Everyone wants to know who will win KONA 2012. Everyone also has their own favorites. I am a fan of the dark horse. Sometimes there is a dominate unhuman specimen such as Michael Phelps, that is just too hard to pick against. I was right there when Craig Alexander flew by Chris Lieto at Vegas Worlds. It seemed as though Chris and myself were walking when in reality we were at a 6:30 pace. Craig “Crowy” did this all after having a flat on the bike and running his way back to win. Everyone is getting so fast these days. There are team tactics and everyone knows everyone’s strength and weaknesses. Just like ITU, Ironman is coming down to a running race. It will be no surprise when Chris Lieto comes off the bike in first but I think his margin will be much less than in the past. Everyone else will just be trying to keep with the chase pack and the true runners will prevail.
It will be the same for the women. Chrissie Wellington is obviously the favorite but I think she is a bit of a drama queen. Evidently, she is ecovering from a bike crash with some road rash but I think it’s all just a story to create drama. Chrissie dropped out before she started last year and it seems like she psyches herself out a little bit at the big races. Will she race this year? I am sure her sponsors don’t want another race day DNF so yes she will race and she will do well. Chrissie Wellington is a freak of nature. She smashes most male professionals and I think the only way she will not win Kona this year is if she lets her injury get to her head and focuses on that rather than the mission to win. Julie Dibens will most likely come off the bike first because she is a horse. I love my girl “Dibs” but I know she has problems with her foot that caused her to DNF at Vegas. I think this may come into play again on Saturday.
With all of this said, here are my predictions for KONA 2012.
10. New Orleans Streets and Sidewalks: Bumbling and stumbling through the seemingly war stricken streets of New Orleans was interesting. The 6-inch tall cracks and random crater potholes did me in more than a few times on my daily walks through the city. I did pretty well though for a blind guy. Only stumbled like 10 times.
9. The next America’s Got Talent Superstar: This tuba player thinks he is really good but his tooting was not most rhythmic of tunes. He would be great for one of those audition blunders in America’s Got Talent.
8. Daily Runs on St. Charles St: The St. Charles trolley tracks and the dirt next to them are probably the greatest place to run NOLA. The trick to running this route is dodging the oncoming trolley. Safety is not a high priority in NOLA as it is totally acceptable for small children to ride their cruiser bikes and play on these tracks. Only in NOLA J
7. MSU Beads: On my search for beads to throw out to the crowd during the race I discovered Sparty beads and of course had to buy them. I then proceeded to wear them during the race and kissed the Sparty whenever I needed a little pick me up. Sparty got kissed 5-6 times during the race. It was a GREAT day to be a SPARTAN!
6. First Trip to the Daiquiri Store: Never before have I been to a daiquiri store with tons of frozen daiquiri machines lining the walls. So many flavors to choose from it was so hard to decide. Tommy kept trying to get me to go with the 190 Anti-Freeze but I knew his motives for selecting that flavor. I went with the Mudslide and it was so tasty J Right after the Ironman 70.3 race of course.
5. Coffee??? What’s That?: My daily walks involved attempting to find a coffee shop . The key word is attempt. Coffee in New Orleans is like non-existent. At one point I found a street called Magazine St. and thought I was sure to hit jackpot. With a name like Magazine St. there should only be coffee shops, bookstores and magazine stands allowed. I did find a coffee shop on Magazine St but it wasn’t easy and it was cash only. Hmmmm??
4. NOLA 70.3: The actual race and reason I was in NOLA was awesome but didn’t make the top 3 happenings. The swim got canceled because of rough waters in “The Pontchartrain”. The race became a bike-run event. I brought out my handcuff sunglasses and tons of beads for the run and passed them out along the course. I nearly passed out by mile 11 as I bonked pretty hard. I regrouped at the final turn on Decatur St. in the French Quarter and riled up the crowd as Brad and I finished in Jackson Square. I then went to the med tent for a few IV’s. Fun Times (haha)
3. Pirate Week is Back: On Thursday we were pleasantly surprised to discover it was pirate week again just like 2 years prior at this race. We quickly were corrected by our new dirty friend Victoria that it was not Pirate Week, it was Shore Leave. Victoria so kindly offered us some rum that she stored at cleavage temperature. Although tempting, we declined the cleavage run and instead decided to meet some of Victoria’s other pirate friends.
2. Acme Oyster Shucker: We made a trip to the famous Acme Oyster House and got a lovely seat at the oyster bar where we got to know the oyster shucker. This guy was probably 6ft 5in and 250lbs. When we told him that we would be swimming in Lake Pontchartrain he responded.
“Ya’ll swimm’ in the PONTCHARTRAIN (emphasized)? No way, I gotta see this. There are things in there that will eat you alive. Go over to the fishing area and they pull out catfish longer than this bar. I remember back in 85’ when it was clean and we used to swim there but no one swim in the PONTCHARTRAIN now. What time you start? I gotta see this. I’m gonna ride my electric blue bike (motorcycle) out there and see this. “
This guy was absolutely hilarious. Also, I asked if they had any Sweet Tea on their menu. His response,
“We in LUsiana, this ain’t Alabama. None of that here.”
We never saw the guy on the morning of the race but then again we never swam in the PONTCHARTRAIN!
1. Dirty Victoria Whips Tom: Quite possibly one of the funniest things I have seen in years occurred when our dirty pirate friend Victoria decided she would pull out her Kangaroo Tail whip and demonstrate her skills on Tommy. In her own words Victoria explained “a kangaroo lost its life so I could tear the s### out of you.” She then ordered, “Tom, get over there!”, and began snapping her whip on Tom’s behind. This was all caught on video and the best way to explain this event is to watch it. Find this video on my personal Facebook page.
Well, the road to the Final Four has been paved and it was a bumpy one for the favorites. Instead of having a bunch of #1 seeds that seem to face each other every year, we have an interesting four left. Before I breakdown the games and pick my winner let’s take a quick look at each of the teams.
The VCU Commonwealths as I like to call them have been more than a Cinderella this year. People were angry that they were selected in the tourney when the brackets came out. Those people have a dirty sock in their mouth now because the Commonwealths have bulldozed over the likes of Kansas, Purdue, Georgetown, Florida State and USC. Their coach is a genius; in fact his last name is “Smart”. Shocka Smart is a tiny man but he sure knows how to slay giants. VCU has been shooting the lights out from 3-pt land with their two star point scorers Jamie Skeen and Bradford Burgess playing out of their mind. A key component to their success has been the speedy and sneaky Joey Rodriguez. VCU had a mediocre regular season going 12-6 in a Colonial Conference that is not known for Final Four appearances. As they always say though, “it’s not how you start but how you finish!”
