tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16224876306697438332024-03-12T17:23:30.276-07:00Caldwell ClarkeFFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-85294340287066530552013-08-12T17:17:00.000-07:002013-08-12T17:25:48.042-07:00blueseventy Helix Full Wetsuit... I'm a believer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As part of the 2013 <a href="http://wattieink.com/elite-team-2013/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink Elite Team</a>, I am lucky to have access to top of the line triathlon equipment from several awesome sponsors. One of those awesome sponsors is <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/" target="_blank">blueseventy</a>. blueseventy is THE industry leader in everything that happens in the water. According to their website, the name, "blueseventy", comes from the simple fact that 70% of the world is covered in water. Makes perfect sense to me.</div>
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The flagship of the blueseventy wetsuit line is the <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/collections/2011-wetsuits-1/products/2012-helix-full-suit" target="_blank">Helix Full Wetsuit</a> and 2013 Wattie Ink athletes are lucky enough to race in <b>custom</b> Helix suits this year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65roPJlyobDb0lyznrd5E-kCh8kdaAjdp6bDCgicatcAHKsc9tnuTFP02GvBFgyZl3l5vApG3aUMsHZR7ahU14GgotjmJ2Ii0Huc-FmYPHFmhIF8n_8AvWIqzzCAgZU_g04G1R79vmAg/s1600/BJIZv7jCIAIaesO.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65roPJlyobDb0lyznrd5E-kCh8kdaAjdp6bDCgicatcAHKsc9tnuTFP02GvBFgyZl3l5vApG3aUMsHZR7ahU14GgotjmJ2Ii0Huc-FmYPHFmhIF8n_8AvWIqzzCAgZU_g04G1R79vmAg/s320/BJIZv7jCIAIaesO.jpg-large.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of Wattie Ink.</td></tr>
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Swimming is my weakest of the three disciplines of triathlon, but thanks to a large volume of swim training AND my new blueseventy Helix wetsuit, I was able to level the playing field in 2013. The Helix is super buoyant. The company touts the industry maximum in neoprene thickness, 5mm in the chest, 5mm in the torso and 4mm in the lower legs. According to blueseventy's wetsuit, this design raises the position of the hips in relation to the rest of the swimmer. What I like the most is the 1.5mm and 1mm think neoprene panels that make up the arms of the wetsuit, resulting in complete freedom of motion. At 6'4" and 220 lbs, I am an athlete with larger shoulders and chest and the Helix does not restrict my movement at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1vP2GrBK31q-ZRKjG26bUDHCRQ4afGQfuvnYub0h-mqT7f4N3lEKku7mp44DNCC1m72LMG1JDHLCmEEg6-NCeqGkA9knbfX6skSHo2aS16I5LSRPhR86uZGnGDTsQyxrCWzQa565Y_g/s1600/GOPR0089a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1vP2GrBK31q-ZRKjG26bUDHCRQ4afGQfuvnYub0h-mqT7f4N3lEKku7mp44DNCC1m72LMG1JDHLCmEEg6-NCeqGkA9knbfX6skSHo2aS16I5LSRPhR86uZGnGDTsQyxrCWzQa565Y_g/s320/GOPR0089a.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the REV3 Quassy practice swim. Pic courtesy of Chris Masilon</td></tr>
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A unique feature of this wetsuit, which is different from other wetsuits on the market, is the reverse zipper. When putting the wetsuit on, it zips from the neck down. To remove the wetsuit, pull the cord up. This feature is awesome because it does not allow the cord to be pulled down during a race, which would introduce a large volume of water into the suit. The reverse zipper feature does make it difficult to zip up by yourself, which is the only downside of this wetsuit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JNO2bZZDcJHPVg05RCIQTKv4mA2P0C2I_1wc-X4VoJ73zOtPKpOLEque-zOXjq2fbbFmHR4V1-vO_vlOU-u_uAOUXrDBi4yfsVn3gXsv5fcsIyCx_hOiBoLPtzM3hIKnifNj7NULrTg/s1600/DSC_0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JNO2bZZDcJHPVg05RCIQTKv4mA2P0C2I_1wc-X4VoJ73zOtPKpOLEque-zOXjq2fbbFmHR4V1-vO_vlOU-u_uAOUXrDBi4yfsVn3gXsv5fcsIyCx_hOiBoLPtzM3hIKnifNj7NULrTg/s320/DSC_0874.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim exit at REV3 Knoxville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOq8HUa2GR14s1s1fjd3Hr0jV_uO8Jl-y1RfzTrtAEigYchhXoGyUvph2jM_61HSqFVNkL9CA6Pqkk0KWirDZDSKRXVh5y3HM8Fw9yapl_0Ht6zEiVqKCjd-zL7-3lIyVUiTLfzb4iMo/s1600/46432349-_MG_4230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOq8HUa2GR14s1s1fjd3Hr0jV_uO8Jl-y1RfzTrtAEigYchhXoGyUvph2jM_61HSqFVNkL9CA6Pqkk0KWirDZDSKRXVh5y3HM8Fw9yapl_0Ht6zEiVqKCjd-zL7-3lIyVUiTLfzb4iMo/s320/46432349-_MG_4230.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim exit at REV3 Quassy (1.2 mile Swim PR)</td></tr>
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blueseventy has paid attention to every detail in this wetsuit and I am proud to wear it adorned with the <a href="http://wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink.</a> "W"! This is THE wetsuit to wear and it is no wonder why so many top professional AND amateur athletes turn to blueseventy for all their wetsuit needs. After three 70.3 races (and 3 podiums) this year, I am a blueseventy believer!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpvocZypE-3UZprS62xvdWeAyFEIfZPXw1mCMAdO6IM3RSrWafMV5572bVnVQGRsZfAnf9AjJhPUyN8x3LpoA8x534u0xR4GY9pEG5am5SZbknKaYd_5_gCXYZ2lzCTW1Fwy6O5oFifY/s1600/WBurg+Swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpvocZypE-3UZprS62xvdWeAyFEIfZPXw1mCMAdO6IM3RSrWafMV5572bVnVQGRsZfAnf9AjJhPUyN8x3LpoA8x534u0xR4GY9pEG5am5SZbknKaYd_5_gCXYZ2lzCTW1Fwy6O5oFifY/s320/WBurg+Swim.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time I was 1st out of the water in my division. Tough swim at REV3 Williamsburg.</td></tr>
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<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-58939645891061092222013-07-15T12:23:00.001-07:002013-07-15T15:50:23.183-07:002013 Inaugural REV3 Williamsburg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post is well overdue! </div>
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Another awesome weekend with the family and another awesome race with <a href="http://rev3tri.com/williamsburg/news-va/" target="_blank">REV3</a> at the Inaugural REV3 Williamsburg.<br />
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In the week leading up to the race, the weather called for sunny, hot and humid conditions, pretty typical for June in Virginia. Sunday morning, I woke up to POURING RAIN and cool temperatures. The rain stopped as we arrived at T2, where I waited for the bus to transport all the athletes to T1.<br />
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I added my nutrition to my bike and headed to the swim start. Thanks to the cool conditions, the swim in the James River was wetsuit legal and I was able to wear my custom, <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/collections/2011-wetsuits-1/products/2012-helix-full-suit" target="_blank">blueseventy Helix</a> wetsuit.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>SWIM</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>1.2 Miles</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>43:05</b></span><br />
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This is my slowest 1.2 mile swim to date. The conditions were very tough. The wind picked up shortly after the start and so did the current... NOT in the athlete's favor! I read in a thread on a <a href="http://slowtwitch.com/">Slowtwitch.com</a> forum that approximately 15% of the athletes DNF'd during the swim. Tough day in the water!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYENOdgyZ3akDeMzYEJACU3TXB2JIP2MMwFA8pZyXKGL6VJu0NiIedrpiLCpGudYxGJi_GJWWId0ERmX5rkcIe_h8UmxFPQ1oikJICAvnznIc4vMF-2f0wCFUevaDqpkmLRPGQqHqs_SQ/s1600/swim+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYENOdgyZ3akDeMzYEJACU3TXB2JIP2MMwFA8pZyXKGL6VJu0NiIedrpiLCpGudYxGJi_GJWWId0ERmX5rkcIe_h8UmxFPQ1oikJICAvnznIc4vMF-2f0wCFUevaDqpkmLRPGQqHqs_SQ/s400/swim+start.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim start for my wave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5P9dP6GcKPxjSgW6ESKb-M1TJBQcrwqIz8jKT-BSqzZJwGTeXLpZaPxKGnqVXbMbUc5TgvLtGZxNHFCN6_DiFqlllYmAGVt9TMWJPZP_VwtsDXHAP5ukIu1R8EgF69qj_2aI_kHSoQo/s1600/WBurg+Swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5P9dP6GcKPxjSgW6ESKb-M1TJBQcrwqIz8jKT-BSqzZJwGTeXLpZaPxKGnqVXbMbUc5TgvLtGZxNHFCN6_DiFqlllYmAGVt9TMWJPZP_VwtsDXHAP5ukIu1R8EgF69qj_2aI_kHSoQo/s400/WBurg+Swim.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10+ minutes longer in the water than I wanted!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>T1</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>3:39</b></span></div>
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According to my Garmin, the run from the swim finish to T1 was a little longer than a 1/4 mile. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>BIKE</b></span></div>
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<b style="color: red;">56 Miles</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">2:29:59</b><b style="color: red;"> (21.57 MPH Average)</b></div>
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The bike course was great. It was relatively flat course with a mix of shade and sun and some really pretty scenery. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKE5KR7128txXx3KD-V3BWTly-q-ZVxez1j4anSfBpFuoMqSwt2fB8OsaL5aBtcCXcvVf-OEByV4mUIHfUpQFKePoMmH1kXKVU63oXrgeoI16HQXX9zkj33ItKfBO5oGtAMQyAy2-QcXs/s1600/WBurg+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKE5KR7128txXx3KD-V3BWTly-q-ZVxez1j4anSfBpFuoMqSwt2fB8OsaL5aBtcCXcvVf-OEByV4mUIHfUpQFKePoMmH1kXKVU63oXrgeoI16HQXX9zkj33ItKfBO5oGtAMQyAy2-QcXs/s400/WBurg+Bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my Reynolds Wheels, Kask Aero Helmet and ISM Saddle (not pictured)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>T2</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>1:05</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfWKCOlLF0TeW9d6UW4tSEfKAto-Js6JYgrgGWZabEI2boSjOfHPnNauOmhoXeSPuhsJEqv8hyTzSwARpZCVHvdntGSJf8ce9xwrCWaT0kmxY2LhiQpZ1uQDCwvDIbe7p-7_UhW21JIc/s1600/Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfWKCOlLF0TeW9d6UW4tSEfKAto-Js6JYgrgGWZabEI2boSjOfHPnNauOmhoXeSPuhsJEqv8hyTzSwARpZCVHvdntGSJf8ce9xwrCWaT0kmxY2LhiQpZ1uQDCwvDIbe7p-7_UhW21JIc/s400/Bike.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My arrival at T2</td></tr>
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I knew I was first off the bike in my division. That was a good feeling as I started the run, which I consider my strongest discipline.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>RUN</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>13.1 Miles</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>1:52:42 (8:34 min/mile pace)</b></span></div>
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This run course consisted of a two loop course through William & Mary. The turnaround was up a 1/2 mile climb that really put a hurting on the athletes. After 3 70.3 races in 7 weeks, I could tell my legs were tired. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEqw6uhgq3Nxtj8mkrofB35SSL_pZHoYGu4CjvFgr6mnaOTegpkMpnjVmZsen9sqlJZq4hbwK0S-UXL-qSgDJbXmOQZfJMvjigvuoJfwzbbaUhHEqKOGFPa6_xsM_48uUeaE1ti1WP9U/s1600/Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEqw6uhgq3Nxtj8mkrofB35SSL_pZHoYGu4CjvFgr6mnaOTegpkMpnjVmZsen9sqlJZq4hbwK0S-UXL-qSgDJbXmOQZfJMvjigvuoJfwzbbaUhHEqKOGFPa6_xsM_48uUeaE1ti1WP9U/s400/Run.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K-SWISS are simply faster!</td></tr>
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FINISH</div>
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5:10:30</div>
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1st PLACE CLYDESDALE</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZi46Trq75YDEEzis03Usb9NVQHY21WWGizFNLU6zDK0YeESGpgznmuQ1KEb4YTVrRI9mH9w2IAPIpW0z4-5XlUTj5F2YceRdwA7gngf0f9yWMtKSYLpp9dNLOJ18BMVNj0bsiUeWeu0/s1600/highfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZi46Trq75YDEEzis03Usb9NVQHY21WWGizFNLU6zDK0YeESGpgznmuQ1KEb4YTVrRI9mH9w2IAPIpW0z4-5XlUTj5F2YceRdwA7gngf0f9yWMtKSYLpp9dNLOJ18BMVNj0bsiUeWeu0/s400/highfive.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Five from the legend, Sean English!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrQRMOO3hjklvjUDlLbT4BAqv9-moFgXIXNWXWsMXkgS7Kt0XF-TukyLrYeI7x6bNNjhtIMkXa7n3t6xpDucJFZ5RKxS_U1OUtwLmykZKmCMgnJTwL1XBemEeMbnmk4QWmfFfu1dfih4/s1600/_r0o3006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrQRMOO3hjklvjUDlLbT4BAqv9-moFgXIXNWXWsMXkgS7Kt0XF-TukyLrYeI7x6bNNjhtIMkXa7n3t6xpDucJFZ5RKxS_U1OUtwLmykZKmCMgnJTwL1XBemEeMbnmk4QWmfFfu1dfih4/s400/_r0o3006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FREE Finisher Picture at ALL REV3 Races!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTf8HFv5UzE78NmW2-03RUuBAHObqq-W9VmQwwJTH6zXDmgq6gwabCbTyQcN2RBnqhJe8ATVqQvf8LD9EzvGUxpqR8zpVZ-wJZhrhZcQPYFmt9CzA86xcAEguEwqx5NoxIIC-Tvq_CWk/s1600/Podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTf8HFv5UzE78NmW2-03RUuBAHObqq-W9VmQwwJTH6zXDmgq6gwabCbTyQcN2RBnqhJe8ATVqQvf8LD9EzvGUxpqR8zpVZ-wJZhrhZcQPYFmt9CzA86xcAEguEwqx5NoxIIC-Tvq_CWk/s400/Podium.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PODIUM! 3 for 3 in REV3 Events in 2013!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafH7bvmnoOqqr9sKlkYnkow6SQ09fLby7DXMbh9gtO7mF7Acb80F-pHJJUjtbNXRDQ198HchhD8r6AlG4dR-4A7CpxXUpJs9GgcHx6K-JWS0TnLyekHNVVPsXlNlTjtNSj9EBAgXcLVo/s1600/CVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafH7bvmnoOqqr9sKlkYnkow6SQ09fLby7DXMbh9gtO7mF7Acb80F-pHJJUjtbNXRDQ198HchhD8r6AlG4dR-4A7CpxXUpJs9GgcHx6K-JWS0TnLyekHNVVPsXlNlTjtNSj9EBAgXcLVo/s400/CVE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL races should finish with beers with <a href="http://wattieink.com/elite-team-2013/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink </a>teammates!</td></tr>
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-52288190581856641182013-06-07T06:46:00.003-07:002013-06-07T13:31:56.046-07:002013 REV3 Quassy HalfREVWhat an awesome weekend! Another great <a href="http://rev3tri.com/" target="_blank">REV3</a> race and another REV3 win!<br />
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I was excited to race <a href="http://rev3tri.com/quassy/quassy-news/" target="_blank">REV3 Quassy</a> and I was even more excited to travel to Middlebury, Connecticut with the whole family. This was also going to be a great weekend, as the race also served as the <a href="http://wattieink.com/elite-team-2013/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink Elite Team</a> East Coast event! I'd finally get to meet all the Wattie's that I routinely conversed with via Facebook.<br />
