Thoughts

     During my training I do lots of thinking.  Smart thinking, crazy thinking, wasteful thinking and just plan weird/stupid thinking.  Below are just a few of the quick and random thoughts that have gone through my mind during training this year.

-Wind directions; North, East, South, West and the new direction, sucks to be you bike rider.

-Move to your forefoot, its just plan faster, period.

-5 year class reunion, where will I be?

-I officially want to do this sport for a living.

-Don’t worry I will move out of your way.

-Move B****, get out da way, get out da way.

-Motivation and dedication is not something you can learn or get, it’s just something you have.

-Oh I feel fast!

-Oh my stomach hurts, think I got to poop, oh no just got to fart.... darn my stomach still hurts.

-Lets surprise myself

-I should probably not be running this hard on my LSD day.

Those are a few of the most random thoughts you could ever read.  

2011 Berbee Derby

Finally a quick Berbee Derby review.  I love running! So being able to start Thanksgiving with something I am very thankful to be able to do was GREAT.

Leading into the race I had no expectations except have fun with my fellow Endurance House team and have good running form.  Why I needed good running form? I knew good running form could make up for only running a hand full of times between Haunted Hustle and Berbee Derby. 

The Endurance House squad meet up a few minutes before the start and did a little cheer.  I loved being able to race with a good group of friends.  Reminded me back to my High School Cross Country days. 

Gun finally went off and like normal I just took of with the lead few doing whatever pace they decided to start with.  Also like normal I was talking, smiling and overall just enjoying myself.  Thanks to my MV2's we FLEW through the first few miles, sub 16 for the first 5k, made me happy. Then we turned around, to the wind and hills for the finishing half.  I had a few surges of energy after seeing so many friends during the out and back section. By the time mile 5 came my legs and body were tired. I accepted the position I was in and knew that it would not be smart for me to push my body to far beyond my limits. Came across with a time of 34:10 after seeing a loud cheerleader and Co Endurance House owner Jamie O; which was a great surprise.  Supportive Endurance House family all around.

Overall the rest of the Endurance House team did GREAT, welcoming smiles and celebration flowed into a group cool down.  As a team, we ended up getting 3^rd overall, but the 1^st overall running store team, GO E HOUSE!! Yea Yea


2011 Berbee Derby Endurance House team
-Andy Z (He will never slow down)
-Bill M (Faster every year, ran in the Zero drop shoe!!)
-Adam (Fast as lightning, helpful motivational emails)
-Justin P (Fastest 10k for himself with little focused prep)
-Lee D (Broke 40min!!!!)
-Pat G (Forgot his bib number at home, but always smiling anyways)
-Corinne P (First run race in 2010 and only getting better)
-YOU SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST NEXT YEAR!!!


(Team Picture to come)

This was the second year doing this race and plan on continuing for years to come.  (Time comparison, 2010; 34:51 5:37pace, 2011; 34:10 5:30pace with similar race conditions)  An interesting fact is that in 2010 I came into the race in good running shape following Clearwater and came into the race this year in not nearly as good of shape but had a faster time.  That shows me that continuous hard work by anyone, can improve base performance to a level only reached in year past at peak fitness.


(2010 Berbee Derby Race Report)

Slow and steady improvements is the path to success.

GTGTG

Competitors Creed

GTGTG

 Watch one of the best videos that I feel I could ever share with you. Steve Fitzhugh presenting the Competitors Creed from FCA "Fellowship of Christian Athletes." I strive to follow this Creed every day and hope you may choose to do the same.  I am not trying to tell you what to believe in, but I do want to share with you what I do. Thank you Lord. 

The Competitor’s Creed 

I am a Christian first and last.

I am created in the likeness of God Almighty to bring Him glory.

I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.
I wear the colors of the cross.

I am a Competitor now and forever.
I am made to strive, to strain, to stretch
and to succeed in the arena of competition.
I am a Christian Competitor
I face my challenger and as such, with the face of Christ.

I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father,
the honor of Christ and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.

My attitude on and off the field is above reproach - my conduct beyond criticism.
Whether I am preparing, practicing or playing;
I submit to God’s authority and those He has put over me.
I respect my coaches, officials, teammates and competitors
out of respect for the Lord.

My body is the temple of Jesus Christ
I protect it from within and without.
Nothing enters my body that does not honor the Living God.
My sweat is an offering to my Master.
My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.

I give my all – all of the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in.
I do not give out. I am the Lord’s warrior –
a competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination.
I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ.
The results of my efforts must result in His glory.

LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN.

LET THE GLORY BE GOD’S.

Newton Natural Running Coach

Last weekend I had the privilege to participate in a 2 day, Newton Natural Running Coach Certification course.  It was a BLAST and really enjoyed learning more about what I love (Running) as well as a company that I love (NEWTON RUNNING COMPANY!) I have never seen a shoe company invest so much money in education as Newton has. That really tells a lot about a company that only functions if they sell shoes.  I am very happy to be a brand ambassador for them. Glad to inform you all that I did pass the course and am now considered a Newton Natural Running Coach.  Would love to help educate you with any running questions that you may have!

It takes 21 days to form a habit, start with these 4 basic running tips. 

1. Slight forward body lean, with proper running posture.

2. Run at a Cadence of around 180. Does not matter if your running a 15min mile or 5 min mile.

3. Land on your forefoot/mid-foot.

4. HAVE FUN!!

2 Points

"Running is a series of one leg stances"

"Natural running requires lifting the feet instead of pushing off the ground"

Running more efficiently, faster with less injury starts with those tips. If you have more questions or seeking advise? Ask me, watch both videos, stop by Endurance House or visit http://www.newtonrunning.com/

THANKS

GTGTG

Book Reviews, Quotes and Triathlete Magazine!!

Looking for a good book or two to read during this cold weather off-season? Watch the video below. Also if you’re looking for some motivation or inspiration, click on the new QUOTE tab above.  I will continually be adding new quotes from new people as time goes on.  Quotes help motivate and inspire me and wanted to start sharing some of that inspiration with my friends. ENJOY

PS take a look at the new Triathlete Magazine page 67 ;-)

OWN YOUR PASSION!!! With Endurance House

This is the tab to an older blog post regarding good books to read.

http://peichertri.blogspot.com/2011/03/books.html

GTGTG

Haunted Hustle Half Marathon

Leading up to this race I was not having as good of training sessions as I had wanted. But it turns out it was enough to make a successful race.

Goals for the race

-Have fun

-Enjoy the local/home town atmosphere

-See what I could do for an open half marathon

TIGAR TIME

Wanted to make some people laugh and just be goofy.  So I found a fun looking costume to wear, which included, a speedo, Orange/black striped nylons, tiger hat, black tail, black arm warmers and black striped face paint on the chest. TIGAR TIME!!

Got to meet up with the Endurance House BAM team (Becoming a Marathoner Team,) a group that I helped out with as being a run leader leading up to the race. After visiting the team I tried to do anything to warm up before the race.  Before I could even come close to breaking a sweat I had to take off the warm ups and get to the starting line.  Lets just say you get extra cold waiting for a race start in a speedo with no shirt.

The group of 3 About 1.5miles In

Gun finally went off and the 2011 Haunted Hustle race had began for me and my new Newton MV2's!! I recognized a few of the lead runners around me before the start and new that I had my work cut out for me.  First mile came around and our group of four came through around 5:20.  Shock and panic rushed in, but I did not feel like I was putting forth any effort so I kept on plugging away.  The group dwindled down to 2, the TURTLE and the TIGAR!! Came by the 10k with a new PR but by the time mile 7 came the TURTLE pulled away from the TIGAR.

The rest of the race was simply a BLAST!! I truly enjoyed the race experience, got to see many spectators that I recognized and many motivated racers while passing by.  Running a race near your hometown could very well be one of my favorite things to do.  With about 2 miles to go the third place guy came out of no place and ran by me.  The finishing mile was uplifting because I got to see my girlfriend who was running her first 10K which was SWEET as well as my parents who were cheering loud for there tiger.  Came across the line happily in 3^rd place with a new Half Marathon PR of 1hr 14min!!

Time for a nice weeklong break then a little prep for the Berbee Derby 10k race!!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE READ, and hope YOU can join me next year at the Haunted Hustle 10k/Half Marathon/Marathon race!

GTGTG

FINISHED!! Post race fun : )

Last Batch

My last batch of produce from my garden for the year.... CARROTS!!!!

The one of many things that helps me through 

life, training and racing, FRESH VEGETABLES....

So thankful for the new Cross Plains community garden, will be getting a plot again next year for sure!!

GTGTG

Volunteer at the Haunted Hustle

HEY!!!! If any of you are available Saturday October 29th please think about volunteering at the FUN 2nd annual Haunted Hustle 10k/Half Marathon/ Marathon in Middleton!!  The first event last year went GREAT and the 2nd should be just as good.  Is a Spppookalishis way to start your Halloween weekend.

