three years ago I went to Vegas Interbike with the boys, we all went straight for the carbon geek heaven booths, Jordan and I were gawking over the newest lightweight bars, stems, frames and nano technology. We had arrived in bike geek heaven and we loved it!
Last year when I went to Interbike we strolled into the hall and they went right and I went left. As Jordan SPRINTED towards "Nano" heaven I tried to sneak off in the opposite direction, in search of Dan Britton the CEO/Founder of.......
CHARIOT CARRIERS, the ULTIMATE JOGGING STROLLER AND MARRIAGE SAVER!!!!
we already had a "single" and I was determined to lurk at the Chariot booth until Dan strolled by and my plan was to ambush him with a sponsorship proposal.
That night over dinner Jordan rambled on and on and on and on (I love you buddy) about Nanodorks new this and Carbogeeks new this and I just stared ahead, day dreaming about the new Chariot side car that was now on its way to Victoria.
Chariot Carriers is a great Canadian success story and I'm really proud to be an ambassador for the greatest strength workout you can imagine/get Pippa to sleep device ever made.
Dan emailed me today to say that I'm on the website, and I felt like I'd really made it.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/chariot_athletes.php
Now if we could just fill the double carrier he sent........
S
Whatmyphonesaw
tri-blog rolls
-
Getting back to the blog - After a month of inaction (for the most part — five posts in thirty days is pretty slow going by our standards), the Big Bad Blog is going to try to get it...
-
Making it all fit: A run during an Auckland layover - *(I wrote this up last month during our trip to the South Pacific, but the posting got busy with CES immediately following – so it never quite made it to...
-
Looking Ahead - After a stellar 2009 and a less-than-stellar 2010, I joked that I should probably only race in odd years. 2011 seemed to bear that out, being an incredible y...
-
Maui Video: Take 2 - Here's another movie of our Maui adventures! Untitled from Paula Findlay on Vimeo.
-
Nutrition Matters, a re-post - I like to republish this one every so often, because little about our needs has changed since it was first written. If you have anything to add, please l...
-
Axe Anarchy - Who would have thought that Axe could throw the world into canarchy? Now that there is AXE Anarchy for men and women that scenario seems likely. So please ...
-
What to Eat on an Upset Stomach - Maybe it was a raucous night out with too much to drink or an oddly tasting (now you know why) meat dish at a new restaurant. Perhaps you succumbed to the ...
-
Muscle biopsies show massage fights inflammation - Very cool new study on massage, from Mark Tarnopolsky’s group at McMaster (abstract here, press release here). Massage is one of those interventions that’s...
-
Facts: Who Needs 'Em? - Further to yesterday's post, in which I mentioned Ghost Bikes and ghost bikes, a number of commenters were kind enough to inform me that Ghost Bikes have b...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
a fun call to arms
ok action.
twitaction?
lets see if my blog can bump the ITU twitter following over 500 by sunday. I could end up with egg on my face if there is actually no one out their reading any of the mumbo jumbo I blather about on here but to the 17 daily readers out there......
goto http://twitter.com/ITUonline sign up for a free account and hit FOLLOW on the ITUonline twitter account.
from ITUonline twitter;
Well we have climbed to 405 followers, 500 looks unlikely. Resetting target to 450 for Sunday with 500 by Washington.
sqw
twitaction?
lets see if my blog can bump the ITU twitter following over 500 by sunday. I could end up with egg on my face if there is actually no one out their reading any of the mumbo jumbo I blather about on here but to the 17 daily readers out there......
goto http://twitter.com/ITUonline sign up for a free account and hit FOLLOW on the ITUonline twitter account.
from ITUonline twitter;
Well we have climbed to 405 followers, 500 looks unlikely. Resetting target to 450 for Sunday with 500 by Washington.
sqw
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
knock on wood
and I really mean it "knock on wood" (I'm knocking on my head and the table).
The lift under my right cleat slipped out of place late last week, that dragged the cleat to the side which changed my pedal stroke and strained my calf. If anything gives me trouble it's always my right side and a slipped cleat was guaranteed to cause something.
I identified the problem and our support team rolled into action.
It starts with "Rob, what's the plan?" at which point he gets out his trusted note pad, jots down some notes and in no time we have a remedy plan.
Between the gangs expertise and my own "system" I was back at the track (grass field) today running fast miles and 800's with Jon Brown, Kyle Jones and co.
and it felt great.
I was smiling ear to ear while running way faster then I told myself I was going too :) I told myself - and my friend Paulo - before the workout "nothing under 3mins".... opps.
Between that and a couple good swims already this week I might just be getting back on track.
Knock on head.
and thank goodness for that because I'm one grumpy dumbass when I'm not going well.
s
The lift under my right cleat slipped out of place late last week, that dragged the cleat to the side which changed my pedal stroke and strained my calf. If anything gives me trouble it's always my right side and a slipped cleat was guaranteed to cause something.
I identified the problem and our support team rolled into action.
It starts with "Rob, what's the plan?" at which point he gets out his trusted note pad, jots down some notes and in no time we have a remedy plan.
Between the gangs expertise and my own "system" I was back at the track (grass field) today running fast miles and 800's with Jon Brown, Kyle Jones and co.
and it felt great.
I was smiling ear to ear while running way faster then I told myself I was going too :) I told myself - and my friend Paulo - before the workout "nothing under 3mins".... opps.
Between that and a couple good swims already this week I might just be getting back on track.
Knock on head.
and thank goodness for that because I'm one grumpy dumbass when I'm not going well.
s
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Massi Larsen your dad was a legend. This picture made Jennie and I teary eyed.
Massi Larsen on his dads memorial ride,"crushing it just as his dad did".
Hey Massi, if you and your family, ever want to explore Vancouver Island our kitchen and home is always open.
S & J & P
stealing posts.....
Cut and paste.
I'll never forget dancing on stage with Mr. V at a Japanese WC in 1996. He did the funkiest stomach roll and we tossed the Mayor up in the air... and dropped him. good times. great guy.
Chuckie wrote something on his blog that I've stolen and cut/pasted to my blog, because I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm not trying to be a coach here, but I'm also not short of opinions, just call me a "Paulo" :).
from http://chuckiev.blogspot.com
Just as it is with stretching* I'm not an ardent advocate of drills. Now before anybody gets themselves in a tizzy, I must first assert that I am not talking about motorized drills like the kind they sell down at Home Depot, with batteries and bits and lengthy warning labels. Those kinds of drills are very helpful when, say, trying to drill into a human skull to suck the brains out. (Technically, we have just one brain each, so "brains" is a misnomer. Moreover, many of us don't even possess one brain.) What I'm talking about are those drills that pertain to athletes: those silly little bouts of bouncy exercise that theoretically assist with your form functioning. Those are the kind of drills I speak of.
Coaches employ these kinds of drills to isolate a segment of the swim or pedal stroke or even the run stride, and they think that doing them will improve the mechanics of the athlete; they do not. They do, however, make you better at performing drills. Just as dancing makes you a better dancer (except, of course, in the case of triathletes), drilling makes you a better, um, driller. (You dentists take note. Stuart.)
