Recipe of the Month: Chia

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups usweetened coconut milk 
• 1/3 cup chia seeds 
• 1/4 cup cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 2-5 Tbsp maple syrup (I use Joseph's Sugar Free Maple syrup) 
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 tsp sea salt 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

Instructions

• Add all ingredients except sweetener to a mixing bowl and whisk vigorously to combine. Sweeten to taste with maple syrup at this time. 
• Let rest covered in the fridge overnight or at least 3-5 hours (or until it's achieved a pudding-like consistency). 
• Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days, though best when fresh. 
• Serve chilled with desired toppings, such as fruit, granola or coconut whipped cream.

Featured Member - Kevin Schleicher

Tell us about yourself - I am from Cedarburg, WI (near Milwaukee) and moved to La Crosse for university 8 years ago. I stayed active throughout college with intramural sports and hiking but found a void in competition after completing my degrees in 2012. Triathlons and other endurance races have become a big hobby in my life over the past few years.

How long have you been doing triathlons/How did you get started. - I started doing triathlons in 2014 by throwing myself into Lake Neoshonec without a wetsuit and making my way to a nearly dead last finish out of the water. But don't worry, the bike and run went much better! In my second season, I've seen a big improvement.

What is your favorite distance? - I've only done one Sprint and one Olympic so far but I've enjoyed both distances. I've sprinkled in a few duathlons and half marathons into my schedule as well.

What have you done and what is coming up for the 2015 season? - I completed my first Olympic this year and improved in both my swim and biking pace drastically. Thankfully the YMCA Master's swim class refined my swimming technique over winter. I'm looking at doing one more half marathon and possibly the Devils Lake Challenge in September. Winter will involve lots of swim and bike training while I look towards doing a HIM.

What is your favorite discipline? - It varies to be honest. I used to favor biking the most, but I tend to really enjoy the discipline that I'm training the most at the time. Seeing improvement makes the sport fun!

What is your favorite race? Why? - The GOT energy sprint is my favorite because it was my first race. I was hooked from the start.

What are your plans going forward? - Training as hard as I can to do a HIM next year. I'm a newlywed that recently bought a house so finding a balance in training and other parts of life have been interesting. I want to make sure my wife knows she's number #1 and training is #2. :)

What else would you like to share? - I'm happy to continue growing in this fun sport and I appreciate the comradely that bluffbusters offer. It really helps me push myself to become better at triathlons!

Maggie's Corner: sports & Reunions

Sports & Reunions:

It was a cold, late October morning and I was sitting by myself on the Staten Island ferry, in NYC, being transported to Staten Island, where the marathon would start. The NYC marathon is an iconic race, filled with 50,000 running. I had heard through the grapevine that a high school class mate of mine would be at the race too. I was able to reach him through FB, told him the time I was going to be taking the ferry and what color hat I was going to wear ("bright lime green!!!"). What I didn't realize, is that there were several hundread of people of that ferry. I hadn't seen Alexandre for 20 years; since we graduated, Chances were slim. As I walked out, I felt a hand taping my shoulder. I recognized him immediately; he hadn't change a bit!!! It was such a treat to be able to reconnect with an old friend, thanks to NYC marathon! It was such a joy to catch up with him, reconnect. I even meet his nice friend, a gal that I befriended right away who was also racing. We were able to toe the line together and even managed to run together for the first 6 miles or so. I even saw the two of them again this summer at IM Mont Tremblant.

I always thought that triathlon and running events were such selfish sports. You train alone for countless of hours and you race alone. You spend time away from families and friends, going to bed way too early but also waking up way too early. But this enounter with an old friend made me think otherwise. Because we both had a passion for running, an event brought us together, 20 years after we last saw each other, and 1500 miles away from home.

A couple of weeks ago, I raced IM Mont Tremblant, a mere 3 hours away from my home town. I was fortunate enough to have qualified for Kona. Another high school classmate of mine also qualified for Kona...as far as I know, he is one of half dozen to have qualify in the province of Quebec in the history of Kona. We have gotten in touch and we also plan on meeting on the Big Island. I also haven't seen him in 20 years...I bet he hasn't change (and I hope he says the same about me!).

