Two weeks until the Give-It-A-Tri
7:00 am rode to work to check on the Caribana crew. Then
Bike 80 minutes, a bunch of it on hills. Basically from Polson Street up Broadview to Danforth, across the Yonge, north and uphill on Yonge, over to Moore Park, down the ravine to the Brickworks Farmers' Market. Then Bayview to Gerrard, to Parliament for some shopping then to St Johns Bakery and then home.
Two-A-Day!
Was cold this morning but by 12:30 it had warmed up so it was a good opportunity to try out the wetsuit at Cherry Beach. Water’s really cold when you first get in but after a few minutes it’s not so bad. The first 5-10 minutes splashing around in the wetsuit was awkward and it’s a strange feeling to have something that feels like a rubber band around your chest restricting your breathing. Went back to the shore and stood up, relaxed for a while and then swam out to a buoy 100 meters from shore and back. I’ll get used to it but even if it does provide extra buoyancy it feels like it slows me down a lot. If the water’s warmer for the Tri, might consider swimming without it.
Then since I had to bike back home anyway, decided to take up Unlikely Hero’s advice.
Quickly got out of the wetsuit, put it in pack. Put on bike shoes without socks. Pack on back and biked home quickly. Was doing 30 kph for the first few minutes until I started to hit some red lights, but kept above 25 for the rest of the short ride. Got home, hung up the wetsuit, put on shoes, went out and ran a little less than 2.5 km in 15 minutes.
Without any pressure or people around, it’s fun. We’ll see how it turns out two weeks from today.
Bonus tip: a stretchy tri belt can also be used as a strap for holding an ice pack on your knee and lower leg.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
July 30
Got to sleep after midnight, woke up at 3:00 am, had breakfast, sleep a few more hours, had a bizarre dream filled with violence; no energy taking the day off from exercise.
July 28
6:00 am run 23 minutes 3 km. Took more willpower than Green Lantern needed to battle the Sinestro Corps War but it finally felt less like jogging and more like running.
50 situps
7:00 am swim 600 meters 15 minutes
PWD: skipped the drink and had scrambled egg whites. Too bland, going back to regular free range brown eggs after using up this carton of egg whites.
Two A Day
8:00 pm bike 10 km 30 minutes crosstown boogie
50 situps
7:00 am swim 600 meters 15 minutes
PWD: skipped the drink and had scrambled egg whites. Too bland, going back to regular free range brown eggs after using up this carton of egg whites.
Two A Day
8:00 pm bike 10 km 30 minutes crosstown boogie
July 26
6:00 am run 25 minutes 3 km. Started out okay, ended strong but sagged in the middle.
7:00 am swim 600 meters 15 minutes. Watched videos linked in swimming thread and improved stroke by reaching further and kicking more.
7:00 am swim 600 meters 15 minutes. Watched videos linked in swimming thread and improved stroke by reaching further and kicking more.
July 25
8:00 am
Warmup:
50 situps
20 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Bench
Lat pulldowns
Military press
Curls
Tricep extensions
Pecs
Lats – cable machine
3x10 cable crunches
3x10 incline situps w 10 lb plate
PWD banana, blueberry, isolate, flax, water, ice. Egg white omelette. Whole wheat bread w peanut butter.
Warmup:
50 situps
20 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Bench
Lat pulldowns
Military press
Curls
Tricep extensions
Pecs
Lats – cable machine
3x10 cable crunches
3x10 incline situps w 10 lb plate
PWD banana, blueberry, isolate, flax, water, ice. Egg white omelette. Whole wheat bread w peanut butter.
July 24
BRICK!!!
6:30 am
Bike 50 minutes 20 km Ave speed 23.1 Max 36. Was holding 30 kph steady between stop lights. Felt really good, it’s been a while since I had a ride like that. If I wasn’t doing this Tri training probably would have done a nice 2 or 3 hour bike ride
Run 3 km 24 minutes kind of slow, had to struggle a bit to finish. Wonder how much of running is psychological.
PWD: banana, blueberries, water, ice, flax, isolate, coffee. Very tasty. And a hardboiled egg.
6:30 am
Bike 50 minutes 20 km Ave speed 23.1 Max 36. Was holding 30 kph steady between stop lights. Felt really good, it’s been a while since I had a ride like that. If I wasn’t doing this Tri training probably would have done a nice 2 or 3 hour bike ride
Run 3 km 24 minutes kind of slow, had to struggle a bit to finish. Wonder how much of running is psychological.
PWD: banana, blueberries, water, ice, flax, isolate, coffee. Very tasty. And a hardboiled egg.
July 22
Knee still sore, took a rest and recovery day. Yesterday on Facebook Pete said, “Here’s something to consider: what will you do if you flat out?” Today I got home from work and bike had a flat tire. Coincidence?
July 21
Knee was bothering me this morning, so I didn’t run.
6:30 am
Swim 18 minutes 600 meters. Lane was crowded so I had a chance to get accustomed to having other swimmers’ arms and legs flailing around beside me. And more T1 practice, and a little better now that I know what to expect when hopping on a bike with wet tri shorts.
6:30 am
Swim 18 minutes 600 meters. Lane was crowded so I had a chance to get accustomed to having other swimmers’ arms and legs flailing around beside me. And more T1 practice, and a little better now that I know what to expect when hopping on a bike with wet tri shorts.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 20
6:00 am
Warmup:
50 situps
20 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Squats
Bench
Lat pulldowns
Military press
Curls
Tricep extensions
Pecs
3x10 cable crunches
7:00 am
Bike: 20 minutes
PWD: banana water ice chocolate isolate
Warmup:
50 situps
20 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Squats
Bench
Lat pulldowns
Military press
Curls
Tricep extensions
Pecs
3x10 cable crunches
7:00 am
Bike: 20 minutes
PWD: banana water ice chocolate isolate
July 19
Woke up with stiff back. Maybe I can’t sleep more than 4.5 hours because this futon is old and lumpy. As Rorschach said, Must remember to investigate further.
Run: 3.0 km 20 minutes That’s a bit of an improvement. Also almost ran over a raccoon I don’t know which of us was more startled.
Swim: 600 meters 16 minutes. Worn new tri shorts, might have helped reduce drag. And since I was wearing tri shorts, decided to go for the tri experience. Got out of pool put on running shoes and hopped on bike with the wet shorts on. Not the greatest sensation in the world but it’s not so bad.
