The Adventures of TaconiteBoy

Well I may not be posting....

2010-06-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

But check out trimama's new blog. A time to run.

atimetorun.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Tac

Hello?

2010-05-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

Just seeing if anyone is in here??

Tacky

Kona is Here!!

2009-10-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

Visit Iromanlive.com and go to athlete tracker to see my progress throughout the day.

Race starts at 11:45 am CST.

RACE #993

Tacky

10 days to Ironman

2009-09-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Well this is it. We are under two weeks until the Kona. Crazy. I was unaware of how much stress I could handle...apparently quite a bit. The start up company as of today is still completely unfunded, were relying on some dear friends to get us out to Kona, and still unsure how were paying for all of it. BUT, God is faithful even when were not and he clearly told Kari and I that Kona was on our schedule this year. :)

(screaming out window)

O.K. feeling better now. Now for more interesting news. The signage for Trimama is coming along nicely. Thank you for all the suggestions. I belive the current front runner is...

C'mon Tacky, you'll be 3 times the Ironman that Bigun is!

mmmm...Love that one.

Need more suggestions to make the top five list that I'll publish soon!

Here is a little taste of what the race looks like in Hawaii...

Put up the top 5 signs the smoking hot T-mama will be waving for me throughout the day. BTW...I am so glad Kona is hot, she has to wear such small clothing to stay cool....dang.

Tacky

So I need some sign suggestion

2009-09-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Kona requires a Sherpa(certain spouse who cheers for you all day and follows you around supporting you regardless of how much you have been missing from the house, letting the cars fall apart due to all the training ect.)

For Taconite boy that ALWAYS means Trimama. The fact that Kona has an underwear 2 mile run several days prior to my race is not a complaint either. My search for what she is wearing with me is underway regarding this tough, grueling event.

But I need your help on another important aspect of Ironman day, Sherpa signs. This is Kona people! We need good signs.

I purpose 10 quick sayings that I will see throughout the day on the Ironman course.

Then narrow these down to the three best ones.

Here's my suggestions

1. Suck it up, buttercup!
2. You think this course is long....wait till the 'honey do' list.
3. Make the most of the day...you paid for all 17 hours.
4. Go
5. ??

Tacky

Tri Goodness

2009-09-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

Tacky is experiencing some Tri goodness lately. For all of the start up difficulties, 4 kids responsibilities and general sinus infections, Tac is finally getting to get some Kona excitement going!

Checked out the Ironman Kona Athlete guide last night....heheheheh. Checked out a bunch of You Tube stuff on the bike course...hehehehhe. Today I was able to spend the majority of the day with a ton of Tri studs and studettes. The high point being time spent with CY going over all her experiences last year when she raced Kona and gathering tips, like heading out Hawi with cross winds. Yikes!

Ok. Pinch me...I'm doing the Ironman in Kona, HI.

This week was a swim focus (8000 yds)/ rest week except for the make-up long bike (90) for the complete collapse I had the week prior. Other then that, I actually slept quite a bit now that the anti-biotic is working on my 4 week long sinus battle!

Trimama and I have decided Ironman Wisconsin is in need of our cheering. So cheer we will, I may even sneak into swim suit stripping and do my magic(yes Robbie B, I'M BACK). Looking forward to seeing all the tri buddies down there and seeing some first timers cross that line!

I have much to say about my new Sugoi Scwag! I will post on that soon with more pics as I try it out. So far, very nice!

Tacky

Sauna Time

2009-09-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

So Tacky needs to get ready for Kona Heat. Yeah, the current Minnesota Summer is more like a spring on steroids. Very cold. On my last long ride the morning temperature was 44...IN FREAKING AUGUST!!

How does one train for Kona heat this far north of the equator. Answer: Tack has learned the new art of the sauna. According to the owner of Gear West Bike and Triathlon, Kevin (a multi year Kona qualifer) the best way to prepare for Kona heat is to get in the old sauna. Kevin suggested after every swim at the YMCA, I jump in the sweat room for as long as I can take it.

I think the first time I may have lasted 5 minutes. Second time I lasted 10 minutes, despite the dude who think walking stark naked in front of me then sitting down is cool. Dude.

Apparently time in the sauna actually effects the physiology of your blood and prepares you better for the heat in Hawaii. I have no clue what Kevin was talking about, but Trimama did confirm that his assertions were based in fact (Registered Dietician and Chief Tribe Doctor).

All other training is moving along fairly well. Heir Bigun had me doing long bikes the day after really long runs. That has been axed. I need a day of recovery between 20 mile runs and 100 mile bikes!! My last bike was a complete bust due to just not having any power in my legs. With all that said, I am amazed at how much stronger I am biking and running this year as opposed to past years. I am convinced this is mostly due to not working on my feet all day long. As a painter there were few moments during the day I was sitting, versus as a broke start up guy...I'm sitting on my duff quite regularly :)

The Kona for Orphans fund is doing great!! As of today we are 25% towards my goal. MUCH thanks to all of you who have contributed! I am amazed at how rewarding working with charities can be. When something as beautiful as adoption can be part of my Ironman experience, the only conclusion is this is truly another gift from above.

Talk soon,

Tacky

The training plan

2009-08-13T18:03:00.001-07:00

Well, there it is....

Bigun's revenge.

The 'Crippled Tacboy N Bigun show'.

How to get Coach Kris Mad at us training schedule

How to get Trimama mad at Tacky training schedule

How to get keep up with the Nun at Kona training schedule

What not to do during a start up company training schedule

Feel free to add

Kona, The Tribe, Orphans and God.

2009-08-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

All is in place! The Taconite Boy official charity for Kona Ironman World Championships is set up and ready for you to donate.

Yes, some consider Tac fairly direct.

Trimama and Tacky have been busy with alot in the past few years. Startup companies, teenager starting to drive(AHHH), 4 Ironman's, podcasting, blogging, charity raising for SAVE (suicide awareness voices of edcuation) and plenty of other general '4 kids under 15 stuff'. Why should God put any more on our plates?

...cause that's how He rolls. :)

T-mama and I have a very devoted relationship to each other centered in the person of Christ. Since the first days of realizing our relationship was meant for lifelong commitment we desired to follow God wherever He might lead us. The most recent passion that we have been nurturing is adoption. Once the ridiculous aspect of that which is a technology startup company settles down, we hope to begin the process of inter-racial adoption. We figure we have enough kids that look like us. :)

Since a 'lottery' slot to Kona still falls within the sovereignty of God, then obtaining that entry has more significance to us then just the tri-geekyness of it. Don't get me wrong, Kona is going to ROCK, but we desire to use the next 10 weeks to also bring a spotlight to our passion...Adoption.

The MICAH Fund is an adoption grant organization that was formed almost 20 years ago to enable families in need of financial assistance for cross racial adoption. Both Trimama and Tac have friends who have benefited from this fund and our currently raising adopted children of their own.

Some day soon we hope to join our friends in this wonderful calling, but until then we have the honor of racing the most exciting endurance event on the planet and raise funds for orphans at the same time.

Here is the Janus Charity Challenge web page.

Thank you!

Tacky & Trimama (Brian and Kari)

Chisago Long Course 2009, Tacky style.

2009-07-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! I finally got my Tri groove on again. As we were waiting for the gun to go off this morning I remember telling Iron Jenny that the last Triathlon I had competed in was this one....a year ago!

The Kona qualifier, if you will. Ironman requires at least a 70.3 or greater distance tri to be completed prior to Kona. So basically here's how that worked. I finish...I get to race in Kona. That is clearly the easiest way I'll ever get to IM World Championships. LOL

I guess the fact that I headed to this triathlon alone was really the first part of a strange, but overall good day. Trimama has regularly accompanied me to races and if not her, some other tri buddy like Tri Thunder Kraught. I made it pretty early (5:30am) got my race number, chip ect and unpacked all my transition gear. Then chatted with friends throughout the rest of the morning until race time.

Gun goes off. I was in wave 7, about 50 of us or so. My swim went really well, I've been working on a new technique. I used to enter my stroke near my head, but was taught recently (Steve Gunther) that it is better to reach my arm over a pretend barrel and land in the water and then pull through. Yeah, that worked pretty good. Took 8 minutes off my time from last year. 32 minutes.

Caught my breath in transition and got off on the bike. LOVE this course. Really flat and fast with slight rollers, but overall you are going to make good time. I ended up in transition by 3:25, which for me is very good time.

The run. Ugh. I can not tell what exactly happened, but the run just plain sucked. I just never felt strong throughout. I ended up with a 2:20 run where I was expecting closer to 2 hrs flat. Life has thrown old Tacky a few curves this week between weighty family issues and difficult work conditions. I literally could feel the wait of that during the run portion of this race. Needless to say running into the entire Tribe and Trimama at mile 8 was VERY encouraging!!!

Finished in 5:49. For Tacky that was a PR and I was just glad to be officially 'qualified' for Kona.

More crazy work stuff this week as well, but we will persevere. I guess my career in Triathlon has really prepared me for this time in life. One of perseverance despite current feelings, thoughts and doubts. :) Yea God.

Talk soon,

Tacky

Getting Closer

2009-07-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hi anyone who still reads this. Tac Boy here.

Yes I have been off the blogs for quite some time now due to life. The good news is that we are getting very close to a final funding situation with our start up company. The Bad news (although with God as our ultimate Provider there is a disclaimer here) we are destitute financially. :)

Trimama has been a huge support to me during this difficult period and believes in both my vision for where were going as a tribe and in the God who states that He is Good.

Pray for us in Christ's name!

Kona

Yep I have begun the Kona training. I'm finding that this time around a reliance on my instinct for what training needs to occur is fine. I have had some long rides already (including the Ironman Wisconsin course) and am working on getting my run miles up. The whole Kona thing is both amazing and perplexing right now. On one hand, what a huge privilege to be the only lottery winner from Minnesota to represent. On the other hand, our financial situation is so precarious right now that thinking of trying to get out to Hawaii in October is quite beyond me. But train I must and train I will.

I am not at full liberty to speak yet, but am excited about some opportunities that may present themselves to me regarding raising charity funds for my race in Kona. I will say that Trimama and I desperately want to adopt at this time and this passion will be the focus of our fundraising through Kona and maybe beyond!

If Bigun would ever call me, I might podcast. Let him know that his preoccupation with his start up company is really getting in the way of the Tacboy n' Bigun Podcast!

Thanks for reading,

Tacky

I

ahhhhhh.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2009-04-20T08:41:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Tacky

If Taconite Boy posts in a forest....

2009-04-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Im curious if anyone will notice.

WIBA is on the schedule for Trimama and Tacky along with Alexandria Triathlon in 4 weeks. Who HOO. Spring is kicking full gear in Minnesota and I'm emerging from cave like existence.

I would love to tell you all about my new job (again depending on if you heard the post in the forest) but still am unable to do so while were waiting upon negotiations. Let's just say that I have not painted anything professionally for 6 mos. and am enjoying my new found weak core due to sitting on my a__ so much.

Bigun and I have had talks about podcasting. We even joked that we may do an episode some time.

Talk soon,

Tacky

...is time to kiss TacBoy!

2008-12-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

Update time!

2008-10-10T05:01:00.001-07:00

Hi one reader! Tac thought he would update his blog for posterity. He has enjoyed the months of non-training, beer and watching Trimama refine her smoky hotness as Ironman Arizona approaches. Bigun and I should be putting the final touches on our latest episode. I enjoy our guest in this one because out of the three of us he's the only one who actually gets triathlon. :)

Career change. Yeah. I really can't go into too much detail at this point. Only to say that I am temporarily helping a good friend with an invention. Depending on some market feedback I may find myself with a new profession. I head out to Dallas this week on my first official 'business trip'. Pray that the people we need to connect with don't get turned off by Tac's nose picking.

Talk soon
Tac

Tac's not a Stripper...He's a Professional Stripper.

2008-09-09T03:57:00.000-07:00

According to Madison Nightly News Tac Boy is more then just a Stripper...

Posted Sunday, September 7, 2008 --- 1:45pm

I'm sure we've all heard that time is money.

So what keeps Ironman **volunteers** coming back?

As N-B-C 15's Barclay Pollak reports -- it may not be what they get but more so what other people lose.

You could say that Brian Holmes of Minneapolis is a professional stripper.

He says, " We can probably get somebody stripped in about 20-seconds."

For four years Holmes, a small business owner, has helped people take off their wet suits at the first transition in Madison's Ironman competition.

He says he has one of the most popular positions at the race.

Holmes says, " It's a popular position because you get to strip people."

"According to Holmes it's not as easy as it looks taking off peoples clothes. Actually he says there's a very specific technique that he uses."

He says, "The key is to get their zipper down first and then we get their arms off as fast as we can with out our fingernails digging into them too bad. Then we peel off their arms and then we have them sit down and we call it the yank. Two of us on each side of their hip grab them and just rip it."

According to race organizers the competition couldn't happen without Holmes and the other volunteers working as hard as they do.

Ed Koehl the Ironman's Volunteer Organizer says, " You know really there's just a lot of people in the area that want to help make this event work."

You can bet your bottom dollar that Holmes will be back next year helping athletes slip out of their wet suits.

