Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Bryan's Half IM Streak
All is going well here and about to call it a "season" for 2007 (one more half marathon to go in Weston). The last few weeks were BUSY ones as I raced the Clermont and MiamiMan HALFs. Finally broke the 5hr mark @ MIA man posting a 4:53!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Trilogy of Tragedies
My Trilogy of Tragedies Continued at the 3rd Mack's Cycle Triathlon...
After a good swim I took off on the bike, racing past people leaving the parking lot. As I passed two people right before the turn onto the main road, I hit the brakes and went into a skid that I couldn't recover from and wound up crashing my bike into a metal guard post. I quickly got up with my adrenaline racing and I wasn't in pain so I fixed my bike chain and continued on the course. I noticed that my rim was bent and was causing 1) lots of extra friction and drag on the tire and 2) my Polar speed sensor was not working so I knew I was biking slower than usual but I wasn't sure of my speed. I finished the bike leg and went on the the run and the finish line.
After the race I went back to look at my bike and realized that the crash had been more serious than I thought- I shattered my carbon fiber fork and was really lucky that it didn't give out completely during the rest of the bike! By the time I walked my bike the two miles home my bruises were coming through and by that night the neck whiplash had set in. The pains only lasted a few days- I feeling better already! I wish I could say the same for my bike.
Despite another disappointing race, I was pleased to find out that I still placed 15/23 in my age group and 3rd in my age group overall for the Trilogy Series.
-Shaunna
After a good swim I took off on the bike, racing past people leaving the parking lot. As I passed two people right before the turn onto the main road, I hit the brakes and went into a skid that I couldn't recover from and wound up crashing my bike into a metal guard post. I quickly got up with my adrenaline racing and I wasn't in pain so I fixed my bike chain and continued on the course. I noticed that my rim was bent and was causing 1) lots of extra friction and drag on the tire and 2) my Polar speed sensor was not working so I knew I was biking slower than usual but I wasn't sure of my speed. I finished the bike leg and went on the the run and the finish line.
After the race I went back to look at my bike and realized that the crash had been more serious than I thought- I shattered my carbon fiber fork and was really lucky that it didn't give out completely during the rest of the bike! By the time I walked my bike the two miles home my bruises were coming through and by that night the neck whiplash had set in. The pains only lasted a few days- I feeling better already! I wish I could say the same for my bike.
Despite another disappointing race, I was pleased to find out that I still placed 15/23 in my age group and 3rd in my age group overall for the Trilogy Series.
-Shaunna
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Rock Run
On Saturday, August 4th I took part in a 50 mile, 5 member relay race on the beach around the island of Nantucket called the Rock Run. I ran Leg 2 (12 miles) affectionately kn
own as "No-Man's Land" since there are not any specators or places for water or aid anywhere on the 12 mile stretch of the beach. My original teammates decided not to run, so I picked up 4 other single runners at the race meeting the night before. None of us had ever met before, but we had a great time driving ar
ound the island and cheering each other on all day. We finished in 13th place out of 21 teams, with a total time of 8 hours, 43 minutes. This was a lot more of an endurance challenge than a race since the sand was very soft and the slope of the Atlantic beach really beat up your lower body. It was an incredible experience, both for the team environment and the chance to see unspoiled natural beauty around the island. They also had a great after race party on the beach and each team got a mini-keg to share. This race is a must-do again in the future! San Francisco Marathon
San Francisco has it all...beautiful scenery and great weather! What else do you need to run a marathon? Well, I was lucky enough to have two of my biggest fans with me. A friend of mine ran the second half of of the marathon with me and the other I saw cheering every three to five miles and then she ran the last mile with us! This marathon wasn't a PR for me, but it was the first time I ran 26.2 miles without stopping and feeling great!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
