City of Residence?

Cottonwood Heights. It’s a great place to live and train. The Recreation Center has terrific pools, and access to Wasatch Drive for an early-morning bike ride is terrific. The one problem is you can’t get away from the hills. Last year I trained with a Joe Friel generic plan bought off training peaks. I’d like to see the triathlete who could keep his or her heart rate under 140 in any direction from my house! Ok, I really wouldn’t like to see them…it would just make me mad!

Occupation?

Weekend anchor and staff reporter at Fox 13 News.

I’ve been at the station for five years as of June and I’m holding down about my third job here. I started as a general assignment reporter and have migrated through the morning show to the weekend anchor slot. As a reporter, I cover politics more than anything else, but I also do some fun features. Recently, I’ve been back and forth to L.A. doing our interviews with “American Idol” finalists.

Years in Endurance Sports? (share a bit about your journey)

Can’t say I’ve been so consistent. I’ve been an avid runner since college (U of U from 90-94.) My first triathlon was organized among employees at Denali National Park in Alaska, where I worked at a little convenience store and campground. I wore a baggy swimsuit and sweatshirt through the whole race and road my mountain bike. I came in ninth (ten or 11 of us ran it). I ran my fastest 5k around this time…coming in at 20:33 and taking eleventh place in a field of about 140.

After college, my wife and I moved to southern California for graduate school. I studied theology by day and ran laps around the Rose Bowl at night. I ran the Seattle Marathon in 5:25 in 1998 (my sister was living in Seattle.) As you might expect, it was cold and wet, but at least there were lots of steep hills!

After graduate school in theology and then journalism, I moved to Palm Springs, working for the NBC affiliate there. While there I ran a couple of half marathons and a triathlon. My best half was the Palm Springs Half Marathon in 1:45.

I ran a sprint tri here and came in at 1:24–a good result for me, but an incredibly humbling race. It was a wave start and a lot of great pros used it as a training race, so I felt like I was standing still while the likes of Paula Newby Fraser raced past with an audible doppler effect. That was in 2001.

I kept training for tri and was signed up for my first Olympic tri, which would have happened two weeks after 9/11. That event, and the continuous news cycle that followed, blew my training and really my desire to train for some time.

I moved home to Utah in ‘02. I ran the Ogden Marathon in 3:56 in ‘03.

My little boy, Luke, was born in December 2003. Being Luke’s Dad is by far my most rewarding and demanding job. My wife Natalie is a clinical psychologist. As two working parents, we share parenting duties. The result for my health: I’ve gained about 50 pounds, which I’m still struggling to get rid of.

I decided to rededicate myself to fitness last year. Triathlon intrigues me more and struck my as a healthier “lifestyle” sport than just running. I have always been more comfortable in the water than on land, and time on the bike has become my favorite retreat from the normal stresses of life. Strangely for me, running is now my weak spot because of the excess weight.

Last season was a great start, just getting back into a routine. It was also humbling to be one of the last guys to park his bike in T-2 and to Run-Walk to the finish. I ran the Cache Valley Olympic, the Ogden X-terra Sport, and the Ogden Valley Olympic (Duathlon due to weather) last season.

In January this year, I ran the Carlsbad half-marathon in California.

I’ve been mostly running in the off-season. My goal is to not qualify as a Clydesdale by the end of the season. (No offense to Clydesdales. Some of them are amazing athletes in terrific shape. But I’m carrying fat, not muscle.)

Most Memorable Race?

That Ogden result was the product of long training. Coming in under four hours was a significant goal for me. It’s interesting when the question is about ‘memorable’ races, because I use the memory of that race as inspiration now. As an overweight, sleep-deprived dad, it’s encouraging to know I’ve done it before.

Most Challenging Moment in Endurance Sports?

Right now. Putting my goals alongside normal life demands makes this a difficult time to get in shape. Going to races knowing I’ll be the slow, fat guy is tough, but I enjoy it and I’ve never felt singled-out or put down by fellow racers!

How do you fit training into your journalism/family life?

