Home

Don't Be a Trucker Hat: Part II...

Tuesday, 20 February 2018 23:00

By Ruth Brennan Morrey

This sport is tough and I love it. I’d like to share 6 ways to increase your mental longevity in the sport to shed light now how to love the sport longer.

1. PURPOSE. This is my #1 take home message. I’ve already spoken about this, but it’s worth mentioning again. KNOW your why. Write it down, put it on your fridge, and revisit daily.

2. BE APPROACHABLE and KIND. When I walk into each and every pre-race pro meeting, I observe a sea of trucker hats, most with accompanying dark glasses. I feel like a sore thumb…like I am really different from ‘them’. There is a flash of fictitious possibility that somehow they know the sport better than I do, that they might be ‘better’ than me. Something about it gives the illusion of triathlon’s ME-ness. Thankfully, most of the professionals who wear trucker hats, even in their intimidating way, are truly FINE people who have the same fears and goals like you and me. Always remember, though, FAST ATHLETES are no better than anyone else on the race course, and it is our job, as the fastest competitors—pros and elite amateurs—to lend a hand, to smile and make eye contact with all competitors in the transition area or finishing shoot, to cheer on the last brave competitors, to say thank you volunteers, to show humility, and to be grateful to race directors. We are a big part of the culture, and we have to pass on and help sustain what makes it special. In return is a huge prize. Get out of our own worlds and give back, as serving others will alone sustain US....

   Read more ...

Don't Be a Trucker Hat: Mental Longevity in Triathlon...Part I

Sunday, 18 February 2018 23:10

ED. Ruth Brennan Morrey gave a brilliant talk at last year's MMA Party. We are posting it in two parts: Part I today. Part II on Tuesday.

By Ruth Brennan Morrey 

I am truly honored to be here tonight among such an accomplished group of athletes and remarkable human beings. Like many of you, when I started triathlon, I fell in love with it not just for the opportunity to challenge the mind/body, feed my own competitive nature, but because the MN triathlon community is truly unique and special. The athletes of MN have made me a better person and I admire the growth stories that reside here in this room.

Hugging Suzy Fox at the finish line in the pouring rain at Apple Duathlon in 2012 after a hard fought battle…or trying to gun down Kevin O’Connor in every stinking duathlon we are in together, and FAILING (by only a slight margin-until next time! ), or getting crushed in the pool by Dani V every day at masters practice, and meeting, sharing, and creating friendships with other MN triathletes are moments I have cherished since I began the sport in 2011.

Like many of you, too, I came from a collegiate sport background. I lived and breathed soccer through college and then post collegiately, distance running, and now I’ve been a professional triathlete for 5 years. I might choose tennis next.  Triathlon is truly a melting pot of many sports. The people in this room also tend to be high level former high school or collegiate athletes. Most here have been blessed by strong genetics and you have endured a lifelong passion to work hard for sport success. You have thrived on race day almost immediately in your triathlon careers. I remember...

Read more ...

Avoid Burnout!

Friday, 16 February 2018 23:10

By Mark Sortino (triathlete.com)

Too often, athletes run out of physical or mental energy before their long season is over, but you can avoid that fate with some smart planning for your 2018 season. Here’s how.

1. Include intentional breaks. Within your season, include one or two breaks of a week or more that include light or unstructured training. This will give both your body and mind a rest without compromising fitness.

2. Avoid peaking early. Don’t get into peak race fitness at the beginning of the season—it can’t be maintained without breaks and sets you up for massive fatigue.

3. Prioritize events. Identify the races you’ll peak for (the “A” races) and then “all the others.” This will allow you to build up to those “A” races and recover appropriately....

Read more ...

Minnesota's Largest Indoor Tri...

Thursday, 15 February 2018 23:15

TRI-U-MAH on the Minneapolis campus of The U is our state's best-attended indoor triathlon. A ninety-minute workout consisting of 30 minutes of pool swimming, 30 minutes of stationary bike riding and 30 minutes of treadmill running.

The final enrollment list had approximately 200 names, with 160 athletes participating and finishing on race day, February 11....

Read more ...

Puffer Fishing & Lots of Ketchup...

Wednesday, 14 February 2018 23:10