What an awesome morning. Damn that was cool seeing Francis carry and pass The Flame at downtown Guelph City Hall.
After reading The 20 Worst Restaurant Foods In America, I might have to re-calibrate my glycogen replenishment strategy during my March visits to Florida. I have been wrong all along. I can do much better and pack even more calories/fat/salt in!
#7, #3, #2, and #1 (scroll down below to see the stats) combine for a Champion Dinner. A 8000 calorie dinner if you consume only these 4 menu items below! And surprisingly, the Outback restaurant is home to two of them.
I love ribs, but might have to stay away from the ones at the Outback from now on. Wow, 3000 calories is an awesome accomplishment for a restaurant to offer for a single item. Now that is not an issue for freakish me, as I have been known to pack in excess of 5000 calories in many hundreds of dinners....BUT...you have to be kidding me that the Outback ribs contain 90g of saturated fat and almost 5 grams of sodium. That should be outlawed.
You are, of course, going to need a side order to go with the ribs. How about the Jack in the Box Bacon Cheddar Wedges? Can someone explain to me how is it legal for a business to pack 13g of trans fat into a tiny side dish? That is criminal. Please tell me this happens only in America?
After eating all that salt, you are surely going to be thirsty. I would recommend being proactive and scooping up Cold Stone PB&C Shake on your way to the Outback...have them store it in the fridge while they are masterfully preparing your ribs. 131g of fat in a shake. That is awesome. After that debauchery, I hope you left some room for dessert.
Fortunately, you won't even have to leave the Outback to save the best for last. Make it an epic dinner and order the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under. Despite the world of hurt that your stomach might be in, make Joey "The Chestnut" proud by ensuring that you lick the fork clean...are you listening Anthony Paniche?
Enjoy!
PS: If you are still thirsty (you will be) after consuming so much salt, on your way home you might choose to make a quick pit-stop and down one of these 15 Worst Drinks In America. Ideally, you will choose one that you can order from a drive-thru take-out window--that way you can minimize walking off the dinner. Down it, hit the sack asap, and have sweet dreams of starting the next day strong...with a Breakfast of Champions.
Disclaimer: For those who are health-conscious, I would strongly advise against consuming this Champion Dinner...and the advise following it. Instead you might be interested in reading The Most Nutritious Whole Foods. Enjoy!
3,021 calories
242 g fat
(90 g saturated fat)
4,648 mg sodium
We hope the guys at Guinness World Records are paying attention: Outback now holds the dubious distinction of serving the first nationally available entrée in America to pack more than 3,000 calories. Congratulations.
760 calories
53 g fat
(17 g saturated, 13 g trans)
963 mg sodium
It doesn’t take a nutritionist to identify the hazards of a grease-soaked, cheese-slathered sack of deep-fried potatoes, but by appearance alone, nobody could guess what’s really at stake when you order this side from Jack’s. The American Heart Association recommends that people cap their trans fat intake at 1 percent of total calories. For people on a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 2 grams per day. See the problem? This sack crushes that number with six times your daily intake—not to mention nearly half your day’s calories.
2,010 calories
131 g fat (68 g saturated, 2.5 g trans)
880 mg sodium
153 g sugars
There were dozens of contenders in line for this dishonorable distinction, but Cold Stone’s PB&C is the only drink in America to stretch across the 2,000-calorie mark. The combination of peanut butter—good in small amounts, horrendous when liquefied in bathtub-size quantities—and chocolate ice cream outpaces even the worst cookie- and candy-strewn shakes that clutter Cold Stone’s embarrassing shake menu. Suck this thing down and you’ve just blasted away a day’s worth of calories, more than 3 days’ worth of saturated fat, and almost as much sugar as an entire 15-ounce box of Chewy Chips Ahoy! Cookies.
1,911 calories
88 g saturated fat
135 g carbohydrates
We’ll concede that desserts are intended to be decadent, but there’s a dramatic difference between indulgence and recklessness. Add one of these ice-cream–covered chocolate cinder blocks onto the end of one meal per week and you’re looking at more than 2 extra pounds of body fat each month. Think that extra flab is just inconvenient? Actually, according to numerous studies, it increases your risk of developing a host of conditions from diabetes and high blood pressure to esophageal cancer. Some of those risks are magnified when you factor in the 4½ days’ worth of saturated fat gluing this thing together like toxic cement. Technically this dessert is intended to be split four ways, but the last we checked, it doesn't indicate that on the menu. And even if you were to split it with three friends, you'd still each consume an extra 477 calories after your meal - about as much as if you'd eaten one and a half McDonald's cheeseburgers for dessert! Split the cheesecake with two friends for a better option.
Can you see and feel and the Olympic spirit in this man? Pictured is Coach Barrie Shepley carrying The Flame near Peterborough a couple of days ago. What an awesome pic!
I look forward to seeing the torch relay pass thru Guelph on the morning of Dec 28th.
I have already caught the Olympic fever.
Olympic Torch Relay Interactive Map
By Amy Keller in Florida Trend
On a warm March morning in central Florida, James Loaring and a half-dozen other Canadian triathletes trek down to the glistening National Training Center in Clermont. Fresh off a long bike ride through the area’s rolling hills, including a slope called Sugarloaf Mountain, the Canadians continue their workouts in the facility’s 70-meter pool. Meanwhile, other elite jocks, running the gamut from swimmers to soccer players, javelin throwers, sprinters and shot-putters, exercise in the nearby weight room.
Full Feature Story HERE
I am really looking forward to the upcoming LPC Florida Triathlon Camp. Our accommodations are in Kissimmee which offers many advantages to Clermont (example: Orange Lake Country Club Resort!) but a short distance away from the beautiful terrain that Clermont offers. Bring on Sugarloaf!
