Where to start? I'll try to keep it brief.
January started off as a GREAT training month, I nailed 3 weeks of a new program getting 3-4 runs a week, 3 bikes, and 1 swim. Then I was forced kicking and screaming to my stag party held in Las Vegas. That was a bit nuts. Also 3 days of binge drinking is not in many Ironman Handbooks.
Returning to Canada I battled a cold, that even 3 weeks later hasnt gone away. I lost a fair amount of training time but still tried to maintain at least. My fiance and I sold our condo, I got a new job, I quit my old one, we found a house on Vancouver Island, we bought it, set up all the fun details of buying a house, and moved out of our condo the day before leaving for our wedding. I can't think of a time when I've been as overwhelmed as right now, but these are all positive changes and I'm looking forward to the next step in life.
I'm off to the Caribbean for my wedding now and will hopefully be able to write about a few workouts down there though it is an all you can eat all you can drink... making it all the more important to get a jog in down there when I can.
Photos later.. Im off!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
New Years Day 50k Ride
1-1-11
Morning at Dennys, nap, then out with the fiance to park in Pitt Meadows and go for a road ride for 50k. Good ride, nice and flat, not busy, but holy shit cold feet. Like ice blocks by the end, painful as the sun set. Definitely buying booties.
First ever ride with the EDGE 500, and IT.IS.AWESOME.
Morning at Dennys, nap, then out with the fiance to park in Pitt Meadows and go for a road ride for 50k. Good ride, nice and flat, not busy, but holy shit cold feet. Like ice blocks by the end, painful as the sun set. Definitely buying booties.
First ever ride with the EDGE 500, and IT.IS.AWESOME.
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| Google Aerial |
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| BING Aerial - Just to show how bad of a decision garmin connect made when switching their maps over from Google |
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| The new Garmin! |
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Gu Chomps frozen into one block |
New Years Eve - rounding out the year
Rounding out 2010 with a 100k month. Start out the workout by running a 13k out to central park, looping, and back. Swung by the metrotown pharmacy to sort out their mistake from 2 months ago and get my 50 clams back.
Didnt run for time on this, but tried to keep my heart rate just under 150bpm. Running through the park the k's went slower but so nice in there it was good to take it a bit easy. Pushed hard the last 4k to keep them all under 5:20. Finished at starbucks for a skim latte.. thats it thats all!
After the 13k run at a good clip, I figured I'd be set to sip my latte, but with the sun out and feeling jacked up I was out the door and down the elevator for a ride. Then back up 27 floors to get my gloves, then back down.. 10 minutes gone there.
Wanting to beat my last 2 weeks rides of this same route of 1hour 21 minutes I pushed a bit harder. Slowed for a few pics with my iphone along river road though, so nice in the sun but cold out. Definitely much more comfortable in the aero position on this ride, probably the mid 28k was aero, wicked!
Back as the sun set, time to eat up and hit the bottle. Happy New Year!
mx 50.2
cadence 76 / 105
Didnt run for time on this, but tried to keep my heart rate just under 150bpm. Running through the park the k's went slower but so nice in there it was good to take it a bit easy. Pushed hard the last 4k to keep them all under 5:20. Finished at starbucks for a skim latte.. thats it thats all!
After the 13k run at a good clip, I figured I'd be set to sip my latte, but with the sun out and feeling jacked up I was out the door and down the elevator for a ride. Then back up 27 floors to get my gloves, then back down.. 10 minutes gone there. Wanting to beat my last 2 weeks rides of this same route of 1hour 21 minutes I pushed a bit harder. Slowed for a few pics with my iphone along river road though, so nice in the sun but cold out. Definitely much more comfortable in the aero position on this ride, probably the mid 28k was aero, wicked!
Back as the sun set, time to eat up and hit the bottle. Happy New Year!
mx 50.2
cadence 76 / 105
Monday, January 17, 2011
Nanaimo Training Day
Dec 4 - 2010
One thing I miss about living up at the Icefield in a staff accom was having friends around all the time, and training partners anywhere you look. Want to hit a hike up? 5 people ready to go with you. Need motivation for a 10k? A buddy is pushing you out the door. Living in a big city when you have to drive 30 minutes for 10k is a big big difference.