Koehl also says about 25-hundred athletes participated in this years Ironman and about 35-hundred people volunteered.

TacBoy is sure there was video of this whole interview, but he can't seem to find it on the website.

Congratulations to Tri Thunder Kraut, my training partner, who not only finished IMMoo but beat Tac's time. Great race buddy!

Tacky

The Blue Period

2008-09-02T04:15:00.001-07:00

Episode 13 is up! We called it the Picasso episode because we are feeling a bit blue.

I think we still managed a fairly good show(I hope).

Enjoy.

Tacky

Click on my side bar to go to iTunes or search for Tacboy n Bigun.

Hey O

2008-08-27T18:11:00.001-07:00

Once again Taconite Boy finds himself with a blog and no entries. So here a list of random thoughts from said superhero.

1. Changing careers is much further away then it appears in a mirror. Proceed carefully and with much prayer and support.

2. Facebook rocks. If you have not started a facebook page then why are you still reading this. Ask me to be your friend (brian holmes) it makes me feel really teenage like(voice cracking giggle).

Truthfully I spend much more time at FB because everything can be kept to a short quip and I swear uploading pictures is easier then Blogger. It also does not hurt that I have this...

FB for the Steve Jobs modern wonder is really sweet. Easy to catch up on friends, upload pictures instantly ect. (I also love posting pics of the iPhone to drive Bigun nuts)

3. Training for 3-1/2 Ironman's and 2-Full Ironman's in one year tends to leave you preatty burnt.

4. Feeling burnt tends towards a hatred all things lactate threshold inducing.

5. That leads to getting lazy. I like it here.

6. Watching your son suit up for Football for the first time is really cool. Seeing your son take down the kid who is always taking him down...even better.

7 Teenager is not an age, its a disorder

8 The painting profession has become increasingly difficult to produce a fair profit when the wages have been stagnent for over 8 years. Thank you Sanctuary City policies of Mpls/St. Paul.

9 Living a safe Christianity is unacceptable for Trimama and I.

10 Waking up scared out of our minds goes with number 9.

11 Finding Peace is important after 10

12 I love Fat Tire Beer. No, I mean really love it. Thank you Fort Collins, Colorado!!

13 I drank Trappist beer for the first time last week. Did you know it is made by real Monks? Think full bodied microbrew but you strain with your teeth. Thank you Belgium!

14 I wonder if the whole Tribe could just go and become Monks?

15 Escaping Holy pruning is an oxymoron.

16 Simplify Media.com Tac forgot about this. You must check this out. It allows you to share YOUR ENTIRE DIGITAL MUSIC LIBRARY with your friends. You may ask how many friends TacBoy? Thanks for asking, UP TO 30! As long as you have an internet connection you can listen to all of your friend(s) music. Very cool. Oh and by the way for you Jobs whores. Simplify media will STREAM ALL OF IT TO YOUR iPHONE (regardless of connection (wifi/3g/edge)

17 Number 16 proves Im a total geek.

18 I really love the tri-blogs. Great people, good friends and life long connections.

19 Except for Bigun

20 Number 19 shows that I have more pruning needed.

21 I really enjoy podcasting...with Bigun. He is truly a good friend.

22 Madison, September 7th, 2008. Nuff said.

23 I'm looking forward seeing Tri-Thunder Kraught become an Ironman (my training partner)

24 I think the Packers made a big mistake.

25 I think the Vikings are going to be average again.

Thats all for now. Hope your training is going well and check out our newest episode coming out this week!

Tacky

18 years ago...Monday

2008-08-13T04:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary Baby!

Tacky

I liked this podcast

2008-08-07T04:41:00.000-07:00

M-dot bigun and I just wrapped up episode 12 of the podcast. I really liked this one. Its that feeling after taking a long time off from triathlon and realizing you actually do like training again.

Which leads me to the episode 13 topic...Iron weary.

Hope you enjoy this one...Tac did :) We have a great interview with Supalinds. talk for a short time with Kahuna and of course try something new...the Tac Boy and Bigun Game Show. I need some fake tri commercial sponsors, your ideas would be much appreciated.

Happy training out there.

Where's the kid?

2008-07-30T05:20:00.001-07:00

The tribe, Trimama and I were at a local sporting goods store when we came upon this box.

"Yes honey lets go riding. Do you know where the baby is? I thinks she's in her 'Fun Run Sports Stroller'. Its really to bad that doesnt work with our bicycles. Yeah...maybe we should have thought about that before we bought it....Oh well...Hope she enjoys that nookie!"

Columbia Sports Marketing Division MIGHT need to rethink that box.

All is well in the Tmama/Tacboy house. We just completed our first 1/2 Iron together on Sunday. It is always a good day when I spend most of my time behind Trimama :)))

Preatty busy month coming up here. Tac will be training with his buddy Tri-ThunderKraugt as he prepares for IMWisconsin in September. We have a 4000 yd swim/100 mile bike to do this Saturday. Taking the girls (Soap and Hypen to Millwacky, WI to check out that city with my Sister and her new Bo. Im also preatty stoked to see one of my favorite bands in Downtown Mpls this month 'needtobreathe'. Hypen, Mama and swinging girl will be in attendence for that one.

Bigun and I are recording episode 12 as we speak. Quick interview with Suplinds and few other ditties. Should be fun.

Happy racing and training out there!

Tacky

Episode 11 is Up

2008-07-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well we finally finished our Ironman Couer d' Alene post race podcast. Hope you enjoy...

Being the iPhone freak that I am....

2008-07-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

I stupidly sold my iphone today...aaannnd forgot to check if ALL the Apple stores had sold out of the new 3G models.

Dang it.

Back to the 1 dollar ebay phone until they get in stock. :( Bwahhh

Till then Ill just watch this very funny video...

Tacky

Ironman Coeur D Alene Race Report - The Swim

2008-07-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just to busy to really keep the posting up. According to MDot Bigun I have been sucked into the posting hell vortex. Not true, just posting alot less until I feel more inspired to do so. It's funny the obligation I feel towards blogging that I don't need to have. It's my blog...I'll post when I can...BIGUN!

Speaking of annoying but loveable big guys, Tac and BigMeister are in the middle of recording THE post Ironman podcast and he suddenly jumps town for a week. Therefore, no podcast for at least 2 more weeks. I do promise it will be fun to listen to though.

Race report.

I was far under-trained for this Ironman compared to Wisconsin last year. Getting sick in Early April took 3 weeks off my training and I came to Wildflower very under-trained, especially for the run. The good news was that I had dropped 25 pounds since competing in Wildflower the year before. No question that helped as I PR'd by over 20 minutes.

I think it really hit me when I got back from Wildflower that 140.6 miles was staring at me. This being the second one, I think I was too comfortable with the distance knowing that I had done it once before. That seemed to fade as I got within 6 weeks of the race. Suddenly every workout was focusing on June 22nd. Every thought about nutrition was based around what I would do on Sunday.

Coming up to Couer D Alene I had really only done 2 long runs (15 and 17) of which the first one was horrible and the second one was strong. As I flew out on Thursday for Spokane, I felt fine about the swim, strong on the bike and quite worried about my run.

The meet o peeps over the weekend were awesome. It was so good to meet people I had read, interviewed or just heard about. As Bigun pointed out to me, I was quite subdued and focused on Saturday at one of our meet ups near the swim course. I just wanted to start the race, I was tired of waiting for the inevitable.

Its funny how race morning felt just like Wisconsin all over again. Nervous, excited and totally ready to get it on. Ironically Bigun and I ran into each other at the porta potties. He, Greyhound, Blink and I suited up at 630 and headed down to the beach. Eminem started playing, all of the sudden everything became like a blur to the water. I observed nervous faces, people being coached with last second tips, and lots of jumping up and down. We waited on the beach and then suddenly...Bang. I swear I never even thought about the water temp when we dove in. The cool water was the least of my concerns as the swim became increasingly crowded as we approached the first buoy. IMWI was not even close to this crowded on the first loop. Holy crap...it was pure neoprene avoidance drills for the first 10 minutes. Once we came around the mid point the group started to disperse slightly. I was feeling fine. Probably more worried about the heavy cloud cover that came over us during the second loop, wondering what waited for us on the bike.

Exited the water at 1:24: something. Slightly dissappointed with this time. I was hoping for sub 1:20, but no biggie. I was done with the Ironman Swim I DO NOT HAVE TO SWIM ONE MORE STROKE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, unless I want too. :)

Headed into T1. Or should I say a woman headed into my chin in full stride when I turned to look for a wet suit stripper. She apologized, but I swear I could not open my mouth for the first 20 minutes of the bike. Hey It's Ironman what ya gonna do!

Bike and Run to come.

But first, from the production studios of Hypen Girl Inc. Comes 'My Dad did another Ironman and all we got was this vacation' video. Actually she brought me to tears by making this for me, it was awesome. Thanks Baby!

Tacky

Home at last...

2008-06-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Tac just arrrived back into the cave mere hours ago.

What a freaking mess...

The house gets this way when your entire clan head west for Iron. I am still collecting my thoughts over the entire IMCDA experience and will share more later with pics.

Bigun and I are recording the infamous post Ironman podast this week so stay tuned this weekend for the show (hopefully)

But for now I leave you with a gift Triboomer gave me....(you rock man)

Dialed up...

2008-06-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

How did this happen again! :0. I swear Tac just put one of these wrist straps on a mere 9 1/2 months ago. How do I get myself into these things?

Ahh the wonder of Ironman. It's motivates, excites, inspires and when you come down to the day before the race...it scares the pants out of ya!

Tac is feeling ready though. I think the area I'm looking forward to least is that second loop of rollers. Once I get past that I should be fine (when I say fine, I mean survival fine).

Blink, Bigun, Greyhound and I rode the course by car yesterday. The roller sections are very similar to Wisconsin, just not as long. More like 15-18 miles of rollers. They are plenty challenging though. We rode a few climbs that go up and then up and then a little more up. Some screaming down hills too!

Trimama and the tribe arrived last night. Tacky was very happy to put his hands around the Mama and see the kiddos.

We had a MEET O PEEPS evening Thursday that was great. It was really cool to finally meet Spokane Al, Suplinds, TEA, Momo, The Big Jay and of course it's always good to see this guy...

Tac finds that he needs to place a square around Bigun's face to talk with him, being that the last 6 months he has seen his face, but only in a Skype monitor on our computers. Di and the Bigun are a riot as usual. Tac does struggle to get Blink and Bigun's attention away from all the tri Hotties to focus on race discussion though... Oh well.

This pic is obviously of the swim course. Yes, the water is cold. Yes the water is colder then ANYTHING Tac swam in Minnesota. To best describe the feeling when you put your face in the water is your college dorm buddy walking up to you and slapping you in the face over and over. Fun. Yet the nerves numb in about 5 minutes and I actually had a quite nice swim the rest of the way.

This Ironman feels so different then last year. I'm already an Ironman so this race is about taking on a very sobering challenge and watching my peeps complete their first. So...Tac's goals for this race.

1. Finish
2. Finish faster then Wisconsin
3. Cheer peeps and party hard after!
4. Kiss Trimama when I see her on the course!
5. Worship in the beauty of the country side.

Thats enough for now.

See you on the other side of Ironman Coeur D Alene...

Tacky

Suddenly Alone...

2008-06-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

Wow. That was weird. The Tribe and Trimama just packed up the car and headed off for Tribe Summer Vacation 2008 (say it in a loud booming voice for full effect). Tac's bike just headed out with them as well...gulp.

Im nervous, but nothing like I was last year at IMWI. I think knowing the distance takes the edge off, but by no means makes Sunday less challenging.

Im really excited to meet lots o peeps. Looking forward to those meet ups.

BTW Episode 10 is up of tjhe Tacboy and Bigun Podcast. We talk CDA, CDa and then touch on some IMCDA.

Enjoy.

Tacky

Update...3 weeks out to IMCDA

2008-06-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

150 miles biking, 8000 yards swimming (1/2 open water!) and 28 miles running in the last 7 days.

Feeling good. No injuries. Ready for the taper! Thank God.

Got up early Sunday to sherpa Trimama in her first Olympic. Besides being smoking hot, she raced preatty hot too. Well except for the wardrobe/wetsuit malfunction, but I'll let you read that for itself.

I just went to the water temperature guage at IMCDA. Yes Tac obsesses much. Crap that water is going to be cold. But Hey, Ironman races always have something. Wisconsin is the course and the weather, Arizona the wind and heat, Florida usually the cold and wind ect. I take the Iron Jenny approach, it's just another day, keep moving because 70 year old nun's do this!

Bigun and Tac have found very little time to Podcast. Were hoping to get one more episode out before the race.

Early summer is here in Minnesota. Beautiful temps... and big storms with Hail! Holy cow. The whole house was shaking after this one....

Some Pics of Mama at her Oly...

Have a good week!

Tacky

Blogging is getting tough.

2008-05-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this (all 2 of you) I have been so freaking busy that blogging is just not going to happen. The best way to update my life right now is through...

The Tac Boy and Bigun Podcast!!!

