tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70698987975988151742024-02-19T10:41:02.261+08:00Running from WithinInner desire and spirit that pushes you to test your limits with all aspects of life.CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-40960608260042787952014-01-06T08:13:00.001+08:002014-01-06T10:24:33.232+08:00Take Three: Marathon recap, no sleep and a couple race beers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I am really ON, concerning this blog post, and by sometimes I mean rarely. It just seems like there is not enough time in the day to catch up on this blog, not that it really is a pressing matter so that two whole people can ultimately read half of my blog and give me a thumbs up. Ok, let's get to the main point, The 2013 Philadelphia Marathon and my incredible experience on my first visit to the area since I was in middle school, before smart phones, before ipods, and before Western Australia had color TV (knock).<br />
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After a slight dilemma with my clothing of choice, I made it a quick choice and it proved very effective. Karin and I went to bed fairly early the night before the race and our 4:00am went off. Tossing and turning, I rolled over so many times to look at the clock that I honestly and not sure I slept more than 30minutes. 11:15, 11:47. 12:23, 12:52, 1:32, 1:59, 2:20, 2:58, these are all of the times I vividly remember looking at the clock before I decided to go into the opposite room of our suite to try a new sleeping area. This is the only point that it appeared I slept, and it was <b>30-35minute nap</b> effectively. Our alarms went off and I was just standing up in the living watching the news on closed caption so I would not wake Karin. This was perhaps the worst night of sleep I have ever had in preparation for a race. We suited up with our throw away sweats and hit the streets nice and early as other runners were scurrying to the start line.<br />
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The temps were actually pretty comfy in the upper 40's but I knew that the humidity was well over 90% so I made it a point to drink h2o when I could. Karin had to take a bathroom break because Jonah (our baby) made her stop frequently to do so. She was freaking out because the lines were incredibly long and I had to part ways with a hug and a kiss because it was less than 10minutes till the start and I was outside in the grassy area. I hopped over a few gates and made my way up towards the front of the race as I saw the elites jump in just a minute before the gun fired. My hamstring wasn't aching too much though I could feel it and had some worries pre-race of course. Thankfully between the KT tape, my pair of EC3D compression shorts and my 2xu compression shorts the pain was contained. Bang! the guns goes off and runners were everywhere, I quickly realized that I should have started up a little closer to the front because over that first mile I passed people who looked like they were already bonking. I just do not understand people who go out so hard in long distance events, I mean, you know what is going to happen, will it change this time? <b>NO</b>. Anyways, I started to get a bit warm with my arm warmers so I stripped these off after 2 miles with the hope that I could find Karin's family and toss them their way, but that did not happen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vG8jRbmSpThEuMtd1wUFsfHyH0XvnHgAFLEqiA8FMUwxh-nYGp0DRQrO3ST-YCW8zVCanyWXaP3f9GLICqRq1d2ciipdeIx1wIqJ6c6sslngWEnyqB1OUEH4qvR1YjYCx75EBu_F_WJp/s1600/1452374_2273824485070_582966633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vG8jRbmSpThEuMtd1wUFsfHyH0XvnHgAFLEqiA8FMUwxh-nYGp0DRQrO3ST-YCW8zVCanyWXaP3f9GLICqRq1d2ciipdeIx1wIqJ6c6sslngWEnyqB1OUEH4qvR1YjYCx75EBu_F_WJp/s1600/1452374_2273824485070_582966633_n.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a> The first few miles just flew by faster than any other marathon that I have ever run in. It was great to see the river, all of the little sections of town with people cheering and with signs. What an experience, I really would recommend the half marathon at least for anyone looking to enjoy their first major race that is not Boston, Chicago or New York. Things were going pretty smoothly as I found a nice group to settle in with in the 5:50's. Though I kept the pace consistent I could tell that I was certainly going out a little ahead of myself but I figured why not, I had no pressure, my original goals were not going to happen so just go for it and have fun. One guy I was running with in the group was really starting to piss me off as he would pass me and keep peeking back, then he would drop his pace by 5 seconds and I would pass him. It was very irritating after several miles in the race, so after we crested a hill around the zoo I just dropped a hard surge down the hill and thought, "why not make this A-hole" work to beat me? It was a game at that point, one that would come back to bite me but it kept it spiced up for 26miles at least. As we passed the 13 mile mark that guy came charging hard past me and he split off to the finish, he was only doing the half, of course!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoOEGk_-F9iPxxnk1BA4PgbQ0lYC4Mqb9eYcCyZFprqg14jzQUdPyYpModAKbC1VP1ht75NUMJP4T_z9dGs5V2OrK7YP06s4pESTh8d9zWwBogXPNhSxAemMZ4BYKgsxNOers0EtvGlj8/s1600/philadelphia-marathon-1uw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoOEGk_-F9iPxxnk1BA4PgbQ0lYC4Mqb9eYcCyZFprqg14jzQUdPyYpModAKbC1VP1ht75NUMJP4T_z9dGs5V2OrK7YP06s4pESTh8d9zWwBogXPNhSxAemMZ4BYKgsxNOers0EtvGlj8/s1600/philadelphia-marathon-1uw.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> Continuing on the marathon course with serious thoughts about dropping out at the half I was surprised at how many people were still around. At 10 miles I pretty much could feel how dead my legs were but I just kept trying to lift. When I saw that 13 miles mark I just thought to myself those days when I had to get up really early to run in the cold to get long miles in before work. After thinking about those days I just decided I came to do the marathon so that is what I was going to do, no matter how slow I may finish. Around 15 miles we had a turn around section and I got to see where people were and I saw a group of 4 charging really hard with each eventually passing me by 16 miles. Anytime I was around people in the later stages of the race I always made it a point to say good job or "go get em buddy". The 2nd female drifted back to me at about 17 miles and I told her to tuck behind me, if she needed any fluids to let me know. After about 1/2 mile I realized that she drifted further behind me, so I kept pressing onwards. From miles 17-20, I had a couple additional runners pass me as we hit the turnaround point in a small town and it was AWESOME! They had a band out there, people with signs, cheering us on, I gave the hand to the ear signal and said "come on, wake up, you can do better than that", gave a bunch of high fives.<br />
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I was all smiles, I was on cloud 9, my pace was getting slower but I couldn't help but think how fortunate I was just to be running. As I hit 21 mile I noticed a table with women standing by it holding big signs that said "BEER STOP, I was so excited, I stopped to grab a cup and told them "this is exactly what I really needed". I chugged the beer back and pushed onward, that beer literally tasted like heaven, I had an even bigger smile on my face. One thing really disappointed me in the late stages of the race, as we were passing all of the slower runners on the opposite side of the road I yelled out "great job", "you got this 3:30 group!" or " keep it up, you all look so fresh!" and no one, NO ONE said anything back, I just couldn't believe it! Oh well, as the miles moved along, I decided to pick it up to a light pole or a mail box just to pass the time and as I was doing this O noticed that I was actually catching people. 1-2-3 I was cruising past all of these people who had passed me earlier, glad I drank plenty of h2o on this humid day, it really hit some of the runners hard. at 23.5 miles I saw another "Beer Stop" so I indulged again to the cheers of the group who said I was the first person to even look their way really. Once 25 miles came, I kept telling myself to push hard and catch another person, then another person. Soon I realized that I could see the lead woman, she was so far ahead of me, but I was actually catching her.<br />
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Over the last 3/4 of a mile I passed a shirtless runner who I kept yelling at to "not give up" and to "keep pressing, we are almost done". We passed each other back and forth, each time I gave him a shout of motivation, this was a brotherhood, we were out there to better ourselves. Regardless if he beat me, I wanted him to know that we pushed each other the entire way. As we raced each other down the last meters of the race we passed another runner, then slid past the women's winner, we were ALL OUT. I never would have thought that I would be in a dead sprint over the last 400m of a marathon but here I was just pressing as hard as I possibly could. This guy would not give me an inch, we took it all the way to the line and I just didn't have it in me and he crossed just a foot before I did, what a race! We gave each other a fist pound and a hug then he thanked me for pushing him that last mile. It was great to hear those kind words and then he told me he set a 1minute PR and he wasn't sure that he could have done it if I wasn't pushing him to his limit over that last mile.<br />
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Karin rolled up and gave me a hug, she was proud of me and thats all I cared about. She finished safe and sound, she was happy with her result, I was thrilled to run a 2:38 and change, my 2nd fastest time ever. We walked back to the hotel, got showered up and had a huge phillycheese steak. We checked into our new hotel a couple blocks away, the Double Tree and I enjoyed my views, sent out a few messages with my results to family and friends. I was pretty tired and wanted to just sit back and relax, I was having some issues walking but that was nothing new. All in all I was extremely pleased with everything that Philly had to offer, it was very well organized, the crowds were a ton of fun and made the race that much more exciting.<br />
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Down the road I would like to make one more trip to Philly for the race festivities, perhaps the half marathon just so I can walk normal after the run haha. <i><b>Each day I try my best to remember that I am so incredibly gifted that I can travel to Philadelphia on my own free will, I am able to run 26 miles, and then enjoy a meal afterwards. We take so much for granted each second of our life, if you are reading this, you are leading a good life, I know I am and I don't intend to ever forget that. </b></i><br />
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On a side note, I have decided to avoid any form of road racing for at least 6 more months, but I will be participating in several trail races throughout the year, they just allow me to be free and to really enjoy the running experience again. If you want to hit the trails, let me know when and where, hopefully I can meet up! Thanks for reading!!!! CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-28643314898554546962013-12-11T06:23:00.002+08:002013-12-11T06:23:23.809+08:00The LEAD UP: Almost to Philly <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x54l226-887zML_uPg6bRbM7ovrr7uhfwA0AcaFoP-MsvR5LbeodgdA_fvW5bwYcL1NwWVBZ5MDtBE3cyr9hAw2yGm7iWPiWlMaSmpzhAghFTFm1G8br7w68VCtJb_dINtCXqyMOgOdQ/s1600/UA+form+fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x54l226-887zML_uPg6bRbM7ovrr7uhfwA0AcaFoP-MsvR5LbeodgdA_fvW5bwYcL1NwWVBZ5MDtBE3cyr9hAw2yGm7iWPiWlMaSmpzhAghFTFm1G8br7w68VCtJb_dINtCXqyMOgOdQ/s400/UA+form+fit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The build up to the Philly Marathon was starting to take
shape about 6-7 weeks out, I have reached the magic fitness line of 60 miles in
a week and I was progressing. As a lead up to the week of our “Training Camp”
at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia I came down with something pretty rough in the
form of a cold. It was a rough weekend of riding and running, my veins were
flowing with all kinds of western medicine to knock out this nasty sickness. 2
weeks passed by and I was still holding onto this sickness, body aches,
headaches, running nose, coughing, it was time to finally rest. 3 days off in a
row made a big difference and it appeared to finally subdue my ill-timed body
draining sickness.<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just days after
making vast improvements I thought it would be a great idea to jump in with a
workout with Billy and Paul. Up to this point I had basically done almost all
of my long runs solo and hadn’t been able to do any hard workouts with any of
the top marathoners in town. The morning was chilly but I knew I had to treat
it as a race in itself, so I went to bed early, woke early and went through my
race morning routine. We set off for 10 miles with a large group to get the
wheels moving along, it was quite nice to run with a group again, I really miss
that dynamic. Once we hit 10 miles Paul, myself and Billy took off to run the
next 10 at Marathon pace. Running through the center city was difficult with
construction and lights so our first mile was slightly off of pace but we kept
pursuing on. The 3<sup>rd</sup> mile consisted of a long line of people dressed
in pink whom where participating in the Breast Cancer walk, kudos to them for
being out in large numbers walking in the cold and raising money for a great
cause.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdwvXWaN3GWiORmyWmtqd-ZntgYcjbT5JWeshMT-MP1oeCVTaFzlm9t5DGEFXow3A9gAAtknUORkeh72ajba7rv8xpnAQqqfL9FosKuRVuI7iacy4UGyq7qQy6zz2MMICFwqtScggIjW9/s1600/Billy+SHue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdwvXWaN3GWiORmyWmtqd-ZntgYcjbT5JWeshMT-MP1oeCVTaFzlm9t5DGEFXow3A9gAAtknUORkeh72ajba7rv8xpnAQqqfL9FosKuRVuI7iacy4UGyq7qQy6zz2MMICFwqtScggIjW9/s320/Billy+SHue.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Billy kept pushing
the pace down further and further, “I feel good” is a familiar phrase Billy has
always said and today was no different. We were at 6:05 pace for a couple miles
then just under 6:00min pace, after 5 miles we were in the 5:50’s, then over
the last 3 miles I was struggling to keep up with Billy as he appeared to be
hammering home to simulate the finish of Thunder Road. 5:49, 5:41 and 5:47 were
my last 3 mile splits and Billy was moving away from me! On the last mile I was
making a hard push to catch Billy but I could tell something was off and I was
swinging my left leg out wide, something just was not right. Later after
numerous visit to Laura at <a href="http://carolinasportsclinic.com/">Carolina Sports Clinic</a>, she reiterated the fact that
I needed to take a couple days off because my body was just rebelling against
the training I wanted to pursue. 3 weeks out from the race I had to accept the
fact that I was not going to run a PR <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span>
and perhaps not even finish the marathon. Two weeks out on an easy trail run
with Matt Jaskot and Mike Beigay my right Achilles locked up on me 10minutes
in. After this happened, I began to really think about the road to running a
properly peaked marathon, I have never been there and I am not sure that I ever
will.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSM5y0KlkLRNEPHvP-fIgSR40Eq7TPes51wihhzRIKnIs_H1ZAI2lPQwfX77qedNDlVobuLxphxJHtrZLV28ev99XIzuOIghNBqUSkIM8uiej7U-BbqJeuitOnsAvcvZ43D-QoL9aK84L/s1600/img_achilles-tendonitis3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSM5y0KlkLRNEPHvP-fIgSR40Eq7TPes51wihhzRIKnIs_H1ZAI2lPQwfX77qedNDlVobuLxphxJHtrZLV28ev99XIzuOIghNBqUSkIM8uiej7U-BbqJeuitOnsAvcvZ43D-QoL9aK84L/s1600/img_achilles-tendonitis3.jpg" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for me I
actually listened to the advice from Doctor Laura and essentially aqua jogged
or rode my spin bike over the last 3 weeks with 2-3 days of running per week.
As any runner knows this is the LAST thing that you want to be doing while
leading up to a goal marathon. My last 5 weeks of training were pieced together
as if I literally had no experience running in my life. Though I ran very
little, the goal was to focus on keeping fitness, not gaining fitness. Each of
these days I was trying to hit the foam roller while also doing some of those
irritating minimal exercises to work on lower leg stability as well as a major
focus on glute strengthening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last
thing to figure out was what to wear of course, I had numerous options
concerning clothing and footwear, now what to do.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajvqZNEBA08-gYAwmggXaLSHsIJMGLhlv1z3FFq5zbgZ9h_wTIGP2FgTOhlge5Vh28b0RNx-wOAsMIT29mTkmYaA9gMON1pCq3lDmkimxvkJcxsuwaqD0sPiqWAWIWXlMyRqDzrUM8snq/s1600/Chris-McCormack-speedform-shoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajvqZNEBA08-gYAwmggXaLSHsIJMGLhlv1z3FFq5zbgZ9h_wTIGP2FgTOhlge5Vh28b0RNx-wOAsMIT29mTkmYaA9gMON1pCq3lDmkimxvkJcxsuwaqD0sPiqWAWIWXlMyRqDzrUM8snq/s320/Chris-McCormack-speedform-shoe.jpg" width="318" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As any seasoned
runner would do, I packed quite a few options for the marathon, including
pre-race throw away gear, race attire and post-race clothing to keep warm. One
of the shocking last minute decisions that you never make is tossing in a brand
new shoe into the mix. Fortunately for me, the Under Amour sales rep sent me a
couple pairs of their latest gear to test out and one pair really hit the spot.
Perhaps the best racing shoe I have ever worn, well after one test, I thought
so. This speaks wonders to the innovative design team at Under Amour given that
I have been fortunate to sample the industry’s best running shoes over the past
10 years. </div>
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The shoe in question is the Under ArmourSpeedform and I have
provided some of the bullet points concerning the shoe. One interesting factor
that I found with a visit from our sales rep is that this shoe was the first to
be approved for racing by the legend Chris McCormack and the 2 <sup>nd</sup>,
the upper was created in a bra factory to form fit to the foot, giving the shoe
a stretchable concept.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
fundamentals</span></b></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Regular: A slimmer athletic cut that delivers better
mobility by eliminating the bulk of extra fabric.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seamless heel cup for anatomical fit</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Silicone heel grip for a more streamlined feel</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smooth, ultrasonic seaming so you feel nothing but fast</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Micro G® cushioning in the heel rebounds your impact
into forward momentum</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">UA Light Speed Grip is strategically placed on outsole
for the ultimate in ultra-lightweight traction</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 mm drop</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Super-lightweight: 6 oz.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOzByaw4ExN_T2NQ2cQAED512mPtBwH7tK-RVOlTIEHVkt238xbz8dpIVmyK_gFxHUYEQ_Q8Y-KDAqtXQDR8x9BKJmin_4tC2KoYg5hUAv8vqSWrU2kwlB8W2guGXHDDbL6UjqWze_XAI/s1600/ua-designs-inside-out-speedform-rc-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOzByaw4ExN_T2NQ2cQAED512mPtBwH7tK-RVOlTIEHVkt238xbz8dpIVmyK_gFxHUYEQ_Q8Y-KDAqtXQDR8x9BKJmin_4tC2KoYg5hUAv8vqSWrU2kwlB8W2guGXHDDbL6UjqWze_XAI/s320/ua-designs-inside-out-speedform-rc-06.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I firmly decided
that this was in fact the shoe to race in one week out from the marathon, many
were shocked and disapproved but I honestly thought this was an amazing shoe.
