This past Friday (9/13/13), I used the Go Pro head strap setup while training on the Luce Line with
the middle schoolers. The best part of cross country ARE the
workouts. The U of M college boys were out there cranking
repeats that afternoon as well. We let them them know we were in a
recovery day and that usually we train at 4:34 pace. I think they bought
it. ;)
Have a look at the video as I used some various editing features that brought in some interesting features.
Loving the Luce Line from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
Showing posts with label Kid Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kid Training. Show all posts
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Monday, December 3, 2012
Podium Boy Has Great Swim Meet
Podium Boy had one of those swim meets where he caught up to the growth spurts and muscle development that every 12 year old goes through, and just put the new engine all together. It was a meet where at the end his Fat Old Dad threw both arms in the air and let out a blood curdling war whoop that had all the adults in attendance looking. It was two days of beauty.
The haul for seven events included seven best times, three new B-Times, and a cornucopia of ribbons
- 100 Free: 1:12.11 (dropped 1.05 secs) ; 9th overall
- 50 Back: 37.70 (dropped 3.37 secs); 2nd in C group
- 50 Fly: 35.87 (dropped 1.89 secs); won heat and 8th overall
- 200 Free: 2:39.73 (dropped 14.50 secs); 2nd in C group
- 50 Free: 31.44 (dropped 1.37 secs); 10th overall
- 100 Fly: 1:21.18 (dropped 2.23 secs); 3rd overall
- 500 Free: 6:58.34 (dropped 42.93 secs); won heat, lapping some kids, and took home the C Overall win
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| The Post Meet Haul |
The 500 was dramatic as our goal going in was 7:17. With about 150-yards left, I thought he had a chance to go under 7 but needed to pick it up slightly. The coach read my mind and had the person counting laps for Podium Boy shake the lap counter to indicate he needed to pick it up. And he did. His fastest lap was the opening with a 36.34. His second fastest lap was the closing, in 39 seconds. Freaking awesome. I wish I would have recorded it, but I was too busy recording his splits against the goals set. But it will live on in memory.
And let's face it, how many of you adult TriGeek age groupers out there would kill for a sub-7 minute 500? Count me among you.
He now has two swim meets in January, one in February and then C-Finals at the end of February followed by A/B finals the next week. The question now: Will he actually having anything to race for in C-finals, or will he have B Times in all his events?
Currently he has B -times in:
- 50 Free
- 100 Free
- 200 Free
- 500 Free
- 50 Back
- 50 Fly
- 100 Fly
He has C-times in:
- 100 Back
- 200 Fly
I think he could yet get his B-times on those two events. And we will be adding the 200 Back and 100 IM to the upcoming meets to see if he can get his C times there. We've avoid the IM's in the past because this child cannot breaststroke to save his life. But, that has been improving.
I can't wait for the next growth spurt.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Race Result: 2012 USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships
Event: 2012 USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships
Date: Saturday November 10, 2012
Location: Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley, MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 48F, overcast, winds at 10-12 from SSE
Official Results: All Results; Midget Boys Results
Podium Boy Personal Results
Goal: sub-6:20 per mile pace
Actual: 11:59.1 (6:26 per mile pace); note- I had him at 12:09 (6:32 per mile pace) & I think they messed up a time. But we'll take the faster time posted.
Overall: 4th overall (11 total)
Podium Boy wrapped up his 2012 running race season by participating in the USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Championships. Competition was held in six age groups according to birth year. The top 10 individuals and top team in each gender-age group qualified to register and participate in the National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships to be held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 8, 2012. Athletes were able to participate individually (unattached) or as part of a USATF registered club.
As we have switched over to concentrating on swim team practices and events, he has been running 3-4 times a week since cross country season ended. Nothing stressful. We just wanted to see if he could end up qualifying for Nationals. We have no intention of going....this year. But we all want to visit New Mexico some day so perhaps Nationals will be held there again next year.
This had light participation. I was very surprised more kids had not signed up. So I don't know if that had to do with Nike Regionals in Sioux Falls, or that most kids were simply done running for the fall/winter season. Too bad, as this was a nice course.
Our goal had been to run about 6:20 pace. But this was a challenging course with a couple of good hills interspersed throughout. I think that accounts for the slight difference between the final result and his goal. The weather was perfect for cross country. Slight mist, almost 50, wind not bad. Ground was slightly soggy, wet in some low lying spots. But all-in-all a great day for running.
As point of comparison, in his last 3K Cross Country meet held on October 8, he ran a 12:35. So, while every cross country meet is different so we are comparing apples to oranges, Podium Boy did shave off time over a tougher course.
 |
| You can see some of the moisture being kicked up at the start. |
 |
| The golf course and dreary conditions made for nice photos. |
 |
| Yes, he got chicked. Nothing to be ashamed of. These girls were solid. |
 |
| Finishing up. He ran a smart race. |
2012 USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Championships - Midget Boys/Girls & Bantam Boys/Girls from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
Hey, he ended up qualifying for Nationals. That was the main goal. We can't help if there were only eleven kids so that he only had to beat one to qualify. He ran well, and finished his running season strong. We look forward to 2013.
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| Podium Boy & that fat old man |
They did a nice job with awards. Top 10 got medals and qualified for Nationals. The local USATF body was nice and awarded medals to all 11 participants.
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| Midget Division Medalists |
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| A happy Podium Boy |
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| The medal |
Well, it is damn the torpedoes on swim team from now into early March. He will continue to run lightly a couple of times per week but I'm giving him a few weeks off.
He will continue to hone his pistol shooting and fencing skills as we prepare for a regional Modern Pentathlon to be held on May 18 in River Falls, Wisconsin. He'll be taking a local fencing course in Jan-Feb and then if he decides to march forward, a much more structured fencing course once swimming season ends. If the regional event goes well, then Nationals in Colorado Springs looms large in June.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Modern Pentathlon Training Update
As you all know (I think, but I'm so damn old now I think Truman is still President) Podium Boy has been doing some early investigation into the world of Modern Pentathlon. He has been doing some air pistol shooting on Sunday's at Bill's Gun Shop. This past Sunday (Oct 14) he went to the Minnesota Sword Club to get his 101 on fencing.
This was his first foray into the world of fencing. I think he found it very interesting on the one hand and very frustrating on the other. Podium Boy likes to immediately grasp something and then excel at it. And that is simply not possible with fencing. It can take someone a year just to become acclimated, let alone competitive.
But he got right into it and didn't shy back. He was aggressive, and listened well. He didn't come out of it saying, "No, hated it. Done with it. Let's move on." Rather he knows it will take some time so we'll do a few more Sunday sessions with Great Prairie Sports before we make the jump into formal fencing training.
Here is some video from our Sunday fencing and pistol practice.
Modern Pentathlon Training - Fencing & Shooting from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
This was his first foray into the world of fencing. I think he found it very interesting on the one hand and very frustrating on the other. Podium Boy likes to immediately grasp something and then excel at it. And that is simply not possible with fencing. It can take someone a year just to become acclimated, let alone competitive.
But he got right into it and didn't shy back. He was aggressive, and listened well. He didn't come out of it saying, "No, hated it. Done with it. Let's move on." Rather he knows it will take some time so we'll do a few more Sunday sessions with Great Prairie Sports before we make the jump into formal fencing training.
Here is some video from our Sunday fencing and pistol practice.
Modern Pentathlon Training - Fencing & Shooting from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
GoPro HD Water Test with the Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team
This past Saturday, October 6 2012, I finally had the nerve to try the water-proof case with the GoPro HD Camera. I took it to the pool at the Life Time Fitness complex in Plymouth, MN where Podium Boy and his fellow swimmers train on the Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team under the astute tutelage Tom Frank (aka Captain America).
Captain America is also U.S. Paralympic Swimming team coach. So, he knows what he is doing.....not that you would be sure of that by seeing photos of himself along with his very famous, and Olympic medaled athletes.
But let's get to the GoPro results. I was able to take enough footage to whittle down to four videos. I was very pleased by the results of the clarity. I had worried that the camera might fog over, or not be quite in focus, etc. Not to worry. It did a great job on a day that was cloudy outside which equated to little light inside.
Note - Podium Boy can be seen throughout in his hot pink trunks and bright neon green cap. One thing I immediately learned when viewing him from under the water.....he over rotates his hips. This camera could be very valuable by being able to identify, and correct, those little things you can't pick up from the surface.
First up, this video was all from the pool deck. I wanted to establish each swim stroke from the surface first:
Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team Plymouth Location Video One from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
In the second video, I jumped in and went to work. Little jumpy at first as I figured out how I would approach it. I had some fun by swimming under some people and just got use to trying to take video without seeing anything through a lens. I wish I would have set my camera angle a bit lower, but now I know what to do after seeing the footage.
