tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80385101277468723112024-02-22T01:56:23.783-08:00Cats in Pajamas -by Keith ButskoA super chill blog.Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-86711941026807484352014-10-29T13:21:00.000-07:002014-10-29T13:34:25.138-07:00My Rookie Season as a Pro & Silverman / Austin 70.3 Race Recaps<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36NR-VkEIMtriF_m11ffVMRuscsLyUUGRkFeGlqoKs8HHIg9BXCvLJksU9faWrUo1y5w-CNy5GsfsQh3nyWY1XzsBPfiSGH8pVsNFNov4RybQgh_Drsmk8YoJb-a8cEX1IcpwefWWPjU/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36NR-VkEIMtriF_m11ffVMRuscsLyUUGRkFeGlqoKs8HHIg9BXCvLJksU9faWrUo1y5w-CNy5GsfsQh3nyWY1XzsBPfiSGH8pVsNFNov4RybQgh_Drsmk8YoJb-a8cEX1IcpwefWWPjU/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">idk bout those spokes, but positions look tight. #aerosnapchat</td></tr>
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Preface: I just finished watching “Rounders” on Netflix, so you
can bet this post is going to be flush full of poker & card metaphors. That’s
my play, no kicker, just an exposed hand. Jokers & wilds have no place here. If you want
to fold now, please feel free to do so; there’s no rathole midway thru the
game.</div>
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(Seriously, that was pretty much it.. Just had to splash the
pot on the flop & get it off my chest.)</div>
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I haven’t blogged but twice this year & feel like I owe
all of my friends a hearty “you’re welcome” for not taking up your precious
time noodling around on other, similarly irrelevant, blogs and websites. But alas, you’re at the
table now, so let’s deal..</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq3xjtUhIuzn15RfXr9Shl9F3ky61OblppIfPRZybn2UhZHVKiOUzwfVlKHKlxwo5-c9UdU8g5OEO1JZJKLBE90BV-7SoPbHeAyb8VAeMv14Gall91r2wLH-Fwmf0V8Uy0WFaLamlgRw/s1600/austin+run.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq3xjtUhIuzn15RfXr9Shl9F3ky61OblppIfPRZybn2UhZHVKiOUzwfVlKHKlxwo5-c9UdU8g5OEO1JZJKLBE90BV-7SoPbHeAyb8VAeMv14Gall91r2wLH-Fwmf0V8Uy0WFaLamlgRw/s1600/austin+run.png" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be jealous of that run belt..</td></tr>
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If the success of my rookie season as a professional triathlete
was a song, it’d be exactly like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Starting off
incredibly depressing and slow with some light piano- people are wondering where
they’re going with it. Then the tune turns & the tempo starts to quicken a
bit, but the lyrics are absurdly dark and nonsensical- making the listener feel
glum or straight up question what Freddy Mercury is doing with his life. A
light guitar solo enters, temporarily putting people at ease (“ah,
there’s a hint of the old Queen we’re used to”). But then the song stops
completely and a snappy piano chord starts up & emerges (or what one would
think to be) a completely new song, with a chorus & multiple tracks of
Freddy Mercury’s vocals hitting your ears with a rock opera. Then the drums
& guitar- & we’re off,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thyJOnasHVE#t=104" target="_blank"> head banging #WaynesWorld</a>. That was a
long-winded version of saying, I’m on the up & up.</div>
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Since I last updated this blog after a positive race in
Syracuse, I’ll ante up a quick recap of the summer races and get everyone in
the game:</div>
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In July, my pops and I road-tripped up to Sonoma for the
Vineman 70.3.. Being in good fitness I was stoked to hit the course with a
slightly less daunting pro men’s field than what has become the norm of that
race. Unfortunately, in the few days leading up to the race I had been fighting a
flu-like cold & convinced myself I wasn't sick at all, but fatigued. After a poor swim and miserable 25 miles on the bike & I went into survival mode
and “finished”. I don’t recommend running a half off the bike with a fever
& feeling nauseous, but I’m glad I stuck it out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just wish we had matching outfits. Gregg, Reid, Barb, Lex</td></tr>
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In August I flew up to Seattle to race the Lake Stevens 70.3
(sadly, the last time racing that race due to Ironman's pro race restructuring).
Having just received my (much needed) new Cervelo P3, days before, I didn't
have a rear race wheel compatible with an 11 speed cassette. My bud, Luke
McKenzie, was gracious enough to send up his rear 11-speed 808 from Bend with
Clayton Fettell. Being the absentminded idiot I am, I put the wheel on, not
having a chance to ride & check it beforehand. Unfortunately, the conti
tire Luke had on was thicker than the tire I had on my training wheel and was
rubbing into the frame (nobody’s fault but mine). So a PR swim of 26:04 and a
decent (yet unmotivated) 1:19 run was eclipsed by a bike split of nearly 10
minutes slower than what I posted the year before. Despite the wheel blunder, I
managed a top 10 finish.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfQLqC1nFkZsoiFvxq0oZRmMsVeoeMGRZLsE7AA5e7hwod5J9ZZqH21-xHfDembUAE8Q4VIche7Av62b0wL65G3NPbUDR1QyA2vgXQEI3Y4yd1ROddozEndPhlW8XTbHeTS677bceSBA/s1600/lake+ste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfQLqC1nFkZsoiFvxq0oZRmMsVeoeMGRZLsE7AA5e7hwod5J9ZZqH21-xHfDembUAE8Q4VIche7Av62b0wL65G3NPbUDR1QyA2vgXQEI3Y4yd1ROddozEndPhlW8XTbHeTS677bceSBA/s1600/lake+ste.jpg" height="400" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Stevens. Not sure why I'm so happy.Must be the lenses.</td></tr>
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I noticed a lot of positive changes in my cycling fitness
and run strength in early September. I’d like to credit this to a sizable
cycling training block I did in May/June (thanks to the advice of Brett Clare) followed
by a massive run block in mid/late summer (guided by Beth Gerdes). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju06GV2vrd6rhBNc0-Wsv6jv4aZIlKcFqqD2oBL2A1rSnbnZSlLY0vWZCxuHu7SKBLOoENOIj1WnreCKhc71IImT-70VvAbBLHbkITkE4GczDQ5ymNgq4xuNPUWEsRbI_JtfCFgRMCbBU/s1600/0812_011769+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju06GV2vrd6rhBNc0-Wsv6jv4aZIlKcFqqD2oBL2A1rSnbnZSlLY0vWZCxuHu7SKBLOoENOIj1WnreCKhc71IImT-70VvAbBLHbkITkE4GczDQ5ymNgq4xuNPUWEsRbI_JtfCFgRMCbBU/s1600/0812_011769+(2).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Silvermang 70.3</b></div>
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In early October, Mark Barber, Jen Ward Barber, Jen’s
parents (Don & Sherri), Mitch Hall, Lucy Hall, Katya Meyers, Payton
Douglas, Reid Butsko, my parents & I took the #VictoryVan out to a house on
Lake Las Vegas for the Silverman 70.3. Having been familiar with the 70.3 World
Championship course, I knew that the bike course was slightly tailored to my
cycling strength (lots of steady climbing with middle range gradients).The swim
course was moved from Lake Las Vegas to Lake Mead and the bike course was
altered accordingly (which included a significantly increased amount of
climbing, especially right out of T1). The run course remained the same 3 lap,
2 mile uphill-2 mile downhill, grind.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRIJP8aVqe6ph-2XGgh78BTDKQmFPYi-7_MClurFbAvZ_dWLc1j_AEjNQwVsmxqFky0dkO25ZNz7M-jnC3epUZqtXTi3KvPhs4M_wiswk9x7TvhqmOGp1kv8ylxqjAFf3V05ECXKVOWE/s1600/IMG_2675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRIJP8aVqe6ph-2XGgh78BTDKQmFPYi-7_MClurFbAvZ_dWLc1j_AEjNQwVsmxqFky0dkO25ZNz7M-jnC3epUZqtXTi3KvPhs4M_wiswk9x7TvhqmOGp1kv8ylxqjAFf3V05ECXKVOWE/s1600/IMG_2675.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See Payton's sign for more on Unicorn Bird$</td></tr>
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After a toasty wetsuit swim in Hot Tub Mead, I exited the
water in a good size pack, 2-3ish minutes down on the lead group. After the 1<sup>st</sup>
couple miles on the bike, I decided to take the reigns of our little 4-5 man
group and turn up the pace a bit to shake off the clingers. Tom Lowe rode by me
on a flat section around mile 5 and I did my best to stick to his pace for the
next 15 miles. That dude is a powerhouse on the bike and the only reason I
could hang in the vicinity was the climbing. After enough time was put into me
on descents and flat sections I realized I was in noman's land and there was no
point to do so when two strong cyclists, Thomas Gerlach and Steven Kilshaw,
were riding just a bit behind me. Joined up with them and we cruised the remainder
of the course together. On the last aid station, Kilshaw was in front and sat up to toss some of his bottles out. I was still in my
aerobars and rode too close to him going into the aid station. Not thinking, I backed
out to the legal spacing. Stupid me for not knowing the rules that if you enter
a rider's draft zone, you HAVE to pass. Well, I got a lovely 4 minute penalty
for that, which I’m not arguing about, I’m just pissed at myself for not paying
attention in the moment. Upon hitting T2 in 2:30, I sat, angrily, in a penalty
box, besides transition for 3 minutes and watched Thomas and Steven hit the run
course together in 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> place (as well as another dude, a
few minutes later, passing for 5<sup>th)</sup>. After a pity party and a bit of
childish behavior in T2, I started my pouty run. Somewhere around mile 3 or 4, I decided
that not all was lost and I could still have a decent run. I ended up in 6<sup>th</sup>
at the end of the day, which was disappointing, but a step in the right
direction.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcDAk_kIlTkHjXr8LUlISJwnyCjbPtoEjiLam77nizbsme29EsEnWhIiEAnxlnHFXpT6TbAnWwTHOScEUtCIdojr6EBalCemF4YdXu_UM2H5kPt1xpVr1Clu7hSqyNIswuKv4WYrPINs/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcDAk_kIlTkHjXr8LUlISJwnyCjbPtoEjiLam77nizbsme29EsEnWhIiEAnxlnHFXpT6TbAnWwTHOScEUtCIdojr6EBalCemF4YdXu_UM2H5kPt1xpVr1Clu7hSqyNIswuKv4WYrPINs/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" height="400" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Payton, putting on the finishing touches.</td></tr>
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<b>Austin</b></div>
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I’d be lying if I said that the Austin 70.3 wasn't on the
top of my mind every day following Silverman. I knew I had fitness, just needed
a race where something uncontrollable didn't bonch up my scene. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh5d1C2O99Ve0iueY4IvjMysGQund_GWavp7GiR9pwfzIbCAhS7P6KuGzLewg14YlJfJi_j-NA9LzNa8Xb0urUsKrPUbtEIONXim81WLuabC6zdqJy33zqVJeGR9epbIGNhvTNMMw2Oo/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh5d1C2O99Ve0iueY4IvjMysGQund_GWavp7GiR9pwfzIbCAhS7P6KuGzLewg14YlJfJi_j-NA9LzNa8Xb0urUsKrPUbtEIONXim81WLuabC6zdqJy33zqVJeGR9epbIGNhvTNMMw2Oo/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#foodtrucks</td></tr>
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With a 2 gallon zip-lock bag jammed full of Harmony Bars, a
bandanna (to fight off Ebola in the airport, like a Cowboy would), and a mean
hankering for BBQ, I flew off to one of my favorite cities and met up one of my
best buds, Brian Wrona (I didn't actually follow thru with the airport bandanna
idea in fear of looking like a hipster terrorist). My friend and fellow pro, Katya
Meyers also flew out the next day to join our party at Wrona’s pad. Our
pre-race dinner of chip & salsa with 2 beers really hit the spot and Sunday
morning I knew I was ready to shuffle the deck.</div>
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My morning started by walking thru a small swamp on the way
to T1. 15 minutes were spent hunting in the dark for sandals, which I
borrowed from Wrona, submerged in a few feet of mud alongside any swag I woke
up with. I thoroughly enjoyed the look from a woman when I exited the
porta-potty covered in “mud”. After a wide eyed stare of confusion, I promptly
said “watch out for that seat, it’s tricky…” </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzMe8M6tekbpegNpwy-KryWBW13t3z-Z5M2gOYodvswiAvIfcqd5uDzc8ojSoxqW6OC7jmqpYpXtDX1sEm8GsAYpStjQNxxogiVEAYzeo9q8ltRaiaJnZVjCxGPOv4IVLcEHLKbYwPYA/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzMe8M6tekbpegNpwy-KryWBW13t3z-Z5M2gOYodvswiAvIfcqd5uDzc8ojSoxqW6OC7jmqpYpXtDX1sEm8GsAYpStjQNxxogiVEAYzeo9q8ltRaiaJnZVjCxGPOv4IVLcEHLKbYwPYA/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deep V-neck edition.</td></tr>
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The swim started awkwardly with all of the pro men standing
on the beach, unaware the race was starting in 30 seconds.. It was an in-water
start and the start buoys were roughly 30-50 meters off shore, so..
slightly haphazard beginning to a race. Nonetheless, after the initial splish-splashing
about, I found the feet of Chris Leiferman, who had a good pace going, and I got
comfy. Exited in mid 26 with another good sized pack of dudes. T1 was a tough
one, but not as tough as the bottom of my feet, unfortunately; lost way too
much time plucking thorns out from underfoot. Having T1 located in the middle
of a brier patch isn't ideal but it could probably be passable in future years
by maybe adding some carpets, tarp, I don’t know… anything? Got on the bike and
jammed the 1<sup>st</sup> couple miles to catch up to a little group of some
stronger cyclists that had formed while I was mucking about in T1. About ½ way
thru the course I realized that I was having a good day and the energy was
there, I just kept telling myself to not do anything stupid to screw up the
vibe that my legs were throwing out. Our group had caught 3 dudes that got
dropped from the pace that Kevin Collington and Chris Kemp were setting, up
front. In the last 4 or 5 miles (at least from my seat) the pace quickened and
the group started turning it up a bit. I ended up 5-10 seconds back from the
group coming into T2 with a time of 2:14 (which, on the new and extremely rough
course, I was pretty happy with) . Maybe it was nutrition, maybe it was me not
paying attention during a surge; I’m not sure, but I was a little bummed to
start the run just behind everyone. My legs weren't all there during the run
but I had the energy to hold a strong pace the whole time. Went from 8<sup>th</sup> to 7<sup>th</sup> and ended the day with a 1:19 run and finish time of 4:03.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJenKWaqbcDIP6nqQFrG4jNifUqtvr4SbC4oj7GZXyIPe2TSWx-xfNtbFNEkBWobf3JEK1VoB0hFLYjmGUKaxkQUR4L9rFqIetqUAtcRq6QVkep4fWVufcIya_V2mVAF3gUSm6fnX_xk/s1600/FullSizeRender+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJenKWaqbcDIP6nqQFrG4jNifUqtvr4SbC4oj7GZXyIPe2TSWx-xfNtbFNEkBWobf3JEK1VoB0hFLYjmGUKaxkQUR4L9rFqIetqUAtcRq6QVkep4fWVufcIya_V2mVAF3gUSm6fnX_xk/s1600/FullSizeRender+(4).jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a>\<br />
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Happy, mostly because I've finally got the chips to play
with the high rollers rather than playing a lonely game of solitaire, off the
back. That’s the feeling I've been craving and the main reason why I wanted to
race with the big boys. I’m really looking forward to taking a little break
then getting back at it this winter and prepping for a big year in 2015.</div>
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Big thanks to all the awesome people and sponsors I've had
help me this year.. <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/store/sunglasses/performance.html" target="_blank">Spy Optic</a>, <a href="http://www.harmonybar.net/" target="_blank">Harmony Bar</a>, <a href="http://www.stonebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing Co</a>.,<a href="http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/store/index.php/products/triathlon-wetsuits" target="_blank"> Xterra Wetsuits</a>,
<a href="http://nytro.com/" target="_blank">Nytro Multisport</a> & my awesome family and friends.</div>
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Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-70703721719724876412014-06-25T14:40:00.000-07:002014-06-27T09:43:12.120-07:00Wandering the Windy City & the Syracuse 70.3<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI-ZUU4k31LFFnqlJx6hzphlGR6cgz5VfxPWsKt7rm6SYh351VYiF6FS5RAevsUwtR2noMa1GxMq68v3M7N3M1ZUr3QjqH0jhRMpKJa3WZ2Y774RsaDT-SZ3DEKtSWS-tOc7y_bKrqlU/s1600/10469222_10153112422819068_5636408219747441689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI-ZUU4k31LFFnqlJx6hzphlGR6cgz5VfxPWsKt7rm6SYh351VYiF6FS5RAevsUwtR2noMa1GxMq68v3M7N3M1ZUr3QjqH0jhRMpKJa3WZ2Y774RsaDT-SZ3DEKtSWS-tOc7y_bKrqlU/s1600/10469222_10153112422819068_5636408219747441689_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race swim w/ Jennyonthethumbsup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Don’t travel with me. Just don’t… I’m undoubtedly cursed. If
there’s one thing I can count on when flying anywhere, it’s that I can’t count
on anything. I’m pretty sure untrained carrier pigeons would've reached Syracuse
faster than I did last week. Covered wagons on the Oregon Trail would’ve been a
more efficient & reliable transportation method for my cargo than checking it onto a plane.</div>
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My wayward enterprise to the East Coast began last Wednesday
morning at the San Diego airport- & to no surprise, with a 2 hour delay. On
my (almost) arrival into O’Hare airport in Chicago, the captain informed the
flight that we can’t land “due to a bit of choppy weather”. We circled above
Illinois for another hour before landing at, what would become, my new favorite
<i>least favorite</i> place on earth. If
anyone has any questions or would like advice on where to go in terminal 2 at O’Hare,
just shoot me a message, because I was there, delayed, for 8 HOURS. I can list
you the name of every shop & restaurant, in order, in concourse C like the
1<sup>st</sup> 20 Presidents of the United States (so with about 80% accuracy,
some spelling errors, and a few that don’t actually exist). I know where all
the prime spots to charge your phone are, where all the flight crew members gather and
gripe before/after flights, & where to sit and enjoy a beer while observing
people frantically running to & fro gates. I own the record for the pub
crawl in concourse C, having 1 beer at every bar that evening. This endless delay
finally ended at 1:30am with the outright cancellation of the flight.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbMm7MMlvffvoD4hYBankzsArjnBh7Am6k1k7oSFrNQzgtLpbL5-6QlySDqCEDVzPgScc1NEtY65G8Yf9I-MPf2UH0KoUgMfvt39vyQQytjJ_op3-pXTqyvJ4dKHFmgX8gFc2MQhS4GY/s1600/securedownload+(15).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbMm7MMlvffvoD4hYBankzsArjnBh7Am6k1k7oSFrNQzgtLpbL5-6QlySDqCEDVzPgScc1NEtY65G8Yf9I-MPf2UH0KoUgMfvt39vyQQytjJ_op3-pXTqyvJ4dKHFmgX8gFc2MQhS4GY/s1600/securedownload+(15).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millennium Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyJLqYzoa4-neN5j8gfLPEQ3Pw1VjNW9YHQcS5MtwILNGvs3Ny-hEM43O6olaDwhguZY3LEuQPAtzHPI_4s4vVcQi2O4mubE_-zzj_z3jJt1B0zz62fFTnhwFpAAQvOSqQgy4lspLZzQ/s1600/securedownload+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyJLqYzoa4-neN5j8gfLPEQ3Pw1VjNW9YHQcS5MtwILNGvs3Ny-hEM43O6olaDwhguZY3LEuQPAtzHPI_4s4vVcQi2O4mubE_-zzj_z3jJt1B0zz62fFTnhwFpAAQvOSqQgy4lspLZzQ/s1600/securedownload+(10).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Left to fend for
myself until the next flight to Syracuse (which was Friday AM, 30 hours later),
I set out into the windy city to find a bed. After unsuccessfully infiltrating
a Holiday inn and Best Western, learned that every hotel in/surrounding the
city was booked (or overbooked). I was forced to split a cab with 5 others, 17
miles into the middle of BF-nowhere to a Super 8. The next morning, awoke with excitement
(seriously) and jumped on a train into the city. I had never been to Chicago
and have always wanted to, so I got out my exhausted phone and texted a number
of friends from Chicago and asked where I should go & explore in the city. I took
a tally of the most popular suggestions and took action. It was actually an
awesome day roaming the city and wandering around this urbane & metropolitan
wonderland. With the expectation of a few close calls with some ruffians on an
evening run to Soldier Field thru the South Side, it was a great day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNr-ctlKinm9tTzJfPLOH5fARNHHbtyeDkd2b0095rYuy4HKCicEpxkDCPhwMjyovQBxdCbP6gdUAo6Z7Ad8slm7hDzrtU8bRWDvR_iSc9fpgF13RMzQ2sZd0K50fqXtmFhtKsej1jq8/s1600/securedownload+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNr-ctlKinm9tTzJfPLOH5fARNHHbtyeDkd2b0095rYuy4HKCicEpxkDCPhwMjyovQBxdCbP6gdUAo6Z7Ad8slm7hDzrtU8bRWDvR_iSc9fpgF13RMzQ2sZd0K50fqXtmFhtKsej1jq8/s1600/securedownload+(16).jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
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Of course, my flight was delayed for 2 hours on Friday
morning to Syracuse because the Pilots were in a different city. Nonetheless, I
finally made it to the Cuse that afternoon….. with a missing bike. I (almost)
didn’t care; just happy to see my
friends & home stay, Dan & Alesha, as well as victoriously reach my destination. With a crash course in <i>How
to successfully argue with the airlines by being pestering and aggressive </i>by
Alesha, my bike was found and delivered to the airport on Saturday afternoon,
20 minutes before the Pro meeting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVIRmsgJ-uwcONbdII2QBzSkXdraF__sGUOmrGyohFDeRMJ89-uQz1gNjsS5ktYrnIbHuhQZ6YaJLVoZjzYQFVZ6tocYnHKoVVQQLZDLjw0cneNEz7lWSC_IkXPEaNnQdWZuH63bLAxY/s1600/securedownload+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVIRmsgJ-uwcONbdII2QBzSkXdraF__sGUOmrGyohFDeRMJ89-uQz1gNjsS5ktYrnIbHuhQZ6YaJLVoZjzYQFVZ6tocYnHKoVVQQLZDLjw0cneNEz7lWSC_IkXPEaNnQdWZuH63bLAxY/s1600/securedownload+(12).jpg" height="140" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldier Field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNvSu8hb9yvmZIvo06ri6muPWy__y2bjVKnUXtV-Yr1wgOEbRBwVOkatI1MVuRkpFc0524H-U2K4wEt7Y3-gjnP0KXgWf_w7MmXXpvo_-SiHEpG54E3XfgOrooyL7g4R4O8UEALwvtF8/s1600/syrac4se+b52e+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNvSu8hb9yvmZIvo06ri6muPWy__y2bjVKnUXtV-Yr1wgOEbRBwVOkatI1MVuRkpFc0524H-U2K4wEt7Y3-gjnP0KXgWf_w7MmXXpvo_-SiHEpG54E3XfgOrooyL7g4R4O8UEALwvtF8/s1600/syrac4se+b52e+2.png" height="400" width="265" /></a>Let’s Talk Racing-</div>
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With the knowledge learned from being there late last year,
Dan & I armed our alarm clocks early and navigation system for the road
less traveled (the back road entrance) & arrived at the race with plenty
of time to spare. I was uniquely amped and excited before the start (later
attributing this internal explosion (on every level) to the pint of straight espresso
that I drank with breakfast).</div>
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I was slightly surprised I had a decent swim, thinking for
sure I’d have a bad swim with my regimen of 25-minute, twice weekly, swims at
my parent’s pool over the last 2 months. Nonetheless, felt strong and took turns
rotating around with a group of 3 others, exiting in 26:30.</div>
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I borrowed my brother’s
bike (my old Shiv) for this race (any bike companies out there….. I’d love a
bike. Anything above a 1998 ti frame will do). Just like hooking up with an ex,
everything felt familiar and there were no awkward moments in position re-acquaintance,
which made for smooth sailing on the bike course. A big change in cycling training
was mainly credited to much conversing with Brett Clare. For those of you
that don’t know Brett, aside from being one of the most humble and class dudes
around, I couldn’t even begin to list his endless accomplishments in cycling. Brett
helped form the groundwork to get me on the right track, and with just 6-7 weeks of change,
I had, unquestionably, the strongest bike split in a 70.3 I’ve ever had. Praise also to Luke McKenzie for helping me with boundless technical aspects to
cycling. There’s so much to learn about this sport, you can’t do it without the
help of others who’ve experienced it, themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgUmIcxumDA-_npy7Ti1eJfVrFD4vWenw44BVao4AS4J2aE6BaJ7205FLy5sN1QlTVzEe1GWXx-opsjK5z1tsBBQuzUx_THcXTEHUvB3_bys_CwadEIZw4PGH0jCSi-N_ITGa_gW4CYw/s1600/syracuse+bike.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgUmIcxumDA-_npy7Ti1eJfVrFD4vWenw44BVao4AS4J2aE6BaJ7205FLy5sN1QlTVzEe1GWXx-opsjK5z1tsBBQuzUx_THcXTEHUvB3_bys_CwadEIZw4PGH0jCSi-N_ITGa_gW4CYw/s1600/syracuse+bike.png" height="400" width="273" /></a>I rode without power or any sort of bike computer and relied
totally on effort. The downer was I forgot to attach a 2<sup>nd</sup> bottle
cage to my back seat, so I only had 1 bottle and had to grab a few water
hand-offs at course aid stations. I believe I passed 7 people on the bike and
rode alone the whole day. I felt strong and even held back a bit on the climb. I
really love that course, it’s got a long grinding grade/climb for the first 15-20
miles then rolling, ending with a few downhill sections; great road conditions
and epic scenery. 2:17 bike split. It would’ve been nice to have a few others
around to keep the pressure up when I’d start to get comfortable, but I think I
did a decent job with the presented circumstances.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhgm9nlTyBwumC-TnkqCmtXy_KfVrQHSyMru5cHQElgkJnZZv2EndDEJ2OXsl9lyPwQ6V5Tmc5ku9o6EF95BHlStDJThw7W3LrhoILEWquenyfPTpoEA0J0oLtjAnVARHlxFMRUN7Fo4/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhgm9nlTyBwumC-TnkqCmtXy_KfVrQHSyMru5cHQElgkJnZZv2EndDEJ2OXsl9lyPwQ6V5Tmc5ku9o6EF95BHlStDJThw7W3LrhoILEWquenyfPTpoEA0J0oLtjAnVARHlxFMRUN7Fo4/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run snaps by Dan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I entered T2 in 8<sup>th</sup> place and was excited to
start the run in the top 10. Unfortunately, I could tell immediately that I was
going to be fighting.a losing battle with dehydration. After rolling thru mile 2 around goal pace (11:40), I walked a few aid stations and drank as much
water as I could get down. The next 6 miles were ROUGH and the challenging
course/hills didn’t help anything. It wasn’t until miles 8-9 that my energy
came around and I could pick up my legs again. The last 5k I felt great but the
damage had already been done and had been passed by too many guys. Ended the
day in 12 <sup>th</sup> (24 Pro men started) in 4:12</div>
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I wasn't particularly satisfied with my result but happy I’m
finally figuring out the 70.3 distance and seeing progress. I’m confident I can
piece it all together someday.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQlFYfD23VBEiq1bD95Gjr43Q7-8efNRbfVBZdivTZ6eEJw83KxIwvpEMnRJRG1WQqBQnXWpyeCIhdCXA4dCbmYwhOqFGpcYakDMYzl5zripzHNlCSplgdZgDdwO_khGpS3rq2LoojtE/s1600/securedownload+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQlFYfD23VBEiq1bD95Gjr43Q7-8efNRbfVBZdivTZ6eEJw83KxIwvpEMnRJRG1WQqBQnXWpyeCIhdCXA4dCbmYwhOqFGpcYakDMYzl5zripzHNlCSplgdZgDdwO_khGpS3rq2LoojtE/s1600/securedownload+%25282%2529.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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Following the race, Jen and Mark convinced me to come with
them to get some of the local favorite Ice Cream (I’m so hard to convince when
it comes to sweets); & a well earned dinner at Dinosaur BBQ capped
off the night. (Joint celebration for Dr. Mark Barber, successfully defending
at SU, days prior.)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7GxKsuH0u5Rbp1xGvOqOIzXF8WOy6I6u_lQZjSWh35jVy4393eE2gobGiYEbrsqKjhNNj5rf8Xty4HBE4xxw40ARq1N3cNhRjFLZ9Qwln_tx9-l7-kP0LWQ0jPrAZbWxe5YykgqQhqg/s1600/securedownload+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7GxKsuH0u5Rbp1xGvOqOIzXF8WOy6I6u_lQZjSWh35jVy4393eE2gobGiYEbrsqKjhNNj5rf8Xty4HBE4xxw40ARq1N3cNhRjFLZ9Qwln_tx9-l7-kP0LWQ0jPrAZbWxe5YykgqQhqg/s1600/securedownload+%25281%2529.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Should hv just taken that balloon back home..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As you can probably imagine, the trip back home was nearly
as ridden with shite luck as the way out. I’m not lying when I tell you this
(as if I were lying about anything else in this post) that this devil woman at
the front counter of United was deadest on charging me $450 to check my bike
back to SD. Clearly, by her superiorly accurate eyeballing size/scaling talent,
she could tell that my bike case was just over the size requirements for
oversized baggage. After 45 minutes of arguing and eventually proving her wrong
with a tape measure, the price was reduced to a mere $225 (the monkey covering
his eyes emoji, here). After a 3 hour in delay in Newark because, get this,
they loaded another plane’s baggage onto the plane I was on and only God knows
where our baggage was. I made it back to San Diego only to find the jetway
(connector from the plane to the terminal) had been frozen and had to be reset
by the mechanics, which took 35 more minutes before we could un-board. Thinking
only of how I’d be devouring California Burritos and an IPA with my brother as
soon as I got off that ridiculous ramjet, those felt like the longest 35
minutes of my life. I almost kissed the ground when I got back to Encinitas,
but instead kissed my Stone IPA after a toast to a great & unforgettable
trip. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-gSv1iu2mlziYmv_2afZJnsAJIfNbnTiyItvJaaDvnQLv7MVRHniiLXFpeIJOagZihCFgeoc3nsdC4Doih8myy03UoH7sVp-EPKPmjbpvdLYSIiUEQ4Jf-BhACUXRo92JgwuTO0_XOM/s1600/10445136_10153116572749068_588782961490286175_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-gSv1iu2mlziYmv_2afZJnsAJIfNbnTiyItvJaaDvnQLv7MVRHniiLXFpeIJOagZihCFgeoc3nsdC4Doih8myy03UoH7sVp-EPKPmjbpvdLYSIiUEQ4Jf-BhACUXRo92JgwuTO0_XOM/s1600/10445136_10153116572749068_588782961490286175_n+%25281%2529.jpg" height="303" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dino BBQ w/ Mark, Jen, Dan & Alesha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thanks to my outrageously rad sponsors- <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/store/sunglasses/performance.html" target="_blank">Spy</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmony-Bar/1404103216488199" target="_blank">Harmony Bars</a>,
<a href="http://www.stonebrew.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing Co</a>, <a href="http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/" target="_blank">Xterra wetsuits</a>, and Snapchat (…just kidding, or am?).
