Alright anyone for anyone who doesn't know I've been racing as a member of Team Blazeman for the past year, trying to raise funds and awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease/ Motor Neuron disease in Queen's English.) ALS is a degenerative neurological illness which attacks the motor neurons in muscles. Essentially think of your body as an electrical machine with your brain as the battery... your motor neurons are like the wiring, and carry the electronic signals from the brain to move, breathe, talk..etc. ALS is when this wiring system "shorts out" depriving the patient of movement, speech and eventually life, as of this moment there is no cure and it usually kills in 2-5 years, although some such as Professor Steven Hawking, have managed to live substantially longer.
Over the past year through the kindness of readers and friends I was able to raise $629 for the foundation. For those that don't know the foundation was started by Jon Blais a 34 year old triathlete who did the 2005 Hawaii Ironman 5 months after being diagnosed with the disease he competed using number 179 hence the significance of the number and the post.
Upon talking to his parents Bob and Mary Ann at Eagleman and Rhode Island 70.3 the Blazeman Foundation will be funding a study on a possible link between a mild form of dementia and a form of ALS with the dementia serving as a possible early warning sign to the disease. If a link can be established perhaps treatment can be found..it would be a kind twist of fate to those currently living with the disease if we suddenly figured out the existing drugs we use to treat dementia, depression and the early stages of alzheimer's could arrest the progression of this killer.
Alright that's my medical rant for the quarter.
R.D.
Showing posts with label War on ALS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label War on ALS. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ironman New Zealand Race Report
3:30AM My alarm went off I looked at it looked out side and hit snooze. My body was going to be going through 10+ hours of sheer Hell the least I could do was give it 30 more min. of Rest. 4:00AM and I was awakened by some crappy oldies station I shut the alarm off and went to the loo. Slapped on my War on ALS tattoos and began my pre- race ritual of wondering around my hotel room with my i-pod blaring clad in nothing but my tri shorts.
Wet suit...check
Body Glide....check
Slathered myself with enough Hawaiian Tropic to protect me from a supernova....check
Post race clothes...check
Threw on my tri top and my HEAT T -shirt and warm up pants and went down for breakfast, a bowl of cereal and toast with honey I wasn't eatting heavy today.You could definiately tell the Iron-vets from the rookies USC Jonathan had been through this all before, it was his 3rd time, but even he had jitters , hoping his back would survive, Paul had done at least 5 and was just looking forward to another day at the office. Justin a fellow Iron rookie sat there silent ready to go. Pete and I were the nervous guys with big yaps, I tend to ramble when I'm nervous, but I was starting to settle down. I looked out at the sun coming up. " Looks like the weather guys were full of shit." I said fairly confidently " I wouldn't say that mate.", said Blair with a semi prophetic tone. " At least we're expecting a tailwind on the way back on the bike." Pete chimed in. The eire silence over the breakfast table was broken. Breakfast flew by in a blur, before I knew it Jonathan and I were on the first shuttle to transition. The i-pod went in the music went up. " Just another day at the office" I tried to tell myself, " Just another race like any other." We arrived at transition. Got my special needs bags and body marked. BSed with this Aussie chick Naomi, she was hardcore doing this race with a cracked vertebrae. I checked my bike tires, 80 PSI, grabbed a pump from Blair and inflated to the recommended 110psi ( the chip seal makes stiffer tires bounce.) Johnathan wanted a picture in Transition. Tried to snap one but the stupid light blurred it out, finally after 5 takes I got a keeper for him. I looked accross the rack at the pros setting up, one young Aussie chick Kate was set up across from me, we shook hands made a little chit chat but that was about it. Talked to Dan Cochrane the last Kona qualifer from my age group last year, told him I owed him a beer if he beat Shannon Barnett, we laughed at that one. Bella Cumberford was snapping her shoes into the pedals.I had thought about doing that but I had accidently packed them in my T-1 bag at drop off. Too late now. A bunch of Maorui Warriors were doing the Huka on the beach, I tried to imitate hoping in the words of one of the warriors, it would scare the piss out of anyone in ear shot. Instead it made for a hysterical snap shot. Jonathan then snapped a more legit one. 6:30AM a half and hour went by that fast. I lubed up with as much body glide as I had left. Killed the water bottle I took with me and filled my aero drink with Gu2O, started to put on the wet suit and made one last trip to the portoloo. Had Bill zip me up and made my way down to the water. Started talking to Matt yet another Iron virgin: "Just treating this like one really long brick. I've got an hour swim, 6 hour bike, hopefully less than a 4 hour run." Just a training day with 1200 of your closest friends. I handed in my pre swim bag, and swam out tho the swim start. the bottom of the start area was shallow and rocky. It didn't matter now I was in my element. The 3 min. light came on Mike's voice boomed on the loud speaker, as the Warriors brought their boat along side the mass of swimmers in the water. 2 min. light. The pros made their way to their start 15 meters ahead of the age groupers. Mike was spouting some shit over the PA. the 1 min. light came on then the cannon.........
The Swim: 3.8k (2.4 miles) Arms and elbows: kicking and screaming.
I had started wide as usual but for once was actually regretting it. I was in clear water but falling toward the back of the back. I started to cut in. I ended up dueling with this chick in blue swedes for about 200 meters. I lifted to sight a sea of orange and green caps I was still with the age groupers. My competitive swimming prowess started to take hold. Go harder, keep sighting, still orange and green caps. For the first 1000 meters it felt like I was going no where, either I was really sucking or everyone else was really good. Suddenly a white cap then another, a pack of us had caught the slower pros, that got me motivated. passed 3 or 4 white caps before I found a draft pack at the turn around. tried to go around , couldn't. Tried to go inside couldn't . I kept wide and drifted along side, losing some ground for 25 meters gaining back for another 50 meters, Satyed wide on the return leg to try to catch the current from the river back to the beach. Passed some more Orange and green caps but I was still stuck in the draft pack. I could see the beach now, the carpet to transition. the water was shallow. My hand hit bottom butterflied past the rocks then sprung to my feet. Cap and goggles came off, pulled the wet suit to half way. I looked at the clock as I left the beach on a 400 meter run to transition
53:36 Heard Catherine and some of the EST group shout my name as I ran past. One leg down, two to go.
T-1: [wetsuit] Strippers wanted!
the 400 meter run to t-1 was a head game up the steps across the parking lot, up the hill. passed some guys got passed by others. Came into the chute and shouted out "114" a woman grabbed my T-1 bag and handed it off to me. Ran into the tent. Two guy grabbed the legs of my wet suit and yanked it off. Shit I forgot a towel volunteer got me one,I dried my feet and threw on my socks and shoes. Then off to the bike rack, threw on my helmet and sunglasses and off I went on a 180km (112 mi.) ride, the second place pro woman at my side. Total T-1 time I believe was 5:38 not bad for a quarter mile run in a wetsuit.
The Bike: 180k (112 mi) Kick it in the big ring and pray nothing gets in the way.
I figured I would go conservative on the first loop of the bike so when I strated getting passed like it was my job I didn't panic. The roads were dry, once we got out of town ( and all the technical corners) the road was closed to traffic and went down hill in a hurry. I grabbed a Gu off the top tube only to see the wind had blown my other four off.....those aid stations every 18k were a blessing. PowerBar drink replaced the Gu2O as I consumed it in a desperate battle to keep hydrated, and every two stations I was grabbing a power bar to boost my sugar. At one point Justin and Canadian super stud went by, I made an effort to repass and it worked but was repassed by them about 2k up the road I decided at that point it wasn't worth burning the energy to try to keep their pace. ( Justin did a 10:57 I have no idea how super stud did.) By the time we hit the turn around at Repora the winds were in full force. As I approached a sudden gust made me feel like I was going to be dismounting over the left handlebar. also on the way some joker would run along side with a bottle of Tui beer and fake like he was handing it off aid station style. We hit the sharp turn around and the wind suddenly shot you out like a rocket. As I flew back up the road it dawned I me I had to pee, got ready to try the whole let if fly thing but I just couldn't make it work. I stopped at one of the aid stations instead. Topped off my aero drink with Sports drink and grabbed an extra bottle for the road, after hitting the loo.
As we made our way back up toward Taupo I saw three cyclists had gotten together, one of them ( a girl, who until I double checked, I thought was Naomi) had gone down pretty hard and was being stablized by course officials as the support cars stopped and an Ambulance from St. John's was racing to the scene. We got to the lovely turn by the racetrack and as I crossed the white lines the clouds opened . We were now on the descents back into town, I was sitting up in the bullhorns for some of the descents, especially one sweeping left hander...I didn't want Catherine to earn a pulitzer for caputuring the spirit of the Ironman by snapping a picture of me riding by in bandages and torn cycling shorts. For those who don't know me too well, my bike, sharp turns and wet chipseal don't usually make for a good combo. Anyway it was down another long down hill on Spa Rd., just letting it coast as competitiors flew by, before the sharp left back through the Center of Taupo. I was going 25 everyone else was going 30 before all of us slammed on the binders for the left hander and then accelrated through the flat fast smooth roads of Taupo. Heading back out for the second loop I decided to be conservative on the rain slickened corners and white lines in town, saving my efforts for the fast, yet rough straight shot to the turn around on Broadlands road. It seemed a few other of the "mid-packers" were following this strategy, either that or they were the ones who went too hard on lap one because I managed to get about 5 positions back as well as a nice neon green arm band for completing loop one. Once again it was back on to Broadlands with that every so lovely head wind. the rain began to lighten up but even so I kept my sun glasses in my back pocket ( I had taken them off at the beginning of lap 2.), it was too much of a hassle to keep wiping the spray off of them. The lead up to the turn around wasn't too bad, down hill and flat, got out of the saddle occasionally to warm up the legs. I lost some time, when my attempts to let it fly were continuing to fail, and I had to use a more scenic method ( ie stopping in some poor farmer's field.) Which cost me most of the spots I had regained. On the way to the turn around again the wind got brutal, I got in the bullhorns put my head down and gritted through to the turn around. At Repora I made it through the hairpin with relative ease ( trouble spots in the wet 1&2 were out of the way.) I had some trouble getting my sexy neon orange armband from one of the volunteers, it took one fairly tall and muscular dude to push it about half way down my arm. I shot out of Repora with a nice tail wind and began to make up ground. Unfortutnately I had a comical little incident at one of the aid stations, as I tossed the bottle I had just emptied into my friend the areo drink...I noticed there were suddenly alot more guys at the "last ditch" table than at the previous stations. "Watch out!" I screamed as the bottle hurttled toward a volunteer holding out a powerbar, it missed thank god, but it scarred the shit out of both of us. " Sorry!" I screamed as I rode out of sight from one very pissed off volunteer.
As we approached the climbs the fatigue of 160k (100 miles) in the saddle became real, a hill that I had taken semi effotlessly in the Small Ring 15 was now causing me grief as I crawled up it at 12 mph, I was bonking hard core, I reached for some shot bloks that I had been nimbling on as "bail out" food. I finished the bag but the sugar was just not kicking in. I longed for my running shoes because quite frankly I was getting sick of pedaling. After what seemed like an eternity the downhill to the race track appeared I didn't care if it was going to be the death of me I got into the aero bars and descended at a stupidly fast rate of speed. I wanted off the bike Damn it and I was only 10k away from my second strength. I went through the left hander back toward town. As we descened past the Town pool and civic center some Swim Mum had apparently had enough of the Police road blocks and us psycho cyclists owning the road. In an effort to save two minutes and get little Johnny to his swim lesson on time her minivan blew the road block and sped across the road infront of me. Now maybe it was my fatigue at the time but it was like what gives, she was about 4 meters infront of me but on a wet road 4 meters is not enough to safely go from almost 30 mph to 0 on a bicycle ( apparently Specialized, Avanti, Cervelo, Trek, etc all forgot to put anti lock breaks on the damn things.) Thankfully she pulled into the pool's parkinglot and I sped by without incident but this is the 5th or 6th NDE ( near death experience) I had in Taupo in as many days (the first 4 or 5 were courtsey of the big rigs on Route1 and Broadlands on my training ride.) Rant about bad drivers over.Needless to say this was at the end of the ride. I slowed up for the sharp left turn on to Route 1 and as I hit the flat pulled my feet out of my soaked bike shoes like a pro. I think I heard Simon shout out "good stuff mate!" I pedaled the remaining 1k to the Transition area and dismounted like a pro dismounting on the left as I slipped my bike to the volunteer on the right.
Total Bike Split: 6:19.16
T-2: A Comedy of Errors ( cue Benny Hill music here)
I got my bag and made my way past the loos into the transition tent. The bike had taken its toll on me as a volunteer dumped my bag. I pulled off my soaked bike socks, the volunteer got me a towel as I tried in vain to dry my feey and pull my running socks on. I couldn't find my blister blocks, until I felt something in my right racing flat sure enough there they were I dumped them out, switched my race belts, threw my glasses back on and took off toward the water table. "Where's the loo? I asked one of the volunteers, "other side of the tent mate." Damn it, ran back through the transition tent/mash unit to the first empty portolet, then had to dart back through the transition tent and onto the run course total T-2 was about 4min and change.
( End Benny Hill Music here.)
Run: 42.2k (26.2 miles) This time it truly was Macca Time.
As I approached the 1k mark the rain decided it's time for mercy was over, the rain picked up the wind kicked up and in one of my race photos it shows me with my head down like "ok it's windy tough shit." I hit the first aid station and followed the advice of Marty Cashman ( a former pro who spoke to us at Central) I began to take coke at every aid station. This was the first time I had tried the flat cola routine, but if I had anymore sports drink I was going to gag. I grabbed a banana half and continued around the Great Lake Centre. I passed the finisher chute, the music was blaring, and Mike was screaming something about Cameron Brown taking the lead. ( Kiernan Doe had a pretty big advantage on the bike but as usual Cam ran him down.) I ran past New Zealand's biggest block party to the more subdued park surrounding the yacht club. I got my white wrist band for my first loop and got another cup of flat coke. And began to make my way out of town. I ran past Blair and our die hard group of EST supporters. I thought I heard a couple of Shouts of " Go Rob!" but I was zoning out going into a mantra: keep it steady..don't blow up, aid station to aid station, long race, little pieces, worry about the clock on the second loop...coke....keep it aerobic.....
As I headed up the hill out of town I began to reel in some of the faster cyclists, one fell back then another then 3 more than one guy from Colorado. I saw Bill run by and wish me luck How the Hell did he pass me I thought? ( foundout later that he was the 3rd guy out of the water, don't you just love it when they don't start the pros 15 min. ahead and age groupers can be right in the mix. I know I do.) by the first little "lollipop" I was needing the rest room. ( damn fiber filled solid nutrition: guys at Gu please make an energy bar low in fiber you will make a killing.). I held it as long as I could but at the 7k mark I had to stop at the aid station. I re-entered the race about a minute later and shocked the dude from Colorado again.
CD: didn't you pass me like 2 min. ago?
Me: Yeah but I had to use the loo.
CD: Well I guess I can let it go this time, you're a newbie.
