Back in April I started a 1 month experiment in trying a whole foods plant based 'diet' (vegan). It went quite well, and I have continued it now for 3 months, but have decided to cease the 100% vegan experiment. In a nutshell, I have decided to allow a little more flexibility (balance) back into my eating. Before I ever began this trial, I was always of the opinion that a healthy balanced diet was quite acceptable for healthy weight and fitness. I still believe this, but this "experiment" has helped me look more carefully at what "healthy" actually is, and has created a genuine appreciation and desire for more fruits and vegetables in my diet.
My goal going forward will still be to eat a diet primarily plant based (aim for 90%), but with room for some dairy and some meat when the occasion suits or almost demands the choice. To be honest, I don't really miss meat much, and have little desire for red meat at all (barring a nice steak once and a while, perhaps). I actually found dairy the harder food group to avoid. So many products have milk or milk ingredients in them. Personally, I am not a big milk guy (on its own), but if it is in something like a healthy soup, then I want to have that. In my home, I plan on continuing to use almond milk, and I prefer it as what I believe to be a healthier alternative.
Another primary reason for this adjustment, is because I don't enjoy being a difficult person to feed! :) In my home, its not an issue - I buy groceries, and Jodie and I can do our thing, but when I go away to relatives' homes, I want to be more flexible with my pallet, so its easier for everyone (them and me).
So, in my home life, I don't expect much of a change in how things go, but I want to have the flexibility to eat some of my kids ice cream cone when they offer it :)
I don't know why, but this is a hard post to wrap up. I feel like I am letting myself down, but that is silly. No one else was holding me to this, and I did set out to do it as an experiment only. Nothing ventured, nothing gained they say - and I can honestly say this was a venture worth doing and I am and will continue to be a healthier eater because of it.
Cheers,
Jon
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Surf N' Turf Race Report
"Experience is the toughest teacher - it gives you the test first, and the lesson after!". I first heard this quote from my teacher in my grade 11 biology class. It has always stuck with me, and I remember it often!
Heading into this race, I knew that my lack of experience was likely to cause an unforeseen glitch or two, and true to form, Mr. Experience popped up and taught me a lesson or two! I did my best to prepare for this (new to me) event. I had scouted most of the course prior to race day, and had a good plan for the 8 different stages and 7 transitions between them (makes doing a triathlon seem like a logistical piece of cake! ;)
The day was cloudy and cool - ideal for racing, and thankfully the rain never fell, though the forecast was calling for it. Heading into the event, the guy to beat was Jeff Walsh. He has won this race twice before and is an excellent athlete in his own right. We've got to know each other through mutual friends, and races (we raced each other in a short duathlon about a month ago, where I managed to get the win), so we both had some idea as to where our respective strengths and weaknesses may lie. He is a very good runner, and with 4 of the 8 stages being running events, I knew I had my work cutout to challenge him. The X factors for me going in were the kayak and mountain bike stages... only the week before the race did I get to test out these disciplines for the first time in my life. If I could manage to out pace him in these legs, then I thought I could have a chance to make it interesting. The other two legs, cycling and swimming are both good strengths for me, so I figured on the road bike I should gain some time, and the swim at least go even with him.
Race morning went smoothly. We (my dad, who was my crew - responsible for meeting me at the various checkpoints with what I needed for the next leg, and to pick up whatever I left behind), arrived early and got the kayak dropped off without issue. I had a few moments to say "hi" to several friends who were also doing the event - many as either two person or eight person teams (and who all went on to do very well!).
The gun went off at 8:45am, with the first 9km run leg. The solo (tinman), and duo (tinmate) athletes started together, with the relay teams starting half an hour later to keep the course congestion down. Off the hop, Jeff and another athlete I know, Jutta, took to the front and I settled in not to far off their pace. I wanted desperately to stay with them, but it was going to be a pretty long effort and I had to try and race my strengths and pace right. By the time we reached the kayak, I was almost 2 minutes down.
I boarded the kayak (which was loaned to me by a buddy - and man was it a sweet rig!). I had good control (thanks to a good rudder controlled by the feet). I soon realized I was moving well, and could see about 5-7 athletes not too far off, one of them being Jeff. By around 1km or so, I began passing people, and by the time this leg was done (4.5kms), I was 2nd overall in the race. BUT, before I hopped on the bike, I got my first nasty lesson - I go to step out of the kayak, and bam!.... my legs aren't working!? I couldn't even stand up properly. I was totally locked up and caught off guard by this. My inexperience in the boat, had me unaware of how tense my legs were, and I was told later that when kayaking, most of the blood stays in the upper body where the muscles are working. This combo took my legs to a lack of function that I was unprepared for. I hobbled over to my bike, and literally said out loud, "Come on legs, start working!"