Episode 9 is up. We go over the wildflower race report and how were doing considering Ironman CDA is only 4 FREAKING WEEKS AWAY. We also interview Bolder, who if your not aware...is from Boulder. (listen to the podcast for that joke)
I do want to thank Kahuna for all his hospitality in the OC. It was awesome. He made our weekend totally cool. My time getting to hang with Curly Su (who is no longer racing IMCDA sniff sniff) and Greyhound was awesome too!

Some pics..

That last one is Greyhounds bike not quite touching the ground. He's compact and 58 minute pr ready!

Well as usual busy time to go..long ride with Trimama in the morning.

Bike ride.

Tacky

Wildflower race report....well not yet.

2008-05-06T04:33:00.001-07:00

Business to run.

Kids to hug.

Jobs to finish.

Money to raise (Team Ortho)

Will get into a detailed report soon.

20 minutes PR!

Overall very good race compared to last year! Yea!

Tacky

No swearing this time.

2008-05-02T16:36:00.001-07:00

Arrived in the OC on thursday afternoon. Kahuna and Mrs. K were awesome hosts. Good coversation, great food and a beautiful drive at sunset. We were up early Friday and arrived at Wildflower around 10:30. Gave us lots of time to swim, check in and contemplate our challenging day ahead.

Ok So Tac had a little language issue last year when he tackled the Wildflower 70.3 course. He'd never seen hills like that and was not ready. Trimama will sadly attest to this when she heard me get off the bike in transition.

This year's different.

Curly Su, Greyhound and Tacky drove the hills today(Why do they always seem much bigger then I remembered). My goals tomorrow at Wildflower

1. Finish

2. Try to finish faster????

3. Time the bottom of nasty grade all they way to the top by hitting my lap button. Tac promised Iron JenJen he would do that.

4. Find more creative phases on the back half of the bike like, "gee this hill is long" or "wow, I'm suprised how much this hurts". Last year Tac was keeping the phrases to the more brief four letter varieties.

5. Relax on the swim.

6. Soak in the beauty and worship

7. Survive the run :)

Big list, but I'm sure it will get done.

Tac

Happy Birthday Trimama!

2008-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

My Love turns 40 today.

Happy Birthday!

Tacky

Dialed in to Wildflower

2008-04-29T05:15:00.001-07:00

Well, ready or not here we go. The chills from my month long flu are still slightly around, but Im taking it quite easy this week in preparation for Saturday.

Then I saw this forcast

OMG....24 mph sustained up to 40 mph gusts

I hope that wind prediction settles down. I looked at a few other sites (weather underground/weather bug) they do not predict winds that high. I'm mentally preparing for the middle ground 18 mph head wind. This would be in the first 20 miles of the race like last year.

If your not familiar with Wildflower its the woodstock of Triathlon. About 4000 participants in 4 races over 2 days. Many of racers camp (we did our hard time last year camping...never again). The long course or 70.3 is considered one of the toughest in the world. Lots of climbing on the bike and the run is just plain ridiculous. 1/2 trail 1/2 road tons of big hills.

Tac heads in with 24 less pounds and better gearing for his bike. He's rested, thats for sure.

Looking forward to seeing Kahuna, Greyhound and Curly Su.

If anyone else is going this weekend please email us so we can meet up!

Try to post from CA as well

Tacky

UPDATE: Tacky just razor shaved his legs.....Ohh la la....now he's really feeling dialed in.

Episode 8 is Up

2008-04-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

Hopefully our banter is'nt getting to old. If it is, you can listen to our three rockin guests. Trisaratops, Momo and Lana. They were all awesome. Thanks girls for lowering your standards. :)

Bigun says he had some problems with the m4a version of the show. I did not. Let us know if it does not play properly. That is the version that has pictures and chapters and only plays on ipods.

Don't sweat with out...THE TACBOY N BIGUN PODCAST!

Tacky

Random stuff

2008-04-14T05:21:00.001-07:00

Woke up to this forecast this morning.

Is it possible? Could the cold dead tenticles of winter finally be leaving. I believe so!!!

Still sick. THE WORST FLU TAC HAS EVER HAD. I have never been this sick. Missed over a week of training now. Probably going to skip the Trailmix 25k run this Saturday. Will see. Not going to be ready for Wildflower the way I was planning.

The Tacboy N Bigun Podcast have a new episode up. This is the non-interview/interview podcast. You'll see what I mean.

We have a bunch of real interviews for the next one though :)
Just click on my sidebar link to go to the podcast on iTunes

Thoughts and prayers go to Commodore who had a rough day at IMAZ.

Happy spring everyone.

Tac

Update Wednesday 4/16
Feeling somewhat better. Still very weak. Biked an hour tonight and coughed a ton. Trying a swim/run brick in morning. Yikes.

Paradise Lost? Letters from sick bay...

2008-04-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Fever, chills and general crap feeling are here at the Tac Cave. So Its lots of soda (for the sore throat) and mama like treatment from the crazy sweet hottie hot one

Apparently Iron Kahuna has run into more of what Bigun and Tac termed 'annonyn-a-ass'. You know, those wonderful comments left by unknown cowards which are either insulting, hurtful or all of the above. Kahuna refered to the Milton poem 'Paradise Lost'. First making sure Bigun and I weren't the a-holes he was talking about :) , then making sure he wasnt refering to some show on ABC, I finally concluded that this poem was truly amazing. I became enthralled with the Milton classic and some of the interesting critiques, especially that of CS Lewis(Narnia Chronicles)

435 Pages! Separated into 12 books. Milton desired to bring the 'fall of man' biblical story to a more accessible level through his prose. He explored deeply the history of Satan, the unique sinless relationship of Adam and Eve, the final great deception, fall and Hope of future redemption. Basically great classic Christian literature.

Whew...that's what happens when your sicker then a dog, have no where to go with a laptop on your bed.

I'm fairly sure that Kahuna was referring to the pollution of the triblogosphere's from these nasty unknown commenter's who rear their ugly ass heads from time to time. What I found interesting was the idea that the blog paradise had been lost.

I didn't know we found paradise.

I don't think anytime you enter into a community of human beings you find paradise. Encouragement, camaraderie, laughter, tears of joy..and many other positive life affirming elements...absolutely!. All those can be found and enjoyed within our tri blog community. In fact, I have stated many times that Kahuna himself has been a major inspiration in the triathlon experience that I have enjoyed. Yet, whenever you enter a community of human beings you enter with GREAT RISK. Risk of feeling disappointed, hurt, frustrated, jealous...the list goes on. Maybe you have never had any negative feelings towards other bloggers before, but I would be ball face lying to say that I had not.

Were all broken people, most aspire to better ourselves everyday. Many of us make mistakes in things we say or write, hopefully we seek reconciliation and move on. Yet Milton is clear that innocence gave way to all new feelings...

"They sat them down to weep, nor only tears/ Rained at their eyes, but high winds worse within/ Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate,/ Mistrust, suspicion, discord, and shook greatly/ Their inward state of mind." Book IX, Paradise Lost

The resulting consequences and how to cope with a lost state of peace are matters of deep faith and philosophy. Speaking of faith, Trimama and I have recently had some shockingly disappointing relationships fail in our own church. All though this recent experience is nothing compared to the evils I've seen done to people I dearly loved within the 'church'.

I stopped long ago believing church was paradise.

No group of human beings (family, friends, church, tri-communities), no amount of money, no level of life dream accomplishments will ever encompass paradise. Milton was right...it was lost long ago.

Obviously as a Christian you all have a good idea where my faith and philosophy fall.

So yes Kahuna, Paradise is lost....but Milton also said in book XII, Hope is not.

Sincerely,

Tac

Out like a freaking lion...

2008-04-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of your tri caped wonder heading out on his first BIKE RIDE OUTSIDE on Sunday.

Whoo hoo whoo hoo (does Tac have the longest head or what?)

That was the reaction of said superhero when he woke up 16 hours later to this...(one of the very roads I had just ridden)

Ahhh spring time birds chirping, out door riding and 10 inches of snow. &*@#%*##*@!!!!!

We are in major melt no though, 60's next week. :)

Tac opted out of the April fools hilarity, but did appreciate some of his fellow members posts like this and this.

Very nice boys

Tac out

Update Time

2008-03-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Time is so short, posting has become very difficult (other then begging for donations). I have had several very preliminary interviews recently, but still have a ways to go before a career changing job is at hand. The Tribe is bouncing along nicely with a few bumps here and there, but no major blowouts. The painting business is what it is, very demanding. The podcast has been a great way to blow off steam. I hope you have enjoyed, I know I like putting them together with the.bigun.

6 Weeks to Wildflower, the hardest 1/2 ironman distance in the world. Seems like every bike ride I have to do inside (snow..urrrr) makes nasty grade that much scarier. Nasty grade is a section of the race at around mile 40 that requires you to stand (or you'll go backwards) and pedal for at least 5-8 minutes straight. I need Trimama's wonder-woman like lasso to have Greyhound pull me up. The Minnesota weather is supposed to become hospitable by late next week, will see. I have a 4 hour ride on the trainer on Sunday. (sounds of weeping) But...I did sign up for all this pain, so it's completely my fault :)

I am really looking forward to the Wildflower experiencer. I love visiting California and the company will be lots of fun. 7 weeks after that race is IMCDA. In the middle of all this might be a job change and some other big family changes. When more details emerge on the latter one, I promise to share quite prolifically.

Here some shots from Easter...we had a lovely time with family. One of my niece's pointed out near the end of the evening that when our family gets together no one is watching the clock for the time to leave, we just love getting together. I'm very thankful for that, and it's a tribute to my parents.

Of course the always smoking hot Trimama...

Removing Crustations from Choppers' ear...ewww

Soap, Urp and Hypen

Tribe

Happy Training

Tac

Episode 6...Bigun talks to much...

2008-03-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

New podcast is up! Click on the side bar link to subscribe (there's even a version for you non iTunes people) (you know who you are)

Thanks
Tac

Team Ortho....I need some help!!!

2008-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

First, Tac wants to thank those who have already donated to my Janus site for Team Ortho!

Second Tac just realized that he REALLY needs your help.

As I said in the last post, Ironman is a disorder...

Could you please help enable my insanity by helping raise funds for Team Ortho. A non-profit organization that helps fund orthopedic research.

In 2006, with the support our members, sponsors, donors, and races, Team Ortho Foundation donated $18,000 to support bone, joint, spine and infection research at three orthopedic research organizations: The Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, and the Orthopedic Trauma Association Research Fund. Team Ortho also provides grants for amputee kids and adults to participate in Team Ortho events.

This is a great organization that not only helps research orthopedic advances, but helps promote healthy lifestyles for everyone by sponsoring family friendly run and walk events.

I NEED YOUR HELP. YOU WILL ENABLE MY CRAZY PURSUITS TO FINISH THIS IRONMAN ONLY IF I RAISE $2500.00 FOR TEAM ORTHO. I am already in heavy training for this event, but I need you to help me cross the finish line.

250 donors of 10.00 would reach my Goal

125 donors of 20.00 would reach my Goal

50 donors of 50.00 would reach my Goal

SPECIAL INCENTIVE!

Any donor of 250.00 or more receives a free Ipod shuffle!

Any donor of 500.00 or more gets a free ipod Nano!

JUST THINK IF YOU HAD THE IPOD (FROM THE TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION) YOU COULD LISTEN TO
(ANOTHER SHAMELESS PLUG)....

Please donate at this link.

Any amount you could help with would be awesome!

Thanks

Tac

Ironman's a disorder...

2008-03-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

It really should be classified as a disorder. First presenting stage is when an individual decides he or she should train and complete one. Second stage is after training and completing the Ironman, the victim blanks out all memories of early morning swims, major cramps, rolling on the painful roller thingy and overall complete exahustion/never ending sore spots and starts to plan the NEXT ONE. The third stage presents itself when the said individual no longer speaks of the Ironman in terms of finishing, but now starts to talk in terms of racing and qualifying times (note TacBoy does not see stage three presenting any time soon).

I'm absolutely in stage two right now. Most days I'm glad I signed up and most days I do ask why I'm doing all of this. This topic came up on our latest podcast and I found myself really wanting to discuss why we do this crazy distance.

1. I do it for the challenge-I'll never forget the first time I went to IM Wisconsin and watched my first race. One word...awe. The distance, the determination, the hours of training all leading to this one day. One very Hot and sticky day. I didnt think I would sign up for one the next year, but that is now history. (Bigun.... I don't know if you know, but I'm and Ironman now)

2. I do it for the relationships. I think this is almost tied with number one. I love the people I've met. From multi Ironman finishers who inspire me to push harder, to first time sprint triathletes who are so excited to take on their first tri challenge. I love the Wednesday night rides, the sunday morning runs, sharing the lows and highs with the blogosphere. Meeting up in person with my dozens of creepy internet friends! (you know who you are) It all rocks!

3. I do it for my marriage....After my last post that might sound like a crock, but it's not. Trimama and I have grown so much closer because of this sport. We have taken on the challenges as a couple and get to enjoy many new relationships together as well.

4. I do it for my health. This could be considered oxymoronic. Nuff said

Those are four reasons, how about you?

Tac

Episode 5 is up!

2008-03-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy, click on iTunes link in the sidebar to subscribe.

