A quick look at two workouts.
Workout # 1: Bike 2:00 Custom
Bike - sorry just getting this to you!!!!
Warm up for 20 min easy pace. THEN do 5 x 3 min intervals AT hard effort - Big chain ring in the front - middle gear in the back RPMS around 85. These should get your HR up. Spin easy for 3 min between each one. THEN ride remainder of time in zone 2!!!!
Workout # 2: Custom 0:20 Custom
after bike strength
wall squats - 4 x 30 sec. Lunges- (regular ones) 4 x 15 reps. Hamstring curls on the ball 3 x 10 reps. Bridge on ball - both feet. 4 x 30 sec
That was my last Tuesdays workout.
Last Sunday looked like this.
Workout # 1: Bike 5:00 Custom
Bike - SAME as last week in regards to nutrition!!
Each hour do your plan AND keep at steady pace. Breathing should not be labored, just steady effort.
Workout # 2: Run 0:45 Custom
Run - off the bike, break into thirds
1st 15 min EASY. THEN pick up pace just slightly for 15 min. Back to easy for remaining time.
The next two weeks are going to intensify. Then I get a bit of a rest week. That just means no weights!!
I am so tired, and pushing so hard. I love every minute of it.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Best workout of my life.
So today I had a great bike/run. The weather was perfect, the workout was epic. I had a 3 hour bike followed by a 1:30 run
When I was training for the Chicago Marathon in 2006 I had a moment on a long run day. I was late getting to the long slow run on the Sunday, because of my brain injury I don't make a memory of where I am. I get lost really easy; I have no sense of where I am, where I have been, or where I am going. I have no reference point.
I liked the running clinics because I was with a group. As long as I was not last, I would not get lost.
On this Sunday I was late. The group had already gone out without me. There was a map left for me by my trainer. I had a new Garmin 305 and figured Ok I could do this. This was the longest run we would do. It was a 32kl run, from downtown Vancouver to the Quay in New Westminster.
Not only did I finish the run, but during the run I had some realizations that I could do this. I would finish my first marathon. Despite my injuries, despite my own mental demons, despite some missed days training, I knew when I finished the run, that I would finish the marathon. I just felt it.
Today I had a very similar day on my Ironman training. It was only a 3 hour bike, but I had hill drills and cadence drills. So it was a very intense 3 hours. It was followed by a 1:45 run. I was on my run and I had that moment. I can do this.
Perhaps it was runners high, I don't know but everything seemed to click. I thought about all the people that helped make this happen. Mandy who is the best wife in the world. Who amidst her full time school, working, and tutoring three kids, finds the time to support me in all my wishes. Let me tell you I am the definition of "high needs"
My coach Carla Hastert who is amazing. She has helped me out so much. I would not know what to do, when to do it, or when to stop without her. She truly is an outstanding coach, so supportive, and understanding to my specific needs. The Training Bible coaching and Training Peaks who I upload my workouts too so Carla see them.
Garmin for making these incredible devices that allow me to know what I am doing and not over or under do it.
Skins compression clothing that helps me reduce my lactic acid build-up. To let me push myself that little bit more when going up a 45 minute hill climb. To recover enough overnight in their recovery pants so I can go at it again tomorrow.
To Brendan Brazier for coming up with the Vega line of protein, sports drink, energy bars. Better yet was the book "The Thrive Diet" that has helped me eat better, and make my own energy bars. I have made changes to my diet that not only aids me in my physical abilities but also my recovery and overall health.
To Brooks for making the best shoe in the world the Dyad. The Dyad's have seen me through the marathon, clinic instructing, a couple of 10kl runs and the Vancouver Tri, and now through my training for the Ironman.
To Sugoi for their cycling gear. The cycling pants are the only ones I can wear on my long rides. I have some serious chafing issues in everything but Sugoi. The Sugoi shirt is the bomb, not only fashion wise, but in its comfort and storage capacity for all my bars, keys, phone, and all the other crap I carry with me.
To Speed Theory for the help with my bike. I not only got the best bike, I got the best bike for me. I have had nothing but the best advice and help from people who really know the specific needs of Triathletes. They are more than a bike store, or running store, or even a swim store. They truly are a store for triathletes by triathletes.
To Foot Solutions and the Johannsen's. They are truly family. Not only are they supportive of me and my disabilty. They reached out to me and my wife to help us in so many ways. To Nicole, Nadja, Christian, and Hans. Thank you so much for not only a job, but all your help and support.
To Marcel who is my biking buddy. Also my co-worker and a friend. You crazy German you are truly awesome. Thanks for everything you do!!
To Sue Borden of Microsoft who's help along with HTC and there smart phone and windows mobile, and Vista. Help me get to where to where I am going. With the loss of my ability to make new memories I function with allot of electronics. I would not know where I was, or what I was supposed to do without them. This is not to be taken lightly. I really would not remember to enter my blog comments without the reminders of my Microsoft and HTC products.
To 7Systems for the most incredible supplements. I can't even call them supplements. As a triathlete I push myself hard, I also pay attention to what I eat. I like to know where my food comes from. 7Systems is an Olympians supplements, litterly. They are used by the best of the best, including Simon Whitfield. Truly a uniquely incredible product. From the ingredients to the people who put it all together. They are my start to every morning and help me with my stamina, endurance, and recovery.
I live off of an income that is less than $1000.00 a month. I have rent, cell phone bills, internet, and an intense amount of food. All of the people I have mentioned have taken a financial loss in helping me. They all stood up and decided to help me when they heard my story. I would not be able to do what I am doing without all them.
I wish I could repay them for their humanity, there understanding and their support. I wish I had the money to fulfill everyone’s dreams. The ways they have helped me fulfill mine. I don't have that kind of money, so I will finish the Ironman. I will do this for myself, but mostly I will do it to let them know their belief in me was not wasted.
Every day I Swim/Bike/Run I am swimming/biking/running with them. I would not be where I am without all of them. Not to mention all the people I forgot to mention. So thank you to all of you.
You are helping me reach my dreams.
When I was training for the Chicago Marathon in 2006 I had a moment on a long run day. I was late getting to the long slow run on the Sunday, because of my brain injury I don't make a memory of where I am. I get lost really easy; I have no sense of where I am, where I have been, or where I am going. I have no reference point.
I liked the running clinics because I was with a group. As long as I was not last, I would not get lost.
On this Sunday I was late. The group had already gone out without me. There was a map left for me by my trainer. I had a new Garmin 305 and figured Ok I could do this. This was the longest run we would do. It was a 32kl run, from downtown Vancouver to the Quay in New Westminster.
Not only did I finish the run, but during the run I had some realizations that I could do this. I would finish my first marathon. Despite my injuries, despite my own mental demons, despite some missed days training, I knew when I finished the run, that I would finish the marathon. I just felt it.
Today I had a very similar day on my Ironman training. It was only a 3 hour bike, but I had hill drills and cadence drills. So it was a very intense 3 hours. It was followed by a 1:45 run. I was on my run and I had that moment. I can do this.
Perhaps it was runners high, I don't know but everything seemed to click. I thought about all the people that helped make this happen. Mandy who is the best wife in the world. Who amidst her full time school, working, and tutoring three kids, finds the time to support me in all my wishes. Let me tell you I am the definition of "high needs"
My coach Carla Hastert who is amazing. She has helped me out so much. I would not know what to do, when to do it, or when to stop without her. She truly is an outstanding coach, so supportive, and understanding to my specific needs. The Training Bible coaching and Training Peaks who I upload my workouts too so Carla see them.
Garmin for making these incredible devices that allow me to know what I am doing and not over or under do it.
Skins compression clothing that helps me reduce my lactic acid build-up. To let me push myself that little bit more when going up a 45 minute hill climb. To recover enough overnight in their recovery pants so I can go at it again tomorrow.
To Brendan Brazier for coming up with the Vega line of protein, sports drink, energy bars. Better yet was the book "The Thrive Diet" that has helped me eat better, and make my own energy bars. I have made changes to my diet that not only aids me in my physical abilities but also my recovery and overall health.
To Brooks for making the best shoe in the world the Dyad. The Dyad's have seen me through the marathon, clinic instructing, a couple of 10kl runs and the Vancouver Tri, and now through my training for the Ironman.
To Sugoi for their cycling gear. The cycling pants are the only ones I can wear on my long rides. I have some serious chafing issues in everything but Sugoi. The Sugoi shirt is the bomb, not only fashion wise, but in its comfort and storage capacity for all my bars, keys, phone, and all the other crap I carry with me.
To Speed Theory for the help with my bike. I not only got the best bike, I got the best bike for me. I have had nothing but the best advice and help from people who really know the specific needs of Triathletes. They are more than a bike store, or running store, or even a swim store. They truly are a store for triathletes by triathletes.
To Foot Solutions and the Johannsen's. They are truly family. Not only are they supportive of me and my disabilty. They reached out to me and my wife to help us in so many ways. To Nicole, Nadja, Christian, and Hans. Thank you so much for not only a job, but all your help and support.
To Marcel who is my biking buddy. Also my co-worker and a friend. You crazy German you are truly awesome. Thanks for everything you do!!
