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Posted by Lynn Smythe on 05/16/2014 at 10:09 AM in Cycling Tours, Press Releases | Permalink
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Planning a Smooth Ride for Life, a Northwestern Mutual Client Story
MILWAUKEE, December 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Bob Schrank, from Gurnee, Ill., started riding a tricycle when he was just two years old. He completed his first long–distance bicycle ride when he was only 3. Needless to say, cycling quickly established itself as an important foundation in Bob’s life. But when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his early 20s, his days of long–distance riding were suddenly threatened.
Through determination and careful planning – both from a physical and financial perspective – Bob was able to remount. Today he is riding as well as ever, and is an integral member of Team Type 1 racing, a world–class athletic program for athletes with diabetes. This is his story.
In 1992, Bob Schrank’s world changed. The avid cyclist was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and began experiencing symptoms associated with the disease. “I thought my vision’s going since I’m working so many hours. I’m losing weight since I’m working so many hours. Classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes,” Bob said. Once diagnosed, Bob knew that he had to make fundamental changes to his lifestyle. He was determined, though, to continue cycling. In order to do this, he turned to the power of planning. “Fail to plan, plan to fail,” said Bob. “There was an immense amount of planning that had to take place before I could eat or exercise.” Bob began monitoring his blood sugar 12–14 times a day.
Additionally, before riding long distances, Bob ensured he had the proper food and medication with him in the event that his blood sugar dropped significantly. Bob also took a hard look at his finances, ensuring that he and his family were protected in the event of an emergency. Shortly after his diagnosis, he purchased a life insurance policy from Northwestern Mutual. He and his wife, Joy, credit Bob’s mom for influencing this decision. “I’m glad he listened to her advice,” Joy said. “It just meant everything. We could have that peace of mind without paying an arm and a leg.”
Since purchasing his life insurance policy, Bob has continued to work closely with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor Peter Leone on a long–term financial plan. “In Bob’s situation, he’s very aware of his current risk, and that’s why he has been so focused throughout his lifetime on a planning process,“ said Peter. “When I think of Bob and his situation and the things he has to overcome every single day, I am amazed at what he has accomplished.“ Whether creating financial security, living a healthy lifestyle or taking a long–distance bike ride, a successful plan is achieved by setting and accomplishing goals.
Northwestern Mutual recognizes and applauds stories like Bob’s as an example of someone who continues to strive for victory for his team and his family. About the Client Stories Series Bob’s story is part of Northwestern Mutual’s Client Stories series, which aims to share the inspiring, first–hand accounts of clients that have faced seemingly overwhelming obstacles.
To download, share or comment on this video, please visit its page on YouTube: http://youtu.be/lk7VUpkRL9I.
About Northwestern Mutual The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) – among the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2012 according to FORTUNE® magazine – has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 155 years. As a mutual company with $1.3 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time.
Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long–term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker–dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 12/11/2012 at 11:37 AM in Press Releases | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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Yesterday, St. Anthony's triathlon announced that they are permanently changing the location of the swim portion of the race. I posted this to my Facebook page as soon as I heard about the change:
Above: old swim start location by St. Petersburg Pier.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2011) - Athletes will take on a fresh challenge at the 2012 St. Anthony's Triathlon as race officials have permanently moved the open water swim portion of the race to an area of Tampa Bay north of North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg.
The swim course will be 1.5K or .93 miles. The bike and run portions of the race and the transition areas will remain the same, at 40K and 10K, respectively. The St. Anthony's Triathlon, one of the best known triathlons in the United States, is part of the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) 5150 Triathlon Series.
During last year's triathlon, the swim course was relocated away from the St. Petersburg Pier and shortened to 1,000 meters due to weather conditions. "Numerous competitors told us how much they liked the swim course last year, so we decided to make the permanent move to the new location," said St. Anthony's Hospital President Bill Ulbricht. "We think the change is necessary because of potential construction at the Pier and that this new course will continue to offer athletes an excellent challenge as they build to the other two legs of the race."
Above: official course of the 2012 St. Anthony's triathlon, including new swim location.
The St. Anthony's Triathlon is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The race, which has served as the USA Triathlon Regional Championship for many years, is a qualifier for the 5150 U.S. Championship event.
The St. Anthony's Triathlon will open registration for its 29th annual race starting at 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. Approximately 4,000 athletes competed in the 2011 event.