At about the 6:00 minute mark you will hear Captain America give practice instructions. As the camera is in a water-proof housing, you will need to adjust your volume:
Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team Plymouth Location Video Two from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
In the third video, I think the best of the bunch, I travel to the center of the pool for some side angle views:
Life Time Minnesota Swim Team Video Three from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
Fourth video is flip turns on the deep end:
Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team Plymouth Location Video Four from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
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| Coach Tom Franke - Captain America to You! |
But let's get to the GoPro results. I was able to take enough footage to whittle down to four videos. I was very pleased by the results of the clarity. I had worried that the camera might fog over, or not be quite in focus, etc. Not to worry. It did a great job on a day that was cloudy outside which equated to little light inside.
Note - Podium Boy can be seen throughout in his hot pink trunks and bright neon green cap. One thing I immediately learned when viewing him from under the water.....he over rotates his hips. This camera could be very valuable by being able to identify, and correct, those little things you can't pick up from the surface.
First up, this video was all from the pool deck. I wanted to establish each swim stroke from the surface first:
Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team Plymouth Location Video One from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
In the second video, I jumped in and went to work. Little jumpy at first as I figured out how I would approach it. I had some fun by swimming under some people and just got use to trying to take video without seeing anything through a lens. I wish I would have set my camera angle a bit lower, but now I know what to do after seeing the footage.
At about the 6:00 minute mark you will hear Captain America give practice instructions. As the camera is in a water-proof housing, you will need to adjust your volume:
Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team Plymouth Location Video Two from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
In the third video, I think the best of the bunch, I travel to the center of the pool for some side angle views:
Life Time Minnesota Swim Team Video Three from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
Fourth video is flip turns on the deep end:
Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team Plymouth Location Video Four from Brian Maas on Vimeo.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Race Result: 2012 Hy-Vee Iron Kids National Championship
Event: 2012 Hy-Vee Iron Kids National Championship (USAT)
Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012
Location: Des Moines, IA
Weather: 74F, overcast. humid
Official Results: Male 12 years old Overall Results
Podium Boy's Personal Results Actual: 55:00 for 300 yd swim, 8 mile bike, 2 mile run
Overall: 29th in 12 yo AG (51 total)
And another summer ends. A bad one for me, as I could not race due to the tibial stress fracture. A great one for Podium Boy in doing very well in his first full season of the sport, culminating with earning a trip to Iron Kids Nationals.
Only, he had a bad race by his standards. We'll dwell on this a bit during the race post mortem, but then we are just tossing it away. Lesson learned, stiff upper lip, everyone has a bad race now and then.
Podium Boy was really having great work outs leading into the event. Since we were on vacation the week prior, he and I spent the days tapering and getting in speed. His bikes were in the upper 17 MPH range with out putting forth a race effort. He was running sub 7 minute miles in his XC meets. And he was obliterating me in the pool.
Mentally for him, I backed off on making this a very important race for him. Instead I pitched a 'just enjoy it, learn from it, and we'll do even better next year as you'll know the course' mantra. If he was nervous, he didn't show it. We worked on the things to do in each of the five (swim, T1, bike, T2, run) elements as we have all year. I was pretty sure he was going to have his best race of the year.
Swim - 300 yards (lake swim)
Official Time - 4:57 (water temp was 78.8 F); 18th in AG (51 total)
I can sum it up thusly: Best open water swim he has ever had. He nailed it. I wanted sub 5 minutes and he delivered. He stayed right on the buoys and did not stray too far wide. He sighted superbly. When he exited the water I thought he was really going to have a great day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbPvzDapA_M&sns=fb
In the video link above, you will see Podium Boy turn the yellow buoy at 0:45 mark. Those who know his stroke will easily pick him up. At 1:24, you will notice a women in pink. That is 8 time Kona winner Paula Newby-Fraser who was chipping the swimmers all morning. How awesome was that!?!?
T1
Official Time - 2:01; 32 in AG (51 total)
Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012
Location: Des Moines, IA
Weather: 74F, overcast. humid
Official Results: Male 12 years old Overall Results
Overall: 29th in 12 yo AG (51 total)
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| Podium Boy the morning of against the back drop of Ntls |
Only, he had a bad race by his standards. We'll dwell on this a bit during the race post mortem, but then we are just tossing it away. Lesson learned, stiff upper lip, everyone has a bad race now and then.
Podium Boy was really having great work outs leading into the event. Since we were on vacation the week prior, he and I spent the days tapering and getting in speed. His bikes were in the upper 17 MPH range with out putting forth a race effort. He was running sub 7 minute miles in his XC meets. And he was obliterating me in the pool.
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| Lining up for the swim |
 |
| Almost Go Time |
So, lets get into the breakdown.
Swim - 300 yards (lake swim)
Official Time - 4:57 (water temp was 78.8 F); 18th in AG (51 total)
I can sum it up thusly: Best open water swim he has ever had. He nailed it. I wanted sub 5 minutes and he delivered. He stayed right on the buoys and did not stray too far wide. He sighted superbly. When he exited the water I thought he was really going to have a great day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbPvzDapA_M&sns=fb
In the video link above, you will see Podium Boy turn the yellow buoy at 0:45 mark. Those who know his stroke will easily pick him up. At 1:24, you will notice a women in pink. That is 8 time Kona winner Paula Newby-Fraser who was chipping the swimmers all morning. How awesome was that!?!?
 |
| Exiting the water at Nationals |
Official Time - 2:01; 32 in AG (51 total)
One of the bad things about this event was lack of viewing space for the parents. Granted there were over 1000 athletes so well over 2000 parents watching. For safety sake, they really restricted where you could go. Basically we saw the swim...then nothing as we could not view in transition because of the layout....then watch them leave on the bike and wait for them to return and head into T2 then wait for them to finish.
So, I have no clue how well he did in T1. His time suggest he may have struggled with shoes or helmet or even finding his bike in the sea of bikes. His transitions are better than mine so I have no worries here.
Bike - 8 miles
Official Time - 31:24; 36th in AG (51 total); a butt ugly 15.3 MPH average
From what I can gather, the course was fairly flat. It was a bit windy and they had the wind at their backs going out and then into it on the return. Podium Boy raced at 17.3 MPH in his previous event the week before. And was easily approaching an avg of 18 MPH in the week leading up. He was even starting to make me work on the bike! So what the hell happened? I think two things.
One, he witnessed a crash about half-way out. I believe it is the same spot as a leading contender for AG Elite Nationals crashed at the very next day. I think this shook him up a bit having not witnessed a person taking a hard crash on the bike before.
Two, this was not some back-yard event where wannabes were amongst the top dogs. This was a field of very good athletes. Based on some conversation, he could not believe the speed of some of the bikers. And after getting passed and passed and passed had his mental game affected.
Going in, I had been thinking he should go under 28 minutes pretty easily, so when the watch showed 30 minutes expired on the bike I was just hoping he had not crashed or had a flat. But he did come in eventually.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi2p8RSyeBY
T2
Official Time - 1:02; 23rd in AG (51 total)
Again, have no idea as I could not see him in T2 or exiting to the run.
Run - 2 miles
Official Time - 15:39- 7:49 per mile pace; 27th in AG (51 total)
This from a kid who ran 13:20 for 2-miles the week before. Yes, each course is different and one can be short or long but he has been running consistently in the 6:40-:45pace per mile range all summer. I learned afterwards that he had developed a bad side stitch on the right side and he was unable to work it out. He has had a history of these and I thought we had worked it out by doing side stretches and a set of fast striders prior to each race. Or maybe he knew he was slow off the bike and worked himself into a lather and stressed himself out. We'll never know. In the video below, I could already tell he was way off pace when I saw him approach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7ixyNfqqEs
Watch him bust his next XC race.
The Finish
It is so cool how they treat Iron Kids just like the adults. They really do the finish in style and it is certainly something the kids will remember. In the video below, you will see him holding his right side as he crosses the line. So I know the side ache was real.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84EOBiBxz2M
I was able to greet him afterwards. He was already sort of near tears but kept it in check. I asked about the race, learned about the side ache and we just left it there. I'm not the kind of Dad who will gush about a great performance if the performance was not what he and I had talked about, trained at, and hoped for. I don't believe in the whole concept of an award for just showing up and that "no one is a loser". That is not real life. So, if I seem harsh, it is because I'm doing my job to set him up for the cold hard reality of the dog-eat-dog world he will face once he is on his own.
He and I had a great summer training together. Yeah, I had to bike with him when he ran but it was a great Dad-son and Coach-Athlete relationship. He learned a lot and he made significant strides. I know he listened because of his results and how he conducted himself.
What's next for Podium Boy? A full season of boys cross country (Wayzata team) followed by a winter of swim team (Lifetime Bears). During Christmas break, I'll be setting up his bike on the trainer and start him on a indoor cycling program to get ready for some early spring events such as a du or two. I'm pretty sure I will be throwing him into a few, small, big boy races next year which will also help him in his Iron Kids events.
So, I have no clue how well he did in T1. His time suggest he may have struggled with shoes or helmet or even finding his bike in the sea of bikes. His transitions are better than mine so I have no worries here.
Bike - 8 miles
One, he witnessed a crash about half-way out. I believe it is the same spot as a leading contender for AG Elite Nationals crashed at the very next day. I think this shook him up a bit having not witnessed a person taking a hard crash on the bike before.