Special thanks to Dan, Alesha & little Finn. Thank you guys for opening up
your home to me and making me feel like family.. Lookin forward to returning
the love in SD soon! (Also to the Anderson family for giving me an Ecuadorian
Spear. You can bet I’m gonna nab some fish in the lagoon with that that sucker).
Lastly, Gregg, Barb, Reid & Lexi… you guys make me this happy: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzQebPE6T2k" target="_blank">Click Here #andreaGail</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWK7J4AuTG4M32FPlkzHiIR09HCVBKvPTo9DiVZlE_D6Fq9T3lVc0E5bb3GUbVX0yXk7IpH3MBThwOh_ZLDnyF7k9EVVMbh2n86H9YCj4QQRrSjZWinaEgcpPK5GezPbjHzhUeOvCQls/s1600/securedownload+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWK7J4AuTG4M32FPlkzHiIR09HCVBKvPTo9DiVZlE_D6Fq9T3lVc0E5bb3GUbVX0yXk7IpH3MBThwOh_ZLDnyF7k9EVVMbh2n86H9YCj4QQRrSjZWinaEgcpPK5GezPbjHzhUeOvCQls/s1600/securedownload+%252813%2529.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Flight Home #snapchat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-6198811852931678382014-06-06T11:04:00.001-07:002014-06-08T08:00:54.780-07:00The Lumberyard Eating Challenge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3IE6AUyx3j0pO0lsScGNtfLVPVikg7i0aejQMh0eTtOVQaFRGMz0cEbgr9LFWzAQ1KirNTQKm0RUxiHRcEH6QprDpMjJu_9SYXAvaRe9EeaCq3UlwniszUOd5Lktu3dYQQqFCCFF_Ms/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3IE6AUyx3j0pO0lsScGNtfLVPVikg7i0aejQMh0eTtOVQaFRGMz0cEbgr9LFWzAQ1KirNTQKm0RUxiHRcEH6QprDpMjJu_9SYXAvaRe9EeaCq3UlwniszUOd5Lktu3dYQQqFCCFF_Ms/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Courtney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Switching things up a bit, I’m going to write a recap of my
last endeavor, an eating challenge. I figured this is probably
something the standard “Cats in Pajamas” audience member rarely partakes in.
Hopefully I can provide a little insight on the challenges of an eating
competition. Let me preface this by saying that I went into this entirely too
cocky. As I found out (just like I found out during my 1<sup>st</sup> beer
mile), because you like something (food, beer, or even working out)
and you enjoy doing it a lot, doesn't make you competitive at it. There’s a
separation between enjoying a particular activity (in this case, eating
cheeseburgers & fries) and relishing in the struggle of a trial or competition involving that.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This particular eating challenge was discovered (note: “discovered”
is being used as a personal reference, not a public revelation) as Mark Barber
and I were enjoying a double cheeseburger at The Lumberyard in Encinitas a year
ago. On the menu, a 4x4 burger eating challenge is offered, though few have
taken part in it, let alone finished. <b>In short, you have 30 minutes to finish four 1/2lb patties, topped with four slices of cheese, four pieces of bacon,
lettuce, a fried egg, onions and a Thousand Island spread on both sides of the pretzel
bun. Oh, failed to mention the 1lb of french fries surrounding this mountain
of burger, like a moat protecting a castle.</b> This idea was thrilling, to say the
least. As we ate our double cheeseburgers, the challenge seemed very
accomplish-able. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn't until my roommate, Jake, suggested the idea a few
weeks ago that we finally found a date to put our high talk into action. Now,
those who know me are most likely aware that I can put away a pretty hefty
portion of food. Unfortunately, I also eat at a speed similar to the speed that
Garmin’s customer service department works at- SLOW as a dying turtle. I’ll
ALWAYS be the last person eating at the table & have become
comfortable with people angrily watching me eat as they’re waiting leave. I can
make a bowl of oatmeal last for hours. If there was a Lifetime Achievement award
for savoring food, I’d have two of them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJfw4fmKKals9oGo5sBs6Q07qoyR9qQwZjc2id5H9W7vd6CiFtvywpe99d_lp6Ub2KQ8ZaWwYUFy4MEVfH-8-N7ahXxpjSb3C1C3GpUj8dVI71wMYubd5kkKxLJYgyZ6VuEjKIrdxiic/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJfw4fmKKals9oGo5sBs6Q07qoyR9qQwZjc2id5H9W7vd6CiFtvywpe99d_lp6Ub2KQ8ZaWwYUFy4MEVfH-8-N7ahXxpjSb3C1C3GpUj8dVI71wMYubd5kkKxLJYgyZ6VuEjKIrdxiic/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a>That being said, I figured, in the spirit of competition, I could
flip the switch and eat fast for 30 minutes (that’s probably how Kobayachi or
Joey Chestnut train for competitive eating competitions, right?). Same strategy
for endurance sports.. Just do a bunch of reeeeaallly long slow runs for years
& I’m sure you’ll knock out a 4-minute mile when game day finally rolls
around. (no?)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Game Day:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a support crew of friends, we rolled into The
Lumberyard on Wednesday at 6:30pm. Having done some substantial training (cycling,
not food prep) in the morning/ afternoon, I came hungry. When we informed
our server that out of the 10+ people at our table, 3 would be doing the
4x4 challenge, a quiet sense of excitement spread throughout the restaurant (or
maybe just our table and 3 other servers). A man, who I can only assume
was the manager, came out before the challenge started and listed the official rules.
When our mammoth mountains of meat were presented to us, I was excited right
down to the moment it was set down before me. I’m sure I heard the table let
out a small quiver as the beast burger was dropped in front of me and tested
the bulwark of this eating pulpit. After the essential documentation (snapchat, naturally) of these outlandish towers of carne had commenced, a timer was set
down before us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same shaky feeling you get, minutes before a race, overtook me as I looked into the eyes of the burger. The timer was started and we
were off. I had no real strategy for this (which was stupid), opened
the burger up and started mowing patty by patty down. I glanced over at Mark to
see the “Pie slice” method being employed, with a perfectly chiseled out 1/5<sup>th</sup>
of the tower now missing. Jake had chosen to take the classic burger eating
method (to his credit & scoring the most style points). He,
straight up, manhandled the entire thing and was ferociously attacking it like
a corn on the cob. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZjrovEXMnYer2LbeSgQKcPmWruakwhudRQgPMBXBQIGvFWvEj-3jhYMfTiXIO33X4F5n18XckNoxTcAcoTQzjUMVDgluQkXKjoXODfdeSQvVn2XwWW_dH93w20xYQjWg9idhTdOLbsM/s1600/photo+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZjrovEXMnYer2LbeSgQKcPmWruakwhudRQgPMBXBQIGvFWvEj-3jhYMfTiXIO33X4F5n18XckNoxTcAcoTQzjUMVDgluQkXKjoXODfdeSQvVn2XwWW_dH93w20xYQjWg9idhTdOLbsM/s1600/photo+3.PNG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game Faces. Snapchat by Charisa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first reality check came after the 1<sup>st</sup> 5
minutes, when I’d already taken down 2 patties and some bacon and realized my
stomach didn't have the ability to posses this much food in a mere 30 minutes.
Hunger wasn't the issue, I was perpetually hungry the whole time, I just couldn't
fit it into my stomach like a boa constructor. 15 minutes in, I had 1
patty remaining and started working on the fries. After taking down all the
sweet potato fries I took stock of the remaining room in my body, picked up the
last patty and couldn't take a bite. These patties weren't your flimsy
burger king/in-n-out patties, these were heavy. They said the burger was 2lbs of meat, but we decided
that it was an estimate and was likely more. Mark was the 1<sup>st</sup> to throw
out the white flag, followed by Jake and I, surrendering with 10 minutes to go. Mitch
Hall rationalized it the best when he asked “If you were absolutely famished
right now, could you eat the remainder of that in 10 minutes?” No. So why even
attempt it after having stuffed your face silly for 20 minutes.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A scale was brought out and we weighed what Jake and I had
remaining… Jake had 10oz of food left and I had 11. Jake was the winner of the
losers. As I said yesterday, I may have lost the battle but I won the war with
that burger. I felt fantastic the next day and had enough calories to provide
some great workouts.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take-away from this experience: Because I love food doesn't
make me a competitive eater. Expecting to just show up and finish that in 30
minutes would be like your casual exerciser (20 minutes of cardio 3x a week,
arms & back on Tues/Thurs, etc..) expecting to jump into an Ironman and
finish in under 10 hours. There’s a reason only 19 people of the 150+ have been
successful in the 4x4 challenge; it wouldn't be <i>a challenge</i> if it was easy.
The willingness to train & suffer is what separates the competitors from
the participants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfvoww-qm95jALMy0jwR68rvuHgk3ExwlgblCSG4vjQXzhyphenhyphenK7hDNYyojAAGT-Xb06y22EufWVzWPLDv9pCSbocAXTVnf1vFi8T1GPSs6Q0s15RpcT4-Boa2TJuu7j4HhmkurTh2cIits/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfvoww-qm95jALMy0jwR68rvuHgk3ExwlgblCSG4vjQXzhyphenhyphenK7hDNYyojAAGT-Xb06y22EufWVzWPLDv9pCSbocAXTVnf1vFi8T1GPSs6Q0s15RpcT4-Boa2TJuu7j4HhmkurTh2cIits/s1600/securedownload.jpg" height="213" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#Fitspo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On an unrelated note, I'm jazzed to be going to Syracuse again for the 70.3 in 2 weeks!</div>
<br />Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-15230728537919509672014-04-16T13:08:00.001-07:002014-04-17T08:20:10.794-07:00Talkin Durty to Ya<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTTNtWQumefyksUATwh_06bP0PUzyE5E3ievYrrR_CoU3MvotHszf6AF2l-bDjUHSGNL4gDb0WWZ8KGLOoBq3ex8WJkVaCedAKGPbiyQgOHUnuP9BvksA743GUtyc4ifVIR3vNbRBhVg/s1600/reid+and+i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTTNtWQumefyksUATwh_06bP0PUzyE5E3ievYrrR_CoU3MvotHszf6AF2l-bDjUHSGNL4gDb0WWZ8KGLOoBq3ex8WJkVaCedAKGPbiyQgOHUnuP9BvksA743GUtyc4ifVIR3vNbRBhVg/s1600/reid+and+i.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Complements of Reid's instaG selfie sillz)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
167 days since I've last punched the keyboard with my
thoughts and spat it onto this blog for all the interwebers to behold. Since
that day, any time I've tried writing something that’s taken more than 30
seconds to jot down, I've just ended up getting side tracked, taking “what
character are you” quizzes on Buzzfeed or shopping for nut butters on Amazon.
Yes, my attention span has become diminished as my need for quick info has
increased (in which, I blame twitter & snapchat for). In those 167 days, a
lot of really unimportant and irrelevant stuff has occurred; like the rise and
fall of my mustache. I’m still confused at how so many people managed to take
me seriously during that time, as well as my ability to maintain eye contact
with anyone for more than 5 seconds. I've also discovered that it’s possible to
ride the exact same times (if not faster) on a 10-15 year old titanium frame bike,
worth $free.99, as it is on a $12k+ bike (so what if feels like you’re scootin
on a John Deere lawnmower compared to a Lambo? ..You’re still going the same
speed, just (waaaay) less sex appeal).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0hglyTbQHgTqP292NOaLzn0jycoJ76doyHvA8B0wdDL4zYNUbrsUdv0NyXHserO52KLAR5rZWgV9lW495CJgPF_CwiwUbrVlbNgne90f78BSVoZ-fcK0vscYPzLg3OUpbjEHqEdKLuc/s1600/gb+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0hglyTbQHgTqP292NOaLzn0jycoJ76doyHvA8B0wdDL4zYNUbrsUdv0NyXHserO52KLAR5rZWgV9lW495CJgPF_CwiwUbrVlbNgne90f78BSVoZ-fcK0vscYPzLg3OUpbjEHqEdKLuc/s1600/gb+floor.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectating is hard work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I began this post to chat about the New Orleans 70.3 but I’ll
first address the Oceanside 70.3… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(If you like twitter, or abstracts of abstracts, then: What
you’re about to read is a brief downer paragraph. Skip it if you want to get to
fun stuff)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was hesitant to race the Oceanside 70.3 as my first race
of the year- with a World Championship caliber field, chomping at the bit to get
their season underway… BUT I did. Felt like a dude who can Macarana exceptionally,
but jumped on stage alongside Michael Jackson, Shakira, Chris Brown and MC
Hammer in a dance-off & expected to be competitive. (Even the Coachella
hologram of MC Hammer would still annihilate me… oh he’s still alive? nvm #STOPhammertime).
That being said, here’s a quick recap: I sat on the back of a big pack until
the turn around buoy then somehow got separated and solo zig-zagged the
remainder of the swim. It wasn't my finest swim ever. The harder I pushed on
the bike, the flatter and more unenthused I became. Far behind, riding solo and
not being around ANY competition (other than a pressing 20 minutes with Karl
Bordine) for 35-40 miles was pretty damn frustrating, especially when you’re
having a flat day. My heart & mind just weren't in it. I’m just being
honest here. I hung my head and spun back to T2 then transitioned to my car. I've
gotten a lot of people upset at me for bailing, and I mean no disrespect to
them or to the sport by pulling out (not proud of it either). Empty heartedly
completing a distance isn't “racing” to me and certainly not why I enjoy
triathlon. A mental restructuring was/is needed to race professionally and all experiences
make us grow. That’s all I got, regarding Oceanside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81A_iCUr6OXjWuINgbyNA1GtNDJerYTI4_tLGRk4gVAl1CrMOKhzpnhef7hjXJlDUCQUOkpJwTqSu_3RRMh_2xuDLHM_d-VFHkXbKSvdmLjFPhBkskFMZB-N1QBOCltKYPhY9jTtMglk/s1600/nola+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81A_iCUr6OXjWuINgbyNA1GtNDJerYTI4_tLGRk4gVAl1CrMOKhzpnhef7hjXJlDUCQUOkpJwTqSu_3RRMh_2xuDLHM_d-VFHkXbKSvdmLjFPhBkskFMZB-N1QBOCltKYPhY9jTtMglk/s1600/nola+run.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was excited about racing the New Orleans 70.3. A slightly
more reasonable Men’s Pro field meant that I could at least be competitive and
around some dudes. Also, I was stoked for my brother who jumped onboard last
minute to race his 1<sup>st</sup> 70.3.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race day began with an introduction of the Pro field, one by
one. After hearing the announcer introduce great triathletes before me with countless
accolades, I was shocked to hear them actually have plenty of info on me when
they intro’ed me. I believe one of the phrases was “blogger, extraordinaire”
which I immediately heard my brother laughing and in my head thought “haha.. I
wonder if these guys know that I haven’t even glanced at my blog account in months”.
But to their cred, I probably wouldn't have started writing this if they didn't
say that. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XXLTVuk8XUEwksp6VTSQu1j0njzcKpJO3aQ1pFe1W6nMXMl23sbDI57DbW-5pGI96UC4GqD4Zx7G9N9ogy8qIAM5bR0tkJ6InHRo76czGybdKuEIZxczwki2NhTXPl9GwRU-k6Patn0/s1600/reid+and+i+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XXLTVuk8XUEwksp6VTSQu1j0njzcKpJO3aQ1pFe1W6nMXMl23sbDI57DbW-5pGI96UC4GqD4Zx7G9N9ogy8qIAM5bR0tkJ6InHRo76czGybdKuEIZxczwki2NhTXPl9GwRU-k6Patn0/s1600/reid+and+i+running.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reid & I sharing how great how great our days hv been</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">After a wonky & extremely unannounced start, I
saw a few guys go off the front & left a large pack of dudes swimming a
very "Keith" style pace. Thanks to the massive water churning of Tom
Lowe, I was hardly working, sitting on his feet. I felt like a kayak in
the wake of a cruise ship. In the last 2-300 meters I got into a better
position & exited with a good-sized group of guys. Hopped out of transition
with em & started motoring up the N'awlins Highway. Literally, in the 1st
mile or two a ref scootered along side me & displayed a red card. I was
pretty chill about it (if I do say so), calmly asked when/what it was for &
he explained that he gave me a 4 minute penalty for taking 35 (or something)
seconds to pass a rider. Hmm, really? I honestly didn't even know what he was
talking about as we had just started out on the bike & the pack I came out
of the water with was a hodgepodge & still sorting itself out. I didn't get
down & just kept riding like nothing had happened. "Think about it
when you get off the bike & take the penalty in t2. I wasn't having the
most awesome time on that bike course in the wind & my legs didn't feel as
strong as I would've liked (how often are they ever, though?) but had a decent
pace going on. I don't remember when, exactly, but I got misdirected off course
by a police & missed a bridge. That was a downer.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Rolled
into t2 (or/actually the penalty box outside of transition) & saw Chris
McDonald, fresh out of the penalty box himself. I had a nice little chat with
my dad thru the duration of those 4 long minutes & saw a grip of pro men
ride in & take off from behind me. Figured, "I'm out here with an
empty run course, may as well knock out a good brick run workout without trying
to wreck myself for St. George in 2 weeks". So, I ended up taking out the
1st 6-7 miles at a nice Sunday long run pace, and then progressively running each
of the remaining 6 miles faster than the last. The last 5k was a steady hard
effort. #boringTrainingdetails<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">The only thing I was genuinely
upset with was that after a great swim, my poor brother got a flat, rolling his
bike out of t1, then a rear flat after the 1<sup>st</sup> mile. He didn't even get
a chance to get in his aerobars, let alone finish his 1<sup>st</sup> half. I didn't think my shite fortune would bleed into his bank account. Not sure what cricket
in a crack I stepped on while walking under a ladder, alongside a black cat, during
a full moon I pissed off, but I desperately need a bird to poop on me, cause I
could use some luck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkTOmmcWCIKkogBf7YInCSY4J7QSMvt9w8uc_mu6M5wgelr1Z8geXTOUCDV93IV74lBcZLVlXkmGXOuDmJBT2uQVY17t7ClbqHSqFQUgw5zF9scHyL8fnRs9bs7S_pIoCV_MjoFMDEwo/s1600/rice+and+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkTOmmcWCIKkogBf7YInCSY4J7QSMvt9w8uc_mu6M5wgelr1Z8geXTOUCDV93IV74lBcZLVlXkmGXOuDmJBT2uQVY17t7ClbqHSqFQUgw5zF9scHyL8fnRs9bs7S_pIoCV_MjoFMDEwo/s1600/rice+and+beans.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice, beans, cased meat that's been uncased, & beer #NOLA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">New Orleans was still a good time
and I had fun exploring thru the streets of the durty Vegas of the south with
my fam. I’m looking forward to going back to St. George in less than 2 weeks
and hitting that course like I did last year, but “one more time, with feeling”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Big thanks to all of my kick ass
sponsors, I love you guys. <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/store/sunglasses/performance.html" target="_blank">Spy</a>, <a href="http://www.stonebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing Co.</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmony-Bar/1404103216488199" target="_blank">Harmony Bar</a>! And (as always,)
all of my love to my family & friends for your support. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noisy on your eyes, quiet on your ears.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week I traveled back to Austin TX with hopes as big as
the guts of faithful <a href="http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/assets_c/2010/04/whataburg-thumb-560x623.jpg" target="_blank">Wataburger</a> customers. After a nails race here <a href="http://keithbutsko.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=9" target="_blank">last year</a> (7<sup>th</sup>
overall) and a solid race at the Texas 70.3 at the <a href="http://keithbutsko.blogspot.com/2013_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">beginning of this year</a>
(knocking out a 4:02), I was eager to get back to the Lone Star State & dig
in the spurs to crank out more Tejas horsepower. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqufCeHYi8cib7_WpWhFsfoRFN2CDY5njfRo_7LgBsHLUGux3OYLPE1UHOEaqLR8_3DnbMC-ZWr3SBdpBnqF0chDIUhDRU40IVEydng8AiTWXiVP3jJwnpIg3DR9qiMPqk_839-QMeOqk/s1600/Photo+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqufCeHYi8cib7_WpWhFsfoRFN2CDY5njfRo_7LgBsHLUGux3OYLPE1UHOEaqLR8_3DnbMC-ZWr3SBdpBnqF0chDIUhDRU40IVEydng8AiTWXiVP3jJwnpIg3DR9qiMPqk_839-QMeOqk/s400/Photo+food.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melvin's food truck dude laughed when I asked for that </td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I convinced my mom & sister to come out with me and
experience the brilliance of Austin because the city is genuinely interesting
& quirkily oddball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We invaded
Brian Wrona’s new Austin pad while he was, ironically, on a trip back to
the west coast. Can’t thank you enough, Brian- & I really hope you relish
those new lima bean colored sheets & harvest emotional & physical
warmth in the awful discounted Dallas Cowboys & Christmas blankets we left
you with. I was also jazzed that a bunch of great friends from the good part of
California came out to race & explore Austin. Most of the fun was
adventuring with friends, post race. I will say, for as artistically cultured
and grandiose the coffee shops, restaurants, boutique shops, food trucks, and
festivities are... San Diego has the Austin craft beer scene beat by miles.
Though, Craft Pride on Rainey Street is pretty dope, 1 or 2 good Austin bars
don’t touch the legion of craft beer bars and breweries that SD has.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDKN0gG4g1yRJangHAtAGuXXNH8P-KcZLmaTw5rIn4t-Cuh2d4M54IzlYXdLhHYFN1UkuAb62D97QVRF6HS7ioTHmhZ02aAh5J0SqylyRNB-ZxyQymKiCUAPqFPx04XJolZzg2SVH0QM/s1600/1382865_10153365350835317_265275442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDKN0gG4g1yRJangHAtAGuXXNH8P-KcZLmaTw5rIn4t-Cuh2d4M54IzlYXdLhHYFN1UkuAb62D97QVRF6HS7ioTHmhZ02aAh5J0SqylyRNB-ZxyQymKiCUAPqFPx04XJolZzg2SVH0QM/s200/1382865_10153365350835317_265275442_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I hear the 1 on the right unravels in the playoffs" - Wrona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turned out, a good grip of pros showed up to race. I was
actually kinda happy about that because it just meant that there’d be more
people to ride with coming out of the swim; anything to keep the competitive
fire burning. I was (/am) mega confident in my running, at the moment, so I
wasn’t too concerned about losing too many battles off the bike. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDnjinvkEpAG-VfA4jX_jNWrAZYLjNg3vxzkN6u_ZnPeJVRihK9cw5I-nnVK9QUSJUlqQi0jrBoBcXnVSwPiSt3DjhgnX1shP_CV6feYTAvFLMPipnXEeVugY0zz0l47Hs9ws0eKYtak/s1600/Photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDnjinvkEpAG-VfA4jX_jNWrAZYLjNg3vxzkN6u_ZnPeJVRihK9cw5I-nnVK9QUSJUlqQi0jrBoBcXnVSwPiSt3DjhgnX1shP_CV6feYTAvFLMPipnXEeVugY0zz0l47Hs9ws0eKYtak/s320/Photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momers & I about to tackle some BBQ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Race.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The swim was ok but fairly unexciting & expected. I
gotta get better at being more aggressive in the opening 4-500 meters. I
watched the men’s 25 minute pack put a tiny gap on the dude’s feet I was
sitting on, around 5ish minutes in, and knew I missed the boat. Sat
comfortably in a group of 3 or 4 and came out of the water, mid 26 minutes,
feeling fresh. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV3L8R3U96fYyeFP3t3bQjHM3eO1IyOof-JiwQw5xYgeQjmfQSBs5OWBGQt0rOYporsx1kd9hhcvhmWgQD6KaiSLEqLLN04kwcDZ7TOiy12HqzZ_WQt1ZXKtLbomQwSyUMmf-GZVHwas/s1600/999512_10153373181015317_2061485594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV3L8R3U96fYyeFP3t3bQjHM3eO1IyOof-JiwQw5xYgeQjmfQSBs5OWBGQt0rOYporsx1kd9hhcvhmWgQD6KaiSLEqLLN04kwcDZ7TOiy12HqzZ_WQt1ZXKtLbomQwSyUMmf-GZVHwas/s320/999512_10153373181015317_2061485594_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool slice in the front tire (right); rear tire, thx 4 icing the cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It had been raining that night/morning & I rode a
slightly lower air pressure in my tires so I wouldn’t be sliding around on
corners & turns (& just as I typed that out, realized that may have
been part of the cause of my flats). On the bike, I was excited to find 5 or 6
guys, right away, to pace with/off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not even 12 miles in, I heard that stomach sinking sound of
“pppssssttttwwwshwwwwsshhhwwwssshhh” and a thumping front end of my bike.
