"Been There, Done That, Got The Shirt"

But that makes it sound very hum-drum.  In actual fact the day had many special moments.

Here in no specific order are a few of them.

 Most affirming…standing in the second row at the swim start with no real nerves or feeling out of place.

Most gratifying….when another cyclist pulled up beside me and said, "wow, even your drink matches your bike"

Coolest...Every time an anonymous spectator called me by my first name....of course it was on my bib.

Warmest….peeing my pants during the bike---twice!

Coldest…on the run when one of the ice cubes I had dumped in my suit slid gently down the crack of my ass.

Most frightening…going 75 kms/hr downhill on a very crappy road

Most sobering…seeing a cyclist laying in the middle of the road at the bottom of the same hill

Most annoying…listening to the asshole that thought it was funny to offer beer and cigarettes to exhausted runners

Most disgusting…taking an unexpected mouthful of chocolate flavoured gel

Most discouraging…at about 5 kms into the run when I realized there was not going to be any race day magic today

Sweetest…hearing Roos voice near the finish line even though I could not see her.

Most satisfying…when Roo said yes to my marriage proposal before I headed out on the run.

Most thankful….when a volunteer helped me pack up my wetsuit after the swim.

Most surprising…when I stood up in Lake Okanagan after 1 hour, 18 minutes.

Most encouraging…the pushup including a hand clap that I did immediately after finishing.

Funniest…when a guy wearing a dress and carrying a purse passed me on the run.

Most exhilarating…heading out on the bike course with the wind behind me.

Most alarming…when with one kilometre to go on the bike a water bottle fell into my back wheel and got stuck. I thought my wheel blew up.---big wobble in it now.

Most disappointing…when with about 5 kms to go I realized I was not going to beat my previous time.

Most disorienting…during the bike to run transition when they sent us everywhere expect for what made logical sense.

Toughest moment….at the run turnaround when 21 kms seemed like the end of the world.

….and the absolutely very best moment of the entire day….

Later that day when I was puking my guts out back at the motorhome. I knew for sure then, that I had given everything I had to give….no regrets, no apologies…

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."---Martin Luther King Jr

"Miracles come in moments. Be ready and willing."---Wayne Dyer

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."---Rose Kennedy

Love 
Peter

"Tired"

Three days and 3000 kms.  But we'll be home tomorrow, and then I can rest.

I know when I get back on my feet I'm gonna need some new challenge so I'm thinking of running a marathon somewhere within the next 2 months.  Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara are potentials.  Brett, want to join me....or anyone else for that matter?

Speaking of feet, mine have been quite swollen for the last couple of days.  Roo says it's from travelling soon after the race....could well be.

Big day coming up on Saturday.  Old John, Grampa Brett, and niece Sammie will all be doing triathlons at Guelph Lake.  Good luck to all 3 idiots!

Race day thoughts still to come...probably after I'm home for a day or so.  I want to share the highlights of the day, but I also want to give you an honest "post mortem" of a day that did not go according to plan!!

"All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again."---Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Love
Peter

"Placeholder"

Kind of suspected that we may not have Internet today so I posted this in advance.

If they had given me this cool red hat before the race I'm sure I would have gone faster...after all, red is the fastest colour...whoops...color!  

"You otta go back to Canada!"----anon

Love

Peter

"You Otta Go Back To Canada!"

Said the nice American lady somewhere in Washington State.  Apparently she was not happy with my driving etiquette.  She believed that if her light happened to be green that she should be able to make any decision she wanted, even if it meant turning left when I was turning right, also with a green light.  I have been in a lot of countries around the world, and I do not know of one in which I would not have had the right of way.  I tried to explain this to her politely but she quickly put me in my place with her "Canuck go home" comment.

Oh well.  There is just no explaining some things to some people, especially if they happen to be stupid, miserable, ugly, old, bitch, whores!  There!  Now I feel better!

And she's not a typical American.  Even though I admit that I've bitched about our southern neighbours at times I know it is because I have had lots of exposure to the most unpleasant of them....mostly at airports and border crossings, and usually wearing some kind of uniform.  Today when we crossed into the US we were treated very respectfully despite undergoing something I have never experienced before.  As a matter of fact I didn't even know this process existed.

Can you figure out what it is?

