Eric Bell

Retirement

2010-11-08T10:34:00.001-05:00

Not many people are given an opportunity to purse their dreams but fortunately for me there are people like you who believed in me and believed in my dream to become an Olympian. I pursed that dream feverishly over the last 4 years. Through your generosity these past two years I was able to train full-time both here at home and as far away as Australia with the best athletes in the world. I was also able to live in Colorado so I could train at altitude and travel to the races around the country to compete against the best of the best. For all this I thank you! I know those words are often used lightly and trust me, they do not do justice for the feelings I have towards you and your support of my dream!

Unfortunately my journey has come to a crossroad. Even though I trained harder and put my body under more stress than at any time in my life these past two years, my results did not reflect the efforts I put in. For fact, my body was not able to hold up to the vigorous training schedule I was on and I sustained multiple injuries and eventually led my body into chronic fatigue syndrome. Many athletes that train at such high levels and at altitude are plagues with CFS. So it’s with a heavy heart that I write to you today to announce that I have stopped training and competing.

This year was supposed to be my coming out party; the year I finally could race with the best. I started the year of with a bang running a 1:12 half marathon. Even though I pulled my calf muscle at mile 9, I continued to run. I never dropped out of a race before and this was not going to be the first. While I continued to train after the Knoxville Half Marathon, I was not able to fully recover and thought I was just loosing my edge. Then in July it all came to a halt. I got sick in a race and dropped after the bike. I regrouped and convinced myself that I still had it in me, but during my last race in Lake Stevens Washington I made it to the 7 mile mark in the run before pulling myself from the race.

These results left me devastated and questioning my ability to continue so I met with those around me who I consider to be my inner circle for advice and council. With their help, I decided that while I have the desire and talent to pursue my dream something was not working in my favor and I needed to seek medical advice for what was happening. After a few blood work-ups and rest I came to find out that my testosterone was abnormally low. A man’s normal number should be between 800-1200 with 300 being considered low, and my level was 158. Ah ha, there it was finally; the answer to what was really causing my poor result. What I previously thought was just in my head or me slipping as I was getting older was actually a medical condition.

While the desire to be the best in all I do is still there, I’ve decided to give up competing on a professional level in triathlons. I may come back to the sport I so fondly love, but at this time I am going to retire. I am seeing a doctor and trust all the questions will be answered and that I will get back to being healthy once again.

So now it’s time for the next chapter in my life. I am in the process of interviewing with Stryker and intend to start a career in the medical sales industry. Because of you and your support of me during my professional career, I learned a lot about life and especially myself over these last 4 years. I was able to become one of the best amateur triathletes in the world; I overcame many obstacles and made many dreams a reality. I again thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you gave to me! If you even need anything please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Dream Big Always!

Eric Bell
865-456-3377
ericryanbell@aol.com

MIA

2010-02-09T16:59:00.002-05:00

Where have I been these last three months? Well, let’s start with the way my season ended and facing the struggles that comes with an injury. At no time in my career have I questioned, hated, loved, wanted to quit and take the easy road out, like I struggled those 6-8 weeks after my season ended. Hence, the fact I didn’t write was because I wanted to think and do something other than triathlons. I went to Beaver Creek, CO, to ski with the Lawlers for Christmas. I played poker a lot - had to keep the competitive juices flowing! My family was in town, which was fun. I went to rehab a lot. Woody and Chad from the UT training room, those guys are a God-send! They worked endlessly to help me and heal me. I am always grateful for the many supporters on this journey that always lend a hand. My mom, the healer, need I say more? The month of January was the first time since July that I was able to run pain free, and wow I often think this is what God made me to do - I feel so alive running. I am now in Noosa at training camp with the gang: GB, LB, Pikey, Nicole, Jenny, Jimmy, Memphis, BG, Jussie, Rinny, Gordo, Mons. What a crew we have here! Things are starting to come around. I am pleased with where things are. My swim is stronger than ever, and bike is coming as well as the run. Long way to go but it’s coming. I will be here another 4 weeks and my first race of the season will be the Knoxville Half. I’ve never raced a stand-alone half - it should be interesting! Life is good! Feeling very lucky right now to train and have people in my life! Everything happens at the right time. The updates will be more frequent. It’s time for dinner with Pikey and Nicole, my housemates while training here. haba na haba lala salani (Swahili for “little by little, may all your dreams come true”)! Thanks for all the support, you know who you are!

The sun has set on 2009.

2009-11-17T09:52:00.003-05:00

MIA, yes I know it has been awhile and I would tell you why but my excuses are just that and I don’t want to sit here and complain. So, I will do a little recap of the last few weeks.
Augusta 70.3, what a learning experience. Don’t go into a race with and injury that has kept you from doing what you do best, RUN. Had an ok swim, bad bike, and even worse run. Went 4:04 to finish 15th. You learn, live, and hopefully move on. Took me a while but trying to accomplish that.

Went to Kona to watch Don Bosch race and what a day/week it was. Love the islands, and the World Championships make it an even better place to be. Watching Don was unbelievable, and his story makes it even better. Racing an Ironman in your first season is crazy! Let alone losing 125 pounds in less than 18 months making it even better. The "pros" race was sick, and seeing Don finish was a blast. This must be on your "bucket list" to do or support one who does. Then, stick around from 10-midnight to see the place start rocking.

Came back from Kona hoping to race Longhorn 70.3 but it wasn’t in the cards. I have been battling an Achilles injury since July. So, I finally decided to put a bookend to this season which has been filled with a few ups and a lot more downs. I have been going through rehab, eating too much, and trying to figure a few things out. Not an easy process so trying not to enjoy more of the process but instead, having all the answers.

Just got home from Clearwater, were I go to witness my good friend Julie Dibens win the world title. An amazing and gritty performance!! Got to catch up with Guy, Luke, Morgan, Heather G, Mary Miller, Rinny, RJ, and Amanda all of who were not racing so, we were partying and having some fun. The racers Laura B, Greg B, and Joe G all had great races. Congrats to all of you!

Picked up my first sponsor of the new year with Sidi Bike Shoes…looking forward to this relationship. Thanks Sara!

Well the sun has set on my first pro season, ½ of a season really. Looking forward to healing up and moving on. Happy Holidays to all of you.

Thanks for the support this season. I could not have done this without you, for each of you play an important roll in my life.

Dream Big Always!

Race Report from Malibu

2009-09-17T22:08:00.002-04:00

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~E.E. Cummings
The trip to Malibu, California was so much fun! I traveled with Brooke Davison and Laura and Greg Bennett. We left Boulder on Thursday and put four bike boxes in one car along with our luggage. Great to have an Escalade that can haul all of that and still have enough room for us to sit. Travels went great and were super easy. Then on to the Amazing Race. I had rented a car and the “Big Time” athletes were waiting for a Limo, well not really, a big blue van. Greg and I made a bet to see who would get to the hotel first. Twenty minutes later we both ended up on the 405 in LA at the exact same time. I did win the bet, just a little side note. The race was Saturday morning and was an Olympic Distance race. We woke to cloudy skies and 3-5 foot swells in the ocean. The race started and I was a bit off all morning. I forgot my chip and didn’t get my proper warm-up in. Don’t ask me what the hell I was doing for I don’t know. The cannon went off and the race started. I swam like I didn’t know what I was doing. Came out of the water in 12th after a brief panic moment about 400 into the swim and got on the bike. Rode my way to 6th and stayed there the rest of the day to finish in 6th-they paid top 5. Love being the bubble boy. I did this race a year ago in 1:59 and this year 1:54. I am getting faster, so that is good. Not really happy about my performance but it is what it is. This pro thing is a learning process. The trip overall was one of the most fun trips I have had. I have never laughed so much at the company that was there all weekend. Among the rest of the crew we had a flat, a 1st place and a 2nd place finish. So all in all, a great weekend, and memories that will always be remembered forever, Thanks you all for the many many laughs. This is my last few days here in Boulder. The friends and training partners have been some of the best and I am so thankful for all of you who have given me a part of you to carry forever. I am forever grateful for you. Michael, Amanda, Greg, Laura, Brooke, Belinda, Justin, Brandy, Mathis, Julie, Mary, Simon, Kelly, Dave, Chrissie, Armando, Jo, Erin, Rinny, and Glen.