We left home early Friday morning and made the 350+ mile trip to central Connecticut, arriving a little after lunchtime. Friday was HOT and HUMID and it looked like the weather for that evening's <a href="http://rev3tri.com/quassy/races-3/rev3-glow-5k/" target="_blank">REV3 Glow Run 5K and 1M Fun Run</a> that evening was going to be the same. The Glow Run 5K was Katie's FIRST 5K and she ran with Lauren. I was lucky to run the 1M Fun Run with Will. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aY266badcwwoQFsdFA6I0BZ9DdzH-XiQRtZ4nKksNBWVURVSxvu0lqMi6oxvK950osIWRUPM5uUdj08Xn8gINs2lMbilDnmJg9iiNcUbhsYSyhEfq8n4uQNuWEBlviOQkopDZWQYAV8/s1600/Katie+and+Will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aY266badcwwoQFsdFA6I0BZ9DdzH-XiQRtZ4nKksNBWVURVSxvu0lqMi6oxvK950osIWRUPM5uUdj08Xn8gINs2lMbilDnmJg9iiNcUbhsYSyhEfq8n4uQNuWEBlviOQkopDZWQYAV8/s320/Katie+and+Will.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and Will, ready to rock the Glow Run!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqF-nR7jAsBVhUvgCQHKMcTAeNmk7YnTmMiwWNfkXSPaFzKpUSrstxgvmpH1YDYzQMBBDYcRc9AiQZ4AJiWN-uJs0alNIjprwaDk0GUZvguHabxzu_OGIk_nHhRLXm0hmpITGTWPZRgro/s1600/Glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqF-nR7jAsBVhUvgCQHKMcTAeNmk7YnTmMiwWNfkXSPaFzKpUSrstxgvmpH1YDYzQMBBDYcRc9AiQZ4AJiWN-uJs0alNIjprwaDk0GUZvguHabxzu_OGIk_nHhRLXm0hmpITGTWPZRgro/s320/Glow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Katie finishing the 5K!</td></tr>
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Saturday was still warm, but not nearly as humid. I had plans to attend the practice swim, rack my bike and meet up with the rest of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WattieInkEliteTeam?fref=ts" target="_blank">Wattie Ink Elite Team</a> for team pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68ajP8b7rtSP1yhrAOCfAwwFA3zUSnBgRTDRTceKtv57N2L7TUOfFX_U00pzY2QJH-P-dWtHQzDD_zdnMtq2ge4h3m6omyUCqUqPaFwbK7YqjYqdcSnCvqJM1DOTVSsviamGWxouQaik/s1600/Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68ajP8b7rtSP1yhrAOCfAwwFA3zUSnBgRTDRTceKtv57N2L7TUOfFX_U00pzY2QJH-P-dWtHQzDD_zdnMtq2ge4h3m6omyUCqUqPaFwbK7YqjYqdcSnCvqJM1DOTVSsviamGWxouQaik/s320/Team.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wattie Ink. Elite Team taking over the Pro Panel. Questions?</td></tr>
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Sunday, race morning, started with a 4:15 AM wake up. I had my normal breakfast and headed to the lobby of the hotel for some coffee and to meet my teammate, Bill, for a ride to the race venue. The weather looked to be hotter and more humid than I had raced or trained in this year. I love racing in the heat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxe0Ts6pUZB4u-qB5DdVCN3M1JDntZHmRuJ_vH6qzoA7Ig2bTbfeJxJ8nha-N4axQWA-H1-QIJTD9nIVM4mUMZYs92f3UQLFObNrGdn6LRmNRqpx6Fp8va66YRXhLw2DDSrsao9raPms/s1600/HCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxe0Ts6pUZB4u-qB5DdVCN3M1JDntZHmRuJ_vH6qzoA7Ig2bTbfeJxJ8nha-N4axQWA-H1-QIJTD9nIVM4mUMZYs92f3UQLFObNrGdn6LRmNRqpx6Fp8va66YRXhLw2DDSrsao9raPms/s320/HCC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Rock the W!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;">SWIM - 1.2 Miles</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">34:56</span></b></div>
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The swim took place in Lake Quassapaug, in beautiful, 70 degree water. The swim course was 3, righthand turns, with 1/3 of the swimming DIRECTLY into the sun! This was also my first race to be a beach start, which I liked. Thanks to my badass, <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/collections/2011-wetsuits-1/products/2012-helix-full-suit" target="_blank">BlueSeventy Helix</a> wetsuit, I was able to set a swim PR for the 1.2 mile swim.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB04yajqlyZM2cFUTy3cZ2stuVM6z1YE9c7hvJcVKJFuaK8Mb2TfU_AD69bNqGKyQKu46ERxS4rrfGB0s0VN36o7g9QmoCPV43opoN4hhF6hypn_BG_itE9loJq0N2Grc5E2tWhPWAr30/s1600/B70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB04yajqlyZM2cFUTy3cZ2stuVM6z1YE9c7hvJcVKJFuaK8Mb2TfU_AD69bNqGKyQKu46ERxS4rrfGB0s0VN36o7g9QmoCPV43opoN4hhF6hypn_BG_itE9loJq0N2Grc5E2tWhPWAr30/s320/B70.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my blueseventy Helix!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>T1</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>2:24</b></span></div>
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T1 was uneventful. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>BIKE - 56 Miles</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>2:49:53</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>19.10 Average MPH</b></span></div>
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Wow, this was the hardest bike course I've raced on yet. My Garmin recorded 4,200+ feet of elevation over the 56 miles. I had the plan to consume 2 bottles of <a href="http://shop.powerbar.com/PowerBar-PERFORM-Sports-Drink-Mix--Lemon-Lime/p/PWR-390780&c=PowerBar@SportsDrinks" target="_blank">PowerBar Perform</a> which I had on my bike, plus I planned to utilize on-course nutrition. I also had 5 <a href="http://www.powerbar.ca/products/36/PowerBar_Energy_Gel_Green_Apple.aspx" target="_blank">PowerBar Energy Gels</a> in a small FuelBelt flask. As an athlete who sweats more than most, I rely on these PowerBar products to replaces lost fluids, sodium and potassium. </div>
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I was pumped to race on a beautiful, sunny, New England morning. This could only mean one thing... I finally got to race with the visor down on my <a href="http://www.kaskhelmets.com/Products/Time-Trial/K-31-CRONO" target="_blank">Kask K.31 Crono</a> helmet! This helmet is well ventilated, cool and super comfortable, not to mention it looks badass. Pics to follow as REV releases them.</div>
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The New England roads are super smooth, with very few cracks or potholes. This allowed me to reach my fastest speed on a downhill to date, 46.9 mph! It didn't take much to get my <a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_resource=items_wheels_item&p_itm_pk=664" target="_blank">Reynolds wheelset</a> moving.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmpEdwQFUx-FshLM2h7DpHV71JKPNfUCCvhQXx8ep_mrcptOPwloDWa1ubwekzU7xs43scK5ha6E7R24IIhv6xtRV9ni5S0NIafg29R4Mwswj8RwQLExIiJ47ji1USp9ZqZ1yN-HRBG4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-07+at+8.58.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmpEdwQFUx-FshLM2h7DpHV71JKPNfUCCvhQXx8ep_mrcptOPwloDWa1ubwekzU7xs43scK5ha6E7R24IIhv6xtRV9ni5S0NIafg29R4Mwswj8RwQLExIiJ47ji1USp9ZqZ1yN-HRBG4/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-06-07+at+8.58.09+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That climb at mile 24...OUCH!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>T2</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>1:46</b></span></div>
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I came into T2 with only one bike on the rack. I knew I had to run one guy down. I strapped on my <a href="http://www.kswiss.com/shop/footwear/03029-080/Men/Blade-light_Run_2/CSTLGRY_BLK_WHT/tree" target="_blank">K-Swiss Blade-Light Run 2</a> shoes and headed out onto the run course. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>RUN - 13.1 Miles</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>1:46:40 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>8:24 min/mile </b></span></div>
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Coming out of T2, I saw Lauren, Katie and Will for the first time. This is ALWAYS makes me happy and put a smile on my face. Next, I was greeted by the Wattie Ink. Elite Team cheering squad, including the famous, Eurostar!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnFpsJq4xxZyBXfqlam9zCsBkE9jyaS9NmhR0_uhW3cnVqQkd_5o93-2cmFDU-ubHdN0mB7E7qz3GGoz9LMckVmVG_gNcKNdPhaVPpI-uZuLVkAwaasGyFGnd_0Aj8uFAOFIGSL28_Rg/s1600/Quassy+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnFpsJq4xxZyBXfqlam9zCsBkE9jyaS9NmhR0_uhW3cnVqQkd_5o93-2cmFDU-ubHdN0mB7E7qz3GGoz9LMckVmVG_gNcKNdPhaVPpI-uZuLVkAwaasGyFGnd_0Aj8uFAOFIGSL28_Rg/s320/Quassy+Run.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out on the run course</td></tr>
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The run course was mostly shaded and involved two, out and back sections, allowing me to scout out the competition, which I passed at mile 4! The run course did involve a long, 1.2 mile climb, allowing me to put some distance between me and those chasing. </div>
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The highlight of my race was getting to cross the finish line with Katie and Will. Winning my division wasn't bad either. Securing my spot in REV3's Age Group Championship, held in Knoxville, 2014, was awesome too. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eJ9doNyU9Y3KDkU4Vnyq3lTPeS587eR9zjnoxUmJ8HSCKfGZtE1IJcM_QZFo4BcKVpBVYgOjvCUsmQp43J6uZH6PuI_Tx0-H08cMWMZpiRAQKqz9xxcxlbwA8JLfkZ-DH00riQbJ9Ik/s1600/img_5724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eJ9doNyU9Y3KDkU4Vnyq3lTPeS587eR9zjnoxUmJ8HSCKfGZtE1IJcM_QZFo4BcKVpBVYgOjvCUsmQp43J6uZH6PuI_Tx0-H08cMWMZpiRAQKqz9xxcxlbwA8JLfkZ-DH00riQbJ9Ik/s400/img_5724.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite finish yet!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;">TOTAL - 70.3 Miles</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">5:15:39</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">FIRST PLACE DIVISION</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">119th OVERALL OUT OF 997</span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3B_yfybY1FUt2Tz6fe3JKgW5hnR7AhRMn4KzlbYLldZBoo76xLA8NvgNQ995CTwug5uxERXzrWVyUsi2m9Eghmcv-ERjLHYvRf0fLIX-8-VHn8D9NWV2uxigmE6KuLP3TG7XfSl3WJE/s1600/Podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3B_yfybY1FUt2Tz6fe3JKgW5hnR7AhRMn4KzlbYLldZBoo76xLA8NvgNQ995CTwug5uxERXzrWVyUsi2m9Eghmcv-ERjLHYvRf0fLIX-8-VHn8D9NWV2uxigmE6KuLP3TG7XfSl3WJE/s400/Podium.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking the W on the Podium with the Eurostar</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoWO4puVvWQ0sCzPmjIV5Vv1JsP21TJZ9PE1z8o_4YqDsKKqOOJOmuG5bhoGf36f2icwQm5ObMN9f83A8b7W4aBWbJ81oXQK1NBmN1UXv50hlBOH9A8pEtCvsoQJKwF00nPvODhjOgo8/s1600/HJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoWO4puVvWQ0sCzPmjIV5Vv1JsP21TJZ9PE1z8o_4YqDsKKqOOJOmuG5bhoGf36f2icwQm5ObMN9f83A8b7W4aBWbJ81oXQK1NBmN1UXv50hlBOH9A8pEtCvsoQJKwF00nPvODhjOgo8/s400/HJ.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wattie Ink pro, Heather Jackson and me, rocking the W with the Eurostar</td></tr>
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Then, it was time for the Wattie Ink after-party!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrcqmGA50T_j1A1rqRQmIC0IFUM6_POhJrXbQbsLU98E5Ef32qmivCKdLZZJL1ZAeTyWnSivDqLrKET9bb7ieO9tcNoLMSk0AiifDtwPngNk2ciAOj8FMtzwzDOU80CufAsS3hegrQhg/s1600/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrcqmGA50T_j1A1rqRQmIC0IFUM6_POhJrXbQbsLU98E5Ef32qmivCKdLZZJL1ZAeTyWnSivDqLrKET9bb7ieO9tcNoLMSk0AiifDtwPngNk2ciAOj8FMtzwzDOU80CufAsS3hegrQhg/s400/after.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers! Prairie Fires all-around!</td></tr>
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<div>
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Thanks to Sean "Wattie" Watkins for putting together an awesome weekend. Congrats to <a href="http://heatherjacksonracing.com/" target="_blank">Heather Jackson</a> on a solid finish in the pro race. See you guys soon!</div>
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A very special thanks to Lauren, Katie and Will. Thanks for making my race weekend the best yet! Love you guys and let's do it again soon. Next up, the Clarke family takes of Williamsburg for <a href="http://rev3tri.com/williamsburg/news-va/" target="_blank">REV3 Williamsburg</a>!<br />
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-66915996404603311072013-05-06T18:14:00.000-07:002013-05-06T18:14:40.008-07:00REV3 Knoxville - HalfREVThe weekend that I've been waiting for all Fall, Winter and Spring had finally arrived, RACE WEEK! I left the house at 4:30 AM on Friday to make the 460 mile drive to Knoxville to race <a href="http://rev3tri.com/knoxville/knoxville-news/" target="_blank">REV3 Knoxville</a>. I met good friends, <a href="http://rachelwigton.wix.com/teamjastrebsky#!blogger-feed/c6ex" target="_blank">Brain and Rachel Jastrebsky</a> for breakfast in Salem, Virginia and then headed down I-81 for a very long time to Knoxville.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx1NTRTeDgdUVnObLP8hpM6Ux28IapXVaVdbWmIPurQpm3c3TP4-TxgvJ41eDkmaj7XUeoTGvrae1MiEMxMwtls1dr-W6FJuFZsuwAr0X-ViKbDxWMPeAQJWLRQhe8BS3eLZQBH_84X0/s1600/hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx1NTRTeDgdUVnObLP8hpM6Ux28IapXVaVdbWmIPurQpm3c3TP4-TxgvJ41eDkmaj7XUeoTGvrae1MiEMxMwtls1dr-W6FJuFZsuwAr0X-ViKbDxWMPeAQJWLRQhe8BS3eLZQBH_84X0/s400/hotel.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The host hotel overlooked the race expo and finish line.</td></tr>
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Friday afternoon consisted of packet pickup, finish line recon and then a quick 30 minute run with Brian.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpcIPTWUJn1azZG3vHk-mOgALZe2VsH0Bd2OgFYA6CT7VnZn-MXyF39ZAxnQ-BOmvqkQPFSUE_gD8UoPd5G-6K4GT_NjQcAJoj1nIdrcf27GvWyK0oKt5JULAE94kK1v-3mfuDhnNozo/s1600/finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpcIPTWUJn1azZG3vHk-mOgALZe2VsH0Bd2OgFYA6CT7VnZn-MXyF39ZAxnQ-BOmvqkQPFSUE_gD8UoPd5G-6K4GT_NjQcAJoj1nIdrcf27GvWyK0oKt5JULAE94kK1v-3mfuDhnNozo/s320/finish.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line recon</td></tr>
