Yesterday, I think I was more tired than Reid after his triathlon. I was exhausted and decided to postpone my long run until today. It was a beautifully hot run, just the way I like it and worth the wait.
I left the house with the worst body odor, as pointed out by Alice when she said, "what smells like onions?" After my run I came back smelling "Irish Spring" fresh. There's nothing like a sweat shower. How do you think the cavemen showered? Think about it, they got chased by dinosaurs. Duh!!!
Reid is still sore. I just love watching him complain. He was almost in tears trying to climb on a chair to check for something on the top shelve of a kitchen cabinet. Having him finish a triathlon is the gift that just keeps giving. Although, he did say he hopes the pain goes away soon so he can start biking again.
I'm proud to say, Reid really earned his cell phone. When we got back from the race I gave it to him and photographed him with it. I'm ready to activate it but can't find a network cord long enough to fit his lifestyle. I told him his phone technology has better reception, less dropped calls and unlimited minutes, better than any G4 cell phone on the market.
I will admit, "texting" IS a problem, but I'm told him about a new "smoke signaling" system that I've heard has worked well for century's and is easy to learn. All he needs is wood, a blanket and a match. I'm not going to spoil him and just give it to him, he'll have to run a 10 km road race to earn that one.
Getting back to triathlons. I've noticed that there is an unlimited number of articles and blog posts on everything triathlon. Things like nutrition, speed work, race preparation, training plans, gear, mental preparation, supplements and the list goes on and on and on.
I've realized there is one element of triathlon that has not been discussed often or been given the proper attention it deserves. It's almost like it's triathlons dark little secret, it's our "ugly red headed step child".
I think it's about time someone is "man enough" to bring it out of the shadows and to the forefront. Someone who's not afraid to discuss it openly and without fear of retribution. It is perhaps the most important, yet most unexamined part of triathlon.
What I'm referring to is "How to finish your race". Most people never think about or practice their finishes. I believe finishes should be visualized and practiced more than transitions. As a rule, the longer distance the race the more finish line training and preparation is required.
Most people come down that finish line chute as if they were finishing a training run, crossing the finish line with little or no enthusiasm. This is wrong!!! It's a blemish on the face of triathlon and I believe it needs to be addressed urgently. It needs an "intervention".
I see crowds of people lined a long the finish line and cheering on the athletes, often spending hours doing it. As triathletes I believe we have an obligation to entertain them. We need to find unique and innovative ways to enhance the spectator experience and celebrate our own accomplishment.
In professional sports, it not uncommon to see a professional NFL players do a touchdown dance, or soccer players take their shirts off and run around the field like "idiots", tennis has their jumping over the net, EVEN in golf, they throw a ball into the audience or who can forget "Tiger's fist pump"? (please get your head out of the gutter, I was referring to his GOLF game).
What do we do in triathlon? The most common is the arms in victory above the head, or who can forget the famous and most popular "Stop the watch timer on your wrist?" I'm not saying everyone is boring. I love the "cartwheel" or "rolling across the finish" and many have followed doing the same. I even like the finish with your kids technique and think it should be allowed, even if it's through a different chute. But it's still NOT enough.
As triathletes we need to be more creative. We need to show our inner joy. Not only do we need to inspire through our accomplishments, we need to inspire through our spirit. We need to show our inner-self as we finish those last 100 meters. We need to compete with each other for the best finish line shot. I'd love that to be an award. Wouldn't that be great seeing the best finish's video at the award's banquet and the year compiled on one full feature video. Who wouldn't want or be inspired by a DVD of "Triathlete's Gone Wild".
I think we need to start taking baby steps. I'm not going to get carried away and say we all should be cheering on the spectators along the entire race course, that's silly, that's only for the "spirit elite". But I am saying we all have that inner-child in us that needs to become unleashed over those last 100 meters."
Each of us need to lead this process of change. It's not a group activity. It doesn't require meetings, dues, a constitution or dogma. It requires each one of us to take the time to think of our finish line approaches and practice it, even if it's in the mind. Heck, we have the time with the amount of hours we train. Although, I'm sure the neighbours would get a kick out of seeing you train your finishes live.
