Retul Bike Fit. Hmmm???

Now that my buddy Ian Maclean has the Retul Bike Fitting system, I am seriously considering doing a re-fit. Due to my injury and subsequent recovery, my postition may need some tinkering with. Check out a Retul demo with uberbiker - Normann Stadler (2x Ironman World Champion).

You can check out Ian at www.imfit.ca or www.youniquecycles.ca.

Merry Christmas!

Let me begin by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

Life has been hectic lately so sorry for the infrequent posts. I would get the urge to post and then something would come up.

Here are a few quickie items I wanted to mention (if you didn't know already). You can always google some of these items yourself to get more details.

- Lance Armstrong is having a baby with his new girlfriend.

- Chrissie Wellington has switched coaches again (now its Simon Lessing).

- I strongly recommend Sugoi R & R Compression Knee High socks (from Running Free). I will post a compression sock article/review soon.

- Fallout 3 is an awesome game for the PS3 or XBOX 360.

- Get an HD box so you can enjoy HD Channels. Discovery Channel in HD is incredible.

- You must see Discovery Channels Miracle Bodies: Michael Phelps. They show and explain why he is so fast in the water and superior to everyone else. Quite wicked! Especially in HD.

- TMN (The Movie Network) on Demand kicks butt. My trainer rides are so much easier because of this service. Lots of great TV series and movies.

- Lets go Raptors! You better pick it up in 2009. Leafs???

That's all for now.
Merry Christmas and enjoy all that Boxing Day shopping.

RH

Get yourself a pair!

Since August I've been experimenting with compression socks (not run specific) to help speed my recovery from the Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). For the most part, the only place to get them was from the USA, and they were expensive.

Recently, my favourite store, Running Free, got some run specific socks in stock and at a reasonable price ($30 vs $50 us +). I gave them a try and loved them. I have done every run in them since getting them on December 12. Provided that there are any left, I suggest you rush over to the store to get a pair or two for yourself or for that favourite athlete in your life.

They are the Sugoi R & R Knee High. They provide support, and while the compression is not super high, it feels more comfortable than those that do have more.

http://www.runningfree.com/detail.aspx?ID=13243

Spend a few bucks more ($50) and use code 11296 to save $5.

I've been working on an in depth compression sock review since the summer and that will be posted soon.

Til next time, thanks for reading.
RH

Running Free Newmarket Grand Opening & IM Hawaii

The Grand Opening of Running Free Newmarket is set for this Saturday, December 13th – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

All day this Saturday, industry representatives will be on hand to show off the latest footwear, clothing, and equipment. We’ll have lots of special offers and give-aways just in time for some great holiday savings.

Some of the familiar Running Free faces on hand on Saturday will include Henrietta Hopkins, George from the Jungle, John Posca, Nick Capra, John Yip, Glenis McLaren, Ken and Carol Dee, Janis Jarvis, Janet Bell Crawford, and others.

Industry Representatives on hand on Saturday will include – Canada’s 1st marathon Olympian and current record holder Silvia Ruegger from Brooks, Darren Goodrich from New Balance, Ellen Oatmeyer from Sugoi, Andrew King from Saucony, Arnold Tse from Mizuno, and Didier Chung from Asics.

The new store is on 201 Main street South, the directions can be found here: http://www.runningfree.com/location.aspx#newmarket

I plan to check out the new store, and then head home to watch the Ironman Hawaii broadcast on NBC from 2:30 - 4 pm.

If you plan on doing some shopping, make sure to make use of my discount code: 11296.

Til next time
RH

Wanna smell like me??

Ok! I am not sure you would really want to do that but you can smell like an Ironman. Sort of.

A new Ironman branded product will hit the market in May 2009. Drum roll ...................

An Ironman men's fragrance.

Maybe they are trying to send a message to us Ironman athletes? I wonder if they will have it available in the change tents so we can spritz up a bit before heading off on the bike or run. And maybe a refresher for when we cross the finish line?

http://www.gcimagazine.com/marketstrends/segments/finefragrance/30267989.html?page=1


By the by, the Muskoka 70.3 race will air on TSN this Saturday December 6 at 3pm (EST).

Then the following week, the Ford Ironman World Championship wil air on NBC on Saturday December 13, from 2:30 - 4 PM (EST).

I'm still working on my compression socks article.
Til next time. Thanks for reading.
RH

An Awesome Deal from Rudy Project

Rudy Project has the best sunglasses on the market and now is the perfect time to get a pair or two. With this new promotion, you buy a pair of eyewear and you get a ton of stuff with it (worth $290). Bike helmet, extra lense, t-shirt, bag, and hat.