“Rad”, I didn’t even bring Vittoria Pit Stop. I sat on the side of the road for
5-10 minutes before a photographer motored over to me and called the tech
support to come my way. A wheel dude showed up sometime later & just gave
me a new front wheel to ride so I could at least finish the bike. I was pretty
pissed but at least I could spin back and knock out a gnarly fast run split. At
mile 48, I saw a female pro on the side of the road, walking her bike with a
flat (I saw a lot of flats). Just as I was thinking, “man.. flat city today” I
heard that damn sound again “pppshshffffftttttssssshhhtttwwww” (that’s my best
recreation of the sound I can scribe out for you, but anyone who rides a bike
knows it); this time it was my rear disc (tubular tire). All you can do is
shake your head and laugh at that point; merely getting back to the transition
wasn’t even doable anymore. My day/last couple months of racing had just become
a comedy. Sitting on the side of the road (no less, directly in front of a
Donut shop, with no money.. that’s just cruel), at least I had company with my
new friend, Ewa Bugdol, the female pro who flatted in the same spot I did- she
was in 2<sup>nd</sup> at the time.. that blows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was upset, but got over it. That’s racing, I guess.
Good days and bad days.. blah blah blah. Nothing is sure in sports; just by
putting in endless hours suffering in training each week doesn’t guarantee
results.. & good results aren’t always achieved by endless hours of training
(most of the time they are, however..)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc_WFY6CSnaoSfgfUkvDqUJx8D0vRHq4viqupj2-xfRm3KkTUJiPyzDFJ2Jw7xQcNHocH-G0bmlGCzxwZ8jp66fIDKKqzc6llevfglaMU6-R_Ac3Ah5qbmWGUd436Vy0a1EOB3yoazeM/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc_WFY6CSnaoSfgfUkvDqUJx8D0vRHq4viqupj2-xfRm3KkTUJiPyzDFJ2Jw7xQcNHocH-G0bmlGCzxwZ8jp66fIDKKqzc6llevfglaMU6-R_Ac3Ah5qbmWGUd436Vy0a1EOB3yoazeM/s320/securedownload.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironworks BBQ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My triathlon season is over, but I'll jump into a
running race or two before I completely pull the plug on my fitness for the
year. I love triathlon; & as I was recently reminded by my good friend,
Bill Jones, I do it because I have fun & find thrill of racing to be unparalleled.
I’m already looking forward to building for next year, being my 1<sup>st</sup>
full season racing professionally, but I think a break is overdue & well
needed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> fairly standard snapchat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just want to thank my sponsors for believing in me and
supporting my crazy racing addiction thru the ups and downs this year.. <a href="http://blbikes.com/" target="_blank">B+L Bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.stonebrew.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing Co.</a>, & of course, my radical parents & family. & my friends for tolerating my incessant barrage of snapchats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Addendum: I’d like to give a shout to a new sponsor for next
year, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmony-Bar/1404103216488199?ref=profile" target="_blank">Harmony Bars</a>. These little squares of goodness are so bomb you can taste
the awesome!! Once Jess brought 2 trays of her White Chocolate Coconut Blondies
to a party and I’m pretty sure I ate the 1<sup>st</sup> tray by myself before
others even realized they were out.. (gluten/soy free). Check em out!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDOMd-Dm4aRqEuTqZ0a9MQj5JWAmC9VEawKZHIPWaVfCV3rCqQrX1PEMRwQV69HOMIBpZ09gGX7_lzYNTOntciKHeYuxhi9NI-D5iq8-rSLNqozDKF0DYncpi4luzQE6CQ_9EQKAk0ug/s1600/Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDOMd-Dm4aRqEuTqZ0a9MQj5JWAmC9VEawKZHIPWaVfCV3rCqQrX1PEMRwQV69HOMIBpZ09gGX7_lzYNTOntciKHeYuxhi9NI-D5iq8-rSLNqozDKF0DYncpi4luzQE6CQ_9EQKAk0ug/s400/Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://charisawernick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Charisa</a> & <a href="http://thehippietriathlete.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> with no regrets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu6AFJk31xIWLDv1IyZCzIn7XLMprVY4Wb_gRyU4c_79mLwvfNt4ytuGYWnDVWSqFAbkHn_zcoGxzlVsQZ3HdaUNo5TTJYzTDQ-4yDYZRVOS-5hxbo3gto1iQmHthMck7VOpCPF6-k30/s1600/austin+night+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu6AFJk31xIWLDv1IyZCzIn7XLMprVY4Wb_gRyU4c_79mLwvfNt4ytuGYWnDVWSqFAbkHn_zcoGxzlVsQZ3HdaUNo5TTJYzTDQ-4yDYZRVOS-5hxbo3gto1iQmHthMck7VOpCPF6-k30/s320/austin+night+street.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Austin from SoCo... right after a man, solely wearing a thong, rode across on a beach cruiser.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-47371170329758132632013-09-18T12:07:00.002-07:002013-09-19T09:01:57.556-07:00How's Trix?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnbouSF-8Et9yDfxfWbpKiDgcX0k4C2UgkErhzSkGaTP1U3K3TfW8_jy0R-_M7rE4kIYpKYn8nlaQu7B47CthCRmnreE0hkCkItCzO6yeyfd2OXMpHpYFgtOOq3NgxkSZ9BgggMrlMDw/s1600/sd+classic+with+phil.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnbouSF-8Et9yDfxfWbpKiDgcX0k4C2UgkErhzSkGaTP1U3K3TfW8_jy0R-_M7rE4kIYpKYn8nlaQu7B47CthCRmnreE0hkCkItCzO6yeyfd2OXMpHpYFgtOOq3NgxkSZ9BgggMrlMDw/s320/sd+classic+with+phil.jpeg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havin a beer w/ my old Team Stone buddy, Phil MacNitt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well shoot.. I'm sorry for not having scribbled down anything legitimate since the beginning of summer. I took a little break from chatting (and partaking) about racing; But, alas, I'm back and will start scrawling out my thoughts and experiences for the blogger world soon.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the meanwhile, I'm excited to get back to some competition. I'll be racing the <a href="http://superfrogtriathlon.com/" target="_blank">SuperFROG</a> 1/2 Iron distance on Sept. 29 in Coronado again this year. I'll do my best to not run past the finishing chute and continue on for a 1/2 mile up the beach again like last year ;-) I also hear there's going to be a few fast cats showing up too (like my good buddy & training mate, <a href="http://ianmikelsonracing.com/2013/" target="_blank">Ian Mikelson</a>). Looking forward to a tough/fun day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had initially planned on racing the Oceanside Lifetime Fitness Series Olympic race in mid October; but, after further thinking, bailed on that idea due to it being a week before the Austin 70.3... Which I'm saving up all my chips for. </div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbzwKozgd6oSSOzMOaY2j4MHX3UFpKabhhpjpPLn5Caz1hbd1ul7qyqAPuabl2ha6bmrApYtjwX4OyVGQJZmT96duNJV6l8YtsTlePv1byFkhDbaanlgnSUSznkjYsfA1aGi1f1G7OuI/s1600/speedos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbzwKozgd6oSSOzMOaY2j4MHX3UFpKabhhpjpPLn5Caz1hbd1ul7qyqAPuabl2ha6bmrApYtjwX4OyVGQJZmT96duNJV6l8YtsTlePv1byFkhDbaanlgnSUSznkjYsfA1aGi1f1G7OuI/s320/speedos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New custom speedos thx to <a href="http://www.bettydesigns.com/" target="_blank">Betty Designs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm also amped to announce that I've recently partnered up with the world's greatest brewery, <a href="http://www.stonebrew.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing Co. </a> Couldn't be luckier to have the company that inspired me to do my 1st Triathlon, now become one of my sponsors (in 2009, I was working for Stone & entered their New Year's Resolution contest and (having never done an endurance sport in my life) signed up for my 1st tri after chatting with some friends at a party). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Talk to y'all soon!</div>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-75570803978243071662013-07-22T23:38:00.000-07:002013-07-22T23:38:13.623-07:00updateMore <strike>or less</strike>, this pic sums up my last month of racing; a little pissed off, a little confused, <strike>a little</strike> frustrated.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYRcfMVg5eXwv_YRVpTL8EQIEnsOWV8cqOFj7mOqI6Gn3kCOmhHsLWKq1re0eRGQl6BtFYR9TXmSkI4XYbtlCKTJePoAtst_9I03WBlDWk3a2sS1IQGoqVUQIEcpVHiGJae467Mhot1g/s1600/8zer08twk3c05q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYRcfMVg5eXwv_YRVpTL8EQIEnsOWV8cqOFj7mOqI6Gn3kCOmhHsLWKq1re0eRGQl6BtFYR9TXmSkI4XYbtlCKTJePoAtst_9I03WBlDWk3a2sS1IQGoqVUQIEcpVHiGJae467Mhot1g/s640/8zer08twk3c05q.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: courtesy of <a href="http://www.trilounge.com/" target="_blank">http://www.trilounge.com/ </a>@ Vineman 70.3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thank God for good friends, family, & beer.</div>
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ps. down but not out.</div>
<br />Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-15275233872038147792013-06-25T11:16:00.000-07:002013-06-27T07:54:31.777-07:00When It Rains, It Pours in Syracuse (70.3)- 1st Pro Race<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When life gives you lemons, make some lemonade…. Then grab a
beer and make a shandy- cause I learned on this trip, that's a winning combo for a good time. Like my friend <a href="http://bethwalshracing.com/" target="_blank">Beth</a> says, “Bad races are the easiest to write about
because you can find what happened and what you need to improve on”. I haven’t
had too many bad races lately, so I get to see how easy that really is. I hate
excuses and would like to limit the excusivness in my blog posts to as little
as possible. ..That, and I don’t want anything to take away from the great time
I had out in Syracuse. Like I mentioned on Facebook, I was drawn to this race
because of <a href="http://thehippietriathlete.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a>’s write up on it. Got connected to a great homestay out here and
couldn’t have ended up with a nicer couple. Dan & Alesha, you guys are rad & the amount of hospitality you offered me is silly. Not to mention Dan’s
flawless taste in coffee mugs and our shared love for dogs & craft beer made
for fun convo.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Going to give a brief report of the action then do something
fun.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least I had a crisp speedo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Evaded an angry police after jumping out of a car planted in
traffic and ran a blazing pace to get to transition, drop off my transition ish,
then bolted to the start line just in time for the National Anthem. Felt great in
the swim despite not hitting the bathroom beforehand. Just missed a little pack
around 30 seconds ahead of me and ended up around 1:50 back from the leaders. I
was fairly pleased with that swim. The swim course was a tad long, judging by
everyone’s times. Exited the water in 7th place.
Got out of transition quick and realized that I left my nutrition in my morning
clothes bag.. ‘I guess I’m living on Gatorade today’. </div>
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Rode fairly quickly and comfortably into the top 5 after 3
or 4 miles.. wasn’t pressing too hard and stayed slightly reserved. After a
nice 6 mile grade and a few miles of rollers, a spotter told me I was in 4<sup>th</sup>
and would likely be catching the dude in 3<sup>rd</sup> at this pace. I felt
good, had plenty of energy in the tank, and was already strategizing for the
run. Then somewhere between mile 25-30, like a light switch, my speed dropped
off, and everyone caught up and started passing me like I was standing still.
It was the most confusing thing at the time, because I was maintaining the same
output and felt reasonably good. I concluded (again, at the time) that this was because I must’ve
gone too hard out the gate, even though I was certain I had stayed controlled
and knew I’ve never bonked this early in a 70.3. I hammered thru the last 20+
miles, disheartened, angry, and moving a snails pace despite having good legs. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look close & you can see me riding on 30psi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Talked myself back into it and thought, “well, let’s see
what I can do on this run course”. I ran the 1<sup>st</sup> 3 extremely
hilly/hot/humid miles and saw my positioning/took stock of how underfueled I
was and decided to save my guts and legs for the upcoming 70.3s I have in a few
weeks. There was no sense in thrashing myself to turn a sucky day into
ho-hum day. But at the same time I came an awful long way to DNF, so I found
another pro that was on the same plan and we jogged the remainder of the course
together. At least I got in a solid workout. Even jogging was tough on that
course in the heat. I went and sat in the lake, drinking pepsi (they didn’t
have Coke, not that it really matters to me either way but I feel the majority
of people I know play ball for The Cokers) after the race and racked my brain
about what happened out there.. at least until the lifeguard yelled and told me
I had to swim (or sit and sulk, in my case) in the designated 25 meter
recreational swim zone, literally feet from me. When I picked up my bike out of
transition 30 minutes later, noticed the rear tire on my disc was<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><u>dead
flat</u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></b> Well, that’ll explain
it. </div>
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As for the town of Syracuse, it was all Jen & Mark said
it would be and more. Everyone was super friendly and I loved chit-chattin with a
bunch of locals after the race. Really cool & unique town with a good
community vibe and a thriving triathlon scene, as well. Congrats to my
homestay, Dan, for finishing his 1<sup>st</sup> 70.3 and enduring a gnarly
thunder/lightning storm the last hour of his run.. that was pretty sketch. And
to everyone who recommended it, Dinosaur BBQ lived up to the hype. Cool place, with
great BBQ. I’d definitely recommend this race, as long you’re ready/prepared
for a brutal run course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t draw up a better bike course than that one.</div>
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Takeaways and Lessons Learned:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t leave late to a race (been telling myself
this for years and still hasn’t quite sunk in).</li>
<li>If I can’t get to the bathroom before the start, I
may as well just go home then and there.</li>
<li>The initial 4-600 meters of the swim are of
utmost importance.</li>
<li>You can’t plan for flats.. oh wait, they make
stuff for that. Maybe I should bring it next time.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t pick hot, hilly, humid run courses to
race…</li>
<li>Encouraged and happy to see my swim fitness made an appearance.</li>
<li>Syracuse/The East Coast is to Ice Creameries as
SoCal is to FroYo & cupcakeries.</li>
<li>Next time Lisa Norden is chillin solo at a
table, grow some balls and ask if you can bite her medal. #BadOlympicJokes</li>
<li>Grilled PB&J sandies are fantastic.</li>
<li><u>Don’t ever fly US Airways again. Ever. Again.</u></li>
<li>The weather in Syracuse goes from sunny, hot and
humid- to a windy, thunder/lightning absolute downpour in the time it takes you
to go in and out of a portapotty.</li>
<li>Thoughts for a future career: Gotta think I’d be
a good <a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.gadling.com/media/2008/12/mb-iwear.jpg" target="_blank">Skymall model</a>.. Those dudes are either sound <a href="http://blog.gethope.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/skymall.jpg" target="_blank">asleep</a> or completely overexcited
about how effortless their life just became because of some <a href="http://www.skymall.com/images/products/74/1d/0c/203257024x.jpg" target="_blank">outlandish product</a>.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t eat massive cookies slowly in front of fat
people in an airport. Nothing good can come of it...</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll test anything with a name like "Death by Chocolate" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope reading this post is like listening to a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYG-dwA47Sg" target="_blank">Blink <span id="goog_290061425"></span>song</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_290061426"></span></a>.
Singing about my misery in an up-tempo, catchy, melodic tune. I’m writing this
with a grin because I know better days are coming. Murphy’s Law trips/races
don’t happen every time.. (See slight airlines rant at the bottom)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to <a href="http://blbikes.com/" target="_blank">B+L Bikes</a> for all the support, couldn't do this without your help. I’ve also lost
track of the times I’ve called Kev (Service Manager) the day before a race
with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">extreme</i> (probably not that
extreme, but the day before a race, I’m freakin like a kid that lost his mom in
a supermarket over anything that goes wrong) mechanical bike issues and he’ll troubleshoot it & walk me thru it. Thanks to my family, especially Reid, who came to the
airport well after midnight to pick me up after endless flight delays. And a huge
thanks to Dan & Alesha for hosting me out there.. Looking forward to
returning the favor when you guys make it out here!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next Up: Vineman 70.3!!! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Side note: Not once, in 4+ years, has my bike been lost,
misplaced, or damaged by the airlines. US Airways managed to lose my bike 2x on
the same trip, and gouge the side of my disk on the arrival trip (..may have
been TSA) <u>while charging $230 each way</u> for it. I still don't have my bike at this time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pick your next flight wisely.</i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-11050251232009555192013-05-16T16:31:00.000-07:002013-05-17T08:32:35.787-07:00New Orleans 70.3 - St. George 70.3 - & Going Pro<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri_5O8ikHjtqzcYQt3_T9JeMa3YWjdvedTNUui1YFewWCOVUZ7N76kN904osdDU0PVtyzeqf8oy6HwK0PkdrzgDT-T9hCdYQwoButu89-_cICo6f8cDSgrvEHCkAJhE3okW06FIpP0sE/s1600/kb+bike+st+g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri_5O8ikHjtqzcYQt3_T9JeMa3YWjdvedTNUui1YFewWCOVUZ7N76kN904osdDU0PVtyzeqf8oy6HwK0PkdrzgDT-T9hCdYQwoButu89-_cICo6f8cDSgrvEHCkAJhE3okW06FIpP0sE/s400/kb+bike+st+g.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gonna mob this post and deluge it so awash of good stuff..
I’ve been a little busy in the last 6 weeks- three 70.3s, a TT, 5 batches of
cupcakes baked, and 6 seasons of Dexter completed. Exhausting. There have been so
many characters & sub-plots to keep track of, so many containers of
strawberry frosting to disperse, so many race-wheel cassette swaps, and so much
energy expended via competitive exercise. But let me back up a bit….</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>New Orleans 70.3</u></b></div>
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I was lucky enough to be accompanied on my trip to the Big Easy
by my ever loving & supportive parents, my aunt & uncle, and my favorite
French travel partner, Jose. I was jazzed on this race because of the slight
chance I may attain some Marti Gras beads on the run if I wore the right speedo
(however, I was let down).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
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<b>Quick recap of the action:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This race was a time trial start, which meant all the age
groupers started by individually walking over a timing mat and jumping into the
harbor to tackle the unconventionally shaped swim course on their own. Picture
a child writing out the letter “M” but getting distracted and veering off into
the next letter 3/4ths of the way thru.. That’s what the swim course looked
like. A short lived game of “pong”. I felt alright in the water, regardless of
how goofy the course was and exited in a mid 26. That’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">around</i> what I was expecting for a solo 2k swim. The bike course was
flat and boring. The 1<sup>st</sup> half of the course was directly in to a
fairly strong headwind. My energy just wasn’t there. I had been feeling a
little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">under the weather</i> before the
race, but convinced myself that I wasn’t sick. I don’t know how much had to do
with a cold or the fact that I was just not quite recovered from the Texas
70.3. I got off the bike with a disappointing bike split and wanted to tear
that run course apart. I have no idea how I ran a 1:18, because I felt
absolutely miserable the whole time. I legitimately walked for a bit and drank
coke around miles 7-8 to get my crap together. The rising temperature &
wind wasn’t making life any easier. Everything was a blur from around mile 10
till the time I woke up from a long nap at 6pm later that evening. Big congrats
to Rodrigo Acevedo, who had a great day and won the overall amateur and our
division. I finished in 4:05, around 50 seconds back from Rodrigo’s time. Note
to the 25-29 AG(/all AGs): good luck taking Rodrigo down in Vegas this year,
he’s a beast. Also, a big shout out to Jose, posting up a great day- finishing
6<sup>th</sup> overall!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6SPhLKbN0NMJO9fvCCYzJboEKLqSBgfrJO3_S-KxVRNEUO77f6JPvk5NzyWANNdbnB4GaGW7yZO2YlD1rv6PDatyGInFOy8ND7SHQhFxTuUGNrY12au0giyQe7PD21USSYH3Ad9EuBs/s1600/New+orleans+passed+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6SPhLKbN0NMJO9fvCCYzJboEKLqSBgfrJO3_S-KxVRNEUO77f6JPvk5NzyWANNdbnB4GaGW7yZO2YlD1rv6PDatyGInFOy8ND7SHQhFxTuUGNrY12au0giyQe7PD21USSYH3Ad9EuBs/s320/New+orleans+passed+out.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little sick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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The next day (after sleeping 14 hours straight) we ventured
into the French Flea Market and got to experience some New Orleans entertainment.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interlude: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An extremely arduous task was mentally & physically
rallying after a sickeningly hard and disappointing 70.3 and getting amped to
do another one, on a much tougher course… with a stronger field… in a 12 days
time. Motivation was lacking, to say the least. I just wanted to rest &
recover. Why was I signed up for another stupid 70.3? Because this was going to
be my last amateur race and I wanted to go out having strung together a solid
set of 70.3s gaining some confidence to actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">race</i> against the Pros, not just show up and post a respectable
time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPAllWW3_9q2DJxGOVAo8flMyTDymkHTtLFs1MxLmLShLjbfbLkwrYv6aHfW9u2u7FivTtbQ4j5RxvPl0nhSD171ZwYcoP-wj9AX1Zf-b4_fFM1mCM0w2Br2jTmcSbCt7rxGA5qjzw8A/s1600/securedownload-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPAllWW3_9q2DJxGOVAo8flMyTDymkHTtLFs1MxLmLShLjbfbLkwrYv6aHfW9u2u7FivTtbQ4j5RxvPl0nhSD171ZwYcoP-wj9AX1Zf-b4_fFM1mCM0w2Br2jTmcSbCt7rxGA5qjzw8A/s400/securedownload-3.jpeg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen entering Los Hermanos #possibleMethOperationCovers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>St. George 70.3</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You never fully appreciate how much fun road trips with friends
are until they’re over and you think back to it. Had entirely too much fun with
Jen, Mark & Beth on our excursion to St. George that weekend (sponsored in
part by a Butsko Utility Design Inc. vehicle). This race wasn’t typical for me;
I didn’t quite know how to recover/taper after New Orleans. I took 6 days
completely off, 3 of which were consecutive, and a lot of extremely slow
bike/runs within the 13 days between races. I told Mark the night before that I
wouldn’t be surprised by a result on either end of the spectrum.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Utah was beautiful. That was my 1<sup>st</sup> time out
there and it didn’t disappoint. I’d never seen such unique looking mountains
and landscape in person. I was so close to achieving my childhood dream of sojourning
thru the Red Rock Mountains on horseback with Clint Eastwood, shootin down bad
guys. Instead, I’d be roaming thru those mountains in a pair of highlighter
yellow Nikes and a speedo.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bike course profile looked like it suited my strengths..
a lot of climbing. It was my initial plan to go apesh!t & tear the bike
course up then see what my legs had left on the run. However, after we drove
both the bike and run course the day before, I realized that may be a really
dumb idea. The run course looked like it had major potential to make a fool out
of you. The best advice came from Mitch Hall the night before, when he told me
to “feel it out” and that I had no reason to prove anything. Therefore, I took
the boring and less appealing rout of balancing out my race and attempting to
pace myself, building into it. Which, in hindsight, was probably the right
move. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Race:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gotta make a note of my race morning breakfast: Three travel
size containers of applesauce, 3 glazed buttermilk 240 cal donuts, 2 Keith
Butsko- Strawberry jam filled strawberry cupcakes, 1 bottle of chocolate
ensure, 1 chocolate chip/PB Bonk Breaker and a bit of coffee. #logsonthefire</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnZH4K7Xs3tPmPw-aPL14DjPijXOAoAiUUR2rwfWiwmhGcObOMyNvmX2_rM5-NGHj-1sulZPKc91_WlOEwESyxR8aneqpG5j-v1JBDtAqo4A3A1turvuH_JLfuoxhaJy1kn6fX3m3pwc/s1600/KB+run+st+g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnZH4K7Xs3tPmPw-aPL14DjPijXOAoAiUUR2rwfWiwmhGcObOMyNvmX2_rM5-NGHj-1sulZPKc91_WlOEwESyxR8aneqpG5j-v1JBDtAqo4A3A1turvuH_JLfuoxhaJy1kn6fX3m3pwc/s400/KB+run+st+g.jpg" width="282" /></a>As Chris Berg wrote in his blog, he & I got into a
literal pissing contest while standing around in our wetsuits, prerace. Chris
won, but not by much (Berg, I’m coming prepared next time). While floating
around in the 60-degree water, let’s just say, Chris & I were probably 5+
degrees warmer than everyone else. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we even started, I knew it was going to be a long day
in the water. For whatever weather related reason, my asthma was out of control
(& heard from numerous amounts of others that allergies and asthma were
running rampant). It was a long and miserable swim for me. I just remember
thinking before every single breath: “If I don’t get this breath of air, I’m
going to pass out”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But setbacks are a part of racing, and I didn’t get down
about it. I took off on my bike riding conservatively. Didn’t really look much
at my power meter unless I was on a (rare) flat section. I, as Mitch mentioned,
played it by feel and didn’t try to crush myself or force anything that wasn’t
there. I found my way to the front and onto a completely empty road around mile
8ish. Part of riding by yourself is fun, but most of the time, I enjoy having
targets ahead to pace off of/ pass. Many times when riding solo, I’ll become
comfortable and settle into what feels <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nice</i>.
