200th Post

Wow.  That didn't take very long!

This is the 200th post since I started this blog back in late November 2007.

Originally I thought it would be a good way to keep in touch with people that I don't get to see too often.  I also liked the idea of creating a record - complete with photos and thoughts.  I want to do more video in the next 200...  my own video, not YouTube.

I actually kept it a secret for quite a while because I wasn't sure I "deserved" a blog.  As if having one meant that I was King Big Shot or something...

It has taught me a lot:

- I love to write

- I love photography

- I love my sports more when I write about them and photograph them

- There are people crazy enough to read the things I write

So that's why this blog has had some staying power.  I have re-invigorated a few old passions and added fuel to a current one.

And a lot has happened:

- There is a new guy living in my house!

- I crossed 26 finish lines.  Can you say obsessive?

- I was on TV.

- An article I wrote made it into the paper.

- I had some successes (here, here, here, and here.)

- I had some failures (here, here)

- I almost lost another body part.

But the best part about writing the blog is when people tell me they read it, enjoy it or felt inspired by it.  I would probably write it just for myself but it is a lot more fun to know that people stop by to check it out.

Thanks for reading!

Tweet this!

Thursday - Dryland Training

Last night Tony, Andrea and I rollerskied around Stanley Park.

It was nice to ski on flat terrain as most of the rollerskiing I have done has been uphill.  This session we worked on skate technique.  Tony has me focusing on the "Two Skate" - one pole thrust for every two strides.  He thinks this will be a good "high gear" for me - something I didn't have last season.  I think I am close to having it dialed.

I am also trying to develop the "One Skate" - one pole thrust for every one stride i.e. poling on every stride left and right - it is by far the toughest technique with my uneven left and right strength and glide capability.

This is what it is supposed to look like:

His name is Per Elofsson (which automatically gives him better skiing genes than me...) 

The "Cypress Incident" has left me a little cautious when rollerskiing on tarmac.  On the track I go for it - the track is forgiving in a wipeout - but on the road I have a hard time really committing to each stride (in case I overcommit and plant my face on the pavement.)  Despite my caution I managed to wipeout gently (on grass beside the path) last night while working on the one skate...  It's not a rollerski session unless I am skidding across the ground at some point.

A good time was had by all.... 

Tony dispensing wisdom...

Can you believe we get to train here?

Back in the parking lot (how do you like my sweet new lid?)

Tweet this!

Lance is Back...

I was shocked the other day when it became public that Lance Armstrong would try for an 8th yellow jersey.  

I have serious mixed emotions over it.  Lance is one of, if not my favourite, athlete of all time.  He truly went out on top after 7 victories of the hardest race in the world.  

I remember being nervous the last few times he entered the tour because I didn't want the final chapter in his cycling career to be a loss.

Now this!?

37 years old.  3 years off.  2000 miles......

On the other hand I can't wait to watch.  I feel like a kid before Christmas and I sort of wish I could go to sleep and wake up in July 2009.

You can read all about his perspectives HERE.  It is a Vanity Fair article (and you know what that means...  LONG).

And here, clothed, is Lance to tell you in his own words:

P.S. The photo at the top of the post is by Annie Liebovitz and was the cover of Vanity Fair in December 1999. It is the first (and almost certainly the last) photo of a naked male to grace my blog.

Tweet this!

Compromise and Plan B...

At the best of times compromising is somewhat irritating...  In most cases I would rather just get what I want.  

Selfish?  Maybe.  Realistic?  Definitely.  And don't try to tell me you are any different.

So, I compromised with myself about racing next weekend - a twist on the usual "compromise" that takes place with someone else.  

I really wanted to race.  I could actually feel it....  the desire to race.  It was strong.  That is a feeling that I need to keep.  I have to make sure I don't "satisfy" it - or I might wake up and not feel it anymore.

Moreover, there are the "what ifs" - what if I crashed and couldn't run in Ottawa?  what if I injure myself and have to use crutches in front of the soldiers I am there to inspire with my running?  what if I overdo it and feel exhausted by the time late season ski races roll around?  