We were out on the island again this weekend and I had the chance to meet up with Josh (nailed IM Canada in 2009) to get a swim in together and some swimming tips. Hit up Timmys drive thru for a quick coffee as I left the hotel at 745 and up to the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Beautiful facility here, 50m pool so nice! We were swimming just after 8 and he was off like a cannon. For a big guy more built for rugby I don't know how he swims so fast. Our first 500m was my race pace pretty much. We ended up getting over 2000m in by the end, felt awesome to be rolling back to the hotel free breakfast already having got a good workout in!
After watching a very mediocre Santa Clause Parade (there were multiple Santa's in this, which should prove traumatic for some kids, am I wrong?). Even had the opportunity to watch a true redneck driving his John Deere down main street stroking a mounted deer head with duct tape on its nose, how did this 'float' get approved? Or did he just happen to drive up and join in? Baffling.
Met up with Josh again around 2 for a trail run around Westwood Lake. Its a 6k loop around. As he got there I let him in on the news that we were doing a 12k double loop, impressed he was. Kept a good pace and of course lots of bs'ing along the run but saw about 12 seconds of sun the entire time as it had just ducked behind the ridgeline. Frozen 'mid section' yet again! Hit up his inlaws place for a shower to thaw out then out for some good eats and unfortunately, back to the mainland.
Solid day!
One thing I miss about living up at the Icefield in a staff accom was having friends around all the time, and training partners anywhere you look. Want to hit a hike up? 5 people ready to go with you. Need motivation for a 10k? A buddy is pushing you out the door. Living in a big city when you have to drive 30 minutes for 10k is a big big difference.
We were out on the island again this weekend and I had the chance to meet up with Josh (nailed IM Canada in 2009) to get a swim in together and some swimming tips. Hit up Timmys drive thru for a quick coffee as I left the hotel at 745 and up to the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Beautiful facility here, 50m pool so nice! We were swimming just after 8 and he was off like a cannon. For a big guy more built for rugby I don't know how he swims so fast. Our first 500m was my race pace pretty much. We ended up getting over 2000m in by the end, felt awesome to be rolling back to the hotel free breakfast already having got a good workout in!
After watching a very mediocre Santa Clause Parade (there were multiple Santa's in this, which should prove traumatic for some kids, am I wrong?). Even had the opportunity to watch a true redneck driving his John Deere down main street stroking a mounted deer head with duct tape on its nose, how did this 'float' get approved? Or did he just happen to drive up and join in? Baffling.
Met up with Josh again around 2 for a trail run around Westwood Lake. Its a 6k loop around. As he got there I let him in on the news that we were doing a 12k double loop, impressed he was. Kept a good pace and of course lots of bs'ing along the run but saw about 12 seconds of sun the entire time as it had just ducked behind the ridgeline. Frozen 'mid section' yet again! Hit up his inlaws place for a shower to thaw out then out for some good eats and unfortunately, back to the mainland.
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| Westwood Lake - some serious climbing at one end |
Opening Day Mt. Washington
December 3rd, 2010
Slightly tape delayed, sorry.
The first snowboarding since Apr 09 in Hokkaido, Japan. Gave it a pass in 2010 what with no patience for overpriced underperforming nearby hills and having no job upon return to Canada.
Opening day, but Coach was on the IR so just wife and I. Got morning passes for $48 ($55 after HST) each, good til 1230pm. By the time we'd geared up, walked up the far parking lot, got tix.. we were boarding by 930. We went right down a nice powdery run, bad idea by me though as it was a little over her comfort level, and took us 1/2 hour of wasted time to get down. Deep breaths....
