Kelowna Apple Triathlon

Arrived in Lovely Kelowna late Friday night and caught some sleep before setting up early at the Apple Triathlon for book signings....My Ironstruck T-shirts were a resounding success and many of the teen racers bought them.

You know, I was watching the 8 and 9 year olds and it is simply amazing how talented these kids are and what a passion they have for the sport of triathlon.

It is just such a cool sport because they can all participate and have a great time regardless of how new they are to athletics. I could see many kids who could also be champions in 10 or 12 years if they stick with the sport and decide to reach for the stars. The Kids of Steel program is a marvel and it's no wonder all these races across the country fill so fast.

All those kids who competed today should be so proud of themselves and I hope they embrace fitness as a way of life forever.

Tomorrow we will be treated to watching the likes of Simon Whitfield and Jordan Brydon competing in the Nationals here at the Apple.

Hey! What do you know! Simon Whitfield started out as a kid of steel.

TOTAL IMMERSION

TOTAL IMMERSION Is easily one of the best swimming techniques for triathletes of all levels. Since I created ironstruck almost 5 years ago I have been in contact with thousands of people who have been captivated by the Ironman. They may have visited this website, read one of my books, emailed me, or just stopped by to chat while I was doing a book signing at a race. Most of the time the contact is initiated because most of them are compelled or "Ironstruck" by some unseen force to embark on their own Ironman journey and are in search of answers. Answers that will get them to the Ironman finish line one day.

It might mean getting on a road bike for the first time, dusting off the running shoes, or learning how to swim from the very beginning so they can enter the world of triathlon and eventually join a few thousand others one day at the swim start of their very first Ironman. This is where TOTAL IMMERSION can become a very important factor.

I can say with a certainty that the biggest stumbling block for most of the newly Ironstruck is learning how to swim or learning how to swim better. It certainly was for me as I couldn't swim a stroke when I decided I wanted to be an Ironman. Unfortunately, back then the swimming techniques provided by TOTAL IMMERSION were not available. It took me about year to be able to swim two miles in a pool. It was most likely the most inefficient swim stroke a person could possibly have, but I was off to Kona to tackle Ironman Hawaii 1984.

IF YOU ARE HAVING CONCERNS AND PROBLEMS WITH
YOUR SWIM TRAINING AND SWIM TECHNIQUE FOR AN
UPCOMING TRI OF ANY DISTANCE, CONSIDER TOTAL
IMMERSION. I WAS ALWAYS A CRAPPY SWIMMER AND
THE TOTAL IMMERSION TECHNIQUE MADE THE
IRONMAN SWIM ENJOYABLE AND WORRY-FREE FOR ME.
I ALSO CAME OUT OF THE WATER MORE RELAXED AND
HAD FAR MORE ENERGY LEFT THEN I NORMALLY DID
WITH MY OLD STROKE. THIS WAS A HUGE
DIFFERENCE GOING INTO THE BIKE AND MARATHON.

TOTAL IMMERSION is offering all ironstruck
visitors a 10% discount on Books, DVD's, and
all other TI teaching tools.
Simply click on this
linktotalimm
ersion.net/store/ and go to the store
page and type ironstruck(all small case)into
the shopping cart coupon box and you receive
your 10% discount automatically.

My strategy was simple. I just moved my arms as fast as I could for about an hour and forty minutes until I reached dry land. I didn't want to stop moving my arms because I was afraid I would sink. I had such poor body position, that as soon as I slowed down my legs would sink. Well, they sank anyway and dragged along behind me, but the slower I went the faster they seemed to sink.

I incorporated this same strategy in the first 10 of the 14 Ironman races I entered over the years. In all of those Ironman swims I came out of the water exhausted and with my heart-rate racing and out of control.

The energy that is lost that early in the race is unrecoverable.

Most of my problems were caused by having terrible swim technique and also because I never had a swim plan and was routinely getting clobbered in the swim from the flailing mass of bodies that are part of every Ironman swim.

