Nathan Speed Belt 4

I have recently begun using a Nathan Speed Belt 4 hydration system and have been very impressed. This is a very versatile piece of equipment. It comes with four 10oz bottles and two pockets. An ideal piece of gear for walking, hiking, running or any outdoor activity. Use it with your dogs, kids or for yourself, it doesn’t matter the Speed Belt 4 is designed for multi-use.

The two pockets are quite different; one is an elasticized pouch that is separated into 2 sections with velcro, you can easily stash a cell phone, nutrition bars or gels, a music player or other bulky items you may need for your walk, hike, or run. An added cool feature is a hook that you can put your key(s) on that then remains inside the pouch for added protection. So when reaching in to pull out a gel you won’t fumble and lose your keys while still on the move. The second pocket has a zipper and has a slim design so it is a great place for your id, emergency money or to put wrappers when you are finished eating.

The actual belt has a very sturdy design. It has some elasticity to it however it is firm. My first thought was that it may not be too comfortable for running however it was quite the opposite. After a 90 minutes run I had no chafing and found that the bottles did not jiggle up and down. I actually was able to run without thinking that I was wearing the Speed Belt.I like the large size of the bottles (10 oz) which means longer running before re-filling. Also, it gives me the flexibility to carry 2, 3 or 4 bottles depending on the duration of my activity. The rubber nozzles work great when opening and closing while on the run. The best feature may be the bottle holders and how you access them. With the Speed Belt, it is a one handed withdraw and a one handed put back. This is awesome and I love it! No more breaking stride or slowing to get a drink. As I mentioned before the bottles do not bounce up and down and are very secure in the holders.

I really do enjoy my Nathan Speed Belt 4 hydration and it has already become an important piece of training equipment for me. If you are interested stop by your local Running Free store and check out the selection of Nathan products or shop online here.

Happy training.

Put them on your Christmas list

Greetings. I want to give a shout out and an quick review of my Brand Champion Arm Warmers.

I ordered these in the back in July and had very little use for them during the summer months. However this fall I have found myself using them quite often; chilly morning trail runs, cool road bike rides, adventurous mountain bike rides and after work night runs. The fit is great, the elastic piping around the top sleeve holds them in place and does not irritate the skin. In fact, I don't even notice it while working out. The design is awesome, but so is all the Brand Champion clothing. The weight is perfect for fall and spring, I especially like the soft fleece feel to the inside while donning them. So when you making your list for the big guy in the red suit, be sure to add Sugoi Arm Warmers. You won't regret it.

Happy training.

Finding Time

Obviously I am finding it hard to maintain a regular blog. I thought the summer would give me more time to get out some posts but that was busy with family and training. Then came back to school and 70.3 race week. After that I have had trouble finding time to sit down and write. It's not that I don't want to write a post it is just that there have been other things to do, especially with the fantastic weather we have had in September. I will post a 70.3 Muskoka race report in the near future because it was a great journey and there are many people to thank. In the meantime, I'm thinking of new goals and enjoying life.

Happy Training!

Face of a Champion

Support two very important charities.

FROM WWW.SPORTZFOTO.com

Special Announcement: Limited Edition Signed Prints of "The Finish"
Starting today, in a partnership with sqwracing (Simon Whitfield).

SPORTZFOTO.com will be taking orders for limited edition signed prints of what is arguably one of the most exciting finishes in triathlon history.



This gallery quality 20" x 16" print of Simon's win at the 2009 Hy-Vee ITU Elite Cup, will be hand signed by Simon. Suitable for framing, this print captures the glory of a win after a battle between the top athletes in the sport.

By purchasing this print, you will not only receive an inspirational piece of art signed by a great champion, but you will be helping two deserving charities. All profits from the sales of these prints will be divided evenly between:

The Brain Tumor Fund of the Carolinas
and
KidSport Canada - Victoria Chapter

Orders will be accepted through 11:59 pm, (GMT-5) on July 22nd, 2009.

GO TO WWW.SPORTZFOTO.com OR sqwracing for all ordering instructions.

Happy Training

The Final Push

Late last Fall, I decided to embark on a journey that is coming to a close this weekend. I entered into Triathlon Canada's Introduction to Competition Coaching Program. Only 13 individuals were able to start the process in November and I was very fortunate to grab the last spot thanks to a good friend's recommendation.

