We’re back at Runner’s High and Mark has assembled a dream team of triathlon coaches for this show! Jen, Meredith, and Mary, all local coaches, join us for a healthy conversation about all things triathlon. We ask questions about swimming, biking, running, nutrition, compu-trainers, ironman, newbies, and veterans alike. Plus, is it really ok to, um, you know...the night before a race?

Contact:

Mary Bradbury, the swim expert: marybradbury.com

Jen Harrison, the Ironman veteran: jenharrison.com

Meredith Beers, the nutrition expert: mbeerstricoach@yahoo.com

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From left: Mark Rouse, Jen Harrison, Mary Bradbury, Meredith Beers

Tags: racing, training, coaching, runners high, nutrition, ironman, swimming, running, biking, cycling

With perhaps our one and only race report of the 2010 season, we podcast from the 2010 Twin Lakes Triathlon in Palatine Illinois. Today was just a stepping stone for Eric but at the same time the start and end to Jeff's season. There's plenty of excuses to be had, then we ponder the value of our triathlete maturity, and, have we finally come to terms with simply "participating?"

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The Roo in T1

Tags: race report, twin lakes triathlon, season, participating, racing, excuses

We may have been down but we're not out, we're back with an all new episode full of TAG staples like: excuses for lackluster performance, missed opportunities, failed attempts at goals, and much much more. We explain the mysteries behind the hiatus and then get all deep with what really motivates us. After all you must ask yourself after so many years, why do we really do what we do?

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Ahhh, back in T1

Tags: training, training camp, blueberry pie, mt. lemon, arizona, excuses, motivation, maturity, experience, life, work, balance

Dean Hewson is back as our fearless leader for Age Grouper training camp 2010. Eric and Dean are taking off to Arizona for a week long training camp and tell us about their plans and blueberry pie. Plus the infamous lightning round and extended Ironman distance training advice.

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Tags: training, arizona, coaching, nutrition, blueberry pie, olympics, hockey, base training, ironman

At long last the corporate sanctions have been lifted and we have been allowed to release this show! Dr. V, a real bionafied- certified sports medicine doctor, joins us to provide some actual medically sound advice. She has been the physician helping me with my knee pain and now is here to help all of you. But first...we check in with Mark from Runner's High 'N Tri for some winter hydration advice.

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Dr V. and Jeff recording at Age Grouper Studios North. *Note the pizza and pop in the foreground.

Tags: injuries, sports medicine, doctors, knee pain, hydration, nutrition, 10% rule, off-season, early season

And we're back with our first re-run ever. We've been getting so many requests for this episode, originally aired February 2008, we just had to re-run it. We take you step by step through the process of planning your entire training year. From Macro to Mezzo to Micro cycles we cover it all. Download The Age Grouper Yearly Training Overview Excel worksheet here and start planning 2010.

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Ahh the good ole days. Jeff and Eric at Age Grouper Studios North circa 2008

Tags: yearly planning, race schedule, planning, training, macro, mezzo, micro, step cycles, joe friel

For some reason we feel the need to review events from 2009 yet again and then we play television critics concerning NBC's lackluster coverage of the 2009 Ironman World Championships in Kona. After that we lay down our plans, or lack-thereof, for 2010.

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The sun rises on a brand new year

Tags: ironman, ironman hawaii, craig alexander, chrissie wellington, matt hoover, the biggest loser, 2009 race season, 2010, periodization, planning, future, excel spreadsheet

It's time to put away our 2009 training logs and crack open a new one for 2010. We reflect on all that has happened over the past year. Also Jeff reveals the prognosis for a nagging injury he has had for several months. And we revisit our thoughts on what we have learned from triathlon. Do you ever quit?

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It’s been quite a year!

Tags: year in review, race report, training, craig alexander, twin lakes ttriathlon, batavia triathlon, spirit of racine triathlon, motivation, lance armstrong, injuries

Do you have the M-Dot ink? Do we? We reveal the mystery about our experience with the M-Dot tattoo. And we review 2 nutritional products: Hornet Juice and Infinit Nutrition. Then we get deep and discuss how our love for triathlon has changed our lives. How has it changed yours? We want to hear from you!

