Saturday, November 10, 2012
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Apply to Team Running Free
Team Running Free is now accepting applications for the 2013 season.
It is a great Team and concept, and the store owners and staff are top notch as well.
If you have a great attitude, enjoying being active in the community, and want to participate
as a member of Team RF in 2013, DOWNLOAD an APPLICATION FORM (pdf). The deadline for submission is November 30, 2012.
Find out more about the team at www.teamrunningfree.com
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Monday, September 03, 2012
Ironman 19 & 20 in the books
Following my race at the Welland Half Iron Du (rode a decent 2:35 for 90 km but knee issues forced a long shuffle/walk for the half marathon), I stopped all run training and just ran on the weekends at the races. Not ideal Ironman preparation to say the least. It did no favours in the weight loss department either.
Knowing I was not going to set any speed records this season but I still had two Ironman races on the schedule - Ironman Louisville (my 19th) and the intimate Iron 226 (my 20th) in Ottawa - I just wanted to make sure I had enough fitness to get through those with my shoulder feeling worse than ever. Oh yeah, the other part, those races were within 6 days of each other.
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| Race week preparation for Ironman Louisville. Seriously. |
Anyway, the plan was to enjoy the Ironman Louisville experience with my family and treat is as a long training day for the second one. And that I truly did. I loved Louisville. The people are great. So welcoming and friendly - to the regular people on the street to those working in the restaurants, hotels, and stores. Very refreshing. The race itself? Very enjoyable too.
The swim is not as bad a many make it out to be. I was one of the last people to jump into the water (a time trial start - I was not going to line up, I sat and relaxed as the line went down) and started 40 minutes behind everyone else. The water did discolour my swim suit but I didn't get sick and didn't hear of any others. A straight forward swim that is easy to navigate. I had a record worst swim of 1:55 but that was due to my shoulder dislocating. So I basically did one arm swimming with my left for 3+ km. Took a long T1 to get help and get it back in somewhat.
I really enjoyed the bike course. It had lots of everything. Flats, and lots of ups and downs. One of the best I've ever ridden. The heat beat down a lots of people though. I've never seen so many people laying at the side of the road trying to recover or waiting for help. I could feel my back roasting but a quick shower of water from my bottle took care of that.
The run was brutally hot but made better by the fact I got to plant a kiss on my one year one daughter at the start of the run. The run takes you through the heart of downtown and out to old Louisville and past Churchill Downs. Nothing special here except for the finish line in Louisville's downtown 4th Street Live area. I've never experienced anything that loud and packed. One of the best finish lines on the Ironman circuit for sure. I calculated to the minute what I had to do to finish in time and just strolled it in to save my "running legs" for the following week. Ironman 19 was completed. Aside from the heat, Ironman Louisville is a great race. The race organization is top notch, the volunteers are stellar, and it is a great place to visit. The race swag is sweet too.
All that time in the car driving back home from Louisville didn't help leg recovery but one day before driving to Ottawa, I got some ART and massage treatment from Brian Bennett of Balanced Living and got my right shoulder and legs feeling great. However, my wonky shoulder randomly decided to slowly pop out on the drive to Ottawa.
I didn't sleep much the night before the Iron 226 because the pain was horrible. When I did sleep I did so on my right side with the hopes the pressure would get it back in the socket somehow.
Race morning the shoulder was a bit better but not much. But at least I knew it was already out and I just had to deal with it in the water. I wore a sleeveless wetsuit and the top shoulder sections provided a bit of downward pressure with helped. I ended up swimming 1:35. And I will gladly take that given my shoulder and lack of swim training (this was my 4th swim all year).
Despite the lack of bike training I still wanted to bike in the 5:40's, knowing that I was probably not going to be able to run much of the marathon. The course is 12 laps (yeah I know) but it makes things easy to pace. The problem though is the constantly shifting winds. And the wind was kicking the butts of the Iron 226 competitors for the last 4 laps as the winds picked up. Only five of us rode sub 6 hrs. I rode 5:59, and had to push hard on the last lap to get that. But in reality I rode in the 5:40s if you factor in I had to pull over 3x (pee break, special needs stop, and to repair a chain).