Check it out:

http://www.e-rudy.com/rudy-project-gear-kit-details.php?s=scoop

A great Cyclocross article

Michael Barry (Canadian Pro Cyclist) wrote this great piece for the New York Times. I can thank some guy by the name of Lance Armstrong for directing me to it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/sports/othersports/13cycling.html?_r=1&ref=othersports

Enjoy.

RH

Mizuno shoes environmentally friendly

Mizuno already makes kick butt shoes but now they are stepping up even further but utilizing materials that are better for the environment. Yet another reason to wear Mizuno.





Norcross, GA (June 16, 2008) - Mizuno, a leader in running footwear and apparel technology, has announced the use of a new thermoplastic elastomer range for the Wave® Technology plates in four models of high performance running shoes set to debut in 2009. This new thermoplastic elastomer range named Pebax® Rnew (1), is made from renewable resources, castor oil, and contributes to global warming reduction.



In 1991, Mizuno Corporation, Mizuno USA’s parent company, established CREW 21, an acronym for Conversation of Resources & Environment Wave towards the 21st Century. Mizuno Corporation’s environmental program incorporates the idea that everybody needs to be responsible for the spaceship called “Earth” that we live on. Mizuno USA has taken this environmental responsibility seriously through recycling programs as well as various other programs to help protect the environment.



For example, all Mizuno footwear boxes are made from 100% recycled paper, and through the Clean Air Campaign, Mizuno USA employees help improve the air quality of the Metro Atlanta area, home of Mizuno USA’s headquarters, through car-pooling to work, and Mizuno USA employees participate in community clean up and beautification projects.



“Mizuno consistently takes initiative to protect the environment,” said Mizuno USA’s Director of Marketing of Athletic Footwear, Rod Foley. “By being the first in Athletic Footwear industry to use Pebax® Rnew, we continue to exemplify our commitment to managing the limited resources that the Earth provides.”



The Pebax® Rnew will be utilized in both men’s and women’s models of the Mizuno Wave Rider 12, Wave Inspire 5, Wave Creation 10, and Wave Nirvana 5. The Wave Rider 12 will be available December 5th, 2008, while the other 3 models will be available for purchase beginning January 5th, 2009.

14 Year Old Finishes an "Ironman"

Yes, you read correctly.
He did the race in 13 hrs 41 minutes (he did the race last year in 15:27).

I actually raced side by side with his father during the Ironman run in Lake Placid. I got a great history lesson of Lake Placid during the run. Their family has quite a legacy down there (a figure skating rink named after them, etc.).

Quite an incredible story. I am not sure I'd let me kid do such a race at that age but if they are physically and mentally ready why not I suppose???

Check out the whole story here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/11/09/ST2008110902085.html?sid=ST2008110902085&s_pos=top

Great post on cheating

I was going to chime in on this topic after some great debate on various forums this week.

I found this great post (he makes quite a few of them on his site --- I agree with him big time on S-bend issue) so please check it out. I am still too busy to post something detailed on my own at this point.

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/editorials/0000132.shtml

Enjoy.

Congrats to Obama!

Gas Price to drop 5.7 cents at midnight

I've been slacking with my posts here lately but that is what happens when life gets in the way.
Congrats to BL, AG, and KS on their performances at the Angus Glen Half Marathon and 10 km yesterday. And a wicked showing by all my fellow Team Running Free members out there too.

Here is a bit of a PSA for you so you can save some $$$.

According to AM 640 news, Liberal MP Dan McTeague says gas prices will drop 5.7 cents at midnight, down to 85.1 cents per litre. This is the lowest price at the pump since 2005.

Save your filling up for tomorrow.

Til next time.
RH

Youniquecycles.ca Grand Opening

After 3 years of running the business from his house, my friend, bike fitter, fitness tester, and coach held the Grand Opening of his new Bike Store/Bike Fit/Fitness Testing location this past weekend in Milton.

The slick new place is located on 511 Main St East (Milton). Along with being one of the best FIST certified bike fitters around (I've never felt better on my bikes), Ian carries wicked lineup of products like Guru bikes, HED, Shimano, Selle SMP, etc.

Personally, it quite awesome to see Ian's business grow to the point it is today and hopefully there is more to come. I just hope that he doesn't get too big that I can't afford to see him anymore :)

Ian really is great and I recommend him highly for his bike fitting and fitness testing (and coaching services if you so require it). Now that he sells Guru, he can get your measurement and have Guru produce a custom made bike for you. No more messing around with trying to find a bike on sale, and trying to make that bike work for you. You will only spend more time in the long run because you will likely end up buying another bike after toiling in trying to find a comfortable position.

