dreaming over the ocean

  I am about to do a shameless plug, for a GREAT cause.  Two years ago, I joined my uncle (and two cousins) on a day during his ride from Victoria to Thunder Bay to raise money for YMCA Strongkids Campaign.  here we are eating doughnut's at Tim Hortons.   Here we are, working the doughnuts off. My uncle don is our family's athletic inspiration.  He did Ironman Canada in the 80's, and has been racing triathlon ever since.  He generally enters, sometimes doesn't run (as his knees are a bit worn out now...), and had fun the whole way.  He goes to the YMCA at least 2x a day, and Tim Hortons at least once.  He is a lawyer in Mississauga, ON.  His 3 kids have done triathlons, I do triathlon, my neice used to go out and visit him every summer, and he made her do triathlons, and he has inspired my cousin Rob (the younger fellow in these photos) to do Ironman Canada this year. And he believes in the fight against childhood obesity. ...

It seems as if this is a little "out of date" now, since SO MANY things have happened in the past few weeks.  That being so, the trip was so epic, and I loved it so much, and haven't talked about about it yet.  And, I tend to suspect that there are a few people who would appreciate a post on it! --------------------- A couple months ago, when my friend Kevin Shon brought forward the idea of climbing Mt. Rainier, I was a little skeptical, and VERY excited.  Would there possibly be the chance that "fate" would work out that a number of my friends from West Virginia would have the same period of time off, that we could engage in an epic adventure?  I knew that there was a small chance.  but, small is better than no-chance.  And, to increase the chances, it would be for me to say "yes." I knew for sure it would be something I would love to do. and, it came together.  5 Friends: myself from vancouver, Sam and Gretchen from Alaska, Kevin from.... every...

with two very big events which have been amazing. first there was time on a very big mountain, with some fantastic people. Second, there was a time in montreal, that was the conclusion of my time here.  with some other fantastic people. meanwhile... I'll catch up.  Im missing training, that is for sure, but, it will pick up again.  I gotta be "Serious" if I plan on executing a few decent races in the next few weeks!

It's been a while since posting~  as I would say, because there is nothing going on.  But, truely, there have been great things happening.  Shortly after arriving back in Canada, from New Orleans,  I went right out to Tofino , for a short 3-day holiday with the Birch's.  The Birch Parent's were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, so everyone came together for a beautiful weekend! Staying at Middle Beach Lodge , we had plenty of time to sit and relax, walk on beaches, and eat nice west coast food!  I've been to Tofino once before , with my beautiful niece.  This was definitely a different trip, but, it is really nice to just be able to get out and relax.  I do think, however, that the next time that I am out there, I want to engage in a bit more "water sports."  Either do some surfing, or some kayaking, or something... one of the great things about being on the coast, is that there is so much ocean to take advantage of! As always,...

there is something to be said about memories.  I know that they change, and they fade and the morph from what actually happened.  That being said, these past two weeks have been chalked full of memories.  these past two weeks have been some of those days where you have to pinch yourself to be reminded that this actually happens in life.  There is certainly a magic about New Orleans.  That's for sure.  There is a magic about the people you meet, the food you eat, the music you listen and dance too. Sunday afternoon, Kirsten and I did something that I would never imagine that I would do... we went to a PGA Golf tournament, the " Zurich Classic. " We got all prepped up, and went to watch golf for all of about 45 minutes, then went to the post-party ;)  Kirsten had gotten free tickets, due to her connections with the high-rollers of NOLA.  I thought the whole thing was pretty funny, as people got  really into it.   lots of ooooing and ahhh...

First of all, I just want to give credit for the other people who have taken these photos... Sean (with his fantastic new camera), and Kirsten (with her Iphone).  If I didn't have these two, I wouldn't have the chronicles. I am supposed to be writing my final paper for school right now, and instead, I am sitting in a French Quarter Coffee shop just replaying and replaying my weekend in my head. I can't believe it is already a week after I have raced NOLA 70.3 (well... 2.1+52+13.1=67.2)... the time has just flown buy.  And, most of that time, I have no idea what I was doing.  I remember monday, when Kirsten brought us around NOLA looking at Banksy's and blighted properties  and graveyards , and having yummy breakfasts.  And, during breakfast, my beloved said something to the effect of "Are you going to phone air canada, and change that ticket?  I mean... its an opportunity not to be missed." but, really, it was this past weekend that just rocked my w...

So... what can I say?!  I guess to start off, again, with the fact that I love this city. I love love love it.  it is so good to me.  It's so good to me, that I made a last minute decision, and skipped my flight today, and re-booked for next wednesday.  That is so that I can spend another 9 days, with an emphasis on taking in The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. because right now, I am crying a little, because life is so hard ;) anyway, back to the race. You may (or may not, because only people in the tri world, care about such things) know that NOLA 70.3 was changed into a duathlon this year.  For the second year in a row, actually.  It was changed, for the same reasons:  winds out of the north were causing Lake Ponchatrain to be un-safe for swimmers.  Honestly, I think that a lot of people are "not surprised."  That being said... there one of the biggest things that a race director cannot do, is change the weather.  The d...