Elite License

I received confirmation the other day that my elite license is approved thru the end of 2010. So even if I don't do a single race this year, (which is likely), I will still be an elite for 2010.

That's good news for me. And also for those of you who are in my age group, (I'm 32!)

Not much to update beyond that. Well, there is plenty actually, but I'm not ready to do that yet.

Vance

Photo Collection Sharing #4

One of my favorite photos I have of me racing. The look on my face, you can see the focus in my mind. I'm racing the always tough San Dieguito Half-Marathon, thru the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, here in San Diego. I got second that day in 1:11, to Hector Hernandez. Not bad for a triathlete. I'm in second in the picture, trying to close the gap he put on me at mile 2, on a crazy uphill surge.

It also brings a lot of memories to mind. I had just gotten engaged to Orlanda about 24 hours before this race. I had also just returned from a training camp with a lot of the Canadian Olympic Triathlon Team and staff in Victoria, BC. I was a few weeks away from winning the famous Desert Classic Duathlon, defeating many big names in the sport, including 2-time Olympic medalist Simon Whitfield. I was headed to the US Olympic Training Center one month after this, and was quite fit and excited about the future.

This was the same season as Ironman Florida. It was a good year for me. And that's why I love this photo. It's also why I can't get back to training and racing right now. I don't have the same fire and desire I see in that photo. If it returns....wow, it's almost scary.

Vance

More on Portobleo...

I wrote this for Triathlete/Inside Tri's website...

http://triathlon.competitor.com/events/who-will-win-panama_s-agua-brisa-portobelo-international-extreme-triathlon.html

Vance

Portobelo International this weekend

The Portobelo International Triathlon in Panama is this week. I love this race, and wish I could be there. Always a great time, on an epic course! Off-road doesn't do the toughness of this course justice. Thought I would share a few photos I like from back in the days I raced there...




Renata is heading there to race, and I think she'll win the women's race. Should be fun for her. I'll be doing some writing on the race for Triathlete Mag, on their website. Look for that later this week.

Vance

Feeling Lucky

In Tucson, for the final morning of our big training camp, and I am finally headed back to San Diego. I miss it. It's been a great trip out here though, and I've enjoyed it a lot.

Here's a cool video I thought I would share, about being lucky and close calls. It's a good one...



Vance

Interview at Finish-Line Multisport

I recently did an interview at Finishline-Multisport.com.....

Written by Kevin Koresky

Jim Vance Q&A In 2004 this gentlemen was the XTERRA Amateur World Champion and in 2005 he became the ITU Men 25-29 World Champion. He left a career in teaching to chase down a career in triathlon. Did he really leave his teaching roots behind? I have known this pro for three years; his teaching desire has never faded as he joined a group of us for dinner three nights before Ironman Arizona. He fielded every question the group had thrown at him, offering priceless advice and tips to our group. Please take this moment to get to know the husband, coach and teacher: Jim Vance.

KK: Jim please tell our readers a little bit about yourself, where did you grow up and what were your sports background growing up?

JV: I grew up mostly in Michigan and went to high school in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was mostly a basketball and football player growing up, never good at endurance sports, nor was I exceptionally athletic. In high school I joined the cross country and track teams my junior year. 2 years later I was a 3-time All-State runner, sub 4:20 miler, and was headed to the University of Nebraska to run cross country and track as a walk-on. I was a steeple-chaser and cross country guy there, helping the team to its best ever finish at the NCAA's of 7th place. By my senior season, I was granted a full-scholarship.

Read the rest at: http://finishline-multisport.com/component/content/article/107/107

Heading to Tucson tomorrow, for Tri-Fest and a TrainingBible camp. Should be a fun 10 days!

Vance

Cool Video

Someone from the Tri Club of San Diego put this together. It's an impressive compilation of everything which happened with the club in the sport for the past year or so. Enjoy!

TCSD A Movie Directors cut



Vance