club
Co-Directors
April/May Calendar Races/Runs: Upcoming Events:
• April 26th: Race for the Cure 5K @ 9 Next Social:
am @ Spokane, WA
Training Opportunities: • Coming this month=> Tri Fusion
• April 26th: Spokane River Run cross Fastkart raceway social on
• Masters Swims @ Northside OZ on country runs from 5K-50K @
Tues @ 6-7:30 pm, Fri. @ 4-5:30 pm & Wednesday, April 22nd @
Riverside State Park, WA 7:00 pm! Contact Trish @
Sun @ 8-9:30 am
• May 1st-3rd: Wildflower Triathlon tcudney@mead.k12.wa.us
• Masters Swims @ Valley OZ on Thurs Festival @ Lake San Antonio, CA
@6-7:30 pm, & Sun @ 8-9:30 am. • In May=> Tri Fusion Family/Friends
• May 3rd: Bloomsday 12K road race Bowling Night!
• Whitworth Masters swimming has @ Spokane, WA
started again! Times: Mon-Fri @
5:30-7:00 am. Contact Kevin Wang @ • May 9th: Newport Off-road Sprint Next Membership Meeting:
kwang@whitworth.edu Tri @ Newport, OR
• May 9th: Mother’s Day Sprint Tri/Du • Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 @
• Saturday am or early pm outdoor 6:30 p.m.: General membership
group rides posted weekly on the @ Elma, WA
meeting at Twigs on the south hill.
forum! • May 16th: Windermere 1st annual
• Many more group training Marathon @ Spokane, WA
opportunities are posted regularly on • May 17th: Spring Thaw Duathlon @
the Tri Forum... check it out! Nine Mile Falls, WA
[12]