Stay healthy,
Maggie

Featured Member - Jake Kuhse

Jake Kuhse

Tell us about yourself :

I was born and raised in La Crosse. I’ve got 2 younger brothers, Jeff, and Josh. A few of my interests and hobbies include fishing, running, waterskiing, reading, building computers, and browsing Reddit.

How long have you been doing triathlons?

My first triathlon will be Got Energy.

How long have you been a Bluff Buster?

I joined in early February of this year.

What is your triathlon background (How did you get started? Do you have a background in swim/bike/run, etc, have you done many?)

I ran cross-country and track in middle / high school and one year of college. I don’t have much experience in swimming or biking, but have a strong running background. I took over a year off from doing any type of exercise and am finally getting back into shape.

What is your favorite race distance?

My favorite race in high school was the mile. Now my favorite race is 5k.

What are your triathlon goals for 2015?

Complete a few triathlons and learn the strategies for achieving top racing performance.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I love staying up late and reading

What is your favorite song or album to workout to?

When I do listen to music during my workouts, it’s only on the treadmill or stationary bike. A few of the bands I listen to are Papa Roach, Linkin Park, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Offspring.

What motivates you?

Being able to measure continuous progress and see what my body is capable of.

What is your favorite workout? My top 3 are:

· 6-8 mile run through Hixon

· 400m repeats on the track

· Early morning runs on golf courses when no one else is awake

What can’t you live without?
Nalgene water bottle, Asics shoes

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
Teleportation or underwater breathing

What is one book that everyone should read?
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Biggest Pet-Peeve:

Tangled ear buds

Recipe of the Month: Thai Ginger Shrimp Couscous

Jamey shares one of his special recipes this month:

Endurance training gobbles up a lot of free time. Quick, healthy meals are essential. This meal can be put together in about 10 minutes. I'm no nutritionist, but it's got grain, colorful vegetables and shrimp, can't be bad. I mix an extra teaspoon or two of chicken base into the broth for a much saltier flavor.

Thai Ginger Shrimp Couscous

• 1 lb shrimp-peeled and deveined
• 1 cup couscous
• 2 cups Swanson Thai Ginger Broth
• 3 cups frozen vegetables (I like stir fry mix with peppers, onions, pees, etc)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves chopped garlic-get a jar of chopped garlic to save time or chop your own
• Chicken base for extra salt if you want

In one pan steam the vegetables.
In another pan, heat the ginger broth to a boil (or nearly so), dump in the couscous grain and turn the heat way down-that will be done in about 8 minutes.
While that's going, peel and devein the shrimp if needed.
After about 5 minutes the couscous should have absorbed the broth, fluffed up nicely and started getting pretty soft. Sauté the garlic in the olive oil for a minute and then add the peeled and deveined shrimp.
Garlic and olive oil burns fast and shrimp cooks very fast so this should only take a few minutes.
When the shrimp are done, combine everything and eat it. Good stuff.

Maggie's Corner - Tribute to The Boys

Tribute to The Boys

They have known me for several years. They have seen me during my good
days, bad days, at my fittest, and also during my slowest. They have
witness/endure my crankiness at times, see me when I'm hungry, or
worst, "hangry" (bad combination of angry and hungry). And I hardly
see My Boys with anything on by speedos.

My Boys, as I affectionately call them, are my swimming partners and
the main reason I get out of bed at 4:30am. We have been swimming
together for years, sometimes several times per week. They have pushed
me to get fitter, I have pushed them, but we have also laughed
together and swore a few times. We rarely see each other outside the
formality of the YMCA pool, but knowing they will be there in the
morning, make me want to join in and get in a good workout...but I
also enjoy and look forward to their company and friendship. In turn,
it makes those 5am swim workouts so much easier to go through. We
celebrate our races, successes, but also work stories, family stories,
etc. They see me at my highs and lows and don't judge...as long as I
make the interval.

