Gear 2.0, Xmas edition!

It is the season, and if you have an endurance athlete on your list here's are a few of my favourites and maybe this will give you some ideas. I will bring this down is different category and will give you a range of ideas, I hope. (Disclaimer this is not Chuck xmas list!)

Swimming:

There are a lot of things for swimming and some of them are actually not that expensive.  One of my favourite is the tri swim body wash and shampoo. This product is great and it really helps if you spend some time in the pool with all that chlorine.  Pull boy, fins and paddle are another great gift.  Swimming googles are always a must and if its like me, I go through many pairs in a season.  Finally if you're in to spend some money look at wetsuit or if the person you are buying for does a lot of open warm water,  speed suits are great.  I am a big fan of Blue Seventy and TYR.

Running:

There are many options when it comes down to running.  If you're looking for road runner or trail runners, take a peak at the shoes the person you are buying for, chances are that will give you an idea.  I'm a big fan of ASICS road shoes, where it is the Kayano or Nanoosa those are pretty cool shoes.  Same applies for trail runners, my two favourite brands are Salomon and ASICS.  If you are looking for something cheaper, get nice running socks, gloves or a hat.  Running top and tights are also great.   SUGOI is one of my favourite brand when it comes down to get running clothes.

Biking:

I'm in the opinion that one never has enough bikes that said there are a lot of things you can get for the rider in your world.  Riding gloves are a cheap option and there are multitude to choose from.  A riding jersey is always a nice option as well.  Co2 inflators and canister are always useful and will be appreciated.  When in doubt you can always go to their favourite bike shop, chances are they are known and staff can point you towards the right present depending on your budget.


Nutrition:

I spend a fair amount of money on nutrition, especially in season.  Some of my favourite company Hammer Nutrition, Honey Stinger, GU.  Look at what people use and it will be a good idea what to get, and if they are just starting, get different brand so they can try and see what works.

Miscellaneous:

If you are thinking watch, get the Garmin 910XT, best watch I have ever used, with swimming, running and biking setting, this is the best option.  IPOD or ear buds for long training session are also a great idea.  DVD for indoor ridding.  Race entry fees, if you know a race that the person is doing or always talked about it, they will thank yo for it.

At the end of the day, the sky is the limit and only set by your budget. Hope this gave you a few ideas, hope.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Happy US thanksgiving

Although I'm not American, and I will not be eating Turkey today, I wanted to wish a happy thanksgiving to all my American friends.  I know many of them will be thankful for a lot, I also know that sometimes we forget how lucky we are at times.

As for me, well it's almost been a month since the Xterra World championship.  I have relaxed and slow down on my workouts.  I also started thinking about next year.  What races will I do, what corner of the world will I be able to go and race. I am slowly starting to get back I to training mode although I won't do anything too crazy until the new year. It is important to give your body some rest, and indulge a bit.  I also forgot how cold it can be to go riding in the cold wet coast.  I plan to do a gear 2.0 Christmas edition for gift ideas so stay tuned.  So to all my American friends, enjoy the bird and the gravy!  Happy trails.

Carpe Diem

World Championship, the aftermath

Tsunami, Bike, run?!?!

It all started last night, siren blaring, evacuation order.  Their is a potential Tsunami heading towards Hawaii.  I'm thinking really? Is this Saipan 2011 back all over.  Sirens are blaring and evacuation order given, luckily my good friends the Moore were in high grounds and "rescued" us and my buddy Roy and his family. As I woke up this morning I wondered, are we on?  Is this going to turn into a duathlon?  Email comes through from the race, we are on unless told otherwise y the ocean safety.  I'm thinking, well I already swam in one Tsunami, might a well make it two!  7:30, time to roll down to transition for set up, than body marking, chip pick up and sunscreen application from the good people at Planet Sun, great stuff by the way.  Than it's off to the beach for a warm up.  The waves are there but nothing too crazy, boy was I going to be wrong.  After the Hawaiian blessing it's time to get down to business.  As the Canon goes off for the male wave start, there is some pretty good waves coming onto shore, after diving under and heading towards the first buoy, I'm thinking it's not getting any better. We are getting pounded, can't really sight as the waves never stops. The swim course is a M this year and after a short run on the beach it is back out for the second lap.  I exit he water in a decent time considering the washing machine. Quick transition and it is off to the bike.  The 18.8 miles course this year has a bit more single tracks and as usual lots of climbing, 3000 feet of it.  Problem is when you're an average swimmer is that you have to pass the good swimmer who are not so good rider, add single tracks and you get the picture.  We were lucky, we had some clouds and even a light rain at time which really helps.  I finished the bike section slower than last year but considering, still not too bad.  After the second transition it's off to the run, with another 1200 feet of climbing over  9.5 km or so, after the first 10 min I can feel my hamstrings wanting to cramp, luckily I have some salt tablet, seems to do the trick.  I decide to hike the big hills instead of running them, this tip came from Conrad " the caveman" Stoltz, 4 times world champion, he probably knows what he's talking about!  I would finish the run faster this year by 3 minutes but would be about 6 min slower overall than last year.  I placed middle of the pack in my age group and slightly better overall.  As for Roy, despite some mechanical issue on the bike and the fact that he was racing on a stress fracture and couldn't run I thought he did awesome.  Al, Allison and GL also finished the race.

I surely missed my Girlfriend Stephanie at the finished.  I also wish my sister and brother in law had been able to be there again, they had such a good time last year.  For once, my mom was cheering me on, you see she never had a chance to see me race, living at opposite end of the country, it was too difficult.  Regardless she would always enquire about what she called " my exercises"  knowing that her son was travelling and racing.  I haven't told many people, if any, but I dedicated this racing season to my mother,  I like to keep things private.  Every time I suffered training or racing, I was thinking about the fact that my mom had been doing Chemo therapy every week for 9 months, I figure that she was much more in pain than I was.  My mom lost her battle to Cancer on January 29 of this year, I figure the least I could do was to honor her memory this year each time I race.  I think she had a smile on her face today as she got to see her son crossing the finish line for the first time and finally seeing what kind of "exercise" I was doing.

I wish I could have done better, I think it's human nature to always strive to better performance.  I'm glad the season is over, with 9 Xterra races this year spanning over 4 Continents and one 70.3, lots of travelling and a year that has seen its share of challenges, it is time to relax for a while.  Fear not, a new season will begin soon enough and I will be back at it.  I hope you have enjoyed this journey and who knows where this will lead.  Stay tuned for more off season updates, gear 2.0 and soon enough the race plans for 2013.  Until then, push the limits, try something new and as Xterra motto say it so well " Live More"  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Pre Race Jitters, T- 17 hours an counting

