Home
"...Why am I Still Doing This Thing?"
-
Tuesday, 02 January 2018 23:10
By Laura Swartz
THE YEAR OF 50…why am I still doing this racing thing?
Years ago, 23 to be exact, I ran my first marathon. Two years later I ran a second marathon and got my BQ nearly missing it by seconds. The article pictured was printed a month before that race and I hung it over my desk at work for the next 6 years. Mr. Mackay just put my feelings into words “persistence” and the “world tells us we can’t succeed”. Now I among others call this GRIT (the book I loved reading and often talk about). These words have been my inner mantra since I was gymnast and didn’t make the team initially in elementary school. Growing up If someone told me I couldn’t achieve one of my goals I just worked harder to prove them wrong. I did it for me. I have continued to do this in racing. Of course placing high or winning feels great but my husband would tell you even if I when I win a race or make the podium I analyze my race for the next 24+ hours. I would ask myself what I could do different/ how I could be faster/#bebetter.
I thought this year THE YEAR OF 50 would mean a big race but instead it meant a big finish. In January, I was trying to plan a race schedule with some new epic race. A balance of family time with training & racing didn’t allow for that so instead I set my focus on USATAGN Sprint distance. This is where the dedication, persistence, and support from family & friends came into play. The year of 50 meant I stood on the podium with my highest finish to date. There were obstacles as always. More than that there was tremendous support. A gigantic thank you to KRIS SWARTHOUT my coach who I taught me to soar higher than I dreamed possible, pushed me to get there when I needed it, and sometimes served as a therapist. To my husband DAN and main training partner I am so lucky to have you. I chase him & our friend JOSH KENT around the lakes or through Wirth Trails logging many miles-thx guys. My twin sister MICHELLE DANKWERTH is my biggest supporter and a tough chick herself as she completed her first 50 mile ultra for her YEAR OF 50! Another great big thank you to ERIK’S BIKE SHOP and the team at the Minnetonka store who continue to support me my bike and...
VERY IMPORTANT STUFF!
-
Monday, 01 January 2018 23:10
ED. Last week MTN contacted most of our state's multisport directors about marketing their events in 2018. It should be noted here that the future of of sport in Minnesota is a hot topic with most of the directors. They all want to figure out what they can do, and what athletes (and support resources like MTN) can do, to reverse the downward trend that Triathlon has been in for the last half dozen years. Clint Agar responded immediately, and he has given us permission to post his letter. Please read. It's good stuff. And so important.
Hey MTN Guys,
Looks great! We will be in again for MN Tri news advertising.
I've given a good amount thought into how to grow the sport of triathlon in MN and, of course, our event. Looking forward, overall triathlon growth is going to need an increase over time in the number of female athletes participating. Our event, in particular, attracts men 2:1 over women. We can't afford any decrease in male participation with our female participation being so low. The last running boom paralleled an explosive growth in female participation. If triathlon can evoke appeals to both genders I think we will see paralleled growth in triathlon.
One of our changes in 2018 will be to change the name of Superior Man Tri to just Superior Tri. It's a subtle but important change. Female-only tris are making the sport more inviting, but more can be done to change the undertone of the broader culture and this is our way of leading that change. We will be vocal about it. ...
Happy New Year From the MTN Guys!
-
Sunday, 31 December 2017 05:59
Diets Based on DNA?
-
Friday, 29 December 2017 23:10
By AC Chilton (triathlete.com)
Genetic research is showing that different people respond differently to certain foods. Are diets based on DNA the next big breakthrough in sports performance?
Ask for diet advice on Facebook and you’ll get a lot of varying responses. Plant-based! Paleo! Everything in moderation!
For the first time in the history of social media, it turns out that everyone might actually be right.
The old diet cliché of calories in, calories out is being replaced by a new platitude: Do what works for you. Personalized diets, based on the idea of “nutrigenomics” or the study of how different foods affect gene expression, are starting to...
Getting Fat in the Winter...
-
Thursday, 28 December 2017 23:10
By Nikki Dostert Sudberry
Yesterday (December 17) was my first fatbike race!
It started out great; all of my friends were there and we had perfect weather conditions
❤️
I signed up for the 30k ( 18ish miles)
Easy, right? Omg no. No no no.
That was yesterday morning; I was younger then and full of hope.
🤣
After 1 hour of riding I had done 4 miles. ...
