Andy Collin - The Ultra Iron Man2008-11-21T17:11:04ZAndy CollinCopyright 2008, Andy CollinSPHPBLOGI Have Finished! I want to start by saying thanks to all that helped me in the lead up to this event and everyone who helped me along the way. It really has been an amazing experience. I can't believe it's over. I hardly remember all the pain I went through each and every day, I just remember the scenery and beauty of the Rocky Mountains. I managed to cycle from Vancouver to Banff in a little over 40 hours, not bad considering it took me 12 hours to drive there from Calgary prior to starting. I cycled at an average of about 22/23km/h, again not bad considering there were some very tough hills. I lost about 9 pounds of weight (over 4kg, 0.64 stone) in one week.
I have struggled to walk for the last couple of days, my left achillies tendon is really sore and swollen, I can't straighten my left elbow, and my left hand is still sore (but healing). Other than that I have not aches and pains any more. My knees and ankles are all fine. I put the lack on injuries, aches and pains down to the incredible training schedule provided for me by Ryan at Peak Power, thanks Ryan.
I also thank my equipment. The bike was incredible. No problems at all, not even a flat! The Giant bike provided for me by The Cyclepath really was the best, even when towing all my gear. Thanks so much Pat and Irene for all your help.
I also put my speed and strength down to the energy drinks and gels I was using on a daily basis. GU2O and GU Energy Gels were light on my stomach and really tasty. I was and still am very disappointed not to have been able to use my Zenith WetZoot, but I know it is a brilliant wetsuit. Thanks Tony for your support.
My orca running gear was top quality clothing that was great to use. Banff Avenue B&B, thanks so much for being so kind. The good people at Agape for your hospitality.
There are loads of people to thank, but I really need to say cheers to my wife for supporting me in the lead up to the event and during the event. Trying to cheer me up when I was down. Mixing all my drinks for me, waiting for hours at the side of the road while I caught up. Thanks hun, I appreciate it.
We have managed to raise a lot of money for the Children's Wish Foundation. Thanks to everyone who doanted, it's going to such a great cause!
I have added daily updates of how each day went in the right hand column. CYCLING DAY 1, CYCLING DAY 2 etc etc. There are pictures and other info on how my trip was. I can't explain what a great experience this was. I learned a lot about myself and what I am actually capable of. I know I can actually do a lot more than I thought I could. I have a lot more mental strength to push me on than I ever imagined I had. I now know when I reach a massive pain barrier, I can push through it and just keep going. I would encourage anyone and everyone to try doing something that they never thought they could do.
Only by undertaking more than you can possibly do, will you ever find out truly how much you can achieve!]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070910-0832542007-09-10T00:00:00Z2007-09-10T00:00:00ZDay 6 - Revelstoke - Golden, BChttp://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070905-0934052007-09-05T00:00:00Z2007-09-05T00:00:00ZDay 3 - 5 Hedley to Revelstoke, BC Today he cycled about 135 km from Hedley to Kelowna. He was very impressed with the way he cycled as he did it in record time. I was hoping to meet him before he got to Kelowna so I could take his trailer, but in the end he beat me there. It ended up being about an 8 hour drive for me as it's the long weekend in Canada here and everyone is heading out for their last summer holiday. Traffic was a nightmare. So, by noon that day, Andy had already cycled 100 km. I met him shortly before 2 and all he wanted was a big juicy burger to celebrate his accomplishments. Sounded good to me! I also brought our camping BBQ out to cook up a homecooked meal in the backyard. Lots of good food today...don't think all the freeze dried food Andy's been living on is really hitting the spot. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at our B & B and getting ready for the big swim on Sunday.
Day 4 - We were up bright and early (about 5:30 am) on Sunday to eat breakfast and let it settle for Andy's swim. He was all ready and in his gear for 9 am to meet Jon and our boat at the pier. As I had mentioned in an earlier blog, Andy was quite worried about his injured hand, so he had wrapped it up quite well and was wearing a rubber glove over it to prevent it from getting wet. Unfortunately, within minutes of jumping in the water, the water got to his hand and then he quickly realized he couldn't push the water with it as it started throbbing. Knowing Andy and his drive, determination, (and occasional stubbornness), he had a really hard decision to make. He decided he was going to have to postpone the swim. It was really hard for him as he's trained very hard for this day and was looking forward to the open water swim, but had he did it, it might have jeopardized the rest of his bike ride as well. He does have a couple of contigency plans though. The main thing is to get back home and get his hand healed up well before he attempts the big swim. He wasn't too happy a camper for the rest of the day. A fun game of mini golf and a nice meal by the lake cheered him up a bit. He knew it was the right decision.
Day 5 - Another very impressive day on the bike. We left Kelowna at 6:30 am and headed to Revelstoke. I couldn't believe how fast he cycled. I had his trailer with me and would drive 20 km down the road and wait. I loved it...so many fruit stands on route and beautiful scenery. Was such a nice relaxing day for me....really wished I could have spent the week doing that. By 3:30 we were in Revelstoke...he had cycled 200 km by the end...an amazing accomplishment! He was very happy with the cycle and very tired. I stayed with him for about a half hour for a cup of tea and a bite to eat at his campsite and then I set off for my 5 hr ride back to Calgary.
Thanks again to everyone for all the encouraging messages. I passed them along to Andy on the weekend and he loved reading them, so feel free to send more! I'll be heading out to Banff tomorrow night. He'll have finished his 950 km bike ride by tomorrow evening and be getting ready for his 3 marathon run back into Calgary. We also appreciate all the donations. This is a huge personal accomplishment, but he's also doing this for some very deserving children here in Alberta which is where all the money is going to.
I'll be writing up another blog tonight to let you know how Day 6 from Revelstoke to Golden went. ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070904-0847022007-09-04T00:00:00Z2007-09-04T00:00:00ZDay 2 - Hope to Hedley, BC Other than that, he didn't have too much to report. Just wanted everyone to know he made it to Hedley. Thanks for all the calls and messages we've been getting. It's nice to know he's got a lot of caring supportive people. Once again, thanks for the donations. I'll write up a blog on Monday night when I get home to let you know how the weekend went.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070831-2008272007-09-01T00:00:00Z2007-09-01T00:00:00ZAnd the Iron Man Begins.... The first part of the trip was relatively flat, so not a lot of problems there. He did get a flat tire on his trailer however....and managed to be hit in the head by a bird later in the day. At least it was a bird and not a bear! His first destination was Hope, BC and unfortunately his campground was sitting on top of a hill 3 km long. After a 165 km ride, being on his bike for nearly 10 hrs, towing 60 lbs of gear, he decided to walk the last 3 km up the hill...he had little energy by then.
