Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Gymjay functional fitness is now open

2012-02-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

There is good reason I have not blogged in a number of months, my dream of having my own functional training center has now come true! Gymjay functional fitness!

It has been a very tough road to get this thing off the ground with many 16-hr days of painting, building and tons of logistics. Thank god I have had some great people helping me with all of it. My wife Sarah has been instrumental with many of the components behind the scenes, like the business plan, website, marketing and money processing. My bud Matt(Dizzy) also was a great help in getting our plan ready for the Bank. Brook Daley did most of the build-out and made this gym what it is today and without him we could not of been open by now. Erik Wesley, who I met at the Monkey Bar Gym CNT course in Madison WI, picked up stakes and came to Billings to teach at our facility. He has showed great resolve, dedication and belief in this project from the beginning. Sue Balter-Reitz has been a great help getting our social media going(so friend gymjay on facebook! yikes). I also want to thank my group of investors for their belief in my vision; without them, this project would not be possible.

During the first class in Gymjay I had a tear in my eye as I directed Windtraining class in my own brick and mortar. It has been a tough few years for me(if you don't know just read my past blogs) and the decision to move toward starting my own facility was not an easy one. But with the help of my great family and friends I am very happy with the decision to go forward and very proud of how the facility turned out in the end.

Gymjay is like no other facility. We have a variety of classes that work different movements of strength, balance, flexibilty, endurance,speed, power, all with trackable progress and progression as well as the "fun factor" We have monkey bars, boxing/MMA,our own Pillar of Pain(versa climber/ski erg) and a state of the art virtual reality cycling center and much more!

"The Pillar of Pain"

Here at Gymjay we believe that you can move like a kid again even if you are not one--and if you are a young person we can challenge you in a fun way as well.

The picture below is of one of our fighting fit classes --- taught by Eric and very challenging and fun for all levels.

So it all begins with owning my own gym, its exciting, scary and challenging, however it has been very rewarding as well. Here at Gymjay have many events planned in the near future including an indoor triathlon(10min ski erg, 30min bike on the computrainer, and 20min run on the treadmill) adding up the distance traveled for your result. We are taking reservations for heat times now for the week of Feburary 14th-21st. You can also look for an open house in the coming month with the opening of our neighbor the Field house Cafe! Check us out on facebook and on our website for more details.

certified Natural trainer

2011-10-24T06:19:00.001-07:00

Jon,Jesse and yours truly after passing my test at the Monkey Bar Gym Madison intensive certification training this past week

I have been in Madison WI for the past week taking a Certified Natural trainer certification at the Monkey Bar Gymnasium. The MBG is a functional training center developed by Jon Hinds. Jon is about my age and a complete stud. He was a Brazilian jujitsu gold medalist in the pan am games. In this class we are learning to teach the proper progressions of running, jumping, crawling, climbing and so on. Jon believes as I do in the physical culture. I can tell you that being a Triathlete primarily in my life has not prepared me for this type of training. I completely suck at it presently. But I am challenged to get better. And as a teacher of fitness, bring my clients to a new level of physicality. There are 25 of us in class and some of these guys and girls can do stuff I could not dream of doing. Here is a video of Rick who trains in a group called the Bar-Barians in NY. Unbelievable stuff!

The Monkey Bar Gym style of training combines not only the physical skill but bundles them in a way that will challenge all levels of fitness. It also uses cycles and variety to keep everyone motivated and focused on improving. At The MBG, Yoga, skill training and Nutrition are the 3 parts of the philosophy. Check out Jon's Blog to get a feel of the enthusiasm of his passion for fitness and health.

On the nutrition side. Jon believes in at at least a 90% plant based diet(My buddy Steve I am sure will give me hell). He references the Book The china study and brought in an expert to explain the benefits of what he calls nutrient rich eating. seeing how strong Jon and Jesse are eating only plant based, I am a bit more convinced in this way of eating. The point he makes is that once you eat this way for a while( 6mo or so) you will get off the crack habit of nutrient poor foods( ie meat, dairy, refined).

I feel like I learned a lot at this class/certification and can use many of the techniques with all my clients for years to come. I did have some fun away from the 10hrs a day of instruction. I met a cool kid named Erik, who is a cyclist/nordic skier( ex rugby player) that lives in Madison. we went on a nice bike ride around Madison and even went for a roller ski. But was better was after Friday's class we yondered to an after hours keger with the bike mechanics at his bike shop(cronometer?)(super fun and good thing there were no pictures. then I wound up a the hotel bar drinking some pints with a bunch of British/Irish breeders of Clydsdale horses! really funny---That explains why when I first got to town and rode my bike around the capital that the Budweiser clydsdale rig full on with the Dolmation was going down State street! again no picture( I should really get a smart phone----NOT

here is Erik practicing our Eichens Yoga poses

here are a few more photos of the class

Monkey Bar Gym

Jon down a wall press up

the other room at Monkey Bar WI

Jesse doing a reggie pullup(super hard)

I am glad to be back home really missed my girls

Marathon in Vermont

2011-10-18T20:23:00.001-07:00

From Sarah:

Just back from the Green Mountain Athletic Association Marathon in Lake Champlain, VT, where I took first female with a time of 3:20. It was a small race and a soft field, but a very beautiful setting with incredible fall foliage along the lakefront, with rolling mountains in the distance. Great schwag and great post-race vegie chili, too!

I was a bit nervous since I hadn't raced a marathon for nearly 7 years when I decided to jump into this one -- and another about one month ago, the inaugural Bozeman Marathon -- because my training partner, Liz Nemer, was training for Rock N Roll St. Louis. After doing so many of the long runs with Liz last summer I decided to find a race around the same time, so we could train together. Since I had a work trip to do in Burlington, this GMAA race worked out perfectly. Plus, I got to sample excellent beers from hosts Meghan & Seth's Taproom.

I'm not fast, and I'm not a super star. But it sure feels good to accomplish small goals and succeed at them. This summer and fall have been reminders of how good it feels to train, race and compete. This is true even if the training isn't perfect -- as long as you are fit and can dig in deep when the racing gets rough.

Getting off my Ass!

2011-10-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I let myself go a bit too much and hit my drop dead weight of 170. So the buzzer went off and I started my 5 day fast/cleanse. I am writing this on day 4 so if I sound/write a bit foggy that's because I am. Just fyi in the past 4 days I have ingested 2 cups of vegetable soup and 4 glasses juice. Of course I am drinking electrolytes and taking vitamins as well but so far-- less than 1000 calories in 4 days. I have done this before to jump start my discipline, and this time is no different. It is super hard and makes you feel like you are running at the end of the Ironman. 1 day to go and my first real food with be at kindergarten lunch with Chloe at Lunch Buddies tomorrow at noon. Give me 8 grilled cheeses please! (uh o! last night Chloe came down with a fever of 102-- up all night and sick as a dog, my weekend with the kids gets a bit more complicated) The hardest part of a fast is exercise, which I have been trying to be more consistent at---but with no food it makes movement very difficult for sure-- yesterday I ran 5 miles and I swear it felt like a marathon. It is very hard to hold up your arms and you can feel the fat and muscle burning for energy due to no sugar.

My Girls Chloe and Cale during our evening wrestling match

The past month or so have been very busy with lots of work and much more kid duties. I just love taking/picking up the kids from school and doing the everyday duties they require. Starting today I have the kids for 4 days as Sarah heads east for a conference and runs a marathon. We have plans for the corn-Maze, heading to Laurel to the pumpkin patch and lots of daddy day care fun.

stepping back a few weeks, Sarah and I had a great trip down to Denver to see Further at Red Rocks. We had a great time doing the parking lot scene, taking in the great shows and during the day sweating out the toxins with some epic exercise. Friday night old clone Kevin came with us for the experience. and an experience it was. The next day,the three of us went on a mountain bike ride in Golden at Apex park. The ride was hard and we all came away with some scars to prove it. Mine was a nice half chain ring carved into my calf.

Along with my fast/cleanse I have been getting a bit more consistent exercise. I have been riding my bike more than once every couple of weeks and have enjoyed my cross bike up in Bozeman the past couple of weekends. I have also been back in the gym getting my body back from the flab that it has become.

last weekend after a great cross ride at the Bozeman creek trail, I checked out the finish of the Kona Ironman on the computer. I thought the pro race was pretty exciting especially on the womens side. Miranda Caffree trying to run down Chrissy Wellington was pretty cool. I also want to congratulate my clients Jay Preston and Mike Fogassey for excellent races in Kona. Jay met his goal of going under 10hrs going 9:58 and Mike made his dream of running down Ali drive and finishing the Hawaii Ironman! His pictures were awesome and showed the great joy of his experience great job both of you!

I always blog on some thoughts about the race and here are mine from this year

1. I wish they would go back to placing the race date on the first full moon Saturday. Recently the race has not had the severe wind that it had when that was the case. I did the race in 1995 and 1998 and on those years we had head winds that started very early on( mile 30) and again coming back. In comparison, 1998 the winning time( peter Reid) was 8:24 compared to the 8:03 this year. most of that time was on the bike were the pros were going 4:30 or under whereas in 1998 the best pro times were 4:45 or higher. In 98 there were 19 athletes under 9hrs, this year there were almost 40. In 1998 I went 9:27 and placed 46th overall and this year my 9:27 would of placed me 127th. Much of the same comparisons can be made in 1995 as well.. Almost all the best bike times have been set since the change to the date but interestingly Mark Allen and Dave Scott still hold the best run times 2:41 and 2:40 in 1989.

2. I wish they would go back to starting the age groupers and pros together--allowing for the same race conditions by all. I don't mind the pros getting the pole position but this 30min delay can mean totally different conditions for the age groupers, and not allowing an age grouper to compete for the overall. You say an age grouper can't compete for the overall? well this year you had an age grouper getting 26th overall( 11 min from the podium) and another that had the 2nd fastest run of the day, running 2:43. This all under harder conditions most likely.

3. and again I call bullshit on aero helmets-- Chrissy again wins without one and Carolyn Steffen as well. Maybe these guys could run better if they did not bake their heads in the heat!

The family at Bridger bowl during raptor fest

raptor at Raptor fest

Sarah and Cale on our hike at Bohart ranch

Last Sunday the fam went for a family Hike near Bridger bowl and took in the Raptor fest and got ready for ski season by cleaning our locker and getting our pictures for our season passes. it was a glorious fall day with the first snow of the year laying down the white stuff at the 7k high mark.

Bridger bowl in October

It is always stunning to see the mountains covering in snow with the aspen tress turning a bright yellow. I headed from Bridger bowl on my cross bike after our family event and climbed up toward Ross peak, getting up to the snow line! amazing ride and views! can't wait for the first ride on my board-- probably a split board climb/run coming soon!

The climb to Ross peak

and on the way back down-- toward the Crazy Mountains

coachjay

No more free pass!

2011-09-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Me at the finish of the Dakota Five-0--- "That Hurt"

The conclusions of my own personal fitness experiment are now in. After 2 full months of almost no consistent exercise, I have come to the conclusion that you can get one free month of fitness but not two! Let me explain.

When I retired from competition after the Buffalo Springs 70.3 in late June, I pretty much stopped training completely. I figure I have done 10-12 workouts in 2+ months. Why? Well, many reasons, but, in a nut shell, I just did not feel like it. I was tired and completely worn out from the effort I put in to trying to come back to a competitive level. The effort both mentally and physically was so hard that once it was over, I was just done!

I often have read about what level of training it would take to maintain some level of fitness. When I say "some" I mean "not mean sucking ASS!" I would often talk to John Howard about this. John believes that a lifetime of base training full on -- can help in withstanding a level of fitness that is pretty good even with cutting his hours of work from 20 to 10 or more. So in the past 2 months as I have been getting fat and soft, I have been doing my own experiment.

Post Lubbock: After 2-3 weeks of doing nothing, I went out for an epic mountain bike ride at the Bangtail Trail. Conclusion: I felt good and it was fun and not painful!-- Another week or so and I did the Beartooth Burn (a 22 mile climb TT up the Beartooth Pass). Conclusion: I did pretty good going 1:51 and placing 3rd in the 40-49 age group. And again I felt ok even though I went out too hot! The next week I did another epic mtn bike ride at Curly Lake. Conclusion: Felt good and even put in a better time than pre-heart surgery! Keep in mind, that I am doing no exercise during the weekdays -- at all!

I thought OK -- This no training thing seems to work! This is great, I will have so much more time for other things if I only have to workout once a week! Next up the Dakota five- o mtn bike race in Spearfish, SD. A couple of weeks before the race, I thought to myself, "Damn, I need to do some training for this thing" -- since it is hard as hell (7 km of climbing and very competitve). But then I thought to myself --- let's experiment a bit further. So I didn't get on my bike even once for 2+ weeks before. Instead I went to Chicago with my kids and played golf with the old man. By the way, I played much better than my club championship debacle, scoring all 3 rounds in the 70s with a low of 73 at Shoreacres. And by the by, thanks to my mom and dad for a great time and to Kevin Cox, Mike Harrigan, and Mr. Burke for some fun games.

So, last weekend was the Dakota Five-0. This event is just awesome! The course, the town, the campground, the organization, the swag--everything. For the 2nd year in a row, we rented an RV and headed to Spearfish, SD, with other friends from Billings,(this year we had the Dueys, the Galls, Steve M, Don R, Chris J, Don cole, Tina and Ed, Chris J, the Sekora's. Brian J). The vibe is great and the race is very hard! The campground in Spearfish is really great and a total cool family experience. If you want to join us next year for the event sign up early for the race, it sells out, registration starts april 1 and reserve at the campground soon since RV hookups also sell out quick. Congrats to all that finished this very hard and fun event Spearfish city campground

Cale waiting for Dad at the finish

I don't think I should of rode some of the course the day before -- this may have skewed my experiment of no training. But I can tell you that on race day there was certainly a big jump with a lack of legs and fitness. I started in the first wave and found my HR pretty much through the roof in the first 4 miles of climbing to the single track. That was not a smart plan for sure. I managed to do ok through the first 10 miles but, now unlike the previous 8 weeks, my legs were already cooked! This is not good with 4 hrs to go. Needless to say - it was a survival the rest of the way. I began cramping in my VMO at about 3 hrs and that hurts when you have a bunch of serious climbs to go. Today it still feels like I am bruised in the inside of my quads. I ended up finishing with a 5:26 result which was 1hr 10min faster than last year( however, last year I was pretty much the walking dead).

At the finish I was totally worked but at least my experiment was over---conclusion: If you are in solid shape -- you get a one month free pass but not two!I will now find some level of consistency in exercise that I can live with, be happy with and find the balance with my family and work. So my goal for the coming year is to find that balance and work toward feeling better at next years Dakota Five-0. I would like to give breaking 5 hrs a shot. But this time without the experiment of no training.

new ways

2011-08-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Creek Crossing at Curly lake ride, that's me making it and Stan almost!

Habits die hard, but I think I am finally there! for nearly 25 yrs I have been swimming, biking and running in preparation for racing triathlons. Now 5-6 weeks after my race in Lubbock Tx and my retirement from the sport, I am finally not getting up and feeling that I have a planned swim, bike or run workout in the day.

From the beginning swimming was always a sport I least liked to do and has been my weakest discipline for most of the past 25yrs. Ironically, In this past year swimming has been my most competitive sport( most likely due to lower heart rates). But I still don't enjoy it and now that I am not doing triathlon races--- its done---

Next is running, which I really enjoyed the most in my early years. I once was the very fastest 11 yr old in the suburbs of Chicago. Then in College, I began to run longer and really got a buzz out of it. Then I tore my knee up playing basketball as a weekend warrior back in the early 80s. My knee repair was successful but I still had pain and after I started doing triathlons I managed that pain in my left knee and more recently my right one. I did become a pretty efficient runner regardless, logging a 33:25 10k pr and a 2:42:06 marathon pr as well as a 1/2 marathon off the bike of 1:18 in Gulf coast and a 3:11 marathon split in the Hawaii Ironman, this all with running mileage of 30-40 miles at its peak. but today running still hurts and with Heart rate numbers that are higher on the run(which causes a weird feeling with my repaired heart)This sport is also done.

Then there is the bike. I love to bike, and I love to ride all kinds of bikes, especially off road bikes( cross, mtn, single speed) I still get excited for a bike ride and for the past 4 weeks I have gone out and done some epic rides. I have no schedule or method for my riding these days I just go out and ride how I feel and plan rides with friends. I still challenge myself on the bike and do hard rides even though I don't have the engine I used to have. see below. so going forward I see myself riding my bike for fitness and getting back to my bodywork and yoga routine to shore up my body's ability to keep up with my kids and wife in the hopefully many years to come.

My girls

Originally, we decided that Sarah and the Kids would go to the east coast(Cape Cod)for the month of July to spend time with her parents and get bit of east coast(ocean) culture for the kids, while I trained for the Ironman. Then of course my quest came to an end. And with that, I really only wanted to spend time with my family and catch up on the time I missed with them while I was training. But I was forced to figure out this transition alone and begin new ways in my life. So the past month has been very hard. combine that with a bunch of unforeseen house projects and July was pretty difficult for us.

My little fish

Now that the Fam is back. I have really enjoyed spending more time with the kids and Sarah. We have been going to the pool both in Briarwood and in Bozeman, checking out festivals like the Sweat Pea in Bozeman and going to many a play ground. I almost didn't recognize Cale with her sun bleached hair and her new lingo. She is amazing as well as Chloe who is now 6 and is growing up to be a wonderful little girl. They totally make me want to be a stay at home dad.

My love child

Last weekend I entered the Beartooth Burn, a timed ride up the beartooth hwy from red lodge to the summit( 10,000 ft). 22 miles and 6000ft of vertical. I did the event in 1hr 51 min. It is strange to do hard rides with multiple days of no exercise. I start these rides very fresh and have good legs for some of the ride, but of course that catches up with you after a while and you start to show your true fitness. I have gone up and done the Bangtail trail a couple of times with Pat Duey and have felt pretty good for a 4hr hard mtn bike ride. check out this clip of the final descent at the Bangtail trail 5 miles from our cabin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETF2WoFMik

I still go out and try to compete and on Sunday I went pretty hard in the first 1hr and of course started to blow up after that as the altitude reached 9k ft. I did manage to tie the first women! and get 8th overall. I am pretty damn sore today although. And its still a bit hard to let go of being competitive

Coming up there is a lot on the Marschall/Keller agenda. This coming weekend I am holding a mountain bike weekend in Bozeman, doing some epic mountain biking, including the Curly lake Highline ride.

The ride Sunday was epic and definitely a cherry ride! Dr Pat Duey, Stan the man and Dr. Dan Gall came on the Curly lake ride with me. This ride has it all and will make you wanting that Rootbeer then real beer at the finish. total time from start to finish( with a couple of flat,rest, and food stops) 6.5hrs for a mere 25 miles, thats 7k of climbing my friends! boy those fish tacos at La parilla did taste good after!

the crew finally making it to the trail head

and near the top of the last climb at Curly, The Alpdhez of mtn biking, 10k high, 20% grade and many switch backs-- need to be super good and super fit, to not walk. those are not mountain goats walking that is Pat and Stan.

Then I am going to play in the Briarwood club championship the next weekend, did I say I went to the long putter? I hope this will help my scoring. Then I am taking the Girls to Chicago the next weekend to visit my parents and play some golf with the old man. Its on to Spearfish SD on Labor Day for the Dakota five-o mtn bike race and at the end of September we are heading to Red Rocks to see Furthur for the 3 night run there. Its getting me exhausted just thinking about it. But its the end of the summer and its time to pack it in before winter sets in.

the floatin fam

The 4- wheelin fam

Targheefest

2011-07-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

This past week I went 7 days without exercise! When you combine that with a lot of eating you will definitely gain those additional 10lbs. As I try to figure out my new routine or lack there off, I spent the past week not wanting to do a single workout. I think the past 6mo. just plan wore me out mentally and physically. I have been working on my golf game lately, trying desperately to get ready to play decently in the Briarwood member/quest event called the"Tangle". Going forward I am thinking that I may work on my yoga,bodywork, long boarding and cycling. My feeling right now is that swimming and running may be an occasional workout from now on.

The scene at the Targhee Music festival

This weekend my Friend Josh and I cruised down to Driggs ID for the annual Targhee music festival. Originally this would be a family event but this year it would be a guys trip to one of the most beautiful spots and coolest events on earth.

Friday night we arrived and took in Grace Potter and the Nocturnals which is always a great show. The next day, I got up early and took the short trip down the hill and walked 9 holes of golf at the local Muni course, for 9 bucks I was all by myself with the Tetons as the back drop for my ball. Back to Targhee, Josh and I went riding some of the great Targhee single track. We had planned on getting padded up and go downhill mtn biking from the top of the ski hill, but the snow pack is still blocking the downhill trails! probably a good thing in the end. After sweating out the micro beers the night before, we set up our camp in the lawn and chilled in the sun checking out the great Saturday lineup of James McMurtry, Jackie Green and Michal Franti.

the Great Jackie Green doing an amazing Sugeree!

Michael Franti out in the crowd jamming

A great night of people watching and music. The great thing about the Targhee music fest is how great the scene and the Vibe is. very kid friendly and tons of activity's to do in the area. The crowd is very fit- and no- assholes!

Hula sites at Targhee

Kid friendly Targheefest-- check out the dads with their noise canceling headphone kids!

The next day brought much of the same but this time after Golf in the morning I made the grind up to the top of the mountain( 2k up in a couple of miles), I could not get up this climb last year since I was still weak and recovering from surgery, but I did manage to get my fat Ass to the top this year.

The way up to the summit of Grand Targhee ski resort

and at the top

Later on Sunday we even got a visit from my friend Patrick and Wendy Sheehan who the day before had sumited the Grand Teton over in Jackson Wy. After Little feat closed the Sunday show, we busted a move and drove back to Bozeman MT. Now its back to Billings and some summer heat!

Practicing flexible

2011-07-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well, its been 2 weeks since I decided that Buffalo Springs would be the end of my try at a comeback to competition. I have to say the transition has not been easy. First of all, my family is out on the east coast(we thought I would be training during this time) and not having them around is very hard.

I miss my girls, here is Cale out east looking at butterfly's

Second of all, when you have been in a routine of training for the past 6 months and pretty much that past 20 years, it is difficult to change that routine. Every day I wake up and think it is time to do masters swim practice or a long bike. Now that the goals have changed and my time is being taken up with other things I am practicing being more flexible with exercise. For example, instead of waking up at 4:30a and heading to Masters swim practice, I go to the endless pool later in the day and swim a 1k. I still love to exercise but I am doing a sport only if I feel like it, not because it is what I have to do or what is scheduled. I am sure it will take a while to be good with less training but I am sure that will come. I do know that it wasn't Hard to gain 5lbs! I am now 1/2 way to the 10lb gain that Mike said was a good thing.

Last weekend, I had some folks up for a weekend at the cabin. It was great to get out in the woods and mountain bike the bangtail divide trail for the first time this year. There was still some snow banks that we had to negotiate but the trail was awesome as usual and I still can't believe that some triathletes don't mountain bike! They don't know what they are missing. Nash and I even did a short ski run(on our feet) during the ride. The weekend brought a hike, rides, great eats and drinks and plenty of laughs. I even got some target practice in and planted some Raspberry bushes.( thanks to Steve for the help with the berries and Mark for some good pointers on shooting straight) Thanks to Steve, Mark, Nash, Carissa, Steve and Diana for coming up and keeping me company.

Nash and I contemplating our ski down a snow bank at the bangtail divide trail

Back to the cabin this past weekend brought more perfect weather( 80 high, 50 at night with clear skies. Dr. Pat Duey came up to ride the Bangtail trail. I had signed up to race in the Tour de Bozeman cycling stage(4) race. On Friday night there was a Crit at Big sky, and after thinking about how anaerobic this would be, I decided that an evening mtn bike ride at Bohart Ranch would be more fun, so I bagged the crit and road a couple of hours with Pat. The next day, I was signed up to do the TT down in Bozeman and later the main street sprints, but instead Pat and I had a big breakfast of eggs, bacon and special pancakes and rode an epic mtn bike ride from the cabin( skunk creek-bangtail-stone creek- back up Olsen- grassy mtn-cabin)47 miles in 5hrs 28 min with 6000ft of climbing. Early in on the ride, up skunk creek, we saw a herd(30-40 head) of elk(could not get a pic, those suckers move quick!) and after that we both heard a very deep bark that could of been a pissed off bear, combine that with some deer, horses, and 5 mountain ranges it was an afternoon of cool visuals. A perfect day on the trails and even the snow banks were gone! It was certainly an epic day! and after the ride we celebrated by firing some rounds of my AR-15.( way fun)

covered bridge/barn on Skunk creek road

Pat on some sweet single track

going down the grassy mtn switchbacks with the Bridgers in the background

Sunday, I was signed up to do the road race but instead I did some work around the cabin and took the day off exercise completely. So I blew $85.00 by entering the races but training the art of being flexible was probably more beneficial to my new transition.

The end and the Begining

2011-06-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday at the Buffalo springs 70.3 race in Lubbock Tx, my vision quest came to an end. I worked very hard for nearly 6 months, but in the end it was not nearly enough to get the job done. I want to first thank everyone-- my friends, sponsors and especially my family for all the support along this journey.

When I made my goal/quest to come back to competitive triathlon racing after my second Heart surgery, I had convinced myself that if I worked hard enough I could be competitive again. I would then prove to myself and others that having your chest broke open a couple of times does not mean things have to be different. In retrospect I should of never came out with that goal. I knew that becoming ultra competitive again in triathlon would be very difficult. I just did not know how difficult. I should of realized that just coming back to healthy training and finishing triathlons would be enough of a challenge. But my perfectionism and hard headed-ness kicked in and I wanted more than that. I know that the first rule of setting goals is to make them achievable. However, I did not follow this rule. It became clear in Lubbock that my body did not allow me to reach these lofty goals. My competitive triathlon days are now officially over. And with this realization there comes a tremendous sense of relief. It is now time for a new beginning.