Check out the photos too! :)

Tac

Course correction?

2008-02-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

Oh Boy. Trimama showed me the flowers she bought for herself yesterday, exclaimiong happily, "I decided to romance myself"

Gulp

I may be a dumb old superhero, but I picked up on that one pretty quick. Mama needs more of Tac's emotional and thoughtful attention. Not being one to put my marital issues on the blog, Tac feels that the tri-blog is good place to talk about his life priorities sometimes.

Devotion to Christ is number one. Marriage is right behind that. I married my best friend, so thats not too tough. The tribe is second, again easy cause the kids are an awesome gift to me! My business is next because money makes the world go round. Training for an Ironman is last. Oh that's right...Bigun is so emotional.... so I better put the podcast in there too.

The problem is that training moved it's way up to first. Not healthy for Tac, Mama or the kids. It's amazing to me how I become such a slave to the PLAN. Plan's are ignorant of other life pressures and customizing is essential to me.

I've decided to pull a Trimama. I'm cutting back to 4-5 days of training only a week. This is exactly what she did in preparation for IMFL 06 and she had a great race. If it's good enough for my lover, then it works for me. Tac's putting in some course correction but still planning on hitting the IMCDA course hard in June.

Have a good weekend...I've got a hot date to plan.

Episode 4 is up!

2008-02-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

No Title. No Bits. Hopefully just laughs :D

Click on my sidebar link to go to iTunes

Tac

Tac's a wheeler and Dealer

2008-02-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

You have to be careful around the Tribe household when Tac gets near craigslist. Hold onto anything you want to keep cause he likes to deal!

In the last couple months.

-sold garmin 301
-sold imac then bought new iMac for only 100.00 bucks more!
-sold cameras-replaced camera with way more expensive one (duck that was Trimama swingin)
-sold wii accesories
-sold old video camera

Which brings me to this listing that appeared under a search I did for a 40d Canon camera. Apparently 40d refers to more then just camera's...

What the fruit! Who knew?

Take a care out there regarding your underwear!

Library in the Hallowed Hall

2008-02-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

Tacboy n' Bigun have an official Library. Think of old mahogony ceiling beams with book shelves from floor to ceiling. Reading chairs and large tables (triangular of course). Each time you remove a book there is that 'book smell' with a little dust needing to be blown off.

Were looking for titles for the Library. Book Titles

Also we have a large Dictionary in the Library. Think aged edged pages, about a mile thick. We need Dictionary words related to the official Dictionary of the League of Triathletes.

Any ideas you have we would love to hear!!

Leave us a message at 813-990-0951.

Tac's been busy training and still looking for that career change. Ugh. Lots of stress, but I'm thankful for a very supportive and praying wife! The podcast has been a great escape as well. Thanks for all your nice comments!

Have a great week and help us build a our mythical library!!

Team Ortho Couer d'Alene 2008

2008-02-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

Taconite boy begins his training today. 20 Weeks to Ironman. In some ways it seems like it far off in the distance, but in reality those weeks just seem to fly by. Before you know it, your suiting up and getting into the water with 2500 of your best friends.

Last year when Tac did Ironman Wisconsin he decided to participate in a Janus Charity Challenge by raising Funds for SAVE (Suicide Awareness and Voices of Education).

What a rewarding experience! I determined that any future Ironman's would always involve a Janus Charity of some sort because it made the process so much richer.
By the way, we raised $3000.00 last year for SAVE and Janus added another 800 to total 3800.00!

Thank you to all of those who supported Tac and SAVE last year!

Well this year to race at Couer d'Alene was through a Team Ortho slot.

O.K.

Sounds good to me. Team Ortho is dedicated to raising funds for Orthopedic research to better the lives of those who suffer from joint ailments. Much of the research that they fund is used not just here in the US but all over the world to help devloping nation populations. Team Ortho also encourages general joint health by sponsoring multiple ameteur races all over the country.

Tac will get right to the point. He needs your help. If 200 people donate $10.00 I will have reached my goal! (I'll tip in the rest if need be) of $2500.00

Team Ortho uses the Janus Charity site to raise funds, credit cards accepted. If you would like to send a check please contact Tacboy by email.

Here's the link...

Team Ortho-Taconite Boy

Thanks for anything you can do!

Just like the podcast...

2008-02-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

Tac's going to post on something that has nothing to do with Triathlon :)

New podcast up on Monday by the way.

Some opportunities have arisen that allow me to pursue another passion in my life, photography.

Tac's looking at purchasing a 40d Canon and looking for anyone who has some opinions on lenses for Canon in general.

Thanks
(and Go PATRIOTS)

Tac

My Weak off Update

2008-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

According to Bigun and Greyhound my week off of any training is wussy butt. So here's a list of what Tac has accomplished.

1. Tempo Eating
2. Pop tart fartleks (thx Bigun)
3. Sleep intervals
4. Sinusitus pill popping
5. Sam Adams Slurping.

Seriously Tac's been doing nothing this week to heal some sore spots and prepare for his the Ironman training plan. Tac is using the Beginner Triathlete 20 week silver plan. He used BT last year for his 1/2 Iron and a 12 week bridge from that to the full distance. I highly recommend the site. No kick backs here, just like the plans. Only comment would be that the swim portions of the plan can be too heavy. Spend the money on the silver plans, they include good workouts, with excellent strength training routines (by D3 Multisport). Both Trimama and Tac cut about 25% of the swimming out of our plans and had fine Ironman swims.

Here's the Link...Beginner Triathlete(If BT wanted to send tac something for free, he will never turn down because he's a schwag whore)

Happy race planning!

Tac

We Need Your Lovely Voices

2008-01-25T06:38:00.001-08:00

Tacman and the Bigun need some piffy comments. Please leave some love at our podcast number! :)

813 990 0951

Thanks!

TacBoy 'n Bigun - Episode 2

2008-01-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

Episode 2 is up! Titled the hallowed hall.

Click on Tac's sidebar link to iTunes, or head over to Bigun's sight for a online feed.

Thanks for listening! (or pretending to)

TacBoy is officially off from all training this week. Ahhhhh. The 20 week plan to Ironman CDA begins this Sunday. Until then just stretching and resting. The Taco Bell/Pop Tart weight loss plan is finished. Tacs down from 204 at ironman to his current weight of 185. One part he forgot about losing 20 pounds is that your not only lighter on the scale, but also in the wallet. Holy Crap I've had to buy all new clothes recently. Trimama requires her super-stud to not look like bilbo baggins!

Tac Out...hope you enjoy the podcast.

Podcasting is Fun

2008-01-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

Tac is liking his podcasting. It's a nice distraction from the extreme stress going around him right now. Tac would like to thank all the the people who have left encouraging comments.

Tac listens to lots of podcasts. His current list is Onion Radio News, Paste Magazine, Relevant Magazine, GYGO and lately he's been thinking of trying out some latin casts for picking up a little spanish lingo.

Of course owning one of these helps in listening to the podcasts...

(that pic makes Bigun sooo jealous, he he he)

Tac just got his new iPhone update. Thank you master Steve for providing your minions with this update. We are so honored that you allow us to continually dump our hard earned cash upon the Apple shaped alter of Jobs bliss.

Back to reality. Tac is getting closer on the job front. He's aware it's taking awhile, but patience and persistance have paid off. He is now narrowing down specific jobs and is getting ready to apply soon.

Thanks again giving the podcast love. New episode should be up by the end of the weekend.

Tac out and 10 days till IMCDA training!

The League of Triathletes Podcast is here!

2008-01-09T16:10:00.001-08:00

Were still waiting on iTunes to finish the uploading, but for now here is a link to our first Podcast!

Episode 1

Trimama's Leaving Me!

2008-01-07T15:27:00.001-08:00

Tac's sure of it. He heard her speaking to her 'friend' over the phone yesterday. What has Tac done? How did he mess up this bad? He knows what happened. Last Thursday morning was the battle scene. 5 am, small counter by the toaster. She reached up for my last Cinnamon Roll Pop Tart.

Nobody messes with Taconite Boy's pop tarts.

Since when did Trimama eat Tac's coveted Pop Tarts!! One harsh comment led to another and she's gone.

Well at least gone until Sunday night when Tac picks her up. Her friends include the likes of Lana, IronJenny, local running homies and of course blogger host royalty...Commodore.

Arizona is the official destination for the first Tri blogger reunion tour of the year.

Tac's sure she would love to run the Rock and Roll Mary, but she'll make a great sherpa!

Have a great time dear. I'll miss you, the tribe will miss good food.

Tac's quite the heel. Well at least he has a bad heel. He's ignoring the idea that he has the dreaded, first word hangs outside a european village window, second word sounds similar to a facist with a bad cold. Because that would really suck donkey kongs. Tac's looking for therapy's for this troubled heel so any ideas would be appreciated :(

Tac out...and happily under-trained

UPDATE;
Tridummy is going to be there as well...sheesh!

Podcast? Yes. Podcast coming out soon. Remember it's free so dont expect too much!

Tribal Christmas

2007-12-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

We have survived the Holiday flu! Apprently Tac's illness was felt by each and every member of the Clan ending with Trimama in bed today, one week later with a slight fever :( Despite the technicolor spewing, the time spent together was good and a reminder of how blessed we are to have close family and friends.

New Years Eve will be spent with more good family friends, toasting champagne, sipping wine and probably enjoying a few really good cigars. Tac has 4 weeks until any form of training begins. So until then all he needs to do is accomplish a major career change and manage three to four work sites.

Wish Tac luck (or a coveted prayer).

Thanks

Here's a little window into the Tribe's Christmas eve...

Have a holly jolly flu...

2007-12-23T09:20:00.001-08:00

Tac wakes up this morning with significant digestive issues. You will be spared details. It's all about the timing. Trimama and I were planning a hot christmas shopping/watch the vikes at our favorite pub date tonight. Hopefully, if well rested the plans will go forward.

Chopper is all over the presents this weekend. Angling to open "just one" prior to Christmas Eve. Mama and Tac are holding strong, but he does get points for tenacity.

Hope you have a great Christmas weekend

Tac

The Chopper

2007-12-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

Chop got hold of Tac's Mac.

Too funny

Tac

Holding My Own

2007-12-18T02:56:00.000-08:00

>
Well resume building is going well. Tac's been throwing the virgin document before some corporate friends for feed back and refinement. Please be gentle with me.

Not one aspect of the 'changing careers' adventure has been very simple. The cultural shift from manual labor/small business owner to corporate employee is hard to envision and prepare for.

Yet were holding our own. WE meaning Trimama has been a HUGE support through this process, both emotionally, practically and spiritually. Thanks dear.

The Christmas season is moving along nicely, the kids took part in our small church's music program this Sunday. Very cute. We are planning the big family get together next week. Where multiple tribes will descend on Grandmas house. Which always has a nice cinnamon smell on Christmas day. Presents will be opened, good food and wine shared and general thanksgiving for the blessing of family will be the theme. Looking forward to that.

Grandmas house will be making new memories, but Tac's been scanning in some OLD photos of said superhero and a certain Triathlon Mom from their early days. Pictures to appear some time soon. What? Now? O.K. here's one...

Pre-Chopper Pic

Well off to do the 'not training for IMCDA yet/not really base training/more keep in shape from all the Hershey kiss cookies' swim.

Tac out

2007-12-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tasted home made Ice cream. Holy cow, Tac has reached new levels of super hero status with this latest advent gift. Ironically, or not, the boys are the main chefs for the sweet frozen treat. Tac's preatty sure we produced about 40,000 calories worth of Creamy goodness over the last 4 days. This is exactly why Mama and Tac bought this machine, not the calories, just to enjoy creative outlets with the tribe.

It's been averaging about 2 degrees here lately. So, we make ice cream...what the fruit. Oh well the cold seems to creep into the brain and lends towards insanity and that's why we have 16 quarts of Ice Cream in the freezer while Tac is trying to lose weight.

Must resist, must resist...yes.

It is working. Tac is down a full 20 pounds from last year at this time and is heading to knock off another 10 before training begins in late January. Last year was the backward year where a bottle of wine every night during the holidays and tons of snacks made the spandex a bit tight on your resident superhero. Whoo whoo. Have not seen these numbers on the scale since the early formation days of the Tribe. Good grief, guess kids will do that to a dad. Well it feels good to be lighter entering my fourth Tri season. Tac's always known that to really see good bike times (for tac thats 6 hour IM rides) I needed to drop weight. So that makes anticipation for the upcoming season that much sweeter.

Man, I gotta update my side bar soon. The plate spinning quotient is a tad high right now, but Tac does see some breathing room in sight! Have a great weekend!

Tac out

Cant fight this feeling any longer

2007-12-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well if you have stopped over at Trimama.com, you've realized that the smokin hot Trimama is taking on her second Ironman challenge in Arizona.

Sweet!

Apprently Iron Jenny is in for the ride as well. Tac should have a good time cheering them on as the official sherpa at the Fall IMAZ 08. Correct, Tac is not racing Arizona next year. That was part of the decision that we made regarding Florida as well. The frantic pace of marriage, family and buiness would make dual training for an Ironman to challenging of a task. So we've reached a compromise.

