Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Wheelbuilder Sponsorship
Team Firefighter is very excited to announce that Wheelbuilder has agreed to sponsor us! Wheelbuilder is well known for quality products and customer service. We look forward to the future of training and racing with Wheelbuilder!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Matthew Newman
Matt Newman
Delray Beach, FL
30 Years Old
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
(2006-Present)
I started running marathons in
college in 2003 to get in better shape for martial arts. I was 2 time Florida State Champion and
had 2 3rd place finishes at Fall Nationals. In 2007 I was talked into doing a du
with my cousin and never looked back.
I look at my triathlon racing as a way to push myself and learn my
limits. As Arthur C. Clarke once
stated, “The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond
them to the impossible.”
Current Goals:
Break the 1 hour mark for a sprint
triathlon
Up my training to complete the
American Ninja Warrior Course in 2013 (I ran the 2012 course in Miami)
Podiums/PRs:
5th Place Age Group (66 Overall) –
7/29/12 – Huntington’s Disease Sprint Triathlon – 1:20:08
2nd Place Age Group –
11/20/11 – Columbia Muddy Buddy (w/ Chris Madzi) – 44:28
5th Place Age Group –
9/4/11 – Labor Day Sprint Triathlon – 1:00:44
5th Place Age Group –
9/7/08 – Tropical Triathlon – 1:17:26
2nd Place Age Group (32
Overall) – 2/10/08 – Spring Training Du – 57:40 (PR)
3rd Place Age Group –
9/9/07 – Tropical Triathlon – 1:23:31
1st Place Age Group (33
Overall) – 3/25/07 – CB Smith Du – 59:04
2nd Place Age Group (50
Overall) – 3/4/07 – Battle of Sexes Du – 59:08
Katrina Silvia - Bio
My name is Katrina Silvia and I am 36 years young. I live in
Jacksonville Florida and have been a career firefighter for over 8 years
with St. Johns County Fire Rescue. I'm 5'2" and loved the physical
challenge of becoming a firefighter. I come from a athletic background
but it wasn't until 9 months after having my second child and being
diagnosed with Graves disease in 2006 my focus really shifted. I was
determined more than ever to be even healthier and to eat better. I
began getting invloved in running events in 2007 with my first 15k (
Gate River Run ) which I have done every year since. I signed up for my
first tri in 2010 which was in my first due territory and caught the tri
bug. My 3rd race was the half ironman in Florida and my fourth was the
Florida Ironman last November. The full ironman was a dream come true
for me. I will never
qualify for Kona but love the journey you go on just to show up for
race day. I have been inspired by Robert Verhelst and Code 3 for A cure
to step it up and do a ironman race running the marathon in gear. I want
to be an example to never give up hope and anything is possible. Oh
and I must mention that I have been in remission from my Graves
Diseaase for almost 3 years now.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Rick van Tuyl - Locks of Love
Team Firefighter member Rick van Tuyl grew his hair out to make a wig for chemo patients. It was a difficult and emotional journey for him. Here is his story:
Hair it goes.
Hair it goes.
In Nov. of 2010, I decided to grow my hair for a
'chemo-wig'. It was during a chemo session that I was at with my mom. I
went to them every three weeks with my mom. We had a routine: go to see the
Dr with my dad, then he went to work while she and I went to her chemo
session. Those were special times. Something that I cherish, the time of
just being with her. Able to make her laugh, entertain her, making the
best of a shitty situation.
Afterwards, we usually went to lunch before I
took her home. She was fighting her second round of lung cancer. On
this particular day, I was walking by the nurses station and saw a
basket of knit beanies. They were for the patients to cover their heads
if they wanted to. Well, as my hair started growing from a buzz-cut,
my nephew who is the starting quarterback for the Utah Utes decided to also grow
his hair about the same time for the same reason. He also cut his about a
week ago. Life is kind of
funny sometimes.
I won't go into how work felt about it, but once people found out why I was growing it, most thought it was a pretty cool thing that I was doing it (Admin, not so much).
It's been a long and slow process. I was planning on growing it until November, which would have been two years of growth. My wife made a few comments about it, but also said "your hair is not a deal breaker." Well, last week, I measured my pony tail, and braided it was nine inches long. The foundation that I was donating to required at least eight inches when cut. I wanted to try and do a few things with it, to see how it would look, but decided I had better not. If I found a style, blow-dried, using some product on it, etc. and really liked it, I would have had a harder time of cutting it. I've had short hair since I was a junior in high school (1981, that's not a typo), so I was really attached to it. I decided to make an appointment to cut it.
Friday came, I went in and went through with it. My stepdaughter made four pony tails and cut them. It still feels a bit strange to not have long hair. I'm getting use to my short hair a little bit more each day.
I've only had one person, my doctor, tell me that it looked better long than short (that was because he saw me at a race and saw it flowing as he ran past me). Although, when people say how much better I look with short hair, I remind them of why I did it. If they knew or forgot the reason why, they all nod and agree that it was for a good cause. The people that had no idea, they are usually excited that I would do such a thing. To me, it just seemed kind of natural, make somebody feel a little better. It didn't cost me anything, in fact I saved a lot of money not getting hair cuts. But we try to do that all the time at work.
I don't know what else to say, except that I've shed a few tears writing this and that I miss my mom.
Ethan Dade - Bio
1) 25 years old
2) Madison, Wisconsin
3) City of Madison Fire Department, serving full-time since 2008, firefighter/paramedic...and firefighter for Fitchburg FD from 2005-2008
4) I mainly race half marathon races and started racing about a year ago in half marathons. I raced multiple 5k's and 8k's before that.
5) Near future goals----Run half marathon in under 1:45
Run half marathon in full turnouts/airpack/helmet in under 2:05
I would also like to do a half ironman in the next two years and work my way up to a full ironman distance within 5 years
6) Personal bests- Half Marathon distance..1:52
Half Marathon full gear...2:21
Future Races:
Madison half marathon-August 18th
Gladiator race-September
St.Louis half marathon-October 21st
2) Madison, Wisconsin
3) City of Madison Fire Department, serving full-time since 2008, firefighter/paramedic...and firefighter for Fitchburg FD from 2005-2008
4) I mainly race half marathon races and started racing about a year ago in half marathons. I raced multiple 5k's and 8k's before that.
5) Near future goals----Run half marathon in under 1:45
Run half marathon in full turnouts/airpack/helmet in under 2:05
I would also like to do a half ironman in the next two years and work my way up to a full ironman distance within 5 years
6) Personal bests- Half Marathon distance..1:52
Half Marathon full gear...2:21
Future Races:
Madison half marathon-August 18th
Gladiator race-September
St.Louis half marathon-October 21st
Bryan Hunt - Bio
Bryan Hunt
Age: 25 years old… with over 25 anniversary’s of my 25th birthday
Professionally:
I have been in the Fire Service for over 25 years. The last 8 years as a Battalion Chief. I have worked my way from a “Public Service Officer/Firefighter” to Captain and stopping at Battalion Chief. As a Chief Officer, I have been pushing my Department to adopt the IAFF Wellness Program.
Athletically:
I have always been active in some type of sports. However, nothing formal like biking, running and swimming. I did some cycling prior to the birth of my first born. Ok….
Speed forward through the boring stuff.
I started doing triathlons by chance, in 1999. My shift partner asked me if I wanted to do the Firefighter Olympics. He was interested in doing an overall strength event, involving weight lifting (I pick things up and put them down.) swimming and a 3 mile run. After spending hours working on my running, I was informed that the event had been canceled.
After all that running, puking and more running, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I asked the Firefighter Olympic organizers if they had any other events with swimming and running. She told me about a sprint triathlon. My reply was “sign me up.”