The problem with breaking the swim stroke (or pedal stroke or run stride) into pieces is that there are no separate phases in any of these activities. One facet leads to and affects the next and drills tend to overlook this inseparable integration. Working a specific part of your stroke (or stride) in isolation does nothing to help improve how it works in a dynamic situation. The body works best as a whole.
Now the athletes I train, who may possibly stumble upon this blog if they've got nothing better to do while at work, may declare, "Hold on here a minute, Bucko!" (Only they'll assuredly use a more offensive word than 'Bucko'). "How come every now and then you prescribe drills?"
BUSTED! It's true: I suggest drills at times, usually in the pool. This is not necessarily to make a faster swimmer out of an athlete, but rather a more attentive one. A more attentive swimmer is bound to be a better swimmer. And, unlike stretching, drills can't really do harm. Unless you drown. Don't drown. That's Rule Number One in swimming.
I typically advise those I coach that instead of doing a bunch of pointless, fleeting drills (that last but a few seconds) it is better to persistently perform with form. "Put the 'form' in 'perform'," I've scribbled to more than one athlete, making me smile at least. What exactly the 'per' signifies, I'm not so sure, but I like to say it means "with". Perform=with form. Makes sense to me anyway. So the gist is to constantly think about what you're doing, and then improve upon it.
You improve your mechanics by---get this---swimming or running or cycling. That's right: you swim, you run, and you ride! But here's where it gets tricky: while doing so, you must also think. (And this is where most athletes seem to have trouble, incidentally; they get lost in thought, perhaps because they've never been there before). You think about where your hand is entering the water (while swimming, you knuckleheads) and you think about where your elbows are during the pull phase of your stroke. While running you think about your foot-strike and your stride rate and you work to improve them. You think about running quietly and tall, with your hips forward. And while riding, you think about how to get more aerodynamic, without compromising power or comfort. You also think about wasted energy and why it is, exactly, you moo to cows every time you pass them. The point is you need to think, so long as all this thinking makes you more efficient and therefore FASTER.
The goal at the end of the day of course is to be FASTER (and to crush the dreams of those who annoy you), and everything in training should be geared to this end. If you're faster with sh!tty form, then by all means, stay sh!tty. (A quick aside: limping old ladies have passed me in races. And while their form may have been absolute crapola they were flying.) But if perfecting your form pays dividends and increases your potential (and it generally does, though it takes a long while) then start making those deposits and cashing those checks.
*Lastly, on the subject of stretching. Although I'm known to stretch the truth from time to time, there have never really been any conclusive studies about stretching, (e.g., whether it prevents injuries or not). Some studies show that it can be beneficial while others show that quite the opposite is true. My opinion is that if you feel better after doing so, than by all means stretch. I always feel better after farting, for example, so fart I do. In fact, here comes another. Oh, and when it comes to stretching, it never hurts to stretch your imagination.
I'll never forget dancing on stage with Mr. V at a Japanese WC in 1996. He did the funkiest stomach roll and we tossed the Mayor up in the air... and dropped him. good times. great guy.
Chuckie wrote something on his blog that I've stolen and cut/pasted to my blog, because I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm not trying to be a coach here, but I'm also not short of opinions, just call me a "Paulo" :).
from http://chuckiev.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Perform=With Form. Why Drills are a Waste of Time
Just as it is with stretching* I'm not an ardent advocate of drills. Now before anybody gets themselves in a tizzy, I must first assert that I am not talking about motorized drills like the kind they sell down at Home Depot, with batteries and bits and lengthy warning labels. Those kinds of drills are very helpful when, say, trying to drill into a human skull to suck the brains out. (Technically, we have just one brain each, so "brains" is a misnomer. Moreover, many of us don't even possess one brain.) What I'm talking about are those drills that pertain to athletes: those silly little bouts of bouncy exercise that theoretically assist with your form functioning. Those are the kind of drills I speak of.Coaches employ these kinds of drills to isolate a segment of the swim or pedal stroke or even the run stride, and they think that doing them will improve the mechanics of the athlete; they do not. They do, however, make you better at performing drills. Just as dancing makes you a better dancer (except, of course, in the case of triathletes), drilling makes you a better, um, driller. (You dentists take note. Stuart.)
The problem with breaking the swim stroke (or pedal stroke or run stride) into pieces is that there are no separate phases in any of these activities. One facet leads to and affects the next and drills tend to overlook this inseparable integration. Working a specific part of your stroke (or stride) in isolation does nothing to help improve how it works in a dynamic situation. The body works best as a whole.
Now the athletes I train, who may possibly stumble upon this blog if they've got nothing better to do while at work, may declare, "Hold on here a minute, Bucko!" (Only they'll assuredly use a more offensive word than 'Bucko'). "How come every now and then you prescribe drills?"
BUSTED! It's true: I suggest drills at times, usually in the pool. This is not necessarily to make a faster swimmer out of an athlete, but rather a more attentive one. A more attentive swimmer is bound to be a better swimmer. And, unlike stretching, drills can't really do harm. Unless you drown. Don't drown. That's Rule Number One in swimming.
I typically advise those I coach that instead of doing a bunch of pointless, fleeting drills (that last but a few seconds) it is better to persistently perform with form. "Put the 'form' in 'perform'," I've scribbled to more than one athlete, making me smile at least. What exactly the 'per' signifies, I'm not so sure, but I like to say it means "with". Perform=with form. Makes sense to me anyway. So the gist is to constantly think about what you're doing, and then improve upon it.
You improve your mechanics by---get this---swimming or running or cycling. That's right: you swim, you run, and you ride! But here's where it gets tricky: while doing so, you must also think. (And this is where most athletes seem to have trouble, incidentally; they get lost in thought, perhaps because they've never been there before). You think about where your hand is entering the water (while swimming, you knuckleheads) and you think about where your elbows are during the pull phase of your stroke. While running you think about your foot-strike and your stride rate and you work to improve them. You think about running quietly and tall, with your hips forward. And while riding, you think about how to get more aerodynamic, without compromising power or comfort. You also think about wasted energy and why it is, exactly, you moo to cows every time you pass them. The point is you need to think, so long as all this thinking makes you more efficient and therefore FASTER.
The goal at the end of the day of course is to be FASTER (and to crush the dreams of those who annoy you), and everything in training should be geared to this end. If you're faster with sh!tty form, then by all means, stay sh!tty. (A quick aside: limping old ladies have passed me in races. And while their form may have been absolute crapola they were flying.) But if perfecting your form pays dividends and increases your potential (and it generally does, though it takes a long while) then start making those deposits and cashing those checks.
*Lastly, on the subject of stretching. Although I'm known to stretch the truth from time to time, there have never really been any conclusive studies about stretching, (e.g., whether it prevents injuries or not). Some studies show that it can be beneficial while others show that quite the opposite is true. My opinion is that if you feel better after doing so, than by all means stretch. I always feel better after farting, for example, so fart I do. In fact, here comes another. Oh, and when it comes to stretching, it never hurts to stretch your imagination.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
a solid weekend done and done
I love the intervals, long rides with the boys are fun, long runs in the woods are brilliant, swimming is..... meh.
