stevemaas.com – AG Triathlete and Person

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Nashville Dreams – C26 Triathlon Camp 2022

C26 Crushing Iron Volume & Intensity Triathlon Camp 2021

Lake Morey Ice Trail – Open Lake Ice Skating in Vermont

Craftsbury Outdoor Center – January 2021

Backyard Ice Skating Rink – Episode 6 (Night Skating!)

Backyard Ice Skating Rink – Episode 5 (ShopVac Zamboni Build!)

Backyard Ice Skating Rink – Episode 4 (First Skate!)

Backyard Ice Skating Rink – Episode 3 (Building a rink-side bench!)

Backyard Ice Skating Rink – Episode 2 (Averting disaster!)

Backyard Ice Skating Rink – Episode 1 (Setting up Ice N'Go rink kit, filling and measuring ice)

GoPro Color Grading Test 1

Lake Iroquois Plunge

KOM Attempt: 7 Years in the Making

KOM Attempt: A Gravel Chain Buster

Solo Race Up a Mountain: Spruce Mountain 10K

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I’m fairly convinced that it’s the runs that m

I’m fairly convinced that it’s the runs that make you suffer that teach the most. I’d even go so far as to say if you have the perfect run — the one you envision, train for and execute exactly as planned — you learn almost nothing. Because the only variance unanticipated is the exact time on the clock. Suffer, though, and you learn more about yourself than you likely thought possible. Perfect execution is a goal for professionals; I’m here for the journey. To learn. And learning equals success. So I accept that there may be suffering along the way.
Having been ill twice this winter, once with Covid, along with an injury (or three), I never came close to expecting perfect execution over 30 km/18 mi. What I wanted to do was persevere. I wanted to not give up, not stop due to breakdown. If I walked, I wanted it to be with intention. To remain in control, however much I might slow down.
The course did me no favors. The climbs were sparse, but diabolical: double-digit gradients on ancient cobblestones and gravel, equally steep on both sides. And we met them on 3 aggravating laps.
Then there were the out-and-backs, 1/2-mile lengths of asphalt and concrete along the harbor, with 4 lanes wrapped in among themselves. Bumper to bumper traffic to one side, massive diesel ships to the other, and 4 rows of runners slogging back and forth. Four times I faced that inferno of overwhelming stimulus, and by the last I had to pull my visor down low and stare just ahead of me to block out the input.
Layers and defenses stripped away as my reserves fell depleted, left raw and humbled as I pressed forward; I did not break down. I slowed, I chose specific, limited sections to walk (aid stations to ensure fueling, hills and some false flats particularly when my calves began to seize) but I remained in control. I found the way forward. I greeted the finish line with intention, and relief.
Although I’ve found my way to some podiums in the past, under certain circumstances that favored me, it’s never my goal. What I want to be able to win is the day. To tell my kids, or anyone who asks, “Yes, I won.” Not because I was first, but because I learned. #ibiza #triathlon #racereport

From city streets to country roads, roundabouts to

From city streets to country roads, roundabouts to freeways, through farmland, urban sprawl and rolling hill country, Ibiza left almost nothing wanting. Although the elevation gain was notable as far as triathlons generally go, it was the heat I knew could be my undoing. I’ll gladly climb all day; heat me up and I get cranky quick. So the name of the game was restraint: keep it aerobic, spin easy, do not push hard power despite your inclinations. Long descents on the back half of the two-lap course tested this conviction sorely; oh, the time I could have made up by putting my inertial advantages to their full use! But I had learned where that road leads at Nationals; pushing the 3rd-fastest bike split overall there left me decimated 10 miles into the run. Limits discovered, but not an exercise to be repeated. Instead, my Spanish mission focused on fueling and hydrating, letting gravity do most of the work wherever possible. There was a beast yet lying in wait, the taming of which depended greatly on what I could preserve to feed it.
There was heat, to be sure, and it began to wear on me by the end as expected. Particularly inside my poorly ventilated helmet.
But no mechanicals, no flats, no crashes, no penalties. By all measures a successful ride, especially as a 73-mile bridge to the final challenge of this long day of work.
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#triathlon #racereport #ibiza

