In January, I began training for my first Ironman. I was to complete my first 140.6-mile triathlon Nov. 3 in Panama City, Fla. For me, this event would serve as a means to celebrate my 40^th birthday in October.

Life, however, had other plans for me. Prior to making the commitment to train for an IM, I had also made another significant commitment: to begin a new career.

I headed back to the classroom in January to fulfill my goal of obtaining a journalism degree. Full-time classes at Kent State University, coupled with work and training proved to be quite a heavy load.

After eight weeks, I realized I had to make a sacrifice. So I did what any respectable Type-A person would do: I struggled through a few more weeks of training, studies and work before I made the decision to back out of the IM. I agonized over this decision for weeks. Once I make a commitment, I am in - no turning back. Now what?

I thought long and hard about what I wanted my next physical challenge to be. My final decision rested upon taking advantage of the opportunity to strengthen my weakest link: running.

At 7 a.m. July 14, I will be one of approximately 175 participants standing at the starting line, ready to compete in the 14^th annual Summer BT50K. The 31-mile, out-and-back run begins at Oak Grove in the Brecksville Reservation and travels through the scenic, root infested, hilly and sometimes muddy slopes of the beautiful Buckeye Trail.

I am excited about this adventure. For the past several months, I have been training on the Buckeye Trails. Each of my training runs covers a different section of the course.

One of my favorite runs includes the ascent of 88 steep steps, a.k.a. the Piano Keys. I enjoy Pine Lane, too. This scenic lane of pine trees is also infested with hundreds of roots. Agility and coordination are put to the test through this section of the course. Other parts of the course are hilly and, at times, you have to cross a man-made bridge or creek.

In years past, heat and humidity have added to the 31-mile challenge. No matter what July 14 brings this year, I am ready for my mini-adventure race.

A few days ago, I decided to do some research and find out how this event got its start. In 1994, Joe Jurczyk, a Parma Heights native and ultra-distance runner, started the race to celebrate his 30^th birthday. In 1994, only 10 to 15 runners lined up to complete the inaugural BT50K. In 2004, Vince Rucci, owner of Vertical Runner, obtained the permits and has grown the race to its limit of 175 participants.

Learning about this event has sparked my interest to bring to you more information about race promoters, race courses and race history. Beginning in this issue, you will find information about the 21^st annual Cleveland Triathlon, complete with a race course map.

Also included in this issue is valuable information to help you become a more efficient and effective runner, how to choose the right gel for your training and race needs, as well as information on how to prepare for open-water swimming, wakeboarding essentials and the ins and outs of power paragliding.

Stay focused and train smart,

Stacy

Starting with this issue, we are beginning a reader feedback feature for you to express your opinions on a particular topic or question. Responses, limited to 100 words, will run in a future issue. For this month's questions, replies need to be e-mailed to srhea@tntpublications.com no later than July 31.

This month's question: What obstacles in life have you faced and how you have managed to overcome them to male you a stronger athlete and person?

Fleet Feet will offer a Zoot suit demo day Saturday, July 21 at Mentor Headlands beach. Try the latest in Zoot suits in open water. Time is to be determined, so be sure to check out the Cleveland Tri Club's forum (www.clevetriclub.com) or call Fleet Feet at 330-908-3234.

On Aug. 18, the Bally Fitness Club in Beachwood will hold the 2007 Midwest Invitational Total Challenge. More than 175 men and women from the Midwest and Canada will compete in this one-of-a-kind, jack-of-all-trades, mind and body tournament created for those who are good in a variety of sports and games.

The top eight finishers will compete on a Total Challenge televised game show. Cash prizes go to winners and their chosen charities. Only a limited number of general public registrations are available. For more information, call 888-217-6987, 216-323-1445 or visit www.thetotalchallenge.com.

Wakeboarding is one of the hottest new water sports today. From the Gravity Games to the summer X-Games, wakeboarding has made its way to mainstream America. Wakeboarders are seen on inland lakes, reservoirs, rivers and Lake Erie. Its growing popularity may be closely associated with the popularity of snowboarding.

