Happy new year all.
The plan was to start the year with a surf (was hoping to catch a wave for you Sis) but the surf gods were against me today - no surf, flat as and an onshore wind.
What else was I to do so I went for a swim instead, was going to go for a ride but it started raining.
Right now I'm sitting watching Top Gun - I know, classic huh!!!!!!!
Negative ghostrider, the pattern is full.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Happy Santa Day
Merry Xmas to one and all - may you be safe, happy and surrounded by loved ones.
Went out for a xmas morning open water swim with the tri club - a perfect way to start Xmas day (no surf as I checked - it was like swimming in a pool)
:-)
Went out for a xmas morning open water swim with the tri club - a perfect way to start Xmas day (no surf as I checked - it was like swimming in a pool)
:-)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Blokes Tri Series - Race 2 report
I'll start with a short race report from my second triathlon of this season – the Blokes Series, Race 2 – 200m pool swim, 15km cycle and a 4km run which was held on the 5th of December
It was hot, damn hot – I’m talking 18 degrees at 6.00am when I arrived to set up our gazebo as we’re one of the sponsors. By race time 8.30am it was about 25 degrees and it got to over 30.
I set up my bike in transition and decided to take a walk around just to try and relax.
I have been sick for about 6 weeks and the best way I can describe it is having a chest infection that feels like someone is sitting on my chest so every time I take a breath, my chest feels “restricted” not to mention I have a massive fit of the coughs. It was very frustrating.
Anyway – got transition all set up and was feeling average and spent a while chatting to a few of the guys and we were all “talking it up” as you do and I mentioned that I was going to take it easy and just try to finish BUT if I wasn’t up to it, I’d just pull out and not finish.
The swim was 200m in the pool and I was in the 2nd wave, 30 seconds after the first wave. I am so at home in the water and this reflected in the swim. 10 guys in each wave, I was in the 2nd wave and I caught up and passed 4 of them even though I was taking in easy.
Very happy with the swim and managed to conserve energy that I would need later.
Ran to transition and had probably the best transition I have ever had thus far – went so smooth that I wouldn’t change a thing.
Headed out on the bike course and decided early that I would take it nice and easy – that worked well for about the first km when people started to pass me. I jumped onto the back of one guy’s wheel and we worked as a team taking turns drafting. We picked up another guy and the 3 of us worked well for about the next 10-12 km and then I started to run out of steam. They dropped me with a km to go and all I could think about was, I have no energy left for the run.
Finished the bike and had another very good transition, racked the bike, off with helmet and on with the running shoes (I tried for the first time to leave my cycle shoes still clipped into the pedals and slipped my feet out of them about 400m from the entry to transition and just put my feet on top of them but kept pedalling – this worked a treat and have since used this technique again)
On with my cap and out onto the run course – it was a 2 lap course of 2km laps, 4km in total and I was worried that I had used all my energy on the bike and really found it tough for the first lap but then came right and felt good on the last lap. I finished strong and beat last year’s time for the same event. This was my original goal but I had put it out of my mind when I started feeling ill.
Official stats:
71 competitors overall and 29 in my age group 40-49 years
I finished 46th overall out of the 71 and I finished 14th out of the 29 in my age group. The winner in my age group won with a time of 45min and 48sec. My time was 57min and 31sec.
It was hot, damn hot – I’m talking 18 degrees at 6.00am when I arrived to set up our gazebo as we’re one of the sponsors. By race time 8.30am it was about 25 degrees and it got to over 30.
I set up my bike in transition and decided to take a walk around just to try and relax.
I have been sick for about 6 weeks and the best way I can describe it is having a chest infection that feels like someone is sitting on my chest so every time I take a breath, my chest feels “restricted” not to mention I have a massive fit of the coughs. It was very frustrating.
Anyway – got transition all set up and was feeling average and spent a while chatting to a few of the guys and we were all “talking it up” as you do and I mentioned that I was going to take it easy and just try to finish BUT if I wasn’t up to it, I’d just pull out and not finish.
The swim was 200m in the pool and I was in the 2nd wave, 30 seconds after the first wave. I am so at home in the water and this reflected in the swim. 10 guys in each wave, I was in the 2nd wave and I caught up and passed 4 of them even though I was taking in easy.
Very happy with the swim and managed to conserve energy that I would need later.
Ran to transition and had probably the best transition I have ever had thus far – went so smooth that I wouldn’t change a thing.
Headed out on the bike course and decided early that I would take it nice and easy – that worked well for about the first km when people started to pass me. I jumped onto the back of one guy’s wheel and we worked as a team taking turns drafting. We picked up another guy and the 3 of us worked well for about the next 10-12 km and then I started to run out of steam. They dropped me with a km to go and all I could think about was, I have no energy left for the run.
Finished the bike and had another very good transition, racked the bike, off with helmet and on with the running shoes (I tried for the first time to leave my cycle shoes still clipped into the pedals and slipped my feet out of them about 400m from the entry to transition and just put my feet on top of them but kept pedalling – this worked a treat and have since used this technique again)
On with my cap and out onto the run course – it was a 2 lap course of 2km laps, 4km in total and I was worried that I had used all my energy on the bike and really found it tough for the first lap but then came right and felt good on the last lap. I finished strong and beat last year’s time for the same event. This was my original goal but I had put it out of my mind when I started feeling ill.
Official stats:
71 competitors overall and 29 in my age group 40-49 years
I finished 46th overall out of the 71 and I finished 14th out of the 29 in my age group. The winner in my age group won with a time of 45min and 48sec. My time was 57min and 31sec.
Monday, December 20, 2010
I'm still here
Wow – has it been a whole month that I haven’t posted anything??
Where has that time gone??
I have to apologise for my “slackness” in not posting – if I am to be completely honest, I have been sick for about 6 weeks and have felt like crap and I haven’t felt like doing anything apart from trying to function. Work has been very busy as well as I’m down 1 member of staff so that has added a bit of pressure.
I have competed in 2 tri’s though so will post race reports on both of these as soon as I can – just sorting through the pictures.
One thing I will say is that my new bike is AWESOME – more to come shortly ( I need to get out of the office now )
Where has that time gone??
I have to apologise for my “slackness” in not posting – if I am to be completely honest, I have been sick for about 6 weeks and have felt like crap and I haven’t felt like doing anything apart from trying to function. Work has been very busy as well as I’m down 1 member of staff so that has added a bit of pressure.
I have competed in 2 tri’s though so will post race reports on both of these as soon as I can – just sorting through the pictures.
One thing I will say is that my new bike is AWESOME – more to come shortly ( I need to get out of the office now )
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thoughts
I need surf!!
Work has been really busy and I’ve been quite sick with a chest infection – very frustrating as I haven’t been able to get out training. My next race is in 8 days so I’m really hoping that I feel up to it?
It’s been a really sad week here in New Zealand, not sure if you’ve seen or heard the news but we had a mining accident at Pike River Mine on the West Coast (about 4 hours from where we are, we are on the East Coast) with 29 miners losing their lives in a series of mine explosions.
This is all that has been in the media for the last week or so and it really bring home just how fragile life can be.
These guys were miners, they go underground everyday and are well aware of the dangers involved in this industry. Does it make any of this easy? No.
Our thoughts go out to the close nit community that is Greymouth and the West Coast.
What a few months it has been – we went through a huge earthquake in our city, surf legend Andy Irons died and this tragedy close to home.
Makes you appreciate what you have and take nothing for granted.
Work has been really busy and I’ve been quite sick with a chest infection – very frustrating as I haven’t been able to get out training. My next race is in 8 days so I’m really hoping that I feel up to it?
It’s been a really sad week here in New Zealand, not sure if you’ve seen or heard the news but we had a mining accident at Pike River Mine on the West Coast (about 4 hours from where we are, we are on the East Coast) with 29 miners losing their lives in a series of mine explosions.
This is all that has been in the media for the last week or so and it really bring home just how fragile life can be.
These guys were miners, they go underground everyday and are well aware of the dangers involved in this industry. Does it make any of this easy? No.
Our thoughts go out to the close nit community that is Greymouth and the West Coast.