I made a course correction and began training for my first triathlon. I spent several months trying to train for an event that I had no prior knowledge of. The night before the triathlon, I lay awake with nervous energy. I told me wife, what the hell am I doing. I am to fat to do this event. I tipped the scale at 230 pounds, and much to my surprise, not all of that was muscle. However, I wasn’t going to back out of this event. I left it all on the course. I finished 3rd in my age group. However, the sun dial that the used to time us in those days wasn’t as accurate as today’s chip timing. Excuse my poor attempt of humor.
After that I was hooked on triathlons. Even though I felt like crap, I was making plans to do more sprint triathlons. My first goals were to finish the event and perform better than the last event. I spent years progressing from sprints to Olympic/International distances. I dropped 25 pounds over the course of several years. I was feeling better and workouts were no longer taking me days to recover. I could see some serious improvement in my overall performance. However, I still wasn’t moving from the middle of my age group.
I knew I had to work on my running. I joined the Shadowchase Running Club. I had a difficult time running any distance greater than 4 miles under a 10 minute mile. It was usually around 10:30 minute mile. With the help of some very patient running and cycling partners, I noticed my distances were increasing and my speed was slowly improving.I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and went for a “Half Ironman.” This was a large and intimidating goal. I spent hours and hours training for this event. However, I think I spent more hours recovering from my training. I finished the event. I am not sure what my time was for that race. I was still trying to figure out these new timing chips. But I wasn’t last and I finished. However, my feet were blistered and my joints where in serious pain. I almost quit doing anymore long distance triathlons or running. However, after spending the following week in Hawaii, I decided I wasn’t going to stop working towards my goal of a full Ironman.
In June 2008, finally faced my biggest goal, I was heading for Coeur de Alene, Idaho for my first full Ironman distance. My goals were simple: 1st finish, 2nd do the best that I can, 3rd have a good time and finish in less 16 hours 59 minutes. After finishing the swim and bike portion of the race in under 9 hours, I knew I had my goals met. I could walk the entire 26.2 miles and still finish prior to the cut off. I finished in 14 hours, 44 minutes and some change. I was so excited. But that would have to wait. I wanted a cheese burger to eat and than die from my exhaustion. I had blisters from heel to toes and my feet were twice their normal size. I think too much sodium in my race nutrition. And yes. I have the “MDOT” tattoo as proof of my dedication, pain and accomplishments to achieve a goal that I thought would never happen.
Today, I am tipping the scales at 183 pounds. I can run a half marathon in 1 hour and 44 minutes. I can maintain a 19 to 20 mile per hour pace on a bike for 50 miles in the rolling hills outside Turlock, not the mountains. I am still a weak climber on the bike. I am also looking forward to not only PR Ironman Lake Tahoe, but blow it out of the water, metaphorically speaking.
With 13 years of trials and tribulations, I am glad I never gave up. I can see and feel all the positive advantages to being in shape. I promote fitness and exercise to the guys at work. Sorry ladies, we don’t have any females on our payroll yet… I also promote it to anyone who asks me about my lifestyle. For me triathlons are not an event, its my lifestyle. Even after retiring, I plan to travel to different Cities, States and Countries doing 70.3 Triathlons. Any doubts, ask Rachel. I met her doing a race in Galveston, Texas.
Up coming events:
Sept. 2012 - Tough Mudder
Nov. 2012 – Big Sur Half Marathon
Jan. 2013 – The Goofy Challenge in Disney World
Sept, 2013 IM Lake Tahoe
Age: 25 years old… with over 25 anniversary’s of my 25th birthday
Professionally:
I have been in the Fire Service for over 25 years. The last 8 years as a Battalion Chief. I have worked my way from a “Public Service Officer/Firefighter” to Captain and stopping at Battalion Chief. As a Chief Officer, I have been pushing my Department to adopt the IAFF Wellness Program.
Athletically:
I have always been active in some type of sports. However, nothing formal like biking, running and swimming. I did some cycling prior to the birth of my first born. Ok….
Speed forward through the boring stuff.
I started doing triathlons by chance, in 1999. My shift partner asked me if I wanted to do the Firefighter Olympics. He was interested in doing an overall strength event, involving weight lifting (I pick things up and put them down.) swimming and a 3 mile run. After spending hours working on my running, I was informed that the event had been canceled.
After all that running, puking and more running, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I asked the Firefighter Olympic organizers if they had any other events with swimming and running. She told me about a sprint triathlon. My reply was “sign me up.”
I made a course correction and began training for my first triathlon. I spent several months trying to train for an event that I had no prior knowledge of. The night before the triathlon, I lay awake with nervous energy. I told me wife, what the hell am I doing. I am to fat to do this event. I tipped the scale at 230 pounds, and much to my surprise, not all of that was muscle. However, I wasn’t going to back out of this event. I left it all on the course. I finished 3rd in my age group. However, the sun dial that the used to time us in those days wasn’t as accurate as today’s chip timing. Excuse my poor attempt of humor.
After that I was hooked on triathlons. Even though I felt like crap, I was making plans to do more sprint triathlons. My first goals were to finish the event and perform better than the last event. I spent years progressing from sprints to Olympic/International distances. I dropped 25 pounds over the course of several years. I was feeling better and workouts were no longer taking me days to recover. I could see some serious improvement in my overall performance. However, I still wasn’t moving from the middle of my age group.
I knew I had to work on my running. I joined the Shadowchase Running Club. I had a difficult time running any distance greater than 4 miles under a 10 minute mile. It was usually around 10:30 minute mile. With the help of some very patient running and cycling partners, I noticed my distances were increasing and my speed was slowly improving.I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and went for a “Half Ironman.” This was a large and intimidating goal. I spent hours and hours training for this event. However, I think I spent more hours recovering from my training. I finished the event. I am not sure what my time was for that race. I was still trying to figure out these new timing chips. But I wasn’t last and I finished. However, my feet were blistered and my joints where in serious pain. I almost quit doing anymore long distance triathlons or running. However, after spending the following week in Hawaii, I decided I wasn’t going to stop working towards my goal of a full Ironman.
In June 2008, finally faced my biggest goal, I was heading for Coeur de Alene, Idaho for my first full Ironman distance. My goals were simple: 1st finish, 2nd do the best that I can, 3rd have a good time and finish in less 16 hours 59 minutes. After finishing the swim and bike portion of the race in under 9 hours, I knew I had my goals met. I could walk the entire 26.2 miles and still finish prior to the cut off. I finished in 14 hours, 44 minutes and some change. I was so excited. But that would have to wait. I wanted a cheese burger to eat and than die from my exhaustion. I had blisters from heel to toes and my feet were twice their normal size. I think too much sodium in my race nutrition. And yes. I have the “MDOT” tattoo as proof of my dedication, pain and accomplishments to achieve a goal that I thought would never happen.
Today, I am tipping the scales at 183 pounds. I can run a half marathon in 1 hour and 44 minutes. I can maintain a 19 to 20 mile per hour pace on a bike for 50 miles in the rolling hills outside Turlock, not the mountains. I am still a weak climber on the bike. I am also looking forward to not only PR Ironman Lake Tahoe, but blow it out of the water, metaphorically speaking.
With 13 years of trials and tribulations, I am glad I never gave up. I can see and feel all the positive advantages to being in shape. I promote fitness and exercise to the guys at work. Sorry ladies, we don’t have any females on our payroll yet… I also promote it to anyone who asks me about my lifestyle. For me triathlons are not an event, its my lifestyle. Even after retiring, I plan to travel to different Cities, States and Countries doing 70.3 Triathlons. Any doubts, ask Rachel. I met her doing a race in Galveston, Texas.
