Petro-World

Ragbrai Day 4

2011-07-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Another day on the Ragbrai adventure started a bit late. I woke about 625 which is late after an awesome night sleep. Most of our group was gone, coffee was tapped out and I was running I felt a bit late. The thing is with Ragbrai nothing is late as 32000 people are out there ALL day...

I have gotten the routine down now and was packed up and ready to roll by about 7 or so and rolled out leisurely. The 'official' ride was only 56 miles so I was planning on adding on and wanted an earlier roll to make the turn and head back before the big crowds started rolling in. The beginning is always a good warm up as anytime between 530 (daylight) and 730 lots of people are on the road so you can not hammer yourself too much and are required to roll with the packs. After the first town or two or a hill or headwind things will space out rather quickly and a couple hours in most of the road is only 1/2 full and Ragbrai you can use two lanes. So I usally roll hard left on the white line to avoid any random pullouts on me or folks drifting left when passing others. Not many people pass me but there always fast riders to ride with at some point in the day. Today I met up with Eric and another lIvestrong rider. I rode with Eric yesterday for abou 60 miles and the guy was as strong as an ox and steady. We all stopped for a legendary breakfast burrito at about mile 15 and it was legendary, very tasty. The line was probably 50m long but we got through in about 20 minutes...it was worth the wait!! Eric was rolling easy with a guy from Chicago and when the false flats hit with a headwind I rolled away from them. I kept it steady although felt pretty flat for the first couple hours with no coffee today so I stopped at the 1/2 way town for more food and another mandatory 20 minute sit-down (Gordo I have learned :)) and picked the Gyro trailer and it was ridiculously tasty!! A pepsi to wash it down and I perked right up. I headed toward Altoona and after 56 miles rolled into camp and pull our gear out and staked out some grass under the Western trees to shield us earlier from the sun. I headed back out through town doing some recon on dinner places and getting the lay of the land.

As I got back on course the crowds were thickening but my goal was to head back two towns about 15 miles out. The view from the reverse is pretty interesting as people are coming by in the thousands for the entire time. A couple dodgy close calls but I made it unscathed and sat down for a homemade rasberry pie....hmmmmm!!

Back towards town I rolled into the final town of the day which was 5 miles out and listened to some music and had a cold drink. Rolling into Altoona with about 90 miles and the campground filling up. It was mid afternoon by the time I ran for 30 minutes and the only thing that saved me in the heat was the free vitamin water and orange popsicle I got handed while I was running. Off to the Pizza Ranch for dinner and then expo for this and some live music. This is a roaming concert through Iowa as well...so much too do at Ragbrai besides just ride. Having a blast!!!

2011 Ragbrai Day 1-3

2011-07-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

A quick recap as I sit in the Windstream internet trailer. I went off-grid (sorta) for this trip and have not got around to a blog so here is an update of this adventure.

My first Ragbrai as I have always heard but never got around to doing it...it is quite an event and I must say I am an enjoying it immensely. There are 10,000 registered riders but word is there is an additional 20k or so riding. It is a logistical wonder watching all the folks rolling across Iowa in these different small towns that open up with enthusiasm and hospitatility.

Day 1-2 included about 4-5k of climbing and the rides were about 60 miles but I looped back after finishing to the first town and rode about 80 each day. I also squeezed in a in 30 minute runa and 2k swim. Today I rolled the Century which they have as an option each year and rolled the 30 mile loop twice giving me about 130 miles with a 30 minute run once arriving in Boone. I rode with some strong Livestrong riders today after they rode with Lance for a while.

There are 4 more days and the you could ride from 3 am to 9pm and there would be somebody out there on the roads. I generally start around 6 to 6:30 am and there are still thousands of people in front of me and it is generally not until the first town or two where the road clears. It keeps the pace in check although it is pretty organized and riders do not do too many stupid things if you keep your head up. Once the 1/2 arrives you get pretty far up and the road becomes pretty quiet usually arriving in to the towns first. There are endless places to eat and pick up drinks even between towns and that is a good thing as the sun reaches well into the 90s each day with plenty of humidity. It is a fully catered training camp, with decent camping supported by a transport company which does my laundry and has a charging stations, designated portable toildets, drinks and snacks...did I mention the food. ANYTHING you want!

Mr PorkChop is an itstuttion and I knocked down TWO today on my 130 miler as the addtional loop routed back past his big pink bus. There is every thing you could imagine from a guy riding a long board skate board to triple re-cumbent bicycles, a 12 year riding his 4rth FULL Ragbrai, people dressed up in anything and everything. Think of Woodstock, Burning, Man and bicycles all rolled up into one...quiet the spectacle and most enjoyable.

Tomorrow I am going to ramp up the mileage as it flattens a bit and it is easy to roll a 100 in 5 hours and since it is hard to sleep in as everyone is getting up I leave early anyway. 100 a day to get up to a 700 mile week is on tap...I could crack we shall see...

Did I mention the entertainment? Nightly BIG concerts, music, bands all along the route, swings into lakes or ponds, etc, etc, etc...

I will be back many more times that is for sure...

If you ride a bike it is a MUST do!!

Easy Day 8/8--Faetano, San Marino, Montescudo

2011-05-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 13, Easy Day Faetano, San Marino, Montescudo

Friday the 13th concluded the bike hotel holiday. I woke undecided on what the day would bring, the beach, the pool, or another day of rolling the deRossa through the countryside. I chose the latter! Why you ask do I push on a vacation? Well, the answer is that it is there to do, the weather was once again perfect, the friends I had made were going out as well, and the day was long. I did however, choose to make it a shorter version of the full Monty that was on the ride list. I went out with the usual Road group, but decided I would make it abbreviated. I had wanted to ride 2-3 hours just to spin the legs out which would give me the opportunity to come back and relax by the pool and have time to check out and pack up my gear.

We rolled out the North side of town, which after a few times of riding I now have figured out, and was nicely positioned on Carl’s wheel. After a week of riding I have figured out the best places to be when touring with a larger group. On the Guides wheel or my favorite wheel in the group or trailing the pack so I have a clear visual of the road. I have finally become comfortable with the riders in the group and know the dynamics but I still feel most at ease either in the front or slightly off the back. We rolled through the valley towards San Marino and my plan was to turn about 25-30k and head back. They were pushing on to San Leo which I experienced the first ride I was there. It is a gradual climb until the turn from Faetano up towards San Marino where it steepens slightly….Ian and all 6’8 of him ramped it up as the Guides like to do and I responded for the last time as my day would be shortened anyway. Marcus from Zurich came up to keep me company and we held it steady

but not deathly fast to the junction of San Marino where the group headed on and I turned back for a leisurely ride back tot the hotel.

I had not ridden solo in Italy this trip and it was a bit strange not following a Guide. The Guides provide a sense of security as does the group I had become somewhat dependent on. And it feels safer for some reason. However, the ride back was very pleasant and it gave me a new sense of comfort and appreciation for the guides and what they provide. I took a detour through Montescudo and the backside route that included a climb of about 20% where a quick stop for coffee was had at my favorite bar in Montescudo.

The final cruise downhill was pleasant and relaxing as the weather was once again perfect in the mid 70 and clear and windless. I ended up riding about 62k in just over 3 hours with another 3000 feet of climbing. I must say I have become a little hooked on climbing and will plan on doing more of it back home. A nice dip in the pool, lunch poolside with my Friends and off to the Rimini airport I went. The flight to Rome Fiumicimo was easy and I checked into the Comfort Inn near the airport.

To summarize this holiday included some of the best week of riding I have ever done with the experience of a fantastic hotel, staff, food and holiday. I rode hard pushed by my fellow guests and guides. They at every opportunity wanted you to get your fullest out of the day and the guests pushed to the limit of every climb keeping it fun and interesting. I will be back many times more!!

Ciao!

Day 7 of 7 Riding, Easy Day?

2011-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

May12, Day 7 of 7 riding, Easy Day?

Today I planned an easy day. Well an easy day would be I would contest for not one KOM….not one!! That goal was accomplished, however the day was not easy. The reason is we covered just over 85 in 4 hours with 4500 feet of climbing, and did I mention it was hot. About 80 at some spots but not much more than that.

We started off with a group of 20 again before the Road group split after the first big climb. The Austrians/Germans went with Markus, and the Suisse and North Americans with a few other Euros went with Mauro. Mauro you are insured a smooth ride, plenty of guiding, and guaranteed not to get lost! We climbed steady for the first 2 hours. It is mostly climbing once you leave Riccione as it nothing inland really that does not go up. We had 2-3 steady climbs before we dropped down for a coffee stop. I had a Macchiato and a Coke, with a pastry and my hotel food which always consists of two bananas, and a roll with Nutella or some prosciutto in it…I was feeling a bit gun shy from yesterdays implosion from lack of calories so went hard to set it straight early. Nobody else seems to be as fuel in efficient as I am, but oh well, it is needed and I am going to eat it!

Next up was a screaming descent again to town. Sitting at 40-50k an hour all the way to town is not as easy as it sounds. Takes work to make all those turns and to concentrate all that time especially somebody like me who is not used to all that is going on these roads.

Again, a large recovery meal was had poolside, which garnered lots of looks from the Euros as my plate was HEAPING. Of course I pass on the 32 oz. beer they always start with so my plate my needs to be full and heaping!! We sunned in the perfect weather and chatted about how fried we all were from the week of riding! Not too long before my massage at the spa was so I headed down there and enjoyed the baths and sauna a bit as well. Nothing like getting completely dehydrated!

The weekly pool party was to begin at 6 and it did not disappoint. We had a 5-course meal served poolside in the warm evening and it was over the top. Then there were two disc jockeys playing classic oldies that were spun up to a current dance beat and after dinner things got really going with the dancing going to about 11, before the party filled the pool with overheated dance guests. It was all something to witness as it was a cross of a Euro –techno-pseudo Spring Break…it was awesome to witness!

It was a late night and I am still TBD on the final day in Riccione and whether to ride or not. It might be a pool and beach and shopping day…we shall see!!

Cippo!

2011-05-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

May 11, 2011, Cippo—Marco Pantani training grounds

"When I have to prepare the great stage races like the Giro and the Tour , I do not need to go up in France to climb the ' Alpe d'Huez , the Galibier , rather than the Gavia , the Stelvio or Mortirolo in Italy . To me it's just the Cippo Carpegna is located right here that all the answers to my why "
( Marco Pantani )

Today was a Cippo day and so I heard for the week how tough it would be, but the thing is it does not look that tough on paper! I should say I was planning on hitting it hard today and that I did…little did I know what that would entail on Cippo!!

It started with a massive group, which was quickly separated by ability. Nobody wanted to roll RACE so it actually just became two ROAD groups, fast and slow. Felice the fastest Guide in Italy is sick and went home. That led Alfie a new Guide who could ride show up. Unfortunately it is his second day and tends to get lost. This did not bode well on a day that included a load of climbing!

The first climb out of town separated most of the group however our first informal KOM which was to the peak out of town about 20k, guys were already hitting it pretty hard. In fact, tattoo brit boy had to sprint by with meters to go, and was never to be seen the rest of the day. A little sore I guess from yesterday American whoopin!

After that things settled again and most folks marked me to control the pace. Fortunately I was feeling pretty good and tested the limits early on with a nice gradual rise to the first set of hills peaking out at about 500m or 35k into the day….it was a perfect gradual for me to ramp it up hard! It was a good sign for the day but as we descended I was right off the back. These Euros can descend I tell you and it is a joke how much slower I go…. really a joke. But better safe than sorry!

So we regrouped in Monte Cerignone before the real climbing was to begin. Boy did I have no idea what was to come.!! The group was down quickly to about 4 riders, which included the fresh-legged Alfie who was to keep the pace high and by no means allow a guest to take him down, if he had a choice! Alfie is built like a climbr all wiry and no mass to carry around….and smooth on a bike. But he is no Felice!!

We rolled up the first incline hard, but then it leveled just enough so I figured it was time to go and I dropped Nova Scotia who had been hacking a lung for the entire morning and a newcomer Suisse with fresh legs. A Swiss boy with returning credentials…that was to prove a challenge, as he knew what was ahead.

Alfie the guide is a local but not a very good guide as he did not know the way to go!! We rode off the front three times but was slowed at most intersections for him to call Mauro for directions. When we finally hit the cutoff for Cippo we stopped altogether for about 5 minutes to wait for Nova Scotia and Suisse. We then regrouped which led to another up-tempo challenge from the slower guys. We regrouped upon entering the park again and once again they went hard to drop me. Each time I was at red line to keep up the pace to hold them off. It was a three-peat I had to perform to take the Cippo KOM. It was suicide! But the real problem lie in the steepness after we turned up into the park. It went for about 5k and the average gradient was 11.5 percent with max of 20 percent…it left my legs with NOTHING!! At the top we were at 6500 feet in 45 miles and I hit every available calorie I had which was a banana and roll…not nearly enough to prevent me from riding off a cliff!

Upon the descent after waiting for the second group I was so torched I could barely see the road. It took me way off the back and I was descending about 5 mph no joke, as the Euro pace line following Mauro had them ripping the descent. I was so torched I made a serious wrong turn only to be saved by Mauro again and brought back up to our café stop(an exceptional guide from this area who is the best of the week).

We stopped for coffee and we were a mere 55 miles in. The first 45 miles had 6500 feet of climbing and no time to eat drink or be merry. At the stop I hit 3 cokes, 3 pastries, double scoop of ice cream and numerous bottles of water, but it did no good, I was so far gone, I could hardly focus on the road. From there it was downhill but I was so torched I could barely see straight no less navigate scary Italian roads at high speed following a bunch of Euros. I feared for my life!!

It was essentially downhill at high speed for the next 2 hours with just a few rollers to keep it interesting….we ended the day with 130k and about 7000 plus feet of climbing in rather warm temps…it was all I could do to get off the floor in my room to eat…

The folks at the pool were blown away at how much I ate…of course I sat there for about two hours doing it before I crawled to my room to lie down for two hours before I did it again at dinner…just started to feel better slightly by then!!!

Lights out early although the sleep did not come easy…

San Marino

2011-05-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 10, San Marino

I woke early again…next time I am bringing a tub of sleeping aids. I cant find a good nights sleep, although the culprit probably had to do more with yesterdays outing on the bike. I was a bit shelled…evidenced in the time it took me to get through writing my blog…it was not quick!! Kept falling into the thousand yard stare…during my pool side recovery.
I woke early which allows me to make summer bedtime calls back to Cali and do emails, but then at sunrise I decided it was time to start running again Forest! I took yesterday off after I could not even feed myself at the pool after the ride, and that was the first day off in 31 days…sure takes an effort to miss that first day but it was necessary at some point. I ran mostly along the firm beach of Riccione. Tide was a tad further out but the beach is a most perfect softly packed beach to run on. The temperature being about 60 as well made it very pleasant and sure an easy 45 minutes to get through.

Back to the hotel for a little downtime before my first eating of the day…I am hungry but have no idea why. Did I mention how much darn food I am eating…I really have an issue with food. I try to get a handle on it every time I walk in that room, but the stuff they lay out is so tremendously good, it is a sin in Italy to pass on it, or at least to make an attempt to sample a little bit of everything. I must be consuming about 2x amount of the calories I am burning….Molina you would be proud!! ;-)

Anyway, another #perfectkarmaweather day in Riccione with temps forecasted in the mid 70s and sunny skies and light winds….and weather holding until my departure I must add!

Todays ride was ridunkulous! Best of the trip as it had everything.

We rolled out of town in a large group, maybe 30 strong as the Race and Road group went together. I had planned to ride Road as yesterday gave me a wake up when I cant chew my food without losing train of thought I might have pushed too hard.

We regrouped at the top of the first hill out of town and split groups. Only two went Race so the remaining 6 or so from yesterday stepped down for similar good reason. Nova Scotia Scott and Jason who did a wife ride yesterday went off solo with the new guide filling in for a sick Felice. Might be good I stepped down. The Road group split in two and mostly the guys I rode with yesterday with the addition of Marcus and his Swiss crew.

I should be just fine and Nova Scotia who drills on EVERY should be good and toast by tomorrow --the hardest day of the week! Anyway, we rolled out and I liked knowing I was going to have the upper hand. Now that the pecking order has been established the dynamic is just so much better. Less angst getting around to the front, and just a quiet I know you are the strongest in the group so I will not fcuk with you respect!

Mauro, led us out at nice upper Road pace steady. They said this would be faster than normal Road as I think they saw who was in it, and for good of the cause like to keep everyone just a bit on the edge. Mauro is strong and I had not ridden with him yet so did not know how strong. Certainly not Felice strong!

The guides job is to lead and lead into the wind and just do the work at the front all the time. Get you to the climb and then let you go. We rolled about 40k through rolling countryside before we started our first climb up to our first rest stop. This climb was very Pietro-friendly and as we rolled onward Mauro started to stir it up a bit.

He would accelerate hard on a steep pitch and look back to see what it did. Then when a perfectly pace truck-trailer rolled by he jumped on. I was on his wheel and able to respond easily as well. The group then shattered pretty quickly as Mauro and I rolled on. He backed off and I went by. He then proceeded to sit on and we rolled steady-hard for the next 10 minutes. I felt good. We hit it but it was at my pace and did not tax me like the efforts from yesterday. Makes such a difference when the red line is not exceeded!

Mauro also knew he was not strong enough for me in this game of guide-client push them till they drop! He speaks no English so it is fun to try and banter with him and figure out what he is saying and see if he understands me.

We regrouped at the town and filled bottles before we rolled on. The Race group of 3 intersected us because the new guide got lost. Nova Scotia Scott and 65kg tattooed Brit who looked like a climber were hitting it they said with the new guy...glad I missed it!

We hit the first steep section going up about a minute and Scott and Jason hit it hard. I let them go but Mauro and Alfio (new guide did not), but as always as the short climb leveled and actually descended, I rolled a massive gear by them hard enjoying it as Scott and Jason burned another match trying to jump on. I held it steady until the next climb, always going steady enough that I could do it for a long while but hard enough they could not close. Mauro made one good attempt and got to my wheel before he blew. Scott got close but never close enough. We regrouped at the end of this effort and the games were clearly on! Scott was talking how they got lost all morning and worked over with the new guide and Jason is not one to get going…ok I wont ;-) !

We descended back down again to the valley before a shorter climb back up to about 3000 feet in San Marino. This would be the main climb and effort of the day. I was gapped a bit on the descent as always (I don’t race them like these guys who are very comfortable), and had Swiss Markus who is a great steady wheel work his way back up to the group before anybody was going anywhere. In fact they once again were soft-pedaling the start of the climb and so I rolled around and waited to see if the games were on. It was!

Jason, who now had something to prove to me, went hard and went fast. I was worried and started to doubt myself. I was probably sitting on his wheel going uphill at 400 watts. Being a climber build I figured he could not sustain that for long and I hung on until I was hoping it would stop. He kept pulling and pulling until it got steeper and then he jumped. Jumped so hard I went off the back…keep the pace and do my thing until things change. I saw his calves sweating and was hoping it was a sign of weakness. Scott was immediately in trouble and the Guide pushed him back on to our group. He wanted us all to go to he well on this one!

Jason was 20m up the road for about 30 seconds before I saw him start to waiver. Scott was gone and Alfio the guide just sitting on. His job is not to help anyone really but to keep us motivated to roll hard…it works!

Once Jacon waivered it flattened again and turned back which levels it to Pietro friendly territory and I big ringed by him at about 25 mph until it steepened. He responded but could not make my wheel. Game over!! Alfio the guide was sitting on, and I just kept it steady all the way to the top of San Marini. A country with in a country and a KOM that is worth bragging about.

I felt good and it did not torch me as I kept the effort totally within max threshold. The big watt surges has toasted Scott but he keeps riding that way Roadie style…I think they will all be a bit more nervous on how long I can hold a sustained effort right now. Tomorrow should be more fun…

We stopped in San Marino for a drink and photos and a quick walk to the top of the castle hill resulted in some great photos on a perfect weather day! We had a great descent back to the valley and then off to the owners of the hotels summerhouse. A great outdoor barbeque in the sun and rehashing stories.

A usual day ends by the hotel with some pool time, a beverage by the pool, and chatting about the day. We got to the local bike shop where I picked up a Cattolica team kit to sport on my local group ride so everyone thinks I am a Euro!

Another entertaining breakfast as the lone single guy I get to hang with the Guides. Car for Yorkshire (those guys talk another language….I understand 1-10 words of their country English), and Ian a Big E look alike from Liverpool…those guys are a full nights entertainment for free…good times!

Urbino, Italy

2011-05-09T09:21:00.001-07:00

Monday, May 9th, Back to hitting it with the Race Group, Urbino loop

Yesterday was topped off by an Italian class with one of the roving social employees who are there to make nice and talk at the bar and entertain you. She also put on an hour Italian lesson. Pretty sure I could nail this language pretty easy. Time for Rosetta Stone!!

As I lay here revisiting the days slugfest, I doze in and out of post ride Hammerfest. Today it was it…. might take me a few days to get by this one.

I struggled again with the nights sleep and woke but went back to sleep eventually but not as well as with a sleeping pill…only one left and need it for the flight! So I woke not feeling perfect but that was not going to deter me from my return to hitting it today. Today the wind was blowing pretty hard off the ocean and we lined up at station 58 to witness some solid ocean turmoil today. That would make it interesting on the return to the hotel!

I hung with my Swiss friends but my favorite wheel Marcus was staying with his slower buddies in the Road tour. This guy can crush it and I wish I had him to work with and to follow. Always good to have a solid wheel you can trust!

So, I am the new group for the most part in the Race group although some bailed out and some moved up from the Road tour from yesterday, the Brits!! Felice the usually Race Group guide was sitting out the day as he was sick! He speaks not one work of English and is ridiculous hammer. Lets just say this…nobody can outride him. He is 48, and was a domestique for Marco Pantani, rides 35,000 km a year and can still crush. Might be ok he is sitting out…

Another Markus was a guide we had yesterday and speaks English and I am stronger than so I know things will be ok in the end. However, word is Nova Scotia Endondist is a hammer and the story he is former hockey player who races. The Brits moved up and there group of 4 include some returning friends from previous years. We rolled out about 30 strong with the Road group and the pace picked up to separate the packs on the first climb out of town about 30 minutes in. I was sitting in enjoying myself when Brit 1 says, “you were faster in white”. Really!!?? Not used to smack talking Brits! Dude we are warming up… and just as he said that I big ringed it up to the break. That was not going hard…sitting in…trying to work through my plate of Nutella…he has no idea!

But that got me rung up to hit him and hit him often. I figured Nova Scotia, will give him a name, Scott, was going to be the powerhouse and take no prisoners.
We had some good climbing today and the first climb led out hard by Scott. I went with him but the rest of the crew was pretty much history before the real work began! Scott, was a hockey player and I have never seen power surges like this guy. In the middle of going about as hard as possible, he would hit it harder, but there was always a price and the price was he would stall more when he backed off. The climb was about 7k and it was hard to figure out the top on these Italian roads, and given Felice was not there we had no clear leader to keep us honest! We hit each other repeatedly with surges when it looked like he was going to take it, the road leveled and although he had about 50m gap, I closed hard and closed fast. I was big ringing it and put down a flyer past him that was pretty much untouchable…the steady pacing (sorta) paid off as his repeated blasts of power finally got to him! Take one for USA!

Our next Canada-USA battle was not too much later although we did not blast each other as much as pretty much backed off with no contested sprint to claim. I was hurting at this point but I think he was hurting more. We had a coffee stop in Urbino and it was cool at the top and as we descended, but once back lower in the hills outside of Riccione we were feeling the heat again. The wind was straight on and took some work. A couple smaller climbs and we were back to town. A solid-hard ride of 118k in about 4 hr 15 mins. Climbing was about 4500 feet roughly. Garmin crapped out on me so stats are a guess.

Recovery lunch and pretty much a low-key afternoon…tomorrow will be MUCH easier!!!

La Dolce Vita

2011-05-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 7th, Transition Day

Today marked the transition day for the weekly tours. So not many people were riding and there were only two groups. I rolled out with Carl and two Brits who I could not understand them a bit as they are from some part of the UK I cant remember but talked like country Brits…

We rolled out to stay close to town and they were weaker riders so I knew it would be leisurely which I was happy about, as yesterdays experience has left me torched. Of course it could not be that easy as our Guide wanted to show us some roads he cant take the bigger groups up and he took us on some roads that had us climbing up about 20% grades but everything else was pretty mellow and the regroups were often and plenty of photo opps.

As we were heading back to town though I was sitting at the back, and although I had ridden with these guys for a couple hours I should have known better. The guide pointed out a car, which I did not see, and one of the guys hit his breaks hard. Unfortunately I did not see how hard and before I knew it I was rolling up on him hard. I had two options hit him or go right and I chose right. Unfortunately we were in town and right meant a curb. A curb meant trouble at 20mph. Somehow I unclipped as I was going down and slowed enough where I did not hit hard but the shock of the crash and trying to stay upright left me with a chaining puncture on my right shin. I was shaken but not broken and I vowed to myself to pay more attention with all these different groups and I must say be more alert. I was still in a bit of a fog from the jetlag which I am sure has delayed my senses and there was to be no more lapses of concentration. Our ride of 3 hours was only about 42 miles but included about 3k feet of climbing. The jet lag, crash and first day effort had left me torched.

It could have been bad as I ended up a few short feet from kissing a wall or rolling under a Fiat. I take that as my crash for this 5 years thank you. It took me the rest of the day to recover and I decided a massage might help so I scheduled myself a spa treatment at the hotel. First class all the way around and only $50 Euro…a bargain I thought!

Dinner exceptional again and I tried to sack out early but it ended up being about 10 and I was again awake at 1. I took a sleeping pill and slept hard to about 7:30 which left me feeling a lot better.

Sunday, May 8th, Day 1 Panorama Point Tour

Today marked the first day of the new group. And from my observation from the big British and German contingent it was to be a day I should step down to a slower group. Apparently, the Euro crowd takes their cycling vacation very seriously. To the point of it being a race, and I had enough of that on day 1 and needed a day of recovery so I rolled with the Road group. It had about 25 in it, but the Guides knew right off the bat it would split. On our first climb it was a throw down hill for the Euros…actually today was the Brits who had something to prove!! Our Brit friends want to be at the front and I vowed to sit on the Guides wheel ONLY or sit way off the back. I did not let my Guides wheel go, but everyone was jockeying to be at the front. Really guys I thought!!??

It was not really what I was bargaining for but figured I was safe at the front. Our group weaned itself down to about 6 at the top of the climb and the group split in two about 12 each. The next section was rolling along the ridge south of Riccione and was quite scenic. The pace and group I could handle easily so I enjoyed the views. Upon our next climb the group once again jockeyed for position. I was feeling pretty good and one Brit went hard early. I let him go and as he faded I pulled Marcus from Switzerland (my fav wheel in the group) back up and we rolled on him pretty hard. Brit boy though wanted to take the KOM and stayed with us. I rolled it pretty steady to the top but was not torched and it was somewhat uncontested, as we did not know where to stop and wait for the Guide. At the top we stopped for our only coffee break of the day and regrouped. The Euro crew likes their coffees and have one every time they stop. I stuck with a Coke this go around.

Now the pecking order was a bit more established and the agro Euro angst was settling. Although the descents and flats these guys NEED to be at the front so I just roll off the back and hung with Marcus who did not trust their wheels anymore than I did. Of course it was not long before a Brit with the race wheels went down hard on a round about and rolled onto the sidewalk. I was happy to be off the back as I had enough of the road this week. He was ok, but scuffed and bruised and ego hurt. I hope these guys settle down but I sort of doubt it as this is serious business to these boys! The word from the Race Group was that they were hammering each other with a couple squirrely Brits in there too. Nova Scotia endo-dentist was putting a hurt on everybody though and I might have to throw my hat in the ring depending on the ride scheduled for tomorrow.

The ride left me feeling refreshed and perking up again and felt good enough to roll day 31-30 minute run. I ran along the beach on the soft sand and the weekend crowd was out in full force since the temps were in the high 70s…plenty of Italian eye candy to check out. Poolside brunch and some lounging getting to know the North Americans (Canadians), no Americanos…I need some US backup!! Everybody loves California though and San Francisco always brings a tinge of envy in their voices!!

Italian class at 5:30 and then dinner. La Dolce Vita!!

Day #1 San Leo Loop

2011-05-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 4 San Leo Loop

I woke after about 4 hours of sleep at 3 am as the jetlag was not treating me right and did not have much to do but call home and wish everyone goodnight. Since I was up I rolled out for run 29/30 at about 6 am and did not move fast through my 30 minutes. The morning was clear and about 50 and was lining up to be spectacular as the sun rose over the Adriatic Sea. I ran along the boardwalk at the ocean and there is nothing but cabanas and chairs set up as far as the eye can see…this place must be packed in the heat of the summer vacationers!

After rolling back to the hotel, I was Johnny on the spot for breakie as I was pretty darn hungry. Unbelievable spread of everything I could or would want for a day of training. Great food too I must add!

A quick spin of my rental bike, a 10k Euro special for me they said, a top of the line new DeRossa with electronic shifting! Much too good for me but I took it and it rode like a charm.

We met up in our different groups and times, and I signed up for the A ride which they call the Race group. How hard could a group be at a bike hotel? Well, when Euros go on bike holiday they want to hit it I learned. We had a guide that was a Marco Pantani double or reincarnation but whatever the case the dude looked like he could jump in the Giro tomorrow and rip some folks up! At the designated rollout they rolled out at the designated race group advertised pace…30k an hour. I was quickly bridging up down the boardwalk to stay from getting dropped in town! Things were not boding well for my jetlagged legs and half stoned fog I was rolling around in! There was about 10 of us and my only hope was the three gals would provide me some cushion if need be. Well out of town through the early rollers NOBODY looked like they were going to provide me any rollback cushion. I was doing some positive self talk pretty much within 30 minutes into the ride thanking myself for setting my ATT global map system so I could find my way back to town.

My second hope was that these folks were laying it on the line as most were going home on Saturday as most come Sat-Sat so being the last day of their ride it was go hard and go home! Our first climb up to about 300m was called breakfast hill as it is early on after breakfast, and well you know… you can lose your breakfast on it. I doubted my second feeding at the buffet and was dearly holding on to the group and breakfast as the hill so advertised. Just when I thought things were going to break loose in a bad way for me, some yelling ensued and apparently one biker hit a rock and punctured so it split the group as we rolled up our first KOM for a regroup.

I do not have names for our group and since most leave I kept my brain free as it is already fogged up with jetlag, but this is what we had by my naming standards. Guide Marco Pantani, Bad ass guy in blue, Roger Bannister miler from GB, ITU Tri set up guy, Euro race kit German, Nice British guy, the three ladies thank god, and Norwegian dudes making 11.

After our first climb we descended back down before we started our next climb back up to about 1000m. This time the group shattered early and I stayed on with Bad AssBlue, Bannister, ITU Tri Guy, and big Norwegian until I finally let them go about ½ way up and rode with Nice Brit who had been here two weeks sharing riding days with his GF and trading off duties of their Baby. The scenery was awesome and we rode to San Leo a cool little castle town after my mid pack KOM finish, and we had drinks and coffee Italian style with some cake and a coke thrown in for good measure. Must have been about 50 cyclists from different groups and hotels all doing the same thing.

After our break we descended forever and it was a bit chilly although temps were about 70 down at sea level, and we continues on the next 30k with some more rollers and headwind which ended up being one attack after another by BadAss Blue or ITU guy. I just dialed it back and waited for them to hold up for Pantani or make a wrong turn. It was a lot less painful and as long as the Guide was behind with some Chicks life was good and allowed me to do some sightseeing, which was endless in every direction. Napa valley wine country on steroids in this region, but I guess it is Italy so Italy is on eye candy steroids…..

After our non leisurely roll back into town…Euro Italian style riding takes some getting used to. Rolling lights, down one ways, cutting in front of cars and barreling ahead as cars scream down at you on tight roads a couple feet by ….I like to position myself in the middle and as far right as possible and just roll with it. Going back through town, Pantani does not let up until we are back at the hotel. I think he likes to brag to the other guides he kept it 30k for the whole week or something. Or the guy just knows one speed…30k -Pantani we could call him. Ride for the day was about 105k in 4 hours with about 5500 feet of climbing.

2:30 lunch was set up and it is a full on Italian lunch spread. Salads, meats, cheeses, desserts, and pasta galore and I found myself loading up. No week to go short and does not appear I need to worry about that! A little pool time and socializing and back to the room for a nap-interrupted by the cleaning crew. I figure I have about 8 hours sleep since I left Florida Wednesday, but why sleep when you are Italy!?

Gearing up for dinner in two short hours…at 7:30…hopefully I can grab and feed and hit the sack!

Planes and Trains

2011-05-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 4th Tim to Travel

Last day on the US soil started with run with the local tri crew and I met up with the Reback brothers who both had their stories of last weekends big race at St Anthonys. We rolled out easy and was waiting for it to pick up like last time, but the pace kept social an we rolled along at 7:30 8 min miles or so down to the Ducky Pond and back and before I knew the socializing had me at a about 1:45 mins of running so I figured I ran about 14. A little more than I was planning and after 27 days of straight running and the last 5 over 40 it is a good thing I have a couple of travel days ahead. I had some more leisure time with the Parents and a short swim before I sliced the top of my finger off with my loose razor in my toiletry kit. 2nd time in 6 months I have done that and you think I would learn by now! The feeling of a sharp razor blade slicing through your finger give me nightmares!