Took eagle express up to the top, some good runs but had to get some groomers in so I didnt get divorced before the fact. This meant over an hour of opening day powder disappeared before our eyes as the other riders thrashed it to bits. NOTHING like Japan when youd have the chance to find stashes all day long. A few runs on the other side, then back again. Took off solo for a few tree runs but even in there it was
carved out, any powder that was around felt pretty heavy and had to have a good run of speed to get through it. Cant really complain though as if its this good on opening day, this mountain must be awesome mid season. O called it at noon with an injured ankle so I did a run more then went into the tech shop to get my bindings worked on. Somehow in my move/shipment my bolts/washers/plates went missing so the bindings shifted left right on each turn. They added a set of washers to make it work, then a nylon threaded lockbolt on my right toe which had been coming loose for years. $20 down but bindings good and ready!
Down to Cumberland for some homemade pizza slices, good kohi, then drove down to Nanaimo for an awesome night of good food and a Shane Philip concert (and got to meet the dude himself before he went on stage!)
Slightly tape delayed, sorry.
The first snowboarding since Apr 09 in Hokkaido, Japan. Gave it a pass in 2010 what with no patience for overpriced underperforming nearby hills and having no job upon return to Canada.
Opening day, but Coach was on the IR so just wife and I. Got morning passes for $48 ($55 after HST) each, good til 1230pm. By the time we'd geared up, walked up the far parking lot, got tix.. we were boarding by 930. We went right down a nice powdery run, bad idea by me though as it was a little over her comfort level, and took us 1/2 hour of wasted time to get down. Deep breaths....
Took eagle express up to the top, some good runs but had to get some groomers in so I didnt get divorced before the fact. This meant over an hour of opening day powder disappeared before our eyes as the other riders thrashed it to bits. NOTHING like Japan when youd have the chance to find stashes all day long. A few runs on the other side, then back again. Took off solo for a few tree runs but even in there it was
carved out, any powder that was around felt pretty heavy and had to have a good run of speed to get through it. Cant really complain though as if its this good on opening day, this mountain must be awesome mid season. O called it at noon with an injured ankle so I did a run more then went into the tech shop to get my bindings worked on. Somehow in my move/shipment my bolts/washers/plates went missing so the bindings shifted left right on each turn. They added a set of washers to make it work, then a nylon threaded lockbolt on my right toe which had been coming loose for years. $20 down but bindings good and ready! 
Down to Cumberland for some homemade pizza slices, good kohi, then drove down to Nanaimo for an awesome night of good food and a Shane Philip concert (and got to meet the dude himself before he went on stage!)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Trail Run - Seal Bay Comox
December 2nd, 2010
4 day weekend! Out of bed at 445am, 630ferry to Nanaimo, then driving up to Campbell River. A few Serious Coffee trips then drove down to Comox to go for a trail run near Seal Bay.
Ran these trails with Josh in July, beauty trails mostly singletrack, hard to figure out where you are but we managed to more or less run the 7k loop. Bit of sun peakin through, felt good!
Off to Courtenay serious coffee for a bit more work then catch up with Josh and Crystal, before over to the Riva's house for some unreal curry, lots of sports, and a fair snifter of Captain. Great day. Love the island.
Ran these trails with Josh in July, beauty trails mostly singletrack, hard to figure out where you are but we managed to more or less run the 7k loop. Bit of sun peakin through, felt good!
Off to Courtenay serious coffee for a bit more work then catch up with Josh and Crystal, before over to the Riva's house for some unreal curry, lots of sports, and a fair snifter of Captain. Great day. Love the island.
Shitshows, Snow, and a Swim
November 16th, 2010
Vancouver's been dumped on with a healthy amount of snow, no way to compare it to the snow-walls of Hokkaido, but enough to turn the roads into an official 'idiots on ice' competition. I started to drive to work then once getting logjammed I cut back and headed home to work there instead, 1 hr driving to get back where I started! Traffic absolutely crushes my soul, stuck and taking 30 minutes to cover a distance that should take 7, I was rocking my head back and forth like a captive polar bear.
