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First in line to register for the 2010 Wisconsin Ironman José Aguilar

It’s eight hours after the conclusion of the Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon. And on the streets of Madison all that remains is a litter of paper cups and discarded plastic water bottles. <<Cross fade sound of leaf blower>>

A city maintenance man sweeps up the clutter with a leaf blower in front of the State Capital building as the 2009 Triathlon season for many comes to an end. But 50 yards away at the Monona Terrace the 2010 Triathlon season is just beginning.

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First-time Iroman Triathletes Marty Findeisen & Kara Smith

Marty Findeisen and his training partner Kara Smith are enjoying a leisurely pre-race lunch on State Street.  With less than 30 hours to go until race day they polish off their last heavy meal at Frida Mexican Grill.

“We’ll be back on Monday for Tequila shots!” says Findesisen to the waiter.

These first-time Ironman Triathletes are up from Chicago on Friday to register and ease into last minute preparations before the big race on Sunday.

“We’ve been coming up to train pretty regularly,” says Smith, 27. “We’ve got a good idea of what to expect.”

Findeisen, 50, says they’ve put in a lot time getting ready. “We’ve done about 20 hours of training a week on top of our regular jobs,” he says. “Plus we’ve got a trainer and a nutritionist. We’ve been pretty smart about it.”

Even though this will be their first Iroman Findeisen and Smith have made a lot of good choices in their training. And they can expect to have a good race on Sunday. If this is your first Ironman there are several things you can still do or least keep in mind to assure you enjoy the experience.

Read the full story at Examiner.com

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Camping is always a welcome alternative to a hotel room. Aside from being significantly less expensive, there’s something truly rewarding about the freedom you enjoy when exposed over night to the wonders of nature.
It’s perhaps the departure from the routine of daily life that makes camping a favorite pastime for so many. Around the Madison area, throughout Dane County and across the state of Wisconsin there are dozens of campgrounds for residents and visitors to enjoy.
David Giroux works for the University of Wisconsin System. This summer he took his three daughters to Yellowstone Lake State Park near the town Blanchardville for an overnight. When on a camping trip Giroux says life for his family takes on a completely different meaning.

This story continues at Examiner.com: Madison area camping

Photo by David Giroux

The attention of the cycling world is clearly focused this week on the Tour De France. As Lance Armstrong makes an amazing play for his 8th win after three years in retirement, just about everyone who pulls out their bike these days wonders how they might stack up against the grueling pace over 3,500 kilometers of steep mountain roads. Especially here in Wisconsin, home of Trek Bicycle where Lance’s bikes are made, citizen riders pound pedal to pavement over scenic routes throughout Dane County that are as good or better than any you’ll find on the planet.
Michael Beibertiz author of the book “Great Dane Rides” said Madison is unique in that the city offers dozens of bike rides along well-maintained open roads just a few miles outside of town. His book, complete with maps and cue sheets, features a variety of cycling routes put together by members of the Bombay Bicycle Club accumulated over the past 30 years.

Click here to continue article at Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-15739-Madison-Outdoor-Recreation-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Great-Dane-Rides