Anyway, off to Miami for my flight down and given the old Suburban AC had gone out, the late afternoon drive down would be prove to be a hot one. What did we do before air conditioning in our cars? Certainly it was not as pleasant to drive in the state of Florida. I had a 6:40 pm flight direct to Milan, and the flight left on time. The plane had some empty seats and I was lucky enough to have a vacant one aside me to give me some extra room to spread out and get some sleep. After a movie and dinner, it was lights out for me with an Ambien equivalent and I knocked out about 5 hours of semi good sleep. Good enough to keep me rolling through the day. We arrived on time and I was fortunate enough to have a train station in the terminal to catch my next leg of the trip.

An express train was leaving to Bologna at 12:30 arriving in Bologna in two hours. From there I take a local train to Riccione where I will be for the next 10 days. I left the bike at home so travel by plane, train and car is proving to be quite easy.

I rolled into Riccione and the Belvedere bike hotel pick me up at the train station. Upon arrival I was greeted by an exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, set up on my Derossa King X with electronic shifting and set up for the weekly pool party at 6:30. This party was off the hook as it was served with a 5 course meal poolside, live band and entertainment, and a great way to meet the fellow campers. But since I rolled in late or early as most of the camps go weekly most of these folks depart Saturday. I sat with the bike guides who mostly spoke Italian but got a feel for what was ahead. The party went until the local polizia shut it down at about 11 but most folks were going hard well beyond that. I assume they would not be in the A group tomorrow anyway…

2011 Italia Camp

2011-05-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

2011 Italia Camp

It was not long ago that the 2011 Italia tour was born. It was a rainy winter day in NorCal and I began surfing the net planning out the spring. It was to include a Spring Break with Paige to South Florida, and an idea was born. Since I was so close to Europe I began thinking I was too go Euro since I was already so close to the European continent. The ideas I come up with are often a bit spontaneous and often shot from the hip. I had looked at a flight on Alitalia out of Miami back to SFO that would cost all of $800 and could not resist the temptation and minutes later the ticket was booked.

The plan was to fly into Milan and return from Rome which allowed several days of following the Giro down the Western coast not different from 2009 when I pannier my way along 700 miles of Italy and 4 days of the Giro. The route was not as clean as 2009 as I would have to roll several 200k days and ship my bike box to Rome to meet up with it for my return. As the trip approached plans were still in place except a week or so out I began surfing the net again and stumbled upon the following….

www.belevederericcione.com and several other bike hotels in the area touting multiple riding routes (20 plus on my count ranging from coastal to 10k feet 150k routes through a lot of Italy), fully supported with guides, meals, spas, and pools. I ended up with Belvedere only as there International travel assistant was Johnny on the spot setting me up with a room and full super board. Super Board includes breakfast buffet, lunch packed for the daily ride, post ride recovery buffet, and full Italian dinner at their restaurant. The Belvedere got top ranks by Trip Advisor and raving reviews from customers, and I could not resist the full package of care.

Also, being just South of Rimini on the Eastern coast I have not seen this area and the town includes two 50m pools (one indoor and one outdoor), beach activities, and the joy of Italy. I could not resist….

The trip still includes the same flight itinerary and since arriving in Milan Malpense (Milan's distant airport), some further checking showed a train station in the airport taking me to Bologna on an express and transfer to Riccione all in the same day. Arriving at 10:30 into Milan Malpense, departing Malpense at 12:30, arriving in Riccione at 5:30 with expected hotel pickup. So as the tour is about to begin I have the joy of Italy to experience over the next 10 days….stay tuned…

Tuesday, May 3rd

Jupiter Beach layover consisted of a couple days en route to Milan. I woke this morning for my favorite local ride the Jupiter Island shootout with some fast locals however, my bike skills failed me again with an over tightening of my seat post clamp and so back to bed for some additional sleep to my 5 hour night last night. I settled for run 26 of 30 of 30 run month in the afternoon heat. I mustered out 4 miles still feeling the jet lag and lack of sleep. Poolside was the remainder of the day. Or as Jersey Shore-FLA a little GTL—gym, tanning, and laundry. I packed up my bike to ship it home and arranged for a rental through the Belvedere. I am sure they can set me up and eliminates bike issues in transport since I am staying put for the week it only makes sense. Another day on the beach tomorrow and then off to Miami for the direct overnight flight to Milano Malpense. Not sure of next step from there, maybe a couple days in Milan, maybe straight to Riccione…will make the call when I am on Italian soil…

Ironman California 70.3 Race Report

2011-04-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ironman-California 70.3 Race Report

The race in Oceanside was the kickoff for the season in California for me and for the series. It was a priority race for me as the winter had a consistent base of training since January 1. The race attracts a talented field and the M45-49 seemed to be no exception. I was forwarded the following article the days leading up to the race and noticed a consistent theme in the article.

Article was here. http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/california70.3/mike-hebebrand-points-out-how-tough-the-mens-45-to-49-category-will-be-on-saturday - axzz1IE4WelE1

These were athletes who had a long successful pedigree of racing, and I had not beaten them much over the years or ever in most cases. This led me to put a plan of attack together that would insure as much success in the day, given I executed and the pieces fell into my favor during the course of the day.

I traveled down with my toughest competitor Albert Boyce, whom I have known since the days we both were getting into Ironman racing. We are also both coached by Bob Korock. We stayed at the same hotel, ate at the same dinner table, and had the same travel schedule so I must say we where on pretty darn even starting grounds. But on race start all the buddy niceties would be left for a full on battle until we crossed the finish line. There would be no Macca like head games or even a word of trash talk, it would be line up, go full on, and see who crosses that line first. I have raced and trained against Albert so many times we both know our strengths and weakness’ and have a pretty good idea of how the race would stack up. Now I must say I looked for any weakness but I didn’t really see any…he was swimming, biking and running ridiculously fast right now!

The race would have a different twist to its storyline than what I had already envisioned, as Albert, and most of the fast field of swimmers were going in the first wave 3 minutes up on me since it was divided alphabetically. My advantage, if it could be that is John Murphy was in my wave and I would have the strongest biker of the day rolling with my group. That is if I could ever keep up! The race morning prep for my race was much more relaxed than last year as I had an extra hour and got an earlier start, and when my skin suit zipper broke last year, it was a mad dash to find a back up race kit. Pacific Bicycles of San Francisco and my new black and white Team Pacific kit was feeling fresh and tight and there would be no gear mishaps this year.

I was happy to see some fellow TPB athletes rolling through the Pro field in the kit, as I lined up and chatted with another unmentioned threat in our age group, Chris Morgensen. Chris a very solid biker/runner has run me down on many of occasions and is not to be overlooked on race day. Legendary Pete Kain was in wave with Albert and the rest of the Magnificent 7 were spread in the first of two waves.

I had worked on my swimming the last 4-6 weeks with a coupe 20k plus weeks which usually sorts me into a pretty nice swim groove, but I figured I might be losing time to the stronger duo of Albert/Pete who could work together from the front wave, and John said his swim game was a little off in my wave.

The no warm-up start led left my head in a dull ache as I swam out to the start buoys and lined up hoping there was at least one pure swimmer in our group to swim with. The gun went off and I swam hard for 25m and relaxed checking out the front group to see who might be of some help. John was next to me and looked plenty strong to swim sub 26 and another guy went out like he knew what he was up to in the water. I monitored for the next 200m or so, but after John took too many crooked lines, and slapped me in the back of the head so hard I thought I was going to lose my goggles, I decided to head left and swim alone. It was a good decision as I quickly pulled away from them and noticed they swam to far right of the first buoy. We immediately started swimming up on slower swimmers and the solo start and relaxed pace left me feeling in total control. The unfortunate part was I was expending more energy than I wanted for the swim, and had no idea if I was swimming well, or losing time to the front wave swimmers.

I made some good lines through the slower packs and did not get caught up in to many bottle necks. As I exited I took a quick glance at my watch and saw a 26:20, about 30 secs slower than last year but without a pack of 5 like last year, I was happy and figured I must have been within reach of Albert and Pete. My transition was not bad as I had my shoes(although bike shoes), on my pedals as I ran out. The trick is getting them off but getting them on with one rachet buckle on the shoe is not so bad. I had no idea where John was but wanted a minute to relax into my early pace before he rolled up on me. Unfortunately it was not long as my gap was only about 30 seconds on him and he went by me early and he went by me fast! I tried to keep him within sight but after monitoring the power numbers and perceived effort, it felt and looked more like a 40k effort, so I left him drift away to save the racing for later. On the out and back I looked for my competition, but could not spot them so I was disappointed not to know the time splits. Not much to do but race my race, for now.

As I rolled on through the early crowds, one thing I noticed was there were a lot of people to pass in this race when you start in wave 21. It never ended but the downwind effort for the first 40k left a carrot just around every corner, and I rolled through in about 60 minutes. As I rolled on I focused on getting down my calories, and keeping my focus on the race. I know I was given er’ when I threw up a little in my mouth at about 30 miles, and saw a steady average of 290 watts on the computer. The hills would be a test as I have never felt great in the hills here, and I had not left much on the table in reserve today, as John Murphy stirred the race up for me early. I must say it did give me a little more motivation to get it going. I can never remember the amount of hills on the course, but the first one did not seem to bad. The second one seemed longer than I remember but I felt good. I got back into working a steady TT pace and was a little disappointed not to see any 45-49s, which either meant I swam through them all or well, who knows what it means. I saw some 40-44s and forgot more than once that was not my concern in this race. I finally rolled up on Albert at about mile 35, which rather surprised me actually and we were going up hill so I checked him out briefly as he accelerated up the hill. It appeared his game was plenty good, and I was going to have to hold it together for the last hour and put a good effort on to gain another couple minutes!

I rolled by steady over the top wondering if he might try and go with me, but he did not or I could not tell if he did. I was feeling much better now, as I knew I was in the race for a win, and I was actually 3 minutes up on my fiercest competitor and that meant there was only Pete Kain up the road. I rolled on feeling better and better and was a bit concerned from the early effort s if the wind and final 15 miles might come back to haunt me.

I finally saw the blue and yellow of Kain coming back to me quickly, and it gave me another burst of energy, and I perked up giving me another little extra punch as we turned into the wind. I rolled by and Pete did not stay within in sight for long, and I pushed on. The only rider that did pass me other than John Murphy was a 35-39 age grouper who ended up being the fastest overall age grouper of the day, but it gave me an extra gear for the final miles of the day. I did not back off the last few miles into town like last year, as I did not want to give any time back. I was hoping for 6 minutes of a lead off the bike. To hold off Albert that would give me about 30 secs per mile and not sure on Pete but figured Albert could run low 1:20s here as a few years back I witnessed a 1:19 in the heat of head to head race. I had a few issues with bike shoes and had to leave one on, but got out of T2 pretty smooth and quick with some fresh socks on my feet.

The Garmin was dialed on and I wanted to make sure I did not go out to crazy off the bike. I quickly saw 6:30s through town and dialed it back a bit but was still gunning it a bit much for the early miles. The race was now and I wanted every mile in front as I could. If I could be shoulder to shoulder to shoulder at ½ way I figure I would have a shot. I was holding a steady 6:40 average for the first ½ and there was no pass. I perked up a little. The goal was another mile. And then another. Finally the pass came at about 8. I tried to pick it up but could not stay within distance for long. The last few aid stations were getting more and more crowded and drinks, preference being coke was missed too many times. I started to feel it. I hit a gel, but at this point not much was helping. Time to get to the finish line as quickly as possible before the wheels came off the bus. We both rolled by John at about mile 9 which put me on the course in first. I made the final turn and started my final miles mantra…

I had a couple rough patches and saw the mile pace drop to about 7. Not sure it was for long, but nonetheless I assumed it was not dropping for Albert. When a guy can roll 6:10s all day, that could spell trouble and I knew it. I kept my head in the game and tried to focus concentrating only on keeping the form together and the pace up or near 6:40 pace. I hit the 1-mile to go and saw my Coach and he told me ‘all the way to the line’, and it is going to be down to seconds. Great as the energy was fading quickly! The last final aid station for some water on the head and roll hard for home. My 13 year old Paige told me to sprint the finish like she runs the 100, and as I came to the home stretch I did. I pumped my arms and looked straight to the line and ran like Albert was on my heals. In essence he was on the clock but I had no idea where or by how much. I crossed the finish line, and Albert with a big smile was the fist to greet me and tell me I got it. I got it by a mere 25 seconds as Albert ran a 1:22 to my 1:28…good thing I miscalculated and came off the bike with almost 7 minute lead as 6 would not have been enough. I ended up swimming a 26:19, biking a 2:27:34, and run of 1:28:17 for a 4:26:28 for 1st in age group and 53rd overall. I took my Kona slot but passed on Vegas for this year. Now for a bit of rest as the A-race went off about as good as I had hoped.

All in all a great day of racing and pushing the limit as I had to win it. The head to head with Albert pushed me further than I had if he was not there and I assume the same for him. I was not sure if I would blow but I did not and I pulled it off. Not by much but I pulled it off. Albert and I signed our entry to the Ironman World Champs in October and we headed home.

Final Day, Gulfport to New Orleans

2010-12-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Stage 10, Final Day, Gulfport to New Orleans

I woke early as the final day was here. I find myself more energetic as these trips roll on, and more in the groove. Today was no exception when I woke. Vinnie and Pat are in a groove too, and we all know the routine and riding 6 hours days seems the norm. After yesterday record heat wave in Mississippi I woke to strong winds and colder temperatures in the low 40s. Not crazy cold but cold enough to put on the thermal jacket and feel it when the wind hits. I wanted to get an early start to get to New Orleans to be a normal tourist for a few hours before my 5:45 flight back to Cali. I had not been to New Orleans since the Sugar Bowl when I was 19 in 1986.

I hit the early breakfast at our nice Econolodge. This was the 3rd one of the trip and was a good breakfast set up. I did not eat a ton as somehow I thought a 4-hour ride would be a walk in the park. I hit the roads heading south to the Coast at about 6:40 with some lights and a strong tailwind. I rolled through some back roads and they would be a walk in the park…I should have ate more. The back roads were actually very pleasant. They were big country lots and the smattering of mansions old school Southern style here and there. I weaved my way East and the winds from the North were a bit work but nothing I could not handle, as my bike strength is feeling pretty solid. I rolled up on a guy, one of the few cyclists I had seen this trip (only guy in Mississippi) and eased up a bit (not a lot) and we started chatting. He was from New Jersey and wearing a Giants cap under his helmet. He had lived here for 30 years and was telling me which dogs would chase you and which would not. He said he knew all the dogs on the route. I asked if there were many cyclists around here, and he chuckled and said, “this is Mississippi!”…

After parting ways, he was taking the Scenic drive on the Gulf where all the mansions were, but I stayed Country today. I kept weaving east, and the nice tailwind to start became a cold side wind. I pushed on thinking I could get to Nola in no time, but soon realized 80 miles is 80 miles and it was going to take time. I was on the 97 heading east with a bunch of trucks feeling a little weak. After a sit-down in sag and a PBJ sandwich I was back on it, and the roads quieted and I turned more south as the sun rose higher making all things right again on the bike. It is amazing what a little warm sun, food, and a tailwind can do to perk things up!! The route led through old bayou type country over bridges and waterways and swamp tours, alligator tours and the like. The winds turned in my favor as now I was heading south with a strong 10-15 mph wind. This makes riding so much fun, and I was grateful for the luck of the weather that I had on this trip. No rain, lots of sun, winds more often at our back even heading west AND not one flat by either Gordo or I and that is about 1800 miles of riding on 4 tires.

As I rolled into New Orleans, I also realized I love to ride through cities. Yeah, perhaps a bit dangerous at times, but fun to roll with traffic, navigate through and hit all types of neighborhoods. I rolled in with Sag and we were heading to the French Quarter to the Hotel Provincial, which I found a great deal for my parents to spend xmas at. As we rolled through the 9th ward, pretty beat up and deserted from Katrina, it turned to the New Orleans I remember form 25 years ago. I rolled right down the one-ways through the French Quarter, and we pulled up to what seemed like the only hotel in the area that had its own parking. I did the quick bike pack job right in the parking courtyard, and packed up my gear for the trip home. A quick shower in the room, and we were walking the streets of the French Quarter by 12:30 and having lunch at Coops, a locals favorite and highly recommended by our valet at the hotel. A bit of shopping, a stop at the Café du Monde for some beignets and I felt like a tourist. The ride was exactly 80.00 miles on the computer, another 3100 calories burned. I am pretty sure I gained weight on the trip as always on these big training weeks and might avoid the scale for a couple weeks. The alternative is to bonk heavily and be miserable hating the day. I prefer perhaps to be a little aggressive on the eating and not having any caloric issues. They happen to a certain degree but less severe.

Already thinking of the continuation of the RAAM tour and thinking of another 10 day, 1000-mile stretch. A good distance and good time to get fit and in a groove.
All in all a great trip with great training partner and great support….thanks Vinnie and Pat, and G for dragging me around the deep South!

Total for the trip:
Time kjs Dist. Power HR
Stage 1 6:11 4605 203k 206 142
Stage 2 7:14 4777 206.5 183 124
Stage 3 3:15 2140 103k 183 120
Stage 4 6:15 4303 207.6 191 124
Stage 5 5:15 3330 158k 176 116
Stage 6 5:58 4288 184k 200 123
Stage 7 7:40 5145 241.4k 186 115
Stage 8 6:04 4470 201.6 205 121
Stage 9 6:02 4370 171.6 201 120
Stage 10 4:20 3018 130k 193 117

Total Mileage 1807k/1120 miles
Total time 58:14
Avg mph 19.3
Total kjs 40, 446
Avg Pwr 192
Avg HR 122

Orange Beach, to Gulfport, Last Big Day

2010-12-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Stage 9, Orange Beach to Gulfport, Last Big Day

Today I woke to the sounds of the ocean and warm ocean breezes. The cloud cover kept the temperature up and the time changed allowed for an early roll. I was out at 6:45 heading down the coast before turning up and over to Fort Morgan Island, which is this long strip of sand that points out eventually into the Gulf . Lots of oilrigs lined the coast line on both sides, and lots of deserted looking beach properties or properties up for sale. It was nice riding and I rolled up on one of the few cyclists I have seen on this trip so I eased up to chat.

George is retiring as a schoolteacher after 39 years, and was packed up with 4 panniers rolling home. He had about 450 miles to go and was planning on being home by Christmas. He said he had plans to ride 150 miles and well into the night today! He does some ultra distance riding events and this was just a little adventure he had for the holidays. He rode down to the Island and is riding home too after sleeping in a post office and camping behind a police station…. hard-core! Got me thinking I am a little soft…

Anyway, the ride up the island was great and quiet, before we jumped on the Dauphin Island ferry after 30 minutes we were across rolling thru Alabama. The riding was great and I enjoyed the quiet roads with nice shoulders with lots of scenic views. Before I knew it I had rolled right through Alabama and in to Mississippi.

We stopped for a picnic at about mile 70, and then on through Biloxi and eventually Gulfport. Todays ride was the easiest of the trip and the weather was great. I rode 106.5 miles in 6 hours burning another 4400kjs. Tomorrow ride into New Orleans will be about 75 miles and I plan an early start for an afternoon in the French Quarter before my flight home.

Total for the trip so far:
Time kjs Dist. Power HR
Stage 1 6:11 4605 203k 206 142
Stage 2 7:14 4777 206.5 183 124
Stage 3 3:15 2140 103k 183 120
Stage 4 6:15 4303 207.6 191 124
Stage 5 5:15 3330 158k 176 116
Stage 6 5:58 4288 184k 200 123
Stage 7 7:40 5145 241.4k 186 115
Stage 8 6:04 4470 201.6 205 121
Stage 9 6:02 4370 171.6 201 120
Stage 10 120k

Total is about 1800k or 1115 miles in 10 days. Aprox 58 hours of riding.

Panama City to Orange Beach, Rolling thru Bama

2010-12-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

Stage 8, Panama City to Orange Beach, Alabama

Rolling West towards Alabama early out of Panama City was very pleasant. Once again I was blessed with a tailwind as I headed over to Panama City Beach and rolled the long beach, which at this time of year is darn quiet. Lots of hotels, eateries and activities for all. I was planning on a breakfast at about 40 miles but since the conditions were good, I wanted to keep it rolling. I rolled about 58 miles before we met up for breakfast at the Waffle House in Fort Walton Beach. I did the breakfast and helped my parents with ½ of their breakfast which went down rather easy. This should get me along the road for a while.

After breakfast a weak front brought in some clouds and shifted the wind slightly to the South but I was still making good time rolling to Panama City. All felt good until about mile 90, when the calories burned through left me feeling a little weak. Sag was pulled up on the bridge outside of PC along the water and we had a nice picnic in a quiet park. After lunch the final push would be cake to Orange Beach, Alabama, but before rolling into the town, we pulled up to take pictures at the Alabama state line. I traversed the state of Florida the long way in 8 days….now 49 states to go!!

I rolled into Orange Beach to the Sleep Inn, which is on a great stretch of beach, and we got an upgrade to an ocean front room, which was quite pleasant with the sounds of the ocean. Today I rode 125 miles in 6:03 averaging 21.6 mph and burning 4400kjs.

A large Italian pasta dinner to get me through my last big day to Gulfport, MS tomorrow.

Perry to Panama City, Going BIG

2010-12-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

Stage 7, Perry to Panama City, Going BIG!

We were shuttled out to my finishing point East of Perry 20 miles for the rollout. Start time was early as the day was lined up to be big, very big! We watched the temperature dial on the car and it read a steady 29 for most of the way out, so we knew what we were getting into, but denial can be powerful, and we ignored the facts clearly marked in front of us. The temperature cant be all that bad!

Getting out of the car was ok, but that was because sitting in full blast heat for 30 minutes gave us a false pretense of warmth. Immediately upon pedaling I knew this was not going to be pleasant and at 730 am the sun was far from getting above the trees to warm us. The skies were clear and we would get sun poking intermittently through the trees, it would just be a while before we had full sun on the roads. The going was tough and we were rolling slowly in hopes it might help make us warmer…it did not. The feet went first as I had merely sock covers and Gordo was shoe bare….ouch!!

The first two hours went by like an eternity before finally the sun popped up enough to give us some comfort. It would come in and out of the trees but we finally had enough sun to get us warming quickly, or in comparison seemed to be warming us. The temps were still in the 40s but felt great. Once we started heading towards the Coast again, this would be the Gulf finally, we were able to take off the hats and heavy gloves and with a tailwind pushing us south and east we felt pretty good finally. Our breakfast spot was to be in the first town of Carabelle, but since we arrived at 11:!5 breakfast was over which was a rather large disappointment as I had just spent 3 hours thinking about it. I opted for a large cheeseburger and fries which would have to the trick to make up for the large deficit of not wanting to drink or eat (or move excessively) when it was cold as the movement just created more pain.

We were at 65 miles and upon leaving we rolled along great coastal Gulf coast beaches (NO OIL btw so go visit!), and it was great riding. Quiet, smooth rolling roads with great vistas. After about 20 more miles Gordo who had pulled all day sitting up for me was done for the trip and I rolled on to the lunch spot in St Joe. All things felt fine until I rolled up at mile 105 and realized I was very close to the edge of detonation. A wrap and chocolate milk, washed down with a load of coke helped nothing but to load up my gut into a ball. Coke was going to be my savior for the next 2 hours of riding if I were to survive so I loaded up with three bottles of coke to get me through.

Once my stomach settled and some of the coke kicked in I felt great and motored along at a good clip rolling through Tindall AFB and finally into the outskirts of Panama City. The final push through town I rolled up to the Econo-lodge at exactly 150 miles having averaged 19.6 mph, burning 5000 calories in just about 7:30 ride time. All in all I felt pretty darn good, and being my second longest ride ever was rather pleased with the effort giving all the mileage of the week.

Stage 6, Gainesville to Perry

2010-12-19T17:29:00.001-08:00

Stage 6, Gainesville to Perry

Today marked the last day of week 1, and after today 4 days left to get to New Orleans. The weather was rather Northern California like as it was a bit ccol and very foggy first thing in the morning. This made for the first hour as rather cold, but we had plans to pull up for a coffee at the first town 25 miles in…those 25 miles went by very slowly, and I was unsure how the next 75 plus were going to get done!

This stop turned into a full breakfast as we both loaded up with the breakfast special and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. This makes getting back out in the dreary cold harder, but it was a good regroup and the calories went down easy as it was quite tasty.

Rolling out I felt better and the next 25 miles clicked by rather quickly before I knew tho I was getting hungry again and a bit low on energy levels. We pulled up at a Subway about mile 65 and I hit a sandwich and started getting in some coke to the system…this always perks me up.

The last final push to Perry, Gordo did a heap of work and I sat in to conserve for some additional miles. My goal is to get to New Orleans and with nearly 450 miles to do in the next 4 days I needed to bank a few additional miles so I spent another hour heading West to Junction 14 about 20 miles west of Perry. That will be our starting point tomorrow.

I was getting a bit delirious the last few miles as the sun finally came out. A combination of delirium and sugar depletion had me singing at the top of my lungs to the Eagles . Good thing there was not a soul around to hear my butchering of the song as I rolled down the road at 20 mph.

Vinnie and Pat were there to pick me up and shuttle me back as I downed a couple PBJ sandwiches to keep me coherent. Total for the day was 115 miles in just shy of 6 hours, another 4200 plus caloric day. We hit the Golden Corral again, dining in these towns are a bit limited, but we all thought this one was better than the first one in Florida City. I am pretty sure they were both pretty comparable but after a week of being on the road, it is all relative and I am not so sure our expectations for fine dining are quite the same as when we started the trip.

Need to rest up for 4 big days ahead…I hope I can make it!!

Stage 5, Ormond Beach to Gainesville

2010-12-18T17:27:00.001-08:00

Stage 5, Ormond Beach (Daytona) to Gainesville

Rain was forecasted for most of the day all over where we were riding. We started early after a fabulous Econolodge breakfast, haha. We were on the road shortly after 7 figuring we might be spared rain, or at least be done with a good portion before we got wet. It was nice riding on a quiet Saturday morning with a semi-sunrise coming up at our backs. We headed West for the first time on our trip and figuring a headwind would be in order since a storm was rolling in, was not the case and it was pretty much dead calm. #petroweatherkarma

Heading northwest we rolled through some great quiet countryside as the geography was certainly changing quickly from South Florida. No rain as we passed the San Mateo of Florida. I always wondered where it was as if I ever looked up the weather for home it gave me the Florida was an option…well, I found it! A quick pic and off we were. Still no rain and no towns to speak of as we rolled west to Palatka which was at about 50 miles. A rather old school Florida town, we could not find a coffee shop that suited and ended up at Dunkin Donuts. That works for me as I washed down a breakfast bagel with a couple chocolate donuts and a maple donut…oh and chocolate milk. That should get me in no problem today!

We rolled out steady and I burned off my Dunkin binge with a 20 mile steady at 250 watts before Gordo took over and ramped it up all the way into G-town. It has been a while since I had been here but I recognized some old running grounds outside of town as we rolled in. We rolled down University and I took Gordo for a short tour of the campus. I took some pictures at Yon Hall, my dorm room, which was located in the football stadium,The Swamp...they were the pimped dorm rooms to stay in and looks like they are still going strong. Rolled through a little more of the campus with a quick pic on the gator in front of the stadium.

Since we started early, we had the benefit of finishing early which left it as a leisurely afternoon to watch the Ironman Hawaii coverage and get a massage. 5 star pizza delivery was on par for the night as well, and fueled up for the final 5 day push. From here on out it is no slack if I am to make it to New Orleans….

Oh, btw, not a bit of rain hit us today, although it rained all day all around us. And into the night…..#weatherkarma!

Vero Beach to Ormond Beach

2010-12-18T12:44:00.001-08:00

Stage 4, Vero Beach to Ormond Beach

After yesterdays mini vacation, we were back to work with a rather large day of riding. We were shuttled up to our ending point yesterday, Vero Beach and pulled into the Chase lot we finished at. This was of course after a rather large breakfast for me of 4 pieces of French toast, eggs, and oatmeal, expertly prepared by my Parents. Staying two days at home was sure a comfort, and now as Gordo, so smartly put, we are back on our Choice Hotels ‘death march’…we were getting a bit spoiled so best to move on before we softened up and stopped training!

The weather was shaping up nicely with forecasted temps in the mid to upper 70s. We rolled out in Florida gear shorts and a jersey and plenty of sunblock,,,.this is ‘tancamp’ but with a 100 miles of riding a day!

But today we would be getting our average back up. The first 40 miles continued on in typical south Florida fashion with coastal riding up the A1A and plenty of beachside property to look at and water view with many being on both sides. After hitting Patrick AFB, we veered West, and stopped in for another breakfast. Gordo is still running a little gun-shy of his lack of calories on stage 1, so I downed an omelet, which is now just becoming more of a chore to eat rather than enjoyment. But calories are needed and today would be another 4000 plus calorie day.

After breakfast, we were back on the road, cruising up Merritt Island, and then heading up through various towns that exist for the Kennedy space center. The riding turned more rural as we headed up the hwy 1 for the first time in a while, and we rolled through some central Florida countryside. Vinnie and Pat, had picked up a nice spread for a picnic under a tree of wraps and various goodies and we were refueled for our final push into Daytona. We were riding steady today, or at least after 4 days of steady we feel like we our on fire but we are just getting really tired, and it is lucky we are only comparing to each other. We rode today averaging just over 21mph, and rode 120 miles in 5:35 ride time, and a total of 129 miles total. We rolled into Daytona and after several failed attempts of riding on the sand for a picture I finally got a couple of shots before I hurt myself. I invested the pain of an ice bath as my legs are sore and knees ache, but training is going well, and there are 6 days left for me, and hopefully rather good conditions for most of the trip. They will not be that great tomorrow with showers forecasted but the temps is in the 70s as we head toward my old stomping grounds at the University of Florida in Gainesville…have not been there since 1986….I wonder if anything has changed!!?? Haha!

Stage 3, Jupiter to Vero Beach

2010-12-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Stage 3, Jupiter to Vero Beach

Today we changed it up a bit with somewhat of a regroup day. As of a 2 big days, 3 of our 4 knees were a bit tender so we opted for a shorter version recovery day. The plan was to head out and back for a 60-mile ride to Hutchinson Island. After we departed and feeling the nice Southerly, we decided a one-way might be in order and lunch in Vero Beach, so we called Vinnie and arranged for pick up and a drive back.

The riding out of town led us out Jupiter Island, which is the number one priced real estate in the continental US, with the likes of many a celebrity homes (if you could call them those), like Tiger Woods and the like. We were rolled up on by 3 guys in their 60s, and I got on the back of the pace line as Gordo could not check his ego, and had to roll to the front to take his share of the pull. I was perfectly happy letting these guys have their day in the sun with some young guns and sitting in for some brief pace line riding. They turned at the end of the Island as we continued North, weaving our way over a few bridges (hill work for Florida), and went through Ft Pierce, Hutchinson Island, and Vero Beach where we picked up right on time by our sag crew. We headed over for a large dose of a burrito at the local Mex restaurant and the 1 hour drive home I quickly went into a semi nap mode.

We were going to try and swim today but did not get around to it, so I headed down for a quick dip in the ocean, which was brisk but not cold (I say 78 or so), and then a hot tub to work on loosening up my quads and IT band. Knee started to come right pretty quickly and that was our day. 65 miles in 3:10 and recovery setting in quickly. That is good because tomorrow starts up again with well over another 100 miles up the final bit of Coast before we start heading west.

Florida City to Jupiter

2010-12-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

Day 2, Florida City to Jupiter

We rolled out to warming conditions from the artic blast that has plagued South Florida the last couple days and we were pretty comfortable as we headed up the bus way, a nice closed route that cut up towards South Kendall. No cars, smooth pavement and not really any busses to see. We did have a lot of stoplights, and from my memory of riding in South Florida prior; I realized that we were confusing the drivers by stopping. So we became a little more aggressive and rolled cautiously through the intersections, always getting a wave-on by drivers and never anybody getting angry. It was smooth going which was good as we were about to get into the heavily populated Miami, which would require some additional maneuvering. The straight shot through Miami would have left us in some pretty shady neighborhoods and lots of congested streets.

So, from Kendall we headed due east which took us through Coral Gables, Coconut Grove (where we stopped for a fully loaded Starbucks break). Gordo was running a little gun-shy today after his massive caloric crater through the Keys. We hit the $25 mark pretty easy for our late morning meal. And then on through downtown Miami, which was actually pretty easy, as we had missed the morning traffic and lunch had not broke loose yet.

We then headed over to South Beach rolling up through the action (well not really at mid day on a cold December), but nonetheless captured the sights of South Beach.

We weaved our way up Miami Beach making sure to stay on quiet roads when possible. Once we hit Ft Lauderdale, we made our next leisurely lunch break on the strip, and downed a Panini sandwich and a coke. It was quickly getting late in the day about 2 pm, and we had a good 60 miles to go. So we started rolling pretty good to get to Jupiter before dark. We rolled through all the beach towns, and quite a lot of expensive real estate before we really rolled through the glitz of Palm Beach. It is really pretty ridiculous the amount of investment in these properties along the ocean. Impressive.

We rolled through Singer Island, and it was getting dark fast, as we hit the final stretch up Juno Beach, with no traffic and merely one blinkie light, we made it in just after 5:30 and it getting dark fast. Today we were spending our night at my parent’s condo so pasta was set up and ready to consume. We were running on fumes by the end of the day and needed the calories quickly. A good day of riding through some of the most congested part of Florida. Although bike lanes did not exist through Miami the drivers were plenty courteous and respectful. Thanks Miami!