Run: 3.0 km 20 minutes That’s a bit of an improvement. Also almost ran over a raccoon I don’t know which of us was more startled.
Swim: 600 meters 16 minutes. Worn new tri shorts, might have helped reduce drag. And since I was wearing tri shorts, decided to go for the tri experience. Got out of pool put on running shoes and hopped on bike with the wet shorts on. Not the greatest sensation in the world but it’s not so bad.
July 18
Rest and recovery and bought this
Quintana Roo Superfull Wetsuit
Really nice, 2 or 3 years old and top of the line. Can’t wait to go jump in the lake with it on.
And made one more movie:
Triathlon Tyros’ Top Ten Tips
Quintana Roo Superfull WetsuitReally nice, 2 or 3 years old and top of the line. Can’t wait to go jump in the lake with it on.
And made one more movie:
Triathlon Tyros’ Top Ten Tips
July 17
6:30 am
Run: 4.78 km 36 minutes. Longest run yet. Longest run since high school back in the 70s. And I feel pretty good.
PWD: banana water ice chocolate isolate flax oil
9:30 am
Bike: ~35 km. Went up to Endurosports outlet store. No wetsuits in my size but I bought Orca tri shorts to try out. Return trip included a stop at Brickworks farmers market and St Johns Bakery.
Run: 4.78 km 36 minutes. Longest run yet. Longest run since high school back in the 70s. And I feel pretty good.
PWD: banana water ice chocolate isolate flax oil
9:30 am
Bike: ~35 km. Went up to Endurosports outlet store. No wetsuits in my size but I bought Orca tri shorts to try out. Return trip included a stop at Brickworks farmers market and St Johns Bakery.
July 16
Was putting on running shoes and started to rain so I didn’t go. 20 minutes later rain stopped so
Swim: 600 meters 18 minutes
Felt good, could have done more, need to start out faster, push harder instead of staying in comfort zone of effort.
Swim: 600 meters 18 minutes
Felt good, could have done more, need to start out faster, push harder instead of staying in comfort zone of effort.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 15 - one month to go!
July 14, 2010
This is such a difficult event requiring a rare skillset (and motivation) that most people won’t even consider it and sometimes when you’re in it and training you lose sight of that.
My brother is a better runner than me, bought a new bike over the winter but isn’t a good swimmer so he’s not going to participate. I have another friend who’s been going to the gym regularly for at least a couple of decades. He’s impressed I’m doing this but wouldn’t even consider it (I think he only even runs on a treadmill, and probably can’t swim). There’s a kid at work in his 20s who’s about a foot taller than me, really strong, bikes to work every day. I would bet that with zero training he could have a better time than me, and yet the best I could get out of him was, “I’d should come and watch your race, when is it?” Guy I told at the bike store said “that’s awesome” but all he likes to do is bike, no way he wants to train to run any distance at all.
The only friend I have who’s into this (and the one who talked me into it) lives in another city 200 km away.
6:00 am
Run: 3.0 km 23 minutes. Hot humid and muggy. Reminds me of the opening monologue from Sexy Beast:
Oh, yeah.
Bloody hell.
I'm sweatin' here.
Roastin'.
Boilin'.
Bakin'.
Swelterin'.
It's like a sauna.
A furnace.
You could fry an egg on my stomach.
Ohh...
Ooh, now that is hot.
It's ridiculous.
Tremendous.
Fantastic.
Fan-dabby-dozy...
...tastic.
Keep going, though. July 14 now. Event is on August 14. Must push through. Then about 15 minutes into the run the playlist hits RATM Killing In The Name Of, and it’s like a shot of adrenalin.
Shirt was drenched at the end of the run.
7:00 am
Swim 500 meters 15 minutes. Good relaxed pace, good form. Last 25 meters I breathed every other stroke, maybe work on that for the next few weeks, seems to be little more efficient.
This is such a difficult event requiring a rare skillset (and motivation) that most people won’t even consider it and sometimes when you’re in it and training you lose sight of that.
My brother is a better runner than me, bought a new bike over the winter but isn’t a good swimmer so he’s not going to participate. I have another friend who’s been going to the gym regularly for at least a couple of decades. He’s impressed I’m doing this but wouldn’t even consider it (I think he only even runs on a treadmill, and probably can’t swim). There’s a kid at work in his 20s who’s about a foot taller than me, really strong, bikes to work every day. I would bet that with zero training he could have a better time than me, and yet the best I could get out of him was, “I’d should come and watch your race, when is it?” Guy I told at the bike store said “that’s awesome” but all he likes to do is bike, no way he wants to train to run any distance at all.
The only friend I have who’s into this (and the one who talked me into it) lives in another city 200 km away.
6:00 am
Run: 3.0 km 23 minutes. Hot humid and muggy. Reminds me of the opening monologue from Sexy Beast:
Oh, yeah.
Bloody hell.
I'm sweatin' here.
Roastin'.
Boilin'.
Bakin'.
Swelterin'.
It's like a sauna.
A furnace.
You could fry an egg on my stomach.
Ohh...
Ooh, now that is hot.
It's ridiculous.
Tremendous.
Fantastic.
Fan-dabby-dozy...
...tastic.
Keep going, though. July 14 now. Event is on August 14. Must push through. Then about 15 minutes into the run the playlist hits RATM Killing In The Name Of, and it’s like a shot of adrenalin.
Shirt was drenched at the end of the run.
7:00 am
Swim 500 meters 15 minutes. Good relaxed pace, good form. Last 25 meters I breathed every other stroke, maybe work on that for the next few weeks, seems to be little more efficient.
July 13
July 13, 2010
4 hours sleep. Maybe I should start adding in an evening workout session so I’m tireder and can maybe sleep longer.
5:45 am
Bike to gym
Warmup:
50 situps
25 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Deads
Bench
Military Press
Lat pulldowns
Bicep curls
Tricep extensions
Pec flies
Cable ab curls
Hammer machine curls (incline bench was broken)
Bike home
PWD: watermelon, blueberries, unflavoured isolate, coffee, water, ice, flax oil
4 hours sleep. Maybe I should start adding in an evening workout session so I’m tireder and can maybe sleep longer.