Day in the Life of EB

2009-09-02T22:18:00.004-04:00

Well here you go, I’m going to give you a little inside into my day and then talk about my race this past weekend. Today I woke up at 6:30 to ride and meet up with a couple of other studs, and I mean studs. An Olympian, Best Short course athlete on planet, and a top ten Kona stud! Felt like a little kid going to tryouts. I got up, showered, had a bar and was on my way. I totally needed a coffee before the ride so I got there a bit early. We rolled out right on time. We rode 90k, about 56 miles for those who don’t do things in kilometers. In the ride we did 7x10 big gear hills and then 5 minute easy. The ride is called peak to peak and climbs to 9000 ft. It’s high and hurt a ton. The ride took about 3 hrs so I came home very tired! That ride is like doing a leg workout in the gym for a long, long time. Got home, ate a bit but clearly not enough! I then sat around working on my new web page, which will be up soon. After that, it was time to fix the bike and then out the door again at 1:40 to meet up for another 1:30 ride. This time, we were doing a 25-30 min time trail up the mountain. This was tough, as the legs were shattered a bit already. A very good day on the bike. Nothing like riding with the best and getting pummeled. Rode home and met Michael Lovato only to get right in the car to go to the pool. I just wanted to get in an easy cruise swim. I did exactly that, really all I could do, 2k easy. I was starting to "see things" as I was swimming and realized that I had only had 3 bars, two egg sandwiches, and some Gatorade. What I am saying is that I was totally cooked! Next, to the grocery, thank God, for all I wanted was something to eat so I had some pizza! Got home, an hour later, Mrs. Lovato cooked up some buffalo steak, pasta, and salad. Not such a good idea to cram all of your calories in at night! I look to be in bed by umm 9 at the latest, for it will all start bright and early again tomorrow. As for the race this past weekend, I did an Olympic distance and really needed to get in a race being that my last one was about a month and half ago. This race was in Windsor, Colorado, which is about 1 hr north of Boulder. The weather was cold, overcast, and misty. There was a stud Ironman guy racing, Chris “Big Sexy” McDonald, who won IM Wisconsin last year and will be racing there again in two weeks. In the swim, I just wanted to get on his feet. I got gapped a bit but then came back and got on them. As for the bike, he is an uber biker. So, all I wanted to do was keep him in sight, and hope I could run him down. He biked a 57 and I was 57:50 so he came out of T2 with a lead. It’s a bit hard to run at altitude, so I eventually caught him at the 21/2-mile mark then went on to run a 33:20. I believe things are coming together and I am really enjoying my training here. Not many places in the world where you get the opportunity to train, learn, and see how the best in the world do it. How fortunate I am, and lucky the Lovatos have opened their home for me to stay and train. Well, till next time, you know the drill -Dream Big.

Two Big Events in my Life!

2009-08-12T16:55:00.005-04:00

Well, it’s been a whirlwind of a month. I drove home from Boulder to do two big things in life. I bought a house, and was there to see my brother get married to the love of his life. I’ll start with the house. I was planning to move, and was jet set on getting out of town. But, Knoxville is home! It was when I gave myself permission to leave that I realized that this is my community. It’s where my family, my friends, my sponsors, and coaches are, and now it’s where I have a place of my own. I love my place off of Hardin Valley. It’s quiet and has great places to run and ride from. I may not be there much over the next few months, between traveling to Colorado, California, Hawaii, Georgia, Texas and another place TBD. I will miss being home, but as the old saying goes there really is no place like home! Then, I got to be apart of my brother’s marriage to Whitney. The rehearsal dinner was at Ye Ole Steakhouse. Great venue, especially with all of our family and friends! I didn’t think I would have to give a toast but last minute Whit’s brother gave one so well, I just had to give one from the heart. It was about how my bro is one of the hardest working and caring people I have ever met. He works his ass off! As a senior in high school, he made 30K mowing yards, and I mean he was really good at what he did. A one mans show Mike’s Lawn Care. He cares so much about what he does. He does everything exceptionally well and will love my new sister-in-law WELL! I wish I could do what he does but, I have none of the talents that Mike carries. I couldn’t be a more proud brother. I hope one day to have something so special that it is written all over me like it is on his face. So that’s a little taste of what’s be happening in my life. I’m out in Boulder again staying with Amanda and Michael Lovato. If today is any indication of what lies ahead, I can’t wait to get in and race. Cheers Mike and Whit! May you both always DREAM BIG! Till next time, never stop following your heart, no matter how difficult at times it may be. As Dr. Tyler said to me before I left, “Eric, never forget that the best relationship is just like one of the hardest Triathlons you have done.” I look forward to that day! Dream Big!

Breathe In Breathe Out!

2009-07-15T12:55:00.008-04:00

Well another birthday has passed; this one was the big 3-0. Fun workout: 100x100! Thanks to Hillary Biscay for the inspiration. It was a day of reflecting, hoping, dreaming, and being in the moment of where I am in life at this moment in time. And as Tim McGraw says, "the next 30 years will be the best years of my life!" I sure hope so. Who knows what is in store for me, holding on to hope I will live from my heart, never abandoning it and be true to myself always. I am blessed with so many people who love me and support me and I never go a day, sometimes even hours, without thinking of those who love me and support my dream. Words will never be enough to thank you!

I have been in Boulder for almost 3 weeks, which has been an adjustment, but it always is. Thanks to Amanda and Michael Lovato who have made the transition a bit easier. Also very thankful to Laurie for letting me crash on the couch. Training here has been great! The trails, the mountains, and being around some of the best in the world makes you want it more as well.

I went home to Tennessee to race the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon. I saw one of my best friends, which is always such a treat! Thanks L. for everything. Then went to race venue, which is a right down on the waterfront in Chattanooga, beautiful area. Many friends came to watch: my mom and bro, the Lawlers, Paul, Michelle, and Lisa, all of whom I am grateful to for coming. It's always great to have some “fans” come. The race was a tough one, trying to focus and do what it is I do, can be challenging when life happens, but nonetheless I am proud of the way I raced that day. I was flat in the water, can’t afford to shut it down heading into a race especially in the water, but live and learn. Then, on the bike my legs came around after about 20 or so minutes. I had some great trianing rides with Amanda heading into the race and they will pay off later for sure. I was super happy with the way I ran. I felt really strong and tried to run down Tony White, but he was the better athlete that day. I also was honored to race Zach Winchester and Jason Schott; they both make me a better athlete. All in all it was a good day. Not sure where the next race is or when. This year has been a bit different for me. More of a transition year and that was my first pro race and so I am really trying to make the jump. It’s a big one but I hope that my training and the foundation that is being laid will be well worth it.

I'll be here in Boulder until my brother’s wedding at the end of the month. Congrats Mike and Whit! And as always till next time never stop Dreaming Big, It’s What I Do!

Here, There, and Everywhere.

2009-07-04T19:53:00.005-04:00

Well, enough is enough, time to get on writing about oh the last month. First was my trip to NY City, the Jersey Shore, and then on to the half-iron in Connecticut. I stayed in the city with one of my best friends, Kyle Westaway, who is one helluva host. I was there for 3 days. In NYC we went to see a few shows. Feuzuberta (butchered that) was incredible! The city is not my cup of tea but I have respect for those who live there. Little tough to train there, especially when they want to charge $50 to swim!! I also was able see a dear friend, Tiffany Moran. We went to school way back in the day and reconnected this past Xmas. She was a gracious host as well. We went to the Broadway play 9 to 5 and what great times. I then went to the Jersey Shore to train with Scotty, love that guy, we had some great training days, always brings back memories from the college days. Then came the reason I was there, to race my second half. Boy was I in for a treat. One of my dear friends and mentors Jon Lawler and his son Nathaniel were also on hand for the race, as were Kyle and Tiffany who took the train from the city. They had a great time on that train for the entertainment was at a high when we picked them up. As for the race it was my last amateur race, and I wanted to see how I could go at this distance. Plan was to get out and get on some feet in the swim. Well, I got out and no ones feet were there, so for the first time in my life I led a swim start to finish, feeling great about that. The bike I knew I had to keep in check and everyone was talking about how hard it was. Well it was the hardest ride of my life! I covered the course in 2:26. The leader, Matty Reed, was a mere 9 min in front, so to say the least the course was tough. I got off the bike and caught all the women and was running with some guy pros. My plan was to keep it cool for the first 6-7 miles and then let it rip. I had done 10 miles two weeks prior at 5:45 pace so I thought I was ready to go. Well, the run course had a 2 mile climb at 4 miles, another climb at 8.5 to 10, and the last was from 12 to 13. At the turn around which was 6 I knew I was in trouble. One of those days, could not get out of the gear I was in and I was in for a death march. The amateur who won, I was 2nd am and 12th overall, came by me at mile 9 and I had nothing - one of the worst feelings in my life. Really the toughest race or run I have ever done in my life. I did take away some great things from the race. I wanted to do better but hey you have days where you run 1:27 and hate life. So after that I came home to Knoxville, where I had some down time and spent one of the weekends on the lake with some of my oldest friends, Linlee, MJ and Jason and Ashley and Kirk. It was a blast and not often I get down days like that and they all made it a special day. Thanks guys. Pretty soon I think Ashley will be the next great triathlete, based on her swimming abilities with paddles!! Last weekend I drove to Buffalo Springs, Texas, to watch 70.3. Watched Bosch have fun in his first half-iron, and Sydney Cornell have a spectacular day and qualify for Kona. Fun weekend although, on Saturday I rode the course it was 100 degrees and the surface temp was probably 115. I felt Iike I was going to die, and probably came pretty close to it. Now, I am in my first week training here in Boulder. My gracious roommate Laurie Fritts has been kind enough to let me crash at her place. This week I have been keeping everything in check low intensity but keeping volume up. Beautiful place with a lot of different people to train with and now I just have to find the right group. Well, I guess that will do for now. I'm supposed to race first Pro race this coming Saturday in San Francisco, a continental cup race, should be exciting. More updates to come. Always Dream Big!!!

A little of this and a little of that.

