Word Gets Around On What To Do In Mesa, AZ

My blog post, written back in 2012 is featured on Canadian Traveller's “50 Things to do in Mesa, AZ”

 http://www.canadiantraveller.com/50_Things_to_do_in_Mesa

http://trihak.blogspot.ca/2012/04/el-tour-de-mesa-race-report.html

RACE REPORT: Mesa Sprint Triathlon

It was a week ago today I took part in the Mesa Sprint Triathlon at Skyline High school. The morning started off pretty cold, with the temperature at 58 degrees.  I got to the site early to set up my bike and warm up.  I ran a few laps around the school's track to get warm and stretched a little.  When I returned to the transition area I found everyone racked their bike on the same side of the rack instead of alternating on both sides of the rack.  It made for a very crowded area.  Off to the start, they had athletes line up by cones according to when they projected they would finish the 400 yard swim.  I had been swimming the distance over the summer in about 10 minutes, yet I lined up in the 13 minute projected finish line.  Swimmers were started every 7 seconds swimming a serpentine course in the pool.  I started by watch when I jumped in.  The swim was great.  I quickly got into a groove using good breathing and technique. After the first 200 yards, I was passing a lot of swimmers.  When I got out of the water I looked at my watch and finished in under 9 minutes.

Onto the bike where I knew I would be cold for the first few miles until I dried off in the air.  The bike course was a four mile loop in which I would do three times.  The first loop was fast, I drank some fluids and focused on maintaining a fast average speed.  With a corner every mile, I needed to slow down just a little.  At one point I looked down at my bike computer and found out I hit a max speed of 26 MPH and averaging a little over 20 MPH.  On the start of my last of three laps my race almost came to an abrupt end. The roads were being controlled by police officers and volunteers.  It was there a volunteer waived a van across the course, not seeing I was headed their way. The driver nor the volunteer seen me as I had to grab the brakes and slide coming very very close to hitting the side of the van.  Needless to say I did not crash into the van. I did however lose a lot of speed and time having to get back up to my race pace. A little shook up, I focused on relaxing and started preparing my mind for the run ahead.  The run was a course around the school and in and around the surrounding neighborhood.  After getting off the bike, I got my legs moving fast and got into a steady pace. I was feeling strong besides have a side stitch off and on.  Everything I did in training was falling into place.  I had projected a finish time of under an hour and 20 minutes. I finished 9th in my age group of 40 to 44.  My swim time 8:42 in my age group had me placed in 9th coming out of the water. My bike time of 37:57 had me at the 5th fasted in my age group. My run time of 31:18 gave me a total time on the course of 1:17:57.  I was very happy with my performance and training put into this race.

Udderly Smooth....the best way to fight dry skin

The summer heat and the constant getting in and out of the pool, dry skin is bound to happen.  The harsh chlorine in the public pool where I have been swimming this summer is pretty strong, as it should be to help keep the pool clean.  The chlorine is not so friendly with your skin.  The product line of Udderly Smooth's is where I turned adding hydration to my feet and all over my body.   From the lotion, body cream and the foot cream you are "totally covered", pun intended.  The greaseless Udderly Smooth products are great.  I am not sure how many out there follow my blog locally here in Arizona, but if you do, listen up.  I will bring a bunch of chamois cream samples to the Mesa Sprint that I am entered in next month. Swing by, introduce yourself and ask me for a sample, I would love to share.  I know too, nothing new on race day, so I am not saying you need to use it right then and there, but take it home and use during your training. It will be pretty easy to "spot" me, just look for the tall guy with the aero helmet with cow spots on it.  It's a sample, I mean, it's as simple as that. 

Plus3Network releases andriod app

My training workout schedule is in place.  The weather lately has had it all outdoors on the road. Of course, like always, it is very strict on using the HR monitor.  My 30 mile ride on Saturday included a three mile hill climb.  I had some trouble with inflating my tires, as when I would unscrew the valve adapter I have, the inside of the valve would come with it, letting all the air out very fast. Took three tries before it finally stayed in place.  No problems out on the road, the weather was perfect.

I am happy to say I'm using Plus3Network to help log my workouts.  Plus3Network released an Android app allowing you to raise money for non-profits and charities listed on their website.  It's a great way to keep your workouts logged and well, you're already working out.

 Workouts can by manually uploaded or based off GPS.

A look ahead at race day

In looking at the weather forecast, it is looking like a 30% chance of thunderstorms.  Not the best weather to ride in but knowing will help plan what I wear.
After last weekend long ride I know finishing in under 4 hours is my goal.  There are some steep climbs but great down hills to pick up speed and time.  I have my nutrition plan down and am started to get excited. Should be a fun fast race.
Last Saturday I thought I was going to freeze and could not wait for the sun to break through the clouds.  A few easy rides this week on the rollers and out on the road are on the schedule leading up to race day.