Ironman Canada Race report

RACE DAY

The plan was to wake up early find a parking spot that Natalie could get the car out of at midnight when we were done so the alarm was set for 3:45 but I was up before it. I got dressed up for the early hours and Nat made me some eggs while half awake I was very impressed as her eyes were barely open and I was like a kid on Christmas morning :) Off we go we found a spot rather close on the east side of main that nobody would be able to block us in and walked to transition. A volunteer made a mistake of saying "oh your just a spectator so you got that way" I think as soon as he said it he regretted it and realized that 5am no coffee in the system people might not appreciate his humor.

I went and got body marked, found Thor and borrowed a bike pump from someone making certain to have air in the tires. I got out of transition area and found Natalie by the Peach, ran into Mike, Jen and Greg who joined Natalie in a prime swim viewing spot. I went back to transition to find the last Porty line for the morning before relaxing in the grass for the 30 min warning before getting the wet suit on. As I was relaxing I saw Pro Scott Curry and said hello, then Jasper Blake who was wearing #1 was getting ready right next to me. A lady asked how much he paid to get #1 this year he just smiled and said nothing extra, she had no clue she was talking to the guy that got 3rd last year and won this race in 2006. He was very humble and offered a bunch of us his sunscreen which I did use. After Natalie's horrible experience with some arrogant athletes I wished she could have spoke with Jasper to see that the top guys aren't like the wanabees she saw the other day. I put my dry bag on the fence and went to the beach, I gave my glasses to Natalie who was right on the fence with elbows up to guard her spot from the people pushing there way in for a good viewing spot.

I lined up a few different times on the line trying to think of where I wanted to be, I saw Santa an older guy that Mike, Jen and I cheered for 3 years ago. I sang along with the Canadian Anthem feeling great pride that we didn't have to hear the American one as this is IM CANADA baby!

I thought I heard the Cannon "Martha" go off, but others have told me that it was not there this year.... (boo!) I walked out to about waist high with all the others doing the same. I had some people behind me, I actually turned to see how many people might run me down. Nat was watching with binoculars and because she saw my face watched me for a long time. I only got bumped once by someone. I tickled someones toes as they slowed up in front of me. I think I actually passed a few people in the swim but then of course got passed by them later. Out at the Sailboat turn I waved at the diver in the water and made the turn I was giddy with pride that I said I wanted to be at the house boat in 1 hour and when I did the 500m between boats I did it.

This third leg was the most interesting. I got ran over by a canoe... seriously I was swimming along took a bump on the shoulder and as I took my stroke grabbed the gunnel (side) of the boat and damned near tossed them into the lake before realizing what was going on. Later I had a large powerboat drifting as their anchor slipped and I could not see the markers or the towers that I was using to sight. I was not swimming tight to the markers like everyone else so all the kyackers were telling me to go more to the right but I felt ok. I rolled on my back for a moment as I wanted to release some pressure off my goggles and I had a kyacker right there asking if I was ok, which was good to hear that was what they were doing. Somewhere ahead of me I found out later was having a heart attack and rescue was doing the best job they could. RIP Wally Wiwchar of Fort Saskatchewan, AB.

I looked at my watch as I came closer to shore and I was happy, very please indeed as I was well under the swim cut off as that was my biggest fear of the day, I was not worried about anything else I had to do other than getting waist high in the water before 9:20am. You fast guys don't know this but the rule is you must be waist high standing in the water at 9:20 if you are to keep going. I have a photo from a few years ago taken right at 9:20 and there are 3 people in the photo. 2 are standing waist high and 1 guy is swimming 4 feet behind them only two got to keep going on that day. Last year I met the guy that was still swimming when I was volunteering. That photo has haunted me for 2 years now I did not want to be that guy.

I pealed off my wetsuit to show my wonderful burger jersey because I think in the 15 triathlons I have done I wore the burger jersey for 10 of them. I am known as the burger man (right Sara "1 crank") and I wanted to proudly show that the burger man made it. After talking with my team I have no recollection of what Mr King said about me when I came out of the water, I have no idea where people were. But I was VERY happy to be done the swim. Nat said that Steve told a story about how I missed cut off at Sylvan the first time he saw me and how much I have improved to be comfortably out of the water now.

SWIM DONE 1:59:27 2584 of 2602 (I finished in front of 9 people!!)

I was taken good care of by the wetsuit strippers they had a lot of practice by the time I got there. I got my bag of gear and went into the tent. I found a chair and got dressed and ready for the bike ride. I walked to my bike and dropped a cliff bar that I was trying to put in my back pocket. I didn't go back for it as I wasn't certain where it was. I just kept walking through transition as it was not the place to make mistakes and hurt myself like in Wasa.

TRANSITION ONE DONE 0:05:11

I got on the bike and was very happy as I was in my element. I heard my name and I turned and looked at a sign according to Rob and Chris. They witnessed a guy get cut off by a dude waving to his people and ended up doing a full on plank flip. The waver had no clue of what he did. Chris checked the stats and The Flipper finished the race but what a way to start the bike. (Jordan has a photo of it)

I pushed the pace through town as I was energized as I passed a few people. I did pretty good for pacing out to McLane Creek (20km) and I climbed it with no stress like I did back in July. By this time my HR was becoming normal thank goodness. I remember following someone that didn't have the best bike handling and thought I better get ahead of him.

The ride to Osoyoos looking back at the graphs I really wish I was a bit more level, the HR and Speed are bouncing around I just kinda wish I could have had some nice lines instead. But that being said up to the 75km mark I was more in the HR zone 2-3 and as I went up Richter I got into zone 4 a couple times but not for long. I watched a guy just as we got to the top fall over. He was trying to eat a powerbar and lost concentration and just fell over. I asked him 3 times if he was alright and he just kept saying "lesson learned"

The seven rollers I lost count of so I was not certain where I was in the set. I was very depressed when I saw the Special needs turnaround about 50 feet from the highway and all the people there. I knew I had some time before I would get there on that cursed road to no where. But I finally made it to Special Needs Station (120km) I pulled over and a guy held my bike while I munched on my sandwich as I was taking a break. I had learned in testing that I can't eat, breath and ride at the same time. A lady offered me sunscreen and I couldn't turn it down cause it was HOT! I wish I had put some on my legs as there was this little strip of white skin on my legs that got it's share of sun today and hurt the next day, guess the shorts were riding higher than usual.

So at the aid stations so far I had been putting a Nuun tab in the aero bottle then jammed a water bottle in to fill. what ever was left was dumped over my head and drank right there before the bottle drop zone. Now I was stopping at aid stations just to get off the bike seat for a moment. I noticed more and more Ambulances that had their lights on so I was getting a bit concerned. At the last aid station before Yellow there was 2 guys in dire straights and a volunteer was trying to get them a ride back. Moments later I saw another Ambulance with lights going towards them.

