Lots of inspiration can be drawn from the events that took place in the world of triathlon this past weekend.
The men's sprint finish of the Des Moines World Cup is one for the ages. Congrats to Mr. SQW for another big one.
I was even more inspired by LPC's Keith Henry, who completed his first ironman triathlon at Sunday's Ironman France. Keith approached me two years ago to help guide him along the wonderful journey of endurance sport. Keith could barely swim 500m two years ago, and with virtually zero athletic background prior to joning Team LPC, he is now an Ironman. It is amazing what a consistent, smart, baby-step progression, can accomplish over time. And it is only onwards and upwards for him, as he will be joined by other LPC'ers at Ironman Cozumel in November.
Lastly, Mike Hay Productions just released this inspirational uncensored video of a typical gong show track practice here at the PTC. Coach CT ran us threw a 12' warm-up jog, 10' of ultimate Frisbee, dynamic stretching, drills and strides. Then a main set of 5x1k as dec1-3 from 10k pace down to 5k pace. Hold 4 and 5. Then 4x200m at 800m pace. Then a 10' cool-down trot.
This video has it all, including a moon-shot by the Hewdog, and a Champion of the Universe Title by Ryan Smith. Fasten your seat belt, you are going to get dizzy watching this spectacular camera action:
In late breaking news: Team LPC just rode thru Hell and came out alive with only a few battle wounds. Hell, Michigan that is. Pics courtesy of Scotty "The Man" Schelter. I am really jealous that my "band of brothers" rode in Hell on such a lovely Saturday afternoon. Here I am stuck in my "think tank" geeking in front of the pc all day.
But rumble rumble tomorrow with a solid "Snowsill Set" bike planned. A few power smashers are meeting here for some fun at 9am tomorrow morning.
My road bike has arrived at The Bicycle Shop in Tecumseh and The Man is driving it back for me. I can't wait to see my new steed: Louis Garneau Sonix 6.4, equipped with Dura Ace grouppo and Zipp 404 Wheels. A huge thanks to Lenard and his champion crew for working hard in putting together this speed machine. Who says it isn't about the bike?
Yesterday I received the new Louis Garneau Diamond helmet, Tiger Shark Swim Suit, and I am loving their Carbon Tri HRS Cycling Shoes. Head-to-toe, Louis Garneau does it all!
So I didn't go to Hell today, but at least I received some awesome new toys! Annika has been getting all the toys lately, so I needed something to make me feel like a kid again :-)
Wow, it sure has been an eventful couple of weeks! And this weekend is another BIG weekend. I leave shortly for Windsor, and then off to Shawnee State Park in Southern Ohio to tackle the infamous American Triple-T Triathlon. I fully anticipate this weekend to be one of the most gruelling weekends of my life. I can say with certainty, that I am looking more forward to this race, then any race that I have ever participated in thus far. Training has gone well at the PTC the past month, so now it is up to me to almost die trying to finish Triple-T.
A quick recap of what has been a wonderful couple of weeks:
Saturday May 16 was the New Hamburg 7mile and 3k run race. It was Annika's athletic debut! Annika raced the 3k with Breanne, Janet, and Maverick. Dave and Brian raced the 7mile. Maverick outkicked Janet, Bre, and Annika, but Annika was still the star of the show. David and Brian both ran very well. Dave took the overall win! 
Here is Annika showing off her game-face and getting ready for war.
Post-race shot of BJAM. 
Champion! 
The following day was a special day, not only because it was Mother's Day, but because it was Annika's Dedication. Mother's Day is an emotional day for me, having lost my dear mom to breast cancer over 5 years ago. However, I found comfort in being surrounded by such amazing people. I am a lucky man to have the best mother-in law in the world, to have a wonderful wife (who is now a mom!), to have a precious adorable baby girl, and to have amazing family and friends. 
Our closest family and friends all congregated at BJAM house, the Salvation Army Church, and Janet and Brian's, for a packed day of celebration. I eat so much food that I starred at the ceiling all night. Annika slept 12h non-stop after her BIG weekend. Imagine that, after 7 months, she has her first huge continuous sleep, and I did not sleep a wink.