Click the link below for more info about the event.

Haunted Hustle Website

Click the link below for Volunteer sign up.

Volunteer Sign Up Page

Hope to see you all then!!

GTGTG

Watch the best of the best triathlon bikers out in Kona in SLOW MOTION!! 

GTGTG

2 Times

2 times…..

4:22:20

and

9:19:52

I will let you figure out what they mean. 

GTGTG

Salad Creations

I wanted to share this new restaurant that I went to this week.  They have AMAZING AMAZING food, freshness, flavor, customer service, prices, speed, and atmosphere.  Its a healthy quick fast food meal.  Of course not all the options are healthy but you have more healthy options then most restaurants. They have salads, wraps, paninis and create your owns.  I had a salad and it tasted SO good. ENJOY!

http://www.saladcreations.net/

GTGTG

Balance

I believe that if you want to be successful in anything, you have to have balance.  This is a little insight on a bit of my "Balance" and a weekend filled with fun outside of triathlons.

Over this weekend I did some things near and dear to my heart.  The first thing I did was attend the Hill and Valley Car Show.  This show is put on by the local Model T Ford club that I am in.  It was a blast! I was able to get my Model T running which made the day even more fun.  Took my mom for a drive around the block and ran out of gas which was interesting. Also during the show I helped with the "car assembly."  A group off guys and myself took apart and re assembled the car in 26minutes for a demonstration for those around.  So many things to do and look at, at the show.   Its a fun time for all, next year come on down.

My Mom Ann joined in the fun

Me and My Model T that I built one piece at a time

My Model T still a work in progress 

The group with the "Take Apart" Ca

I got to spend some time celebrating my Grandmas 70th birthday with the family.  Also not pictured I got to have another party for my other grandma and grandpa for there anniversary. My girlfriend Kayla got to join also which made it even better.

Grandma, cousins, Sister and I at the party

On Sunday I got to spend the morning helping my dad complete his FIRST Duathlon!!  I am so proud of him, he has been a big inspiration for me.  With his drive to become more healthy, USANA, and myself he has lost around 40Ibs allowing him to do some things he has only dreamed about!!  YA DAD!! 

Changing spots, dad hugging me all sweaty after a race instead of me hugging him all sweaty after a race

My Cousin Mike also raced in a Relay
with a friend, GOOD JOB MIKE!! He
has been doing more and more races
and enjoying them all.

Its nice being part of the "Cheering Section"
for a race.

GTGTG

Enjoy

Enjoy this quote and wanted to share it with my friends and family who read my blog.

 Try to learn to enjoy the processes, not just the result. Life is more than just amazing. -unknown

You can incorporate this into your every day life in any way, racing, training, school, loosing weight or your job.

GTGTG

GOOD LUCK

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE RACING THIS WEEKEND!!!!  Many friends racing at both Ironman Wisconsin and 70.3 World Championships.  Should be a GREAT weekend for both! You have all worked so hard, now its time to do your best and most of all HAVE FUN!!  God Bless

"GTGTG"

Steelhead 70.3/ Pigman

Sorry for such a long gap until this race report for Steelhead/Pigman.  SO happy and blessed with the last 2 races of my 2011 Triathlon season.


Some 70.3 Steelhead Pictures

Little look on how CRAZY the water was and why the swim got canceled. 

Re-eating some breakfast due to the later start time.

Add caption My friend Will and I at the finish. 

The Black Beast and I after the battle.  

Thanks my friend Matt A for letting me use his Planet X Powertap race wheel.

1st AG and 2nd Overall Non Pro

GTGTG

Pictures

I would like to thank my family member Don Newton for taking a night out of his busy schedule to take some amazing picture of me Biking/Running.  Go to the link below to check them out. Feel free to  order any of the pictures. Especially the silhouette shots that can be used as a nice framed picture in your house.  

http://donewton.zenfolio.com/p620921961

Thanks!!

Thursday TOTD Race Week

Few tips to keep in mind the week leading up to a race.

GTGTG

Monday TOTD 8/1/11

This is going to be a new thing that I am going to try and start doing.  Its going to be called Monday TOTD and I am going to simply share whats on my mind that may benefit those who read/watch the blog posts.  This week I wanted to share a few bike safety things that have been on my mind.  It only takes one second of not following the rules to get really hurt and I don't want that to happen to any of you.  Also it only takes one disrespectful/non rule follower rider to put a bad name to all bikers.  Share the road and all you can do is control what you do.  Thanks for checking in!!

