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Be Prepared For Your Kayaking Adventure With the Corrrect Paddles
The paddle is probably the most important part of kayaking.
Harmony paddles are the best for both new and experienced
kayakers.
Professional and sporting kayakers know how important paddles
are to their kayaking abilities. Harmony kayak...
Golf Fitness Training Made Easy… And Anyone Can Do It
Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot of work! Doesn’t have to be that way. Now of course I’d be lying to you to say it’s easy and you won’t have to make a small commitment to stick with it to see results.
But what I am...
How Golf Strength Training Will Demolish Your Competitors
It’s no secret that golf strength training can put you heads and tails above your playing partners and competitors. Why do you think all the Pro’s are doing it? Golf is no longer just the leisure game it used to be. It is now recognized as an...
Some Fishing Safety rules every fisherman should know
By Rebecca Blain of
http://www.discount-hunting-supplies-and-tips.com/discount-fishing-supplies.html
When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in...
The Road to the Hardwood: The Making of Professional Basketball
Imagine the game of basketball without the slam dunk showcase,
celebrity players and flashy entertainment value we've come to
expect. That's how the game began in 1891, New England. Two
teams, two peach baskets and 13 rules.
James Naismith,...
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Beginners Luck?
For most athletes, finishing an Iroman triathlon is beyond their physical and mental capabilities. To be an actual competitor is unfathomable. Maintaining the speeds these elite individuals do, over the courses and distances, is a truly amazing feet of human perseverance and endurance. That is why I was astounded by the incredible finish of Alex Morton, a 35 year old first time Ironman rookie.
Alex raced the Great Floridian Ironman in October. Not only was this his first Ironman, but it was his first marathon. Alex was 26th out of the water, moved up to 7th at mile 116 on the bike, and reached 5th at mile 11 on the run. It was at this point his inexperience took its' toll. Alex did not eat or drink enough on the run and hit the wall. He got sick, recovered, and still managed to limp in to finish first in his age; 12th overall. I have no doubt in my mind that if Alex had stuck to a more regimented plan for staying fueled and especially hydrated, he could have maintained or exceeded the 5th placed he attained.
There is no denying Alex is a gifted natural athlete. But he only began his training with CTS in spring of 2002, just 6 months before his Ironman race. Alex competed in cycling from 1986-89. He had to stop riding for some time to allow a back injury to heal up. He did a few sprint tris in 1994 and took up cycling again in 1995-97, but hung the bike back up. He did not get back in the saddle again until July of 2001 when he weighed a stout 195 lbs. His exercise at that point consisted mainly of golfing.
Alex told his wife Sandy that he wanted to race an Ironman. She gave him an account with CTS, and the time
to train as a gift. Alex started training with me in April. Pretty much from the beginning I realized he had enormous potential. His numbers were superb and he had great determination. Alex also has tremendous ability to recover from even the toughest work outs. His weight dropped to a pre-competition 165 lbs. His speed continued to improve through the summer as his heart rate dropped. Alex came down with a bad case of bronchitis, but decided to compete in a large sprint race in Cleveland against my better judgment. He did not realize until someone called him the next day he was first in his age and second overall! This is when I began to consider I was working with someone truly exceptional.
Moving forward, Alex would like to qualify and compete for the Kona Ironman. He would also like to finish an Ironman in less than 9 hours. He could not train like he does without the full support of his wife Sandy. He has two children, Gabriel 3 and Alex 1, and is General Manager of Preferred Industries. Obviously this requires some serious time management skills and understanding from his family. Alex is motivated by the need to demonstrate to his children they can achieve great things if they work hard for them. Competing is his way of proving anything is possible. I am very optimistic about his future.
About the Author
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
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