Anyway....we drove about 1000 kms today and are currently in Bozeman, Montana, just over 1/4 of the way home. I am a bit tired, and expect to be so for a couple more days as we try to get home by Friday evening.  Neither Roo or I really say it out loud, but we both know that it is our grandchildren that beckon us back.  That's a good thing I think.  It's nice to go on a vacation because of the adventure, but even nicer to know that you have reasons to go back home.

One Ironman question I can answer for you.  Someone asked me how I was gonna celebrate my success.  Well, I'm a simple guy.

"We'll explain the appeal of curling to you if you explain the appeal of the National Rifle Association to us."--- Andy Barrie

Love

Peter

"Wow!"

I feel like a million bucks this morning.  I was up and had breakfast before 6 am, even though I never went to bed til after midnite.  It confirms for me that I'm pretty healthy.  I had to recover a bit of course, but I managed to get food into me before I went to bed, and again this morning.  I was doing some puking last night but I actually think it was primarily from having too much fluid in my gut.  Because I don't (can't) consume any solids while working out it becomes a special challenge to keep the balance just right.

As to my race experience I will tell you more about it over the next couple of days.  We will be heading   out early tomorrow morning, and hopefully arrive back home Friday evening.  It will mean some pretty long days, but we are both ready to get back to our loved ones.

I received an interesting e-mail this morning from Ironman.com.  That's the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) that owns the Ironman Canada name, and the organization that Penticton has decided to replace.  The interesting thing is that WTC has decided they are not giving up, and intend to run Ironman Canada 2013 somewhere else.  As a lure to get things rolling they have offered priority registration to all of the 2012 participants.  They do not have a location yet, and apparently that will take a month to finalize.  To get on this list you have to submit your name now and then wait for the final decisions about date and location.  I suspect there is a very good chance that it will be in Ontario somewhere, probably in the Muskoka region.  Would that be cool??  I submitted my name!!

And I'm probably gonna talk some more about this in the coming days but I want to briefly share how I feel mentally this morning, because it has kind of taken me by surprise.  When I set a goal and then don't achieve it I normally fall into a bit of a depressive state.  I think that's natural.  It kind of goes with the territory of an Ironman driven personality.  Not so this time.  Instead of being down I have a great sense of pride for staying on my feet when all I wanted to do was sit by the side of the road.  The overwhelming sense of despair that comes to you when you figure out that it's still gonna hurt for a long, long, time is very powerful.  Also deep down inside I still believe that on a different day the 11 hours was within my potential, and now I have an opportunity to prove it in the future.

 And for today's quote I give you my second favorite race sign from yesterday.

"You aren't cool unless you peed your pants"

Love
Peter

"That Was Hard!"

I am very proud of my day.  I had to battle harder than ever in my life.   I figure that 3 years older, and only 3 minutes slower is pretty good!  I finished in a time of 11:39:55 which was good for 18th out of 150 in my age group.
Mentally I feel great.  Physically, sick as a dog.

And for today's quote I give you my favorite race course sign.

"Smile if you masturbate."

  By the time I reasoned it out it was too late.  I had already grinned and got caught!

Love forever to all of you.  How immeasurably blessed I am.  I get emotional sitting here thinking about it.

Peter

"One Last Moment"

Idiot moment that is!

I was leisurely riding my bike down to the transition to check it in.  You have to do this today, along with all your transition stuff.  I was pretty sure it was ready to go since I've been playing with it for the last week.

Imagine my surprise then when half way there I switched gear....and switched gear...and switched gear...all to no avail!!  wtf???

Oh!  No battery!

Idiot!

Anyway, I think I'm about ready.  The hardest part of the day tomorrow will be getting out of bed at 4 am.  After that it needs to be just another day.  I can not let the success or failure of an entire years work hinge on one day.

If you care to keep track of my progress you should be able to here.   Just type my name or number (1904) in the appropriate spot.

"Game on"---Peter R

Love
Peter

"Ironman"

...according to Wikipedia...

An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, raced in that order and without a break.

The operative part of that definition lies in the blue words.  When used in reference to any sporting events the word "Ironman" is a copyrighted corporate logo owned by the aforementioned organization.  

That's why these will be coming down after this years race.

And these will be going up.