5:45 am
Bike to gym
Warmup:
50 situps
25 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Deads
Bench
Military Press
Lat pulldowns
Bicep curls
Tricep extensions
Pec flies
Cable ab curls
Hammer machine curls (incline bench was broken)
Bike home
PWD: watermelon, blueberries, unflavoured isolate, coffee, water, ice, flax oil
July 12
6:00 am
Run: 3 km 23 minutes
7:00 am
Swim: 500 meter 18 minutes
Intervals, got this idea from a post in the Swimming thread
4 x 50 w 30 seconds rest between each
2 x 100 w 30-45 seconds rest
2 x 50 w 30 seconds rest
Run: 3 km 23 minutes
7:00 am
Swim: 500 meter 18 minutes
Intervals, got this idea from a post in the Swimming thread
4 x 50 w 30 seconds rest between each
2 x 100 w 30-45 seconds rest
2 x 50 w 30 seconds rest
July 11
Went to Hole last night. Got home at midnight, slept under 4 hours, no energy so
Rest and recovery
Rest and recovery
July 10
1:30 pm
Swim: 500 meters. Didn’t get the time but it was the best swim so far; getting stronger, good pace. And I started to practice looking ahead once each pool length because in the open water swim it’s going to necessary to look up a lot and keep an eye on the buoys, other swimmers and landmarks.
Swim: 500 meters. Didn’t get the time but it was the best swim so far; getting stronger, good pace. And I started to practice looking ahead once each pool length because in the open water swim it’s going to necessary to look up a lot and keep an eye on the buoys, other swimmers and landmarks.
July 9
July 9 2010
142.8 – a new low. At this rate I could be under 140 for the tri which is not a bad thing.
Pool day today, but it doesn’t open until 7 am. Got up shortly after 4 and figured I’d go for a bike ride and maybe cool down a bit. After about 20 minutes a light rain started to fall, it was nice. But I also noticed I was fading and have to remember to not take the biking fitness for granted. Got home and started to pack bag for the pool and the rain is now coming down hard. Not going back out in it, so it was really lucky I got the bike ride in.
Bike: 30 minutes, a little over 10 km.
PWD: banana and chocolate isolate smoothie and a hard boiled egg.
142.8 – a new low. At this rate I could be under 140 for the tri which is not a bad thing.
Pool day today, but it doesn’t open until 7 am. Got up shortly after 4 and figured I’d go for a bike ride and maybe cool down a bit. After about 20 minutes a light rain started to fall, it was nice. But I also noticed I was fading and have to remember to not take the biking fitness for granted. Got home and started to pack bag for the pool and the rain is now coming down hard. Not going back out in it, so it was really lucky I got the bike ride in.
Bike: 30 minutes, a little over 10 km.
PWD: banana and chocolate isolate smoothie and a hard boiled egg.
July 8
Hot, and I woke up around 4:30 am. Had to get in a run before it became unbearable so was out the door at 6:00 am
Run: 3.0 km in 24 minutes.
Going through the park I actually passed a few people on a slightly uphill part. That felt good even though it was at the beginning of the run. And in part of the last 500 meters it felt like I was not jogging but actually running with a stride, so there is some progress being made.
Have a couple of dozen baseball style caps but none of them are really suitable for running in this weather, and going to need to get some kind of portable hydration system aka a water bottle.
Run: 3.0 km in 24 minutes.
Going through the park I actually passed a few people on a slightly uphill part. That felt good even though it was at the beginning of the run. And in part of the last 500 meters it felt like I was not jogging but actually running with a stride, so there is some progress being made.
Have a couple of dozen baseball style caps but none of them are really suitable for running in this weather, and going to need to get some kind of portable hydration system aka a water bottle.
July 7
7:00 am
Swim: 400 meters nonstop in 10 minutes. Then did a couple more laps as intervals, going as hard as I could. First day I felt like I was reallyswimming.
With over a month left to train there is now a possibility of doing the 400 meter open water swim in under 10 minutes which was beyond even considering a few weeks ago.
Swim: 400 meters nonstop in 10 minutes. Then did a couple more laps as intervals, going as hard as I could. First day I felt like I was reallyswimming.
With over a month left to train there is now a possibility of doing the 400 meter open water swim in under 10 minutes which was beyond even considering a few weeks ago.
July 6
Toronto's a funny city. We survive through 6 months of cold weather and as soon as it gets warm, PUBLIC ADVISORY: HEAT ALERT because it's over 80 degrees.
Mini-brick: 15 minute bike ride to gym then immediately hop on treadmill for 10 minutes.
Weights, ah weights. It's been a while because I had to start swimming and running.
Warmup:
50 situps
25 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Squats
Bench
Lat pulldowns
Curls
Tricep extensions
Lat raises
3x10 cable crunches
3x10 incline bench crunches w 10 lb weight
Realized after I'd forgotten to do military press and rows. Next time!
Bike home around 7:30 am, feels like it's going to be another hot day.
PWD: another banana & chocolate isolate smoothie, these things are habit forming.
New video is up. Me and Pete compare notes about triathlon training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO5pM2_sOrs
Mini-brick: 15 minute bike ride to gym then immediately hop on treadmill for 10 minutes.
Weights, ah weights. It's been a while because I had to start swimming and running.
Warmup:
50 situps
25 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Squats
Bench
Lat pulldowns
Curls
Tricep extensions
Lat raises
3x10 cable crunches
3x10 incline bench crunches w 10 lb weight
Realized after I'd forgotten to do military press and rows. Next time!
Bike home around 7:30 am, feels like it's going to be another hot day.
PWD: another banana & chocolate isolate smoothie, these things are habit forming.
New video is up. Me and Pete compare notes about triathlon training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO5pM2_sOrs
July 4 - later
Biked to Endurosports this afternoon. Beautiful day outside so the store was empty when I walked in. Salesman asked if I wanted any help, and I was about to give him my typical, “Just looking around” but instead, I decided to go for it. So I told him I had entered the mini-triathlon on Toronto Island, and he had nothing better to do so we spent the next 20 minutes going over stuff and he showed me some necessities, some options, and gave some good tips. I tried on a wetsuit, and he explained how to get it on, zip it up, and then how to get out quickly. I reserved it for the day of the event and really want to take it out at least once before then to splash around the lake. Nineteen, I think it was a Pipeline. More flexible and a lot more skin tight than I was expecting. Looked absurd, like auditioning to be in the Very Old X-Men. Simply pulling it on and taking it off left me sweaty and worn out!