2009-05-25T21:11:00.002-04:00

It’s been a long time since I last wrote, well really since Australia so I will just go down and highlight some of my latest activities. I am in Knoxville and have been since OZ but that will be changing here in the next few weeks, as I am driving out to Boulder on June 12th to spend some time there training. Looking forward to it, for Colorado is one of my favorite states, especially in the summer. Love wearing warm clothes at night and it being super hot during the day. So we shall see what will come of all this. Not moving just going to train.
As for the highlights over the last little bit.
-Race Director for the Dogwood Mile run, great event and will get so much better next year. Different being on that side of things. I also put it on the same weekend as my first race, prob not ideal for I was up till 12 then got up at 4:30 to fly to Florida and race the following day, not the ideal race prep. But great event and had tons of fun and very very thankful for all the people that helped me pull the event off. Look for it to be bigger and better next year.
-Raced at St. Anthony’s, easily one of my favorite venues, but this time didn’t work out so well. Cancelled the swim, which I wanted to see how my work has paid off, started with a bike and I was 3rd one off which means I was solo for 18 miles till the train rolled me up and then I was drafting, yes as was everyone else I was with but I was busted and given a 2 min pen. Such is life, ran a 32:40 which was not bad, finished 3rd but with penalty dropped me down to 7th. I guess you live and learn and control only what you can.
-Have had great training help from Amy Midis, Don Bosch, and Patrick Gildea, these three have been a huge help.
-Went to my Dad’s 40th year anniversary with Dollywood and met Dolly for the 3rd or 4th time but that never gets old.
-Got to see an old friend Linlee, for the first time in like 2-3 years, always fun catching up with someone who you have known for 17 years, brings back memories of great times back at Farragut.
-Went to see Leno only to get called out for what my “job” of being a Triathlete is, he thinks it has to do with porn, far from it Jay.
-Went to Memphis in May with my mom and had fun with Eddie, Lotte, Travis, and Amanda. We all raced one but a couple of us including myself did two tris on back to back days. A first for me. Did a mountain bike tri on Sat which was fun, hard as hell but fun, felt like I was so out of shape. Totally different feeling and system that is being worked, then raced the Olympic Distance Tri on Sun. Came in 1st on Sat 4th overall on Sun and won some money for doing both. Hurt my shoulder somehow before the race Sun and then woke up to a back that was wrecked for 3-4 days heading into this past weekend. Somehow I think MIM is cursed, every time I go there something happens. May need to consider not going next year.
-Busy week, get to sit in on a dear friend’s meeting to really look at following a dream and making a decision to run for Mayor, really honored to be in this group with him and looking forward to it.
-Last, head to NY on Sat to spend some time with Kyle, Tiff, Paul, Winston, train with Scotty and see the Grangers up at my first 70.3 of the season in Conn. on June 7th. Promise I will be updating on a more regular basis. I actually enjoy writing but with my ADD I just have to find time to sit still.
As I was laying on the table getting a massage tonight., I was thinking how lucky and blessed I am. I have started coaching some people recently, which brings me so much joy to see others living there dreams and being apart of it all. There are so many people in my life who help me do what I do and have been placed here for many reasons and I am so thankful for each of the roles people play in my life. YOU all mean so much to me and I Love You and Thank You for all your support. DREAM Big!

p.s. I know it’s a little scattered but that is what is up inside my head.

Little by Little

2009-03-20T04:00:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been meaning to write for the last few days and some how just never made the time to do so. This is my last week here, crazy how time flies. When I first arrived, I was wondering how I was going to make it. I was sick, tired, getting my ass handed to me everywhere I turned and was thinking maybe I’m just not cut our for this at this level. Well, time has a way of revealing the information we need as time goes on. I have learned so much while being here: Trusting my coach, knowing I can handle way more than my mind thinks I can, realizing I have been treating this more like a hobby than a job, that my eating habits are pretty bland (I hate veggies, well I have broadened my horizons this trip but still), going to bed every night before ten and most nights before 9 makes you feel so much better at 5 in the morning, (crazy how your body adapts -when first arrived did 24x200 and ave 33 thought my legs were going to fall off, now ave 31-32 and had room still in the tank), that the simple life is really pretty good with me, I can’t do it alone like I have the past 2 years or so, which leads me to needing to relocate to one of two places for the summer-Nashville or Boulder. Knoxville will always be home. I have some of the best friends in the world there. Since I have been gone, it is crazy to realize how much support is there. I am one blessed individual, THANK YOU! My family is there as well, so I will never really leave. I see myself spending training stints in different places over the next few years and I will be HOME often. I have come to realize that to be the best you must surround yourself with the best. I go to swim squad and look around and there are a couple top 10 at Ironman Hawaii, a couple World Champions and Olympians, and plenty of Ironman Champs. I have really enjoyed getting to know a few of my new mates and look forward to seeing them in the states and back over here next year. Also, I realize how lucky I am to have Hillary Biscay as a roomie. She is a model workhorse, she rarely if ever complains, she is always getting the job done-it’s no wonder the girl can do 9 Ironman Races a year, she truly is an Ironwoman. She has been of such great support and encouragement to me over the last 5 weeks. I have struggled at times, usually I get home sick and no I am not really home sick. I do miss my routine and I am a home body so I feel a little out of my element. But, this walkabout has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life that will hopefully catapult me to the places I need to go. As my mate Huck said earlier, little by little may all your dreams come true, one step at a time. I took a big step 5 weeks ago and followed my dream, and now little by little it will unveil itself to me. Never let anyone tell you, you don’t have what it takes. At the end of the day there is only one who can answer that question. As I sit here and the rain comes down, may it rain some days and shine others but never stop DREAMING BIG!

Noosa week 3

2009-03-12T07:44:00.004-04:00

Well another week is down which means 12 swims, 5 runs and 2 bikes are in the books. I am starting to get adjusted and enjoying myself, well I mean not getting crazy or anything but getting in to a routine. This week is a week of some firsts. I had a massage on Sat. after our group ride. Toby is the man around here giving massages to all the athletes, a few get 2-3 a week so he is a pretty busy guy. Anyhow, during my massage, he told me I was super tight and he thought magnesium deprived. Less than 15 minutes after he left, my back started to spasm. I mean, I was on the ground in seconds. The kind where you can’t really catch your breath. I ended up swimming a bit that afternoon, very easy I might add. Then the next day things started to get shaken out after our ocean swim which leads me to my next first. Most of you know how much trouble I had the first year of triathlon and overcoming a lot of fears and anxiety. Well the ocean has been a bit of a fun time for me. If I am not swimming alone in the ocean, I feel pretty good about it. This week before swim, Belinda Granger, one of the best at Ironmans, decided to tell me how the beach was closed earlier in the day because SHARKS were in the area. As I looked around, the usual group of 20 or so was down to 5, funny how they all got the message. All went well and I’m here to tell you no sharks were seen but the anxiety was felt for sure. Then there was the cyclone that was rapidly approaching. Monday on my way home from the pool in the pouring rain, the winds were blowing fiercely. So a cyclone is what they call a hurricane here in the Pacific. This cat 5 was as big as Hurricane Katrina. Luckily, it did not make land fall but the effects of it hanging out at sea are still being felt here tonight, as it is still pouring down rain. The good and the bad of this storm, I will give you the bad first. I had to ride today 3 hours, windy the whole ride, and for half it was a torrential down pour. After my accident last fall, I am really apprehensive in the rain. So, it was a pretty tense day to say the least on the bike. Now the cool part was going down to the ocean to see what all was going on. They spend lots of money here 2-3 times a year to put sand over all the rocks. Now I can understand why, for there is no beach right now, just rocks after the storm had washed away the sand. But the coolest part was watching the surfers. This is a huge surf town and they live for times like this. One of the craziest scenes I have ever witnessed. First, they were everywhere. I guess they know the protocol for not killing one another as they hang ten. What I was witnessing was controlled chaos. Then on top of it, the waves were huge and crashing everywhere. You either have to have a few screws loose or just live for the moment. I was scared just watching. But I know what I want to do when my tri career is over, learn how to surf and move somewhere near water where life is lived waiting on the next big wave. Love the attitudes of the local surfers, they wake up and think I will go catch some waves before school or work, I love it. This week has been a tough week on the body, running on like 22 days of 2-3 workouts a day. The mind fails before the body but had a day yesterday where they both were in the tank, not a good day. But as my coach told me in an email, “nothing wrong with cracking as long as you pick things up and put it back together” and that’s what I did today. We all have days like that and we just have to live in the moment. Sometimes hard to do! Well time to hit the bed. But first, want to send my best to Dr. Krisle, my brother’s future father-in-law who had quadruple bypass surgery on Tuesday. Wish him a speedy recovery. And as always, Dream Big! PS Feel free to ask questions on the post a comment section. Sometimes I just don’t know what I should be writing, don’t want to bore with the mundane stuff. DB!

