IRONMITCH PART IV - MEMOIRS OF AN IRONMAN

12 Minutes That Will Change You From Claire Wineland's Message: It's Just a Disease

2011-10-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

     I have the honor of co-producing an event called TEDxLaJolla where spectacular speakers and musicians are selected to present their stories, ideas, music and adventures via a live video feed to the world.
     This year, from an open air stage overlooking the ocean in La Jolla, California, there was one speaker that received not one, but two standing ovations. Her name is Claire Wineland, and the best way to meet her and understand her message is to see her video.
     Tony Farwell, from the exciting new specialty site for the Military called www.GovX.com and Farwell Capital, said after watching Claire's video yesterday, "It reminds me of a saying that means a great deal - 'After health, everything is profit' "   So very true. So easy to forget. Claire is a superhero. Claire has done an "Ironman" every day of her life.
     Click this video below to hear her story. Also, the photo gallery from the event is below - join us next year! You can find out more about the event, apply to attend and watch other videos at www.TEDxLaJolla.org

The First Two (of 5,000) Triathlon Secrets

2011-10-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

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Photo: Kona Morning

So where do we begin? Let's start with two triathlon secrets from the more than 5,000 secrets I've learned about this sport in the last decade:

Photo: Mitch Thrower Running in Ha

1. By taking control of your thoughts when training and when racing, you can improve your performance by 25% or more. Think about it. What are you thinking about right now? Consider everything that pops into your mind as you read this.

It would be safe to say that if you are like most people, you ride your thoughts throughout the day rather than DRIVE your thoughts throughout the day. Have you ever asked yourself, "What should I think about now?" and what should I spend time considering? What about before a workout?

Disciplined thought and asking yourself the right questions while working out, like "What are the most enjoyable and memorable parts of my life?" or "How can I be faster right now?" are questions you can choose. But, again, if you are like most people, when you go for a run, you'll see a road sign with a name of someone you know, then you'll remember you need to call that person when you get back to the office, and then you'll think of his last email to you, and then you'll think of his cousin who also reached out to you and was looking for a job, and then you'll remember you wanted to update your resume, then you'll think you need a raise, etc. Take control. Don't let your mind float.

When I do mental prep for an Ironman, or any triathlon, I think through the race itself and I also think through the questions I'll ask myself during the race. Try this when you are racing and training, and also try it when you're just going about life, outside of the sport.

Lesson: Pay attention to what you arechoosing to pay attention to. Choose wisely.

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2. Sign up for more races than ones you actually want to do. Why? I have learned that life presents us with temporal challenges.

Time commitments will overflow into your race weekends and injuries are unpredictable. The seasonal cycle of our sport and of training and racing mean that several windows will open and close for you to perform at your best.

Because so many races sell out so quickly, it's always a good idea to have back-up plans and registrations at events that can serve as a second chance at a peak performance or exciting travel weekend.

It may be expensive, but so is insurance and if you've been in the sport long enough, you know that you just never really know what can happen. I've said before you can take Ironman's tagline in a positive or negative direction, read the following, thinking good then bad... "Anything is possible." - or - "Anything is possible."

Lesson: Register for a few back-up races so you have options.

Train Smart,

Mitch

The Island of Hawaii

"Triathlon is just like life - it's not about the time displayed at the finish, it's about what your soul can display in the time before you finish." -Mitch Thrower

2011-10-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

2011 Ironman Swim Start - Photographer: Amanda Grant

After a year of reflection,

I'm back.

What a journey it has been. So many lessons, people, and places to write about. So many articles, blog posts, photos and dreams now to share.

It has been an honor over the past decade to contribute perspective to the sport of triathlon and curious minds around the world. And I must say, it's been refreshing over the past year to take a deep breath and just experience life, without putting it all into words.

Stay tuned also for several very exciting things my group has planned in the media and interactive space. Projects launching include an entirely new way of doing business in the realm of participatory sports transactions and, separately, Triathlete.IM - the next generation of triathlon social and interactive media.