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You gotta love this sport! (Colleen, Eric, Jeff, and Christine @ IMOO 2006)

Tags: m-dot, tattoo, fcc, infinit nutrition, hornet juice, life, love, confidence, success, pride, family

And we're back at our favorite local tri shop - Runner's High 'N Tri. We sit down with Trudy Wakeman, race director of the Chicago Triathlon, and get a sense of what it's like managing a race of 9000 triathletes. Then we go shopping for some great winter gear and then Mark regales us with anecdotes from his trip to the IM World Championship in Kona. You won't believe where he ended up on race day, but it has to do with a Ford Edge with a clock on the roof and a little boy named Austin Alexander (yes, THAT Austin Alexander!) Sign up for the Runner's High Ride 'N Tie at www.signmeup.com

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Craig Alexander on his way to victory as he points to Mark and the gang from Runner’s High. But who’s that baby he’s holding in his arms???

Tags: ironman hawaii, craig alexander, austin alexander, ford edge, lead car, chicago triathlon, race report, runners high, ride n tie, winter gear, off-season

It's all Ironman all the time on The Age Grouper. We break down the incredible 2009 Ironman World Championships athlete by athlete. Craig Alexander, Chris MacCormak, Chris Leito, and Chrissie Wellington's strategies are all scrutinized and alalized. Plus, Eric reports on his 2009 Ironman Wisconsin finish and we get closure about The Biggest Loser's run at Kona. All this plus, do you ink?

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Crowie crossing the line to his 2nd Ironman World Championship


Chrissie taking her third straight Ironman World Championship

Tags: craig alexander, chrissie wellington, chris mccormak, chris leito, ironman hawaii, ironman wisconsin, the biggest loser, tattoo, m-dot, course record, race report

Hey all you newbies out there, this is a show just for you! We rundown a list of all to common mistakes and gaffes that newbies make and tell you how to look like a seasoned veteran. Plus, we report on our Chicago Triathlon results. Just fake it 'till ya make it!

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*Please note that this guy is NOT Jeff or Eric. He’s just some poor schmuck that we found on the internet

Tags: race report, newbies, beginners, first race, ironman wisconsin, chicago triathlon, personal record, chain ring tattoo

Join us as we podcast live from the 2009 Chicago Triathlon Expo! We analyze existence as a booth jockey, make fun of the newbies, and introduce a new segment "tri-walking." We take to the expo floor to test everyday age-grouper's knowledge of our sport. Performance predictions and the excuse train make an appearance as well.

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Podcasting live!


The Newtons were flying off the racks!

Tags: chicago, chicago triathlon, expo, multisport expo, newtons, runners high, olympic triathlon, performance prediction, excuses, course talk

Recorded live at Runner's High 'N Tri, Craig Alexander, 2008 Ironman World Champion talks about and answers questions about his life and career in triathlon. Hosted by NBC Sport's Mike Adamle, and in front of a sold-out audience of over 300, Crowie talks about all aspects of his triathlon career, family life, and goals for the future. His take: there are no secrets, just hard work.

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Crowie and Mike Adamle take the stage


Craig’s advice, just work hard.

Tags: craig alexander, runners high, ironman, ironman hawaii, mike adamle, nbc sports, chris mccormak, nutrition, newtons, orbea, orca, swimming, biking, running, australia

You've heard people say that time and again when it comes to training and nutrition advice. But what the heck does that mean? Instead of just leaving you out to dry we explain how to actually figure out what works best for you. Plus, great open water swimming tips from Mark at Runner's High.
Podcast

Tags: training, nutrition, craig alexander, advice, muddy buddy, race report, swim drills

Craig Alexander, 2008 Ironman world champion, sits down with us at Runner’s High ‘N Tri for an incredible interview. We talk about Kona, Vineman, and his dramatic victory over Chris Leito at the Boise 70.3. “Coach Craig” also provides tons of valuable advice for all of us regular age-groupers, from beginners to Kona qualifiers. Also, do we dare ask Craig “Would you rather...?”
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2008 Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander



Craig and Mark Rouse at Runner’s High ‘N Tri



The Age Grouper mobile studios

Tags: craig alexander, ironman, kona, nutrition, training, racing

Get serious about your A Race now! We start out with a few race reports and then outline tactics for nailing your A Race for the year. Craig Alexander is coming to Runner's High tomorrow! If you can hear this we have successfully changed the feed URL. We're always available on Facebook, Twitter, or email us at jumpy@theagegrouper.com. Fueled by Runner's High 'N Tri at www.runnershigh-n-tri.com.
Podcast

Tags: race report, craig alexander, training, swimming, biking, running

Craig Alexander is coming to Runner's High on July 20th, get your tickets now! Also we finally reveal the ZumTri.com contest winners and the secret location of our clandestine meetings. We're always available on Facebook, Twitter, or email us at jumpy@theagegrouper.com. Fueled by Runner's High 'N Tri at www.runnershigh-n-tri.com.
Podcast