128 miles in 7:05, Florida City to Jupiter, FL

Stage 1, Florida City to Key West

2010-12-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

Stage 1, Florida City to Key West

Initially this stage was supposed to start in Key West, but with the coldest winter storm in 50 years hitting the area, the temp was forecasted to be low and winds high for most of the day. We decided to head south finishing in Key West. This was mostly a good idea as the 20 mph plus winds were at our tails from the start out of Florida City. But our ride did not start before a 33 minute easy jog through Florida City, as Gordo commented on his lack of being impressed with Florida with his impression of what he saw off the this hold over City that is mostly to get people in or out of the Keys. Not much to see as we weaved our way around the neighborhood. Better stuff to come Gordo, it shall come soon enough.

As we finished our run we heading into the complimentary breakfast spread at the hotel, and maximized our $59 nightly rate with a load up of calories for the day. Well most of the morning that is.

We rolled at 8 with chilly temps and the sun shining. It made for easy going as we rolled 40k per hour rather easy, although the power meter numbers were looking a little strong for the early going on day 1. I thought my SRM was reading high, and as G was riding on feel, I trusted he had it dialed so I sat for most of the early going on his wheel. As we rolled South, with the winds to our back we started shifting West and the winds become side winds and it was no longer cruise mode. It was not tough though but at about 50 miles, I was beginning to the feel the effects. It was mostly do to a caloric drain and my body’s energy started draining quickly. Luckily it was about lunch time and we rolled into Subway just before Noon and I downed a foot long and hit the full strength coke to snap me out of it. After a leisurely break we were back on the road. The Keys are a wonderful place to ride with wide shoulders, friendly drivers, and endless miles of water views.

The waters were angry today as the side winds were blowing a cold chop at us for the next several hours at times, placing the wind directly on our noses. We rode over the 7 mile bridge which gave us no protection, but we still were making good time though and after a coffee break, Cuban coffees spiked with chocolate Muscle Milk we rolled through 112.4 miles at 5:25 ish , and were closing in on Key West. Key West clocked in at 126 miles and ride time was just about 6 hours. We were both feeling pretty drained and the effects of little sleep and long flights yesterday, we were happy to be posing for our Southernest shot of the trip in the tip of the Florida in Key West.

p-RAAM Florida--Prologue

2010-12-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

p-RAAM (Florida) Prologue, December 13th, 2010

As I fly to Ft Lauderdale , I am reviewing my plan for this trip. I am meeting up with Gordo who is the primary motivator for my p-RAAM attempt. I followed vicariously through his adventure with Clas B in 2005 as he swam-biked-ran his way from San Diego to the Atlantic.

In one of my more motivated moments this fall, I put together a plan to do a ride across the US starting in Key West and ending in San Francisco. That plan soon changed to Oceanside, and when I fully came to my senses of attempting a mid-winter ride across the country I shortened it to just Florida. This is still about 1000 miles as I have a goal to reach New Orleans by Dec 23rd in 10 days. Gordo is joining me for 8 days through Panama City and we are being sagged by my parents, Vinnie and Pat. I think they are as excited about the adventure as we are! But lets see after they sit in a car watching us go 20 mph for 6-7 hours at a stretch…haha!

Anyway, my goals are this:
1.To ride every day the full Monty (every mile). That includes busy Miami, up the through the Palm Beaches, Jupiter, to Melbourne Beach, Ormond Beach, heading West to Gainesville, Perry, the Panhandle of Florida to East Point, to Panama City, Pensacola, Mobile and finally to New Orleans.
2. Every other day either swim or run depending on availability of pools.
3. A minimum run of 30 minutes and a minimum swim of 2k.
4. Have fun and create new stories with a great training buddy, Gordo
5. Enjoy time with my Parents
6. Not get cranky (likely wishful thinking!)

This should leave me getting some fitness back by the end of the trip. My running has been consistent leading up to my marathon run last week, so I have a marathon in my legs not but 8 days ago. Not sure how that might affect me early in the week of riding. My cycling has been very limited since Kona on October 9, as I have averaged about 2 hours a week of riding since then and 6 hours a week of training. Swimming has been almost zero, having taken a zero in the pool for 4 consecutive weeks, swimming a couple times in the last 10 days.

So, all in all a good recovery block from the day to day of triathlon training, feeling mentally fresh, but feeling a little apprehensive about my swimming and biking. Nothing like a little daily consistency to get it back through sunny Florida.

Stay tuned....

Las Vegas Marathon Race Report

2010-12-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Marathon Race Report
December 5, 2010

Las Vegas marathon was my first real race at the distance outside of an Ironman…

I had completed 8 within an Ironman, but aside from my first marathon in 2004, I had no idea what to expect. In that race in 2004, I ran a 3:21, which is about as fast as I could muster. I also ran Boston with my Father in 2007, but do to injury I did not go hard and we ran a 4:30 together.

Las Vegas was going to be my first attempt at running fast (er). My race prep was not standard fast running protocol as I was out a couple nights before the race pretty late, dancing, and rolling around the town with 4 gals to keep me company. I passed on the drinking, but did spend a lot of time on my feet. The day before we must have walked about 5 miles, so I skipped the pre race warm up jog hoping that was the ticket.

On race morning with the 30k expected runners we headed out to the start at 6am. Race start was at 7 and it took most of that to get there, bags checked and lined up. I was placed in corral 1, as my estimated time was 3 hours in the race registration, although I had no intention of running that. I actually obtained a 3:10 number and was planning on heading out with the group at 3:10 pace. Except they were in corral 2, which left me not much choice but to head out with the 3 flat group. I was torn anyway about running faster so the decision was made.

There was a rather big group and it seemed a lot were running the ½ in the group. It made for the first few miles to be rather crowded as we ran down the strip. I had a few gels in my pocket, and was planning on picking up water and sports drink every other aid station along the way. The pace the first two miles seemed easy as we started clicking off 6:50 pace. I thought it was going pretty well until about mile 5 or so it did not seem like it was possible to run that pace the whole way. By mile 10, I was pretty certain I was going to have stomach issues. I severely over-ate the night before ordering lasagna, and finished most of Kami calzone she did not really like, so I was feeling like a pit stop was inevitable. I focused to get through the ½ on pace so at least the first ½ would have a good split. I rolled through 13.1 right at 1:29:45, and started looking for a port a pot. I did not see one, and for the next mile or 2 was looking for some bushes. By then I had lost focus of the pace and the 3 hour group dropped me. Since we were in an industrial area, there were not many places to hide. Thankfully some toilets appeared and I jumped in one. Costing me about 90 seconds to rid myself of the unnecessary calzone, my pace group was up the road and out of sight.

I felt great starting up again, and quickly decided that I had a chance of making it up, so I started running 6:40 pace and faster. There was a false flat for about 1.5 miles leading up to about the 19-mile mark and I took note as I was holding 7 pace that I could really roll the downhill back down. As I came back down I hit 6:20-6:30 pace and was feeling pretty good. All was going well and the few overpasses were not fun going up but good to go down. I held it tougher passing a few of the 3 hours group blowing up from mile 20-26. My pace never slowed and I was pretty much on 6:50 pace through the last few miles of the race, but did not have the speed to close the gap and hit sub 3. I finished in 3:01:16, good for 9th age group and top 60 overall.

I really enjoyed running the marathon, and want to have another shot at sub 3 soon. I think my next goal pace will be about 2:55, with qualifying standards for Boston or New York in hand, that might be the t

Kona Ironman World Chanptionships 2010

2010-10-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

I woke rather early but I woke after a solid 5 hours of sleep so I was good with that. I ate, in fact I drank a couple Ensures every time I woke to get calories in. After a little more breakfast I was ready to go. Not much to do on race morning as all the gear is checked but to grab bottles for race day and eat food. A bit of a waste when you are awake hours before the race start. We all headed down to the start at 445 am, and I was dropped off for numbering, bike check and final preps. It was a quick process and I was done with plenty of time to kill.

My support crew and all met up at the King K pool, where some of the Pros hang out, Macca, Carfrae, Lieto and we met up with the Blancos, Scott Molina and relaxed for some more last minute chatting and picture taking. I was feeling nice and relaxed and ready to go. My plan was to get in the water at 6:40 as once you enter the water, energy starts getting expended rather quickly. I swam out to the start, back in to shore and back out again, getting in a couple hundred yards warm up. This to my surprise was pretty easy as it was not that many people in the water and if they were they were lined up, so no running into people. I tried to soak in the atmosphere and vibe and relax...just another day. Once I felt good and warmed up, I rolled to the middle and headed to the front, and it did not take me long to find Albert Boyce, and to my surprise Steven Lord right there as well. Perfect! It is always nice to have friends close by as 15 minutes on the 'front lines' is a place you want friends because it is quite physical. It seemed forever for the minutes to pass by as constant banging, drifting and the aggressive surf boards marshalls passing inches from your teeth every 10 seconds made it very un-nerving although it did not seem as bad as previous years or I must be getting used to it.

With a few minutes to go Chris Coble, an Olympic trials swimmer lined up next to us and we all wished each other well and waited for the final two minutes to go (or at least that was what it was announced!). As a paddler went by directly in front of us and stopped, all I remember is Chris, saying 'Jeez!' and immediately after that a boom ...the cannon went well before any of us thought. Mayhem!! The board was directly in front me and barely having time to turn straight I pushed to get around or would have been swam over. In fact Chris saw a guy go under the board and was down under as swimmers started going over...not good!

My goal was to swim hard and get out front for the first 400m. I did and was surprised at how much it loosened up right away. It seemed I was able to relax after about 100m...thank you Kukio swim race as it was cake walk in comparison. All the swimming has paid off. I quickly settled into a rhythm of a bit of catch up stroke and just cruising.

After I let up slightly though I got a bit swarmed and things got a little physical but it did not last long. A group formed and I just put my head down and followed. It did not take much effort and the daily swims and Kukio swim race had me thoroughly prepared to enjoy this portion of the race! It was effort, but relaxed comfortable effort, and was not taxing me. All I had to do was stay with my group and get pulled along. I know I was swimming better than previous years by the smaller group and the group being thinned out a little more. It took a while to get to the boat turn around, as some years it has come quick. I was prepared for the bunching and bumping at the turn but it was not bad. We were all swimming in sync and there was just not that many swimmers to make it crowded. I sat in and relaxed doing as much catch up coasting as I could. I tried to enjoy the sun coming over the hill, and enjoy the swim. As I said at the race start, we are not going to remember the result when we are 80 but those moments on the line, when it is all about to begin, or those special moments in the day, and I was trying to soak in as much as those as I could today.

I knew the pace would quicken slightly as we neared the shore, and the return trip came more quickly and still easily. As we approached the pier, I contemplated the strategy on the exit. It can be quite chaotic and I decided on the wide right approach. There were a line of catchers/helpers, and they were cautioning about the first step exit, and I was but as I stepped up my land legs were still sea legs and I stumbled rather hard, rolling right into a volunteer, but righted myself just in time with a little help from the catchers, and stepped back up quickly to the top.

Expecting mayhem, I knew I had swam well as this group was smaller, as I stopped to rinse at the shower hose just for a second and moved on to get my transition bag. Easily spotted, I moved on to the changing tent. I ran to the end, and the floor was dry, another good sign I swam well, as I was not sure of the time. I put on my shoes (no compression socks), arm coolers, glasses and was out. I hate every time I do this as the run to the bikes is way LONG, and with bike shoes on it is like trying to run on ice at spots. I almost went down on the same turn as last time, and promised never to run through transition in Hawaii with bike shoes on...it was slow and awkward. Once to the bike, I headed out passing the clock in an hour, thinking the swim time might have been on the slow side as judging from positioning I was rather near the front. Somebody yelled out 50th, and as I passed the announcing table the announcer called out Steven Lord, a strong swimmer, and I was was quite happy with the that! My swim split was about a 56...a good time given the positioning I was in and coincidentally my goal time for the day.

I settled into my groove and it was pleasant. Again, I was near the front and the chaos of the bigger groups were just behind me. It allowed me to just enjoy the first section of the race course without the angst and tension of everyone jockeying for position. Especially up Kuakini hill, where I was cruising up in previous years and getting hammered by riders going by. Today it was quiet and I enjoyed it. As I got to the top, I cruised down, and worked at getting my heart rate down and drinking water. The sun was out and it was going to remain out all day(the first time since I have been here), and I expected it to be hot. So early hydration was key I guessed. As I rolled on I passed through my cheering section on the Queen K, and headed out to the loneliness and lava fields. I love this next section of the course, no cars, early in the race so everything feels great, and a tailwind. I struggled to keep my power down as I felt good and wanted to go harder. I kept reminding myself to be patient...patience!! The early hammer heads went by and I drifted back. Scott Jones rolled up on me early and he was nice and steady and I started to roll with his group for a while. Up the rollers I drifted back some but we all seemed to congregate together. The winds were pleasant and just after I commented to Scott how nice they were we rolled through Kaiwaihai and things were about to change.

I watched the pros coming down through the crosswind section and they looked like they were getting worked and soon enough they hit. I had not felt the winds there that early and they came across and at us for the next 15 miles up to Hawi. This is the big guy section, and I decided to take the aggressive approach to this section and 'do some work' through here. The little guys were starting to get blown around quite a bit so I moved left, and worked from gap to gap, and rider to rider as each hill or rider would provide a short respite from the cross winds. It kept me entertained and the final miles up to Hawi rolled by quickly and before I knew it the top approached and the turn around. I had plans to stop at special needs but of course I didn't using my teeth to hold the rather heavy bag of liquids and pull out my extra nutrition bottles for the ride back. I was at 60 miles and I had been feeling a bit hungry so I downed my still somewhat frozen Ensure drink (vanilla), wishing I had chocolate.

I soft pedaled or coasted down the hill as much as possible waiting for the inevitable cross winds to hit. They did but were not nearly as bad as I was preparing for and 'just did work' as necessary to get by. I rolled into Kaiwaihae and prepared for the fan club at the intersection and pictures. I always try to look good for the cheering section although it can be an effort. My good buddy Rich Blanco rolled up on me here having a spectacular ride, and I was happy to see him on his first go at the big Island. I told him to hold up for a bit so we could get pictures together and once we passed my crew, he was off rolling up the road at a good steady clip. Commander Jones went by again and I just rode on my race plan hoping the calories were coming up as the last hour or so my legs felt a little off and I felt a little on the weak side thinking it might a calorie issue.

As we hit Waikoloa, I reminded myself to be patient, but was prepared to 'do some work' if need be into the final section of headwinds. They did not seem all that bad and this section went by pretty quickly. I felt strong and did not suffer on the hills leading up to the airport. Once at the airport I feel I am home free and cruised it on in. My power was right at about 250 average for the day and rolled in with a bike time right at about 5:15. Still right on target!

As I approached T2 I struggled to get out of my bike shoes, as the clips are not tri-friendly but I was not about to run through transition again with my shoes. Once shoe popped out of the cleats but luckily I did not drop it and the other foot was safely on top of my shoe clipped into the pedal as I coasted down the final hill. Handing off my bike I asked for her to take my shoe as well and I jogged in easy barefoot through transition. My gut felt a little funny so I stopped at the port a pot to pee hoping it would open up my gut a bit. Not sure if I should try and do more... I headed out.

My stomach issues at this race in the past had me tripping about my gut a bit and how it was feeling and I did not feel good heading out of transition. Nor was I running that smoothly. It was more like a plodding and my belly felt horrible. I started to eye port a pots on the run, and went by one that was occupied standing waiting dazed and confused as to what to do, but I ran on. I passed another one, where I did stop and sat for a while taking care of some business but not a whole bunch. Feeling still a little bunched up in my stomach I just decided to go till I blew. Well it never did happen and things started to loosen up after about 5 miles. I was bummed though as my average miles going to into the stop were right at 8 minute miles but the average popped up to 8:20 in the short period of not moving. It took forever for the average to come down and I worked a little harder coming back to try and pick up my average to the 8 minute pace or 3:30 marathon pace I was targeting.
Palani hill came and went and I was rolling along steady and feeling ok. Stomach good hitting multiple cups of ice at the aid stations into my skin suit, and coke at every stop. I walked some briefly but jogged most and just kept it rolling trying to scrap any time with slow miles. I saw my Coach and could tell he was happy on how I looked. I saw Kami a couple miles out the Queen K which was a nice treat as I thought I missed her, and stopped for a couple of kisses. She was urging me to go but a little regroup and TLC was going to get me through the last 10k, worth the 30 seconds of a little respite with a loved one. On I went just plugging along ready and willing to 'do some work' shortly. Into the energy lab I went, finally a head wind to cool things, and the tail wind out of town sure heated things up again, and the sun was out not giving a respite from the extra rays. Get down and out, I felt a little sluggish going in, and walked a bit down in the energy lab, and on the way out looked for my inspiration message but could not see the pop up, but saw fellow pro and Epic camper Jo Carrit up on the board and decided to push up to her as I knew she would be running steady all the way in.

At the top of the energy lab with just over 10k to go all the patience and waiting was time to go out the window. IT WAS TIME TO DO WORK, SON (thanks Marc Rubin) for the saying kept ringing in my head and I hooked up with a German guy who was tall and skinny and we were in sycn right off the bat. We traded pulls based on the how the other felt and would echelon into the wind just off each others shoulder. We pulled up to Jo and she joined in but not sitting in the draft, as I remember from Epic she never did quite do that on the bike either, we kept rolling along. It helped immensely and my goal was a pre-5 pm arrival and that was my focus. It was certainly doable as long as I kept it rolling I was going to do it. No blow up and drink and stay cool as much as possible. I did not walk any of the final aid stations held it at my best effort with my my running buddy. The final hill up to Palani got me though as I saw my Coach, I told him the wheels just came off the bus, as my group ran up gapping me quickly, I knew it was ok, as once to the top it was downhill and the pull of Alii would get me home. Coach Bob yelled to beat him to the finish I hit the top of the hill, and ran as quick as possible down as the quads were screaming at me now. The downhill hurt more than the up and once at the bottom with just under a mile to go it was flat all the way in, I got back into my rhythm.
A final turn onto to Alii I wanted to position myself for a good photo finish and a runner was approaching from behind and we were catching one, so as I got passed, with final 50m push to the finish I sprinted up to the top out front, not really sure if it was clear or not but clearly under 10 at 9:53 and some change. Quite happy with that and the race execution and the day as a a whole. I had low points, but never that low, and never went crazy on the high points, just 'steady steady' and it all worked out within a minute of two of my plan. Happy for me and happy for all my friends who did so well. Scott Molina who expected to go home in a body bag finished with a strong run for not having the health to run much, and Mr Blanco, Albert---killing it, Commander Jones coming out of his low point and all my other friends out there who I raced with and trained with to prepare for this a big thank you. And a special big thank you to my support crew, Mom, Dad, Kami, Coach Bob, Raf and Gabbie who endured the hot sun (an Ironman in itself all day) to cheer me on, and the rest of the folks, volunteers who helped out along the way.

2010 Ironman was the best yet, and although I hurt in spots I did not know existed, I am quite happy with the day and my result, and guess it was good enough for me to want to come back and do again!

Kona pre-race day

2010-10-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

I must say the middle of the night wake ups are getting a little old. I woke at 1:30 to relieve myself and was awake for the duration...annoying! I rolled down to the pier with Kami at 630 in order to get a short swim in to the Coffees of Hawaii boat, and it was a bit rough--swells. I was in early and until I was, I was a little out of sorts. The swim calmed me a bit, and then I was out of there. We went back to the condo where I got on my running shoes to run 10 minutes to Magic Sands beach where I met up with Kami and we lounged there for a bit. Back to the condo for a 20 minute spin, and I was done. Breakfast in bed, and at least an hour nap, and I was feeling rested. Not much else to do but check in bike and gear bags and did that after a Subway lunch stop. Some more lounging, Giants baseball and an early dinner. Not much else to do but get it done... My goal is to enjoy the day, as I do not know if I will ever be back here again, and to go sub 10. Nothing more nothing less...Aloha from the big Island!

And then there was one...

2010-10-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

...day to go. I did rally eventually after a rather fitful morning of sleeping to a breakfast of 3 eggs and 2 maple bar donuts. I did wash it down with a papaya, so I think I was even steven!?

After breakfast back to bed to try and make up for the sleepless morning from 330 am on, and then off to the airport to pick up Kami. I had a few minutes to spare so I picked up a Subway sandwich as it is past lunch when she gets here, and we then headed out to a picnic on Kia Kaha state beach for a reunion of sorts to where we went after Kona 08. In 08, I promptly feel asleep on the beach and Kami watched a turtle for an hour in the water.

Today we camped under the same tree, and she went looking for turtles. Immediately we found one swimming in the same cove. Same turtle? I think so, and good island ju-ju for sure. I got in and swam a bit, and when I came back he was lounging in the sun. I snapped a shot or two with me (leave it unpunblished for now), and then off to pick up some more of the support crew, Raf and Gabbie.

Back to town, and we stopped by the expo, my first visit, and purchased a few things and picked up some nice freebies, with lots of Wheaties cereal. Every time I walked by they gave me two boxes, and who am I to say no to a box of cereal that tastes like Lucky Charms!?

After our visit to the expo, off to the condo, for Giants baseball, yeah they one the first game of a 5 game series (BIG!)...

A nice tasty lasagna dinner and a single meatball (I guess protein just keeps coming), and a quiet night of Thursday night funny tv on NBC.

I hope I sleep good tonight!!

It must be getting close

2010-10-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Race day must be nearing as now when I wake at night, I do not fall back asleep. The last two nights have earned me about 5-6 hours of sleep. Not my ideal, but it is what it is...

I woke yesterday early so I just lie in bed, hoping that counts as close enough to sleep. I drove down early to the Pier, and stationed my car for another 1 hour ride out with JD. Today I felt a little less peppy then the day before, but it is probably the 130 am wake up. I did an interval or two at race pace and shut it down. Back at the Pier it was at full tilt and I headed out toe Coffees of Hawaii boat about 8:30 to help out and enjoy the experience. The crusise ship was in and the shore ferrys were taxing folks in and out stirring up some waves causing me to enjoy it just a little less, as I was getting a little motion sick.

After running out of coffee, back to shore we paddled, and I headed back to relax before my last massage before the race. My massage and quick lunch and a mandatory lie down earned me about an hour nap, and I was feeling a bit better.

My parents fixed Coach Bob and I a pot roast and potato dinner, I think my last bit of protein for the week, and then we headed over to the Epic Camp party and the viewing of the documentary of the event earlier this year. I did not put my foot in my mouth too many times ;-) !

Back to bed and another rather short sleep, and today I am bagging all morning actities, but a pick up of my final support crew Kami, and a quick trip out to Kia Kaha beach, maybe for a little dip and chill time. It is a remote road that we visited after Kona 08, and maybe it is time to say some prayers to the Island gods for a safe and good day for us all....

Kona Race Week-Tuesday

2010-10-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

Today, I tried a different approach to my day. No approach. I slept in as long as I could and had no time to go, and not even really sure what I was going to do. I checked my schedule of training, and since I missed my 20 mile ride yesterday, figured I would do it today. But first a 4 mile run down Alii from my condo, which is the far side of everything and it was nice and peaceful at 630 am. The GU tent was up about a mile down, and I stopped to chat. They had a goodie bag with a t-shirt (cool one), and various other goodies.

I ran a bit further and did a couple 3 minute efforts at race pace, before picking up my bag of GU fun to run home with. After a quick breakfast, I was missing my Boy, JD, so I texted him my plan as this was the first day we had not conferred the night before. My plan now was to bike from Bike Works 10 miles out and 10 back with 2 x 10 minutes at race pace or a bit above. He said 'cool' and agreed to meet at the pool and then an easy roll out as we sat on a couple SF Bay area gals and watched the various dudes hammering by hard. On the way back we each did our own race efforts and regouped just before the shopping center. JD was explaining a situation of a dude he rolled up on who kept looking back, and when JD passed him he sat on JD's wheel, and JD promptly sat up EASY only to see this guy confused and a bit embarassed I assume. We are both a little tired of the nonsense going on out there on the roads on the bikes...isnt the race on Saturday!!??

I dropped my bike off at Bike Works for a race-tune and clean, best to leave that to the professionals, and JD and I headed down to the Pier for a short easy swim. We ran into Coffees of Hawaii, Albert, and Chris Coble, a former USC swimmer and olympic trials who went 8:52 in first Ironman...watch out for that guy!

I neglected to bring a suit, but JD had his baggy practically see-thru drag suit for me (I was a litte self-concisous getting in and out) and we did a nice easy swim out and back in about 15 minutes. Afterwards we dialed ourselves in at rac reg and headed to LAVA Java for lunch. We ran into Vince Matteo of Pleasanton and enjoyed a rather quiet LJ.

That wrapped up my day and thinking tomorrow I might go brave the 7 am pier crowd and swim out to the COH boat for a bit. I got to experience the full program and that is one that I have done since its inception.

Ironman Race Week-Monday

2010-10-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

The final week is here...

It does not seem like I have been here long, and now in retrospect the days seem to be creeping by faster and faster. Today was no different as I woke at about 5 am still not having adjusted for the new time zone. I chill mostly in bed letting it get light out before motivating. I rolled down to pick up JD at 6:45 as I wanted an early start to the madness. That was not early enough as we pulled in to my secret parking area, the spots were all full except for a couple small ones so I knew things have changed.

Change that I thought I was ready for but the mintue I got on the pier, the angst and energy started to get me worked up, and I could not get in the water soon enough. We had to wait on the Big Sexy skinsuit to show and I think we were all ready for the peace and tranquility of the water. I started out to swim the course with the boys but started having a little voice in my head say I did not need the full monty today. I was cruising along, but I turned back after about 25 minutes of sitting on the Big Sexy (feet that is)...;-) !

After I let them go, I really just cruised in as I have been swimming with JD all week, a good thing, but not necessarily what I like always to do when I am out in the Bay, as I just looked around, swam, stopped, did breastroke, looked at the shore, and tried to enjoy the water and the scenery. It is great when you are there all alone soaking it all in, at least I did try today to get me in the right frameset, and the more time in the water the more relaxed and comfortable I became. I looked at lots of fish, and just enjoyed the morning. Back on shore, it was anxiety city again, and I was out of there as soon as I could, getting up to my 9am massage with Junko. This is the 4rth massage since I have been here, with one more on Wednesday, and my muscles are coming around feeling great. Or she is just using less pressure, making me feel like they are coming around so either way, it is good with me.

After the swim, I really had no other training plans, but to head out to the Fairmont to hang out there for a couple hours with my parents, and meet my buddy/business partner and his gal who are here to watch, to chill by the pool and have lunch. Definitely not the tri scene there and it was rather refreshing. We had a nice lunch on the water, and back to the condo and feet up for Monday night football.

Not sure how much more of the morning craziness at the pier I want to deal with this week, so I might just hide out in Keauhou and try the off hours at the Pier...we shall see.

Kona Pre-Race/ Kukio Swim race

2010-10-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

Kona Pre-Race

It has been a final build-up to Ironman World Champs in Kona this go around. As a bit of a last minute trip, Justin Daerr, a Pro from Boulder was coming out and I figured he was a good Wingman to do some training on the island with, although being careful with the training with him would have to be at the forefront of my mind.

Day 15 out of Kona was a ride on the full course. 112 miles in a steady wind all the way to Hawi made for slow making, and a little light on calories, made the last hour a little on the weak side. Days 14-7 out out consisted of 3 bike rides, 4 runs, and 7 swims all on the course and 4 open water swims. About 16-17 hours of training, 150 miles biking, 26 miles running, and 22k of swimming.

The short story is I am glad I came out and have enjoyed the time to wind into the frey of IM week, enjoyed the training with JD, and enjoyed the stay at the King K for the first 5 days, and then moving out to Keahou condo for the final two weeks of training and race week. The training has worked out well with JD, as we synced up on our training before heading out, and most workouts we spent a good amount of time warming up, before his efforts were to hard for me to keep up with.

Training with somebody as strong as JD (8:30 IM guy), seems like less effort often times than training with my buddies back home. Dont get me wrong JD, is much stronger than any of those guys, but when he goes hard, he goes HARD, and I do not see him anymore. The rest is not all that crazy fast, and I guess it is just that I get to settle into my efforts when he his hard efforts start.

We have watched the scene develop into a frenzy on Alii the last few days. Early on, it was quiet and was pleasant to be one of the early few here.

Kukio Swim Race

We finished the week yesterday, with an open water swim in Kukio resort which consisted of a group of the local ringers, and a whole bunch of kids, fast kids!
I have swam virtually every day since I arrived, and we had a higher intensity set, which I ramped up a lot harder on Friday before the race then I would have. But I found about the race after the swim set so the work was done, and I believe the high efforts on Friday, paid off for big dividends at the race on Saturday. In addition to the 33k of swimming in the last 10 days.

The swim was a 1.2 mile open water swim, and I swam it like a swimmer and was quite happy with how I managed the 'race' as all the swimmer crowd was there to blast it to the finish and were not about to go bike and run after, like JD and I.

The swim was an open water start, and we initially lined up left, before we headed closer to what looked like the pack to be forming. I never heard a start, but just saw swimmers going and I reacted quickly to whatever the start was legit or not. I swam the first 300m, drifting more and more right but pushing my own way through dragging some folks along, but I had no choice but to keep at it, before the first buoy I managed to group in with the lead pack. The pack had drifted slightly right of the buoy and it was a right hand turn, so as we bunched up around the buoy I knew we would be in for a thrashing and it was. Bodies,legs, and arms all trying to squeeze around and I just kept my head down as not to get punched out and waited for the scrum to end. It eventually did and our pack loosened, and I settled into a nice paif of feet, and put it on cruise mode. A gal moved up on my left, and stayed essentially on top of me stroke for stroke, as I refused to give up my pair of feet. Every stroke she was basically smacking me on my side. It became so annyoying, and maybe that is open water swimming with swimmer-types, I eventually just went hard left, and she pulled up and went on my right side giving me a LOT more room. She got the hint! I dont know what it is but the gals in the open water are always the one that are most ruthless.

I conserved and waited, until the last buoy confusion broke up our pack a bit, as nobody was all that sure of where to go. We settled in for the final segment and I was still conserving until about 200m out when one guy broke from our pack, and I saw a Nascar like opening and shot the gap, accelerating up to his feet. This was the move that would blow me up or set me up to finish in front of about 10 swimmers from the group. As I tapped his feet for last 100m, he kept accelerating and we gapped the group enough that I had to run the 50ft up the beach but nobody was that close to get by me. I finished 11th overall, 1st in my age group with a time of 24:07 by far my best swim open water to date. There were about 15 swimmers in the next 30 seconds, and I was pretty happy of my overall pacing and tactics, and how strong I felt. We relaxed at the resort with a nice buffet spread before we headed out to ride to Hawi for me and JD to Kaiweihei and back. I did not feel all that great until the climb to Hawi which had a nice steady wind where I met up with my Parents to show them the island a bit. Hawi, Pupolu valley, Parker Ranch and Waimea, and a nice dinner in Waimea town.

I was pretty early to bed, and hoping that the effort in the water was not a tad to much this close to Ironman. I think I just burned one match, but I have a whole pack left, so keeping them fresh from here on out!

ManCamp 2010 Summary

2010-08-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

ManCamp Summary

Today was the final day of training. After day 2, I gave up on the blogging in exchange for rest. The altitude in Winter Park was 8500 ft, and I was finding it very difficult to sleep at anything above 7500. I also hit the wall and got some altitude sickness starting on Thursday, and I did not feel right, almost pulling the plug on the final two days of riding. but I felt much better at Idaho Springs at 7500 feet, and was ok, until we rode above 8000 ft. I had difficulty breathing, sleeping, headaches, and shortness of breath all day long and through the night, waking with problems breathing.

The summary of the training was this:

Wednesday:3300 yards swim in Winter Park, 5 mile run, and a 4 hour ride, 103k, with 6500 vertical feet, going over Berthould Pass and Loveland Pass. I was still feeling good over Loveland Pass and pushed pretty hard.

Thursday, Easy day, 5 mile run, 30 mile bike to Vail over Vail Pass, and 3k swim. The 50s are what set me over I believe as we were at 8500 feet in Vail, and we were swimming 50m with lots of rest in 30-32 seconds per 50 (pulling), but it was about 100 percent effort and at that altitude left me cooked.

Friday, Copper Triangle, 5 hours, 78 miles with 5500 vertical feet. I had no power on any of the climbs and we spent most of the ride between 10,000 and 11,000 feet, which left me completely torched. I had a 3 hour nap, but it did little to help me recover.

Saturday, Vail to Idaho Springs, 74 miles over Loveland Pass in the other direction. It was the worst I had felt in a very long time. The minute we dropped down to under 8k feet, I felt great!

Sunday, 81 miles to Echo Lake (I skipped riding to the top of Mt Evans at 14k feet), and we rode to Evergreen, Golden and back to Boulder

My thoughts on training at altitude. I dont really like it. It was a sufferfest trying to recover after hard efforts/race earlier in the week.

I trained about 37 hours in 7 days this week, with 7 rides, 4 swims, and 5 runs.

It was a great group, and we pushed ourselves hard (maybe a little too hard early sprinting for city limit signs. ManCamp was all that I had hoped for, and look forward to it in 2011 if I can forget about my misery above 8000 feet!!