Upcoming Loaring Group Training Days at Loaring Physiotherapy:
Sun Dec 20
Sun Jan 10
Sun Jan 24
Sun Feb 21
Loaring Group Training Days are designed for athletes of all levels and abilities. The main purpose is to bring lots of positive energy into one room, take part in some excellent training and learning, and leave with a smile, some extra motivation, and a happy belly.
Directions to Loaring Physio here.
Sunday December 20th Timeline:
8:00am Doors open (set-up begins)
8:30am Bike (indoors on trainer for up to 90 minutes)
10:10am Run (outside running drills and then off to Blue Heron Hill for up to 45 minutes)
11:00am Core Exercises & Stretches
11:30am Potluck Brunch (onsite at Loaring Physio for those who would like to stick around and refuel and socialize)
Full info available here
Several months ago, Mike Hay and I began acting on a vision to create an informal "field of dreams" squad (or team or club or group or network or call it what you will) that consists of a few other local passionate tri-geeks. The goal was to combine a few talented endurance athletes/coaches together for the occasional sparring session here in Guelph. Mike and I are both busy with family and full-time jobs, and we wanted to find a way to maximize our training time that is available after engaging to our more important family and work priorities. This state of time poverty is a common place that most triathletes find themselves in. While we are both more passionate about coaching others to success--then we are towards our own athletic goals--we feel that it is important for our on-going coaching development, to continue to train and compete with purposeful structure and goals. We knew there were other talented elites (several who also coach) that were training solo for part or much of their training program. They also head their own teams, or are loyal to other well respected and established teams. But sometimes they train on their own, and would prefer to spar with others during some of these occasions. Allied Force was born.
What is Allied Force?
Allied: "Joined or united in a close relationship"
Force: "Strength or energy of body or mind; active power; vigor; might; often, an unusual degree of strength or energy"
Allied Force is an informal, unofficial, non-sanctioned, not-for-profit, non-recruiting, tri-geek stomping ground for elite triathletes and/or endurance coaches--whom might benefit from training with a few other like-minded individuals for the occasional work-out--if the alternative is to train solo. The primary purpose of Allied Force is to encourage on-going learning and development while exercising...and having fun doing so.
It will be an opportunity to combine forces and put to the field our knowledge that we have gained from the lab, or books, or from our own training/coaching/racing experiences. We will continue to be our own guinea pigs, continue to search for clues. Similar to attending a coaching conference, or clinic, or seminar, we will be passionately engaged while out on the field playing, swimming, biking, running.
But it won't always be serious! While techy talk might comprise a portion of the chatter, make no mistake that a large portion of chatter will be comprised of mindless blabber and trash-talking.
The Current Roster:
Mike "Stinger" Hay
Steve “Houdini” Hewick
Mark “Merlin” Linseman
James “Viper” Loaring
Tyler “Wolfman” Lord
Dave “Iceman” Sharratt
Ryan “Hollywood” Smith
Maverick, my fearless bichon-poo, is the Team Mascot. His bark is much bigger than his bite. He has frightened many, even the likes of Thomas the Tank.
Why the cheesy code names?
Priority #1 in the sport of triathlon is.....(insert drum roll).....HAVE FUN! Every triathlete needs a nick name to help fuel more humour to the process of the Daily Grind. You can be serious and structured and focused, while having fun, at the SAME time. One without the other will never lead to optimal results.
Onwards and upwards we go...along the highway to the Dangerzone
By Dave Waddell, Windsor Star, December 1, 2009
After carrying the memory of Larry Azzopardi during 12 hours of Sunday's Ironman Cozumel triathlon, Doug Crowe finished the journey by escorting his father-in-law to his final resting place as a pallbearer at his funeral in Essex Tuesday.
It was as it should be.
Azzopardi, who founded Laval Tool and Mould Industry over 30 years ago, died Nov. 22 in Atlanta from complications of a blood clot while enroute to Cozumel to watch Crowe compete in his first Ironman competition.
Azzopardi was 75.
"Larry was always so supportive of me," said Crowe, who trained seriously for a year for the race.
"He was such a driven, competitive guy. That's why he loved to go with me.
"He could see some of himself through me."
Crowe, who has competed in numerous triathlons and run in four marathons with Azzopardi in tow, finished the Ironman in 12:10:28. His time in completing a 2.8-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon was good enough to place him 42nd in the men's 45-to-49 years division. Overall, the Essex resident finished 393rd out of the 2,500 competitors.
Crowe was one of five area athletes to compete in the race.
Also participating were Amherstburg's Keith Henry (13:57:51), Tecumseh's Maria Eid (14:22:13), Essex's Dennis Masse (14:22:18) and Windsor's Bill Davies (15:42:02).
Cut and paste from the PTC blog. Help spread the word and come out to this great event!
A quick reminder that we have our next Training Day, this Sunday, November 29th.
We're close to capacity, but we still have room for a few more athletes (age 10 to Adult).
Registration forms available here.
In addition to our normal program of swimming, biking and running, we'll have a few guest speakers.
Craig Taylor will be available to talk to the parents about scheduling/programming for youth/junior athletes, and Dorelle Hinton, Connor Hammond and Ian Donald will be talking about their 2009 Canada Games and/or 2009 World Championships experiences.
Doors open at 8:05AM, Swim starts at 8:30AM. We usually wrap up around 2:30PM. Bring appropriate gear for swimming, indoor riding and outdoor running. Don't forget snacks, a water bottle, lunch, and a camera.
Looking forward to a great day of training.
See you Sunday.