As I am getting ready for my second run at the Xterra World Championship, the pre race jitters are slowly creeping in, 8 Xterra races, in 6 different country and a couple continents later, it's all or nothing.  This morning was the traditional pre race workout, light bike, light run, light swim.  Much needed hair cut courtesy of Paul Mitchell, money raised goes to athletes with special needs, which is awesome.  After lunch is back at the condo to get my things ready so that when I get back from the pre race dinner, I will be ready to go to bed.  There were big surf out today from time to time at the beach, as always I hope for calmer waters but I can't control it so will see what happens.  All I know is that at 9:00 am sharp, the canon will go off, the chopper will be above and over 700 of the best off roads athletes in the world will start their journey's to the finish.  This year will be slightly different than last, my sister and brother in law will be cheering from afar instead of being right at the finish line.  My wonderful girlfriend also will be cheering from home, which will be different than the last 3 races where she greeted me at the finish.  Good friends will be there, Michelle and Patrick to name a few.  I know some one else will be cheering as well but for now we will leave that one for tomorrow's blog. Let's not forget my good buddy Roy's first appearance at the world's as well as Allison.  All the people lining up tomorrow will definitely embrace Xterra's moto: Live More!  I was ready a article posted by a friend and quite like the motivational line that says " If you want to take the island, burn the boats"  will see if I can apply this tomorrow.  Stay tuned for the post race analysis tomorrow after the race, until then, Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0: Hydration

Hydration is the key in warm weather.  It has been hot all week in Maui and unless the trade winds rolls in on Sunday, we could easily see temperature in the mid 30's.  I don't claim to have all the answer but since I have been in the endurance sports game for the last 12 years, I have learn a few things.  Here's what I do when I race in hot weather.  First all my fluid intake is in an electrolyte form.  I like to use GU brew blueberry/pomegranate in one of my bike bottles bottles, it has double the sodium.  I also like using hammer nutrition products, I usually make a calorie bottle with Heed and Perpetum.  I find my stomach process the energy better when it's in a liquid form.  On a hot race day I will easily for through 4 bottles and will exchange on the fly at the aid station.  I also use Hammer Gels, Raspberry is my favourite flavour.  On the run I will use some gel for energy and will drink at every aid station.   For this race they offer Gatorade, since it doesn't bother me that's what I will drink.  The key is to find that you will like and that do the trick.  In hot conditions I also like to use salt tablets. Now there are many brands and they are not all created equals again you have to find something you like.  I personally use either hammer Endurolytes or salt sticks.  Remember there are may factors that can't be control on race day, if you take care of your hydration, it will be one less think to worry about and you will have a successful race.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

Another day in Paradise

Maui is such a beautiful place.  Slowly but surely all the athlete are converging to the Kapalua for the race.  I did another ocean swim yesterday and ran part of the run.  I am also fighting a cold, really a cold in the tropics??!!  Today I went a rode part of the course for an hour, sadly we found out that a cool single track section had to be taken out, erosion control, the state won't allow it.  What else do I do when I'm done training?  I have lunch and rest, and funny enough I try to stay out of the sun for a bit.  The sun can be quite harsh and warm especially at the peak of the day.  Tomorrow is a rest day, probably a nice breakfast with friends and maybe a bit of beach time.  I have the occasion to see tones of people that I have met this year at different races, from the Guam crew to Pro Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack.  Also not to forget C2, Mike and so on.  It's nice to catch up and see so many deserving people racing.  Stay tuned for a hot weather gear 2.0 tomorrow.  Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Brand Champion Maui edition

Aloha, last stop on the Xterra circuit, the world championship.  As I arrived yesterday, I remembered the feeling from last year: Pineapples, the ocean, the heat.  After a light run yesterday with my buddy Roy in order to shake the 26 hours of traveling from over sea, I was off to bed early.  In store this morning, another light swim and ride the bike course.  The usual suspect were there, my friend Al, Alison.  GL would meet us for  the ride and so as Roy.  At the ocean, DT Flemming beach is stunning, but is it good that there are signs saying strong current??  After a light swim it was time to face the mounting heat and go see the new course, as they did some modification from last year.  The first part was similar with the single track and then it was off to climbing and more climbing and more climbing.  The heat rose to 37 degree and it was hot on the course.  It was also nice to see Pro Shonny Valandingham out on the bike course.  Shonny was sidelined last year due to an injury.  The new sections were fun and not too tricky but make no mistake, this is a climbers course and if you add  the heat, you have to make sure you hydrate or you won't survive.  More training awaits tomorrow, swimming and some running than its registration time.
Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Brand Champion China edition

Well I'm currently in China and it's about a week and a half from the world championship! I'm here to teach but it's hard to be training.  No bike, little  access to a pool, so all I  can do is mostly run. M have been able to go to the Westin and pay to use their 25 m pool and gym.  The opportunity to come to China was too big to pass and made me thinking, perhaps this year the world won't be so much about the result,must the journey that took me there in the first place. My hope that the many hours of training and the 8 Xterra races I have one this year will pay off.  The weather is very warm here so at least I will be acclamatised to the heat when I arrived to Maui.  Internet is spotty and access is not easy so I will start my updates when I land in Maui on Monday and will do my usual scouting report.  For now I wish you all the best on any of your endeavor.  Remember about the journey!  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra world, one month away!

As the leaf are turning red and falling on the west coast, we are now one month away from Xterra World Championship in Maui. With a field of over 600 of the best off road triathletes from all over the world, stunning vistas and sunny beach, the stage will be set.  For me, it will be a chance to measure my metal with the best, try to see if I can improve from last year's time.  It will also be a chance to see a lot of my friends who are scattered all across the globe, get some sun and look back at my second season as an Xterra athlete.  Training is moving along although an upcoming travel and work schedule will definetly make it harder, but then again, if it was too easy, I probably wouldn't be doing it in the first place.  I'm looking forward to be riding in the pineapple field, feel the breeze of the ocean and conquer the climbs.  People always ask me why I race, I think it's because for the time I'm racing, I feel like I control my destiny and get to share it with like minded people. That's what keep me training and racing.  Stay tuned for the upcoming weeks to the race, I'll share my training,and off course as soons as I get to Maui, daily updates on the course and the atmosphere at my second world championship.  Until then, I hope you're staying fit, where ever your mood takes you and where you live.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0 Trail running

People always ask me if I like running on the road or running in the trails.  I train and have competed on both surface.  Xterra are off road triathlons and trail running is one of the staples of those races .  Now I also have competed in road Tri and half marathons.  My preference, trail by far .  Even if you are a road runner, trail will do you wonders.  Why you ask? These are the few things I have discovered in the past 12 years of training.  First, trails are in nature and no matter what, the trail seem different every day.  Trail running is not as hard on your joint than the pounding on pavement.  I also believe that road runners will benefit from uphills, downhills, which are not as common on the road.  I also think that trail running is good for balance.  All those rocks, roots and change in terrain helps your body being more efficient.  Lastly, and this is my opinion, I have no scientific fact to back it, but I think that trail running is good for your brain.  There is so much information that your brain process while you trail run with the terrain vs the pavement.  No matter what you do, think about adding trail running into your workout, don't forget to get a pair of trail running shoes, you'll enjoy the trails that much better.  For all of you on the westccoast, I hope you're enjoying the weather.  As for everyone else, I hope you are out there, weather its for a walk, run, ride or something you enjoy.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Canada Eh!

