Leadman Tri -- Lifeteime Fitness Epic 250
A New Era of Epic Hard Endurance Events Begins.
Before you ask too many questions, I'll just get right into it. What is a Leadman?
"The Leadman. A legend carved from the Rocky Mountains outside Leadville, Colorado. A boomtown gone bust, overrun by extreme athletes fueled by a dream. A dream of pushing past logic, past hope — to push themselves to the finish of some of the most difficult athletic events ever created. A dream so unbelievable — to compete in a series of epically hard events, covering hundreds of miles of rugged, off-road terrain — that these athletes sign on, not for a chance at glory or riches, but for a chance to forever be known as a “Leadman."
"Today the legend of epic hard endurance events expands beyond the Leadville city limits to the Nevada desert, with the Leadman Tri — Life Time EPIC 250. The Leadman is an all-new category in triathlons, as contestants face an epic new total distance of 250 kilometers. It throws down a gauntlet of challenges filled with new lengths of swimming and cycling, yet places less emphasis on what is considered the most physically damaging aspect of ultra-distance triathlons, the run. The Leadman was designed to completely challenge triathletes while showing utmost respect to their bodies."
The inaugural Leadman Epic 250 was one of many events Dominic (and two others) was the race director of for Lifetime Fitness. Being he's only been an employee a short couple of months. To say that his job depended on how well this event went is a complete understatement. Needless to say, it was truly epic...Pun intended. Dominic and the other two race directors pulled together in 4 months what takes a year or more to prep and plan for. The field of athletes was small (and mostly professional) given the short time frame for preparation, with only a total of 44 who started the Leadman. Regardless the size of the field, it was a 5 star event indeed. The weather that day was close to 97* and the winds were absolutely brutal. Only about 15 athletes out of the 44 who started, finished the race. The elements and course terrain were less than forgiving. I have a feeling many will show face next year in an attempt to overcome and join the elite few who can now call themselves a "Leadman."
A long time friend of ours, Jared Fisher also raced last weekend. Not only did he complete Iron man St. George on a single speed but he was one of the select few to complete the Leadman also on a single speed and just one week after his Iron man. Those who know some about triathlon, competing or cycling knows that's just NUTS!!! To complete two races of that distance in a single racing season is pretty good. But back to back. With only one week to recover. Both completed with out any gears on the bike to make pedaling harder or easier....He is a machine. I am happy to have been there to see him finish. And he looked great! Who would have though he raced with the flu....
I'm proud of Dominic and his business partner now co-worker Keith as well as his new co-workers for all of the blood, sweat and tears they put in to making this event so successful. I am excited to see what Leadman 2012 will bring. I am so inspired with every athlete who crossed the finish line, I've even considered training for the 1/2 Leadman for next year. We'll see what the year brings but I'm driven, that's for sure and I am quickly falling in love with the competitiveness, positivity and energy being a part of this sport brings. My new addiction......
Click on these links below to see some AMAZING photos of the race and read up on its reviews:
"Today the legend of epic hard endurance events expands beyond the Leadville city limits to the Nevada desert, with the Leadman Tri — Life Time EPIC 250. The Leadman is an all-new category in triathlons, as contestants face an epic new total distance of 250 kilometers. It throws down a gauntlet of challenges filled with new lengths of swimming and cycling, yet places less emphasis on what is considered the most physically damaging aspect of ultra-distance triathlons, the run. The Leadman was designed to completely challenge triathletes while showing utmost respect to their bodies."
Total distances: 5k Swim -- 223k Bike -- 22k Run
The inaugural Leadman Epic 250 was one of many events Dominic (and two others) was the race director of for Lifetime Fitness. Being he's only been an employee a short couple of months. To say that his job depended on how well this event went is a complete understatement. Needless to say, it was truly epic...Pun intended. Dominic and the other two race directors pulled together in 4 months what takes a year or more to prep and plan for. The field of athletes was small (and mostly professional) given the short time frame for preparation, with only a total of 44 who started the Leadman. Regardless the size of the field, it was a 5 star event indeed. The weather that day was close to 97* and the winds were absolutely brutal. Only about 15 athletes out of the 44 who started, finished the race. The elements and course terrain were less than forgiving. I have a feeling many will show face next year in an attempt to overcome and join the elite few who can now call themselves a "Leadman."
A long time friend of ours, Jared Fisher also raced last weekend. Not only did he complete Iron man St. George on a single speed but he was one of the select few to complete the Leadman also on a single speed and just one week after his Iron man. Those who know some about triathlon, competing or cycling knows that's just NUTS!!! To complete two races of that distance in a single racing season is pretty good. But back to back. With only one week to recover. Both completed with out any gears on the bike to make pedaling harder or easier....He is a machine. I am happy to have been there to see him finish. And he looked great! Who would have though he raced with the flu....
I'm proud of Dominic and his business partner now co-worker Keith as well as his new co-workers for all of the blood, sweat and tears they put in to making this event so successful. I am excited to see what Leadman 2012 will bring. I am so inspired with every athlete who crossed the finish line, I've even considered training for the 1/2 Leadman for next year. We'll see what the year brings but I'm driven, that's for sure and I am quickly falling in love with the competitiveness, positivity and energy being a part of this sport brings. My new addiction......
Click on these links below to see some AMAZING photos of the race and read up on its reviews:
Until next year Leadman.....
I look forward to seeing you and maybe on the race course if I can keep myself on track :)
