Engineer by daylight and triathlete by twilight....
As my first blog, I look back at a fairly successful triathlon year and look forward to some big changes for upcoming season. The biggest change of course is the fact that I will now be competing as a Pro/Elite Triathlete.
What does that mean? Basically, it allows me the oppurtunity to compete and get a shot at some of the prize purse money with races that have 5000 dollars or more up for grabs. In theory, nothing really should change from last year... Work HARD and Race FAST! In reality, the only difference is that I'm with a different crowd of people.
Being self coached, I have learned a lot about myself and my body... With that I believe I have a lot of oppurtunity to get quite a bit faster over the next few years. Unfortunately, currently being time deprived as a full time Engineer I will most likely never get to the full potential that I know I could get to...
Currently the Blog Website is in works and I will continue to improve it and spit out some blogs on how things are going as I start my base training for the upcoming year. I will be working on trying to get some new sponsors for the season as well..
Before I go I would like to give a couple shout outs!
First, the best Running Store I know: Columbus Running Company (CRC) If you live in the Columbus, OH area (GO BUCKS!) you have to come check out the CBUS Pacers Running Group on Saturdays at Dublin, OH. They get over 40 runners at all different paces at these runs. All of the runs are marked out with mile markers and one of the store owners Eric Fruth puts water stops out on the course. Monday night is the team run, which consists of ~10mi with some great guys at a little quicker pace hosted by store owner Matt Deleon and Jim Jurcevich (6th at '00 Marathon Trials). There is also several other runs during the week at either their Dublin, Westerville, or Pickerington Store. Visiting the Columbus area, look these guys up. It will be worth your time!
Second, I would like to thank ZOOT for making one of the best running shoes out there. ZOOT is mainly known in the triathlon world. Every time I run with a group people they are curious about the ZOOTs. If you're a neutral runner or triathlete I guarantee you will love the ZOOT ENERGY. Looking for a good Tri Racing Shoe you have to try out the ZOOT ULTRA TT 3.0 it is amazing. After a long draining season of traveling to over 14 races of the year I raced in these shoes that last two races of the season and threw down two of my faster Run PR's of my triathlon career (34:10 & 35:15 on a hilly course). Shoes or not, everytime I throw these sneakers on I'm flying?
Next, some other products that have got me through my training: The only socks I have ran in the past 2years are Smartwool socks because no matter the conditions they are the altimate sock. Give they a try, you will love them. Trust me! GU Energy has been my favorite 'GU' to stomach for all of my races and training. I prefer the Plain flavor or Vanilla Bean. I guess I'm simple like that? Another all time favorite company out there is Cytosport. I prefer Cytomax Powder for all of my training and racing and it has worked for me day in and day out. I prefer Tropical Fruit, but the Cool Citrus is really good also. Cytosports Muscle Milk Recovery Powder and drinks help me recover after a hard days work. The convenient Ready to Drink options are really convenient with my busy lifestyle. Chocolate is always great, but I really like the Banana flavor also.GreensPlus GreensPlus has somed of the most nutritious energy bars and they are excellant.
Finally, I would like to thank my 5:30am swimming buddies at the Dublin Rec Center. Lenny (Harold), Tank (Chuck), Mark & Mark (D.C.). Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday we're in the pool. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm there because I literally wake up at 5:15 and roll out the door half a sleep from a late night. First couple laps are mostly swam w/ my eyes closed. These are some pretty cool dudes even if they are double my age and old enough to be my dad.
Due to time constrants.... I will have to end my first blog here for now. I will try to updated the webpage and toss some more blogs out there to keep you updated. Train Smart. Cheers! -Matty