One thing he said that was really helpful: get there early and get set up (I was already planning to do this part). Put on the wetsuit and then go to where the swim will end. Look back at the Transition Area, pick a landmark and figure out the route to take to get to your bike. Because when you get out of the water it will be mass chaos, you’re tired, disoriented, and you don’t want to have to guess where you’re going and start wondering where your bike is.
One thing he said that was really helpful: get there early and get set up (I was already planning to do this part). Put on the wetsuit and then go to where the swim will end. Look back at the Transition Area, pick a landmark and figure out the route to take to get to your bike. Because when you get out of the water it will be mass chaos, you’re tired, disoriented, and you don’t want to have to guess where you’re going and start wondering where your bike is.
July 4
6:45 am
Bike to YDS, say hi to the crew, bike home
7:17 – 7:42 am
Run north, through park then Broadview to Queen and up River Street.
25 minutes, 3.0 km. Have to push harder, faster than a slow jog.
Bike to YDS, say hi to the crew, bike home
7:17 – 7:42 am
Run north, through park then Broadview to Queen and up River Street.
25 minutes, 3.0 km. Have to push harder, faster than a slow jog.
July 3
7:00 am
Bike: 60 minutes, first part of it was up some hills, last part through the Moore Park Ravinefor fun.
Quick stop at farmers market to pick up free range eggs, pack of sprouts (broccoli, clover, radish, alfalfa mix), sheep milk yogurt, cauliflower curry salad, lentil salad.
7:30 pm
Bike 11.77 km 31 mins ave 22.7 mx 35.5 cruise 27+
Bike: 60 minutes, first part of it was up some hills, last part through the Moore Park Ravinefor fun.
Quick stop at farmers market to pick up free range eggs, pack of sprouts (broccoli, clover, radish, alfalfa mix), sheep milk yogurt, cauliflower curry salad, lentil salad.
7:30 pm
Bike 11.77 km 31 mins ave 22.7 mx 35.5 cruise 27+
Saturday, July 3, 2010
July 2
6:00 am
Run 2.7 km in 20 minutes. Stomach’s been upset ever since puking. Hope it’s just the pills.
Swim 400 meters in 50m intervals with minute rest.
With 6 weeks to go, feel that I need to increase distance of run and swim by 50% in the next 3 weeks. Then work on speed at those distances.
Run 2.7 km in 20 minutes. Stomach’s been upset ever since puking. Hope it’s just the pills.
Swim 400 meters in 50m intervals with minute rest.
With 6 weeks to go, feel that I need to increase distance of run and swim by 50% in the next 3 weeks. Then work on speed at those distances.
July 1 - Triathlon course reconnaissance
Mouth is still a bit sore, but got up at the usual time of 3:30 am after a solid 5 hours of sleep. Leave shortly after 7 which will give plenty of time to get to the 8 am ferry. Do 2 laps of what I estimate is the 10 km bike ride, and the run. I expect the Transition Area will either be in or close to the tennis courts.
Turn around will probably be just past these fountains.
Can’t figure out where the swim will start, maybe here. I’m pretty sure I’ve kayaked through this strait, the water is calm but really cold and dirty so will definitely need a full wetsuit not a shorty.
The bike and running paths are even flatter than I had expected. Good for beginners; good for me. But as usual when near the lake, no matter which direction you’re riding it feels like you’re heading into the wind.
Instead of another lap I decide to see how far the road goes and – it goes about 15 km, so that’s another 30 km ride, get back to ferry dock with a few minutes before it arrives. Hop off bike and run on grass for a few minutes, stretch. A good morning workout, a somewhat successful preliminary recon mission.
Bike: ~50 km
50 situps
25 pushups
Turn around will probably be just past these fountains.
Can’t figure out where the swim will start, maybe here. I’m pretty sure I’ve kayaked through this strait, the water is calm but really cold and dirty so will definitely need a full wetsuit not a shorty.
The bike and running paths are even flatter than I had expected. Good for beginners; good for me. But as usual when near the lake, no matter which direction you’re riding it feels like you’re heading into the wind.
Instead of another lap I decide to see how far the road goes and – it goes about 15 km, so that’s another 30 km ride, get back to ferry dock with a few minutes before it arrives. Hop off bike and run on grass for a few minutes, stretch. A good morning workout, a somewhat successful preliminary recon mission.
Bike: ~50 km
50 situps
25 pushups
June 30
Mouth still sore but now I know what it takes for me to get a full 6 hours sleep – prescription drugs. Made it to work and put in a full day, popping painkillers like they’re candy.
Went for a 40 minute walk in the evening on a route I’d like to make my morning run. Should be able to do it in 30 minutes.
Tooth or rather the space where the tooth used to be was still sore but should be good to get back to training tomorrow morning.
Went for a 40 minute walk in the evening on a route I’d like to make my morning run. Should be able to do it in 30 minutes.
Tooth or rather the space where the tooth used to be was still sore but should be good to get back to training tomorrow morning.
June 29
Had a tooth extracted yesterday afternoon. Woke up around 5 am, took Apo-Keterolac for pain and swelling, Amoxicillin to fight infection, Tylenol 3.
Went into kitchen and put water on to boil.
Woke up having collapsed in a heap on the kitchen floor. Turned off stove and went back to bed for a while, sweating and shivering. Got up again. Really thirsty so drank some water.
Supposed to avoid solid food, hot liquids etc. Made smoothie like yesterday morning’s PWD. Banana, water, ice, a bit of coffee. Drank it down. 10 minutes later got to the bathroom in time to throw it all up. Don’t know which drug made me sick or if it was due to taking the drugs on an empty stomach but that was really bad.
Went back to bed, sweated some more. Got up again around 8 am. Dizzy, nauseous. Back to bed. Maybe I can get to work for 10:00 am. Nope, stood up and was still dizzy. Tried again for noon. Tnen 2:00 pm. Have to eat something, so had a bite of a banana, waited. Seemed okay so I finished it off, ate another, tried working from home but still feeling dizzy, nauseous and shaky.