Race report:

Going into the race and for the past 6mo, I have worked as hard as I ever have, in my 20+ yrs of training for this sport. But now my engine is different, retooled with a transplant aortic valve and root, the way it feels to train and race is much different than ever before and not in a good way.

Before the race, Mike Pigg and I decided to take the pressure off of trying to compete at a high level and just stick to conservative Heart rate numbers throughout the race and have a clean day and finish. The last time a did Buffalo springs after my first Heart surgery I didn't finish the run and of course there was St.Croix. The plan was to swim very smooth and not stressed, stay at 130-135 on the bike and 135-140 on the run and finish feeling good.
I spent much of the past few weeks getting my head around this idea. I knew it was the right thing to do given the last few races and how inconsistent I felt in training/racing. With the weather on race day predicted to be over 100 degrees with wind, it made even more sense to be very conservative.

Before the race I was very calm and even though they grouped the 50+ group in with the 30-34 males I found a way to get away from the madness and have a relatively stress free swim, going 28 and change and never really pushing any HR effort. Coming out of the water I took my sweet time and got on the bike with the sole focus to stay at the 130-135 number and concentrate on hydration and nutrition.

All my career I have always hammered the bike and for most of the past 20+years this was my strength in the sport and how I became competitive in races, so it was hard to let tons of folks pass me on the bike. But I did-- even though it was very hard to keep the HR down to the 130 number with the heat and wind and I found myself riding more at 135 instead. this probably cost me a bit in the last 5-10 miles as we hit a pretty stiff headwind and what was a relatively easy ride to that point became tougher. My split was 2;42 and that pretty much sucks. On to the run and with the heat rising up into the triple digits, it was really hard to keep the HR down, so I used the walk through the aid station technique, ice in the hat, etc.... typical death march stuff and actually felt pretty good the last 4miles and ran most of it without walking. My split on the run was 2hrs not exactly stellar either but I finished. My time would end up being 5:16 placing 7th in my age group. I ranked 7th in every discipline. At the finish I felt physically pretty good, no gut bomb, no medical tent, no blisters( i did wear socks) a clean race( albeit slow as ass) But one thing was for sure, I was done with racing Triathlon. I had once placed 2nd overall in this race back in 1995 in a time of 4:18 almost an hour faster than I did on Sunday. Just another stark realization of my deterioration and inability to race competitively on a national level again.

I am proud of fighting myself back to this point. The work has been brutal. I think that in the end I realize that for me to get more competitive in this sport I would have to spend even more time, maybe even years of many hours of aerobic training in order to acclimate my system to become more efficient at lower HR numbers. And even if I did so, I may still not get to that level again. This is something I am not willing to put me or my family through any more.

when I started racing triathlon in the late 80s it was fun, I had no expectations and it felt good to get in shape after being fat and out of shape by having a desk job. The next few years from 87-93 I had fun with the sport. I enjoyed going to races, talking smack and planing the training with the guys. There was camaraderie, we had a good group of guys to train with, there was no coaches or numbers to adhere to, just chase each other around as hard as possible. those were the days. It was hard but it was fun to compete on a day to day basis

then in 1993 I started to win races and with that came the expectations and pressure to be good in every race. This made the sport less and less fun. My relationships turned stressed and it was only about living up to the expectations of doing better or at least as good as before. There was Ironman Hawaii, Nationals, ect... I didn't like what I had become as a person, I was focused completely around the sport and I was so very selfish. Competition was the focus in my life and it became my identity. There was so many sacrifices and mistakes I made through those years. I can honestly say that the only real positives that came out of that period was meeting my wife Sarah and a few good friends as well as developing my fitness business.

Starting in 2003 I became more removed from the sport of triathlon when Sarah and I moved to Montana. I exercised the 3 sports just for health and fitness and without a whole lot of structure. Again i started to enjoyed the sports. You see in Montana triathletes are not super prevalent and folks enjoy activity in many modes and don't take themselves so seriously about any of them. I put very little pressure on myself to be very good in these years.

Then the heart surgeries changed everything in my life both mentally and physically. I did not want heart surgery to limit me in any way. So I fought hard to come back. Fast forward to this latest comeback. By trying to be competitive like before I found myself again getting selfish, absorbed in the training/racing and basically a pain in the ass to live with. Going to the big races and seeing the competitive athletes made me want to be good again. It was like in the godfather-- "I try to get out but they pull me back in" But at these races I also realized that I was not into the triathlon scene anymore. I found it more and more nauseating.

I also know that my training had become a stress on my family and friends. My wife Sarah has been super understanding during this period but it has not been easy on her. I am very sorry to have put her through this struggle. I love her so very much. And my kids( Chloe and Cale) are the lights of my life and during this whole thing it has weighed heavily on me that I have spent so much time away from them while training and racing. Now that it is over I am very excited to spend time playing with my kids in the dirt again!

After the Race, I was in the car and driving back to Montana within 45min of my finish. I do believe that I won the open heart surgery division + driving 16 hrs straight after a 70.3 race, all I can say is thank god for 5 hr energy! On the drive I had a great conversation with Mike Pigg for about an hour. He has been great in the past couple of months counseling me in my training and in Life. We talked about how finishing was a good thing and that I had done it right by racing aerobic and feeling good at the finish without incident. He also remarked that he didn't understand how anyone with a family trained for Ironman. He told me that if he had a family when he raced that he could not have done it. I think he has got that right.

We also discussed how to approach my post racing period. here are some of the suggestions that Mike made when I asked him how he approached his transition from racing. The following is some of the advice that Mike gave.

1. No more structure, Have fun when you exercise and mix it up with what you feel like doing on that day.

2. take days off when you feel like it

3. its ok to gain 10 pounds but not 20 lbs. if that happens just cut back on the beer and ice cream and eat more protein and vegetables.

4. plan exercise with your kids and your wife, make movement a family outing. Mike recently went out for 3hrs with his 14 yr old son on a tandem. He said that it was great to spend that time taking, moving and seeing the countryside. killing 2 birds with one stone

5. go out and train with friends and/or clients. Go as slow as you want, make exercise more social.

6. Its ok to enter a 5k or bike race and go as hard as you want, just make sure you don't have any expectations

7. look down the road to things like coaching your kids in sport or activity

8. stay fit enough to keep up with your kids when you get to be 60,70,80 yrs old

9. play more golf

10. spend more time at the cabin, hiking, biking and playing in the woods with the family.

so today I will start a new phase in my life without triathlon racing. Is this failure in my quest hard to swallow? sure it is. but with every end there is a new beginning and this quest fortunately has no clock.

coachjay

Ironheart classic/ willard bay tri/ cabin and lead up to lubbock

2011-06-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, I have been trying hard to bounce back from the poor outcome at St. Croix. But I have to be honest, it has been much harder to be UP for workouts than before ST. Croix. Each bout of work has been more inconsistent than in the past and it has been very hard to predict how my body feels and reacts to training. It is unclear why exactly this is happening but it is clear that someone with a partial heart transplant trying to compete at a high level is an unknown entity. This could be just the way it is going to be with my new heart or I may be hitting the ceiling on just how I can compete given my circumstances. These thoughts weigh very heavy on my mind going into races these days. There was a time that working this hard gave me a lot of confidence going into races. Over the years I have had some bad days but for the most part I was very consistent when I toed the line. Now things are different and it is uncomfortable to deal with.

a few weeks ago I traveled to Seattle to visit with my friends Carol and Matt Des rosiers (dizzy)and run in the Ironheart classic 8miler. I had not been to Seattle in many years and it was great to spend some time with Diz and Carol since they moved out there. When I got in to Seattle Diz and I went down the Pike Market and saw the sights.

Dizzy at the original starbucks

flying fish at Pike market Seattle

We then headed up to Mt. Vernon where the Des Rosiers live and hit the links for some golf. A really nice golf course where Diz and Carol live. Golf was fun and then great seafood eats. Its really nice to get fresh seafood as a change of pace from what we get in Billings. Great day.

next up the Ironheart classic. I was really trying to see what I could hold for 8 miles running and also wanted to connect with other heart surgery patients that where also competing. As I lined up at the start, you look around and guess on who had a scar on there chest or not. My thought is " I hope I can beat the other heart patients". There were a few fast looking guys up in the front and at the start I went out like I was 30 and went through the first mile at 6:11! shit too fast. I settled back and got into a better pace and pretty much ran 6:30 miles from there on out until the finish, I finished in 51:57 and finished 5th overall and first in the heart patient category. I was somewhat pleased with this race and felt ok but not great through out this effort. I was pleased that I passed Diz and Carol with a 1/2 mile to go on their 4mile walk. something we had smack talked about the night before at dinner! Fun event and a fun day. Thanks to Dave Watkins for putting on the first annual Ironheart classic. We hope to make this a great annual event. Here are the results!

Jay at the Ironheart classic 8miler in Seattle

Dizzy comes down the trail at little mountain near his house In Mt Vernon Wa

Diz and I at the summit of Little mountain

This past weekend I traveled down to Ogden UT for the Willard bay Olympic Distance Triathlon. I chose this race because the timing was right and I could drive to the event. I also would be able to meet my client Jay Preston who lives is Salt Lake. I really needed to get a tri under my belt after St. Croix so as to build some confidence going into Lubbock. After arriving at Ogden I met Jay and we went for a prerace swim. The lake was supposed to be 63 degrees but it was really 51 degrees! buuuur. Jay and I then rode the course easy. The bike course was flat and fast although the roads were not great. Jay and I had a nice dinner and got to know each other.

The race the next day went almost good. In the swim I felt pretty strong and even though I was by myself I felt strong and got into a great rhythm. I would come out of the water in 6th overall in a time of 21:40. On the bike my strategy was to take a bit more time to get to pace and it seemed to work as I felt pretty strong from the go and built into a good pace ave around 278 watts for the first loop(12.5miles)I battled with a younger local guy on the second loop but stayed in control trying to make sure I would have a solid race throughout. My bike time would be 1:01 which would rank me the second fastest bike split of the day. I was very pleased on how I felt on the bike. I did have a bit of a mistake on the T2 as I followed the young guy into the transition and right to his rack instead of mine! damn! that was stupid. it took me a while to figure out that I was in the wrong rack. finally I got to my rack and got my run gear on. Then the run. the first couple of miles I felt descent running sub 7min pace. The run course was on a gravel levy( out and back) after a couple of miles my legs felt weak and my cardio system was also getting stressed. At the turnaround, I had to stop and get some rocks out of my shoes. then it just seemed that I was bogging down and at mile four I felt a bit wrong and had some dizziness which concerned me, so I walked through the aid station and gathered myself. I finished the last mile a bit better, but in the end my 45min run was a disappointment. I had hoped to run in the low 40s here. all in all it was much better than St. Croix and somewhat of a regaining of confidence. I do need to be much better on the run come June 26th. The finish results I would end up at 2:10 which would be good for 4th overall and first old guy. Thanks to Jay Preston for coming up early in the morning to support his coach!

we finally are getting some spring time temps here in Montana! must be the global cooling up here. So we got up to the cabin for the first time in 6 weeks! my favorite ride in the world is heading from the cabin to wilsal/clyde park and this weekend all the way around to livingston. Right now the snow pack is still huge and every thing else is green and finally the wildflowers are coming out.

heading to the back side of the battle ridge climb brutal with 18% grades

aaah the open roads of Montana-- from the cabin--sometimes over an hour without a passing car-- there is nothing like it---

On the Clone front-- congrats to Adam Weaver and Jay Preston for great races at the Boise 70.3 race. Jay was 3rd in his age group in a time of 4;21 posting the fastest amateur bike split of the day. And Adam placed 10th in the same 40-44 age group.

with just a week to go until I hoof it to Lubbock(106 degrees today, Yikes)I am sowing up my last key workouts before my taper/rest. I am feeling pretty good and especially with getting my head around just having a clean race at Lubbock, which is what Mike Pigg and I are calling my goal for this race. I am going to be very strict on my HR number and am going to concentrate on that first. what ever happens with my time and place happens after that. No matter what the result I know I have done everything I could do to prepare and am proud of working through how hard it has been given the way my body is and feels. It has been very hard to attempt this and apart from having the surgeries and pic line drip-- the most difficult thing I have ever tried to do. I am hopeful that I will get to finish line with that clean race!

Trials & Tribulations

2011-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

(Post by Sarah:) Well! It has been quite an on-again off-again spring. The weather in MT has produced non-stop rains and cool weather...finally getting into full-on spring this week! Jay's races and training seem to have gone up and down with the weather. First we suffered a big disappointment at St. Croix. Then, with the go-ahead from Dr. Scott Sample, Jay came in 5th overall at the Ironheart 8-miler in Seattle. Now, this weekend, he's headed to an olympic distance at Willard Bay. I sure hope it goes well for him!

On the home front, we have also suffered some significant trials, including home damage due to the moisture, termites, and sliding shale behind our home. Chloe is out of school for the summer and starting camp next week. Cale is still going to "baby school" at MSU Billings. I am still teaching a bit and conducting research on the side.

With the end of my university semester, my training (for nothing in particular) has increased and I am beginning to look around for races. I am planning on doing a trail run in Red Lodge, a 10-mile trail run in Bozeman, the Falmouth Sprint Tri, a century ride in the Beartooths, and perhaps a 50 km in August.

I'll be on the East Coast for the month of July...and will be looking forward to catching up with some of the old crew. Jay will remain in Montana, training and racing.

rebuilding confidence/seeing clearly

2011-05-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Since the disappointment of St.Croix it has been hard to get my mojo back. Like most sports the mental side is very important to any success. With a bit less confidence and uncertainty I have wondered whether this quest is even possible after failing a couple of weeks ago. It has been a lot more difficult to get out the door for workouts. Bunches of you have sent nice notes on what happened and I really appreciate the kind words. But it is hard to put in such hard work and get a bad result. I loved endurance racing from the start because for the most part if you worked hard you were rewarded with good results. However, the circumstances are a bit different now and I will have to deal with the other variables involved with my body and somehow find the best way around them. My patterns of recovery with certain loads of training is a lot different than every before and it has been difficult to read how to plan for these ups and downs.

In the past few weeks there has been a change in my guidance. I am now working with Mike Pigg on my training. so far the main difference between Mike and Dave Scott has been the more organic(I will try to explain this) nature of the coaching. Dave's workouts and coaching were great and they were very challenging to say the least. I feel they definitely got me to a new level of fitness. Just getting through those workouts gave me a degree of confidence in my comeback.

The Intensity of Mike Pigg racing

For those of you who don't know of Mike Pigg. Mike is a triathlon Icon. One of the best of all Time. His resume is dense and the Story of Mike Pigg's career is an amazing one which is documented in this 2001 story when he retired from the sport. I got to know mike in 1993 at the multi-sport camp of champions camp in San Diego. The recently passed Dr Hilton Kort and I attended the camp and met Mike for the first time there. Mike is a regular guy with an incredible enthusiasm for sport. His heart is huge and his ability to suffer is legendary. Dave Scott told me recently that Mikes suffer quotient was off the charts. But beyond his desire to win, his attention to detail in his training and his vast knowledge and experience with the process is an incredible resource.

Later in Mikes career we collaborated on a couple of projects including a Triathlon camp in Atlanta/ North Georgia and even produced a cycling video together(which by the way I don't even have a copy of --long story) So it was the logical choice to have Mike work with me on my vision quest.

I have been coaching folks in Triathlon for 20 years now and over those years much has changed in my life. And of course with those changes come the way I look at coaching and my methods. I used to coach by the motto that always got me my results--- "out work the other guy" and that philosophy has served me and my clients well over the years. Now of course there is more technology, more gadgets, and a very different and increasing triathlon crowd. In my my older and hopefully wiser years I have found that there is more to coaching than just placing an incredible work load of swimming, biking and running on an individual. Don't get me wrong now--- if you want to be good at this sport you still have to do a bunch of hard well placed and well paced work in all three sports. However, what has become a bunch more evident to me now, more than ever is how this workload fits in someones healthy life.

Mike Pigg is very conscience of this fact as well. Mike raced for money and that was pretty much it. When he couldn't make a living doing it, he was done. Now Mike loves to be active and still does events for fun, he is planning on doing the Leadville 100 Mtn bike race this summer among other events and adventures. but he doesn't need to do it at his best level anymore--He has been the best-- There are other things more important for him to spend his hours on. Mike and his wife have a real estate business and he has 2 kids of 14yrs old. his daughter Chloe is one of the best distance runners in the state, you can view her racing at Hayward field in Oregon a couple of weeks ago. (on the important docs page of this blog.)

I and most of us are not pro's and don't make a living racing triathlon, so for us amateurs there is a difference in the picture surrounding training and our lives. I asked Mike once in an interview back in 2002, what he would miss from racing, his response was "being super fit". Super fit is what it takes to be competitive on the national stage in Triathlon. I too will miss being "super fit" after this is all over. It makes you feel like superman compared to others. However, I do know that post competitive racing that exercise in many forms will continue to be a big part of our lives and just "fit" will be just fine, and in most respects much healthier for me and my family.

While working with me, Mike asks me every week about how I feel, whats going on with my physical and mental state and what's going on with my life other than training/racing. This week I have Chloe with me for the next 3 days, while Sarah and Cale are in Bozeman for a work conference, and Mike takes this into consideration with my training. He makes it a positive by suggesting spending quality time with your daughter and take some easy days around the extra responsibilities. Today I see this lack of training as a positive, while in previous years I certainly would not.

You see I believe that training for Triathlon at the high level while having a family(not to mention a job) is nearly impossible to really have a healthy balance. I came to that conclusion a while back, based my 20yrs of experience and hundreds of examples of bad outcomes. I know there are exceptions but when I look through all the folks I have worked with over the years( and there is a wide cross section of people in that crowd) I see a huge majority of bad outcomes or troubling circumstances that have occurred as a result of obsessive triathlon training. And let me be clear I include myself in that crowd. What Mike is communicating to me and in a large part what I have been trying to communicate to my clients in the past number of years is that you need to look beyond the training to keep a healthy balanced life. A life that is not clouded by the pull or what I refer to as "the crack pipe"(triathlon addiction).

I have said to many folks in recent years that training 15-25 hrs a week for Triathlon doesn't make me a better father or husband. It flat out doesn't. It costs a ton of money, it makes you tired( with all this affects) and it is a serious time suck even outside the actual hours of training(travel,planning, etc..) With all that said, this is the path I have chosen. I don't fold folks who want to get fit and do a triathlon for a goal to get to better health, into this crowd. I encourage people to race for a way to motivate toward a healthy goal. We are talking about the group that wants to get competitive at the national level and what it takes to do so.

I still love to work with the beginner who sees triathlon as a mode to lose weight and get fit. I was that person back in 1986. I am also taking increasing pride in my work with other heart patients who are battling back from getting knocked down. Inspiring folks to see that anything is possible after being really sick or hurt. I am really looking forward to running in the ironheart classic 8mile race this weekend in Seattle and visiting with other folks that have had similar challenges to mine.

4 months into my personal quest I am trying my best to do what it takes to make the results I seek happen. The training is taking a sacrifice that I am not at all comfortable with. I am looking forward to after it is all said and done that I will be back to having a better balance in my life, spending more time with my family and being fit albeit not super fit. This much is clear

Remembering and Forgetting

2011-05-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Remembering

Friday night our good friend of nearly 20 yrs, Doctor Hilton Kort passed from his battle from a rare form of Cancer. I worked with Hilton and his family, wife Phillipa, and sons Jonathon and Anton since 1993. They were like a second family to me. I spent many hours with the Kort family, and I will remember many good times spent with Hilton and the family. Hilton hosted a group of us from Atlanta to race with him at Ironman South Africa in 2001; I also had the opportunity to stay at their house in Vail for training camps; I was fortunate to travel with Anton to national junior races; and did countless workouts with all of the family in the Atlanta area. The times I spent with Hilton were always special because he was a special man. Recently we would talk about fighting back from health hardships. I believe we gained strength and resolve from each other.

Hilton and I at Rev 3 Knoxville last year

We raced together exactly a year ago at the Rev 3 Triathlon in Knoxville, TN where we both won our age groups. Hilton had a heart of gold and I always marveled at the closeness of their family. They were committed to fitness and the whole family would do races and events together. Anton and Hilton only a year or so ago raced together at sprint worlds. The Korts were what a family should be. There was a closeness you felt any time you were around the Kort family. Hilton was one of the premier IVF specialists in the entire world; in his work and in his private life he touched so many lives. The world will miss Hilton Kort. I will be wearing a ribbon and gather strength from his strength in every race I do this year.

forgetting

After the days of depression post St. Croix, I have pushed forward and gotten back on the horse this past week. I have been working with Triathlon Icon Mike Pigg for the past few weeks as Dave Scott has had to cut back on his client load with new business opportunities. The timing was not great on this change but I am very fortunate to be working with Mike now on my quest/comeback. I have kept my HR in check (aerobic) per Mike's advice, until I was tested and met with my doctor (Dr. Scott Sample) this week.

The Echo today came back good and I have checked out fine with the doc. The reason for what happened to my legs in St. Croix is still unknown but there are a few things that we are going to try to do differently moving forward for the next race. I will no doubt have some fear of this happening again but it's time to forget and gain confidence and more fitness moving forward. With my history, it is just going to be very hard to race and deal with the feel of my body and decipher what is normal and what may be not.

Last weekend I ponied up and did a cycling Omnium in Belt, Montana. The Omnium started in the morning with an 11-mile TT and in the afternoon a 50-mile road race. It was a pleasant surprise to race pretty well. I finished 2nd in the TT with a time of 27 minutes and 309-watt ave, and in the road race I was in the mix for most of the cat 1,2,3 and masters A group and ave 260-watts for over 2 hrs. These are the kind of numbers that I was showing going into St. Croix! So I was again encouraged with what my body could still do and that my fitness level was much better than what it showed a week ago.

Next up with be the Ironheart classic 8mile run in Seattle and an olympic race the willard Bay Triathlon in Utah June 4th and on to the Buffalo Springs race on June 26th.

On the clone front, a big congrats to my 62nd Hawaii Ironman qualifier clone, Jay Preston, from Salt Lake City, UT. Jay placed 3rd in the 40-44 age group with a time of 9:57 a 15min PR from last year in the St. Georges Ironman. Jay had the fastest bike split in his age group. Jay will be doing the Boise 70.3 and then getting ready for a great race in Kona. I also want to announce a new clone in Kelly Carter Flynn. Kelly is training for her first triathlon as her family has set a goal to do a Tri together in remembrance of their father who died last year of heart disease and complications from valve repair. Also a shout out to my wife and my best supporter Sarah for a stellar 2nd place in the Montana Women's Run 5miler she was second to non other than Olympic gold medalist and masters record holder Joan Benoit Samuelson. also participating in the women's run (which by the way had an awesome participation of 8700 runners) Sue, Carla, Jennel and my 5yr old Chloe.

This weekend Clones, Dan Brewer, Dr. Paolo Gerbasi, and Mike Fogassey toe the line in the 70.3 Florida in Orlando FL. Good luck guys!

Ironheart Racing

2011-05-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

The stairway back up

Believe it or not, there are some 100 other heart patient triathletes who are really organized! Jay has just discovered their team - ironheartracing.com - and joined. Many of them had congenital problems like Jay and are determined to be competitive again. Jay is going out to join their first event in Seattle next week - The Ironheart Classic

When: May 21, 2011 09:00
Where: Marymoor Park- Redmond, WA
What: A 4 mile Fun Run/Walk representing the 4 chambers of the heart,
An 8 mile Run representing the 4 chambers + 4 valves of the heart

If you are in the vicinity, please consider joining Jay in this event!

Back to the drawing board

2011-05-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is a very hard blog to write but as they say -- I need to cowboy up! Things today did not go as planned in St.Croix. All week I was feeling positive and the body and mind were good. All my tune-ups went well and on Thursday I went up the Beast(the .7-mile hill of avg. grade of 15%)in 7 minutes, pretty much no problem at 140 HR. I felt rested, and nervous, but ready to roll and I was confident that I had done all the prep I could do to be ready for this test. Race morning was also good with all my gear and nutrition ready to race this very difficult course.

The swim started and I got out to a good start and settled into my pace and felt pretty good and relaxed. I got a good draft from Roger Wacker and another in my group on the way back in. I came out in 32 and change and thought -- "Damn, I thought I could go more like 30 here," but looking at the times and my place (7th) out of the water I was in pretty good shape going into the bike.

Then everything went bad. I started the bike and immediately thought, "Shit, my legs feel like crap!" but I didn't panic, I knew it was a long hard race and my legs surely would come around. The first short loop and into town, Sarah shouted that I was in 4th. OK, my legs feel like shit but I am OK if I get some legs sometime soon, I tried as I might, easier gears, harder gears, standing, etc.... but it was like I had a bad electrical current in my legs that wouldn't allow me to push any power to the pedals. At mile 20 I hit the "Beast," where just a few days ago I went up it pretty easy. Not this time. I was barely able to get up the thing. Over the top and down to the faster section of the course. I stayed in the game and continued to fight to find something. By mile 30 I was actually pushing my hand on my quads to push the pedal down. I was relegated to the small ring and barely able to push 200 w. I was done.

I spun easy to the short loop and cut through --- I really don't think I could of got around the hard side of the island for the last 20 miles. And certainly could not have run. It was like I was bonked after a century. I saw Sarah at the corner of the short loop and said to her, "I have never felt legs on the bike quite like that before." I was able to get to the room barely and now I am processing what exactly happened.