He'll have a good night's sleep tonight and be up bright and early tomorrow hitting the road by 7 am again for what he thinks might possibly be one of the hardest days ahead. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!
Thanks again for all the donations that came in yesterday. Andy will really appreciate the support as will the foundation and the kids you're helping. Again you can donate online when you visit the website www.TheUltraIronMan.com or write a cheque to The Children's Wish Foundation stating it's for the iron man event. ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070830-1934022007-08-31T00:00:00Z2007-08-31T00:00:00ZI'm heading out! I leave today (Wednesday) early morning and hope to get to Vancouver early evening. I will set off from The Landmark Hotel (Downtown) at about 7:30am on Thursday 30th August.
It has been really hard to set any sort of itinerary for this event as I have no idea where all the steep mountain passes will be along the first stage of the journey, 450km. I know they are there, but I’m just not sure where! I will definitely be rolling into Kelowna late in the day on Saturday 1st, September.
I will be getting into my wetsuit on Sunday morning and swimming 18km in the Okanagan Lake. This will take one full day.
On Monday 2nd September I will get back on my bike and cycle the remaining 500km into Banff. I know this will be a very tough couple of days, as I know there are some very long, steep mountain climbs! I will be pulling into Banff late on Wednesday 5th September. I will be thankful for a rest in the evening and the next morning.
I will be lacing up my running shoes on Thursday 6th at about 5pm to start my 130km run (3 back to back marathons). I plan to run through the night for a couple of reasons:
The temperature will be cooler There will be less traffic on the TransCanada Hwy.
This will be the hardest part of the challenge. If running one marathon wasn’t tough enough!
I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout the build up to this event:
Pat & Irene Hager at The Cyclepath Ryan Saranchuck at Peak Power Sport Development Tony at Uber Performance Products The good people at Orca in New Zealand Connie Beatson at Banff Avenue B&B (see you on Wednesday 5th) Jason at Water Solutions Jon Campbell at RJ Performance The generosity at Husky Energy And the helpfulness of Go West RV Rentals
I also want to thank my wife Jody who has helped me lots over the last year get prepared for this event. She will also be updating this personal blog daily giving accounts of where I am and how I’m doing.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have donated money to the Children’s Wish Foundation. This is the reason I’m doing the event and I’m so thankful and surprised with everyone’s generosity. It really is a good cause, so thank you. If you have not donated yet, it isn’t too late! You can donate on the homepage of my website or write a cheque made payable to the Children’s Wish foundation, stating it’s a donation linked to the Ultra Iron Man event.
I will be back on here in just over a week. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I would cross mine if I hadn’t sliced them up!]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070829-0414412007-08-29T00:00:00Z2007-08-29T00:00:00ZSophie Rose!
There are two days left until I head off. I've spent close to 13 months training for this event and up until Friday night I was happy to say I have been injury free. No aches or pains and no twists or strains. That was what I could say up until Friday! Unfortunately, I've hurt my hand pretty badly. I was making a few size adjustments to some swimming gear with a knife, not paying attention to what I was doing. One slip later, a few swear words; I looked down and saw deep enough into the top of my hand to see tendons moving. Then the blood started pouring out. My left index finger is completely immobilized at the moment, due to the pain and damage caused to the tendon. As if this triathlon won't be tough enough already, I'm now going to have to do it with a badly damaged left hand! Postponing this just isn't an option. Too much planning and training have gone into this event, matched with a stubborn personality; Thursday is still the day I will be getting on the bike!
I have read all the details off my GPS training device and have listed the distances and times below. These are cycling and running figures put together, I have no idea how far I have swam over the past year.
Total Distance: 12,350km (London to Australia. London to the North Pole and back, 3 times. Calgary to Sydney. Calgary to England and back)
Time spent training: 750 hours (over one month non stop training. Not including swimming, one twelfth of my year has been running or on the bike)
Total calories used: 580,000 (average male burns 2,500 calories per day. Over the last year I have had to eat over 230 days worth of additional food!)
Total Meters (Ascent): 48,000 (Mount Everest is 8,800m high) Total Meters (Descent): 48,250
I’m doing my final preparations. I’m busy packing and loading up my bike trailer and getting all my running and swimming gear together. It’s a fun time, shame I’m doing it all with one hand! The bandages come off this evening, fingers crossed (I wish I could) it’s been rapidly healing over the last couple of days. ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070827-0937422007-08-27T00:00:00Z2007-08-27T00:00:00ZSo Close Now! I can comfortably run, bike and swim a very long way now, but there is no amount of training that will completely prepare your body and mind for an 18km swim, 950km cycle and a 130km run. Physically, I'm about as ready as I possibly can be. Mentally, I just need to keep in my mind exactly why I'm doing this and not get too bored out there! Luckily there's a lot to think about and keep my mind occupied.
I'm going to be spending the last few weeks before I head off tying up a few loose ends and buying a couple of little things that I don't already have.
I've put in many hours of hard work. My next blog entry will give all the details and numbers on my GPS. I will list records of distances, times, calories burned etc for the last year.
I am really hoping to raise a lot of money for the Children's Wish Foundation. If you have already donated money I want to thank you so much for your generosity. It is all for a very good cause and 100% of your donation will be given straight to the Children's Wish Foundation.]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070807-1028542007-08-07T00:00:00Z2007-08-07T00:00:00ZFundraising Support In about seven weeks I will be heading out to Vancouver to start a journey I would have once thought was impossible. I will be attempting to do something that the majority of people would never even think of doing, let alone be able to do.
Over the last 10 months I have been training for this major triathlon so I can not only finish this, but cross the finish line with a smile on my face. There have been quite a few aches and pains over the months, but through all the strenuous training sessions I’ve really tried to keep focused on why I’m actually doing this. I’m doing this to raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
The pain I will go through will last for a week, maybe two (hopefully not too much longer!). The pain some children suffering from serious, life threatening illnesses lasts for many years. Working for the Children’s Wish Foundation means I see and hear of many children and families that are going through some very tough times. Through having their wish granted these courageous youngsters often experience a renewed sense of energy and hope as they see a different kind of light at the end of the tunnel.