What a few months it has been – we went through a huge earthquake in our city, surf legend Andy Irons died and this tragedy close to home.
Makes you appreciate what you have and take nothing for granted.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Surf and a suprise
Well – I’m an excited boy!!!! (photos for you Julie)
This should really be 2 posts but I’m very happy today for a couple of reasons – I went for a surf AND I got a new bike
Bike was Thursday and the surf was yesterday.
It all started 2 weeks ago when I went for a ride on a Sunday morning and I got a puncture – got it repaired and got home no problem. Went to the bike shop that afternoon to get a replacement tube for my cycle kit and started talking to the owner of the shop (who sold me us the original bike-that my wife surprised me with the first time) about carbon wheel sets and he said, “why don’t you look at full carbon?” I said, “too expensive” to which he replied – “have a look at this”
What he had was 4 bikes that were full carbon but last year’s models that he was selling cheap – I was like, “awesome” and thought really hard about it but reality kicked in and I said that I couldn’t afford it and went on my way. When I got back in the car, Sonia asked me what took me so long and I told her about the carbon bike and she must have seen how excited I was. I put it out of my mind after we discussed the pros and cons on this bike and I forgot about it – that was until Thursday when Kevin (bike shop owner) walked into my office with this bike and said to me – “you’ve got an amazing wife there, she’s bought you this bike”. She did the same thing to me just a year ago and I can’t believe that she did it again – she got me good and I am such a lucky man to have someone that treats me like this. I must be doing something right.
Here is a picture of my brand new speed machine – it’s awesome. It’s an Avanti Quantum 1.0, full carbon road bike – NICE!!!!!
Yesterday dawned nice and all the planets aligned to create the perfect conditions (except the tide was a bit high) for a great swell. I headed to the beach at about 7.00am and there was a few guys out so I sat and watched them for a while. There were a couple of peaks working as the tide was a bit full so wanted to see if one was getting more action than the other and sure enough, the left one was working a bit better – still had lefts and rights off it and it had less people as well – crazy huh!!!!
When the tide is too full at the pier, there can be a hell shore-break and sure enough, this was the case this morning so it was a bit of a paddle to get out the back and as I’m still getting over the “man-flu” I was starting to feel quite fatigued by the time I got out the back, I just had to sit and catch my breath.
It was a good solid 4 foot swell, I was on my 9 foot 6 long board and paddling over a couple of waves that were about to break on my head had to measure 10 foot faces as I was almost vertical going over. Nearly got pulled back over the falls a couple of times but talk about exhilarating for the first surf of the season – I WAS PUMPED!!!!
I’m the type of guy who is quite happy just chilling out the back with no stress, what better place to be than sitting in the ocean with the sun on your face so I let a few waves go by so the guys who were sitting inside of me could catch them and then I saw a screamer set wave coming, it had my name written all over it so I spun the board around, paddled towards the peak and dug in five or six strokes, started to free fall down the face as I got to my feet, headed right along the face weaving on some clear face, huge roundhouse cutback and stalled and just about got a coverup. Rode the wave about 30 metres more and kicked out – AWESOME first ride.
I took my time paddling back out to the peak with a grin so big on my face that everyone in the water could see – to say I was peaking right at that moment would be an understatement. I was one with the ocean, I was in my element and I was at home.
I had a big day planned so I stayed out for about an hour and headed in with my fill – thank you mother nature.
I took a few pictures before I went for a surf and a couple after – this was really cool to watch. I love nature and we can learn so much from it. I sat and watched this scene as if it was on a nature doco on TV – here was mother swan taking her kids to the water to teach them about water safety. I probably watched them for 20 minutes, it was fantastic and you had to see it. I managed to get a few pictures so you can imagine how cool this was.
Later that day I went out and had a swim in a fresh water lake at Pegasus Town – this is where a triathlon will be held next month so we’ll get a few training swims there in the next few weeks – pictures of this to come.
Have a great week everyone.
This should really be 2 posts but I’m very happy today for a couple of reasons – I went for a surf AND I got a new bike
Bike was Thursday and the surf was yesterday.
It all started 2 weeks ago when I went for a ride on a Sunday morning and I got a puncture – got it repaired and got home no problem. Went to the bike shop that afternoon to get a replacement tube for my cycle kit and started talking to the owner of the shop (who sold me us the original bike-that my wife surprised me with the first time) about carbon wheel sets and he said, “why don’t you look at full carbon?” I said, “too expensive” to which he replied – “have a look at this”
What he had was 4 bikes that were full carbon but last year’s models that he was selling cheap – I was like, “awesome” and thought really hard about it but reality kicked in and I said that I couldn’t afford it and went on my way. When I got back in the car, Sonia asked me what took me so long and I told her about the carbon bike and she must have seen how excited I was. I put it out of my mind after we discussed the pros and cons on this bike and I forgot about it – that was until Thursday when Kevin (bike shop owner) walked into my office with this bike and said to me – “you’ve got an amazing wife there, she’s bought you this bike”. She did the same thing to me just a year ago and I can’t believe that she did it again – she got me good and I am such a lucky man to have someone that treats me like this. I must be doing something right.
Yesterday dawned nice and all the planets aligned to create the perfect conditions (except the tide was a bit high) for a great swell. I headed to the beach at about 7.00am and there was a few guys out so I sat and watched them for a while. There were a couple of peaks working as the tide was a bit full so wanted to see if one was getting more action than the other and sure enough, the left one was working a bit better – still had lefts and rights off it and it had less people as well – crazy huh!!!!
When the tide is too full at the pier, there can be a hell shore-break and sure enough, this was the case this morning so it was a bit of a paddle to get out the back and as I’m still getting over the “man-flu” I was starting to feel quite fatigued by the time I got out the back, I just had to sit and catch my breath.
It was a good solid 4 foot swell, I was on my 9 foot 6 long board and paddling over a couple of waves that were about to break on my head had to measure 10 foot faces as I was almost vertical going over. Nearly got pulled back over the falls a couple of times but talk about exhilarating for the first surf of the season – I WAS PUMPED!!!!
I’m the type of guy who is quite happy just chilling out the back with no stress, what better place to be than sitting in the ocean with the sun on your face so I let a few waves go by so the guys who were sitting inside of me could catch them and then I saw a screamer set wave coming, it had my name written all over it so I spun the board around, paddled towards the peak and dug in five or six strokes, started to free fall down the face as I got to my feet, headed right along the face weaving on some clear face, huge roundhouse cutback and stalled and just about got a coverup. Rode the wave about 30 metres more and kicked out – AWESOME first ride.
I took my time paddling back out to the peak with a grin so big on my face that everyone in the water could see – to say I was peaking right at that moment would be an understatement. I was one with the ocean, I was in my element and I was at home.
I had a big day planned so I stayed out for about an hour and headed in with my fill – thank you mother nature.
I took a few pictures before I went for a surf and a couple after – this was really cool to watch. I love nature and we can learn so much from it. I sat and watched this scene as if it was on a nature doco on TV – here was mother swan taking her kids to the water to teach them about water safety. I probably watched them for 20 minutes, it was fantastic and you had to see it. I managed to get a few pictures so you can imagine how cool this was.
Later that day I went out and had a swim in a fresh water lake at Pegasus Town – this is where a triathlon will be held next month so we’ll get a few training swims there in the next few weeks – pictures of this to come.
Have a great week everyone.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Race report – Blokes Triathlon Series, race 1 (of 3)
I’ll start with the build up – I went for a ride the weekend before and ended up getting sick, so much so I stayed at home and spent 2 days in bed (Mon and Tue), went to work Wed and felt like crap, on Thurs and Fri felt less crap and Sat the same. No swimming, biking or running all week – not the kind of “taper” I had in mind.
There has been a bit of pre race “ribbing” between myself and a friend/work colleague Lyndon, as to who would come in first and I have to say that as I was feeling so “crap” – all I wanted to do was to finish. My nose was clogged and I felt as though I had someone sitting on my chest – not the ideal preparation.