Major Abbott and Annika conducting the service.
The god-parents Steph Neil and Miro Tot.
This past Monday was the Victoria Duathlon. Dave had a huge performance and won for the third year in a row. It was really nice conditions, and I had a blast cheering everyone on. Annika got to fly across the line with the help of her favourite uncle.
Her is Brian about to start the bike. He also had a great race!
That is it for now. I look forward to Triple-T this weekend. In addition to racing, I am so excited to help cheer on LPC's Dennis Masse, Jane MacLeod, and Keith Henry. LPC 'alumni' Shelley McKee is also competing. So stay tuned for a Triple-T update(s) OR just one long report after I have recovered from exhaustion...
The purpose here at the Loaring Chronicles is to provide "random blabber concerning health & fitness, coaching, and family life...onwards and upwards we go..."
So here goes...
Training blabber:
The past week of training at the PTC has gone really well. I did a fun long bike with Dave this past Saturday. We rode the "Rattlesnake Loop" from my house. It is such an awesome 90k loop from Guelph to Milton, up Rattlesnake, down Appleby Line, up Sixth Line, and back home. I forgot just how steep Rattlenake is! We tried to keep the effort down as much as possible on this climb without falling over. After looking at the data from my Quarq CinQo powermeter, it said the climb is 690m long at an average grade of 13.2%. In my easiest gear, at an average rpm of only 56, I still had to produce 330 watts to get up it. I have a 25x12 cassette and think I might need to get a 27 tooth cog for Triple-T next month. Soon I will have a go and see how fast I can ride up Rattlensnake. Who wants to have a go with me?
CoachCT had us smash a couple of hard back-to-back sessions on Tues and Wed. I think my fitness is starting to come along, but it still has a loooooong ways to go. Lots of time.
Coaching blabber:
Team LPC continues to roll along. 7 LPC athletes made it out to the annual Running Factory 100k Group Friday Bike Ride. I was sad to have missed this ride. But it is awesome to hear that the ride attracted 67 triathletes/cyclists on what was a chilly and windy day.
Pat Hayes and Dennis Masse will be participating in Sunday's Paris to Ancaster Bike Race.
Dawn Van Vlack and Jim Cooke are competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday. I look forward to viewing the live online coverage.
A huge congrats to Travis Goron for being awarded an academic entrance scholarship to the University of Guelph. Travis has maintained a 95% average throughout all of high school! Beginning in September, Travis will be training at the Provincial Triathlon Centre (PTC) while studying Biology at the University of Guelph.
Family blabber:
It was a wonderful Easter Weekend at The Sharratt's. Once again, Brian and Janet cooked up a wonderful storm of food. Annika was once again the center of attention. She just had her ears pierced. Oh no, it starts now!
Huge monster props to my little bro Dave "Pre" Sharratt for being awarded Conestoga's Male Athlete of Year. This is the second year in a row Dave has been given this honour. However, I am even more proud of him for resurrecting his popular blog.
So that is some random blabber from the past week. No doubt I am missing a few points. Until next time, onwards and upwards we gooooooooo..........
Thousands of runners braved the chilly rain at the 114th annual Around The Bay Road Race in Hamilton this morning. After a looooong drive from Florida, I was happy to cheer on LPC athletes Dawn, Halinka, Jane, Helen, and Margaret. They all raced the 30k and all had excellent performances. All five triathletes used this race as a stepping stone for upcoming marathons or Ironmans. ATB is an excellent early season race that serves as a cob-web scraper. Great job ladies!
Results here
Here is a pic taken from the New Balance booth minutes before the start. Everyone was in high spirits and brought a positive attitude to the start line, and a smile to the finish line.
Click the image below to read an article published in this month's Windsor Life Magazine.
