Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Meant to be! Interview with Steve Monson


Less than a week ago, yours truly was out for a run on an island in the Pacific, minding my own business, when lo and behold I spot a guy chilling with his family in Ironman gear. As I got closer it dawned on me... is that Steve Monson?!?

Indeed it was!

We chatted for a few minutes, then met up a couple days later for a run. I also told him he was now on the hook for an interview, as this was truly meant to be.


Side note: Steve is a humble guy, but FYI his financial mind is as fast as his feet. He's a highly respected financial advisor with Edward Jones. Reach out to him if you feel his services could be a benefit to you and your family.  Link to his page --> Steve Monson / Edward Jones



Standard question: What’s your athletic background and how did you get into triathlon?


I played soccer in high school but I’ve always been interested in endurance sports. I remember idolizing Greg Lemond in the Tour on TV and have a few recollections of watching the Ironman World Championship on the CBS Wide World of Sports In the early 80s. I’ve been a runner and cyclist for years but was never a swimmer. While I love the water, I’ve hated the gym, and to me, the pool was just another gym. When Ironman came to Utah, first in Provo, and then down in St. George, my brother Jeff and I really caught the bug. I stuck with running and cycling races for a few more years due to the swimming, but my brother decided to give triathlon a shot. After watching him for a couple of races, I decided to give it a try and began hitting the dreaded pool to prepare for Kokopelli in September of 2014. We raced the olympic distance together and I was hooked. Interestingly enough, I really love the pool now, and an open water swim is just as enjoyable as a run or ride.



You’re the current M4549 belt holder following the 2017 season (side note - Steve’s top 3 races for his season average were a 3% at Kokopelli Oly and 6% at both Echo and East Canyon Oly. His 8% at Jordanelle Oly and 11% at St. George 70.3 fell out of his top 3 average). Isn’t it true that outside of your wedding day and the birth of your children, hoisting the belt was your greatest honor?


Of course! Seriously though, winning the belt was a pretty big thrill. I aged up into the 45-49 division last year and knew I had a year before some of the fast guys my age that I knew, like Adam Hicken and Adam Krommenhoek, came in. So I tried to enter enough races and train hard enough to be competitive and it worked out. It’s been fun getting to know some of the other guys in our division that are working hard as well. Thomas Risse is a constant threat (and really fun to race with), and I always seem to be going head to head with Layne Argyle during the run.



After Round 1 of the 2018 rankings you’re currently in the 2 spot in your age group… a mere 1.8% out of 1st and 2.1% and 3.0% ahead of 3rd and 4th respectively. What will it take to defend the belt in 2018??

Maybe another flat for Adam Hicken? ;-) He’s such a strong biker and runner. But, Echo showed me that you just never know. Adam got a flat then and I ended up in 1st. I’ve also raced more this year to have a better chance at a good Top 3 average score to retain the title. I’m not sure it will be enough… 



What’s left on your calendar for the 2018 season?


Ironman Boulder 70.3 is my A race this year. I’d really like to qualify for 70.3 Worlds in Nice in 2019. I’ve been there once and love the venue. I’m also racing the Brineman Olympic / State Champs in September.




What are your thoughts on the inaugural Utah Triathlon Championship Series and culminating State Champ race? What do you hope to see at Brineman?

I’m really excited about it! It’s been great to see all of the race organizations get together and work out a schedule that makes sense for the athletes. The change in schedule has allowed me to race more than I usually do. It’s really fun to build points towards an end of season goal, and to have the State Championship race to give a one time opportunity for a strong showing. I’ve never done Brineman. I hope the race is filled with the best athletes in the state. It’s always fun to race with a deep field. I’d really like to see the series become more and more competitive. 




Is the flat and fast Brineman Oly a course that suits your strengths?


I’d like to think so. I’m a big guy so the climbing just isn’t my thing. Hopefully, after a good swim, I can push some decent numbers on the bike and then hold a good pace through the run.

You went 5:04 at SG 70.3, the longest race in the Series, yet also finished 2nd overall at the shortest - Icebreaker. What’s your best distance?

According to my USAT points, 70.3 is my better distance. I score better on the USAT scale at that distance than I do in the shorter distances. I thought I was fast at Icebreaker but then Dan Cushman just blew by me on the run like I was standing still. He’s a machine.



On that note, what pushed you over the edge in terms of the Ironman plunge and what are your goals for your debut at Santa Rosa?


