Author Archive
Proper Running Technique
For anyone who has watched my march-like running stance, you know that I am not the most elegant runner. Because of this, I found this video to be very helpful in giving some good techniques to improve your form. Take a look:
Why do I gain while he/she loses?
One of the common conundrums of Triathletes is maintaining weight. Two important areas to consider as part of that is what kinds of food should you be eating (which varies by individual) and when should you be eating (is it good to shed a few pounds before a big race?)
I came across two great articles that are well worth the time. This first article discusses the reasons behind why some people gain weight on a particular diet while others shed them like there’s no tomorrow. The article makes a great case for how you can match up to a diet that will help you specifically lose weight.
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Naturally Increasing your HGH
A wonderful article was posted on Trifuel recently by Alun Woodward. The article highlights the importance of HGH for burning fat and improving recovery. In this article, he focuses specifically on the importance of HGH while you sleep. To increase HGH while we sleep, the key is to reduce the insulin prior to going to sleep. Read below to see how Alun recommends doing that as well as a link to the entire article. Well worth the read.
Quite simply, we want to cut carbohydrates from our evening meals. In order to do this we need to ensure that we are adequately fueled going into our evening training session. We need to consume carbs during this session if it is a long one and following the session we should have a SMALL carbohydrate-rich snack and then that’s it for carbs for the rest of the evening.
The evening meal should consist of protein and fat combined with a side of salad or vegetables. It is important to ensure that you get enough calories in this meal. Remember vegetables are not high-calorie foods, so the fat and protein content needs to be HIGH!
Trifuel Article by Alun Woodward
2009 Blazeman Efforts Year To Date
The Battle Has Begun
This year marked the beginning of my war against ALS as part of the Team Blazeman effort. I have competed in three triathlons and one half-marathon so far this season that will culminate in a 10 hour triathlon on Sept. 12th. The season has been one of determination (lack of sleep and poor nutrition as part of living as a father of two) and dedication (5am mornings 5-6 days a week). Through it all, I have felt a sense of someone pushing me along. Each run, each race, each workout…I have this sensation that I’m not alone. Some of this is my continued growth in my faith but equally important is knowing that I am in the frontline of a battle with other Warriors. There are others out there, like me, that have lost loved ones to this terrible disease we call ALS. I see their encouragement online, face-to-face and through phone calls. I promise that as long as I am able, I will continue to fight along side these fellow Blazeman Warriors until a cure is found.
Here’s a Review of my 2009 Year to Date
| New Prague Half Marathon – May 9, 2009 My first race of the Blazeman season was a half marathon in the small community of New Prague. This short 10 minute drive from my house was a great way to start the season. I really was unsure how I would do as I hadn’t done many longer training runs but I wanted to give the race a shot. It was idyllic conditions (outside of a decent wind) and I had one of the best races of my life…on my birthday nonetheless! Finishing the race in a time of 1:36 averaging 7:24/mile, was significantly faster than I was expecting. This course certainly isn’t flat and was encouraging that I may be able to drive for even faster times with the right preparation. New Prague Results |
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Lake Waconia Triathlon – June 28, 2009 First Triathlon Roll Across the Finishline It was a surreal moment with friends and family when I finished. Knowing that this was just the start of a battle to win this war on ALS. It was gratifying to compete and finish strong, yet daunting knowing the larger struggle of those I was representing. It was nonetheless the first step in a long journey. Waconia Results |
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Elysian Rookie Triathlon – July 11, 2009 This was a wonderful event that we fit in while trying to find a good sprint to carry use between Waconia and St. Paul in August. Lots of interesting elements to this race (e.g. two transition zones, no bike racks, short 8 mile bike ride, etc.). I had a great race that day with a strong swim, decent bike ride and my fastest run ever (under 6:50/mile). This is one of the closer events to my house and one I will certainly consider doing again next year. Had numerous opportunities to share why I ‘roll’ and more information about ALS and the fire behind my triathlons. Elysian Results |
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St. Paul Triathlon – August 23, 2009 Great complete race in St. Paul Two quick highlights to this race. #1) I had the wonderful opportunity to meet my first fellow Blazeman Warrior in person. Ironman Tim Smit was gracious and supportive as we both compete for a higher cause. #2) It was a wonderful spectator event where my daughters, wife, sister-in-law and parents could easily catch me multiple times on the course. Certainly helped motivate me to my strong finish. |
First Roll: 2009 New Prague Half Marathon
Today I started the war to defeat ALS as part of Team Blazeman. The conditions were almost perfect. Upper 40′s/Lower 50′s with sunshine and a great rolling hills course. The wind was a bit strong in the open country but didn’t put much of a hinder on a great race.
This was the first race where I was wearing Team Blazeman gear. I also rolled across the finish line in memory of Jon Blais’ and other PALS efforts to defeat ALS. I will add photos when we get them updated.
I felt the spirits of the ALS Warrior Poets today pulling me along. My best time up to today was 1:49 (a 8:22 per mile pace). My goal was to PR with a 8:00 per mile pace coming in around 1:45. With the power and strength from above and within, I completed the race in an official time in 1:36:34 (a 7:21 per mile pace).
After rolling across the finish line, many people asked me about my reasoning and was able to share the story of Team Blazeman. More people know about ALS today and that means more people can help work to fight this horrible disease.
It was an amazing birthday wish. A great cause…A great race…And a wonderful family there to cheer me on.
Love to you all,
TriHead
Joel Haugen
Team Blazeman and Need2Tri
With my personal connection with ALS (Read Here), Need2Tri has officially become part of the War on ALS. This will be an ongoing effort and we will share pictures as part of our journey. I look to all other multi-sport athletes that are looking to take up a great cause as they race, please contact me at info@need2tri.com
For more information on Team Blazeman, please visit www.waronals.com.
Team Blazeman and Need2Tri Join Up
This week I start a new endeavor and I encourage you all to be a part of it. Today I will begin to help the war on ALS. As friends and family, I ask you all to help me in this effort first and foremost by taking time to read this full post. If you feel called to action, I commend you. If you don’t, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read and become aware of this dreadful disease.
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2007 Lemond Limoges
New Lemond Purchase Review coming following 1 month of riding
How Many Calories Do I Need?
Depending on your current body type and your level of activity, the recommended 2000 calories per day by USDA may be too few or too many.
I have now lost over 40 pounds since the holidays. I know this is an extreme fat loss and I’ve been doing it by eating healthy, exercising six days a week and keeping my calories to around 1500 per day. Now that I am getting close to my goal weight I began to wonder what my calorie intake should be to increase my energy levels, fuel the strenuous workouts I continue to do and maintain my weight (or at least slow down the weight loss).
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ASICS Nimbus 10
I recently purchased a new pair of the Asics premiere neutral/stability line. I plan to run on these for the next couple weeks and provide an in depth analysis of the shoe. Stay Tuned