That said.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the weather was just like winter, rail, hail, sleet and southerly winds and I’m sure that everyone was thinking the exact same thing as I was – the race on Sunday is going to be horrible BUT Sunday dawned cold and crisp, 5 degrees, blue sky and sunshine. The set up was great and as my office was a supporter of this event, my warm up was basically setting up the gazebo, blowing up beach balls and getting some flyers set up.
I had organised a bunch of cycle shirts, shorts etc for our company a few months ago and they did me a tri suit with the same graphics so this was its first outing and it was AWESOME!!!
Anyway – we turned up at 6.15am for the setup, got my bike in transition with plenty of time to spare before the 7.15am cut-off, went for a “nervous one” and then back into the main area for a very short race briefing/warm up – all set for an 8.00am start. As the swim was in the pool (open water is still too cold and this is an “entry level event”) we were all divided into waves, I was in the 2nd wave with 1 minute between starts. My goal was to get out into some clear water quickly and then settle into my stroke, target about 1min 30sec for the 100m swim – I did this and came out of the water 1st in my wave in approx 1min, 28sec – all good but still feeling as though I was struggling.
Running from the pool to transition, all I was trying to do was catch my breath and I kept thinking, just get out on the bike and get into a rhythm.
T1 went really well – I toyed with the idea of having my shoes attached to my pedals prior to the race but decided against it this time. Ran up to my position dropped goggles and grabbed my helmet and glasses, got them on quickly, on with the shoes and race belt and off – very happy with this and no complaints.
The cycle leg I really struggled with and this is where I felt the worst – I just couldn’t regain my breath but there was no way I was going to give up. I normally take on water as soon as I get myself into a rhythm but I just couldn’t swallow anything so I just basically rinsed and spit it out (I know, gross!!!) kept an eye on my Speedo and sat on between 32 and 35 km/ph and was passed by quite a few guys. I’m not too worried about this as I knew I would have a few issues and I really wanted to save some energy for the run.
All things considered, I was happy with the bike leg.
T2 was AWESOME – near the end of the bike, I slipped my feet out of my shoes and left them clipped in the pedals and ran to my spot in transition, racked the bike and took my helmet off and in one fluid motion, bent down and slipped my shoes on, grabbed my cap and took off. I put heaps of talc powder into my shoes so my feet slipped into them “like butter”. I had purchased a couple of “toggles” for my laces the day before and they worked great – didn’t need to do up my laces, just pulled the toggle down, done!!
Started the 3km run with lots of stuff going through my head but the biggest issue was that I hadn’t taken on much water and I was still struggling to catch my breath – I still had the feeling of that person sitting on my chest (that’s what it felt like) BUT I had a quick word to myself and said “suck it up”, got myself into a rhythm and just got on with it.
I mentioned right at the top about a little pre race ribbing – the other guy (Lyndon) and I have been quite similar so we have been giving each other “heaps” about this for ages and it’s always good to have a rivalry – well, Lyndon has a son Ben, he is 14 years of age and he swims like a fish and Lyndon and I were both keen on beating him. Pretty unrealistic really when you think I am 30 years older than him??? Ben started 1 minute after me (him and Lyndon were in the 3rd wave) and here is a picture of me coming into the finish chute and Ben is about 5 seconds ahead of me, just crossing the finish line – well done you little bugger!!!!
Finished the race and still felt average BUT I was very happy that I finished.
My goal was to beat last years’ time and I did that – I have to be happy with my performance and this is a good start to my season and it was good to get this one out of the way. Next race (tri) is Dec 5th so time to get back out training.
Preliminary results:
Bragging rights – I beat Lyndon by 1/100th of a second – crazy huh!!
Me – 40min 10 sec
Lyndon – 40min 11sec
I finished first between Lyndon and I
I finished 16th in my age group out of 21
I finished 42nd overall out of 80 competitors
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Friday Post
I went for a bike ride last Sunday morning with a mate and I said to him that I wasn’t feeling the best so we kept it short and only did 30km, I got a puncture halfway through so it was good to have a short rest. Got home and pretty much spent the rest of the day with my ass well and truly “parked on the couch” – felt like my whole body ached and I was off work on Monday and Tuesday and have been feeling quite sick all week.
Typical as I have the first race of the tri season on Sunday and I’ve been looking forward to it for ages and I feel like crap!!!!!
I’ll post a report next week with photos so wish me luck as I plan to race – I have a small “wager” with a friend of mine as to who will come first and I really don’t want to use being sick as an excuse.
Roll on Sunday morning!!!!!
(here’s a pic from the event last year - my first triathlon and my goal was to finish )
Typical as I have the first race of the tri season on Sunday and I’ve been looking forward to it for ages and I feel like crap!!!!!
I’ll post a report next week with photos so wish me luck as I plan to race – I have a small “wager” with a friend of mine as to who will come first and I really don’t want to use being sick as an excuse.
Roll on Sunday morning!!!!!
(here’s a pic from the event last year - my first triathlon and my goal was to finish )
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Andy Irons dead - RIP
This blog is called Travel / Surf Guys thoughts.
– right now my thoughts go out to the Irons family at the loss of their son/brother Andy.
I’ve just heard the news that Andy Irons has been found dead in a Dallas hotel room en route to Hawaii from Puerto Rico, suffering from Dengue Fever. WOW is all I can say right now.
I do not know him, I have never met him nor seen him surf but I feel a connection. All surfers feel connected to each other in some way (I can’t explain it) but I feel a loss. This is a huge loss to the surfing world. I have lost people who are close to me and I can only sympathise with his loved ones and especially all his friends and comrades on the ASP tour.
RIP Andy – rest in peace and keep RIPPING it up.
Kia Kaha brother
– right now my thoughts go out to the Irons family at the loss of their son/brother Andy.
I’ve just heard the news that Andy Irons has been found dead in a Dallas hotel room en route to Hawaii from Puerto Rico, suffering from Dengue Fever. WOW is all I can say right now.
I do not know him, I have never met him nor seen him surf but I feel a connection. All surfers feel connected to each other in some way (I can’t explain it) but I feel a loss. This is a huge loss to the surfing world. I have lost people who are close to me and I can only sympathise with his loved ones and especially all his friends and comrades on the ASP tour.
RIP Andy – rest in peace and keep RIPPING it up.
Kia Kaha brother
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Crazy Times
Crazy busy at work right now and I'm struggling to know what day of the week it is??
The joys of being a little short staffed, but I'm not complaining - it's all good.
I took some time out the other morning and went for a nice run along the beach - the sun was trying to break throuh the clouds and I took this picture with my phone - very cool!!!.
Hopefully it looks all right and it was about 7.00am, a great way to start the day with a 5km beach run!!
Training is going great guns and my first race for the year is in about 10 days - I'll get some photo's I promise.
Enjoy
The joys of being a little short staffed, but I'm not complaining - it's all good.
I took some time out the other morning and went for a nice run along the beach - the sun was trying to break throuh the clouds and I took this picture with my phone - very cool!!!.
Hopefully it looks all right and it was about 7.00am, a great way to start the day with a 5km beach run!!
Training is going great guns and my first race for the year is in about 10 days - I'll get some photo's I promise.
Enjoy
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Friday Post
Can’t believe that a week has gone by – actually I can.
We are short staffed at work right now so each days seems to blends into the next, hence why “it is what it is” – I have one staff member in India right now on holiday and he’s having a great time. I have another who is off work ill so that means it’s just the 2 of us. Fun and games I can assure you.
Julie and Sis – you’ll be pleased to hear that I finally went for my first “post surgery” run last night. I planned on a 3 km run on grass to just test it out and see how it felt – I did 3.6km in 18 minutes and it felt ok. A little sore this morning but to be expected.
Swim later today and a bike/run in the morning. That’s the plan at this stage as Sunday I’m working which is a bit out of the ordinary but we are having our annual UK/Europe and Cruise Travel Expo. Should be good fun but very busy I’m sure.
Got my van back and it’s all road legal now so now it’s just a waiting game until a swell shows up and I’ll be hitting the surf – always get excited around this time of year as the anticipation of the first surf draws near. I’ll end up getting smashed and battered but it’s well worth it and with all the swimming I’ve been doing should make it a little easier. For a surfer there is no better feeling than the sand between the toes and the taste of the salt water – still don’t know how the sand manages to get into every orifice and I just can’t wait for the “nose dribble” while getting changed post surf ( you all know what I mean, don’t you!!)