I really like the intervals, head to head.
first off on friday we had a solid swim practice, it didn't look like much on paper but ended up being a bit of a slog. At noon I had a great ride with the National Ski team guys who are in town for a camp, after the run it was onto the tready for some primer strides, 6x:30sec, 6x:20, 6x:15 to get the leg turnover setup for the follow days transition workout.
Kyle and I had some head to head fun on saturday. 5x1min sprints, 5x:90 sprints, 15mins "bike race" straight into 3x7mins running intervals (Kyle was the champ and did 4 sets, my calf was a wuzzzzzzzzzz). Iced and relaxed, including a beer with the boys because the captain of all that is awesome Mr. Chris B. was in town.
This morning I headed out to the Shawnigan lake "international" triathlon. It was just a brilliant day, with a spectacular "grass roots" venue on a a picturesque lake, not to mention a pretty well run race.
Adam and I were team "joe blow(s)" - I swam the 1.9km swim leg in the 1/2 ironman catagory, handed off to the invisible man (who rode really well). I then waited for about 30mins and did the 1.5km swim in the Olympic, had a nice slow cruisy transition and headed out on the bike. Shawnigan is a tough 21km loop but the sun was shining and triathletes had the road, so I was smiling and riding along enjoying the day. Adam ran, I'm not sure how hard? but we broke all of the records, (according to judge jasper), best in show, best dressed, mostest handsome, best facial hair, nicest unwashed hair, least ackward, most like Jasper, closest to the speed of light. etc. etc.
After receiving all of the above awards and accolades I headed home and rode around on our cruiser bike with Pippa smiling ear to ear.
Adam and I are now off to practice our double dutch routine....
s
I really like the intervals, head to head.
first off on friday we had a solid swim practice, it didn't look like much on paper but ended up being a bit of a slog. At noon I had a great ride with the National Ski team guys who are in town for a camp, after the run it was onto the tready for some primer strides, 6x:30sec, 6x:20, 6x:15 to get the leg turnover setup for the follow days transition workout.
Kyle and I had some head to head fun on saturday. 5x1min sprints, 5x:90 sprints, 15mins "bike race" straight into 3x7mins running intervals (Kyle was the champ and did 4 sets, my calf was a wuzzzzzzzzzz). Iced and relaxed, including a beer with the boys because the captain of all that is awesome Mr. Chris B. was in town.
This morning I headed out to the Shawnigan lake "international" triathlon. It was just a brilliant day, with a spectacular "grass roots" venue on a a picturesque lake, not to mention a pretty well run race.
Adam and I were team "joe blow(s)" - I swam the 1.9km swim leg in the 1/2 ironman catagory, handed off to the invisible man (who rode really well). I then waited for about 30mins and did the 1.5km swim in the Olympic, had a nice slow cruisy transition and headed out on the bike. Shawnigan is a tough 21km loop but the sun was shining and triathletes had the road, so I was smiling and riding along enjoying the day. Adam ran, I'm not sure how hard? but we broke all of the records, (according to judge jasper), best in show, best dressed, mostest handsome, best facial hair, nicest unwashed hair, least ackward, most like Jasper, closest to the speed of light. etc. etc.
After receiving all of the above awards and accolades I headed home and rode around on our cruiser bike with Pippa smiling ear to ear.
Adam and I are now off to practice our double dutch routine....
s
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Crosby is so good it's scary.
Just an amazing hockey player. and no one works harder.
getting back into the training routine. Solid swims, running hill reps yesterday, nice sunny ride with Chef today, finally getting some sleep.
I love victoria.
S
getting back into the training routine. Solid swims, running hill reps yesterday, nice sunny ride with Chef today, finally getting some sleep.
I love victoria.
S
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Chris Lieto's nutrition company.
More and more athletes are experiencing significant performance gains by adding Base products to their training program. Don't miss out! Stock up with Base products, build a strong nutritional base and watch your speed and endurance sky rocket (play the video to learn more). SPECIAL OFFER: Get Free Shipping on all products until May 31st. Enter the coupon code ship4free
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never leave your time zone
don't be a fool and ever, ever travel with your children.
pick a time zone before your child is born and never plan on leaving.
it's 1:44am and she's playing with a cheese grinder.
She is not smiling.
We are, because we are content in knowing that we will never again leave Vancouver Island.
Jennie and I have found peace with that.
Please send pictures from around the world, use a panoramic camera, maybe a Noblex 135u swivel lens so we can see around the corner and feel like we were there without ever leaving PST.
She is now eating water melon with a giant wooden salad tong, although this is terribly cute she shall forever remain a single child.
s and J and P (and never another letter).
pick a time zone before your child is born and never plan on leaving.
it's 1:44am and she's playing with a cheese grinder.
She is not smiling.
We are, because we are content in knowing that we will never again leave Vancouver Island.
Jennie and I have found peace with that.
Please send pictures from around the world, use a panoramic camera, maybe a Noblex 135u swivel lens so we can see around the corner and feel like we were there without ever leaving PST.
She is now eating water melon with a giant wooden salad tong, although this is terribly cute she shall forever remain a single child.
s and J and P (and never another letter).
Monday, May 18, 2009
I like the name and I really like the people.
the Endurance Planners
http://www.enduranceplanner.com/
I have a lot of respect for these guys, Tom, Kevin and Jill will do a great job.
There are a lot of great coaching options out there, this will certainly be one of them.
http://www.enduranceplanner.com/
I have a lot of respect for these guys, Tom, Kevin and Jill will do a great job.
There are a lot of great coaching options out there, this will certainly be one of them.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Now that we are on our way
I can finally expose a horrible little secret. I will dispell a myth.
Italian coffee.
Very unimpressive.
Grossly over-rated.
Never fresh and usually leaking from machines that were last cleaned when the building was built.
I just ordered a simple double cap today and was presented with a beer stein full of Lukewarm milk and the light colouring of coffee, likely the left over coffee drool from the previous coffee addict sucker who like me paid 4€ for fix.
Oh "habit coffee and culture" how I long for your embrace. Hook me up to the black drip and save me from the myth of Italian coffee.
We are on our way home. A great trip with a few lows trumped by some super suppers and amazing company not to mention some brilliant rides and amazing history.
I did fail to accomplish my one goal for the trip.
Laying seige too and razing a castle will have to wait till jazz, Southy, Kelly and Kyle are here to help build the catapults and scale the walls.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Italian coffee.
Very unimpressive.
Grossly over-rated.
Never fresh and usually leaking from machines that were last cleaned when the building was built.
I just ordered a simple double cap today and was presented with a beer stein full of Lukewarm milk and the light colouring of coffee, likely the left over coffee drool from the previous coffee addict sucker who like me paid 4€ for fix.
Oh "habit coffee and culture" how I long for your embrace. Hook me up to the black drip and save me from the myth of Italian coffee.
We are on our way home. A great trip with a few lows trumped by some super suppers and amazing company not to mention some brilliant rides and amazing history.
I did fail to accomplish my one goal for the trip.
Laying seige too and razing a castle will have to wait till jazz, Southy, Kelly and Kyle are here to help build the catapults and scale the walls.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Barney and Kath
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
In Montiridgeoni. A very small walled city.
