Listen as I interview the incredible Chris McCormack - MACCA.  In the interview I talk with Macca about what happened at the Ironman 2007 race.  We also chat in detail about what his plans are for the 2008 race.  Can you say sub 2:40?  I also chat with him about Zipp and Under Armour. In the Under Armour segment I chat directly with the Director of Shoes about the incredible new line they have coming out for serious runners / triathletes.

Don't forget to sign up for the 2009 SimplyStu WorldWide Triathlon. Happy Holidays!

Fee:  Always 100% free

When:  February 20-22, 2009

Where:  Anywhere you can safely do a triathlon. Just swim, bike and run during the dates above.  You can do it at home, on the road, or at your local health club.  You will join people from all over the world. You pick the place and the distance.  Bring the family, kids and friends. 

How do register?:  Send an E-Mail with 1) Name 2) Age 3) Distance 4) Location to Stu@Simplystu.com.

Swag?  Register early to be entered for cool swag. 

T-Shirts?  Details on T-Shirts / Visors coming soon.

This is an older post, but one that I will forever be thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving.

It started like any other race. I was excited just to be in great shape and test my abilities.  After setting up my transition area, I looked at the sky and saw heavy rain. I smiled and just watched as the rain soaked the bikes, shoes and just about anything that wasn't covered. I stood under a tree and just smiled. So many people panicked, but I just smiled and enjoyed it all. After about 15 minutes the skies cleared and the race was on. Note: I was prepared and always carry a big garbage bag with me in case this happens. My stuff was nice and dry once the race started.

After a good swim warmup, my age group was called. A new age group for me this year - the big 40. I looked at the guys and for the 1st time thought - I can beat these guys. I normally start up front to get off fast. The gun went off and I quickly was out front. Huh What? Where is everyone? I looked left. Nothing. Right. Nothing? Huh? What? I hit the first turn and saw nothing. Wow. Is this happening? It's not that big of a deal, but I have never been out front. I hit the 2nd turn. Still out front. I started to pass the groups in front of me, and finally saw a guy come up to the right. For a split moment I said, just let him go. NO. NO. NO. I picked up the pace and made sure that I came out 1st.

The bike started out ok. With my PowerTap, I was able to see my power. The problem with the sprint is you have to go so hard that your HR is high. I was not feeling the best, but I held on. I was not getting passed in mass like past years. I did count 4 guys pass me from my age group, but I was staying close. Wow. At mile 7 I was starting to get in a rhythm and staying at 90 cadence. It was a mental battle. Come on Stu. Stay with the guys. Say with them! Come on.

I was flying and feeling better until the sound we HATE to hear. Psssssssssssssssst!

Yep. Flat city. My day was done for the division race, but not for me. I changed the tire but noticed a big cut. I didn't think the tire would hold, but I tried. I rode another mile and got another flat. I was not surprised, but not all that happy either. My day was done. What do I do? Well, I figured I better start walking. I walked about 3 miles, trying to tell people "Nice Job", or "way to go." People felt bad for me, but I was actually enjoying all of this. Not sure why, but it was not that bad.

I hit the main road and found 2 older women and a boy about 16 years old getting in a van. I asked if they could drive me back to the start line. I got in the van and jumped in the back seat with the boy. After talked for a few minutes I found out he was mentally challenged. He told me how he had made it to Special Olympics Nationals in Iowa. He was so proud. He asked if I wanted to see the medal he won in power lifting. Our conversation went on and I felt like I was riding in the car with a super star. I promised him that I would tell all my friends that I met a Olympian. He smiled and told me to "go get 'em." Have you even seen a person that works so hard and never wants to take that medal off? Have you seen the pride? The passion? This kid had it all! He had 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and the best attitude!

I took my bike out of the car and just smiled. I put my bike together but thought that I had to finish the race. I told the guy at the start that I got a ride but wanted to finish. I asked if that was ok. He looked and at this point I was dead last in for the men. "Sure, go on." I looked at my tire and figured it was better for me to carry the bike so I didn't do any damage. I picked up the bike, put it on my shoulder and started to run. I was abut a mile from the transition area. I was running in bike shoes. Not the best thing, but I had to carry the "virtual" Olympic torch that my new friend gave to me while in the car. I just smiled and started to hear the crowd go crazy. I ran faster and decided that I could not let my new friend down. I had to keep running. I ran and carried my bike over the bike finish! The crowd erupted! I was already in dead last, but decided that I could not stop. I was the LAST male out of T2.

I ran hard and finally caught a few people. I finished the day swimming, biking, flatting, walking, riding in a car, running with a bike, and finally running. (I want to make it clear that I did ask an official if I could continue even though I had to take a ride in a car). Officially I had a DQ as I got in a car, but I really didn't have a choice. I do want to thank my new power lifting Olympian to show that sport is not about winning, it is about passion! I'm 100% sure that I had the best race of the day. No question about it. I met someone that would make even the last place finisher smile. I met an Olympian. I met pure magic. I just hope that one day, on your worst day, you too can meet him. I guarantee that he will make your day! He certainly made mine! 

