Okay ladies. Let’s call this “taking one for the team.” I donned one of Skirt Sports’ skirts for you. It was everything they say it is: comfortable and sexy. I can honestly say that if I were a woman, I’d definitely be wearing a skirt. For now, I’ll be retiring from cross dressing.

Nicole DeBoom, owner of Skirt Sports invited me to her booth at the Outdoor Retailer Show, in Salt Lake City, Utah on Friday, August 8, 2008. After a fun chat with the ladies working the booth, I was handed a fancy blue skirt. In the heat of the moment, I threw it on. That’s when things got a little crazy. Before I knew it, cameras were flashing. Nicole and I gave our sexiest posses for the Outdoor Retailer paparazzi. I found the flash of the cameras to be addicting. Maybe this was my weakness. Regardless, my wife has forgiven me.

Through the chaos, Nicole and I found time to chat about Skirt Sports. Click HERE to listen to Nicole share her story.

Popularity: 48% [?]

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The old adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same” will hold true for TriHive in ’08. After two great years of keeping Utah’s triathletes informed, we’ve decided to make a few changes for the future.

The first change, and most noticeable to readers will be our quarterly distribution. No longer will we publish seven issues a year. Resources are limited in creating TriHive, and the six back-to-back summer issues is an incredibly tough order to fulfill, especially when you weigh the work involved against the benefits. Don’t get me wrong, I love you guys! However, the extra breathing room between issues will be welcome, especially as I try to have a tri life of my own.

Second on the plate of changes is our increased distribution. We’ll now cover triathlon in the mountain west. This means Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. And, TriHive will be distributed in bike shops, running shops and swimming shops in these regional states. This will create more opportunities for more writers and more exposure to regional races.

The regional expansion was a “no brainer,” as we’ve covered regional events since our inaugural year. The annual exodus of Utah triathletes leaving the Beehive State to Burley, Idaho cannot be ignored. Silverman Triathlon’s Frank Lowery quickly became friends with TriHive and we offered unique Web coverage of the Silverman ’06 event. In ’07 BBSC Endurance Sports joined the Utah tri scene and TriHive became more aware of its Nevada events. Throw Vikingman and the new Boise 70.3 into the mix. There’s no doubt Utah triathletes will support these events. Add the sparse Wyoming events in for good measure.

I’m sure you’re well aware of all of the events that have invaded our region. You’re likely to have already registered for a race or two out of state. It’s time to share the TriHive love with our neighbors!

We welcome stories from our neighboring states, and look forward to sharing triathlon with you. For Utahn’s, things will likely feel the same. However, more is changing.

Yours in Tri,

Alex McKinley

Popularity: 43% [?]

Sorry for the lack of posts of late. We (I) am working feverishly on getting the latest print edition of TriHive out the door. We (I) will be back to full strength next week.

Have TriHive sent to your door free of charge. Click here for the subscription page.

We take donations!

Alex
Publisher/Editor/Lover of all things tri

Popularity: 9% [?]

Nevada

APRIL
April 12, 2008
Iron Girl Lake Las Vegas Womens Triathlon
http://www.sunsetracing.com/irongirl.html
Sprint & Olympic Distances

April 19, 2008
RAGE Triathlon
www.BBSCEnduranceSports.com
Distance Determined By Age

April 27, 2008
Lowery’s Multigenerational Spring Youth Triathlon
www.lowerysmultisport.com
Sprint, Olympic & Half Iron (70.3) Distances

JUNE
June 7, 2008
Diamond Kid Junior Triathlon
www.diamondkid.com

June 7, 2008
Splash and Dash #1
http://www.lowerysmultisport.com/splash_dash.html
Swim 1000 yards, Run 3 Miles, Swim 500 Yards

June 28, 2008
Splash and Dash #2
http://www.lowerysmultisport.com/splash_dash.html
Swim 1000 yards, Run 3 Miles, Swim 500 Yards

JULY
July 26, 2008
Splash and Dash #3
http://www.lowerysmultisport.com/splash_dash.html
Swim 1000 yards, Run 3 Miles, Swim 500 Yards

AUGUST
August 16, 2008
Splash and Dash #4
http://www.lowerysmultisport.com/splash_dash.html
Swim 1000 yards, Run 3 Miles, Swim 500 Yards