This is a big weekend of racing! A must-see event is taking place in Guelph this Saturday for those within driving distance. Come watch the best endurance runners in Canada take on the undulating terrain of the University of Guelph Arboretum Cross-Country Course. LPC’ers Rob Tranter and Coach James will be lacing up the spikes and toeing the line of the Master’s Cross Country Champs, the day’s second event at 10:45am. Olympic Triathlon Champion Simon Whitfield is flying from Victoria to take part in the Senior Men’s Race that begins at 2:15pm. Guelph is home to the strongest running team in Canada--so come out and cheer on the Speed River gazelles. Timeline of all 7 events HERE
Nov 28 AGSI Canadian Cross Country Champs Guelph, ON
Nov 28 ERCF Super Santa Amherstburg, ON
Nov 29 OAT Training Day Guelph, ON
Nov 29 Ironman Cozumel Cozumel, Mexico
The final 2009 Ironman for an LPC athlete takes place Sunday in beautiful Cozumel. Dennis Masse and Keith Henry were welcomed with a monsoon yesterday. Go to www.ironman.com beginning Sunday morning, and watch the live audio and video. As usual, you can track their progress via the athlete tracker.
Register before Dec 1st to receive the 'early-bird' discount.
Full details at http://www.loaringphysio.com/Camps.html
Let's kick off the Techy Tuesday series with a quick post on data from the Hillbilly Trail Run that I participated in this past Sunday. Put on by the Running Factory, this was an exciting, and very technical, 5.84k trail run.
I ran with the Garmin 305 Forerunner, my gps device of choice for running.
The pre-race goal was to run a consistent effort at very close to what I perceived to be my current running lactate threshold. I was a bit tired going into the run, having just finished a 90' indoor training ride that was part of the Loaring Group Training Day. But I started to find my running legs after about 1 mile into the race.
Clicking the graph below will take you to an interactive graph hosted by Training Peaks. This is the software that I use for myself, and all of the athletes that I coach. Prior to uploading this data to Training Peaks, I looked at the data using WKO+ software. I consider WKO+ software to be the gold standard of data analysis for HR, gps, and power data.
The interactive map allows one to re-live the race thanks to a detailed satellite view of the route. You can zoom in to fairly impressive detail and literally track every few meters of the 5.84k single loop course. It is not detailed enough to show every little twist and turn, but provides a nice overview map of the spaghetti-like course.
In looking at the data, my HR progressively climbed in the opening mile, and then settled into a very steady HR after 5' into the race. It pretty much hovered at 170bpm for the final 75% of the run. The course was quite technical with hundreds of twists and turns along several technical MTB single track--that I only looked down at my watch once during the race. As I mentioned, the goal was to try and run a consistent effort from start to finish. I think I achieved that and would estimate my current running "threshold" to be around 170bpm.
Had the footing not been so technical, I might have glanced down at the watch more, but would have only used my HR or avg pace or current pace, as a very rough guide. I aim to never allow an external device to drive my pacing strategy--but find it helpful at times to provide on-the-fly feedback that can help provide some guidance. In other words, I left the analysis for after the run, and relied on my gut during.
My k splits were:
1k = 3:23
2k = 4:03
3k = 4:00
4k = 3:34
5k = 4:00
The final 850m was at ~3:30/k pace
In looking at the k splits, that is a large fluctuation in pacing. However, since the terrain and footing was quite variable, looking solely at k splits will paint a misleading picture. In a future post, I will discuss more about "normalized pacing". But for today, what is interesting is how consistent the HR was from 5' until the finish line. Despite considerable twists and turns, and climbs and descents, my HR pretty much hovered around 170bpm. Why? Because I aimed to keep the tempo on the down hills, and not work too hard on the climbs. During the technical sections, I focused on trying to minimize the slowing of pace--trying to keep the momentum. Therefore, despite fluctuations in pace due to the undulation of the course, my perceived exertion and HR was quite consistent.
So this is an example of a solid 20' threshold effort. I did not go out too hard, nor did I go bananas during the final few hundred meters(when the finish was in sight). I simply ticked away and relied on my experience to run a consistent effort at a level of perceived exertion that I considered to be around my current running lactate threshold.
So that was my pacing strategy for this fun, low-key grass roots event. The pacing strategy will very likely be different this coming Saturday when I take part in the Canadian Masters Cross Country Champs here in Guelph. Tactics will almost certainly come into play. Or maybe they won't?
Stay tuned for a detailed analysis of the 8k Canadian Master XC Champs next Tuesday. I plan on comparing gps files between myself and two other athletes who will be competing in the same event (Mike Hay and Rob Tranter). So it will be interesting to compare 3 athletes in the same race, who possess 3 different lactate thresholds, ages, fitness levels, and pacing strategies.
Until then, keep it nice and steady.
I jetted down to Windsor this past weekend for 30h of organized chaos. I met with several of my athletes to discuss their tentative 2010 'plan of attack'. Since many popular events fill up a year in advance, decisions have to be made well before the New Year.
Sunday morning was the first Loaring Group Training Day of the new season. We had lots of fun, and I am looking forward to the next one on Dec 20th.
I also managed to jump into the Hillbilly Trail Run put on by the Running Factory. The race was 6k that ran over Malden Park's technical MTB single track trails. Without question, it was the most technical xc course I have ever run on. It was tons of fun and I will talk more about this race in tomorrow's post.
New Series on the Loaring Chronicles
There has never been a series...so maybe it's time. Or maybe it will fall apart after the first instalment. Time will tell.
I am a big tri-geek. I love the gadgets and love the never-ending search for clues. Since a large portion of my current coaching is web-based, I thought I would start a series that explores analyzing gps, HR, and power data, from occasional work-outs and races. In particular, I will comment on the purpose of the work-out, and what implications can be drawn from looking at the data.
Most might find these posts extremely boring. Some might find it interesting. So these posts might be directed more towards the self-proclaimed tri-geeks out there.
The new series..."Techy Tuesday" begins tomorrow. Stay tuned for a brief analysis of Sunday's Hillbilly Trail Run...through the eyes of my Garmin Forerunner 305.
A quick reminder that the first Loaring Group Training Day takes place this Sunday at Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre.