Once again, my sport of swim-bike-run has open the door to not only
fitness and races but also to a great web of friends that I cherish
and that are important to me. Their familiar faces, their caring
thoughts, encouraging words and also their tough love at times not
only help me getting fitter but also brighten my day. And even my
partner Kent will ask me: "so...how was the swim with The Boys this
morning...?"

This is my tribute to My Boys, my friends, my swimming partners, my
accomplices. I thank you :)

Next time you struggle during a workout, just think of all the
wonderful people you've met because of this sport.

Stay Healthy,

Maggie

Swim Video Taping April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. La Crosse Y

Video Taping is this Thursday, April 23.
Bluff Busters are putting on a video taping to help improve swim form this spring.  We tape  you from multiple directions to give you a 360 view of how you are doing.  We review your form and show you drill and offer pointers to help you improve.
Sample video that we send out to members to keep after video taping.

Featured Member - Dawn Jacobson

Dawn Jacobson

Tell us about yourself (where you're from, family, work, other hobbies and interests, etc... whatever you'd like to share): I am originally from a small town in Iowa and am a proud Iowa State University alumni. My husband and I moved to Sparta this past summer, where we relocated to be more centrally located between families, with his family residing in northern Wisconsin. I am a certified athletic trainer, working at Black River Memorial Hospital in Black River Falls. My previous 10 years was spent working in collegiate athletics, so this has been a big change, but a good one for finding life balance.

How long have you been doing triathlons? I did my first triathlon in 2002 and hated it, vowing to never do one again. However, eventually the itch came back to try it again a few years later, this time far more successful with better training. I have been actively participating in triathlons and loving it for about the last five years.

How long have you been a Bluff Buster? I just joined! I am anxious to meet with team and take advantage of some of the training opportunities, as I have primarily trained alone throughout my time in triathlon.

What is your triathlon background (How did you get started? Do you have a background in swim/bike/run, etc, have you done many?) I started with sprint races for a couple years, then added in a few Olympics races, and then in 2013 completed my first 70.3. I usually compete in about 3-4 races per year, as I can fit it into my schedule.

What is your favorite race distance? Olympic-distance

What are your triathlon goals for 2015? My goal this year is simply to compete in a handful of sprint distance races. I took last summer off from racing due to relocating, starting a new job, and everything that goes with that. I am itching to get back into my training routine and feel that exhilaration that can only come from triathlon!

What is an interesting fact about you? I am an identical twin. My sister has focused primarily on running events in the past, but she is doing her first duathlon this summer, so maybe I will get her into triathlon in the future!

What is your favorite song or album to workout to? I very rarely listen to music when I work-out. Exercise is my time to get away from all the noise in life, think, and de-stress.

What motivates you? The thrill of setting and reaching new goals. The awesome feeling of accomplishment that you get from pushing your body to its limit and achieving something challenging.

What is your favorite workout? A long bike ride out in the country, where I can get away from the busyness of life and just enjoy the blessing of being able to be physically active.

What can’t you live without? In terms of triathlon, my Asics Gel-Kayano shoes!

What is one book that everyone should read? The Bible. All the answers for life are hidden in that book J

Maggie's Corner - 5 Runs: 4 states and 2 Countries

The joy of running is often about the locations and roads where I run. The weather, the smells, terrain, scenery, company... Here's a diary of my long training runs back in 2012, as I prepared for Big Sur marathon, a point to point marathon along HWY 1, up the California coast. One of the most scenic race I've ever done and it was a fun one to prepare as well, as you're about to read. I was living in California back then and had multiple trips scheduled during that time, which made for a fun preparation. As they say: " its not the destination, it's the journey!"

February: Palo Alto, California. It is bright and early morning... I've got to hop on a plane shortly for Germany and I made sure I stayed up late last night to adjust for the jet lag ahead. I am quite tired and a little (a lot?) grumpy. There is something unique about the California sun that makes everything automatically better. And the wonderful smell...I'll never forget this fresh smell of pine trees that is refreshing. It invigorates me as I run through the redwood trees and beautiful rolling hills. It's February afterall. I am lucky I'm not in Wisconsin right now fighting the snow!