Tac has always wanted to do this race. In fact about 3 months ago he wished he could go, but realized that was now impossible.

Until he recieved an email from TriStud (think local male version of Iron Jenny) who had some interesting race 'opportunities' available. Needless to say, the email went out on Saturday, the confirmation is now at about 90% so Tac is spilling the beans.

The official A race for Taconite Boy in 2008 is HERE!!

Thanks Team Ortho!!!

Tac Out....whoooo hooooo hu uh..hu uh

Tac's got news

2007-12-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

All he can say right now is that some big stuff just happened (triathlon related) and he's waiting to post the final details until he's able to confirm.

It's taking Tac all of his superpowers to restrain from spilling the beans, but he's gotta wait to confirm.

Dang it

Tac out...and VERY EXCITED

Tac's just sayin

2007-11-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

There seems to be some friction at work lately. He's preatty sure it has something to do with either envy or irritation regarding Ironman accomplishments. It's not like when Tac's working he wears it on his slee...

Maybe Tac does have the Greyhound schwag-whore disease?

Tac out...and be careful bragging out there Ironmen

UPDATE Trimama has changed her blog location. Point your browser here

Trimama.com

2007-11-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Can't tell what Tac likes more...the Thanksgiving/Jessi Ventura like boa or the hat...hmmmm

What Taconite Boy can tell you is that the tribe is ready and were heading down to trot our turkeys all over your a__. Either that or were just going to join about 8000 other people and 'gobble!gobble!" our way through the 5k tomorrow. I dont think you can miss us in these...

Local bloggers and friends join us here after said festivites!

Dunn Bros. Minnetonka Mills

View Larger Map

Tac out...and have a great Thanksgiving!

Turkey Trot 07

2007-11-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

Were heading out for the Turkey Trot on Thursday morning. Mama, Tac and the Tribe are heading down with other local bloggers, then heading over to Minnetonka Mills Dunn Bros. after the race. Join us if you can!

Tac out

I'm not a multi-tasker..

2007-11-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Well at least that's what one of my most junior employees (and nephew) told me several years ago. He stated this after Tac had forgotten to bring some item to the job site that morning. Tac loves employes, they make him money, they usually become friends and he can count on them to never understand how complex, hectic and crazy the life of running a business is.

Well all the multi-tasking super-powers will be needed for the next few months. The hunt for the new job has begun with preparation and training commencing this week. Within 6-8 weeks Tac will begin sending out the resume to prospective companies. While radically changing careers takes loads of mental courage and energy, Paradise Painting has it's many various demands. Jobs to find (in a fairly slow market), payroll to meet, projects to manage and bills to pay (Trimama's going shopping). A tad overwhelming...Maybe my nephew is slightly right :(

Tac wrote this favorite quote on the chalkboard in the kitchen several months ago...

There is one way to love God,
To not take a single step without Him
and to follow with a brave heart
wherever He leads.

Totally dig that.

Sense a theme here?

Taken by Simply Stu in lake San Antonio-Wildflower 2007

Version 2

Taken by Bigun in Gulf of Mexico-Ironman Florida 2007

Theme is...Tac's a fortunate fella

Tac out...and have some plans for local homies on Turkey day!!!

What a weekend

2007-11-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Tac Plane landed late last night, wheels down and back to the secret identities of jobs, kids and general life stuff. Which is quite fine because this weekend was the reward to much hard work and money in the bank for the next several months of responsibilities.

Did Tac mention he loves Bigun and Di even more now? What a couple. We as couples slept little, played hard and generally had a rocking good time. Here's some pics of the adventure... (many taken by the Bigun's)

Trimama enjoying the not-so-Minnesota weather

Tac Boy enjoying some of Mama's angelic state of being.

This is IronTriTim who was motivated to do this race by Kahuna and the Get your Geek on Podcast. He followed the blogs and commented occasionally. One of Tac's favorite parts of the weekend is when Tim wanted the cape wonder to deliver a message to Kahuna, to say thanks for motivating him to Iron. Tac gave him one better, within a minute Kahuna was on the phone with Tim. Tac thinks he saw Mama tear up a little when Tim conveyed to Kahuna how his influence was a huge factor in him becoming an Ironman.

Cool or what?

When we were leaving the coffee shop on Monday morning, we all encouraged Tim to start his own blog.

IronTriTim is here. Visit often and leave bloggy love!

O.K. Tac is sounding off. You ask, why are there plastic cups on top of all the taps at the bar? It can't be that a bar IN THE HOST HOTEL, ON THE BEACH would not have enough beer for Ironman weekend. Yeah, those Ironmen are too health conscience to consume adult beverages.

Alas, by the evening of race day (Saturday) the main miro brew was out, and by Sunday afternoon (during THE football game) the cheap crap ran out too. Overall the redneck Rivera, also know as Panama City Beach pretty much lives up to it's name when talking cuisine and good drinks. Just about every eating venue we visited, with the exception of a good Mexican joint was fairly awful and under staffed.

Trimama and I laughed when one of the waitresses said she finds it insulting that so many people think they are only open when big conventions or Ironman's come to town. She stated that there open year round catering to all kinds of people.
Hummm could people be asking that because every time we come down to visit it looks as though the Hotel manager just figured out Ironman is in town and he better grab 1 extra keg for the weekend along with roping in his nephew to be 'the only' cook in the kitchen?

Ironically, the one place that was both good and consistent. The Waffle house. Some of our friends called it the Aweful house, but Tac liked very much! Wish they had more of those around the Midwest.

Apparently Iron Jenny loves those eggs too. :)

Tac out

The Tac machine is ready to strip...

2007-11-03T03:27:00.000-07:00

Only to find out when arriving that the peelers at IMFL are full. So Trimama with the help of Tac's superpowers (a volunteer shirt) are going to show up anyway because Tac will not be denied.

Had a great meet up time last night with the Bigun's, the Lana's and our local tri homies!

For Trimama and Tac arriving back at Panama City Beach was full of emotion. We could not stop talking about every little store, beach marker and boardwalk that reminded us of last year. To the point where poor old metro boy, Kahuna even got a emotion laden call from us as we passed the tattoo parlor. Tac won't lie...He was a little 'Ferklempt

Last year's Ironman would stand alone in Trimama's life as a defining moment of just personal achievement, but it was so much more. We as a couple had been through a very difficult 9 years of a heart wrenching cycle of pain, recovery, repeat. We love our kids, we're thankful for the occupations God's given us, but we needed something tangible to reach for. Something that was not as weighty as life, but still epic in scope. Triathlon fit that bill nicely. The pursuit towards Ironman Florida yielded the fruits of so much more then an Iron metal. We as a couple grew in our love for each other, God, and for the many new friends and bloggers we had met along the way.

Panama City Beach is reminding us of how blessed we are!

Tac has also just been reminded it's time to go by Trimama

WATCH OUT PEELERS IT'S TIME TO GET SCHOOLED BY TACONITE BOY

Tac out

IMFL!!!!!

2007-10-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Tac is amazed that it's already here. By the way, he recieved a charity entry into Florida last week and is doing IMFL as well. He figures 4 weeks from IMMoo to TC Marathon and then 4 weeks to IMFL should be just right.

O.K. Taconite boy is a complete liar, but he does kinda wish he could do it. Kinda.

Mama's getting all the last household details together before we leave on Friday morning and Tac's making sure houses are getting painted while he's gone.

Tac has several goals for this weekend...

1. Strip wetsuits like nobody's business. I'm mean, sorta lean and a stripping machine.

2. Enjoy first time blogger meet and greets with the likes of Bigun and the Mrs., Lana and Tridaddy?

3. Swim with said friends in the ocean with wetsuits ect.!

4. Watch the best football game of the century (Pats vs. Colts) on Sunday afternoon with Mama, suds and friends!

Speaking of good partying, Mama and Tac want to start off the weekend with a meet up at the Host Hotel on Friday night (assumes racers will be hunkering down in preparation). May include finding a good watering hole as well :)

Where: Boardwalk Hotel 7:00 pm Friday

Contact Tac or Mama by email to exchange vitals!

Rest well racers, Tac and Mama will be cheering you on!!

Tac Out...and ready to enjoy another Ironman event!

Mile 19

2007-10-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

Wello oh well oh well (as Jack White would like to say).

Man that's hot.

Tac's nearing the end of 4 weeks straight of work (including weekends).

One of the houses he's been at have been filled with these colors...

This is a crappy iphone photo, (why yes, Tac does have an Iphone..hehehe) just imagine the intensity about 5x from what your seeing. These colors are all over the main area of the house.

Yikes!

Have'nt done one things since the Twin Cities Marathon, other then savor it, in the last 2 1/2 weeks. Probably good, because the Tac machine has been devoting all that energy elsewhere.

Have a good weekend.

Tac out

Half time entertainment

2007-10-15T18:45:00.001-07:00

14 days of work in a row. Wait. Tac did have one day off last Sunday

The day he ran a Marathon.

He did escape to see this on Friday night!

He's got another 14 in a row coming up. (no marathon though...dang it) Then things settle down a bit.

So for now hope you enjoy this...

Tac out

I DID IT!

2007-10-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

It was hot, humid and long but Tac finished!

4:35:44

Race report to follow (some time soon)

Tac out

Go Tac Boy!

2007-10-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Alright. All the run junk is together. Dialed up the nutrition for a 3 or 4 or close to 5 hour run.

Tac is just darn excited and a bit nervous. He really wanted to do this race last year, so just being able to start and compete in this event is way cool.

Trimama update: She is doing o.k. Still in some pain and not able to really put alot of pressure on her leg. If we don't see major improvement by Monday it's probably in for an MRI to determine what's up.

Tac is sad for Trimama. She was really looking forward to this and other marathons to qualify for Boston, and this whole injury makes that seem very far away. So this race is bittersweet.

Any spectators, or racers tomorrow this is what the caped wonder is wearing.

Black shorts
White sleeveless shirt with TACONITE BOY cartoon printed on it. No sleeves of course to display the tat ;)
Ironman Wisconsin Finisher Hat...of course.

Tac out....and looking forward to seeing the local tri homies tomorrow!!

Mara What????

2007-10-04T15:15:00.001-07:00

So I'm doing this in two days.

How the H E double hockey sticks does your tri caped wonder get into these situations. Oh that's right, Trimama was attempting to fly like a justice league veteran. She would have of course, but for the rascally little peddle cage.

Dang it.

Tac had just spent six days straight working hard and was on his way home to enjoy his tribe and Mama with her new bike.

Ring Ring
!
'Tac!" "I crashed on a bike and blew my knee out, screaming pain, get over here!"

Quickly assuming hero like mode, Tac raced over to the bike shop picked up Mama, instantly supplied her with necessary pain medications (ok we stopped at home) and had her at the Urgent Care in a single leap.

Tac debated bringing it up. How does one approach this subject tactfully?(get it)

Medications, heavy ones will do.

Once Mama was in the waiting room and had that smile that only good barbiturates can bring. He went for it.

"So, do you mind if I take your number and just run for a couple hours in the Marathon?"

"No, not at all"

Mama took Tac's number last year and used 18 miles of the TCM for a training run for IMFL. Tac's blown out IT Band wouldn't let him compete, so Mama was able to enjoy the beauty of the Marathon, without the need to finish.

Tac is approaching this race exactly the same. Two hours into the run, all knees, joints and other parts will be assessed and then further racing commitments will be addressed. Same during the third and hopefully not to much of a fourth hour.

Four weeks ago Tac finished the Ironman, took two weeks off, did a 5 mile and 10 mile run last week and is now tapering...AGAIN.

Well this should be interesting...

Tac out....and really liking his iPhone.

IMMoo Bike and Run

2007-09-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Well well it's good to be back in the posting mode. Obviously Tac's life is allowing for little else then work right now. It's fall in Minnesota and that means all the projects that clients (and certain painters) were holding off on are now needing to to get done. By mid November the exterior painting ends so the harvest is ripe and Paradise is in a bugs-life like gathering mode. The madness will probably end near the time Mama and Tac leave for IMFL in early November.

Speaking of Ironman Florida. We just found out this morning that Bigun and Mrs. Bigun are making there way north to Panama City Beach. Tac will have his favorite (and only) script writer by his side while they cheer on the Iron athletes.

Finally, here is the conclusion of the Immoo race report.

THE BIKE

Coming out of T1 Tac felt calm. The pre-race course drive with Simply Stu and riding the course in July gave Tac a good sense of what he was in for. Many Ironmen Tac spoke with prior to the race consider this bike course one of the most technically challenging in all of Ironman. So steady and slow was the plan. About mile 5 Tac got behind a guy named Trey who was going slower then he liked. Yet Tac looked at his conditioning and his serious bike and realized that this was the pace to stay. Trey was the wise rabbit and Tac traded spots back and forth with him for at least 70 miles.

In order to break up the 112 miles, Tac divided the two loop course into 4 sections.

Section 1: The ride out and arriving at the gas station around mile 28 (not that Tac boy needed gas he took care of that in the carbo load dinner) just before the climb to Mount Horeb. This section kinda blows. Simply Stu agreed that this portion of the course is boring and annoying because the hills are continuous, but not very fun or scenic.