I awaken to fresh snow on the mountains this morning, not too sure what to make of it.  Roy tells me haven't you heard the rain last night?  I obviously did not as I was passed out in bed.  Now I'm not opposed to snow but that usual means temperature drop which translate in cold water, I don't like cold water.  This race was a bit different with two separate transition.  T1 at the lake and T2 by the Nordic Center.  After a short race briefing we were bus down to the lake.  The swim  was a bit different consisting of 3 x 500 meter loops ( allegedly) the garmin would say 1800 m! I don't need more swim mileage but I digress. The water was still cold and for some reason I just could catch my breath.  Smwim time 29 min.  Onto the bike course where the rain didn't do as much damage as I thought .  I thoroughly enjoyed the bike course and I book the first loop in a decenct time.  After a quick refueling, courtesy of a bottle swap by my girlfriend Stephanie , I was on for the second loop and I have to admit, I was grinning, thoroughly enjoying the bike course.  After a quick transition I was off to the 2 x 5km loop.  I was feeling  pretty good and it was time to see if I could catch up to Roy who usually have a 6 min advantage on me off the bike.  As I was closed to finish the first loop I saw Roy on his second, quick check on the watch told me that he was about a km ahead.  I forged on, not sure if I would be able to catch him.  As Inwas approaching the finish line, I could see Roy in the distance but I wouldn't be able to catch him, finishing 2 places behind him overall.  I was happy with my run time, good for 28 fastest time overall.  I would finish 7/17 in my age group, good for 41/150 overall.  Roy would finish 39 and 6 in his age group.  It was nice to have friendly faces at the finish line,  my girlfriend Stephanie, Barb and my good buddy Elbert and his family from Calgary and my 1 year old god daughter Victoria.  Well that is it for the Canmore adventure, next stop the World Championship in Maui!  Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Canada : T-15 hours

After a brisk swim this morning, in somewhat frigid water, we went for a quick run with a stunning vistas in the background.  I am looking forward to the race tomorrow and hope for a somewhat warmer morning tomorrow.  I picked up my packet and will be wearing #88 for the race tomorrow.  I'm all prep for tomorrow, just relaxing for the night and letter the pre race jitters settling in.  Stay tuned for a full race report tomorrow aft the race.  Hope you are all enjoying your long weekend, happy trails !

Carpe Diem

Xterra Canada Bike course

As the sun crested over the mountains this morning I was hoping the temperature would go up!  Roy and I headed to the Nordic Center to scout the bike course.  The course consist of two 10 km loops.  A short 2 km from the swim on the first lap for a total of 22 km.  this bike course is awesome, through cross country bike course with some climbs and nice swooping descent.  A few technical descent to add to the mix makes it for a great ride.  Plenty of space for passing and with a hill named EKG you know the gold old heart will be working.  The marking was great and it was easy to find the course.  I'm always amazed how well Roy descends, former down hill MTb racer, he makes it look easy.  This course definetly suites a dual suspension bike better but I will survive with hard tail.  In all this has the making of a great race, let's hope it all comes together on race.  Happy trail!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Canada

After a10 hour drive, around and I arrived in Canmore Alberta, site of the 2012 Xterra Canada Championship, part of the world tour and Maui qualifier.Surrounded by majestic glacier and high peak, the vista is breath taking, only if I could breath easy!  Niched at 4900 feet, this sea level kid is feeling the altitude a bit.  Roy and I got changed quickly and went running one loop of the run course.  Great marking made it easy to find and the run course is awesome.  Single tracks combine with swooping trails with rocks and roots make for a fun course.  Tomorrow we will head over to the bike course.  Stay tuned for more scouting report, until then, Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

The Lance Factor

As I was running earlier I was thinking about Lance, his career and the USADA.  Now I don't give my opinion very often and like everyone out there I don't have all the facts.  Some people know more than me, some don't.  That said I still remember Lance giving the look to Ian Ulrich of Germany at the tour and taking off up hill.   At that moment I was sold and got interested in the sport of cycling.  The reality is that Lance has never tested positive,  and he is one of the most tested athlete in the world.   Has he or has not taken performance enhancing drugs, who knows.  What makes me sad is that many people tend to forget what he has done for Cancer.  His foundation has raised 500 million dollars for cancer research and has helped thousand of people, some I know very well.  It also makes me sad that people are now saying " what does the yellow band signifies now" It signifies the fight against cancer, the hope for a cure, the  reminder of lost ones.  Let's not forget all the good that Lance has done, that you like him or not, he still beat cancer and helped others.  As for the USADA, seem weird that you can go after past performance and only going after one person, looks like a witch hunt to me.


On another note, one week or so before Xterra Canada, stay tuned for the usual scouting report and race action packed in Canmore, Alberta.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0: Inspiration

I decided to talk about something intangible but non the less it should be in your gear bag! I thought about it while riding my mountain bike and obviously while watching the olympics.  There are no shortage of inspirational stories from the Olympic Games, just turn the tube on and you will be hard press not to feel the emotions for the athlete competing as well as the stories behind it.  I also think there are some many inspirational moments in out personal lives, from friends running crazy distances to honour their lost ones, retired guys taking a bite out of life while training and racing, the list goes on and on.  I really think that's one of the greatest assets of human lives, the ability to feel inspired. We will all have road blocks in our lives, but if we are and feel inspired to do something, the sky is the limit.  I encourage each and one of you to get inspired and to get out there to reach your goals.  They can be as small as finishing your first 5 km run, to entering a race and beat your personal best or to win an event.  Dare to dream! Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

P.S: GO Canada GO at the London Olympics!

Gear 2.0: know your gear!

It is always important to know the gear you use.  Case in point I recently changed my C02 inflator recently and when it was time to use it,mi couldn't make it work.  Moral of the story, make sure when ever you get new gear or change brand that you know how to use it, so on race day you won't have any surprises .  No races planned this month, which is unusual for me, a of  work schedule and and not being able to travel makes it hard.  Training is the name of the game right now as well I watching the Olympics!  My heart goes to Canadian triathlete Paula Findlay who despite adversity and injuries conducted herself as a class act competitor.  Next race for me is the Xterra Canadian Championship where I will attempt to have a better finish after a desapionting race last year.  Canmore is the venue and it should be interesting.  Hope you are enjoying the weather and are cheering for your country during the Olympics. Go Canada Go!  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Whistler

As I woke this morning, I felt lazy, tired.  I then remembered an article written by Chris "Mecca" Mccormack, one of the most successful Ironman about motivation.  The gist of it was that even pro's at time were not always motivating during training session, and although this was a race for me, it helped me focus and start getting motivated for my race.  The gloomy and cold weather was not helping but than I thought about Xterra France and I saud to myself " Can't be worst than that"  As I headed to transition with my Buddy Roy from Brab's condo, a mere 2 min ride with my music in one here I thought to myself, there are worst things I can be doing on a Sunday morning.  This was a small field, probably around 60 racers for the full course.  After setting my transition and scoring a end rack right at the entrance, I went to get body mark.  After a quick swim before the start, the gun went off at 8 am sharp. This race was very spectator friendly with 2 750m loop, 2 technical bike loops of about 12 km and 2 short run loop of about 3 km each.  After a 27 min swim or so, it was now off to get on the bike and to chase Roy, how had just left transition.  The bike course is great, and with name such as the fountain of love, dwarf nebula and Pinocchio's furniture we were in for a treat.  I have to admit that marking on the bike could have been better, Roy and I were victim for a couple wrong turns and  would again be victim of another wrong turn during the first lap.  As the second lap started, with the rain amplifying, which would make roots and bridges a bit more treacherous, I was actually having a better time, without any wrong turns.  I knew Roy would be ahead for a good 6 min off the bike and as I got off on  the run, I started passing people.  I must have passed close to ten runners but would ultimately not catch Roy, that will have to be for another day.  As I cross the finish line, Roy, Barb, Connor, Anne and off course Stephanie were there to great me.  This was definitely a nice bike course, very west coast and challenging but not so much that it could not be enjoyed. Off course a nice sunny day would have been better but such is life as an Xterra racer.  Next stop is the Xterra Canadian Championship, part of the global tour, in Canmore, Alberta on the labour day long weekend.  I know have to step up the training and perhaps find a race in between.  As for now, time to rest for  a bit.  Stay tuned for some training updates and Gear 2.0.  Until then, Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Scouting report from Xterra Whistler

