First 1 Mile Swim (and Great Climb)

Without planning it, I did my first one mile swim this morning. I thought I was going to do about 20 laps, but I just kept going and decided to stop at 36 laps (exactly 1 mile). And to make things a little more like swimming in open water, I didn’t push off the walls at all, and I didn’t stop once for a break. It took me about 45-50 minutes, which isn’t bad (for a slow-ass like me).

It’s now 4 hours since I got out of the pool, and I still have goggle marks. I’ve been taking care of some business around MCAD, and I just noticed that I’ve had nice little lines under my eyes the entire afternoon while talking to all of my acquaintances. Oh well.

4+ Hour Goggle Marks

Also, I had a fairly normal bike ride today, only it ended with a climb up Ramsey Hill in St. Paul. It was my third time up the hill, but my first while staying completely in the saddle. I didn’t budge! I got to the top and I was wheezing and I could taste a little blood, but I stayed in my seat, gosh darn it!

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...Then Kermit Licked Me All Over

I did my longest run since high school today. It was by myself (without my incredible pacer Sarah) and it was fast (for me). I started running at an 8-minute-mile pace. I’ve never ran at a preset pace to see if I could keep it up before, so I didn’t know how well it would go. At about 1.5 miles in, I wasn’t sure if I could keep up the pace. But at 3 miles, I was 1 minute faster than an 8-minute-mile pace. At about 5.5 miles, I was 2 minutes faster than my pace. I finished at 53 minutes having run 7 miles (3 minutes faster than 8-minute-mile pace). I didn’t think I could do it. But it felt damn good.

I came home and sat down, and Kermit (one of my 2 cats) started licking my legs, arms, and chest. To her, I’m nothing more than a giant, hairy, salt lick.

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Like a (Dead) Fish Out of Water

I did my first open water swim of the summer tonight. Sarah and I went to Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. Here’s what I learned:

• It’s hard to go straight when there is no line under you to follow, therefore...
• I tend to SEVERLEY veer left.
• Bullheads that are barely alive float awkwardly near the surface and are as scary as hell.
• Tying my car key to the inside waistband in my suit works well, except for the strange looking lump it forms.
• When the sun is at the right angle, you can almost see through my suit.
• I’m f*cking slow.

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Proper Biking Attire

I always encourage people to get out and bike no matter what. You have a 15-year-old, $60 Wal-Mart bike? Great, get out and use it! Your chain is rusted solid? Soak it with some WD-40 and quick whining. You don’t have bike shorts or a good biking jersey? Fine, wear jeans and sneakers - just get out there and bike! Minneapolis/St. Paul has great trails all over the place. Use your bike for errands and get a workout while being good to the environment. (Side note: I biked over 66 miles yesterday while getting stuff done. I went from home in St. Paul to ProColor in MPLS to drop off some film for processing, then down to Brown College in Mendota Heights for a quick meeting, then back to ProColor to pick up my film, and finally back home.) Use your bike, get a workout, and have a great time.

But, for the love of God, please use some common sense. If you don’t have the gear, wear a pair of big ole cotton granny panties instead of a little red string up your butt...

(I actually took this photo [near 394 & Penn]-
it is NOT just some funny photo I pulled off the web!)

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Does Camping and Canoeing Count as Triathlon Training?

This past weekend (Fri, June 16 - Sun, June 18) I was out in Wisconsin with a whole bunch of in-laws. We camped at the Leon Valley Campgrounds near Sparta and canoed down the Kickapoo River, and generally just had a hell of a time.

We canoed all day Saturday until a nasty storm pulled in. We got out of the river early, and a nice, shirtless young man with pierced nip-nips loaded 16 of us (plus himself) into a van and drove us back to our cars. I got to know my brother-in-law a little too well on that cramped van ride, but at least we were off the river and heading back to camp. Pierced nip-nip man, if you’re reading this, here's a heartfelt THANK YOU from that entire van!!

As far as my training over this past weekend....well, I did OK.

What’s that you say?...Eating 30 ounces of Wisconsin cheese is not equivalent to biking 30 miles??

Oh, and getting 10 bug bites is not the same as running 10 miles??

Then I guess I didn’t do squat this weekend....

Out of the canoe with some hooligans in the Kickapoo

Sarah and I in our tent on a rainy Saturday evening

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My Upper Lip Tastes Like a Pretzel (2006 in Review)

My first event of the year was the Ironman Bike Ride out of Lakeville, MN, on April 30, 2006. Participants could choose to bike the 30, 60, or 100 mile course. I knew I could do the 60-mile course easily, so I was considering the 100 mile course. And when I found out there were “Lag Wagons” to pick you up if the course was too much, I was sold on the 100-mile route!

The day left something to be desired, however. It was raining, cold, and there were 25-30 mph winds. The winds weren’t a problem at first. I did my first 35 miles in 2 hours and still felt as good as new. But when the course turned southeast at mile 35, the wind was head-on. I made it from Lakeville to Jordan to Belle Plaine to Montgomery to Lonsdale to Dundas to Northfield (86 miles into the course) and had to throw in the towel. I could not make myself finish those last 15 miles – I had nothing to prove to anyone. Those last 50 straight miles of wind and rain beating straight into my face had taken it’s toll, so I found a Lag Wagon, kissed the driver on the lips, and said “Take me home!”

Wet, cold, windy, shitty

First meal after the Ironman Ride. Top notch!