Tags: craig alexander, ironman, zumtri.com, sram

Old enough to remember the good old days when the leather helmet and toe clips were all the rage? We're joined again by Mark Rouse of Runner's High 'N Tri who regales us with stories from the vintage days of triathlon. He was actually there, competing in Hawaii in 1982 with Julie Moss!
Podcast

Tags: runners high, running, ironman, history

These show titles are getting way to long. It's the third annual installment of the Sock-Sock-Shoe-Shoe trilogy. We provide an always entertaining race report from one of our favorite local events: The Tower Triathlon.
Podcast

Tags: race report, transitions, sprint triathlon

It's the moment you've all been waiting for. Find out who took the crown at the 5K Showdown. But before that we journey deep in the city for a secret rendezvous and argue the Ironman Hawaii participant selection process.
Podcast

Tags: race report, 5k, running, personal record, personal best, the biggest loser, ironman hawaii

Mrs. SaltE joins us for this PG-13 episode of The Age Grouper. We review a cool new tri-site that brings your race results to life, check out zumtri.com. Then we look into ourselves as athletes and ask weather a personal record can ever be a personal best.
Podcast

Tags: personal best, personal record, zumtri.com

The 2009 season is officially underway and you better bring a sub 3 hour marathon if you want to beat Crissie Wellington. Also we cover a few topics from out Twitter followers and blow the lid off a secret project Eric has been working on for weeks now.
Podcast

Tags: spring, 2009 race season, chrissie wellington, gatoraid, training, twitter

It's an episode full of big news. We announce our 2009 race schedules along with several other Age Grouper items of interest. And we break the news about our new partnership with Runner's High 'N Tri. It's The Age Grouper Triathlon and Multisport Podcast fueled by Runner's High 'N Tri.
Podcast

Tags: race schedule, spring, sprint triathlon, olympic triathlon, training, runners high, news, sponsorship

It's been over a year since we got our first pair of Newtons from Runner's High 'N Tri in Arlington Heights, IL. We go back to our favorite Local Tri Shop to get fit in a new pair of Newtons. LTS owner Mark Rouse gives us a virtual wetsuit buyers guide and details the new skin suits everyone was wearing in Kona.
Podcast

Tags: runners high, newtons, wetsuits, swimming, skin suit, kona, hawaii

We are joined by special guest Dean Hewson a triathlon coah, accomplished age-grouper, and Ironman winner! He give us tons of valuable insight into how actually train and race for real. Real advice for an actual expert, not just us bantering. Plus, we lay the smackdown on the push-run!
Podcast

Tags: dean hewson, push run, pushups, running, training, season, ironman

If you know us at all you know that we love gear! In this episode we list all of our favorite gear with one rule: it can't be a swimsuit, goggles, a bike, or shoes. It's all the other stuff that makes Tri-gear so much fun. We also check in with "Team Unthinkables" member Jeff Wright about his fundraising efforts with the Scott Rigsby Foundation. Contact Jeff at: teamunthinkable@comcast.net or check out scottrigsbyfoundation.org

Podcast

Our favorite Tri-Gear:

Swim: Pull Buoy, Flip Flops, Master's Swim Class

Bike: Clipless Pedals, Professional Bike Fitting, Cranf Bros. Power Pump, Camelbak Podium Water Bottle, Car Roof Rack

Run: Body Glide, Gore Bike Wear Gortex Jacket, Fuel Belt, Speed laces, Race Belt, A Transition Bag

Tags: gear, swimming, biking, running, pull bouy, master's swim, flip-flops, clipless pedals, camelbak, body glide, gore, fuel belt

We're back with a huge episode! We wrap up the MIST indoor triathlon series and get some quality training tips from a toddler. Then we break down The Age Grouper Top Ten Tips for Training and Racing. All this and some bad karaoke.

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Eric's Top Ten:
10. Easy days go easy, hard days go hard.
9. Train with someone faster than you.
8. Work on your weakness.
7. Know the course.
6. Noting new on race day.
5. Log it.
4. For motivation: look up old race results and photos.
3. Listen to The Age Grouper/triathlon podcasts.
2. Mix it up.
1. Have fun.

Jeff's Top Ten
10. Keep a training log
9. Always stand on the non-drive side of your bike.
8. Go harder than you think you can go.
7. Read The Triathlete's Training Bible.
6. Practice even the smallest details.
5. After your first time, train at or over distance.
4. Do core work.
3. Simulate race conditions in training.
2. Buy good gear from good places.
1. Nothing new on race day.

Eric's never do list:
3. Never have swim rage.
2. Never try to fix your own bike.
1. Never wear silk boxers to run a half-marathon.