It’s hard because I work nights, but 6-7:30am is my window for training. When my little boy stops taking naps, I’ll be in trouble! The simple fact is, I have to fit the training in. It’s a defining dichotomy…I’m out of shape because I love time with my wife and little boy and refuse to give it up, but I have to take the time to train because I love them. I want to live a long time and I want to provide an example of health and balance. So I may be the worst athlete to grace the pages of your magazine…but if I’m a middle-of-the-pack age grouper 20 years from now, I’ll be happy!

My little boy, Luke, was born in December 2003. Being Luke’s dad is by far my most rewarding and demanding job. My wife Natalie is a clinical psychologist. As two working parents, we share parenting duties. The result for my health: I’ve gained about 50 pounds, which I’m still struggling to get rid of.

I decided to rededicate myself to fitness last year and recently hired triathlon coach Jo Garuccio to help me out.

Triathlon intrigues me more and struck me as a healthier “lifestyle” sport than just running. I have always been more comfortable in the water than on land, and time on the bike has become my favorite retreat from the normal stresses of life. Strangely for me, running is now my weak spot because of the excess weight.

Last season was a great start, just getting back into a routine. It was also humbling to be one of the last guys to park his bike in T2 and to run/walk to the finish. I ran the Cache Valley Olympic, the Ogden Xterra Sport, and the Ogden Valley Olympic (Duathlon due to weather) last season.

In January this year, I ran the Carlsbad Half Marathon in California.

I’ve been mostly running in the off-season. My goal is to not qualify as a clydesdale by the end of the season. (No offense to clydesdales. Some of them are amazing athletes in terrific shape. But I’m carrying fat, not muscle.)

Most Memorable Race?

That Ogden Marathon result was the product of long training. Coming in under four hours was a significant goal for me. It’s interesting when the question is about ‘memorable’ races, because I use the memory of that race as inspiration now. As an overweight, sleep-deprived dad, it’s encouraging to know I’ve done it before.

Most Challenging Moment in Endurance Sports?

Right now. Putting my goals alongside normal life demands makes this a difficult time to get in shape. Going to races knowing I’ll be the slow, fat guy is tough, but I enjoy it and I’ve never felt singled-out or put down by fellow racers!

How do you fit training into your journalism/family life?

It’s hard because I work nights, but 6-7:30am is my window for training. When my little boy stops taking naps, I’ll be in trouble! The simple fact is, I have to fit the training in. It’s a defining dichotomy…I’m out of shape because I love time with my wife and little boy and refuse to give it up, but I have to take the time to train because I love them. I want to live a long time and I want to provide an example of health and balance. So I may be the worst athlete to grace the pages of your magazine…but if I’m a middle-of-the-pack age grouper 20 years from now, I’ll be happy!

Popularity: 8% [?]

2007 Tour of Utah Postponed Until 2008

The 2007 Tour of Utah cycling stage race has been postponed until 2008 due to funding challenges. Marketing strategies for the 2007 event did not begin until January 2007, leaving a small window of opportunity to achieve funding goals.

Chairman of the Board, Greg Miller, is hopeful that the combination of the new management team assembled in January 2007, general interest from the business community and excitement from cyclists, will result in a strong community event in the future.

“In assessing our current staff, meeting personally with community stakeholders and business leaders, and observing the Tour of California bicycle race, I believe that we have the foundation in place to build a well-respected and successful event,” Miller said. “We hit the ground running in January, and after getting up-to-speed, realized that we will better serve the community by postponing this year’s race. We need to get an earlier start in order to time our fund raising efforts with annual corporate budget cycles.”

In addition, the Utah Sports Commission announced it will work with USA Cycling and Medalist Sports, LLC, one of the leading cycling event planners, to create and develop a broad-based, comprehensive cycling strategy for the state of Utah, including the Tour of Utah.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Vernal Triathlon Revival

Triathlon makes a return to Vernal, Utah on June 23, 2007 with the first annual DinoLand Triathlon. The race marks the first triathlon in the city since the Vernal Triathlon disbanded over seven years ago.