Had read about Dr. Graham’s 811 raw vegan diet and being on Banana Island. Had not planned on going there but will give it a try for a day.
Was advised to “avoid strenuous actiivities” for 48 hours. That’s okay, I could use a couple of days to recover from the surgery - and from training. That will give me a little over 5 weeks left to train, which should be enough time to get both the 400 meter swim and 2.5 km run under 15 minutes each.
Went into kitchen and put water on to boil.
Woke up having collapsed in a heap on the kitchen floor. Turned off stove and went back to bed for a while, sweating and shivering. Got up again. Really thirsty so drank some water.
Supposed to avoid solid food, hot liquids etc. Made smoothie like yesterday morning’s PWD. Banana, water, ice, a bit of coffee. Drank it down. 10 minutes later got to the bathroom in time to throw it all up. Don’t know which drug made me sick or if it was due to taking the drugs on an empty stomach but that was really bad.
Went back to bed, sweated some more. Got up again around 8 am. Dizzy, nauseous. Back to bed. Maybe I can get to work for 10:00 am. Nope, stood up and was still dizzy. Tried again for noon. Tnen 2:00 pm. Have to eat something, so had a bite of a banana, waited. Seemed okay so I finished it off, ate another, tried working from home but still feeling dizzy, nauseous and shaky.
Had read about Dr. Graham’s 811 raw vegan diet and being on Banana Island. Had not planned on going there but will give it a try for a day.
Was advised to “avoid strenuous actiivities” for 48 hours. That’s okay, I could use a couple of days to recover from the surgery - and from training. That will give me a little over 5 weeks left to train, which should be enough time to get both the 400 meter swim and 2.5 km run under 15 minutes each.
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28 Triathlon training
144 lbs. This is good with 6 weeks to go. Might get down to 140 lbs for ‘race weight’ simply by cutting back on bread.
6:00 am
Run 2.7 km in 17 minutes.
Home, wait around, bike to pool and wait for lifeguard to let us in. First time ever doing ‘intervals’.
50 meters crawl (2 lengths), rest 45-60 seconds x 12 (600 meters total).
Bike home.
Feels like I’ve done a mini-mini triathlon this morning. Run, bike, swim, bike.
PWD: Banana, blueberries, flax oil, isolate, water, ice, coffee.
Finding this pool feels like I’ve discovered one of the precious unknown secrets of east end Toronto. Open Monday-Friday at 7:00 am, and it’s free.
6:00 am
Run 2.7 km in 17 minutes.
Home, wait around, bike to pool and wait for lifeguard to let us in. First time ever doing ‘intervals’.
50 meters crawl (2 lengths), rest 45-60 seconds x 12 (600 meters total).
Bike home.
Feels like I’ve done a mini-mini triathlon this morning. Run, bike, swim, bike.
PWD: Banana, blueberries, flax oil, isolate, water, ice, coffee.
Finding this pool feels like I’ve discovered one of the precious unknown secrets of east end Toronto. Open Monday-Friday at 7:00 am, and it’s free.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Bike Trail beside Bayview heading north to the Brickworks
A haiku:
Oh Kona Jake you
take me everywhere I
ever want to go
Oh Kona Jake you
take me everywhere I
ever want to go
June 26 Triathlon Training Log
Woke up really early. By 4:00 am I’m lying in bed fully awake. Yesterday I exercised in the morning, stopped drinking coffee by 2:00 in the afternoon, went to bed around 11:30 pm and yet a little over four hours later I’m up. And it’s not even the old man syndrome of having to get up to take a piss. Anyway, get up shave, surf, etc, wait for the sun to come up so I can get out and ride.
Decided to try my first brick.
Figured on doing an hour hard bike ride then a run. Put on biking clothes. Fill up water bottle, put on kitchen counter. Thought I’d try a gel for the first time so I threw a couple in jersey pocket. Put on helmet, gloves, grab keys, elevator downstairs, stretch for few minutes, and go. Start out hard right away. Intend to stay above 25 kph at all times. A few blocks later, look down and realize the water bottle is still sitting on the kitchen counter. EPIC FAIL in T1 and that’s without even swimming first! Get it together dude there’s no excuse for this kind of absent minded mistake.
Still want to run after, so I decide to cut down to a half hour ride. Figure that since I don’t have water, might as well get some moisture from gel. I chug back the Gu realize that was a mistake as I feel it crawl down the esophagus like chocolate slime and really wish I could wash it down with water. Still, the ride goes okay, I put in a good effort.
Bike 10.65 km in 28 minutes, which includes having to slow down and stop for red lights. Not great but I haven’t done a ride like this in a couple of weeks because I’ve been so intent on starting to run and swim.
Back home I don’t waste time changing into running gear, but take six minutes in this T2 in order to drink about a liter of water without having to chug it all at once. Put on walkman and headphones, get back outside start running, Bob Marley’s Lively Up Yourself is the first song on the playlist and
WHAT THE HECK DUDE, SERIOUSLY WHAT THE HECK
is what my legs are screaming. Different muscles are being engaged in different ways, blood doesn’t know where it’s needed most. Now I know what Pete meant when he said he was running like Tim Conway’s “old man” on the old Carol Burnett show. But after a couple of hundred long slow meters the soreness subsides, muscles are stretching out and feel better and I can go at my usual jog. Talking Heads’ Thank You For Sending Me An Angel has great energy and lyrics for running and then comes a Ramones song and I’m moving along okay. Decide to go a bit further than last time, and even though the last couple of blocks are slightly uphill I manage to press harder and go a bit faster than when starting out. Decide the mantra for this triathlon will be:
The faster you run, the sooner it’s over.
The day’s workout is done and it’s not even 7:00 am and the farmer’s market doesn’t open for an hour.
Bike 10.65 km in 28 minutes
T2 6 minutes
Run 2.7 km in 18 minutes
50 situps
25 pushups
Decided to try my first brick.
Figured on doing an hour hard bike ride then a run. Put on biking clothes. Fill up water bottle, put on kitchen counter. Thought I’d try a gel for the first time so I threw a couple in jersey pocket. Put on helmet, gloves, grab keys, elevator downstairs, stretch for few minutes, and go. Start out hard right away. Intend to stay above 25 kph at all times. A few blocks later, look down and realize the water bottle is still sitting on the kitchen counter. EPIC FAIL in T1 and that’s without even swimming first! Get it together dude there’s no excuse for this kind of absent minded mistake.