Still, many may not know what wakeboarding is, what is needed to do the sport, where equipment can be obtained and where it can be tried.

Julie Bostian, an avid wakeboarder and a freelance writer for About.com, defines wakeboarding as "a form of waterskiing where both feet are attached to a board that resembles something in between a water ski and a kneeboard. The rider stands on the board with the feet pointing off to the side of the board. Riders like wakeboarding because wakeboards allow lift off the wake, making a multitude of tricks in the air possible."

Wake is waves created by the boat in motion. Wakeboarders use the wake to get air and do tricks, similar to a snowboarder using jumps to get air and do tricks. Wakeboarding and snowboarding are similar in style, which makes wakeboarding easy to learn for snowboarders.

Boat. The boat is the most important piece of equipment. The better the boat, the better your chances of success. There are three main types of boats, characterized by the engine: inboard, outboard and inboard/outboard or stern drive. An inboard boat with a lot of torque is ideal for wakeboarding. I've ridden behind all three types of boats, as well as wave runners, and nothing rides better or smoother than an inboard boat designed specifically for wakeboarding.

Other features on boats are designed specifically for wakeboarding that add to the performance. A rear ballast system, which sucks water into an internal reservoir to weight the back of the boat down by as much as 1,000 pounds, helps to create a bigger wake.

A tower above the boat pulls the towrope at a much greater height than the boat, which allows bigger air when jumping a wake. Most towers usually have storage racks to store the wakeboards rather than cluttering the inside of the boat. Some towers also contain powerful speakers so you can listen to your favorite tunes while riding. Some speakers even work with the engine, so when the rpms are higher or lower, the music gets louder or softer.

A highly controllable throttle, which acts as a "cruise control," allows the boat operator to set a specific speed and keep that speed for the rider. Most wakeboarders ride between 19 and 21 mph. Any slower and the board starts to sink. Any faster and it's more difficult to ride under control and land tricks.

A good wakeboard boat can be pricey. New wakeboard boats start at $20,000 and can cost as much as $100,000. The bigger the boat and the more the gadgets, the more expensive it will be. An option is to purchase a used wakeboard boat at a fraction of the cost.

Towrope. A wakeboarding towrope is static, meaning it has minimal stretch, creating much more "pop" off the lip of the wake. Having even a little bit of stretch in the rope creates less tension, which creates less response while being towed. An inexpensive nylon towrope is great for tubing, but not ideal for wakeboarding.

A good towrope is adjustable, allowing for different lengths depending on the skill level of the rider, and is interchangeable to allow different handles to be used with the rope. For a beginner, the rope is set shorter to create less distance between the wake. More experienced riders prefer a greater length and more distance between the wake.

A wakeboarding towrope with handle can cost anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars. Some riders purchase the handle and towrope separately to create a more customized system.

Board. A wakeboard is shorter, wider and thicker than a snowboard. Wakeboards typically have a fiberglass outside shell, with buoyant material on the inside to allow flotation in the water. There are a variety of wakeboard designs, from symmetrical-shaped boards to split-end boards for the more advanced rider. The shape of the board depends on the skill level of the rider. A beginner-level wakeboard is more basic and symmetrical in shape.

Another feature on wakeboards is fins on the bottom. Similar to a surfboard, wakeboard fins are designed to help stabilize the board and grip the water when carving. A larger fin is mounted under the front side of the board, with a smaller fin under the backside to allow more maneuverability while carving.

Most wakeboards come with bindings, which typically are made from a soft rubber and are designed to be worn barefoot by the rider. Unlike snowboard bindings, there are no boots used in wakeboarding. The bindings act as boots for the rider.

Getting your feet into the bindings can be tricky. The board needs to be submerged under water to get the bindings wet. Another trick is to squirt a little shaving cream on the inside of the bindings to allow the feet to slip in easier.

A wakeboard with bindings can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to almost $1,000. If you wait until the end of the season, when everything for the summer is on clearance, you can save 25 percent to 50 percent off the retail price.

