Madison-area swimming pools will be pretty well packed through the foreseeable future. Even though the weather is getting warmer it’s going to be a while before the lakes have thawed enough for regular swim workouts. So the pools are going to busy. With a growing number of triathletes carving out time to train, everyone has to share. Now is a good time to learn how to circle swim.

Learn how at Examiner.com>>

The Devil’s Challenge Triathlon got off to a chilly start as an early morning fog settled over Southern Wisconsin. But within an hour of the first swimmer’s splash into the water from beach the skies cleared to make for a great conclusion of 2009 Triathlon season. Visit Examiner.com for the complete story and a slide show: http://www.examiner.com/x-15739-Madison-Outdoor-Recreation-Examiner~y2009m9d20-Devils-Challenge-concludes-2009-Wisconsin-Tri-seaon

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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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“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”

Plato ~ Ancient Greek Philosopher  (428 BC-348 BC)

Photo by James Edward Mills from the collection “Ironman in shades of rosegold and bronze”

Many thanks to all the volunteers that make the Wisconsin Ironman possible. -JEM

The third round of race-day photos are posted on Flickr! at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwsr8th/sets/72157622236629809/

The second round of race-day photos are posted to Flickr! at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwsr8th/sets/72157622234123015/

A broad field of professional and amateur triatletes got off to a great star this morning at the 2009 Wisconsin Ironman. Clear skies and mild temperatures promise a great race for more than 2,200 participants from across the United States and around the world.

Find the first round of race day photos on Flickr! at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwsr8th/sets/72157622356646074/

“Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and its power of endurance – the cheerful (person) will do more in the same time, will do it better, will preserve it longer, than the sad or sullen”

Thomas Carlyle ~ Scottish Historian and Essayist, leading figure in the Victorian era. 1795-1881)

Photo by James Edward Mills from the collection “Ironman in shades of rosegold and bronze“

“Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist (1803-1882)

Photo by James Edward Mills from the collection “Ironman in shades of rosegold and bronze“

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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