For the run, I basically made a deal with myself where I promised to run (whatever lame pace that run may be) unless my body (and not my mind) gave me no reason to. I ran the first 10 km and felt pretty good. But I hit the wall for 15 km. I thought finally 2 ironman races in two weeks is finally catching up me -- I wanted to rip my shoulder out (the pain was brutal), my left knee and heel were shot, right foot numb, blah, blah. The timing worked out in some way as I got to chat for 2.5 km with fellow Running Free member Rob Shortis. He was on his final lap of the Half Iron and took some pics of him and his son finishing together. I slogged onwards, made a pit stop, and made the effort to run again. The body responded and I was running better than ever. I put in a really good 5 km+ lap, followed with two more solid laps, another wall hit with 2.5 km to go but I took in some liquid and talked myself into suffering just a bit more to get this thing over with and ran the final 2km in to finish. My 20th Ironman race done.
The Iron 226 is not a marquee race (32 of us this year), and is just one of many events being run at "The Canadian" on Saturday. Yes, it does have tons of laps but given it is a small budget race you can't expect tons of roads to be shut down. It is a nice little family feeling race that services the Iron 226 athletes well. The volunteer support is outstanding and all from the local Ottawa triathlon and cycling community. With the multiple laps these people see you a ton and it gets quite fun with each lap. The really cool part is the celebratory breakfast the next day. A friendly gathering with your fellow athletes and the race organizers, staff and some volunteers.
* Fast forward to 21:17.
The aftermath - my legs feel awesome. Call me crazy but I know that I can knock out another one of these things next weekend if I was so inclined. I am not. But maybe an Ultraman is in my future? 52 Ironman races in 52 weeks? I need a new shoulder first though. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
RIP Mike Phang
My condolences to his family. Especially his wife and two kids. Truly sad.
Hope this reaches some folks that might have known Mike Phang and did not hear about his untimely death.
Mike's obituary in today's Toronto Star:
"With great sadness the Phang family announces the sudden passing of Michael Phang on Monday Aug. 6, 2012, in his 42nd year. Beloved husband of Caril, proud father of William and Walter; loving son of Madge and Frank, caring brother to Michele (Tony), Francine, and Donna (Charles); much loved uncle of Jeffrey, Christina, Stephanie, Natalie and Leah; cherished by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mike was the kind of person that you only encounter once in a lifetime. He was generous, intelligent, funny and so beautiful. He taught us to be kind, loving, supportive. His family meant the world to him. Mike was dedicated to all of us that were fortunate to have crossed paths with him, always there for us and never judging us.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday Aug. 9, 2012; 5pm to 9pm at the HIGHLAND FUNERAL HOME, 10 Cachet Woods Court, Markham. Funeral Mass - Saturday Aug. 11, 2012 at 10am at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, 14 Highgate Drive Markham.
Internment - Holy Cross Cemetery - Bayview/Hwy 7. The family thanks you for condolences. In lieu of flowers, please make donations, if you wish, to Pancreatic Cancer Canada - http://www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca/ to help fund Pancreatic Cancer research."
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Race That Shocked the World
I still remember this race like it was yesterday.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Congrats Simon!
This is the first time that a triathlete has done that for their country. Simon did carry the flag at the 2000 Sydney closing ceremony.
Here is one of the many stories floating around on the net.
http://triathlonmagazine.ca/2012/07/sections/news/simon-whitfield-is-the-flag-bearer-for-the-london-2012-opening-ceremony/
Friday, July 06, 2012
Sorry for the hiatus
Way too many things on the go plus a very active kid to keep up with.
On the racing front, I've been hampered by knee problems. So I have not trained as much as I've liked, especially on the run. So at this point of the season I am usually approaching good race fitness and dropped quite a few pounds of winter hibernation weight. Neither is the case right now.