That lit the fire under my ass I reached the 10k turn @ 5 mile bay, this massive residential area. All the volunteers here were locals and it was like a giant block party, complete with Kiwis talgating. I looked at my watch 53 min. that with a 2 min bathroom break. I was right on pace, for a sub 4 hour marathon. As we reached the 12k point after turning around the cul du sac, I looked over and saw Jo Lawn and that Aussie Chick Kate going head to head ( they were on their second loop coming around to lap us.) I took my mind off the pro drama unfolding behind me, back to the game plan, water and coke at the aid station, feet blistering, don't think about it, sub 4 hour marathon...keep the pace....the rain began to let up but I could bearly feel it, the wind was the main problem, going out we had a tail wind now it was in your face. Keep the pace, Shannon Barnett came by me he was lapping me and he was holding a faster pace than the pro women. I looked back no sign of Jo Lawn, no sign of Kate, their race wasn't my problem now but I didn't want to be the moron that accidently blocked Jo Lawn and cost her 6th straight Ironman New Zealand Win, although it could have gotten me a date with young the Aussie.......and a lifetime ban from ever entering New Zealand again..... back to the race report..... Made it through thhe lollipop most of the Times employees were set up here, got a lot of support to carry me back down that hill into town. Went down the hill looking at guys struggling up saw Jonathan running by he looked like he was in pain, saw Vin ( another EST guy) going up the hill in spiderman togs, then some older guy decided to go anaerobic and pass me, I passed him back he passed again and pulled away, looked at the watch, 10:45 was out the window, sub 11 possible, sub 12 would happen unless I did some thing stupid...like start running at 10k pace. Keep the pace. Took the turn back on to route one and we were routed on to the beach side path. Seperated by a grassy median and in some cases houses and shrubs from the guys running up. Went by a beach club and watched the flags being blown over by the wind. " I thought they were calling for wind today." I said through the gale. That got a few laughs.... We hit a slight down hill and I saw a dude in a beanie on a mountain bike stop he looked up dead at me I looked over my shoulder, there clad in her signature black and red bathing suit was Jo Lawn bearing down on me , he started shouting instructions to her to take it easy on this descent and work it on the up coming up hill. She ran by her grimace hidden by the sun glasses I could help but give he a cheer, looked back behind me the female leader guide bike rode past, no sign of Kate, she had broken free. I got back into my pace, the mantra, coke, water over the head, rinse the mouth, the path got close to the road again I saw Justin run by gave him a high 5 he was about 5 to 6 k ahead, the turn for the second loop was close Ran around the Great Lake Centre, past the finish line where the crowd was going nuts over Lawn's win in the women's race. Pass the Yacht Club got my blue arm band and started the second loop, 22k down and I was still under 2 hours, a sub 4 marathon was possible as long as I:
1.Did not stop for anything
2. Start walking for any reason
3. Did not go into cardiac arrest.
Got the game face on start to psyche myself up, this was like a typical 10 mile training run now, Hell I could do this a 9:00 pace with my eyes closed, and even if I blew up I would still be in before 17 hours, the party had just begun.
I started to make my way back through the Center of town there was a look of determination on my face with a hint at a smile. The cheers started to hit home, Blair gave me a "looking good Rob, now pick up the pace." I could hear a load of guys start saying "Good stuff mate." kids reading my name off the bib, claps and cheers that I had ingnored on the first lap were now carrying me through the second. The k markers began to go down, 22, 23, 24k and the turn out of town, 26k At the aid stations I was still taking coke, and even at this late stage I was not walking through, I started passing more and more people, most were first lappers just getting their land legs back. Others we guys that had gone out too hard like the guy that passed me at about 18k, keep it steady and aerobic continued to be the mantra, Nashville began to flash in my mind the agony at mile 23 where my calves said "no mas" and I was forced to walk and stretch. I came up on some Aussie guy, he was starting to bonk and was walking his way up the hill. " Come on mate, don't start walking man you're almost done." ( I noticed the blue band on his arm as well.) " I feel like shit mate" He said as he started to run along side. " grab some coke at the next aid station man it will help fire you up, It's been working for me." I ran ahead and he was still going at a pretty steady jog when I last saw him. Into the lollipop, Jude from the Times was egging me on, back out onto the road toward the turn around, the k's were still dropping off 28k, 29k past the portoloos and the aid station at 30k more coke, but now it was starting to get nasty, but the thought of sports drink was still too difficult to bear. 31k the final turn around, grabbed water only for the first time during the race, one went over the head the other into my mouth. Back into the fray and the head wind, the i-pod in my mind started going with that cheezy insprirational music ( the Rocky theme, the Rudy music, eminem, you know that crap.) Pass some more people, man all those first loopers and I thought I had a hard day on the bike.....into the lollipop, the Times staff going nuts. hear Jude on the radio " He just went by and he looks strong." Man I have to piss...what now at this point in the game, hold it damn it....I can't ....there's less than 10k to go I'm on PR marathon pace I'm not stopping and letting my legs seize up. 8k left, Simon drives by with Catherine hanging out the window, She gets a couple shots. " How are you feeling?" She shouts " Pretty good!" I said ignoring my aching calves and buldging bladder, and the skin being torn from my heel with each step. " See you at the finish." she said with a smile then disappeared back into the car, man that momment alone was worth the last 2k of personal Hell. Back to the battle, the turn back to town 7k to go. Past the beach club, get some cheers, get back to the point where the runners going out can see the runners coming in. Blair's standing there so is Ken fresh from the med tent. " Come on Bob looking strong bring it home" he shouts out. 5 k to go 20 min. if that. The bladder is getting heavy as I approach another aid station, a cola and an orange, I just grab them off the table as the staff is trying to attend to the outbound runners. The cheers get louder, kids give me high 5's I'm getting closer. Back into the center of town 3k left, pass the last aid station, coke only I swear that I never want to drink another cup of flat pepsi again as long as I live,( can't be held to that, we all start thinking crazy at the end of the end of the ironman.) 2k left the 40 k marker then I see the town's only traffic light, I see the 41k marker, the flemge rouge the last k. I dig deep start the gut check and use what's left in the tank. I'm going to be an Ironman barring clamity in the finish chute I'm going to be an Ironman. I pass the Great Lake Centre the crowd noise gets loud I see a kid in a wheel chair I know what I've got to do.....I make the turn show my arm band and enter the finish chute grass, some of The CF girls start screaming my name, high 5 a group of kids at the start of the carpet I see the finish tape... I see the blue carpet...my memory flashes back, 2005 Ironman @ Kona Jon Blais, 2006 Kona Brian Breen, I approach thhe tape look sky ward, " This one's for you Blazeman!" I get on the ground and roll under the tape then get up fist pump as I hear the sweetest words I've every heard Mike Rielly say, " Rob Duguay 23 Years old from the United States YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" One of the "catchers" gets me a towel I get the medal drapped around my neck. I finished it with a PR in the marathon to boot.
Run: 3:50:09
Total Time: 11:13:43
Next Post: The Aftermath.
Wet suit...check
Body Glide....check
Slathered myself with enough Hawaiian Tropic to protect me from a supernova....check
Post race clothes...check
Threw on my tri top and my HEAT T -shirt and warm up pants and went down for breakfast, a bowl of cereal and toast with honey I wasn't eatting heavy today.You could definiately tell the Iron-vets from the rookies USC Jonathan had been through this all before, it was his 3rd time, but even he had jitters , hoping his back would survive, Paul had done at least 5 and was just looking forward to another day at the office. Justin a fellow Iron rookie sat there silent ready to go. Pete and I were the nervous guys with big yaps, I tend to ramble when I'm nervous, but I was starting to settle down. I looked out at the sun coming up. " Looks like the weather guys were full of shit." I said fairly confidently " I wouldn't say that mate.", said Blair with a semi prophetic tone. " At least we're expecting a tailwind on the way back on the bike." Pete chimed in. The eire silence over the breakfast table was broken. Breakfast flew by in a blur, before I knew it Jonathan and I were on the first shuttle to transition. The i-pod went in the music went up. " Just another day at the office" I tried to tell myself, " Just another race like any other." We arrived at transition. Got my special needs bags and body marked. BSed with this Aussie chick Naomi, she was hardcore doing this race with a cracked vertebrae. I checked my bike tires, 80 PSI, grabbed a pump from Blair and inflated to the recommended 110psi ( the chip seal makes stiffer tires bounce.) Johnathan wanted a picture in Transition. Tried to snap one but the stupid light blurred it out, finally after 5 takes I got a keeper for him. I looked accross the rack at the pros setting up, one young Aussie chick Kate was set up across from me, we shook hands made a little chit chat but that was about it. Talked to Dan Cochrane the last Kona qualifer from my age group last year, told him I owed him a beer if he beat Shannon Barnett, we laughed at that one. Bella Cumberford was snapping her shoes into the pedals.I had thought about doing that but I had accidently packed them in my T-1 bag at drop off. Too late now. A bunch of Maorui Warriors were doing the Huka on the beach, I tried to imitate hoping in the words of one of the warriors, it would scare the piss out of anyone in ear shot. Instead it made for a hysterical snap shot. Jonathan then snapped a more legit one. 6:30AM a half and hour went by that fast. I lubed up with as much body glide as I had left. Killed the water bottle I took with me and filled my aero drink with Gu2O, started to put on the wet suit and made one last trip to the portoloo. Had Bill zip me up and made my way down to the water. Started talking to Matt yet another Iron virgin: "Just treating this like one really long brick. I've got an hour swim, 6 hour bike, hopefully less than a 4 hour run." Just a training day with 1200 of your closest friends. I handed in my pre swim bag, and swam out tho the swim start. the bottom of the start area was shallow and rocky. It didn't matter now I was in my element. The 3 min. light came on Mike's voice boomed on the loud speaker, as the Warriors brought their boat along side the mass of swimmers in the water. 2 min. light. The pros made their way to their start 15 meters ahead of the age groupers. Mike was spouting some shit over the PA. the 1 min. light came on then the cannon.........
The Swim: 3.8k (2.4 miles) Arms and elbows: kicking and screaming.
I had started wide as usual but for once was actually regretting it. I was in clear water but falling toward the back of the back. I started to cut in. I ended up dueling with this chick in blue swedes for about 200 meters. I lifted to sight a sea of orange and green caps I was still with the age groupers. My competitive swimming prowess started to take hold. Go harder, keep sighting, still orange and green caps. For the first 1000 meters it felt like I was going no where, either I was really sucking or everyone else was really good. Suddenly a white cap then another, a pack of us had caught the slower pros, that got me motivated. passed 3 or 4 white caps before I found a draft pack at the turn around. tried to go around , couldn't. Tried to go inside couldn't . I kept wide and drifted along side, losing some ground for 25 meters gaining back for another 50 meters, Satyed wide on the return leg to try to catch the current from the river back to the beach. Passed some more Orange and green caps but I was still stuck in the draft pack. I could see the beach now, the carpet to transition. the water was shallow. My hand hit bottom butterflied past the rocks then sprung to my feet. Cap and goggles came off, pulled the wet suit to half way. I looked at the clock as I left the beach on a 400 meter run to transition
53:36 Heard Catherine and some of the EST group shout my name as I ran past. One leg down, two to go.
T-1: [wetsuit] Strippers wanted!
the 400 meter run to t-1 was a head game up the steps across the parking lot, up the hill. passed some guys got passed by others. Came into the chute and shouted out "114" a woman grabbed my T-1 bag and handed it off to me. Ran into the tent. Two guy grabbed the legs of my wet suit and yanked it off. Shit I forgot a towel volunteer got me one,I dried my feet and threw on my socks and shoes. Then off to the bike rack, threw on my helmet and sunglasses and off I went on a 180km (112 mi.) ride, the second place pro woman at my side. Total T-1 time I believe was 5:38 not bad for a quarter mile run in a wetsuit.
The Bike: 180k (112 mi) Kick it in the big ring and pray nothing gets in the way.
I figured I would go conservative on the first loop of the bike so when I strated getting passed like it was my job I didn't panic. The roads were dry, once we got out of town ( and all the technical corners) the road was closed to traffic and went down hill in a hurry. I grabbed a Gu off the top tube only to see the wind had blown my other four off.....those aid stations every 18k were a blessing. PowerBar drink replaced the Gu2O as I consumed it in a desperate battle to keep hydrated, and every two stations I was grabbing a power bar to boost my sugar. At one point Justin and Canadian super stud went by, I made an effort to repass and it worked but was repassed by them about 2k up the road I decided at that point it wasn't worth burning the energy to try to keep their pace. ( Justin did a 10:57 I have no idea how super stud did.) By the time we hit the turn around at Repora the winds were in full force. As I approached a sudden gust made me feel like I was going to be dismounting over the left handlebar. also on the way some joker would run along side with a bottle of Tui beer and fake like he was handing it off aid station style. We hit the sharp turn around and the wind suddenly shot you out like a rocket. As I flew back up the road it dawned I me I had to pee, got ready to try the whole let if fly thing but I just couldn't make it work. I stopped at one of the aid stations instead. Topped off my aero drink with Sports drink and grabbed an extra bottle for the road, after hitting the loo.
As we made our way back up toward Taupo I saw three cyclists had gotten together, one of them ( a girl, who until I double checked, I thought was Naomi) had gone down pretty hard and was being stablized by course officials as the support cars stopped and an Ambulance from St. John's was racing to the scene. We got to the lovely turn by the racetrack and as I crossed the white lines the clouds opened . We were now on the descents back into town, I was sitting up in the bullhorns for some of the descents, especially one sweeping left hander...I didn't want Catherine to earn a pulitzer for caputuring the spirit of the Ironman by snapping a picture of me riding by in bandages and torn cycling shorts. For those who don't know me too well, my bike, sharp turns and wet chipseal don't usually make for a good combo. Anyway it was down another long down hill on Spa Rd., just letting it coast as competitiors flew by, before the sharp left back through the Center of Taupo. I was going 25 everyone else was going 30 before all of us slammed on the binders for the left hander and then accelrated through the flat fast smooth roads of Taupo. Heading back out for the second loop I decided to be conservative on the rain slickened corners and white lines in town, saving my efforts for the fast, yet rough straight shot to the turn around on Broadlands road. It seemed a few other of the "mid-packers" were following this strategy, either that or they were the ones who went too hard on lap one because I managed to get about 5 positions back as well as a nice neon green arm band for completing loop one. Once again it was back on to Broadlands with that every so lovely head wind. the rain began to lighten up but even so I kept my sun glasses in my back pocket ( I had taken them off at the beginning of lap 2.), it was too much of a hassle to keep wiping the spray off of them. The lead up to the turn around wasn't too bad, down hill and flat, got out of the saddle occasionally to warm up the legs. I lost some time, when my attempts to let it fly were continuing to fail, and I had to use a more scenic method ( ie stopping in some poor farmer's field.) Which cost me most of the spots I had regained. On the way to the turn around again the wind got brutal, I got in the bullhorns put my head down and gritted through to the turn around. At Repora I made it through the hairpin with relative ease ( trouble spots in the wet 1&2 were out of the way.) I had some trouble getting my sexy neon orange armband from one of the volunteers, it took one fairly tall and muscular dude to push it about half way down my arm. I shot out of Repora with a nice tail wind and began to make up ground. Unfortutnately I had a comical little incident at one of the aid stations, as I tossed the bottle I had just emptied into my friend the areo drink...I noticed there were suddenly alot more guys at the "last ditch" table than at the previous stations. "Watch out!" I screamed as the bottle hurttled toward a volunteer holding out a powerbar, it missed thank god, but it scarred the shit out of both of us. " Sorry!" I screamed as I rode out of sight from one very pissed off volunteer.