February: Munich, Germany. It is cold and grey here, but I bundle up and I am ready to run through the English Garden. No better way to visit than by foot. It is so beautiful and again, I enjoy so much discovering a new country, and Munich is now one of my favorite city with it's history, culture...and world class bakeries! (and beer...of course). As I run by two German, one yells: run Foresst run!" in a thick German accent. I guess it is pretty obvious that I am from America with my bright Nike shirt and bright shoes! I then discover that Apple Strudel and German Beer make for the perfect recovery snack post run (yep, even consumed together!)

March: Las Vegas, Nevada: I have a business meeting but I have my priorities...As soon as I land, I take my rental care straight to Red Rock Canyon, change in my running shoes and up the road I go. I then wonder how many people will skip the casinos for a run today? Well, I soon find out I am not alone. I apparently am running on the same route, amongst participants of a stage running race. Plenty of cheerful spectators, supporters and running mates accompany me during my long run. And it doesn't hurt that I am running in one of the most scenic part of Las Vegas: along the red rocks formation. I am certainly ok skipping the smokey casinos right now. Did I say it is my favorite place to run...? (ok...most places seem to be my favorite!...)

March: Minneapolis, Minnesota. A quick junt in snowy Midwest to visit my boyfriend. I am somewhat sadden by the fact that I fit perfectly in a pair of tights...His tights! (shouldn't it be too baggy?...oh well!). I am frozen to the core as soon as I step outside, struggling with my footing as if I had just learned how to walk. But soon I am reminded why I love the Midwest so much in the winter: the stillness of freshly fallen snow...nothing more picturesque than this (again..every run seem to be my favorite...you get the point!).

April: Naples Florida: Hum...I had no idea that people still wore velvet-like old school running suits...while walking their dogs. This should certainly banned! I am running in a retirement community and soon get somewhat lost/stuck in a gated community. Which has me jumping the fence...Oups! Maybe I'm too old for that? (I then had to explain to my boyfriend why have bleeding scratches on my arms and legs!)

There are days when training for an event can seem like a chore. But most times, I just find it to be pure bliss, being able to run, being able to experience everything and what every route has to offer. I am seldomly bored and until I become bored, I'll keep on going back for more.

Stay healthy!

Recipe of the month - Scott's Power Truffles

Power Truffles - like a powerbar but bite sized
1/2 cup honey or corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup nut butter (I use peanut butter)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 cup oats
2 cup rice krispies

• Take a 1 quart glass measuring cup or bowl
• Add first three ingredients and heat in microwave for about 2 minutes to melt the peanut butter. 
• Add in chocolate chips and stir.
• Pulse oats and rice krispies in a food processor and add to melted ingredients.
• Stir with a heavy spoon and then mix with your hands and roll into truffles.
• Place on a plate to cool and then put into baggies and toss in the fridge or freezer.

Running Symposium at St. Mary's Winona

2015 Runners’ Symposium
An educational workshop to help you run stronger
Saturday, March 14
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona

Gundersen Sports Medicine experts will teach runners of all ages, paces about:
· Overuse injuries in running and how to avoid them
· Whether barefoot running is better
· The best foods to fuel your run
· Training programs to help you succeed

Plus, enjoy hands-on activities including shoe checks, core exercises and a group run.
Space is limited - register now!

Cost will be $15 Contact Maggie if you have any other questions.

Team Event at Trinona

We are in luck, the two local Triathlons are on different weekends this year, first time this has happened.

Trinona in Winona June 7
Got Energy in West Salem June 14

Trinona has offered our club a team discount. When you register, use the code BLUFFBUSTERS to receive a $10 dollar discount.

The team event is going to be scored cross country style with the team's top 3 male and top 3 females. There is also awards for largest team.

