Triathlete Magazine Summit

This past week, following the Multisports Triathlon camp, the Triathlete Magazine team and the Board of Advisors gathered in Encinitas, California for a two day summit to discuss the expansion of Triathlete's business worldwide.

With white board strategy sessions and thought provoking bike rides and runs along the California Coastline - it was an amazing few days. John Duke, the CEO of Triathlete Magazine, kept everyone informed, entertained and on schedule -- John's been at the helm of Triathlete since 1998, and has done a fantastic job managing the inherent chaos of a high-quality monthly magazine. He's got some wonderful suprises for readers and the industry planned, so stay tuned.

So, here is a question: How would YOU - the amazing reader of Triathlete Magazine, improve the magazine?- what would you recommend? What additional things would you do/offer to better serve the reader and the triathletes around the world? Send your recommendations to me anytime. Put Triathlete Magazine in the subject header and send them to: mthrower@triathletemag.com

Photos: Top:- Wesley Hein, Matt Barger, Sean Watkins, Kai Baumgartner, Russ Crabs and uber-journalist and strategist - Cameron Elford.
Bottom: On a short break on one of the Sunset-Bike-Strategy-Sessions - I caught this photo of Triathlete Magazine Board member Matt Barger.

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Starting Lines - Archive - "Let's Go" Honu Triathlon

Sometimes it's good to look back on amazing moments in our sport - I wrote this Starting Lines (the first article that appears in Triathlete Magazine each month) about the Honu Triathlon, in Kona, Hawaii.

STARTING LINES
“Let’s Go”
ON THE EVENING BEFORE THE HONU HALF IRONMAN IN HAWAII—ON ONE OF THE TEN MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE WORLD—WE COULD CLEARLY SEE THE COURSE BUOYS IN THE OCEAN, SET UP A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE RACE, FOR TRAINING. As the sun was setting, my wildly adventurous friend Terra looked at me and said “Let’s go,” as she pointed to the buoys with a suggestive look in her eye. It only took a moment, but in that moment of decision, I thought about those things we triathletes think about when getting ready for a race. Those sometimes nagging things, like, ‘Did I get enough sleep last night,’ and ‘What should I eat tomorrow before the race,’ and, ‘If swim out to that second buoy tonight, will I get too tired for my race tomorrow morning, and will it hurt my time?’

Then something hit me like a frozen water bottle, and I thought to myself, "I’m in Hawaii. The sun is setting. My friend wants to swim out to the second buoy and back. The water is warm." I put my digital camera on the beach, and getting back in the water, we started to swim. With the sun glimmering on the horizon we swam to the second buoy slowly, then back to shore at light speed, our pace inspired by the increasing darkness and mystery of the ocean.

On that swim, I thought about what we might lose, to gain an extra minute or two. The Honu Half Ironman is perhaps the most tri-historic, lava-scenic and therefore enjoyable Ironman qualifier in the world. And any qualifier could see Ironman slots allocated to people just a few seconds faster, and this is a twist worth mentioning, but this time, I was not racing this race for a slot, and across our sport, for the most part, the question will always be a valid one. How much have we all given up, in the name of a few seconds or minutes?

I may be a big supporter of focus, and I may even be a self diagnosed tri-compulsive, but before I die, it’s more likely that I’ll say “I wish I spent more time with the important people in my life, swimming into a sunset and back,” rather than, “I wish I spent more time stressing out about my finish time.”

The next morning, I did the “twice over” scan of my bike, checking to make sure that everything was tight and functional, and I have to admit that my potentially “lost” minute from the evening’s swim crossed my mind. Then I thought, about the fact that this magnificent sport of triathlon is here to create healthy relief—not more tension—in our lives. It was now 6:04 a.m. and we could hear the announcers welcoming the athletes into the transition area. With my bike and race gear, I headed down to the transition area. Just before the start, on the shore with the sun rising, I smiled, realizing that I was again on my way out to those big orange inflatables, this time with close to 1,000 other people from all over the world. In that moment I committed that anytime I have the chance to do something adventurous—outside my normal pre-race or training regime—I’ll just say, “Alright, let’s go.” And I’ll leave the stress on the shore.

Train Smart,
Mitch Thrower

mthrower@triathletemag.com

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Triathlete Magazine Launches Beta Version of New Web Site

It has been a long time coming, but we've listened to your advice and we're up to some really great things over at Triathlete Magazine, so watch for some exciting new initiatives.

One of them is our new website, which is available for preview now online at www.triathletemag.com. You can see some of what's coming in the left nav bar. It's not fully functional yet, so bear with us. During the next several months, you'll find new features available at Triathlete Magazine Online.