The Butler Bulldogs have just transformed themselves into a dominate basketball program. If I had to pick a coach to go win one for me in the last five minutes of the game I would pick Brad Stevens. Butler doesn’t blow people out too often but they always win the close one. How he has gotten them to a second straight Final Four after losing star Gordon Hayward to the NBA I don’t know. Well, I kind of know. Basically, Sheldon Mack has carried the team scoring nearly 30pts per game and playing “whatever you can do I can do better,” with their opponents. Matt Howard has helped out Mack a bit and the “no names” have also done more than their part. People at Butler better be bowing down to Brad Stevens and praying for his return because there is no question that he is going to get some big time offers soon. When I say soon, I mean either in the post game press conference on Saturday or on Monday.
Kentucky is back at the Final Four. I am not surprised that Kentucky is in the Final Four but I am surprised how they got there. I never would have guessed UK to take out Ohio State but that’s why they call it March Madness. UK Coach John Calipari has a bloodline of superstars lined up at the door of Rupp Arena just waiting for a few guys to walk out the door. Last year they basically lost their starting five to the NBA but somehow they reloaded with four more all stars and a giant in the center. Brandon Knight is inconsistent but I guess that’s ok if he at least hits the clutch game winner in the last second. Doron Lamb and DeAndre Liggins have been amazing in filling in for the inconsistency of Knight. Terrence Jones is going to be a freak in the coming years if he is smart and stays in school. Lastly, UK has the big ugly giant Josh Harrelson in the middle. He seems to block everything and people probably don’t want to go near him because he is smelly and ugly. UK has one senior and three juniors (2 of which don’t play) on their team but they have been playing much older than they are of late.
As long as it’s called a Tournament, UCONN(KEMBA) will be in the hunt for the win. This year they have won every tournament they have been in. First it was the Maui Tourney and recently it was The Big East Tourney. Now KEMBA is back at it again and going for the whole shebang in the NCAA Tourney. Kemba Walker is so disgustingly clutch that it’s hard to even believe it’s true. Put another way, Kemba has been the horse pulling the wagon that his teammates are sitting in. To his teammates (Jeremy Lamb, Shabazz Napier and Alex Oriakhi) credit, they have stepped it up big time since the beginning of the year but Kemba should get some of the credit on that as well. Jim Calhoun is still a sketchball coach that must have to wear an “NCAA Watch” ankle bracelet because he always has some sort of violation or scandal going on. The Big East was touted as the best conference by leaps and bounds. Now it’s time for UCONN (KEMBA) to prove that!
MY PICKS
VCU vs. Butler
This is a hard decision. Sometimes it comes down to who has a tougher mascot. This battle puts The Rams vs. The Bulldogs. Bulldogs are pretty fierce but they only come up to the knees of the Ram. If the Ram doesn’t step on the Bulldog and crush it, it at least sits on the Bulldog and suffocates it. As much as I think Butler may win in the last few seconds as they seem to always to, I have to go with the VCU Rams (Commonwealths). This will be a close fought battle. Sheldon Mack and Joey Rodriguez will have a showdown at guard but Bradford Burgess and Jamie Skeen will be too much for the Bulldogs. Brad Stevens will get big time coaching offers in the press conference following the game. VCU moves on!
Kentucky vs. UCONN
Another tough pick. I don’t think the mascot battle will work on this one. These two teams have met earlier in the Maui Tourney and UCONN won. One may think this is an easy pick. “Well UCONN won before so they probably will win this time.” Well, as Lee Corso of ESPN GameDay says, “Not so fast my friend.” When looking at rematches of same teams playing multiple times in the same year it is very common for the losing team to win the rematch. Kentucky is young and can be inconsistent. UCONN is proven to be “money” in tournaments and have an older team. I really struggle to pick against KEMBA but I am going to say the Wildcats of Kentucky will move on. Kemba Walker will score nearly 30pts and the game will go down to the buzzer but Kentucky will prevail in the rematch.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP
VCU vs. Kentucky
Who would have ever thought? If anyone in this world has VCU winning their bracket and they do not currently or did not go to VCU please speak up because I need to see it to believe it. This matchup is a good ole battle of Southern Pride. Kentucky is known for the Adolf Rupp team of all whites that went on to face the all black Texas Western team in the classic that books are written about. Richmond, VA was the capital of the South during time of the Civil War. Granted, we are in an entirely different era than these events but both teams will be playing with PRIDE. I think that VCU will be “star struck” and Kentucky will get out of the gates early as VCU marvels at the flash bulbs going off in all directions. VCU will fight back and make it a game but will never fully recover. The Kentucky Wildcats will win the NCAA Championship. After the game, the entire starting lineup of UK will announce they are entering the draft. Even Josh Harrelson the big ogre will decide he is good enough for the NBA. John Calipari will go back to Rupp Arena and open the door for a few new phenoms to walk in.
That’s all for Aaron’s Bracketology 2011. Now we will just have to let the games play out and see how close Aaron is to passing Bracketology class. Until next year, so long to Bracketology.
Well, the Madness has definitely been true to its word thus far in the NCAA Tourney. My bracket has been turned upside down by a few teams such as VCU and Richmond, but who’s weren’t. There are a few things that I find kind of ironic about what has happened thus far. First, the Big East has been made out to be a glory conference the entire year and 11 teams were selected to go to the Big Dance. How many of these teams are remaining? The answer is 2 and those teams weren’t even considered in the top 5 in the Big East. On the other end of the spectrum you have VCU which was “hated on” because they actually got into the tourney. Now look at them. They have destroyed Georgetown (Big East) and Purdue. Lastly, looking at the teams left, we see the following: ACC-3, Big Ten-2, SEC-2, Big East-2, MWC-2, Pac 10-1, Big 12-1, etc). Looks like the ACC still has the title of being the “strongest conference.” Maybe next year the Mountain West should get in 11 teams like the Big East because they are matching them right now. Now that would be one interesting tournament. OK, enough of the rambling and bashing of the Big East. On with my selections to make the Final Four.
EAST
Ohio State meets Kentucky in a match up that could be the best game in the Sweet 16. Kentucky should have no pressure but I just don’t see OSU losing yet. The Buckeyes have the inside out combo. Refs seem to blow their foul whistle immediately when Jared Sullinger gets the ball so expect him to be at the charity stripe a lot. If Sully is not at the foul line than OSU just gives the ball to John Diebler to throw up “money balls” from behind the 3-pt line. The Nuts win and move on to the Elite 8.
In the second match the Tar Heels meet the Golden Eagles of Marquette. I wanna pick the Golden Eagles in this one because they do a great remix of Katie Perry’s California Girls entitled Marquette Girls. Don’t know how well respected this song is by true Marquette girls but it may help them hang in there a little longer with UNC. North Carolina will turn the ball over more than 20 times in this game but somehow will manage to win because the Big East is not what it’s cracked up to be. UNC moves on to face Ohio State.
