Training Ops

Setting up our transition area

As with any great training plan, as time goes by, there will be a point where you have to kick it up a notch. This weekend was one of those times we kicked it up, kicked it up into outer fucking space.

Approx 3/4 mile point. Still all smiles

Team Zombie is compromised mostly of members from Xtreme Dragon Boat Racing Team (including me). At this time of year, practice begins for the oncoming dragon boat competitions. Not to neglect any practice, we've incorporated it as part of our workouts. The usual DB (dragon boat) practice days are in the morning every weekend. Those participating in the biathlon will have to train to complete their brick workouts either Saturday before DB practice or Sunday after DB practice. Then we've got the nut jobs that decide to do it both days of the week. More power to them.

Cynthia C. telling us she's still ok

Unfortunately, no pictures were taken during Saturday's practice and I was not able to attend due to work commitments. I will tell you this, mostly every body that went to Saturday's brick workout also went to Sunday's. That's dedication right there.

After DB practice Sunday at the World's Fair Marina in Flushing, we headed off to Alley Pond Park, the site of most of our brick workouts. There was a great turn out with 17 team members at ready. Bikes were staged and the route briefing was given. Shortly we were off. The distance we would be covering is a 2mile run-2 mile bike- 2mile run. Of course, what's a workout without its share of hills.

Adrian C. (Left) and Joseph Z. (Right) determined

How were these people so motivated? How did I get persons that hate to run, throw on running shoes and freakin run? One member didn't even know how to ride a bike until she heard of the team. Interesting fact, I'm the only veteran in the team. None of them has the impact of wounded veterans as much as I do, yet they're doing as much as I am. Running the dreaded hills, biking the distances, sacrificing their time to spread the word about the team. What would you rather do on a beautiful weekend? Probably sleep the fuck in or vegetate in front of the HD flat screen. Negative. Not these Zombies. I can tell you why they're motivated. Cause they have a lot of fucking heart. They believe in this cause as much as I do. More than the veterans in my college do. That's another damn story.

Team Zombie, you've made me proud. You're the platoon I've been looking for since I've left the Marines. I am honored to have fallen in your ranks. Semper Fi and Ooo fuckin Rah!

Marilyna L.

Otto C. (Left) and Leaanna K. (Right) off for the 2nd Run

Jane Z. is Xtreme-ly excited

Cynthia C. showing off her new found bike skills

Jeremy K. had some technical difficulties (Pedal broke off from too much torque)

Gary L. is Xtreme

Eddy K. checking his finishing time

Reconnaissance

Transition Area

This past Sunday a few of us signed up to volunteer for the Brooklyn biathlon at Prospect Park. None of us had done a biathlon before, so we took this opportunity to see what it was all about. Also, it allowed us free registration to the Queens biathlon. Team members Jane Z, Jeff L., Bud P. and I arrived early in the morning at Prospect park at 0600hrs. Not to waste a good Sunday to train, we also bought along our bikes to train at the completion of the biathlon.

What did we learn? There are some elite athletes out there. In the transition area, where competitors would change from running to biking and vice versa, they planned out how they would come to their station and change. They would ask where they would come into the area and which direction they would leave. We "note to self" those minor details and watched as they warmed up. Some competitors ran around a little bit, but few warmed up on the bike.

Starting Line

At the starting line, everyone was poised and ready to go. Layers of warm clothing were removed and everyone looked more streamlined. Off they went down the pavement at Prospect park and the first person would come back from the 2.1 mile run in just under 11 minutes. I was astonished. He changed and was off quickly. At the end, the winner one in an approximate time of 50 minutes after completing a distance of 2 mile run, 10 mile bike and 2 mile run.

Bud P. would rather be racing

L to R, Eddie G, James L., Kevin C. Sam E.

 

Else where in Queens, self proclaimed Team Zombie Bravo was gathering for a brick workout in Alley Pond Park. Team members Eddie G., Sam E., and new members James L. and Kevin C. met up at 1000hrs to practice the hills of Alley Pond Park. Today they would complete a course marked by Eddie G. to be 2 mile run-7 mile bike- 2 mile run. This workout would be beneficial for race day.

Team Zombie Bravo's James L. pounding the pavement

Sam E. motivated to improve his run

 Back in Brooklyn, at the end of the Brooklyn biathlon, Team Zombie Alpha was gearing up to go on their brick workout. Joining them would be members Zhiyu L. and new member Adrian C. Our course would be a 2 mile run- 6.5 bike- 2 mile run. For Jane Z., it would be longer for she took the wrong path and did two smaller bike loops. But, not to cheat the team or herself a workout, she continued onto an extra large loop biking for a total of 7.5 miles. After wards, we were starving and why miss an opportunity to eat out in Park Slope. Lunch was well deserved at Dizzy Diner. Till the next workout. Ooorah!

Makeshift transition area

L to R Zhiyu L., Bud P. new member Adrian C. and Jane Z.

L to R Zhiyu L., Bud P., Adrian C. Jane Z., Joe Z. (me)

Juevos Rancheros post workout recovery meal

Hungry ass warriors