My second event of the year was a fun one: it was an Indoor Triathlon at the Lifetime Fitness in Chanhassen, MN, on May 7, 2006. “Indoor Triathlon?” you say? “How does it work?” you say? Instead of having to travel a certain distance as fast as you can, this triathlon has athletes going as far as they can within a certain time limit. So it was a 10 minute swim in a lap pool, 10 minute transition, 30 minute bike on a spinning cycle, 5 minute transition, and a 20 minute run on a treadmill. The distances are then translated into points (the farther you travel, the more points you get) and everyone is ranked against everyone else. Good stuff!

It almost turned deadly due to the amount of guacamole that I had consumed the night before at a party. I was in the bathroom doing unpretty things 3 times in the half hour leading up to the swim. I literally went straight from the toilet to the pool to warm up 5 minutes before the gun sounded. I made it through OK (thank God!!)

My third event on May 24, 2006, was very unofficial. I signed up months ago to do an Olympic Distance Triathlon in July, and I wanted to make sure that I could do one. So I went to the Y and swam 33 laps (roughly 0.9 miles), ran through the locker room and hopped on my bike, biked 25 miles, dropped my bike off at home and ran 6 miles (6.2 miles is the official run, but I only ran about 6). The swim took me 44 minutes, the bike took me 1 hour 33 minutes, and the run took me 58 minutes. With transitions, my total time was about 3 hours, 20 minutes. The times were NOT fast. But more importantly, I finished, I was still upright, and I felt great!!

My fourth event (which will bring us up to date) was the Apple Duathlon in Sartell, MN, on May 27, 2006. This duathlon was a 5k run, 33k bike, and 5k run (roughly 3.1 mile run, 21 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). This was spectacular! I had a great time, even thought the bike course was hilly and my odometer crapped out so I had no idea how far into the course I was. My total time was 1 hour 54 minutes (my first run was 23:04, my bike was 1:06:29, and my second run was 23:24).

My bike (middle left) and Sarahs bike (middle right)

Post-race pizza and bread

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Product / Gear Reviews

Every once and I while, I feel the need to write about how good / bad something is. And sometimes, when I’m real lucky, companies will send me something to try out and write about. Below are brief descriptions of different reviews along with links to the more complete review.


• "Does It Work" Series. This is a series of 11 "mini-reviews" I did on products / gear / creams / gadgets that I've used. I gave each item a grade of A+ through F. Click here to be taken to the posts tagged with "does it work?"

Roctane, Topricin, Aquaphor, "old-school" running shorts, compression technology, YakTrax, and much much more

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• GoLite DriMove BL-3 Longsleeve Zip. Warm, cozy. Good flap at the top of the zipper to keep it from digging into your neck. I'll reserve it for sub-0 runs. Click here to see more of a write-up on it.

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• Nutrilite tour and health assessment. On Nov 14th, 2009, my wife and I got to tour the Nutrilite facilities in CA, as well as receive a very individualized health assessment. Part 1: out on their campus, Part 2: results of my health assessment (and my final thoughts).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• SUGOi compression tights, tri top, and tri shorts (among other things). I LOVE the tights - they are the best! I’ve only barely been able to try out the top and shorts. Click here to see the write-up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• SUGOi Velocity tri suit and Saucony Grid Sinister racing flats. The tri suit it FAST, but can get a little warm (like many tri suits). The shoes are also FAST, but my feet can only take a 10K in them - anything longer and my feet get too sore. Click here to see the write-up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Monkey Shake, FRS Supplements, and more. Monkey Shake is my new “go to” recovery drink. FRS makes a great concentrate, but I don’t care for some of their other stuff. Click here to see the write-up.

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• YakTrax. KEY for running outside in MN in the winter! Click here to see the write-up. (BTW, I use the "YakTrax Pro" which have the velco strap over the top.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• “Powerhouse Hit The Deck” Workout. Great, inexpensive, quick “Cross-fit” style workout, but focuses a lot on the lower body. Click here to see the write-up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Drymax Socks and Zeal Sunglasses. Love the socks, and love the sunglasses; I have a bit of a narrow head, and the sunglasses say put! Click here to see the write-up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Drymax Running Socks. 95% if my runs take place in Drymax socks. Enough said. Click here to see the write-up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Hair Removal Creams. If you need to be smooth, here are some options. I used “Hansen’s for Men” and “Nair for Men.” Click here to see the write-up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(Note: in the name of full disclosure and the Oct 2009 change in FTC ruling, I must note that all of these products and services were sent to me to try out for free. [Except for the hair removal cream which I purchased myself.] However, I was not paid for any of these remarks.)

Want me to write something about your product? Send me an e-mail:
stevestenzelphotography [at] yahoo [dot] com

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Recent Workouts

I’m a member of Beginner Triathlete, and that’s where I log my workouts.


- Click here to see my MONTHLY training log.

- Click here to see my more detailed WEEKLY training log.

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Race Resume

This is a listing of only “official” races. To see a complete list of events (with more links to reports, photos, possibly Garmin data, etc), check the right sidebar of my blog.