Personal flotation device. A PFD for wakeboarding is not just a good idea, it's the law. "No person shall ride or attempt to ride upon water skis, surfboards, inflatable devices or similar devices being towed by a vessel without wearing a United States Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water-skiing, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size. No operator of a vessel shall tow any person who fails to comply with this law." (ORC 1547.18)

When some people think of a PFD, they think of the big, orange, U-shaped Type II PFDs. Type III PFDs cut like a vest, and Type V PFDs, designed specifically for certain activities such as wakeboarding, make it comfortable to wear. Some wakeboarding PFDs are not U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which make them illegal, so check the label before wearing.

You can purchase wakeboard boats at just about any boat dealership. Some boat dealerships cater directly to wake boarder's, such as Know Wake Marine in Columbus (www.knowwakemarine.com). It carries Malibu boats, which is the premier boat for wakeboarding, and a variety of wakeboarding equipment and accessories.

In Northeast Ohio, Buckeye Sports Center (www.buckeyesportscenter.com) off Route 8 in Peninsula also carries wakeboard boats, including Supra and Tahoe Sport Boats.

Most sporting goods stores, such as Dick's Sporting Goods, carry a variety of basic wakeboarding equipment including wakeboards, towropes, PFDs and wetsuits. Boating supply stores, such as West Marine, carry a variety of wakeboarding equipment, as well. Some boat dealerships carry wakeboarding equipment.

Also look for equipment online on various retail Web sites. Like anything else, look at it in person first, unless you know exactly what you're purchasing.

If you don't have access to a boat or know anyone who is into the sport, there are companies such as Midwest Water Ski and Wakeboard School (www.midwestskischool.com), Ohio's only official USA Water Ski-affiliated ski school that teach the basics of wakeboarding. The school offers private individual or group lessons, as well as half-day, full-day and week-long camps. Ryan Clifton, owner and head coach of the school, is also the head coach for The Ohio State University Water Ski Team. I have known Ryan for years and have worked with him in coordinating wakeboarding programs in central and northeast Ohio.

The ideal conditions for wakeboarding are calm, flat water found on inland lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Lake Erie occasionally produces these conditions, but it's usually early in the morning on days with minimal wind. I've ridden on Lake Erie, Mosquito Lake and Griggs Reservoir in Columbus, and nothing compares to the perfect conditions on Griggs.

Central Ohio is a Mecca for wakeboarders. Griggs and O'Shaughnessy Reservoir, which are parts of the Scioto River, are full of wakeboarders on summer days. In Northeast Ohio, inland lakes such as Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland (near Warren) and West Branch State Park in Ravenna offer decent wakeboarding conditions. Lake Erie also works, but wakeboarding is better in a harbor protected by a break wall such as Fairport Harbor.

By Brian Fowler

Recently a couple of my powered paragliding friends and I decided to fly cross country along the Lake Erie shoreline. We packed our vehicles with our gear and headed out to a house in the Mentor Headlands.

Dave, who owns the house, thinks what we do is fun to watch, so he lets us use his side yard as a runway. It is about 80 yards long and leads out into the open waters of the lake. It is all we need to get airborne.

Our tanks filled to the top, we strapped our motors on our backs, inflated our wings, took off and headed east over the blue-green water of our greatest natural resource, Lake Erie. We passed the crowded, mile-long beach known as Headlands State Park, where children ran to the shore to wave at us and boats circled around to get a better look at these colorful flying machines.

We crossed the Grand River and thrilled more onlookers at Fairport beach as we did our obligatory circles in front of the crowds and just 50 feet above the water. We soared over Geneva-on-the-Lake packed full of motorcycles and old cars for the Memorial Day weekend.

We continued on our journey for nearly two hours and 42 miles until we found Conneaut, the last town before the Pennsylvania border. After a couple of fly-bys, we landed on a little spit of land that juts out into the lake. The crowd of people cheered as we landed, and young boys chased us down to get a better look.

This was modern-day barnstorming, a flying adventure that has long since vanished amongst our over-regulated commercial airways. We were to the people along the way, "those magnificent men in their flying machines."