I am normally not a fan of "what ifs" (as they closely resemble excuses) but there is a point to be considered here.  You draw up a plan for a reason.  The plan includes slow times, heavy intensity periods and lots of fun racing.  The idea is to have fun, perform well and always be hungry for more (and physically able to handle it all.)  Plugging in serious efforts (races) at the last minute is akin to letting the inmates run the asylum.

So I compromised.  Our whole family will be lacing up for the Terry Fox Run on Sunday the 14th in West Vancouver.  There are three distances 2, 5 and 10km.

Here is the call out:  If anyone would like to join us for this run we'd love to see you there.  Drop me a note in the comments or through the right hand column on my blog - come out and run with Mattias, Aia, Viggo, Sacha and I...  we can accommodate almost any desired pace!

Ambleside Park at the west end (13th Street) in West Vancouver - Run starts at 9am.  Be there by 8:30am. 

This is a pretty good fall back plan.  I feel a certain kinship with Terry....  it's not just the absence of a leg... but he did his Marathon of Hope out of a camper van which draws Terry even nearer to my heart.  Talk about the best way to create a legacy and become a household name - doing sports out of the back of a camper van!  

By the way, his van is getting quite a bit of attention these days (it was found and restored and is touring the country).  And the Oscar for Best Van in a Supporting Role goes to.....  Terry's Marathon of Hope Van!

We hope to see you on the 14th for the run!

Tweet this!

A decision is in....

In the case of:

One More Triathlon vs. Resting, Training and Focusing on What Lays Ahead

We the jury (me), find One More Triathlon to be reckless and guilty of attempting to seduce a third party (me) into athletic events that are not part of the "greater plan" and therefore are irresponsible and illogical.

We sentence One More Triathlon to jail time equivalent to:

One ski season plus a few weeks of holidays.  We expect that in the case of exemplary behaviour early release may be granted in time for the UBC Triathlon in March 2009.

Resting, Training and Focusing on What Lays Ahead is free to continue with all activities that do not interfere with the master plan as visualized and periodized with the help of professionals.

Court is adjourned.

(Translation:  I am not traveling to Sooke to race this weekend.  Thanks Matt - discretion is the better part of valour.)

Tweet this!

Coho Run - Sacha and Mel

I only took a few of the Coho Run as my hands were full with three kids...  and of the few I took this was the only one worth sharing.  Sacha (in yellow) and Mel (in black) look pretty fresh at about the 5 - 6 km mark.

Tweet this!

Innovative Fitness Canuck Place Adventure Challenge - photos!!

OK. I have finally finished uploading all the photos from the weekend. It is kind of laborious work but far better than how it would have played out only a few short years ago....

Cast your mind back 10 years....

1998 = Start up the car. Drive to London Drugs with 8 rolls of film. Drop off. Drive home. Wait a day or two. Drive back. Realize you forgot the damn keychain discount thing so fork over $50 and pick up an 8lb bag of photos. Eagerly flip through the results of your efforts and realize that 90% of them suck. Go back and order doubles of the 20 decent shots. Throw the rest in the garbage to await transfer to the nearest landfill where they will reside for the next 3000 years. Drive home. Put photos in a drawer and forget them forever (unless married in which case there is a 10% chance they will be album-ified.)

2008 = sit at your computer for a few hours organizing, uploading, editing, arranging etc. Only had to swear a few times when the uploads to Flickr mysteriously got interrupted. Distrubute to all friends with a few clicks of the mouse. Post on blog and show the world.  Nice.

So the next time you are about to complain about gas prices escalating remember: you're saving on photo finishing. It helps. A bit.

Without further ado.... HERE is the link to my IFCP Adventure Challenge Flickr page with 178 photos for your perusal.

A couple of favourites:

Kris and Candice taking the victory in the short course event.

Team Unbreakable (I think).

Angry cyclist. Ready to rock!

Malcolm pointing the way...

Curtis - with bicep implants.

The Young Guns - Got lucky with this one.... love the slope and timing on the left leg swing.... exposure could be better but I'll take it.

Johan and Paul - Father and son

Young Guns again... Marshall not visible in the tail-gunner position.

Willie and John Henry Sr. - Another father/son combo...

The Start!

Richard - the Thinking Man's Mountain Biker

Tweet this!