- - - 2016 - - -

• Meet of the Miles, Jan 11: 4:56.60. 26 out of 151 overall, 3 out of 10 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report and Results and Video

• Securian Run Half Marathon, Jan 30: 1:26:51. 23 out of 557 overall, 10 out of 81 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and More Photos

• Half Fast Half Marathon (turned 25K), Feb 20: 1:26:18 at 13.1, 1:41:10 after 15.41 miles. Race Report and Results

• Lake Johanna 4 Mile, March 12 (first race with BOTH boys): 24:16. 7 out of 149 overall, 2 out of 15 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and Results

• O'Gara's 8K Irish Run, March 19: 29:20. 65 out of 444 overall, 7 out of 26 in the 35-39 age group. Race Report and Team Photos

[Injured for the summer]

• Fort Snelling 15K Relay, Oct 16: 18:25. 21 out of 96 5K splits overall. 3-person team was 12 out of 32 overall, 9 out of 12 open male teams. Race Report

• Rocky's Run CC 6K, Nov 6: 24:03.1. 14 out of 98 overall, 1 out of 1 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and More Photos

• Fast Before the Feast 5K, Nov 24 (racing with my son and nephew in the stroller): 18:20. 7 ou too 615 overall, 1 out of 18 in the 35-39 age group. Race Report and More Photos

• Donut Mile, Dec 29: 8:25. 2 out of 4 overall, 1 out of 3 men. Race Report and Race Video

2016 highlights: I spent a lot of this year injured (and then slowly/smartly coming back from that injury), so I didn't race a lot. That's really what I remember about 2016. My favorite racing memories are doing things with my boys: my first race with both of them at Lake Johanna, getting lots of high-fives from them during Rocky's Run 6K CC race, and racing with my youngest and my nephew at the Fast Before the Feast (all the while watching my beard grow, apparently...):

My view at Lake Johanna 4 Mile, my boys giving high-fives
at Rocky's Run 6K, and all set to go for the Fast Before the Feast 5K.

- - - 2015 - - -

• YWCA Indoor Tri, March 8: 2 out of 23 overall. Race Report, Official Results, and More Photos

• Cinco DU Mayo Duathlon, May 2: 53:58, FIRST OVERALL. 1 out of 96 overall, 1 out of 13 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and Official Photos

• Oakdale Duathlon, May 9: 1:10:54. 11 out of 177 overall, 4 out of 166 non-elite, 1 out of 13 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and Results and Final Thoughts

• Tuesday Night Time Trial, June 2: 26:30 for 10 miles. 23.1 mph, 35 out of 64 overall, 30 out of 40 open male, 5 out of 10 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and a few More Photos

• Duathlon Nationals, June 6: 1:00:41. 28 out of 190 overall, 4 out of 11 in the 30-34 age group. Part 1, Part 2 - my Race Report, and More Photos

• Capitol City Triathlon, June 14: 1:04:39. 25 out of 131 overall, 5 out of 14 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report

• Lake Waconia Triathlon, June 28: 1:38.22. 24 out of 215 overall, 3 out of 15 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report

• Life Time Fitness Tri Relay, July 11: (sprint relay) 1:07:00, team "Handsome, Hairy, and Here to Win." 1 out of 38 teams, 1 out of 12 all male teams, and course record. Race Report and Official Photos

• Life Time Fitness Super Sprint Tri, July 11: 32:43, 1st overall and course record. 1 out of 41 overall, 1 out of 9 in my age group. Race Report and Official Photos

• North Mankato Tri, Aug 9: 1:02:30. First race as an elite: 4 out of 131 overall, 1 out of 8 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report and Photos of me in the Mankato Free Press Newspaper

• Looney Challenge, Oct 3-4: 3rd overall in the series, 10K: 38:33 (21 out of 2324 overall, 8 out of 145 in the 30-34 age group), 5K: 18:54 (32 out of 2696 overall, 4 out of 115 in the 30-34 age group), 10 Mile: 1:03:05 (106 out of 9150 overall, 15 out of 537 in the 30-34 age group. 5K and 10K race report, TC 10 Mile race report, Loony Challenge Results, Official Photos, and Final Series Thoughts

• New Year's Eve Donut Mile, Dec 31: 8:11. 2 out of 12 overall. Race Report

2015 highlights: This was a good year of racing, but my 2 favorite memories have to be racing Duathlon Nationals to finish 4th in my age group and racing as an "elite" for the first time at the North Mankato Triathlon and finishing 4th overall:

- - - 2014 - - -

• Israman Half Iron Triathlon, Jan 16: (relay) 7:03:06, 66 out of 90 teams, 17 out of ?? in the "120+" division. Pre-Race Red Sea Swim (video), Race Report, Race Photos, More Race Photos, Final Race Notes, and Instagram Photos from my Israel Trip

• Y Guys Swim Meet, Feb 23: 31.69 50 yds (54 out of 67 overall, 3 out of 4 in the 30-34 age group), 1:09.88 100 yds (33 out of 50 overall, 2 out of 3 in the 30-34 age group), 7:26.08 500 yds (27 out of 32 overall, 3 out of 3 in the 30-34 age group). Meet Report and Official Results

• YWCA Indoor Triathlon, March 16: 25:42, 1 out of 17 overall. Race Report and Official Results

• Tues Night Time Trial, June 3: 35:11.49 for 13 miles, 22.16 mph, 54 out of 81 overall, 12 out of 15 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, and More Photos

• Trinona Time Trial, June 7: 12:38.55, 15 out of 60 overall, 9 out of 23 in the open male division. Race Report, More Photos, and Even More Photos and Final Thoughts

• Trinona Triathlon Relay, June 8: 58:52, "The Fast and the Furriest" co-ed team, 1 out of 15 teams overall, 1 out of 9 co-ed teams. Race Report

• North Mankato Triathlon, June 28: 1:15:48, Team "3S" (Steve, Sarah, and Steph), 2 out of 8 teams overall. Race Report