Section 2: The Mount Horeb climb. This was the fun part. Tons of crazy fast rollers and beautiful views as we reached the highest point of the race. Then a nice 8-9 mile downhill/flat reward after all that climbing.

Section 3: The monster climbs. These began as you reached the rock quarry lake. It was hard to miss this because the perfect sunny day caused the water to illuminate a neon like turquoise glow. When you reached this you were about to begin the three big hills.

Hill 1: Long and nasty-TONS OF CROWDS! Although on the second loop Tac was really looking forward to those crowds and when arrived there they were down to just a few near the top :( O.k. He knows he's slow but come on people...

Hill 2: Short and very steep. Awesome crowd support. In fact he was really struggling on the second lap and his tri club friend Iron Tim ran along side the tac-mobile banging his cowbell and shouted him right up to the top! Thanks Tim, you have no idea how important that was.

Brief aside. Fan support. Tac's volunteered at 3 different Ironman's prior to this race and he had no idea how meaningful that support can be. You may not know when your "good job" or cow bell clanging matters, but sometimes it's just what that athlete needs in the darkest point of his day! For Tac seeing the tribe in their red capes throughout the day kept his spirits high and that constant reminder that Mama was an Ironman and quitting would be very bad for Taconite Boy.

Hill 3: Long and punishing. This hill seemed less difficult then the first, but wow did it hurt. Especially on that second loop.

Section 4: This final part began after the third big hill and continued into Verona. This section is fairly easy and flat which is a nice break after what you just did.

Keeping a fairly granny like pace kept Tac feeling pretty good after the first loop, but the second loop started on a bad note. The wind shifted by noon and we were now heading into the wind during section 1 which already stunk. By the time Tac got to the top of the huge hill just before the rollers began he had to pull over.

Something was happening with his feet. A unbelievable burning sensation began. Trying to move his toes and stretch out didn't seem to help very much. Jumping back on the bike Tac hoped this would subside as he began the big roller sections up to Mt. Horeb.

The burning didn't stop. It got much worse. By the time Tac finished the second loop he literally was thinking that he was going to DNF. The thought of doing a marathon (which Tac had never run) with his feet feeling like they were on top of two blow torches was totally demoralizing. That's why when Tac climbed the second hill and Iron Tim was screaming at him to get up that hill and get to the run, it seemed to penetrate the clouds in my mind that were saying 'quit'.

As we turned back to Madison the road was supposed to be fairly easy. The wind was against us on the way out so we should have a nice tale wind.

Unless it shifts the opposite way.

Which it did...and Tac's feet were still hurting...

damn it.

There is one final big hill climb as you head back into Madison. Tac had mentally prepared for this hill many times. He knew that it was coming and new it would be difficult. He had no idea. Before reaching the base TacBoy pulled over to grab a gel, cuss and take a drink of water to calm down. That helped alot, not the cussing, but the water, the gel and some good self talk. It's funny when your in that much pain how you need to stop everything in order to reassert control over your thinking.

The final 6 miles into Madison was spent dealing with excruciating pain in my feet, but I had mentally turned the corner and determined to just get to T2 and sit down. When Tac could see the helix he had imagined the whole year the joy of that...ironically there was little. Just get me off this bike right now. When the Tac mobile rolled into T2 a very kind volunteer took the bike shoes and helmet. People were cheering for Tac until he started walking, I was limping so bad that I could literally hear the small crowd quiet under concern/sympathy.

Tac found his chair in T2 and sat with a 'thank God'. Sitting there Tac patiently took off all his bike junk, carefully grabbed new socks, put his shoes on and clothes and headed gingerly out..until he saw the ART massage people.

"Hey, could you work on my feet?"

"Sure sit down"

Within 5 minutes both feet were massaged, Vaseline applied and shoes re-laced. Tac moved out of T2 and he could already sense the pain was starting to subside.

This burning feet sensation Tac's only felt maybe once or twice in the last three seasons of bike riding. Couldn't tell you why it occurs, but it made the last hour of the bike the darkest moment of my day. Ironically it quickly faded as I stood and started to run.

THE RUN

The sun may have been setting in Madison, but every mile Tac ran he felt brighter and more awake. O.K. the ridiculous amount of latte power gels helped too. By the time mile one passed, Tac had to slow himself down because his heart rate was climbing to his a little bit to fast pace.

Wow. How 10 minutes can change an entire day at Ironman. Quit? What the bleep was Tac thinking, he was running and he was determined to smile at everyone he came across. Smile, laughing, joking with fellow runners, this was the type of run I was hoping for! Tac wouldnt allow himself to think about the finish line until mile 19. At that point he could begin to realize his impending finish. Until then he just plugged away, walked the big hills and through the water stops.

Reaching mile 7 was fun as he began to hear the screams for Taconite Boy and soon was being shadowed by 4 caped wonders known as the Tribe. With a kiss from Trimama, he headed back to the finish line to start his second loop.

Coming into the capital was exactly as expected. Don't listen to the finish line announcements, turn the corner and get it done. The second lap felt like the first. No kidding, it was awesome. The only problem was the last 4 miles. Tac's stomach went south around 21, 22 and he had to take it easy from there on out. Mostly walking the final 3 miles.

Coming out onto State Street Tac could see the capital. He was 1/2 mile from finishing an adventure that started a full year ago with sign up. Training began in February to Wildflower 1/2 in May, Liberty 1/2 in June. 12 weeks of training to this day and Taconite Boy was about to finish. The last mile Tac's stomach was still bugging him, but he didn't care, he just took in the beautiful site of that capitol building as he walked around it to the finish. Of course no superhero could go down the finish chute without running, one fist in pre-flight extension and one planted on the hip. Joined by his super daughter Sopinator, Tac glowed as he heard Trimama screaming for him.

Hoping for a 13:30 finish...came in at 13:59:20. No matter..Taconite Boy becomes an Ironman. That's all that counted.

After finishing photo's and lots of talking with family, Tac decided to hang out and watch the rest of the peeps finish. Did Tac mention that Papa John's and coke is REALLY good after an Ironman...no? It is. Frank Farrar finished at 16:56, Tac Boy found Greyhound and we headed home....

To get up 3 hours later for iron schwag...

Yep...Tac followed his Iron day by becoming a complete schwag whore. Although not nearly as promiscuous as Hound dog. We need Pics Greyhound it's so pornographic you have to share!

And of course this...

Tac out...and apparently doing the TWIN CITIES MARATHON IN SIX DAY (details to follow, maybe)

Final Immoo Swim-

2007-09-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

The two lap swim was supposed to be easier on the second loop, but tac found it to be very crowded as well. Again not the 'Oh, I think death is on the doorstep' kind of bumpy, but just really annoying. Tac did appreciate the music as he rounded the corner for the second swim spin, Panama-Van Halen, it was perfect.

One thing Tac forgot to mention about this race was the weather.

Perfect.

Tac had seen the weather the two previous years as a volunteer. Ugh. It was the two most hideous days for an Ironman that one could imagine. 94 and high humidity in 2005 and darn right freezing and rain in 06. Tac figured to bet the odds. 4 bad years in a row needed a break, and 2007 had to be that year.

Sunny, dry with a high of 78. Pretty dang good if you ask this tri-caped wonder.

Swimming into the finish line area Tac literally yelled underwater, probably scared the swimmer right next to me, but Tac was stoked. Finishing this swim put him on the Ironman map, the swim was completed.

Runing into the peeling area Tac was only thinking one thought,

"where is my Mama?"

Approaching the peel area there stood Peeling captin and WIBA host Robby B. He told me about his amazing swim (54 minutes Tac thinks?) several years ago. When he came out of the water the crowd was fairly quite, so he cupped his ear and whooped up the spectators. I stole his signature and did the same. 1:21 not exactly Robby B, but tac's a really good ear cupper. Typical Madison response, huge cheers and a big high five from RB.

Walking past the peelers Tac could not find Mama, looking, peelers motioning me over, looking,...finally

"Brian!!!"

There she was, near the back on the right. Pretty much the exact opposite of where she told TB to look prior to the race. Love you dear.

Big hugs, stripped suit (Yeaah that's it baby) and a kiss to the forehead and TB was running up the helix. RUNNING UP THE HELIX. Tac had mentally rehearsed this very moment over and over throughout the training year, that is an awesome feeling.

Getting into transistion was interesting, Tac spotted coach Chris from Gear West and he was surprised to see me. No, really was quite shocked to see TB up the helix this early. Feelings of pride and humiliation at the same time, very interesting :}

T1 was quick. Changed with great help from the volunteers and headed out to the bike, but first got sun-screen slathered by the bloggy home girls 21st Century, Iron girl Nyhus and of course Iron Jen. Found the bike, mounted and began one of the most difficult bike rides Tac's ever had....

Tac out...

Little more

2007-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Wow. One week since Tac last posted. That busy. The leaves are changing here, the fall winds are blowing and so many new things are happening in Trimama/Tac land as well. Much of that for future posts. Better later then never, here is another part of the Wisconsin Ironman race report.

The previous days the one thing Tac was fretting was that da-- swim. 2400 people and so many ankles, legs, heads and elbows that could knock tac a good blow caused much fretting prior to the race. The feeling that your in a aqua based street brawl never really occured. Don't get IronTac wrong, LOTS OF BUMPING, nudging and one good hit to the goggles but otherwise fairly uneventful. One annoying aspect was getting boxed in. Early on in the week Tac determined to be in the back of the pack and just move up from there.

Big Mistake.

Tac was weaving through so many swimmers for the entire 2 loops. Many times being boxed in on all three sides. Several times this required Tac to stop swimming just to get outside the box in order to pass. T-Boy's time was around 1:21 and that's exactly where he should have been in the pack, somewhere between halfway and 3/4 the way back.

Live and learn.

The other interesting part of the swim was blonde surf board girl,

2nd loop

to the right

(Some of you guys know exactly what Tac is talkin about)

Black full sleeve wetsuit.

Oh boy...Let's just say it was a good motivator going into the second loop :)

As I exited the water.....oh look Tac has jst been kidnapped again by evil Dr. Anti Post who's forcing me to to all those silly activites that keep me away from finishing a SINGLE POST.....

Ironman Wisconsin-The swim

2007-09-16T05:39:00.001-07:00

Your supposed to have very little sleep the night before an Ironman, but Tac managed to get in about 5 1/2 hours so when that alarm went off at 4:00 am he was feeling as ready as any iron virgin could. The previous 3 days had been filled with meeting up with new bloggers, eating and basically waiting for the inevitable. One thing Tac will never repeat for his next Ironman is arriving too early. There's no doubt that getting into registration the hour it opens, with virtually no line is nice, but standing in line is a good trade off to sitting around and fretting about a race of this enormity. Hounddog and resident superhero arrived on Wednesday night, next time the earliest Tac is coming in is the day of the carbo-load dinner. That way he can occupy his time until departure with comic book like heroics and other stuff until the last moment.
It's funny, Tac has never really enjoyed those feelings leading up to a race. They are the most irritating emotions he experiences in triathlon. Ironman is that much more exaggerated. Instead of being nervous the night before it's literally the WEEK before. My point is that when that alarm went off on Sunday morning, it was business time....Thank God!

Taconite Boy and Greyhound sitting for the last time on Iron Day. We arrived down at Verona Terrace around 5 am and waited for Trimama and Iron Steve to show. After saying our goodbye's Tac went back to his T1 bag because he forgot SOCKS for the bike ride. OOps. Before you knew it, it was 6:30 and we all were instructed to get on the helix and head down for the swim. Walking down, Tac looks to his left and there is Tri Shannon! We talked a little strategy said good luck and headed towards the water. Of course Tac forgot his wetsuit was still around his waist until he was about 100 feet from the water. The quick zipping of a fellow iron-athlete and a hefty pat on the back fixed all of that.

Entering the water. Surreal. No other word can descirbe this experience. I moved to the middle back of the swim pack (a mistake I would soon learn). Treading water I started to look around. The water temperature was perfect, the sun was rising to our left(east) like a burnt orange orb coming over the lake, in front of tac was 2400 swimmers treading water and getting ready to go. Tac looked to his right on Monona Terrace and easily could see 5000+ people watching from the shore line all the way to the top of the terrace. Suddenly Tac's heart was racing and the feeling of being a rock star started overwhelming him. Mike Riley was 'strongly' encouraging the remaining athletes to get in the water...

ACDC begins to boom over the lake...

Mike Riley "30 seconds....Are you ready to be called Ironmen today?"

2400 swimmers "Yeaaaahhhhhh!!!"

Heart racing.....Smile as big as Christmas morning

Booooom!

Ironman Wisconsin 2007 had begun and Tac was swimming...

Head not quite above water line yet...

2007-09-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

OMG (oh my g-willickers) Tac's not even close to catching up on Paradise related issues along with general household stuff, so race report is still pending. Here's a few pictures Iron Tac loves.

If you look close Trimama is giving Tac a kiss after stripping him...oh yeaah, it's business time!

Sopinator running along side Tac, second loop near Mt. Horeb

Iron Taconite Boy (which is sorta redundant, were going to need to figure that one out) and the awesome Tribe!

How long is this run?