I’ve got this picture at the top of my blog but want to put it in again – this is my local break at Brighton Pier and I took this picture one winters morning. This was such a beautiful morning.
I don’t surf in the winter anymore, call me soft, call me old or call me intelligent but the body just can’t handle the cold water. I am lucky though that I can head overseas to get my winter surf fix if I need to.
Have a great weekend – be safe, take care and look after Mother Nature. Who knows, she might just send us a nice swell.
We are short staffed at work right now so each days seems to blends into the next, hence why “it is what it is” – I have one staff member in India right now on holiday and he’s having a great time. I have another who is off work ill so that means it’s just the 2 of us. Fun and games I can assure you.
Julie and Sis – you’ll be pleased to hear that I finally went for my first “post surgery” run last night. I planned on a 3 km run on grass to just test it out and see how it felt – I did 3.6km in 18 minutes and it felt ok. A little sore this morning but to be expected.
Swim later today and a bike/run in the morning. That’s the plan at this stage as Sunday I’m working which is a bit out of the ordinary but we are having our annual UK/Europe and Cruise Travel Expo. Should be good fun but very busy I’m sure.
Got my van back and it’s all road legal now so now it’s just a waiting game until a swell shows up and I’ll be hitting the surf – always get excited around this time of year as the anticipation of the first surf draws near. I’ll end up getting smashed and battered but it’s well worth it and with all the swimming I’ve been doing should make it a little easier. For a surfer there is no better feeling than the sand between the toes and the taste of the salt water – still don’t know how the sand manages to get into every orifice and I just can’t wait for the “nose dribble” while getting changed post surf ( you all know what I mean, don’t you!!)
I’ve got this picture at the top of my blog but want to put it in again – this is my local break at Brighton Pier and I took this picture one winters morning. This was such a beautiful morning.
Have a great weekend – be safe, take care and look after Mother Nature. Who knows, she might just send us a nice swell.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friday Post
Roll on Summer.
It must be getting closer as I can just about feel it – it’s starting to warm up, the days are getting longer. I’ve got my van in the shop getting it roadworthy so I can throw my long board in the back to head to the beach and I’ve been getting a few kilometres on the bike over the last few weekends.
We’ve even planted a few dwarf fruit trees in the back garden AND I’ve entered quite a few events this summer – if you’re interested, here are a few “links” to them. I'd be interested in everyones thoughts?
Blokes Tri Series – http://www.blokestri.co.nz/
Goal – to beat my times from last year
Surf n Turf Ocean swim series – new website coming next week but this is an 8 race ocean swim series with the distances getting longer
House of Travel Triathlon Festival – http://www.triathlonfestival.co.nz/
Goal – top 10 in my age group
Lake Hayes Triathlon - www.iconicadventures.co.nz/southern-tri-series
Goal – top 10 in my age group
Contact Tri Series events (in Wanaka and Christchurch) – http://www.triseries.co.nz/
Goal – as this is a national series and my first time competing, my goal is to finish strong and at least compete
State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series – Corsair Bay event - http://www.oceanswim.co.nz/
Goal – I finished 4th overall and 1st in my age group (out of 148 competitors and 15 in the 40-49 group) I won a gold medal for my age group last year so I want to do the same but I’ll be swimming the 1000m race this summer
Rarotonga International Triathlon - www.rarotri.com/
Goal – to finish, never done an event like this before so plan to use it as a holiday as well
All I need to do now is train, race, surf, swim and try and fit a little bit of work in there somewhere – will keep you posted on my results with full race reports.
I’ll look back on this post and see if I’ve achieved what I have written above
It must be getting closer as I can just about feel it – it’s starting to warm up, the days are getting longer. I’ve got my van in the shop getting it roadworthy so I can throw my long board in the back to head to the beach and I’ve been getting a few kilometres on the bike over the last few weekends.
We’ve even planted a few dwarf fruit trees in the back garden AND I’ve entered quite a few events this summer – if you’re interested, here are a few “links” to them. I'd be interested in everyones thoughts?
Blokes Tri Series – http://www.blokestri.co.nz/
Goal – to beat my times from last year
Surf n Turf Ocean swim series – new website coming next week but this is an 8 race ocean swim series with the distances getting longer
House of Travel Triathlon Festival – http://www.triathlonfestival.co.nz/
Goal – top 10 in my age group
Lake Hayes Triathlon - www.iconicadventures.co.nz/southern-tri-series
Goal – top 10 in my age group
Contact Tri Series events (in Wanaka and Christchurch) – http://www.triseries.co.nz/
Goal – as this is a national series and my first time competing, my goal is to finish strong and at least compete
State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series – Corsair Bay event - http://www.oceanswim.co.nz/
Goal – I finished 4th overall and 1st in my age group (out of 148 competitors and 15 in the 40-49 group) I won a gold medal for my age group last year so I want to do the same but I’ll be swimming the 1000m race this summer
Rarotonga International Triathlon - www.rarotri.com/
Goal – to finish, never done an event like this before so plan to use it as a holiday as well
All I need to do now is train, race, surf, swim and try and fit a little bit of work in there somewhere – will keep you posted on my results with full race reports.
I’ll look back on this post and see if I’ve achieved what I have written above
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday Post
It’s Friday the 1st of October today here in New Zealand and I have to admit that I’m feeling a bit “odd” - can’t explain it – I just am.
I took this photo this morning. It must be spring as this cherry blossom tree in our front yard decided that it’s time to be a bit of a “show off”
Enjoy the picture and enjoy your weekend.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Reflection:
Tomorrow marks a year to the day that I started my blog and it’s time to look back and ask myself – Has it been what I thought it would be?
I think that it has been a wonderful journey and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve had moments of sadness, joy, confusion and excitement – it’s been quite interesting reading back over many of my posts from the past year. I’ve got 4 followers (wohoo!!!) 1 being my wife.
I started this for myself and I’m just happy that I am able to write down my thoughts and experiences.
I follow a few blogs and have done so religiously since before I started my own blog and this has been so much fun and very rewarding. I feel like I know these people and one day, I hope to meet some of them. Isn’t this the way we humans are wired, to go out and explore and find new experiences?
Things I have learned about myself:
- I am not infallible and I need to cut myself some slack. Nothing taught me more about this than my knee injury this year.
- I can do whatever I put my mind to.
- I seriously need to surf more, travel more and work less.
- I am so lucky to have the wife that I have – she “gets” me and that’s really cool.
- I can live through a 7.1 earthquake but my nerves have taken a beating!!!
Things I have learned about others:
- Friends come and go but the special ones’ remain right by your side through thick and thin.
- I do not suffer fools and man, are there some fools out there?
Things I’ve learned about blogging:
- It’s great fun
- Big “ups” to Surfsis, Julie, Tall Guy Surfing and One little Tri Girl – you guys are all awesome and I thank you all for allowing me into your lives
- Stuff you write today will be totally different tomorrow.
Take care all and I look forward to the next 12 months.
Steve
I think that it has been a wonderful journey and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve had moments of sadness, joy, confusion and excitement – it’s been quite interesting reading back over many of my posts from the past year. I’ve got 4 followers (wohoo!!!) 1 being my wife.
I started this for myself and I’m just happy that I am able to write down my thoughts and experiences.
I follow a few blogs and have done so religiously since before I started my own blog and this has been so much fun and very rewarding. I feel like I know these people and one day, I hope to meet some of them. Isn’t this the way we humans are wired, to go out and explore and find new experiences?
Things I have learned about myself:
- I am not infallible and I need to cut myself some slack. Nothing taught me more about this than my knee injury this year.
- I can do whatever I put my mind to.
- I seriously need to surf more, travel more and work less.
- I am so lucky to have the wife that I have – she “gets” me and that’s really cool.
- I can live through a 7.1 earthquake but my nerves have taken a beating!!!
Things I have learned about others:
- Friends come and go but the special ones’ remain right by your side through thick and thin.
- I do not suffer fools and man, are there some fools out there?