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Triathlete Magazine Meals at Lava Java for Ironman Week 2006

Photo: Layla und Hally from Lava Java - tell them Mitch or Kai Sent you.

Kona Athletes will find the center of Kailua's coffee house living, free wireless access and great healty food including a few special Triathlete Magazine items on the menu at Island Lava Java (75-5799 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI. 96740).

#1 Triathlete Magazine's "Post-Swim" Vanilla Soymilk Shake -- Get your protein after your morning swim workout with this vegetarian soy-protein Shake with 2 organic and locally grown Bananas. Available in two serving sizes.
#2 Triathlete Magazine's "Pre-Bike" Breakfast -- A big scoop of oatmeal with fresh all-natural plain yogurt, 1 banana and 1/2 papaya (all organic and locally grown) Boost your energy for the day.
#3 Triathlete Magazine's Yogurt & Homemade Granola in 1/2 papapya Breakfast. This is Kaihawaii's favorite.

Lava Java is a central part of the Kona Scene - and should not be missed, you'll see laptops everwhere, professional athletes and some local flavor.

Photos courtesy 3athlon.de
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Letter from Triathlete, Gary Breuner

Mitch,

I wanted to say thanks to you for taking the time to “spread a little love” around. You get to touch more lives than many of us do through your travels, and this past weekend you spent a little time with my friend Joe Angelo. He was VERY stoked to meet and chat with you, as we discuss your unique brand of wisdom with the arrival of each issue of Triathlete. “Starting Lines” could focus on many different topics, but you choose to highlight what I feel are the important things to be gained from life. I know athletes whose entire focus, and driving motivation, is beating the people they train with. Competition is good, but man, does that attitude get old after a while!

After 3 knee surgeries (the last one in May) I’m happy just to be out there DOING it. Want a new perspective on racing? Come in last sometime. Been there. My first ½-Iron effort was an under-trained and under-fueled disaster, but I still managed to limp it across the line. The medal hanging on my wall reminds me of the accomplishment…certainly something 10 years ago I never thought I’d be doing.

This year I got to watch Joe in his first Ironman. NOTHING is more inspiring than watching that event. My NBC Kona coverage videotapes from 2003 and 2004 are almost worn out, they’ve been viewed so much. So next year in Coeur d’Alene, (thanks to a very supportive wife and family) I get to step up to the Ironman distance. We’re fortunate, we can live and train here, and I got a ride in on a VERY windy IMCDA bike course yesterday.

We never take it for granted, which brings me back to your words of wisdom in Triathlete: Thanks again for keeping our athletic lives in perspective. As with the photo of Joe, and the other 2-wheeled rider in the photo, it reminds us daily to be thankful.

Gary Breuner
North Idaho

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Extraordinary Triathlon Photographer

At Triathlete Magazine, we receive thousands of submissions from writers and photographers. Today I received this letter, and I was impressed - so here is a sample photo and a link to his web site with more photos.

Dear TJ Murphy,
Your fine magazine is simply the best triathlon magazine out there and it's a must-read for all of us here in Singapore. The photos and articles are so much better than those in any other magazines in other parts of the world. As an adventure sports photographer, it would be a dream for me to be part of the contributors for your fine magazine if my photos make the cut. Beside taking on direct assignments, my photos and articles have been published in local, regional and international magazines. The latest was on the cover of Digital Photographer, an internationally renowned photography magazine published in the America. You can see more of my published works here. Attached please find a few photos taken in the recent Osim Singapore International Triathlon about 2 weeks ago. More photos of the event can be found here: Click Here I deeply appreciate your kind attention and am looking forward to your positive reply. Many thanks. Regards, Howie Choo, Howie Photography Singapore www.howiephoto.com

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Free Vintage Triathlete Mags!

Here is a great offer for all Ironmitch readers:

FREE VINTAGE ISSUE OF TRIATHLETE

To thank all Ironmitch readers for their feedback and support, I would like to offer the first 250 Ironmitch readers a free vintage copy of Triathlete Magazine if you add a high profile link to my blog on your website or personal weblog!

It's easy to qualify for your free copy... all you need to do is post a link back to http://ironmitch.blogspot.com on your site and send me the URL that includes the link - include your mailing address for the free vintage issue.

By linking to my site you will join the Ironmitch family and help to spread triathlon inspiration.

So, shoot me a message including your name, link back to ironmitch URL, and mailing information, and you will receive a vintage Triathlete Magazine copy.

Send this to mitchthrower@yahoo.com

Train Smart!

Mitch

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Starting Lines Sneak Peak & Call for Recommendations for Triathlete Magazine

Here is a sneak peak of some photos we took on a mountain bike ride in La Jolla, California along the beach - other shots from that day will appear in an upcoming Starting Lines article.