Week 2 in Noosa

2009-03-04T05:45:00.006-05:00

Well as I sit here, it was two weeks ago today that I got on a plane for 34 hours and the journey began. As my best friend Andrew Huck said, this is your walkabout, and you will be changed forever. That has happened. The days all seem to run together and I wake most mornings wondering how will I do it today? Well here is a Wednesday for you: 5:30 was ocean swim, this was lots of fun if only I could have run, did a track workout last night and my calves were shredded. So the running back and forth into the ocean swimming out to buoys and back was a bit more taxing than I thought it was going to be, but none the less it was a great workout and hurt a ton. Then home for a bite to eat before we had squad swim at 9:30. I went into this workout smashed and thought I would be lucky to finish, but I finished and actually had a great swim. One thing I am learning is just when my mind wants to give out my body somehow can keep going. Not sure I understand, but seems we let our minds limit us, one thing I will be working on for the rest of my life. So after swim (I have to ride my bike round trip 10 miles every time I swim) I came home, went to café and had lunch as I tried to just relax and get in some air condition. I sweat all day and night for there is no ac and the weather has been brutally hot here of late. Then, I took a nap and got ready to head back to the pool for my last workout of the day, a 3k swim. Barely could get up and down the pool and finally loosened up as I kept trucking. Well that is my Wednesday, I have roughly 19 workouts throughout the week with the shortest one being a 45 min run twice a week. I don’t tell this to brag but to merely give you insight into my time here in Noosa. My confidence at many times has wavered and my ability to think clearly has done the same. I have questioned myself many times, this has not been easy for me. At times I have wanted to quit and just come home, but there is a voice inside that won’t let me quit for now I realize it takes so much more to get to the next level. I also have many people who believe in me, for then I ask myself, why can I not believe in myself? I am exposing myself in my blog in a way for the first time to share my journey for this is no holiday, and I would guess that there are dreams in each of us that are worth fighting for and hard as hell to work through and keep believing in even when it seems as though you just can go at it anymore. Well, as one of my favorite quotes says “When going through hell, keep going!” Lastly, as I sat and watched We Are Marshall the other night, I realized how hard it is build anything. They had to rise up from the ashes and when starting anything that is what we all have to do. The hard part is building the foundation and just getting started maybe the hardest part of all. But once you get started, you can and will rise up! As I always say don’t ever stop DREAMING and then get after it, RISE UP!

Written by Ironman Wisconsin Champion Hillary Biscay

2009-02-27T04:28:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday Coachie sent me over a gift from the States: a brand shiny new . . . training partner! This was very nice of him considering that I was going to have to say goodbye to training partner, etc etc extraordinaire this Tuesday. Yes, Dougie is on his way home to the States now, and Eric Bell is now on swim and track duty.

Eric is a former standout collegiate runner and has won pretty much every short course age group title one can win, including his age group at the world championships last year. He would like to race as a pro and has qualified to do so, but Coach has said that runner boy must get his swimming skills up to scratch before racing the big boys. So he is here in Noosa for 12 swim sessions per week–and a few other workouts–as well as to see if he is cut out for the life of a pro. Thus far he is becoming acquainted with realities like the Friday and Saturday-night 9PM bedtime, and a kitchen stocked with only “bird food.”

So Eric has to suffer a bit of culture shock while I have the benefit of a new training partner (I should add that my other “other half” is also away this week, as Belinda is racing Ironman Malaysia this weekend.). I would feel sorry for him, but we have all been through this essential part of the process.

In Dougie and Belinda’s absence, after last night’s running intervals, I was reflecting on the value of my training partners. Possibly my least favorite type of training session is a track-type running session. Everyone knows how much I love to run; I know it is not pretty or fast, and thus this statement might be perceived as sarcastic, but it is not. I am probably an anomaly: a former swimmer who loves to run. My favorite running-related activity is running at a cruisey pace for many, many miles–five-hour runs, for example. My least favorite is the opposite: short, fast, running with lots of stop-and-go. I don’t even mind running hard on a treadmill for a couple hours at a time; but running even harder for a minute or two, when I have to break my rhythm in between, but yet hardly have time to catch my breath . . . This is one of my least favorite types of training. I am not good at it and it hurts–badly. Of course these are two big reasons that I need to be doing this type of workout!

So although I dread Tuesday night run intervals (especially following the morning’s smashfest brick session), I also look forward to the feeling of satisfaction I derive from putting myself through them every week. If they weren’t such a challenge for me, I couldn’t be so proud of myself afterwards.

Last night I got some payback from Runner Eric for some of our recent swimming excursions when he joined me for the Tuesday night intervals. I should add that we don’t have a track here, so run intervals also involve using a Garmin to measure off an accurate distance–thus giving me another reason to hate them. Luckily, Dougie, Mr. Thorough, gave Eric a lesson with the Garmin, including a walking simulation, before he left. Thus, in order to avoid my head exploding before the session even started, Eric handled course-measurement duties.

Then we ran the same “track” session, although I couldn’t even run the speedster’s pace for one step. It was the massive difference in our speeds, however, that got me to thinking about how much it helps to have someone there to keep these intense sessions at an honest effort. I had my best interval session of the past three months, and it didn’t matter that Eric was miles ahead. When I see someone there pushing himself as hard as he can through the same session, it is impossible to back off.

Tomorrow morning I will have to re-establish my dominance in the water .

Week one in Noosa!

2009-02-23T04:37:00.002-05:00

Well the start of my new week has arrived. It was a long trip. It took me 34 hours from the time I left my door till the time I walked into my new living quarters for the next month. I am living with Hillary Biscay, Ironman Wisconsin Champion, and Doug Friman, who has raced ITU for the last ten years, competing for USA. We live in this two bed/two bath house, which is just a 7 min jog from the beach. The pool is about a 20 min bike ride to get there, and everything else we just walk out the door to do. Little strange for they drive on the wrong side, or I guess they think it’s the right side of the road. It’s a bit strange and if you're not careful you can easily get taken out by cars; funny how much you just take for granted walking across the street. Here in Noosa, this is a beach holiday spot for a lot of Australians, and a lot of surfers and backpackers seem to come here and do their thing as well. As for the training, well there are group swims and rides almost daily. A lot of long course athletes are training here, a few to name: Belinda Granger and her husband, Jeremy, Luke McKenzie, and then a few of the best short course athletes in the world: Greg and Laura Bennett, plus a host of foreign athletes, all wanting to come and train in paradise. Jet lag took its toll on me, haven’t been able to get a full night of sleep yet and on top of it was feeling a bit run down and got sick over the last 4 days which really drained me of my power. It will take a bit to get adjusted, but seem to be coming around. It's great to be around all these professionals and see the way they handle business; this sport is not for the weak and your mind plays so many tricks on you. It's really an amazing thing. I really look around and search in my life and there are so many people who are always there to help, I am so thankful, really. I nor anyone else in this sport can do it alone. There are those who pick me up, lend a hand, put a hand on me, talk with me, love me. To all of you, I will never be able to repay all for what you have given me. To all of you, I THANK YOU! What you give me is not taken for granted. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to come here and train, while many are laboring back home to help me put on this mile race I have dreamed about for so long. To all of you, Thank you! My 3 board members, guys I love you and this trip and my dream to be the best in the world would never be possible without you guys. You never really know what you got till you leave for a bit to see what it is you miss. My family, what a ride, mom, you’re the best healer ever and fan I love you. Well there will be more updates to come from Down Under. As they say Good day Mate. And this will never change, Dream Big!

Noosa!!!

2009-02-13T12:42:00.004-05:00

Australia here I come! Well, there is a lot to do before Tuesday at 3:30, when I leave for a long 29 hour flight to get me to train with the best in the business of Triathlon. How did this all come about? I was supposed to train in Florida with my boy Scott, who got an invitation to train with Brett Sutton and team TBB, what an opportunity! So, my coach Brent Lorenzen and I had to come up with a plan. Do we go to Cali, Florida, or Australia? I never thought the last would be the place. He called Hilliary Biscay, Ironman Wisconsin winner, for she is there training with Belinda Granger, Luke McKenzie, Greg and Laura Bennett, and a host of others to see if there was room for me to come train, and within 24 hours there was a place to stay and the ticket was booked. This is going to be an amazing journey for the next 6 weeks! I will update as much as possible. My training will still be an intense focus on swimming and will start to add the running and biking into the mix. My first race looks to be the 2012 Talent ID race in Lubbock, Texas in April, with St. Anthony's to follow, but not before putting on the Dogwood mile in downtown Knoxville on April 24. Well, as I always say if you can't Dream Big what is the use in dreaming? This trip is proof, dreams come true, but you better get to living!!

The "off" season!

2009-01-17T21:40:00.003-05:00

Dang the "off" season is tough. I know why the big time pros go down under to train. I am swimming with the Lady Vols and I had respect before and now I have that much more. I am swimming 7-8 sessions a week 35-40k and feel like I could die weekly. I run twice a week and bike twice. These past three days I have been broken. Sleeping about 15 hours a day, yeah I know what you are thinking, "must be nice"! Well not really would rather be training but he the cards have been dealt. I am also working on my new website which will be up and running shortly and just added a twitter account so I am trying to get with the program. My goal this year was to brand myself and figure a way out to make a bigger impact on LIFE. Taking any suggestions!!! Also look for the upcoming press about the road mile I will be putting on, April 24 the Dogwood Mile run will be run on Gay Street. This will be huge and I hope all will join me, to come out and run and enjoy a party!
Dream Big Baby!!

My first of many 70.3s to come!!!

