Happy New Year!

If you are staying in on New Year's Eve (or if not you can record this) and want to see some REAL musicians in action, check this out on WGN on New Year's Eve at 11pm to 1 am (replayed at 1 am).

In Canada it is showing on Rogers on channel 345.

See below:

LIVE FROM DARYL'S HOUSE A NEW YEAR SPECIAL TO AIR ON WGN AMERICA ON NEW YEARS EVE!

On New Year’s Eve, WGN America will air an exclusive broadcast of Live from Daryl’s House, A New Year’s Eve Special, hosted by award-winning singer/songwriter Daryl Hall, founder of the legendary music duo Daryl Hall & John Oates. Live from Daryl’s House, A New Year’s Eve Special, will air on WGN America from 11pm-1am East/8pm-10pm West and will include music from Rob Thomas, Neon Trees, Train, Smokey Robinson, Todd Rundgren and more.

Find WGN in your area here

Happy New Year Everyone!

A crazy 70.3 sprint finish

MultiSport Canada Awards Day

What a cool awards day we had a few weeks ago. Two-time Olympic medalist (gold and silver) was in the house to answer questions, share stories, presented us with our awards and posed for pics. An excellent day! Thanks Simon!

R.I.P. Mark Dailey

If you live in Toronto you've heard these words - "CityTV, Everywhere!"

Well, that great voice is now lost to us because the legendary Mark Dailey died of kidney cancer today at the young age of 57.

I watched his last news broadcast when he said he would be back soon (he beat prostate cancer before), but it was not meant to be. I was saddened and a bit shocked to hear the news an hour ago.

The nightly news will never be the same, and neither will those cool movie intros.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Cancer is such an evil disease. Do what you can to raise money to help bring a cure?

CityTV article

Livestrong

Conquer Cancer

My American Thanksgiving

My body weight is getting out of hand and I better step up the training soon. Until then maybe one more feast to join my American friends.

Visions of my next Triathlon

I'll be busting out these moves at my next triathlon.
And since I'll be on a Tri Bike and on the aerobars, wouldn't that be more impressive?

Goodbye Pat Burns

The last time the Toronto Maple Leafs were good and worth watching and cheering for, Pat Burns was the coach.

I'll never forget those years. The team played with the same passion that Burns exhibited. I had the great fortune of meeting him and during those boom years and he was friendly, courteous, and welcoming. Not like the grizzly, intense, mean looking guy behind the Leaf bench.

Unfortunately, Pat Burns lost his battle with lung cancer today at the age of 58.

Leaf fans will always be thankful, and are thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Pat Burns (April 4, 1952 – November 19, 2010)

Some great articles about Pat.

http://www.thestar.com/article/894172--dimanno-pat-burns-a-man-s-man-with-a-tender-heart

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/11/19/16229576.html

http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101119/mtl_burns_reax_101119/20101119/?hub=MontrealHome

An excellent video. I had my own version yesterday except not in song, just me letting some kids have it - in my own special kind of way.

Enjoy!

Description from YouTube:

On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a drug store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the stores PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry was impressed with the stores leadership role in adopting the Legions two minutes of silence initiative. He felt that the stores contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the two minutes of silence to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the stores clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, A Pittance of Time. Terry later recorded A Pittance of Time and included it on his full-length music CD, The Power of the Dream.

Thank You to the Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch #10 and Woodbine Height Branch #2 for their participation in the Video.

Please visit www.terry-kelly.com

Lest We Forget

The Great Haile Retires

Track and Field Videos on Flotrack

2 Videos for my Triathlete Pals

Check out these 2 great videos that address Triathletes swimming at Masters Swim Clubs.

Holy cr.......Chrissy

This guy should be on Dancing with the Stars

The folks at Challenge Roth posted today that they will not have a warm up swim prior to the race. Instead they will have everyone do this warm up dance.
It looks fun! 2000 plus people doing this will be interesting.

Macca talks about his big win

Great video of one of my Fave Athletes winning again

Missing post from MySportShooter last Monday (Oct. 4)

This wasn't posted on MySportshooter last week and I didn't want it going to waste so here it is.

