Posted on Sep 24, 2017 under etc..., Pre/Post Race |
My goals in 2017 were to race 2 Full distance Ironman events. Lake Placid for training effect (and because it was close) and then Chattanooga for a PR.
At Lake Placid I developed a blinding (literally) migraine near the end of the bike. I limped my way to T2, spent 30 minutes in the medic tent and then walked the “run” for a 15-something, nearly 16h finish.
I just tapped-out at IM Chattanooga again due to the exercise-induced migraine but this time it started to shut me down 10 miles into the bike. By mile 30 my right eye vision was nearly gone and I had almost no power into the pedals. Had a great swim too (57mins by my garmin), but my bike was weak from the start and just got worse as time went on..
I learned this year that, for me, 2 full Iron’s in 1 year is too much. I’ve really lost my passion for the sport and I’m going to do “other things” to occupy my time for a bit. May go back to single-sport bike and run racing and try to improve my single sport performance. For now, I’m going to enjoy the fall: hang out with Kim and the dogs, maybe do some kayaking and cross-country skiiing if we get snow this year. Maybe do some crossfit.. unsure, but a vacation from Triathlon is definitely in the cards.
And so, I’ll put a placeholder here with the InternalMonoblog. At this crossroads, I wish you all well until we meet again.
Cheers
Rick
Posted on Aug 11, 2016 under etc... |
Love my Altras. Been in them since my 1st Ironman 4 years ago. Great shoes. Well made. Great designs for zero-drop fans (such as myself).
Good to see them getting due honors
Altra Footwear won five awards at the 2017 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Source: Altra Footwear Wins Five Prestigious Awards at 2017 Outdoor Retailer S
Posted on Aug 09, 2016 under Raves |
Several months ago I was sent 2 pair of sunglasses from
XX2i’s recent collections: the Bermuda and the Hawaii. I’ve been wearing these shades on and off since then and seriously considering laser corrective surgery to correct my near-sighted-ness. I don’t really enjoy the contact lens experience, but these sunglasses have me really wanting to be able to wear non Rx sunglasses.
1st About the Styling
The Bermuda is more of a casual driving/day at the beach, chilling on the deck kinda frame. Very comfortable with good coverage and lightweight though it’s design is heavier in appearance.
The Hawaii is more the traditional sporty wrap-around sunglass that many of us use for training and racing. The wrap around gives exceptional coverage and reduces any side-on glare that would otherwise fatigue your eyes during a long day in the sun training or racing. The Hawaii is also nicely ventilated so fogging isn’t an issue. (Trust me: If a sunglass will fog, it’ll do it on my face 🙂 ) The nosepiece and arms on the Hawaii are bendable so that you can get the best fit for your face and rarely (if ever) need to be distracted by them while training or racing.
Shown above here is the Hawaii along with the hard-case, neck-strap and bag that comes with XX2i sunglasses. It’s a really well put-together and high value for the dollar package.
The Optics
Like all XX2i lenses the optics on these 2 models are exceptional. The lenses are highly impact and scratch resistant (good for me because I drop them A LOT). The 2 sets I received came with a lightly reflective blue lens that is so pleasing to the eye that even the harshest mid-afternoon sun is easy on the eye. Both sets have polorized lenses and zero-distortion grinds.
But Wait! There’s More
XX2i sunglasses come with.. a LIFETIME warranty. A quote from their website:
WARRANTY: Lifetime Warranty! No questions asked, you break or scratch them, send them back to be replaced for a nominal shipping and handling fee!
Kinda hard to beat that. Seriously.
And because they know you’re shopping on line and maybe you’ll get them, wear them for a bit, and discover that you don’t truly love them, they have one of the best return policies I’ve ever encountered:
RETURN POLICY: 365 Days! We know it may take some time to try on and get comfortable with a pair of sunglasses bought online so that’s why we give you a full year to do so! That’s right, take up to 365 days to determine if you want to keep them and if not, send them back for a full refund less any shipping and handling fee.
Wrapping It Up
I really can’t say enough good things about XX2i sunglasses in general and specifically about these 2 new releases from XX2i. The styling, amazing optics, the kit they come with and, perhaps almost as importantly the price point, make XX2i my favourite eyewear manufacturer. If you haven’t tried XX2i optics, you really should.
Posted on Aug 09, 2016 under Rants |
So sad, but I hate to say I’m not surprised. I see a lot of people with their race-face on who, in the moment, choose to do unsafe things (cross the center line (DQ-able in many events if caught), ride outside of pylons, etc. ). Be careful out there folks. It’s just a race: it’s not worth dying for.
A bicyclist killed in a collision with a pickup truck during the IRONMAN Boulder race on Sunday veered from a dedicated bike lane, hit the truck, and fell to the roadway before she was run over.
Source: Cyclist killed in Boulder Ironman race veered outside dedicated bike lane, state patrol says
Posted on Jul 13, 2016 under etc... |
Which of these is best for swimming? Read on to find out.
Source: The Best Hand Position For Swimming – Triathlete.com
Posted on May 05, 2016 under Geek Out! |
The AIRhub is a revolutionary on-road resistance training device that allows you maximum control over your environment. Never waste a second of training. Climb mountains while seated in the middle of your pack.
Source: The AIRhub – Terrain Dynamics
Saw this referenced in the GCN Show. Looks pretty cool. Need one of these for riding around the city with Kim 🙂
Posted on May 05, 2016 under Curiosities |
IRONMAN is partnering with the UCI to leverage the latest technology to combat the concealment of motors or other artificial accelerating devices by athletes looking to gain an unfair advantage.
Source: IRONMAN Announced Changes to Global Competition Rules to Counter Techn
This is good news, but have to admit, I think it’s really unfortunate that it needs to happen.
Posted on Apr 15, 2016 under etc... |
Cycling’s governing body has suspended the use of disc brakes following an injury to Movistar rider Francisco Ventoso
Source: UCI suspends use of disk brakes after Ventoso injury
Well that didn’t take very long…
Posted on Apr 07, 2016 under Curiosities, Geek Out! |
Where the world’s top endurance coaches, industry experts, and thought leaders come together to discuss successful business strategies and the latest in science based coaching.
Source: Endurance Coaching Summit
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