Up coming events:
Sept. 2012 - Tough Mudder
Nov. 2012 – Big Sur Half Marathon
Jan. 2013 – The Goofy Challenge in Disney World
Sept, 2013 IM Lake Tahoe
Cielo Acosta - Bio
1) 31
2) Washington, Mattawa
3) Grant County Fire District 8
4) I race because I love challenging myself and being a part of a community of others engaged in physical activity. I got into racing after a 9 year career as a Seattle bike messenger. I was t-boned by an SUV in 2009 and suffered a severe compound leg fracture that almost required amputation. It took a year for me to walk again unassisted. I have a full length titanium rod in my tibia and 4 screws now. I signed up for my 1st running race in 2010 as a way to support my healing by working to build my leg strength back up again through running. I'm stronger now than before the accident though my leg still hurts from time to time.
5) My goals are as follows. To get my mileage up and run my 1st marathon in 2013. To race my 1st single speed cyclocross season. To run a sub 20 minute 5k. To be consistent in my training. To become a better swimmer.
6) My 1/2 marathon PR is 1:38:05 and I placed 3rd in my age group. 10k PR 43:31, 5k PR 20:53 I've won a few age group awards. I really enjoy Portland's Race For The Roses and Sunnyside's Sage Rat Run. Those are events I try to do each year and encourage others to try as well.
http://athlinks.com/racer/
2) Washington, Mattawa
3) Grant County Fire District 8
4) I race because I love challenging myself and being a part of a community of others engaged in physical activity. I got into racing after a 9 year career as a Seattle bike messenger. I was t-boned by an SUV in 2009 and suffered a severe compound leg fracture that almost required amputation. It took a year for me to walk again unassisted. I have a full length titanium rod in my tibia and 4 screws now. I signed up for my 1st running race in 2010 as a way to support my healing by working to build my leg strength back up again through running. I'm stronger now than before the accident though my leg still hurts from time to time.
5) My goals are as follows. To get my mileage up and run my 1st marathon in 2013. To race my 1st single speed cyclocross season. To run a sub 20 minute 5k. To be consistent in my training. To become a better swimmer.
6) My 1/2 marathon PR is 1:38:05 and I placed 3rd in my age group. 10k PR 43:31, 5k PR 20:53 I've won a few age group awards. I really enjoy Portland's Race For The Roses and Sunnyside's Sage Rat Run. Those are events I try to do each year and encourage others to try as well.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Team Firefighter - I workout!
Anyone who is a firefighter knows there is a big discrepancy between the general perception of firefighter fitness in the eyes of the public, versus the eyes of the fire service. The public views us as in shape, car throwing behemoths that can do anything. Reality is pretty harsh compared to the general view.
Heart attack and stroke are the leading cause of firefighter fatality in the United States. A review of statistics since 1986 (available here) show that heart attack and stroke cause roughly one-half of firefighter fatalities every year. What's more, is that the article here quotes most of these as preventable.
Half of our on-duty deaths are preventable?
We could be sending half of our brothers and sisters home to their families every year. And keep in mind, these statistics are for on-duty deaths. They don't include the deaths that occur off duty caused by heart attack and stroke. A recent alert in Texas reminds us that heart attack is not a disease for the old or infirm. I quote: "All five firefighters that died of heart attacks were less than 52 years old." For those of you with family, how old will your children, spouse be when you are 52?
Here's where I stop, though. This article isn't about heart attack or stroke. It's about getting us up off the recliner and away from the Xbox a few hours at a time. And while every tour, every station isn't going to fit into this, there is something for everyone here.
There's a great article here from Fire Engineering that has some really great perspectives to it:
The “FIREFIGHTERS are ATHLETES” ACS Prevention Program
Recommendations:
A. Annual Physical Exam and Physical Ability Test (PAT). The primary care physician (PCP) should regularly screen and intervene for heart disease risk factors. Starting at age 40, firefighters should undergo an exercise stress test every three years and discuss the efficacy of daily aspirin therapy with the PCP. This should be followed by firefighter participation in a “mini-training camp” PAT to ensure that they are fit and safe to do vigorous fire duty.
T. Train-the-Trainer Program. Train at least one firefighter in every firehouse to act as a certified fitness instructor to ensure that all members are working out safely and reaching their fitness goals. All new recruits could be trained as fitness instructors during each fire academy class for a minimal cost and time.
H. Hydration and On-Scene Rehabilitation. A dedicated unit should respond to all fires to ensure that firefighters are well hydrated and cooled down and evaluated for heat exhaustion before reentering the fire building.
L. Lifestyle Changes. Fire officers need to set better examples and function more like “coaches” to instill more pride and professionalism in the job and encourage firefighters to develop better self-care habits. The fire service should expect that firefighters will remain healthy and fit throughout their careers.
E. Educate for Safety. Training drills must focus more on the importance of full compliance with regard to using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent HCN and CO inhalation exposures. These sessions should include more education on the early recognition of the signs and symptoms of an ACS and avoiding “denial” behavior. Firefighters also must understand that the cardiovascular strain and risk for an ACS can persist for up to 48 hours after battling a fire. Seminars on smoking cessation should also be offered.
T. Training Time. Set aside at least 45 minutes each shift to allow all firefighters to partake in a stretching, aerobic, and muscular strengthening and conditioning program. Firefighters need to workout at least four times a week to maintain adequate fitness levels for the job.
E. Eating Habits. Develop a healthy nutrition program that emphasizes the need for better portion control and meals that contain more fruits, vegetables, and fish and less saturated fats, meats, and salt. The faculty and students from the local university nutrition programs could be recruited to assist in this endeavor.
S. Stress Reduction. Develop ongoing training classes to help firefighters develop effective coping skills to deal with the mental stresses of the job and the effects of the stress response. This should include instruction in effective breathing exercises, positive visualizations, eliciting the “relaxation response,” avoidance of self-medication behavior with alcohol and drugs, and better use of the critical incident stress management (CISM) teams and employee assistance program (EAP) referrals.
I've highlighted the sections that apply to physical fitness, but, really, the whole thing is important.
FITNESS is crucial to our jobs. If you've been following Team Firefighter or any of the members for any amount of time, you'll know that many of us are passionate about fitness and triathlon. So passionate, in fact, that our enthusiasm is attracting new members at a rapid pace! But how do you get fit and stay fit while you're on the job? It's not easy, for sure.
Many departments across the United States are placing enough priority on fitness that policies and practices reflect this. Kyle Hamilton says, "We are lucky to have a chief that values fitness. 0800-1000 every morning is set aside for physical fitness." Kyle works for San Rafael, California. Michael Cronin, with West Point Fire Department has mandatory pt in the morning for an hour. Fire departments are equipping their stations with better workout equipment and giving more options than the standard barbells and dumbbells. I take my bike and trainer to the station to get a bike workout in on duty.
More and more fire departments are choosing a "peer fitness" coordinator that can offer information of diet and exercise to his/her peers. We're seeing a shift across the nation toward taking care of our firefighters physically and promoting greater awareness in handling stress.
And while it isn't the main subject of THIS post, Rick Van Tuyl and David Dushkin are the go-to guys on the team for plant-based clean eating. They've got some really exciting stuff going on. Don't hesitate to leave a question in the comments for them if you've got it.
Some tips for getting a workout in while on duty:
What about you? Will you make a difference for yourself and others today?
Heart attack and stroke are the leading cause of firefighter fatality in the United States. A review of statistics since 1986 (available here) show that heart attack and stroke cause roughly one-half of firefighter fatalities every year. What's more, is that the article here quotes most of these as preventable.
Half of our on-duty deaths are preventable?
We could be sending half of our brothers and sisters home to their families every year. And keep in mind, these statistics are for on-duty deaths. They don't include the deaths that occur off duty caused by heart attack and stroke. A recent alert in Texas reminds us that heart attack is not a disease for the old or infirm. I quote: "All five firefighters that died of heart attacks were less than 52 years old." For those of you with family, how old will your children, spouse be when you are 52?