2008-11-22T12:35:00.001-05:00

I know it has been forever since I last wrote to update. So here it goes. I after my last race in Dallas talked with my coach and since we had planned on doing a 70.3 we to a look and there was one in Arizona called the Soma Half. I was excited yet tired and would have days of great workouts and then be tanked, my recovery was taking a bit longer than usual but that is what happens at the end of a season. My best workout before the race was 20x400 ave. 72 all on the 2 min. It was a great workout both physically and mentally. I didn’t take the race prep serious as was evident when I went the weekend before to visit my brother in Southern Mississippi with mom and his girlfriend. I struggled bad the last week and in fact was only in the water one time over the last 7 days prior to the race, well enough excuses. I flew to Phoenix two days prior and was seriously thinking about bagging the whole thing but as always being in the environment always gets my juices flowing. So race day came and the I just told myself to grind all day, started the swim and well got off course twice so bad that a paddler had to tell me “you’re way off” and so got on the bike after a lame 30 min 2k swim. But knew that a bad swim wouldn’t break my race, but a fast first loop on the bike which was a three loop course would break me and so the first loop I was patient, and there was a lot of traffic so I just kept grinding. After the first loop I was feeling great and started to open it up and wow I had a great bike split for my first 56 miles race went 2:11 and then the run started my plan was to take the first half out easy and then let it rip the last half. All was going great, I was feeling great except for the dryness in the air would not let me keep cool for my sweat was drying faster than it could cool me, but that wasn’t the problem, at mile 9 I felt a pain in the inside of my knee that felt like someone had stabbed me and I thought dang my day is done. I was just praying I could hold on to the last 5 miles and the death march started and I just held on to finish the race. I did finish in 4:07 running a lame 1:23 half at end of the day. I believe that the knee problem cost me at least 5 min but all in all it wasn’t a bad day. I was top amateur and 11th overall, I loved the distance and plan to race at least 4 of those this next season. I have taken about 3 weeks off and started back this week, just light and this Monday my road to racing pro next season starts. I will be swimming 8 swims a week, 2 runs, 2 bikes, 2 yoga, and 2 trx sessions. I am committed and can’t wait to see what my second off-season training will do for me. I will try to update every two weeks, for it will be merely just talking about how training is going. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and am thankful for such and incredible season with both mountain top highs and some lows leaving my skin on the pavement. Thanks and Dream Big!!!

Long Time To Make Up!!!

2008-10-07T14:42:00.003-04:00

Well, for one who says they are going to update like every week, well I have let myself down. I am sorry, I realize it has been a while and I have raced three times since the last posting. I will give a brief race report from all three to get everyone caught up. The first race was Malibu tri, a beautiful place to race on the PCH, and with some of the best athletes in the world. I was humbled, this was a last minute decision to race and it was in-between L.A. and Nationals. I started with the pros, the swim was again an ocean swim, which I actually am beginning to really enjoy, I had a decent all around day, was top amateur, but who cares when the best pros in the world are beating me by 14 minutes. I have a big jump to make to race with the big boys, but hey there is plenty of time to make things happen. I stayed in Irvine CA with Blake Goodfellow and his wife and kids, had a blast and also stayed with Lauren a friend from Knoxville who recently moved out to LA, I am thankful to both parties for hosting me for 2 weeks! Then off to Portland for US Nationals, this race was going to be tough, the course is very tough and the competition even tougher. I ended up 4th overall missing out on third by a mere 3 seconds. Had a good day all in all. Strong swim still need to work lots this winter, but we will get there. The bike was great had lots of people to keep in close contact and lots of hills to climb. On the run course it was very hilly, went out on the run with a guy I knew could run but had no idea it would be as tough as it was, I thought I dropped him until at the turn around, which was 5k into the race, he was right with me and I was like dang he is not going away, he eventually took the lead and it was all I could do to hang on, the run has just not quite been there since the bike wreck. I eventually held him off to come up on the 3rd place guy, I went around him fast thinking I would pass and he would not react but he did and not only did he but he sat on me and passed me with 20 meters to go and I had nothing to respond back and therefore the 3 second defeat for a podium spot. Great day and was faster than last years winner, but there were guys who had better days, such is life sometimes. Now on to this past weekend. We were in Dallas where the Us Open Championships were held. They flew 20 of the best athletes in the country in for this elite championship event. I had earlier in the week a track workout, where I had pulled my sacrum, and that caused me trouble all week. I was just hoping with my mom’s help I would be able to race. Flew in to meet Eddie and I just was like give it your best and see what happens. I knew that David Kahn and Adam Webber were there and word was whoever won would be the leading candidate for US athlete of the year with the other two as runner-ups. So race day was upon us the swim was typical for me with the exception of looking directly into the sun on the way back in and if you have ever been in water and looking into the sun coming up it is hard to see anything your vision is blurred and tough to swim in a straight line. Finally our pack made it and off to the bike where I was ready to roll after taking it easy for the first 5k of the bike to get warmed up I felt amazing on the bike and had one of the best splits of the day. On to the run where I felt the injury the most just, never felt comfortable and ran one of my worst splits of the year and ended up finishing in 3rd, not a bad day and finish for the amount of talent there. Trip was a blast and the cowboys game was just one of the many highlights to the fun-filled weekend. Well now decision time, either take time off or go to Arizona to compete in a half ironman, this being my first. I Have a few friends Amanda and Eddie who will be racing the Best of the US race that same day so it looks like I am leaning to doing the race to finish off an incredible year of racing before I bury my head in the water this winter. Well, hope this finds everyone enjoying the fall weather and Dreaming Big. Sorry to be so winded and that’s what I get for being a slacker!!!

City of Angels!!!!!

2008-09-09T15:47:00.000-04:00

Sunday’s race marked my first competition in an ocean swim, we were at Venice Beach what a place, great view and I assume Woodstock was a lot like this place. It was a bit different than swimming in a pool, but I managed to put together, a breakthrough mile. I watched the pros head out into the water and dive trough the wave, minutes before the elite wave started so I tried to replicate their approach. About half-way through the swim I noticed I was among the main pack, and a bit less than a couple minutes behind the strongest swimmers. It felt great, and knowing that I was ahead of where I usually stand at that point in the race I was confident in being able to chase down those in the lead. I came out around 13th of 32 and headed to my bike. The bike course was relatively flat until about the 25k point when the hills came. I took advantage of my leg strength and climbing where I chased several competitors down in the hills. I was keeping a close eye at the turn-around point on those in front and knew I would have no problem once the run started. Off the bike and into the T2 area I was right with 2 other guys. The run began and I separated myself from the others. I ran comfortably and knew for sure after 5k that I’d pull off the win. The run course was no joke, a huge hill at mile one and mile four, the downhill hurt more than the uphill, I hate running downhill. This was a good day not great, but I hate losing more than I enjoy winning so I will take a win any day. Ended up winning by over a min. The finish was at L.A. Live and some friends from Knoxville who live in Cali where at the race, Lauren who swam for Pilot and Blake Goodfellow and his kids where there at the finish which was so much fun. It was a great experience and I felt good about the race and now on to race Malibu Tri this weekend before US Nationals in Portland, Oregon on the 20th. I learned a lot from the swim and am just waiting for a huge break through. This race qualified me for a race in Dallas on Oct 5 a very high profile and prestigious race so looks like I will wait till next season to do my first 70.3. Also looks like I may have picked up a apparel sponsor with Team Kiwami who sponsors some of the best Laura and Greg Bennett. Well till next week, Dream!!

The Windy City Won!!!

2008-08-28T14:02:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, I know, it has been a long time since I updated this blog, and I failed myself, for I wanted to do this weekly and I will do a better job, I promise. I have been through a lot these past 6 weeks, the wreck, my best friend and brother moved away to go to school, man I am proud of the risk he is taking and my training has been a little up and down. Well this past weekend I raced in Chicago, and if it were not for my good friend Eddie and my new friend Julie this trip would have been a total disaster. The race started and we swam in Lake Michigan, the start line was only oh like 25 yards wide and was like that for 400 yards or more. I figured that as much trouble as I had getting into the elite wave that, wow this must be a small friend of “elites” well there were plenty of elites but this was no small field and so I am not sure how many elites were really elite. Anyhow there were like 250 in our wave a big wave for any race let alone a swim start that is small as this one was. So I had trouble in the swim for it was a major bottleneck and no place to go. I am just waiting for my breakthrough, for I really have been swimming better and look forward to a big break through. Off to the bike that was ¼ of a mile away from swim exit running on hard gravel type pavement and boy did my feet pay for it. Had a great bike split on my new trek ttx that was smoking fast, tons of pot holes and hit one so hard that it knocked my bars to the side while my wheel was facing forward, doesn’t help for being aero. Coming back into transition I was feeling good then went to where I thought my stuff was near this tree well wrong tree, a mistake I have never made before, but a lesson learned make sure you know which tree to run to and exactly where your stuff is from both angles. So instead of taking like 1:15 it took me 2:07 dang there goes like 4 places. The run was ok felt good at beginning, but my fitness level is still coming back around. I ended up finishing 8th and 4th was less than 30 seconds in front of me, my mistake in transition. Now I am just training and getting ready to go to the west coast next Thursday, September 4th for a race in L.A. and then in Oregon. I can’t wait! To HFE and you know who you are whether you work for the company or are on the Board. I am honored to have your support! You will never know how much this means and I will do my part to make the most of the ability God has given me and represent this company well. Till next week, I promise. Dream Big!

