Triathlon Dirt

Vancouver Subaru Sprint Triathlon Race Report (July 113th, 208)

On Sunday I completed the Vancouver Subaru Sprint Triathlon. It was really fabulous. The weather was sunny yet not too hot (as we started early in the day) and the water was cold but not unbearable with a wet suit.

Subaru Vancouver Sprint Triathlon & Ecoli?

Swimming at Kits pool on a sunny Monday morning!
I've been having a mid-summer vaycay over here. Just doing a lot of running with the occasional cross training. With my Subaru sprint triathlon next weekend I thought I'd better to a quick dip or two this week to warm up my arms. 500 metere is something I could do in my sleep, but just to be safe! :)

But - I've got to admit, I'm a little concerned about the ecoli levels found in false creek last week. Am I being a little sensitive or is this a little scary for you too, swimming in English Bay? I know it's not false creek but it's kinda close. I always remember that picture of dye when you add it to water and it spreads so quickly and eventually infiltrates the whole glass. Does ecoli work like that?

Subaru Vancouver Sprint Triathlon

Ok, now I've officially entered the Vancouver Subaru Sprint Triathlon for next weekend. Actually I think it's official name is (for anyone who's searching is: SUBARU VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL HALF and SPRINT TRIATHLON).

It should be a great race, assuming the weather is good, as it's on Spanish Banks Beach with it's amazing views of downtown's skyline and the North Shore Mountains.

Oliver Half Ironman Race Report

ATTN: I haven't really checked this over for grammer yet! It took a while to write! Appologies
Oliver Half Ironman Race Report

On Sunday June 1st my husband and I completed my first ever half ironman in Oliver. It took me 6 hours and 52 minutes. (I thought it would take me over 7, so I was filled with sheer pride when I crossed the finish line). Actually, it wasn't joy over my time, it was for the pure joy for actually finishing. My husband (I'm so proud of him, did it in 5.44).

Packing for the half ironman triathlon this weekend!

I've started packing today as we leave tomorrow on our drive to the Oliver Half Iron. It's my first long course race and I'm very nervous that I'm going to forget something or screw it up.

I found this great resource online for creating your own race day checklists. It includes biking, running, swimming, clothing and miscellaneous (like sun block, walkman, bars). It's simple, you check off the items you need and compiles the list for you. All you do is hit print! :)
http://www.triathlon.racechecklist.com/

Testing out our wetsuits in Kitsilano Pool.

It's taper week and I decided to take myself down to the local outdoor pool (kitsilano) and do a test swim in my triathlon Wetsuit. I bought mine last year and I've lost a bit of weight since then. I wanted to make sure it fit still and get used to the feeling of swimming with it on.

I found out just before leaving that chlorine can often void the warranty of your wetsuit. Since I bought mine about a year ago it doesn't matter that much, but I thought I'd phoned my local store to check (Pacific Multi Sport on Main St..). Turns out Kits pool is ok, but you must really wash your wetsuit down after to get out the chlorine. It tends to eat away at the seams, so don't do this too often. I also heard a rumor that some wetsuit companies put a chemical in the lining that reacts and changes color when it's exposed to chlorine - and thus they know you've voided the warranty.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT for VANCOUVERITES!

OK Vancouverites, triathletes and beach go-ers; the Kitsilano pool is now officially open for the 2008 season! It officially opened on May 17th and will stay open until September 14th, 2008!

My husband swam there on Saturday and said it was warm, sunny and heavenly. Enjoy!

Check out the: Kits Pool schedule PDF.

100km ride, 12 minute transition run & a 45 minute swim

Yesterday almost killed me I think.

So, I've been sick all week, brooding inside as I nursed myself back to health. Cursing everyday I had to sit on the couch. Patiently I made it to Saturday.. back-to-workout day #1!

I was returning to one of the larger workouts of the training. Long Slow Bike followed by a transition run and a nice 'easy' swim. (Why do words like easy and slow make this sound easier than it is?) At 10am we set out on our 100km cycle. The sun was already out and we left in t-shirt and shorts. In my new and very cool 'Bento Box' I packed my nutrition; an Optimum Organic Energy bar, a Nutri-bar, a few figs and three gels. I used everything except half the Nutri-bar because it was hard to eat.

Make me happy.Sponsor me in "Run for the cure".

I am participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, on Sunday, October 5th and I am asking for your support for a cause that is very important to me.

Help create a future without breast cancer by making a donation today! Donating online is quick, easy and secure. Your donation will be added to the critical funds raised by the Run, and will be directed towards research, education and awareness programs.

Thank you. I appreciate your support! I'm aiming at raising $1000.00. (Any amount is cool! 5$ 10$... 100$... whatever, I'll love you forever)

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
(Over $20 will get you a tax donation receipt!)

I had a good day today. I found my pre-race ritual.

Today was a good day for my half ironman training. It was nice to bring my confidence level up with only 4 weeks to go until my first half ironman. This weekend (Sunday) I'm doing a half marathon with a friend so I got to take it easy on the bike and the swim the day before. I even got a rest day on Friday. So, today when I woke up I was feeling pretty energetic.