It has been said that the only thing you can be certain of is that things change. Careers change, business models change, triathlon changes, we change. I've seen all of the above. Think Myspace and Facebook, Microsoft and Apple. Think about wetsuit companies and bike companies that no longer exist, and the current ones in the spotlight.

Photo: Mitch Thrower - 22nd Ironman

With close to 3 million triathletes racing now, and races selling out just minutes after registration opens, the chemistry of our sport continues its journey into the mainstream. Some people embrace this growth, while there are still some who think the sport is too big now and wish they could finish the Hawaii Ironman World Championship like the sport's Dr. Seuss - Bob Babbit did eons ago, under a dim light bulb hanging from a tree.

And triathletes are quite different than they were back in the days when San Diego was ROME in the Empire of Triathlon. The sport has since been filled with events and personalities, egos and entrepreneurs around the world. The sport is now grown up. It's global. It has changed the world, and many lives for the better.
Almost two weeks ago, I finished my 22nd Ironman triathlon (14th Hawaii). Once there are more than 10 of these races under your belt, the moments and memories of them tend to blur together; but what can never blur or fade is the light in your soul sparked and strengthened by the choices you make in the process of making triathlon a lifestyle.

If you discover triathlon and stay in the sport, your life's dreams and goals will come into focus in a way you never imagined. I'm here to help.

Photo: Dig Me Beach & The Future of Triathlon

Triathlon Sanctuary 2011 - Schedule

2011-08-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

2011 TRIATHLON
SANCTUARY SCHEDULE

For more pictures, please see: triathlonsanctuaries.shutterfly.com

---SCHEDULE---

--Wednesday, September 14th, 2011: arrival & warm-up day

8:00a.m.-11:30a.m. Athletes arrive

11:00a.m. Optional easy scenic trail and beach run

12:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Welcome meeting, introductions and weekend overview. Snacks provided (La Jolla Palace “LJP” Roof deck)

11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Bike mechanic available

2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. 15 mile warm up bike tour - followed by 3 mile Time Trial up Mt. Soledad (awards given)

5:45p.m. - 7:30p.m. Two options: easy bike to Masters Swim Workout at the nearby Coggan Family Aquatic Complex (5 min away) or La Jolla Cove Swim

7:45p.m. Light dinner at the La Jolla Palace Rooftop with special surprise guests

8:30p.m. Introduction of professional triathletes and coaches. Presentation: Secrets of Triathlon Part I

--Thursday, September 15th, 2011: core training day

6:45a.m-9:15a.m. Bike mechanic available

7:00a.m. Catered buffet breakfast (LJP) & cycling safety and racing techniques presentation

8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. Bike prep

9:15a.m. sharp! Shuttles leave for bike start

10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Cycling skills workshop at the start of a spectacular scenic bike ride. This (approx 5 hour) epic bike ride has a food stop at the halfway point. (We will be stopping along the way, but bring ample food/water.) Sag wagon avail. All levels of cyclists should join - we will split up into the fast, moderate and easy paced groups. The easy pace group will have a 30% shorter course.

5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Rest/swim prep/snack

6:10p.m. La Jolla Cove Recovery Swim

7:50p.m. Group catered dinner, followed by a social gathering with triathlon sponsors and equipment companies on the LJP Roof deck. Presentation: Secrets of Triathlon Part II.

7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Sara Mattson from Aquanots is coming to measure for custom ear plugs

--Friday, September 16th, 2011: bike recovery, hard swim & learning day

7:15a.m. Option A: 30-40 min recovery beach run

Option B: Rooftop yoga for triathletes with Nikki Jade

8:30a.m. Breakfast buffet (LJP Roof deck)

10:00a.m.-12:15p.m. Shuttle to hard core swim workout - each participant gets filmed above and below water with one-on-one training by swim coaches

12:30p.m. Light sandwiches provided poolside

1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Tour Nytro Sports Store and get 10% off product merchandise— exclusive for sanctuary participants

2:30p.m. Easy Recovery Ride— scenic coastal route (for those not racing Saturday)

2:00p.m.-7:00 p.m. San Diego Tri Expo (mandatory for race participants). - check out this site here: momentcyclesport.com and go to www.active.com/san-diego-ca/san-diego-triathlon-classic-2011 to register. Registration is open now. Be sure to register early, as the race will sell out.

