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"Early April I began working in the small town of Ludington, MI and I needed a place to stay. I decided to stay in my fifth wheel at Poncho’s Pond RV Park. While checking out the place I talk to the owner, Poncho, and find out he was a triathlete. So was I, and I trained hard…at least I thought I did. This is when I discovered Smith Sports. I would be working out and so would Poncho; the difference was that he had a routine and I just did whatever I felt like doing for the day. Eventually he talked me into trying out a program for a week. If I didn’t like it, “Don’t do it,” he said. Insert Ali into my training and wow was it different! After two days I remember telling Poncho and my wife Holli that I was hooked.
I was training for my running events, a 25K and an Ultra 200 Mile Relay, so logic told me I should be running. In the past, leading up to these events that is all I would have done, and then worry about triathlons after these races. After talking to Ali I knew this was not her plan for me. I was immediately training for the Steelhead 70.3 triathlon and these races were now training races. Along came May and the 25K River Bank Run. I tapered very lightly for one day. I was nervous, but was told to trust the system and not to worry about my time. The week of the race we had a lot of rain and the course had to be changed from last year with more hills being added. I thought for sure my time from last year would not be beat. On race day, it rained the entire race and was in the 50’s with wind, and the course was hilly and long. To my surprise I started the race and felt very strong. I finished the race strong, and on a tougher course with worse conditions, matched my personal best in this race!
Then June came and my distance for the MC200 relay was to be 36 miles. Last year, in training, I logged mile after mile on my feet, this year I was running 3-4 times a week, biking 3 times a week and swimming and lifting twice. I was sure that I was not going to be strong enough for the race. I tapered the week of the race and was given assurance from Coach Ali that I was going to do great. After my first leg my team was laughing at me because of the huge smile I had on my face, they didn’t know why I was so happy. My reason was simple, I felt STRONG! Along with training came Ali’s nutritional help and I knew I was in for a great race. Leg 2 came, and then 3, 4, 5 and I was still feeling fresh after 28 miles. Going into my last leg I was nervous. Last year I died and walked for the first and only time ever in a race. This year my last leg was longer, and my total distance was 3 miles farther. I started running, looked at my heart rate (never knew that was important before) and my pace…everything was exactly where it should be. I finished with great strength, a fast last mile and my total average was 6 min 59 sec over 36 miles. Our team also did great winning our division. There is no question I am a better runner due to this training. I can’t wait until August 1st when I compete in my first triathlon as a Smith Sports Athlete!"
~Paul Huyser
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