At only 6 ounces this was a very lightweight shoe but the thing that stuck out
to me was that this was not a minimal shoe per say. The “zero drop” concept was
not incorporated it is in fact 6mm which in my opinion could be possibly the
perfect drop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Speedform” is more
aggressive than a standard training shoe but not as aggressive as most of the
racing flats in the industry. This I thought would be very beneficial in the
later stages of the race, as it would not stretch my calf or Achilles like some
of my other shoes. Another factor that stuck out for me was the snug fit of the
heel cup, it is very minimal as it is lined with a thin piece of fabric BUT is has
an embedded silicone heel grip with works exceptionally.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a look yourself at the <a href="http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/ua-speedform-running-shoes/pid1245951?cid=PS|google|Brand|US|IP|Exact|under%20armour%20speedform|cyfm8RCf&gclid=CLq_ge_VprsCFdBlOgoddgsABw">Speedform RC</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After deciding on
such an integral part of my race concerning footwear, all I had to do was
select my outfit. On the table were my brand new “EC3D- Compression Shorts” as
well as the trusty “2XU Compression Shorts” that have served me very well over
the years. My sock choices were the sweet new “EC3D- twist compression socks”
vs“ 110% compression sleeves” the pair that worked so incredibly well at
Wineglass last year. The accessory choices consisted of “Mizuno- breath thermo
gloves” vs. “ Gore Windstopper gloves” and concerning my head gear I had 3
choices in “Mizuno- Breaththermo winter cap”, “Timex Dri fit hat” or a fitted
“2XU- winter cap”. What to do what to do….Next update coming soon, I promise!(laptop broke while flying hence the delay)<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-85739525296514395652013-11-20T19:00:00.000+08:002013-11-20T19:00:05.468+08:00Fall Marathon: The lead up to Philly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5atUZFqFinvgKp8oWmifZAUT2dtl5Ybh6o-68NPMZQS_573IgN5K5JozHiN7DjIws1cV9eNi6LIXJbmUQC4oLvZmChm5VCbW4KdoN2BGU6QWMwQL36bF124hqy6WeLIuGzOzUVZMdpKHq/s1600/Gendurance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5atUZFqFinvgKp8oWmifZAUT2dtl5Ybh6o-68NPMZQS_573IgN5K5JozHiN7DjIws1cV9eNi6LIXJbmUQC4oLvZmChm5VCbW4KdoN2BGU6QWMwQL36bF124hqy6WeLIuGzOzUVZMdpKHq/s200/Gendurance.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Months ago, my wife Karin was motivated to "take on" the Philadelphia Marathon once again after her 2010 episode ended with broken metatarsals and a DNF. As she announced the news I was delighted to hear she was attacking something that was taken from her, something that caused her a great deal of pain and agony. I pondered the idea of just going to Philly as a cheerleader for Karin but she asked if I was signing up and it kind of pushed me to really thinking about it. After I realized that I actually had a free entry courtesy of Gatorade Endurance, I went ahead and signed up, after all even if I decided not to race I could have simply not started and it wouldn't cost me a dime.<br />
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I must also mention that during all of this I had just competed in the "Scream" half marathon which by luck I was fortunate enough to finish in 1st place in just under 1:15. This race WRECKED ME! My training had been going very well until I competed in the summer track series where I really tweaked my hamstring and it became a big lingering issue. As I toed the line for the "Scream" I knew that I was not in ideal form to achieve what I would like to but I was on the line to compete and give it my best. I pushed and pushed, even had to make a pit stop for stomach issues until I crossed that line in agonizing pain. I was TOAST for weeks after the race, my legs were shot and I just took time off. Debating on signing up for a full marathon after I had just put my body through hell and back for a half seemed like an easy answer but it wasn't. As you know now, I did sign up for the full and I gave it my best attempt to prepare for attacking a new PR. <br />
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After some much needed time off I decided it was time to really start ramping up my training so I wrote a very basic and simple plan for myself to reach a peak week of 85 miles, permitting I made it to this point completely healthy there would be no reason that I could not knock a couple minutes off of my standing marathon PR. I knew that reaching this would be a very difficult task as I typically have to stick around 50-55 miles per week before my body starts breaking down so it would be a much longer build than I would prefer. If you know me well, you know that I have been a fairly inconsistent runner in terms of training. I like to take about 3months at a time to really get into my training and 3 months to take time off to lift, cycle and to tend to home life. It works for me but is not for everyone, I do still believe that I have a couple of PR's left in me somewhere, most likely in the longer distances and I will get there in due time.<br />
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To keep my training fun and exciting I always like to mix in races to offer a true chance to get into a race mentality while also providing the obvious stimulus. One race really stuck out on my radar that I have always wanted to participate in, "Run For The Green" half marathon in Davidson, NC. I knew that it would prove to be a slow race but it would have long term benefits. Up to the point of the race my training was finally coming around quite nice as I was getting into the 50's for mileage but my body was having a difficult time adapting to the increased load. My thought was that it would be ideal if I could run just under 1:20 while staying controlled and optimistically hope for the big W. Once the gun went off their was quickly a contender among the field who meant business. He took off with ease and floated away from the rest of us minus some teenage kids who were dreaming for a couple hundred yards. <br />
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After dropping a 5:30 mile to remain in 4th place I thought to myself that it must be game time today, no games and no floating around. I had to start my race soon or this guy might just run away from me. As we approached the 3 mile mark he continued to surge every time I strolled next to him and then finally he pretty much gave up completely it appeared. Within two steps I had made a solid gap on him and I kept pressing. As we hit the turn around, I noticed I had a solid lead and finally was able to back off of the pace and cruise home for the victory. Great race/run, I went out fast got into oxygen debt but was still able to press on with a solid pace, this was really teaching my body to deal with some solid fatigue. <br />
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Two weeks after the "Run For the Green" I told my fellow Huntersville-Concord triathlon team that I would be willing to compete in the relay for the inaugural Davidson Half IM. I knew that I had to hit some solid mileage that week and I made it very clear that I would not be setting any record paces during my run portion. Since I did not have to be at the race till later, I managed to run 5 miles to the race from my house, sit around for awhile then do another 2 mile warm-up before I was set to complete my 13.1 mile journey for the team. Boy was this a BITCH of a course, I know that I was <br />
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fatigued but it really took a toll on me. For the first time since I competed in a 70.3 myself I ran over 1:20 for half marathon! It was a fun event, I was able to meet some new people and to share my passion for the sport while we waited in anticipation for our teams to arrive. We ended up winning as the overall fastest team but unfortunately we were still unable to get the top overall men in the field. <br />
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This performance left me feeling a little less confident but still hopeful that I could continue to press my mileage on up. Looking back one of the critical mistakes that I made was not allowing myself a proper amount of time to recover. I distinctly remember one workout that I did with help from Dan Matena at McAlpine, where I was set to do 3 x 5k. The 1st 5k went by FAIRLY smoothly but I could tell that the sickness that I had been suffering from was still lingering in my <br />
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body and causing severe chest congestion. The 2nd 5k interval was not so pretty, I managed to still run a 17:40 but it was not nearly as smooth, I had to press the last mile to get my time and my chest was really hurting something bad. For some reason the next morning I was so motivated from my incomplete workout that I met up with Billy and Caitlin for some miles extremely early. I managed to run a couple solo before meeting up with the group to knock out 8 more before starting a workout with Billy and Caitlin. I managed to run just short of 3 miles with them at 6:10 pace before the fatigue and soreness really set in. I struggled back to the YMCA shivering and achy from the 18 miles I had just run, this was the true start of my demise. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hT8fPF_Ms-FYs-2WsGiTMdTXRVTnBC5aOrkZPAe5ZVhYlsSniaSTUhtKnRUX92oTHPuvxKMvb7wmQk5V_DTQmV65wUgCLZ0h2-jWOIrT-aFV2ygk4rvist-EgD94lUbvgYr-BCXtx_Qo/s1600/Man-clutching-leg-in-pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hT8fPF_Ms-FYs-2WsGiTMdTXRVTnBC5aOrkZPAe5ZVhYlsSniaSTUhtKnRUX92oTHPuvxKMvb7wmQk5V_DTQmV65wUgCLZ0h2-jWOIrT-aFV2ygk4rvist-EgD94lUbvgYr-BCXtx_Qo/s320/Man-clutching-leg-in-pain.jpg" width="320" /></a> Upon completion of that week of training it was highly likely that you may have very well witnessed my famous last 5-6 weeks of training move, it was pretty sweet and went something like this......"ahhhhh my Hamstring!" , "Oh my Achilles, I can't walk, it's locked up", "My IT band is killing, I don't know about this marathon". Despite all of these factors, I still showed up to the start line at the Philadelphia Marathon with the slim optimism that they may very well be a PR waiting to happen, which I will recap on my next installment. <br />
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CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-75713953807121489702013-07-15T18:30:00.000+08:002013-07-15T18:30:00.385+08:00High Goals and Low Mileage = impossible<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXs1oqNkMRn2d_YqQ7aC61w_XZL-f0uqwbSAsH1RwD6tKPf7eLtvMCoutM_K5qOYXLrwr90ICX4U_lbNBTpV08jXzjbfqMvWOFQNjQjWomA0iWGHD404yG-kirPE__HBAv_AcD-c1Prb8/s1600/The+Scream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXs1oqNkMRn2d_YqQ7aC61w_XZL-f0uqwbSAsH1RwD6tKPf7eLtvMCoutM_K5qOYXLrwr90ICX4U_lbNBTpV08jXzjbfqMvWOFQNjQjWomA0iWGHD404yG-kirPE__HBAv_AcD-c1Prb8/s1600/The+Scream.jpg" /></a> After a debacle at the recent Spartan race in March, I decided that it was time to start looking towards a new running goal in the near future, so I settled on two goals; The Brighton 4th of July 5k (Rochester, NY) and the "Scream" Half marathon in the foothills of NC. Thankfully I started off with a bang of success immediately with winning a small local 5k and then following that up with an amazing performance at the Skyline 5k which was a last minute "kick in the butt" race or so I thought. Having the entire last mile downhill really helped trim my pace down and let me come through in 2nd overall with a 16:18 behind the quick feet of John Compton.<br />
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Maybe the Skyline performance gave me a false sense of fitness, but for whatever reason I just could not find any motivation to actually train in a structured manner in preparation for the 5k or the Half Marathon. The days flew by and I kept telling myself, "<em>oh you have time before you need to buckle down, no worries</em>". Just two weeks ago I had an opportunity to gauge my proposed pace at the summer series 5000m for the upcoming Brighton 5k. Since I never actually did a proper "race pace" workout as I should have, I thought this would be the best gauge. Luckily I was fortunate enough to have a "training camp" weekend away with a few buddies and put in a solid amount of work, on the bike as well as running which lead up to the 5000m race on the track. Over our training camp, we demolished our legs which some brutal climbs, attacks and surges on two feet and two wheels. I knew going into the track race I would be dead legged but what the hell, why not just give it an old college try. 15:58 was the outcome, for another 2nd overall placing.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyavwNIe3_sWKdCMRU9MCWNwdpSJPEh7eQRO6KqMPZ08iRxU_66MMYUxfmD72V41U4_ABotITz5CwalR5Wh8bZ26A1ap_XjqEWLp6MgImA2H6TY-oGtf0iK9PEaBHolMafwcfhuYKvUS13/s1600/training+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyavwNIe3_sWKdCMRU9MCWNwdpSJPEh7eQRO6KqMPZ08iRxU_66MMYUxfmD72V41U4_ABotITz5CwalR5Wh8bZ26A1ap_XjqEWLp6MgImA2H6TY-oGtf0iK9PEaBHolMafwcfhuYKvUS13/s320/training+camp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of my Training Camp compatriots</td></tr>
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In the past I have always focused on an attempt to run well at the track series but most importantly win the Championship mile. I believe that I am a 3-time possibly a 4-time winner of this race who apparently is out of his prime. Last year I pushed Bert to an amazing 4:17 mile while I was on the cusp of a sub 4:20 at 30 years old, a feat that blew my mind. Weeks out from this race, I was extremely motivated to beat Bert as well as to finally take the crown of the "Ultimate Runner". This year, let's just say winning the Brighton 5k never seemed to really motivate me to get out the door. I am in an odd slump at this point in my life and it's not something I am worried about. Karin and I bought a very nice home in the community that we could only hope we could raise a child in. Much of my time has been focused on preparing our home to be a place where we could live for a very long time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgfyW8LphKetKIe2yhfO4ImVWY_sQTkTSK5LWQkW28dsT8yp9YzZJygLFwpM15VaSJvWMxpO5jtfwPvdPuCNp3XF7QPKJ5f2r752cR_slJA3NaZ2migLGMJijxltbAa4cUDQbOKiK4gcC/s1600/infinity+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgfyW8LphKetKIe2yhfO4ImVWY_sQTkTSK5LWQkW28dsT8yp9YzZJygLFwpM15VaSJvWMxpO5jtfwPvdPuCNp3XF7QPKJ5f2r752cR_slJA3NaZ2migLGMJijxltbAa4cUDQbOKiK4gcC/s400/infinity+pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Loving Life with Karin</u></strong></td></tr>
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Accompanying this hard work at home often brings many select beverages and occasional nights out dining. At the end of the day, I have to realize running is just my hobby and but my home life is what matters the most. This is something I have come to terms with even though it has been a struggle at times, watching my paces get just a bit slower than I would appreciate. When I began my "running" cycle in April, I had a couple goals that I thought could possibly be attainable given some very focused and dedicated work. 15:45 for the Brighton 5k and sub 1:12 for the Scream Half marathon. The time has come and gone, along with my hamstring but I still have one more race remaining. On July 4th, Karin and I toed the line, both being very skeptical of our fitness levels and quite honestly had no clue what type of pace either of us could run. She had been having issues with her Achilles and calf while I have endless issues with my hamstring it seems like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka8Jy9hMv53TcyBnXaCsLHyhOsPgpFTEI3RpXIw96QrWDPy-5IaufnGvoUm6UNabexOLQjGJXEGIjqOpC7Uux9wcQmsFocVmh9AQJcB_rz9fm6hpneUOqp5ruBreiR3Vt4S2C4xHGLHGQ/s1600/brighton+5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka8Jy9hMv53TcyBnXaCsLHyhOsPgpFTEI3RpXIw96QrWDPy-5IaufnGvoUm6UNabexOLQjGJXEGIjqOpC7Uux9wcQmsFocVmh9AQJcB_rz9fm6hpneUOqp5ruBreiR3Vt4S2C4xHGLHGQ/s320/brighton+5k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$75 for 2nd Overall</td></tr>
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Bang, the gun goes off and the race starts, 16minutes and 6 seconds later I have crossed the finish line for a solo 2nd overall. The first guy hit the mile in 4:46 and looked smooth and relaxed, while a few guys were trying to hang onto me, I knew I had enough to push ahead by myself. Being absent minded I did not bring a watch for the race so I had no clue what pace I was holding, so this totally would be up in the air. 5:11 at the mile, time to push away, 5:07 over the next mile, and then crossing in 16:06. I was so close to breaking 16, but I had nothing else left. I finished while hunched over trying to see through the foggy, humid air, breathing heavily and sweating profusely, but I had a smile inside. 16:06 wasn't so bad for what I have been doing, I'll take that any day of the week! So much for 15:45, I knew this would be out of the question as my running has been a chore over these last few weeks especially with my IT and Hamstring issues, some days I feel like I am falling apart!<br />
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On July 20th I plan to be at the starting line of the "The Scream" half marathon with no overly anxious goals. While nursing my hamstring I have been very easy on my legs over these past two weeks just so I can make it to the start line. Having heard stories of Ben Hovis and his excruciating circumstances with his Achilles, I just pray that my Hamstring will hold up on some of the quick descents. This is an excerpt from a partial description on the race website;<br />
"
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The course features over 2,400
feet of descent over the 13.1 mile course, roughly 150+ feet per mile. You <u>will</u>
be sore. There are two noticeable climbs between the start & finish,
neither of which could really be characterized as challenging hills. Although
the significant descent will give you a big boost in terms of speed, if does
not automatically guarantee a PR half marathon time. You have to do your part
and put in the training necessary to shepard you to your goal. Relying upon
gravity to make up for a lack of proper training will be a big mistake; please
take us at our word for this."</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0WsXrhaH0oZpXqSXtaouzM_TL58UTpbEXyM106rMfSmp4_NuPRQ7b-X8MiykiSvxZ3ZUIQDprKIlobRue5UB6rQewBuoJsBpgfMHRf2TbaJBAmcvkBHE2xepUZCcGApxYCFMzI6hxZyH/s1600/hamstring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0WsXrhaH0oZpXqSXtaouzM_TL58UTpbEXyM106rMfSmp4_NuPRQ7b-X8MiykiSvxZ3ZUIQDprKIlobRue5UB6rQewBuoJsBpgfMHRf2TbaJBAmcvkBHE2xepUZCcGApxYCFMzI6hxZyH/s320/hamstring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe stupid stuff like this is what hurts my hamstring?<br />
"Look I can leap into the lake, woooo, ouch"</td></tr>
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Sub 1:12, yes, at some point through the race but unfortunately not at the finish line. My goal is to start out conservatively and then to hopefully push some of the later miles to finish strong. I am not sure who will be racing on the 20th but given last years winning time there is a chance that I could be out front fairly quickly, but I know that there will always be a few people who push early on before their lack of proper training hits them and they are walking, hopefully I am not that guy. After I complete this race, I will not have another planned race until the first weekend in November as I need some downtime to get some things together. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRaqJr81_DdbJrvY1i2Zkz7N1-gSDjhZ212Wr4KqTpmH-j1HPv0CIRc5o0rZMr9A8IIFRnnxuMUxBX2qLoMr6HLzKVep_ga7xKaj1ZFKpONKrbCEWKjOsPjMmfDzXJoTtaSvfo6IG3kDZ/s1600/jump!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRaqJr81_DdbJrvY1i2Zkz7N1-gSDjhZ212Wr4KqTpmH-j1HPv0CIRc5o0rZMr9A8IIFRnnxuMUxBX2qLoMr6HLzKVep_ga7xKaj1ZFKpONKrbCEWKjOsPjMmfDzXJoTtaSvfo6IG3kDZ/s320/jump!.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YOLO</td></tr>
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All in all, Life is grand and I could not envision a better life for myself, I am very fortunate and there is not one day that I do not forget that. Running is a mirror to life, sometimes you are just cruising through life with a smile thinking how great you feel then the next moment your ankle rolls over the edge of the sidewalk and you are on your face wondering what to do. Each and everyday is a new day to learn more, whether its about yourself, someone else or something, just embrace it.CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0United States35.077841510967041 -80.903320312531.742853010967039 -86.0668943125 38.412830010967042 -75.7397463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-14014886869707639932013-05-19T21:59:00.003+08:002013-05-19T21:59:46.078+08:00Gatorade Ambassador + Trail running = Long Blog As usual I have taken a hiatus from posting on my blog, but I did want to take a few minutes to highlight a few exciting things that are going on in my life currently. Let's start off with my acceptance as a member of the Gatorade Enduralliance team. This is a pretty awesome deal, I sent out my application which asked for podium finishes, results and time not expecting much but only to be notified days later of my acceptance along with two closer friends of mine, <a href="http://believeachieverunner.blogspot.com/">Cody Angell</a> and Billy Shue. We all found out that we are the only members in the south east, while there are about 30 members spread all over the country. Unfortunately I was unable to attend our big conference in Chicago but I did get to catch up via email, conference call and webinar. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt47VkzbZNEzX5QBPLO4Zaxfda83pwPUz9EtfZMtm0hxkhVxWn2hB1ALfWulFgkyMWFbqoVkJyEPeBJYrE2IQ3Q0MLQxkf_-PQKz5Is5_TwGN8wGNfKMA92FPHmw1QyPxuYKEM8Qf6enz/s1600/gatorade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt47VkzbZNEzX5QBPLO4Zaxfda83pwPUz9EtfZMtm0hxkhVxWn2hB1ALfWulFgkyMWFbqoVkJyEPeBJYrE2IQ3Q0MLQxkf_-PQKz5Is5_TwGN8wGNfKMA92FPHmw1QyPxuYKEM8Qf6enz/s320/gatorade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With becoming apart of this team, we have promised to do our best to promote the brand specifically highlighting <a href="http://www.gatorade.com/default.aspx?WT.mc_id=RMCPC_Google_S_EnduranceNonBrand_MarathonHydration_10knutritionbefore&#gendurance?s=gendurance">Gatorade Endurance</a> to our local community. You may see Cody, Billy and I at some of the brewery runs or store runs passing our some free samples so don't be afraid to come over say hi and grab some carb chews! One of the cool things is that we get free technical racing gear, so all three of us are going to have a sick compression triathlon gear made by 2XU but we have to wait another month for the customer order to come through. Being apart of this program is very motivating, they literally support us in the best way possible, with race stipends, free product, training gear, and most importantly they connect us to people who love endurance sports just like us. <br />
