Ben Besse – Ironman Santa Rosa

Well, Ironman Santa Rosa is done and dusted. For a number of reasons (some that I’m still working through), this race is taking a bit longer to fully process than races past. Santa Rosa took a lot of grit. There were not many moments on Saturday where I felt like it was all clicking, but luckily it all came together quite nicely nonetheless.

The support crew was second to none as usual. I cannot say this enough—without these people (and the many I’m sure I’ve forgot with my post-IM brain), this would not be possible. Period. Andy, Brian, Sue, Patti, Dave, Revel Racing, Ann, Brendan, Mark, Craig, Endurance Swimming: Open Water Training, Breakthrough Performance Coaching, Sara, Labell And Associates Physical Therapy, Kathey, Sports Rehabilitation Unlimited, and of course all my amazing friends/training buddies (you know who you are). THANK YOU.

I’ve had several requests for a little race report, so here goes. Feel free to stop here if you’re not interested in all the details.

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Race Checklist

Your race is finally in sight. You are in or approaching your final peak weeks leading into taper. As your workouts start to wind down, there are a few final things you will need to take care of leading up to the race. Check out our pre-race checklist to make sure you’re ready to roll.

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Beating the Boston Heat

You have slaved away through the winter, logged countless miles in the snow, the dark, on the dreaded treadmill all in preparation for the Boston Marathon. At this stage of the game your long runs are done, and you are onto that blessed taper. There’s only one thing potentially standing in your way for a successful race day… the weather!

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Puerto Rico 70.3 – Brendan Davis

From the start I was seriously looking forward to racing Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico. A large group of fellow BTTers racing and the course looked like it would be a beautiful race in a beautiful location, not to mention my first Ironman branded race (There is something to be said about Ironman). I believe it went into being as prepared as I ever have for a race, working with a coach (Dave) for the first time, and ready to go on race morning. 

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2017 Team Charity: Neurofibromatosis Northeast

Update: September 9, 2017: Between personal contributions and the team donation, we were able to raise $2,020 for Neurofibromatosis Northeast!

The 2017 Team Charity will go to Neurofibromatosis Northeast. Amazingly, NF is not well known even though it affects three times as many people as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis combined! Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. NF is associated with disfigurement, learning disabilities, deafness, vision impairment, epilepsy and cancer. At this time, there is no effective treatment or cure for NF. The mission of Neurofibromatosis Northeast is to find the cure for NF by promoting scientific research, creating awareness, and supporting those who are affected by NF.

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The Rise of the Quantified Athlete

Here at Revel Racing we pride ourselves on the quantitative approach we take with our athletes. Part of this means evaluating and incorporating some of the latest technology into our training. This week I was lucky to attend the Harvard Innovation Lab’s: The Rise of the Quantified Athlete: An Experiential Forum on the Future of Athletic Performance along with some of the coaches from TeamBPC. Below are the three technologies we are most looking forward to trying out in 2017.

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Tracy Landeryou: Tri for a Cure

2017 is the 10th annual Tri for a Cure, and my 5th time participating in this event.  This year I have yet again set a very lofty fundraising goal of $20,000 for Maine Cancer Foundation.  I am proud to say that while I did not quite hit that goal last year, I raised $18,600 with the help of many donors!  In my 4 years of participating in this event I have raised nearly $70,000 in the fight against cancer. 

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Four Things Every Amateur Racing Kona Should Know

Congratulations! You’ve qualified for Kona! Your flights and accommodations are booked! Here’s a few things you should know before heading off to the Big Island.

Heat Acclimation

Chances are you’re not from a tropical, humid climate. Depending on where you’re flying in from, it will take somewhere on the order of two weeks to fully acclimate to the weather. Try to arrive on the island as early as you can and by Wednesday at the latest. You can start preconditioning yourself by overdressing for your workouts, riding the trainer without a fan, or even hitting up a hot yoga class 2-3 weeks before the race.

The Descent from Hawi

The descent from Hawi can be one of the most treacherous portions of the course. The gusts of wind have been known to blow riders right off the road, and the air currents can be unpredictable as you pass in and out of the cutouts along the road. Hawi is home to a few art galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants. Treat your Sherpa to lunch while you preview the descent.

Racing on the Equator

Being right on the equator, the sun is no joke in Hawaii. Aside from a few fleeting spots in Ali’i Drive the race course is totally exposed. A blistering sunburn is a very real threat that can make the rest of your trip miserable. Pack some SPF100 for the race along with multiple sticks of lip balm containing sun protection to have with you at all times. Reapply frequently and cover up as much as possible – cooling sleeves are essential throughout the race.

Revel

For many, racing Ironman World Championships is a once in a lifetime experience. You’re going to be among the best of the best. Let’s face it, more than likely you’re not going to be standing on the podium after the race. This is your victory lap! Take it all in. Run with a friend. Stop to hug your family. Revel in every moment!!!

 

Announcing Revel Racing!

A few years back I remember having dinner with my dad, and he said to me, “It doesn’t matter what you do. Just do what you love.” I don’t remember where it was, or in what context it came up, but that has always stuck with me.

I have been competing or coaching in one form or another since I was about eight years old. I love training, racing, and most especially, coaching. Finding Jeff and Team BPC has been one of the best things to have ever happen to me. Through this team I have met so many incredible people and talented athletes. You were with me through one of the toughest times of my life. With you I have established some friendships so strong that those people have become my family. It hasn’t been an easy decision, but after much thought, I’m finding it is time for me to leave Team BPC.

As sad as I am to go it is with immense excitement I want to announce the formation of Revel Racing! Revel will be my first step in eventually making a career out of doing what I love! Like BPC, Revel will be a personalized coaching service. However, with Revel I plan to have increased focus on supporting athletes choosing to race for charities.

I wish you all the best and I’m looking forward to seeing you out on the race course!

Dave