With only two months left until I set out on the biggest challenge of my life, I know there are many children out there already going through the toughest thing they will ever have to deal with, fighting for life. I hope you’ll all help me in trying to bring a big of hope and happiness into the lives of some very deserving children. You can donate to the Children’s Wish Foundation by doing one of the following:
1. Make a cheque payable to ‘The Children’s Wish Foundation’ and send it to: #271, 339 50th Avenue SE, Calgary AB T2G 2B3
2. Donate on my website at www.TheUltraIronMan.com Click the "Donate" button on the home page.
3. Phone me at the Children’s Wish office and donate using your credit card (403) 265 9039
100% of your donation will be given to the Children’s Wish Foundation upon completion of this event. Donations made in Canada are eligible for a tax receipt for the full amount. Help me to assist the Children's Wish Foundation in granting many more wishes.
Thanks so much for your generous support!
Our little boy Marmite asleep in the sun, on his back, exposing himself! Not that there's much to show off!
Marmite and Max... strike a pose!
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070703-0814272007-07-03T00:00:00Z2007-07-03T00:00:00ZA Steady Increase In Training Distances I’m really impressed with how I felt when I got home. I was a little tired, a bit weak, very hungry and extremely sweaty, but who wouldn’t be after running a marathon and swimming 4km?!!
I’ve also discovered something I didn’t know about our new place. It sits on top of a very long, gradual hill. It’s not really noticeable when driving, but after running for over 3 hours, those last 5km killed my legs! Moan, moan, moan... I know I shouldn't as the hill we live on top of is nothing compared to the many hills/mountains I'll have to face, swear at repeatedly, then run up in September
Anyway, I can’t dwell too much on my efforts last week as I’m off to do it all again today and the rest of the week. It’s getting pretty close now. The months of work and slow increases in the training distances are really paying off now. I’m able to run one full and a couple of half marathons a week on top of all the cycling and swimming training I’m doing. All the training really does help me appreciate my rest days!
There are only 10 weeks left until the big one! ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070618-1511092007-06-18T00:00:00Z2007-06-18T00:00:00ZWhat An Incredible Few Months... Past & Future! Firstly we bought a new place a couple of months ago and, after a very long weekend, we are finally moved in. We're so happy to actually have a place we can actually call our own and do what we want with. No more rent cheques being handed over to stinking landlords!
Here's the best news... we are also going to be parents come December time! There will be a baby Collin running around soon, yes that's right, running! I’m so happy that I’m going to be a dad. We think Jody is about 3 months 'gone', we will find out more on Monday. There certainly are exciting times ahead of my wife and I. I guess we'll have to start baby proofing the new place (there are already certain safety features around for my benefit).
As far as the iron man goes I'm really increasing the distances. I'm comfortably running a couple of half marathons a week with a three quarter marathon once a week too. I'm also cycling a couple of hundred kilometres regularly. The swimming is also going well, although I'm looking forward to swimming in non chlorinated water for once... after spending a few hours in the pool my face is usually bright red from chlorine burn!
One thing I’m really having to work on is cycling in a straight line. This may sound ridiculous, but after working out at high intensities for a long period of time, it’s a lot harder than it sounds. Try sitting on a bike, cycling hard between 30 and 40kph for a couple of hours, then just see how easy it is to follow the white line on the side of the road. There are a lot of things that I can do to help myself with this, but unfortunately I learned the hard way last week that when cycling on the road you need to give 100% of your attention to your surroundings at ALL times. I was cruising down a slight hill at a pretty good speed, when I looked over my shoulder to see how close the car behind me was. I turned my head back to the road ahead and unfortunately the car in front had braked hard. There’s a stopped car about 2 meters ahead of me, I’m doing about 35kph… there’s an unavoidable… SPLAT! Luckily, those couple of meters gave me a split second to swerve slightly out of the way. I hit the rear side of the car with are no lasting injuries and no bike damage, just a sore finger and a bruised elbow. A lesson learned!
My event plans have also had to change slightly due to having a little one on the way. Jody and I have decided that it wouldn't be a great idea to have her sitting in the same position for a week following me in a motorhome. So I've decided to go solo! I will be towing all my gear and equipment behind me in a trailer. This will be making an already tough trek through the mountains even tougher. The weight of all my equipment has to increase because I'll have to bring a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, utensils etc. I had taken the two pictures below in April 2004. They are pictures from an airplane flying over the Rocky Mountains. If someone would have told me back then that I would be cycling through there on my bike I would probably have laughed at them.
I've also changed the location of my 18km swim. I won't be swimming in the open waters off the coast of Vancouver. I will cycle from Vancouver to Kelowna (450km) then put on my wetsuit and swim in the Okanagan lake. Luckily I will have Jon Campbell from RJ Performance in a support boat next to me.
Then it's back onto the bike to cycle the remaining 500km into Banff. Banff Avenue Bed & Breakfast have been kind enough to donate a room for the night so I can get some peaceful sleep in a beautiful location. Thank you Connie for your generosity and kindness. A comfy bed and a warm welcome will be needed and greatly appreciated. This is where I will be meeting Jody who will be supporting me while I'm doing my 130km run.
It really is turning into quite a daunting event but I'm feeling relatively confident with the distances thanks to the ever increasing training schedule from Ryan at Peak Power. It's just going to be a pretty lonely trek. At least I have a lot of good things to think about and look forward to.
I will also be an uncle shortly after I complete this event. My brother and Dawn will be having their first on September 16th.
I just want to quickly share with you a couple of jokes one of our wish kids told me this morning. He's a great little guy but is having some real trouble speaking at the moment but he still phoned to tell me a couple of jokes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: How much do pirates pay for their earrings? A: A Buccaneer! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did the scientist install a knocker on his door? A: He wanted to win the No-bell prize! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He was laughing hysterically while telling them to me which made them even funnier. It's all in the delivery! All the pain he's going through, all the treatments, he still finds time to laugh about the little things.
Well, here's to soon becoming a dad, something I can't wait for! I learned a lot from my dad while growing up, here are some of the most important things. I will definitely be passing on these valuable lessons so our child won't make the same mistakes I did.
