long day training

Circular Rainbow

2011-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

During my last trip to Hawaii I videoed this helicopter-eye view of a rare circular rainbow of the Napali Coast, Kauai.

Dolphins at Kukio Bay

2011-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

During our trip to the Big Island we rented underwater scooters. We ran into a pod of spinner dolphins an I managed to get a video of our guide, Stacy, having fun doing some acrobatic tricks. It was pretty cool.

Six Mile Swim

2011-07-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

The toughest race in Santa Barbara was made even more difficult by a horrendous current. The swimmers battled all morning and finished a good 30 to 40 minutes slower than their usual times. Here is my short video I shot of the event.

Costa Rica Underwater

2011-07-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here is some more video I shot last March in Costa Rica. I used the GoPro HD with a custom housing and edited with Apple's new Final Cut X.

See Morgan Run

2011-06-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

My ol' girl Morgan and I ran the Santa Barbara State Street Mile.

Fight On!

2011-05-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

Who would have guessed the Dalai Lama is a fan of brown shoes.

Zip it

2011-03-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

Our zip lining adventure during our trip to Costa Rica.

Hanauma Bay

2010-12-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to try out my Go Pro HD video camera while swimming in Hanauma Bay. I used a modified housing from Eye of Mine which corrects the out of focus problem while shooting underwater.

I Didn't Shoot My Eye Out

2010-12-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

Everybody loves a BB gun. At least most ten year old boys. I was no exception. Moms, not so much. It took me months pleading negotiations before mom finely relented. But first, she said, I must write an essay.

Mom was big on essays. My all time classic was "Why I should be able to watch football with dad on Sunday instead of going to church". But that's another story.

So I sat with pen in hand and inked my masterpiece: "10 Rules of Responsible BB Gun Ownership"
1. I will not shoot animals
2. I will not shoot windows
3. I will not shoot people
4. I will not shoot my sister
and so it went...

Amazingly I was pretty faithful in abiding the rules I penned that day. I didn't even shoot my sister. Tempting target though.

Canine Counter Cruising, the sequel

2010-11-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Having a bum foot and wearing the cone of shame didn't stop my crazy lab Lilo from cruising the kitchen counters.
In case you missed the original Counter Cruising, check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLt4IMcz9yU

Pier to Peak

2010-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my Pier to Peak Half Marathon adventure.

Return to Hurricane Harbor

2010-09-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

My office escaped the gloom of Santa Barbara to enjoy some fun in the sun at Hurricane Harbor. It is nice to be a kid again!

Sunday Morning at Arroyo Burro

2010-08-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

We had the beach to ourselves on a early Sunday morning. I shot this video using my iPhone4 and a timelapse app. I fabricated a 360 degree pan head out of a $10 kitchen timer.

Bag Stuffing

2010-08-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Every year the SB Tri Club stuffs 2000 goodie bags for the upcoming Santa Barbara Triathlon. It takes us 1 1/2 hours but you can see all the fun in 90 seconds.

World Cup

2010-08-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

The World Cup. Sorry, I just didn't get into it. You see, I grew up a child of the '60s. We had no idea soccer, excuse me, futbol, existed. There was no wimpy youth soccer. Our version of soccer consisted of a ball and was played on a grass field. That is where the similarity ended. There were no teams, no rules. I don't think there was even a score. We would swarm in mass, wind up, kick the ball. As hard as an seven year old leg could muster. Direction did not matter. Sometimes you hit ball, but most of the time you caught your buddy's shin. My friend Billy wielded his pointy black wingtips leaving many a kid clutching their bloody ankles after recess. One morning, Billy double dog dared me to kick the ball and hit Kimmy, who was quietly picking her nose on the other side of the playground. How could I refuse? My kick was effortless. The ball arched high over the swings and monkey bars and caught Kimmy flush on the ol' melon. Kimmy ran off crying like..., well like a little girl, to the teacher. I was sent to the principal for my little stunt, but it was well worth it. I became a playground legend and my feat was recounted by many for years to come.