Estes Park to Winter Park, Day 2 Man Camp

2010-08-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

ManCamp Day 2, Estes Park to Winter Park

Our day started with an early roll to miss the constuction and cars up Trail Ridge in Estes Rocky Mtn National Park. I was out the back within 10 minutes through the rollers out of town. Our regroup at the park entrance was my opputunity to get back on, and after clipping on to JDs, wheel I hung on for a good part of the climb but as the altitude increased my power decreased. The climb took about two hours as we crested 12, 200, and rolled back down throughtthe trees to Grand Lake. I was a little bit short on calories, so I went with the eggs scramble and the short stack, as ‘this is not a week to be short’ Gordo quote rung through my head.

It might take a while for it to sink in, but when it does I should perk right up. We started out sitting on the G-train, into a pretty steady headwind, a couple false flats, and climbs started to takes its toll. We rolled into Granby where G took the sprint, but missed out on the second official city limit sign and I took it in a photo finish with JD, but since JD does not blog I will take the credit. We thinned out to us three, and continued drilling every city limit sign all the way to Winter Park, and the only way to take them from G, is for JD and I to tag team him which we did for the stage win pretty nicely with my high speed (relative) leadout...

The sprinting left us all pretty torched and no run or swim took place for several hours, but we eventually banged out our 5 mile run and 3k swim at the local fitness center (very nice), and back to the condo for meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I picked up 3 pints of ice cream but I claim one, so the boys can fight it out for the other two.

137k in 5:15 with 7400 vertical
5 mile run
3000k swim
6 3/4 hour days

Day 1, ManCamp, Boulder to Estes Park

2010-08-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Day 1, ManCamp Boulder to Estes Park

Today kicked off the official start of the inagural ManCamp Colorado 2010. Our crew of (r-l) of JD, myself, Gordo, Dr J, and Seattle Scott, all lined up for our first ride into the mountains. It was preceded by a swim tho at the Scott Carpenter pool again, where I ticked off 3300 LCM for my swim. I was holding a bit in reserve for the ManCamp games, to give the other swimmers a bit of hope at gaining a few valuable Man Camp game points, but my swim game will be on by then. Plus I woke nursing a slight cold, achy head, and just feeling a bit rundown. It was most likely the result of torching myself in the ManCamp prologue, but I have felt worse and will work through it with some healthy doses of vitamins to hopefully knock it out.

After our swim we set out for another breakfast at the Walnut Cafe where I loaded up with the Ranch eggs, with two additional sides including the pancakes AND french toast...this is no week to pull up short, so I am hitting it hard and hitting it early!

So after packing up the Sportsmobile we rolled at 930 am to cloudy skies on the Front Range and light warm drizzle. We were quickly joined by several one-shot wonders, day trippers, who can always be a bit of a wild card with the pace, but it was all civilized with TD, Meeker, and South Carolina as we all rolled out towards Carter Lake. The rain held off as we turned up Thompson Canyon, and Gordo locked and loaded into his big chain ring ramped up the pace to a steady average dose of 300 watts for me. I slung shot off the back on some of the steeper pitches as I pulled the pin at 350 (its a long week ahead of us), and motored back up when the hill slacked a bit. We rolled into Drake for a refueling stop and then then one last pitch up with some steep switch backs before dropping into Estes Park. It was nice opener of 100k or so with about 4000 vertical to warm the legs.

Our first transition run was up at Lumpy Ridge trail-head into Rocky Mtn National Park,

and I must say it was lumpy as we climbed about 1200 vertical feet from the trailhead. Mancamp minimums require a 3k swim,and a 5 mile run in addition to the daily ride distance. This run clearly met the Mancamp standards as it started at about 7800 ft, and climbed to about 8900 feet up to Gem Lake,

and it was a bit of a hike run, but nevertheless hard for a run off the bike. Gordo, Scott, and I enjoyed the great views, and vistas as we rolled back down to Estes. A nice meal in the town of Estes,a little shopping made me feel like a tourist, and then back to the hotel for recovery for day 2 of our little adventure...stay tuned!

Colordo Man Camp, 2010

2010-08-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Boulder, CO ManCamp Training Camp, August 7

Prologue, Cherry Creek Triathlon

ManCamp started today with a Olympic distance race, that was a little short on the bike. The swim was rather easy with my full suit, as Gordo pulled me around in his sleeveless...makes a difference. I considered several times going around, but settled in for a swim that did not gap the fast runners as much as I hoped.

I biked hard to stay on the wheel of Gordo as he went by, but my HR went to 180 rather quickly and I pulled the pin. The altitude at this race is about 6k, and I felt ok in the swim and the bike.

The run was a different story as the cumulative effect of my high HR at alittude and the temp was rising quickly. I held it in second overall until 4 miles when I got passed, and had a rather comfortable lead for a an overall podium spot until the wheels came off with about a mile to go. Got passed and ended up fourth overall, winning the age group. The finish was uphill, and I have never felt so bad gasping for air to the line, seeing stars and wanting to collapse....welcome to elevation.

The pain would not go away until the raffle at the awards cermeonty where I scored a pair of new sunglasses and won the grand prize, and Xterra sleeveless wetusuit. That race entry paid for itself!

Day 2, Regroup Day

Today was a regroup day before the start of the camp to begin, and boy did I need it!. I woke feeling a little under the weather, sore throath, sore, achey, a bit on the sickening side. We headed to Scott Carpenter pool for an 8am swim with the local masters. I fought for the tail end of the train of the LCM pool, and it was a gentle workout, which I tried to get through with minimal effort. 3100 meters and I was out.

We headed to Walnut Cafe with Scott and JD for breakfast, and I had an omelet and double side order of pancakes and french toast. I figure that would send me deep into a nice nap which was needed in a big way. It did not disappoint as I napped for three hours and could have slept more.

We went to a fundraiser for Jane Scott, who had survived ovarian cancer, and the FAC where lot of the local triathletes, and I scored a picture with the Man, Dave Scott. A nice barbeque and back to the final rest night for the week...the fun begins tomorrow with swim, ride to Estes Park, and a run.

Santorini Boat Tour

2010-06-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

June 24, 2010 Santorini Boat Tour

I tried to sleep in, but woke the rising sun over Santorini. I headed out to run, heading into Thira. The run on the rim trail is too rough and I was ready for a short run, minimum 30 to make the 14 day Greece steak continue. I am sickening of running as I am at 31 of 34 but felt great after a 10 minutes or so of heading mostly downhill. I ran through town and it quietened up a lot as I headed towards the coast. I ran downhill almost to the coast before turning around, and running the nice gradual uphill back up to 1000 feet. 10k run done!

Paige was up when I returned and we hit the hotel breakfast which is by far the best of the trip and then headed down to the old port for our boat tour which was stopping at the volcano and hot springs and was on an old sailboat. We hit the descent and got mobbed by donkey salesaman and I thought it was a good option as my legs did not feel great walking down and to do it in 15 minutes straight down 1k feet was not sounding to good with donkey poo all over smelling up the place.

We jumped on two donkeys and were escorted down nice and easy. I was hoping the old donkeys did not trip and we were down at port for our 11 am departure all fresh and rested. Good thing cuz at our first stop the volcano, we had 90 minutes and it was straight up to the top and it was a bit hot and I forgot water. The views were great and we enjoyed sitting a the top admiring we were sitting on the top of a live volcano. After the descent back on the boat, we took the short ride over to the adjoining island to swim in the hot springs. The water was 23celcius from the ocean temp at 18. We enjoyed our mud treatment and warm springs and swam back to the boat. Our tour ended with a nice boat cruise back to the old port.

The donkey rides were so much fun so we signed up for a ride back up, and a group from the boat was all getting on donkeys so there was a heard of us heading up. We were not escorted up but the boss was at the rear, and started corralling everyone up. It was rather amusing as the donkeys would go, then stop, then go again, and as the boss got closer with his whip they got more and more motivated to keep going. It was a sort of race of the donkeys and they had a pecking order too as mine would zig zag to keep the donkey behind me at bay and then snap at him if he tried to get by.

After our donkey tour we headed over to McDaniels Snack bar again and had a gyro for lunch. Back to the hotel for the pool and some lounging around before a tasty Italian meal in Firostefani.

A calmer day in Santorini

2010-06-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

June 23rd, 2010 A calmer day in Santorini

Today the winds lightened up a bit, the cruise ships returned and the views brightened up. I headed out for an early run to find my legs thrashed from yesterdays sightseeing, walking up and down steps and hills. I headed to run the rim trail to Oia, but after only a couple k’s turned back as it was hard running and rough rocky trail and the legs were not feeling all that fresh or coordinated. I ran about 40 minutes and ran around town looking for a bakery. Picking up a couple breakfast croissants, headed back to enjoy the views on the balcony. We had breakfast and packed up our gear to walk to the Hotel IRA which we had spotted for an upgrade for the last couple nights in Santorini. We liked the basic apartment of Nefili but like Hotel IRA better….much better. And with the rooms discounted to 140 EU from upwards of 400 Eur was a bargain not to pass up. It had more direct views of the volcano, and heading West for the nighty sunset. We checked out and with a little walk down the hill to the town of Firostefani.

As we got to the hotel, our hotel host at our previous hotel intersected us. She had driven down the hill and came to collect our payment for the hotel. As I had explained upon checking out, I had paid down at the port, sight unseen to the owner, who now was either forgetting or thinking we were someone else. In any case she got back on the phone, and within a brief moment started yelling and yelling in Greek. We did not understand, but could figure out that she had found out we had paid. In any case this went on, she apologized, and it went on some more. She got in her car and it continued, we heard her yelling and yelling all the way up the road. Rather amuzing to say the least, as was a Greek moment if there is ever one. She was the typical Greek image.

So we got to the Hotel IRA, they offered us breakfast, made us some hot chocolates and we waited in the sun for our room to be ready. She gave us a caldera view room for 140 EU, and it was a great spot to hang our hats for the last couple days in Greece.

We headed out to town, to browse the shops, and then took the hair raising bus ride up to Oia. The bus driver had the big bus full throttle around turns hundreds of feet above ground. One wrong move in the bus was not going to stop until it was in pieces off the side of a cliff. We tuored the nice little village of Oia, took pictures, and headed back for a little time off our feet in the room. The ups and downs, and uneven footing and walking takes its toll, and we are getting exhausted.

Back into town for dinner and I had Kelifiki, a Greek lamb wrapped in some paper cooked with onions, bell peppers and small potatoes. Very tasty.

A late evening stroll thru town and back to the hotel and we called it a day in Santorini. Very splendid day indeed!

Santorini

2010-06-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 22nd. Santorini

My last day in Folegandros started with a run down the main road, deserted as always, up and down along the center of the island, with sweeping views of ocean in both directions. Legs were tired so I opted for a 10k run and headed back. After the usual coffee shop had run out of our chocolate croissants, I had to run over to the bakery and pick them up which was not but a 100m through the winding streets.

After a short hike up to the church standing 200m above town for some more pictures, I headed back to relax poolside, where not but 10 minutes later, Costas, our hotel owner, came to tell me that the high speed ferry was not running do to wind today. Our option was the slow boat departing at 9:50 and 4:20 That gave us 1 hour to pack, by new tickets, and get to the ferry. So, quickly I headed back to wake Paige, get her some breakfast, pack up and shower. We were out of there at 9:20 heading down to the Port, with plenty of time to spare. After a quick exchange of tickets, we watched the big ferry come in. It was impressive pull in as they have to back these car carrying ferrys in and drop the ramp at just the right moment.

Our trip started out rather smooth and we enjoyed a couple games of cards. After our stop in Sikinos, apparently downwind of Fole, we started headed do West with the North wind blowing us up and down in the big swells. It did not take long before we were not feeling well. I headed up on the deck for fresh air which helped but Paige suffered all the way to port. After we started headed back downwind it leveled out, but we did not feel better till we hit land. A nice ferry worker gave Paige a bubbly lemonade which took the sickness away.

After getting off the rocking boat, Paige was still rolling and fell over her suitcase. The hustle and bustle of the port got us swarmed by the desperate hotel hosts, and we settled for an 80 euro a night apartment called Nefili Homes in Imerovigili the highest point on the crater rim just outside of town of Fira. We jumped in the transportation, the son of the owners, and were whisked up to the hotel where we chose a gingerbread house like room, with a loft, low ceilings and spectacular views from its small balcony. The wind is howling in the town right now, so it made for some interesting sensations as the wind seemed likely to blow us off the edge at every turn. We headed out to explore with no map or idea, but weaved our way through the towns if Imerovigili, Firostefani thru to Fira where we roamed the town, in and out of stores doing are first shopping of the trip . Our other exploring was looked at all the different hotels on the edge of the caldera, some upwards of 500 euro a night and we shopped the various hotels, apts and villas on the cliff. They were all offering deals to get us to stay a night or two. We found a nice one we want to move to tomorrow night in Firostefani, with a larger pool, as our gingerbread hotel has a pool about 8 feet long, no joke and it looked like about 20m long in the foto brochure. We like our little gingerbread apt room, but we also like moving around a bit and this last one is going to end our Greece trip in in pimping style all at a great rate of 120 euro a night. It is the Hotel IRA, yes as in Individual Retirement Account, and we are excited to stay there.

After exploring all the hotels, up and down the steps we were exhausted, so we headed out thru Imervigili, and watched the sunset in the howling winds, and had a late dinner of pasta and Caesar salad up on the bluff at the Blue Note restaurant at 9 pm.

Longest day of year in Folegandros, Greece

2010-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 21 Longest day of year in Folegandros, Greece

We got our Folegandros routine down now. I wake up and head out for a run. Today, I was scouting a beach near Alami, and the village is at a base of a very steep descent. I got a later start and was sweating a good deal as I headed up the rocky trail alongside the ocean. This beach is about 1k off the road, and more hiking/walking than anything. I found a nice beach Ag Nicolas which we had stopped at during the boat tour, where a bunch of nudists were hanging out. As I crested the ridge, I saw another nudist from afar. I was not sure if it was guy or gal at first, and upon further examination noticed it was a girl. As I came down the hill, she put on some bottoms and the curious sort that I am, I had to stroll across the beach,. She started waving enthusiastically when I got close, no kidding, so I stopped to talk. A young Greek Goddess I kid you not, from Athens in advertising, very friendly. After a short while her friend came out of the woods, who was equally attractive and topless. I chatted for a 10 minutes or so, before reluctantly saying my goodbyes.

Back up the steep grade 15-20 percent I say, back to the town, picked up some supplies of fruitas for the day, and our standard chocolate croissants for breakfast. Paige slept in late, 10am or so, we ate our breakfast poolside, did a little swim and then packed up for the day.

Today I was going to head back to the beach with nudey girls, not because they were there but I had thought it would be an easy hike in from the road until Paige reminded me we had been there. Perhaps I was too distracted to notice I had been there before! So, on the way on our Quad, I spotted another trail heading to the North side. Since the winds were dead calm today, and our boat tour had to avoid that section of beaches, we scouted and decided to head down to the beach of Veroina. But first since there were no signs of food at this beach, fruit and water was not going to cut it. So we drove down to the town of Ana Marie, found a small grocery and picked up some snacks. We found out where the local bakery was, and picked up a loaf. We can survive for days with the loaf and water we have so we headed back to the beach.

Our walk was not more than 15 minutes down, and it amazed us again at the detail of the trails, rock walls, and extensive walkways down with big rocks to the ocean. We amazed at the crystal clear waters, all different shades of blues and greens depending on the spots. As we approached the beach, we saw the boat tour who had stopped for lunch and it reconfirmed this was a gem to see. And it was!

We spent the afternoon, again exploring the coves, swimming to the sea floor, and walking the rocks on the seafloor. Being a fish out of water on the sharp pointy rocks so we were back in tooling around. Beach paddle, rock skipping and seafloor boulder running, discus rock throwing and shot putting.

We departed at 6 pm as it had cooled down for the hike out, back to the ATV which we turned in, one more evening swim in our great hotel pool. Dinner at Nicolas Café again, me the pork Gyro, Paige the Slouvaki wrapped in bacon with fries. Back to our favorite Italian ice cream shop for our double scoop of chocolate and some sort of version of Italian vanilla. Back to our favorite internet café, chocolate lava cake and vanilla ice cream, and internet time.

We will miss you Folegandros!

Folegandros Fathers Day

2010-06-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

June 20, 2010 Folegrandos Fathers Day

After a solid 9 hours of sleep I rolled out of bed to run. Tired I was probably from yesterdays fully backed physical exercion. I settled with a 40 minute run/walk/hike down one of the many trails to a secluded beach. These are made for donkeys but are clearly put together with lots of rocks, and rock walls.

After my run, picked up a couple of croissants and we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast by the pool. A quick swim, and then we were on the Quad ATV down to the Port. The wind was howling, so we headed to the North side for more protection. We found a good beach and swam, beach ball paddle, and exploring. A nap on the beach and more swimming, rock thowing and the like.

A nice spin back to the hotel, another swim, and then off to town for an early dinner at 6 and some FIFA. I had slouvaki and fries, Paige pasta with red sauce. Our favoite cafe and internet, brownie and ice cream capped off a great Fathers Day in Folegandros. This is my favoite island by far. Will be back soon.

Folegandros Boat Tour

2010-06-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 18th, Folegandros Boat Tour

Up early to go explore. I headed out at 7am to run to the far side of the island. I had my map from our hotel host, and new I would head out the main road, well the only road to the end of the island. It mostly dips and rises between a starting point in town at 900 ft to 500 ft back up again, until the end of the island. There are a couple roads that go a little ways before the end in a donkey trail or fire like road. I chose to descend the fire like road on the far side looking for a beach, and a return trip up from what looked like on the map another road. After a couple up to 250 feet trails that dead ended I turned back to retun the same way I came. I was 11k in by then and it was heating up and I did not want to end up some lost Americano rolling thru the hills delirious.

On the way out it was noticeable this island was different, as I get some waves, some hollers and just some funny looks at what the heck I was doing out there running up these 10 percent grades going to nowhere really. The one noticeable look I got was from what looked like a 90 year old lady all in black, with a stick, walking up a 10 percent grade with a herd of 10 goats going somewhere for them to eat breakfast. I am not sure who looked funnier out there but we each had the look of ‘what the…’

I also came acrpss several donkeys wandering the street, legs tied as not to get to far, and then owners chasing them down in the morning for a days work of transporting tourists up and down the hills to the beaches. Two old guys on doneys were at a standoff yelling at each other about something, perhaps ‘your donkey poo’d on my land’ argurment, but they were definitely heated about something!

After my entertaining tour of the island, 19k later and almost 2 hours of running and hiking, I zipped in and out of our one night stay at the Moltemi to move a couple doors down to an apartment at the Folegrandos apartments, more room, fancy pool, small kitchen and nice balcony all for double the price at a whopping 60 euro a night! I transferred the gear, a quick chocolate croissant and Paige and I were off for the 1015 bus down to Port to catch our island tour via boat. They had 5 stops planned for us a nice lunch and plenty of swimming and beaches.

At first I was a little discouraged by the trip as it took an hour to get to the farthest stop but then the fun began. Our first stop was a 20 minute swim in a beauty of cove, deep clear blue waters for all kinds of nooks and crannies for Paige and I to explore. We are both getting better at deep free diving, and it is fun to go down deep and test our limits. My ears usually scream stop before anything else.

Our next stop was equally impressive, before our third stop which consisted of a nice homemade spread of local snacks and goodies. We swam at every opportunity for the entire time and were probably in the water a total of 3 hours or so. A couple of the beaches we ran into some full nudity, but with the rampant upper nudity, a little more nudity is not really given us much pause. Except for the one dude standing at the waterfront, just standing, standing with all his boys dangling all over the place. Enough, go in or sit down dude!

Our tour ended at 5 and instead of waiting for the 6 pm bus we started our flip flop walk 3k uphill back to town. I was labeled Daddy-Donkey as I slogged uphill with our twon packs of gear.

We got 1k in to the steep part before a local finally offered us a ride. Not many cars here and we had no wheels yet, so what is another few ks of walking? Back at the hotel we hit the pool before dinner and made dinner

at 7pm to a deserted town as we were 2 hours at least before anyone else made it out. Some Italian home made ice-cream after a GREAT traditional Gyro, and Paige and chicken kebob with fries. So good I could of ate again. A brownie and ice cream desert at the café called it a heck of a day in Fole!

Folegandros

2010-06-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 18, Paros to Folegandros

Let me first begin with a recap of the remainder of the evening in Naoussa. After our oven baked pizza dinner we hit the waterfront internet café for our evening dessert, people watching, FIFA and internet time. The dinner at 730 you are alone. Dinner at 10 pm the whole town eats with you. The same with the cafes.

By the time we were leaving a little after 10 the whole town was out and everything was busy. We had drove the Quad wheeler the 200m down hill from our hotel and parked it at the church to walk into town. We had so we used it. On the way back I offered Paige to drive it home. She said she would drive it to the end of the street. At the end of the street it was to the hotel/ Once to the hotel it was out of town, and out towards Santa Maria. The night was warm, the sky clear, and the lights of the town, the church and the countryside were lit up as she motored us through the country, with the warm air blowing in our faces. It was magical.

This morning I woke to run to Santa Maria, swam 30 minutes , and ran back for a total of a 10k run. One noteworthy event, as I swam up to the beach next to my shoes there were 3 blonde Swedish looking gals topless oiling themselves up to lay in the sun. Nobody else on the beach but these 3 gals. I had not swam that far or run that long to imagine that, but it was there. Only in Greece.

After a leisurely breakfast and bed, one last swim in the pool, we headed via taxi to catch our 130 ferry. It was at least an hour late, which is what I suspected would happen more often in the islands. The ferry was big carrying cars and several decks but not full of people yet. We set up shop and started playing lots of cards as the ferry made stops in Naxos, Sifnos, Ios and finally Folegandros.

We arrived around 7 pm and had to wait until about 810 for a bus to take us up the hill to town about 3k away. We had no accommodations lined up so we made a couple stops and found the Maltemi, at 30 euro a night but only available one night. Right next door had more units at 60 a night, a nice pool, and little larger room. We probably need to stay on this island a couple nights at least as I am really liking the way it looks and feels.

We had a late dinner in town with the locals at 1030 pm, which is kind of weird to be eating so late.

Last day in Parosdise

2010-06-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 17th, Last day In PAROSdise

After a late evening stroll and dinner, we headed back at 1030 pm to find the restaurants, squares, and town alive and hopping. Not hopping with a party crowd but hopping with the energy of a summer crowd and locals lingering about. We stopped at the travel agency to check schedules and found the next ferry, albeit slow ferry at 3 ½ hours to Folegrandos leaving Friday at 155 pm and getting in at 530. The other customers were booking their tickets for Santorini and the like and the travel agent at 9 pm shut the doors promptly and we were the last customers. She seemed annoyed at the time, until we started inquiring about tickets to Foleganadros, and their seemed to be a rather respectful attitude given more to us than the Santorini customers. Maybe it is just me, or maybe she knows as I have heard that Folegrandos is one of those places that does not get all the hype but is supposedly as spectacular if not more so than the hyped up Santorini. In any case we have a ride to the Fole and one more day in Parosdise. What to do?

I woke to run out to Santa Maria peninsula to check out the set up. With the temps every day in the mid 90s here the beach is the place to be. And a beach with a slight breeze like Golden beach yesterday would be a bonus. Since Santa Maria is on the same south facing side I figured we should get an afternoon breeze. It is about 3 miles from here and I have been prepping Paige on motorized vehicle with since we got here as in a moto. It is the main mode of transport in this country and seems more than sane to do it on a 4 wheel quad. She is pretty hard set against riding on one, but today I am going to insist on the leisurely 4 wheel quad drive out to Santa Maria. It is not going to be much of a trek and will just give her an experience, low key, with safety first.

After our yet third continental breakfast at the hotel, I think I will have a new standard in how long I stay someplace. If I start tiring of the breakfast spread, then it is time to move on. Well this one is basic although the rolls are great. I am digging the plain yogurt and honey, sprinkle on some peaches…hmmmm.

Anyway, we did the usual, and I gave Paige the option of taking the quad wheeler with me or taking the boat taxi and I will meet with her. She finally agreed to the convertible on wheels. I checked the specs, we are taking the 80cc bike, which will have as much power as Lance Armstong, and I will be ultra conservative with no hot dogging. I took it for a spin to try the bike out, and then came back for Paige and we headed out. I know the route pretty well, as I have run it a couple times now and we slowly headed out. She was perfectly fine on the quad and we made it out to the beach and I could tell she was enjoying the wind in her face.

I let her tool around in the big sandy parking lot, before I took it for a Petro spin, trying to lay down some donuts and going through the mud puddles.

We set up shop on the beach in front of the action, where music played and good music all day had our beverages served and a nice Caesar salad for lunch. We spent a lot of time in the water as it was hot today with no breeze picking up. We got some new beach paddles and played ball, a very popular past time at the beach in these parts, and lots of Crazy Eights and Gin on the lounge chairs.

After a full compliment of sun, we headed back on the quad wheeler and I maxed out the speed to Paige’s delight which was not much than a moto-pace behind the Radio Shack team. One last evening stroll into Naoussa,, a waterfront dinner and internet café and dessert and a last evening on Paros. Tomorrow we have a 1:30 pm boat to Folegrandos . Bye from Paros.

Another Day in Paros Paradise

2010-06-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 16 Another day in Paros Paradise

We are loving Naoussa, Paros, and nice digs always help. And at 50 Euro a night it helps even more. The only problem with nice digs is you don’t want to leave so we are here to stay until Friday it looks. We must get on with getting on, and seeing Greece although we did a fine job of hitting more of Paros today.

I woke at a leisurely hour and figured I did not need to explore the island on my own two legs so was much relieved to sleep until 7 and my body did need it as yesterdays thrashing was solid and the last two days had just at 3 hours of running. So I decided the minimum of running was fine today and headed out to the Santa Maria peninsula for 20 minutes or so, and at the turn around eyed a fancy old complex with a private sign out front but with the gate open I figured it was an invitation to explore. So I headed in to look at some fancy old pads, that did not look rentable, but with an endless pool overlooking the ocean, tennis court and their own Greek style little old church right in the middle of the complex. I made it through the part I wanted to see when I was approached by an Indian fellow who notified me in Greek of its privacy. “Just looking around Champ” in my hearty American accent, and he translated in his broken English that the owners will not appreciate that around here, as I said my goodbyes and ran on out.
What can a shirtless skinny sky in running shorts and shoes do any harm anyway? Plus the lost in translation is always an easy escape in these situations. I ran back for my 42 minute run and as I passed a car rental Stonolopolus (last name) car rental agency was open for business. I inquired to price and prices were ½ of advertised at 25 Euro and I figured a good way to see something more. After a gift of an apricot from his garden I could not pass it up and let him know I would be back for the car. Very Greek that whole encounter and I loved it!

Back to the hotel as Paige was rousing, and we headed down to overload the continental breakfast. My new fav the Greek of yogurt and honey, with some great rolls, cereal and hard boiled eggs. That should last a while. Back to the car rental and with a limited contract the keys were handed over. He said all good is unless I drive like an idiot on the wrong side of the road the insurance is covered. The car was small but an automatic with AC that blew hard and cold but did not seem to cool anything in the car so best to keep the windows open. Paige was nervous and sat in the back. Not sure what she was nervous about as she has seen me drive all over other parts of the world including Italy, but what she does not know about Greek roads is they are generally pretty quiet and seemingly safe to me. We headed South with no real plan in mind but as we weaved around the island, came across the sign to Golden Beach, and the Golden Beach Hotel which was going to my choice of lodging before the Port guys got to me. This is the windsurfing beach and a golden sandy breach of fun. We pulled in to a quiet nice beach and strolled down to the Force 7 rental set up, and had a short talk with the folks there to find only a limited amount of wind blowing for the next few days. I was not surprised, but we set up on a couple 7 Euro chairs and umbrella and set about relaxing swimming and eating the rest of the afternoon. I love these beaches with the chairs, a waiter to take your order and crystal clear swimming and playing. This beach had some nice buoys we played quite a bit with the cement blocks on the floor that we played pull to the surface and running on the floor games. A good workout too!

After a cheeseburger and fries (first one in a couple weeks and quite tasty ) on the beach, and a chocolate smoothie, well two actually, we headed back. On the way I spotted a tiny church up on this pointy old mountain top and could not resist checking it out. As we wove are way through the small town we found the signs to the old church and started our way up this sketchy tiny road. Our Smart car size car was barely small enough and it was up. It turned to gravel and then back to pavement as it really kicked up to about 15 percent grade. With nothing around but downhill it actually jacked my adrenaline up as it scared me. The car had a little power and the tires were not much and a couple times skidding on the steep pavement. We made it to the last nasty little section and decided to park it and hike the rest short little bit. As we approached the top the gate was closed but we jumped the small wall and took pictures of the endless ocean shots and valleys far below. I say we were up a good 1000 feet and it was spectacular and Greek postcard that is fore sure.

I was nervous for the descent as I did not trust the brakes on the tin can and put Paige in front, seat belted but with the door unlocked with explicit instructions to jump if the brakes went out and I gave the or4der to abandon ship. As I put in Low 1 and had my hand on the emergency brake we slowly descended thankfully as no other cars were coming up or down. As we made it down I saw the real parking lot with the hiking trail to the top. Apparently the road was not used for getting to the top and it was not probably encouraged.

We survived though for another story to remember Greece by and headed back to the hotel. Another pool session and rough water swimming and wrestling in the water I made myself sick as Paige is tougher and tougher to get the upper hand on under water. Soon enough I am going to have my ass handed to me by her in the water and on the ground. Good think I am writing the checks ;) !

Another nice stroll into town a light dinner snack, Greek salad for me and omelets for Paige, soaking up the Greek nighttime atmosphere while watching FIFA world cup.

3 Days in Greece

2010-06-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 13, Last Day in Mykonos

I slept in finally and it felt good. I rolled out for a shorter run, but all up and all down running the trail back as a short cut along Psarou beach. We had checked out this beach yesterday, so I went back to the room after my 7k run and put our two towels on a couple of lounge chairs up along the water. Apparently this beach is a bit more ‘high browed’ and by the looks of all the fat boats parked in the bay it might just be. We had our usual breakfast at the hotel which is getting old after 5 plus days of it, so it will be time for some new breakfast items. We rolled down to the beach which is more rocky but clear as clear can be. Did I mention the water here is like pool water? I mean really like pool water and nothing I have ever seen is as clear not even Hawaii. It is ridiculous how far you can see in this water. At times a bit spooky, as I don’t want to see that shark 100 yards out coming to get me!!

Anyway we parked ourselves in the lounge chairs below the Mykonos Blu hotel which I thought would give a fee for the day, but after watching a few folks get run out because they were not guests, I thought our time was limited. However, our hotel towels had the identical blue hotel towels as the Hotel Blu so I kept my head low and we never were questioned. We even scored a couple of complimentary waters (we felt a little guilty but it looked like the hotel was doing alright so not to worry). Anyway, we enjoyed a swim out along the rocks and hiked out and did a little Greek diving until the crystal clear waters. I swam out to KC Dream boat hoping to see the owner and ask for an invite up. This thing is huge and I am not sure the cost on these rigs but they cant be cheap! On our way out we strolled through the Myk Blu and it is one of those Greek picture perfect hotels with the views in every direction, endless pool dropping into the ocean and the like. But for 3-4 times what we paid, I liked visiting better!

After a couple hours at this beach we headed back to our old faithful, and had a lunch and used the complimentary lounge chairs after lunch. It is interesting to see the crowd differences from one beach to the next. But they all have there own little following. We said our goodbyes to the Mykonos beaches and headed back into town for one more evening stroll through the alleys, sunset along the water, and our baguette sandwiches along the waterfront at sunset. The people viewing has dramatically increased since last Weds since we arrives as the summer season is picking up. We stopped by at our fav Italian gelato shop and rolled through town window shopping and enjoying our treat. Our quick bus ride brought us back to the Argo where we watched some soccer before dozing off.

Monday, June 14th, Pack up the ferry, time to move on, Paros, Greece

I woke somewhat early again, and decided to head out for a 6 am run. It seems that is the best time in Myk to run, as the temp is still moderate and nobody is out and about. Very serene and beautiful time to run. I ran out to Ornos bay, made the turn towards Mykonos all along the water, ending up right at the bust stop we had so frequented this week…I have really learned my way around this island by just running. But I guess that is what 5 hours of running will do in 5 days! I ran back up the Ornos Bay 10 percent grade for a 13k run, and headed to the bay for my last swim. I swam out around the point, getting a little more brave each day swimming out there solo, and swam back for a nice 30 minute swim. Back up to wake Paige at 8, and breakfast at 830, and our transfer to the ferry terminal at 9. We arrived plenty early to see the spectacle of all the folks heading to Paros . There is an interesting mix rolling around these islands. We dozed off for a bit on the short high speed ferry ride of only 50 minutes and were off the ferry to a large crowd waiting. I quickly realized it was a bunch of guys selling the rooms, hotels, apts. I ignored the first 20 or so, but decided to inquire and get a feel for price. I immediately got bombarded and the one guy who got us first was tenacious. As they were all, but he was calling off the other guys in Greek, and getting a little territorial as I was just overwhelmed with all the offers and choices. I almost walked away from it as I did not want to say no or yes to anyone, but our guy did not let us go. I finally looked at one with a pool and when he said 30 euro I was, you cant be serious!? I just figured it has to be a dive. But after a convincing pitch to merely look at it, we were off to the Francisca Inn, which was about 5 minutes from port. We checked out the room, although basic very clean and quiet. How could I go wrong with sub 70 euro on my 100 euro a night budget!? We were into our room and out by noon, and it was heating up. So after a stroll through town, we had some lunch. I had a great salad and Paige had her first waffle with fruit and whipped cream. Tasty!! I guess that is more there desert here, but we enjoyed it as it was. After heading past the port, we jumped on a water taxi to take us to some nearby beaches. We headed off toe Marichelo which was a long sandy stretch of beach. Not but 10 minutes away. After a swim to cool off and setting our towels under a nice shady tree we dozed off for an hour or so, and enjoyed watching the locals play soccer, beach paddle, and their routines at the beach. Some folks out sunning themselves dark here too . And another thing I noticed is that most of the suntan lotion here is sold to darken you, kind of like those oils with no protection we used to put on ourselves 30 years ago.