I can't tell you how disappointed and embarrassed I am about this. I knew this quest was going to be hard but I really thought that my training numbers were good and I was ready to perform today. I obviously wasn't. I have had so many people routing for me and supporting me in this quest. I have let you all down today and it really hurts. I even had a good cry as I watching the "Bucket List" on the tube. I have no idea why it went bad today --- which is the most frustrating. Everyone has bad days with bad legs and I --- like everyone has had my fair share of bad days on the race course. There were a couple of incidents in Training were something like this happened to me. A few weeks ago at a practice TT (17 miles) my legs where a bit bad like this and I was very average on the bike. And In Las Vegas I had a day with very little power as well. But everyone has bad training days within a training block. right? Last week, however, I felt great and my power was very strong. I tapered from 20 hrs to 10 hrs to 6 hrs the last 3 weeks and nothing seemed to indicate a problem. Although maybe tapering was the problem? But there was certainly something very wrong today. I don't know whether my heart had anything to do with this but I am scheduled for testing in the next couple of weeks to make sure it had nothing to do with the way I felt today. My gut feeling is that my heart is fine, my breathing and heart felt fine today it was my legs that were the problem.

In any case there is just a couple of choices for me going forward. One, give this whole thing up and forget about racing at this level or fight back and give it more time and another shot at Buffalo Springs. This is not the end..... Buffalo Springs 70.3, here I come. and tonight many drinks

thanks for all the well wishes and I am sorry for today

Jay

St. Croix Race Prep

2011-04-30T05:29:00.001-07:00

Hydrating Before the Race

It's Friday before Jay's 70.3 at St. Croix where there are 2 slots in his age group for Hawaii. We are staying at the lovely Tamarind Reef in Green Cay Marina, where we did our morning run, followed by an official swim of the swim course, where the waves made us feel "like paperclips in a bath tub." Once done with our morning tune-up, we hit Rowdy Joe's for lunch...so Jay could have his pre-race hydration and the "best fish tacos he's ever had."

Jay Sacking Out on the Beach

The beach at Cane Bay nearby was not bad either. We took the opportunity to chill a bit, catch some rays, and cool off in the water...and then at the nearby Eat Cane Bay bar with some killer Cruzan Rum drinks!

The View of the Northside, St. Croix

The views on the bike course are spectacular. This is a shot of the Northside where the bike course starts out...the only easy part of the whole day, with a downwind curvy section. Today (Saturday) we will really chill, with just one quick trip into town for some needed supplies. I'm sitting out on our patio looking at sailing boats, surf, and the nearby Buck Island (where our snorkeling cruise will take us on Monday).

Here's to wishing Jay good luck!!!! GO JAY! GO JAY! GO JAY!!!!!!

Billings Gazette Article on Jay

2011-04-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ready, Set, Go!

2011-04-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Its been almost exactly 1 year since I was told the horrible news that my heart went bad with an infection and aortic aneurysm. Actually, under a year by about 3 weeks. Today I did my first triathlon since the operation to replace my valve and root with a human homograph. Since the operation, the last 11 and 1/2 months of battling back to this point has been a journey that few people could understand.

Today's race was just a dress rehearsal for next weekends task at the 70.3 race in St. Croix. The Grizzly Triathlon in Missoula MT. is the largest in numbers participating in the state. The competition is really pretty good especially in the younger age groups, The University of Montana regularly competes for the nations best in the collegiate Triathlon championships. There is also a good elite field for a race that offers no prize money. Lindsey Corbin, Ben Hoffman, and Matt Seely are regular participants.

The race went pretty well with just a couple of non-fitness mishaps such as my seat post slipping down about an inch after whacking a pot-hole, blowing through the last turn as the cop was taking a nap as I approached and having to stop and winch up my laces on my shoes on the run. Other than that I was pleased with how I felt. I swam right at 1:20 Pace per 100 for the 1000yd swim. ave 281w on the bike for 20k and ran 22:10 for the 5k run(the run has a wicked .7mile trail hill that I actually walked part of) My finish time of 1:07:55 bested all the age groups 35 and older. and even though my finish time was 57s slower than last year, my time was better since last year they got our lane out a 100 early on the swim. so my swim time of 12:38 did not happen. So without the mishaps that probably cost me 30-40s I was better than last year at this time and that's not bad for a partial heart transplant less than 1yr post! Although I was trying hard to best all the chicks, but Lindsey Corbin is a bit of a stud.

The awards where very nice, and very large Root beer mugs that will certainly hold a full can of Cold smoke beer! By the way the best purchase of the trip was a short fill(not more than 1oz)16oz cans/24 case for 24 bucks! And at the last minute My crazy wife Sarah filled in a spot in the race and did her first Triathlon in 4 yrs and placed 2nd! So 2 mugs for the Marschall/Keller family.

So now its on to St.Croix 70.3. I feel like I have done everything possible to get ready for this race, My goal now is to execute a solid day and see what happens. No matter what the result, the journey to this point has been a positive one.

There has been other great stories from other clones out there. First of all congrats to Mike Fogassey for realizing his dream of getting to Kona! Mike now the hard part starts! Jay Preston had a great race at 70.3 California with a 5th place finish in the 40-44 age group, Jay had the fastest bike split in his group and put together a great day, only x-pros Gordo Byrne, Chris Hauth and a couple others bested him. Jay will be racing at the St. George Ironman in a couple of weeks and he is ready to kill it! Also in the same 70.3 race Adam Weaver had a very solid day placing 10th in the same age group. Adam also bounced back from the 70.3 to run a near pr of 2:59 at the Boston Marathon only 2 weeks post.

Sarah's Post

Well, it’s been quite a busy few weeks, topped off by an age group win for Jay and a 2nd place age group finish for me at the Grizzly Triathlon in Missoula, MT – a studley sprint race featuring the likes of Lyndsay Corbin and Matt Seeley. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm day welcoming our first tri of the season – with sparkling snow-capped mountains all around us keeping a cool breeze blowing. Chloe had a blast with her friend Axl (the son of my college friend Cara Nelson) – from Easter egg hunts to swim center silliness.

Now it’s off to St. Croix for Jay’s Half Ironman and Hawaii qualifier – I’m sure he’ll do very well given his recent training and performances. Last weekend, Jay explored warm weather training in the Lake Mead area outside of Las Vegas, while I teamed up with Jenel Duey and Robin Culver to conquer the women’s sport division at Peaks to Prairie. Go Robin’s Team! (Jenel ran 9 mi., I biked 43 mi., and Robin paddled 22). It was just a spontaneous decision for me to join the race and has encouraged me to jump into more events even if I can’t train as well as I’d like for them.

Cale and Chloe have been busy with growing up, soccer, swimming, ballet and the end of Kindergarten for Chloe. She is reading some, smiling a lot, and learning tough lessons about discipline and politeness. Cale walks like a drunken sailor. Jay is doing very well, and we hope with all our hearts that things continue to soar upwards.

The Need for Heat!

2011-04-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I took a flyer to Las Vegas (actually Henderson) to train for 3 days solo in hot weather. With St. Croix just a couple of weeks away the 40-50degree weather in Billings, made me a bit nervous about dealing with the Caribbean heat of St.Croix. With Allegiant air, Vegas is a cheap and fast place to get to and the training is actually pretty good. I was able to log 14 good hours of work In 2.5 days and got my first sunburn of the year! I even stayed in my Hotel/Henderson area without even a sniff of the Vegas strip, although I really wanted to check out the Pawn Stars shop, maybe next year. It was all good and even though not all the workouts felt super great, I got the work done. The body really needs to acclimate to the heat you know. It was a real challenge to keep up on the fluids and monitor the intensity during training without melting down. The river mountain loop trail(40mile loop) is a great bike trail that loops around the Henderson area and runs close to Lake Meade, I also road out in the Park (lake Meade)and up some great climbs in very desolate desert roads that reminded me of riding in Kona.

descent and back up climb to Calville bay( lake Meade national park)

and at the bottom at the Calville bay the marina in the foreground, I had a snack here and a drink, but no mountian dew

I also did my first open water swim in Lake Meade, which was a bit chilly at 57 degrees, but my new T1 wetsuit and neoprene cap from Desoto did the trick and after some minutes it wasn’t all that bad( warmer than the Snake river!)

The last day I did a hot, hilly 14mile run on the river mountain loop trail and ave, 7:15 pace which was encouraging, then a bit later, in the heat of the day I did another 3hr ride and transition run(90 degrees!). Sunday it was back to Billings and met the Fam at the Peaks to prairie finish at Coulson Park. Sarah and her team of Jenel Duey and Robin Culver won the womens division, congrats! Also a shout out to Paolo Gerbasi for placing 2nd in the Duathlon and all the other clones and friends that did peaks/grizzly races, Sue, Carla, Pat, Ed, Tina, Don, etc… also congrats to clone Mike Fogassey for getting in to the Hawaii Ironman world championships in this years lottery! lots of work ahead mike!

It's great to be back in Billings, although the weather is still pretty wintery here. But that's ok, since now I will be taking a bit of rest after this past 20+hr week and I will ready for this weekend's tune up sprint Tri in Missoula and then the following week its off to St. Croix!

Powerman/Georgia camp diary

2011-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

So we arrived in Georgia to very nice weather and went to work right away with a Friday 3 sport day with a run at the river and Sope creek trails of 9miles and a Dynamo masters swim at noon and a spin to Columns driver for 30miles with Angelo from Wilier. Good day perfect weather. Next day it was off to Birmingham for tune up workouts for Powerman and a great funny movie(Hall pass. Race morning it was threatening rain but pretty cool which we were happy about since there has been no heat training in Montana for sure. Team Magic does such a great job of doing races. It was a pleasure to toe the line at a race I have done many times before and I was thrilled to pay homage to Therese and Faye at Team Magic. The course was brutal with a giant 600ft accent in 1mile on both runs! The first run I went out a bit hot and finally settled into my numbers of 145HR. I came in the T1 in 3rd with another guy. On the bike I went again by the numbers and settled into a smooth pace, knowing that a 60k bike and that run again would be very tough in this early season. I was surprised how good I felt on the bike since the outdoor miles in Montana have been limited. I came in the T2 in 3rd place. As I came out on the second run I was passed by the guy that beat me on the first run and I said to myself " see if he blows up and keep him close" well he gaped me pretty good and I was alone in 4th. I decided to shut it down and cruise in feeling good. I was pretty pleased with my 4th place finish and felt much better than I expected to this day. Kevin also did very well placing 7th in his group.

I planned on making this trip a "crash" camp and so on Monday I was off to the N. Georgia Mtns. Since I was not crippled from Powerman, I went to work. I woke up and did some light bodywork at NRG( Patrick and wendy's personal training studio) Patrick and Wendy have been great friends and have taken me in for the week. After bodywork I went to Dynamo masters swim for a quick 3k and then I was off to the mountains where I did 3 gap from Dahlonega(50miles with 4k of climbing).

The first Gap(woody)we used to go up this 5mile climb in 20min today it took me 29min, I tell myself "dont think about the old numbers"

The dreaded sign to" Hog Pen" seven miles of hell--- I passed--- not today with the legs and gear I had.

or the highest point in Georgia--- Brasstown--maybe next time

Sunrise Grocery, we called this the cricket store, this place hasn't changed a bit-- and like 20yrs ago, it was a snickers and a mountain du!

and of course the boiled peanuts

Next my favorite climb "Wolf pen"

In North Georgia there is no doubt on the political lean.

Coming back from Dahlonega I spent the evening with Jon and Jo Adamson in Alpharetta. The fittest older couple on the planet! Jon is an icon and ages up to the 75 age group this year and Jo finished second at nationals in the 60 age group last year. They are great people and great friends for a long time! Thanks to them for putting me up in there great digs.

The next day it was back up to the mountains for another big day. This time I went back to the archives and did the reverse 4 gap from the church(70miles and 6k of climbing) and a 6 mile transition run( the loop) after. The weather was cool so I waited until noon to start so like the old days I finished at dusk. This ride was emotional for me since the start of the ride( the church) was 300yrds away from where one of my best friends in the world fell dead from a heart attack. Dave Freikin
was an amazing guy and someone that I rode this ride with many times(hundreds)I loved him very much and it still pains me to think that he is gone. This quest of mine has him in my heart.

Dave Freidkin's sign, 200yrds from my ride start on Tuesday

I returned to my rent a car at the church and went out for a one loop(6miles) transition run. 44 min. I remember when I did 4 laps of this loop( very hilly) in 36-40min but those days are gone for sure. I was again pleased with getting this done and I have to say that this quest is motivating me beyond what I thought I was capable-- so far-- tomorrow is another day.

On Wed it was an early wake up to a georgia spring T-storm and a masters swim at Westminster with my buddy the "duuude" Bruce Erskine and old clone DJ Fairbanks. Pretty wiped but got r done 3k.

later I treated myself to a massage with my long time therepist Lisa Browning at core bodyworks. We go way back to track practice with Roy Benson. She is the best and her shop space is real cool. Thanks Lisa!

Jeff Galloway and coachjay

At the end of the day I did my first speaking engagement at phidippides in Sandy Springs. Phidippides was my running store of choice in the ATL for all the years I was here. The Store is owned by Olympian and running legend Jeff Galloway. It was great turnout around 25 folks showed up for their weekly run and to listen to my story afterword. What was really great was seeing some of my old clones who showed up for the event. Jeff Lochmandy, Dave Smith, Jim Burt, all where there reliving old times with coachjay's workouts. Tomorrow I do another Talk at the Ansley Phidippides.

Thursday March 31st

Got to sleep in today(8am) and started the day with a yoga class-- boy does my practice need work! then it was off to columns drive for a flat aerobic spin of 30miles, Next its a visit to my Chiro/health healer--Carol Samuels Carol took care of my crazy health as I torched myself in the ATL for years. She knows my body as good as anyone and it was a joy to have her work on me again.

next it was another talk at the other phidipides this time at the ansley location. And again it was a great crowd of 20+ and well received. It feels really good to do these talks and I believe it is helping me stay focused on my goal as well as(hopefully) inspiring others as well.

Friday April 1st

Early wake up today and a 5:30a swim at Dynamo. It was long course meters so that was really nice. I seemed to have lost my mojo a bit and I believe my altitude advantage has diminished since my workouts seem harder the last couple of days, or maybe its due to the 16+ hours of training thus far in the week, hard to say. but I got in 3400m this morning with oodles of 200s.

a bit later it was on to speedwork Dave Scott repeat miles x 6 at columns and I managed to surprise myself on these-- like most of you know sometimes you start out and have doubts you can do something but once you get going and get past that phase of doubt, you sometimes surprise yourself-- 9 miles total. Later this afternoon I made the trek up to "the dude" Bruce Erskine's cabin in Blue Ridge Georgia. Bruce and I go way back to the early 90s and he is a great Triathlete(has won age group nationals) and like myself likes and does many things that most triathletes don't. His cabin is awesome and was the inspiration for me building my cabin in Dahlonega.

The dude's mountain retreat

and the back with the bublin brook

Friday night we went out on the town in Blue Ridge for some very tasty and strong St Bernaird ales at the new Blue Ridge Brewery. We met friends AJ and Cristy and had a bunch of laughes.

Saturday April 2

After a late wake up and a St Bernaird obsorbing waffle house breakfast, it was on to the training of the day. A 67mile ride from Morgantown to the gaps and back. We met our friend Jerve, who lives on the route in Suches. The Duude has not been on the bike much the last 5mo. and recently had torn his groin while skiing in Utah. I did my Dave Scott intervals early on and tried to keep up with Jerve on the many climbs and steep rollers. The ride had 6k of climbing and took nearly 4hrs. I felt pretty good considering the amount of hours I had put in this week. ave 235w for the day.

Jerve and Bruce at the top of Wolf pen gap

And the Duude at the end of a hard, hilly, windy ride

Sunday April 3rd

after a night of college basketball and fairly low key, I woke up in the morning and per Bruce's instructions headed out for a 1hr 40min trail run. This was a great trail to run or mtn bike. I got it done per the Dave Scott's efforts and was very happy to wrap up the week of training with a whopping(for me) 23 hrs of training. Now its celebration time with a night with the band Furthur at the fox theater with the dude!

The trailhead for my long run in North Georgia/TN boarder

An unbelievable show at the fox with further and the set list was a great one. Highlights for me were, time, dear prudence and Terapin. So the week wrapped up with a bang and the
next day wrapped up with a floppy flop swim and easy bodywork at the concourse and on to the airport for a miserable flight(s) home with major delays. but all and all the trip was a success and I was able to get all my work in. I hope this block of training will get me another step closer to my goal. I want to finish this diary blog by thanking, Patrick, Wendy and Ryder Sheehan for letting me stay with them for most of the week. Bruce for some great Blue ridge cabin training and times, Jon and Jo Adamson for a great night of catching up, Angelo, for a Wilier spin to columns,Kevin Welsh for partnering with me for Powerman,Dynamo and Matt Rose for some great swims as well as Westminster masters for a workout. Phidipides and Jeff Gallaway for hosting my motivational talks on weds and thursday. also Peachtree bikes, Jerve, and my wonderful family for the support they always give me with my quest. also my sponsors, The Spoke shop, Time out sports, Wilier, Hammer nutrition, Desoto, Dave Scott, Rotor components, Quark, Billings Clinic, and all of you that have sent nice notes to me along the way. It really helps get me through the next thing.

Jay

Sponsors and a trip to the old stomping grounds

2011-03-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

This week I will be heading to Atlanta for the Powerman duathlon and a week of training in the old venues I used to develop in the sport of triathlon from 1990-2002. I hope to log in some good miles while in the ATL. I would love to have some company if any of you ATL folks want to join me on some training or just getting together for a beer, give me a shout and let me know. I plan on going to the mountains a couple of times as well as hitting Dynamo pool, and doing some trail running at the river and Kenesaw. I will be giving a couple of talks about coming back from heart surgery and my vision quest at the Sandy Springs Phidippides running shoe store at 6 pm on Weds, March 30, and at the Ansley Mall store on Thursday, March 31, at 6 pm. Come by for a visit and a run!

The last few weeks of training have been pretty good. I ran the Pub Run 1/2 marathon in Bozeman on the 12th and I have to say I was pretty scared that I would fall on my ass in this thing and lose a bunch of confidence going forward. Fortunately, I did OK and got through the longest sustained effort since Heart surgery last spring. I placed 7th in the 40-49 age group in a time of 1:32. The course was pretty hilly, especially in the beginning and at the end there was snow and ice on a path for over a mile to contend with, so the course was 3-4 min slow.

The weather has also broke so I have been outside! Yippeee! No more computrainer and treadmill! I have started working with Dave Scott on my training and this has inspired me on some really tough sessions. You see, Dave has no sympathy for a tired old triathlete that has had multiple heart surgeries. I contacted Dave for some guidance because I find his philosophy and style a lot like mine, work-minded and relentless in his consistency. He is, however, a lot more detail-orientated in setting workouts. There is a bunch of data to organize for one of Dave's workouts.

This brings me to my list of sponsors so far for 2011's quest. I believe in all these companies and I have been promoting many of them for years now.

Wilier Triestina bikes is a storied bicycle manufacturer with a long history, I was sponsored by Wilier in the late 90s and rode a Wilier to a 46th overall finish in the 1998 Hawaii Ironman. I also rode for Wilier as a pro in the XTERRA off-road triathlon series in 1999. I am very please to be riding the Tri-Crono TT bike and the Cento Uno Di2 road bike for 2011. I will be posting pictures of both rigs with specs once the road bike is completed. Thanks Angelo and Wilier Triestina for your support!!!!

Hammer nutrition is an incredible supporter of triathlon and endurance sports for the age grouper. This and its sound commitment to providing the very best in sports nutrition made Hammer a natural fit for fueling my quest for 2011. Not only this, but Hammer is a Montana company with their head quarters based in Whitefish, MT. Thank you Hammer for your products and support.

The Billings Clinic, a world class hospital which has been instrumental in my progress with my Bicuspid aortic valve and series of illnesses and heart surgeries, has stepped up in so many ways. Some of my clients are doctors at the Clinic which has been awesome for me. The special attention and support my team of doctors at the Clinic have given overtime is very unusual. Dr. Sample, Dr. Gall, Dr. Duey, Dr. Gerbasi, and Dr. Ford have all gone the extra mile with my situation. And now The Billings Clinic Sports Medicine side has supported my vision quest with physiology testing. Becky Abrams and Dr. Willis have taken a special interest in seeing my progress through state of the art sports testing at the Billings Sportsplex.

Becky Abrams lactate tests coachjay on the bike in Feburary.

The Spoke Shop of Billings, MT has been in business for 38 years and, since I moved to Billings 8 yrs ago, it has been my home away from home. In fact, Ed Whitfield at the shop was one of the first guys I met when Sarah was interviewing for her job here. I got the feel from Ed that Billings was a great place to bike, as he sent me out for a tour of rides both on and off road in and around town. Jim Downs and the boys at the shop are the most knowledgeable folks in cycling in town. For all your cycling and Nordic ski needs, the Spoke Shop is the place in Billings to go.

Time Out Sports, like the Spoke Shop, has been a fixture in the Billings active community. Cindy Thompson and her crew take special interest in everyone who walks in the store. Not only does Time Out have all the good gear for running and other active outdoor adventures, they take part in the active community by helping organize and put on events. If you need some new kicks or running apparel, then Timeout sports is the place to go.

Desoto Triathlon gear and I go way back. I met Emilio Desoto back at the 1993 Super Show in Atlanta. I was a brash young triathlete and I asked this guy at the booth(who happened to be Emilio) to sponsor me. He looked at me like, who the hell does this guy think he is. The next time, was at the 1997 World Duathlon Championships in Grenika, Spain. Emilio was rallying Team USA to show as much enthusiasm as the Brazilians. We would race together many times after that and have battled in some big races. Not only is Emilio a fun guy on and off the race course, his gear is the best on the planet. I still wear the tri-suit from that 1997 worlds race(when nobody is looking). The Desoto gear just hugs the body and is the best compression clothing in the industry. And the T1 wetsuits are revolutionary. I am proud to be wearing Desoto gear in 2011.

There is so much to say about legendary triathlete Dave Scott. I am very honored to have him consulting with my training for 2011. I have met and talked to Dave many times over the years. I have done his swim sessions and participated in his track workouts. But I was most impressed with Dave at a Boulder Ironman Camp I put on in 2002. My wife Sarah called him to ask about epic bike and run workouts he would suggest in and around Boulder. I said, "He is not going to call you back. He is Dave Scott." Well, a few hours later as we were out eating, Dave left a, I am not kidding you, 40-min message describing in detail the rides and runs he would do. I thought that was amazing!

I like Dave's style of coaching -- it's a lot like mine. It is also nice that he is fairly close to me in Boulder and his two sons go to school at MSU Bozeman; this lets me have the opportunity to see Dave in person.

I wanted Dave to guide my training because of his physiological background and attention to detail; with my unusual circumstances this will be a critical component. This, along with his legendary toughness, should inspire me to do my very best. So far so good, I am working hard on his workouts and they are hard, and I have to say---I don't want to let "the man" down.

I have been using Q-rings from Rotor bicycle components for nearly 7 years now. I am a believer. Not only do these rings take out the dead spot in the pedal stroke, but, for someone with bad knees like myself, the Q-rings simply take the pain out of pushing over the top of the big ring. Kervin at Rotor is the man and has always been there for me with all my crazy questions and requests to get my bike just right for my old body. I just don't have any of my bikes set up without Rotor rings. And now I have their 3d cranks and q-rings set up on my road bike as well. Rock on Rotor!

Training with Power is a necessity in today's training age. I really depend on this data now more than ever to help me with my return to form. I have used every powermeter on the market, and was one of the first coaches to utilize power with clients in the country. Of all the units out there, I strongly recommend the Quarq power meter. Quarq is based in Spearfish, SD and no power meter is cleaner and more reliable than the Quarq. Their customer service is second to none and with the Quark power meter you can use any wheel set you want without dragging a heavy wheel around. The quark is light and as affordable as any power meter out there. When it comes to training and racing with Power -- go with Quarq and think fast!

My most important support group--- My Girls

My Wife Dr.Sarah Keller: Sarah is a professor at MSUB in Communications and works her tail off. She balances a busy work load with being a great mother to our 2 girls Chloe(5)and Cale(1). She is simply amazing with all she balances in our world. I certainly could not try to comeback to competition without her support and love. She understands what I have gone through and having done the Hawaii Ironman herself, knows how hard this quest is going to be. I can think of no one who knows me better and is able to deal with all my faults. In every way she makes me a better person.

Chloe and Cale Marschall: Our first child Chloe is now almost 6yrs old and is my shining light. She is full of vigour and fun. She rides her bike constantly and has become a great skier, having gone off the top of Bridger Bowl this year. We love to play UFC fighting championships in our living room, however she can't handle my leg scissor submission as of yet. Cale just started walking and her smile is infectious. She tries to get into our UFC fights with Chloe but I bet she is out of our weight class for now. When I was in the Hospital in Chicago, I bonded with Cale a tremendous amount and I am convinced that she gave me the strength to fight back. She is a love child.

Gearing up

2011-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a few weeks now and so far so good. Of course I continue to struggle with being patient with the numbers of training and have to really try to forget the past. I am just trying to stay focused on making small improvements and staying consistent. This is what I am concentrating on right now.

After a brutal week of the flu. Sarah and I took a trip to Steamboat for a teaching conference that Sarah was in charge of organizing and I was able to piggy back on. The trip was awesome! We had an epic skate ski at Catamount lakes the first day. Blue bird skies and perfect skating conditions. Clone Kevin drove up and the next day we did a 3k swim in the outdoor fitness center pool in town all the while it was dumping that famous Steamboat powder. Kevin and I hit the slopes after for some great turns.

The next day it just kept dumping all night and Sarah and I hit the deep powder all day long. We connected with a local musician, that took us under his wing and showed us all the local tree skiing spots on the mountain. And because it was snowing all day the tree skiing was just the ticket for visibility. Tremendous skiing/boarding! We hit another swim, bodywork, run and another day of skate skiing for a pretty productive 4 days of training and fun on the slopes.