Is it summer yet? I arrived this morning in one of the mountain biking Mecca, Whistler to pre ride the bike course with my good buddy Roy in order to get ready for the race on Sunday. Gloomy and cold weather was on hand . After a false start of 3 km where Roy blew a side wall, we came back, put a new tire and head back out again. This bike course would not deceive. In typical Whistler fashion, it had some short power climbs, tones of single tracks and bridges. Some rocky section and swooping descent. Overall, a very nice bike course, and much different than France. The weather might be interesting on Sunday so we shall see. Stay tuned for more updates and the post race report. Until then, happy trail! Carpe Diem

Post race report from France

I woke up this morning to the sound of thunder and torrential rain, which is not good! The start time was quite late here in France with a 2pm.  I knew that rain coupled with the fact that the short course was racing in the morning would equal a chewed up course.  The transition was very spacious with double racks with numbers up above, which is easy to sight.  The gun went off sharp at 2 pm and 700 racers plunged into the water of the lake in Xonrupt.  This swim was a one 1500 m lap and it was a bit crazy until the first buoy.  I was out of the water in 27 min and was pleased with it.  As you all know, what would be an Xterra without a few crashes, it seem that I would have to pay my dues to the gods of xterra with 2 crashes withing the first km.  One not too bad, the second one a full over the handle as I was pushed off my track and hit a depression.  Enough for me to have to take the tools out and having to fix my handle bars.  I was off again but I knew that the course would be muddy and that I would have to fight my way through.  1/3 into the first lap, there was so much mud that my chain started sucking up, which caused me to have to either get off the bike up hike of really slow down in order not to snap it.  At the end of the lap, they had a natural jump and if you took it fast enough you could get some sweet air time, problem is the angle would cause the bike to lean forward, but I had paid my dues so no crash.  The second lap was misery, mud, more mud, chain suck.  I also broke the cardinal rule of racing, I used the nutrition on the course although I had never trained with it, it was either that or bunking.  I finished the bike course in 3:15 and to date this has to be the longest Xterra bike course, 39 km with 5000 feet of elevation gain!!! Quick transition and off to the run, which consisted of a 2 5 km loop.  After the first 10 min I found my legs and forged on, booking the run in about 48 min.  Overall time of 4:35, 185 overall.  This was definitely a hard race, due to the climbing and mud.  It was nice to have Dave and Stephanie cheering for me!  I hope you enjoyed the journey, as for me its time for some R and R.  I will be back at it for Xterra Whistler, until then happy trails!

Carpe Diem

In the country of Asterix and Obelix!

Gaule, 50 BC, the Romans are invading, Asterix and Obelix with the help of the druids are drink potion and fighting.....

2012 France, Gerardmer- Xonrupt  Xterra France

Well Asterix and Obelix where some of my favourite comic characters when I grew up, some of you might not have  heard of them but being in Franc made me think about it. As I was looking at the course profile I thought to myself., 2300 feet of climbing is not too bad.  Not the smallest but not the biggest I have seen, until I realised it was per laps and there were two of them!!!  I went riding the course yesterday.  I was lucky to run into my good friend and Xterra Pro Renata Bucher as she was coming from a run.  She was kind enough to loan me a CO2 canister and after chatting for a bit I was off riding.   This course is what I would call a typical European course, big climbs, more climbs and just to add a bit, more climbs.  Some fast descent and a couple flat section.  Some muddy section and with more rain on the horizon and the fact that 720 in the Championship race coupled with another 500 in the short distance, the course should be very interesting comes race day.   I will be off running the run course today. I'm not too sure what to sacrifice to the Xterra Gods for nice weather come race day, but a little mud never hut anyone.  I think I could use some magic potion from Asterix to make me faster on race day!. Stay tuned for more updates and the post race comments.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0 : road and trail shoes

I purchased a couple of pairs of runners and thought I would share my thoughts on them with you. The first pair is the Asics Gel Noosa Tri shoe. This shoe is build for road racing and is very light. The colour scheme is funky and to be honest I like it. It's very comfortable without socks for at least a 10 km or so. I ran a half with it without socks and got a few blister. Overall I really like it but I would probably recommend it for sprint and Olympic distance, especially if you are a heavier runner. Although I love the shoe, I'm not too sure I would wear it for a full Ironman. I probably pushed it for a 70.3. Overall I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fast light road race shoe. The second pair I purchased is the Salomon Misson X trail shoe. Now I am a big fan of Salomon for the trails, that brand has been with me in all my off roads adventures from Mexico to Guam and Saipan. The Mission X is advertised as a cross over from a trail shoe and if needed can be used on the road for shorter distance. After going on a trail run on the weekend I was happy with them but would add this caution: if you're looking for an aggressive stable shoe for roots and rocks, this might not be the right choice, that said its light and performed well in semi dry conditions. I hope that all of you have had a chance to get out there this summer. As for me, the adventure starts again in a week where I will be leaving to compete in the so,d out and highly coveted Xterra France Championship, part of Xterra world tour. As usual I will be blogging about my experience and the race, hope you will join me. Happy trails! Carpe Diem

Grand Rapids half Iron

As I woke at the crack of down before the race, I couldn't imagine a better setting than the Moore's kitchen, looking directly on a still river where the swim would take place as the sun was rising. Transition was a short 5 min bike ride from the house which is even better! With 1200 athletes registered in sprint, Olympic and half, the transition was quite big. I was in the second swim wave and the water was quite nice and it was a wetsuit swim! On the way back, sighting was very difficult as the sun was just at the right angle making it impossible to see. I was pleased with my swim time and it was now time to head on the TT bike. I knew this course would be fast and I was hoping for a good day on the bike. Luckily I didn't get any issue I was able to sustain a 35.9 km/hr pace for the 90 km. after a quick transition it was time to head for the half marathon. By the the sun was out in full force and temperature was close to 30 degrees. My pace was good on my first 10 km but alas I wasn't able to hang on on the second lap. I was still please to run a respectable 1:48 on the run although I was hoping for a little faster time. I clocked the half at 4:58, reaching my goal of a sub 5 hour half, bearly mind you. Al and Allison both finished their Olympic Tri as well. Another good friend nicknamed C2 also finished the sprint. What great time I has visiting and staying at the Moore's for this event. I couldn't have asked for more. I now have to rest a bit, I also have some nice blisters on my feet. The next race will take me to the heart of Alsace in France for Xterra France in July. As usual, i'll be blogging about my experience. Until then, I hope your enjoying some sporting activities and good friendships just like I did. Happy trails! Carpe Diem

Team V

I'm currently in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a 70.3 this weekend and visiting friends. I was invited to go ride with my friend Al's riding group. They are middle aged men meeting once a week to go road riding. I was assured this would be an easy ride, of course I believed him until we are in a pace line doing about 47 km/hr, granted with a tail wind, but I was thinking to myself, I have to race in a few days. What great time it was but it thought me a lesson, never think that a bunch of middle age men will take it easy on a road bike. The evening was concluded with food and drinks and what better way to end. I'm glad I was able to go ride, these guys definetly seized the day. Until Sunday, happy trails! Carpe Diem

Getting ready for my first 70.3 of the season!