To Sue Borden of Microsoft who's help along with HTC and there smart phone and windows mobile, and Vista. Help me get to where to where I am going. With the loss of my ability to make new memories I function with allot of electronics. I would not know where I was, or what I was supposed to do without them. This is not to be taken lightly. I really would not remember to enter my blog comments without the reminders of my Microsoft and HTC products.
To 7Systems for the most incredible supplements. I can't even call them supplements. As a triathlete I push myself hard, I also pay attention to what I eat. I like to know where my food comes from. 7Systems is an Olympians supplements, litterly. They are used by the best of the best, including Simon Whitfield. Truly a uniquely incredible product. From the ingredients to the people who put it all together. They are my start to every morning and help me with my stamina, endurance, and recovery.
I live off of an income that is less than $1000.00 a month. I have rent, cell phone bills, internet, and an intense amount of food. All of the people I have mentioned have taken a financial loss in helping me. They all stood up and decided to help me when they heard my story. I would not be able to do what I am doing without all them.
I wish I could repay them for their humanity, there understanding and their support. I wish I had the money to fulfill everyone’s dreams. The ways they have helped me fulfill mine. I don't have that kind of money, so I will finish the Ironman. I will do this for myself, but mostly I will do it to let them know their belief in me was not wasted.
Every day I Swim/Bike/Run I am swimming/biking/running with them. I would not be where I am without all of them. Not to mention all the people I forgot to mention. So thank you to all of you.
You are helping me reach my dreams.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I think I am becoming Vegan
So this is a journey that happened by accident. I truly had no intention of becoming a vegetarian. I still would not call myself a vegetarian. I just choose not to eat that much meat.
I am out with some friends after we were moving. Getting some late night dinner and not having any food in the new apartment. We went to a Boston Pizza. I am looking at the menu and I am trying to see some food that won't overwhelm me. I worked hard that day, I needed fuel but I also needed to eat smart for my bike the next day.
So here I am looking at calories, looking at protein, doing math in my head. I ask
"do you have any vegetarian meals"?
The table goes silent. Everyone else is ordering Pizza, wings, Nachos and Calamari. I am looking at salad. I follow my question about salad with
"do you have a vinaigrette dressing"?
It hits me at that moment. I am not making this decision to save the animals. Sorry to all those that do choose to be vegetarian for that reason (especially you Nadja). I don't. I am choosing that because of my experience the last month following the Vegan Diet.
I have not only enjoyed the food, but I have noticed an increase in my recovery and my ability to push a little harder when biking. For me it is purely a selfish reason. I hurt less, and I can perform more. It makes economical sense.
I get all the other reasons to do become vegetarian, or vegan (I don't like to call myself vegan because I feel like I will never eat anything from an animal again. I still eat honey)
It just made sense to help my body out. The thrive diet book was well written and explained about how the least amount of processing means the least amount of energy it takes from your body to process it. In short it takes less energy to turn that into gas for your engine. As a Triathlete training for my first Ironman that just made sense to me.
What I did not expect, and what was kind of subtle, was how after a month and a bit, I can really feel when I have eaten “processed food”
I have the Whole Food Health Optimizer and the Sports drink. I eat allot of salads and I have gone out and followed the book. I now have a pantry filled with Hemp protein, nuts, berries and oils. I eat anything that is green and I am getting an addiction to Kale wraps!!
This again was not a pursuit to become a vegetarian; this was to improve my ability to sport.
So I am sitting in Boston Pizza and my friends are looking at me. I don’t care; I know how I will feel tomorrow if I eat all the processed food. I will have less energy; it will take me a day or two to get that crap out of my system. I can actually feel the “weight” of the meal before I eat it.
I came back from visiting my family in Toronto for father’s day, and before I left I was making sure they bought lot’s of greens, lot’s of fresh fruit and veggies. I brought my own protein and made sure there would be grapefruit in the morning.
What is happening to me? Before my accident and even during my marathon training and up to the Ironman training, I had no problem ordering a pizza, eating cheese. I even had the occasional hamburger from McDonalds. I also had a love affair with Taco Dell Mar.
It took a very short time for me to make this change; in fact I didn’t even realize I was changing. It was so natural. It just made sense. I think I will still enjoy some meat now and then. Christmas, special occasion, but even as I type this I start to think how that will feel. Maybe I won’t.
I was recently at my wife’s house and I find the traditional Chinese diet to be less intrusive than the North American diet. I still, however, choose my food a little better.
I was known as the guy who would eat anything. I know look at food completely different. I had a conversation with my wife recently about growing our own vegetables. If you knew me this is an odd thing for me to say.
I stopped drinking coffee during my marathon training. I pretty much drink water and green tea. How did this happen? When did I become this guy? I like him, but it is funny. I truly recommend all the Vega products. Check out their website. http://sequelnaturals.com/en/vega
I mean if a past couch potato, TBI (Traumatic Brain Survivor) turned marathoner, turned triathlete can do this, so can you. It happens and you don’t even know it.
You too will find yourself looking at a menu and wondering if they have any greens!
I am out with some friends after we were moving. Getting some late night dinner and not having any food in the new apartment. We went to a Boston Pizza. I am looking at the menu and I am trying to see some food that won't overwhelm me. I worked hard that day, I needed fuel but I also needed to eat smart for my bike the next day.
So here I am looking at calories, looking at protein, doing math in my head. I ask
"do you have any vegetarian meals"?
The table goes silent. Everyone else is ordering Pizza, wings, Nachos and Calamari. I am looking at salad. I follow my question about salad with
"do you have a vinaigrette dressing"?
It hits me at that moment. I am not making this decision to save the animals. Sorry to all those that do choose to be vegetarian for that reason (especially you Nadja). I don't. I am choosing that because of my experience the last month following the Vegan Diet.
I have not only enjoyed the food, but I have noticed an increase in my recovery and my ability to push a little harder when biking. For me it is purely a selfish reason. I hurt less, and I can perform more. It makes economical sense.
I get all the other reasons to do become vegetarian, or vegan (I don't like to call myself vegan because I feel like I will never eat anything from an animal again. I still eat honey)
It just made sense to help my body out. The thrive diet book was well written and explained about how the least amount of processing means the least amount of energy it takes from your body to process it. In short it takes less energy to turn that into gas for your engine. As a Triathlete training for my first Ironman that just made sense to me.
What I did not expect, and what was kind of subtle, was how after a month and a bit, I can really feel when I have eaten “processed food”
I have the Whole Food Health Optimizer and the Sports drink. I eat allot of salads and I have gone out and followed the book. I now have a pantry filled with Hemp protein, nuts, berries and oils. I eat anything that is green and I am getting an addiction to Kale wraps!!
This again was not a pursuit to become a vegetarian; this was to improve my ability to sport.
So I am sitting in Boston Pizza and my friends are looking at me. I don’t care; I know how I will feel tomorrow if I eat all the processed food. I will have less energy; it will take me a day or two to get that crap out of my system. I can actually feel the “weight” of the meal before I eat it.
I came back from visiting my family in Toronto for father’s day, and before I left I was making sure they bought lot’s of greens, lot’s of fresh fruit and veggies. I brought my own protein and made sure there would be grapefruit in the morning.
What is happening to me? Before my accident and even during my marathon training and up to the Ironman training, I had no problem ordering a pizza, eating cheese. I even had the occasional hamburger from McDonalds. I also had a love affair with Taco Dell Mar.
It took a very short time for me to make this change; in fact I didn’t even realize I was changing. It was so natural. It just made sense. I think I will still enjoy some meat now and then. Christmas, special occasion, but even as I type this I start to think how that will feel. Maybe I won’t.
I was recently at my wife’s house and I find the traditional Chinese diet to be less intrusive than the North American diet. I still, however, choose my food a little better.
I was known as the guy who would eat anything. I know look at food completely different. I had a conversation with my wife recently about growing our own vegetables. If you knew me this is an odd thing for me to say.
I stopped drinking coffee during my marathon training. I pretty much drink water and green tea. How did this happen? When did I become this guy? I like him, but it is funny. I truly recommend all the Vega products. Check out their website. http://sequelnaturals.com/en/vega
I mean if a past couch potato, TBI (Traumatic Brain Survivor) turned marathoner, turned triathlete can do this, so can you. It happens and you don’t even know it.
You too will find yourself looking at a menu and wondering if they have any greens!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Skins & Respro mask on the move.
I apologize for the poor quality. It was a 1:15 hill training run. I was tired and winded.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Skins Review.
So today I got my new skins.
If you don't know about skins here is the basic idea. They are compression clothing that help increase circulation (both oxygen and blood) to working muscles. This helps you not only push a little harder, or fade a little later. It also helps you recover faster. I am not going to go into all the Independent studies you can find those at skins.net, I am going to tell you how they help me train. What I notice am I faster, do I recover better, etc.
Why is working harder and recovering faster good. Well if you can add a small percentage of performance into your workouts you become stronger, faster, healthier. If you recover faster, you can get and move at higher rate of performance than someone who hasn't fully recovered from the last workout.
As someone who is training for an Ironman, a marathon runner, I push my body to my limits. I workout allot and if I am doing a 15kl run, a day after a 60kl bike and I have not recovered fully. I see the affects. I watch what I eat, I train hard, now I am going to add compression clothing to the mix.