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35Pfg4mMOqqP7zwU0YSyikEk-wibEbtAWH7gXXkiSHYBeGyJNs9Lu0DiFwT1x0jWEt6_1DN00yBr1QySOUCQ1m15FjK6MjxSIGJkhuq6_Lm0gUpRnIUZN70Yg0NNmDvG4yhGpvYxzUVI/s1600/bike+st+g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35Pfg4mMOqqP7zwU0YSyikEk-wibEbtAWH7gXXkiSHYBeGyJNs9Lu0DiFwT1x0jWEt6_1DN00yBr1QySOUCQ1m15FjK6MjxSIGJkhuq6_Lm0gUpRnIUZN70Yg0NNmDvG4yhGpvYxzUVI/s400/bike+st+g.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Mark Barber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Took some secret nutritional advice from Jen (& Mark) in
T2, and pranced out of transition feeling good. Again, I held back at the start
of this run. The 1<sup>st</sup> 3ish miles are, essentially, uphill. Then the
next 3ish are down. On the way back, around mile 9-10, I took a good look
behind me on a long straightaway and didn’t see anyone. I realized I was in the
clear (at least in my division and any surrounding divisions). I eased up a bit
(not a ton, but ran slightly more relaxed), saving some energy for the walk to
the beer tent. I finished 1<sup>st</sup> in the 25-29 division, & 2<sup>nd</sup>
Amateur overall. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>Thoughts On Turning Pro</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I figured I’d start racing pro because it seems like a
really painless road to quick success and tons of money. I’m guessing it’ll
probably be an extremely effortless and undemanding life where little work and
merely thinking about it will pay off huge. But...Not really.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6Bx-5qBztZc6VXNaGIjKrRkUcaIbEtDxCUfzPgTHbcO4qcrtBicgTnWlrUkRmTUYRLSdVtB6551u0-oV3zyyZ7qShsdQtvqk612GF9REyjApeBMrXlRIypepDgLhHb4TShv1xgtUVdU/s1600/255709_10152785738795317_123742634_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6Bx-5qBztZc6VXNaGIjKrRkUcaIbEtDxCUfzPgTHbcO4qcrtBicgTnWlrUkRmTUYRLSdVtB6551u0-oV3zyyZ7qShsdQtvqk612GF9REyjApeBMrXlRIypepDgLhHb4TShv1xgtUVdU/s400/255709_10152785738795317_123742634_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the all-time greatest captures, by Mark Barber. (Ironman Suit Dude)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bottom line is that I love to race. I do it for the
thrill. When I talked with Mitch about racing professionally this past winter,
he asked me why I wanted to. I believe my response was something like: “to get
filthy rich, score loads of women, and live like a king”.. A cheeky & pert
answer, which I’m sure, Mitch is used to hearing out of me (I know full well,
triathlon will never provide any of that for me). I want to do this because I
love it- I crave competition, I don’t get bored with 3 sports and endless
options, & because I pine for the feeling of going fast. Until the thrill
leaves me or I physically can’t compete anymore, I’ll keep racing. When I was a
kid, my Dad used to tell me “you play to the level of your competition”, and
unfortunately, racing age group has turned into solo time trials and not so
much “racing” for me. Hopefully I don’t go from that, to doing solo time trials
off the back of the men’s pro field. I’m excited to line up against the best in
the world, but I know I have a long way to go & it’s going to take a lot of
hard work. But, my parents didn’t name me ‘Keith Hard Working MoFuggin Butsko’
for nothing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*PS: Syracuse 70.3 (June 23) will be my 1st race as a pro. (Followed by Vineman 70.3 and Lake Stevens 70.3)</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-54151276056541415582013-04-11T12:50:00.000-07:002013-04-11T22:52:44.855-07:00Texas 70.3<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuts</td></tr>
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<br />
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I haven’t been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jumping
out of my pants </i>(that was the best G-rated, slightly sexual, figure of speech I
could think of) to write a race recap- probably because of how mundane my own
race was. It's like going to an Atlanta Braves game; they won, but it
was all base knocks with runners in scoring position. No cannon shot 500-foot
homeruns, no diving over the wall robberies, no "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, doctor! You can hang a star on that one"</i>’s. Nothing
extraordinarily breathtaking happened. I was happy I accomplished what I went to
Texas to do- win the overall amateur and post up a solid day. But something was
missing, that feeling inside you get when you’re smashing down the barrier that
you know so well and marching past it. That’s the feeling I live for, the
reason I do anything, really. Progress is my drug- I crave the PR. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9I35tfGVxLMjOQ2-R_gVoBGV2t6reDsA74lcUTmBT7pP1ZeOWuQaMxR69FVLHy9c1Op1A12TvAxuimVZozBWvJfXcnw6kK8A3Pf9Xkdy74Nzs-e5f6-WGHsDFooAdajMbYL1ifGBUOE/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9I35tfGVxLMjOQ2-R_gVoBGV2t6reDsA74lcUTmBT7pP1ZeOWuQaMxR69FVLHy9c1Op1A12TvAxuimVZozBWvJfXcnw6kK8A3Pf9Xkdy74Nzs-e5f6-WGHsDFooAdajMbYL1ifGBUOE/s320/securedownload.jpeg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#LogsOnTheFire #snapchats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, the season is early and there will be plenty of
time to find that feeling and ring it out for all it’s worth. Until then, anticipation will just continue to build.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNjmgcTmO44ETbdytqhcKpE39zR_VM4tgjF3Og1BkYQQm8zlNYx__1uL7-Q3LCYfgUz64A1GPrUHB1Sx6moRPCrSG2qefP56eYMoPQTtXanGjbzLjRG9oZkZImrtGblEz7Dkg10zXcIA/s1600/BHSoPBjCUAAYdf8.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNjmgcTmO44ETbdytqhcKpE39zR_VM4tgjF3Og1BkYQQm8zlNYx__1uL7-Q3LCYfgUz64A1GPrUHB1Sx6moRPCrSG2qefP56eYMoPQTtXanGjbzLjRG9oZkZImrtGblEz7Dkg10zXcIA/s320/BHSoPBjCUAAYdf8.jpg-large.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coronitas (post race)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The trip to Texas was fun. The more I travel to the Lone
Star State, the more I love it. Texas and I met in cold, thundering, rainy,
windy, and sickening conditions. Since then, it’s done it’s best to change my
feelings. I can’t deny how good the food is (sans Mexi food; SoCal still dominates that category), or the attitude of nearly everyone
there. Example: that warm & welcoming southern hospitality or the redneck hostility
towards outsiders like myself and my French travel companion, <a href="http://www.josejeuland.fr/" target="_blank">Jose Jeuland</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Flashback to USAT Collegiate
Nationals 2 years ago- the UCLA tri team & I were on a casual run around
Tuscaloosa- Alabama (I may or may not have been in a speedo), & had some leftover Hooters
pitched at/on us by some redneck southern boys driving in their pickup.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfp0U2Af095auvCnN6zpQKFZvAhzV0FHXgSXNjM4letPpAyRef7XAnmz-hAjhMtt3YjC03UKXAmlKFP-8pDZjOHLraPwOPyDYE5fDJ5_GWRl05KTaLK_gsAuxLN7Vik8T37PeZ47mjpM/s1600/securedownload-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfp0U2Af095auvCnN6zpQKFZvAhzV0FHXgSXNjM4letPpAyRef7XAnmz-hAjhMtt3YjC03UKXAmlKFP-8pDZjOHLraPwOPyDYE5fDJ5_GWRl05KTaLK_gsAuxLN7Vik8T37PeZ47mjpM/s320/securedownload-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ, 4 realz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I appreciate cultural differences. Living here in health/endurance land (aka. Encinitas), I’m comforted to know that other parts of the
world still view these fruitcakes running around in minimal lycra as anomalous
(and occasionally treated with belligerence).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race Ramble:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a little frustrating to look at times and compare them
to the top pros, which I undoubtedly did, but shouldn’t really do it. The Age
Group race is completely different than the pros race, especially starting last,
an hour and 30 minutes after they go off. Along with changing weather
conditions (wind, heat), there’s also the constant swerving and meandering
around people in front of you and the lack of faster guys around to judge your
pacing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, I’m satisfied (for the most part) with my
result. Quick note: Wow… epically fast guys in the 25-29 division! The top 5
amateurs were all under 29. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt9r80v6W0tdjIc8-Fd-M-rRChlIFhyphenhyphenM83GD5P0gM9mx7ZnqGJHtefOT48jcPoomp42niM-nsyLK4tFHc8GA-eYUePnELzgGhNgFNol6Ezlo0oqglBO3jiCW40B44RxUj96_3HXtAAy0/s1600/TX+bike.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt9r80v6W0tdjIc8-Fd-M-rRChlIFhyphenhyphenM83GD5P0gM9mx7ZnqGJHtefOT48jcPoomp42niM-nsyLK4tFHc8GA-eYUePnELzgGhNgFNol6Ezlo0oqglBO3jiCW40B44RxUj96_3HXtAAy0/s320/TX+bike.png" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garmin, who's pushin who's buttons here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pre-race: having an hour and 30 minutes to sit around before
we started, I ventured into the Moody Gardens Aquarium and spent most of my
time, fully entertained, in the <a href="http://www.otter.org/images/species/GiantOtter/GiantRiverOtter(Duplaix)_web.jpg" target="_blank">Giant Sea Otter</a> exhibit. Those dudes are AWESOME. Way cooler than run-of-the-mill sea
otters. I also ate a few of my friend (and ridiculously fast cyclist), Jessica
Cerra’s dark chocolate<a href="http://www.fitfoodbyjess.com/fitbar.html" target="_blank"> Fit Bars</a>. If you haven’t tried one of these little
dandies, you should; Immediate mood improvement. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim: A congested course, clogged up with floating “swimmers”,
made for an irritating, stop & go style swim. I felt like I was swimming
quick and efficiently, but there was just far too much circumnavigating to have
a good time. There seemed to be a clamoring tea party at every buoy for some
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(27:16)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike: I wish my power meter was working as well as my legs.
It took a fair amount of button pushing & back-spinning to get a connection to my quarq.. I may as well have been sending out tweets and
FB updates from the bike, with all the Garmin computer tinkering I was doing in
the 1<sup>st</sup> 5 miles. I gave up on it and rode the course without any
power numbers (which was a bummer, not able to fully gauge my effort on a flat
and windy course). The course was flat, out and back along the coast with a
lovely crosswind that only seemed to be growing as the day went on. Stupid me
for only drinking 1 bottle while on the bike; I immediately regretted that
decision when I started running & realized how thirsty I was. I need to
work on my nutrition, that was a big fail. (2:11)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioOtW2eqTT36UdKnQXdvZcIiR7Owu6VwODUCvzuc0sOaRqAMctCKgmv70HvpRDiK5WrtHMhyphenhyphenqepfprU1NauaaPa7rmfH2wX_uMpoIM6j_68mYD7KdbZxXws3xfUtM-7YCBkRe7EXJ6h8/s1600/TX+run2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioOtW2eqTT36UdKnQXdvZcIiR7Owu6VwODUCvzuc0sOaRqAMctCKgmv70HvpRDiK5WrtHMhyphenhyphenqepfprU1NauaaPa7rmfH2wX_uMpoIM6j_68mYD7KdbZxXws3xfUtM-7YCBkRe7EXJ6h8/s320/TX+run2.png" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lap 3. Facial expression speaks for itself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjxYenBTRbmUh6lLHkmIb5e6bHCzvomPr3AhDxIQ5q9xVZbohnLbth11HYFIFIX7BQAlxTUtpgIL3do5DppYsHSh-4Y1vg2xGrTTQfKEb2bE9uzxX8Psc_2ggbKectckX9NFLiWBDjhs/s1600/TX+run1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjxYenBTRbmUh6lLHkmIb5e6bHCzvomPr3AhDxIQ5q9xVZbohnLbth11HYFIFIX7BQAlxTUtpgIL3do5DppYsHSh-4Y1vg2xGrTTQfKEb2bE9uzxX8Psc_2ggbKectckX9NFLiWBDjhs/s320/TX+run1.png" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lap 1. <i>Totally cool, I got this.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run: The course was another flat, 3-looper, with a ton of
180 degree out and back sections. Hit the first 4-5 miles around my goal pace
of 5:45-5:50 and felt good. Towards the end of the second lap, it may have been
a combo of nutrition, heat, motivation, & a side stitch, but things started
to get slow and heavy. My pace dramatically slowed and I had to walk (alright..
jog) an aid station and regroup. I’m kinda proud I got my ish together and started
running hard again. When things rapidly begin falling apart in a long course race,
it’s hard to stop the bleeding, let alone turn it around and go faster. The
last lap I held it steady around a 6:10ish pace. (1:19:06)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUJ1mO5av-DGAMnnfAum9PvwRSewj1Zl5XSf33FALN4qGrZ1usiAjBgM0HkuPHKM1iDFmGRYr1bfUG1QU5UfeDB6rinrH6oxbjz_MR5xSLHa3aHu19SOp5_3l6Ifjv80zpbUvyiXubyY/s1600/Texas+podium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUJ1mO5av-DGAMnnfAum9PvwRSewj1Zl5XSf33FALN4qGrZ1usiAjBgM0HkuPHKM1iDFmGRYr1bfUG1QU5UfeDB6rinrH6oxbjz_MR5xSLHa3aHu19SOp5_3l6Ifjv80zpbUvyiXubyY/s200/Texas+podium.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stickers, making any shirt a podium shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ironman.com/coverage/athlete-tracker.aspx?race=lonestar70.3&y=2013#axzz2Q7Nurc6m" target="_blank">Time of 4:02, 1st Overall Amateur, 14th overall</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m really stoked for Jose, who had a great race and
finished 4<sup>th</sup> overall and my good friend, Brannen Henn, finishing 4<sup>th</sup>
in her AG with a smoking fast run split! Also, shout out to Tatiana Vertiz,
who’s on the mend and finished without pain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gots to thank my boys (& girls) @ <a href="http://blbikes.com/" target="_blank">B+L Bikes</a> for helping me out. I had a minor freak out sesh when building up my bike the day before the race and the Di2 decided to stop working. It took a little figuring out, but Kev talked me thru it over the phone and we got it dialed. Looking forward to having some fun & a little run
redemption at the New Orleans 70.3 in less than 2 weeks (April 21); which, in
all likelihood, will be my last race as an Amateur…</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL80p3XgH1L_cxfHTDO6MjbaopsRNPUezBASFApgxrX-13xRhpLxqxR-JjHMGwLsoEtbY45inECdZRzkANKklLtg3qk2EapasnqTfNtd2-deTO2iSwMEW-H5M8Xj-F5wbfzLV7brfpbo/s1600/548496_10151432379404302_1921829677_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL80p3XgH1L_cxfHTDO6MjbaopsRNPUezBASFApgxrX-13xRhpLxqxR-JjHMGwLsoEtbY45inECdZRzkANKklLtg3qk2EapasnqTfNtd2-deTO2iSwMEW-H5M8Xj-F5wbfzLV7brfpbo/s320/548496_10151432379404302_1921829677_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose had a hard time containing his enthusiasm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-32907049781157482182013-03-19T14:07:00.001-07:002013-03-19T19:14:03.773-07:00SuperSealStories<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsWznOIKiiShhy2cOTXqcsj1kaxd-0Vobzx5i9vHSNu9_D1ApOyRvwe_silqw6qmdLpw2-UFVHQbc9h7Llo4kPZXU3MQxeAEHGzLNEioZquTJttYviiPqNBI7exRyk5Ap926MLJqgK3M/s1600/ss+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsWznOIKiiShhy2cOTXqcsj1kaxd-0Vobzx5i9vHSNu9_D1ApOyRvwe_silqw6qmdLpw2-UFVHQbc9h7Llo4kPZXU3MQxeAEHGzLNEioZquTJttYviiPqNBI7exRyk5Ap926MLJqgK3M/s400/ss+start.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose & I ..& his French TV crew (Pic: Reid G. Butsko)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rather than pine & pout about how poorly I ran this
past Sunday, I’d rather entertain you with some good stories from the race..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was glad to have the company of my good friend, & Frenchy pro,
<a href="http://www.josejeuland.fr/" target="_blank">Jose Jueland</a>, racing with me on Sunday. Both of us trained thru this race, so
there was a slight compromise on the race rather than our main goals for the
season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I arrived early to the race, which is tremendously uncommon
for me. <a href="http://katyameyers.com/" target="_blank">Katya Meyers</a> & I thoroughly enjoyed watching panicked sprint participants zigzag aimlessly thru transition and eventually stumble
into their bikes. I love observing a T1; It blows my mind how just 5-10 minutes of
swimming has the ability to disorient someone to the point of loosing all
memory of where they had just racked their bike- in a clearly marked area, no
bigger than a basketball court. I’m definitely not innocent of that crime. I
can’t tell you how many times I’ve run right past my bike, probably looked it
square in the eyes along the way and thought, “nah, that one’s not mine” then continued on with my pursuit for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">correct</i>
one; Upon finding it, what seems like 10 minutes later (when in reality was
probably only like 10 seconds), that overwhelming & undeniable sensation of
idiocy drops like a bomb.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the race started I did some obtuse dive that likely
looked like a pelican swooping up a fish and my goggles fell down my face, into
my mouth, then back into their original place of residing (only then filled
with water). I nonchalantly veered off the front after 150 yards and quickly
fixed them. I jumped back into the front group but 2 dudes already had a bit of
separation occurring. I attempted to cover lost ground but it was too late and
they had a gap I knew I couldn’t bridge. Once settled in, I found myself in the
front of the newly formed 2<sup>nd</sup> group and started a solo journey into
no-man’s-land. Around 5-600 meters out, I noticed my hand graze something that
felt a lot like sand. “Hmm, wait a second”, I thought, & stood up in knee
high water. I can only imagine how comical it looked from a spectator’s point
of view, seeing some dude, 600 meters out in the San Diego bay, running across
the water amongst a group of swimmers. I looked back to see if anyone had
caught on to my discovery; not too far back I saw that Jose had just popped up and
started running too. We looked at each other and started cracking up. Pretty
sure everyone else followed suit and took the Jesus strategy in that 20 meter
section. The rest of the swim was miserable, I had no idea where I was going.
That swim course is in the same shape as the state of Texas, so navigating the
buoys is no straightforward task. I’d completely stop at each buoy to find the
next one. Where is <a href="http://lavamagazine.com/files/2012/10/RochPaulStory.jpg" target="_blank">Roch</a> on his paddleboard when you need him? I’ll post some
video evidence of how off course I was. Unfortunately, for everyone following
my lead, I added on an extra 50-100 meters on the way in and swam around an
unnecessary buoy.. hah. 3<sup>rd</sup> out of the water. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbPsKBc-BrcdqD0PGwktTu51B_2AJsT8LGHgYcpYNCWIpFbu79tflslTQemHe99LoOoUsq02PVUSF_ZJBi7Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I chatted with my buddy, Lars, in T1 about my time deficit to
the two guys in front, grabbed my bike & started to run out. I glanced back
to witness Jose entering T1 like Superman… and by Superman, I mean like Charlie
Hustle sliding head first into home plate, set to knock out the catcher in an
All-Star game. He nailed a sand covered parking stall bumper and won the <i>crash
of the day</i> award. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Fj2B9z4Dbw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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It took me around 10 miles to get going, but once I found my
cycling legs I felt good. Pretty happy with my ride and the fact that monster
cyclist, <a href="http://www.karlbordine.com/" target="_blank">Karl Bordine</a>, didn’t eat me up on a flat bike course. We must be doing
something right, Mitch Hall. That’s a win in my book. I caught one of the two
guys ahead of me on the second lap and entered T2 in 2<sup>nd</sup>. </div>
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Just as I wasn’t concerned with my poor bike performance in
the desert the other week, I’m not too worried about my lackluster run. It’s
there. That’s just part of training thru races. Jose had a great run and caught
me a bit before the last mile, put 15 seconds on me and it stuck. Congrats to
<a href="http://www.runpd.com/" target="_blank">Jason Pedersen</a>, who won, and Jose for having great races!</div>
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Thanks to all my friends and fam that came down to watch;
it’s always motivating to have recognizable voices yelling at you. Thanks to my
hombres, Johnny & Tom, @ B+L Bikes, for finding all my mistakes on my race-day
bike setup. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Next up: Texas 70.3 (April 7)</div>
<!--EndFragment--><!------side--></div>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-13312258317292721112013-03-05T12:41:00.000-08:002013-03-05T12:51:03.202-08:00Icebreaker in the Desert<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ecXKazZiRvmvQxdRSWf9KAovP9Xis4-n9_S8sT2C6hyphenhyphenevowv5oJJPMgpNC_n6CI-eaV1fQbA5E3CGrZs5PKR1DnHZ4Q5um3sc1ZzDcUCCW_Oog5tslhvIpQjk9QfUerg4R9rUos6oeg/s1600/581905_10152615691655317_1391262989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ecXKazZiRvmvQxdRSWf9KAovP9Xis4-n9_S8sT2C6hyphenhyphenevowv5oJJPMgpNC_n6CI-eaV1fQbA5E3CGrZs5PKR1DnHZ4Q5um3sc1ZzDcUCCW_Oog5tslhvIpQjk9QfUerg4R9rUos6oeg/s400/581905_10152615691655317_1391262989_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sucha momma's boy Pic: Mark Barber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If there’s one takeaway from the 2013 Desert International Triathlon, it’s finally learning that a good or ideal day in each sport seldom occurs. You’d think after 4
years of racing triathlons, I’d have figured that out long ago. The biggest
positive from this past Sunday was that I didn’t get down on myself after a
tired/sluggish bike ride, & stuck with it. I know this race is small in the
grand scheme of my season, and it’s early, being the 1<sup>st</sup> race of the
year, but I enjoy the excitement of competition.<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSuMcPT9MZg1MLI-TYkeSZxkDxlyVYDRB8YCuHRE990imoXSI8ue5RHIwWmclHP7XrAg0u_cKKJkj53Ib3L2DDCz7eitROD2ca9gOQMYQwBvn2hXZaehfLSTnOlHv5BUqWlRQxjKmPME/s1600/558056_588306030762_1914925618_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSuMcPT9MZg1MLI-TYkeSZxkDxlyVYDRB8YCuHRE990imoXSI8ue5RHIwWmclHP7XrAg0u_cKKJkj53Ib3L2DDCz7eitROD2ca9gOQMYQwBvn2hXZaehfLSTnOlHv5BUqWlRQxjKmPME/s320/558056_588306030762_1914925618_n.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Mel Kurek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
& The Race Deets: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around 200 meters into the swim, feeling I’d been moving
fairly quick, I surveyed the sitch of nearby swimmers and there were 2 guys
around me and 1 dude that somehow had like 1-2 minutes on us. That was blowing
my mind, how do you put that much time into a group of elite swimmers within 200
meters?? (Turns out it was Rob Lea, a former collegiate freestyle sprinter).
Somewhere around the midway point in the swim, I realized I was swimming with
one of my swim heroes (& buddy), Max Biessmann. This was a small victory in
itself, as Max always smashes me in swims. Ended up having a bit of an extra
kick and exited the water in 2<sup>nd</sup> behind Rob, who was minutes ahead.
(After 4 years of the same exact swim results, it’s kind of exciting to see some progress
& improvement occurring. Thanks to <a href="http://dailynews.openwaterswimming.com/2012/10/grace-van-der-byl-marathon-record.html" target="_blank">Grace Van Der Byl</a> for helping me and shaking
things up with my swim stroke. As stubborn as I am, she’s slowly turning me
from a surfer into a swimmer;-)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early AM- locked n loaded w/ <a href="http://blbikes.com/" target="_blank">the new whip</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apologies to those of you expecting a monster bike split,
I’m aware of it. Not at all worried about my cycling right now, though.
It’s there.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thx to Ben Travis for the pics & the splits on the course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like I had mentioned earlier, as I rolled into T2, I didn’t let
myself get down and stayed with it. A few people along the course mentioned <span id="goog_709730208"></span><span id="goog_709730209"></span>I
had around a 2 minute deficit to the dude in 1<sup>st</sup>… 2 minutes is a lot
to make up in 6 miles, but for whatever reason, I felt extremely confident in
my running. I ran the 1<sup>st</sup> 3 miles at a 5:30 pace and didn’t let
myself run any faster. One of the few times I’ve been conscious of pacing in a
shorter race. At the beginning of the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap I caught sight of Rob
and realized catching him was very doable. I turned up the pace & ended up
passing him somewhere a bit before mile 5. Ran the last mile in 5:13. It hasn’t
been typical of me to negative split runs- happy I’m slowly learning how to
pace myself & not go “Pre” all the time. Props to Rob for gutting it
out and pushing the pace up at the front.</div>
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It was definitely fun to race again; I’ve missed that
feeling. It was rad having so many people I knew out there, both racing and
cheering. Congrats to all my friends.. I heard about multiple PR’s. Solid day
for B+L athletes as well; <a href="http://rebeccatravisracing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Travis</a> tore it up & was 2<sup>nd</sup>
overall. Also, one of my good friends, Bill Jones, won the UCLA triathlon
earlier that day too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating a bunch of food @ the finish w/ <a href="http://thehippietriathlete.com/" target="_blank">Hippie Jen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Very fortunate to work at a place that supports my racing so
much.. As always, thanks to Mark Palmer & <a href="http://blbikes.com/" target="_blank">B+L Bikes</a>- & my bro-dog (the
best mechanic I know) Kevin, for staying until 10pm to build up my new Shiv
(more on the Shiv in a near future post). A big thanks to Mark Barber for all the help this weekend. Mark wins the award for giving the most accurate in-race timing splits. I was stoked my mom came out
to watch and got to witness a bit of race drama unfold. I'm sure it wasn't easy for her to watch a come from behind win. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
Next up: Superseal (Olympic dist) March 17</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-64198097439581870752013-01-16T22:39:00.001-08:002013-02-07T23:09:14.394-08:002013 Petco 5K9 <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDoPRL-u4LVa0LVKsd-aeQli0H3U1maC3fEHH4ii19Xb6jwz0-RnF7IRZ8HNAQQmCYpsH6BE9rcquBTkeSiJr8w2WqFaFOzRJikT4BMvQFMfXs30p9oKdKSUG86MegdLr-ktgpmxaOgM/s1600/Finish+5k9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDoPRL-u4LVa0LVKsd-aeQli0H3U1maC3fEHH4ii19Xb6jwz0-RnF7IRZ8HNAQQmCYpsH6BE9rcquBTkeSiJr8w2WqFaFOzRJikT4BMvQFMfXs30p9oKdKSUG86MegdLr-ktgpmxaOgM/s1600/Finish+5k9.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to beat that dog's grin.</td></tr>
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Flawless event. Had I no dog, I’d still go spec this event,
purely for the comedy of watching all these people run with their dogs. Some
people are far superior runners to their dogs and some dogs far superior to
their owners. Either way, I love dogs and there’s no race where people are
smiling as much as this one. Even the volunteers on poop patrol are smiling... no, but seriously, they are- it's kinda weird. I’m pretty sure there’s more mollycoddling for the
dogs than the people.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneeze?</td></tr>
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Here’s a little story about the endurance history of Parker
& I: When I started running, back in 2009 (like.. running without chasing or
kicking some ball, or rounding a base, or thru a campus late to a class), I ONLY
ran with Parker. Lately, I’ve been getting a bit emotional running with him-
looking back at all the milestones we’ve hit together; My first 20 or so runs
were all with Parker, he was with me the 1<sup>st</sup> time I broke an
8-minute mile, a 7-minute mile, a 6-minute mile, a 5-minute mile, a sub 18 minute 5k, a sub 17
minute 5k (he missed out on the 1st sub 16, but I have full confidence he can
do it)… Up until recently, Parker has always been there to lead and push the
pace each time we run together. Unfortunately, as a combo of him aging & me
getting faster (& sequentially not being able to workout as much with him)
the weight has been shifted slightly. It was simultaneously good and bad; In
the last ¾-½ mile of the 5k9, Parker started to fade when I wanted to go faster.