As I started the climb to end all climbs I just focused on peddling, my feet were hurting where the cleats connect to the pedal. I remember trailing behind one of the 18 year olds (age is written on calf) and just as we were coming up to the last curve before the top he pulls over ans asked "Hate to ask this but does anyone have any extra water please?". I did not unfortunately, I hope he did alright. When I got to the top I had 3 gulps left in my bottles. I pulled over and buddy filled up both my bottles and dumped one on my back. I knew that I was going to have fun on this downhill. I looked around for Rob's truck and didn't see it so I was a bit sad as lots of the fun spectators had left. I saw a photo of Brian from Tri It dressed as Elvis, Dad said superman was there as well. So I cruised with a couple guys along the lake and then dropped them like rocks as the decent started. I didn't realize it but Rob, Chris and Dad were the third car in the group that went down with me so they took photos of me as I filled my bottles and then as my best friend Gravity took hold. I got up to 68km/h and when they passed me I must have had the biggest shit eating grin on my face as I was finally letting myself have fun as I was in my element. I lost them as traffic built up as the course turned back onto the main highway.

I was still smiling as I rolled into town finally knowing that I had the time cut off beat as I knew I would but it was a minor concern in the back of my head. All I can say is I am SO glad that I did not have any mechanical issues

BIKE DONE 7:53:28 / 2468 of 2512 of people finished the bike
/ 22.8k/hr avg / 68.7k/hr MAX / 142 avg HR / 172 Max HR / 4257 cal / 1987m up 1974m down

I left the mighty Thor in the hands of the volunteers to rack and they handed my run gear bag. I found the first chair in the tent and just sat down. there were guys joking around me that they were going to just go for a bit of a walk. I stopped at the potties (2 on bike, 1 transition, 2 on run for those that are wondering)

As I was walking to the exit of transition I saw Amber Dawn and her husband Darren walking with his bike. I remember thinking how did she get in here as she is not doing the race this year. I remember asking him if he won the whole thing as he looked showered and changed (he got 3rd in his age group 29th overall) I saw them again in the finishers gear line and he said he was so out of it when this happened. It felt really nice to have such a fast guy congratulate me on my race. Amber met me when I was training for my very first race and has seen me progress from there.

TRANSITION TWO DONE 0:10:35

So I walked the first couple km and I got busted by Amber as I heard her yell "Now is not the time to save your energy Randy! Get running!" But I just couldn't do it looking back at the graphs the HR was not crazy until I ran past my team at the Cherry Lane mall. That's where my HR spiked up to about 200, but it was worth it to see Mom, Dad, Natalie, Wanda, Rob, Torry, Chris, Tegan, and Felicity all in their red shirts. So I had to run when they saw me.

I was running 1 min walk 1 min with a guy named Tim and as he finished running past his crew they took a short cut and he had to run past them again. we got back together and he was so out of breath and we took an extra long walk break to get us both back on track. Around 17km I lost him as I couldn't keep pace up a hill. I went though an aid station that had an ambulance parked and I had to go around it, I saw someone with a TCR jersey on, I didn't recognize the guy in it but I was worried.

I realized now that because the smog or smoke was in the air it was getting dark earlier than I had planned so running with the sunglasses on was causing some issues. So I took them off and ran blind for a while, needless to say I was getting freaked out. Natalie and my parents surprised me by being at the turn around, so I was shocked to recognize the glow in the dark design that was on Natalie's shirt. She had my good normal glasses in her hand and was waiting in the pitch black to get them to me without any officials seeing just in case it was thought to be outside help. I felt so much better and more confident about where my feet were stepping, it was very cool to have her run along side of me for a short bit. I got my special needs bag and drank my bottle of Ensure got my lights that attach to my hat which were an amazing idea. Those lights saved me from a few times where I could have rolled my ankle from the side of the road. The last thing I remember being said was from my wonderful father "Your gonna finish this right?" my response was something Jen wrote on my arm "Finish or Flat Line"

I joined up with a guy from Hawaii that was doing the race and we would walk for a while and then run for 30 steps and then walk again. I think at Mile 16 I saw Sister Madonna she looked like she was in a bad patch but I was happy to hear she finished.

Just as we entered the street lights of Skaha Tim & Lana caught back up to me and Darren and we started running 1 street light and then walk to the next one. We stayed together until my body needed to stop for a bathroom and Darren walked until I caught up but Tim and Lana went on ahead. I was able to actually run properly after that much needed stop.

The run into down town I barely remember it was the last few KM, I do remember faintly hearing the announcers. When I was about to run to the hot corner Mike and Greg found me. They had been looking at their watches and thinking they better find me and motivate me with all the verbal abuse I could handle to make it before midnight. Thankfully it wasn't needed today :) Darren and I were still doing street lights and I remember running up to part of my people and they were standing under a light post instead of saying hello we both pointed at the pole and said "run" I think there will be a photo of two exhausted guys pointing at that pole.

There was this last aid station that I really don't know why you would need to have a banana or gel in the last km of the run. Somehow this local girl decided that she was going to run with us. It kinda pissed me of that she was bounding along chatting and smiling as I tried not to drag my feet. One of the people on the side yelled at her "Don't get them DQ'd" when we went past that aid station again she pulled off and clapped.

We ran past the light post where I saw my Dad at, I can't remember who else was there for some reason. I heard my sister on my left side saying she was so proud of me. Darren and I got closer to the lights of the finish line and I could hear Steve King's Voice raspy from a day of stories. We got to a pole and it was suppose to be a walk but I looked at Darren and said lets just run the rest of the way. I think he might have wanted that walk break as he ended up pointing that I could run ahead of him for the finish. I started taking good long strides in the lights and passed a guy just meters from the line and the look on his face was shock of how can you be going that fast.

RUN DONE - 6:26:26 / 2334 of 2381 people that finished the run
9:09 min/km / 2953 cal / 129 Avg HR / 207 M HR / 1073m up 1052 down

I crossed the line with a big grin on my face. I had two elderly ladies as my finish catchers that their job was to take care of me till I was claimed by someone outside the fence. I almost didn't get my medal as I got past the guy handing them out. As a dude cut my chip of my ankle I was properly medaled and someone wrapped me in a foil. One of the catchers asked what shirt size I was and I couldn't remember what the word was that except that it had a L. she looked at me and said "large" yep that's the word I was looking for. I got my photo taken and then they pointed me to some cookies and pizza. Pizza man said Peperoni or Veg... F**K the veg I just exercised for 17.5 hours he laughed at me and handed me two big slices of heaven.

My catchers got me to the gate and I looked out and didn't recognize any red shirts, but then Mike Jen and Greg ran up and said they would claim me. I was just so happy that I didn't get moved into the med tent as I must have barely passed the tests. Natalie came around the corner gave me a big hug and then ran to a bathroom as she had been waiting for me to finish. We had some good laughs about the day and then Natalie and I walked back to the car and she drove me back to the motel. There was one last barricade and Nat and I switched seats to get the last little bit home. Nat made me have a bath before passing out just in case I could not move very well the next day (guess it was today now).