I've been able to crank out some good bike splits at some races, which I am happy with given my lack of training, but the run is nothing to speak of. I really do not want to push my luck with the knee.
After riding 2:35 at Welland and following that up with a 3 hr walkfest (knee was shot), I have not run for 2 weeks. I may keep going like this in training (running only in race) for a while and see how it goes. Not great preparation for Ironman but I am not planning on breaking records this year anyway. I can only try to keep my fitness up in whatever way I can and deal with it on race day -- you never know.
Check out the recent edition of Triathlon Magazine Canada, I've got quite a few articles in there -- another reason for not training.
Train and Race safe, smart, and hard.
Catch you again soon
RH
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
This stinks from a variety of perspectives
http://triathlonmagazine.ca/2012/06/sections/news/lance-armstrong-levelled-by-doping-charges/
What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Ban Lance from racing without any positive tests (500+) this whole time? What the heck?
The USADA is relying on the testimony of known liars and cheats? And offering immunity for testimony from protected sources? This is crazy. What kind of world are we living in?
What is the use of drug tests if it all doesn't matter anyway?
Anyway, Lance is a big boy and surely doesn't need me coming to his defense.
I just hope this nonsense and waste of US taxpayer money goes away quick so that Lance can get back to racing. Triathlon has never had this type of buzz before.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Friday, June 01, 2012
Just a quote today
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Bravo Brent & Ryder!
Brent McMahon secured a third starting spot for Canada at the London Olympics today in Madrid.
Ryder Hesjedal wins Giro d'Italia! First Canadian to do so.
And a great Weekend of racing at Woodstock.
So inspired I had to get out for a wicked bike ride today. Thanks to my riding partners for the invite. I needed that after a cruddy race Saturday. More on that later.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Shop at Running Free on May 16 and 5% goes to help kids
May 16 is Running Free's Child Poverty in Canada Awareness Day
More than one in seven Canadian children lives in poverty today. Children who experience poverty, especially persistently, are at higher risk of suffering health problems, developmental delays, and behavior disorders. They tend to attain lower levels of education and are more likely to live in poverty as adults. Start2Finish - The Running & Reading Club program is currently operating within multiple inner city schools, servicing over 1,400 children across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver, including several First Nations communities.
Running Free recognizes the significant impact the program has had on the lives of many and on May 16th will donate 5% of sales towards this important nation-wide program. To find out more, visit www.start2finish.org. Running Free is proud to have been a supporter of the program since its inception in 2004. Shop at any Running Free location or online. Find locations at www.runningfree.com
Friday, April 20, 2012
Macca on Aussies Abroad
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A Note to Chuckie V
On the Road with Chuckie V. from Anne Pazen on Vimeo.
He definitely brightened up the triathlon circuit. Beyond the mohawk he is a bright mind with some refreshing views on the sport - training, tactics, etc. I am pretty sure I've recommended visiting his blog on a few occasions to check out some incredible posts.
However, I just tried going to his blog and it is on lockdown for whatever reason. I know his last post did not make him a fan fave around his house - Angela Naeth (his athlete and partner--I believe). His twitter is gone too - as of this posting.
I hope he returns to the internet or somewhere where his thoughts can be read or heard. However, he is a guy who speaks his mind so I suspect if he can't do that then he might not do it at all.
I hope to see you back soon Chuckie V...... Censored or otherwise.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
A bit of fundraising
If you feel inclined, please feel free to donate to the cause - The Inside Ride.
Thanks
Monday, April 16, 2012
RIP Randy Starkman
Thursday, April 05, 2012
More Hall & Oates - The Greatest Duo of All Time!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #9 - Dance Desire ++
Dance Desire
Standing in Line
Black and Blue
Fire
I am breaking the rules with the next few (1992 releases) but I want to stockpile all of their stuff in one place.
Get Back
Wanna Be The One - probably my fave of theirs
Thursday, March 22, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #8 - Heart of the City
Here is another, The Arrows. I remember them coming to play at my high school.
