Tri-For-Fun Sprint Triathlon

Results are in for the Tri for Fun triathlon held at the Conroe YMCA on March 30, 2014.  Finish Strong athletes who competed (and did very well) were Kent Morris (2nd overall), Kathy Morris (3rd in her AG), Claudia McMeeken (3rd master's), and Pam Meaux (first tri and 2nd master's finisher.)

The race was a 300 yard swim, 16.5 bike and 5K run distance event.  I'm not sure which results to post because the tri had timing issues with the swim mat at the beginning of the race. They had their timer work the numbers for both a Triathlon and a Duathlon.

The duathlon race results are posted at: 

http://www.runhoustontiming.net/race_result/1396583437_1243246_Tri%20For%20Fun%20-%20Duathlon%20-%20Age%20Groups.htm

The triathlon results are posted at:

http://www.runhoustontiming.net/race_result/1396583437_7612181_Tri%20For%20Fun%20-%20Age%20Groups.htm

Pam's swim 9 min; 1:06 bike, and 23 min run for an overall time of 1:43. Pam reports, "It was fun and a great learning experience for me.  Glad I had a chance to practice.  The swim ended up being the best part because it was in a warm pool and the shortest piece and I did OK.  I had not been on a bike on a road in 10 years (spin class only) so I had no clue what I was doing and couldn’t figure out how to work the gears so it took me 1:06 to do 16.5 miles, but I did enjoy riding the bike.  Beautiful day!  The run was a trail run filled with mud, roots, ruts, grass and little hills – I am not a trail runner so it was the longest 5k of my life!"   Way to go!

Pam Meaux (left) ready to race her first triathlon, with Geri Henry!

Practice Tri

Thirty Finish Strong athletes had fun practicing all three legs on Saturday for upcoming triathlon races.  Drills and pool workout, followed by bike and back for a run in The Woodlands.  Lots of positive feedback from the participants.  We'll plan another one soon!  Stay tuned.

Texas 10 Series Boerne

Finish Strong's Kevin Baker and Nora Wilson once again raked in the hardware at the Texas 10 Series Boerne 10 mile race held on Saturday, March 30.  Kevin achieved another 10 mile personal record of 1:04:51 securing 1st place in his 35-39 age group.  Nora Wilson also won her age group handily.  Her time was 1:20:46 - a lead of almost 20 minutes before the second runner in her AG. Kevin reports, "A nice race course with rolling hills and great weather."

Nora claims this was the most beautiful of the Texas10 series with bluebonnets in full bloom!

Kevin Baker wins his AG again and sets another PR!

Nora enjoys the view from the top of the podium.  (Thanks for the pic, Sue Griffis!)

For more results, go to:

https://www.nolimitstiming.com/results/default-mobile.aspx?event=26815

No Label Sprint Tri

Finish Strong's Bret Strong and James Vultaggio competed in the No Label Sprint Tri in Katy on Saturday, March 29. The race had a 300 meter swim / 14 mile bike / 3 mile run. Bret won the grand master's division with an overall time of 1:08:13.  Bret's splits were 4:50 swim, 40:28 bike, 20:49 run.  James finished 10th in his 35-39 age group and 66th overall with a time of 1:14:37. 5:29 swim, 42:04 bike, and 22:53 run.

James Vultaggio and his friend at the finish line!

Bret's award!

For more on results, go to:
https://www.nolimitstiming.com/results/default.aspx?event=26806

Texas Wine Series Half Marathon

Finish Strong Coaching's Rebecca Schany enjoyed a personal best for the Texas Wine Series Half Marathon held on Sunday, March 30th.  Rebecca reports, "The weather was beautiful.  I am happy with the results. Did I meet the goal of sub 2 hrs? No, but I know I did the best job I could do and it was a faster than my best 1/2 marathon time despite the hilly course (elevation change of 330 ft). Now I am ready to race again this fall!"  Way to go, Rebecca!  Any pics?