LAST MINUTE Half Ironman Pics below. With 48 hrs notice, I borrowed Mark's bike box, packed wife and child and was off to Boulder to join my cousin for his first half IM. WOW!!!! Boulder is AWESOME. Despite the hills and altitude sickness @ mile 20 on the bike, I posted a 5:09. Hope you all are doing well. If you ever get the chance to go to Boulder, you should. Just one recommendation, don't arrive early Saturday and race on Sunday!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Shaunna's Trilogy Tragedy
This past Sunday I had another disappointing race at the 2nd Key Biscyne Trilogy - during the run I slipped in the torrential rainfall and fell off the curb. I slid across the pavement, luckily only getting scraped up, but I needed a couple of minutes to catch my breath and re-compose myself before finishing the run, losing precious time along the way. Between the foot injury this spring, my gear shifter breaking during the last tri, and now this, it has so far turned out to be a less than ideal racing season for me! Hopefully, I have rid myself of all this ill luck and will finish the season (the 3rd Trilogy in August) off on a great note!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Store Clinic @ Runner's High
On Wednesday, July 11, 2007, The Runner's High in Pinecrest, FL offered customers a free educational Polar training clinic where patrons could learn about the benefits of training with a heart rate monitor. Team Polar Miami athlete Robert Jarrin was on hand along with Polar Technical Representative Paul Hinson and Polar National Sales Representative Jay Mueller to help demonstrate various Polar computers including the RS200sd, RS400sd, CS200cad and CS400. These heart rate monitors are intended to help goal-oriented runners and cyclists who want to prepare for competition or enhance their training experience. Over the course of the evening, over 30 patrons came by to learn about Polar Sport Zones, Polar OwnZone and the Polar Personal Trainer.
About Team Polar USA: Polar is dedicated to providing everyone involved in physical activity with a personal fitness solution to help them achieve the next level of performance. To help accomplish this mission, Polar appointed a team of 100 amateur competitive runners, triathletes and cyclists from across the US to help educate other athletes on the importance of heart rate-based training. Team Polar athletes compete and train with the RS200sd, RS400sd, CS200cad and CS400 monitors. For more information about Polar products please visit us at: http://www.polarusa.com/. For more information on Team Polar USA please visit us at: http://www.teampolarusa.com/site15.aspx.
About Team Polar USA: Polar is dedicated to providing everyone involved in physical activity with a personal fitness solution to help them achieve the next level of performance. To help accomplish this mission, Polar appointed a team of 100 amateur competitive runners, triathletes and cyclists from across the US to help educate other athletes on the importance of heart rate-based training. Team Polar athletes compete and train with the RS200sd, RS400sd, CS200cad and CS400 monitors. For more information about Polar products please visit us at: http://www.polarusa.com/. For more information on Team Polar USA please visit us at: http://www.teampolarusa.com/site15.aspx.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Miami Runner's Club Clinic
On Wednesday May 30, 2007, Team Polar Miami member Robert Jarrin held a Polar training clinic for 15 recreational runners from the Miami Runner’s Club (“MRC”). The event was held during the MRC’s weekly track workout at the Miami-Dade College track. Team Polar was on hand to demonstrate and feature the Polar RS200sd computer which is geared towards goal-oriented runners who want to prepare for their first running event or enhance their running experience. The event gave runners of all ages and skill levels a chance to use the Polar RS200sd under real conditions and during a hard workout.
The MRC meets every Wednesday morning at 6:30am-8:00am and also Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm-8:00pm at the Miami Dade College Track located at 11011 S.W. 104 Street, Miami, Florida.
Look for a Team Polar Training Clinic at a local gym or track near you!!
Monday, May 21, 2007
FootWorks Twilight Run
Scott and I both ran the Twilight 5K in South Miami on Sunday evening. It was so nice to meet him! This was a great race, with lots of neighborhood support and a nice friendly feeling. Luckily the morning downpours had ended a few hours before the race, but the skies were still partly cloudy, keeping the sun from really heating things up.
-Shaunna-
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Training Clinic in a Spinning "Classroom"
The spinning instructor was so thrilled to see everyone's heart rates since they spin with her so often and she encouraged everyone to buy one. There were a lot of 18 year olds who loved them and said they were gonig to go home and ask their parents to buy them one (must be nice!!). They had no clue about training at different percentages, so it was nice to be able to teach them something.