Two Dogs Behaving Badly

2010-06-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Morgan and Lilo are good time Charlies. Two dogs behaving badly. At Elings Park, the two raid unsuspecting picnickers with reckless abandon, proudly carrying off their booty of foot long subs and chicken wings. They steal candy from children. Morgan and Lilo have mastered the "Who Me??" expression. They bark, just because it feels good. The other morning, Morgan and Lilo stumbled upon a homeless encampment off Leadbetter beach. Jackpot. Half eaten cans of chili, plenty of stinky things to roll in. As the dogs ransacked their camp, a dreary eyed homeless fella raised his head and shouted to me, "Hey buddy can I give you some advice?" "What" I answered, a bit embarrassed as I attempted to round up my furry hooligans. "Next time, get a cat.", he muttered. Morgan and Lilo barked all the way home. Smelly with chili breath. It was a good day to be a dog.

The Cult of Apple

2010-06-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

The line wrapped around the block. And this was the special "reserved" line. I had one day to pick up my new iPhone I reserved at the Santa Barbara Apple store. Along with hundreds of others. The line moved slowly. Post Office slow. DMV slow. 1 1/2 hours and still waiting and I felt abused. The crowd cheered enthusiastically when security allowed another pathetic soul into the store. We all took one step closer. This is ridiculous. Apple Store employee Mimi cheerfully greeted me when I finally entered. But my niceness had long since evaporated.
"I'm in a bit of a hurry, Mimi, I would just like to purchase my phone and get back to work."
"No problem" says Mimi, " but first can I interest you in Mobile Me?"
"No thank you"
"...Apple Care?"
"No"
"... more text messages?"
"No, please..."
"... perhaps a nice case?"
"No"
"... Do you want fries with that?"
"NO!" My God, get me out of here!

I rushed out of the store, phone in hand. I voluntarily signed up for this abuse, but let me tell you, I don't have to like it.

Counter Cruising

2010-04-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

I set up a few video cameras to see what exactly my lab does when I'm away.

Just add water

2010-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

A few weeks after the Jesusita Fire

It is amazing what a little rain will do.

Hardware gone

2009-12-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

One piece of hardware I was glad to get rid of was this plate I had placed when I obliterated my clavicle as a result of a bike accident a few years ago. It will be nice to pass airport security without constantly triggering the metal detector.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Is there anything better than topping off a Four Seasons Xmas brunch with a strip of chocolate covered bacon? I think not.

Under the Knife

2009-12-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

If you ever wondered what a torn rotator cuff looks like, here it is. I've been spending my Christmas vacation recovering from last weeks surgery. Still a little sore and stiff, but not too bad. Looking forward to the road to recovery. All this sitting around is getting a bit boring!

Santa Barbara Int'l Marathon

2009-12-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

My 4 hour marathon condensed into 6 minutes. What a fantastic day!

Stillerstrong

2009-12-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Giant Sequoia

2009-12-02T03:25:00.000-08:00

The Holidays. Food, family, friends, the Giant Sequoia. My father in law, Vince, is the undisputed Giant Sequoia. The Giant Sequoia is a family tradition. My wife's crazy family's tradition. He who consumes the most food and drink during a holiday celebration will henceforth be known as the Giant Sequoia. A holiday dinner with Ellen's family is a day of loud talking, arguments, and confusion followed by voracious feeding. The actual meal lasts a brief 10 or so minutes. Chairs lean back as contented bellies are patted. A few deep knee bends to aid digestion, and it begins once again. Round two, and so it goes. Vince honed his iron stomach eating kielbasa and stale rye bread while growing up in the Polish ghetto of Lackawanna, New York. We are mere saplings in Vince's presence. He is truly the General Sherman among the redwoods. I love this time of the year. There is nothing better than watching a happy man attack a plate of food.

Lizard's Mouth

2009-11-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Great Fall Day

2009-10-25T12:53:00.001-07:00

Ran 20 with my friends Fred, Troy, and Betsy, then it was off to see my Trojans play Oregon St. A great day.

-- Post From My iPhone

Foster Botanical Garden

2009-10-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Foster Botanical Garden is one of my favorite botanical gardens. It is a gem, hidden in downtown Honolulu.

Running in Waikiki

2009-10-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite run workouts while staying in Waikiki.

Guilt Free Pleasure

2009-10-02T20:38:00.001-07:00

I'm kicking back at the MaiTai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian not feeling a bit guilty about missing tomorrow's dreaded Rusty Snow run workout.

-- Post From My iPhone

Some work, mostly play

2009-10-02T15:40:00.001-07:00

I've been off to Honolulu for the past few days attending my annual national meeting. It's a bummer they had to pick such a hell hole.