* Mum's are always right, even if they are clearly wrong. * Hard balls break windows. * Don't speak unless spoken to. * Parents hear everything, even when they are not around to hear anything. * Always wear clean underwear, you never know when your trousers are going to fall down. * Don't lick square batteries. * Keep your fingers to yourself and out of your nose. * The probability of someone watching you is directly proportional to the stupidity of your actions.
I will be putting more regular updates on this blog in the lead up to my event. I hope everyone is doing well wherever you are in the world!]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070606-1421192007-06-06T00:00:00Z2007-06-06T00:00:00Z2 Tasty Cakes and a Damn Fine Brother! Introducing... My big brother, Mark!
Bruv, I can't thank you enough for helping me out with the Double Deckers. Not only did he send me some, he sent me 3 boxes full... 150 chocolate bars! You are a good lad who has helped out a man with a massive appetite! Your time and financial expenses are really appreciated. Sorry about the picture above, I couldn't find another one of you. I'll keep looking for another one but I'll post this one for now.
Canada Customs did open each of the three boxes to check the contents. I guess they found it hard to believe that anyone would want 150 chocolate bars for their birthday. They even went to the extent of opening one of the bars to check that it was actually chocolate. They did kindly wrap it back up, then tape it shut. As soon as I was aware that some greasy customs kid had his fingers on it I had to come to terms with the fact that I had lost one. I took a picture of it with a tear in my eye and waved goodbye to the one that got away... never to be digested!
Even Marmite & Max got a lot of enjoyment out of the box the bars were sent in... good work bruv!
Jody and I have been pretty busy over the last few weeks. Jo and Lorry drove down from Edmonton for the weekend. We had a good time celebrating their birthday and generally spending most of the weekend in the pub.
Jody celebrated her 28th birthday on March 14th. After a long day at the office she opened presents, some good and some not so good. There was more cake and of course a lot more wine! We went out for a top notch meal, ate frogs legs, lobster, salmon and a whole load of other meats. Good times.
Unfortunately the cats forgot to get their mum a birthday present. I guess they leave us lots of 'little' presents every day anyway, usually around 7:30am, after they have eaten breakfast! They are presents neither of us want to open!
So it's just over 5 months until I have to start my challenge. I'm getting really excited for it, but I am nervous. I go through phases of confidence and fear, but I'm safe knowing that I will be able to complete this with the support from so many people.
All this typing is making me hungry... I'm off for a double Decker! Thanks bruv. I found a better picture.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070320-1317322007-03-20T00:00:00Z2007-03-20T00:00:00ZDouble Decker Desperation! Big Ben Stonehenge The Queen Round-a-Bouts William Shakespeare Fish & Chips Cream of Asparagus soup Relaxed drinking laws Ian Botham & Daily Thomson The Beatles Only Fools and Horses Henry 8th Marmite Guy Fawkes
There is, however, one thing that really makes England great. That is the Double Decker chocolate bar. I've always had a constant supply of these blue and orange packaged beauties. I returned to England in October for 2 reasons, one was for my brother's wedding and the other was to fill my suitcase with Double Deckers. Dozens and dozens were carefully loaded into my suitcase, being extremely careful not to squash the nougat.
The time has now come... I have dreaded this moment, I knew it was coming but refused to admit it would ever happen, I was in denial until last week. I opened the last 5 pack with tears streaming down my face! I'm nearly all out!
Here's where I need help. Would anyone be prepared to put a box of these together for me and mail them to Canada? I really need lots. These bars, created by heaven's helpers, keep me going from day to day! Please help me. Please have a heart and do me a massive favour.
Please leave me a message saying how you'll help me!
I'm sure by now everyone will be asking, "Well, what's his address? Where do I send all these chocolate bars?" So here it is:
#302, 811 - 4A Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 3W3 CANADA
I'll end with a quote from a home grown legend Mr. Shakespeare, "I can no other answer make, but, thanks and thanks."
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070306-1407122007-03-06T00:00:00Z2007-03-06T00:00:00ZThat Warms Up The Blood Eric is 5 years old and is from Edmonton. He suffers from a Neuro Blastoma; a rather unpredictable brain tumour that has a reputation for being particularly difficult to manage. Eric loves many of the Disney characters and has always wanted to meet Mickey. We had been working with Eric since the summer of 2006 and had recently finalized all details associated with his wish to go on a Disney Cruise. About six weeks prior to their departure we got a call from his mom who indicated that he was out of remission and that he would be back on treatment. At the time, she didn’t anticipate that his changed health circumstances would affect the wish, as prognosis was good.
Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, the family’s hospital social worker called us to share that Eric’s health had taken a turn for the worse and that treatment was futile. His time was very limited and doctors did not imagine that he would survive long enough to have his wish.
Although Eric’s condition would rapidly deteriorate, the entire family was keen to see his wish fulfilled, so we went back to the drawing board to make something happen as quickly as possible. Thankfully, we were able to arrange for the family to depart for Disney World a mere three days after getting the social worker’s call. We had a number of obstacles to overcome ranging from formation and signing of custodial documents (his parents had recently separated), to solicitation of paperwork from doctors, to flight/resort/attraction bookings, to arrangements for the provision of specialized medical equipment, to arrangements for cross border travel (the family did not have any passports for travel). Everyone rallied and they departed on a Saturday without a hitch.
We had the good fortune to speak with the family while they were away and they were truly enjoying themselves and relishing every moment.
Understandably, the family has been overwhelmed by their situation. Given all that they are faced with, they have still found time to express the deepest appreciation for the efforts of CWF volunteers, stakeholders, donors and staff in making Eric’s wish come true. The experience will be cherished for a lifetime and never forgotton. The trip helped Eric and his family put the worry and stress of his situation to the back of his mind, if only for a short amount of time. We have been humbled by our involvement with the family and are honoured to have been able to work with them.
These times are tough, but this is why I'm trying to raise as much money as possible, for children like Eric. You can donate to this event by going to my homepage www.TheUltraIronMan.com and clicking the 'Donate' button. 100% of your donation will be given to the Children's Wish Foundation upon completion of my event.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070228-1513072007-02-28T00:00:00Z2007-02-28T00:00:00ZIt's An Orca Life!
After such a long swim and cycle through the Rocky Mountains, comfort during my 3 marathons is going to be extremely important. Thank you Ashley for agreeing to help me and the Children's Wish Foundation.