Check out Ian Maclean and his services at:

http://www.youniquecycles.ca/home.html

http://www.imfit.ca/home.html

It is worth the drive to Milton.

Ironman Hawaii

What a wicked day of racing!

The online coverage was awesome. Lots of great interviews, insight, and camera shots.
Having Macca stop by to provide commentary of the race was truly a treat. Great stuff. Today was like Christmas for me.

The racing was incredible. The bikers (Sinballe, Stadler and Lieto to name a few) took it out hard and went for it on the run. They got caught by the runners but at least they laid it out there. Hats off to them. Macca snapped a cable on his bike which would have taken 20 minutes to fix so he unfortunately had to drop out of the race.

As I said, Craig Alexander was going to tear up the run and he sure did. He plunked down a blazing 2:45 marathon and cruised to victory. When he was interviewed this morning (530am) I could tell that he was there to crush the competition. He looked super lean, intense and ready to rock n' roll. Well done Craig!! You are wickedly fast.

Men
1. Craig Alexander 8:17:45
2. Eneko Llanos Burguera 8:20:50
3. Rutger Beke 8:21:23
4. Ronnie Schildknecht 8:24:46
5. Timo Bracht 8:23:04
6. Cameron Brown 8:26:17
7. Patrick Vernay 8:30:23
8. Andy Potts 8:33:50
9. Mathias Hecht 8:34:02
10. Michael Lovato 8:38:47

Now for scary fast. If it were not for a flat tire (which killed 7-10 minutes) we surely would have seen the women's course record be broken today. Chrissy Wellington is a pure phenom. I just hope she keeps on racing and doesn't get bored of demolishing the women's field (and many pro men too). She did set the new women's marathon record in Hawaii by running 2:57.

Women
1. Chrissie Wellington 9:06:23
2. Yvonne Van Vlerken 9:21:20
3. Sandra Wallenhorst 9:22:52
4. Erika Csomor 9:24:49
5. Linsey Corbin 9:28:51
6. Virginia Berasategui 9:29:15
7. Bella Comerford 9:34:08
8. Gina Ferguson 9:36:53
9. Gina Kehr 9:37:06
10. Dede Griesbauer 9:39:53

I got so inspired by the coverage today that after the big players made the bike turnaround in Hawi, I got dressed and headed out on my first "real" outdoor bike ride. I don't remember loving riding so much. It felt great to be outdoors again and enjoying the great weather. Not to mention being on my fave ride---Siena. I did a quick 40 km on a hilly route and my Achilles felt strong. I hammered all the hills and my heart rate went through the roof. It was good to be back. With 2 more days of awesome weather here I'll be sure to head out again.

Brian Bennett, a local massage therapist and acquaintance, had the good fortune to take part in today's race in Hawaii and is still on the course as of this post. In fact, he has raced for 10 hrs and 18 minutes and has 21 miles left to go on the run. He should cruise home easily and finish his first race in Hawaii. Way to go Brian.

Ironman World Championships this Saturday

The biggest sport event of the year is about to happen in a few days. That's right, the Ironman World Championships.

Lots of great coverage can be found at http://www.ironman.com/ every day up until the actual race.

My picks:

Women
1. Chrissie Wellington
- Can anyone touch her? If they let her get away on the bike forget about it. She has never lost an Ironman race and it will be very tough on the field to make this her first. Too bad Samantha McGlone has been suffering from Achilles (another one bites the dust, welcome to the club Sam) and has not been running for 2 months. She is supposed to be getting married in November so she will rest up and come back with a vengence in 2009. Like me!! :)

You need to keep an eye out for Yvonne van Vlerken who set the new Ironman world record at Roth this summer (8:45:48) and Erika Csomor who was only less than two minutes behind that (also breaking the previous record held by the great Paula Newby-Fraser).

Men
1. Chris McCormack
- Macca better have some kind of lead off the bike or Craig Alexander might run him down with that scary run leg of his. Watch out for Andy Potts, Normann Stadler and Faris Al-Sultan too.

This should be a very interesting race. There are a ton of fast gals and guys who can do some serous damage if they are at 100%.

I'll be glued to my computer screen all day watching all the live streaming footage.

Haile Rules

Ethopia's Haile Gebrselassie is one fast dude!

Today in Berlin, he laid the smack down on his own marathon world record (2:04:26) by running a crazy fast 2:03:59. Not too shabby for a 35 year old eh?

