Sunday, March 20, 2011

Longview Half Marathon

This past weekend I competed in the 1st Annual Longview Half Marathon; back to my grass roots where I did a lot of running . There was an excellent turn out however, going in I was nervous about racing.   I mean it's been awhile since I've raced without having to swim or bike before running and the fact was I was racing some "real" runners. We started on the track at Lobo Stadium.  I thought it was a slow start but I opened up with a 5:21 mile.   Benson Osoro,the Kenyan, takes off moments just after we exited the stadium, followed in persuit by Jacob Phillps and Drew Bean. I was just behind Phillips and Bean early in  the race.  Phillips makes a break around mile 3 on a descent. I saw Bean taking looks back and I thought he started to fatigue, so I  picked up the effort but made no success. I started losing site of Bean around mile 7. The course was on the shoulder of a highway with long rolling hills.  Near the end of the race we zig zagged through a hilly neigbhorbood.  Eventually, we made our way back around the stadium for the finish.  At mile 11, coming out of the neigbhoorhoods I was starting to get delerious, I took a gel and I ran the 13th mile in just over 6 minutes but hearing Jenn "cheer" me around the track I scrambled to sub 5 pace the last minute.  I earned 4th place overall, just one place shy of the money, in 1:15.38.  It was great seeing old and new friends out there. The Longview Running Club coordinated a spectacular event that drew out a great crowd for a first time event. 

Results: http://www.runontexas.com/results/2011/219agehalf.htm

On another note, out on an easy training ride the day after and "bambi"  dashes across the road and me of all people hits the deer. I would have finished the ride but my handlebars were off. Thanks to Jenn for picking me up and Lance for repairing my bars. In two weeks, weeks I start the first triathlon of the year at The Kemah Triathlon. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

2011 Tentative Race Schedule

I am excited to kick off my 4th triathlon season. Before I mention my race schedule I'd like to thank my sponsors and top supporters without them I wouldn't be where I am today. This year's sponsors and top supporters include, OnUrLeft Sports, blueseventy, and the Brooks Fanatics program. My parents Johnny and Glynis Ritter, who have traveled all around watching me race at a variety of events, since I was 12 years old.  Lance Vernon, he is always making sure my bike and things are 100% race ready. Matt Embry, has small business where he finds rare hard to find items that you need and he finds them for you. Shirley Greene, has gone out of her way to make sure I have had the necessities to get me through the big trips and Steve and Jane Shorrock for loaning me there boat dock, so I can jump off into the lake. Also to Andy Stewart, owner of Finish Line Sports and my Coach Brent Poulsen. Last but not least is Jesus Christ for giving me the God given talent and mental drive to put in the hard work. Without Him, I wouldn't be where I am today.  

Here is my 2011 "tentative" race schedule, to kick off this weekend. 

3.19 The Longview Half Marathon
4.3 The Kemah Triathlon
4.10 Ironman 70.3 Texas
5.1 The McKinney Triathlon
5.30 Cap Tex Tri
6.26 Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs
8.7 Bridgeland Triathlon
9.11 Ironman 70.3 World Championships (qualification pending)
9.17 Rose City Triathlon
9.26 The Houston Triathlon
1o.16  Try Andy's
11.6 Iron Star Half Ironman 

Thank you once again for your support!!!  

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

I'm now an ACSM CPT

This past weekend I finally took my ACSM Certified Personal Trainer exam, which is one of the hardest, if not the hardest personal trainer exam to take. I had been "studying" all month for it. I thought I must have studied the wrong book because it was harder than I thought it was going to be, but regardless, I past with flying colors.
I am currently available to start training clients in the Cedar Creek Lake area Monday through Friday and Dallas area clients on Saturday/Sunday afternoon. If you are looking to gain strength, increase endurance, lose weight, or train sport specific then allow me to help you. You can send me an email to williamtritter@yahoo.com and I'll be glad to discuss further details. Thank you.