The sport is an off-shoot of paragliding, which is an off-shoot of hang gliding, which has been around since the 1970s. While hang gliding and paragliding have done well in their own right, they have been limited to remote mountain launches and desolate sea cliffs.

Powered paragliding, on the other hand, is almost limitless in where you can fly and holds the same sense of adventure that a barnstorming pilot from the 1920s and '30s must have felt. It is perhaps the easiest way to enjoy the personal freedom of free flight.

The attraction to the sport comes from its simplicity. The aircraft weighs less than 100 pounds and can be packed in the back of a small SUV. It burns only a gallon of gas per hour, and you don't need a license to own or fly one.

Also adding to the simplicity is the short runway required for takeoffs and landings. Basically, you only need a football field-size area with no obstructions at the end to take off and land in. It is more complicated than that, but once you acquire the skills to take off and land, you simply don't need an airport.

Imagine the freedom of stopping by an open field in the country, getting permission from the owner and taking off. From the flat ground, it is possible to climb to 4,000 feet, shut off the engine and glide back to earth.

With all good things in life, there is always a "catch". The "catch" in this case is that if you want to learn how to fly, there are no real schools in the area, and you really need to take lessons to learn how to fly.

There are two approaches to learning how to fly, and pilots will differ on which is better. I personally learned how to fly a paraglider first and then only recently learned how to fly a powered paraglider. I had 500 flights without a motor before I ever strapped the engine on my back.

Many pilots will jump right into powered flight through a reputable school. The closest school, Fly Ohio, is near Bowling Green. The school sells powered paragliders and provides instructions. Contact owner Bruce Brown at brucebrown@wcnet.org, 419-823-1270 or www.flyohio.com.

During the lessons, expect to spend as much as two or three days learning how to ground-handle the wing with your feet never leaving the ground. Once you have mastered the ground handling, strap the motor on your back and learn how to launch. Your first flights will be short hops along the ground with instructions being given through a helmet radio.

By the end of the week, you should be flying on your own. The cost of the lessons is about $500 if you buy equipment and $1,000 if you have your own. The last time I checked, it was about $3,500 to $4,000 to get a general-aviation, private-pilot's license.

Like everything worth doing, it takes a considerable amount of effort to become proficient. You really have to pay your dues in time and practice to be rewarded with free flight.

One of the other limiting factors of powered paragliding is that it is very weather dependant. We usually don't fly if winds are over 10 mph, and we usually fly in the morning or in the evening to avoid turbulent air. One of the most important decisions a pilot makes is whether to take his/her glider out of the car based on the wind and weather of the day.

The wings are made of a nylon-type material with a whole bunch of Kevlar strings that attach the pilot to the wing. The engines are usually two strokes and range in horsepower from 22 to about 30. The pilot wears a harness in which the wing and engine are attached. It is set up so that if the engine stalls, the pilot can glide back to earth. Add a helmet and some ear plugs, and you are all set.

It is possible to get into the sport for as little as $5,000 to $7,000, including lessons. Buying used equipment is a less-expensive way of getting into the sport. Do your research before you choose that route. Paramotoring equipment is constantly evolving, and some of the older equipment is not that good.

Like everything else, the Internet is a great resource for information. If you are serious, log on to a powered paragliding forum and ask questions. There is always someone grounded that will share their knowledge.

The next time you hear the buzz of a lawn mower engine overhead and you look up to see on of those "magnificent men in their flying machines," you'll know what it is. After you see us enough times, I may want to come up and join us.

by Steve Schirra

Dave Herpy fondly remembers his first connection with the water at age 5. "My grandfather used to take me fishing at Pymatuning (State Park) and let me drive the boat occasionally," he says. "It was my first water experience as a kid."

A member of Cub and Boy Scouts, Herpy also was canoeing at a young age. Yet Herpy, the outdoor adventure and camp coordinator for Kent State University, has come a long way from fishing boats and canoes.

The 27-year-old Kent resident began kayaking in 2000 as a lifeguard and camp counselor for Lake Metroparks and has since has earned a bachelor's degree in recreation management from Kent State and a master's degree in recreation studies from Ohio University.