Roger’s World – Monday October 4, 2010
Short and sweet

This is going to be one of those nutty weeks for me so I’ve got to make this a quick one.

Moments after writing this, I’ve got to pack for a 3 day overnight trip to Muskoka where I have to pleasure of supervising a large group of Grade 9’s. I’ll need a vacation after that.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Ironman World Championships take place this coming Saturday, so I’ll be busy prepping and reporting for my favourite sporting event of the year. You can read my pre-race and post-race articles here at Triathlon Magazine Canada’s website.

Finally, my Run For the Toad 50 km a few days ago didn’t go quite as planned. I pulled the plug after 30 km when the trails got so muddy from the cold rains that wouldn’t stop. I was just slipping and sliding all over the place. I could no longer run a good portion of the course (took me 23 minutes to go 2 km at one point) so I spared my wife and myself the agony of spending another 4+ hrs in the cold and called it a day. Sometimes you have to pick your battles and this time run/walking/sliding another 20 km to finish 50 km was not worth it to me. The Run for the Toad folks put on an incredible race though and I am sure I’ll be back.

Be safe and happy training,
Roger

Macca pre-Kona 2010

Get a Retul Fit

I got a Retul Bike Fit back in June (Tri and Road bike), and by far it was the best bike fit I've ever had.

I am riding faster and totally comfy. This means I can stay aero all day!

Where to go?

Ian MacLean at IMFIT.ca

I've had regular bike fits with Ian in the past and but once he added Retul to his services I had to give it a try to see what it was all about. It truly takes bike fitting to a new level.

You can throw down big money on any bike but if it doesn't fit it wont make a difference - but you sure will look nice as your fellow racers pass you by in comfort or later in the run.

Seriously, a bike fit is the first thing you should get done. I suggest to consult with Ian first, he can get your measurements and suggest what bike to get, and then return to get the full fit. It is money well spent and you will not regret it.

Check out IMFIT.ca and the video below which shows some "average" guy getting a Retul fit - not with Ian though. But you will get the idea.

Simon x 2

Thanks to Nike kicking off their efforts to step up the promotion of running at the high school crosscountry and track level, I got a chance to attend a really cool XC Coaching Clinic last night.

Simon Bairu (Canadian National XC champion -- running the New York Marathon in 6 weeks) and his coach Jerry Schumacher spoke to us, and it was hosted by a special surprise guest - Simon Whitfield.

Check out this clip.

Climbing Carnage - enjoy!

Big Bang!

Our whole universe was in a hot dense state,
Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started. Wait...
The Earth began to cool,
The autotrophs began to drool,
Neanderthals developed tools,
We built a wall (we built the pyramids),
Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries,
That all started with the big bang!

"Since the dawn of man" is really not that long,
As every galaxy was formed in less time than it takes to sing this song.
A fraction of a second and the elements were made.
The bipeds stood up straight,
The dinosaurs all met their fate,
They tried to leap but they were late
And they all died (they froze their asses off)
The oceans and pangea
See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya
Set in motion by the same big bang!

It all started with the big BANG!

The new season starts tomorrow. Can't wait!

How chains are made?

A really cool look at how bike chains are made.

3 Flats....but IM #17 in the books

I was on my way to a 11:30ish Irondistance finish on Saturday but the 3 flat tires put an end to any thoughts of that goal time. I considered bailing but glad that I didn't. I think if you quit a race once (when you are physically able to continue) then it becomes easier to do so the next time. I don't want to start down that road.

Anyway, here's a brief report on my day.

Canadian Iron 226 - Ottawa (Sept. 4, 2010)

Swim - great for me 1:18:46. My right shoulder was messed up, and slowly made it's way back into its socket throughout the bike ride.

T1 - 8:00. Took wetsuit off at the beach, and made the long run to transition. Chilly conditions meant a bit more time in T1 to put on more gear.