Friends, Neighbours and Countryman, I'm OFFICIALLY am sending out the "Show your Spirit Call" and instead of the "100 push-up challenge", I'm starting the "100 meter finish line challenge". To motivate you, "The Captain" wants you to answer the following question:
IF YOUR LIFE WAS GOING TO END AFTER YOU CROSSED THAT FINISH LINE, WHAT WOULD YOUR LAST 100 METERS LOOK LIKE?
I'm already thinking about my Kona finish. My goal is to make the "cart wheel" and "the finish line roll" look like a cheap sparkler at a church picnic.
Long Run - 1:02:50 / 12.08 km / 5:12 pkm pace
July Training Totals
Swim - 21.1 kms
Bike - 1059.11 kms
Run - 179.35 kms
Gym - 2
Total - 1259.56 kms
Calories Burnt - 55,495
114
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23 comments:
Awesome! I'm proud that Reid stuck to his guns and kept going. I have to admit that I laughed when I saw the shuffle at the end. I hope he remembers how it felt before teasing you trying to get down the stairs after training. If not, send him a copy of the video.
I'll be working on my last 100 meter celebratory dance/salute. I'm hoping that @talluleh will be up for a little waltz crossing the finish together at the half ironman. Or she's going to punch me in the head, either way, people won't forget that finish! Haha.
C'mon Bryan, I already told you several Triathlons ago how you should finish them off. You should run towards the line, in your little sailors hat, and but out the "Sailor's Hornpipe" Watch again for inspiration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcyV2rmiYD8
thought I nailed it pretty good this year. We even got my wife in the photo
http://opensourcetriathlon.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-picture-sums-it-up.html
Having said that need to work out something for kona as well, there is a ramp - now if only I could get a skateboard!!!
Jeremy Hopwood, awesome photo man hahaha!
B, you are hilarious. Your comments on Reid suffering and watching him try to get the top shelf of the cubboard is hilarious!
LOVED the video and pre-race setups haha, pshychopathic kids. See Reid's finish should have been the Jersey Shore arm pump like they do when they dance at the clubs, that would have been classic.
Sucks that Reid couldn't pull through the plan with riding the bull through the course. Reid should have farted when she put the body marking on his leg :)
Your comment about the blanket and a match, honestly priceless. I am still laughing at that.
Alright gonna watch the rest of the video now... oh yeah, why are they so strict with these kids, this should be a fun experience and not an intimidating one where every piece of gear the kids have is messed up, wrong, and not acceptable for their race. Idiots, remove the stick from their ass and calm down.
Oh yeah, Your wife and daughter are angels for putting up with you and Reid hahaha. Just giving them the respect they deserve, wish you got the Reid bashing from Alyssa on tape hahah!
I kinda like the idea of punching Ian in the head at our finish BUT since I'll be crossing the finish ling LONG before him I'll probably have to help him walk across.
Can't wait to see the choreography you are putting together for Kona. PLEASE bring 3 video cameras!!
HA! This is awesome....
It is so funny you are talking about this, I have been thinking about my Timberman finish...I have got to come up with something good now!!
Oh, and when you said Tiger Woods and fist pumping, I spit out my tea laughing.
hey, we work like dogs to get to the finish, why not a little enthusiasm! I am with you, let's make it a show not a sad event!
Just discovered your blog, and wow, those pictures on the left column say a thousand words. Very inspirational. My daughter isd about to get cell phone also, and acts like it was a birthright. She is 10!
As for dinish line crossing. I always liked Floyd Landis when he won that crushing mountain stage in his Tour de France "victory". But given that he was later DQed and is less than inspirational, hard to want to emulate that.
I have enjoyed reading your blog.But this past weekend you crossed the line.You and your son cheated.I find it hard to believe that of your 115 followers that I am the first to call you on this.If you had taken the time to check out the rules for Kids of Steel you would have seen that your pedals were wrong and there is tobe no outside assistance.Instead you blame the officials and the volunteers,The man who said the water was deep,instead of being better prepared and going for a lake swim before hand,Reid should have changed the flat.When you are DQ'd there is no sneaking back in.You make a point of saying that a girl DNF'd,if you check you will see that young lady has completed several Tri's and I would bet within the rules.Instead of praising Reid you should tell him he was ill prepared and will have to train harder next time.So that I don't get the anonymous tirade,My name is Keith Byrne
Part One - Blogger won't allow such a long response.