Once aboard my road bike (the 25km stage I was probably looking most forward to), it took a while for my legs to come around. In hindsight, this cost me precious time, as I would have expected to ride faster, but could not. With that said, by the time I got off the bike I was clear into the lead of the race, so things were going fairly well. However, I didn't know how small or big the lead was.
Next was a 5km trail run full of water, mud, rocks, hills, and tress.... it was awesome! Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to scout this section of the race prior, so my mind was very focused on not getting lost, and not getting hurt from a misstep. Mentally, it was refreshing to be in a new scene, but it probably took my mind a bit too far off the race that was going on, because I was focused on literally staying the course. Regardless, I came out of the woods still leading, and transitioned to the mountain bike.
The mountain bike was around 9km, and thanks to the preceding days of rain, the course was super slick, wet and of course muddy! This did not help a rookie rider like me, and it wasn't long until I was getting a foot thrown off the pedal, to catch myself from falling into a mud/water hole! At about half way, Jeff had managed to close the gap (he largely did this on the trail run section), but he was riding well here to. I let him pass me, when we got to a wide enough section and then stayed on his wheel for the rest of the stage. Being a new rider, it was nice mentally to have a wheel to follow, but this of course is not ideal when that wheel is your competition!! We came into transition with me on his wheel, and then I managed to re-pass him while prepping for the next 7.4km run.
On to the run, and Jeff came charging up to me around 1 km in. As we approached the first climb, he pushed ahead, and got a gap I could not close. He stayed within sight until the end of this leg (thanks in part to a very brief pause from a crossing train, but unless he cracked or sunk in the pool, I suspected he was clear for the win.
The swim was only 500m, but after 3 and half hours of racing, that can present its own challenges. Prior to getting in the pool, you needed to be hosed down to get in a semi-clean state from all the mud on the mountain bike course :) The pool itself felt great to get into, and the laps went by without incident. I spotted Jeff two lanes over, and we seemed to be swimming about the same pace. The trouble was, he was further along then I.
The last leg was a 3km run to the finish. For some reason, my left outer-hamstring did not like running after that swim (though I think it was just residual affects of that kayak). I just tried to keep steady and smooth, and in no time I was back to where it all began - climbing the hill to the start/finish area. As I crested the hill, I was greeted by my two oldest kids and Jodie! This was a great treat, as Jodie had last told me that she thought the kids wouldn't come, due to the bad forecast. We exchanged high-fives, Bryn and Ollie then ran with me for a bit, and with smiles all around I crossed the line in 3:53:33 - less than 3 minutes behind the deserving solo champ - Jeff Walsh.
Looking back, the race was an absolute blast. It was well organized and is a challenging course with varying terrain at every stage. If I were to pick where I lost the race, I'd say the "post-kayak legs" cost me time on the bike, and the inexperience on the trails showed in my lack of aggression on the mountain bike, as well as unfamiliarity with the bike itself cost me some time as well. Of course I am always working on getting even faster on the run, but for this race, it seems the "low hanging fruit" is in the kayak and mountain bike for me.
I am looking forward to some needed recovery, as my legs are pretty smashed (I rode yesterday and today as well). I have a little less than a month until my next race - the Peterborough Half Ironman! Finally a long course triathlon event this year, with some proper biking! :-) I cannot wait for that race, but in the meantime I'll keep enjoying the eventful journey of father, husband and athlete.... never a dull moment! :)
Cheers,
Jon
PS - the night after the race, while sleeping, I dreamed of buying my own mountain bike and kayak! The kayak may be a stretch, but it seems I may just be getting started with this race! ;-)
Heading into this race, I knew that my lack of experience was likely to cause an unforeseen glitch or two, and true to form, Mr. Experience popped up and taught me a lesson or two! I did my best to prepare for this (new to me) event. I had scouted most of the course prior to race day, and had a good plan for the 8 different stages and 7 transitions between them (makes doing a triathlon seem like a logistical piece of cake! ;)
The day was cloudy and cool - ideal for racing, and thankfully the rain never fell, though the forecast was calling for it. Heading into the event, the guy to beat was Jeff Walsh. He has won this race twice before and is an excellent athlete in his own right. We've got to know each other through mutual friends, and races (we raced each other in a short duathlon about a month ago, where I managed to get the win), so we both had some idea as to where our respective strengths and weaknesses may lie. He is a very good runner, and with 4 of the 8 stages being running events, I knew I had my work cutout to challenge him. The X factors for me going in were the kayak and mountain bike stages... only the week before the race did I get to test out these disciplines for the first time in my life. If I could manage to out pace him in these legs, then I thought I could have a chance to make it interesting. The other two legs, cycling and swimming are both good strengths for me, so I figured on the road bike I should gain some time, and the swim at least go even with him.
Race morning went smoothly. We (my dad, who was my crew - responsible for meeting me at the various checkpoints with what I needed for the next leg, and to pick up whatever I left behind), arrived early and got the kayak dropped off without issue. I had a few moments to say "hi" to several friends who were also doing the event - many as either two person or eight person teams (and who all went on to do very well!).
