Life in 360°

Music

2012-02-03T09:53:00.001-08:00

For those of you who sent me an email or facebook requesting a CD of the top tunes of 2011, I haven't forgotten. I am just back from Mehico... so give me some time to unpack and get organized. Thx.

A full on Mexico post is forthcoming.

Recap Reloaded

2012-01-31T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well after a few emails to blogspot, I still can't understand why my recap text was removed from my own personal blog. The comments still show up in my inbox but the entry text is gone. Thus, I get to write it all over again. And if you don't want to hear it, don't read it. See how simple that is? And if you want to continue with assholery comments, feel free. I am all about free speech as long as it is not offensive or inappropriate.

So as I was saying previously, 2011 was a challenge. I have an alcoholic family member who although has had this issue for decades, he hasn't really been battling the demon. He has, in reality become more like a willing victim of it....if that is possible or if it even makes sense. Anyway, this year there have been several developments which have included counselors, police, lawyers, jail time...etc. You really can't imagine what this disease can do to a family. Talk about making you feel helpless. So as the year ended and the new year began, it has gone from worse to almost hopeless. As a family unit, it is pretty devastating when you are forced to watch someone you love be taken over and taken away from you. My only hope for 2012 is that I get to meet him again for the first time in 20 years. It has been that long since I remember him the way I "want" to remember him. Thanks to all my friends who have been there for me when I needed to chat or needed advice, legal and otherwise. ;) And to those of you who actually asked and gave a shit. It is appreciated.

It is this kind of stuff that puts life into perspective. Focuses the mind on what is important and what you should just toss aside. Problem being, tossing shit whether it be physical, mental, personal or otherwise is pretty hard to do even when you want to do it and you know you would be better off. This is what I mean when I say things like "I feel disconnected" or "unbalanced". And for those reading, just because you don't write about it, it isn't as if you don't have the same periods in your life. It is exactly what life is all about. There isn't a single one of you out there that hasn't lost someone or has similar things happening in your life right now. So instead of hating, try relating. Much less negative.

Thankfully I love my job, even though it is stressful at times. I am grateful for a paycheque so there is no issue on that end. Sports injuries....well they have come and kept coming in 2011. L1 disk hernia, torn achilles...you name it, I survived it. No more injuries. I will prevail mother fuckers!!

Going to focus on health, wealth and family this year. Not necessarily in that order. ;) Will try to take a positive spin on things but no promises. So if you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask (or read). Wishing you all the best for the year of the Dragon.

Life on hold...for at least another week.

2012-01-20T14:07:00.001-08:00

Just noticed...several of my posts have been removed. Not sure why as they didnt break any blogspot rules. I don't want to rewrie them, nor illicit the comments that came with them. But I will if need be. After all, free speech is indeed that regardless of the source.Mexico is awesome. Heat is brutal and I am burnt to a crisp with another week to go. Yeee haaa. Hard to write posts on the iPad so bare with me. More fun news in the coming weeks. Good and bad of course. Got to keep it real.

Best Photo

2012-01-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

How cool is this. National Geo has released its best photo of the year. Check this out. The runners up are linked below.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/01/national_geographic_photograph.html

Best of 2011 - Part II

2012-01-08T05:12:00.001-08:00

Here are the tracks that are not all about the remix. There are a few this year from the same band which is quite surprising. But all in all, still a good list I think. Enjoy.

Someone Like You: Adele
Rolling in the Deep: Adele
If I Die Young: The Band Perry
Not Over You: Gavin Degraw
Stereo Hearts: Gym Class Heroes
Don't You Wanna Stay: Jason Aldean ft. Kelly Clarkson
Cannonball: Little Mix
Not a Love Song: Wonderland
The Flood: Take That
Breakeven: The Script
Jar of Hearts: Christina Perri
Keep Your Head Up: Andy Grammer
Nothing: The Script
For the First Time: The Script
Indestrcutible: Robyn
Hang with Me: Robyn
Heart On My Sleeve: Olly Murs
Set Fire To The Rain: Adele
King of Anything: Sara Barellis

Top Cardio Tunes 2011

2011-12-27T10:53:00.001-08:00

So you've waiting a full year. Thanks for sticking by. Last year's list got 452 views and 5 mail outs. Wonder what this year will bring?

So first up... The top Cardio Workout tracks that will have you moving and grooving. These are MY choices, not off any official listing. You will be able to sample most of these from YouTube so enjoy. Don't forget to leave a comment or email me at Cor1000@yahoo.com if you want a copy.

In no order:

Collide Your Glass (Marc Johnce Mashup) ft. Pink, Leona Lewis and the BEP
Turn Me On (Michael Calfan Remix): David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj
You Make Me Feel (Disco Fries Mix): Cobra Starship
Countdown (Ranny's Big Room Mix): Beyonce
Gimme All Your Love (DrewG & Brian Cua's Dirty Mix): Madonna
Marry The Night (David Jost Twin Remix): Lady Gaga
Sexy and I Know It (Original Mix): LMFAO
We Found Love (R3hab XS Remix): Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
What A Feeling (Dj Lorri Summer Spash Mix): Kelly Rowland
Show Me (Alex Gaudino & Jason Rooney Radio edit): Jessica Sutta
Suavemente: Pitbull & Mohombi
Stereo Hearts (Dillon Francis Mix): Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine
Pumped Up Kicks (Gigamesh Mix): Foster the People
Think About It (7th Heaven Radio Edit): Melanie C
All About Tonight (Alias Radio Edit): Pixie Lott
Fire In Your New Shoes: Kaskade ft. Dragonette
Moves Like Jagger (Brian Cua Mashup): Maroon 5
Party Rock Anthem (Wideboys Radio Edit): LMFAO
Set Fire To The Rain (Moto Blanco Radio Edit): Adele
Put Your Hands Up (Bimbo Jones Radio Edit): Kylie Minogue
Indestructible (A-Trak Radio Edit): Robyn
Fuckin' Perfect (Liam Keegan Radio Edit): Pink
Rolling In The Deep (Keljet Mix): Adele
Born This Way (Liam Keegan Radio Edit): Lady Gaga
Run The World (Dave Aude Radio Edit): Beyonce
Till The World Ends (Liam Keegan Radio Edit): Britney Spears
Right There (Wideboys Radio Edit): Nicole Scherzinger
Price Tag: Jessie J
Love You Like A Love Song (Alias Radio Edit): Selena Gomez
Heartbreak Down (Cahill Full On Radio Edit): Pink
Call Your Girlfriend: Robyn
Without You: David Guetta ft. Usher
All Fired Up (Alias Radio Edit): The Saturdays
Firework (Wideboys Radio Edit): Katy Perry

STAY TUNED FOR MY TOP NON CARDIO TRACKS IN THE COMING DAYS!!!

Paint Purge

2011-12-24T10:37:00.001-08:00

I had too much blue paint mix left from a previous piece. Sooo this is what happens when your bored and creativity takes over.

Good

2011-12-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

Things are good. I am lucky to have what I have, know the people I know, and work in a place I love (most days). This year has been a pretty good year. Some family drama but for the most part, it has been pretty awesome.

Mexico is only a few weeks away and I can't wait. It isn't because I need the break mentally or physically. I have other things in my life that take care of my sanity but it is more for a change of scenery. Will be nice to be in the heat and walk around in shorts and ts for a while.

I will be posting my music lists in the coming weeks so be prepared. I send out several CDs last year with the tunes so if anyone wants one, just let me know.

2012 will bring lots of changes so I am a bit apprehensive already but I am sure I can make it through. I have made it this far. New scenarios, new awakenings, new experiences, new jobs, new everything. I guess that is all a part of growing. Stay tuned...

A Must Watch

2011-12-11T04:56:00.001-08:00

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/6coq

Whenever your feeling down...

2011-11-17T15:25:00.001-08:00

Update - Long time coming

2011-11-17T14:46:00.001-08:00

It's been a while. Sorry about that. Things have been sooo busy but all in a good way. Except for one sad note.