As we approached the climbs the fatigue of 160k (100 miles) in the saddle became real, a hill that I had taken semi effotlessly in the Small Ring 15 was now causing me grief as I crawled up it at 12 mph, I was bonking hard core, I reached for some shot bloks that I had been nimbling on as "bail out" food. I finished the bag but the sugar was just not kicking in. I longed for my running shoes because quite frankly I was getting sick of pedaling. After what seemed like an eternity the downhill to the race track appeared I didn't care if it was going to be the death of me I got into the aero bars and descended at a stupidly fast rate of speed. I wanted off the bike Damn it and I was only 10k away from my second strength. I went through the left hander back toward town. As we descened past the Town pool and civic center some Swim Mum had apparently had enough of the Police road blocks and us psycho cyclists owning the road. In an effort to save two minutes and get little Johnny to his swim lesson on time her minivan blew the road block and sped across the road infront of me. Now maybe it was my fatigue at the time but it was like what gives, she was about 4 meters infront of me but on a wet road 4 meters is not enough to safely go from almost 30 mph to 0 on a bicycle ( apparently Specialized, Avanti, Cervelo, Trek, etc all forgot to put anti lock breaks on the damn things.) Thankfully she pulled into the pool's parkinglot and I sped by without incident but this is the 5th or 6th NDE ( near death experience) I had in Taupo in as many days (the first 4 or 5 were courtsey of the big rigs on Route1 and Broadlands on my training ride.) Rant about bad drivers over.Needless to say this was at the end of the ride. I slowed up for the sharp left turn on to Route 1 and as I hit the flat pulled my feet out of my soaked bike shoes like a pro. I think I heard Simon shout out "good stuff mate!" I pedaled the remaining 1k to the Transition area and dismounted like a pro dismounting on the left as I slipped my bike to the volunteer on the right.
Total Bike Split: 6:19.16
T-2: A Comedy of Errors ( cue Benny Hill music here)
I got my bag and made my way past the loos into the transition tent. The bike had taken its toll on me as a volunteer dumped my bag. I pulled off my soaked bike socks, the volunteer got me a towel as I tried in vain to dry my feey and pull my running socks on. I couldn't find my blister blocks, until I felt something in my right racing flat sure enough there they were I dumped them out, switched my race belts, threw my glasses back on and took off toward the water table. "Where's the loo? I asked one of the volunteers, "other side of the tent mate." Damn it, ran back through the transition tent/mash unit to the first empty portolet, then had to dart back through the transition tent and onto the run course total T-2 was about 4min and change.
( End Benny Hill Music here.)
Run: 42.2k (26.2 miles) This time it truly was Macca Time.
As I approached the 1k mark the rain decided it's time for mercy was over, the rain picked up the wind kicked up and in one of my race photos it shows me with my head down like "ok it's windy tough shit." I hit the first aid station and followed the advice of Marty Cashman ( a former pro who spoke to us at Central) I began to take coke at every aid station. This was the first time I had tried the flat cola routine, but if I had anymore sports drink I was going to gag. I grabbed a banana half and continued around the Great Lake Centre. I passed the finisher chute, the music was blaring, and Mike was screaming something about Cameron Brown taking the lead. ( Kiernan Doe had a pretty big advantage on the bike but as usual Cam ran him down.) I ran past New Zealand's biggest block party to the more subdued park surrounding the yacht club. I got my white wrist band for my first loop and got another cup of flat coke. And began to make my way out of town. I ran past Blair and our die hard group of EST supporters. I thought I heard a couple of Shouts of " Go Rob!" but I was zoning out going into a mantra: keep it steady..don't blow up, aid station to aid station, long race, little pieces, worry about the clock on the second loop...coke....keep it aerobic.....
I came out of my zone at the 5k mark as I watched Ken Glah run past, no sprint finish for him this year, he was in no man's land, and comfortably so he had at least a 1k lead on the guy behind him.
As I headed up the hill out of town I began to reel in some of the faster cyclists, one fell back then another then 3 more than one guy from Colorado. I saw Bill run by and wish me luck How the Hell did he pass me I thought? ( foundout later that he was the 3rd guy out of the water, don't you just love it when they don't start the pros 15 min. ahead and age groupers can be right in the mix. I know I do.) by the first little "lollipop" I was needing the rest room. ( damn fiber filled solid nutrition: guys at Gu please make an energy bar low in fiber you will make a killing.). I held it as long as I could but at the 7k mark I had to stop at the aid station. I re-entered the race about a minute later and shocked the dude from Colorado again.
CD: didn't you pass me like 2 min. ago?
Me: Yeah but I had to use the loo.
CD: Well I guess I can let it go this time, you're a newbie.
That lit the fire under my ass I reached the 10k turn @ 5 mile bay, this massive residential area. All the volunteers here were locals and it was like a giant block party, complete with Kiwis talgating. I looked at my watch 53 min. that with a 2 min bathroom break. I was right on pace, for a sub 4 hour marathon. As we reached the 12k point after turning around the cul du sac, I looked over and saw Jo Lawn and that Aussie Chick Kate going head to head ( they were on their second loop coming around to lap us.) I took my mind off the pro drama unfolding behind me, back to the game plan, water and coke at the aid station, feet blistering, don't think about it, sub 4 hour marathon...keep the pace....the rain began to let up but I could bearly feel it, the wind was the main problem, going out we had a tail wind now it was in your face. Keep the pace, Shannon Barnett came by me he was lapping me and he was holding a faster pace than the pro women. I looked back no sign of Jo Lawn, no sign of Kate, their race wasn't my problem now but I didn't want to be the moron that accidently blocked Jo Lawn and cost her 6th straight Ironman New Zealand Win, although it could have gotten me a date with young the Aussie.......and a lifetime ban from ever entering New Zealand again..... back to the race report..... Made it through thhe lollipop most of the Times employees were set up here, got a lot of support to carry me back down that hill into town. Went down the hill looking at guys struggling up saw Jonathan running by he looked like he was in pain, saw Vin ( another EST guy) going up the hill in spiderman togs, then some older guy decided to go anaerobic and pass me, I passed him back he passed again and pulled away, looked at the watch, 10:45 was out the window, sub 11 possible, sub 12 would happen unless I did some thing stupid...like start running at 10k pace. Keep the pace. Took the turn back on to route one and we were routed on to the beach side path. Seperated by a grassy median and in some cases houses and shrubs from the guys running up. Went by a beach club and watched the flags being blown over by the wind. " I thought they were calling for wind today." I said through the gale. That got a few laughs.... We hit a slight down hill and I saw a dude in a beanie on a mountain bike stop he looked up dead at me I looked over my shoulder, there clad in her signature black and red bathing suit was Jo Lawn bearing down on me , he started shouting instructions to her to take it easy on this descent and work it on the up coming up hill. She ran by her grimace hidden by the sun glasses I could help but give he a cheer, looked back behind me the female leader guide bike rode past, no sign of Kate, she had broken free. I got back into my pace, the mantra, coke, water over the head, rinse the mouth, the path got close to the road again I saw Justin run by gave him a high 5 he was about 5 to 6 k ahead, the turn for the second loop was close Ran around the Great Lake Centre, past the finish line where the crowd was going nuts over Lawn's win in the women's race. Pass the Yacht Club got my blue arm band and started the second loop, 22k down and I was still under 2 hours, a sub 4 marathon was possible as long as I:
1.Did not stop for anything
2. Start walking for any reason
3. Did not go into cardiac arrest.
Got the game face on start to psyche myself up, this was like a typical 10 mile training run now, Hell I could do this a 9:00 pace with my eyes closed, and even if I blew up I would still be in before 17 hours, the party had just begun.
I started to make my way back through the Center of town there was a look of determination on my face with a hint at a smile. The cheers started to hit home, Blair gave me a "looking good Rob, now pick up the pace." I could hear a load of guys start saying "Good stuff mate." kids reading my name off the bib, claps and cheers that I had ingnored on the first lap were now carrying me through the second. The k markers began to go down, 22, 23, 24k and the turn out of town, 26k At the aid stations I was still taking coke, and even at this late stage I was not walking through, I started passing more and more people, most were first lappers just getting their land legs back. Others we guys that had gone out too hard like the guy that passed me at about 18k, keep it steady and aerobic continued to be the mantra, Nashville began to flash in my mind the agony at mile 23 where my calves said "no mas" and I was forced to walk and stretch. I came up on some Aussie guy, he was starting to bonk and was walking his way up the hill. " Come on mate, don't start walking man you're almost done." ( I noticed the blue band on his arm as well.) " I feel like shit mate" He said as he started to run along side. " grab some coke at the next aid station man it will help fire you up, It's been working for me." I ran ahead and he was still going at a pretty steady jog when I last saw him. Into the lollipop, Jude from the Times was egging me on, back out onto the road toward the turn around, the k's were still dropping off 28k, 29k past the portoloos and the aid station at 30k more coke, but now it was starting to get nasty, but the thought of sports drink was still too difficult to bear. 31k the final turn around, grabbed water only for the first time during the race, one went over the head the other into my mouth. Back into the fray and the head wind, the i-pod in my mind started going with that cheezy insprirational music ( the Rocky theme, the Rudy music, eminem, you know that crap.) Pass some more people, man all those first loopers and I thought I had a hard day on the bike.....into the lollipop, the Times staff going nuts. hear Jude on the radio " He just went by and he looks strong." Man I have to piss...what now at this point in the game, hold it damn it....I can't ....there's less than 10k to go I'm on PR marathon pace I'm not stopping and letting my legs seize up. 8k left, Simon drives by with Catherine hanging out the window, She gets a couple shots. " How are you feeling?" She shouts " Pretty good!" I said ignoring my aching calves and buldging bladder, and the skin being torn from my heel with each step. " See you at the finish." she said with a smile then disappeared back into the car, man that momment alone was worth the last 2k of personal Hell. Back to the battle, the turn back to town 7k to go. Past the beach club, get some cheers, get back to the point where the runners going out can see the runners coming in. Blair's standing there so is Ken fresh from the med tent. " Come on Bob looking strong bring it home" he shouts out. 5 k to go 20 min. if that. The bladder is getting heavy as I approach another aid station, a cola and an orange, I just grab them off the table as the staff is trying to attend to the outbound runners. The cheers get louder, kids give me high 5's I'm getting closer. Back into the center of town 3k left, pass the last aid station, coke only I swear that I never want to drink another cup of flat pepsi again as long as I live,( can't be held to that, we all start thinking crazy at the end of the end of the ironman.) 2k left the 40 k marker then I see the town's only traffic light, I see the 41k marker, the flemge rouge the last k. I dig deep start the gut check and use what's left in the tank. I'm going to be an Ironman barring clamity in the finish chute I'm going to be an Ironman. I pass the Great Lake Centre the crowd noise gets loud I see a kid in a wheel chair I know what I've got to do.....I make the turn show my arm band and enter the finish chute grass, some of The CF girls start screaming my name, high 5 a group of kids at the start of the carpet I see the finish tape... I see the blue carpet...my memory flashes back, 2005 Ironman @ Kona Jon Blais, 2006 Kona Brian Breen, I approach thhe tape look sky ward, " This one's for you Blazeman!" I get on the ground and roll under the tape then get up fist pump as I hear the sweetest words I've every heard Mike Rielly say, " Rob Duguay 23 Years old from the United States YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" One of the "catchers" gets me a towel I get the medal drapped around my neck. I finished it with a PR in the marathon to boot.
Run: 3:50:09
Total Time: 11:13:43
Next Post: The Aftermath.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I should seriously write a book about this....
If I haven't faced enough adversity in trying to train, fundraise, and get to Ironman New Zealand, Mother Nature is deciding to bust my balls at the last second. This morining as I got into work I was immediately hit with one of my co-workers saying she was coming in in a full snow suit tomorrow. I looked at NBC 30.com and checked Bob Maxon's forecast ( I could no longer take the antics of Scott Hiney...I mean Hanney, who is probably doing a snow dance at this moment.) Friday night into Saturday they are expecting "A Traditional New England Nor'Easter." 6-8 inches of snow and sleet muhahaha! Now seriously anytime there is the incling of a flurry these guys are breaking out the deathtoll meter, early warning system , and crazy religious wackos saying " Repent the end is Here!"Now I don't have much faith in their forecast, I think we'll get some white...(hopefully not) but I'm thinking 3-4 inches, I mean these guys have been prediciting the next ice age since September...it gets tiring...fast. Ok weather rant done!
If the roads are absolutely horrible on Saturday I'll take the Metro North in, figure the rails will be clear, and I can grab a cab to JFK or do the Connecticut Limo thing.
I got a later more commuter friendly flight back to NYC from LA So I won't be sitting at JFK For 3 hours waiting on the CT Limo Shuttle. That's always good right?
Well regardless, it seems like things have been popping up all along the way to try to stop me from doing this, which means one of three things will happen in Taupo
1. I will finish against all odds,At the stroke of midnight after enduring terrible hardship, winning the Hearts and minds of athletes everywhere.
2. I will have one of those " Greatest Game Ever Played" Moments. Being an unknown amateur and suddenly stun the tri world more than Chrissie Wellington's Kona Win, either beating Cam Brown and Luke Bell in a Duel Down under or coming damn close.
If the roads are absolutely horrible on Saturday I'll take the Metro North in, figure the rails will be clear, and I can grab a cab to JFK or do the Connecticut Limo thing.
I got a later more commuter friendly flight back to NYC from LA So I won't be sitting at JFK For 3 hours waiting on the CT Limo Shuttle. That's always good right?
Well regardless, it seems like things have been popping up all along the way to try to stop me from doing this, which means one of three things will happen in Taupo
1. I will finish against all odds,At the stroke of midnight after enduring terrible hardship, winning the Hearts and minds of athletes everywhere.
2. I will have one of those " Greatest Game Ever Played" Moments. Being an unknown amateur and suddenly stun the tri world more than Chrissie Wellington's Kona Win, either beating Cam Brown and Luke Bell in a Duel Down under or coming damn close.
3. I will have the greatest race of my life, Qualify for Kona, get massive sponsorship and turn pro.
Or at least that's how it would turn out in a novel.
Regardless of what happens I will finish even if, in the words of Jon Blais, " They have to roll me off the course."
Ok mush gushy emotional part of the post over.
Praying For Clear Skies and a Tailwind.
RD.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Thank You!!!.
To everyone that donated to my ALS fundraising page Thank You...You helpped me surpass my goal and helpped to try to end a horrible killer. So give yourseleves a pat on the back...also Active Prints the info of everyone who donates so those that donated over $25 can expect a little something fron NZ in the mail or whenever I see you at the races. Also if anyone still wishes to donate...please do so your contributions are greatly appreciated. ( Also Should I use vinyl dry transfer decals or spray paint and stencil on my bike.... yes anyone who donated or helpped me in any way their name is either going on the bike or on my arm via sharpie.).