Crashed and Burned!!!

2008-07-17T14:09:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since my last update, and this one I wish I could say no news is good news, but that is not the case. After the race in Iowa I took a few days off for I was really spent, more emotionally than physically, so I took some down time and then got right back on the horse. Ran 2 5ks for John Smyth and the EBS crew which pays for a lot of my travel. In those local 5ks I was 5th in both running 15:58 for one and 15:38 for the other, both feeling pretty good, I just don’t have the speed like I used to but will get it back soon. Then was doing a ride, it had been raining and was starting to dry, and I was doing down a decent at about 30 or so and before I knew it was sliding across the payment. My first thought was did I hurt my collar bone and the answer was no and then I looked at my leg and the road rash was not a good sight. I rode the 5 miles, yeah that is how close I was to home bleeding a little but probably was so far deep into the skin for any blood to really come out, it was just a bright pinkish burn all down my left leg. I cleaned it with the help of good friend Mark McClinton and then went home thinking, ok I will be good in three or four days. Little did I know what all was happening. The almost 3rd degree burn was one of the most painful things I have endured, I wish this on no one, and I’m sure some are saying it can’t be that bad, but when my coach who is an ER doctor looks and say this is a lot worse than I imagined, well that pretty much sums it up. So here I am 13 days later, no race in Chattanooga, no race in New York, and just trying to do a little something. If it were not for my mom and here healing touch, I am really not sure I would be ready for another week, but I hope to be back full throttle by Monday, well at least back to putting in the volume and then racing again in late August in Chicago.
Now on to another story, my birthday was on Monday and it was three years to the day that I decided to go after this and well in my mind at least start the process of leaving Hilton Head and doing something with my gifts. I was at a Party the other night thrown by Jennifer Parker and I looked around at all the people who came to wish my a happy birthday and felt like the luckiest person on the planet, so see where I have come in three years and how fortunate I am to have all these people in my life is truly amazing and I am so thankful, I am truly blessed and not a day goes by that I don’t realize and feel how loved I am and my hope is that all those who give to me that in someway I have been able to give you piece of me and loved you as much as I feel loved. To everyone who is reading this I love you and thank you from all of my being!!!!! Don’t ever give up on your own dreams look what has happened in three years of my dreaming… Dream Bigger!!!!!

Hy-Vee Tri in Des Moines, Iowa

2008-06-30T15:40:00.001-04:00

Well, I finally am getting around to writing about Hy-Vee, and I should have done this last week, during my down week. I was finally able to take a few days off, so I just stayed away from all of it. Going into, Hy-Vee I was trying to keep things rolling after worlds in Vancouver. Looking back I may have gone to hard heading into the race. The week before I rode 3 hours on wed, ran 12 on thurs, 8x800 on the track fri, 3 hours sat, 13 mile run sun and all these were the main sets with swimming and a little biking and running as well. This is not to brag just putting my stuff down and even I looking at it wonder “what was I thinking?” This is the joy of sports, to live and learn, it is never ending as Tiger said how may more fore-forever, that’s what we have. So I fly up on Friday, which is just a typical travel day and then Saturday was another typical pre-race day. I didn’t feel great but I have been doing this for a bit now and know that sat doesn’t matter how I feel but block it out and race hard Sunday. Hy-Vee is one of the most well run if not the most well run race I have ever been apart of, going into the race up until thurs was going to be a duathlon, because of the floods in Iowa, but the bacterial count was down and we were able to swim. They were able to pull it off as well as an elite race. Race day now, I swam ok and panicked a bit going into the first buoy, but regrouped and kept pressing. Then on to the bike, a lot like Memphis just a bit worse, and guys were flying by me like I was sitting still. It was a long and rough day, going into the run I knew I was in trouble. I was passed by a 34 year old on the bike who started 3 minutes back and I knew I was in trouble. I have had some great run workouts and I am in great run shape, so I thought it would come around and it never did. So I finished 3rd, I know what your thinking, geez Eric, is 3rd not good enough, well no it is not, I want to win every time out and I learned a valuable lesson. I can take a little time off instead training so hard going into the race. So took some down time last week and started back today ready to roll. I will be racing in Chattanooga on the 13th of July. This is for a spot in a race called Best of the US in October, in Arizona. We shall see how it goes, I am loving watching the Olympic trials, people I have run with, people who I have helped coached, and others I admire and hope in 4 years I will be representing the US in London like they are. The sponsorship front, I am a blessed and humbled individual, so many people are helping and believe in the Dream to all those and I need to ask before I publish names, but YOU know who you are and from the depth of my soul. THANK YOU, I could not do it with out you. Till we meet again Dream!!!

Bell likes ring of 'World Champion'

2008-06-17T10:25:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delay I don't have any excuses....It has been one amazing ride, the news-sentinel article is another great article to check out. Also congrats to my good friend Amy Midis, who is going to Kona to race in Ironman World Championships. I am one blessed individual, people have been coming out of the woodworks to congratulate me and it has been very overwhelming and I feel so blessed. I also am considered a non-profit now with the Knoxville Sports Center and will be raising money to help my dream of 2012. I am meeting with one of my new sponsors tomorrow who will be joining with me in my pursuit, they are Blalock Construction and I welcome and them and am thankful for Jo and Sid and their willingness to join my team. I article below does a much better job than I could in explaining how it went down in chilly Vancouver, B.C.

June 8, 2008 -- For the first time in the 20-year history of the International Triathlon Union’s Olympic distance age group World Championship, 55-degree water and a nasty, five-foot wind chop forced race directors to cancel the swim for two-thirds of the field. With multiple timing difficulties engendered by switching to a duathlon format in mid-race and placing all 1,702 competitors on a three kilometers short of 40km four-loop bike and a two-and-one-half loop run, all results and designated age-group winners were provisional.
ITU World Championship technical delegates and the race director, in consultation with the race medical director, made the decision to cancel the swim after the women’s 45-49 and 50-54 age group waves had started. At that point, 672 competitors started the swim, and 1,030 – all women 55-plus all male competitors –were switched to a duathlon format of 3km run, a 37-kilometer bike and a 10km run.
With race officials citing safety concerns, many U.S. veteran age-group competitors grumbled that the water temperatures were no colder than a typical swim at the Pacific Grove Triathlon, the water no rougher than many a triathlon at Oceanside. But in combination with high winds and air temperatures dipping into the mid-50s at race time, many competitors were pulled out of the moiling gray waters shivering with hypothermia. In fact the numbers of rescue workers in boats and kayaks, and lifeguards on surfboards were kept busy by the numbers of triathletes requiring rescue.
Before the race, the race medical director cut back the point-to-point swim at English Beach from the standard 1500 meters to 1100 meters to avoid placing athletes in waters near 12 degrees Celsius (about 55 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than 30 minutes. With raging currents driving swimmers toward shore, swimmers actually had to fight through much of the original distance just to stay on course.
As rough as conditions were Saturday, they were much milder than the torture suffered by contestants in Thursday’s Junior World Championships. On that day, the ill effects of equally cold and turbulent water were amplified by freezing rain that local meteorologists labeled the “coldest June day in 50 years” in Vancouver. Several junior worlds competitors, with freezing fingers unable to unbuckle, completed the final run with their bike helmets on.
This leaves the USA’s Eric Bell, 28, the likely men’s overall winner in 1:37:58. If his overall time stands up under expected extensive review, he has extended a string of US men taking the overall ITU age group World Championship title to three. Bell follows in the footsteps of Marc-Bonnet-Eymard’s 2006 overall title in Lausanne and Ben Collins’ overall win last year in Hamburg.
Bell, 28, a former University of Tennessee runner with a 5k PR of 14:18, is in just his third season as a triathlete. This year he placed second overall amateur at St. Anthony’s and was one of the top finishers at a race for promising elite competitors held at Tuscaloosa Alabama the day after the second 2008 US Olympic Trials.

Now I am on to Hy-Vee this weekend where floods have casued race directors to cancel the swim. I will give a race report after. My idol Tiger Woods, wow, maybe I can work on my mental game to be a tough as he is. Somnium Magnus!!!!

World Champs

2008-06-05T10:41:00.007-04:00

Well hello everyone, I am in Vancouver B.C. Wow this city is amazing and this week has been amazing as well, so much is happening and I am one blessed individual, my Dreams are coming true!!! I race on Sat at 12:15 est. and will be giving a race report asap. I ask you to think, if you could do one thing today and know that you would not fail what would it be...then do it, cause there is no word such as failure, just learning. This past week some sponsors have come forward and I can't tell you how blessed and thankful I am. My board of directors Andrew Huck, Dr. David Forsberg, and Jon Lawler, words cannot express how I feel and am so thankful you three are in my life.

Two of my good friends are racing at Eagleman 70.3 and trying to get their Kona spots this weekend, tear it up Amy and Scott.