Back in Billings, the weather has still been wintery, very weird for around here, its said that we live in the Banana belt but so far this year the banana has gone rotten. So unfortunately, a bunch of my training has been indoors. not much biking outside. I have been doing it but I cant wait to get more miles outside soon! This past weekend I suffered through indoor workouts like never before as the girls went to the cabin, I road 5hrs on the computrainer and even did a 13 mile run on the treadmill, ouch!

my favorite ride from the cabin, much better than the computrainer! please let the weather break!

We have been working hard on trying to get support/sponsors for my quest this year and now this piece is starting to roll in. Sarah has done a great job putting together my story for potential sponsors. I have signed with Wilier bikes, Hammer nutrition and Desoto tri- clothing so far, with some others coming on board soon. I am also excited to be working with Dave Scott on my training. To have someone like Dave advising me on the work I need to do is a real honor and will really help me deal with my challenges as I go through the process.

so just 3 weeks until I tee it up at Powerman Alabama. This race is going to be really tough, partly because it has been a long time since I have done a race like that and because the outdoor riding in Billings as been nil. I will do my best but don't have much expectations here. After the race I will be staying in ATL for a week to get some good training and some climbing miles in. All you folks in the ATL, I would love to hook up with you for some training. Just let me know. I will be swimming at Dynamo, Friday the 25th, Monday the 28th and weds the 28th for sure and will be doing some riding and running as well. probably going the the mountains on Tuesday the 27th depending on the weather. It will be great to be back at the old training grounds. I also will be doing at talk an coming back from heart surgery at the Phidipidies in Sandy springs on weds the 30ths at 6pm and possibly at the Ansley location on the 31st. Come check it out.

coachjay

USAT Publishes Jay's Story

2011-02-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

Click here to read Jay's story on the USAT web site.

humbled, scared and excited

2011-02-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

A huge shout out to all of you that sent me just nice responses to my last post(vision quest). I am very humbled by them. When we made this decision, my hope was to inspire others that have been knocked down. If I could help just one person fight back and live a better life, it would be well worth this journey. In just a short couple of weeks, I have received many notes from folks all over the country that have had heart surgery or some other trying circumstance that has affected them or someone close to them. These responses really give me strength. Thank you! My story has been posted to Northwestern medical centers web site and soon there will be a spot on USAT's as well. With more to follow soon.

I have to say that I am pretty nervous about putting this goal out there. It certainly has no guarantees of success. I know how hard this is. It reminds me of the pressure I felt when my parents came to the Hawaii Ironman in 1995. My father is a golf pro and for some reason I was never able to deal with that pressure in Golf. I often tell folks that I like Triathlon because it is primarily a lot of hard work. It is very much harder to choke in Triathlon than at the Game of Golf. In the 1995 Ironman I remember having a pretty good day and as I came down alii Drive on the run, my dad shouted at me, "come on Jay, your only 40min behind Mark Allen, go, go, go!" I went on to finish 52nd overall that year and podium ed in my age group for the first time.

For this quest I am having to work hard on staying focused one day at a time and trying not to get ahead of myself or worry about the outside. To stay aware of my body and it's limitations and continue to make safe improvements along the way.

The training of course has its ups and downs. some days are good and some are not. I know this is the case with anyone, even folks that don't have my challenges. But so far I am staying focused and being smart with the work that needs to be done. I broke out the Altitude tent(which I have never really used. and I am logging 13-16hrs a week as of now.

a couple of weekends ago brought 30inches of the white stuff to the Bridger Bowl area and redlodge, so the skiing was tremendous. At the cabin it was necessary to break out all the snow vehicles, you know the plow truck, the ATV and the snowmobile( yes they are finally back!. lots of fun and activities as the Browns made the trip up. Matt and I made the Nixon peak skin and ski at dusk! epic. We did the family ski with the Browns at Bridger on Sunday and that was loads of fun as Chloe had her first big powder day! Its hard for a small 5yr old to go through 20inches of powder! funny to see, but she had a blast. Cale was on Sarah's back in the backpack and she was just a trooper, never peeped and I think she even got a couple of naps in! pretty cool. I can't wait until my girls are kicking our butts on the slopes.

This coming weekend Sarah and I are heading to Denver for another couple of Furthur shows at Broomfield Co. And since getting back I have to say these shows where epic! Sue, Paul, Pam and on Saturday my brother Brian, Kevin Welsh and Charo saw what every one including me have been raving about. Certainly Further is the best Dead band since Jerry's death. along with great set lists( check out furthur's web site and a cool intimate venue, at the end of every show Phil Lesh does a Donor rap. Phil had a Liver transplant a number of years ago, which saved his life. Phil talks about a young boy named Cody who told his mom that if anything happens to him, I want to be a organ donor. This is very dear to me since I have a Heart root and valve donated by someone. I am in the process of finding out who's heart part I have inside of me.

On Saturday morning Sarah and I took Adam Weaver up to Eldora for a Skate ski. Great terrain with some real good hills at 9k feet. I think Adam got a great taste of what I say is the best conditioning sport out there.

Adam and Sarah skate skiing at Eldora

Saturday afternoon took Sarah and I for a long run at the boulder reservoir. I had only gone about 1.5hrs for a long run to this point but we ended up logging almost 2.5hrs which was a nice confidence booster for my run endurance. after our workouts both days we had fun eating/drinking in Boulder with foods and atmosphere we don't much of Billings, very cool.

we even went to the parking lot scene on Sunday before our flight back and sold our extra beer and booze like true dead heads. Sarah definitely took charge here shouting out "cheap local beer and whiskey here!" we ended up selling it all!

This week has starting out with good weather so I went outside for a ride! the Pryor loop, thank god,it's been a bunch of indoor riding so far this year. hoping for more good weather to log those outdoor miles.

2011 coachjay's windtraining class

KTVQ heart patient tri-athlete

2011-02-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

Click here for video.

Vision Quest

2011-02-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

I have put off making this announcement(even though my wife hinted at it in a previous post) because I was awaiting my cardiologist's formal approval. Just last Thursday (Jan. 27), I performed a stress echo for Dr. Scott Sample at Billings Clnic. A stress echo is a test where they look at my heart during and after a near max effort on the treadmill. Dr. Sample was looking at my gradient to see whether it was normal. Without going into the medical details, the test is to assure that I am not at any risk for a electrical misfire that could kill me during exercise. The result was good, my heart gradient was completely normal. The baseline image of my heart was also looking good. So, I have been cleared to do whatever I want to athletically!

Which brings me to my vision quest. Some of you might know of the movie Vision Quest, a 1985 film staring Matthew Modine. Loudine Swain (Modine) takes on the seemingly impossible task of coming down in weight and wrestling the undefeated wrestler from a rival school, "the Shute". His Indian friend calls it his "vision quest." I love the scene where the Shute is training by walking up the stadium stairs with a giant log across his back! Of course, in the end, Swain beats the Shute in the final scene and Swain gets the good looking girl to boot.

My vision quest started last year as I started training for triathlon again seriously. I set some ambitious goals to be at the top of my age group when I turned 50. I thought that I would use 2010 (when I was 48, racing as a 49-year-old) as a lead up to the year 2011 (when I am 49, racing as a 50-year-old). Everything was going according to plan. I had done pretty good in some early races last year including winning my age group at the Rev 3 Olympic distance race in Knoxville.

Then there was a fateful call from Dr. Laura Ford (my cardiologist at the time) in late May of last year. I was at the gym working when she said with a crack in her voice that the news was not good. You can't imagine how news like that goes through you. It was like a knife. It was made worse since I had already been knocked down with one open heart surgery in 2008 and an infection that nearly killed me a year later. I was on a plane the next day to go through that hell once again.

This time the surgery was much more serious, Dr. Patrick McCarthy (my surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago) would tell me later that, when he opened me up, "It was a disaster." I had severe vegetation (infection) all over my replacement cow valve and a huge aneurysm on my aortic root. I received a homograph (human) valve replacement and was on the heart lunge machine for nearly 4 hrs in open heart surgery. Later, my new Cardiologist, Dr.Sample, who had been studying my case, said that they didn't think I was coming back from Chicago. You may recall that Actor John Ritter and, more recently, ambassador Holbrooke died from aortic aneurism ruptures. I am very lucky this did not happen to me.

As I recovered in the hospital for 2 weeks, I was pissed. I had just had enough of being knocked down. I had serious doubts as to whether I could have the strength and the will to fight back again. But as the hospital shrink came into my room and started telling me that I needed psychological help to deal with my situation, I got even angrier! I don't need that help! I don't want any help. I was also a bear to my mom and dad and others (sorry about that) -- I was just very bitter. Then Baby Cale (4 months old) came into my room and smiled at me and laid on my chest. It was then that I found the will and the strength to take one day at a time and fight back to strength once again.

This past year has had many ups and downs and getting back to strength has been even harder than the past episodes, real hard! I was pretty sure that I would not be competitive anymore and would concentrate on other things. I picked up the guitar, I enrolled in Grad school. But it was still nagging me that I had set these goals and I didn't see them through. You see I have always been that way. I set a goal and I try like hell to achieve it. So a month or so ago I sat down with Sarah and we discussed the idea of giving those goals one more shot. I was honest with her and said that I wouldn't try it if I didn't meet a few criteria. First, I would need to reach certain performance markers in training. Second, she would have to be able to put up with the strain it place on our lives (more on that later)and third that the doctors would give me clearance to safely give this a go.

We also discussed why I felt that I had to prove myself through triathlon. My explanation to this question was that Triathlon is what I know best. To be honest, I would rather take on something else, but I know how to do this sport and I have been successful in the past. But there was more, I also want to do some greater good with this quest as well (more on that later).

All three of these points where a yes as of last Thursday. So I am off on this journey. I have some trepidation for sure. To be competitive with what I have in my heart now is a long shot for sure. It's certainly no slam dunk. A long shot to say the least. I am motivated and have my edge back somewhat! The goals, which I hasten to even talk about are simple:

1. Qualify for Kona at St.Croix or Buffalo Springs in May/June 2011 - this has never been done before with what has been done to my heart. Part of my quest is to do so without any special treatment or gifting of a spot.

2. If I get to Kona in October 2011, then podium (finish among the top 5 in my age group).

3. Podium at USAT National Age Group Championships in Vermont in August 2011.

Along the way, I will be participating in other events including:

Pub run 1/2 marathon
Grizzly Triathlon
Powerman Alabama
State TT championships
regional oly championships in Utah
Bozeman 1/2 ironman
Dakota 50 mtn bike race

So there it is. The journey has begun. I toed the starting line at local races in two of the last three weeks. First, I raced in Nordic skiing in the Senior Olympics at bohart ranch in a 5-km skate ski race.

warming up for the senior olympics 5k skate ski

I medaled with a bronze and felt ok with my performance there. Then, last Sunday, I won my age group at the USAT Rocky Mountain Regional Winter Triathlon Championships at Homestake Lodge near Butte, MT. called the Powderhound This involved a 5-km run, 8-km bike and 5-km Nordic ski. Again, I was pleased with my performance although I was pretty conservative (this race has killed me in the past).

I have been diligent in my training, getting at least 10-14 hrs in a week. I would say that my swimming is my best sport right now with the running and biking coming up slowly.

Sarah and I swinging on our bridger lift chair swing(Chloe the photographer)

Like I said before, this quest is going to strain our lives quite a bit. I hate to talk about getting the support from your family because I know from experience that this is half baked. It sounds good to say my family really supports me in this, and it probably makes you feel better about being away from them while training. But I know that triathlon at the top level is a really selfish, self absorbed sport that takes a ton of time and resources away from the ones you love. I get that and I am guilty more than most. This is why I am trying to parley this experience into helping others. To inspire folks that have been knocked down to get back up and to educate heart patients who are experiencing the ups and downs of rehab. I hope to be working with the American Heart Association to give motivational speaking engagements as well as other organizations in an effort to help people cope with the hardship that heart disease causes. I also want to be a voice for organ donation, I am hopeful that I can find out the names of my donors and help get everyone I know and more to become an organ donor; they save lives. I think it would be so very cool to tell the family of my donor that their loved one's heart made it to the finish of the Ironman!

Cale almost walking

I have already talked with a number of athletes who have had valve replacement surgery or have been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. Many of them want to know how I came to get the type of surgery I did and what they can expect coming out of it. In fact, I had a nice correspondence with Torbjorn Sindballe the other day. Torbjorn placed third in the Hawaii Ironman in 2007 and was known as an uber biker. He was also born with a Bicuspid aortic valve. In 2008 he felt wrong at the Wildflower race and shortly there after retired from the sport. Like me, his heart was getting larger and it would have been dangerous for him to continue racing. He told me that he has moved on and only exercises for recreation now. He told me that he had difficulty dealing with not being an elite athlete anymore at first but was content now in his new life of parenting and teaching others. Of course I am certainly not the athlete that Torgjorn Sindballe was and at his level only a tiny drop in performance prevents him from competing as a pro. In retrospect, I too might well have made a better choice to put off the surgery and laid lower back in 2007. I may have put off the need for heart surgery the first time. But what's done is done. And, like Torbjorn, I too want to get to that content place without the need to be competitive and spend more time with my kids. I probably would not have even attempted this if my kids where not real young (5 yrs and 1 yr. I know that parenting only gets more intense when they get older and more involved in activities.

I certainly am going to need a lot of help through this journey and there is a lot in motion to help me on my quest. The medical bills for the past few years,and all the costs of doing the sport of triathlon at this level is very costly. Sarah has been very helpful on this part of the puzzle. I will be announcing some of this support as it gets finalized. There is a wide range of media interest in this story as well and I will be posting media clips as they are finished. In fact, Q2(channel 5) here in Billings will be running a story on my quest next week. You can also read a full accounting of the events leading up to my quest by viewing Jay's story in the important documents section of this blog.

In the meantime bring on the Shute!

Coachjay

The Kiddos

2011-01-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

Jay just gasped when he saw the latest pictures of his lovely darlings, so he asked me to post a few on here. Cale was a glowing picture under the Christmas tree...Chloe was dressed to perfection at the cabin....Cale tries to learn how to play guitar....and Mommy goes snowshoing.

Another week went by without a hitch on CoachJay's training front. Fatigue, irritation, and the predictable factors that go along with hard core training are beginning to set in. Guitar practice is getting the short stick as other things take priority.

We also saw the first week of Windtraining classes in Billings - with a lively turnout - and only one significant indoor cycling crash (A shout out to Dave Groshens - we hope you are OK!).

On the clone front, a BIG congrats to Paolo Gerbassi who qualified for the Boston Marathon at the Phoenix Rock N' Roll Marathon. Also Happy Birthday to Todd Vralsted and sympathies to Maggie Vralsted who suffered her 2nd crash of the year - this time on skis.

This weekend, it's off to the cabin for the Sacajawea 15 km Classic Ski Race for Sarah, the 10 km Skate Race for Jay, and Mighty Mite Ski School at Bridger for Chloe.

Jay's Comeback

2011-01-15T13:42:00.001-08:00

Jay has hit the ground running - quite literally - again! This past week he has returned to serious training and is finding some positive results. He is swimming and running well, and is seeking out some ambitious races for this coming season.

When he's not training, he is still very active. Over the past few weeks, we have spent a lot of time in the mountains of Bozeman - snowboarding, nordic skiing, sledding, showshoing, and the like. Jay skinned up Nixon Peak and boarded down a couple of times - working up a nice sweat in zero-degree weather. (I followed with my own skin and ski, but found the snow a bit crusty).

At Bridger Bowl Ski Resort, we have had the opportunity to go together in some serious powder. We climbed up the ridge a few times and found some awesome powder chutes - always a good time - except for the day when Schlosmann's chairlift led to Slushman's revine. In four feet of slush at the ridge, I found myself in a bit of difficulty as I tried to descend on tele's.

From snowshoeing in Bozeman to cyclocross in Florida

2010-12-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

We've had a busy month of escapades, but with an added component of misfortune that turned each adventure slightly awry. Over thanksgiving, my mother, brother and friends from Billings, Sue and Paul, joined our family at our cabin amidst 2 feet of snow. The trip started off fantastically, with a group snowshoe hike up Nixon Peak, and Chloe pitching in the make Grandma Marschall's rolls. We even got a few turns in at Bridger and some strong workouts at the Nordic center. Unfortunately, events turned sour when my brother smashed our snowmobile into a tree. (This occurred after Sue and Paul got their car stuck, the plow truck went down, and our propane heater went on the blink). Luckily, no one was hurt. Unluckily, it required major repairs and will not be ready for at least another month!

For Christmas, we thought we'd throw in a couple of cyclo-cross races in Miami while visiting Jay's folks in Florida. The first race was "Tropical Cyclocross" in Key Biscayne and we both came in 3d in our respective races, male masters and women, although I weathered numerous flats due to my lack of bunny-hopping ability! We also went out to some phenomenal Cuban food, saw the holiday boat parade at Bayside and did some late night Christmas shopping after several Mojitos!

Then it was up to Stuart, FL for in-laws and kid time. Chloe rode her bike almost every single day, played with the neighbor kids, went to the Oceanography Center with her cousin Tyler, played in the surf at Jupiter, and went mountain biking in the jungle at night! Cale continued to progress - exhausting her grandparents to the hilt.

As with Thanksgiving, everything was fine until "disaster" struck - Jay came down with kidney stones and a sore throat, his mom and dad got a stomach bug - and several days were spent with Sarah being the lone survivor to manage the household. Luckily, everyone's health improved for Christmas eve, and we had a wonderful steak house night out and presents in the morning. Jay even ran me into the ground on Christmas day with a 5-mile run followed by a bike ride to Hobe Sound.

xcross, snowboarding, and guitar playing?

2010-11-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

I was talking to our friends Sue and Paul the other day about how many changes I am trying to make in my life. Even Sarah was saying that maybe I am changing too many things. A few weeks ago Sarah bought me an electric Guitar and amp, having no musical background and never having touched an instrument, I have begun taking Guitar lessons! My goal to be be able to play a song for the family in a few months. -- this is way out of my comfort zone and a whole new challenge for sure!. Along with Guitar lessons I decided it was time( after 45yrs) to stop biting my fingernails. part of that motivation was the need to have fingernails to pick the guitar and the other is it is just a gross habit. Then there is getting my masters degree at MSUB starting this spring semester. Why all these changes? well of course my health issues with my multiple Heart surgeries were a main reason. Fighting through this hardship has been brutal, but our thought was to fill the void left from being a competitive endurance athlete with other challenges.

Jay with his new Guitar

It was just last week when at my last cardiologist checkup with Dr.Sample. That it was reveled to me that the group of doctors here in Billings looked at my case after May's revealing echo and came to the conclusion that I would probably not be coming back from surgery in Chicago. As my hair stood on end I realized that how lucky I am to be changing anything. It also makes you cherish your time with your family and take a new focus on every moment you have with them.

The good news is that my checkup went well and my last Echo looked very good. Dr Sample even said I could start exploring higher heart rates while exercising! it was getting quite boring to stay below 130! Unfortunately, He did say that my capacity to perform would never be quite the same, due to the lack of elasticity in my new( or should I say used) Aortic Root. But I was just happy to hear him say at the end of our meeting that quote" you should be pumped". So for training I will continue to be diligent and try to get the most out of my health with what I have been dealt. Where this process will lead I don't know. I certainly enjoy the process and I will continue to try to improve on my fitness all be it with a limited scope and time.

as most of my triathlon clients end or wind down their season I am constantly urging them to explore something other than the Swim, Bike and run world of triathlon. why? well in my 20+ years in and around the sport and having coached over 300+ folks of all levels, I have seen many a triathlete self destruct from the grind or what I call the "Crack pipe".(Look for a new addition to my blog soon, it will be entitled " tales from the crack pipe") In Atlanta all my boys( training partners and mentors, all of which were national caliber age groupers)to a person are out of the sport all together or what I call "in the graveyard." The grind was eventually too much for them and their lives. And with the popularity of the Ironman distance this is even more prevalent.

In 1995, I got on a mountain bike for the first time. I was horrible! I was a bloody mess and found myself over the handle bars many times. But I was laughing and having fun. The off road crowd was so much different from the roadies and triathletes. you wore baggy shorts, drank beer, and talked about everything except training! I was hooked. every fall and winter I would ride mountain bikes, and I was the only triathlete in the group. 10 of the boys would chase each other on a different route every week for a couple of hours, then we would tell lies over burritos and beer!

the result of changing my mode of training was significant. In fact, In 1997 after almost never getting on the road and riding my mountain bike exclusively, I came out in the spring and won Powerman alabama(overall amateur) and Gulf coast 1/2 ironman( overall including the pros). Not only was I refreshed and happy to get back on the road when spring approached, it actually made me stronger and fitter. You can look at many of the mountain bike athletes who go to the road and kick butt. Its just a super hard discipline and makes you incredibly fit and strong-- and by the way its a gas and in no way like training for triathlon!

Coachjay at the Bozeman cross races

Then there is cyclocross-- which I only took up a few years ago. I call it 1 hour of pain! but for some reason its fun. every course is different and every race a challenge. You ride a kinda hybrid road/mountain bike and you are faced with obstacles( like sand pits, wood barriers, stairs,run ups etc..) and you have to jump off the bike and carry your bike over these obstacles. Sarah and I did a number of races this fall here in Montana. they were real fun with a cross between the cycling and mtn bike crowd again no triathletes here! I was forced to not go real hard on these races this fall since I have a HR limitation to that point but in XC racing this is nearly impossible so I was typically getting last in these events. Sarah and I are even doing a couple of more XC races in December as we head to Florida to see my Parents over Xmas. Back to Back races in Miami florida! Should be fun!

Sarah at the Riverfront cross race jumping a barrier

Chloe likes riding her bike at xc races too!

coachjay laughes( or cries?) as he runs across the sand pit in the Bozeman cross races

Cale is not quite ready to join in on the fun!

another example of off season training especially in the colder climates is skate skiing, there is example after example of athletes using xcountry skiing as a discipline that can improver there other sports during the off season, I was amazed when I was in Boston on how the sport of skate skiing transferred over to my fitness on the bike. And as I researched it I found that many other triathletes and cyclists found the same thing. Many of them never touching their bikes during the winter months. Some of my peers like Pierre Lavoie, Michael Hagen come to mind. there where also legends like Greg Lemond who used skate skiing all winter for his off season fitness.

Sarah nordic skiing at Bohart ranch

heading up to Nixon peak from the cabin

so now its winter and I am stoked to get back on the snow and skate! This past weekend it was snow, snow, and more snow as the family trekked up to the cabin to acclimated for our Thanksgiving day week in a couple of days. I was busy plowing the road all weekend as it dumped 2 feet of fluffy powder! It was amazing. Sarah and I tagged teamed on some Nordic skiing at Bohart ranch and Sunday I did a first by skinning up our mountain(Nixon peak)from our cabin on my split board. put the board together and rode down in the deep powder all the while trying to avoid Gatlin and Teddy as they tried to stay in front of me! It was incredible.

at the top of Nixon peak with my split board and my dogs Gatlin and Teddy

and my trip down

from our cabin porch looking out at Bridger bowl and our new lift chair swing from Bridger's old alpine lift! Thanks Brook and Tex!

Chloe practices her Nordic

So its Thanksgiving and Sarah's Mom and brother are coming in from Boston and with our friends Sue and Paul we will head up to the cabin and again I will be in charge of cooking the Tday dinner! Of course we will be running the annual huffin for stuffin 10k that morning, which is a great event and it somewhat justifies your overeating! after the run it will be making the feast, and of course I have to do the whole thing since that fatal day when I cracked on Sarah's Turkey color some 7 years ago.
Then it will be skiing and playing in the snow the rest of the weekend. can't wait.

and finally a clone report: Congrats to Adam Weaver for a Pr performance in Kona with a 9:52, Adam had some issues in the middle section of the run but fought through it and finished strong the last miles of the marathon. I told Adam that you almost never see someone having nutrition issue slow down to a walk and come back to running 7:30miles at the end-- so kudos Adam!. Also Kevin Welsh had a solid day in the Austin with a 4:48 and along with Kevin, Matt Rosetti finished his first 70.3 in 4:47. Also racing in Texas were Carla Cobb and Sue Balter who raced the San Antonio 1/2 marathon and met there goals with solid runs. Also I have added a new clone from Salt Lake city, Jay Preston. Jay raced in Kona this year and hopes to go back and race even better. Look for great things from Jay in 2011!

have a great holiday

coachjay

Winter's Coming!

2010-11-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

The first swirls of snow hit the ground this week causing Chloe to get on her snowboots and the Saturday group ride to switch to off road officially this week. We dabbled in a few cyclo-cross races this fall, which was majorly fun but also majorly embarassing for me, having no technical ability whatsoever! We raced the Bozeman Pond series and the Billings Cross Weekend hosted magnificently by Rob Newsome.

I've been rigorously working through the fall, with classes back on track, trying to manage mom care and work with training and outdoor fun. The fall here in Montana has been incredibly warm and sunny, making for wonderful noontime runs with my YMCA group - Sarah Berwald, Cecil Pegram, Renee Coppock and Pam Harder. The weekends have also been great for road cycling which I've enjoyed with Maggie Vralsted and the Saturday group ride.

Now looking at the winter months looming ahead, Jay has already put on his Nordic skis once and is looking to hike and ski downhill this weekend. I'm sticking with the weekend long run on the Billings rims for now, but waiting for that huge snowfall which will bring us all out. Chloe's already signed up for Mogul Mites - 10 weeks this winter.

Jay's started guitar and I'm waiting to hear his first song over Thanksgiving - which we will enjoy with Huffing for Stuffing, the Balter-Reitzes, my mother, and my brother. The best part of Turkey Weekend? CoachJay does all the cooking! I can hardly wait for the first glass of wine, sipped while watching him sweat over Grandma's rolls.