It has been an eventful week in Penticton with a mix of sports, politics and corporate interests.  The bottom line is that this will be the last year for Subaru Ironman Canada, and 2013 will see the advent of the "Challenge Penticton Iron Distance Triathlon".

I think it's probably a good thing because the WTC has been building an international monopoly on Ironman races.  This other organization seems more aggressive, and more supportive of athletes and the host communities.  The local city council voted unanimously to dump WTC and go with these guys.  This will be the first Challenge race in North America.  They have about a dozen other races worldwide, including the biggest of them all in Roth Germany. 

It doesn't really matter to me one way or another however as I don't expect to be back here.  Any future races for me will be either closer to home, or further away.  Interestingly enough though I think my next one will probably be in Mont Tremblant Quebec....a brand new "Ironman" race!

What does matter to me is this year, particularly the weather.  If the race had been today it would have been ugly for me.  It was cold with a mean north wind.  

As you can see.

We went for a walk and I was not gonna freeze today.

The north wind means it is coming off the lake and causes this.

But I'm sure it won't be like that on Sunday.  After all.  My life is charmed!

(managing the anxiety....just)

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."---Anthony J. D'Angelo

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather."---John Ruskin

Love

Peter

"Labelled and Identified"

And these guys seemed to know my colour scheme.  Wow!  Yes, today was official sign-in, and race kit pickup. The only part they got wrong was the silly blue swim cap which you have to wear.  I won't even show you a picture of it because it is so ugly!  But check this all out!!

My nice glittery, holographic ID bracelet with my official number.

My helmet number which, against the rules, I "cropped" a bit to avoid covering the vents in my helmet.

My small bike number which is supposed to go on your stem but I put it on my aero water bottle instead.

 My primary bike number which was tricky to get on just right but I did okay.

My beautiful personalized bib.  Last time I was here they gave you one with your first name and one with your surname, and you could choose to wear either, or both.  The reason they provide 2 is because you need one on the back for your bike, and then on the front for the run.  Necessary if you pin them on, but I just wear a belt and slide it around...most people do.  Also this year, both bibs had only first name...strange?

But the most special little surprise of all.  The 30 year commemorative, red, white, and black timing chip, ankle strap.  You could give them 5 bucks for it, or choose to use your own.  Five bucks it is!!

I think it's all very hilarious.  It's like the gods are watching over me.  Either that or it's Mary and her angels again.?  Whatever the cause I'll take it!  Game on!

And all that pretty colored stuff is just fluff anyway isn't it?  What does it all matter in the big picture?  Squat!!

But I'll tell you what does matter.  I had a revelation this morning.  I figured out why I do this!!

I was brushing my teeth at the sink when it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks.  We had just come back from the race site after going through the whole sign-in process.  I was feeling pretty pumped about being part of a pretty elite group of people.  Despite some continuing nerves I am extremely excited to be here.  I am proud to be healthy and proud of my efforts to get myself that way.  Just generally feeling pretty damn good!

But guess what?

I never woke up that way.

And guess what?

I often wake up not feeling that way.

But guess what?

Almost every day I get out of bed at a reasonable time.

And guess what?

 Usually within a half hour I get that way!

Yes my friends.  I do this to fight the everlasting battle with the big demon!!

Depression!!

And guess what?

It works!  I win almost all of the battles, and I am definitely winning  the war.

And that's why I do this.

And until I discover another strategy, and I very well may, I will continue to do this.  Perhaps only every 2 or 3 years but I will continue.   I think it's worth it, don't you?

(workout today,  ate a giant waffle with fresh fruit and lots of whipped cream)

....this one is hard to buy when you are in the midst of depression but I think it's true...

"You largely constructed your depression. It wasn't given to you. Therefore, you can deconstruct it."---Albert Ellis

...and perhaps I'm not an idiot after all...

 I don't think anybody's continually happy, uh, except idiots, you know. You know, you have to have little moments of depression."---Rube Goldberg

Love

Peter

"Faster Than A Speeding Bullet"

The new look!

My wife's getting pretty good with a camera ah?

Especially when she doesn't have much to work with.