Things I’ve learned about blogging:
- It’s great fun
- Big “ups” to Surfsis, Julie, Tall Guy Surfing and One little Tri Girl – you guys are all awesome and I thank you all for allowing me into your lives
- Stuff you write today will be totally different tomorrow.
Take care all and I look forward to the next 12 months.
Steve
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Wow - what a weekend
Here is a bunch of photos from around the city - amazing that no one was killed !!
I'm sitting here in the office and we're getting big aftershocks - the last one was 4.6 - feeling very uneasy.
I'm sitting here in the office and we're getting big aftershocks - the last one was 4.6 - feeling very uneasy.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Here's a list of what has happened today and these are just the aftershocks
The main shake was at 4.35am and was registered at 7.1
Reference Number: 3366544
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 8:54 pm
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 15 km
Details: 20 km south-west of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366503
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:03 pm
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 20 km
Details: 10 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366499
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:54 pm
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 12 km
Details: 10 km south-west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366492
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:38 pm
Magnitude: 3.8
Depth: 12 km
Details: 20 km south-east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366490
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:35 pm
Magnitude: 3.8
Depth: 5 km
Details: 20 km south-east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366457
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:07 pm
Magnitude: 3.7
Depth: 10 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366452
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:55 pm
Magnitude: 5.4
Depth: 10 km
Details: 10 km south-west of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366450
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:48 pm
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 15 km
Details: 20 km south-west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366445
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:33 pm
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 2 km
Details: 10 km south-west of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366375
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 1:49 pm
Magnitude: 4.0
Depth: 20 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366340
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 12:18 pm
Magnitude: 4.0
Depth: 12 km
Details: 10 km east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366329
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 11:52 am
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 5 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366310
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 11:12 am
Magnitude: 5.3
Depth: 12 km
Details: 10 km east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366305
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 10:58 am
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 5 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366288
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 10:17 am
Magnitude: 4.4
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km south-west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366241
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 8:15 am
Magnitude: 4.7
Depth: 9 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366230
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:56 am
Magnitude: 5.2
Depth: 7 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366227
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:52 am
Magnitude: 4.0
Depth: 5 km
Details: Within 5 km of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366215
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:13 am
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 9 km
Details: 20 km north-west of Little River
Reference Number: 3366213
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:07 am
Magnitude: 4.7
Depth: 25 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366198
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:33 am
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km south of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366196
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:23 am
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 5 km
Details: 10 km south of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366187
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:04 am
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 60 km
Details: 10 km south of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366184
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:01 am
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 11 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366182
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:55 am
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366177
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:46 am
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 20 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366167
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:26 am
Magnitude: 4.9
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366166
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:26 am
Magnitude: 4.8
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366157
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:06 am
Magnitude: 4.8
Depth: 15 km
Details: 30 km west of Belfast
Reference Number: 3366155
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:56 am
Magnitude: 5.3
Depth: 8 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366544
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 8:54 pm
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 15 km
Details: 20 km south-west of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366503
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:03 pm
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 20 km
Details: 10 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366499
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:54 pm
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 12 km
Details: 10 km south-west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366492
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:38 pm
Magnitude: 3.8
Depth: 12 km
Details: 20 km south-east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366490
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:35 pm
Magnitude: 3.8
Depth: 5 km
Details: 20 km south-east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366457
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:07 pm
Magnitude: 3.7
Depth: 10 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366452
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:55 pm
Magnitude: 5.4
Depth: 10 km
Details: 10 km south-west of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366450
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:48 pm
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 15 km
Details: 20 km south-west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366445
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:33 pm
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 2 km
Details: 10 km south-west of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366375
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 1:49 pm
Magnitude: 4.0
Depth: 20 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366340
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 12:18 pm
Magnitude: 4.0
Depth: 12 km
Details: 10 km east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366329
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 11:52 am
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 5 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366310
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 11:12 am
Magnitude: 5.3
Depth: 12 km
Details: 10 km east of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366305
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 10:58 am
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 5 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366288
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 10:17 am
Magnitude: 4.4
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km south-west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366241
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 8:15 am
Magnitude: 4.7
Depth: 9 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366230
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:56 am
Magnitude: 5.2
Depth: 7 km
Details: 20 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366227
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:52 am
Magnitude: 4.0
Depth: 5 km
Details: Within 5 km of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366215
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:13 am
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 9 km
Details: 20 km north-west of Little River
Reference Number: 3366213
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 7:07 am
Magnitude: 4.7
Depth: 25 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366198
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:33 am
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km south of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366196
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:23 am
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 5 km
Details: 10 km south of Darfield
Reference Number: 3366187
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:04 am
Magnitude: 3.9
Depth: 60 km
Details: 10 km south of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366184
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 6:01 am
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 11 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366182
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:55 am
Magnitude: 4.6
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366177
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:46 am
Magnitude: 4.3
Depth: 20 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366167
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:26 am
Magnitude: 4.9
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366166
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:26 am
Magnitude: 4.8
Depth: 5 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Reference Number: 3366157
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 5:06 am
Magnitude: 4.8
Depth: 15 km
Details: 30 km west of Belfast
Reference Number: 3366155
NZST: Sat, Sep 4 2010 4:56 am
Magnitude: 5.3
Depth: 8 km
Details: 30 km west of Christchurch
Friday, September 3, 2010
7.1 earthquake
Holy shit!!!!!!
Time right now 12.46pm, we were shaken awake this morning at 4.30am with a 7.1 quake in our city Christchurch. This was centred 30km to the west of the city and I kid you not - the house shook for over a minute. It shook so hard we could not stand up, had to crawl to a door frame to wait it out.
Very scary indeed, we had aftershocks of 5.6.
Family all fine, no damage to our house but freaked the shit out of us and our puppies. No power or water.
Will keep you posted
Time right now 12.46pm, we were shaken awake this morning at 4.30am with a 7.1 quake in our city Christchurch. This was centred 30km to the west of the city and I kid you not - the house shook for over a minute. It shook so hard we could not stand up, had to crawl to a door frame to wait it out.
Very scary indeed, we had aftershocks of 5.6.
Family all fine, no damage to our house but freaked the shit out of us and our puppies. No power or water.
Will keep you posted
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Springtime
Woohoo – September 1st – Today is the first day of Spring here in the Southern Hemisphere and what a glorious sunny day outside, unfortunately it’s cold and only 8 degrees. But I’ll take it. There are lambs being born, ducklings hatching and even the daffodils are everywhere.
A couple of months ago we were getting frustrated with winter and saying to my wife driving to work one morning, “I’m sick of this, it’s dark in the morning when we leave for work and it’s dark when we get home at the end of the day” – this morning we didn’t even have to have the headlights on when we left home.
Roll on summer!!!!
I need to get a bit of work done on my surf wagon (van) so planning on getting that to the panelbeaters (or for you north of the equator, the autobody shop) – it needs a bit of rust cut out of a couple of panels and “patches” welded in so it will pass a “warrant of fitness”. This is something that all vehicles need to be allowed to be on the road, they are all “tested” every 6 months and if they fail, you must take the vehicle off the road and do whatever work needs to be done to get it up to standard.
I only use my van in the summer to go back and forth to the beach as my long-board won’t fit into my VW bug – I know, the irony huh?
I’ve entered a couple of triathlons and the first one for me is on the 3rd of October so just over 4 weeks away and I haven’t started to run yet – the physio I’ve been seeing said I should be fine as right now his plan is to build up the muscles around the knee joint. He’s the pro so I’ll listen to him and see how it goes from there. The first one is only a short run so I’m not too concerned right now. The plan is to see how I come through this triathlon and then plan the rest of my summer from there. I’ve targeted a few key events that I really want to do so will keep you posted on the outcomes. I’m also targeting to be back in the ocean in about 6 weeks surfing (I’m a wuss and I do not like cold water, I grew up in the south on New Zealand so have had my fair share of cold water)
Take care – more to follow
A couple of months ago we were getting frustrated with winter and saying to my wife driving to work one morning, “I’m sick of this, it’s dark in the morning when we leave for work and it’s dark when we get home at the end of the day” – this morning we didn’t even have to have the headlights on when we left home.