Still want to run after, so I decide to cut down to a half hour ride. Figure that since I don’t have water, might as well get some moisture from gel. I chug back the Gu realize that was a mistake as I feel it crawl down the esophagus like chocolate slime and really wish I could wash it down with water. Still, the ride goes okay, I put in a good effort.
Bike 10.65 km in 28 minutes, which includes having to slow down and stop for red lights. Not great but I haven’t done a ride like this in a couple of weeks because I’ve been so intent on starting to run and swim.
Back home I don’t waste time changing into running gear, but take six minutes in this T2 in order to drink about a liter of water without having to chug it all at once. Put on walkman and headphones, get back outside start running, Bob Marley’s Lively Up Yourself is the first song on the playlist and
WHAT THE HECK DUDE, SERIOUSLY WHAT THE HECK
is what my legs are screaming. Different muscles are being engaged in different ways, blood doesn’t know where it’s needed most. Now I know what Pete meant when he said he was running like Tim Conway’s “old man” on the old Carol Burnett show. But after a couple of hundred long slow meters the soreness subsides, muscles are stretching out and feel better and I can go at my usual jog. Talking Heads’ Thank You For Sending Me An Angel has great energy and lyrics for running and then comes a Ramones song and I’m moving along okay. Decide to go a bit further than last time, and even though the last couple of blocks are slightly uphill I manage to press harder and go a bit faster than when starting out. Decide the mantra for this triathlon will be:
The faster you run, the sooner it’s over.
The day’s workout is done and it’s not even 7:00 am and the farmer’s market doesn’t open for an hour.
Bike 10.65 km in 28 minutes
T2 6 minutes
Run 2.7 km in 18 minutes
50 situps
25 pushups
June 25 Triathlon Training Log
Biked to Queen Street community centre and arrived around 6:45 am and the doors were open. Pool was still locked, which gave me a chance to stretch arms and shoulders a bit.
BONUS: this place is FREE, yes free swimming pool a short 10 minute bike ride away, wish I’d known about this earlier! Awe-freakin-some.
Second time swimming, and again I did a double-take.
Swim: 400 meters. Alternated 2 lengths breast stroke, 2 lengths crawl at an pace, concentrating on form. Threw in 2 back crawl near the end. Time taken: less than 14 minutes. Took a minute to catch breath. Did a couple more lengths of back crawl a little faster, and then 2 crawl with more effort. Was out of the pool in around 18 minutes. Quick change and hopped on bike for 10 minute ride home, feeling pretty good.
BONUS: this place is FREE, yes free swimming pool a short 10 minute bike ride away, wish I’d known about this earlier! Awe-freakin-some.
Second time swimming, and again I did a double-take.
Swim: 400 meters. Alternated 2 lengths breast stroke, 2 lengths crawl at an pace, concentrating on form. Threw in 2 back crawl near the end. Time taken: less than 14 minutes. Took a minute to catch breath. Did a couple more lengths of back crawl a little faster, and then 2 crawl with more effort. Was out of the pool in around 18 minutes. Quick change and hopped on bike for 10 minute ride home, feeling pretty good.
June 24 Triathlon Training Log
Timing can be an amazing thing. Woke up and rain was pouring down, figured it was about time I took a rest and recovery day. But a little after 6 the rain had stopped and the sky was clearing up. Air was nice and cool.
Friday morning, have to go to the pool and get in some swimming and Saturday is bike day. So, why not go for a little jog. Started at 6:33 am. Finished at…6:51 am ?!
Stretch
Run: 2.35 km in 18 minutes. (distance calculated by mapmyride.com)
Stretch
Started out with the usual slow jog, but felt good so took a slightly longer route than yesterday and then did what could actually be considered ‘running’ the last block. Back in apartment, looked out the window, and it was pouring rain again. Somehow I’d snuck in a run in a short break between downpours. Girl Talk’s [i]Let’s Play[/i] mashup album is a lot of fun to listen to when running. Feel really good, too. Much better than after yesterday’s run.
Recover quickly. Not even hungry or drained. Having one of those old person moments when I’m almost concerned because I just ran 20 minutes and feel great. Energized. [i]Is there something wrong with me?[/i]
Now I have a target time, and am confident that with over a month of training to go, even after the swim and bike stages I should be able to run 2.5 km in under 20 minutes.
Skip the PWD and have water, coffee, bread, peanut butter, hardboiled egg. .No situps, no pushups – this is a recovery day.
Friday morning, have to go to the pool and get in some swimming and Saturday is bike day. So, why not go for a little jog. Started at 6:33 am. Finished at…6:51 am ?!
Stretch
Run: 2.35 km in 18 minutes. (distance calculated by mapmyride.com)
Stretch
Started out with the usual slow jog, but felt good so took a slightly longer route than yesterday and then did what could actually be considered ‘running’ the last block. Back in apartment, looked out the window, and it was pouring rain again. Somehow I’d snuck in a run in a short break between downpours. Girl Talk’s [i]Let’s Play[/i] mashup album is a lot of fun to listen to when running. Feel really good, too. Much better than after yesterday’s run.
Recover quickly. Not even hungry or drained. Having one of those old person moments when I’m almost concerned because I just ran 20 minutes and feel great. Energized. [i]Is there something wrong with me?[/i]
Now I have a target time, and am confident that with over a month of training to go, even after the swim and bike stages I should be able to run 2.5 km in under 20 minutes.
Skip the PWD and have water, coffee, bread, peanut butter, hardboiled egg. .No situps, no pushups – this is a recovery day.
June 22 workout
Was going to take a rest day today but woke up around 4:00 am so by 5:30 was too restless to do nothing. Wanted to give the legs a rest so instead of a run or cardio workout, I biked at a moderate pace over to Goodlife to move some weights around, from 6 to 7 am.
Warmup:
50 situps
25 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Bench 5x5
Lat pulls 5x5
Curls 5x5
Tricep extensions 5x5
Lat raises 3x8 (hoping this helps with swimming)
Pecs machine 5x5
Delt (cable machine) 5x5
3x10 cable crunches
3x10 incline bench crunches w 10 lb weight
Biking home, some punk passed me on a downhill stretch. It's such a great feeling to have someone pass you on the downhill bit of road and then you pass them on the uphill part afterwards...so much for no cardio and giving the legs a rest LOL, we battled for the lead for about a kilometer until I turned south on River Street.