The times they are a changing

2010-10-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

I know,,,,its been forever. but I confess. I have been sheltering myself from all the changes and fears going on in my head and life. All of these goings on should be a reason to write stuff... but I have retracted to my little family up on the hill and have concentrated my efforts and time with my Wife and Girls. waking up in the morning and feeding Cale and having that incredible smile when she sees her daddy, driving Chloe to Kindergarten is the best. Along with Kindergarten starting, Chloe started soccer and her first game was such a hoot. I filmed the whole thing and found myself being on of those parents on the sideline yikes!---its so unavoidable. Cale is crawling up a storm and is ready to walk real soon, she is only 9months but she is super nimble and has already pulled herself up to standing.

Chloe going in to Blue creek school on her first day

Cale's big smile

Chloe and Cale during Daddy day care

Cale and Dad at the spearfish waterpark

Just a short update on my health.... as of last week. I am still in limbo on what my future might hold... as far as how much I can do and at what level... my blood levels are still very low(anemic) but are coming up ever so slowly. this is a good thing because every time I workout( 5-9 hrs a week all aerobic) I feel like ass! I have however got back into the gym for bodywork, which is great! getting just a bit of resemblance to my old body back. I am planning on getting back into the pool and yoga classes, as soon as I get the motivation to start over in those disciplines as well----- oh it sucks to start from zero--- I know, I know I told you folks that before and I often warn all my clients as well--- don't do it! be consistent with some form of activity if at all possible--- the grave yard is always waiting to claim another. just do it dammit! 2 more months and I may know from Dr. Sample what is next for me--- however, my ID doc has told me that as far as monitoring me for a new infection--- there is nothing they can really do. It seems I am going to have to live with the fear---- that makes life a bit on the scary side.

But I am pushing forward on redirecting my energies in some new and old directions. the past few months I have had some great times and experiences as well as new directions.

Played golf with the old man in the Briarwood tangle only a day after my Pic line was removed, we played ok but not in the money and best of all there was no major fights on the golf course!

I also played in the club championship, which to my amazement I found myself in the final group after shooting a 4 over 76 in the first round. but of course my putting woes continue and I struggled to a 82 the second day and a 5th place finish. not bad for having a hole in my chest still

I completed, barely--- the Dakota 50 mountain bike race in spearfish SD, in 6hrs and 40 minutes, this race was awesome and very difficult, I would of never of even attempted this thing if it wasn't for a dry run epic mountain bike ride at the Bangtail trail with Pat in Bozeman the week before. doing an event like these with no red blood cells I think is about 2x harder than doing the hawaii Ironman completely healthy! I survived the bangtail, so I said ok I can survive this.....we had such a great time in Spearfish. We rented a RV and parked it with the Dueys Rv. The campground was so kid friendly and Chloe was off on her bike the whole time. such a blast. and then there was an afternnon at a great waterpark in town for some cooling off. definitely an event to do next year.

at one of the aid stations in the Dakota 50 mountain bike race about 15miles from the finish---not sure I am going to make it!

at our campsite roasting marshmellows in Spearfish SD

Dad and Chloe at the waterpark

Chloe on her bike

and the girls all together in the water

Another Trip to the cabin and a group ride on the Bangtail with the boys and a BBQ after at the cabin-- great day! a full 40min faster than a few weeks ago-- so I am getting better but it sure doesn't feel it.

Steve Mysee, Wayne Urlenbush, Randy Hammerquist and coach atop grassy mountain on the Bangtail divide trail

Then there was our trip to Denver for 2 further shows at red rocks, Sue, Paul and Pam joined us for some of the best shows I have seen the post Jerry era dead do---what's more to say about that other than, I was able to scam 1st row the second night after showing my chest scar! Sarah and I dancing with the handicapped deadheads--- priceless!

Then Sarah and I flew off to Chicago for my 30th HS reunion in Glen Ellyn IL. I went a couple of days early to see my parents and play some golf at the Acres. That place is just the best. I invited Andy and Kevin from Purdue to come up and play with my Dad. Again my putting sucked but it was a great day never the less. I ran through lake forest and visited Jeffery's grave site. and I was even able to repair my bad sushi experience that Kevin and Sarah dragged me into in Denver by finding a great sushi bar at the Dearpath Inn!

The Reunion was an experience, since I hadn't seen many of the folks for some 10-20yrs. passed out a bunch of business cards to the guys, since many have let themselves go a bit, and the girls well they looked pretty good for the most part, this reunion was much more reminiscing than previous ones. which was great! The Hitters won the football game and are ranked 2nd in the state-- watching them walk down the hill was as cool as it was when I was a kid. I hope we can get some visitors to Montana from reconnecting with my old friends in HS. and yes Jean( I know she reads my blog) I will kick your ASS on the slopes come wintertime, pick the place, Colorado, Montana, Utah.... lets go girl. Pam and Bob we want to see you at Steamboat this winter, no excuses Jean!

Back in Montana one of those life changing items is going back to School-- I feel like Rodney Dangerfield(almost as old) After a lot of thought, I have decided to first get my masters in a new program called Exercise and sport leadership at MSUB with a possible direction towards getting my PHD. I have been hitting a ceiling with my coaching business for sometime now and it was time to look at going further with my knowledge and skill set. With everyone under the sun, seemingly, coaching Triathletes it was time to do something more substantial and bigger. Since this is going to take some time I will continue to coach/teach( all be it at a lesser capacity)until I am done with my studies and am ready to venture into new opportunities

On the Clone front: I am so proud of Pam Rogan for her 11th place finish at nationals in Alabama in the 40-45 age group, Pam was first out of the water in 21.20 and had a solid race. Pam as been with me for 10 years, she has 3 young kids is a full time school teacher(Her husband Bob is a full time teacher as well). Needless to say Pam does a lot with the time she has to train! great job girl! Anton Kort also had a remarkable 5th place finish at Sprint nationals after having served our country abroad for the past year. Anton took a flyer on Nationals with the hope of having a great worlds in 2011. Sue Balter had a fine PR at the montana governors cup 10k and congrats to Bill Zink and Mike Gulledge for there PR's in the same race, Mike PR'd by 13 min! Paolo Gerbasi also PR'd at the governors cup with a 1:29 1/2 marathon! and just last night Dylan Johnson,14yrs old won the city cross country meet at riverfront park(2miles) in a stellar time of 11:04! I have been training Dylan throughout the summer and fall and needless to say I am on my bike while he runs! Mike Fogassey down in Florida has had a great Tri season with another top finish and a Pr in the siesta key sprint tri-- its just a matter of time before mike breaks through with a win in the 55-59 age group. I am really looking forward to watching a number of clones racing soon. Adam Weaver will be racing in Kona at the Ironman world championships this Saturday and should be ready to have an awesome race. also Matt Rossetti racing out of NY,NY( of all places) just had a second overall finish in a duathlon in central park and will be racing his first 70.3 race in Austin TX next week, also racing in Austin with be my man Kevin Welsh who after an update LBP test is ready to execute his best race. Both boys are ready to go and have a great one.

one more note: today is the Hawaii Ironman and my predictions are Andreas Raleart(on a Blue) and Chrissy Wellington but could be close on the men's side

The everyday activities here in Billings are as follows:

Monday, Weds and Friday swim practices at the YMCA and at MSUB masters both start at 5:30a

Tuesday: cyclo- cross practice starts at 5:30 at Pioneer park

Weds: track practice at West HS starting at 5:30p

Thursday: Night mtb rides starting at various locations check the BACN announcements for time and place

Saturdays/Sundays: group rides road and mtn bike or cross rides usually start at 9am but check BACN announcements for details

coming up cyclocross races in Bozeman and Billings check out http://www.montanacycling.net

fighting back

2010-07-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

The last 8 weeks have been tough since getting back home-- the Drugs have made me feel like shit with the Antibiotics making every thing taste weird( especially beer)My energy has been up and down and the PIC line was a real drag. Fortunately, the PIC line was taken out last week and I am off the Antibiotics! YEAH. It still takes a while to get them out the system but I should be feeling better pretty soon. It is still unclear on what I will be able to do in the future but I am hopeful that I will get the guidance I need soon to set my mind at ease. this is the toughest part of my recovery. I wish there could be some reassurance-- but unfortunately there may never be.

Even though I have not been feeling very well, I have fought to get my life back to normal, working as much as I can and trying to be somewhat active. I have been doing sessions in the park with my clients in the morning since the Outlaws training center was reconfigured for games after the Metra was ripped up during the Tornado. the workouts have been fun for me and my clones. But by the afternoon I would be toast and needed to rest.

The family enjoyed a couple of long weekends at the cabin and even though I was pretty weak I did do a few mountain bike rides with my friends Brook, Michele and Mike Ritter. Boy going uphill with a Hematocrit level of 30 is not a formula for feeling strong on the bike that is for sure.

resting!

following Brook for a while anyway

Sarah had a conference in Big sky and took Cale with her leaving Chloe and I at home in Billings. Chloe and I had some great daddy/daughter time together, and thanks to Sue, Paul and Steve Mysee I had some help with food and entertainment. thanks guys! The MSUB summerfest was a blast with lots of kids activities including( unfortunately a gold fish game which brought Chloe her first pets of her own-- after one night we were down to one fish and a lesson about life, death and the right amount of fish food!

We meet Sarah and Cale in Big sky a couple of days later and had some fun Big sky times, Chloe bungy jumped and rock climbed and I even attempted a mtn bike ride there which turned into more of a hike a bike---its steep and high there for me right now--- then it was off to the Targhee music fest--- just like last year-- to get away and have some fun after a trying couple of months-- we arrived just in time for the JGB band which was awesome! then Moe---- The next day Sarah ran the Tin Cup 1/2 marathon (won the masters division) and brought the kids to a free day camp-- how cool is that! while I sleep in and watched the British open at the Hotel. The Mountain biking is great at Targhee with beautiful flowers and buff singletrack-- of course I was only good for the easiest of trails this year which showed that I was weaker than last year at this time. I Just couldn't climb that mountain this year --- no way!

Targhee single track

Then there was relaxing in the sun and taking in the great lawn,scene and music including Shawn Colvin, Grace Potter and Los Lobos. Los lobos was tremendous, doing some dead and ABB songs and jams. Hot music and cool nights--- next year make the trip! its really cool.

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Los Lobos jams at the Targhee music fest

Back in Billings-- my Parents came in for 10 days and the old man and I played in the Briarwood tangle golf tourney. I had only swung the club a few weeks by now and it showed as we played pretty poor-- coming in around the middle of the pack. Mom spend the time taking care of the grand kids and doing her chores. Chloe turned 5 and we had a great birthday party with 20 of her friends! Grandma took her in to get her hair done with Braids-- I have to say she is the most beautiful little girl.

Chloe in Braids

Cale is really growing up now and is crawling like a mad women! she is so good and is really fun to play with already-- eating real food now too! and of course her Big sister loves her very much.

Chloe and Cale

Next is a trip to Denver to work with some Clients and then off to Cape Cod to have a visit with Sarah's family and have some beach time, I am entered into the Falmouth road race which should be interesting to say the least-- I hope I finish!

Many Clones have been busy! at the Big Sky state games coachjay clones raked in many medals: Steve Mysee, Mike Ritter, Sue Balter, Paolo Gerbasi, Carla Cobb, and Dave Hein all medaled. also there was Pam Rogan in Georgia who had a strong 1st in her age in Chattagnoga.

talk to you all soon!

Coachjay

back home!

2010-06-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

after 2 weeks of being held up in the Hospital and then a Chicago hotel like Howard Hughes, I am back home in Montana. It is really nice to be back home to my family and friends and our wonderful state. Really no new info on my condition or cause just that I possibly contracted a strep A infection that may of caused the endocarditis and or the subsequent infected valve and aneurysm. I am busy seeing the team of docs here in Billings to see what is my followup and recovery approach going forward. for now it is another 6 weeks to get the chest healed and off all the anti-biotic.

The last few days I have been up and down with my energy and pain. I have not had the energy to get out and exercise yet but I hope to real soon. I am however back to work, which is nice. It helps to get back into my regular routine and mix it up with the folks. I want to thank all my clients and friends for all the support I have received as we have gone through this difficult time. The good news is that it seems the drugs are not as hard on my appetite as the last time, I have been able to eat pretty normally and have only lost 5 lbs so far. In Fact, In Chicago I really enjoyed going out to all the great restaurants with some Chicago friends( Mike and Joanne H, Carol D, Kevin C, and cousins Johnny and Brett) It was great to have the support of all of you on that difficult week in the Hotel.

view from the water taxi while Sarah and I take a trip to Navy Pier after being released from the Hospital

It was also great to be in the city while the Blackhawks rolled to the Stanly Cup! I tried to see the Parade on Friday but the 400,000 crazed fans was not ideal to be crunched up to with a 14 inch chest wound! so I watched on TV instead.

Chloe has started Soccer Camp and Cale continues to amaze with her growth and good manner. I am looking forward to these next weeks watching the kids and getting stronger day by day.

Jay

pain and suffering

2010-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Boy this sucks! finally out of the hospital as of yesterday. But now in a Hotel in Chicago downtown Chicago for another week. I have to see all the medical teams for followups at the end of the week and then the plan is to get back to Montana next Saturday. I feel OK but a few days ago they started the aggressive broad range antibiotics which is really uncomfortable and nasty. I am still pretty uncomfortable but there are a few hours a day that I feel reasonable. I am now administering the 4 antibiotics in the Hotel with the help of Sarah and the home nurse but as of Sunday I will be doing this myself, so Coach jay is now Nurse jay. It takes 6+ hrs a day to do this drug stuff so it pretty much sucks since I cannot be mobile. The worst part is that I have to do this for 6-8 weeks! Ouch! Sarah made a chart for me to keep all the drugs organized for when I need to take them. I could never remember it all without it. Each one has a different amount, frequency and dosage. Here is a list of all that is streaming through me.

Drugs

Vancomycin
Rifampin
Gentamycin
Cefepime
Norco
Motrin
Lopressor
Senekot

Then there is a variety of other orals that I take on demand

After getting out yesterday and checking into the Hotel, surprisingly was able to feel hungry and Sarah and I went downstairs to the Weber Grill and actually eat real food! It was the most pleasurable thing for a long while! Yeah! take it when you can get it I am saying. Then Sarah and I went for a walk around the Hotel, which is right by the magnificent Mile between State and Wabash. Unfortunately, I cannot drink any beer! but if I can eat I may gain weight or even get fat! since I am surrounded by great restaurants. The walk was great but a gradual hill up Michigan ave just about killed me-- a reminder of what is to come with my cardio rehab.-- NOT AGAIN! It is nice to see the vibe of the city even though my personal vibe is very low right now. But just today we walked down to NIKE town and my wife set me up with some new sneaks and outfit ! skateboard dude pretty rad-- did I tell you that mountain boarding may be my next sport? Shoes always make you feel better, right Carla?

I am still very confused, mad and frustrated on how I was this close to death when just a few weeks ago I was winning my age group in the Rev3 triathlon and doing 1/2 ironman bricks 4 days before I was forced to another open heart surgery. So many questions I still have in my head-- and no answers. But I am trying to put those behind me for now and concentrate on task at hand. staying positive and getting better.

Being in Bed all day sucks for sure but I am hoping to get out and walk in the city and go down to the lake this next week-- searching for those little comforts when I can. My mom is still here and has been helping with Cale. Chloe is on Cape Cod with Grandma. Little Cale was playing with me this morning as I was administering those drugs. She is a great baby and fills me with Joy. Sarah has been real busy arranging all the details, she will be heading to Boston on Monday to gather the kids. Sarah has been keeping me going and helps get me through each day she is the best. Before the taste of good food last night, I could only think positively about the fact that I was alive and the love of my family and friends.

So for the next week I will administer drugs, go for walks if I can, see movies and hopefully have a good report from the docs at the end of the week and get back home. then time will tell what comes next for us. I scribbled down some thoughts when I was real week the past few days of some other thought and comments I had:

1. exactly 1yr apart is there a time release infection? deja vu' you got to be kidding me

2. up in the middle of the night watching the movie "born on the 4th of july" not a good idea

3. Pain changes everything-- you cannot be yourself

4. you can ask for Grateful dead music in the MRI machine and get it! although doing 30s breathe holds 3days after open heart surgery is as hard a workout as you can imagine. aparentely I am the only one that has even attempted to get all the way on those.

5. I am now a fan of the show "House" . it just so happened to be a house marathon week on the tube. It seems that every episode was about me and if I was a doctor i would be just like house!

6. It really sucks that 'vs.' is not a station received at the hospital or hotel--that's not right. GO BLACKHAWKS the city is a buzz with the Hawks Hey does anyone have tickets to
Sundays game in Chicago?

I will sign out for now and hopefully update things again soon! need to get out of this room now before being closed in again.

Jay

Update on Jay June 3

2010-06-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

(Sarah reporting here from Northwestern): Jay can't write or talk very well right now because for the past two days - after receiving IV anti-biotics - he has suffered intense head pain, and general pain. It's hard to keep the eyes open. It appears that it was a Strep-A bacterial infection on the heart valve that may have caused all of this to happen, but it is still unclear. They fight this with broad range anti-biotics that are like going through chemo-therapy.

(Jay talking now): I was feeling pretty good for 3 days post-surgery...but it has turned into feeling pretty bad for 2 days. I may be discharged to the Hilton Garden Inn downtown Chicago tomorrow, and be kept here for a week before returning home. Then there's the long road of repair and rehab. It's like last year, but a 12-inch scar on top of the infection. It's still unclear going forward what I need to do to get back to normal.

Thanks for all your calls and emails, but I haven't had the strength to answer many of them. It may be best not to call until I post that I am strong enough to talk.

Life, Death, Checks and Balances

2010-05-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

I am back to writing again and as I do, I actually feel better in my physical recovery than the past two times I have been on this ward after Heart Surgery and infectious disease. This past week has been the toughest of my life, not so much physically but emotionally. By some chance, I had a routine Echo cardiogram in Billings that revealed a severe Aortic aneurysm and infection in my bovine Heart valve replacement of 3 yrs ago. With no indication or symptoms of any kind, I was heading, as my surgeon Dr. McCarthy put it, to a "disaster." As many of my friends have said to me the past few days, the man upstairs isn't done with me yet.

I want to first thank all the well wishing folks out there that sent the Marschall/Keller family those wonderful thoughts and prayers to us during these trying days, we really appreciate it!

Having my Mom, Dad, my wife Sarah and my beautiful baby Cale here with me has been huge and of course my Chicago friends, Kevin, Dizzy, Carol, Mike H, Joanne, and so on is also such a help. oh and I miss my little girl Chloe so very much back in Billings(Thanks Christina and Todd and Maggie Vralsted for helping out so much)

The Medical teams here in Chicago are trying very hard to figure out answers to why, after a completely normal Echo last year post-illness, I now have a heart that went to shit! Cultures are being grown as we speak with the scrapped tissue they cut out to find out what kind of infection it was. So far, no definitive answers are in. I may be staying in Chicago for more than a week until they run all the tests and have a plan in place on how to treat and track me from now on. Some of the infectious disease team members are saying that this infection is probably different from last year's since there were no symptoms prior.

So now I sit here in the hospital working through it all. Last night I just couldn't get the thoughts of why, what, how, when, "the grim reaper thoughts" out of my head. Every time I would doze off, I would then slip into a strange dream followed by waking up seeing reports of death on the TV -- ie. Dennis Hopper or Gary Coleman -- constant thoughts of my heart exploding etc... very stressful and not good. My normal Coachjay response is to be pissed/mad/bitter and fight back -- however this time I think I will take a more balanced approach to dealing with this obstacle. There are so many incredible things left to do in my life but I need to be alive to do them. For now I will just wait and see what the doctors say is the next step, love my family and friends and thank God.

Thanks again for all your support.

Jay

Update May 29

2010-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Jay says it's tough to breathe, and tought to talk. He's scared about the prognosis of the infection, and whether it will come back and attack him again. It is day 2 after the surgery, and he is alone with all these dark thoughts in his head. The doctors still don't know where the mystery infection came from, what kind of bacteria or virus it is, and whether or not it will come back.

He will be on IV antibiotics for at least 8 weeks after he is released some time early this coming week. He will not be able to resume any semblence of a normal life for at least that long, since he will be connected to a walking IV tube.

The docs and lab here at Northwestern are trying to re-grow the bacteria that he had in a petri dish so they can look at it, but that process takes days. Poor Jay! Keep sending your healing thoughts and energy. He can use all the positive thoughts he can get right now.

Jay's Heart

2010-05-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

My very first thought is that I'm lucky to be alive. After having a routine echo cardiogram on Friday, May 20, Dr. Laura Ford identified abnormalities and an aortic aneurysm. She was concerned enough to get me on the first available flight to Chicago for probable heart surgery. At that point, I wasn't terribly concerned...My buddy Kevin Cox picked me up at the O'Hare Airport and by 3 pm Wednesday I had another echo which showed the aneurysm had gotten larger. An aneurysm is like a bulging of the heart muscle. I was immediately admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

By Thursday morning, I was operated on by Dr. Patrick McCarthy. I had an infected valve and a large aortic aneurysm. They removed the infected tissue and aneurysm and replaced the aortic valve and root with human tissue, so now I'm not part-cow anymore. The surgeon is very confident that I will recover well. I am still in ICU today (Friday) and am expected to be moved to a private room at Northwestern later today, where I will be kept for at least 3 days.

I'm lying in bed now with a larger cracked open chest than the last time. From what Dr. McCarthy says, I was a ticking time bomb. He said the aneurysm was typical of someone who would blow up and experience instant death or stroke.

It was just by chance that I had that echo when I did. I want to thank Sarah Sullivan, Dr. Ford, Dr. Pat Duey, for being instrumental in getting me into see Dr. Ford when I did, and most of all my wife, Sarah, who always does the little things, that in this case, saved my life. I love her very much. (I'm dictating this while Jay is on Toradol - Sarah).

The recovery and cause for this is unclear. But my old heart has been shipped off to labs to find out why and how this happened. Thanks for all the love and wishes that have and are being sent. I have to say that my nurse last night was a young 25-year-old hottie - while being incubated and not being able to talk, I had to poke her in the butt to get her attention, I noticed her butt was a little flabby. I asked her if she exercised and she said, "no." I told her she needs to get on the stick and start exercising. But she did give me a nice sponge bath, which was a lot better than the nurse the last time I had heart surgery.

I'm going to be back. I'll fight back. Don't count me out yet. My mom and dad, my wife, and my little 4-month-old Cale flew up here to be with me. I miss Chloe very much. When I told Chloe that I had to go to Chicago to get heart surgery, she told me the problem with my heart was that it is "upside down." She's pretty smart for 4!

(His life was hanging by a thread, by all accounts. It is very lucky we were able to detect a problem when we did and get him in for care so quickly. Thank you again for all of your support!!! - Sarah).

Congratulations to Pat and Janel Duey for having a 9-lb little boy!!!

Upcoming Multisport Extreme Camp July 21-25

2010-05-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Coach Jay’s Multi-Sport Extreme Camp is a fun filled week July 21-25, 2010 with training and races to meet every multi-sport athlete's interests. Training activities include open water lake swimming, single track and fire road mountain bike trails, road bike course through epic canyons, wild life, the grassy mountain tops and wildflower-covered fields of the Bangtail Ridge and both on and off road running trails through the hills.(Check out "important documents" section of this blog for full camp info).

spring racing/ summer planning

2010-05-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

chloe this morning with dad in the 4 wheeler( out of the picture dad with his bailys and coffee traveler mug). at the top of Nixon peak 1+ miles from the cabin

Been pretty lazy entering blogs lately, no excuses -- Well, yes, of course, there are excuses, I am old, tired, busy, have a cow valve etc. I remember driving to the State Time TT one time with some friends and on the 1-hr drive we came up with 82 excuses on why we would do poorly in the race --- not the best positive psychology but I believe we all go through it in our little brains -- but now that I am up at the cabin, I have finally found a good place to write and catch up. It must be the mountain air, quiet, and the beautiful view up here.

I have been making steady progress with my fitness, even though I am often impatient and unhappy with the numbers that my 49-year-old body can produce. I am coming to grips with that reality and trying to keep it real with where I am now.

The Peaks to Prairie Duathlon in Late April was of course hard (9-mile run/42-mile bike) and this year was even more challenging with 30-40 mile per hour cross winds. I ran 57 high and felt ok with that even though I was a bit over my target HR plan. The bike was good for the first 10-15 miles and at that point I caught a youngster that was at the front of the race in the Duathlon, a 17-18-yr-old Eija. I went by him and then the winds hit and I found myself fighting it pretty bad, not being able to stay aero for a good 15 miles; Eija, however, didn't seem to have the same problem. He ended up riding away from me and won the race (Congrats to the flat belly! He showed some real guts and talent) and of course I showed a huge gut bomb after but hung on for second. Power numbers were pretty poor on the ride with an average of 240 when I expected to ave 260 or so. ccrtiming

coachjay on the bike at peaks from my truck with the wife driving--yikes! out of picture the mean ass 40mile an hour cross winds!

May brought some cool clone news with Dr. Adam Weaver qualifying again for Hawaii at the St. George Ironman, placing 5th in his age group with a 10:15 time on a by all accounts a brutal course! Adam would have qualified at 70.3 California after an additional roll down from another age group, which just goes to show you to never leave the awards too early! Congrats to Adam on your stellar performances! Also this month, Major Clay Taulman found out that he was selected to go to Hawaii as well -- Clay is totally stoked! After 28 months in combat he is ready for a totally different kind of combat-- the Kona lava fields!-- This weekend Mike Fogassey and Kevin Welsh will be competing at 70.3 florida---race fast guys! Also just found out that Pam Rogan from Atlanta placed 3rd overall in the Peachtree City Tri this weekend. Great going Pam -- Pam has been with coachjay for over 10yrs!

