Escape From Alcatraz

Wed, 19 May 2010 19:06:03 -0600

The last time I raced Alcatraz was in 2006. When I was planning my schedule this year, I was excited that the dates worked out for me to race it again. Early in my career, I kind of avoided this race because everything I heard about it was a little out of my comfort zone…the cold waters, the sharks in the bay, the sand ladder…everything that makes this race so special was a little intimidating for me. Eventually I decided to race it for the first time in 2005. I had an awesome time and won the race! It is such a unique and beautiful course…I loved it! It has definitely become one of my favorite races in the world to compete in.

2005 brings back fond memories because after the race, my wife and I celebrated our second anniversary in Big Sur. This year was also a special weekend for Val and I because it was a little getaway without our three-year-old son Davis, and our last trip together before baby #2 arrives in June! We enjoyed a quiet dinner date overlooking the bay, an uninterrupted movie, and some enjoyable time to visit with friends. IMG organizes a great race and takes care of the pros very well, which adds to an overall positive experience.

Now on to race day…The morning began with an early ferry ride out to “The Rock.” It was a beautiful clear morning and the view of the city was awesome! The race began as we dove into 55-degree waters at 8am. It’s a little shock to the system at first but my body was able to relax and get comfortable as we swam 1.5 miles in to Marina Green. I exited the water in about 5th place; however there was a group of about 10 guys all coming out of the water together. I was a little surprised that the longer and colder swim didn’t break things apart a little more. After exiting the water, there is about a ¾ mile run to transition barefooted. I didn’t remember this part of the race hurting in the past as much as it did this year. I was the first out of transition onto the bike and we rode 18 miles through the streets of San Francisco. Bevan Docherty got off his bike first and I was about 10-15 seconds behind. It didn’t take long for me to catch him and then we ran together for the first 1K before I began to pull away. The 8-mile run is fun as we run through some trails, on the beach, and up the ¼ mile infamous sand ladder. With about 2 miles to go, I knew I had a good lead and I could coast into the finish.

I had a very good day and was able to claim my 2nd Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon victory. Due to injury last year, it has been while since I’ve been on the top of the podium. It feels good to be back on top and racing healthy as I begin my 2010 season.   May all your transitions be fast and smooth!

hk

View 2010 Escape from Alcatraz photos HERE

Race for a Cause - It Feels so Good!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:28:26 -0700

Two years ago I met Dave and Mary Veldink and learned that two of their children, Kate and Olivia, had been diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). A-T is a fatal genetic disease that attacks children causing loss of muscle control, immune system problems, and a strikingly high rate of cancer, particularly leukemia and lymphoma. Children struggling with A-T are usually wheelchair bound by the age of ten and their life expectancy is tremendously reduced.

After meeting the Veldinks, along with a large group of their friends, I was quickly invited to join them in Florida to run the Disney Half Marathon. I didn’t initially commit because it was my off-season, I was out of shape, and I typically only like to race when I know that I can win. The story of Kate and Olivia touched my heart and in January 2008 I ran the Disney Half Marathon for A-T Children’s Project. This was the first time I had ever experienced the joy of racing for a cause. During that weekend at Disney, I was met many other families and kids that struggle with A-T. My heart was changed and my motivation to race changed as well.

As I trained for my 3rd Olympic Games in Beijing, Kate and Olivia were with me every step of the way. The hope and perseverance they show as they fight such a horrible disease every day was an inspiration to me. I was hoping to come back from Beijing with a medal, not just for me, but also for Kate and Olivia. Although I didn’t bring home a medal, I realized that we don’t have to win medals to make a difference. We all have the opportunity to help others in need just by racing for a cause.

You may have a friend, relative, or classmate in school that struggles with a disabling disease. Did you know that by competing in a triathlon, you too could make a difference in the life of that person? You can wear something that represents the person or cause you are racing for, or you can raise money for your cause by asking people to sponsor you.
  I love the Disney World Marathon Weekend because I get to see my friends Kate and Olivia along with all my friends from the A-T Children’s Project. Most of us race to beat a certain time, to accomplish a goal, or to just finish. I race in the sport of triathlon because I love to compete against the best athletes in the world. At Disney I get to run for a group of kids who aren’t able to run for themselves. It feels rewarding to run for something, A-T Children’s Project, or for someone, Kate and Olivia, when it doesn’t matter how or where you finish. I promise that if you race for a cause, your heart will be changed forever.

HK

For more information about A-T Children’s Project you can go to atcp.org. Join Hunter’s A-T Cure Team at the Hy-Vee Triathlon on June 13 and experience the joy of racing for a cause.