The gun went off at 8:45am, with the first 9km run leg. The solo (tinman), and duo (tinmate) athletes started together, with the relay teams starting half an hour later to keep the course congestion down. Off the hop, Jeff and another athlete I know, Jutta, took to the front and I settled in not to far off their pace. I wanted desperately to stay with them, but it was going to be a pretty long effort and I had to try and race my strengths and pace right. By the time we reached the kayak, I was almost 2 minutes down.
I boarded the kayak (which was loaned to me by a buddy - and man was it a sweet rig!). I had good control (thanks to a good rudder controlled by the feet). I soon realized I was moving well, and could see about 5-7 athletes not too far off, one of them being Jeff. By around 1km or so, I began passing people, and by the time this leg was done (4.5kms), I was 2nd overall in the race. BUT, before I hopped on the bike, I got my first nasty lesson - I go to step out of the kayak, and bam!.... my legs aren't working!? I couldn't even stand up properly. I was totally locked up and caught off guard by this. My inexperience in the boat, had me unaware of how tense my legs were, and I was told later that when kayaking, most of the blood stays in the upper body where the muscles are working. This combo took my legs to a lack of function that I was unprepared for. I hobbled over to my bike, and literally said out loud, "Come on legs, start working!"
Once aboard my road bike (the 25km stage I was probably looking most forward to), it took a while for my legs to come around. In hindsight, this cost me precious time, as I would have expected to ride faster, but could not. With that said, by the time I got off the bike I was clear into the lead of the race, so things were going fairly well. However, I didn't know how small or big the lead was.
Next was a 5km trail run full of water, mud, rocks, hills, and tress.... it was awesome! Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to scout this section of the race prior, so my mind was very focused on not getting lost, and not getting hurt from a misstep. Mentally, it was refreshing to be in a new scene, but it probably took my mind a bit too far off the race that was going on, because I was focused on literally staying the course. Regardless, I came out of the woods still leading, and transitioned to the mountain bike.
The mountain bike was around 9km, and thanks to the preceding days of rain, the course was super slick, wet and of course muddy! This did not help a rookie rider like me, and it wasn't long until I was getting a foot thrown off the pedal, to catch myself from falling into a mud/water hole! At about half way, Jeff had managed to close the gap (he largely did this on the trail run section), but he was riding well here to. I let him pass me, when we got to a wide enough section and then stayed on his wheel for the rest of the stage. Being a new rider, it was nice mentally to have a wheel to follow, but this of course is not ideal when that wheel is your competition!! We came into transition with me on his wheel, and then I managed to re-pass him while prepping for the next 7.4km run.
On to the run, and Jeff came charging up to me around 1 km in. As we approached the first climb, he pushed ahead, and got a gap I could not close. He stayed within sight until the end of this leg (thanks in part to a very brief pause from a crossing train, but unless he cracked or sunk in the pool, I suspected he was clear for the win.
The swim was only 500m, but after 3 and half hours of racing, that can present its own challenges. Prior to getting in the pool, you needed to be hosed down to get in a semi-clean state from all the mud on the mountain bike course :) The pool itself felt great to get into, and the laps went by without incident. I spotted Jeff two lanes over, and we seemed to be swimming about the same pace. The trouble was, he was further along then I.
The last leg was a 3km run to the finish. For some reason, my left outer-hamstring did not like running after that swim (though I think it was just residual affects of that kayak). I just tried to keep steady and smooth, and in no time I was back to where it all began - climbing the hill to the start/finish area. As I crested the hill, I was greeted by my two oldest kids and Jodie! This was a great treat, as Jodie had last told me that she thought the kids wouldn't come, due to the bad forecast. We exchanged high-fives, Bryn and Ollie then ran with me for a bit, and with smiles all around I crossed the line in 3:53:33 - less than 3 minutes behind the deserving solo champ - Jeff Walsh.
Looking back, the race was an absolute blast. It was well organized and is a challenging course with varying terrain at every stage. If I were to pick where I lost the race, I'd say the "post-kayak legs" cost me time on the bike, and the inexperience on the trails showed in my lack of aggression on the mountain bike, as well as unfamiliarity with the bike itself cost me some time as well. Of course I am always working on getting even faster on the run, but for this race, it seems the "low hanging fruit" is in the kayak and mountain bike for me.
I am looking forward to some needed recovery, as my legs are pretty smashed (I rode yesterday and today as well). I have a little less than a month until my next race - the Peterborough Half Ironman! Finally a long course triathlon event this year, with some proper biking! :-) I cannot wait for that race, but in the meantime I'll keep enjoying the eventful journey of father, husband and athlete.... never a dull moment! :)
Cheers,
Jon
PS - the night after the race, while sleeping, I dreamed of buying my own mountain bike and kayak! The kayak may be a stretch, but it seems I may just be getting started with this race! ;-)
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