--------------------------------------------------
2832 numbers registered - 498 behind me
2602 finished the swim - 18 I beat in the swim
2512 finished the Bike - 44 I was quicker
2477 Started the run - 60 I ran faster than
2381 finished the event - I finished in front of 47

I was ranked 2584 swim, 2468 bike , 2334 run and 2334 overall

-----------------------------------------------------

On this 2 year journey my coach Mike Pasco www.e4life.ca guided me through
36 hours of weight lifting
167 swims for 196 km in 150 hours
147 Runs for 819 km in 123 hours
144 Bike Rides for 3931 km 191 hours
Plans said to do more but as I learned life has a way of messing with the best made plans.

I was able to keep my weight in the low 190's instead of the icky 210 I was at before.

-----------------------------------------------------------

I want to thank all my family and friends that have been on this journey with me.

I have decided that next year Iron Man will not call my name. To be honest I don't know when my next opportunity to dance with that distance will be. I do know that I will not be able to train for this event while doing 12 hour shifts. I have put off a lot of life decisions that I will have to take care of before setting my sights on this in the future.

6 days to go to the big one

A journey of a 1000 steps begins with just one.

-6 years ago I took a bet from my buddy Dan Giberson that we should do a Olympic Distance Triathlon together. I have done 14 triathlons since then
-3 years ago I watched my first Iron Man Canada race
-2 years ago I decided that I wanted to do IMC for the challange and found my coach Mike Pascoe www.e4life.ca
-1 year ago I volunteered in the bike lot so I could sign up for 2009
- in 6 days I can't wait to here Mr Steve King say those words I have been waiting for..... "randy you are an Iron Man!!!"
- 7 days from now I will be hobbling around with the biggest shit eating grin on my face after I experienced a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.


To join me on the journey I hope you will log into Ironman.com and there will be a link on Sunday that says follow an athlete (me an athlete HA who would have thought) and I am bib #436 and I hope to be finished around 10:30 to 11:30pm and you might be able to watch me cross the finish line on the video feed they put up.

Calgary 70.3 Half Ironman

Swim 58:55 -T1 0:6:13 - Bike 3:18:51 - T2 0:3:34 - Run 3:16:00 - Overall 7:43:33 - Placing 1006 of 1079 - Division 95 of 102

This was my second Point to Point race so I had a better idea as to what to expect and this time I was able to see both transitions and have some idea how it would work. That did make me feel better. My only problem was that I still had not quite figured out how the bike course got us into the city limits, but there are worse things to have a bit foggy.

Woke up at 4:20 and didn't quite remember why my alarm was ringing so early until I saw my race kit. One last check on my gear piles and I did the final bagging, I did good the only thing I forgot was sunscreen and this frozen Ensure Drink I wanted to test in my T2 bag. Had my 3 eggs on a slice of bread for breakfast as I headed out to the car. Saw a neighbor out for that first smoke of the day, made me smile thinking it must suck to have a habit wake you up like that, mind you.... a pot and a kettle come to mind. Drove over to the Grey Eagle Casino where a whole bunch of buses were waiting to take us out to Ghost Lake. I had to chuckle as the driver had Google Maps on her I-phone and was checking it rather often. Honey if you make a wrong turn you have a bus full of people that know where we are going and probably will not be worried about letting you know how to get to the lake.

So I arrived around 5:30 or so and did the last min organization duties, borrow a pump, put bags in right spots, stand in porti lines (2 at site, 2 at home), took pictures of the pros running with there bikes to the mount line I think I got one for each pro, sit and not get to excited too early, I chatted with people I recognized from my first learn to run class all the way to Iron Man camp last month, Phoned Natalie who was in a wedding party in Vancouver. I finally got the wet suit fully on at 8:20 and went and stood in the water with 107 of my new closest friends waiting for the final count down. I lined myself up near the back on the left side of the ramp.

The horn goes off and so do we. I did pretty good to the first marker I was drafting off someones feet for most of it and the bumping was minimal. I rounded the marker and thank goodness my Mom and Sister found out about prescription goggles that I was wearing today, I fear if I had not been wearing them I would never have been able to distinguish the markers and the boats. I only remember seeing 6. Two near the start, 2 on the bridge structure, and 2 at the far far far end. I would have liked to have had a waterproof garmin to see how much extra distance I put on by not seeing the next marker. The course is like a big rectangle so I clicked my watch at the half way point ish and it said 0:25:28 I liked that even though sighting was not fun. Well on the way back the wind picked up just on the other side of the bridge. I remember seeing the bright orange marker not move for a while, this is where I saw the boat with divers on it pulling a guy in a yellow swim cap onto it. he must have been out there for a while as this wave wore white caps. so the waves are starting to build now I realize that they were not white caps but they were getting to be very large from my perspective. I realized that I would have to adjust my aim to that I almost cut the corner so that I would swim into the waves at an angle and let them push me back a bit each stroke so that I could get to the marker. I finally got to it and then it was straight to the dock that I knew was there but couldn't see. I asked one of the people in the canoe what boat should I aim for. there was this great big yellow sailboat in the way of the dock, I remember seeing 3 sides of that boat so you know they were swinging around pretty good on their mooring point. Finally got to the dock and was standing.

Swim Done: 25:28 at my half point, 33:27 for second for official total 0:58:55 - 3:06/100m

I had my wet suit mostly off but not past my hips so the strippers had some extra tugs to do to get the silly thing off me. Dumped my bag out and could have been a bit more methodical on steps to get dressed as this was my first dump the bag transition. Wasn't shy and took a handful of Chamois cream and applied with volunteers watching, was glad I did as there was no issues later. Someone helped me pack my bag with my wet gear. then I ran in cycling shoes half way down the parking lot to the end of transition. I counted 3 or 4 bikes left in the lot. Grabbed Thor fumbled with the garmin to get it turned on (it's getting old and cranky) and ran the length of transition then the driveway to the stop sign. Looking back at the graphs my heart rate was above 160 as I finally started riding.

Transition 1 Done: 0:06:13

I had a good tail wind pushing me along Hwy 1A and it was great I was in the big ring flying along around 40k/h for a while until the first corner. Man I took that corner fast looking back and then their was the uphill grind Grand Valley Road is what it was called and appropriately named as the view would be nice if I hadn't had my nose to the grindstone. There was a little down hill stretch with a bit of a side wind I took advantage of this moment to take care of what I couldn't do in my wetsuit even though I tried. My fellow athletes will understand this previous sentence those that don't skip it and keep reading :) I finally caught up to my first athlete on the bike probably 30 min into the ride I had been watching about 4 up in the distance and had finally caught them. I passed about 5 people on this climb to hwy 280 where the aid station was. I went right through as I had my Beef Jerky sticks and a bottle and half of Nuun. I started the day with 2 bottles and in my first hour only drank half of one. looking back that was warning sign #1.