Sunday Nov 22 Timeline:
8:00am Doors open (register and set-up begins)
8:30am Bike (indoors on trainer for up to 90 minutes)
10:10am Run (outside for up to 45 minutes)
11:00am Core Exercises & Stretches
11:30am Potluck Brunch (onsite at Loaring Physio)
Full details available HERE
My lovely wife has entered the exciting world of blogging...and has created her own blog...all about BJAM. Pronounced Bee-jam, BJAM is an acronym for "Breanne, James, Annika, and Maverick". BJAM blog will share the occasional adventure, and every day non-adventure, of BJAM and their closest family and friends.
The Loaring Chronicles blog has always been a blog that offers "morsels of info concerning health & fitness, coaching, and family life". The Loaring Chronicles will continue to offer morsels that concern these different pees in a pod. However, BJAM blog will focus entirely on the most important thing in life...family.
Pearls of wisdom from Breanne:
"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses"
A plethora of exciting news to report on. Read all about it by clicking on the Loaring Physio Fall 2009 e-news below:
By Dave Waddell, The Windsor Star, November 10, 2009
WINDSOR, Ont. -- Forty years after his death, the illustrious track and field career of John Loaring is still being recognized as one of the finest resumes ever put together by a Canadian athlete.
A 1936 Olympic silver medallist (400 hurdles) and a triple gold-medal winner (400m, 400m hurdles, 4x400m relay) at the 1938 British Empire Games, the long-time Windsor resident was selected as one of 15 members of the Ontario Track and Field Association's inaugural hall of fame class.
Loaring, who was named Canada's top track athlete of the year in 1938, is already a member of the Canadian Olympic, Canadian Amateur Athletic, the Windsor/Essex County Sports and the University of Western Ontario cross-country/track and field and swimming and diving halls of fame.
"This was a surprise to us," said Loaring's granddaughter Charlotte Loaring, who along with her father John Jr. and brother James will attend the induction ceremony in Toronto Dec. 5
"To be part of the first group of 15 inductees, with people like Donovan Bailey, is huge for our family. We're so proud to be descended from such a great individual."
Loaring, who moved from Winnipeg to Windsor in 1926 and remained here until his death in 1969 at age 54, still stands alone in one other Olympic feat.
He's the lone male athlete ever to compete in all three of the game's 400-metre events — the 400m, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay. He finished top six in all three of those events.
Loaring finished second to American Glenn Hardin, the world record holder and defending Olympic gold medallist by 3/10s of a second in the 400m hurdles.
For his unprecedented feat, Loaring was named the toughest athlete of the 1936 games by the German media.
"He was only 21 and he'd only run those races a couple of times, so it was pretty amazing to do that in the Olympics," Charlotte Loaring said.
"You could read in his letters home from the Olympics his excitement, getting to meet Jesse Owens and some of the other competitors. It was a big propaganda games for Hitler and my grandfather commented on that.
"It's unfortunate that World War II prevented him from going to the next two Olympics. Historians feel based on his times and the fact he was so young in 1936 that he'd have been the favourite to win gold the next time."
Full story HERE
Photo gallery HERE
This month's Windsor Sports cover photo (by Trevor Booth) was taken outside Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Center--a place that helped rehab Daniele DeFranceschi back on the road of hard training after an unfortunate bike crash earlier this year. Pages 24-26 of this 'hot off the press' issue cover this month's feature story. I encourage all, especially those who dare to dream big, to read this story by Dan Grant of Windsor Sports. You can download the entire issue HERE
Below is a prelude to the story by the magazine's editor:
Climbing the mountain
This month’s cover subject inspires one and all to chase the impossible dream.
What moves someone to take up the challenge of achieving something that most his age would say is mere folly? What moves them to essentially put a budding professional career on hold, all in the pursuit of chasing a dream only realized by an infinitely small percentage of the global population over the past 113 years? Well, if you’re Windsor’s Daniele DeFranceschi, it’s simple: you do so because the opportunity is there! And if you didn’t grab that opportunity and pursue it for all its worth, you’d find yourself always
wondering, what if?
I have analyzed several of Daniele's power data files from various training sessions. The numbers are impressive. However, I can say that Daniele's most powerful asset does not appear on a graph, nor can it be read from an ANT+ Sport device, nor geeked with WKO+ software. His desire to chase his dreams, and will to succeed, is his most powerful asset--and it is of a power that few possess.
This month's Windsor Sports issue also has an excellent story (pages 21-22) about cross-county running powerhouse Massey Mustangs High School in Windsor. Massey's dominance at OFSAA allows me to reminisce about my experience swimming with the Kennedy Clipper High School Swimming Team. During those years swimming for the Clippers, we sailed to victory and became one of the winningest high school sporting teams in the history of Ontario Collegiate Sport. We never lost a team title. Never a loss at the local, regional, or provincial level.
I learned a lot from Coach David Pells. We all did. The hard way. Lots and lots of 'pearls of wisdom'. He taught us all the value of hard work. He taught us all the importance of working together as a team. "You are all a bunch of cogs from the same wheel" he would often say. "Each cog is equally important". All a bunch a cogs. Hard working cogs. Smart working cogs. Consistently hard/smart working cogs. The on-going process of the Daily Grind created the collective end product of a finely tuned swimming machine--a machine passionately designed to achieve one primary goal: the pursuit of team excellence.
My sister Charlotte won 25 OFSAA medals in swimming. 24 of them were gold. Her first medal was silver in colour. When she was in grade 9 at her first OFSAA competition, she lost the 100m breastroke by 1/100th of a second. That defeat helped mold a champion attitude for years to come. She never lost again while wearing a Clipper bathing cap. Everyone on the team had that same champion attitude..even the equally important cogs that lacked the talent to qualify for OFSAA in an individual event. Everyone was considered equally instrumental to the team's success.
Now don't get me wrong. It was never all about winning or losing. It was always all about the process of putting forth a consistently hard/smart effort--working hard to best position ourselves to achieve success through the maximization of harvesting our collective potential.