My long anticipated checks came in Yesterday, so I was able to pay my credit card which will in turn pay my airfare ( and give me bonus miles and trip insurance...boo-yah!) I got a lovely inspirational card from Claire Yesterday...yes it is true that when an athlete gets dehydrated and goes hypoxic we do start thinking up of every inspirational phrase, scene, and moment we've ever heard, seen, or lived through....for me this happens at the 3 mile mark for some odd reason...to qoute Macca, "the nice music kicks in and I float to the finish line." Well, at least most of the time.
That's all for now... I'm using too much company bandwidth.
The Greatful Galloper.
R.D.
My long anticipated checks came in Yesterday, so I was able to pay my credit card which will in turn pay my airfare ( and give me bonus miles and trip insurance...boo-yah!) I got a lovely inspirational card from Claire Yesterday...yes it is true that when an athlete gets dehydrated and goes hypoxic we do start thinking up of every inspirational phrase, scene, and moment we've ever heard, seen, or lived through....for me this happens at the 3 mile mark for some odd reason...to qoute Macca, "the nice music kicks in and I float to the finish line." Well, at least most of the time.
That's all for now... I'm using too much company bandwidth.
The Greatful Galloper.
R.D.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Ironman New Zealand Update / Desperate Appeal !!
Part I. Ironman update
Last night the Guys at Ironman New Zealand posted the age groups and bib numbers here's mine:
Rob DUGUAY
114
United States
M0124
Yes, I know putting my real name puts me at risk that some Hannibal Lector wantabe, will nibble on my well developed achilles with Fava beans and a nice chanti....but anyone who looks up my bib number is going to see it anyway. So yes I am now offcially a number. Speaking of numbers I am one of 44 competitors in my age group and only 1 of 3 Americans competing in the "little tykes" (18-24 age group...I know I'm a youngin'.) age group. So I might have a shot at highest placing American. One kid from the Czech Republic is showing up for this so I'm assuming he is hot fire ( bib # 121) Surprisingly there are only 4 Aussies, 1 Canadian, and a boatload of Japanese in my age group along with an army of Kiwis ( which I would expect this being their home Ironman.) For the most part barring the Country Music Marathon this is the most internationally diverse race I've ever done.
I've got that nerveous /excited/ scared shitless feeling going on. I haven't done a ride over 75 miles so I really don't want to bonk because I might have a good shot at Kona. So at this moment the bike is my only source of apprehension. I've pretty much been on run taper for the last 2 weeks so this week I plan on another long ride run brick if the weather is good this weekend.
Last night sporadic burst of sleet made me op out of going to Masters so tonight I've got my own 4000 yard workout of bliss planned. tomorrow I've got an early morning pool session and a night run with Germany's greatest export ( besides beer, chocolate, cars.....) Bjoern... I figure a nice 7-8 miler tomorrow, an 8-10 miler Thursday. And then one last 15-20 miler on Sunday after at least 4 hours on the bike....mileage be damned! Then I begin Taper and how to eat an energy bar with out being disloyal to GU...guys please make an energy bar....I beg you!
II. Desperate Appeal
Since I'm talking about the Ironman I will make another desperate appeal for donations to the War on ALS ( Lou Gehrig's disease.) Anyone who knows about Lou Gehrig's disease knows that it is a cruel quick killer. Over the course of two to five years a person can go from being perfectly healthy and active to being confined to a wheel chair and requiring a ventilator to breathe. We know the symptoms and progession of ALS but we have yet to fully understand the disease, and therfore treat it. ALS Warrior Poet ( Jon Blais's site) and some of the research have the most current developments posted.Groups such as the Blazeman Foundation, Auggies Quest, and Kurt's Pitch help to raise funds for research groups such as the MDA, ALSTDI, and ALSA, and neurological departments across the country. Through your generosity I currently have raised $503.. I would like to reach a goal of $525 ...$25 over the minium requirement for the Ironman fundraising level. Anyone who donates /has donated $25 or more can expect a momento from New Zealand. ( Warrior Woman I think I have your address via the donation confirmation e-mail. Cranky, Claire I'll see you at the Patriot, Angry my brother, I'll definately see you before then.) Anyone who donates as little as $1 will have their name decaled on my bike, as well as written on my arm during the race March 1. you can make donations here. Like I said it can be as little as $1 and your donation is always appreciated.
So in a quick recap:
Bob-o's bib number # 114
3 Americans and a lot of Kiwi's in the 18-24 division
Please donate to the War on ALS.
Athlete # 114
R.D.
Last night the Guys at Ironman New Zealand posted the age groups and bib numbers here's mine:
Rob DUGUAY
114
United States
M0124
Yes, I know putting my real name puts me at risk that some Hannibal Lector wantabe, will nibble on my well developed achilles with Fava beans and a nice chanti....but anyone who looks up my bib number is going to see it anyway. So yes I am now offcially a number. Speaking of numbers I am one of 44 competitors in my age group and only 1 of 3 Americans competing in the "little tykes" (18-24 age group...I know I'm a youngin'.) age group. So I might have a shot at highest placing American. One kid from the Czech Republic is showing up for this so I'm assuming he is hot fire ( bib # 121) Surprisingly there are only 4 Aussies, 1 Canadian, and a boatload of Japanese in my age group along with an army of Kiwis ( which I would expect this being their home Ironman.) For the most part barring the Country Music Marathon this is the most internationally diverse race I've ever done.
I've got that nerveous /excited/ scared shitless feeling going on. I haven't done a ride over 75 miles so I really don't want to bonk because I might have a good shot at Kona. So at this moment the bike is my only source of apprehension. I've pretty much been on run taper for the last 2 weeks so this week I plan on another long ride run brick if the weather is good this weekend.
Last night sporadic burst of sleet made me op out of going to Masters so tonight I've got my own 4000 yard workout of bliss planned. tomorrow I've got an early morning pool session and a night run with Germany's greatest export ( besides beer, chocolate, cars.....) Bjoern... I figure a nice 7-8 miler tomorrow, an 8-10 miler Thursday. And then one last 15-20 miler on Sunday after at least 4 hours on the bike....mileage be damned! Then I begin Taper and how to eat an energy bar with out being disloyal to GU...guys please make an energy bar....I beg you!
II. Desperate Appeal
Since I'm talking about the Ironman I will make another desperate appeal for donations to the War on ALS ( Lou Gehrig's disease.) Anyone who knows about Lou Gehrig's disease knows that it is a cruel quick killer. Over the course of two to five years a person can go from being perfectly healthy and active to being confined to a wheel chair and requiring a ventilator to breathe. We know the symptoms and progession of ALS but we have yet to fully understand the disease, and therfore treat it. ALS Warrior Poet ( Jon Blais's site) and some of the research have the most current developments posted.Groups such as the Blazeman Foundation, Auggies Quest, and Kurt's Pitch help to raise funds for research groups such as the MDA, ALSTDI, and ALSA, and neurological departments across the country. Through your generosity I currently have raised $503.. I would like to reach a goal of $525 ...$25 over the minium requirement for the Ironman fundraising level. Anyone who donates /has donated $25 or more can expect a momento from New Zealand. ( Warrior Woman I think I have your address via the donation confirmation e-mail. Cranky, Claire I'll see you at the Patriot, Angry my brother, I'll definately see you before then.) Anyone who donates as little as $1 will have their name decaled on my bike, as well as written on my arm during the race March 1. you can make donations here. Like I said it can be as little as $1 and your donation is always appreciated.
So in a quick recap:
Bob-o's bib number # 114
3 Americans and a lot of Kiwi's in the 18-24 division
Please donate to the War on ALS.
Athlete # 114
R.D.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Go until you can't feel your feet.....a blog in 3 parts
I. Training in the Tundra
Sadly my Saturday long ride turned into a routine 40 miler, before my feet turned to ice and I stopped to avoid hypothermia due to the high crosswinds ( I'm prepped for Eagleman and one race on one certain island in a town that rhymes with Mona.) Sadly my plan B of a nice brick came to a screeching halt as my near frostbitten feet argued they could endure no more, about 400 meters into the run. Sunday I was a bum, as I cleaned my room getting rid of almost 15 years of accumulated junk, and watching MY GIANTS narrowly beat the Packers to earn a spot in the super bowl. (* all I have to say at the guys who picked on me all season is my Team's going to the super bowl and yours is where...oh crap they're in too...stupid Patriots.)
ok football fury over...Yesterday I braved the cold and got in a close to 20 mile run, going on a 4 town reign of terror for almost 3 hours. The riskiest part being a nice little stretch of Waterbury's East End and Cheshire close to the I-84 on ramps. I hauled into Southington via Marion Ave and then back up into Wolcott past the Golf Course (no way I was braving the Mountain on that day.) My Gatorade bottles on my fuel belt froze, which became evident as I tried to take a drink at about the 17 mile mark...odd thing was while my Gatorade was frozen semi-solid my water was relatively untouched...so now I have my frozen water bottle on a winter long run story.
II. Bob-o's sold out ( if this had been done on my home PC the Reel Big Fish would be blaring)
In other News I have officially signed with Team Zoot/Gu so I am now a "sponsored athlete"...I know the major perk is discounted product, but I figure this is a nice step on an athletic resume...granted so is an Ironman win...but for right now some Lemon lime and orange Gu2O and Chocolate and Strawberry Banana Gu will definitely help.
III. Donate $1 or more to my Teamblazeman page and you will get the following:
1. The personal feeling of satisfaction that you might help cure Lou Gehrig's disease.
2. A tax deduction from IRS
3. My thanks and gratitude.
4. I will write your name on either my arms, legs or decal on The Bitch Stomper for I.M. New Zealand.
To those who have already donated thank you, remember to claim it on your taxes, and I will write your names on one of the aforementioned places to those of you that will donate...thanks in advance....
Ok that's enough blogging on company time.
The model employee
R.D.
Sadly my Saturday long ride turned into a routine 40 miler, before my feet turned to ice and I stopped to avoid hypothermia due to the high crosswinds ( I'm prepped for Eagleman and one race on one certain island in a town that rhymes with Mona.) Sadly my plan B of a nice brick came to a screeching halt as my near frostbitten feet argued they could endure no more, about 400 meters into the run. Sunday I was a bum, as I cleaned my room getting rid of almost 15 years of accumulated junk, and watching MY GIANTS narrowly beat the Packers to earn a spot in the super bowl. (* all I have to say at the guys who picked on me all season is my Team's going to the super bowl and yours is where...oh crap they're in too...stupid Patriots.)
ok football fury over...Yesterday I braved the cold and got in a close to 20 mile run, going on a 4 town reign of terror for almost 3 hours. The riskiest part being a nice little stretch of Waterbury's East End and Cheshire close to the I-84 on ramps. I hauled into Southington via Marion Ave and then back up into Wolcott past the Golf Course (no way I was braving the Mountain on that day.) My Gatorade bottles on my fuel belt froze, which became evident as I tried to take a drink at about the 17 mile mark...odd thing was while my Gatorade was frozen semi-solid my water was relatively untouched...so now I have my frozen water bottle on a winter long run story.
II. Bob-o's sold out ( if this had been done on my home PC the Reel Big Fish would be blaring)
In other News I have officially signed with Team Zoot/Gu so I am now a "sponsored athlete"...I know the major perk is discounted product, but I figure this is a nice step on an athletic resume...granted so is an Ironman win...but for right now some Lemon lime and orange Gu2O and Chocolate and Strawberry Banana Gu will definitely help.
III. Donate $1 or more to my Teamblazeman page and you will get the following:
1. The personal feeling of satisfaction that you might help cure Lou Gehrig's disease.
2. A tax deduction from IRS
3. My thanks and gratitude.
4. I will write your name on either my arms, legs or decal on The Bitch Stomper for I.M. New Zealand.
To those who have already donated thank you, remember to claim it on your taxes, and I will write your names on one of the aforementioned places to those of you that will donate...thanks in advance....
Ok that's enough blogging on company time.
The model employee
R.D.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
2008 Goals/Objectives
Ok in the business/ military world we have "goals" those warm fuzzy personal little things we want to do better but it won't be the end of the world if we don't achieve them, and then there are objectives...the things you absolutely must do if you value your life/position/ being employed for more than minimum wage. So here are the goals:
1. Get out of debt....( laugh, snicker, it's a nearly impossible dream but maybe I'll have a night where I'm on fire at the Craps table, or pick some lucky lotto numbers, or gasp go pro with this whole tri thing.)
2. Qualify for Kona
3. Win age group in New Zealand
4 Decimate Age Group in New Zealand
5. Win my age group in at least 3 races this year.
Here are the objectives:
1. Finish IM New Zealand: I am crossing that finish line even if I have to pay a set of Paramedics to carry my ass over it on a stretcher.
2. Qualify for Kona or Clearwater, or another North American Ironman ( don't know if they have slots for other races at Eagleman but it would be cool if they did.)
3. Improve my cycling skills...I am almost getting to the point where I am fearless again on 2 wheels.
4. Another Marathon I want to see how fast I can crank one of these suckers out on full rest.
5 Medal at the Griskus Sprint : Macca had Kona, Earnhardt had the Daytona 500, and I have this little sprint the race I just could not win.... like these two I will breakout and I think this year could be the year.
6. Plan for my 2009 Ironman....don't know if It'll be NZ, Placid, Arizona,Florida, Hawaii or CDA but I fully intend to do another M-dot. And I will actually have a more structured training regiment for this one. other than my hodge podge of long swims, long runs, and riding until I run out of daylight
7. Defend my age group title at the New and Improved Nutmeg State Half Iron. Bjorn will be better prepped and the bike course will be faster......breakout the areo helmet.
8. Get at least one race in the greater Boston and greater NYC metro area done this year. Claire hauled ass down here for a training ride so I sort of owe her. That and I need to meet the infamous cranky runner...maybe I'll volunteer for the NYC tri so I can get a free entry in 09.
9. Avoid injury
Well those are the objectives for 2008. See ya at the races.
R.D.
also tax time is approaching so if anyone is interested please donate to the War on ALS or Claire's AIDS ride...you could get a deduction.
1. Get out of debt....( laugh, snicker, it's a nearly impossible dream but maybe I'll have a night where I'm on fire at the Craps table, or pick some lucky lotto numbers, or gasp go pro with this whole tri thing.)
2. Qualify for Kona
3. Win age group in New Zealand
4 Decimate Age Group in New Zealand
5. Win my age group in at least 3 races this year.
Here are the objectives:
1. Finish IM New Zealand: I am crossing that finish line even if I have to pay a set of Paramedics to carry my ass over it on a stretcher.
2. Qualify for Kona or Clearwater, or another North American Ironman ( don't know if they have slots for other races at Eagleman but it would be cool if they did.)
3. Improve my cycling skills...I am almost getting to the point where I am fearless again on 2 wheels.
4. Another Marathon I want to see how fast I can crank one of these suckers out on full rest.
5 Medal at the Griskus Sprint : Macca had Kona, Earnhardt had the Daytona 500, and I have this little sprint the race I just could not win.... like these two I will breakout and I think this year could be the year.
