Sink or Swim...

Today was my first practice with the Masters swim team at UK. Susan Cox, recently conducted into the US Triathlon Hall-of-Fame, is one of the coaches and she has been helping me recently with my swimming. Below is a picture of us together after a race for her namesake (The Susan Bradley-Cox Tri 4 Sight) held every year on UK’s campus usually after IM Louisville. 

Some of the drills she introduced me to this afternoon were just shy of torture. However I have never felt that productive in the pool. After every few laps she would be at the end of my lane with another adjustment to my stroke. In the end I was probably swimming better but after 4200 yards I was a little tired and the speed wasn’t there.

Another great benefit from the masters program, besides the world class coaching, is the hours available to swim. Now I can get a workout in before class and have more time to “study”…

Other than the new swim addition to my training there hasn’t been much news this winter break. Training has been steady with some runs and short bike rides but all that will change in a couple of weeks when I begin to hit it hard for the upcoming tri season.

I hope everyone is enjoying the time off and had a Merry Christmas

-T

Finisher Tree...

Hello Everyone,

Well so far this has been a very productive month. The semester is finally over and it time for the brain to have an off-season. As far as training is concerned the weather has been unseasonably warm and the other day I just could not resist. The temp “soared” to about 67 degrees and I got the itch for a nice long bike ride. About 20miles in I realized that it would be getting dark soon (I couldn’t get on the bike till around 3 because I had to work), so I started back home. I was surprised with the amount energy I had left so I laced up the shoes and went for a run. It was extremely refreshing to get a light brick workout in since the exams were over.

Also in addition to exams being over it is now time to get in the Christmas spirit! This year we have a new tradition that will hopefully last for ages. While hanging the ornaments on our family Christmas tree I got the idea to hang some finisher medals form races. So I cut all the ribbons from the medals, rigged up some hooks, commandeered a tree form my mom and made an all “Finisher Tree” (name in progress… pics below)

Another great thing about the holidays are homecomings. Today I was able to get a swim in with my good friend Kathryn (she also ran in the Thoroughbred Classic- previous blog entry). I haven’t been in the pool for a long time and the masters coach, Susan Cox, let me hear about it. I will hopefully be joining the masters swim team early January, something that I know will be an educational experience and highly rewarding for my performance in the water.

I didn’t forget about the mountain bike pics and review. It will be up shortly, but for now I have some Christmas cookies to eat in front of the fire in light of the “Finisher Tree”

-Travis

Thanksgiving Family Fun

Hey Guys,
Well Thanksgiving has come and the leftovers are almost all gone. We were lucky enough to again have great weather for the annual Thoroughbred 5K Classic held at Keeneland on Thanksgiving morning. It is a wonderful race put on by John's (a local running shop) that makes the indulgence latter on in the day feel a little less guilty. It also serves as a reunion of sorts, my older brother came into town from Kansas. He is stationed there as he is a member of the Army's Big Red 1, he doesn't get to come home too often so it is always a treat to see him. On a side note he finished his first marathon a couple of weeks ago... super proud of him! But anyway I also got to meet up with another racing partner, Kathryn, who is currently attending Auburn University.
After some catching up and and a much needed warm up jog we all headed to the starting line. Once the crowed gathered I noticed that Kevin Castille was lining up at the front of the pack, he was the overall winner at the Iron Horse Half marathon about 1 month prior. I knew seeing him there meant we were going to see a course record. When the gun went off we all shot out the starting gate like a cannon. It's only a 5K (3.1miles) and since I'm more of a long distance guy my expectations werent very high. However once the pack starts rolling the competitive juices start flowing and I can help but give it everything I got!
Rounding off the first mile in 5:30 was a bit surprising and the bitter temps were making it a little hard to breath. I slowed down to about 5:50 and stayed there the rest of the race. Before I knew it we were rounding the corner headed for the finish line to cross at 17:57.
At the finish line, my favorite part of the race, I get to see a lot of my friends and family cross the line. My dad came through with a strong finish and my brother posted a great time with his girlfriend, Ashley. Also out at the races were some of my classmates Ashley and Kathleen.
After the race, got home and after a little lounging around it was turkey time with a great meal prepared by my mother and granny, two amazing cooks that know how to do the holidays right!
Well I should get back at now that I have these hearty meals to work off. I just got a new MTB so check back soon for pics, reviews, and training updates.

Also check out the new tab with some pics from my races.

Until next time,
-Travis