What was our secret? We worked bloody hard--hard enough that there were practices that saw us looking at each other to see if lactic acid was oozing out of our ears. Our coach, "Mr. Pells" always placed a garbage can at the corner of the pool if you felt inclined to cough your brains out of your mouth. We worked hard enough--that we went into races confident that we would still beat any other high school swimming team in the province...on an off day. We never lost.
Countless "Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials" in a 20 yard pool with no lane ropes that was often way too warm or way too cold. We were convinced that Mr. Pells intentionally and systematically lowered and raised the pool thermostat (the water temperature often fluctuated between a low 61 to a high of 94) in an effort to 'harden' us over time. But this fluctuation was likely due to the fact that our pool was simply falling apart after years of use...years of 'blood, toil, tears, and sweat' taking place in the 'dungeon'. We swam in arguably the worst facility of any other swim team in the province--in the same pool that my father and grandfather shredded to pieces with their powerful front crawl strokes many years before us--and we all prided ourselves that our 'dungeon' carved us into modern day hardened warriors.
So what was our secret? The same secret that Massey XC has used to achieve great success every time they toe the line. The same secret why Speed River Track & Field Club is now the strongest distance running club in Canada. The same secret why the PTC is going to continue to be among the best development triathlon squads in the country. The same secret that 61 year-old Margaret Wojtowicz used to help her became an Ironman this past weekend in Florida. And the same secret why many of the giants of our time become giants.
So what is The Secret? Author John L. Parker Jr. in Once a Runner provides what I believe to be a very good answer to this priceless question:
What was the secret, they wanted to know; in a thousand different ways they wanted to know The Secret. And not one of them was prepared to believe that it had not so much to do with chemicals and zippy mental tricks as with that most unprofound and sometimes heart-rending process of removing, molecule by molecule, the very tough rubber that comprised the bottoms of his training shoes. The Trials of Miles; Miles of Trials.
Athletics Ontario have created a Hall of Fame, and my grandpa, John W. Loaring, has been selected as one of the fifteen inaugural Inductees.
From the Athletics Ontario website:
Please join us in Celebrating Excellence in Athletics on December 5 in Toronto to honour the 2009 Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame Inductees:
Upcoming Loaring Group Training Days at Loaring Physiotherapy:
Sun Nov 22
Sun Dec 20
Sun Jan 10
Sun Jan 24
Sun Feb 21
Loaring Group Training Days are designed for athletes of all levels and abilities. The main purpose is to bring lots of positive energy into one room, take part in some excellent training and learning, and leave with a smile, some extra motivation, and a happy belly.
Directions to Loaring Physio here.
Sunday Nov 22 Timeline:
8:00am Doors open (register and set-up begins)
8:30am Bike (indoors on trainer for up to 90 minutes)
10:10am Run (outside for up to 45 minutes)
11:00am Core Exercises & Stretches
11:30am Potluck Brunch (onsite at Loaring Physio)
Full info available here
Simon Whitfield was in town cheering on the runners. He made Rob and Hilary's day by allowing them to wear his Olympic medals for a quick photo. I think they still have smiles on their faces two days later. Simon is a class act who has inspired millions.
LPC athlete Laura Greenaway (co-Head Coach of the Fighting Koala's Niagara Region Triathlon Team) had a fantastic day and qualified for the 2010 Boston Marathon. Laura had a great year of sprint triathlon training and racing. After her final sprint triathlon, and despite little time to specifically prepare, Laura signed up for Road2Hope Marathon, and had eight weeks of specific marathon training. She executed an excellent pacing strategy on race day, and will now look forward to more long course training and racing next season.
A quick heads up to mark your calendars:
The 2010 Loaring Triathlon will take place on Saturday, July 17th.
Please stay tuned for updated 2010 details on the event website.
All proceeds go to the Elena Loaring Memorial Fund for Breast Cancer Research through the University of Windsor.
ALL DONATIONS WILL BE DOUBLED BY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
What a great weekend. My birthday falls on this day, so it was fitting that I went as an old man. It was tons of fun going out for Halloween with my two Wonderwomen.
Annika sprinting towards the the tunnel of terror--her first "trick or treat".
The first OAT Training Day takes place at the PTC Sunday morning. There are still a few spots left (participation is limited to 40). More info is available at the OAT Training Day facebook Page. Have a look and become a fan.
Cut and paste from the OAT website:
Once again the Ontario Association of Triathletes will be holding a series of Training Days at the Provincial Triathlon Centre, University of Guelph. Participation is limited to OAT members. There will be four groups running this winter:
Training Day Schedule for 2009-10
But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas?
We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.
...even though I realize that this is in some measure an act of faith and vision, for we do not now know what benefits await us. But if I were to say, my fellow citizens, that we shall send to the moon, 240,000 miles away from the control station in Houston, a giant rocket more than 300 feet tall, the length of this football field, made of new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented, capable of standing heat and stresses several times more than have ever been experienced, fitted together with a precision better than the finest watch, carrying all the equipment needed for propulsion, guidance, control, communications, food and survival, on an untried mission, to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to earth, re-entering the atmosphere at speeds of over 25,000 miles per hour, causing heat about half that of the temperature of the sun--almost as hot as it is here today--and do all this, and do it right, and do it first before this decade is out--then we must be bold.
John F. Kennedy - September 12, 1962
What are your long-term goals? And what are you doing today, tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year...in terms of working hard towards achieving them?
Onwards and upwards we go...
On Saturday, I attended the The Big Workout that was organized by the Speed River Track Club. Approximately 200 runners came out for a fantastic community running event over the groomed National Cross Country Course. I continue to be blown away by how many crazy fast runners reside here in Guelph.
Unfortunately, I failed in attempting to be in two places at the same time--otherwise I would have also been in Tecumseh supporting (in person) the resurrection of the Ciociaro Track, and the formation of the Ciociaro Cycling Club (CCC). Despite less than ideal weather, over 100 cyclists and triathletes from Essex County came out to support the first Ciociaro Cycling Club ride. The 1275m track has been re-paved, and the local community can look forward to the resurrection of the popular Thursday night crit race series. The central location of the Ciociaro Club will now become an even more popular meeting grounds for Essex County's various social cycling and triathlon groups.