August 30, 2008
Lake Las Vegas Triathlon
www.sunsetracing.com
Sprint & Olympic Distances

SEPTEMBER
September 13, 2008
Desert Dash Youth Triathlon
www.lowerysmultisport.com
Sprint, Olympic & Half Iron (70.3) Distances

September 28, 2008
Las Vegas Triathlon
www.mountainmanevents.com
Sprint, Olympic & Half Iron (70.3) Distances

OCTOBER
October 18, 2008
Land Rover Pumpkinman Triathlon
www.BBSCEnduranceSports.com
Sprint, Olympic & Half Iron (70.3) Distances

NOVEMBER
November 09, 2008
Nevada Silverman Triathlon
www.SilvermanNV.com
Iron & Half Iron (70.3) Distances

Popularity: 36% [?]

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: 16% [?]

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: 23% [?]

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: 16% [?]

Click HERE to read my review of the ‘07 Zipp 999 wheelset.

Since my inception into the sport in 2000, I’ve been on a budget. The strings to the wallet tightened up when I married Glenna in 2001. This was not (is not) a problem, and has been a huge positive in my life. However, I still lust over the bike gear catalogs that occasionally grace my mail box. I recently had a rare opportunity to pick up some new Zipp 999 wheels. Talk about a splurge. Thank you Glenna!!!

I was working my way through an illness when I picked them up and was hopeful that my health would turn around before the Buffalo Duathlon. Didn’t happen. My health is coming around and I put them on my bike last night. Above is the picture of the historic moment.

Glenna thought I’d bring them into bed with us or constantly caress them. This hasn’t been the case. The wheels are actually quite ordinary. They feel more like plastic then carbon, but maybe this is how carbon always feels. I’ve occasionally pull them out of storage to give stare. I’d spin them in my hands….yeup, they are wheels alright. These are worth thousands of dollars? If anything, the Zipps have passed the cosmetic test, but will the feel fast and be faster when I ride?

I’m going to test them out on Saturday and I’ll be sure to report how the ride went. I’ve ridden mid grade wheels my whole cycling life and have always wondered if these super charged carbon wonders would do me any good. We’ll see.

Click HERE to read my review of the ‘07 Zipp 999 wheelset.

Popularity: 17% [?]

I don’t want to say I’m sick, because it’s not that bad. But I’ve been worn down. Thank goodness it was right in time for the weekend. And my goal of hitting 12 weeks of nine hour training weeks still stands. However, I’ve got a canker in the back of my throat. I took off Saturday, Sunday and Monday (yesterday) but hit the pool again today. I took it easy and felt pretty good. My throat is still killing me though. It’s not the sickness kind of sore throat though. Maybe I’m just kidding myself.

Anyway, I’ve been pretty motivated to do well this year, so we’ll see how it goes. I’m a freak when it comes to reading training articles, however, I know that nothing will do me the good that working out day in and out will do. I am constantly pulling myself back into the “now” and focusing the energy in other places. Things will be okay as long as I knock the workouts out.

I’ve got to give some props to Rich at InternetContentDevelopers.com. His tips have taken TriHive from 60th place on the Google search engines to number 7. Whooohooo. Rich’s Web site has a lot of good stuff that you should check out, especially if your trying to do well on the Google or Yahoo rankings.

Popularity: 12% [?]

What else do I need to say? I felt a little worn down last Monday morning but didn’t want to blow my swim workout. So I showed up at the pool with my workout in hand, but was ready to pull the plug if I felt ill or exhausted.

I felt fine in the water. I hammered out about 2,500 yards and headed back to the office. My body wouldn’t feel the effects of the illness until later that evening.

It has now been a week and a day since the swim. I feel like I’m getting better but have minor congestion. I’m afraid to start up again until I know I’m 100 percent or pretty darn close. This morning I told my wife that I was at 90-95 percent. By the afternoon I would say I am at 75 percent. So, I’ll rest until I know I’m good, which may be another week away.

So, a challenge presents itself. Can I keep things going after a set back like this? It’s easy to lose the enthusiasm and motivation after being wiped out for a week….or two.

You really appreciate health when it has been taken from you.

Popularity: 10% [?]