Christmas Wishlist

So children if you believe in Father Christmas, like your Uncle Billy does
please buy my festering turd of a record.- Billy Mack


Dear Jolly Old Fat Dude with a Wad of cash ( peferably on the board with Timex):

Alright I've been good for me and I have somethings I would like to see under the tree this year.

First, I've cashed in some frequent flier miles to go to Louisville for the Ironman KY this year but I still have to come up with the entry fee, so I'm hoping the income tax check comes in before the genral entry closes, so I'm asking for one of three things.
1. A lot of people are able to get their community fund slots for Ironman Canada leaving the entry pool smaller for KY.
2. A $500 winning lotto ticket so I can put my entry in early.
3. Timex to give me a nice sponsorship.

Secondly I've dropped the hints to my family that I'm going to need to do some work on the bike this spring. My chain and cassette are shot, so I've dropped hints to friends and relatives that "Hey did you know you can get a Shimano Ultegra Cassette for $50 on Nashbar.com?" "Hmmm nothing says Christmas like the humming of Bobby's bike trainer in the background."
"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me a SRAM RED drivetrain...."
ok I haven't been that bad but I have mentioned it alot.

My laptop is going on seven years old so I know one of my next purchases is going to be ditching the Dell for an HP with wifi.

While I'm on the wish list:

can I get six pack abs.....
A villa in Kona would also be nice...as well as a sub 3 hour marathon, a life time qualification to the big dance, and a permanent upgrade to first class on any flight...and oh yes world peace.

Ok I'll have more serious posts coming up Happy Holidays Everybody.
R.D.

New Pair of Shoes

Well I got myself a new pair of treads on Thursday. A pair of size 11 Saucony ProGrid Ride2's. I'm not sure if they're the right shoe for me but the initial runs have been promising. These shoes make me feel like I'm running on air. Seriously not sure if it's the build or the fact that my previous shoes are really broken down, but I've noticed a lot of spring in them. Anyway these shoes are cushioned but built for neutral runners. Normally I use a stability shoe so it's sort of an experiment as my stride has changed a little over the past few seasons and noticed my feet have been feeling a little tired using the stability shoes, also their size 11 instead of 11.5's ( the 11.5's had a little too much slippage in the heel.) Likewise it's a departure from my brand loyalty to New Balance, so I'm going to give them a try.

I ran a 10k in them Thursday night. Then on Sunday I went for a 4 miler on the Cheshire Rail trail. Steph had come up for the Labor Day weekend and we decided to run. We started off together and I managed to get way ahead so at the first high way crossing I doubled back, I caught up with her then ran ahead again to the end of the next segment. I managed to see her on the way back. She was like "you're already on your way back?" as I strode past. I got back to the highway crossing and doubled back to her at the turnaround. I had managed to get about 35 minutes or 4 miles in. We ran/ walked the last mile together. For Steph it was the longest she's run/ walked and hopefully she'll keep up with it.

On Monday I got the longest run in my new shoes in. I did my normal 8 mile loop in Wolcott. I managed to get it done in 1:12:36. I'm hoping to get another longer run into them and hope to compare times to see if a neutral shoe has been what I needed all along.

Likewise got my physical done for the Navy this morning I'll go into the bloody gory in another post, but things are beginning to fall into place.

Well that's it from me
R.D.

The fruits of Cat sitting

Well this weekend I spent my time up in Hartford house sitting for Josie and her Boyfriend as they frolicked in Puerto Rico ( so jealous the warmest it got on Saturday was 21F I just popped on the 2004 Ironman highlight show on their Tivo and curled up with their siamese.) I did drag myself away from the luxury that is cable TV to get myself to the Plainville Y and managed to get a 2300 pool swim in. I was hoping to go longer but a migraine cut it short. I stopped in on my folks grabed a bite and some motrin and made my way back to Hartford with my sister.

