10 Things that make me happy

In no particuliar order...

1. My wife's happiness
2. My dogs
   
3. When my friends have "break-through" moments
4. My Parents happiness
5. EDO's (earned days off)
6. Training/Training scheduling and incorporating new workouts/training philosophies
7. Gaming with my pals on Xbox
   
8. Mel's vegetarian stir-fry
9. The taste of the first pint of beer after a really good sweat
10. The first few moments after the gun goes off...I reflect on the hard work and sacrifices it took to get here. I always say to myself: "Enjoy your day out there!"
    

Badness

So Mel and I bought a deep fryer yesterday while shopping at the Superstore for weekly groceries. Prior to that, we hadn't owned one since we were both back on Neptune Rd in St. John's, NL during our university years. I believe I was in my last year of the B.Comm program at MUN and Mel was finished her degree and working with the Royal Bank downtown. Gosh, that seems like sunch a long time ago...1998. Sorry, I am digressing.

Back to the  deep-fryer...one of the treats we like to make is homemade poutine. French-fries baked in the oven are just not as good as ones in the oven. That is why we stopped buying french-fries altogether. In addition, since Mel became a Vegetarian I have cut down on the volume, and some types of meat, I eat. She does most of the cooking so it was only a logical progression. I don't think I don't know if I'll ever cut it out completely but won't rule out the possibility.

I find when I do (want) to eat meat, it has to be prepared a few specific way. Long gone are the days of fried steaks in the ole frying pan (sorry Mom!)...no, it has to be BBQ'd - and only BBQ'd. And it has to have minimal "marbleness" in it. Pork is out - I don't really like the taste anymore. I eat only turkey bacon now.

Once every blue moon, and this brings us me back to the deep fryer, I get a bad hankering for chicken wings once in a while. About 4-6 times a year to be exact. Baked chicken wings are not the same as deep fried ones.

So there you have it, we I bought deep fryer to cook poutine and chicken wings when I am craving badness.

In training news...I managed to catch up on some sleep mid week...doubled up runs for the past several days...tweaked my knee last night during my trainer ride...missing, yet again, another bike class with Keith, Katie, Chris n Jill. I'll take a few days off to settle it down and hopefully it doesn't stick around for 2 months like the last time.

That is about it for now, I can smell my coffee brewing downstairs so that is my cue!

Happy Sunday!

Two piss holes in the snow

I was told by a few co-workers...OK, several co-workers, that I look tired, brooding, and have dark circles under my eyes yesterday...ahaha...so much for trying to hide it. Thank the triathlon gods I slept solidly last night...enough to wake up a little perky this morning to run with a clear head. I have another run coming up a lunch to make up for the one missed yesterday.

This evening we are having a send-off dinner for our bud Katie who is taking a 6 month sabbatical to travel the world...lucky shit. Last I heard she is off to explore/play in New Zealand/Australia/Maui for the next couple of months. Back in Cow Town for a pit stop sometime in the spring before jetting off to some other countries until August I believe. Chris/Jill, Susi, Mel, Keith/Linda/Linda's sister, and KB are meeting at the Highwood here on campus for some fine dining...should be good.

Other then that, just finalizing my race schedule. Sorry to my buds in Sask but I could not get into Frank Dunn. I was not able to reach anyone to confirm registration and I didn't feel comfortable faxing my cc info until I spoke to someone first.

First race of the season will be the March 13 St Paddies 10km. I need to start doing some speed work here soon.

Who am I? And where am I going?

My head has been literally swimming since I got back to work after the holidays. Three big projects going on at once - each with their own challenges and all three are a priority. On top of those, I have my regular daily, weekly, and monthly commitments. By the end of the work day I am exhausted to the point I am falling asleep on the couch by 6:30pm...I normally never-ever nap. Training has been challenging to say the least because if I don't get it down first thing in the morning, or at lunch, the evenings are out. Although, I do manage to scrounge up enough energy to walk the dogs with Mel every evening.