This weekend coming up I will be racing in my first and perhaps only 70.3 of the season. 70.3 or half ironman distance is a 2 km swim, 90 km bike followed by a half marathon (21.1 km) So I had to ditch trail runners, mountain bike gear for the road flats and the Tri bike. This Sunday I will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan visiting my good friend the Moores and the Browns. I'm already back east for family affairs so this will just be a short trip on my way back to the coast. I have to admit I usually don't have a bike when I visit my family so to be able to ride next to the St-Laurent river was pretty cool and a good way to train and forget about the daily stress. It should be interesting to see what happen in Grand Rapids since this distance is a bit further than the Xterra races. Speakingbor wich, I will also be heading to race Xterra France in July, but on thing at a time. So stay tuned to the Grand Rapid Tri result and post comments. I hope you are all out there taking advantage of the warmer weather. Until then, happy trails! Carpe Diem

ITU race report from the deep South!

I was in a bit of an unknown territory this morning, a swim with no wetsuit or no speed suit allowed, this should be interesting. On race morning I'm always a bit nervous, but adding the fact that I was wearing the Canadian colors, it seemed to add a bit of weight on my shoulders. This race format was different and the men get their own start. I exited the water in 30 min, not as good as I hoped for but not as bad as well. Off to a fast transition and out on the bike course, trying to reel the competition. You have to understand, this bike course did not have a lot of room to pass, which makes it hard at times for me to pass faster swimmers but slower riders. At one point, an American rider past me, on the right, without even announcing, to add he pushed me and I ended up crashing against a tree. He never said a thing or even apologisied. I got up on my bike and forged on, trying to recuperate the time, position and people I had passed. There was one big climb on this single track course, although long, it was gradual. Once I arrived at blood rock, a section that deserved that name, I elected to get off my bike and run it. After that it was mostly down hill back to transition. I had a another fast transition and headed out on the two 5 km loop. The run wnt well, minus a fall close to the end of the first lap. I would book the course in 2:39 , good enough for 13/29 in my age group with 8th fastes bike split in my age as well. This race was a very neat experience and the usual suspects Al, GL and Allison were also racing. In addition, great job by Pete Lombard from Gum, whom I met when I raced there. NHL raced the entire course with a broken rib, what an inspiration. As for me, my next race will take me to Grand Rapid, Michigan in 3 weeks for a traditional 70.3. Time for me to rest. Happy trails! Carpe Diem

News from the deep south!

We are about 24 hours away from the race. This is definetly a bit different since the ITU is involved. I'm looking forward to race, 8:05 start for the men. The course consist of two 750 m laps, 24.5 km of mountain biking and 10 km trail run. I think this will be a fast race. Again, this will be a special day for me, wearing the Canadian colours, having my family name on my kit, very cool. The weather is supposed to be nice and warm, just the way I like it. Time for an early bed time, will shall see what comes of it tomorrow. Feel free to follow the action at www.xterraplanet.com As usual, I will post my post race impression about the race tomorrow. Hope you will follow me, Happy trails! Carpe Diem

On the road to the ITU world cross championship

After a long day of travel yesterday to Pelham, Alabama I was up early this morning. After a quick breakfast and putting my bike together, I headed over Oak mountain Park, the theatre of this year's ITU world cross Championship. The bike course had been shorten a bit but it is a very cool course. Mostly single track with twists and turns, it will be a fast course. One big gradual climb and the more descents awai with a few tricky section. This will be a non wetsuit and no speed suit race for the swim. It will slow me down a bit but I guess it will make for a fast transition! Weather is beautiful and the race should be fun. A stacked field of 29 in my age group with only 2 Canadians and one South African to compete against team USA. I picked my race packet today as well, I wispoke wearing #254 for this race. Tomorrow another light swim and a run, race starts at 8:15 local time. Feel free to check it out. Il keep posting updates. Until then, happy trails! Carpe Diem

Racing for Canada, what an honor!

In just about 11 days I will be in Pelham, Alabama for the ITU cross world championship. I am fortunate that I wll be wearing the Canadian colors with the Maple Leaf. I will be joined by a dozen or so Canadans, some age groupers, some pros, in representing Canada. I just got my race kit a few days ago, pretty cool to see your name printed on your race kit. I'm looking forward to race and see all my Xterra friend down there. Training is moving along but I also know the the competition will be fierce, my age group tends to be extremely fast so will see what happen. Hope you are all getting out there's the weather is getting better. As usual I will be blogging as soon as I arrive in Alabama next week. Until then, happy trails! Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0 : mountain bike pedals and front fork lock out

Its been a while since I posted a gear 2.0 so I thought I'd talked about pedals and front fork lock out, two things that have given me issues. Front fork lock out system are great, they allow you to lock you fork on the fly, allowing it to be stiffer on climbs and even terrain. I had a cable lock from SRAM and I was having issues, it seemed that under load it didn't want to unlock, which caused me some grief when I needed the full suspension. Jason at Cap's looked after me and I have to admit that SRAM came through, upgrading to a hydraulic lock out, what a difference! Highly recommend it if you want to be able to lock your Front fork. As for my pedals, you may remember my misadventure in the Philippines. I ride Eggbeatter 3 from Crank Brothers. I sent my pedals away for warranty and I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me a brand new pair. Besides that, I really like their product and find that the pedals perform well in muddy terrain with an ease to get in and out. As for racing, you may wonder what's next on my plate? May 19 ITU world championship, I will be proudly wearing Canada's colours and will be racing as an age grouper. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Vegas, do you feel lucky?

I awoke this morning to cold and rain, I thought I was home. Hard to get motivated at times, especially when the water temperature was warmer than the ai, which is not saying much as the water was glacial! The rain stopped and it looked like the sun might even come out. After plunging in the fidgid water (notice a theme here!) The gun went off and I felt sluggish. Getting out of the water I was pleasantly surprise with my swim time. Off to the bike, chain came off and after dealing with it, I got into some what of a rhythm. This course is a power climbers course. After completing my 2 laps I headed in for a quick transition and headed to the run course. I finally could feel my feet by mile three ( they were still frozen from the swim!) With a sting run, I was heading towards the finish and I could hear some foot steps, as a male came by and I could see he was in my age group. With 300 m to go I said" I don't think so" and it was a sprint to the finish, beating him by one second. I was please with my finish, bettering my time by 15 min from last year. The boys did well, Sean beating us all, Roy had a flat tire, and with us coming out of transition on the run, I was just lucky to beat home. Shane wasn't too far off. With four races under my belt, I hope to be in decent shape for the ITU world cross in Alabama in about a month. Unil then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Vegas, less than 24 hours away

After arriving at Las Vegas airport and picked up by Sean and Roy,mtbe adventure began with finding this running store that Sean needed. I'll save you the details but we did a bit of a circle around town before we found it. Once arrived at our dig I build up my bike and went for one lap of the bike course. It is the same bike course as last year, not overly technical but some climbs, loose and jagged rocks and it can be dusty. I took my time, not wanting to push it the day before the race.i I'm a little tired I have to admit, a 9 am start is a welcome change from our very early starts back in the south pacific. The temperature is nice but it could be warmer, I'm not looking forward the glacial swim in Lake Las Vegas. Sean, Roy and Shane will be on the start line tomorrow with me, friends from Vancouver and it will be nice to see familiar faces. We shall see what happen! Stay tuned for a complete race report tomorrow. Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Vegas, here I come

