Hiperformance Turnpike

This weekend was great. I had a chance to meet up with Dave and Karsten in Guelph. We rode our trainers for, what felt like 5 hours, was really 2, and then did a run in the snow. Of course the one time we forget the camera we come across 2 dear just standing watching us run. Would have been a great video, watching Karsten wrestle a deer, just kidding!

My new Specialized Pro From Gears made its debut on the trainer and it didn't disappoint. I am super impressed with the bike and how responsive it is when you push on the peddles. I am not giving anything away on the wattage output just yet, wait until race day;)

Well riding dave told me a quote, which summed up what I am trying to do as an athlete. I am not the most religious guy in the world but this quote came from the bible. 1 COR 9:24

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

Here is the updated version on what it means:

"You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally."

Hope this inspires someone out there.

And so the winter has come....

We did pretty good GTA for holding off the snow but good old Mother Nature has brought the snow and the cold. The past couple days have been rough. -26 degrees, which doesn't feel to good on the face. Today I was going to run with the Nomads, which is great squad out of Mississauga who will run in any temperature, and conditions....they have balls..haha Bob and I headed this morning to the run at 7am and we saw the wind which was going 40 mph and -23 at that point. We went into the Rec center to get ready to run and as it almost struck 7:45 we both looked at each other and headed back to the car. I can toughen out a lot of things but running in this weather would not have benefited my training one bit. Instead I headed into the trails.

I have talked about the Bronte Creek Trail before but I must say it is the best around. The pine trees block the wind from coming in and there was no snow or ice anywhere, this is probably because not a lot of people go on it. I had to do a 1:40 run today and did it with Ease running 50min out and 50 min back running around 4:20-30 per km. Nearing the end of the run I jumped out on the road and felt the wrath the wind was doing and was glad I called it quits today on the road. Hopefully everyone from the Nomads was safe running out there and will see you all Wednesday at the track!

So what to wear in these conditions.... I first brought out the heavy duty shoes the Saucony Triumphs which allow for more support and warmth then my normal lightweight trainer the Sinister would provide. Next I had a pair of Saucony Tights with their SonicLite Pant over top....don't forget body glide. Top Layer I go a bit overboard but better warm then cold on a training run. Dry Fit shirt for my base Layer, long sleeve dry fit next then a hoodie, cotton all the way! I put my Saucony jacket on with the hood up! On my face I wear a bellaclava with a hat on top. Gloves I double up and socks I usually just wear one pair? Not to worried about the feet haha.

I hate being cold so I go to the extreme. Well everyone be safe out there and remember to dress warm!!

Saucony Pic

Finally a descent looking race picture!

Boxing Day 10 miler

Let me take you back a bit. In 2005 I started Triathlon and started running. I used to play football, weigh 200 lbs and not eat that healthy. When I took up this sport, I started with a great group out of Port Credit. This consisted of people who have done Ironman, Boston, New York and many other races you can only dream of. In this group I met a guy named Bob Rose. I outspoken 55 year old who was fast! Everyone told me to be careful of this guy and not piss him off. So I did the opposite and pressed on him every chance I could. After he would shatter me every run and bike we would get together and talk about Triathlon, goals and anything you can think of. I need to first give a huge shout out to Bob because I wouldn't be where I am today without is help, inspiration and drive to succeed, in life or triathlon!

After a run on Christmas Day 2005 Bob said we should do the race tomorrow. I had no perception on running at this point and was just completing 12km without keeling over. The race was the Boxing Day 10 miler in Hamilton. At this point I thought it was a 10km and said sure lets do this, not knowing it was a mile race. The race was cold in 2005 and as Bob explains it almost had me at the line but I out sprinted him and finished in a time of 1:12. Now if you know Bob this story has lasted with me to this day and pretty sure forever. After the race we went out for breakfast and Bob said to me, "If you can go Sub 60min on this course, you can call yourself a runner!! Until then you are just a jogger!" This quote has stuck with me.

