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Venerable...
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Monday, 19 May 2014 06:10
APPLE XXXII PREVIEW - Here's some historical stuff about our state's oldest (32-years) multisport event:
PRO MEN - COURSE RECORD (5K-33K-5K course, which has been used since 2004) - David Thompson - 1:19:57 (2010) - COMMENT: Since '04, DKT has raced here six times without a loss. He has posted four of this event's Top 5 fastest times. David plans to race in Sartell on Saturday.
PRO WOMEN - COURSE RECORD - Brianna Boehmer(WI) - 1:33:23 (2004) - COMMENT: A super person and former track and XC runner at the University of Wisconsin (Madison), Boehmer raced at Apple three times: 2004, 2005 and 2006. She won two of those races, and placed 2nd in the other....
Minnesota is Du Central...
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Monday, 19 May 2014 04:10
We're seven races into our spring du calendar and it's already apparent, at least to us, that, once again, Minnesota is arguaby the most talent-rich du state in the country. In 2013, three Loon Staters--Dan Hedgecock, Ruth Brennan-Morrey and Jenn Scudiero--earned USAT Duathlete of the Year awards, Hedge and Ruther as pros, Jenn as an amateur. We'd be shocked if something similar didn't happen this year, too.
Last Sunday, Dan and Ruth proved that they are still on top of their games with big victories over depthful fields at Gear West.
Three of the brightest stars on the 2014 national amateur du scene are Diane Hankee, Matthew Payne and Nate Hoffman, athletes who were not part of the US or MN DOY discussion last year. Hankee followed up her wins at Falls Du (CR) and Oakdale with a...
Borat Moments & Dropping Bricks...
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Monday, 19 May 2014 00:10
By Matthew Payne (matthew-payne.blogspot.com)
RACE REPORT - Last Saturday I opened up my 2014 multisport season at the Oakdale Duathlon. Normally this is a low-key, friendly little local race and I wouldn't be too concerned with the results, but this year I was actually feeling a little bit of pressure leading up to it because A) it was my first race as part of the Gear West Development Team, and I didn't want to race like a bum my first time out, and B) I just dropped a brick of money on a new bike, and I'd just feel stupid doing that and not racing well.
I'm very happy to say that I exceeded my own expectations by several miles by finishing 2nd to DKT (close enough to actually see him cross the finish line!) and breaking the old course record by almost 3 minutes in the process.
The Pre-Race Jams ....
Duathlon Sunday...
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Sunday, 18 May 2014 06:00
GEAR WEST DUATHLON - The 22nd edition of this annual classic was won for the 4th straight year by Dan Hedgecock (1:12:15), who was given a serious push throughout by Matthew Payne (1:12:57 - Amateur Champ), and Ruth Brennan Morrey (1:18:50), who also won here in 2012. Dan is a two-time Elite US Duathlete of the Year. Brennan Morrey also won that award in 2013. The women's amateur title was earned by Duluth's Elaine Nelson (photo), who missed the 2013 season 'cuz she was totally preggers. RESULTS
ESPRIT DU SHE - LAKEVILLE - This event boasted an awesome turnout. Six hundred and sixty-eight individuals and nine teams successfully covered the 2.25 - 12 - 2.5 course. Cathy Yndestad led the way, winning by almost five minutes. RESULTS
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES DUATHLON - This event smallness--approximately 60 registrants--did not prevent it from achieving absolute grooviness. Mario Minelli ...
Practice Does NOT Make Perfect...
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Sunday, 18 May 2014 00:10
By Sara McLarty (triathlon.competitor.com)
You know what they say: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But not always. And I’m here to tell you that you really can improve your freestyle by fewer miles. There are three tools that you can use toward this end: swimming slower, watching other swimmers and visualization.
Swimming Slower
Vince Lombardi said it best: “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” In swimming, the effort to go fast often results in imperfect practice. You’re so focused on getting to the other side of the pool as quickly as possible that you can’t think about the elements of good technique and your form gets sloppy. Before you go fast in the water, you must learn how to correctly swim slowly. Stroke...