Warmup:
50 situps
25 pushups
10 glute raises per leg
10 hydrants per leg
3x10 hanging leg raises
3x10 back extensions w plate
Bench 5x5
Lat pulls 5x5
Curls 5x5
Tricep extensions 5x5
Lat raises 3x8 (hoping this helps with swimming)
Pecs machine 5x5
Delt (cable machine) 5x5
3x10 cable crunches
3x10 incline bench crunches w 10 lb weight
Biking home, some punk passed me on a downhill stretch. It's such a great feeling to have someone pass you on the downhill bit of road and then you pass them on the uphill part afterwards...so much for no cardio and giving the legs a rest LOL, we battled for the lead for about a kilometer until I turned south on River Street.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Nutrition Talk
I was so tired out after my first real Tri training workout, I needed some time not moving and figured it was a good opportunity for my first attempt at using Xtranormal. A bit of a discussion about nutrition for endurance events. Turned out okay but I think I can do better with a bit of practice.
Nutrition Talk #1
Nutrition Talk #1
Give It A Tri on Saturday August 14.
Last weekend I discovered that there’s an event called Give It A Tri on Centre Island, on Saturday August 14.
Intrigued, I started to consider it. Takes place close enough that I can bike to the ferry dock, and the stages may be short enough that I could get through them. A friend (who lives in another city) is also over 50 and has been training for a Sprint over the winter. He had to learn how to swim, got a coach, a really nice bike with these high tech aero bars, etc.
I asked him if I was crazy to even think about it. His response: “my dead grandma could run 2.5. No really, 2.5 would be over before you know it. If Steve Fonyo can hop across Canada on one leg you can gimp through 2.5 km.”
Fuck. He’s right. Now I have to go through with it.
The Toronto Island Give-It-A-Tri is on Saturday August 14 which gives me a scant 7 weeks to train. I have not run since high school and haven't been in a pool in a couple of decades.
Swim: 400 meters
Bike: 10 km
Run: 2.5 km
Yeah if you're 23 it doesn't seem like much. When you're 53 it seems like a lot of effort!
But not impossible. This event is a reasonable distance for an old man; and short enough that I shouldn't need to buy much gear. There's a store not too far away that rents out wet suits and I'll need one for the lake swim.
Have been weight training since November with decent results but will put that on hold for a few weeks. Also I ran out of pot a couple of weeks ago and haven't restocked so I might as well go without until after this event.
I can't deadlift, squat, bike, and run; my bad knee cannot tolerate all that. This will be a good change of pace for the summer to keep things interesting; it will be fun to take a break from the usual, “try to add 5 more pounds to the pathetic bench press you wimp.” And it's summer, time for outdoor activities!
With only seven weeks to go, think I'd like to use the first 4 weeks to build up endurance in swimming and running, then use the next 3 weeks to put it all together.
Intrigued, I started to consider it. Takes place close enough that I can bike to the ferry dock, and the stages may be short enough that I could get through them. A friend (who lives in another city) is also over 50 and has been training for a Sprint over the winter. He had to learn how to swim, got a coach, a really nice bike with these high tech aero bars, etc.
I asked him if I was crazy to even think about it. His response: “my dead grandma could run 2.5. No really, 2.5 would be over before you know it. If Steve Fonyo can hop across Canada on one leg you can gimp through 2.5 km.”
Fuck. He’s right. Now I have to go through with it.
The Toronto Island Give-It-A-Tri is on Saturday August 14 which gives me a scant 7 weeks to train. I have not run since high school and haven't been in a pool in a couple of decades.
Swim: 400 meters
Bike: 10 km
Run: 2.5 km
Yeah if you're 23 it doesn't seem like much. When you're 53 it seems like a lot of effort!
But not impossible. This event is a reasonable distance for an old man; and short enough that I shouldn't need to buy much gear. There's a store not too far away that rents out wet suits and I'll need one for the lake swim.
Have been weight training since November with decent results but will put that on hold for a few weeks. Also I ran out of pot a couple of weeks ago and haven't restocked so I might as well go without until after this event.
I can't deadlift, squat, bike, and run; my bad knee cannot tolerate all that. This will be a good change of pace for the summer to keep things interesting; it will be fun to take a break from the usual, “try to add 5 more pounds to the pathetic bench press you wimp.” And it's summer, time for outdoor activities!
With only seven weeks to go, think I'd like to use the first 4 weeks to build up endurance in swimming and running, then use the next 3 weeks to put it all together.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Summer Mode Begins
Yesterday morning, rode to ferry docks to meet crew that was heading over to Olympic Island. On the way to work, as I passed the hotel strip and started to speed up, glanced to the left and saw a kid trying to pass. So I sped up and got up to 35 kph and held that speed for a good 1/4 mile or more. When I looked back again he was out of sight.
Legs were burning and lungs were aching, but I've decided that was the start of summer riding mode: Go fast or go home, haha. Pedal at least 25 kph or coast until recovered enough to go at that pace.
Legs were burning and lungs were aching, but I've decided that was the start of summer riding mode: Go fast or go home, haha. Pedal at least 25 kph or coast until recovered enough to go at that pace.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Trip To The Zoo
Monday May 24. Perfect weather for a long ride, so I went to the zoo. Wasn't sure how far it was before leaving; did around 65 km total for the round trip. Took around 2 and a half hours.
Route taken, on mapmyride.com
Friday, April 2, 2010
Pickering
Had a great ride out to Pickering and back. 60 km in around 3 hours. Good as a 'scouting' trip.
Approximate route here
Will try again in a few weeks, should be able to cut 20 minutes off the ride.
Morningside Road and Kingston Ave.
Waterfront park on the west side of Pickering. Have to remember to smile!
Approximate route here
Will try again in a few weeks, should be able to cut 20 minutes off the ride.
Morningside Road and Kingston Ave.
Waterfront park on the west side of Pickering. Have to remember to smile!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Deadlift Form Check #2
Deadlifts at 145 lbs (body weight). Wasn't deloading and have corrected that. Still some rounding in the upper back.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Leg Raises and Hyperextensions
Every time I'm at the gym, warm up routine includes 3 sets of leg raises and hyperextensions with 45 lb plate.
