Book Review: Iron War by Matt Fitzgerald

Considering that an Ironman distance event is three consecutive sports consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112- mile bike race followed by running a 26.2 mile marathon (138 miles total), it is fair to say that relatively few people in this world will ever complete one or even attempt one. However having the chance to get into the minds of those who do and truly understanding “why” they do is remarkable. As an endurance athlete I am intrigued with what makes these athletes push themselves to extremes over long periods of time (even the fastest athletes are out competing for 8-plus hours). Not only is it amazing to complete one, but to compete at the world class level is even more amazing.

On my journey through the book I found myself wanting to cheer out-loud. The author, Matt Fitzgerald, writes in a way that made me feel as if I was right in the action, beside them in the race trying to keep pace. It was amazing to feel as if I was there at the World Championships watching Dave Scott & Mark Allen duel out what was to be later recognized as the most memorable rivalry race in the history of endurance events. I am amazed at the level of intensity these two athletes could endure. Let’s face it, doing an Ironman in and of itself is amazing, and to battle it out for the win, shoulder to shoulder for hours on end – even more amazing. The book really helped me appreciate and respect those athletes that are dedicated to the sport and are willing to put the effort required to train for the most grueling event out there, the Ironman.

If you are looking for some motivation and want to just be in awe I highly recommend this book. You might even find yourself cheering out-loud while you read it like I did. You can even get Iron War for your Kindle.

To learn more visit http://www.mattfitzgerald.org/

“The 1989 Ironman® World Championship was the greatest race ever run. In a spectacular duel that became known as Iron War, the world’s two strongest endurance athletes—and its fiercest rivals—raced side by side at world-record pace for a grueling 138 miles in relentless heat. Iron War is a deeply personal epic that explains how, over the course of an eight-hour race, Dave Scott and Mark Allen pushed themselves and each other beyond the known limits of human endurance.”

Velo Press puts out a lot of other great triathlon books.  Click here to take a look.

Juice for “compact” nutrients

Juicing is a great way to get “compact” nutrients however it takes a zillion carrots to make this much juice so it’s much easier to just buy it. I do like to make some juice once in a while and save the “rind” to hide in meatloaf and other casseroles. Only other problem with juicing is that it removes the fiber – so be sure and eat whole fruits and veggies too.
~ Coach Lora Erickson
“Blonde Runner”
www.BlondeRunner.com

Upcoming Nutrition Class: http://blonderunner.com/2011/12/running-tips-from-blonde-runner/

Lasik Eye Surgery

It is no secret that I have loved not having to wear glasses or contacts since I had lasik eye surgery three years ago.  As a triathlete I found before the surgery I was extra anxious and worried that I would lose my contacts in the water and not be able to see out in the middle of the lake, but with Lasik I don’t have to worry about that anymore.  Lasik has taken all of the worry out of open water swimming for me.  Now, I feel like I never had glasses.  I get up and go, not need to stop and put in my contacts.  I see 20/15 in both eyes and have not had any problems what so ever.  I have also noticed that my seasonal allergies are much better.  My eyes don’t get irritated and itch during allergy season like they used when I had contacts (I think all that junk sticks to the lens).  Now I don’t have contacts to dry out when I ride my bike as well.  It is truly great not to have to feel that kind of discomfort.

When they called and asked if I would be in a commercial for them, I immediately said “YES”.  I have loved having Lasik and wanted to share it with the world.  I would suggest it to anyone especially a triathlete or runner.  Check it out.

If you are looking for a place to have lasik done, I highly recommend Mount Ogden & Bountiful Hills Eye Centers.  They have two locations (Ogden & Bountiful).  Call toll-free 877-831-2020 to schedule an appointment.   It’s not too late to get the $500 Lasik discount and the off-season is the perfect time to have it done!  In Bountiful, call 801-677-1122 and ask for Kelly Haslam.  Tell them Lora “Blonde Runner” sent you and they will take care of you.  Give the gift that keeps on giving.  Get lasik.