Several weeks ago, an acquaitance of mine was murdered in a local mall. Shot down gangster style. I knew him from the gym where we would work out from time to time and in all the years that I knew him, he was nothing but nice, friendly and kind. Genuine and pretty authentic. Well as the murder investigation continues, it has come to light that he was also a drug dealer, had ties to the Hell's Angels and had deep ties with the mobs in several provinces. Most likely involved in more criminal activity then I would care to think about. Where I am torn is that although I can't ignore his past, I can also not ignore the way "I" perceived his behavior to others. Which was always noble. So I remain conflicted. I am not happy when conflicted. It goes against my black and white persona. ;)

The gym is going great. My gains are becoming evident and the hard work is paying off. I still hate lunges, more than I could ever explain but I still push through them every 3 days. I also get to share my gym pain (and gain a spotter) with my best bud so my increases have doubled. I have skipped past 2 weeks in most of my cycles. It is amazing how much harder you work when you have someone there to lend a small hand.

Mexico is less than 2 months away. Can't wait. Will be nice to get away from it all and just relax. God I hope they have a walk in gym in Mexico. There is no way I am going 3 weeks without working out.

On the painting front, I have had a few ideas for some new pieces but just don't have the funds to pull it all together. Money is too tight so the artistic outlet will have to remain blogging for the time being. Maybe in the new year things will change.

Other than that, life is excellent. I have no complaints and as far as I know, those around me are doing pretty well too. I haven't heard anything that would make me thing otherwise. My bro left for vaca for about 1.5 months. Lucky bastard. I will be in Vancouver in the coming weeks and for the first time, he won't be there. Oh well, thankfully I have other friends who will treat me to dinner. ;)

Inspired

2011-11-06T04:04:00.000-08:00

So as you know, I like taking inspiration from the people around me I am lucky enough to call friends. I think it is important to share the successes of others and let them know that their efforts are making a difference, not only to themselves but to others around them.

In this installment, I bring your attention to Lee. About 9 months ago, Lee was an employee at the Goodlife I go to and someone I saw almost everyday. It was also about 9 months ago that Lee decided he wanted to compete in his very first body building competition. Now keep in mind that Lee had the body we all have. Well normal people anyway. He was a big boy. That certainly changed over the 9 months.

Here is Lee now, after all his training, AND after WINNING first place in his very first competition. Great job buddy. (Lee is in the middle of the group)

Just like the first time

2011-11-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

No matter how often I do my leg routine, it feels like the first time. Hamstrings give out during lunges and border on cramping...quads are shaking like mad doing squats and the best is when you try to walk down the stairs to the water fountain. It is almost worth avoiding the fountain altogether. Almost.

Very cool. Check it out.

2011-10-31T04:10:00.001-07:00

I posted this in FB the other day and figured I would drop it here as well. It is very creative.

Discouraged

2011-10-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sigh. As part of my winter training program, I decided to amp up my workouts by seeking the advice and guidance of a weight lifting pro. As a level 4 trainer he gave me awesome advice, great tips and the promise of a wonderful 7 month program. It was an hour well worth the consultation. My current diet and my workouts lately have nicely prepared me for the goals I have planned for the next 7 months. I reduced my body fat from 28% down to 20% and increased my overall mass by about half an inch. I was able to retain my overall weight of 190 which is pretty good for a short bulky guy. This leaves a goal reduction of 6% bf and an overall weight loss of about 10 pounds. Which turns into a shift of 10 pounds as I would probably weight the same with the added muscle. A redistribution if you will. So excited. Until....

Once the assessment was done and he outlined the program and timeline (which I had already estimated) we began talking about price. That is where everything fell apart. I can't believe what he told me. For a minimum of 7 months, there is a mandatory limit of 48 sessions. At a grand cost of 6000$. Yup, you read that right.

So needless to say, my plans for a mentor were squashed before they even began. It left me feeling a bit tarnished in my opinion of Goodlife. Don't get me wrong, I love my gym, the trainers, the classes...etc. But I realized something. In order to live the goodlife, you need to come from a level of society that has money. And lots of if. In other words, you can't get the benefits of a healthy lifestyle (the maximum benefits) unless you are quite well off. No wonder so many people fail when they try to do this on their own. There really is no alternative.

Let's just hope that I can use the tips he gave me and continue on my own path with some success. But I will always be thinking in the back of my mind, what I could have achieved with the guidance of a pro at my beckon call.

Vanc. A recap...

2011-10-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Just got back from an awesome trip to Vancouver/Whistler. Went primarily to visit friends and the brother but ended up doing so much more. It was one of the best trips thus far.

Bro and partner created this gluten free Thanksgiving feast which was beyond words. Corn bread stuffing? Seriously? Soooo good. Followed by a gluten free chocolate torte cake. I can't even tell you how good that was. Heavy as hell but sooo rich and calorie laden. No complaints though. Boneless stuff turkey with all the potatoe fixin's...how could I ever complain. It is my favorite meal after all. It was great seeing the two of them again and I hope I can return the favor some day when they visit Ottawa.

It was then off to Whistler. Over 30 kms of hiking and fun over the weekend. Awesome. Sure the sun wasn't out but who cares really. It was cool and very comfortable. I took pics but I haven't uploaded them yet. Stay tuned. Funniest part of the hikes came when we crossed a British group of kids who were fascinated with a Raccoon crossing the path. They were taking pictures like crazy while saying "look a beaver, a beaver!!, take a picture hurry!!". It was the funniest thing. I guess they don't have beavers in the UK? Who knows. LOL

The best part of it all was the visit to the Scandinavian Spa. A little sister version of Le Nordic here in Ottawa/Hull, the spa mirrored almost all of the same services. A bit more pricey but I didn't care much. For 90 minutes, I treated myself to a hard massage and then 2 hours in the pools. Boy was I sore the next day. Ow...

And of course, a trip to Vanc would not be complete without lots and lots of tennis. You know it is a good tennis trip when you come home with a hand full of blisters. Awesome. Forehand has still betrayed me but backhand is still the best out there. Had some great rallies and it was fun to see the Stanley Park courts again.

I won't be back in Vanc until the new year. Sigh. That is going to be a hard stretch. Thankfully I have Toronto x 2 and then Mexico in January. Still.....

The Purse Nightmare continues....

2011-10-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

You all know how I feel about purses. They are evil things. Women, in general, wait until the last minute to riffle through them leaving the population behind them waiting in frustration as hell freezes over.

Today it was alllll taken to another level. While in line to the coffee machines (about 8 of us), the lead woman had put her purse on the floor and was kicking it along the line as she got closer to the machines. Once there, she poured her coffee and continued to shuffle down to the cashier. Once there, when asked for her money she felt around her upper body for her purse. Alas it wasn't there. Duh. So she started to panic until someone pointed it out at her feet. She then spend what seemed like 5 minutes thanking this person...all the while the purse was still on the floor and the rest of us waiting. Finally she picked it up and started taking things out of it in order to reach her wallet. At this point I almost walked up to her and poured my coffee in her purse. I was so tempted.

There should be a sign or rules for lines. Be prepared. No tiny wallets in the bottom of luggage sized purses. Cmon!

I have issues...I know. Shut up.

Ow, that does hurt.

2011-10-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked the start of the yoga program I was supposed to start months ago after I hurt my back. I put it on the back burner for a time because the sun was shining and I just couldn't stand being indoors during the summer. Alas, the summer is over and all my activities have now transitioned indoors.

So in 3 days I did 2 yoga classes. Who knew I would sweat so much in yoga? Ya, it was hard. I rocked the balance portion and didn't do too badly on the standing strength poses but once we got to the abs, core, back and hamstrings...things fell apart quickly. There was no real pain...not like I was expecting anyway, but there were lots of spasms and mini cramping. Especially in my lower abs, groin and hamstrings. The day in between was not pleasant at all.

But I will push through. Tonight is a 90 minute class and I will be there with bells on....and a bigger towel.

Still one of my fav commercials

2011-09-30T04:20:00.001-07:00

Transition

2011-09-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

Looks like I will have to make the transition to indoor cycling in the next week or so. Begrudgingly of course. By the time I get home from work/gym etc., it is about 5 or 530. That only leaves a solid hour to ride. Not really enough time other than for a city tour trek here in Ottawa. About an hour ride. The weekends are still open but it seems people are more busy now that ever. The groups are getting smaller and smaller as people are transitioning into fall sports and hanging up their skates and bikes. I hate this time of year for sports.

