Hello Gators,Personal distance records, first timers, and seeing the World(s)... This week's topics include...Accomplishments... As Dory would say... "Just keep swimming!" plus following in their daughter's footsteps.Who's Next?... Maddie goes to Canada!About A Gator... If you haven't met Maddie, here's your chanceTraining Opportunities... Laboring (in a good way) towards Labor Day Weekend!Recommended Podcasts... Is a 1:59 marathon possible? Plus lots of good run training tips. Accomplishments: The Gators 2014 swim distance record was set... TWICE... this past weekend. Plus we added two first time triathletes to our ranks...Lake George Open Water 5K Swim (Lake George, NY): Nabil Radouane was back in the water and achieved his furthest OWS distance to date... 5K (hard enough to run it much less swim it!)... Congrats on the personal distance record, Nabil!Beware of Barracuda 5K Swim (Hazleton, PA): Based on the name, this seems to be a race that would be tough enough to start much less finish... Well, Ruth Subach did both also setting a new personal distance record in the process... Great accomplishment, Ruth!Medford Lakes Sprint Triathlon (Medford Lakes, NJ): Probably our most experienced race spectators finally decided to take the plunge and race themselves. And Maddie had a chance to watch her parents race for a change...FIRST TIME TRIATHLETE: Al Mattarazzo had a very successful race finishing in the top half overall as well as on the bike and also achieved a top 40% swim and a top 35% T2... Welcome to the club, Al!FIRST TIME TRIATHLETE: Not to be outdone, Mindy Mattarazzo, also had an outstanding race finishing in the top 35% overall including a 2nd place age group finish... PODIUM!... as well as finishing around the top 25% in both transitions (Mindy must be getting tips from the Beauchamps) and around the top 33% in the bike and run... Way to go, Mindy!HONORABLE MENTION: Special recognition to Dean Milligan's sons Riley Milligan (1st overall) and Aidan Milligan (10th overall and 4th age group... just off the podium) for an outstanding finish at the "Life's Good" triathlon... Way to go, guys! Who's Next?: We only have one event participant that I'm aware of this weekend, but it's a big one...ITU World Triathlon Grand Final (Edmonton, Canada; August 26 - September 1, 2014): Slightly more than 12 months after finishing 5th in the USAT National Championships (Milwaukee, WK) 16-19 age group (as a 16 year old), Maddie Mattarazzo will be racing in the Olympic distance world championship race against participants from around the globe. Here's the race website if you want to learn more... http://edmonton.triathlon.org/... Soak it all in and have a great time, Maddie (and family)! About A Gator: Learn more about our phenomenal up and coming triathlete... About A Gator #9 is on Maddie Mattarazzo. Training Opportunities: This week's remaining training opportunities are covered below. Also, our club coaches are meeting next week to put together plans for the upcoming transition from the race season back to more regular training (I refuse to call it the "off-season"), so watch for some exciting plans and information coming shortly afterwards...Tuesday6:30pm-7:30pm: Group run on Perkiomen Trail (meet at Plank Rd. parking lot). Run will be approx 5-6 miles. When we assemble we'll do a quick "hill" or "no hill" vote. All pace groups will be accommodated. I will be leading.8:30pm-9:30pm: Yoga class with MaribethWednesday: No Tri Swim classes this weekThursday, 6:15pm-7:45pm: Cycling on the Schuylkill River Trail. Meet in Oaks at the parking lot off of Egypt Rd./New Mill Rd. Michelle will be leading the ride.Saturday, 8:30am start time: Open water swimming at Blue Marsh Lake until around 9:30am. Followed by an optional bike ride or run (planning for two groups... one for cycling and the other for running). Then we are planning to have a short cookout for anyone that can stay. You can either use the following link to get to Blue Marsh (approx. 50 minute drive from the Y) or meet me at the Y at 7:15pm to car pool... http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/BlueMarshLakeREMINDER about Reading Open Water Swim on Sat, 9/13: The Reading Open Water Swim takes place at Blue Marsh on Saturday, 9/13 and seems to be a great option for anyone interested in trying a new distance (0.6mi, 1.2mi, and 2.4mi distance options; only $50 to register); Ruth and Nabil have inspired me to register for the 2.4 mile distance... http://www.readingtriathlon.com/Open-Water-Swim-p/ows14.htm Recommended Podcast: This one sounds interesting and it is... "1:59 - The Sub 2 Hour Marathon is in reach" (Endurance Planet) does indeed cover some information about someone possibly breaking through the 2 hour barrier, but it also includes lots of other material that is applicable to all runners... Lots of training techniques and tips are explained...http://www.enduranceplanet.com/phil-maffetone-the-sub-2-hour-marathon-will-happen-soon-and-heres-why-plus-how-you-can-train-like-an-elite/ Have a great week! Go Gators! Don M