Check out the Orca line of triathlon gear at www.orca.com
There is a link to Orca and all my other valuable sponsors on the right side of this page. Without these companies supporting me I would seriously be struggling to do this.]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070226-1301032007-02-26T00:00:00Z2007-02-26T00:00:00ZA Scenic Swim! Our trip to Kelowna was a nice 'Get Out Of Calgary' holiday. The weather was great and the scenery was top notch. Kelowna and the Okanagan really are some amazing places in the Rocky Mountains. The 8 hour drive was a perfect opportunity to check out the roads that I'll be cycling along in September. I was actually pleasantly surprised not to see too many gaping pot-holes along the Trans-Canada Highway. There were sections of road with little to no shoulder and some pretty steep mountain drop offs, but nothing I'll lose sleep over. My Roger's Pass fears were made worse by some incredibly long and steep mountain roads, those roads will be tough... no, they'll be a complete nightmare!
By the time I reach Kelowna during my Ultra Iron Man I will have cycled close to 500km, about half way through this leg of my challenge. I'll definitely use Kelona as a place to get some quality rest and some good food inside me.
I'll be heading back to Kelowna in the summer for a couple of practice open water swims. I'll swim across the width of the lake (see picture above) and back, approximately 10km. The open mountain water will certainly help me in my preparations for September 1st. Seven months away now!]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070226-1201512007-02-26T00:00:00Z2007-02-26T00:00:00ZJanuary came and went... it's only going to get harder!www.sportdevelopment.com are preparing me for Septemeber by pushing me further than I've ever been pushed.
I'd like to just give you an example of one of my weeks training.
This is just a little snip of the training I'm doing for this event.
There are a few things that have changed in my mind since I first started to plan this Ultra Iron Man. One thing I used to think was, "As long as I finish, that's the main thing." That is so far from what I think now. Ryan at Peak Power really has helped me believe that I can not only finish, but finish FAST! I'm at a stage now in my preperation where I'm starting to feel confident. It's still a bloody long way and there will still be tears shed along the way, blisters bursting and a whole lot of sweaty clothes I'm sure, but I'm really starting to get excited about it now. Seven months and counting!!
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070202-1257152007-02-02T00:00:00Z2007-02-02T00:00:00ZThe 18km Swim As I mentioned in my previous entry the week just passed has been a milestone in distances and time out of the house training. I'm always impressed with my improvements. Last Sunday I managed a 5km swim in the pool without resting. I was pretty tired after, but I still managed a 10km run straight after (thanks to GU Sports for the added energy). That confidence is short lived when I remember I have to swim that far four times, in open water with currents and waves. Still a long way to go yet.
I have been extremely lucky to be provided with a new wetsuit from Zoot Sports www.zootsports.com. They have just come out with the Zenith WetZoot. It has a revolutionary new design. The compromise between flexibility and floatation is over. The Zenith WetZoot is designed and constructed from the Inside Out. Using BIOwrap body responsive construction principles, they have created a suit with 2mm flexibility and 5mm flotation.
I am lucky enough to be the first person in Canada to own one of these wetsuits. This will undoubtably make my life easier in the water. It really is a great piece of equipment.
I'd like to say thanks to Tony again at Uber Performance Products for providing me with this essential wetsuit. I really am lucky to have the best wetsuit available! I will be posting the link to the Uber Performance Products website in the very near future.]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070129-1031362007-01-29T00:00:00Z2007-01-29T00:00:00ZEnergy!!www.gusports.com
My body will need electrolytes in the correct ratio to replace the sodium and potassium lost through sweat. At the same time, my body needs complex carbohydrates (not sugar) to maintain my blood glucose and muscle glycogen at levels necessary to complete such a challenge. All this can be done just by gulping down some GU2O Sports Drink. It does all of the above and tastes damn good, without that sugary taste most sports drinks leave in your mouth.
GU Energy Gel contains maltodextrin, the best complex carbohydrate for delivering energy to working muscles. It is specifically formulated to energize your body during exercise. Using GU during my Ultra Iron Man will keep my mind alert and active, and my muscles going strong.
I've tried and tested a lot of products over the past 6 months, and these really the best. I really am lucky to have these guys on board supporting my cause!
Last week was one of the longest weeks of training I've had yet. I was in the pool and out on the open road for a long time. I burned a lot of calories and traveled a long way. There were a few aching muscles, but these aches never lasted long. I put the increased workout comfort and decreased recovery time down to the GU energy gels and drinks I am using before, during and after training. A special thanks goes out to Tony at Uber Performance Products in British Columbia for supporting me.
www.gusports.com]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070129-0910332007-01-29T00:00:00Z2007-01-29T00:00:00ZKeep An Eye Out For Homeless Men Wearing Silver Jewelry! We set off for Cuba on Christmas morning after trying to clean up our apartment and 4 hours sleep. Unfortunately the first couple of days were a little overcast with a few spots of rain, but this didn't matter too much, I was still in shorts and taking full advantage of the 'all-inclusive' lifestyle. I had a great birthday, opening presents, sitting on the beach, smoking Cuban cigars, drinking as many rum drinks as I could carry, all before 9am.
The resort put on a good New Year's Eve show. Preceded with a Champaign (sparkling wine) reception, lobster BBQ, pig roasts, beef, and too many different kinds of seafood (I think they all kind of taste the same after a while). Then we hit the cocktail bar.
It really was a good honeymoon, just not long enough. I developed a real love for rum; Jody developed a real dislike for it. We both put on a quite a few pounds (I won't even say how many because you will be shocked), most of it has been shed already which is good for my training. I didn't manage to do any running, swimming or biking over the Christmas period, but getting back into it upon arrival back in Calgary was a lot easier than I thought (after recovering from a mild case of... Fidel’s Loose Stools Syndrome - the only exercise done with that illness is running to the toilet! I guess I did quite a lot of exercise in that case).
I'd like to take this opportunity to do a couple of things. I'd like to wish everyone all the best for 2007. I'd also like to thank all my sponsors for really helping me out with this Ultra Iron Man event, your financial support, your time, efforts and advice are really appreciated. To see my current sponsors take a look at the 'Links' on the right hand side (I was lucky enough to gain the support of two more companies before Christmas, they will be highlighted in my next entry). I'd like to thank my wife for supporting me over the last few months (and the coming months with my many hours out on the road training). Last, but definitely not least, my family. I hope you all had a great Christmas... I missed you all.