The Buckeyes and the Tar Heels will meet for a chance to explain how “un-intimidating” their mascot is. Buckeyes are Nuts and I have no idea what a Tar Heel really is to this day. Again, I just don’t see the Buckeyes losing to a team that turns the ball over more than 15 times per game. The Tar heels look more like an NBA All Star game when they play and that typically means “sloppy”. Ohio State will beat UNC in a close one to get to the Final Four.
WEST
Duke meets Arizona in a rematch of the 2001 NCAA Title game. Duke has their superstar point guard Kyrie Irving back and although he hasn’t played with the team in months Duke has the experience of being here so many times that they will pull it off again against the Wildcats. I predict the score to be very close to the 82-72 score in the 2001 Championship game. I can’t believe I just picked Duke but I did.
Duke’s opponent will be decided in the battle between Kemba Walker and San Diego State. Yes, that’s right; UCONN has decided to allow Kemba to go 1 on 5 against the Aztecs. Kemba is money in the clutch and I pick Kemba to move on to face Duke.
Kemba will invite his teammates back to play with him against Duke in the Elite 8. He will be mentally and physically drained from single handedly beating SDSU and thus UCONN will struggle to keep their head in the game against Duke. Coach K will continue to wine for calls and get them and Duke will move on to the Elite 8.
SOUTHWEST
The Kansas Jayhawks always seem to go home from the tournament with a loss to a much lesser opponent. Their game against the Richmond Spiders is a perfect scenario of a past history loss. If Kansas beats Richmond I think they will go to the Title Game. The big question is “IF”. I see Richmond putting up a good fight but in the end the Morris brothers and Kansas will be too much for the insects to handle. Kansas beats Richmond.
A much more intriguing matchup involves VCU vs. Florida State. Florida State has shown they play bumping and bashing “D” that can take teams out of their game. The Seminoles also are getting back their star Chris Singleton from injury. Although I think Florida State plays good “D” and the ACC seems to be the best conference, I just can’t support multiple teams from the state of Florida having success in the tournament. VCU will continue its Cinderella Story and knock off the Seminoles. People will start to respect the Commonwealth.
The Jayhawks will then face the entire Commonwealth for a spot in the Final Four. As I said earlier, if Kansas beats Richmond they will go to the championship game. Kansas will end the Cinderella Story of VCU and send them riding in their Peach Chariot with broken glass slippers back to the state of Virginia.
SOUTHEAST
The Southeast region has got some interesting matchups. Butler plays Wisconsin in potentially the most strategic chess match in history. Wisconsin holds teams to under 40pts on a regular basis and has Mike Bruesewitz who thinks he is playing a hockey game on the court. Wisconsin pushes people around and Butler is still daydreaming about last year’s run to the championship. The Badgers will give up more than 40-pts but Butler will be introduced to the Big Ten’s smash mouth style and will tap themselves out. Bo Ryan still looks like Skeletor but will lead his team to victory over the Bulldogs.
In another 1 on 5 matchup Florida will go up against Jimmer Fredette. Jimmer will hit some ½ court and ¾ court shots and wow the crowd but the Gators will end his Mormon Mission and Jimmer will go back to Utah. As I mentioned before it is backstabbing to pick any team from the state of Florida especially a Billy Donovan team but I also don’t support having multiple wives either so I have to go with Florida.
The last game to the Final Four will be Wisconsin vs. Florida. This may not be a pretty game especially because Wisconsin is playing but there will definitely be some emotions displayed. I am predicting multiple technical fouls and hoping one of them is against Billy Donovan. Jordan Taylor will show how the Big Ten has the SEC in basketball and the Badgers will move on the Final Four.
Final Thoughts:
According to Aaron’s Bracketology the Final Four will match Kansas vs. Wisconsin and Ohio State vs. Duke. We will have to see how the Madness plays out. Maybe we will be seeing VCU vs. BYU in the Final Four. Hope you enjoyed my thoughts and scientific reasoning behind my picks. Until the Final Four, that’s it for Aaron’s Bracketology. J
Let’s let the Madness begin. Before finalizing your bracket you may want to think about Aaron’s Bracketology insights on the first two rounds of the tourney. When I refer to the first two rounds I am not including the games on Tuesday and Wednesday because let’s be honest, those are just the final cuts to get into the big show. This year they decided they needed a second audition for the show and allowed eight more acts to give it one last go. The real show begins on Thursday. With no further ado here is what my studies have led me to conclude.
EAST
In the East, the Buckeye Nuts of Ohio State are the #1 seed. The Univ. of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) should be excited to have passed the audition and get some tickets. OSU will send them home right away and move on. Villanova is highly favored but George Mason is due for some more heroics like in 2006 and will take out the Wild Cats in a barn burner. George Mason will then play Ohio State and will go celebrate their dismissal with UTSA .
The Clemson Tigers will continue the cursed history of the 12-5 matchup and take out the WVU Mountaineers. The boys from Princeton will discover that book smarts does not directly translate to court smarts when Kentucky takes them to school. Kentucky will then send Clemson home in round 2.
Xavier will take out Marquette because they are the only school to have a name starting with the letter “X”. Indiana State has history in the tourney because of Larry Bird and his disgustingly short baby blue shorts but this will not help them in a battle with the Orangemen. Syracuse will also roll in round 2 against the big “X”.
The battle between Georgia and Washington will be “a real dog fight”. The Huskies will beat the Bulldogs by raining threes from all over. UNC plays Long Island in a game where Long Island would be better off staying home to make and drink their Iced Tea. UNC will then go down to Romar and the Dawgs in round 2.
WEST
The Hamptons are really extravagant but that doesn’t win basketball games. The Blue Devils will send Hampton back to their luxurious homes. As much as I hate to pick the Wolverines, I think they are too much for Scotty Hobson and his flat top. Michigan will move on to play Duke in a rematch of the days of the Fab Five. Duke will then end the Wolverines glory trail and roll to the sweet 16.
The Arizona Wildcats will have to claw their way to victory over the tigers of Memphis . In a major early upset the inconsistency of Texas will finally catch up with them as they will lose to the Oakland Grizzlies. Oakland will not have the energy for a repeat performance and will go back to Michigan with the Wolverines in round 2. Arizona moves on.
As much as I want to think that UCONN spent everything they have in the Big East Tourney I can’t get myself to pick Bucknell over them. UCONN will move on to play the winner of the “who cares” game between Cincy and Missouri. Cincy will get past Missouri because they have had to face relentless competition in the Big East Conf. In round 2 the magician known as Kemba Walker will keep the Huskies of UCONN rolling through to the Sweet 16.