 It is for meeting people like him that make me thankful!

Here is to a happy and healthy 2008 Thanksgiving!

The 2008 off season is officially here, but who says the races are over? Team Evotri has a brand new program on tap to keep you tri-primed all winter long, complete with exclusive team opportunities and prizes for your efforts. In fact, we have quite a bit of news to report as we round out the year and get the ball rolling for 2009!

With all of our sponsors returning for another stellar season, and with brand new sponsor, Headsweats joining the team, we're looking forward to giving back to the community in an even bigger way. In addition to our current grassroots endeavors - Simply Stu's World Wide Triathlon, Trisaratops's Youth Initiative, along with RobbyB and Iron Wil's Wisconsin Brick Adventure -  just to name a few - we're now planning to reach across borders and oceans in order to do our part to change the world, and we want you to be part of the movement.

Do you have what it takes to fulfill the Evotri Iron Challenge?

This winter, we challenge you to complete an Iron distance race every month. 140.6 miles of swimming, cycling and running at 2.4 miles, 112 miles, and 26.2 miles respectively. You have 30 days, and countless ways to break it down to fit your schedules. Feeling especially elite? Why not try two, even three Iron distances per month? Not only will the top performers receive sweet swag and high honors, they'll also be raising money and awareness for charity JUST by logging miles! Also, complete at least one Iron distance each month and be entered in our grand prize drawing. Here's how to get involved:

Start by joining the Plus3 Network at , it's free for you, and priceless for so many more. Log your miles over the next several months and watch them turn to dollars for charities all over the world. Team Evotri sponosr SRAM, among other industry leading companies like Pedros have partnered with Plus3 and pledged to donate cash to the charity of your choice for every swim, ride, and run you do - charities like World Bicycle Relief, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Safe Routes (ensuring kids' safe passage to school), and The Environmental Defense Fund, among many more. Once you've created your account at www.plus3network.com, follow the next three steps to not only keep yourself motivated over the coming months, win cool prizes and meet awesome people, but also to have your mileage make a difference all over the world. After you've created your free account:

1:  Select a sponsor and a charity of your choice
2:  Under PEOPLE, search for "Evotri" and do a "friend request"
3:  You will then receive a request to join the Challenge

And that's it. Let the base training begin!

In addition to our Evotri Iron Challenge, we're preparing for top performance in 2009 in other ways. Join the team as one of our honored Ambassadors and be eligible for exclusive opportunities throughout the year, as well as receive periodic training advice from top pros and industry insiders like the unstoppable up and comer, Cycleops's Will Smith, and the legendary Robbie Ventura! Visit Evotri.com and click the "Become an Ambassador" tab at the top of the page to get started.

Also, stay tuned to Evotri.com for the official 2009 press release, featuring more details on how you can even become a fully-sponsored member of the team. That's right, we're adding TWO to the crew near the start of the year, so get involved early and stay ahead of the pack!

Listen as Stu interviews the incredible 2008 Ironman World Champion. Chrissie Wellington talks about all the details of the race including the prerace meal, feelings on the swim, the infamous flat, the run, and the finishline guests.  There is a point during the interview that you can feel the gratitude she has for this sport.  Chrissie also chats about the Blazeman  auction she is helping with.  You can check out all the details on Chrissie's site.

Listen as I interview the Triathlon 2008 Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander.  Also, the Fourth Annual Simplystu World Wide Triathlon date for 2009 will now be February 20-22.  Details and registration will be out by November 15th.  Also, stay tuned for huge news on the 2009 Evotri Team! All this and much more in the SimplyStu #74 Podcast!!!!

I really dig the entire Evotri Team (you can see a few of them in the picture).  Teammate Chris Sweet, specifically,  has amazing sporting prowess and is just an awesome guy.  With that said, if you don't mind, take a few seconds to check his website out and vote.  Make sure you read the last paragraph TWICE - that's what really sold me.  Curious about what it says????

Read and Vote for Chris here.

I was trying to get my pictures organized, and came across this picture.  One of my favorites.  I was very happy to have this picture with the incredible Tyler Stewart and the awesome Melanie McQuaid.  This was taken a few years back in California by John Segesta.  If you want to see some wicked photographs, check out his website.  Prepare to be amazed!  Also, you have to check out the upcoming Racergirl Television. This is going to ROCK!  Can't wait to see what she comes up with.  Check Mel's RacerGirl TV Episode 1 here.

Race report.

The Twin Cities Marathon may be the end of the seaon for many, but for me, it was the kick-off to 2009.  After Steelhead, I kicked into gear, and started my training for Ironman 70.3 New Orleans.  My plan is to stay in shape and work on my weaknesses.  I also really want to take my running to the next level.  I thought Twin Cities would be a great place to start.  I was also looking forward to the first marathon with my "proven" nutrition strategy.

