2 weeks to race day!

In a weeks time I will be in Saipan, it will be hot, humid and although this is a holiday, there is a reason why I wanted to get there in advance. Acclimatization period is important for races. Especially with major temperature changes, the body need some times to get used to it's new environment. I hope that with those 6 days my body will be in synch with the weather and the time change. I will be working out almost everyday. Although not as much as usual, the body still needs to work before a race. I'm looking forward to the weather and the sun. Follow me while I'm over there as I will try to post everyday. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Cactus?!

I'm in Arizona for work which work is great for my training as it is much warmer here than at home. I went for a MTb ride yesterday for 2 hours and almost got attacked by a cactus! Well more like I almost fell and was about to put my hand to stay up on a big cactus. I did a swim in an outdoor pool tonight after work with my new speed suit. I have to admit, it seemed to work as I was having faster split than usual. It is sure nice to be able to do some dry, warm training before leaving for Saipan next week where the temperature is close to 35 degree. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Gear 2.0 : Xterra Saipan

So what kind of gear will I be using for Saipan? If you recall, this event is 1.5 km open water swim, 40 km mountain bike and 12 km trail run. Let's start with the swim. This open water swim is in warm water, which mean that wetsuit won't be allowed. The only thing I can use to help me is called a speed suit. They are design to help you swim a bit faster due to their material. Although my choice is usually blue seventy, they are out of stock so I will opted for TYR torque elite, which also happens to be legal for all open water swim where wetsuit are not allowed. I will also have my tinted blue seventy goggles. Once out of the water, I will get on the bike segment. My specialized epic carbon will be the bike for this race. I have a Dakine bike bag to transport my bikes whenever they need to fly! I'm using specialized S work mountain bike shoes, just got them and they are red and white! Helmet wise I will have my bell helmet with Canadian Maple leaf on it. I'm always proud to show where I'm from when I race out of country. I will be wearing specialized gloves and hope to finally have my Oakley jawbone sunglasses with transition lenses. I will be wearing my Sugoi tri suit, Proudly showing the brand champions colors. Lastly on the run I will be running with salmon trail runner, Sugoi visor, Sugoi socks and a hand held bottle. My fueling choices will be GU brew for my electrolyte drink mixed with hammer sustained energy in order to have some calories, hammer gel, I use a mix of raspberry and chocolate flavor. I will also use salt tablets as it will be in the mid 30's with humidity. Hope this might help if you ever look for gear ideas or decide to try an off road triathlon. Happy trails!


Carpe Diem

4 weeks to Saipan!

Well hard to believe that in 4 weeks, this race will be done. Training is moving along and I have been going in the rain mountain biking with my friends Roy and Sean. I even managed to go over the handle bars on the weekend. The cycling at Peak Center is going well and the winter serie is in full swing and there is a thight race going on in the men's B. In addition, pool workouts and runs are part of the weekly routine. In all I'm working out between 8 to 10 hours a week. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

6 weeks to Saipan

In about 6 weeks from now I will be on my way to Saipan for the Xterra world stop. Training is going well although I have been fighting a cold these last couple of days. Winter training is not always easy with the weather. I recently started doing the Peak Center winter racing serie, which consist of bringing your road bike which is then hooked to a computerized trainer. A course is downloaded and you can see your progress on the screen! I highly recommended if you look at different ways to train during the rainy season. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Happy New Year!!

Hope all of you had a great holiday and I wish you all an Happy New year.  I hope that 2011 brings you Joy happiness and some great adventures.  I am happy to announce that my partnership will continue with the awesome crew at experience Cycling and Sugoi.  So what are my plans for  this year's racing season? Well there are a few things in the works, some I won't disclose until they happen.  I can tell you that I will be in Saipan on March 12 for the Xterra world tour stop.  This race is described as the crown jewel of Xterra.  What is an Xterra you ask?  Its an off road triathlon which includes a 1.5 km swim, 30-40 km mountain bike and a 9-12 km trail run.  For Saipan I will be looking at 1.5 km open water swim in the ocean followed by 40 km mountain bike and 12 km trail run.  With 3 slots in my age group for the world championship in Maui in October, it should make it interesting.  Stay tuned for more racing announcement and tips. Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

End of season

Last weekend saw the end of cycle cross season. Saturday was the final bc cup serie and su day was the bc provincial. The stairway course was probably the most technical course I saw all season. The Sunday course was a bit easier and 3 of us were wearing shop's colors. I'm not too sure where I finished in both races but it was nice to finish the season. I am now officially done until 2011. I wanted to thank all of you who have been following me during the season. I have many plans for 2011 so stay tuned for some cool races, and perhaps a new redesigned site. Enjoy the holidays! Happy trails

Carpe Diem