2:30p.m.-5:10p.m. Free time for nap, rest, and massages.

- Triathlon-specific deep tissue massages will be available by appointment:

• Larissa: (858) 450-7118 or lariss1976@yahoo.com

• Nikki: (858) 344- 3165 or lajollabodywork@gmail.com

• Mark: (619) 787-9617 or markemcgovern@yahoo.com

5:10p.m. La Jolla Cove open water swim and race lessons (La Jolla Cove beach)

7:15p.m. Catered closing barbecue, presentation and awards (LJP Roof deck)

--Saturday, September 17th, 2011: VERY SPECIAL TEDxLaJolla Event, San Diego Tri Camp & entertainment

All Sanctuary participants receive complementary tickets to the TEDx La Jolla event!

6:30 a.m. Option A: San Diego Triathlon Classic

Remember to register here: Click here to register

7:30a.m. Breakfast (LJP roof deck)

8:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. For those not racing:

- Option B: coastal beach/cliff run

- Option C: Slow scenic group coastal ride

2:00p.m.-5:30p.m. Part I TEDx La Jolla events with memorable speakers, videos, live musical entertainment— see www.TEDxLaJolla.org

5:30p.m.-7:00p.m. TED buffet dinner at the La Jolla Palace

7:00p.m.-10:00p.m. Part II TEDx La Jolla live speakers, live music and entertainment.

--Invitations

Camp attendance is open by invitation only— potential participants can be referred by current participants only or apply online.

--Business Networking

All participants may prepare an optional, 5-8 min overview of the projects they are working on where they could use some form of help and/or networking ideas. All information shared at the Sanctuary is confidential, unless specified otherwise.

--Perks

• Nytro is offering 10% discount on products specifically for Triathlon Sanctuary participants during the tour of the store

• Sara Mattson with Aquanots will be measuring for discounted custom earplugs. Contact her at: slmattson@sdearcenter.com

• Triathlon Sanctuary participants will receive 50-65% off XTERRA Wetsuits and free ground shipping when using the code R-TRISANC

• Special deals and test drives available on various Cervélo models

• Online discounts of 10% to Sanctuary participants during the time of the camp

• Try on many different styles and brands of goggles

--Location

Most events start and finish at the La Jolla Palace— www.lajollapalace.com. Shuttles will be provided to offsite starts/finishes.

--La Jolla

In Spanish, La Jolla means "The Jewel.” La Jolla is indeed the jewel of America's finest city, San Diego. It is located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. It has wonderful beaches, cultural activities and fine restaurants. La Jolla is an exquisite combination of a southern European resort atmosphere and southern California fun. While La Jolla is known to be one of the most affluent communities in the United States, it has a down to earth feel due to its beautiful natural scenery and the laid-back attitude of its residents. In addition to fine restaurants, beautiful beaches, hotels and art galleries, La Jolla is home to renowned institutions, such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Stephen Birch Aquarium & Museum.

--Payment & Registration

All coaching, entertainment, transportation and most meals are provided. Please register ASAP, limited spaces available. Click here to register

--Where to Stay

The *** hotels are offering discounted rates for Triathlon Sanctuary and TEDx La Jolla attendees. Upon making reservations, mention you’re a part of the Triathlon Sanctuary or TEDx La Jolla group to receive the discount. All of the hotels are within walking distance of the Palace.

• *** The Grande Colonial Hotel

- (888)530-5766

- 910 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

• *** The Empress Hotel of La Jolla

- (888)369-9900

- 7766 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037

• *** La Jolla Cove Suites

- (858)459-2621

- 1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

• La Valencia Hotel

- (858)454-0771

- 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

• La Jolla Inn

- (858)454-0133

- 1110 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037

• La Jolla Village Lodge

- (858) 551-2001

- 1141 Silverado Street La Jolla, CA 92037

--What to Bring

Please bring your swim, bike and run gear. Wetsuits are recommended. Bring a camera and any special needs food and drink for your workouts.

We look forward to seeing you September 14th!