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I had planned on participating in ALL that REV3 had to offer during the race weekend, which started with the Glow Run 5K on Friday evening. The Glow Run 5K, a family friendly event, was held as a fundraiser for a former University of Tennessee swimmer, who was traumatically injured by the bombings at the Boston Marathon. It was a fun, low-key, very family friendly race. If you participate in a REV3 event, make sure you participate in all the events!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS1Jb6XymN0oU5fPIhJ1qIdOWSjaV6EqopbbOqoKURMm-hSME_QuAUAtghcegdN2TRS_jfFmwxItOriGnws4f8K4zEcmKvPU8obW6wtyDnjYhmRTFXBao-9JrywLHe-c0TAj-_beVb6Y/s1600/rinny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS1Jb6XymN0oU5fPIhJ1qIdOWSjaV6EqopbbOqoKURMm-hSME_QuAUAtghcegdN2TRS_jfFmwxItOriGnws4f8K4zEcmKvPU8obW6wtyDnjYhmRTFXBao-9JrywLHe-c0TAj-_beVb6Y/s320/rinny.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I ran socially with Wattie Ink teammate, <a href="http://www.chrishansonsbr.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chris Hanson</a>, but not before taking a picture with former Ironman World Champion, Mirinda Carfrae.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3T4kxXWS2rjl9dberCTz58q6ph1_AGoLAUnyCElNN4czuIj2cD5ncZkuCqlf0iHWTWQQrcUJoVGENtc23fjhUnT1ThXu0-F_rNYpMD3mjhmMECGpHwXONAj-8zUd2Rr7lePfZmN51Oc/s1600/glow+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3T4kxXWS2rjl9dberCTz58q6ph1_AGoLAUnyCElNN4czuIj2cD5ncZkuCqlf0iHWTWQQrcUJoVGENtc23fjhUnT1ThXu0-F_rNYpMD3mjhmMECGpHwXONAj-8zUd2Rr7lePfZmN51Oc/s320/glow+finish.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line of the Glow Run 5K</td></tr>
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The Glow Run 5K was followed by an outdoor showing of Wreck It Ralph on the jumbotron, complete with popcorn.<div>
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Saturday began with a recon of the bike course with Brian. We got back to the hotel just as it started to rain and it never stopped for the next 36 hours. At noon, at the SWIM OUT, there was a practice swim and another REV3 event, the <a href="http://vimeo.com/65480794" target="_blank">Ugly Wetsuit Contest</a>. SPOILER ALERT.... I won a <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/" target="_blank">blueseventy</a> wetsuit for my troubles. Thanks to my support crew. You know who you are. Saturday afternoon consisted of bike racking and feet up. One of the benefits of REV3 Knoxville is the location of the transition area. Transition is in the first floor of a parking garage = DRY! The rest of the evening consisted of making sure my gear was in order and getting mentally prepared. </div>
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I woke up Sunday at 4:00 AM, 30 minutes before my alarm. I was ready to go. I had a few goals that i had not shared with anyone. I wanted to win my division and fulfill 1/2 of the qualifications for REV3's <a href="http://rev3tri.com/knoxville/age-groupers/age-group-series/" target="_blank">Age Group Championship</a>. I had been following results from my West Coast Wattie Ink. Elite Team teammates and I wanted to live up to the hype. This would be my first race on the <a href="http://wattieink.com/elite-team-2013/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink. Elite Team</a> and I felt like I had something to prove. It was time to rock the W. </div>
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The weather was exactly as forecasted... 52 degrees with rain, heavy at times. Awesome. I was pretty much soaked by the time I made it to transition. I got my race area ready and put on my new, custom Wattie Ink. <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/collections/2011-wetsuits-1/products/2012-helix-full-suit" target="_blank">blueseventy Helix wetsuit</a>. By far, the best on the market.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1luEYC2fRrfNNrTLt9nwF_boOl7owcpMj8sxfjJ1lCAd4il8XKUXfCamaWZUnXI8tyxeI9lQrDku0hwRTIXmT2Xs2ZiQBrIjqku1Wj6iSp-iYddafN5HNPwb1J7zxDz_MLwMe2XFgQ1Y/s1600/HELIX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1luEYC2fRrfNNrTLt9nwF_boOl7owcpMj8sxfjJ1lCAd4il8XKUXfCamaWZUnXI8tyxeI9lQrDku0hwRTIXmT2Xs2ZiQBrIjqku1Wj6iSp-iYddafN5HNPwb1J7zxDz_MLwMe2XFgQ1Y/s200/HELIX.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom, Wattie Ink. blueseventy Helix. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxISCC8XmokQfswcu7NuNmsBRJlMVjJdBc0jTFZ1mhQKhaQW5Fc0r1OQsmfB4nPFxb3BuzhJldCd_Zyh0rOofAp3n5E_fm29Tfw5Oy5v9GXZVtoYUJPETEDjR4CPcij1o0ZoP4_RAt6U/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxISCC8XmokQfswcu7NuNmsBRJlMVjJdBc0jTFZ1mhQKhaQW5Fc0r1OQsmfB4nPFxb3BuzhJldCd_Zyh0rOofAp3n5E_fm29Tfw5Oy5v9GXZVtoYUJPETEDjR4CPcij1o0ZoP4_RAt6U/s320/DSC_0846.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I met up with the rest of the Wattie Ink. athletes racing for a team picture. </span></td></tr>
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<br /><b><span style="color: red;">SWIM 1.2 Miles</span></b><div>
<b><span style="color: red;">38:48</span></b></div>
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The water temperature was 58 degrees and it definitely got the better of me. The swim was roughly 1/3 upriver, around two buoys and then 2/3 downriver to the UT Boathouse. My goggles stayed fogged up and the cold water kept me from getting into a good rhythm. The swim is never my strongest discipline, but I was hoping for a swim around 33-34 minutes. I was very happy with my blueseventy Helix wetsuit. Amazing. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>T1</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>5:06</b></span></div>
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Transition was roughly .35 miles across a road and into the parking garage. This is a LONG run between disciplines. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>BIKE 56 Miles</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>2:46:54 (20.62 mph average)</b></span></div>
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The bike course consisted of a few miles in the city of Knoxville, followed by country roads with 4 big climbs. I have now realized that there is not a flat portion of Knoxville. It is either up or down. With the amount of quick descents and the pouring rain, my plan was to not overdue it and possibly end up sliding across the asphalt. I took two bottles of <a href="http://www.powerbar.com/Products/powerbar-perform-sports-drink-mix-lemon-lime" target="_blank">PowerBar Ironman Perform</a> and four <a href="http://www.powerbar.com/Products/powergel-berry-blast" target="_blank">PowerBar PowerGels</a>. My <a href="http://www.kaskhelmets.com/Products/Time-Trial/K-31-CRONO" target="_blank">Kask K.31 Crono</a> aero helmet held up very well in the poor conditions. This was my first race with my new <a href="http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_resource=items_wheels_item&p_itm_pk=664" target="_blank">Reynolds wheelset</a>. Despite having carbon breaking surface, they kept me safe, but most importantly, fast AND upright!</div>
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<br /><span style="color: red;"><b>T2</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>1:48</b></span><br />
I could tell coming back into T2 that I was the first to rack my bike, so I was in good shape for my division.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">RUN 13.1 Miles</b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>1:41:02 (7:42 min/mile pace)</b></span><br />
I headed out on the run, in the pouring rain, in my <a href="http://www.kswiss.com/shop/footwear/03029-080/Men/Blade-light_Run_2/CSTLGRY_BLK_WHT/tree" target="_blank">K-Swiss Blade-Light Run 2</a> shoes. Within 1 mile, my shoes and socks were completely saturated. Luckily, the Blade-Light Run 2 shoe is made to maximize drainage and that is exactly what they did. The course, an out and back, exactly like the rest of Eastern Tennessee, was either sloped up or down. On the out portion of the course, the path was being flooded by some streams that had overrun their banks, causing many ankle deep puddles. When I returned to these "puddles" on the back portion of the run, the were now mid-calf deep. Once again, thank goodness for the Blade-Light Run 2 shoe. They never got heavy, despite ALL that Mother Nature threw at me. For nutrition, I took fluids at every water stop and a PowerBar PowerGel at miles 3, 7 and 11. I was happy with the way I attacked the run course. I think I can improve on my time at REV3 Quassy in 1 month.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiuD5hyphenhyphenZpPt-NakXcRulpHQU9lDFolM3aXJth13LhBZtC5e4elkfpcMVxRhzhm2qtNFAa8s6n6sJS22Wbc1XrY8VNQeLEtc0O_h4iSzebng2Bizjx_TjS9Ks2RpVy_SboGj6t5v7HkUk/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiuD5hyphenhyphenZpPt-NakXcRulpHQU9lDFolM3aXJth13LhBZtC5e4elkfpcMVxRhzhm2qtNFAa8s6n6sJS22Wbc1XrY8VNQeLEtc0O_h4iSzebng2Bizjx_TjS9Ks2RpVy_SboGj6t5v7HkUk/s400/run.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 12 on the run!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;">70.3 MILES</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">5:13:38</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">1st Division</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">26th Overall</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">24th Male</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium in the pouring rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOOM! 1/2 way to the Age Group Championship!</td></tr>
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Thank you all who supported me. The afternoon after the race was super long. I packed up my car and drove home so that I could be there when Will woke up for his 5th Birthday.<br />
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I can't wait to enjoy both REV3 Quassy and Williamsburg in June with Lauren, Katie and Will. It will make it that much better.<br />
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Cheers.<br />
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Columbia Triathlon is NEXT.<br />
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Rock the W. </div>
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-52332067616958227652013-04-05T06:42:00.001-07:002013-04-05T06:42:21.514-07:00Do You Have a Contingency Plan?
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I was recently asked by Becca Jackson, Social Media Director for <a href="http://wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink.</a> Sports, to contribute a blog post for <a href="http://www.tricalifornia.com/blog/" target="_blank">TriCalifornia</a>. With no parameters, here is what I came up with. It is a topic I have been brainstorming for some time, so I was glad to be given an opportunity to finally create it. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">As with most events in life, you can’t dwell on what goes wrong. You have
to focus on what you can control, moving forward. </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I find the above statement accurate
in both my professional career AND in my triathlon “career”. By profession, I an
11 year veteran of the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department and a
Lieutenant assigned to a busy Ladder Company. When not responding to
emergencies, I train and race as a member of the 2013 Wattie Ink. Elite Team. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Firefighters are called daily, to
help resolve or diffuse a citizen’s emergency in their time of need. The
emergencies can be anything, ranging from structure fires to lockouts and medical
emergencies ranging from cardiac arrest to a toothache. Although first
responders train regularly to mitigate an emergency, there are often times when
an event occurs on an emergency scene, causing the responders to “call an audible”
and change their tactics. When responding to a fire, it is not unheard of to
find an automobile parked in front of a fire hydrant, rendering it useless. At
a structure fire, a piece of burning debris could fall and burn through a fire
hose. The possibility of events that can and do go wrong at emergency scenes
are infinite. The emergency scene is a dynamic event and rarely occurs exactly
as responders plan or exactly like a textbook describes. What makes a good
firefighter better is their ability to be fluid and change as the incident
changes, not dwelling on what has gone wrong, but more on how can we fix the
problem and move on to better meet the end goal. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I can easily relate the above
scenarios to racing a triathlon, specifically the 70.3 or the 140.6 distance. Athletes
can be on the course for a long time, from just under four hours for the top
professionals in a 70.3 mile race to just under seventeen hours for the final
AG finishers in a 140.6 mile race. Most athletes, in the weeks before a race,
develop their race plan. A typical race plan outlines everything from wake up
time to nutrition to transportation to race site preparation. As an athlete, I
play every detail out in my brain, prior to a race. As an Officer in the Fire
Department, I am tasked with making initial tactical decisions, playing out how
my company will respond to different types of emergency incidents. Firefighters
train for different scenarios and the sport of triathlon is no different.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What if the race start time is
delayed? How will you modify your nutrition plan?</div>
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Have you planned in advance for
adverse conditions (extreme cold/heat, rain or wind)?</div>
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How will you respond if your
goggles are kicked off at the swim start? </div>
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If your nutrition is ejected off
your bike, do you know approximately where the aid stations are on the course
and will your stomach tolerate the on-course nutrition? What if you have a flat
tire or wreck on the bike? </div>
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What if you are issued a penalty?</div>
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What if you start to bonk on the
run?</div>
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<br /></div>
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It is almost impossible to
improvise during a race. Switching to a “plan B” without a solid race plan AND backup
plan in mind is extremely difficult. It is the mentally strong racer who is
able to “recover” from a possibly harmful event and move forward, making the
best out of the remainder of the race. If you dwell on the event that has occurred
for too long, it will keep you from achieving your final goal. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Will you work through the above
scenarios in your head as part of your race plan? What is your contingency plan?