The next Loaring Physio Training Day is taking place Sunday, January 25th, at Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre. Information is provided below:
Upcoming Group Training Days at Loaring Physiotherapy
Sun Jan 25
Sun Feb 8
Sun Feb 22
Sun Mar 1
Group training days are designed for athletes of all ages & 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 motivation, and a happy belly.
Sunday January 25th Schedule
Doors Open: 7:30am
Bike Start: 8:00am sharp
Run Start: 10:10am
Core/Stretch Start: 11:00am
Potluck Brunch (onsite at Loaring): 11:30am
An onsite potluck brunch will follow the Sun Jan 25 Training Day. If you wish to stay for this, please bring a dish of your choice, and note that there is no oven onsite (fridge & microwave only).
There is no cost for these Training Days, and no need to RSVP. You may come and go as you wish (you may take part in the entire Training Day, or come out to only a portion of it. See the above timeline.)
Feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested.
Please bring:
1. bike
2. indoor trainer
3. indoor/outdoor clothing
4. large towel
5. fluids/food for during workout
Workouts provided by LPC Head Coach James Loaring, and led by Registered Physiotherapist Charlotte Loaring. Audio-visual motivation via flat screen tv slideshow, good tunes, and great company!
Directions http://www.loaringphysio.com/contactus.htm
The Running Factory Ojibway Trail Run is also taking place Sunday, January 25th, beginning at noon. The ambitious triathlete might consider taking part on the Loaring Physio bike portion of the Training Day, and then also take part in the Trail Run at noon.
Have a great weekend!
Team LPC athletes will be racing all over the globe in 2009. The current tally totals almost 100 various multi-sport events. Several athletes will be participating in their first triathlon, marathon, and ironman. It will be an exciting year that will surely collect a plethora of wonderful memories. Click the image below to see what events are on the horizon for Team LPC.
Our first Loaring Physio Training Day of 2009 had a great turnout of 30 athletes from a variety of backgrounds. Below you'll find the schedule for the rest of the winter season. These sessions are free. We hope you'll be able to join us.
Upcoming Group Training Days at Loaring Physiotherapy:
Sun Jan 11
Sun Jan 25
Sun Feb 8
Sun Feb 22
Sun Mar 1
Group training days are designed for athletes of all ages & 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 motivation, and a happy belly.
Sunday January 11 Schedule:
Doors Open: 7:30am
Bike Start: 8:00am
Run Start: 10:00am
Core/Stretch Start: 10:50am
Potluck Brunch (onsite at Loaring): 11:30am
An onsite potluck brunch will follow both the Sun Jan 11 & 25 workouts. Please bring a dish of your choice, and note that there is no oven onsite (fridge & microwave only).
There is no cost for Group Training Days, and no need to RSVP. You may come and go as you wish. Feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested.
Please bring:
1. bike
2. indoor trainer
3. indoor/outdoor clothing
4. large towel
5. fluids/food for during workout
Workouts provided by LPC Head Coach James Loaring, and led by Registered Physiotherapist Charlotte Loaring. Audio-visual motivation via flat screen tv slideshow, good tunes, and great company!
Directions to Loaring Physio here.
Hope to see you there!
The battle continues. Lots of sparring will take place in 2009. Just ask Tom Omstead--the warrior atop the steed and behind the mask. Onwards and upwards to 2009 we go...
The first Training Day of the winter was held yesterday at Loaring Physio. A solid group of 30 biked for 90', ran outside in crazy wind for 20' to 45', and performed 'prehab' and core exercises for 30'. We all worked up an appetite and were rewarded with a wonderful feast from Koolini Restaurant that arrived just as we were finishing up the exercises. It was a wonderful morning of positive energy and social camaraderie. Everyone left with a smile, inspiration, and a full belly.
There will be two Training Days in January: Sunday January 11th and 25th. There is no charge to participate in these Training Days and athletes of all ages and ability are welcome. It will be a pot-luck theme where everyone brings a healthy appetizer. It is the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning: 3h of inspiration and educational group exercise, followed by replenishing with a dozen healthy appetizers :-)
This slide show features a few captured moments of Loaring Personal Coaching (LPC) athletes, coaches, and support crew from 2008. Cheers to the many great moments in 2008, and to many more great moments in 2009 and beyond...