The ride brought together all of the "Heads of State". Pictured below from left to right: Alex Rae (East Side Riders), Pete DiPonio (CCC President), Vincent Del Duca (Normany Road Riders).
Props to Allied Forces Productions for allowing me the honour of presenting Dave's first hit single.
Ladies and gents...2-time OCAA Champion David 'Pre' Sharratt:
Far more important then the outcome, is the celebration of the journey of the Daily Grind, and the celebration with those who supported and inspired you along this journey.
Annika ran 17:00 for 5k with a little push from her Uncle. She made it look very easy as she slept the entire time.
Attention cyclists and triathletes from Windsor & Essex County. See the note below from the founding members of the CCC:
THE CIOCIARO TRACK --- RE- OPENS !
East meets West rides together!
Cycling friends --- the much anticipated reopening of the Ciociaro Cycling Track is here !
Substantial funds and a great amount of work to repair the track should be complete within a week..
In a great show of Solidarity the Ciociaro Track Bicycling Committee is planning an important ride to show the club about our interest as cyclists to support the Track and the Ciociaro Facilities...
There are many plans new for the next cycling season... But first we want to say thank-you to the Board and the newly formed Cycling Committee and its Executive with Pete DiPonio as the current President !
So here's the drill...
1st -- arrange to ride with us on Saturday October 24 -- from the Ciociaro Club..
arrive early to get ready for the ride - about 70-80 km.... No-One- Dropped..but an average of 30 km sustained..
9:30 the Official re-opening of the Track with publicity Photos... So wear your Club or Team Jerseys if you want..
10 am - we set out for the loop around the west portion of the county..
2nd - A reminder to bring some money ... for Pizza afterwards...
ALSO memberships for the new Ciociaro Cycling Club will be available for all to join..
only $15 for social membership to the club and $5 for the Cycling Club.. so a total of $20 for those wanting to join
3rd - Send back a reply so we have an idea how many will show so the Club can accommodate us...
Everyone is welcome... spread the word around and bring as many cyclists as you can
SEE YOU AT THE TRACK !
What a beautiful venue for a run. The picture above is at the 3k mark of yesterday's 10k race. I am at the back hanging on for dear life (about to be dropped) as the Speed River gazelles used this event as a tempo tune-up for the Canadian 10k Road Champs this Saturday in Toronto. The highlight of the day was watching Annika run a 16:59 5k with a little help from her Uncle--but more on that later. First, here is an article of this wonderful event in today's Guelph Mercury:
tsaxon@guelphmercury.com
GUELPH — A new location and the threat of nasty weather couldn’t stop the Thanksgiving Day Races from being a big success Monday.
Roughly 650 people of all ages participated in six different races at Exhibition Park as the rain held off and a little morning frost on the pumpkin did little to dissuade a large number of people from registering the morning of the race.
“I’m very pleased. The turnout was great,” race director John Marsden said.
“Weather was my main concern. We’ve had three weeks of rain and it wasn’t looking good for today. We were ready for the rain if it came, but it’s hard to convince people to stand out in the rain and run.”
It was cold, with temperatures hovering in the single digits all morning, but with little wind to make it worse, nobody was complaining.
The star of the day was Exhibition Park, a new location for the event brought on by construction in downtown Guelph where the races have been held the past few years.
“I just love this venue, it’s perfect,” said veteran runner Scott Cameron, who took part in a new 10-kilometre race that was added to this year’s lineup.
“I really like having it at the park,” said Brian Sharratt, who watched his son David win the 5km race. “You don’t have to have police blocking off roads and it’s very spectator friendly.
By Bob Duff, The Windsor Star, October 9, 2009
During the 2005 season, when back issues began to bother Canadian figure skater Tessa Virtue, she sought out relief from the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic in her hometown of London.
Instead of treatment, they offered her a recommendation, telling Virtue if she was interested in the best, she needed to get in touch with Mary Brannagan of Windsor’s Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre.
“They said, ‘She just gets it,’” Virtue recalled. “It was the best referral I’ve ever received.”
Since that day, it’s Virtue who gets all of her physiotherapy work done by Brannagan and as she preps for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, one of Canada’s best medal hopes - Virtue and partner Scott Moir are two-time world championship medallists in ice dancing - she plans to have Brannagan aboard for the ride.
Next week, Brannagan will travel with Virtue to Paris, France for the Trophee Bombard, an International Skating Union Grand Prix event. It’s part of a new program in which the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Committee is working with Canada’s elite athletes to give them as many creature comforts as possible leading up to the big dance.
“They asked me what I wanted and one of the things I asked for was to have Mary travel with me,” Virtue said. “She knows my body, she knows what needs to be done to keep me right on top of my game.”
I have looked into the crystal ball and here are my picks for the podium:
WOMEN:
1. Rebekah Keat
2. Chrissy Wellington
3. Miranda Carfrae
Darkhorses:
The field minus CW
Why not Chrissy for the win? Because the entire world is picking her to win, and I think just maybe she will finally prove to be human and have an off day.
MEN:
1. Craig Alexander
2. Eneko Llanos
3. Rasmus Henning
Henning is a big uncertainty and is has the talent and ability to run with Alexander. It will be interesting how he (and his hand) performs in his first crack at Kona.
Darkhorses:
Raelert, Bozzone
This is a wonderful story. And Jason was already a champ long before the tip-off of this game:
For the first time in Olympic history, a South American country will host an Olympic Games. I am not the least bit surprised that Rio De Janeiro won over powerhouse bids from Madrid, Tokyo, and Chicago. I am surprised that Chicago was eliminated in the first round. However, in my opinion, Rio had the strongest bid, and the politics always swayed in favour of Rio and Madrid. Since it was very unlikely for the IOC to award consecutive Olympics to the same continent, Madrid was considered a dark horse, and Rio was deemed a clear favourite by many. There is no doubt that the world will be focused on Brazil in 2014 (FIFA World Cup) and 2016 (Games of the XXXI Olympiad).