Roll on summer!!!!
I need to get a bit of work done on my surf wagon (van) so planning on getting that to the panelbeaters (or for you north of the equator, the autobody shop) – it needs a bit of rust cut out of a couple of panels and “patches” welded in so it will pass a “warrant of fitness”. This is something that all vehicles need to be allowed to be on the road, they are all “tested” every 6 months and if they fail, you must take the vehicle off the road and do whatever work needs to be done to get it up to standard.
I’ve entered a couple of triathlons and the first one for me is on the 3rd of October so just over 4 weeks away and I haven’t started to run yet – the physio I’ve been seeing said I should be fine as right now his plan is to build up the muscles around the knee joint. He’s the pro so I’ll listen to him and see how it goes from there. The first one is only a short run so I’m not too concerned right now. The plan is to see how I come through this triathlon and then plan the rest of my summer from there. I’ve targeted a few key events that I really want to do so will keep you posted on the outcomes. I’m also targeting to be back in the ocean in about 6 weeks surfing (I’m a wuss and I do not like cold water, I grew up in the south on New Zealand so have had my fair share of cold water)
Take care – more to follow
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Friday Post
Talk about a crazy few weeks – it’s been so busy at work that I really don’t know which way is up.
I took some time out the other day and drove down to the beach – it was a beautiful cold sunny winters day and took these 2 pictures. I can’t wait for summer to arrive and by all accounts I should be back in the water in about 6-8 weeks – yehaaaaaaa!!!!!
Got a new set of carbon aerobars for my bike so hope to get out for a ride tomorrow morning early.
Time to put the head back down and get some more crap off my desk – Have a great weekend, enjoy the pics.
I took some time out the other day and drove down to the beach – it was a beautiful cold sunny winters day and took these 2 pictures. I can’t wait for summer to arrive and by all accounts I should be back in the water in about 6-8 weeks – yehaaaaaaa!!!!!
Got a new set of carbon aerobars for my bike so hope to get out for a ride tomorrow morning early.
Time to put the head back down and get some more crap off my desk – Have a great weekend, enjoy the pics.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Friday Post
Some days are just shit and others days are great – unfortunately, I’ve been having a few days of shit. So much so that I took the afternoon off yesterday and went down to the pool to have a swim.
It was a great way to relieve some stress – I swam 1500m in just on 29 minutes ( 200m warm up, 1000m main set, non stop and 300m warm down ) - ended up feeling a little better – today’s Friday so roll on the weekend
On a brighter note - you may recall that I've been working on something - well, here's the first instalment, more to follow.
Our business is sponsoring the local Triathlon Festival and here is the event bike jersey - "looking good"
It was a great way to relieve some stress – I swam 1500m in just on 29 minutes ( 200m warm up, 1000m main set, non stop and 300m warm down ) - ended up feeling a little better – today’s Friday so roll on the weekend
On a brighter note - you may recall that I've been working on something - well, here's the first instalment, more to follow.
Our business is sponsoring the local Triathlon Festival and here is the event bike jersey - "looking good"
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together?
I’ve been working on something for the last month or so and 2 days ago it finally happened.
The travel business that I own is kind of like a franchise model and we have 10 of these offices covering the city. We all work very well together for the “good of the brand” which is awesome and it’s also great to have the opportunity to see the other owners on a regular basis.
Anyway:
The local Triathlon Club is having a “Festival of Triathlon” race day comprising a number of different races from absolute beginners through to an elite race (and everything in between) – they have been looking for a naming sponsor and we are it.
This is awesome and will be a win-win for us all I’m sure. I’ll put a link to the website when it’s all up and running in a few weeks so you can see what it’s all about but in the interim, here’s a couple of pictures of where the event will be held.
Enjoy
That's me in the middle (with the swim cap in my hand)
The travel business that I own is kind of like a franchise model and we have 10 of these offices covering the city. We all work very well together for the “good of the brand” which is awesome and it’s also great to have the opportunity to see the other owners on a regular basis.
Anyway:
The local Triathlon Club is having a “Festival of Triathlon” race day comprising a number of different races from absolute beginners through to an elite race (and everything in between) – they have been looking for a naming sponsor and we are it.
This is awesome and will be a win-win for us all I’m sure. I’ll put a link to the website when it’s all up and running in a few weeks so you can see what it’s all about but in the interim, here’s a couple of pictures of where the event will be held.
Enjoy
That's me in the middle (with the swim cap in my hand)Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friend
A number of weeks ago I was given news that someone I know has been diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer and one of her breasts had to be removed as it has gotten into the lymph nodes.
This is not good. She has been told that she does not have much time left. She is 38 years old, married with 3 kids under 5.
This was told to me by a mutual friend who knew that I used to work with this woman a number of years ago – we started working in travel at the same time, in the same office. We went our own way after a number of years and I worked for her when I returned to New Zealand after getting married in Canada. We worked together again for about a year and then I moved on to manage my own travel office ( for the same company ) and we went to a number of managers conferences together . After another 2 years I left that company to start my own travel business and as the industry is a small one, we’ve crossed paths over the last 6 years ( she also lives very close and does her shopping in the same shopping centre where my office is now )
Anyway – she has just popped into the office to see me and say hi – she truly looked sad and not the same person that I once knew. We chit chatted about stuff and I could see that she was hurting. I told her that if she needed anything that I was here for her. We hugged, she cried, I nearly did as well.
She wants me to book her final family holiday.
I was very humbled and you cannot imagine how difficult it is to write this.
Sometimes things happen and we don’t understand why, sometimes it doesn’t pay to wonder why either.
This is not good. She has been told that she does not have much time left. She is 38 years old, married with 3 kids under 5.
This was told to me by a mutual friend who knew that I used to work with this woman a number of years ago – we started working in travel at the same time, in the same office. We went our own way after a number of years and I worked for her when I returned to New Zealand after getting married in Canada. We worked together again for about a year and then I moved on to manage my own travel office ( for the same company ) and we went to a number of managers conferences together . After another 2 years I left that company to start my own travel business and as the industry is a small one, we’ve crossed paths over the last 6 years ( she also lives very close and does her shopping in the same shopping centre where my office is now )
Anyway – she has just popped into the office to see me and say hi – she truly looked sad and not the same person that I once knew. We chit chatted about stuff and I could see that she was hurting. I told her that if she needed anything that I was here for her. We hugged, she cried, I nearly did as well.
She wants me to book her final family holiday.
I was very humbled and you cannot imagine how difficult it is to write this.
Sometimes things happen and we don’t understand why, sometimes it doesn’t pay to wonder why either.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Reflection
Last week I read a post on a blog I follow – her name is Jill and she is a tri-athlete starting out in her triathlon endeavours ( very similar to me ) and I enjoy reading her posts.
She has just had her 29th birthday and she really, really loves to celebrate her birthdays and this got me thinking.
I have a birthday coming up very soon and don’t like celebrating my birthdays.
It’s got nothing to do with age and I have no problem with waking up next Sunday and being 44 years old – I am comfortable with this but every year, around this time I’m always thinking the same thing.
People always ask – what do you want for your birthday and I always answer, “nothing” – truth be known, there is only one thing that I want and unfortunately there is no chance that it will never happen.
This will be the 10th birthday without my dad and the 4th without my mum.
10 years ago, in February 1999 I lost my dad and every year, I struggle with this.
One thing he taught me was always live your life to the full and if you want to do something then just go out and do it – the only thing that will stop you is you.
9 years ago, I met the person that, as soon as I met her, I knew I would be spending the rest of my life with. Next year we will celebrate 10 years married. The only downside is that she never got the opportunity to meet him and him to meet her.
I have so many great memories, this is what keeps me going in tough times and come the 24th of July – I’ll just take a moment to myself and have a quiet word with him.
She has just had her 29th birthday and she really, really loves to celebrate her birthdays and this got me thinking.
I have a birthday coming up very soon and don’t like celebrating my birthdays.
It’s got nothing to do with age and I have no problem with waking up next Sunday and being 44 years old – I am comfortable with this but every year, around this time I’m always thinking the same thing.