20 Things I'm Thankful For

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:37:00 -0700

10 Very Important Things

God’s Grace
My beautiful wife Val
My joyful little boy Davis
My health
Loving & supportive family
My church - Woodmen Valley Chapel
My small group and close friends
My home in Colorado Springs
My job and loyal sponsors
America and the United States Military

10 Not-as-important Things

Olympic Dreams
Wake Forest University Athletics
New Wheaties FUEL cereal
Orlando Magic
Triathlons DVR’s
My Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Papa Murphy’s Stuffed Pizza and Mountain Dew
Long Road Trips
Metamucil

Dealing With Disappointment

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 08:31:51 -0600

We have all felt disappointment in sports; losing a race, getting cut from a team, getting injured or sick, or just falling short of our goals. This season has been a challenge for me as I’ve dealt with injury and had to cancel most of the races on my schedule. I began the year with big goals, and when I reflect on my season, I feel disappointed. Disappointment is inevitable when competing in sports so it is important to learn how to overcome these obstacles.

First, keep your eyes on the big picture. Things may seem bad today, but tomorrow is a new day. Stay focused on your goals for the future and don’t let a small setback get you down.

It is ok to express your feelings but make sure you don’t hurt anybody else or bring anybody else down. Be open about your frustrations with your family, friends, or coach. It can be valuable to express your disappointments with others that can relate or empathize with you.

People can learn a lot about your character when they see how you handle disappointment. It is important to demonstrate good sportsmanship when things don’t go well for you. It may be tempting to hang your head, complain, or even quit; however, you will gain a lot of respect from those around you if you stay positive.

Disappointment tests perseverance. It is important to learn from mistakes, make corrections, and push through the difficult times. The better we become at adapting to challenges, the closer we will get to reach our potential. I am confident that the rehab I’m doing now to recover from my injury will only make me a stronger triathlete in the future.

Finally, if you never experience disappointment, or have to persevere through difficult times, you will take success for granted. It is only through disappointment that you truly understand the value of victory.

I’m All Grown Up

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 15:02:07 -0600

I just got an iPhone in May. I had my first text in June and signed up for Twitter less than two weeks ago. I’ve already tweeted about 50 times. All of this has definitely happened way to fast. A few months ago I didn’t even own an iPhone and now I feel like I’m disconnected if I’m without it for a day. It’s hard to believe, but I’m beginning to understand that all these new things – texting, Facebook, and Twitter – can be a good way for me to reach out to all of you.

I am going to post a few of my tweets over the past few days and I would love to have some input as to whether or not I’m doing this right. I am following Lance Armstrong and he has a million followers (literally) and he tweets multiple times a day. Is that a good thing? I’m not sure, but here is what I’ve been tweeting about these past 12 days.

Shoes shined @ O'hare, got picked up in Indy by a stretch, 1st class hotel rm is bigger than my 1st apt. Thx Wheaties.
8:19 PM Jul 22nd

Wheaties Fuel - Advertising - Wheaties Fuel, the New Brand for Those Who Want Manly Cereal - NYTimes.com:

Riding the train into Manhatten - 1st stop Ground Zero. Haven't seen WTC site since 9/11.#FB
7:32 AM Jul 24th

Had lunch with with Amino Vital, a photoshoot in Central Park with Racesox, and now dinner at the beach on Long Island with family.
2:49 PM Jul 24th

Dinner with great friends in the lower east side of NYC. Off to a broadway play. Riding in a taxi with my eyes closed. Great evening!#fb
5:58 PM Jul 25th

Just arrived in Orlando after a great weekend in NYC. In Orlando for an Amino Vital event tomorrow. Looking forward to dinner with my sis.
6:01 PM Jul 26th

kisses from my little guy woke me up this morning...it feels good to be home...
9:38 AM Jul 28th

An easy 5k swim@ 8am. Rehab for an hour from 10-11am. Fed the ducks at the park with Davis. Got a slurpee at 7-11 for him. Now lunch #fb. 12:48 PM Jul 29th

Check out my boy showboating on his balancing bike in our backyard.#fb http://twitpic.com/cfarl
3:08 PM Aug 1st

I ran pain-free for 25min. today. 1st training run in two months. I'm going for 30min. tomorrow. Can't wait!!!
10:17 PM Aug 1st

Just got up from a 90min. nap. I can't believe I'm able to say that a 1-2 hr. nap session is necessary. I love being a pro triathlete.#fb
about 23 hours

Great day today. I've now had 3 days of NO pain when I go for my runs. Sat - 23min, Sun - 31min, today - 15min. Does a 15min. run count?#fb
about 18 hours ago