Trouble.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Alley cat
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Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Siena
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Siena
Piazza
Where the horses run.
And pippa plays.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pics from Jens birthday
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Jen mcleans birthday
Anne wrote and performed a 30th birthday song for Jen, we'll see if this works posting from my blackberry storm.
Top that Trevor!
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Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Top that Trevor!
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fun fun
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
In tonni.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
And now we are up here.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Jennie and I out riding.
Happy moms day.
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Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Oh oh
And Jill and jordan! M and Peter! Anne and Bob.
We miss you guys. Wish you were here.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
We miss you guys. Wish you were here.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
The crew.
Jazz and Jude. Lauren and Adam. Kelly and Amy. Kyle and Kelly. Colin and Lisa. Ted and Alexis. Adrian and Adrian. Jess and casper. The Southy. Tre ;). Paul and Lisa. Mar and Joe. Shannon and Darren. Lance and Lucy. Rob and Lois. Kim and Dave. Hamish and Zoe. Dougie and the girls.
Wish you were here!
S and J
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Wish you were here!
S and J
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Barney
Is now playing "got something to live for"
The canucks theme song according to Jim. They are playing it when they come off the ice.
Kathleen is now playing a song about Marty mcsorly.
I'm wearing cycling arm warmers and Jennie is making fun of me. Its chili.
People are dancing on the street. The street was laid in 1320ad. Its a little older then Canada.........
Jim is now playing a solo. Dude can really sing, its actually humbling how good he is. The women in the crowd are slowly gravitating to the front.
Mark is telling I'm in dumb ass because I'm on my blackberry at a private cuddy concert.
He's right.
Ha.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
The canucks theme song according to Jim. They are playing it when they come off the ice.
Kathleen is now playing a song about Marty mcsorly.
I'm wearing cycling arm warmers and Jennie is making fun of me. Its chili.
People are dancing on the street. The street was laid in 1320ad. Its a little older then Canada.........
Jim is now playing a solo. Dude can really sing, its actually humbling how good he is. The women in the crowd are slowly gravitating to the front.
Mark is telling I'm in dumb ass because I'm on my blackberry at a private cuddy concert.
He's right.
Ha.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Barney duet with Jim
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Kathleen sings.
Kathleen just strolled out of the crowd and blew us away.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
5 days in may!!!
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sqwitter music
Pippa waits at the pizza window to intercept pizza straight from the oven.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sqwitter goes live
Play small Tuscan villa.
And sqwracing reports live.
Ironmanlive take that!
Pre concert food, wine and kids play time.
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Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Chef Whitfield
It was chef boy o Simon night last night. I flipped some massive florentine steaks and was assigned head of catering. One more person attended my hosting night then Jim cuddys. This makes me cooler then him.........
A baron even came to my event and talked wine and olive while I just starred longingly at the pieces of bread that each guest had in front of them to try the olive oil with......"I'm going to eat everybodies bread and oil! Or pass out" please tell the chef to bring Dinner NOW!
The riding has been ridiculous. No traffic with endless roads that encompass a cycling paradise.
Off to breakfast and a ride to volterra. What a name!
Volterra! I hope its as cool as the ride to radicondoli or chiuadino.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The 13 guys in front of me from the weekend aren't doing this....
I arrived in Tuscany late late on Monday night to host the cycling, music and wine tour with gold medal plates and they just couldn't have picked a more spectacular spot.
After an incredible over the top breakfast in the 13th century massive root celler that has been converted into the restaurant I headed out for a ride with Vancouver locals Nikki and Chris. Nikki was on a 1980s meilie and did a great job of just putting her head down a putting in her longest ride ever as we rode throug hilltop towns for nearly 3hrs. After and easy afternoon trot on a beautiful gravel road I arrived back at the villa just in time to shower and suit up in my waiter uniform as I was scheduled to be Jim cuddys assistant for his wine tasting. As he is with blue rodeo Jim was an absolute perfectionist and not according to the wine experts picked out an incredible array of Tuscan wines, although I had to take their word for it.
The evening finished with an opera singer who was apparently a little out of key.......
Today we are off for a few hours in the hills before I head into sienna for a swim.
I've attached a couple photos, we,ll see if it turns out.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
sqwitter race report
I have to admit that went very much as I expected. It's early in the year and having not raced since the Olympics I had moderate expectations. It's been awhile since I raced with that mindset but the post Olympic year is always hard, especially at the first couple races. I came here to get back into the swing of racing, race prep, in race tactics and the craziness of the first lap of the swim.
It didn't start well, Bevan and I thought we were so smart picking on the left side of the swim pontoon... this was a mistake and our left side "friendship pack" (an informal agreement with the boys not to smash into each other) meant I swam fairly unscathed out to the first turn but stuck mid pack. When I jumped in for the second lap I decided to challenge myself and see if I could get back into the mix near the front. I actually managed to swim my way up to 18th out of the water and with in 20secs of the leader. I felt pretty good on the bike, especially on the hills and settled into what turned out to be a large lead pack. My avg watts were about 290 on the bike, it will be interesting to see the file as, like many world cups, it will be up and down, on/off, on/off the whole way, accelerating up the hills, attacks and counter attacks followed by some 100watt cruising. Actually some ITU races are like that and others, like Vancouver 07, Des Moines 07, Isigaki 08 etc are more constant when a group gets away and rolls it over in an organized paceline. One thing I feel very confident with now but took years to get good at was the initial intensity and power required straight out of transition were you can often make or break your race. Even when things come together, if you're able to get into the front pack early obviously you are in the best position if the lead group organizes and stays away but if it doesn't organize then the energy saved not having to chase for a long period of time comes into play later.
In todays race a 2 man break got away with Mark Fretta and super frenchman Belaubre, the Americans seemed to sit up and disrupt any chase efforts. I think they got out to just over a minute before two Russian athletes attacked and established another break.
I should have had a better transition..... again things move fast in the first race back and even in my 14th season it was surprising. Gemmel was off running just as I racked my bike and I thought we were side beside with 500meters to go on the bike.
A one speed wonder. that's what it felt like today, just running along at one speed, thinking, arg. I feel like a......."one speed wonder", the sharpness and ability to accelerate and respond comes with race specific fitness, something I just didn't have today.
All and all it was a great opening round, in my opinion the ITU does a brilliant job, hiccups and all. We raced on LIVE TV today for $75,000 prize money. There were breakaways on the bike, attacks and counter attacks and a scorching run pace out of transition lead to a spectacular sprint, complete with a photo finish.
I'm off to Italy in the morning and my round the world trip continues. I'll be in Florence late on the 5th. Jennie and Pippa join me on the 7th in Sienna where Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo and I are hosting a food, cycling, music and wine tour under the Tuscan sun for almost 2 weeks. Then it's off to Spain and a 2 week training camp with my buddy Javier Gomez at his home in Vigo, I'm looking forward to seeing how the champ trains and seeing Pippa run around the streets of Vigo before we head to Madrid for the second round of the new World Series.
Coach Philippe and his family arrive at our place in Victoria the same day Jennie leaves to scout out Vic and get National Triathlon Center 4.0 up and running.