After our afternoon at the beach we headed back to the Parikia town, and had a smoothie and snack before a short swim in the pool. There was a water polo ball in the pool, so Paige and I did a little mock session. I tell ya I think she would be a good little polo player. Maybe one of these days.

We headed out at sunset and picked a nice restaurant along the water front to enjoy pasta Aoli for Paige and me sharing with my tasty chicken salad. We did throw some garlic cheese bread in there too.
After dinner we did the evening stroll with the locals, and a lot less tourists than Mykonos, through town stopping for our ice-cream, internet and FIFA world cup all in one stop shop. Dialed! Another epic Greek day….

Tuesday, June 15th, Parikia, Paros Greece to Naoussa, Paros, Greece

I neglected to turn off my phone and it started buzzing at 330 am. I rarely can fall back asleep after a wake up so I rolled around until daybreak. I headed out just before 6 am for what was to be an adventure run. I had spotted Naoussa on the map, about 12k away, and wanted to see what it would be like as I had heard good things about this little town on the water across from the Port town of Parikia. Parikia was nice, but it was the port town so a bit busier, although not as nearly as busy as Mykonos, but busy for Paros I figured and I wanted to keep dialing down the busy to get to a more relaxed Greece which I am sure is somewhere to be found. So, back to the run, I headed out of town with my hotel map of the island, which is questionable and headed out on one of the two roads that did not appear to be the main road to Naoussa. The one road headed straight up and I went with it, not really knowing if I was even heading in the right direction.

A couple of dogs awakened on route and one behind a fence that was surely jumpable was looking a bit nasty. I dared not run by as dogs just want a piece of me, but luckily the owner was up and was there to settle him down. After my near dog attack, I rolled on. On a side note, there are just not that many dogs in Greece and the ones you do see just wander around on their own. We have counted no more than a dozen dogs since we have been here.

The road turned dirt, and eventually headed back down, to the second non-main road which headed theough a valley and it was a great road to run on. I eventually hit the main road and a few short ks I was into Naousssa. I found the harbor and main town and did a quick run around, and immediately thought this would be a cool hang out for a couple days. So I headed back as the sun was heating up to my back and rolled back up the hill stopping at a few drink spots to hydrate up on the way back to Parikia.

The direct route was a couple ks shorter but I ended up with 22k and 1 hr 55 mins running. I did a refreshing dip in the ocean and some stretching on the beach before picking up a couple of chocolate croissants (not nearly enough for the both of us especially after my long run) and headed back to wake up Paige. I was thinking we should catch the 10 am ferry to Naoussa so we headed out to do so.

One last stop at the free wi-fi in the hotel, and as we lingered our port salesman from yesterday spotted us. He first weakly tried to convince us nothing was better than where we were, and I was a bit annoyed at him discouraging my idea to move on, we headed out to catch the bus. As we did so, he trailed us out starting to give us his next pitch. He said he has a place in Naoussa he suggests, a bit more expensive, but with a pool, views, and breakfast. How much more expensive? 50 Euro. I guess times are a bit tough!! He showed me brochure and it looked nice, and when he said there was free transfer out there with no obligation I was sold to go take a look.

A banged up van picked us up in a couple of minutes later, after we hung out at the restaurant we ate at last night, as I figured he did not want the hotel we were at seeing this, we were on our way to check out our new digs. Within 15 minutes we walked into a very pleasant rock and old wine country feeling hotel, with a very pleasant German host, and we looked at two rooms that were very spacious and one overlooking the pool which we took. Our pre-negotiated rate of 50 euro was a steal in my book, and as I saw the rate sheet left in the room the rooms probably go for the call ins starting at 110 up to 180. I guess the way to go and get a deal if you are worth the uncertainty is the port sales guys. We were very stoked with our new digs.

After a short rest we headed into town to check out the lay of the land. I knew where the water taxis were to the other beaches and we stumbled upon them 3 minutes before their noon departure. We always leave now with a suit and towel, as we know a swim is not but a short while away. The taxi fully loaded whisked us away across the bay to a nice sandy beach where we set up on some chairs and an umbrella at a measly cost of 7 Euro. I was starving from my run still, the croissant did not cut is for a two hour run, and we headed up to the beachside café/restaurant/ Not thinking it would be much I was in heaven after my Greek salad, and meatballs with pasta, the absolutely tastiest meal by a long way so far this trip. We also did some yogurt and honey desert, tasty, and they compd in some sort of cake desert on the house. The wait staff was very relaxed and very Greek, much more the Greek experience I have been looking for. Back to the beach we ended up playing American football catch with an Irish kid in the water for at least a ½ hour. He was a diehard football fan and it was fun to throw the ball around as we stayed cool in the water. After that it was nap time on the chairs, until the 5 pm taxi came back we headed back to the town and our hotel. A quick dip in the pool, and then back into town, stroll, dinner, and ice-cream at the internet café. Greek living!!

Day 3 Mykonos

2010-06-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Day 3 Mykonos

Today I woke at 330 again so maybe the time acclimation is off again. After waiting until daybreak, I headed out to run. I ran to town to get a feel of the after party atmosphere. There were folks just heading home, as I rolled through the alley ways of Mykonos. I literally ran in the same alleys I did with my brother some 35 years ago. After running around gettting lost, finding my way, and wearing myself out, I headed back taking a detour on the ridge above Psaorou Beach looking down at the bays in the South. After running a 17k of up and down and through the streets of Mykonos I jumped in the water for a 30 minute cool down swim.

Paige was still asleep when I returned but breakfast was being served so I rallied her for a morning swim and some breakfast by the pool. After another full buffet, we headed down to the beach for another full day of lounging, swimming and our new sport, beach paddle ball. In the evening we rolled back in to town and had dinner along the water overlooking Little Venice and then watched the sun set eating our Italian icecream (the only authentic Italian ice in Mykonos, they advertise), and headed home to watch the USA soccer match against England. One more day in Mykonos and then we are pulling up stakes for Paros I think. A 10 am ferry heads there.

Day 2, Mykonos, Plato Yialos beach day

2010-06-12T12:26:00.001-07:00

Day 2 Mykonos, Plato Yialos Beach Day

After going to sleep at 1030 pm, I woke at 530, surprised I did not sleep longer but the jet lag was wearing thin so that is a good sign. The local roosters were calling and the island breezes were blowing. Paige woke early too, but I was allowed to head out for a short run. Given that we are at the beach the road out of here is straight up and up I went heading to Ornos Bay. I love the adventure of running in places never seen and it makes the running go by so quickly. Up out of Plato Gialos and down to Ornos Beach and the sign on the way down read 10%. That should hurt on the way back up. I went past Ornos Bay out to the peninsula of Ag Ioannis, which had water views pretty much in every direction. The running here is so entertaining I just keep running for the fun of it. Scenery is never ending and there is something about running with views of water that is refreshing and fun. After running for 65 minutes I called it quits.

I saw some pretty fat, expensive yachts in the harbor of Ornos bay, so that must be a good spot to be hanging. After the run, we went for a little swim and hit the breakffast buffet again at 830 sharp. Lots of eggs and a lot more toast. The same meal is still good but we are missing our missing our chocolate chip waffles. I am not complaining though as I love the breakfast poolside right when I want it. I can lock down a pretty full day at a breakfast buffet that will carry me through the day if need be!

After breakfast we headed down to the beach here at Platis Gialos and set up a couple spots on cushy lounge chairs and an umbrella. As long as you purchase some food the chairs are complimentary and since it is stationed right in front of Paige favorite pizza restaurant we were golden. I talked Paige into allowed me a short swim, which was across the bay and back and when she did not mind that 9 minute jaunt I headed back out for round 2, yet only this time I swam to the adjoining beach which was another 1/4 mile along the bay. The wind was blowing a good deal more on this beach yet it was a lot more deserted than the full facitlities of our beach. The swimming here is so nice I could swim for hours yet I am getting a little more gun shy about swimming in the open ocean solo, as another tragedy has me feeling more fragile as my local Masters club had a friend of mine die in the pool of a massive heart attack. Quite unnerving I must say as you never know what is lurking in there. Not that a massive heart attack is going to be any good anywhere, but swimming in the middle of some vast ocean with tiny little islands around have me staying nice and close to shore these days.

After my 35 minute swim, I was lounging on the chairs and we were snacking on another margarita pizza for lunch. Tasty. A couple more hours sunning and swimming we did a little pool time before showering up and heading down to the local restaurant/bar showing some World Cup. Paige has been counting down the hours/minutes to the first game, and I am glad we are in the part of the world that is going to be showing every world cup minute there is so we can catch all the action we want. The town is starting to liven up witht the weekend crowd. I am sensing the summer crowds are coming. Tomorrow I am ready to explore the island by either car or scooter. I am warming Paige up to agreeing to sitting on the back of a scooter. We shall see.

2010-06-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

3 Weeks in Greece

2010-06-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Travel Day(s) and Day 1 in Mykonos

Paige and I have got 3 weeks lined up in Greece. I figured it was necessary as if there are 6000 islands there must be a lot to see, and just to get the basics out of the way was going to be filling up 3 weeks.

So, we rolled out of SFO at 4:55 Monday, June 7th to Heathrow, a straight 10 hr shot on British Airways. BA was having a cabin crew strike this week, so they had a fill in cabin crew which was capable but clearly a bit on the green side. We took some sleeping aids after I watched, Alice in Wonderland, and woke after a restless 4 or 5 hours of sleeping. We had just a short jaunt into London at that point and landed right around 11 am Tuesday London time. Originally before the cabin crew strike we were scheduled out at 9 pm from Heathrow on BA but they cancelled the short haul flights and rescheduled us to an Olympic Airways flight at 4:55. The good is we had a short layover, the bad, is that it eliminated my London in 9 hours tour. I figured we could have banged out Big Ben and the changing of the guard, but that will be another trip. On the positive, it reduced a lot of stress, as navigating Heathrow was a heck of time commitment and confusing.

After a few more short naps on lounge chairs we were on a very pleasant Olympic Air flight to Athens. We lost two hours arriving after out 3 hour flight at around 10 pm. I contemplated the hotel Sofitel at the airport, but decided 300 euro for 6 hours was not going to happen, and opted to roam the airport. Unfortunately we were stuck outside of the terminals, as we could not pick up a boarding pass, but found a very nice lounge seating area which was quickly filling up with the overnight airport guests. We dozed off slightly with the music and bright lights in are ears and eyes before an early morning worker decided our section needed to be closed. Instead of just squatting in protest like the others, we hit the bathrooms, and found a very nice peaceful section of the airport Greek museum to set up our remainder of the nights sleeping arrangements. We had a very light 1 or 2 hours on the hard museum floor before the 330 am checkin was allowed and we headed to the gate.

After another bus ride we were boarding our Mykonos flight a rather empty flight of maybe 10 or so. It was a very pleasant up and down 25 minute hop and we got a nice view of the Island where we ended up flying right over our bays the Platos Yialos and Paradise beaches and town.

We landed and walked out to our airport shuttle, again just us on the hotel shuttle, and were at our accommodations by 7 am. Close to 30 hours after leaving we had our toes in the sand getting the lay of the land of our new home for the next 5 days. Our hotel is a solid 3 star and they let us crash the breakfast buffet which hit the spot despite my non stop eating for the last 30 hours, and we aimed to stay awake until the evening hours of at least 7 pm. So, after breakfast we jumped on the bus to head into town a short 10 minute ride. There were 3 cruise ships docked in port, and the hoards of cruiser's were out in full. The small alley ways were hard to navigate, and the fighting for position on the windmill picture point was irritating me at this fatigued state of mind I was in. We did the basic walk through town and headed back out to the beach area, where we got checked into a very nice 3rd story balcony/view room, and headed down to the pool. It matters none with a child where you are it could be Motel 6 but as long as it has a pool, they are in heaven. We did some roughtwater training which is becoming a very much a battle now that Paige is getting big and strong, and is no longer to hold down and submerge until those last bubbles pop up!

The fatigue was setting in fast, and Paige cracked around 3 pm, feeling rather sick, so assuming it was food time we headed down to a great pizza/salad combo down on the beach. She perked right back up but I was fading fast and hard. We were back in the room by 5 pm, and I was comatose by 530 pm where Paige rallied to about 730.

I slept until 230 and Paige until 730 on Thursday. I waited eagerly until 530 am and daylight to head out to run and maybe swim. I wanted to check out Paradise beach so I headed straight that way and it ended up being up and over rock walls/fences, and cutting through the hills. The roads do not really exist from beach to beach and go mainly back up to the main road. After finding a rather sketchy Paradise Beach I was glad Paige and I did not make the trip ourselves.

I ran back the road route, straight up and down, 80 minutes of running/walking/scaling/jumping/trekking after getting so disoriented it almost turned into a 3 hour run. Luckily I was back at about 7 where I jumped in our little harbor and swam for 10 minutes. Crystal clear refreshing water of about high 70s. Very nice swim venues that is for sure.

Back to the room where Paige was stirring and we hit the 830 open for breakfast. Powered down a good days supply and we hit the 910 bus to town. We were jumping on the 10 am ferry to Delos, the ancient 300 BC to 300AD civilization that was the worshipping grounds of all the Greek Gods. Its ruins were a spot we visited 35 years ago, and the de ja vouz memories and spots pop up as I frequent these spots. We hit the 3 hour tour in about 2 as Paige wanted to make the 1215 ferry back. We had to run the last 1 mile hard to get back after getting lost and making the ferry with about a minute to spare. We had climbed to the top of the mountain (which I dont remember from 35 years ago), and it was a heck of trek straight up with spectacular views of all the surrounding islands. I did notice though that Paige is now getting the upper hand and I was struggling to keep pace with her up this wall of stairs. It must have been the run this AM as my heart was pounding as she was dropping me like a bad habit up the climb. The winds were howling up top and we struggled to keep from getting blown over at times on top of the hill.

Paige was torched and out like a light on the ferry ride home. We strolled through the quiet pleasant streets of town sans Cruisers, and it was like 35 years ago memories except all the new age fancy stores, and shopping. Same alley ways and Greek locals living in the same looking digs tho of years past. We hit a sandwich shop and sat in the alley way watching all the passer bys. After our lunch we we back to the hotel where we hit the pool again, and I was in and out of consciousness and Paige rallied me to another game of sharks and minnows, and rough-water training. Back down to the beach for a spectacular setting for dinner at the Blu Myth overlooking our little inlet. Our first full day complete and we are finding our Greek rhythm already. Paige is an amazing trooper and so easy to travel with and fun to be with...I am so lucky to have such a cool kid.

Tomorrow mostly a beach day, but maybe I can still convince her of a motor scooter ride around some of the island. So want to have her really experience the joys of travel in these parts...the scooter!!

Summer is approaching

2010-04-27T20:21:00.001-07:00

Yes, my blog is still alive...

Plugging through some transitional life stuff.

Big things to come...going to be a whirlwind of a Summer...cant wait!

2010 70.3 California Race Report

2010-04-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

2010 70.3 California Race Report

The first race of the season came upon me quickly. Two weeks ago, I was skiing 4 days hard at Mammoth, slogging thru some pre and post session runs on the treadmill at 8000 feet. This weekend I was in sunny Oceanside to fire up the engine for a very competitive race of the year.

I drove down to Dana Point with Kami and 3 kids to set up our overnight at her Sisters. A rather effortless drive for the most part, until LA traffic snarled us to a halt for a couple of hours. Friday was a nice spin in the California sun, and a short run to make sure all the gear was dialed in and the body was ready to race. It felt good enough, nothing great.

Race day I started with a 5 am departure to drive the 17 miles to Oceanside and pulled up pretty early to find the weather cold and windy. Gordo was parked in his Monster wagon right beside me, and we both opted for a warm car to standing in transition. I finally headed out just before 6 to get ready for the race. It did not leave much time and after a short warm up run, I was even shorter on time. Things came to a frantic head when I went to zip up my race suit to find the front zipper ripped out. Unfortunately, that was not going to work and using some safety pins was not a good idea so I went scurrying thru transition looking for anybody I knew for a jersey or something. Luckily Rich Blanco was still there and he had an extra skin suit for me and I did the quick deck change and thru on the wetsuit with 4 minutes to spare. I fought my way through the long start corral to finally weave my way to the front where my group was already in the water on the ramp. Nothing like a good frantic warm-up!

They let us go in and did my 25 yard warm up and positioned myself left of Gordo on the buoy. Just as he pointed out Tinley sitting on a surfboard the horn went off, and we were off. I swam about 20 yards hard, and tried to slow down only to find some swimmers behind me trying to swim over me!! I know there is only about a handful of swimmers who can swim my pace and they were all in FRONT of me so I was wondering what those knuckleheads behind me were thinking! So I swam another 10-20 yards hard, kicked like a mad-man, and they left me alone and/or were gone. Not really sure what these chumps were thinking!

We jockeyed for position and I waited to get on Gordo feet but ended up getting in front of him so opted to stay on the feet that were present. They were a good pair of feet, although we quickly started catching the slower groups and my lead out was routing us straight through the middle of the packs. I was sitting in the second position and it was enough for him to clear out a nice clear path and I stayed on his feet close. It was all going nicely until the ½ way mark, when my lead out decided he had enough and started cruising. Instead of leading I dropped back and jumped on Gordo’s feet, and he led me in the rest of the way. We came out a group of 5 in our group, and the swimmer types disappeared and Gordo and I raced thru transition. My sluggish transition left me about 30 seconds behind Gordo, as I had to don my cycling shoes, socks, and struggled with the wetsuit as usual. Swim was 25:53
On the way out I was swept up by Rich Blanco, who was in a 3 minute wave up on me and we rolled out together, quickly catching Gordo, and a few other guys from earlier waves a few miles up the road. As Mr. Blanco was setting a solid pace, I was happy to back off and get in the rythym with G. Rich was there for a bit, but was gone up the road in no time. I was trying to get the HR to settle from the swim, and soon enough things started to feel good, and the weather was warming nicely. This course is not all that friendly to me after the first 30 miles, so I tried to bide my time, and noticing my Avg power was running about 20-30 watts lower than previous trips here, I was content to just hang out. As Gordo and I rode up back to Mr. Blanco, at about 30 miles at the base of the first big hill, we joked it was just like old times riding/racing down the country of NZ at Epic Camp. It felt like old times!

The marshals were out in full this race, and after a short while our group of 4-5 or so who were together for the most part as we were all at the same pace, we rolled along until G got nabbed for a failure to pass. A rather weak call as the spacing was good, and we were all legal. But the call is the call, and not much to do, but keep rolling along. We hit the last of the rollers, where for some reason G dropped back, Rich dropped a chain, and I found myself screaming down some rather crazy fast hills. No reason to wait, so I pushed on for the next 10 miles, thinking with a minute lead on G, with his penalty and maybe a 5 minute lead off the bike might give me a shot if I had my best ever run, and he was a little slow on his. I figured a long shot at best, but I drilled it. Rich bridged back up to me with 2 miles to go, which must have hurt a great deal, and we rolled in off the bike together. My last 27 minutes avg power was 284, and my power for the 2:28 ride was 270 low.

On exiting T2, I had no Garmin to pace me so was a little concerned of going out to hard. Since Rich B. was about 100 yards off the road I lurked behind him for a few minutes before gapping up to run with him. He seemed to be working a little harder than I and after a mile or so I rolled away where I tried to get in my own rhythm. On the turn, I saw G storming up much quicker than I thought it would have been and conceded 5 minutes was not enough. I started to feel a little flat from 4-6 and started hitting some coke and a gel or two with some caffeine. I got passed at the ½ way point when G rolled by hard, and I tried to stay with him, which lasted just a short while. At about mile 8 I was passed by another in my age group, and picked up the pace to keep him in site. I stayed about a minute back as I ramped up the pace all the way to the finish. I ran a 1:29 and finished 3rd in age group, 50th overall, in a time of 4:28:59 a PR by over 10 minutes. All in all a fun day and great time. Until next year….

Post Epic Reintegration

2010-01-29T20:17:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 29th, 2010 Post Epic Reintegration

It has been 11 days since Epic and how quickly things change.

I returned to reality of my life with no training. After traveling close to 24 hours, I hit the week running, with the activities of my life. Office, Paige, Soccer, kung fu…there was not a lot of down time, but I did limit the training. In fact, I was feeling ok, until Thursday hit, and I started to feel sick. Actually most of the week, I was in a bit of a ‘hangover’ feeling mood. I thought I was getting sick and convinced myself I needed to rest. By Thursday night it felt like I was on the ledge of a hole, about to fall in. A few simple words from Gordo via a tweet, ‘Get moving’ got me off the couch in a middle of a monsoon rain storm in our area in the pitch black at 7pm I went running. Well, it was not really running as all I could muster was an Epic shuffle, and the shuffle consisted of MAYBE 9 min miles (more likely 10) and a heck of a lot of walking. But 30 minutes of that was all I needed to perk me up. I felt immediately better, and was sold I needed some daily training.

The next day I hit the pool. Swimming must be good the way I was swimming last week, I should be able to cruise at no problem with anybody in the pool….WRONG! I could barely get through 2k without complete exhaustion and it had to be the slowest I swam since Middle School…no joke, it was SLOWWWW!!!!

I hit the weekend strong –ha! Saturday was another run, which was a bit less walking but still rather slow for 35 minutes I ran 3.7 miles. Sunday was another swim, this time being long course meters with the local squad. I jumped in the fast lane, and was so blown out the back so quickly it would have been embarrassing to stick around. The second lane looked just as fast, so I started heading toward the slower lanes, jumping in with my buddy Gordy. Now Gordy was swimming his third swim in the last 2 years, and he was NOT a swimmer growing up, so needless to say I never swim with him and even at my slowest would not think about it. But today, I was going to swim behind him and still I got dropped. I slogged out a 3k swim where at Epic I was consistently swimming those sub 45 minutes by the second week, this day it was only going to be swum in 63 minutes, and most of that was with paddles, for me a much quicker way to swim! I finished up week number 1 with about 2.75 hours of training…at least I was moving!

Week 2 started with another swim. LCM at the masters pool again, starting with the friendlier 7am group. More lightly attended, and generally a little bit easier…way out the back once again. Finally accepting my fate, I just got through it, and although it was not pretty I mustered another 3k of swimming. Tuesday, was another 38 min run, with some cross training (50 pushups and 100 situps). That was enough to make me sore for the remainder of the week! Wednesday was another 30 minute run. The interesting thing about these workouts, especially the runs, is the minute I start running; I go into the Epic zombie mode, and immediately get hungry. Just keeping it moving is the goal for week 2, and it seems to be holding up.

Thursday, was the day to hit the road on the wheels. I took my TT bike out off the hooks, as the road bike is being retired do the top tube unfortunately being cracked, and I headed out for a spin in the nice sunshine (first time 11 days we did not have rain), and the wind in my face made for a most pleasant ride. I returned famished once again and finished the day with my second massage of the week, and my 4rth massage since being home. My legs are so incredibly sore, the massages are not even starting to loosen up the legs and they the soreness is still very prevalent.

Friday, I headed out with a buddy, who had not ridden since we rode in Tahoe, back in well, I think that was September, and our 2 ½ ride was all I could handle. There was times when he surged I was out the back. Luckily he his 6’6’’ and not near training weight, it only took about a minute of him surging before he was coming back huffing and puffing. I am glad I chose my riding partner for the first ride back with somebody so carefully!

My 2 ½ hour ride left me famished and I hit my favorite burger joint, Jeffrey’s (3x since being home). My Russian buddy who is building an empire of burger joints, happened to show up at this store, and we had a nice time catching up, and I was feeling perked up after my burger and fries!

That leads to weekend number 2, and the I am going to stretch out my run tomorrow, maybe 45-50 minutes in the countryside of Livermore, and I am doing a ‘GF ride’ on Sunday, which should be another ego boost…she has not been on the bike, well, probably since September, and has ridden a rode a bike, well, all of about 8 times in her life….so should being feeling really tough when I throw down on her ---ha!!

Time for some brownies and milk!

Till next time…

Tour of NZ 2010 Epic Epi-logue

2010-01-18T15:07:00.000-08:00

Tour of NZ 2010 Epic Epilogue:

The start of this trip seemed like ages ago. I often have thought that life at Epic Camp comes to a standstill….slowwww….motion! Things that you did just that morning seem like a lifetime ago. Things that were a week ago, you can hardly remember. Some lasting memories I will have of this trip are the following:

Pre-Camp: Auckland. Hanging with the Ripster. Staying up to see the New Years fireworks over the tower with some folks I will be spending a lot of time with over the coming weeks.

Day 1 Triathlon. Run-Bike-Swim-Cramp. Running to lands end and feeling the race beginning as everyone hurried up the hill to run 15k NOT for time. Racing 10k flat out (FOR TIME) on not very gentle (not) Kiwi rollers….a total ass kicker of a 10k in just about 44 minutes!
-Getting clipped at the ankle running downhill by Blanco, almost laying it out HARD Pete Rose style in the first 15 miles of the camp.
-Cramping simultaneously with Gordo pushing off the wall with 200m to go in 1500m pool swim race at the end of the day. Never cramped so bad anywhere anytime.

Day 2 Mega swim day to put me in the red jersey. 6k swim with 200 fly, 3000 IM continuous and 1000 band only.

Day 3 total shutdown/detonation. It has happened before and the body did the same again. The 20 minute stand-down Gordo ordered when I was barely able to get 200 watts through the legs. I was a quivering shaking pool of a mess. The quote from the cashier at grocery to Gordo, ‘you look a heck of a lot better than your mate!’

Day 4 Gear trouble begins. Final 30k with two gears one being a 12. Riding in broken with Douglas and Big E.

Day 5 Broken. First 90k with two gears stuck in my 15 and big chaining. The absolute low of any day 5 epic camps, and I have had some pretty low day 5s. I was prepared for it to be bad but the gear issues over two days had me completely demoralized.

Cheeseburgers at Burger King with Gordo, two cheeseburger runs in one day had me feeling a lot better.

Day 6 Rolling out in miserable rain and only 6 of us did optional tack-on doing KOM up to Whakapapa hill where it turned more pleasant and nice.

Day 7 10 x 200s on 2:45 on the G-Lordy train in the pool. Winning the cheeseburger bet with Molina for making the 200s set. Feeling a little more normal with no racing and stopping for coffee and rolling in with Steady Wheel Rob Hill. Eating Pizza Hut pizza with Molina in the hotel room.

Day 8 Gail Force wind warnings with KOM up a nasty climb outside of Wellington. Riding back into civilization, Wellington, and having a great night’s sleep in a big comfy hotel bed!

Day 9 Waffles for breakfast!! Ferry Ride and a legit rest day. Felt almost normal for a day.

Day 10 Going Nordic. I absolutely drilled myself to the base of the climb on the Lordster train. Was torched through rest of the climb having to sprint at the top to get by Jo (average HR 177 for 19 minutes) feeling like an absolutely worked mess for the next 100k of the ride. NAP. Running up to Seal Colony lookout point with G.

Wheezing in bed all night (Dr. Nic telling me I am f'cked) from the hard effort on the bike thinking I was about to be sick and ruined for the rest of the camp.

Day 11 Biggest day Ever. 4k run/3k swimming/181k biking/25k running. Running circles in the park in Christchurch with Lordy, getting lost and having to call for directions. John Ellis and Bevan saw me running aimlessly lost.

Day 12 25k Godley Head Trail run on Molina’s home course. Beautiful stunning scenery. Riding in driving rain with Southerlies in our face all day. Getting off bike and heading out for 6k swim…Tara espress-swim train, and then wandering 3k back through town eating Subway all night in bed.

Day 13 Swimming 6k straight and first 3k with running shorts on and lost and found kids goggles. Timed 400 IM in 6:05 after swimming 3k with paddles and running shorts. Swimming 12k in less than 12 hours!

Day 14 Completely torched for first 50k of the day leading up to KOM….thinking I was going to be dead last in KOM and Aquathon and losing the red jersey on the final day of competition. Nice cruising ride after doing ok in KOM…rallied once the gun went off. Game time I was on!

Day 15 Final day riding into Bluff seeing the end of the country. Riding up to the top of Bluff Hill 18-25 percent grades. Photos with the Epic crew at the tip, and then running back up to the top of Bluff Hill. Jo carrying her bike up. Running down with G laughing (fatigue intoxication) all the way back down what we biked up!!!

Epic Camp. No other experience out there comes close…even Ironman. It seems a lot simpler on paper, and riding intensity is so much higher than expected unless you are a 4:30 IM biker.

Comment by Jeff who commented on my blog….
There's three times in a man's life when he has a right to yell at the moon: when he marries, when his children come, and... and when he finishes a job he had to be crazy to start". Red River (1948)

Once I obtained the red jersey, this quote summarizes my thoughts. I was losing it on many occasions, and yelling at the moon is rather appropriate. A memory (s) for a lifetime….

Thanks to all for helping me get through (so many of you played a BIG role to get me through a very mental/physical challenge for me!). A special thanks to the G-man for keeping a close eye on me!

BTW, I stepped on the scale getting off the plane at home. Weighed in at 181 lbs…9 lbs heavier than when I stepped onto the plane pre-camp. It must be muscle mass! ;)

Train safe and be well….cheers!!

Day 15, Heading to Bluff--Last Day of Living the Dream

2010-01-18T14:50:00.001-08:00

January 17, 2010 Day 15, Heading to Bluff—Last Day of Living the Dream

Today was no different than any other, other than I have the routine down pat now! Finally after 15 days of packing, gearing up, eating breakfast, sun-screening up, filling bottles, pockets with food, and being ready to roll out ON TIME or be left behind, it was routine. A routine which now seems normal and I savored it knowing that it will be coming to an end. Our group was ready to roll 15 minutes early as nobody wanted to be left behind, and I thought I might have messed up the roll time, but I was ready to go with a few minutes to spare. I rarely was much earlier than that, on any given day as I would always have another bite to eat if time permitted.

We had our nice leisurely rollout, and as always the first 1 hour was hard on me. Gordo joked it is because of the 6 pancakes I had for breakfast, and 4 pieces of Nutella on toast. I just think it is the old diesel engine takes a while to get going. After an hour we started hitting some rollers and from 50k-100k we were going to hit some big rollers. I took a flyer off the front to ride at my own tempo after being dropped on the first big climb. E and I bridged back up at 40k plus an hour, and I told him to jump on as I ramped up for the pass…the all too fun Epic Camp ‘fly-by’. He was yelling he could not burn those matches that early on, but I like the game of burning matches on the very edge, and at 1 hour into it I pegged it at 280-300 watts for the next rolling section of 10k up to the first drink stop. I like to test myself at these camps and pushing it out of my comfort zone or the comfort of the group is one of the games I play with myself. After 110 hour s of training, it might not be the most prudent of decisions, but I have a whole heck of a lot of time to recover, and if I don’t try, then I won’t know. So I hit it steady up to the second big climb and rolled up nice and easy to the first stop and waited. Everyone came up shortly, and we all rolled out together. It might have been a mistake, as I should have banked my hard earned gap, and kept it rolling and let everyone catch me on the next few set of climbs, but I rolled out the back on the hills rather quickly and proceeded to enjoy a most leisurely ride on my own. The next 50k went by quick, as I listened to the nature around me through the beautiful Kiwi rollers. The sun was shining now, and the temperature was rising. It was actually one of the few times, I could actually just ride, and not worry about completing anything in any specific time, and there was no rush for anything. I just rode…

I rolled up to the next drink stop to see Eric and Rip, and thought cool. I had my buddy’s that I started with the trip to ride with at the end of the trip, and we all rolled out together. After nearly 50k of just cruising, E and I started ramping it up. Rip was gone, and it was good to ride with my buddy Eric as we have not done much of that this trip. It felt like any other thousands of miles we have ridden together, but today, we were both feeling pretty solid at the same time. Plus we had gentle flats with small risers, and one heck of a tail-wind. We started rolled about 50k an hour as I did the math thinking lunch would be there in about 45 minutes. We hit it harder making it up some solid ground QUICKLY. We rode well together, and upon approaching a group of riders, I decided we needed to do the classic Epic fly by. I play by the ‘Claus-rules’ now, and that if you leave early before the scheduled daily roll-out, you get ‘No Mercy’. It is just one of those unwritten rules at Epic that I think folks figure out over time. Plus there is virtually no mercy at any point in camp anyway; this is just one of those things. As I ramped up to 400 watts, we approached fast, and I was waiting for the look back and jump on but it never came. Over the years, if I had fast guys behind me, that is one train I always looked for, especially Zoolander Jonas Colting, or Claus.

We kept rolling hard into lunch to regroup for our final 50k roll in to Bluff. Apparently we had made up a lot of ground with that last solid session of riding. With another 50k of rather solid tailwinds it was easy street from here on out. We all made great time together. It was a perfect way to the end the camp, essentially 100k of solid tailwinds, nice sunny skies, and our group really riding friendly together. I have enjoyed this camp immensely with some of the greatest folks to train with. I enjoyed playing the game in the end although I might have hated it along the way, and I had pushed myself beyond anything I though ever possible!