6. Plan for my 2009 Ironman....don't know if It'll be NZ, Placid, Arizona,Florida, Hawaii or CDA but I fully intend to do another M-dot. And I will actually have a more structured training regiment for this one. other than my hodge podge of long swims, long runs, and riding until I run out of daylight
7. Defend my age group title at the New and Improved Nutmeg State Half Iron. Bjorn will be better prepped and the bike course will be faster......breakout the areo helmet.
8. Get at least one race in the greater Boston and greater NYC metro area done this year. Claire hauled ass down here for a training ride so I sort of owe her. That and I need to meet the infamous cranky runner...maybe I'll volunteer for the NYC tri so I can get a free entry in 09.
9. Avoid injury
Well those are the objectives for 2008. See ya at the races.
R.D.
also tax time is approaching so if anyone is interested please donate to the War on ALS or Claire's AIDS ride...you could get a deduction.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Ironman Update:
Days Until Ironman New Zealand: 77
4000+ Yard Swims completed : 6 ( these were interval workouts not straight swims however.)
10-15 mile Runs completed: At least 6
15-20 mile runs completed : 1 (22 miles)
25-50 mile rides done: 8
50+ mile rides done: 1 (65 miles)
100+mile rides done: 0
2+hour love fests on the trainer: 3
Last Long Brick : October 07 40 mile bike 8 mile run.
Money Raised for War on ALS: $ 503 USD
Exams Left: 2
Term Papers left : 1
Alright that was a quick breakdown by the numbers. Today I got in about an 8-10 mile run ( I haven't mapped it yet but I did it in 1:29). Last night I finished my Anthropology paper...so I won't fail...hopefully....maybe...possibly...
Last night Steph Karas the resident dominatrix of the Waterbury YMCA Masters program gave me a rather impressive 3500 yard workout. ( Main set 5x200 on 2:45 try to descend if you can muhahahahaha!). Tomorrow I have on tap the mother of all indoor bricks...a 4 hour spin session and 2 hour treadmill quad buster...start praying for my mortal soul.
This week sort of sucked for training due to weather and school work but the semester is ending and despite bitter New England cold the rest of the week looks nice and clear after our little nor'easter comes through tomorrow, but these nut cases at the weather channel change their story evey five minutes.
Like I said not too much here except for the little training update....
Also tax season is approaching and what better gift to yourself than a nice deduction by donating to the war on ALS or going over to Claire's site and donating to the battle against AIDS. Because just think about this for every dollar spent researching ALS $400 are spent researching male pattern baldness.....Also for the cost of the Iraq war the US government could subsidize and effective global response to the AIDS pandemic.....like I said just think about those stats for a second...does it piss you off......if it does then do something about it...if it doesn't well I hope those hair plugs can survive the mortar attack in Falujah*.
Like I said enough with my charity pleading I've got some Christmas shopping to do plus I have to stock up for tomorrow's sweaty onslaught.
R.D.
* this comment was meant to prove a point about the fickleness of government spending in this country. If are balding, a veteran, or a balding veteran , these comments were not meant to offend you. I actively support our troops and believe it is a valuable waste of military resources to keep pouring money into Iraq when the real threat to our country is watching cable in Tora Bora.But if you are an Iraq veteran I thank you for your service for answering a call your country never should have made. Like wise if you are balding I have no problem with you throwing cash down on propecia of rogain, but it is kind of montonous if more research dollars go to treating baldness than go to ALS research or Alzheimer's research. You will have a full head of hair but god forbid you get one of these disorders you won't remeber what it's good for, or be able to lift your hair brush to keep it styled.....ok I think I covered my ass.
R.D.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Stephen Hawking is BADASS!
Ok completely random and has absolutely nothing to do with triathlon, but in the course of my research for my Anthropology paper I managed to do a little more reading on Hawking. now I had always know he had ALS but I did not know he has had it for almost 50 years.....According to Hawking's website he was diagnosed in 1963 when he was 21. He is now pushing 65 and is on pace to outlive most able bodied persons. What has been the secret to his longevity with a disease that normally kills in 2 years...positive attitude. Hawking described that he had seen a fellow patient dying of Leukemia ( enter shamless plug for Team in training here) as he was in the hospital trying to have his " mystery illness" diagnosed. Whenever he needed strength Hawking thought back to this patient, and realized that even though his disease was physically crippling, he did not suffer the same crippling effects of the cancer, and if he felt down on himself to remember that there were others suffering like and worse than he was. Another reason he credits to his longevity was unlike most ALS patients he has been able to continue his work and research as an astro-physicist. Most ALS patients usually leave their professions, to spend their remaining time in the company of family and friends and to meditate on life, and mankind's place in the universe....is there a God..how does the universe work....concidering this was Hawking's day job ( finding out the inner workings of the universe.) he was one step ahead of the game and as a plus he was getting paid for it. Also Hawking's sense of humor has also played a role in his survival. He often jokes about the computer that allows him to "speak" , he complains that it gives him an American accent ( concidering Hawking is British), but is a lot easier than the "old method" of having to have an aide hold up cards with letters of the alphabet an then moving his eyes to choose letters and then spell out his communications letter by letter, or before he needed his breathing tube, having a close friends or family memeber intrepret his lectures to students or secretaries due to the degeneration of his voice. Since his diagnosis Hawking has written several books, lectured around the UK and the world, married twice, has rasied 3 children, and has been an ispiration to persons with physical disabilities everywhere, just because the body has shut down, does not mean the brain and soul have followed suit.
Dr. Hawking You are badass!
R. D.
Dr. Hawking You are badass!
R. D.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
12 mile training run down 12 page paper to go....
This morning I followed my plan of skipping church to out race an impending ice storm. As I darted out the door in my wind breaker and running shorts at a slower than normal pace ( It was 35 out but i was still worried about black ice.), with the chariots of fire theme blaring in my head, the usual litnany of Ironman images that make my long runs fly by filtered through my head....the Blazeman and the log roll, Macca finally winning, Willie Nelson's manager and the annoying owner of the Florida Marlins from the 2006 Hawaii higlight show ( I also have two Ironman Movies, Rocky and Rudy, I'm like Rocky because " I want to go the distance" and I'm like Rudy because I too am "risking everything for a dream."), Marc Hermans, Badmann getting back on a bike after crashing to get in some more miles before finally having to be talked out of finishing due to a broken collarbone, Images in my head of Tom Warren the winner of the second Ironman who limped his way to a win on a stormy day on Oahu ( Check out www.trizilla.com under inspirations for the complete story.) With all the inspiring images and words I grinded my way through the hills of Wolcott, braved cold, traffic, and five miles of having to use the bathroom to finish my run. It was 12.54 miles in 2 hours, 9:38 mile pace a slow day but not falling on my ass, pissing my pants, or getting arrested for indescent exposure for pissing my pants on the side of the road it was worth it.
Info on where the money goes:
As noted earlier and in several posts I am rasing money for Team Blazeman. I have recieved news the the Blazeman Foundation does donate to several ALS research funds the most substantial gift of $10,000 was given to the Neuroscience department at Emroy University and that the society is linked to ALSTDI, and several other charities ( check out www.alswarriorpoet.com for more details it is on about the 4th page in after all the introductions and stuff on Jon, and his obituaries...not to sound insensitive to the Blazeman, although I thought his "up shit creek without a paddle" comment he gave at his speech to the MDA hit the nail on the head with this disease, as well as hinted at the urgency that needs to happen in research.)
Well that was my ant for the evening I've got to throw together a power point for Tuesday as well as crank out some pages for the paper.
RD
Info on where the money goes:
As noted earlier and in several posts I am rasing money for Team Blazeman. I have recieved news the the Blazeman Foundation does donate to several ALS research funds the most substantial gift of $10,000 was given to the Neuroscience department at Emroy University and that the society is linked to ALSTDI, and several other charities ( check out www.alswarriorpoet.com for more details it is on about the 4th page in after all the introductions and stuff on Jon, and his obituaries...not to sound insensitive to the Blazeman, although I thought his "up shit creek without a paddle" comment he gave at his speech to the MDA hit the nail on the head with this disease, as well as hinted at the urgency that needs to happen in research.)
Well that was my ant for the evening I've got to throw together a power point for Tuesday as well as crank out some pages for the paper.
RD
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I'm not in high school anymore...more ALS stuff.
Last night I did my weekly distance swim session. 4000 yards ( warm up 500 on 7:30 500 pull on 7:30, 3x 1000 on 14:30 main set.) Now in the middle of the main set I noticed that during the second 500 of the last two 1000's my head would start to ache in my left temple. Now assumed it was my goggles were too tight so I adjusted them accordingly but the ache still persisted in the second half, making me believe it might have been lack of electrolytes that was causing the throbbing sensation, so it now seems I will be toting Gatorade Endurance formula with me every where. Now this is sad, back in the day, I could crankout 5000 yard practice on 2 swigs of water, I could run 10 miles in 90 degree weather at 9 min/mile pace holding a conversation with my teammates and not need a drink during the duration.....I think I've gone soft in my "old" age. It seems my age and thirst or ability to sweat are both on the increase, granted so is my speed. If someone told me in High School I'd be holding sub-nine minute miles on a twenty mile training run I'd laugh in their face... as it was I was barely holding 8:30 miles on a four mile training run. I kept running in College ( or the two years I had a "normal" co-ed life.) my runs were rarely longer than 6 miles, and that includes a 6 mile tour of Central Park. The years of college Athletics and the 1 year of purgatory between Fordham and Central in which I held 3 jobs and had a particularly short yet miserable time as a gas station cashier working 50+ hours a week, have made me mentally hard. In high school I was almost ALWAYS guaranteed that I would be swum at least once per meet and in track, except for NVL and state Championships I was assured a spot on the starting line for the 2 mile. ( In my junior and senior years I was ranked 5th in the Waterbury City Track and field championships, weird thing was they counted the Catholic schools , who had a majority of students from the suburbs with the city public schools...it was sort of irony that the Waterbury City Champion in the 110 high hurdles was a native son of Naugatuck....our best two miler and City champ was from the dirty water so he really was the city's best, but I digress.) At Fordham I had to fight to get a slot on our "D" Relay, for home meets, If we were swimming any team that matched up well against us I was usually swimming exhibition, riding the bench, or swimming the D lay. This lack of competition time helped me grow harder. I appreciated the times I was actually swum in my "signature" events, so if I had a lousy time in the 1000 of the 500 Free, I didn't gripe as much about not doing well as I did in High School, afterall I was swimming my events maybe 3 to 4 times a season, so there wasn't the pressure to do better than last time, or your need to get points, or qualify for states, it was just swim as fast as possible because you may not get another shot. After sacrificing health and sanity working in a "gas-n-go" for two months when I left Fordham, I got back into running and biking. I still remembered being on the day of the Pat Griskus Sprint tri, watching some of the locals come in for Gatorade and power bars...I had done the race in high school and made it a point to do it the following season. The end of that summer I got my current job at the bank and left the 50+ hour hell-hole, where my days off where not guaranteed ( I remember constantly being called in on my days off and being called in hours early...I tried using the "my dad borrowed my car"excuse and the manager replied " Where you live, I pick you up.") By the end of that year I had started Master's swimming was up to full time at the bank and ditched my other part time gig. It was last summer that I did my first two olympic tris as well as about 4 sprints, this year I did my first two half irons, ( I notice I keep increasing by pairs so does that mean 2 IMs next year.) and more races I have ever done in my lifetime. Next year looks to be about a 10-12 race season with a possible marathon, and/or local road race tossed in for flavor.
Well tonight I had an hour run on tap but that will most likely be cut out. I have research on an ALS project due Tuesday. 12 pages about how it's been 70 years since The Iron Horse was struck down and we still don't know crap on this thing although they now think it may be related to over exposure to electromagnetic fields...so if I get these disease in the next 70 years I'm blaming it all on Dell and suing for mucho dinero...which I will not be able to enjoy. Also they believe there are two types of the disease, an acquired type ( Electromagnetically or environmentally caused)and a hereditary type in which a there's a deformed gene on a certain chromosome and it cause the nervous and muscular system to fall apart after x number of years. In either case they're just beginning to crack the surface on this stuff. Another thing I've found out in doing research on this is there are at least 6 major charities and several neurology programs linked to ALS research yet each one seems divided and almost in competition with one another. Example You have the MDA ( muscular dystrophy association...*Jerry's Kids), you have ALSA ( Als association, *Kurt's Pitch to Strike out ALS,) ALSTDF(ALS therapy development Fund now ALSTDI Therapy development institute which was getting proceeds from the sale of team Blazeman gear from TriSports) (*=main charity) TeamBlazeman, then you have the universities competing with one another for research grants, so you have guys at Yale and John Hopkins med duking it out to one up one another for the money to do research. each of the groups is giving money to different groups for research and in essence you end up with 20 different researchers doing research on the same disease in completely different parts of the country /world and not alot getting done to find a cure. The same can be said for other diseases not just ALS just look at cancers, AIDS, MS, Parkinson's, you have so many fragments that no major progress can get done. What needs to happen is there needs to be one giant database of info and research, and one pool for funds for each disease, this includes public and private donations, that way research teams can compare notes and there would be one large unbiased source of funding for any research that could lead to a major break through...but alas I am living in a perfect world with out CEO's Drug Company Contracts, Universities trying to attract more admissions, insurance company and government agendas, and the cogs of modern capitalism. Competition brings progress, yet at the same time it can hinder it. Well that's it for my rant on Western Medical research and treatment, and well political bull shit...(.Duguay '20... running on the Democratic ticket unless I;m hit with " you're too conservative"bullshit in which I will run Libertarian.)..Well I'm hitting theboolsand hitting them hard.peace. Also if you have not done so and would like to give a donation to the War on ALS please click on the link or visit the web sites of one of the other associations mentioned..also if your an American Express card holder looking for more points and a tax deduction you can donate through GivingExpress, and also iGive.com also has links to donate. I encourage anybody reading this blog to give to the war on this disease, and as mentioned earlier it can be as little as $1 itwill help make a difference.
The ALS Warrior
R.D.