Two, this was not some back-yard event where wannabes were amongst the top dogs. This was a field of very good athletes. Based on some conversation, he could not believe the speed of some of the bikers. And after getting passed and passed and passed had his mental game affected.
Going in, I had been thinking he should go under 28 minutes pretty easily, so when the watch showed 30 minutes expired on the bike I was just hoping he had not crashed or had a flat. But he did come in eventually.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi2p8RSyeBY
T2
Official Time - 1:02; 23rd in AG (51 total)
Again, have no idea as I could not see him in T2 or exiting to the run.
Run - 2 miles
This from a kid who ran 13:20 for 2-miles the week before. Yes, each course is different and one can be short or long but he has been running consistently in the 6:40-:45pace per mile range all summer. I learned afterwards that he had developed a bad side stitch on the right side and he was unable to work it out. He has had a history of these and I thought we had worked it out by doing side stretches and a set of fast striders prior to each race. Or maybe he knew he was slow off the bike and worked himself into a lather and stressed himself out. We'll never know. In the video below, I could already tell he was way off pace when I saw him approach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7ixyNfqqEs
Watch him bust his next XC race.
The Finish
It is so cool how they treat Iron Kids just like the adults. They really do the finish in style and it is certainly something the kids will remember. In the video below, you will see him holding his right side as he crosses the line. So I know the side ache was real.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84EOBiBxz2M
I was able to greet him afterwards. He was already sort of near tears but kept it in check. I asked about the race, learned about the side ache and we just left it there. I'm not the kind of Dad who will gush about a great performance if the performance was not what he and I had talked about, trained at, and hoped for. I don't believe in the whole concept of an award for just showing up and that "no one is a loser". That is not real life. So, if I seem harsh, it is because I'm doing my job to set him up for the cold hard reality of the dog-eat-dog world he will face once he is on his own.
He and I had a great summer training together. Yeah, I had to bike with him when he ran but it was a great Dad-son and Coach-Athlete relationship. He learned a lot and he made significant strides. I know he listened because of his results and how he conducted himself.
What's next for Podium Boy? A full season of boys cross country (Wayzata team) followed by a winter of swim team (Lifetime Bears). During Christmas break, I'll be setting up his bike on the trainer and start him on a indoor cycling program to get ready for some early spring events such as a du or two. I'm pretty sure I will be throwing him into a few, small, big boy races next year which will also help him in his Iron Kids events.
Friday, January 27, 2012
USA Swimming Deck Pass App
If you have a youngin' involved with a swim team, then you need to have this free app. Deck Pass is the official mobile application of USA Swimming.
All swimmers, from state champions to summer leaguers, can track their times with the log book and even keep track of their personal goals through Deck Pass. USA Swimming members can also look up their times and recent meets, check their IMX scores, and see all of the Deck Pass patches they’ve earned.
Signing up for Deck Pass is easy. Simply create an account on usaswimming.org. If you are a member of USA Swimming, be sure to link your USA Swimming membership to your Deck Pass account. Just follow the prompts after you sign up for Deck Pass to link your account to your USA Swimming membership. If you wish to complete this step later, you can go to My Account to make any updates. I signed up the Boy® and indicated I was the parent. Within minutes I was reviewing his meet history. We have also started to set goals.
If you have any trouble setting up the account, there is a nice FAQ section here.
When you link your USA Swimming membership to your Deck Pass account, all your times from USA Swimming-sanctioned meets will automatically be updated on Deck Pass, so you can begin earning patches right away – or at least as soon as you compete in your first meet of the season. Also, your coach can award you patches for all the hard work you do in practice and at meets.
If you’re not a member of USA Swimming, don’t worry. You can still use Deck Pass. Your times will not be updated automatically, but you can keep track of your times in the Log Book and set goals with our Goal Setter.
Deck Pass Mobile features include:
- IMX scores, best times, recent meets and rankings
- Digital patches for your achievements at practice and at competitions
- A way to connect with your swimming friends
- A tool that allows coaches to award digital patches to their swimmers
- Your team's times, scores and ranks
- USA Swimming information on events, meetings, certifications and results
- A digital logbook to keep track of your times and earn more patched
- A goal tracker to set goals for the season and monitor your progress
All swimmers, from state champions to summer leaguers, can track their times with the log book and even keep track of their personal goals through Deck Pass. USA Swimming members can also look up their times and recent meets, check their IMX scores, and see all of the Deck Pass patches they’ve earned.
Signing up for Deck Pass is easy. Simply create an account on usaswimming.org. If you are a member of USA Swimming, be sure to link your USA Swimming membership to your Deck Pass account. Just follow the prompts after you sign up for Deck Pass to link your account to your USA Swimming membership. If you wish to complete this step later, you can go to My Account to make any updates. I signed up the Boy® and indicated I was the parent. Within minutes I was reviewing his meet history. We have also started to set goals.
If you have any trouble setting up the account, there is a nice FAQ section here.
When you link your USA Swimming membership to your Deck Pass account, all your times from USA Swimming-sanctioned meets will automatically be updated on Deck Pass, so you can begin earning patches right away – or at least as soon as you compete in your first meet of the season. Also, your coach can award you patches for all the hard work you do in practice and at meets.
If you’re not a member of USA Swimming, don’t worry. You can still use Deck Pass. Your times will not be updated automatically, but you can keep track of your times in the Log Book and set goals with our Goal Setter.
Deck Pass Mobile features include:
- IMX scores, best times, recent meets and rankings
- Digital patches for your achievements at practice and at competitions
- A way to connect with your swimming friends
- A tool that allows coaches to award digital patches to their swimmers
- Your team's times, scores and ranks
- USA Swimming information on events, meetings, certifications and results
- A digital logbook to keep track of your times and earn more patched
- A goal tracker to set goals for the season and monitor your progress
Monday, January 9, 2012
Boy Swim Update
The Boy® had another good swim outing this past weekend (Jan 7/8). Starting last month, he has increased his swim workout sessions from 60 to 90 minutes. And he is now attending at least four practices a week. We get in a fifth if homework and other outside activities aren't requiring his time.
This meet started out slow for him. He had a poor 100 freestyle followed by a even poorer 50 backstroke. It was at this point that I had to corner him and have a little dad-to-son talk. This was not the 'rah-rah' talk I usually use. This was a 'light a fire under his butt' speech that most certainly got his attention. My coaches would only pull out the "you are better than this" speech when it was absolutely required. Fire was ignited, and he went on to having a great two-day meet. Eight events, eight top 8 finishes within the C-classification, and five personal records. I think he has set himself up well for the C-State Finals on Feb 25/26. I'm positive some B-qualifying times will come out of that one.
I keep track of his PR's. For short course, it currently looks like this (click on thumbnail for larger view):
Inspiring stuff for a kid who couldn't really even do the butterfly and now, it is one of his better strokes. He continues to struggle with the breaststroke so we haven't shelved that one for the time-being in meets although he continues to work on it at practice.
The next month will find us working on technique in hopes of it paying off in spades next month. It will also ensure that it gets my fat butt into the pool as well. Always a good thing.
This meet started out slow for him. He had a poor 100 freestyle followed by a even poorer 50 backstroke. It was at this point that I had to corner him and have a little dad-to-son talk. This was not the 'rah-rah' talk I usually use. This was a 'light a fire under his butt' speech that most certainly got his attention. My coaches would only pull out the "you are better than this" speech when it was absolutely required. Fire was ignited, and he went on to having a great two-day meet. Eight events, eight top 8 finishes within the C-classification, and five personal records. I think he has set himself up well for the C-State Finals on Feb 25/26. I'm positive some B-qualifying times will come out of that one.
I keep track of his PR's. For short course, it currently looks like this (click on thumbnail for larger view):
Inspiring stuff for a kid who couldn't really even do the butterfly and now, it is one of his better strokes. He continues to struggle with the breaststroke so we haven't shelved that one for the time-being in meets although he continues to work on it at practice.
The next month will find us working on technique in hopes of it paying off in spades next month. It will also ensure that it gets my fat butt into the pool as well. Always a good thing.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Race Result: St. Croix Valley Kid's Triathlon
Event: St. Croix Valley Kid's Triathlon
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2011
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 77F, overcast, light winds, some sprinkles
Official Results: No results were kept
Personal Results
Actual: 15:05. I intended to take splits, and then like a typical Dad, forgot to. But I did get his approximate finish time.
Overall: 3rd or 4th in male 9-12 group (view the video and be the judge). I wasn't at the finish as I had positioned myself about 100-yds from the finish line.
This was the first open water swim for the Boy®. He has done other kid tri's but those have all been pool swims. Mark Bongers of Final Stretch is doing great service to allow kids to have their own open water swim event. I wish more events would do the same after the big boys and girls have had their race.
As the kids event was a 1 PM start, and since I chose not to compete in the Olympic event earlier that morning, we all slept in and drove over arriving shortly before noon. I wanted this to be his day. And I could use a race weekend break between Maple Grove last weekend and Cyman in Iowa next weekend. We got the lay of the land (and water!) and I got a personal course explanation from Mark. The Boy® was complimented on his race day attire by Jerry MacNeil. Jerry stuck around to emcee the kids making them feel very Big Time.