People always ask – what do you want for your birthday and I always answer, “nothing” – truth be known, there is only one thing that I want and unfortunately there is no chance that it will never happen.
This will be the 10th birthday without my dad and the 4th without my mum.
10 years ago, in February 1999 I lost my dad and every year, I struggle with this.
One thing he taught me was always live your life to the full and if you want to do something then just go out and do it – the only thing that will stop you is you.
9 years ago, I met the person that, as soon as I met her, I knew I would be spending the rest of my life with. Next year we will celebrate 10 years married. The only downside is that she never got the opportunity to meet him and him to meet her.
I have so many great memories, this is what keeps me going in tough times and come the 24th of July – I’ll just take a moment to myself and have a quiet word with him.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Winners
I was gutted when I got injured in the first game of the soccer season and it has been bloody difficult to go down and just watch the guys play week in and week out.
BUT
They say the beer tastes better when you win, and today we won the league. YAY go the boys!!!!!
2 photos - the first is the winning goal (see the ball in the back of the net) and the second pic is of the team - looking pretty happy and enjoying the beer.
Standing L-R, Sterlo, Jimmy, Pricy, Aaron, Gordy, Scott, Grant, Carl, Me, Webby, Mick and AB
Sitting L-R, Digger, Chris, Geno and Phil.
Winners: 2010 - Masters Division 4, Mainland Football League
BUT
They say the beer tastes better when you win, and today we won the league. YAY go the boys!!!!!
2 photos - the first is the winning goal (see the ball in the back of the net) and the second pic is of the team - looking pretty happy and enjoying the beer.
Standing L-R, Sterlo, Jimmy, Pricy, Aaron, Gordy, Scott, Grant, Carl, Me, Webby, Mick and AB
Sitting L-R, Digger, Chris, Geno and Phil.
Winners: 2010 - Masters Division 4, Mainland Football League
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Random Post
I think I have an obsession with Oakley sunglasses – here is my collection (there are probably another 4 or 5 pairs that over the years sadly, never made the photo and are in bits)
Do I have a problem???
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Rehab
Acupuncture
I have to admit that my initial thoughts were of scepticism and that has to be from my first appointment about a week after my surgery. My knee was still very swollen at that stage and I think that the discomfort I was feeling, was a result of the stress of the operation and the longhaul flights I was due to depart on a few days later.
BUT I have to say that I’m feeling a bit better about this form of treatment. I had another session earlier this week (my 4th one) and I feel a difference – didn’t think that I’d hear myself say that when my wife originally suggested it to me.
She hardly ever reads this blog so I think I’m safe putting this in writing – she was right and I was wrong about acupuncture.
Pretty quiet week this week, just concentrating on work and keeping the bike riding to the weekends – we are in the middle of winter right now so it’s dark when I go to work and it’s dark when I get home. Had plans to get back in the pool this week but 2 staff out of the office put pay to that idea. Being the boss is great, I can come and go as I please, but I also have to make sure that the office is well staffed before I go off and do my own thing. The pressures of it!!!!!
Still waiting on the dates to be released for the Contact Tri Series here in New Zealand – this is a series of races over the summer around the country but this week I have entered the first 3 races of the summer AND I have also booked our accommodation for another race in January.
I think I need to get a wall planner for home (I have a list of events I’m planning to enter on my work computer) to keep track of these. I’m also planning on speaking to a couple of coaches to see if this is what I need. I know I’m just starting out but there are a few long term goals that I am thinking about and I guess the best thing to do is seek some advice and see if I am being realistic or not.
One thing I learned long ago – if in doubt about anything, seek advice from those that know.
Have a great weekend and be safe out there!!
I have to admit that my initial thoughts were of scepticism and that has to be from my first appointment about a week after my surgery. My knee was still very swollen at that stage and I think that the discomfort I was feeling, was a result of the stress of the operation and the longhaul flights I was due to depart on a few days later.
BUT I have to say that I’m feeling a bit better about this form of treatment. I had another session earlier this week (my 4th one) and I feel a difference – didn’t think that I’d hear myself say that when my wife originally suggested it to me.
She hardly ever reads this blog so I think I’m safe putting this in writing – she was right and I was wrong about acupuncture.
Pretty quiet week this week, just concentrating on work and keeping the bike riding to the weekends – we are in the middle of winter right now so it’s dark when I go to work and it’s dark when I get home. Had plans to get back in the pool this week but 2 staff out of the office put pay to that idea. Being the boss is great, I can come and go as I please, but I also have to make sure that the office is well staffed before I go off and do my own thing. The pressures of it!!!!!
Still waiting on the dates to be released for the Contact Tri Series here in New Zealand – this is a series of races over the summer around the country but this week I have entered the first 3 races of the summer AND I have also booked our accommodation for another race in January.
I think I need to get a wall planner for home (I have a list of events I’m planning to enter on my work computer) to keep track of these. I’m also planning on speaking to a couple of coaches to see if this is what I need. I know I’m just starting out but there are a few long term goals that I am thinking about and I guess the best thing to do is seek some advice and see if I am being realistic or not.
One thing I learned long ago – if in doubt about anything, seek advice from those that know.
Have a great weekend and be safe out there!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Weekend
Had a great Sunday – the puppies got us up early but today, this was a good thing as I had taped the Argentina vs Germany game and wanted to watch it early so we could go out and get our “stuff done”
I planned on a bike ride for the afternoon as the weather forecast was for an awesome winters day, blue sky, sunshine and a high of 12 degrees – nice!!!!
Check out the pic – this was taken about 6.30am, I left a tee shirt on the line and it’s frozen, not Nth America cold but cold enough!!!
Anyway – watched the game and have to say that Germany made the Argies look like a second rate team – with a performance like that, it’s hard to see any other team hold the trophy aloft. They’ll be dancing in the streets in Berlin come the 15th of July.
We then headed out to do our normal Sunday morning thing – check out a few shops, do the food shopping and stopped by a garden centre to find a small tree for a vacant spot – we’ve been looking at this spot for about 4 months now and finally decided to do something about it!!
Stopped off for a chicken kebab for lunch – mmm, bloody beautiful and home by about 12.30.
Got my kit on and went out for a ride – it felt really good, did about 14km and managed to hold a good pace throughout so was very pleased – the old legs felt a bit like jelly after that but it’s just a start.
Another picture – me in my kit (sponsored by my work, nice)
Made lamb shanks in the crock-pot for dinner – another beautiful meal put together by the wife – she really spoils me (have I mentioned that before?) and pretty much spent the rest of the evening catching up on some recorded TV. I jumped on the work laptop and did a little bit of work but just to save me an hour or so on Monday so I could sneak away to the pool for a midday swim BUT 2 staff out today ill so no swim for me today – bugger.
I planned on a bike ride for the afternoon as the weather forecast was for an awesome winters day, blue sky, sunshine and a high of 12 degrees – nice!!!!
Anyway – watched the game and have to say that Germany made the Argies look like a second rate team – with a performance like that, it’s hard to see any other team hold the trophy aloft. They’ll be dancing in the streets in Berlin come the 15th of July.
We then headed out to do our normal Sunday morning thing – check out a few shops, do the food shopping and stopped by a garden centre to find a small tree for a vacant spot – we’ve been looking at this spot for about 4 months now and finally decided to do something about it!!
Stopped off for a chicken kebab for lunch – mmm, bloody beautiful and home by about 12.30.
Got my kit on and went out for a ride – it felt really good, did about 14km and managed to hold a good pace throughout so was very pleased – the old legs felt a bit like jelly after that but it’s just a start.
Made lamb shanks in the crock-pot for dinner – another beautiful meal put together by the wife – she really spoils me (have I mentioned that before?) and pretty much spent the rest of the evening catching up on some recorded TV. I jumped on the work laptop and did a little bit of work but just to save me an hour or so on Monday so I could sneak away to the pool for a midday swim BUT 2 staff out today ill so no swim for me today – bugger.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
I don’t get depressed but I do get frustrated!!!
I had knee surgery on the 7th of May and I went on my trip to Scandinavia on the 17th of May and had a great time but it’s fair to say that it wasn’t the best recovery and I know that. BUT there was no way that I was going to miss it.
