For those of you sounding out that wonderful acronym above, it is pronounced the same as swimmer, but with a strong new england accent (SWIM-AH).
For those of you who have a natural disposition for perfect pronunciation and moved on only to be foiled by the meaning of the acronym, I will gladly reveal it. S.W.I.I.M.A is none other than:
Steve’s Wicked Important IronMan Advice
This will be an ongoing series of tips and hints that I accrue leading up to (and following) Ironman St. George. Of course, these tips will be made to apply not just to this race, but any endurance event you may lay your registration upon.
Without further a due:
1. Oreo cookies are NOT a feasible substitute for proper race/training nutrition.
This tip is especially important, and I can speak from recent experience. I, one known often as the ‘Steel Stomach’ or the holder of ‘Incorruptible Intestines,’ was easily foiled by this horrendous ploy. Of course, it is commonly known that those training for triathlons commonly ingest an oozy post-nuclear substance known affectionately as Goo.
That (surprisingly as it seems) is a much better idea than the oreos.
2. Avoid this:
I tried my best, but got hit with a great dowsing of it.. Alas! One of the great downfalls of bicycle travel lies not in the bicycle itself but its relationship with the premier transportation machine.
3. Embrace those around you who you share an interest with!!
Come on.. Unless you live in Amsterdam, or a few other select bicycle havens, it is not too much work to acknowledge fellow pedal pushers around you! Of course, it is completely acceptable to be in so deep a zone that you acquire what is known as ‘tunnel vision,’ thereby missing your counterparts.
The other side can be quite uplifting, however! Try this guy out, for example.
Well, That is about all I have for you for now. Yes, today’s 3 tips are quite heavy on the bicycle section. But they still apply to all three disciplines (maybe not so much swimming, unless you are creative) and even to life itself!
I hope you enjoyed the advice. I hope you can apply it when you get off the computer today to go outside and ride! I am sure that will be happening soon, right? Oh, it’s too cold out? You are tired? You have plans? I understand. That’s why you are reading this blog. Well at least go on a walk or something.
See you soon with some real life updates about my life and training!
-Steve
Trailing The Sun 
Nice to see the blogs again after the drought. These are your memories of a lifetime. Train hard, as we know you will.Good luck. Gram and gramp J.
HAHA this post made me smile and laugh! You need “power” oreo’s…. : ) Stay healthy, in mind, body and spirit : )
Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul, the work of the soul, and good for either, the work of the other. ~Henry David Thoreau
Yo Cuz! How about those Larabars (not that there would be any left at this point-but they are all natural energy bars!) Pizza and oreos are JUNK for you!!!! Have you heard of Chia seeds? I heard they are often used by extreme athletes (like you!) in order to stay hydrated during prolonged exercise. When you eat them, they absorb and hold onto water in your stomach and can help combat dehydration. Not sure if you can find any Whole Foods or natural food markets, but it might be worth it to try them! 🙂 Good luck training!!!!!!!
meow!