North Pole Swim

2009-09-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed what the human body is capable of doing. Here is a video of Lewis Pugh swimming the sub freezing waters of the north pole. Pugh's talk is taken from this year's TED conference. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an invitation-only event where the world's leading thinkers and doers gather to find inspiration. You can watch more thought provoking stuff HERE.

No Luck

2009-09-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't win my millions in the Lotto, so I'm back at work, slightly disgruntled.

Lotto Fever

2009-09-11T09:21:00.001-07:00

For my birthday on September 9th, one of my hygienists bought me 9 lotto tickets at 9 am on 9/09/09. I'll know Saturday whether or not I start early retirement. Stay tuned...

Hurricane Harbor

2009-09-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Some of my office staff and I spent a day of fun at Hurricane Harbor.

Old Rincon Road

2009-08-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Rincon Road, circa 1913

There were two ways for motorist to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco during the turn of the century. One was through the Casitas Pass, which was considered treacherous and often times impassable. The alternative was driving along this rickety pier-like road which hugged the coast from Ventura to Rincon point.

Seven Blunders

2009-08-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

"Seven Blunders of the World"

1. Wealth without work

2. Pleasure without conscience

3. Knowledge without character

4. Commerce without morality

5. Science without humanity

6. Worship without sacrifice

7. Politics without principle

—Mahatma Gandhi

Amazon Swimmer

2009-08-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

You may remember my rant about Jennifer Figge's claim about swimming across the Atlantic ocean in 19 days. That one really set off my BS detector. Well, here's another one. 55 year old Martin Strel claims he swam the entire length of the Amazon River. That is 3,274 miles, 66 days, 10 hours per day, non-stop. Strel battled the constant threat of piranhas and crocodiles averaging 50 miles a day. Impossible? I'll let you decide.

Plantar Faciitis

2009-08-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Plantar Faciitis is one of those nagging injuries that can last for months. I haven't had a problem for years, but it reared its ugly head after my Ironman race. Here is how I handled the beast.

1. Ditch your old shoes and get some new running shoes.
2. Wear supportive shoes at all times. No bare feet or flip flops.
3. Self massage. I use these round rubber spikey things, but some people just roll their foot on a golf ball.
4. Stretch your calf and hamstring muscles
5. Ice your foot after every run and before you go to bed.
6. Dorsal Night Splint- It holds your foot in dorsal flexion while you sleep. It really helps prevent that initial pain when you first get up in the morning. I got mine from ActiveAnkle.com.

That's my secret. It works for me. It will work for you.

Susan Boyle you're not

2009-08-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just want to say I am not anti-Christian or anti-religion, but I'll buy you a beer if you can watch this video all the way through. I dare you. Double dog dare.

Old Man of the Sea

2009-08-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

My buddy Jim was quite proud when he landed this 42lb white sea bass while kayak fishing last weekend. I didn't have the heart to tell him I once caught a 400lb marlin armed with only an old inner tube, a spool of dental floss, and an earthworm.

Health Food

2009-08-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Who will benefit most by national health care? The residents of Wisconsin for one. Here is an amazing article about a new food sensation sweeping the state: chocolate-covered-bacon-on-a-stick.

The Monkey King

2009-08-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

My torn rotator cuff aches just watching this video.

Mr. Cricket meets Morgan

2009-08-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

I hope PETA doesn't see this video.

Frannie and Zooey

2009-07-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than waking up in the morning to a double dose of dog breath. Frannie and Zooey need a home! Call Andre at 310-428-6690 or email at andre_walsh_1999@yahoo.com

Summer Time

2009-07-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

The great thing about cutting back your training after an Ironman race is you have time to enjoy life's pleasures at a more reasonable heart rate. The dogs, Ellen and I strolled on the beach during a typical summer evening in Santa Barbara.

Magnetic Personality

2009-07-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Long before Dial soap and chicken knuckles, my favorite father-in-law, Vince, dabbled with the amazing power of magnets. Energizes the blood, claims Vince. Blood has iron, magnets attract iron, you get the picture. In an attempt to cure various aches and pains, Vince adorned himself with various magnetic bracelets and patches which had the curious side effect of picking up random metallic objects. Vince was slightly annoyed by this, but it did come in handy if he was in sudden need of a paper clip or safety pin.

6 mile Swim

2009-07-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the video I shot from last weekend's Semana Nautica 6 mile Ocean Swim. I shot 90% of it with my iPhone and edited it on my Mac. Not bad for a camera phone!

