Yanking Chains

We had a bit of a summer hiatus, but we are back at it with this episode! We spend a good bit of time recapping since our last episode - race recaps from TRT100, Pine to Palm 100, VT 100 (so a lot of hundreds), and Ironman Wisconsin.  We also talk about the importance of recovery in between and after such big races.  There is a bit of group therapy, snark and laughing. You know, the usual. 

In this episode, we talk about Maria & Vince's bet to see who finishes first, with Maria racing VT100 and Vince racing TRT100. We talk about our race strategies: Maria will run the 100 with her husband John (and they plan to stay married), while Vince is looking for revenge on the TRT100 course. We talk about general tips for pre-race prep, mental strategies, training for ultrarunning and more. We laugh a lot too and Maria tries to keep her dog Pace from eating her chickens. This one is solid gold ;-) . 

We talk with Andy Weinberg, the co-founder of The Endurance Society, a small Vermont based adventure company which produces extreme races for adventure seekers and endurance enthusiasts.  There are a wide variety of events from backcountry first aid, snowshoe, skiing, trail running (ultra distance), adventure racing, and long distance trekking. We talk with Andy about these various events - which are really a series of life changing experiences - and also discuss his athletic exploits, which include hundreds of races across various disciplines. He's competed in ultramarathons from 50k to 100 miles and beyond, and in triathlons from Ironman to Double IM, Triple, and Quintuple IM. Yes, that's 5 iron-distance triathlons completed in continuous format (12 miles of swimming, 560 miles of cycling, 131 miles of running).  We have a lot of fun in this interview! 

In this episode, we interview Laura Knoblach, who is the Guinness World Book Record Holder for the youngest finisher of a double iron-distance triathlon, which she completed at the Florida Double Anvil, in March 2016, at Lake Louisa State Park.  We talk with Laura about her athletic adventures, her unique training and fueling strategies, and her plans for new records and adventures.  This is a don't miss episode if you are into extreme triathlon, running or sports. 

This episode is a grab bag of topics related mostly to endurance running as Matt, Vince and Maria recap on the past few weeks. Maria & Vince discuss their trip to run Zion National Park, and then we go on to discuss the Barkley Marathon documentary, which may or may not have some of the hosts thinking about whether they want to do it or not. We talk about the importance of sleep, and give Altra sneakers a review. 

In this episode, we start with a therapy session, talking Matt off the ledge before his HITS Napa iron-distance race. We convince Matt that a fleece jacket is not a good idea for a rainy day. While we are snarking on Matt a bit, we do offer some tips and tricks for executing a solid race.  Then, we interview Andrea Jarzombek, a Northwest pacific runner with a history of running fast from the 5k to the ultramarathon. An interesting tidbit: she does this all without an ACL. She talks about how she trains, recovers, and rehabs. She also tells us the story about how she raced for the win, went off course, and ended up with Rhabdo. 

You might be doing it wrong if: You don't consider recovery part of triathon and run training You work harder (or easier) than a workout prescribes You don't practice with your race day nutrition You don't think about the totality of your race season and the goals you have for that season.  You're moving up the distances too quickly. You're running too fast. You're running too much. You're ignoring your injuries. You're not treating triathlon as one sport. And more! 

In this episode, we talk with Mary Eggers, a 42 year old mom and wife. She's done a bunch of stuff in endurance sport, likes to have a beer now and then, and is addicted to learning new sports.  She has competed in triathlons for 20 years, and is a triathlon coach for 12 years. She recently founded the Valor Triathlon project. She is a Pediatric Emergency Nurse at Finger Lakes Community College. We talked with her about her training and coaching, and her kick off challenges with both Lance Armstrong and Crowie, as a way to raise money to help kids with cancer. Mary is an incredible athlete, coach and community.

In this episode, Matt & Vince recap their 8 hour excursion on the back 25 miles of the Western States course and how they narrowly avoided drowning when clear heads prevailed.  The main part of the show focuses on baseline & ongoing assessment testing, including FTP testing - types, styles & why LTHR testing - types, styles & why Benchmark workouts that serve as key indicators Metrics to monitor for any workout

In this episode, we get mental! We cover some of the key aspects of mental training and fitness for triathlon and running, including:  Swim anxiety Triggers to "dark side" of distraction (such as comparing self to others) Mindfulness best moments: when we are right here, right now positive mindset + present moment Choice to shift focus to optimize Mental skills as daily practice Role of mental skills in knowing when to hold back--and when not to Use daily "micro goals" to build up success Finding the fun (and a purpose) Role of a journal - tool for tracking progress

Cara Anselmo is a nutritionist and certified yoga instructor in New York, NY. She currently works as an outpatient dietitian at a major NYC hospital. Her special interests include plant-based diets, oncology nutrition, and weight reduction and management. We talk with Cara about a plant-based diet, and how yoga can benefit the endurance athlete in triathlon, running or ultrarunning.  We cover protein, carbs (not the devil!), supplements, super foods and essential oils. Cara also shares with us 5 minutes of yoga that triathletes and runners should consider doing daily. 

Matt, Vince & Maria recount the "best of" triathlon & running experiences for 2015, including the Rim to Rim to Rim adventure in the Grand Canyon, favorite go-to workouts, best race, and breakthrough moments. Happy new year, ya'll! 

Matt gives a report of his PR finish at the California International Marathon. We also talk through some tips and tricks for marathon training & performance. There's also some talk of hardcore nipple chafe.  We also discuss FTP tests, wishing for watts, and dealing with the temptations of parties and social gatherings when you are training.

We are structuring it up in this episode - both with our talk notes & our tips.  We cover:  Evaluating the season you just finished - DATA DATA DATA!! And, also, your narrative of what happened, how it went, your thoughts, etc.  Avoiding burnout by giving yourself downtime Adding in strength work Doing something other than swim, bike, run - CRAAAZZZAAAAY!  These tips are good for any endurance athlete - triathlon, running or ultrarunning. 

In this episode, Vince & Maria recap their experiences running the 2015 Javelina Jundred. This was Vince's 3rd 100 miler, and Maria's first. Buckles galore, baby!!! 

In this episode, we interview John Jenkins, who is an ironman, ultrarunner, and more recently a champion of the Virginia Double Anvil, which is a double iron-distance triathlon. He shares his amazing story about how he went from the front to sleeping in the mud, and then coming from behind to win the race in the final 4 miles of a 281.2 mile race. Triathlon. 

Vince shares some of his journey into vegetarianism, Maria explains how her dog and chickens get along, Matt bares his soul, and then we talk mental toughness & training for triathlon & running, with discussion of:  Why work on your mental fitness When & how to do mental training Techniques for training the brain in your daily routine Tips to HTFU

Co-hosts Maria, Vince, and Matt kick off the Yanking Chains journey to bring you a snarky, multisport endurance lifestyle podcast. We figure out how to get into google hangouts, talk post-race emotions, race reports for Ironman Wisconsin, and Labor Pains 12 hour ultrarun, and analyzing race metrics. A little bit triathlon, and a little bit ultrarunning and a lot of laughing.