Heart of the City
Meet Me In The Middle
Talk Talk
You can see the real video here.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Quintana Roo
Yes, I am a Litespeed guy, but QR is part of the ABG (American Bicycle Group Family). That side of the company is the one banging out the most aero tri bikes right now.
QR is the original tri bike, so maybe it is only fitting that as a old school Ti guy, that I stick with the originators in this sport.
Is a QR is in my future? Hmmmm.
2012 QR Tri Bike Line up
Illicito - lowest drag numbers I've seen
CD0.1 - pretty darn close to the Illicito, but provides great value
Will get to ride and test out a few models. Stay tuned.
80's Pick of the Week #7 - L'Affaire Dumoutier (Say To Me) ++
I will post more than one so I can come back and check it out from time to time.
Here is Montreal's The Box.
L'Affaire Dumoutier (Say To Me) - perfect for that video era.
Closer Together - some more signing here
Ordinary People
Inside My Heart - Not an official video. But a tough song to find.
Live Performance on French TV
Friday, March 09, 2012
Thursday, March 08, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #6 - My Girl
Chilliwack (guess from where) with "My Girl".
See you next week
Thursday, March 01, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #5 - Dirty Water
Here is another classic.
Catch you next week.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #4 - Eyes of a Stranger
Stay tuned til next week.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #3 - This Mourning
Chalk Circle - This Mourning
Here are the lyrics too.
[Argh]
It's 11 o'clock and they talk of him
About the eve of destruction
And a new ray gun
For my defense
A mended fence
When my head hits the pillow
Am I looking up at ground zero?
For heaven's sake
I am wide awake
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
Left in the dark with fear and blindness
Certainty has left me helpless
The most the other dream
To see twilight again
If a man in the street can get to sleep
The city is busy digging graves for counting sheep
Then you'd blow him away
He won't see the day
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
Oh, [argh]
The morning comes soon (soon)
This mourning makes me blue (makes me blue)
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
The morning comes soon
This mourning makes me blue
Oh la la la la no na no
Ooh, no
Makes me blue now
Oh, oh
Makes me blue, blue, blue, blue, blue
Sunday, February 12, 2012
RIP My "Bobo"
The family all feels a little empty inside right now. It will be hard to get used to no more greetings at the door, lick attacks, and begging for kitchen scraps.
She will be missed and there will be no other like her.
Here she is "riding my bike", she always rode my bikes first before I gave it a go out on the road. I am not sure I want to find another to take over the tradition.
the kind you can't replace,
and looking at her empty bed
we still can see her face.
We see the endless energy
the sparkling puppy eyes,
not the tired, fragile friend
we had to bid goodbye.
We know she's in a special place
our Lord has for such friends,
where meadows, fields & flowers
help make them strong and whole again.
We remember how she'd run to us
to greet us or play her favorite game,
and how her ears would perk right up
when she heard us call her name.
But as those precious years went by
and we both aged and grew,
we’d find her often slowing down
but-we had still so much to do.
Her ears were not as sharp
There was a touch more white than black fur
The years have shown their mark.
She started sleeping on the floor more and more
was this her special clue?
Because she felt the end was near,
we only wish we knew.
Our Bobo was a special loving dog
we know she gave her best,
but as we looked deep into her eyes
we knew it was time, for her to rest.
It will truly be a struggle
we don't know how we'll face each day,
we have to let her go--we know
but in our hearts she'll always stay.
This special place our Lord has made
Health and strength, wait for her there,
so with our very special friend
we are sending all our prayers.
We know she's watching over us
She'll be with us when we cry.
So with a few more rubs on her beloved head,
we whispered to our Bobo – “we love you and goodbye."
Thursday, February 09, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #2 - Tonight I'm Yours
Come back next week for another blast from the past.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Danny Hart Helmet Cam
Fox Presents Danny Hart Fort William Helmet Cam Run May 2010 on pinkbike.com
Friday, February 03, 2012
Bruce Dern on Ironman
Thursday, February 02, 2012
80's Pick of the Week #1 - You Make My Dreams
And after checking out a few videos today and reliving some memories. I came up with the idea of posting an 80's Pick of the Week.