Here's where I stop, though. This article isn't about heart attack or stroke. It's about getting us up off the recliner and away from the Xbox a few hours at a time. And while every tour, every station isn't going to fit into this, there is something for everyone here.
There's a great article here from Fire Engineering that has some really great perspectives to it:
The “FIREFIGHTERS are ATHLETES” ACS Prevention Program
Recommendations:
A. Annual Physical Exam and Physical Ability Test (PAT). The primary care physician (PCP) should regularly screen and intervene for heart disease risk factors. Starting at age 40, firefighters should undergo an exercise stress test every three years and discuss the efficacy of daily aspirin therapy with the PCP. This should be followed by firefighter participation in a “mini-training camp” PAT to ensure that they are fit and safe to do vigorous fire duty.
T. Train-the-Trainer Program. Train at least one firefighter in every firehouse to act as a certified fitness instructor to ensure that all members are working out safely and reaching their fitness goals. All new recruits could be trained as fitness instructors during each fire academy class for a minimal cost and time.
H. Hydration and On-Scene Rehabilitation. A dedicated unit should respond to all fires to ensure that firefighters are well hydrated and cooled down and evaluated for heat exhaustion before reentering the fire building.
L. Lifestyle Changes. Fire officers need to set better examples and function more like “coaches” to instill more pride and professionalism in the job and encourage firefighters to develop better self-care habits. The fire service should expect that firefighters will remain healthy and fit throughout their careers.
E. Educate for Safety. Training drills must focus more on the importance of full compliance with regard to using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent HCN and CO inhalation exposures. These sessions should include more education on the early recognition of the signs and symptoms of an ACS and avoiding “denial” behavior. Firefighters also must understand that the cardiovascular strain and risk for an ACS can persist for up to 48 hours after battling a fire. Seminars on smoking cessation should also be offered.
T. Training Time. Set aside at least 45 minutes each shift to allow all firefighters to partake in a stretching, aerobic, and muscular strengthening and conditioning program. Firefighters need to workout at least four times a week to maintain adequate fitness levels for the job.
E. Eating Habits. Develop a healthy nutrition program that emphasizes the need for better portion control and meals that contain more fruits, vegetables, and fish and less saturated fats, meats, and salt. The faculty and students from the local university nutrition programs could be recruited to assist in this endeavor.
S. Stress Reduction. Develop ongoing training classes to help firefighters develop effective coping skills to deal with the mental stresses of the job and the effects of the stress response. This should include instruction in effective breathing exercises, positive visualizations, eliciting the “relaxation response,” avoidance of self-medication behavior with alcohol and drugs, and better use of the critical incident stress management (CISM) teams and employee assistance program (EAP) referrals.
I've highlighted the sections that apply to physical fitness, but, really, the whole thing is important.
FITNESS is crucial to our jobs. If you've been following Team Firefighter or any of the members for any amount of time, you'll know that many of us are passionate about fitness and triathlon. So passionate, in fact, that our enthusiasm is attracting new members at a rapid pace! But how do you get fit and stay fit while you're on the job? It's not easy, for sure.
Many departments across the United States are placing enough priority on fitness that policies and practices reflect this. Kyle Hamilton says, "We are lucky to have a chief that values fitness. 0800-1000 every morning is set aside for physical fitness." Kyle works for San Rafael, California. Michael Cronin, with West Point Fire Department has mandatory pt in the morning for an hour. Fire departments are equipping their stations with better workout equipment and giving more options than the standard barbells and dumbbells. I take my bike and trainer to the station to get a bike workout in on duty.
More and more fire departments are choosing a "peer fitness" coordinator that can offer information of diet and exercise to his/her peers. We're seeing a shift across the nation toward taking care of our firefighters physically and promoting greater awareness in handling stress.
And while it isn't the main subject of THIS post, Rick Van Tuyl and David Dushkin are the go-to guys on the team for plant-based clean eating. They've got some really exciting stuff going on. Don't hesitate to leave a question in the comments for them if you've got it.
Some tips for getting a workout in while on duty:
- Start early. The sooner you get that workout in, the sooner you'll be done. And more likely to be able to finish.
- Keep track of your workout. Use a heart rate monitor, high tech gps device, or pad and paper and a stopwatch. It really doesn't matter, but put it down on paper or log it in the computer when you're done. Trainingpeaks.com has a really good free website that you can use to keep track of workouts and progress.
- Set a goal. Register for a race. Compete with someone at work. It's harder to blow off a workout when you have to prepare for something or you're trying to beat someone else.
- In connection with the last two, have a training plan.
- Find a mentor
- Set an example (officers...)
- Uniforms fit better (nomex doesn't stretch).
- The endorphins created by exercise help the brain handle stress during and after incidents. There's a great study here that links exercise to actually handling stress during calls better at a physiological level.
- Sleep better.
- Better sleep = better focus = better firefighter = better team
What about you? Will you make a difference for yourself and others today?
Brendan Corcoran - Bio
1) age 34
2-3)Career firefighter ridgewood nj 2005-present. Ridgewood FD
2-3)Career firefighter ridgewood nj 2005-present. Ridgewood FD
4)
I have been interested in triathlon since watching ironman hawaii
growing up. Attempted to start in college but shoulder problems made
swimming impossible. After 3 shoulder surgeries have been swimming for
over 10 yrs with only minor issues. I like to stay competitive for
motivation and fitness, after after becoming a ff this became a job
requirement. Started team firefighter to attempt to share the motivation
sport provides for remaining fit and healthy to other firefighters
after reading the alarming statistics on ff fatalities die to heart
attacks.
5) current goal is to have a good imnyc race on a short prep with hopes to qualify for kona.
6)
6 time usat all-American
4:21 half iron PR
9:45 ironman PR.
1:17 half marathon
2:49 marathon
This years highlights, overall win Harvey cedars triathlon. 5th overall wyckoff tri. Musselman half-iron 18th OA 3rd age group. jersey shore half marathon 8th OA 2nd ag Upcoming races, IMNYC aug 11, toughman half sept 9.
4:21 half iron PR
9:45 ironman PR.
1:17 half marathon
2:49 marathon
This years highlights, overall win Harvey cedars triathlon. 5th overall wyckoff tri. Musselman half-iron 18th OA 3rd age group. jersey shore half marathon 8th OA 2nd ag Upcoming races, IMNYC aug 11, toughman half sept 9.
Jackie Elisberg - Bio
Name: Jackie "Diesel" Elisberg
Age: 43
State: New Jersey
Fire Department: Fort Lee
I started racing three years ago with a 5K in my town that Keith was on the race committee. I race now for ice cream. A goal is a goal. : )
Currently it is about survival on the race course. Just want to finish alive. I don't care about my time I just want to feel good about myself when I am done.
This year I was able to get my best 5K time at 36:xx. Taking over two minutes off my old PR. I also ran a mile in 7:07.
Who ever has the coolest swag bag is my favorite race.
Age: 43
State: New Jersey
Fire Department: Fort Lee
I started racing three years ago with a 5K in my town that Keith was on the race committee. I race now for ice cream. A goal is a goal. : )
Currently it is about survival on the race course. Just want to finish alive. I don't care about my time I just want to feel good about myself when I am done.
This year I was able to get my best 5K time at 36:xx. Taking over two minutes off my old PR. I also ran a mile in 7:07.
Who ever has the coolest swag bag is my favorite race.