Worked from home for the morning, put the 'cross tires on my jake, then souped up the caad9-4 for a ride in to work, no driving for this cowboy. Rode the long way, deer lake, Burnaby lake, lougheed, rochester. Almost got clipped by a redneck in a pickup. Instead of 10k it took 16k, but more fun.
Worked/printed for an hour or so then left at 4 since it was getting dark. Rode home the shortest and steepest way, up holmes again. that pitch is insane. Got home in pretty good time, my legs actually feel pretty good on the bike these days, im going to keep up the trainer all winter. Good 26k of riding had me pretty rejuvenated after the morning.
Quick change at home after the ride then off to Bonsor Pool (my favourite pool, Chimo, is closed for 3 weeks of maintenance).
This pool is pretty ghetto. But dead at this time, a pleasant surprise! I did what Coach Heavy told me to do, a few 100m sets pushing hard with only 30s break in between. After the first 3 I could feel my heart pounding.
Did a long 1000m set in the middle which felt pretty good and steady, about 2:30's per 100m.
Midway through lifeguard tells me to go in a large rectangle for the wide middle lane, zero logic to that since there were only 2 people in the entire double lane. She suggested I use the single lane then, I pointed out the girl doing breaststroke barely moving in there and how I'd have to pass her. Not sure she appreciated my words, but I was polite as possible. I think lane etiquette is lacking here.
After the 1000, 30s rest then 3x100 before a 300m cool down. Short hot tub rest for the shoulder, then up to the cardio room to get a run in, which didnt happen, because every guido and chawchie and his dog were there. Canadian gyms are ridiculous, chip n pepper shirts, tap out workout tops, grunting, puffin the chest, makes me miss the comedians at konami. Dont miss seeing the same guys at konami blowdrying their ass* however.
*-true story
Vancouver's been dumped on with a healthy amount of snow, no way to compare it to the snow-walls of Hokkaido, but enough to turn the roads into an official 'idiots on ice' competition. I started to drive to work then once getting logjammed I cut back and headed home to work there instead, 1 hr driving to get back where I started! Traffic absolutely crushes my soul, stuck and taking 30 minutes to cover a distance that should take 7, I was rocking my head back and forth like a captive polar bear.
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| Rare to see snow from my place like this |
Worked from home for the morning, put the 'cross tires on my jake, then souped up the caad9-4 for a ride in to work, no driving for this cowboy. Rode the long way, deer lake, Burnaby lake, lougheed, rochester. Almost got clipped by a redneck in a pickup. Instead of 10k it took 16k, but more fun.
Worked/printed for an hour or so then left at 4 since it was getting dark. Rode home the shortest and steepest way, up holmes again. that pitch is insane. Got home in pretty good time, my legs actually feel pretty good on the bike these days, im going to keep up the trainer all winter. Good 26k of riding had me pretty rejuvenated after the morning.
 |
| Flashback to Sapporo - snow walls banking the sidewalk |
Quick change at home after the ride then off to Bonsor Pool (my favourite pool, Chimo, is closed for 3 weeks of maintenance).
This pool is pretty ghetto. But dead at this time, a pleasant surprise! I did what Coach Heavy told me to do, a few 100m sets pushing hard with only 30s break in between. After the first 3 I could feel my heart pounding.
Did a long 1000m set in the middle which felt pretty good and steady, about 2:30's per 100m.
Midway through lifeguard tells me to go in a large rectangle for the wide middle lane, zero logic to that since there were only 2 people in the entire double lane. She suggested I use the single lane then, I pointed out the girl doing breaststroke barely moving in there and how I'd have to pass her. Not sure she appreciated my words, but I was polite as possible. I think lane etiquette is lacking here.
After the 1000, 30s rest then 3x100 before a 300m cool down. Short hot tub rest for the shoulder, then up to the cardio room to get a run in, which didnt happen, because every guido and chawchie and his dog were there. Canadian gyms are ridiculous, chip n pepper shirts, tap out workout tops, grunting, puffin the chest, makes me miss the comedians at konami. Dont miss seeing the same guys at konami blowdrying their ass* however.
*-true story
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