From the aid station to Cochran it was pretty much down hill and there was brand spanking new pavement for parts of it. It was such a lovely change from the chip seal on the climb. There was a lot of volunteers on the road all with a stop sign for traffic entering the course, some of them looked like professional construction traffic control people. I was feeling very good on the first half, I was surprised to see a timing mat halfway on the bike guess it helped on the track the athlete on Ironman.com. So as we went through there was more police presence on the intersections and more traffic. As I went up the hill out of Cochran I was passed for the 3rd time by someone that was not in my wave. I was glad they gave us the climbing lane up that hill, and at the top there was a couple that had pulled over opened all the doors on their car and cranked up the tunes, something I wish more volunteers would do but that's just me. Cars were backed up for long stretch along hwy 22. Finally got turned off Hwy 22 and that potential road rage zone onto hwy 250 and watched a small plane landed as I came up to the airport.

When I got to the 2nd aid station at 70km I tossed my empty water bottle and grabbed a 500ml bottle of water from a guy. I drank the whole thing as I went through transition, I kept my eye open for full bike bottles that I could get to replace my tossed one. I got to the end of transition and there wasn't any. I finished the little bottle and tossed it. Warning #2 this is 2:30 into the bike and I had 1.5 L of Nuun and that 500ml bottle of water. a few KM later I reached down as I was trying to drink and eat each 10 min when I remembered (need to set a beep for IM) I realized I had maby 4 good slugs of water left in the bottle. My mind said no worries it's only 20km that's your bike commute and you don't use water for that now do you?

So we get to the interchange that I all this time thought we turned at, the one that goes past Calaway Park and the volunteer says go straight. For a micro moment I panicked thinking this would take us over another hill, but it is what it is popped into my head. So I keep going east until this wacky corner and half way through it I recognized Mike W voice calling my name. Crossed over Highway 1 and caught another group of riders, even this one roadie that pulled up and asked which race this was wished me luck and then DROPPED the hammer and was gone. I saw Jen who introduced me to my coach on this corner where we turned and ended up on this little road that I didn't think was a road that I probably will never be able to find again. She told me Greg was just ahead of me. Traffic on Glenmore was backed up quite a bit and once again I was glad we had our own lane to use. Had some punk lean out his window and tell me I should quit as I was in last place. Then I passed the guy in front of me and thought to myself HA! We turned onto 37th street and I got into an easier gear and just spun down the incline to T2. I was trying very hard not to think of how thirsty I was.

Bike done: first half 1:35:56, second half 1:42:55, total 3:18:51 - 28.6km/h (a new personal best for bike average speed in a race, also first one where transition times not included) Avg HR 150

I got to my rack at the far end of the zone and this transition went a bit more smoother than T1 as I just dumped the bag on the grass. Some guy down the rack was saying he had 4 flats today and he never had more than 4 in a season so his day was done. I counted my blessings that I didn't have any and walked out of transition switching modes on the Garmin. I heard someone yell out "tear up the run course, or not"

Transition 2 Done : 0:03:34

As I left T2 a volunteer said that water and bathrooms were around the corner so I thought I would walk to the water and drink 2 glasses, I could tell I was very thirsty at this point and it was 1pm getting into the hot part of the day (wx.ca says it was 25 at 1pm and rose to 29 by 5pm) I got to ran past the finish area which was packed with spectators so I put my head down and forced ran myself trying to remember all run drills I have ever been told. My fear was that the Evil Nurse lady would pull me from the course if she saw how bad I felt. (Evil Nurse lady has harassed me at both attempts at Sylvan and also at the Innisfail sprint where my cousin Andy damned near told her to fly a kit) So I had history with her and I really didn't want to speak with her at all today. I heard my name a few times but I didn't really react to it as I was thinking but at the end of the crowd I heard "Fast Feet Randy! Fast Cadence" looked over and there was the lady from The Endorphin Daze Camp that taught us running drills. I couldn't figure out if she was telling me that I had fast cadence or that I needed to pick it up" I was confused. After the crowd disappeared I had a walk break that lasted longer then I wanted but by now I really wanted that drink of water and I had noticed that my skin was moist but I wasn't really sweating. Warning sign 3, I saw the sign for aid station ahead so I put 2 salt tabs in my mouth so I could swallow them when I got water. well what little moisture in my mouth melted the casing before I got to the aid station so I got a good hit of dry salt that I ended up spitting out in a great big white puff when I coughed. This is where I realized that I got modes switched on the garmin but I didn't start the timer, so I lost about a km of data but I didn't really care.

So we got to the canoe club and I stopped at the aid station to get more fluid. So we had to run back past the finish area and there was a sign for aid station ahead, now I don't know how much warning they felt you needed but the aid station wasn't for a long way after the warning sign and I thought I missed it. I saw Celine and probably rather panicky asked if I missed it. I felt like a real fool for walking past the finish area but I wanted water and NOW. All of a sudden Greg came up behind me as he had stopped at a porti. I met Greg when I was in Learn to Run at Kensington 2004, we have been running in a group together for the last year so I know we run at a close pace. He was desperate to ditch his water belt and was asking different volunteers if he could leave it with them. I yelled and said leave it by the porti they aren't going anywhere and the volunteers kept saying ask this person well ask this person. That gave me a 4min break 35 min into the run. I wanted to have a running partner so I waited for him. It felt good to have someone to talk with during the run to get the mind off the strong desire for water and since both of us were not having stellar days we pushed each other. We played games like we would run when we got to the first shadow. It worked nicely.

The out and back on 37 street was evil, out in the hot sun and uphill. But the kid giving out sponges at "T" corner gave them to you full of water it was so good. I have to figure out the best place to put them for the best effect but I wished they had ice cubes for my hat as well. so we dragged ourselves up the hill and I was feeling the urge to take care of nature at the bottom of the hill and couldn't wait much longer at the turn around aid station at the top and those ladies had Ice cold sponges it didn't click in to ask for ice for my hat here.

I told Greg as part of our head games that it was all downhill from here except the climb out of Weasel head. It worked for the most part and we ran for longer stretches before the urge to walk took over. I was starting to feel better around the 12km mark about where they had a timing mat. I had a sponge on each shoulder, one down my back and Ice finally in my hat. The lady listed everything she had to offer and I jumped at the word ice. We ran into the trees and with all that water on me and the temp dropping I was ready to run but Greg said that he was getting worse as time went on. He mentioned that he wanted to finish within 8hrs and he started 20min before I did so we had some work to do. There was an aid station at the top and I decided to take flat coke for the first time running, knowing that once I started on that sugar train I had to ride it to the end I had been taking sips of gel from my flask but coke was an evil type of sugar to be used in moderation. Greg had tried it with bad digestive effects at a race before. So now I was feeling right as rain considering I was 7 hours into an event. Greg and I followed this couple on power wheelchairs it was nice to have them as pacers for as long as we saw them... they go fast just so you know. Oh and we saw future olympian Jordan Bryden as we came down the south hill.