Our team can also use this code for any of the other MN Tri Series to get the same discount. (Minnipolis and Maple Grove)
Tri MN Serries Website

Race Series Award

New Race Series Award
Remember, we are trying a new Race Series Award this year. The award will be given to the male and female who accrue the most points. Points are awarded based on participation and age group placement in triathlon races:
-2 points for participating in any triathlon
-1 point for finishing in top 25% of age group
-1 point for an age group win

Double points are awarded for the following races:
-Got Energy
-Trinona
-Castle Rock
-USAT Age Group Nationals, Milwaukee (sprint and olympic)
-Ironman Wisconsin

We always like to have a large BluffBuster contingent at Got Energy as it is an event that only happens with a lot of local effort from the YMCA. Let's show them we appreciate that effort by turning out in large numbers.

Trinona and Got Energy are on different weekends this year. Trinona is also adding club scoring with awards going to the top male and female club teams. Scoring is similar to cross-country meets-add up the overall finisher place of the top three males and females from each club and the lowest total wins. It would be nice to take one or both of these trophies. We really need our faster club members to commit to this race.

Sportsman/Sportswoman of the Year Award
Another award change will be how the Sportman/Sportswoman of the Year award is given out. We will be tracking how many official BluffBusters events people attend, either as a participant or volunteer. Things like the panel discussion will count, the weekly time trials will count, organized BB run sessions will count, that kind of stuff. The first opportunity to starting earning those points is coming up with our panel discussion February 23. Organized training sessions will be announced soon-as they become more planned.

Triathlon Panel Discussion Feb. 23 6 PM Schmidtys

We are having a Triathlon  panel with a local group of experts on February 23 at Schmidty's.  Social at 6 pm, panel will start at 6:30.  Send any questions you would like discussed to our bluff buster email.

Panel will include:  

Maggie Fournier - Elite Ironman distance athlete that has completed 12 Ironman races and qualified for Kona World Championships an amazing four times and counting.
Chris Schubert - Resident swim export and elite short course triathlete that most recently placed top 5 at short course national last year.
Ron Rasque - long time triathlete that brings a rich history of racing sprints to Ironman distance races.  Semi retired, you will find him optimizing his training plans or testing the newest research on HIIT and recovery.
Kevin Dubois - second year racer that can offer a newbie perspective on triathlons as he is a recent convert.
Scott Cooper will be moderating the panel with over 20 years of triathlon experience on all the race distances.

Maggie's Corner - 15 Years

     This year marks my 15th year in the sport. The sport of swim-bike-run has taught me a lot over the years. I keep waiting for the day I'm going to wake up and want to do something else, but the day has yet to come. I was recently reflecting on those past years and wondered what keeps me going back for some more, year after year. And the answer is quite simple in fact. I love the sport for everything it brings to my life, and just not the medals.

     I have been living away from my family for almost two decades now, as work brought me to the United States. I grew up in a very simple farm town, and my siblings still live 10min from the house we grew up in. Somehow, sport has brought us together in a way I had never imagined. My family has traveled all over to come and "see me" race, when I actually believe they use this excuse as an occasion to all get together and share adventures. My dad has not missed a single Kona race. My sister still insist on getting my race schedule every year and I still need to call her after each race to let her know how I did. Of course, the result is always followed by a fun, sisters-only type of conversation as I drive back from the race. My brother was motivated to start running by the age of 40, then completed an ironman by age 50. My sister even took on running and races as well. It is then my turn to receive her post race call to hear all the details of her day. My father even participated in a relay, happily racing his hybrid bike after my brother completed the swim portion, to then pass the baton to my niece to complete the run. My older brother has become the official "flag bearer", responsible to hand me the Quebec flag before I cross the finish line of my Ironman races. The sport of triathlon has created bonds within my family that i would have never imagine would be. This summer, I have signed up for IM Mont Tremblant and cannot wait for the pre race meal with aunts, uncles and cousins, driving down for the event. My sport is just as much about gathering my family together, sharing happy moments and love, as it is to cross the finish line.