GTGTG

2011 Chisago Half Ironman Review

Little race review for my birthday weekend race and second place showing at Chisago Lakes Half Ironman.  Was a fun race which is most important but another nice thing was that the goal for the race was executed.... "1:17.10 run split." Sorry the video is so long, been trying to work on the video quality but I am only human.  "They will get better haha"  Want to give a big thank you to my Family, Girlfriend, Friends, Coach, and all my sponsors.  So blessed and I am very thankful.  

GTGTG

Goal Insight

This video gets me SOOOO excited!! A little insight about my long term goal, master the "New Kona of the 70.3 distance."  Makes me want to qualify again and take my spot for this year.

Enjoy the video....

GTGTG

MAIL TIME

Look what I got in the mail today!!!  Thanks so much Newton!!  Do not think I will ever be running in a different type of shoe for the rest of my life.  Words cant explain. 

A quick little video for people to watch if your interested.

GTGTG

HOT

Soooooo Its going to be really HOT this week for training, be smart.  

Dont be like this guy complaining, everyone has to deal with it.  Just embrace what mother nature has given us.  

Be more like this guy with your attitude and it wont seem as hot as it really is.

p.s. dont forget your sun screen. 

2011 Muncie 70.3 Video Recap

A well put together half ironman with no leg cramps finally.  Really looking forward to continuing the improvement come next weekend at Chisago!!  
Thanks for watching!!
GTGTG

Day Of First Times

     Well it was a group of firsts this week at the Mighty Wolf Triathlon.

-First time doing a sprint distance triathlon

-First time using USANA Nutrimeal shake for my breakfast as well as using USANA Rev3 energy before the race.

-First time getting a flat on the bike during a race

-First time getting a DNF next to my name on results

     Overall it was still a success! Yes walking 4 miles in my biking shoes was not ideal but it allowed me to relax enjoy the nice weather and just think about things.  Also I got to meet a lot of new people, which is always a lot of fun.  Meeting new people through triathlons always good because you know for the most part they are all good quality people.  Went up to do this race for my coach Mike P from Your Training Zone, was a big team event and never realized how many people are coached through the team.  With such a large team it amazing how I still always have a personalized training plan for me each week. 

     The part of the race that I did complete went well.  The swim was in a big man made pond which I wish so bad that we would have one near Madison.  I of course happened to find the only rock in the nice sandy beach while running into the water at the start and really hurt my foot.  I felt really smooth and fast in the water, which is exactly the kind of motivator I needed with Munci 70.3 coming up.  I excite the water and for once had a fast T1.  Jumped only the Black Beast and flew away.  It was only a 15mile bike so I figured I would just hammer it until my legs got to tired to peddle and by the time that came it would be time to run the 3mile run.  Felt strong on the bike and was happy with my new bike position. Felt really comfortable and  relaxed so I could put all my effort into the peddle and not waist any trying to get getting comfortable.  Then little after I passed the 10mile mark I herd a hisssssssss.  Was hoping that I could maybe ride slow enough all the way back and through down a solid run to still put up a strong result but did not want to risk screwing up my race wheels.  I did not have a spare tube or repair kit with it only being a 15mile bike so I started walking.  Few people asked if I needed help but knew that no one would have an extender to fit my wheel.  So I cheered people on as they flew by on the bikes.  That’s the 2^nd flat in the past week so just have to get one more to get the “Group of 3” out before Munci. 

     After the race there was a party at coaches house which was really fun.  Good company, good food, good music, good drinks and great weather.  Great way to finish up the day.

Thanks for reading!! GTGTG

Elkhart Lake

Elkhart Lake USAT Midwest Regional Championships

Going into this race I had 3 goals

1. Have FUN

2. Learn How to Race a triathlon

3. Not have the cramps in the legs like past three races

I raced this race last year and was really excited to give it a try again, placed 3^rd last year and goal was to win this year.  They have a good amount of prize money for top 5 places, which brought me back.  Drove up to the beautiful summer getaway Friday afternoon to cold, rain and wind.  Checked into the race; number 66 and then went out to dinner with a couple friends followed by a movie which lead to a late bedtime.  Sodium loading the night before and morning of the race was one change in race plans to help correct the muscle cramping. 