Well tonight I had an hour run on tap but that will most likely be cut out. I have research on an ALS project due Tuesday. 12 pages about how it's been 70 years since The Iron Horse was struck down and we still don't know crap on this thing although they now think it may be related to over exposure to electromagnetic fields...so if I get these disease in the next 70 years I'm blaming it all on Dell and suing for mucho dinero...which I will not be able to enjoy. Also they believe there are two types of the disease, an acquired type ( Electromagnetically or environmentally caused)and a hereditary type in which a there's a deformed gene on a certain chromosome and it cause the nervous and muscular system to fall apart after x number of years. In either case they're just beginning to crack the surface on this stuff. Another thing I've found out in doing research on this is there are at least 6 major charities and several neurology programs linked to ALS research yet each one seems divided and almost in competition with one another. Example You have the MDA ( muscular dystrophy association...*Jerry's Kids), you have ALSA ( Als association, *Kurt's Pitch to Strike out ALS,) ALSTDF(ALS therapy development Fund now ALSTDI Therapy development institute which was getting proceeds from the sale of team Blazeman gear from TriSports) (*=main charity) TeamBlazeman, then you have the universities competing with one another for research grants, so you have guys at Yale and John Hopkins med duking it out to one up one another for the money to do research. each of the groups is giving money to different groups for research and in essence you end up with 20 different researchers doing research on the same disease in completely different parts of the country /world and not alot getting done to find a cure. The same can be said for other diseases not just ALS just look at cancers, AIDS, MS, Parkinson's, you have so many fragments that no major progress can get done. What needs to happen is there needs to be one giant database of info and research, and one pool for funds for each disease, this includes public and private donations, that way research teams can compare notes and there would be one large unbiased source of funding for any research that could lead to a major break through...but alas I am living in a perfect world with out CEO's Drug Company Contracts, Universities trying to attract more admissions, insurance company and government agendas, and the cogs of modern capitalism. Competition brings progress, yet at the same time it can hinder it. Well that's it for my rant on Western Medical research and treatment, and well political bull shit...(.Duguay '20... running on the Democratic ticket unless I;m hit with " you're too conservative"bullshit in which I will run Libertarian.)..Well I'm hitting theboolsand hitting them hard.peace. Also if you have not done so and would like to give a donation to the War on ALS please click on the link or visit the web sites of one of the other associations mentioned..also if your an American Express card holder looking for more points and a tax deduction you can donate through GivingExpress, and also iGive.com also has links to donate. I encourage anybody reading this blog to give to the war on this disease, and as mentioned earlier it can be as little as $1 itwill help make a difference.
The ALS Warrior
R.D.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
The hardest hour and a half of my life.
Well today did not produce the long outdoor ride I was hoping for. (Snow squalls that turned into accumulating white stuff prevented that, granted my part of the state was untouched but cursed by holiday shoppers.) So instead I managed to get in a "short" 8 mile run. After consuming way too many calories watching the Ironman Highlight show, I decided to burn off some of the excess poundage by popping in that Carmichael Time Trial tape. The work out:
10 minutes with 2x 2min lactate thresholds warm up
3x 5 minutes above threshold with 5 minutes recovery
3x 2 min at 85 rpm, 2 min at 100 rpm, trying to maintain constant effort.
my legs have never burned like that in my life, save for one Half Ironman bike split in the Berkshires. Well that was the day. Not the most valuable training day I've had but I put in a good 2.5-3 hours.
Updates of Note:
Team Blazeman has just shipped me my stuff. Kevin sent an apologetic email, apologizing for the delay in getting the dri-release tees printed. Also Karen Duffy has started sending out the weekly newsletters and the group is asking athletes to send in their stories and hopefully inspire others to join the cause. ( Please check out the You Tube video posted.) So hopefully there will be a little bit more posted on their website in coming weeks, other wise you can subscribe to the newsletter it does get circulated.
That's enough for me tonight...I've got to get some shut eye...I've got a possible pool workout or run on tap tomorrow morning, both if the weather decides to stay fairly descent, and 2 to 3 hours on the trainer (most likely to the tune of the motorcycle diaries, miracle, inspirational or long shit...note to self by Ganhdi with Ben Kingsley as sound distraction for the long workout.) Like I said that's the game plan for tomorrow.
The Kid who needs to move to California
R.D.
10 minutes with 2x 2min lactate thresholds warm up
3x 5 minutes above threshold with 5 minutes recovery
3x 2 min at 85 rpm, 2 min at 100 rpm, trying to maintain constant effort.
my legs have never burned like that in my life, save for one Half Ironman bike split in the Berkshires. Well that was the day. Not the most valuable training day I've had but I put in a good 2.5-3 hours.
Updates of Note:
Team Blazeman has just shipped me my stuff. Kevin sent an apologetic email, apologizing for the delay in getting the dri-release tees printed. Also Karen Duffy has started sending out the weekly newsletters and the group is asking athletes to send in their stories and hopefully inspire others to join the cause. ( Please check out the You Tube video posted.) So hopefully there will be a little bit more posted on their website in coming weeks, other wise you can subscribe to the newsletter it does get circulated.
That's enough for me tonight...I've got to get some shut eye...I've got a possible pool workout or run on tap tomorrow morning, both if the weather decides to stay fairly descent, and 2 to 3 hours on the trainer (most likely to the tune of the motorcycle diaries, miracle, inspirational or long shit...note to self by Ganhdi with Ben Kingsley as sound distraction for the long workout.) Like I said that's the game plan for tomorrow.
The Kid who needs to move to California
R.D.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
It's atumn in New England......which means I need to throw down for cold weather gear...
Yes that's right the cold weather along with soaking wet leaves and 8 pages of depressing Arab-Israeli and Iraqi Ntion building gone wrong nonsense has cut my plans of getting a long ride/run brick in. Yesterday I managed to eek out a 12 mile run in the pouring rain as Angry, and No wet suit girl engaged in epic battle in dresses. Also today Claire tackled the Marathon and it will be interesting to see her post tomorrow morning. Mr. Mortgage broker is supposedly coming up with the figures tomorrow and we should close on Tuesday...if not He's got a Louisville slugger with his kneecap's name on it becuase I'm broke as a joke and lending out the little I have to try to support the fam. So yesterday was me stress release zen run. tomorrow I'll finsh up my paper and lifeguard and start on my other downer paper, on Cholera and the social stigma this one little wait loss plan gone wrong creates. Now all my ranting aside I seriously need cold weather cycling gear. I went to get milk and eggs this morning and was shivering looking at my car's thermometer...it was 47 degrees at noon! So yes I need to get me a long sleeve quick Step Jersey and some Louis Garneau tights so I can ride when my papers aren't shackling me to my desk and the roads are not covered with rain slickened foilage. My Ironman traing and funding plans are not going according to plan at the moment but I am confident that my swim will be stellar as always and my run will bitch smack my time from the Country Music Marathon..It's just that damn bike that is the perverbal question mark. I've been tallying stats and and looking at run splits and bike splits and have determined that if I want to make Kona I NEED TO FLY! 10:39 was the slowest guy to make it from my age group last year...that means I need to at least top 5 to have a shot. Now I know I have a pure fire swim split and I should probably beat the elites out of the water...( Take that Cameron Brown) after that it's just survive the bike and run like Hell until I blow up and have to crawl or cross that finish line with my ticket to the big island punched. Maybe I'm just a little obsessed with this whole tri thing but seriously if I win this sucker outright I might just consider going pro. Now I doubt that I might be able to out ride or Run Cameron Brown, Luke Bell, or Macca if he shows up for an Early Season bitch stomping session, but beating the IM world champion out of the water would definately be an ego boost...and hey who knows weird shit happens when you least expect it.
R.D.
Also if you haven't do so or considered doing so please donate to the War on ALS, like I said even a dollar helps, and this disease is cruel.
DO IT FOR BLAZEMAN! DO IT FOR GEHRIG! DO IT FOR ALL THOSE SUFFERING NOW! and for anyone suffering from ALS or those that know someone suffering from ALS do not give up hope, because one day we will find a cure, and we will make this disease a thing of the past.
May God bless!
RD.
R.D.
Also if you haven't do so or considered doing so please donate to the War on ALS, like I said even a dollar helps, and this disease is cruel.
DO IT FOR BLAZEMAN! DO IT FOR GEHRIG! DO IT FOR ALL THOSE SUFFERING NOW! and for anyone suffering from ALS or those that know someone suffering from ALS do not give up hope, because one day we will find a cure, and we will make this disease a thing of the past.
May God bless!
RD.
Friday, October 5, 2007
It's October and I'm a Yankee Fan ( which means I'm cussing out somebody and this year it's the Indians)
Well up until I walked in the door and found out my beloved New York Yankees lost ( again! seriously I'm wondering if they're going to become the 2000's version of the Red Sox and not win another playoff game let alone World Series until 2086...shudder.) I had a nice meditative baseball free post planned now the Cleveland Indians have wrecked that (oh by the way...you're welcome for getting Kenny Lofton back.) and the Angels seem to be proving that the Yankees are the only team they know how to beat..and the Red Sox well The Evil Empire is the only team that has their name and number and the tribe is making quick work of them. So if/ but most likely when the Yanks lose Sunday night I can expect Steinbrener to attempt to go on yet another spending spree to buy washed up big name talent..hopefully Brian Cashman will sit the boss down and tell him that it's not big name Talent that wins ball games and will have him bump up some minor leaugers with promise...and lop some dead weight off the roster...Giambi....Matsui ( sorry Godzilla we need results and not just against that team from Beantown) ....Mussina ( sorry moose but you just can't start anymore..unless it's against Wakefield.(which either means it will be a pitcher's duel or home run derby.) Indeed I found the perfect way for the Yanks to win on Sunday Bump the entire roster ( except for Milkey Cabrera, Joba Chamberlain, Hughes, and maybe Jeter and possibly Petitte) back down to the minor leagues and raise AAA Columbus, cause I guarantee you those guys will play with more heart than some of the overpaid slobs in the game right now. Alright that's my rant on my Yankees Playoff performance or lack thereof. The other thing that boggles me is all the curse breaking that's been going on seriously the Red Sox won in 04 ( their last was in 1918) The White Sox won in 05 ( their last was in 1917) The Tigers and the Cardinals played in 06 and the Cards won for the first time since 1982 which leads me to my bold yet most likely dead wrong prediction:
Cubs Vs. Indians anyone.
The Tribe hasn't won since 1948 and the Cubs ( who are in the same spot as the Yankees 1 game away from going home and cleaning out the lockers for the winter.) well they were cold when the Red Sox took them out in 1918 and they haven't been to the big dance since 1945 and they haven't won since 1908....so who's up for a good ol' curse bashing fest...
unless of course the stars realign and the Yankees resume their winning ways of old...in which case I would gladly welcome a re-match of the 1927 World series Cubs vs. Yankees ( I would love to see Cabrera give the middle finger to Cubs fans Babe Ruth style by "calling his shot" and sending a deep one to the bleachers. )...and of course being a Yankee fan I would welcome the same result...after all somebody's got to be cursed and it better not be them.
Yes that is a replica Lou Gehrig Jersey While I'm talking about baseball and my favorite team I might as well shamelessly plug for the war on ALS. Gehrig was a great player whose career and life were cut tragically short by the terrible disease and I ask ( even if you are an irate Cubs, Indians, Angels, ( shiver) Boston( double shiver) fan ) please click on the link and donate to the War on ALS. Anything given to the cause, even if it just a buck...will help to find a cure or at the very least treatment.
Ok that's enough baseball/fundraising/ranting/ pissing off Red Sox, Cubs and Indians fans for me.
R.D.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Dear Donald Trump....
My name is Bob (Last name censored) and I am writing you with the opportunity of a life time. I am willing to give you the sultan of real estate and reality TV the privilege of sponsoring me for Ironman New Zealand.
How much would such an opportunity cost $2 Million, $1 Million, a good $500k, no for the simple price of $250k you could sleep better knowing that you were responsible for helping a young Smart Alec College kid fight a war on Lou Gehrig's disease, fly first class half way around the world, and leave his day job so he could focus all of his attentions to training for and winning IM New Zealand. Think of the Publicity Mr. Trump..could be huge..Millionaire with Heart of Gold...think about it would be good press to sink Rosie's book back into the sewer where it belongs. I hope that you take careful time to consider such a lucrative offer.
Sincerely,
Robert E. (Censored) III
This letter was not really sent to Donald Trump but if any of the fine people at Trump Inc. or the Donald himself wish to donate please click on the link above for the War on ALS. If you wish to help fund my trip to New Zealand please send a check made out to the "Send Rob D. to New Zealand Fund" c/o Webster Bank or leave a comment so I can give you the legitimate address
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Enrico Rides Again! and the week or so in review....
That's right it's been a while but I've been busy ( classes, working, lifeguarding, selling some of my possessions/soul to help my sister get to college, cramming in time to train. I feel flabby I've only run once this week. and I will get in a 7 miler tomorrow to get prepped for Hammerfest and little race coming up in a week. Sunday was a good day as I blew the dust off of trusty Enrico and went on a 6 town 60 mile tour of New Haven and Hartford County. 
Yes for those of you who don't know Enrico is my sisters' pet name for my road bike. I am currently in the process of debating whether or not reliable Enrico ( with it's road gearing and granny gear goodness) to power my way through a New England Pyrenees senario or if I should suffer the climbs on The Bitch Stomper to gain speed and braking confidence on the flats and suicidal decents. It's such a tough call. For my long ride on Sunday I took out old Enrico and decended down to route 69 ( using a sucidal hill that I crawled down because cars F**king fly up and down it and I don't want to be a road pizza 2 miles in.) After crossing and turning on to 322 climbing "the Hill" near Pat's IGA I was treated to car infested rolling pavement until the usual fork in the road ( where I always go left ) and decended past the golf course into Southington. If I had gone right I would be treated to a 70-80 mph descent down the 10% gradient Southington mountain... trying to stop....not my idea of fun.....any way when I reached the bottom of 322 I took a right on to Marion Rd. I followed Marion Rd. Past Ansico Farms..over a hairy stech of grooved asphalt..across route 70. Then onto Route 70 then onto route 10 staying far to the right to avoid traffic and onto 42 to Lock 12 park and the canal trail. I followed the bike trail all the way to Hamden then back to its start point in Cheshire ( about 18-20 miles) I back roaded it to route 70 before crossing back onto Marion Rd. and then when I reached 322 I crossed and followed the other half of Marion rd. into Southington. I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts on route 10 to umm well..drain mass quantities of electrolyte replacement beverage. before backtracking to the bike trail which took me to downtown Southington. I rode through down town and stopped at the CVS on route 10 for much needed H20 and Gatorade. I followed Route 10 through Plantsville back to Marion Road. I did my second fly by of the three colonial era cemeteries then got to the base of the mountain. With my legs screaming for mercy, my brain trying to get in desperately needed salt, and my ego saying "Bring it On Bitch!" I climbed the 1.25 mile 10% grade monster averaging between 6.5 and 7 mph ( what hill's my bitch? ). I rode down Meriden road through the whole confusing three towns at once section ( officially putting me in Cheshire, Waterbury and Wolcott at the same time for 2 seconds) I then turned right onto Todd Rd. ( and officially back into Wolcott) and rode through it's nice somewhat pitted rollers, finishing off with a lovely 40-45mph descent. I turned on to Wood tick road and rode past rode up boundline again getting on to route 322 before getting onto 69 and doing a lap of my old hood and riding the last quarter mile home. All in all it was about 60 miles. in 5 hours average speed was about 16.5 mph not an earth shattering record breaking pace but it wasn't supposed to be. I capped my Sunday off with a 3100 yard pool work out up at Central. Monday was a some what rest day...went to class ,lifeguarded. got in about 1000 yards in the pool trying to pace Bjoern. Tuesday I got up early and got in a 4 mile run, followed by work, class, a 3500 pool workout and collasping until 8 am this morning. Today had plans for a 6 miler between work and class but a mad scramble to help my sister get fundage for college took precsdence ( how do you measure true love your brother will cancel his work out, max out his cards, sell his old books, and offer to pawn his high school ring for you. Along with your parents and other siblings doing the same...and when we find that mortgage broker who's been jerking us around for 6 months....well...alright it's not his fault our other lender is being a dick ..it's complicated and neither here nor there.) Tonight finds me letting off good karma and bad steam into the blogosphere.I've got 12 computer science questions plus 6 hours of sleep to get in so I can cram in my 7 miler tomorrow before work, school, and flirting with the sexy chicks from my guard chair. Leave the Love, or hate, or apathy, or utter randomness. Also Please Donate to the War on ALS! Even though it might sound completely insensitive we really need to Bitch Stomp this disease!