It's time for my first test on North American soil at the Xterra Western Championship.  Although the weather doesn't look promising and Lake Las Vegas will be for sure cold!!! I'm looking forward to get back into the saddle and race along some some of my friends.  The boys Sean, Shane and Roy from BC are coming down and it will be nice to have some company on and off the field.  Stay tuned for the scouting report as I will be riding it tomorrow when arrive in Vegas.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0 : watches

I'm a bit of a data freak when I train, the more data I can look at, the more I feel I can learn. It's also important so I can send it to my coach so he can analyze it. There are a lot of watches on the market, Polar, Timex and Garmin to name a few. I just purchased the new Garmin 910XT, replacing my Polar system. I love the watch, first and foremost it now gives data on my swim, wether I'm indoor or out. Garmin also work with GPS technology so now when I run or ride, I get all the data and accurate mileage, even in the trails. 20 hour battery life will carry you through an Ironman, which is a big improvement. It pairs wireslessly with my MAC, which my my polar wouldn't do and sends it to Garmin connect on the web. This watch comes with an optional heart rate monitor which I took. There is also a multi sport function, with the touch of a button you can swap sports. I have been very impress with, if you are in the market or are dabating to get a multi sport watch, I think you won't be desapointed with this work horse of a watch. Happy Easter, treat yourself! Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Some Photos from the Asia Triple Crown

Saipan

Philippines

The triple crown, march of Xterra review

Who would have thought that 16 brave souls would embark on the triple crown of Xterra. They came from the US, UK, France, Australia, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Guam and as usual yours truly from Canada. What an adventure it has been, from the waterfalls of Guam, the giant crowds in the Philippines and the though but beautiful Saipan course, what a feat. I have had a chance to speak with pros and age grouper alike and seen some fierce competition and stories unfold. Xterra is where it's at if you ask me, the people are so nice and anyone will help you if they can, no matter who they are. The weather has been great and personally I was able to hit a few personal goals, early in the season. I hope this journey might have inspired you to go out there and play and challenge yourself, I know it did for me. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Triple crown is over, race report from Xterra Saipan

This was my second year racing in Saipan and it holds a special place for me. It was site of my first Xterra, this is where I qualified for the world championship, I swam in a tsunami and met the Moores and the Browns. An early start again to beat the heat, I was lucky to bum a ride from no one else than top triathlete Renata Bucher. With an arrival in transition at 5:20 for a 6:30 start, there were no lights out just yet. I felt tired, I'm fighting a cold( who gets a cold in the tropics) but I was determined to have a good race, this being the last one of the triple crown. The current was strong this morning and I would soon find out that at the second turn boye, it seemed that I would go backwards at times! I was out of the water and off to the bike portion,which features 2800 feet of elevation gain and some technical descents. I manage to fall and bruise my palm on a non technical section, don't ask me how, but what is done is done. I forged on and got to transition 3 min slower than last year and headed out on the run. The run is fun, technical and grueling at the same time. Some steep climbs but then some very harsh rocky decent. You even go through a cave that was used during the second World War. Once you exit the jungle, it's a beach run to the finish. I would cross the line in 3:27:41, good enough for a third place in my age group and a personal best by almost 7 minutes from last year. This past three weeks have been pretty cool, I have met some awesome people in Guam, Philippines and got to see Al, Allison and Cathy in Saipan. I got to train with some pros, I biked and run in places that most people will probably ever have a chance. I escape injuries for the most part and I have to say, Jason and the crew got my bike so dialed in from Westwood Cycle Maple Ridge that I didn't have any major issues apart from my pedals. I hope you enjoyed the journey, I know I sure did. It's now time for me to hit the lazy river at the PIC and enjoy the rest of my vacation. If you wonder whats next? Xterra Las Vegas April 14, until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

The day before the storm....

Last stop of the triple crown, Xterra Saipan, the crown jewel of Xterra. I woke this morning to rain, I thought the many sacrifices to the god of racing such as my iPod in the wash, pedals, crash, heart monitor breaking were enough to keep the course dry! The sun is blackout so it should dry some of it, I hope. After 2 weeks of racing, the pro field is so close that I can see a show down happening on both the male and female side of things. In the age groupers I know a battle is about to take place in my age group with Pete and Cam from Guam who bested me in that race as well as Sublemente, local from Saipan who beat me by 3 min last year. So the stage is set, and at 6:30 tomorrow morning, the gun will go off race like no others. Stay tune for the post race report, until then happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Death Valley, a Saipan run course

Another early morning as I was off to run the course of Xterra Saipan, called by some of us "Death Valley". A mix of pros and age grouper headed out, staging one car at the start of the trail, the other one at the end so we didn't need to run the beach. Our little international crew had Switzerland, Germany, US, Guam and Canada in the mix. The Saipan course is cool and with Guam, is my favorite of all Xterra. At one point we are going down an old creek bed and then enter a cave used by Japaneese forces during WWII, how cool is that. During the race they even place candles in it! This was my last hard workout for the week. Tomorrow will be a light workout in the morning and then that will be it. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Saipan, the crown jewels of Xterra

Saipan, for those of you who are not familiar with, was the stage of some furious battles during WWII. The movie windtalker depicts some of it if I recall. This morning I was out to go pre ride the bike course with a couple of pros. Now people might think, why would I do that? Two reasons: one, I learn a lot watching them ride, two, not many sports do you have the chance to do so. The Saipan course is a challenging one, 2800 feet of elavation, close to 40 km in length. Add the relentless heat, technical descents and some monster climbs and there you have it. A quick stop at a market for a cold power aid and we kept on going. After the ride we met more of the racers and local for the tank to tank swim. How cool is it when you get to swim to old WWII tanks, still in the water! It's now time to relax before I got to Taco night, which will be a gathering of racers and some one house for tacos. My friend Allison and her dad Al are doing the race as well this year. For Allison, it will be her first kick at the can for a full Xterra, as for Al he raced here last year and he will also join me in Alabama for the ITU world cross as an age grouper for the US. Tomorrow will be a look at the technical part of the run, which is pretty cool, you go through a cave during the race. Until tomorrow, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Post Xterra Philippines

It had to sunk in, it was such a cool atmosphere in Cebu yesterday, the crowds were awesome, to be cheered on like that for most of the race was something I will always remember. It was also my first top podium as an age grouper in my Xterra racing, something I won't soon forget. My bike is packed and another 12 hours of traveling is awaiting me to make my way back to Saipan, sadly a lot of that is lay overs at the airport. Looks like some of the tribe is traveling on some of the same flight than me so at least il know a few people. Saipan is hailed as the crown jewel of Xterra and holds a special place for me as it was where I made my formal debut as an Xterra racer and qualified for the world championship last year. In addition I will be racing with my good friend Allison and her dad Al Moore. Stay tuned for the post from Saipan, until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Second stop of Xterra triple crown, Xterra Philippines

24 hours earlier..... I decided to ride one of the technical section not far from the start, steep, lava rocks, you get the picture. I'm not wearing gloves, it's a light ride. First time down no problem, coupled with the 2 yesterday I'm feeking pretty good, let's do it another time just for food measure, that was a bad idea, I crashes, and road rash both knees, destroy my hands. I'm not a happy camper. 24 hours later.....