Check out the splits:

5 km 00:14:35

10 km 00:29:13

15 km 00:44:03

20 km 00:58:50

half 01:02:05

25 km 01:13:41

30 km 01:28:27

35 km 01:43:05

40 km 01:57:34

Let me break that down for you. This incredible athlete averaged a 4:43/mile or 2:56/km for the entire 42.2 km. Now go out your door and try to run 1 km or mile at that speed.

I guess skipping the Olympic Marathon paid off. But would he rather have an Olympic Gold medal or a world record? The hot and humid conditions of Beijing definitely would have made a world record attempt not possible though. The conditions on Berlin today was perfect for running a marathon. Sunny, 9 degrees Celsius to start and 13 degrees by the end of the race.

As great as Gebrselassie is, I think that Kenenisa Bekele could even be better. He holds the world record in the 5km (12:37.35) and 10 km (26:17.53 ). If he makes the move to the half and full marathon the world better watch out.

Congrats go out to a few buddies of mine who ran the Scotiabank Half and Full Marathon today (a race I was supposed to be a pace bunny at for the 4th time -- but couldn't due to my wonderful Achilles injury). Special mention goes out to a few former students who finally stepped up to the plate. Both were first timers and one did 1:53 half, and the other completed his first marathon. Way to go dudes.

Til next time, thanks for reading.

RH

Paul Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008)

I loved his salad dressings and movies but Paul Newman sadly passed away a few days ago due to cancer. There are lots of tributes everywhere on the web so check it out yourself if you want more information. If you haven't tried the Newman's Own product line give it a go. Not only does it taste great but all profits go to charity. RIP Mr. Newman.

Politics Schmolitics

Let me get political for a moment.

Yes, they have zero chance of winning but I like a lot of things the Green Party stands. Plus, the leader, Elizabeth May, is quite a cool lady.

Too bad the Liberals don't have such a leader (Dion is a nice guy but not a great leader that instills confidence in most Canadians) or else they would de-throne the Conservatives for sure.

Anyway, the Green Party is growing with popularity each day, and I'll be supporting them this next election. Here are few links to investigate if you feel so inclined.

http://www.greenparty.ca/

The Green Platform

That is as political as I am going to get here.
Til next time
RH

Lance is back

With all the rumours floating around the past few days, Lance Armstrong finally confirmed today that he is returning to professional cycling. I guess he will not be doing an Ironman for a while (despite what others have speculated).

Here is what he said:

"I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it's now time to address cancer on a global level."

The article can be found here:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12511-stub-article/

The video statement is here:
http://www.livestrong.com/lance2009/

This should be an interesting year of cycling for sure. Now why couldn't he have come back this past summer when I had all the time in the world to sit and watch all the coverage from the Tour de France?

Til next time
RH

I swam last night and I liked it

That Katy Perry song was in my head so why not alter it a bit and make it the title of this post.

After 12 years I made my return to the Markham Masters swim club.

This had nothing to do with the club because it remains great (probably better now) it is just that my goal back then was to get competent enough to swim in an Ironman.

I was able to do so and as many of you know, I only swam 2-3 times per year. Thursday and/or Friday before the race for 10-20 minutes, and then on race day. Extra swim practice did not make me much faster, plus my constantly dislocating right shoulder made a lot of swimming not possible. The amount of time I would need to put into swimming to improve just a few minutes would be better spent biking for running where I could chop some major time.

However, last night felt great and this fall/winter/spring might bring about some swim improvements that I might try to maintain for years to come. I am only swimming one night per week so I am not expecting miracles. I am actually thinking about boosting my membership to swim 3 times per week because it was so enjoyable (I never thought I'd be saying that). A lot of that has to do with me not being able to run until January (hopefully) so I had to find something else to do other than biking right now.

All you non-swimmers who want to get into triathlons need to join a Masters Swim Club in your area. It really is the only way to get your swimming up to par. Unless you have some serious dough to hire a private coach and find pool time.

Til next time.
Thanks for reading.
RH

Beijing Olympic Triathlon Results Booklet

Things are busy on the home front since I started back at work today.

All is well on the healing process. I'm riding my bike everyday, getting physio 3x a week, and getting stronger each day. Only my heel is taking a beating. Especially after being on my feet most of the day today.

If you want to see detailed splits from the Olympic Triathlon, click on the link and enjoy. If you didn't know already, these girls and guys are super fast.

http://www.triathlon.org/docs/official-results-book-Beijing2008.pdf

As usual, Simon has a wicked blog entry where he reflects on his journey over the past 4 years.

http://simonwhitfield.blogspot.com/2008/08/final-globe-blog.html

Til next time.
RH