The Athletic Annapolitan

Keeping Fit Around Annapolis During the Season

Fitting in an hour of exercise is easier said than done during he holiday season, but here's some tips to combine holiday chores and a fitness routine.

I am a fitness writer, which means not only do I write, but I am supposed to live a fit life. I am supposed to get in my workouts no matter what. But I am here to tell you, it's always easy. When people write me to say they just can’t work fitness into their schedule, I get it. Most of us lead extremely busy lives and even if we have already made fitness a part of our lives, there are still days when we find it difficult to take an hour out of our day to get in a run, bike, swim or class. This is especially true during the holiday season. With parties, shopping and decorating added to our already busy schedules, it would be easy to skip a workout here and there in order to get everything done. But it is exactly because of this busy …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

The Athletic Annapolitan

Annapolis Athletes Express Gratitude

Local runners, triathletes, and cyclists share what they are thankful for with Patch readers.

Over the past year, I have spent a good deal of time getting to know the local runners and triathletes in Annapolis. I have watched Annapolis Striders members cross the line of their first 5K, 10K and even marathon. I have watched as Annapolis Trail Runners trained for their first ultra marathon. And I have watched dozens of Annapolis Triathlon Club members cross the finish line at Ironman races across the country. I am grateful to have been a witness to these life changing events in so many people’s lives. Fitness does change people’s lives. Crossing the finish line for the first time is not just a momentary glory. It is something that sticks with us forever. More than that, the training that goes into these events leaves all of us with a…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (8)

The Athletic Annapolitan

Ironmen Right Here in Greater Annapolis

Nineteen members of the Annapolis Triathlon Club complete Ironman Wisonsin together.

Until this year, I could count on one hand the number of people I knew who wanted to visit Wisconsin and still have room to count the number of people I knew who wanted to run an Ironman. But now, thanks to the Annapolis Triathlon Club, that is no longer true. After months of training and racing together, 19 members of the Annapolis Triathlon Club flew out to race Ironman Wisconsin, including at least two married couples, one cancer survivor, a handful of first-time Ironman competitors and even more Ironman veterans. While club member Nancy Cooper does not want to take full blame or credit for arranging it, most of the Iron Crabs I spoke with gave credit to Nancy and Neil Cooper for talking them into the event. Brienne German had been …

• Photos (19)

Lessons Learned Can Take You a Long Way

Columnist Ann Brennan takes the advice of local athletes to heart in her first half Ironman in eight years.

This weekend I covered 72.3 miles in Williamsburg, VA. After six months of focused training, I completed the Patriot’s Half Ironman, a 1.2 mile swim, a 58 mile ride and a 13.1 mile run. It took six hours and twenty five minutes. That is a lot of time. A lot of time for my body to be moving, but more importantly it is a lot of time for my mind to be whirling. As I made my way from swim to bike to run, I thought of all of the moments that led up to this day. Yes, there was the training, but that I have done before. Over the past year I have met so many great people and been welcomed into so many incredible local athletic clubs and organizations. I am so thankful for the lessons learned and the ability to apply them to this weekend’s race. In…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (5)

Bay Country Century

Local charity ride gives local cyclists an opportunity to enjoy scenic views close to home.

This past Saturday morning, cyclists from all over Maryland gathered to complete the Bay Country Century Ride. Though much of the proceeds from the ride go to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, officially categorizing this as a charity ride, it is different from other charity rides in that it is organized by cyclists for cyclists. The Bay Country Century is organized by the Annapolis Bicycle Racing Team and sponsored by Bike Doctor of Annapolis. Because the organizers have ridden their fair share of centuries over the years they know what is important to other riders. They understand the importance of a well marked course and well stocked food and water stops. They also understand how much beautiful scenery can add to the experience. The …

• Photos (1)

The Race Must Go On

Local runners rally after the cancellation of the Annapolis Ten Miler.