Himalayan Rush Triathlon - Olympic

Finish Strong Coaching's Jerry Parker was one of the few competitors who actually completed the outrageously steep Himalayan Rush Triathlon Olympic distance held in Pokhara, Nepal on March 28th. Jerry reports, "Unbelievably hard race!  Climb of 15% grade x 800m x 4 loops on the nastiest ground you can imagine. I crashed on loop 1 and my front deraileur got stuck on the big chain ring so I had to walk the bike up the hill 4 times. The run was 3 miles straight uphill with probably 1000 ft of elevation change. Then straight back down. Honestly, I had to use all the tricks in my book to finish but I finished amazingly strong, no broken bones but a broken bike shifter I think. Absolutely amazing race."

The course looks beautiful and majestic from the plane.

Course feels extremely challenging with 15% grade mountain trails to contend with.

Seabrook Marathon Weekend

Finish Strong Coaching's Ronnie Delzer had an incredible weekend racing Seabrook half marathon on Saturday and Seabrook full marathon on Sunday.  Ronnie came in 3rd overall for the half marathon posting a time of 1:22:45 (6:19/mi pace) and 2nd overall in the marathon in 3:00:29 (6:53/mi pace).  Way to go, Ronnie!  Any pics?

Seabrook Half Marathon Result

3

Delzer,Ronnie

157

40:21

42:23

1:22:45.7

1:22:45.7

6:19

3

3

Seabrook Full Marathon Result

2

Delzer,Ronnie

157

42:32

44:56

44:26

48:33

3:00:30.0

3:00:29.1

6:53

2

2

Open Water Swim and Mental Skill Clinic on April 10th

OPEN WATER SWIM TACTICAL AND MENTAL SKILL CLINIC FEATURING PRO TRIATHLETE LIZ BAUGHER

THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH. 6:30 NORTHSHORE PARK PAVILLION NEW TO OR EXPERIENCED BUT STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY REGARDING THE DISCIPLINE OF OPEN-WATER SWIMMING? YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. COUNTLESS TRIATHLETES HAVE EITHER SUFFERED SUB-PAR PERFORMANCE OR A LACK OF ENJOYMENT OF THE SPORT DUE TO FEAR RELATED TO THE FIRST DISCIPLINE. PRO TRIATHLETE LIZ BAUGHER AND SPORT PSYCHOLOGY CONSULTANT ADRIENNE LANGELIER LOOK TO HELP YOU CHANGE THAT. JOIN US FOR OUR LATEST EDITION OF A SEMINAR FULL OF TIPS AND STRATEGIES ON HOW TO BREAK THROUGH MENTAL BARRIERS, OR JUST PERFORM MORE CONSISTENTLY IN OPEN WATER. REGISTRATION IS $25 THE EVENING OF. MEMBERS OF FINISH STRONG COACHING GET 20%OFF. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS AND BE READY TO SHARE AND LEARN. *ALL LEVELS, DISTANCES (SPRINT-IRONMAN) WELCOME. EMAIL ADRIENNE.LANGELIER@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

LA Marathon

On Sunday, March 9 Finish Strong's Aki Laine completed the LA Marathon in 4:01:56 setting a personal record.  The marathon began at Dodgers Stadium and continued to beautiful Santa Monica with over 20 000 runners. Aki reports, "The rolling hills and the heat towards the end of the race made the run very tough. I was able to keep a decent pace came very close to my goal with 4:01:56 which is new personal record. Great experience in overall!"

Great marathon race finish by Finish Strong's Aki Laine!

Ironman New Zealand

Finish Strong Coaching's Susan Hardwick-Smith had an amazing day at Ironman New Zealand.

Susan Hardwick-Smith at IM NZ!

Susan reports, "Hey my super IM follower friends! What an amazing day. Swim was fantastic and totally clear, can avoid getting hit/kicked because you can see the feet and hands and easy to draft because you can see who to get next to. It was beautiful and as soon as I got in the water I felt totally calm. The time went really fast and I couldn't believe it was already over when I got to the last bouy. Transition was REALLY far.. 400m run then up two big flights of stairs, took at least 5 mins to get there since path was really crowded.