I modified my January goal of running to 31 Runs in 31 days of January. Some days I am so tired I can't be bothered to workout. So after those days of rest, I usually double up with two runs the following day. I am still on track to make my January goal.


With all that being said, I do love my job and the people I work with. I view current situation as challenge and not a setback. This blog is about training and the challenges a typical triathlete experiences along the way. Nothing is ever without it's own obstacles. How you view them will determine whether you succeed or fail.

Happy Tuesday you chlorinated freaks!

Who's a sexy beast?

This morning I picked up my "night guard" from the dentist. I had to wear it for several minutes before my dentist arrived to see if there were any bite issues which would require adjustments. When he rolls in he fires up a big conversation which requires input on my part.

Ah, hello, I have a plastic guard in my mouth and are slurring my words worse than a drunken sailor back on land after a year at sea.

Then I got to thinking, maybe I'll do an audio blog post - record my entry for today and upload it as an MP3 so you all could have a listen on what sexy sounds like?!?

or not...

All jokes aside, I am looking forward to using this $500 piece of plastic to prevent the teeth/jaw soreness I am getting as I have recently started clenching my teeth in my sleep. Is this something we only develop as we get older?

Speaking of getting older, why am I still losing hair in some places but growing it like a chia-pet in others? Like seriously...I'm still balding on my head but my back wants to sprout it's own forest. Every month we discover a new patch. I bet dollars to Tim Horton's donuts, if I let it grow I'd could skip wearing a thermal undershirt in the winter when running...LOL and EWWWW at the same time. Thank the triathlon gods Mel helps to keep me groomed.

Still running, swam a couple of times this week and have a couple of rides planned for my long weekend. I have an EDO tomorrow so it'll be a longish bike/run combo. I am currently working out some shorter swim/bike focuses next month to work towards as mini goals. Near the end of Feb is when I'll start some sort of program to get ready for the Sylvan Lake Half.

This weekend we are sticking close to home to run a few errands...shop around for a second vehicle and pick up some supplies for a few outstanding mini projects around the house. Who knows, maybe there'll be a surprise audio blog post while wearing my new night guard...:)

Happy Thursday peeps, train hard and train happy!

11 Days of Running

So I am on day 11 of running and going strong so far. I did actually miss one day of running but than ran twice the next day to make up for it. Other then some hip tweaks, things feel good overall. Mel and I had our message therapist over yesterday for massages... I cried "Uncle!" several times.

Last season I neglected to do enough quality brick workouts so one of my goals this season is to run at least 30 minutes off my weekly long ride. Eventually, and if time permits, running at least 10 - 15 minutes after every ride. Yesterday's lsd'ish ride was strength-focused (everything I do these days is strength/technique/aerobic focused) involving some seated over-gear/low cadence work followed by some outta the seat sets. Legs were trashed by the end of the ride then it was down into the basement to run the treadmill for 30 minutes. 15 minutes into the run the hunger pains set in...by the end of the run I was absolutely starving. I cannot remember feeling that hungry in my entire life. I took in only water and nuun throughout my workout so that was partly to blame. Thankfully Mel had a homemade veggie stew made and the last of my homemade bread taken out and warmed in the microwave --- HEAVEN!

Saturday we were out in Canmore to do our X-ski lesson at the Nordic Centre. We have a great instructor, just over from Czech, who was super patient with the both of us. This was Mel's first time on ski's but she did really well. Towards the end of the lesson, the instructor wanted to show us how to slow down/stop going down hills. Mel went down HARD during this. It was the second time she fell, in the exact same spot. I felt bad because I know what that feels like. She banged up her wrist pretty badly along with her behind, but like the trooper she is, she got up and brushed herself off. We are already planning another afternoon of skiing together to practice the drills we were given.