In Spain I made friends with the sea. Faced with 3

In Spain I made friends with the sea. Faced with 3 kilometers of salty blue expanse and an island to circumnavigate, I had little choice but to conciliate. Months of ruminations, weeks of mental work and days of close observation of conditions did the job of finding a way forward. At the blast of the starting horn I still had more questions than answers, but the truth lay only forward and the Mediterranean beckoned. “I am the sea, come and see, si!” I strode into her with my mind open.
500 meters or more and we were all still fighting, the muted, slow-motion kickboxing match that is the opener of a mass start triathlon. Limbs everywhere, feet on hands, bodies colliding; I evaded blows to the head and finally found space as we rounded the first corner.
And then where? Buoys were scarce and swells rising; nothing for it but to follow feet and hope those ahead were sighting true.
Steady across the far side of the rocky island, and a boost of speed as we rounded the far corner and turned, briefly, toward land. Then across the lee and the chop became the challenge. Always on my breathing side, always fighting my rhythm. I took in a mouthful and for a moment wondered if that was it, was I done? How much sea water can one swallow before the effects are insurmountable and the nausea leads to ruin? Apparently more than one, as I continued and suffered no ill effects once the momentary repulsion passed. Long and strong, finish to the wall, recover and catch wide. Snap it through, elbow high, repeat. Find the high spots, sight then, save the back. Press forward, there is no stopping.
I can smell the oil and gas of the jet skis and boats from a great distance. There is no sea life to be seen, and all the better. My focus remains sharp. Find the ways through.
The final turn and the beach is in sight. There are some 90 miles left to go and a sprint would be a detriment, but my excitement warrants it. I’ve done something new, that I doubted and feared. I step out of the sea smiling. My race has been won.
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#triathlon #ibiza #racereport

Eventually you reach that point where there’s no

Eventually you reach that point where there’s nothing else you can do but sleep, wake up, and get to work. Sun down, moon up over Ibiza. (Ok the moon was the other night but it’s nice, so it gets included.)
May the winds be in our favor. Go @usatriathlon

Awesome morning watching the @professionaltriathle

Awesome morning watching the @professionaltriathletesorg European Open! So cool to see the best in the world up close!
Did Frodo lose this race in transition? Maybe not, but he sure didn’t win it there 🤣

The start lists at the @professionaltriathletesorg

The start lists at the @professionaltriathletesorg European Open are STACKED. @paula_findlay @danielaryf @lucycharles93 @bhoffmanracing @benkanute @janfrodeno @kristianblu @em_pallant @cjwurf @danielbaekkegard @hollylawrencetri @chelseasodaro @tri.anne.haug #triathlon #hype #pto #ibiza

It’s easy to make crazy plans in the darkness of

It’s easy to make crazy plans in the darkness of a New England winter, still riding the high of a qualification effort for a World Championship and seeing nothing but perfect training builds, smooth travel and stress-free preparation in your future. It’s quite another thing to actually face the realities of making it happen. With zero expectations to perform against a world class field, the plan for this trip was to make it a vacation first and a race trip second. Ask any triathlete how they think that would go and see if they can keep a straight face.
Still, we’ve done okay so far. Made the best of Barcelona, delayed bike bag and all, and successfully ferried our way over to Ibiza. The whip is built, the wife is happy and the kids are napping. Think I’ll take a dip in the pool and finally, actually, take a minute to breathe.
#triathlon #ibiza #teamusa

I’m not sure if two years running technically ma

I’m not sure if two years running technically makes a tradition, but it feels that way thanks to the efforts of our friend Jackie, the mastermind behind the Millstone Madness Snowshoe Race. Cookies, donuts, hot cocoa and a campfire more than make up for the brutality of the course — a 5k rampage through the hilly woods, where conditions go a long way toward deciding the day. This year saw frozen trail (fast) and lots of post holes (slow) along the route. I stayed with Greg for the first half, knowing he was one to watch, but he dropped me on Capitol Trail. Clearly more eager for cookies than I was. I thought I might pull off an upgrade to 2nd this year, but it wasn’t to be, as Matt sailed by me in the 2nd mile, chatting easily about how he’d never catch speedy Greg (narrator: he did). Not a disappointment for me though, I finished stronger than last year and took minutes off my course PR. 🥇AG, 🥉overall. And a fancy mug as a prize. Satisfying.
📸 1-3: @centralvermontrunners
#snowshoeing #snowshoerunning #snowshoeracing #snowshoerace #wintertrail