Keep in mind I am not expecting to be a competitive Ironman. That is not the point. If you think compression is only for elite athletes you are wrong. The recreational athlete will probably see a bigger return in the use of skins. Why? A professional athlete puts all there time into training. They have spent years training, they have big bucks behind them, they have physiotherapist, nutritionists, coaches, sports massage, they take away any inhibition of performance. That is to give them every advantage to get them to perform at there peak.
I am a guy with a brain injury, who works part time, is married and doesn't have the same amount of time to put into training and recovery. I just don't have the time. I have a whole life outside of my Ironman training. The use of skins should help me get the most out of the time I do have.
I have received from the great people at skins. Thank you David Decker and Jaimie Fuller and all of the skins team.
I work at a shoe store and one of my co-worker and fellow cyclist had purchased two pairs of the skin socks.
I laughed at him, until I put them on. I actually put them on to make more fun of him. As I got busy I forgot to take them off. I noticed nothing overwhelming except that I was able to add some depth to my stretches (I have an IT Band issue) and I noticed an increase in the feeling in my feet. It was a "hard to explain" experience. I wound up taking both of his socks.
I played the DVD that comes with the skins, and I started to do my research. I was blown away. I saw the studies, the published papers and the reports. I then contacted the company and they supplied me with Sport Long Tights Pants and the Long Sleeve Shirt, a pair of the Half tights for training. I also received a pair of the recovery long pants.
So today I am going to jump on my bike and wear the pants and the shirt, and report later. I want to spend a few days using them to see my performance gains.
I also want to mention that I have had a great experience dealing with skins. They were responsive, eager to help and took the time to find out my specific needs. A special shout out to Jaimie Fuller for all his help. Without him this would not have happened. I will also be putting a skins sticker on my helmet!!
Thank you Skins.
If you don't know about skins here is the basic idea. They are compression clothing that help increase circulation (both oxygen and blood) to working muscles. This helps you not only push a little harder, or fade a little later. It also helps you recover faster. I am not going to go into all the Independent studies you can find those at skins.net, I am going to tell you how they help me train. What I notice am I faster, do I recover better, etc.
Why is working harder and recovering faster good. Well if you can add a small percentage of performance into your workouts you become stronger, faster, healthier. If you recover faster, you can get and move at higher rate of performance than someone who hasn't fully recovered from the last workout.
As someone who is training for an Ironman, a marathon runner, I push my body to my limits. I workout allot and if I am doing a 15kl run, a day after a 60kl bike and I have not recovered fully. I see the affects. I watch what I eat, I train hard, now I am going to add compression clothing to the mix.
Keep in mind I am not expecting to be a competitive Ironman. That is not the point. If you think compression is only for elite athletes you are wrong. The recreational athlete will probably see a bigger return in the use of skins. Why? A professional athlete puts all there time into training. They have spent years training, they have big bucks behind them, they have physiotherapist, nutritionists, coaches, sports massage, they take away any inhibition of performance. That is to give them every advantage to get them to perform at there peak.
I am a guy with a brain injury, who works part time, is married and doesn't have the same amount of time to put into training and recovery. I just don't have the time. I have a whole life outside of my Ironman training. The use of skins should help me get the most out of the time I do have.
I have received from the great people at skins. Thank you David Decker and Jaimie Fuller and all of the skins team.
I work at a shoe store and one of my co-worker and fellow cyclist had purchased two pairs of the skin socks.
I laughed at him, until I put them on. I actually put them on to make more fun of him. As I got busy I forgot to take them off. I noticed nothing overwhelming except that I was able to add some depth to my stretches (I have an IT Band issue) and I noticed an increase in the feeling in my feet. It was a "hard to explain" experience. I wound up taking both of his socks.
I played the DVD that comes with the skins, and I started to do my research. I was blown away. I saw the studies, the published papers and the reports. I then contacted the company and they supplied me with Sport Long Tights Pants and the Long Sleeve Shirt, a pair of the Half tights for training. I also received a pair of the recovery long pants.
So today I am going to jump on my bike and wear the pants and the shirt, and report later. I want to spend a few days using them to see my performance gains.
I also want to mention that I have had a great experience dealing with skins. They were responsive, eager to help and took the time to find out my specific needs. A special shout out to Jaimie Fuller for all his help. Without him this would not have happened. I will also be putting a skins sticker on my helmet!!
Thank you Skins.
Ironman Training continues
How do you know your workouts are HUGE? When during a "recovery" week. I only had an 1 hour and 20 minute swim. A 2 hour hill bike, and a 1:15 run with hill drills. This is a recovery week!! At least I don't have weights to do!
Trying to fit everything on top of my Brain Injury Program at GF Strong. and working at Foot Solutions not to mention any kind of social life is getting crazy.
I have a dentist appointment on Friday, and what I am doing is getting up early and planning my bike ride there! There is something really wrong with me, and I love every minute of it.
Before my injury I wasted so much time playing video games, watching TV, wasting time. Now I still do the same things but instead of wasting time, I am training for a freakin Ironman!! Totally increadible.
Not bad for a guy who was never supposed to walk or talk again!
Ok I need to go to bed. It's 12:15.
Trying to fit everything on top of my Brain Injury Program at GF Strong. and working at Foot Solutions not to mention any kind of social life is getting crazy.
I have a dentist appointment on Friday, and what I am doing is getting up early and planning my bike ride there! There is something really wrong with me, and I love every minute of it.
Before my injury I wasted so much time playing video games, watching TV, wasting time. Now I still do the same things but instead of wasting time, I am training for a freakin Ironman!! Totally increadible.
Not bad for a guy who was never supposed to walk or talk again!
Ok I need to go to bed. It's 12:15.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
An Update on 7Systems
I have just finished my first month's supply of 7Systems endurance sport supplement.
As a triathlete and training for an Ironman I find I am hyper aware of my diet. It is not that I am some super aware person. I am not a super health freak. It is the fact that the intensity of the training forces you to be aware of your energy input and output.
With the increased effort and stress I put my body into with the bike rides, the running and the swimming, not to mention work, family, social obligations etc. I push my body pretty hard. I belief I have to be extra careful with my diet, not only to make sure I have enough gas to finish, I also need to fill up all the resources I am depleting in my system. I tax my body pretty hard. I need to make sure I keep my fridge full.
As I stated before what I liked about 7Systems was that it had everything I need in one container. Could you find all the ingredients elsewhere? Probably. However you would not find them at one store. You would have to spend allot of time researching the ingredients (trust me I have) You then need to figure out how much you need. As an athlete (that still sounds weird to me) You have extra needs. These needs are not normally added to the ingredients list on the vitamins and supplements you find at the grocery store. They are prepared, and marketed for the averages. I am not average. So how do I know I am taking the right amount?
One of the things I also like is not having to spend the time pulling out all my vitamins and supplements every day. Making sure I take them at the right time, etc. I mean that's no big deal. I do like the convenience of the "one package daily" that 7Systems offers.
I have been using them for 1 month. During this time I did get the flu (not the H1N1 ;')) and I found that I got over it faster than my friends and co-workers. I have noticed a few little things. That while I did get a sore throat the other day. It never got to the point that I needed to take anything for it.
I have made some other changes to my lifestyle recently including following the Thrive Diet so my body is going through some changes.
In a nut shell, I like 7Systems because of the ease of use. The fact that I trust I have all the right ingredients. It is more specific for the needs of someone who is pushing themselves hard physically. I also really like the company. I will update this as I continue my usage.
As a triathlete and training for an Ironman I find I am hyper aware of my diet. It is not that I am some super aware person. I am not a super health freak. It is the fact that the intensity of the training forces you to be aware of your energy input and output.
With the increased effort and stress I put my body into with the bike rides, the running and the swimming, not to mention work, family, social obligations etc. I push my body pretty hard. I belief I have to be extra careful with my diet, not only to make sure I have enough gas to finish, I also need to fill up all the resources I am depleting in my system. I tax my body pretty hard. I need to make sure I keep my fridge full.
As I stated before what I liked about 7Systems was that it had everything I need in one container. Could you find all the ingredients elsewhere? Probably. However you would not find them at one store. You would have to spend allot of time researching the ingredients (trust me I have) You then need to figure out how much you need. As an athlete (that still sounds weird to me) You have extra needs. These needs are not normally added to the ingredients list on the vitamins and supplements you find at the grocery store. They are prepared, and marketed for the averages. I am not average. So how do I know I am taking the right amount?
One of the things I also like is not having to spend the time pulling out all my vitamins and supplements every day. Making sure I take them at the right time, etc. I mean that's no big deal. I do like the convenience of the "one package daily" that 7Systems offers.
I have been using them for 1 month. During this time I did get the flu (not the H1N1 ;')) and I found that I got over it faster than my friends and co-workers. I have noticed a few little things. That while I did get a sore throat the other day. It never got to the point that I needed to take anything for it.
I have made some other changes to my lifestyle recently including following the Thrive Diet so my body is going through some changes.