The weather for the Annapolis Ten Miler is always atrocious. It is hot, humid and best described as just plain miserable. But runners expect that and they register months in advance any way. Because of its popularity, the race has reached the same status as many of the bigger marathons the world over, closing registration within hours of opening. So, on Wednesday afternoon, when registrants received notice the race would go on, rain or shine, there was less a sign of relief and more a shrug of, “well, of course.” It wasn’t until Thursday when Annapolis City Emergency Management canceled the race for the first time in its 36-year history that there was any shock.  Within minutes of the announcement messages were flying across Twitter, …

• Photos (9)

Local Moms and Daughters Tri-ing Together

Local triathletes Kate Hite and Paige Bauman lead their daughters into triathlon.

There is something about triathlon, something that makes a triathlete want to share the sport with people they love. Annapolis athlete Paige Bauman said she thinks it might be because of the people you meet while training for and competing in a triathlon. “I really love the number of people I have met through the sport,” Bauman said. “I have met so many great people through Annapolis Triathlon Club and the ABC Open Water Swimming club. It is just a welcoming sport.” But there is more to it than that. Triathletes can’t be satisfied with sharing their experience just with the people they meet. Instead, they want to introduce the people they love to the sport, as well. Bauman and her friend, Kate Hite, have shared their passion for triathlon …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (4)

Carrie Hilliard

8:09 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Love the idea of the mother/daughter team! Congrats to all!   more ›

Finding Friendship on the Course

Local athletes Erin Ferner and Kristin Seibert completed their first Ironman triathlon and built a friendship along the way.

Kristin Seibert and Erin Ferner are both Annapolis area athletes. They run the same trails, ride the same roads and belong to the same triathlon club. But until they began training for Ironman Lake Placid, they didn’t really know each other. Even as they attended the same pool working with coach David Wendkos, often sharing a lane, they were mere acquaintances. In between swim sets in the months leading up to the race they shared a little of their thoughts on training and the nerves associated with the distances involved in an Ironman, but chatting time was limited and more often than not they went their separate ways: Ferner to collect her son from daycare and Seibert to work or class. “Swimming isn’t really conducive to talking,” Ferner …

•  4 Comments
• Photos (6)
• Videos (1)

The Athletic Annapolitan

In the Company of Friends

Local triathlete club members lean on each other to get through a brutally hot Eagleman 70.3 Triathlon

Each week as I meet with groups and teams in Annapolis, athletes tell me about the benefits of exercising with a group. They go on about the camaraderie and accountability. They talk about working harder with a group than they would on their own and about getting faster as a result. They talk about the tips they pick up on a group ride, run or swim that saved them in their last event. But last week, Nancy Cooper shared something with me that was one of the most practical reasons I have heard yet for being part of a group. After telling me about the fun that the group had at a club lunch and then dinner last weekend at the Eagleman 70.3, she went on to say, “And of course we have the Annapolis Triathlon Club tent at the event where we meet …

• Photos (5)

The Athletic Annapolitan

Annapolis Triathlon Club Race Columbia

The Iron Crabs came out in full force at the Columbia Triathlon to race and support each other.

In the fall of 2005 I was busily preparing for the following year’s triathlon season. In the midst of scheduling races, booking hotels and laying out training plans two things happened. First I found out about a new triathlon club in town—The Annapolis Triathlon Club and I immediately registered. Then, just as I was almost finished with the plans, I discovered I was pregnant and all of my racing plans were set aside. Six years later, I have made my return to the triathlon scene. Sunday morning, I headed to Columbia for the Beast of the East, The Columbia Triathlon. As was expected I was terribly nervous and feeling decidedly alone. That is, until I came across the most glorious sight, a tent with a great big Annapolis Triathlon Club logo …

•  4 Comments
• Photos (4)

Fletcher C. Bauman

11:46 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Ann, just the opposite, you were able to convey what we , we as members of ATC , feel as a team, whether training, helping, volunteering, and racing.... it is as Ron was quoted in your article, we "get it".... appears you have too! Check the ATC website , gear link , should assist in your procurement of the hot new jerseys, I believe we have both the bike and race jersey's to choose from, get …   more ›