I remember saving up my allowance and buying my first 45 single, "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates. Curiously, my 5 month old daughter has taken a liking to this song and I have to bust out in song whenever I need to calm her down.
If you are a fan of REAL music, you need to tune into Live From Daryl's House to witness outstanding musicianship. I know I've mentioned it before but I will keep on plugging it because it should not be missed. Make sure to check it out here.
The music there is a lot different than what you will see in the video below. But I love it all.
Enjoy this classic hit and video.
Catch you next week for another blast from the past.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Great finishes
Probably the most famous and important of all:
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Freddy Proia
Freddie is a funny guy and most importantly a great guy. I haven't seen him in while but I am a huge fan of his. He was named Canada's Funniest New Comic a few years ago - I believe he was awarded it by Joan Rivers too.
I've caught his show a few times and you should too if you get the chance. He has lots of great impressions and plenty of topical and situational stuff you can identify with. You will not be disappointed. Check out a sample below.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Great stuff all around
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Hoss TriYear in Review 2011
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy 2012!
I promise a sort of a year in review post tomorrow or in a few days. Please check back!
Yes, daddy time is taking priority over blog time.
I'd have it no other way.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
RIP Glenn
We are thinking about you Glenn.
http://triathlonmagazine.ca/2011/11/sections/news/glenn-van-zeumeren-lost-his-courageous-battle/
Thursday, November 03, 2011
RIP Jerry!
Make sure to check it out. The triathlon and running community just suffered a big loss.
http://ironman.com/columns/ironmanlife/kevin-mackinnon-reports-on-some-tragic-news-from-canada#axzz1chPAvC00
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Kona Race Week!

One of my favourite weeks is upon us and it all culminates with the Ironman World Championships this Saturday.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Catch me here
http://triathlonmagazine.ca/
And soon, a bunch of articles for Ironman.com as the build up to the Ironman World Championships begins in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.
RH
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I can ride like this........in my dreams
The same course but dry and a lot slower. Although the guy riding it rode it quite well.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Friday, September 02, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
RIP Jack Layton
I can't recall voting for the NDP but I almost did because of Jack Layton. I had a few brief run-ins with him and he was always classy. He lost his battle with cancer today and he wrote this just a few days ago. I really love his last paragraph.
RIP Jack.
August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Finally some race reports
Here you go:
http://www.teamrunningfree.com/blog/2011/08/20/4-reports-in-1/
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Mid-August Update
For those that follow me I just have one thing to say....Sorry!
Controlled chaos is the best way to describe life right now.
Since coming back from racing in Germany at the start of July it has been non-stop action.
Racing at Gravenhurst; working for Ironman at Lake Placid; back for more racing at Bracebridge, and Cobourg; lots of writing; and coaching of course.
Oh yeah, and I try to get in some sort of training.
The last few races have been not up to my standards thanks to that lack of training. I gained 10 lbs in one month and that does not serve me well for those hilly courses of Bracebridge and Cobourg. But that has sparked me to get back on track, even though I do not have another Ironman race scheduled for the rest of this year.
Typically, that second late season one keeps me going but not this year since life will change big time very soon with the arrival of my first kid. I am more excited about that than anything else. But I still better get in some bikes and runs to make sure I don't approach Marshmallow Man status.
I try to get some race report done soon.
Till next time.
H
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame Day
Friday, July 29, 2011
Running Free's July Sale Ends Sunday
The July Sale ends this Sunday July 31st.
Check it out here.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
No race for me at the 13th Ironman Lake Placid
I've raced there every year (except 2008 when my achilles was ruptured), but I knew I'd be needed to do some reporting work this year so no race for me. Plus, my continuous streak was over anyway.
Not to mention that course doesn't suit my skillset. But I always raced faster if I had another Ironman scheduled weeks or months after it (unless a mechanical of course) so I liked doing it as a long catered training day with lots of people cheering for you. Lake Placid on race day is like nothing else.