After 20 hours of classroom learning and discussion in November, we, the coaches, were left on our own to complete our first Case Study called Moovnot. It was about town that is out of shape and the new Mayor wants to change that. Thats where I fit in as I present the solutions with an Adult and Kids Triathlon program to have everyone swim, bike and run their way into shape.

After receiving the confirmation of passing the first Case Study, it was on to Part II. So early April, we met at OAT's Provincial Training Centre at the University of Guelph. For undetermined reasons we were now a group of seven. This was an exciting weekend as we were able to observe, discuss and partake in an organized training weekend with Provincial level athletes. See my blog post from April 6 to read my thoughts on that weekend. We were then sent on our way to complete Case Study 2 called Moovnow, where we had created a successful program and now it was time to move on. We had to create for a successful transition for the next coach as well as show various weeks of training from an annual plan. The toughest part was to create a logbook of workouts that happened over a 4 week period complete with anecdotal comments. To all the people out there who I coach in swimming, triathlon and one to one sessions, thanks for being my lab rats and allowing me to reflect on my coaching practices to become a more complete coach.

Then the email arrives, Evaluation Part 3 set for July 3 and 4. Of course it arrives with less than two weeks to go and that I am now partnered with 3 coaches whom I have not worked with. As I am in the final push to get things organized for my swim, bike, run and transition workouts, I look forward to sharing this final process with the other coaches and athletes. I plan on being prepared, offering my knowledge to the best of my ability and most importantly being myself. That's what got me to this point and that's what will make me successful in the end.

Happy Training.

Back in the (Fizik) Saddle

I did it! I really did not know what to expect but overall I am happy. As i return to normal this week, my triathlon lifestyle is back.

It was NOT about watts, heart rate, cadence, or kms/hr. It WAS about getting outside and back in the (Fizik) saddle to do something I LOVE!

Yes, it was my first outdoor ride since my crash. Before I even left the house I informed my wife of my exact route of travel, checked my cell phone battery, packed my health card and hugged my kiddies. I pedaled away from home towards the open roads. Not the same roads I wiped out on but some other familiar roads that I knew would not have much traffic. The confidence that I once had as a cyclist had been shattered and I need to rebuild it, one ride at a time. So this ride was a lot about firsts. First time turning left, turning right, getting, changing gears, pushing the big ring, going down a hill and going fast. Sounds simple and it really is but from where I was 2 weeks ago, it was a big deal. It took almost a full hour before I felt comfortable again. The ride ended up being quite progressive as I got my legs turing the pedals. I still eased back into town, taking all the precautions necessary. The ride was a success and I got that "I love my bike" feeling again. As I came through the door, my family greeted me with a cheer and I proclaimed "Daddy didn't fall off his bike today" and I was greeted with more cheers, the best a Dad could get on Father's Day!

Happy Training

The Follow-Up Appointment

Today was my follow-up appointment with the Oral Surgeon. Here is how it went:

DOC: Enters room and says "you look a lot better than last week"
ME: "Thanks"
DOC: Sees me reading a Bicycling magazine "I thought I told you to take up a new sport"
ME: "Never, actually I'm a triathlete, I swim, bike and run"
DOC: Hmmm "You should try golf"
ME: "Nope"
DOC: "Open as wide as you can then bite down", "ok that looks about right now for your physio exercises, open you mouth as wide as you can, 10 times and do that 6 times a day"
ME: "Thats it"
DOC: "Yes, we need to get that joint moving while the bone heals and break up any scar tissue forming"
ME: "Ok"
DOC: "I'll need to see you in a couple weeks and we will x-ray it again and make sure it is setting properly"
ME: "OK, ummm, just wondering when I can return to activity?"
DOC: "You on any pain medication?"
ME: "No"
DOC: "Then anytime"
ME: "So I can bike and run?"
DOC: "Yes, and biking may actually be easier on your jaw as the run could cause discomfort"
ME: "So I can run without causing any further damage just my pain tolerance?"
DOC: "Yes"
ME: "Can I swim too?"
DOC: "Yes'
ME: "In open water, like Kelso?"
DOC: "Yes"
ME: "No risk for infection, cause I finished the antibiotics?"
DOC: "No problem, that was preventative"
ME: "Ok"
DOC: "So you should be back to normal routines but stick with a soft diet, like soups, scrambled eggs and and pasta"
ME: "Ok"
DOC: "See you in a couple weeks"
ME: "Sounds good"

So guess what I did today? 40 minutes on the trainer followed by 20 minutes on the treadmill. I'm back!!!

Happy Training