Exciting times in Victoria, exciting times on the road.
SQW
Saturday, May 02, 2009
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Friday, May 29, 2009
I MADE IT!!!!
Labels:
rather random
three years ago I went to Vegas Interbike with the boys, we all went straight for the carbon geek heaven booths, Jordan and I were gawking over the newest lightweight bars, stems, frames and nano technology. We had arrived in bike geek heaven and we loved it!
Last year when I went to Interbike we strolled into the hall and they went right and I went left. As Jordan SPRINTED towards "Nano" heaven I tried to sneak off in the opposite direction, in search of Dan Britton the CEO/Founder of.......
CHARIOT CARRIERS, the ULTIMATE JOGGING STROLLER AND MARRIAGE SAVER!!!!
we already had a "single" and I was determined to lurk at the Chariot booth until Dan strolled by and my plan was to ambush him with a sponsorship proposal.
That night over dinner Jordan rambled on and on and on and on (I love you buddy) about Nanodorks new this and Carbogeeks new this and I just stared ahead, day dreaming about the new Chariot side car that was now on its way to Victoria.
Chariot Carriers is a great Canadian success story and I'm really proud to be an ambassador for the greatest strength workout you can imagine/get Pippa to sleep device ever made.
Dan emailed me today to say that I'm on the website, and I felt like I'd really made it.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/chariot_athletes.php
Now if we could just fill the double carrier he sent........
S
Last year when I went to Interbike we strolled into the hall and they went right and I went left. As Jordan SPRINTED towards "Nano" heaven I tried to sneak off in the opposite direction, in search of Dan Britton the CEO/Founder of.......
CHARIOT CARRIERS, the ULTIMATE JOGGING STROLLER AND MARRIAGE SAVER!!!!
we already had a "single" and I was determined to lurk at the Chariot booth until Dan strolled by and my plan was to ambush him with a sponsorship proposal.
That night over dinner Jordan rambled on and on and on and on (I love you buddy) about Nanodorks new this and Carbogeeks new this and I just stared ahead, day dreaming about the new Chariot side car that was now on its way to Victoria.
Chariot Carriers is a great Canadian success story and I'm really proud to be an ambassador for the greatest strength workout you can imagine/get Pippa to sleep device ever made.
Dan emailed me today to say that I'm on the website, and I felt like I'd really made it.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/chariot_athletes.php
Now if we could just fill the double carrier he sent........
S
Thursday, May 28, 2009
a fun call to arms
Labels:
rather random
ok action.
twitaction?
lets see if my blog can bump the ITU twitter following over 500 by sunday. I could end up with egg on my face if there is actually no one out their reading any of the mumbo jumbo I blather about on here but to the 17 daily readers out there......
goto http://twitter.com/ITUonline sign up for a free account and hit FOLLOW on the ITUonline twitter account.
from ITUonline twitter;
Well we have climbed to 405 followers, 500 looks unlikely. Resetting target to 450 for Sunday with 500 by Washington.
sqw
twitaction?
lets see if my blog can bump the ITU twitter following over 500 by sunday. I could end up with egg on my face if there is actually no one out their reading any of the mumbo jumbo I blather about on here but to the 17 daily readers out there......
goto http://twitter.com/ITUonline sign up for a free account and hit FOLLOW on the ITUonline twitter account.
from ITUonline twitter;
Well we have climbed to 405 followers, 500 looks unlikely. Resetting target to 450 for Sunday with 500 by Washington.
sqw
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
knock on wood
Labels:
rant,
rather random
and I really mean it "knock on wood" (I'm knocking on my head and the table).
The lift under my right cleat slipped out of place late last week, that dragged the cleat to the side which changed my pedal stroke and strained my calf. If anything gives me trouble it's always my right side and a slipped cleat was guaranteed to cause something.
I identified the problem and our support team rolled into action.
It starts with "Rob, what's the plan?" at which point he gets out his trusted note pad, jots down some notes and in no time we have a remedy plan.
Between the gangs expertise and my own "system" I was back at the track (grass field) today running fast miles and 800's with Jon Brown, Kyle Jones and co.
and it felt great.
I was smiling ear to ear while running way faster then I told myself I was going too :) I told myself - and my friend Paulo - before the workout "nothing under 3mins".... opps.
Between that and a couple good swims already this week I might just be getting back on track.
Knock on head.
and thank goodness for that because I'm one grumpy dumbass when I'm not going well.
s
The lift under my right cleat slipped out of place late last week, that dragged the cleat to the side which changed my pedal stroke and strained my calf. If anything gives me trouble it's always my right side and a slipped cleat was guaranteed to cause something.
I identified the problem and our support team rolled into action.
It starts with "Rob, what's the plan?" at which point he gets out his trusted note pad, jots down some notes and in no time we have a remedy plan.
Between the gangs expertise and my own "system" I was back at the track (grass field) today running fast miles and 800's with Jon Brown, Kyle Jones and co.
and it felt great.
I was smiling ear to ear while running way faster then I told myself I was going too :) I told myself - and my friend Paulo - before the workout "nothing under 3mins".... opps.
Between that and a couple good swims already this week I might just be getting back on track.
Knock on head.
and thank goodness for that because I'm one grumpy dumbass when I'm not going well.
s
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Massi Larsen your dad was a legend. This picture made Jennie and I teary eyed.
Labels:
pictures
Massi Larsen on his dads memorial ride,"crushing it just as his dad did".
Hey Massi, if you and your family, ever want to explore Vancouver Island our kitchen and home is always open.
S & J & P
stealing posts.....
Labels:
rather random
Cut and paste.
I'll never forget dancing on stage with Mr. V at a Japanese WC in 1996. He did the funkiest stomach roll and we tossed the Mayor up in the air... and dropped him. good times. great guy.
Chuckie wrote something on his blog that I've stolen and cut/pasted to my blog, because I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm not trying to be a coach here, but I'm also not short of opinions, just call me a "Paulo" :).
from http://chuckiev.blogspot.com
Just as it is with stretching* I'm not an ardent advocate of drills. Now before anybody gets themselves in a tizzy, I must first assert that I am not talking about motorized drills like the kind they sell down at Home Depot, with batteries and bits and lengthy warning labels. Those kinds of drills are very helpful when, say, trying to drill into a human skull to suck the brains out. (Technically, we have just one brain each, so "brains" is a misnomer. Moreover, many of us don't even possess one brain.) What I'm talking about are those drills that pertain to athletes: those silly little bouts of bouncy exercise that theoretically assist with your form functioning. Those are the kind of drills I speak of.
Coaches employ these kinds of drills to isolate a segment of the swim or pedal stroke or even the run stride, and they think that doing them will improve the mechanics of the athlete; they do not. They do, however, make you better at performing drills. Just as dancing makes you a better dancer (except, of course, in the case of triathletes), drilling makes you a better, um, driller. (You dentists take note. Stuart.)
The problem with breaking the swim stroke (or pedal stroke or run stride) into pieces is that there are no separate phases in any of these activities. One facet leads to and affects the next and drills tend to overlook this inseparable integration. Working a specific part of your stroke (or stride) in isolation does nothing to help improve how it works in a dynamic situation. The body works best as a whole.
