New Webpage Up

www.adamomeara.com

Alright so the new page is up, it still needs a lot of work. But check it out and fire me a comment on what you think so far.

By the way it took me all day to do that, but if I had of known what to do it would have taken less than an hour. HA!

Adam

New Webpage Soon .. . .

I haven't been posting anything lately for a couple reasons.
1) I have been busy working on a few other projects.
2) Training hours are starting to creep back up.
3) I am going to have a new webpage soon and I am saving all my good thoughts for that! haha

The new web address is going to be plain and simple

www.adamomeara.com

Hopefully I can get it up soon.

Happy Training,
Adam

First half of 2010

I probably starting planning my 2010 schedule some time in the evening of Nov.22, 2009. I wasn't trying to think about at that point, I didn't sit down with a pencil and a calendar, I guess I am just always looking forward to the future. Now it's 2010 and it feels like the season is really about to begin.

So, here is what I am planning for the 2010 race season . . . . .

January - Get the volume back up and prepare the body for the the heavier workloads to come.

February - Steady building up to Tuscon training camp late in the month.

March - Recover from training camp and get in some solid training to build up to New Orleans 70.3 (April 19th).

April - Finish the first build of my season and cap it of by heading back down (raced there last year) to New Orleans and nail a fast course.

May - Get married. Then start the build up to IM Lake Placid.

June - Huge training block.

July - Finish Lake Placid build up and hunt down a major PB time at IM Lake Placid, July 25th 2010.

I am extremely excited to begin the 2010 season. One thing that I am looking forward to is training with other elite athletes. There is a solid amount of triathletes here in Victoria that are looking to be highly competitive in races and some that already are at that level. I anticipate learning from both groups alike. Push each other in training and racing is one of the best ways to get faster, and 2010 should have plenty of it.

Well, I hope everyone out there is looking forward to 2010 as much as I am. Whether your goals are similar to mine, or completely different (like maybe finishing your degree, or making the tastiest pecan pie ever) I wish you the best.

Cheers,
Adam

Sunday Morning Runs

I love Sunday morning runs. It is probably my favorite workout of the week (open water swim at sunrise at Thetis is a close second). And even in the winter it is no different. Being out on the trail with just your clear mind and bunch of fresh air (which tends to make the mind even more clear) to guide you along is something you can't explain to people, it must be experienced to be understood. My eyes flashed open this morning before 6am, and my mind and legs were already out running. Unfortunately (and likely to their disappointment) it is still dark at that time of day right now and I had to eat something and wait for the daylight before heading out. Since it is kind of frosty out there, and of course I don't want to risk a slip and fall, I have decided to head out on the Goose, starting at Thetis. By doing this I will be mostly on trail, and therefore have more solid footing for my brand new pair of Newton Trainers solid footing for my brand new pair of Newton Trainers. -------------------------> aren't they sexy? haha

I can't wait for this run (now only about 45min away), it will be just me, the sunrise, likely a few dog walkers, and maybe the odd runner 2-3 times my age. Not much is needed to be said to people you com across on early morning runs, a nod will suffice in most cases. Both parties know that they are lucky to be out so early in the morning enjoying what our own backyards have to offer.

I had one of my most inspiring moments in a training run once during an early morning run. It happened during my last long run in my build up to Kona '08. I was in the last 20min of the run, and this run had included a bunch of portions at sub race pace. During that last interval I was killing myself to hang tough, and as I ran past an elderly gentleman he said to me in very simple words something like "keep on going son". I can't remember the exact words, but I can tell you I sure remember the tingle in sent down my spine. I won't be working too hard on today's long run, but it will still be very satisfying when I finish it.

Hope you all can enjoy the weather and being outside today.

Adam

Where do all the triathletes go in the winter?

Well, I think I can speak for a bunch of us when I say we stay inside a little more and work on our insulating properties. We all do that in different ways, for me it's enjoying a few beers or some wine while eating some delicious, hearty foods. No matter what time of year though, a good portion of the food I consume is grown by the amazing people at Madrona Farm. Today's purchase was a bit smaller than usual since I will be heading east for a family visit soon, and fresh veggies aren't the easiest thing to carry during air travel. . . . . Funny though, I pretty much always bring some fresh veggies during travel, so I can consume them just prior to proceeding through the gates. .. . .. gotta get my greens.

This morning on our bike ride we sure could have used a bit of extra insulation. When you see a field covered in ice as you are starting your ride it's time to toughen up and find other parts of the riding to enjoy besides the cold wind. Today it was the sun we enjoyed, the sun and good conversation. . . . . mostly about next season, ha! First up in 2010 - New Orleans 70.3 (again), that's the plan at this point anyway. It is an awesome point to point course with a flat bike which we can prepare here for on our trainers.

