Thursday, September 11, 2008

Ironman Wisconsin/Fall Frenzy









Photographs above are of the swim start, Mike Alfino and Jon Gentine in front of the Capital building, Jon Gentine on the run, Michelle and Eric Plantenberg, the "CRAZY" Gentine fan club which kept me entertained all day long and Coach Pete's brother Mike, post Ironman Wisconsin finish. (click on the photos to enlarge)

Weekend Re-Cap:

This was my 3rd year in a row spectating the Wisconsin race. After completing the race in 2002 and 2003 I know this course and town better than any other on the Ironman circuit. The whole vibe around Madison and the surrounding communities is incredible. Each year I go out to the same spot on the course and cheer. This year I was joined by Jon Gentine's extended family and friends. To say a party was going on out on the course may not give it justice. Thank you to all of you for making my trip even more special..

Now about the race.... Perfect weather, perfect conditions and tremendous support. Jon lead the MHM team out of the water with a 1:03 and Eric followed in 1:07, Mike broke 1:30 and even secured a spot on the post race DVD coming up the helix.
Eveyone endured the challenging bike course where the winds picked up a little but the temperatures were ideal.

Eric lead everone home with a 22 minute personal best and Jon followed with his first Ironman finish. My brother finished with 44 minutes to spare before midnight and thus became the 4th Alfino family memeber to compelete an Ironman (besides Kathy and myself, Cousin Tony in San Diego has completed two)

Look for more pictures from the event to follow in the next few days.

Fall Frenzy:

Clay Taulman and Kelli Binzer represented MHM at the fall frenzy. Kelli, who just gave birth to her first child earlier in the year took 6th place over all amongst the women AND WON HER AGE GROUP!!!! Clay set a 9 minute personal best and took 7th in his age group!!!


Julia Rossi, one of MHM newest athletes who is coached by Allen Gilchrest took first place overall at a sprint race in Cleveland last weekend. Congratulations Julia!!!!

This weekend is the Harvest Moon Aqua Bike and Half Ironman. A number of MHM athletes will be participating and I plan to be at the venue later in the morning with the MHM tent. Good luck to everyone!!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Coach... thanks for all of your support this entire season - you are simply awesome. It was great having you in Madison to cheer us on.

be free!
eric

Jon and Molly said...

Pete- Thanks for the help in training, the support when I needed it most, and the encouragement to see this dream through. I couldn't have asked for anything more. -Jon