Now the athletes I train, who may possibly stumble upon this blog if they've got nothing better to do while at work, may declare, "Hold on here a minute, Bucko!" (Only they'll assuredly use a more offensive word than 'Bucko'). "How come every now and then you prescribe drills?"
BUSTED! It's true: I suggest drills at times, usually in the pool. This is not necessarily to make a faster swimmer out of an athlete, but rather a more attentive one. A more attentive swimmer is bound to be a better swimmer. And, unlike stretching, drills can't really do harm. Unless you drown. Don't drown. That's Rule Number One in swimming.
I typically advise those I coach that instead of doing a bunch of pointless, fleeting drills (that last but a few seconds) it is better to persistently perform with form. "Put the 'form' in 'perform'," I've scribbled to more than one athlete, making me smile at least. What exactly the 'per' signifies, I'm not so sure, but I like to say it means "with". Perform=with form. Makes sense to me anyway. So the gist is to constantly think about what you're doing, and then improve upon it.
You improve your mechanics by---get this---swimming or running or cycling. That's right: you swim, you run, and you ride! But here's where it gets tricky: while doing so, you must also think. (And this is where most athletes seem to have trouble, incidentally; they get lost in thought, perhaps because they've never been there before). You think about where your hand is entering the water (while swimming, you knuckleheads) and you think about where your elbows are during the pull phase of your stroke. While running you think about your foot-strike and your stride rate and you work to improve them. You think about running quietly and tall, with your hips forward. And while riding, you think about how to get more aerodynamic, without compromising power or comfort. You also think about wasted energy and why it is, exactly, you moo to cows every time you pass them. The point is you need to think, so long as all this thinking makes you more efficient and therefore FASTER.
The goal at the end of the day of course is to be FASTER (and to crush the dreams of those who annoy you), and everything in training should be geared to this end. If you're faster with sh!tty form, then by all means, stay sh!tty. (A quick aside: limping old ladies have passed me in races. And while their form may have been absolute crapola they were flying.) But if perfecting your form pays dividends and increases your potential (and it generally does, though it takes a long while) then start making those deposits and cashing those checks.
*Lastly, on the subject of stretching. Although I'm known to stretch the truth from time to time, there have never really been any conclusive studies about stretching, (e.g., whether it prevents injuries or not). Some studies show that it can be beneficial while others show that quite the opposite is true. My opinion is that if you feel better after doing so, than by all means stretch. I always feel better after farting, for example, so fart I do. In fact, here comes another. Oh, and when it comes to stretching, it never hurts to stretch your imagination.
I'll never forget dancing on stage with Mr. V at a Japanese WC in 1996. He did the funkiest stomach roll and we tossed the Mayor up in the air... and dropped him. good times. great guy.
Chuckie wrote something on his blog that I've stolen and cut/pasted to my blog, because I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm not trying to be a coach here, but I'm also not short of opinions, just call me a "Paulo" :).
from http://chuckiev.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Perform=With Form. Why Drills are a Waste of Time
Just as it is with stretching* I'm not an ardent advocate of drills. Now before anybody gets themselves in a tizzy, I must first assert that I am not talking about motorized drills like the kind they sell down at Home Depot, with batteries and bits and lengthy warning labels. Those kinds of drills are very helpful when, say, trying to drill into a human skull to suck the brains out. (Technically, we have just one brain each, so "brains" is a misnomer. Moreover, many of us don't even possess one brain.) What I'm talking about are those drills that pertain to athletes: those silly little bouts of bouncy exercise that theoretically assist with your form functioning. Those are the kind of drills I speak of.Coaches employ these kinds of drills to isolate a segment of the swim or pedal stroke or even the run stride, and they think that doing them will improve the mechanics of the athlete; they do not. They do, however, make you better at performing drills. Just as dancing makes you a better dancer (except, of course, in the case of triathletes), drilling makes you a better, um, driller. (You dentists take note. Stuart.)
The problem with breaking the swim stroke (or pedal stroke or run stride) into pieces is that there are no separate phases in any of these activities. One facet leads to and affects the next and drills tend to overlook this inseparable integration. Working a specific part of your stroke (or stride) in isolation does nothing to help improve how it works in a dynamic situation. The body works best as a whole.
Now the athletes I train, who may possibly stumble upon this blog if they've got nothing better to do while at work, may declare, "Hold on here a minute, Bucko!" (Only they'll assuredly use a more offensive word than 'Bucko'). "How come every now and then you prescribe drills?"
BUSTED! It's true: I suggest drills at times, usually in the pool. This is not necessarily to make a faster swimmer out of an athlete, but rather a more attentive one. A more attentive swimmer is bound to be a better swimmer. And, unlike stretching, drills can't really do harm. Unless you drown. Don't drown. That's Rule Number One in swimming.
I typically advise those I coach that instead of doing a bunch of pointless, fleeting drills (that last but a few seconds) it is better to persistently perform with form. "Put the 'form' in 'perform'," I've scribbled to more than one athlete, making me smile at least. What exactly the 'per' signifies, I'm not so sure, but I like to say it means "with". Perform=with form. Makes sense to me anyway. So the gist is to constantly think about what you're doing, and then improve upon it.
You improve your mechanics by---get this---swimming or running or cycling. That's right: you swim, you run, and you ride! But here's where it gets tricky: while doing so, you must also think. (And this is where most athletes seem to have trouble, incidentally; they get lost in thought, perhaps because they've never been there before). You think about where your hand is entering the water (while swimming, you knuckleheads) and you think about where your elbows are during the pull phase of your stroke. While running you think about your foot-strike and your stride rate and you work to improve them. You think about running quietly and tall, with your hips forward. And while riding, you think about how to get more aerodynamic, without compromising power or comfort. You also think about wasted energy and why it is, exactly, you moo to cows every time you pass them. The point is you need to think, so long as all this thinking makes you more efficient and therefore FASTER.
The goal at the end of the day of course is to be FASTER (and to crush the dreams of those who annoy you), and everything in training should be geared to this end. If you're faster with sh!tty form, then by all means, stay sh!tty. (A quick aside: limping old ladies have passed me in races. And while their form may have been absolute crapola they were flying.) But if perfecting your form pays dividends and increases your potential (and it generally does, though it takes a long while) then start making those deposits and cashing those checks.
*Lastly, on the subject of stretching. Although I'm known to stretch the truth from time to time, there have never really been any conclusive studies about stretching, (e.g., whether it prevents injuries or not). Some studies show that it can be beneficial while others show that quite the opposite is true. My opinion is that if you feel better after doing so, than by all means stretch. I always feel better after farting, for example, so fart I do. In fact, here comes another. Oh, and when it comes to stretching, it never hurts to stretch your imagination.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
a solid weekend done and done
Labels:
race reports,
training
I love the intervals, long rides with the boys are fun, long runs in the woods are brilliant, swimming is..... meh.
I really like the intervals, head to head.
first off on friday we had a solid swim practice, it didn't look like much on paper but ended up being a bit of a slog. At noon I had a great ride with the National Ski team guys who are in town for a camp, after the run it was onto the tready for some primer strides, 6x:30sec, 6x:20, 6x:15 to get the leg turnover setup for the follow days transition workout.