I was planning to drive to Minneapolis the Friday before the race, but got delayed in Madison.  My wife had been on travel, so I hated to leave right when she got back.  I stayed in Madison Friday night and left at 4:30am so I could meet my teammates Rob and Michelle at Hell's Kitchen by 9:30.  I made good time, and was only a few minutes late.  We met Scott from BMC, and had a great discussion about the 2009 season.   After breakfast (lasted until almost noon), I picked up my race packet and ate more food.  I also drank plenty to top off my tank.

The forecast looked OK, but I was prepared for anything.  I put out clothes for scenario 1, scenario 2, and scenario 3!  After a great night of sleep, I woke to rain.  Looks like it will be the scenario 2 outfit that consisted of shorts, Ironman Wigwam socks (love these), a long sleeve shirt, visor, vest, Garmin and my nutrition.  I was prepared for cold and wet.  I got my wish.  As for nutrition, I was wickedly excited to test my Ironman successful nutrition strategy. The key has been NUUN and Carbo Pro.  As I have said before, whatever works for YOU is the key.  The key is that I just cannot take pills (salt tabs) and without them I was never getting enough electrolytes. Gatorade makes me totally sick after about 2 hours, and so I was left with very little. I used my 1.5 NUUN tabs per bottle and went from 1.5 scoops of Carbo Pro to 1 scoop.  I find that on the run, I take in just a few fewer calories to keep my stomach in check.  

In order for me to carry this, and really the only down side, is I need to carry the mixture in a Camelbak.  It holds almost four full bike bottles.  I don't see many runners with them on, but I love it! After a mile, I forget it is on.  During a marathon, and in training, I can make it to about mile 19 before I run out.  That is a huge benefit as I don't need to stop at water stops, and my nutrition is in perfect sync.  I mix the bottles to make sure I get my perfect mix, and dump them in the Camelbak.

After stretching at the Dome (where the Vikings play), I went to the start line.  I somehow made a mistake and was about 10,900 of 11,000 runners.  It took me over 5 minutes to cross the start line. I could see people laughing at my Camelbak, but I was determined to see if my nutrition strategy was going to work.  In my past 10+ marathons, the last 10k has been miserable at best.  Time to see what happens.

So I start the race just trying to not fall over the people around me.  It took the first mile just to see the street below me.  My first mile was 9:40.  Nice!  Anyway, I was really only trying to run sub 4 for the day, and it was early in my season.  I watched the Garmin and knew that I could certainly run very easy and make 8:35 pace until mile 20. It was 20-26.2 I was not sure about this early in the year.  Mile 2-8 were perfect.  I was feeling like a nice jog in the park, only is was more like a jog in the pool as the rain was coming down hard.  I had predetermined I would walk for 3 minutes at mile 8.  It was early in the race, but had done it by accident in training, and it felt great.  All my miles from 2 - 8 where about 8:15.  Mile 9 was 9:50 with the walking.  I was back to running and felt incredible.  I had a 7:43,  7:50, 9:01 and the rest at about 8:15 until mile 18.  I had decided to walk 3 minutes again.  I was feeling awesome, but didn't mind the walk.  After that I got back and was preparing for the melt down. In all my races,  it didn't matter how I felt, it just happened. The WALL!  My NUUN and Carbo Pro were gone.  Bummer, but it got me to mile 20 feeling like a million dollars.  NO WALL!

At mile 20, I ran an 8:06.  What?  Huh?  Mile 21 was an 8:46.  Huh?  Where's the wall?  Mile 22 was a 9:06.  I walked for 2 minutes and decided after that I would give it all I had.  I was still feeling perfect.  Nothing hurt.  I was smiling and chatting with the crowd.  I thanked as many volunteers as I could and said "Good Morning" to at least 1000 people.  So at mile 23, I felt a tad tired, but I still felt nothing.  I felt a slight cramp from time to time, but said, not today and kept running. I didn't look at the Garmin, but the next day I saw I ran 24 = 8:46, 25 = 9:14 and 26 = 9:12.  I didn't feel like I slowed at all, but I must have.

I finished in 3:47.  Not too bad for my first run of the new season.  I'm completely convinced that my problem for all those years was not the work.  It was not the training, it was the nutrition.  Plain and simple.  I did not get the proper nutrition.  At the end I was well hydrated, felt great, and never hit much of anything during the race.  I cannot say enough about my NUUN / Carbo Pro combination.  I know I have to carry it, but it got me to mile 20 singing in the rain!  Literally!  Please remember that nutrition is so individual, but for me I finally get the right balance of electrolytes and calories. I walked out of that race wanting to do another.  That has never happened before!  I'm totally excited and already looking to run at least one marathon in 2009!  Now I know I can do it.  I can race and not feel like death at mile 20.  Now I know I can get my times down.  I can't wait for 2009!