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After my first batch of supply was shipped to my house, I was excited to try out the new Prime carb pouch which is used most effectively prior to workouts/races. It has some simple sugars as well as of course carbs which you body will be buring off during exercise. Since I knew Gatorade was going to assist with some race expenses I finally decided to sign up for the race #2 of the Riverbound race series at Fisher Farms Park. I have always enjoyed trail running but quite honestly have never done more than one per year even though this is actually my favorite endurance event. Luckily I have a pretty good track record at trail races, from my recollection I have only lost a trail race back in 2006 at the Uwharrie 8-miler which was 4 weeks after my first marathon and I was struggling to say the least. After a full month of continuous running with no real bumps in the road I felt confident that I could really push hard and hopefully break the course record, but with trail running you never know what the day can bring; mud, lapping slower runners, or course distance.<br />
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The last trail race I competed in was on a very special day, the day I proposed to Karin, January 21st, 2012. It was a muddy day on the course but in the end everyone had a blast and I was lucky enough to break way from the lead pack and secure the 9-mile victory.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">CRC Trail Race 9 Mile Results </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">January 21, 2012 <br />
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Questions please email info@s2ftiming.com <br />
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Top Males Overall in 9 Mile division. <br />
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Place Bib # Name Elapsed Pace <br />
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1 670 Chris Lamperski 01:00:13 6:41 <br />
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2 676 Zack Kessell 01:01:33 6:50 <br />
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3 651 Dave Mabe 01:04:16 7:08 <br />
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Top Females Overall in 9 Mile division. <br />
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Place Bib # Name Elapsed Pace <br />
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1 654 Joan Nesbit Mabe 01:10:41 7:51 <br />
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2 582 Megan Lordi 01:18:39 8:44 <br />
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3 539 Jamie Engel 01:21:07 9:01 </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoka Bondi B 2</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Since I had never ran at Fisher Farms Park in Davidson, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had heard that the course was rather technical in some portions. To be proactive in discovering the course, I decided to get there a little earlier and run the 1st 3 miles of the course so I knew what to expect and it proved to be very beneficial to me. I decided to it would be best to warm-up in my new pair of Hoka's, they are a bit heavy and maybe a little awkward but I knew they would keep my legs nice and fresh before throwing on my trail racers. The Hoka Bondi B 2 is the shoe that I was fortunate enough to sample, it is Hoka's lightest shoe to date and I find that with each run I am getting used to the platform more and more but the verdict is still TBD.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rogue fly on the right</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> After warming up solo in the woods I popped my <a href="http://www.gatorade.com/#gendurance?s=gendurance-pro-prime">Gatorade Endurance Carb Pouch</a> to top off my energy levels 20minutes before the race. Kent showed up while I was lacing up the Montrail Rogue Fly that I decided to race in. This shoe is SWEET, very lightweight and flexible for a trail shoe, and it has amazing traction on the surface. It was between the Rogue Fly and the Rogue Race, but I thought the look of the Fly seemed to be the faster choice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> As the race started I knew that I had about 1/2m before we hit the single track to get out front and hopefully never look back. Two guys shot out to the front immediately and one of them literally refused to let me pass as he kept throwing in burst. About 200m from the trail entrance I decided I just had to drop the hammer and pass this guy which proved to be pretty easy. I entered the trail at 1/2m in the lead with about 4 guys nipping on my heels. I managed to gap the 2nd group by the mile as I crossed in 5:39 and the rest of the guys were between 5:52-54 from what I was told. My goal was to nail the straight aways and downhills as hard as I could so I could make up for the twist and turns. In my opinion the trail does not have that many steep uphills to where I felt like " I want this to be over" but more turns than anything which substantially slows down the pace. </span><br />
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Throughout the race I kept telling myself "Record, Record" to keep me motivated to not be content with the lead but to keep pressing the pace. This is something that I have no issues with on trails races but in road racing I often times wonder off in La-La land for a mile or 2 and loose precious time. The 10k and 5k trails crossed over a few times and fortunately my delay with the slower 5k runners was limited, I had to leap over a small creek off of the trail to get around several runners, but I figure it let me catch my breath and really nail those last couple miles. Over the last 2.5miles I was pretty much alone until the last 1/2m as I ran into the 5k finishers again, but it felt amazing, just running through the packed dirt lined with all kinds of tree's and the sun peeking through a bit. Fortunately there was a good stretch where I had a straight away and I made sure to really nail the pace down as fast as I could. I was a bit skeptical of my 4th to 5th mile split, I knew I was pressing harder than I had the entire race but when I hit 5:24 on the watch I thought either I am really on or maybe that mile was a bit short. As I crested the the last section of the race, they announced my name as the 10k winner and I had a chance to really look at the overall time on the clock as it was ticking in the 34's.<br />
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34:29 was my official time, no way this was the full distance, after speaking to people who had worn their garmin's during the race, most people thought the race to be around 5.7 miles which was disappointing because I was really pushing hard to get a record. After the race I also found out that this was a new venue for the 10k race, so apparently the record will now be mine at Fisher Farms. Kent finished up about 2:30 back in 2nd place overall. TrySports represented well today on the trails in our new singlets that really make an impression. <br />
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My ultimate goal should I get permission from my lovely wife is to race the Xterra national championships someday. Usually the trail championships are in oregon or Utah, both have some amazing trails and breath taking scenery, it would be an absolute dream to compete out west. If you qualify for worlds its in Hawaii which seems a bit more attainable for me than does qualifying for the Ironman world championships and quite honestly, I think I would enjoy going to Hawaii for a trail race as opposed to a full Ironman. So if you see Karin make sure you give her a nudge to help me pursue my dream. take a moment to check out the 2012 recap video, AMAZING! <a href="http://vimeo.com/channels/xterra/?bcpid=96876705001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAABvZE1XE~,hSl6_B4LDblX2jyvBYVb39QKYJRlpHRV&bclid=30080813001&bctid=2008403661001">Xterra Run Championships</a></span><br />CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-67921985591959125352013-03-25T19:00:00.000+08:002013-03-26T04:03:16.590+08:00I am NOT a Spartan: Carolina's Spartan Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like so many of us ingrained in this media culture, I get daily emails from Groupon, Livingsocial and Homerun showing me the latest and greatest deals available in m local area. One day I noticed that there was a Groupon advertising the "Spartan Race" over 8 months away and I figure why the heck not? The marketing guru's behind this event must be making some serious dough as this seems to be the #1 trending sport in our nation. After signing up I have had other goals along the way, nearly forgetting that I actually was registered for this race up until about 2 months ago. <br />
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In order to get somewhat motivated for this race, I began taking some classes at "Fight Gone Mad" and started to institute my own strength regimen 4-5x per week at the YMCA. As a runner I typically would avoid all of this "Strength" work, but over this past year I have had a change of heart I would call it and have decided to spice up things more. While instituting some minimal running to retain aerobic conditioning I hit the weights more and more. From the video's I had seen online, this Spartan race could pretty legit and I did not want to take it for granted in any way. I began to institute stabilization training into my routine with each session making it more and more difficult with heavier weights and uneven surfaces. One of the key workouts that I found really worked a hard burn was my 1 - 10 workout, which consisted of 1 hard mile on the treadmill then immediately hoping off and doing 10minutes of strength with a max out of pull-ups while I was about 20 steps away from the treadmill. <br />
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As the days approached I felt very confident in my overall fitness level, no I was not in tip top running form but in decent enough form to slug through 4 miles I believed. 2 weeks out from the race I decided to really push my anaerobic/aerobic thresholds at the McMullen Greenway with the goal of running under 40minutes for 6 miles. The catch was that the 6 miles had a variety of taxing exercises along the way including (in order); 15 explosive parallel bar dips, 10 pull-ups, 3 miles, 30 push-ups, 25 dips on bench, 15 lunges, 1 mile at 90%, 12 pull-ups, 2 miles to finish in 39:24. After this workout I used the bars to do some additional work and thought to myself that I am in the best overall shape that I have ever been in my life. LET'S DO THIS SPARTAN WARRIOR!<br />
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The forecast worried me on race day, 39 degrees and raining, what would this mean? Those of you who know me, know I have the WORST circulation in my hands and have been known to use gloves in 50 or even 60 degree weather, how could I pull myself up ropes and across bars? Oh well, no time to worry about that! As I pulled up to the US National White Water Center I remembered how much I really liked this place and also that this was a legit event that I was about to partake in. I would guess that nearly 1,000 people were already at the race at 7am and running around with camelbaks, crossfit shirts and compression garments. I had a little time to check in and do a few drills before I had to rush down to the start area. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't really get on the front of the line as there would always be a new guys or two showing up to hop up front. As I looked around, I felt as if I was the only non-military guy up at the front as each were chatting about their drive from this base and that base. The race started with some guy screaming lines from the movie "300" that I vaguely remembered and then all of a sudden everyone took off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting Line - you can see me to the left in Red</td></tr>
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Where was the starting gun? This was something new to me, I missed my chance to make my way up front and push the pace early on. Instead I had about 60 people in front of me on thick gravel while I had to hurdle several guys who were trying to make their bid to be champions. We hit a bridge crossing about 200m into the run and a few more guys face planted on the slippery wooden planks, all the while I was thinking, " I may not have the mentality for this race, this guys are running for their lives, literally". We get into the single track section of the woods and I am SUPER frustrated, I am coasting behind heaps of guys who are about to blow a lung and I cannot pass anyone no matter how hard I try. At every little opening I quickly realized I had to sprint as hard as I could and pass as many guys as possible. We began hitting our first few obstacles from what I remember as mostly water/mud pits through the Catawba River. The barb wire was pretty high and I thought this would be a cake walk until I was knee deep in mud and swimming through it the best I could. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Pull up the Power Line Hill</td></tr>
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The next section of the Catawba river was the most miserable as it took me several minutes to slog through this freezing water where I was neck deep. After I hit land and caught my breath I kept moving my way through the field confidence increasing. The next major obstacle was pretty interesting in my eyes, we had to scale two 7 foot walls and then finish it off with an 8ft wall. This does not sound very difficult until you are tired, dripping wet and numb. After conquering this challenge our next battle was 50 yards away. We had to drag concrete blocks up this mega hill with Metal chains attached. This was the only time I could actually see where I was place wise in the Elite race. I counted a total of 10 guys in front of me finishing this obstacle as I was beginning. After this was complete, I surged over this next running portion as hard as I could passing several more people and making my way towards the front. As I passed the 3 mile mark I was thinking, "<em>Almost there, you can get this top 10 Chris, Come on!!!".</em> At this point I was completely solo and hit the 40yard barbwire mud crawl, wow, 40 yards! This was so much incredibly harder than I anticipated; it was up and down, mud pit, rocks, so many variables. The worst variable was getting my shoe laces caught in the barbwire and failing to detach. I was waddling around in a freezing pit of mud while my foot is dangling on a metal wire and I look like an idiot waving my leg around the best I can to release and continue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandbag Carry, down the hill <br />
into the woods and back.</td></tr>
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The pit was brutal for me, but I finally got out after what seemed like an eternity. After about 400yards of running I saw my demise in front of me as I approached. This past summer I was 3rd overall in the Davidson Mud Run due to the fact that I slipped on the monkey bars and had 10 push-ups while I lost m 2nd place. When I approached the bars, I wiped my hands off the best I could and tried to gain some composure. I knew that if I did not make this all the way across I had 30 burpees ahead of me and that would wreck my chances of finishing well. I grabbed the first bar with my numb hands and fingers, it felt so weird, I saw my hands grasping the bars but just did not feel anything. Moving across the bars slowly I was making my way towards the end thinking " wow, you really can do this". Reaching to the 2nd to last bar I knew I had no grip but nowhere to go but to the ground. <em>"Great! freaking monkey bars</em>". 30 burpees at the gym isn't so bad but after all of this it was like death! Thankfully I breezed through the next 4 obstacles but that was all she wrote. The weighted rope pull, tunnel crawl, net climb and sandbag carry helped me gain back a few more places, but when I approached this black standing wall, I thought "<em>this must be a freaking joke</em>". They expected me to climb across this board of dripping wet 1x4 and 2x4 tiny slices of wood, spaced far apart without falling off! NOT - 30 more burpees for this guy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbLLlWKyqIE3oxpKlmhK5OX1ighdrLQuSVeXn_kvrbe4tkKWmGLivrz8dN6wn0HFcUHGwkPulL1vTezFcU6sCiYbHsMY-07YOFIDEj-LTg8uEN64g2j_8lLN4I_zpE9JSQ8hWA-V9hzvg/s1600/30burpees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbLLlWKyqIE3oxpKlmhK5OX1ighdrLQuSVeXn_kvrbe4tkKWmGLivrz8dN6wn0HFcUHGwkPulL1vTezFcU6sCiYbHsMY-07YOFIDEj-LTg8uEN64g2j_8lLN4I_zpE9JSQ8hWA-V9hzvg/s400/30burpees.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 Burpees Please (this was from the course, see the ropes in the background)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3WEBnI9-B0wJTaVLWlLw4PzF5MZ9sDsbCA5IcFAG6o1QhowMO86xcQj6jSyl6JLK34L2S1UlxF5OJ_Ew3Elel5BY6CKS-SCyRe4vOhm6b2ct-5rKHHDilBE4zqOQuDCcE-uz3O7zGsUr/s1600/tirelift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3WEBnI9-B0wJTaVLWlLw4PzF5MZ9sDsbCA5IcFAG6o1QhowMO86xcQj6jSyl6JLK34L2S1UlxF5OJ_Ew3Elel5BY6CKS-SCyRe4vOhm6b2ct-5rKHHDilBE4zqOQuDCcE-uz3O7zGsUr/s200/tirelift.jpg" width="200" /></a> The next challenge was the spear throw, something I of course practice on a daily basis (sarcasm). My toss was solid as it hit the hay bail and of course promptly bounced off and onto the ground. Guess who had 30 more burpees lined up? That's right ME! At this point I had given up all hope on being in a competitive battle. After my torture I jogged on to the next obstacle, a rope climb that starts in the middle of a deep pit of muddy water. AWESOME! I knew my arms and hands were really fatigued, this would be a true challenge for me to say the least. Taking my time while people were flying up and down these ropes somehow, I was slowly climbing to the top. Here I was about 1.5-2ft away from ringing the bell at the top and I honestly thought I just have no more strength to hold myself up from falling straight down into the pit. As people were cheering me on, I knew it was about to happen and then I just let it happen, splash! Climbing up the muddy hill a nice woman greeted me with <em><strong>"30 Burpees over there, 30 burpees!"</strong></em> Dammit, this really sucks! After my 30 burpees, I have to pick up this MASSIVE tire two times forward and two backwards, this was much more difficult than it would seem but I got through it thankfully.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ropes went higher but this<br />
is the basic premise</td></tr>
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Broken mind and broken body, I literally walked to the next obstacle, looking back this was a bad idea, I should have continued to press on, but I just was over failing and doing burpees. One more water pit and a rope climb over a wall and I was done finally. Trembling, shaking and just pissed off, I typed my # into the results and it showed that I finished in 57:04 and was 55th overall in the Elite race. Honestly I don't know the last time I was not top 50 in a race, the only race that comes to mind would be the Boston Marathon in 2007 when I was top 400. I am not sure how to react after this race, where did I lose myself and how could I let myself perform at such a bad level? Should I have picked up a pair of XC spikes after all, should I have taken the gamble and pressed through the crowd at the start to get ahead of everyone and use my strength on the run? Given the day, things just did not work out for me, I even lost my free beer ticket and then was told to leave the locker room because I could not use the showers. As any competitive person would feel after a performance like this, part of you wants to really conquer this challenge in the future while the other part of me wouldn't mind avoiding all of the cuts and bruises all over my body and just calling it a day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel the Pain!</td></tr>
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One of the final points of this rare post, relates back to a article that on facebook bashed, which referenced the Spartan Race and it's test of true fitness. To be honest I was a big skeptic as well but after this race I can truly say that this was the hardest race that I have ever done despite the burpees (I think). Just minutes after the race I was so incredibly sore and today (sundayy evening) I am even more stiff. <span style="color: red;">My Overall result was 55th overall and 15th in my AG! What a bonk!</span> The Spartan race is LEGIT, no doubt about that, I challenge anyone to give it a shot, especially runners as we are often afraid of injury, <strong><u>don't knock it until you try it!! </u></strong><br />
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<strong><u>FYI: </u></strong>I am supposed to get m personal pictures from the Spartan race at the end of the week, can't wait to see the pain and agony! Also, a Shout out to David Bolger for managing to complete the race, even though he opened a gash in his leg that required 9 stitches, after the race. Wendy Norvell who killed the course and finished as the 5th overall woman, while managing to better my time as well! John Chambers who also slayed the course and came out of it with a smile, ready to do another, I have some hardcore peers, great work and thanks for keeping me motivated!<br />
<br />CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com2Huntersville, NC, USA35.410694 -80.84285040000003235.3071525 -81.00421190000003 35.5142355 -80.681488900000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-29018515784338581562012-11-06T06:34:00.000+08:002012-11-06T06:34:04.510+08:00Da Big Apple means Big Pockets Anyone who has ever been to the big apple understands that it is not quite the same as the typical little town we all grew up in. It's awesome to say the least, yet very unaffordable for this guy to every extent. Each day we have encounter people whom have their own style, or perhaps style in general that I am completely unaware of? Either way, I am jealous of those people who are rockin' red skinny jeans, some crazy leather kicks, a colorful jacket and a flat bill cap boasting NYC in some way or another. Very unfortunate for me, Karin like really dull, less colorful, shall I even say bland taste that forces me into the general population whom are super conservative, oh what a shame!<br />
