January 2012
1 post
Adaptation
With 2012 finally here, it made sense to kick off the new year with a post.
A lot has transpired since my last “race” in Sooke. In October, I returned to formal training and started with my coach again, Bjoern Ossenbrink. In doing so, I’ve also joined the ranks of 20 or so other serious triathletes, from serious age-groupers such as myself to pros on the rise. No pressure....
August 2011
2 posts
End of Off-Season
A few weeks back I did my last (only) race of this season; I competed it in the Suburu Sooke International Triathlon (Half-Ironman; www.triseries.ca).
First of all, I love Sooke. It’s got a special place in my heart. I was a camp counsellor there in 1994. Second, it was my first “real” long-distance Triathlon. Third, it’s always been AMAZING weather when I’ve...
June 2011
1 post
Transport as Training
Eli is now 2 months old. And Eli can be a lot of work. I’ve been doing my best to give Jen the breaks she deserves and look after him where possible. In kind, Jen is letting me train a little bit on the weekends. But if a little training on the weekend does not a Triathlete make.
So I’m doing my best to make my commutes the majority of my training (although I can’t swim the...
May 2011
1 post
Adaptation
My sister-in-law and fellow new parent, Sabine, scoffed that “bee tee dubs, you haven’t posted in a bit, Irondad”. Fair.
So here’s what I’ve learned in the first few weeks of having Elijah home:
My spare room has a comfortable bed
Women are better with sleep deprivation than men
People love buying babies things
People love “helping” with your baby...
April 2011
2 posts
Converted
So, that change I thought was scary, disruptive, and bad? It’s none of those things. Actually, it is the opposite of those things.
Eli (Elijah) was born last Monday, April 4th. That day began with a quip from Jen at 2:30am “My water broke” and me saying back to her “that’s great honey, do you think I can sleep for another hour?”. For real.
Eli was born 8...
Staying Close to Home
So no baby yet. Only 4 days until due date, so Ironbaby could come at any time now. I’m now never more than 20 minutes from home.
So 20 minutes from home definitely affects workout options. No more 1hr out-and-back runs; it’s only loops now. No riding the bike to work; putting on my ‘kit’ takes 15 minutes on it’s own.
So my options for staying moving are:
Short...
March 2011
2 posts
On Alert
Jen has now started her maternity leave, save for a few things she’s going to wrap up from home next week.
I’m now also “on alert”, waiting for the call that could come at any time. This phone will be tethered to me at all times. This includes any run, ride, or anything else.
It’s funny, I feel like I’m already adapting to life with a child…...
On the sidelines
Tomorrow will be the first time I’ve missed participating in the UBC Tri/Du Olympic-Distance Triathlon. It’s needling at me.
Now, to be fair, I’m not missing it because of baby. I’m missing it because I got really busy with work in November and it’s only got worse since then. So I haven’t had time to train at all. At all.
The situation is needling at me...
February 2011
3 posts
Is an Ironman like giving birth?
So this weekend was two back-to-back days of 9am-2pm of “birthing class”. For the most part, it was a combo of moments of awe, terror, and gross-out. Imagine videos of circa 1980 footage of women giving birth (in hospital, or “family births” in Mexico), fellow ‘students’ going off about their home birth plans, and fathers-to-be saying “I don’t...
"Dad Wheels"
I have been on a bit of a spree getting “toys” that are for Ironbaby as much as they are for me: Video Camera, DSLR Camera (Mirror-less, though. ”travel-sized” is important), etc. I’ve now bought something a bit bigger: new car. It’s fun to drive, stylish interior, great stereo, cool features, and… it’s a wagon (for the record, I’ve...
Before the "Starting Gun"
Well, I think being a good Dad is going to be being a good father, but also being a good example. So I thought a Blog would be a great way to do this.
I’ve finally admitted to myself that I’m at least hopeful that I will be excited to be a Dad. I’m also hopeful that I can learn a few things about balancing fatherhood with the other cool things I want from life, without having...