PS - Thanks Ryan for my new training schedule... a great increase in work load! It's going to be a tough 8 months... roll on September 1st! ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070109-1437092007-01-09T00:00:00Z2007-01-09T00:00:00ZOne Week To Christmas! To be honest, 2006 couldn’t have started any better. Newly engaged and ready to settle down after many years of moving around. We decided to settle in Calgary, a stones throw from Saskatchewan (where Jody’s parents live); well it looked like it on the map anyway, little was I to know that it was an 8 hour drive! I definitely couldn’t throw a stone that far. Bags were packed, plane tickets were paid for, my passport had a VISA stamp in it, I was given the all clear in my medical for residence in Canada... in other words we were ready to go!
We got to Calgary without anywhere to live and with no jobs. Both Jody and I have relocated in a similar way in the past so we were not too worried. We quickly found a nice little place at the top of the hill on Edmonton Trail. A few trips to Ikea and we finally had a place we could call home. This was the first time I had somewhere I could call my own in a very long time. Bliss. Jody and I found good jobs relatively quickly, and within a couple of months it felt like we had been in Calgary for years, it felt normal.
We started to plan for our wedding in August. It was such a good weekend. Friends and family flew in from England and drove in from Saskatchewan. A few life and death experiences, a beautiful bride, a drunken best man, great speeches, good laughs, lots of drinks and very little sleep. A Banff wedding on a hot, cloudless, summer day couldn’t have been better. There are some pictures in the right hand column under ‘Wedding Pictures’. Unfortunately we were not able to go on a honeymoon straight after!
Then I seriously started to plan for my Ultra Iron Man. I was so surprised and happy with the amount of support I was getting from so many people in and out of Calgary. I started to shed a few pounds while training and really rack up the kilometers on the bike, in the pool and on the running paths.
In October we flew back to England for my brothers wedding. It was such a short trip, but it was such an amazing week. We were so tired upon getting back to Calgary. Congratulations bruv and welcome to the family Dawn.
Then we had some really good news. Finally, after about 3 years of visiting numerous doctors Jody saw a doctor that was able to give a definite diagnosis to the back and hip problems she has been having for many years. This was such a relief as now she is able to take the correct medication to prevent or ease the pain.
A couple of months ago we were given the best news any newly weds could hope for. We were going to be proud parents! Not to just one, but two little ones, a boy and a girl. We were so happy. We baby proofed the apartment and then they were delivered! We named them Marmite and Max. We love them so much; there are some pictures in the right hand column under ‘Our Babies’.
Now here we are today, one week away from Christmas, one week away from that honeymoon we missed out on in August. We are heading back to Saskatchewan for a couple of days before we head off to Cuba!! What a perfect place to spend a week enjoying the all inclusive lifestyle. Our toes will be in the white sand, a bottle of rum in one hand, a cigar in the other, listening to the clear blue ocean gently lapping on the shore. I looked on Google for a picture of Cuba and came up with this, a bald dog mooning a man on a train! If this is anything to go by I can't wait to see the rest of Cuba!
This will be the first birthday I spend sitting on a beach with unlimited free drinks... it will be a good one!
2007 will certainly be a year like no other for me. I’ll be attempting something I’ve never even come close to doing. Training will dominate my schedule for the first 9 months, I’m so lucky to have my wife pushing me on with this. January 1st is when I’ll start to concentrate on my eating and drinking habits. Again, I will really need the support of my wife with this tough part of my training as I love ALL food. Next year will certainly be an adventure for me. I always call this Iron Man a challenge, it will be so challenging for me…
“Unless you undertake more than you can possibly do, you will never do all that you can.”
I can only hope that 2007 will bring as much happiness as 2006. I will toast to all friends and family while sitting on the beach next week. I hope to see you all more in 2007, and for longer! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to everyone. ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061218-1351382006-12-18T00:00:00Z2006-12-18T00:00:00ZAn Inspiring Letter. I also wanted to share with you an inspiring letter from a boy called Kenny. His wish was to go on a Disney Cruise. We granted his wish in January 2006. He wrote us this really nice letter detailing his experiences on his trip.
100% of funds donated through this event will be given to the Children's Wish Foundation so we are able to continue to grant wishes and create lasting memories just like Kenny's. All your support is greatly appreciated by me, the Children's Wish Foundation, all our wish families and their children.
Thank you for granting me a wish to Disney World and a Disney Cruise. I have had 10 surgeries in the past 3.5 months and a total of 40 operations. I was really down being in the hospital. Then I was told that I could go on a trip anywhere I liked - I said Disney World! My Mom talked to Children’s Wish and they said that they would grant me a wish. We said we would go in January. We gave a few dates and before we knew it, we were told we could go January 21. I was so happy. After all the months in the hospital I had something to look forward to. I told my sisters to pack their bags because we were going to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise. They were so happy for me.
When we got to Florida we checked in at the hotel and by 400pm we were at the Magic Kingdom. They were open late that night so we went on rides and we got to see the fireworks. It was a really happy time for me. I got to see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, and Dale that night. It was a magical night for us.
We went to the Animal Kingdom and went on a safari and got to see all the wild animals up close. I was able to go to Downtown Disney and go to the Lego Store and buy a lot of Lego. I was really happy about that.
The Cruise was great. I got many special things in the room. I got a Goofy in a sailor suit and I got to meet Mickey on Saturday – just me my sisters and my parents. Mickey kept blowing kisses at me. He looked really cool in his red suit.
This is a trip that I know that my family and I will never forget. You give kids hope that they still can have fun even though they are sick.
I know that I will have more operations, but when I go back to the hospital I can think of all the fun I had on the trip.
Thank you for granting a wish to me. I will always remember this trip. It is the best thing that could have happened for me.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061212-1208502006-12-12T00:00:00Z2006-12-12T00:00:00ZWhales, Boats, A Pay Pal Button and A Crazy British Guy! The picture below dispels any thoughts of safety with boats I once had! I'm sure I'll be fine though. The Orca below almost looks friendly!
I will have a Pay Pal option on my website in the next day or two. The Home page will have a donate button where you'll be able to make secure, online donations. In the coming months I'll be setting up a 'Funds Raised to Date' Link on the right side of this Personal Blog.