Last weekend, Sarah, Cale and myself made the trip to the Rev 3 Knoxville Tri. I needed to get to race that was bigger than what we have here in Montana. I have to say that Rev 3 series puts some serious funds and organization into their events--first class all the way. The course was very difficult, especially on the bike, but the days before we were a bit leery of swimming in the Tennessee river -- on Friday there was debris floating everywhere, water snakes and even a dead body was pulled out that morning! Yikes!

Knoxville was pretty cool and I had a great time bonding with Little Cale as I rested and tapered. Sarah and I had some nice walks and a fun date night out on the town, checked out some live music and some great food. We hooked up with the Team Trakkers crowd, Michelle ford , Sonja, Tony and others from Denver. It was also great to see some folks from Atlanta, Matt Rose and the Team Dynamo crowd including Betty and Hilton! what a great group that Matt has put together at Dynamo. I also ran into Andre Micelli from Atlanta

coachjay and Hilton Kort before the Rev 3 knoxville

Race day was perfect--cool and calm waters. I was mixed into the 40-age group and a couple of other groups as well and started in the next to last wave--which of course stresses me since I saw myself having to weave through the masses the whole time. But as it turned out, it was not too bad. I had a pretty smooth trip on the swim coming out in around 19 min; it's strange having the swim be my best sport right now! Maybe because it's hard to keep my old body up with its own weight?--The swim was a bit fast since more than half was down current(however the water was pretty still) unlike my horrible transitions up in Missoula, I was pretty solid on this day getting out on the bike without any mishaps. Immediately, I was battling with the eventual winner in the 40-45 group and I was not too smart by going a little too deep early to keep pace. About 15 miles in, I let him go as my back started to tighten up from throwing down a bit too many watts. I went steady to the finish not knowing were I stood in my group. It turns out that I have 280 watts for 1hr 7min and 133hr average which I am happy with and show some good progress from previous TTs. I got to the run and made sure I didn't bust out too fast since my running has been my weakest sport for some time now. I felt ok through 3-4miles then the long slog back my hips where in near spasm as I waddled in for my 2:12 finish and around a 42 min 10k which is not great and I definitely need to improve on for sure. At the finish I thought boy-- 2x that distance is going to hurt! rev3

It turned out that I won my group pretty easily but I knew the competition was not that great and that I still have a long way to go-- but my progress is encouraging and if I keep improving I may not be too bad at Boise. Congrats to Hilton Kort for placing 1st in his age, Matt for winning the 1/2 and Betty's team for winning the Aquabike.

Sarah and Cale met me at the finish which was great (Sarah has posted to this blog with pictures). After a little less of a gut bomb than last race-- the fam rolled down to the river for a mothers day brunch at Calhouns! Great BBQ and I proceeded to finish a whole rack of ribs-- just about the best tasting food I have had in a long time! and of course a few very large Pale Ales. All in all a great trip-- now its back to training.

Just got back from my run here in Bozeman and, after a pretty crappy 12 miles with the HR not very high, walking up my road to the cabin I saw the highest HR of the day when momma bear and 2 cubs made me know that I was not welcome that close--HR 140(PAST LACTATE BALANCE POINT!)

our Horse creek neighbors, momma and one of her cubs taking a look

Will try to post more often-- unless I am too lazy, tired, busy, old, etc.........

coachjay

May 15 At the Mountains

2010-05-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here for another weekend binge of training at our Bozeman Mountain House. The weather's sparkling and the Bridger Ridge is still snow-covered and dazzling in the sun. Jay and Chloe just took the 4-wheeler to the top of Mountain Nixon for an early morning view, while I am preparing for the first of two long runs scheduled with ultraunning powerhouse Nikki Kimball.

Jay's gearing up for Boise 70.3 so will have a 2-hour run & 1-hour spin today, and a 3-hour ride tomorrow....Stay tuned for details on our upcoming July Multisport Extreme Camp!

Jay Wins Age Group

2010-05-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

Coach Jay had a fantastic come back from mystery virus and heart surgery Sunday at Rev 3 in Knoxville. With a time of 2:12 for the hilly, Olympic-distance race, he won the male 45-49 age group amidst a field of top-age-groupers from around the country. Matty Reed and Julie Dibens won the male and female pro fields, respectively. Way to go Jay!!!!

We also had the privelege of catching Coach Matt Rose from Atlanta with his pants down! He got 2nd overall in the Rev3 Half Ironman, aka "Half Rev." Great job, Matt!

Rev3 Knoxville

2010-05-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

What a race folks! This was premiere race organization-hosted by IM Pro Heather Golnick and the Revolution 3 Triathlon Series. Lots of pros fielded the Olympic Distance, with Matt Reed winning and Chris Lieto tied for 2nd. Boston's Dede Grosbier came in 6th and Natasha Badman was even in the mix. Local elites from Denver Michelle Ford and Sonia Weik finishing a guestimated 4th and 5th in the Elite Amateur wave!! And hats off to yours truly, Coach Jay, for finishing very strong in the Men's 45-49 Wave (results TBA SOON)!

The 1-mile swim was in the Tennessee River, 40 km bike around hilly Knoxville, and the 10 km run through the U Tenn Greenway along the river and canal, finishing at the glorious World's Fair Park!!

Grizzly Tri Weekend

2010-04-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

It was quite a fun weekend up in Missoula, MT with an elite field at the Grizzly sprint triathlon put on by Team Stampede and the University of Montana. Jay raced extremely well for his first time back in over a year - setting swim splits for each 100 in the pool swim at 1:20 average! He crushed his wave (elite masters) on the bike and only got passed in the final 10 seconds of the run by another masters who was not in his age group. Congratulations to Jay on an age-group win!!!

As if that wasn't studly enough, Jay raced AGAIN the next day at the super hard Frenchtown Roubaix 45 mile bike race on gravel roads. He was one of the only individual competitors going up against teams from Bozeman, Missoula and Helena. Again, he showed incredible prowess for racing on tired legs -- and after a year of injury and illness. Yeah Jay!

Oh, I forgot to mention that it was windy and gray in the morning, causing all of Jay's fellow bike racing friends to wimp out, making him the only studly one of the bunch. That's a dig for you, Rob Newsome and Mike Ritter!

Ritter, Ali Ryan, and Greg Benjaman were among the clones who also raced Grizzly. Ritter -- competing in his first triathlon ever -- had an outstanding success with a 1:20 time for the 1,000 yd swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km trail run. Mike's hooked now! Also competing were pros Lindsey Corbin, who smashed the women's field, and Matt Seeley.

Missoula offered plenty of post-race hulllabaloo with beers at the Kettlehouse and dinner at Ciao Mambo Saturday, followed by the Yonder Mt String Band for the cool young 'uns in the crowd. Pre-race pancakes at Paul's House of Pancakes were a must before the bike race.

Chloe spent many fun hours on the Merry Go Round and Children's Museum with her new best friend Axl.

racing again!

2010-04-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

A new baby, the change of seasons and trying to find new fitness after a disastrous 2009 was kicked off this weekend in Missoula with my first Triathlon in nearly 2years. It has been a slow steady grind of training as I try to be patient with my progress. Last week in Denver I had a hard 17hrs of Training in 6 days with some hard work at Altitude. Kevin, Adam, Michelle, Clay and myself participated in some long swims, mountain rides,TT work, bodywork and runs. It was much better for me than a few weeks ago but I am still humbled by how far I have to go to be competitive. Kevin was a great host and he is showing some great progress himself. Our ride on Saturday was the epic shadow mtn loop with 6k of climbing in gale force winds! It was also great to lactate test some new folks and do a few bike fits as well.

I was a bit nervous leading into the double race weekend( grizzly tri/rocky mountain roubaix bike race) first I had not raced in so long and second I was feeling horrible mid week. I stayed as positive as I could and toed the line in the grizzly triathlon at 1pm on Saturday. The Grizzly Triathlon is a 1k pool swim/12.5 bike/5k run. believe it or not it is the largest tri in the state with 500 participants. I has a really good field with folks like Ben Hoffman, Matt Seeley and Linsey Corbin all participating.

Sarah and Cale were there for support as Chloe had a play date with Sarah's friend Kara and her 4yr old Axle. Chloe had a blast and is fast friends with Axle. Anyway I had been doing a bunch of swimming of late and was anxious to find out how I would do in the swim. Each lane has 4 swimmers and I would be placed in the Elite masters wave by my submitted time of 13min. I started in the 3 spot and after the start I knew that I would need to be smart here. after a 300 I new the first 100 was too fast and as it turned out it was a 1:09! Yikes. I did show some old man savy by letting the 4th guy go by and then settled into his draft for the rest of the way. My splits settled at 1:19-1:21 per 100 for the remainder. However when the dude in front of me was pulled out they told me I had another 2 laps---wait a minute I said-- I was following this guy! it turned out they pulled us 50 early so my time of 2:36 was really around 13:10-15 or so. I am pleased with that right now.

My transitions really sucked and you could tell it had been a while for sure. getting the speed suit off, getting into the shoes, all really slow. On the bike I felt like I had pretty good legs but in retrospect I went a bit hard pushing my HR to nearly 150 which is high for me. but I did blow by my wave and by the turn around I had a pretty good lead in my wave. Then I had to run--- not quite there on the run yet. I felt pretty good for the first mile or so but then there is this monster off road hill that I think may have toasted me. I kind of stumbled in and was passed by the 40-45 winner in the last 400. all in all I was pretty pleased with my time of 1:06 and change and winning the 45-49 age group. Although I still have a long way to go to be competitive in a bigger race with more competition. Staying patient is hard for me but I am taking one workout at a time and just trying to make slow progress. great time after the race as we went to the brew pub, the kettle house where they make my favorite brew( cold smoke ale) then on to dinner at ciao mambo with Nash, Mike, Carissa, the kids, becka., had a great time! was a bit bummed that we missed the yonder mountain sting band playing a the wilma that eve but the kids and my endurance made that difficult.

the next day it was off the the rocky mountain roubaix road race where 1/2 the 40miles is on dirt and gravel roads to simulate the cobbles. I knew it would be a difficult double but I did toe the line not like anyone else from billings. very disappointed that the Billings cycling community has no presence at these very cool/competitive races. I only hope that someday we can come with numbers to these events. After a pretty pedestrian first 10miles the race went ballistic with the first assent. Staying in touch there was hard on my legs but then the descent was crazy on the loose gravel and 40 riders getting sideways! I was doing fine until I was real sideways due to a real flat. got the wheel car fairly quick but the chase was very hard with no help and even though I got within sight it was not going to happen this day. the rest of the race I spent helping some of the 1,2,3 group that had flatted get back in touch and eventually I hooked up with some of the dropped masters group and road in with them, besting them on the hill climb finish. a good day of hard miles and some fun as well. will defently try to do this double again next year!

Getting fit is hard!

2010-03-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

This past couple of months has finally found some good weeks of training from the month of January with the broken rib. All is good with the new addition to our family( Cale) she is super easy and my wife is very happy about that! She sleeps a bunch and is a complete joy. we are very lucky --again. I do believe she will be very different from Chloe. its just a feeling.

Windtraining class wrapped up with a great awards party as everyone scraped for coachjay and beartooth gear-- quite the site. congrats to Pam Harder and Ali Ryan for participating in the most classes this year with 16! and a special thanks to Steve Mysee and Sign and Design for hosting this years class-- next year we will have some very special additions to class! look for announcements this fall.

Chloe and I have been going to Bozeman for here ski school while I have been skate skiing and doing some runs( with Niki Kimbal) and even some biking as the spring weather has been kicking in. Chloe graduated from Mogul mice last week and has been skiing from the top of the mountain for over a montb now! last time I was up with her she keep up with me and was skiing even black runs! at 4.5yrs! great fun! major goal= keep up with my girls as I get old- age vs kids activity curve i guess. Sarah is storming back in shape with her typical fast ramp up already running 2hrs at a time-- I think it took me 6mo to get up to a 2hr run! she just goes, goes, goes. even with last week turning 44! That was a great night out with friends.

This past weekend Rob Newsom and myself made the first pilgrimage to the mountains riding up the chief Joseph Hwy( a 13mile climb) and 3700 vertical feet for the ride. It was a great ride and the whimpy burger in Belfry was even better. Rob had the whiner burger which was very appropriate on this day!

Then there was the first downtown Billings crit in a very long time, I decided not to partake due to the ride in the morning and the course which had 4 x 180 turns, but watching was a gas. our group had a great spot at the brew pub and we made our own hot corner complete with cow bells and of course lots of beer and shouting. congrats to all that participated!

This coming week I will be going to Denver for a spring training camp with some of my clones and guests down there. I am working on a very special summer camp in Bozeman/Targee this summer starting in the middle of July, details will be coming very soon- so get ready.

I did travel to Denver a couple of weeks ago to work with some clients and found myself fighting a cold and wheezing for air as I was humbled by the altitude and fitness of the folks down there. I hope that this coming week I will be a bit better. I can tell you all that at my age and physical challenges that trying to get in shape to race full bore when I race in the 50-55age group next year is a serious challenge. I know that my illness was going take me a while to recover from( the docs said a whole year) and even though I called bullshit on that, they seem to be right this time. It has been so difficult that I have hired a coach to help me. She is a coach I met at the symposium in Colorado springs and so far she has been a tremendous help. Her name is Michelle Ford and so far she has mad some excellent calls with my training. I am making steady progress and hope to race competitively sometime this year.

My first triathlon will be in Missoula as the Grizzly Tri/ the next day I am doing the Rocky Mt Roubaix bike race. Then there is Peaks to Prairie Duathlon on April 25th and the Boise 70.3 in June we will see from there but so far I am still pretty mediocre but improving slowly.

clone report:

Sue Balter had a great 1/2 marathon in NYC, Adam Weaver places 5th in the 40-45 age in 70.3 cali oceanside, Sarah Heaton also Prs at Oceanside, Paolo Gerbasi and Dan Brewer had multiple mechanicals 7 flats between then ouch!! but had good races never the less, Todd Vrlsted had a very solid half in LV. Kevin Welsh placed 3rd overall in the lifetime indoor tri beating Tim Hola on the bike!, many clones did the shamrock run and that was a blast! great job rimrunners on a great event-- I think that is it but if I forgot someone let me know and I will include it in the next blog.

coachjay

winter/spring madness

2010-03-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

The road to Wilsal/Clyde park from the cabin(crazy mountain stretch)the best 15miles in cycling!

The transition has begun from winter to spring! but of course in Billings/Bozeman we like to hold on to more than one or two seasons as long as possible. I have been training pretty diligently since my broken rib delay and have found my self getting into a good rhythm with my workouts-- I have been skate skiing,swimming, road biking, running,and doing bodywork on a regular basis for 16hrs a week for the past month. getting ready to toe the line in a few races this spring. being nearly 50 yrs old, having done triathlon training since 1986, having 2 young kids and a cow aortic valve provides a bunch of challenges to training and racing for me. The process is still interesting to me and with my family in full support of racing full on in 2011( when I will be racing in the 50-55) I am going through the process and see what kind of fitness I can get to this year and beyond.

the loggers loop at Bohart ranch dawn patrol

Chloe has been skiing off the top of Bridger bowl and last weekend she skied off the PK lift! awesome what the ski school did this year for her skiing. Sarah has kicked it into gear as well! I will let her tell you in her segment. I will tell you that our newest addition is a complete joy and such a good baby! she is supper easy! knock on wood!

The warm weather has finally melted the snow in Billings which has made the ridding good and a good segue to moving from indoor training to the pavement outdoors. But in Bozeman spring skiing is very epic! the skating early at Bohart ranch has been perfect and last weekend Sarah and I pulled Cale for the first time in the chariot. Its been a few years since I did this and it reminded me how hard it was!

I also joined Nikki Kimbal(3 time western states champion) for her group run on Sunday for 12miles. getting those long runs is hard for me on my creeky knees for sure. but when Niki runs 3.5hrs the day before it makes a good easy pace for my long run. My bike ride in the Sheilds valley was just the best with blue sky's open roads, no cars and yes Bald eagles!

bald eagle on my ride to Wilsal last Saturday

Many of the clones are getting ready for early season events including. Paolo Gerbasi, Dan Brewer, Sarah Heaton and Adam Weaver for the Cali 70.3, Todd V for the vegas 1/2. Kevin Welsh for the Boston Marathon and the Florida 70.3. Mike Fogassey for the Florida 70.3, Sarasota 70.3 among other events. Its going to be a busy year of training and racing!

also on the local and semi- local training front-- we are having an informal training camp in Denver from April 1st-4th. Itinerary to be posted soon. and a epic summer extreme training camp in July-- the details of this camp will also be posted soon.

Powderhound/colorado

2010-02-14T06:04:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been very busy! This time of year is real crazy in the fitness business (the resolutionites you know) and with a new baby Cale born at the same time it has certainly been a whirlwind of activity. Per usual we have been hanging tough and getting r done! Sarah has been amazing juggling the kids and work while I have been working long hours and not able to help much. It was great that my mom came in for 3 weeks and was a big help around the house and with the baby while Sarah is recovering from surgery.

Daddy and baby Cale

This year’s windtraining class has been very well attended and is coming in very handy this year, since Billings is having its longest snow pack in years. Indoor riding has been the norm lately.
Chloe and I had a great trip together to Bozeman for her ski lesson—she graduated out of Mogul Mice!—and had some great daddy/daughter time—she says that Cale will become part of the family when she can talk. She is now adapting to the new addition better and better.

2010 windtraining class at Sign and Design-- yes that is snow falling

On my training since breaking a couple of ribs near xmas it has been difficult to do very much- I have been suffering through some workouts but the breathing has been difficult and the pain pretty severe. However I did cowboy up and participated in the Powder hound winter tri (5krun/10kbike/5k skate ski) the event took place at Homestake lodge near Butte. The event was put on by the Tritons tri club from Bozeman and it was upped to the regional USAT championship. A great event and very difficult! My mom and Chloe took the trip to our cabin and on to the remote location at Homestake, which was hairy for my mother for sure! But we persevered and a good time.

coachjay struggling in the snow on the bike at the powderhound tri

In the race, I was sucking wind from the beginning (near7000ft) the run was up hill in deep snow and I was relegated to walking the hills on the second loop. The bike was brutal to keep upright with the soft snow and the tracks on the second loop. I was humbled as the winner of the race lapped me and I was girled—I did manage to pass 2 girls after the run-- I don’t know if my tires where at the wrong pressure or that I am just unfit. The winning guy was running his bike up the hills so maybe I just need to get in shape to do that! Anyway I did have the 7th fastest ski and actually passed some folks there—Kind of weird that the ski would be my best sport in this event. Great event though and thanks to Art, Greg B and all the Tritons for putting this on.

The Results:

# NAME TOWN BIB RUN T1 BIKE T2 SKI Total
1 Alex Lussier Bozeman 218 0:25:33 0:00:15 0:37:11 0:01:43 0:16:49 1:21:31
2 John Curry Bozeman 219 0:26:12 0:00:59 0:42:52 0:01:56 0:19:11 1:31:10
3 James Fields Missoula 220 0:29:42 0:00:33 0:42:40 0:00:19 0:18:38 1:31:52
4 Cory Soulliard Hamilton 233 0:26:57 0:01:04 0:44:49 0:01:53 0:20:47 1:35:30
5 Greg Wirth Helena 201 0:25:30 0:00:54 0:50:55 0:02:14 0:21:28 1:41:01
6 Cale Hofferber Bozeman 203 0:29:25 0:00:29 0:54:56 0:01:43 0:22:16 1:48:49
7 Russ Gates Helena 223 0:30:22 0:01:05 0:47:58 0:02:24 0:27:40 1:49:29
8 L. Evan Emory Bozeman 234 0:31:47 0:00:35 0:56:15 0:02:39 0:20:14 1:51:30
9 Laurie Thatcher Bozeman 230 0:30:33 0:01:00 0:56:52 0:02:51 0:22:42 1:53:58
10 Eric Makus Helena 229 0:28:14 0:00:47 0:54:20 0:01:58 0:33:43 1:59:02
11 Jay Marschall Billings 224 0:32:50 0:01:29 1:02:20 0:02:34 0:22:11 2:01:24
12 Matthew Thomsen Bozeman 231 0:32:41 0:01:41 1:03:17 0:02:51 0:24:03 2:04:33
13 Meghan Trainor Helena 228 0:31:52 0:00:47 1:02:31 0:06:36 0:23:50 2:05:36
14 Marisa Sowles Hamilton 232 0:34:05 0:00:47 1:08:37 0:02:11 0:21:36 2:07:16
15 Marta Fisher Helena 221 0:29:47 0:00:45 1:05:53 0:01:47 0:32:13 2:10:25
16 Becky Hochstein Bozeman 235 0:36:18 0:01:02 1:13:28 0:02:25 0:24:43 2:17:56
17 Robin Innes Missoula 222 0:37:48 0:00:52 1:09:49 0:05:11 0:31:26 2:25:06
18 Tony Thatcher Bozeman 236 0:39:37 0:01:48 1:14:25 0:03:58 0:25:53 2:25:41
19 Julie Ahern Butte 202 0:36:44 0:01:27 1:27:00 0:06:22 0:26:43 2:38:16
20 Meg Sarnecki Missoula 216 0:43:02 0:02:32 1:25:57 0:03:03 0:30:22 2:44:56
21 Ann Gilbert Helena 226 0:44:23 0:01:06 1:24:27 0:02:27 0:36:03 2:48:26
22 James Innes Missoula 217 0:39:48 0:05:25 1:26:05 0:04:33 0:35:05 2:50:56
23 Karen Powell Helena 227 0:41:44 0:01:19
24 Jennifer Griggs Helena 225 0:46:05 0:01:04

Yesterday I was able to ride outdoors for 3hrs with Kevin welsh and some of his crew in Denver. It was great to get outdoors on the bike and do some miles. I also did some testing with Adam Weaver and a swim workout with those guys in the early morning, boy that extra 2000ft makes swimming harder. Adam will be competing in the St George Ironman this spring which will be the hardest course on the schedule of Ironman’s this year. His fitness is right on track to have a great race in May. A good dinner and time with Kevin that night! Thanks Kev!
I then made the trip down to the USAT Art & science symposium in Colorado Springs. There is a bunch of educational talks with a couple of great keynote addresses including Johan Bruyneel. And Blind climber of Everest Erik Weihenmayer
Here are the symposium topics and speakers:

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Johan Bruyneel signing his book for coach Sydney Cornell from the Parker tri-team

2010 Art and Science Symposium Schedule
Thursday February 11, 2010 4:00pm - 6:00pm
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Registration & Packet Pick-Up
LOCATION - Broadmoor Hall Foyer
Friday February 12, 2010 7:30am - 7:00pm
7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast and Packet Pick-Up
8:00 am - 8:15 am Welcome
Mike Reilly-Emcee and Skip Gilbert, USAT CEO/Executive Director
8:30 am - 9:45 am Morning General Session
Linking Coaches with Events and Race Directors
Bill Burke, Ben Elder
Broadmoor Hall B
10:00am- 11:00am Morning Breakout Session I
Everything You Need to Know About Insurance Following the Functional Path to Building the Complete Triathlete
ESIX- Mike Price Vern Gambetta
Broadmoor Hall E Broadmoor Hall F
11:15-12:15pm Maximizing Your Income as a Triathlon Coach Nutrition for Junior Triathletes
Ben Greenfield Jennifer Hutchison, RD, USAT LIII Coach
Broadmoor Hall E Broadmoor Hall F
12:15pm-1:15pm Lunch
Broadmoor Hall B
1:30pm-2:45pm Women Specific Nutrition Winter Triathlon: What, When, Where, Why, How?
Alicia Kendig, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Tim Crowley, BS, CSCS, Pes, USAT LIII Coach
Broadmoor Hall E Broadmoor Hall F
3:00pm-5:00pm Johan Bruyneel
2009 Tour de France Team Astana Manager
Broadmoor Hall A
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Book Signing/Reception with Special Guest Johan Bruyneel
Saturday February 13, 2010 6:30am - 4:45pm

6:30 am - 7:30 am Fun Run/Walk
Sponsored by SweatVac- led by Olympian Barb Lindquist
8:00 am - 8:45 am Breakfast
Broadmoor Hall B
9:00 am - 10:30 am Keynote
Erik Weihenmayer
First Blind Man to Summit Mount Everest
Broadmoor Hall A
10:45 am - 12:00 pm Morning General Session
Youth Specific: Training, Appropriate Distances, Race Course Set Up
JJ Johnson, Penni Bengston, Boris Robinson
Broadmoor Hall A
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
Broadmoor Hall B
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm Afternoon Breakout Session I
Essentials of a Great Ironman Training Program Beyond the Core-Training from the Ground Up
Mark Allen Vern Gambetta
Broadmoor Hall E Broadmoor Hall F
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Afternoon Breakout Session II
Using Technology for Running Periodization for the Junior Athlete
Stephen McGregor, PhD. Istvan Balyi
Broadmoor Hall E Broadmoor Hall F
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Afternoon Breakout Session III
Stress Based Periodization Yoga for Triathletes
Joe Friel Sage Rountree, PhD, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher
Broadmoor Hall E Broadmoor Hall F
Sunday February 14, 2010 7:30am - 1:00pm
7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast
Broadmoor Hall B
8:00 am - 9:00 am Keynote
Sue Enquist
Director of Major Gifts-UCLA Athletics
Broadmoor Hall DE
9:15 am - 10:15 am Morning Breakout Session I
Cycling Interval Training Training the Paratriathlete
Stephen McGregor, PhD. Andy MacDonald
Broadmoor Hall C Broadmoor Hall F
10:30 am - 11:45 am Morning Breakout Session II
Development Pathway Options The Triathlon Swim-Improving
for the High School/Collegiate Triathlete Technique and Training with Power
Andy Schmitz, USAT Junior National Team Coach, USAT LII Coach Tim Crowley, BS, CSCS, Pes, USAT LIII Coach
Broadmoor Hall F Broadmoor Hall C
11:45am - 12:00 pm Wrap Up and Door Prizes
Broadmoor Hall DE
12:00pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
Broadmoor Hall B

Johan Bruyneel’s talk was good not great—he talked mostly about the tours with Lance and was very guarded and would rarely reference Contador at all. He did give a Nugget that Lance would be doing the Ironman in 2011 and is planning on a top 5 there. Later had a fun dinner and drinks with some folks from the Parker tri-club and swim coach in Cali-- and watched the Winter Olympics. I have to say some of the talks have been a bit of a bore and a bit basic-- but I did take a few things with me to try out on the clones!