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Once the Marathon was officially cancelled, we decided to soak up our experience here and not dwell on the unfortunate circumstances. We have been trying to volunteer to help in the relief efforts but we have yet to communicate with a source that allows us to lend a helping hand. As a consolation, we are stirring the economy with our money by eating and drinking a bit too much for the typical ultra active marathoners that we claim to be. We are about to head out to some swank Italian eatery for dinner before we take in the broadway show of "Newsies" which has critical acclaim. Action packed night for us, shortly before we head back to the reality of PB & J sandwiches washed down with tap water. It's great to live life sometimes, but its even more difficult to realize that we are not apart of the Trump family no matter how much of a line we have on our credit cards haha. Off for now, many pictures to follow our actions around the big city upon our return, one key thing to focus on is that fact that we have not been working out at all, running clothes are non-existant on this trip :)CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-75837287745761485852012-11-02T17:07:00.002+08:002012-11-02T17:07:27.053+08:00NYC Marathon: chaos in the big city As the days approached to the big NYC marathon, I witnessed the tragic events unfold in the Northeast from the comfort of my own home while watching the news and checking the Internet updates. It simply was unimaginable to fathom a trip to the Big Apple, during such trying times for so many people in New York and New Jersey suffering. After the initial devastation of Sandy had passed, Mayor Bloomberg declared that the NYC marathon must go on, in order to continue to stimulate the much needed economic boost to the city. This resulted in the reflection of our circumstance for Karin and I who were on the fence anyways because of our sudden sickness and lack of running. The easy decision would be to call it a day and to defer to next year and to rest up at home. <br />
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Currently I am sitting in the Charlotte Douglas International airport awaiting the boarding of our plane flight 4581 to LaGuardia. Yes, we decided to make the trip after all, despite so many signs that could have easily swayed us to change our minds. We had been in a facebook group of runners whom were excited for the big day in NYC until the climate changed drastically and the huge cloud of guilt was held over this event. Some people may view us as greedy people for traveling to a wrecked city to participate in a marathon while many are homeless or without food. While at work on Thursday I was listening to the broadcast of NPR morning edition and one of the segments was of course on "Sandy" and her impact on NYC. One of the analyst commented on small business around the city and said that "the local eateries and pubs, cannot make up the business that they lost while the business was closed and the power was out, unlike airlines, who continue to add additional flights to their daily schedules". " New York City needs people more than ever to come and spend their hard earned money at local establishments so that people can get back on their feet". <br />
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This struck me pretty hard and I looked at the trip from a different perspective. Karin and I spent our hard earned money to register for this race at $255 per person, booked out hotels, our flights and had been anticipating this trip. We could back away and do another marathon, but why? Why not go to NYC, spend our $, stimulate the economy, and even lend a hand with the clean up. This is my opinion, as everyone will have their own argument to attend this event or not, but I just hope that the city comes together to cheer us on as we path down the streets that have recently had the worst of times. We are coming for you NYC, to grow ourselves and to honor you in one of the worlds most cherished events.CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-56526187113931910942012-07-11T19:26:00.005+08:002012-07-11T19:27:17.049+08:00Fountain of Youth: Need for Speed!for those of you who didn't cross over, you are more than welcome to check out my my most recent post listed below...<br />
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<a href="http://over30andunder15.blogspot.com/">Fountain of Youth: need for speed</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjutQ1TTCJOakLgRN96ufIfYIDTlfkPgbHjrAUN__h0_IC0ljHbiYUPRmRk6wr5yQQK1RknJzyoGw-mBl1SrCh__gHtlaTn33XORuXyneVjSqZjlomuQQjtLS5Geq897t6Dgw2OUyCGu-/s1600/Be+confident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjutQ1TTCJOakLgRN96ufIfYIDTlfkPgbHjrAUN__h0_IC0ljHbiYUPRmRk6wr5yQQK1RknJzyoGw-mBl1SrCh__gHtlaTn33XORuXyneVjSqZjlomuQQjtLS5Geq897t6Dgw2OUyCGu-/s1600/Be+confident.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-87130429163011850112012-03-19T03:11:00.000+08:002012-03-19T03:14:25.707+08:00New Updates from Mystery ManFor any of you whom are still following this blog, just a reminder that I have actually created a new blog to help kick start a new goal for myself.<br />
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Click on the link below and you can see how the last couple months have gone for me which include, getting in the best shape of my life, having too much fun in Mexico, falling ill and getting back on the horse once again.<br />
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<a href="http://over30andunder15.blogspot.com/2012/03/yes-im-still-alive.html">Over 30 (age) and Under 15 (5k) update</a>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-25463055766943642302012-01-18T21:17:00.003+08:002012-01-18T21:17:52.383+08:00Over 30 under 15 Just a reminder to those out there who are followers of this blog through the Running Centre and any other news source, my blog has changed to focus in on specific training for 2012 and my goals as I have reached my 30's.<br />
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<a href="http://over30andunder15.blogspot.com/">http://over30andunder15.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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My latest post is on all of the training and racing shoes in my rotation, why they are good for me and what benefits they provide.<br />
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Good Training!<br />
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Cheers'CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-7372419011627649442011-12-19T00:02:00.001+08:002011-12-19T00:02:04.101+08:00New Blog! Decided I needed to create a new blog and leave this one behind for a nice change of pace. Sometimes we need to find a new way to rejuvenate us in our journey and I thought this may very well help. Check out and follow me at my new blog. <br />
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<a href="http://over30andunder15.blogspot.com/2011/12/2012-another-year-of-progress-goal.html">http://over30andunder15.blogspot.com/2011/12/2012-another-year-of-progress-goal.html</a><br />
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The title of my blog is "Over 30 and under 15? Take a look to see why that is.CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-70730741895649993322011-11-09T22:57:00.000+08:002011-11-09T22:57:34.632+08:00Recap: Savannah a city of running and funning<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxrGurQvG8F25stxEN5upFen2dD3IpzvSc2nxzYW6ht-5tzRwsbHDAFUM8zBc4bG9fY2u1fVoz8NRNHrW2FettLdr2VsqOrh-FWkbzbvRbR8qVbd6HyySCqhA3F4cBOn-Q4osqOOs5Luz/s1600/388229_2613397498608_1365154458_33022300_1656735757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxrGurQvG8F25stxEN5upFen2dD3IpzvSc2nxzYW6ht-5tzRwsbHDAFUM8zBc4bG9fY2u1fVoz8NRNHrW2FettLdr2VsqOrh-FWkbzbvRbR8qVbd6HyySCqhA3F4cBOn-Q4osqOOs5Luz/s320/388229_2613397498608_1365154458_33022300_1656735757_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Cell Phone shot from Wayne Lamperski's Cell phone at 19.5 miles. LIFT OFF!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a recap of the weekends events in Savannah, Ga along with 24,000 of my other running buddies.</div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> I arrived into town on Thursday afternoon just in time to pick up my race packet and to meet my good friend Logan at the expo. Kent was still in limbo about actually attempting the race but after a 2.5 mile run that night it was pretty much decided there was no way he could do 13.1 miles unfortunately. After the disappointment of his run we hit town for dinner and then to some bars. Yea, I would say most of my runner crazy friends wouldn't go out 2 days before there marathon to have a couple tall boys.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> On Friday I had to wake up and deal with a few hours of work from the hotel room which began to stress me a bit, I was ready to race and get away from all of it. At lunch time I set out to get a fresh cut from the barbershop for race day and then Kent I found some hole in the wall Mexican joint. While sitting at the bar, I ordered a Margarita and it was awesome! The owner talked to us about how the race course would screw over Savannah and tourism because they ran it through the ghetto and we needed to pack heat while on the course, sweet! Back to the hotel to wait for Karin and to enjoy the free wine in the lobby of kent's hotel, good for the heart!</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> Race morning Karin and I woke up at 4:30am before heading to the shuttles which took us about 35 minutes to ride into town. We were worried to say the least after we were about 4 miles from town and we saw a sign on the interstate that said "6 Savannah". Made our way to Kent's hotel to drop off a few things and prepare for the race. Off to the start, I grabbed a 5hr energy and popped it back for some reason, not the best choice on race morning since I never use them ha.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> Spotted Joe Lanser quickly in the 1st corral and then it was "oh was that the start gun?" and we are off. Joe and I kept the pace kind of all over the place for the 1st few miles for some reason, the 1st mile was slow but I could care less, we had 25 miles to make up for it! Joe kept picking up the pace and I had to remind him of the 6:05 pace we agreed upon and after 7 miles miles I think that Joe really was getting to antsy to stay back with me especially after finding out we were in the top 12 or so for the marathon. He took off at 8 miles with some foreigner and he sailed away from me while I settled back into the prescribed pace. I tried chatting with other runners on the course but I could never get anything out of them, except fleet feet Savannah's Chris Ramsey. As the half marathon split off I was pretty much running solo minus one guy in front of me. The whole race I knew my stomach didn't feel great and after an attempt at taking a gel at 12 miles my stomach really bothered me and as I approached the 13 mile mark I started eyeing any porta potty I could find. Just after 13 miles I found one, hopped off of the course into a parking lot and took care of business then hit the streets again. </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> I picked up the pace quickly as I had two sub 5:50 miles while I was trying to make up the time I lost with my pit stop. I could see people ahead of me from a distance and I kept the pace steady from then on. My calves were getting very tight at this point and it scared me a bit so I continued to hold back, even though I felt I had more to give. My stomach continued to bother me the remainder of the race so at 15 miles I took a sip of water and called it a day, Gel at 6 miles , then half a gel at 12 miles and that would be it for the entire day. We hit some mega headwinds for the marathon portion of the race, it was crazy how a back street turned into a corridor of wind and your pace quickly would slow. I tried sprinting 50-60 yards off and on in an effort to keep my pace steady but even running as hard as I could I could only maintain 5:50's on that 50yard stretch into the wind. Hitting the highway I noticed there was a stream line of competitors ahead of me including Joe, let's go for it! I was fatigued and needing some fuel but I just kept grinding it out. Passing one, then another, I caught Joe just before 24 miles and told him to hang behind me and keep focused. I felt like all of the guys I passed were letting my block the wind but it didn't matter i felt pretty decent, I was determined to keep working to break them all.</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> As we hits the last mile on the streets I was getting pretty tired and wanting to see the finish ASAP, I asked a cyclist who was riding behind me how far away the finish was. Usually you get a "man you are almost there, its around this corner" but this guy destroyed me. I passed the 40k mark about 4-5 minutes before I asked him and then he says "uhhh you have about 2 miles yea, bout 2." thanks buddy!! On my way to the end of the race I saw Karin, Jess, Anne Marie and my grandmother cheering me on to break 2:40. I knew it wouldn't happen on the clock but on my watch there was still a chance. As I made my way around the bend I gave it everything I had while looking at my watch 2:39:40,41,42....<strong><u>2:39:52</u></strong> at the line on my watch, I knew I in fact broke 2:40 with my actual running time, I am happy with that!</div><br />
- That night we all hit the town to celebrate, good times for sure!<br />
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> All in all I was very happy, I was dancing on the course, literally through some water stops, yelling at the people to get "hype" and to "put em up", I was fan favorite for sure amongst the leaders. Looking over my logs, my plan to use local races as speed work really paid off. I never really had any marathon training minus a few long runs and one attempt at MP for 4.5 miles on the green way. NYC 2012 may have me shooting to chop a few minutes off of my mark and maybe go into the Paul Mainwaring range of 2:35, who knows. Special thanks to Mary Jane, Stan and Wayne Lamperski for coming out and supporting me along the course!</div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/splits/127137860#.TrqKh7Z8AVo.blogger">Rock N Roll Savannah by nolimitrunna at Garmin Connect - Splits</a></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-27947392004102841632011-11-05T08:54:00.000+08:002011-11-05T08:54:54.383+08:00Back in Action! Savannah 26.2 Miles to Rock N Roll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwfxMlO6vLn3XaFYYVKOJuZZNirPLBgw26g5Zmwc7dIoKvfxo3TJuO6ALpLuiQP7H1EXaD891xaDsqxd8T4979AOmZj_yMiYyBLh8CB7CwfCD7_V8LFGf5JmOTHa2LCCsXd4qp5btxLEw/s1600/Rock_n_roll_savannah_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwfxMlO6vLn3XaFYYVKOJuZZNirPLBgw26g5Zmwc7dIoKvfxo3TJuO6ALpLuiQP7H1EXaD891xaDsqxd8T4979AOmZj_yMiYyBLh8CB7CwfCD7_V8LFGf5JmOTHa2LCCsXd4qp5btxLEw/s320/Rock_n_roll_savannah_map.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is my 1st time posting since my return back into the states and it is an exciting post to say the least. I am sitting at my work station at the Hampton Inn in Savannah, Ga just a couple hours before I turn in for a good nights rest before my extremelly early 4:30am wake up before venturing to the Savannah Mall to take a shuttle in to town for the Start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For those who do not know I signed up for the <u><strong><span style="color: blue;">Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon</span></strong></u> months ago while still in Australia hoping for maximum fitness by the time I arrived back into the US. My surprising brush with death that ended with a shattered arm, expensive bills, and a pretty slow recovery is where I am at right now. My comeback has been pretty good as my miles haven't been over the top as sometimes I GO FOR IT and increase my mileage rapidly to get my fitnesss caught up, but this time I didn't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah">Race Website</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The game plan for the morning is to drop into Kent's Hotel room before the race for a quick bathroom break and to drop off some clothes before snaking my way through <strong>24,000</strong> people towards the front. Say my goodbye's to Karin before I start my long journey and hopefully find Joe Lanser in the crowd. Either way by the mile, I should see Joe as we plan to pace together as long as possible. My hopes are that we can maintain sub 6:15's and then pick it up as the race progresses. My training has not pointed to those results for the Full Marathon but I have foolish hope and optimisim that i will be able to out something fairly decent with my lower mileage weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr6NEuBUzZcakp3UA-kIuUrGccA_fpy7r9oRhZgB7rjf_FtOvlCkgHmilTZTDP9o3EpHqEDVXPT4ZSXhqlP5slqpse5qn88BiE8TYXVa8z1aF6CGmfRwcaitDjDXgnqB51JXhkv7Gmznq/s1600/11_sav_elevation_chart_r1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr6NEuBUzZcakp3UA-kIuUrGccA_fpy7r9oRhZgB7rjf_FtOvlCkgHmilTZTDP9o3EpHqEDVXPT4ZSXhqlP5slqpse5qn88BiE8TYXVa8z1aF6CGmfRwcaitDjDXgnqB51JXhkv7Gmznq/s320/11_sav_elevation_chart_r1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Karin is also running in the half marathon, fresh off of a Half Marathon PR in NY but unfortunately after the race in NY her PF problems caught up with her. She is running the race for fun, but I wish her the best and hope that she can truly enjoy the Rock N Roll experience. Look for the both of us as well as Carolyn Maye, Dalena Custer, Michelle Hazelton, and Alex Wernikof out on the course with I freshly printed "TrySports" black and white team singlets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuku27D1v-DvDbZWcAi_BH7sdpdKHnXXwvIxKa4TcJcO85pY_j6THQQqnLg-b05yWTFi628b2wWVSLrd7Nq588n0gasKWfiz-DAwJUOgGTD_PwTXEgACrVRdb2nv9gqPBLQtz2bugL9z7/s1600/race+gear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuku27D1v-DvDbZWcAi_BH7sdpdKHnXXwvIxKa4TcJcO85pY_j6THQQqnLg-b05yWTFi628b2wWVSLrd7Nq588n0gasKWfiz-DAwJUOgGTD_PwTXEgACrVRdb2nv9gqPBLQtz2bugL9z7/s320/race+gear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Special Thanks to TrySports for providing some awesome racing gear, The Running Centre in Perth, WA for providing me with some Sweet Saucony Racing flats and to Mary jane, Stan and Wayne Lamperski who traveled to Savannah to cheer me on!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-1526385598483526342011-08-15T09:53:00.000+08:002011-08-15T09:53:06.962+08:0016,000 Miles to Home: Part Deux (Going back to Cali)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCeL2__ahpfeTTDV2gEDpv2710p27MQAZPaof_DCSC10jhdmEzYIpmRvxUtvwVlvAXUmEIvor1Q5DAvYgf-yJdHmo5aW5JkpNJc6Afjz0UzOYGGkTaMimte8vBFZQJGcusPKkaLIPVjhi/s1600/100_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCeL2__ahpfeTTDV2gEDpv2710p27MQAZPaof_DCSC10jhdmEzYIpmRvxUtvwVlvAXUmEIvor1Q5DAvYgf-yJdHmo5aW5JkpNJc6Afjz0UzOYGGkTaMimte8vBFZQJGcusPKkaLIPVjhi/s400/100_2736.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>SAN FRANCISCO</u></span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> After departing New Zealand and anticipating the arrival back into my home country, once the plane landed the next few days of my life would change. Here I am in a suit, pulling 2 very large suitcases, I have a backpack filled to the brim and another satchel draped over me while trying to figure out the easiest way to get into the city to finally rest in my hotel room. After paying for my BART transit ticket, I was nearly to my hotel, I could feel the soft bed just in thought, since I had not slept very much on the plane. Onto the tram, "wow" I thought, there are a few more people on this thing than our light rail back home. This is just the beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> As I am standing up on the BART, basically occupying 3 spaces, people begin to file in at each stop. I am sweating through my suit now, people are all around, this is insane, I need to click my heels and get to Kansas. Well I evaluate the situation and realize a lot of people have rainbow shirts and even face paint with similar colors. The final piece to the puzzle was a teenage whom entered the tram with his friends in some strange outfit with "Gay" written all over his face. Holy Ish, it's the one weekend out of the year I randomly book a flight to California for a surprise early return home and its <span style="background-color: lime; color: red;">Gay </span><span style="background-color: lime; color: orange;">Pride</span><span style="background-color: lime;"> </span><span style="background-color: lime; color: purple;">Weekend.</span></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Wow</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8crzAOF9mOkkU9Wx7myVMxK9UDf5J3lO7GaYdHlc-hoeB-x_vo4ZIwtnsWWsAkeAahMI7FTa4B8BJ4ber0VTNKdDPVK17lzJss9AR0b0symal0_eUv1ovhxiGQ4CI_-wbM7GhtDgwLn0/s1600/100_2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8crzAOF9mOkkU9Wx7myVMxK9UDf5J3lO7GaYdHlc-hoeB-x_vo4ZIwtnsWWsAkeAahMI7FTa4B8BJ4ber0VTNKdDPVK17lzJss9AR0b0symal0_eUv1ovhxiGQ4CI_-wbM7GhtDgwLn0/s320/100_2705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><strong><span style="color: red;">View from Hotel Metropolis</span></strong></u></td></tr>