Sunday I really did want to drive down to church but the couch had arms and I set my head back down one bat of the eyelash it was 8:30am the next it was noon. Josie and Jon came back up I got paid for my duties. Most of the cash went toward my pile of bills but I smuggled some to buy myself some desperately needed equipment. First a new pair of New Balance 769's I lucked out in that they were on sale. Second a new Speedo Jammer. My old equipment had gotten so battered there was a hole forming on the crotch and I had been wearing 2 beat up grape hangers beneath it to keep "the boys" out of view. Tonight I christened the new equipment.

I got back from sports authority got into my running gear and my sexy new shoes for a dark five mile jaunt to the high school and back. The run was pretty uneventful excet that I nearly face planted when I tripped over part of a snow bank as I attempted to dodge a car. I managed to stay up right but I really tightened my calves.

Tonight I christened the speedo in the tight confines of the Waterbury YMCA pool. The tri cub/masters swim group had taken over 2 lanes The all girls' school's, Westover's, swim team had taken over 2 more lanes and there were some aquasizers using the other free lane. So the all the cool kids piled in my lane. I was determined to get atleast 4000 yards in , I had wanted to get 5000 but it was proving to be a difficult proposition in the cramped confines. So we organized a sprint work out instead. I had already gotten 2700 yards on the board, and it was going to be hectic to try to do any major distance work. We decided on 2 x 10 25's on :30 followed by 4x50's on 1:00 ( I did 5 on :45 and preceeded to have my balls busted by two of the slower guys...yes I am aquaman!) with a 200 kick between sets and a 200 pull to cool down. The aquasize lane opened up after we finshed the last set so we were able to spread for good cool down, but it had been a tough set for most of the guys in my lane. One Aussie in his mid 40's mitch held onto me pretty good on the 25's and a couple of 50's, one out of shape high school stud and one oof the day guards flaked after the second group of 25's and my buddy Dave a lawyer, who had been part of the masters group for years was the last of the lane 4 brawlers. Despite the crowding it wasn't too bad of a night and I managed to throw down 4200yds into the pot for this week tally in the HEAT virtual New Zealand swim.

All and all not a bad night.
R.D.

The New Shoes

Yep I went out and bought myself a pair of New Balance 769's by mistake they were marked as $59.99 and as a result got them $30 cheaper than retail. To celebrate and vent off some life frustrations I went for a 9 miler to break them in. Yesterday was the infamous grad party..mainly my source of stress, I had mentioned it in passing to some of my friends none showed up granted I really haven't graduated...as I still wait for one grade so I can get my diploma. My sisters' friends showed and they had a good time so I guess it was worth the money I had to shell out for it. So no training went down. Today I got a call from Tony and so hauled out to Southington for an 11+ mile tempo run. We finished in 1:27. It was a good hard run that my legs sorely needed.The 769's worked like a charm as they felt like pillows on my feet. My base is strong from all the swimming and cycling so my cardio was fine, but the legs have needed more mileage. Tony and I have similar running pace but different strengths he tends to come on strong at the end and has a developed kick. I tend to go out like a house on fire to try to build a lead because I have absolutely no sprint speed. So the whole 11 miles we took turns pacing when I felt good I pace ahead and build a small lead, then when he felt good he'd come along side. And in the final sprint he kicked ahead. Tempo running with a training partner is defintley better than running alone as you tend to push harder when someone else is going hard with you. Today was a true test of my pacing and I feel confident going into to Patriot and Providence, that I can hold in the mid-7:00's.

Feelin' Fast
R.D.

And so another pair of running shoes bites the dust....

" Without you I'd be lost...well no actually I'd make a new clone, but there would be a 10 minute period where I'd be completely inconsolable" - Dr. Evil.

Well my New balance 768's that I bought last September have finally shifted off this mortal coil. As I ran in them last night I could feel a slight jarring in my heel and ankle and I knew that the Coushining had given up the ghost. That my 8 miler last night was their last hurrah. So today, payday, while I should use some of this money toward other things...I will be spending roughly $80 at either Sports Authority or Dicks getting myself a pair of NB 749's. I figure $80 now is better than $280 to the Ortho and 4 weeks of no running later. I'm debating on how to best dispose of my 768's...should I do what I traditionally do toss them in the grabage can. Or should I give them a more honorable disposal... cremate them, then scatter their ashes on my 13 mile loop. There were comfortable, supportive, and will be sorely missed.
Requiese in Pace

R.D.

