Hey everyone happy Movember and thanks for checking in at stefanhirniak.com. I am currently down in Key Largo, Florida, training for two weeks before we head to Atlanta for the US nationals on December 1-3. It has been awhile since my last blog update so I have some things to fill everyone in on. We are nearing the tale end of an eight week intense training cycle. This has been one of the hardest blocks of work that I have ever been a part of, and I am excited for some fast swimming in Atlanta. The goal of this warm weather camp is to get away from the rain and cold in Victoria and get another two weeks of focused training before our first major test of the Olympic year.
Almost a month ago, on October 23rd, I spent the day celebrating the life of my dear friend Fran Crippen who passed away a year ago during an open water race in Dubia. My girlfriend Lindsay and I went up Island to a place called French beach with our new puppy Duke. This beach is where Lindsay and I went one year ago to reflect and cherish Fran’s life. It is hard to grasp the idea that a year has passed since Frans death because I have thought about him every day since October 23rd, 2010. Fran has been with me everyday since he passed away and I am very grateful for all the amazing memories I have with him.
The work that has been done in the past year to improve the safety of open water swimming has changed the sport in many ways. There have been changes to water temperature regulations, safety boat numbers, and overall awareness for the dangers of open water swimming. The work that has been done by the Crippen family and some of my close friends in setting up the Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation has been spectacular. The FCEF has been set up to improve water safety for open water swimming, and to help swimmers ‘work the dream’ by providing financial assistance to aid in the costs of training. Check out this press release about the first recipients of the FCEF grant, Matt McLean and Ashley Twichell. If you are interested in the Fran Crippen foundation or donating to the foundation check out the website at www.francrippen.org
French beach October 23rd, 2011 RIP Fran Crippen
Lindsay and Duke at the water
I have recently had some work done on the site and I would love to hear what everyone thinks about the new additions. My website designer Mel has done an amazing job with my site over the past year and a half and I want to thank her for all her great ideas and hard work. I have added a donate feature to the site so anyone interested in helping with my journey can donate through paypal. Also check out the new sponsors section of the site to see some of the great companies that are supporting me. If there is anything you guys think would be cool to incorporate in the site please let me know and I will see what we can do.
Back in August and September, Blake Worsley and I did a number of workouts with our strength coach Cam Britwell at Crossfit Victoria. These workouts combine power, strength, and endurance to build overall fitness and improve shape. I want to thank Crossfit Victoria and Cam Britwell for making us feel at home and giving us a nice change of pace from our daily routine. Check out this short video of Blake and I rocking a Crossfit workout of the day. If you are interested in getting involved with Crossfit in Victoria check out their website and drop in for a workout.
Hope you guys enjoy the new features to the site and please email with me any questions or comments you have.
Work the dream
Amazing workout at Crossfit. Like the new changes on your blog. Good luck in Atlanta.
Hi Stef,
Hope the training goes well and you see the results you want.
Are you working on the breathig timing when under stress?
Have you had the chance to speak with anyone who swam the Open Water event in China this summer? I believe the temperature of the Open Water swim was quite a bt above the allowable limit. Comments I received were not very positive about FINS’a continued lack of saftey. You have a solid and well supported platform to keep the pressure on until they actually deliver a safe venue for these great athletes to compete.
Ken
Lookin ripped in your WOD! Keep it up man, miss you!
Yo dude hope you are doing well and staying healthy. Looks like you have been training hard and staying in good shape, good luck in Atlanta.
Yo Fonze – looks like the ‘stache is coming in nicely. Keep working hard – we’re looking forward to seeing you in a few months. Happy Thanksgiving (go lions)
Thanks Big E. I will post a video of the stache soon so you can see how dope it looks! Can’t wait to see you guys in MTL, going to be an awesome week.
Thanks a lot Geoff. Lets try and get together over Xmas? I will hit you up when im home. Hope your well.
WOOOOW! Miss you and Sunday Dinners! Hope all is well
Hey Ken, I have spoken with some of my friends who have jobs within the FCEF and we are working on the issues of the water temp at worlds this past summer. I have also been working with the breathing under stress and I have been doing well. I am looking forward to racing next week so we shall see if I can put it all to good use in the meet. Chat soon.
Thanks Judy! Hope all is well, can’t wait to see you guys when I get back from the trip.