                  Race morning came and of course it was cold and raining.  Eat my normal pre race breakfast and drove to the race.  Arriving at the race course right off the bat I saw 3 other P4’s, which was shocking.  Got transition set up and rolled around on the bike checking up on everything.  Was happy to see my family, girlfriend and coach before the start, which always brings up the moral. 

                  Finally the gun went off and off we go dolphin diving into the crystal clear water.  My goal was to come out of the water with the swim premium.  Found the lead swimmers feet and stuck on them for as long as I could.  But then he started to swerve around “Think he saw me getting a free ride and did not like that.”  I lost a bit of distance by the turn around and that one body length would NEVER shorten up for the rest of the swim.  I realized after that the swim must have been long because I was swimming a lot faster but ended up having a slower time.  I looked at a few other people who raced at Elkhart and all the times were a bit slower.  Kind of sucked because I was excited to see the result from all my hard work in the pool.

                  Into T1 I was pretty tired, of course I had an extremely slow T1 like normal.  When I finally got onto my bike I could not see the lead guy for the life of me.  “Really need to work on my transitions” Was focused on the task ahead, get within sight of the lead, get over the many hills, not exert to much effort and enjoy the new bike.

                  I started cruising and focused on what the goal for the race was “Learn how to race and win.”  At the start of the start of the ride I had to keep on reminding myself that I did not have to come off the bike in first.   Being within sight of the leader would be good enough for me, and then I knew I could show off my hard run work I have been putting in.  So slowly but surely I started seeing glimpse of the leader.  That glimpse started turning into a figure, that figure started turning into a silhouette, that silhouette turned into a person until I was finally right behind him.  Up to that point I was focusing on not working to hard.  I was watching the rider and realized that every up hill I would gain some good distance and on the flats I would stay the same.  So finally around mile 12 I put in a little extra effort around and took the lead.  I worked the next couple hills until I could not see him any more and then backed the effort level down again.  Finished up the bike un eventful other then cheering on the other age groupers going the other way which is always nice getting a couple smiles out.  Came rolling into T2 and saw my whole cheering section “Very supportive family, friends and girlfriend.”  Also had the surprise to see my coach Mike P from yourtrainningzone. For the first ride on the P4 I was really happy, comfortable and fast.  Not sure what I could have done if was putting down a hard effort but was happy that I saved enough for the run because that is one part of my racing that I need to work on.  “Not biking to hard so run falls apart”

                  Sad to say but my T2 was probably slower then what my grandma could do.  I even sat down to get my socks on; my hands were so cold that I could not tie my shoes or feel my toes haha. “I think I may be a wimp” Task ahead with my trusty Newton shoes under me, stay in the lead and have fun!  Also make it to the finish of the hard hilly run course.

                  The fans were awesome running out of T2; I could not wipe the smile off my face the whole time.  Even though I knew I hopefully had a good amount of time on second place I put the legs into high gear.  First mile split came in and I was shocked, heart rate was also haha.  Next couple miles where un eventful being out of the main cheering section so just focused on fast running and being smart.  At the turn around I was able to see all the chasers and dam did they look like they were running fast.  This freaked me out, still new to this running in the lead and all the competitors looked like they would catch me in no time.  With that panic I decided I should stop fooling around and try to put some more time in between them and me.  I was doing the worst thing a racer could do, kept on looking back to see if I could see any one.  I felt like the deer being chased by the hunters.  Finally around mile 3 or so, a spectator saw me looking back so often and he said a few amazing words.  “Dude your in the clear, don’t worry about them, enjoy yourself.”  At that moment my mind switched like a light switch, from going ahhh they are coming for me to, ahhh this if fun lets just enjoy the last couple miles and not hurt myself pushing to hard when I don’t need to.  Couple more hard hills went by and the finishing crowd finally came into sight.  Was so happy to see the crowd, family, and friends.  Gave some high fives, smiled and ran through the finish.  I was so happy, finally 3 races latter I was able to put together a race without a breakdown.  After smiling so much the whole race I thought that I would get a break from that but of course I did not.  The smiles went on for the rest of the day.

                  After a nice talk with my coach who I thank so much for the result, I got to be embraced by my family, congratulate the other competitors and talk to the press a bit.  For the rest of my time at Elkhart I simply enjoyed the amazing company and the beautiful area.  Before I finish up this long blog post I would like to thank Endurance House for helping me so much, Peak Performance Massage for keeping my body going, Yourtrainningzone for helping me train to my full potential and of course the Lord for everything he does GTGTG.  Hope you all enjoyed the post.