We rolled into Bluff, and a few of us took the one last challenge of the camp, to ride up Bluff Hill upon Molina’s insistence. I was willing to try and it was a blast. 18-25 percent grades after 115 hours of quad pounding training, I made it to the top. Douglas went head over backwards when he did a wheelie at the steepest part of the turn, and I just could not muster the power to get up without a short little walk. But at the top we all took amazing pictures and congratulated each other, to enjoy the scorcher downhill back to regroup. We then rode the final couple Ks to the end of the country. Taking some more great shots and a congratulatory bottle of bubbly we had but one more challenge…..running to lands end around the corner on a track. It started out along the ocean, but quickly started heading up, up, and up. It was not long before I realized we were going back up to the top of Bluff hill yet AGAIN, and this time on foot. It would not be Epic if we did not have one repeated challenge after another and this was a classic. Run up another 1000 feet after riding up it. It was mostly walking after a while for me, and that was not the tough part. The tough part was going back down. Quad pounding down all the way back into town, and our waiting van ride back to Invercargill.

We all did our final packing of our bikes and gear and met up for our final celebration dinner, where we scarfed down our final great meal together. Then off to the hotel to relive stories and relax and say our goodbyes. I will miss my Epic team-mates, and thanks to all the for the great memories and special thanks to the great crew, Dave Dwan, and the founding crazies of Epic, Gordo, Scott, and John. It was a great experience like no other!

190k bike—6 hrs 45 mins
7.5k run—1 hour
TOTALS for camp:
Swim -50k
Bike-2380k/1500 miles
Run-170k/106 miles
Total Hours of camp—116 hours

Until we meet again….Cheers!

Day 14 Oamarua to Balcultha, Truth Be Told

2010-01-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 16, 2010 Day 14 Oamarua to Balcultha, Truth be told

This camp was the hardest thing I have ever done hands down. It was not the day-to-day training but competing for the red jersey day in and day out, that made this absolutely the hardest thing ever for me. Thanks to David Craig to pushing me to my absolute limit, he is an impressive strong human being. I wanted to fold every day of this camp, but could not show that weakness to DC. In fact, I made it a point to stay away from DC in fear of him seeing through to my weaknesses (most likely was pretty obvious anyway), and probably was a bit aloof to him in order to stay in the game. If he only knew I was so close to the edge mentally and physically, he probably would have been able to capitalize on it. Congrats to my friend David for reaching to new levels as well (250k of running in 15 days with all we have done….impressive!)….I know I certainly did reach far beyond anything I thought possible thanks to him being so darn tough!

I had no intention on racing down this country. In fact, I had laughed at Rip on the way here as he kept telling people he was in a race down the country, and I said it is not a race but a training camp. Little did I know I would be the one racing down the country and get sucked in so quickly!! I have never in 3 other camps ever worn a jersey, and did not even know what it felt like, but after a couple days of wearing it I did not want to give it back! It was more of a fear of giving up, which I wanted to do so many times, with gear problems, stomach issues, major psychological and physical limits that I was bumping up against. In breaking through these barriers helped me to keep going, and holding onto the jersey became a special thing for me. Here I was doing something I loved with some great people and great like-minded friends, and I suspect it might be the last for a while, at least competing for a jersey, so I did not want to give up. It would have been easier, and very likely a lot more fun, but the memories of ‘playing the game’ will last so much longer I suspect. In looking back down the road those are the memories I will carry. The extra long runs, or swims or getting up early in the dark and pushing the limits of my endurance.

The day was to be the last day of competition, and I severely suspected I was about to lose the game on the last day. Last night I took some night time cold medicine to help me sleep…big mistake. I had the best night sleep of my camp, yet when I got on the bike, I was absolutely wrecked. I was doing everything in my power to stay with the group. Gordo said it was the easiest rollout he has done at the front of the whole camp, and everyone else was saying that it was so nice and easy AND fun! Not for me…I was on the rivet as we say at camp from the get go. I kept getting slung off the back and there was Lordy a couple times to bring me back up. I could not sit in…I was miserable and had a KOM to do and an aquathon. Could be the biggest complete blow on the final day of Epic Camp anyone has ever seen!! Even Molina said if I blew so bad in the aquathon, I did not deserve the jersey, and my body I thought was shutting down completely right then and there on the last day of competition. I was VERY worried…

We stopped at the aid stop at 50k, and I hit some coke and got off the bike. The KOM was to start 15k up the road after another regroup at the base of the climb. The minute I got on the bike, and race time was approaching, my mind and body snapped too. It has snapped too so many times at this camp, I am completely amazed. I like to say I am a ‘gamer’ when it comes right down to race time, I can toe the line and get it done. I hope it happens again. We regrouped at the base of the KOM as I gingerly got over every roller up to it knowing nobody was going anywhere. Charlesey yanked his gear cable and was stuck in his 14, not unlike a couple days I had, and he was walking his bike on a couple of the hills. Just an obstacle he knew he had to get through…and he did. I could feel his pain though as I was there just last week.

The next neutralized rollout was to the turn, where we all made off the main road, the game was on. It did not start with a bang, yet when TGV Lordy ramped up and went by I got the early jump and went with him. It was not exactly my strategy today, but given the opportunity on a flatter road to gain ground is always is the best strategy for me. The minute it kicks to steep, I become at the disadvantage with all these strong riders. I was going to moderate my pace early on today and mark my man, David Craig…it did not take long for him to go by and I dug deep to stay with him, and at the very least in site not too lose to many spots, and perhaps some points. The usual crew was around, with Jo and Tara trading spots with me on the steep sections. I had my Garmin on and was watching the elevation and keeping DC and Gordo in site as we got to very friendly Petro-friendly section…slight rise into wind. I was able to bridge back up to Jo before the next steep climb, and attached to her wheel ½ way up, when she looked back and shook her head (I am not sure why), but I felt it was time to gap her. I said sorry as I know she was not happy the last time I nipped her at the line, but what goes on in competition stays in competition, and it was nothing personal just making sure I could keep the red jersey. After gapping her it flattened very nicely and I was able to go aero and cruise it in just maintaining my spacing at 300 watts. For the climb I averaged about 350 watts for 19 minutes…I will take that on day 14 of this crazy hard camp! I had saved a good bit for the aquathon but given the weather and water temps it was cancelled which nobody was too broken up about!

After a great descent, some quick photos, we regrouped at the base of the hill. I am sort of forgetting the next section, but I remember struggling through the hills, until Lordy came through with a steady pull, my favorite kind of pull with little accelerations up the hills, and we rolled off the front, motoring pretty strongly into lunch. Getting a great lunch in me and about FIVE pieces of cake in me, I figured I was set. Everyone else has noticed my excessive eating issues, (yes I am powerless over food, step 1), and yet I keep maintaining I have not been eating any more than I need, but perhaps that is not true!? No place to find myself low on fuel, and I have made every attempt to insure that, quite successfully I might add!

After lunch we hit some nasty, ridiculous hills, where I had two choices: 1. completely blow myself up trying to stay with the little climber guys, or 2. Just ride with my limits. I chose #2. My time was to come and E and I were rolling over the hills together, and after a great descent, I decided it was time to fire up the Petro engine, and see what I could do to motor back up to the group. We had stopped at the base of the hill for a few minutes so they must have been a hell of a ways up the road, when I told E to be ready as I was ready to roll HARD! I have not been able to do that much on the camp, as I have always been ‘playing the game’, and could not afford to detonate myself. Today was ok as all the racing was done, with no aquathon to save up for! But I did not detonate, in fact, I probably had the best pull in two years, drilling it back up to the group for 20 minutes at average power of 320 watts…I saw 45-50k per hour steady on the flats for most of the time. We rolled up on the group pretty fast once they came into site and E was right on my wheel, just like we have done so many thousands of miles before. I was actually kind of proud of myself. Lordy and a few other campers can do that at will at any point the group is up the road, yet I have never been able to do that and this was one time, that I actually did!

Another quick aid stop and the final 25k or so into town, and I was still feeling it pretty solid, so I hammered a bit more, before Lordy and I shut it down to roll into town leisurely. Enough for one day as I am pretty darn close to the edge anyway, probably a smart thing to do. After a quick shower, Lordy, Blanco, Jo and Jordan and I ran down to the pool. We had 45 minutes to finish 3k. I got in and the water was about 85 degrees and I almost got out. I could not swim to save my life either. After about 1k straight warm up, the TGV-hydrofoil (Lordy), went by and I got on the train motivated to get done before the time was up. We must have cranked that last 2k in about 28 minutes, and I stopped and 30 seconds later they rang the bell for everyone to get out…timing is everything!!

Run back to the hotel, a great relaxing dinner chatting with E (have not gotten to do nearly enough of that this camp), Tara, and others. Sorry I have not been as social this camp as in others, but I have been so close to the edge, still am, that I am barely holding myself together to get through the day. My apologies if I have offended anyone, or said anything I should not have…it is a crazy thing, this fatigue and what it does to mind and body.

I have enjoyed this camp, although at times I have said I hated the game, and what was going on during the day, but at the end of the day, it has been a great experience I will never forget….Thanks all for sharing it with me!

Bike 190k in 6:43 with 7k feet of climbing. 19 mins at 350 watts and another 19 mins at 319 watts
Run 3k
Swim 3k in about 45 mins

Total 8:15
Total 108:15

Day 13 Geraldine to Oamaru--Almost There

2010-01-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 15th, Day 13 Geraldine to Oamaru—Almost There

Today started with a nice run with Lordy and Tara. I have banged out 60k in the last 3 days and I am feeling ok surprisingly! It was not fast and most likely not pretty but it was done in just over an hour. We finished up at the pool, and although Tara and I had put our swim bags in the van the van was gone back to breakfast and was not returning for an hour. So, it was either sit or figure out a solution. I am surprised I was able to figure anything out in my state, but I asked the pool guard if there was a lost and found and some extra goggles. I had running shorts on and figured those would do since they could be tied. We scrounged through the goggles and I found a couple of kids pairs, one that worked ok, but was about to snap at the nose. It worked well enough although my eye sockets were aching when I was done. Tara scored a very snazzy looking suit; I wonder if she kept it? It looked good straight out of the lost and found!

My drag suit, running shorts, did the trick and I swam just shy of 3k when my bag showed up. It felt great to put a suit on and I felt immediately faster. The goggles were not cutting into my eyes and I could actually see again, so the next 3k should be a snap. Before I could finish my 6k for the day though we had to swim a 400 IM for time. I was lined up in the first heat with Lordy, Molina, G and Tara.

I had swum nearly 10k in the last 12 hours so I was interested to see the fatigue in the race. The minute I was up on the blocks I felt the rush of racing and I was ready to go. We were off. I focused the fly on stretching it out and just rolling through the first 75. I worked the last 25 to get in and rolled onto my back for the backstroke. My worst and least favorite stroke I just tried to relax and get through it. I assessed my position after that and noticed a bit back of Lordy and Molina, so I worked the breast hard to close the gap, not getting close enough and they pulled away on the free. I ended up in 6:05, and took a short breather before I resumed my 6k swim. I got through it completing 12k in 12 hours and my 4rth 6k swim of the camp. It has become meditative in the water swimming that far.

A quick return to the hotel and transfer to the bike. Not a lot of time to eat, and we rolled out about 6 strong as most folks either left early or just a few minutes early. G spun out easy and our small group was led out through the rollers by Johnno. I suffered on the short bursts seeing 400 watt surges to keep with the group and get over the hills. Sometimes it easier to set your own pace and I decided to do that shortly after our first break. I pegged 300 watts for the next 20k and when Lordy came by to take over I was ready to relax. I spun into lunch and had a leisurely lunch and Gordo and I spun out for the remainder of the ride about 50k to socialize and enjoy the scenery. We had a great coastal section a lot like California without all the people…plenty of place KJ to have a nice secluded picnic ;)!

I rolled into the accommodations at 5 and felt like I had a whole lot of time to kill. Nice to be done before dinner and not having to rush around!

10k run in 1 hour
6k swim with 400 IM in 6:05
150k bike with 20k at 300 watts—4:45
Total 7:45

Day 12 Now we are rollin'!!

2010-01-13T23:19:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 14, 2010 Day 12 Now we are rollin’ !

Today started with a drive over to Molina’s home town, Sumner. He wanted to show off his local running route, and boy was it a doozie. I just completed 25k less than 12 hours prior, and an additional 4k that morning, so this was going to be a true test of how the body holds up to running….nearly 50k of running in 24 hours!!

The route was to be straight up from Sumner, into Godley Head, back down to sea level and back up a couple more times, consisting of about 2k of climbing. It was going to test me to the limit. I handled the first up pretty good but had to let the fresher legs go, to enjoy the serenity of the vast open spaces on my own. I was pretty blown on some of the downhills, and in order not to crash and burn, and fall off a cliff, I proceed very cautiously. I hate to go missing as there was nobody and nothing out there and since I was pulling up the rear, nobody to see me go over! I finished the hilly loop, and added a 1.5k to get to an even 20k for the points competition, and then we headed back for a quick turn to head out on the bikes.

A good Southerly (which is a headwind) was forecasted with rain. I had every piece of winter gear I own either on me or in my day bag in case things turned sour. We headed out of town for the first 50k as a group, until the longest bridge in NZ before anybody was allowed to turn on the jets. It was nice to roll as a group for a change, which gives a lot of different positions in the peloton to choose from. Sitting in a group was a great help with the wind and rain today, and given my 30k of running my legs liked the relief.

The rain hit hard just before lunch and I put two layers on my legs, and had a good 4 plus layers, with warm caps and the like for my head. That was not enough when not moving but seemed to be ok when we were riding. There was no standing around today, and we banged out the 150k in 5:15 ride time. Most of that speed was in second half of the ride. Upon arrival, there was little time to waste as Lordy, G, Tara and I headed over to the pool, where Tara paced me for 3k, and then I banged out an additional 3k to get in 6k mostly with paddles which got me my swim-bike-run bonus of the day. It was a solid day of about 9 ½ hours of training. Something I find hard to do in an entire week when I am at home!!

25k hilly trail run with 2k feet of climbing—2:20 mins
150k bike with Southerlies and rain—5:15
6k swim mostly paddles in 1:35
Total 9:10

Total for Camp: 92 hr 10 mins

Day 10 Kaikoura to Christchurch, Big Day!

2010-01-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2010 Day 11 Kaikoura to Christchurch. Big Day

To summarize, I knocked out the biggest day at Epic than I ever have. It started with an easy 2k run down to the pool. It was outdoor and cold so we could all don are wetsuits for our 3k swim. It made for easy going in the pool today. Nothing fancy just got the 3k done, and then cruised home the easy 2k.

The ride was beautiful coastal, very 17 mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA. I enjoyed some of the scenery today before we had to turn inland. Another KOM was on the line and there was a bunch of folks here to contest. Not too many early riders. It ramped up hard as usual per Lordy Lordy, and I was with the lead bunch. I did not feel I had great legs so settled into my own rhythm. A few passed me and then I passed a few back and ended up 9th on the KOM. I felt a lot better than yesterday and rolled down to the drink stop. We rolled as a group and it was steady from the start. Steady all the way to lunch. After lunch it was steady into Christchurch, and I dropped off the lead pack and spun in with David, Russ, and Johnno. Lordy and I had discussed a long run today for our bonus points, as today looks to be the last day we would have time for getting it in. It was long. 25k long and it took 2 ½ hours, but I got it done in beautiful Christchurch park. A good day all in all…

Run-4k
Swim-3k
Bike-181k in 5:28
Run off bike—25k—2:30 mins
Total hours today. 9 hr 20 minutes

Day 10 Blenheim to Kaikoura

2010-01-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

January 12th, 2010 Day 10 Blenheim to Kaikoura

I woke from a good night’s sleep and we ran down to the local pool, where I banged out a 3k set with no goals or sets aside from saving energy for the day. A quick transition and Lordy who had ran in the dark before swimming ran again with me. We headed down a nice riverfront path and had a very nice conversation getting to know him a lot better. I am usually sitting on his wheel, barely able to breathe so this was a nice change of pace that enabled me to learn a little about him. Oxford, mathematics and a speedy sister who swims better than him.

After the run, I got a little bit of breakfast down, and I was primed for the KOM. Perhaps a little too primed as the two light days had me feeling ready to red-line. Upon the city limits sign, attacks started happening and when Clas went up the road, we had to cover that and the Lordster went. I got gapped but had help with the E-machine who did a massive pull to bridge up closer. Lee was there but was gassed already so I had to give er’ to get on the train. Peter was hanging on and the 4 of us were a good bit up the road, when the Lordster made the most massive pull to the base of the climb I had seen yet at this Epic.

I was feeling pretty worked by the time I got there as the surges and steady accelerations were emptying my tank quickly. I hung on for a portion before I had to back off and try and find my rhythm. I eventually started to fade, when Johnno and Molina who were in the next group up, went by me I could nothing to respond. Jo, and DC got me with just a little to go and I when I saw the line, I went Nordic to sprint back past Jo. In review of my power file I averaged about 330 watts for 19 minutes with an average HR at 177! I was pretty worked. The aid station could not come quickly enough and I needed to refuel in a big way to make the next 60k. The winds were steady and I was happy I had company. Big E was feeling good today and did a heck of a lot of work. It is good to see the E-machine back into his form. Eventually we reached Kaikoura and I had some food which helped a lot, and a mighty nice nap.

Later Gordo and I ran out to the point for another 10k run, and ran up to the lookout. It is a pretty sweet spot, although it did not feel that good on my quads walking up the big cliff. It talks about how this area is ‘Life on the Edge’ and I felt it was very appropriate given the circumstances of the day, and the camp in itself.

10k run
3k swim
128k bike
10k run
HOURS 7 ½ HOURS

Day 10 Ferry Ride/Rest Day

2010-01-10T20:15:00.001-08:00

January 11, 2010 Day 10—Ferry ride and Rest day

Today I woke from a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed. I headed to the breakfast spot, and Nick, yelled ‘waffle maker!’ . I went straight for the waffle maker as I miss my Kami Jo waffles everyone morning and I was not going to miss out today! I poured one cup in and it looked a little weak, so Nick and I threw TWO more cups in and I pressed down to see it starting to make a spill. We were all excited to get me my waffles, we neglected to see the sign clearly in display saying only ONE cup. Oh, well don’t cry over spilt waffle, although I got the stink eye from the café employee and a scolding, ‘one cup only’….ooops!! Not Kiwi appropriate!

In any event I enjoyed FOUR waffles today, and a full complement of other breakfast items. Although I miss Kami Jo’s good old home cooking, I did not so bad this AM. I prefer not to fend for myself in the kitchen tho!! Not my cup of tea…

After breakfast we had a little 2k spin down to the ferries, and started out 4 hour journey across the straight. Dr. E brought me a patch and we both slapped them on for motion sickness, just in case. It leaved me a little out of it a times but it was worth not feeling like I will vomit at any second.

Upon disembarking in Picton, we had a short little spin of 25k to our first town on the South Island, Bleinhem. A nice relaxing rest of the day for our final big push to Bluff on the bottom of the So Island..I am ready and feeling like it is going to be completed and knock on wood no issues. My bike had thorough cleaning, gear adjustments and the like so I am ready in all fronts!

30k of riding. 1 hour

Total training for North Island
Swim—29k
Bike—1370k/830 miles
Run 85k/53 miles
Total Hours for camp 66 hours 10 minutes

Day 9--Gail Force wind warnings

2010-01-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 11, 2010 Day 9, Gail Force Wind warnings

I attempted to write a blog last night on my I-phone, yet, it did not send nor did it have much to it, so this is an attempt to re-write that or embellish on what I had.

First off my day started with lost clothes including my red jersey which I swore might have been gone forever!. Short term memory loss is going quickly in my fatigued state of mind and I have misplaced things constantly over the last few days. We rolled out leisurely to our KOM regroup at the base of a climb for some KOM. My good buddy homeboy, Michael Robles (there ya go you made it to the big-time in Petro-world), back in Cali would have loved this climb. Unfortunately, he is on the mend from an elbow surgery from years of pumping massive amounts of iron at the gym. He is a super cyclist and has the biggest guns on the local circuit to climbing prowess. I always feel safe riding with him as nobody is going to mess with us with the size of the guns he carries around!

So the climb is about 35 minutes of length and started with a bang with Molina stirring the pot. Johnno went to the front after Molina settled in, and started working to shatter the group. He did hold it steady and would throw in repeated out of the seat attacks (which took me 500 plus watt efforts to stay on his wheel) until we were widdled down to 5. I think he thought me being on his wheel would gap the other boys to his advantage but he was not going to shake me no matter at this point.

My goal was to stay in as the gail force winds were really rocking the mountain. After a steady acceleration I was spat out the back to roll into my own rhythm of the climb. I started to watch power at that point and had a pretty sizeable gap opening up on David Craig who is in 2nd for the red jersey. Tara, Peter, and Lee came up and Tara did great at getting me up the steeper sections, and I did the work when it leveled out and into the wind. After a couple more turns, I saw David Craig moving on up, and was going to need to stay in front of him, so I accelerated away to open up the gap again on my little group. I did not want it to be a shootout at the top, as this is home field as he is a Wellington boy, and I had no idea on the length of the climb or the tricks. There were defintitely some tricks as the wind blew around the corners and you had to be ready for the slowing. At one corner I got pushed close to the center line to a complete stop and almost had to unclip. That could have been costly as it was steep and would have been tough to get going again. I kept the pressure on all the way to the top holding 330 watts for 34 minutes. I am very happy with those numbers with 800 miles in my legs. I ended up getting 5th over the top behind the lead group, as Superman Claus is starting to show his dominance in the group. Today we were joking about a kid in a spiderman outfit on the ferry, and I told him needed to get a Superman outfit…maybe they make a Superman jersey I can find for him to take back to Sweden? Johnno, Molina and Gordo were not too much up the road according to G, and my climbing must be coming around if so….cant wait to show off the climbing improvement to the boys at home—haha Robles!!

After the KOM, we rolled over to a nasty descent in the rain and wind, where we regrouped. Poor Sir Lordster had to ride the small funny bike over the hill as jacked his chain trying to cover Molina’s early attack. We are all going to pay for that for the next week! I feel really bad that he has to deal with that. I know how hard it is to deal with a stupid gear problem at this point of fatigue in the camp, and could only imagine the angst he is feeling from being left behind. I have been left behind near the tail end so many times this week, and it is frustrating as all heck. It is much easier to roll out early and have the confidence people will roll up on you during the day if need be to ride with . When you are last there is no such opportunity and it is rather unnerving. If anybody wants to give it a go this week, I will say you got some big balleros but it is a good way to test yourself and that is what I have been doing with staying with the fast group everyday. I get yo-yoed around by these powerhouses every single day, and let me tell you it is not easy, but this is NOT EASY CAMP!!

Lordster suffered from the missed opportunity on the KOM, which in my view might make sense for a provisional 5th place finish as that is where he most certainly would have finished in the KOM (in front of me)….that would help him in the points standings and I will have to suffer a lot less this last week! What do ya think Committee!!!??? Give him a f’ckn 5th place please for points, for all of our sake!!! The TGV rode the funny bike all the way into Wellington and handled it so exceptionally well, I have learned a great deal from watching. He is sitting on 2nd wheel riding that darn funny bike at 40-50k an hour right into Wellington. Well done Lad!!

In any event LOrdy, G and I strode down to the local pool, and knocked out 6000m, with 20 x 100s on 1:30 in a 33 1/3 meter pool. I started to suffer when we were each going 5 seconds back and G was gapping up to Lordster and it ended up being a nearly 8-10 second gap negating much of any draft in the lane. Granted I did make it, but it did not come easy. We then swam 3000 with paddles for the rest of the way, and my shoulders were pretty torched after that.

A chocolate muffin for me and my lane buddies, and we ran back to the hotel, me getting lost again after stopping to take another picture on the waterfront. Good thing I had my handy dandy I-phone (Kami see!?) and was able to google map my way back to the hotel!

A great dinner, and another massage that Molina handed down to me as he wanted to hit the pub more with the crew and drink some beers. I needed the massage more than the beer and decided that it would be more prudent to do so. Straight to bed in the best bed I have had since December 18th!

Bike 130k bike with TT up for 34 minutes at 330 watts
Run 4k
Swim 6k with 20 x 100 on 1:30 in a 33 ½m pool
Total 7:15 hours

Day 7-Rest Day-Well sort-a

2010-01-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 09, 2010 Epic Camp Day 7, Rest Day-well sorta

Today there were no competitions so all in all it was a day that I could recuperate. There is a lot of training involved but if you are really doing the racing, the extra sets for competition, just to ride, swim and run, is a welcome break. It started with a run down to the pool, which felt incredibly good considering the past week of over 50 miles of running. The pool was perfect for a fast set, and Lordy, Gordo and I were going to knock out our 10 x 200s on 2:45 for 3 bonus points. Day 7 of swimming and I was expecting a good feel for the water. The minute I took the first stroke I knew it was going to be a good day in the pool. Molina did not give me a snowballs chance in hell of making the set, and I was not sure either. He bet me a double-bacon cheeseburger that I could not do it, but since it is draft legal, Lordy was leading, and Gordo had on his Blue Seventy speed suit, there was a big snowball for the taking.

We rolled in on the first one 7-8 seconds to spare, rolled through the next three cruising, got tough 4-6, and then it was downhill, with the last two nothing to lose unless an unexpected cramp creeped in…No problem. Will take that cheeseburger in the next town that has a burger joint, Molina!

Next there was a run back…just cruised it. Then it was with the A-group leaving at 10 for a 200k day with no competition. Fresh off KOM free day yesterday, Johhno leads us for the first 60k at a good solid steady pace. After 7 hard days of training, this not generally how I want to start the day. Stay on or be prepared to suffer alone for a good long while trying to catch back up. We had a nice break when he had to find a toilet, and Gordo started ordering a round of coffees. It tasted great the mocha chino and I felt like a new man for the restart. Unfortunately, I stopped to take a picture at the top of a 350m climb yet everyone else rolled on hard, and guys that don’t ride with the A group everyday pushed hard leaving me virtually alone, lost without a map for the next 50k looking for lunch. It did not come early enough for me, and was a good 140k into the day. I was close to the bonking edge of no return, but regrouped with some food, and tried to stay on with everyone hammering until I decided it was not worth working myself into oblivion for no reason. It is a long camp and there is more racing to do. Today was not the day. The ride ended with a nice cruise through the countryside with Rob a nice steady wheel and solid rider.

Molina ordered Pizza Hut and I sat in bed tonight eating pizza and drinking Sprite…all feeling good now!

3k swim/8k run/ 202k bike in 6:30 getting lost 2x, bonking.
Swim set of 10 x 200s on 2:45
Total 8 ½ hours
First 7 days total hours: 57 hr 55 minutes
Swim 23k
Bike-1197k/ 740 miles
Run-80k/ 50 miles

Turangi to Whanganui

2010-01-07T23:33:00.000-08:00

January 8th, 2010 Day 6, Turangi to Whanganui

Today was the day I have been waiting for in Epic Camp. Day 5 was expected to be tough and the Epic Gods handed me a handful with 2 gears and a whole heck of a lot hills to deal with. It played with my mind more than I can express. It was the low of lows, and it took a lot out of me physically leaving me pretty torched last night after running around town eating cheeseburgers with G.

Today I woke feeling a little peppier, and our Motel group headed down to the lake Taupo at 630 for our lake swim. I donned a wetsuit and paddles as yesterday it felt like I was pulling myself through with the tip of my elbow. I needed to get the water moving better today and Steven and I jumped in right away. In fact I had my wetsuit on the minute I stepped out of my hotel room, swim cap, and goggles. We were on a tight time schedule as we were running back from the swim today so we jumped in for our allotted timed swims which are 5 minutes less than our best Ironman swims. I swam a 51 at the Wanaka Challenge a couple years back and needed to swim a 46. 22 out and 24 back, just to insure we did not swim too much. It was a great swim. The conditions were more pleasant than yesterday and the water not nearly as cold. I loved it!

Out of the water, it was a quick transition to running shoes, and then the jog back. We got to the Motel and Blanco had a nice trail run along the river. At this point I did not trust my coordination and when Blanco says it is not too bad, I need clarification as I am not that coordinated to start and at this level of fatigue it is a load worse. But he was not leading me astray as this trail was smooth and fun. Out and back for the rest of our 10k run and a quick transition to make the rollout at the other hotel. My bag has become a mess at this point and at this camp you are always rushing so my organization has gone out the window, and of course I have too much stuff to get out of my bag anyway so it stays in there a mess.

We rolled out leaving Claus behind, and Gordo said Claus is going to be pissed. We did roll easy but there was a good climb right out of the gate so it was a good thing for me, as I had ate my breakfast sandwich on the bike. And the slower pace would help me digest. Claus bridged up and he was not all that happy. Luckily he did not take it out on us. We rolled into a steady headwind, it was pissing down rain, and I thought this was going to be an 8 hour day of being wet with headwinds. Steven TGV Lord went to the front and things got hard. They did not get easy for a long time. As Molina said he would have preferred to have his head sawed off at that point, or something to that effect. We had hills, wind and rain, and everyone was staying on to be in position for the KOM. We were climbing Whakapapa, which is about 1400m or 4500 feet, and had a lot of snow on the top. Luckily the rain started to let up. Just as G did a flyer, Lordster jumped on his wheel. I was STUCK behind Molina who once again let the gap open up and did not bridge up. And to boot he did not even do the KOM. I did not need him as it was ok as I was able to get on, the only problem is I could not get the big ring in so I had to spin up in my small chain ring and luckily was able to do it! I got on and at that point we had lost a few folks and it was Claus, G, Lordster, and Blanco. The climb was great with a gradual ascent with a nice tailwind in the beginning and it did not kick up until that last ¼ of the climb. David who had lost the break started coming up strong at the end so I had to do a little work to get to the top but all in all quite pleased with my climbing now after a whole load of miles. And I hung on to 4th up for KOM point competition. It was pretty cold at the top so donned a jacket and zipped back down the hill.

After a regroup at the bottom, it was back on the TGV train until lunch which could not come soon enough. I did my Rip-Wrap, which is whatever concoction Rip puts in a wrap, as he is trained Chef, and makes the food taste a lot better than I can. Back on the bikes through some more good climbs all the way to our accommodations in Whangerei after traveling through some very scenic countryside.
3k swim/10k run/200k ride
Total ride time 7:20
Total for day 9:10

Day 5 Miramata to Turangi

2010-01-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 7th Day 5 Miramata to Turangi

After riding 35k at the end of yesterdays ride through Kiwi rollers, I woke in a small town with no bike shop. This insured I would ride at least 60k more in the same situation. I rolled out 20 minutes early with E and the gruppetto of Charlesey, Dave, Nick, Lee, Rip, Roger, Rob and probably somebody I am forgetting….it has been a long day. The rollers started pretty much right away and I knew it was going to be a day of body blows, but how long were the body blows going to be coming?

In any event, our group rode out some nice backroads, a bit on the 1, not so nice and then back into the scenic route. After adding an accidental K or two from missing our turn, Nick yelled out broken spoke as a loud ping cranked through my back wheel. E said to keep riding, and I heard another loud ping, and in order to not have a spoke get tangled in the back wheel, I pulled over to assess the additional damage to my bike. I rolled the wheel…no hop....looked for broken spokes and no broken spokes. Despair and then hope. I went through denial, bargaining, anger, and finally acceptance at about 70k with my 2 gears. The Kiwi rollers kept hitting me and I had to spike 350 watts on some just to get over. Not good, yet no choice.

I finally stopped shifting looking for the extra gears when Terps rolled up with brake cable at 86k into my day. I could not figure out whether to keep rolling with the group to lunch or stop and work on it. E answered my question. Brilliant mind, brilliant solutions from the ER doc….STOP!! Ok, E and Rip stopped with me. Spent 15 minutes or so working on it, yet could not get it into the 28...well that is ok and better than what I had before. Back on the bike and it was a blessing I stopped because the Kiwi rollers kicked hard and long all the way to lunch at 125k. I was torched from the earlier fixed gear riding and had to let E and Rip go to once again solo in with Tail End Charlie. I focused on the positives as much as I could but there was not a lot that could swing the rather sour mood I was in. A long lunch break helped a little but the G-wheel for the next 60k helped a lot more. Steady, easy on the climbs and steady over…the steadiest wheel around. We enjoyed some scenic riding as we came into Lake Taupo area, and finally made the hotel. Well, sort of as I had to go to another hotel. First time in a van in I have no idea how many miles now, and Mare on request took me to Burger King. Oh so good, Whopper with cheese , fries and a Fanta. Bingo…better!

To the hotel to fuss with rooms, bags…basically a cluster FCUK today all the way around. Regrouped as much as possible until the van came for the swim. Down to the Lake for a swim, and that was somewhat unpleasant. Cold, lumpy and not all that fun! Ran back with G, and stopped at Burger King where we on budget had to share 10 NZD and were able to each get a Mayo cheeseburger, fries and drink….tasted just as good the second time around. By then it was 630 and I had to rush back for dinner…did a rather good helping at dinner and now I am here…trying to figure out tomorrow and packing up and organizing….Good night.