Then one day after another hour spent at the local pool reinforcing my poor swim stroke, a fellow triathlete asked me if I had ever heard of TOTAL IMMERSION? He had been swimming beside me and I think he knew I really needed help. I was a 1:25 Ironman swimmer at this stage and he was just about breaking 60 minutes.

I told him I had never heard of it, so he reached in his gym bag and pulled out a copy of the book TOTAL IMMERSION. He told me to take it home and read it. In my 25 year involvement with triathlon, that was without a doubt the best piece of advice I was ever given. I read the whole book that night and although I had my doubts at first because it virtually meant learning to swim all over again, I took it to heart and put TOTAL IMMERSION to the test the very next day.

I kicked off from the side of the pool and did exactly what was suggested in the book for attaining better buoyancy and body positioning in the water. Without exaggeration, I took about five strokes and for the first time in almost twenty years felt my heels break the surface of the water behind me. It's the first time I actually had anything even close to good form in the water and I hadn't even reached the other side of the pool.

I was ecstatic and over the following months did the drills that slowly rid my muscle memory of all my bad habits and helped me develop a long, smooth stroke that is "perfect" for any triathlete who wants to become a confident, efficient swimmer and save tons of energy for the later stages of their triathlon.

I took my new improved stroke to my next Ironman and because I wanted to make the most of it, decided to swim on the edge of the mass of swimmers so I would be away from the mayhem and be able to maintain the long, smooth stroke that TOTAL IMMERSION had taught me. I felt that I would most likely swim further, but it would be well worth it to have an enjoyable swim that conserved energy.

My mantra during my swim training using the TOTAL IMMERSION method was "not how fast I got to the other end of the pool, but how I got to the other end of the pool." I held that thought and took it to the Ironman and put it to the test.

When I came out of the water I couldn't believe how great I felt. For the first time my heart-rate was in control and the entire swim had been enjoyable and not the usual part of the Ironman that I always dreaded. I stayed out of trouble and maintained the same long, smooth stroke for the entire race.

I was astounded when my swim time was a personal best by almost 5 minutes. It was so surprising because never once did I consciously try and "swim fast."

I TRIED TO SWIM SMOOTH.

If you are concerned about your swimming or if you think the Ironman is beyond your reach because the swim seems overwhelming, then TOTAL IMMERSION could very well be your ticket to the Ironman finish line.

Even if you have done several Ironman races and struggle through the swim much like I did for almost ten years, the TOTAL IMMERSION swim system will change the way you look at swimming forever and you will begin to look forward to the Ironman swim and not dread it.

If you are just beginning your triathlon career, TOTAL IMMERSION is the perfect system to incorporate into your swim training as your career develops. If you are completely new to swimming, then you have the advantage of developing a great stroke from the very beginning without having to break bad swimming habits.


TOTAL IMMERSION is offering all ironstruck visitors a 10% discount on Books, DVD's, and all other TI teaching tools.

Simply click on this link
totalimmersion.net/store/go to the store page and type ironstruck(all small case)into the shopping cart coupon box and you receive your 10% discount automatically.

IRONMAN SPECTATOR

I played the part of ironman spectator as I took the "Ironstruck" road-show to the last two editions of Ironman Canada in Penticton in August. Everybody has a story and it was great meeting people and talking triathlon with them. I also met people I had talked to online, but never before met. Many had bought my Ironstruck books and were using Ironstruck as their sense of direction and inspiration to get them through their first Ironman.

I'll be leaving in a few weeks to once again be part of the Kelowna apple expo followed by Ironman Canada 2009.

I sure wasn't used to being a spectator along a course that I had raced on 10 times over the years. It was a course I had left so much of myself on over the years.

I learned quite a lot from spending the day, and much of the night on the course cheering on the competitors. I saw the race from a different viewpoint and was able to see how others reacted to the race and how they supported everyone.

Many spectators are usually up an hour before the start gun in order to land a prime viewing spot to witness one of the biggest mass swim starts in Ironman history.

Then while the runners were out on the bike course, people were writing out chalk messages up and down the run course in recognition of their favorite triathletes. All the restaurants were full along main street as the bikers began coming back into town hours later and from that moment on, the procession of bikers and runners would go on late into the night.