I'm still feeling not happy about the crash from yesterday, I know I'm a better rider than that, my confidence is not great for this race. I wince and the thought of salt water on my open wounds. Early breakfast at 415 and then off on the bus at 5 am, the race site is about 35 min by bus. To boots, since I washed my IPOD, I don't have any music for the ride. I arrive at transition and de decided to make the best of it, I'm in the Philippines after all. I set my transition, head to body marking, wish a good race to some of the I got to meet, very quickly as I don't want to disturb their routine. It's time to head in the water, I jump in, it's actually not too bad, my spirit rise, maybe il have a good swim today. The gun goes off t 7 am sharp, swimming is always my nemesis, I scout a set of feet, who ever they are they have a Guam race kit, which means they swim in the ocean more often, I decide to hang on. The ocean is for sure choppier than Guam, I will end up booking the swim just under 30 min, I'm happy with that. Quick transition and off to the bike course, 36 km, 2 loops including the nasty down hill where I crashed. The neat thing about this race is that the streets are packed with people and it's awesome. The bike course is a series of dirt, road with steep climbs and technical bits. At the end of the first loop, I decide that I will dismount and run the down hill where I crash. On the second loop, one guy decide to draft me, which I don't mind until he bump into me and them passes me. He looks like he could be in my age group but is going fast and I decide to save some energy for the run. I would book the bike portion under 2 hours, I'm happy with that. Of to the 10 km run, a mystery as I wasn't able to pre run it. Again, the road is line with people, some neat section where you run on small trails as well as bamboo bridges, and the local wildlife, which could very well be served for dinner next! The heat is bearing down on me but I'm still moving along, a short beach run, coupled with wat running and then it's the road to the finish. I have no clue where I stand in my age group at this time. As I approach the chute, I see the finish line being raised, I'm thinking, that's nice they are doing that for everyone, I gues I didn't know but I was the first to come through for my age group with a total time of 3:12:42 a good 4 min or so from the second place. I have to admit, this race was awesome, great organization, tones of goodies and now some hardware to bring home. I'm off to Saipan tomorrow for my last stop in the triple crown serie. Make no mistake, this will be a though race with great racers in my age group including some of the guys from Guam as well as a local from Saipan who bested me last year. It's now time for beers, I think I have earned it. Until the next post, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Scouting Report: bike coursevXterra Philippines

Picked up my packet this morning at the beautiful Crimson Resort, I wish I was stating there but it's a bit to expansive for me. I will be sporting # 299 for this race. From the Crimson our bikes were loaded in a transport truck and a bus was awaiting to takeus to the race site, which is a good 50 min away! I was lucky again today to pre ride the course with a bunch of pro such as Renata Bucher, Olivier Marceau to only name a few. The course is not marked so we had a local guiding us. First, the course is different from last year, as I gather from Renata who did the race. It's a mix of open road, dirt and grass. Some short steep climbs as well as a few technical rocky bits. Overall I think it will still be a very fast course for the pros. The overall mileage is around 35 km, split in 2 loops. Haven't had a chance to see the run course but my understanding is that it's not too technical. The heat though will be punishing and hydration will be the key for this race. Tomorrow will be a light workout for me and then we are racking the bikes. We are having pre race dinner in town hosted by the Governor. Stay tuned for the race reporton Sunday, until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Day 3 in PI

I was lucky enough to have a training partner this morning, one of the top xterra female and pro triathlete Renata Bucher. That's what's great about Xterra, you can have a chance to do that, just like last week I was riding and running with some of the pro males. Our workout would and old fashion brick, bike and run with some interval work at the end of each session. As we were finishing our bike intervals, one of my pedal unravelled from the crank, for some reason it has seized and each pedal stroke was unscrewing it from the crank! You may recall that I loaned a tube to Renata in Guam, hoping to buy some Karma! Well it was paid in full today as she happens to have a spare pair of pedals, the same brand I use, that she has graciously loaned to me for the race. I'll have see if mine can be fixed but I doubt it. She just saved me! Any how I was able to do the interval run with her and after some difficulty taking the pedals, as I was sweating so much from the workout, I came back home. Tomorrow is packet pickup and finally going to scout the bike course. Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Day 2 in PI

I woke up this morning feeling much better than yesterday after being up for 22 hours. I headed out for a run before the heat of the day. My IPod is on the fritz, so his my heart rate monitor so I figure it was time to look around me. I have to admit that I had a bit of an uneasy feeling while running. People would say hello, but others would look at me with contempt in their eyes. This in turn made me realise again how lucky we are in Canada and I'm greatful for the opportunity that I have. After my run, a quick breakfast and it was time yo build my bike, which got me a few looks and onlooker from the staff and some of the people staying here. Seems I won't be able to ride the course until Friday when I pickup my package and the shuttles are functioning. Mum off to explore the main city, until next post, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Second stop of the triple Asia/ Pacific triple crown: Cebu, Philippines

I got up at some ungodly hour this morning for my flight to the Philippines. I arrived in Cebu in the morning, looks like my bike made it ok. It feels more humid here than in Guam. The race course is quite far and I'm not sure if I will be able to see it before Friday as its registration and they will provide shuttles in order to scout the course. I was to tired to build my bike so I went for a short swim I the ocean where I was just being punted by the waves! I will probably built my bike and go explore a bit to tomorrow. Until then, hope you're having fun whatever you do, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Guam, afterthought

I woke up this morning, the sun is shinning and I'm famished. I was thinking how great this race has been. First, the local have been so nice like Erin, Rick Julie and of course Eric and our race director and is wife to only name a few! The running course was by far the most spectacular one I have seen in my short Xterra racing career, what a treat! I know Guam is far but I highly recommend this race, no wonder it's in the top 5 off road triathlons to do in the world and is now is a qualifier for the worlds in Maui. Lastly where in the world and name me another sport where age grouper and pros play beach volleyball at 1030 at night by a bar? That's what Xterra is all about. For all of you that made this stay so memorable, thank you! Happy trails

Carpe Diem

Xterra Guam, post race!

I was up bright and early this morning, couldn't even see anything in transition the first 30 min! I set up my transition, got body marked. I bought a few Karma points this morning,mgiving a spare tube to pro Renata Bucher, I figure it couldn't hurt really, she would end up winning the pro women division. The race director has been nice enough to point out I was the first Canadian ever to race in Guam, he also put the pressure saying I was a contender in mynage group, so mmuch for keeping a low profile! The swim was a 750 m lap, twice but no run on the beach. Alas my goggles were leaking, I exited the water in 31:52, slightly desapointed andbknoeingbi would be behind the 8 ball in my age group as there were some fast guys. As usual the pro rack was empty but there was still bikes in transition. I set a fast pace on the tar section hoping to gain some grounds. I past some riders and exited into the single track. If Mars was rideable it would probably look like the Guam bike course, a see of red dirt! I had a relatively clean ride, no crash and a few dismount. I rolled in transition with a bike split of 1:47, not bad but I was hoping for a bit of a fast time. As I was exiting the transition, Eric, the race director, announced that I was sitting in third position in my age group. I was looking forward to the run especially the river section as the temperature was around 37 degree Celsius. I took a wrong turn on the run and I knew I wasn't going the right direction, this was corrected quick enough but as I entered the water fall I saw a guy that look like he would fit my age group. A quick question verified that he was indeed in my age group, it was time to turn it up, I didn't want to get passed. The river section was very refreshing. I saw Jamie Whitmore husband and after a quick hello I kept pushing on. The last section was "beach run" more like a beach swim!!! I would cross the line in 3:17 good for a third place in my age group and 18 of 123 overall. This would also secure a spot for the worlds in Maui in October! So now it's time for compression, food and a the party tonight!!! Stay tuned for next weeks adventure which will take me to Cebu, Philippines for Xterra Philippines. Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Guam, less than 24 hours!