• Waconia Triathlon, June 29: 1:29:52, "The Gold Guys Best Friends Team," 1 out of 12 teams. Race Report

• Waseca Triathlon, July 27: 1:18:16, 8 out of 91 overall, 2 out of 8 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Part 2, and Race Photos

• Lake Marion Triathlon, Aug 17: 1:16:06, 3 out of 218 overall, 2 out of 10 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, and Official Photos

• Treadman Duathlon, Sept 20: 1:44:47, 7 out of 68 overall, 2 out of 3 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report

• TC Looney Challenge, Oct 4-5: 1st overall in the series, 10K: 38:40 (16 out of 2101 overall, 1 out of 130 in the 30-34 age group), 5K 18:38 (20 out of 2575 overall, 2 out of 96 in the 30-34 age group), 10 Mile: 1:01:42 (98 out of 8581 overall, 15 out of 548 in the 30-34 age group). 10K and 5K Race Report, 10 Mile Race Report, and Final Series Results

• ALS Superhero Dash 5K, Oct 11: 17:56.63 (raced with Henry), 1 out of 480 overall, 1 out of 45 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, Final Race Thoughts, and some Awesome Race Photos

• "Kitten Mile," Nov 1: 7:09.9, 3rd elite. Race Report

2014 highlights: there's a lot of good stuff this year like winning the "Loony Challenge" and finishing 3rd at the Lake Marion Triathlon, but the 2 biggest highlights were racing 4 triathlons with friends/family as relays, and going to Israel to swim in the Red Sea as part of the Israman 70.3 Triathlon:

Top: Israman and Trinona. Bottom: North Mankato and Waconia.


Me, Rany, and Sharon racing in Israel.

- - - 2013 - - -

• Meet of the Miles, Jan 14: 4:56.56, 25 out of 134 overall, 4 out of 11 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, and Results and More Photos

• Y Guys Swim Meet, Feb 23: 31.03 50 yds (45 out of 55 overall, 4 out of 5 in the 30-34 age group) and 1:10.17 100 yds (32 out of 46 overall, 1 out of 2 in the 30-34 age group). Race Report, Things I Learned, and Official Results

• Lake Johanna 4 Mile, March 23: 24:10 (raced with Henry), 4 out of 157 overall, 3 out of 20 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, and Official Photos

• Falls Duathlon, April 27: 1:08:56, 11 out of 185 overall, 6 out of 37 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, More Photos, and Official Photos

• Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon, May 4: 56:06, FIRST DUATHLON WIN! 1 out of 101 overall, 1 out of 17 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report , Part 2, and Official Photos

• Gear West Duathlon, May 19: 1:20:56, "Team Itchy and Scratchy," 3 out of 13 teams, 3 out of 8 male/male teams. Race Report, Crowning of the Relay Champs, Devon's version of the race, and More Photos

• Trinona Time Trial, June 8: 12:27.4, 14 out of 74 overall, 10 out of 32 open males. Race Report, Race Video (from my helmet cam), and Race Photos

• Friendship Day 2 Mile, June 29: 9:40, (short course) 1 out of 100+ overall. Race Report

• Richard A. Hoska Midsummer Mile, July 10: 4:40.5, 12 out of 151, 8 out of 31 in the 20-39 age group. Race Report, helping verify that the race was short, and More Photos

• Waseca Sprint Triathlon, July 28: 1:16:38, 11 out of 131 overall, 2 out of 3 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Garmin Data, Race Photos, and More Race Photos

• TNT Time Trial, July 30: 28:59.2 for 11 miles, 22.77 mph, 56 out of 85 overall, 17 out of 23 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, and Race Photos

• Lake Marion Sprint Triathlon, August 18: 1:16:25, 7 out of 282 overall, 2 out of 16 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, and Part 2

• Square Lake Half Iron Relay, Sept 8: DNF, Race Report, More About My Team, and Official Race Photos

• Swim-Off Against a Pro Triathlete, Dec 12: 1:09.6 for 100 yds, Race Report, Follow Up, and Devon's Response

2013 highlight: Taking my FIRST ever duathlon win at the Cinco DU Mayo Duathlon:

- - - 2012 - - -

• Securian Run Half Marathon, Jan 28: 1:25:22, 21 out of 830 overall, 5 out of ?? in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, a few final thoughts on the race, Race Photos

• Meet of the Miles, Jan 9: 4:53.86, 18 out of 136 overall, 2 out of ?? in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Results

• Human Race 8K, March 18: 29:15, 67 out of 682 overall, 13 out of 44 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, More Photos, Final notes and Grand Prix standings

• Lake Johanna 4 Mile, March 24: 28:48 (first race with Henry!), 7 out of 177 overall, 1 out of ?? in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, and Race Photos

• Get in Gear 10K, Apr 28: 36:47, 86 out of 3,654 overall, 12 out of 233 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Grand Prix standings

• Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon, May 5: 55:08, 2 out of 139 overall, 2 out of 15 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, Race Photos with a report from first place, and Race Photos with people looking at my butt

• New Prague Half Marathon, May 12: 1:20:54, 4 out of 356 overall, 1 out of 20 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, how I had such a good race, and Official Photos

• Brian Kraft 5K, May 28: 17:23, 81 out of 476 overall, 24 out of 52 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, and a few things post-race

• Hillfest (bike race), June 2: Race Report, Race Photos

• Trinona Oly Triathlon, June 10: 2:37:30, 71 out of 292 overall, 11 out of 29 in the 30-34 age group. Pre-Race, Race Report, and Race Photos