I pulled a double yesterday and it felt good. I was totally unmotivated on the spin bike but I am sure that will change soon. The music annoyed me but the instructors were good eye candy. At least there is that.

Not much else to report on the surface these days. I had guests in from out of town for the past 2 weeks and I must have put on about 10 pounds. No activities, no exercise...just eating. And more eating. Tried to stay gluten friendly but that didnt' always work. Back on the saddle now. God I hate salads.

What a weekend

2011-09-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

Picked up the nephews early on Saturday morning and headed downtown for the Army Run. 16000 or so crazy people sprinting either a 5k or 21k. Turn out was awesome.

My nephew Connor, participating in his very first event like this pulled in a shocking time. The 17 year old crossed the line in 36th place with a time of 18:03. How crazy is that!! Brennan pulled in a 23:28 which is also pretty impressive for his very first race. My doppleganger pulled in a 23:19 so I am pretty satisfied with that.

From the race, I headed home to change and eventually made my way to indoor climbing. My first time. I could have sworn I had done this before...I was positive...but once I walked in I was pretty sure I hadn't done it. My fear of heights would have kept me far away. After a short lesson on the rope system, we were off to the races. My first two climbs were anxiety ridden and were done so fast I could barely remember them. I was just so focused on doing it and getting it done that I didn't pay attention to anything else. By the end of the day, I was a bit more comfortable and was able to climb with a greater sense of enjoyment. I will have to go back soon so as not to lose the feeling. Cathou and Michel were naturals and were obviously at another level. Michel was spiderman up on those walls. It was very cool to watch.

Today marks day 1 of "back to the gym" training. Spinning for 2 hours with a yoga class to finish it off. Tonight will be one spin class only as I need to get a feel for the bike again and I don't want to over train my calf which is only now feeling better. I am taking everyones advice and trying not to overtrain. Not sure I will be successful. ;)

Has Winter Arrived?

2011-09-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Ottawa this morning.... 5 degrees. 5!!! Seriously, WTF.

Within just a few days, the leaves have begun to change.

And most importantly, and shocking...is that my heat came on last night. Heat! Omg. Where has the summer gone?

Celebrating Success

2011-09-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

A bit late I know but the results weren`t available to me until just recently.

A huge congrats to Ottawa`s own Stephane Tremblay and Allain Legacy who took 1st and 5th place in the 2011 North of the 49 inline 21km marathon a few weeks ago.

Steph took home the top prize with a time of 1:15.13 while Allain came up on his heels with a time of 1:15.58. Sounds like it all came down to a sprint to the finish.

Here`s a pic of Steph way ahead of the pack.

Congrats you two.

Photo credit: http://www.inlineskatempls.com

24Hrs - A Wish List

2011-09-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer:

Before you get up in my face, please realize that this post isn't a criticism, it is meant as something constructive. AND, I am willing to put in future volunteer hours to make these things possible just to prove my positive intentions. I am in NO WAY making light of the tireless work the entire team puts into run this event every year. This is just some ideas that could make it even better.

1. Music

Although no one is ever going to be satisfied with the music, I would suggest having some theme hours. For example, at both 7am/7pm, 8am/8pm, 9am/9pm have the music be of that decade. The top tunes of the 70's, 80's and 90's. That way, we ALL know the tunes. There is nothing better than sharing some old dance moves and belting out tunes that EVERYONE can relate to. And it is an easy way to throw some popular french tunes that we might know as well. Just no Celine please. ;)

Another idea for music is to sell requests. A box could be set up at the DJ booth so that skaters or teams could make musical requests. At 5$ a song or something like that. Or, on the site, add a button where skaters who have registered can write down their favorite tune. Easy to create a playlist that way.

2. Bibs

There has to be a better way to register skaters than the current bib system. Teams spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on skinsuits, jerseys, t-shirts...etc. that promote this amazing event (not to mention the actual official event clothing) only to have all these beautiful designs hidden under huge white sheets while racing. In fact, when you are skating, the wind usually blows the bibs under your arms or up around your neck making the number impossible to see. And at night...what is the point? And after all, are we really ever looking at the number? It would be easier to recognize your team jersey that stands out rather than a white bib that everyone is wearing. Do we have to have identifiers? What are their purpose? Can we not print up race numbers and pin them onto our legs like race events? Slightly more cost but absorbable. Let's brainstorm...

3. Trophies

The awards this year were awesome. Super creative, nice to look at...just brilliant. Best trophy I have ever seen in most of my sport events over my life. Suggestion: The top 3 teams should always get individual medals. Even if just a momento. There has got to be some cost effective promotional items out there. With international skaters coming into town, we can't afford to have them leave empty handed.

4. Vendors

McDonald's free coffee was brilliant. BRILLIANT. Best idea ever. Just a bit earlier in the morn please. 7am would have been even better. ;) And people will pay for coffee...just in case you need to make $$. 24hrs of coffee would be heaven to a lot of skaters.

Crepes. Yummy. Another great idea.
Subway is always good.

I almost wished I sold something so that I can be apart of the village. I know weather is a main factor in vendor success but could vendors be set up in the paddocks so rain or shine at least they would stay profit high....and thus be more likely to return? I guess that all depends on paddock rental costs.

5. Online Store

Not sure the website is capable of hosting an online store but if possible, consider having your designs and promotional items sold directly from the 24hr site. If marketed correctly online promotions could bring in tons of pre-sales which would require no shipping to skaters. Items could include bandanas, small sport towels, water bottles, jerseys, socks, skinsuits, rubber wrist bracelets (think Livestrong)...etc. Yearly sales could determine which items to renew each year. Only items you want to redesign need to be ordered each year. Standard items remain in stock from year to year.

6. Volunteers

If there was a way for people to volunteer between their laps, would this be useful? Only if you need it of course. Not sure how you are doing on the volunteer side of things.

Montreal 24 Hrs

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Where to begin...

I think the first place to start is to thank Simon Clement and all his team for organizing such an amazing event. I can't even imagine the logistical nightmare something so big must be. So my hat is off to him.

Unfortunately, the most popular element of this years race was the weather. We were lucky to have about 3 hours of beautiful hot sun until the clouds rolled in, the wind started to howl and the rain started to pelt the skaters. From then on, for the next 22 hours, it rained and rained.

From what I understand, by mid morning, several teams had already decided to call it quits. For most inexperienced skaters, competiting in the rain and on very wet pavement is something new and a transition that is not easily made in such a short period of time. On that note, I don't think I have ever seen so many falls in all my years going to this event. The first aid guy was saying that it was the busiest of his 10 years with skaters visiting him from minute to minute. Dehydration, broken shoulders, broken collar bones, and rows and rows of suchers. Ouch. I saw a few face plants and they were not fun looking. Yikes.

BUT, from the look on everyones faces, they were still having fun and pushing through the challenges of the weather and the puddles. Sure wet spandex is never fun but that didn't stop skaters from pushing to the finish line. At times when the rain was coming down the hardest, I was shocked to see some of the elite teams coming into the transition area still clocking in the 30km range. These guys and gals are brave and maybe a bit crazy.

When the rain really picked up in the early morning, event organizers decided to pull the plug a bit early. A good idea I think. So with 3 hours left to go, skating ended at 11am and teams wrapped up their final laps. It was a bitter sweet ending to the event but all in all a fun one. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else this weekend than with my extended circle of friends in Montreal.

Congrats to all the teams and all the skaters who came out to support the event. Don't be discouraged...it has never rained two years in a row. ;) Next year we will make up for it I am sure!

For a limited selection of photos you can visit my Flickr page here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30813780@N00/sets/72157627601565820/

Sorry there aren't many this time around. I was busy helping at the Il Peloton booth and didn't get out in the rain much. I'll make up for it next year. Promise. ;)

Here is a start up video from SpeedskateWorld.com Visit Peter Doucet's site to get all the latest and greatest news on the Speedskating circuit from pro to local levels.