We set up our transition area, and the Boy® went thru his swim warmup. We were called to the water shortly before 1 PM for race instruction. There were two waves, and the Boy® would be in the second (older kids) wave. He had to do a 50-yd swim, 2 mile bike, and 0.5 mile run.
Instead of a out-and-back buoy line, the buoy's were positioned in a horizontal line to the shore. I'm sure this was done for 100% total safety, but it lead to my only slight annoyance with the race. Basically, since the kids were in water only to their waist it ended up being a 'walk' rather than 'swim' in the water as you will see in the video. Just about every kid ran thru the water instead of doing an actual swim like the Boy® did. My suggestion, if it is possible to do so and maintain child safety, would be to swim a vertical line next year to actually put the kids over their heads as far as water depth and do an actual swim. Either that or mandate (for the older wave) that they cannot walk/stand/run.....they have to swim!
And not a complaint, but a question.....does anyone know if they make chip ankle bracelets for kids? It would have been cool to have the event be chipped time, but it could just factor down to something being available for the waspish ankle diameters of the kids.
To the Dad report!
Swim - 50-yards
I was really happy with how the Boy® had listened to me as I gave him 20+ years of advice. I had told him to line up outside and be right at the front since he is a strong swimmer. And he did just that.
So the horn goes off and I'm standing there agape at all the kids running....but then this was a low-key event and during instructions it was indicated that the kids could run. The Boy® swam it....all of it.....and came out of the water nearly dead last. But he gained great experience which will be invaluable to him as he gets other opportunities to do other open water tri's.
T1
I was thrilled to see him exit the water strongly with his legs high. He then almost immediately reached up and grabbed the goggles and swim cap so by the time he flew past me he had both in hand as he went into T1. Parents were allowed in transition and were allowed to help transition. Since I was sort of peeved over the swim, I decided to help the Boy® in transition even though I had told him I would not be....for experience sake. I helped with his race number belt while he put on his helmet and shoes. I had his bike at the ready. We had made sure we had it in a low key earlier. Off he flew.
Bike - 2 miles
This was a two loop one mile course. There was one tight turn as they came in before heading out for the second lap. One young lad bit it on that turn, and ended with some scrapes and such but the course was really safe for the kids. I was very happy to see the Boy® had pulled himself well into the thick of things as he completed lap one.
I had gone through gear changes and I think he did very well. He came into T2 in 3rd overall.....after having exited the water almost dead last. He was having a great race.
T2
I grabbed the bike from the Boy®, told him to get his helmet off and 'go-Go-GO!' Off he went like Dad, like a bat out of Hell.
Run - 0.5 miles
By the time he was through transition and heading onto the course I could see he had already moved into second and was really flying before settling into a more even pace. I ran over to meet him on the return about 100-yards from the finish. I could see he had fallen back into what I think was 4th overall for the boys. By the time he hit me I told him to sprint and get the boy in front of him...which by the video, I think he did. That would have put him on the podium if I was tracking right. But again, this was not about a certain time or place but rather for the experience and he did very well through all three elements and especially during his transitions. Something he can build off of.
The Boy® told me he did 'horrible in the run' because he had gotten a side stitch. So I used this to explain that everyone gets those now and then and how to work through it. Another valuable teachable moment. It explains why he had fallen back after tearing out of T2.
I thought all the kids did great! My sincere appreciation to Mark Bongers and the Final Stretch staff for staging a kids event. Thanks all!
Here is the short video:
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2011
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 77F, overcast, light winds, some sprinkles
Official Results: No results were kept
Personal Results
Actual: 15:05. I intended to take splits, and then like a typical Dad, forgot to. But I did get his approximate finish time.
Overall: 3rd or 4th in male 9-12 group (view the video and be the judge). I wasn't at the finish as I had positioned myself about 100-yds from the finish line.
This was the first open water swim for the Boy®. He has done other kid tri's but those have all been pool swims. Mark Bongers of Final Stretch is doing great service to allow kids to have their own open water swim event. I wish more events would do the same after the big boys and girls have had their race.
 |
| Wearing the new trisuit. It looks sharp! |
 |
| Setting up transition |
 |
| Mark Bongers gives the race instructions |
And not a complaint, but a question.....does anyone know if they make chip ankle bracelets for kids? It would have been cool to have the event be chipped time, but it could just factor down to something being available for the waspish ankle diameters of the kids.
To the Dad report!
Swim - 50-yards
I was really happy with how the Boy® had listened to me as I gave him 20+ years of advice. I had told him to line up outside and be right at the front since he is a strong swimmer. And he did just that.
So the horn goes off and I'm standing there agape at all the kids running....but then this was a low-key event and during instructions it was indicated that the kids could run. The Boy® swam it....all of it.....and came out of the water nearly dead last. But he gained great experience which will be invaluable to him as he gets other opportunities to do other open water tri's.
 |
| Out of the water & into T1 |
T1
I was thrilled to see him exit the water strongly with his legs high. He then almost immediately reached up and grabbed the goggles and swim cap so by the time he flew past me he had both in hand as he went into T1. Parents were allowed in transition and were allowed to help transition. Since I was sort of peeved over the swim, I decided to help the Boy® in transition even though I had told him I would not be....for experience sake. I helped with his race number belt while he put on his helmet and shoes. I had his bike at the ready. We had made sure we had it in a low key earlier. Off he flew.
 |
| Heading out of T1 onto the bike course |
Bike - 2 miles
This was a two loop one mile course. There was one tight turn as they came in before heading out for the second lap. One young lad bit it on that turn, and ended with some scrapes and such but the course was really safe for the kids. I was very happy to see the Boy® had pulled himself well into the thick of things as he completed lap one.
 |
| Completing his first bike circuit |
I had gone through gear changes and I think he did very well. He came into T2 in 3rd overall.....after having exited the water almost dead last. He was having a great race.
T2
I grabbed the bike from the Boy®, told him to get his helmet off and 'go-Go-GO!' Off he went like Dad, like a bat out of Hell.
 |
| No flying dismount just yet! Came into T2 in 3rd. |
Run - 0.5 miles
By the time he was through transition and heading onto the course I could see he had already moved into second and was really flying before settling into a more even pace. I ran over to meet him on the return about 100-yards from the finish. I could see he had fallen back into what I think was 4th overall for the boys. By the time he hit me I told him to sprint and get the boy in front of him...which by the video, I think he did. That would have put him on the podium if I was tracking right. But again, this was not about a certain time or place but rather for the experience and he did very well through all three elements and especially during his transitions. Something he can build off of.
 |
| Almost done with the run |
The Boy® told me he did 'horrible in the run' because he had gotten a side stitch. So I used this to explain that everyone gets those now and then and how to work through it. Another valuable teachable moment. It explains why he had fallen back after tearing out of T2.
 |
| Having a post race smoke (its a lollipop!) |
I thought all the kids did great! My sincere appreciation to Mark Bongers and the Final Stretch staff for staging a kids event. Thanks all!
Here is the short video:
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Boy® & Dad Race Week
It is going to be a busy week for the Boy® and I. He is just coming off a weekend of ABC Swim finals. Poor kid, he had just qualified for a bunch of B-standard swim events last winter only to turn 11 and get bumped into the next age group. Now swimming with the 11-12 year old boys, he has had to 'requalify' with even faster swim standards. Not familiar with swim standards for Minnesota? Let me try and explain.
A/B/C Meets are for all swimmers. Event categories are divided into “C” and slower, “B” and “A” and faster. Think of C standard as a 3-hour marathon, B standard as Boston qualifier, A standard as running under 2 hrs 30 mins.
B/C Meets provide an intermediate level of competition for swimmers with “B” time and “C” times. The vast majority of kids swim here.
A Meets are for experienced swimmers who have achieved “A” times and faster. Team scores are kept and team awards are given. It is NOT easy getting an A time. These are gifted athletes.
State Meets are open to qualifiers with a “Champ" or State qualifying times or faster. These are the crème de la crème swimmers. Most would be successful anywhere in the nation. Amazing swimmers.
Zone Meets are annual regional championship meets held each August by USA Swimming. USA Swimming divides the country into four zones and each zone has its own meet and names a zone champion. The zone meets are hosted in Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, or Indiana. My guess is, most kids who can get a Zone time will have a free ride in college via a swim scholarship
Let's look at some examples. For a 11-year old boy in the 50 free, a time of 45.69 is needed for a C time, 39:19 for a B time, 34:29 for a A time, 32:59 for a Champ time, and 29.79 for a Zone time. Pretty easy to understand.
So, the Boy® swam four times last weekend as he had a C-standard in the 50, 100, and 200 free and 50-back. He set PRs in the 50 free and 50 back and is nearing B times there.