Nice digs

2009-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

My friend Kim who moved up to to Washington a few years ago, sent me this picture of the lap pool she just built. Kim lives in quite a spread. She once sent me a picture of herself and her boys sitting in front of what I thought was resort. Turned out it was her house. Wow.

Packing for Ironman

2009-07-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

Yaba daba doo

2009-07-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Here you go. If Fred Flintstone had an Ironman tattoo. This ink comes courtesy of a caveman of another sort, Nick the Wad. Cook managed to hunt Nick down while visiting the in-laws in Boulder.

Representing the LB

2009-07-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
Chip and I came home with the hardware representing Los Banos lane two at this morning's 1 mile swim. It was a brisk 58 degrees. Brrrrr.....

Tattoo You

2009-07-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

My buddy Cook says if you are going to get an Ironman tattoo, you better damn well put your time underneath it. So in honor of Cook, I went into undercover stealth mode. A lot of IM tats, but alas, no finishing times.

Canine Adventures

2009-06-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Cost of Ironman

2009-06-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ironman Registration Fee- $525
Airfare for 2- $804
Tri Bike Transport- $250
Rental Car- $186
5 nights at Host Hotel-$2,100
Food and other goodies- $500
Crossing the Ironman finish line- PRICEY!

Terrorist Threat

2009-06-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

You never know when a crazy triathlete will hijack an airplane brandishing his finisher's medal.

Ironman is like a box of chocolates

2009-06-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't need an ambulance but at one point of the bike I thought I might. I was having some nutritional issues on the run and by mile 10 I thought I was about to faint. One thing I can guarantee about ironman races is you never know what you are going to get. You just have to go with the flow. It is a lot of crisis management, trying to figure out how to rally from a sometimes desperate situation. I was able to slowly titrate some calories back in and eventually I was able to run and finish the race. 11:36. So when is my next Ironman? Probably in a couple or three years. I know I need surgery on my torn rotator cuff. That injury really has hampered my swimming. But I can assure you, I'll be back toeing the Ironman line.

Race Day Photos

2009-06-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

Elda, Marie, and Chris race morning. The weather was a little breezy, but nice. It turned ugly in a hurry.

Dan getting bodymarked by one of thousands of great volunteers

Off for a long bike ride

It actually looks like I'm running here

Looking a little dazed, but happy

Race Morning

2009-06-21T05:54:00.001-07:00

The great thing about staying at the host hotel is you can hang out until the last moment. The skies are clear, a little wind. Any ironman day is a perfect day. Now ask me that halfway thru the marathon... I'm off!!

The Night Before

2009-06-20T20:02:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
A little TV, room service, and a good night's sleep.

Checked Out

2009-06-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

We checked all our gear in this afternoon. Did I forget anything?!

The Bike, of course

2009-06-20T14:04:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Here are some views from the bike course. It is pretty awesome.

Gearing Up

2009-06-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
Here is the gear I'll need to get me thru an 11 hour day. Getting ready is really a pain. I hate that about triathlons.

The Day Before

2009-06-20T11:08:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
The Bridge right before the run turnaround. Ellen and I cruised around the course this morning.

Nice Rides

2009-06-19T13:11:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
There is no shortage of cool bikes at Ironman.

Get Shiggy with it

2009-06-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
Romey and Shiggy. Shiggy runs like the wind. Expect him to podium on Sunday.

Waiting game

2009-06-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
The registration line. Hoping I get thru before the rain.

Post Swim

2009-06-19T09:32:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
Slightly chilled Elda, Marie, and Chris after our morning swim.

Two to Go

2009-06-19T06:43:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
They'll try to sell just about anything here at Ironman.
I'm off for a morning swim with some of the SB gang.

Calm before the Storm

2009-06-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Imagine 2000 triathletes packed on this beach race morning.

Three to go

2009-06-18T19:20:00.001-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone
They are predicting cloudy with a chance of showers. Perfect race weather! Arrived in CDA this afternoon and am settling in with a cold brew.

Four to Go

2009-06-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Old age has not dulled my buddy Cook's sense of humor:

Good luck, remember a few things:

1) Be sure to pack two of everything, knowing that one of your bags will not make it.

2) Wear running shoes on the plane, just in case your connecting flight is in a different terminal and you have to piss.

3) Keep the room hot and stuffy so not to get sick.

4) Eat at places where the servers are missing teeth, it says a lot about the food.

5) Olive Garden pre-race meal is a must.

5) Swim fast, don't get a punctured ear drum. And, don't focus on the fact that Duncan is a better swimmer.

