It's been a looooonnnnng time since Ironman Canada back in August. I've been the classic slug with only occasional bursts of activity: a couple runs, a couple rides, one open water swim and two heart-stopping surf-kayak lessons with Steve at Mavericks. That all changed last week when I went back to Bootcamp.

Bootcamp is my faithful friend, always there to kick my a#@ when necessary. It's my first time back since joining the ...

Checking my bike and loading race food into the Bento Box on my bike.

Pre-Race: lots of nervous energy! We were up at 4:00 am for breakfast and taking the shuttle down to the race start. After dropping off my special needs bags, body marking (getting my race number written all over me in black felt pen), I checked over my bike, pumped the tires ...

I did it! I finished Ironman Canada in 16:51:19.

Short Version:

It was a great day, long but great. I felt strong, albeit slow, throughout the entire day. My nutrition plan worked, I stayed hydrated and didn't have any muscle cramping or distress at any time other than minor issues. I had some choice words for the headwind from mile 50 to mile 90, but other than that I enjoyed the entire experience....

Duathlon organisers insure against Loch Ness monster attack

Tue Aug 21, 5:17 AM ET

LONDON (AFP) - Organisers of a duathlon in Scotland have taken out a one-million-pound (1.46-million-euro, 1.97-million-dollar) insurance policy against attack by or sighting of the fabled Loch Ness monster.

Transport operator FirstGroup said in a statement that its policy with insurers Royal and Sun Alliance would pay out should "Nessie" emerge from the murky depths of ...

It's Thursday, August 16th, one week to go before I board the plane to Canada for my second attempt completing Ironman Canada. Many people have heard of the Hoyts and their incredible story and tremendous courage, but the inspiration they give is not diminished by repetition.



Words cannot fully express their family's courage throughout Rick's entire life and future ahead.
...

Two months between posts? I've been busy, really busy!

The Kindness of Strangers or my 1/2 Vineman Race Report!

My goals were:
1. Finish
2. Not finish last in my age group
3. Improve my overall time

I met all my goals but had to overcome a few obstacles to do so. My swim was almost the exact time as last year. I'm happy with this since I really ...

Let's hear it for the classic tri mantra: Nothing New on Race Day! Let's count the new items I used at Uvas: saddle, chain, rear cassette, toe clips, run socks. . .not just new, but the first time I'd used them ever! Not too shabby, eh?! I also rode without socks in a race for the first time. Woo hoo!

Sunday was my second year participating in the Uvas sprint in Morgan Hill. After ...

It's been a tough week to be a bike belonging to Beverly. First, she drove you into an overhang while you were riding in the roof rack last Saturday in Monterey. Thus destroying your saddle and breaking your rear bottle cages. Sunday, she took you on a hilly 45 mile trek through Carmel Valley with a worn out rear cassette, mangling your chain. That new bike saddle she used on Sunday simply wasn't a good ...

Saturday morning was my first special event in my new job, so I did my long ride on Friday with Shannon. We customized the ride to suit our starting location and various & sundry other influencing factors. Which included me forgetting my helmet and having to ride helmet-less (a little scary!) over to the Bicycle Outfitter for a loaner! (thank you great bike shop guys!)

A section of our ride went up Old La ...

Props to the amazing Nicholas for allowing me to shamelessly plagiarize his uploads!

We had a great weekend full of spring goodness! Saturday was the gorgeous 56 mile Calaveras Loop: Milpitas to Fremont to Union City to Pleasanton to San Ramon to Pleasanton again to Sunol to the edge of San Jose and back to Milpitas, whew! Amazing vistas, Valley Oaks in new ...