I woke up this morning and went to the race site for a short swim, bike and run. I racked my bike and that was it for me, at 830 it was already 33 degrees with humidity! I went back to my host Eric Tydingco to pack up, do some laundry and be ready for my transfer to the hotel. I can't tell you guys enough how lucky I am to have had a chance to stay with him and his family. It 41 degrees and I'm staying inside so my body is fresh for tomorrow. Mil have plenty of time after the race to enjoy the weather. I' ll be wearing number #89 tomorrow. The course should be fun and with close to 165 racers, it should be a good challenge. As usual I have my personal time goals but I'll share that with you after the race. Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Scouting report:Run course

I went scouting the run course with a couple of pros and locals today and what a treat. Although the course starts on the flat along the road, after some ascent you end up in the jungle going down a river and water falls! I had water up to my waste at one point. When it's 38 degree Celsius, let me tell you the water is refreshing. We caught up to Jamie Whitmore and her husband. If you want inspiration, search no further. Jamie is a former Xterra world champ who's now competing in the challenged division due to the fact that she lost partial use of her leg from a battle with cancer. She's in the river with crutches, now if that isn't phenomenal, what is? All I can say is that she is sexing the day. We finished our run and I have to admit that with the Saipan race, this is the coolest running course I have seen so far at Xterra. Tomorrow is an easy day for me, light swim, bike run. Sadly I'm leaving my host Eric for the host hotel. So far Guam is awesome! People are very nice and very helpful. I will try to post pictures but my IPad is not cooperating with me! Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Day 2 in Guam

I woke up this morning and went to the outdoor 5o m pool! Sadly they were closing. I got pick up again by Eric and went for a swim in the ocean were the race will be while he was dealing with transition set up. I had planned to go do the run course but it seemed I couldnt find anyone so instead I went riding the race course again. It was another warm day in Guam and I'm definitely can feel the heat. Tomorrow is run day and I'm suppose to lead a few people on the course since Eric will explain it to me, hopefully it will all go well. 2 days till race day, I found out that I'm the first Canadian ever to race Xterra Guam! I also found out that my age group has the deepest field with 15 guys. I'm sure il have my work cut out for me. Until tomorrow, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Hafa Adai, from Guam!

After 24 hours of traveling, I was greeted by race director Eric Tydingco who is nice enough to have me stay with his family until friday at which point I will be moving to the race hotel. My flight was a bit late leaving Tokyo so I didn't get to Guam airport until midnight. I woke up this morning after a short night, we are 6 hours early but a day head from westcoast time. Eric was nice enough to get a local rider, Rick, to take me on the Xterra course. As we started our ride, we met some of the pro's including Renata Bucher who I met for the first time in Saipan last year. Rick told me to go ahead with them and that we would meet back at his car. The course reminded me of Arizona, Moab and Maui mixed together with its red dirt, washboard and divets. There some cool descent, good ascent and some nice tar section to recover. I anticipate that the pro's will be fast on race day. Tomorrow it's swim and running the race course. It's sunny and 33 degrees and I'm loving it! Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

The March of Xterra

I am on my way to Guam for the first of 3 Xterra races. For those of you who are not too sure where Guam is, it is an island that sits in the Philippines sea. It was also the scene of some furious battles during War World II. It will take me 22 hours to get there and I will loose a day with the international date line. I'm lucky to have race director Eric Tydingco to take care of me for my first 2 days on the island, at which point I will move over to the race hotel. In traditional Xterra fashion, I'm sure the course will be challenging and Xterra Guam was voted in the top 5 off road triathlons in the world. So stay tune for the scouting report dand my impression on the island, I should be riding the course Tuesday to see what it looks like. Oh, and if you wonder what kind of weather, anywhere from 32-38 degrees Celsius. Hope you will follow me on this journey. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0: bonking

For many athlete, the word bonking is synonym with " I'm in trouble" for others, they have the vivid image portrayed at Ironman finish when competitors are crawling through the finish line. I'm lucky, I don't bonk often but 2 weeks ago while on a routine trail run, I started to be in trouble. I was shaking and I could feel that all my energy was dwindling, I was running out of calories. Luckily for me, I always carry something, gel, chomps just in case it happens. I took my gel, started to feel better and continued on. I just bring this up as a reminder, alway carry something just in case, especially when you're in the middle of no where. If you have nothing, don't push through or you will be in serious trouble because your body is telling the tank is on empty. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Team Canada

A few weeks back I applied to race as an age grouper for Canada for the ITU cross world championship in Alabama in May. Unsure if my race resume would cut it, I was happy to receive an email telling me that my application was accepted. I will be racing fornCanada on May 19 in Phelam, Alabama. More important, I will be able to wear the Canadian colours while doing so, which i think is very cool. Stay tuned for the March of Xterra and my trip to Guam starting next weekend. Until then, hope your workouts or goals are moving along. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

On the road to the South Pacific, one Xterra at a time!

It's been a while since I have had a chance to post anything as I had to attend some personal matters. For some, this time of the year is the off season, for me I am 1 month away from racing! Where you ask? Well I am off March 4 to Guam for the first of 3 Xterra races that I will take part in. Race day is March 10 for Xterra Guam, described in Tri magazine as one of the top 5 Tri to experience in the world. I will then move to Cebu, Philippines for Xterra Philippines on March 18. Finally I will be back to Saipan, the crown jewel of Xterra which hold a special place as it was my first Xterra race last year, which will take place on March 24. I will make sure to share my experience, the inside scoop and the race course as I move along. I am also happy to announce that Cap's and Sugoi will be part of my sponsors for the 2012 racing season. If you know anyone else that would be interested, send them my way! Hope to see you along the way or maybe inspire you. Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Happy New Year

As I was out this morning running, I was thinking back on the 2011 season.  I got to experienced some pretty cool races, met some incredible people along the way like the Moore and Brown Family.  I also got to see some incredible part of our world.  I'm sure 2012 will be as interesting as last year but what made me think about that was the fact that I hope all of you that read this can be inspired to go out and seized the day.  Where as you signed up for Gran Fondo for the first time of your life like my good friend Joe, or will be at on the starting line at Ironman, or even entering your first 5 km run; go out there and challenge yourself.   I hope you'll join me along the way with my own adventures and feel free to forward my blog to all your friends if you feel they would enjoy this.  Stay tuned for the return of gear 2.0 and if there is anything you want me to touch up, let me know.  So what's in store for me this season?  Let's say that I plan a few things but I can tell you this; I will be in Guam, Philippines and Saipan in March for XTERRA races to kick start the season.  The important question is what will you do?  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem