Saw the film Invictus earlier today. It is another excellent Clint Eastwood flim, and some great performances were turned in by Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. It made me appreciate Nelson Mandela a whole lot more. It gives a great glimpse into what was going on in South Africa during that time, and from an interesting perspective (rugby).
Make sure to see it.
This poem played a role in providing inspiration in the film, and sections of it are quoted several times. I've included it below.
I think I will consult it from time to time for extra motivation.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Fictional/Real Race Report
A funny look at a race report. It is scary how truthful it is though. Take note some of you. Race wheels and other items are not the answer to solve all problems. Work on the engine first then add the extra frills if you can afford them.
I don't want to give away all my secrets but for the cost of $0.00, you can practice your transitions and save a chunk of time -- likely more than you would with race wheels, aero helmet, etc. Race wheels are nice but per dollar spent, not the best value. Remember, work that engine first.
So just do the training, and have no excuses. Go hard or go home!
Enjoy!
I don't want to give away all my secrets but for the cost of $0.00, you can practice your transitions and save a chunk of time -- likely more than you would with race wheels, aero helmet, etc. Race wheels are nice but per dollar spent, not the best value. Remember, work that engine first.
So just do the training, and have no excuses. Go hard or go home!
Enjoy!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
2010 Training has begun
Last week, Ian at IMFIT.ca ran me through my start-up bike and bike fitness assessments. The numbers were fairly decent given I had used Sept-Nov. to gain weight, enjoy food and drink, and rarely engage in activities that resemble exercise. My VO2 max numbers were not outstanding (affected by increased body weight), but my aerobic base was good - pretty close to my best ever test numbers in May of 2008 (just days before my Achilles tendon rupture).
So with my training zones determined, on Monday, I officially started training for the 2010 season. I will be working with Ian this season, a relationship that goes back to 2005, but I took last year off took take a more relaxed approach to training.
OK! Relaxed meant taking it fairly easy and pain free - something I wanted to do as I returned from my Achilles surgery and subsequent recovery.
I knew things would be different this time around and in this first week, I can tell you that there are no wasted minutes in my training. It is so important to have the proper zones and thanks to my good aerobic base , my zones are making me work hard. For example, a zone 2 aerobic run for me would be 150-160. There is no coasting going on here.
So I am a bit sore right now and I haven't felt this since after my last race in mid-September. Training with a purpose and some kind of intensity will do that. I will also start back on Acid Zapper in a few weeks to test once again how the body feels. I regularly used it for 3 months and it worked well. I will confirm those finding again soon to see if I feel less soreness and if I experience performance improvements like increased bike wattage.
I still intend on posting here at least once each week - not promises though - but you are guaranteed to catch a weekly blog post here: http://mysportsshooter.com/category/rogers-world
Until next time
Happy training!
H
And there's more.....
A few hours after posting the above entry, I found this funny but real cause created by Ben Stiller. Check it out. Brilliant stuff.
So with my training zones determined, on Monday, I officially started training for the 2010 season. I will be working with Ian this season, a relationship that goes back to 2005, but I took last year off took take a more relaxed approach to training.
OK! Relaxed meant taking it fairly easy and pain free - something I wanted to do as I returned from my Achilles surgery and subsequent recovery.
I knew things would be different this time around and in this first week, I can tell you that there are no wasted minutes in my training. It is so important to have the proper zones and thanks to my good aerobic base , my zones are making me work hard. For example, a zone 2 aerobic run for me would be 150-160. There is no coasting going on here.
So I am a bit sore right now and I haven't felt this since after my last race in mid-September. Training with a purpose and some kind of intensity will do that. I will also start back on Acid Zapper in a few weeks to test once again how the body feels. I regularly used it for 3 months and it worked well. I will confirm those finding again soon to see if I feel less soreness and if I experience performance improvements like increased bike wattage.
I still intend on posting here at least once each week - not promises though - but you are guaranteed to catch a weekly blog post here: http://mysportsshooter.com/category/rogers-world
Until next time
Happy training!
H
And there's more.....
A few hours after posting the above entry, I found this funny but real cause created by Ben Stiller. Check it out. Brilliant stuff.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Nicely Done!
Just a few congratulations to send out.
At the Philly Marathon today, a buddy of mine rocked a 3:09:13. Another Boston appearance for 2011. Way to go Jason! Now only if you had some Beer Mile skills. Honourable mentions to others in the entourage (Ed-3:29, Willen-3:49, Gibson-4:21, Alison-2:02)-- hope I didn't miss anyone.
Also, Sam McGlone served notice today that she is not done and is still a threat to win any Ironman (despite her Achilles woes--I know all about that). Sam won Ironman Arizona a little while ago, setting the course record, even though she walked through the finish chute to soak up the glory of a great comeback win. Jordan Rapp won the men's event.
At the Philly Marathon today, a buddy of mine rocked a 3:09:13. Another Boston appearance for 2011. Way to go Jason! Now only if you had some Beer Mile skills. Honourable mentions to others in the entourage (Ed-3:29, Willen-3:49, Gibson-4:21, Alison-2:02)-- hope I didn't miss anyone.
Also, Sam McGlone served notice today that she is not done and is still a threat to win any Ironman (despite her Achilles woes--I know all about that). Sam won Ironman Arizona a little while ago, setting the course record, even though she walked through the finish chute to soak up the glory of a great comeback win. Jordan Rapp won the men's event.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Lest We Forget
I love Canada and tomorrow is an especially special day to remember all of those who have sacrificed to make this country as great as it is.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Why I wont race Ironman Florida
I wanted to do this race so much when it first got going (flat and fast is my thing). Then I heard about the crazy drafting, and saw tons of videos on YouTube that showed the blatant cheating peletons. Here is a video taken from a helmet cam from this past weekend's IMFLA.
I honestly have zero desire to do this race (but I hope that changes one day) because if I did it, I think my result might be tarnished since people will wonder if I drafted too. This has nothing to do with the WTC and race organizers, just the athletes that cheat. And it sure looks like a ton of them. Regardless of how many athletes are on the course, you still need to get out of the draft zone. This does not appear to be happening. But I do admit that maybe organizers should look into wave starts to spread things out.
I will stick to a true and honest Ironman test (even though it kicks my butt every year), Ironman Lake Placid. I dare these drafters to pull off the same bike split at IMLP.
Congratulations to a bunch of my fellow swim club pals (Clare, Karen, Kristin, Ed, Dan..I think that is it?) that raced and finished their first Ironman race. I know you are not the type to draft so this whole rant was not directed at you. I sure hope you were not affected by the cheaters and still enjoyed your day and accomplishment.
See you at the pool.
I honestly have zero desire to do this race (but I hope that changes one day) because if I did it, I think my result might be tarnished since people will wonder if I drafted too. This has nothing to do with the WTC and race organizers, just the athletes that cheat. And it sure looks like a ton of them. Regardless of how many athletes are on the course, you still need to get out of the draft zone. This does not appear to be happening. But I do admit that maybe organizers should look into wave starts to spread things out.
I will stick to a true and honest Ironman test (even though it kicks my butt every year), Ironman Lake Placid. I dare these drafters to pull off the same bike split at IMLP.
Congratulations to a bunch of my fellow swim club pals (Clare, Karen, Kristin, Ed, Dan..I think that is it?) that raced and finished their first Ironman race. I know you are not the type to draft so this whole rant was not directed at you. I sure hope you were not affected by the cheaters and still enjoyed your day and accomplishment.
See you at the pool.
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