Through his various internships and his graduate assistantship, Herpy was introduced to whitewater rafting and kayaking, and began to share his enthusiasm for water sports with others, something he continues in his position.

"When people ask me about my job, I tell them the best part is sharing my knowledge and passion of these activities with other people."

Before he accepted his Kent State position, Herpy worked for Lake Metroparks (among other parks). In the summer of 2005, he created Paddle with a Purpose, a canoe and kayak event.

"I started the event because my mom passed away from melanoma in 2004," he says, adding that melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. "With my mom's passing, I wanted to raise awareness for skin cancer and benefit the American Cancer Society at the same time."

The first event in 2005 brought in about 60 paddlers and raised $1,700. Herpy says the event grew in its second year, with additional paddlers and $2,300 raised for charity.

Herpy also coordinated the beginning stages of what will be Lake Metorparks' world-record attempt Aug. 18. Canoers and kayakers from across the state will meet at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park and attempt to create the world's largest canoe and kayak raft. Herpy says the current record was set in 2001 by Cleveland Metroparks, which organized a 766-canoe-and-kayak raft in Hinckley Lake.

Now that he's working as Kent State's outdoor adventure and camp coordinator, Herpy says he's settled into a job he plans to continue for a long time. "I'm a Kent State graduate. I love the program, I love the school, and I love the area."

In his Kent State programs and classes, Herpy hopes to instill a sense of excitement on his students. "I think my biggest attribute is my enthusiasm. I hope that wears off on people, that I produce that vibe for other people."

Herpy always stresses safety to anyone interested in water sports, from expert to beginner. He equates not wearing a life jacket in the water to not wearing a seat belt in a car.

Another of Herpy's suggestions, especially for beginners, is to take a class to learn the ropes before venturing off in the water.

"I think taking a class and learning from a professional is very important as far as safety is concerned."

Whether he's teaching a course or guiding fellow water-sports athletes down rapids, Herpy has found the sport best suited for him and suggests other athletes do the same. "I think finding your niche is very important, no matter what activity you participate in."

No matter the activity, it all comes down to commitment, and Herpy says his love of the water drives him to stay active. "If you find something that you truly enjoy and are passionate about, you are more likely to stick with it and make it a routine. My philosophy is, if you find a job that you love, then you never work a day in your life, and that's how it's been for me."

Steve Schirra holds a B.A. in English from Kent State University. His writing has appeared in various Northeast Ohio magazines and newspapers.

By Ruggero Fatica

Let me preface this article by saying that while I have paddled canoes for the better part of 25 years, my experience with kayaks is limited to slow, lazy rivers in my $400 local, sporting goods-store special. When I had the chance to paddle the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan in kayaks for five days, I jumped at the chance.

This is my journal of that trip.

After arriving in Marquette, our first stop was the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay, where we would spend the next two nights. The inn was built in 1911 by lumber barons and housed a warehouse, a general store, an office and a barber shop. It was purchased in 1940 by Henry Ford to serve as a vacation retreat for him and his executives.

Twelve rooms are available to lodge in, with each housing unique furniture and antiques. The inn also has an exceptional view of Lake Independence and the sawmill that produced the wooden panels for the older-model Ford station wagons.

We were immediately provided with a delicious and hearty lunch by innkeepers Dana and Jolie DeMay. We would later need that hearty lunch for the paddling that awaited us.

After lunch and check-in, we took a short walk to our first outfitter, Big Bay Outfitters. There we met our first guide, Bill Kinjorski, an affable and knowledgeable man who would lead us on our first trip. We loaded kayaks, grabbed PFDs and paddles and were on our way.

We arrived at the put-in for the Iron River, which is aptly named as iron deposits line the banks. It is a curious sight to see the bright-orange oxidation that sharply contrasts the normally earth-toned sand and foliage.

After a brief, but thorough, run-through of paddling techniques and safety, we launched our boats and began a leisurely paddle down the winding river. Along the way, we spotted many Great Blue Heron as they fished the river. We made a game of seeing who could get closest to photograph one without spooking it.