My surgeon said to me after my first visit back to him that I was out of soccer for the season AND if I had half a brain, I’d give it away completely – let’s just say that I’m ok with having the rest of the season off (considering the injury happened in the first game of the season – it’s a long break)
He also said to me that all I was to do, exercise wise, until the end of June was limited swimming and small amounts of cycling on the wind trainer.
I have been doing both as well as strengthening exercises AND today is the 1st of July so I took the afternoon off work and have officially started my “training”
It’s a beautiful winters day, 10 degrees outside, sunshine and no wind so I came home, got my kit on and rode down to the pool, had a nice easy swim (about 700m) and then stretched the legs on the bike. I rode just on 11km averaging 30km/ph and felt really good. I think the many evenings on the wind trainer have really helped. I’m certainly not going to get overly excited but it’s good to finally feel like I’ve actually done something.
Last Sunday I did go for a ride in the forest on my mountain bike for about half an hour – it was raining and crappy outside but I was really getting cabin fever and just needed to blow some dust out of the joints – it was great fun and this is what I looked like when I got back. The wife laughed when I rode up the driveway covered in mud (you needed to see the back view) and you can see the forest in the background behind the roof of the neighbours place. We are about 300m from the forest and about 1km from the beach – such a great part of the city to live in.
My surgeon said to me after my first visit back to him that I was out of soccer for the season AND if I had half a brain, I’d give it away completely – let’s just say that I’m ok with having the rest of the season off (considering the injury happened in the first game of the season – it’s a long break)
He also said to me that all I was to do, exercise wise, until the end of June was limited swimming and small amounts of cycling on the wind trainer.
I have been doing both as well as strengthening exercises AND today is the 1st of July so I took the afternoon off work and have officially started my “training”
It’s a beautiful winters day, 10 degrees outside, sunshine and no wind so I came home, got my kit on and rode down to the pool, had a nice easy swim (about 700m) and then stretched the legs on the bike. I rode just on 11km averaging 30km/ph and felt really good. I think the many evenings on the wind trainer have really helped. I’m certainly not going to get overly excited but it’s good to finally feel like I’ve actually done something.
Last Sunday I did go for a ride in the forest on my mountain bike for about half an hour – it was raining and crappy outside but I was really getting cabin fever and just needed to blow some dust out of the joints – it was great fun and this is what I looked like when I got back. The wife laughed when I rode up the driveway covered in mud (you needed to see the back view) and you can see the forest in the background behind the roof of the neighbours place. We are about 300m from the forest and about 1km from the beach – such a great part of the city to live in.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Friday post
Wow what a quiet week with not too much to report at all
Last week I was out of town for 3 nights – wonderful work meetings but great to catch up with colleges from around the country. It was at venue about an hour and a half out of town so I took my bike with me and set up the wind trainer in the lounge room (we had a 3 bedroom apartment) and managed to get a few workouts in every morning and evening. My alcohol intake was very minimal over the few days which was a very good thing – I’ve been in trouble with a bunch of these before but all good clean innocent drunken fun!!!!
Had a phone call earlier this week from one of our airline reps asking if I was free on Thursday to fly up to Auckland to see the new seats and seating configuration for their new aircraft. Sounded like a horrible assignment so naturally I said yes. There were 6 of us that took up the invitation so off to Auckland we went all very interested to see this new and innovative product. They call it the Sky Couch – the first lay flat economy seat and have to say, not too bad at all. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the demand is for it.
I’m 6 foot tall and let’s just say that it’s not really designed for me but I can see the segment of the market that the airline is targeting and I think it’ll be a great seller.
Here is a picture of the new design.
We also got the chance to sample the airlines new premium economy and also the new business class lie flat bed – these are fantastic products and should be the market leader in this sector of travel.
Sometimes we get these type of opportunities and we have to grab them with both hands – this was a great day out of the office.
Did I mention that we went out and had an awesome business lunch – Brilliant working day!!!!
I do love my job.
Last week I was out of town for 3 nights – wonderful work meetings but great to catch up with colleges from around the country. It was at venue about an hour and a half out of town so I took my bike with me and set up the wind trainer in the lounge room (we had a 3 bedroom apartment) and managed to get a few workouts in every morning and evening. My alcohol intake was very minimal over the few days which was a very good thing – I’ve been in trouble with a bunch of these before but all good clean innocent drunken fun!!!!
Had a phone call earlier this week from one of our airline reps asking if I was free on Thursday to fly up to Auckland to see the new seats and seating configuration for their new aircraft. Sounded like a horrible assignment so naturally I said yes. There were 6 of us that took up the invitation so off to Auckland we went all very interested to see this new and innovative product. They call it the Sky Couch – the first lay flat economy seat and have to say, not too bad at all. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the demand is for it.
I’m 6 foot tall and let’s just say that it’s not really designed for me but I can see the segment of the market that the airline is targeting and I think it’ll be a great seller.
Here is a picture of the new design.
We also got the chance to sample the airlines new premium economy and also the new business class lie flat bed – these are fantastic products and should be the market leader in this sector of travel.
Sometimes we get these type of opportunities and we have to grab them with both hands – this was a great day out of the office.
Did I mention that we went out and had an awesome business lunch – Brilliant working day!!!!
I do love my job.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Scandinavia Photos
Pictures galore – Scandinavia trip, May 2010
Please excuse the map but it’s just to give you an idea of where we went and in what order:
We flew into Copenhagen and went straight into some sightseeing starting with the royal palace where Princess Mary lives (the Aussie chick from Tassie) Had the night in Copenhagen with beer tasting at the Carlsberg Brewery. The next day had breakfast in Denmark, lunch in Sweden and dinner in Norway – lunch was in Gothenburg, a beautiful city before heading onto Oslo. More sightseeing the next day before heading off to the ski resort of Geilo (pronounced Yay-low) this too was a stunning little town – took heaps of pics. It was then up and over the mountains (this is the pictures of the snow and yes, I’m wearing jandals on my feet) onto Bergen on the coast. This was probably my most favourite place, the ocean has a certain smell and it just felt right!!
Was offered whale to try and I politely declined – coming from New Zealand and considering what is going on in the Southern Ocean with Japan, I couldn’t do it!!
Enough of the politics – From Bergen it was onto Flam and a 4 hour cruise out on the fjords and back to Flam. The Flam train in world famous and I can see why, more pics of snow and frozen lakes. It was then onto Oslo for the last night and the HUGE Gala dinner – this is where we were all given our awards for being the top sales people in our respective countries and it was great to get all dressed up and treated like royalty.
The Grand Hotel in Oslo is where US president Obama stayed and it’s also the place where the Nobel dinner is held for the Nobel Peace Prize etc – very flash indeed.
Enjoy the photos.
Please excuse the map but it’s just to give you an idea of where we went and in what order:
We flew into Copenhagen and went straight into some sightseeing starting with the royal palace where Princess Mary lives (the Aussie chick from Tassie) Had the night in Copenhagen with beer tasting at the Carlsberg Brewery. The next day had breakfast in Denmark, lunch in Sweden and dinner in Norway – lunch was in Gothenburg, a beautiful city before heading onto Oslo. More sightseeing the next day before heading off to the ski resort of Geilo (pronounced Yay-low) this too was a stunning little town – took heaps of pics. It was then up and over the mountains (this is the pictures of the snow and yes, I’m wearing jandals on my feet) onto Bergen on the coast. This was probably my most favourite place, the ocean has a certain smell and it just felt right!!
Was offered whale to try and I politely declined – coming from New Zealand and considering what is going on in the Southern Ocean with Japan, I couldn’t do it!!
Enough of the politics – From Bergen it was onto Flam and a 4 hour cruise out on the fjords and back to Flam. The Flam train in world famous and I can see why, more pics of snow and frozen lakes. It was then onto Oslo for the last night and the HUGE Gala dinner – this is where we were all given our awards for being the top sales people in our respective countries and it was great to get all dressed up and treated like royalty.
The Grand Hotel in Oslo is where US president Obama stayed and it’s also the place where the Nobel dinner is held for the Nobel Peace Prize etc – very flash indeed.
Enjoy the photos.
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