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It was an insane experience for me wondering the streets and seeing naked people just walking around. San Fran is slightly different than the conservative south I am used to. The culture is so open especially on that weekend, I do not have any bad feelings towards lifestyle selections at all, but it was just a culture shock to me, it blew my mind! I took a couple pictures from my hotel room (which was on the parade route) before I closed the curtains and passed out for 2 hrs. After my Friend Glenn arrived later in the night to the city we went out to grab a bite to eat. While waiting around I walked the streets a bit to just get a better knowledge of my surroundings and found a hole in the wall Mexican joint. It was amazing to say the least but we had an interesting experience waiting in line because the ghetto girls in front of us were the rudest people I had ever came across my life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHckZlQ65vxA0oSmy6h2WMqQVqOAGqoMfd3gLLX4kdV5qM2yhoGUIFR8jnc6K54U2LvPjW24yNHp6pLd7v0Ms0idzMZLJ__yQ45ESmmi779Q3zv9q1b-FcaRhkk1X3Nl6eyoq6EYHSFzFU/s1600/100_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHckZlQ65vxA0oSmy6h2WMqQVqOAGqoMfd3gLLX4kdV5qM2yhoGUIFR8jnc6K54U2LvPjW24yNHp6pLd7v0Ms0idzMZLJ__yQ45ESmmi779Q3zv9q1b-FcaRhkk1X3Nl6eyoq6EYHSFzFU/s640/100_2728.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: yellow; color: blue; font-size: small;"><strong><u>Fisherman's Wharf</u></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> After checking out the sights and sounds of the city for a few days, Mr. Carroll and I set off for the Muir woods and Yosemite National forest in our Ford Focus rental car. We slammed the car with all of our luggage from our stays in Australia and New Zealand. Exploring the Muir Woods was pretty impressive especially for being just 15 min outside of the city. The trees were huge, the surrounding bush was bright green and the sun was peaking through the tree towers. Since Glenn has plans to establish himself as a professional photographer, we took a lot of time to take pictures. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxsAe6F9ajB_MIzf0C1LXMwuXnJ-g4HR18UOTLRC0afJakZ5TbUt8ntaQgME3MXopbxKa1TwlYnHrHos3GFHJzmYsHPT3YdZz6WVjZSMersCTTKwFec6YgkMVLWifwNbXfHFG71zy_Ry9/s1600/100_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxsAe6F9ajB_MIzf0C1LXMwuXnJ-g4HR18UOTLRC0afJakZ5TbUt8ntaQgME3MXopbxKa1TwlYnHrHos3GFHJzmYsHPT3YdZz6WVjZSMersCTTKwFec6YgkMVLWifwNbXfHFG71zy_Ry9/s400/100_2779.JPG" width="224" /></a> Since we had the rental car, I decided to make it my own Indy car through the rolling turns and tires screeched every 15 seconds, it was exciting, to me anyways haha. After taking some great pictures we hit the road for a long night drive into the Yosemite national forest. Once we arrived into the park around midnight, we stopped shortly after to sleep on the side of the road in our trusty focus. This car was beyond jam packed with 2 grown men, several extra large suitcases and sports bags. This trip was sure to have a stench by the end of it! This was the worst night of sleep ever, I had to hope out of the car 4 times to pee and I at no point was comfortable to sleep. At 6am I woke Glenn up eagerly to move into a different area with the possibility of finding a spot to take a nap. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> After venturing into the Yosemite National Forest living quarters, we realized how many people came through the same week as July 4th. Car upon car filed through but thankfully we were able to get most of our sights and pictures taken before it was shoulder to shoulder with people on the trails.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> In a short summary of the Yosemite forest trip I found out that Glenn. who keep in mind is an Eagle Scout, thought that Yosemite was pronounced "yo-se-mite" as in rhymes with "gross might", on my 3rd night without showering as I was washing my feet off in the frigid cold river I felt like Jesus, and I realized that in certain circumstances I do not need a large soft bed to sleep in after all. One of the adventures from our explorations was the small crack in our windshield that literally grew across the entire window by the end of our trip. We also had a very interesting last night in San Fran as I took the BART to the airport because our rental car was blocked in by another car and Glenn decided to take it in the AM before his flight left. While I was attempting to sleep at the airport under a bench, I realized that I in fact had the keys to the rental car and all of the trains were stopped until 2 hrs after my flight left. After all the stress I found an Asian gentleman whom barely spoke any English to promise to take the keys to the hotel for $10 and if he didn't do so I would track him down and kill him.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIASVeZ96r1SfPPa0YZxAoDV2WqhMzuCywUmEzX1mjYts_VSr2eqtpzrtUe1RRkyMXvWFu5_njVn5igtzbPhM5YOXvPq4BZUGyYJhbSSKZS6c5HExIojLsKFlNew7sH6ZXOQTfPnXrO7a/s1600/100_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIASVeZ96r1SfPPa0YZxAoDV2WqhMzuCywUmEzX1mjYts_VSr2eqtpzrtUe1RRkyMXvWFu5_njVn5igtzbPhM5YOXvPq4BZUGyYJhbSSKZS6c5HExIojLsKFlNew7sH6ZXOQTfPnXrO7a/s320/100_2760.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The trip across the world was quite the success was worth every minute and topping it off with my trip to California made it even more memorable. There is so much that I could elaborate on but you will just have to ask me in person if you run into me. To top everything off I ended my Independence Day in the luggage section of my childhood friends SUV covered in a tarp while he spoke to me mom. She opened the hatch and I popped up much to her surprise, tears were shed by my sister and my mom, it as great to be home and to completely surprise my family on such a big day. It was great to see so many people once again whom I had missed while away. Seeing my Granny and pappy also made me happy after all that they have done for me while I was away. One thing is for sure, I have a lot of special people in my life!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enjoy some other random pictures from My time in Cali!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: red; font-size: small;"><strong>Aquarium in Fisherman's Wharf</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><strong><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large;">San Fran from the Bay</span></strong></u></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: yellow;">G$ and the Focus after our 1st Night in Yosemite</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpQtNAt_XdnAfj6cxwrVCb_id98PbSfRTHvppYbegnv59UXm3webswkTC12g6d7VSowGb8meXVivfVkeTKEZMLK6VLPdlPSL0xcH8QlKkK4_E7gaNFrBiG2Fau7eGj5GWqMS0zQurBj2q/s1600/100_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpQtNAt_XdnAfj6cxwrVCb_id98PbSfRTHvppYbegnv59UXm3webswkTC12g6d7VSowGb8meXVivfVkeTKEZMLK6VLPdlPSL0xcH8QlKkK4_E7gaNFrBiG2Fau7eGj5GWqMS0zQurBj2q/s400/100_2854.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">View into the Valley from the highest overpass in Cali</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-31466126706745907942011-07-29T03:57:00.000+08:002011-07-29T03:57:37.937+08:0016,000 miles to home: part 1 (NZ)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelql4xg5NeIUE23gaueH97nu_GWrZ0FsK569LcdPPzJAMDHnpOr2-cFDtWFyNyccDeGVuRRrJRq2xJYXxia_nDNqJjm2frqkTfOP1Z04mMM9rtcGQ1BnGHxkAV7c5eaLeLM4lfOgu1uTY/s1600/_MG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelql4xg5NeIUE23gaueH97nu_GWrZ0FsK569LcdPPzJAMDHnpOr2-cFDtWFyNyccDeGVuRRrJRq2xJYXxia_nDNqJjm2frqkTfOP1Z04mMM9rtcGQ1BnGHxkAV7c5eaLeLM4lfOgu1uTY/s640/_MG_4750.JPG" t$="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Mt. Ngauruhoe summit. IN THE CLOUDS! </span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0_4UiTYxJG6S7aBZqmVh80TiyuEif68ggBJZCIOaG3-_VwUNKKEaZVRkZ_m1b8Zy6Q9M0Q_Oye7AouTg57cIN6B_yfhhyphenhyphentkhNFS6OOpLBd98jmL1cZgZNv1k57TbfbC_vxixBL0W1Hc3/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0_4UiTYxJG6S7aBZqmVh80TiyuEif68ggBJZCIOaG3-_VwUNKKEaZVRkZ_m1b8Zy6Q9M0Q_Oye7AouTg57cIN6B_yfhhyphenhyphentkhNFS6OOpLBd98jmL1cZgZNv1k57TbfbC_vxixBL0W1Hc3/s320/IMG_2792.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Auckland Sky Tower</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> After plotting out my trip back across the world months ago I was able to explore some fascinating places, many of which I couldn't even comment on because it would give away the surprise that I was in fact coming to town the weekend of July 4th as a surprise. While away, I was so fortunate to visit some pretty <span style="background-color: lime; color: orange;">colorful sights</span> and enjoy the sounds of some interesting personalities. All in all, I traveled from Perth, Western Australia to Auckland New Zealand, to San Francisco, California. My time in New Zealand and California consisted of nearly one month of not working and bumming around mostly, a rather eye opening experience as a back packer.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> My friend Glenn (aka G$) traveled all around the South Island of New Zealand, complete with stops at the Rotorua thermal pools, Lake Taupo (IM NZ site), and the Tongariro Crossing. Most of the time it was overcast while visiting and it got pretty old honestly. One of the coolest things we were able to do was to Summit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ngauruhoe">Mount Ngauruhoe</a> on the Tongariro Crossing, which was one of the most difficult things I have ever encountered in my life. Once hitting the top of the Volcano with its perfect cone we set around and had a few beers to soak in the sights. On the way down, I thought I may literally die, after getting past the initial ice covered peak while sliding down at a very uncomfortable, potentially deadly speed, we had about 5,000ft ahead of us to reach our van. The night before our incredible journey, we arrived at the base and as I looked up, I saw the most amazing thing, stars covered the sky like a blanket, BRILLIANT!.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZs5j4KgzXsRU-3muZMX0UnRjmN2s4ss8Uzd_1wQZoAFn8BzHpBx9QFOIyppOw4soepOUkf0rLEXcotSOGsYY03EkTybZ9NCh_b0ZcJM-RKpO6gOtkK4P8iLzA9pII__k4j30BBS8qndJ/s1600/100_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZs5j4KgzXsRU-3muZMX0UnRjmN2s4ss8Uzd_1wQZoAFn8BzHpBx9QFOIyppOw4soepOUkf0rLEXcotSOGsYY03EkTybZ9NCh_b0ZcJM-RKpO6gOtkK4P8iLzA9pII__k4j30BBS8qndJ/s320/100_2667.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotorua Mud springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> One thing that was a new experience for me was back packing and living in hostels, most of which were inhabited by people who barely spoke English. The last hostel I was fortunate to sleep in consisted of 12 people in one single room which was about 15 x 18 in size, what a smell! On my last day in Auckland I hooked up for a long run with Josh Rawlinson, the guy who blew my doors off at the Run Auckland 10k. This was my 4th run in 4 weeks and surprisingly I was able to knock out 2hrs and 9 minutes without falling to pieces. Thanks again Josh, it was great to meet you and your wife, good luck on your quest for sub 1:10 in November!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Dreading the long flight ahead to San Francisco, I was so fortunate to sit in premium economy on the top deck of our 747. The guy who set next to me was awesome, a very well traveled person who was going to san fran for a bachelors party, so we had a lot to chat about. The food was great and the service was incredible, I think I had 4 jack and cokes, 1 gin and tonic and 2 glasses of wine in the 1st 2hours of the flight! (and champagne on arrival to my seat). Those of you who know me, know I can't sleep on planes so I figured why not just drink myself to sleep, well it still did not work! My adventures and pictures of California in part 2, enjoy some additional pics I took while in NZ</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78lUYmTbZ0bGXnklct8cU1-gUSTAk_ustQOk0W9JpeTbXgCMBFqJOeTrbk0toSLSEqu3iqI7bNld_LaBYj2VyAB1QJR_2grjAHCBY2sag3RsEGl0BvxULbGGyd-k2OoyAPjd70bBQLdM/s1600/100_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78lUYmTbZ0bGXnklct8cU1-gUSTAk_ustQOk0W9JpeTbXgCMBFqJOeTrbk0toSLSEqu3iqI7bNld_LaBYj2VyAB1QJR_2grjAHCBY2sag3RsEGl0BvxULbGGyd-k2OoyAPjd70bBQLdM/s200/100_2678.JPG" t$="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Arrangement!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM28oG_e8-XLmLBROSaVxzkC9hFZWHRBTQ_hPJ8620njDbV5mdDUulEMfUrfj4YexIJP_e5CAHJLH3VP0AByOslOm44CKllrxNL6NmBNOh_cwk15IHhjvFZI6kCdD19ZEbjrXDrt_hdeI/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM28oG_e8-XLmLBROSaVxzkC9hFZWHRBTQ_hPJ8620njDbV5mdDUulEMfUrfj4YexIJP_e5CAHJLH3VP0AByOslOm44CKllrxNL6NmBNOh_cwk15IHhjvFZI6kCdD19ZEbjrXDrt_hdeI/s320/IMG_2768.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rugby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTi2IShlNqLUnOs0gNgodwT6UJvsFz5czpTRT7JGlLXao4rBmKoQrVEHbk_xozo6ysSJxKZ-vn8Y5oZ8AthqR89lYtTUGKpDD2P_QWoTOSvP8HsSg8wXbPw4XQnmeu8D7hqToBNt16BMq/s1600/100_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTi2IShlNqLUnOs0gNgodwT6UJvsFz5czpTRT7JGlLXao4rBmKoQrVEHbk_xozo6ysSJxKZ-vn8Y5oZ8AthqR89lYtTUGKpDD2P_QWoTOSvP8HsSg8wXbPw4XQnmeu8D7hqToBNt16BMq/s320/100_2681.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You read it yourself<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeCL38tJrV5cMOX2omINUX5qnVIMHJZ7hdpcSZsidtE9vR1ckbr9mSJ2mI5B4hC7yo1mD_yq3ks-LGTTRiOQeqR1Z8d5DXwIlClNd9sdNHkbleIOrAChn3HvA5owxzXOwLMXmcIUksW06/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeCL38tJrV5cMOX2omINUX5qnVIMHJZ7hdpcSZsidtE9vR1ckbr9mSJ2mI5B4hC7yo1mD_yq3ks-LGTTRiOQeqR1Z8d5DXwIlClNd9sdNHkbleIOrAChn3HvA5owxzXOwLMXmcIUksW06/s320/IMG_2822.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><strong><u><span style="color: orange;"></span></u></strong><span style="color: orange;"><strong><u>View from the Rotating Sky Tower at Night</u></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-36213613035597673692011-06-20T08:06:00.000+08:002011-06-20T08:06:44.649+08:00BLOODY NEW ZEALAND! Tales from Auckland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_BHGMs5a05hzylOanFPk2gOFJ1JB8IpqmB9KkScdIOyCqLgLjg7fNSvLMv1Rvh5oNS0gwWPGujYFlmp0Q45sXPI74rqQ9U9WdRW7xZ1ozuJsb0EyDLT5MPyd6X8UQlsL7tsS-HFXGG0m/s1600/Bloody+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_BHGMs5a05hzylOanFPk2gOFJ1JB8IpqmB9KkScdIOyCqLgLjg7fNSvLMv1Rvh5oNS0gwWPGujYFlmp0Q45sXPI74rqQ9U9WdRW7xZ1ozuJsb0EyDLT5MPyd6X8UQlsL7tsS-HFXGG0m/s400/Bloody+Run.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue; color: orange; font-size: small;"><b>You can't see the outer layer of my leg is missing along with my right butt Cheek scared up!!!</b></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Three weeks ago I signed up for a 10k road race in Auckland, New Zealand, just excited at the chance to race in another country. I didn’t know about the course or the people that had previously raced it, but I knew that the winner had run 33:59 in 2010 so I had a chance at winning. As the day would unfold I would be able to add running up a volcano twice, running through rain and mud, and having a session with medical workers to my list of things done while in New Zealand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The day prior to the race I decided it would be best to run from my hostel, to the race site so that I knew exactly how to get there the morning of the race. Sun was actually shining, I had just awoken from a nap and I hit the road in route for “western springs park”. After making it about 2.5 miles the roof just opened up from above and the rain just came by the buckets. All in all I ended up running 7.6 miles in order to find this park and run back in the torrential downpour. The night prior to the race I would once again wake up at 4am and fail to fall back asleep. After my flight through the night directly to Auckland from perth, I managed to not even catch 1 minute of sleep and go right into the Auckland morning. I had been lacking sleep critically, as I have been laying down around 11pm and waking up between 3 and 4am every night. The night of the race was no exception, in fact I just decided to go downstairs and have a small breakfast before the udder fatigue just begin to set in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpRWlZsqUzKayV0EFboN0XG3Pq7p5UsOw1gfLG1SWXU4ecNB17rqPML-m09jCCkNA_T8eHLl4dQ_CQQLKxyq6-ZGCpRTTwFe5w8c-_2EMUfpmbqa3yQzuHuoQ0oIdAw4GHD_pyoJPYYiV/s1600/Race+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpRWlZsqUzKayV0EFboN0XG3Pq7p5UsOw1gfLG1SWXU4ecNB17rqPML-m09jCCkNA_T8eHLl4dQ_CQQLKxyq6-ZGCpRTTwFe5w8c-_2EMUfpmbqa3yQzuHuoQ0oIdAw4GHD_pyoJPYYiV/s400/Race+finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Arriving at the race most likely looking aged by 10 years I had a nice warm-up and the “<b>Run Auckland</b>” set up looked pretty legit surrounding the start/finish of the race. I tucked away my track suit behind some tents and made my way to the starting line realizing that I could not remember the last time I had actually put on deodorant because of all of this back and forth traveling haha. The gun blast off and people all fly out in front of me, but I take my time to aim in on the 2 front runners who have distanced themselves from the pack and pursue. We hit our 1<sup>st</sup> kilometer in 3:12 which was all gradual uphill, just a bit too fast for me but I was able to tuck in fairly comfortable. We passed 2k in a slower 3:19 distancing ourselves from 4<sup>th</sup> place by a good margin. I took the lead and began to push the pace just as we turned a corner to look at the wall that soon we would be running up. The course was on/around a dormant volcano so basically we had to run straight up the back side of this volcano twice for the 10k!!! After managing to get pretty heavily into oxygen debt the top 2 runners hit the 5k mark just in front of me while I was happily surprised to be a 16:53 with that climb.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now for the juicy part of the days racing! I had 2<sup>nd</sup> place in my sights as the eventual winner just broke both of us. This time we had to run around all of the 5k runners who were released 15 minutes after our race, what a chore! These people blocked the sidewalks completely so it was a zig zag for literally 5k which slowed all of us down and drained any extra energy that we could have had. As I approached the climb once again, my spirit was broken from the fantasy of winning, I could hear some foot steps behind me, then I heard breathing. Breathing from a little boy or a girl, holy crap! I knew that there was a local woman who had been winning some of the races overall in some pretty fast times but I didn’t think it could be her, it was of course. She just flew up the volcano with her short choppy strides while I looked like a freak extending my legs a bit too long and eventually I began a nice walking pace. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I got to the top the woman was almost out of sight, I passed the 2<sup>nd</sup> place guy who was bent over at the top of the hill and then heard someone quickly approaching. I found a heart somewhere inside and convinced myself to dig a little deeper and begin with some surges. I was making my way through the hundreds of 5k runners or walkers should I say. Jumping in the grass, sinking my feet into the wet muddy grass then back onto the sidewalk for a few brief steps before 2 more women completely blocked the sidewalk we were racing on. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“Ok just 2k or so to go lets rock it man, don’t be a P^$$y, MAN UP!”</span>. I am running downhill between all these people, I glance at my watch as the 9<sup>th</sup> k clicks and I am going 4:41 mile pace at this point, woooo. Now to just plan my maneuver ahead between the 5 women half walking and running on this slippery wet surface. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“I can make it between them before I hit the power pole, Oh Sh*t, I can’t make it”</span>. So I take a sharp cut right as if I was Barry Sanders and then that’s when all hell broke loose for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am bracing myself for this mega fall down hill on this rocky pavement, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red;">BOOM SKIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD</span>. I am sliding on my right side just ripping into my knee and then I basically collapse into two women from behind almost knocking them over. They are in a panic, screaming, “oh my god are you ok, oh no, oh no!!!”. The only thing I am thinking is, “<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">this is going to hurt later but I am not going to lose my 3<sup>rd</sup> place, get up Chris!”</span>. I pop up the best that I can and yell to the concerned women, “<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I will sort it out later!”</span> and continue my onward drive to the finish. The guy behind me of course passes me on this stretch while I am gathering myself again so I pop in behind him. We hit the last 600m and we are running on wooden planks that can carry at the most 2 people wide and from all of the rain, the volcano surface has turned into mud and washed down onto the planks. We are slipping and sliding, at the verge of a fall at any moment, trying to dice between other 5k runners. We both slip off of the little wooden deck into the swampy mud but catch ourselves for one last blast to the finish 100m away. I know I have a lot more left in the tank so I roll past him to the line and wrap up my 3<sup>rd</sup> place. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After the race I look down and see blood running down my leg and people begin asking if I am ok. The medics luckily were on hand and took me inside the ambulance to begin cleaning my wounds and wrapping them up. The outer skin layer of my anterior tib was pretty much removed completely and my knee has a few nice slices that will be some sweet war wounds to talk about in the future. After waiting around for 90 minutes for awards, they do not give anything out and I may point out that they provide no food at the finish, only one bottle of water! It was a long 3.5 mile walk back to my hostel with my leg all banged up and the on again off again showers. What an experience!!!! Up next is a hiking adventure over some snow capped mountains, hopefully I can stay on my feet!</div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-91808530388397853952011-06-12T21:42:00.000+08:002011-06-12T21:42:22.463+08:00Australia: Home or Holiday?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhvgl8GdhsOteHdqeudZPVtHoJsG_6YrDId8JAxPMoHt7gsiRFCLca2nOrBSVIUefb6KTJc8z8uy_Io_xGrqJtbvxox9JLL0cP1cnoRqZ0LFU2EGNehNKU1COYOVpX-Kvs9dZIn71SsaN/s1600/100_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhvgl8GdhsOteHdqeudZPVtHoJsG_6YrDId8JAxPMoHt7gsiRFCLca2nOrBSVIUefb6KTJc8z8uy_Io_xGrqJtbvxox9JLL0cP1cnoRqZ0LFU2EGNehNKU1COYOVpX-Kvs9dZIn71SsaN/s320/100_1723.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> As the time has quickly approached for my departure back home with stops in <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&xhr=t&q=auckland+new+zealand&cp=10&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=599&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x6d0d47fb5a9ce6fb:0x500ef6143a29917,Auckland,+New+Zealand&gl=au&ei=s7n0TcXIO42yvgOxydnvBg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCsQ8gEwAA">New Zealand</a>, then <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&xhr=t&q=san+francisco&cp=4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=599&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x80859a6d00690021:0x4a501367f076adff,San+Francisco,+CA,+USA&gl=au&ei=lLv0TZi6IIKiuQPJoPnVBg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQ8gEwAA">San Francsico</a>, I have had a lot of time to reflect. When I arrived in Western Australia, I was so excited to meet the people with the funny accents, to see some beautiful beaches and check it off on the list of things to see. After a couple months of gathering an understanding of the culture a bit, I hit the Triathlon season with a furry and my life was consumed to finally put forth the work in order to come out on top at the end of the season at Busso 70.3. Post Busso’s unfortunate happenings after the culmination of hours of sweat, fatigued, pain, and suffering, I have been able to take these last few weeks to reflect on life; life in Australia and the <b><u>thought of a lifelong stay in Australia.