Old Rincon Road

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

My torn rotator cuff aches just watching this video.

Mr. Cricket meets Morgan

I hope PETA doesn't see this video.

Frannie and Zooey

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

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

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

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

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

Yaba daba doo

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

-- 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

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

The Cost of Ironman

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!