2007-09-10T03:21:00.000-07:00

Two college age kids inquired of Tac around mile 18 on the run.

"26.2"

"This is a Marathon?"

"Yep, which followed a 112 mile bike and a 2.4 mile swim...This is Ironman"

priceless looks and stunned silence

...and Tac is one.

Tac out...and one heck of a race report to follow

The Calm

2007-09-08T18:04:00.001-07:00

The inescapable calm is here. Tac's excitment has a strange way of quickly becoming very tempered. He feels the urge for the cannon to go off, but am quietly waiting by rehearsing the race plan over and over again. Can hear the voices of all his good friends and family assuring him of his successful day, but he refuses to completely believe their assurances (which he DEEPLY appreciates) until he conquers the three disciplines. He wants to have fun tomorrow, but numbness is the main emotion right now.

This race tests the unknown. The unknown of severe emotional highs and lows. Tac's ready to test and he strongly desires to pass.

The names of all the families affected by suicide are with me for the entire day. I'll look to them from time to time and pray. Lord I pray that you will calm my fears and my doubts and help me focus that energy into prayer for those who have lost so much.

Psalm 140 Verse 6

I say to the Lord, “You are my God; give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my requests.”

Tac out...and calm

Ironman is everywhere...

2007-09-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tac is surrounded. Surrounded my Madison Iron fever. M-dots as far as the eye can see, the nervous chatter of athletes rehearsing their game plans and schwag temptations that if pursued would put your superhero in the Trimama penalty box.

Greyhound and Tac have settled nicely here in Madison. While sitting at breakfast this morning Tri-Shannon walked up to us. She's here alone so Greyhound and Tac got a new nervous pre-race chatter buddy. Yea.

We all headed down to registration this morning and picked up our bags and schwags. Tac was even greeted at the end of the registration table by our local Tri Club Captain, Coach Chris! We spent the afternoon retrieving bikes from tri-transport and drive touring the course with Simply Stu. Re-visiting the course was a good reminder that this bike course SUCKS DONKEY HOO HA. Wow a very technical and hilly ride is in store for Sunday. Tac's plan is to take it easy on those hills and plan for a longer bike then he would like.

Getting ready for a Gatorade swim in the morning, meeting up with a bunch more bloggers and then more nervous fretting for the rest of the day :)

Special thanks for all of your support regarding my Janus Charity Challenge...The goal has been met! Yea!

Finally this weeks, ehmm, months episode of "The Adventures of Taconite Boy"

Tac found his way down to Madison on Wednesday night. The tac-mobile was on the rack and his trusty other sidekick Greyhound was in the co-pilot seat. Just as we were arriving into the Dane County area, Tac noticed a strange light in the horizon.

"Holy Capitol dome's Taconite Boy, Someone has shut off the lighting on capital hill. What will happen to all those Ironman Finisher photo's!"

"Great point Hound dog, this could only be the work of...."

Bigun/Trimama? have fun

Tac Out

Thankful

2007-08-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

First off. Tac needs to address Bigun and Greyhound...Yes Tac is aware of his lack of posting...DID YOU READ THE LAST POST! :) Honestly, blogging has been way down on the list the last several weeks. Yet if your reading this, thanks for checking in and sending your words of encourgment, they really mean alot!

Tener Gusta La Espana-The Janus Charity Fund Raiser

What an awesome evening. We had the idea of a fundraiser, the creativity of our friends took over and we ended up with a lovely evening on Lake Minnetonka with Spanish wine flights, tapas and good friends.

Hypen Girl and Swinging Girl were part of our official servers.

Appreciation is in order. Thanks to all the organizers for putting this together starting with the always raging hot Trimama. Thank you Robbie, Sara, Abbey and Pam for all your cooking and decorating! Thank you to all our guests who contributed to my charity SAVE (Suicide Awareness and Voices of Education).

Through the contributions of our guests we raised over $1000.00 dollars towards my goal! One of the special parts of the evening was when the parents of Jon whom Tac dedicated this race to, won the jewlery door prize. You have to love God's providence!

Tac is thankful.

Thankful for the gift of health that allows me to take on the IMMoo event. What an honor to participate in such an epic event.

Thankful for the gift of a beautiful woman (inside and out) who supports me in my goals both spirtually, vocationally and Iron related.

Thankful for friends who love others enough to give generously so others can experience healing in the midst of great sorrow.

Thankful for the opportunity to carry the names of these families 140.6 miles, remembering there loss and praying for them along the journey towards the capitol finish line. Tac has many names he's carrying on a post card September 9th, if you have seen the effects of Suicide in your life, or the lives of others PLEASE email those names so that I can race in honor of them. I'll be praying for you and your effected family members or friends.

Thankful for the bloggers who have encouraged me to dream big and have a big heart! Thanks guys, you know who you are!

Janus Charity Challenge-SAVE

Tac's goal is to reach $3500.00. He's at $2300.00 currently, anything you can do to help would be great! Just click on the link to the right to go to my Janus Chartiy page.

Up next...my final thoughts before heading to Wisconsin

OMG Greyhound is sleeping at our house on Tuesday night. So much Iron intensity under one roof, look out neighbors!

Tac out

Tacs Hormonal

2007-08-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

What's happening to Tac? He's been so emotional the last several days, it's shocked even him. Feelings are ranging from pre IMWI complete breakdown/freakout to total pragmatic acceptance to slight despair that all the training will end and some hard realities are soon to begin. Training for Ironman is tough. As Trimama loves to say, "If anyone could do it, everyone would be one". True and training for Ironman Wisconsin is not easy either, I've ridden the course. Adding to that the weight of my fairly slow business, along with the extremely uncomfortable new job opportunities that have arisen make the tac boy a wee tired and slightly hormonal.

Much has been happening on the job front as Tac's friend has helped him get a look from some executives over at Target. You know, that tiny little bulls eye logo company based here in Minnesota. JBones has been extremely kind in helping craft Tac's first ever resume. The opportunity is great, so the committment to get this done is even greater. Yet trying to place Paradise Painting and all that was put into this business in a corporate speak resume has been both frightening, because Tac's unsure if he can really make it in the white collar world, and hard because it requires much thought and pondering.

Though very thankful for this new direction in life, the timing is kinda tough. Mostly being that Tac works out more then he potty's right now. Tac does get encouragement though, the other day Sopinator just randomly blurted out, "Extra Credit!". Mama was wondering what she meant and inquired.

"Dad gets extra credit because he doing Ironman and making money for us"

Thanks Soap.

The good news is that the taper is not far away and finshing the resume will no be far behind.

More later about my Janus Fund Raiser/Spanish Wine Experience...ooo sounds kinda sexy. By the way if you would like to know who I'm sponsering this year at IMmoo just click on my link on the side bar under Janus Charity Challenge!

Tac out

What gets you going.

2007-08-09T03:54:00.000-07:00

Music is a key part of Taconite Boy's workouts. Thankfully the White Stripes have a new album, but Tac is feeling the need for some new good rockin music. The resident superhero does tilt towards the alternative rock stuff, but at this point in the Iron training is open to any suggestions to just keep him going.

Here is one song that just gets tac movin...

Switchfoot-Stars

Tac out...and lookin for good music

Business Time

2007-08-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

To quote 'flight of the conchords'...It's Business time! Training going well, still feeling the effects of not have a good bubble butt, but hey it's too late now because its business time.

Greyhound and Tac have been slightly fretting the swim, it has something to do with 2.4 miles with 2400 of your best friends fear thingy.

Hound dog, here's some pics to get ready with from 2005....

I even have a picture of 'Mr. I never post' Chivalry Chris getting on the bike....

One thing Tac notices about these pictures is the amount, or lack of space between swimmers. It's actually not too bad...I hope...

Tac's good friend JBones loves the 'Flight of the Conchords'. Tac's not saying this is the current state of relations with Mama, but their are some unfortunate similarities....

Tac out

House cleaning.....

2007-07-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

IMMoo training is in full swing and posting is not, so I have a few items to attend to...

Congratulations goes out to T-Storm and Bob for their stellar finishes at IMUSA. Way to go guys. The whole tribe and I screamed when you crossed the finish line! Especially proud of T-Storm who had suffered this year with lots of injuries and illness and still finished Iron Strong!

Way to go Tri-Dummy for being an honrable grandson and great example to your family for honoring your grandmothers last wish.

Way to go Iron Jenny for defending and debating your faith, then being humble enough to apologize and reconcile with your opponent.

Shout out to Kahuna for his authentic piece in the LA times, albeit very short on honorable examples of people of faith, it was an honest view into his soul. Mustard seed...apparently that's all thats needed. Mark 9:24-25

Way to go

Shout out to Trimama....For just being so Smoking Hot.

Such a cute bootay dear..Speaking of backsides, Tac needs a bubble butt.

Tac does, he needs a big old bubble butt. Training has been kicking my bootay for the last several weeks and the hither regions are starting to get quite sore. No IT Band issues (which is awesome) but Tac's hips and gluts are quite sore. I feel that God left me more a gluteus mininimus in my genetic pool as opposed to maximus. This thought occured to me when I was looking at photo's of Lifetime Fitness Tri last year. What I noticed the most about the pro's was that the women and men (although Tac seemed to be stuck and the females) had really big round booties. I think that is a key physical feature to being a good triathlete. Nothing scientific here, just hunch, or hump...oh boy.

Either way Tac is going to maximize his derierre in the off season to help reduce the stress he puts on his hip flexors and IT bands. I'm going to get me a big old bubble butt!

Tac out...and 45 days from Iron.

More Pics from Colorado...

2007-07-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tri-Dummy, Sascha and Trimama talking over carbo dinner before Triple By-Pass

Kahuna and Mama bringing Tac his refreshments

Chopper leading the troops up the mountain

Climbing at Copper Mountain

Hangin with (L to R) Soapinator, Superpounce, Hypen-Girl and Swinging Girl

The Tribe minus Hypen (Mama knows the Iron Swag makes Tac all bothered)

Colorado was good. Very good. Quite mornings at Starbucks with Mama, afternoon climbs up the sides of mountains and lots of time just hangin around with the kids. Not to mention Blogger reunion 2007 part 2. Seeing so many bloggers at WIBA, then flying out west to meet up with so many more was quite the rockin time. One night out we were all discussing the uncofortable conversations we have had with friends who find meeting up with people "we met on the internet" a very odd past time. We concluded...who freakin cares, we all love these new friendships!

Up next...Bubble Butt Discussion time.

Reversion...There is hope

2007-07-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Several years ago Tac graduated college with a BS in Psychology. With the wisdom that he gained from this education, Tac is going to diagnose his metro sexual friend from the OC with psychological reversion issues. This diagnosis is not done easily, but after witnessing an episode in Colorado, he feels it's the only loving thing to do. Reversion is the state where adults look inward to their perceived inner child, sometimes acting out this mental process. The presentation of symptoms sometimes occurs when said individual is in proximity with other males of higher studliness, as was the case when he hung out with Taconite Boy, and suddenly feel a sense of inadequacy and dependence.

Taconite Boy had to ask the tribe to scurry inside when these pictures were taken. He was hoping to help them avoid any long term scars. Look at your own reverting risk...

You'll notice in this presentation of symptoms that he's wrapped the ducky around his torso in order to mimic the mother like nurturing that he needs during this stressful time.

Here the presenting disorder is even more intense as Iron Wil's sidekick is looking for even more affection, much like a young boy needing his mommy.

Intervention was truly required. Taconite boy decided what OC boy needed was to feel more like a man, and what says MAN then putting on a good old cowboy hat...

Do you see in this picture how Tac's affirming thumbs up gives his friend a sense of pride. Look at his face, it glows with the realization that his shortcomings are not his undoing. Even Greyhound senses the good vibes that Tac gives off.

Helping metro-sexual's realize that falling short of being a superhero does not mean they are of less value to the tri-community around them. All it means is that their not a superhero.

Tac out...and keep his friend in your thoughts...

WIBA conclusion

2007-07-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday Continued...

After the tough afternoon in the heat we headed back for showers and then out for dinner at a great brew pub in downtown Madison. The best part of that dinner was the agreement with the ride group(Walchka, Luke, Tac and TTK) that we were surprised by the bike course, but knew how to train for the next 8 weeks. The good beer, food and laughs didn't hurt either.

Luke, TTK and Ryan listening to Coach Mike.

Sunday Morning..

Tac on his way out of Madison

Stopping for a pic at the lake

Taking a final look at Monona before September 9th.

The run was set 1.5 hours earlier to 7:30 because of the heat. Overall good run, with great company. I swear Robby B was our personal tour guide. He was explaining countless land marks and describing Ironman details throughout the first loop of the course. Thanks Rob! Tac will be rehearsing those notables to distract from the pain on Sept 9th!

Headed out to Endurance House after the run for some bike maintenance and final good bye's. The weekend was very busy, but very helpful in the training. Big Thanks go out to Iron Wil for putting all the organizing pieces together, Simply Stu and Robby B for their wonderful Madison hosting and the sponsors at BMC, Hammer and Cycle Ops.

Time to train on some hills, who's with me?