I did pretty good going up the north side hill to our "lost" aid station that I had desperately looked for before. I was getting into a routine at the aid stations, toss the old sponge, get a new one, drink poweraid, drink coke, drink water, pour whats left on head, and go. It worked so I am going to have to remember that order for the big race at the end of the month. Greg and I stayed together till about 3km to go, we would run till he walked and this one time he just said "go on without me" I asked again to make certain I heard him right and then I left my running buddy and ran up to these two guys that were ahead of us. I walked with them for a bit and when the volunteer said there was 500m left to go I looked at them and asked "Gentlemen shall we finish this race on a strong note?". We started to run and I left them behind as my vision started to blur on the sides and I knew that there would be no more walking. I remembered this quote by Lance Armstong "Pain is Temporary, Quit lasts forever"

Run Done: 1:59:17 first split @ 7.5mile, 1:16:43 for last 5.6 mile, total 3:16:00, 9:16 min/km, Avg HR 136

I broke the banner as I crossed the finish line and noticed it's soft feel as it came accross my chest. The medical volunteer grabbed my arm and said "I will tell you that you are severely de-hydrated right now as your not sweating and your cold" the other med guy took me to sit down in the shade and got me some ice water and an orange juice to drink, asked me how many times I urinated on the race, 1 bike 1 run was my answer and he smiled and said "you'll be fine" My best friend in the world Dan Giberson appeared from somewhere and I don't remember what he said. I laugh now as I remembered so much of the race but I can't remember what he said. A little boy came over and asked what size of shirt I would like and I got some pizza before leaving the finish area.

-------FINAL------ ---------------------- ------------- --- --- --- -------------- -----         1.9 km                           94 km                       21.1km
                                                                   Category              --------SWIM----------  ----- ----------BIKE---------  ----- ---------RUN----------           
   Pos     Time   Name                   City          Sta Cty Rep Plc/Total Cat    #    Cat  Ovr  Time   /100m  Tr1   Cat  Ovr  Time   km/hr   Tr2   Cat  Ovr  Time   /km          
--------  -------- ---------------------- ------------- --- --- --- -------------- -----  ----------------------  ----- -----------------------  ----- ---------------------- 

1007     07:43:33 MILLER, Randy          CALGARY       AB  CAN      96/102 M30-34  1651  101 1030   58:55  3:07   6:13  87  896 3:18:52  28.4    3:34  96 1026 3:16:01  9:18    

Some People I know that I could find their stats
1036     08:07:18 HADLINGTON, Greg       CALGARY       AB  CAN     122/126 M40-44  1216  120  990   53:26  2:49  10:28 124  997 3:30:05  26.8    7:33 122 1044 3:25:48  9:46   
1005     07:41:48 BLADON, Stan           CALGARY       AB  CAN       7/8   M65-69   456    7  907   49:09  2:36  11:02   7  996 3:30:03  26.9    6:10   6  995 3:05:25  8:48 
844     06:47:39 SMITH, Ernest          CALGARY       AB  CAN      19/24  M55-59   430   10  517   41:19  2:11   9:33  14  723 3:07:19  30.1    4:19  22  907 2:45:12  7:50 
875     06:54:51 HUGHES, Dale           AIRDRIE       AB  CAN      65/76  M50-54   696   70 1021   56:47  3:00  10:02  65  859 3:15:35  28.8    4:00  54  738 2:28:29  7:03   
299     05:34:19 HUNTER, Amber          GRANDE PRAIRI AB  CAN      11/67  W30-34   825   26  359   39:03  2:04   4:44  15  482 2:55:03  32.2    1:54   7  224 1:53:37  5:24
 23     04:28:07 HUNTER, Darin          GRANDE PRAIRI AB  CAN       2/174 M35-39   150    7  110   34:08  1:48   3:19   5   47 2:26:50  38.4    1:13   2   12 1:22:39  3:56 

Dan helped me get my bike and bags out of transition and we walked over to the casino halfway there we realized that there was probably a bus that we could have hopped on to get to my car. I drove him back to his car and then went home and called my girlfriend Natalie and then went to bed and slept through a good rainstorm.

The day after I went to Ricky's for the biggest breakfast I could buy and then I went home and slept some more. I worked on writing this between naps all day. I feel much better now that I have slept, I am not hating my 3 steps from kitchen to bathroom in my house, heck I even thought about going for a bike ride today.... then I took another nap. Overall I think recovery today went very well which is good the last time I thrashed myself about a week ago it took a few days to bounce back. Ready for the next 4 weeks I think I might be. Next story after IRONMAN CANADA August 30. See you then.

Lessons Learned:

Good thing I didn't use my neoprene swim cap thanks to Cory @ TCR for schooling me on that point at Camp,
I got to swim in some waves and learned quickly how to go into them. Now that I know IMC will be glass flat (cross my fingers).
Set a timer to remind me to drink more as I think I don't as often on climbs unless I think about it.
Running with somebody will help you through the dark patches
Coke doesn't mess me up as bad as some people

Thanks everyone for supporting me in this thing I do

Randy

Wasa Lake 2009

420/504 225/245 35/36 M3034OLY - 471 33:59 - 366 1:24:31
- 409 1:02:30 - 3:00:58.3

Woke up early packed up camp in record time and drove to the race site. Mike /Jen were car parked #2 and I was #5 followed shortly by Sue / Lawrence and the fast lady that ran with Coach's crew yesterday. It's always a good sign when the parking lot is empty as it causes one less stress to pop up.

Found an acceptable transition spot, got marked, set up my spot. walked around transition to get a good mental image of what was where, Waved at the Master Steve King. Looked out at the swim markers and thought to myself that it didn't look as scary as Sylvan as I could see all the markers.

Got the wetsuit on about 25min before my scheduled race time. Shelly gave me the best wetsuit fitting of my triathlon life, it didn't feel like a vice grip on me and I was actually walking around without looking like I had gorilla arms. Got in waist high and got my face wet and met a lady that was so happy someone else was wearing a Neoprene Swim Cap as they do keep your head warmer. I even got my head under the water without hyper-ventilating like normal. I was picking at my fingernail that had just decided to bother me just as I heard the word GO and the people jumping around me. Guess the nail can wait.

SWIM - was good and relatively straight along the left side of the course. I kept my pace as constant as I could. I did get bumped a couple times as I decided to seed myself a bit higher than usual. I did have a guy swim against the flow and crash into me. He must have sighted and turned around as he cut me off a second time, at least this time he didn't hit me. That's the second swim I have been in where someone gets so turned around in the middle of the pack of people. Got to the first turn and kept wide of the right hander and got around nicely. Hit the lap button 14:32, thought that would be when the ladies would be starting behind me shortly, got to the next marker at the top of the triangle 2:47. Still no issues and I got a bit excited as I did race math in my head and my brain was telling me I was on a record pace (note I did a 41& 52 min Olympic swim in the past) So either my training is going increasing well or the swim was short. Despite the rumors I am putting my money on my training. I finished the last leg of the swim in 15:45. by my watch I swam in 33:04 which included a good run from the beach to the parking lot. My goodness that was different.

