I am in Penticton for Ironman Canada 2009

Mandy and I arrived two days ago. It has been a pretty steady input of information. A few last minute workouts. Finding the course, the way around town. Getting adjusted to the weather, the neighborhood.

Yesterday I did a 20 min swim in the lake. Made sure I have all my gear for the swim and that everything works. I went for a 45 min bike and got used to a bit of the route. I then had a 20 min run and just went straight down the road and back.

During the race pick up. When we get our chips, and our race numbers. Mandy and I toured the athlete's area and I got to catch the tail end of the Pro's media coverage. I saw Jasper there and Belinda Granger. There was also a few others that I recognize from the Triathlon Magazines.

Penticton is a awash in energy. There is such an increadible feeling of support, good will, athletic drive. It is in the air. Mandy said, as we driving through the town. "They all look like you"

What she meant was that everwhere people are on tri-bikes, run close, water bottle containers. Everyone is wearing sports gear. At the athletes meeting I was concered about the dinner. I had no reason to be. It was all pretty much what I eat during training. Lot's of fresh fruit, rice salads, whole grain pasta, no meat. Truly an amazing experience.

After the dinner, we had the athlete's meeting. They walked us through the rules of the course. I.e. drafting, information about the open course. I thought that was odd, but I guess I didnt know what to expect. It's a long bike course. How could they close off to traffic.

I then came home and got my T1 & T2 bags together. Put in everything I would need. With my TBI this is hard and I have to give to Mandy for helping me remember, organize and plan.

This morning we woke up and took it easy. I skipped my workout as I had to get my bike and bags to the athletes tent pretty early. I don't think missing one last brick workout will make or break the race at this point.

Odd little notes.
- Jasper Blake was the only pro athlete that stayed to meet the fans. I got to say hello and thank him for his help. None of the other Pro's hung around.
- The town is awash with energy. Everywhere you go people are saying hi to each other. I think that we all know what they have been through, and what it took to get here.
- The volunteers are amazing. Words don't do it justice. The overwhelming amount of support is amazing. This day will be all about me, I have everything. It will be up to me.

I can't thank Training Peaks, and Training Bible Coaching enough. I would not be here without them. My coach has been amazing. This has been a long journey. In a way I am looking forward to it being over. I have added so much to my life, and so many changes that I will continue. I am healthier, I am happier.

WIsh me luck

Next is the Goofy Challenge. I have already registered

Off to Penticton Ironman Canada 2009

So I have done the training. I have read the books. I have changed my diet. I have tried different shoes, gel's, drink mixes, energy bars. I have been hurt, I have been sick, I have faced some incredible challenges. I have continued to work. My wife still loves me (she says just a little bit less) Now is the drive to Penticton to put all to work.

Tomorrow is the athlete meeting. I have surprise for Mandy that she will get a 4 hour spa treatment and body wrap, pedicure, manicure, body rub....you name it she will be rubbed, soaked and pampered. She was deserves it for dealing with me while I go about this Journey.

I figure if I can make it to the run I am good. I am stoked, I am rested, I am fed, and hydrated. A couple days of some light workouts and the big day on Sunday the 30the.

Mandy has never been to the interior of BC so this will be a nice trip. I grew up going to Osoyoos as a kid. So I am familiar with Penticton and the area. Beautifull.

Ok I am out of here.

2009 Penticton Ironman Bib # 657

That's right I got my bib # 657.

Sugoi RS Cycling Short Vs Descent Aero X

I have been cycling in the Sugoi RS Cycling Short with the Formula FX chamois on my long bikes for about three months. I have two pairs of long distance bike shorts with extra padding I alternate, the Sugoi RS and Descent Aero X.

I find the padding in the Sugoi RS to be adequate but the Descent is more comfortable for rides going past the 5 hour mark. I find as the ride goes on, the Sugoi starts to chafe slightly. I start changing the position in the saddle more and more to get comfortable.

However I find the Descent to be tighter in my legs. Now, I have large thighs, even for a cyclist. My wedding suit had to be custom altered and they almost couldn't do it. Maybe because I was so fat as a kid, or the long distance bikes I did at a young age. No one else in my family has huge thighs. I am a freak in thigh size, I guess.

Anyway, for me it comes to comfort for the really long ride. While I have yet to complete Ironman Canada (August 30th baby) I am trying to decide between the two.

I have yet to decide and I might choose to wear a specific Tri short under my wetsuit in lieu of either Sugoi or Descent.


Both have a solid moisture wicking ability. They also both share the same felxibility in the majority of the fabric. I found they both made for comfortable saddle usage.

Pro's : The Descente was just a little more comfortable on a really long ride in the butt. I did find the Sugoi however to feel better after the bike.

Con's : The Sugoi started to feel uncomfortable after the 4-5 hour mark. I started shifting allot. While the Descente started to feel tight in the thigh.

Conclusion. While I find the chomois in both to be very comfortable. The Descente Stealth Chomois feels thicker and more shock resistant. However it does start to tighten on my thighs. The Sugoi has great shock protection, and both are equal in the "no chaffing" area. At the end of the day when going for a long distance ride that I will be ending with a marathon, for the triathlon. I am going to go with the Sugoi. I don't want to risk any reduction in circulation to my legs that I tend to feel in the Descente. That being said, for just a great long ride with no run after it. I would go for the comfort of the Descente. I just shift less in the saddle when I wear it.