6) Ride smart, don't puke or stop in a porta-potty at mile 56. And, don't worry that Hazards tuned-up your bike.

7) Run/Shuffle, same as number 6 just substitute mile 1. And, be sure to raise your hands when crossing the line as this will block the picture of Madonna Butter finishing behind you.

Four to go- AM: Masters Swim, PM: short jog

Five to Go

2009-06-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

5 days til Ironman: AM- 40 minute run, Yoga, PM 90 min bike

Six to go

2009-06-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

Note to self: pack sunscreen

11 days to go: Masters swim, Nite Moves
10 days to go: 40 min run
9 days to go: Masters swim
8 days to go: 1:20 run, masters swim, 2 hr bike
7 days to go: 3:30 bike, 40 min run
6 days to go: Masters swim

12 days to go

2009-06-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Morgan awaits her bath at the Arroyo Burro Beach dog wash after rolling in a dead seal during our morning walk. Lilo gave Morgan a run for the money, but Morgan is slowly regaining her title of "the bad dog".
12 days to go- Stair workout- 1:10 and plenty of sweat, yoga

Bike Bling

2009-06-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

I think this would be a perfect accessory for my fixey. You can check it out Here.

18 days til Ironman- AM- Track session, 2 mile warm up, 6x1mile at 140 HR, 1 min rest, 1 mile at fastest split, 1 min rest, 1 mile at fastest split, 2 mile warm down. PM- Masters Swim
17 days- AM- 1:20 run, with 3x12min at 150 HR, PM- Yoga, 1.5 hr bike
16 days- AM- Masters swim, 2 hr bike
15 days- 4 hr bike, 40 min run brick
14 days- 2:20 run, easy spin
13 days- Masters swim

The Taper

2009-06-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

With 2 1/2 weeks until race day, people are asking, " Have you started your taper?" Well the answer is yes... and no. I certainly won't be doing any more super bricks like last weekend, but my training volume will remain fairly high up until race week. The biggest mistake I've made in the past is tapering myself right out of shape. Chuckie V has just posted a great article on his take on the taper. Check it out here.

19 Days til Ironman- PM- yoga, 40 minute run, still a little tired from the super brick.

Dirty Laundry

2009-06-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

What does it take to do a Super Brick? A lot of gear for one. After the completion of each leg, I stripped off the sweaty stuff, suited up with dry gear, leaving at the end of the day quite a pile of smelly spandex.

24 days til Ironman- AM- 2hr run, PM- yoga, 1.5 hr bike
23 days- AM- masters swim, PM- 2hr bike up Mt. Fig
22 days- Super Brick- 2.5 bike/10k run, 2hr bike/10k run, 1.5hr bike/ 5k run
21 days- REST
20 days- masters swim

Super Brick

2009-05-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

The SUPER BRICK. Probably my favorite workout leading up to an ironman race. The day was planned as such- 2.5 hr bike/10k run, 2hr bike/ 10k run, 1.5 hr bike/ 5k run. Aerojonny and BKO joined me for this crazy day. Jon and Brian rode well, and I hung on. The run was slightly faster than race pace. Ten hours later we celebrated with a cold beer and pizza. That was definitely a long day training...

Time Flies

2009-05-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Cook admires himself during his 40th birthday party

Time flies. I remember when Cook was a young smart ass fresh out of USCB, life guarding at East Beach. Cook once confided in me, " Being so good looking has been a curse."

25 Days til Ironman- AM Masters swim, 1 hour run, PM- Nitemoves swim /run

I see the Light

2009-05-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit of a skeptic. Especially when it comes to fringe medicine kind of stuff, but that doesn't mean I don't like to try crazy things. Have an open mind, I say. Acupuncture, aura adjustment, strange vitamin concoctions, you name it. Once a massage therapist cupped her hands and sang into my back. That was pretty weird. Usually I am disappointed. Waving that crystal above my foot didn't cure my plantar faciitis. What a rip. Aerojonny is recommending laser light treatment for my ailing hip. I'm game for just about anything, as long as it doesn't involve singing.

27 days til Ironman- up in the Valley- 6+hour bike, 2 mile run
26 days- 3 hour run
25 days- masters swim
24 days- 30 minute run, yoga, 1.5 bike

Burnt Out

2009-05-25T12:24:00.001-07:00

Morgan and Lilo survey the damage to their favorite stomping grounds.
-- Post From My iPhone

Approach with caution

2009-05-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have to get me one of these helmets. Probably not too aero, but it sure would keep people from crowding me.