Shaunna Donaher
Shaunna Donaher
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Lou Gehrig's 5k - Saturday, May 12th
I ran the 6th Annual Lou Gehrig's 5K in Coconut Grove on Saturday with my father, who was in town visiting for my graduation. The spirit of people at this race was great, there was a lot of support for the charity (ALS research). We went out a bit too fast and had to slow down by mile 2, but still finished strong. I was 5/45 in my age group (25-29) and 128/642 overall. My dad finished 7th of 20 in his age group (50-54). He hadn't raced since a 10 miler about 12 years ago, so I was very proud of him! It was the first time we had ever run together, and it was a great experience. 
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
TriMiami Training Clinic
The training clinic went very well yesterday. I handed out the foot pods , watches and wearlinks to a few of my friends who were doing the tri, gave them brief instruction, and then spent an hour after the race (over a couple of cold malt beverages) reviewing what the units recorded. My running/training partners were amazed at how much they could look at. Pace, distance, HR….it’s all there. So I would recommend this approach to others in the group. Also, even though everyone was not outfitted with a unit, the clinic attendees who didn’t were still very interested in seeing firsthand how the units performed and recorded. So you do not have to give everyone a unit.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
TriAmerica - Clermont Race
Team,
This year TriAmerica (Clermont, FL) came out with a new "distance" triathlon - 2k swim, 60k bike and 15k run. It was actually a really nice distance. Not quite an all-out effort like the Olympic distance, but long enough to really test your stamina. Unfortunately, that racing company does not put on the highest quality of races sometimes. With a tornado warning in effect for later in the morning, the RD still decided to go through with the race. Maybe if everyone was out on the bike when the thunderstorm hit he'd be okay...
We made it through the swim okay, but there were way too few rescue boats. The word is that every boat was full on swimmers who had strayed or needed saving. On the bike the gusts were 35-40mph (they were supposed to be 50-60 so we got lucky). Then the torrential rain came - there were literally floods throughout the bike course with areas 2 feet underwater. Riders could not see and the rain pelting us hurt like needles. I saw 2 bikers crash and a 3rd get run over (literally run over!) by a truck when the cop was too wet and had gone in his car = no one to control traffic. But i think the worst part was the intense lightning that went off for 30 minutes during the bike. Our spectators (inside dry cars) told us the lightning twice hit the lake where we had swam causing large "geysers" of water into the air. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to share with my story - the race photographers quit with the rain!!
Mark
This year TriAmerica (Clermont, FL) came out with a new "distance" triathlon - 2k swim, 60k bike and 15k run. It was actually a really nice distance. Not quite an all-out effort like the Olympic distance, but long enough to really test your stamina. Unfortunately, that racing company does not put on the highest quality of races sometimes. With a tornado warning in effect for later in the morning, the RD still decided to go through with the race. Maybe if everyone was out on the bike when the thunderstorm hit he'd be okay...
We made it through the swim okay, but there were way too few rescue boats. The word is that every boat was full on swimmers who had strayed or needed saving. On the bike the gusts were 35-40mph (they were supposed to be 50-60 so we got lucky). Then the torrential rain came - there were literally floods throughout the bike course with areas 2 feet underwater. Riders could not see and the rain pelting us hurt like needles. I saw 2 bikers crash and a 3rd get run over (literally run over!) by a truck when the cop was too wet and had gone in his car = no one to control traffic. But i think the worst part was the intense lightning that went off for 30 minutes during the bike. Our spectators (inside dry cars) told us the lightning twice hit the lake where we had swam causing large "geysers" of water into the air. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to share with my story - the race photographers quit with the rain!!
Mark
Swim, Bike & Run Store Clinic
Our event at Swim, Bike & Run went very wel. Paul was a little late due to an overturned tanker truck on 95, but Mark M. and I started the clinic on our own and Paul showed up soon afterward. Attached are some photos from the event.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Team Miami at Runners High
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Polar Athletes Michael Levin and Robert Jarrin joined Polar Tech Rep Paul Hinson, for a retail event hosted by the Runner's High in Pinecrest (Miami), FL.