T1 - I kept my head on straight and my prescription goggles on till I was infront of my spot. Mr King pointed me out and talked about how my swim has improved from when he first saw me 3 seasons ago at the sylvan half when my sister and Mother convinced him to let me go onto the bike course as I was WAY past the swim deadline. They said I biked up a couple mountains in France. That was good enough for me he told the nurse to let me keep going. I will always remember what he said into his mike as I got out of the water. "Ladies and Gentalmen that is our last swim finisher, he biked up Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez last year so we know he has cycling power, lets see what he can do after swiming 2km" Remembering him say that still brings a chill up my spine.

Back to this race. It was a quick Transition I think I hit the lap button on my watch and I think my time from the timing mat to the end of my changing was 1:59. Mind you it was a long run to the bike. I got to the mount line and something different happened. I thought I was locked into the left pedel and swong my right lag over the bike at that moment I looked down and realized I was NOT in the left pedel properly and I was sliding off it. I almost caught the bike seat in the manly jewels not good in any way. I hit the pavement and landed my left knee on the chainring. I now have 4 poke marks from the teeth and one good scrape as I tried to stand up. Not my most fav moment of the event.

BIKE - I got rolling and took it easy for the first bit to bring my HR down to Zone 3ish. I saw the first place guy riding towards me when I was at about 8km he was going fast! I tried to stay in the Aero Position as much as I could but I did notice my back was hurting a bit. Mind you sleeping on the ground for a few nights might have affected it. Got to the turn around and the fast Ladies were right behind me. I knew the course wasn't perfectly flat but it slowly rose to the turnaround so I really enjoyed the downhill once I got turned around.

RUN - as I looked at the map I was confused as to where this route would take us but I had faith that the volunteers would guide us well. I wanted to practice my run walk plan I used in the marathon just walk the aid stations only. I do think I did that there was only one spot not in an aid station that I did walk in so I am happy with that. I was running behind a guy in a bright Jersey and the fast lady went past me around K-3 and said "Come on Randy Push it" I took a deep breath and pushed it and kept up with her for a few moments. I looked at the garmin at one point and it said my pace was 5:30, I don't remember it ever saying that!

I got back to the transition area and turned onto that sand path. I never really ran on sand before and I realized it was something I should have tried in training, oops. It was a bit cruel to have to run past the finish area with about 2.5k left to run. I did the second turnaround and by the time I got to the little fence where the volunteer said "200 meteres to go" I was in very much tunnel vision mode and going all out. I thought I heard my coach yell something out to me as I passed but I have no clue what was said.

FINISH crossed the line and the clock said 2:40:00 and I was estatic as I couldn't beleve it. Then I looked at my Timax and it said 3:01:29. Natalie appeared from somewhere and I still don't know what was said becasue my brain was still foggy. Apparently she was sitting next to Coach and his family watching me finish.

NUTRITION - I had a Cliff Bar in my pocket and I had broke it into 3 and tried to eat at 10, 20, 30 km of the bike. Drank a bottle and half of Nuun as well. On the run 1 water 1 gatoraid at the stations. Gels at 4 and 7k I think.

HSBC Calgary Marathon May 31, 2009

Final    Place                            Bib  Halfway                                    
Place    In Sex      Place In Division    No.    Split

954  601/636  M   71/77  Male   30-34   852  2:27:14

Gun      Chip    KM
Time     Time   Pace
5:30:35  5:26:29  7:45

Well a while back Coach said lets do an experiment. I was a bit shocked to hear it was a Marathon, but I have learned that when coach Mike has an idea he is already 3 steps ahead of of where I think I am. I stopped doubting his suggestions a LONG time ago, he says go, I go.

Since this was an experiment I am going to write as much as I can remember so that I can learn from this adventure.

I should start on the Taper as this was an interesting thing to go through. I admit I messed up one thing, I should have done a 2hr bike & 30min run but I was sleeping in and lot and not leaving enough time to get it done before my shift started at noon. A bit better planning on my part and it would have been done. Friday was my first day off from work and also It was an off day of exercise. It was payday so I did errands and I was getting a bit jittery as I can't remember when the last time I got to chill out that much. Oh I went to East Side Mario's for supper and I realized I go there too much when the lady behind the counter almost had my Rum pored for me when she saw me.

Saturday I went to Tristin's 3rd birthday party in the afternoon it was interesting to watch the pack of children interact with each other. I then did my pre-race run that kinda wakes up the legs but it's not a tough run.

Sunday woke up at 5:00 had my breakfast (2 eggs and Green Peppers) drank some Nuun. Now I have learned it's very important for distance athletes to take care of a certain activity before the race starts, I was a bit worried because my first trip to the bathroom didn't produce the needed results. Drove myself to the race site because in the back of my mind I didn't trust Calgary Transit. Did the bag drop and wondered over to the race start area a bit early but it felt good to walk around. I couldn't believe what I found, a porti-pody that had never been used it was absolutely clean, it was a great find.

I lined up and saw the 4:30 pacer ahead of me and someone said the 5:00 pacer was behind us a bit so I was where I wanted to be. In my head I new the plan was to take it easy and only walk the aid stations, so that was the experiment would it work? The race started and it was packed and somehow in the first km a Jeep was allowed to drive towards us from a parking lot. A couple thousand people coming at you dumb ass maby you could have waited. Next thing I know the 4:30 pacer runs past me, odd? The course twisted and turned and for a moment I wasn't positive how we were getting to 17th ave from where we were. I noticed the KM markers were off from my Garmin, it would beep and I would look up and the marker was a block and half away. I wan't too fond of the first 6km felt like each block we were turning and the pack would try to cut the corner but there was not enough room on all.

17 ave was nice and straight and people were out cheering us on it was great. I had noticed at this point my pace was 6:30-7:00 but my HR Zone was 2ish, I was banking on a pace of 7:15 so I was going faster than I had in training. I remember hoping this would not bite me later on. Then we turned onto 14th street and the pack was thining out or maby the road was just wider because we had more than just one lane. We ran along Memorial and at about 13km the half Marathoners turned and went back towards the finish line. I had watched Garath's videos and he said this would be a lonely stretch and he was right. I lost all my friends that I had been keeping pace with. Couple more blocks and the start of the hill was on us. Now I knew this hill wasn't that bad, Natalie had been reminding me that we are on the prairies so there are no true hills. Plus the hill repeats on Edworthy has taken any fear of a hill left in me till I do Vancouver or something :) so I ran all the way up and got to the aid station. I got a gel around k-16 but I didn't use it till 21k mark, it felt good to have it in my hand. We shared the course with the UofC Triathlon, they got the sidewalk and we the road. It was nice to see some tri kits, made me smile. Somewhere around here I had the 5:00 pacer go past me, I looked at my watch and I did the math and he was on pace for a 4:30 run. good job Wally.

I paused at 23k for a potty break and as I went past I heard a volunteer call out that she had Vaseline. It took me 100feet to realize that I could have used that as my thighs were chafing a bit and I knew it would annoy me shortly.