Let us know what you would like to see in Triathlete Magazine - all creative ideas for articles, photos, contests... are welcome! - send me your thoughts by e-mail to mthrower@triathletemag.com anytime.

Train Smart,

Mitch Thrower

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Contagious Excellence - The Sport Of Triathlon In Print

Click here to subscribe to Triathlete Magazine.


You'll receive 12 issues (plus the Road to Kona) for only $26.95 THAT'S 55% OFF THE COVER PRICE!

Click here to Subscribe Now...

If you are a current Subscriber, click here to renew your subscription...

And to GIVE THE GIFT OF CONTAGIOUS EXCELLENCE - Click here to send someone a Gift Subscription to Triathlete Magazine...

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Ironman Thoughts From The Past

From a Foggy Encinitas Coastline: I'm working at the Magazine office today. I have some great Age Group Profiles coming, and some new photos that arrived today to post later...


In 1997, I wrote the following piece for Triathlete Magazine's Starting Lines. You can Click Here to read more Starting Lines articles from the past, and they will all soon be posted to the web. Looking back on your life through Ironman-colored glasses is a very interesting exercise...

Kona, Hawaii, the week before the biggest race in the sport: the Ironman. During pre-race week, swim every morning at the Kailua Pier. Think about how nice it would be to live in Hawaii. Find a massage therapist and get a pre-race massage. Think about your fitness level as you watch the finest bodies on the planet saunter around, quads bulging, wash-boards flexing.

As a part of the 100-step preparation plan, put reflectors on your race clothes, and then hope to finish during daylight. Visit this nervous place between excitement and fear. Feel like an Olympian marching with your country at the parade. Attending pre-race meetings and pasta dinners, wonder how much more bloated you could feel during a taper. Think about your training, your life, your nagging injury and whether or not you’re catching a cold. Remember to wrap your bike gear and water bottles in a garbage bag before checking in your bike – it always rains the night before Ironman.

On race morning, be happy that not too many people have found the same secret bathroom that you lined up at. To avoid eye-fog, put a small drop of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo in your goggles, then rinse them twice. Store an extra pair of goggles in the back of your suit. Question your self-seeding at the start as you feel legs and elbows bump into you before the cannon goes off. Seconds before the start, remember to lift your legs to the surface, to get those few added seconds.

Feel the boom of the cannon shoot straight through your heart as you become a fish in a boxing match. Think it will get better, even though people will stay around you for the entire 2.4-mile swim. Climb out of the water. As your tongue touches the top of your mouth, acknowledge the feel of cotton mouth, having gargled salt water for over an hour.

On your bike, feel the crowd that will launch you out of Kailua with a cheer. Find yourself on the Queen K lava fields with a long and visible strip pf cyclists in front and right behind. Continue your journey over the overcooked burnt brownie spewed forth by Madame Pele.

Be relieved to be relieved on the bike. A few ounces lighter, put the hammer down. Hydrate and eat the perfect amount of food. Hit the wind and get discouraged, then remember it’s everyone’s wind. The town of Hawi will blow by; feel the need to get back to the finish faster. As the sun gets higher in the sky, the tailwinds will turn into headwinds, then back again. Realize that you don’t want this moment, this day, this race to end – you’ve been waiting a very long time for these “few” hours. Sense the burn in your legs and take note that your tan line is being tattooed onto your body by the Kona sun. Pull up on the pedals as well as push down to relieve fatigue on your quads.

As you and your cycle-rocket arrive at the Kona Surf, dismount your bike and stumble into the changing tent. The tent-people will help you with your stuff, put sun-block on your back, and with enthusiasm comment, “You look great! Keep it going! Good luck.” Depart the tent with new friends.

Begin your journey through “The Pit” and back into town. Thousands of people will be there cheering you on. Hear the cheers fade, and acknowledge that the only sounds left are your breathing, your heartbeat and the squish-squish-squish of your feet – wet with sweat and water – as they hit the steamy pavement. Question more parts of yourself than 100 years of therapy can. Pretend that the race is 26 one-mile races.

Enter the “Lack-of-energy Lab,” and think about the finish line. Grab your special-needs bag; it will feel like it was in a microwave oven just as you yourself feel like you’re in that oven. Remember Paula Newby-Fraser’s advice: Continue to put ice in your running cap at every station. Get a cramp. To relieve it, take controlled breaths. The cramp will disappear.