I spent a week in Rio in 2004, where I competed in the Rio World Cup Triathlon. Of all the amazing cities that I have visited over the years, Rio De Janeiro might be at the very top of the list. The culture, beaches, and churrascaria buffets, are simply spectacular.
After enjoying a bit of time off training after my final triathlon of the year (Elite Nats in Kelowna), I was itching to get outside for some aerobic runs in the trails of Preservation Park. The leaves are beginning to fall and turn colour, and the deer are always eager to play a friendly game of chase. This is my favourite time of the year.
The year sure has flown by, and the summer ended with a jam-packed weekend that maximized time outdoors in perfect weather.
I spontaneously entered the Falling Leaves 7.5 Trail Run on Sep 19th. I ended up having a good run, especially considering that I hadn't completed any speed work since before Kelowna. The Guelph Mercury wrote an article here. Then I had a blast watching Bre push Annika in the 1k kid's dash (Annika walked the final 10m). And then we watched the fast gazelles tear up the course in the collegiate race.
The very next day (sep 20) was the Caledon Running Festival. C3 put on an amazing show, and Annika enjoyed participating in the 1 mile kid's race.
This past weekend was the Guelph Downtown 5k. Like a weekend warrior, I laced up once again, and finished 2nd, sandwiched between sparring mates Derek Snider and Mike Hay.
To the right of this post are a few twitter updates that have links that show a few pics and videos captured from what has been a wonderful couple of weeks.
Laying low before the big race.
All set and ready for battle.
1008 kids take off in the one mile kid's dash
Taking a short rest break to catch a photo with Lisa Bentley.
Epic finishing sprint
Lots of racing taking place this weekend! Click on the image below to expand the Team LPC Event Calendar.
I just registered for Saturday's Falling Leaves 7.5k Cross Country Run. I was planning on doing a tempo run on Saturday morning, and just heard about this event moments ago. The run takes place over the same course as the Canadian Cross Country Champs on Nov 28th. The New Balance Vic Matthews Open (formerly the Gryphon Open) takes place at noon (2 hours after the Falling Leaves) over the exact same course. So it will be fun to watch the varsity gazelles tear up the course. I love cross-county running, and Guelph is home to some of the best trails in Ontario (in my biased opinion).
The finale of the HSBC Triathlon Series takes place in Lakeside on Saturday and Sunday. The final of the Running Factory Series takes place in Windsor on Sunday. The run for the Grapes Half-Marathon is going down in St. Catherines on Sunday. And Sunday will also feature the Caledon Running Festival (which offers a 1 mile kids run, 5k, and 10 miler). I just registered Annika up for the 1 mile fun run, which hopes to break a national participation record by attracting over 1000 kids. Bre will be jogging with Annika in her stroller, and I will be cheering them, and all the kids, with a loud mouth and cow bells.
What a wonderful time of year to be out biking and running. Make the most of it!
Since I joined twitter a few weeks ago, I have been slack with updating the blog. A single tweet is very time efficient, so I will likely continue to provide quick twitter updates that most might find pretty useless information. I love how twitter syncs with Facebook and Blogger, and it's applications "twitpic" and "twitvid" are genius. You can see my twitter updates on the top right of this blog. Tweeting from my blackberry allows me to post photos and videos. I have already posted several pics and vids, including one taken today of Annika walking. So without further adieu, you can 'follow' my tweets on this blog, or here:
http://twitter.com/jamesloaring
I have said the word twit and tweet way too many times in this post. What have a gotten myself into?
But this doesn't mean I will be no longer be updating the Loaring Chronicles! You can't get rid of me that easily (is there anyone even reading this?) Stay tuned for a catch-up blog post...
I am delighted to hear of the news that the WTC is (apparently) stepping up (finally!) by taking a more proactive approach in the fight against dopers. This announcement has massive implications, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves. Drug testing (especially random out-of-competition testing) is very expensive to administer, and the WTC is a private enterprise, and is not governed by the ITU. As we all know, the primary goal of every corporation is to maximize profits and/or shareholder wealth. But every successful corporation implements a certain degree of social responsibility into their long-term strategic thinking. Will the WTC actually implement this press release? Or is it all propaganda with little action? The latter has historically been the case. Moving onwards, time will tell...and at the very least, I hope this announcement will act as a deterrent against using PEDs..dopers suck.
WTC anti-doping press release here
Below is an article by Slowtwitch's Dan Emphield
World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner and organizer of the Ironman and 70.3 event brands, announced today the launch of a new Anti-Doping Program. "Beginning this month," said WTC in a written statement, "athletes competing in Ironman and 70.3 events are eligible for in and out-of-competition drug testing."
One new feature welcome to anti-doping fans is, finally, an out-of-competition (OOC) pool of Ironman athletes. The pool of American athletes tested out of competition has 'til now been strikingly skewed toward Olympic-distance, ITU-format athletes.
Another new feature, perhaps less welcome to many athletes, is that the OOC pool will consist of both "professional and elite age group athletes who have qualified for either of the World Championships." This means top AGers may have drug testers showing up at their doors. Further, the OOC program requires athletes to register with registered with WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). This system manages the athletes' whereabouts and racing calendars, in addition to serving as the results clearinghouse for the program.
WTC announced that, "the partner and service provider for all testing and administration will be the Association of National Anti-Doping Organizations – Anti-Doping Service (ANADO-ADS)." ANADO is the organization with which WTC chose to partner, because it is an international organization. Each country's national doping agency (USADA in the U.S.) will perform and manage testing.