Weather was absolutely perfect, wind was way less than it had been, only 5 mph at the start but picked up quite a bit by the afternoon. Cold at start about 45 but got up to high 60s and sunny, 50 prevent humidity it felt like San Diego weather.

Bike was just SLOW.. I took everything off my computer except cadence and power and had no idea of my time until I got off the bike, but honestly I was surprised it wasn't longer. The main issue was the chip seal which was the whole course, it was  so bumpy the bike rattled constantly and my CO2 cartridges fell off at mile 10 and bits of people's bikes and gear were all over the place. Thank god I didn't get a flat. The power it takes to ride on that stuff is just much higher than smooth road, but I followed the rules and my average power was the upper end of exactly what it should have been.

Going out there was a long downhill section but really hard to fly down without drafting and with so much bike traffic and crazy passing, no one calls out when they are passing (except Americans) and it was really scary.

Every time I wanted to pass I felt like someone was on my right (passing side). Then after a long flat section it turns back on the same road, and after the turn around there was a 5 mph headwind which doesn't sound much but with chip seal and being largely uphill it added just one more thing to slow you down. Close to the end of the loop is a 6 mile uphill segment (same hill we flew down going out) that I think I could have jogged up faster than I rode! On the second loop that hill was at mile 102-108 and wind was up to

8-10 mph, I just wanted to cry. Also I had excruciating pain in my right buttock after mile 80 every time I pushed down and ended up riding miles 80-112 basically with my left leg. I thought it would prevent me from running but as soon as I got off the bike the pain went away and I was so thrilled to be off the bike I ran really well and passed about half of the guys who smoked me on the bike. Most of the athletes  underestimated that bike ride and I think 90 percent were walking on the last loop. Thank God I had a power meter, you really would be fooled without one in these conditions. But I did not walk at all, I ran every step except in aid stations and felt great until about mile 23 when I just found every bit of mental strength  I could muster to not slow down and ran in really strong.

Swim and run were better than AZ but obviously the bike cost me 40 mins. The kiwis didn't think it was that bad I guess they train on it all the time.  I just did zero training for that kind of road, and the course felt pretty manageable on the computrainer! That's my story and I am sticking to it ! So many cool things happened as usual, amazing memories that I will eventually write down.

I feel great, not a PR but I executed the plan and know it was my absolute best given what was thrown at me. Crossed the finish line and started bawling, could not pull myself together for about 5 mins. This lovely 70 year old lady volunteer held my hand and hugged me until I could gather myself. Amazing volunteers as usual. Thanks for all the love and support, you are all amazing friends and I love you!"

ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 5K

Finish Strong Coaches Kim and Richard Mac Namee ran the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 5k on Saturday, March 1.  They placed 1^st Overall Female and 1^st Overall Male.  We are looking forward to seeing their special combined Male / Female picture, wearing Stetson hats, for winning as a husband/wife duo. Richard reports his unofficial time as 19:12 (6:06min/mile) and Kim's 19:26 (6:15min/mile).

Kim & Richard Mac Namee win 5K ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run!

The Woodlamds Marathon and Half Marathon

Heat and humidity did not keep 70 Finish Strong Coaching athletes from running The Woodlands Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday, March 1.

Representing FSC in the elite half marathon race!

Representing the team in the elite race in the half marathon were:

Runner's Name	Chip Time	Division Award
Ronnie Delzer	1:21:00	3rd Male 30 to 34
Brandon Sager	1:23:33
Skip Moschell	1:29:51	3rd Male 55 to 59
Pam Meaux	1:39:40	3rd Female Masters Winners

Travys, Felix, Ute, and Stephen with their post-race medals!

For the Half Marathon - 13.1 - The Woodlands age groupers, we had 56 runners.

