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Mike's Season...

Saturday, 12 October 2019 23:10

ED. The MTN Guys encourage athletes to send us stories and comments about their 2019 tri / du training and racing seasons. (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

By Mike Buenting (mikebuenting.wordpress.com)

My 2019 race season is over, well maybe some late fall half marathon will appear? But my multi-sport season looks to be finished for 2019 and I have been enjoying what I call the “off-season” which I’m not sure how much of an “off” season it is considering I can’t recall my last rest day. But the focus of the off season is to stay fit, and to take each day as it comes with no rigid plan just what feels good.

Now back to my 2019 season reflection, this is something that happens on my morning runs, reflection, and looks into the future.

2019 kicked off for me with a “A” race one I wanted to be ready for, but with the harsh Minnesota winter I’m not sure I was really in peak shape.
Race #1 was USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships in lovely Greenville, SC

Race morning was anything but nice, we had rain, we had storms, we had wet roads, we had humidity, and we had heat. For my first outdoor bike ride of the season this was not ideal but such is life. The race started with a 10k and it was a brutal fast pace as the field was loaded with the fastest dudes around...

"I'm Fine"....

Thursday, 10 October 2019 23:10

By Hanna Grinaker(thefitspace.com)

I was chatting with a friend of mine a couple weeks back about my nerves leading into Kona. As a coach, he offered some invaluable advice--"Why don't you write yourself a letter?" He suggested I start to question what I would tell myself to do when negative thoughts start to intrude (cause they almost always do for everyone), and how I would coach myself to respond. In thinking of myself as the athlete I was coaching, rather than just the voice inside my own mind, I became more compassionate, calm and clear, giving me the peace and reassurance I know I needed. 

Dear Hanna, 

You've made it! It's the Ironman World Championships. An event you have looked forward to for over an entire year. That's a long time to be focused on something. I know you're nervous. How could you not be for something you have put so much of your time, energy and resources into? I also know you are worried. You are anxious. You are worried about feeling dizzy (sometimes this has happened to you and we haven't figured out why). You are worried about getting body slammed in the swim and losing your focus. You are worried about mechanical issues and wind on the bike, and finally, you are worried about staying focused and consistent (and not fading too badly) on the run, or even not finishing for that matter. With a 9 and a half hour day in front of you, these concerns are valid, but giving them weight and energy doesn't help you either. ....

2019 Most Improved Men....

Wednesday, 09 October 2019 23:10

MINNESOTA MULTISPORT HONORS - There are several guys who have yet to earn a spot on Team Minnesota, but are vying for spots this year. We suspect that two or more of the guys we are profiling here will make the 2019 Team, but only one of the them will receive the "MOST IMPROVED" designation.

Four men from the following list will receive official MI nominations. Here, in alpha order, are those men and their 2019 racing highlights:

JACOB KEEHAN, 30, Maple Grove

2019 Highlights:

3rd @ Gear West Duathlon

4th @ Minneapolis Triathlon

5th @ Lake Minnetonka

11th amateur @ Ironman Wisconsin - 9:33:07

COMMENT: What impressed us most about Jacob was his race selection. He chose our region's most competitive races, and raced admirably against established elites.

2019 Grand Masters Stars...

Monday, 07 October 2019 23:10

2019 MINNESOTA MULTISPORT HONORS – Discussions have begun to determine this year's MMH nominees. Only two of the categories—Rookie of the Year and Junior of the Year—are, as they say, have slam dunk candidates.

But before we reveal the ROY and JOY selections, we want to acquaint you with other categories.

We love to name-drop, so here, in alpha order, are the names of eight athletes that are being considered for nominations in the coed Grand Master of the Year (55+ women, 60+ men) category, along with their 2019 highlights:

HELEN GUNTHER  62  EXCELSIOR (photo below)

- 1st AG @ Lake Minnetonka – AGR
- 7th overall – 1st AG @ Gear West Duathlon
- 1st AG @ Timberman Olympic – AGR
- 1st AG @ Heart of the Lakes...

Conspicuous Absentees...

Saturday, 05 October 2019 23:10

Photo - Ted Treise hugging his fiance Dani Vsetecka after her heartbreaking illness-necessitated DNF at Augusta 70.3.

The Minnesota Multisport Honors Committee is currently evaluating potential nominees in twelve categories, as well as determining which twenty athletes--10 men, 10 women--will comprise this year's “Team Minnesota.”

It safe to say that this year's list will look different than prior rosters. This is because many of the “usual suspects” may not be eligible for consideration, that is, if the Committee decides to adhere to its rule that athletes must have turned in AT LEAST THREE outstanding performances during the season. (By “outstanding” we mean that performances have to match, exceed, or at least approach, the historically best efforts set on the courses in question.) This is because many of our state's premier multisport athletes, men and women who are perennial MMH nominees, have either taken the year off, or do not have more than two outstanding performances on their 2019 resumes.

Here are some of the top athletes than may not be eligible for MMH consideration....