Drug testing has been important to WTC ever since its president and CEO, Ben Fertic (pictured), took the helm. Indeed, it was one of several issues leading to WTC's setting up its own quasi-sanctioning Global Triathlon Group in 2005. WTC returned to USAT sanctioning 9 months later, only after triathlon's national governing body agreed to co-fund enhanced USADA drug-testing at all WTC's North American Ironman-distance events.
Fertic has been adamant that drug testing should occur at every one of WTC's Ironman-distance events, but winners of U.S.-based Ironman races in recent years report that they haven't been drug tested. Today's announcement should mean that drug testing will occur with greater frequency, and at 70.3 events as well.
It is another big weekend of racing for Team LPC.
Check out the Team LPC event calendar for upcoming events:
http://www.loaringphysio.com/LPC_events.html
The following events this weekend will be represented by LPC athletes:
Aug 22-23
ITU Kelowna Premium Pan American Cup Triathlon, Canadian Age Group & Elite Triathlon Champs, Junior Elite Sprint Triathlon
Kelowna, ON
Aug 22-23
24 Hours Hot August Nights Mountain Bike Race
Bolton, ON
Aug 23
Bulldog Triathlon
Chatham, ON
Aug 23
Northern "Orillia" Triathlon
Orillia, ON
I am writing from beautiful Kelowna, site of the 2009 Canadian Triathlon Champs (for age-group, U23, and elites).
The junior elite race took place this morning. Travis Goron had an excellent swim, exciting the water in third place, and set himself up for a great race. Unfortunately, he incurred a flat tire on the 3rd of 4 laps on the bike—which ultimately ended his day. Although disappointing, Travis can walk away from the event pleased that he set himself up for a great result. You can only control the controllable, and Travis put himself in position for a good day until the uncontrollable took him out. That is racing. That is life.
Tomorrow morning will feature the Canadian Age-group Tri Champs. At 11:15pm the Elite Women start. And 1:45pm will start the men’s elite race. I look forward to competing in another National Championship. Last year I had a solid 4th place finish over the exact same course. This year will include Simon Whitfield, and Paul Tichelaar, who were absent last year as they were competing in the Beijing Olympic Triathlon on the same weekend. Rumour has it these two guys are pretty fast :-)
The race will also feature last year’s winner Brent McMahon, and virtually all of the top 20 ranked Canadian triathletes. The weather is going to be ideal. It will certainly be an exciting race!
If you are in front of your pc this evening, you can tune into the ITU Yokohama World Cup online live coverage beginning at 8pm EDT:
http://www.triathlonlive.tv/index/home
Everyone have a fabulous weekend!
I eagerly anticipated the showdown between Tyson Gay and Usain Bolt. I told Annika to pay attention, as something special was about to occur. But I have to say that I did not expect 9.58. Wow. I was in the stands when Michael Johnson obliterated the 200m WR, running 19.32 at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. I said at the time that it would take at least 25 years before another specimen challenged that feat. And then of course a Bolt of lightning eclipsed it last year (only 12 years later). It will be interesting to see if Bolt can also bring done his 200m WR this coming thursday. And it will certainly be interesting to see if this young remarkable talent can continue to bring down the 100m and 200m world records for years to come.
73 years ago, my grandpa, Johnny Loaring, arrived in Berlin as an relatively unknown 20 year-old young man, and left Berlin as a 21-year-old Olympic medalist. His first of nine races in Berlin, the 400m hurdles heats, coincided with his 21st birthday -- 1936-Aug-03. Still to this day, he is the only Olympian to compete in the final of all three track events involving the 400m distance (2nd 400m hurdles, 6th 400m run, & 4th anchoring Canada's 4 x 400m relay). WWII deprived him of additional potential Olympic opportunities during his prime years, as the 1940 and 1944 Olympic Games never came to be.
And of course, 73 years ago also featured a fellow by the name of Jesse Owens...
Although the "blue ribbon" event of the IAAF World Track Champs has cemented itself into the history books, I look forward to many events over the course of the next week!
The Tecumseh Triathlon Weekend was another successful event that raised many thousands for Fitness For Hospice.
Unfortunately, I caught a bug a couple days prior to the event. I was in rough shape Saturday evening, and it took everything to get out of bed race morning. Not showing up to help support this race was never an option. However, I knew that it would be wise to tempo the swim and bike and then cheer everyone on. When I arrived at the race course, I really wanted to race, and tried to convince myself that I was going to have a great day. I felt good in the swim, but knew as soon as i jumped on the bike that the power numbers were off. With Nationals on the horizon, I had to use discipline and make the difficult decision to throttle right down and "fight another day". it was shame to not be able to have a go, as the pro men's field was without question that deepest and most talented of any triathlon in Ontario this year.
Although I was a bit under the weather, I was VERY excited to cheer on a huge Team LPC / Loaring Physio contingent of about 40 athletes.
A few random pics that I hope capture the spirit of the event:
Me with my beautiful Bre.
Gramps during the 6.2k run on the hottest day Canada has experienced in 2009.
Paniche, Raquel, Colleen, and Coach Jeff Cowan.
Supermom and Annika cheering on Team LPC.
Pete Diponio shortly after a smashing bike leg.
Janet and Maverick taking a break from supporting Team LPC, and finally finding the only piece of shade on a scorcher of a day.
I am looking forward to the Tecumseh (formerly Windsor) triathlon this weekend. The venue has changed to Riverfront Park in Tecumseh, which is only one mile north of Loaring Physio. Although I am now a guelphite, this race (along with Leamington) will always be considered a hometown race. Team LPC and support crew will participate in several relays, with another dozen racing individually. I look forward to Sunday's race, and cheering on Canada's future starts the day before at the Kid's of Steel Triathlon. It will be a big weekend for Team LPC, as several LPC'ers will be participating in Trisport's Niagara Triathlon.
A few random pics:
Top 3 men at the Sarnia Chase Oly Tri.
Learning how to shoot a bazooka at CFB Borden during a one day ExecuTrek Tour.
Annika at 9 months with Gramps.