Conan Kelly - Bio
1- Age: 31
2- California, Mill Valley
3- San Rafael Fire
4- I got started running first and ran my first marathon in 2008 in San Francisco. After college I needed a way to stay in shape without organized sports. I was heavy, getting heavier. I credit my girlfriend at the time for kicking me into gear (now my beautiful wife). I began triathlons after I got hired at San Rafael, started with two sprints, then signed up for a 1/2 Iron distance. Still new to the sport, with only two 1/2 Iron distances completed.
5- My only real goal is to finish IM Lake Tahoe 2013! With a young daughter at home, and focus on promotion at work, getting in the amount of training I want to for IM Lake Tahoe is not possible, but with limited training, and a bit of luck (not to mention some magic swimming potion) I will be able to at least finish the race. Not ideal, but necessary.
6- Never really done much podium time, a few sprint top three finishes
Monday, July 16, 2012
FLEXR Sports and Team Firefighter
Team Firefighter is excited to announce our new sponsorship from FLEXR Sports! They took the hydration systems for athletes and redesigned with function and fitness in mind! You can find a review for them here.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Jacob Coleman
1) Age - 23
2) State (location) - Tennessee
3) Fire Department - Millersville Fire Department
4) Why you race and how, when you got started - I have just recently become involved with being physically fit in the last year and a half. I had began getting fit in May of 2011. In the next few months after that I went from 235 to 180 pounds. In September of 2011 I was involved in accident with the fire department. I broke a spine process in my neck, a few ribs, collapsed lung, dislocated right hip, and right medial minces tear. I have been doing a little physical therapy since then and my brother and I have been talking more and my about the health of ourselves and our fellow fire fighters. Well my brother has beat me too it and already began participating in triathlon's. Once I get done with my physical therapy for my knee I'm going to start working toward that goal as well. As soon as I can I'm wanting to start running in a few local 5k's to get started.
Joey Figone - Bio
1) Age : 37
2) State (location): Bay Area California3) Fire Department: Menlo Park Fire District 10 years
4) Why you race and how, when you got started : I started racing Mtb's in '90. I added multisport racing in '97 & then Adventure racing in '00. Endurance Mtb racing in '03 & CX in '10..I love everything about cycling, multisport & adventure racing because of the challenges against myself and others
5) Current goals: none for racing, just on Strava as that's what my schedule allows
6) Podiums, PR's and Favorite races: Black Butte Rd & Mtb Tri, Xterra Lake Tahoe, Xterra Worlds, Xterra USA Ogden, Cool Mtb Race, Boggs 8hr Mtb, Tahoe Sierra 100.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Team Firefighter - Mission Fitness
If you've been reading this blog/following the previous website/know a team member/were in the same room (okay zip code), you know we're passionate about fitness. Especially this thing called triathlon. And every day is a challenge to get your work out done in between work, family, training, and any other responsibility we carry. Especially when you find out that none of us are elite - we aren't paid for this. In fact, we're raising money for a cause!
So the question is, how do you get a workout in between running calls and the normal business of being a firefighter? What are those tips and tricks that you can pass on to other firefighters to help them get fit in our extremely busy lives? Leave a comment below, or go to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/teamfirefighter and leave a comment there. Your ideas and story might be featured on a future post!
So the question is, how do you get a workout in between running calls and the normal business of being a firefighter? What are those tips and tricks that you can pass on to other firefighters to help them get fit in our extremely busy lives? Leave a comment below, or go to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/teamfirefighter and leave a comment there. Your ideas and story might be featured on a future post!
David Dushkin - Bio
1) Age - 41
2) State - Maryland
3) Fire Department - Annapolis Fire Department
4) Why you race and how/when you got started - I got involved in endurance events by attending a meeting for Team in Training. I went to the meeting in the summer of 2010 to get information on their cycling events. I wanted to do a Charity ride in memory of a 32 year old firefighter from Annapolis who passed away from Cancer. At this meeting I was convinced I could run a Marathon. I ran and finished my first Marathon and the love was born. I was 283 pounds and a brand new father. I found my new found love of running and a new plant based diet had a broad reach of the people I work with. I was one of the heaviest in the dept and when they saw what I could do and change, Many have followed. Now 50 pounds lighter and 4 marathons later the fitness craze is running wild with my friend, family and coworkers. This year will have 4 more Marathons and my first tri. I still fund raise for Team in Training and The Travis Manion Foundation
5) Current Goals - To continue to be a positive influence and roll model, to complete my weight loss goal of 44 pounds bringing the total to 83 pounds and to complete my 1st full Ironman in 2013.
6) Podiums, PR's and Favorite races. My favorite race is the Disney World Marathon, No podiums for this clydesdale, and my PR is 5:40
My blog
My race results
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Michelle Golovine - Bio
33 y/o
Texas
Houston Fire Department
I completed my 1st triathlon in 2004. It was a sprint
distance with a pool swim. I thought it sounded like something fun to
do as a way of staying fit for the job. I fell in love with the sport,
but didn't have an opportunity to race again until 2007. During the
inerim I had two beautiful daughters. I also had several health
scares. During my 2nd pregnancy, I developed a cardiac arrythmia. I
had to wait until my daughter was born to have the corrective surgery.
After the surgery, my condition actually worsened. I developed a 2nd
degree heart block and was constantly going in and out of various
seemingly unrelated dysrrthmias ranging from Junctional Tachycardias to
runs of PVC's. My cardiologist was "stumped". He actually discussed
placing a
pacemaker/defibrillator device...which I feared would not only keep me
from returning to the sport I had discovered, but might also end my
career. I did the only thing I could...went to prayer and put it in my
Savior's hands. (Talk about having your faith tested!) Well, to make a
long story short....I do NOT have a pacemaker OR a heart
dysrrythmia...something my doctor can not explain. I KNOW that God
still works miracles. I quickly returned to racing, but my reason for
racing changed. I race and train because God gave me a special gift. I
thank Him every time I'm in the middle of a tough workout because I
am ABLE to do it. I use any opportunity I can to encourage others...and
share the hope I've found. I love the idea of Team Firefighter and
helping touch other's lives.
My current goals are simple...become the best triathlete I
can be. As my girls get a little older and I am able to devote more time
to training, I would like to begin competing at the elite level
(God-willing) 
PRs and Podiums since 2011.
2011
Silverlake Sprint Triathlon 1st Age Group (Qualified for USAT National Championships)
Combat Sprint Triathlon 1st Age Group
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Sprint Triathlon 1st Age Group
Clear Lake Olympic Triathlon 3rd Age Group
2012
Ironman Texas 70.3 PR 5:21:32
IMTX PR 11:50:47
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Sprint Triathlon 3rd Age Group (PR 56:20)
Jeff & Brede's Intergalactic Sprint Triathlon 1st Age Group (3rd OA Female)
Rachel Zambrano - Bio
1) 32
3) Lake Travis Fire Rescue
4) I've always been a runner - since I was a kid. I saw a picture of my fire chief crossing the finish line of Ironman Canada and thought "I could do that!" So I got into triathlon, and I went for it!
5) Short term goals - get faster! In the next 5 years I'd like to Boston Qualify and get under 5 hours in a half iron distance race. In the next 10-15, I'd like to qualify for Kona!
6) I'm still trying to figure out what my favorite race is, but my favorite courses have been in Kerrville at their triathlon festival, and at the Galveston Half Iron every April.
My results are here.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Rick Van Tuyl
I'm Rick Van Tuyl. I'm 48 years old and work for Torrance Fire Dept.
(it's about 10 min. south of LAX). I've been there for 19 years. I got
into Tri's after a few kickboxing injuries. I started with IM Ca 70.3
back in '08 and have been looked ever since. I usually do about 3 races a
year, although doing 5 tris and a few open water races this year. Last
year, I did IMAZ, and loved it. I really like going long. I race
because I like to see how far I can push my body, but I really love to
train. My goals are to get faster in all distances, but I usually do
halfs and fulls. The races I'm doing between now and the end of next
year, are just preparing me for my BIG goal. That will be to compete in
UltraMan Canada in 2014, when I'm 50 years old.