It was almost at the same exact spot last year that the roles were reversed and
Parker wanted to go faster as I was feeling like passing out. Regardless, I can
read Parker pretty well and he didn’t have anything left, so I wasn’t about to
break out the bit and whip to get him to stay with the dude who took over the
lead. He was as happy as a dog can be and even though we ended up 10/15 seconds
behind the eventual winner, guaranteed, we had more fun hard charging up front
& alone for 14 minutes. I think we ran a mid 16 minute 5k, which was a great
time for that guy considering his lack of endurance runs as of late. Even
though we ended the day in 2<sup>nd</sup> place (overall), places don’t matter
to a dude that is running with his best friend (and vice versa). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired pup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-45343755615418836062012-10-31T01:32:00.000-07:002012-10-31T01:48:18.294-07:00Cold Chillin @ the Austin 70.3<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3bI1m3d4_g3LmvN-E43pEFyg2oSwHLsUSQC1POEDZwc7-7AEdTFYe9em6aTU1Vq3tlotpUcdgV7-NwpS6MydxDVf9FwMity0TzYVv0guAzOZRrRwjUrcZUene__EuxCu5nGPyqHJrXk/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3bI1m3d4_g3LmvN-E43pEFyg2oSwHLsUSQC1POEDZwc7-7AEdTFYe9em6aTU1Vq3tlotpUcdgV7-NwpS6MydxDVf9FwMity0TzYVv0guAzOZRrRwjUrcZUene__EuxCu5nGPyqHJrXk/s400/securedownload.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre riding part of the course in a sweatshirt. #cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeOXsA8sp_E">“These go to eleven” –This is Spinal Tap</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d just like to be completely honest with everyone and come
clean right now…. At the beginning of the year, I went to Mitch Hall to help
advise/coach me. He immediately had me doing copious amounts of PERFORMANCE
ENHANCING workouts. The secret is out now. Thanks for being patient,
tolerating my nonsense and helping me, Mitch. I’d also like to give the speedy
Beth Walsh a huge ‘Thank You’ for being a top-notch training partner. Her run
workouts are a game changer!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUWCtpqkWSdgHhhEZ1-EyqXqLIY_le1l4Hw3Iy0Jncawe2rZKNvyz18vde3zIhxRs31JTC724Kh6gsPd3wi6MiSDiwaHGcomzGy0hHQDF3HueNrg4dw9ZVjUFTGZPH0z4lfOe2SAu9P4/s1600/securedownload-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUWCtpqkWSdgHhhEZ1-EyqXqLIY_le1l4Hw3Iy0Jncawe2rZKNvyz18vde3zIhxRs31JTC724Kh6gsPd3wi6MiSDiwaHGcomzGy0hHQDF3HueNrg4dw9ZVjUFTGZPH0z4lfOe2SAu9P4/s320/securedownload-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Congress Street Food Trucks, ftw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The city of Austin is pretty cool. After my past two
experiences with Texas, I wasn’t the biggest fan of that state. (Collegiate
Nationals in Lubbock, 2010: cold as balls, hypothermic water, stormy and out of
control wind. Galveston 5150 2011: out of control wind and heat.) Besides the
weather, Texas has been fairly unimpressive to me. However, Austin was
redeeming. The city seemed to have a good pulse on awesome food, good music,
and a fairly artistic culture. I never really had a chance to mingle with common
folk in the city so I can’t really say whether Austinites were actually on this
planet or in their own world. They seemed aight tho.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race Morning</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet again, my wave was one of the last to go off, which was
an hour and 20ish minutes after the pro men. After they kicked us out of
transition around 7, I had plenty of time to freeze my loins off in the low
40-degree air. I stuck around to witness the pro men & women exit the swim
& frigidly jump on their bikes. <i>Quick side story</i>: The day before the race,
Beth had been joking about shoving newspaper into her tri kit to stay warm on
the bike along with various other outlandish antics in attempt to keep warm.
Again, I thought this was a JOKE. Low and behold, here comes Beth into T1….
& chaotically starts cramming newspaper everywhere into her kit. Priceless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So after I witnessed some more bizarre methods of people
attempting to cover up, I decided enough was enough and something had to be
done about the bone chilling breeze that was making me regret my decision not
buy an Eskimo suit for this race. Desperate times called for desperate
measures, so I headed to the porta-potties, put on my wetsuit then put my
morning clothes over that, fully closed the toilet seat and took a nap for 30
minutes (yes, in the porta-potty). That may have been the best decision of the
day, actually.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Race</div>
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<br /></div>
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Swim: 26:17</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQTnLVfIV_imBtfjRGKJ0hjiQLy6u3uYoua1zoP8cpY63ZLUk5IYUVT9fb-O8OL0qxrAzmF_XoQptRpmDQcC6s5kHrCGQDT0YLu1lzucCqbbykqFm0vTnouOTELkumx9TU054o00_qCc/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQTnLVfIV_imBtfjRGKJ0hjiQLy6u3uYoua1zoP8cpY63ZLUk5IYUVT9fb-O8OL0qxrAzmF_XoQptRpmDQcC6s5kHrCGQDT0YLu1lzucCqbbykqFm0vTnouOTELkumx9TU054o00_qCc/s200/Picture+10.png" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to find the string... &</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGl3E9z9vauL7YzZhxh1WZYJ8EQ_8Ob9YQ5opGAYoDtU2nAdX7_yvtf83npXFjcqCNr64hq82H7Ks4XdW4IUrWVLAeJdJfY4BWhSxdqzv2QBfm9XJhGMhiDOS8JhNOtYG3M1b8VLfcwg/s1600/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGl3E9z9vauL7YzZhxh1WZYJ8EQ_8Ob9YQ5opGAYoDtU2nAdX7_yvtf83npXFjcqCNr64hq82H7Ks4XdW4IUrWVLAeJdJfY4BWhSxdqzv2QBfm9XJhGMhiDOS8JhNOtYG3M1b8VLfcwg/s200/Picture+9.png" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forget that, I'll get a volunteer to do it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to sound like a douche, but I could tell as we were
lining up in the water for the open water start, the competition wasn’t going
to be too thick. I seemed to be the only dude (along with my buddy, Marco from
SD) wanting to be at the front, pushing the invisible line between the start
buoys. After the horn sounded, I believe there were two dudes on my feet at the
1<sup>st</sup> buoy. I did another check around the 2<sup>nd</sup> buoy, around
4-500 meters out, and had a pretty sizable gap going on. I arrived at the
conclusion that there was a good chance I’d be on my own for the rest of the
day. I did my best to keep pressing the pace in the swim despite running into
countless people floating about on the course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike: 2:16</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxcGwZ_Wo2h8E6YE9WedzlHm7pJJAJf1aN-pYp4FG_O0YS2ExmVtUEqBjjeR30j50_ADyzToWPM7zUfKL45qnIeAjQX6iaeRgaQVTnCuVx8HmcsKJk042BpTS1arisCwo_EI6PWzb7UU/s1600/aero+up+a+hill.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxcGwZ_Wo2h8E6YE9WedzlHm7pJJAJf1aN-pYp4FG_O0YS2ExmVtUEqBjjeR30j50_ADyzToWPM7zUfKL45qnIeAjQX6iaeRgaQVTnCuVx8HmcsKJk042BpTS1arisCwo_EI6PWzb7UU/s320/aero+up+a+hill.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't do this.. TT position uphill. Totally unnecessary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I’ll try to limit my whining here, as my time didn’t turn
out to be too bad, but I’m still not very happy with the way I rode. It took me
around 25 miles to “find it” on the bike. Like I had mentioned earlier, it was
a bit nippy out, so getting my legs going took a while. The condition of the
roads and headwind weren’t helping anything either. But, once I found “it”,
somewhere between miles 25-30, no one was touching this ish. The last 20 miles
I was on fire and wish I’d have been riding around some faster guys because I
was craving some competition. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcfUMnTWX1bS6qrcEiqe0e83xFyHjYYm1DrShd-17nEyZfqfaQ_5sOqnKznU45R0KwZy8MaxIyhocOA_ay73vCsZ5Zwir6axZu9-rHu5YnhrZtVr7uHAEJ4eNKKbCCHI6BtUJpODrpsg/s1600/taking+it+to+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcfUMnTWX1bS6qrcEiqe0e83xFyHjYYm1DrShd-17nEyZfqfaQ_5sOqnKznU45R0KwZy8MaxIyhocOA_ay73vCsZ5Zwir6axZu9-rHu5YnhrZtVr7uHAEJ4eNKKbCCHI6BtUJpODrpsg/s320/taking+it+to+11.png" width="211" /></a>Run: 1:17 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may have taken 3 years of failing 70.3 runs, but I’m beginning
to figure it out. I love going fast and I’m excited to keep working hard and
see what I’m capable of next year & on... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrglRVwOdpHPiAG6lHwPHJoLEz5ElA2F48SHASdRNwrBa7-dmc3YQ4BDGTuw4VqNEokf8yu63MWroyOnGzGyC0AdJ3pKW3ZdzUL8EbXCoEgYDL82MI6X9CrHKCfLlehZPHeqp_3qPeYw/s1600/Austin+70.3+garmin+splits.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrglRVwOdpHPiAG6lHwPHJoLEz5ElA2F48SHASdRNwrBa7-dmc3YQ4BDGTuw4VqNEokf8yu63MWroyOnGzGyC0AdJ3pKW3ZdzUL8EbXCoEgYDL82MI6X9CrHKCfLlehZPHeqp_3qPeYw/s200/Austin+70.3+garmin+splits.png" width="186" /></a>This course was slightly rolling with a smidgen of dirt
trail, so sticking to a particular pace wasn’t really doable. So I just picked,
what I thought, was a hard yet sustainable pace and kept it. Apparently that pace
was sub 6. If you’re interested, I’ll post the mile splits from my garmin (if
that’s what you’re into). The last 2 miles I was feeling really lazy and lost a
bit of motivation to keep a hard pace going. But I cruised in feeling pretty good
about my day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total: 4:04 (1<sup>st</sup> Overall Amateur, 7<sup>th</sup>
Overall, 1<sup>st</sup> 25-29ag) <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman-70.3/austin/results.aspx#axzz2Al5y8fZA">Full results</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoyBW3tEKxhPjDlfhuKxUgg3RakajR2wuVo5i1Pwvc3pcRyKH8qjX6Z0Ux5APJGdvdLWEg3iijIEzSx-MzU_zrznMOzQOpi2yM8aw6x9GG-R6_gG6o-rKlCa4t-C3ZVy-ri81D7eTE4I/s1600/finish.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoyBW3tEKxhPjDlfhuKxUgg3RakajR2wuVo5i1Pwvc3pcRyKH8qjX6Z0Ux5APJGdvdLWEg3iijIEzSx-MzU_zrznMOzQOpi2yM8aw6x9GG-R6_gG6o-rKlCa4t-C3ZVy-ri81D7eTE4I/s320/finish.png" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stoked to take a little break and get some surfing in before
picking up a fresh bike and run game and building for next year. I’ll post
something later when I know what my plan for next year is… </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being (probably) the last post for the year, I have to thank
some people. The first of which being my parents; I love you guys more than you
know. Thank you for supporting me from the 1<sup>st</sup> day I decided to do
one of these ridiculous things. Thanks to all my friends and family for the encouragement
throughout the year; I wouldn’t be able to keep a positive attitude towards
racing without you guys. Mark Palmer, you’re as tough as nails and I know
you’re going to recover from your crash and only become stronger. Thank you for
providing a job for me at the best tri shop in SD (<a href="http://blbikes.com/">B+L Bikes</a>) and supporting my
racing. And last but not least, Ramon. My friend, I’ve never met anyone as
passionate about life as you. You help me realize how awesome something as
simple as running for 45 minutes down the coast is.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-56071924425654970782012-10-04T13:06:00.001-07:002012-10-04T13:39:38.754-07:00Super(duper)Frog<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfczo75lMisLHWGCtnJlNl1yWWDmISpA6rQA2wehEoZJTvyqToowc5AsYdXuKmgwjH8U5MIgoVcwb4qh5z_H60Y2jqyekWnkpJ8NwKgxzz8u4JEwhjBSyh5RhwlXA_S3RwryJ5uCKyjw/s1600/55272-large_013b_Superfrog2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfczo75lMisLHWGCtnJlNl1yWWDmISpA6rQA2wehEoZJTvyqToowc5AsYdXuKmgwjH8U5MIgoVcwb4qh5z_H60Y2jqyekWnkpJ8NwKgxzz8u4JEwhjBSyh5RhwlXA_S3RwryJ5uCKyjw/s400/55272-large_013b_Superfrog2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken off Slowtwich.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Preface: First of all, there will be no talk about speedos
in this blog post. I don’t care that Lance raced in (a lackluster) one; it’s
old hat to me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aight, lets do this!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve stated this before, but I’ll say it again, I race the
best when I don’t think about it & just go hard. The more I think about a
race in the week leading up to it, race morning, or during the actual race… the
more I suck. For example, all I did for a month leading in to the Las Vegas
70.3 was religiously deliberate every little detail in my head; then I over-analyzed
everything while I was racing. What happened.. ? I sucked. (I know I just used a fallacy, but it works). Almost every “good”
race I’ve had, I've merely showed up, ready to get brutal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, two weeks out from SuperFrog, I honestly didn’t even
think about tapering much, I just did what I wanted (workout wise, food wise,
beer wise…). Race day, didn’t sweat out the details of how I was going to race, beforehand; I just wanted to roll. I’m not a very orderly person. Over-structure only creates angst. I don’t function on any level when
everything is deeply detailed and planned out ahead of time. I thrive off of
spontaneity. Not saying I don’t have any levels of organization..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Recapitulation </u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race morning, I woke up at 4am to find my beloved roommate,
Ramon, freshly & haphazardly draped across the floor with a streak of
snacks, clothes, and other debris, trailing from the front door, to the bathroom, to his final place of residing. This was my first inspiration- to race as hard as
he had just partied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Got to transition and chatted with some friends for a bit.
The moment of the morning may have been Karl Bordine’s face as he was warming
up on the trainer in transition and Lance strolled up next to us with his
entourage and circus of photographers & media’ers. I think Karl had headphones
in and his back turned, but as the atmosphere went from peaceful to chaotic
within a matter of seconds, he sat up & gave me a look, as if to say: “I
don’t even need to check behind me to know what’s going on right now”. It was
fairly comical, as Karl is not a small guy, and was nonchalantly warming up
right in the middle of this pandemonium.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzUQAPi9mTv_2n9D0fMYjddhFBNTFrNpzAuojjY99cAZg-9Ij82GCRXS4vQo_ZT_-9XXmtTNnaIu4hoOGMJEuIMK_uRZAqE0stVXkWa1JYY8sdM633wNDanpqb8TGMmX6apYJfU0jCVg/s1600/securedownload-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzUQAPi9mTv_2n9D0fMYjddhFBNTFrNpzAuojjY99cAZg-9Ij82GCRXS4vQo_ZT_-9XXmtTNnaIu4hoOGMJEuIMK_uRZAqE0stVXkWa1JYY8sdM633wNDanpqb8TGMmX6apYJfU0jCVg/s400/securedownload-2.jpeg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Dan Megna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim: There was a bit of swellage on the beach Sunday morning,
so I was pretty stoked to navigate the surf. It may be one of the few
advantages I possess in triathlon, coming from a surfing background. Apparently, it
didn’t matter because I had the slowest start ever, my goggles fell off after
the 1<sup>st</sup> dolphin dive. After getting them back on and adjusted, I was
already #OTB of the front group after 20 seconds. I, pretty much, did the entire
swim solo (& essentially the rest of the race, for that matter). I had the sighting pretty
dialed in, I just didn’t have anyone to swim with, so I wasn’t pressing as hard
of a pace as I should’ve been. On the exit of the 1<sup>st</sup> lap, I was
told it was just under a minute to the front group. On my 2<sup>nd</sup> exit,
I was 3 minutes back from the front guys… hmmm. 28:15</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fairly straight forward here- 56 miles of flat road….. by
myself. It was a monotonous 2 hours & 11 minutes, playing number games with
my new powermeter (thank you Mark Palmer & B+L Bikes). I loved the cheers
from all my friends and family (& even people I don’t know) that came
out to watch! Thank you for the entertainment. I jumped off the bike in 4<sup>th</sup>
place overall, around 10 minutes from the leader.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpkEmlGKnlToY0boMgRDEBXwQGjcKu-o0NwQfm_1Vl508Yd34VgJ5ZyHJZLeLnEkhF0Zy0Q1jCB0H04tFlWhA4obA3S3PvoLysH3g6rtbBhQlVNgXyXIJZISPJKhXdazXS1cc_UlyuPw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpkEmlGKnlToY0boMgRDEBXwQGjcKu-o0NwQfm_1Vl508Yd34VgJ5ZyHJZLeLnEkhF0Zy0Q1jCB0H04tFlWhA4obA3S3PvoLysH3g6rtbBhQlVNgXyXIJZISPJKhXdazXS1cc_UlyuPw/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steph Galuppo w/ the pic cred</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Run: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Sorry to go 'tridork' on everyone and talk about mile splits
here. I don’t do it often.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite only drinking 1 ½ water bottles during the bike, I
think I left too much in the tank, because my legs felt way too fresh when I
started running. Amped on having a good run, my first mile down the beach was
5:52 followed by a 6:14. The 3<sup>rd</sup> mile was rough because the sand got
mega deep. After 3 miles on soft sand, running on the flat asphalt and hard packed paths
felt like cheating. I was hitting a nails pace on the 1<sup>st</sup> loop
(3 miles ranging between 6:05-6:15 miles). On the second lap, things started to
slow down a bit and the lack of nutrition finally caught up to me. I ran a
lethargic 6:20-6:40 pace for the next 3. I then exited this loop back onto the
beach, still running solo and in no-man’s-land. There were no volunteers to
direct me at the time, but it looked like I was supposed to make a left into
some soft sand and run south. So I did, and after around a minute or so, I
didn’t see anyone ahead and stopped. I second guessed my course choice and ran
back to the gate, a volunteer told me that we were actually supposed to run
down this path. That was stupid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGacuk9aThgLH-KFOnDjx8RskoxCwI_oVyORmIY3OS5xWNPeHqVYTUOm65uUICwiRE0eDeT8FUIMb-iK1I-MpMBXASKqFrNhzaYTO3FteF8VXqRy3WI5RHHIc7eaNL8UdUn8Og4G08qP0/s1600/397246_4358097305174_1659554482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGacuk9aThgLH-KFOnDjx8RskoxCwI_oVyORmIY3OS5xWNPeHqVYTUOm65uUICwiRE0eDeT8FUIMb-iK1I-MpMBXASKqFrNhzaYTO3FteF8VXqRy3WI5RHHIc7eaNL8UdUn8Og4G08qP0/s320/397246_4358097305174_1659554482_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Angel King for the finish line snap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 1<sup>st</sup> mile or so back on
the beach was pretty tough and my rhythm was like a bad dubstep song. It took
way too long, but I remembered how to run on sand again and my pace went from an
old lady’s grocery store stroll to an unenthused little leaguer’s trot from the
bench to his position in the field. I finally reached the expo area & my
garmin told me I had run 13.1 miles, so I figured the end was near, but I
didn’t know where exactly. I got a ton of high fives from spectators and
friends on the beach, but I swear I asked everyone “where’s the finish?!”. No
one had an answer for me. I found out the finish was around 2 minutes back from
where I had been running when a cop finally flagged me down. I ran right past
the turn into the finish line. There were no volunteers to flag me down into
the turn (it sounds stupid not knowing where the finish is, but when I’m
racing, I’m not thinking sensibly anyways). Oh well, I lost an overall place
and a solid chunk of time, but I wasn’t overly upset about it. When my watch
hit 13 miles, my run time was somewhere in the 1:27 minutes range, but it ended
up being 1:31 after my off-course adventure. A little bummed I didn’t
officially get credited for having a better run split than what it should’ve
been, but that’s life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4:13 & 5<sup>th</sup> Place overall</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEkvPPoNLCU-3zl-bP-lS1oMKYk3E-84PMGiQsUlRyvHXr6vwIu8vjfj9CvcD5swcVrh1Z79md1RogRhVVvAA_jWFbCrRQ0nPOQUZ_UJsKslx2Jr02lYK7AVyY-CAk6ofkoaCPuU6Tqs/s1600/545403_824487927506_1468333339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEkvPPoNLCU-3zl-bP-lS1oMKYk3E-84PMGiQsUlRyvHXr6vwIu8vjfj9CvcD5swcVrh1Z79md1RogRhVVvAA_jWFbCrRQ0nPOQUZ_UJsKslx2Jr02lYK7AVyY-CAk6ofkoaCPuU6Tqs/s320/545403_824487927506_1468333339_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' w/ Mitch after the race while he hangs out w/ that sandwich.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I totally enjoyed SuperFrog and would recommend it to anyone
who wanted to race a ½ iron distance tri. Congrats to all my friends who raced and killed it! The swim and run weren’t easy,
but who gets fulfillment from doing something paltry? You’re in the wrong sport
if you’re looking to cakewalk something.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks again to all my friends and family for the big cheers
last weekend and all the awesome messages afterwards! Thanks to Mark Palmer & B+L Bikes for all the support they give me; and
finally to my buddy Mitch Hall for not only helping me “build the layers on my
metaphorical cake” (Yes, I know, 2 “cake” metephors in the last 50 words.
#noshame #CakeEater) this season, but also putting on a great race last Sunday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may jump in an Olympic distance race in two weeks before
the Austin 70.3 at the end of October. The itch to go faster just increases
after every race.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-43369596461044619992012-09-11T17:36:00.000-07:002012-09-11T19:30:14.809-07:00No Fear in Loathing Las Vegas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFt3htT2S1r9V3wjbIVsTSNtae7KViAqDNf584lbtbjb12bIbRNTvX-x4i1-2LFSsLWaEkxXg8uoetKhdxDXJDCAygTy2iF_PiR97bkyOxAduiMGBA_yTij951yK-yMNUY9tHZJz0gtk/s1600/400878_10152098385720317_229612411_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFt3htT2S1r9V3wjbIVsTSNtae7KViAqDNf584lbtbjb12bIbRNTvX-x4i1-2LFSsLWaEkxXg8uoetKhdxDXJDCAygTy2iF_PiR97bkyOxAduiMGBA_yTij951yK-yMNUY9tHZJz0gtk/s320/400878_10152098385720317_229612411_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><i>“The possibility of physical and mental collapse is now very
real. No sympathy for the Devil, keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the
ride.” – Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I had to do that over again, I’d have raced the exact same
way. I was/(am) confident enough in my training to ride the way I attempted to
on Sunday; at no point did I think to myself “Whoa, slow down bro, you’re going
way too hard”. However, every other minute I was thinking “Shoot, it’s hot as
hell out here, my only nutrition (water bottle) is air temp”, & “I could
really go for a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udS-OcNtSWo">cold pop</a> & Snickers right now”. The only comforting factor
was that everyone in my wave had to put up with the same bologna. I hate
excuses so I’m not going to give any. Bottom line is I went hard and ran out of
energy 40ish miles into the bike. I did my best to pull myself together but it
never happened. I’m really not going to dwell on this race much, just take what
I can and move on. I know where my fitness is right now and it’s nothing near
what showed up on Sunday. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAeeNa11ebrVeUQv7clxsBaY6ce57TFP-TFjiGBA9b3O_EfLXsi6UGsdI4FVz7FM39M75ZEqs4vNAfduH3lrgTKQXfr-b_w4sCAtOUqU8KiKJZs-D3jNvGinXi-cw7_do5kYvoiePiFc/s1600/DSC_9238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAeeNa11ebrVeUQv7clxsBaY6ce57TFP-TFjiGBA9b3O_EfLXsi6UGsdI4FVz7FM39M75ZEqs4vNAfduH3lrgTKQXfr-b_w4sCAtOUqU8KiKJZs-D3jNvGinXi-cw7_do5kYvoiePiFc/s400/DSC_9238.JPG" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a good shirt on such a bad day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Rant before I talk about the race)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right… Frank Lowery (race director), you can plan on a fat “constructive
criticism” email from me soon. Really? Two years in a row, starting the 20-29yr
AG wave dead last..? Not only are we starting an hour and 30 minutes after the
pros & having to sit around in dirt and marinate in the sun until then, but
also, not allowed to go back into transition to drop off cold water bottles on
bikes after 6:25am. By the time our wave goes off, it’s a completely different
race. The bike and run courses are 10+ degrees hotter, who knows how much
windier the roads are, and not a cold water bottle is left at an aid-station. I
think I, legitimately, received 1 “cold” water bottle on the bike course (after
grabbing one at every aid station). I understand starting the older age groups (50,
60, 70+) earlier so they can finish sooner in the day, but why are you starting
the 30-34 year old men right behind the pros two years in a row? I’m confused
on the thinking here. Like I mentioned earlier, not using this as an excuse for
anything, everyone in my wave had to deal with it, but it was unreasonable to
do so again this year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sorry, I’m done bitching. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQoDAIMEQv5gam6CKdK3XKSjpKPu3LX7NKD7q04hq4bTzIJy6gzQBhm246EkNJV5gwVS_2Tjl13w7SWR-3VqFGRu1rqiLU1cMCvkUMUK_V6_I8MUKXnoaggIB9jMPG6Lm0KHJ3unFiLE/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQoDAIMEQv5gam6CKdK3XKSjpKPu3LX7NKD7q04hq4bTzIJy6gzQBhm246EkNJV5gwVS_2Tjl13w7SWR-3VqFGRu1rqiLU1cMCvkUMUK_V6_I8MUKXnoaggIB9jMPG6Lm0KHJ3unFiLE/s400/Picture+1.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha, finisher pix.. more like dropout pix.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now, one of the shortest RR’s I’ve ever done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim: Huge start wave. Asthma made an unwelcomed appearance
2-300 meters in. Came out in 29:04. Not stoked or sad about it, considering it
was non-wetsuit & in a poop flavored Jacuzzi. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike: I was “lights out” for around 40 miles, and then the
lights went out. Not exactly sure what place I was in at the time but I think
there was one guy in my wave ahead of me. A, blatant, 6-man team time trial of
20-29AGers passed by me some time shortly after my energy had abandoned my
body. Barely moving, I trundled into T2. 2:29</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG2pzmLoo5vICXHDcZzalKS42LwEUr7M2GVRKVmWiblU6tpj56kY2nxi9oO1TvcsYyNNhiM3L7m-bmYXRMldn5UyjA76U4hIQuxCNoH0H8LgS8uKlzcUWCcRCrRvcsWrwvFWHE7AbSAY/s1600/DSC_9239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG2pzmLoo5vICXHDcZzalKS42LwEUr7M2GVRKVmWiblU6tpj56kY2nxi9oO1TvcsYyNNhiM3L7m-bmYXRMldn5UyjA76U4hIQuxCNoH0H8LgS8uKlzcUWCcRCrRvcsWrwvFWHE7AbSAY/s400/DSC_9239.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Mark Barber w/ the rare snap of me actually running</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Run: While my run attire may have been winning the hearts of
high school girls volunteering at aid stations everywhere (notice: “my
attire”.. not me), my pace wasn’t wining anything. Tried to make something
happen on the 1st of 3 laps. While trotting on the brink of face-planting into
some unsuspecting spectators, I was passed by a 60 year old man up the hill on
my second lap; I then decided to call it quits and ambulate on in.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I doubt anyone, but a select few, would say they had a good
race. The course and conditions that Vegas offers doesn’t allow for many “good”
races to happen. I think it’s all relative though. When training, the times
will be different than what occurs in Vegas (or any other course), so it’s easy
to get down about what you should’ve done or are capable of. I’m not going to
start the “coulda/shoulda’s”. Racing isn’t supposed to be easy & few are
having fun while doing it, but when you finish and the pain fades, some sense
of “fun” or fulfillment happened racing; otherwise people wouldn’t keep doing
it. Again, I don’t think too many people looked back after that race and thought:
“That experience was totally welcomed and desirable”, but there should always
be something you take away from the race as a positive. I’m glad I went hard on
the bike (at least for as long as I could), and whether it was the heat, my
legs, or nutrition that failed me, I’ll learn from it. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxneQYVJAXT5DMwmMZibHUBlrWQ4Yqs6Eep-cf_5AmJANaxmg2ZZNQ7HbSCIRfwoJccUulbDhI6Djm8qzYAL_mSFPVRphADlBFiY9VR9RsM9l97Bpx-q211aY3nnBvXL7YzL5iR97eJA/s1600/539469_10151080168714302_840857245_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxneQYVJAXT5DMwmMZibHUBlrWQ4Yqs6Eep-cf_5AmJANaxmg2ZZNQ7HbSCIRfwoJccUulbDhI6Djm8qzYAL_mSFPVRphADlBFiY9VR9RsM9l97Bpx-q211aY3nnBvXL7YzL5iR97eJA/s400/539469_10151080168714302_840857245_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> burger & fries on a raft. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On to the <a href="http://superfrogtriathlon.com/">Superfrog</a> in Coronado, September 30. Excited to redeem
myself at the ½ iron distance in two weeks time.. Excited to race so close to
home.. Excited to race in the Elite division against Lance Armstrong……</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-44764674096953940782012-07-24T19:27:00.000-07:002012-07-24T20:45:46.286-07:00Lake Stevens 70.3 & Solana Beach Triathlon Stories<br />
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I know most endurance athletes have had an injury that’s
held them back at some point in their lives, so I really don’t need to stress
the point far, but damn… injuries are annoying. I lost a little over 3 months
of my year to a lower leg injury (or gained 3 months of solid swim/bike
fitness..). The good in this is that I feel MEGA fresh at the moment and am chomping
at the bit to work hard and race now that I’m running again. I’m going to make
a solid push in fitness for some “late season” races and hopefully get back to
where I was at before my leg decided to be a party pooper. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Lake Stevens 70.3</div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOolH96adArj18FA40K9PcTAlS_wwmL9pwEifVaK-H_B9CDFFRNZ9RFLQqDOGHTM6fp-Yhya0zloAE5zt8DdhqFL7KDSZmsuvN5IuJDNzmQrAibXSUZtZjvVek4J1I6MmDtbnUX_c0b8o/s1600/602489_10151940283545534_123542446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOolH96adArj18FA40K9PcTAlS_wwmL9pwEifVaK-H_B9CDFFRNZ9RFLQqDOGHTM6fp-Yhya0zloAE5zt8DdhqFL7KDSZmsuvN5IuJDNzmQrAibXSUZtZjvVek4J1I6MmDtbnUX_c0b8o/s400/602489_10151940283545534_123542446_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I'm in a women's tri suit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love everything about this race. The location is rad; It’s
like racing in the middle of a forest. The swim course is in a lake with rowing
lines to follow (which, with my Stevie Wonder sighting, is a game changer). The
bike course is a challenging one, to say the least; with lots of technical
descents and punchy little climbs. The run is a relatively flat course with a
few slight grades thrown in to keep you honest. Talking with my chief advisor,
Mitch Hall, it was agreed upon well in advance that I’d only do 5k of the run
because I had just started running, pain free, that week. So my goal was to hit
the bike leg hard and win the “bike split bet” I had going on with <a href="http://jameswalshracing.com/">James Walsh</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The trip to Washington was sweet, and it was great to see a
lot of my family (thank you all for being so supportive)! The weather was unpredictable
& ominous though. It seems like whenever/wherever I travel to race, I
always get there and the weather is insane; then the locals always say the same
thing: “It’s not normally like this”, while throwing their hands up in the air
as if to gesture “Don’t shoot.. it’s not my fault! I swear it’s beautiful the
rest of the year”. The night I flew in, it was sunny skies and 78 degrees. The
next morning it was pouring and cloudy with thunder & lightning storms..