How will you respond to a change in race day tactics? Will you put the fire out
and find your place on the podium? </div>
<!--EndFragment-->FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-10642825009685381052013-03-17T13:06:00.002-07:002013-03-17T13:08:11.736-07:00Rock 'n' Roll USA Half-Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjvrnTZRzBxjO8euiZlzjSJSKetNZPFA6qnWLIPg2iumErI1bafDCn3-4gBuTGIDkeX5A9cwZk4cL6OH-8XeGcwjybK4z1qhNXdCbLyhSMZLohcDc4hFBWSePP1lat21til1Jj6GL6Bk/s1600/rnrUSA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjvrnTZRzBxjO8euiZlzjSJSKetNZPFA6qnWLIPg2iumErI1bafDCn3-4gBuTGIDkeX5A9cwZk4cL6OH-8XeGcwjybK4z1qhNXdCbLyhSMZLohcDc4hFBWSePP1lat21til1Jj6GL6Bk/s320/rnrUSA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Prior to my first distance race of 2013, things were not starting to look good. About 10 days prior to the Rock 'n' Roll USA Half, I was diagnosed with bronchitis and placed on antibiotics forcing me to sit out a day of work AND almost a week's worth of training. Also, the D.C. weatherman was calling for race day temperatures in the mid-30's (I'm good with that), with a 100% chance of steady rain (I'm not good with that). Lucky for me, I was almost cured by modern medicine AND the weatherman was wrong! The temperature at the race start was in the high 40's, with no rain!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wX-RiUO7iB2ox0o2Luc9aVkrfv41-rgYsTU1_FKRZR-nVX7JHOc56AfNP0IwBWKu1l0qsdS7WbFU1wk9n-nDhQ67VvdCOvsXu2J6yy4sTQ37mUwBNp06Qrn9XeWl7znYDhdqzRumKnQ/s1600/meds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wX-RiUO7iB2ox0o2Luc9aVkrfv41-rgYsTU1_FKRZR-nVX7JHOc56AfNP0IwBWKu1l0qsdS7WbFU1wk9n-nDhQ67VvdCOvsXu2J6yy4sTQ37mUwBNp06Qrn9XeWl7znYDhdqzRumKnQ/s320/meds.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness for modern medicine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Race morning started like most race mornings. Alarm went off at 3:45 AM and I popped right up, showered, got dressed and headed to the kitchen for some breakfast. Yogurt with granola and a banana, topped off with <a href="http://us.powerbar.com/Products/powerbar-perform-sports-drink-mix-lemon-lime" target="_blank">PowerBar Perform</a>. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts on the way to the race for some coffee to get things going...and it worked. This race was unique in that it was a point-to-point race, starting near the National Mall and finishing at RFK Stadium. I picked up two buddies and headed to the finish area to park and ride the Metro to the start. I spent the rest of the morning sipping my PowerBar Perform and mentally prepping myself for the race.<br />
<br />
My previous PR was 5 months ago at the <a href="http://caldwellclarke.blogspot.com/2012/10/2012-ing-hartford-ct-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">Hartford (CT) Half-Marathon</a>, where I ran 1:31:04. I was determined to beat this time, with a goal of breaking the 1:30:00 mark. It was my belief that <b><i>if </i></b>I ran sub 7:00 min/miles, I would break 1:30:00. Looks like my math is <strike>a little</strike> a lot off. I would need to run a 6:52 min/mile pace to break 1:30:00...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPD7gWSEw2INoihqepbD_H9jHwISS1bP9RV3mKsQsRgdhc-pgU8ivBKmU1tQfC0ctwf9q29YkOT7YOCjepC2eZ1oE8SJue10knJ1VMP4CnRHCsXrrJ3rH_zqpU04vVjv1cAWF1Fb3KNs/s1600/corral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPD7gWSEw2INoihqepbD_H9jHwISS1bP9RV3mKsQsRgdhc-pgU8ivBKmU1tQfC0ctwf9q29YkOT7YOCjepC2eZ1oE8SJue10knJ1VMP4CnRHCsXrrJ3rH_zqpU04vVjv1cAWF1Fb3KNs/s320/corral.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking the W in Corral Number 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just prior to the start of the race, I took one packet of <a href="http://us.powerbar.com/Products/gel-blasts-energy-chews-cola" target="_blank">PowerBar Energy Blasts</a>. I am HUGE fan of these, just find it very difficult to carry them on a road race. It is much easier to carry and consume them during the bike portion of a triathlon. I planned on then taking one PowerBar PowerGel at the 30 minute mark and a second at the 60 minute mark, knowing that would be sufficient to take me to the finish. I have always observed the rule to not use anything "new" on race day, but I took my <a href="http://www.kswiss.com/shop/footwear/03040-463/Men/Kwicky_Blade-light_S/BLUFDE_FIERYRED_S/tree" target="_blank">K-Swiss Kwicky Blade-Light S</a> shoes out of the box for the first time on race morning. I HAD to rock the patriotic, red, white and blue shoes at the R'n'R USA race! I had absolutely ZERO problems! Thank you, K-Swiss!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdHzyCIc-hzZD3pb7Q3XEGNzvHU5ytFc4WMcJ6ugjHVcc54DlZOP-ec9ThCGb8_h-OEr6g5o8iO8E6E3bZJtsLkBWTXGKF7lsByjYGMGF3qH1SZ8Lx58eus-eQCtjDZeKMDm2xhkpKhg/s1600/Wattie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdHzyCIc-hzZD3pb7Q3XEGNzvHU5ytFc4WMcJ6ugjHVcc54DlZOP-ec9ThCGb8_h-OEr6g5o8iO8E6E3bZJtsLkBWTXGKF7lsByjYGMGF3qH1SZ8Lx58eus-eQCtjDZeKMDm2xhkpKhg/s320/Wattie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand NEW K-Swiss Kwicky Blade-Light shoes and PowerBar PowerGels<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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</tbody></table>
The course seemed very fair, with one known hill, just prior to the halfway point. Below is the elevation chart as advertised on the R'n'R website:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYnJCAFsQIhPcXwoo6kcU0AT5Et7h8WtK8PqoGsr3N0s4MrrlQ8HW9a8rCrqQkTfmrnSqbI091Dd_fFVKW_Pp54TEnSVWhysrblbBcIZeQsMewXK7wOvAPqoO88eeaBCNqizIK2nMdRI/s1600/usa13-elevation-half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYnJCAFsQIhPcXwoo6kcU0AT5Et7h8WtK8PqoGsr3N0s4MrrlQ8HW9a8rCrqQkTfmrnSqbI091Dd_fFVKW_Pp54TEnSVWhysrblbBcIZeQsMewXK7wOvAPqoO88eeaBCNqizIK2nMdRI/s400/usa13-elevation-half.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the elevation chart as found as I found it on my Garmin after (yes, there was a large spike in my HR as a result of this hill):</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPgP3aQqSu_XaU2SV0jl86dzcbK_kC9gif-lyULnBIp159cmk4hAJiOA2_dWqGXy_G-km8SvM8RiCuY_ZPvnkeCS1CLzD7Ksj48Mlig_4KOhT_M5dGZLxoyx4OJYxG2OO3V9gFoXNKcM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-17+at+3.37.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPgP3aQqSu_XaU2SV0jl86dzcbK_kC9gif-lyULnBIp159cmk4hAJiOA2_dWqGXy_G-km8SvM8RiCuY_ZPvnkeCS1CLzD7Ksj48Mlig_4KOhT_M5dGZLxoyx4OJYxG2OO3V9gFoXNKcM/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-17+at+3.37.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouch, that hill hurt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was not until I reached almost mile 12 that I realized I needed to make up some time if I was to break 1:30:00! I picked up the pace, but fell a few seconds short. Nevertheless, I am very happy with my results! I feel like I nailed my nutrition and nailed my effort as evidenced by HR data (average HR of 169 and max HR of 183).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeD_JW7sblru9tsNmJHCfzS41k4FWvDcu6O3zd2ZWaX7yR3_uxQkPbuTPemVms_R8kfDkg_QZ_-xemva2u3YXr2BNCA-SyTN0LdhpEPDsV2pKW8qPw1EfQG3hXsvYoxghgW46SmVcEmE/s1600/RnR+Results.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeD_JW7sblru9tsNmJHCfzS41k4FWvDcu6O3zd2ZWaX7yR3_uxQkPbuTPemVms_R8kfDkg_QZ_-xemva2u3YXr2BNCA-SyTN0LdhpEPDsV2pKW8qPw1EfQG3hXsvYoxghgW46SmVcEmE/s400/RnR+Results.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">5K Split: 21:28 (6:55 min/mile)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">10K Split: 43:13 (6:58 min/mile)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">10M Split: 1:09:26 (6:57 min/mile)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">13.1 Finish: 1:30:24 (6:54 min/mile and overall, NEGATIVE SPLITS and a NEW PR)</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
According to the data off my Garmin, my 13th mile was clocked at a 6:20 pace, which I am VERY pumped about! I am super excited where my fitness is, as I am now less than two months out from REV3 Knoxville and the start of my triathlon season! I'm ALL IN for 2013! It gives me great satisfaction when two people approached me post race telling me they've never seen a big guy run like I do! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWt_IP-JurD6umek3fFO1YP_el0kp3vnOSJ6zhtPmqb2kl1mIShGIfjoXF6spp8FRNmQYjvafmAuBdEhWkxDwq-TVmoO9H2ulABm1ZtWxSsK5yvb2pw2FVJlYCxwm4YaWoc4N5vLFdwc/s1600/finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWt_IP-JurD6umek3fFO1YP_el0kp3vnOSJ6zhtPmqb2kl1mIShGIfjoXF6spp8FRNmQYjvafmAuBdEhWkxDwq-TVmoO9H2ulABm1ZtWxSsK5yvb2pw2FVJlYCxwm4YaWoc4N5vLFdwc/s320/finish.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's AMAZING how much better the beer tastes AFTER a PR!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Race pictures to be posted as they begin to surface. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you to <a href="http://us.powerbar.com/" target="_blank">PowerBar</a>, <a href="http://www.kswiss.com/" target="_blank">K-Swiss</a>, <a href="http://wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink</a>, the <a href="http://wattieink.com/elite-team-2013/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink Elite Team</a> and especially my family! </div>
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Rock the W!</div>
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-12365899625133970942013-02-24T16:35:00.001-08:002013-02-24T16:35:30.289-08:00Cycle for ALS Benefit SpinWith daytime temperatures still in the 30's, I am forced to take my cycling workouts inside on the bike trainer. One day, while surfing to the end of the internet, I came across a flyer advertising a charity spin, benefiting ALS and the <a href="http://www.waronals.com/" target="_blank">Blazeman Foundation</a>. The spin, supported by <a href="http://www.tri360.com/" target="_blank">Tri360</a>, was 179 minutes, after <a href="http://www.waronals.com/about_jon.php" target="_blank">Jon "Blazeman" Blais</a>' race number from Ironman Kona in 2005.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM5_1WRaPUB8VIafUfZZ2hZ9TOXU5QzzGaL6lYE-L1-GVLqQCvKterUK02XGmD99uanIu2biQ1-wgBC09TmoB2pFe0xdh-HEQmT0L191pnbWCVoOiuWe1PuENqpGINBEobeKNVDE__QI/s1600/Cycle+for+ALS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM5_1WRaPUB8VIafUfZZ2hZ9TOXU5QzzGaL6lYE-L1-GVLqQCvKterUK02XGmD99uanIu2biQ1-wgBC09TmoB2pFe0xdh-HEQmT0L191pnbWCVoOiuWe1PuENqpGINBEobeKNVDE__QI/s200/Cycle+for+ALS.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The spin started at 8AM and was planned by the coaching staff from local triathlon team, Team FeXY. I was excited for a "longish" spin that didn't have to take place alone in my basement. There was a screen set up describing the workout and music blared from the speakers. There were about 50 athletes in the room. This was exactly what I was looking for.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCpV1bAs7IuQwNZdU18lzEY4K1M8v18wS7NVbtWAwlWnBUZTe1-x9lqL9VPpK4X6Rxecs7hDrdlp_FuFWFFf2MuB6s3RhiAFhPLYXbxIoDbIaZvEHstms2HuDDbPZczS_O1h4omCc2YA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCpV1bAs7IuQwNZdU18lzEY4K1M8v18wS7NVbtWAwlWnBUZTe1-x9lqL9VPpK4X6Rxecs7hDrdlp_FuFWFFf2MuB6s3RhiAFhPLYXbxIoDbIaZvEHstms2HuDDbPZczS_O1h4omCc2YA/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock the W</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZEk3EgoGN7wb3G_bD7dVHOplqLjMM2Qaq6I9j7zynoRykkv6xI5EmZwpMdGlE0G4bzisdAGcf5gPzOqPXc13rUg9K5W-KG6FwgaoCBFEOG6NOpFqC7dqIAaLMghZJ-TdbqRHEjK3UWw/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZEk3EgoGN7wb3G_bD7dVHOplqLjMM2Qaq6I9j7zynoRykkv6xI5EmZwpMdGlE0G4bzisdAGcf5gPzOqPXc13rUg9K5W-KG6FwgaoCBFEOG6NOpFqC7dqIAaLMghZJ-TdbqRHEjK3UWw/s320/photo+1-1.JPG" width="185" /></a></div>
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The athletes were informed, midway through the session, that the athlete who rode the furthest distance, in the 179 minutes, would receive a free entry to any race at the 2013 <a href="http://www.tricolumbia.org/events/?eid=5" target="_blank">ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival</a>. After cranking on the bike for 179 minutes, I was happy to finish with a total of 55.7 miles, more than 8+ miles more than anyone else! It wasn't a "race", but I was pumped to have gained that much of a "lead" on the field. All in for '13!</div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://us.powerbar.com/" target="_blank">PowerBar</a> for keeping me fueled. Three bottles of <a href="http://us.powerbar.com/Products/detail/1475" target="_blank">PowerBar Ironman Perform</a> and two packs of <a href="http://us.powerbar.com/Products/detail/1447" target="_blank">PowerBar Energy Chews</a> kept the cramps away. </div>
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As always, I was very thankful to have an <a href="http://www.ismseat.com/saddle/adamo-time-trial" target="_blank">ISM Seat</a> on my triathlon bike. #ComfortISM</div>
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-82341054496646388852013-02-12T12:51:00.003-08:002013-02-12T12:51:48.351-08:00Love the Run You're WithThis past Sunday, I started the 2013 race season at the <a href="http://pacersevents.com/race/love-the-run-5k/" target="_blank">Love the Run You're With 5K</a>. This popular Valentine's Day themed race, produced by <a href="http://pacersevents.com/" target="_blank">Pacers Events</a>, has been a favorite of mine and Lauren's for the past three years. The Valentine's Day theme starts with the bibs, which came in three colors: <b><span style="color: red;">Red</span></b> meaning you were in a relationship, <b><span style="color: lime;">Green</span></b> meaning you were available and <b><span style="color: yellow;">Yellow</span></b> meaning, "it's complicated". <div>