The event was a chance for local customers (from recreational to competitive athletes) to ask questions and see what’s new from Polar. One of the featured products was the Polar RS200sd, a running heart rate monitor intended for goal-oriented runners who want to prepare for their first running event or enhance their running experience.
The event was well attended and included demos by the Polar Athletes as well as a chance for customers to use Polar monitors and experience for themselves how to “listen” to their bodies. Paul Hinson, an expert on Polar equipment, and was able to explain the more complex functions and scientific processes of the monitors.
Mike and Robert helped answer athlete’s questions on heart monitor use, training, experiences and how to use the Polar Running Coach Web Service. The Runner’s High will be hosting future clinics in conjunction with the Miami Runner’s Club. Look for future event dates, times and locations.
Polar Athletes Michael Levin and Robert Jarrin joined Polar Tech Rep Paul Hinson, for a retail event hosted by the Runner's High in Pinecrest (Miami), FL.
The event was a chance for local customers (from recreational to competitive athletes) to ask questions and see what’s new from Polar. One of the featured products was the Polar RS200sd, a running heart rate monitor intended for goal-oriented runners who want to prepare for their first running event or enhance their running experience.
The event was well attended and included demos by the Polar Athletes as well as a chance for customers to use Polar monitors and experience for themselves how to “listen” to their bodies. Paul Hinson, an expert on Polar equipment, and was able to explain the more complex functions and scientific processes of the monitors.
Mike and Robert helped answer athlete’s questions on heart monitor use, training, experiences and how to use the Polar Running Coach Web Service. The Runner’s High will be hosting future clinics in conjunction with the Miami Runner’s Club. Look for future event dates, times and locations.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Preparing For The Photo Contest
One of the more interesting aspects of this "team" concept is that everyone really contributes in their own unique way. Some do more clinics, some are more help with work at races and some are just big-time camera lovers!! One of our Team Miami members, Robert Jarrin, tavels almost half the year with his job but never leaves his "team" far behind!!
Monday, April 2, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Story of a Star-Crossed Runner
Like many new runners, I suppose, I began long-distance running (April 2005) with the sole objective of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I ran my first marathon, the ING NYC Marathon, in November 2005 with that goal in mind. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, I developed a tibial stress fracture 5 weeks before the marathon and was of course futilely instructed not to race by my orthopedic surgeon. I crossed-trained for 5 weeks, raced, and barely finished with a chip time of 3:49, clearly not deserving of Boston. I had just turned 38.
Since long-distance running was obviously hard on the body, I decided to give triathlon a try. I bought a bike and a book and DVD on swimming, and had a great first season in 2006, the pinnacles of which were two half-ironman races. With multiple triathlons scheduled into my 2007 season between April and November, a baby on the way in September, and a primary 2007 triathlon objective of completing the Vineman “Ironman” triathlon in August, I signed up for an early season marathon, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, again with hopes of a Boston-worthy finish. That race was yesterday, Sunday, March 18, 2007.
US Airways cancelled many flights on Friday, March 16 and on Saturday, March 17, apparently due to inclement weather. Two of them, flying from and into two different airports, were mine. And Amtrak and Greyhound travel times were running greater than 24 hours. Needless to say, I did not make it to the starting line.
So, yesterday, on the day of “my Boston qualifier marathon,” I took matters into my own hands and created and competed in the inaugural US Airways Hometown Marathon. The race really is a triathlon of sorts in that all athletes must complete two other disciplines prior to running the marathon leg. First, two round-trip airline tickets must be purchased. Since you will not actually be flying anywhere, the destination may be any city outside your home state, and one of the tickets must be a full-fare first class ticket. Second, athletes must wait in line for at least 8 hours at two different airports on two consecutive days. Finally, competitors run the 26.2 miles on a Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS-measured two-loop course of their choosing. There is no course support or race magic, absolutely no outside assistance is permitted, and runners must carry their own fluids and nutrition over the entire 26.2 mile distance. The course has not been certified by the Boston Athletic Association, yet.
