Gone Backpackin’

I'm going to the Ozarks to rediscover the Real Manly Man that's been buried under too many layers of spandex and safety yellow reflectors for far too long. This will entail hauling a 50 lb. pack for four days up and down mountains as I dodge ravenous beasts and filter water from raging waterfalls. Pray for my safety as I brave freezing temperatures and...

Ok, I couldn't keep that up for long. Yeah, it's rugged and remote, but I'll be drinking coffee and gourmet snacks out of that 50 lb. pack. There's bears and drunk hunters, but that's probably safer than angry pedestrians and drunk drivers.

I really wish I could be near some sort of media so I can follow all of you studs and studdettes doing the NYC Marathon, but T-Mobile hasn't found a way to bring phone service to the marmots and porcupines of the Ozark Highlands and still make money. Apparently, "critters" have bad credit! Not only is that racist, but it might even be species-ist! I won't find out how everybody did until next Tuesday.

I talk often about using your tri-fitness to really enjoy the off-season. I'm practicing what I preach and I promise to bring back lots of photos and audio from the trip.

All you runners be careful and enjoy that 26.2 mile stroll!

Halloween Run

Roxy (my greyhound) and I go for an early morning run as I talk about a variety of topics and play music. It was hot and humid with lightning all around. Of course, the hottest topic was a phone call between myself and Stean about VAAM; an endurance formula made from Japanese Killer Hornet saliva.

• "I'll buy that for a dollar" by the Casket Salesmen.


• How to pick a dog for your morning run.


• Cody hates being put outside.


• Friends accidentally go kayaking in poop.


• What stuff do I put in IM special needs bags?


• What fuel does IM Wisconsin use on course?


• Texans don't know how to use sunscreen


• I call a friend about VAAM Japanese Killer Hornet Spit and he drops the F bomb all over the place.


• Backpacking in the Ozarks on the OHT.


• 3 mile loops are awesome.


• Recorder battery dies.


• Should we call my new heavy metal band Black Goat or Angels with Knives? (leave a comment and vote!)


• "Monsters" by Goat. Happy Halloween!

Zentri goes to Boulder, CO

I traveled to another Triathlon Mecca this weekend and recorded a podcast in Boulder, CO. I was hanging out with Bolder in Boulder, Roman, IronWil, Stu, and reps and owners from Zipp, BMC, Colorado Multisport, D3 Multisport, CycleOps (Powertap) and Boulder Center for Sports Medicine.
We were put through the same testing and fitting that the pros get and then we got the classes on how to handle their gear and prepare for coaching. I snagged some great audio as we were put through the paces and it's the kinda stuff that you'd usually only hear if you were a pro. It was just about the coolest experience I've ever had in the sport. Check out the photos here and CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.

SHOWNOTES -

• Flight crew announcing landing.


• Airport security hates titanium.


• I meet Stu and Roman at Luggage.


• Chat with Stu, Roman, and IronWil in the car on the way to Boulder.


• Bike fit on a Serrota Fit Cycle with Tim and Ryan from Colorado Multisport.


• Bolder interviewing me like I'm Jan Ullrich at the Boulder Center of Sports Medicine (This is a MUST LISTEN!)


• What was in the 2XU box.


• Friday dinner with the bigwigs.


• Swimming in the snow and the BMC rep doing laps in my lane.


• Angry lady trying to hog a lane.


• Mike Ricci takes us out for a run and drills.


• Classes from the sponsors about how to use their stuff.


• Michelle from Wisconsin picked as new member.


• John from Trirunnersroost meets us at the Horny Toad.


• I drink too much Fullers ESB and talk Texan... And then lose my camera.


• Hanging out with Roman as we cruise around town and talk shop.


• Passing time with Security at Houston Intercontinental.


• Big thanks to Outwin (on Triscoop), InTransitDuo, and Greg.


• Continental loses my luggage.

Zentri Meetup in Boulder!

The biggest event in Triscoop and Zentri history will be happening this Saturday (Oct. 21st) in Boulder Colorado. We are having a Listener and Reader Meetup at The Hungry Toad where you can hang out with the likes of:

SimplyStu from SimplyStu's Triathlon Podcast
Iron Wil from Through Th3 Wall
The Kahuna from TriGeek Dreams
Brett from Zen and The Art of Triathlon (That's me!)
Roman from Everyman Triathlon
and Bold from Bolder in Boulder

We'll kick off at 6 pm, so let us know if you're coming. I'll be recording for the show, so here's your chance to be on a podcast!

Gettin’ the Skinny on Fixies

I've noticed two really cool posts on raceAthlete.com lately. The first is about Duane, a guy who's lost a ton of weight and is well on his way to being a competitive triathlete. You have to check out the posting and see where this guy is coming from. What a story! (Very inspiring video)

The next posting is one that gets me right in my little fixie heart. This blogger found a 1973 steel bike and is turning it into a fixie winter trainer. Not only that, but he's planning on riding it in the winter in Wisconsin. I've heard rumors that fixies ride better on snow and ice because you have more control over the rear wheel, but I'm just a simple Texan and we don't have those problems here.

RaceAthlete.com is not just a sponsor, it's a really cool collection of tri-related entertainment that is fun to check out. Updated often, there's always something interesting to see, hear, or read there. Enjoy!