Strass Marathon
Training 2004

26.2 MILES TO GO!!! The challenge is pure and simple: complete the 26.2 mile course before passing out. Since I am also the new father of Jack, my other main challenge lies in not letting the training consume my entire life. I am very much a family man who loves spending my free time with Suzy, Jack, Sydney and Buster. That will not change. This is simply a way to continue to increase my fitness level, by working toward a new goal. By viewing my journal you will see that I am taking a somewhat level-headed approach to my training. I know that I will continue to look and feel great.

October 10, 2004 - A date that will be repeated, remembered and relived forever. A date that will be passed down in stories, included in pictures, emblazoned on a medal and engraved in my memory. But more than that, a date that forever adds a line to my list of life accomplishments: MARATHON RUNNER.

HERE IS MY JOURNAL ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

August 8th
2004 Babler Beast Triathlon
500 yard swim - 12.5 mile bike - 2.25 mile run

Early morning weather was cool but warmed up by the time my 10am start time rolled around. Thankfully, the pool temp was warm. Completed the swim in just under 10 minutes and then headed out to the bike course with includes a couple of the toughest climbs in any St. Louis area triathlon - and athletes have to complete 3 loops. There's one chance for athletes to catch your breath on each loop as I screamed down the one downhill at 39 mph on the nicely paved asphalt. The run course is a very short 2.25 miles, half paved, half cross-country, with a gradual uphill that becomes VERY steep just before the turn-around. The don't call it "The Beast" for nothing!! I could have shaved a little more time off if I didn't screw up my helmet and laces. Also lost a few seconds battling a bee. Here is the comparison to last year...

2004 Time: 1:23:13 Overall Place = 130 out of 239
2003 Time: 1:24:03 Overall Place = 129 out of 208

I took advantage of the sports massage therapists that were on site. I ended up getting a 40 minute massage after the race. Nice way to finish the day. Headed out to Mt. Pleasant with Jack, Suzy and Chris in the afternoon.



E-Mail John Strassner Contact John..... We Conquered Chicago!!! Welcome To Strass Training Thanks for checking out my training journal. I am training for the 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 10th. If you want to join me and my teammates in Chicago then visit The Chicago Marathon Site. Why Am I Doing This? Thats a good question. I am looking for a major challenge and think that I have found one in Chicago. I love doing Triathlons but think that completing a marathon is a great accomplishment. After seeking counseling from fellow triathalete, Tommy Rosenthal and fellow marathoner/sister, Blair, I said "what the heck and signed up for Chicago." Contact Coach Blair..... Contact Tommy..... Training Program I am using the Hal Higdon training program as a guide. Of course, since we are in the middle of a very busy triathlon season, this will only be a guide. I plan to incorporate many triathlons into the overall training program. As long as I focus on getting the long runs in each week I think I will be okay. Hal Higdon's Training Program Archive May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 Strass Training Web Links The Chicago Marathon St. Louis Marathon Swim Bike Run St. Louis StrassTraining Active.com Nike.com Training Forecast Thanks For Your Support Strass Marathon Training has welcomed visitors to the site!!! Sponsor	Strass Marathon Training 2004 26.2 MILES TO GO!!! The challenge is pure and simple: complete the 26.2 mile course before passing out. Since I am also the new father of Jack, my other main challenge lies in not letting the training consume my entire life. I am very much a family man who loves spending my free time with Suzy, Jack, Sydney and Buster. That will not change. This is simply a way to continue to increase my fitness level, by working toward a new goal. By viewing my journal you will see that I am taking a somewhat level-headed approach to my training. I know that I will continue to look and feel great. October 10, 2004 - A date that will be repeated, remembered and relived forever. A date that will be passed down in stories, included in pictures, emblazoned on a medal and engraved in my memory. But more than that, a date that forever adds a line to my list of life accomplishments: MARATHON RUNNER. HERE IS MY JOURNAL ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!!! August 8th 2004 Babler Beast Triathlon 500 yard swim - 12.5 mile bike - 2.25 mile run Early morning weather was cool but warmed up by the time my 10am start time rolled around. Thankfully, the pool temp was warm. Completed the swim in just under 10 minutes and then headed out to the bike course with includes a couple of the toughest climbs in any St. Louis area triathlon - and athletes have to complete 3 loops. There's one chance for athletes to catch your breath on each loop as I screamed down the one downhill at 39 mph on the nicely paved asphalt. The run course is a very short 2.25 miles, half paved, half cross-country, with a gradual uphill that becomes VERY steep just before the turn-around. The don't call it "The Beast" for nothing!! I could have shaved a little more time off if I didn't screw up my helmet and laces. Also lost a few seconds battling a bee. Here is the comparison to last year... 2004 Time: 1:23:13 Overall Place = 130 out of 239 2003 Time: 1:24:03 Overall Place = 129 out of 208 I took advantage of the sports massage therapists that were on site. I ended up getting a 40 minute massage after the race. Nice way to finish the day. Headed out to Mt. Pleasant with Jack, Suzy and Chris in the afternoon.

Strass Marathon Training 2004

Strass Marathon
Training 2004