Nashville dreams. #comingsoon #spotthedeer @c26_tr

Nashville dreams.
#comingsoon #spotthedeer @c26_triathlon

I’ve started a new job as Aquatics Coordinator a

I’ve started a new job as Aquatics Coordinator at @gmcf.life and it’s been going swimmingly. It had been a while since I’d dipped my toes in the job market, but after wading around for a while, I decided to take the plunge. Diving in headfirst to a workplace after freelancing from my basement for 20 years is quite a lane change. After taking a few laps around the place, though, I think I’m starting to find my pace and figure out how to keep my head above water. I’m enjoying learning what keeps the place afloat. Getting a feel for the water, as they say.
The views are pretty nice, too.
#isthisthingon #thesearethejokespeople #swimminglessons #everydaystronger

Co-directing an event (@grindstonegravel) is one o

Co-directing an event (@grindstonegravel) is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. The number of moving pieces, problems to solve, fires to prevent, fires to put out, obstacles to dodge, libraries of mental notes to organize and maintain…I have a whole new respect for RDs, especially the ones who pull off massive events, not just local gravel grinders.
Today we started the wrap-up process, which included a hike through @millstonetrails to pull our signs and scout for trash (there was none — our riders were amazing).

Getting out on course after it was all done felt so validating and satisfying, knowing we had successfully managed the event. It was a great opportunity to take in the beauty our riders enjoyed the day previous, which was hard for me to absorb while running a show.

I want to repeat this. Continue it. Grow it. We introduced almost 100 people to one of the coolest places I know. It was so fun and rewarding in so many ways.

For now, though, I can take a minute to take it all in.

📸: @philipkolling, the best Safety Director & Powertrain Department Manager in the business
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#grindstonegravel #vermont #gravelgrinder #vermontfoliage #fall

One thing is for certain, @toughmantri lives up to

One thing is for certain, @toughmantri lives up to its name. I don’t know of a harder 70.3. It’s the hardest race I’ve ever done, and this year was next level hard. We started with a weird 2-mile run, which was hard to know what to do with. I went with the flow and tried to pretend it didn’t exist. Then it was down to business. Last year was well executed. That’s all well and good. But we are in this to grow, right? And that means learning what happens when you put yourself out there. I went after it. 4th fastest AG split on the bike and a whole lot of fun. This course is not for the faint of heart at high speed. Where would that leave me on the run? That was a question I was keen to answer. I knew I would dig a hole. Instead of just following the safe plan for success, I wanted to put myself at risk and see if I could find my way out of the hole. It’s been a theme this year. The run course starts demonically, down a giant hill which we then run back up. It’s honestly diabolical, not least because the same hill features again, up and down, at mile 10ish. It felt appropriately bad, but at the summit things evened out and I found a good groove for several miles. The run is literally uphill both ways (don’t ask me how but it’s true) and I started feeling it early, around 7-8. My quads were screaming on the revisited demon hill, and coming back up it was the stuff of nightmares. At times I wasn’t sure if I was even moving. I made the top and my pace had suffered but there was still a chance to save it, I projected around 2 hrs for the run if I could keep it together from that point.
I couldn’t. There were numerous factors. Coke at the aid stations saved my run last year; the guide said they’d have it. They didn’t. So my sugar levels plummeted. So did the temperature, especially with the wind off the lake. On a soaked tri kit, that was a recipe for disaster at these temps. By mile 11 I was shivering for two distinct physiological reasons and retching. Walking climbs by 12, delirious and hypothermic from then on. Sobbing in the chute, tripping over the line. The medical staff were great. I’m ok now. And it was enough. Title defended. It was tough, man. #triathlon

I ran an all-time 5k PR today. It wasn’t fast en

I ran an all-time 5k PR today. It wasn’t fast enough to podium but I did win this fairy light bulb at the race raffle. #dadwin