In a nut shell, I like 7Systems because of the ease of use. The fact that I trust I have all the right ingredients. It is more specific for the needs of someone who is pushing themselves hard physically. I also really like the company. I will update this as I continue my usage.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Running with my Respro Mask.
Running Drills today. Warmed up for 20 minutes, then did this set 15x - 30 sec strong effort/30 sec walk. Rest of run is back to easy.
Super hot today. Knee is feeling way better. Finally over my cold, although my throat is still a little raw.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I am sick today.
Missed a swim yesterday, supposed to hill train on the bike for 2:30 but I am not feeling very well. The oddest part of this cold/flu, whatever it is, is the symptoms. Here are my symptoms.
• My lips are chaffing. They actually really hurt and are so dry. I am constantly putting on Vaseline, my hydration is intense. I mean I drink nothing but water and green tea as it is.
• My joints are hurting, even lying down is aching.
• I was so tired yesterday just waiting for work to be over, but when I got home and got into bed, I couldn’t sleep. I just kept turning and trying to find a convertible spot.
• I am sneezing allot
• I am not coughing, but I feel like there is something in my chest.
• My shirt was so weight when I got up this morning.
• A general feeling of crappie.
I am going to have my juice, and see if that makes me feel better. I feel exhausted even though I just got up.
I am kinda pissed because I feel like I am missing my training. I hate missing a workout. I just got over feeling sick for aabout a week. I was feeling better, and then this just kicked me in the ass yesterday.
• My lips are chaffing. They actually really hurt and are so dry. I am constantly putting on Vaseline, my hydration is intense. I mean I drink nothing but water and green tea as it is.
• My joints are hurting, even lying down is aching.
• I was so tired yesterday just waiting for work to be over, but when I got home and got into bed, I couldn’t sleep. I just kept turning and trying to find a convertible spot.
• I am sneezing allot
• I am not coughing, but I feel like there is something in my chest.
• My shirt was so weight when I got up this morning.
• A general feeling of crappie.
I am going to have my juice, and see if that makes me feel better. I feel exhausted even though I just got up.
I am kinda pissed because I feel like I am missing my training. I hate missing a workout. I just got over feeling sick for aabout a week. I was feeling better, and then this just kicked me in the ass yesterday.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Respro Techno Mask & Triathlon Training.
So my runs and bike distances are getting up there. I am spending a massive amount of time out on the road. I live in a pretty industrial area so I get allot of Big Rig diesel exhaust. I not only get it when I am biking and a meter away from a automobiles exhaust, I also get the smoke of people who are along the sea wall, or the bus stops when I am running.
So the other day I noticed a bike courier with a mask on his face. I started to do some research and I came across this mask.
I went to this website http://www.respro.com/ and did a little more research and found I could pick up the mask at Mountain Equipment Co-op. http://search.mec.ca/?N=10&Ntt=respro&bmUID=1242613725415
The mask was $46.00. I got an extra set of filters for $26.00 and two extra Valves for $14.00. So for $86.00 I get to look like this.
I used the mask for a quick bike to the store the other day, and then today I used it on my hour and 40 minute run through town. While I did get some smells through it. The intensity of the smells was very small. I got no exhaust, and I got no smoke. The only thing that came around was this group of guys (not kids by the way but older guys) sitting in parking lot in the Quay smoking a joint. I did get a sense of the smell, but it was either really bad pot, or my mask worked. I figure because I am in BC the quality was probably pretty good ;*)
I did notice a cop circle the block when he went by me. I guess a guy running down the street with a mask, running hat and glasses looks a little wierd. I got a few other wierd looks buy the waterfront, but I did notice a person on a bike wearing one.
I choose the Techno Mask because it filters out hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide, lead oxide, and smoke, as well as sub-micron particulates including pollen dust, rapeseed dust and other irritants. The other masks filter either the Hydrocarbons and smoke, or sub-micron particulates.
To me this means it either filters out allergins (I have no idea what a rapeseed dust is but it sounds bad) or it filters auto exaust and smoke (Hydrocarbons and sulphur dioxide) The mask I got covers both.
The mask feels a little weird and I have run into a problem when I put on my hat, or helmet, and my glasses. So there is a little adjustment to happen. The mask comes in two sizes, large and medium. I got the medium.
Like wearing glasses for the first time, I did notice some slight iratation on my nose where the filter touchsed my nose. Other than it worked really well.
I know this comes right at the time of the H1N1 (swine) flu. I am not really worried about that. It is actually the cigarette smoke of the people I run past at Stanley Park, or the Quay. Even when I run by an outdoor restaraunt where the smokers all congrigate.
On a side note, I knew that there was something I needed to do when I ran buy a guy on the boardwalk or exausted a massive of cigar smoke right in my face as I was running by him. This happened just as I was taking in a deep breath, and I not only got his excelled smoke, but I got a nice bit of the smoke right from the cigar itself.
Not one of my best moves ever, I grabbed the cigar and threw it in the river. I didnt say anything to him. I just kept running. I think I left him stunned. So that was the big push to get me to think of a saver way to keep my lungs healthy.
So all in all I recomend this product. It get's a little wet, and it's a little hard to get a drink while wearing it, and I found it hard to blow my nose. Nothing that I couldnt get used to.
The only question I have now is, How long do the filters last?
So the other day I noticed a bike courier with a mask on his face. I started to do some research and I came across this mask.
I went to this website http://www.respro.com/ and did a little more research and found I could pick up the mask at Mountain Equipment Co-op. http://search.mec.ca/?N=10&Ntt=respro&bmUID=1242613725415
The mask was $46.00. I got an extra set of filters for $26.00 and two extra Valves for $14.00. So for $86.00 I get to look like this.
I used the mask for a quick bike to the store the other day, and then today I used it on my hour and 40 minute run through town. While I did get some smells through it. The intensity of the smells was very small. I got no exhaust, and I got no smoke. The only thing that came around was this group of guys (not kids by the way but older guys) sitting in parking lot in the Quay smoking a joint. I did get a sense of the smell, but it was either really bad pot, or my mask worked. I figure because I am in BC the quality was probably pretty good ;*)
I did notice a cop circle the block when he went by me. I guess a guy running down the street with a mask, running hat and glasses looks a little wierd. I got a few other wierd looks buy the waterfront, but I did notice a person on a bike wearing one.
I choose the Techno Mask because it filters out hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide, lead oxide, and smoke, as well as sub-micron particulates including pollen dust, rapeseed dust and other irritants. The other masks filter either the Hydrocarbons and smoke, or sub-micron particulates.
To me this means it either filters out allergins (I have no idea what a rapeseed dust is but it sounds bad) or it filters auto exaust and smoke (Hydrocarbons and sulphur dioxide) The mask I got covers both.
The mask feels a little weird and I have run into a problem when I put on my hat, or helmet, and my glasses. So there is a little adjustment to happen. The mask comes in two sizes, large and medium. I got the medium.
Like wearing glasses for the first time, I did notice some slight iratation on my nose where the filter touchsed my nose. Other than it worked really well.
I know this comes right at the time of the H1N1 (swine) flu. I am not really worried about that. It is actually the cigarette smoke of the people I run past at Stanley Park, or the Quay. Even when I run by an outdoor restaraunt where the smokers all congrigate.
On a side note, I knew that there was something I needed to do when I ran buy a guy on the boardwalk or exausted a massive of cigar smoke right in my face as I was running by him. This happened just as I was taking in a deep breath, and I not only got his excelled smoke, but I got a nice bit of the smoke right from the cigar itself.
Not one of my best moves ever, I grabbed the cigar and threw it in the river. I didnt say anything to him. I just kept running. I think I left him stunned. So that was the big push to get me to think of a saver way to keep my lungs healthy.
So all in all I recomend this product. It get's a little wet, and it's a little hard to get a drink while wearing it, and I found it hard to blow my nose. Nothing that I couldnt get used to.
The only question I have now is, How long do the filters last?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thrive Diet by Brendan Brazier
I woke up this morning and went out and bought a whole bunch of ingredients for The Thrive Diet book recipes by Brendan Brazier. 
So I am sitting here now looking at a bag of Organic Hulled Hemp Seed, Stone-ground light buckwheat flour, Raw Pumpkin seed, Hulled Sunflower Seed and Organic Amaranth Grain.
Tomorrow I am going to make my first Almond Flaxseed Burger, the recipe looks intriguing and fairly simple. It consists of:
-2 cloves garlic
-1 cup almonds
-1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed (I have flaxseed and with grind it myself)
-2 tlbsp coconut oil, hemp oil, or EFA Oil Blend. (I could not find hemp oil. So I got some UDO’s Choice Oil it has Flaxseed, sunflower, sesame seed, coconut, evening primrose seed, rice germ, soy, oat germ and bran oil.
So I take all of this and I put it into my handy dandy food processor. I have the option of eating it raw or frying it in some coconut oil. I am going to fry it I think. I don’t think I am ready for it to be uncooked. Just me though. I will pick some of the healthiest buns I can find, probably flax seed. I'll use some homemade tomato sauce, lettuce and I think some salad to go with it.