“The main reason we brought the race back to Vernal was to allow the tri community to see what the region has to offer, as well as to put on the best race possible. This is one of the most scenic regions in the state, and Red Fleet goes right along with that,” said Drew Wilcox, DinoLand Tri race director.

The event also brings in one of the state’s largest cash prize purses, equalling $14,000. Wilcox credits the local community for supporting the event with cash rewards, specifically naming Ashley Valley Medical Center, Uintah Basin Medical Center, Mountain America Credit Union and Uintah County as generous supporters of the purse.

More information about the DinoLand Triathlon can be found by visiting www.dinotri.com.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Peter Reid
(World Champion Triathlete)
vs.
Rod Wayman
(Viewmont High School Band Director/Formerly of Roy High)

Seems like an unfair match, doesn’t it? My hypothetical scenario puts them neck-and-neck through the lava fields of Kona. However, Rod Wayman chose music education as his path, but I’d like to think that he would put “the hurt” on the three-time Ironman World Champion if he had focused his efforts on athletics. At the very least, he’d crush the best of the Utah triathlon scene. This is because Rod Wayman has the “commitment factor.”

I entered Roy High School in 1990, where Rod Wayman, a motivated rookie educator took the helm of the school’s musicians. Mr. Wayman was committed to creating great music and great musicians. He had no problem with asking students to come to school early or to stay late for rehearsals. Mr. Wayman expected his students to go beyond their limits and be their best. There were times when this caused tension with the students (and even some parents), and it became obvious that few were as dedicated as Mr. Wayman in excellence. Some students seemed programmed to “walk through” band, expecting to receive an easy “A.”

Mr. Wayman has what I call the “commitment factor.” He pushed his students all year long, understanding that each performance represented the school and reflected the school’s commitment to education. And, with performances lined up for 11 months out of the year, there was always something to prepare for. Three years of Mr. Wayman’s band classes were my “commitment boot camp.”

Long-term focus is not something that has been natural for me. Throughout my life, I have often jumped from one hobby or idea to the next. Yes, there have been a few things that I’ve clung on to, like when I obsessed over replacing Tommy Lee in Motley Crue. This dream went on for years and years, and my poor parents had to suffer through it. I’m sure the constant banging to Dr. Feelgood grew tiresome. For me, it came easy. But, what about the things that I knew I should give long term commitment to, like my fitness? Throughout my endurance athletics life I have often started a workout program enthusiastically but would frequently fade in and out of commitment as the year progressed. I’ve seen improvement over the years, but I wanted to be on a different level. Getting to another level may take years of commitment.

I have begun a new triathlon journey in 2007. There are no excuses and my lovely wife, Glenna, has given me her support. It’s nice to know that she will push me out the door when my motivation is low. And thank goodness for the baby jogger. I think our little girl, Kennedy, enjoys our running excursions just as much as I do. My commitment to triathlon has become a family goal. It’s amazing to see what a support system will do. They understand where I want to be, and are probably just as eager as I am to get there. It’s just as much of a journey for them as it is for me.

Discovery can be a lot of fun, especially as I finally learn to link my past commitment experiences with the present. It has made the journey more rewarding and has given me a lot of confidence as I head into new territory. I know I’m on my way to a personal best in many areas in my life as I focus on commitment. My “commitment factor” is there, and I’m ready for the triathlon season.

Commitment – Peter Reid’s got it. Rod Wayman’s got it. Do you?

Alex McKinley
Managing Editor
editor@trihive.com

Popularity: 18% [?]

Click here for pictures from the Women of Steel Tri.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Click here to listen to our interview with Ironman pro Chris Lieto.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Athletes often give me hard time because they think I put unflattering pictures of them in TriHive. Here you go. We’re even!

It’s the sports nut in me that refuses to miss the Jazz revival in the NBA playoffs. The spectator in me just cannot walk away from the drama of AK47’s mental breakdowns or Boozer’s power dunks over Yao Ming. Last nights game six victory worked out well because the game started so early. I snuck in an hour run right after the final buzzer sounded.

