Getting Chicked, Part deux

Laura can 'Chick' with the best of them

A while ago, I wrote about getting 'chicked'; obviously tongue-in-cheek. Last Saturday, I was proud to attend and watch my wife compete in Emilie's Run - a women's only run. It was actually incredible to watch such a competitive 5K field (winner @ 16:15, and 33 women sub-20). But not only that, it was inspiring to see the groups of women, each participating for their own reasons - but obvious to everyone they all enjoyed a common bond. I'd love to write a race report from the perspective of a spectator - but I'm sure, I wouldn't do it justice. It was a great event for everyone.

After the ladies run, there was a 1K challenge for the kids (open to both boys and girls). Both our kids competed. Laura paced Andrew all the way (without her, he would have blown up after 100meters) - of course he took off on her with 50 meters to go. But Laura can certainly hold her own with big boys. Check her finish sequence here, as she "Chicks" with authority racer #603 - reeling him in and then dropping the hammer. Unfortunately, her chip didn't fire so she doesn't appear in the official results (we're working on that though!)

Triathlon Stimulus Package

1 x Louis Garneau Exo-Nerve bike helmet: this helmet makes me look the least dorky of all helmets I have owned; I did try the 'Rocket' but I just couldn't do it - maybe next year when aerolids are the norm.

1 x Brooks Ghost running shoes: $99.99; hopefully they work. Initial observations are - narrow toe box, but very light.

1 x Sierra Designs technical t-shirt: Oddly, I only have about 3 Tech Tees, and they all date back well over 3 years. They stink. The stink is unbearable. Nothing like a nice fresh t-shirt.

1 x Sugoi running short: Again, I only have 3 pairs of shorts that I like to run in. I often find myself re-using a dirty pair - oh, the sweet smell of swass is just lovely the second time around.

1 x Speedo Vanquisher Goggles (blue lenses): Pre-emptive strike. My current pair have been on their last legs for over a year. It's just a matter of time before the strap lets go.

2 x Kenda inner tubes: Guylaine is queen of the flats. "Phil, is it bad that biked home 20K on just my rim?"

2 x Veba running socks: Tired of being made fun of for running in my cotton tube socks.

3 x Dockers 'technical' socks: cheaper than high-tech Veba socks; anti-fungal, yum.

1 x AquaSeal cement: to fix the gaping holes in my wetsuit.

I'm doing my part - what are YOU doing!?!?

Les vices de Papa

Chocolate, coffee, beer, wine, candy and a technical t-shirt for running. Thank you!!!
Bonne fête des pères

Toronto Festival of Excellence

Pricilla Lopes-Schliep is one serious B.A.M.F

I was putting the laundry away last night around 7, and flipped on the tube. It was on TSN and I heard, "Men's Triathlon" - huh?

It was the Toronto Festival of Excellence, but the "Triathlon" they were plugging was 400m dash + Pole Vault + 110m hurdles. Nonetheless, I was still captivated by the athleticism (and frankly the production quality of the show). It took me nearly 90 minutes to finish the laundry, but I got to watch some seriously awesome stuff.

About 10 guys running the mile in sub-4 minutes (won by a Canadian). TV just does not do justice to how fast a 4 minute mile really is -- it looked like they were just jogging. Hussain Bolt was there, and gave a good show, winning the 100m dash, and being very gracious with the crowd and commentator afterwards. And, in what really amazed me, was the women's hurdles: where Pricilla Lopes-Shliep led Purdita Felicien all the way through the course, nearly stumbling at the end, but taking first place.

It was all pretty cool.

64 degrees - no wetsuit

There was shrinkage!