Ironman

What a day!!

It is amazing to watch an Ironman unfold. No matter how fit, no matter how many hours of training you have put in, you can take nothing for granted. From watching to participating you still continue to learn from this sport, most of the lessons repeat themselves, most of which I have personally learned the hard way.

The day in Lake Placid started out looking to be beautiful. The cool weather seemed to play tricks on people, as we watched the bike splits, you began to get a sense that it was going to be an interesting run. The sun and warming temperatures really took the toll on most of the participants.

It is nerve racking to watch my athletes on www.ironman.com, I spent the entire day yesterday chasing down athletes on the computer. A big shout out to Eric Gibb for all my live updates and for delivering messages to my guys racing, special thanks to Paula's husband Michael also. Scott listened to me day long going on and on about who was where and I wonder blah blah., , . I was left to to watch and to wait.

Chris Nook, Paula Kertes, and Jennifer Collister all had incredible days and each in there own right. Each of them suffered in there own ways from flat tires, dehydration, stomach issues, breathing problems all to cross that line and more than earn there title of Ironman. Congrats to you all I am so proud of each of you!!

There were several of our Lake Placid campers racing, John Morris(Baker), Vinny Daniello, Steve Smith, and Sean Gallagher all had great days. Way to go guys, I watched you all finish. Looking forward to hearing all about everyone individuals races.

This is my second Ironman this year that I have watched on the computer. I feel fortunate to have the technology that we do have, if I had to wait all day to find out what was going on, I would be nuts.

As I look forward to Ironman Louisville,Ironman Wisconsin, and Ironman Florida. I just wanted to say thanks to Jodi, Chris , Paula, and Jen for allowing to be part of there Ironmans this year. It has been exciting, nerve racking, challenging, unforgettable and fun to watch each of you. Looking forward to seeing what you all decide to do next.

Take care, enjoy your down time, and make sure to reflect on your accomplishment.

Angela

Days of Summer

This past weekend the weather was incredible, I felt like I was on vacation. We had a big group ride go from Mastick. Thanks to Jeff, Scott, Debbie, Missy, Amy, Martha, John, Kyle, Delia, Trephina, Jennifer, Paula, Mike,and Mary for showing up and playing with me. It was a day for mechanicals, but in spite of all that we had a great time. Check out jen collisters blog for pictures.

It is also that time of year when everyone is fit.. Jennifer and Paula along with Chris leave for Lake Placid this week and they are ready. Mike and Mary are racing down in Columbus this weekend and for so called beginners they are doing great. Kyle will also be racing and several others have races coming up early August is Steelhead.

I love being out there training with everyone and seeing how hard all of you work. Not racing this season has given me once again a chance to reflect and appreciate this sport. I love being part of and playing a role in all of your endeavors. Keep doing what your doing and keeping have fun!

PS- Stacy Rhea had a great Buckeye 50K - it was her 1st marathon and 1st 50K all in the same day, stay tuned for more details.

Make sure to check out www.ironman.com this weekend, and if you want to sign up for Lake Placid next year you better be at your computer Monday AM!

Make it a great week

A Letter to my coach and great friend...

Two weeks ago, Scott and I had the opportunity to go to a Surprise 40th birthday party for Eric Hodska, our coach. His wife Lisa did an awesome job, she kept him guessing right to the end. The look on his face when he saw Scott and I, was worth the trip. We had just spent the week before with him in Lake Placid at our training camp. So he was very surprised to see us in New Haven CT.

Scott and I have both been blessed in many ways to have Eric as our coach, and even more as our friend.Athletically he helped us both qualify for Ironman Hawaii,he guided me through the Mohican 100 mile trail run,we have done more Ironmans then I can remember, I can't imagine doing one without him. I have had the pleasure of going to several Hodska training camps as a camper. Then as I graduated to coaching myself we have done 4 camps in Cleveland and our newest addition was Lake Placid this year. Eric has played a significant role in my becoming a coach and continues to guide me.

On a personal level Eric is an incredible friend, great marriage counselor, confidant, and always willing to give insight to child rearing. I could go on, just wanted to put this out there so sometime when he reads my blog he can read for himself how much Scott and I appreciate him and how much we love him!!
Here's to you Eric!