185k bike. Swim 3k. Run 10k Total 8hr 45 minutes

Day 4 Auckland to Miramata

2010-01-06T01:07:00.000-08:00

January 6th, 2010 Day 4 Auckland to Miramata

I got a good night sleep finally and the body seems to be accepting its fate. Lots of training! After a few hard days I find I start to feel better in these camps. And although I had the massive crater on day 3 I know the body can bounce back, and since I have done it before so can the mind.
Well, today started off quite pleasant. We rolled mostly downhill to the ferry station about 15k, loaded up on coffee and muffins, and realized we were in the wrong place. After a quick departure, Eric and Rob made a wrong turn, so Gordo went to rescue as I attempted to take our backpacks down to the right pier. In order to avoid crashing myself out of the Tour on a dumb move I opted to stay put. Gordo eventually came back with no E or Rob, so we did all we could do and went to the pier. We were taking a charter across so the reason for being at the wrong place. E and Rob eventually made, and after a great ferry ride and no sickness on my part as the inland bays were smooth and the ride was as well, we arrived for a start of our Aquathon. The race is a 1k swim (approximate) and a 5k run.

I know after a few days of swimming my stroke comes around and I figured I could stay with the lead bunch, for sure Molina as he has been like ‘a shadow of his former self’, his quote today, and it did appear that way in the water especially after the opening TT in the pool. We had a beach mass start and I lined up next to Gordo, who I have had a lot of practice over the camps drafting off of, and he is a smooth steady swimmer so I was opting for his feet. After my quick run in, I found myself up front with only Lordy to the side of me. Molina wide right, looked to my left and no sign of G or Johnno. So I had to commit to staying with Lordy. Not my optimal swim strategy and might be costly as a 3rd man draft would have been a lot less effort. I sat on his feet pretty tight for the first 300m, when Molina moved up on my right. I felt I needed to drop off Lordy feet, so not to mess up Gordo, who I suspected close behind I moved right on to Molina’s feet as we approached the turn buoy. I was prepared for the acceleration off of the turn, but just as Lordy, johnno, and G accelerated Molina let a gap open up which created a bit of yo-yo and as Molina accelerated to catch the acceleration, I could not hold his feet, and had to drop back. I was but 20m back of the pack all the way in, and ran up the beach for T1, which was rather slow as my Orca is not easy to remove, and I opted for socks and had to tie my shoes. Not exactly ITU fast but why chew up the feet, when the ultimate goal is to finish riding across a country!?

As I headed out Molina was just a mere 15m up on me and figured he would be an easy catch, as just before the swim he said he might not run due to injuries (should have known better as he was probably gaming us, and I guess had every intention of running, although he has been dogging a lot of the running up to this point). As we headed to the first turn, he grunted and moaned as he came back down (more gaming), and I worked hard to close the gap. I had no pace data but I suspect we were just over 630 paces, and I just could not close the gap. In fact after lap 1, he started to pull away. Perhaps he needs to stop sandbagging us on his running, Molina? Anyway, we started to close the gap on Lordy, and with about 1.5k to go I moved up on Lordy shoulder. I sat there for about 2 minutes recovering, when he put a surge on. It would have been a better strategy Lordy to put the surge on as soon as I got up to you ;) ! I asked him after if it was a surge and he confessed to testing if I would be able to stay with him. My goal at this point was just to outsprint him which I suspected would be rather easy given my many fast twitch muscle fibers still floating around. Just about 500m to go, he tried a different strategy to beat me (again fessing up afterwards), by saying we should run in together and he would not push if I did not. I said that is not going to happen as I need the placing to stay in the Red jersey competition. He said he needed the same, so I surged on him. Putting about 20m on him, I shut it down Bolt-like (certainly was not Bolt-fast ;) ! ) when I realized he was not coming back on me. It was not likely he was going to outsprint me anyway, but better to have the pace easier than ramp it up all the way to the finish and sprint then. I came in 5th place, and was pleasantly surprised with my swim/run form after all the miles in the last 3 days. It felt like my body is finally responding in a positive way to the training, and adapting quite well. It should only improve from here.

Also, I must say I am quite impressed with the Lordy style of playing this game here at Epic. He loves the game and is playing it to the maximum given his current fitness and injuries, yet he is a Gentleman at every turn, with full disclosure to Gordo whenever he is going to do an extra run and clarifying of the rules as not to cross the line of sportsmanship. Perhaps it is a British thing?

After the Aquathon, we had about 150k ride, with the first 25k with two climbs resulting in a KOM competition at the top of the second climb. It was a neutralized start for the first 2 miles or so, and as we turned uphill I found myself with Lordy in the back of the pack. We had to work our way up quickly burning a couple of matches in the process to get up with the leaders. As we hit the top of the first climb it was Claus, G, John, and Lordy together, and Blanco and I trailing about 20m back. I figured we could bridge up on the descent with the edge seeing their cornering speeds on the way down. As Blanco descended better he hooked on right away but I had to work on the flats to bridge up. Once back on I sat in until the base of the next climb, as we ramped up the climb was a bit longer, and the front 4 drifted away. I rolled over the top in 5th, Blanco, and a hard charging Molina in 6th, who was clawing away for some more points to get him back in the Red jersey competition. We shall see if his efforts today come back to haunt him…I doubt it!

Next, we spun in easy to lunch on a gorgeous ride along the water. Stunning day with great scenery…one of the best so far I have seen in New Zealand. After lunch Tara went to the front and ramped things up before Gordo went to the front to set the pace just a notch back to keep the group together through the wind y coastal roads. Soon after we headed inland, where G pulled the train along at a nice pace. A lot more effort at the front breaking the wind and everyone was happy now on day 4 to stay put and pace in easy. We had another quick stop for drinks at 120k, and rolled out for the final 40k, and with about 30k to go my cable housing broke. The last camp I brought extra, this time I forgot! So I was stuck in my 12 in the rear and standard front. So the last 30k I had to ride with some good rollers off the front, in order not to crash anyone, and to ride my pace over the rollers. E, Douglas and I broke away from the main group and we worked together nicely to get in after just one wrong turn.

It looks like no cable in the house so I am riding the 15 cog tomorrow (adjusted fixed gear in the rear until support crew can get to a bike shop and get cables and drive it up). It will probably not be until 120k…oh well…it is NOT Easy Camp!!

1k swim/5k run/165k ride. Total hours today-6 ½ hours with ferry ride and Aquathon. Long day!
Total for camp after day 4: 31.5 hours

Day 4 Auckland to Miramata

2010-01-06T00:56:00.000-08:00

January 6th, 2010 Day 4 Auckland to Miramata

I got a good night sleep finally and the body seems to be accepting its fate. Lots of training! After a few hard days I find I start to feel better in these camps. And although I had the massive crater on day 3 I know the body can bounce back, and since I have done it before so can the mind.
Well, today started off quite pleasant. We rolled mostly downhill to the ferry station about 15k, loaded up on coffee and muffins, and realized we were in the wrong place. After a quick departure, Eric and Rob made a wrong turn, so Gordo went to rescue as I attempted to take our backpacks down to the right pier. In order to avoid crashing myself out of the Tour on a dumb move I opted to stay put. Gordo eventually came back with no E or Rob, so we did all we could do and went to the pier. We were taking a charter across so the reason for being at the wrong place. E and Rob eventually made, and after a great ferry ride and no sickness on my part as the inland bays were smooth and the ride was as well, we arrived for a start of our Aquathon. The race is a 1k swim (approximate) and a 5k run.

I know after a few days of swimming my stroke comes around and I figured I could stay with the lead bunch, for sure Molina as he has been like ‘a shadow of his former self’, his quote today, and it did appear that way in the water especially after the opening TT in the pool. We had a beach mass start and I lined up next to Gordo, who I have had a lot of practice over the camps drafting off of, and he is a smooth steady swimmer so I was opting for his feet. After my quick run in, I found myself up front with only Lordy to the side of me. Molina wide right, looked like Nic to my left and no sign of G or Johnno. So I had to commit to staying with Lordy. Not my optimal swim strategy and might be costly as a 3rd man draft would have been a lot less effort. I sat on his feet pretty tight for the first 300m, when Molina moved up on my right. I felt I needed to drop off Lordy feet, so not to mess up Gordo, who I suspected close behind I moved right on to Molina’s feet as we approached the turn buoy. I was prepared for the acceleration off of the turn, but just as Lordy, johnno, and G accelerated Molina let a gap open up which created a bit of yo-yo and as Molina accelerated to catch the acceleration, I could not hold his feet, and had to drop back. I was but 20m back of the pack all the way in, and ran up the beach for T1, which was rather slow as my Orca is not easy to remove, and I opted for socks and had to tie my shoes. Not exactly ITU fast but why chew up the feet, when the ultimate goal is to finish riding across a country!?

As I headed out Molina was just a mere 15m up on me and figured he would be an easy catch, as just before the swim he said he might not run due to injuries (should have known better as he was probably gaming us, and I guess had every intention of running, although he has been dogging a lot of the running up to this point). As we headed to the first turn, he grunted and moaned as he came back down (more gaming), and I worked hard to close the gap. I had no pace data but I suspect we were just over 630 paces, and I just could not close the gap. In fact after lap 1, he started to pull away. Perhaps he needs to stop sandbagging us on his running, Molina? Anyway, we started to close the gap on Lordy, and with about 1.5k to go I moved up on Lordy shoulder. I sat there for about 2 minutes recovering, when he put a surge on. It would have been a better strategy Lordy to put the surge on as soon as I got up to you ;) ! I asked him after if it was a surge and he confessed to testing if I would be able to stay with him. My goal at this point was just to outsprint him which I suspected would be rather easy given my many fast twitch muscle fibers still floating around. Just about 500m to go, he tried a different strategy to beat me (again fessing up afterwards), by saying we should run in together and he would not push if I did not. I said that is not going to happen as I need the placing to stay in the Red jersey competition. He said he needed the same, so I surged on him. Putting about 20m on him, I shut it down Bolt-like (certainly was not Bolt-fast ;) ! ) when I realized he was not coming back on me. It was not likely he was going to outsprint me anyway, but better to have the pace easier than ramp it up all the way to the finish and sprint then. I came in 5th place, and was pleasantly surprised with my swim/run form after all the miles in the last 3 days. It felt like my body is finally responding in a positive way to the training, and adapting quite well. It should only improve from here.

Also, I must say I am quite impressed with the Lordy style of playing this game here at Epic. He loves the game and is playing it to the maximum given his current fitness and injuries, yet he is a Gentleman at every turn, with full disclosure to Gordo whenever he is going to do an extra run and clarifying of the rules as not to cross the line of sportsmanship. Perhaps it is a British thing?

After the Aquathon, we had about 150k ride, with the first 25k with two climbs resulting in a KOM competition at the top of the second climb. It was a neutralized start for the first 2 miles or so, and as we turned uphill I found myself with Lordy in the back of the pack. We had to work our way up quickly burning a couple of matches in the process to get up with the leaders. As we hit the top of the first climb it was Claus, G, John, and Lordy together, and Blanco and I trailing about 20m back. I figured we could bridge up on the descent with the edge seeing their cornering speeds on the way down. As Blanco descended better he hooked on right away but I had to work on the flats to bridge up. Once back on I sat in until the base of the next climb, as we ramped up the climb was a bit longer, and the front 4 drifted away. I rolled over the top in 5th, Blanco, and a hard charging Molina in 6th, who was clawing away for some more points to get him back in the Red jersey competition. We shall see if his efforts today come back to haunt him…I doubt it!

Next, we spun in easy to lunch on a gorgeous ride along the water. Stunning day with great scenery…one of the best so far I have seen in New Zealand. After lunch Tara went to the front and ramped things up before Gordo went to the front to set the pace just a notch back to keep the group together through the wind y coastal roads. Soon after we headed inland, where G pulled the train along at a nice pace. A lot more effort at the front breaking the wind and everyone was happy now on day 4 to stay put and pace in easy. We had another quick stop for drinks at 120k, and rolled out for the final 40k, and with about 30k to go my cable housing broke. The last camp I brought extra, this time I forgot! So I was stuck in my 12 in the rear and standard front. So the last 30k I had to ride with some good rollers off the front, in order not to crash anyone, and to ride my pace over the rollers. E, Douglas and I broke away from the main group and we worked together nicely to get in after just one wrong turn.

It looks like no cable in the house so I am riding the 15 cog tomorrow (adjusted fixed gear in the rear until support crew can get to a bike shop and get cables and drive it up). It will probably not be until 120k…oh well…it is NOT Easy Camp!!

1k swim/5k run/165k ride. Total hours today-6 ½ hours with ferry ride and Aquathon. Long day!

Total for camp after day 4: 31.5 hours

Day 3--Whangerei to Auckland

2010-01-05T00:19:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2010 Day 3 Day 3--Whangerei to Auckland

Once again I woke to early and I will blame it on the squeaky tiny bunk bed I had to sleep in. It pretty much forces you to wake to go use the restroom in the night, and I could not go back to sleep after my 4am pit stop.

I was planning on running with Blanco and Jordan at 5:15 anyway, and we rolled out with Tara to knock out our 8k before the swim and run back our 2k to get the run done for the day. The swim was in a different pool which must have been in the mid 80s so that cancelled Lordy and Gordo from doing any swim sets, which was a relief as 9k of swimming in 24 hours left me feeling a little tight in the upper body. We rolled the swim straight, where Lordy and G did as I tried to hang with them a bit, but finally had to go into my own pace, which was a bit chaotic as we had lots of swimmers circling, and since we are in the southern hemisphere, we ride on the left side of the road and we swim down the left leaving my flips off the wall a lot more awkward as a result. When it is crowded I end up doing open turns a lot. The boys ended up swimming there 3k in 42 minutes explaining why I could not hang, as I just thought I was blown but they were ripping. I should have known Lordy had a watch on it, as he came through lapping me more often than not on a tear. His smooth relaxed British demeanor is nonexistent in the pool, and he swims through the lane with a tad of aggressiveness! Either you get on the train or you get your ass run over! There is no backing off when he comes swimming through and since I was not hanging with them today I spent a lot of time dodging out of there way when they came through.

The QOTD from Molina was “How does 9k of swimming in 48 hours feel”, and at the time felt alright. It was the effect of the swimming later on in the day that might be the question. So after the swim I jogged my 2k back to the lodging and did a quick pack and headed out for breakfast. I sat around a little long realizing I was running out of time just as Blanco told me my rear tire had a slow leak. So I suited up in my cycling gear, and raced to fix the rear. The last thing I wanted was to have it flatten shortly into the ride and be playing catch up into the wind all day. Better to be safe than sorry and fix it now as opposed to on the road! In any event I got it all done by the allotted send off time, which is not flexible…if you are not ready you get your ass left behind!

We rolled out of Whangerei, and hit Highway 1 where Gordo took the lead with a steady tempo through the rollers. The first hour is always tough for me on these camps, and I was in a bit of distress, but looking at the power spikes on the hills showed numbers from 340-360 which explains the distress. Any way I did everything to hang on as I did not want to lose the pace line, which saves a lot of energy in the long run. Thanks to Peter who bridged us up a couple times eliminating a heck of lot of pain. Molina hit a metal block and got a pinch flat forcing him to have to bridge back up which had to be quite an effort into the wind. Little did I know I would be doing the same thing shortly later? On one of the many risers I felt my rear tire going flat, or so I thought, and pulled back from the group looking for the sag vehicle for hopefully a quick change. It felt like a slow leak and I eventually pulled over to test it. And wouldn’t you know completely full! Dang! I have done that before…this was going to cost me. The group was already a good 200-300m up the road and the road was undulating to say the least into a headwind. I had no choice I had to light it up at all costs and bridge back up to the group. I did that for the next 8-10 minutes seeing all kinds of wattage in the 350-400 range which I knew would come back to haunt me since it was so early in the ride! I finally caught back on to try and recover yet the road never stopped rolling with some steep pitches…not Petro-friendly and I suffered for a good long while. Finally we had our first drink break at about 60k, and I fueled up or so I thought. I got a question on my blog as to how much do you eat and do you snack all through the night to keep up the calorie deficiencies?

Well, that is a good question and since I have not really had an appetite and can only stuff so much food down my throat without feeling miserable, and I have just not been eating nearly enough. And I learned that today, after our group hit some bigger hills and we just completely torched them. For me that was all it took to empty whatever reserves I had. We rolled into lunch at 120k and I was completely on edge to the point of snapping. I was completely empty! So in hindsight I figure I should be snacking all night and eating before I go to bed something. The question is what sounds good? A meat pie or Subway sandwich would be a ticket but those are hard to come by when I am in the hotels. Everything else has been same old stuff and not sounding good. So tonight I heisted a can of nutella and a loaf of bread. Hopefully that takes the edge off tomorrow.

So, back to the day. After lunch I was still feeling a bit weak, but rolled out before one of the main groups thinking I could head up. I made sure Gordo was still behind me knowing he could pull me up if need be. He rolled up shortly after, and I noticed as I sat on his wheel things were going to be tough right away. I was feeling week and the power was dwindling. The group was drifting away and Gordo patiently waited for me to come around. Waited and waited. Nothing came around and things eventually got a lot worse. I was bonking! And I was bonking right after lunch. Well, the Molina questioned was answered. That 9k in 24 hours was feeling pretty bad, and it probably had something to do with the 200 fly and 3000 IM set AND the band set. But anyways, I had more pressing problems to solve….how am I going to make the last 50k. The hills were relentless, and every hill we went up, I was feeling sick. To the point of dry heaving at one point, but I forced the calories to stay down as I needed them for fuel. We rolled up on Charlesey who was having a bit of his own fun trying to get home, and we rolled on in misery together, with Gordo patiently waiting for things to change. They didn’t! Finally, Gordo had us pull over to a market and demanded us to get some hydration. I hit chocolate milk and another coke, water hoping something would go down. Nothing felt like it would. An extended potty break and Tail End Charlie pulled over. It seemed the last group rolled by and we were the last on the road…that makes two days in a row and actually the first two days 36 days of previous Epic camps that I had Tail End Charlie escorting me in…’It is what it is’, I repeated over and over as I struggled to come right.

We were blessed eventually with a tailwind, and as G said a tailwind hides a heck of a lot of fatigue and it helped ever so slightly so we could pick up the pace. The nasty hills ended and I started to feel just a little bit better. We rolled in at 6 hours and 45 minutes or so and I could barely get off the bike. I hit the recovery shakes and started to fuel the tanks. Not that much was going down however.

After a session in David Craigs Norma Tec compression boots, which are full length compression units I was feeling dramatically better. The deep soreness in my legs was dissipating and my legs felt great. We headed down for dinner and since we are at a sports academy the meal did not cut the mustard. As I am very concerned with caloric intake I grabbed a bag of bread, container of Nutella, and made myself two peanut butter sandwiches. Hopefully that helps set me straight as I plan to eat up until bedtime.

We have another big day in store for tomorrow. A swim/run race and KOM competition with 100 miles of riding.

Swim-3k. Run 10k. Bike 175k. Total Hours 8 hours 50 minutes

Total for 3 days: 25 hours

Day 2 Kaitaia to Whangerei

2010-01-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Day 2 Kaitaia to Whangerei

Today I woke way too early after a very restless night sleeping. It is all the first day intensity that jacks my system and makes sleeping tough. I rolled out to see Blanco and Jordan doing a very impressive yoga/strength routine as I worked on stretching out my tight quads from all the cramping in the pool yesterday. Gordo and I rolled out for a 10k run in the serenity of the morning as the light was just coming up, the wind was howling, and the clouds and rain was forming. We did a nice leisurely 5k out downwind with some short walk routines inserted. Upon the return we saw Douglas, Steven, and Tara and rolled back up to them. G had to make a pit stop and I ran in with the them, and quickly powered down breakfast as I only had 45 minutes to eat, pack and gear up for the bike ride.

I opted for long knickers, arm warmers and jacket as the weather was calling for rain and I wanted to stay warm in the case of any lingering cold in my system, and was happy for it. As soon as we rolled out the rain started ‘pissing’ down as Johnno calls it, and we were to be wet for the better part of the next 6 hours. We had a KOM at about 30k so the pace rolled out honestly as Johnno kept the tempo up, and as we crested the bottom of the 1000 foot climb the games were on. I went with the leaders pushing a little too much wattage for the legs at this point, and since I thought we were cresting at 30k had to throttle it back to conserve. I was relieved to see the top at about 25k but should have pushed a lot more if I had known so. I ended up a fair amount down the standings, but know as my legs recover from the 3 ½ hours of running in the last 24 hours they should start coming around later….at least that what is happened in previous camps I have been at. I rolled over quickly after donning my jacket and hit the descent gingerly as I did not want to take chances and risk a crash. This caused me to fall back of the pace lines which insured a long day of solo riding or small groups. It was ok though as I enjoyed some pretty great scenery as we rolled west toward Whangerei.

A quick lunch and I rolled out with a few more riders, including Big E who is always great to ride with as I have put 1000’s of mile on his wheel and know what to expect and feel very comfortable there. There was an unfortunate spill by Roger and he took down Randy right beside me and Randy looks ok aside from some skinned knees but Roger has a pretty sore shoulder although Dr. E says it is not broken or torn. Hopefully he can keep plugging away.

After riding in with E and Jordan, E flatted with about ½ mile to go to our holiday park accommodations, and although he tried to ride it in he eventually hit rim, and I circled back to help him to make sure he was good. The camera crews were right there so we gave some pretty extensive interviews as they fired off questions to us about the camp so far as E fixed his tire. Some of the questions are rather naïve, but it must look a little different from the outside looking in, especially when you are not an endurance athlete.

After our roll in, it was another quick transition to make the transfer to the pool. I had very little to eat but figured I would muscle through the swim on a shake and power cookie. I jumped in with Steven and Gordo, and started following their lead. It started with a 200 fly, which went by effortlessly for me. After a little cool down, we swam a 1000 band only. This is a rubber tubing tightly holding your ankles together. It causes your feet to drop and you have to drop your head and chest to try and raise your hips. Maybe my bubble butt will come in handy after all! I have never done a band only 1000 in previous epic camps and we never swim with bands at home so this will be real test.

Again following G and Steven I pushed off and after a 50 or so found my groove and figured out the tricks to get through. This would be the toughest part of the day I figured, but I got through it actually ok. We swam a little easy and I noticed my energy levels finally plummeting. I jumped out and ate a banana and bar, and the rest of my energy drink to hope it would get me through the final set. It was a straight 3000 IM (100 IM/150 free twelve times through). I rolled out with the boys and managed 3 of them before all hell broke loose and my upper body was revolting on me. I had to back off and put it at my pace and the boys did a wonder on me putting 500m on me in the next 2000. It was all I could do to keep it going. As we were swimming 6k today for an additional bonus point my body was finally tapped out of energy stores. The nice thing with water is the buoyancy and I can get through if I have to just go at a much slower pace. I finished up with my 6k and was reward with a Power Cookie…thanks Gordo and we headed back. I got my first massage of the camp, and we had a nice dinner. Since I got some extra points from the swim sets, I earned the red jersey which is the leaders’ jersey for the Veteran (older than Gordo) category. It is the first time I have donned a Epic jersey at Epic camp.

Today 10k run/178k ride/6k swim with 200 fly/1000 band only and 3000 IM continuous
Total 8 ½ hours

Day 1 Epic Camp

2010-01-02T23:16:00.000-08:00

January 3rd, 2010 Day 1 Epic Camp

Well today started with another bus drive up to Cape Reinga. It was a spectacular drive, but I was tending toward being sick by the time we got there. Luckily it was not any longer. As we drove it was apparent today was going to be a HARD day and it did not disappoint. The scenery was great at the point as there is a lighthouse that we all took shots at. After running down to the lookout and back our run was on. The temperatures were rising to about 90 as the sun was shining and there was limited cloud cover. I covered up well, with arm coolers and compression socks. There was not a lot of skin exposure.

Our first run was to be about 12k through the hills and I mean big hills. We are guessing there was about 3k of climbing during the run today, and after the warm-up our first event was to be a 10k race. I was not sure how I would feel as I ran the warm up pretty easy. We started and Gordo, Claus, Johnno were off. Rich, Steven, David and I started a small group and we motored pretty well. I was feeling under control and smooth, and launched a steady effort at 6k. I started thinking about you Albert entertained of the idea of you storming up and down these hills. You would have loved this run! I actually felt a strong presence as the Albernator karma was there, and I hit it hard from about 6k-8k and broke away from my little group. It faded and I started to heat up a bit too much I think and had to back off as David came storming by and Rich gapped me slightly at the end. I was extremely happy with my 43:40 10k though with all those hills, and came about 7th I think. I ran with John, Steven, and Gordo another 3k to get the 25k run in for the camp. It was a slow 3k and we joked that our 3k might take as long as the entire 10k and it probably did take about 30 minutes. It was the hardest 3k I have had to run in a long time.

After lunch we suited up and got our bikes for our next leg, which would include about 90k of riding with 30k at the end as a time trial. A group went out fast with Molina stirring the pot up getting everyone hammering. I stayed with the group until I just got tired of the 400 watt surges on the hills, and realized the tail wind would help me get there and I did not need the group. I had some gear issues, and was forced to spin in my 26 for a while until I decided to fix it which surprising I could, and then E and Rob caught and I cruised in with them, enjoying the scenery and resting up for the TT. After a stop and rehydrating we were off. I went out hard, thinking I might be feeling ok, but after about 20k decided I just needed to get in. I averaged about 270 watts for the TT so held it together enough but finished a little off the leaders in 44:30. After missing the turn to the hotel and frustratingly riding another 2k aimlessly, we finally found our way to the hotel.
A short rest, and then off to the pool for our 3k swim. 1500m would be another TT. I got in and felt surprisingly good considering I have been out of the water for about 2 weeks. We did a little over 1200 to warm up and then we were off.

Steven led it out, John clawed on and ½ ways down the lane Gordo jumped over into our lane. We were swimming over each for the first 50m or so, and settled in with me on John’s feet, until about 300 in he jumped out of our lane over to the next lane. I was sitting comfortably on the feet of Gordo, but felt my legs starting to seize ever so slightly in the quads at first. Then it went to the inside of my right leg. I was right there with them until Gordo seized up in the calves and I seized at the same time in my inner quad. We both stopped in pain, and I only had about 500m to go but had to be very careful with the remainder of the turns. It was touch and go and although I lost about 1 minute to Steven from the issues I hung in there and came in 22:15. I am happy with that swim knowing it will only improve over the course of the camp.

Day was 2 ½ hour run. 25k of running. 90k bike with 30k TT. 3k swim with 1500m TT. Total 6.5 hours

Eve of Epic 2010

2010-01-02T00:21:00.001-08:00

January 2, 2010 Eve of Epic 2010

Today was a haul up to Kaitaia. Tomorrow is another 2 hours in the bus, and after the bus ride today, I was sweating, miserable and ready to lose my lunch, and I am glad I get to ride back down the Island rather than sit in that damn touring bus. It was too hot and too windy for my liking and I do not care what I am saying in a few days, I do not want to see that bus again.

Whilst, I am now rooming with my good buddy Big E, we have reminisced on the many good adventures we have had since meeting in 2006 on this very camp. We have done some great trips together, and I am glad he made this one as he is always a nice calming influence for me. As an ER doc I suspect it takes a lot to get him jacked up, but I think it has a lot more to do with his personality.

Rebuttal to G-blog: I have grown accustomed over the years, in raising 3 children, of a tremendous amount of chaos that I have been thrown into to. I suspect there are those out there (you know who you are-G!), that think they can keep their lives (children included), in a quiet, serene way for the next 20 years of their lives, but from what I have seen as a parent that is generally not the case. I have seen the odd case where the kids might be quiet as a mouse and submissive all the time, but it has generally been the ones that have been beaten down a bit, and are afraid to make a peep! I of course, as being the perfect parent—ha!, do not believe in that approach to parenting as much as letting kids be kids for as long as it is appropriate. So, therefore, it tends to be a bit chaotic in my past, which tends to make me pretty darn calm when it comes to chaos in my current life. And among a number of other reasons, I will not go into in this blog.

Needless to say, I am now going to focus on being calm through the chaos of the next 2 weeks. It is going to be sporadic to say the least as I am far from perfect in this area, and I intend to push the limit of my training on this camp as I have never done before, so I will be very close to the edge for a good long time. If I screw up severely, I have 10 months to regroup before my next key race, Ironman World Champs. I want to run every day, swim each day it is possible and complete the entire country via bicycle. I might crack at one point, or two, or three, but I have done that before, and as Gordo promised me I have at least a few get me home cards I can cash in. If I raise my hand in distress, he says he will come to help…we shall see if that is true especially in the heat of battle. Or as he says, war!

We have a great group from what I have seen, and a lot of returning camp vets, with a good number of rookies, who have ponied up for the grand daddy of Epic camps…these boys and gals have more cajones than I do. I know what is coming, and I am excited.

Just good karma and vibes for the camp, for a safe and fun camp. Maybe there is a Maori prayer or two we can say up at the Cape Reinga lighthouse to insure this. We will be starting at the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, which is technically not the most northern point of the island, as that goes to Surville Cliffs more to the east. But Cape Reinga, is geographically where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, and you can actually see the confused seas coming together. And Cape Reinga holds the spiritual significance of the Maori people. That should be good for our journey.

Tomorrow, we have some fast stuff in line, a bit of racing, which turns out to be essentially a ½ Ironman distance day at race speeds. It will set us up nicely for the two grueling days we have in store for days 2-3. Let get the games begin…

Travel day to Kaitaia, North Island

2010-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

January 2, 2010 Travel Day to Kaitaia, North Island

Today I woke early for the first time on the Island. It was 5am, and Gordo was still sound asleep so I lay restless until I could no longer bare it. We were to run at 630, and I would have liked more than the 8 hours of sleep, but I think the excitement has set in for the camp, or is it the anxiousness, or just plain fear!?
On any account, I was ready to roll at 6:30 as we were meeting up with Johnno, and we found Blanco (or as Johnno calls him BLANK-O), we rolled out with Jordan, and headed out for our 30 minute minimum run. After about a mile, Claus rolled up on us, and it was good to have him back in the camp, as he was at the first Epic I had done in 2006, and I remember a lot of punishing days left by the Baron. Whilst, I sensed a gentler, softer side of the The Baron, I am expecting some more punishing days administered by the Swedish hammer.

Gordo, and I missed our 15 minute turn around, but when we realized we had gone past, we quickly turned and headed back with Claus, as Johnno and Blank-0, ran an additional 3 minute to get a 40 minute run in…already doing extra and it is not even camp-time yet!! Setting the stage for what is to come…extreme, ridiculous amounts of endurance training…can’t wait!!

Packing up for our first of many hotel transfers, we are heading up to Kaitaia, in a luxury bus for a good 5-6 hours. I hope I do not get car sick…big E has some Dramamine if need be!

Auckland, New Zealand, Pre-Epic Camp

2009-12-31T16:04:00.001-08:00

January 1, 2010, Auckland, New Zealand, Pre-Epic Camp

Arrived 2 days ago at 5 am from San Francisco, and my cold kicked in full force. I quickly napped for a couple of hours before heading out to explore the city. It was a rather quiet day before a 12 hour night sleep after a nice dinner down at the Viaduct. Some of the crew arrived on the 31st, Big E, Gordo, Johnno, and Support Dave, with Ozzie Dave, Charlesey, and some of their ladies, and we all enjoyed a nice dinner at New Years again down at the Viaduct. I made it to see the Skyway firework display, but passed on the early morning run swim with Gordo.

Today, I woke after another solid 10 hours of sleep, and although I am coming out of my cold, my body is torched before the camp from the cold and travels. There has been no physical activity for about a week, so I headed out on my day 1 New Years day run through the city. It is hilly here, similar feel to Sydney, with a Kiwi twist. The 30 minute run did not snap me out of anything, and I almost cracked pre-camp with a Dunkin Donut stop, but held off for a blueberry muffin and Vitamin water.

I hope the body starts coming around soon.
Cheers.
Petro

Christmas in the Boat

2009-12-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2009, Christmas in the Boat

“the secret to IM (IRONMAN) is building a massive tank of fitness then NOT using it”

QUOTE from Gordo via Twitter feed regarding training and Ironman. I believe this quote, and I have been doing my best in training over the last couple years to live it.

As I lead into Epic Camp, length of New Zealand, 15 days of training of up to 8 hours a day I have to figure out how to get through this camp without ‘using it’ which I know will not happen. So, the next step is to accept it, use it and push the envelope to see how I respond for the next chapter in racing/training.

I have come to the realization that my life is about experiences. I live to experience and to show Paige as many cool experiences as I can, before she no longer wants to hang out with the ‘Old Man’. Then I will be back to my own experiences and hopefully she will have many cool memories and a pattern to want to live her life to the fullest and experience life as she sees it, not how any others think she should.

This week we have been in Steamboat Springs, CO doing some skiing. We also were able to watch the Olympic trials in the Nordic combined (ski jumping and x-country ski racing), the moguls, and aerial competitions. In the meantime, I have gotten some skiing in mostly with her. This has been a new experience for us, as she has mainly been exposed to professional instruction, which I believe is the best way to teach any of your kids anything. They just don’t learn the same with Dad teaching, and do not push themselves to the same level as somebody else guiding them and their peers pushing them.

This is what Epic tends to do for my training. My peers are pushing beyond my comfort level; therefore, I begin to push myself beyond my comfort level. Epic is one of those experiences that cannot be duplicated on my own…I have tried.