Anyway, here is a small portion of what I did on race day.
My Ironman Lake Placid Write Up for Ironman.com
Monday, July 18, 2011
Great Places to get Sports Therapy
Let me save you some time searching around for places to get help.
If you have a great health plan, then you've got total physio coverage, partial massage, chiro, etc.
Depending on what is ailing me, I've made use of any of the establishments below and strongly recommend them. All great people too.
Here we go - mainly in the Markham and Toronto area:
Absolute Endurance (115 Merton St., Toronto. 416-483-AETT (2388) )
- the total package. Chiro, massage, physio, tri coaching, you name it, they've got it.
- Cindy, Alan and the rest of the crew are the best.
Physiobility (1-227 Main Street, Markham. 905-471-6422)
- Tony and his crew got me back to 100% after my Achilles rupture.
Running Free (708 Denison St. Markham)
- Massage with Angela Lloyd. Simply great. Just leave me some bookings.
Balanced Living (2673 Bur Oak Ave., Unit 1, Markham. 905-209-1005)
- Brian can do massage and ART. He's saved me a bunch of times.
Markham Pain Clinic (8312 McCowan Road, Suite #12, Markham. 905-470-2626)
- I've known Dr. John for 20 years and sought out treatment on and off during that time.
SEMI (Sheppard Centre, 2 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 601, Toronto. 416-223-SEMI)
- Dr. Stoddard and his team can handle anything. When something really serious strikes, this is where I go to find out what is wrong because he deals with sports injuries specifically. Lots of different therapies too.
One place I'd never go in Markham.
Rhymes with "Apple Creep". I'll let you figure it out.
I can elaborate if you inquire during a face to face conversation. I rarely speak badly of anyone or anything so you know this has got to be good/bad. But if you trust my opinion don't go there. We have other options in Markham.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Welland Swim/Bike Race Report
Check it out the report here:
http://www.teamrunningfree.com/blog/2011/07/01/welland-half-iron-swimbike/
Monday, June 27, 2011
Binbrook Race Report
I biked well in both.
You can read my Binbrook Race Report here.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Blind runner to complete 100 Miler
What's so special, if running that crazy distance isn't enough?
He's blind.
Check out more here.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Season Opening Race at Woodstock
I also had a fun couple of races this past weekend at Binbrook. Report to come.
Holy Crap...pun intended
http://news.yahoo.com/s/digitaltrends/20110615/tc_digitaltrends/japanesescientistscreatesmeatoutoffeces
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Monday, June 06, 2011
Friday, June 03, 2011
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Running Gear for the Summer
Kevin Mackinnon and I tried out a bunch of gear and put this together in the latest issue of Triathlon Magazine Canada.
http://triathlonmagazine.ca/2011/05/sections/gear/run-gear/run-apparel/summer-running-apparel/
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Everlong
The greatest rock band right now! One of the few gems in the music business in a sea of absolutely horrible stuff that is somehow considered music.
Saw the documentary tonight and the performance of their new album via satellite.
Awesome! The new album "Wasting Light" is out now. Get it!
Here is the full Special Letterman performance.
Foo Fighters Website
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Long Runs
http://www.endurancenation.us/blog/2011/03/28/stop-running-long-on-sunday/
An interesting concept for some but I've been doing this for a long time now, especially when it comes to crunch time.
Some of the reasons were stated in the article, but mostly out of mental convenience. For me, I like to get that run over with and banked. If I let it go til the weekend and something comes up, then long run missed. Some thing for long rides. If I can get it done during the week then I will. Especially if there is a shorter race scheduled on the weekend.
Mostly though I think you just have to mix things up all the time to give your body a jolt.
Last year during the winter I ran on Sunday's so I could run with some cool people in a local running group. But once the weather got better I got those runs over with on Wednesday or Thursday. This year, Friday seems to be the magical day, that used to be my day off. But even that may shift in a few months. Work, family, races, etc., have all gotta be taken into account.