What?!? The weather decided to stay lame like that the rest of the trip. I
stayed with my family in Edmonds for a night then headed a little closer to the
race site and stayed with James, <a href="http://bethwalshracing.com/">Beth</a>, & her parents for the two days
preceding the race. When doing a preview ride on the course the day before, no
one said it, but we all knew, bringing a disc to ride on this course was a bad
choice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Race Day:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Swim: </div>
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I had the swim I was supposed to have in Hawaii. I felt good
and ended up leading the wave from start to finish. 26:06</div>
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<br /></div>
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Bike: </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7YmgGhrlC1EYK7KnHvloEqCgDS7dwPXTTeOGMUnPyaEwd2QwY2NEuFv8ffZWRXejEVjTrN4AZDiJIDMTjdUKNOEHZhD-9cD9SvPnhULaab5UXLwaFSpbg6g8r3x-yN9F8EbWX39fyV8/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7YmgGhrlC1EYK7KnHvloEqCgDS7dwPXTTeOGMUnPyaEwd2QwY2NEuFv8ffZWRXejEVjTrN4AZDiJIDMTjdUKNOEHZhD-9cD9SvPnhULaab5UXLwaFSpbg6g8r3x-yN9F8EbWX39fyV8/s320/Picture+7.png" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most likely taken before things got stupid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Despite the rain and wet roads, I started hard charging the
bike course and was feeling fearless until around mile 20. I was maxed out and
flooring it thru a downhill section and noticed a sweeping right-hand turn
ahead. In normal conditions I’d have had too much speed to make it without
braking, and with wet conditions, knew I definitely would’ve lost traction on
the road trying to hang on. I tried to slow, but my cork brake pads didn’t grip my carbon rims in the rain, so I had a minor freak out and yanked my rear
brake, full force. My wheel locked up (as I should’ve known it would) and I
started fishtailing off into the other lane. Luckily, I picked the best section
of the course to “pull a triathlete” on. I had a fairly controlled bail out
into a grass ditch on the opposite side of the road and had slowed enough to
make me look/feel only half retarded. It was more hurtful to my pride than it was to me
physically. I just felt stupid for not being able to make that turn. Two guys
passed by me while I was getting back on my bike and the second I started
pedaling again I was completely “over” the course. I was so shaken up that
every descent I took was at 1/4<sup>th</sup> of the speed I’d have normally
taken it at and I just didn’t have the drive to push hard. James caught up to
me around mile 50 (his wave started 3 minutes back) and I was so stoked to see
him. We rode hard the rest of the way together (legally). </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7gyokl3ZW5VQVzsQQMAOjfTDLGP60m1PnSppOh1bmBz2TGAUYoBGxP1QtoxxUVronQiQ3KYr8GPIVm_jWWj5wo6NMhkJabYuOrisrLTI0OXsAIq70S2o0z5RhB6_70l-2FxlRZZrSkA/s1600/532257_10151928199395317_363866544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7gyokl3ZW5VQVzsQQMAOjfTDLGP60m1PnSppOh1bmBz2TGAUYoBGxP1QtoxxUVronQiQ3KYr8GPIVm_jWWj5wo6NMhkJabYuOrisrLTI0OXsAIq70S2o0z5RhB6_70l-2FxlRZZrSkA/s400/532257_10151928199395317_363866544_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Caption Needed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Run:</div>
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The picture sums up what my 5k was like; James and I,
nonchalantly frolicking around while out in front of a 70.3. We ran a
conversational 6:15-6:20 pace for the 1<sup>st</sup> 3 miles then I dropped out
when we got back into town and quickly found the café for some coffee and
donuts to watch the sufferfest from the sidelines.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Post race:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I dominated the Jacuzzi Marathon back at the Walsh’s pad. It
seemed like (and probably was) hours of hot tub/pizza/beer action. Good times
with friends after races is what it’s all about.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Solana Beach Triathlon</div>
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<br /></div>
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I wasn’t too serious about this race, but I felt it would be
a fun one to do since B+L was sponsoring it, & it was in my new backyard. Mostly, I just wanted to beat up
the stingray who took me out last year. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I rolled out of bed late and had a productive warm-up,
charging the 4-5 miles from my house to the start in my orange and yellow
snakeskin/goldfish tights from Rio (thank you, Julie). I knew there were a ton
of local fast guys here, but honestly the result didn’t matter to me. I just
wanted to have fun and go hard. It was the 1<sup>st</sup> race I’ve actually
been able to finish/race since Oceanside 70.3. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Before the start I went hunting for that damn stingray to
give it a piece of my mind, but he flaked and didn’t show. When the horn went
off, I tried to give the spectators that were lining the start to the water high
fives and everyone was just really confused as I ran by with my hand in the air
(fail). I think I got 2 or 3 though. I came out of the water with the front
pack of guys in just over 6 minutes (Charlie was 10-15 seconds up on everyone).
I don’t know what was going on in T1 but I must’ve been having a solo tea party,
because everyone that I came out of the water with was already out on the bike
course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD2m9aY-dZpeCCB5J-qxWIAuIW6e_27aju579YgDgWEB7VwfAd3BoBzmTg8i3B_90wZyicvwS-vJ7vRV0odjYwJb9dvtuQW3_o0F0UEodoxl4TmlXChiTkQX9kmetO7UKFI4fZUG0KHQ/s1600/389150_10151937638565357_878940259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD2m9aY-dZpeCCB5J-qxWIAuIW6e_27aju579YgDgWEB7VwfAd3BoBzmTg8i3B_90wZyicvwS-vJ7vRV0odjYwJb9dvtuQW3_o0F0UEodoxl4TmlXChiTkQX9kmetO7UKFI4fZUG0KHQ/s320/389150_10151937638565357_878940259_n.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawwnVAoMKhmAZObVmcB-phj5VFfUMSku352ZW6YYz-3xW6CYQ9BeEVN4GPM74hFQ4EqzutUzzRHiI8e23EdMjh4CDLjzGN9RxlFyPVxUT0_7cQjo8y10MYPdzZkde2Nm_UDzCV8GpgrM/s1600/564092_10151937638765357_1589507293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawwnVAoMKhmAZObVmcB-phj5VFfUMSku352ZW6YYz-3xW6CYQ9BeEVN4GPM74hFQ4EqzutUzzRHiI8e23EdMjh4CDLjzGN9RxlFyPVxUT0_7cQjo8y10MYPdzZkde2Nm_UDzCV8GpgrM/s320/564092_10151937638765357_1589507293_n.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(I hate doing pitches in the middle of my blogs, but…) I
have to thank Mark Palmer (B+L) for my new S-works Trivent bike shoes. That was
the easiest flying mount onto my bike I’ve ever had. Those shoes are top-notch!
This bike course is RIDICULOUS. 6 hairpin turns and 4 right turns in 9 miles is
about 6-10 too many. Add in a circus of 1<sup>st</sup> time triathletes on
beach cruisers, unicycles, tandems, big wheels, recumbents, recumbents towing
trailers with smiling loved ones, and clown cars…. you have a catastrophe
waiting to happen. I caught up to Charlie, who was in the lead, at the
beginning of the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap and then was tasked with leading everyone
behind me through the barrage of chaos on the 101. I almost went down 2-3 times
dodging & weaving around people (including avoiding disaster at a turn with
a 7 year old, who had probably just taken his training wheels off the morning
before the race). I probably expelled ½ of my energy yelling “on your left”. I
wasn’t even “competitive mad”, I just wanted to make it out of this alive. I’d
just like to quickly note: it’s very hard to get any separation on a short
& flat course with 6 turns, so I fully expected there to be packs of
bunched up cyclists and can’t really complain about it. I think I had the
fastest bike split of the day with a 21:40-something. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyl2-VwjcDiRqV698KofKpa6TTD0CuOHxDemeZtjVFeHTRRiErrYBbKBH_xHEBZL-W043LWikdWS-HEKXeppu6DL8Nsz5fzPJFx1-IEc5XyXnol66TnkaQjaiCKioFAYJ213gpAKwXmw/s1600/399500_10151937642005357_851009092_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyl2-VwjcDiRqV698KofKpa6TTD0CuOHxDemeZtjVFeHTRRiErrYBbKBH_xHEBZL-W043LWikdWS-HEKXeppu6DL8Nsz5fzPJFx1-IEc5XyXnol66TnkaQjaiCKioFAYJ213gpAKwXmw/s400/399500_10151937642005357_851009092_n.jpg" width="265" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got to T2 in 1<sup>st</sup>, and got onto the 5k run
course in 3<sup>rd</sup>. Hmmm… it seems my transitions skills have disappeared
completely. Once on the run course, I caught up to Charlie who was a couple seconds
ahead of me and he was struggling with some cramping issues. We
ran together for a bit but he dropped back a little. Tristan Bunch, who is a
16-year-old endurance phenom, had put around 15-20 seconds on me in T2 and the
1<sup>st</sup> mile. Knowing it was my 2<sup>nd</sup> week back running, I
didn’t have too much passion to try and catch him. I just wanted to run strong
and not aggravate my leg. I ended up running a steady 17:20 and hung on to 2<sup>nd</sup>
place overall (1<sup>st</sup> place Pro). Not close to my 5k PR in a tri, but
not too bad for being on the sidelines for the last 3 months. I’d like to give
a shout out to a cat who was hard charging on the run, Nick Bernal (4<sup>th</sup>
place overall)… ran a 15:16!! That’s pretty impressive coming off the bike. USA
ITU needs you Nick.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, it was a fun day seeing people I knew all over the
course and racing against some good friends. It feels good to be a triathlete
again and not just an aquacyclist. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsMNLwWez_QrHaaA2ljF39f1AMHDrOxTjvTY4XZ04S0XeYEKyv0XYMi6k3RsXqPVPA9IdSSKMQsGov6CYRo5jixOifk9FDjHzH2tMVlPlb6I-Clp4dTYH3vawkqPjcdzdIh-XsMWKk7A/s1600/544382_4495541433438_184018213_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsMNLwWez_QrHaaA2ljF39f1AMHDrOxTjvTY4XZ04S0XeYEKyv0XYMi6k3RsXqPVPA9IdSSKMQsGov6CYRo5jixOifk9FDjHzH2tMVlPlb6I-Clp4dTYH3vawkqPjcdzdIh-XsMWKk7A/s320/544382_4495541433438_184018213_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many questionable pics can I put in this blog post?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdyV4l-HZxAed-UtfNjXx69siFSHyeO__EvUznGN9ZwtrrywQqybuSVzintzQj85z9tMebMijZMNul0LTa4ZCYOtghX8fdRqdPJi26EWiB9s-p9Y1NN-COF7lwTPegfEkEYVd_Q_5gNA/s1600/576105_4496738703369_1415209304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdyV4l-HZxAed-UtfNjXx69siFSHyeO__EvUznGN9ZwtrrywQqybuSVzintzQj85z9tMebMijZMNul0LTa4ZCYOtghX8fdRqdPJi26EWiB9s-p9Y1NN-COF7lwTPegfEkEYVd_Q_5gNA/s320/576105_4496738703369_1415209304_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1,2,3 pro field W/ Charlie, and Nick Sigmon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m seriously excited to start working hard again and get
in some legit training before the 70.3 World Championship in Vegas!! I’ve also
decided to add in the SUPERFROG on Sept. 30. I love a good ½ Ironman so close
to home! Big thanks to my dog, Kevin, @ B+L Bikes for staying late at the shop
till 9pm the night before Solana Beach, to flawlessly glue on a new tire to my
disc. It’s, no joke, faultless.. I’ve never seen a more perfect tubular; Kev is
a boss. Thanks to my wise coach/advisor for teaching me patience.. Lord knows
I’d probably still be injured if it weren’t for Mitch, continuously calling the
‘common sense police’ on me. And finally, a massive thanks to my family for all
their support, I love you guys.</div>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-81177330700530548032012-06-07T09:52:00.001-07:002012-06-07T16:19:07.183-07:00Hawaii Pt. 2: I'm Good for Coffee<br />
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That was a
fun vacation. I’m fairly sure I had a smile on my face the preponderance of the
time, and if I didn’t, it was short lived and replaced by a look of sheer
panic and terror while riding my bike (more on that in a bit). This trip was
livened with great friends and good times such as: swimming daily with turtles
and other tropical, fun loving, under-the-sea creatures; Blustery &
death defying rides up the coast; Breaking out of guest-hotel parking; Invading
and drinking on a complete stranger’s patio after racing; Crashing (flash
mobbing) a wedding; Hotel bar-hopping across Waikoloa; The Great Kona
Coffee-Off of 2012; Paddle boarding while buzzing out of control as a result of
the Great Kona Coffee-Off of 2012; Cramming entirely too many people into a 1
man lifeguard tower; and a bit of racing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lance, looking human- out of his aerobars in the wind</td></tr>
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As I mentioned in a tweet, it felt good to go for a ride this morning and not have the growing fear of crapping my pants of the high possibility of being blown across the highway into some lava rocks. When riding, there’s wind (eg. Ah this is sucky, now I have to push a little harder) & then there’s WIND (eg. Sweet Jesus, there’s a good chance I’m going to die if another semi comes in the opposite direction). I have no idea how Lance Armstrong managed to clock a 2:01 bike split in those conditions (well, I have some idea of how he did, actually). There’s never any benefit to 30mph crosswinds other than the fact everyone has to deal and some can cope better than others. It was somewhat fun (key word: somewhat) to battle the winds on race day, and at least it took the humidity away. Normally, I’d welcome a bit of wind, because there’s no cheating the course in crosswinds, and it takes a strong cyclist to push hard for 56 miles and not rely, purely, on momentum. However, I brought one of the worst wheel sets for the wind… A set of Zipp Firecrest 808’s, paired with the massive wind sail that is the frontend of my Shiv, made for some sketchy times. The Thursday before the race I was riding with some friends out to the Queen K from the Fairmont and got blown off the road into some Lava rocks. I was laughing as it happened because there was literally nothing I could do to avoid it. Not only leaning, but turning into it as well, I was still swept off the road like (yup) dust in the wind (thank you Kansas).</div>
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Enough wind talk, let’s get to the race.</div>
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Swim:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too happy here.</td></tr>
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Slightly bummed they moved the pros to their own wave before
the age groupers (thank you, Lance), we started 3 minutes behind. This made for
an odd swim. I was feeling pretty confident going into Honu about my swim
fitness. I’d been feeling great in the pool and was ready for a good/hard day.
As the race started I quickly found myself out in front. It was nice having
Chris Berg’s feet to follow for the 1<sup>st</sup> 4-500 meters. He and one
other guy eventually dropped everyone, but I had a nice 4-5-person group to
work with behind them. I haven’t felt that good swimming, in a race, ever. Just
as we were nearing the yellow turn buoys into the beach (1-200 yards remaining)
we were stopped by a paddle boarder telling us we missed a buoy and had to go
back, around 3-400meters, to this buoy that was floating out in the middle of
the ocean. I floated statically in disbelief and looked at my watch. The time
was somewhere around 23-24 minutes (which, if we were to have swum in and
finished, would’ve put my group around 2 minutes back from the majority of the
pro men (who swam a suspiciously fast time, as I’ve never seen anyone but John
Flanagan swim faster than 24 minutes at Honu in the last 4 years). Ended up swimming
back out and meeting a mass of AG’ers and swimming into shore in 30 minutes. I finally
got to check my Garmin this morning and it said my swim was 1.57 miles… hmm,
ya. I have a ton of respect for Chris who actually swam in and was on the
beach, goggles off, and then told to go back out because he swam “too fast”. Chris
ended up qualifying for Vegas despite that swim course blunder.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember how 1/2 Ironman races have a 1.2 mile swim..?<br />
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Bike:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin thru T1</td></tr>
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My transition was relatively the same pace as one would move
in line at the DVM. I couldn’t get my tri top on (putting a dry tri top on when
you’re wet is no picnic), so I nonchalantly walked over to a volunteer and had
her help me. Strolled out of T1, past the bike mount & took a solid 1-2
minutes to finally get into my shoes and move up the hill onto the highway. </div>
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I picked
up the pace and reached the front of the Age Groupers somewhere around the 4
mile turnaround out-and-back section. The bike segment was relatively boring as
far as racing goes. I never felt like I was racing, knowing that I wouldn’t be
doing the run. There was never that pressing feeling to push thru the times
when I felt crappy. Not saying I wasn’t going hard, but there were plenty of
times where I felt tired or lethargic and didn’t bother to push thru it. A dude
in a grey suit passed me just before the climb to Hawi, taking on a pace that I
wanted no part of, and another strong AG’er, Reilly Smith, passed me in the
last 5-10 miles when I was feeling a serious lack of water/nutrition (lost my
2nd bottle during the bike mount). When I dismounted in T2 I was bummed because
me legs had a lot of racing left in them, but I’ll save it for LAKE STEVENS.
Official time was 2:22 for the bike segment. </div>
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I’m extremely proud to announce that I, no doubt, won the race to the
beer tent. Yes, I was the first with a cold beer in my hand. Honu 57.1 champion, right here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBTTlsn5ez82q6WTE13DIThysIC12U-_HEG-kkjYZT3DehnuHPZh4PgYMKHTSx-hUYPBarVGpIFUj6SHe_Xz0uKF7HArr1RxAZT04RzSplgz-_o129_xpTOK8dDWIDSC1udiHPJT0eb4/s1600/securedownload-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBTTlsn5ez82q6WTE13DIThysIC12U-_HEG-kkjYZT3DehnuHPZh4PgYMKHTSx-hUYPBarVGpIFUj6SHe_Xz0uKF7HArr1RxAZT04RzSplgz-_o129_xpTOK8dDWIDSC1udiHPJT0eb4/s320/securedownload-1.png" width="212" /></a></div>
This injury will be sorted soon so I can get
my run game straight again. Thanks to all who help and support me, especially
my family, friends, and B+L Bikes! ..Also, a huge thanks to Mitch Hall for
teaching me how to go faster. “Because “hope” is not a strategy”. You’re a
Boss, Mitch (capital B).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Guns. "The Chacon"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-6213995452095939552012-05-29T13:10:00.000-07:002012-05-29T14:02:38.032-07:00Hawaii Pt.1: Airplane Character Stereotypes<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48Yj7D_1CnEJoBNcAn4zWgn5cn9VT1PmpTwhdOU4sKILSbmTqYxd5uPh-j9FnEe4tgUQOr4uy9UAOTVYO-QqAlZoMwxYMa7WFRRNwt9-RGEZ3HIg3bfQedBj-dSc36m59CNI7-fetkyQ/s1600/3cac8fb8a94211e192e91231381b3d7a_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48Yj7D_1CnEJoBNcAn4zWgn5cn9VT1PmpTwhdOU4sKILSbmTqYxd5uPh-j9FnEe4tgUQOr4uy9UAOTVYO-QqAlZoMwxYMa7WFRRNwt9-RGEZ3HIg3bfQedBj-dSc36m59CNI7-fetkyQ/s400/3cac8fb8a94211e192e91231381b3d7a_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just swam with some Sea Turtles.. clearly stoked. #pokerface</td></tr>
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To be completely honest, I enjoy traveling alone.
When you’re in public places and not engaged in a conversation, it provides a
prime opportunity to see the world in motion; to see people and how they act in
various situations. People watching is one of my favorite activities, and
airports/airplanes are two of my preferred people watching locations.
Everyone is under the same set of rules on an airplane. No one, but the pilots
and flight attendants, has any more authority than anyone else (Ok, maybe 1<sup>st</sup>
class has a slight leg up on the back 95% of the plane). So, it’s fun to see
how people act and how some attempt justify their importance during flights. </div>
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There’s always “that guy” on 6-hour flights that NEEDS to
stand up 20 minutes into the flight (or as soon as the fasten seatbelt sign is
turned off) and start walking around & stretching. Everyone sitting in the
aisles around him starts thinking “Great, I’ll be looking, sporadically, right
into this guys crotch or ass for the next 5 hours and 50 minutes”. Addendum by
Ben Hobbs: he’ll stay standing a little too long during/after the seatbelt sign
has been turned on for landing or turbulence, just because he feels entitled
to. </div>
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The Happy Shifter: They'll be getting up frequently throughout the duration
of the flight to visit friends or family sitting in various locations
throughout the cabin (like a bee pollinating flowers). They are ALWAYS friends or become friends with passengers
in possession of a baby/small child and talk about how cute they are.</div>
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The Grumpy Old Man: this guy has been on way too many
flights in his lifetime and doesn’t look at anyone but the flight attendant- and that’s only to promptly order a Jack & Coke, or just straight whisky.
(Time of day has no affect on the alcohol consumption for Grumpy Old Man; If
he’s on an airplane, he’s drinking & it’s accepted). Closely related to
Contented Old Man, who swiftly orders a drink, only because he’s “earned
that right by age”, but is pleasant about it.</div>
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Self-aware Guy: this is the guy in his mid 20’s to early
30’s who brought his 17” Macbook pro on the plane (on occasion, may have his
iPad instead). He’ll be playing his favorite tv show series but constantly
& cautiously looking over his shoulder when an “inappropriate scene” comes
on. Actually, he’ll be relentlessly looking around anyhow, making sure
he’s not breaking any airplane taboos or norms. Addendum: Self-aware Guy
ironically has no idea everyone around him can hear his dance-beat club music
playing thru his massive, 60-decibel, bass-booster, noise cancelling Sony
headphones.</div>
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Bathroom Lady: she may be the most well know of all airplane
characters. Of course she’s got the window seat. Everyone has dealt with
Bathroom Lady at some point. She’ll no doubt get up 4-5 times (sometimes more)
to use the facilities at the most inconvenient time (during meals, at the twist
in the movie, precisely as you actually fall asleep, right after YOU get back
from the bathroom & are buckled up again). </div>
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And finally, that person who keeps making awkward eye
contact with you. You stood right by them in the security check and they end up sitting in close proximity to you. You don’t know why you keep connecting & you don’t really
even find them appealing/attractive; it just happens like 10-15 times and keeps
getting increasingly more awkward each time. </div>
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Anyways, to set it straight for everyone who is curious, I
will only be doing the swim/bike portion of the Honu 70.3 this Saturday. I’ve
been dealing with a little stress pull/fracture of some sort in my shin for the last 6
weeks and feel I’m nearing the end of this injury. Because my goal race is the
70.3 World Champs in Vegas (September), I’ll forego the risk of aggravating my
shin any further and play it safe (If (miraculously) by Saturday I can run pain free, I will). Apparently, around this time of year, I’m
more prone to injury, & It sucks to miss the run of this race two years in
a row, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles (that idiom is overused and lame,
but I’m in the mood for cookies, so I used it).</div>
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Looking at the upside: I’m in Hawaii (never a bad thing)
& looking forward to hanging out with friends. I feel great on the bike
right now, so I’m still excited to hammer out a solid 56 mile time trial on
Saturday. </div>
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More to follow soon!</div>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-61673477344999294402012-04-03T11:29:00.001-07:002012-10-31T13:59:30.896-07:002012 Oceanside 70.3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsfOehNxDqOdAbB-exX7z3SJ2llznnexO7qCoXPomrRqOHS0DssDuvaNo3vnWjUuma5m8AC-iZAT4nu2BEIicf-iHPm50LSe5ciaRN0vGKsKWr3HSe-Wc1rbb0e-kQA7vZbc9vg4nIzg/s1600/Picture+14finish.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsfOehNxDqOdAbB-exX7z3SJ2llznnexO7qCoXPomrRqOHS0DssDuvaNo3vnWjUuma5m8AC-iZAT4nu2BEIicf-iHPm50LSe5ciaRN0vGKsKWr3HSe-Wc1rbb0e-kQA7vZbc9vg4nIzg/s400/Picture+14finish.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-19 minutes from the time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
First off, the speedo would’ve been a great call had that
race been 1/4<sup>th</sup> of the distance, not raining, and 20 degrees warmer;
However, it seems like I have the best races when I don’t take myself too
seriously. So, I have absolutely no regrets (as bad as my tan lines looked) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxgbrAvn4SE">#stuffthatworks</a>.