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The <a href="http://pacersevents.com/race/love-the-run-5k/coursemap-7/" target="_blank">course</a> starts with a 100 meter flat section, followed by a left turn and a steep uphill, before a gradual downhill to the turn around on the out and back course. As my first race of my 2011 season, on the same course last year, I ran a 20:49. I felt like my fitness level is better now then at this time last year, so I was pumped to see what I could do. This was also my first race in my <a href="http://www.kswiss.com/shop/footwear/02652-020/Men/Kwicky_Blade-Light/SLV_BLKDGT_FIERYRED/tree" target="_blank">K-Swiss Kwicky Blade-Light</a> shoes.</div>
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The temperature was in the high 20's at the start of the race, with light winds. </div>
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I started at the front and as usual, looking like a grown man racing in the kid's fun run (see picture below). At 6'4" and 220 pounds, I might be more suited for football or rugby, but I've found a sport I have a passion for and one in which I can be competitive. Plus, once I get my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WattieInkEliteTeam" target="_blank">Wattie Ink Elite Team</a> gear, my "W" will be bigger than yours. </div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFbvLKgBotk5Ve95bHDQ4O2pd1tMz9Ne9pNuOszq1kp6oYZvBO_IDiU4N0yCzrtaXsQhY5jdcF9yPUIrU1TluZQWwj8sHiVIH5JtG_SGefQuesWhDeXt3eVSb9B_kkCx9tVCp_uMfFlA/s1600/LTRYW5K_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFbvLKgBotk5Ve95bHDQ4O2pd1tMz9Ne9pNuOszq1kp6oYZvBO_IDiU4N0yCzrtaXsQhY5jdcF9yPUIrU1TluZQWwj8sHiVIH5JtG_SGefQuesWhDeXt3eVSb9B_kkCx9tVCp_uMfFlA/s400/LTRYW5K_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography by Brian Knight of Swim Bike Run Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I gave it everything I had in the last 100+ meters and being Valentine's Day themed race, I threw up a "W" to show some <a href="http://wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink</a> love!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaAaOeYo1wLenbjcnGQSEnbt-8ND1dSpPmx3C5RM7kwHIuez8gfa8SeyLch-n1WmwsFmxZgSawtSl3CGVU08-EZci1bdaKzq3tvRXHQKOMOpHRea9yA5Aq8xxbGny89gjDvEhySp4cU4/s1600/LTRYW5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaAaOeYo1wLenbjcnGQSEnbt-8ND1dSpPmx3C5RM7kwHIuez8gfa8SeyLch-n1WmwsFmxZgSawtSl3CGVU08-EZci1bdaKzq3tvRXHQKOMOpHRea9yA5Aq8xxbGny89gjDvEhySp4cU4/s400/LTRYW5k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography by Brian Knight of Swim Bike Run Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />My approximate splits from my <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/271879485" target="_blank">Garmin</a>:<br /><div>
Mile 1: 6:16 pace<div>
Mile 2: 6:16 pace</div>
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Mile 3: 6:10 pace</div>
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.1 Mile: 5:03 pace</div>
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Total: 19:16 and matched my previous PR. </div>
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Of course, Lauren and I cooled down with a Bloody Mary and a Guinness, respectively. One of the many perks of Pacers Events run races that they all finish with adult recovery beverages!</div>
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I am very happy with my effort and with the results. It makes me VERY optimistic about the upcoming season. I learned that I need to work on rockin' the "W" for race pictures. </div>
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Cheers, Bitches! </div>
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-82917224145964662412013-02-07T11:38:00.003-08:002013-02-07T11:41:16.563-08:00A Firehouse RunOne of the benefits of working as a Career Firefighter is that I am <i>off</i> roughly 20 days a month. On the downside, if there is one, is that I am <i>at</i> work 10 days a month. These 10 days of work are 24 hour shifts, starting at 7AM and ending at 7AM the following morning. Typically, I use my work days as my "run" days and will run anywhere from 45 to 90+ minutes on the treadmill in the firehouse gym. Even though my shift starts at 7AM, I routinely start my training session <i>by</i> 5AM. Obviously, I would prefer to run outside, but my firehouse sits in between Interstate 95 and a not so runner friendly neighborhood.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35l3ZDtxD1TEuRDFkSt89_FiKJAeE-Wi0xmNysEvRnsrHqvOiqr6Izf8i8W6aqOf2jv3Z6K_umbiWU05Sj72UV41SiZQeeYW3XjJ7QN83HoziLheKIK2CuVg3L1pPuDzgV4meNW5Rjzc/s1600/K-Swiss2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35l3ZDtxD1TEuRDFkSt89_FiKJAeE-Wi0xmNysEvRnsrHqvOiqr6Izf8i8W6aqOf2jv3Z6K_umbiWU05Sj72UV41SiZQeeYW3XjJ7QN83HoziLheKIK2CuVg3L1pPuDzgV4meNW5Rjzc/s320/K-Swiss2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K-Swiss Kwicky Blade-Light Neutral shoes in front of the grill of my Ladder Truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have taken a liking to my <a href="http://www.kswiss.com/shop/catalog/Men/Footwear/Running/?node=13" target="_blank">K-Swiss</a> Kwicky Blade-Light Neutral shoes for training runs. With little to no break-in, you can lace them up and log some miles right out of the box. Also, they offer just the right amount of support and stability for me. As a very heavy sweater, I appreciate the side drainage they provide. I definitely give them two thumbs up! I am so pumped to race and train in them this year!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQuY5R5vAKofjUCiSmhaYdBuv0VwByTo6ul9vnsFfTm_k2qxYHfsn_4veCU-mSFDPZO0-AuYJCmiFFurRpWJ0hnXd2My8G7sDmCDKzaSgRN04fk2GzQcZ-nA4GMEfOO4WR1RLwS8B_LM/s1600/K-Swiss1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQuY5R5vAKofjUCiSmhaYdBuv0VwByTo6ul9vnsFfTm_k2qxYHfsn_4veCU-mSFDPZO0-AuYJCmiFFurRpWJ0hnXd2My8G7sDmCDKzaSgRN04fk2GzQcZ-nA4GMEfOO4WR1RLwS8B_LM/s320/K-Swiss1.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K-Swiss Kwicky Blade-Light Neutral shoes on the WOODWAY treadmill</td></tr>
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<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-54233627595643996272013-01-13T08:44:00.000-08:002013-01-14T05:44:27.113-08:00Time To Rock 2013!<br />
My 2013 race schedule is <i>almost</i> complete...<br />
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I am excited to report that a the Wattie Ink and the Wattie Ink Elite Team have partnered with <a href="http://rev3tri.com/" target="_blank">Rev3 Triathlon</a> for the upcoming season. <a href="http://wattieink.com/2012/12/wattie-ink-partners-with-rev3/" target="_blank">Read more about the partnership here</a>. My intention is to Rock the W at numerous REV3 events this year, with the intention of scoring points and qualifying for the first ever, <a href="http://rev3tri.com/news/announcing-revolution3-triathlon-age-group-race-series-for-2013/" target="_blank">REV3 Age Group Series</a>. It is important to note that 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded cash prizes and 4th and 5th place will be awarded prizes from REV3 sponsors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XyrdIkaT0VpO9sisteN8FxKMYHAoLaV3IEKjxroT_w8O4G_7fRkv-sz_ocg6-lpAM2wAuVX2491DbqGauamXccQzONWBUdXTXuk37sNU3YoTM-d72p0t07AyvJdemWewJHbIUwwEWRg/s1600/REV3-Wattie-Ink-Partner.002-e1355935842327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XyrdIkaT0VpO9sisteN8FxKMYHAoLaV3IEKjxroT_w8O4G_7fRkv-sz_ocg6-lpAM2wAuVX2491DbqGauamXccQzONWBUdXTXuk37sNU3YoTM-d72p0t07AyvJdemWewJHbIUwwEWRg/s400/REV3-Wattie-Ink-Partner.002-e1355935842327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>2013 Triathlon Schedule</b>:<br />
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<a href="http://rev3tri.com/knoxville/knoxville-news/" target="_blank">REV3 Knoxville</a> (TN) - May 5 - Half REV Distance<br />
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<a href="http://www.tricolumbia.org/events/?eid=3" target="_blank">The Columbia Triathlon</a> (MD) - May 19 - Olympic Distance<br />
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<a href="http://rev3tri.com/quassy/quassy-news/" target="_blank">REV3 Quassy</a> (CT) - June 2 - Half REV Distance<br />
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<a href="http://rev3tri.com/williamsburg/news-va/" target="_blank">REV3 Williamsburg</a> (VA) - June 23 - Half REV Distance<br />
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The <a href="http://www.restontriathlon.org/tri/" target="_blank">Reston Triathlon</a> (VA) - September 9 - Olympic Distance<br />
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REV3 Quassy has been selected as the Official East Coast Wattie Ink Team event with numerous Elite Team members racing, as well as Wattie Ink professionals, <a href="http://heatherjacksonracing.com/" target="_blank">Heather Jackson</a> and <a href="http://joegamblesracing.com/" target="_blank">Joe Gambles</a>. Should be an excellent weekend with many podiums and adult beverages to be had.<br />
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I am very excited for REV3 Quassy AND REV3 Williamsburg, as I will have my family traveling with me. Look for the Clarke family ROCKING the W on the <a href="http://rev3tri.com/quassy/races-3/little-rev/" target="_blank">Little REV</a> course the day before these races!<br />
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I am also considering racing the REV3 Half-Full Triathlon in October as well as a race in July/August. I'm open to suggestions, so please leave me a note in the comments below!<br />
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Hope to see you on the course and on the podium!<br />
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<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-59755804889350542572012-12-31T13:07:00.000-08:002012-12-31T13:07:35.666-08:00Here's to Rocking the W in 2013. Cheers. 2012 was a great year and I'm sure that 2013 will be even more epic!<br />
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I accomplished quite a few milestones in the past year:<br />
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I swam 180+ miles.<br />
I rode 2,500+ miles on my bike.<br />
I ran 1,400+ miles.<br />
I completed and <span style="color: orange;"><b>WON</b></span> my division at my <span style="color: orange;"><b>FIRST</b></span> 70.3 at EagleMan,<br />
I completed my <span style="color: orange;"><b>FIRST</b></span> full Ironman in New York City and finished in the top 15%,<br />
I set a Personal Record (P.R.) at <span style="color: orange;"><b>EVERY</b></span> distance,<br />
I trained/competed for 440+ hours,<br />
I got to watch my wife, Lauren, set a P.R. at a Half-Marathon,<br />
I got to watch my 5 year old daughter run a 9:00 mile,<br />
I got to watch my 4 year old son move up the ladder at swim lessons<br />
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AND<br />
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I get to do it all again in 2013, all while competing on the 2013 Wattie Ink Elite Team! I am excited to see what I can accomplish with amazing sponsors like BlueSeventy, ISM, K-Swiss, Blue Cycles, PowerBar, 454 Tattoo, Kask Helmets, SpeedFil and FuelBelt!<br />
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Cheers and Happy New Year!<br />
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<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-20436355335857948592012-12-25T16:41:00.002-08:002012-12-25T16:41:31.756-08:00A Very Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIau_Yqa5muB-HxuXy-2haY-CvTCgljxaVFampMhx0EtE_fHWJW5mfYAvhY1ySm3aZohtOjcFsw-BLiI_K1EWFEHs5DKwDk_SIiXNZ-7hq1ugW-O12ngur-42Qy-1VaHd6599-bhF9O2g/s1600/165822_387174188036622_1033627951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIau_Yqa5muB-HxuXy-2haY-CvTCgljxaVFampMhx0EtE_fHWJW5mfYAvhY1ySm3aZohtOjcFsw-BLiI_K1EWFEHs5DKwDk_SIiXNZ-7hq1ugW-O12ngur-42Qy-1VaHd6599-bhF9O2g/s400/165822_387174188036622_1033627951_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would like to personally wish each and every reader of my blog, Merry Christmas. I am so pumped to ROCK THE W with the Wattie Ink Elite Team in the New Year! It is officially, TIME TO ROCK!<br />
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2013 is going to be a badass year, working with awesome sponsors like BlueSeventy, Kask, PowerBar, K-Swiss, Blue Cycles, Reynolds Wheels, FuelBelt, ISM and SpeedFil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm9ELv3u6Yms1eA0I5yke4PNz25bkrdSB2Nbi8F-RRYIeebeRcla2iLXYDn1LQVzudm0hBYe20_BQcKE2oZij9gX9wvqSF52ZO91oQvDfgfN6Qxi-M1cnII-aeDQ7GZgJ4rDA5pvFpU0/s1600/457071_386431578110883_566396050_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm9ELv3u6Yms1eA0I5yke4PNz25bkrdSB2Nbi8F-RRYIeebeRcla2iLXYDn1LQVzudm0hBYe20_BQcKE2oZij9gX9wvqSF52ZO91oQvDfgfN6Qxi-M1cnII-aeDQ7GZgJ4rDA5pvFpU0/s400/457071_386431578110883_566396050_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-72000671504812163792012-12-13T16:10:00.001-08:002012-12-13T16:10:17.294-08:00Qualified for Age Group Nationals! Guess who was invited to 2013 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships after qualifying at the 2012 Nation's Triathlon in Washington, DC? This guy.<br />
I got the invitation via email today!<br />
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Imagine how much faster I'll be with the help of the <a href="http://www.wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink</a> sponsors like <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/" target="_blank">blueseventy</a> and <a href="http://www.ismseat.com/" target="_blank">ISM</a>.<br />