Considering

2011-09-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

I am thinking of asking my doctor about possibily going under the knife to aid in my struggles with my back. I am sure there is something they can do to remove scar tissue or whatever....I am no expert in that region. However, the only thing keeping me from acting is the situation of a dear friend. She went under the knife for something so simple and crazy and came out in agony. Her life as she knew it is over. She is racked with debilitating pain 24/7. I do not want that obvioulsy. But I also don't want to continue this way when walking for more than a kilo at a time forces me to have to sit down and rest. I want my 25 year old body back!

Quickie

2011-08-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

So I have been OFF the gluten diet for 3 days. I feel like shit.

I didn't think there was a huge change while ON the diet but now that I am off and have been eating wheat products throughout the day I am exhausted, bloated and instantly gained weight. It was crazy. Plus the bathroom visits and scheduling changed right away.

So, I will do my best to return to watching my intake. There is just no healthy reason not to go back. Of course I will allow myself to cheat here and there but overall, I think the pros outweight the cons.

Sorry seems to be...

2011-08-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty random thought the other day while driving. That happens to me alot. It is a symptom of a mind that just does not quit spinning. Anyway... I was thinking that with all the friendships we have and with all the cross conversations that go on between mutual friends, there MUST be times when other people feel you have betrayed, lied, double crossed, crossed the line, insulted or manipulated them. (I am sure the list goes on).

And people that feel this way almost never comment on it or bring it up to the person who they feel this way towards. They just go along with life and the relationship doesn't seem to be affected. Or is it? Can it be the same? So many people live their lives in silence and complacency that I fear that we are losing those connections.

I know for me, Mr. Speak His Mind, I get myself into situations where people THINK I am talking about them but I am really not. I am often talking about situations or moments in time. If I want to speak about you, I will mention your name. When I post a blog or a facebook post about something that has pissed me off...if it was YOU...I would write your name happily beside my post. ;) Ok, maybe your initials. However, on that note, I know that people might think I am writing or talking about them randomly. For this I am sorry. For all the times when you have felt I may have wronged you in whatever way...know that was not my intention. And don't be afraid to call me on it either.

We all know situations like this happen. How? When info filters back to us on conversations others have had. You know it happens to you as well. It is like the "Telephone Game". By the time the info makes a full circle, a simple innocent detail can turn into a menacing one. So don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Go to the source. It is the only way to make sure things stay true and relationships remain honorable because sorry seems to be the hardest word to say after the fact.

Congrats

2011-08-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Seems like Ben Letourneau didn't waste any time mulling over his results at the Raid The North Extreme race his team participated in while in BC last month. With vengeance on his mind, his team Pentathlondesneiges earned a convincing win at the 2011 Wilderness Traverse race last week.

The race forces teams to come together and navigate through 150kms of mixed terrain. (Trekking 35km, Paddling 30km, Mountain Biking 85km). Teams have 30 hours to complete the race. Ben's team did it in just over 18 hours.

You can read more about it all here....

http://www.breathemag.ca/flashblog/?category_name=wilderness-traverse-2011

Congrats B!

Update and Gluten Summary

2011-08-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while. Sorry. I have been chillaxin' in Vancouver for the past week. I had planned on taking advantage of their late summer (high 20's temps) and doing some cycling, skating, swimming, climbing the Grouse Grind and LOTS of tennis but alas, my calf injury from last week had other ideas in mind.

For the first 4 days I was unable to walk more than a few hundred meters at a time. It was a royal pain having to spend all my time doing nothing. However, after some daily stretching, by the end of the trip I was feeling much better. I had 2 very hard massages and they seemed to help a lot. But too little too late. Although it was a wonderful trip that I wouldn't change, it would have been nice to follow through on the things I had planned originally. Oh well. There is always October.

This also marks the last week of the Gluten Free diet. I can honestly say that I haven't noticed much of a difference. I have no more energy than I normally do, I weight the same (maybe one pound down) and I feel no less bloated than usual. I haven't hated the experience but I haven't loved it either. It is very hard to stick to in todays society especially for someone like me who eats out on a regular basis. Finding good gluten free food (that isn't a salad) is pretty hard to do in most restaurants. Keep in mind I don't eat seafood/fish and rarely eat red meat. So all in all, I am not sure I was the right candidate for this experiment. But I don't regret it at all. I would say that officially the results are inconclusive without having my vitals measured. I'll stay open minded... ;)

Awesome Coverage

2011-08-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

For reasons I am not quite sure of, Speedskating in Europe is huge. HUGE. Check out the people lining the streets for the European Championships. It is amazing. I wish it were that popular here in Can and the US. I'd totally train harder if this was the case. ;)

It gets good mid way through...

Irony

2011-08-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Of course while I out of commission, the sun is shining and summer heat has returned to the capital. Not to mention everyone is eager to get out on their bikes and blades. Argh.

Hopefully by the time I get back I will be in top shape again. Only 4 more weeks to train. Yikes. I better heal quickly.

Allow me a moment...

2011-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is a post with attitude...a bit snarky if you will. So be warned.

For those of you out there, that say things to me like "there is always something going on with you", said with sarcasm and mean it in regards to injuries...you can fuck off. Seriously.

A day doesn't go by where I am not enjoying myself doing at LEAST 2 sports. Be it, tennis, squash, cycling, running, skating or weight lifting. Sometimes 4 or 5 in a day. So of course I am prone to hurt myself more often than the average active person. Other than my fall 2 years ago in Montreal (which took almost a year to recover from) and my recent pretty serious herniated disk injury, I go injury free most of the time. I have the regular aches and pains like anyone else but as of late I haven't been lucky in the injury department. But I usually don't let it stop me. I pick up another sport or alternate them....almost NEVER taking time off. Whether that is smart or not.

So when you see me or don't see me, before making some asshole comment, just be a bit more considerate. I am coping as best I can with the injuries and don't need your condescending comments to push me down even more.

Thx.

Oh yes....my very own...

2011-08-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE RAINBOW!!! Sadly, there will not be a youtube video. Sorry folks.

Stupid Running

2011-08-12T04:19:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why I agreed with my brain to take up running and give this sport a shot. It is hard. And it hurts. Everything hurts. Grrr.

Went out for my first run in weeks last night and although it wasn't THAT bad, a few things happened that make me kinda shake my head. First, my hands go numb. Within about 5 minutes, they are dead to the world. Secondly, the outside of my left foot is killing me. It is almost like I have a hairline fracture there. Super sharp pain from the baby toe all the way down to the heal. Not sure what it is but I don't like it.

It was only 5k last night so nothing I can't recover from. Tomorrow I think I will re-introduce the interval running as I think I might have started to quick to go 5k non stop. I am new to this after all. And does the first 10 minutes of running always suck? Geez.

Here is where I run.

Ipod Classic

2011-08-08T07:54:00.001-07:00

I've had my ipod classic for about 10 years now and I have to say it was one of my favs. Simple and easy. Alas, over the past 3 years I have been having tons of problems with it. It has spontaneously erased my music (over 10,000 songs), reset to default settings on a whim and frozen my computer numerous times. I can't even describe how many times I have had to reintsall itunes and sync all my music. It has become a monthly job. Fun.

So today, after a few days of freezing and not loading through itunes, I decided it was time to lay the classic to pasture. Or more specifically, throw it full force at a concrete wall. Yup...specifically.

Believe it or not, it took 3 throws to finally break the sucker apart. 3 HARD throws.
Felt great though. Goodbye ipod classic.

Next up...my Nano. But the only thing wrong with that thing, thus far, is that it only has a 5 minute battery life. It has to constantly be plugged in. So I think it still has a few years in use left...as long as I never unplug it. Time will tell.

Good friends, good workouts...just ok food.

2011-08-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

Body is getting used to the gluten free thing. Cravings are gone and my ability to avoid the yummy wheaty stuff is on the rise. We will see over the next 3 weeks if there are any changes I have been hearing so much about. Yes or no, you will know my full results in about a month. Stay tuned. I can say, putting BBQ pulled pork on a raspberry vinagrette salad makes it all bearable at this point. But only just bearable. ;)

Other than that, the weekend was packed. 2 movies, several workouts and lots of cleaning. Not to mention driving all over this damn city. Sheesh. Half a tank in 2 days. I could have gone to Montreal instead. Maybe next weekend. ;)

Had a great time at UH's 40th birthday party on Sat night. It is always great to see new and old friends. AND, the food is always yummy. Except this time around I was good and avoided all the bread and pretzel goodness. But those pretzel buns....oh man, they are the first thing I will be cheating on in a month. That and General Tao's chicken. Can't wait.