On my way home, today, I forgot the buns. I will wait until tomorrow to make it. Mandy and I are going to look at a few old churches in Vancouver on our date day tomorrow, then we will stop off at Capers or Whole Foods and get the rest of the ingredients. When we get home we will make the burgers and the Garlic Oregano Yam Oven Fries. Recipes that are also from the Thrive Diet book.
It was interesting going into the health food store and picking all this stuff up. I went to the Real Canadian Super Store but couldn't find a few things like the Arame, or Hemp Flour.
Some of the energy bars in the book look good and fairly simple to make. I have tried a few of the Vega Whole Food Energy Bars. Let me tell you they are really good. When I worked at the Running Room I had a chance to try the different brands of energy bars with Cliff Bars and Power Bar being the most popular. Trying the Vega Whole Food Energy Bars was a bit of a surprise. They are not nearly as thick and hard to bite. It had a light feeling, but yet I felt full after eating it. The taste was not that typical “chemical” taste that most bars try to hide with the intense addition of “friendly” flavours. It tasted more like well, fruit and nuts.
Kind of like that fruit and nut basket you got on your trip to a tropical country. You get all those great nuts and fruits that are imported here. You know what I mean? That bag of nuts you find that you buy and smuggle through customs because you are not going to pay $14.00 a pound for them. Even if you find them they sure are not going to be fresh.
Anyway that is what the bars taste like. I have tried the chocolate flavoured one and really enjoyed its non overwhelming taste.
So for now I am really impressed with the Vega bars. Not only does the food just taste less processed, it doesn’t stick inside you. I don’t know how else to say it. I am wondering if the ones I make from the recipe's will taste as well. I will keep you updated.
I am finding this whole Ironman journey a fun one. The training, the eating, trying to find the food can be a little frustrating and it sure isn't inexpensive. However there is a sense that you are doing good. You are being “proper”. I have no intention in turning into that all hemp wearing, save the animals, crusader of the plants vegan. I just have a sense that I am adding to my health, that I making a contribution. It may be small, but it’s my contribution.
The more I do this the more I will expect myself to not only feel better, but I will be able to train a little harder, get sick a little less, look a little healthier. After all, isn’t that what it is all about? We start by making small choices that lead to larger goals, that lead to bigger changes, that lead to a more enriched existence. Oh my god what is happening to me!!!
I also picked up the new Vega Sports Natural Plant-Based Performance Optimizer (that is what they call it) I tried a couple of the smaller one cup options. I needed to replace my regular sports drink and I thought I would try them out.
They are similar in there lightness to the other Vega products. Not overwhelming in flavour. I often found myself watering down my Gatorade, E-load, Ultima, or Gu. I mean when you are out on your bike for hours and hours, or running for what sometimes seems like forever. I don't want to be overwhelmed by chemicals. I need the nutrients, I need to replenish the fluids. I get it. I just want something to taste good. The best I found before the Vega was the Ultima. Gatorade was too overpowering, E-load to chemically, and Gu was exactly that, Gu.
Once again I am extremely impressed with Vega. I don't know if it's the ingredients (well I guess it must be the ingredients) or the lack of noticeable artificial ingredients. When you read the ingredients there are things like spouted whole grain brown rice, organic palm nectar,organic spinach, etc. You wind up with a drink that tastes well, good. Never overwhelming, never chemically, never thick, or Gu-ey.
I think I have found my new sports drink! Try it. http://sequelnaturals.com/vega I have yet to try the Antioxidant EFA I think that's next.
So I am sitting here now looking at a bag of Organic Hulled Hemp Seed, Stone-ground light buckwheat flour, Raw Pumpkin seed, Hulled Sunflower Seed and Organic Amaranth Grain.
Tomorrow I am going to make my first Almond Flaxseed Burger, the recipe looks intriguing and fairly simple. It consists of:
-2 cloves garlic
-1 cup almonds
-1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed (I have flaxseed and with grind it myself)
-2 tlbsp coconut oil, hemp oil, or EFA Oil Blend. (I could not find hemp oil. So I got some UDO’s Choice Oil it has Flaxseed, sunflower, sesame seed, coconut, evening primrose seed, rice germ, soy, oat germ and bran oil.
So I take all of this and I put it into my handy dandy food processor. I have the option of eating it raw or frying it in some coconut oil. I am going to fry it I think. I don’t think I am ready for it to be uncooked. Just me though. I will pick some of the healthiest buns I can find, probably flax seed. I'll use some homemade tomato sauce, lettuce and I think some salad to go with it.
On my way home, today, I forgot the buns. I will wait until tomorrow to make it. Mandy and I are going to look at a few old churches in Vancouver on our date day tomorrow, then we will stop off at Capers or Whole Foods and get the rest of the ingredients. When we get home we will make the burgers and the Garlic Oregano Yam Oven Fries. Recipes that are also from the Thrive Diet book.
It was interesting going into the health food store and picking all this stuff up. I went to the Real Canadian Super Store but couldn't find a few things like the Arame, or Hemp Flour.
Some of the energy bars in the book look good and fairly simple to make. I have tried a few of the Vega Whole Food Energy Bars. Let me tell you they are really good. When I worked at the Running Room I had a chance to try the different brands of energy bars with Cliff Bars and Power Bar being the most popular. Trying the Vega Whole Food Energy Bars was a bit of a surprise. They are not nearly as thick and hard to bite. It had a light feeling, but yet I felt full after eating it. The taste was not that typical “chemical” taste that most bars try to hide with the intense addition of “friendly” flavours. It tasted more like well, fruit and nuts.
Kind of like that fruit and nut basket you got on your trip to a tropical country. You get all those great nuts and fruits that are imported here. You know what I mean? That bag of nuts you find that you buy and smuggle through customs because you are not going to pay $14.00 a pound for them. Even if you find them they sure are not going to be fresh.
Anyway that is what the bars taste like. I have tried the chocolate flavoured one and really enjoyed its non overwhelming taste.
So for now I am really impressed with the Vega bars. Not only does the food just taste less processed, it doesn’t stick inside you. I don’t know how else to say it. I am wondering if the ones I make from the recipe's will taste as well. I will keep you updated.
I am finding this whole Ironman journey a fun one. The training, the eating, trying to find the food can be a little frustrating and it sure isn't inexpensive. However there is a sense that you are doing good. You are being “proper”. I have no intention in turning into that all hemp wearing, save the animals, crusader of the plants vegan. I just have a sense that I am adding to my health, that I making a contribution. It may be small, but it’s my contribution.
The more I do this the more I will expect myself to not only feel better, but I will be able to train a little harder, get sick a little less, look a little healthier. After all, isn’t that what it is all about? We start by making small choices that lead to larger goals, that lead to bigger changes, that lead to a more enriched existence. Oh my god what is happening to me!!!
I also picked up the new Vega Sports Natural Plant-Based Performance Optimizer (that is what they call it) I tried a couple of the smaller one cup options. I needed to replace my regular sports drink and I thought I would try them out.
They are similar in there lightness to the other Vega products. Not overwhelming in flavour. I often found myself watering down my Gatorade, E-load, Ultima, or Gu. I mean when you are out on your bike for hours and hours, or running for what sometimes seems like forever. I don't want to be overwhelmed by chemicals. I need the nutrients, I need to replenish the fluids. I get it. I just want something to taste good. The best I found before the Vega was the Ultima. Gatorade was too overpowering, E-load to chemically, and Gu was exactly that, Gu.
Once again I am extremely impressed with Vega. I don't know if it's the ingredients (well I guess it must be the ingredients) or the lack of noticeable artificial ingredients. When you read the ingredients there are things like spouted whole grain brown rice, organic palm nectar,organic spinach, etc. You wind up with a drink that tastes well, good. Never overwhelming, never chemically, never thick, or Gu-ey.
I think I have found my new sports drink! Try it. http://sequelnaturals.com/vega I have yet to try the Antioxidant EFA I think that's next.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Rocket Science Sports Elite Bag
In November of 2006 I ordered my first Triathlon specific back pack from Rocket Science sports. This pack saw me through my first Triathlon in Vancouver. It has been with me on my never ending bike rides, my runs to work and trips to the pool. This is a go anywhere, do anything bag.
I have also purchased the Laptop case that goes into the backpack.
"So what?" you say, "it's just a backpack." Well hold on for a minute. Have you ever gone for a jog over an hour or two with a backpack? Let me just say that chaffing becomes a huge issue. This pack is designed to ergonomically connect to your body in perfect symmetry.
Here is how my day will go. I put on my running clothes and I pack my work clothes and shoes into my backpack. Then I add three meals (hey I am training for Ironman) my wallet, my cell phone, a towel, and my MP3 player. Sometimes even a book or whatever else I need in the day plops into this bag. I run to work and then I get changed. I put my dirty running clothes into the water proof area of the bag, and then I work.
On bike days, it is similar. I also used to run or bike to school. I could carry my books, my laptop, and a change of clothes. This bag also has a transition mat in it. So on race day it carries your swim suit, your bike, your running shoes, your gel shots, everything you need for the day. There is a really good review of the backpack here http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=820 It was this review that got me to purchase the bag in the first place.