The running man returneth....

Well Yesterday I couldn't enjoy the beautiful running weather we had...I was supposed to attend a women's empowerment meeting ( a law class project I have to go a sit in a place where I'm an "outsider".) but I couldn't find the group meeting place I left a message with the head honcho wait she's female so does that mean she' a head honcha? does that mean that this isn't a woman's empowerment group but a womyn's empowerment group. and got no response so there was half an hour I could have been running gone.. then I had a psychology class project ( ie we have to be research participants for grad student projects or write papers...I'm thinking the 10 minutes to fill out a questionnaire trumps having to sit and do research and type.) needless to say the grad student ran a little late so I went to class in my running shorts and I still hadn't run. Prof. let us out early. I was initially going to do campus loops then hit the pool but decided just to run instead and New Britain wasn't looking appealing without a training partner.So I drove back to Wolcott and went to the High School track and did 4 miles. The speed wasn't what I'd like I was averaging just under 8 min. miles, but my training hasn't really been what I'd like. So Last night has kicked off a mini run focus for me. Today 8 miles... and the pool. Saturday Ride then out to Newport and while I'm in RI dinner and a movie with a friend who just happens to be a girl... and I just so happen to be her date to her comencement ball. I figure a nice flat 8-10 miler on Sunday before hauling back to the C to the O to the double N.

Next pay check I need to haul out to Road and Track and pick up some new New Balance trainers for the 09 season, as my 768's are approaching the end of their service life...they have had a good run.. no pun intended...but they're at the end of their road and to continue to put prolonged mileage on them would result in injury. So that is the next major purchase on the equipment horizon. I wish I had some new and exciting stories but right now it's just the same drivel...that will change in about a month.

Enjoy the weather people it's finally spring! ( deepest apologies to my Southern Hemisphere readers where it's autumn.)
R.D.

What I really want for Christmas...

Well it's that time again, my parents ask me what I wanted for Christmas ( seriously I'm 23 why do my parents feel they have to spend the coin they have on me their 23 year old working son, I mean my siblings, 2 middle schoolers, a high schooler and a broke college student fine , but I mostly buy what I want / need and make due with what I've got.) So I usually tell them get me something practical, new work clothes, socks, a bathing suit or 2, a bag of toe warmers so I can do my winter riding, maybe a DVD...little things. Now if money was no object absolutely nothing was off limits here are the top ten things I'd want for Christmas:

1.Winter House in San Diego, paid for in full, utilities included.

2. A Specialized S works Transition, loaded with either SRAM RED or Shimano Dura Ace, Zipp 808's, and since this is a fantasy painted Red, Black and White with Flames (HEAT livery.) X 2 you know just so I have one at the Winter house.

3. Blue Seventy Helix Wetsuit.

4. 3 pairs New Balnace 968' or whatever type I'm using now, seriously they feel like sex on my feet. I think my calves just had an orgasm.

5. about $500k in cash would be nice.

6. Entry and airfare to Ironman New Zealand for 2009...and 2010, 2011, 2012...

7. A house in Taupo, New Zealand, preferably big enough that I could rent out rooms at low, low low prices.

8. A Specialized Tarmac S works ( painted like the transition S-works.)

9. A girl who shall remain anonymous showing up at my door wearing a red bow...I'm not going to go into more details but let's just say I'm human afterall.

10. A "pointy" or aero helmet, that is certified by " xyzlmnop" to quote Claire and Mary.

Alright some of these things are really out there but a guy can dream can't he?

Maybe...oneday...in another lifetime...
R.D.

Major Purchases on the Horizon

That's right it looks like I'm going to have an Ironman of spending in the coming months here are the biggies after the bills are paid:



HEAT Memebership: $35 It expired I need to renew.