Happy Monday to all you Type-A's, B's, & C's

I find it so tempting

...when I stroll into work on a Friday morning, X-large Timmy's 1&1 in hand (take note my friends in case you feel the urge to buy me a coffee some time...) and someone brought in Timbits. As my buddy Chris would say, "I lie down until the urge passes". In my case, I eat them until the urge passes. I'm such a sucker for those little calorie packed balls of sugar.

My 31 days of running is going well so far - other than running everyday I have no set schedule and just go by feel for that day. Completely different way thinking/training than I am use to. However, I'll be ready to start back to some form of structure in February when it is time to buckle down.

My first time back in the pool since Florida was this past Tuesday. The ole shoulders groaned in protest throughout the entire workout and into the next day. I broke out my flippers from retirement and figure I'll just use this month to focus on getting some flexibility in my ankles along with developing a better kick. I really dislike doing kick drills in the pool so I am going to force myself to either really like them or quit swimming altogether. Although the later choice will make completing a triathlon a little difficult. Will have to ponder that one for a bit...

This week is "X-Country Skiing Lessons Take 2". Our first attempt at COP (Canada Olympic Park) was a bust. They called the afternoon before the lesson and canceled on us. Bummer. When I asked for a refund they refused and instead offered a gift card. However, when Mel got involved we we given our money back...I dunno what her secret is.

So on Saturday we are heading off to the Canmore Nordic Centre for lessons on classical skiing. Can't wait. There could be dinner after wards, and maybe a pint or two, somewhere in town!

Sunday morning our massage therapist is dropping by and giving us massages! My hips feel as tight as guitar strings which means I'll be screaming "UNCLE!" on Sunday when Steph gets her fists in there.

Have a great weekend!

2010 - New Year & New Goals

It has been a little while since my last post...probably the longest I've gone without blogging since I started back in 2003. Breaks are good on many levels.

Overall, our holidays were pretty good...time well spent together. However, it did start a little rocky for me as I was sick for the first week. Nauseous for two days straight then some major pains deep inside my back and lack of energy for 4 days after that. I am speculating it was from my H1N1 shot I got on Christmas Eve...tests next week will hopefully confirm it.

I didn't do much training over the break as a result of being sick. Even if I physically capable, mentally I wasn't ready. I needed to eat and drinks copious amounts of alcohol, stay up late, get up hung-over and feeling like shite a couple of times to remind myself of why I don't prescribe to that life-style. I over-indulged myself and severely enjoyed every minute of it!

I don't make New Years Resolutions but rather, set goals for the coming year. My - Our biggest goal for 2010 is organizing a trip to back to Europe. We are still deciding on whether we want to revisit Greece (which we absolutely love) or hit up a few new countries. Right now we are leaning towards the later with a return to Greece on our 10 year wedding anniversary. No dates have been set but it looks like it may be in the later part of August, early September.

In terms of racing, I would really like to run a sub 40 minute 10km. I missed the mark by 3 seconds 3 years ago so I am determined to cross this one off my list this year. As a stepping-stone towards this goal I am laying down a solid foundation of running earlier on in the season. January is 31 Days of Running. Everyday I am running at least 30 minutes. I have broken out each week into a different theme/focus. This week it is all about running cadence.

I have read several articles that say that a 90 cadence (per foot, per minute) is optimal. I haven't really bought into this idea as 90 being the number to shoot for...mainly because I don't think it is efficient for tall runners. Recently I came across a paper in which the author shared my view saying that cadence is about 5-10 less for people 6'3" and taller. Still though, where do these numbers come from? Where is the research to support it?

Anyways, I have been playing around with my running cadence. When I first started out on January first I was around 78 - 79 per foot per minute at an aerobic effort. That felt natural to me. It took some effort to hit 90 per foot and it felt totally felt unnatural and completely inefficient.

To date, I am at 81 - 83 comfortably now although towards the later stages of a longer run, I fall back to 78 - 79. I am not sure if I'll make it to 90 or if it will be natural/efficient for me to do so (I'm 6'2"), but already it feels better to be in the low 80's. Next weeks focus will be ABC's of running.

Happy Tuesday my friends!