The Penn State Nitny Lions have not been in the NCAA Tourney for ages but they have a good team this year. They face the Temple Owls. The slums of Philly may be rough but with a mascot as harmless as an owl Temple doesn’t stand a chance. The Nitny Lions will face the Aztecs of San Diego State in the second round after SDS sends the Bears back to the Rockies. The Aztecs will take out Penn State in the second round sheerly because we need a Cinderella Story not because they are better than Penn State.
SOUTHWEST
As much as I can’t stand the Kansas Jayhawks, I can’t deny that they have a good basketball team. On top of that they are playing Boston U who will probably be up till midnight studying the night before and will be sluggish. In the matchup with UNLV and Illinois the Illini will win. The “big gump” Mike Tisdale will be the hero for the first time in his seemingly never-ending career at Illinois. The Illini will go on to face another one of their former coaches Bill Self. Mike Tisdale will return to his gumpy self in this game and Kansas will roll to victory.
The Vanderbilt Commodores face the Richmond Spiders and if I am not mistaken commodores eat spiders as a primary source of food. Vanderbilt eats Richmond to move on. Louisville will ride the coattails of the “pimp” white suit of Rick Pitino over Morehead St. Commodores don’t eat Cardinals and therefore Louisville will take out Vanderbilt in round 2.
The Georgetown Hoyas have been on a slippery slope of late and this will cost them. Georgetown will lose to VCU in a close one. VCU will then go on to face Purdue who will steamroll over the Peacocks of St. Peters. On a side note, how does a school allow a mascot as lame as a Peacock to represent their school? I would be embarrassed to admit I am a St. Peters Peacock. Back to business, Purdue and Juwan Johnson are too good for VCU despite missing a key defender Kelsey Barlow.
Texas A&M and Florida St. are both not very good and really just need to play to give Notre Dame an opponent to play in the second round. Florida State will have the honor of playing the Fighting Irish but considering that its St. Patrick’s Day weekend, their luck will run out and Notre Dame will move on.
SOUTHEAST
The PITT Panthers will warm up with UNC Ashville and make them look like a high school JV team in a route. PITT gets so many second chance points off rebounds that UNC Ashville has no chance. Butler faces Old Dominion for a spot to play Pittsburgh. Butler had their glory run last year and now it is ODU’s turn. Old Dominion moves on to play PITT. PITT will beat ODU but it will be very close and it wouldn’t shock me if ODU pulled off a victory. I still pick PITT.
Kansas State may have one of the best 1-2 combinations with Jacob Poland and his beard and Frank Martin who may be the scariest man on this planet. Utah St. better “fear the beard” because Poland is going to take over the game. K-State wins but Frank Martin is still not happy. Their opponent will be the cheese fed and methodical robots of Wisconsin who will systematically take apart Belmont. The Badgers will then beat K-State in one of their typical low scoring boring fashion.
St. John’s has had a great season this year but they are inconsistent. They will not be able to handle the trees that Gonzaga puts on the court. Gonzaga will tower St. John’s and move on to play Jimmer Fredette and BYU. Fredette is on some sort of mission this year , be it his Mormon mission or to score the most points in NCAA history. BYU will then face Gonzaga and it will be Jimmer time again as he will single handedly beat Gonzaga.
Last but not least it is time to say how the Spartans will do. As many of you know March is the month of the Spartan. UCLA is really not that good this year and if Michigan State can stop the beast Josh Smith inside and Durrell Summers can hit a few buckets than MSU will move on. I pick Sparty to beat UCLA and move on to play Florida. Florida plays UC Santa Barbara who may decide to surf to the game. They will be too laid back though and Florida will send them back to their on-campus lagoon. Florida will then meet MSU for a rematch of the 2000 title game. Kalin Lucas will star as Mateen Cleaves and MSU will be victorious again and move on to the Sweet 16.
That’s all for now for Aaron’s Bracketology. Stay tuned as I will be giving more insight on rounds 3 and 4 after the conclusion of Sunday’s games and the Sweet 16 lineup is set. Until then, Enjoy the Madness!!!!
As an elite endurance athlete I have had the opportunity to test and become a major believer in the benefits of compression apparel, in particular compression socks, to improve athletic performance and recovery. As a physical therapist, I also know the importance of scientific research and support for products such as compression socks. This blog is meant to give my own beliefs on the use of compression wear which are based on my own experiences and backed by physiology of the human body. Any statement made in this blog is a recommendation not a proven claim unless otherwise cited by research.
Before giving any personal experiences with compression socks I will give a quick scientific reasoning behind the use of compression. It is well known that the source of life for our muscles is oxygen and nutrients transported in the bloodstream the greater the cardiac output as well as venous return, the more effective the muscles function/recover. It is an uphill battle to return blood from the lower body to the heart. This difficult task is given primarily to the contraction of skeletal muscles such as those in the calf. Without effective muscle contraction the deoxygenated blood pools in the venous system. Waste products of muscle contraction such as lactic acid also accumulate in this blood. The question of what to do lies in compression socks and apparel which has the primary purpose of assisting in venous return. In well designed products with consistent pressure in the ankle combined with gradient pressure up through the calf has been shown to also increase arterial blood flow to the working muscles. In a pilot study using CEP compression sport socks exerting consistent compression pressure onto the entire lower leg Bochman et al discovered an increase in blood circulation at rest by an approximate 30% and an increase in peak flow of approximately 40% (2005). The results of this increased blood flow were found in a different study by Kemmler et al. Kemmler found a 6% decrease in exertion at a given running speed with the use of compression socks (Performance Enhancement, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Nuremberg) In addition; compression has been shown to improve mechanical stability of working muscles. Based upon the above explanation it seemed like a no brainer to test out compression socks to improve my athletic performance. When deciding which brand of compression to use I looked for the most medically sound and clinically researched product. For these reasons I chose CEP, produced by a leading medical supplier Medi. I have tried other brands and highly recommend CEP over any other product. *Insert video HereVideo Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Z2NcAMaDg&feature=player_embedded
Now that I have given a scientific reason for compression, I will give personal accounts and my recommendations for the use of compression socks and apparel.
Compression Socks: I use the CEP compression socks following long duration or high intensity workouts, on all airline flights, days at work or when I know I will be standing a lot and on days leading up to races. I have found that following plane flights, “I have a bounce to my step. My legs don’t feel heavy and I don’t get any swelling in my feet.” After hard workouts it is a relief to put on compression socks. “It’s like a load has been taken off my legs.” My guide Matt West had explored all options for a gastrochnemius (calf) muscle strain and upon wearing compression socks the calf pain subsided and the muscle strain healed. The increased blood flow and support to the muscle seems to help with recovery from injury.