Here is a link to the recent news paper article. Check it out if you wish.
www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jun/04/
bell-to-take-on-triathlons-best/

Remeber if you don't dream big what is the use in dreaming.
Eric

Memphis in May

2008-05-23T11:52:00.001-04:00

Well, I know it has been a couple days since I raced and I have not put up a race report but the reason for lack of putting it up is nothing more than I have been fried on all fronts and just having a tough time keeping up. I raced Memphis In May on Sunday for the 4th race in 5 weeks. I was fried in the middle of last week, had to take a few days off and was really not looking forward to traveling let alone have to go and hurt for 2 hours. My mom who is one of my biggest fans joined me on the trip, which was great. Race morning arrived and in very unlike me fashion, I woke and first thing to cross my mind was do I have to do this, well I get to go it first and fore most, and yes I traveled 6 hours to race and was going to give it my best shot. The race is a time-trial start unlike a wave start, we start at number 1 after the pros leave 20 min before we start the race and every 3 seconds they send you into the water. I was number 375 and it went fast before I knew it I was in the water. I planed to press the swim which I did, but there was a lot of traffic and in fact I was crawling all over people felt like I had a decent swim and then into T1 where I just felt a little sluggish and not in a panic mode like I normally do, but made it out with no problem. Started the bike and at that point I knew I was in for a long day, my legs they just weren’t with me. A guy passed me on the bike like I was sitting still and I could do nothing to respond to him, nothing. I pressed on and had to battle my mind and body the whole race, I was in such bad shape mentally I just was hoping to flat so I could just stop hurting. The bike was complete and then on to the run, this run course is tough with lots of hills. I just knew the guy on the bike that passed me, I had to catch him if I was going to win, I did catch and pass him and overall in the run felt ok, ended up running 33:53 which is pretty fast only one other guy beat me in the run a pro who ran 2 seconds faster than me. I ended up the day as the top amateur and 10th overall. (Went 1:51.20) I should be really happy for to win Memphis in May is a big deal, but I just love to compete and do my best and well, I did my best with what my body gave me that day, but I know I am a lot better and wanted to be top 5 overall, we live and learn. Now I have some down time till Worlds, which are June 7 in Vancouver Canada, and down time that is much needed and will be taken advantage of for sure. I will be in touch have a great Memorial Weekend and remember if you don’t DREAM BIG, what is the use in Dreaming.

Coastal Alabama

2008-05-08T12:51:00.003-04:00

So, this past Saturday I was racing in Gulf Shores, Alabama for the third race in as many weeks. It was supposed to be a 1000 meter swim, 19.5 mile bike and a 4.5 mile run. But because of the currents, they had to cancel the swim and replace it with a one mile run, much to the liking of yours truly. The race started, my coach Brent Lorenzen told me to "NO MATTER what, HAMMER the bike". After changing the seat position on my bike, I felt like I was dancing on the pedals. I ran the first mile in 5:22, averaged 25.8 mph on the bike, and then ended up running 24 minutes for the 4.5 mile run. I won the race by 4.5 minutes. After two second place finishes, I finally was able to win one. Now I have two weeks to train for Memphis in May and will spend the week in Destin training, thanks to Tucker and Joyce Montgomery (Larkin's parents) graciously letting me stay in their condo. Also I forgot to mention how much I appreciate my good friends Jared and Stephanie along with their son Caden, who made the journey with me to Gulf Shores to watch me race. I feel like I am living the dream and thanks to the people that support me, because I can't do this without the support. Good news on the sponsor front, BlueSeventy has contacted me and they want to sponsor me. Hope all is well with everybody and I will give a pre-race update before Memphis next week. Remember, Never Stop Believing... Dream Big

St. Anthony's Race Report

2008-04-30T15:22:00.000-04:00

Well, two races down and two 2nd place finishes. This was ST. Anthony’s one of the best races in the country if not the best and probably the deepest and strongest field assembled outside a world championship race. This race was held in St. Petersburg, Florida. Race day started early my wave was the 3rd off the pro men and women and then the elite amateurs, and invite only into this wave where there were 50 entrants. The days started off rough, the water was churning and was a battle the entire time. I got out well, I felt and then made a turn at the first buoy and then the current just kept knocking me off course, it felt like I was in a washing machine, never been in one but can imagine. So I get out of the water and into T1 where I looked around and thought ok I’m where I need to be no clue where I was on the course and so off to the bike. The bike course is flat with lots of turns. I start going and just felt flat, had an ok day on the bike nothing great and just felt the engine could not get cranking. Then on to the run where as soon as I started I was like dang this may be a long day, and just started cranking and kept cranking, then I started passing people and then caught the guys who I thought was in first and then just ran for my life. I crossed the finish to hear my name as the 2nd place and was like where did I miss someone, and sure enough I did miss one guys he finished like 1:30 in front of me. I went 22 min the water, 59 something on the bike and 33 flat, yeah s spectacular run in fact it was the 5th fastest run all day only three Olympians and a 70.3 world champ were faster than me on the run, so all in all not a bad day especially the run. Was a little disappointed with the swim and the bike feel like I am in a lot better shape than reflected, but not bad being 2nd elite amateur and 20th overall in this star-studded race. Well now one more race in gulfshores, not on the schedule but a race my coach Brent Lorenzen thinks would be good, then a weekend off then Memphis in May, feels like a whirlwind but I am blessed to be doing what I love. Thanks to all you out there and, you know who you are, who are helping make my dreams come true. Stay tuned for next race report and in the meantime DREAM BIG!!!

Start Your Engines!!!!!!

2008-04-22T11:05:00.003-04:00

Well the season is under way. I raced on Sunday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This race was the Talent ID 2012 in which they invited 40 or so of the top Amateurs in the country to race in a draft legal race, the first one of its kind on American soil for age-group athletes. This race was in conjunction with the Olympic Trials, in which I was able to see two amazing athletes win, Julie Ertel and Matt Reed. The great thing about triathlon is that at anytime it can be anyone’s race just look at the fact Matt Reed was the one supposed to not make the team and now one of the two “favorites” Hunter Kemper or Andy Potts will be on the outside looking in. Then we raced on Sunday at 1. One of my good friends Mary Miller, raced in the female race and came in 3rd she’s a stud look out for her, we seem to have hit the tri world at same time and are dreaming big. Sorry, I get side tracked, our race was 750 meter swim, 12.5 mile bike, and 5k run. I was nervous before it started but I just kept telling myself do your thing be the best you can and see where the chips fall. I had a good swim, started on the outside to stay out of trouble which may have cost me a touch but at least I was in the race. I came out of the water with the 2nd pack, there was about 8-10 of us and we got on the bike. I was leading the train to try and get everyone to work together for we were not going to catch anyone as individuals but could put a dent into the 1:15 lead they had on us. And we did, I came off the bike and transition in 6th place about :55 back from the leader. I was hurting and for some reason was having stomach cramps and could not open it up in the run and I was real hesitant, but kept moving up after the first 2.5k loop I was in 3rd and had my sights on the two leaders. I caught second place with a ½ mile to go and just ran out of real estate to catch the leader. He beat me by :15 seconds. I had a lot of fun and felt I ran and did the best I could do. I had a huge supporting cast and as always this a team effort for people there and at home. My team is team Somnium Magnus which is Latin for Dream Big. If your reading this your apart of it and I thank you for being with me in this, I feel your energy and love and cherish your support. I know and feel great things are coming and I believe I will be able to train full-time for that is what it takes to beat and be the best. So now this weekend I race in another big race, nothing like starting the season off with a bang! I am headed to Tampa, for St. Anthony’s which might as well be a world championship race. It will be big, last year I was 3rd in the elite amateur wave and hope to better that this year. Let’s do this. Dream Big!!!

In the Books!!!

2008-04-10T09:36:00.002-04:00

Well the first race is in the record books. It was a Duathlon, which is a run bike run. We ran 3 biked 15 ran 3. Last week was an unusual week, on Friday I was doing a track workout, feeling great when I cramped and cramped bad. This does not happen to me so I was either lacking in fluids or sleep, but I went to the cold tank, which you submerge yourself in water at 55 degrees, and drank a lot of Gatorade. Fell like trash the rest of the day then did a 45 mile bike ride of Saturday and a swim. Going into the race there was no pop in the legs I was a little worried but felt that I would be ok. The race started and I took it out from the start, there was a guy with me till the 11/2 mark and then I was alone the rest of the day. I ran the first 3 in 16:00, then got on the bike, with a minor mishap out of transition, my toe on my shoe caught the ground and went flying, so I ran back with my bike to get my shoe and well that was a first. Then got on the bike and started hammering but my legs were not there, I was just flat and no juice. I went on to ride 37 something and then had built like a 3 min lead, so the second run I ran hard but was hurting, I just was really tired. I ran 17 min for the last 3 and ended up winning by 4 min. All in all it was a great day, especially considering the training I was doing leading up to the race. I run across people all the time who are involved in my life in some shape or fashion and am continually amazed at the support people give me to pursue these dreams. I am forever grateful for all those in my life who are and encouragement and an inspiration. This is a total team effort and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Well no race this weekend and then we will be off and running. Dream Big!!!! p.s. pic is from the race, I was running so fast I made the pic fuzzy!!!

Spring is in the Air!!