Woozy

2011-08-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Today is day....9 or 10 in my gluten free experiment that I am conducting on myself for my friend Kim (she's in super smart school taking super smart courses about eating and stuff). In passing one day, she asked if I would be her test subject for a gluten diet and although we really didn't discuss it further, I thought it may be a fun idea. Alas, day 9.

The first few days were what i will call "weening" days. I still had wheat products but just less of them. By this past Monday, they were all but gone from my eating menu. Which is a lot harder than you might think. Wheat is in EVERYTHING!! Even toothpaste I have been recently told. WTF?

Other than that, nothing has changed. I haven't changed my exercise routines, my snacking or meal plans...nada. Business as usual. I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing because today is the very first day where I find myself feeling exhausted and run down. Sure the cravings have been brutal and the urge to eat a bagel has sometimes been overwhelming but up until now I have stayed strong. Last night, I dreamt (all night long) about making my own garlic bread loaves. How desperate can I get. Dreaming about bread? Cmon!

Anyway, ya...today I feel like crap. I played squash last night and it was clear that I just didn't have the energy that I normally did. I usually lead in games by at least a 6 or 7 game margin but last night we tied at 5 all. A far cry from my slaying of my partner last week at 9/2. Same with my tennis game as of late. I am mentally there on the court but physically my body is not moving with the speed and agility I am used to. I am so tired and wiped. I am not sure if it is a result of all this no gluten products or not. Maybe my body is just going through one of the phases associated with this transition. Are there phases....who knows?

What I do know is that I would love to go back to bed....after eating a large pizza. Or maybe just a plate of Pad Thai. I am not sure how I am going to make it through these next 3 weeks.

Amazingness

2011-08-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today was the perfect day. It started with a brisk but enjoyable 50k cycle around the city first thing in the morning before the heat really kicked in. (minus 2 slackers who thought they were just too good for us) The paths were a bit busy but for the most part, it was uneventful. Some grumpy calf muscles and a bit of soreness in the neck was the only price to be paid. Well worth the kms put in this weekend on the bike and on the skates.

No sooner did I get off the saddle did my iphone jingle with a tennis invite. Needless to say, an hour later I was on court in the blaring heat enjoying life to the fullest. Fast forward two and a half hours later and with a burnt head and red arms, I collapsed into the car and headed home. Now I am on the couch and chilling for the night....

That is the amazingness of my life.

How did I miss that

2011-07-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today marked the first day I went out and skated with the 9am crew. In the past weeks I just didn't feel up to it and when I did show up my back hurt so much I just bailed and got back on the bike. Today was a bit different. We did some sprints and attack drills that had me kinda forgetting the back pain. Of course it didn't last long and before I knew it I had to stop. It was great fun though. Much more exciting than just plain ol pack skating...although I love that too. But that isn't the point.

The whole time, I just felt so tired. Worn down. Shakey. I didn't know what was going on. Then over brunch with the family, I was yawning like a mad man. Couldn't keep my eyes open. Got home, took a mini nap and still I felt so weighted down. Well it is just now, at 4pm that I remembered that I took my allergy pills at 7am. You can guess the #1 side effect. Yup...drowsiness. Duh. Now I remember that last year I only took them at night. Lesson learned...again.

Sprint and attack drills = Jello legs.

Mind the gap....

2011-07-23T04:54:00.000-07:00

Just the other day here in Ottawa, we experienced a day where the heat reached about 45 degrees. It was hot. Really hot but not hot enough to keep my inside. So I threw on the spandex, grabbed my bike and headed up to the hills for an easy 30k climbing loop.

There is one section, where we also skate train, that has gates preventing access. Of course avid cyclists have created a path around the two gates. Problem is, you really don't know why the gates are there until the very last minute when THIS appears out of nowhere.

You would think you would see it coming but you really don't. The way the road is angled it sneeks up on you. And although it doesn't look very deep, trust me, it is. It would be quite the fall.

It was a brutal workout that night anyway. I went really slow and drank lots of water but still ended up feeling a bit barfy at the end. And the word "soaking" doesn't cover how drenched I was. I smelled like a rose I assure you. ;)

Wagon

2011-07-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

I need to get back on the wagon. Since I hurt my back all those months ago, I have yet to return to the level of training I was consistently pumping out on a daily basis. And as a result, the belly is slowly getting a big bigger. Not enough for a big change, but a change none the less. So back to salads and real food again while I make my way back on the courts, on the skates and on the saddle.

Plus, I need to save a bit of money...there are two Tour de France cycling team kits that I want. Thank god for Ebay knock offs.

Other than that, I need to get back to running. Trail running as well. In just over a month, I will be doing the Grouse Grind in Vancouver and from what I hear, it is a killer. Basically you run up a mountain. Fun. I would love to bring my bike with me on my trip but instead, I am hoping I can rent a pretty good quality road bike. Fingers crossed.

I can't imagine...

2011-07-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

The fallout of that car clipping that TDF rider the other day was this.... This poor rider was the one that flew into the barbed wire fence. I hear the stitches were never ending... What is that lumpy stuff on his ass though? That doesn't look natural. Nice tan though.

It isn't just the drivers anymore.

2011-07-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

More and more these days I am getting caught up in the battle between cyclists and drivers. Both sides seem to be fighting it out in every media venue around the city. Radio, newspapers....twitter... you name it.

But lately, I have been seeing much more neglect on the side of the cyclists. Especially the experienced ones. This makes me sad. As I have my bike in the back of my truck and feel a certain mojo with other cyclists, it pains me to see them break the most courteous of rules. Such as...

Red lights are for everyone. Even if they are in the middle of nowhere and there is no oncoming traffic. Stop. Seriously.

If possible, stay to the inside of the lane. You are not a car so riding in the middle of the road during rush hour to prove a point is a bit much.

Don't stop and rest against my car if we are both at a red light.

You can't alternate between roads and sidewalks just to avoid traffic laws.

Even if you are in a peleton of 50 riders, if you are on an open road, you are still the secondary mode of transportation and should yield somewhat to the thousands of pounds of metal coming at you.

And drivers...I am not done with you yet....

Update

2011-07-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I checked in so first of all let me apologize.

I am still running every second day and it has become easier and easier as time goes by. Something is always sore but I endeavour to progress at a steady rate. Now I equally have to take time and review my food and ensure that I start eating in the best possible way. Sure a bday full of cake and tarts are not optimal but it is only a temporary thing and I will be back on track shortly.

I am also thinking of limiting my gluten intake. I have no idea if this will make a difference but I have heard so much about the limitation of such things that I might give it a try. Now of course, I should really curb my cravings for chocolate and dairy queen but one thing at a time. ;)

Day 2

2011-06-28T04:13:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of running and it didn't go too bad. Running outside is much harder than on the treadmill for sure. So that was an interesting lesson. Knees weren't bugging me all that much but as the run was ending, my right quad was getting a bit tight. I will watch that.

I ran with what I would call a run sponsor and although I thought he would be a better runner than I, it ended up not being the case. My pace was slower and my stride had to be cut in half to allow him to keep up. I still managed a 35 minute run but it was not the distance I wanted to go. However I will stay positive and keep on going. There is no doubt I will have days like these. Just have to push through.

Fun Pics From Vanc.

2011-06-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

I came across these in Vancouver. They make me hungry for apples....which I am not always a fan of.... But seriously, Gummy Bears? Yum. But not for 12$.

Learning to Run

2011-06-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

So my nephews are doing a 10k run in the fall and asked me to do it with them. I used to run half marathons in my younger days but haven't ran in over 10 years. Tennis knees have finally caught up to me. Plus, as a stocky guy, running has never been easy for me.

However, today will mark the first day where I will begin my training to run the 10k. It is back to basics and the 3:1 ratio for me. At least for the first week. Then bit by bit I will increase the run ratio until there is little to no recovery. A bit nervous about all this. Not sure how the body will hold up considering I am barely healed from my back and hernia injuries. There is always something so I can't let that stop me.