The clothes make the man do they not?  I know they can make you look very, very fast as long as you don't prove otherwise.  Of course I got the suit and the helmet because they matched the bike, but I can tell you honestly that I love both of them.  The best part about the suit is the legs.  On my previous one they had the annoying tendency to hike up over time. These stay exactly where they're supposed to.  I could never quite get comfortable with my blue aero helmet, but this one I actually prefer over my every day helmet.  That's almost unheard of.

So because I look so good, but I'm not really that fast, I have decided that instead of trying to focus on my goal times I am gonna put more effort into finding the photographers out on the course.  The better job I do at anticipating their shots the better I will be able to pose for them.  Sound like a plan?

And if the truth be known I really have no idea what's gonna happen on Sunday.  I'm trying hard not to be afraid but I admit there is a bit of that.  I know that there will be times that it's just gonna hurt.  How does one anticipate pain without some measure of fear? 

For all intents and purposes, aside from the fear, I am ready to go now.  The hardest part is trying to stay seated.  The next few days are all about getting my head screwed on properly, and getting my body fully rested.  Unfortunately those two things are in conflict.  The only thing that seems to help me relax is activity.  

I am however looking forward to tomorrow.  I will do my little race simulation about 7:30 or 8, and then head down for registration which I believe opens at 10.  I know from experience to be there early to avoid a long. long, lineup.  Once I have those 2 things done I can start preparing all my gear which will help keep me occupied.  

All I did today was a 20 minute jog by the river, and a ride to the grocery store with Roo.  We rode our tandem for the first time and I think she would agree that we did pretty good.  Communication is absolutely critical, and after some early learning we got the hang of it.  I can tell you that riding one of these is not something to do with someone you don't like!!

(run 4 kms,  tandem ride to the grocery store)

"God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure."---Eric Liddell

"God did not make me fast, but when I run I feel his pleasure"---Peter R

Love

Peter

"Ya Gotta Laugh!"

Ya gotta laugh at yourself.  I can't imagine getting through life without that skill.  My inquisitive nature, combined with my tendency to take risks often leaves me in predicaments that can only be laughed at.  Yesterday I decided that I was gonna take the chain off my bike and clean it.  Of course the only way to remove the chain is to actually separate one of the links.  They make special tools to do that, and since I had left my back in St Thomas I bought another one in Canmore.  I opted for the cheaper of the two available, since they looked of equal quality to me.

So I applied my new (inexpensive) tool and despite a bit of early resistance it did indeed pop the rivet out and as they say 'break' the chain.  Except this time it seemed to literally "break" the chain.  The rivet tool had a nice little piece of circular metal still attached to it once I reversed it out of the chain!!  Oh, Oh!

So down to the bike shop to see what they can teach me, and if necessary buy a new chain.  On the way there on my tandem Sears special I hear that bike starting to squeak....a funny kind of chirping sound as if something was rubbing on the tire.  So I pull over but can't find anything wrong.  Off I go again only to hear it a minute or so later.  I realize this time that it was not coming from my bike at all, and instead seemed to come from overhead.  Then I knew right away what it was, because I often have the experience at home.  Blackbirds in particular seemed to be aggravated by cyclists and can hang over head and chatter away in an effort to protect their territory. Ya gotta laugh!

So I make it to the bike shop and after much explanation and not much advice, I get a new chain but no new tool to install it.  I have to go to the other bike shop down the street but sure enough I manage to get one there and back to the RV I go.  On the way back the blackbird was at me again except this time it sounded like a different bird???  It took me 2 or 3 more intersections to figure it out.  Have you?  The city of Penticton is friendly to the visually impaired .  As well as the usual  pedestrian crosswalk signals they provide a variety of audible tones, some of which sound like birds....or apparently a bike tire rubbing.  Ya gotta laugh!

Anyway, to make a long story short I had not really damaged my chain at all.  I had to learn through trial and error but now I think I understand.  The factory rivets on the type of chain I have actually have a very fine flange on each end which shears off when you push the rivet out.  That is why they supply a special connection rivet with new chains.  Anyway, all is well and I learned something.  It only cost me 80 bucks!!   Ya gotta laugh!

And that was just yesterday.

Today....I finished the reassembly of my bike including a complete clean and polish, and headed out for the obligatory combination, test and final bike workout.  Since I had replaced my little seat bag with an even "littler" seat bag for race day I did not take my phone with me as I usually do.  I did make sure to bring a spare of course, a spare that I happened to buy in Canmore.