New Trainers $70-$140: After cranking out a 6.5 miler in my racing flats and not feeling the pain that I have with my current well worn trainers it's official they are dead and need replacement. I figure $100 bucks at Sports Authority, Modell's, Road and Track or Fleet Feet is better than having to pay a foot specialist to fix my messed up legs....that's what I get for hardcore run focus in the early season.



New swimsuits: $40-80 When I'm using one of last year's sets of tri shorts for parctice and they're going see-through you know its time.



Aero Helmet: $HEAT discount on Rudy Project- $175 Not a major necessity but I do want to get one to see if it makes a differnce in split times.



Entry to IM New Zealand: $525 See previous post for why.



Airfare and Ground Transport for IM New Zealand: Ken Glah is working the number cruncher 3000 as we speak.



Entry to IM Arizona: $425 Bjoern and Bob-o take on Tempe....let the wailing, beating of breasts, grinding of teeth, and shifting through the ashes left in our wake begin.



Flight and Rental car: I have until next September to figure it out.

A bike case: $250 from the good people @ Nashbar.com

If I have any extra money, it's going into a savings account, because quite frankly I know in a year I'm going to have a Federal Student Loan ( consolidation ) to pay back, but hopefully I'll be a bit making more, and striving toward coaching on the side......quite frankly I said it before and I'll say it again I'm a poor guy in a rich man's sport. Next year I'm hoping that a limited racing schedule will help me save some money and do better at the races I'm focusing on.

Zoot vs. New Balance debate

Ok time to get back from being the stressed out college kid/arm chair theologian to the tri geek I am. As everyone knows I am sort of sponsored by Zoot and GU for the 2008 tri season ( which unfortunately means I will not be able to run in my HEAT livery (it's from Garnieau which would be breach of sponsor ship.) this season, unless Zoot doesn't ship the team uniform I will not be the familar "flame guy" at most of my races this season. sniff, sniff.) While I can attest to the quality of Zoot's wetzoots, and a few of their other products, the foot wear is an issue. I have used New Balance since I was a junior in high school. I know the products inside and out and their racing and training shoes have gotten me through 400 meter sprints to full marathons and every race in between. So when Zoot came out with their racing line I'm a little skeptical, the shoe is in its first year of production, it's been tested by pros with feet of steel, and although they look like they have an ultra high quality race flat, the lack of a true training line frightens me. Also the price tag make me a little afraid to take the risk on them, ( You spend $50-$80 on a trainer and if it sucks it hurts the checkbook but not as bad as $120.) I think I'm going to hold off on trying the Zoot ultras ( unless of course I get them for free) until I hear some more feedback on them and Zoot develops a heavier weight training line. Afterall a solid trainer usually results in a solid race comp. Although some of the features of the ultra series impress me:

Built in speed laces: so you don't have to fork over $7 for Yanks and then spend an hour unlacing and relacing your new shoes. ( I did this in NZ and it broke my heart watching daylight slip away as I struggled with the damn things.)

Seamless interior: Having torn my feet open due to interior stitches going barefoot this is a good move forward.

Hopefully there will be more good feedback after the 08 season and I might throw down for a pair but as for now I'm sticking with the good old relaible "N"'

The guy with more shoes than Roslinda Marcos
R.D.

I have been to Hell and I have seen the devil...his name is Coach Troy...