Tac Out

Friends...It's a good thing

2007-07-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how the experience of Ironman has created so many new relationships in this superhero's life. What a blessing. Leaving WIBA this weekend left Tac with the realization that he's not only looking forward to getting this race on, but also to seeing so many good friends complete one of the great physical feats of their lives.

Kinda like when Tri Sara Tops did this..

Just blew the digital dust off some old files in IPhoto and found this little movie! That's what makes this community so unique. Experiencing such awesome achievements with many people we've never met before. Hi Sara Tops, I'm Trimama and your an Ironman! That's cool.

The weekend that was Wisconsin Ironman Brick Adventure 2007.

Friday

Tac and his trusty Sidekick Tri Turbo Kraut arrived late Friday afternoon into Madison. Yep..sure enough, as soon as I saw Lake Monona the nerves kicked in. Chatted a bit with Wil at the Cycle Ops clinic and met up with an old Iron Volunteer friend Walchka, met a new friend in Ryan and then headed over to the Sheraton to settle in.

TTK decided to lay low while your resident caped wonder headed of to Monona to get smoked in a late afternoon swim with Simply Stu. Dang he's fast, or he's got some sort of Hd TV tucked in that 2XU suit somewhere. Nice swim, but could have used nose plugs due to the 10 million pounds of chum that seemed to be deposited right in front of Monona Terrace :( ewww. Regardless when your with Stu your feelin the love.

Finished the night at a fine Italian establishment, that was overwhelmed by the numbers we had. They were planning on 20 and ended up with about 60. Met up with Walchka again, also got to meet Luke from the Twin Cities and caught up with Rural girl, Bolder and met Coach Ricci. Good old Tri love was had by all.

As usual TTK is in the lower right corner taking a call from chief...discussing our next mission...sadly, even a superhero sidekick's life does not allow for too much personal time...

Saturday

Tac slept poorly, followed by that sinking feeling that today was going to be tough. It's hard to explain, fear or maybe stress from the week, or just the idea of going this distance was really playing head games. Lots of tossing and turning. We headed over to the swim start at 6:30 where TTK jumped in and tac held off, figuring the ride/run off would be enough for me today...it was.

Clipped in by the north Helix of Monona Terrace at 9:00. The temperature was already climbing into the mid 80's. God bless Stu, but he did say in his course preview video that the road out to Verona was fairly flat...Stu is a liar. Tac of course means that in a loving, friend sorta way, but he is lying. The course IS NEVER FLAT. ANYHOW, we took the ROLLING hills out to Verona and began the first loop. I new we were in for a treat when the first right turn onto the double 40 mile loop went straight up. Then Down. Then Up. Then Down. Then rolling. Then Up. Then dow.....you get the point. Wisconsin is a rolling course, which never allows you to get into a good clean rhythm. Your constantly changing gears and shifting in order to get ready for the next set of undulating road.

The lack of rhythm is the one big key that Tac takes from this weekend's ride. That will be constantly in the back of his mind. Training on these types of courses will be the goal from here on out.

There was talk (quite foolishly) that we would go the full 112 even though no plan's at the table called for that kind of ride. Yet when TTK's on board temp gauge read 104 from road surface heat, we decided that this was sucking and we needed to head back. Finished the course with one loop and came in around 74 miles. Ran off for about 40 minutes around Monona and looked a little like this by the end....

The TacPlane is taking off in about 25 minutes for denver and the tribe, so more later...having good camaraderie was important after that ride.

So they have hills there in Wisconsin

2007-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Quick post to say that WIBA was a grand time with old and new friends. Great hosts. REALLY hot weather and a bike course that was more challenging then even Tac's superhero senses imagined.

More later...

HD Destruction-Part 4

2007-07-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Chief's door flies open with a "bang" and in run Taconite Boy and his trusty workout partner Tri-Turbo Kraut (their HR's well below LT)...

Chief: It's about time you got here - what took so long, eh?

Taconite Boy: It's Tri-Piddler, Chief, and he's escaped - he knows my weakness - he hit me with HD.

Chief: "HD"? HD? That's it? Snap out of it, TB, we've got work to do! (eh)

Looking over the Chief's shoulder, TB spies a 50" flatscreen plasma sporting crystal clear high definition ESPN (the TDF, no less)...TB goes into a trance.

Chief: TB...TB!

Tri-turbo Kraut - there he goes again, it's the HD, that damn Piddler!

Chief: Well do something, missy!

TTK pulls a 16oz water bottle from his utility belt (full of a special accelerade/gatoraide/cytomax mix) and throws it full force at the TV, smashing the screen into little HD bits...Taconite Boy instantly snaps out of it.

Chief: What the HE-double-hockey-sticks...TB, who's going to pay for this; that TV was $4,000 Canadian!?!?!

TB: C'mon Chief, you got every toy made, two bikes, both top of the line carbon, high end coffee maker, the grill of grills (angel choir singing in the background), house smak dab in the middle of triathlon-central - you can afford a new TV and you know it. Now where's the crybaby bonk artist?

(posted by Bigun)

Holy unmixed gatorade Tac Boy (part 3)

2007-07-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

The chief still thinks I'm a woman! exclaimed Trithunder kraut. So much for the male enhancement regimen. As he deftly throws the bottle over his shoulder.

Great balls o hot flashes ThunderKraut, those aren't male enhancement pills, those are Trimama's cellulite busters. In a pre-post-peri menopausal narcoleptic haze Trimama succumbed to late night QVC disease.

Holy busted gu packs Tac Boy, is it contagious? wiping his hands violently against his spandexed thighs.

Deadly. Must.... avoid.....HDTV..... Tac Boy exerts his superpowers to telepath the remote to his hands, with deep inner angst and conflict. There was work to do, and athletes to save, but the Tac meister had been spinning and grinding all week, and the mere suggestion of plasma nirvana was kryptonite to his mortal soul.

Holy mother of analog Tac Boy, we don't have time for televsion right now... damn that's a sweet resolution.

Unbeknownst to Tac Boy and Thunder Kraut, their arch nemesis Tri-Piddler has escaped the asylum and had taken up secret residence in the Tac-o-lair. Knowing the achilles like grip of rest upon all training athletes lives, The Piddler would use their own folly against the super duo. He had stealthily replaced the Tac Lair's antiquated set with a HD 1080p super system with digital surround......The Piddler had them now......

(posted by Trimama)

Part 2

2007-07-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

...and then a brilliant light beamed across the moonless sky.

TB - look Tri-Turbo Kraut, it's the TacoBeacon!

TTK - I see it, ya big lug - what about the recently escaped convict Tr...

TB - not now, my little blonde Krautie-poo, we have a more urgent mission! To the Tacocave!

TTK - What cave, Gu-for-brains?

TB - The basement, oh Master-Race'd One, and hushnay on the no cave-ay, capishe?

Our heros run at IM pace+ to the basement to get on the Tacommunicator to the Chief...

TB - Chief! How can we be of service?

Chief - First, TB, keep in mind that you don't choose the race, the race chooses you - we have an imminent bonk with possible tears in Boulder, get in your Trimobile and high-tail it right over here ASAP, eh?

TB - Wilco, Chief, Turbo-Hunn and I will be right there!...Honey, fire up the mini-v...I mean, Tri-mobile!

Tri-Turbo Kraut - But what about Tr..

Chief: What's she talking about?

TB - I don't know, chief...ever since the wall came down, she hasn't been herself.

Chief: Just get up here, fast - eh!

(posted by Bigun)

The Adventures of Taconite Boy-Weekend Edition

2007-06-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Taconite boy spent most of his afternoon pouring through his emails. Most of these citizen contacts were emploring his help in upcoming tri events. Typical, run of the mill, tri-superhero kind of requests...

Susie Tri babe writes.."Would you be willing o' superstud to visit our tri and use your super heated laser vision to dry the bike course because of predicted rain."

LT Larry wrote..."Tac wonder, could you come out to our course this weekend. Because of such rough bike course conditions, we need your spidy like carbon spewing wrists to repair frame/forks on the fly."

Tac Boy realized there were just too many requests for next weekend to fulfill all of his duties. He was going to need help. Batman could count on Robin, Tacboy knows he can count on...

Ring Ring Ring

"Tac Boy!"

"Tri-Turbo Kraut! Too many requests this weekend my loyal sidekick, I'm going to double team all these requests"

"But Tac, Havent you heard who escaped lock up?"

"Not a word, who?!"

"None other then....."

Bigun it's all yours

and so it begins....

2007-06-23T03:02:00.000-07:00

First week of the twelve week 1/2 iron bridge to Ironman plan has begun. One week down, eleven weeks to Ironman Wisconsin! Tac's feeling good overall with exception of a few common sore spots. Getting up this morning to swim with the sidekick Tri Thunder Kraut and see if we can wake up all the fishy's and snapping turtles. Followed by a nice leisurely four hour ride.

Father's day was awesome. My kids never pose nicely for photo's when Dad has the camera. Tac either gets silly faces or lots of complaining, but not so on Father's day. They actually gave the gift of there glowing smiles...

Like this,

This,

and This,

Yes. Tac is very blessed indeed.

Nutrition Answers

2007-06-16T07:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone who gave feedback about Tac's nutrition question. A few observations.

1. According to Bolder, McDonald's should be the main source of fat/protein on long training/races. Which means the two double cheeseburgers at my midway point on the IMMOO course! Sweet!

2. Commodore has a grand theory regarding a Valentines day/Hallmark card conspiracy, so the fact that protein laced fuels are a Hammer/Accelarade conspiracy theory is quite consistent. Hey Comm, watch out for those black helicopters!

3. Speaking of secret theories, Tri-Dummy has a 'top secret' pooping method...who knew?

4. Trimama's smorgasbord approach makes Tac sick just thinking about it.

What can be concluded is that protein and fat is apparently not necessary on endurance training. This article details the results of new research as of 2006. Although it should be noted, Comm you'll love this, the whole study was funded by Gatorade. Shoot, maybe he's right. The plan is to continue with Carbo-Pro and try different bars during the run, just to keep things interesting for the taste buds.

Trimama and Tac went to a silent auction last night. The event was the Leukemia and Lymphoma societies awards night for power fund raisers. Our friend Tri-Stud has been nominated for Man of the Year for his philanthropic achievements. Mama and Tac ended up winning the auction for a bunch of Chipotle scwag....How can you go wrong there? We hung with Iron Girl Nyhus and her mom. The night ended at Iron Jenny's, who also held a fund raiser at her home.

The rest of this weekend holds for Taconite boy a lot of Saturday afternoon cleaning and making the tribe into a personal wait staff.

"Hyphen girl! the coffee mug needs filling."

"Chopper! Where's my paper"

Ohh.. Tac takes sick pleasure on Fathers day...hehehe

Tac out

Nutrition Question?

2007-06-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have worked hard the last 5 months to figure out a good nutrition plan for my race. For carb needs I find this product awesome. It was recommended to me by the folks at GearWest as the product they use the most. I use salt tablets for electrolyte needs and substitute Hammer Gel when I want some variety.

Yet I have a questions for my bloggy friends. I need to figure out something to add on workouts that extend beyond 3-4 hours that gives me the proper fat/protein that I need for endurance work outs. I'd rather not switch to Perpetuem or that type of drink, but some sort of energy bar to supplement my Carbo-Pro.

Open to any suggestions!

Tac out (and lookin for protein)

Did I mention I like biking

2007-06-13T05:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks guys over at skinnyski.com who took this photo of me on the course Saturday.

Tac out

Liberty Triathlon

2007-06-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Is dinner on yet?"

Tac Boy inquires of the Trimama when he got home Friday evening.

"No, I just got home myself"

"Ohhh, Honey Tac needs to eat NOW." (Yes, Trimama does hear Tac speak to her in third person)

"Why?"

"Strategic unloading dear, Tac's not a real happy hero when he's gotta lighten the load on the course"

Anyone else out there have strategic poop syndrome? The disorder which causes TB to stress from early morning the day before the race about how to time the bowl movements.

Liberty Triathlon-Long Course

Tac woke up early with Mama, loaded the bikes up and headed out west of the metro to Lake Independance for his second, and hopefully more enjoyable, 1/2 Ironman. Liberty is a wonderfully small race, although many of the participants are serious age groupers. The morning was beautiful with bright sunny skies and calm waters. We met up with Tri Thunder Kraut and headed to transition. Here's the overall summary of my race...

Swim- 34 minutes in relatively calm waters. Jumped right in the thick of the group just to practice for the IMMOO swim. That time was good for Tac, a very encouraging swim.

Bike- 2:59 on a very windy and hilly course (no where near Wildflower though). Average speed of 18.7, TAC VERY HAPPY WITH THIS.

Run- 2:19, 10:39 min/mile. O.K. Not as excited about that time, mostly due to a lack of good run training because of the IT Band. NO IT BAND PROBLEMS! Less blood spurting out of the knee caps is always encouraging.

Overall finish time of 6:01. That's a PR over Wildflower by ONE HOUR.

Trimama finished her olympic in good form. We saw each other several times on the bike and once on the run. TTK also finished with a huge smile on his face. Congrats friend on your first 1/2 IRONMAN!

One week off and then begins the 12 week bridge to Ironman plan...Let's get it on!

Tac out