This coming weekend he is swimming at the Minnesota State Long Course (LCM) Championship at the U of M. He will be swimming in the:
Types of Meets Available to Minnesota Swimmers
A/B/C Meets are for all swimmers. Event categories are divided into “C” and slower, “B” and “A” and faster. Think of C standard as a 3-hour marathon, B standard as Boston qualifier, A standard as running under 2 hrs 30 mins.
B/C Meets provide an intermediate level of competition for swimmers with “B” time and “C” times. The vast majority of kids swim here.
A Meets are for experienced swimmers who have achieved “A” times and faster. Team scores are kept and team awards are given. It is NOT easy getting an A time. These are gifted athletes.
State Meets are open to qualifiers with a “Champ" or State qualifying times or faster. These are the crème de la crème swimmers. Most would be successful anywhere in the nation. Amazing swimmers.
Zone Meets are annual regional championship meets held each August by USA Swimming. USA Swimming divides the country into four zones and each zone has its own meet and names a zone champion. The zone meets are hosted in Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, or Indiana. My guess is, most kids who can get a Zone time will have a free ride in college via a swim scholarship
Let's look at some examples. For a 11-year old boy in the 50 free, a time of 45.69 is needed for a C time, 39:19 for a B time, 34:29 for a A time, 32:59 for a Champ time, and 29.79 for a Zone time. Pretty easy to understand.
So, the Boy® swam four times last weekend as he had a C-standard in the 50, 100, and 200 free and 50-back. He set PRs in the 50 free and 50 back and is nearing B times there.
This coming weekend he is swimming at the Minnesota State Long Course (LCM) Championship at the U of M. He will be swimming in the:
- Fri - 400 Medley Relay (free)
- Sat - 200 Medley Relay (free)
- Sat - 400 Free Relay (2nd leg)
- Sun - 200 Free Relay (3rd leg)
This should be a very good experience for him.....or it will be possibly detrimental. Emphasis on mental. He is on a very loaded team and is the obvious weak link. I can just imagine his fellow relay members are swimming in 1st or 2nd or 3rd when the exchange is made and he gets wiped out. Then we’ll be in the awkward position of knowing everyone is thinking, “we’d have won if not for him”. This could cause some mental scarring for the lad. But on the other hand, if the relay teams are successful then he’ll gain some much needed confidence.
He has tremendous, supportive teammates and outstanding coaches. If there is, say, a 20-meter lead in the medley relay when the boy splashes in with the last leg, and gets annihilated, I am confident in the fact his teammates and coaches will be there to pick him up. This should be a very interesting story to watch as the weekend unfolds.
I'll be there Friday, then I'll be off to Fargo for the Lindenwood 10K on Saturday morning (7AM). I intend to drive back immediately after and hope to catch the Saturday sessions. The 10K is the age graded event I've been telling you about.This should be fun as they award to the top two males and females in each age category: 19 and under, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70+. PLUS!! Age-Adjusted Awards to Top 5 Males and Top 5 Females! I'm excited about that.
Last year I was easily going under 40-minutes for a 10K. I'm not confident I can do that this coming Saturday. The run miles are only now starting to build to pre-injury levels after the pelvic stress fracture debacle from March. I should exceed 100-miles this month, my first such month since Feburary. I'll be looking to have a solid effort and let the chips fall where they may.
So, good luck to me and the Boy® this coming weekend! Hopefully, I have some good results to share after the dust settles.
Last year I was easily going under 40-minutes for a 10K. I'm not confident I can do that this coming Saturday. The run miles are only now starting to build to pre-injury levels after the pelvic stress fracture debacle from March. I should exceed 100-miles this month, my first such month since Feburary. I'll be looking to have a solid effort and let the chips fall where they may.
So, good luck to me and the Boy® this coming weekend! Hopefully, I have some good results to share after the dust settles.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Race Result: 2011 Lakes to Pines Triathlon
Event: 4th Annual Lakes To Pines Triathlon
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Location: Park Rapids, MN
Hotel: AmericInn
Weather: 41F; rain with sleet; wind from NE at 12 gusting to 20
Official Results: Overall results
Personal results: Done as relay with the Boy® (age 11)
Official Time: 1:20.27
Overall: 1st overall in Male Relay division
It was more spectacular weather for the best kept secret in Midwest triathlons, the Lakes to Pines Triathlon in Park Rapids, MN. In 2010 we were blessed with sunny skies, race temperatures in the 60s, and light winds. Maybe it was the weather in 2010 that led to a record sixty-three people entering. Maybe it was the weather that allowed seven males to go under the previous course record. Five females went under the previous female course record.
In 2010, the male class was won by Mike Fretland of Bismarck, ND. The female class was won by Kailee Fretland, wife of Mike. But they could not make the trip this year. Kailee is preggers with their first child and Mike had nesting duty this weekend. Nesting as in tiling, painting and many other items on Kailee's wish list.
In 2011, we were greeted with sleet. Hey, sleet is spectacular....right? Yep, sleet. Rain. Gusty winds. Temperatures in the low 40s. Without weather, we'd probably have had nothing to talk about.
But despite the weather, the fantastic team of Park Rapids Swim Boosters (it is a money raiser for the swim team) once again made all participants feel welcome and at home. I love this race. It is one of my favorites. There truly is a personal touch at work here. And that cannot be undervalued or overstated.
I also want to personally thank all the volunteers and the law enforcement officials. This is one smooth run affair and one very safe event.
Major news flash: this event is moving to June 16 in 2012. That is the tentative date. So circle your 2012 calendar now.
With no Fretlands to dominate the field, the male division favorite immediately fell to David Lewis (Nevis, MN) while the female favorite fell to Noelle Andrychowicz (Blaine, MN). In speaking to David before the race, he cursed out Mike for not coming as he wanted nothing to do with a 'favorite' tag. David has been dealing with some muscle spasms in a trapezoid muscle for a few months now. I wish David a speedy recovery. Not that he needed it. He lived up to his billing and cruised home to victory.
Male Overall Champion: David Lewis
On the female side, not only did Noelle win. But she set a new course record in doing so. Noelle took almost a minute off of Kailee Fretlands previous record set last year.
Female Overall Champion: Noelle Andrychowicz
Relay teams were very few this year but that takes nothing away from their combined efforts. Winning the CoEd Relay was the WaHeHe team of Rachel Wallace, Rodney Helm, & Louise Helm. Winning the Male Relay was the Wile E. Coyote & the Road Runner team of Brian Maas and Graham Maas (aka The Boy®). More on that last one later.
The performance of the day easily fell to Neil King who took 4th overall and won the mens 60-64 age bracket by twenty-seven minutes. King (61), of Nevis, winters in Sedona and he and I got to chat about wintering in Arizona after this event. That's my dream some day....winter or live down in the southwest.
Time for the personal report.
I've been addicted to speed my whole life. From the time I first strapped on a helmet at age four and sat in my Dad's sprint car (see photo below) I have wanted to take my body and anything on wheels as fast as I can. Back in the early 1960's, my dad was the North Dakota Class sprint car champion. You might say I was born into speed.
So, when I had my pelvic stress fracture setback in March it was tough for me to sit back and not do anything for weeks and weeks and weeks. I was miserable. And I did not want to miss this race.
I went to the Boy® and asked him if he would like to do a triathlon relay with me. I would swim and bike and all he had to do was to run a 5K. He thought about it for exactly 0.00014 seconds. The speed gene does not skip a generation, you see. He was in. Not only was he in, he wanted to do a double: Compete with the Old Man on a relay and then come back an hour later and do the kids events. To the tape:
Swim - 500 yards (pool)
Official Time: 08:32 (9th fastest swim overall)
Previous PR at this course: 07:49
I knew I would be a bit slower this year since I've only been in the water since April 13 after a 38-day layoff due to the fracture. So you know what? I'm happy with the result. It was just fine. My actual time was 08:12 in the pool. The official time is marked once you hit T1 just like any other tri. My goal was to go under 8:40.
T1
Official Time: 02:16
Previous PR at this course: 0:52
Hey, it was cold. So I (and 98% of the others) stopped to put on socks, gloves, and a long-sleeved upper garment. Let me tell you.....it was worth it to lose that time.
Bike - 14.7 Double Loop Course
Official Time: 42:00 (21:00 MPH; fastest overall bike split of the day)
Previous PR at this course: 39:06 (22.6 MPH)
So, I'm into the second loop of the bike and my legs are completely numb. My socks and shoes have been soaked since twenty seconds into the ride and now my face is stinging. Why is my face stinging? I can't figure it out. Then it dawns on me. Sleet is hitting my face. White pellets from Heaven. Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick what did I get myself into?
But other than the gusty wind (up to 20 MPH), the sleet, the fact that my feet are blocks of ice.....I'm rather enjoying myself. The race director had one of those portable radar units placed on the back side of the loop as you descend a small hill and I'm trying to get it to read 23 MPH as I head into the wind. I succeed. Small victory!
Just as with the swim, I have only been riding since April 13 so to come away with the fastest bike split of the day in very poor conditions? I'll take it. Even though I know Mario & Adam & William are snickering!
T2
Official Time: 00:26
Previous PR at this course: 0:51
This was a piece of cake. Ride in. Rack bike. Slap the Boy's® hand. Head inside, grab some dry clothes and go find the Boy® on the run.