Well everything went well except of course for the fact that I felt sluggish and out of shape.  I say of course because that seems to be the norm for me before big races .  Fortunately it is usually my head that is the culprit, not my legs.

Everything went well until.... I got back to town when guess what?  Holy shit!  I got a flat!  No way!  I just put new tubes on, and even a new rim tape on the back, which coincidentally is the one that went flat.  I must have done something wrong.  No worries though, since I had a spare.  And how convenient...right near a sidewalk bench.  So I pull out the tools and the spare, removed the old one, found a nice little metal sliver in my tire that caused the problem, and proceeded to install my new 700C X 18-23 mm tube with the 60 mm stem.  Oh No!!  Apparently 60 mm means something different in Alberta since the stem was too short for me to get any air into it once I had it installed.  Ya gotta laugh!

But what the hell am I gonna do?  Start walking I guess.  Fortunately I knew I was only about 2 kms from the RV so I began.  But wait!  Where exactly am I?  Yaaaah...isn't this about where the bike shop is? Ha Ha!  Fifty metres down the street!  Ya gotta laugh!

Of course I don't have any money but the guy decided to trust me and after installing my new tube (80 mm stem)  I headed back to the RV. Apparently 60 mm's means different things to different manufacturers and the only way to be safe is to go with the longer ones.

One more quick trip back to pay the bike shop guy and then back 'home' again to finish my tuneup.

And here she is... in living colour!  Ain't she a beaut!

Speaking of colour, and of laughs, check this out.  This is next door to our RV site.  When do you suppose this sign was last updated?  Ya gotta laugh!

Despite some nerves I fell pretty decent.  I do have bouts of wondering what the hell this is all about, but they generally pass.  I am determined to have fun damn it!!!

Run day tomorrow.  Thursday is registration as well the day I will do my last little transition practice with every bit of race gear.  Then Friday is the banquet and pre-race meeting, and Saturday bike check-in.  The big day will be here before I know it.

(ride 37 kms)

To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it!"---Charlie Chaplin

Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh.---W. H. Auden

Love

Peter

"Pensive Today"

Or perhaps a little antisocial.  I'm not sure why, but I'm not gonna stress over it.  Bottom line is that I have no idiocy for you today.  I'm gonna watch television.  

(swim 35 minutes, Lake Okanagan)

"My guiding principles in life are to be honest, genuine, thoughtful and caring."---Prince William

Love

Peter

"I'm Baa-ack!"

I am deliciously, delectably, deliriously, perhaps even dementedly, delighted to be here.  We arrived just after 8 pm after a non-stop, 7 hour, 560 km drive from Canmore.

I am happy to tell you that as well as being delighted, I also feel whole again.

She looks happy to see me as well eh?  That's part of her mountaineering group in the background.

We had to scramble once she got back at 2 pm,  because we had to be here by 9 to get into our RV park tonite.  We needed the extra hour that Pacific time gave us.

After we got settled in and had some supper I took a walk down to the lake.  Did I mention that I am happy to be here?  It is gonna be a glorious week come what may.

More tomorrow.

(no workout)

"To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice."---Khalil Gibran

Love

Peter

"Now I've Lived!"

I've reached the height of success! Achieved the pinnacle of glorious ascension!  Soared with the eagles!  Climbed the highest mountain.

Well maybe not the highest mountain but apparently the highest Starbucks in all of Canada!

Yup!

Today I rode my bike to an altitude of 1583 metres above sea level to the base of Suplhur Mountain, Alberta.

Here's me sitting on the side of the mountain enjoying my grande, decaf, americano in a venti cup with no fat milk, along with a delicious oat fudge bar!!  I looked up the nutrition of the bar later....420 calories and 20 grams of fat!!!!!!!

Lucky that I rode my bike there eh?  Anyway when I found this very "lofty" Starbucks I also seen one of these.

I can't believe I clomb up there!  It looks daunting even now!

