Finish Times

It's not that you live your life by the numbers but
how you live your life between the numbers

James Kelly

Ah, the Internet. So much information and so easily accessible too. You can even watch your favourite Ironman live, on the computer, all day long, if you have a fast enough connection. I have actually sat and watched the finish line for hours so that I could cheer a friend or friends across the finish line in some far off place.
Still we have to do a little jonesing. Even though the facts of the day are there for anyone who wishes to search them out. Right down to the extra time you took in transition to drink one more Gatorade.
I can tell you that I am a very right sided person. The details of my race day fade very rapidly. Oh sure, I can tell you my best ever time at a number of different distances. For a few days following a big event I can even tell you that specific finish time, thought barely. But for me to tell you exactly what my finish times where at any given event over the last twenty years? Ya, right.
So why do people quote finish and split times with such authority some times as much as twenty minuets out on either side of the quote? Usually, though I am sure unintentionally, the faster of the two.
Hey, your times you time. The only way your gonna get a way with that story is if we've had too many beer and tequila shots on this years fishing trip

A New Set of Wheels

when you take the measure of your life,
use a large cup
James Kelly

Hey, didn't your wheels used to come with the bike? I mean, are you kidding me? $2500.00 for a set of wheels.
I could have purchased four of my very first bikes for that kind of money. Ya, I know, you're thinking, holy crap, how old is this guy.
Well old enough to know that I can go down hill faster on an ten year old set of Campy Zonda's that cost $550.oo full retail, than on a set of $2500.oo Zipps. Whats that you say, Zipps have dimples. Great, well so does an old guys ass but you wouldn't... Actually scratch that thought, but you get where I'm going with this.
Is it the wheels or the idea of the wheels that makes you go faster.
Tri this, train a little harder, buy a set of wheels for $1500.oo give the other grand to a struggling fellow athlete.
Not only will you be a whole lot faster from the harder training but you"ll be a whole lot stronger for the gift

Getting Started

If you turn around at the finish line
you can see the start of a new race

James Kelly

This years Ironman Canada was the second year in a row where circumstances beyond my control made for a very long day.
Last year it was a bike crash, this year was defective cycling shoes.
Though I was disappointed with my result these issues did nothing to undermine my determination to get back out there and tri to get my best time ever.
The finish line for me has never been that. I don't think I have ever crossed one without immediately wondering how I could do better and when that chance would come.
I will always turn around at a finish line and look back because to me its not a backward notion but a new look to future races hard run.

Adapt and Over come

A locked door is nothing but an opportunity
to discover a new key
James Kelly

Has anyone ever had an issue on course at Ironman? If there is someone in the room that doesn't have their hand raised, lucky you. Isn't that what that day is all about? Its about overcoming the issues that arise on the day. Flat tire, wind, rain, heat, nutrition all of the afore mentioned.
Who can say what that day will bring. Not just to the middle but from top to bottom. I think every one has seen the video of Paula Newby Fraser collapsing meters from the Kona finish line.
There will always be a challenge and there will always be a kink in the process.
Ironman and the training that goes with it is the key to bring to every locked door situation.
What a great tool to make a key.

Ride Times

Can some one explain to me why every one bitches about their inability to hold it together on the ride on race day when they can't even make the scheduled rides on the weekends. I know, lots of stuff gets in the way. Yard work, kids, breakfast, it's too cold.
How many times have you sat around waiting for one or more of the group to show up on Sunday morning only to have them call an hour after start time and give some lame excuse why they cant' make it. Not to mention an apology for holding up the whole group.
Today is Sunday. Why am I sitting here writing this? I have been waiting for those in our group who expressed a wish to ride this morning to show up.
New rule for the year. If your not there at start time, I guess you'll be riding alone, catching up or struggling on race day.

Bikes and Stuff

It seems a little crazy to me that we try so hard to push our youth toward fitness and the sport of triathlon but where can they come up with the costs of equipment and entry fees let alone the training costs on swim, gym and pool facilities.
As in any sport everyone wants there child to succeed and do well but we leave so many great talents behind because of their economic situations.

Is is just me or do you think things are getting outrageously over priced?

Tri Slag

What the hell?

Whats with all the downloading of stuff at Ironman Canada this year. For me one of the fun things about spending so much money for an event is getting the results in a nice package with all times and transition times broken down. Also, down load my own finishers certificate? Come on guys, its the little things that count, like having porta units close to the finish line so you can gack in private.