IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED By Michael Ervolina and Tyler Pipher Cozumel was supposed to be my makeup race for a heartbreaking DNF at Ironman Florida 2010. I brought my whole family into Mexico to watch me triumph. But that was before the currents on the swim brought my day to an early end. “I’m never doing an Ironman again!” Those were the first words that went through my mind as I climbed on the jetski. By the time I got back to the swim start and saw hundreds of other athletes also pulled because we didn’t make the swim cutoff, I knew I needed a “do over”. I figured I would have to grab a spot in a late in the year race that didn’t sell out. I would be waiting almost another year to finish my goal. That wasn’t good enough. I found the Bone Island Tri via Trifind.com and signed up right away. Hey, it’s Key West and it was more of a point-to-point swim, so the currents wouldn’t be as big an issue as it was in Cozumel. Standing on the beach on race morning we were greeted by the sunrise and a flyover by a flock of pelicans. The water was rough and the winds were
strong. I could feel that pit in my stomach that I get every race day. Today would be different, I told myself, today I will finish! But, deep inside I couldn’t quite shake the self-doubt that comes with two DNFs. The swim start was a wade into low tide. It was less of a wade and more of a walk. I ended up walking in shallow water a good
bit. I was thankful for the gift of low tide; to me it was the universe saying it was really sorry about that whole Cozumel current thing. I set a PR on the swim and finished it well under the swim cutoff; a sure sign today would be different, I just had no idea how different. For anyone that has driven to Key West, you know how beautiful the view is from US 1. I had plenty of time to appreciate that view as we biked 26 miles into a 15-20 MPH headwind. The best thing about a headwind on your way out is the tailwind on the way back in! It was the ultimate Yin and Yang ride, the slow struggle into the wind followed by the almost effortless speed on the way back. Then I started the run and the memories of IMFL came back. Two years ago, on mile 18, my Ironman dream began to unravel. This time mile 18 hung over me like the Sword of Damocles. Each mile either brought me closer to triumph or an epic flameout. In spite of all the buildup, mile 18 passed without much fanfare. My running was slow and steady, with a lot more slow than steady. Most of the other runners had long passed me and I was in an all too familiar place, alone on the run course. As I came into one of the aid stations, they asked “Are you number 44?” I told them yes and I followed that with “I am the last one out here, aren’t I?” They told me that I was-
n’t…they lied. Checking my watch, I still had plenty of time when I saw the blue lights of a motorcycle cop. “Hey, are you still running? Are you planning to finish?” I wanted to reply “You bet your ass I am!”, but I thought against it and just said “Yes, officer, I am going to finish.” After passing mile 22, I met a nice couple that offered to run me in. I gladly accepted, it was nice to have people to talk to and I felt a little less lonely. I was glad that they came by because the last few miles of the run were confusing at best, and I could imagine myself getting lost with all the twists and turns. Two policemen on motorcycles gave us a guided tour of the course for those last few miles. I think it may be the first and last time I get a police escort anywhere. I was asked by my running mates “So what is the first thing you want to do after crossing the finish line?” I replied almost instantly, “See my wife and kids.” It was just about that time we rounded a corner and there they were. They all started running with me for a bit as a show of support. My son and daughter decided to stay with me and ran the
last mile and what a mile it was! I will let my son take over from here: After the second ironman in Cozumel was a total bust, I told my father that sometimes things like this take three tries to get right. I was sipping cervezas by the shore wondering how anyone could handle those currents when I spotted him approaching me. I knew what happened, and we shared a genuine laugh. Later on that night, it was no surprise to me when he told the family he had signed up for the next race. I knew he hadn't quit. The surprise struck me when he said it would be in Key West. I nearly flipped out of my seat with excitement! On the corner of Whitehead is where we took action, so to speak. I remember the family and I cheering on runners, unsure if they even passed that way. I even joked at one point, "what if we're directing the runners in the wrong direction?" It wasn't until an officer approached us that we realized we had actually helped greatly! He had seen us rip into a motorcyclist who nearly crashed into a runner, and watched my mom hold up a fire truck as more runners passed. He wasn't angry though, and in fact he said we were awesome. Then he proceeded in telling us the last runner was 18 miles out, and that had been after about four hours of cheering and jeering. Immediately we headed for the finish line, not really sure where
else to look for him. We ended up in a rather unpleasant area of Key West, if you can believe that, and grew even more confused. The street looked deserted, but there were still people around. So we waited on the corner. We all felt bad just plopping down on the sidewalk, considering all the runners who had passed that same area after enduring almost 140 miles of racing. Almost simultaneously, we saw a group of three people escorted by the police approaching. "Oh my god, is that him?" "No, mom. I'm still pretty sure this is the wrong spot." "I think it's him!" "Relax, woman. It's not him yet- OH MY GOD IT'S HIM!" It looked like the president had turned the corner; flashing lights from every side of Mike blinded us. Not to mention my mom's screams deafening me, but we all took off after him before that happened. He surprisingly looked good for just running an entire marathon. I have to get on that guy's nutrition scheme! As we ran, I found out the couple that had been running with him, Clay and Lacy, were new to the sport as well and were there specifically for moral support. We need more peo-