I did have a very nice leisurely ride. Sixty three kms with a coffee break in the middle, and then a quick 15 minute jog.   Strangely enough my legs feel a bit more tired than I expect them to be at this point.  With the bit of experience I have had with elevation I think that the 1330 metres in Canmore takes a bit to get used to, and the ride to Sulfur mountain takes you up another 250.  I'm pretty sure I will start to feel stronger as every day goes by now.  I consider today's workout really the last of any effort.  From here on in it's just active rest.

I wore all my race gear today as a final test and everything felt super good.  You have not seen my latest stuff (helmet, tri suit, etc.) but I promise you a picture of the full get-up at the first of the week.  I need someone to take the picture, and tomorrow I pick up my honey and head to Penticton.  

Speaking of whom, I can't wait to see her.  I predict that she's acquired a new addiction out there in the mountains.  I have long believed that it's her kind of thing.  Let's see if we have to go shopping for a backpack?

(ride 63 kms, run 3kms)

"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."---Nelson Mandela

Love

Peter

"HA HA!"

I knew that if I pretended not to know what to do with myself in the mountains I could provoke Teresa into a comment!!

So thanks Teresa!  Weather and wind permitting tomorrow I'm gonna ride to the gondola in Banff.  I probably won't go up it however since I will have no way to secure my bike.  I actually climbed Sulfur mountain 10 years ago with Roo, Michael and Adrian, and for some reason we didn't even take the gondola back down, even though down is free.  Oh and when I made that climb I weighed 80 pounds more than I do now!!

Today I took Ky's advice and went up to the Nordic Centre.  This place was built specifically for the cross country skiing/biathlon events of the 1988 Calgary Olympics.  It is indeed pretty close to here but you need to know Ky that it is all uphill, and that it seems like a long way on a 50 pound Sears tandem, especially when you're pedalling it all by yourself!

But I had made at least half of the trip several times already since Quarry Lake is where I swim every day.  I knew about the tri they're running here on Saturday and half considered doing it.  I chickened out however.  It would be a great little last minute workout if I believed I could just take it easy, perhaps  75% effort....that's the part that scared me away!

And to prove I actually did what I said here is the pictorial evidence.

Fifty seven flags I think.

The biathlon shooting area.

This grassy area they call the stadium.  I assume they fill it with portable bleachers for events.  Nice backdrop eh?

The adjacent man made lake....not Quarry Lake which is 2 kms away.

Looking back down to the town of Canmore.

And how the world has changed in the 24 years since 1988.  That year the medal count was dominated by the USSR and East Germany, two political entities that don't even exist any more.  Canada won a total of 5 medals, none of which were gold!  Compare that to the more recent Vancouver Winter Olympics that included 82 countries.  Canada won 26 medals, 24 of whcih were gold!!

I also took Mikes advice and chose to enjoy the solitude of it all and had a very peaceful day.  I even enjoyed my visit to Starbucks where I was once again forced to go to write my post.

But then again I was never quite alone all day anyway.  For your smile of the day, type "Canmore Bunnies" into your search engine.  This guy likes the shade under my steps.  

(swim 1500 metres)

"Be able to be alone. Lose not the advantage of solitude, and the society of thyself."---Thomas Browne

Love

Peter

"And So It Begins"

I've had the heebie geebies since 5:30 this morning.  All kinds of anxiety over every stupid little thing.  I would tell myself that it was just withdrawal and that would help a bit, but 15 minutes later I would be right back at it again.  Example.  I decided to make the hour drive to Calgary today because there was something I wanted to get for Roo that was not available in town.  At some point I remembered that I had not screwed the top back on the sewer connection at my RV site. I started worrying about the guy next to me being pissed because it just happens to be very close to his front door.  I stressed about it all the way back from Calgary and in actual fact headed back sooner then I had planned.  When I got back, guess what?  The top was back on and my neighbours were already gone!

I know it's gonna be like this pretty well all the way through now, and will certainly get even worse.  I wish I knew the answer but quite frankly I don't think there is one.  The reality is that I am physiologically addicted to exercise and the withdrawal is a fact of life.  I can only work to manage it as well as possible.

One of the ways of course is to stay busy and at the very time I could get lots of shit done at home I am not there.  I could be fixing my motorhome but I am afraid to take it apart and then not have the right tools to do it properly.  I could be working on my bike but that's kinda my Penticton week project.  I could go to Calgary every day but that just costs money.  Oh, and of course, I could be making mad, passionate love to my wife but guess what??