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Time to Rock the W!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpWeagySfcinnBPo0EvG5PCC5KL2QlnlsjIvthbaILPxbwKeyBgW0s6DotaERhvi0uhLIFArQ9MFMhF5P7Yt9-n4ICrYm5Q3uarwKgPEqqOVbfxVUO7kz0H_Pa_1J8d4SGd1qGcd9uzg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-13+at+7.01.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpWeagySfcinnBPo0EvG5PCC5KL2QlnlsjIvthbaILPxbwKeyBgW0s6DotaERhvi0uhLIFArQ9MFMhF5P7Yt9-n4ICrYm5Q3uarwKgPEqqOVbfxVUO7kz0H_Pa_1J8d4SGd1qGcd9uzg/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-13+at+7.01.40+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to see as I log into www.USATriathlon.org !<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp7R4oD-pes8ONUNuEyWVZZzQ2NNnEaaSc-cw8gMdlcU5OedVUPR9EkEAqb1ViNlBcJQ3itIqh8Hwj_V-5AoSnIF8SLPU7MvJii5kglUfGoHYT8W-c5L2z9HO09WgqzmDhPMVkQwpIlA/s1600/AG+Nationals.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp7R4oD-pes8ONUNuEyWVZZzQ2NNnEaaSc-cw8gMdlcU5OedVUPR9EkEAqb1ViNlBcJQ3itIqh8Hwj_V-5AoSnIF8SLPU7MvJii5kglUfGoHYT8W-c5L2z9HO09WgqzmDhPMVkQwpIlA/s400/AG+Nationals.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To compete or not to compete, THAT is the question. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-33318122905982062692012-12-09T14:43:00.000-08:002012-12-09T14:43:28.133-08:00Ready to Rock the W in 2013!What an awesome and amazing opportunity I have been given! As I posted before, I was selected to join a great group of athletes and sponsors to represent <a href="http://wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink</a> and compete with the <a href="http://wattieink.com/elite-team/" target="_blank">2013 Wattie Ink Elite Team</a>. By being selected to compete on such an amazing team, it has fueled my motivation and my goals for the upcoming season. With the support of an awesome team and sponsors, I am able to make more lofty goals, take bigger risks and have more fun while training and racing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBQdqTQprRcu0jLRT3y2lnvmlM7WMUqAdljxTjSN-VQdzdCIwfRvUnsJr5ldmdnMy-U83_b7M2xAdMVRmnmicE3yX2Bhhm1R366rmJOedfnoSBXOrDXhbmiISaXY-_hg7mC7Yvj2l_Ac/s1600/WattieInk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBQdqTQprRcu0jLRT3y2lnvmlM7WMUqAdljxTjSN-VQdzdCIwfRvUnsJr5ldmdnMy-U83_b7M2xAdMVRmnmicE3yX2Bhhm1R366rmJOedfnoSBXOrDXhbmiISaXY-_hg7mC7Yvj2l_Ac/s320/WattieInk.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers! Here's to 2013. TIME TO ROCK!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-5686101628869309652012-12-07T14:07:00.000-08:002012-12-07T14:07:16.105-08:002013 Wattie Ink. Elite TeamSo pumped to have been selected to the 2013 Wattie Ink. Elite Team. I am ready to Rock the W in the New Year! More to follow...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWUg0xWEYXvpNqmSN5Z39HZnWY_zTnO4z_Ruzk8P9JYOD7wbujq6vmk_8VzvtGFQWt-ZAlzRwk2H9bl44aq4B9vC3f5633x-K4_QPmnNRoYRSK1y55yaNcwjgR0Gk1x5FyBjgu6tMq0c/s1600/704636_453473268021265_912971634_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWUg0xWEYXvpNqmSN5Z39HZnWY_zTnO4z_Ruzk8P9JYOD7wbujq6vmk_8VzvtGFQWt-ZAlzRwk2H9bl44aq4B9vC3f5633x-K4_QPmnNRoYRSK1y55yaNcwjgR0Gk1x5FyBjgu6tMq0c/s400/704636_453473268021265_912971634_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-29762565090699108862012-11-06T12:13:00.001-08:002012-11-06T12:13:19.239-08:00Tom Knoll, 6th Place at the ORIGINAL Ironman, 1978
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon expo, I was fortunate enough to meet
Tom Knoll, who was the 6th place finisher at the ORIGINAL Ironman. The Original
Ironman was born on Waikiki Beach in Oahu in 1978. Mr. Knoll has also
run West to East across the United States twice AND South to North. </span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-72568537931766846602012-10-19T18:36:00.003-07:002012-10-20T11:14:11.263-07:002012 ING Hartford (CT) Half-Marathon<br />
The 2012 ING Hartford Half-Marathon started on a cold, New England morning. It was 24 degrees when we left for the race.<br />
Two years ago, I ran a 1:49 in this race and I know I could crush that time. This was the first distance race I have run this season NOT coming off the bike. It was "go" time, PR time!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkehjPXeu5iLzaAqHEq1sBYOYcxYKNkOJhNXWmsvafIGS7q-vR6cp8k_eGPvX2nIPsu9BwyZFASDUpa8MSsXYbO8OAV2uX8RD5vOmTw8LyACAGoT66Y7T5qW_uMByqGg0DhMC7b5wK4s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-19+at+9.31.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN20rcmdoLYVTSZNUyRE8ozA-EQd93voXnohFm3_-7u3dAvbQEgWNCB-UbBLGCTKvQnGmqio1QhrNKEl1sKnGLFG80_FmX7w_1MTqpiJH6xDow3-RAQZOvg6UcxgqzsCDWa6AAE8WpaUc/s1600/HH2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN20rcmdoLYVTSZNUyRE8ozA-EQd93voXnohFm3_-7u3dAvbQEgWNCB-UbBLGCTKvQnGmqio1QhrNKEl1sKnGLFG80_FmX7w_1MTqpiJH6xDow3-RAQZOvg6UcxgqzsCDWa6AAE8WpaUc/s320/HH2.png" width="210" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXj0ugCLtXXntRKsYA20PbYg2L9BZHCJ-NxPz1G1SsyEVntQNC_d1o4cdFha94EDG56RT27Lg2RHiW2-2X90EEWtZ3rXj1hc4DfDsuFVDOsBO9fxkZrTaf8oghovmr1PGYW-gtnJBz-U/s1600/HH1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXj0ugCLtXXntRKsYA20PbYg2L9BZHCJ-NxPz1G1SsyEVntQNC_d1o4cdFha94EDG56RT27Lg2RHiW2-2X90EEWtZ3rXj1hc4DfDsuFVDOsBO9fxkZrTaf8oghovmr1PGYW-gtnJBz-U/s320/HH1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Official Time was 1:31:04 and a New PR!</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And some more hardware!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCO1st5sOSENfFDlZPaF2UZ7tJEE48yx5qpTOcY50j1oqB1yLv-D_4c25HZJzqIUuj_14XEdXI4NeVIo_gyo8Qi7JDrhTIGM6yUMBVkELYeA6pXVoTtamV57I_t_fUkaLFprc-VokV7k/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCO1st5sOSENfFDlZPaF2UZ7tJEE48yx5qpTOcY50j1oqB1yLv-D_4c25HZJzqIUuj_14XEdXI4NeVIo_gyo8Qi7JDrhTIGM6yUMBVkELYeA6pXVoTtamV57I_t_fUkaLFprc-VokV7k/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clydesdale Champion by more than a minute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkehjPXeu5iLzaAqHEq1sBYOYcxYKNkOJhNXWmsvafIGS7q-vR6cp8k_eGPvX2nIPsu9BwyZFASDUpa8MSsXYbO8OAV2uX8RD5vOmTw8LyACAGoT66Y7T5qW_uMByqGg0DhMC7b5wK4s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-19+at+9.31.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkehjPXeu5iLzaAqHEq1sBYOYcxYKNkOJhNXWmsvafIGS7q-vR6cp8k_eGPvX2nIPsu9BwyZFASDUpa8MSsXYbO8OAV2uX8RD5vOmTw8LyACAGoT66Y7T5qW_uMByqGg0DhMC7b5wK4s/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-10-19+at+9.31.34+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Results</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0TN8Xs0Lks_AhQQrJSiUrayVb7luSJ_VdoAdrgZo9U0m5j_V1UeOC3Cu4W4J5bJKwWc7mPtE-gMtdECLpJ3OKw19VQwfwPpW6ZcNrL6loXFjdQ-4g3BqoFMRggmcLdiz4lNOYHySOQ4/s1600/BBoyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0TN8Xs0Lks_AhQQrJSiUrayVb7luSJ_VdoAdrgZo9U0m5j_V1UeOC3Cu4W4J5bJKwWc7mPtE-gMtdECLpJ3OKw19VQwfwPpW6ZcNrL6loXFjdQ-4g3BqoFMRggmcLdiz4lNOYHySOQ4/s400/BBoyle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Race with IronHeart, Brian Boyle</td></tr>
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FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-5491609204126423012012-10-19T18:13:00.000-07:002012-10-19T18:23:32.092-07:002012 Nation's Triathlon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 2012 Nation's Triathlon started less than 12 hours after a new PR the night before at the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K.<br />
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I entered in the "First Responder" Division, a nice nod to the first responders in a race close to September 11th. In my opinion a "First Responder" should be limited to Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, Police Officers, Sheriffs, Border Patrol, Lifeguards, etc. You know, a true First Responder. Not CPR Certified Journalist. WTH is that?<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Swim: 33:57</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmSE3w-Sdd7owTcKSPDRy7cu5S526rwA1HvM0MlimbOrui-5OwnWlostKjxumhW4dSdH1UIVwX1D6lXEfoHcanJDjHyVTmG6YfUIwgDCFW-Z-be9CoGvP9BxoG0e_OOleeotxPfhzV5E/s1600/Nations+Swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmSE3w-Sdd7owTcKSPDRy7cu5S526rwA1HvM0MlimbOrui-5OwnWlostKjxumhW4dSdH1UIVwX1D6lXEfoHcanJDjHyVTmG6YfUIwgDCFW-Z-be9CoGvP9BxoG0e_OOleeotxPfhzV5E/s320/Nations+Swim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love coming into T1 with the two waves that started BEFORE me.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Bike: 1:07:35</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkJLKTWJr7CtelmV8FLwL7VVRcYFgbYnrATPIXQ6Xe4rWhQrgtI2n1NswS1LQSP0NSl6x7tLw2thdXhiFSohm1qpfwa3i_dfGHvW8eq9HyZlnTwZh89JzLQj-wqDLDXYSB-ogmKag_xo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-11+at+11.44.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkJLKTWJr7CtelmV8FLwL7VVRcYFgbYnrATPIXQ6Xe4rWhQrgtI2n1NswS1LQSP0NSl6x7tLw2thdXhiFSohm1qpfwa3i_dfGHvW8eq9HyZlnTwZh89JzLQj-wqDLDXYSB-ogmKag_xo/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-09-11+at+11.44.24+AM.png" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First race with the visor on the aero helmet</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Run: 43:08</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Finish: 2:28:50</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWpamosDb5s1HF498Hi7sgcRie2G0xWdwN1VI1iy4MM8XH3ac5SyPlWE0Mbx0OFZIiNRA51g85KLj23WErRc2_1sKcrWgS-Fg2-c2FJsPzoip56BbH1gfXQd1UVcYUSVC8qtn1355jPU/s1600/Results.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWpamosDb5s1HF498Hi7sgcRie2G0xWdwN1VI1iy4MM8XH3ac5SyPlWE0Mbx0OFZIiNRA51g85KLj23WErRc2_1sKcrWgS-Fg2-c2FJsPzoip56BbH1gfXQd1UVcYUSVC8qtn1355jPU/s320/Results.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cSVgqnAuqI3XDf3dUmr1uKvpY5xrxd8dBQYpkbQpm7gU_1_ITDKifjLkdGR6ImGk_3nkzep_VsLG6DssGdUkO6QEG7kPMIacU2qfQlS5JsFs8I5u_1Vg2mpn-QNKn3SIwl0ZnhOWwek/s1600/Mug1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cSVgqnAuqI3XDf3dUmr1uKvpY5xrxd8dBQYpkbQpm7gU_1_ITDKifjLkdGR6ImGk_3nkzep_VsLG6DssGdUkO6QEG7kPMIacU2qfQlS5JsFs8I5u_1Vg2mpn-QNKn3SIwl0ZnhOWwek/s320/Mug1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little more hardware!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ruHZoCoXK1TCapUlhAtRpT3873eDuXDPrMZJHWtpk1xq1r-S08R516GeAKkHpPtlU2Pw_FRRKoCTptmKCS_MWpBX6MU3hMNMZvJW-JWnLkMAnp7A-A_vOSdurKPD6Jbqa4P7pM6-aQY/s1600/Mug2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ruHZoCoXK1TCapUlhAtRpT3873eDuXDPrMZJHWtpk1xq1r-S08R516GeAKkHpPtlU2Pw_FRRKoCTptmKCS_MWpBX6MU3hMNMZvJW-JWnLkMAnp7A-A_vOSdurKPD6Jbqa4P7pM6-aQY/s320/Mug2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Place in the First Responder Division</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbOSoqIdQU-LTgqljMcAjX4r-oMfKAq6zD29UMnndCDA0jbNBz_5SVUFv4_jT6gdawlD0IiANKnwmQoxKdPIYDhXJDWMcVCVodXbHsb9wr6JwvJ8q50NQ4AJyhqifZn3Qmo57HUnfmUg/s1600/email.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbOSoqIdQU-LTgqljMcAjX4r-oMfKAq6zD29UMnndCDA0jbNBz_5SVUFv4_jT6gdawlD0IiANKnwmQoxKdPIYDhXJDWMcVCVodXbHsb9wr6JwvJ8q50NQ4AJyhqifZn3Qmo57HUnfmUg/s640/email.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this email that went out a week after the race!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-1169760201242546722012-10-19T17:49:00.002-07:002012-10-19T18:13:28.898-07:002012 Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K</b></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>September 8, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>19:16 (New PR)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>7th Male Firefighter</b></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>1st Place Firefighter Team Division</b></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMmnh2S6lfuiknCYXsuSkbkIWuRMP0zezVkk7D33I9WjH5uDBz8H5hVClgRx-avwheyZ1opFrAwhLwoYvouJH881xbqAEXQ4C20TRWWyoJsNpQjNEHs1gAKHNWP32s6JUv20JgHc2V00/s1600/9-11+5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMmnh2S6lfuiknCYXsuSkbkIWuRMP0zezVkk7D33I9WjH5uDBz8H5hVClgRx-avwheyZ1opFrAwhLwoYvouJH881xbqAEXQ4C20TRWWyoJsNpQjNEHs1gAKHNWP32s6JUv20JgHc2V00/s400/9-11+5K.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxeHwFRsB_p7xtmTBG1HBZD5fsgZyKRp3IxvvJxkJ8l71xSFoP78JVgzed3kMp64h0AZl7820LyeoA92Li-0L8YiAdNqHpXR7HJgILZwnG7Wijs6X9qsYMEUoqCY2f7qdas8QIV_8Lzc/s1600/9:11+5K+Team.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxeHwFRsB_p7xtmTBG1HBZD5fsgZyKRp3IxvvJxkJ8l71xSFoP78JVgzed3kMp64h0AZl7820LyeoA92Li-0L8YiAdNqHpXR7HJgILZwnG7Wijs6X9qsYMEUoqCY2f7qdas8QIV_8Lzc/s640/9:11+5K+Team.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-61449370803000699162012-09-11T11:21:00.000-07:002012-09-11T11:28:07.576-07:002012 Ironman US Championship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Ironman US Championship</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>NJ / NYC</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>August 11, 2011</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After doing my best to decompress from my first Ironman,
Ironman US Championships, I figured I was ready to sit down and write my race
report. Well, here it is…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
My Iron day started when my alarm
went off at 2:30 AM. Two cups of in-room, hotel coffee, a quick shower to wake
up and then I put on my clothes which had been meticulously laid out the night
before. A quick kiss from a very
sleepy Lauren and my Ironman day was off to a good start! I grabbed my bags and
headed downstairs to the lobby where I was greeted my fifty or so athletes. We
boarded the first bus at 3:00 AM and headed to the ferry terminal. The ferry
terminal was already full of similar, type-A athletes, like myself who HAVE to
be the first ones anywhere! What was ahead of me? Another cup of coffee, a
Gatorade and a 45-minute wait! I boarded the first ferry bound for transition
at Ross Dock in New Jersey. I made small talk with a very friendly group of
athletes, which included the well known, 62 year old, Father Dan Callahan, also
known as the “Iron Friar”, who was competing in his 15<sup>th</sup> Ironman!