Compression Sleeves: I use compression sleeves for during competition and on some training runs. Because I compete in triathlons where every second counts, I use the sleeves vs. socks during the race. I have found that the CEP compression sleeves are super effective and I can wear them the entire race. “When I wear the sleeves I feel as though I have bounce to my step and increased power on my push off. Also, pain from any shin splints seems to be alleviated when wearing the sleeves.”
Compression Shorts and Tights: I have just started using compression shorts and tights and absolutely love them for so many reasons. I wear them on runs and feel greater hip stability and power from my glutes. Also, when I have had hamstring strains and sciatica symptoms the compression shorts/tights have decreased the pain. The tights are also great for wearing after workouts to decrease recovery time and “they just feel so good!” Lastly, I have discovered a new way to stay warm in cold weather. Like many athletes, I don’t have much for insulation. I wear as much compression gear as I can when out in the cold. My explanation is that by pulling muscles and vessels closer to the core, body heat is retained. For those competing in outdoor sports where the play is not continuous, compression gear can help keep muscles warm and loose thus decreasing the risk of strains.
Compression Tops: I use compression tops primarily to keep my body warm in colder climates. Pretty much all my running and outside activity in the winter is done wearing compression tops. When I wear compression tops I also feel as though I get better recoil of my lungs upon exhalation. The added pressure supplements the body’s natural recoil of the lungs. Lastly, when I wear compression tops I seem to be able to maintain upright posture easier. This is my own personal finding but it has been shown that compression tops do help with postural stabilization.
My personal recommendations about compression apparel:
In summary, whether you are another physical therapist, athlete or both I strongly recommend looking into compression apparel and socks for personal use and as a recommended item for patients in their own recovery. During traveling we all experience decreased circulation and lower extremity edema and compression socks have been shown to decrease this edema. Athletes specifically can benefit from compression during competition by its ability to improve economy, thereby decreasing exertion at a given intensity. Compression socks and tights help reduce recovery time following workouts by preventing blood pooling and edema. For physical therapists, I have found that compression seems to help in preventing and encouraging quicker healing of muscular related conditions. For those going outside in the winter, compression apparel is very effective in cold weather to retain body heat. Lastly, compression apparel and socks just feel good and sometimes you just got to go by the old saying, “If it feels good, do it!”
Well, now that the 2010 year has passed, it’s time to reveal the top 5 Aaron Blunders of 2010. The 2010 year seemed to involve many more serious issues than those that I consider as blunders but I was able to dig up some of the best of Aaron’s worst to share with all of you. Hope these give you something to smile and chuckle about. Without further ado here they are.
#5. It has become routine to mentally prepare for races by singing to some tunes prior to the race. My singing is probably like listening to a baby cry to bystanders but it seems to put me in the right mood. I also seem to get the head bob which makes me even more like a tool. Maybe not a blunder but definitely something that others may get embarrassed about. Check it out and see what you think 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_sSmQWAKvc
#4. After each race, I have initiated the CDifferentwithAaron T-shirt toss. These tosses usually involve me busting out a few dance moves and getting the crowd pumped up. Following the Sugarland 30K in December, I got the crowd all excited and then proceeded to throw the T-shirt into the tree. For 5min it was stuck blowing in the wind until thankfully a gust of wind pried it loose. Ironically, the shirt blew straight to the most fired up and excited girl in the crowd. I guess next time I will need a tree watcher to make sure my tossing space is clear.
#3. In 2010, I finally upgraded to a phone that I could text and reads everything to me. I also made the mistake of telling friends to freely send me dirty texts because my lady reader will read it out loud. These texts are rather harmless until you’re on the Metro bus and your phone starts reading “X-rated” texts out loud for everyone to hear or better yet you’re at work and all your coworkers become curious as to who you are talking to. This definitely happened to me once or twice in 2010. Despite this, I still think it’s funny and these texts are still encouraged! 🙂
#2. After making all the arrangements to return to MSU and cheer my Spartans on to victory against the Boilermakers of Purdue in football, I may have had a little too much fun. I made it to the seats but that’s about it before totally making a disgrace of myself and losing my breakfast. I then decided to wonder out of the stadium and back to where our tailgate was and proceeded to lie down on the ground and take a nap in the 30deg Michigan day. When I woke up, MSU had just scored on a last play touchdown to win it. Way to go Spartys, NOT Aaron!
#1. At the Wildflower Half Ironman I was having an amazing race but my guide wasn’t. On the run my guide cramped up and encouraged me to go on. Eager to bust out a great race I made a poor judgment call and asked a random volunteer, who was not exactly in the right state of mind, to run with me. I went through a few volunteers and then met back up with my guide to finish the race. This poor decision to “use outside assistance” led to a cascade of events including a DQ from the race, dismissal from the National Team and a whirlwind of chatter over the internet.
This past year was probably the most dramatic, emotional, exciting and rewarding 365 days of triathlon in my life. The roller-coaster ride began right off the bat with two smaller races before hitting the beast they call Wildflower. The year ended with the home run hitting performance at Ironman World Championships 70.3 in Clearwater, FL.
Beginning in February, guide Matt West flew across country for training camp. Our little camp has become an annual event in which we train by day and hit the town by night. It is tradition to go to the UW Husky stadium and run a 5K time trial on the track. Matt took me out by a bit, but I still came in at a preseason time of 17:24. My first race of the year was also my first race in the Pacific Northwest since moving to Seattle in 2005. The Spring Classic Duathlon is a relatively small race, but attracted unexpected competition. Local bud Graham Meng served as my guide and we road and ran to a 4th overall finish on the rainy cold and windy day in Portland, OR.
The next stop on the journey was a showdown in So Cal at the PossAbilities Reverse Sprint triathlon in Loma Linda, CA. PosAbilities is a great organization that helps challenged individuals learn that anything is possible. Although super short, this race was one of my “A” races. The prize purse is big and I had to redeem myself from the broken pedal disaster of the year before. Unfortunate food poisoning left me feeling under the weather the day before thee race but regardless I put it all out on the course. The finish was epic. It ended with a sprint to the finish with pro Ian Mickelson in which I took the head first dive across the line. This dive was valued at $400 because it separated a $700 and $300 check. In the end, my chest crossed the line first but that only counts in track and field. The timing chip is on the ankle and I lost the battle by 2/100ths of a second. Check out the video from the race below!
