Friday, January 30, 2009

Grant Hackett Freestyle

When your goal is to reach your full potential at any given skill, I like to study the form of the masters.

Success leaves clues.

Today we are looking at the legendary Australian Olympian Grant Hackett's freestyle technique. Keep in mind, this video is footage of his 1500m gold medal performance. Nice elbows!

Over the next several weeks I will post more technique videos for swim, bike, run, paddle, and strength training.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Happy New Year!





It's been a few months since my last post after nationals...quick update!

Christmas was at home in Vero Beach, Florida with Lisa and my family. While in Florida we were able to attend a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, courtesy of Lisa's cousin Chris Hovan who plays on the team. (Thanks Chris and Jamie!!)

After Christmas Lisa and I spent a week with her family in Cleveland...It was my first trip to Cleveland & Lisa's family made the trip absolutely fantastic.

We had a great time recharging the batteries and reconnecting with our families. I managed to sneak in yoga, regular lifting, and some time working on the boxing/muay thai skills. Just being able to relax without an itinerary is a luxury after such an action packed year.

On to 2009...

Right now I am full-swing into training for the 2009 season, with 20 hours on the bike last week in addition to normal swimming and lifting.

In contrast to 2008, I will ramp up slower in 2009 with the majority of my important races coming a bit later in the season.

A random ankle injury (peroneal tendon partial rupture/tendonitis) has meant zero running until at least February...

2008 will be tough to beat...or match!

Undefeated in 8 adventure races.
USA National Champions.
Nonstop training and racing adventures with old and new friends...
and most importantly I met Lisa!

Goals for 2009 will be slightly different than last year...

I will have a much more diversified schedule, with road and mountain bike racing, Xterra triathlons, Half Ironmans, a Full Ironman on the schedule in addition to the most competitive adventure races on the circuit with Team DART-nuun.

I would love a repeat national championship as well as a chance to represent the USA at the Adventure Racing World Championships in Portugal next winter.

I will post some vacation photos and a revised 2009 race schedule in the next week...

The photos for this week are from 1997. You are looking at a secret spot in the Oahu rainforest. Two friends and I climbed several 30' ropes up a series of waterfalls...there were 6 climbs like this, connecting 7 pools. I do remember thinking at the top that we were going to die on the way down. I will never tell anyone where this is...too dangerous! Glad I have the pictures though...thanks Troy!

Thanks for tuning in!

Sean

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Stealth Training!



Rode up Blackstar Grade with Lisa...just up to the 'golf ball' and back. Killer day!