THE COUNT DOWN

This weekend, I am sending greetings from a sunny, humid, and a welcoming Louisville, Kentucky. In ten hours about 3,000 triathletes will jump in the Ohio River to start this year's Ironman race. The bikes and bags are all lined up in T1 and T2.

Yes, it has been quite hot here. The temperature has been hovering in the mid-nineties and the forecast calls for another hot and humid day tomorrow, so the proper hydration and nutrition will be the keys to having a good race.

While in Louisville, I have been able to connect with many friends and to try some of the local culinary delights. "Wild Eggs" and "Mayan Cafe" are some of my favorites. I highly recommend them, if you ever plan to visit the city.

Ironman will have web live updates from the race.  

MY “OLYMPIC” EXPERIENCE

Greetings from Burlington, Vermont

I was not quite sure what to expect from my first Olympic-distance triathlon, but have delivered a solid performance, finishing in 2 hours 21 minutes and have placed 35^th/120 in the M50-54 Age Group. Needless to say, there were many very fast folks in their fifties racing on Saturday, and trying to keep up with them was quite challenging. 

The day started with a beautiful sunrise and a wicket wind. Lake Champlain, the swim venue of the race, was stormy as the first swim waves jumped in the water. Those with weak stomachs will certainly remember this experience for quite some time after being rocked by the waves during the 1,500 meter swim. In addition the sunrise made the sighting virtually impossible for those breathing to their right side (myself, included). Unfortunately, one of my age-group triathletes did not finish the race as he drowned during this challenging swim. I did not have an easy time either. After having passed the second turn-around buoy the strong swell pushed me far toward the shore, thus forcing me to make up about 150-250 meters before finishing the swim in 28 minutes.

A beautiful morning, but can't miss the whitecaps

After, what seemed to have been a lengthy transition (3 min), I was on the bike pushing the low gear on a well-maintained asphalt road, surrounded by picturesque vistas of the Chittenden County. The 26-mile ride came to an end in 1 hour and 6 minutes bringing a big smile to my face.

There was not much room for all the transition gear after all the bikes were racked. Have lost some time looking for my running stuff in T2

The second transition also felt as if it took forever (2 min 30 sec), as I could not find my running gear under an avalanche of wetsuits and other "stuff." Once on the run, I was back in my domain climbing the initial 400-meter hill (a 9% grade heart-rate stimulator). After that, the course had leveled off for the rest of the run. The biggest challenge for me was to determine how hard to push and at the same time not to blow up. I think, I found the proper balance and finished the run in 40 minutes. In the end, 15 minutes separated the M50-54 AG winner from myself.

Starting the 6-mile run

This finish chute was a very lively site during the race

NormaTec pressure cuffs were there again. One can almost fall asleep while being squeezed

It was a great speed training opportunity before the upcoming Ironman Louisville and a chance to spend the weekend with friends. We all had a great time, indeed.

With Aaron, Rebekah, and Michael

I finished the race by 10:10AM and the organizers did not disappoint with the menu. How often can you have a burrito for breakfast?

Pictures by Rebekah T., Thomas G., and Tomasz

US NATIONALS - THE DAY BEFORE

Greetings from Burlington where I arrived this afternoon with. The weather does not look too good. Heavy, thunderous clouds have been hovering above the city for most of the day coupled with a 20 mph wind. We are procrastinating with taking our bikes to the transition area because of the pending rain. Do not want them to get them drenched in the rain, if we can help it. Have until 19:00 to get it done, though.

My swim waive starts at 7:48 AM tomorrow morning and the weather forecast predicts a sunny/cloudy day with winds between 5-10 mph. Should be an exciting morning.

Sheraton Burlington is a busy place today.

At the race expo and registration.

No, this is not a medical procedure. I am enjoying a compression therapy courtesy of the NordiTec. Feels awesome.

My maiden experience with full length compression socks. I thought, I will never wear them. But, what do you know? Tomorrow, I will know if they worked.

Getting ready for tomorrow - Aaron messing with Michael's swimming cap.

Outside the house we are staying in - Aaron, Michael, and Rebekah. My arm was long enough for taking this picture, after all.

More to come after the race. Best. -- Tomsz

STEPPING OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE

This weekend I will be travelling to a beautiful Burlington, Vermont, the host-city of the National Age-Group Olympic-distance triathlon Championship. I am not sure if I have ever raced an Olympic-distance, so I might be stepping out of my comfort zone due to the race’s short distance; all-in-all, a total of 33 miles of swimming, biking, and running.

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to having a short day “at the office” and to treating this race as a speed test before the upcoming Ironman Kentucky.

Ohhh yes, this race starts on Saturday at 7:15 in the morning EST and in your spare time you can catch it live at: http://www.usatriathlon.org/events/usat/2012/08/age-group-national-championship/coverage.aspx

THE ALOHA TREATMENT

Thank you all for your kind and congratulatory emails and the good-luck wishes. I appreciate it all very much.

Upon my return from Lake Placid, I received my first Hawaiian-treatment from a friend

Below is the link to the Ironman Lake Placid finish line. Once on that website, click on the "Finish Line 2" button below the screen and scroll the timer to about 10:43:00. I should appear there with a gleaming smile in about 30 seconds (will not work in the Chrome browser).

http://live.ironman.com/?race=lakeplacid&year=2012#axzz21Hb9HMK4