ple like them. The next two miles were miraculous, and as I reflect to that moment, the memories feel lucid and dream-like. The best way to describe it would be the opposite of chaos. Similar to singing "Imagine" by John Lennon on time square with all of New York City locking hands and waving lighters. All of Duval Street, from Sloppy Joe's to Pegasus International, had stopped to cheer my father on. Connecting hands and whistling lips sent us onward, and I couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably. I'm sure I looked like a moron, but it was total sublime. We finally got to Whitehead and I was exhausted, but I remember seeing the same cop from earlier. He looked confused as he held up traffic, wondering how i ended up in the marathon I’m sure. I managed to raise an arm but couldn't wave to him, I was that exhausted. I realized all I had in me was pizza and beer, and I was forced to quit. But not my dad, he was going to finish and he would not be the last either. As he rounded the final corner, never have I EVER seen him sprint the way he did through that finish line. It was a bad ass moment, and anyone who can do what he did is a soldier in my opinion. They fight the battle within with no sense of competition to one another, but rather support the person
next to them. No man is left behind, except when you're my dad who’s never been last in anything. It was never about finishing on time, or who was the first person to cross the end. In the eyes of my family, we were more than willing to hurt ourselves just to see him finish. Three times a charm, but so was Bone Island.
http://www.meadowsmedicalsolutions.com/
I signed up for the event in hopes that I could start out the year with a bang and complete my first full iron distance event. I had gradually been increasing my distance in all three disciplines and being compliant with my training plan until early in December. Right before Christmas i had my first experience of IT band pain in my right leg (it sucks getting old). Over the holidays i tried to exercise when i could, but between travel and the IT band pain i was in full taper mode (which only added to the anxiety level).
ft. Several people had considerable problems in the water and it was difficult to sight the buoys with the high seas. I finished the swim in 1:08 and had a quick transition onto the bicycle.
The bicycle course was straight up US 1 (into the wind) to the 28.5 mile point where we turned around and headed south (with the wind!). At the naval base the full distance race turned around and went back up route 1 for another lap. Each lap also had two short side road areas where you had to do either 1 or 2 laps per one big Even though i couldn't run more than 2 lap. Needless to say the second miles without pain on Jan 7th and against trip back into the wind crushed my medical advice, i decided to try and legs. Most of the road surface is race. I rationalized that i could always very rough which resulted in sore walk the marathon if i had to. upper bodies and hands (and lower bodies). I finished the bicycle leg Saturday was race day and the wind was in 6:09. as strong as it had been the last several days (18-20 mph) coming straight down I relaxed in transition and took US 1 (the bicycle course). Projected time to change into my running highs would be in the low 80s. The water shoes and compose myself (8 was very choppy and the waves were 4-6 mins) before the run leg. i pro-
ceeded to run/walk the marathon. Having to stop and walk when the pain became too much. The run course consisted of 3 7.75 mile loops on the sidewalk by the ocean before heading into downtown Key West for the finish. Think of running on sidewalk of Bayshore Blvd, and you would have a good idea of what it was like. The race course was changed so that we would run past the finish line in the park before appearing on Duval street for two blocks before heading back towards the park to finish. I finished 24th male overall finisher and 4th in age group at 12:43, but i know i could have done better had it not been for the IT band issue. Next year will be faster.
Richard Lush
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OPEN WATER SWIM SHALLOW SHORELINE COURSE
-For all swims, meet at parking lot at Frenchy’s Rockaway (7 Rockaway St, Clearwater). -USAT Certified Triathlon Coach Nicole Davis will be available to assist and coach swimmers of all levels. -All are welcome; Team Psych members free & non-team members requested $10 donation to Success 4 Kids & Families (www.s4kf.org) -Drills and workouts provided upon request and sometimes -There is no set distance to swim, our buoys are set up to allow you to do as much or little mileage as you want; everyone has different goals. RSVP with Nicole at Nicole@TeamPsychTri.com\ 813-758-8224
Saturday, March 9 @ 8 am Sunday, April 7 @ 8 am Saturday, April 20 @ 8 am Saturday, May 18 @ 8 am Saturday, June 1 @ 8 am
USAT Certified Triathlon Coach Nicole Davis
Sunday, June 23 @ 8 am Saturday, July 20 @ 8 am Sunday, August 4 @ 8 am Saturday, September 21 @ 8 am Sunday, October 13 @ 8 am Saturday, November 9 @ 8 am
1 Year FREE Membership Active Military & Families Afgan-Iraq Veteran 2012 or later MILITARY MEMBERSHIP That's right - it's FREE ! The Tampa Bay area Active Military and Family Memberships Package includes a Team Psych T-Shirt, Car Window Decal, Two Bike Flag-shaped Decals, (one for each side), Ten Body Tattoos, and membership card. One year active membership status. To be eligible you must be 1. Active Duty stationed in the Tampa Bay area 2. Be a Afgan-Iraq Veteran discharged from 2012 or later. 3. Attend a function; Team Psych Social, Open Water Swim or Team activity and fill out an application. This "Give Back" gift is made possible from our current paid memberships.