Female Finishers: 2252
Male Finishers: 1702
Total Finishers: 3954

Runner's Name	Chip Time	Division Award
Leandro Morales	1:28:42	3rd Male 40 to 44
William Glaser	1:30:13	1st Male 45 to 49
Rip Reynolds	1:30:28	3rd Male 45 to 49
Geoffrey Zubay	1:33:21	5th Male 45 to 49
Rodney Mackay	1:33:33	6th Male 45 to 49
Michael Menster	1:33:54	6th Male 40 to 44
W Dale Claudel	1:33:57	7th Male 40 to 44
Ed York	1:35:46
Ute Hagemann	1:36:59	3rd Female 35 to 39
Felix Hagemann	1:38:20
Tim Vibrock	1:42:24
Ron Mccauley	1:43:52
Stephen Barrass	1:45:11
Travys Townson	1:46:02
Geno Zicarelli	1:46:20
Christine Hobeika	1:46:21
Bret Strong	1:46:45
Kari Gilley	1:47:01
Jorge Gonzalez Mata	1:50:01
Paul Allan	1:51:05
Timothy Monk	1:52:10
Steve Hardy	1:52:17
Aren Caley	1:53:26
Charlie Schuber	1:53:50
Michelle Howard	1:54:08
Ed Kennedy	1:56:05
Stephen Clouthier	1:56:29
William Blackbird	1:57:44
Scott Farrand	1:58:25
Nora Wilson	1:58:30	3rd Female 55 to 59
Sharon Morin	2:01:03
Quinci Morales	2:01:28
Deb Lyons	2:03:44
Margo Lyons	2:03:46
Kenneth Page	2:04:18
Carolyn Barron	2:04:26
Debbie Martin	2:05:17
Katerina Savelieva	2:05:54
John Mcgowan	2:07:18
Sara Binau	2:11:13
Irasema De Aquino	2:13:06
Shirley Santangelo	2:13:36
Bill Mack	2:14:03
Dan Kennedy	2:14:50
Michelle Irving	2:15:15
Sarah Pietraszek-Mattner	2:15:24
Edwin “Jed” Beck	2:16:31
Katherine Powell	2:17:53
Gloria Shrewsbury	2:18:35
Sara Vanderford	2:18:52
Ernesto Valenzuela	2:24:46
Denise Shannon	2:26:00
Lindsay Erck	2:27:18
Manuel Abascal	2:37:44
Kathleen Crea	2:40:33
Janet Luna	2:42:56
Pia Grossmann	3:05:37

In The Woodlands Marathon - 26.2 mile age group race, we had 10 participants.

Dutch Thomson gave fabulous post-race stretches to our athletes!

Gloria, Sara, Ileana posing with FSC signage!

Female Finishers: 560

Male Finishers: 765
Total Finishers: 1325

Runner's Name	Chip Time	Division Award
Kevin Baker	3:17:09	5th in AG
Kevin Schneider	3:44:54
Jim Harrington	4:05:09
Joseph Tokarz	4:17:47
Adnan Afzal	4:31:11
Mark Hawley	4:32:59
Hugo Perez	4:37:48
Aisha Hassan	4:43:28	first marathon!
Jorge Gonzalez Mata	5:15:25
Rebecca Schany	5:24:37

We also had two team members compete in the relay teams. Sara Jones and Chris Weir.

2

Team Grant's Gang

9134

0

M

9

54:43.7

7

1:02:14.8

2

1:05:33.4

4

39:48.4

3:42:20.4

3:43:23.1

Sara Jones team  (Team Grant's Gang) came in 2^nd in the 4 person relay.  This was the 3^rd annual “husbands vs wives 4 person marathon relay.  Her “ Team Grant’s Gang”  beat the husbands ( Team Run for our Sons) by over 6 minutes.  Series is Wives 2, Husbands 1.   Revenge! next year says Alan Jones, who was sidelined by an injury this year.  Chris Weir also ran on a relay team.

Big thumbs up from Hugo Perez with Coach Dana, & Ernesto.

More pictures to follow!

Finish Strong Coaching was also proud to be the sponsor for the Finish Strong Finish Line Party.  Coach Dana was also the 5K Race Director.  Hope everyone enjoyed the wonderful stretching provided at our tent post-race.

For more details on race results go to, 

Woodlands Marathon Website
The Woodlands Marathon Website Results