2008-03-31T10:34:00.003-04:00

Well, spring is upon us, the smell of newly cut grass for me is the first sign, but then again it was snowing on my run last Monday. I am back in the swing of things after the horrible strep throat, I would not wish that on my own worst enemy. I had a great week of training especially as I was doing 8x1000 on the track in the pouring down rain. Then I had to do a long run and decided to run the half-marathon yesterday in downtown Knoxville. Great day for a run and was planning to just do a recovery run, then an unexpected surprise happened and these are the moments in life to live for. At mile 4 it was about four of us, all runners who have been friends for a while then all the sudden this girl joins our group to be the first female in the race, so we decided to help her. By this I mean run with her, encourage her, and just let her sit in and feed off of us. Well at mile 9 it was just her and I and so I just ran with her and at this point I could tell she was starting to struggle, I slowed to get her to catch back up and was going to really push her to get her to the finish line. Her former personal best was like 1:29 and she traveled from Indiana to do this race. I knew we were on pace to smash her pr if she could just hold it together for a couple more miles. Well we continued to run and I just keep telling her stay relaxed and keep rolling and she did, I was going to let her enjoy her moment and go to the finish line by herself and she was like nope, you helped me and we will cross together. And so we did, I am not sitting here writing to brag about myself, I just was honored to be apart of something so special to this young lady. Never met her will proably will never see her again, but for 13 miles I was able to give back to a sport that has given me so much. It was so rewarding for me to just run along and help this young lady in her first half-marathon realize a dream, and for me it was a joy and something I will cherish for a long time. To be able to give is an amazing feeling and I am so grateful to all those who have helped me along the way, no one does it alone, there are so many out there and to all I say THANKS, never stop believing. DREAM BIG!!!!!! First Race is on Sunday, a duathlon which will consist of a 3 mile run 15 mile bike and 3 mile run, will let you know the results after.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T16:43:00.003-04:00

Well I hope that the luck of the Irish may bless everyone this year. Update: I have not had the flu since I was a young buck, and I had it 3 weeks ago. Now, I have never ever had strep throat and well you guessed it I have it now. Training last week was going well until I tried to be tough guy on Saturday and that was the straw that broke the camels back and so here I am, in as much pain as ever, this is not a fun event. Well if I wanted to get down in to more race weight well I have my wish, for I can’t eat or drink, heck I can’t even swallow my own saliva. Well enough of poor pitiful me. Go out make sure your green is on and Always Dream Big!!! Gooood Daaaayyy

Follow your Rainbow!!!

2008-03-12T09:45:00.006-04:00

I am truly blessed! I feel as if the end of the rainbow is right in front of me! This dream could not be done alone and may you be as fortunate, follow your rainbow. As the time changes so does everything in the air. I love this time of year, March Madness, The Masters, and most of all, it is almost time to start racing. I spent the off-season in the pool 5-6 days a week and it is paying off!! Now it is time to balance all three disciplines out and really start putting more time on the bike and run. I did a 3 mile tempo off the bike yesterday and ran 16:10, good not great for the first one of the season. I have 4 weeks till my first duathlon and 6 till my first triathlon. With all the happenings in my training, big things are starting to devolope for me, and my wish to train full-time is really starting to become reality. Alpha Advisors is going to be my title sponsor and there are a few others who are coming forward to help in this team effort. I am trying to raise 50,000 and so far almost 15,000 has come forward. I am truly humbled by this and will be forever grateful for all the people in my life who believe in me. I workout twice everyday and think all the time about how fortunate I am to have so many people in my life that love to dream, I will never be able to say thank you enough for your generosity. I will be more diligent about updating this blog weekly if not twice weekly. Remember, follow your rainbow, no telling what is at the end!!!! Dream Big!

More Swimming!!!

2008-02-27T15:53:00.002-05:00

Well, as I sit here and write I am getting over the flu bug. I never really get the flu and this was only a 36 hour event, but I hated every minute of it. Body aches and fever are not what an athlete wants; sitting around not working out are miserable times for me. But sometimes the body just needs a break and so it is what it is. As you know I have been the volunteer assistant coach for the Lady Vols swimming and diving team and last week we were in Alabama for SEC Championships. I have been a runner my whole life and to understand swimming and see these athletes perform was amazing. These were some of the best swimmers in the world, and our own Lady Vols made a splash. I have been a part of this team, seen them grow into amazing women and to see them come together to have one of the best meets in Lady Vol history was an honor. I witnessed a senior swim one of the fastest 200 times in history and then witnessed a freshman swim like she was a senior. This team performed one great race after another and I was just honored to be a part of what they did. I learned a lot from these women, they dug deep and as swimming has been my most difficult, I will remember this past week and take it with me as I move ever so close to my race season. Thanks Lady Vols!!! You have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for letting me be a part of your life this past year. Dream Big!!!

Support Letter

2008-02-16T20:51:00.002-05:00

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
-Mary Anne Radmacher

It is a dream that stirs in me long before I ever realized it was so. I have wanted to compete for the United States of America, in something...anything. I have been a runner for many years. I ran in middle school, high school, and then on to college, where I ran for the University of Tennessee. After college, I did what society expects from every graduate...I got a JOB. I am fortunate that it came with many great opportunities.

All this time there has been a voice inside me that keeps saying, “There is so much more for you out there and you must accomplish it”. My vision now is to compete on the 2012 Olympic Team. After just my second year of competing in triathlons all over the world, I realize this has become an absolute possibility. I have worked hard to finance my training, and my competitions. I am blessed to have such a supportive network of family and friends. However, I have reached a point that requires me to invest more heavily in my triathlon training in order to achieve the next level of excellence. To ensure that I am on track for the 2012 Olympic Team, I need the ability to train full time and travel to numerous higher-level competitions.

In addition to the everyday living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, food), there is also the cost of my competitive sport. This consists of coaches, travel, and entry fees, along with training gear. I anticipate that it will take $3000 to $4000 a month to cover all of these expenses. Ironically, the time I need to spend training in order to excel in my triathlon takes away from the time I will need to have available to pay for my extensive training. However, I will continue training and coaching those in the community who are also trying to fulfill their own dreams.

I am writing to ask for your support in one of two ways. First, I am asking you to consider offering your direct monetary support to sponsor me in my path to the 2012 Olympic Games. Such a contribution may be a potential investment opportunity or tax deduction. A second option in offering your support is to consider a corporate sponsorship, either through the business you are affiliated with or through someone you know that might have an interest. This may be either a local or nationally based company. Top athletes are typically funded through such sponsorships. The corporation would provide a stipend and/or equipment to assist with living expenses and training needs. In return, I would coordinate with the business to support and advertise their product or service through my competitions, networking, and travel.

My dream is possible. With a lot of determination and dedication on my part I will make my dream come true. In doing so, I know that I could not be where I am today without the people who believe in me and offer their support. This dream will take a team effort and I ask that you join me and become a part of this team. I would be honored and extremely grateful for any and all the support that you can give me. Please email or call to find out more information on this opportunity.

Dream Big.

Eric Bell
ericryanbell@aol.com

Can We Please Get Some Warm Weather?!?!

2008-02-16T10:07:00.005-05:00

Well, last weekend was great weather and I rode 3 hours and then ran 5 miles off the bike, but dang was it windy. But, then this week we had highs in the 30s, would just like it if say 65-70 all the time oh, wait that's southern California, ummm. Then on Sunday ran 13, I got a chance to be apart of something cool, Dan Holbrook, an estate attorney in town, is a client of mine and Sunday the 10th was his birthday and so for his 60th birthday he decides to run 60 miles, heck why not right? I thought he was crazy but he is amazing, and so I ran and part of my run was on the UT track with Dan while he was running 60, way to go Dan. This week has been another good week in the pool with UT assistant swim coach Jen Arndt, she hasn't been swimming much but was an All-American at Michigan and get is and still kicks my butt, but hey that's what I want it I expect to get better. Andrew Huck, who is my soul mate, and I have been working hard to try to get some gear and have a bike jersey made with a number of logos on it, if you interested in putting yours on let me know ASAP. Andrew and I have got lots of dreams we share together and without someone like him in my corner, I don't know if I could do this. Thanks wingman! I struggle a lot with this journey, for I also have a business that I could grow and do a few things with, like open a gym, but the more I concentrate on what I want which is to train full-time the more I come alive and so it is imperative that I stay focused on what I want and not on a bunch of "what ifs" for in life there are times when looking fear straight in the face is really the best teacher one can have. Till we meet again. Dream Big!

Always Dream Big!!!!

2008-02-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

Well, if you are here, you have received my letter and I appreciate more than you will ever know the consideration you are taking on whether or not to help me follow and live my dreams!! Training is going well, did a great swim workout on tues...30x100 on the 1:30 last year during the season I was going 1:12 for like 15 and then 1:20 for the last 15, this week the first 10 were 1:13, second 10 were 1:11, and the last 10, I went 1:07 (by the way I don't do flip turns). Swimming is my weak link to success and with help from the UT Lady Vols, for I have been the volunteer assistant coach this year, and Matt, the head coach has been helping me, the water has become a place that I actually am starting to enjoy. More to come every few days, This will be a resource for those who want to follow me, you can come to this site and check in every few days or weeks or just as you please. First Race is April 20 in Alabama at the Talent Id 2012 Race, 80 Under 29 Guys and Gals are invited and this will be the first race to start looking at the Talent for 2012, I can't wait.....Talk with you soon....Remember to always Dream Big!!!