Well gang it has been one year since I began this crazy journey. Actually to be technically correct I didn’t really launch this web site until the end of summer, but I started writing exactly one year ago after having purchased this domain name.
At some point I also purchase another domain name. I’m the proud owner of www.bearbeware.com. Now I’m not really sure what I was thinking when I purchased bearbeware.com, but it does have a somewhat catchy ring to it.
If you have any ideas for what sort of a web site, and or business, bearbeware.com might eventually become, please feel free to pass along your suggestions in the comments below. Here are a few of my best current ideas.
BearBeware Technologies: The makers of the ultimate bear repellant spray
The BearBeware Group: Online stock market analysts for the bear market
BearBeware Insurance: Insurance for all forms of viscous or gentle bear attacks
BearBeware Potency Pills: Men you’ll be so potent that you’ll even scare the average she bear
BearBeware Hemorrhoid Lotion: So strong and powerful that you’ll soon feel beariffic.
Please feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments. Let’s put the bear before the cart for this business idea.
Over the last year I’ve made some great virtual and real friends, and I’ve spent way too much time away from work on this web site.
But sometimes playing hooky from work does pay (at least I hope it does) as I’m happy to announce that small publishing company found this web site and decided it was book worthy.
My first book entitled “My Training Begins Tomorrow” comes out this summer and will be available for purchase on this web site along with such smaller sites as Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble soon.
Hint Hint ;-)
Anyway, to help celebrate one year of EverymanTri.com here is the very first story I wrote exactly a year ago today.
Powered by Dairy Queen
In the military they say that all the action happens at the tip of the spear. The sharply pointed end where the winners and losers are sorted out. For us newbie and amateur Clydesdale triathletes the tip of the race is only a distant skirmish. We live and race at the other end of spear; the round curvy end which, as it happens, tends to be shaped like many of us. These are some of our some of our stories:
They say that races are won or lost in the mind. Motivation, the eye of the tiger, and the will to push mind over body is what separates the winners from all the rest of the racers. With this in mind here are a handful of strategies that you may find useful in motivating you to push yourself beyond any perceived mental boundaries.
Proper Race Preparation:
I find that I’m much more able to really push myself during a race if I have done the hard work before the race. To this end, I must humbly confess that among my peers in the triathlon Mecca of Boulder, Colorado, there are few amateurs and pros alike that will out taper me before a race.
I like to start my taper at least a full month before the race. That way by race day I’m completely rested and up to the task. Sometimes I’m so calm and well prepared that I will completely sleep through the start of the race. Some may see this as a disadvantage, but I only consider myself that much more tapered and prepared for the next race.
Nutrition:
As most know nutrition is the key to a winning time. For this reason I like to start my carbo loading, like my taper, at least a month before the race. Why wait until the night before the big event to load up on the pasta? Start early and you’ll have that much more of an edge and energy on race day.
Race Day Strategies:
I have a few simple strategies that I like to use when racing. These are free tips that you are welcome to use to really take your racing to the next level.
The Swim:
The fastest pros and amateurs know that drafting is surest way to a fast swim time. For this reason I like to scope out my competition at the start of the race. How is this possible? I’m sure you’ll believe me that a Clydesdale in a wet suit does make a remarkable impression of a Milwaukee sausage and is thus not hard to spot.
Once I have identified my competition I make it a point to get in front of as many other Clydesdales as possible to provide them a great drafting opportunity. When I have at least a twelve pack of Clydesdales drafting me I tend to get lost or weave like a drunk on a bike. A slow left of right turn, or perhaps a quarter turn too far around the buoy does the trick. Once my drafting group is completely confused I stop, let them pass, and bring it on home.
The Bike:
The bike is always the longest part of any race. This is why it is crucial that you employ a few simple mind games to get you to the run as fast as possible. Here are a few of my mind strategies that keep me fast and motivated.
I will never let the following racers pass me:
1. Guys wearing only Speedos. Nobody wants to look at a hairy butt for the next 20 miles.
2. Racers wearing Camelbacks. Do I really need to say any more?
I will always let the following racers pass me:
1. Big girls on mountain bikes. These gals are surprisingly fast.
2. Girls wearing skimpy race suits. Do I really need to say anymore?
The Run:
You’ve made it this far and now the race really begins. It’s gut-check time. Do you have it in your mind? Do you have it in your Quads? Can you push yourself harder and break the tape in record time. These are the questions you ask yourself at the tip of the spear.
At the butt of the spear it’s party time. The quads have long ago checked out, the calves have seized up like a vise grip, and the prospect of running is almost too silly to contemplate. Now is the time for a leisurely walk, have a friendly chat with the fellow strollers, and really enjoy the last part of the race. If you have done your job on the swim and the bike your competitors are strolling somewhere far behind. Now it is just a matter of walking a few miles before you can start your next taper.