At about the 24km mark my Garmin started beeping like crazy. I looked down and it said that "Lap Database full delete oldest laps" to my horror it locked up on me. I couldn't even turn it off, it still sits next to me in that state as I wait for the battery to drain. I was just entering the zone of unknown and I was upset for a few moments that I would not have data to show. But was quickly pushed outside the box of things I can control and I kept on running. The terrain kept rolling , I was glad for the people putting out sprinklers, I was starting to get a bit tired at k-27 and looking at the race map that was the highest point in elevation. A lady that I had been yo-yoing with put her hand on my back and pushed me up the last little incline, my mind was a bit gooish so I couldn't figure out how to tell her to stop it.... I finally thanked her and she stopped, I then slowed down as she was a bit fast for me at that moment and watched her go. I was in shock and couldn't believe what just happened, I had grumbled at her earlier as she had headphones in rather loud and didn't catch what the volunteer had told her at this little turnaround.

So I am going down the "hill" and about halfway my Right Calf was not liking this anymore. I should have walked part of the downhill but who does that. I think my legs was trying to slow me but gravity was not having that so they battled and Gravity always wins (kinda like trains). so the bottom of the hill is K-33 and I felt like a gimp. From K-33 to the end was a battle of will and I was gonna force march myself if I had to. My memory kinda blurs this part as I was in a bit of pain, I do remember the CBC clock saying 11:45 and I did math on my fingers to figure out how many hours I had been running (4:45 @ 36.75km) I was playing mind games to convince myself I didn't have that far left. I felt better around 38k but it was in short bursts. I was counting bridges and new I had a bit left in the tank if my legs would let me. I saw the 1 mile left to go sign and ran 80% of that last mile. I turned that last corner and put my head down. I heard Jacqui call out my name but I was focused on that banner across the road.

I crossed the line and I thought it said 5:05 I was happy! I tried looking for anyone I knew, don't know where Jacqui went, I saw her truck later so I know it was her. I found the food tent by pure luck and it could have used some volunteers pointing at it from the finish line. It was picked over pretty good and so I grabbed some oreos, a bag of chips and an apple juice box. I laid down in the grass and had a few people ask if I was alright so I sat up and chowed down on my food.

Bumped into the Pink Lady, she was in charge of the volunteers this year. It's always fun to see Dawn at an event dressed head to toe in pink. Found the bag trailer and got my backpack, I have now figured out that when I was digging in for my phone to call my sister to see if she had her baby or not. I think my Ipod touch fell out then and I didn't notice it or I didn't zip up the pocket and it fell as I walked to my car. My luck with Technology hasn't been too hot this summer.

Dragged myself to my car and sat for a moment and asked myself can I safely operate this machine? I was tired and my legs were sore so I was worried about reaction time to the brake. Took a chance and drove off.

Coach was christal absolutely clear that I was to hop on the bike for a 30 min spin so the legs would not stiffen up on me. I am glad I did that as I can barely walk right now and stairs are not my friend at all, I am scared how bad it would be if I didn't spin. I even had a 1hr nap this afternoon, but now the Detroit/Pittsburgh game is on so I am done typing :)

half 2:27:40 - 6:56
cbc 4:45:00 - 7:42
chip 5:26:29 - 7:45

Two water cups at each aid station until K-33 where I grabbed 1 water and 1 Gatorade. I thought with the salt stains in my shirt it was time to ride the sugar train to the end. I had a Gel at k-21, k-30, k-35.

Next day update: Wow my legs are feeling very good right now and I am not cussing at the 3 steps to the kitchen. I had weighed myself yesterday morning and this morning and there was a 3.5lb difference. All the weight I gained in the Taper week is gone so I must have needed it for the race.

Golden Triangle 2009

Well this weekend did not go anywhere near the plan. I had this idea that I would use a powertap wheel so I could get some power data for my Iron Man training. Can't exactly buy one of these units right now so when Bow Cycle announced they would rent them I jumped at the chance. The weather report was saying snow on the Monday so at the last moment I decided to take my Touring bike for the ride.

I violated the number 1 rule twice. I used untested equipment for an event.

The touring rig had not been used all winter or spring. If I had done a test ride I would have noticed that the rear breaks were dragging. When I put the rental wheel on, it had a narrower rim width. If I had done a test ride I would have noticed that the brakes would have rub on the sidewall of the tire. So combined with the rubbing and the dragging, and a new wheel it was a recipe for trouble. It happened about 1 km from the start of the ride. I had a massive flat tire, the tube had a 5cm gash in it from the failure. It sounded like a gunshot it was so loud.

I walked back to the gravel pit and packed up the bike. The damage deposit on this wheel is HUGE so had thoughts running through my head that if it would do this 1km into the ride how many more times would it happen. So I pulled the pin on the ride.

I got back to Calgary and put the rental wheel on my race bike and went for a ride so I could at least try it out. But the gears don't mesh right on this setup so I could not use the high gears to see what kind of power numbers I could generate.

I am rather disappointed right now and little angry with myself. It's the Scots man in me that knows I could have spent the money for this weekend on a different choice.

I am going to put MY wheel back on and go for my own 100km ride tomorrow and Monday since I have the days off work. With MY equipment back in action I should not have any issues. I am just hanging my head in shame by not following rule #1 of Triathlon Racing.

Mount Royal Sprint 09

Official Times
110/173 - 53/67 1:35:09 Swim 145/173 14:48 2:50 min/100m Bike 59/173 43:32 24.1kph
Run 140/173 36:50 7:22 min/km  

Woke up after a nice 11 hour sleep. Too bad I had too much trail mix yesterday as dealing with some GI issues or its just race day nerves.

Had my two eggs and green peppers for breakfast and made my way off to get in line for transition. It was cold this am my windows were frosty. Got to transition early and got a good spot I could remember where it was. It pays to be early at this one because the lines form quickly and they get long.

I am in heat 4 and I guessed I would start at 1120 considering breakfast was at 630 that's a long time. I had a cliff bar as a snack and realized too late the gel for t2 was not taped to the bike. Oops.

Saw a few friends before as I was lined up ready to head in with my heat. Swim was great! I actually kept track of my laps in my head and had to remind myself not to go so hard off the hop. It was over before I knew it, mind you the race dist is a tad longer than my warm ups for coaches workouts.

T1 sucked I walked out the spiral staircase and down the hall to the outside. Now I have done enough of these to realize that a pair of flip flops would help GREATLY but do I ever remember them NO. Transition is set up on the road, so it was COLD on the feet, I struggled to get my socks on so I left them for the run, struggled to get my gloves on but knew I had to, struggled to get my windbreaker on but knew I would go into hypothermia if I didn't. So I got dressed and on the bike

The bike was good I remembered from last year where the good spots for the aero bars were and I would guess that I stayed in the bars as much as possible. First lap I think I had a wack of speed, second was not too bad, the third was a bit of traffic to deal with. I do remember on the third lap that I really wished I had a pair of Wind Briefs on because I was COLD in spots that should not be.

T2 I knew I needed the socks on so I hopped on one foot like an idiot trying to get my socks and running shoes on.