So.  One carries on.

Even freakin colder here last night.  We actually had ice in the puddles which I guess means it reached zero.  I know I had to get up about 3 am to get another blanket.  I could have turned the heat on but I have a choice between the heat pump which is noisy but uses their electricity, or the propane heater which is quieter but uses my gas!  I'm happy with the extra blanket.

We also seem to have some Internet functionality back here in the park so I didn't have an excuse to go to either Starbucks or McDonalds.  Instead I wlked to the grocery store which had the added benefit of calming me a little.

Just swimming tomorrow morning and then I need to find something useful to do. Laundry maybe?  Saturday should be okay as I need to ride for a couple of hours and then as soon as Roo is back on Sunday it's off to B.C.

(no workout)

"Nerves and butterflies are fine - they're a physical sign that you're mentally ready and eager.  You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that's the trick."---Steve Bull

Love
Peter

"Testing Ones Reslove"

Brrrrrrr!

Three degrees overnite and only 6 when I got up this morning.  I wonder what it's like up in the mountains in a tent?  I laugh as I think back to when Roo and I were out shopping for clothes for her trip.  I remember our sarcasm as we read their list about wool socks and long underwear. After all, it's still gonna be summer we said.  Not to worry though.  We listened to the advice, and got what  she needed.  They also checked all of the participants clothing before they let them head out.  I guess they didn't want to hear any whining after they left!

So it was pretty tough to get my wetsuit on and head to the lake this morning but I dragged myself out.  And yes, I did put my suit on and then rode my bike the 4 kms to the lake. Pretty weird actually but manageable.  I thought it would be smarter and less painful than putting it on at the waterside in the cool temperatures.  And as I suspected the lake did not feel any colder this morning than any other day....it couldn't really cause it's always damn near frozen over! 

So no pics today because even though I took a few, I am at Starbucks and I forgot to bring my phone cord to download them.  

It is actually just noon now which is a very unusual time for me to write my post but I am trying to wait out the weather in order to go for my ride.  I need to do 30 kms followed by a short run but it's still only 11 degrees.  I considered putting it off til tomorrow but I think I need to get out there even if I have to wait til late afternoon.  The days start to get tougher now as I try to slow down.  I have to try to switch my focus from training to fun since that's all there really is, and while it's too late to get any fitter, it's not too late to make it a great adventure.  Of course as I work out less, the old weight gain fears creep in and I need to keep them at bay.  I am definitely eating a lot including a full breakfast at 2:30 AM and then another one at 7:30.  I do not have a bathroom scale to keep me honest.

And Starbucks is back on probation.  They are so freakin arrogant.  I think it must be a corporate culture thing.  I tried to make idle conversation about the funny names that have for their coffee sizes and the response I got from the young lady was, "What can I get you?".  Bitch!  Frappe-grande-chinno-venti to you too! I think I'm gonna check out McDonalds down the road for tomorrow's post.  I'll order a Mc-something, since everyone knows that language.

(swim 1000 metres, ride 30 kms, 15 min jog)

"I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived."---Willa Cather

"To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in, and scramble through as well as we can."---Sydney Smith

"I am tired. My arm aches. My head boils. My feet are cold. But I am not aware of any weakness."---Zane Grey

...and I know I have used this one before but it suddenly applies well...

"Marry an outdoors woman. Then if you throw her out into the yard on a cold night, she can still survive."---W. C. Fields

Love

Peter

"Good Old Starbucks"

Normally I'm not really a fan but today they are on my acceptable supplier list.  Actually I'm discovering that the coffee is quite good, and the oat fudge bar is to die for, but that's not the reason I'm here.

It's for the Internet!  The wireless at the RV park is shaky at the best of time, but right now it is entirely busted.  They are waiting on a part to come from Calgary!!  The price you pay for mountains I guess.

It was another of those ridiculous days made only acceptable by the fact that I am tapering.  Here's the pictorial summary of my 15 km run!

Hard to fathom eh?  For the first 20 minutes or so I would stop my timer while I took the picture, but after a while I even forgot to do that.  Some of these scenes just burst out in front of me when I turned a corner, or came out of a stand of trees.  By the way, this is the Bow river that the trail follows.

