Once in a while when a friend has a particularly inspiring performance I like to share their race report. Since my races are generally a matter of survival rather than of triumph, and my story of a professional triathlete pursuing his athletic dreams via unemployment and extensive videogaming in his parents' basement is rarely described as inspiring.
This time it's LPC teammate Thierry Guertin's race report from Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Thierry has lost 85lbs since joining LPC and has become an exeptionally strong long course athlete over the past year.
Just before leaving for Clearwater Thierry dropped me hard on a cold and windy 3.5hr ride...in my defense it was my first long ride after breaking my foot, nonetheless a major hit to my ego. But after seeing the bike split he posted in Clearwater I didn't feel nearly as bad. Enjoy:
http://www.tguertin.com/blog/2010/11/21/clearwater2
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Real Ryan Power
It has recently come to my attention that I have an imposter, or perhaps I have uncovered the central character in a diabolical clone plot that threatens my very identity.
Lurking in the kid's 3-5 year old division, this "Ryan Power" completed his 15 yard swim/500m bike/100m run at the Milton KOS...significantly faster than I can swim 15 yards. I'm in danger of losing my title of "fastest guy in the world named Ryan Power" and all the fame and riches that come with it. And I bet he even writes more worthwhile blog posts than I do.
He's trying to take me down, but you must believe me. I am the real Ryan Power! If I ever meet this identity thief in competition, calling him Ry-guy should piss him off enough for me to defeat him.
Lurking in the kid's 3-5 year old division, this "Ryan Power" completed his 15 yard swim/500m bike/100m run at the Milton KOS...significantly faster than I can swim 15 yards. I'm in danger of losing my title of "fastest guy in the world named Ryan Power" and all the fame and riches that come with it. And I bet he even writes more worthwhile blog posts than I do.
He's trying to take me down, but you must believe me. I am the real Ryan Power! If I ever meet this identity thief in competition, calling him Ry-guy should piss him off enough for me to defeat him.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Clearwater
As mentioned previously, a lot of people are decidedly displeased with the WTC these days. Sure, you can express your displeasure by not signing up for an Ironman event next year (rest assured, someone else will take your spot). But how about Jodie Swallow showing up to Clearwater, wearing her ITU uniform, and sticking it to a stacked field of long course athletes on their turf?
Even leading out swim/bike superstar Julie Dibens by 90 seconds out of the water and holding her off on the bike - on her road bike with shorty aerobars, 38mm rims and a road helmet - on what should be a pure time trial course. How's that for showing the triathon world that WTC is NOT the be-all end-all in our sport?
Even leading out swim/bike superstar Julie Dibens by 90 seconds out of the water and holding her off on the bike - on her road bike with shorty aerobars, 38mm rims and a road helmet - on what should be a pure time trial course. How's that for showing the triathon world that WTC is NOT the be-all end-all in our sport?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dear Triathlon,
I think it's time we have the talk. I know the talk is an awkward crossroads in any relationship, and I know you're already all over my facebook profile, but I'm the type of person who needs definitions and labels so this is something that has to happen. Where are we headed together, and what are my goals with you?
I'm going to be brutally honest. Sometimes you really screw me around. I know you're just giving me tough love because you're trying to make me a stronger person, but you kind of piss me off sometimes. You really raise my blood pressure, albeit temporarily. Then you leave me alone in the cold rain, 60km from home with tired legs. All I want is some warm coffee (and a hug if that's not too much to ask), but all I can do is hold back the tears and take the lonely road home.
I'll admit, I'm not all that "experienced" when I strip down to a speedo and let my hips do the talking. But a little gratification once in a while would really boost my confidence...perhaps that elusive sub-20 1500m, or just once catching the back of the chase pack.
But we've also had some great times together. You take me on trips around the world and let me experience things - both outside and within myself - that without you I would have never known. And every time we're together I feel my heart beating out of my chest for you.
I've given it a lot of thought triathlon, and I've decided I want to commit myself to this. I'll stop distracting myself with useless stuff like girls, a social life, grad school, or getting a job. You have my unequivocal dedication for at least two more Olympic cycles...I really want to make those World Cup standards one day.
I'm going to live in my parents basement for the next 10 years, so when I'm not with you I'll either be sleeping or playing video games, no other distractions. I'll do that for you. After 2020 I'll reconsider and perhaps do something with my life. But until then let's give this a shot to work out.
Sincerely,
Ryan
I'm going to be brutally honest. Sometimes you really screw me around. I know you're just giving me tough love because you're trying to make me a stronger person, but you kind of piss me off sometimes. You really raise my blood pressure, albeit temporarily. Then you leave me alone in the cold rain, 60km from home with tired legs. All I want is some warm coffee (and a hug if that's not too much to ask), but all I can do is hold back the tears and take the lonely road home.
I'll admit, I'm not all that "experienced" when I strip down to a speedo and let my hips do the talking. But a little gratification once in a while would really boost my confidence...perhaps that elusive sub-20 1500m, or just once catching the back of the chase pack.
But we've also had some great times together. You take me on trips around the world and let me experience things - both outside and within myself - that without you I would have never known. And every time we're together I feel my heart beating out of my chest for you.
I've given it a lot of thought triathlon, and I've decided I want to commit myself to this. I'll stop distracting myself with useless stuff like girls, a social life, grad school, or getting a job. You have my unequivocal dedication for at least two more Olympic cycles...I really want to make those World Cup standards one day.
I'm going to live in my parents basement for the next 10 years, so when I'm not with you I'll either be sleeping or playing video games, no other distractions. I'll do that for you. After 2020 I'll reconsider and perhaps do something with my life. But until then let's give this a shot to work out.
Sincerely,
Ryan
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