The final triathlon for Team LPC takes place this weekend on the other side of the world in Perth, Australia. Pat Hayes will end the 2008 triathlon racing season for LPC when he participates in Ironman Western Australia on Sunday. Pictured below is a very white Pat shortly after arriving Down Under. We can all count on two things:
1. Pat will not be as white when he returns home.
2. We are all jealous that he is where he is.
In the background of the pic (taken from Manly Beach) is the skyline of Sydney, host city of the 2000 Olympic Games, where another very white Canadian put triathlon on the global map.
While we are trying to stay warm in our homes, sipping away on our Tim Hortons coffee mug, Pat will be playing in the Aussie heat, and finish what has been a very successful year for LPC athletes.
While the triathlon season is about to come to end for a couple of months, there are still several swimming and running events on the near horizon. I suppose there really is no off-season. While many of us are taking some well deserved time off, or ez active recovery unstructured training, others are in a "base/strength/skill development" phase, while others are prepping for upcoming races.
What am I doing? Well I am a busy bee these days and loving every minute of my sleep deprived state. Sleep has been sacrificed to long hours in front of the computer, and long hours 'playing' with my precious Annika. Training is going well at the PTC, nothing crazy, just rolling along like we should be in the month of December. I have not been able to make all of the sessions, but I have been plugging away with just over 10h training per week the past month, and keeping as consistent as possible. While that is by no means a grueling training load, given the time of the year, and my current priorities of being a daddy and coach, I am pleased with the fact that my fitness is ok and I have not become a 300 pound Beast like some had predicated. Stay tuned for an LPC season wrap-up and 2008 slide show of LPC athletes in action and at ease.
I briefly posted about the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Muskoka triathlon a couple months ago here. These two videos help capture the magic of why we participate in this wonderful sport.
LPC's Margaret Wojtowicz received some nice coverage beginning at 1:12 of this inspirational highlight video (put together by the organizers of 2008 Ironman 70.3 Muskoka).
The below video showcases Brian Sharratt successfully completing his first half-ironman.
The 2009 edition is already penciled in for several LPC athletes. After watching from the sidelines this year, I think I will join the party and play in the hills.
Can the Haka be inspiration for a similar pre-race LPC cheer :-)
Forget about maintaining composure and conserving energy before the gun goes off. Perhaps we should adorn war paint on exposed skin that is not covered by spandex. A dozen spandex clad tri-geeks are surely more intimidating than the legendary All Blacks? Thoughts and ideas for a pre-race cheer are welcome :-)
Beautiful Bre is 8 months pregnant and was a machine cheering on Brian and the rest of the crew. I think she covered a half-marathon of power walking to the various vantage points.
What was once exclusive to Team LPC athletes and support crew, is now available to all. Click here to view some of the goodies that are hot off the design and production line. 
I am a little slack posting some pics from a great day at the Windsor Triathlon on August 10th. It was a perfect weekend for a triathlon. The always successful Kids of Steel race took place on the Saturday. It is always great fun to cheer on Canada's future stars. LPC's Dawn Van Vlack and John Savoni both had their children participate. Dawn and John were running around like headless chicken (which served as excellent pre-race prep for their triathlon the next day) cheering on their children.
Team LPC had a great showing and all raced really well in the adult triathlon the next day. A great time was had by all. Major props go out to John McKibbon and his awesome army of passionate volunteers who once again put on another amazing event, and helped raise thousands more for Hospice.
Ralph Iannitelli was a busy man the day before preparing a 12 course gourmet meal. The meal was delicious and he backed it up with a win in age-group.
Pictured here is none other than Bill "the Beast" Davies and Keith "Parker" Henry.
Team Loaring Physio with the win in the mixed relay division. Charlotte Loaring swam, Kelly Krahn biked, and Mary Brannagan anchored the team on the run.