Just weeks later we made the road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, past the giant Paul Bunyan and “ Single blue ball” Babe Ox, down the Avenue of the Giants, onto the cliffs overhanging the ocean and finally inland to Lake San Antonio. Some of the road trip highlights included two blind people driving, Matt West and Tanner becoming more than friends and 10,000 people camping in the middle of nowhere. The Wildflower race had the potential to be one of the greatest performances of my life until my desire to win got the best of me. The heat and relentless hills played havoc on guide Matt West and left him cramping on the side of the trail by mile 3. Matt wanted me to do my best and encouraged me, “you need to go ahead you are having an amazing race.” I pondered quickly on how I would do such a thing. Right nearby was an aid station and a friendly volunteer we will name “Jimmy” wearing cargo shorts and sandals became my eyes. Jimmy was probably not in the greatest of conditions to be running for reasons to be left unknown and was definitely struggling to keep the 5:30/mile pace that I had set. In fact, Jimmy lasted only one mile and I called on replacements at the next aid station. A new volunteer we will call Bobby was also not dressed to run but at least he had shoes on. Bobby lasted much longer and even helped me stop and throw out a few CDifferentwithAaron eye chart shirts along the way. Bobby hung in until mile 11 where he spotted another K-Swiss jersey and suspected it to be Matt West. I called over to Matt to take back the guiding duties and finish together as we started. We coasted down the 1-mile downhill to the finish and crossed the line in 4:37. I was later DQ’d from the race for abandoning my guide and using outside assistance. I was also dismissed from the US ParaTriathlon National Team later in the month. My decision to ask Bobby and Jimmy to help me out were wrong and I regret doing this. I made the decision in the heat of the race and my judgement was clouded by trying to do my best.
The events that took place at the Wildflower triathlon set off an explosion in the ParaTriathlon community and I was placed front and center. As someone that strives to be an ambassador for the sport and who will fight for the rights of others with visual impairments, I was put on a pedestal in which the only way I could win would be to give in. Luckily , I have the support from my fellow blind athletes and the C Different foundation because without them I would have never been able to get through the emotional roller-coaster that I was on.
The next race following Wildflower was the HyVee triathlon. This is one of the biggest in the world and would put me back on center stage with regards to the “blackout glasses” rule and my recent dismissal from the national team. I stayed away from any conflict regarding the above issues and focused on making a statement on the course. Unfortunately, crazy storms came through and the race was changed to a sprint. First time guide Erik Linchaman did an amazing job and I smashed my performance from the year before placing 9th overall from a previous 28th.
From the corn fields of West Des Moines, Iowa my next stop was the Big Apple. 2010 marked my 7th straight NYC Tri and another chance to run around in my Undies in Central Park in the Underwear Run two days before. As always, I had a hot female to guide me. This time I went with a new tether technique.I employed the hand cuff technique to ensure total confidence that I would not get separated from my beautiful female guide. The hand cuff method worked great and I even think my guide enjoyed it (haha.jk).
The triathlon two days later was a different story.
Supported by the C Different Foundation, 28 blind and visually impaired athletes raced without the newly imposed “blackout glasses rule” in protest of its safety and ethical concerns. I voiced my opposition to this rule by competing in the ParaTriathlon National Championship wave and walking the run with the glasses in protest. This may have been one of the most difficult races in my career.
After breaking down emotionally when putting the glasses on in transition I held it together and had two people walk with me to keep me on the course. The story made it into the New York Times and I hope made some sort of statement towards the cause.
Just two weeks later I was back on the race circuit but this time returning to the 70.3 distance at Ironman 70.3 Steelhead. It was also a return to my former stomping grounds of Michigan and those of you that know me can guess what came with the return. Yes that’s right, many Spartans from the MSU TriClub were also in the house to compete and to cheer. Todd Wiley and the family made the drive up from Philly and I was exposed to my first taste of silly bands. I was given a silly shoe and silly “A” which I still wear proudly to this day. Race morning was a bit wet and sloppy, but cleared up for the run. We strolled in with a time of 4:22 and immediately after I broke into some dance moves and began the CDifferentwithAaron t-shirt toss. Watch the video below!
I remained in Michigan the following weekend to return to my beginnings and the 30th Annual Sylvania Triathlon. Matt West and I would attempt to make history again and break my past record of 1:58:26. At the end of the day I was shooting silly string all over and celebrating with a new record of 1:57:22. I even pulled out a little surprise from my back pocket and crossed the line with the Spartan flag. In addition, Matt and I celebrated the 30th Annual event with a 1st overall finish in a very competitive field.Watch some hightlights from Sylvania here!
The following weekend I was back in Seattle to finish the streak of three races in three weeks with Lake Stevens 70.3. In my nearly six years of living in Seattle this marked my first true triathlon in the state of Washington. That being said, I had something a little special planned for the run. Matt West flew out and we unveiled the new Tank Cycles tandem on a challenging and scenic course. Come the run, I had a show planned and threw out visors
and shot silly string into the crowd each time we passed the “hot corner”. We crossed the race in 4:36 and were 10th overall amongst the amateurs. Following the race, my boys and I went out on the town. We showed Aussie Joe Gambles the town and made first mention of him being a hipster. He had no idea of what a hipster was, but because we were pretty much in Hipsterville it was easy to point out one and show him.
The relentless season continued just two weeks later with a third straight showing at the Chicago Triathlon. Matty “Tug Tug” West was again captain as we powered through the wind and ran to a finish of 2:03:02 and a 1st overall age group (minus age group elite) finish Following the race, it hit me that I had done 6 races in 8 weeks and my body was not a fan. I decided it was time for a short break. I also had to make another very important decision following Chicago.
Two weeks later was the ITU World championships in Budapest, Hungary. I had no motivation to do the race as a result of the newly enforced “blackout glasses” rule. I decided it was not worth it to put my safety, the safety of others and the integrity of blind and visually impaired individuals on the line and thus withdrew from the competition. Instead, I stayed back in Seattle and prepared to race hard at Ironman 70.3 Augusta three weeks later.
On September 26th, I traveled to Augusta, GA along with others from the C Different Foundation . The other blind athletes were formerly in the military but had lost their vision in combat. It was great to spend time and meet these individuals. One of these individuals was my boy Dexter Durante who floated his way through the swim and crossed the line for his first half ironman finish. Dexter is quite possibly the funniest guys alive. In terms of my race, it would be the guiding debut for MSU TriClubber and friend Matt Inch. Matt and I had not trained too much together, but on the day before I showed him the ropes a bit and we put down a great time of 4:18:22 on another wet and humid day. I don’t know if the locals in Augusta had a clue why 3,000 unusually slender individuals in spandex were roaming around their town but they seemed to get into it and made some good noise on the run course.
