The Boys & The Commish

A Power Lunch at Kayaks today to review the rules for the Mano a Mano competition between Tthe BOYS and Denlow, Lynn and Beth. I will tell you that we tried very hard to corrupt Vic into declaring us the winners right then and there but he would not hear of it. The race must go on he said. The scoring system is so complex that it is anyone's guess as to who will emerge victorious. Vegas is so confused that they have halted all of the betting action - it is OFF THE BOARD.

Break It Down

It's That Time Of The Month - time to break the bikes down and pack them up for Vineman. Luckily, Mike Pepper was a mechanical engineer in another life and is totally capable of handling this task. If the furniture biz does not work out for him he can always fall back on his bike assembly skills. Let me go on record saying that I have no ability whatsoever to put a bike back together. Without Pep I would be lost.



Pep analyzes the situation and gets ready to put the case together.




How many executives does it take to put a bike together?

Letter To The Editor

From: CEO Vic Richey

Dear Competitors,

As I know some of you are aware, I have taken on the responsibility of establishing the scoring criteria for your competition this weekend. I should have this completed in the next 24 hours. It would be appropriate to review the rules prior to your departure on Friday. I would suggest that we meet for lunch either on Wednesday or Thursday to establish the ground rules. As a minimum I will need at least one representative from each team, but all are welcome. If you would each let me know your availability and preferred date, I will set a time and location.

A couple of other items while I have your attention. John, I understand you took exception to my questioning of the length and validity of your personal profile...really not that smart given my current position of power as it relates to this competition. Also, it is somewhat interesting that of all of the vehicles at the park on Saturday, that only yours was vandalized...an attempt for the sympathy vote or was Lynn really out of town?, interesting!

Mike and Tommy - your weak attempt at trying to influence me with the sleeveless running shirts on Saturday and on the website were just that, weak! To be truly effective merchandise actually has to change hands!

Bob, I have to say I was initially impressed with you on Sunday. After riding 40 miles on your bike in this heat, to see you depart on a six mile run, made me proud! I can hardly express my disappointment on learning that you had only run the two miles to your house. Just remember if you decide to quit the swim at Vineman half way thru, get out of the stream first.

In all seriousness, I am very proud of all of you. You guys have really attacked this challenge with a vengeance and a great attitude. It has been fun to watch and you have already done the hard part now just go have fun!

I look forward to discussing the scoring later this week and remember, whining will not be tolerated and may result in a deduction of points. It would be sad if either team had to leave for this adventure in a deficit position!

Vic
(The Commissioner)

Jack Models

Jack Models the 2005 St. Louis Training Team line of apparel. >
If you want your own 2005 Training Apparel then click here.

Online Store

The unoficial 2005 St. Louis Training Team apparel store is now up and running.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF YOUR VINEMAN TRAINING TEAM APPAREL NEEDS.
Remember my friends, it is better to look good at Vineman than to feel good at Vineman!!!

Big Push

Funniest comment from the entire weekend was from Tom Irwin who said..."I use to watch the Tour but never understood it. I mean, the guy comes in 37th place everyday and he wins the entire event!"


This was one of our last big weekends to train before Vineman. I spent a few hours out at Innsbrook on Saturday am (swam a mile and biked 45) with Tom and Nancy. This was great training. Jumped back on the bike for a 62 mile ride on Sunday all the way out to SIX FLAGS. Needless to say that my ass is a little sore after all of the riding this weekend. We are ready for Vineman! Looking forward to tapering down a little bit over the next three weeks.

NYC Training Schedule

The 2005 NYC Marathon training schedule is now available online at www.jstrassner.com/nyc.html.

Train Smart - Race Hard - Go For Coffee!

Innsbrook

Holiday weekend = great time to get some extra training! We ventured out to Innsbrook and conducted our own mini-triathlon. We swam 1 mile, biked 45 and ran 6. This was an Olympic Distance Triathlon (+20 biking miles) without a medal at the finish. Oh well, it was a great day.



CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE INNSBROOK TRAINING PHOTOS

70.3

Perspective (adapted from Sub17)--
"There comes a time in every athlete's life when being first or last doesn't really matter. What matters is the adventure." I can tell you that training for VINEMAN 2005 has been an unbelievable adventure. When you put aside all of the early morning workouts, all of the mile swims, all of the long runs on Saturday, all of the bike rides out on Highway T, all of the trips to Innsbrook you are left with a number: 70.3. This is the aggregate of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. The thing is that while 70.3 seems like it is this huge number it is really such a small part of what anyone that does a 1/2 ironman goes through. Yes, the training and time dedicated to this endeavor is considerable. And yes, this is one heck of a challenge. But, everyone has their own reasons for going this distance. The adventure is a constant celebration and remembrance of those reasons.