(Side note: it was definitely mud on the back of my legs, I’m not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that </i>bad at shaving. There’s always a
little part of you that imagines your dream race the night before and you’re
pulling off splits 10 minutes faster than you know you’re capable of. So when I
was looking at my bike and run times while racing and seeing that I was not
only breaking my 70.3 PR’s, but blowing them up, I was slightly surprised but
not totally. I knew going into this race there wasn’t going to be any room for
lollygagging. The caliber of competition in the 25-29AG was pretty thick; I
believe there were at least 5 guys racing on Saturday that were at the 2011
70.3 World Championship. I went into this race knowing it was going to be a
hard day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A big step in seeing improvement at the 70.3 level started
with Mitch Hall. Mitch isn’t one to jump into the spotlight so I’m going to at
least shine a flashlight on him. Mitch is one of the stronger triathletes and
cyclists that I know, and being one of my good friends, I asked him a while
back if he’d help advise me on my training and racing. I can’t tell you how
helpful he’s been and how much I’m learning (literally, I can’t tell you, this
training plan is under lock & key.. sort of). It also doesn’t hurt to train with
people like Lesley Paterson and pick her brain as well!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/9a4a1f907d3311e1af7612313813f8e8_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/9a4a1f907d3311e1af7612313813f8e8_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every time I checked my watch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Race:</div>
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I woke up dark and early, made some coffee and ate a grip of
strawberry pop-tarts. Rolled thru a vacant I-5, bumpin a bit of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmBN28ixcK8&feature=related">this</a>. Got up to the pier slightly behind schedule (standard
Keith style) but made up time on my warm up ride to T1. Lucky me, my bike rack
was almost completely full by the time I got there, so I had a snug little spot
near the back. I met up with my buddies Chris Berg and Charlie Karstrom and
chatted for a bit before the start. I was immediately made aware of 2 large
holes near the crotchal region my wetsuit as soon as I touched the water and
woke up real fast.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Swim:</div>
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I don’t know why I even bothered, but I started right in the
mix of Charlie, Chris and Max Biessman; all fantastic swimmers. When the gun
went off I made the decision to let them go and not even try to hold on their
feet. That was dumb because I hit no-man’s-land within the first minute and the
few fellow green caps that were by me were quickly lost in the cluster of slow
moving purple and white caps from the previous waves. I thought the conditions
were pretty bad compared to years past. It was fairly choppy with a bit of
swell, but nothing outrageous. I wasn’t having a good day in the water.
Couldn’t find a rhythm and felt “cold” and out of breath for first half. My
arms finally came around after we hit the turnaround and started on back. I definitely
ran into a few people on the way back (I kid you not), straight up, floating in
the water. Still trying to figure that one out. Glad I missed starting my watch
for the swim because I’d have been pretty upset if I saw my time upon exit, a
high 28 minutes, 12<sup>th</sup> in my AG.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqf8DC1Pr3pABMKA2Lvdvp-Aa7-Wq9pvy8zljDTdKQF3lz8XRLl62gAU9gQWp2Y4jzF5cXYByM76bd84SdJZ3aGrgogSEpEQ3frNMpCmxWGkcJPOecsYYGhTlkxfnI5SfgUL4Bejesaw/s1600/Picture+11bike.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqf8DC1Pr3pABMKA2Lvdvp-Aa7-Wq9pvy8zljDTdKQF3lz8XRLl62gAU9gQWp2Y4jzF5cXYByM76bd84SdJZ3aGrgogSEpEQ3frNMpCmxWGkcJPOecsYYGhTlkxfnI5SfgUL4Bejesaw/s400/Picture+11bike.png" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dude behind me.. just checkin out the view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Bike:</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJSThYaGXewtxuTUPvh7t4S_n8ruJ_91Ehix6hXmkN4s4zJfAblnvYJedOW7_BaOsWaGkB6FFvOMBSXNJAIYzLlhNBcWLxjROdeWR7LUEnc3ejK6Fab3QM3fOkMzwl0XxLcDWRUtVk8k/s1600/Picture+16bike+aero.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJSThYaGXewtxuTUPvh7t4S_n8ruJ_91Ehix6hXmkN4s4zJfAblnvYJedOW7_BaOsWaGkB6FFvOMBSXNJAIYzLlhNBcWLxjROdeWR7LUEnc3ejK6Fab3QM3fOkMzwl0XxLcDWRUtVk8k/s400/Picture+16bike+aero.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Is this aero,,,, or this?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While getting out of my wetsuit, my dad told me I was a
little over 2 minutes behind to the front guys. That wasn’t the end of the
world, so I started off at a slightly pressing but steady and controlled pace,
unlike many 70.3’s where I take off, out of control, at 20k pace. The road was
pretty wet. Along with a constant spray of water and mud hitting the pistons
(what guns are to arms, pistons are to legs. It sounds pretty cheese & that’s
why I had to use this expression #PhilLiggett) and super soggy shoes, it felt
like you were pushing thru a constant puddle. I got into a nice rhythm and
didn’t even realize I’d already caught up to Max and Chris after 45 minutes,
who were 2<sup>nd</sup> & 3<sup>rd</sup> at the time. Apparently there was
some mystery dude in a blue getup (who I don’t actually remember seeing at all)
along for the ride behind me. I’m guessing because I was FREEZING my bunz off, and
it was raining/misting the entire time on the course, I’d hardly touched my
nutrition/hydration until somewhere around miles 27-30 when I was cramping bad and slowing considerably. My rear bottle, which was 1/3 of my calories, had become
victim of the notorious “mile 5 bump” along with many other water bottles. So I
pounded the majority of my main nutrition and tried to “find my rhythm” again.
Chris rode up to me and we chatted for a bit while climbing “the hill” (kind of
comical thinking back to it) and basically talked me thru my bonk. After 15-20
minutes of staying at Chris and Max’s pace, I decided I felt good enough to
pick it up again. There was a long steady grade around mile 40ish and I passed by
this group of 30-40 year old AG’ers drafting like little bitches off each
other. Funny… I dropped them on the climb and the rolling hills, then they
somehow caught back up to my rear wheel in the slight headwind on flat sections
back into town.. interesting. Those guys were real cool. With around 7ish miles
to go I caught up to Charlie, who looked like he had been having a blast by
himself out in front all day. We basically rode the same pace back into T2. I
put a little gap on Charlie in the last 2 miles. I wanted a bit of time just
incase I need to think about life a bit in T2. Bike Split: 2:24</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhK0CBY2UWYfmODXFoBTBK4ADU0wQrJErSxdZaaHi5hVbju61rrXcKXrG6c93B1VuQSyAhPvyU-_ImpM5aQhqc49c9W2XzWtYjzzDmygnTZav6GnYDDD33ILuVFwNuPSEUQBjIKMQ79s/s1600/Picture+22run.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhK0CBY2UWYfmODXFoBTBK4ADU0wQrJErSxdZaaHi5hVbju61rrXcKXrG6c93B1VuQSyAhPvyU-_ImpM5aQhqc49c9W2XzWtYjzzDmygnTZav6GnYDDD33ILuVFwNuPSEUQBjIKMQ79s/s400/Picture+22run.png" width="267" /></a><br />
Run:</div>
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I hit the run course feeling remarkably good despite not
having my planned caloric intake on the bike. I ran out to an empty run course
with only Andy Potts in sight. I quickly found out he was leading the race when
people were yelling splits at me of how far back I was. I got a little enjoyment
out of being in “2<sup>nd</sup>” for the first two miles. People were so amped
some kid dressed like a dork was “chasing” the leader. Anyways, when I looked
at my watch after the 1<sup>st</sup> mile I hit a 5:45. “Ah, cool” I thought,
“I’m cruising, lets see how long this lasts”. 2<sup>nd</sup> mile, still
feeling good, just over 6 minutes. At this point I’m thinking to myself “I
might as well start pacing better, because I’m probably not keeping a sub-6
pace for the next 11 miles today”. So I tried to shoot for 6:10’s and see how I
felt. Remarkably, I made it to mile 8 feeling pretty good and still had my
ideal pace going. I didn’t know how far ahead I was from Max, Chris, and
Charlie. They were running within a close range of each other, and all looked
strong. I have to say, I apologize if I didn’t give you a nod or wave if you
gave me encouragement on the run course. The “speedo” encouragement was
constant, and though I enjoyed it for the first mile or two, everything became
white-noise to me, whether it was attire related or not; I hit “the zone”. Somewhere
around mile 10, poor Beth Walsh made it clear to me that she was getting tired
of the view she had been enduring and passed me. I don’t blame her (huge day
for Beth, by the way). After I hit the turnaround and was headed home, I got a
high five from Charlie and kind of put it in cruise control for a bit. Mitch
and Courtney caught up on their bikes and rode next to me for a good portion of
mile 12 throwing out some encouragement to push it all the way back. I could
tell my gas tank was on empty and was glad I didn’t have to battle with someone
in the last mile. Rolled home with a 1:22 run time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4:20:23 overall, 1<sup>st</sup> in the 25-29 Division, 2012
Ironman 70.3 World Championship Las Vegas spot claimed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306095_10151454887805317_502485316_23464563_1769508335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306095_10151454887805317_502485316_23464563_1769508335_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max, Chris, and I at the awards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Congrats to everyone that raced. It was not the easiest
course/conditions on Saturday. Good to see TCSD well represented on the course
and in the crowd… by far the best aid station. The 25-29 division was, without
a doubt, the most competitive division of the race, with 6 guys under 4:30. I
have to echo what Chris said in his race report, racing with Charlie, Chris and
Max is always fun and brings out the best. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A big thanks to my dog Kevin at B+L Solana Beach for
figuring out how to safely and effectively reposition my aerobars on my Shiv to
get the “preying mantis”/”Floyd Landis” position. If anyone has ever seen the
front end of the 2010 Shiv, you have very little say in the aero position. Kev got
creative and made it happen. I’d also like to thank my family, who are always
at every big race and support me. Love you guys. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD5fMz-e9RTZoVSqWuH9jFOLmQZykTnALF5wb9qyukMfBNpCEpBIHU79RXk1Gcuuvqwb8EnBLgZ4VULcqHJzYQ2d02WaXQDAc-mqPsX-tsMQFEzaDPFTt4aC0dLgjyzNcFQ0v954iFos/s1600/Picture+15finish+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD5fMz-e9RTZoVSqWuH9jFOLmQZykTnALF5wb9qyukMfBNpCEpBIHU79RXk1Gcuuvqwb8EnBLgZ4VULcqHJzYQ2d02WaXQDAc-mqPsX-tsMQFEzaDPFTt4aC0dLgjyzNcFQ0v954iFos/s400/Picture+15finish+2.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're welcome ladies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Next up: </div>
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Wildflower Olympic… you’re on notice, that’s all I’m gonna
say. The Encinitas Triathlon (<a href="http://encinitastriathlon.com/">http://encinitastriathlon.com/</a>)
on May 20, then Honu 70.3 on June 2 (Let the record show, I signed up WELL
before Lance decided to race it).</div>
Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-81976770824407576022012-03-07T13:17:00.001-08:002012-03-07T15:23:39.666-08:00Tritonman & Desert International Race Recap<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8Tq4FbfFySflMbX-NzKEdMkmMbYnUqSh2j_WiYDTiXWItbevB7ZoxLz7UtF-muH4250YYE13GgTUu2KZ0Q2ttUe6jtovXLcw0BiB8-sAIZ69awkq4qDfxB3DEoW8JKIIGHyq0dhI1y0/s1600/419375_3331686373028_1294562676_33432398_1857155347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8Tq4FbfFySflMbX-NzKEdMkmMbYnUqSh2j_WiYDTiXWItbevB7ZoxLz7UtF-muH4250YYE13GgTUu2KZ0Q2ttUe6jtovXLcw0BiB8-sAIZ69awkq4qDfxB3DEoW8JKIIGHyq0dhI1y0/s400/419375_3331686373028_1294562676_33432398_1857155347_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my disc.. people hear you coming a mile away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Tritonman (500m – 20k – 5k)</b></u></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b> Feb 19</b></u></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1st off, I have to thank the UCSD triathlon team for putting
on a great little race. It was a good early season “shake off the rust” race
(even thought there was little “racing” I did). I rode down to Fiesta Island
around an hour before the start (I love living a mile away from Fiesta). Got in a quick 1 loop spin around the
island with Bill Jones and got the wetsuit on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately I didn’t get a warm up swim in, so when the
gun went off I felt poopy for the 1<sup>st</sup> 300-400 yards. I got stuck
behind a big pack and by the time my arms came around I was rounding the buoy
to head in. I then realized how slow I’d been swimming and probably passed 10+
people in the last 50 yards. Time-wise, I guess it wasn’t too bad of a swim (5:50-something)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glad this was my 1<sup>st</sup> race because I probably had one of the worst T1
& bike mounts ever. I, straight up, fell over while taking my wetsuit off,
then, for some reason, lacked the capability of getting on my bike. I ended up
running a solid 50 feet past the bike mount line before coming to a complete
stop, stepping over my top tube, and very slowly/carefully sat upon my bike
seat like an old lady... I wish someone caught that on video. Started charging
on the bike and felt like I had a tough pace going. I noticed after the 1<sup>st</sup>
4-mile loop that my back wheel had some close company. “Whatever” I thought,
“I’ll just go harder and loose these guys”. Turns out…. that doesn’t work when
there are 500ish people riding around Fiesta Island. I’m going to stop right now and end any further whining
about drafting. I should just expect it on flat courses by now; packs are
unavoidable on the flats. Got off the bike in 3<sup>rd</sup> place and noticed
that Bill, and some other dude I didn’t recognize, had somewhere around 30
seconds to a minute on me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWOkhW-VIiXtMoQsr9DgUb5ViT7LOGzGC5TRedDMwxtEygF_viisJyJ2s88ZXw43tbxAEm6HCMYMcSa8TN_akUmVpUki4oRKzERlqBURjgKu02OBkB2lS9Qgrgf5os02BRe-S__Ckq8k/s1600/426625_336418003068459_100001007865593_953679_1265257327_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWOkhW-VIiXtMoQsr9DgUb5ViT7LOGzGC5TRedDMwxtEygF_viisJyJ2s88ZXw43tbxAEm6HCMYMcSa8TN_akUmVpUki4oRKzERlqBURjgKu02OBkB2lS9Qgrgf5os02BRe-S__Ckq8k/s400/426625_336418003068459_100001007865593_953679_1265257327_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>I slipped my shoes on and jumped out onto the run
course. It was in the sand/dirt along the water’s edge on the island. I somehow
misheard one of the run course directors at the 1<sup>st</sup> U-turn and kept
running up the beach. When I turned around, a dude had passed me and another caught
up to me. I got in a pissy mood and stopped running hard. I “easy ran” the rest
of the 5k. Realizing there wasn’t much room to catch people on this sand &
dirt run course, my childish racing attitude got the better of me. I got over
it pretty quick after the race and realized that my season wasn’t at all hinged
on this race (& I guess 5<sup>th</sup> place isn’t the end of the world
anyways). Congrats to one of my besties, Bill Jones, for having a monster bile
split and (from what I heard) towing the eventual winner around for 12 miles on
the bike.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
It was great to see all of my collegiate friends! I wish
them all the best of luck this season & I hope the WCCTC dominates at
Nationals this year. I don’t want to see the Colorado kids gloating about how
good they are again ;-)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Desert International Triathlon (3/4 mile swim – 24 mile bike – 6 mile run)</u></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>March 4</b></u></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wait, isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? Finishing
as the 1<sup>st</sup> overall Male, I was actually 2<sup>nd</sup> place
overall. Let’s get it out there right away… Yes, I got chicked. I don’t have
too much shame about it either. Heather Jackson had a good race and a mega fast
run. Props to her for beating up everyone last Sunday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up in my own bed race morning (San Diego) at 3AM and
drove out to Palm Desert instead of staying out there. A part of me hated
getting up that early, but I enjoyed the time to wake up and move around before
the race…. and jamming thru empty mountain roads in a sports car, blasting my new
Every Time I Die cd, was fairly epic. I went on a little warm up run with Beth
Walsh (who had a great 1<sup>st</sup> race as a pro) and scouted out the first part
of the run course. I made sure to get in a bit of a warm up swim this time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The swim was a little odd. You can’t really see the 1<sup>st</sup>
buoy, it’s almost directly into the sunrise and the glare on the water makes it
damn near impossible to see anything at all. When the race started, the initial
swim chaos was far more chaotic than it needed to be. I didn’t need to sight on
the initial 500ish meters en rout to the 1<sup>st</sup> buoy. I was sitting comfortably
in the front pack when all of a sudden everyone turned sharply right.
Apparently we were swimming off course, to the left, and made a last second turn
to round the buoy and make a U-turn. There was a slight break in the pack and,
unfortunately, I missed the boat. I ended up swimming the rest of the course on
my own, in no-man’s-land. After the U-turn at the 1<sup>st</sup> buoy I
actually started swimming back into head-on traffic. However, I fear I lead a
couple people astray as well.. haha. I wasn’t having too good of a time
sighting on my own for the remainder of the swim (foggy goggles). I’d have
to stop completely and find where I was swimming. I don’t know exactly how long
the swim was, somewhere between 1200-1300 meters I’m assuming. I exited the
swim around a minute+/- behind the front guys in 17:01. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPENncSgvqZfIc0Nf0AqJLK7u00uzO7t2htmCGGCGy0R-xH9Q6IQDGHvY57ZKzVG9uOQ23PLoOSzB43fsZQPz1nTz9ONn9M9LKV2R4F0Pa_5v2bPfd7cVOS9cKTxFw1Ti_-FlP2J19lM/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPENncSgvqZfIc0Nf0AqJLK7u00uzO7t2htmCGGCGy0R-xH9Q6IQDGHvY57ZKzVG9uOQ23PLoOSzB43fsZQPz1nTz9ONn9M9LKV2R4F0Pa_5v2bPfd7cVOS9cKTxFw1Ti_-FlP2J19lM/s400/Picture+10.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know why I'm out of the saddle..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I’m glad I had such a bad transition at Tritonman, because I
freaking NAILED both of my transitions. I flawlessly jumped on my bike and
started cruising. I had mentioned that I was going to change my racing strategy
for this race and I did. It’s textbook Keith Butsko racing to hammer the bike
and see if you have anything left for the run. Today it was my goal to only go
around 80-90% on the bike and save something for the run. When I caught the
leader after 15-20 minutes, I had the initial “Holy crap I’m in the lead..
let’s blow the lid off this thing!!” feeling for a little bit, but in the
middle of the second lap I decided to back off a bit and Alex Begg, who’s quite
a strong cyclist, took over the lead and held a 10 second gap for a while. Alex
and I had this piece of crap wheel sucker (who I don’t feel the least bit bad
for calling out) wearing an American Interbanc kit, who shamelessly ITU-style
drafted off us the whole time. I took back over the lead with 2 or 3 miles to
go and got to T2 1<sup>st</sup> feeling pretty good, with a 40k time of 57:10.
It was the 1<sup>st</sup> time I left something in the tank for the run; I
definitely feel I could’ve hammered a lot more on that ultra flat bike course
and it’s still kind of eating at me a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dck8dSpSb8g_-i5TQbyJXD77ockP7ZnIhLRlWIV-OJICPwMEC0WFdyv36C5QCPz_DtgO5o7Vxgn28fxlofn05xROApAP5BH_o0iO0LDxR386zcmxgQGQytxuf-IAY_RtJ2DJLcANLdI/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dck8dSpSb8g_-i5TQbyJXD77ockP7ZnIhLRlWIV-OJICPwMEC0WFdyv36C5QCPz_DtgO5o7Vxgn28fxlofn05xROApAP5BH_o0iO0LDxR386zcmxgQGQytxuf-IAY_RtJ2DJLcANLdI/s400/Picture+6.png" width="290" /></a></div>
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I left T2 by myself and met a guy on a mountain bike to lead
the run. It took a while to get my legs going.. They felt pretty heavy and didn’t
have any pop. I ran at a comfortable pace until I could start pushing hard and get my heart rate up.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel that way until mile 4. Right around the start of
the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap I heard a super fast cadence approaching. I looked back
and it was Heather Jackson. I thought to myself “ok, just stay calm and match
her pace”. That didn’t happen, she was really booking it. I felt like I was
jogging compared to her and i just couldn't get my legs to open up. Looking at my run time, it’s not like I was really
running “that slow” either. She finished around a minute ahead of me. I felt pretty
demoralized when I finished. It was kind of funny because there were some confused
people. I finished the 6 mile run in 34:41, which is better than expected,
considering my extreme lack of speed work. The next elite guys came in around 2
minutes later so I felt a bit better, but 2<sup>nd</sup> place overall still
kind of feels like 20<sup>th</sup> place for some reason..</div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all, it was a great tune-up race for Oceanside and
nothing to hang my head about or hang my hat on either.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFFjptjhCV5ZHZT9b-ESfuCwwC_VUCSEnw0jafJSReLuriylJ3MZtzH4vpvLJaYUtCBgTMD2vD1xMbR0jYyhCx59bwxTgqjjEaIQnG39XvDEz0aIJWj3qDThZREyP7ldxwt4ye9IsPgA/s1600/421890_10100825512408361_5025143_55728526_580781582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFFjptjhCV5ZHZT9b-ESfuCwwC_VUCSEnw0jafJSReLuriylJ3MZtzH4vpvLJaYUtCBgTMD2vD1xMbR0jYyhCx59bwxTgqjjEaIQnG39XvDEz0aIJWj3qDThZREyP7ldxwt4ye9IsPgA/s400/421890_10100825512408361_5025143_55728526_580781582_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling much better after a $9 quesadilla & a couple beers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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I have to say, the post-race party at the La Quinta resort
was flawless. Good times were had and the Bocce Ball competition was heated. Congrats to all my friends who raced as
well, a lot of them were up on their respective podiums, which was awesome!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyP6CWK5_f0gfEkzNMpsOGoEXlMWFGTC9ZyY20TBXsxt3AzRjJDvl9p8FKx5iSYbEWx6_NnPrGez1XpxX7EwzEokDt4sVgYLcCGVDe7woKj10KDZXcdvuLeQkcfjQupDdnXSxKyYcUIg/s1600/AnLGrJQCQAA5WOI.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyP6CWK5_f0gfEkzNMpsOGoEXlMWFGTC9ZyY20TBXsxt3AzRjJDvl9p8FKx5iSYbEWx6_NnPrGez1XpxX7EwzEokDt4sVgYLcCGVDe7woKj10KDZXcdvuLeQkcfjQupDdnXSxKyYcUIg/s400/AnLGrJQCQAA5WOI.jpg-large.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently these orange things are for dancing..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Excited to start adding some speed work into my workouts
soon. SuperSEAL is next on the race schedule, and from the looks of it, should
be jam packed with local fast guys. This race is always a good fitness
checkpoint. I would recommend it if you haven’t done it before.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
Thank you to all of those who help support me: <a href="htpp://www.blbikes.com">B+L Bikes</a>,
<a href="http://rutleychiropractic.com/">Rutley Chiropractic</a>, <a href="http://www.spyoptic.com/sunglasses/l/100">SPY Optics</a>, and all of my family and friends!</div>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-46024348640566895072012-02-13T14:00:00.000-08:002012-02-17T00:10:27.309-08:00Cherry Pop-Tarts are the Best<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407448_10151255223030317_502485316_22738702_1061689253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407448_10151255223030317_502485316_22738702_1061689253_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also won the whitest legs division.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Let’s start this one off with the standard apologies for a lack of updating after events and races. In the last month or so, I’ve done 4
“race/events”; but to be completely honest, I’ve had no intention of actually
“racing” any of them. They’ve all been incorporated as speed work into some jam-packed
weeks of heavy swim/bike/running. This has been the 1<sup>st</sup> time I’ve
ever participated in single sport races (with the exception of being hungover
and doing the St. Patrick’s day 10k last year). So without further ramblage,
I’ll give a little recap of each race starting with my favorite one:<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400890_2213894485531_1792632030_1457824_965525941_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400890_2213894485531_1792632030_1457824_965525941_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker taking some swings at me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Petco 5k9<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Seriously, I was really looking forward to doing this one.
It’s no secret I love my dog like <a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/378152_2208476510085_1792632030_1455690_668333651_n.jpg">Ron Burgundy loves Baxter in Anchorman</a>, so this
race seemed to be a perfect fit. I typically run once a week with Parker; The
problem is, he’s a massive Weimeraner and loves to take off at a sub- 5 minute
pace, then promptly dies after 2 miles.