Anyone have tips/tricks?

Vancouver

2011-06-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

It's funny how a simple trip can do so much. My first trip out to Vancouver was one of these trips.

It was the first time I really got to travel with my mom so that was nice. She is a pretty cool lady. Especially when she points out (in public) when I am being flirted with. LOL What a strange experience that was. And to be able to hang out in a new city with my best friend is pretty damn cool as well. I have no idea how he walks 15kms a day in sandles but more power to him. At least he got to fufill his Sushi quota for the year. Blech...

One of the best moments happened when I was able to re-connect with a friend I haven't seen in over 12 years. We had met in Calgary while I was working at the G8 summit and lost touch after that. I will be sure to keep this line of communication open to ensure that there is not another 12 year gap in our friendship.

The overall best thing about my trip however was being able to re-connect with my bro and his bf. They were the perfect hosts who went over and above the call of duty. We had a great time hanging out together and I hope we get to do it again in the coming months when I plan on returning. Congrats on your achievements R. I am a proud bro.

And finally... Things happen for a reason. People come into our lives to share experiences and to teach us lessons all the time. Fate and coincedence doesn't care about timing, distance or anything like that. The challenge is set before you and the test of character is how you choose to work through it....if you decide to take the challenge at all.

Challenge Accepted!

*My bro and my mom.

Bike Lane?

2011-06-09T09:50:00.001-07:00

This is awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzE-IMaegzQ

Gross

2011-06-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

How on earth have grown men and women made it through life eating with their mouths open. It is such a nasty habit. The sound of your lips smacking and the view of crumbs of your food falling out of your mouth is enough to make me want to vomit on you.

Cmon parents, instill some manners!!! And you adults....shut your trap.

Seriously?

2011-06-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

This kind of shit drives me crazy.

Coming out of a show early in the afternoon, I was shocked to see how the ONLY other driver in the theatre parked...considering the enormous size of the parking lot. Seriously. No...seriously?

Ottawa Race Weekend.

2011-06-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

With speeds in excess of 40kph and with more falls than I can remember, the 2011 Ottawa Inline Festival came to a close last night with a spectacular finish.

Ottawa's own Sergio A. peeled from the lead pack early and commanded a 500m lead that couldn't be touched by the chase pack. With an 38 second lead, he crossed the finish line with a marathon time of 1:11. So fast. Even with a fall that led to the chase pack passing him, he was able to get up, attack again and regain the lead that eventually took him across the finish line bloodied but vindicated.

A strong showing from our Toronto and Montreal skaters kept the action in the lead pack pretty exciting. There were a few faces I saw in the top 15 that I was pleasantly surprised by. I won't get into names but lets just say that I was impressed by several people who have seriously up'ed their game. Congrats to everyone. Your efforts, attitudes and overall positivity was and remains inspiring.

The lead pack.

More photos can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30813780@N00/sets/72157626894407892/with/5801868725/

Thank you.

2011-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

A very special thank you to Sonya, her sister, Peter and Morgane and Chris for all purchasing my last few paintings from my art sale. Thank you so much for supporting a local artist. It is greatly appreciated.

Keep an eye out for upcoming new pieces. With your purchases, I have some $$ to buy some art supplies so the creative juices are flowing again.

I hope you enjoy your pieces as much as I enjoyed painting them.

Don't forget to visit the Gallery at: http://www.cor1000.com/

A new home for my painting.

2011-06-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Sold my large piece last week. Here is a pic of it in its new home with its new owner. I miss it on my walls already.

Bionics

2011-05-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

I treated myself to Season 2 of the Bionic Woman this past weekend and have ripped through it with only a few episodes left. I can't even tell you how much I wanted to "BE" Steve Austin and I wanted Jamie Sommers to be my mom. LOL It was all I thought about at that age.

It has been great re-living some of my youth by watching the first 2 seasons and seeing hollywood stars in their early days. Hillarious. However, I have noticed some odd things about the show. Things or comments that kind of stick with me.

1. Probably the most obvious: Why does Jamie have to move her hair out of the way to hear sounds with her bionic ear?

2. In almost every episode, she uses her real name and shows her bionics to someone. Criminals back in the 70's must have been really stupid and not shared espionage information. It isn't like the news of a bionic agent wouldn't spread like hotfire.

3. Did you know that all the close ups of Jamies hands and ears when she is using her Bionics is a body double? Yup.

4. For such a powerful woman, she sure did whine and cry ALOT in this series. Holy cow. And her whining voice is irritating as fuck.

5. Did you know that for the duration of the series, it is said that Jamie never once held a gun. Lyndsay Wagner refused to as an actress.

6. Jamie almost always used both hands when lifting something like a car. Why when only one of her arms were bionic? Balance?

7. Do you know there have been 3 Bionic Men and 3 Bionic Women? Sandra Bullock was one of them!

Check it out...

Seriously

2011-05-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ladies! Seriously. Why on earth do you wear these things. They are NOT a fashion statement. Men hate seeing you in them. They are just plain ugly. Would you like it for men to be walking around in their fur slippers?

Awesome long weekend ride....

2011-05-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

Headed up to the Petit Train du Nord path in Tremblant this past long weekend for what ended up being an awesome ride. In fact, it was the longest ride I have ever done in one go. 73kms along the old train tracks from Labelle to Nominigue Quebec.

On the way back my body was letting me know it had reached it limits. I could have done another 10k if necessary but I was quite thrilled when I got to disembark and stretch out. My upper shoulder blades and neck were spasming so to move those guys around was bliss. I won't get into the groin and butt soreness. ;)

I should have taken a pic of the gang. Forgot. But here is a sat pic of the route.

P.S.

2011-05-21T08:24:00.001-07:00

That post below isn't necessarily about me. I just remember what it was like at 240.

Make no mistake

2011-05-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

When skinny people say things like "it is so hard to gain weight, I've tried everything". Don't think for one minute that they have the same battle as overweight people who say "it is so hard to lose weight, I've tried everything". AND, if you are a skinny person, here is a piece of advice. Don't try to comfort a heavier person by exclaiming "I WISH I could have some of your weight". It does NOT make it easier to relate to you. It just makes us want to punch you.

It is soooo much easier to be socially accepted while trying to reach your goals than have the constant burden and ridicule of a society.

Curse that Peter Doucet

2011-05-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Peter D over at speedskateworld.com will eventually pay a price for posting one of my stupid pics (below) onto his website. Especially since it has nothing to do with skating at all. However, the reference to the "stupid parents" post I will forgive him for.

But still, he is now on my hit list. ;)

One more on the auction block...

2011-05-16T04:11:00.001-07:00

This one is for sale as well. 100$. 36x36

Painting Sale - 50$

2011-05-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Trying to clear out my last pieces people. First come first serve. And yes I do deliver...AND ship internationally. All are 24x24

Santa?

2011-05-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first outdoor skate I participated it. I prepared myself for a slow pace and a relaxed mindset. I put on my compression belt and was ready to go. Or so I though.

It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I went a few kms further than I should have gone and some boy parts were protesting the exercise but I survived in the end.

THEN, when I got home, I had a present waiting for me in my mailbox. A nifty book all about back pain from one of my blog readers! My favorite blog reader! ;) It was such a nice surprise. I will devour this book in a few days and report back on the progress.

Many thanks to http://www.rabidrunner.com/ for being my spring time Santa. xoxo

Stupid Parents

2011-05-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

Last night, while doing my ride on the Quebec side, I noticed a shocking phenomenon. Almost none of the parents of small children who were out on their bikes or blades, were wearing helmets. I find that just so aggravating.

Forget the message it is sending to the kids that grown ups don't have to follow the same rules...to me that is not the most important message. When parents decide not to where helmets, they are basically telling the world that they don't care enough about their children to ensure that their caregivers are safe. In other words, they are more willing to die or get seriously hurt at the detriment to their kids than put on a helmet. How thoughtful.

The lives of children are just as important as the lives of the parents who care for them. Wear a fucking helmet!!

Hesitation

2011-05-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great ride last night. It was my first somewhat real ride since hurting my back. Sure it was only 21km but that was enough for me. Back was pretty sore by the time I got home. Thank god for advil and heating pads.