It was amazing to see just how much support the spectators provided for 'all' the participants. It was also special to see how they stayed out there hour after hour to cheer everyone on.

I'm glad I had a chance to see the race from another point of view, and came to a major conclusion.

You have to be 'tough' to be an Ironman spectator.


Especially the ones who spent the entire 17 hours out there. It's quite an emotional and physical drain.

I think for the first time I really appreciate just how important the families, friends, volunteers, and even strangers who are ironman spectators are to an individuals success in the Ironman.

If you are uncertain about taking your own run at the Ironman, consider taking in Ironman Canada or an Ironman near you and it will be sure to inspire you...


Currently my Ironstruck books are available on Mindset Triathlon. They have inspired many people to take on their first Ironman successfully. Currently they are both in the top ten of the top 100 list of the more than 3000 titles on mindset. Buy the download version of both Ironstruck books at a great price and you never pay any shipping and will have instant access to information that will help you reach the Ironman finish line. Visit mindset here...........

RIGHT TO PLAY

As long as I can remember I have been a huge fan of the Olympic Games. It was during the Olympics that I first became aware of "Right to Play," an organization that is dedicated to giving children all over the world the opportunity to "just be kids."

It was such a pleasure to meet Olympian Beckie Scott at the recent Calgary Ironman 70.3 expo. Beckie is a strong supporter of "Right To Play" and I had the opportunity to learn more about the organization. I'm excited to be able to help raise awareness and to aid Beckie in her goal of giving children everywhere the opportunity to play and grow in a healthy, happy, and stable environment through the charitable organization "Right To Play."

As athletes, we are blessed with the opportunity to be able to participate in a sport like triathlon and to experience the fun, excitement, and overall healthy lifestyle that being active provides for us.

Here is what some of the most amazing athletes in the world have to say about "Right To Play."



"This is one of the greatest causes I have ever seen! Right To Play is using the incredible power of sport and play to help children who are affected in refugee camps, affected by war and orphaned by HIV/AIDS."
Wayne Gretzky, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Hockey Great

"Sport has influenced the path my life has taken. It has given me the ability to focus, create vision, understand differences and persevere through adversity. Going into the field in Africa brought home the reality that many children do not have the opportunity to engage in sport or to play. I had believed that these benefits were available to every child. In the refugee camps in Sudan I saw children whose days were void of anything but intense boredom. To these children, Right to Play and our partners bring play, and with play the opportunity to learn and grow and develop their potential. Play is not a luxury; it is an essential element to a child’s development. Organizations like UNICEF, UNHCR, and the World Health Organizations (WHO) are partnering with Right to Play because they recognize the power of sport to help children of disadvantage. I am proud that my experience as an athlete and my passion for sport can benefit the lives of these children."
Silken Laumann, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and three-time Olympic Medalist (Rowing)

“Sport for Development programs are harnessing the power of sport and play to put children on a healthier development path. As my personal experiences have shown, sport has the power to change and heal lives, to build self-esteem, confidence and leadership and to create extraordinary possibilities. Sport and play are not luxuries but important and necessary building blocks. Please join Right To Play in helping to ensure every child’s right to play.”
Lance Armstrong, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and seven-time Tour de France winner

"I believe in the power of sport and play to change lives."
Catriona Le May Doan, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (Speed Skating)

"As an American and an Olympian we are given so many opportunities. We sometimes take for granted how fortunate we are. Working with Right to Play has given me the chance to give back to those children who don't know the joys of sports and recreation. I think it's so important for every child to have the right to play because sports can shape an individual's confidence, self-esteem, morals, strength, and physical and mental well being. With some children already going through such devastation in their lives, depriving them the right to play could deprive them of a chance to truly live a fulfilled life. Thinking of the smile that I can help put on the face of a small child, makes every effort worthwhile."
Nikki Stone, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medalist (Aerials)

"Since I was a child, sport has been a powerful, positive force in my life. I believe every child has the right to play."
Dikembe Mutombo, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and NBA Basketball star