Following Augusta, I had two races remaining. I had committed to the OptimisPT Distance Swim challenge in Los Angeles and on the morning of the race I was questioning my decision to swim 4.8-miles in the cold and choppy Pacific Ocean. Making it more difficult was the fact that we would needed to come back to the beach every 1.2-miles for medical clearance. When the gun went off I was a bit more focused but still a little concerned about keeping my body temperature up. I have a little bit of an issue keeping warm and as a result manager Carrie Goldberg had one duty. Her job was to make sure that my hot chocolate made it to every check point so I could warm my soul.
When the swim was all over I was in my own little world spinning, but managed to win the 4.8-mile race. Following the race I spent the rest of the day hanging with another former MSU TriClubber JP Severin as well as former NFL star turned ESPN analyst Marcelis Wiley. Wiley, who had just learned to swim 6-weeks before completed the 1.2-mile swim race in a time that probably shouldn’t be disclosed. I think Marcelis would agree with Dexter Durante that he was “a completer not a competer” on this day.
The last stop on the 2010 triathlon road show was the big daddy of them all, The Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, FL. It would be a reunion from the previous year where Matt Miller and I strolled across the line with a World Record performance for a physically challenged athlete. This year I was back and determined to blow away my previous World Record of 4:18:54. I still felt like an Olympic distance triathlete attempting to convert to the 70.3 distance. In every 70.3 I had done leading up to this race I had bonked at mile 40 of the bike and then hit a wall on the run. This year I attempted to resolve this issue by running 50-miles in the week I spent in hot Kona, HA and increased the number of long runs I did each week.
The stage was set and all that was left was for me to go out and put on a record breaking performance. My goal was sub 4:10 and Todd Wiley would be the one to lead me to this goal. On race morning I got into race mode by singing a few songs from my iPod and went through a few rituals on the honey bucket throne. This year the swim was switched back to the ocean beach from the protected harbor of the previous year. We started in the second wave with the female pros and right off the bat I felt like a rag doll in the choppy up and down swells of the Gulf of Mexico. I could tell guide Todd Wiley was also trying to fight through the chop and sight for the buoys. Todd had explained the swim course prior to the start, but I think there was an extra buoy that was blocked from our view on shore. As we hit the second buoy and turned back to the beach we were followed by a kayaker who informed us there was one more buoy. We had to turn around and go back. This cost us some time, but we had to do it. The swim back in seemed much easier as their was a slight current going in towards shore. As we hit the beach in a disappointing 29.30 I knew we had some major time to make up on the bike and run. I knew I was considerably stronger on the bike this year and it would all come down to my run. Todd and I picked off pro females one by one and moved our way up the feeding chain until we started catching some of the male elites. The bike seemed a little more windy this year than last, but I was on a mission.
At mile 40 there was no let up. We rode a bike split of 2:06 and headed out on the run needing a sub 2:30 half marathon to break my 4:10 goal. I knew the run course like it was my backyard; I also knew I would have the support of my Clearwater SuperFan on the cosway bridge I would pass four times. I didn’t know that he would bust out the jumbo Team Scheidies banner and the megaphone, but I knew he would be there. Each time I went up and over the cosway I was motivated to pass my SuperFan who informed all those around him of the CDifferentwithAaron movement thus creating an army of Team Scheidies supporters. Todd kept me steady at a 6:50/mile pace for the first lap and I told him by mile 9 he better have his running shoes on because I was going to pick it up. We did just that as we approached the cosway one final time in the last 3-miles we had lowered our pace to nearly 6:00/mile.
The fans along the gated barriers were going nuts as we entered the final stretch. Todd informed me that I had one minute to break 4:10. I picked it up and kicked it in, but not without throwing up my hands and jumping around a bit. Todd and I crossed the line in a smashing time of 4:09:26, blowing away my previous World Record from the year before by over 9 minutes.
It was a day to remember.
A day where the swim was rough, but it all came together on the bike and run.
It was the best way to cap off an amazing 2010 racing season.
None of this could have been possible without the other players that make up Team Scheidies. I want to thank all of my guides for serving as my eyes and leading me to the successes I endured. I also want to thank my sponsors who have equipped and fueled me to each and every race victory. Last, but not least, I want to think my agent Carrie Goldberg, my fans, family, and friends for all the support and help I have needed to get through the roller-coaster ride that was 2010.
Thank you all again and I hope to write an even better recap to upcoming 2011 season!
It’s race morning and all of the triathletes are strolling into the transition area with their tricked out bikes. All heads turn and commotion stirs when an unusual bike rolls by them. As my guide directs the bike toward our designated area, whispers begin. Some athletes are so curious and confused that they come up and start asking questions. Over my ten years in the sport of triathlon I have heard it all:
“Can you explain this, I am a little confused.”
“There is a tandem division?”
“We should do a team like them next time.”
“So, who sits on the front of the bike?”
I have learned to just let all the comments flow in one ear and out the other. Actually, many become quite comedic and I use them for my stand up routine at my night job. Regardless, my guide and I continue on our way in transition and strategically place the extended-cab bike into the small parking space.
I do have some vision left so I describe my life as a constant obstacle course avoiding blobs. Some of these blobs are living and some aren’t. The transition area can be a little bit of a trip hazard and this is where the guide comes into play. The one good thing about doing triathlons as a blind athlete is that nothing is ever my fault. Anything that goes wrong prior to or during the race is considered “guide error.”
One thing that can be a little frustrating about preparing for a race is that everything takes longer than it does for the sighted individual. Despite having a guide, I spend half the time looking for where I put things.
As we leave the transition area, we walk the route we will take during the race so I can create a visual in my head. My guides are like hawks on 24hr lookout for rocks, roots, curbs and any other obstacle in my path. I always ask my guide to explain the swim course and point to the turn buoys, not because I am attempting to see them, but rather because I like to mentally gage where I am in the swim.
As we enter the water, we place the bungee tether around our waists. The tether can also be known as the “trust rope.” When the gun goes off, we bolt out, attempting to get in front of the thrashing bodies that pose a threat to the “trust rope.” Many times the tether has been ripped from our waists.
My guide’s instincts are like those of a mother bear protecting her cub: anything posing a threat to the bear cub is moved out of the way. My guide has to work extra hard to not only keep up with me, but also to sight ahead and plan the route ahead of time. I on the other hand keep my head down and swim, trusting that the tugs from the “trust rope” will lead me in the right direction. If I were to look up, I may see splashes directly ahead or my guide next to me but that is all. I would be lost in open water without the “trust rope.”
As we approach the shore, I can hear the crowd and announcer in the distance informing me to pick it up to the finish. I continue to swim until my hand hits the bottom and then I get up and run to transition. My guide calls out verbal cues and I typically grab onto his shoulder around turns.