Life is beyond good.  How did I ever get the opportunity to do all the things I do??

And to top off the great scenery I feel quite a bit better today.  Despite all the stops, or perhaps because of them, I still had a decent run.  And after all is said and done, it's the run fitness that will tell all come race day!

I admit to missing my wife right now because she is always the first person I wish to share these great days with.  I suspect however that it may be good for me to be alone, and in charge only of myself.  It's something I need to practice a bit more often.  I know it causes stress to others in my life, and to me as well for that matter, when I try to control everything that goes on around me.  I have 5 more days to practice.

And even though she can't hear this.  I LOVE YOU ROO!

(15 km trail run)

"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."---Eddy Cantor

Love

Peter

"More Goofing Off"

I just can't seem to get it together this week.  It was 10 degrees when I woke up this morning so I had a late breakfast before I headed over to the lake.  There were others swimming in wetsuits as there were yesterday.  I forgot to mention that I ran into a lady there that will be in Penticaton with me on the 26th. After my late swim I had lunch and then a little nap while I waited for the temperature to come up.  Then I headed off for this place.

And this is how you get there on ones bicycle.

Believe it or not there is an 8 foot wide paved path which parallels the transcanada for all of the 25 kms between Canmore and Banff.  Sweet!!

And this is what one sees when one travels to Banff.

Actually the last pic is taken right here outside the motorhome.  These 3 peaks have develpoed a special signifinace for me.  If I face Penticton from here I know they are behind me looking over my shoulder.      Like some kind of srong, beautiful guardian angels.  Supportive yet expectant.  How apt then, that they are named "the three sisters".

So you can see what I mean by goofing off.  I rode the slowest 50 kms I have ever ridden but it's all good I think.  For some reason I am feeling pretty sluggish but I don't really care.  Whatever will be, will be eh?  Ya just gotta have faith I guess.

Tomorrow I get to run beside the river.  I think I'm gonna bring my camera.  

Or should I say my phone.   We had to buy a new camera which Roo took off to the mountains with her.  It's been a very expensive trip so far.  Along with the camera, she also broke her watch, I stepped on my prescription sunglasses, the fender is falling off the motorhome,  this piece of shit Sears bike is falling apart, and today I busted my waterproof phone case.  And I share these things with you only for your amusement....I personally don't give a shit!

And lastly, yes you're right Elly.  I spoke to them today and that connection is so powerful I would probably move if they moved!

(swim 1000 metres, ride 50 kms)

Faith moves mountains, but you have to keep pushing while you are praying."---Mason Cooley 

Love

Peter

"I'm moving!"

This town is perfect for me!  They got a running store, a bike shop, a Canadian Tire and a grocery store that sells Skinny Cow ice cream, as well as skim milk in 4 litre jugs! They have running trails that go on forever, and dedicated bicycle lanes through the mountains.

They also have this!

It's called Quarry Lake and is just a nice 15 min bike ride from where I'm parked.  I spent about 20 minutes swimming in it today.  It is so glorious it's hard to find the words to describe it.  I will swim here at least 3 more times this week.  Unbelievable!!

It's gonna be a surreal kind of week, compounded by the absence of any kind of communication with Claudette.  Rarely has a day gone by in our 27 years together that we have been completely out of touch.  Here she is with her group of 7 hikers and 2 instructors just before they head out for their "Mind fullness in the Mountains" backpacking trip.  She was very, very excited!  Even though I know you won't read this my love, I hope it turns out to be everything you hope for.  I love you!

(open water swim 20 mins)

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books."---John Lubbock

Love

Peter

"Not Boring"

It was a tough bike ride today.  I just could not get serious about it.  We are in a park in Canmore Alberta where Roo begins her journey tomorrow.  I rode out towards Calgary and turned around at 53 kms.  The scenery just overwhelmed me and after I turned around I stopped several times to capture the ride back for you viewing pleasure.  

And to top off a distracted ride I got a flat.  My first with the new machine.  The good news is that I got some tire changing practice.

Oh and Elly.  The answer is right there....in the quote!

(ride 105 kms, run 4kms)

The more you let yourself be distracted from where you are going, the more you are the person that you are. It's not so much like getting lost as it is like getting found."---William Stafford

Love

Peter