Yin and Yang in my Triathlon Life

Without question I have had a yin and yang week. So many good things happening and one unfortunate accident that will set me back for a little while. I want to focus on the positive but will recognize the negative.

I received exciting news from Sugoi on Thursday and found out that I was selected to be part of their BRAND CHAMPIONS TEAM. From the website "SUGOI has created a unique Brand Champion program which supports and encourages outstanding people who differ from your average athlete – those who set themselves apart from other athletes by their passion and commitment to push themselves to inspire others and to embody a motivating attitude, wherever they go." I am excited to be part of this program and look forward to wearing my Brand Champion swag in the near future.

I am thrilled this year to have 7 Systems, Running Free and Sugoi as my sponsors as I try to re-qualify for the 70.3 World Championships.

I added a couple new athletes into the mix on Friday. I added an athlete into my coaching program, who is eager to get active and balance training with family, work, etc. As well I had a great one-on-one swim coaching session with a new athlete. I look forward to working with both these new athletes as they add triathlon to their lifestyle.

The Kelso Open Water Swims have seen a revival this year and after out third week we are closing in on 70 participants. This makes me happy as I have tried to expand the participant list and make as many people as possible, aware of the great training opportunity Kelso presents. We have lots of people representing many training groups, clubs, and coaches. Here are the ones I know of; Milton Masters Aquatic Club, Milton Runners, Georgetown Runners, Mississauga Triathlon Club, Fletcher's Meadow Cross Trainers, NRG PT, Team Running Free.

As for my day at the lake on Saturday, I put together my best swim/bike/run combo of the year. I hopped into the lake for a 2000m swim, then I transitioned quickly and was off on my bike for a solo ride. I had a great loop planned, lots of hills, ideal for Muskoka Long Course. I felt great on the new bike, climbing, flats, cornering, descending so things were coming together. I pushed hard back into the parking lot so I could test my run legs. I hopped out and into my new pair of red Newtons and started running. I had a great controlled run and thought things are looking good for next weekend. This solid training day after a good training week, with a mid-week long ride and run. I figured a little extra bike milage and a tempo run off the bike on Sunday then it would be time to get race ready.

They say things can change in a heartbeat and that is pretty much exactly how it happened. I was out for a ride to warm up my legs and get a few extra km's on my new bike, before I headed out for a tempo run, when the rear tire slide completely out from under me as I rounded a turn that I have done 100 times before. The quick facts, I have 5 stitches in my upper lip, 7 stitches on my chin and a fractured jaw, that thankfully does not need wiring. I have a few other bumps and bruises along with some road rash. To be honest I am thankful that it was not any worse. I will train again in the next few weeks and will race again in another month. The worst part was having to face my kiddies and have them pick me up off the side of the road and deliver me to the hospital. With my time off I'm going to enjoy every minute with them because as I learned things can change very quickly. Hug your kiddies, EVERYDAY!



Happy Training

Let the Front Wheel Roll

That was FUN!! I'm just back from my first mountain bike ride on trails in about 6 years. I headed out to Kelso Conservation Area tonight. I took the bike trailer, that has been dragged behind my mountain bike for the last 2 summers, off and loaded up my car and Thule and then off I went. I was wondering how my bike would hold up but was determined to get a ride in. I parked in the upper lot and entered the park and began riding. It didn't take long at all to get my heart rate up as I hit the single track pretty quick. I felt a little awkward on the bike at first and wondered how the ride would evolve.

As I settled into the ride and had the initial excitement wear off, I was very glad to be on the trails again. I loved the challenge of some of the rocks and roots, the smell of the spring forest growing, the tight and twisty turns, the ramps, the pine needles and tough workout that the ride turned into. A few things I didn't enjoy were the descents, the lack of gears working properly on my old bike, the bugs (jeez, please come eat me) and the wear and tear on my wrists and lower back.

Usually I am very skeptical about partaking in events or sports that could hurt me and interrupt my training for triathlon, something that was installed in my head as a club swimming in the '80's. That being said a break from routine, power meters, hr monitors, gps' and drivers was very refreshing and I hope to do it again. I probably should be a little more careful and probably got lucky tonight that I didn't hit the deck.

This was a fun endeavor tonight and I'm glad I did it. As I mentioned early I hope do it again, in fact, I also hope to head back for some trail running too as it is a beautiful spot for that too. I live in a wonderful area for training, many diverse opportunities. I just need to remind myself and take a little extra time and get out there.

Happy Training

2009 Kelso Open Water Swimming

2009 APPLICATION FORM
KELSO OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Kelso Conservation Area
http://www.hrca.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1085

The following explains the times available for swimming, the cost and registration. This swimming opportunity is available and open to anyone and is being hosted by the Milton Triathletes and Mississauga Triathlon Club.

Swim Schedule:
Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-10:00a.m. May 24 – NOTE 1 time only due to Dragon Boat races
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.-10:00a.m. May 30 through September 5, 14 swims.
Thursdays: 6:15 p.m.-8:p.m. June 11 through September 3, 12 swims.
DO NOT ENTER WATER UNTIL LIFEGUARDS ARE PRESENT
YOU MUST ENTER AND EXIT THE LAKE THROUGH LIFEGUARD CONTROL
If for any reason you have to exit the lake at a different exit you must check in with lifeguard control to advise your safety.
Cost:
Swim fees are $95 for entire session (29 swims). Cash or Cheque payable to Milton Triathletes,
Payment and registration:
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF OAT TO REGISTER TO SWIM
OAT registration forms are available on line at www.triathlonontario.com
Registration: 2 Options
1. Bring your OAT card and this registration form to Kelso on Sunday May 24, Saturday May 30, June 6 or Thursday June 11.
2. Mail to J.J. Neely, 881 Trudeau Drive, Milton ON L9T5T6
Questions?
J.J. Neely - 905-875-4050 – jjneely@sympatico.ca

Water Quality 
The Kelso beach has been closed only twice - very briefly - due to unacceptable water test results since 1996. This is due primarily to improvements to area septic systems and also the installation of a bird screen in the beach area.

ATHLETE WAIVER AND RELEASE
In consideration of the acceptance of this application, I for myself, my executors, administrators and assigns, do hereby release and discharge the Milton Triathletes and the Mississauga Triathlon Club, from all claims and damages, demands and actions whatsoever in any manner arising or growing out of my participation in this activity. I attest and verify that I have full knowledge of the risks involved in this event and I am physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate.

Signature __________________________ Date ________________

Name: Phone:

OAT #: e-mail:

Address