NICOLE DAVIS IRONMAN Team Psych Triathlon Co-Founder USAT Level I Coach
CONTACT INFORMATION Nicole@TeamPsychTri.com
Sandra says You should see the new pink & purple Boston Bill Sunglasses
http://bostonbill.com
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Team Psych Tent will be there. We will tattoo and bead all the kids we can. Last year there were 1600 children. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16th
Who’s Helping? The 2013 Fifth Third Bank Too Good for Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic will take place on the University of Tampa Campus at the Art & Polly Pepin Stadium. The Race Day Schedule is as follows: 8:30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. - Late Registration/Packet Pick-up: UNDER BLEACHER SEATING 8:45 A.M. Announcements: STAGE 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. - Stretching/Fitness with T-BONE: STAGE 10:00 A.M. - 2-Year Olds: 30 yds - INFIELD 10:15 A.M. - 3-Year Olds: 30 yds - INFIELD 10:30 A.M. - 4-Year Olds: 30-yds - INFIELD 10:45 A.M. - 5-Year Olds: 1/8 mile - TRACK 11:00 A.M. - 6-Year Olds: 1/8 mile - TRACK 11:15 A.M. - 7-Year Olds: 1/2 mile - TRACK 11:30 A.M. - 8-Year Olds: 1/2 mile - TRACK 11:45 A.M. - 9-10-Year Olds: 1 mile - TRACK
Team Psych Booth #917 2012 Gasparilla Distance Expo
February 22 & 23. Volunteers needed Friday 10:00 am—6:00PM. Saturday 8:00 am—4:00PM Your ideas on how to present ourselves, your volunteering at the booth particularly helpful. Last year we Tattoo’ed nearly 1500 runners , How many this year ? Come volunteer and help out at the expo and the 5K & 15K Water Stop.
These tattoos had to be personally applied, It’s a dirty thankless job but somebody’s got to do it!
Kari Eichen Linda Teresi Nicole Davis Mark Davis
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED LAST WATER STOP Gasparilla Distance Classic Saturday February 23rd 5K & 15K Come volunteer and help out at the 5K & 15K Water Stop. For three years we have manned the last water stop at the Gasparilla. Last year folks flashed us their tattoos, Yelled Aaarrggh at us, and some just wanted water. This year we are going to put on the show for the runners. We are working on some surprises for our volunteers that step forward. Photography Volunteer Needed We need 15 team mates Who’s Helping? Tom Monaweck, Rebekka, Tanner, Michael GR, Sonja, Karla Malone, Kari Eichen, Jim Martin, Michael Rodriques & daughter, Jim & Lisa Martin, Elizabeth Konz, John Patrick, Richard Lush We need more ! If you can help contact Tom at Bucarru@yahoo.com
2013 Team Psych Must Do Races 1/12/13
Bone Island Tri – Key West, FL
2/3/13
Chilly Willy Duathlon - Ft De Soto, FL
2/23-2/24
Gasparilla Distance Classic – Tampa, FL - Volunteer Opportunities
3/23/13
HITS Ocala – Ocala, FL
3/24/13
Gator Half Triathlon – Bradenton, FL
4/6/13 4/13/13 4/14/13 4/28/13
Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon – Lakeland, FL Escape from Fort DeSoto Triathlon – Ft De Soto, FL IronGirl Clearwater Half Marathon & 5k – Clearwater, FL – Volunteer Opportunities St Anthony’s Triathlon- St. Petersburg, FL
5/5/13
Longboat Key Sprint Triathlon/Du – Longboat Key, FL
5/5/13
Rocketman Florida Tri – Titusville, FL
5/25/13
Crystal River Series #1 – Crystal River, FL
6/16/13
Heartland Triathlon – Sebring, FL
7/6/13
Crystal River Series #2 – Crystal River, FL
TBA
Scenic 17 Triathlon – Webber Int’l University, Babson Park, FL
8/25/13
Ironman Louisville – Louisville, KY
10/20/13
Longboat Key International Tri/Du – Longboat Key, FL
TBA
Longleaf Triathlon – New Port Richey, FL
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BEGINNER BIKE RIDES March 10 Suncoast & 54 at 8am April 20 May 19 June 15 July 14 August 17 September 15 October 12 These rides will be in the 15-25 mile range. They will vary in locations. The goal is to develop skills in riding, especially with a group. There will be a experienced team member that will agree to keep the beginner rider on track to the end of the ride. There is no excuse to say you have to be stronger or more experienced. the point of these rides is to help the beginner or novice athlete become a triathlete and elevate skills in riding for the beginning triathlete.