Kyle and I had some head to head fun on saturday. 5x1min sprints, 5x:90 sprints, 15mins "bike race" straight into 3x7mins running intervals (Kyle was the champ and did 4 sets, my calf was a wuzzzzzzzzzz). Iced and relaxed, including a beer with the boys because the captain of all that is awesome Mr. Chris B. was in town.
This morning I headed out to the Shawnigan lake "international" triathlon. It was just a brilliant day, with a spectacular "grass roots" venue on a a picturesque lake, not to mention a pretty well run race.
Adam and I were team "joe blow(s)" - I swam the 1.9km swim leg in the 1/2 ironman catagory, handed off to the invisible man (who rode really well). I then waited for about 30mins and did the 1.5km swim in the Olympic, had a nice slow cruisy transition and headed out on the bike. Shawnigan is a tough 21km loop but the sun was shining and triathletes had the road, so I was smiling and riding along enjoying the day. Adam ran, I'm not sure how hard? but we broke all of the records, (according to judge jasper), best in show, best dressed, mostest handsome, best facial hair, nicest unwashed hair, least ackward, most like Jasper, closest to the speed of light. etc. etc.
After receiving all of the above awards and accolades I headed home and rode around on our cruiser bike with Pippa smiling ear to ear.
Adam and I are now off to practice our double dutch routine....
s
I really like the intervals, head to head.
first off on friday we had a solid swim practice, it didn't look like much on paper but ended up being a bit of a slog. At noon I had a great ride with the National Ski team guys who are in town for a camp, after the run it was onto the tready for some primer strides, 6x:30sec, 6x:20, 6x:15 to get the leg turnover setup for the follow days transition workout.
Kyle and I had some head to head fun on saturday. 5x1min sprints, 5x:90 sprints, 15mins "bike race" straight into 3x7mins running intervals (Kyle was the champ and did 4 sets, my calf was a wuzzzzzzzzzz). Iced and relaxed, including a beer with the boys because the captain of all that is awesome Mr. Chris B. was in town.
This morning I headed out to the Shawnigan lake "international" triathlon. It was just a brilliant day, with a spectacular "grass roots" venue on a a picturesque lake, not to mention a pretty well run race.
Adam and I were team "joe blow(s)" - I swam the 1.9km swim leg in the 1/2 ironman catagory, handed off to the invisible man (who rode really well). I then waited for about 30mins and did the 1.5km swim in the Olympic, had a nice slow cruisy transition and headed out on the bike. Shawnigan is a tough 21km loop but the sun was shining and triathletes had the road, so I was smiling and riding along enjoying the day. Adam ran, I'm not sure how hard? but we broke all of the records, (according to judge jasper), best in show, best dressed, mostest handsome, best facial hair, nicest unwashed hair, least ackward, most like Jasper, closest to the speed of light. etc. etc.
After receiving all of the above awards and accolades I headed home and rode around on our cruiser bike with Pippa smiling ear to ear.
Adam and I are now off to practice our double dutch routine....
s
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Crosby is so good it's scary.
Labels:
rather random
Just an amazing hockey player. and no one works harder.
getting back into the training routine. Solid swims, running hill reps yesterday, nice sunny ride with Chef today, finally getting some sleep.
I love victoria.
S
getting back into the training routine. Solid swims, running hill reps yesterday, nice sunny ride with Chef today, finally getting some sleep.
I love victoria.
S
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Chris Lieto's nutrition company.
Labels:
rather random
More and more athletes are experiencing significant performance gains by adding Base products to their training program. Don't miss out! Stock up with Base products, build a strong nutritional base and watch your speed and endurance sky rocket (play the video to learn more). SPECIAL OFFER: Get Free Shipping on all products until May 31st. Enter the coupon code ship4free
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never leave your time zone
Labels:
rant
don't be a fool and ever, ever travel with your children.
pick a time zone before your child is born and never plan on leaving.
it's 1:44am and she's playing with a cheese grinder.
She is not smiling.
We are, because we are content in knowing that we will never again leave Vancouver Island.
Jennie and I have found peace with that.
Please send pictures from around the world, use a panoramic camera, maybe a Noblex 135u swivel lens so we can see around the corner and feel like we were there without ever leaving PST.
She is now eating water melon with a giant wooden salad tong, although this is terribly cute she shall forever remain a single child.
s and J and P (and never another letter).
pick a time zone before your child is born and never plan on leaving.
it's 1:44am and she's playing with a cheese grinder.
She is not smiling.
We are, because we are content in knowing that we will never again leave Vancouver Island.
Jennie and I have found peace with that.
Please send pictures from around the world, use a panoramic camera, maybe a Noblex 135u swivel lens so we can see around the corner and feel like we were there without ever leaving PST.
She is now eating water melon with a giant wooden salad tong, although this is terribly cute she shall forever remain a single child.
s and J and P (and never another letter).
Monday, May 18, 2009
I like the name and I really like the people.
the Endurance Planners
http://www.enduranceplanner.com/
I have a lot of respect for these guys, Tom, Kevin and Jill will do a great job.
There are a lot of great coaching options out there, this will certainly be one of them.
http://www.enduranceplanner.com/
I have a lot of respect for these guys, Tom, Kevin and Jill will do a great job.
There are a lot of great coaching options out there, this will certainly be one of them.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Now that we are on our way
I can finally expose a horrible little secret. I will dispell a myth.
Italian coffee.
Very unimpressive.
Grossly over-rated.
Never fresh and usually leaking from machines that were last cleaned when the building was built.
I just ordered a simple double cap today and was presented with a beer stein full of Lukewarm milk and the light colouring of coffee, likely the left over coffee drool from the previous coffee addict sucker who like me paid 4€ for fix.
Oh "habit coffee and culture" how I long for your embrace. Hook me up to the black drip and save me from the myth of Italian coffee.
We are on our way home. A great trip with a few lows trumped by some super suppers and amazing company not to mention some brilliant rides and amazing history.
I did fail to accomplish my one goal for the trip.
Laying seige too and razing a castle will have to wait till jazz, Southy, Kelly and Kyle are here to help build the catapults and scale the walls.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Italian coffee.
Very unimpressive.
Grossly over-rated.
Never fresh and usually leaking from machines that were last cleaned when the building was built.
I just ordered a simple double cap today and was presented with a beer stein full of Lukewarm milk and the light colouring of coffee, likely the left over coffee drool from the previous coffee addict sucker who like me paid 4€ for fix.
Oh "habit coffee and culture" how I long for your embrace. Hook me up to the black drip and save me from the myth of Italian coffee.
We are on our way home. A great trip with a few lows trumped by some super suppers and amazing company not to mention some brilliant rides and amazing history.
I did fail to accomplish my one goal for the trip.
Laying seige too and razing a castle will have to wait till jazz, Southy, Kelly and Kyle are here to help build the catapults and scale the walls.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Barney and Kath
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
In Montiridgeoni. A very small walled city.
Trouble.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Alley cat
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Siena
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Siena
Piazza
Where the horses run.