Blonde Runner earwarmer headbands available

Are you ready for cold weather outdoor exercise? These Blonde Runner earwarmer/headbands are the best. They are moisture-wicking, quick-drying and odor-fighting antimicrobial – perfect for walking, running, cycling, soccer etc… $15 each. They are black with different assorted colors of print available: Pink, lime green, dark blue, light blue, white, red and reflective gray. Available for immediate pick-up or mail-out. Message lora@blonderunner.com to purchase one.

Winter Training Running Class. Learn more…

Race For Grief Race 2011 Video

Race for Grief 10K run & 2 mile walk 2011

Join us for 2012!
www.RaceForGrief10k.com

Avenues Women’s Center

455 East South Temple Suite 202

Salt Lake City, Utah

801-355-9951

We are ready to help you meet your healthcare needs!  Avenues Women’s Center is the first all-female obstetrics and gynecology practice in Utah, established over 25 years ago.  We maintain our expert, up-to-date care by actively participating in continuing education programs.

Whether you are having your first pelvic exam, are in menopause or anything in between, we have the skills and services to care for you.  Our group of 5 board-certified obstetricians/gynecologists and 4 women’s health nurse practioners provide a full-spectrum of services that cover the lifespan of women:

- Prenatal care and delivery
- Infertility consultation and treatment
- Gynecologic care, including in-office procedures
- Minimally-invasive surgery
- Abnormal pap smear evaluation
- Routine well-woman exams
- Contraception and in-office sterilization
- On-site ultrasound and laboratory services

Please call for an appointment and find out what personalized, compassionate, respectful care is all about!  (801) 355-9951

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Cynthia Cannon

Dr. L. Jeanne Gemmell

Dr. Hannele Laine

Dr. Vicki Macy

Dr. Lucinda Robinson

www.avenueswomenscenter.com

(new website coming soon)

Product Review: Bicycle Dreams movie

The Race Across America

Bicycle Dreams

A Film by Stephen Auerbach

When I started triathlon a number of years ago, my weakest event was cycling, so I have made great efforts to learn more and understand a cyclists mind. Naturally I was interested in reviewing the film after reading the movie description and watching the trailer to the Bicycle Dreams movie.

As I watched the film the question of why would a cyclist take on a race like this entered my mind over and over. Riding across America over thousands of miles with very little rest is just plain crazy. But then I had to step back and think to myself, why I run or do triathlons? I am sure plenty of people think that is crazy. Running can be uncomfortable, tiring and quit frankly painful. Then why do I do it? While I watched the film I came to a conclusion that many people including myself need to know how far pure desire can take them. The only way to really get to this understanding is by stripped away all the comforts of everyday living and get down to the most basic human instinct which is survival. While I do not have a desire to “survive” the Race Across America, there are many ways to challenge this pure desire to strive to survive through running races and doing triathlons. It gives me a much needed opportunity to push myself and set goals that make me stretch and reach to achieve them. I believe many people would benefit from testing their own possibilities as many of the participants did in the film. Several stopped early and found out what their limits were. Others might loss their life trying, but to dare something that is difficult is admirable to me.

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. – Theodore Roosevelt

Film Description

“They are seekers, madmen, and angels hell-bent on riding across America on a bicycle in less than ten days. Eager to push their bodies to the limit, they set out on a daunting 3,000-mile odyssey. But what begins as the adventure of a lifetime is transformed in an instant when tragedy strikes the race. These voyagers discover what is truly at stake as they pedal on, praying for the deliverance only the finish line can bring. By journey’s end, some are saved, others are lost, but all learn that the fuel that takes a soul toward its own true destiny is desire.”

Get a copy of the movie for only $14.99 (regularly $24.95)

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Buy the movie

click on this link: bicycledreamsmovie.com

use the code  TRI and save 20%

regularly $24.95

Thank you for visiting BlondeRunner.com

RedRock Relay Supply List

The RedRock team relay is nearly here, it is time to make our final preparations; if you plan to participate I have included a check list you might find helpful below.
This is such a unique race, I would encourage everyone to experience it sometime in their running career. Think of it as a 186-mile party with 12 best friends. Teams of 12 will enjoy the wacky participant costumes, and make life-long friends with teammates and competitors. Teams will start at Brian Head and travel along beautiful country finishing in Zion. Wish us luck, we are “Rokit Fuel Nutrition Team”. So, if you see us cheer extra loud. Go team!