Run - 5K
Official Time: 27:13 (8:44 pace)
Previous PR for the Boy®: 27:44
So my son (he's 11) does me proud by racing in poor conditions and runs a PR to boot. I had to get special permission from the race directors (Thanks Glen and Lori!!) to allow him to run as the adult event rule is 13 yo and over. Since the run is a closed course, they allowed it.
I'm jogging out to meet up with him on the course and everywhere race volunteers and marshals are telling me, "Graham was flying when he went by" and "Graham was looking so strong" and of course the girl volunteers were saying "Graham was running really fast and he is SO cute". He has been growing his hair out, Justin Bieber style. So I teased him afterwards that the girls were really excited that Justin Bieber was in the race.
Afterwards, the Boy® had about 75 minutes to recover prior to the kickoff of the kids event. He is waiting at poolside when the announcements for the adult race begin. When they announced us for winning the male relay division, he was on cloud nine as he walked by his fellow kid competitors to pick up our plaques.
Now then, no one tell the Boy® that we were the only male relay in the event. All he knows is that he was part of the Big Boy and Girl event and he brought home the victory for his dad who is hurt. This is one of the special memories that last forever. I encourage all Tri-Geeks with kids to plan a few races each year to do a relay with your child and/or spouse. It is special and something you will never forget and neither will they.
Note - Tri-Geeks have strong offspring. Take note Of Jace Minelli's 23:50 5K recently.
The Boy® did well in the kids event. This year they split the kids into two age categories: 9 and under and 10-12. The bigger kids swam 100-yards instead of 50-yards and biked 1.10 miles instead of 0.48 miles. The Boy® was 2nd overall out of the water and that's the way he finished. He had a PR split of 1:26 in the 100 yard swim, looked real good on the bike. On the run, he ran tactically which pleased me. He knew he could not catch the lead boy and kept a watchful eye on the next runner behind him. He had used up all his legs in the 5K so he ran a smart kids race.
Next family goal: We will get the Well Kept Wife™ involved in a multisport event within the year. Either solo or as a family relay. Alas, she had to remain home for this one as we had a niece graduating from Macalaster on the same day. But she is still running and has the bug in her since placing well in her first two events last year in Fargo and Arizona.
As for me, I was surprised that I was able to run a mile with the Boy as he finished his 5K. So......if I can start running soon I plan to still keep Apple and Pigman on my calendar and do them to try and get back into run shape. We'll see. If you see me at these events, that will be a good sign.
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Location: Park Rapids, MN
Hotel: AmericInn
Weather: 41F; rain with sleet; wind from NE at 12 gusting to 20
Official Results: Overall results
Personal results: Done as relay with the Boy® (age 11)
Official Time: 1:20.27
Overall: 1st overall in Male Relay division
It was more spectacular weather for the best kept secret in Midwest triathlons, the Lakes to Pines Triathlon in Park Rapids, MN. In 2010 we were blessed with sunny skies, race temperatures in the 60s, and light winds. Maybe it was the weather in 2010 that led to a record sixty-three people entering. Maybe it was the weather that allowed seven males to go under the previous course record. Five females went under the previous female course record.
In 2010, the male class was won by Mike Fretland of Bismarck, ND. The female class was won by Kailee Fretland, wife of Mike. But they could not make the trip this year. Kailee is preggers with their first child and Mike had nesting duty this weekend. Nesting as in tiling, painting and many other items on Kailee's wish list.
In 2011, we were greeted with sleet. Hey, sleet is spectacular....right? Yep, sleet. Rain. Gusty winds. Temperatures in the low 40s. Without weather, we'd probably have had nothing to talk about.
But despite the weather, the fantastic team of Park Rapids Swim Boosters (it is a money raiser for the swim team) once again made all participants feel welcome and at home. I love this race. It is one of my favorites. There truly is a personal touch at work here. And that cannot be undervalued or overstated.
I also want to personally thank all the volunteers and the law enforcement officials. This is one smooth run affair and one very safe event.
Major news flash: this event is moving to June 16 in 2012. That is the tentative date. So circle your 2012 calendar now.
With no Fretlands to dominate the field, the male division favorite immediately fell to David Lewis (Nevis, MN) while the female favorite fell to Noelle Andrychowicz (Blaine, MN). In speaking to David before the race, he cursed out Mike for not coming as he wanted nothing to do with a 'favorite' tag. David has been dealing with some muscle spasms in a trapezoid muscle for a few months now. I wish David a speedy recovery. Not that he needed it. He lived up to his billing and cruised home to victory.
Male Overall Champion: David Lewis
On the female side, not only did Noelle win. But she set a new course record in doing so. Noelle took almost a minute off of Kailee Fretlands previous record set last year.
Female Overall Champion: Noelle Andrychowicz
Relay teams were very few this year but that takes nothing away from their combined efforts. Winning the CoEd Relay was the WaHeHe team of Rachel Wallace, Rodney Helm, & Louise Helm. Winning the Male Relay was the Wile E. Coyote & the Road Runner team of Brian Maas and Graham Maas (aka The Boy®). More on that last one later.
The performance of the day easily fell to Neil King who took 4th overall and won the mens 60-64 age bracket by twenty-seven minutes. King (61), of Nevis, winters in Sedona and he and I got to chat about wintering in Arizona after this event. That's my dream some day....winter or live down in the southwest.
Time for the personal report.
I've been addicted to speed my whole life. From the time I first strapped on a helmet at age four and sat in my Dad's sprint car (see photo below) I have wanted to take my body and anything on wheels as fast as I can. Back in the early 1960's, my dad was the North Dakota Class sprint car champion. You might say I was born into speed.
 |
| My 1st speed workout. I'm wearing my helmet, safety first! |
I went to the Boy® and asked him if he would like to do a triathlon relay with me. I would swim and bike and all he had to do was to run a 5K. He thought about it for exactly 0.00014 seconds. The speed gene does not skip a generation, you see. He was in. Not only was he in, he wanted to do a double: Compete with the Old Man on a relay and then come back an hour later and do the kids events. To the tape:
Swim - 500 yards (pool)
Official Time: 08:32 (9th fastest swim overall)
Previous PR at this course: 07:49
I knew I would be a bit slower this year since I've only been in the water since April 13 after a 38-day layoff due to the fracture. So you know what? I'm happy with the result. It was just fine. My actual time was 08:12 in the pool. The official time is marked once you hit T1 just like any other tri. My goal was to go under 8:40.
T1
Official Time: 02:16
Previous PR at this course: 0:52
Hey, it was cold. So I (and 98% of the others) stopped to put on socks, gloves, and a long-sleeved upper garment. Let me tell you.....it was worth it to lose that time.
Bike - 14.7 Double Loop Course
Official Time: 42:00 (21:00 MPH; fastest overall bike split of the day)
Previous PR at this course: 39:06 (22.6 MPH)
So, I'm into the second loop of the bike and my legs are completely numb. My socks and shoes have been soaked since twenty seconds into the ride and now my face is stinging. Why is my face stinging? I can't figure it out. Then it dawns on me. Sleet is hitting my face. White pellets from Heaven. Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick what did I get myself into?
But other than the gusty wind (up to 20 MPH), the sleet, the fact that my feet are blocks of ice.....I'm rather enjoying myself. The race director had one of those portable radar units placed on the back side of the loop as you descend a small hill and I'm trying to get it to read 23 MPH as I head into the wind. I succeed. Small victory!
Just as with the swim, I have only been riding since April 13 so to come away with the fastest bike split of the day in very poor conditions? I'll take it. Even though I know Mario & Adam & William are snickering!
T2
Official Time: 00:26
Previous PR at this course: 0:51
This was a piece of cake. Ride in. Rack bike. Slap the Boy's® hand. Head inside, grab some dry clothes and go find the Boy® on the run.
Run - 5K
Official Time: 27:13 (8:44 pace)
Previous PR for the Boy®: 27:44
So my son (he's 11) does me proud by racing in poor conditions and runs a PR to boot. I had to get special permission from the race directors (Thanks Glen and Lori!!) to allow him to run as the adult event rule is 13 yo and over. Since the run is a closed course, they allowed it.
I'm jogging out to meet up with him on the course and everywhere race volunteers and marshals are telling me, "Graham was flying when he went by" and "Graham was looking so strong" and of course the girl volunteers were saying "Graham was running really fast and he is SO cute". He has been growing his hair out, Justin Bieber style. So I teased him afterwards that the girls were really excited that Justin Bieber was in the race.
Afterwards, the Boy® had about 75 minutes to recover prior to the kickoff of the kids event. He is waiting at poolside when the announcements for the adult race begin. When they announced us for winning the male relay division, he was on cloud nine as he walked by his fellow kid competitors to pick up our plaques.
Now then, no one tell the Boy® that we were the only male relay in the event. All he knows is that he was part of the Big Boy and Girl event and he brought home the victory for his dad who is hurt. This is one of the special memories that last forever. I encourage all Tri-Geeks with kids to plan a few races each year to do a relay with your child and/or spouse. It is special and something you will never forget and neither will they.