Keith, normally I wait to reply all at once to the posts, but you're deserves special attention. First off I want to say I "greatly respect" you for putting your full name as part of your comment. It takes a man to do that.
Secondly, I want to give you a brief part of my background so you understand that I'm not a non contributing triathlete to the community.
I used to be president of Triathlon Manitoba and Vice President of Triathlon Canada in the 80's, before triathlon was even a recognized sport by the Federal and Provincial governments. If you talk to Barrie Sheply, he'll confirm that, he wasn't even the head Canadian coach at that time, he was vying for it. I was also the person who presented and sold triathlon to the Manitoba sports federation. No other province had up to that point and it was the spark that helped others like Ontario make there case.
I was also an early founder of "Kids of Steel" in Manitoba, the "officials program" and "directed" a couple of races in the early day. In manitoba I co-founded the "Free Spirit Triathlon" which still goes on in Manitoba to this day, over 20 years later.
I"m not a lightweight complainer. I've put in my dues and the sport of triathlon is better for it. I just want you to understand my background and understand I'm not a selfish "disregard the rules and care less about others in the sport".
Part Two
Now, with respect to the race. Yes, your right, I didn't read the rules on the pedals and the official was understanding enough to made a call and let it pass.
The guys making sure the helmets fit, did a good job.
The swim, I've been involved in many kids of steel and didn't anticpate that deep of water. Yes, I should have taken Reid and better prepared him. I didn't think the swim would be a problem because of his swam with a swim club for 3 months.
The DNF, I get the rules, I understand THE RULES. But this is NOT a high level competition. Perhaps, since I was involved as one of "the founding fathers" of triathlon the attitude has changed, but when we started it, it was to allow kids to participate and have fun.
I remember, many a kid in the past that struggled on the swim and couldn't make it. We gave him a pass and supported them and told them "that's okay, you're doing well, get on your bike". The spirit was to have encourage and support.
The young lady, as far as I'm concerned, was a committed and generous volunteer of her time and knowing the selfless nature of volunteers I would not take any personal attack on any of them.
BUT, since you want to openly discuss the race, perhaps I can assist you with some constructive critism from years of experience regarding "kids of Steel" events and race organization.
1. When the kids register and pay in advance, you should have enough shirts for them and not run out. Having and proudly wearing a shirt is more important to them than any adult.
2. Also, every kid should have had a water bottle gift and you should not have run out.
3. I found the "spirit" of attitude towards the kids very "Strict", there was not a lot of laughing or encouragement that I normally see in virutually all adult races. (Check the video again, I'm not making this up and other blog followers recognized it as well).
4. There was no one at the turnaround to tell my son to turn, adult races have that.
5. And probably most important, "If a kid doesn't follow the rules, then yes, DNF him or remove his place or time from the results, or don't give him a medal BUT WHY NOT LET HIM FINISH???"
My days are over in the triathlon community, I pulled my weight on building and volunteering for this sport. But as a grand daddy of this sport I think you have it wrong. I think my readers have it right.
I'm open to more arguement against what I said, I'm NOT closed minded and if I'm off base, I'm prepared to eat my words.
WIth that said, I hope you can do the same. All I know, is that if I didn't do what I did, my son would be depressed right now and not think highly of triathlons or have build the confidence of knowing that in the face of adveristy, he over came and succeed. He also learnt, sometimes rules are meant to be broken.
To me, that what we wanted when we started "the kids of steel program". Too bad it's drifted and hopefully my comments help you guys get it back on track.
Part 3
I also don't blame the officials or the volunteers, just like I wouldn't blame the front line employees of a poorly run company. It all comes down to leadership and when someone is teaching the volunteers to "be strict and MAKE THOSE KIDS LIVE AND DIE BY THOSE RULES", that is WRONG and the leadership needs to take a leadership course and refocus their message.
One last comment, the official that allowed us to ride with those pedals made the right decision. Perhaps because he was older and wiser he used his discretion and personal judgement based on the situation. The young lady, I completely understand. She was doing what she was told by the letter of the law.
Respectfully,
Bryan Payne
Someone who loves Triathlons more than Beer, On most days. haha. (When you read my post Kona report on why I became a PFG, you'll have a different perspective and perhaps focus more one the participation and FUN aspect of triathlon, that the letter of the law of triathlon).