Can’t exactly call it FOMO when you opt out. Not

Can’t exactly call it FOMO when you opt out. Not sure what this feeling is. But Team USA is competing at the World Triathlon Championships in Slovakia this weekend, right alongside the Collins Cup. What an amazing opportunity to both represent your country and also be up close watching the greatest pro triathletes in the world!
After qualifying at @toughmantri last year, I was all in and ready to be part of the team. Ordered my parade of nations uniform, my team kit, and started looking at logistics for Vienna once the location was finally announced.
Then a whole bunch of life happened. Russia invaded Ukraine (right next door), flights skyrocketed, and my own life became a bit of a roller coaster for a myriad of reasons.
It just didn’t make sense to go. It was a hard decision, but I’m confident I made the right one.
My focus now is on September when I will try to qualify again, this time for Spain in 2023. Mostly, though, I want to remember that I stayed true to my priorities and that is what will get me through. If I can keep that up, the races will sort themselves out.
Onward.
#triathlon #teamusa #usatriathlon #worldtriathlon

I totally mountain bike. You can tell because of t

I totally mountain bike. You can tell because of the flannel. Right after this I did a huge jump. I was so stoked about how epic it was. It really happened I promise.
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#realactualmountainbiker #notagroady #29ermtb

Colchester is where I got my start in triathlon, i

Colchester is where I got my start in triathlon, in 2018. I made lots of mistakes. I wore gloves, socks, a mirror; I had never raced in open water before, I got a pinch flat and running the 3 miles in less than 30 minutes was an accomplishment. I was hooked.
I planned to return in 2020. We all know how that goes. By the time the opportunity came around again, it had suddenly been four years. As it turned out, it would be the last chance. This year was its final edition, it was announced.
🏊🏻‍♂️: I seeded myself at the front, in the middle. Perhaps the most nerve wracking part of the whole day, that. I’m not usually one to toe the front of a mass start pack. But I knew that position was key in this race. I couldn’t afford to waste time crawling through the crowd. So it was go with the big dogs. I went. And was immediately hypoxic. It was a thrash pit, lots of contact and no space given. Despite feeling like I was going to die constantly, I held the fast feet reasonably well and emerged 13th out of the water. 9ish minutes of hell behind me.
T1: I mostly walked it because it’s a giant stupid hill. But the kiddie pool for rinsing your feet was clutch.
🚴🏻‍♂️: Time to rip. Catch and drop, don’t look back. I overtook 7 of the 12 ahead of me, moving into 5th. The top 4 were nowhere to be seen though. I kept it hard and steady but still in control, averaging about 24 mph. 3rd fastest bike split overall. My best execution on the day for sure.
T2: I am always slow in T2. I have to tie my shoes right. Sue me.
🏃‍♂️: I had no idea where I stood at this point. I was totally alone, no one ahead or behind that I could see. I was hoping to hold 7:30’s but had been dealing with inflammation in my toe so I knew it might not happen. Hopefully my bike split would hold off the field behind me. Just three miles to go, as hard as I could. I saw nobody until just inside the last mile, when one guy caught me. No chance of going with him; I just pushed with what I had to the finish. The next guy was only six seconds back at the line, but ran out of real estate.
6th overall, 3rd in age group. A far sight better than 2018. And a fond farewell to my first event.

Because life is hard, but sometimes it’s really

Because life is hard, but sometimes it’s really nice to feel like a kid in a candy store for an afternoon
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#wings #sprinks #wrj

More from @c26_triathlon camp, these shots stolen

More from @c26_triathlon camp, these shots stolen from friends’ posts. Grateful for these memories.
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#c26triathlon #nashville #triathloncamp

@c26_triathlon camp is friends, fun, swim, bike, r

@c26_triathlon camp is friends, fun, swim, bike, run; in that order. If your triathlon life goes differently, you might be doing it wrong.
#c26triathlon #crushingiron #nashville #triathlon #triathloncamp #swimbikerun

Found this interesting piece of history at @theran

Found this interesting piece of history at @therangervt this weekend. I’m as old as that high water mark. So much has happened since then, yet that marker remains.

My bike has also been through a lot. More than 10,000 miles now, a car wreck and rebuild, so many parts and repairs. It’s a weird assemblage of its former self now; a frankenbike of sorts. Dura-Ace crank on one side, Ultegra with a discontinued power meter on the other. One Ultegra shifter, one 105. Mismatched wheels on one set. A backwards seat post.

We pick up things as we go. They change us and we become something new. But the core of us is always there.

Sometimes it just takes finding it.

#1978 #tunbridgeworldsfair #therangervt #gravelbike

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