Last night on a whim I decided to haul up to Newington Cycle and take advantage of their free spinning classes ( it beats sitting in my room alone hunched over the areobars cussing Coach Troy as I diligently crank out my Spinnervals.) Instead it was a group of 10 of us hunched over our aerobars noticing Troy's "fuzzy math" Count downs. Seriously did you notice how he jumps from 5 to up when he wants you out of the saddle and it seems like he has a 10 second pause between 5 and 3 and the end of set count down. Troy was not the only one taking a beating as Jeff, the senior mechanic, was revealing his "mid-life Crisis purchases" We chimed in if you start a tour team you've got plenty of takers. ( the takers being me and 4 other 20 somethings grinding it out in the back.) It felt good to group "ride" for the first time in almost two months, granted I definitely think I talk too much. (New Year's resolution " Shut the Hell Up Rob!") . Well my motor mouth aside it was a good 75 min. of aerobic base building, I'm pretty sure I was in zone 2 0r 3 but I don't have a heart rate monitor so I go off or perceived exertion, so if I'm huffing puffing and can barely talk, I know I'm in my anaerobic zone, If I can talk with little difficulty I'm in aerobic and if I'm making hand movements with my speech then I'm not working hard enough. I know it's low tech and primitive in this age of heart rate monitiors, GPS monitors, Power taps, Monkey girated, lazer calibrated HM, GPS, Power reading bike mounted Espresso machines, but hey that's how my poor college student ass rolls, eventually I'll get my self a heart rate monitor ( I'm looking timex, polar, or possibly Garmin but like I said I don't like to be like the other kids on the block.) ut for right now i have more pressing expenses.

R.D.

I apologize there have been no images in the last couple of posts, I've been posting when on break at work, because something happened with my router at home and now only one PC has Internet access, and my little brother has taken it hostage playing at club penguin or what ever little evil 12 year olds log on to, and with these kids today if you separate them from electronics there is Hell to Pay...not like in my day when we'd just pull out wiffle bats and start beating each other with them.....ahh memories, or lack thereof.

My 100th Post of 2007 : I'M GOING TO TAUPO BITCHES!!!

Yep that's right, one of my creditors made the mistake of increasing my line...( which means more for me to pay back but hey what's money if you can't spend it on what you need and what you enjoy.) So after a quick phone call to Ken Glah and the Crew and Endurance Sports Travel I have procured a lakeview studio at the Tui Oaks Motor Inn, and transport for me and The Bitch Stomper from Auckland to Taupo for under $1300. Below are pictures of my digs for that week: unfortunately Angry it's not the Marriot or the Hilton

(note to the folks at those companies try building a Residence Inn or Fairfield Suites in the vincity. It will be a gold mine.)

EST's not booking flights until Late Janurary so that is the only missing link but it will be paid for. So yes my crazy, half frozen New England ass will be gracing the start line at IM New Zealand.( Which will start another debate on whether or not I should shave down for this sucker...but I digress.) Ok good news over...more good news I can now turn my training from possibly doing and Ironman in March to DEFINATELY doing an Ironman in March. Yes now gone are the days of the half-assed 25 mile rides that were supposed to be fifty milers, the 45 min. trainer sessions which were intended to be an hour, the 12 mile runs....well ok maybe not the 12 mile runs...theasy 3000 yard swims 3 times a week. As of 5 am this morning Build Phase#1 got going which means the next 14 days are going to be loaded with distance, one race, and early
mornings.
Monday: yielded my normal "short" distance a 7-8 miler through the burbs.

Tuesday: I got in 4200 yds. in the pool. My freestyle stroke felt a little slow but and increase in work outs will help that.