Deadlifts Form Check
5 reps @ 135 lbs. Looks okay, in fact it looks like I'm not straining too hard and could be lifting at least another 10 or 20 pounds.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Collision with a Purpose
So I'm riding home tonight, eastbound on the curved part of Dundas east of Yonge and a cab pulls up right in front of me, angled towards the curb. There's not enough space to pass him on the right, and going left would put me out into a lane of traffic. I'm on my beater so I slowed down and deliberately ran into his back bumper, haha.
Then as I'm passing he leans out the window and says, "Sorry!"
Then as I'm passing he leans out the window and says, "Sorry!"
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Squats Form Check
Been doing the Starting Strength program for a months now and making some good progress.
Goodlife Fitness at Coxwell is a really nice gym. Opened last summer so all the equipment is still relatively new and in good repair.
Monday to Friday it opens at 5:00 am and I'm usually in there for an hour some time between 6 and 7:30 am. and it's never crowded, there's rarely a time when you have to wait for a bench, and NO ONE ever uses the squat rack. A few brave souls dare the Smith machine, but the squat rack is always open.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday January 8
When I started biking this summer, just a few months ago really, at first my 'rule' was that I would not ride at night or in the rain. Well, of course if you're out on a long ride and it starts raining, you have no choice, then realize it's not that big of a deal.
Then the days started to get shorter and pretty soon if you're going to bike to work and back, you're going to be doing it in the dark. So I bought a good set of lights and another rule fell by the wayside.
As the seasons changed the new rule was that since I didn't mind the cold so much I'd keep riding but not if there was snow on the ground, that would be too treacherous.
This morning I left for the gym around 5:45 am.
Yes it's my "go anywhere, do anything freedom machine" but there are limits!
I started to slip and slide and to think, "what kind of fool rides a bike in this shit, I should go home and get back in bed", but pressed on.
Talk about "taking the lane", on some stretches of Gerrard I had to ride between the streetcar tracks because the rest of the road was too slippery. When I heard the rumble approaching from behind, had to pull over and figured I'd capture the moment for posterity.
Came close to losing it a few times, but got there. I hesitated outside though and thought that if all I did was turn around and ride back home that would be a good 40 minute cardio day. But what the heck, I was already there, so inside I went.
Then the days started to get shorter and pretty soon if you're going to bike to work and back, you're going to be doing it in the dark. So I bought a good set of lights and another rule fell by the wayside.
As the seasons changed the new rule was that since I didn't mind the cold so much I'd keep riding but not if there was snow on the ground, that would be too treacherous.
This morning I left for the gym around 5:45 am.
Yes it's my "go anywhere, do anything freedom machine" but there are limits!
I started to slip and slide and to think, "what kind of fool rides a bike in this shit, I should go home and get back in bed", but pressed on.
Talk about "taking the lane", on some stretches of Gerrard I had to ride between the streetcar tracks because the rest of the road was too slippery. When I heard the rumble approaching from behind, had to pull over and figured I'd capture the moment for posterity.
Came close to losing it a few times, but got there. I hesitated outside though and thought that if all I did was turn around and ride back home that would be a good 40 minute cardio day. But what the heck, I was already there, so inside I went.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Follow up to Red Paw: Gluten
According to the Red Paw dermal test, I should avoid gluten - which unfortunately is in a lot of processed food. Should also avoid oats, barley, spelt, kamot, wheat, white flour.
But I really like the bread and occasional pastry from St. John's Bakery. Saturday mornings I like to hit the gym from around 8 to 9:30 am and then pick up a loaf of sourdough and a couple of amazing brioches fresh out of the oven and still warm.
Then I read this article at www.thehuffingtonpost.com headlined, Gluten: What You Don't Know Might Kill You.
Well, bread contains gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and oats. It is hidden in pizza, pasta, bread, wraps, rolls, and most processed foods. Clearly, gluten is a staple of the American diet.
What most people don't know is that gluten can cause serious health complications for many. You may be at risk even if you don't have full blown celiac disease...
A recent large study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with diagnosed, undiagnosed, and "latent" celiac disease or gluten sensitivity had a higher risk of death, mostly from heart disease and cancer...
Yet an estimated 99 percent of people who have a problem with eating gluten don't even know it. They ascribe their ill health or symptoms to something else--not gluten sensitivity, which is 100 percent curable.
Yikes!
But I really like the bread and occasional pastry from St. John's Bakery. Saturday mornings I like to hit the gym from around 8 to 9:30 am and then pick up a loaf of sourdough and a couple of amazing brioches fresh out of the oven and still warm.
Then I read this article at www.thehuffingtonpost.com headlined, Gluten: What You Don't Know Might Kill You.
Well, bread contains gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and oats. It is hidden in pizza, pasta, bread, wraps, rolls, and most processed foods. Clearly, gluten is a staple of the American diet.
What most people don't know is that gluten can cause serious health complications for many. You may be at risk even if you don't have full blown celiac disease...
A recent large study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with diagnosed, undiagnosed, and "latent" celiac disease or gluten sensitivity had a higher risk of death, mostly from heart disease and cancer...
Yet an estimated 99 percent of people who have a problem with eating gluten don't even know it. They ascribe their ill health or symptoms to something else--not gluten sensitivity, which is 100 percent curable.
Yikes!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sunday January 3
Headed out for the gym around 7:30 am this morning. According to theweathernetwork.com it was -17 degrees Celsius. Don't know what the wind chill made it but the wind was frigid and blowing from the north and west.
About 1/2 block from the gym I crossed from south side of Gerrard to north, and front wheel got caught in the streetcar track. With instinctive reaction in a fraction of a second I managed to get a foot on the ground, and arms pulled up and twisted the handlebar enough to get the wheel out, got back on seat and kept going. Would have been a really bad time to have taken a fall, instead it was a good beginning for the new year.
About 1/2 block from the gym I crossed from south side of Gerrard to north, and front wheel got caught in the streetcar track. With instinctive reaction in a fraction of a second I managed to get a foot on the ground, and arms pulled up and twisted the handlebar enough to get the wheel out, got back on seat and kept going. Would have been a really bad time to have taken a fall, instead it was a good beginning for the new year.
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