Fall Half Ironman Training Camp

Finish Strong Coaching hosted a Fall Half Ironman Training Camp at La Torretta Lake Resort on Lake Conroe on September 10-12. On Friday evening, participants gathered for interactive discussions on nutrition and hydration and other considerations for going long from Coach Dana Lyons.

On Saturday, everyone enjoyed spectacular weather as they biked the 56-mile Iron Star course with sag support. The route included some beautiful hilly roads that traverse along the scenic Sam Houston Park. A relaxing swim and lunch followed.

Participants were given special attention by Dr. Jude Guillory who provided RenuviPro Performance Therapy. After lunch, several workshops on bike fit, workouts, heart rate and power based training were conducted by Coach Dana Lyons. The day ended with an easy run for those interested.

On Sunday morning, everyone was up bright and early to run the Iron Star Half Ironman course. Afterwards, Coach Tim Monk gave an open water swim clinic and participants swam a portion of the Iron Star course in Lake Conroe. Everyone enjoyed chatting over a lunch break and then wrapping up the weekend with a hands-on transition clinic.

Avia Tri

Team FSR's Jim Harrington took on the Avia Tri in Austin on September 6. The conditions were hot, humid, and rainy, but Jim had a great race. he finished in 2:26:28 and took 7th in his age group. His splits were swim 25:00; bike 1:08:21, run 48:10. Despite heavy rain conditions for the bike, Jim managed to shave off 28 seconds from his time last year.

Congrats, Jim!

Summertime Blues Tri

Finish Strong Kent Morris, and his daughter, Brittany, along with Team FSR Craig Wakefield and Scott Reaves raced Summertime Blues in Freeport on Labor Day - September 6. The race was a 500yd swim/15 mi bike/ 3 mil run.

Brittany finished 2nd in her AG. Kent finished first in his AG and 11th overall. Kent's splits were swim-10:04, bike-40:42 (22.1mph), and run-21:00(7:00 pace.

Craig Wakefield came in 6th in his 40-44 AG with an overall time of 1:17:20. Craig was 2nd fastest out of the water in 7:08. He biked a 46:43 (19.3 mph pace) and ran 21:55 (7:18 pace).

Scott Reaves was off to a fast start -- third out of the water for his 35-39 age group. Unfortunately, he flatted on the bike. Even so, he managed to finish the race ahead of two others in his age group.

Congrats to all!

Beneezy Purple Monkey 5k

Team FSR Kristin Collins won her age group at the Beneezy Purple Monkey 5K held Saturday, September 4. Way to go, Kristin!

San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz Inaugural Race

Finish Strong Tommy Sustala competed along side 1,800 athletes in the San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz race on Saturday, August 29. Tommy finished this treacherous 1.2 mile swim, agonizingly hilly 25 mile bike, and scenic 7 mile run event in just 2:48:38. Tommy finished 4th of the 111 athletes in his 40-44 age group and 26th overall. He had a 30:38 swim, 1:17:19 bike, and 56:01 run.

You get a better sense for how difficult this race must be when reading the course description.

"Swimming from Alcatraz Island was once thought to be impossible. This year, 1,800 athletes make the treacherous swim, fighting the strong currents and ever looming fear of what lies below the water's surface. This is certainly not a race for the faint of heart. The swim will start your journey but the hills of San Francisco may just be the hardest section on the course. You will find sharp turns, fast descents and agonizing climbs to test your aerobic endurance and mental fortitude.

Next you get to take in the scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge as you weave your way back to the finish line. The shadows of Alcatraz Island loom as a reminder of your epic race. Throw in a beach run with a 400 step sand ladder and you have one of the most difficult triathlons in the world. Come prepared both physically and mentally to challenge yourself as this will be a race you will never forget!"

Congrats to Tommy for conquering this race!

Clear Lake Tri

Pictured above: Carolyn Barron and Steve Hardy after the race. Steve Hardy, Chris Normyle, and Will Blackbird at start of swim.

On August 28, Team FSR athletes Scott Peterson, Carolyn Barron, Michael Collins, Steve Hardy, Will Blackbird, and Chris Normyle raced the Olympic distance Clear Lake International Triathlon with distances of 1500 meter swim, 24.9 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run.

Team FSR Scott Peterson was 1st in his 25-29 AG and 6th overall. Scott's splits were swim 27:39, bike 1:07:10 and amazingly fast run of 38:38 (6:14 per mile pace).

Scott reports, "The salt water swim felt pretty good and smooth throughout. I started out in front and stayed up front. I finished 3rd in my age group on the swim. On the bike, I had a tailwind for first stretch (about 10 miles) and felt great. However, the headwind during the last stretch of 10 miles made it tough both physically and mentally. I finished 4th in my age group on the bike. This was my best run of the summer! I finished 1st in my age group and was just 4 tenths away from posting the fastest run time among the age groupers."

Carolyn Barron came in 8th in her 40-44 age group with an overall time of 2:56:55. Carolyn's splits were 35:13 swim (fifth fastest in her AG), 1:19:44 bike (18.8 mph pace), and 1:00:10 run (9:42 per mile pace).

Michael Collins came in 4th in his 35-39 AG and 11th overall with an overall time of 2:18:42. His splits were 32:44 swim, 1:01:44 bike (24.3 mph - and 2nd fastest in his AG), and 41:52 run (6:45 per mile pace).

Steve Hardy came in 8th in his 45-49 AG with an overall time of 2:31:54. His splits were 31:48 swim, 1:06:18 bike (22.6 mph pace), and 51:26 run (8:18 per mile pace).

Will Blackbird came in 2nd in his 45-49 AG with an overall time of 2:29:52. His splits were 30:32 swim, 1:06 (22.7 mph pace), and 51:04 run (8:14 per mile pace).
Outstanding!

Chris Normyle took 3rd in his 50-54 AG with an overall time of 2:46:40. His splits were 29:03 swim, 1:14:52 bike (20.0 mph pace), and 58:02 run (9:22 per mile pace).

Great showing by TEAM FSR!

Lake Houston 10K

Finish Strong Tuesday Night Track athletes had a great showing at the Lake Houston 10K. Brandon Sager took first overall with a time of 38:13 at the recent Lake Houston 10K in Kingwood on August 29. Skip Moschell was the 3rd male overall and 1st in his age group (39:56).

Brandon reports, "This was a PR, but only because it was my first 10k road race; my only other 10k was the Muddy Trails 10k earlier this year (42:16)."

Be sure to congratulate these two when you see them at Tuesday Night Track!