another day another ride (one of our last rides here for 2010)

Triathlon Canada the TECK team.


the tragically hip - nautical disaster
www.simonwhitfield.blogspot.com

a couple pics from yesterdays long ride around the back side of east maui.

things I learned at this training camp

the training camp isn't finished yet but the days are ticking by and our month in Maui is almost up;

the things I learned

Muscle Milk by Champion Nutrition works, it's especially good in yogurt after a long workout when you've already pounded back 2 litres of coconut water.

Coconut water is great but I feel guilty buying it when it's made in indonesia and shipped all the way here in a aluminum can..... but man it tastes good after a long hot workout.

Avacado Oil chips are SOOO good. I think I went through a big bag every 2 days. The salt, the oil, the goodness, oh goodness.

You burn though a lot of HD space when you shoot HDvideo on your camcorder. it's actually quite remarkable.

Final Cut Studio Express is hard to use, just so much you can do, almost, in fact definitely option overload.

Despite the fact that it has an "overload" of options, I'm determined to learn how to use it. Right now I know I'm over doing the time lapse, +800% speed but it just looks so cool.

Leaving my Nutrasea Omega oil at home was a BIG mistake, the "lemon" flavored alternative brand I bought here just isn't the same. Nutrasea tastes better and the quality is second to none.

Even if you think you're on pace to break an hour swimming from Polo Beach to Big beach all that really matters is that the big beach point isn't too rough and you're not completely blown when you get there.

Ryders place in Maui is really nice, the town of Paia is everything you could want in a training location.

I take my 7 systems vits everyday and I don't get sick.

I want to buy one of those cool tipped brim hats but I don't have the confidence to pull it off.

West Maui loop is one of the most remarkable rides in the entire world, somewhat like a video game for cyclists.

The road to Hana is equally impressive, "the most beautiful road in the world".

Haydens new album is fantastic.

Having your sporting hero text you at just the right time makes a world of difference. it felt reassuring that maybe just maybe I knew what I was doing. a nice pat on the egos back.

Give me an ipod, a tragically hip live/Hawksley Workman live playlist and a trail through the cane fields and I'll run very fast.

My Normatec MVP really works.

despite how well it works living with our awesome massage therapist Kim Ward is even better, she's that good.

my daughter is going through a bit of a "no daddy" phase. that's hard to hear.

my new Specialized SL3 is a fantastical bike, an incredibly dynamic bike that lets you do exactly what you want, quickly. I owe Kevin Wallace at gears a night of pints as he bet me I'd love it and he was right.

putting specialized armidillo tires on a SL3 might mean you'll never ever puncture but it's a complete and utter fun suck...... fast dynamic bikes need matching tires, get some mondo's and the bike feels just right.

Coach Paulo really knows what he's doing, I couldn't be more impressed with his knowledge and high performance mind. I've had 2 other great coaches in my career, he is yet another BUT "what would I know".

Speaking of "what would I know", I've raced on the world cup for almost 15years, I've had ZERO cortisone injections, no surgeries, no races missed due to injury and very few training days missed due to injury.  I do know this, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

opps back to something more positive.,.... I learned that Maui is an incredible place to train, thank you Brent (he knew), the cane fields, 4 pools, incredible riding, incredible open water swimming, great weather, good food, easy access to everything, remarkable scenery, a great lifestyle.

I really do love watching and following the Canucks, GO CANUCKS, the Sedin twins are awesome, so is Burrows. My family is Sweedish so it's a nice fit.....

I was very impressed by a young man named Austin Horn on this training camp, I'm not highlighting him to put down anyone else, I was simply impressed with the work load and consistency he maintained through out the camp. He brought his game to another level, now time shall tell if he can be disciplined enough to maintain it for another say..... 4-5 years, at this camp, very impressive.

I struggle at times not to be such an A hole, I usually mean well, I just have trouble communicating it at times.

Jerome Iginla remains my favorite player in the NHL along with Andrew Ference and Sidney Crosby.

I love the NFL playoffs and Brett Favre still rules.

My wife, daughter and #2 are the loves of my life, I'm very very fortunate to share these incredible experiences with them.


Shrink is a pretty damn good movie.

My daughter loves the beach and she can run all day if you let her. She also loves massage and her blow up whale.

even in Maui my inbox continues to explode.

Sam Mcglone is so tough it's humbling, she just gets the work done and it's damn impressive. Aside from that Jennie and I love hanging out with her. Come to Vic Sam, please.

I best spend time with my daughter, she deserves it and my list for Maui 2010 winter training camp is now done.

Ryan Blais

"A story that needs to be told"

I didn't realize how wet the coaches got

watch the water on the deck

that's 'Iron and Wine' playing. pretty much the greatest band of all time.

to the women in my life who put up with me.... thank you. you are, among so many other things, so beautiful.

speeeeeeeeedy

New Orleans is sinking by the tragically hip

shark!

two greats guys, one special foundation. BoomBoom vs. APotts

TEAM_REED_VS._TEAM_POTTS!

morning swim

yippies are yuppies disguised as hippies.

great Pete Sampras quote

"I knew exactly where I wanted to go. In order to be the best player in the world, tennis has to be your life. It’s a sacrifice, and something I was willing to do.... consistently I was willing to sacrifice more than many. You can’t have it both ways. I did it my way, and I have no regrets when I look back on my career that sacrifice was just a big focus for me.”

Help GEARS bike shop support Trillium Health Centre and Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.

Experience 24 hours of Pure Energy!