</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Spending much of my time in Australia on a bike, running or swimming, I have met so many unique people, people whom will stick with me until the day I die I am sure. These unique people sacrifice many of the facets in life that I really appreciate including nightlife, especially hitting the dance floor as many know. One thing we all have in common is the fact that we want to push our individual limits while motivating others along the way. As previously mentioned, I am leaving for New Zealand in less than 1 week time, where I am sure I will meet a few other interesting personalities, but for some reason I am not sure it will top my Australian experience. As Cody began to set up my “Farewell Party” or as Cody calls it “1 Less Bogan” (“1 less redneck” for the Americans reading), it truly hit me that I will undoubtedly miss this place. Thinking about the people I see on a daily basis who approach me with a smile, a handshake, or a hug makes me a bit sad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZkXLzbsBqo0B2F5Z_q2Wo4GYzoEFBX36dra-sPu-ONZIBBynePhZVanqwK7P1FmwhMsMWvTDKkhYr-vJbzk1wyINoulMnEvKyE2XcsVK6u19gWEzjmkvCiv0bBEuAGMpVl6sGymMvsaR/s1600/100_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZkXLzbsBqo0B2F5Z_q2Wo4GYzoEFBX36dra-sPu-ONZIBBynePhZVanqwK7P1FmwhMsMWvTDKkhYr-vJbzk1wyINoulMnEvKyE2XcsVK6u19gWEzjmkvCiv0bBEuAGMpVl6sGymMvsaR/s320/100_1737.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> While living abroad and attempting to create opportunities back home in the US, I have realized it is certainly difficult, especially with the time difference for communication. While I have dropped the bomb that I am leaving to many of my aussie friends, they asked me when I was coming back, as in coming back for good. Hmmm that’s an interesting thought to say the least, <b><u>live in AUSTRALIA forever</u></b>? What is holding me back, why shouldn’t I? It sounds like <i>pure bliss</i> sometimes, I can’t lie, but the fact of the matter is that I really miss those people who share my blood line and have the same surname. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to come back to my 2<sup>nd</sup> home again in the future but for now I am concentrating on arriving back to the states in the coming months. <u>Wait a second</u>, <b>home?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> </b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Home where I will be faced with the daily pressure from our corporate society and looked upon as a failure if I choose to enjoy life as opposed to working an infinite number of hours at an office? Wow, I can’t wait to get back to the rat race and worry more about the type of car that I am driving as opposed to opening my horizons with time spent next to my loved ones.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewV6cu9EOQAsAVf7i5arrqg0c58VNpmX3O9iZpKjfxYclk-hLVLvG_SKmyNNrJUBI7e-tnMc-rgA_qigXMW_AVa1Qv8dFK-fEXfDg1WQ9MgZT4amPUeCV52bhUgThN8CRnEJvlRpuzxyB/s1600/Pinnacles+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewV6cu9EOQAsAVf7i5arrqg0c58VNpmX3O9iZpKjfxYclk-hLVLvG_SKmyNNrJUBI7e-tnMc-rgA_qigXMW_AVa1Qv8dFK-fEXfDg1WQ9MgZT4amPUeCV52bhUgThN8CRnEJvlRpuzxyB/s400/Pinnacles+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% aqua; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Recently I had a very interesting chat with a couple other “foreigners” who now call Western Australia home and I could just feel how passionate they were about living here. This place just does something to make you free, <b>free in spirit and in mind</b>, maybe it’s just the change that some of us need to reach our state of</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> NIRVANA</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">? Either way, <span style="color: red;">I can see how this very laid back, coffee sipping, cocktail slurping culture can draw people into its web of natural beauty.</span> The people I have encountered make my Australian experience the most grand in so many ways. My friends truly make training apart of their lifestyle in every way and the great thing is that their families/partners openly accept their dedication to improve upon themselves through sport. I have been in relationships myself where my companion just could not quite grasp the concept of leading a life of ambition to push the boundaries of my mind and body, but it appears as if most people are switched onto that notion here. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH4YpYI2xbHknlI-uQxhZWutokRepjruOTNqjb2R47E6KZ1klDshMYH6cNmdwUqpph4NeOH4C1g51_06daddDtJgbr_4WeqQ7uBpGd84NNDDmuAr78LBLyfALqjCtUKnYxc5lVdCQiKnQ/s1600/northbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH4YpYI2xbHknlI-uQxhZWutokRepjruOTNqjb2R47E6KZ1klDshMYH6cNmdwUqpph4NeOH4C1g51_06daddDtJgbr_4WeqQ7uBpGd84NNDDmuAr78LBLyfALqjCtUKnYxc5lVdCQiKnQ/s400/northbridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Northbridge Piazza</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> As a reference to how ideal this place is for me, I will simply state <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;">“NORTHBRIDGE”.</span> Northbridge is the mecca for the nightlife in Perth, as it has more than enough to offer a person who enjoys getting out and socializing to the pulsating sounds of music. Pubs, eateries, clubs, even an outdoor movie area in the middle of the square, this place is what Charlotte’s “<a href="http://epicentrenc.com/">The Epicentre</a>” wants to be. Minus the normal weekend occurrence of some drunken fights and a few glassing incidents, this place is pretty awesome; I just wished I had been here when I was about 19 and it would be absolute heaven! One thing I dread when heading home is the guys that sit in the toilet on a stool, bumping gangsta rap and asking for a tip to hand you a paper towel, it just doesn’t happen here. In fact I have recently experienced the comedy scene that Perth has to offer, then several different stops which many of my friends like to call their home base, each one just great and perfectly suited for the area. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Home? Home is where the heart is? Well is my heart here or there, another wrench tossed in my plans of course. Well my decision is final, this place is GREAT, and it’s certainly <b><u><span style="color: #0070c0;">almost like a heaven on earth</span></u></b> in several ways for me, but my heart is with the people who have been an integral part of my life, well, forever, FAMILY. I have been to some incredibly breathtaking places while being abroad and at times it hit me how much more fascinating it would be to have my mother or my little brothers here to share it with. Taking the biggest leap of faith and moving to Australia, even for the short amount of time I have been here, was the best decision I have ever made. Obstacles in my future have been knocked down just that much more, now knowing that I can succeed to the far corners of the world. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwiAGeh38XtTmZPCO0E-JkvQDUl8n6t_axsCahipXiPIK9AMWaKNkR6qyP1yQqaB5Wwh5NCjrg56gGK2hYi1xvUy4FTBVSCsqQ3-5c8mUF_z3mxcfHT8b_xQPZR7VOFwvqvkEa9OHJxPb/s1600/100_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwiAGeh38XtTmZPCO0E-JkvQDUl8n6t_axsCahipXiPIK9AMWaKNkR6qyP1yQqaB5Wwh5NCjrg56gGK2hYi1xvUy4FTBVSCsqQ3-5c8mUF_z3mxcfHT8b_xQPZR7VOFwvqvkEa9OHJxPb/s200/100_1642.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea2uXzDYYCCs7vZANe5URRw3uHFySrzHZAytdMPOBURRelnb8uNL7d9B_mRJgVFkQp2vyOI5eYD-k-rm0SQZwE-fgTReRckSWKdoWnRUu4bF-3Us8592mLXsw3NThTsv1t8QLkOIH0xSz/s1600/100_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea2uXzDYYCCs7vZANe5URRw3uHFySrzHZAytdMPOBURRelnb8uNL7d9B_mRJgVFkQp2vyOI5eYD-k-rm0SQZwE-fgTReRckSWKdoWnRUu4bF-3Us8592mLXsw3NThTsv1t8QLkOIH0xSz/s200/100_1667.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I can NEVER show enough appreciation to those who have taken me in as family since being in Perth. The Angell family has been the guiding light to get me through the dark, pitch black cave of life and out on to the bleached white sands of optimism. The gang at the <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% lime;">Running Centre</span> have been amazing as well, kudos to Raf Baugh for letting me grab some of his extra confidence, Jason Nuttman for giving me just a bit more swagger, Nathan Doig for finally enlightening me to something called style, and the members of Club Helena Valley for flogging me on those 2hr runs through the hills, then degrading me at the IGA for being a soft yank, <b>I LOVE YOU GUYS!</b>. I could, and perhaps will, write a book about my experiences here, from the amazing dedication that my coach Paul Mackay revealed, to the inspiring words from 2:13 Marathoner Ray Boyd provided me(poof), or perhaps the in depth conversation with Australian 1500m record holder Ryan Gregson about the state of my home NBA team the Charlotte Bobcats. So many memories, so many people; young, old, insightful, on the piss, flogged, and intense, in every fashion thought possible. In closing I can say without a doubt in my mind, </span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I WILL BE BACK!!! </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I may not be coming back “for good” but expect a visit in the next 2 years. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpAW8r5sb_t4WkciyQq1_rma2O92MHKJsFl7ni7uLOIfZw105W6MoU085WbKvbkrGI72mo2xV0aR_jq0i7Di096566WTTTEkuyx4cXISy-1WpeT2MM6LRigXLdk2izmZ91AeFrwUd3uO4/s1600/100_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpAW8r5sb_t4WkciyQq1_rma2O92MHKJsFl7ni7uLOIfZw105W6MoU085WbKvbkrGI72mo2xV0aR_jq0i7Di096566WTTTEkuyx4cXISy-1WpeT2MM6LRigXLdk2izmZ91AeFrwUd3uO4/s400/100_1428.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: blue;">Going to miss running along the river daily</span></b></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="background-color: yellow;">IF YOU ARE READING THIS, THANK YOU FOR PRETENDING THAT I AM COOL ENOUGH TO TALK TO YOU WHILE IN PERTH and if you are ever on the East Coast of the US, message me, mi casa es su casa!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-35245534109942601752011-06-05T18:17:00.000+08:002011-06-05T18:17:36.664+08:00HBF: Run for my Lung 4k<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue; font-size: large;">HBF Run for a Lung 4k</span></strong></div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA01AS7PPnaKHWhUERas8wD40Hf1WlvOCUDfM-sC0BT74JKRHBlWl-LveONlUTQDTnI6E1KmgNwa9eLXxhrGVk7_8stf7ihaavsJBCyiiyoDf63VaeMc63xmJhf7SyhcNN-fSyk_cwj2HW/s1600/100_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA01AS7PPnaKHWhUERas8wD40Hf1WlvOCUDfM-sC0BT74JKRHBlWl-LveONlUTQDTnI6E1KmgNwa9eLXxhrGVk7_8stf7ihaavsJBCyiiyoDf63VaeMc63xmJhf7SyhcNN-fSyk_cwj2HW/s320/100_2496.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>CL, Microwave (marc), and Cody</u></td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After two weeks of attempting to stuff myself with ice cream post Half Ironman, I decided it was time to race. Since I coach a group on Monday evenings who was preparing for the HBF Run for a reason 14k, I decided to sign up. At the last minute Cody convinced me to sign up for the 4.5k race, because I could most likely win some $ for a top 3 finish. Well I can go around and call myself a dreamer because that was far from the case!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I attempted a short speed session just 3 days out from the race to see if I could get my legs to turnover at all and it was minimally successful so I had a bit of false confidence heading into the race. Since January I had been training specifically for the Half Ironman and of course the half marathon distance, which did not include sessions of short intervals, so the 4.5k was a bit over my head. The goal was to line up with Thomas Bruins and Marc See, run on their heels as long as possible and to hope for the best to get 3rd place. Marc and Thomas had both recently over 1500m with times of 3:44 and 3:49, so <span style="font-size: large;">naturally</span> I thought I could hang with these guys(buzzer sounding reeeeeeeeeennnn). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not the case, as we warmed up together I realized Chris Dale was also doing the 4.5k, as was Ben Green, all of whom are accomplished track runners to say the least, as well as they have an extra 8 years of fresh leg turnover on me. Just before the start I unveiled my best <a href="http://www.rafaelbaugh.com/rafbaugh/">Raf "Radar" Baugh</a> impersonation, with his 10 year old EMBROIDERED singlet that said "RADAR" on it, everyone had a laugh.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UKzW5SDoMXqA99BMeXbZhjD8cxf-ylr24MK9jrQPXuF6yx_VQd8UORNDuQ9BUVGtLyY8xIg0o6Tl2m6UECUQ8fN7-GMRKndJLgy4Ir4XhzFSa4WX5uCqc-xbm_aYL_BP7LhddDGoKKYG/s1600/marc+see.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><span style="background-color: yellow; color: red;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UKzW5SDoMXqA99BMeXbZhjD8cxf-ylr24MK9jrQPXuF6yx_VQd8UORNDuQ9BUVGtLyY8xIg0o6Tl2m6UECUQ8fN7-GMRKndJLgy4Ir4XhzFSa4WX5uCqc-xbm_aYL_BP7LhddDGoKKYG/s400/marc+see.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></span></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: yellow; color: red;">Marc See pushing the pace in front of Risely, Gregson and Roff at Nationals!</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MPqqbYZweacUQZ3wo5WSbWNK9b3mUP8602TOHFll8uHyfqKSQf7LEiB8PnVzDUkShlm9zinwMPxZfI3MuSDqE4adRxnGVGP55hhtefQGw5OxsQDdjhlUJHqltE3hu7MKzYFlzoHkAjFP/s1600/100_2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MPqqbYZweacUQZ3wo5WSbWNK9b3mUP8602TOHFll8uHyfqKSQf7LEiB8PnVzDUkShlm9zinwMPxZfI3MuSDqE4adRxnGVGP55hhtefQGw5OxsQDdjhlUJHqltE3hu7MKzYFlzoHkAjFP/s320/100_2489.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">Inside the WACA at the finish</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The gun goes off and so does the lactic acid throughout my body as my lung began to collapse. Holy crap, we are flying and I am, maybe…in 10th place about 1/2m into this run, “this was a mistake” and then “come man, focus” were thoughts going through my head with thousands of people on my heels. I hit the 1k mark in 3:02, then I caught up to Greeny finally at around the 2k mark, thinking my patience had finally paid off. Just as we approached the last mega hill, he just crushed me! My arms felt like I was carrying a baby on each side while I was running and my upper back was in pain, it almost made me forget that I also was not breathing ha-ha. Before I knew it we were entering the stadium and the finish line was just in front. Thank the lord it was over and done with but, come on, really, that was 4.5k? Greeny came over to me as I crossed and said we did like 12 minutes mate, that HAS TO BE SHORT. So here I was, running a race that was way out of my fitness and it was even worse because it was shorter than advertised, it was 4k! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lesson learned, if you go into a race with expectations but you know what you have been doing (in my case, NOTHING) then prepare to feel the pain! I was 5th overall in 12:30, I was actually pleased with my time considering but at NO POINT was I relaxed or settled into a pace. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b_xCNvvt_I&feature=related">What reason did you run for?</a>Video<</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a month or two of consistent running the hope is to be able to run sub 16 comfortably again but at this point, I have decided to take a very non critical view to my training regimen. Next up is a 10k in <a href="http://www.runauckland.co.nz/info.html">Auckland, New Zealand</a>, more my style at this point.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-77559232196916410402011-05-11T15:34:00.000+08:002011-05-11T15:34:20.428+08:00"Dance Floor" Lamperski's trials and triumphs at the Ironman<div style="border: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OO1rQjPQcsDaOcxzCgR46pYca-PhrhTjeqGj_JjEM-kan7Sw_ctGVnU9BGvMufjFIkBfP5WlvwlnDnuwQlMEgYHyMhPv-r6WEWr-NUK8CweiiBQlTL-yttO4G5nhpK1eSAD0YXUhv9js/s1600/tim+berkel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OO1rQjPQcsDaOcxzCgR46pYca-PhrhTjeqGj_JjEM-kan7Sw_ctGVnU9BGvMufjFIkBfP5WlvwlnDnuwQlMEgYHyMhPv-r6WEWr-NUK8CweiiBQlTL-yttO4G5nhpK1eSAD0YXUhv9js/s320/tim+berkel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;">2011 Busselton 70.3 Winner</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u style="color: blue;"><b>Trash Talking the day before</b></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table> It’s Thursday around lunch time and the mystery remains the same, “how am I getting everything to Busselton for the race?”. The last thing that needs to be on my mind is how to arrive at the race, but that’s the only thing that concerns me for obvious reasons. Thankfully some friends offer to assist me, my bike leaves with the Angell family on Thursday, I am set to leave with Lisa Seen on Friday morning and Katrina “the hurricane” is my race wheels, aero helmet, suit and computer. It may sound like a lot of stuff but after all, it’s an ultra triathlon event essentially and I opted to take more than enough for the trip.</div><div style="border: medium none;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRAIunl53y5pkwiOvdWNFEZ_bHMgHrprkVrBdR5s3ij0aQdGOlfnPjesoHWMHhVfBN7oZEisgDW2SELMMgUK7IIOS2h7Sp7ml-Mnc9IJ1qrwDtb2Sr__lZ6LTjEnJGDkCpdZOGjuaU3gK/s1600/100_2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRAIunl53y5pkwiOvdWNFEZ_bHMgHrprkVrBdR5s3ij0aQdGOlfnPjesoHWMHhVfBN7oZEisgDW2SELMMgUK7IIOS2h7Sp7ml-Mnc9IJ1qrwDtb2Sr__lZ6LTjEnJGDkCpdZOGjuaU3gK/s320/100_2308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Friday afternoon we arrive at the race expo extra early, hang out a bit with everyone who set up retail shop at the race. Hit the water for a solo 15 minute swim to make sure the wetsuit is fine and everything is just right. Katrina arrives sooner than expected and I go for my 20 minute shake out run while she moves her car so I could grab the remainder of my goodies. The Specialized bike mechanic transfers my cassette to the Zipp 909 disc Justin Ghosh let me use for the race, accompanying the Cosmic Carbone front wheel I swiped from Troy Main, thanks guys! Bike is checked in, wow this event is legit, and there are so many bikes in transition that have mega price tags! The event tops any triathlon I have ever done with the organization, maybe even better than the Duathlon World Championships that I competed in 2 years ago. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyd4QgHiDiNOjlhsSN7jM8Cwb6LbkFOooYM120eBq_iTQV-DkLySjKoYt2RyAOtNTx1FLVgh63S9lLlE2L6z_eV7WW20lFmdd-EI42eRMxL-tNVYDMJfUw4Td3uTe5W7Slt_sWAMwHv7o/s1600/100_2311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyd4QgHiDiNOjlhsSN7jM8Cwb6LbkFOooYM120eBq_iTQV-DkLySjKoYt2RyAOtNTx1FLVgh63S9lLlE2L6z_eV7WW20lFmdd-EI42eRMxL-tNVYDMJfUw4Td3uTe5W7Slt_sWAMwHv7o/s320/100_2311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busselton house backyard</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKItyQRGYDPYo9Ojz-zFN_-b-SEPnthJHL19Sk0RF8IL7fclWChaLgReBbDA4_0rnEfW2VME1tl75v7fcX5mS0KHIjF-snAm88fDALAexB23MZTTqEmWtAIVDCrXWORPumzOYIotxP1wk/s1600/100_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKItyQRGYDPYo9Ojz-zFN_-b-SEPnthJHL19Sk0RF8IL7fclWChaLgReBbDA4_0rnEfW2VME1tl75v7fcX5mS0KHIjF-snAm88fDALAexB23MZTTqEmWtAIVDCrXWORPumzOYIotxP1wk/s200/100_2302.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lil Wayne</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Night comes, we all arrive for the “mandatory” meeting in which they mostly discuss the new drafting policy which has been extended to 12 meters, something of which everyone has been discussing for months anyways. I am freezing my butt off and head home for the final checklist of items, lining up my nutrition for race day then it’s off for a good night’s rest in my bunk room. 5:30am text from Raf wishing me luck and I am up, eating toast with cream cheese along with one perpetuem solid and 3 glucose tablets. Janna, J-murda and I pack the car, hit the road and arrive at 6:15am to hit the transition before the 6:45am closing time. Macka, Johan, and Sean O’Neil start at 7am with the Pro’s and the open field including Bean, Lajos, Big Brynt, Matt Illingworth, Katie Gibb and Rachel Smith leave just 2 minutes behind at 7:02. It was a huge boost watching my training partner/coach Paul Mackay jump out of the water in the top pack of pro men in 24 minutes, my focus was centered to understand my fitness levels and to finally rise up. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC6vR5fRjIMruDORQIBAaq0eXNAHHBJYSupYFakPHfX6nUpCG3MrdeV3j4lr9DbL7tm58uF18yR3XdN18bUcF5zr1fKD9H4AN6cLKXpSgrvqRjqsZ0kS5GV0DylUMBDYYEGbQpm6tiIex/s1600/Macka+Swim+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC6vR5fRjIMruDORQIBAaq0eXNAHHBJYSupYFakPHfX6nUpCG3MrdeV3j4lr9DbL7tm58uF18yR3XdN18bUcF5zr1fKD9H4AN6cLKXpSgrvqRjqsZ0kS5GV0DylUMBDYYEGbQpm6tiIex/s320/Macka+Swim+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macka </td></tr>