I did like Johan’s ingredients for success and here they are!
1. Follow your heart but bring your head
2. Open and willing to learn
3. Always be creating
4. Surround yourself with talent
5. Communicate and confide
6. Give ownership, acknowledge, and encourage
7. Manage people not Tasks
8. Constantly evaluate and be innovative
9. Learn from losing
10. belief

Erik Weihenmayer however was very inspirational and had a great presentation on his life and achieving many adventures even though he is blind. Great sense of humor and a great speaker on overcoming obstacles. I love his quote from Helen Keller about reaching the summit of Everest:” the greatest things in life are not seen or touched but are felt from the heart”
This morning I woke up early and did a swim in an outdoor lap pool with Olympian victor Plata and fellow Montanaian Anne Gilbert. That was cool especially after the swim, sitting in the hot tub with Victor and talking about the Olympic experience and how he did not get to participate in the opening ceremonies! Also about team tactics in ITU racing. He was a real down to earth good guy. Looking forward to the rest of the lectures and returning home soon to see my girls.

coachjay

Powder Hound Triathlon

2010-01-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

Sister Bonding Time

2010-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

Chloe has taken to her new baby sister like glue. She grew up dramatically the day we took Cale home. Cale continues to sleep and eat well...gaining little pudgy cheeks like Jay had when he was a baby! She loves to go for walks with mom in the baby bjorn.

Baby Cale comes home!

2010-01-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday evening, Jay and Chloe returned from skiing to pick me and Cale up from the hospital. What a wonderful occasion! We arrived safely home to lots of hugs and smiles. Chloe was ecstatic! Even baby Cale had a nice night sleeping in her borrowed bassinet!

New family member --Cale!

2010-01-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

This morning at 8am Sarah and I( mostly sarah) brought a new little girl into the world, Her name is Cale, born at St V's by C-section. She came out 6lbs 4 oz and is 19 inches tall, almost the exact same stats as our first born(chloe)Both baby and mom are doing great! we are very excited to have our new family member and chloe is supper excited to have a baby sister! check out the first pictures

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happy 2010

2010-01-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Thank the lord 2009 is over! And Happy 2010 to you all. I often would tell my friends how great our life was in Montana, and this is still true, but now I may not gloat as much out loud since this past year was riddled with a horrible illness and other issues that made life a bit troubling this past year. But now we are in 2010, and with the birth of our second child in just a couple of weeks, we cannot imagine what could be a better start to the new year!

Just last month, I decided to race for the first time in over a year (more than 8 mo. longer than anytime in the past 22 years). My first race, the Thanksgiving Day Huffing for Stuffing 10k in Bozeman, was a bit of a disaster as I completely blew after 3 miles. The next event was a low key 5k in Billings and this was just a bit better -- blowing up a little less and averaging 6:25 per mile after going out at 6:05 for the first mile. Then, later in December, I took a trip to Atlanta to work with some clients and ran the Carpet Capital 10-miler in Dalton, Ga. At the event, I was determined not to try to run like I was 35 years old. (I ran 58 min. in Dalton in 1997) but I did want to do what I am capable of doing now. I stuck to my plan (going out at 6:39) and actually beat my goal of running 6:45 per mile and ran 1:06 (6:40 per mile) placing 2nd in my age group. I was very pleased with the result since in the past 3 months, even though I had been training pretty diligently, I had seen very few results and I had gotten pretty frustrated. Ray Brown had a solid run too, meeting his goal of 8:30 per mile and Sarah Heaton also had a fine run, placing 2nd in her age group with a 1:21. And then there was Saul Raisin who was the crowd favorite (hometown boy) who did an impressive 1:27. Sarah, Saul and I went to breakfast in Dalton for lots of stories and laughs.

coachjay at the Dalton 10 miler

The day following the race I had a night out with the ”Dude” (Bruce Erskine) and after a late night out in Vinings, I was determined to go mountain biking the next day. Even though it was wet, I finally found a guy to play with — Jervey — the first guy who sponsored me at Vinings Schwinn in Atlanta - who has a place up in Suches, GA. Thanks to Clay Rucker, for getting me a rig to ride, I went up and thoroughly got worked by Jervey on his slippery, leaf ridden, log strewn terrain. I was not used to that kind of mountain bike riding for sure. It was a great day. Thanks to Tammy and Ray Brown for all their hospitality.

sunset from the cabin's porch

So, this past week, we have spent nearly 10 days up at the Bozeman cabin. I had planned on hitting the snow for workouts every day for at least 2 hrs. The weather was perfect with 25-30 degree highs, a bit of new snow, perfect for Nordic skiing all week. But 2009 gave me on more hit. Only 2 days after we arrived, I went for a skate ski at Bohart Ranch and blew through my normal 10k loop in a good time of 56 min when, at the end of my run, I spaced out coming down the hill and in the flat light hit the classic tracks and did a Bang/Bang fall burying my elbow in my side damaging my ribs in a bad way. It knocked the wind out of me and I knew it would not be good for the rest of the week. Seeing as I set a goal -- I would trudge forward with my plan for training.
. The Kosners came up (Steve, Margaret, and Eileen) and I managed a classic/skate ski and a 1 hr run with Steve the next day (even though the hike at the end of the run to the top of the mountain I had to do on the snowmobile).

getting some help to the top of Nixon peak

The girls had a blast playing tons of games, doing arts and crafts and of course sledding on the many hills at the cabin.

Chloe and Eileen having fun at the cabin

But during all the training since my fall, I was in serious pain and as Dr. Margaret Kosnar said, [you can do anything as long as] “it doesn’t make it worse.” But of course it did. And on the next day, I tried to run with Nikki Kimball (4-time Western States 100 winner) and after 30 min I was unable to continue. So I took 4 days off and worked on programs and watched movies, I have to admit, I was getting a bit of cabin fever for sure.

Yesterday I snowshoed to the top of Nixon peak which is always epic!

Snow shoe summit of Nixon and look toward the Crazy mountains

Today I skated and without using my arms (poling) much, I was good for 1.5 hrs which was quite a relief. I am writing this blog at Bridger Bowl as Chloe is taking her first ski school class here (Mogul Mites).

Chloe has been the best and is a dare devil when it comes to sledding! She goes full blast! She loves the snow.

Sarah is always amazing me with being 9 mo. pregnant and walking the dogs up to 700 vertical ft. to Nixon every morning. Only 2 weeks away and most don’t even know she is pregnant! She has gained only a little more than the last one -- 12 pounds. The baby looks good and we can't wait for the surprise to see if it is a brother or sister for Chloe.

I thought you guys would like to see a pic of one of my new clients Major Clay Taulman. Clay is on tour in Ramadi, Iraq and is training for Ironman AZ this year. He sent this picture of his new tri bike!

Clay and his Tri-bike

On the Billing front -- this year's Windtraining class has 25 folks registered so far and I will only accept another 5-8 folks. So if you want to be in this year's class, you had better get your application to me ASAP. The forms are on this blog and class starts Jan 19th. Also look for some exciting Gym Jay news as well as a coachjay training camp in Bozeman some time in June -- details to follow. Also, don't forget to join me for the powerder Hound triathlon on Jan 31st at Homestake Lodge in Butte, MT. check out the details at: http://bozemantritons.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/2010-powder-hound-winter-triathlon/

look forward to seeing you this coming year

coachjay

Christmas and New Year's

2009-12-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

We are hunkered down in our lovely Bridger Canyon cabin for the week, enjoying a respite from work responsibilities, and a bit of quiet before a new life enters our world. We are expecting either a boy or a girl on Jan 14! The weather here is crisp, bright, bluebird and snow-covered - perfect for XC skiing and snowshoing. The views are spectacular and we are still indulging in holiday feasts and visitors.

My brother came for a week of Yellowstone, where we saw wolves, elk and bison, and then skiied the Bozeman golf course and climbed Mt. Nixon in Battle Ridge. The Kosnars came for 2 days of skiing and hiking and playing (their daughter Eileen is Chloe's age). And Chloe is learning to ice skate!

happy Turkey day

2009-11-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

In the past number of weeks we have been spending a bunch of time in the mountains soaking up the many early winter activities. I have been personally motivated to get in better shape as I approach racing in the 50-55 age group in 2011. That being said, it has been very difficult to come back from the illness I had this summer. But for the past 8 weeks I have been making slow progress. I will be racing for the first time in over a year at the huffing for stuffing 10k in Bozeman this T-Day. and then it will be back to the cabin to cook the whole T-day dinner with the help of our guest Mike Ritter, it will be also be great to have Brook and Michelle up for thanksgiving as well.

In December I will be traveling to Atlanta to race with some clients at the Carpet capital 10mile, a staple race we all used to do in my Atlanta days—I will really have to forget the times I used to run there!

I think the skate skiing the past number of weeks up at Bohart ranch has really helped my fitness. I enjoy the challenge of skate skiing the most of any other sport. There is nothing like the loggers loop to get you in Shape. There has also been some good runs, bikes and last weekend a good hike up Bridger bowl for the first turns of the year with Paul. Conditions were pretty good and the powder in the south bowl was fun! Of course those first turns were pretty ratty.

Pat Duey and Mike Ritter at Bohart ranch for early skate skiing

Sarah continues to make our new baby and we are due in a couple of short months, she continually amazes me with her energy, balancing work, motherhood and exercise—look for Sarah to come back as fast as ever after the baby is born in 2010

In other training news: Coachjays 16th annual windtraining class will again take place this January-March. We will be having class in a new location this year! Classes will be held at Sign and Design at 2625 Overland ave and space will be limited! look for details soon to sign up! the first class will be held Tuesday Jan 19th

A number of clients have had great success lately: Ray Brown after qualifying for Kona at Ironman Lousiville, does great at Kona and then raced Iromman Az this past weekend and qualified for Kona in 2010 with a PR of 11:31, and then there is Kevin Welsh who after his bike rack flew off his car on the way to Iroman AZ-- and a semi rolls over it destroying both his and his friend Sydney’s bikes, was able to successfully finish the race on a rented rig with a 10:41 time PRing by 50min! way to go kevin! Also kudos to Sydney for a fin 10:00 race finishing second in her group.

One of my new clients Matt Rosetti had a very fine breakthrough race at the Miami International race finishing second overall in the race! Matt lives and trains in NY city( not the easiest plan to train) Congrats Matt for a great race. Look for Matt on the national scene in 2010

Also congrats to Adam Weaver for a fine performance going 4:14 at 70.3 worlds in Clearwater fl., Mike Fogassey for placing first in the 55-59 age group at the fort desoto sprint in Tampa, And Anton Kort for running a fine 1:23(Pr) at the Washington dc 1/2 marathon and also thank to Anton for stopping by Billings on his way back to Bangkok and treating coach to a great dinner at Walkers! also Dan Brewer with a solid 5:23 1/2 ironman.

I also am honored to be coaching Clay Taulman who is a Major serving our country in Ramali Iraq, Clay is training for Ironman AZ next year

thats it for now

have a great Holiday

coachjay

The First Snow

2009-11-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

Bozeman weekends over the past few weeks have bedazzled us with unexpected snowfall and a wealth of winter sports. Already, Chloe has gone sledding several times, practiced her nordic skiing, and even tested the alpine equipment once! Jay has gone on a barage of skate skiing social dates, while I have stuck to classic in the name of keeping my heart rate down. The sunshine last weekend on fresh powder at Bohart, our XC ski ranch, and the continuous flurries this weekend, gave us wonderful views.

It has really felt like a winter fest frenzy, starting with the Bozeman Ski Foundation Swap the first weekend of November, enabling us to get new used gear. The purchase I'm most excited about are the racing classic skis I inherited from ultrarunner Nikki Kimball, who just completed a victory at the Jungle Marathon in Brazil. Although the new skis require waxing (ugh), the new glide is incredible! Jay's especially excited (I think) about another skate pair, while Chloe simply sized up her ski boots.

Being 31 weeks prego, I'm staying away from signifcant vertical drops, and just trying to stay aerobically active - snowshoeing, running, and whatnot. Jay is training again - with an eye towards next spring. Our Thanksgiving looks to be quiet with just young Billings cyclist Mike Ritter visiting the cabin and Jay taking over in the kitchen (yeah!).

A shout out to clients Matt in NY who finished 3d overal at the Miami International Triathlon, Kevin Welch from Denver and Ray Brown from Atlanta, who both PR'd at Ironman Arizona this past weekend!!!! :-)

Interbike, BLT, Saul Raisin, Hawaii Irornman

2009-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I are flying to Kona as I write this blog. Ray and Tammy Brown have been gracious enough to invite us out for the Hawaii Ironman world championships. Ray qualified for Kona at Ironman Louisville. It will fun to be a spectator for the race for the first time since Sarah competed in 2003.
Looking back at September at home in Billings, it was a busy month. We broke ground on Montana Cycling and Mark and I took the trip out to Vegas for the Inter-bike show. Interbike was quite a spectacle. I had not been to Vegas since the mid 80s and boy has it changed! The first couple of days were filled with the demo days where we rode bikes outside of Vegas in Boulder City. This was fun and exhausting at the same time. I almost didn’t get out of the Felt tent the first day! And by the end, I could feel the difference from one bike to another with the fatigue that was in my legs. In fact, at the end of one day, I was relegated to an electric powered bike. That was fun to throttle some of the other Billings folks, Rob, Mike and Carissa while only working my wrist!
The best part of Interbike was the cross Vegas race on Wednesday.

CROSS VEGAS RUN UP

The event takes place at night in a lighted soccer field, very cool. It was made more special watching my friend and cycling legend John Howard. He competed in the industry race and at age 63 finished just 3 min in back of the winners. The night before, the Billings crew and John went out to dinner at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville and had a fun time with the spectacle of watching a babe fly out of a volcano and dive into a giant Margarita glass!
Not a big fan of Vegas, the show was filled with tons of cool bike stuff but when you are opening a bike shop it is a bunch of work as well. It was an exhausting week and I was very glad to get back to Montana.
No rest for the weary -- Montana Cycling put on the BLT century ride just a day after we got back from Interbike! It turned out to be a great event with nearly a 100 participants -- double last year's numbers.

THE START OF THE BLT RIDE

We were very fortunate(thanks to Mark) to get Saul Raisin to come out for the event. Saul is a wonderful and talented guy who raced for the pro team Credit Agricole. In a tragic accident while racing, Saul was severely injured and slipped into a coma. After years of rehab Saul is now back on his bike and doing Triathlons. During his stay here in Billings Saul and I worked on his swimming and running. And now I am coaching Saul in his quest to race the Hawaii Ironman. So far he is a very dedicated pupil(clone) and I have no doubt that Saul will achieve anything he sets out to accomplish. Check out Saul's web site for his complete story at http://www.saulraisin.com/

SAUL RAISIN

In Hawaii now and I almost forgot all the buzz that is the Hawaii Ironman world championships! I rented a mountain bike straight away so I can tool around the Kona traffic. Friday we all went on a Helicopter ride around the Island, seeing the lava flowing volcanos, the incredible cliffs and waterfalls of the Big Island and everything in between. It was very cool and I had never been in a Helicopter before! Toshi our pilot was really knowledgeable and fun as our guide.

TAMMY,RAY,SARAH AND I after our Heli ride

Race day was exciting and tiring at the same time. I forgot how damn hot and humid it is here! Boy not used to that living in Montana. My couple of 45 min runs on Alii drive where brutal! The race was very exciting and it made me think that I am a long way from being ready to do one of these things again! Everyone out there yesterday deserves a bunch of credit for their will and preparation. And here's to Chrissy and Craig, who won even without those aero helmets, you looked great!

CHRISSY WELLINGTON AT MILE 5 OF THE RUN

CRAIG ALEXANDER AND ANDREAS RAELERT RUNNING TOGETHER AT MILE 5.5

Ray--- also without the aero helmet -- did great as well! He had not the perfect day. Our house was broken into the night before, his valve on his tire broke and there was gastrointestinal problems that lead to a few too many stops. But all in all he was 15 min faster than his finish in Hawaii in 1997 12 years ago and it was a very hot day.

A few coachjay observations from Kona:

1. It's Hot in Kona

2. 700 aero helmets in the race, in my opinion that is 700 too many, once again the two winners Crissy Wellington and Craig Alexander did not were aero helmets. Do these people think it is better to cook your brain in extreme heat to save a couple of minutes with aerodynamics?

2a. Arm coolers don't work--did you see Chris Lieto jettison his after the bike- if they were cooling him don't you think he would wear them for the run in 100 degree heat?

3. It was reported in the program and on Ironman live that at the end of August Craig
Alexander finished a 500 mile bike week with a 115 mile ride with a set of 12 mile repeats at the track on a 6:30 takeoff, getting each mile at between 5:30 and 6 min, and by the way he ran to and from the track -- an additional 2 miles each way._--Coachjay clones may recognize this workout!

4. The Ironman shuffle out on the Queen K is painful to watch!

5. If you plan on doing this event you had better be prepared for the extreme! and be super fit

Also a shout out to other friends I saw out in the lava fields on Ironman day, Pat Dwyer, Betty Mills (who reached the podium in her first Ironman with a 4th place finish, Chris Ramsey, Dedi Griesbaur who placed 10th in the women, and I am sure I am missing folks).

The day after the race Sarah and I took a stand-up paddle board lesson. Our ex pro-surfer Duane was great and we both were able to get up and do it sort of. The sport is a lot harder than it looks and it involves a ton of balance. I tried to ride some waves but I was a bit tippy and had some nice crashes in the surf! Sarah did catch a good wave with the assistance of Duane pushing her.

Coachjay stand-up paddleboarding for the first time!

On the personal front every thing is well with Sarah, Chloe and I. Sarah is getting bigger growing a baby and is due in mid January. It has already snowed in Billings and I am getting geeked up for snowboarding and skate skiing this winter. Lots of clones have had great achievements lately.

Clone report: Mike Fogassey finishes 3rd in a Florida sprint race with a 1:22 and a pr for that event, Kevin welsh continues to get ready for IM Az with a 5min pr at the Harvest Moon tri, at the Montana governors cup marathon/1/2/10k race we had a bunch of clones competing: Mike Gulledge ran his first 10k and is now officially hooked!as well as Maggie Vrlsted who ran her first 1/2 marathon Paolo Gerbasi ran a solid 1:33 1/2, Sue and Carla both PR'd the 10k with Carla breaking 1hr for the first time. and Cecil Pegram ran another solid Marathon at the govenors cup Matt Rosetti finishes 3rd overall in the central park duathlon, check out the scary footage from that race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZkI-go3Qw, Hilton and Anton Kort for great finishes in the triathlon world championships in Australia. Adam Weaver for a solid marathon in 2hrs 56min at St George, Dan Brewer finished the 25 mile rim to rim run in the grand canynon. Carla Cobb and Sue Balter both Pr the 1/2 rock and roll 1/2 marathon in Santa jose. Sarah Ryan,Ali Ryan, and Julie Klarich also kick but at the Santa Rosa Marathon.

Lots of exciting news!

2009-08-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

First of all, Sarah and I are expecting our second child! The Baby looks great and we are due in January. We are very excited to be adding to our family and Chloe is sure it will be a brother, although we are not finding out until game day!

Jay and expecting Sarah at the new home of Montana Cycling

The second important news is the launching of Montana Cycling/Gym Jay/and On the Rivet Cafe. It has been a dream of mine as well as my partner's for a long time to bring a new type of bike shop to Billings, MT. The building is nearly 12,000 sq feet and is designed green by a Leed certified architect. Not only a full service bike shop, the building will house a 4,000 sq ft fitness facility called Gym Jay and a unique cafe called "On the Rivet." We broke ground last week and are set to open this winter 2010.

Coachjay and Mark Soueidi at Montana Cycling's job site

Folks have been asking about the lines of bikes we will be carrying and although we have not yet set our product mix (we are in negotiations and will be attending the Inter-Bike show in Las Vegas later this month). I can tell you that my partner and manager of the bike store, Mark Soueidi, will have the best quality of cycling and triathlon gear to meet the needs of every type of rider from kids to the very best equipment and every point in between. Check out more about the project at: www.montanacycling.com

Later this month Montana Cycling will have its kick-off event at the BLT 30/60/100 mile ride on September 27th. This ride is for all levels of bike rider and will have the best BLT festival ever! The ride will start and finish from the Zoo Montana. You can check out the details and register today at www.montanacycling.com. This year's event will have raffles, great food and drink, games for the kids, live music and much more!

August was a busy month with all that is going on but I did manage to get some cool activities in. Pat, Todd and I did an epic mtn bike ride outside of Bozeman. We rode mystic lake with the dreaded "wall of death" connecting to the best 20-min downhill in the state at the Levretch trail. Very fun!! I am not 100% back from my illness and I have progressed very slowly which is hard to swallow.

Then, a couple of weeks later, 16 of us rode an epic road ride, traversing the Dead Indian Pass and the Beartooth Pass with the beautiful sunlight basin section in between. A total of 110 miles for those who did the whole thing. I fortunately was shepherded up the pass by Becky Melzer (thanks Becky). My sorry ass was on the side of the road as my legs and back were on fire as well as being attacked by horse flies! I did manage 90 miles and with the help of Joe Keener and was able to get back to Red Lodge barely! Thanks to Ari Goldman and all those who helped make this ride happen. It was a great day, especially when we were at Sam's Tap room for some Red Lodge ales! Can't wait till next year! Check out the pictures at:http://www.carljay.com/redlodge-via-chief-jo-jo.htm

This past weekend was the Trail Trek, an event that helps support trail usage and development in Billings. With a new venue, the event was great and big time for the entire family with live bluegrass music and great food! My Mom and Dad attended and it was great to get the whole family out on the trail! Thanks to Stella, Kathy, Darlene, Paul, Sue and everyone else who contributed to the event!

This year's Trail Trek and Coachjay's 1969 Schwinn Corvette

On a clone note: Congrats to Ray Brown who this past weekend qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii at Ironman Lousiville, Congrats Ray! Also welcome Matt Rosetti from NY City to the coaching stable of Coachjay.

also on the race front Carla Cobb and Sue Balter raced the realtor run 5miler and Pr'd ad well as pam Rogan placing 12th at Age group USAT nationals in Tuscolusa Al and Mark Rabbold competed in his first nationals but had bad luck with a flat tire. also Dr Adam Weaver competed in the Leadville 110 mtn bike race and finished in an impressive 9hrs!

Lovell pass ride

2009-07-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

our group with the pass looming to the left

Arie near the top

Trying to get my bike strength back, I through myself into a one of the toughest climbs I have ever done. A small group of us Mark, Arie, Kevin and myself drove to Lovell WY to take on the alt 14 scenic pass! about 25 miles from the turnoff to the summit, I starting a bit further up at the lake and the climb would be around 18 miles with the last 9 miles at nearly a 10% ave grade! my goal was to make it to the top and even though I had to do the weave for some of the last steeps, I did make it to the top which took nearly 1hr and 45 min! I was last in our group but another 20 watts to my ave shows improvement each week. With more climbing this weekend in Bozeman I hope to be riding like myself real soon because getting dropped is not something I am used to or like very much

see you on the roads and trails

jay

Bozeman Bike weekend!

2009-07-28T21:39:00.001-07:00

Back in Billings this past week brought the Tangle at the Briarwood. the big member/guest golf tourney. This year my friend Kevin from Chicago came in to fill in for my Dad. A 20 Handicaper Kevin and I were fired up to do as well as possible. unfortunately, we did not finish in the money but we did have our moments. on the second day we fired a 27(9under) best ball score on the back nine. However, the fireworks did come to a close and we began to sputter. It was fun but as golf always is, frustrating as well. Thanks Kevin for a great time and effort!

also this past weekend was Chloe's 4th B-day. Sarah planned a great party with mega kids and fun crafts and games. good times had by all, check out the pictures at the following link:

http://bigskytri.smugmug.com/gallery/9082781_rTwQD#604890067_nHXvK

back to fitness--- Track practice on Weds at 6pm(west HS) and TT practice at the Harley Davidson on Thursday at 6pm will get back into my schedule this week, I also plan on being at masters swim in the Am on Weds and Friday as well.

This weekend I am inviting anyone who is willing to join me for a weekend of epic riding from my Cabin outside of Bozeman. I plan on going up on Friday afternoon and the plan is now to:

Saturday morning starting at 10am from the Cabin or 10:30 at the trailhead, ride the Bangtail trail loop( approx 30miles) ride time usually around 5-5:30 hrs, the ride is not too technical but does have a bunch of climbing including Grassy mtn --approx 1hr, we plan on having a lunch break at the 1/2 way mark and the intensity will not be too hard for me anyway since I am coming back slowly and still only have a 32 Hemocrit level. after the ride some relaxing with beer and bbq on the back porch with one of the best views in Montana!-- if you plan on coming bring some provisions( I will have all the sides and also plenty of other) we may shoot some weapons of the back porch per usual, spin some vinyl and have a general good time! I can sleep around 6-8 folks depending on who wants to get cousy, The next day on Sunday I plan on doing the long loop on the road( from my place we will loop going through Wilsal, Clyde Park, Livingston and back up the canyon, total of 80miles or 5hrs! then it will be back to our cabin were we will do it all again! So if you are interested in a great weekend of riding let me know if you are making the trip and I will send you directions to the cabin.

see you on the trails/roads

Jay

Grande Targhee music festival weekend

2009-07-20T04:58:00.001-07:00

Even though it was bitter sweat to miss the BSSG weekend this year( and I hope everyone who raced had a great time and results) Our voyage to Grande Targhee for the music festival weekend was a much needed piece of fun after a couple of months of no-fun It was a beautiful drive(5hrs) on Friday. We checked into our Hotel in Taconia( about 30min away) and heading to the festival. It was very easy to park right there and carry our picnic gear to the open grassy area to view the stage and all the surroundings. I brought both mountain and road bikes in order to keep repairing my fitness level. and a good Idea that was! my first ride was in the ricks basin area of single track.( pictures) just epic riding through the wild flowers. some climbing but not too bad as I adjusted to the 7k altitude. then it was kicking back and listening to the great music. highlighted by jackie greens version on Scarlet Bagonias while dancing with my daughter Chloe in the grass. by the way if you are interested next year I might organize a camp around this event let me know. It was great for families. and the kids just played and played all night long.

