Aaron's Adventures

  I have just updated my 2009 race schedule.  This is, of course, tentative as I may drop or add races depending on how I am feeling.  My main focus will be peaking at the right time . . . IM WI. 

 It may sound strange to some of you, but I have already planned out my next three race seasons and my position within the sport at the end of each year.  I have made it very clear what my goals are, and I truly believe I will be able to reach my main goal in no more than 3 years.  I will say that after 2009 you will no longer see a few of the reoccurring races on the schedule (specifically anything shorter than ½ iron distances).  As any triathlete knows, it is very hard to work on speed when you are putting in mega mileage.  For me, I have learned that the mega mileage is what I love . . . the pain is what I love . . . and the feeling of accomplishment when tackling those “larger than life” challenges is what I love.  I also am rediscovering my love of the outdoors, which I had lost for a few years – and what better way to enjoy nature than to engulf yourself in it for hours & days at a time!!

 So to sum it up à three year plan = fewer races throughout the year, but longer distances (after ’09) . . . . and of course BERSERKER mileage, which will equate to BERSERKER pain!J 

 Cheers,

-=Berserker Poke

  After seeing record breaking heat for a Wisconsin November earlier in the week (mid 70’s), the temperature dropped 40°F overnight!  We (“The Diesel” & I) awoke to snow flakes on Saturday morning & a forecast calling for a blustery mix of wind/snow/rain . . . who’s ready to run?  It seems like I spend a lot of time complaining about weather, so this time you won’t hear anymore about it (at least not negatively). 

 The ½ marathon was scheduled to go off at 11:30 a.m., and let’s just say we were a little early!  This was to be Vin’s first half marathon, and I was pretty pumped just to see him finish this distance. But I also had a goal of my own . . .  finish under 1:30.  Although my fitness is not where it was a few months ago, I still believed I could have a good day.  After a longer than usual warm up, I jumped in line and before you knew it, we were off.  The first 6 miles of this course has some hills and then flattens out around the 10K. My first mile was a 6:40 . . . second mile was a 6:35 . . . third mile was a 6:40!  I had tucked myself into a chase pack that included the top two females; my thoughts were to use the pack to block some of the wind and stick with the top female (she usually finishes under 1:30) unless she fell off pace.  Unfortunately, I fell off pace first!  When I hit mile 8, my pace had dropped to a 7:00/mile.  I tried to stay positive and thought sevens would get it done.  Mile nine I was hit with a wicked side stitch, which crumpled the pace even further . . . mile 9 was 8:00!  Enough of that garbage – off I went again with a couple 7:00 minute miles.  When I hit mile twelve, I needed a 6:20 finishing mile to accomplish my goal, too bad the final mile is into a 20 mph headwind!  I smiled as I turned into it and gave it all I had.  Apparently all I had was a 7:35 left in me.

 I missed my goal as I finished with a 1:31:16 (6:58 /mile), but was greeted by a nice lasagna lunch to warm me up followed by a nice COLD beer. J  Tyranena Brewery put on a great race with some tasty treats after & I will definitely do this one again. 

 Congrats to Vin for completing his first 1/2 marathon in a very respectable 1:41:13.

 I forgot to mention that although I missed my goal, I did PR by 16 seconds . . . can’t be too upset I guess . . .

 Cheers,

-=Berserker Poke

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