31 days til Ironman- AM- easy swim, PM- the dreaded Yoga, 30 run
30 days- Masters swim, 2 hour bike
29 days- 2 hour run, Yoga
28 days- Masters Swim

Blazing in the Valley

2009-05-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Chuckie and Steve-o at the top of Tepusquet Rd.. It was a blazing 95 degrees at Blazing Saddles drive. We rode for 5.5 hours but I was suffering early due a hip that has been bothering me of late. Hopefully I'll be able to get it under control by the time Ironman rolls around. For now it will be a lot of ice, yoga, massage, and plently of vitamin advil.

32 days to Ironman- easy swim and jog

Fred, P.I.

2009-05-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

I managed to snap a pic of my buddy Fred at Wildflower a couple of weeks ago. Fred has been racing really fast of late. Some say it is his new aero helmet, I say it is his clean shaven face. But I miss Fred's 'stache. If there was one person who could keep the '80's alive, it was Fred.

Magnum says, "Bring back the 'Stache!"

More Fire

2009-05-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

This was one of the more awesome pictures I have found of the fire. And no, that is not my house.

Breathing easier

2009-05-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite WWF ads, somewhat appropriate as we Santa Barbarians clear the smoke from our lungs after a horrendous week. Ironically, investigators seem to think the origin of the fire was a result of using power tools to clear brush as a fire prevention measure. They have not identified the responsible party but I have the feeling if they do, their punishment will play out in one of two ways: 1. if they are volunteers from the Montecito Trails Association- a stern talking to by mayor Marty Blum, including some finger wagging , or 2. if they are some poor Hispanic immigrants working for minimum wage- jail time and a demand to reimburse the county for the 3 million fire fighting cost.

Evacuated

2009-05-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

We received the final call to evacuate around 10pm last night. The streets were absolutely crazy, largely due to all the looky-loos parked along the street, running around taking pictures. Frigg'n idiots.

Jesusita Day 3

2009-05-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

I managed to get in a quick workout yesterday afternoon doing a series of bike repeats up Old San Marcos Road. The fire has been relentless. A couple hours later Hwy 154 and Old San Marcos was closed, thousands evacuated.

More Jesusita

2009-05-07T09:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday afternoon from my office

While Santa Barbara burns, Morgan and Lilo still expect their evening adventure.

Here We Go Again

2009-05-05T19:23:00.001-07:00

The start of the Jesusita Fire.

Do you have the time?

2009-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

I think it is time for another father-in-law Vince story. Vince is a connoisseur of fine watches. Rolex watches to be specific. At least since Vince picked up a fine Rolex during a trip to Thailand. "The guy wanted $100 but I bargained him down to 80.", Vince said proudly. Ellen and I rolled our eyes. So on his latest senior excursion to Vegas, Vince saunters into the Rolex store. I guess he thinks he is now in some sort of elite club. "Wow",Vince said, "I saw a watch for $45,000!" I asked Vince, "So how do you explain how you paid 100 bucks... "that was 80 bucks", Vince corrected, "...for a watch costing thousands of dollars?" " I drive a hard bargain." But sadly Vince's Rolex has since died. " I think I got ripped off", lamented Vince. Now Vince sports two watches, one on each wrist. An old Timex to tell the time, and his Rolex to flash when he is entertaining the ladies.

Day 119 of Ironman- AM: 1hour run, core work, PM: 2hour bike
Day 120- AM: 40 minute run, easy, PM: Masters swim

Stand by Me

2009-04-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Watch this video. If it doesn't make you feel better you are probably a disgruntled, bitter, old man. Or maybe a Republican.

The Price of Shoes

2009-04-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

How much did you pay for your last running shoe? Probably too much according to Christopher McDougall. McDougall claims the rate of running injuries are on the rise and due to a large part by the "latest" technology marketed by the 20 billion dollar shoe industry."Every year, anywhere from 65 to 80 per cent of all runners suffer an injury. No matter who you are, no matter how much you run, your odds of getting hurt are the same."

Day 118 of Ironman- masters swim

Close Shave

2009-04-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today, during my weekly torture session with Erika, massage therapist/dominatrix, I had a lengthy discussion of the merits of shaving down. Triathletes, cyclists, and swimmers all like to shave off any excess body hair. Whether it makes you faster, helps with massage, or you just like being a poser may be up for debate, but frankly, I just don't find the need. I don't have a lot of body hair, probably due to low testosterone and an overall lack of manliness. And I am just a bit lazy.