Now to the present. The temp was amazing, 4 degrees, no rain and no snow!!! my goal was to 58-59min. Something I haven't done on this course before. I come so close and just can't hang on. my goal was simple, take it out for the first 5miles around 5:45 per mile and hang on through the hill section. 5 miles in I was at 29:22 right on pace. I only gave up 20 seconds on the hill section and kept the legs moving. I was pretty much on my own for most of the race except one female runner who was super fast on the downhill and I would catch her on the up hill. To bad the finish was downhill..she got me..haha.

The great part about this race is I went 59:44. A great way to finish off the year! I can call myself a runner and all the hard work is paying off. This medal is the best medal I have because it means a lot to me and to the people who have stuck by me and pushed me to be the best. Thanks Bob!

The race this year was great and I have to also say congratulations to my wife, who is super fast! and ran a 1:23. She is back racing ladies and gentlemen and I can't be prouder! Also Bob did a 1:21 and Kelly did a 1:22. I also have to thank Saucony for the wicked gear and shoes. Their A3 Flats are super fast...just don't wear them when the ground is wet and running through trials..haha..holes in the bottom. Lastly thanks to Gord and the Nomads who are going to help me kill it this year in the run!

All the best and have a Merry Christmas!

2010 is going to be insane. Next year 57 haha

2010 Tri Geek Talk

Everyone knew it was coming. Talking about the upcoming gear for 2010! haha

I have been given insider trading tips on the new gear, swag and endurance formulas coming out in the new year. Mostly from my sponsors, Saucony Canada, Gears Bike Shop, Cera Sport, Xterra Wetsuits, ISM Saddles, Trigger Point and Altitude Tech. Let the fun begin:

Saucony: 2010 is a Big year for Saucony. They have new shoes coming out, which will blow away the competition. 2009 was great the shoes such as the Triumph, Fasttwich and their best flat ever the Type A3 kept me injury free in some tough terrain races. I can't give it away but watch out 2XU and Nike in 2010, I have seen what is coming and it is going to be huge! Also if you are knee deep in snow the new Razor will keep your feet warm, dry and you will have full traction! Amazing.

Gears Bike Shop: Gears is coming on strong in 2010 and giving some of the best deals around for Specialized bikes. Not going to lie, I bought one myself for the deals that are going on right now. They bought all the 2009 models so if you are in need of a bike and don't want to spend the 3-4 thousand dollars head to gears and pick up a top of the line 2009 bike for half the price. Also get ready to see the new colour designs of the Transitions for 2010, they look super sleek!

Cerasport: Cerasport is the best product on the market in terms of electrolytes and osmolarity. I was excited to try their formula and haven't looked back. Many athletes such as Richie Cunningham and Mirinda Carfrae have switched to the formula which is easy on the stomach and keeps the engine going. Remember the last thing you want is hyponotremia! (Hope I spelt that right!) Also I ahve introduced CeraSport to many clients and athletes and they say the same thing. It keeps energy in the bank!!! 2010 Cerasport has some new tricks up their sleeves so check them out online or link through my website. Can't tell you what is coming out buy pretty excited!

Xterra Wetsuits: What can I say expect they are making me swim fast! The Vendetta has knocked time off my swim and I can't wait to put it on again in 2010. It is the most flexible and bouynt wetsuit around. 2010 they are going strong and taking over Ontario. If you don't have one get one because Xterra is taking over! Also not to mention their Fastskin, which in non-wetsuit swims have kept me in the pack and able to put time on my competitors! Amazing

ISM Seats: If you haven't seen their oddly shaped seat in 2009 get ready! 2010 is the year of ISM. Many of the pro's, like myself have switched to the saddle to increase power and save my bum on the bike. Doing 6 hours a day on the bike hurts and it is the best saddle around to decrease saddle soars. Not to mention the power it allows you to produce! They have new sleeker designs and endless reviews that will blow your mind. Check it out.

