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Hotsheet
July 1, 2008
by Tim Sheeper
In this edition:

Hawaii 70.3 Wrap Up

Team Sheeper is coming off one of its top destination races in our history. The athletes that were able to make the trip to Hawaii were treated to a fabulous race, excellent weather and scenery and high quality team camaraderie. When all was said and done it truly seemed like the results were secondary to the event and the memorable life experience that we generated. 

Like every race, there were athletes who either met or exceeded their potential on the day and then there were the athletes that met great challenges on the day.  All were able to overcome the challenges, just not necessarily as quickly as the script they had run through in their head before the event. 

All gathered more information about themselves as competitive athletes which will aid in refining next attempts at the ever elusive "perfect race," which we all hope to have from time to time.

I have to categorize the first part of our year or Season One as a success on many accounts:
1.  Adoption of the preparation plan.  We had high daily workout attendance beginning in the dark cold days of winter.
2.  Adoption of our base building.  The Fearsome Foursome was completed by a record number 25 athletes this year.  Twice as many as any other year.  This type of aerobic build up was enjoyable and beneficial.
3.  Simulation Combos.  The rides to Pescadero, San Gregorio and up Tunitas put everyone in a position to be aggressive on the bike in most any triathlon race situation.
4.  Mendocino Camp-This first time camp emerged as a unique and powerful experience for all who took the challenge.
5.  The soul of the group was alive and vibrant in training and carried over to race week on the Big Island.

I would like to congratulate all who prepared for the race and were able to align all lives outside challenges and make it to the finish line.  Making it to any finish line should always give more rewards in memories than in the shallowness of a time on a results sheet.

Way to go:

Dave Quincy
Jason Golbus
Tina Lount-Pretre
Mike Fero
Mike Taylon
Ian Hersey
Mimi Winsberg
Mike Osmond
Michele Santilhano
Alison Freeman
Tracy Fujieda
Lorraine Sneed
Cindy Welton
Doug Fujii
Brad Hinrichs
Susan Hinrichs
Kevin Burns
Edie Heideman
Tanja Sattler
Sue McGlennon
David Greenwood
Martin Michael
Virginia Justus
Lindi Marco
Joel Phillips
Sally Phillips
Mary Posey


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RAAM

I am proud to have four athletes associated with our team that took on the butt-kicking challenge of riding their bikes across the United States in a little over a week.

These four athletes have just given us a clinic on how fit and strong we all are.  These four went through the same training we all do week in and week out.  A few of the four trained more than the average team member, and a few trained less than the average team member.  But, they all came together and MADE IT!

They demonstrated that what you do with your fitness is up to you and your imagination.

I am proud of our team members who went out and supported the RAAM team during the race and the athletes that financially contributed to their charity. 

Thank you for your inspiration:
Sally Phillips
Joel Phillips
Michele Santilhano
Raf Ornes

Race Across America Finishers in 8 days and 2 hours.


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Season Two Begins

This is the second part of our year, June to mid October.  We will work hard on making the second half of the year as vital and effective as the first part of the year.  More info on season two can be found at:
http://www.teamsheeper.com/events/2008_event_plan.php


Races: 
The focus race for season two is the USAT Club Championships at Lake Mead just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.  The club championships are operating under a unique format this year by offering three different race distances where finishing in any race earns points for our club/team.  Earn more points for the team if you finish in the top five in your age group.   They offer a Half Ironman, an Olympic distance and a sprint event.  An athlete must qualify for the Half Ironman event in one of two ways.  1.  Qualify in top 33% of age group in supporting race.  2.  Meet a qualifying time standard.  Which are listed at:www.halfmaxchampionships.com.  An athlete need not qualify for the Olympic or Sprint.

The team scheduled build up race this year is the extreme and wacky 24 Hours of Triathlon which is directed by adventure racing legend Ian Adamson just outside Denver Colorado.  There is an opportunity to do this race solo or as part of a relay team.  The reason for picking this as a team focus event was to offer something completely out of the ordinary, to gain a life experience and to give the long aerobic junkies a chance to shine.

September is a month when the triathlon calendar is full of races in our area.  Even though these events are not on the season two preferred list the following races will have at least a dozen team members at each and our team training leading up to these events will adjust accordingly.  Any of these races are great prep-races for the Club Championships in Vegas.
1. Big Kahuna Half Ironman-September 7
2. Pacific Grove Triathlon-September 13
3. Sentinel Triathlon-September 21


Training:
Summer attendance for our training sessions has historically been lower than in the spring and fall.  Races, special events and vacations seem to pull members away from establishing a solid and consistent schedule.  This summer "lull" can also be attributed to highly motivated early season training which can lend itself to some mid year fatigue.  If any of this is true in your situation, be aware that there are subtle differences in the approach and focus of our training in July and August.  During the weekday training, I attempt to make workouts a bit shorter in duration and a bit higher in intensity.  Just a way to keep things light and fresh and athletes sharp for events as opposed to flat and stale.

Grinder Series:
The Grinder Series grew out of the feeling that our team needed something to point toward in our summer and fall training that would take the place of the Fearsome Foursome which seems to firmly anchor our winter and spring training. 

The Grinder Series is basically climbing four mountain peaks on a bicycle.
The peaks this year are:

1. Mt. Tamalpais- Saturday July 26
2. Mt.  Diablo-Saturday August 23
3. Mt.  Madonna-Saturday September 27
4. Mt.  Hamilton-Saturday October 25

These peaks will be included in rides that total about 50-60 miles, so we will have different starting points for each ride, and some rides will include loops and some will be out and backs.

Specific details of starting points, distances and elevation gains will be coming within the next few days so you can plan your summer and fall riding calendar. 


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Investment Meeting with Simon Cassidy

Former professional triathlete and team member Simon Cassidy landed in the world of finance after his successful years on the pro tri racing circuit.

Simon would like to give back to the team by offering an informational night where he shares strategy and insight into financial investments. 

Join us on July 15 at the:
Menlo Park Community Center
Room 112
6:30-8:00pm

Free of charge with some refreshments.  Find out more about Simon and his offerings at:

www.triathloninvestments.com


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Swim Pro

Susie Mogensen joins our coaching staff to focus on individuals who are interested in improving their swim skills.   Most of Susie's instruction will be on a one-to-one basis.

Susie is available
Tuesdays and Thursday from 6-9:30am
Wednesday 1-4pm
Saturday 1-5pm

Register at the front desk for a spot.


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Dave's 50th

Remember, Dave Mandelkern will be competing in the New York City Triathlon on July 20, to conclude his 50th triathlon in all 50 States including the District of Columbia.  Some of us will be out there to race along side Dave and share in the celebration.  Incredible if you step back and think about it.


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