I'm so thankful for every donation and I'll be sure to personally thank everyone who gives to the Children's Wish Foundation and let you know exactly how and where your donation will be spent.
I've been called many things over the last few months since publicizing my challenge. Insane. Crazy. Nuts. Cukoo for Cocoa Puffs (thanks for that one Kristian). But you should check out this story about a British guy called Bobby. It really is an interesting story.
This guy really is insane, crazy, nuts, cukoo for Cocoa Puffs. But you have to take your hat off to the guy, it's pretty unbelievable!
My next entry will give an update on my training progress, my ups & downs, trials and tribulations and some successes and milestones! Keep an eye out.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061207-1331042006-12-07T00:00:00Z2006-12-07T00:00:00ZKiller Whales It's good to know that there are no sharks, but there are many regular sighting of Killer Whales. Upon seeing this information I spent some time searching for whether there have been many cases of Orcas attacking humans. There have been NO attacks on humans in the wild which is good news! There have been a couple in captivity when stupid people try to ride the whales as if they were horses, doing that is a recipe for disaster.
All reports suggest swimming in 'Orca infested waters' should not be a problem... as long as they don't mistake me for a Seal!
It would be nice to see some marine life on my travels, but I think if I don't see a Killer Whale while swimming I won't be too upset.
We have recently adopted a couple of kittens from The MEOW Foundation. www.meowfoundation.com They are cute little things. There are some pictures of them and some of our wedding in the column on the right under the 'Links' section.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061129-1339242006-11-29T00:00:00Z2006-11-29T00:00:00ZOh Cramp! Oh Cramp! Oh Cramp!www.go-west.com along the trans-Canada Highway - I'm a happy man!
As I have mentioned in previous entries I'm starting to learn how to eat while I'm training. I'm happy to say that my stomach is able to handle certain amounts of energy gels and energy bars while exercising (one less thing to worry about).
I did however learn something the hard way last night while in the pool. I had gone out at lunchtime for a fairwell meal for a work colleague. We went to an 'all you can eat' Chinese restaurant, needless to say a guy in training has an excuse to literally eat all he can.
After work I decided to go for a swim confident that my stomach had digested all the greasy food. I was feeling pretty good after 1km. It was after about 1,500 meters that I started to get a funny feeling in my foot. "Shake it off Andy, shake it off" I thought to myself. After a couple of minutes rest to take some fluids in, I was off again.
Within 15 meters my whole foot just cramped up. I took in a lungful of water, let out a quiet cry and a lot of bad words. I had to stop. I managed to crawl to the end of the pool and just rest. I looked at my foot and it was all clenched up like an alien claw with veins popping out! Painful and not very nice at all! I know this won't happen to me on my 18km swim, because I certainly won't be eating like that before my challenge!
Live and learn! Food is fuel! I definitely had some bad fuel over lunch and I suffered badly!
Clare (a firend I grew up with in England) and my wife Jody.
My dad and myself the night before my brother's wedding in Wales. It was late and it had been a long day... well, that's your excuse dad!
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061122-1322012006-11-22T00:00:00Z2006-11-22T00:00:00ZSome More Incredible Support!www.go-west.com
There is no way I would be able to complete this challenge without a support vehicle behind me at all times. Now I am safe in the knowledge that I will have a comfy place to sleep, a place to store all my equipment, a place my wife can call 'home' for a week and a place where I will be able to rest my head occasionally. This really is an incredible sponsorship by some very kind people!
I'm so happy not only to have a support vehicle, but to have a luxurious one is even better! There really is very little time for me to relax during this Ultra Iron Man, but the few moments I do get will now be extremely comfortable! Thank you so much for your support Go West RV Rentals.
Check out the 'related link' below to veiw some of the amazing motorhomes that are available to rent.]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061114-1255172006-11-14T00:00:00Z2006-11-14T00:00:00ZThe cold wind blows, I can touch my toes! I CAN TOUCH MY TOES!
This may not sound like good news (or even just news) to many of you, but it's my blog and my fingers have not touched my toes with straight legs since I was a baby. I really do miss the days of having my feet in my mouth!
Over the last couple of months I've been told the more flexible you are the less prone you'll be to pulls and strains in your muscles. I just don't have time before my Ultra Iron Man to get injured. So 10/15 minutes every night is spent stretching.
Two months ago I could just about touch my knees, my goal was my big toe and I made it!
Maybe I should try to contain my excitement about toe touching.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061109-0834392006-11-09T00:00:00Z2006-11-09T00:00:00ZShaw TV
I was interviewed by Shaw TV and am going to try to post the video in my personal blog. I'm still working on it.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061108-1245142006-11-08T00:00:00Z2006-11-08T00:00:00ZLooking Good Feeling Better!www.sportdevelopment.com), I have been provided with some amazing equipment from Pat Hager (The Cyclepath) and I managed to squeeze in a trip to England with my wife for my brother's wedding.
As the weather in Calgary is now deteriorating it's getting harder and harder to get outside on the bike. The road bike tires are certainly not designed for use in the snow and ice. The weather really doesn't affect my swimming schedule (luckily, as this is where I need to work the hardest). A 3km swim last week did a lot for my confidence.
There are so many things I'm finding out I have to do that really didn't cross my mind 4 months ago. One is how I'm now going to have to start learning to eat while I train. Just the thought of it is enough to give me a stitch! I really didn't consider that I would have to eat while swimming, biking and running - even though it's so obvious. The Cyclepath www.thecyclepath.ca have kindly given me some samples to test. They have also given me some great clothing to wear - no more baggy t-shirts that act like parachutes while I'm cycling!
Everything I do now is sending me on a steeper learning curve. I've lost most of the excess weight I needed to, now I need to keep eating as much as I'm losing, which is definitely harder than it sounds.
Training is going very well I'm happy to say.
Here's a picture of my brother (left), sister (middle - looking good sis!) and me (right)
provided by Andrew Collin/Children's Wish Foundation
October 19, 2006 - I just want to bring to your attention an amazing event I'm planning. It's something that has never been done before and I'm extremely proud to say that I'm the first. 'The Ultra Iron Man' event is a very long journey through two provinces that will be an immense test of my physical and mental strength. I'm doing it all for the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada and want to raise a huge amount of money for them! I've been planning / training for it for about 3 months and am really needing to get the word out there about what I'm doing.