Charles Barrette - Bio
1. age 40
2. Wisconsin
3.St. Joseph Fire/Rescue
4. I have been racing or completing races for about 6 years now. I got in to triathlons on a whim with a friend after watching one on TV and the rest is history, I enjoy the cross training and continually pushing the body to the next level and seeing what it can do. I have been some how related into the fire service since the age of 18 and my wife's family has a long history of various cancers in the family, with this the Team Firefighter and Code 3 for a Cure Foundation seemed to be a perfect match for me.
5.This year is my sons break out year in triathlons so thou I am racing 4-5 tris this year I don't have a set goal for this season.
6.I have several podiums in the Clydesdale division over the years. Us big guys are slow and it helps A LOT! I have raced from sprint to the Ironman Distance.
Race Results
2. Wisconsin
3.St. Joseph Fire/Rescue
4. I have been racing or completing races for about 6 years now. I got in to triathlons on a whim with a friend after watching one on TV and the rest is history, I enjoy the cross training and continually pushing the body to the next level and seeing what it can do. I have been some how related into the fire service since the age of 18 and my wife's family has a long history of various cancers in the family, with this the Team Firefighter and Code 3 for a Cure Foundation seemed to be a perfect match for me.
5.This year is my sons break out year in triathlons so thou I am racing 4-5 tris this year I don't have a set goal for this season.
6.I have several podiums in the Clydesdale division over the years. Us big guys are slow and it helps A LOT! I have raced from sprint to the Ironman Distance.
Race Results
Monday, July 2, 2012
Joshua Coleman
1) age: 26
2) Millersville, TN
3) Millersville Fire Department
4) I race because I want to live life to its fullest. After having a close call on a wreck scene, I now want to make every moment of of my life great. Endurance sports is the ultimate way to do that by completely draining myself and enjoying every moment. It also shows me my limits and lets me know the I am alive.
5) My current goals are to 1) complete my first season in sprint triathlons 2) train and complete two olympic distance triathlons next year 3) and eventually complete one half triathlon in four years or less. I also want help spread the importance of firefighter health to local fire departments that are in my area.
6) I am too new to the sport for PR's or podiums. However, I did enjoy my first race. I loved Enka Sprint Triathlon at Biltmore Lake.
.JPG)
2) Millersville, TN
3) Millersville Fire Department
4) I race because I want to live life to its fullest. After having a close call on a wreck scene, I now want to make every moment of of my life great. Endurance sports is the ultimate way to do that by completely draining myself and enjoying every moment. It also shows me my limits and lets me know the I am alive.
5) My current goals are to 1) complete my first season in sprint triathlons 2) train and complete two olympic distance triathlons next year 3) and eventually complete one half triathlon in four years or less. I also want help spread the importance of firefighter health to local fire departments that are in my area.
6) I am too new to the sport for PR's or podiums. However, I did enjoy my first race. I loved Enka Sprint Triathlon at Biltmore Lake.
.JPG)
Andrew Wilson - Bio
1) Age-31
2) State (location) Wisconsin
3) Fire Department- Village of Sussex
4) Why you race and how, when you got
started- I am new to the whole race thing. I have done some 5k runs
in the past but that is it as an adult. I got my first road bike winter
of 2011 and started on a trainer. Decided triathlon was my goal. My
first Sprint tri is coming up and I am already looking to the
future (see goals). Many reasons for me to race. I have 6 children
(one set of twins) that not only need their daddy but need to learn to
keep themselves fit. What better way for them to learn then to see Dad
set goals and strive to achieve them. Like many people I also have a
family history of Diabetes and other major medical issues. Fitness will
decrease my chances of being diagnosed. As a paid on call firefighter I
am subject to all of the rigors of "the Job" that my career and
volunteer brothers and sisters are. To prevent injury, or worse, I want
to be in great shape when the tone goes off. Racing again gives me
that goal to keep increasing fitness. I simply can not do this by
performing my 40hr a week job duties.
5) Current goals-
Personal-to complete a triathlon at every distance. Then to start competing first with myself then...who knows?
Community- I enjoy watching others compete, so getting others on my department to compete so I can cheer them on is up there.
6) Podiums, PR's and Favorite races- no favorites yet, PR's to come, and podiums ...I'll start with PR's
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Tige Harmon - Half Iron Bend Oregon Race Report
Again in NW style RAIN!!!!!!! Driving out to the race had to use wiper
blades the whole time.....sigh!
Thursday was 85 degrees and perfect Friday raining and looking to be the same for sat. We drive out to the lake to set up T1 (T2 is in a different location and will be set up Sat. morning) but it is DUMPING RAIN so I skip my ride since I did not want to be wet and cold the afternoon before my race. and did not swim since it was 58 degree water and I am a sissy apparently. The skies cleared in the evening so I got to do a little run at least to get the legs moving.
Friday night we get an e-mail that they are delaying the start to 1000 so the bad weather will clear and they don't have to shorten the bike leg due to SNOW on the pass at 6500' After a nice calm morning of being able to sleep in, we go down to set up T2 and get on the bus transport to T1 and the swim start...yes it is still raining and had to bag up my T2 stuff so it would be dry upon my arrival, while waiting for our bus to leave they announce that the bike is being shortened to Oly length (28mi for this course) due to 3-4" of fresh snow and temps around 32 degrees, bummer again for me since I am a cyclist and that is my strength, although the full ride goes from 4000' to 6500' there is an awesome 14 mile descent that I could put a ton of time into those pesky runner types that kill me on
my feet.
This is my first non-sprint distance tri so i was pretty nervous since I have not done it before. My goal was a 40min swim, 3 hr bike and 2:20 run (about 6hr) Got into the water for 3rd heat, was not cold enough to take my breath away but was pretty cold. Started out feeling tired and those buoys seemed really far away, I was getting a little nervous about getting tired before I was done, then my right goggle started leaking a little so I rolled over to my back to clear it and fix the seal and noticed
that most of my heat was BEHIND me!! WOOHOO! I all of a sudden felt much better, shortly after that sight in my rear view I picked off the first person from the heat before me....again Woohoo! to me all of this before the first buoy. From that point on I never felt tired again, the rest of the swim was me picking off people from the previous heat and coming out of the water @36:min below my goal. While on the swim, the rain stopped the skies cleared a little and the sun poked it's beautiful head out into the race which makes a huge difference on moral.
T1 was unremarkable except you have to bag everything up in a bag with your number on it so they can bring your stuff to the finish line for you. not a big deal, you just can't forget it so you can get your stuff. I also put on socks due to temperature and did not put on gloves or arm warmers due to the sun poking out and tricking me into thinking that it was warmer than 45 degrees (OOPS!) Started out and we immediately started with some rolling hills but i was feeling really good, was watching my HR and power as I started climbing and I soon started picking off people left and right, some
little climber types some other "normal sized " folks (I am a Clydesdale remember) I was wearing my calf sleeves so my age was hidden and as I passed this 29 yr. old guy up a hill he said "hey
that's not fair I can't see your age" I yelled back "40" "no way" was his reply I said "I promise" and I heard "Oh man" as I pulled away from him, that was one of my favorite parts of the ride, I only got
passed by 2 people on of which got 3rd overall so I don't feel bad about that at all. The other guy I never saw again so he was just better than me as well. in full disclosure, I did get passed a couple
of times by young punks that blew up within a couple miles of passing me and I repassed them so I don't count them as a pass.Since I decided not to use gloves my fingers we frozen and made feeding myself very difficult even gels were hard to manage without being able to make a fist....(that would cost me on the run, lesson learned) This was also my first ride ever with my Quarq PM and my average was 210 over 28 miles I don't know what that means yet but I will figure that out as I
learn more.