To 15 more years in the sport!
Stay healthy,
Maggie

Recipe of the month - Overnight Oats

Jane Stull is sharing her favorite recipe this month

Easy Overnight Steel Cut Oats:

I've been making this recipe every week for a few months now. The texture is much better than regular oatmeal and keeps you full until lunch. I usually double the recipe to create more leftovers.
4 cups water
1 cup steel cut oats
1/4 tsp salt

Optional-sugar, maple syrup, honey, and/or cinnamon
Optional- peanut butter, almond butter, or coconut oil

Use a medium saucepan or Dutch oven.
Boil the water
When water is boiling, pour in all ingredients
Give it a stir and let it cook for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, stir once more, cover with lid, and then let them sit out overnight.
That's it! In the morning, scoop out the amount you want and microwave or eat cold.

Topping ideas: walnuts or almonds, chopped apple, berries, craisins, pomegranate seeds

Read the original recipe here for more ideas: http://www.marinmamacooks.com/2013/06/easy-overnight-steel-cut-oats/

Featured Member - Don Stoeckly

23 ½ hour Service

Almost everyone knows Don Stoeckly. What I didn’t know about Don was that he was one of the  founding fathers of the Bluffbusters.

It all started, Don jokes, in 1998 when he weighed 248 lbs. Realizing that the waist size of his pants was getting greater than the length, he and his wife Diane decided to start an exercise program.  A 10 minute walk every day. “After work I was tired” Don said “and sometimes I just walked around the block.  Diane was timing me and if I walked 5 minutes one day, I had to walk an extra 5 minutes the next day”. In addition, Diane would pack a lunch of health food, and one day a week the two would walk to Walgreens for weigh-in (since they didn’t own a scale)

The pounds started coming off. The walks turned into a run/walk eventually he was running. “The Running club wanted me to run with them” he said “but I didn’t think I was good enough”. So he set a goal to run a half marathon on his own. Once he did that first 13 miler, he was ready to run with the group and was literally off to the races.

While in the running club he was was inspired by Greg Olson and Barry Clark who were going to try the new Ironman Wisconsin triathlon. Don was so inspired that he signed up for the following year. The fitness thing was definitely taking hold.

As a novice, Don relied on the help of the veteran triathletes, of which he had a long list of names. There were a few missteps along the way though. He fell numerous times until he realized he had to unclip his pedals before stopping (but we have all been there haven't we?) . His first flat tire had to be changed by Maggie. His first half IM swim took over an hour, but Don said  it was real easy to find his bike in T1. But he managed to put it all together and he successfully completed his first Ironman.

Don has since done 3 ironmans, marathons, ultra runs and too many other events to keep track of. Now he changes tires for others, which he did in an IM event when he saw a fellow Bluffbuster with a flat, he thoughtfully stopped to change it. The Don’s Towing slogan is “23 ½ Hour Service”. Apparently that applies during races too!

Don graciously thanks his family, and all of his fellow athletes for supporting him in his pursuits.  

He is a humble, kind, caring, thoughtful, businessman, family man, and fellow triathlete. He has sponsored the Bluffbusters as long as I can remember, and he played a major role in the formation of our tri club. Although Don thanks everyone else, I think we owe him thanks.

How to Qualify For Nationals and Worlds for 2015

We are lucky this year to have a number of championship races in the Midwest in easy driving distance. It can be a confusing process to know how to navigate the process of qualifying for nationals and world championships.  Our resident, Ron Rasque, has created a cheat sheet for our team.

FAQ

Q. Do you need to qualify for nationals and worlds. 
A. For worlds yes you have to qualify at on of the national races.
A. For nationals it depends. Some are open for anyone like the sprint distances in Milwaukee Check the chart below for what races require qualifications.