The one thing I am still hesitant to do is skate. I haven't skated in months and I am just fearful that being in that bent over position with my hips and legs moving is only going to aggravate an already tender area. Just not sure if what I am experiencing is fear or common sense. The line between them is so close sometimes.

Promise.

2011-05-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first full day back at the gym for weights. I did the whole program except for squats. I didn't want to put any pressure on that lower back just yet. Took the normal time to get through it all and by the end I felt great. Not sore at all. I threw in 30 mins of cardio just for good measure and to loosen up the legs.

The funny thing about it all is that I can do a full 2 hours in the gym with weights but as soon as I try to walk for more than 5 minutes I have to stop and sit down. Cycling doesn't hurt, eliptical doesn't hurt...but walking does me in. Very strange.

However, this is promising because at least I can get back to my weight program. Only 5 weeks to go!

Bummed.

2011-05-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Kinda getting a bit bummed out. Back and groin is still an issue and now that the weather is getting nice, my ability to do the things I love to do is greatly reduced. Like tonight... a group is going indoor climbing. I would love that. Then tomorrow, they are going skating, hiking to a cabin and then cycling on Sunday. I couldn't plan a better weekend myself and yet I can't do any of it because I can barely walk for more than 10 minutes at a time without needing to sit down. I can cycle for a bit but not anywhere near the distance and pace the group will be doing. GRRR, I hate being less than me.

Montreal

2011-05-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

So I am deep into week 2 in regards to this back issue. I have started to go for longer walks and do some very light weights, upper body only, but the discomfort is still there. The back pain has changed to stiffness and over all soreness but the groin and ab pain is the same. It actually rotates from side to side which I find strange.

If things continue this way, I don't see any way that I will be able to do the Montreal race in early June. I haven't even been on my skates yet so it is looking slim. Unless I can get some time in on them in the next few weeks and I can jump onto a team that is going a bit slower, it looks like I am going to be a no show. Sigh. Looks like another summer plagued with injuries. Seriously, what is going on with me. Year after year of mishaps. Thankfully life is good in all other aspects.

This one is for DUG

2011-05-04T04:43:00.001-07:00

Although I am pretty sure he doesn't read this blog, I am posting this for a blogger that "I" read who seems to be a bit pre-occupied by bathroom antics. It is quite funny actually.

Anyway, I thought of him when I saw this pic.

Funny Pic

2011-05-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

Mixed emotions

2011-05-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

The problem with the concept of "an eye for an eye" is that it doesn't end. This is sooo NOT over I fear.

Pondering

2011-04-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

Although I am not feeling much better I am dying to get outside. I am contemplating a very slow and short, 10km bike ride on either Saturday or Sunday.

My doc tells me that active recovery is the way to go but I am not sure he meant this quickly. It is still pretty ackward and sore getting into and out of my car. Hmmm. Pondering.

500$ dollar Ipad to do this....

2011-04-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

This feature of my ipad had me laughing for over an hour last night. I am so simple minded.

Not a pinched nerve...

2011-04-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

Doc says it is not a pinched nerve. But that doesn't mean the news is good. 3 years ago when I feel at an inline race and herniated my back and groin I had to go through almost a year of physio to get back into shape. Seems that injury will haunt me for the rest of my life.

They are not sure what happened 3 years ago exactly since I never went for an MRI. However, they are quite positive that it was a herniated lumbar disk T12/L1. It is an injury that will more than likely stay with me forever considering the sports that I do. All of which require strong hips, thighs and groin muscles.

I haven't been able to go for an MRI here either because my medical insurance card for Quebec hasn't been processed yet. But that is my fault. I really have to get on that.

Needless to say, I need to change things up in the future and start taking better care of that region. Seems I will have to start yoga. Yuk. lol

So the verdict is to get off the couch and out of bed and begin doing normal things right away. No gym and no activities for now but I have been instructed not to favor the area. Active recovery it is called. Sounds painful. My balls are killing me so I am not entirely fond of this recommendation. lol

Day 4

2011-04-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

It has been four days since I am sure I pinched a nerve in my lower back while doing squats.....and then cycling for 2 hours. Either way, I am not better. In fact, today is almost as bad as day 2. Probably because I was up and about most of yesterday instead of taking it easy. If this continues, I fear I might be out of the gym and all activities for well over a week. That is not cool!! I am on a strict bulking schedule. Damn fate.

Uh oh.

2011-04-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Seems something is amiss. On Thursday, while doing squats, I felt an odd sensation. Not pain, not anything I can really describe...just something different in my lower back.

I gave it no further thought as it didn't hinder me at all. Yesterday I woke up, as usual pretty sore from my workout. My back was especially sore. Like really sore. However, I had scheduled at 35k bike ride around the city as my official first spring outing. Things were okay, other than the flat tire, but by the time evening decended upon me, I knew something was wrong with my back.

Flash forward 15 hours and I have still not slept. I am in agony. Not only is my lower back filled with aching pain, it is so intense, it is wrapping around my torso and affecting my...uh...junk. yup. It feels like I am constantly being punched in the back while being kicked in the boys.

I am exhausted. Time to down another 3 robax platinums and try to nap.

Progress - Week 4

2011-04-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

It is funny how every week I fear not being able to hit the weight max on my program. (they are predetermined). And yet every Sunday I am juuuust able to pull out my last reps. On Wednesday, day 1 of each week, I can barely squeeze out my max for that particular week but by Sunday, it is old hat.

This past week was yet another one of those weeks. I could barely finish my sets on Wed but by last night I was cranking out my sets like I had been doing them for a month. It was also a bit of a milestone for me this past weekend because I crossed over the 200lbs mark on both my bench press and my leg extensions. Not to mention the heaviest shoulder press I have ever done at 55 pounds. That wasn't pleasant but I did it.

Only 2 more weeks until I should be able to see results. Weeks 6 and 11 are key from what I remember. On another note, the food switch has been activated and I am eating anything and everything I can find. I had 2 protein shakes followed by a large pizza on Friday night and then a big bag of popcorn. The furnace is burning for sure. I will need to clean up the eating to make sure I am maxing out on the protein and limiting the carbs. So hard to do when I eat a loaf of bread in one sitting. Mmmmm garlic butter. ;)

Pics might come at some point. "Might".

Annoying

2011-04-13T04:38:00.000-07:00

Stupid things annoy me most. Like the really small things in life. The ones you are supposed to just let go or get over. Nah, they eat at me for hours. The big things I can get over because...sometimes they are tough things but the easy stuff should be easy right?

So this morning on the way to work, traffic was kinda busy getting over the bridge. So picture it (and you have ALL been in this situation before)...you are trying to get into the off lane and there is about 3 feet of clearance preventing you from scootching in the free lane. Nope, your stuck behind cars that refuse to inch up a bit. Finally I just pop up on the curb and make my way around only to find FULL CARS LENGTHS between the stopped traffic. Seriously!!! WTF! Of course I am yelling this to the cars I pass but all they see is probably some crazy guy singing to the radio. Argh.

People need to be aware that their stupidity causes problems for the people behind them. Especially in traffic. These dorks were perpetrating the exact kind of traffic shit that we try to avoid everyday. By moving up a car length, no less than 20 cars could have passed on the left freeing up bridge traffic significantly.

Grrrr. Stupid people.

Small Setback

2011-04-10T06:13:00.001-07:00

About to enter another week of bulking. So far so good actually. I can feel the change but the visuals are still a few weeks off. I had a great food week keeping things clean and heavy on the protein side. Until last night.

I had a craving and satiated it to the max. A full bag of BBQ chips and 3 Easter Cream Eggs. Oh my.

I hope my newly developing muscles are eating up those poisonous calories and they don't make it to my love handles. *crossing fingers*

Stupid Woman at the gym

2011-04-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

So I am on this massive lifting program that requires that I have a spotter for almost all of my sets. For the first 4 sets, my spotter was great. Suddenly he was gone. On my last set, I asked a woman, maybe in her mid 20s if she could spot me. She was lifting some massive deadlift weight so I figured that she had some kind of clue as to what she was doing. Not to mention she agreed so I figured she was educated. Was I wrong.