R.D.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Brigdeport thou hast been Bitched Stomped!!!!
Yep that's right despite having too much electrolyte drink on the bike, swallowing about two gallons of sea water water on the swim, cramping like nobody's business on the run, and missing my podium due to GI distress, I manage to persevere and Bitch Stomp the rest of my age group, (winning by a hard fought 20 seconds.) Here's how it went down: ( note I have no clue who team mossman is using for results so I'll have splits posted later in the week....month....year....whenever I can find them.....)
The Swim: Two loops of Salty Goodness.
The more I do these Salt Water Tris, the more I'm finding a love hate relationship developing
Love: Waves and current can give me a favorable time boost if the conditions are right.
Love: Some of my Fastest Splits Have been in Salt Water
Love: Cool ocean Temperatures make my wetzoot nice and comfortable allowing optimum performance.
Hate: Salty Water Taste ( oh how I pine for West Hill Lake.....Friday night.), Jelly Fish and the stings thereof, low tide messing with my swim exit, did I mention the dehydrating pure salt taste of Long Island Sound?, Having to soak all my tri gear in fresh Water to get rid of Ocean Residue.
Well all my gripes aside the swim was actually pretty enjoyable today. As I started wide and cut my way in toward the first bouy. Once again I had managed to get toward the front, yet now I found my self in a 5 person wrestling match as we fought for the same water. I decided to get on the feet of the fastest guy and followed his line to the next four bouys. By the turn at the beach It was a four man breakaway. I talked to the leader ( some German/Dutch/Danish Dude From NYC who said his sole goal was to win the swim. As we Started our in the Water Jog around the bouy. It was at this point I decided that my wetzoot was not made for running and as soon as I found waist deep water I started to swim for the first bouy. It was about this time No Wet Suit Guy ( I'm not sure if there's a relation to No Wet Suit Girl...don't think so but it proves that there are more people than Claire that go sans Neoprene.) darted around me and the race leader and quickly got a 25 yard lead. I passed the dude from NYC as we turned at the first bouy and made chase after No Wet suit Guy. It was about this time that we caught the slow pack form the third and second waves ( Angry and I had left in the first because hey we're young and studly like that.) When we got to the Beach No Wet Suit Guy was 10 yards ahead and I was being chased by a National Team Memember.... as I entered T-1 in second place.
T-1: I think all distances should have wet suit strippers.
The National team memember passed me as I struggled to get my feet out of the wetsuit. I put on my helmet and sunglasses & shoelessly ran out the Bitch Stomper. As I got to the mount line I realized I should never use elasttics to keep my shoes upright again and lost two spots and a precious three seconds as I unhooked my shoes from my water bottles rode on them barefoot for a quarter mile before slipping in like a pro.
The Bike: Go Bitch Stomper! Go Bitch Stomper! Go Bitch Stomper Go! or less HEED is more .
The bike for this thing was flat as a panacake, the only work was the head wind on the front half. I was passed by about ten people through out the course of the 5 loops of the bike. Now Today I broke one of the Ten Commandments of triathlon and the Tri Gods Pimped smacked me across the face deservingly. Last night I decided to take Hammer Nutrition.com's advice and put two scoops of HEED in my aero drink instead of my usual one....the results were disasterous....my electrolyte mix was too damn sweet and I would lose more precious milli-seconds grabbing my water bottles...I also sacrificed one bottle to dillute the sickly sweet mess in my aero drink...the bottom line I took in too much fluid and I knew I was going to be a suffering bastard on the run...so in hind sight follow tri commandment Number 3 " Do not change your previously established routines on race day." One each of the loops as I passed the far turn around I would ride by Angry Runner who was maybe half to quarter of a lap behind and each loop he would say something different.
Loop 1: "Bitch Stomper!"
Loop2: "I'm going to pyramid like we'd dicussed"
Loop3: "Why Haven't you lapped me already?"
Loop4: "The guy infront of you doesn't deserve that aero helmet."..or some thing to that affect....I really don't know I was in the zone
Loop5: Too busy trying to chase down 40 something who passed me on a road bike. granted he was a lap behind.
Some equipment failure did befall the bitch stomper on her madein voyage. At the far turn we were greeted by the roughest strech of Pavement in Fairfield County, the bolt holding my seat to the post shook loose. Also my computer shit the bed as I tried to reset it after my warm up ride, hence I have no clue how fast I was going...all I know is my sister got mostly shots of my back of my (borrowed) HEAT jersey as I rode by which is what my competition was seeing all day. As I came in off the last hairpin I decided that it was a logical execution of opportunity to do my sexy shoeless dismount...which went off almost flawless, ( I scraped my foot a little on my dismount.)
T-2 I feel like I'm going to puke ...damn it I'm not going to puke on an Olympic Tri.
My stomach was cramping and unsettled as I slipped on my running shoes and threw on my Timex Visor. I took off out of transition behind a guy from Team Runner's Edge as we chased down a memeber of the dreaded Cycle Center Squad. At the Half-mile mark I got around the Runner's Edge guy but could only hold him for 400 meters before he re passed me at the turn around and he and the Cycle Center Runner began to pull away, from my semi-hydrated yet, GI distressed self. I passed Angry as he made his way up to the turn around I shouted to him. " Get Pissed off!" He shouted back " You got another guy from Heat up in about 4th palce reel him in. " the sad thing is I do know the other HEATster that was man handling me ( met him at Central during masters...(sigh I miss it already.) his bike split is freaking phenominal) but I can't remember his name ( I do know he is one of the IM USA wrecking crew.) I saw another memember of team Blazeman (War on ALS) ( Nick) as he ran by I shouted out a "Go Warrior!" To him and it helpped perk him up a he suffered through the run ( coming off of the Lake Placid, Timberman Combo as I would find out when we talked post race.). As I passed the turn around ( and took in more water, hey I needed it it was freaking humid GI distress or not.) was met by some encouragement from some fellow HEATsters as I heard 3 or 4 shouts of Go HEAT! and I gave a shout of the same phrase to my teamate that was manhandling the competiton and any other Heatster that was wearing the gear. As I ran to the second turn around still feeling the cramps I saw on guy fom my age group on his first lap cramping and doing the run/walk of doom. ( I went through that at mile 23 on my marathon.) I gave hima pat on the back and " Come on man you got this." as I ran past. I took two waters at the turn aid station as my mouth felt like sandpaper, my body felt like it was overheating, and my stomach was chiming in with " You asshole I can't take anymore fluid." I watch disheartened as an XC stud from Marist Clad in his full running gear flew Past me and some of the older guys I was struggling with. . I ran by Angry and after a high five and a "pick them off one at a time" I surged. I passed three guys before my stomach brought me back to reality with a " if you keep this shit up I'm going to puke. " Once again I shouted a "Go Warrior !"to Nick as he plowed on his way to the turn around. Again I surged and again I was bitch smacked by my aching stomach. I passed the final aid staiton and began my 400 meter approach through a tunnel of people.Shouts of "You got this! Go Heat! Almost there! " echoed accross the road. I saw the finish line clock 2:17.59 I crossed hand pointed skyward because I knew there were some people on the other side that were keeping me going. ( you know God, dead Realtives, the Blazeman, Angry's mom with a quiver of wooden spoons.) 2:18 was my finish time. I grabbed a sobe life water and a wet rag which quickly feel to the sand. I slowly sipped the life water but it did nothing for the cramps as My cheering section ( Christina and Julia) made our way toward the the finish line to watch for Angry. I saw another Heatster finish, then I was doubled over with cramps, I would straighten up watch 2..3...5..guy finish then again collaspe with cramps...watched angry come in locked in a battle with an old Guy shouted at him to push! he edged him out on the Line. Nick the Balzeman Warrior was a few seconds behind and ran accross the line. No log roll...as he put it as we BSed after the race..."If I rolled I don't think I'd be able to get up." Bsed with Nick Then BSed with Angry. collasped on a towel in transition as Angry packed his shit. "Dude you are really fucked up aren't you?" " GI distress...too much HEED!" man this is a complete turn around normally he's the one suffering GI failure . I went to pack my crap. Collasped on my towel with cramps...to some it would look like I was a Muslim at prayer as I knelt on on my Transition mat trying to compress the pain out of my mid section. After dropping my gear to the car I ran to the bath room. Sat down and well...you get the picture...go to get toliet paper. there is none. Hear angry calling for me..Call out to him to get me some napkins from the snack bar. He comes back with them for me just as they announce I've won my age group. I finish my business and dash for the podium I'm too late for the pic but I get my goodie bag. Go back and finish business. Grap a thing of Pretzels and Angry and I bs through the giveaways. the Cramps start to subside but are still there...go to med tent ( ie an Ambulance with two EMT) ask for tums or rolaids don't have any. Go back to the car drive home. un pack my crap, before doing 2 of the 4 s's and heading to lunch. Come home collaspe on the couch for 3 hours. Write on the blog about my exploits and then take out trash. All in all it's been a Hell of a day.
R.D.
The Swim: Two loops of Salty Goodness.
The more I do these Salt Water Tris, the more I'm finding a love hate relationship developing
Love: Waves and current can give me a favorable time boost if the conditions are right.
Love: Some of my Fastest Splits Have been in Salt Water
Love: Cool ocean Temperatures make my wetzoot nice and comfortable allowing optimum performance.
Hate: Salty Water Taste ( oh how I pine for West Hill Lake.....Friday night.), Jelly Fish and the stings thereof, low tide messing with my swim exit, did I mention the dehydrating pure salt taste of Long Island Sound?, Having to soak all my tri gear in fresh Water to get rid of Ocean Residue.
Well all my gripes aside the swim was actually pretty enjoyable today. As I started wide and cut my way in toward the first bouy. Once again I had managed to get toward the front, yet now I found my self in a 5 person wrestling match as we fought for the same water. I decided to get on the feet of the fastest guy and followed his line to the next four bouys. By the turn at the beach It was a four man breakaway. I talked to the leader ( some German/Dutch/Danish Dude From NYC who said his sole goal was to win the swim. As we Started our in the Water Jog around the bouy. It was at this point I decided that my wetzoot was not made for running and as soon as I found waist deep water I started to swim for the first bouy. It was about this time No Wet Suit Guy ( I'm not sure if there's a relation to No Wet Suit Girl...don't think so but it proves that there are more people than Claire that go sans Neoprene.) darted around me and the race leader and quickly got a 25 yard lead. I passed the dude from NYC as we turned at the first bouy and made chase after No Wet suit Guy. It was about this time that we caught the slow pack form the third and second waves ( Angry and I had left in the first because hey we're young and studly like that.) When we got to the Beach No Wet Suit Guy was 10 yards ahead and I was being chased by a National Team Memember.... as I entered T-1 in second place.
T-1: I think all distances should have wet suit strippers.
The National team memember passed me as I struggled to get my feet out of the wetsuit. I put on my helmet and sunglasses & shoelessly ran out the Bitch Stomper. As I got to the mount line I realized I should never use elasttics to keep my shoes upright again and lost two spots and a precious three seconds as I unhooked my shoes from my water bottles rode on them barefoot for a quarter mile before slipping in like a pro.
The Bike: Go Bitch Stomper! Go Bitch Stomper! Go Bitch Stomper Go! or less HEED is more .
The bike for this thing was flat as a panacake, the only work was the head wind on the front half. I was passed by about ten people through out the course of the 5 loops of the bike. Now Today I broke one of the Ten Commandments of triathlon and the Tri Gods Pimped smacked me across the face deservingly. Last night I decided to take Hammer Nutrition.com's advice and put two scoops of HEED in my aero drink instead of my usual one....the results were disasterous....my electrolyte mix was too damn sweet and I would lose more precious milli-seconds grabbing my water bottles...I also sacrificed one bottle to dillute the sickly sweet mess in my aero drink...the bottom line I took in too much fluid and I knew I was going to be a suffering bastard on the run...so in hind sight follow tri commandment Number 3 " Do not change your previously established routines on race day." One each of the loops as I passed the far turn around I would ride by Angry Runner who was maybe half to quarter of a lap behind and each loop he would say something different.
Loop 1: "Bitch Stomper!"
Loop2: "I'm going to pyramid like we'd dicussed"
Loop3: "Why Haven't you lapped me already?"
Loop4: "The guy infront of you doesn't deserve that aero helmet."..or some thing to that affect....I really don't know I was in the zone
Loop5: Too busy trying to chase down 40 something who passed me on a road bike. granted he was a lap behind.
Some equipment failure did befall the bitch stomper on her madein voyage. At the far turn we were greeted by the roughest strech of Pavement in Fairfield County, the bolt holding my seat to the post shook loose. Also my computer shit the bed as I tried to reset it after my warm up ride, hence I have no clue how fast I was going...all I know is my sister got mostly shots of my back of my (borrowed) HEAT jersey as I rode by which is what my competition was seeing all day. As I came in off the last hairpin I decided that it was a logical execution of opportunity to do my sexy shoeless dismount...which went off almost flawless, ( I scraped my foot a little on my dismount.)
T-2 I feel like I'm going to puke ...damn it I'm not going to puke on an Olympic Tri.
