Lessons Learned from Kona Rookie Bill Beyer...

My client Bill Beyer (be sure to read about the Beyer Project) who competed in the Ironman World Championship on October 11 shared some wise and entertaining insights about racing in the ocean and lava fields at Kona: Pre-race: Bring support [family, friends] for the week. When preparing, leave the AC off in the room at night and open the windows. [David's comment: Best way to acclimatize is to arrive Kona...

Beyer Project success: Bill earns his Kona slot!...

Ironman Coeur d'Alene on June 21, 2009 marked the final stage in a triathlon coaching and social experiment called the "Beyer Project." UPDATE: Download my article that appeared in the Winter 2010 issue of Tri-DC Magazine HERE. For 6 months beginning in January 2009, I was Bill Beyer’s "live-in" triathlon coach: working with Bill one-on-one, providing accountability, giving him real-time...

From Coach to Athlete before the big race...

What should a coach say to his client the day before the most important triathlon of his life? My client, Bill Beyer, recently competed in Ironman Couer d’Alene (2.4-mile swim / 112-mile bike / 26.2-mile run) on June 21st. This was Bill’s first Ironman in 2 years after a foot injury in 2007 and surgery in 2008. Here’s what I said to Bill before the race: One more thought. You’ve done most of...

So how does one gain entry into Ironman Hawaii?...

For those who are unfamiliar with how to gain entry into the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, here’s a brief summary of how it works: An athlete either has to: Be a celebrity, Win a slot in the Ironman Lottery or Earn a qualifying slot at another Ironman race. The Ironman Lottery Program offers the chance to win one of 150 slots for citizens of the United States or 50 slots to international competitors...

The Beyer Project: Bill’s Quest for Kona...

Bill and David at Triple-T in 2006Happy New Year! How much would you give to earn a qualifying spot to the Ironman World Championships? Over the holidays, I moved out of my townhouse temporarily – I’m renting it out – and moved in with my friend and coaching client, Bill Beyer. Bill’s dream is to qualify for the Hawaii Ironman at Ironman Canada in August and I’m going to coach him towards...