Bike course, the back side

Today was another day on the bike course, decided to do the back side since we didn't do it yesterday.  After climbing the beloved Tapschau, it was time to the descent, with a mix of blade grass, lava rock, mud and wet coral rock ( it rain for 20 min!). The mud and wet coral is a dangerous combination and if it doesn't dry off on race day, one will have to be careful.  It's almost race day as we are a day ahead of North America. Tomorrow will be a short bike, short run and a swim.  The swim will be at the tank to tank which is pretty cool, where you get to swim to old Sherman tanks who got stuck during WWII.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Hafa Adai

Well day 2 in the lush island of Saipan, rode most of the bike course today with Al and Allison.  Ran across a few old friend, pro Ben Allen, Jacqui Slack were also on the bike course. As well we ran across Renata as she was doing the run course.  The bike course in Saipan is hilly, technical at times and can be challenging.  We plan to ride the last little part of the course tomorrow, it is apparently very muddy and slippery so will have to see. After a bit of relaxing in the pool it was time for a 20 min open water swim.  The water was rough at time but it was nice to be back in the ocean.  I got some sun today and combined with the jet lag, I think it will be another early night.  Stay tuned for more of the action this week.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

March of Xterra part Deux

Well I'm half way through my flying waiting in Tokyo for my next flight to Saipan.  Looking forwarsd to some sun, training, racing and seeing old friends.  Wish my lovely fiancée was on this trip with me.  Stay tuned for all the action and the scouting report for the first of 3 races in the pacific. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Soon to be off, the start of the season!

As I'm getting ready to leave this weekend for 2 of my favourite races, I realise how quick this year has already been moving.  I will be racing in Saipan on March 9 for my third Xterra Saipan, than the following week I will be racing for the first time in the Tagaman, also in Saipan.  This race is a road tri which consist of 1.9 km swim, 60 km bike and 15 km run.  I than will move on to Guam for Xterra Guam and to run, by far, the coolest cross country course in the circuit, in my humble opinion.  Yep, that should shock start the system and the season.  It is always difficult for us in North America to head over to the pacific to race as it is hot and humid.  That said, I am looking forward to the sun, beach and the fact that I will be able to train, race with good friends and some of the pro's I have got to know along the way.  So stay tuned as I will give you the scouting report and race results as I move in that awesome part of the world which is call the Northern  Marianas Islands.  Where will you feet take you this year?  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Team Vega

We are well into the new year and for some, including yours truly, the first race of the season is fast approaching.  In months time I will be migrating back for three week to Saipan and Guam for a couple of Xterra races and a road triathlon.  Racing in that part of the world has its challenges, especially if you are coming from North America.  This will be my 3 year in Saipan and my second year in Guam.  I'm looking forward to the sun, the beach and be able to connect with the Xterra crew, pro's and good friends such as the Moore Family as well as the Brown's.  On a personal front I have been accepted with Team Vega, Vega is  a great  nutritional company based in BC.  They use plant base product and accommodate a lot of the particular diet requirement out there.  Looking forward to show their product and use them while I'm racing around the globe.  feel free to look their website at http://myvega.com  stay tuned for some product review in the up coming weeks.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

Happy 2013, where will the road take you?

It's been a while since I posted on my blog, it's time to get back at it for the 2013 season! I hope you had all a great holiday and lots of new adventure and PB in 2013.  As for me, I'm slowly looking into what races and where I will be going.  I can tell you that I will be heading back to Saipan and Guam this year for  Xterra races.  It's hard not wanting to go to that part of the world when the promise of sunny weather, heat and beaches are but a certainty.  It's also a good way to jump start the season.  I have other race planned but I will talk about them when it get closer.  I'm slowly getting back into training mode and hope to be ready for March.  Remember that you are new at a sport or a season vet, it always take a bit of time to get back into shape, especially after the holidays.  So go out there, and start 2013 with a bang!  Happy Trail!

Carpe Diem

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