Bike - On pace for 5:30-5:35, then had 3 flats (maybe if I carry less spares I'll have less flats? Hmm) - dreams of a PB was over. Rode the last tire on less than 20 psi (i checked later) for 11 km). Serious gale force winds almost blown off my bike at least half a dozen times. Suggestion to race organizers - mark the potholes! I snapped a piece of my aerobar off in addition to getting flat #1. I was not the only one as there were quite a few bottles at the side of the road at that spot. I really don't know how my wheels or fork didn't crack or how I avoided an "endo". That was not the only hole in the road either. Bike completed in 6:26:34. Below is a picture of me riding to the aid station on flat tire #1 (rear) hoping they had a real pump.



T2 - I looked at the time, and calculated that I could still bang out a better than 12:30 finish - even with my injured hamstring which was feeling quite decent. However, such an effort would have beaten me up for a finish time that would have meant not too much. So while my goal time was out of reach, I decided to wait for my buddy Ace and be his personal pace bunny to get him a PB - whether he liked it or not.

I chatted with Allan Chud (won his age group for the Iron 113) and Cindy Lewis (8th overall woman at Ironman Louisville last week) of Absolute Endurance for a while, then changed out in the open. Yes, public nudity! The change tents were blown apart with the crazy winds. Ace came in, I waited for him to change, then we headed out. I spent 19 minutes and 6 seconds in T2. Yeah baby!

Run - 5:35:35. Basically, I served as the "no walking" police, rather than a pacer. I'd allow walking through aid stations or to let heart rates to come down but that was it. The first 15-18 km was a struggle but once over that hurdle Ace was a machine. He got stronger and this is the way to do an Ironman run.



In the end, Ace ran a PB, and beat his previous Ironman time by over 90 minutes! That made my day and I'll always remember it. Especially when we approached the finish line and he refused to cross the line ahead of me. Being the classy guy that his is he said, "Either we finish together or you finish ahead of me." We were at a standstill a few metres from the finish and I am sure the spectators were wondering what was going on. Since he would not move an inch, I grabbed his arm and we crossed the line together. I am so glad I didn't quit because I would have missed this incredible experience and a memory to have for a lifetime. Ace - you rocked it today my friend. Prem - congrats on your finish too buddy.



Final time - 13:48:00

Final thoughts - Brutal conditions today. Many will say this is an "easy" course but I say no Ironman distance race is easy. You still have to cover the distance. Sure the potential for fast times is great with a flat course but this means you are pedaling the whole time, there is no time for rest or coasting down hills. This will take its toll during the run. In my experience these flat course also tend to have a lot wind (ie: today in Ottawa, last year too but not as bad as today, and at Ironman Arizona). A race course is as hard as you want to make it. Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other - sorry I could not resist the Jerry Springer reference.

PS: Major thanks to the best in-laws a guy can have. I truly hit the jackpot in that department. D & L - thanks for making the trip, and enduring the windy and chilly weather a little longer than expected. And I really didn't need a jacket out on the run, it was cold but we so called athletes don't feel the chill until we stop moving. Thanks for the concern though. BB - as usual you rule too!

See you at Lakeside or if you need a 2:15 (10 and 1) pace bunny at the Scotia Half, make sure to search me out.

Oh, and if you think my KFC thing is a joke, check out what I had for dinner last night.




Happy training and racing.
H

My favourite commerical

Review - Mizuno Nirvana 6 & Elixir 5

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 6 & Elixir 5 Review

Just Great Stuff

Kurt Kinetic Trainers - Best one I've tried

I got my hands on one and it is the best trainer I've ever used (besides the Computrainer but that is more than 4x the price). And their lifetime warranty is no joke either. I had an issue and got a replacement resistance unit within a week. Now you can see what is going on inside the unit.

Toronto Island Showdown

Not really, but we did run the first 10 minutes together.
Check out what happened here.

http://mysportsshooter.com/rogers-world/fantastic-%E2%80%93-part-2

A Real Family!

Read this:

A Real Family!

Heavy Rain on Mysportshooter

My post on Mysportshooter.com - Heavy Rain.

One more season of Friday Night Lights

Dexter - A definitive end?

A bit of info for fans of the show Dexter.

Jimmy and Drake - enjoy!

IMLP - 12:56

A full race report is upcoming but until then here is a quickie IMLP race report.


Swim – 1:22:04
Over 2600 people in the water, I got beat up, I did some beating up, did not swim in a straight line, my right shoulder popped but my full wetsuit helped keep it in and functional.

T1 – 10:47
Spent way too much time here. Cycling top zipper stuck. Got nice and lubed.

Bike – 6:46:47
Back did not hurt at all. Rode very easy. Avg hr 140's.

T2 – 8:19
Did a complete gear change. Lubed from top to bottom

Run – 4:28:11
Again, kept it totally in the 150-155 range. All manageable aerobic pace. Best run at an Ironman.

Final time – 12:56:08. Best at IMLP. Great note to end on.

The full report is here.
RH

TDF Stage 20 - July 25

The 2010 TDF comes to an end. Good luck to all at Ironman Lake Placid too.

TDF Stage 19 - July 24

A 52 km Individual TT. I love it. No one can hide here.

TDF Stage 18 - July 23

TDF Stage 17 - July 22

There is the second rest day today (July 21), then back to the action tomorrow. It's crunch time.

TDF Stage 16 - July 20

Contador explains himself for today

TDF Stage 15 - July 19

How crazy is this?

Chrissie Wellington is a legend. 8:19 at Roth yesterday. Wow!


http://triathlonmagazine.ca/2010/07/sections/news/new-world-record-at-challenge-roth/

TDF Stage 14 - July 18

TDF Stage 13 - July 17

TDF Stage 12 - July 16

TDF Stage 11 - July 15

TDF Stage 10 - July 14

TDF Stage 9 - July 13

Rest Day today (July 12). Stage 9 Resumes tomorrow.

Armstrong says he is done

After he struggled today and had his butt handed to him, Lance Armstrong says his Tour de France is "over."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CYC_TOUR_DE_FRANCE?SITE=FLROC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

TDF Stage 8 - July 11

TDF Stage 7 - July 10

TDF Stage 6 - July 9

TDF Stage 5 - July 8

TDF Stage 4 - July 7

I need this

TDF Stage 3 - July 6

TDF Stage 2 - July 5

TDF Stage 1 - July 4

Tour de France Prologue Map

The Tour de France begins tomorrow morning. Here is the map of the Prologue - 8.96 km TT
I'll be logging some serious TV time over the next month.






Course Summary
Course Distance Start Time
Prologue - (8.9 km) 6.0 Sat,
Stage 1 - Rotterdam to Bruxelles (223.5 km) 140.0 Sun,
Stage 2 - Bruxelles to Spa (201 km) 123.0 Mon,
Stage 3 - Wanze to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut (213 km) 132.0 Tue,
Stage 4 - Cambrais to Reims (153.5 km) 94.0 Wed,
Stage 5 - Epernay to Montargis (187.5 km) 115.0 Thu,
Stage 6 - Montargis to Gueugnon ( 227.5 km) 144.0 Fri,
Stage 7 - Tournus to Station des Rousses (165.5 km) 103.0 Sat,
Stage 8 - Station des Rousses to Morzine-Avoriaz (189 km) 117.0 Sun,
Stage 9 - Morzine-Avoriaz to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (204.5 km) 130.0 Tue,
Stage 10 - Chambery to Gap (174 km) 115.0 Wed,
Stage 11 - Sisteron to Bourg-les-Valence (184 km) 122.0 Thu,
Stage 12 - Bourg de Peage to Mende (210.5 km) 127.0 Fri,
Stage 13 - Rodez to Revel (196 km) 126.0 Sat,
Stage 14 - Revel to Ax 3 Domaines (184.5 km) 109.0 Sun,
Stage 15 - Pamiers to Bagneres de Luchon (187 km) 116.0 Mon,
Stage 16 - Bagneres de Luchon to Pau (199.5 km) 124.0 Tue,
Stage 17 - Pau to Cul du Tourmalet (174 km) 108.0 Thu,
Stage 18 - Salies de Bearn to Bordeaux (198 km) 122.0 Fri,
Stage 19 - Bordeaux to Pauillac (52 km) 32.0 Sat,
Stage 20 - Longjumeau to Paris Champs-Elysees (102.5 km) 46.0 Sun,

These stages have the following profiles:

1 prologue
9 flat stages
6 mountain stages and 3 summit finishes
4 medium mountain stages
1 individual time-trial stage (51 km)

Distinctive aspects of the race:

le Tourmalet climbed twice
a hint of the Classics and cobblestones
2 rest days
23 level 1, level 2 and highest level mountain passes

11 new stage towns:

Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, Bourg-de-Péage, Bourg-lès-Valence, Gueugnon, Longjumeau, Pamiers, Pauillac, Sisteron, Station des Rousses, Tournus, Wanze (Belgium)

Here or here

Two slightly different posts about my two thirds of a decent race at Welland this past weekend.

Not a great race by any means but it sure gave me an indication on what I need to work on.

http://www.teamrunningfree.com/blog/2010/06/28/welland-half-iron-heat-1-me-0/

http://mysportsshooter.com/rogers-world/you-can%E2%80%99t-always-get-what-you-want

Me on Infinit

Me talking to Darcy of Infinit Nutrition at MultiSport Canada's Woodstock race.
If you find it goofy (it is), I never claimed to be a TV spokesman.
No, they don't give me free Infinit, although they should.
Enjoy or be repulsed.

http://www.infinitloop.com/2010/06/multisport-canada-race-report-woodstock.html

The Greatest Duo of All Time

Also check out this. Awesome Stuff. This is REAL music.

http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/index.php?page=ep31

Binbrook Race Report

Race: Binbrook Duathlon

Date: Sunday June 13, 2010.

Location: Binbrook Conservation Area - Hamilton, Ontario

Description: Duathlon (4.5 km run, 28 km bike, 4.5 km run)

Website: www.msctriathlon.com

After last weekend’s races and it’s resulting effect on my left soleus, the plan for today’s race was simple; run easy (keep the pace no faster than 5:00/km—running faster seems to generate mysterious injuries – I’ll save those efforts for ‘A’ races) and bike hard.

This race also marked for the first time in three years that I did not do both the Duathlon and the GT 12.9 race right after. I remember the pain of that 2nd race and I certainly did not miss it.

Binbrook Duathlon - Run 4.5km, Bike 28 Km, Run 4.6 Km

14th overall in 1:36:22. 4th M 40-44

1st run – 23:41

I love this run course because of the mixed terrain, but the rain made things a soggy mess. As I stated in the preamble, I just wanted to run easy. So I ran steady and enjoyed the course, puddles and all. I realized that there were a ton of fast runners; I would have my work cut out to catch them on the bike.

T1: 46 seconds. The fastest of the race – I will gladly take free speed.

Bike – 48:11 / 33.6 km/hr (6th best)

Having had an easier run, I hopped on the bike ready to give it my all. And despite a few moments of slacking, I simply hammered it out and tried to pass everyone in front of me, because I had no intention of running hard for the final 4.5 km. I was very happy with my bike ride. Just one fast triathlete (David Bedrosian) passed me. I averaged 215 watts – for this relatively flat course. Note: that the course was actually 28 km (not 27 as the results say) so everyone’s average speed is faster.

T2: 33 seconds. The fastest once again. It also means I get to run slower.

2nd run – 23:14

Again, I just set out to run steady and not destroy myself – I can’t afford to be super sore or injured since I’ve got many long workouts scheduled in the upcoming week. I fully expected to be passed by a bunch of people. All felt great until 1.5 km to go. I completely rolled my right ankle and heard a snap – I think it was from the gravel though; even the guy behind me heard it and was concerned. Aside from the initial trauma and immediate slowing of my pace, all felt good. There was no pain, so I soon got back up to the pace I had before and kept plugging away. Carlos Batista (a regular face in this series and a great guy) pulled up alongside and we had a nice chat for the final 1km. He joked about battling it out in a sprint finish but I said no thanks. And while I think I might have scared Carlos into thinking I might sprint by him, I had no intention (he is not in my age group) and just crossed the line comfortably, one second behind him.

After the race, I did a 45-minute cooldown run, and the ankle felt fine. However, as I write this (the day after the race), my right ankle is swollen and is in pain, and so is my right soleus. My left side is totally fine. This stuff never ends, I love getting older. At least I was able to be the fastest at something……transitions.

MultiSport Canada put on another great race in spite of the challenging conditions, and the Race to Conquer Cancer bike route making its way through the bike course. Kent “swim cap” Parkinson did another excellent job as race announcer.

Jordan Rapp talks about his accident

Nutrition review

Nutrition Review by me.

I tried it all. Still burning off those calories.
Enjoy.

MSC Radio

Powered by Podbean.com

My latest work

I am still busy as always on the writing front.

My latest work:

http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/florida70.3/roger-hospedales-reports-on-the-day-of-racing-in-orlando

http://mysportsshooter.com/main-posts/books-music-and-bikes

And of course the daily news at: http://triathlonmagazine.ca/

Watch what you eat, you don't want to have stomach issues like I've been having most of the day.

Have a great week!

Oh My Dog & Regis & Kelly

I got the book "Oh My Dog" this week and it is an excellent resource for dog owners.

It consolidates a ton of information about dogs in a concise package.

There is lots of great information about proper foods, the importance of brushing teeth, etc.

The author, Beth Ostrosky, was on Regis and Kelly yesterday to promote the book and this funny incident occurred.

Look 496 Info Video

Look 496 Hmmm

I love this bike. Very sweet indeed.

Whataburger

I love this place - Whataburger.

Fast food done right. Fresh, tasty, relatively cheap. Monster sized drinks too.

I had it 3 days in a row (single burger combo one day, double burger combos on the other days). I can't wait to get back to Texas.

My Sports Shoooter

Sorry for the lack of update for a while. Way too busy with my day job, other writing gigs, and of course trying to fit in some training in there.

But I did warn you a few months ago about this, and that I have a weekly blog here:


http://mysportsshooter.com/category/rogers-world

Not found on that blog is that I've signed up for the Run for the Toad 50 km race. I've always wanted to do this event - one of the best out there and is sold out every year. Will I have enough energy and motivation at that late part of the year (October)?? I will have just completed an Ironman, a few shorter races, and paced the the Scotia Half so we shall see. A 50 km trail run will surely be challenging. The drive back home and going to work the next day should be fun too.

Til next time.
H

Simple But Informative Aero Positioning Video

Running Free: Ajax location Grand Opening - April 10

Pay a visit, win some stuff, save some money, meet great people.

Click on this to find out more.


Don't forget about the Team Running Free Kick Off Party at the Hard Rock Cafe.



Register here. It is only $15.

Nutrition Advice for those who go long

Listen to this interview.
It gives long distance athletes some food for thought in regards to nutrition.

http://competitorradio.competitor.com/2010/03/asker-jeukendrup/

Here's some help for the mechanically challenged

The Story of Bottled Water

Consider running this 5km Race on September 12th

www.fergusonrun.org

I love this!

This video is awesome!
Thanks to Simon's Blog for this one.
To Simon - Congrats on the newborn.
Enjoy all!

The Aging Athlete from Andrew Mac on Vimeo.

R.I.P. Tom "T-Bone" Wolk

A splendid musician died a few days ago.

He played with one of my favourite artists (Hall & Oates) for 30 years, and he was brilliant.

Hall & Oates were supposed to perform tonight on Jimmy Fallon (with Wolk) but for obvious reasons they will not.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of T-Bone's family and friends.

Bob Babbit with Alexander & Lieto

I listen to Babbit and Huddle's Competitor Radio Podcast and Babbit does another great job here. Enjoy!

PART 1


PART 2


PART 3


PART 4


PART 5

Canada & the USA

Vancouver 2010 Medal Standings

This guy rules!

Do him a solid and visit his website to leave a message of appreciation.