Part 4
Keith, I just re-read your comment, and missed this one "Reid should have fixed the flat". That one you are wrong, dead wrong. I'm not sure if you've participated in any Ironman or Half Ironman events, but they have support crews on the road to assist. I've had them fix my broken chain in Clearwater and in China when I flated twice, as I was trying to fix it, they took over. Heck, they ride with spare tires. If that's a rule in the kids of steel, that they can't have help to fix a tire, then I personally will buy mirrors for all the kids of steel executive to look into. haha
B
Part 5
Oh, and when Chrissie Wellington won Hawaii one year, it was because another athlete stopped and gave her a C02 cartridge. No DNF. That's the spirit of triathlon.
Keith, if you think I'm angry and at you or your comment, I'm not. As a matter of fact, I can tell your the type of guy I could have a beer with. I like your "moxey", it's not easy leaving a disagreeing comment on Training Payne's blog. haha
I think everything happens for a reason and maybe it will help change the "sprit of the rules" for the future. I must say, as an Adult triathlete seeing a "kids of Steel" in action it was enlightening. I'm sure if most triathletes saw it, they would be a little surprised at the spirit and tone as I was. Although, I must say, the announcer was absolutely "Fabulous" and very "encouraging". One last thing, I re-read the rules. I remember it saying the swim was in 3-6 feet of water and I was right. This is what it said
"KOS swim is in 3-6 feet of water — Lifeguards on both side
Adult swim is 100m from shore, across and back"
It DID NOT say that the 14-15 years olds were going to be 100 meters out and following most of the adult course.
Also, I decided to check the rules on the bike. It turns out on the Barrie Triathlon website it did not talk specifically about the pedals, only the helmet and said for complete rules go to the OAT website. It took a while but I found the "Top Ten Triathlon Rules" and here is what it said Check to see what pedals are allowed – "some types of clipless pedals are not permitted. Baskets are not allowed in kids races!" My son did not have clipless pedals and did not have "baskets" or "rat traps" as they are often refered to. It also says NOTHING that the someone cannot help "change a kids tire" on the course. In fact, It then refered me to the ITU official rules, which are for competiton and read the entire bike section and could NOT find that rule that says they can'g get help (if you can find it, let me know, it's not in the biking section).
Frankly, other than having him continue on after the swim, which I accept the title of "cheater" proudly, we followed the rules.
I originally accepted your comments as legitimate, now I see YOU were misguided.
For future if your gong to accusse me about the preparing for a swim that they said would be 3-6 feet deep (as was 24 feet deep), or pedals (which turns out were regulation) or help on the bike (which I couldn't find a thing on the site nor on the ITU rules), you should have YOUR FACTS right. Just a tip, when you don't have your facts right, it becomes more an an emotional arguement than a legitimate agruement.
I was wrong on one thing. I snuck him through. And if they wanted to DNF him for it, I'd love it. It just adds another wonderful experience to Reid that we'll be taking about when he has kids.
I dont' mind being "tagged" and I can take "a puck to the head" and I've been called worse than "a cheater", but if I was to do it all over again, I'd wouldn't hesitate handling it the exact same way. As a matter of fact, if I saw your kid had the same thing happen to him and he was in tears, I'd assist you in getting him in that transition zone to get on the bike.
Can you tell I'm competitive. hahahaha
All that aside, come to the Beer Run, it'll be fun and you'll realize I'm only Half-an-Asshole. haha
B
Part 6
Now I'm done. I gotta go for a run. hahaha
Okay, I'm not one to avoid controversy so here goes for my 10 cents worth: -
1) Sounds like the Kids of Steele organizers have got their heads up their arses. It's a kids race for goodness sake. The only real rules should be a)see how many kids we can get involved (with bskets on bikes if necessary) b) see how many kids we can then get to the finish line.
2) Bryan, you told Reid to totally do the right thing in carrying on after the swim, the same thing happened to a friend of mine in the swim that I trained to do a Sprint tri and she finished but didn't go through the finishing arch or collect a medal. That is my only suggestion and a great life double lesson for Reid a) finish what you started no matter what. b) Always do the right thing no matter what, including not taking the medal at the end.