My website is now up and running. It has a lot of information about the event and answers all the what, when, why and how questions. Take a look at my personal blog to see regular updates of my progress. The website address is www.TheUltraIronMan.com
I'm really hoping to grant several wishes to some very deserving Canadian children and I hope to change the lives of the kids and their families forever, but I can't do that without the help of the kind Canadian people. I really hope you'll be able to help me get the word out.
Please get in touch with me if you have any questions. Thanks a lot and take it easy in the snow!
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061107-1217502006-11-07T00:00:00Z2006-11-07T00:00:00ZThe Calgary Sun was the first!
Wed, October 18, 2006
The Ultra Iron Man
By CHRIS GERRITSEN
Calgarian Andrew Collin leads by extreme example.
Collin is fundraising co-ordinator for the Children's Wish Foundation in Alberta and N.W.T., and he's decided to take part in an Ultra Iron Man event to raise a boatload of money for the charity.
The challenge will take Collin from the west coast in B.C., up over the mountains, through Al-berta and back home. He'll make an 18-km swim, then a 950-km cycle and cap it with a 130-km run. Collin will begin his trek Sept. 1 next year, however, the journey has already begun.
He has been training and fundraising for the last three months. Collin says his goal is to not only complete his race, but to make wishes to very deserving Canadian children come true.
More on Collin's effort can be found online at www.theultraironman.com ]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061025-0936552006-10-25T00:00:00Z2006-10-25T00:00:00ZAnother Milestone Reached! I pretty much started my swimming training from the absolute beginning. Swimming any more than a few lengths was a massive challenge that could only be achieved with a rest every 25 meters. How was I going to do an open water swim over 18km? Keeping that question in the back of my mind while in the swimming pool really is what drives me to swim a few more lengths. I guess I worry myself into trying harder.
Will there be big waves? Will I have to deal with strong currents? How clean will the water be? I have to cycle 950km then run 3 marathons after an 18km swim.
These are all things that have gone through my mind while in the pool. Last night I had a really good swim. A confidence booster. A swim that made me believe that with more hard work over the next 10 months I would be ready for the marathon swim. I swam 2.5km. Definitely the furthest I've ever swam.
I know 2.5km is nowhere near 18km, but I'm improving and in my opinion that's what training is all about, working hard and seeing results. I was a beginner-swimmer, now I can really see all the effort and time paying off.
If I was flexible enough I would pat myself on the back.
Below is a picture of me training. I really should shave my forehead, or at least wear a swimming cap! Piggy paddle is harder than it looks!
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061025-0828542006-10-25T00:00:00Z2006-10-25T00:00:00ZTraining Totals I've had a GPS system now for about 2 1/2 months and I want to share the information on it. The following stats are running and biking combined:
Total Distance Covered: 850 km
Total Time: 46 hours
Average pace: 3:16/km
Average Speed: 18.5 kph
Total Calories Burned: 35,000
Longest Ride: 60 km (2 hours, 1,800 calories)
It has been pretty hard making any sort of total for how far I've swam. The last couple of months has been trying to perfect my technique. The first few swims involved trying to stay afloat, trying not to inhale too much water and getting my breathing right. It was hard but practice makes perfect. I'm still far from perfect but I'm continuing my practicing!
I'm able to swim 2km now without resting which is, in my opinion, some pretty good progress.
Well, winter is slowly creeping in. Training will soon have to move indoors unfortunately, but the work will continue.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061015-1746202006-10-16T00:00:00Z2006-10-16T00:00:00ZMaps Of The Route Take a look at the different routes I'll be taking for the swim, bike and run.]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061015-1743382006-10-16T00:00:00Z2006-10-16T00:00:00ZTraining Hourswww.sportdevelopment.com now for about 3 months. The hours on the bike, in the pool and on the pathways are steadily growing.
My next entry will give a detailed list of how far I've travelled, times and calories burned.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my wife for putting up with the early morning alarms, the sweaty t-shirts and the chlorine stinking towels. Thanks for being there for me sweetheart, I really appreciate your support.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061012-0814432006-10-12T00:00:00Z2006-10-12T00:00:00ZMy New Saddle Seat! At times I do miss my old mountain bike seat, which feels like I'm sitting on a sofa in comparison to the road bike saddle. But it's worth it, and I'm sure the adjustment won't take long.
What a fantastic bike the Giant OCR Composite 3 is! Check out www.giantbicycle.com/en-CA/ to see the rest of the incredible Giant road bikes.
]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061003-0914352006-10-03T00:00:00Z2006-10-03T00:00:00ZSupport and Advicehttp://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060922-1057422006-09-22T00:00:00Z2006-09-22T00:00:00ZIts been two months since I decided to do this!
As the title says, its been two months since I decided to do this Ultra Ironman. What has happened over the last few weeks has really blown me away. The support from so many people really is incredible.
Peak Power Sport Development were the first to really get behind me www.sportdevelopment.com. Their continued hard work in trying to get me into shape is needed so much! Thank you Ryan, I'm already feeling the difference! Their expert approach to training and their complete understanding of the science of exercise physiology really suits each individuals specific objectives.
Support from The Cyclepath www.thecyclepath.ca and Giant Bicycles www.giantbicycle.com/en-CA/ has also been amazing. Without their help I wouldn't be able to do this challenge. They have offered me the use of their incredible equipment, advice and support. So thank you. There has also been a lot of groups and individuals who have agreed pledged money to The Children's Wish Foundation which makes me really happy.
So, to the training. I've put quite a few miles on the bike, running and in the pool. It's as much mental training as it is physical. A two hour bike ride - cycling one hour against the wind all the way, looking forward to the return trip with the wind. Turning round and realising it's going to be against the wind all the way back. That 2 hour ride felt like ten hours and there were a lot of swear words flying out of my mouth.Training to overcome mental challenges such as this will take time. It's early days, and I still have 12 months to go.
Those 2 hour rides, 45 minute runs, 1 and 2 km swims will double and triple and more over time.
One thing I can say is that I'm really looking forward to this!
Today was the day we got married. What a brilliant day. Everything was perfect. The sun was shining, the bride was stunning, the family were smiling, the groom was sweating, the best man was drunk, perfect!]]>http://theultraironman.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060806-0841412006-08-06T00:00:00Z2006-08-06T00:00:00Z
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