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Timberman XXXVI Preview...Updated!
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Wednesday, 07 July 2021 00:10
36th TIMBERMAN TRIATHLON - The 36th edition of Minnesota's "Premier Destination Triathlon" will happen next Saturday at picturesque Sugar Lake Lodge. Once again, both the Sprint and Olympic competitions promise to be exciting and we can not wait until race morning. We're bummed, however, that due to closed borders, the event's loyal Canadian friends will not be in attendance.
Let's make some predictions.
On paper, 1st place in the men's Olympic race should come down to a battle between past champions JOSH BLANKENHEIM and BROOKS GROSSINGER. These men have taken turns beating each other at Timberman, Brooks prevailing in 2014, Josh in 2016. Though Brooks' 2021 resume features a win and a 2nd, enough to be named Masters Athlete of the Month in June, while in one appearance, Josh placed 3rd, albeit behind DAVID KOPPEL and former pro DAVID THOMPSON, we are unwilling to pick a winner. We do believe that less than a minute will separate 1st and 2nd place. That has not happened since the current course was established in 2013.
June 2021 Athletes of the Month!
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Monday, 05 July 2021 00:10
Ba
sed on a minimum of two outstanding performances during the month in question, though for our purposed, "June 2021" includes May performances, and in one case, an even earlier effort, the Minnesota Multisport Honors Committee had determined its AOMs. Our thanks to MIKE BUENTING, who reps "Speed Hound," for providing cool swag for the winners.
JUNE 2021 ATHLETES OF THE MONTH: KYLE SWENSON & RACHEL ZILININSKAS
The men's AOM was contentious. Some of the Committee members favored DAVID KOPPEL, based on his two wins, the first of which--Buffalo Olympic--was arguably the men's Performance of the Month. In the end,...
Heat, Ice Cream and Redemption...
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Sunday, 04 July 2021 00:10
By Mike Hushagen
Ironman Coeur d'Alene Race Recap: This was my 3rd Ironman and Jessica Ann Shaw's 4th. It's a beautifully scenic but difficult course with long climbs on the 2 loop bike route. As race day neared the forecast kept getting hotter and hotter, eventually settling on full sun and 101 degrees!
The race start got moved up to 5:00 am for the Pros and 5:30 for the rest of us. We got a short night of sleep and headed down to the lake in the dark with our trusty race sherpa Mark.
The Swim (2.4 miles): The water was a perfect 70 degrees and Jessica and I seeded ourselves together in line for the rolling start. Before we knew it our buzzer went off and the race was on! We entered the water side by side but soon lost each other in a sea of people and waves. I found a person to draft off of and spent the whole first lap on his feet. I did my own thing on the second lap and felt great the whole time at a nice relaxed pace. As I exited the water and ran up to my bike I found that Jessica was already gone! Yes, she kicked my butt on that swim by 5 minutes. Now my goal was to catch her!
The Bike (112 miles): I was feeling great so I pushed the pace right from the start and started passing people. I didn't catch Jessica until around mile 6 and we rode together for about a mile to the first turnaround. I was in front of her and as I finished the turn I heard "Oh s@&t!" And turned my head just in time to see her crash! ...
"...I Fell Into the Second Category."...
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Thursday, 01 July 2021 00:10
By Mari Ruddy (mariruddy.com)
Lake Minnetonka Race Report - I love triathlon. No two ways about it, I fell in love way back at my first ever triathlon, the Danskin, that I did in 2005, a week after I finished radiation treatment for my first round of breast cancer. I knew I had found the sport for me. It captured my imagination.
Triathlon love
I love how it requires a lot of gear, a lot of planning, tons of little details to manage, and it 100% requires that you train. Swimming, biking and running one right after the other asks the body to please, please, please PREPARE. On top of the physical athletic preparation, you also have to train (practice) your nutrition and hydration.
Managing details
Living 40 years with type 1 diabetes has required a massive amount of attention to details and doing triathlon takes the skills I’ve gained from having type 1, and gives me new (and fun!) focus for that skill.
June 19th, I did my first official, in-person triathlon since doing the YWCA Women’s Triathlon in August 2019. I LOVE RACING!!! ...
Cheryl & Doobie's "Kidney-versary"...
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Wednesday, 30 June 2021 00:10
By Doobie Kurus & Cheryl Zitur
Doobie Kurus and Cheryl Zitur celebrate their 5th Anniversary...
Ok, that headline was misleading. It should have read Doobie Kurus and Cheryl Zitur celebrate their 5th "Kidney-versary", because 5 years ago on June 30th, they each donated one of their kidneys to help save someone's life. People often worry how a donor's life might be affected, but 5 years later here's what they've been up to, and we think you'll be impressed.
per Cheryl:
I donated to my oldest son Chris who lives in Denver. He is still doing great! He continues to be active playing hockey, kickball, volleyball and skiing in the winter. We are so happy he is healthy!!
I continue to train for triathlons! I completed an Ironman 1 year after donation and a Marathon in 2019 qualifying for Boston but it was cancelled due to Covid. I swim, bike and run every week and teach strength and conditioning classes 3 days a week. My goal is to do at least 3 triathlons a year. I am also enjoying many trips to Florida to play with my twin Grandkids. I have met so many awesome donors over the years and am part of a Facebook group...