I'll add a cveat onto that and that is this - my friend was a grown woman she chose not to go through the finishing chute but Reid is a kid and going back to my earlier point that kids should be encouraged no matter what then I'd say it was OK.
Having said that I personally would heap the praise on him that he clearly deserves but I'd encourage him to go fix some unfinished business at some point but properly prepare him for an open water swim first.
My friend has not gone back yet and that was a few years ago,I hope she does and I will be there to help when she does. Her son on the other hand is one of Malaysia's top 3 juniour triathletes and I'm proud to say I introduced him into the sport too.
As for your IF YOUR LIFE WAS GOING TO END AFTER YOU CROSSED THAT FINISH LINE, WHAT WOULD YOUR LAST 100 METERS LOOK LIKE?
Sorry to be such a sourpuss but that's one finish line I wouldn't cross. Haha. HAven't you heard I'm going to live forever?
K, NO HARD FEELINGS AT ALL. I loved the banter back and forth. I'm always up for a good debate. haha.
Like I said, I'd have beers with you any day. I find it refreshing to see an annoymous person have the courage to leave there first and last name and be prepared to stand up for what they think is right.
Had you not had the courage, I WOULD have went on my rank about "spineless" people who through barbs and then turtle into their shells. Your post allowed me to stay on topic. hahaha
BTW, I still can't read that map. I'm looking at it to see it and I can't. I guess I"m map challenged.
In the end, alls well that ends well.
Your a good sport and like I said and I meant it, I'd have a beer with you any day. I noticed you ran a 50 mile race, if that is you. If so, wow, and congrats, very impressive mental strength.
Register by Friday for the Beer run and you get a shirt. And I only have one rule " Nothing counts when your drunk". haha
B
that made the comments section better thant the post!,
interesting debate, I'm with you on this one. if we can't encourage participation it's all doomed to fail.
But the post was pretty good and inspirational too!, I'm gonna be doing a sprint to the finish trying to get the best posible spot, but look at me right after the line!
I, thanks, I'll pass it on to him. My vote is for the "punch to the head" and maybe run together with her giving you a head lock. haha.
S, funny stuff. Are you the guy on the left or right? haha
J, GREAT SHOT, THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. Too bad about the "sucky" time. Always next year. hahaha.
M, glad you picked up on the "bus of kids" joke, it was subtle, but I thought a good one. Yeah, there were a little "stiff" with the kids, interesting that you picked up on that as well. BTW, for your next "big boy race", I'm wanting to see something special at that finish line. Someone needs to lead by example and I know you started it at Steelhead. You're just the man to do it!!!
A, I like the way you think and "trash talk". Kona is going to be off the chain, I was strategying with Alice about it and I think afterwards they may put in the Captain rule to prevent what I'm planning on doing. Or at least what I'm planning on doing after I've had a couple beers. If I still feel the same way the next morning then it's a good plan. haha
M, I can hardly wait. Maybe you need someone to hand you the "meat beater" as you come down the chute. haha.
J, I'm with you my brother. I KNOW you're going to do it right, even if you didn't read my post I know you're going to do it right.
NY, thanks. just don't get caught doping and alls well and at least you still remember his finish line shot. haha
K- (Special reply- hahaha)
S, It takes a big man to say this and it's not something you'll hear from me to you very often, But I agree whole heartedly with everything you just said.
S, now I have a riddle for you. What am I going to do in Kona when I come down that chute. You're getting warm. haha
V, so true and it's too bad, I spent a lot of time writing that post and now no one will remember the positive message. haha. Welcome to my life. Always controversy. I want to see that finish line video. Get someone to tape it. haha
B
Hahaha, I know what you're gonna do, you're gonna run down the chute Hi5 all the spectators and before you cross the line you're gonna turnaround and salute and Hi5 every last finisher across the line and then finish at 16hrs and 59seconds.
How's that for a guess?
Have you worked out my news yet? You're gonna pee your pants (AGAIN).
S, close guess, it's a secret. Although, I did figure it out win concert with Alice when we were drinking one night, I should have written it down, because now I can't remember the full plan. It was REALLY funning at the time. I figured WTC wouldn't think it would be funny and would need to establish the "Captain's" rule. haha
B
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