</tbody></table> Its 8am, time to jump in the water for a quick splash, take a few pictures and then to start the race. Jason Rhine darts out in a blaze of glory as someone yells and he mistakes it for the horn, no worries J, I won’t DQ you! The horn sounds and we are off, guys throwing blows left and right, it’s a mass of chaos, I am swimming over people, I am getting kicked, it’s crazy. After about 400m, the waters clear a bit more and I begin to finally press on and make my way up my group a bit. At one point I could not tell if I was way off course or not as the buoy seemed directly ahead but I appeared to be the only one taking the same line, except the one guy who keeps zig zagging, bad mistake #1. I hit the beach and look down at my watch, 31:01, ahh not too bad, I had hoped for about 30:00 but it was my new best time by over 2 minutes for the distance anyways. Time to show the work I have been putting in on the bike, I remove the wetsuit, grab all of the nutrition in my helmet (flask, extra gel and powerbar) toss it in my tri top, toss on my helmet, sunglasses and rush out of T1. Everyone is stopped at the mount line with no forward progress, so much for my stellar running mount that was planned. Nonetheless, I am on the bike and moving finally, passing people right and left. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1kO5V5FszLumHAlzlMsuttYR_mOtesob6xtN8RP2MWjsqBc1tqxAM4Suu51dPnM33dWmxZw-af1eoWzW1NJloe6j2J9NizXKC4bhyoV5xsQuDcVjKIZ88pMM7S3r9ZFejcQwXBv6prLM/s1600/100_2340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1kO5V5FszLumHAlzlMsuttYR_mOtesob6xtN8RP2MWjsqBc1tqxAM4Suu51dPnM33dWmxZw-af1eoWzW1NJloe6j2J9NizXKC4bhyoV5xsQuDcVjKIZ88pMM7S3r9ZFejcQwXBv6prLM/s320/100_2340.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after my 100m warm-up</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table> I notice one of the guys that frequents the running centre and rides the hills with our group is just in front of me. I quickly pass by him and begin my assault on the course, or so I thought. 5k into the bike when I am finally settled I decided to go ahead and have a sip of my roctane flask to stay on top of my nutrition so that I can actually negative split the course as planned. Wait, nothing is in that pocket, S#*t!!! nothing is in that pocket either, what happened? I lost <u>ALL OF MY NUTRITION</u> at some point between T1 and the 5k mark apparently, what to do now? All that races through my mind is the video of Luke Bell at Ironman Hawaii when he dropped his nutrition bag and continued anyways, ultimately passing out and being rushed to the hospital. Should I keep attacking with just water or scale it back? Ok, just stay with these guys at a safe distance, then try the E3 sports drink offered on the course at 35k, check. On the way back my average jumps since we finally don’t have the mega headwind, thank the lord! I hit the E3 station at around 35k and take a big swig of the bottle. This stuff sucks, I have never tasted it before but it’s my only option, another sip, 3 minutes go by and then it all comes back up. Sweet, I am vomiting on the bike, only have water and can already feel my glucose levels starting to plummet. The 2nd loop is a forgetful sight, I was somehow passing people the whole time but I felt like a turtle, I had no cadence and just felt like I was in some insomnia daze just wishing for T2 to get closer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_-k3rK84CxgHpBy4dFymY0xzm83QCP3rEFhr1HtoyEMHw7RMPHjtZOwnvt80In3r_C5HK7KKN3hFEhFu4pIQ_MtjQ-wHZXErC1sKtTXx5uk12rzIbzVpiz4EkzDPugd1myHsaFAvkxwe/s1600/209375_2071775154174_1238748240_32603792_8181270_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_-k3rK84CxgHpBy4dFymY0xzm83QCP3rEFhr1HtoyEMHw7RMPHjtZOwnvt80In3r_C5HK7KKN3hFEhFu4pIQ_MtjQ-wHZXErC1sKtTXx5uk12rzIbzVpiz4EkzDPugd1myHsaFAvkxwe/s320/209375_2071775154174_1238748240_32603792_8181270_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Trying to finish strong</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Note to self</span></b>, next time you decide not to tape extra gels on the bike, change your mind!!! All of those hard earned miles on the bike in the early morning hours, totally wasted, I cycled faster in my 1st half ironman attempt last year with one month of cycling under my belt! Staggering into T2, I knew the run could be very very iffy, so I Took my precious time to inhale a few glucose tablets I laid out “in case” along with some endurolytes. The lights are coming back on!!! Ok Chris, those long bricks you worked so hard at are going to come into play, relax and keep it consistent. Legs are burning a bit, lungs feel quite good actually, and energy seems to be coming around. I am afraid to look at my watch once the 1st K split beeps but I do anyways, “3:43”, wow, how did that happen? Keep it going buddy, maybe your race isn’t blown, you can still PR even though everyone is out of sight. As I pick people off on the course, I hear some remarks about my pace and how I will soon die, but it only motivates me. I fluctuate between 3:48 & 3:54 each K through 10k’s when I begin to slow a bit hitting mostly mid-upper 3:50’s until a random 3:46 at 15k which looking back was another bad mistake. After catching up to a younger guy who was a relay runner, he just tucked behind me to block the wind, I eventually asked that he perhaps jump up front since I had been racing well over 3hrs and he had been out there for 20 minutes but he refuses, so I drop the hammer for about 200m to break him, success, ahhhh yea that doesn’t feel so great now. <br />
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Nearing the finish of my 2nd lap, I noticed Steve Gleeson up ahead and surge to catch him, he is rolling and I throw some encouragement his way and tell him to jump on board. Mr. Gleeson had a heck of a race and he rolled past me with 300m left in his race to finish very strong, but I had another lap remaining! As I make the final turn past the finish line, I turn back to look for my race rival, Jason Rhine, expecting him to be well behind me, he literally is about 60m back! Surge or slow down and let the race come to me? I kept pace for a bit then decided that it may be best to slow it back a bit and just push in with Mr. Rhine. 6k to go and we are swerving in and around people on this narrow path along the beach stride for stride. Stay relaxed, we are hitting low 4:00’s, not too bad but slower than I wanted. As I hit the 2nd loop I could feel my upper left quad really begin to cramp and I kept telling myself anything I could to not give up. “USA, USA, USA, come on brother!!!” Here Jason and I were having pretty much awful races for both of our standards but we found enough deep inside to give whatever we had left to test our limits. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macka and I</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE9CmWYajJEsfFRiQkujpNx6tZlb1e4QPzqEL_htClKTIr8KE5CIhDXNPTUj0YWBFiYfzXCCHyCazTLKBegIoq50ebyPyC1a8DobMrMxvX3VN9lQASdQ8_1nkuiBrQ5x7S3f3mZ0PqvTo/s1600/100_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE9CmWYajJEsfFRiQkujpNx6tZlb1e4QPzqEL_htClKTIr8KE5CIhDXNPTUj0YWBFiYfzXCCHyCazTLKBegIoq50ebyPyC1a8DobMrMxvX3VN9lQASdQ8_1nkuiBrQ5x7S3f3mZ0PqvTo/s320/100_2346.JPG" width="320" /></a> Several times I drop a surges thinking I would lose him but he always fought back stronger each time. Wow, this guy has some guts, I need to make sure I dig deeper than ever to pull this day off the best I can, hopefully winning this classic duel down under in Busselton while most of the athletes had no clue what was taking place. We begin to push the pace harder and harder hoping to break each other at this 4+ hr mark into our race but no one gives an inch. Less than 1k to go, come on Chris, all year this is one of the guys you have wanted to beat, dig dig!!! The crowd was fantastic, but as we approached the finish, many athletes were continuing on for their remaining laps and Rhine shot out like a dart when he saw his opportunity down the Shute as I mixed between people. I knew this would happen, but I also knew I had another gear I had been holding back and as we hit the grass I gun it. I was flying down the home stretch for my disappointing 4:30 finish, but in delight that I at least conquered one goal on the day. Somehow I was able to stagger home enough after my hamstrings massively cramped 5 meters from the line just in front of Jason. Looking back Jason and I dropped the pace from 4:11, 3:57, 3:49 and 3:43 on our last 4k’s in an effort to break each other, our own “Iron war”.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggViJLnPFd2FCzZvSZN_hzaIznlN4PZQca7mEbi5_HGPOM5ErY6PMNxyrmB3JOs-DLcOV-ejOaPBLintDzB7lCPQhXvk2whDzsYLDBpS6w6xprgwIRji2QK14efG7l4gE-UJnE12NPawtB/s1600/100_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggViJLnPFd2FCzZvSZN_hzaIznlN4PZQca7mEbi5_HGPOM5ErY6PMNxyrmB3JOs-DLcOV-ejOaPBLintDzB7lCPQhXvk2whDzsYLDBpS6w6xprgwIRji2QK14efG7l4gE-UJnE12NPawtB/s320/100_2296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Institute of Sport celebrating </td></tr>
</tbody></table> What a day, it let me reflect on so much in general, here I was concentrating so much on this day and look what came of it. One tiny mistake, if you call it a mistake even, mishap, misfortune or bad luck, either way, one small glitch in the system and things shut down on me, crazy. After the race, I thought about how running literally was so much easier, no swimming goals, or long cycles, just running, it’s simple. You can’t flat, your goggles won’t break and you won’t need to pack a lunch in your cycling jersey to complete a day’s training. After a warm shower, some much needed junk food and a nap, I felt much better and prepared to take on the next goal. I am not done with this 70.3 distance until I have conquered my goals of finishing a race the way I should, solid in every discipline. Today’s race was an ultimate failure in so many aspects but two components were in place, I finished and I even finished with a 7 minute PR.<br />
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong>Men’s Top 10:</strong><br />
<strong>1) Tim Berkel (Port Macquarie, NSW) – 3:51:27</strong><br />
2) Matty White (Magill, SA) – 3:52:50<br />
3) Tim Reed (Lord Howe Island NSW) – 3:53:59<br />
4) Josh Rix (Glen Iris, VIC) – 3:56:05<br />
5) Jamie Whyte (Auckland, New Zealand) – 3:57:10<br />
6) Guy Crawford (Napier Hawkes Bay, NZ) – 3:58:15<br />
7) Mitchell Anderson (West Melbourne) – 3:59:55*<br />
8) Leon Griffin (Kangaroo Flat, VIC) – 4:00:09<br />
9) Lajos Varga (Perth, WA) – 4:01:14* - Worked his way through the pro field<br />
10) Paul MacKay (Wembley, WA) – 4:01:28 - cracked the top 10!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw1Us0MKQ0V1KDFUk-hpJkGRi6LCMFq3M4jMTqZnocccqhw_0SbIo5AzleDw4mKoXkD9EpCw6eQxXP3pzVk-kE3WhY-4j9vC4c4ZXfbEavizK8LJD1DtJcZHr5LyqsIx13WlUoQGcs1Hg/s1600/100_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw1Us0MKQ0V1KDFUk-hpJkGRi6LCMFq3M4jMTqZnocccqhw_0SbIo5AzleDw4mKoXkD9EpCw6eQxXP3pzVk-kE3WhY-4j9vC4c4ZXfbEavizK8LJD1DtJcZHr5LyqsIx13WlUoQGcs1Hg/s200/100_2341.JPG" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janna finishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The night was wrapped up with, a chance meeting with some stoners next door, then to Varga’s for a funnel entry, before heading to the awards ceremony with a fashionably late entrance to swipe up a hot plate of food from the buffet! Congrats to so many people who competed on the day, but most importantly to the <u>Mackay Institute of Sport</u> athletes Janna Angell and the man himself, Paul Mackay. Janna knocked out an amazing bike split of 2:50 in her 1st attempt at the distance, and Macka defied all the odds to wrap up a stellar season with a <b>4:01</b>, earning him Triathlete of the year honors and 8th in the Pro field. Shout out to Matt Illingworth who took out another stellar field with a <span style="background-color: yellow;">2:06:09 bike split</span>! After the awards presentation, the real party ensued with the DJ pumping the tunes for a few more hours. Everyone hit the stage including <u>“Dancefloor” Lamperski</u> himself, suited up, skinny tie, stunna shades and dancing shoes. It was just a blast to see so many hardcore athletes finally letting loose and having a blast. <b><u>Some of the events of the night will never be forgotten, some may not be remembered but it was truly epic in every sense of the word. </u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdQmN3ey7TGf0agr_dRMDFCnrTBS2zBBO9SKIde1ENOIQ0ymeMn09u4oEfFeWdMjlx8Uq6Em68fqN1wWeeATC5PVqkpwzBCas0e-SoGN8mSq0ybUpIxauz8_BZTpe4gMRslSFlQGEbfsH/s1600/100_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdQmN3ey7TGf0agr_dRMDFCnrTBS2zBBO9SKIde1ENOIQ0ymeMn09u4oEfFeWdMjlx8Uq6Em68fqN1wWeeATC5PVqkpwzBCas0e-SoGN8mSq0ybUpIxauz8_BZTpe4gMRslSFlQGEbfsH/s320/100_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f6HPZtJx98">Amazing Busselton 70.3 Highlight video</a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-60492108925248065502011-05-02T11:13:00.000+08:002011-05-02T11:13:07.548+08:005 DAYS FROM GLORY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My race is for the people who doubt me, for those who might have seen a kid years ago who was seemingly brought up on the other side of the tracks and written off as worthless. This will be dedicated for everyone who has <strong><u>dreams in life</u></strong>, I may not attain my direct goals on the day but I would like to think I stand as a role model for hard work and taking that huge step to grab my dreams. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CVbe5DGSgIvU_mEhf2hCIEo0fb8b4hRTuO1rsQwenserhaSMa6GrHbevPwSnutgx4ARA4qAvvw22lIHHqonWwEVK3xD26_5cgakRe1LFsa_wqAfDae-sUbvi7ys-MSfaoe2PE4vf7sMy/s1600/tri+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CVbe5DGSgIvU_mEhf2hCIEo0fb8b4hRTuO1rsQwenserhaSMa6GrHbevPwSnutgx4ARA4qAvvw22lIHHqonWwEVK3xD26_5cgakRe1LFsa_wqAfDae-sUbvi7ys-MSfaoe2PE4vf7sMy/s400/tri+winner.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> It is upon all of us, just 5 days away from the race that many of us in Western Australia have been working towards,<strong><span style="color: red;"> 70.3 Ironman Busselton</span></strong>. So many of my mates have spent countless mornings waking up while its pitch dark outside heading to the swimming pool for a squad swim or to the roads for a group ride. How many times did we pump up our tires the night before and lay out all of our gear ahead of time, thinking about the long day that would lie ahead. Hammer bars, roctane’s, shotz, endurolytes, shotz, lollies, everyone has had their fare share of nutrition to get them through those 4hr rides followed by a moderate run directly after, then maybe an open water swim in the late arvo.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw-uhmtVK4h98Sp82jB45Oj0U6ZcLNCWEWZdIAhS3n_aAowDj1v1ugjcKWVcj6oXkfe_zAKT2Zwlfmwq987KA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> This race will show who has been putting in the hard work, as well who is fully prepared,<u> physically, mentally and emotionally</u>. I wish that we all put together our ideal race on the day but there are sure to be a few casualties along the war path. Pushing our bodies to these new heights really brings out the most amazing aspects in each of us. I would find it hard to believe that too many of us thought when we were kids that we would be out riding a bike for hours, then running for hours and also swimming for lengthy periods, but we are all doing it. Goals will be achieved and many will be at the finish line with the biggest ear to ear smiles as their goals were just smashed, meaning it’s time to nap the day away followed by <span style="background-color: orange;">partying the night away</span>. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZflQe1fl8upOYwR03Jmus9wP65VjmjujajAYZFOvD8xBaNNaJzlMzl4TWtsYK-9JDoiDtdwfr0Lq6d9fjNLJp6xUF0kQjgmvBQhvtMT2iWB8aTourpI8sU6YAMcpfeKL8pUzX9hyEGLcZ/s1600/_MG_3752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZflQe1fl8upOYwR03Jmus9wP65VjmjujajAYZFOvD8xBaNNaJzlMzl4TWtsYK-9JDoiDtdwfr0Lq6d9fjNLJp6xUF0kQjgmvBQhvtMT2iWB8aTourpI8sU6YAMcpfeKL8pUzX9hyEGLcZ/s320/_MG_3752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> For once in my life, I can say, I am not shooting to beat this guy or that guy, but<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <u>I am aiming to perform to the best of <strong>my</strong> abilities.</u> </span>Time goals are always in play, but with wave starts, weather, and malfunctions of the wildest kind, sometimes its tossed out of the window. I am racing for myself and my loved ones on the day. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Good luck to everyone who is competing at Busselton this weekend, may we have no swells, the wind to our backs and a light mist during the run. You will see me at the Awards/After Party, make sure you present me with a <span style="background-color: yellow;">smile</span> and the realization that each of us are blessed to have the health and option to even participate in such an amazing event.</div><br />
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<span style="background-color: cyan; font-family: Verdana;">PS: For those interested in tracking my results, you can go to Ironmanlive.com and there are updates along the way. I will post my race # on facebook once I check in on Friday. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-71016040056376690282011-04-15T12:47:00.000+08:002011-04-15T12:47:51.476+08:00Bravery: the truth in learning about existence<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><em>"If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting (which can be anything from your house to your bitter old resentments) and set out on a truth-seeking journey (either externally or internally), and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue, and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared – most of all – to face (and forgive) some very difficult realities about yourself….then truth will not be withheld from you. Or so I’ve come to believe.”</em></span><br />
<br />
---side note---<u> for those aussies who don't like actual content in a blog, you may want to skip the read</u>.<br />
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This is a quote from a book that I read while on my journey to Australia from way on the other side of the world. We all have phases in life in which we are truly trying to find out who "we" as people really are. What makes me tick, what are my true flaws that I have been ignoring? <br />
<br />
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to go for my 2nd run of the day just before sunset and reflect just a bit on the situations and outcome of my life thus far. To some, it would appear as if I am a lost soul wondering the world in search of my <strong><u><span style="background-color: yellow;">"existence</span></u></strong>" and yes this is true in part, but I honestly believe that my life has been such an amazing lesson. Everyday I attempt to absorb what is going on around me, the people, the sights and the concepts of success. At an early age I saw how my family was struggling and the #1 focus going into adulthood was making $ and plenty of it. Now, I have come to terms with the obvious necessity of $$$ but also the tortures it can sometimes bring with greed. <br />
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<br />
Sometimes I feel as though I am wise above my years, especially based on my how old I actually look, when other times I feel like a rambling 16 year old kid searching for answers. I can see what is important in life, it's not training for a triathlon or beating this guy, it's relationships. Sure through avenue's such as sport or business we can mix with people and began to mold ourselves to understand the inner being of others, but the actual act is not important. It's the in between chatter amongst people, your friends, co-workers and loved ones. I have realized that I am in one of the most beautiful places in the world, its breath taking at times even, but it's missing something. On my journey away from those loyal friends, loving family members and caring colleagues, I have finally stumbled upon my existence, why I am here and what I am supposed to be. <br />
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The day I arrive home and greet my family in the little 3br 1 bathroom house I grew up, I like to think I will feel on top of the world. I may not be on the white sands of some exotic beach, but I will be where I am supposed to be. Sharing my life and my experiences with my family. Traveling 16,000 miles away into a new life is all it took me to realize where I need to be. It's funny, as I am building towards one of the biggest races of my life, I have been less and less focused on the competitive nature of it all, but more so on finishing off a couple more goals before heading home to pursue my real goal.CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-55298493536663122002011-04-01T19:44:00.000+08:002011-04-01T19:44:14.734+08:00The amazing beauty of Down South: written in videos<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6NCvFzECBFIxwaAp8pMPmH91OrE81PRgThK53d-VzI7SQL3BKRKiNpTujfXZFdlTo4UuL1Fusa8IK4ZZLuCTmcspnSAV4OatMy68onBQQ_RoucI4UWAkTnVIo62RWqdFrLMVziMEEdO1/s1600/kp+pano+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6NCvFzECBFIxwaAp8pMPmH91OrE81PRgThK53d-VzI7SQL3BKRKiNpTujfXZFdlTo4UuL1Fusa8IK4ZZLuCTmcspnSAV4OatMy68onBQQ_RoucI4UWAkTnVIo62RWqdFrLMVziMEEdO1/s400/kp+pano+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u><b>Kings Park from the Grass</b></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently I took a holiday down south with a close friend of mine from the states(Karin Helmbrecht). We had an amazing time and saw some incredible sights along the way. I decided that since I had a fair amount of video clips I would just speak through them. Enjoy, hope you like the it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XuJ_2w4apqs/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XuJ_2w4apqs?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XuJ_2w4apqs?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-M9JU75Csw4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AWESOME general store we went to every morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's Amazing natural pool find</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jAe2fbPxFZg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dwXldDESkdw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Pretty amazing huh?</b></u></span></div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-39592044312641035692011-03-08T16:34:00.000+08:002011-03-08T16:34:12.877+08:00Albany, Western Australia: Long rides, triathlons, and motels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenttiwx7od2REdrk-7okzbgfLeCk58GkZwvpMqMgIUPDiEn6rJMg-6fECdAkEcbHkgxOcKXZ-evvUJvRz4x5HBCtK6YOKAa3t4nmZ7qP624Bf5-7Yf_YPdkDx3QpH8NYG8tboacJUtaKC/s1600/WindFarm+Fly+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenttiwx7od2REdrk-7okzbgfLeCk58GkZwvpMqMgIUPDiEn6rJMg-6fECdAkEcbHkgxOcKXZ-evvUJvRz4x5HBCtK6YOKAa3t4nmZ7qP624Bf5-7Yf_YPdkDx3QpH8NYG8tboacJUtaKC/s400/WindFarm+Fly+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Visit to Albany<br />
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Weeks ago I decided that I wanted to travel to Albany, one of the southern most points on Australia's coastline. From my conversations with Cody and Janna, they loved the scenery of the small town, which I didn’t think would be too much different than Perth but I was <strong>way</strong> off. In route to Albany with Brandon, we were speaking about the triathlon we were soon to be competing in and he spoke about it being pretty hilly, one major difference from Perth which is fairly flat until you drive to the hills on the outskirts. The following is the recap of the weekend events, which includes as much entertainment as I could include within reason containing pictures and videos. (If you want to avoid the Triathlon recap and just want to see pics keep scrolling down!)<br />
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<u>After some much convincing</u>; Brandon agreed to meet me at my house around 6:15am on Saturday as opposed to 5am which he <strong>adamantly</strong> proposed!! Boom, we are on our way to one awesome weekend with friends in Albany! This place is not close, let’s just start with that, it’s a solid 5hr drive and to my delight it actually rained a fair bit and was cloudy, something I am starting to miss back home in North Carolina, clouds, rain, THUNDERSTORMS! As we traveled along, I wasn’t quite prepared for the recently turned 18 year old behind the wheel and his stellar racing, I mean driving skills with his Hyundai sedan. Let’s just say that double lines in the road mean nothing, driving with your knees at 120k is OK and drafting 1 meter behind another car is perfectly acceptable. I think the kid was a little too much in race mode as we moved along Albany highway but I knew he wouldn’t allow us to wreck so I just always made sure my seat belt was fastened appropriately just in case, thanks for the ride Brandon!<br />