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TRI TOP & SHORTS # 1 Purchase for Race Day Triathlon Competition, Cycling or Spinning • Hyperstretch Lycra fabric • Fully sublimated • Form fitting • Two side pockets • Hidden zipper - Tri Shorts in new short leg length
http://www.teampsychtri.com/merchandise
Belleair Sunset 5k February 16, 2013 5k course in Belleair Assorted Cookier/Food/Craft Beer Runners heaven.... http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=13243&z=1357218557906
Oldsmar Taphouse 5k March 29, 2013 10pm Pajama Party Oldsmar Florida www.oldsmartaphouse5k.com
Escape from Ft De Soto April 13, 2013 Ft De Sot Park swim 1/2 mile bike 10 mile run 3.4 mile http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=14859&z=1357140986953
FIT Triathlon May 5, 2013 Spring and International distance Benderson Park, Sarasota
Triathlon Swim Clinic & Seminar Saturday, February 2, 2013 @ 9:00 AM @ National Training Center 2350 Legends Way | Clermont, FL 34711 | 352-241-4595 Register Online Here via Active.com: http://bit.ly/TriathlonSeminarFlorida $299 for the full day, $199 for seminars only (no swim!) What You'll Learn Endurance Nation Coach Patrick McCrann will bring you several years up the learning curve on a range of subjects, saving you many, many mistakes and putting you on the triathlon fast track to your best season ever. Patrick is a professional triathlon coach, an Ironman World Championship finisher, and the co-founder of the leading online Age Group Triathlon Team and creators of the Team Coaching System. He has finished 18 Ironman events, including 5 in Hawaii, with a personal best of 9:27.
#1 - Swim Technique Session (Video Review delivered later via email) #2 - Train for 40k TT & Have Your Best Bike Ever! #3 - Triathlon Bike Fit, Race Day Set Up, Cornering #4 - Train for a 5k & Have Your Best Run Year Ever #5 - Running Technique, Hills, Heart Rate vs Pace #6 - Season Planning for the Age Group Triathlete BONUS ITEMS -- Get $260 of Plans & Equipment An Endurance Nation OutSeason Training Plan (14 weeks) -- a $199 value! An Endurance Nation Technical T-Shirt -- a $25 value! FREE FourKeys DVD ($37 value), 2+ hours of race execution guidance and insight. Free Bike Fit eBook Free Running with Pace eBook Free Swim eBook
Register Online Here via Active.com: http://bit.ly/TriathlonSeminarFlorida $249 for the full day, $149 for seminars only (no swim!)
2013 RACE DAY SPONSOR BANNER This Banner Hangs in the Team Psych Hospitality Tent
Become a Sponsor Sponsors get great benefits by reaching thousands of athletes. There is a level for everyone. Here are some of the benefits of Medal Sponsorship:
TEAM PSYCH memberships Team Psych T shirts Corporate logo on our sporting gear and publications Corporate logo on our 5 x 10 foot Corporate Banner on race sites Corporate ad on our Weekly Triathlon E-zine Link on our Team Psych website Introduction at our Team Psych Socials monthly
Just email Nicole@TeamPsychTri,com for more information on a sponsorship package.
We were at 30+ races last season, who knows this year Athletes step in front of our Skull Flag and Team Banner for a photo opportunity
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Team Psych Triathlon Times Editor: Mark Davis Charity Committee Chairperson : Sharon Evering Sponsorship contact : Nicole Davis ndavis@TeamPsychTri.com Membership Chairman: bevdavis@teampsychtri.com Webmaster : webmaster@teampsychtri.com, jrcasuga@gmail.com Relay Team Organizer: John Patrick Nutritional Questions to Sharon Evering: sdevering@therunningrd.com Triathlete of the Month Nominations to MDavis@TeamPsychTri.com Advertise here : Contact Mark MDavis@TeamPsychTri.com Questions of Triathlon and Tri Life Style to El Fuego and La Fuega are being accepted by mailing to MDavis@TeamPsychTri.com
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