This morning I got to the Y at 5:45am and crammed in a 3000 yard practice before work. Again my freestyle felt a little slow so Tommorrow I will probably work it a little more. After work I got in a 12 mile run on the almost pitch black roads of Wolcott. My first 7 weren't bad as the sun was just starting to set and I was on roads that actually had street lamps. The "back 4" down Route 322 were dimly lit, along with a pitted shoulder and drivers hugging the white line as if they were in Some race to see who could get to Southington first. After dodging cars and nearly twisting my ankle twice on the pitted shoulder I decided this route is not a good one to do during the evening hours, or at least not without a headlamp. The last mile to two miles back home weren't bad at all ...except for trying to cross route 69 as rush hour traffic was streaming in from the DirtyWater ( Waterbury) from the south and the Little New Britain ( Bristol) from the North. All in all I got it in 1:45 so my goal of doing a 4:00 marathon or better seems to be in reach, as long as I can get my long runs and bricks in over the next three months. So on tap: tomorrow an early morning 3000-4000 yard swim work out followed by work, getting booties and wool socks to protect my footsies on my 60-70 miler this week end, maybe a 6 miler around campus, class and lifegurading. Friday an early morning trainer workout 45 min. to an hour, followed by work, and a 3000-4500 yard workout at Waterbury Masters ( note to Angry: Steph Karas is running it and we do have easier workouts, also she can help straighten out your stroke to prevent that nagging shoulder injury.)
Sat. Work then a 60 mile ride ( most likely at Waramaug of from Woodbury to Waramaug.) followed by a moderate warm up run.
Sunday: Speed Work! the Chichetti 5 miler brought to you by Wesson oil: Home of the crazy conveience store manager that made my summer of 05 a layer of hell! (pay back's a bitch!..oops well if it wasn't for my crummy stint there I wouldn't have try to find anyhting better than my gig at the video game store so in essence it helpped me believe in myself...ok pulling good from a bad situation moment over.) followed by some love time in the pool or a shorter ride maybe 25 miles in Woodbury or on the Cheshire trail, or if the weather sucks a trainer ride post race infront of my blasting heater. All in all the hardcore training period has begun.

The self -torturing triathlete
R.D.

Night Ride.....kind sorta

well for the first time since friday, I manned up and decided to ride The Bitch Stomper on its true domain: The open road. Braving Temps hovering in the low 40's high 30's I walked out layered well on my upper half ( Wool beanie, those stretchy running gloves, base layer tank top, dri release t- shirt, Holy Cross track long sleeve, Louis Garneau long sleeve jersey ( reflective yellow)) but was wearing only bike shorts and two pairs of socks covering the lower half, the logic was the constant climbing of the hills in the burbs would warm my legs. I managed to eek in 12 miles before it got too dark for me to be seen by speeding rush hour traffic, yet surprisingly most motorists gave me room (You guys who gave me room rock!) I descended down Lyman road at the wuss-esque 24 miles per hour ( stupid potholes.) climbed into Waterbury and road past Montoe Park then on to North main, past the Russian Orthodox Church and began the big climb back into Wolcott, as I approached the top I ran my hand over my head and felt only the soft wool of the beanie....I had done the first and most dangerous six miles of my ride sans helmet, two thoughts ran through my head as I pedaled back home to grab my blue plastic second skull, the first : I was bad ass like those guys who did the tour in the 80's . Nothing like descending the Calibier with your mullet blowing wildly knowing one wrong move and it's be au revior, Bernard* ( shameless reference to the 5 time tour champ.) the second was the primal fear of if I got hit I would be an instant organ donor. (I told my parents if I ever crashed hard and they were picking up grey matter off the road, then you might as well give my organs away because I most likely won't recover from that.) Any way I made it home got the helmet and desecnded the other side of Lyman rd. to Route 69 for my second 6. As I crossed 69 during a luck lull in the traffic, I made my way toward Scovil's dam. The cross wind kicked up and unlike in other rides where I slowed my pace , I kicked it up a knotch, with a "bring it bitch" attitude. I got around the lake then started the big climbs up Boundline rd. ( those of you wondering why I was able to climb geer mountain with out dismounting this climb is why.) The hill starts gradual with one quick burner then a nice false flat and a major burner that curves to the top. Well I kicked it into "lance armstrong mode" spinning as much as the gears would allow to the top, occasionally getting out of the saddle to push. I rode past the cemetery , high school and library descending down route 322 past Pat's IGA. I climbed up Beach Rd. a long gradual climb past the nursing home and then took it through my "old hood" before riding home. 12 miles wasn't bad for about 45 minutes. my legs held up well but my feet were blocks of ice so a set of toe covers is a purchase coming in the near future. All in all it wa a good day of training i went to class but the run never matetrialized although my bio professor and I talked for about 50 min. on training, treatment for shin splints, and other running topics so I guess that counts right. Well back to Work,
The Tell-Tale Teller
R.D.