As we paddled the crooked river, I realized the advantage of paddling a smaller "river" kayak. They are far more maneuverable when you need to make many turns.

We continued down the river toward Lake Superior. As we neared the mouth of the river, we decided to venture a little farther and paddled out to the lake. We didn't venture too far as the lake was too choppy due to strong winds. These winds were to be our nemesis for the next two days. We headed back to the put-in to end our first day's paddle.

We started the day with a continental breakfast at the Thunder Bay Inn. Looking outside, the weather wasn't looking too hospitable. It was drearily gray with a light, misting rain. We took our short stroll to Big Bay Outfitters only to find out the weather would prohibit us from trying Lake Superior. It was time for Plan B.

Kinjorski decided, due to the weather, that we should paddle a smaller inland lake. So we geared up, this time including rain gear and drove toward Teal Lake. After more instruction on entering a kayak without getting too wet, we launched from the beach and began our paddle.

Despite the grey day, paddling Teal Lake was visually quite interesting. Due to the difference in water and air temperatures, an eerie mist hovered above the water. Fortunately, the rain subsided. As the air became dryer, we were able to see the amazing rock outcroppings that rose from the water.

One thing I discovered is that where there is water, there are fish, and where there are fish, there are birds fishing. In today's case, it was cormorants, which are not indigenous to the Upper Peninsula but, to the dismay of fisherman, are becoming so. Watching them scout the surface of the water for their prey and then dive for it is quite engaging.

We paddled across the lake and chose to pull out toward one of the outcroppings to eat lunch. After lunch, we paddled back to the beach. As we paddled, the wind began to pick up. I found it a bit difficult to keep my kayak on a straight course despite it being a longer sea kayak. Slowly and crookedly, I made my way back to the beach.

We drove to the Au Train River to meet Bill Thompson from Down Wind Sports. Once again, we were unable to paddle Lake Superior due to weather, so another river was our paddle for the day.

Thompson gave us further instruction while in the water this time. Because we were initially going to paddle Lake Superior, we were outfitted with sea kayaks on a river. While this is completely doable, the longer boats can be a challenge when making many maneuvers. We all adjusted and again headed toward Lake Superior.

Upon nearing the mouth of the river and Lake Superior, I realized our guide chose wisely not to attempt the lake. As we drew nearer, the wind really picked up, and we saw significant chop on the lake. All I could think is that if I was out there, I'd be spending more time swimming than in my kayak. We pulled the boats onto a sand-covered bank to conclude our day's paddle.

The goal of our day was to paddle Lake Superior so we could see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Because the weather didn't cooperate, our guide was good enough to give us a driving tour of the area. I must say, if you are ever in the Upper Peninsula, you must see this attraction. There also are numerous waterfalls to see that are quite breathtaking.

We left the Thunder Bay Inn for Hessel to meet our next guide, Jesse Hadley of Ecotours. I would learn first-hand what a capable guide she is.

After loading boats and gear, we had a brief, but delicious, lunch at the Hessel Bay Inn. We went down to the beach and again had more instruction before paddling. We started our short paddle across slightly tumultuous waters to A Wee Bit O' Heaven, our last night's lodgings. Owner Judy Platt provided us with a wonderful meal and lovely accommodations in her main lodge.

We woke to even more tumultuous waters, but decided we would venture out to continue to paddle Les Cheneaux Islands. To me, this was the most difficult day from a beginner's point of view. Once you become accustomed to maneuvering the boat in the waves, it actually becomes fun, not unlike a roller coaster.

Still, I soon found myself sideways to a wave and in the water. I remembered Jesse saying, "If you go in, don't lose your paddle and stay with your boat." I held onto my paddle and stayed with my boat, and she was there instantly. I followed her instructions and was back in the boat in minutes paddling away, but not before pumping the water out of my boat.

We paddled while being educated about the wildlife and the ecotour concept, and then headed back to the lodge.

I learned many things on this trip. Most important is the value of having a good guide who can show you things maps can't and provide newer paddlers with an extra margin of safety. A guide knows the area and can point you to other attractions and restaurants. I was fortunate to have expert guides on this trip.