• Minneapolis Triathlon (LTF), July 14: 2:28:26, 78 out of 763 overall, 14 out of 98 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, More Photos, Official Photos, and Finisher's Video

• Rice Street Mile, July 26: 4:55.9, 20 out of 233 overall, 11 out of 50 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report

• Run for Blood 5K, July 28: 17:49, 7 out of 428 overall, 3 out of ?? in the 30-39 age group. Race Report and Race Photos

• USC Alumni Run CC Meet, Aug 18: 18:10, 3 out of 17 overall. Race Report

• Rochester Track Club Half Marathon, Aug 25: 1:25:45, 13 out of 312 overall, 3 out of 25 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report and More Photos

• Victory 10K, Sept 3: 38:02, 40 out of 529 overall, 7 out of 25 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, More Photos and Grand Prix Standings, and Official Photos

• City of Lakes 25K, Sept 9: 1:39:50, 57 out of 720 overall, 7 out of 33 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Photos, Official Photos and Grand Prix Standings, and Post-Race Feet

• T.R.B. Mile, Oct 20: 6:53.87, 5th place elite. Race Report

• Rocky's Run 6K (XC), Nov 4: 23:25, 22 out of 163 overall, 1 out of 5 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Race Photos, and Final MDRA Grand Prix Standings

• Fast Before The Feast 10K, Nov 22: 37:16 (racing with Henry!), 4 out of 304 overall. Race Report and Race Photos

2012 longest race ever: I won the 14 race MDRA "Grand Prix" series for 2012, and as part of that, I finished my first 25K:

In my new pink plaid "Pink and the Brain" shorts.

- - - 2011 - - -

• New Years Resolution Track Meet, Jan 2: 17:17.3 for the 5000. 2 out of 19 overall, 1 out of 4 in the 19-34 age group. Race Report, Finishing Photos, Race Photos

• MDRA Meet of the Miles, Jan 10: 4:49.53 for the mile. 12 out of 136 overall. Race Report, More Photos (on my Examiner page), Results

• St. Paul Winter Carnival Half Marathon, Jan 29: 1:15:14. (Only around 11.6 miles.) 25 out of 817 overall. Race Report, Photos and Results (on my Examiner page), Race Video, Race Photos

• Falls Duathlon, April 30: 1:12:56, 12 out of 131 overall, 4 out of 13 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, More Photos (on my Examiner page), Final Thoughts, Race Photos

• Oakdale Duathlon, May 14: 1:09:58, "Team Happy Pants," 1 out of 25 teams, 1 out of 11 all male teams. Race Report, More Photos (on my Examiner page), Race Photos

• Gear West Duathlon, May 22: 1:17:08, "Team Happy Pants," 1 out of 20 teams, 1 out of 8 all male teams. Race Report, Photos and Results (on my Examiner page), More Muddy Photos

• Apple Duathlon, May 28: 1:36:42, 21 out of 226 overall, 2 out of 21 in 30-34 age group. Race Report, Photos and Results (on my Examiner page), More Examiner Photos, Even More Photos, Race Photos

• Liberty Triathlon, June 11: registered, but didn't race. Instead, I was at the hospital watching my son be born!

• LTF Sprint Triathlon, July 9: 1:17:30.3, 22 out of 820 overall, 5 out of 49 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report, Examiner write-up (and pro photos), me and the pros pre-race, a few more race details

• Waseca Sprint Triathlon, July 31: 1:18:27, 6 out of 147 overall, 2 out of 17 in the 30-39 age group. Race Report, More Photos (in my Examiner write-up), Official Photos

• Lake Marion Sprint Tri, Aug 22: 1:16:53, 6 out of 314 overall, 3 out of 20 in the 30-34 age group.Race Report Part 1, Race Report Part 2

• TC 10 Mile, Oct 2: 1:01:20, 139 out of 7548 overall, 21 out of 506 in the 30-34 age group. Race Report Part 1, Race Report Part 2 (with farm animals), the Famous "Sexy Farm Animal Video", Official Photos

• The "Kitten" Mile, Oct 15: 6:47, 3rd in the "elite male" category. Race Report

• Challenge Depression Track Meet, Dec 4: 17:49.36 for the 5000, 4 out of 16 overall, 1 out of 4 in the 19-34 "open male" age group. Race Report, Race Splits

2011 photos from memorable races: Matt and I coming from behind in 2 duathlon relays to take the win (at the Oakdale Du [top] and the Gear West Du [middle]), and winning my first "Apple" at the Apple Duathlon (bottom) - a goal of mine since my first duathlon in 2006:

(I also wore the "Tutti Frutti" shorts for every mulitsport race this year!)

- - - 2010 - - -

• Securian St. Paul Winter Carnival Half-Marathon, Jan 23: 1:28:55, 34 out of 786 overall, 8 out of 53 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Race Video (I ran with a camera), Photos.