After SG 70.3 I realized that I was ready to finally try the full distance so I signed up for Santa Rosa as soon as it opened. I find it easier to train during the school year than in the summer. Our summers are full of camps for our kids, family reunions, church camps and youth conferences and then squeezing family vacation in there. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to get some good training in through the winter and show up ready to go in May.



What’s your podium for Top 3 local races and why?

Ooohhh, that’s tough. I really love racing in Utah. We have so many great venues and race organizers putting together such great events. Kokopelli is a fav. It was my first race and is still such a great course. Doing Sand Hollow in the spring and Kokopelli the fall is a great way to evaluate your fitness through the season. East Canyon is also a favorite. I like to think of it as mini SG 70.3 as it has two transitions, a pretty nasty climb, and a zoom down to T2. It’s a great way to start out the olympic distance for the year. The top of my podium would have to be SG 70.3. I love the National Championship vibe. So fun to see the big names of our sport out on the course. It’s such a challenging course too. I hope to get faster and faster there each year.



Anything else you’d like to share?


Thanks for all you guys at Utah Tri Buzz are doing to promote the sport here in Utah. We are really blessed to have gorgeous venues, great race organizers, and really supportive local clubs. I hope this new championship series format really takes hold and that the state championship race becomes more and more competitive over the years. Thanks again!





Steve Monson / Edward Jones




Related Posts

Buzzworthy: New SUTC President Shawn Jaca






















We started a Patreon account (link below) with the hope of raising few bucks towards awards & swag for athletes of all abilities in our tri community. We've given out a lot over the past 2 years, but would like to continue to expand our offerings & the volume we can do.

If you enjoy Utah Tri Buzz and would like to pitch in, any amount would be greatly appreciated... (there may be something in it for you as well!)


We're also always grateful for talented people who contribute in terms of time... let us know if you'd like to be part of the Utah Tri Buzz team.



Monday, July 30, 2018

Locals at USAT Nationals!


After two years in Milwaukee followed by two in Omaha, the USAT Nationals venue has shifted to Cleveland for 2018-2019.

Here are locals who will be toeing the start line on Aug 11th (Olympic) and 12th (Sprint).

Shout out to the 6 brave souls who will be doubling down by doing both!  Andrew, Elizabeth, Karl, Nat, Robert and Stephany.








Related Posts





We started a Patreon account (link below) with the hope of raising few bucks towards awards & swag for athletes of all abilities in our tri community. We've given out a lot over the past 2 years, but would like to continue to expand our offerings & the volume we can do.

If you enjoy Utah Tri Buzz and would like to pitch in, any amount would be greatly appreciated... (there may be something in it for you as well!)

We're also always grateful for talented people who contribute in terms of time... let us know if you'd like to be part of the Utah Tri Buzz team.



Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Spudman Race Preview


Heading up to Spudman this weekend? It's time to dust off B.J.'s exceptional course preview... great insider tips for beginners and veterans alike!

The Spudman takes place this Saturday in Burley, ID... although not a Utah race, since it attracts so many Utah triathletes we consider it worthy of a preview.


Who better to provide that preview than Local Legend B.J. Christenson?!? Sure, he's been to Kona 10 times or so, but his true love is the Spudman!

SWIM

  • The swim is one of the main reasons why Spudman is so popular. Not sure if you can swim a mile?? The current takes that away, it's the great equalizer!
  • This is great for anyone who's a little timid in open water or stepping up to Olympic
  • It's a wide river, plenty of space to spread out
  • No turn buoys, just swim straight down river
  • Stay towards the middle, the current is stronger there
  • There's a slight bend as you go past the island. The current will try to push you into shore as it bends, so try to stay a little closer to the island
  • As soon as you sight the exit bridge and the poplar trees, start beelining towards shore 


T1
  • You may want to walk your bike out of transition, walk up to the road before trying to mount. Most people don't mount very well on a slight incline, and there are sometimes goatheads there. Better to carry your bike to the road
  • You place your bike the night before, and I like to check things over early race morning. Get any fluids on your bike, then head to start. 
  • There are a lot of people, so plan lots of time. Start time is 8:00, but beginning at 7:00 they won't let you thru anything
Bike
  • Another great thing about Spudman, if you’re new to triathlon this is one of the easiest bike courses you can ride
  • Country roads, flat. 4 turns, big square
  • There's some chip seal, which comes with rolling resistance; you'll want to ride with a little lower pressure than you’re used to
  • Of course everyone tries to avoid drafting, but don’t get your panties in a wad if you see it. There's no way to spread it out. There are gonna be little groups that form whether you like it or not. If you want a perfectly clean race, race in the elite wave!
T2 
  • On the grass, really nice on the feet. It's nice that they open that golf course for the race so you don’t have to worry about stepping on thorns
Run
  • There's a short, "punchy" hill in the beginning, but then it's flat around country roads 
  • 2 mile stretch of gravel on the canal bank can be a little bit slower section 
  • For people starting a bit later it can get little warm. There are 3 water stops, every other mile, but if you know you don’t do super well in heat you should make plans.
  • The finish line is awesome, you come bouncing through the trees then onto the golf course grass

Post race?