And pippa plays.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pics from Jens birthday
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Jen mcleans birthday
Anne wrote and performed a 30th birthday song for Jen, we'll see if this works posting from my blackberry storm.
Top that Trevor!
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Top that Trevor!
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fun fun
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
In tonni.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
And now we are up here.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Jennie and I out riding.
Happy moms day.
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Saturday, May 09, 2009
Oh oh
And Jill and jordan! M and Peter! Anne and Bob.
We miss you guys. Wish you were here.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
We miss you guys. Wish you were here.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
The crew.
Jazz and Jude. Lauren and Adam. Kelly and Amy. Kyle and Kelly. Colin and Lisa. Ted and Alexis. Adrian and Adrian. Jess and casper. The Southy. Tre ;). Paul and Lisa. Mar and Joe. Shannon and Darren. Lance and Lucy. Rob and Lois. Kim and Dave. Hamish and Zoe. Dougie and the girls.
Wish you were here!
S and J
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Wish you were here!
S and J
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Barney
Is now playing "got something to live for"
The canucks theme song according to Jim. They are playing it when they come off the ice.
Kathleen is now playing a song about Marty mcsorly.
I'm wearing cycling arm warmers and Jennie is making fun of me. Its chili.
People are dancing on the street. The street was laid in 1320ad. Its a little older then Canada.........
Jim is now playing a solo. Dude can really sing, its actually humbling how good he is. The women in the crowd are slowly gravitating to the front.
Mark is telling I'm in dumb ass because I'm on my blackberry at a private cuddy concert.
He's right.
Ha.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
The canucks theme song according to Jim. They are playing it when they come off the ice.
Kathleen is now playing a song about Marty mcsorly.
I'm wearing cycling arm warmers and Jennie is making fun of me. Its chili.
People are dancing on the street. The street was laid in 1320ad. Its a little older then Canada.........
Jim is now playing a solo. Dude can really sing, its actually humbling how good he is. The women in the crowd are slowly gravitating to the front.
Mark is telling I'm in dumb ass because I'm on my blackberry at a private cuddy concert.
He's right.
Ha.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Barney duet with Jim
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Kathleen sings.
Kathleen just strolled out of the crowd and blew us away.
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
5 days in may!!!
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sqwitter music
Pippa waits at the pizza window to intercept pizza straight from the oven.
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Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Sqwitter goes live
Play small Tuscan villa.
And sqwracing reports live.
Ironmanlive take that!
Pre concert food, wine and kids play time.
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Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Chef Whitfield
It was chef boy o Simon night last night. I flipped some massive florentine steaks and was assigned head of catering. One more person attended my hosting night then Jim cuddys. This makes me cooler then him.........
A baron even came to my event and talked wine and olive while I just starred longingly at the pieces of bread that each guest had in front of them to try the olive oil with......"I'm going to eat everybodies bread and oil! Or pass out" please tell the chef to bring Dinner NOW!
The riding has been ridiculous. No traffic with endless roads that encompass a cycling paradise.
Off to breakfast and a ride to volterra. What a name!
Volterra! I hope its as cool as the ride to radicondoli or chiuadino.
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Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The 13 guys in front of me from the weekend aren't doing this....
I arrived in Tuscany late late on Monday night to host the cycling, music and wine tour with gold medal plates and they just couldn't have picked a more spectacular spot.
After an incredible over the top breakfast in the 13th century massive root celler that has been converted into the restaurant I headed out for a ride with Vancouver locals Nikki and Chris. Nikki was on a 1980s meilie and did a great job of just putting her head down a putting in her longest ride ever as we rode throug hilltop towns for nearly 3hrs. After and easy afternoon trot on a beautiful gravel road I arrived back at the villa just in time to shower and suit up in my waiter uniform as I was scheduled to be Jim cuddys assistant for his wine tasting. As he is with blue rodeo Jim was an absolute perfectionist and not according to the wine experts picked out an incredible array of Tuscan wines, although I had to take their word for it.
The evening finished with an opera singer who was apparently a little out of key.......
Today we are off for a few hours in the hills before I head into sienna for a swim.
I've attached a couple photos, we,ll see if it turns out.
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Sunday, May 03, 2009
sqwitter race report
Labels:
race reports
I have to admit that went very much as I expected. It's early in the year and having not raced since the Olympics I had moderate expectations. It's been awhile since I raced with that mindset but the post Olympic year is always hard, especially at the first couple races. I came here to get back into the swing of racing, race prep, in race tactics and the craziness of the first lap of the swim.
It didn't start well, Bevan and I thought we were so smart picking on the left side of the swim pontoon... this was a mistake and our left side "friendship pack" (an informal agreement with the boys not to smash into each other) meant I swam fairly unscathed out to the first turn but stuck mid pack. When I jumped in for the second lap I decided to challenge myself and see if I could get back into the mix near the front. I actually managed to swim my way up to 18th out of the water and with in 20secs of the leader. I felt pretty good on the bike, especially on the hills and settled into what turned out to be a large lead pack. My avg watts were about 290 on the bike, it will be interesting to see the file as, like many world cups, it will be up and down, on/off, on/off the whole way, accelerating up the hills, attacks and counter attacks followed by some 100watt cruising. Actually some ITU races are like that and others, like Vancouver 07, Des Moines 07, Isigaki 08 etc are more constant when a group gets away and rolls it over in an organized paceline. One thing I feel very confident with now but took years to get good at was the initial intensity and power required straight out of transition were you can often make or break your race. Even when things come together, if you're able to get into the front pack early obviously you are in the best position if the lead group organizes and stays away but if it doesn't organize then the energy saved not having to chase for a long period of time comes into play later.
In todays race a 2 man break got away with Mark Fretta and super frenchman Belaubre, the Americans seemed to sit up and disrupt any chase efforts. I think they got out to just over a minute before two Russian athletes attacked and established another break.
I should have had a better transition..... again things move fast in the first race back and even in my 14th season it was surprising. Gemmel was off running just as I racked my bike and I thought we were side beside with 500meters to go on the bike.
A one speed wonder. that's what it felt like today, just running along at one speed, thinking, arg. I feel like a......."one speed wonder", the sharpness and ability to accelerate and respond comes with race specific fitness, something I just didn't have today.
All and all it was a great opening round, in my opinion the ITU does a brilliant job, hiccups and all. We raced on LIVE TV today for $75,000 prize money. There were breakaways on the bike, attacks and counter attacks and a scorching run pace out of transition lead to a spectacular sprint, complete with a photo finish.
I'm off to Italy in the morning and my round the world trip continues. I'll be in Florence late on the 5th. Jennie and Pippa join me on the 7th in Sienna where Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo and I are hosting a food, cycling, music and wine tour under the Tuscan sun for almost 2 weeks. Then it's off to Spain and a 2 week training camp with my buddy Javier Gomez at his home in Vigo, I'm looking forward to seeing how the champ trains and seeing Pippa run around the streets of Vigo before we head to Madrid for the second round of the new World Series.
Coach Philippe and his family arrive at our place in Victoria the same day Jennie leaves to scout out Vic and get National Triathlon Center 4.0 up and running.
Exciting times in Victoria, exciting times on the road.
SQW
Saturday, May 02, 2009
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