• 100% Irish For a Day TC 10 Mile, Mar 13: 1:02:44, 18 out of 779 overall, 9 out of 81 in the 22-29 age group. Race Report, Photos

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Tri, Mar 14: 2 out of 88 overall. Race Report, Results

• MDRA Lake Johanna 4 Mile, Mar 20: 22:42, 6 out of 140 overall, 1 out of 5 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report

• The Human Race 5K, Mar 28: 17:11, 2 out of 498 overall, 1 out of 26 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Photos

• MDRA Mudball Classic (trail race), Apr 18: 25:04, 3 out of 76 overall, 2 out of 3 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, Photos from the Kids Race, One More Photo

• Pine Line Half Marathon, Apr 24: 1:22:51, 2 out of 78 overall, 1 out of 5 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, Results and More Photos

• Cannon Falls Duathlon, May 1: 1:13:14, 12 out of 207 overall, 2 out of 10 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report Part 1, Race Report Part 2, Photos from Erik, Official Photos

• Oakdale Duathlon, May 15: 1:09:45, "Team Happy Pants," 3 out of 30 teams, 3 out of 9 all male teams. Race Report, Photos, More Photos (on my Examiner Page)

• Gear West Duathlon, May 25: 1:20:25, "Team Happy Pants," second place team (2 out of 12 teams total, 2 out of 4 all male teams). Race Report Part 1, Race Report Part 2, Video

• Liberty Olympic Tri, June 12: 27:34 / 1:45 / 1:07:07 / 0:59 / 38:14 = 2:15:37. 8 out of 164 overall, 1 out of 6 in 25-29 age group. Race Report, Race Photos

• Great Prairie 2.5 K Open Water Swim, July 18: 47:57, 3 out of 16 in the "wetsuit division," 1 out of 1 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, More Photos (on my Examiner page)

• Waseca Sprint Tri, Aug 1: 1:18:27, 5 out of 136 overall, 2 out of 18 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, More Photos, Photos and Report (on my Examiner page)

• Mosquito Man Duathlon, Sept 4: 1:15:07, 4 out of 84 overall, 2 out of 6 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Video, Photos and Report (on my Examiner page)

• Twin Cities Medtronic 10 Mile, Oct 3: 59:05, 43 out of 7,017 overall, 18 out of 458 in the 22-29 age group. Race Report, Photo and Video links (on my Examiner page), Spectating Photos, Cheering Video, Official Photos

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Tri, Nov 14: 1 out of 41 overall. Race Report, Results

2010 photos from great races: Running to a 5K PR and biking to an Oly Tri PR:

- - - 2009 - - -

• Challenge Resolution Track Meet, Jan 1: (1 mile [not 1600] on a 200 meter track) 4:54.6, 4 out of 21 overall, 2 out of 4 in age group. Race Report.

• St. Paul Winter Carnival Half-Marathon, Jan 24: (shortened to a 10.25 K due to the cold) 40:10, 18 out of 670 overall, 6 out of 43 in age group. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Rochester LUABC Half-Marathon, Feb 15: 1:28:05, 5 out of 120 overall. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon, Eagan, Mar 8: 3 out of 60 overall. Race Report, Results.

• Ironman 70.3 New Orleans, April 5: 38:44 / 4:41 / 3:02:11 / 6:23 / 1:36:28 = 5:28:25. 433 out of 2321 overall, 356 out of 1672 men, 50 out of 186 in 25-29 age group. Race Report, Post Race. (Find more links on this race in the sidebar.)

• MDRA Mudball Classic, April 19: (4 mile trail run) 24:48, 4 out of 70 overall. Race Report.

• Winter BeGone Duathlon, April 26: 1:07:13, 15 out of 115 overall, 4 out of 7 in age group. Race Report (4th in AG), Race Photos, More Photos.

• Cannon Falls Duathlon, May 2: 1:18:03, 12 out of 135 overall, 6 in age group. Race Report, Race Photos and Results.

• Gear West Duathlon, May 17: 1:22:41, “Team Happy Pants,” second place team. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Apple Duathlon, May 23: 1:41:59 (would have been 1:39:59 without penalty), 102 out of 308 overall, 69 out of 193 men, 9 out of 24 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Race Photos, More Race Photos.

• Liberty Olympic Distance Tri, June 13: 28:07 / 2:06 / 1:12:09 / 1:13 / 39:33 = 2:23:06. 37 out of 194 overall, 35 out of 135 men, 9 out of 15 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Free to Run 4 Miler, July 4: 23:49, 3 out of 154 overall. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Chisago Lakes Sprint Tri, July 26: 1:33:29.6, 47 out of 822 overall, 40 out of 375 men, 9 out of 59 in age group. Race Report, Race Photos.

• St. Croix Valley Olympic Tri, Sept 6: 29:38 / 1:39 / 1:12:43 / 0:47 / 38:16 = 2:23:00. 15 out of 111 overall, 13 out of 83 men, 2 out of 9 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, Photos.

• Get Ready to Rock 10K, Sept 12: 36:46, 1 out of 105 overall, 1 out of 7 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, Photos.

• Cannon Wells Duathlon, Sept 26: 1:08:21, “Team Happy Pants,” first place team. Race Report, Results.

• Medtronic TC 10 Mile, Oct 5: 1:02:43, 95 out of 5797 overall, 84 out of 2254 men, 48 out of 436 in the 22-29 age group. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Monster Dash 10 Mile, Oct 31: 1:02:19, 3 out of 937 overall, 1 out of 48 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Race Photos, More Photos.

• Tesfa 5K, Nov 7: 18:15, 1 out of 52 overall, 1 out of 6 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, Results.

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon, Nov 22: 1 out of 60 overall. Race Report, Results.

2009 photos from great races: (left to right) Frozen half-marathon finish, IM 70.3 New Orleans finish, and exiting the water during one of two 2:23 olympic triathlons in 2009:

- - - 2008 - - -

• St. Paul Winter Carnival Half-Marathon, Jan 26: 1:29:25 , 71 out of 1211 overall, 17 out of 90 in age group. Race Report, More Photos.