Riders cycling an hour or more round the clock! Imagine dozens and dozens of stationary bikes and hundreds of participants...and then add continuous live on-stage bands, jumbo-sized multi-media screens, motivational speakers to keep you pumped...and you've got 'The 24-Hour Spin'!

You can check it all out and register at www.24hourspin.com



This tremendously popular fundraising ride is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Every single dollar you raise or contribute will go to support critical care programs at the Trillium Health Centre, as well as childhood cancer charities and programs through Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. This year, you'll be riding for two great charities: POGO (The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) and the Betty Wallace Women's Health Centre. The 24 Hour Spin was started by Gears Bike Shop and now includes Mattamy Homes as the presenting sponsor.

It's all coming your way March 6 and 7 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, with convenient parking and regular TTC service.

SPECIAL BONUS: Before or after the spin, you'll be able to visit the Toronto International Bike Show. Passes are included in your registration fee!



Here's How it Works:

For 24 consecutive hours, bikes will spin in support of Trillium Health Centre and Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. Each team will have from one rider up to a maximum of 24, with one team member always on the bike, keeping the wheels spinning throughout the event. The registration fee includes the cost of the spin bike, along with a 3-day pass to the Toronto International Bike Show for each team member.

Register and collect pledges online, the easiest way for family, friends and colleagues to support you! Each individual participant must raise $250 in pledges. Create your team page, use our fundraising tips and watch donations grow as you and your team reach goal!

'24-Hour Spin' participant age limit is 12 and up. Participants are asked to bring their own Spin bike pedals. Pedals are also available for rent.

Come on out for a 24 Hour Spin! Thank you for your support.

The Details
When:
Saturday March 6, 12:00 noon to Sunday March 7, 12:00 noon

Where:
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place Toronto

Cost:
Solo Spinners (1-5 riders): $375.00 per team
Team Spinners (6+ riders): $475.00 per team
Corporate Spinners (1-24 riders): $650.00 per team

Register Now!

Supporting:
Trillium Health Centre and Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation
96 Mowat Avenue, Toronto, ON
contact@coasttocoastagainstcancer.org
www.coasttocoastagainstcancer.org

unpacked in under 10mins

more pics

more pics

inspiring work ethic

We just finished up a great week with the MAUI GMP Cycling adventure camp with Svein Tuft, Peter Reid, Paulo Sousa and Sam Mcglone (and a legend named THE KWAZ).

All and all it was a huge success, the campers were beyond keen and dove head on into the training, Peter and Paulo's expert instruction, put up with my bad jokes and not only took a crack at mastering the solid surf but they rode with reckless abandon up the crater, all 57kms and 10,000 feet of it.

Aside from being impressed with the commitment of the campers I was reminded by one particular red heads what true work ethic was. Sam Mcglone put in some huge days, she was unfazed by terrain, weather, duration or the company (riding with Svein without batting an eye). I think she rode 23hrs in 5 days including the crater climb the day after a 6 hr solo venture around west maui, in the pouring rain, complete with mud and bad directions ("opps I just rode 1hr in the wrong direction, oh well, I'll just turn around and get back at it"). Peter said she arrived completely covered in mud at 1:50pm, ate a bag of chips and a sandwich then joined Andrew for a 4k swim at 2pm... Coach Paulo said she still had muddy ankles....

1/2 the group tackled the crater climb while the rest joined Peter for a nice ride and run out to the look out.Chris Cummings hits the 22miles to go sign.some of the gang went for a long run with sam while we did hill reps.Pete lead a few runs complete with drills, drills, drills.

the back side of the crater.hanging with my little girl at the bar.....

What I love about Sam is she just sees it as "I'm just doing my job", no drama, no complaining about how tired she is, just head down and work work work. It certainly reminded me to focus on what it takes and just get it done.

S

my gatorade moments before I downed the entire bottle. I couldn't help but envy the pooch asleep on the floor.

today

cycling adventures with Peter Reid, Svein Tuft, Paulo Sousa and Simon Whitfield

Svein tuft hanging with his lady friend

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Slowtwitch

#1 source for all things triathlon (and some damn funny posts too).

another great article.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Features/Top_Tri_Talk_2009__1158.html

if Mark reads it. I'll read it.

or at least wait till he can summarize it for us.

Whenever I'm at a talk or get asked about nutrition I say, "go read www (and I PRONOUNCE W W W DOT , just like they do for older people on the radio...)

"go read W W W DOT marksdailyapple.com"

well marks got a summary of what he reads on his blog,  so I'm linking it here cause I really think Marks on the ball. plain and simple.

www.marksdailyapple.com/stuff-that-i-read-or-watch-and-you-should-too//r:t

And we are off.

Off to sun, cycling adventures with Peter, svein, paolo and crew, training camp and laughing with Pippa at the beach.

It's been a good winter so far with the right mix of training miles logged, time with family and sponsor commitments (not to mention a pint or two).

I'm looking forward to getting into training camp and more consistency. It was impressive to see the ntc gang put in such a big week, it's all logged on Andrew McCartney's blog. They did a solid solid Xmas camp, including a "you thought you were done" final 10k swim set. I was able to get out for a few workouts during the week and was struck by the "heads down and get the work done" attitude, not to mention having to put up with a somewhat fresh athlete like me who came strolling in and changed the pace times.... You can thank me later Sharpie!

Laya cat has company at home thanks to Southy and the gate agent calls, I just can't wait to go through US customs!

S

from the thestar.ca blog on best viral videos of 2009 "better then making license plates"

a couple hundred Filipino prisoners performing a choreographed dance to the Jackson song "Dangerous."