Nascar fans like to shave too.

Day 112 of Ironman- 40min run
Day113- SICK!
Day 114-SICK!!
Day 115- easy swim
Day 116- easy run, easy bike
Day 117- easy longer bike

Brain Power

2009-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Another secret tip. The finish line is closing in. Your breathing rate is on the verge of hyperventilation. You are running low on fuel and energy but there is absolutely no way your stomach could handle a gulp of Gatorade or gel. It turns out carbohydrate drinks significantly boost performance in an endurance event even without being ingested. Taking a swing and spitting it out triggers specific areas of the brain to reduce the athletes' perception of their workload. Just in case you think I'm blowing smoke, here is the abstract from the Journal of Physiology.

Day 106 of Ironman- Gibraltar big gear workout, PM, 1 hour run
Day 107- 30 minute jog, 1 hour spin, core work at the gym
Day 108- Masters swim, PM- 1 hour run at intended IM pace
Day 109- Chardonay 10 mile run- 1:16, 2 hour bike
Day 110- Jalama ride- 125 miles
Day 111- Masters swim, 20 minute easy run

Topping off the tank

2009-04-19T20:24:00.001-07:00

It was one of those epic days of riding. Aerojonny and Brian O'Conner joined me for a trek out to Jalama Beach. Brian was the only one who had the guts, or should I say stomach enough to refuel with one of those world famous Jalama burgers.

Change in Position

2009-04-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Is this the future of time trial positions? "The power numbers were night and day" says pro T.J. Tollakson. After wind tunnel testing, T.J. McGyvered his setup using parts from a hardware store and jock cups for elbow rests.

We saw Floyd Landis adopt a similar position a few years ago at the Tour de California. It looks a bit wanky and probably won't catch on until someone sets a course record at Hawaii or Lance embraces the change. Until then, it is yet another thing roadies will mock tri geeks for.

Day 105 of Ironman- core work at the gym, masters swim

Days of Ol'

2009-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Over the years, many of my training partners have come and gone, either moving away from Santa Barbara or just losing interest in endurance sports as their life's priorities changed. So it was a bit of a treat to spend a long day training with my good friend Aerojonny last weekend. Jon has been on an extended triathlon hiatus of late but in his heyday he was quite the triathlete; USA National team member traveling to the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. We trained, raced, and had a hell of a good time. Epic rides around the lake in pouring rain, RV'ing it at Wildflower. He coined the term "Sato Alley", a stretch along the Rincon where Jon would conveniently drop the hammer, popping me off the back gasping for breath and seeing stars. Jon has been making a bit of a comeback training for Ironman France later this year so it was off for one of our favorite long rides out to Santa Paula. I hung on Jon's wheel for most of the ride. When we reached Sato alley, Jon put the hammer down. As Jon pulled a way, I desperately cried out the "rubbing brake" excuse. It was a great time, like old times.

Day 100! of Ironman- Core work at the gym, run 75 min
Day 101- Masters swim, Bike workout intervals including:
a) 5 x single-legged pedaling drills; each for a minute and on each leg (minus the third one, of course.)
b) 20-minutes @ 70RPM @ 135HRavg in the aero-bars. Rest 1-minute afterward by spinning easy in a light gear.
c) 10-minutes @ 75RPM @ 140HRavg in the aero-bars. Rest 1-minute afterward, as above.
d) 5-minutes @ 80RPM @ 150+HRavg (PAIN!).
e) 1-minute @ 90+RPM @ the HIGHEST HR YOU CAN GET TO! This should hurt.
30 min run
Day 102- Long ride, 6 hours, followed by 30 minute run
Day 103- Long run, 3.5 hours, easy spin, 3 hours
Day 104- Masters swim

Lance vs France, continued

2009-04-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

"They butchered my haircut" complains Lance Armstrong after an unannounced drug test at his home in France. Armstrong continues to have a contentious relationship with the French doping authorities. "This is just another example of the improper behavior by the French laboratory and the French anti-doping organizations,” Armstrong said. “I am sorry that they are disappointed that all the tests were negative, but I do not use any prohibited drugs or substances.” More on the drama HERE.

Day 98 of Ironman- Core work at the gym, 2 hour bike
Day 99- Masters swim, 75 minute run