As expected, there was only one finisher this year:
Elapsed time Official time Chip time
1. McClinton, Mark 3:18:21 3:18:21 3:18:21
Since I turn 40 this September, I just qualified for the 112th Boston Marathon in 2008. No, I don’t have a certificate or finisher’s medal; just a Garmin Forerunner 305 digital file that will never be erased. And I’ll always know that my efforts, and my time, were Boston-worthy.
Mark E. McClinton, M.D.
Runner, Triathlete, Physician
Since long-distance running was obviously hard on the body, I decided to give triathlon a try. I bought a bike and a book and DVD on swimming, and had a great first season in 2006, the pinnacles of which were two half-ironman races. With multiple triathlons scheduled into my 2007 season between April and November, a baby on the way in September, and a primary 2007 triathlon objective of completing the Vineman “Ironman” triathlon in August, I signed up for an early season marathon, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, again with hopes of a Boston-worthy finish. That race was yesterday, Sunday, March 18, 2007.
US Airways cancelled many flights on Friday, March 16 and on Saturday, March 17, apparently due to inclement weather. Two of them, flying from and into two different airports, were mine. And Amtrak and Greyhound travel times were running greater than 24 hours. Needless to say, I did not make it to the starting line.
So, yesterday, on the day of “my Boston qualifier marathon,” I took matters into my own hands and created and competed in the inaugural US Airways Hometown Marathon. The race really is a triathlon of sorts in that all athletes must complete two other disciplines prior to running the marathon leg. First, two round-trip airline tickets must be purchased. Since you will not actually be flying anywhere, the destination may be any city outside your home state, and one of the tickets must be a full-fare first class ticket. Second, athletes must wait in line for at least 8 hours at two different airports on two consecutive days. Finally, competitors run the 26.2 miles on a Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS-measured two-loop course of their choosing. There is no course support or race magic, absolutely no outside assistance is permitted, and runners must carry their own fluids and nutrition over the entire 26.2 mile distance. The course has not been certified by the Boston Athletic Association, yet.
As expected, there was only one finisher this year:
Elapsed time Official time Chip time
1. McClinton, Mark 3:18:21 3:18:21 3:18:21
Since I turn 40 this September, I just qualified for the 112th Boston Marathon in 2008. No, I don’t have a certificate or finisher’s medal; just a Garmin Forerunner 305 digital file that will never be erased. And I’ll always know that my efforts, and my time, were Boston-worthy.
Mark E. McClinton, M.D.
Runner, Triathlete, Physician
1st Retail Clinic
The first Polar retail event of 2007 in Miami went smoothly! Although quite windy, the temperature was comfortable. Shaunna, Kelle and I sat just outside the door of Mack Cycle and Fitness giving demonstrations of the CS200 and the RS400. Pedestrian traffic was steady due to the fact it was packet pick up for an upcoming race. People were immediately drawn the Polar table. They were eager to share their personal experiences with Polar products or just check out the new products we had to offer. Questions were answered with a smile and hats were given to those who had a great story to tell or posed for pictures! 
Monday, March 26, 2007
Snowbird Century Ride
On Sunday, March 25th two members of Team Miami (Scott Ray and Mark Stoutenberg) braved the winds (upwards of 20mph - don't take your hands of the handlebar type of wind) for the annual Everglades Snowbird Ride. Unfortunately, Scott was way out in front and the two never got pictures together!! Actually, there were so many riders there (800+) that we never met up but proudly represented the Polar name!!
The one great thing about the Century rides put on by the Everglades Cycling Club is that they take you on a new route everytime! Just when you think you have seen it all - there is a 12 foot alligator at the 58 mile turnaround!!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Our 1st Marathoner of the Season
Josh running the "Yuengling" Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach on Sunday, March 18th. Looks cold but it didn't slow Josh down in running a 4:08!! Near a PR Josh??
Team Miami Training Clinic
Mike Levin, a 2nd year "vet" of Team Polar Miami showing off his gorgeous bike which he won on the active.com Tour de France giveaways last summer!!
Our Florida tech rep, Paul Hinson, giving a demonstration with the footpod.
Kristi Shepherd, Bryan Spellberg and Mark McClinton chilling during the team training clinic held in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at the University of Miami.
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