I have been brutal to this backpack. I mean I used it when I was taking my carpentry course, filling it with easily 10-15 pounds of book weight. This thing has taken a beating. The quality of the material, the stitching, even the zippers speak of something that was put together with good old fashioned hard work, and commitment to quality.
The bags are not inexpensive, I ordered it from the website and on last lookup the elite bag was $139.99 USD. There is a new bag that I am interested in trying: the Rocket Bag which goes for $179.99
Just a side note too, the water bottles they sell are really cool. They are designed like golf balls, so that air flows over them. The whole bag inside and out is nothing but good quality. I have killed mine, but I still use it every day. I have now stitched some fabric on the shoulder strap to help me get some more life out of it.
Why is this sport so expensive? The gear, the bike, the shoes, the training, the backpacks, the swim suit, the hotel, the travel time, so much money!! Why am I doing this again? Because I can!
I have also purchased the Laptop case that goes into the backpack.
"So what?" you say, "it's just a backpack." Well hold on for a minute. Have you ever gone for a jog over an hour or two with a backpack? Let me just say that chaffing becomes a huge issue. This pack is designed to ergonomically connect to your body in perfect symmetry.
Here is how my day will go. I put on my running clothes and I pack my work clothes and shoes into my backpack. Then I add three meals (hey I am training for Ironman) my wallet, my cell phone, a towel, and my MP3 player. Sometimes even a book or whatever else I need in the day plops into this bag. I run to work and then I get changed. I put my dirty running clothes into the water proof area of the bag, and then I work.
On bike days, it is similar. I also used to run or bike to school. I could carry my books, my laptop, and a change of clothes. This bag also has a transition mat in it. So on race day it carries your swim suit, your bike, your running shoes, your gel shots, everything you need for the day. There is a really good review of the backpack here http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=820 It was this review that got me to purchase the bag in the first place.
I have been brutal to this backpack. I mean I used it when I was taking my carpentry course, filling it with easily 10-15 pounds of book weight. This thing has taken a beating. The quality of the material, the stitching, even the zippers speak of something that was put together with good old fashioned hard work, and commitment to quality.
The bags are not inexpensive, I ordered it from the website and on last lookup the elite bag was $139.99 USD. There is a new bag that I am interested in trying: the Rocket Bag which goes for $179.99
Just a side note too, the water bottles they sell are really cool. They are designed like golf balls, so that air flows over them. The whole bag inside and out is nothing but good quality. I have killed mine, but I still use it every day. I have now stitched some fabric on the shoulder strap to help me get some more life out of it.
Why is this sport so expensive? The gear, the bike, the shoes, the training, the backpacks, the swim suit, the hotel, the travel time, so much money!! Why am I doing this again? Because I can!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Vega Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer
First let me state that I am not a Vegan, I am not a Vegetarian, I do eat seafood, and I do eat the occasional meat. That being said I am in love with all things Vega
I am a pretty healthy guy, I watch what I eat, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I try to make sure I get healthy whole food ingredients. I am not one for fast food, or processed food. I have grown my own wheat grass, I have used acai berry's. I try to avoid flour as much as possible. I prefer flax seed, I spend time making sure I check ingredients.(I do of course have the same cravings at others; I just try to make healthy choices)
I have a Vita-Mix machine
I use this in the morning. I add fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein. One day we ran out of the usual protein we used. The Green Plus I think, I can't remember. So I am at the health food store next to where I work and I see the Vega brand. I ask the employee and she informs me about the product and I figure I will add this to our juice in the morning.
As Vega has gotten bigger, I started to hear more. I also started to see some other products come out. The whole food bars, the Vega Whole Food Smoothie Infusion.
I tried one of the bars one day
I really enjoyed not only the flavour but also the results. I was full. Now I am a pretty healthy guy, I like healthy food, I like the least amount of chemicals, and processes possible.
The more I try this product, the more I like it. I am really interested in the Vega Sport
I tried a couple of the small packages and I think this will be my sport drink from now on. I have tried e Load, Gatorade, Ultima. I don't like Gatorade, I liked e Load but then a friend (where are you Julian) recommended Ultima and I really liked that. It was pleasant, not to overwhelming and full of lots of good stuff. I tried two individual packs of the Vega Sport and I am now in love with them.
I am not willing to say I am converting to a Vegan, but I am willing to say that as a person who is conscious of what he eats, who is very physically active. I am extremely impressed with Vega. I am going to continue with the Whole Food Health Optimizer in my juice. There is also a smoothie infusion that I will try; the sports drink will be my next purchase.
I don't have allot of money as a person with disability, my ability to work full time is compromised as my cognitive skills are reduced. I think though, I will be purchasing allot of Vega products from now on. I am very impressed. I will update you on the sports drink and the smoothie infusion when I have enough money to purchase.
This is another item in my arsenal to complete my first Ironman.
I am a pretty healthy guy, I watch what I eat, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I try to make sure I get healthy whole food ingredients. I am not one for fast food, or processed food. I have grown my own wheat grass, I have used acai berry's. I try to avoid flour as much as possible. I prefer flax seed, I spend time making sure I check ingredients.(I do of course have the same cravings at others; I just try to make healthy choices)
I have a Vita-Mix machine
I use this in the morning. I add fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein. One day we ran out of the usual protein we used. The Green Plus I think, I can't remember. So I am at the health food store next to where I work and I see the Vega brand. I ask the employee and she informs me about the product and I figure I will add this to our juice in the morning.
As Vega has gotten bigger, I started to hear more. I also started to see some other products come out. The whole food bars, the Vega Whole Food Smoothie Infusion.
I tried one of the bars one day
I really enjoyed not only the flavour but also the results. I was full. Now I am a pretty healthy guy, I like healthy food, I like the least amount of chemicals, and processes possible.
The more I try this product, the more I like it. I am really interested in the Vega Sport
I tried a couple of the small packages and I think this will be my sport drink from now on. I have tried e Load, Gatorade, Ultima. I don't like Gatorade, I liked e Load but then a friend (where are you Julian) recommended Ultima and I really liked that. It was pleasant, not to overwhelming and full of lots of good stuff. I tried two individual packs of the Vega Sport and I am now in love with them.
I am not willing to say I am converting to a Vegan, but I am willing to say that as a person who is conscious of what he eats, who is very physically active. I am extremely impressed with Vega. I am going to continue with the Whole Food Health Optimizer in my juice. There is also a smoothie infusion that I will try; the sports drink will be my next purchase.
I don't have allot of money as a person with disability, my ability to work full time is compromised as my cognitive skills are reduced. I think though, I will be purchasing allot of Vega products from now on. I am very impressed. I will update you on the sports drink and the smoothie infusion when I have enough money to purchase.
This is another item in my arsenal to complete my first Ironman.
7SYSTEMS Endurance Sport Supplement Review
So I got my order from 7Systems today. I sent my order less than 48 hours ago, and I got the containers today, super fast!! Let me also state that from my first contact on the website http://www.7systems.ca/ to the email responses on my inquiry solidified my opinion: what a first rate company.
From the start these people are very passionate about their product. Every step I have taken with them provided a great feeling and strong sense of belief in their product. I like that. You never feel pressured; they let their product speak for itself. "We do not pay, and have never paid anyone to use/promote our product - and to be honest we do not have to."
That and the next day delivery, plus my own research on the supplements were enough to get me to try the product.
Over the next three months, I am going to report my experience with 7SYSTEMS. So far it's a good start.
My container arrived today and is nicely packaged, when you open it up, every supplement you need for the day is placed into individual pouches. No more opening up the multitude of individual supplements, vitamins, extracts, and all the other pills I usually have out.
<-- This is what I used to use. This is what I use now ---------------^
Now this review is not going to be on the science, the testing, and the quality of the ingredients. You can find all that here http://www.7systems.ca/?page_id=10
I am going to tell you how they help a guy that is 36 years old get to his first Ironman. I am not an athlete, I am just a guy who almost died and that freaked him out. So despite my disability, I decided to push the boundaries of what I thought was possible for me. Even though I face more challenges now than I did before my accident, I do more, I try harder, and I achieve things I never thought I would ever do.
That is the point of this blog; it's not so much about the Ironman as it is about the road to get there, the challenges, the setbacks, the successes and all the ingredients it takes to get there smart. I want to get there healthy and whole. I don't want to blindly push myself physically and mentally. I want a strong plan of attack.
7SYSTEMS is part of the team of support that is essential for me to get there on my terms. So continue to read as I let you know how 7SYSTEMS endurance sport supplement help me get there
Because you can do this too.
From the start these people are very passionate about their product. Every step I have taken with them provided a great feeling and strong sense of belief in their product. I like that. You never feel pressured; they let their product speak for itself. "We do not pay, and have never paid anyone to use/promote our product - and to be honest we do not have to."
That and the next day delivery, plus my own research on the supplements were enough to get me to try the product.
Over the next three months, I am going to report my experience with 7SYSTEMS. So far it's a good start.
My container arrived today and is nicely packaged, when you open it up, every supplement you need for the day is placed into individual pouches. No more opening up the multitude of individual supplements, vitamins, extracts, and all the other pills I usually have out.