Note - Tri-Geeks have strong offspring. Take note Of Jace Minelli's 23:50 5K recently.
The Boy® did well in the kids event. This year they split the kids into two age categories: 9 and under and 10-12. The bigger kids swam 100-yards instead of 50-yards and biked 1.10 miles instead of 0.48 miles. The Boy® was 2nd overall out of the water and that's the way he finished. He had a PR split of 1:26 in the 100 yard swim, looked real good on the bike. On the run, he ran tactically which pleased me. He knew he could not catch the lead boy and kept a watchful eye on the next runner behind him. He had used up all his legs in the 5K so he ran a smart kids race.
 |
| Maas Family Hardware from Lakes to Pines |
Next family goal: We will get the Well Kept Wife™ involved in a multisport event within the year. Either solo or as a family relay. Alas, she had to remain home for this one as we had a niece graduating from Macalaster on the same day. But she is still running and has the bug in her since placing well in her first two events last year in Fargo and Arizona.
As for me, I was surprised that I was able to run a mile with the Boy as he finished his 5K. So......if I can start running soon I plan to still keep Apple and Pigman on my calendar and do them to try and get back into run shape. We'll see. If you see me at these events, that will be a good sign.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
When a Kid Listens
If you are a parent, you will understand what this entry is all about. Listening. Why, God oh why, is it so hard to get a child to listen? Actually hear what is being told to them? This same child, who can run back and forth on a playground for hours at the age of four, can't then respond to a simple verbal command. It is as if their brains can only have one stimulus at any given time. And even then, if said stimulus is asking to pick up their clothes, the brain seems to simply reject the message as inappropriate.
The Boy® is now 10. In fact, he turns 11 in April. We still have verbal exchanges like this.
Dad - Did you wash your hands?
Boy - Yes.
Dad - Did you really?
Boy - Actually, no.
Dad - Can you go wash your hands now?
Boy - Yes.
Three minutes later when the Boy® fails to appear at the dinner table, Dad finds him in his room playing with his Nerf guns.
Dad - Um, did you wash your hands? Dinner is ready.
Boy - I was going to.
Dad - Well, do it. Now.
Two minutes later the Boy® arrives at the dinner table.
Dad - Did you wash your hands? (You parents know what is coming, don't you?)
Boy - Yes.
Dad - Good. Did you use soap?
Boy - Yes.
Dad - Let me smell your hands.
Boy - OK, I didn't use soap.
Brain damage. Not the Boy®. I don't think he is brain damaged. But I know after ten years of rearing him, I am. Maybe Bill Cosby said it best.
This past weekend was the Minnesota C-Finals Swim meet for 12 & Under. The Boy had qualified in four events: 100 IM, 50 Fly, 200 Free, and 100 Free. The first three events were Saturday. Even though he has achieved C qualifying standards in those, they are his weakest events (let's not even talk about breast stroke, OK?).
He had a full set of braces installed on Monday. For two days he basically moaned and wailed about how much his mouth hurt. And I could totally empathize. He also ate very little all week as he couldn't master chewing with 150-yards of wire in his mouth.
Friday night he probably got a little stomach bug. His mom (aka the Well Kept Wife™) told him told suck it up. He was swimming and that was that. Saturday did not go well. He was slower than his PR in all the events. Significantly slower.
Sunday, I pulled him in for a 1:1 discussion after breakfast. Actually, he came to me. He wanted to know how we would handle the 100-free. Him coming to me....good sign. Meant he was ready to listen.
As his event was not until a little after noon, I had allowed him to sleep in. We then hit our local club and I had him do a easy 500-yard warm-up. I noticed (again!) that his flip turns were really too early. He was missing ample opportunity to get a big push off from the wall. So, after his 500 warm up we chatted about taking 1-2 extra strokes so he could have a tighter turn.
I had him do a couple of starts off the blocks, going hard for 25 then easy return. We worked a bit more on the turns. He was getting it. Receptive, and getting it.
On the way to the meet, we then talked about strategy outside the start and turns. We decided to try and hit about 19-20 secs for the first 25, then hit 20-21 for the next 25. And here's where I changed things up a bit. For the third 25, I asked the Boy to treat it as if that was the last length. To kick like crazy. I used the words Controlled Chaos to emphasize that while I wanted him to let it all hang out on that length, I did not want him to lose his form. Then, simply hold on for the last 25.
I warned him that the body will say, "No more! I'm done." And at that point, the mind's response to the body must be, "No, we are not done yet."
In the end, he finished on the podium with a 3rd place finish. His splits (approx) were 18.4, 20.6, 22.5, & 22.5 for a 01:24.77. B standard is 1:25.49. He had been knocking on that door, banging loudly in fact, for three meets now.
For a second or two, I wasn't sure he was going to get it. But he did. Bettering his previous PR by almost a full three seconds. Take a look for yourself (lane 4, orange googles/black swim cap). He didn't just knock on the door. He busted it in.
But that's not even why I was so happy and proud. I was happy and proud because he did everything I asked him to do. And isn't that all a parent or coach wants?
Next up - AB Finals on March 5 & 6, where he will the 50 & 100 free and 50 back.
The Boy® is now 10. In fact, he turns 11 in April. We still have verbal exchanges like this.
Dad - Did you wash your hands?
Boy - Yes.
Dad - Did you really?
Boy - Actually, no.
Dad - Can you go wash your hands now?
Boy - Yes.
Three minutes later when the Boy® fails to appear at the dinner table, Dad finds him in his room playing with his Nerf guns.
Dad - Um, did you wash your hands? Dinner is ready.
Boy - I was going to.
Dad - Well, do it. Now.
Two minutes later the Boy® arrives at the dinner table.
Dad - Did you wash your hands? (You parents know what is coming, don't you?)
Boy - Yes.
Dad - Good. Did you use soap?
Boy - Yes.
Dad - Let me smell your hands.
Boy - OK, I didn't use soap.
Brain damage. Not the Boy®. I don't think he is brain damaged. But I know after ten years of rearing him, I am. Maybe Bill Cosby said it best.
Bill Cosby: A person with no children says, "Well I just love children," and you say "Why?" and they say, "Because a child is so truthful, that's what I love about 'em - they tell the truth." That's a lie, I've got five of 'em. The only time they tell the truth is if they're having pain.
This past weekend was the Minnesota C-Finals Swim meet for 12 & Under. The Boy had qualified in four events: 100 IM, 50 Fly, 200 Free, and 100 Free. The first three events were Saturday. Even though he has achieved C qualifying standards in those, they are his weakest events (let's not even talk about breast stroke, OK?).
He had a full set of braces installed on Monday. For two days he basically moaned and wailed about how much his mouth hurt. And I could totally empathize. He also ate very little all week as he couldn't master chewing with 150-yards of wire in his mouth.
Friday night he probably got a little stomach bug. His mom (aka the Well Kept Wife™) told him told suck it up. He was swimming and that was that. Saturday did not go well. He was slower than his PR in all the events. Significantly slower.
Sunday, I pulled him in for a 1:1 discussion after breakfast. Actually, he came to me. He wanted to know how we would handle the 100-free. Him coming to me....good sign. Meant he was ready to listen.
As his event was not until a little after noon, I had allowed him to sleep in. We then hit our local club and I had him do a easy 500-yard warm-up. I noticed (again!) that his flip turns were really too early. He was missing ample opportunity to get a big push off from the wall. So, after his 500 warm up we chatted about taking 1-2 extra strokes so he could have a tighter turn.
I had him do a couple of starts off the blocks, going hard for 25 then easy return. We worked a bit more on the turns. He was getting it. Receptive, and getting it.
On the way to the meet, we then talked about strategy outside the start and turns. We decided to try and hit about 19-20 secs for the first 25, then hit 20-21 for the next 25. And here's where I changed things up a bit. For the third 25, I asked the Boy to treat it as if that was the last length. To kick like crazy. I used the words Controlled Chaos to emphasize that while I wanted him to let it all hang out on that length, I did not want him to lose his form. Then, simply hold on for the last 25.
I warned him that the body will say, "No more! I'm done." And at that point, the mind's response to the body must be, "No, we are not done yet."
In the end, he finished on the podium with a 3rd place finish. His splits (approx) were 18.4, 20.6, 22.5, & 22.5 for a 01:24.77. B standard is 1:25.49. He had been knocking on that door, banging loudly in fact, for three meets now.
For a second or two, I wasn't sure he was going to get it. But he did. Bettering his previous PR by almost a full three seconds. Take a look for yourself (lane 4, orange googles/black swim cap). He didn't just knock on the door. He busted it in.
But that's not even why I was so happy and proud. I was happy and proud because he did everything I asked him to do. And isn't that all a parent or coach wants?
Next up - AB Finals on March 5 & 6, where he will the 50 & 100 free and 50 back.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Boy®'s Swim Meet Day Deux
The Boy® had a good, solid second day at the meet. On the drive in, we talked about his success on Day One and how we couldn't let our guard down as a result. We had to finish the job. As if on cue, BTO came on the car iPod system with "Takin' Care of Business". Classic.