I told her I was doing 5 reps of my bench press. For the first 3 I was okay but for 4 and 5 I needed some help. To her, help meant saying "go" and "push". As I was dying on my last rep she just stood there. It took all my my power, not to mention bad form, to re-rack the weight. I was so pissed I felt like ripping her apart. Lesson learned. Grrr

NOT too much to ask.

2011-03-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

This is a dear friend of mine. She is an inspiration and suffers daily with unbelievable pain. Her friends and family are trying to donate money so that she can undergo a special surgery in the USA.

All it takes is your coffee money to help. Please read her story...

http://www.helplynda.com/

A new day has come...

2011-03-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

For the past 6 months (and for most of my life as a former fat person) I have been on a quest. A hunt for the elusive 175 pound man. That man is me. However, after 10 hours a week of cardio, 5 hours of weights and P90X, that man is as elusive now as ever. For all the sweat and time, I have only seen a loss of 9 pounds.

So as of today, I am giving up that quest. I am accepting that I will not be 175 until I am probably 70 and by that time I won't really give a shit. I won't be worrying about spandex and best times and how I look. I will be just happy to be alive. I am relenting. I am giving in to genetics. I am embracing the muscle and will return to the meat head I have been in years past...before the skating, before the cycling. To a time when my biceps were the size of my legs and my legs were as big as my chest and my chest rivaled those of professionals. Yup, here comes the protein and creatine diet once again. It works, it has always worked and there is just no use fighting it anymore. The battle for the inner skinny guy is over.

Yay for 1 year olds.

2011-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

I got to participate in the first birthday activities of cutie pie baby Eowyn this past weekend. Lots of food and cake was consumed. Looking back, I should have taken some cake for the road. Darn.

Here is a pic of the birthday girl.

Every once in a while...

2011-03-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

...you come across a song that pretty much sums up what has been happening in your life. This is one that I could have written myself over the past year.

Tune up time?

2011-03-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

With spring upon us, I am slowly glancing at the bike more and more these days. It is currently hiding in its little corner of the apt almost giddy with excitement as the sun shines through the window. My question is this however....I had the bike tuned up late in the season last year. About September time. Should I bother with another spring time tune up in the coming weeks? Is it worth it? Hmmm. Not sure. Will have to ask around.

Tune Up

2011-03-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

Just in case you needed a little work done. LOL (bottom left...no pun intended)

Thinner, hotter, wetter.

2011-03-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

Did a two hour spin class tonight which was awesome. However, I discovered you have to wear some pretty good quality bibs if you are going to suffer non stop through these classes. I decided to wear a thinner bib that I bought off ebay a few years back. You know the type, the China specials... Even though they are pretty nice design wise, they become pretty uncomfy pretty fast. They do not wick, they tend to hold heat much more and did I mention they are 60% see through? Ya. Thankfully I was at the back of the class. Looks like I will need to break the cycling cardinal rule and buy some black underwear if I want to don these bibs again. No one needs to see that.

Words don't describe....

2011-03-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

This is just beyond any comment I can make. Horror.

Ouch that hurt

2011-02-28T06:44:00.001-08:00

Yesterday's training got a bit out of control. I had only planned on one spin class followed by 2 hours of tennis. A reasonable Sunday for me. However it turned into 3 spin classes and 2 hours of tennis. All back to back.

Needless to say, my legs are shot and my right calf has seized.

Of course I have 2 more hours of tennis and a spin class scheduled for tonight. Followed by my mandatory P90X hour.

Will I ever learn?

Take note.

2011-02-24T04:15:00.001-08:00

Although this applies to a few of my dear friends lately, this mainly applies to me today.

Not being able to do something and not being invited to do it are two VERY different things.

Just sayin.

Sniff Sniff

2011-02-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I thought I was man enough to watch the Notebook. I wasn't.

Flying...

2011-02-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

I had this opportunity to go to Aussie land in a few months that I turned down without too much thought. It wasn't because I couldn't afford it (although it is pricey), and it isn't because I don't have the vacation time. The one and only reason I am not going is because I hate to fly. The idea of spending more than 5 hours on a plane puts the fear of god into my soul.

Even now, when I fly, I have to take a tranq just to make it. Can you imagine me on a 24 hour plane ride?

So here in lies the problem. Now that I am reaching that age where I can actually re-visit the places I have traveled to already and enjoy new ones, I am afraid of getting there.

Something needs to change. I have to conquer this mental and physical roadblock to air travel or I will be spending the best years of my life homeward bound.

Tell me something I don't already know

2011-02-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

One of the P90X exercises is an ab workout that really focuses on the hips. My nemisis.

I was reminded the other day how soooo unflexible my hips are. When lying on your back, legs straight out and arms at your sides, lift one leg as far up as you can. Most people can get a 90 degree angle. I could barely get 45 degrees before my hip muscles seized. Not good. Pain!

Looks like I will have to do something about that. Any suggestions?

That hurt.

2011-02-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

So to compliment my already retarded training schedule for tennis, cycling and skating, I decided to begin the P90X program every alternate day. Well today was day 2. I already want to stop.

It is brutal. I am a very fit man and doing over 250 push ups in the span of 45 minutes along with other craziness had me wanting to throw up by minute 9. I will stick with it for sure but I have NO IDEA how an over weight person or an unfit person could EVER consider doing this program.

Wow

2011-02-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

Even I can't point out the US on a map....and I live in Canada. I would have come up with a better explanation eh!!

Cold Patriot

2011-02-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

If it is not snowing here in Ottawa, it is bitter cold (minus 30-40). And to be honest, this winter, we have been "blessed" with the windchill factor more than we have with the inches of snow.

Wanna know what minus 40 feels like?

1. No matter what kind of coat you wear, the minute you walk outside, it stiffens and starts to crack and creak.
2. Your eyes instantly water and burn.
3. Your breath is not only vapour but a strange form of snow.
4. After about a minute outside, your face is so tight you feel like you just got a facelift.
5. The seats in your car are hard as rock and don't soften for 20 minutes... freezing your ass in the process.
6. The steering wheel and gear shifter in your car need to warm up before you can use them.
7. The tires on your car have frozen in a somewhat square shape and don't roll properly.
8. They tell you on the radio how long you can survive outside as part of the regular weather updates.

...I can go on.

So in honor of this cold weather, I could not resist but join the ranks of those Canadian patriots who have donned these awesome mitties. They were only 10$. I couldn't say no.

National Emergency

2011-02-05T08:36:00.001-08:00

If you know of Torontonians, and how they think they are the "elite" of Canada...you will understand why this is so awesome.

Forced Break

2011-01-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts these days readers. My body has forced me to take a break from training this week. Some ass showed up to class on the weekend with a cold and had no problems sitting right beside me hacking and wheezing throughout the class. Of course, Monday morn I woke up with a scratchy throat and a burning nose.

Although I haven't succumbed to the cold, my body has been in sleeping mode all week. Almost 10 hours a day. So I guess I needed it.

Starting to get sore and achy from the lack of exercise so I am looking forward to hitting the gym today on my day off for some Zone 3 cardio. Will do me some good.

WTF was that?

2011-01-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

Last night I had either an anxiety attack or a panic attack. I am not sure which. It was full blown and it took me well over 40 minutes to get myself under control. I have no idea what happened, why it happened or how it all started.

I went to see Margret Cho here in Ottawa at the NAC and within 5 minutes of the lights going down, I had this sudden unbelievable wave of nausea, hot flashes and muscle contractions. For what seemed to be a full hour I had cold/hot sweats, my ears and face were on fire and I knew my blood pressure must have gone nuts. My heart rate was racing but I knew I was pale as a ghost. My legs were shaking like crazy and my muscles were twitching non stop. And for some reason I could NOT stop yawning. Not sure what that was all about.

For a good 15 minutes I was trying to strategize how I would be able to get up and leave but as I was stuck in the middle of the row, I couldn't even fathom how I was going to do it in the middle of her show. I am sure that didn't help the attack. I can't even explain the sensation. There was nothing I wanted more than to get up and leave so I could be in an open space.

I have never had a problem being in groups before or had any kind of reaction as strong as this. Sure my anxiety tips the scales in airports and on planes and boats but this was stronger than anything I have experienced in years. This can not happen again. Time for the doctor I think.