I want the Jazz to go far in the playoff’s, but a part of me doesn’t like the idea. Basket could derail my commitment to training and I’d personally benefit if they’d just lose! However, I think the root of the issue goes much deeper.

Since my return from a 2.5 week illness I’ve struggled to find my groove. It hasn’t helped to be swamped at my day job, Universal Accounting Center or that I’ve been scrambling to get the latest issue of TriHive to your house. The May issue is one of the toughest to date–mostly due to our feature on Richard Barnum-Reece. He’s a complex guy and I’ve been working with a friend of his, Lorraine Slattery, trying to nail down the most appropriate picture of him. Some of you dearly love Richard, and some of you spite him. I think we pulled it off.

Anyway, I’m going into SG Tri a little bit undercooked and I’ve got some work to do before Vikingman. My fitness is not a lost cause and I need to remember the season is just beginning. I need to find the enthusiasm again. It seems that my last bought with a cold wiped it out.

Popularity: 25% [?]

Have you ever waken up for an early morning swim, bike or run and wondered what you were doing? I had a moment like this on Monday. It actually felt like a race morning, when I sometimes am filled with anxiety and realize I’m about to punish myself. I got over it quickly and headed to the South Davis Rec. Center where coach Kris pumped me up for a solid swim session.

Change of topics……

The latest issue of TriHive finally made it to the printers and should be in your mailbox in the next day or two. In it is a feature about Utah triathlon pioneer Richard Barnum-Reece. Since I began triathlon in 2000, I’ve wondered why he doesn’t take his race series to another level. He seemed poised to expand with the Utah triathlon community. However, he chose to stick with his pool series and relatively small attendance. My research for the story showed me that Richard never cared to have big races. He was good with what he had going.

I also find it interesting to get so many emails from his loyalists. There are athletes out there that absolutly loved Richard. Why does this surprise me? Because, over the years I’ve heard far more complaints about Richard then praise. The praise that I have heard has come in his defense, when an occasional forum poster would “dis” his events. Some of these loyalists that I received emails from realize that he was a stubborn man, and wished his guard would have been let down for more people. I regret that I didn’t make more of an effort to know Richard. I could never complain about the man. He always treated me well.

One more note…….

If you are a Utah triathlete and would like to exchange blog links with me, just shoot me an email at editor@trihive.com.

Popularity: 18% [?]

I occasionally see pictures of Mark Allen and Dave Scott riding the Queen K with standard 32 spoke wheels. What is amazing to me is that it wasn’t all about the fancy gear for those guys. They would rip the legs off of most people with the “old school” stuff they had–Zipps not needed.

As promised, I took my new Zipp 999 wheelset out for a test ride on Saturday. It didn’t go as smooth as I would have liked (3 flats and eaten by bugs) but I got a good feel of them. Keep in mind, I’ve ridden my old Rolf Vector Comps for about 7 years now. They’ve been my racing and training wheel. The Rolf’s are a solid mid-grade wheel, and I feel I could objectively tell the difference between the Rolf’s and Zipp’s.

I met my buddy, Gabe at Antelope Island causeway entrance and we took off. My first observation would be that they rolled very smoothly. It was nice, but I can’t say the difference was huge. I enjoyed hearing the “woosh” of the disk, so I can say my ego was satisfied. Beyond that, it was pretty uneventful.

If you are expecting a life altering ride on Zipp wheels, you’ll be disappointed. You’ll be lucky to feel any significant difference. If you need the ego boost, do it. If you need the mental edge, do it. But, don’t throw down a huge wad of cash and expect your cycling life to change.

Definitely not worth $2,300 bucks. If I were to buy these things again, I’d buy a Hed 3 front and a Renn Disk. Solid wheels themselves without the incredible price tag. This would’ve saved me $1,000. Plus, I am a bit paranoid about riding on the Zipp wheelset. What if I drop the bike? The wheels would likely be over….$2,300 up in smoke. That would stink.

So, before rushing out and purchasing an expensive wheel, try it out and see for yourself if it would be worth the money. It isn’t for me, and if I have the opportunity to get rid of them for $2,000 I’d do it.

Popularity: 13% [?]