The St. Anthony's Triathlon will be held on April 29, 2012 as part of a three-day weekend event that includes a sports and fitness expo and the Meek & Mighty Triathlon on April 28, 2012. For registration information, visit SATriathlon.com or call (727) 953-9005. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/stanthonystriathlon.
Above: my husband and I at the Team in Training tent after completing 2011 St. Anthony's triathlon.
About World Triathlon Corporation
World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC's portfolio includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 180 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlons since its inception in 1978.
About St. Anthony's Hospital
St. Anthony's Hospital is a 395-bed hospital founded in 1931 as a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and is the first and only faith-based hospital in Pinellas County. As St. Anthony's celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2011, the hospital continues its rich history dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality, innovative and compassionate care.
Above: members of the 2011 Palm Beach Chapter Team in Training triathlon team. Waiting for their swim wave to start in front of North Shore pool. St. Anthony's is permanently changing the swim start to this location starting with the 2012 race.
About BayCare Health System
BayCare Health System is a leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area. Composed of a network of 10 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care, BayCare provides expert medical care throughout a patient's lifetime. With more than 200 access points conveniently located throughout Tampa Bay, BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need. BayCare's family of hospitals are: Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Hospital-North, St. Joseph's Women's, and South Florida Baptist. For more information, visit BayCare on the Web at www.BayCare.org.
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 11/03/2011 at 10:11 AM in Multisport, Press Releases, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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Reback Wins Male Title for the 4th Time;
Olivas Wins Female Title by Over 10 Minutes
A field of 1,800 athletes swam, biked and ran in the 7th annual Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon last weekend. There were two races held on Sunday, September 25- Sprint and Olympic. John Reback came in first overall in the Olympic distance with a time of 2 hours 8 minutes and 47 seconds.
This was the fourth time in five years that Reback had won the triathlon. In regards to Sunday's event he said, "The conditions were perfect, the sun didn't come out [from behind the clouds]."
Isabel Olivas, 27, was the overall female winner for the Olympic distance. She came out of the swim in second place with only one male in front of her and managed to move up during the bike to first place. Although she was passed by a few male athletes during the run portion, Olivas still claimed the overall female title with an astonishing time of 2 hours 16 minutes and 55 seconds. Her finishing time was just over 10 minutes faster than second place female, Jeanine Seeger who completed the event with a time of 2:27:07.
The female winner for the Sprint distance was Audrey Vanderkamp with a time of 1:20:06. Lee Zolhman came in almost six minutes ahead of the second place male with a time of 1:09:13 to win the overall male title for the Sprint distance.
The Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon is famous for taking Olympic distance athletes by ferry out to an island where they must jump overboard and "escape" back to Miami by swimming .9 miles. They then bike 24.8 miles and finish by running 6.2 miles over the MacArthur Causeway. The Sprint distance consists of a .25 mile swim, 13 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run.
The weekend events also included a health and fitness expo on Saturday that had Paralympian and World Record Holder Rudy Garcia-Tolson speak about his experience as a double amputee athlete. Following Sunday's event was a post race party that included event sponsors Pollo Tropical, Heineken, Volkswagen, Muscle Milk, Baptist Health and Mack Cycle.
Registration for next year's race is already open. The 2012 Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon date will be September 23. Interested athletes can register by going to www.WillYouFinish.com.
About US Road Sports
US Road Sports & Entertainment Group is a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city's culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 09/29/2011 at 09:21 AM in Press Releases, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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Saugerties, NY – August 24, 2011 – Looking to create the highest quality events possible, HITS, Inc. today announced that the HITS Triathlon Series will provide a wide range of first-class amenities for racers and spectators. The HITS Triathlon Series is the first race series to feature five distances at each event with events taking place at unique destinations all year long.
“Triathletes train hard and many travel a significant distance to race. Hence, HITS is putting in as much effort to make the race experience special as the triathletes put into preparing for their event,” said Mark Wilson, race director for the HITS Triathlon Series. “From good food and well-marked courses to individual bike racks and streaming event coverage, we want everyone at a HITS Triathlon event to feel like a pro.”
Below is a sampling of special amenities competitors, friends and family can expect to experience at HITS Triathlon events:
HITS Triathlon Series also has a partnership with Raceday Transport to provide bike and gear transport services to HITS Triathlon events. A full list of amenities can be found at http://hitstriathlonseries.com/register/athlete-amenities.
The first HITS Triathlon Series event kicks off in Palm Springs, December 3-4, 2011, providing the best opportunity for triathletes to race during the winter months.
