Check this out

It is a good thing that I've started swimming regularly again.
According to this study swimming is going to extend my life.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/137549.php

Lance got his bike back

Police recovered Lance's TT bike that was stolen a few days ago. However, it seems like everything was returned except for the hot aero wheels.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=/tech/2009/news/02-19

Wicked stuff!!

First on the "wicked" list is the great development that is happening to a former student of mine who is playing basketball for the University of Waterloo. She will now be a part of a semi-pro women's team based out of Toronto. Pretty cool stuff.

Check out the article here: http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/588213

Second on the "wicked" list but on the negative side of it came up this past weekend.

Someone bike into the Astana team van at the Tour of California and stole 3 bikes, one of them being Lance Armstrong's one of a kind TT rig. Does someone think they can actually sell this thing off? Or ride it in some race somewhere? Good luck buddy!

Check out Lance's twitter page for his comments on the whole situation and the current T of C.

http://twitter.com/lancearmstrong

Finally, on the wicked list (and going back to the positive) is my own training. Everything is going well. Lovin' the swimming and getting faster (but at my previous snail-like speed I could only get faster, but still some shoulder issues--especially after Sunday's 1500m TT), my biking and running is are also making improvements but I am mindful that my right leg is doing more than its fair share of the work. In fact, my left calf is still 2 inches smaller than my right.

Happy training,

RH

Random thoughts (edition #1)

Life is busy so all I have time for is some random thoughts to kick off February.
Many of these are great revelations I'm sure but here we go.

1. The Raptors are absolutely horrible. Come on dudes, at least look like you are trying out there. This is the first year that I've not tuned into every game (that TSN2 nonsense is also a factor).

2. Leafs. Just tank the season already and get a top draft pick.

3. If he keeps going on this pace, Rafa Nadal may end up being greatest tennis player of all time. At least in terms of Grand Slam victories. Federer just can't beat this guy, and he appeared to have given up during the 5th set of the Australian Open final. His bawlin' at the awards ceremony may have shown his realization of his poor effort or even some despair. Nadal just keeps getting better. We all know he is a clay court master, but he tinkered and improved his game to win all all surfaces. If he can stay healthy, it will be real interesting to see what he can do because he is still a young buck.

4. See Slumdog Millionaire. It is on my all time top ten list for sure. Gran Turino is quite the swan song for Clint Eastwood too.

5. My Achilles is coming along great and is feeling as normal as it can be. I am not pushing the intensity too much and main keeping things aerobic. Clocked a 3:39 for 200 m at swim practice last night. It was during a set of 4 x 200m. I did all 4 in a total time of 15:03. Nothing crazy, but just a steady high aerobic manageable pace. I'm actually lovin' the swimming who would have thought?

6. All the best to my "Aunt-in-law" who is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery. I hope I didn't start some epidemic among my friends and family. This not an experience I want to wish on anyone.


Till next time, thanks for reading.
H

Training Update

For those who care, here goes.

As of 2 weeks ago, I've now started swimming 3x a week with the Markham Masters Swim Club.

Given that I've only swum no more than 30 times since the year 2000, this is a major training addition for me. Why the change? I started swimming in September due to my recovery from Achilles surgery. I could not do the amount of running I wanted to do so this was the easy option. I only planned on swimming once a week from September to June, but I've been enjoying my swimming so much that I extended my membership to swim 3x per week.

My right shoulder is holding up ok due to all of the swimming. Some days are better than others but I can feel the strength building up despite the pain. In fact, I hit a personal best time of 1:36 for 100m last week (although I've never timed myself before at a full out effort). I was not looking to make serious time improvements for my Ironman swim but that may happen as a bi-product. I will gladly take it if it comes. I know I can swim tons faster if I push it, but I will focus on getting faster at a fairly easy effort. After all, there is still 180 km of biking and 42.2 km of running to do afterwards.

The Achilles is making slow but steady gains. I am up to 1 hr and 20 minutes of constant running (avg. pace 6:27/km). So I am not breaking any speed records yet.

That's all for now, thanks for reading.

H

Lance to race an Ironman

According to Outside Magazine (Lance is featured in the February issue), Lance has confirmed that he will enter an Ironman after he is done with his cycling comeback. And when he does do it, he isn't just showing up. He wants to go as fast as he can. This should be very interesting indeed but we will have to wait for at least a couple of years.

The online article can be found here:

http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200902/lance-armstrong-reader-questions.html

Here is the exact question and response to the Ironman question.

Will you ever do the Ironman? You've got a lot of triathlon fans out their desperate for an answer.

Yeah. Whenever I'm done with this [comeback]. I can unequivocally say yes to that. That's a fact. And I get asked that question every day. I don't know when it was, less than a year ago, that I got some of these Ironman DVDs. I said, Let's see what that's all about. So we've been watching them for the past year. I'm definitely motivated to do an Ironman. We'll go back and I'll be close to 40, but I've swam more in the last three years than before that. And I don't want to just do an Ironman. I don't want to approach it like I approached the marathons. I want to do it as fast as I can.

WTC buys out NA Sports

What does this mean for us racers? Hopefully, not a thing as far race prices or race quality is concerned.

Graham Fraser puts on the best races period! So it will be interesting to see what happens to these U.S. races. Apparently, the deal is that the NA Sports staff will remain intact to do their jobs. Only time will tell and I will find out first hand at Ironman Lake Placid this summer.

The interesting thing is that Ironman Canada remains under Fraser's control. Will it be stripped of official "Ironman" status in the future? Will it matter? Or will it become like Roth which still remains a juggernaut despite losing that official status and Kona slots. Are those who are really serious about Kona going to IMCAN to qualify anyway? That race is unique and has a cult-like following so I think it keep chugging along and I'm glad to have done it twice. I really love that course. Maybe I'll go back one day. When I win the Super 7 or 6/49?

Will Fraser try to get another "Ironman" race going in Canada? Again, it is all speculation but all pretty cool as well. I see it as a win-win for all of us. If there are more races there will be more competition and maybe some reduction in race fees. And maybe we can will see more of those races happening in Canada. Time will tell. Graham, since you a few extra bucks in your pocket, can you adopt me? You can reach me at hosspro@hotmail.com

Click on the link to see the official announcement.

http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/world-triathlon-corporation-acquires-seven-u.s.-based-races

Happy New Year!!!

Sorry for the tardiness of this post but......




I hope you didn't celebrate so much that you looked like this Boston Terrier.

I am busy writing articles for the HSBC Triathlon Series, Triathlon Magazine Canada, doing assignments for my courses, etc. So I will try and post some triathlon related stuff soon or whatever interesting things I may find.

In my own training related news, I finally eeked into the double digits as I did 10 hrs and 1 minute of training last week. Capped off by 2500m of swimming last night. I've done more swimming in the past 4 months (still only once a week) than I've done in 10 years and I think it will definitely pay off this summer. My right shoulder is taking a beating though. Which is why I didn't swim much in the first place---too many years of competitive tennis and cranking out serves in the 144 mph range. For a vertically challenged dude I am paying for those efforts now.

If you want to know about the nonsense that an elite athlete has to go through on a daily basis check out this classic post by Simon Whitfield.

http://simonwhitfield.blogspot.com/2008/12/unreal-my-whereabouts.html

Til next time
RH

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.