Jeff's never do list:
3. Don't drink any alcohol the night before a race.
2. Never leave your flat repair kit at home.
1. Don't draft. Be honest with yourself and don't draft.

Tags: MIST, indoor triathlon, race report, kids, training, tips, top ten, karaoke

Season 3 of The Age Grouper starts today with an all new action packed episode! It's January and that means off-season cross training and planning 2009. You may have the perfect excuse to lay on the couch until April but after listening to our off-season recommendations you'll be back riding that bus in no time; no that there's anything wrong with that...
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Tags: off-season, cross training, spring, training, planning

It's the second installment of the 2008 Midwest Indoor Triathlon Series with the Schaumburg Indoor Triathlon. The entire field raises the bar significantly by adding miles to the overall distances covered. We've learned a thing or two since the first race but how will it all pay off on the podium?
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Tags: MIST, race report, indoor triathlon, schaumburg triathlon

As promised here is part 2 of our interview and presentation with Olympic Gold Medal winning cyclist Kristin Armstrong. We bring you her presentation from The Runner's High in its entirety. The insight and advice she provides, that every age-grouper can use, is just incredible! Visit kristinarmstrongusa.com

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Kristin speaking at Runner’s High

Tags: kristin armstrong, runners high, olympic athlete

And we're back with the first installment of our series of olympic athletes speaking at The Runner's High. Kristin Armstrong won the Gold Medal in the women's time trial at the 2008 Beijing games. In part one of this 2 part show I sit down with Kristin one-on-one to find out about her roots as a triathlete and what makes an Olympian tick. Visit kristinarmstrongusa.com

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Me and Kristin at Runner’s High


The Gold Medal

Tags: kristin armstrong, runners high, olympic athlete

We kick off the 2008 Midwest Indoor Triathlon Series with full coverage of the Bartlett Lifecenter Indoor Triathlon. There are plenty of excuses to go around before, during, and after the event. Plus, we discuss the 2008 Ironman World Championship from Kona Hawaii. Was Macca justified in pulling out?

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The 2008 Bartlett Lifecenter Indoor Triathlon

Tags: MIST, indoor triathlon, race report, bartlett, macca, ironman hawaii

This episode runs the gamut of topics. We wrap up the past few races of ours including The 5K On The Runway and The Chicago Marathon. Then we spin off onto a mail-bag episode and answer many swim-related questions we've received in the past few weeks.Keep those emails coming.

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Tags: 5k, o'Hare airport, chicago marathon, race report, training, mail bag, swimming, swim drills

Eric and Jeff take off at a one-time-only 5K on a brand new runway built at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. From the registration fiasco to the departure delays, this race was in every way just like a regular commercial flight. Jeff tries for a 5K PR and Eric just tries to finish, who will win!

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Tags: 5k, o'Hare airport, race report, running, personal best, personal record

This is the first in a series of 2 olympic athletes speaking at The Runner's High. Kara Lynn Joyce is a 2-time silver medal swimmer at the 2004 Athens games and the 2008 Beijing games. She talks about her incredible career and answers tons of questions from the auidence about all aspects of her career. Visit karalynnjoyce.com

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Kara and Mark at Runner’s High

Tags: olympic athlete, kara lynne joyce, swimming, runners high, athens olympics, beijing olympics, silver medal

Did you know that The Age Grouper has been on the air for over a year now? In celebration of our big anniversary we're making a huge announcement! The Age Grouper is the official media sponsor of the 2008 Midwest Indoor Triathlon Series.

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The 2008 MIST

Tags: racing, race report, indoor triathlon, bartlett, triathlon

We've said it before and we'll say it again, nothing new on race day! Jeff goes to his A race of the year, The Accenture Chicago Triathlon, and learns some valuable lessons about race strategy and nutrition.

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The massive transition area at The Chicago Triathlon

Tags: racing, race report, chicago triathlon, nutrition, sport legs, goals

Get out your calculators for this one because we crunch the numbers, literally, with this all nutrition episode. We take you through planning your half-ironman nutrition strategy calorie-by-calorie, fluid ounce-by-fluid ounce. We get so technical that we eventually even confuse ourselves. It’s everything you need to know about triathlon nutrition right here on The Age Grouper!

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Tags: nutrition

We're all in the heat of our 2008 race seasons so we catch up on what's been going on with our training and race schedules so far. Plus, an exclusive Newton update with Mark at The Runner's High 'N Tri.

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Lovin’ that swim start!

Tags: planning, racing, race schedule, peak season, summer, newtons, runners high