Lora’s Red Rock Relay Equipment Check List

Items You Must Have

• Copy of the RRR Race Guide
• Race maps – driving directions
• Cell phone – emergency contact list/med info
• Hydration belt with extra bottles
• Energy/recovery Drink
• Shoes (two pair)
• Lin Socks – Click here to learn more about LinSocks
• Blister/First Aid Kit – Tylenol, Ibuprofen
• Bodyglide to prevent chaffing
• Race number belt (I have these if you need one)
• Hat or Visor
• Sunglasses
• Sun Screen  (This is important!  Click and join in the annual Save Your Skin 10K & 2 mile awareness walk)
  
• Warm and cool clothes – prepare for all weather (reflective jacket, arm warmers, gloves, shorts, team shirt/singlet)
• Drinking water
• Large cooler with ice/cups
• Water mister/sprayer for cooling off
• Real food (fruit, nuts, grains, jerky, dry fruit)
• Reflective Vests (several per van)
• Head lamps (2-3 per van) & flashlights with extra batteries
• Other distinct flashing lights – otherwise everyone looks the same and it is hard to tell who is your runner at night.

Items You Will Want to Have

• Extra shorts, shirts (for hot and cold)
• Electrolyte supplements
• Running watch
• Speed/Distance/GPS – HR Monitor (Garmin) – make sure it’s fully charged
• Music – iPod
• Wash cloth & baby wipes (so handy)
• Deodorant (please)
• Toothbrush (a must for me – can’t stand icky teeth)
• Chap stick
• Mosquito repellent
• Blanket, pillow & sleeping bag
• Extra cash
• More food and water
• Camera/video camera
• Car decorations – noise makers and party stuff
• A great attitude

Lin High Performance Socks

I would like to introduce you to my newest sponsor, Lin High Performance Socks. I am not sure how I first discovered Lin Socks, but I am glad I did. Simply they produce some of the best performance socks in the world and at a reasonable price. As an added bonus, they are made in Cache Valley close to the Utah State University where I graduated from college.

This company was started by Ken Wong and Hillary Lin who met at USU. They married and started this company in 1991. They are truly entrepreneurs. Ken sold sock knitting equipment at first while Hillary ran the business in Logan, Utah. With their business expertise, they have subsequently expanded their operations with factories throughout Asia. The company has produced socks that are literally sold around the world. Lin Socks is now one of the largest hosiery manufacturers in the world and I am happy to be one of their sponsored athletes.

As a runner and triathlete durability is important to me. I will be the first to admit I am not easy on my gear and especially socks but I have found these socks to be comfortable and very durable to stand up to the long hours of training they go through. Lin Socks come in many fabrics including silkeez (super nice!), wooleez, CoolMax, Recycled, and performance/technical fabrics (my favorite). They also have hundreds of cool designs in stock and will do custom orders for teams.

Click on the link below and use code RUNBLONDE to save 10% on every order

Rokit Fuel – not for wussies

I am pleased to introduce my most recent sponsor: Rokit Fuel. This high quality product is made locally in Provo, Utah is just the kind of fuel I love to have with 13-19 whole food ingredients. It is packaged in such a way (air tight pouch) that it is easy to throw in my backpack to use on a hike with the family or on a road trip and can be eaten wet or dry. As a runner/triathlete and coach I am often going from one fitness activity to the next and it is so helpful to have a handy snack available that is convenient and also healthy. Rokit Fuel is perfect to keep handy and I truly “get a fist full of fuel” every time I eat it. Not only is Rokit Fuel healthy, but it tastes good. They have four flavors: Holy Pinole!, Pumpkin Chocolate (my favorite – yum!), Spice Cookie, and Stud Muffin. Each flavor is packed with high quality ingredients.

warning:  this product is not for wussies.

If you are the kind of person that strives to be all you can be; busy, active and in the pursuit of excellence then try Rokit Fuel – you’ll love it!  Don’t be a wussie.  

“Rokit Fuel is not for wussies”

Click here to purchase Rokit Fuel on-line

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