Blog

The Week of January 5, 2015 in Team Z

Hello everyone! Coach Alexis is in the house. Welcome Team Z to 2015! First off, huge props to the new and veteran Zers who attended our weekend clinics. Attendance was awesome! I especially enjoyed meeting all the new Zers. I’m sure the lack of a turnout at the Sunday Harwood ride was an anomaly. While…

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2015/2016 Race Calendar Discussion

I wrote it folks ”“ I know there is a ton here.   And, as our team and race calendar continue to grow your choices in what races you enter increase as well.   Its just not so clear anymore ”“ so I don’t blame you if you need help finalizing your race calendar.  …

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Team Z Ultra Running and Swimming – Are you crazy enough?

Hi Folks ”“ as mentioned previously, this year we are taking our first steps towards offering assistance with preparing for Ultra Running and Ultra Swimming Events as a Team.     We are going to start pretty slow, and we’ll go one day at a time until find our sweet spot.     Here is…

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This Weekend In Team Z – January 3 – 4, 2015

Well, this is it. Another year gone past. Is it me or do they keep going by faster and faster? Is this what old age is about!?!? Here’s a factoid for ya ”“ remember that classic 80’s flick Back To The Future Part II? Well, the future in that movie was 2015. Yup, that’s right,…

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The Week of December 29, 2014 in Team Z Arlington/West

This magical week in Team Z!  (or maybe ED Z) *Its been a while so far warning.   If you don’t like the soft side of Coach Ed skip this email.   J   Otherwise ”“ HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!   I wish nothing but the best for each of you and your families.  …

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This Weekend in Team Z – December 27-28, 2014

Merry Merry! Happy Happy! Hope you’ve been nice vs. naughty this year!   BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ”“ don’t forget to wish COACH ED A HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY (even though he won’t be there)!!! If you do see him, make sure to give him a spankin’ for every one of those XX (??!!) years”¦”¦”¦   VOTE…

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The Week of December 22, 2014 in Team Z Arlington/West

Jingle Bells, Coach Ed Smells, Zoe laid an egg.     Oh what fun it is to ride a full carbon P5 with a rear Zipp Disk and front 808”¦.eiiigghhhTTTT!!!   This year, well”¦   Every year when I plan the season the first thing I do is to build a shell of the year…

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Weekend of 12/20 in Team Z

As soon as Kim sent the email out the hammer dropped and the world blew up.     Please see NEW AND CORRECTED WEEKEND EMAIL BELOW.   THERE ARE MAJOR CHANGES. Note Workout Leaders/Clinic Leaders/New Zs ”“ I bcc’d your personal emails so you see these changes in case you are having trouble with the…

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Ironman Cozumel Team Z Media Guide, Team Z Cheer/Spectator Guide

Hot off  the presses.  I hope this works… Check these out.  There are thank you’s and call outs IN the files – but over the top big thanks to Val.  You just don’t know the time she has put in to both of these…Thank you Val Dix! 2014 IM Cozumel Cheer Guide Ironman Cozumel Bios…

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The week of 10/27 in Team Z MD/DC

Woot, Woot! Congrats to our Cozumel bound Zers who completed the 120/20 long ride/run weekend. Now is not the time to let up. Continue to follow training plan to the letter. Avoid overtraining or making up a workout you missed. YOU’RE ALMOST THERE. Stick to the training plans and you’ll be setting yourself up for…

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See the calendar & start today

Come to an information session and see what it's all about!

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Growing up, I was never even remotely athletic, a distinct liability in a sports-mad country. Moreover, I grew to associate the idea of people being “sporty” with people who were generally obnoxious, who loved to lord their athletic prowess over others.

Triathlon, therefore, was a revelation for me: very ordinary people who were able to achieve extraordinary things. Team Z is the essence of triathlon in that regard, an amazing mix of experienced athletes (who turned out to be quite nice people) and absolute beginners, all sharing their different journeys. The team is full of people who push me when I need to be pushed and who push me when I don’t think I want to be pushed. Because the team pushes me, I’ve become something I never would have believed I could become: an athlete.

Mark Mullen

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Never say never on Team Z! I never thought I would do a triathlon let alone a half Ironman. I told anyone who would listen that the only way I would ever run another marathon was if it was in an Ironman and since I was never going to do an Ironman I had nothing to worry about. Well, so much for my “never” list. With the support of Team Z, I have raced numerous short distance triathlons, several half Ironmans, raced my best injury free marathon (I beat Oprah’s time), and signed up for an Ironman.
Regardless of your experience, speed, motivation, and goals there is a place for you on Team Z. When I joined the Team in December 2011, I did not know what to expect. My old game plan was to go as fast and as hard as possible regardless of the consequences. I do not recommend this strategy. I somehow always fell to side with an injury and burned out long before I reached the start line. This all changed when I joined Team Z. With the help of the coaches and my teammates, I am learning everyday how to find balance physically, set reachable goals, listen to my body, and enjoy the experience. I have a good friend on the Team that says that all the training and hard work is the journey. Race day is the victory lap. Gotta Love Team Z!

Kathy Hsu

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In 2009 I ran the Disney Marathon with my mom, accompanying her on her first 26.2 mile adventure. I remember standing at the start next to her and saying, “just think, those Ironman people have to do this after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112”¦..freaking lunatics!.” Two years later with a couple of sprint and Olympic triathlons under my belt, and after a couple of glasses of wine, I started to wonder, “Maybe I can do an Ironman too?” So I pulled the trigger, dropped the cash, and signed up for Ironman Cozumel. This followed by immediate panic. “Oh dear God, what have I done? I haven’t the slightest clue how to train for an Ironman.” A couple months later, by chance, I ran into a Z’er outside of my work and as we started talking Triathlon, she told me about Team Z. “Why not? It can’t hurt” I thought to myself. So I joined. It didn’t take me long to realize that this team had everything I wanted: knowledgeable and supportive coaches, structured training plans for all levels and abilities, fantastic teammates, and most importantly cold beers ready for you after every race!

Scott Leary