signed up for Barry's Bay Triathlon

A spectacular non-profit race that takes place east of Algonquin Park just north of Bancroft in the fabuluous community of Barry's Bay. Quietly over the years this swim bike run, race has been attracting a more serious athlete. The grandest part is the magnificient food afterwards. This year's race takes place on July 1st.

Kindergarten Class in Antigua

I had one of the best vacations of all last week. Not because i was soaking up the sun and lying on the beach. It was the morning Heather & I spent at Cedarbrook Primary School in Antigua with a Kindergarten Class reading, and conducting exercises. The children were amazing. Bright, keen, anxious to to please and succeed. To be truthful the group of six students I had were not any different from any Canadian Kindergarten boys or girls. They are kids with the thirst to learn, be listen to, to grow, and have some fun at the same time. They told me about how they like to ride their bikes, play football (soccer) and yes play video games. The time I spent with the Cedarbrook Primary School part of the Sandals Foundation program made my vacation. To Sandals you are to be congratulated for a beautiful program that gives back. More importantly is my reinforced belief that we as the general public have no idea what our Teachers do every day. Teachers whether in Antigua or in Ontario are truly under appreciated. To all the Teachers in the world, I say thank you.

YMCA Peterborough Half

I've been running this race since 2005, and still love it. For some unexplainable reason the weather on this particular day is always perfect. The new course is no longer flat. "I love the hills" , I overhead one runner say. Running south from the Y., to Lansdowne Road, over the Otananbee River and then straight up Armour Rd, and back. Running through the Hunter Street covered one lane bridge is always cool. Many running ATB or Boston use this race as a prep day. I'm always amazed at the speed of some of the older guys. I'm 49 by the way. Thank you Life ibufprofen. This morning my right knee has seized, first time ever, more than likely my lack of running. The ole less is more philosophy. If I ran a total of 30 k prior to this race I'd be be shocked, although I have logged in excess of 300 k Skate skiing. The key to this race is tempo. Break the race into four 5km segments. Go out nice and easy for the first and even second segments and get yourself over the steeper hills rested. Then at 8km or 10km pick it up. At 17 km give it everything you can manage to the finish line. Note to self, only run in my Adidas, best shoe for my foot. To all the volunteers, Police and Organizers of the YMCA Peterborough Half, great hospitality, great event. To Ian Toms at one of the water stations, " What were you wearing on your head?" My results, 58th place overall, 54th /267 Male runners and 17th/72 in my age category 40-49. Time 1:33:43 [ last year's time 1:38:03 ].

RICE

Runners & Triathletes know if you twist/sprain an ankle running the first thing you should do is apply ice. The term is RICE. RICE stands for REST. ICE. COMPRESSION, and EAT a bag of Party Mix cheesies.

Gatineau Park

Gatinaeau Park, i will be back to do some more X-skiing.

Skate Skiing

As of January 28th i have done a total of 177.8 km at Hardwood Hills. Not too shabby considering the poor winter we have had.

TOOL concert review Toronto, On. Jan.25th

Boring. I think I was surrounded by Tool fanatics that had never been to a concert before. Laser beams, a huge media screen reflecting abstract "TooL' imagery, and going absolutely ape shit. I don't get IT! It was the most boring concert i have ever intended. There was more action at a TSO performance. On the flip-side, the musicianship, quality of sound was outstanding. Bass, lead guitar & drums all Level 4. Tool played the majority of their most popular tracks to the crowds delight. As you probably have already figured out ; i'm not a Tool fanatic but appreciate their unique craft. Try to explain Tool to someone who has never heard them before. You can't do it. Maynard (lead singer) tucks himself at the back of the stage next to the drummer almost in total darkness, deliberately. Thus the imperative focal part of the "typical" stage of any performance is left as no man's land. An avid Tool follower explained this to me. Apparently Maynard is bit of an introvert who rather allow the band the lime light and shield himself from being the focal point. 18,000 plus Tool fans loved it. Myself, i was bored. I remember listening to the pre-concert music being played throughout the ACC and hearing King Crimson "Three of a Perfect Pair" and thinking "wow, there's an old tune i haven't heard in awhile. While typing my last thought it just occurred to me, take Brian Eno and Camel, join them to ensure it is a harder feel and you might explain Tool.