Other than staying inside, triathletes are busy staying warm, filling our bellies, finding ourselves in the gym a bit more and out on the hiking trails with a pair of boots and poles instead of wheels and sunglasses. Looking forward to the possibility of a nice hike this weekend if the weather cooperates (just no downpour please).

As for tonight, time to test the serious chili that is waiting on the stove and write some emails.

Cheers,
Adam

Conserving Madrona Farm

How many of you have driven along Blenkinsop Road? Ever noticed Madrona Farm? If not, you are missing out, big time. This is an incredible farm that produces the highest quality vegetables (organic. . .. .but once you have gone there it is plain to see the quality and you need not stress it is organic, you just know it is by how it looks and tastes.. .). They sell their produce roadside from 11am - 6pm (approx. depending on day light), Wed-Sat. Please check out their website - http://madronafarm.com/

So, now on to the urgent matter at hand. This farm is in danger of becoming victim to urban sprawl in the future. To prevent this Dave and Nathalie, along with the FoMF (Friends of Madrona Farm) are trying to raise a large sum of money to purchase the land and therefore put the land in the hands of the The Land Conservancy. Once this is done, the land will be protected forever and continue to be used to provide beautiful vegetables - the most important family of foods for humans to consume.How can you help? Here is how.
1) Go to the website, look on the bottom right side of the main page, click to cast a vote for the AVIVA Community Fund Grant in favor of Madrona Farm. DO THIS DAILY, please.
2) Go and purchase your fresh vegetables there, there is no comparison on the quality you get there. . .. . it is superior in every aspect to what you will get shipped up from "Cal-Organics" for instance.
3) Donate directly online at their website - http://madronafarm.com/site.php?action=howtodonate
4) Donate a bit at the road side location after you purchase your stuff.
5) Tell everyone you know to do the same.

The North American society is based on consumption, this is wrong. Food is necessary for all life on the planet and humans need healthy food to best sustain themselves. And if you like food I encourage you to stop for a minute and think about where all the food you ate for your last meal came from . . . . .. .. then consider going to Madrona Farm to get your next load of vegetables. Talk to Dave, the main man and tell him the healthy, heavy on the greens, red goateed, triathlete sent you! hahah

Please, take a minute to cast a vote - DAILY.

It's the right thing to do.

Adam

IM Arizona '09 recap

My trip south was successful. A PB by 15min is satisfactory, it is the way I needed to end the season. I wouldn't have really been learning and progressing all year long if I didn't show improvement, and since the time on the clock is the official measuring stick for our sport I can safely say that the year was a success.

Main Goal for the Day - Race Smart. . . . . and when it was all over that is just what I had done.

The day started with a PB swim time of 54:10. It was a big pro field and we were spread out only 1 or 2 people deep across the start line. When the gun went off I went out strong and in control, and soon enough I was in a good group that was moving along nicely. After a while I did a check behind our group and saw there was another big group a ways back, I then looked forward to see the lead pack in the distance, so I knew I was in a group that was likely going to come out in sub 55min. I was stoked to see 54min on the clock as I exited the water. That is exactly how I needed to start the day.

Onto the bike I just got comfortable in my saddle and started pedaling. The head wind made me re-evaluate the game plan a little bit, I knew I had to stay aero and waste as little energy as possible on anything except for pedaling. First lap was right on target, just under 1:40:00. I proceeded to push strong through the second loop and I got the same reward for it - another lap in under 1:40:00. My energy levels were good and I had kept on top of my fueling pretty well so I pushed through the 3rd loop and got off the bike feeling ready to run after a bike time of 4:55:28.

The first 4 or so miles were right on target 6:30-6:45/mile. Then I had to check myself since I was getting a little lightheaded, I knew this wasn't a good sign and I slowed down and walked a few aid stations in order to make sure I got as much fuel in as my stomach would hold. The second half of the first loop was pretty rough, mentally I stayed tough and believed that I would come around. By the second loop I was feeling better (relatively speaking of course), and picked it up a bit. I was really monitoring myself and that was how it would be for the rest of the marathon. By the third loop my energy levels were back (again, relatively speaking) but my leg muscles were at their max effort. As soon as I would try to pick up the pace my legs simply wouldn't respond without threatening to cramp. 3:20:10 is not a run split that I go into a race aiming for, but like I said it was my best effort on the day.

So, I feel good in that I stuck to my game plan and raced smart. And once again I learned a great deal during the race. Coach Noa and I know that it is now just a game of patience for me, I will continue to improve and will be back on the Big Island of Hawaii soon.

The race course, race organization, spectators and level of competition make this an amazing race, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to race in a beautiful location late in the season.

Thanks to all the volunteers for making it happen.

Adam