Lance TT Position

Lance Armstrong Rides -- powered by

Lance TT Position

Lance Armstrong Rides -- powered by

Doggie Inspiration

This is not my own unique content by any means, if fact, most of you might have seen this via the email "pass it on to a friend" train. However, I absolutely love this story. I remember seeing this dog on some talk show for a few minutes and it was quite cool. Enjoy!

This is 'Faith'

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002.

He was born with 3 legs - 2 healthy hind legs and 1 abnormal front leg which had to be amputated.

He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him.



His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'.

But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him. She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself.

She named him 'Faith'.



In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement. Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around. Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk..

Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward. After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.



Faith loves to walk around now. No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him. He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows. There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.

His present owner Jude Stringfellow has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul'.















In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life from another direction.

I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day. Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

I am not lazy

Really, I'm not!

As I stated many months ago, my activity on this blog will be reduced since you will be able to find my thoughts and other writing work elsewhere. I will be my best to post stuff here weekly but no guarantees.

You will find my work here:

Daily

http://triathlonmagazine.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Triathlon-Magazine-Canada/461928425103?ref=ts


Weekly

http://mysportsshooter.com/


And of course here as things pop up (race reports, product reviews, forum)

http://www.teamrunningfree.com/

Thanks for following, please continue to do so, and feel free to drop me an email at any time or inquire about coaching services. If I can't help you I will certainly refer you to someone who can.

Great Athlete Interviews & Insight - Part 1

Running Free Haiti Fundraiser

This is just a reminder that the Training for Solidarity happens TOMORROW.

Visit here fore more details.

I will be a 5:30/km pacer. The chill in the air might make me go faster.


By the way, make sure to see Race Across the Sky. There is one more showing in the Toronto and surrounding area. It reminds me of another great film.

WIcked Cycling Insight

http://www.versus.com/shows/winning-with-johan/

I couldn't embed the videos but check out this site for some cool behind the scenes look at pro tour cycling with the guru Johan Bruyneel.

A Great Way to Help Haiti

Click on the banner above for more details.

Haiti needs us now more then ever...

On Saturday, January 16th, 2010 a Canadian team of volunteers was to hold the second annual Marathon de la Soliderite road race in Haiti. This unique project was to bring a day of celebration to Cap Haitians in an effort to bolster community pride and awareness back home on the plight of the Haiti people. Hours before our team was to descend on Cap Haitian, the earthquake hit. Communications were spotty at first and we were asked to continue with our journey. As the news worsened we decided we would not fly in. We thought we would only deplete the limited resources available to Haitians by being there. Now is the time when international emergence forces are needed most to deliver immediate needs. Our team has decided to push forward with our long term sustainability projects because now more then ever Haiti needs our help.

Running Free and Runners Den, two independent southern Ontario running shops have decided to unite for our Haitian neighbours. On Saturday, January 30th we both will be holding simultaneous events in Toronto and Hamilton in an effort to raise funds for long term projects in Haiti. We are naming the event after what was to have been the Marathon de la Soliderite. HAITI – TRAINING FOR SOLIDARITY will be a day the running community to come together for an up to 20km training run in support of our friends in Haiti. This will be a “pay what you can” event. Running Free and Runners Den will provide the venue, commemorative bib’s, food and support on the course. Pace bunnies will be available to guide 10- 20km training runs at paces from 4:30/km up to 6:00/km. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a paced training run and support this very worth while cause. Let show our neighbours to the south we are thinking of them in this time of need.

All donors will receive a commemorative bib #, sponsor goodies, coffee, refreshments and snacks. This is a “pay what you can” event. Donations can also be made by calling our Running Free Markham location at 905.477.7871.

Toronto Event
Saturday January 30, 2010 – 9:00am registration
# Palais Royal
# 1601 Lake Shore Boulevard West
# Toronto, Ontario, M6K 3C1
# www.palaisroyale.ca
(The Palais Royal has graciously donated their beautiful facility for this event without hesitation - We thank them for this incredibly honourable gesture)

Training run will take place on Toronto’s waterfront trail. Please email Nick Capra at missionhaiti@runningfree.com for more information.

Hamilton Event
Saturday January 30, 2010 – 9:00am registration
# Westdale High School (Main & Longwood)