T2 meant a change of socks so my feet would be dry and maybe regain some feeling, they were numb and cold for about a mile into my run, I was going along pretty good, holding a 9:40 pace or so then about mile 3 the temperature dropped about 10 degrees and a crazy wind picked up, it was still blue skied and sunny in front of me and finally turned around to see the BLACKEST & MEANEST clouds I have ever seen. I bet it's nothing like you mid-westerners have but for us it was black and
mean! shortly there after it started HAILING yep HAILING, lasted about ten minutes followed by 5min of rain then the clouds cleared and it was 60 degrees and sunny the rest of the race. I wish I could blame the weather for my poor run, I just suck at running still. I could not hold my pace, I did not eat enough on the bike and then could not drink the HEED that they provided, tasted like armpits. I did eat 2 gels with no bad outcomes but my pace just kept falling off till I ended walking every ten minutes or so and feeling pretty lousy. I finished in 4:19 something was kind of bummed till I saw the results and realized that I won my division!!!! Wow! now all of a sudden I felt great!!!!!!!!! I felt a little jilted by missing the other 30 miles of the bike, so I could of put more time into some of those guys but it's hard to complain about winning really. Within my pre-planned goals for the most part
OVERALL: 4:19:44
Swim: 36:41
Bike: 1:20:17
Run: 2:15:54
Thursday was 85 degrees and perfect Friday raining and looking to be the same for sat. We drive out to the lake to set up T1 (T2 is in a different location and will be set up Sat. morning) but it is DUMPING RAIN so I skip my ride since I did not want to be wet and cold the afternoon before my race. and did not swim since it was 58 degree water and I am a sissy apparently. The skies cleared in the evening so I got to do a little run at least to get the legs moving.
Friday night we get an e-mail that they are delaying the start to 1000 so the bad weather will clear and they don't have to shorten the bike leg due to SNOW on the pass at 6500' After a nice calm morning of being able to sleep in, we go down to set up T2 and get on the bus transport to T1 and the swim start...yes it is still raining and had to bag up my T2 stuff so it would be dry upon my arrival, while waiting for our bus to leave they announce that the bike is being shortened to Oly length (28mi for this course) due to 3-4" of fresh snow and temps around 32 degrees, bummer again for me since I am a cyclist and that is my strength, although the full ride goes from 4000' to 6500' there is an awesome 14 mile descent that I could put a ton of time into those pesky runner types that kill me on
my feet.
This is my first non-sprint distance tri so i was pretty nervous since I have not done it before. My goal was a 40min swim, 3 hr bike and 2:20 run (about 6hr) Got into the water for 3rd heat, was not cold enough to take my breath away but was pretty cold. Started out feeling tired and those buoys seemed really far away, I was getting a little nervous about getting tired before I was done, then my right goggle started leaking a little so I rolled over to my back to clear it and fix the seal and noticed
that most of my heat was BEHIND me!! WOOHOO! I all of a sudden felt much better, shortly after that sight in my rear view I picked off the first person from the heat before me....again Woohoo! to me all of this before the first buoy. From that point on I never felt tired again, the rest of the swim was me picking off people from the previous heat and coming out of the water @36:min below my goal. While on the swim, the rain stopped the skies cleared a little and the sun poked it's beautiful head out into the race which makes a huge difference on moral.
T1 was unremarkable except you have to bag everything up in a bag with your number on it so they can bring your stuff to the finish line for you. not a big deal, you just can't forget it so you can get your stuff. I also put on socks due to temperature and did not put on gloves or arm warmers due to the sun poking out and tricking me into thinking that it was warmer than 45 degrees (OOPS!) Started out and we immediately started with some rolling hills but i was feeling really good, was watching my HR and power as I started climbing and I soon started picking off people left and right, some
little climber types some other "normal sized " folks (I am a Clydesdale remember) I was wearing my calf sleeves so my age was hidden and as I passed this 29 yr. old guy up a hill he said "hey
that's not fair I can't see your age" I yelled back "40" "no way" was his reply I said "I promise" and I heard "Oh man" as I pulled away from him, that was one of my favorite parts of the ride, I only got
passed by 2 people on of which got 3rd overall so I don't feel bad about that at all. The other guy I never saw again so he was just better than me as well. in full disclosure, I did get passed a couple
of times by young punks that blew up within a couple miles of passing me and I repassed them so I don't count them as a pass.Since I decided not to use gloves my fingers we frozen and made feeding myself very difficult even gels were hard to manage without being able to make a fist....(that would cost me on the run, lesson learned) This was also my first ride ever with my Quarq PM and my average was 210 over 28 miles I don't know what that means yet but I will figure that out as I
learn more.
T2 meant a change of socks so my feet would be dry and maybe regain some feeling, they were numb and cold for about a mile into my run, I was going along pretty good, holding a 9:40 pace or so then about mile 3 the temperature dropped about 10 degrees and a crazy wind picked up, it was still blue skied and sunny in front of me and finally turned around to see the BLACKEST & MEANEST clouds I have ever seen. I bet it's nothing like you mid-westerners have but for us it was black and
mean! shortly there after it started HAILING yep HAILING, lasted about ten minutes followed by 5min of rain then the clouds cleared and it was 60 degrees and sunny the rest of the race. I wish I could blame the weather for my poor run, I just suck at running still. I could not hold my pace, I did not eat enough on the bike and then could not drink the HEED that they provided, tasted like armpits. I did eat 2 gels with no bad outcomes but my pace just kept falling off till I ended walking every ten minutes or so and feeling pretty lousy. I finished in 4:19 something was kind of bummed till I saw the results and realized that I won my division!!!! Wow! now all of a sudden I felt great!!!!!!!!! I felt a little jilted by missing the other 30 miles of the bike, so I could of put more time into some of those guys but it's hard to complain about winning really. Within my pre-planned goals for the most part
OVERALL: 4:19:44
Swim: 36:41
Bike: 1:20:17
Run: 2:15:54
Tige Harmon - Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon Race Report
What a Month! I should of spent all my savings on lottery tickets.
On June 8th the day before my first Tri of the year (A sprint distancerace) I found out that I won 3 months of coaching for free from TrainingBibleCoaching podcast. Since I have no coach and can't afford one and happen to be about 3 months to me "A" race it could not of been better timing. Then about 3hrs later I recieved notification that I had won a pair of Full carbon Profile Altair 80's from a contest through 3/Go magazine.....I was just looking at purchasing some race wheels. Needless to say it was a great day!
June 9th 2012 Blue Lake Triathlon Sprint
This is my 3rd Triathlon and my first of this year. last year I did this race as my first ever and did a 1:28: something, after having knee surgery 8wks before and only having run a total of 3 miles since
surgery and 880m was my farthest swim to date as well. My goal was to take 10min off and do sub 1:18. So back to 2012 Feeling good in my training and prep bike is dialed and ready to go, and of course in true NW style...it rains. so the transition area is flooded so they have to move the transition are so it is not underwater, get checked in and scope out the bike and run exits....not underwater but muddy. Swim goes smooth I am out of the water in the first part of the pack, come into T1 exit (running barefoot in the mud) hop on the bike and scrape off the mud I can to get my feet into the shoes and begin riding, feeling great (I have been a cyclist most of my life so it is my strength) begin passing everyone and all is well. I should of pushed harder but had no reason to since I was in good form and passing everyone and did not get passed by anyone. T2 stop to put on socks since my feet are covered in mud and a little cold from the rain, slowed me a bit but the run went pretty good kept
a good pace for me (6'3" and 200lbs only running for a year) of about 8:30/mi I came in at 1:17 something ten min under last year and achieved my goal. I also landed 3rd in my division (this time last year would of won my division.....oh well) Training is working felt like I could of done it again no problem.