• Race Up The Place Stair Climb, Feb 2: 4:11, (900 step stair-climb) 1 out of 334 overall. Race Report, Photos.

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon, Feb 24: tied for 10 out of 100 overall. Race Report, Results.

• Human Race 8K, Mar 16: 30:30, 121 out of 1033 overall. Race Report.

• Joe Plant 5K, Mar 30: 17:27, 1 out of 300. Race Report, Results.

• Doughnut Run 5K, April 13: 10:24 (“doughnut adjusted” time), 1 out of 300. Race Report, Results.

• Winter Begone Duathlon, April 27: 2:07:27, 10 out of 52 overall, 2 out of 4 in the 20-29 age group. Race Report, Results, Photos.

• Gear West Duathlon, May 18: 1:25:55, “Team Happy Pants,” second place team out of 16. Race Report, More Photos.

• Apple Duathlon, May 24: 1:48:25, 97 out of 269 overall, 6 out of 15 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, Results & Photos.

• Grandmas Marathon, June 21: DNF Race Report (DNF Part 1), Race Report (DNF Part 2).

• Free To Run 5K, July 4: 18:08, 3 out of 114 overall, 2nd in age group. Race Report, Photos & Results.

• Lifetime Olympic Tri, July 12: 31:56 / 4:26 / 1:16:19 / 2:16 / 42:34 = 2:37:33. 231 out of 1148 overall, 26 out of 111 in 25-29 age group. Race Report, More Photos.

• Chisago Lakes Sprint Tri, July 27: 1:23:03, 73 out of 781 overall, 16 out of 52 in my age group. Race Report, More Photos.

• St. Croix Valley Sprint Tri, Aug 30: 1:11:10, 39 out of 529 overall, 8 out of 29 in 20-29 age group. Race Report, More Photos.

• Square Lake Half Ironman Tri, Sept 7: 38:13 / 3:51 / 2:54:26 (short) / 4:06 / 1:53:24 = 5:33:58. Video, Race Report Part 1, Race Report Part 2, Race Photos.

• Cannon Lake Duathlon, Sept 13: 1:07:20, “Team Happy Pants,” first place team. Race Report.

• Osceola Duathlon, Sept 28: 1:24:22, “Team Tighty-Whitie,” first place team. Race Report, Race Photos, Newspaper Article.

• Challenge Aging 5K, Oct 12: 18:29, 1 out of 70 Race Report, Race Photos, More Photos.

• Monster Dash 5K, Oct 25: 18:38 (in a costume), 2 out of 700 overall. Race Report, Results, Revised Results & Photos.

• Tesfa 5K, Nov 1: 17:48, 2 out of 52 overall, 1st in my age group. Race Report, Results.

• 623 Run, Roseville, Nov 8: (6.23K) 24:20, 12 out of 427. Race Report, Results.

• Giving Thanks 5K, Nov 27: 18:07, 4 out of 700. Race Report, Race Photos.

• Challenge Courage Track Meet, Dec 21: (1 mile [not 1600] on a 200 meter track) 5:00.7, 3 out of 15. Race Report, Race Photos.

2008 photos from an interesting race: Square Lake Half Ironman. I did the entire 13.1 mile run in a grim reaper costume. It rained, so the costume got heavy and rubbed off my nipples. And I did the run without knowing there was a big, puffy cat toy in my shoe (I just thought I was getting a huge blister at the end of my toe):

- - - 2007 - - -

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon, Feb 18: 13 out of 100 overall. Race Report 1, Race Report 2.

• Apple Duathlon, May 26: 1:56:36 (would have been 1:54:36 without penalty), 151 out of 195 overall. Race Report 1, Race Report 2.

• Chisago Lakes Half IM Triathlon, July 29: 44:35 / 5:08 / 3:05:13 / 4:00 / 1:48:15 = 5:47:13. 134 out of 225 overall, 95 out of 144 men, 16 out of 22 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, More Photos.

• Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon, Sept 9: 1:29:10 / 10:48 / 7:06:53 / 8:38 / 4:58:03 = 13:53:32. 1538 out of 2209 overall, 130 out of 156 in the 25-29 age group. Ironman Race Report. (Find more links on this race in the sidebar.)

• Monster Dash 5K, Oct 27: 19:28, 13 out of 250 overall. Race Report, Official Results.

• Tesfa 5K, Nov 3: 19:11, 1 out of 40 overall. Race Report.

• Giving Thanks 5K, Nov 22: 18:43, 2 out of 200 overall. Race Report.

• Reindeer Run 5K, Dec 1: 19:34, 20 (or so) out of 800 (or so) overall. Race Report.

2007 photos from a big race: My FIRST Ironman:

- - - 2006 - - -

• Lifetime Fitness Indoor Tri, May 7: 25 out of 87 overall. Race Report.

• Apple Duathlon, May 27: 1:54:30, 134 out of 255 overall, 15 out of 21 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report.

• Lifetime Fitness Olympic Distance Tri, July 15: 2:18:32 (shortened due to the heat). 536 out of 976 overall, 408 out of 661 men, 54 out of 82 in the 25-29 age group. Race Report, More Photos.

• Chisago Lakes Sprint Tri, July 30: 1:41:53, 115 out of 668 overall, 93 out of 311 males, 15 out of 39 in age group. Race Report, More Photos.

2006 photos from a big race: My FIRST Triathlon:

Read more...

About Me and About This Blog

Hi. I'm Steve. Sometimes I go by "Steve in a Speedo." You've found my blog. Well aren't you a big man?