“Being an athlete has influenced so many aspects of my life. For that reason I am always looking to find a way to give back to my sport and to give children the opportunities that I had when I was young. Right to Play gives athletes an easy and effective way to do that - to bring the joy and love of sports to children all over the world.”
Emily Cook, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympian (Aerials)

"There are parts in the world where few opportunities exist for kids to be kids. Sport and play provide that chance. Right To Play provides that chance."
Steve Podborski, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympic Bronze Medalist (Skiing)

“Having been at the Olympics made me feel very happy and special. Not too many people ever get that chance and I am fully aware that we as athletes have a much higher responsibility than to just win or go for records... We are role models, opinion makers, and credible idols for children and youth, so it is my pleasure and urgent drive to fulfill that great chance that I got through my career.”
Oliver Stamm, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympian (Beach Volleyball)

“It is my privilege to work with Right To Play as an Athlete Ambassador. As someone who has already been able to realize so many dreams in my lifetime, I was immediately drawn to this worthy organization. Right To Play recognizes that all children are special and beautiful, and deserves the right to enjoy their childhood. I can’t think of anything better than that.”
Bonnie Blair, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, five-time Olympic Gold Medallist, 1 Bronze (Speed Skating)

"I am excited about Olympic Aid [now known as Right To Play] because it gives kids a chance to discover through sports the very things that have made such a tremendous difference in my life over the years. Sports,, although such a small part of life teaches so many valuable lessons: a sense of fair play and integrity, teamwork and cooperation. The biggest thing that I've learnt though is that through hard work and perseverance you can achieve and you can do all of this while having fun.”
Devon Harris, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympian (Bobsled)

"Right To Play allows us as athletes, the chance to give back using the skills that come naturally: leadership, sport, dedication and passion."
Simon Whitfield, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympic Gold Medalist (Triathlon)

"The wonderful thing about being part of an organization like Right To Play is that it gives athletes a very unique and powerful opportunity to use their successes in sport to help promote the underlying values of sport: fun, fairplay, healthy competition, sportsmanship and most importantly peace, with children in their own communities and in areas of the world where war and conflict have torn people apart. If I can contribute in some small way, to help children, in my community and in other parts of the world, to share and experience the joy of sport with one another, then I feel as though I have made a difference."
Kristina Groves, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympian (Speed Skating)


Take just a minute to visit the "Right To Play" website and perhaps be a part of giving children who are not quite as fortunate as ourselves an opportunity to play and develop in a healthy environment of fun and fitness.


RIGHT TO PLAY

IRONMAN CALGARY 70.3 PICTURES +EARLY RESULTS

IMAGES OF THE IRONMAN CALGARY 70.3.

It was a great day for the inaugural Calgary Ironman 70.3 and although I was not able to take in the swim start, there was plenty of action in the bike to run transition and finish line area.

Organizers did a great job of making the finish area and run course spectator friendly, the weather was great, and for an inaugural race the organization appeared to be nothing short of spectacular.

Despite the absence of Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, the quality of the field was excellent.

I arrived at the finish line just in time to find out that Timothy O'Donnell had won the race.




The picture at the top of the page is of Dan Ouimet who did an outstanding job of spear-heading the organization of Ironman Calgary 70.3. The triathlon community of Calgary owes Dan and his crew a big vote of thanks as this race will most likely be one of those Ironman races that will fill very early in the coming years thanks to their efforts in this race, the inaugural Calgary 70.3.


Triathlon is truly a family event and it was great to see so many family's out cheering on their favorite triathletes.






It was great to run into so many people who are a big part of the triathlon scene in Calgary. This is a picture of Cal Zarisky who is one of the country's best coaches and Rose Serpico who is co-owner of Tri it, the best tri store in the country.







I don't believe I have ever seem so many people who have gone out of their way to be a cheer-leading squad for the triathletes. They even dressed up as cheer-leaders and spent hours cheering people on. I know how much it used to mean to me in my racing days to have spectator support, and I'm sure it did as well to the entries in this years race. Great job and Thanks! to the cheer-leaders of Ironman Calgary 70.3.