Photo: Swimmers prepare to enter the glass like water of Grant Ranch…..Scott Binzer from Kentucky and Clay Taulman from Colorado met at the Boise 70.3. They took the opportunity to take this great photo. Thanks for sharing boys!!

BOISE 70.3:
Congratulations to Scott Binzer and Clay Taulman on completing the inaugural 70.3 Half Ironman on June 1. The conditions yesterday in the water were less than ideal and many swimmers had swim times much slower than anticipated. Both Clay and Scott have bigger races on the schedule for the summer and this race was a great test to determine their current level of fitness and evaluate race strategies, nutrition and preparation. Race results are listed on the MHM web site.

Xterra Sho Low:

Chris Juels took 4th in his age group in his first race of the year. He produced one of the top bike splits of the day.

Hugo Road Race:

Marci Madruga completed the 78 mile Hugo Road race on Saturday. This was the longest bike race Marci has done and we are all proud of her accomplishment.

Elephant Rock:

David Reed, Susie Wargin, Dawn Leget, Barb Esses and Susan Brashear all completed the Elephant Rock cycling ride this weekend. Perfect weather conditions and scenic views make this one of the best single day rides in the country.

PREPARATION THOUGHTS AND DAY TO DAY EFFORT:

With the start of the Grant Ranch open water swimming program I have had the opportunity to interact and observe some of the best triathletes in the state/country. In the past I have written at length about how the best athletes are consistent in their approach to training and racing. One observation I have made is those that are at the top spent the time on the little things that make a difference come race day. One of the elite athletes comes out of EVERY open water swim she does and races to a designated spot and strips off her wet suit. If you were observing her you would think she was in a race. The minute the wet suit comes off her facial expression changes. It is like watching a transformation from race face to calm, cool and collected. This same individual asked the master coach a few weeks back how she could improve her kick. He gave her a few pointers but told her to spend some time kicking on her back and feel her hips come to the surface. That was all there was to the conversation. EVERY time this person comes to masters she spends time kicking on her back. He swimming has improved dramatically since taking this simple pointer and incorporating it into her daily routine.

Take some time and evaluate what are the intangibles you bring to training and racing. Are you methodical in your approach and take the time to perfect the small things? Do you spend time practicing your open water swimming entrance and exit or do you just go through the motions? When someone gives you advice do you take the advice or dismiss it?

If you want to achieve your triathlon goals you need to become a student of the sport. The race season is upon us. Those of you who work hard and are consistent to the approach you bring to training and racing will surely find success.