If you don't have to take off right away go check out Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, only a 30 min drive. It's actually taller than Niagara. The Snake River's also a great place for a post-race bbq or boating.



B.J. has collected the whole set! Known to throw some epic tea parties.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Results: San Rafael & Topaz Triathlons

In addition to Echo, there were two other races that took place last weekend. They both have small town charm and are easily drivable for most of Utah. Consider checking them out next year!



The San Rafael Classic Triathlon takes place in Huntington, ~1:30 drive southeast of Provo. There's also a kids' race for the young'ins.

San Rafael Sprint








San Rafael Olympic



The Topaz Triathlon takes place in Delta, ~1:30 drive southwest of Provo. It also has a fun kids race.




Topaz Sprint


Topaz Olympic (new this year)




Monday, July 16, 2018

Results Breakdown: Echo 2018


Congrats all!

Echo marked Race #8 of the Utah Triathlon Championship Series, with the next race up in the series being:


#9 Jordanelle (Sprint & Olympic - Aug 18th)


Keep in mind also that Black Ridge is going on August 11th. Support this race if you'd like to see it steal a spot in the Championship Series next season!

In general we hope you'll get out and support the local race scene, and let's continue making 2018 an awesome season.

Below is the results breakdown for Echo, and this post explains what this is if you need a refresher.


PS - Round 2 of the Utah Tri Buzz 2018 Age Group Rankings will be calculated following Jordanelle on Aug. 18th


ECHO OLYMPIC RESULTS










ECHO SPRINT RESULTS









Related Posts




We started a Patreon account (link below) with the hope of raising few bucks towards awards & swag for athletes of all abilities in our tri community. We've given out a lot over the past 2 years, but would like to continue to expand our offerings & the volume we can do.

If you enjoy Utah Tri Buzz and would like to pitch in, any amount would be greatly appreciated... (there may be something in it for you as well!)

We're also always grateful for talented people who contribute in terms of time... let us know if you'd like to be part of the Utah Tri Buzz team.


Saturday, July 14, 2018

Splash & Dash July 18th!


We were asked to help spread the word about this event taking place July 18th in Riverton, which we're happy to do.

Proceeds will benefit local youth and junior triathletes.

Register here!  balancedartmultisport.com



Thursday, July 12, 2018

Echo Course Preview


Echo is a classic, turning 17 this year. We reached out to a few experts to get some insights on this great race.

Pre-race:


Kinda like Jordanelle and others, requires a short bike to the start. It's only ~2 miles, and serves as a good little warm up.

"In the past there’s been a port-o-potty near the high school (where you park), might wanna consider hitting that instead of waiting in line at the venue."

"Allow yourself plenty of time. I wouldn’t say I’ve ever felt “rushed” at Echo, but I’ve never had tons of time either (for the Olympic). That's probably more on me, but just saying."







Swim/T1:

Two 750m loops, pretty standard.

"Some years the sun can be pretty blinding. If you have tinted goggles consider taking them."

"Water level can vary greatly. In past years there’s been a long-ish run from the water to T1. Take old shoes for this just in case."

Bike/T2:

"Out and back, 'false flat' to slight incline on way out. Miles 5-12 make up most of that (for Olympic). I tend to average a full 5 mph faster on the way back, so keep that in mind."

"Don’t get distracted - watch the road. There are some rough sections to avoid, although the road condition has improved vs. past years."

"Kinda rocky into T2. This is the only race where I don’t do a flying dismount… I just clip out and run in my shoes."


Need a refresher on the course? Check out this video from last year courtesy of Mandy and Eric Oscarson



Run

Out and back on the old rail trail. Painful while racing, but relatively "fun" course.

Watch your step though, it’s a little rugged in parts. More or less pancake flat.

"The path bends before the finish line, so even late in the race the finish line seems forever away. If you race with GPS, trust the mileage and start picking it up before you can actually see the finish line."

Coalville in relation to SLC