<-- This is what I used to use. This is what I use now ---------------^
Now this review is not going to be on the science, the testing, and the quality of the ingredients. You can find all that here http://www.7systems.ca/?page_id=10
I am going to tell you how they help a guy that is 36 years old get to his first Ironman. I am not an athlete, I am just a guy who almost died and that freaked him out. So despite my disability, I decided to push the boundaries of what I thought was possible for me. Even though I face more challenges now than I did before my accident, I do more, I try harder, and I achieve things I never thought I would ever do.
That is the point of this blog; it's not so much about the Ironman as it is about the road to get there, the challenges, the setbacks, the successes and all the ingredients it takes to get there smart. I want to get there healthy and whole. I don't want to blindly push myself physically and mentally. I want a strong plan of attack.
7SYSTEMS is part of the team of support that is essential for me to get there on my terms. So continue to read as I let you know how 7SYSTEMS endurance sport supplement help me get there
Because you can do this too.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Technology and Ironman Training for TBI Survivor
As a result of my brain injury I don't make new memories. I have talked at length about the aspects of my disability here http://temporallobeblog.blogspot.com/ so without going to depth of the disability on this blog, I wanted to shed light on how much I require technology to accomplish the Ironman.
As anyone who trains for Ironman knows it is not so much the actual event itself that is hard (I am not saying it's not hard). It is the training alone, the whole live style of the event that is the difficult part.
It changes your whole life. Everything becomes subject to what workout you have, how long you will be working out, running, swimming, or biking. You schedule everything around work and workouts.
If someone wants to go to a movie, or you have a dinner planned, or some one's birthday. The first thing in my mind is "how long of a workout do I have that day"? "Will I be tired, will I be sore"?
How can I move things around and juggle everything so I have time with friends and family and still feel good about the amount of training I have done.
You add my inability to filter events in my head. I see every event as the same priority, eating, running, work, walking to the bus. They all register in my cortex as the same importance. When I need to remember Mandy's and my anniversary, my brain registers that as the same importance as catching the bus. Everything is over stimulated and I see every impulse at the level of importance.
The same way you know not to walk in front of a moving car, I plan my grocery list.
So trying to plan my planning is very difficult. What is important, what can be moved?
So I have a great coach at Training Bible Coaching her name is Carla Hastert http://www.trainingbible.com/findACoach_detail.aspx?id=1900
Basically Carla plans my workouts. I have supplied her with my Vo2 max information I got from Training Peaks when I trained for my first Triathlon (Olympic Distance) she gets to know me over the first couple of weeks.
With Carla and the Training Bible website http://www.trainingbible.com/index.aspx I am able to know what to do tomorrow. I.e.
Workout Description:
Bike - 3 hours see break up below
Comments from Workout Planner:
EACH hour do the following: 15 min super easy spin, work on cadence a little higher than you’re used to. THEN 15 min climb in your hardest gear, stand for 1 min every 5 min within the interval. Then do 6 x 2 min @ a hard effort, RPMS 85-100, HR high and breathing becoming laboured. Spin EASY for 2 min between each one. THEN start again (2 more times)
So that is pretty amazing. I can get world class Ironman training but expert trainers. I can look at the schedule and see what I have to do. I go and do it, and it's all good.
It doesn't stop there though. I can take the Training week that is prepared by Carla and I can add it to my Outlook Calendar. So I can schedule my workouts with my work schedule, my personal schedule and I can see if it conflicts with anything.
It doesn't stop there though; I can also take my calendar and put it on my smart phone. My HTC S621
So I can now find out what workout I have. I can find out the specifics of the workout, I can then head out.
I also have this great Blue tooth headset that goes with my HTC Smart phone.
So I can run and bike and listen to music (of course I never listen to music while biking) and if I get a phone call I can answer it without using my hands. I can also place calls without having to touch my phone.
So with a trainer online, and my Vista PC, with Outlook 2009 I can know what I need to do in order to get ready for the Ironman.
Those things alone are pretty cool. I mean if you take it all in this means that I can wake up tomorrow. I know what workout to do, I know what my work schedule is, I know if I have a Massage appt, or if I am teaching my running clinic. All in one quick look at my phone, or PC.
Now let's take a look at the Garmin Devices I have. I have a Garmin Edge 705
I also have a Garmin Forerunner 405
I can add some pretty crazy workouts, from fartleks, to Heart Rate workouts, to simple workouts with just time. With my Edge 705 I also have Turn by Turn maps for North America.
You see I forget where I am, where I am going, and how to get back. So I now have a way to not only direct my way, but how to get back home. My family also feels more confident when I go out as they can call me, and I can tell them where I am. If I get lost I can just press a couple of buttons and direct myself back home.
-There is a new Garmin
This Garmin Forerunner 310XT is the first Garmin you can take in the pool or ocean. For someone like me that is such a plus, right now I have to use a Timex and try to hear it under water. This is my future purchase. I just purchased the Forerunner 405 and the Edge 705 with Maps. I am so broke it's not funny. (please click on my adds ;')) I see my next Garmin in the future. Well after the student loans are paid off, we have a house, etc, etc......-
Without my Microsoft Vista Computer, my Windows Mobile Smartphone, my Motorola Bluetooth Headset, and my Edge 705 and my Forerunner 405, and my Training Peaks website and of course my incredible trainer Carla. I would be sitting at home probably not even dreaming of doing an Ironman.
As anyone who trains for Ironman knows it is not so much the actual event itself that is hard (I am not saying it's not hard). It is the training alone, the whole live style of the event that is the difficult part.
It changes your whole life. Everything becomes subject to what workout you have, how long you will be working out, running, swimming, or biking. You schedule everything around work and workouts.
If someone wants to go to a movie, or you have a dinner planned, or some one's birthday. The first thing in my mind is "how long of a workout do I have that day"? "Will I be tired, will I be sore"?
How can I move things around and juggle everything so I have time with friends and family and still feel good about the amount of training I have done.
You add my inability to filter events in my head. I see every event as the same priority, eating, running, work, walking to the bus. They all register in my cortex as the same importance. When I need to remember Mandy's and my anniversary, my brain registers that as the same importance as catching the bus. Everything is over stimulated and I see every impulse at the level of importance.
The same way you know not to walk in front of a moving car, I plan my grocery list.
So trying to plan my planning is very difficult. What is important, what can be moved?
So I have a great coach at Training Bible Coaching her name is Carla Hastert http://www.trainingbible.com/findACoach_detail.aspx?id=1900
Basically Carla plans my workouts. I have supplied her with my Vo2 max information I got from Training Peaks when I trained for my first Triathlon (Olympic Distance) she gets to know me over the first couple of weeks.
With Carla and the Training Bible website http://www.trainingbible.com/index.aspx I am able to know what to do tomorrow. I.e.
Workout Description:
Bike - 3 hours see break up below
Comments from Workout Planner:
EACH hour do the following: 15 min super easy spin, work on cadence a little higher than you’re used to. THEN 15 min climb in your hardest gear, stand for 1 min every 5 min within the interval. Then do 6 x 2 min @ a hard effort, RPMS 85-100, HR high and breathing becoming laboured. Spin EASY for 2 min between each one. THEN start again (2 more times)
So that is pretty amazing. I can get world class Ironman training but expert trainers. I can look at the schedule and see what I have to do. I go and do it, and it's all good.
It doesn't stop there though. I can take the Training week that is prepared by Carla and I can add it to my Outlook Calendar. So I can schedule my workouts with my work schedule, my personal schedule and I can see if it conflicts with anything.
It doesn't stop there though; I can also take my calendar and put it on my smart phone. My HTC S621
So I can now find out what workout I have. I can find out the specifics of the workout, I can then head out.
I also have this great Blue tooth headset that goes with my HTC Smart phone.
So I can run and bike and listen to music (of course I never listen to music while biking) and if I get a phone call I can answer it without using my hands. I can also place calls without having to touch my phone.
So with a trainer online, and my Vista PC, with Outlook 2009 I can know what I need to do in order to get ready for the Ironman.
Those things alone are pretty cool. I mean if you take it all in this means that I can wake up tomorrow. I know what workout to do, I know what my work schedule is, I know if I have a Massage appt, or if I am teaching my running clinic. All in one quick look at my phone, or PC.
Now let's take a look at the Garmin Devices I have. I have a Garmin Edge 705
I also have a Garmin Forerunner 405
I can add some pretty crazy workouts, from fartleks, to Heart Rate workouts, to simple workouts with just time. With my Edge 705 I also have Turn by Turn maps for North America.
You see I forget where I am, where I am going, and how to get back. So I now have a way to not only direct my way, but how to get back home. My family also feels more confident when I go out as they can call me, and I can tell them where I am. If I get lost I can just press a couple of buttons and direct myself back home.
-There is a new Garmin
This Garmin Forerunner 310XT is the first Garmin you can take in the pool or ocean. For someone like me that is such a plus, right now I have to use a Timex and try to hear it under water. This is my future purchase. I just purchased the Forerunner 405 and the Edge 705 with Maps. I am so broke it's not funny. (please click on my adds ;')) I see my next Garmin in the future. Well after the student loans are paid off, we have a house, etc, etc......-
Without my Microsoft Vista Computer, my Windows Mobile Smartphone, my Motorola Bluetooth Headset, and my Edge 705 and my Forerunner 405, and my Training Peaks website and of course my incredible trainer Carla. I would be sitting at home probably not even dreaming of doing an Ironman.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Knee Injury and Ironman Training
So about a week or two ago I was on my bike. I noticed my right knee was hurting when I pulling up on my pedal stroke. It started about an hour into the bike, but I biked through it. It wasn’t a short stabbing pain. It was more like a deep ache.