I ran track and cross county in high school for 2 years until chronic heel injuries left me demoralized. I quit running altogether. (Click here for more on my running beginnings.)

I started running a bit more in college (a 3-mile run once a month or so) as I watched my fiancée (now wife) run marathon after marathon starting in the year 2000.

My wife and I before the 2007 TC Marathon
(her 8th straight TC Marathon)

My wife made her way into triathlons in 2004. And before I knew it, I found myself wanting to learn how to swim so I could try a tri as well.

She worked with me in the winter of 2005-2006 and taught me some freestyle (along with the "Total Immersion" DVD). I s-l-o-w-l-y gained confidence in the pool, and in July of 2006, I did my first triathlon: the Life Time Fitness Olympic Distance Triathlon in Minneapolis.

The rest, as they say, is history.

I did my first Ironman the year after that (Ironman Wisconsin 2007).

I placed in my age-group for the first time in 2008.

I had my first age-group win in a triathlon in 2010 (2:15 at the Liberty Oly).

And now I just train and race for fun, blogging about anything even semi-related to swim / bike / run along the way.

On my way to a 59:05 finish at the TC 10 Mile
in 2010 in my "Bowl Full of Sunshine" shorts


Racing the 2011 Gear West Duathlon in my "Tutti Frutti" shorts

ABOUT THIS BLOG:

My blog has been nominated 3 years in a row for RaceAthletes' "Best Endurance Blog of the Year," and it won 1st place in 2008:

"Steve in a Speedo" was in the top 100 "People's Health Blogger Awards" in 2008 for Wellsphere, and it took #1 in the "Triathlon" category:



In 2010, Steve in a Speedo was the runner up at the Bloggies:

My blog is in the top 3 "triathlon" blogs at RunningBlogs.com, and it's usually the top rated tri blog:

In 2012, "Steve in a Speedo" was named a "Top Healthy Living Site:"

In 2010, my blog was featured in "Midwest Events," a local endurance magazine:

Click here to be able to read this article

My blog had over 1,000,000 hits in 2011 according to Blogger (1,052,284 to be exact):

... and 1,389,715 hits in 2012. (And 1,062,191 hits in 2013.)

My Klout score is always floating around 60-62:

Find me on Klout.com.
(This was March of 2012 - since then I've usually been in the 61-63 range.)

I try to keep it light on Friday's by posting a few Friday Funnies. If you're lucky, they MIGHT even have something to do with swim / bike / run now-and-then. :)

Through the end of 2012, my blog has given away about $6,900 in gear and goodies to my readers through companies that want me to try out their product, review it, and then do a giveaway for my readers. I've given away Drymax socks, TYR transition bags, Ryders sunglasses, Sugoi tri suits, Gu gels (and Roctane gels), a Lazer Aero helmet, Skullcandy headphones, H2O Audio waterproof iPod gear, a CycleOps trainer, race entries, and shoe gift certificates (just to name a few - seriously, this is far from everything). If you're interested in having me review something and / or do a giveaway, click here to find out how to get in contact with me.

You can also follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SteveinaSpeedo


Click here to contact me.
Click here to go to the "Steve in a Speedo" homepage.
Click here to follow me on twitter.
Click here to LIKE "Steve in a Speedo" on Facebook.

p.s. I think the slight surge late in 2011 in my blog hits was due to my cute little Henry (born in June 2011). I'm pretty sure some people stop by just to get their "Henry fix:"

Oct 2011 - Feb 2012

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy my blog!

[Updated Jan 2014]

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Blogger Buddies

Here’s a list of blogs that I enjoy. Each category is organized by when I started following their blog or when I met them in person.


Blogger Friends: people that I know in person

Robby B
TriSara Tops
XT4
IronJenny
Laurie
Jeremy
Jumper 2.0
Iron Girl Nyhus
Julia-GoBigGreen
Borsch
Danielle in Iowa
IronMin
Tri-Cajun
Miss Allycat
Tri-mama
Jen
JP
Sweet
Mario
Amy B
Nat
Marie
Sean
Matt M


Bloggers I Barely Know: people I’ve just barely met

E-Speed
Chivalry: Chris
Siren
Triteacher
Shelley
Big Mike
J-Wim
Cathy
Tri~Kat
Alili
Jodi
Brian
Sunshine
Dori
Kaeti
BaddApple
Viv
Chris McD
Chloe
Amy
Ms. R
Kate Weaver
Benson
Totters
Chic Runner
Kate
Jenn
Rebeccah W


Ironman Wisconsin 2007 Buddies: training and doing this race with these people means that they hold a special place in my triathlon heart

Pharmie
Simply Stu
Rural Girl
Wil
Run Bubba Run
Taconite Boy
Tri Shannon
IM Able
Greyhound
Erin
TriBoomer


Bloggers I Enjoy: I haven’t met you, but I like your blog!

Teacherwoman
Kate
Tri John
Spokane Al
Wedgie
Mallie
Marcy
Kim
Bigun
Lisa Slow and Steady
Doug
KT
Cindy
Brendaj
Dread Pirate
Coach Liz
Tracie
ShirleyPerly
Kellye Mills
TriGuyJT
Rainmaker
J-Mom
21st Century Mom
Stef
sRod
Jen
KK
NWGDC
Bree Wee
Judi
Simon W
Eric
Kathleen
Charlotte
Chia
RBR
Blyfinn
Darcy
Chad
Maggs
Charisa
Jess
Michelle

Read more...