Train safe and smart
RH
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Never Give Up!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sammy Hagar on Q107
I am a big fan of both these guys.
I'll be reading Sammy's new book - Red.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Don't Eat the Popcorn..or maybe not so much
If you indulge with buying the popcorn combos from the concession stand then take a look at these numbers:
* this info is from this article.
Cineplex Odeon
1,141 calories
67 g fat
1,128 mg sodium
Cineplex said a large popcorn had 850 calories, 40.5 g fat and 399 mg sodium
Empire Theatres
1,116 calories
51 g fat
1,695 mg sodium
Empire said it had 637 calories, 28.5 g fat and 1,297 mg sodium
AMC
1,060 calories
62.6 g fat
883 mg sodium
The company didn't provide us with their own nutritional information
As for why there were such discrepancies, the serving sizes we picked up at the theatres were larger than the ones the companies used in their testing. Both companies also blamed human error for inconsistent methods used to prepare the popcorn.
When the same large bags of popcorn were analyzed with buttered topping, the calories jumped to 1,400:
Cineplex Odeon
1,420 calories
100 g fat
1,095 mg sodium
Empire Theatres
1,225 calories
67 g fat
2,114 mg sodium
AMC
1,138 calories
69 g fat
694 mg sodium
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Canadian Tennis at it's Peak!
3 Canadians are in the finals in Memphis.
Tonight Rebecca Marino plays in the women's final.
And tomorrow, Milos Raonic plays in the men's final, and Daniel Nestor (I great guy who I grew up playing against, he even umpired one of my matches once when one of my opponents acted a bit dishonest) plays in the men's doubles final.
Crazy or what? This is incredible stuff and I am so glad that Sportnet has stepped up to change it's regular programming to broadcast it. Including some of the lead up matches.
Go Canada! I'll be watching all of it, or at least following it on the ATP/WTC App.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Team Running Free - I'm back
Running Free is an great store (stores actually), it is staffed and owned by incredible people.
If you need to get some gear, I suggest that you check there first. You'll get no better combination of service, selection, price, and satisfaction.
Use coupon code 11296 to save a few bucks too. Shop online at Running Free.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Two Legends of Media Together
Anyway, enjoy the clip below, and if you are into TV, read Bill Carter's "The War for Late Night." It looks into the whole Conan/Leno debacle. Quite fascinating if you are into that sort of thing.
Monday, January 31, 2011
I get chills everytime I see this
Gotta love the old Maple Leaf Gardens and vintage Bob Cole.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Down goes Brown
Classic call by the Great Joe Bowen - the best play by play man in the business.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Glad to see Sportsline back
Before the coming of all the sports network stations on TV, there was Sportsline. I remember watching it every night at around 11:30pm and it was the best sports show around because it had the full highlights that the regular news wouldn't cover.
And the hosts - Mark Hebscher, Jim Tatti, and Don Martin rocked. They were funny and just plain cool. The Hebsy Awards were great too. I think I had an old VHS tape somewhere will each month's collection on them - I gotta find that thing.
Anyway, the show is back on CHCH. Although it is just Hebsy returning.
http://www.chchnews.ca/index.php/home/item/1469-sportsline-mon-dec-6-2010
What is Jim Tatti up to? Real Estate - likely more money in that anyway. He still talks sports with his blog.
And Don Martin? I don't know where he is right now but the last time I ran into him he was playing golf in Ballantrae. Many moons ago we played the old shinny game together, and as a reporter a few times when he had a better position than me in a scrum of reporters he generously grabbed my tape recorder for me to get my voice quotes. A really good guy.
Anyway, glad to see that the show is back. I hope all those guys are doing well though.
Check out this vintage footage of when Bob McCown hosted the show.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 03, 2011
It's crazy out there...beware
http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-electronic-pickpocketing-story,0,5636726,full.story
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy New Year!
In Canada it is showing on Rogers on channel 345.
See below:

Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
MultiSport Canada Awards Day
Monday, December 06, 2010
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