I did my stretches at the end of the bike. Next day was a 1hour and 20 minute run. My knee started to hurt again, about 40 minutes into the run. The pain was a little stronger and it took longer to go away.
When I stopped at a cross walk, or waited for the light to change so I could cross the street. I was punching my knee with my fist. I don't know why, but it seemed to alleviate the pain a little bit. Again this pain wasn’t enough to stop, but it was definitely noticeable.
I had gone through an IT Band injury when I trained for the Chicago Marathon. So I knew to seek help right away. I can't afford to the time to stop training. I also know that the sooner I fix it, the less I will hurt and the sooner I will recover.
So I went to my Sports masseuse Wylie (see earlier post's) and she worked my leg and knee.
I have also added some more stretches, and will be looking at some weights or other exercises I can do to strengthen whatever it is that is going wrong.
I have good shoes, I have a great bike, I am aware of my posture. I stretch like crazy. I figure I am going to increase the strength training and make it more specific for the knee.
I am a little concerned that the knee is just symptom of something else. I mean I have had a whole world of surgeries, from my skull, to my first rib being removed. I have been hit cars; I have been in a few fights. Most of which I lost ;') so in my earlier years (before the TBI) I was rough on my body.
This is causing me allot in physio, massage, acupuncture, etc.
Anyone else run into knee injuries while training? Isn’t it weird that it was the biking that first started to hurt?
I did my stretches at the end of the bike. Next day was a 1hour and 20 minute run. My knee started to hurt again, about 40 minutes into the run. The pain was a little stronger and it took longer to go away.
When I stopped at a cross walk, or waited for the light to change so I could cross the street. I was punching my knee with my fist. I don't know why, but it seemed to alleviate the pain a little bit. Again this pain wasn’t enough to stop, but it was definitely noticeable.
I had gone through an IT Band injury when I trained for the Chicago Marathon. So I knew to seek help right away. I can't afford to the time to stop training. I also know that the sooner I fix it, the less I will hurt and the sooner I will recover.
So I went to my Sports masseuse Wylie (see earlier post's) and she worked my leg and knee.
I have also added some more stretches, and will be looking at some weights or other exercises I can do to strengthen whatever it is that is going wrong.
I have good shoes, I have a great bike, I am aware of my posture. I stretch like crazy. I figure I am going to increase the strength training and make it more specific for the knee.
I am a little concerned that the knee is just symptom of something else. I mean I have had a whole world of surgeries, from my skull, to my first rib being removed. I have been hit cars; I have been in a few fights. Most of which I lost ;') so in my earlier years (before the TBI) I was rough on my body.
This is causing me allot in physio, massage, acupuncture, etc.
Anyone else run into knee injuries while training? Isn’t it weird that it was the biking that first started to hurt?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Massage for Triathletes
How do you know you are really into training? You get excited when people get you sports massage sessions as a gift. My mother in law got me a whole bunch of sessions with Dr. Wylie Guo, R.AC. check out her credentials
Therapeutic massage (Tui Na)
Deep tissue massage (body & foot)
Acupuncturist.
She is about 5'2 and maybe 90lbs, but she can make a grown man cry. She is so strong, she just digs in so deep.
When I was on the Cruise ship in Hawaii I had a massage. The lady, sorry the "masseuse" was so soft. I had to check to make sure she actually touching me.
Wylie is not for the light hearted. However she is able to get to those deep areas that no one else can fine. While I am a little bruised, I can still feel the depth that she got to.
My right knee has bugged since I started running distances above about 20kl. I can run for an hour, hour and half, then it starts to hurt. Just a little at first. Only while I run. By the time I stretch and cool down, it has gone away.
The next run it starts to hurt a little sooner, lasts a little longer, and hurts a little deeper. Doesn't go away as fast.
The next run it hurts when I start, I start to loath steps, or sidewalk, or running down hills. As long as I am straight and flat I can run forever.
It took me a long time to get over the injury. I don't know if it was IT Band issue or what, but when I keep the distances shorter, I am OK.
What is weird is when I trained for the Vancouver Triathlon in 08 my knee didn't bug me. This time however, my knee started to bug me while biking. Then it trickled over to the run, then it hurt to just walk around. So I had a few days of rest and intense deep tissue beat down.
Truly if you ever want a truly deep massage, or serous acupuncture email me (or respond to this blog) and I will pass along Wylie's #. Truly a miracle worker.
Therapeutic massage (Tui Na)
Deep tissue massage (body & foot)
Acupuncturist.
She is about 5'2 and maybe 90lbs, but she can make a grown man cry. She is so strong, she just digs in so deep.
When I was on the Cruise ship in Hawaii I had a massage. The lady, sorry the "masseuse" was so soft. I had to check to make sure she actually touching me.
Wylie is not for the light hearted. However she is able to get to those deep areas that no one else can fine. While I am a little bruised, I can still feel the depth that she got to.
My right knee has bugged since I started running distances above about 20kl. I can run for an hour, hour and half, then it starts to hurt. Just a little at first. Only while I run. By the time I stretch and cool down, it has gone away.
The next run it starts to hurt a little sooner, lasts a little longer, and hurts a little deeper. Doesn't go away as fast.
The next run it hurts when I start, I start to loath steps, or sidewalk, or running down hills. As long as I am straight and flat I can run forever.
It took me a long time to get over the injury. I don't know if it was IT Band issue or what, but when I keep the distances shorter, I am OK.
What is weird is when I trained for the Vancouver Triathlon in 08 my knee didn't bug me. This time however, my knee started to bug me while biking. Then it trickled over to the run, then it hurt to just walk around. So I had a few days of rest and intense deep tissue beat down.
Truly if you ever want a truly deep massage, or serous acupuncture email me (or respond to this blog) and I will pass along Wylie's #. Truly a miracle worker.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Canada Games Pool Triathlon Training
So I got my swim in today. I head to the Canada Games Pool in Burnaby after work. It's a huge pool. It was built the same year I was born 1972 and in 1973 it was used for the Canadian Summer Games. So it has lots of room, it still get's crowded, but if you go in the morning the pool leangths are at 50m and during busy times it is cut in half to 25m.
One of the issues I have run into when training is remembering what lap I am on. With running and biking I have my Garmin. I can plan a work out, I can plan out my distances, my reps, what heart rate zone I need to be in, how long, what cadence to have, etc. The Edge and the Forerunner are my personal coach.
As soon as I hit the pool however, it is a different story. I don't know what lap I am on, I don't know how long I have done a drill. I have to remember to press the lap button each time. Did I press it last time? Should I add a lap? or take one off? I can't remember. What drill was I on?
So I have looked for a Garmin like watch for swimming, but there really isn't one. So my Training Bible Super coach Cheryl Hart has come up with a new plan. Do go by time instead of laps, or drills. So I am now setting my watch for various times.
Today was 4 reps of 15 minutes. With a minute rest at the end of each 15 minutes. Basically taking 10 & 1's from running, and putting it into swimming. This may not be for everyone, but I am just looking to finish my first Ironman. It seems to be working. I mean, I swim ok and occasionally I get some free tips from other swimmers.
So far this seems to be working. I skipped the gym because I got to the pool late. So I did some situps and pushups at home. Then I stretched, made lunch, got ready for tomorrow. It's 10:53pm, time for bed, I am running to work tomorrow.
One of the issues I have run into when training is remembering what lap I am on. With running and biking I have my Garmin. I can plan a work out, I can plan out my distances, my reps, what heart rate zone I need to be in, how long, what cadence to have, etc. The Edge and the Forerunner are my personal coach.
As soon as I hit the pool however, it is a different story. I don't know what lap I am on, I don't know how long I have done a drill. I have to remember to press the lap button each time. Did I press it last time? Should I add a lap? or take one off? I can't remember. What drill was I on?
So I have looked for a Garmin like watch for swimming, but there really isn't one. So my Training Bible Super coach Cheryl Hart has come up with a new plan. Do go by time instead of laps, or drills. So I am now setting my watch for various times.
Today was 4 reps of 15 minutes. With a minute rest at the end of each 15 minutes. Basically taking 10 & 1's from running, and putting it into swimming. This may not be for everyone, but I am just looking to finish my first Ironman. It seems to be working. I mean, I swim ok and occasionally I get some free tips from other swimmers.
So far this seems to be working. I skipped the gym because I got to the pool late. So I did some situps and pushups at home. Then I stretched, made lunch, got ready for tomorrow. It's 10:53pm, time for bed, I am running to work tomorrow.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Uploading from Garmin Connect to my blog
Check out the widget on the right hand side. I can explain how it works, but just check out this link and add it to your blog. http://anathleteintraining.com/
Super geeky, and super cool. I love it.
Super geeky, and super cool. I love it.
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