Sable Water Optics: They came on the scene a few years ago and haven't stopped. They are the most recognized goggle in triathlon and have some of the top professionals wearing them. They decrease the chance of fog and allow you to see a lot more of the water during a swim. In 2010 they will keep being one of the most desired goggles around.

Trigger Point Therapy: I am lucky to see a physio everyweek, but when I am away TP keeps me healthy. It hurts, but man does it work. They have many new tools to help with all the injuries a triathlete gets during the season from ITB pain to tight calf muscles. They help emmensly and if you don't have one get it! You will be fixed!!

Altitude Tech: As a professional athlete having a tent has kept me in the pack. Having a full time job means I can't train in Boulder or Arizona for parts of the year so I bring it to me. I have a tent in my house, which fits easily around my bed and is quite comfortable to sleep in. You can sleep at different setting but usually I am around 9000ft to increase hemocrit and also allow me to sleep. It is a tool I will keep using into 2010 and am glad I got one.

That is all for now have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! Wolfman Out

Allied Force 2010

So it has been finalized by our Mascot Maverick that Team Allied Force is on the highway to the Danger Zone in 2010! This was Posted on James Loaring Blog a couple days ago!

Several months ago, Mike Hay and I began acting on a vision to create an informal "field of dreams" squad (or team or club or group or network or call it what you will) that consists of a few other local passionate tri-geeks. The goal was to combine a few talented endurance athletes/coaches together for the occasional sparring session here in Guelph. Mike and I are both busy with family and full-time jobs, and we wanted to find a way to maximize our training time that is available after engaging to our more important family and work priorities. This state of time poverty is a common place that most triathletes find themselves in. While we are both more passionate about coaching others to success--then we are towards our own athletic goals--we feel that it is important for our on-going coaching development, to continue to train and compete with purposeful structure and goals. We knew there were other talented elites (several who also coach) that were training solo for part or much of their training program. They also head their own teams, or are loyal to other well respected and established teams. But sometimes they train on their own, and would prefer to spar with others during some of these occasions. Allied Force was born.

What is Allied Force?

Allied: "Joined or united in a close relationship"

Force: "Strength or energy of body or mind; active power; vigor; might; often, an unusual degree of strength or energy"

Allied Force is an informal, unofficial, non-sanctioned, not-for-profit, non-recruiting, tri-geek stomping ground for elite triathletes and/or endurance coaches--whom might benefit from training with a few other like-minded individuals for the occasional work-out--if the alternative is to train solo. The primary purpose of Allied Force is to encourage on-going learning and development while exercising...and having fun doing so.

It will be an opportunity to combine forces and put to the field our knowledge that we have gained from the lab, or books, or from our own training/coaching/racing experiences. We will continue to be our own guinea pigs, continue to search for clues. Similar to attending a coaching conference, or clinic, or seminar, we will be passionately engaged while out on the field playing, swimming, biking, running.

But it won't always be serious! While techy talk might comprise a portion of the chatter, make no mistake that a large portion of chatter will be comprised of mindless blabber and trash-talking.

The Current Roster:

Mike "Stinger" Hay
Steve “Houdini” Hewick
Mark “Merlin” Linseman
James “Viper” Loaring
Tyler “Wolfman” Lord
Dave “Iceman” Sharratt
Ryan “Hollywood” Smith

Maverick, my fearless bichon-poo, is the Team Mascot. His bark is much bigger than his bite. He has frightened many, even the likes of Thomas the Tank.

Why the cheesy code names?

Priority #1 in the sport of triathlon is.....(insert drum roll).....HAVE FUN! Every triathlete needs a nick name to help fuel more humour to the process of the Daily Grind. You can be serious and structured and focused, while having fun, at the SAME time. One without the other will never lead to optimal results.

Onwards and upwards we go...along the highway to the Dangerzone

Going to be a Great year.

More SC Pics

Had a few extra to put up!