The run I knew that my feet would feel really uncomfortable, kinda like your sock is bunched up in your shoe. Coach Mike has had me doing bricks so I knew the feeling would pass and to just run through it. took about 2k. I don't know why but my brain would see a slight rise and want to walk. My legs and my heart were screaming at my brain to suck it up and stop holding them back... what a switch from last year :)

I crossed the line and caught my breath, and as per the plan I went up to the track and hoped on a spin bike to flush the legs. I had a bit of food and waited for the door draws and didn't win anything but oh well. Off to the DQ and I treated myself to a hot dog and a blizard for a day well done.

My watch times
04:28 - first 250m
10:55 - last 275m plus running out to transition
02:25 - T2
12:27 Lap 1
12:40 Lap 2
13:00 Lap 3
01:37 T2
18:45 Half the run
18:45 Second half
----------
1:35:01 (15:24 Swim, 41:00 Bike, 38:37 Run)

Last year 1:38:22 (15:13 swim, 38:03 Bike, 45:06 Run)

St Pat's 10Km Run 2009

I had forgotten the joy I get by strapping on a simple piece of paper on my shirt and a Timing Chip on my Ankle. I had been struggling lately to answer peoples question of "why do you do it" when I am going for a run in the cold that hobo's even go inside for, riding my bike to no-wherevill all winter on the trainer watching the same movie for the 3rd time.

I do it for Race Day, it's that simple.

I woke up this morning had my 2 eggs and Green peppers for breakfast along with a big glass of water, I had a Cliff Bar at 8:30 so I would be ready for the 10am start time. Checked the weather but when I got to downtown I had to buy some cheap gloves as I had thought I wouldn't need them. Got my timing chip and tried to stay away from the nervous people: the rookies, the chatter boxes, the family's, etc.

Horn goes off, I put myself near the back so that I would be forced to start a bit slow as I know I have a habit of going out way too hard for the first km. I kept in my head what my Coach put on my plan for the day "Run like your chasing somebody who stole your bike". So after I dropped some lady's exchanging child care techniques as I wanted to tell them to shut their pie holes, you know the voice that sounds like nails on a chalkboard, try running with 3 of them nattering behind you. We pass under 10th street and I can't believe the ice that formed under there, everybody walked tenderly over the ice. Silly me I followed them but I know how to run on ice without falling, but watching a guy go down made me think smart. 14th street bridge the kids volunteering told the 5k to go left and 10 to go on. Now considering the race package and the pre-race announcements all said 10k goes at 10am the 5's go five minutes later. I was amazed that half the pack turned left.

At the turn around I paused at the water station because I didn't want to spill the full cup they gave me. Now the section of path from crowchild to turn around is narrow and I can't beleve the number of baby joggers being pushed trying to pass by crossing the yellow line with the fast runners comming at them. Now I am no parent but I say leave the kid with somebody so everyone can enjoy their race.

I know you all are going to look at me like I am nuts but I have been experimenting with starting a chat with pretty ladies. Yep I attempted chatting with 2-3 on this race, it's great they are out of breath and will give you a look that says hey run with me or the "are you nuts" look. Hey practice is practice. I even bumped into two of my old friends from the Big Blue Box I worked at for 7 years. It was great to see them out on their sunday jog. Even saw another former co-worker out for a run who I haven't seen in a very long time (long hair looks good on you C) .

The way back you go downstreem with the river and the wind is at your back, so it took me less time to get back to the finish area. I do remember trying to increase my stride length and I felt like I was flying. Looking back at the graph I slowed for Ice a bit more than I thought but I didn't crawl across like some people did. Made that last corner and I sprinted as best as I could to make as close as possible to 1:05.

Got my burger and water for the post race meal and streached for a bit. I stayed for the Door prices to see if my 6 year streak of not winning anything could be broken. one of the last prices my number got called... I had to hear it a second time to see if it really was mine. It was!! I bounced up and shook the hand of the little kid that handed me my bottle shapped bag and I grinned like an idot that just ran to the stage of the Price is Right for the photograher. I got out of the way and opened the bag to see what vintage I got..... A hat, alright ok keep digging this things got some weight... Body soap?? really? keep digging, hand soap.... come on!!! something left dig again... something called Linen Refresh.

Looks like the "stuff I can use" door prize streak is still on. Oh well I tossed it to the side for the next time I see my sister and hop on the bike for a recovery spin while trying to find something good on TV. All in all it was a great Race day for me, this year is gonna be great!!!

149/232 overall, 5209 bib #, Randy MILLER 26/33 AG, 76/89 male, 1:05:25.6, 6:33 pace

Spring Forward for Daylight

Today we flipped the clocks for that daylight savings, Last year at this time work was INSAINE. Not so much this year unfortunately. I have put my head down and done what I got to do. It's a bit different being a senior tech on shift, but I got 2 good guys working with me.

Paris Nice race started yesterday which is the beginning of the pro cycling calendar, and this upcoming Sunday I do what I consider my season opener. The ST. Pats Run this will be my 6th year running on this weekend. Anniversary's for different things like Kids' Birthdays, wedding anniversary's are important to most folks. For me as I have been single for so long and I don't count birthdays this is my anniversary that means the most to me. Who would have thought that I have fonder memories of my first ever race with a bib than graduation day, first day at a real job. I am not fast by any means but it was the start to a great change in me. I have struggled especially last year but this year feels different. It might help that I have lost weight and eating healthier by making better choices.

This year I have focus and confidence that is what is different. Look out world It's gonna be a great race year for one single guy in Calgary that's just having fun.

New Years

Well It's Jan 02/09 and I am at work. Board out of my mind so I thought I would check my blog and I laughed at my last post. I did go to watch a couple Cycle cross races and I realized how intense it would be. My go long and strong idea would be put to the test on such a short, heart banging on your ribs short course. Cross country run, well I went and watched one of them too and the idea is still in my head so that is a good thing. I have marked one on the calendar and will make best efforts to get my ass to it. Yoga, well my idea of doing it 4 days a week, hasn't happened. But when I went for my bike fit I did 10cm on this strech test and I am not allowed to get a propeer TT rig till I can do 35cm or something... I told this to the lady that does my massage and she there are two body types, strong or strechy, your one or the other never both. I am strong.

I did get myself to the Resolution run the other night and it went well, I giggled after the race as I realized that last time I did this course I gave up and turned back before 14th street bridge with calf issues that could barely let me walk with out yelping like a wounded puppy.

Well I guess this means the beginning of Q1 here at the office so any day now the work should pick up to the insane pace that you realize it's been 10hours since you had anything to eat cause you had your head down all that time. But with the market the way it is who knows. My plan for the next few months is to keep my head down and work hard at the office, save some money now that a few bills are paid, keep exercising so I don't plump up like the pilsberry dough boy, and most of important keep my eyes open at all the ladies I meet.

This could be my year, looking back at my spreadsheet this Jan 1 is my lightest in 5 years. That food plan I am using has to be working. With all the training I am going to be doing for Iron Man I am going to be the strongest and buff I have ever been. Look out single ladies cause Dizzle is cumming your way :)