He took the advice and went to work like a pro. So let's go into the recap of the three races he had.
50-Yard Freestyle
C Standard - :44.29
B Standard - :38.19
Previous Best - :42.58
Result - :38.66
With a bit more push off the block and better turn I think he would have gotten a B standard time. He made up ground on the first place swimmer in the last 15-yards and finished very well. As it was, he fell 0.47 secs short. Next meet for sure he'll get the B standard. The Boy® can be seen in lane four (from the left) in the video below:
50-Yard Butterfly
C Standard - :51.49
B Standard - :44.29
Previous Best - :54.48
Result - :49.97
When the the Boy® first started doing butterfly, a difficult and exhausting stroke, he really looked like his dad trying to dance. I don't dance very well. Um, Elaine from Seinfeld kind of dancing. Maybe not quite that bad but you get the idea. So to see him take 4 1/2 secs off his previous best and easily get C standard was perhaps the best result of the entire two-day meet. The Boy® can be seen in the second lane from the right in the video below:
200-Yard Freestyle
C Standard - 03:32.79
B Standard - 03:03.29
Previous Best - 03:50.50
Result - 03:16.10
I told the Boy® to just imagine swimming four consecutive 45-second 50's. He went out a bit fast on the opening 25-yards, but doesn't everyone? His splits came in at (approx):
Next meet will be January 8-9, 2011.
He took the advice and went to work like a pro. So let's go into the recap of the three races he had.
50-Yard Freestyle
C Standard - :44.29
B Standard - :38.19
Previous Best - :42.58
Result - :38.66
With a bit more push off the block and better turn I think he would have gotten a B standard time. He made up ground on the first place swimmer in the last 15-yards and finished very well. As it was, he fell 0.47 secs short. Next meet for sure he'll get the B standard. The Boy® can be seen in lane four (from the left) in the video below:
50-Yard Butterfly
C Standard - :51.49
B Standard - :44.29
Previous Best - :54.48
Result - :49.97
When the the Boy® first started doing butterfly, a difficult and exhausting stroke, he really looked like his dad trying to dance. I don't dance very well. Um, Elaine from Seinfeld kind of dancing. Maybe not quite that bad but you get the idea. So to see him take 4 1/2 secs off his previous best and easily get C standard was perhaps the best result of the entire two-day meet. The Boy® can be seen in the second lane from the right in the video below:
200-Yard Freestyle
C Standard - 03:32.79
B Standard - 03:03.29
Previous Best - 03:50.50
Result - 03:16.10
I told the Boy® to just imagine swimming four consecutive 45-second 50's. He went out a bit fast on the opening 25-yards, but doesn't everyone? His splits came in at (approx):
- 44.23
- 47.7
- 55.07
- 49.1
Next meet will be January 8-9, 2011.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Boy® Swims Well
A month ago at a swim meet, I ended up benching the Boy®. It was a hard parenteral decision, but one I decided to make. Here's what happened.
I'd been having long conversations with the Boy® about being focused and prepared and such as he'd been dinking around in practice and not fully listening to the coaches. So what did he do at the very first race at the swim meet last month? He missed his heat for the 100 free, the first race. He'd been standing right there at the block and just zoned out. His coach took blame saying he told the Boy® the wrong heat, but like I told the Boy® afterwards, that is his responsibility to know his heats. We even write it on his arm. There was no excuse. Its too bad because I think he was ready to approach a B time.
So, we held him home on day 2 of the meet and did not allow him to swim at the Sunday portion. It was hard for me to do, but I had to set an example somewhere. I had to draw the line. I needed to get his attention.
We had a meet this past weekend (12/4-5) and what a difference. He was focused. I watched him from the upper balcony as he went through the motion of each race, from start to finish, in his mind. Pretending as he started from block, to entry, to stroke, to turn....he was doing it on deck. Those old enough to recall the high jumper Dwight Stones, will recall watching him visualize each high jump before he took his first step. I was happy to see the Boy® doing this as I did not lay this down as a requirement. He was doing it on his own. It told me he was focused.
I knew he had a decent shot to finally achieve his C standard in the 50-yard backstroke. He'd been so near on previous occasions. At the turn, I thought he was going to fall just short but he mustered the strength to finish strong and went under by almost a full second. The Boy® can be seen in the third lane from the right in the video below:
50-Breast
C Standard - :59.19
Previous Best - N/A
Result - 01:12.74
As mentioned earlier, this stroke is the Boy®'s kryptonite. He's got runner's blood, so his feet turn in. For a proper breaststroke kick, the feet need to turn out. But he is trying. And as his coach told him afterwards, he turned in a performance that was light years ahead of where he was at this point last year. The Boy® can be seen in lane two (from the left) in the video below (taken with my cell phone, so lower quality):
100-Freestyle
C Standard - 01:39.19
B Standard - 01:25.49
Previous Best - 01:32.49
Result - 01:27.57
Hell, yeah! The Boy® smoked this one. He came into his heat seeded fourth. He turned the first 25-yds at about 18-seconds. Hit 50-yds at about 40-41-seconds. At first, I thought he had gone out too fast. But he dug deep, and nearly knocked off a B standard in winning his heat. The Boy® can be seen in the third lane from the right in the video below:
Sunday he will be competing in the 50-free, 50-fly, and 200-free. His first ever B standard could come in the 50-free if he is on his game. B standard is :38.19 and he has done a :42.48. Katie bar the door and hold onto your hats....it could be exciting!
I'd been having long conversations with the Boy® about being focused and prepared and such as he'd been dinking around in practice and not fully listening to the coaches. So what did he do at the very first race at the swim meet last month? He missed his heat for the 100 free, the first race. He'd been standing right there at the block and just zoned out. His coach took blame saying he told the Boy® the wrong heat, but like I told the Boy® afterwards, that is his responsibility to know his heats. We even write it on his arm. There was no excuse. Its too bad because I think he was ready to approach a B time.
So, we held him home on day 2 of the meet and did not allow him to swim at the Sunday portion. It was hard for me to do, but I had to set an example somewhere. I had to draw the line. I needed to get his attention.
We had a meet this past weekend (12/4-5) and what a difference. He was focused. I watched him from the upper balcony as he went through the motion of each race, from start to finish, in his mind. Pretending as he started from block, to entry, to stroke, to turn....he was doing it on deck. Those old enough to recall the high jumper Dwight Stones, will recall watching him visualize each high jump before he took his first step. I was happy to see the Boy® doing this as I did not lay this down as a requirement. He was doing it on his own. It told me he was focused.
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| A focused Piranha |
So let's recap Saturday (12/4) and I will post another entry to recap Sunday. First, let me explain the Minnesota time standards. A swimmer, by virtue of his or her age group, must meet or excel a set time standard to achieve a certain time standard. A swimmer progresses from C to B to A to CH to Zone. For the layman, I sort of equate C with novice, B with wannabe, A with local stud/studette, CH with regional class stud/studette and Zone with national class stud/studette. I'm not sure if that is accurate or not....but works for me!
100IM
C Standard - 01:53.69
Previous Best - N/A
Result - 01:57.91
He had it going early with the fly, turned well and had a nice backstroke, turned and.....the hated, dreaded breaststroke was up. He finished up well with the free. He was on target to go well under 1:53 but really slowed in the breast segment. He has been working hard on the stroke, so that light bulb should eventually go off. Until then, we keep plugging along. The Boy® can be seen in lane two (from the left) in the video below:
50-Back
C Standard - :53.79
B Standard - :46.29
Previous Best - :54.40
Result - :52.96I knew he had a decent shot to finally achieve his C standard in the 50-yard backstroke. He'd been so near on previous occasions. At the turn, I thought he was going to fall just short but he mustered the strength to finish strong and went under by almost a full second. The Boy® can be seen in the third lane from the right in the video below:
50-Breast
C Standard - :59.19
Previous Best - N/A
Result - 01:12.74
As mentioned earlier, this stroke is the Boy®'s kryptonite. He's got runner's blood, so his feet turn in. For a proper breaststroke kick, the feet need to turn out. But he is trying. And as his coach told him afterwards, he turned in a performance that was light years ahead of where he was at this point last year. The Boy® can be seen in lane two (from the left) in the video below (taken with my cell phone, so lower quality):
100-Freestyle
C Standard - 01:39.19
B Standard - 01:25.49
Previous Best - 01:32.49
Result - 01:27.57
Hell, yeah! The Boy® smoked this one. He came into his heat seeded fourth. He turned the first 25-yds at about 18-seconds. Hit 50-yds at about 40-41-seconds. At first, I thought he had gone out too fast. But he dug deep, and nearly knocked off a B standard in winning his heat. The Boy® can be seen in the third lane from the right in the video below:
Sunday he will be competing in the 50-free, 50-fly, and 200-free. His first ever B standard could come in the 50-free if he is on his game. B standard is :38.19 and he has done a :42.48. Katie bar the door and hold onto your hats....it could be exciting!
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