Run back towards town, and hear the crowds grow louder. On your final approach, run away from the town, then down a glorious hill to the start of the most memorable pavement on the planet: Ali'i Drive. The lights will be in front of you, the cheer will grow to an uproar. The uproar will spread to every cell in your body. Feel something that you can never explain. Finish the Ironman.

Train Smart, Mitch Thrower (written in 1997 - course has changed since)

Comments and reflections are welcome.
Send your thoughts to mthrower@triathletemag.com

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For The Full Report

Make sure to ----> Click this link <------ for the Complete Blog.

To see ALL the PHOTOS and THOUGHTS from this blog you should CLICK HERE NOW... then you can scroll all the way down... This link will open the full archives of this blog. If you don't click the above link, only the first few photos and posts will come up. Don't miss the Kona Butt Blog... Click the link above for the full archive of this Blog!

For detailed coverage and photos from the Ironman, be sure to click www.triathletemag.com and 3athlon.de

Competitor Magazine has a special report from my great friend and bestelling author, Lee Gruenfeld, (who is married to the superstar amateur triathlete - Cherie Gruenfeld) click here for the 9 day blog with some valuable insights on the race week from Lee.

Also don't forget to stay informed all year long with a subscription to Triathlete ® Magazine -- Click Here! for a special offer.

This Ironbutt photo courtesy 3athalon.com

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Misc. Ironman Photo Gallery & Triathlete Magazine Party

A fin showed up near Kailua Pier the day after the Ironman. Is that a dolphin, or a shark looking for leftover swimmers?


I’m sitting here with Peter Reid at Lava Java. He leaves tomorrow for Xterra, and then he is coming back to the Big Island to get ready for Australia.

“It’s cold at home,” he said, “And I just don’t feel like doing booties, gloves and leg warmers in the cold. It’s just easier here,” he said, as he looked out towards the ocean and the bright sunshine that just days ago baked athletes from all over the world here in Kona.

Here are some memorable photos from the last week, including some shots from the Triathlete Magazine Party on Sunday. In this one, Al Rubio, Terry Stewart, Wilson Waggoner of NBC and I. Photo by Eric Bieghey.

An Invitation For You To Do The Ironman With Me

I could write ten thousand words about yesterday's Ironman, and I likely will -- but what I would rather do, is let you do it with me.

In 1997 I was the first photo journalist to do the Ironman and shoot the race from within the event, and we published the photo gallery in Triathlete Magazine.

I practiced for weeks before the event to manage the safety issues, specially attached wrist camera, maintaining balance with one hand (wrap the thumb tightly around the other handle bar). After some practice rides this year, I shot 80 pics while doing the event. The best are below...

With special thanks to the entire Ironman family for letting me bring you the Ironman experience from within the event, here is my photo gallery from the perspective of an Ironman. This is what you will see when you do the Ironman.

Come travel with me through my race yesterday…

The Sponsor and Industry Reception

Last night we attended the sponsor and industry gathering. Here are some quick photos from the night.

See if you recognize anyone...

Graham Fraser, one of the most powerful and amazing people in the sport, is the owner of Ironman North America. His first time racing here in Kona was in 1984 – he’s been addicted ever since. Triathlon keeps him busy, but Fraser is also a full-time husband and father of three. We’ve heard that Graham is planning to race in an Ironman very soon…

Who below is considered The Duke of Triathlon? Who just got married? Who is getting ready for his 53rd Ironman race?

Forget Waldo, "Where's Ben?" scroll down and find the president of Ironman (WTC). And can you find Blair and Jessica - the PR super-crew from WTC.

Competing in the world championship of one of the toughest endurance events on earth is a feat in itself – doing it over 18 times consecutively is legendary. Since he raced Ironman Hawaii for the first time in 1987, Nordquest has never missed a race at Kona and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He has competed in 250 triathlons, and has never failed to finish an event. Nordquest is the founder and president of D&H Consulting, a consulting firm advising aerospace and medical companies, and was the vice president for Guidant Corporation. He and his wife Holly enjoy traveling cross country, making pit-stops at triathlons along the way.

John Duke is the CEO of Triathlete Magazine and a veteran here in Kona. After 12 Ironmans and 24 years of note-worthy finish times, “The Duke of Triathlon” is already looking forward to next year.

“Technology is so great, we can follow the race from the comfort of an air-conditioned lounge, and pretend we feel your pain” –laughing— - Paula Newby-Fraser

Make sure to ----> Click this link <------ for the Complete Blog.

To see ALL the PHOTOS and THOUGHTS from this blog you should CLICK HERE NOW... then you can scroll all the way down... This link will open the full archives of this blog. If you don't click the above link, only the first few photos and posts will come up.

Don't miss the Kona Butt Blog... Click the link above for the full archive of this blog!

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