About HITS, Inc.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing endurance sports events and hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS is dedicated to creating high-quality events in desirable destinations with unmatched, professional operations. For more information about the HITS Triathlon Series, please visit www.hitstriathlonseries.com.
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Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/24/2011 at 10:30 AM in Multisport, Press Releases, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 22, 2011 Release #11-139 |
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 433-5887 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: 2011 Felt Adult bicycles
Units: About 1,550 units
Importer: Felt Bicycles, of Irvine, Calif.
Manufacturer: ADK Technology Limited of Guang Dong, China
Hazard: The bicycle's fork can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall includes all 2011 Felt F3, F4, F5 and F75 bicycles with carbon fiber frames and carbon fiber forks.
"Felt" is written across the down tube of the bicycle frame.
Sold at: Bicycle specialty stores nationwide from July 2010 through November 2010 for between about $1,400 and $5,000 per bicycle.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact their local Felt Bicycles dealer to receive a free inspection and repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Felt Bicycles toll-free at (866) 433-5887 or (866) 4-FELT-US between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT or visit the firm's website at www.feltracing.com
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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting www.saferproducts.gov
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 02/22/2011 at 12:15 PM in Press Releases | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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Hey race fans, have you been waiting to find out the dates of the West Palm Beach time trial series? I just received an email from race director Mike Purdy with the dates for 2011. Each race takes place on a Sunday. Race registration begins at 7:15 AM with the first racer starting at 8:01.
Above: The Bike Diva at the start line of one of the WPB time trial races.
What is the WPB TT Series?
The West Palm Beach time trial series is a series of 15k time trial bike races. 15k is about 9.3 miles; fast cyclists can complete a 15k in about 19-21 minutes, my fastest time was around 27-28 minutes. And it's a really short race, you can be done and eating breakfast, or on your way home by 10 or 10:30. The time trial participants start at 1 minute intervals; i.e. the first racer starts, then 1 minute later, the next racer starts, etc... The races take place in West Palm Beach, by 20 mile bend. Mike is working on getting the website updated: www.wpbraceseries.com.
My husband and I have done a few of the races during the past 3 years. I already have a lot of races on my schedule, but it looks like I can do most of the time trials this year. It's a local race for me, only costs $15 per race and is a good way to test your race speed before your next event. For example my time at the April 25, 2010 race was 29:38:10, while I improved my time to 27:58:11 at the June 13 race.
Above: The Bike Diva with her 3rd place age group medal.
Dates of the 2011 Time Trials
Above: Bike Diva's second place age group points series award for the 2008 race season.
Series Awards
The race is broken down into 10 year age groups. For example, I am 47 years old and race in the women 45-54 year old age group. Age groups are awarded medals 5 deep. There is also a trophy given out to the fastest man and fastest women at each race. If you compete in a minimum number of races, usually around 6 races, you also qualify for the points series awards. There will be an end of season awards party to give out the points series awards.
Above: Group photo at one of the 2009 time trial races.
Additional Information
Neither the website nor the Facebook page have been updated recently. Race Director Mike Purdy says he is working on getting the website updated. The website contains a map and directions on how to get to the race site.
Website: www.wpbraceseries.com
Facebook: WPB Race Series
Take care,
Lynn Smythe, AKA the Bike Diva
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 01/31/2011 at 11:21 AM in Bike Racing, Florida Bike Rides, Florida News, Press Releases, Time Trials | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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Miami Speed Triathlon at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Website: http://www.miamispeedtri.com/event/overview/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miami-Speed-Tri/181197925237820
Event Dates:
May 21 & 22, 2011
Venue:
Homestead-Miami Speedway
1 Speedway Blvd
Homestead, FL 33035
Expo Times:
Saturday, from 10am to 5pm
Sunday, from 7am to 4pm
Race Day:
Sunday, 7am
Transition opens at 5am
Event Details
SPRINT DISTANCE RACE: Swim 750 meters | Bike 12.4 mi | Run 3.1 mi.
OLYMPIC DISTANCE RACE: Swim 1500 meters | Bike 24.8 mi | Run 6.2 mi.
The Miami Speed Triathlon age group race is a special qualifier race for USAT nationals, which are held in Burlington, Vermont in August.
Top 33% of each age group finishers will qualify for the USAT’s Age Group National Championship.