I have a reasonable amount of fitness coming into Epic although it is sporadic over the last month it is certainly good enough to get me through. It is just not nearly at the level of a handful of the campers who will be out to race it and take home a yellow jersey. My goal is to accomplish 100% of the camp this go, and have a little fun mixing it up on days that I start to feel good. I also like to play the--mix it up game-- when everyone gets tired, and stops wanting to mix it up. I am excited yet, I know I will be at some very low points in the next couple weeks, and wonder W-T-F I am doing over there. It will be an experience nonetheless….I will try to put into words the blow by blow of the upcoming camp as I see it.

Happy Holidays!

Post Ironman Arizona

2009-12-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 17th Since Ironman Arizona

It has been 4 weeks since IMAZ, and recovery has gone well. In fact, given I could hardly move for a month after IM #1, this has been a pleasure. In fact, I hiked (very lightly) the day after the Ironman at Camelback Mtn, and swam a couple open water swims at Dana Point later that week.

I rode several time about 8 hours worth 2 weeks out and starting running 3 weeks out, and everything feels back to normal. I have been getting a fair amount of swimming in and I have now 9 runs in the last 9 days under my belt. My weight is stable in the low 170s. Everything seems to be rolling nicely toward Epic Camp, Length of New Zealand starting on January 2nd. First a Christmas holiday in Steamboat Springs with Paige, then off to New Zealand for the Epic race down the country of New Zealand. Here is the official lowdown route details…there is No Easy Way!!

Day 1- Cape Reinga to Kaitaia
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ujjznviujbmvupxz

Day 2 pt 1 – Kaitaia to Whangarei
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=bwgpvxaffsobznsi
Day 2 pt 2 - http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=esfcomjgdtlohvpe

Day 3 – Whanagarei to North Shore
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=pijnmuvtpwddmvco

Day 4 –Coromandel to Matamata
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=weiirvaxlkbgtnqn

Day 5 – Matamata to Turangi
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=owzasyxkjjjykwqr

Stage 6: Turangi to Wanganui
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/turangi/824125833643390618

Stage 7: Wanganui Masterton – not quite correct
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/wanganui/695125833721127512

The MapMyRide elevation profile did not match the original. I tried a couple different routes down into Masteton, but not matched the monster climb shown in his file. Must be a secret route.

Stage 8: Masterton to Wellington
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/masterton/313125833848367042

Stage 9: Picton to Blenheim
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/blenheim/540125833883375059

Stage 10: Blenhiem to Kaikoura
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/blenheim/305125833931895300

Day 11
Kaikoura to Christchurch
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do;jsessionid=17D69A21F1B23D226D35EC0412EFF337?fileId=wubxraiqbustxwue

Day 12
Christchurch to Geraldine
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=qojwtkxiwurcfodq

Day 13
Gerladine to Waianakarua WaianakaruaWaianakarua Waianakarua
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=iynkfmuewvihafhb

Day 14 Waianakarua to Balclutha
Day 14
Waianakarua to Balclutha
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=gxypmiolvydmfyzw

Day 15
Balclutha to Bluff
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=szyhtiyvrxakeusl

2009 IM Arizona Race Report

2009-11-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

2009 Ironman Arizona Race Report

I woke restless on race morning about 3am after about 4 hours of ok sleep. Good enough for race night. I slammed a couple Ensure beverages at 250 calories each during my night time toilet breaks, and was looking to eat some breakfast but not overdo it with loading up the belly for race day. I have had problems with diarrhea and toilet stops and I think going with an emptier gut might be the ticket. I had a bar, another Ensure, and a ½ carton of rice pudding, a Gatorade (medium size), and that was about it.

I sipped on another bottle of Gator and had a gel on the way to race site and was feeling slightly hungry at race start. It was cool on the way to Tempe through Paradise Valley, and the car was reading mid 40s. But the weather would turn out perfect for me for racing once it warmed.

At the race site, Kami and I headed into T1 to get set up. Kami has a VIP pass courtesy of the donation Dr. Craig (ER doc I am staying with), donated to the race of medical supplies. It allows her access into transition and at the race swim exit and a couple of other choice spots like finish line, etc.

After inflating tires, filling bottles, I was out of there to drop off special needs bags, which really did not include much but another spare tire in case I ran into some extended issues on the bike course, and a another Ensure for the run, which I never got around to getting. We then parked ourselves out of the way and chilled before the race was to begin.

I was borrowing a Fit to Race suit since mine has a rather large hole in it from Ironman Australia, but hopefully this one does not fall apart 20 minutes before race start. We headed back to the corral where athletes were congregating, and I said my goodbyes and got in the water about 10 minutes before race start. The pros were just lined up and off as I swam around getting a little warm up in. The water actually felt pretty good probably because the outside temp was still pretty cool. I warmed up quickly especially after the token natural internal liquid warmer (thanks Todd for the suit ;) ) !!

My pre-race goals were to swim a relaxed 55, cruise a 5:00 hour bike and run a 3:30 run which put me at a 30 minute or so PR. I have never run near 3:30 and that was my main goal! The swim I did not want to work hard but just get through it. The gun went off and I swam real hard for about a minute and then settled in looking for a good pair of feet. The 2500 athletes spread out quickly or there were just not that many swimmers at the 55 minute range, unlike Australia where they seemed to be a rather large pack at 55 minutes. I was with a lead pack before it split off slightly and then a handful of us jockeyed around trying to get in a rhythm. I finally found a nice steady pair of feet, and settled in behind him for the next two miles. It felt slightly harder than I wanted, but it was either that or dropping back and swimming solo, so I hung in there and committed to staying on his feet. In a 2.4 mile swim there is a lot of time to think about strokes, and I tried a couple different approaches. Every few minutes I really worked on swimming catch up stroke and just gliding and kicking a little extra in the draft, and the gliding behind him takes quite a load off my arms and makes me feel so much better. I never do it enough during the swim and use a lot more energy I think just swimming tense. We started to catch some of the stragglers coming back in the last ½ miles and as we approached the turn, we headed for the exit ramp, a series of pretty steep, gnarly steps which I tried to get my bearings for to make a graceful, accident free exit. I exited right at 55 minutes which I thought felt rather hard for a 55 minute swim and was 2nd in my age group out of the water. I relied a lot on the swim catchers, as they pulled me up, but not too hard to yank my arms out. I walked slowly up the stairs and started to unzip, when the wetsuit strippers took over doing the quick strip down. Up I went to take inventory, and I felt pretty good except pretty cold. My feet were numb and would remain that way for a couple of hours, but all in all not too bad. I am glad I was not in the water any longer than I was. As I weaved through T1 picking up my bag, I would spend some time putting on arm coolers (felt they served a dual purpose), 2XU compression calf sleeves, socks, race belt, and the rest. It was not a speedy transition, but I have had worse as I came out in about 4 minutes. Off I went rolling out real easy getting the rest of my self prepared.

As I rolled out on the bike, I kept the watts way down, and rode with a goal of the first two laps being pretty easy. There were not a whole lot of folks heading out in that group of swimmers. As I rolled through town, I warmed slightly. The wind was slight, not non-existent but not bad heading east and then up the B-line it was slight wind in our faces. I keyed off another Mark, who ended up riding a 4:40 before I had to let him go on the way up the hill. I felt I was pushing the false flat a little too much this early on, but in hindsight I think I was ok, and should have kept it rolling with this dude.

On the way down, I started my hydrating, mixing in my concentrate slowly to lots of just plain water. I was drinking a lot, and most of it very diluted down carbo pro mix. We had a nice tailwind on the way down, and I was rolling easy at 30 or so. On the way up large packs had already formed around the 1 hour swimmers, and there was no way enforcement was happening when 50 or so people are sort of rotating through across the entire lane. At about 25 miles I got passed, stayed slightly too close to the rider (it was probably 2 ½ bike lengths), and got a red card right away, which annoyed me seeing that hundreds were going up the other way wheel on wheel. But I guess I was the easy single out, and the more annoying thing was at 2 ½ bike lengths on a tailwind aided downwind I was getting absolutely no benefit. Oh well, bonehead move on my part, and I will take my penalty, as at least it is early and I like the early regroups in the course of a long day. As I rolled back into town now playing it very safe, I just saw guys wheel on wheel, looking over their shoulders. The only real place you can enforce drafting on this course is on the B-line expressway, and that is how they were playing it.

Oh, well, my ride will be pretty darn legit, cause I am not going to get singled out for another penalty so I kept plenty of distance between folks. Although on a course like this, it is inevitable when passing and being passed especially as it bunches up there just going to be drafting going on. So I rolled into town remembering I saw the penalty tent on the way out, and I rolled up to see Jimmy Riccitello, and I was rather embarrassed as they took my name down to see that I was the absolute first one on the list, and they had just started getting their routine together. And to boot, the ticket taker was somebody I knew!! I had a nice chat, stretched and chilled as I watched about 4 minutes of folks go by knowing on the way up the hill those were probably the large groups right behind me.

The other bummer is I now had no idea what position I was drifting back too; as I am sure there were a few in my age group going by at that point. I as I did my time and paid my restitution to the draft marshals I rolled back out to get back into a rhythm. Heading back out of town, I noticed a significant increase in the headwind heading East and as we started the climb it was quite an increase from lap 1 dropping my speed from about 20 to the 17 range, and slowing the lap down significantly. As I crested the top, Kami and her girls were going to be there to see me at the turn, so I stopped to discuss have a little chat and take a little natural break. This was at 56 miles and I was peeing large, a good sign that my hydration was up to snuff, and the calories were going down into the stomach in a nice diluted fashion. Hopefully this is setting me up for a stomach happy run! As I took my break, she said I was in 2nd, updated from the site, but I figured that was post swim and it could certainly be different now after the 4 minutes of sitting around, and after my minute or two break and chat I was back at it, with the screaming tailwind section rolling us back to that 18 miles of road in 38 minutes. Not having reviewed my numbers yet, I was averaging about 235 watts for the race, quite a bit lower than previous IM races where I have hit 245-250 which I think might be a safe target in the future as my running continues to improve at these distances, which without a penalty will probably get me into the low 4:50s on the bike.

Anyway, as I rolled back into town, I was expecting the headwind again heading east as Chris Morgenson rolled by me, another one in my age group who can run well. He started about 10 minutes back on the swim, so was rolling well, but having done Kona 5 weeks ago, it caught up to him on the run. The wind was back to slight on the way out and I was ready to push the B-line, and back to rolling that at 20 or so on the way up. I was maintaining my power, but not able to really hit it much harder than what I was averaging all day, so I think my pacing was actually about right for the day. As we rolled over the top and headed back down a couple pro chicks who I had just caught and passed wanted back around me and as they yelled left, I looked left, and the wind caught my eye just right popping my right eye contact right out onto my glasses. Now I cannot pop it back in at 30 mph, so on I rolled on. The only problem, it was my right eye, which having amblyopia, which is basically I only see well out of the right eye. The next 18 miles at high speed is kind of like a bit of an effort to see, stay focused on the other riders, as I have to close my good eye to see out of my rather weak left eye. And so I prepared myself and came up with a plan.

Since I keep an extra set of contacts in my swim T1 bag in case my goggles get kicked off and need contacts, I decided to get the extra contacts out of my T1 bag. Next time I should just keep them with me on the bike somewhere. So, rolling into town, it was a big blur just trying to not crash, and see where I was going, where to make the turn, and weave my way through transition. I could not see numbers on the bags so I had to rely on the transition people but even them holding it up took effort to figure it out. I yelled for my other bag, and asked if he could bring into the changing tent, which he did so I grabbed the extra contacts out of the bottom of the bag, and asked if anyone had a mirror, or if they knew of any outside in the bathrooms. Finally a dude came up with the good old hand y dandy I-phone (that is why I own a good amount of Apple stock!), and said this will work as his I- phone had some mirror like app or something on it. So I took my extra contact and put it my right eye, able to see again, but thinking it was just not set right. I geared up for the run, taking another Ensure with me to sip on, and headed out. I realized after heading out, that although I could see ok, I had my contact in backwards, which leads to a couple things. Again, vision an effort, discomfort in the eye, and an increased likelihood in it popping out all together. Just need to blink a lot and keep it in…

I rolled out feeling great right away, and although my goal was to run 8s, and a 3:30, I started out blazing thinking I should go with it and bank some time. I saw some 7 minute miles for the first few miles and was passing people left and right. I should have put the Governor on and slowed it too 745s, but I could not help myself. The patience had run out and the excitement had taken over. I settled down and started clicking off a more reasonable pace after 20 minutes or so, but paid the price later for my indiscretion for the first couple miles. As I rolled through the first lap getting a feel for the course, I kind of liked it, as I like looped things, and it was mentally not too bad to put up with, although I always think it will go quicker than it does as it seems you are always near the race venue. As I saw a few guys go by me in my age group and hearing I had started in 5th, I now had dropped to about 9th or so, when I re-passed Chris Morgenson, who was slowing but then got passed by a German dude who at mile 12 or so I decided I needed to make a push and stay with him. I did stay with him, actually dropping him for a few miles until I started to fade right around mile 19. And my mood was beginning to sour. I also felt nauseous, and so I started walking a few aid stations pounding down large amounts of cola.

I ran through the ½ in 1:40 pace and doing the math gave me a cushion to run a 1:50 second lap, and still make my goal. I was hanging onto for 830 pace for dear life which would hopefully keep me in the top 10 in the age group for a potential slot, knowing there might only be about 8 Kona slots was starting to lose my fight. I slowed significantly from 19 to 24, hoping I would get the last 10k surge I get, but I think I spent that in the first 3 miles. With about 1.5 mile to go I got passed by a younger guy, and decided it was time to go into the house of pain. I got on his feet, and locked in. I went running from mid 8s to about 7 minute miles, so I know it was in there I just could not hold it all together through the whole day. We kept going and going, and it helped to have him there to distract me from my aching quads, calves feeling like knives stuck in them, and my feeling sick to my stomach for the last 90 minutes.

As we made the turn with 400 meters to go, I heard the finish line chute and gapped him going as hard as I could to the finish line. As I crossed I knew right away I was going to be sick, so I stopped, stumbled and then did the massive stomach cleansing in the finish line area, before I could find a garbage can where I puked and choked up 3-4 more times. Kami was there, and although I claim I was acting it up a bit (except for the puking of course), I did not realize it was her, and it sent her into a bit of panic as I was not responding to any questions. I just did not feel that good and was in no mood for conversation. She ordered for a wheel chair, which is guaranteed medical attention, and off to the med tent I went. They wheeled me into get some IVs, and I got to chill out under nice warm blankets. Dr Craig (ER doc with Big E), had arranged for one of his nurses to give us IVs, but I was getting mine right away. I got rehydrated the easy way, and ever since Oz, and my bad recovery from Kona Ironman 2003, I like getting the easy and guaranteed recovery method. And since WTC has turned down Big E proposal to staff Ironman events for pay for service IV center, a lot more folks have to go home feeling miserable and dehydrated. As I lie in the med tent, Big E came in since he knew the med director, as Kami was in a panic and wanted him to make sure I was not going into some sort of arrest ....maybe I might have done just a little too good of an acting job! Just call me drama boy! Thanks to Charlsey for the tips on how to guarantee an IV and how to answer questions, as he is the only one I know who has gotten an IV at Kona EVERYTIME he has crossed the line !

So, all in all a good day, although there was about 90 minutes during the run, I was hating every minute of it, once across that line, the memories and pain of it all start to dissipate. I predicted a 55 swim. 5 hour bike, and 3:30 run, and nailed it all with the deduction in penalty was actually a 4:58 bike, so I think I know what I can do, but I actually think I can run that time and take 10-12 minutes off my bike time…I will do that when I am a little bit older! I think I can maintain this bike speed if not a little better for 10 more years. And the swim is not going anywhere, and the run can only keep going better!!

This post race Ironman has me excited to race Ironman again, especially a course like Arizona where the conditions are quite pleasant. I took my Kona slot after missing it by one spot, the rolldown went down only to 9:37. A 10 hour finish would have been 30th in the age group. I was lucky enough to barely get one at 9:35...unbelievable.

Ok, Molina, no backing out!! See you on October 9th in Kahului Bay...I will let you sit on my feet for the swim ;) !!

Iroman AZ race prep

2009-11-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

November 20th, 2009 Ironman Arizona, Tempe, AZ

5 weeks ago, I returned from Kona. 5 weeks ago I signed up for IM Arizona via community fund slot. It was not really the fact that I watched Ironman WC (it actually might have hurt the fact as it did not look any better than it feels…. watching it), but the fact was I was ready to go race. Race an Ironman on a flat fast course seemed right what I wanted. So, I signed up for the flattest, fastest course I could find a mere two hour plane ride from my house. Easy…done. Now time to do some work…

First, I digress a bit…

After a pretty solid, fun week of training in Kona, I put the 5 week plan together with Coach Bob, and added my favorite race in there, the Big Kahuna ½ Ironman. I was too train straight through BK, and straight out of it, with a few light days of training right after the race. The week of Big Kahuna was a good solid week, with one long ride, long run, additional smattering of swim-bike-runs, and then a two day taper. It would be a test on how I responded.

The short version of BK, is this…

Swim cancelled due to fog. TT by wave start with me going out with a small group of pro/elites. We sprinted a ¼ mile to T1, and started riding. I got dropped in T1 by pretty much the whole wave, so I drilled it to get back in it. I rolled through a few right away, and got near the front. Justin Hurd, some pro was gone, another guy gone. I tried to stick with some guy from Cal, but he hammered the climbs…gone. So, TT mode it was, and being dry for a start of a bike was different, yet very painful. First 40k was right at 60 minutes with average watts about 320. This could turn into an implosion.

I kept rolling well, fueling well, and kept the pace up through the turn. Everybody was in there respective places for the remainder of the ride it looked and I was sitting in 4rth. I let up a bit to bring pace down a bit, but stilled rolled in with a 2:14 averaging about 305 watts for the ride….hmmmm? Can I still run is the question?

Out of T2, I started a little frisky looking at the Garmin reading about 6:15…ahhhh, this could be a big mistake. Why don’t was start with a 645 pace until the ½ and see where that leads us. That I did, and at the ½ was I feeling pretty good. Rolled the next 3 or so through the hills steady…and drilled myself on the last 3. My Garmin ready 13.5 miles and my time read 1:28 and change…I will deduct 2 minutes thank you very much! Ok, I could still run after a pretty hard bike…good signs!
End result was 1st age group by a good margin, and 6th overall…

I guess I could have gone 4:15-4:16 on that day with a swim tacked in there…I have been swimming well.

Next time when I am a little older I will do that.

Fast forward….
A couple more good weeks of training and here I sit, two days before Ironman #7 (#4 outside of Kona), and let’s see if things go a little different/better than in previous chapters.

I rolled into Phoenix on Thursday, yesterday, picked up my bike from Tri-bike transport, registered, and headed over to Dr. Craig’s little slice of heaven in Paradise Valley. I have full accommodations in my own private 2 BR, fully equipped, 1200 sq ft casita, on a sprawling acre in PV…sweet!

Today, we headed down to the Tempe Town Lake for a short swim in the frigid, low 60s, ‘lake’, and then a 20 mile spin on the B-line section of the course. The bike and run courses are 3 loops each and the bike looks fast. A slight false flat heading out on the section we rode today and a blazing 30 mph descent on the way back. Although the uphill is a big ring, 20 mph uphill, and the downhill is 30mph, so doing the math that is just plain fast in my calculator. We rode for about an hour, and then were starving looking around for our medical drop…some medical equipment being donated from the hospital, so since Huddle was nowhere to be found….we ate.

We ate the bowl o pasta from Oreganos’…ok two days and same restaurant both days. Who cares…its race week…whatever works. We dropped off our iced medical equipment and then back to the casita for a little downtime, massage, and then dinner. So, here I sit, just a mere 36 hours from Ironman #7…let’s get er’ on!!

A week in Kona

2009-10-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

October 8th, 2009 KONA Week

I flew into Kona, HI for the 4rth year in a row this past Monday. It was the first year of the last 3 in which I was not competing, and I am rather happy about it to be honest. It was the usual fly over the Island, and I had to remind myself not too get worked up over being here and remind myself that I am not racing.

Monday arrival led me straight to Bike Works where I had reserved a Specialized Tarmac for rental for the week. I did not want to pay the exorbitant airline fees, nor did I want to hassle with packing and hauling a bike over here. I was out of the shop all dialed in within 15 minutes of arriving. So, since it was rather early, just after 1, I decided to kick off some training and headed down to the pier. I swam out and back to the 1.2 mile buoy and then headed over to Lava Java for some lunch. A couple fish tacos later, and I was ready for the rest of the afternoon. My excitement in being here got me out on the bike, where I hooked up with Rob Chance for a bit for a 25 mile spin, mostly to make sure the bike felt comfortable for the remainder of the week punishments. I ran off the bike a quick 4 miles down Alihii, and felt thoroughly in the mix of it all.

I was not planning too much training for Monday, but it felt right and what else is there to do when you are not racing anyhow!? Beach, pool, sightseeing, oh ….maybe next time.

Tuesday, led off with an early morning start out on the bike with Mitch and KP. We were riding to Hawi, up the hill to Waimea and the high road back to Kona, which would be no less than 125 miles. An early start was crucial, and we rolled out to light breezes, and temperatures off the scorching scale. I was happy to have KP as I have not ridden with him some Epic 06. Mitch was putting in a big week, PRIOR to racing Ironman on Saturday. He was going to end up with a 350 mile bike week this week…. A little experiment he was conducting on his 10th trip to the Island for the race. I am interested to see how it plays out. We rolled out to Mitch setting the pace, and KP dropping off on the rollers, which led to some nice waiting for a regroup here and there. Mitch looked strong, yet I wondered how hard he would push 4 days before the hardest one day endurance event on the planet.

We rolled up towards Hawi with the calmest conditions I have ever seen out there. Actually it was quite pleasant, but with no breeze meant it was going to get real hot. We stopped in Hawi for liquids and waited up a bit for KP, before heading up the big hill towards Waimea. The climb goes up to 3500 feet, and last time I rode it I was greeted with cool temps and beautiful weather. Today, I was greeted with a maybe 5 degree temperature drop. As we rode up I felt good and progressively picked up especially on the small rollers toward the top. Mitch stayed with me until I was probably hitting some 500 watts surges (big mistake on my part on a 125 mile day), and he backed off. I felt good though and hit it hard to the top.

At the top we turned back and rode down a ways to regroup with KP, before the big downhill to Waimea. Once down we had a few miles to get to our lunch spot for the day, Subway, and a break at 80 miles. Riding into town, my legs felt off, and I attributed it to food. We all hit a foot long and it went down easy with a couple big glasses of coke, and I felt I would be ready to rock the last 40 home. Boy was I wrong.

As we left, my legs felt even worse than before lunch and if I had power, it would have been some silly low numbers I guess. Mitch rode away never to be seen again, and I prayed for KP to stay on my wheel, in fear of being dropped if he went around, as I had nothing, and would be left alone in the high hills to solo home in my own misery. KP stayed patiently behind and I just waited for things to turn around. About 20 in they did began to come around, and KP although dropping slightly on the hills we rode together all the way home. The descent into town was great from 2500 feet up down the last 5 miles into town. We hit the Epic Camp meet and greet just as they were returning from a little spin, with 125 miles in our legs. I struggled to tack on a 3 mile run after the ride and called it a day.

Wednesday, started with a swim out to the turnaround buoy which was nice and quiet on the way out. I saw Mark Allen and his son pulling up to the turnaround at the same time, and we all headed back together. His son, Natz, is 15, and clearly wanted to swim faster than the old man, Mark (5 time Kona champ or more?), and he and I got into a nice rhythm swimming together. Mark was off our pace in a hurry, and the young water polo player and I kept rolling along. At the 1.2 mile buoy I really picked it up and we hammered in pretty hard to a 31 minute return trip. A solid swim for the day that I felt pretty good about.

Today was to be a bit of a regroup day, with a solid nap after I had some breakfast. I headed out on Alihi at high noon for a 10 miler. The heat destroyed me and I crumbled barely running 8 minute miles on my return 5 miles home. The rest of the day was poolside, before heading out to pick up Coach Bob and we hit the Kona Brewing Company for a large pie of pizza!

Thursday, started with another IM swim with Mitch, who again was working through the week in Epic style. To take pressure off his shoulder he slapped on his fins which allowed him to keep up with me, actually to drop me at ease. I had to work hard on the way out and we swam a 31 to the turn buoy. On the way back the current slowed to a 1:05 swim for the IM course.
After the swim I hit Jamba Juice hard, and hooked up with Mitch for another big ride. Mitch was planning on his reverse taper for the race with a ride to Waimea and back on the high road. We got a late rollout at 10 am, and it was sure to be hot. The winds were not too bad heading out, but as we made the right turn up to Waimea, the wind was at our backs for the climb. That made it the hottest I have ever been on a bike. The climb rises to 2500 feet from Kaiwaihae, and it was ridiculously hot. Mitch who is from Palm Springs had two little water bottles and was pouring at least one on his head and just drinking one. The guy is either a camel, or is very well acclimated to scorching heat. As we rode up there was a layer of clouds just teasing me up above the hill. Although the clouds did not look far, they made me climb to 2500 feet essentially before I saw any benefit. With the tailwind effect if felt like a sauna and had to be at least 110 degrees. Just as we rolled into Waimea the clouds came over head and dropped the temp to about 70 degrees. It had to be the biggest temperature drop my body has felt in a 5 minute period. We refueled and hydrated for the high road stretch home. It was warm but pleasant enough to not be miserable. The road is a great rolling terrain with views of the lower Island and of the volcano.
As we approached Kona, the clouds turned heavy and we got hit with a large downpour. Instead of riding the curvy road Palani into town, we made an earlier cut down Hana Lani which would be a little safer and get us out of the rain. It was 2500 feet straight down without a turn essentially, with in a ½ mile the rain had stopped and within the descent we dropped from 70 degrees and heavy rain to 95 and hot and dry. It was like being blown dry with a hot hairdryer on the way down. We rolled back down the Queen K to town, with another 95 mile ride under our belts.

Friday was another Ironman swim course and then working the Coffees of Hawaii boat. The Olympic medalist 10k swimmer was on the boat, a big Dutch man, who tore it up in the Olympics. We headed out with Epic crew at Noon to Waikoloa. Rich Blanco, a newbie to Epic camp this year went to the front and laid down the hammer hurting us all before he told us at 60 minutes he needed to turn around and go tend to his gal racing tomorrow…Johnno deducted him a point for the camp start for such a faux pa and we settled into a much more sane pace before refueling in Waikola. On the way back we had some headwinds for a bit before it turned slightly before the vista point, so I made a rather Petro-like pull at the front and insured no takers would roll by until we were done in town.

Saturday, Ironman World Champs day led Coach Bob and I to an early start down at the pier to absorb the atmosphere without the pressure of racing. I enjoyed the scene and the amped up racers without having to be one myself. We watched the swim start before we headed up to Jamba for a quick breakfast and then the Queen K, to watch the front groups heading out on the bike. The sun heated things up rather quickly on a very clear sunny day. We watched the swim groups head by and then headed out to Kaiwaihae to witness the out and back on the bike, before heading back to Waimea for foot long sandwich and coke. Today is a long day of spectating and we were heading out into the lava fields by foot.
After racing back to the Queen K intersection in town, Rich and I headed out to the Energy Lab to watch the race develop. It was hot, and I mean hot as we ran out, and I wondered how I might be running any of this at any time in the past. We parked at the entrance of the EL, before Rich said to head down into the EL. I suspected it was a no-no as it is always so quiet down there, but I followed and we got a good ½ mile down there before we got chased out by a marshal. We watched at the EL for a while before heading the 6 miles back to town. On the way back I stopped at an aid station and volunteered to help. They said it was ok, so I spent the next hour passing out Gatorade and watching the racers go by at about mile 16 and about mile 22 on the way back. This is where there is no more faking. The runners going well were obvious and the folks hurting were pretty obvious too. It was the Ironman at its core, in its purest form, where the race was either going well or not. There was nowhere to hide, and the sun was relentless.

I watched most of my friends go by before I saw Scott Jones heading back dueling with a Marine. He is a Navy boy, and did not want the Marine to beat him and win the Armed Forces division. So I ran back with him giving him a few updates on the Marine. I ran back and forth for the next ½ hour running and cheering on others I knew. It was a lot of fun, and I must say a heck a lot more fun than the actual race. I ended up running 15 miles for the day, and with the additional walking of 5 miles or so, I suspect it was a good 20 miles on my feet, and I must say they were pretty trashed.

My thoughts on the race after watching after racing it the last couple years, is that it looks a heck of lot easier than it is from an air conditioned car. I actually enjoyed watching and did not feel that much of an urge to race it as the agony of it is clear watching it. But remembering the sights, sounds, and feel through the athletes as they race is also very enjoyable. I will be back but it is not necessary for me to race it every year. I enjoy the training and hanging out without the stress of the race a lot as well!

Sunday, morning Coach Bob, and I headed down to the pier for a swim. I ended up swimming the course rolling through in cruise mode in 1:05 or so. I improve daily in my swimming when I swim daily and I am glad I am starting to feel my groove again in my swim. The rest of the day included a Lava Java breakfast and a large nap in prep for the post IM party.

The awards banquet did not get rained out this year, and the after party at Huggo’s rocked until midnight with some dance moves on the floor with the IM boys and an IM world champ, MJ, where I pulled a couple moves with for a bit. The after-after party continued across the street and I rolled home a late 2am feeling the effects.

On Monday, before my flight I headed out for one more swim in the bay, only out to the 1.2 mile turn buoy, and I was surprised by all the Ironman athletes back out training again. Me, I would be in bed, or at breakfast.

Great trip, and congrats to all the Ironman finishers!!

Summer Recap

2009-10-08T23:06:00.001-07:00

2009 Summer Recap (slight delay in posting)

Hmmm….where to begin?

I suspect I have not written a blog in a while as I seem to ‘tweet’ my every move these days, and as that is a summary of my life for my review if I ever decide to review it, I have found less desire to write what I am doing a lengthy blog.
But here is a recap since mid July in Hood River. I spent a good amount of time re-exploring the good old US of A this summer. Colorado, Oregon and So Cal, and I know So Cal is not a state but it probably should be because it is a heck of a lot different than Nor Cal. I spent very little recourses on these trips as most of it was suburban camping, and exploring some un-chartered territories, from Crater Lake to Universal Studios, Orange County, and San Diego. I saw our 43rd President, GW Bush, speak at our annual advisory convention in San Diego, and visited the San Diego Zoo.

As far as training goes, I have been doing anything I feel like. I windsurfed in Hood River as much as I could. I ran 20 days in a row before falling down and tearing my intercostals muscle/tendon? and could hardly breathe right for two weeks. I started an 11 day bike streak after that, before resuming my 30 day attempt in August. I now sit at 24 days and see the light at the end of the running tunnel!

It has been a nice change not having to train for Ironman Hawaii…it has been a very loose training summer. I plan to get a little more structured and do a couple late season races. On that note I did go to Minnesota for my high school reunion and compete in the first triathlon, Turtle man that I ever competed in some 20 plus years ago. It was shortened to a bike/run with the inclement weather rolling in, and it was a hoot to see old friends I have not seen since high school years!

The rest of the year will consist of a gradual build up to Epic Camp (length of New Zealand), which will be 15 days of 100 mile days of riding. Swimming and running included. My goal is to complete all events of the camp, something I have yet to ever complete. Running included, which is why I have attempting some daily running goals the last couple months.

Paige is back to school on Thursday, attending a private school in Menlo Park, Menlo School. She will be taking a train most days at 6:55 giving me some changes in my training schedules. Specifically no more 6 am master swim workouts on ‘Paige weeks’, but I will begin swimming with the BAC Masters in Burlingame which should up my swimming to another level. Or just keep it at a higher level.

Summary on the summer….Awesome. Great time just going with the flow. Good to be back and time for the school year which gives us all a bit more structure!

It's All Good in the Hood

2009-07-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

July 13, 2009, It’s all Good in the Hood

As I have spent nearly a week back in Hood River, I have realized I love this town. Paige and I have rolled into this town for 11 years every summer, me a bit longer than that. Why do I love it? Short answer, it just feels right.

Last week, we rolled out of the Bay area, at 10 pm. An interesting experiment in travel by car. Not exactly safe in all respects, but what is safe anyway? No cars on the roads, just professional truckers. I barely hit Redding before I was sleeping in a rest area at midnight. I slept, in loose terms, for two hours, and felt wired and ready to drive. I did so for 3 more hours until sunrise at Mt Shasta led me to sleep at the base of the mountain for 3 more hours. By then, I had enough in the tank, to make it to the Hood.

Paige and I rolled into town, and we hit the Old Columbia Highway for day 7 of my 30 days of running for 30 minutes minimum each day. She rode, I ran. Tired I was but I got it done. Then we hit the local haunts , Crazy Pepper for dinner, before heading out to Tucker Park, for our sleeping arrangements for the next few days.
Now starting today we are back in a rental house with Big E, enjoying a roof over our head although I feel like I am out of place and would prefer to be back alongside the Hood River, setting up our bed in the back of the Suburban. There is something about sleeping in the back of a truck that appeals to me. Perhaps of the simplicity, the ease, and the forced aspect of being outside looking to fill time and see things all day long.

Since we have been here, we have been on a family fun ride near Mt Adams, run, swam, and explored the Town of Hood River. All of our favorite past-times. Paige has been in windsurfing camp, and has a few more days lined up to learn to jibe, water start, and use a harness….

A two full weeks coming up with Canuck Billy coming into town on Friday, and one of Paige’s best friends from home coming in on Wednesday.

It’s all good in the Hood….