The Iron Friar preaches the “Work Hard, Pray Hard, Play Hard” motto. Father Dan
Callahan will be using the Ironman US Championship as a warm up for the Ironman
World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. The ferry pulled into Ross Dock on the
Jersey side of the Hudson, where the athletes were greeted by hundreds of
excited volunteers. I dropped off my Special Needs bags, loaded my bike up with
the nutrition I would need for my day on the bike and confirmed that the tire
pressure was just right in my tires. I put on my I Will tri top and then put on
my Zoot Z Force WetZoot as the swim start grew closer!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Swim: </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>2.4 miles, 50:54</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Average Time 51:00</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a massive “chlorinated raw sewage leak” less than 2
days prior to the race, the Swim portion of the race was in question. The day
before the race, participants were notified that the Hudson was “clean enough
to swim”. All systems GO. The IM US Championship is unique in that it is a Time
Trial start. I was on the first ferry leaving transition and in the water
within 2 minutes of the start, right where I wanted to be. Let me stress that
this was a very fast swim due to the helping current of the Hudson. I did my
best to put my head down and have an easy swim 2.4 miles south in the Hudson,
sighting off of one of the towers of the George Washington Bridge. The water
was cleaner than I expected and to date, I have not seen any abnormalities in
my health from exposure to the Hudson. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDrU46UIs77Djq3NhzXPy-AQ2PgRceXHvNkVUK8oPmMJJ3Sa_6W-3fI8IMFtK8W_uD85e8LJ_Rng8RVgyzL6JUjYJi9z_5jhCtO9cJpLMAIdIO0KoTb7xgVjiiyi3mIoroqjAxsAeEoA/s1600/transition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDrU46UIs77Djq3NhzXPy-AQ2PgRceXHvNkVUK8oPmMJJ3Sa_6W-3fI8IMFtK8W_uD85e8LJ_Rng8RVgyzL6JUjYJi9z_5jhCtO9cJpLMAIdIO0KoTb7xgVjiiyi3mIoroqjAxsAeEoA/s400/transition.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of transition. Ross Dock, NJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuDgHJEbTsQ1zBExszeJEELZV26HsdPoatCutOefZI2mahTUfYlrd_PwgaseXxxxrpT-_LxWjlbcu4xw9LVsxLcgIZs3LoO_lumFF31LEH1tdHHyGMu3YGq3qz30yMIrALegkbT8kE20/s1600/swim2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuDgHJEbTsQ1zBExszeJEELZV26HsdPoatCutOefZI2mahTUfYlrd_PwgaseXxxxrpT-_LxWjlbcu4xw9LVsxLcgIZs3LoO_lumFF31LEH1tdHHyGMu3YGq3qz30yMIrALegkbT8kE20/s400/swim2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time Trial Swim Start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKMiDXeliYjsydIAsQzsET1b9o3pjB3SFZ6Vzjog7bMpsl1Vas-pKCS7n57UOdm9TzGckQ-zD2KXiaaa8Mn8iX4nnvb0jFl5aGcoys-W309xvplq8Vuypyb9N5o4YhLg2Ul_M6MqqGXk/s1600/swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKMiDXeliYjsydIAsQzsET1b9o3pjB3SFZ6Vzjog7bMpsl1Vas-pKCS7n57UOdm9TzGckQ-zD2KXiaaa8Mn8iX4nnvb0jFl5aGcoys-W309xvplq8Vuypyb9N5o4YhLg2Ul_M6MqqGXk/s400/swim.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2.4 Mile Swim in the Hudson River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Bike:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>112 miles, 5:40:00</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Average Time 6:31:00</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After an uneventful transition, I was out on the road on my
bike. A long climb out of transition at Ross Dock led to the Palisades Parkway.
The Parkway was shut down for the first time ever. My goal was to keep my HR in
the 135 range. Going out too hard on the bike would shred my legs and cause my
run to suffer. I felt really good on the ride and found the road surface to be
better than everyone talked about. I consumed ALL my nutrition as I had planned
and utilized all aide stations but one. I ate some Bonk Breakers, drank
numerous bottles of Perform and ate a few packs of GU Chomps. The only thing
that didn’t go as planned on the bike, was when I got stuck in the small chain
ring, thereby slowing my last 20 miles. Might have been a blessing in disguise
because it slowed me up and helped save my legs. The view on the course was the
same the entire ride and there was little to no spectator support…my only
complaints. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-OaAPEEiHpIrNuMRxO1v8dz_C6-FXkbllo3ZYDDcbnocHUAdVYhGbs-BhM3PkGvo9_D104gJo9S1dnhKARCi4XhlXsgNUIM0TXyx4EPzjmpFkzN96DiqoKvigwxGdfg7PDl7XrGVT-A/s1600/Bike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-OaAPEEiHpIrNuMRxO1v8dz_C6-FXkbllo3ZYDDcbnocHUAdVYhGbs-BhM3PkGvo9_D104gJo9S1dnhKARCi4XhlXsgNUIM0TXyx4EPzjmpFkzN96DiqoKvigwxGdfg7PDl7XrGVT-A/s400/Bike1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into T2 after 112 miles on the Palisade Parkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Run:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>26.2 Miles, 4:47:00</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Average Time: 5:17:00</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After another uneventful transition, I set out on the run
course, which started out with an out-and-back 4 miler, which was completed
twice, before climbing to the George Washington Bridge. The out-and-back was
very hilly, both up AND down resulting in numerous lost toenails. Crossing the
G.W. Bridge was cool with the New York skyline in the distance. Miles 19-23 was
along the Hudson, with some good barbeques going on. Not sure what these NYC
residents were thinking with all the spandex-clad runners making their way
towards Riverside Park. There were some good signs offering encouragement
during this stretch. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku_NQ-ukxmEO5OZErWTY9celTJzEZT2BWqnp62j77XWTT72ycXUG7w5nA0KiRjclryHC8hS6GIFRA5nJzSaZUoVN1Qk389r6w6Jw2SqaZ05U8pPXfuYxXPVRZvITxYv1F76QHrNV0kms/s1600/poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku_NQ-ukxmEO5OZErWTY9celTJzEZT2BWqnp62j77XWTT72ycXUG7w5nA0KiRjclryHC8hS6GIFRA5nJzSaZUoVN1Qk389r6w6Jw2SqaZ05U8pPXfuYxXPVRZvITxYv1F76QHrNV0kms/s320/poster.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite sign on the run course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The finish line was amazing. I was lucky enough to see my
Dad and brother prior to entering the finisher chute, giving them both high
fives! I looked to the stands and saw my Ironmate, Lauren cheering with my Mom.
I thought I saw my IronKids, but I was informed that evening that I must have
been dreaming. It was amazing to
hear the famous voice of Mike Reilly say, “Caldwell Clarke, Leesburg, Virginia.
YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tkXlWiMcpSgkV3rzBfRUDEEmnLKyorf6-GS8XWJ6822xPYpeY7Gofk2BsVOMXX7M9S_QdQWRs779XLNsk1VDRE0YxOdvxk5Vfd8BokPTvU1Auq1aLvoJZ_0kdCK_d_VkAMj6zlnk1h4/s1600/IM+NYC+Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tkXlWiMcpSgkV3rzBfRUDEEmnLKyorf6-GS8XWJ6822xPYpeY7Gofk2BsVOMXX7M9S_QdQWRs779XLNsk1VDRE0YxOdvxk5Vfd8BokPTvU1Auq1aLvoJZ_0kdCK_d_VkAMj6zlnk1h4/s400/IM+NYC+Finish.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DONE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRBnJMyA818LuJVQrBVKUp4NgNqpDIoVm09uTqBh4C-GCFZPETGjL966CbfKXN5tNTfOwRZywabeB8pBjjtTn3zivwdktQ3gPEbmwvXu7HzaWQuMgB31hRZwRL_MH_ffhhWmwTNM7bes/s1600/finish3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRBnJMyA818LuJVQrBVKUp4NgNqpDIoVm09uTqBh4C-GCFZPETGjL966CbfKXN5tNTfOwRZywabeB8pBjjtTn3zivwdktQ3gPEbmwvXu7HzaWQuMgB31hRZwRL_MH_ffhhWmwTNM7bes/s400/finish3.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the chute to myself!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7l81Euq3OgRB5wGZ-CO0btKN_UsL1L-qYidRGptJhRhgkF6fUC3gtdYTlfQxghnWJiMZZubEHoQNvzEcyH8qUzvlQ_5H29pY8xNYCBNSRNKgKTlNTKvrFYpJ9enCLRECcCgdnDvNnIg/s1600/finish5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7l81Euq3OgRB5wGZ-CO0btKN_UsL1L-qYidRGptJhRhgkF6fUC3gtdYTlfQxghnWJiMZZubEHoQNvzEcyH8qUzvlQ_5H29pY8xNYCBNSRNKgKTlNTKvrFYpJ9enCLRECcCgdnDvNnIg/s400/finish5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the stands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBigSgNTW6X9gxAxfONdjjx2PgxlcwWB9Ujw7GugNB51kYeFPhL1xF7oX6Zskw4ae77nH1OBxTpZ11Ud-RDi9LwYIVeTypVWInn4PI0IwACWRvgnwF5YoTM-vlkq2vR59UDbCHwjl67TA/s1600/finish6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBigSgNTW6X9gxAxfONdjjx2PgxlcwWB9Ujw7GugNB51kYeFPhL1xF7oX6Zskw4ae77nH1OBxTpZ11Ud-RDi9LwYIVeTypVWInn4PI0IwACWRvgnwF5YoTM-vlkq2vR59UDbCHwjl67TA/s400/finish6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and Will</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVyle2FTK792zOtrqKyRf5MvKZt9g-u4ObLNq0LM4MwFxI7jTS36_qYd0kpnl2ZDBv_AT_7jGMo6eMOB9hfzydi0hYY5eWEkPa8arpobK_Tfs8QCjMaqAdvIq-edq2lONETKEEXUKXzg/s1600/finish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVyle2FTK792zOtrqKyRf5MvKZt9g-u4ObLNq0LM4MwFxI7jTS36_qYd0kpnl2ZDBv_AT_7jGMo6eMOB9hfzydi0hYY5eWEkPa8arpobK_Tfs8QCjMaqAdvIq-edq2lONETKEEXUKXzg/s400/finish2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IronBrother, Ironman and IronDad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Final Stats:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>140.6 Miles, 11:33:19</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>440<sup>th</sup> out of 2,739</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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My good friend, Larry Parker, FDNY Fireman and THE ORIGINAL
FiremanIronman, advised me to make an effort to take an IV bag in the medical
tent post race. After losing 15+ lbs over the course of the day, I convinced a
doctor to give me an IV bag. Thanks, Larry. Great advice!</div>
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I met up with the rest of the family and then made our way
back to the hotel for drinks, dinner and a shower…. Not necessarily in that
order. I had plans to go back to the finish for midnight, and then this
happened:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW9gnuMcbed0xgu2V0UTWN-bfwdh_OjBpGPc1701vOhTMTJVgFrvcxJ3H-ptkx0CqUY9mJBQCu3GBz42XVdfHIk7bdO3Q_9WdyEzNs1zbjjxN0nyRytWw5qYmCdq3KO7UHhmxr0eqZlI/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW9gnuMcbed0xgu2V0UTWN-bfwdh_OjBpGPc1701vOhTMTJVgFrvcxJ3H-ptkx0CqUY9mJBQCu3GBz42XVdfHIk7bdO3Q_9WdyEzNs1zbjjxN0nyRytWw5qYmCdq3KO7UHhmxr0eqZlI/s320/dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick a fork in me. I'm DONE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then this happened:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HcQ78Xi5A4h_wtAQFl7TggdmbFcp7UJd6ni69CcUcRz02SId7Q9FwZ2UkDC_nBEeMWwLYDZq7BvBiLSh3IEfs1H6HmoLj9xPRCV714hTUgAN-4Z3UKIpIZQ3C5XmFb7jsU_oybGFeSY/s1600/tat" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HcQ78Xi5A4h_wtAQFl7TggdmbFcp7UJd6ni69CcUcRz02SId7Q9FwZ2UkDC_nBEeMWwLYDZq7BvBiLSh3IEfs1H6HmoLj9xPRCV714hTUgAN-4Z3UKIpIZQ3C5XmFb7jsU_oybGFeSY/s320/tat" width="189" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-76924794319678996602012-06-26T09:55:00.001-07:002012-06-27T18:44:30.254-07:002012... A little Bit of Hardware!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">So far, it's been a good year!</span></b><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KYjxrOw7FJl2UunaOZv0xAy6Pzr0mW3637JQ4sudzVYSIXHe8XQseq9zXpk7IVyiooMtN2n0Q9vY9DaPELS17CjhAAAL1Hf14oBOqYxDLM1Vaz6Q3lb_kmVRmwQUPmUvqzK3GxR7SuU/s1600/EagleMan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KYjxrOw7FJl2UunaOZv0xAy6Pzr0mW3637JQ4sudzVYSIXHe8XQseq9zXpk7IVyiooMtN2n0Q9vY9DaPELS17CjhAAAL1Hf14oBOqYxDLM1Vaz6Q3lb_kmVRmwQUPmUvqzK3GxR7SuU/s320/EagleMan.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Ironman 70.3 EagleMan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A3PwLhB2zJ1U1CC5nc6-pqh8LwJyKPI5lNswqKLlvTZC_vaQdBBzL0a5d7FDgsWkTNdYRVRlDdr_60z1wcA_ARmq3zkB-HMKicQRKn10gb9fuoK5GGeBrXPyGhEB7Il4oyKOasqvG0U/s1600/Columbia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A3PwLhB2zJ1U1CC5nc6-pqh8LwJyKPI5lNswqKLlvTZC_vaQdBBzL0a5d7FDgsWkTNdYRVRlDdr_60z1wcA_ARmq3zkB-HMKicQRKn10gb9fuoK5GGeBrXPyGhEB7Il4oyKOasqvG0U/s320/Columbia.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Columbia Triathlon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2wsdMUR8hsqSS9IjMkjoLLFV8EUwYPRf15Zu1lsHaT7bPyD9Sf_JFq2P9ZSszlHF4qMOipqct1gLHP2lPL9mrBfiex-aOdemKa2dQhqbHBEGRE4Q_waDFXlO4QTcQuglMhtAmVnAMP0/s1600/TriRock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2wsdMUR8hsqSS9IjMkjoLLFV8EUwYPRf15Zu1lsHaT7bPyD9Sf_JFq2P9ZSszlHF4qMOipqct1gLHP2lPL9mrBfiex-aOdemKa2dQhqbHBEGRE4Q_waDFXlO4QTcQuglMhtAmVnAMP0/s320/TriRock.JPG" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 TriRock Annapolis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jQxPs383EPmJxYAsTtYDhdQouvzoqNio85tAcgJj1fJ4bb0Dsnn8OJw94A6kdDFMgr5c-cY-SwYWeHaEfTiv7_68O0ei7DDyTLVeCy6Vne_noeWsSyle1g7eMb2AObZMynRhyQwkE0k/s1600/Hy-Vee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jQxPs383EPmJxYAsTtYDhdQouvzoqNio85tAcgJj1fJ4bb0Dsnn8OJw94A6kdDFMgr5c-cY-SwYWeHaEfTiv7_68O0ei7DDyTLVeCy6Vne_noeWsSyle1g7eMb2AObZMynRhyQwkE0k/s640/Hy-Vee.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4iBAj0p_jRd2tUcqS2qhIetPMvtulIOVgYxLKGsiGtG1Rdw7LoCRhSWR5Vd-zxgMiC06DrSpfCUogJa_Df945Va4xlRCrFshwbV7-9cvL5tIVsxWVOat1INZOX1P5-H8puOeXQws2LE/s1600/471680_4089499236803_1018381551_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4iBAj0p_jRd2tUcqS2qhIetPMvtulIOVgYxLKGsiGtG1Rdw7LoCRhSWR5Vd-zxgMiC06DrSpfCUogJa_Df945Va4xlRCrFshwbV7-9cvL5tIVsxWVOat1INZOX1P5-H8puOeXQws2LE/s640/471680_4089499236803_1018381551_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-77008614490720996862012-06-25T18:29:00.000-07:002012-06-26T09:59:00.099-07:00How the Heck Did I Get Here?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">WARNING: CONTAINS GRAPHIC PICTURES</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, June 25<sup>th</sup>, I am 46 days away from the
start of my first Ironman race. Just how the heck did I get here? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In October of 2008, I was an overweight and out-of –shape
Firefighter with a great wife who worked part-time as an ER/Trauma Nurse.