Stamina is not his best card. But I was confident we could pull it
together on race day. Race morning, Parker was AMPED UP.. I would be too if I
were a dog surrounded by 600 other dogs on leaches about to run. There were 2
categories at this race, which took place at the Del Mar Racetrack; Runners
with dogs & runners without dogs. They started the runners with dogs behind
the runners w/o. I don’t think they’ll do that again. When the horn went off I
noticed 3 other faster runners make a break to the outside and slip around the
runners w/o dogs. Parker & I didn’t have such a brilliant strategy. We got
caught behind what seemed like endless packs of old ladies speedwalking. Parker
was so excited to run but he/we were engulfed in the crowd and ended up completely
knocking over two or three old ladies and tripping up countless others. I
stopped to help one angry lady up who only yelled and swore at me. What do you
expect?? You’re running in a race with 600 dogs, how angry can you get? At this point I was content
with just finishing the race via jogging. However, when we got outside of the
race grounds and onto the road Parker wanted to bolt. I’ve never been so proud,
honestly, he wanted to be in the front. So we wound up essentially running a
ridiculous & unsustainable pace to catch up to the front 3 guys. I
overheard people murmuring to others as we sprinted past, things like “come on,
really?” or “that’s just stupid”. I had a smile on my face the whole time. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403783_2213885085296_1792632030_1457808_637908189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403783_2213885085296_1792632030_1457808_637908189_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep in the heart of the pack at the start...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We
eventually caught the lead guys a bit before the 1<sup>st</sup> mile & I’ll
never forget the confused looks on their faces as if to say: “where did you
come from?” One of the runners faded out shortly after that as the pace picked
up slightly. A man with a cocker-spaniel mix (yes, really), another dude with a
German Shepherd and Parker and I were all taking turns leading for the next
mile. As we hit a downhill back towards the racetrack I wanted to make a move
but Parker started to fade a bit, so we held back. The other two guys put a 5
second gap on us on that downhill and unfortunately it stuck the rest of the
run. Parker actually wanted to go faster in the last half mile but I didn’t
have the legs. I feel like I let my dog down (I’m serious, he wanted to be in
the front). We ended up finishing 3<sup>rd</sup> overall in 16:49 (10 seconds
back from the winner). Not a bad 5k time considering how much time we wasted at
the beginning of the race- and a 5:26 pace is nothing to be upset about this
early in the season. My mom took video of us tripping over people and trying to
meander thru the masses of speed walkers. My dog was the happiest I’ve ever
seen him during and after that race <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395192_2213888205374_1792632030_1457814_1983825601_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395192_2213888205374_1792632030_1457814_1983825601_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>TCSD Duathlon 1-28<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I won’t say a ton about this but the TCSD race series is quite possibly the greatest race series ever.... 1. They’re free 2. All the local
fast guys/girls come out to race these 3. They’re close by & convenient 4.
Mega breakfast/buffet after 5. They have electronic timing 6. They’re free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I probably work harder in these races than I do in races that I pay a ton of money to do. It’s fun to race your friends, It brings out the
better athlete inside of you. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not going to give a huge recap of this race but, like most people that do this, it wasn’t tapered for, so most have tired legs, which
makes it all the more challenging. This was the 1<sup>st</sup> TCSD Duathlon of
the year and it was out next to the Olympic Training Center. It consisted of a
2 mile run on a dirt path, 12 mile bike and the 2 mile run again. Loved this rolling
bike course and it was clear that the cyclists owned the day here. Daniel
Heineck, Matthew Dixon and myself basically pulled away (clean & no
drafting) and put around 3 minutes on everyone else and ran away with the race.
I ended up having a decent run and took 1<sup>st</sup> with Matt in 2<sup>nd</sup>
and Daniel in 3<sup>rd</sup>. Oh ya, our times were in the low 50 minute
range.. do the math on that one.. #fast. It was a fun morning and afterwards we
had a nice little group together for a ride out to Honey Springs in some
gnarley headwind. I’m eager to see my finishing video as I did my best karate
kick/ hi-ya thru the finish line. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Fiesta Island Time
Trial 20k<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was really stoked for this, I’ve never really done a pure
solo TT before. I did take the day off of running and cycling the day before and
only swam. Race day, I needed to make sure I had a huge warm up in beforehand,
as most of my cycling buddies will attest, I’m a definite 2<sup>nd</sup> half
performer in cycling and take a ridiculously long time to get warmed up. So I
started riding well over an hour before the race to make sure my legs were good
and ready. Rolled up to the start line barely on time and let her rip. It was 3
big loops around Fiesta Island (4.1 mile loops). As I figured I would do, I took
out the 1<sup>st</sup> lap much too hard, spent the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap worried
and being way to conservative and probably made up everything I’d lost on the 2<sup>nd</sup>
lap in the final lap. I was never really in the “hurt locker” & I couldn’t
get myself to that level for some reason; I was just pushing a hard pace. The
moment I finished, I sat up and thought: “damn, I could do that again right
now, probably faster”, which isn’t the feeling you want to have in such a short
hard effort. I was probably saving energy, subconsciously, for the run ;-)
Finish time of 27:29, which was good enough to win the 19+ open division and a
Personal Record for me. I was fairly happy with this time; and to me it means
I’m slowly getting better in the flats and not just in climbing. Now I've got the hunger to do this again soon and break 27 minutes. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427514_10151255222250317_502485316_22738699_1831298976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427514_10151255222250317_502485316_22738699_1831298976_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's dirt not a cat-5'er</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Coronado
Valentine’s Day 10k<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqjna8jpljkLaBah01JNmuzBJtmvSfgpZw53KWWo3MFYCEAJgUp3iMwm8TR2XRh30UC-J2TXszN2qxgGThr6z3qH3-t7FfKTNafJUoSFkWIKemOzArsq6hyc4JfU6G1qXdPvn3DP8XJU/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqjna8jpljkLaBah01JNmuzBJtmvSfgpZw53KWWo3MFYCEAJgUp3iMwm8TR2XRh30UC-J2TXszN2qxgGThr6z3qH3-t7FfKTNafJUoSFkWIKemOzArsq6hyc4JfU6G1qXdPvn3DP8XJU/s400/Picture+7.png" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Tan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was NOT stoked for this race. On the morning, I woke up
feeling pretty crummy & with heavy legs, having been sick and over-trained
all last week. I would’ve gone back to bed and ditched this, but I would’ve
never heard the end of it from Mike Clinch. When I arrived, my warm up was the
run from my car to pick up my timing chip and number. That was a bad call. I
was blown away with how many fast dudes came out for this one!! If anything, I
learned more about how to run a 10k (or how not to run a 10k) rather than
having a “good race”. I didn’t really know how to seed myself with all of these fast guys
on the start line. I figured I’d just go out with the front group. That was all
‘well and good’ until we hit 2 miles and I wanted to die. Somewhere, maybe a
minute or two before the 5k timing mat, I hit the wall and wanted to call it
quits on this stupid thing. I then ran into my good buddy Mitch Hall crusin
around on his bike and he gave me a bit of motivation to get moving again. My
pacing goal was to stay somewhere around Lesely Paterson. She had been running
in a little group 30+ seconds ahead of me for the last couple of minutes. My
legs finally came back around somewhere between mile 3-4 and I found a suitable
pace. Caught back up to Lesely and a few others and felt “alright enough”. I’d
have had a really strong last ½ mile finish but I took a wrong turn and started
running down a rain gutter path on the wrong side of a fence. Looking kind of embarrassed
I turned around and ran back. I finished with a much slower time than expected
in 35:18. I came in 25<sup>th</sup> place overall. Ya, wow, that’s demoralizing. I know
it’s a PR and still really early in the season, but for some reason 25<sup>th</sup>
place doesn’t sit too well with me. Lessons Learned, 10ks are hard, don’t go
out blazing a fast 5k and leave nothing for the way home, don’t run the wrong
way, there’s no “cheating” a 10k (like you can with a 5k). </div>
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My first Triathlon of the season is Tritonman, next Sunday.
I’m always excited for this little Collegiate race, since it was the 1<sup>st</sup>
race I ever took part in back in 2009. Also really looking forward to the
Desert International and SUPERSEAL in early March before Oceanside! Eager to add the swim... Fun times
ahoy. </div>
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<o:p>I promise updates soon!</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Time to get faster. </div>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-3808526951872741792011-12-20T01:33:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:56:20.030-08:00Turn the Party Up - 2012 Race Schedule<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sorry for the delay in blogging, though, I doubt anyone was fiending
for any of my written nonsense. Nonetheless, I feel like throwing out a little
update on my sporting life after a brief blogging hiatus. After my last race in
October, I had every intention of “shutting it down” for a solid couple of
weeks and slowly building back up (as if my body is like an old car or something). Well, I think I made it four or five days
without doing much other than surfing and hustling to class late; then I
couldn’t help myself but to start doing what I love again. I traded in my old
road bike and got a shiny (or matt-black) new Specialized sl4, which has only
fueled my desire to ride as much as I possibly can without falling over.
Instead of doing 4 or 5 smaller runs in a week I’ve been really enjoying piling
all my mileage into 3 longer runs every week. I’m loving long trail runs at the moment; it keeps me engaged in what I’m doing, kind of like riding hills when
cycling. It’s quite a bit more fun to me. Actually, looking back at all of
November and the bulk of December, thus far, I’ve been training significantly more
than when I was “in season” and racing. I haven’t been doing much speed
work, which is lovely. I’m positive it’s completely mental, really. I don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i> training (or doing anything for
that matter) when I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> to do it or
am forced to, but if I’m free to do whatever I’d like, then I’ll do the exact
same thing just as long as it’s my choice. A great example of this is reading. A
lot of kids don’t want to read in school because it’s considered homework. I
despised reading growing up, purely because it was forced in school. But in
5<sup>th</sup> grade I decided to read (yes…) Harry Potter, on my own, and all
of a sudden, reading was awesome. By the time High School rolled around, I’d
already read most of what we would be reading in our English and Lit classes
anyways. It’s not my intention to brag about reading. I'm very aware that
there are serious readers and then people who read periodically for fun- I’m
definitely the latter of the two.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316909_10100129509139441_20945_42934885_645532832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316909_10100129509139441_20945_42934885_645532832_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Speedy Bill Jones & I doing some work at the cliffs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
School metaphors aside (pretty sure this is the second I’ve
used in my race blog now. Time to pick a different example), I’ve recently
discovered the benefits of going to bed a little early and not feeling the need
to sleep in till noon. It’s mind blowing to me how much time I have in my day
when I wake up at 6:45am feeling fresh and go ride for 3-4 hours, then come
home and encounter the realization that I still have the entire day to be
productive (or work). This may be the biggest correlating factor to why my
training volume has shot thru the roof.. more available time. It’s important to
note that I’m in no way claiming to be faster right now; Maybe I can claim that
after I throw down some decent results in races next year tho.. ;-) Speaking of
which, this is my tentative race schedule for next year (as of now, I’m sure
I’ll be sprinkling in smaller local races here and there)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1/29/12 – Dirt Devil Trail ½ Marathon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2/20/12 – Tritonman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3/4/12 – Desert International Triathlon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3/18/12 – Superseal Olympic Triathlon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3/31/12 – Oceanside 70.3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5/6/12 – Wildflower Olympic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6/2/12 – Honu 70.3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7/15/12 – Lake Stevens 70.3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9/2/12 – Hy-Vee 5150 World Championship</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9/9/12 – Ironman 70.3 World Championship Las Vegas*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After an extremely disappointing collegiate season last
year, a big part of me wants to take enough units off campus and race
collegiately again this year. I definitely want to race Wildflower again, and
as much as I want a “do-over” at Collegiate Nationals in Alabama …say, maybe
when I haven’t raced a miserable 70.3 six days prior, I really don’t like the
CNC bike course, so I’m debating whether or not it’s worth it to go thru all of
the WCCTC jazz by myself again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I’m definitely looking forward to aging up into the
25-29AG. It should be a fun filled year racing against the faster guys in 70.3’s.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391527_1915186738024_1792632030_1319360_1792549536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391527_1915186738024_1792632030_1319360_1792549536_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I applaud anyone who takes this picture seriously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for now, I’m going to keep having fun, work hard as long
as I can, and continue getting ready for next year. I’m excited, to say the
least, and feel the itch to race more everyday. On a side note, I feel a sense
of satisfaction in the “weed-like” growth of my hair this month; I’m making
serious progress in growing back the bushy wig, so that’s definitely something
to look forward to.</div>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-60921522410479731482011-10-26T11:39:00.000-07:002011-10-26T14:41:43.507-07:00Last Races of 2011<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA4GK9gMJuOO5zE-qIuCr1_080eC3N0W10jt3UPq-bOwKiFP4oRQYnBE6pKfyslQPT87EcMCEBvZWWRlWVZfbGty56lskrj-xM3BxlQX8I6lWMmZpQZBEEO6S0szYx_oWR3g8Jlh214Q/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA4GK9gMJuOO5zE-qIuCr1_080eC3N0W10jt3UPq-bOwKiFP4oRQYnBE6pKfyslQPT87EcMCEBvZWWRlWVZfbGty56lskrj-xM3BxlQX8I6lWMmZpQZBEEO6S0szYx_oWR3g8Jlh214Q/s400/Picture+5.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look so stoked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank God this year of racing is over. I’ve learned a lot,
that’s for sure; but most of what I’ve learned has been how to deal with
disappointment and frustration. There was certainly a lot of that this year.
However, I was lucky enough to have a few good races before I called it quits
for the year, and had some good times with friends while doing so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Playa Del Rey Triathlon</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a fun little race up in LA a week or so ago on the
16<sup>th</sup>. I stayed with my buddy David Quiros and had the chance to
catch up with all my friends on the UCLA tri team. My plan was to treat it as a
solid training day (quick brick session) and not get too crazy out there. It
was kind of cool because the UCLA and USC tri teams were the volunteers on the
course. It was entertaining to see someone I knew at every corner yelling
something encouraging at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a rad location, being on the backside of LAX, all of
the planes flew right over us as they landed. As far as the race went: I had a
decent swim and sat on the feet of the lead pack throughout the 600meter swim.
I caught a little roller on the way in and hit the beach in front of everyone.
I thought I was the 1<sup>st</sup> in but apparently some dude was 30+ seconds
ahead. I had no idea there was someone ahead until my buddy Henry told me.
Quickly hopped on my whip and set off to chase this dude down. I caught him
after a couple of miles and realized that there weren’t too many dudes close
behind me. I settled into a nice pace and cruised the rest of the course. I
believe I had a high 28 minute 20k bike split. After I left T2, it took me a
while to get my running legs going.. feeling a little tired from all the
training that week (didn’t really tapper for this one). We ran an ‘out and
back’ down a road paralleling the beach. I felt poopy until the last mile when
I finally started to get my legs under me. I noticed that I had a sizable lead
as I headed down the back stretch and cruised in to a 1<sup>st</sup> place
overall victory. Run split was a 16:56 5k. The next guy came in around 3ish
minutes later so it was nice to have a good race at an effort that wasn’t too pressing.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a lovely nap after the race and then headed out with
some of the UCLA guys to do some solid climbing in the Santa Monica Mountains.
I’m really envious of all the awesome climbing out there, being so close to
everything! Note: don’t do big climbs with Zipp 808 tubular carbon rim wheels.
Made for a long and annoying decent, having to stop 3x to make sure my rims
weren’t going to blow up. Everyone
probably thought I’d overshot a turn and flew off the mountain when they
reached the bottom and sat around waiting a good 5-10 minutes for me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately my training week only escalated into the next
couple of days with some taxing run workouts and rides. This would inevitably
lead to an “ahh, shoot.. didn’t think about recovery” moment, a few days
before:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/293625_10150889756180317_502485316_21223131_1987118266_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/293625_10150889756180317_502485316_21223131_1987118266_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewin on the best of Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Galveston, TX 5150</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I essentially knew when I signed up for this race that I
wasn’t going to be “king of the mountain” after all was said and done. This
course is dead flat the entire time with a lot of wind. So pretty much
everything I suck at. (If you’ve ever talked to me about the wind, you know
we’re unsmiling enemies). That being said, I would be ok with a sucky overall
place as long as I knew I gave it a solid effort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie Karstrom basically talked me into doing this race.
He had it all picked out and scouted and was determined to make this race his
bitch (which he did). I’m glad he did talk me into it though.. we had a lot of
fun out it there in Texas. I knew it was going to be a good trip when we were
randomly “forced” into a 2+ hour (or never ending) card game with a complete
stranger on the plane over. Our Texas experience started off right: with a trip
to the local grocery store, where we loaded up on mass quantities of cookies,
some fig-newtons, bananas, and loads of trail mix. What we should’ve been
loading up on was bug spray (at least Charlie should’ve). On our walk back from
packet-pickup/expo, we were walking past a grassy stretch of sidewalk and we
looked down and noticed a small country of mosquitoes firmly taking up
residence upon our legs. We initially started yelling profanities and swatting
away, but it was like the mythological creature - where you kill one and two
appear. In unison we started sprinting as if a lion were chasing us down.
Needless to say, we ran the 2 miles all the way back to the room at a slightly
faster than intended pace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race Day:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi452TiZRe_goIQpQTtM6V9pWDsHCJOU_bEO8kqmAOsG3OPmd5FTJ8qWTRKxlwEHPyYEb7wTdhdKXMv58wr4H2S4OeymOgnzqHMf63Fc0Lh-UGhTw2vsXfNApmq_RM7VI_dC-rYTL7TN9c/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi452TiZRe_goIQpQTtM6V9pWDsHCJOU_bEO8kqmAOsG3OPmd5FTJ8qWTRKxlwEHPyYEb7wTdhdKXMv58wr4H2S4OeymOgnzqHMf63Fc0Lh-UGhTw2vsXfNApmq_RM7VI_dC-rYTL7TN9c/s400/Picture+2.png" width="266" /></a>Our wave (Elite) started 10 minutes behind the pros. There
weren’t a ton of people in the Elite wave, so the swim start was oddly spread
out and comfortable. After the gun went off I sprinted to Charlie’s feet and
sat behind him for 100 meters or so but quickly moved away; sitting behind
Charlie is like sitting behind a dual motor speedboat with all the water he
kicks and churns up, it doesn’t make for easy breathing conditions. I watched
as he sped off and I knew he was going to bridge up and do his own thing. I sat
with the three other guys at the front and chilled for a bit in this group.
After turning the 1<sup>st</sup> buoy one guy broke off the front of the pack
and I decided to join him. The group ended up splitting apart and we all
basically swam the rest of the swim solo. I wasn’t feeling too hot but I wasn’t
lollygagging. After I exited, I couldn’t help but feel that the swim was long
for a 1500 meter swim. I exited in 23ish minutes, which is a little high for me
(also considering I’ve been having some decent swim sessions lately). I think I
was 4<sup>th</sup> out in our wave. (The long swim was confirmed by everyone’s
slow swim times that day).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the long swim, I hopped on the Shiveroo and took off
into the wind.. and holy crap it was a wind. The bike course paralleled the
beach and there was a serious crosswind happening. Knowing that my body is a
wind-sail –being 150lbs and 6 foot with a huge torso- I decided I had to go
balls out on the way out to the turnaround and pray for some sort of a tailwind
to carry me back if I wanted any chance in staying in the race. My plan worked
(somewhat) and I ended up catching everyone but Charlie before the turnaround.
To my luck we had a slight tailwind on the way home and I hit T2 with a 1:00:50
time. Again, talking to some peeps after the race, it was concurred that the
bike course was slightly long as well (being measured at 25.2 miles).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was definitely one of “those days” out there. Legs just
felt mega heavy and tired. I know it was from overtraining that week. My heart
rate wasn’t very high (which isn’t optimal in an Olympic distance race) but my
legs were maxed. It felt like trying to run hard the day after a huge ride. I
just couldn’t get it going. To make things worse, I took a wrong turn and ran
down the wrong street. That was a fun wasted 45 seconds. I was passed by a
speedy Latino kid and basically easy-ran the next 2 miles in (I didn’t see
anyone close behind). Ended the day getting 4<sup>th</sup> place in the elite
division with a 2:05 time. Props to Charlie for crushing the swim and keeping
the lead intact the rest of the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the awards we not only found out that we qualified for
the Hy-Vee US Championship next year, but the top 5 received free spots! So
looks like I’ll have two Championship races within the same week next year
(Vegas 70.3 is a week later). Fun times ahead!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307210_10150889021100317_502485316_21216177_1637018518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307210_10150889021100317_502485316_21216177_1637018518_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m looking forward to some relaxation in the next couple
weeks and not doing much other than surfing and casual coffee rides. As usual,
I’d like to thank my parents, family & friends for all the support
throughout the ups and downs this year. B+L Bikes for being San Diego’s best
tri shop and supporting me, Specialized for making the worlds greatest bikes,
and Clint Eastwood. And last but not least, God for saving me and giving me a passion
to strive for the best. </div>Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8038510127746872311.post-32598635667413770162011-09-30T18:06:00.000-07:002012-07-20T10:00:11.001-07:00LA Triathlon (2011)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkfVqnl0AJKJSBrsX2vyMjRDQ4XV3AKO2BZ54Csdc6ufJy0awClZepmRx4qQ0OBVCj_sC1Cm_Dt7cP3wgziKK_Io0T4WJHkhLNDd8goP1fEGVLAKqDIxFXihjRB5p0T6xkLbQI_qkoYU/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkfVqnl0AJKJSBrsX2vyMjRDQ4XV3AKO2BZ54Csdc6ufJy0awClZepmRx4qQ0OBVCj_sC1Cm_Dt7cP3wgziKK_Io0T4WJHkhLNDd8goP1fEGVLAKqDIxFXihjRB5p0T6xkLbQI_qkoYU/s400/Picture+3.png" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After taking absolutely no time to think about my race in
Vegas, I felt it was best to immediately get back on the pain-train and put the
pedal down in some workouts. It’s been nice to not feel the need to run 2-3 long
runs or head out on two 3-4 hour long rides every week. I’m all about quality
over quantity (in almost every aspect of life). I never understood length
requirements on papers in school. I enjoy writing, so I typically never griped
too badly about this, but I always found it unnecessary/dumb to write an 8 page
paper and say everything precise and quaintly in five pages and have to
bullshit out three more pages of redundancy. I always loved the teachers that
graded on the quality of ideas you’ve presented and not how long and wordy an
essay is. That being said, I take the same approach in my workouts. I feel it’s
almost a waste of time (for myself; not being an “iron-distance” athlete (yet)
to spend more than 4 hours on my bike. At that point, I’m not doing any quality
work; I’m just bearing the pain of sitting on a harmonica-sized seat and
keeping my legs spinning and staying upright. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of that to say, I welcomed back Olympic-distance racing
last weekend with open arms. It was “fun” to turn up the speed/pain, and go
fast again. I was telling everyone before the race “all I want to do is blow
up the bike”. I didn’t even care about the run, I could’ve run a 45 and been
satisfied as long as I went under an hour on the bike. It’s funny how I almost
always go into a race having a “plan” and it almost always never works out the
way you imagined it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TZ9SYoiH76in8tfK0ws329bTEZY7V-5xPcJf9O6qWg_Zdm2Zv_8FtqB_IIDnGYtvUeMlwv2zDSyXcOFAP54JEBJCALIasjSxuSwG8FN41Qju1s41ww6C2GQdW7VhhM9f4ryvMudwnkk/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TZ9SYoiH76in8tfK0ws329bTEZY7V-5xPcJf9O6qWg_Zdm2Zv_8FtqB_IIDnGYtvUeMlwv2zDSyXcOFAP54JEBJCALIasjSxuSwG8FN41Qju1s41ww6C2GQdW7VhhM9f4ryvMudwnkk/s400/Picture+7.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard Butsko bewildered swim exit look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim: Having put some time in the pool since Vegas, I was
hopeful that the ‘old Keith’ would come back last Sunday. Nope.. It’s getting
better, but my swim is still nowhere near what it should be. As I watched the pros
take off, I saw my buddy Kenny Rakestraw took the best line out to the first
buoy by running on the north side. I decided to take that same line and it
worked out pretty well. I reached the 1<sup>st</sup> buoy simultaneously along
with one other dude before the rest of the collegiate/ 29 & under wave. As
soon as we turned south, I had no idea where to go. The only other buoy was
like 700 meters south near the pier. It was slightly choppy and I came to a
complete stop 3 or 4 times and talked with this other guy I was swimming with.
We were just confused at where we were swimming. It really wasn’t racing, more
like getting lost and making the best of the situation. I came out somewhere in
the 24 minute range. Kind of stinky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike: After a quick exchange of pleasantries with the guy I
was swimming with while changing in T1, I was off. I went out way too hard the
first 10 miles, after that I felt dead. My legs just didn’t have any life in
them. I wasn’t wearing a watch but I knew my bike split wasn’t near what I had
hoped for. The course is a false flat for the first 10ish miles towards
downtown LA; then it’s an alternating (very slight) up and downslope 2 lap-7
mile loop. Overall it’s a pretty flat course, no real challenging hills, so it
not advantageous for me at all. I
finished with a 1:02 low bike split. At least it’s a minute better than last
year right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3X5t_ZUTDCXrV43Z8lb8I_qZ43oEMNB_ko1ubJEV6GsOY8dS-hb9xWHtAaWWG-nVGCxdh5i651h6j7rNptdPABCRA7ElYkBGIZIBW2D79wJEJCndZMl47GF7yr4TsIcPP7bC2G6Gh3c/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3X5t_ZUTDCXrV43Z8lb8I_qZ43oEMNB_ko1ubJEV6GsOY8dS-hb9xWHtAaWWG-nVGCxdh5i651h6j7rNptdPABCRA7ElYkBGIZIBW2D79wJEJCndZMl47GF7yr4TsIcPP7bC2G6Gh3c/s400/Picture+5.png" width="267" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run: As I headed out onto the run course, I felt I had a
nice and quick pace ½ mile into it and started to settle in. I then turned a corner
and saw Greg Bennett bolting towards the finish line; probably running a 4:45
mile pace. He ran by me so fast that my pace looked like a relaxing jog. I
almost quit endurance sports straight up when I saw that. However, I didn’t and
decided to just keep at it. Not feeling too inspired I trudged on, getting
distracted every so often by the bouncing pony tail of Magali Tisseyre… After
chatting with a few people about PLNU (as I got the usual comments about my
green hat) and noticing that I probably had a lock on the Collegiate and 29
& under win, I rolled into the finish feeling good. I saw the results and
noticed I ran a 36:24, which is a 10k PR in a triathlon for me and nearly 5
minutes faster than what I ran here last year… </div>
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2:06:19 overall</div>
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Ended up wining the collegiate division and the overall Age
Group win (However, I wasn’t credited as the overall AG champ at the awards
because apparently the Collegiate division wasn’t included for whatever
reason). No matter, it was a fun day racing and hanging out with friends. Shout
out to Kosuke, who had a huge day and was 3<sup>rd</sup> in the elite division,
and to my dogs: Bill Gleason and Jonathan Lopez, who were high on the podium in
their respective divisions. Huge day for TCSD (and PLNU triathlon.. kind of). </div>
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I’d like to say a special thanks to Sonja Johnson and Zoot
for getting me in a super fast wetsuit for this race! B+L Bikes for being THE
BEST tri shop in SD. My fam for being awesome and my friends for all the
support. And last but certainly not least, Nic Cage for making some of the worst(=best)
movies of all time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGtbif1MuHh49VHjNamQ4mVzr2VKJEA2pDVwPweOnGs3vgWFQ4k-K1IBTULpdPkH3D5xm3-22_WUrqv_7adqYHiHEf9pTXLUVBaQ-wB4BosSgtJHdDFnkh9Nk_PCRz2q80fy6EJVPXBI/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGtbif1MuHh49VHjNamQ4mVzr2VKJEA2pDVwPweOnGs3vgWFQ4k-K1IBTULpdPkH3D5xm3-22_WUrqv_7adqYHiHEf9pTXLUVBaQ-wB4BosSgtJHdDFnkh9Nk_PCRz2q80fy6EJVPXBI/s400/Picture+2.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure, Cheers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fast happens..Keith Butskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416145553712130916noreply@blogger.com0