Q. How fast do I need to be to go to a championship race?
A.  Qualifying is by age group, so you need to look at the last few years for your age groups to have a feel if you will be fast enough.  If you are worried about qualifying, look for races that have slower age groups, but are still sanctioned to be qualifying event.  Many times you can find a small race, or a race that happens the same weekend as a more popular race and that will be less competitive and you will not have to race a bunch of other people that are trying to qualify. Many national events have a qualifying race and a open race, so you do not have to qualify to still experience the excitement of going to nationals.

Q. Why is the age group at worlds off by one year?
A.  The age-up rule is applied for qualification for world championships due to the fact that the world championship will be held the following year when you are 1 year older. The national qualifying race, your current age group will be used for placement in that race.  so if you are 39, you will place at nationals in the 35-39 age group, but will qualify for Worlds in the 40-44 age group.

Q. Where can I find more information 
A. Go to www.usatriathlon.org for more information on USAT championship races and registration links

National and World Races this year in Triathlon and Duathlon 

USAT Olympic Triathlon National Championship 2015
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Date: 8/8/2015
Cost: $165.00
Format: 1.5K swim - 40K bike - 10K run
How to Qualify: 
1.  Competed as a member of Team USA in 2014 at any distance triathlon
2. Finish any USAT sanctioned triathlon within the top 10% of age group between 8/1/14 and 7/3.1/15.
3.  Finish in the top 33% of any USAT special qualifier or Regional Championship triathlon between 8/1/14 and 7/31/15.
How to Qualify for Worlds: top 18 racers in next years age group qualify for

ITU Intermediate Course Triathlon World Championship in 2016 
Location: Mexico
Format: 1.5K swim - 40k bike - 10K run
Date:  date yet to be announced

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USAT Sprint Age Group National Championship 2015
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Date: 8/9/2015
Cost: $95
Format: 0.75K swim - 20K bike - 5K run
How to Qualify: 
Open to everyone that is a USAT member
How to Qualify for Worlds: top 18 racers in next years age group qualify for

ITU Sprint Course Triathlon World Championship 2016 
Location: Mexico
Format:  0.75K swim - 20k bike - 5K run
Date: date yet to be announced

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USAT Long Course Age Group National Championship 2015
Location: Oklahoma City, OK (Redman Triathlon half)
Date:  9/26/2015
Cost: $250
Format: 1.2 mi swim - 56 mi bike - 13.1 mi run
How to Qualify: 
Open to everyone that is a USAT member
How to Qualify for Worlds: top 18 racers in next years age group qualify for

ITU Long Course Triathlon World Championship 2016
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Format: 4K swim - 120K bike - 30K run
Date: 9/24/2016

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USAT Duathlon Long Course National Championship 2015
Location: Ft. Worth, TX (Bronda's Duathlon @ Texas Motor Speedway) )
Date: 11/14/2015
Cost: $95
Format: 10K run - 42K bike - 5K run
How to Qualify: 
Open to everyone that is a USAT member
How to Qualify for Worlds: top 18 racers in next years age group qualify for

ITU Long Course Duathlon World Championship 2016
Location:  yet to be announced
Format:  10K run - 150K bike - 30K run
Date: yet to be announced

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USAT Duathlon National Championships 2015
Location: St. Paul, MN
Date: 6/6/2015
Cost: $110
Format Sprint:   3K run - 23K bike - 3K run
Format Standard: 5K run - 34.5K bike - 5K run
How to Qualify: 
Open to everyone that is a USAT member
How to Qualify for Worlds: top 18 racers in next years age group qualify for

ITU Sprint & Standard Distance Duathlon World Championships 2016
Location:  yet to be announced
Format Sprint: 5K run - 20K bike - 2.5K run
Format Standard:  10K run - 40K bike - 5K run
Date: yet to be announced

Maggies Corner: I am Lucky

I am lucky...

Those are truly the words that came to mind when I toed the line for the 4th time in Kona (it was quickly followed by: "Oh $h!t, this is going to hurt"...!!!). And I believe that indeed, I am a lucky gal.

Some of you might disagree with me. You might say that I have worked hard to be able to race in Kona, that I have put in the time, efforts, made sacrifices to be able to race there. It is certainly true, but I never want to take this for granted.