Lauren and I had two small kids in diapers, which I cared for while she worked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I’m embarrassed to admit, but in the fall of 2008, I had hit
maximum density at 286 lbs, way too much for my 6’4” frame. In my locker at the
firehouse, I had 3XL work shirts and work pants with a 42” waist. Yes, you read
that right. </div>
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<br /></div>
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On October 17, 2008, my life changed and so did my families.
While at work with the Fire Department, I had my left hand mangled by a
commercial grade, roll up door leaving my right arm trapped in the mechanism. I
was removed from the door by my own crew and rapidly transported to the local
ER/Trauma Center. After hours of surgery and days in the hospital, I got to go
home with a immobilizing cast past my elbow and three more surgeries and
thousands of hours of rehabilitation ahead of me. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n8Vy6Bh4_TdbwlQKuqFtam1Ia-tVDrEKI5TKNFcdreJA7aIixfHTBs4iqPVP1Wsk0_Wy8yS7Np-uryxzwBADwLSCutUaT_bIsyTc117O7Pz5CK_wo8Mygvd3WNxCmSPLK0j3bxtpu9o/s1600/Hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n8Vy6Bh4_TdbwlQKuqFtam1Ia-tVDrEKI5TKNFcdreJA7aIixfHTBs4iqPVP1Wsk0_Wy8yS7Np-uryxzwBADwLSCutUaT_bIsyTc117O7Pz5CK_wo8Mygvd3WNxCmSPLK0j3bxtpu9o/s200/Hand.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgHA9Qz2qbv01FXp5AYUI7vEn76Vq4UU3oXYSvK-eyOkfHpL3cRTdZN_f8-oUPTZX_jQxp5gauaN1tPQV9w2_2zQQDPpdwqt19RGgv9PTvSuWSfHNFg9P8IDJPFnoiqhb-Z1n7loyMc0/s1600/Hand2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgHA9Qz2qbv01FXp5AYUI7vEn76Vq4UU3oXYSvK-eyOkfHpL3cRTdZN_f8-oUPTZX_jQxp5gauaN1tPQV9w2_2zQQDPpdwqt19RGgv9PTvSuWSfHNFg9P8IDJPFnoiqhb-Z1n7loyMc0/s200/Hand2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_DteIN86bodh3MkbsqaEb3rHRdW3uMsb2WJE94ZcYTEl3EmDGC2IbNL8WqRCBn5-Rt1s7Ha_1ySYUJBinDBPX1IIulc-TEKEbVQBYqJUrIuwwgePRQa6VzFjJjNKxuwSLPEq8AvwlKs/s1600/XMas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_DteIN86bodh3MkbsqaEb3rHRdW3uMsb2WJE94ZcYTEl3EmDGC2IbNL8WqRCBn5-Rt1s7Ha_1ySYUJBinDBPX1IIulc-TEKEbVQBYqJUrIuwwgePRQa6VzFjJjNKxuwSLPEq8AvwlKs/s200/XMas.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas, 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With months of no work ahead of me, I spent my time at the
gym and watching what I ate. I
started by doing cardio at the gym, which led to running. I was lucky enough to
get involved with the inaugural Ambassador Program with Pacers Running Store. I
was motivated to train and run some local 5K and 10K races. After running a few
local races, I got it in my head that I was going to run the most famous
“local” race of all, the Marine Corps Marathon. As I told Lauren, “I’m just
going to run one marathon.” In 2010, I completed the Marathon and promptly
signed up for my next marathon the very next day!</div>
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If I can complete a marathon, I can do a triathlon. Having
completed a few distance road races, I decided to try a triathlon and got
hooked! I completed, and won my division, in my first Olympic distance
triathlon in 2011. In 2012, I won my division in a Sprint Triathlon, a
competitive Olympic Distance Triathlon, and a very competitive Half Ironman
race. Needless to say, I’ve got a
good streak going!</div>
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Now, in June of 2012, I’m a whole new man and a much better
athlete. I’ve been promoted to Lieutenant of one of the busiest Ladder
companies in the County. I’m down 75+ lbs and wearing a size large work shirt
and currently in 34” waist pants. I am however, left with a left hand, as described by medical professionals, as a "claw-like deformity".</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmHo807De9RcMrkMkQCSpnSLjPW-0JWc49T4c38MHYWZMEXWFFKhiMV7Xqte53vSznsGiEOZsWRK2Mq2nzxr1mXnYEkNXBMmpfSJDRW7lFAY1HtnDsbw8Z5d4PzNKktcr-jrL7yqwjUQ/s1600/Before+and+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmHo807De9RcMrkMkQCSpnSLjPW-0JWc49T4c38MHYWZMEXWFFKhiMV7Xqte53vSznsGiEOZsWRK2Mq2nzxr1mXnYEkNXBMmpfSJDRW7lFAY1HtnDsbw8Z5d4PzNKktcr-jrL7yqwjUQ/s400/Before+and+After.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2012 on the left, March 2010 on the right. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I’ve had a lot of support from friends and family, but I
have to give most of the credit to my wife, Lauren. She continues to be the
first person to pick me up when I’m down, when I’m tired or when I get
negative. Lauren has gone way out of her way to keep me strong mentally and has
given me the opportunity to train for races, sacrificing her own free time to wrangle
Katie and Will so that I can do the necessary training. For all your support
and love, I thank you and I love you.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVgIkH2QljgDr9z7QOUYX46ECziIpsojy4Z7yA8AkFfFlW-o1WH9wQVCUjnx259twqgQP67rMc3Z6n_VHOEylpPCmCWDJYwUsQ7i8yDAWUlL4aRTYjXKCAyOkIkyQGxeUU3H6Tq5BLy8/s1600/Lauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVgIkH2QljgDr9z7QOUYX46ECziIpsojy4Z7yA8AkFfFlW-o1WH9wQVCUjnx259twqgQP67rMc3Z6n_VHOEylpPCmCWDJYwUsQ7i8yDAWUlL4aRTYjXKCAyOkIkyQGxeUU3H6Tq5BLy8/s200/Lauren.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Lauren!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">A great quote from the current Ironman World Champion,
Craig "Crowie" Alexander. "At the end of the run the pain
is probably the worst, but...you start to think about all of the people who have
helped you out, who have sacrificed for you. It's easy to stay motivated
at that point. All the people you know who have helped you get to the start
line and helped you prepare. I think it's the least you can do, to finish it
off for them."</span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-72732010453123885992012-06-25T07:05:00.001-07:002012-06-25T07:09:07.044-07:00Triathlete Magazine, July 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">I made the Swimsuit Issue of Triathlete Magazine, but it's not what you think...</span><br />
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<br />FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622487630669743833.post-51055031502606113482012-06-12T17:22:00.002-07:002012-06-29T08:08:57.251-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>2012
Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Race Report</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">As I waited to start my first EagleMan
and first Half-Ironman, I had as much confidence as any racer out there, but I
was definitely not the odds on favorite to win the race as Craig “Crowie”
Alexander, three time Ironman World Champion, was also on the start list.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I set my alarm for just after 4:00 AM
and was able to shower and get dressed without waking the rest of support team.
With my bags packed and water bottles filled the night before, I headed
downstairs to the lobby to eat breakfast. I had my staple: yogurt with fresh
fruit and granola and a few cups of Starbucks coffee to get things moving. All
was progressing as planned.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The temperature in Cambridge, Maryland
had been cool all week, but the forecast was calling for 92 degrees on race day
with high humidity. The water temperature in the Choptank River was very close
to the limit of being wetsuit or non-wetsuit legal. The final reading was 75.6
degrees, just .5 degrees below the limit. Thank goodness I brought my TYR Cat 1
sleeveless wetsuit!</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Swim 36:13</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">5</span></b><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">th</span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> in
my Division</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I was in the 10</span><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> wave, which
started promptly at 7:50 AM. My goal for the swim was to not overheat and have
a steady swim. The tide was pushing a strong current out, which
helped push the pace for the 1.2 mile swim. I did not do a great job of
sighting buoys, but I did finish in a decent time (for me) of 36:13 and
came out of the water 5</span><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> in my division.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Bike 2:27:45</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2</span></b><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">nd</span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> in
my Division</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After doffing my TYR wetsuit, I grabbed
my Trek Speed Concept and headed for the “BIKE OUT” area of transition. I had a
goal, per Coach AJ, of keeping my HR between 140-145, while consuming the
necessary nutrition and fluids to sustain the duration of the race. I was able
to consume all my nutrition, plus two bottles of Gatorade from the aid
stations. My average HR was 154, with a max of 169. Yikes. I had one other
competitor in my division who I passed back and forth for the last 15 miles. I
tried to stay within my limits and race MY race, knowing full well that he
could not hang with me on the run. I came into T2 in 2:27:45, an average of
22.74 mph. As I had experienced earlier, I dismounted my bike as I was met with
a stiff back. I was forced to walk to my rack, giving my closest competitor 2+
minutes out of T2. By the time I racked my bike, my back was loose and I was
ready to run.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Run 1:43:15</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1</span></b><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">st</span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> in
my Division</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">By the time I started my run, the sun
was beating down on me and the other competitors on the course. I headed out of
T2, my goal was to keep my HR between 160-165. My average HR was 166, with
a max HR of 174. I paced as well as I could hope. My pace for the first 6.6
miles was 7:51 min/mile and my pace for the second 6.6 miles was 7:54 min/mile,
for a total average of 7:52 min/mile. The heat AND humidity was nasty! The
entire run course was on asphalt with no shade. Luckily, there were aid
stations about every mile. I walked through each aid station consuming Gatorade
and dumping ice down my tri top and bottom. What was really beneficial, was
wearing a hat, not a visor. This allowed me to put ice in my cap, keeping my
body temp down as it melted. The run course was an out and back course.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY4q5-gDFh1LOxbLU1uUCVUdz7oT_qKaIpBF78SqQOE6Cmj7KA7e_2IjQ0LjYxgkn9HAomNr1UphNTDSmdjJY5AKQV11XIlVkGU7T76x3bZwm7jP_PdO7fc2kaeutjqVThIhMLLZ7CqE/s1600/EagleMan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY4q5-gDFh1LOxbLU1uUCVUdz7oT_qKaIpBF78SqQOE6Cmj7KA7e_2IjQ0LjYxgkn9HAomNr1UphNTDSmdjJY5AKQV11XIlVkGU7T76x3bZwm7jP_PdO7fc2kaeutjqVThIhMLLZ7CqE/s400/EagleMan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was H-O-T!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">OVERALL 4:53:18</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Per coach AJ, my final goal was 5:15:00. I finished the race in 4:53:18, good enough for a Clydesdale Division
win. Winner, Winner. EagleMan Dinner!</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFX13a4A-zuUHE6fM06LoTuctUspltXaNdemlNtWAirlgIvIh6qPNf-g_a1jjxoW9D1cof0fx0FB0u83bt2EzJi8vU3KrRUdFfF1UHSQoJdSPJB9TXhzOGUvz7V2pvf6qU9GhZbO3WyA/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFX13a4A-zuUHE6fM06LoTuctUspltXaNdemlNtWAirlgIvIh6qPNf-g_a1jjxoW9D1cof0fx0FB0u83bt2EzJi8vU3KrRUdFfF1UHSQoJdSPJB9TXhzOGUvz7V2pvf6qU9GhZbO3WyA/s400/Finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMANIoUKlKTy67g5ceqFU9Ab-Bh1djfc7rvmn6KwPoAPALkm1moy32cc_Tp1DqS-MbBn1EG7p30HrTGiAZCPfNgl_JJRtHQDsQmBvbKmXDN0BftfNcJ8ancdduAExf2zE4WOUxgTxnlQg/s1600/WCK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMANIoUKlKTy67g5ceqFU9Ab-Bh1djfc7rvmn6KwPoAPALkm1moy32cc_Tp1DqS-MbBn1EG7p30HrTGiAZCPfNgl_JJRtHQDsQmBvbKmXDN0BftfNcJ8ancdduAExf2zE4WOUxgTxnlQg/s400/WCK.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2/3 of the best support team a guy could ask for. Photo credit to the missing 1/3, Lauren.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYObhClufOyq2uSG3AbNJzvYGhZkEu_3OAukQNJaKz3r5chRHMnO2ff0fFuyj8u3W9-yDrocZQ0_Zy2Wl3ov6t59KHkufmkiwGxTgC-BvywpfFhKCPnU9OIBD9rGsKUg-274PCtCErx38/s1600/Waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYObhClufOyq2uSG3AbNJzvYGhZkEu_3OAukQNJaKz3r5chRHMnO2ff0fFuyj8u3W9-yDrocZQ0_Zy2Wl3ov6t59KHkufmkiwGxTgC-BvywpfFhKCPnU9OIBD9rGsKUg-274PCtCErx38/s400/Waiting.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the awards ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HrGqcusAWx_qaflhZpDu0YvsresBh9OXOy-QlhMrZ0QFTAkwZFYJFJLorzqmpI1MBqTZTsfxPpfk0OBxkjf6hNUC8_9vcOvmGYG7RbDsMNpZ9FNBY4owDR_LqnsU1LCGSDgHSaQqJ3Y/s1600/Podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HrGqcusAWx_qaflhZpDu0YvsresBh9OXOy-QlhMrZ0QFTAkwZFYJFJLorzqmpI1MBqTZTsfxPpfk0OBxkjf6hNUC8_9vcOvmGYG7RbDsMNpZ9FNBY4owDR_LqnsU1LCGSDgHSaQqJ3Y/s640/Podium.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Overall Clydesdale Champion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9F9RigfHsJ5qR8PtPJpTXBcksDKpI1wEcgpgQntLzRCZtLBxSxQEBr4ZENakRpfnqeXhAFI9aMxGbZbbfzeVMYhDb2Hncb9onKm4F5fObqyHBlOPXgeiLF2-gkwkZmnS3jXtGYJUL3w/s1600/LAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9F9RigfHsJ5qR8PtPJpTXBcksDKpI1wEcgpgQntLzRCZtLBxSxQEBr4ZENakRpfnqeXhAFI9aMxGbZbbfzeVMYhDb2Hncb9onKm4F5fObqyHBlOPXgeiLF2-gkwkZmnS3jXtGYJUL3w/s320/LAC.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">HUGE shout out to my better half, Lauren, for wrangling the kids, taking awesome photos AND keeping complete control despite the hot and humid weather. You're the greatest!</span></div>
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</div>FFCaldwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620189708865151058noreply@blogger.com0