The next day -Saturday we got to the event earlier around 1pm. I went out for a longer mountain bike ride doing the basin area again before trying to ride to the top of the mountain. I was worried about making the climb up with my lack of fitness but after an hour and a few walk breaks I managed to make the 2+k accent. steep and deep as mike Pigg would say. the views where incredible of the tetons at the top and the decent was worth the pain (the blue sidwinder trail was all I wanted. at the end of the descent there was a real cool skill park( pictures) In fact Driggs and the surrounding areas had much bike advocacy events and many cool shops and Bike friendly surroundings. there was an event taking place in Driggs that morning, called the Tin Cup challenge that included a bunch of running races and ended with a big festival in a park where there was a bunch of advocacy groups and activities for the whole family! (pictured) I talked to the mayor of Victor and a bunch of volunteers where forming there new bike park( pictured).

then it was back to the festival and another great day and night of music. the wallflowers where great(pictured)and the sun and scene was just great all day( many pictures). Great food, beer, crowd. The Targhee music festival is definitely an event to check out---- and don't forget your bike!---on Sunday road the road bike up to tar ghee( an 12 mile climb) where they had a hill climb event the previous week--- barb Linguist won the women in that event in 45 min---my time a bit slower! maybe next year! check out all the pictures at:

http://bigskytri.smugmug.com/gallery/8970572_HMvD8#596080916_BqbWS

Grande Targhee music festival weekend

2009-07-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Even though it was bitter sweat to miss the BSSG weekend this year( and I hope everyone who raced had a great time and results) our voyage to Grande Targhee for the music festival weekend was

Getting back on schedule

2009-07-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Getting back to my normal routine has been hard but welcomed at the same time. my Hemo level is still tested very low but since getting off the drugs my strength is slowly coming back--- thank God! although it is hard to shallow how slow I am moving. Last Sunday I revisited the Molt loop with Pat D, Stuart, Marie and Sue and somehow I made it around and ave 130w instead of not making it and ave only 100w. I am eating more now and that is helping with my energy and strength. The Boys had a great time watching UFC100 that night at Stu's---incredible fights. Chloe came back from Bozeman with Mom last weekend swimming like Michael phelps-- so we have been at the pool a bunch enjoying her new form. I really missed my little girl during this sick period. This weekend we are heading to the Targhee fest to rekindle our summer fun check out the lineup.
Festival Schedule:
Friday 7/17/09
4:00 PM Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real
5:30 PM Jackie Greene
7:15 PM Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
9:00 PM Gov't Mule
Saturday 7/18/09
12:00 PM Tift Merritt
1:30 PM Vedera
3:30 PM James McMurtry
5:30 PM Sonny Landreth
7:00 PM The Wallflowers
9:00 PM Jonny Lang
Sunday 7/19/09
12:00 PM Carrie Rodriguez
2:00 PM Chuck Prophet
4:00 PM Bettye Lavette
6:00 PM Keb' Mo'

oh by the way yesterday I had a good piece of good news to really kickoff hopefully a better period going forward. I made a hole in one on the 12th hole at Briarwood! my second, my first was 30 years ago! a solid 4 iron from 193yrds landing over the pin and backed up down the slope and into the hole-- as Carl would say! shot 4 over 76 but it cost me a bunch of drinks in the Bar!!

We will be missing the Big sky games tri this year but thanks to Jen drinkwalter and Kat N for filling in for me and getting r done! good luck to all the athletes. look for the schedule of group training events to be scheduled per usual including TT practice on Thursday, Track on Weds, Tuesday night Group ride which will this week be the Pryor creek loop starting at 6pm and next week the Molt loop, as well as tonight a open water swim at lake elmo at 6pm and our usual Saturday Group ride and Sunday Long run.

Coachjay

1 year goal!

2009-07-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

since its been 6 weeks of non-activity and sickness, I have decided that getting back my fitness level will need to be methodical and take a bunch of patience. In recent weeks I have not taken any chances with testing activities as normal. the 30mile ride with Stuart a couple of weeks ago resulted in a complete turnaround smack in the middle of the buffalo trail climb while we were barely moving forward. feeling in a complete state of exhaustion I had to go downhill to continue! I was in bed for 3 days after that! anyway I spent a great 3 days at the Bozeman Cabin last week( tying to add to my weak 32 Hemo level! Brook came up and we went for a nice walk in the woods. that in itself left me sleeping at the end( thanks Brook for checking on me and making sure I didn't die!) Now we are on the cape and again trying to rest a bunch. of course its been raining here for a month and still is as I write this. This is actually good, as long as I don't see a bunch of folks exercising it helps my mental state. I did read an interesting piece about Torborjn Sinabalde today, It turns out that Torborjn has the exact same heart condition that I was born with and he has now decided to retire from the sport of triathlon, he is much younger than me and has less of a leak or re-gurge than I do but in he will be forced with the same choices that I was faced with as he gets older.

Two-time World Long Course Tri champ Torbjørn Sindballe is calling an end to his professional triathlon career due to a heart ailment.

"After meeting with the doctors on Tuesday and sleeping on it," said Sindballe, "it was clear to me that I was going to end my career. The past two months have been tough as it has been both a very emotional time and a very complex problem for the doctors to advice on. There is very little hard science on elite endurance athletes with heart malformations, but after reviewing the general recommendations and whatever science there is, I feel this is the right decision as there is a clearly elevated risk that the malfunction will progress if I continue."

The Dane has known about an abnormal heart valve since 2005, and it manifested itself in the most recent Wildflower Triathlon. After the incident in California he has gone through extensive testing and evaluation with Danish experts. After considering their advice Torbjørn has decided to stop his career immediately.

“I am going to miss the lifestyle and the intense excitement of training and racing," wrote Sindballe in a prepared statement. "Of course I’m sad that I will not get to see the impact of the big changes in my training we have made this year and that I will not be able to compete for the crown in Kona. On the other hand I am very proud of what I have achieved. Two ITU Long distance World Champs and a podium in Kona, where I am really not suited to race, is something I will carry with me forever. I have learnt so much and feel very privileged.”

Torbjørn's condition is called a "bicuspid aortic valve." This is the most common heart malformation, found in 1 to 2 percent of the population. Instead of three claps there are only two claps in the one-way aortic valve. Most people with this malformation live their entire lives without ever knowing about it. In some cases complications develop, such as a tightening or a leak in the valve.

Torbjørn has a moderate leak, which means that 20 percent of the blood returns to the heart after each heartbeat. During work the leak drops to about 5-7 percent. It is possible that further hard training and racing would increase the risk of progression so that heart valve replacement would be necessary. Torbjørn’s aorta is moderately dilated, which increases the risk of dissection under heavy workloads.

Clone Report:

Dan Brewer and Paolo Gerbasi finish Ironman CDA. 12:24 and 12:00 respectively, Dr Gerbasi racing on a broken foot! Todd Vralsted finishes the Bighorn 50k in 6.5 hrs after spraining his ankle at mile 5! nice gut check todd!

Jay Still Weak

2009-07-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

Jay made it out to Cape Cod on vacation, which is wonderful for our family, but unfortunately he is still very weak and cannot do much activity. He is able to sleep (sometimes), eat (sometimes), talk, walk (a bit), watch movies, and....? The poor guy! It is hard to watch him suffering with these limitations on his normally active life! Most of the things that give him joy in life have been taken away. The emotions, as you can imagine, go up and down. We still don't know how long these symptoms will last. And we still don't have a diagnosis. He says the heart surgery last year was a breeze compared to this. Thanks again for all your support, everyone.

still struggling

2009-06-18T17:47:00.001-07:00

Well after a week back home, unfortunately I am not any better and may even feel weaker than ever. However, after going to Dr. Saberhagen today I am not as convinced that I am dying of some disease or cancer. The Doc told me today that she is not surprised that I am feeling as weak and crummy as I am. She believe that at least 2 different viruses have attacked my system and the staff infection can take a month or more to get over. I have 21 more days of the IV anti-boitics and it may take until I am off them to feel stronger and better. It has been very difficult for me to have this little strength and energy. The other day I attempted a flat bike ride with my client Stuart. at 14 mph I felt anaerobic, this due to my very low Hematrocrit level of 31(40s are normal. During the ride I had to take rest breaks every 5miles and even had Stu ride back and get the car to come pick me up when I just couldnt go any more! pretty pathetic! The docs have changed the med some and hopefully I can gain some weight( I am down to 153 lbs) and strength and soon can be back to my normal activity level.

2009-06-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 13th Road ride outside @ 2625 Overland Ave. This ride will start at 9:00 A.M. This is a no host ride

Gerry Rhodes is planning on riding to Columbus on Saturday, would you include this in your email blast? Thanks. Steve

Sunday June 14 Mountain Bike ride. Leaves 2554 Burlington at 9am.

Steve M.

(Tour de Cure)

Hello Friends,

I want to share two events that are well worth the time. It is the American Diabetes Associate Tour de Cure and a golf tournament.

Training rides on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at Pierce RV. There will be two groups (fast and long distance, slow and shorter distance).

The golf tournament is to help raise money for American Diabetes on July 17.
It's a scramble so you can have fun and talk with friends. There are prizes too along with lunch from Famous Daves.

Any of these events you can contact Kate at 256-0516. She can take check or credit card and cash.

Kate will follow up with an email for you to sign up.

Thanks,
Lona
406-794-6757

Piecing together a semblence of normalcy

2009-06-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

Back at home at last! Jay is 15 lbs. lighter and losing weight every day despite the milkshakes and ensure he's inhaling. He's nauseous because of the medicines he's on. They've finally determined that it was a combination of a virus (that caused his headaches) and a bacterial infection (that infected his heart and almost killed him). The bacterial infection is gone, but the viral one may still be around. He is slated to be on IV antiobiotics for 4 weeks and pain medicine for an indefinite amount of time. Despite these hurdles, he is back to his routine - training clients, a tiny bit of working out and helping out with Chloe. Unfortunately, he is still very weak and forgetful. So be careful! We are so glad to be home and so glad to be working back into our life that was on hold for 2 weeks - and thanks to excellent medical intervention, not longer.

Home sweet Home

2009-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

being released from Northwestern was a bit crazy when I lost the use of my right leg. it went completely numb as I was getting dressed and it was like swinging a dead piece of meat all the way until getting on the plan. It was cool getting picked up by Billy Carlson's purple limo-- thanks Billy and Dad! the travel was not too bad a non-stop from Chicago to Billings!, I was a bit delirious and weak and still could not eat anything of substance to get my strength back. Anyway I am back and have been trying to get back to work and bring back some normalcy. Still loosing weight with a complete loss of appetite, I am now at 156lbs, a weight I have not been at since early in HS and 8lbs lighter than when I raced Ironman in my Prime. the atrophy is tremendous and the weakness is extreme. I have run a couple times and biked a couple of hours as well but the numbers are pathetic and worse than when I came back from Heart surgery, about 11 min mile pace for 30min and a whooping 120 watts for an hour on the bike. Its just all I have with what is going on inside me right now. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get some strength back. I cant tell you how awesome all the support from folks near and far has been during this episode. You all have helped keep my spirits up during the worst of times. Mom and Dad, Sue and Paul, Pat and Jenelle, Sarah and Matt B, Viki and steve, billy C., Brian M, the Hobsa's, and so many more that visited and helped us out in our turmoil. Thanks to you all

I am administering the antibiotics myself now through my Picc catheter and have another 14 pills I take on a daily basis. other than feeling weak, my pain is not too bad around a 2 of 10. I hope in time I will be able to put some weight on and get my strength back so I can move with some pace again and get off all these meds. We plan on going to Bozeman this weekend and do some hikes from the cabin, This hopefully will begin to fill up my shriveled, atrophied legs some.

now that I am back coaching and teaching, I want to give a shout out to Adam weaver and Kevin welsh who are racing 70.3 events in Boise and Kansas the next couple of weeks, also the clones running the Heart and sole 5/10k and Sarah, Jason P,and sarah S who are running the jim Bridger run in bozeman tomorrow. Good Luck

Set to Go home--Finally!

2009-06-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

After 10 days at Northwestern memorial hospital, I am finally set to fly home on Tuesday! all my tests are clear and the only explanation the docs have at this point for my symptoms, is that I have a blood born virus of some kind that was seen as endocarditis around my heart at first. then at some point along the way may of been knocked out by the antibiotics. I also may have had a piece of something fly into my brain for a very minor stroke. its all very frustrating and confusing not to know any definite explanation. I am still in very bad head pain so if my meds are not working I still cannot function or eat or sleep. As I lay here they are trying to move me to pill form meds so I can travel. I will be on IV antibiotics for another 6weeks at home with home health care, The good news is that I have been given the green light to play golf with a sleeve covering my PIC IV line! maybe this will cure my Yips! I hve had some great visits from Mike H, Joanne H, Andy A. Kevin K. Cliff W. and many calls from friends all over. Thanks all! it keeps my spirits up. But most thanks shouts out to my family, Sarah who is always a rock of stability and gets things done that make my life much easier, My mom and Dad who flew up and Mom for going to Billings to take care of Chloe, Dad for setting up the limo, my mother in law Evelyn who was kind enough to fly out in my defense as well, My brother Brian who checks in on me and of course Chloe who is confused but tells me every night that I am going to get better soon and that I can't stay away forever! as well as all her activities of the day. And thanks to all the other well wishes I have received. you are all welcome in Montana anytime for a Big sky visit.

hope to be back to normal soon

Jay

more hospital time

2009-06-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

Day 5 at Northwestern memorial and another day of medical teams( nuero,heart,infectious etc..) coming through room 1407 like the morning train. Today also brought the usual battery of tests. Today another CT scan trying to figure out the elevated liver numbers, yet another spinal tap( they like to call these lumbar punctures) I guess to much reference to the classic rock spoof! and the more permanent IV line called a PIC that takes the line clear inside my body near my heart( so I can travel with it) all very pleasant. who wouldn't want to be here vs. sunny Montana! the results of all the tests are still being looked over and thought through. The preliminary results are showing that I may have had a blood infection that may of caused my symptoms and a positive heart echo, also a possible virus that may of caused a small stroke. anyway it is still unclear but for now they have the meds working well on the pain and I am able to do things like type and talk to you all! I have to say all of this has stirred up some old relationships and that is always a good thing. times like these make me mad at myself that I don't keep up with old friends. I may be coming home on the weekend( cross my fingers if they can figure out how to keep my head pain in check. looking forward to getting back to montana. Thanks again for all the support I have received from all of you!

Jay

coachjay update

2009-06-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am Alive! This is the first time I have been able to type or even stay upright long enough to do so. The Docs have finally found the right combo of meds to keep my pain down to a level where having a capacity to function as a human being is possible-- my apologies--- I just have not been able to communicate at all until now. first off thank all of you for your well wishes! I have been receiving most of them from Sarah and some electronically. You guys and gals along with my great family have kept me going. The Pain I have been suffering from is the worst I have every encountered in my life and it has really tested my nerve and patience. it has been relentless for over a week now. I have not been able to eat, sleep, read, move, poo, etc... I have been able to shake, sweat ,shiver, vomit,and hold my head every time the slightest sound occurs( which are many in a hospital), but as I right this the meds are working, I have my head back and Sarah brought me a chocolate milkshake which is the first food I enjoyed in 8 days! so hopefully things are looking up!

we still don't know what the cause of all this is at this point. I have had some 8x Ct/mri/echo scans and tests and countless pokes and prods, which is less than fun for sure. The Heart looks to be clear at this point with one more heart MRI done last night left to be read. There might of been a small stroke or some debri that flicked up to the back of the brain at some point, or there may of been complications from the spinal tap done in billings. it is all still very unclear. We do know I will be here in the hospital probably for a another week.

I cant wait to get back home and back to some normalcy. My mom is with Chloe in billings and everyone back there has been great helping us out. Sue and Paul, Sarah and Matt Brown, the Dueys, and so many others that have helped us out is why we live where we do! you are the best

hope to talk soon with better topics

jay

No News

2009-06-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks. Nothing's changed except he has started asking for strawberry and chocolate milkshakes - so that's a good sign. The MRI of his heart was clear so they still don't know what caused the stroke. He's still in pain and apologizes for not being able to talk to people. He also apologize to clients for not being able to update their training schedules. He is concerned about you and promises to get back to you as soon as possible.

Tuesday, June 2

2009-06-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with Jay? Well, that has been the question that's confounding us for over a week now (if not his whole life). It turns out the doctors have finally found signs of a small stroke that occurred in the rear of his cerebellum. However, they are still unclear on what caused it. It may have been caused by infected tissue from the heart breaking off and traveling into his brain. So, they are ooking closely at his heart again. Now they are saying that such an infection is often associated with severe head pain. So, if he does have "endocarditis" then at least we have an explanation. He is unfortunately unable to work due to his head pain so his monthly programs will be late. We send our apologies.

Monday, June 1

2009-06-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. The doctors have now decided there is no infection on his heart, so have canceled surgery. That is the good news. The bad news is that his headaches are unabated and they are keeping him here until they can figure out what's wrong with him. If you are in Chicago, he is accepting visitors. If you want to say hi, he has his cell phone with him, and will only answer it if he feels up to it. Thanks again for all your support.

Update Sun May 31

2009-05-31T07:49:00.001-07:00

Jay is still in pain. I told him last night that he must be doing OK, since he is still able to be cantankerous. His reply? "That's all I can be: Cantankerous." He is not seeing any change in symptoms yet. They are doing more testing today. Surgery is still planned for tomorrow. He will have to be on IV antibiotics after surgery for 6-8 weeks IF he does have an infection on his heart, which is still unclear. He says that last time he had his heart valve replaced he won a half ironman, so maybe he will become even better after this one. Love to all of you, Sarah

Medical Update

2009-05-30T12:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks everyone for all your support and phone calls. We are in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital awaiting heart surgery on Monday. Cardiologists at Billings Clinic detected an infection on Jay's heart wall and med-evacuated us in the middle of the night Friday to Chicago, so he could have the surgery done by the same cardiac surgeon who worked on him before. In a normal heart, the body can clear such an infection with antibiotics, but with a foreign organ (Jay has a cow valve), the body usually cannot clear it. So it is most likely we will replace the valve.

Jay Goes to the Hospital

2009-05-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

Jay has come down with a strange bacterial infection in his bloodstream that has kept him out of work, training, and life for over a week now. He made a brief respite last week, when he went out and rode the Beartooth Highway, but unfortunately developed worse symptoms afterwards. After 4 days of fever, puking, severe headache, and swollen glands, he was admitted to Billings Clinic Hospital for intravenous antibiotics. The doctors are worried that his heart valve may be affected. We are praying that is not the case.

2009-05-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

After 4 days of bed rest I was just itching to get out. knowing I was real weak, I opted out of the regular Saturday group ride and drove up to red lodge to ride the beartooth hwy instead. It was the first weekend of the pass being open all the way through. The first half wasn't too bad but when the switchbacks started I really felt the mono legs kicking in. As I rested a bit at vista pt, I was just about convinced that this was enough for today when a few folks encouraged me on. Another couple of miles and again I was tempted to turn back down, but again someone in a car would give me a thumbs up and say " you the man". Then I ran into a bunch of friends from Bozeman including Brook Daly and his wife Michele. They where putting their skins on and going for a ski about 2 miles from the summit. That was just enough to encourage me all the way to the top. I certainly dipped into my suitcase of courage on this 30mile climb with 7000ft of climbing. I was slow as ass but I did it and at least I was exercising again! Of course today my glans are all swelled up again and I probably took a step back from recovering fully. This mono bug is a nasty MoFO. check out the awsome picture gallery of the ride at:

http://bigskytri.smugmug.com/gallery/8312917_xmtej#544548804_N8WGu

2009-05-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well coming back from our vacation to Florida/Denver has been met with Sarah and I contracting Mono! It has been 3-4days of bed rest and misery but we seem to be finally on the mend. Thank God!

Our last days in the Keys where great with a sunset snorkel sail and some nights on the town in Key west. but its nice to be back in Montana where we were met with the same temps but no humidity and no crowds and tourists--much better.

Here in Billings this weekend the regular Saturday group ride will commence at 9am at Sign and Design(route TBD)

also don't forget the upcoming Cowpie Classic and the last training ride for the cowpie at Phipps park(diamand x) next thursday at 6pm

Clone report: congrats to Anton Kort for taking a sprint tri overall win in Thialand last weekend, it was a draft legal race and Anton was able to stay off the front from the start. also congrats to Mike Fogassey for a New Pr in the 70.3 florida race. Sarah Heaton also placed 6th in the Peachtree city olympic tri in Georgia. welcome new clone Sheila Pohlemba as she works toward her first triathlon.

2009-05-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

well we only made 1 night tent camping at Bahia honda state park in the lower keys. it was not the best camp site and there was not much sleep. We did laugh a bunch and had fun just the same. The beach was great and we did a nice long run up on the old flagler bridge which was built in the early 1900s and saw a huge iguana. later we headed to Key west and checked into our hotel a day early. we rented some beach cruisers( a funny story in itself) and rode down to Duval street for the sunset celebration and some dinner. off course had to check out sloppy joes( hemmingways hangout) and some key lime pie.

today we are going to do a run down to take the tour of the Hemmingway house and then some other activities later, maybe a biplane ride or parasailing! who knows-- we are relaxing on the fly! plenty of sun too!

activities in Billings:

Saturday May 16th Road Ride. Leaves 2625 Overland at 9 am. Approx 55 mile This is a no Host ride. Ride leaders will be in Red Lodge.

The ride for Saturday May 16th is the yearly ride the pass. We will ride at 9:00 a.m. starting @ The Beartooth Market (IGA) 201 N. Oakes. This ride starts as a group, but everyone rides at their own level. If you would like to start at Greenough Campground, the first group should come by around 10:00ish.
Whatever level--come and enjoy the ride and the scenery.

Thursday MTB rides May .21 & 28. 6pm at Diamond X

Sunday May 31st
Cow Pie Classique
Beginner start 9:45
Sport start 10:45

Steve Mysse and Jim Downs, members of the Spoke Shop's team, begin the the annual Sneakers, Spokes and Spark Plugs Challenge

Hello from Red Lodge Ales!
Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company would like to invite you to our Grand Opening! Come enjoy the final product of 3 yrs of planning, 365+ days of construction, 1231 sheets of drywall, 5 miles of electrical wire, 247 light bulbs and one extremely bald owner (Sam Hoffmann). The party is Saturday, May 16th from 6-10pm. Help us celebrate with live music, delicious beer,pig roast and building tours. The building has several "Green" features that we are proud of and excited to show off! Please see attached for more information

2009-05-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Here in sunny florida nursing a sunburn and a lousy golf game. tomorrow Sarah and I head to the keys for our adventure. In Billings the track workout is:

warm up and drills followed by main set of 4 x 200 smooth on 1.15 rest/ 800 run at 10k race pace/ 2min rest/2 x 400 fast on 1.5min rest/ 1 mile run best effort/ cool down

Time trial practice on Thursday at 6pm: warm up 8miles including a tempo effort up duck creek climb, on the flats: 6 x 3 min hard vo2 max efforts on 4 min easy spin between, cool down- transition run of 25min or 3miles build to near race pace by the end

Next report from the keys!

Jay

2009-05-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Dead rocked tonight! Great Show! and an even better parking lot scene. It was like back in the 80s.

(Set 1)
Feel Like A Stranger
Casey Jones
Loser
Easy Wind
Crazy Fingers
Lost Sailor>
Saint Of Circumstance

(Set 2)
Deep Elem Blues
Me and My Uncle
Whiskey in the Jar
The Weight
Space
Ramble On Rose
King Solomon's Marbles
Space
Drums
China Doll
Cumberland Blues
Not Fade Away

(Encore)
Ripple

2009-05-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we are in Denver getting ready for tonight's Dead show at the pepsi center, should be a great night. Today Sarah and I did a nice 2hr ride up hwy 24 towards leadville(see pictures). a long climb at 9000ft got our attention for sure, at the top is Camp Hale that housed the 10th mountain division and a old abandoned mining town. The drop down was spectacular!

This Saturday's ride will start at Sign and Design at 9am. route TBD. (50-60miles)

Next post after the dead show then on to Florida.

2009-05-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday Mtn bike training rides for the upcoming Cowpie classic mtn bike race. rides will take place on Thursday May 7th, 14th and 28th at Diamond x( phipps Park) at 6pm.

CowPie Classique

2009-05-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

This weeks tuesday night ride will start at the perfect place(pryor loop, 40miles) at 5:30p. coachjay and family will be gone on vacation from Weds May 6th through May 17th. train hard!

This weeksTrack practice workout: after warmup and drills, main set of 1mile run tempo or 10k race pace/ 2 min rest/800 run fast at 5k race pace/ 2 min rest/ 4 x 400 descend on 1.5 min rest

This weeks Thursday night TT practice: after warmup of 8miles, main set of 3 x 10min efforts at 1hr power or effort/.05 harder/ .10 harder all on 5min spin between/ transiton run 20min build