The truth is... I am lucky on so many levels. I would not been able to race if it were not for my "team". I have understanding friends who know that I have to go to bed at 8:30 on Saturday nights, that I need to skip that glass of wine this time again. I am also lucky to have great training partners who push me every time, to be the best I can be. Friends who will cheer me up, be there for harder workouts, pick me up when I'm down, and even leave me water and treats on my running route, to make sure I am well fueled. I have a great team indeed!

I am lucky to have family that supports me , and even fly to see me race. My 80 y/o dad have not missed one Kona and even wanted to book his hotel right away for 2015.... (I think they secretly enjoy the Mai Tai, macademia nuts and Onu fish!!!) Most importantly, I am lucky to have a life partner who understands the demands of my training, and still enjoys my company when I am half asleep after eating for two, too sore or too tired to do anything but watch tv. He still cleans my bike, maintains it, makes my smoothies and cook dinner for me.

I have the chance to be healthy for the required training, with little to no injury. My body has been resilient in taking the beating, year after year. I am still passionate about my sport and my training/racing mates, and cannot wait for the next season. I am lucky I am still motivated to do it again.

Don't get me wrong. Many days I want to call it quits. The demands of the sports are sometimes too hard to handle. I do have to put in the time and sweat equity into it, but I do not take for granted to chance I have to represent my country at the World Championships. The day I will stop wanting to push myself, is the day that I will have to quit my sport.

For all those reasons, I stay grounded and continue to believe that I am indeed...lucky :)

Thanks everyone for your support!

Next Maggie's Corner will be all about the off-season Do's and Don'ts !!! Everything in moderation :)

Stay Healthy !

Featured Member: Jenny Roberge

Triathete with a Cause

By Jenny Roberge

At first I did it for myself, but I later realized that it was bigger than me. (Pardon the pun).

In early 2006 I was 5’ tall and weighed 285 pounds.

I think even as a child I was a bit heavy, but it gradually got out of control. I would diet for a while, but then gain it back again. I realized that with the lack of exercise, and poor eating habits I was on a path of self-destruction both physically and emotionally. I decided enough is enough!

I started a strict diet, and began exercising. As I started seeing results, I became even more motivated. In 6 months, I had lost 100 pounds. Exercise was becoming easier. I bought a bike, and was commuting to and from work on it. I was exercising on a home treadmill, and the weight was still coming off. I remember looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, “I can’t believe this is me”. I was feeling happier, and even had more confidence in my career as an x-ray technician. I joined the local YMCA and was meeting other healthy people who were giving me even more inspiration.

I noticed a couple of people who had a similar unique tattoo on their calf muscle. When I asked what that represented they said it was the Mdot that meant they had done an Ironman. At the time, I thought they were crazy.

By 2007 I was down to 125 pounds, and I thought I could handle my first sprint triathlon. I was immediately hooked. I then decided I was going to be one of the crazies who attempted the long course.

In 2008, I completed my first IM triathlon in Wisconsin. Maybe my motivation was out of control, but I had to keep going. I have since done 5 full Ironman’s. I represented Team USA in long course world championships in Henderson NV. What a thrill it was competing on the world stage! I have also done more other triathlons than I can keep track of.

In the off season, (just to stay in shape mind you) I run marathons. I have done about a dozen so far (including Boston).

I realised that a person doesn’t have to go to the extremes that I have to have fun with the sport and get or stay healthy

When I see overweight people, I sympathize with them and wish that they would experience the heathier life style that I now have. I am sometimes asked about my diet, or training plan and I am more than happy to help.

Fellow runners and triathetes have inspired much of my transformation and being affilated with that athletic peer group keeps me challenging myself to stay healthy.

I believe that the athletic community and I can inspire and influence people into staying or becoming more fit and healthy.

I am living proof that lives can be transformed through fitness I am proud to share my story as an example in an effort to be an inspiration to others.

I want to make a difference, and fitness is my platform.

     
     Me as a couch potato

       Me as a triathlete