OVERALL: 1:17:23
Swim: 14:07
Bike:32:21
Run: 24:43
On June 8th the day before my first Tri of the year (A sprint distancerace) I found out that I won 3 months of coaching for free from TrainingBibleCoaching podcast. Since I have no coach and can't afford one and happen to be about 3 months to me "A" race it could not of been better timing. Then about 3hrs later I recieved notification that I had won a pair of Full carbon Profile Altair 80's from a contest through 3/Go magazine.....I was just looking at purchasing some race wheels. Needless to say it was a great day!
June 9th 2012 Blue Lake Triathlon Sprint
This is my 3rd Triathlon and my first of this year. last year I did this race as my first ever and did a 1:28: something, after having knee surgery 8wks before and only having run a total of 3 miles since
surgery and 880m was my farthest swim to date as well. My goal was to take 10min off and do sub 1:18. So back to 2012 Feeling good in my training and prep bike is dialed and ready to go, and of course in true NW style...it rains. so the transition area is flooded so they have to move the transition are so it is not underwater, get checked in and scope out the bike and run exits....not underwater but muddy. Swim goes smooth I am out of the water in the first part of the pack, come into T1 exit (running barefoot in the mud) hop on the bike and scrape off the mud I can to get my feet into the shoes and begin riding, feeling great (I have been a cyclist most of my life so it is my strength) begin passing everyone and all is well. I should of pushed harder but had no reason to since I was in good form and passing everyone and did not get passed by anyone. T2 stop to put on socks since my feet are covered in mud and a little cold from the rain, slowed me a bit but the run went pretty good kept
a good pace for me (6'3" and 200lbs only running for a year) of about 8:30/mi I came in at 1:17 something ten min under last year and achieved my goal. I also landed 3rd in my division (this time last year would of won my division.....oh well) Training is working felt like I could of done it again no problem.
OVERALL: 1:17:23
Swim: 14:07
Bike:32:21
Run: 24:43
Tige Harmon - Bio
40 yrs. old
Washington State
Vancouver Fire Dept.
Have been a cyclist for most of my life, and was looking for a new challenge to push myself and Triathlon has been a goal for may years. Seemed to be the time. I started triathlon in a sprint race last year where I finished 2nd in my division
My "A" race this year is an Iron distance race in Grand coulee WA on Sept. 15. My goal is to finish and then set goals for improvement next year
2012 results 3rd in my division for sprint Tri, 1st in Division for a half iron last weekend.....more to come?
Washington State
Vancouver Fire Dept.
Have been a cyclist for most of my life, and was looking for a new challenge to push myself and Triathlon has been a goal for may years. Seemed to be the time. I started triathlon in a sprint race last year where I finished 2nd in my division
My "A" race this year is an Iron distance race in Grand coulee WA on Sept. 15. My goal is to finish and then set goals for improvement next year
2012 results 3rd in my division for sprint Tri, 1st in Division for a half iron last weekend.....more to come?
Chris Madzi - Bio
"Hi. I'm 39 years old and a Capricorn, I like to run, swim, and bike(in
that order if you care). I live in Sunny South Florida where I work as a
firefighter in the City of Lauderhill."
1. Age- 39
2. State - Florida
3. Department - Lauderhill
4. I started racing as an outlet to stay in shape and keep up my cardio for the job. After my first race I was hooked.
5. My goals are always to improve on my last race.
6. Podiums - 5th at Miami man Olympic distance in the Clydesdale division time of 2:32.
7. I really enjoy Miami Man, it's flat and fast(I just wish I was).
Jeff Patrow - Bio
Age: 40
Location:Eau Claire WI
FD: City of Eau Claire Fire/Rescue
Why-How-When:I started racing after getting myself healthy again
after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2007. I have done a few
sprint tri's, a half marathon, a Tough Mudder and 2 local 5k mud
runs/obstacle courses. Officially got started training in 2009 after
signing up for the inagural sprint tri in my hometown.
Current goals: Run a full Marathon, a half ironman distance tri and
eventually a full distance ironman. And being from the upper midwest I
want to do the American Birkebeiner ski race.
Podiums PR's Favorites:No Podiums, Everything is a PR because I am
just getting started/getting better with each race. The Tough Mudder is
probably at the top of my list right now.
Larry Durland - Bio
1. Age: 32
2. King of Prussia, PA
3. King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company
4.
I've been running distance since high school. Always ran to stay in
shape but didn't get into competitive events again until about 5 years
ago. The year was my third year racing triathlons.
5. My current goal is to run a half marathon in under 1:40. That'll probably have to wait until 2013 though.
6.
Podiums: Saw one once, from a distance, as they were dismantling it.
No, I have seen one in use. My training partner usually ends up on it
and I get to take the pictures. My PRs include a 1:43 half marathon and a
5:49 half Ironman. Neither worth bragging about, but that's the best
I've done so far. No favorite race really since there are very few that I
repeat annually. I like trying new races and venues.
Ron Holbrook - Bio
1) Age: 48
2) High Point, NC
3) High Point Fire Department
4) I like the healthy lifestyle
5) I currently am not preparing for any specific race/races but like to set an example of how important being active is mentally and physically.
6) No podiums and PR's are not something that I think about much. Race infrequently for the most part and if I do race it is something that I have planned for around my family and business schedule. No particular favorites.
2) High Point, NC
3) High Point Fire Department
4) I like the healthy lifestyle
5) I currently am not preparing for any specific race/races but like to set an example of how important being active is mentally and physically.
6) No podiums and PR's are not something that I think about much. Race infrequently for the most part and if I do race it is something that I have planned for around my family and business schedule. No particular favorites.
Jim Street - Bio
1) 39 Race age 40
2) Hudson, Illinois
3) Normal Fire Department - I know, Insert joke here. :)
4)
I've been a swimmer my whole life. I've always been naturally good at
it. I started road cycling when I started on the department 13 years
ago as a way to stay in shape. I work in a college town and we are
always climbing the stairs of the dorms. In 2005 I watched Kona and
decided that I wanted to try that. I found a good local race for 06 and
entered. I hadn't ran since the Army, my knees wouldn't allow it. But
surprisingly I found if I went slow they didn't bother me as much.
From my first sprint I was addicted.
5) My only goal is to
always be in good enough shape to be able to spontaneously do an Olympic
Tri. Currently looking for my next race.
6) Podium, Never
gonna happen. :) PR, I don't really care about time, I only compete
against myself. Favorite race: Tri-Shark Classic, local sprint that
seats about 600 and fills up in under an hour. Alcatraz, it kicked my
butt but, it was an awesome race I would love to do again.
Jon Young - Bio
Daisy Mountain Fire Department
I like to race because it keeps me in a constant state of physical fitness. With Firefighters already at an all time high for cardiac disease and cancer. I like to think racing keeps me healthy for my family and career.
I got started in triathlon when my friends convinced me I could complete a half ironman. Then he told my wife about a race that was being held in Italy(elbaman 70.3) and my wife then convinced me I could complete a half iron man..... After a couple sprint tris I was hooked. I successfully completed my first half ironman on Elba Island, Italy. There was no going back!
My current goals are to stay healthy for my family and promote healthy and fitness through triathlon the best I can. I hope to complete a full ironman sometime in 2014.
As far as PR’s, I am not the fastest turtle on the block...But I never stop. My favorite race was Elbaman 70.3 Elba Island, Italy. It was an amazing experience for my first ever iron distance race. I didn’t know Italian but I knew the guys putting the red swim caps had to be in my group.
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