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Once we finally arrived to our accommodation at the Metro Inn, we promptly found out that check in was at 2pm, <strong><u>it was 11am</u></strong>, what to do? Glad we woke up early and made a rush for our hotel haha. Oh well we changed in the GRAVEL parking lot at the motel and then hit the road to cycle the bike course a bit and look over the 10k section of the run for the race. We could tell the bike course would be alright as most of it was flat or gradual, with a couple hills and turn-a rounds and the run course would be fairly difficult with the rollers it had. After we were finally able to check into our room, we went for a swim shortly after we unloaded everything. The water was filled with seaweed for about 15 meters on the beach but got clear as we made it out further. One thing was certain, the water was much cooler than back in Perth, <u><strong>but I loved it!</strong></u> It reminded me of the water at the Lake Lure triathlon, a bit colder but similar. The reason it’s so cold is because the water feeds from the southern ocean which is in between Antarctica and Australia, along with the addition of actual cloud cover and cooler temps in Albany. Macka, Brandon and I swam out to a pontoon and designed our own practice course for the swim and dove into the cool water, I felt so much better than normal in the water, and I actually felt comfortable! We swam around a mini course and then practiced catching waves into the shore in case we had the opportunity during the race. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ueli, Janna, Cody, Stevie</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After resting up a bit back at the motel, we then met up with Cody, Janna and Kate for a nice jog along the path where the run portion would be. As we were running I noticed the most magnificent and <span style="background-color: orange; color: red;">full rainbow</span> I had ever seen, which start at one end of the shore and ended on an island, AMAZING! (in Indonesia we found out, as opposed to being a pot of gold at the end, there is a “fairy castle” apparently, thanks Cecilia!). Back home again, shower time and then to search for a place to eat in this town, which seemed nearly impossible, especially since we had 9 people in our group! We quickly found a nice café which had outside seating and the night ended up being a success, I even ordered a <em><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">“Smoked Salmon salad”</span></em> with no extras to keep it simple and healthy!</div><br />
After a bad night of sleeping, I awoke at 5am with Brandon and he was<u><strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> jacked up</span></strong></u> and ready to go as he hustled around the room preparing for the race. Fortunately I laid most of my stuff out the night before and just decided to keep a cool approach to the race, with no big expectations and therefore I was VERY relaxed, yet confident. We were blessed with some rain showers while warming up before the race, so everyone’s stuff in transition got soaked, which could make for a bad day sometimes. Onto the race itself, after climbing into my Orca wetsuit I recently acquired from Jason Nuttman, I was in the water, feeling pretty dang confident. Brandon, Macka, Sean, Ueli and Brynt raced in the open division, so they all got to go off first with just one wave of men behind them for all age groups. This was the first swim were I got pretty physical in the water with a few elbows and flying palms to make way in the water. I nearly panicked in the 1st 200m as we were all so cramped but after that I settled and tried finding some feet. I remember thinking, I am actually enjoying the swim portion and thinking about how I would be almost too soon on the bike! Breakthrough for me in my opinion, still not a top notch swimmer by any means, but I felt at home in the water and set a nice PB for the O distance at the same time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6UZvmzzhhuWiYh1I2KDYSqOVQ-kfdLnbreK-e36bIzm28XWtxesVKXJIwwLgSR4qGFnS58Mzkd2dWKOmWr4y7n1Qf8TKbyXMn5a0q0ZjP9mEzi_hUOg6LvO9ugN97UXHpemwLgPba_Wc/s1600/Sunrise+Albany+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6UZvmzzhhuWiYh1I2KDYSqOVQ-kfdLnbreK-e36bIzm28XWtxesVKXJIwwLgSR4qGFnS58Mzkd2dWKOmWr4y7n1Qf8TKbyXMn5a0q0ZjP9mEzi_hUOg6LvO9ugN97UXHpemwLgPba_Wc/s400/Sunrise+Albany+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Sunrise as I walked onto the beach Race Morning</u></td></tr>
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Onto the bike, I knew with the course being 3 loops, I would be able to see all of the open racers after the 3 turn around points, which was motivating. My goals were to get as close as possible to the open athletes before the run if at all possible. I noticed Macka was pushing the pace up front which was no surprise to me and then I noticed Brandon and Ueli mixing it up a bit just a bit behind Macka. I was rolling past people initially and then realized that I actually beat some decent triathletes out of the water and a group of about 5 riders where pacing behind me while I was doing all of the work solo on the sweet set of Flash Point wheels that Scott Mison let me use. After some quick thinking, I pulled out a page from the Ryan Baugh/James Haycraft playbook and slowed back to let a few of them pass me and then I just stayed with the group for a good remainder of the race. It’s all about learning right? Why not save some energy for that run off of the bike and use some bodies around me to keep me pushing along during the bike? The best part about race was, knowing I was where I needed to be at every point in the race, on feet in the water and around people on the bike course. Over the last 8k I decided it was time to just set sail with some guy whom was wearing every aerodynamic product on the market including a disc wheel. My fastest portion of the race was the 16k and I ended up riding everyone in that small group off of my wheel pretty easily, did I leave too much on the course? Possibly….<br />
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The run was nice and smooth, I opened a bit quick with a controlled 3:22 1st k but kept it in the 3:30ish range from then on out with a 3:24k at 8k when I was breaking one of my rival age groupers. I felt very smooth but at times, I felt like I was honestly going too slow for the race, because I have the mindset of longer course races of which I am trying to understand pacing and patience. While running I was able to see everyone as it was an out and back 2 loop course, so I quickly noticed my coach Paul Mackay, better known as Macka, had a substantial lead into the run, until he missed the turn around and surrendered his lead momentarily. It was great to see Janna, Kate, Brandon, Brynt, Mick G, Stevie and Ueli out on the course; it always gave me a little boost. In the end I passed an age grouper that ended up being 3rd in my AG with 800 meters remaining thankfully. All in all, everyone came away with some positives from the race in one aspect or another. I know that from now on I am going to try “Glucodin” tablets in the morning before the race because it really got my glycogen up and the body prepared for battle. As a quick recap, I swam under 24 minutes for 1500m, biked right at 1:05 for 40k and then ran a 35:06 for the 10k portion, finished 2nd in my age group(missed the $) and set over a <u><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 minute PR in the Olympic Distance</span></strong></u> with roughly a 2:04:50. It great to see my training is really coming around and having my 1st taper week in training paid off big time!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy54fuqAevuOuhbBb1zoT0qx5hRQp5DG1cQHr3DhD9NY9QoET0KgdWdq1dtyP6oyhJtrErirhE8R79m6mVglP16wJShghUefZIyZW6PwQZNQbMIcrckt5rhdS_wPcEC5EfysefMKxpAJMX/s1600/Cliff+Drop+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy54fuqAevuOuhbBb1zoT0qx5hRQp5DG1cQHr3DhD9NY9QoET0KgdWdq1dtyP6oyhJtrErirhE8R79m6mVglP16wJShghUefZIyZW6PwQZNQbMIcrckt5rhdS_wPcEC5EfysefMKxpAJMX/s320/Cliff+Drop+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>After the race and the awards we hit the town for some coffee of course and a bit of food. For the 1st time since the 2nd night I was in town I had fast food and I went for it(4 months)! <strong><span style="background-color: black; color: #b45f06;">Hungry Jacks combo meal</span></strong> with a double cheeseburger, chips, frozen cola, and a sundae, it was well deserved! Once we hit up some local tourist shop, then next stop was off to the Natural bridge and cliffs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">WOW, how beautiful was this place, beautiful water, amazing rock formations and mountains at the edge of the water which were covered with the bright green arrays of grass and bush. I was able to soak up this place a lot and I made sure that I had more than enough pictures of everything. Watching the waves crash into these huge rocks was amazing, especially when the water splashed anywhere from 20-25 meters into the air! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBWyBrz5cJPXGNu8uj5R7Q7JvBcOgYNbfCLXrhfNO1CdCkTC63zF9X8fkOCUYjTaTtTEcR49ZdOyNYJoCtZV1XoL1nKLl4UyuVxkNmlE1JnLLeiLkWWMHudxxOTpAgPpuXIx_C5tHeDJq/s1600/Gap+Rd+cliffs+and+water+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBWyBrz5cJPXGNu8uj5R7Q7JvBcOgYNbfCLXrhfNO1CdCkTC63zF9X8fkOCUYjTaTtTEcR49ZdOyNYJoCtZV1XoL1nKLl4UyuVxkNmlE1JnLLeiLkWWMHudxxOTpAgPpuXIx_C5tHeDJq/s640/Gap+Rd+cliffs+and+water+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWzKkCfSjl2oJzcDAM4MT-c1KAWU0kaopBQP6cOV_7XI5pRg3sQMh-IJ7XY3W0-rMLQ5xk1b2fQzKp9vuW4hWbvv9y0sW5LlJ_oaRyQHslUjesnYBMMbGN7hStnG3x2kc2_Xd8JN6csmk/s1600/Windmill+Antique+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWzKkCfSjl2oJzcDAM4MT-c1KAWU0kaopBQP6cOV_7XI5pRg3sQMh-IJ7XY3W0-rMLQ5xk1b2fQzKp9vuW4hWbvv9y0sW5LlJ_oaRyQHslUjesnYBMMbGN7hStnG3x2kc2_Xd8JN6csmk/s320/Windmill+Antique+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>After hanging out at the cliffs, when had an eventful drive to the wind farm just down the road. I have included some pretty cool pictures of this place, which I never really see back in the US. It makes perfect since to conserve energy with using natural resources to assist in powering a town. Just thinking about one of the blades falling off seemed pretty terrifying as we would have nowhere to go and everything in sight would be CRUSHED! Brandon snapped a pretty amazing picture of me at the windmill, which may be the new update to my facebook profile! The remainder of the day and night, Brandon, Ueli and I hung out, venturing the city a bit and settling into some great Italian food in town. Thanks to Ueli for providing us with some laughs and motivation with the wide range of videos you have on your computer! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4KoKg1bRCjw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>After a too early bedtime at 10pm(Ueli and I are both night owls, while Brandon is an early bird), I awoke at 6am and decided to knock out a run with Ueli before breakfast. Upon leaving the motel he quickly pointed out the highest hill/mountain in the area and said “let’s go there, Yes?”, with hesitation I nodded. After climbing up the mostly gradual hill, we arrived at a lookout point fairly quickly and the views were great of Middleton beach. Ueli is traveling to Rottnest Island this week and we had a nice chat about what to expect and I highly recommended that he must snorkel! After showering, breakfast, Brandon and I hit the long road ahead back to Perth, with Ueli taking the scenic route with Kate back home. It was a great weekend all around, I was glad to have good friends around me as well as even more motivation to improve and prepare for the Busselton Half Ironman with Coach Mackay. </div><br />
Looking ahead into the future for my blog post, I am going to compare and contrast <strong><u>two AMAZING triathletes</u></strong> of whom I have been able to train with recently, one of whom is <span style="color: #38761d;">my coach</span> and current Triathlon WA Open points leaders Paul Mackay. The other will be Ueli from Switzerland, whom competed in Albany and I have mentioned several times in this post. One comes from a professional career in short distance triathlon and the other is solely an Ironman distance athlete who prefers the distance longer and the terrain more difficult. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Two Professionals with 2 different mind sets</span></u>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7069898797598815174.post-89084283422254183822011-02-20T19:21:00.000+08:002011-02-20T19:21:00.496+08:00Transformation: Triathlon Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKfjqbaF8UR8obDHCY50G03USdfn7IJAyhV-xGPofKsqZZQRQbs-hMvl9ey1rViWHjk6xiFBsexTTx6Ywp_ywRPuMehC7vgjzsfxw7j5ggVs7j27yHUtCINZWyht3AZd7gzmdSqYXQPRm/s1600/mark_allen_vs_dave_scott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKfjqbaF8UR8obDHCY50G03USdfn7IJAyhV-xGPofKsqZZQRQbs-hMvl9ey1rViWHjk6xiFBsexTTx6Ywp_ywRPuMehC7vgjzsfxw7j5ggVs7j27yHUtCINZWyht3AZd7gzmdSqYXQPRm/s400/mark_allen_vs_dave_scott.jpg" width="307" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u style="background-color: white;">Dave Scott and Mark Allen battle: The best Ironman athletes EVER</u></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">15.7% to 8.6%:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Referring to my body fat % when I joined up with the “<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">PM Institute of Sport”</span> to my measured reading last week. (</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Measured 4 weeks in a row on the same Tanita scale</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">)</span></span></span><br />
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</span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">75.1 Kg to 76.3 Kg</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: Referring to my weight distribution with arriving here and my weight as of last weekend. (</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1.3Kg gain</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;"> In a brief synopsis, I have </span><u><span style="background-color: orange; font-size: 13.5pt;">lost 7.1% of my body fat</span></u><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;">, all while gaining 1.3 Kg in the process, meaning I am burning fat but gaining muscle. My guess is that the muscle is accumulating on my legs mostly as I have been riding much more consistently, spending hours in the saddle. I attribute this to my coach, my training partners, and the volume of my training as well as my new housemate whom helps me keep in check with my dietary habits. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">(note that after receiving the 8.6% reading last week, I gave it my best effort to gain it all back over a couple heaping dinners haha)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">BEDSIDE PRE-RIDE</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;">Upon my decision to arrive in Western Australia months ago, one of the short term goals was to put together a decent Half Ironman Race if it was possible. To this point I have done a variety of triathlons ranging from the super sprint to one 70.3 distance at the inaugural TryCharleston race in May 2010, which was a heat wave! Now that I realize it, it will be almost exactly one year to the day that I will be doing the Busselton 70.3 Ironman in Western Australia, from my 1st experience with the distance. Ever since then, a lot has changed and one of the main things that has progressed positively concerning the race is my all around training. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Just 5 weeks out from the 70.3 distance last year, I was notified of a comp entry into the event because I was on the staff for TrySports, whom was the main sponsor. As a challenge to myself and the staff, I gladly accepted the entry and decided I needed to buy a bike and perhaps starting swimming again. Needless to say, the event was a HUGE learning experience for me and as I crossed the line I said "<b><u>never again</u></b>". Well now I am ready to take on the challenge but this time I realize there are no real short cuts as I was optimistic about last year. To make myself put forth a proper effort I have even gathered a coach whose intensity in training is renowned all over “Dub A” aka Western Australia. To prepare for racing years ago he actually did <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">101 1/4m repeats on the track in a single day</span></u>, just because Zatopek did 100 so he wanted to give it a crack!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyoMKsTq-zEQVtgRMLoM5s68qijLukW4GTxdProGKYvxSlFLO4_GV_hx8S3gxXH5cO7mQCLSPQO1aFQ-DTaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">The true transformation of my triathlon experience has affected several factors in my life, one of which is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">socializing</span>. For those of you whom may know me from back home, I have always been a pretty social guy, trying to squeeze in that last bit of time to see friends or maybe to host some random party. Here I am in a place where I know few people and the ones I do know are so wrapped up in their training habits, besides the morning 1hr coffee break no one really has nightlife besides calling it an early evening. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><b style="background-color: #e06666;">Sacrifice</b></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"> is something that many of us struggle with day in and day out. <i>Are you trying to save up for that dream house or maybe that shiny BMW, what sacrifices will it take in order to make it happen? </i>Same goes for triathlon; early bed times followed by an early wake up are required in order to satisfy a proper training regimen supplemented with adequate recovery time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> Fortunately for me I am able to train with some pretty stellar athletes who are dedicated to the cause and to making these sacrifices. It's very interesting to take a step back and look into the world of an endurance athlete, plain and simple, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #444444; color: lime;">WE ARE CRAZY.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> But that's what I love about it, we aren't afraid to push ourselves to a <u>new limit </u>that so many fear. After reading an interview on slowtwitch.com about </span><a href="http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/A_chat_with_Kyle_Pawlaczyk_1887.html" style="background-color: white;">Kyle Pawlaczyk</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> , I realized that I in fact cherish the fact that I am able to do so much in the world of sport. In short Kyle is an up and coming triathlon star whom slept on a blow up mattress for years and firmly says </span><i style="background-color: #e06666;">" I wouldn't trade it for the world</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">" even though he actually has his masters degree. One hurdle that I see so many athletes face is having a significant other and spreading themselves thin in order to appease every facet of life, but thats a completely different blog post! Over this last year of my life I have made a point to take a step out of my comfort zone with any and everything in my life that I could. My logic in this is that by taking steps into numerous directions with my living situation, career, and athletic hobbies, it can only get easier from here in life. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjb7WmH1Qff1NuL3gRYzT8YAwH2BypBCCGs7B_nGETn2IRV38lJQbRgTM2eUp7OYBey48zXYhlvVBjdSa1XlkS3JiGtKKVilCASxwGiumMTEufH38B8wpknKqJlKaUwqJtma-7atlsfyo/s1600/100_1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjb7WmH1Qff1NuL3gRYzT8YAwH2BypBCCGs7B_nGETn2IRV38lJQbRgTM2eUp7OYBey48zXYhlvVBjdSa1XlkS3JiGtKKVilCASxwGiumMTEufH38B8wpknKqJlKaUwqJtma-7atlsfyo/s320/100_1512.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Macca grabbing a GU in the Hills</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"> Often times I am at a struggle against myself as to step out of that door at 5:30am in order to knock out my bike interval session or to hit the pool. We all have days of struggle but I have been working intensely on making this as a lifestyle by choice to see how far I can go. As people have asked me "</span><i style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Aren't you on a working holiday? There is a reason it's called a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f6b26b;"><b>holiday</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Chris</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">" I tell them that its life, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">hard work is a part of my existence.</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> I will be posting later about my swash buckling career in the Australian workforce, but as a brief glimpse into my life I will provide a recap of the last 2 weeks for me, in terms of training and working. </span><u style="font-size: large;">14 days in a row</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> I have worked one job or another or 2 to three jobs in the same day while fitting in my training sessions. It has been one heck of a run but I think I may be signing off at one of my casual jobs due to the fact that I never have time to see friends, see the country or even get the proper training in. Often times, I am waking up at 5:20am to head out the door and eventually riding my bike back home into the night to arrive at 10pm and right to bed. (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;">as a side note, I have been busting my butt in order to save up some $ for an upcoming mini holiday session</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"> Thus far I have really transformed my lifestyle to mimic that of a champion or so I hope! People are in awe when they find out that after one job, I am riding my bike to the next, but its the grind and its apart of me. Some may judge me for this or that, but those who know me, know that putting in a 50hr work week isn't that unthinkable, even on a working holiday across the world or as some would say "Paradise". Thank you to all of the people who have had faith in me back home to push me to this new place and thank you to those new friends I now see on a daily basis. Let's see how this whole Triathlon thing wraps up on May 7th at my Half Ironman!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">The Philosopher </span></b></td></tr>
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</div>CLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546859828579652486noreply@blogger.com1