Both my guide and I transition individually, but my guide gives a quick look over before we run with the bike to the mount line. Mounting the tandem can be a sight to see if the guide and athlete have not practiced and developed a strategy. The bike is all about communication. Every time we shift gears or turn, my guide must communicate with me. Turning a tandem is like driving a bus: if both riders don’t coordinate the lean, it’s highly likely they”ll be visiting a roadside ditch.
The guide sits in the front of the bike to clarify any confusion. He is the controller of everything. Just like before the race, it is very common to hear comments from the peanut gallery.
“Hey, that’s cheating.”
“Hey look mom it’s a double bike.
“He’s drafting you.”
As we ride and pass by other competitors, I encourage them, but sometimes don’t get any response. I never really understand if others are angry because I am riding a tandem or if they are just in shock about the situation. This doesn’t bother me though because I know that without a tandem and a guide I don’t race–it’s my only way to participate. Also, for those who haven’t ridden a tandem, uphills and turns definitely put tandem riders at a disadvantage. We continually communicate throughout the whole bike leg. Without warning of a large bump or pot hole, I could go flying forward from the back with only my clips holding me in. I also encourage my guide during the bike and keep him fired up.
As we approach T2, my guide calls “left up,” and we both take our left foot out of our shoes and pedal on top of our shoe. We do the same with the right foot and dismount thee bike in sync to the same side. As we run the bike to our transition spot, I hold onto the bike seat to let it guide me. Again, transitions are a little slower with two people. I slip on my K-Swiss K-Ruuz and grab the run tether and we’re off.
As we run out of transition we put the tether over our heads and onto our waists. My motto is that we must always be moving forward. No stopping for anything. As we run out of the chute and onto the roads, I draw on the energy of the crowd and high-five everyone as I go by them. Sometimes I get a little too into the “circus show” and my guide needs to get me refocused on the race.
(Scheidies, left, at the 2010 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.)
As I run down the road, I just see different shades of pavement and an occasional orange blob. My guide cues me to stay away from the blobs and calls “step up” or “step down” at any curbs. My guide calls out the mile markers and normally is recording pace to keep my inconsistent self more consistent. My guide also lets me know of aid stations approaching and what they have to offer. I stick out my hand toward the blobs in the hopes of getting a cup. My guide always gets extra just in case my reflexes fail me. In one instance at the New York City triathlon, we arrived at the aid station before the volunteers had arrived. I stuck out my hand aimlessly and managed to wipe out the entire table of filled water cups. Not so funny to other competitors, but I have to have a laugh about it.
On the run there are yet more comments from the crowd. There are too many to list all of them but I will share some of the best:
“Look, its two convicts.”
“Hey they’re using the buddy system.”
“Way to work together!!!”
“Hey, we should do it like that too!”
The run is probably the least dangerous and difficult to me when on roads. As long as I stick near my guide and listen to him, I normally come out unscathed. It’s when I choose one of those dangerous off-road courses that I get myself in trouble. My one run-in with an Xterra triathlon was not one of the smartest choices I have made in my life, but boy do I have stories to tell about it.
As we approach the finish line, my guide informs me of the finishing stretch so I can get the crowd involved and give a few high-fives down the line. I like to think that I am an entertainer more than a racer, so at times I also incorporate the t-shirt toss and silly string into my performance. There is no question I am racing all-out, but my motto is that if you “smile through pain” then it doesn’t hurt as much! ☺
I have been competing in the sport of triathlon for ten years now and I have yet to see the guides get any credit or recognition for all that they do. They are the ones that make it possible, but nobody knows their name. In the stat sheets, it is as though they didn’t show up for the race. In my stat sheet they are the star performers. The sport of triathlon can become a very “me centered” sport until you experience it as a guide or a blind athlete. The sport then becomes a team sport. I put a lot of trust in my guide to make the best decisions for both of us. My guide must be accountable for the training and mental preparation required to stay with me the entire race. What do they get out of it? Well, if you’re thinking materialistically than nothing. My guides have sacrificed weekends from their family, personal finances, hours of their free time and the stress that great responsibility brings. All of this to help someone else become the best they can be in something they love. Their impact expands well beyond the sport of triathlon. My guides have been mentors and teachers. They have also been protectors. Most of the time they are heroes! My guides have helped me become better in the sport of triathlon but more importantly they have helped me become better at life! For this I want to honor them for all that they have done.
A few of my guides deserve special recognition. These guides have become my “go to” people. They are the ones that I can always count on to get the job done. They have sacrificed the most for me and I think it is only fair that I give them special recognition.
Matt West
Matt West has been with me since the beginning. Matt was my first guide and has had to work extremely hard to progress at the rate I have. Matt has invested the most time and emotions into the team we call Team Scheidies. Matt has told me countless times that guiding me is much more important to him than anything he could get from his own triathlon races. Together, Matt West and I have completed over 50 triathlons. One of these triathlon included Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2005. Ironman is a life changing experience for anyone. Doing Ironman with Matt bonded us into family. Matt has also guided me to three World Championships and recently guided me to a new World Record for a physically challenged athlete in an Olympic distance triathlon at the 2010 Sylvania Triathlon (1:57:21). Matt West is a hero of mine and should be recognized for all that he has unselfishly sacrificed to make us better.
Matt Miller:
Matt Miller has been the most instrumental figure in providing opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals in the sport of triathlon. Matt Miller founded the C Different Foundation and has helped over 150 blind individuals have the opportunity to live an active lifestyle. Matt Miller has invested his life into helping blind and visually impaired individuals. In the time I have spent with Matt I have learned so much about what is important in life. Matt Miller has gone out of his way to help me so many times that I can’t even count them. Matt has guided me to two World Championships. In 2006, Matt and I won in Switzerland at the ITU World Championships. More recently, Matt guided me to possibly one of my best performances ever at the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater (4:18:58). If I can impact as many lives as Matt has over the years than I would be totally satisfied with what I have done on this Earth.
Todd Wiley
Todd Wiley has guided me in the fewest races with respect to the above two but demonstrates the character of someone that loves life. Todd was a former professional triathlete and now triathlon coach that sought out the opportunity to guide me. Todd has guided me in some of my biggest races including the New York City Triathlon two times and Escape from Alcatraz in 2009. Todd has also been there to guide other blind athletes when a guide was needed at the last minute. He is so fun to race with and helps bring out the inner kid inside me. Later this year, the goal is that Todd and I will get our first World Championship together at Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Just like the two Matt’s (Matt West and Matt Miller), Todd exemplifies the person I want to become.
Again, I want to thank all of my guides for everything they have done. We have done great things together! To learn about all of those that have guided me, click on the below link or go to the “Guide” section of my website. http://www.cdifferentwithaaron.com/Guides.html
Aaron's Adventures 