For the the first time in Florida, the event is also part of the USAT ELITE RACE SERIES – an ITU compliant race, with DRAFT LEGAL bike course and a prize purse of $30,000 in cash for top male and female Elite athletes. A very competitive and fast race, this special Elite Draft Legal race will attract the best names in the sport, as top Elite athletes fight for a spot in the 2012 Olympic games in London. Find more information about the USAT ELITE RACE SERIES by clicking in the button below.
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 01/24/2011 at 06:00 AM in Florida News, Multisport, Press Releases, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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PR Newswire
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 21, 2011
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Competitor Group Inc., the global leader in endurance sports media and event entertainment, announced today that the TriRock Series will expand to four destination cities across the country in 2011. The launch of the new 2011 series will begin on May 14, 2011 in Annapolis, Maryland and make stops in Seattle, San Diego and Gettysburg, Pa.
TriRock debuted in San Diego on Sept. 12, 2010 to a sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 triathletes. The unique sprint triathlon featured a rocking competition, complete with a live band playing from a boat on the swim course and a post-race concert and beer garden.
Unlike any other triathlon experience the industry has to offer, TriRock is perfect for beginners and veterans alike. In 2011, the rock-themed triathlon series will feature bands along the swim, bike and run courses, followed by a post-race party and concert. Each race will also offer unique divisions, including Military, Athena & Clydesdale, and a Beach Cruiser division in San Diego.
"This endeavor into triathlon events is extremely exciting for us and we have already seen tremendous success with our inaugural race," said Scott Dickey, president of Competitor Group. "We really see a unique niche in the endurance space for triathlons that are challenging, but also fun and accessible to new audiences."
Both Olympic and sprint distances are offered in San Diego and Gettysburg. TriRock Annapolis will be solely a sprint distance event while TriRock Seattle will offer Olympic distance only. Participants just testing the waters of the triathlon experience can also sign up as a three-person relay team, taking on either the swim, bike or run component.
All participants will receive a finisher's medal, technical t-shirt, red carpet finish, free food and access to the post-race concert and beer garden. Registration is currently open at triathlete.com.
2011 TriRock Series Schedule: |
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TriRock Annapolis May 14, 2011 |
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TriRock Seattle July 17, 2011 |
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TriRock San Diego Sept. 11, 2011 |
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TriRock Gettysburg Oct. 16, 2011 |
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About the TriRock Series
Organized by the Competitor Group, the TriRock Series is now in 4 cities nationwide: Annapolis, Md., Seattle, San Diego and Gettysburg, Pa. Like no other series the industry has to offer, TriRock has put the rock in triathlon, taking the racing experience to the next level. Race courses feature both sprint and Olympic distances while triathletes listen to their favorite tunes with bands positioned along the course. Each event features a finish line festival with a beer garden, free food, red carpet finish and a post race concert. For more information, please visit www.triathlete.com or call 800-311-1255.
About The Competitor Group
Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), headquartered in San Diego is the leading endurance media and event entertainment company dedicated to promoting the sports of running, cycling and triathlon. CGI owns and operates more than 45 national events delivering more than 350,000 professional and amateur participants in 2010. CGI publishes four magazine titles with a combined monthly circulation of over 800,000 and has an online endurance community at competitor.com delivering over 1.5 million monthly unique visitors and over 25 million page views. Further information about Competitor and its media properties can be found at www.cgimediakit.com.
SOURCE Competitor Group Inc.
CONTACT: Amana Miyamae, +1-858-692-8488, [email protected], for Competitor Group Inc.
Web Site: http://www.cgimediakit.com
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 01/21/2011 at 10:10 AM in Press Releases, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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Bike Diva's Sponsors
I started racing in time trial bike races in the beginning of 2008. On December 2008, I competed in my very first half marathon, at the Marathon of the Palm Beaches. In 2009 I discovered the sport of duathlon; run-bike-run. I have a variety of triathlon, cycling and running events scheduled for the 2011 race season. My current race schedule can be viewed on the Bike Diva's Races page.
Bike Diva's Sponsors for the 2011 Race Season
I would like to thank the following companies, for their support during the 2011 race season:
If you would like to sponsor the Bike Diva, send me an email: [email protected].
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Questions, comments, suggestions for topics you would like to see covered on the Bike Diva site? Send an E-mail to: [email protected].
Posted by Lynn Smythe on 01/19/2011 at 06:00 AM in Athletic Sponsorship, Bike Diva News, Bike Diva Sponsors, Press Releases | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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