My stomach was cramping and unsettled as I slipped on my running shoes and threw on my Timex Visor. I took off out of transition behind a guy from Team Runner's Edge as we chased down a memeber of the dreaded Cycle Center Squad. At the Half-mile mark I got around the Runner's Edge guy but could only hold him for 400 meters before he re passed me at the turn around and he and the Cycle Center Runner began to pull away, from my semi-hydrated yet, GI distressed self. I passed Angry as he made his way up to the turn around I shouted to him. " Get Pissed off!" He shouted back " You got another guy from Heat up in about 4th palce reel him in. " the sad thing is I do know the other HEATster that was man handling me ( met him at Central during masters...(sigh I miss it already.) his bike split is freaking phenominal) but I can't remember his name ( I do know he is one of the IM USA wrecking crew.) I saw another memember of team Blazeman (War on ALS) ( Nick) as he ran by I shouted out a "Go Warrior!" To him and it helpped perk him up a he suffered through the run ( coming off of the Lake Placid, Timberman Combo as I would find out when we talked post race.). As I passed the turn around ( and took in more water, hey I needed it it was freaking humid GI distress or not.) was met by some encouragement from some fellow HEATsters as I heard 3 or 4 shouts of Go HEAT! and I gave a shout of the same phrase to my teamate that was manhandling the competiton and any other Heatster that was wearing the gear. As I ran to the second turn around still feeling the cramps I saw on guy fom my age group on his first lap cramping and doing the run/walk of doom. ( I went through that at mile 23 on my marathon.) I gave hima pat on the back and " Come on man you got this." as I ran past. I took two waters at the turn aid station as my mouth felt like sandpaper, my body felt like it was overheating, and my stomach was chiming in with " You asshole I can't take anymore fluid." I watch disheartened as an XC stud from Marist Clad in his full running gear flew Past me and some of the older guys I was struggling with. . I ran by Angry and after a high five and a "pick them off one at a time" I surged. I passed three guys before my stomach brought me back to reality with a " if you keep this shit up I'm going to puke. " Once again I shouted a "Go Warrior !"to Nick as he plowed on his way to the turn around. Again I surged and again I was bitch smacked by my aching stomach. I passed the final aid staiton and began my 400 meter approach through a tunnel of people.Shouts of "You got this! Go Heat! Almost there! " echoed accross the road. I saw the finish line clock 2:17.59 I crossed hand pointed skyward because I knew there were some people on the other side that were keeping me going. ( you know God, dead Realtives, the Blazeman, Angry's mom with a quiver of wooden spoons.) 2:18 was my finish time. I grabbed a sobe life water and a wet rag which quickly feel to the sand. I slowly sipped the life water but it did nothing for the cramps as My cheering section ( Christina and Julia) made our way toward the the finish line to watch for Angry. I saw another Heatster finish, then I was doubled over with cramps, I would straighten up watch 2..3...5..guy finish then again collaspe with cramps...watched angry come in locked in a battle with an old Guy shouted at him to push! he edged him out on the Line. Nick the Balzeman Warrior was a few seconds behind and ran accross the line. No log roll...as he put it as we BSed after the race..."If I rolled I don't think I'd be able to get up." Bsed with Nick Then BSed with Angry. collasped on a towel in transition as Angry packed his shit. "Dude you are really fucked up aren't you?" " GI distress...too much HEED!" man this is a complete turn around normally he's the one suffering GI failure . I went to pack my crap. Collasped on my towel with cramps...to some it would look like I was a Muslim at prayer as I knelt on on my Transition mat trying to compress the pain out of my mid section. After dropping my gear to the car I ran to the bath room. Sat down and well...you get the picture...go to get toliet paper. there is none. Hear angry calling for me..Call out to him to get me some napkins from the snack bar. He comes back with them for me just as they announce I've won my age group. I finish my business and dash for the podium I'm too late for the pic but I get my goodie bag. Go back and finish business. Grap a thing of Pretzels and Angry and I bs through the giveaways. the Cramps start to subside but are still there...go to med tent ( ie an Ambulance with two EMT) ask for tums or rolaids don't have any. Go back to the car drive home. un pack my crap, before doing 2 of the 4 s's and heading to lunch. Come home collaspe on the couch for 3 hours. Write on the blog about my exploits and then take out trash. All in all it's been a Hell of a day.
R.D.
The Night Before Park City
That's right tomorrow is my last intermediate distance tri of the 2007 season. It also marks christening day for the Bitch Stomper ( May God bless her, her rider and the numerous bitches it shall stomp.)
Tomorrow also marks the first "real" test of endurance for Angry Runner. It's his longest tri and it will be his trial run before Eagleman...To Angry unlike Waramaug this course is flat, like Florida Flat, like miles and miles of corn rows and ten feet of snow midwest flat, serious the worst climb is the speed bump in the parking lot you drive over to get to the race. 
Tomorrow also marks the first "real" test of endurance for Angry Runner. It's his longest tri and it will be his trial run before Eagleman...To Angry unlike Waramaug this course is flat, like Florida Flat, like miles and miles of corn rows and ten feet of snow midwest flat, serious the worst climb is the speed bump in the parking lot you drive over to get to the race. Unfortunately our favorite girl who does not wear neoprene is back in Europe ( enjoying better mass transit, health care, currency, but drivers who are complete and utter psycopaths flooring it in their smart cars, and thick clouds of Spanish air pollution) and therefore she will not be competing with Angry and I in our International distance escapade. But the good news is I do have some pictures to imortalize her brief yet successful New England Tri Tour:
Yes Claire I think that Guy looks like Hannibal Lector as well. In fact he was in the Litchfield Starbucks ordering a Chanti Latte and I was quickly forced to use one of Cranky's clever alaises ("Gen. Peter Pace your mocha frappe is ready.")
Well I need to get some sleep....there are age groups to win, times to beat, and bitches to stomp in the morining. Also to those of you that have donated to the War on ALS and Angry's Crusade to Bitch Stomp Luekemia, Thank you. And for those of you considering to Donate, your contributions are much appreciated even if it is as small as 1 Transyvainan dracma, or 1 Monzambique Dollar, it does make a difference..( ok I will end my shameless charity plug...in two months you might see me on TV doing an add for ALS or Save the Children followed by an add for the IDT technical institue where you could earn your high school diploma or get your degree in business management or accounting...Sally Struthers eat your heart out. but seriously please donate...it doesn't have to be a huge donation, it could be as little as a buck but think of it this way it could be the buck that buys the burger for some researcher having lunch with another researcher when they both by random chance come up with a cure for a terrible disease, because they compared notes during their lunch break.) Ok enough with the salesman stuff I need sleep. Until the Post Race.
R.D.
Friday, August 24, 2007
I have traveresed the State twice in the last 48 hours and all I got was a swim cap that won't open and a Terramuggus T-shirt.
Well as seen by the last post's date I've been too busy to blog so i'm going to do a quick half assed wrap up of the last 72 hours.
Wed. Worked until 4:30Pm told Bev, the branch's assistant manager that I'm fundraising for ALS. She's like cool, will they pay your travel
Me: no but the money I'm raising for goes to research.
Get out of work Pack Enrico into the car along with my swim gear. Haul out to Cheshire and Crank out 21 miles on the bike paths. It was a little damp but not too slick. No one was really out so I was able to get aero and stay aero for most of the ride. Cranked it out in 1:09 at an average speed of 18.6 mph.
Went to the Waterbury Y got in a decent swim work out (3300 yds. main set was 10x 100 on 1:25 I was holding 1:18 on most of them.)
Got home collasped sleep came and morning folowed the second day....
Thurs. No real work out. ( Slept through my alarm. cussed to self went back to sleep until 8am woke up with a holy shit I've got to be at work in half an hour.)
Worked
got out a 6:30 hauled out to Terramuggus to watch some of my college team homies race. Got there at 7:45 just as the last of them finished. Stuck around for the give aways BSing with Anthony got a t-shirt, bike polish and a swim cap. BS ed with 2006 IM Female Age Group World Champion Donna Kay Ness. She's not going to Kona this year (achilles is acting up) BSed with Cristiano ( Not doing IM Flordia in 07 looking to do IM NZ in 09 ...Guys we may need a HEAT Tent and Beer Shipped to Taupo). Anthony won gift cert. to loco perro...go get tacos shoot the shit for an hour. I drive 66 back to 691 and 322 home ( I hate that freaking richtey old brigde in Portland). Collaspe..sleep came and morning followed the third day....
Friday:
Sleep through alarm again...cuss to self...deja vu... Go to Work ..Bev asks me to sign signature card....she opened a savings account for my travel expenses and ALS donations...say she's taking a collection for me ( thanks Bev)... work with a positive attitude all day...market manager comes in I tell him about my ALS fundraiser..says company can't really help and he can't really solicit. Gives me 20 bucks..I donate via debit card.. give him reciept. (Thanks Ken).
Get out of work early. Go home get swim gear. Drive out to West hill lake to meet, Ken, Vin, Ray, Jim, and Doug for an open Water swim. Forgot to bring a wet suit , so did Ken, the water was cold. Going out to the island ( about a mile away) it was like the Patriot Half the waves were choppy and pushing you back. I decide to sight off of Vin because he knew where he was going Ken flew by both of us. We got to the island Ken is freaking shivering sitting on one of the rocks ( damn 5% total body fat.) We wait for Jim, Ray, and Doug to come in. After about five minutes we decide to head back. ( to spare Ken a fatal bout of hypothermia.) Start heading back. We make a bearing on the boat launch sign at the other end of the lake. I started off good keeping up with Ken and Vin. but I kept having a hard time trying to sight, my freaking hair is too long and my bangs kept covering my goggles...time for a hair cut. ( that swim cap I got from Terramuggus was defective it's welded shut.) I dedcided to keep sighting the boat launch sign. As we got closer to the boat launch the waves that were slowing us down on the way out were pushing us in. At one point you could almost body surf on the waves ( to paraphrase Ken.) Not a bad little work out. Hang out with the guys for a couple minutes. Jim and Vin start drooling over Desiree Ficker, Jim talks about Karen Smyers and despite the fact she's in her late 40's battled cancer, had three kids, and has been messed up in more wrecks than any woman on the planet she's still hot and has " an ass that you could shoot a bullet at and it'll still bounce off." Ken and I talk about entering Madison as a Relay, (Ken =swim Me=bike ( en el trepidor de puntas...en ingles On The Bitch Stomper) Runner =TBA Cristiano, Angry, trainer, somebody? shit I'm going to be doing a dualthon. ) We're going to see if Cristiano wants in as the runner, other wise we must courrpt Skywalker to the dark side....I mean get Angry Runner to join HEAT either that or I will MAN UP and do the bike and run leg. Ken tries talking me into doing HammerFest and the Vilette 5k on the SAMEDAY.( Jedi mind trick) the jury's still out on wether or not I'm doing Hammerfest...I probably will if I have the funds.But in either case I will be racing somewhere in CT on September 16,2007. Tomorrow after work I'll get my cleats put on my racing shoes and will practce my sexy mount and dismount in Cheshire...( Angry you down for a mid- afternoon lesiurely ride.). In the mean time I'm tired . I'm going to try to get some sleep... but before I go I will launch another appeal to donate to the two worthy causes posted at this blog. Please Donate. Help Angry, myself and our respected charities Bitch Stomp these terrible diseases. Ok that was my desperate Appeal for the week.
R.D.
Wed. Worked until 4:30Pm told Bev, the branch's assistant manager that I'm fundraising for ALS. She's like cool, will they pay your travel
Me: no but the money I'm raising for goes to research.
Get out of work Pack Enrico into the car along with my swim gear. Haul out to Cheshire and Crank out 21 miles on the bike paths. It was a little damp but not too slick. No one was really out so I was able to get aero and stay aero for most of the ride. Cranked it out in 1:09 at an average speed of 18.6 mph.
Went to the Waterbury Y got in a decent swim work out (3300 yds. main set was 10x 100 on 1:25 I was holding 1:18 on most of them.)
Got home collasped sleep came and morning folowed the second day....
Thurs. No real work out. ( Slept through my alarm. cussed to self went back to sleep until 8am woke up with a holy shit I've got to be at work in half an hour.)
Worked
got out a 6:30 hauled out to Terramuggus to watch some of my college team homies race. Got there at 7:45 just as the last of them finished. Stuck around for the give aways BSing with Anthony got a t-shirt, bike polish and a swim cap. BS ed with 2006 IM Female Age Group World Champion Donna Kay Ness. She's not going to Kona this year (achilles is acting up) BSed with Cristiano ( Not doing IM Flordia in 07 looking to do IM NZ in 09 ...Guys we may need a HEAT Tent and Beer Shipped to Taupo). Anthony won gift cert. to loco perro...go get tacos shoot the shit for an hour. I drive 66 back to 691 and 322 home ( I hate that freaking richtey old brigde in Portland). Collaspe..sleep came and morning followed the third day....
Friday:
Sleep through alarm again...cuss to self...deja vu... Go to Work ..Bev asks me to sign signature card....she opened a savings account for my travel expenses and ALS donations...say she's taking a collection for me ( thanks Bev)... work with a positive attitude all day...market manager comes in I tell him about my ALS fundraiser..says company can't really help and he can't really solicit. Gives me 20 bucks..I donate via debit card.. give him reciept. (Thanks Ken).
Get out of work early. Go home get swim gear. Drive out to West hill lake to meet, Ken, Vin, Ray, Jim, and Doug for an open Water swim. Forgot to bring a wet suit , so did Ken, the water was cold. Going out to the island ( about a mile away) it was like the Patriot Half the waves were choppy and pushing you back. I decide to sight off of Vin because he knew where he was going Ken flew by both of us. We got to the island Ken is freaking shivering sitting on one of the rocks ( damn 5% total body fat.) We wait for Jim, Ray, and Doug to come in. After about five minutes we decide to head back. ( to spare Ken a fatal bout of hypothermia.) Start heading back. We make a bearing on the boat launch sign at the other end of the lake. I started off good keeping up with Ken and Vin. but I kept having a hard time trying to sight, my freaking hair is too long and my bangs kept covering my goggles...time for a hair cut. ( that swim cap I got from Terramuggus was defective it's welded shut.) I dedcided to keep sighting the boat launch sign. As we got closer to the boat launch the waves that were slowing us down on the way out were pushing us in. At one point you could almost body surf on the waves ( to paraphrase Ken.) Not a bad little work out. Hang out with the guys for a couple minutes. Jim and Vin start drooling over Desiree Ficker, Jim talks about Karen Smyers and despite the fact she's in her late 40's battled cancer, had three kids, and has been messed up in more wrecks than any woman on the planet she's still hot and has " an ass that you could shoot a bullet at and it'll still bounce off." Ken and I talk about entering Madison as a Relay, (Ken =swim Me=bike ( en el trepidor de puntas...en ingles On The Bitch Stomper) Runner =TBA Cristiano, Angry, trainer, somebody? shit I'm going to be doing a dualthon. ) We're going to see if Cristiano wants in as the runner, other wise we must courrpt Skywalker to the dark side....I mean get Angry Runner to join HEAT either that or I will MAN UP and do the bike and run leg. Ken tries talking me into doing HammerFest and the Vilette 5k on the SAMEDAY.( Jedi mind trick) the jury's still out on wether or not I'm doing Hammerfest...I probably will if I have the funds.But in either case I will be racing somewhere in CT on September 16,2007. Tomorrow after work I'll get my cleats put on my racing shoes and will practce my sexy mount and dismount in Cheshire...( Angry you down for a mid- afternoon lesiurely ride.). In the mean time I'm tired . I'm going to try to get some sleep... but before I go I will launch another appeal to donate to the two worthy causes posted at this blog. Please Donate. Help Angry, myself and our respected charities Bitch Stomp these terrible diseases. Ok that was my desperate Appeal for the week.
R.D.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Webster Bank...despite all the customer's grumblings we do have hearts.
Well Today was my usual long day at the bank. ( I got out at 5:30). It was also the day our investment Rep was in the office. While I was trying to sell my boss on the idea of having the company sponsor CenTri (CCSU's Tri Club, HEAT send me a sponsorship packet and i'll try to sell my boss in on you guys too.) I told him about my doing IM New Zealand for Charity. Dave over heard the fact that I was raising funds for ALS after a quick discussion the Rep took down my website information and donated to the cause saying " It truly is a cruel disease." For those of you who are donating or thinking of donating after reading no-wet suit girls' blog post. I have the following change to tell you about. If you donate via the link I have posted 100% of your donation will be going to the war on ALS. That's right I don't see a penny of it. It all goes to the cause so that one day we can stop this vile killer. So if you're feeling generous, kind hearted, looking for a tax deduction...please click the link and donate, Also posted is Angry Runner's Leukemia and Lymphoma TNT webpage, I would also encourage you to donate to his cause as well. Like I said all of the proceeds are going to the causes and we're not looking for much, $1, $5, $10...a shinny new penny, whatever you feel like you can give to help end these vile diseases.
R.D.
R.D.
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